#second best drunk uncle

[the-knight-sir-dres]

i have just discovered this Guy on youtube and i already fucken love him so much

dabchick :)

[daylighted]

─ BITE THE PILLOW, dad's best friend ! jackles

jensen's been breaking a lot of his rules and traditions for a little more time with you -- and he's getting less and less inclined to care.

warnings. ( 18+ ! ) pls for the love of god don't interact with this series if you're a minor. hefty age gap. unprotected p in v. daddy kink. dirty talking. manhandling. he whimpers you're welcome. he actually pulls out this time good for him! aftercare. <3 word count. 4.6k

sneak into his room here!

SATURDAY NIGHTS AT YOUR HOUSE WERE always for one thing and one thing only: football. it was a tradition for as long as you could remember: the living room would fill up with your dad's rowdy friends, slinging ice cold beers back and forth from their spots on the couch, a mountainous pile of pizza boxes piling up on the coffee table.

some things never changed. your parents go apeshit downstairs over a sports game in the living room, you stay very far away from downstairs as long as you can.

not that you didn't show your support in some little ways. you avoided your family and their antics and the chaos of it, but you still wore the blue and white of the dallas cowboys; you weren't crazy.

it was one of those instances where you couldn't just avoid going downstairs, needing to eat something before the night wrapped up. you could only stay locked away in your bedroom with the sound of muffled shouting and drunken cackling through your bedroom door for so long.

"hey, sweetheart," your mom says the second you hit the bottom floor, which completely zilches the attempt you'd been making to get in and get the hell out without being noticed. "comin' to watch halftime with us?"

your face falls, exasperation dropping your jaw and leaving your mouth hung partly open. "it's only halftime?"

"sorry," she apologizes like she personally had a say in how long this game felt like it was stretching, which brings a little bit of a smile back to your lips. "your father started his little indoor tailgating party earlier since jensen's here for the weekend. that's probably why you thought it'd be over by now."

even better. jensen was in the other room, kicking the shit with your dad and uncle tom, probably drunk off of his ass. not that you cared what he did or got up to or anything, it just made the fact that you'd only thrown on one of your dad's old dallas cowboys jerseys on and nothing else a hell of a lot more interesting.

"is there any pizza left?"

your mom leans against the doorway from the kitchen to the living room, hand braced on the wall as she looks. "yeah, the top box at least has a few slices," she says, patting your shoulder warmly. "they've been talking about you."

you try your absolute best to pretend like that isn't a terrifying thought, what with who the three men in mention were. "why?"

"well, jensen asked about your studies, i think, and your dad and uncle couldn't help but start bragging on you." heartwarming as it was, you could only focus on one part of that explanation. jensen asked about your studies. after the conversation you'd had with him last night on the patio, you didn't think you liked the thought or reasoning behind that very much.

instead of pressing, you just smile at her. "oh, that's nice." it was, too, and it sucked that the only thing you could think about was how he'd use the fact that you were acing your classes without a blip on your record against you.

"go say hi to uncle tom," your mom urges, nodding you in the couch's direction, "he missed at your party when you ran off, wanted to congratulate you face to face."

you very much did not want to go say hi to uncle tom, since that meant being in close vicinity to jensen. sometimes, things were out of your control, like the fact that the reason you missed saying hi to uncle tom was because of the other of your dad’s visiting friends.

your little life was beginning to get big complications.

still, your say in the matter was naught, because your mother was nudging you in that direction already by your jersey-clad shoulders.

and there isn't any way that you can do this subtly, either, without more attention than necessary drawn to you, because you make it half a foot from the arm of the cream-colored couch your dad and his friends are spread out on, and uncle tom is on his feet.

"here she is!" he exclaims, like he hasn't seen you in weeks when, really, it'd just been a couple of days, if you counted your party. if you didn't, it'd only been a few months while you were away at school, and your dad provided you with many occurrences where he'd been with tom and he said hi.

uncle tom tosses his arms around your shoulders, tugging you tightly into his chest. he smells like beer and tomato sauce from the slice still held in his hand. he plants a big kiss on your forehead, and you can't even find it within yourself to be angry because of the dopey grin on his face when you pry yourself from his grip.

"didn't come say hi on thursday," he says, dropping back down onto the spot of the couch he took up space in, right next to an arm that you refused to look at who belonged to. you knew. that tattoo was pretty recognizable, unfortunately. "thought i pissed you off or something."

"no, i was just tired." the lies come easier now, which only makes your stomach churn just a little. you shouldn't have had to lie to your family about what you'd been up to, but you certainly weren't telling them that you'd been charmed by a devil to dance with him. "jetlag and all."

there's a reason he was your godfather. he looks relieved at that, like the prospect of you being easy on yourself and resting instead of talking to him two days ago was something he supported. he wouldn't if he'd known what you really were up to that night.

nausea churns in your gut, but you shove it down with force. the best you can do in this situation is avoid the man that'd caused it, which you were doing a wonderful job of doing.

"well," you say on a sigh, snatching the top pizza box with a little smile, very carefully dancing your eyes across the couch and skipping over jensen's in the middle, "i'm gonna go back upstairs, now. have fun with..." you wave your hand aimlessly at the tv screen. "that."

you can hear uncle tom's and your father's voices saying something, but everything is a blur outside of the tunnel vision you have for getting the hell out of there. the stairs are only a couple feet away, and you restrain from straight out running to them.

"hang on," you hear jensen mumble from the middle of the staircase, the clink of a bottle being sat down, "m'gettin' a call, i'll be back."

you literally could not move faster trying to slip into your bedroom and get the door shut before you had to cross paths. sure, he'd be on a call, but you purposely avoided his gaze entirely for a reason. he could keep up this facade with ease, but it was starting to weigh on you.

your door half-latches by the time his voice crests the top of the staircase, and you leave it, hoping he takes it as an invitation to bypass it entirely.

"yeah, i can come by monday," you catch from your spot in the center of your bed, pizza box haphazardly open next to you. you aren't even thinking about eating right now, not when you're so focused on making sure jensen walks past your room and goes to the guest one. "any time good? good."

there's a light tap on the other side of your door, and you're certain that you can feel the blood drain from your body. two more light taps, and the door pushes open slowly. jensen has his phone to his ear, a half-quirked grin on his mouth. "quick thinkin', ain't it?"

you blink your confusion. "what?" your lips mouth, not wanting to interrupt his call.

jensen flashes the blank screen of his phone at you for a second before pressing it to his ear again. "not a real call, pretty girl," he clarifies, the amusement evident in the lilt of his voice. "but you're real cute for bein' respectful about it."

the confusion melts away into exasperation. "you're ridiculous."

"you wouldn't look at me," he says, giving you an exaggerated pout that, just as fast, becomes indifference. "got a little creative."

"why?"

"don't play stupid, pretty girl," jensen steps fully into your room, closing the door behind him. the big fingers that dwarf his phone drop the facade, slipping it into his back pocket. "you're too smart for that."

you cross your legs beneath you, adjusting the end of your jersey over them — an action that jensen very blatantly tracks with his gaze. "you wanted me to."

"good girl," there's a part of you that's thankful he isn't examining your frozen-in-time high school bedroom, and another that wishes he had any indication that he wasn't just using you for a quick fuck while he was in town, because he bypasses everything to get to your bed, moving the pizza box over to the desk perpendicular to it, "and why do i want you to?"

your chin raises in defiance. "because you've been fucking me underneath your best friend's nose, and it's more fun for you to test the limits of that."

jensen's eyes flash with something, enough that his expression flattens, but that carefully constructed mask of indifference is back. "wrong." his weight sinks the edge of the mattress beneath him as he sits. "wrong twice, actually. c'mon, baby, don't make me spell it out for you."

you turn in the bed to face him, fingers folded in your lap. "how is that wrong twice? you are."

"i fucked you once." his smile is bitter and saccharine-sweet at once, a combination that almost makes you want to shrink away. you'd seen a couple sides of him before — the side that flirts with you and death at the same time and the side that pushes you and the limitations you've put on yourself, no matter how cruel it feels — but you've never seen the wolf that crowds you into a corner with his teeth bared. "i've just thought about it more than a few times."

his eyes are dark, the green swallowed by blown pupils that only serve to make him look more predatory. he leans over, his body looming over yours enough that you're forced to lean along with him, spine grazing the pillows behind your back.

"i want you to look at me," he whispers it like it was a secret, and from the look in his eyes, you didn't think he'd repeat them again, "because i wanna see those cheeks flush all pretty pink tryin' to pretend i haven't spread you open before."

you swallow thickly, unable to look away from him. he's got you held captive both in the cage of his arms he's put you in, and the intensity of his eyes. "you just wanna see me squirm. that's not fair."

"no, i want to see you scream my name, but we all can't have what we want." he tips your chin up with his index finger, caressing your jawline with the knuckle. "sometimes life ain't fair. sometimes you gotta take what you can get, when you can get it."

his expression shifts again, less predatory and more gentle, even though the dark of his pupils never pull back from their drowning of the green. "tell me to go away, and i'll go away."

and you should tell him to go away. this was becoming more of a pattern than you wanted it to be, bordering on a desperation that would do nothing in the end besides get one, or both of you, into deep waters you couldn't get out of.

but you think back to last night, how it'd felt to hear that so much of your life was kept in a tight-knit box, never straying loose from what was expected of you.

so you kiss him.

you kiss the taste of beer off of his lips, kiss the scratch of stubble that tickles against your own mouth, kiss him with your hands wound into the strands of his hair, tugging him down on top of you further so you could melt into the pillows behind you.

jensen doesn't hesitate to rise up onto his knees and move to lay over you, held up by one palm sinking into the springs of your mattress, the other pressed lightly against your chest, fingertips tracing lightly over your collarbones. it's just enough pressure to make you shiver, the callouses on his fingers leaving goosebumps peppered across your skin.

they slide down, down, down until they lift underneath your jersey and brush across the soft fabric of your panties. "i knew it," he laughs breathlessly against your mouth, hooking a finger into them and tugging, "naughty girl, prancin' around in front of me in just this."

"you weren't supposed to still be here," you say in answer, though it sounds weak in your mouth. everything sounds weak when he's pressed to you like this, daring you to open your mouth wide enough for him to invade it with his tongue.

jensen's palms flattened on your sides beneath the elastic of your panties, his fingertips pressed into the curve of your ass like he owns it. he probably does at this rate. you're so quick to melt into putty in his hands. "thank fuck i was, then," he rasps against your mouth, and then suddenly, you're on your stomach, your cheek resting into the pillows.

you don't even have time to process it, not before his hands are working so much more carefully than you'd expected from him, tugging down your panties. the cold air of your bedroom sends another wave of shivers down your spine when it breaches the newly exposed skin, wet with desire that never seemed to fade when you were with him.

jensen doesn’t waste any time, erasing any moment for you to feel vulnerable or nervous about your body being exposed — he licks a slow stripe up the slit of your folds, deliberate enough to make your toes curl into the thick muscles of his thighs.

"christ," he swears under his breath, closing his fingers around your thighs to pull you further against him. one of his palms moves to flatten on your spine, pressing it down until your back arches and pushes your ass higher into the air.

there’s the sound of a zipper and the shuffling of jeans behind you, and you writhe beneath him, a low mewl in the base of your throat. his laugh is breathless, breath ghosting over your ear as he bends down. "as pretty as you sound right now," he murmurs, his voice deep and gravely, "m’gonna need you to bite down on that pillow for me, baby girl."

you get two seconds to process the implications of that request before he slips into you, gliding effortlessly between your gushy tight heat. you understand instantly why he asks that of you when you gasp sharply, your mouth hanging open as it presses into the pillowcase.

"shh, what did i say?" jensen grunts into your ear, still sheathing the entire length of his thick cock between your tight walls. "c’mon, princess, what’d i say?"

"bite the pillow," you echo back to him, your voice wavering as he stuffs you full of him.

his fingers stroke through your hair, twirling the strands around his fingers affectionately as his hips start to rock. "good girl. you gonna do that for daddy? keep quiet for him?"

your fingers curl into the sheets, managing a nod despite the shudder that trembles like electricity through your veins. "mhm."

the hand in your hair gathers it into a ponytail and clutches it in his fist, tipping your head back. his lips graze your ear as he whispers, "doesn’t look like it to me. i wouldn’t push me, baby girl. i don’t know if you’ll like me mean."

it felt like a challenge, in its own way. he was still moving slowly inside of you, your fluttery walls stretching around him with each shallow, painstakingly slow movement. he’d chastised you for your blind obedience; did he want you to fight him on this?

you tip your head back to meet his gaze, a fire in your gaze that makes jensen grin wolfishly. you don’t say a word, but you hold the eye contact as you moan, a sound that makes his own green eyes flare.

"oh, you want daddy t’be mean, that it?" he releases your hair to push your upper back down into the mattress again, sliding his palm up to shove your head into the pillows. "always knew you were naughty, baby. someone’s gotta fuck that out of you."

you couldn’t move your face if you tried. each little noise you make in the back of your throat is muffled by the fluff of your pillows. only then does he start to quicken his pace, not as much as you want, but enough to make his heavy balls slap against the sensitive skin of your full cunt.

his one hand stays on your cheek, the other grips your hip, guiding you back against his shaft to take him deeper, hard enough for you to feel the imprint of his fingerprints in your thighs.

"you’re so goddamn tight," he hisses through his teeth, finally beginning to sound ragged and breathless himself, "i love your pretty pussy, baby, y'know that?"

you nod against the pressure of his hand, your fingers flexing at your sides after they'd started to go numb from how they'd clutched at the sheets. you'd been doing really good keeping the sounds to a minimum, but the faster he started to pump himself into you, the less inclined you were to try.

you didn't want to give into his request so easily, but you couldn't help it. your parted lips close around the fabric-covered pillow and you teeth clamp down on it, each moan and mewl from your mouth completely swallowed by the fluff inside of the pillow.

finally, his palm relents from your face, smoothing the back of his hand down the side of your face. "good girl," he murmurs, and he stops touching you and instead, grabs the polyester in his fist to jerk you harder down the aching length of his cock. each thrust is hard enough for you to push forward into the bed, deep enough for the tip of his cock to bruise your cervix.

your legs tangle around his behind you, and he shifts closer to you, making it that much more intense as he buries himself balls deep inside of you. "i'd stay inside you all fuckin' night, if i could," he pants behind you, rugged voice muffled by the soaked sound of him fucking into you, "don't got that kind of time though, do we? never have enough time for me to fuck you stupid."

you weren't so sure on that. every single time you'd been alone with him, you seemed to stop thinking entirely; obviously, considering you always ended up with some part of him inside of you. "m'not gonna last with you behavin' for me like this," he actually whimpers in the rough of his voice, the sound going straight to the ache between your legs, the building pressure of pleasure that you were so close to cresting over.

the pace jensen had set speeds up, and it's clear that he was just as close as you. you were bucking your hips against him, each noise in your throat getting more ragged and desperate. he releases your hip with his one hand, dropping it to clutch your fingers in his.

there are tears in your eyes when you finally reach your breaking point, stinging the corners. you barely manage to keep your mouth around your pillow as you cry out through the clench of your teeth, your legs shaking as he keeps going, keeps going, keeps going.

there was something raw about him like this, fucking into you with reckless abandon, enough so that his groans wavered into little whimpers. you're about to squeeze his hand to get him to stop, to slow, before the tears pooling in your eyes become overstimulated sobs, when he pulls out.

the feeling of the loss is immediate, almost as overwhelming as the feeling of his balls hitting against your clit, over and over. you gasp, lifting your head just in time to see him spilling in your previously discarded panties, the fabric fisted around his cock as white hot streaks seep through it.

jensen's eyes reopen after a couple of moments, a thin sheen of sweat coating his forehead, making the jersey he wore cling a little tighter to his arms and shoulders. he laughs, somewhat sheepish for how you usually see him, waving your panties like a white flag. "tryin' to be responsible." a joke followed by a curve of his lips.

"i'm gonna throw those away," you rasp, just as teasing as he was.

he raises an eyebrow, and you mimic the action right back at him. "i don't think you will," he hums, tossing them aside onto your hardwood floor. jensen crawls over top of you, all but crushing you under his weight as he looses a deep sigh. "jus' gonna stay like this for a minute."

"long call, then," you whisper into his ear, trying to shift underneath his heavier weight to get more comfortable. it was comforting to be so wrapped up in him.

he huffs a laugh, lifting his head to press his forehead against yours. "yeah. long call. i'll tell 'em downstairs i was talkin' to my bank or somethin' important."

his fingers brush across your cheek, tucking the strands back behind your ear. jensen leans in to press a kiss to your forehead, lips lingering for much longer than needed to be. it was this that kept you letting him into your room — the gentleness that only ever came in the aftermath, when you could believe you were more to him than just a convenient fuck.

"wasn't too rough?" he pinches your cheek affectionately, then brushes the pad of his thumb over the bone.

you shake your head, the smile on your lips lazy and sated. "no, but you're real cute for being respectful about it."

this time, his laugh is full and hearty. jensen sits up, reaching across your bedroom space to snatch the pizza box off of your desktop. "probably cold, now, but..." he settles back onto the backs of his legs, setting it between the both of you. "you should eat."

"mmm, not hungry anymore."

jensen shoves the box open, snatching a cold piece of pizza from it and shoving it in your direction. "mmm, don't care." he waves it adamantly until you take it with a dramatic huff. "you got a towel in here? lemme clean you up."

it was a striking difference to the closed-off jensen you'd gotten the first time you hooked up. he was on his feet, tucking himself back into his jeans as he genuinely searched your room for a towel or something.

you take a bite from the pizza slice, nodding toward your closet door. "it's my shower one," you feel the need to explain, though you don't really know why. you're not used to small talk with him. little details and small talk never really came up when you were together.

jensen grabs it and quirks a half-smile over his shoulder at you. "not anymore." his footsteps echo on the hardwood as he makes his way back to your bed. he hooks his fingers around your ankle and drags you closer to the edge of the bed, startling a gasp out of you, and nudges your legs open with his other hand. he wipes the towel gently up and down the inside of your thighs, glancing up at you through the short strands that fall in his eyes. "keep eatin'."

"you're distracting me." and he was. it was domestic, in a way, how gingerly he held your ankle and how careful he was with the towel between your legs.

jensen shrugs. "don't care," he repeats, though he follows it with a warm, teasing smirk, "keep eating or i'll start."

what kind of masochist were you if that sent a renewed thrill down your spine? jensen catches the sparkle in your eyes and shakes his head, tossing the towel in the same direction as your defiled panties. "you are becoming a little fiend."

you give him a toothy smile. "your fault."

"oh, my fault?" he leans in like he's going to kiss that smile, and at the last second, turns his head to steal a bite from your pizza. you gasp in surprise, laughter bubbling out of you before you can stop it. "i think i'm just pullin' the deviant out of you."

"you're pulling something out, alright," you shoot back through the fit of laughter, and he is utterly captivated by it. it makes you all too aware of how close he is, of each sweep of his eyes over your expression.

jensen leans in to kiss your forehead again, another lingering one that eases the slight tremor in your muscles still. "you'll be okay if i head back down?"

you don't want him to, and the grimace on his lips makes you think he doesn't want to, either, but you nod regardless. as he'd said before, the moments you had together were fleeting and weighted. "i'll run you a bath in the bathroom, when i head out. should be warm by the time you finish eatin'," he says, brushing your hair back out of your eyes, "and no one down there will hear the water runnin' for a few extra minutes over your uncle tom's damn shouting."

"he loves football," you say in his defense, ignoring every other bit of information he tells you so that you don't do something stupid like take it anyway else but face value. he probably wouldn't be like this again next time. there probably wouldn't be a next time. he had one day left at your house, and then he'd go back to wherever he lived, out of your life.

jensen's face falls at whatever is reflected in your eyes, and he kisses your cheek this time, the stubble tickling the skin around your lips. "you can come down after, if you want," he offers, pressing his forehead against yours. "i'll behave."

you smile, settled again from the bout of unease. "if i'm not too tired."

"i'll save you a seat."

jensen slips away, then, steps slow and reluctant like he was waiting for you to invite him back in, even though both of you knew he couldn't. he keeps the door gapped again just like you'd had it before his arrival with one last look over his shoulder at you, something unreadable and soft in his eyes.

moments later, you hear the water start to run in the bathroom at the end of the hall, and you smile to yourself.

maybe you lived as prominently in his head as he did in yours. maybe, you'd started to unravel the elusive mystery of his closed-off exterior, one day at a time.

notes | sigh i love them. they r everything 2 me. i am so excited 2 finally get this out of the drafts! ───ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤfeedback & reblogs appreciated <3 !!

tags | @soldiersgirl @seven7lee @deansbeer @titsout4jackles @winchestersbgirl @tinas111 @bejeweledinterludes @lonelylonelybaby @mourningthewicked @ultravi0lence14 @1-imbroglio @hughesinthebox @angels-silhouette @blossomingorchids @chris444evr @cassiecourtemanche @writtenbyhollywood @adrienneleclerc @losers-clvb @bluemerakis @fuckedupfate @legalmente-loca @k-slla @fxckingjo @blueschevy @fitxgrld @viluren @youdontknowe @sizzlingcheesecakepanda @cupidluvzz @lanasgirlfr @h8aaz @coralfacecrown @doublecrazyyymofo @1ghxstt1 @mahi-wayy @narniabusinessbitch @zqarax @angelicjackles @arcannaa @am0rem @sthefferrete @v1v1-3 @spxideyver @suckitands33 @beausling @pieandflannel @briisbananass @cowboysandcigarettes @deanswidow @aurevina

[w2soneshots]

Over the years -W2S

warnings: mentions of pregnancy.

summary: your and Harry’s relationship each year from twenty-sixteen to now through instagram posts.

notes: hello lovelies! For once this isn’t a request, thought of it all busy myself🙂‍↕️. I used Bella Hadid for the face claim (I usually don’t use just one person but it made sense for this)🫶🏼. Also, omfg did this take ages… one thousand photos and a week later I’m finally finished! Don’t forget to reblog and enjoy💞✨

2016... the year you became boyfriend and girlfriend

Liked by miniminter, zerkaa and others

y/username: love youuu @wroetoshaw

-comments-

wroetoshaw: love you more

-> y/username: 😋❤️

tobjizzle: ay! happy for u 2!

-> y/username: ty Tobes!!

y/nfanpage21: cuteeeee oh my gosh🫂

user: my two worlds colliding

y/username posted a new story!

2017... your first big holiday as a couple

wroetoshaw posted a new story!

Liked by wroetoshaw, freyanightingale and others

y/username: Italy🍝✨🇮🇹

-comments-

callux: looks sick, hope you had a great time!

-> y/username: we diddd! best pizza ever😌

y/nfanpage21: this is adorable💞

user: Harry in the unicorn floaty lol

2018... festival season

Liked by calfreezy, behzingagram and others

y/username: drunk, covered in glitter and hot, but ready for some bangin music!🤸‍♂️☀️🍺

-comments-

wroetoshaw: definitely hot😉🔥

-> y/username: lmao smooth

reevhd: vibes = immaculate

y/nfanpage21: outfit on FLEEK🤭

user: she's so perfect for Harry omg

y/username posted a new story!

2019... London and the boys

wroetoshaw posted a new story!

Liked by tobjizzle, mollymae and others

y/username: 19 you've been good to me, see you all next year!!🎆

-comments-

wroetoshaw: ⛷️

taliamar: gorggg!💓

-> y/username: mwah😚

y/nfanpage21: I live for y/n with the sidemen boys

user: she's the original icon⭐️

2020... the virus

Liked by ksi, wroetoshaw and others

y/username: haven't posted in awhile, here's a few very uninteresting photos from my week🥞🤍 stay safe everyone and please STAY INSIDE!

-comments-

calfreezy: daily runs entered the chat

-> y/username: running buddy 4 life🏃‍♀️

y/nfanpage21: ahh we've missed you girly!!😭

user: Harry and his biohazard bag against the world

y/username posted a new story!

2021... new beginnings

Liked by behzingagram, taliamar and others

y/username: a random dog turned up on our front step today (he has been safely returned to his owner dw🐶), pleaseee can someone convince @wroetoshaw that this is a sign we should get a puppy😫🙏

-comments-

wroetoshaw: brilliant, now my dm's are filled with people asking if your pregnant (also no puppy)

-> y/username: omg shit, forgot to specify that that's my FOOD baby vs Faiths ACTUAL baby🤣 (we're getting a puppy)

faithlouisak: love u wifey

-> y/username: 👩‍❤️���💋‍👩

y/nfanpage21: she's so unserious lmao the first and second pic

y/username posted a new story!

2022... the year he finally popped the question

Liked by sidemen, joeweller and others

y/username: we're engaged!! enjoy this dump from our week away, where I had NO idea I was going to become a fiancé hehehe💍💓

-comments-

wroetoshaw: only took me 7 years

-> y/username: not bad for you tbf babes😌🫶

tobjizzle: congrats again guys❤️

freyanightingale: AHHH! unbelievably happy for you y/n🥹💝

y/nfanpage21: our fav couples growing up

user: HE'S DONE IT!!!!

y/username posted a new story!

2023... bride and groom

Liked by chrismd10, wroetoshaw and others

y/username: random photos from my week + wedding prep commences!💫💝

-comments-

faithlouisak: SHE'S GETTING FUCKING MARRIED!!!🥳

-> y/username: hehe thank you once again for the cake girl, smashed the brief

callux: exiting stuff😯

y/nfanpage21: makeup... ate. hair... ate. cake... they ate it.

user: I can't WAIT to see what dress she picks

y/username posted a new story!

2024... the year you became mummy and daddy

Liked by wroetoshaw, dualipa and others

y/username: counting down the days until we meet baby girl...🎀🌟

-comments-

ksi: can't wait to spoil her😁

-> y/username: uncle JJ incoming...

faithlouisak: your GLOWING mama💕

y/nfanpage21: the book🥺

user: two youngest sidemen having a kid before the others lol💁‍♀️

y/username posted a new story!

2025... the life you've always dreamed of

y/username posted a new story!

Liked by zerkaa, faithlouisak and others

y/username: right where I want to be💌

-comments-

wroetoshaw: my beautiful girls

-> y/username: love u💞

taliamar: brill, got Mushu trying to eat my strawberry😂

-> y/username: he stood there for a good ten minutes, bless him. maybe next time buddy🥲🐕

y/nfanpage21: oh... to have her life

user: fun fact: this was posted exactly nine years from their first couple post, how cute❤️‍🩹

[elliewrites77]

Uncle!Sukuna Part 4

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7

masterlist

Uncle!Sukuna who finds himself growing more and more annoyed with the women who flirt with him when he's working. Sure, it had always happened. Pretty women coming to his bar to get drunk and have fun, ending up sitting at the bar mainly to flirt with the 'hot bartender'. He had always been indifferent, though, never giving into their advances (he didn't want a one night stand to know where he worked after all).

But since he's been spending more time with you, that's changed. The indifference and occasional frustration has changed to constant annoyance every time the women bat their eyelashes at him. His lack of interest was clear, sometimes he would outright say he wasn't interested. But even when he didn't, his scowl and roll of the eyes was telling enough.

Uncle!Sukuna who didn't bother questioning why he was tired of it. He didn't want to venture into that territory. All he needed to know was that he felt a lot different about flirty women since meeting you.

Uncle!Sukuna who still carpools with you monday-friday. It really is convenient since Choso and Yuji go to the same school you work at. You've been doing it for a few weeks now, and neither of you want to acknowledge that it's starting to feel like you aren't just neighbors.

You spend most of your time together. Choso and Yuji quickly became best friends, meaning they want to spend their weekends together. That means that Sukuna sees you pretty much every single day, spending most of his time with you. Both of you have grown used to the others company, engraved into each others lives to the point that you plan most of your dinners with the expectation that Sukuna and Yuji will be there. Sukuna doesn't even knock when he comes over now, not that he needs to. You already gave him a key, for emergencies of course.

You don't bring up how every time you see him in your home you get butterfly's in your stomach that you haven't felt since you were a teenager.

He doesn't mention how quick he is to find himself doing things just to make you smile or content. Like leaving a small blanket in his passenger seat just for you because he knows you're always cold in the morning on the way to work.

You don't mention how you start buying his favorite beer so that he didn't have to bring his own when he came over for dinner. You don't drink, so the sight of alcohol in your fridge was strange at first, but it's became a habit to grab a case when shopping. The first time you bought some, you didn't mention it, and when he saw it, neither did he.

He doesn't talk about how he starts taking earlier shifts because he doesn't want to work too late and accidentally oversleep, meaning he wouldn't be able to drive you to work (or Yuji to school, but that's secondary). Sure the tips aren't as good, but he owns the damn bar so it's not like it's hurting him.

Uncle!Sukuna who remembers it was almost Valentine day a week beforehand, when Yuji brings home something about getting valentines cards for his classmates. His mind panics for a second when he thinks about the romantic day. He thought of you instantly. Asking you to be 'his valentine' is too middle-school. But he didn't know if asking you on a date was too forward. He was slowly accepting that he wanted more with you, and he was 90% sure you were on the same page. But still, there was always that last 10% that made him think what if you aren't into him in the same way. what if he was misreading your relationship. what if he asked you out and ruined everything?

Uncle!Sukuna who slaps himself when he gets out of his own head. He wasn't a coward, he wasn't one to run away from something just because it scared him. No, he was the type to go after what he wanted. Sure of himself, confident, cocky even.

Uncle!Sukuna who decides then that he would ask you out for Valentines day. He would get flowers, write a short letter explaining his feelings for you (because he knew he wouldn't be able to say them out loud), and wear something nice when he showed up at your doorstep.

Uncle!Sukuna who's plan are thrown off that same day, when he goes over to your with Yuji for dinner. The moment he sees you, standing in your kitchen, he freezes. He stares at you until you notice him, only moving when you ask him if he was okay.

Uncle!Sukuna who responds by blurting out..

"Be my Valentine?"

It takes you both a moment to process what he said. When he realizes, he clenches his jaw and ignores the flush on his face. He feels like a child, asking their crush on the playground during recess. This wasn't how he wanted to do it at all.

When you realize, you flush, looking away with an unusually shy smile. Your heart is beating so hard. You, too, feel like a little kid. The feelings he gives you made your heart feel things you hadn't in a long, long time.

Uncle!Sukuna who can't hide his relief, shoulders sagging, when you say "Yes", still avoiding his eyes because you're flustered. He doesn't even try to stop his grin, real and oh so rare, and you can't hide yours either.

Uncle!Sukuna who considers kissing you right then. But when Chose and Yuji run into the kitchen a second later, the former giving him a fist bump as a greeting, he decides it's worth it to wait.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Uncle!Sukuna who plans the perfect date. He tells you to leave it all up to him, and keeps everything a surprise. The only thing he tells you is the proper dress wear and the time that he was gonna pick you up. He even schedules childcare, sending the boys to his friend Toji's house for a sleepover with his own son, Megumi (he had to pay good money to get Toji to do this too).

Uncle!Sukuna who picks you up right on time. He knocks on your door in a handsome suit, holding a beautiful bouquet of your favorite flowers. He stares at you for a long moment, stunned by your beauty. Of course, you were always beautiful. But seeing you dressed up, your fancy dress and makeup making you look like a goddess, he was left speechless. Especially when he realizes it was for him. You looked this gorgeous for him. He felt like the luckiest man alive.

Uncle!Sukuna who is the perfect gentleman. He compliments you, almost sounding breathless, and patiently waits for you to place the flowers in a vase. He opens the car door for you, offering his hand when you climb in. He does the same when you reach the restaurant. Throughout the night, the conversation flows and it feels perfectly natural. You had been spending so much time together, yet didn't run out of things to talk about.

Uncle!Sukuna who was more flirty, of course, but didn't expect you to return it as easily. The flirty smile you gave him, the banter. It encouraged him to do more, making his attraction to you clear without ever saying the words outright. And even when you blushed and got obviously flustered, you still returned his energy, making it just as clear that you felt the same.

Uncle!Sukuna who drove you back home long after midnight, and still found himself not wanting the evening to be over. You felt the same. You both stood outside your front door, a slightly awkward silence between you since neither knew what to do next.

You felt like a teenager getting home from her first date, not knowing if he was gonna kiss you or just say goodnight.

Uncle!Sukuna who feels so out of sorts, like he is a different person standing in front of you. He confidence has waned, and he doesn't know if he should kiss you or not.

Uncle!Sukuna who is surprised when, suddenly your hand is on his chest, pulling him closer, and your lips are touching his.

Uncle!Sukuna who feels his world slow when he kisses you back, hands holding your waist. He pulls you closer, noticing how you fit against him so well. He's reluctant to pull away for air, when it is needed, but that's okay. He doesn't let you go for long, pulling you back in to a more passionate kiss once you've both had a second to breath.

When you both pull away again, your eyes flutter open. Once you meet his gaze, the pure emotion in his eyes, just as dazed as yours, makes you smile.

Uncle!Sukuna who gives you the softest smile ever seen on his face, his hand cradling your cheek. He had never been so gentle, but it felt right.

Uncle!Sukuna who could almost feel himself ready to say the three words he had never told another girl. But he knew that could wait, that there would be a perfect moment to tell you. Because he knew this would not be the last time you kissed.

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

happy valentines day! I hope you guys enjoy this little v-day post. If it's a lil short, I'm sorry. I just really wanted to post something fluffy and sweet for the holiday :) lmk what you think!

not proofread

[bleedingoptimism]

“I’m sorry Steve, I thought we were just having fun! I enjoyed you taking me out and paying for everything that’s all…” Is what Shelley said to him when Steve walked into the bar and saw her flirting with another guy. 

Obviously, he smiled and shook his head, said everything was okay, ‘Just a silly misunderstanding’ and left, ever so graceful. But the second he was outside he cursed, tried not to shed a tear, failed, and then started laughing. 

He probably looks like a mad man, or a drunk. But no, don’t worry people, he’s not drunk or crazy, he’s just really, really stupid. He thought Shelley really liked him, he thought they were dating. And Shelley just assumed he was just another playboy so she played him back. He’s not even mad at her. She didn't mean to hurt him. It’s not her fault Steve is just so easy to hurt. 

Sighing, he gets his phone out to get an uber and hugs himself even though it’s not really that cold outside, waiting for his car, already imagining the big, greasy burger he’s going to order when he gets home. He deserves it, okay?

The car that pulls out has definitely seen better days, but it’s clean and comfortable so Steve doesn’t think twice about getting in. He offers the driver a smile through the rearview mirror, sparing a moment to notice his eyes are big and dark, and they crinkle when he smiles back at him. 

Steve sits stiff and straight for a moment before realizing no one is there to judge him right now and he deflates, sighing again and letting himself collapse against the seat. Still hugging himself to feel any sort of comfort, he bumps his head against the window softly a couple of times. 

“Long night?” The driver asks him in a friendly manner.

Steve meets his eyes in the rearview again and shrugs, smiling back crookedly “Thought I should go home early since I already accomplished making an ass of myself for the night”

He checks the uber app for the driver’s name, doesn’t want to be rude by not remembering. ‘Eddie’ chuckles at Steve's statement.

“You did, huh? Well good job on getting it out of the way then,”

Steve chuckles back, “Yeah, I was actually thinking I deserve a treat”

He notices Eddie looking back at him a couple of times before breathing an interested, “Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Steve says, “A huge cheesy burger or something” Wondering what Eddie was thinking he’d say.

Eddie laughs again, “Oh! Right of course” and just when he’s about to say something else his phone rings.

“Oh, sorry” Eddie murmurs, immediately hanging up on whoever is calling. 

“No worries,” Steve mumbles back, sitting up a little straighter again. 

“So, what’s your favorite dirty burger place?” Eddie asks him. 

Steve can tell he’s trying to distract him from the mood he entered the car with and he really appreciates it.

He sits forward and leans his forearms against the headrest of the passenger seat, “Oh, there’s so many, but…” from this angle, he can see Eddie’s face better, and he can’t help but think he’s got a really nice looking profile, long lashes, full lips, and the cutest nose he’s ever seen, “I think Benny’s the best one” he finishes.

Eddie pulls at a stop light and turns to look at him with a smile and he’s so much prettier than Steve first thought he involuntarily gasps. But thankfully Eddie is talking excitedly and doesn’t seem to notice.

“No way you know Benny’s?! Benny is my uncle! Well, he’s married to my uncle actually- you know what I mean but yeah, Benny’s is great!” 

It’s such a weird coincidence that it managed to take Steve out of his stupor and he’s suddenly just as excited as Eddie,

“Really? Oh my god, I’m so jealous right now, I wished I could live at Benny’s sometimes” 

Eddie laughs, and just when he opens his mouth to reply his phone rings again. This time he doesn’t immediately hang up and Steve sees the screen light up with the name “you deserve better” 

Ouch, he thinks, and his heartstrings tug for his cute, sweet, uber driver. Who offered him friendly conversation cause he noticed he was feeling down and has the most beautiful laugh. He doesn't really know why he feels so strongly about it, he doesn't even know Eddie… but he still feels the text is right. Whoever hurt him, Eddie deserved better.

“Hey,” He says softly when Eddie hangs up cursing.

Eddie sighs again, “I’m so sorry,” 

“Hey, no. It’s fine,” Steve replies, resisting the urge to place a comforting hand on his shoulder.

He figures, after the way his night started, he’s got nothing to lose so he says, “So much talk about Benny’s I feel like I need to go there right now.” 

Eddie let’s out a distracted “Huh?” and Steve soldiers on, “Wanna change the destination and join me? You can take me home after,”

He notices Eddie doing a double take and blushing, “Really? I- Am- I- okay” he stammers but Steve can’t really figure out why.

“Yeah, you know, that way you don’t lose time on the job and have another ride?” He finishes and Eddie laughs,

“Oh, right. Yeah That- makes sense”

They keep talking about their favorite things on the menu on the way there and soon they are sitting face to face in a booth at Benny’s.

What a pair they make, Steve in a three piece suit, jacket off, vest undone and shirt rolled up to his forearms. And Eddie with sweats and a hoodie. 

Eddie is even better looking in the shitty dinner light and the blush that adorns his cheeks ever since they came in makes Steve wanna kiss them to feel their warmth.

Benny himself comes to take their order, and Eddie gets up to hug him and introduces him to Steve. They already know each other, because Steve does come to the dinner often and Benny lets Eddie know that.

Eddie thinks it's hilarious that they both have been here so much and never saw each other before, but Steve can’t help to think it’s a shame.

“I actually would’ve loved to have met you sooner,” he tells Eddie at one point and watches curiously as Eddie’s blush turns a few shades darker.

As they eat, Steve tells Eddie about Shelley, about his hopes, about misreading the situation, about his shame. How he doesn’t even think he liked Shelley that much, but he just wanted to have something real. Eddie gets mad at him for blaming himself, tells him it wasn’t his fault, that he’s being too hard on himself. And it’s not a bad thing to consider but all Steve can think about is how cute Eddie looks when he’s mad on his behalf.

Eventually, Eddie tells Steve about whoever was calling him. 

“I met him at my last job. I thought he was so cool but turns out he was actually just cold,” Eddie shrugs, “We dated for like 6 months or something, not that long but, I was miserable the whole time and I didn’t even realize it was because of him.” 

Eddie’s hand is tearing up a paper napkin between them and Steve tentatively settles his hand over Eddie’s, who stops destroying the napkin and smiles gratefully at Steve, holding his hand back.

“The worst part is I didn’t even break up with him, he broke up with me,” Eddie chuckles self-deprecatingly, “But he still wanted to keep me around I guess… And I… didn’t want to feel lonely” 

They both stay quiet for a moment after that, and Steve stares at their hands joined over the greasy dinner table and thinks about loneliness, about how he doesn't feel it right now, with Eddie.

“So, what happened?” he asks after a bit.

“I did eventually realize he was the one making me feel like shit so I stopped seeing him but he didn’t appreciate my new sense of self-respect,” Eddie says lightly and Steve instinctively squeezes his hand protectively, which makes Eddie smile again, “I’m doing just fine now though, I told him to fuck off and got a new job. And it’s actually pretty good, ya know?”

Steve can’t help but smile back at Eddie’s cute expression, “Yeah?”

“Hell yeah, my own hours? Good money? Plus I’ve always liked driving around, it calms me. And I get to meet really interesting people…” he says, winking at Steve and making him chuckle.

“Well, I’m glad then. Proud of you for getting out of there,”

“Me too,” Eddie says and looks up as Benny walks over to them.

“Sorry to interrupt boys, but we are about to close for the night,” He says, stifling a yawn.

Steve looks surprised at his watch, it’s almost 2 A.M. He can’t believe he’s been sitting here with Eddie for hours when it only felt like a few minutes.

He offers to cover the bill but Benny fights him over it and says it’s his treat. And Eddie offers to take him home no charge. So they get in Eddie’s car again only this time Steve sits next to him instead of in the back and they talk about music on their way to his place while Steve changes the radio stations. Laughing, singing and joking around, it’s such a good time. It feels like they’ve been doing this forever, like they could do this…forever. But eventually they arrive at Steve’s building and suddenly Steve doesn’t want the night to end. 

He’s about to tell Eddie as much, maybe invite him inside, when his phone rings again, the ‘you deserve better’ staring at them. But Eddie immediately grabs his phone and hangs up, blocking the number after. 

“There, he can’t call me again,” he says with a sigh.

“Can I see your phone for a second?” Steve ventures, making a last second decision.

Eddie looks surprised but curious as he hands it over and Steve punches his phone in.

“If you ever feel like unblocking him, or calling him back… Why don’t you try calling me instead?” he says in a rush and then walks out of the car, not lingering to see Eddie’s reaction.

There’s always the positivity that he got things wrong again, got too invested too soon again and he doesn’t want to know tonight. He’ll deal with it later, if Eddie doesn't call.

🚗📱🍔💙

It takes only two days for Steve’s phone to ring, an unknown number flashing on his screen. He picks it up feeling a little out of breath for no reason at all.

“Hello?” 

“Steve?”

“Eddie, I”

“Wait- before you say anything I just want you to know that I didn’t call because I wanted to call him, or I was thinking about him. I called because I can’t stop thinking about you, I wanted to talk to you. Okay?”

“Eddie- yes! It’s more than okay, I- I was hoping you’d call”

fin 💙

☕🥐💕 coffee? oovoo javer?

[thanksbutno98]

Drinking Buddies

John Price x wife!reader OC

Summary: John’s drunk night out with 141.

Warnings: Sexual themes, alcohol, intoxication, vomiting, not edited.

——————

It was getting late for what you considered a night out for your husband and his drinking buddies. John and his best mate Sam had decided a month ago to grab drinks with some friends and he had the 141 boys tag along. It was out of character for John to try and mix friends but he’d been so satisfied with his men’s work on their last deployment he insisted on treating for drinks.

When you listened to him chat your ear off about how his close friends would like ‘the lads’ you were surprised. You loved John’s friends, you’d known them much longer than Ghost, Soap, and Gaz. They were there when you first started dating John, for your wedding, when you brought your babies home, holidays, birthdays, countless camping trips, endless pubs and drunk nights. These friends John had since young adulthood and childhood felt like a second family a lot of the time. You knew John was right, his good friends who weren’t military were great people and would get along well with 141. The one thing they all had in common is they all adored your kids.

Hell, your kids called Sam, John’s closest friend, their bonus uncle. Sam charmingly had the nickname of ‘Sunny’ to your kids and you weren’t sure how Jj came up with it when he was three but it had stuck. They also adored the 141 boys so you were excited for your husband to go out to a pub, drink beer surrounded by close friends who truly cared. He deserved to have a night off as a dad and have fun.

The cars tires rolled over a gravely parking lot as you found a spot near the front. This was a pub that you knew Simon Riley liked because John would meet up with him here from time to time. It was a lone building off an old country road. It seemed to be swallowed by trees on three sides, save the road it sat on. The one story building was old on the outside and inside. It always surprised you how it could become packed at times and it brought in a crowd from young twenty somethings to elderly patrons who were regulars.

Hopping out of John’s truck your boots crunched against the gravel. Looking up into the night sky with a smile, you breathed out to watch your breath turn white and billow upward. It was the perfect kind of crisp night, one where a sweatshirt and leggings were enough to keep you warm. The air smelled of evergreens, campfires, and a damp forest.

“Indy! You made it!” Soap was standing outside in the cool night air. Cigarette in hand and a flushed rosy tint decorated his cheeks with a large toothy grin plastered across his stubbly face.

“He alive?” You asked jumping up on to the curb and reaching out to hug the intoxicated Scotsman. He gave you a tight hug and then offered you a drag of his cigarette. The smell of cigarette smoke almost covered up the scotch on his breath.

“I’m good.” You laughed off the gesture and watched Soap take a drag. The cherry red tip burned orange and then dimmed back into a warm ruby glow.

“He’s piss drunk. Never seen the Captain like this before, we’ll have to wheel him out.” With a hearty chuckle Soap tossed the hand rolled tobacco to the ground and snubbed it with the toe of his military grade boots.

“Oh, god. Drunk John can be a handful.” You laughed having not seen your husband out of control drunk in what felt like ages.

Walking into the pub behind Soap it was decently filled with patrons around your age and older. There was music playing, loud chatter, playful arguments, and drunks loudly calling for another round. Your eyes scanned the room and you quickly caught sight of the group of rowdy men by the pool table in the back left corner. Simon was taking his turn while Sam stood next to him, pool stick in hand and talking to Gaz who seemed to be dying laughing at whatever was being said.

John on the other hand was sat at the table with his childhood friend Ant with a half empty pint glass in one of his large hands. He looked normal from this distance in his grey beanie and burnt orange flannel. It made you wonder why John texted you asking you for a ride home and why Kyle had called and said ‘Caps gonna to need a lift home.’

“Hey boys.” You smiled sweetly and wiggled your fingers as a little wave.

“Indy!” Gaz cheered at the sight of you while Sam said your first name at a similar volume. You gave them another wave before making your way over to John’s table.

“Hello there.” With a cheery smile and sugary sweet greeting you watched your husband who had his eyes locked on you the second he noticed you. John’s icy blue eyes squinted a little too much and his cheeks rose into a large playful smile.

“Give me a spin, darling.” John’s deep voice rumbled from his chest and his hand came up and he used his index finger to indicate for you to turn around. Your jaw dropped at the forward flirting in front of everyone. That was so out of character of your normally tight lipped and respectful husband. He normally only spoke like that when it was you two in the privacy of your home.

“Okay, Romeo. I think you need a water.” No part of you could acknowledge that kind of flirting with the men who highly respected John around.

If it was only Sam and Ant you would’ve flirted back instantly with no shame. Probably would have given him a slow twirl and shook your ass at him to get a hearty chuckle from everyone. Those two knew John’s goofy side pretty well and dirty jokes and sex stories were common amongst you all. They’d also caught you two making out or groping each other over the decade long friendship you had. You’d walked in on Sam twice with past girlfriends on vacations you all took together before you and John started having kids. Ant’s wife Susie was a close friend so you knew way too many details about him and she knew the same about John. It was a very different relationship you and John had with these old friends versus 141.

“Don’t play hard to get, love. We both know you put out-“ Without thinking you panicked at what John was about to say.

His filter had clearly turned off with how drunk he was and you reacted in any way to get him to shut up. And that was to push his beer off the table and into his lap, the contents spilling all over him. John stood abruptly a heavy breath leaving his lungs as he looked down at his jeans and the large dark spot on his crotch that leaked down his left leg.

“Piss yourself Johnny!?” Sam cackled which resulted in snickers from the group of men.

“Seriously?” John looked up at you seeming to have sobered up for a split second.

“You had that coming with that dirty mouth.” You pointed accusatory at your husband trying to make it clear he needed to knock it off.

Internally you were screaming with laughter at the fact John was making such a fool of himself. It was also a lot more fun than you thought it would be to spill a beer on him. John only drunkenly smirked at you as you said ‘dirty mouth.’ He had every intention of showing you how dirty it could be.

“He’s been talking about you non-stop for the past hour.” Ant chortled out and gave you a wink. You could only imagine what these two married men had been sharing about their wives.

“Hopefully not like he just was.” You mumbled more to yourself as you waved John over to come with you.

“Cap’s very fond of his missus and her-“ Soap cleared his throat.

“‘Talents’” Soap used air quotes on the final word making you heat up in embarrassment at what John could possibly have said. There was something about the 141 boys hearing those things that was much more embarrassing. If it was only Sam and Ant you wouldn’t have minded what so ever.

“I don’t want to know.” You waved your hand dismissively.

John had to be drunk out of his mind to be chatting about you in that way. He didn’t tend to be a kiss and tell kind of guy. But then your mind wandered back to being perched in John’s lap on your bed right before he left for this outing. You had promised him a very erotic night when he arrived home and wondered if that might be what was fueling this behavior.

Whatever he told them you hoped they’d be too drunk to remember. Then you looked a little bit closer to see all the men were just as drunk as John. Gaz seemed the worst while Simon had started to turn a shade of pink from the liquor. Sam was his normal level of wasted and Soap seemed to be the least drunk but that wasn’t saying much as he stumbled a little standing still. Ant was sober and prepared to drive Sam home since he had given both him and John a ride here.

“You lot aren’t planning on driving yourselves right?” You motioned amongst the 141 boys who this seemed to just occur to.

There was a long lapse of silence as they looked amongst themselves.

“Okay, cmon. Everyone pile in I’ll take you home.” Grabbing John by the elbow you started to lead him out only for him to swing around and drunkenly stumble to the bar.

“Gotta pay my-“ he hiccuped “tab.”

You watched as all the men made their way to close out. It surprised you they had listened so well. Even Simon was listening which was unlike him, until you noticed him waving his hand around. You watched with a blank face as he ordered a last round of shots for them.

“If any of you puke in the truck I’m gonna kill you.” With a stern voice you threatened them all only to be brushed off.

“Bye Y/N, we’ll see you next weekend.” Ant gave you a hug with a very drunk Sam behind him.

“My favorite Price.” Sam grasped your face in his hands and kissed the top of your head.

“Bye Sam!” With a squeal of a laugh you hugged your husband’s best friend and waved goodbye as him and Ant made their way out of the pub.

“Okay, let’s go home.” John’s voice caught your attention so you turned to look at him.

Before you could get a good look at John his chest smushed into your face as both of his large muscular arms wrapped around your head. He placed his elbows on your shoulders and used you to lean on to try and steady himself. You weren’t the most coordinated person so this wasn’t going to be easy for you. Stumbling slightly you steadied yourself and attempted to push John off of you only for his arms to tighten around your head.

“I’m going to fuck you so good.” John slurred into your ear and you were glad this flirtation was quiet enough for only you to hear.

“Then let’s get you in the car.” You spoke, muffled against John’s shirt. He was way too drunk to consent in your mind so you were only appeasing him for the moment. With a rough push your husband finally let you go and you could breathe freely once again. Taking a deep breath you started to head for the door with a drove of intoxicated military men following behind you like ducklings.

“Thanks for the ride, Indy.” Gaz slurred out, giving John a hard pat to the back.

“Lucky man Cap.” He tacked on.

“Can we stop for food?” Soap asked, almost stumbling out of the pub door.

——————

“Hi, I’ll have- what was it again Simon?” Turning around the massive man was sat in the middle of the back seat of the truck; Soap to his left and Gaz to his right. Your eyes wandered as he grabbed the back of the bench seat and leaned forward in between you and John who was fiddling with the radio.

“We coached you on this ten times.” Gaz laughed at your expense and inability to remember this insane order. Then Simon rattled off the order with ease, it seemed like the four of them had done this before.

“Six double cheeseburgers, two chicken sandwiches, four large fries, three large cokes, one large Diet Coke, lots of bbq sauce, and a-“ Pausing Simon’s gaze fell on you.

“Vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate?” He asked cheeks rosy but face stern. To be honest he looked even more emotionless than you were use to.

“For what?” You asked back having told the boys you didn’t want anything on the drive here.

“And a chocolate milkshake.” Simon let go of seat back and fell back into his spot. The truck lurched and wheezed somewhat from the pure size of him.

“That way the old man won’t steal it from you.” Nodding his head solemnly Simon was looking out for you in his own way. Which you thought was strange but also appreciated he was trying to be sweet to you, which wasn’t his style.

“Chocolates the bloody worst.” John mumbled under his breath.

“Okay, does everything look correct on the screen.” The intercom voice asked you. Looking over you saw everything listed out and then your eyebrows shot up at how expensive this drunken meal would be.

“Yes.” You squeaked out, then turned your focus back to driving as you pulled up to the window.

“Here.” Gaz’s voice sounded behind you but all you saw was his hand in your face passing you his credit card. You took it with a small thanks and exchanged it with the cashier before handing it back to Gaz.

“Thanks, mate.” Soap drunkenly slurred, he was slouched against his seat with his head thrown back. He was looking to be in rough shape.

“Is he going to be able to eat?” You asked John who ignored you and continued to try and find the radio station he desired, so you poked him. Turning around awkwardly three separate times to look at the Scotsman’s, the final time John looked Soap up and down and then dramatically waved his hand at you.

“Lads fine. Food’ll give him a second wind.” Then John went right back to the radio.

You were handed two huge bags of food that you passed to your drunk husband to distribute. Then the drinks came where everyone got their cokes, and Gaz got his Diet Coke. The car was silent save the rustling of wrappers, obnoxious burps, and John trying to convince Soap to trade one of his chicken sandwiches for a burger. You enjoyed your milkshake and the classic rock station as you drove everyone home. A debate on the perfect McDonald’s order broke out amongst the boys. Soap was admittedly a chicken sandwich man and you were surprised at Gaz’s passion on Diet Coke.

The boys had all been dropped off at Simon’s house where Simon insisted they could sleep. They left behind their trash from McDonald’s which was leaving a heavy greasy smell in the air. You silently prayed for Dove having to deal with three rowdy, large, and intoxicated men.

Simon was pretty thoughtful because he drunkenly mentioned you shouldn’t be out driving this late, you had to get home to your kids. There was an off handed thank you as he drunkenly got the boys into his house. He was right, it was late and you knew your dad would want to be getting home himself.

You were now pulling up the driveway with a loudly snoring John who was half laying on the trucks bench seat. His head was tossed back against the window, shoulders slumped and lower back laid out flat. John looked so uncomfortable but he was passed out which felt like an improvement to the tangent he had gone on for ten minutes after you dropped the boys off. It was a confusing mess of jumbled words about why American cheese burgers would always be a better hangover cure and Soap was delusional to think otherwise.

Putting the truck in park you looked over to your loving husband who may have over done it tonight. He was going to be feeling this in the morning.

Gently you placed your hand on his thigh and began to rub soothingly to try and wake him. Your opposing hand came to his chest and did the same, wiping away the crumbs from the chicken sandwich he had eaten. John began to rouse one eye opening only somewhat as he shifted away from you.

“I’m married. Get away.” John’s left hand came up and tried to create distance although his reach missed you by a mile.

“It’s me, John.” You giggled scooting a bit closer to try and get him to open his eyes and take a good look at you.

“I k-now my wife.” John grunted angrily in his half asleep drunk state.

“Oh yeah?” You laughed harder this time. Hands now cupping his hairy cheeks, you swiftly kissed his lips to prove you were indeed his wife. With eyes still closed John’s mouth dropped open and an angry look of disbelief spread across his bearded face. Your actions seemed to leave him totally and utterly offended.

“Get away, woman!” John drunkenly slurred, weakly pushing your hands off his face. Then he used his foot to aggressively push himself as far away as he could physically manage, jamming himself up against the door. He was acting as if you were about to throw yourself at him and he needed to run far away.

“My w-ifesss a better-“ he hiccuped “kisser than that.” His left hand fumbled with the door before he was able to pull the lever to make his escape. John practically fell out of the truck somehow catching himself and stumbling against the now flung open door.

“Jesus, John be careful! You’re gonna break your neck.” Your niceness vanished as you forcefully scolded the man.

John turned quickly, his face fixed in exaggerated confusion although you weren’t sure he was exaggerating with how drunk he was. With head cocked to the side he bent forward slightly and squinted his eyes trying to get a better look at you.

“Maybe you are my wife. She can be rather bossy.” John commented before tripping backward and falling on his ass. You thought he deserved the fall for a comment like that.

You stared at him with a blank look as he started to chuckle to himself on the ground. You being sweet wasn’t convincing enough to him. It took you to be snappy with him for John to recognize you as his wife. With a heavy eye roll you turned the truck off and went to go help the fool you married.

By the time you rounded the car John was flat on his back and staring up at the sky.

“Stars are gorgeous.” He muttered as you started to help him up to his feet.

“Let’s get you to bed, big guy.” Wrapping John’s arm around your shoulder he put some of his weight on you as you pulled him in the direction you needed him to go.

“My wife won’t like that.” John mumbled his head still cast up at the sky and looking at the stars.

“I am your wife.” Your tone was bratty and annoyed.

“Let me look at you.” John stopped abruptly, stood to his full height, stumbled a bit but found his footing. Grabbing you by the shoulders he pulled you so you were standing directly in front of him. Squinting in the patio light he slowly inched closer and closer to your face taking a good look at you.

“Tell me to do something. But be a little nasty about it, in a sexy way.” The question had your former giddy expression falling into a deadpan one. You looked at John as if he were the dumbest man to ever cross your path which made him smile for some odd reason.

“Never mind that looks enough.” John chuckled before planting a rough kiss to your lips. He was then off toward the door, accidentally running into the picnic table. You could only chuckle in disbelief at the man as you quickly made your way to help guide him.

Getting John up the stairs and to bed felt like an intense workout. By the time he face planted into the mattress you were completely out of breath. Huffing and puffing as you went to go get him water and some crackers.

Coming back into your bedroom you saw John now in nothing but his boxers and struggling to get his socks off. He was standing and bent over allowing his boxers to slide down just enough to get a peak at his bum.

“Let me help.” You snickered before placing the water and crackers on the bedside table and then guiding John to sit down. Sliding John’s socks off you then left a kiss to his forehead.

“Sweet angel.” John whispered to himself, eyes wide and in awe of you.

He stared up at you from where he sat with absolute adoration. You could only shake your head in disbelief. He went from not recognizing you to acting like you were some goddess gracing his presence. John quietly watched you undress and slip into your pajamas, the whole time admiring your beauty. They consisted of an old baggy t-shirt of yours and a pair of maroon panties.

“Lay down, let’s go to bed.” Sweetly you crawled in to bed after switching the lights off and helped John under the covers. It was a struggle, he banged his elbow twice in the darkness but eventually settled in.

“Let me spoon you, darling.” Before you could respond to the deep words John’s hands had latched onto your hips and dragged you from your side of the bed and over to him. It seemed to be easy to manhandle you, reminding you how impressively strong he was. Those muscles you loved so much weren’t just for show, they were capable of doing much more than tossing you around in bed.

“What are you doing?” You giggled as John hands wandered your body. His thick fingers fumbled over your t-shirt searching for the hem of it. The way his beard rubbed and scratched against your shoulder and neck felt amazing, making you crave so much more from the man with whiskey breath.

“Hmm. Helps me sleep.” John hummed sounding very happy with himself.

“We aren’t doing anything tonight.” Your giggles picked up while John slipped his hands under your top to fondle your boobs.

Squeezing them and massaging the flesh he hummed in satisfaction. With a bit of a shift John pressed his crotch firmly against your ass. There was the lack of his normal bulge he couldn’t help most nights. You knew it was from the whiskey and you thanked the amber liquid internally.

John was way too intoxicated to have sex and you weren’t in to having sex when you were pretty sure he wouldn’t remember in the morning. Looking over your shoulder you couldn’t make out his face in the darkness but soon enough one hand had slipped into your panties to cup your cunt while the other stayed on your right breast. He stopped playing with you and in a few minutes was snoring loudly in your ear.

“Such a dude.” You muttered with a chuckle to yourself.

——————

“Need me to hold your hair back?”

“Piss off.” John coughed violently.

Your man of steel, unbreakable John Price was currently on his knees hunched over the toilet in your en suite. He had woken up and ran straight for the bathroom. The sound of John dry heaving and then vomiting was what woke you up. He had been at it for almost fifteen minutes now. As gross as it was you sat next to him and rubbed his back through it all.

“A shower might help.” Speaking softly you squeezed John’s bare shoulder.

“Shoot me.” John groaned deeply as he finally stood seemingly done. Still sitting on the floor you watched in amusement as the muscular man tossed off his boxers and clamored into the shower.

“I’ll start breakfast.” You called as you got up to leave.

“Darling?” John sounded desperate as he called for you.

“Yes?” You smiled back seeing him through the foggy glass shower.

“Could you make me something greasy?” John wasn’t one to beg but it sounded like he was.

“I have the perfect thing for you.”

It took John awhile to appear downstairs. By the time he did you had your three children ready for the day, sat at the kitchen table with eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. Evelyn and Jj were complaining that they wanted their father to eat with them when John appeared. He didn’t bother getting dressed for the day, he had put on fresh pajamas. This consisted of green plaid pants, a black fitted t-shirt and chestnut slippers the kids picked out for him as a birthday present.

At the sight of John, Lily loudly squealed in excitement from her high chair and stuck her arms out to be picked up. John simply squeezed one of her hands and didn’t pick her up.

“Daddy you look horrid.” Evelyn had an intensely judgmental look on her face as she continued to eye her father up and down.

“I feel it too.” John grumbled while he slid into his normal seat at the head of the table.

Normally John kissed each of his kids on the tops of their heads after a warm greeting shared between you two. It’s how each morning went and your children all turned to you. Their young faces were worried and silently asking if John was okay.

“Your dad’s not feeling the best so we have to be extra nice to him. Okay?” Standing at the stove cooking you called over your shoulder.

“Okay.” Evelyn continued to stare at John as if she were trying to pick him apart.

“Does that mean no cinema today?” Jj asked quietly.

John picked his head up from his hands and look at the ten year old. Jj had his eyes cast down on his plate. It was evident he knew the answer and it disappointed him, but he was still asking. With a distressed look John turned to you as if that would save him from this broken promise. You only shrugged and went back to finishing up his breakfast; not willing to get involved. A hangover in your book wasn’t ample reason to cancel the plans he made with his two oldest children.

“How about movie marathon on the couch? We can eat sweets and crisps until I’m so fat you’ll have to roll me upstairs.” The comment about John getting fat made the ten and eight year olds snicker at the silly idea.

“What movies?” Jj asked. The disappointment of not going out to the cinema seemed to disappear with John’s compromise.

“What movies do you two want to watch?” John was so grateful for his children being such good sports. He wasn’t sure what he’d do if they had a meltdown. His head was already splitting, stomach in bad shape, and would be in need of a nap soon.

“Star Wars!” The two oldest Price children shouted in unison.

It was loud enough John flinched and had to rub his temples, his headache worsening.

“Why don’t you two go grab your pillows and blankets, get set up on the couch and change into pjs. I’ll clean up your plates today.” Your little act of sweetness had your children lighting up, then bounding out of their seats and running down the hallway and up to their rooms.

“Thank you mum!” Their sweet voice rang through the house.

“Hangover cure.” You smiled triumphantly at your husband who pulled his hands from his face to see a cheeseburger sitting in front of him.

“Have I ever told you how amazing you are? You’re absolutely divine.” John took your hand and kissed the back of it. Tugging you close and sighing contently as you wrapped your arms around his shoulder from behind. Your comforting touch and greasy burger felt like a cure to this intense hangover.

“You were telling the boys that last night.” You smirked, kissing his scruffy cheek sweetly. John was digging in and shaking his head clearly remembering what he had said. You had been itching to know.

“Nothing too out there.” John admitted.

“Then what? Apparently I’m very ‘talented.’” You quoted Soap. This seemed to make John squirm a little.

“Might have mentioned you’re on the adventurous side. Very willing and. . . Enthusiastic.” It was clear John was picking his words carefully as to not piss you off.

“Ah, so I’m a whore for you?” You giggled getting a nervous chuckle from your husband.

“Never said that. But aren’t you?” John exuded charm and he was lucky for that because it had you swooning.

“Yeah, I’ve got no shame in that. But you’re a whole lot worse for me.” Pulling back, bottom lip caught between your teeth you watched your husband carefully.

“Have you seen yourself? Bloody impossible to keep my mitts off you.”

~~~~~tag list~~~~~

@exhaustedpotat0 @glitterypirateduck @ivymarquis @crazymela @what-0-life @boredfairy4 @hihhasotherfixations @stephanswhxre @shanjisan @k4es @luvleywrites @kita03-0 @midwesternwitchery @aleynaleia @suckerforbassist @misshoneypaper @theaonlax @blackstar9005 @tooterbutt @havoc973 @maladaptivedaydreamingbum @freshlemontea @cosmoscoffeee @sae1kie @ohworm-writes @ghostslittlegf @fanficwriterlover @arminarlertssword @faceache111 @azu21 @thirstyb-ches @nini-11-08 @sgtgarricks @kiki-is-hyperfixating @mayflysdie

[funnyjb]

Salt Air

———————————————————————-

June 2023

Your favorite time of the year other than football season was summer. The time you could spend a whole day in your swimsuit listening to music and having no care in the world. No work. No waking up at 6am. None.

Every year ever since you were a little girl you have always joined your best friend and his family in Seaside, Florida. One of your favorite trips in the whole entire world.

Joe, your best friend was not one for going out much or even taking trips but since it was the offseason and he always looked forward to coming to seaside, even more excited to have you there with him. He always was happy to relax and take the Salt air in.

The drive from the airport to the house was peaceful. You usually have your mom and dad with you but this summer they decided to take a month long trip around Europe. Seems pretty nice to you. They invited you to tag along but you couldn’t wait to come to Seaside and wanted to have some time for yourself so you nicely declined.

As the uber drove closer and closer memories kept coming back. You saw the small little gas station where when you and joe were only 10 years old had to stop to get bandages because you fell off your bike. Or when you passed by the beach which you couldn’t wait to go to soon enough where it was your first time getting drunk at a party/ bonfire.

You laughed to yourself thinking back on those memories.

As the car stopped in front of the blue wood house with hydrangeas in the front and white shutters you took a deep breath. It felt like home. Your second home.

Just as you opened the car door to get out the house door swag open.

“Y/n!”- Ben and Leo

Ben and Leo are Joe’s nephews who you have known ever since they were born. Now they are 10 years old. And even have a two year old sister.

“Hi boys!”- you

You give them a big hug

“Finally you made it. It was getting boring here.”-Ben

“Oh, don’t say that! I bet it has been lots of fun.”- you

“Y/n! So good to see you, sweetie”- Robin gave you a hug

“So good to see you too, missed you guys.”- you

You’ve been working so much lately and with no football you’ve barely even seen the burrows. You have only seen joe only a couple of times because he has also been busy with offseason.

The rest of the family came out to greet you. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and joes sweet grandparents.

Then joe appeared.

His hair longer than usual.

He had a boyish grin and his cheeks grew a little pink.

You wrapped him in a big hug.

“Hi, Joey.”- you smile

“Hi. I missed you.”- Joe smiled

“I missed you too. You look tan and your hair got long.”- you rub your fingers through his hair for a second

Joe chuckled

“Yeah, it’s offseason, who cares.”- Joe

You laugh

“Let’s get you inside, y/n.”- Jimmy

You nod as joe grabs your bag

“Thanks.”- you say to joe

The family leads you inside. Still the same old place. Family pictures hung up on the walls even a few including you and your family and even just one of you and Joe as kids.

“So, jamie and Daniel and their families are staying at the house next door. It will just be you, joe, Jimmy and I along with grandma and grandpa.”- Robin

“Sounds good!”- you

Robin opens the door to your room.

You take a moment to take it all in. The same as you left it.

The blue and white striped wallpaper. The old vintage dresser and closet. Your bed with floral fabric. And all your stuffed animals and even some clothes that still fit from when you were a kid in college.

“Feels nice to be back, huh.”- joe

You smile

“Oh yeah!”- you

Joe hopped on your bad as you started to unpack.

“So, we have dinner tonight but I’m hoping before dinner when you’re done with unpacking we can head down to the beach for a few.”-joe

“Sounds great! Should be done in a couple.”- you look over at him

“Ok, see you downstairs.”- joe

Joe looks at you for a moment then heads out.

………………………………………………………………………..

“Joe!”- You

“Come on!”- Joe

Joe intertwined his hand with yours leading you down the sandy stairs outside and onto the beach

You both stood there taking the scene in.

“Ready?”- Joe

You nod

You both drop your towels and run in

You screaming and laughing as the cold salt water hits you.

Your royal blue fluorescent bikini shining in the sunlight. A bikini that doesn’t show a lot but still has a pop.

Joe wearing in swim shorts with blue and pink flowers clung to his thighs.

“Come in deeper, y/n/n.”- Joe

“No, I’m ok right here.”- you

“No, I think you should come on deeper.”- Joe

“No.”- you

“Yes.”- joe

“No.”- you

“Fine then.”- joe

Joe comes closer to you.

“Joey, don’t you dare.”- you

“Too late.”- joe

Joe picks you up. He holds you in his arm bridal style.

“Joe! Put me down!”- You

He runs back into the deeper part and brings you both down fully under.

You come back up gasping for air as you pull your hair back.

Joe already came back up

“I hate you.”- you

“Admit it. It’s nicer over here.”- joe

You stare a him

Joe chuckled

“You look pretty.”- joe

You stare at him for a moment. Joe rarely compliments you. Honestly rarely compliments anyone. Except for his mom and his teammates.

“Thanks, Joey.”- you

It sent a flutter through you.

He really thought that? Joey, our joe. He thought I looked pretty.

Then you felt something touch your foot.

“Ahh-!”- you

You swim away and get close to joe

Joe was laughing

“Are you ok?”- Joe said still holding in a laugh

“Joey, I swear something touched me.”- you say looking down into the water trying to find a carb or maybe even a shark

“Y/n, nothings going to hurt you.”- Joe

Just as you turned your back to him for a second, joe has an idea.

He closes the area between you and runs his fingers down your back like something is crawling

You let out another scream

Joe burst out laughing

“JOE! You’re a jerk. That wasn’t funny.”- You

“Com’on y/n, it was a little funny. Besides it was just me.”- joe

You splash water into his face

“Oh, now it’s on.”- joe

He splashed water into your face then got a hold of you

You wrap your arms around his neck

You look at each other for a moment. And for that moment you felt a spark.

Joe cleared his throat

“Ready to head back in?”- Joe

“Yeah, yeah.”- you

You start to swim through the water till you reach the hot sand and head back in to get ready for dinner.

After two hours everyone is ready. The rest of the family came over to have some quick drinks and appetizers before dinner.

Your dress was a long summer pink dress with a v-neck. Your hair was blow dried and long with a few light strands.

You looked at yourself in the mirror.

Your makeup was perfect. Not bold. Not crazy. But clean and simple.

You grabbed your cute sandal platforms and headed downstairs.

As you walked down the stairs Joe’s youngest niece was playing on playing on the steps with her dolls

“Oh! Hi Anna. What are you doing?”- You

“Playing mermaids!”- Anna

You laugh

“Want to come downstairs with me and play?”- you

Anna shot up

“Yes!”- Anna

You grabbed her dolls and held her hand down the stairs

As you walked down the last step everyone turned towards you

“I hope I’m not the last one done.”- you

“Oh, please. Robin is still getting ready. No rush.”- Jimmy

“Anna! Have you been playing with aunty y/n?”- Daniel

Anna nodded

“She’s ma favorite.”- Anna said reaching up for you to pick her up

“What? Not me?”- Joe

You laugh

“You’re not as cool as me, Joey.”- you

“Ouch.”- joe said

You roll your eyes.

“Everyone ready?”- Robin

Everyone nodded

“You look beautiful, Robin.”- you

“Aw, thank you sweetie! Woah! And look at you. You look gorgeous.”- Robin

You smile and thank her.

…………………………………………………………………….

After dinner everyone was full and exhausted. Except for you and joe.

As you two walked in the house joe turned to you

“Want to take a night walk? Like we used to.”- joe

“I would love that!”- you

Joe smiled

He turned to his family

“We will be back. Going to go for a walk along the beach.”- joe

“Ok! Don’t be out too late.”- Robin

“We won’t!”- you

You two close the door behind you and take the stairs to the beach

“She still acts like we are 12 years old.”- Joe

“She’s your mom. Looking out for us.”- you

Joe gave you a stare

“Jeez, sorry.”- you say throwing your hands up then laughing

The sand hits your feet as you take off your shoes and hold them.

Joe let’s put a sigh

“How’ve you been?”- Joe

You look at him

“Been good. Working hard. A little stressed but I’m glad to be here. Be here with the family. With you.”- you

“Good.”- Joe

“You?”- you

“Good. Excited for the next season, but glad to be here. Happy you made it. Take my mind off things.”- Joe

You nod

Then silence. Not bad silence. Not awkward. Just silence.

“You look pretty tonight. You always do.”- Joe

He just stared down at his feet. Obviously having socks on.

“Thanks. You look nice. You always do.”- you smile

Joe gives you a smirk

“I saw what you did there.”- Joe

You both laugh

“I…want to talk to you about something.”- Joe

“Uh oh.”- you

Joe chuckled

“No..no. It’s nothing bad. Actually, you can decide that.”- Joe

You nod

Joe stops in his tracks

“You know when you get butterflies in your stomach whenever you see someone you like or when they are around you?”- Joe

“Yeah?”- You

“Well, I get butterflies. I get them a lot. Because I like this girl. I have for a very long time. And every single time I’m around her I catch myself feeling butterflies.”- Joe

“Oh! That’s great, Joey. What’s she like?”- You

“She’s sweet. Probably one of the sweetest people I know. She’s caring. She honestly cares so much for people I don’t know if she stops and even takes care of herself. She will brighten up any room she walks into. I know when I have a shitty day at work I can call her and it will make my days better because of just hearing her voice. She’s funny too. Even when she’s not trying to be. And she’s a hard worker. She prides herself on her work. And I love her.”- Joe

You were speechless

“Wow…um. I’m really happy for you, joe. Who’s the lucky lady?”- you

Joe pauses for a moment

“…you.”- Joe

Your mind went blank

“What?”- You

“You, y/n.”- Joe

“That’s a nice joke, Joey.”- you

“Y/n, I’m being serious.”- Joe

You could tell he had his serious face on

“Joe… are you actually serious? Me? Nothings special about me.”- You

“Stop saying that, y/n! I hate when you say that. You’re the most beautiful girl I know. All the things I said. I meant it. All of it.”- Joe

“I…I don’t know what to say.”- you

Joe took a deep breath

“I..just had to get that off my chest. It’s ok if you don’t feel the same way.”- Joe

“Joe, I do feel the same way.”- You

Joe starts walking away

“Don’t just be saying that to make me feel better. It’s ok if you don’t.”- Joe

“Well, I thought you said you knew me for a long time, so I would think you should know when I’m telling the truth.”- You

Joe keeps walking

“I love you. I love you, Joe burrow.”- You

Joe stops.

“What?”- Joe

“I have loved you ever since you said hi to me at that playground and never left my side. I have always loved you, Joesph. I have loved you when you were just a back up quarterback and had probably the lowest confidence in the world. I have loved you ever since you held that heisman trophy up in New York City. And I have loved you ever since then. Ever since we were eight years old.”- You

Joe runs up to you and crashes he lips against yours

Your breath hitches

“I guess we’re even.”- Joe

You laugh

“Yeah.”- you

“Want to go back home?”- Joe

You nod while intertwining her hand in his and turning back around.

It was almost midnight. The only light in the house was the lamp next to the couch.

“Want to watch SpongeBob?”- Joe

You chuckle

“Sure.”- you

You two plop down on the coach as joe grabs the remote to turn it on.

He lowers the volume and switched the channel.

He puts his arm around your back and his hand resting on your shoulder tracing circles.

You guys didn’t notice you feel asleep until the next morning.

Robin and Jimmy both wake up and head to the kitchen.

“Today I think we should pack food and go-”- Robin stops in her tracks

There you two are. Sound asleep. Your head rests on joes chest as his arm snakes around your waist.

“Oh my god! Jimmy, look.”- Robin whispered

“What?Oh my!”- Jimmy

They stare at you guys for a moment.

“What’s going on?”-Jamie walks into the house.

“Shh.”- robin

Jamie eyes go towards the couch

“Well, look what happened here. I knew they would always end up together.”- Jamie

“Are you sure they look…together? They always have been cuddly and they like to hug.”- Robin

Your eyes begin to open from the soft conversation you hear. Just as joe starts to.

Your head lift up

“Well- oh good morning!”- Robin

“Hi…”- you

“How did you guys sleep?”- Jamie

Joe stares at him

“Umm, good. I guess we didn’t make it to bed.”- You laugh

“Well, we are leaving in around an hour. How about you two wash up and have some coffee before we go.”- Robin

Joe and yourself nod

Joe gets up and extends his hand out to you to lace your fingers with his.

You laugh to yourself

Joe kisses your head

“Woah-woah! What’s going on here?”- Jamie

You both laugh

“Are you guys together?”- Jimmy

You both nod

“Oh my god!”- Robin smiles big and claps her hands

“I’m so happy for you two. I knew it would happen. I just knew it.”- Robin

“Thank you!”- you

You hug her

“I’m going to get in the shower. I’ll be down soon.”- You

You turn around and give joe a kiss on the cheek and head upstairs

Joe smiles to himself

“I’ll see you guys in a few.”- Joe then heads up

Jamie waits till joe leaves to say something

“So, when do you think wedding is?”- Jamie

———————————————————————

[obsessedelusional]

best friends?

paring ↬ Eddie Munson x fem!reader

summary ↬ Since birth your entire life revolved around one person, your best friend—Eddie Munson. The two of you always close but never crossing any boundaries that would allow you to be anything more than friends. It wasn’t until college that you were able to experience a life without him. Making other friends and dating, without his presence. Lead you feeling like things would be different when you returned to Hawkins. What happens when you do return, the both of you being a little drunk and in your feelings?

a/n: wrote this forever ago but never uploaded cuz I thought it was a lil cheesy but missing my mans Eddie so took the time to re read it and change some bits, hope you enjoy xx

Feedback & Reblogs appreciated! Thank you ♥︎

⋆. 𝜗𝜚 ˚⋆

You stand outside, trying to summon the courage to step into the party being thrown in your honor. The trailer, once a place that brought you so much peace, now feels like a source of overwhelming anxiety. It belonged to Eddie, your best friend. The person who has been by your side since diapers. The two of you had been inseparable growing up, all the way through high school. But that was a year ago. So much had changed during your first year of college. You’d seen him a handful of times since then, but it was nothing like the bond you used to share.

With your first year of college coming to an end, you’ve returned to your hometown. As soon as Eddie heard you were coming back, he insisted on throwing a party, just like old times. Unable to tell that him no, you reluctantly agreed.

Standing in front of his trailer, you find yourself frozen, unable to cross the threshold. It’s been months since you last saw him. It was some time during Christmas break. In a desperate attempt to muster some liquid courage, you’d taken a few large gulps of liquor before making the short walk here.

It wasn’t helping.

The first 18 years of your life were spent with Eddie. Your fathers were best friends, which made you friends by situation. It didn’t take much for it to become an all consuming friendship between. Only becoming closer when everything happened to his mother, then his father leaving him with his uncle when he was still in grade school. Becoming his only constant in his life. The two of you always so close but never crossing that boundary between friends and lovers. Even though you so desperately craved it.

Your high school years were spent pining after your best friend, watching him date girls that weren’t you. College gave you the chance to step outside Eddie’s orbit. You found a world outside of Munson, making friends and even dating. Slowly, your world stopped revolving around him. You thought you’d return as a more confident version of yourself.

But now, standing here, terrified of seeing those big brown eyes, you realize just how fragile that progress was. One look, and you fear you’ll revert to that awkward teenager with unrequited love for her lifelong friend. A part of you knows that shy girl is still there, lingering beneath the surface. No one has ever compared to Eddie Munson in your life.

Someone pushes past you, jolting you out of your thoughts. Following closely behind, you step into the trailer. The interior hasn’t changed, it’s like stepping into the past. You force yourself to move, slipping through the sliding glass door into the backyard. Music is blasting, and the crowd is alive with laughter and chatter.

Eddie sits by the fire pit, looking a little lost. He’s already had a few drinks, his gaze fixed on the ground as he takes another swig from a beer bottle. The sight of him, so familiar, so achingly Eddie. And fuck does it do a number on you.

Within seconds, you’re seated next to him.

“Mind if I have a drink?” you ask.

Eddie looks up, his frown softening into a half smile. He doesn’t respond immediately, just staring at you like he’s making sure you’re really there. Finally, he says, “I thought you didn’t drink anymore.”

“Yeah, well… tonight’s an exception,” you reply, accepting the beer he hands you.

“I missed you,” Eddie admits, his voice quieter than usual.

“I missed you too.”

“How have you been?” You ask as he takes too long to respond, willing the conversation to move forward.

For a while, the two of you catch up—his job at the mechanic shop, the band’s success with gigs in neighboring towns. He looks genuinely happy talking about his music, and you can’t help but admire the passion lighting up his face. Noticing how much more animated he is talking about what the bands been up to. Knowing that he had always hoped to make it big, that working with his Uncle was not where he wanted to be but accepted it.

“You should come to one of our shows while you’re in town.” He suggests, looking at you eagerly while waiting for a response.

“That’d be fun,” you reply, trying to sound casual, but your heart is racing. Eddie’s excitement is infectious, and the way he’s looking at you now is making it impossible to focus.

“We’re playing at The Hideout next weekend,” he says, leaning forward slightly. “You can’t miss it.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” you say, your lips curving into a smile as you take another sip of the beer he handed you.

Eddie’s grin widens, his dimples deepening, and you can feel the familiar pull he’s always had on you. It’s annoying, really. One conversation, one smile, and you’re already wondering if the progress you made this year was all for nothing.

“It’ll be just like old times,” he says, nudging you with his shoulder. “You and me, rocking out. Well, me rocking out. You cheering like my number one fan.”

“Always your number one fan,” you admit softly, the words slipping out before you can stop them.

Eddie’s gaze lingers on you for a moment longer than it should, his playful smirk faltering into something more serious. “I missed this,” he says quietly. “Missed you.”

You look down at your drink, avoiding his eyes. “I missed you too, Eddie.”

“How’s college life been?” Eddie asks, flipping the conversation onto you.

“Good… it’s been really good. I’ve been making friends and dating—getting the whole college experience.”

“You still with that loser Michael?”

“No.”

“Oh shit… I’m sorry,” he says, immediately regretting the casual diss.

“It’s fine.” You laugh because, if there’s one thing Michael was, it’s a loser. Eddie had called it from the start, but you didn’t want to believe him. Now, having experienced it yourself, you know he was right.

“What happened?” Eddie asks curiously, avoiding eye contact.

“I’m not nearly drunk enough to talk about him yet,” you say, shaking your head and laughing at the thought of explaining.

“Then keep drinking,” Eddie laughs with you. You listen, raising the can to your lips and taking a large swig.

“You know who’s here tonight?” Eddie asks after a brief silence.

“Who?” you reply, glancing around at the familiar faces. You hadn’t greeted anyone else, immediately finding Eddie and slipping back into old habits.

“Mark.”

His name immediately tempts an eye roll, but you suppress it. You don’t bother scanning the room for him. No need to open that can of worms.

“You used to like Mark, right? Back in high school?” Eddie presses, cracking the lid open anyway.

“Yeah…” you admit reluctantly.

“Why didn’t you ever date him?”

“I don’t know. I think I was just scared,” you lie, avoiding Eddie’s gaze and taking another sip.

“But you liked him, and he liked you. That much was obvious. He’s a nice guy. Smart, too,” Eddie adds, scratching his head.

When you finally look up, Eddie’s eyes are already on you. His gaze holds a quiet intensity that makes your cheeks heat up—or maybe it’s the shots and beers working their way through your system. Either way, you’re sure your face is flushed.

“I guess I just… had my eyes elsewhere,” you admit, your voice soft as your eyes stay locked with his.

Eddie raises an eyebrow. His face is unreadable, but you can tell he’s intrigued.

“Had your eyes elsewhere?” he repeats, sipping his beer and waiting for you to elaborate.

“Yeah…”

“Who were you looking at?”

“I wasn’t going to admit it then, and I’m not starting now,” you retort defensively, laughing to cover the tension.

“Oh, come on. Don’t be shy. It’s fine, we were kids. Crushes are normal.” Eddie nudges you playfully, trying to lighten the mood.

“No, it’s stupid.” You shake your head, but Eddie’s gaze doesn’t waver. He’s thinking hard, trying to piece it together.

“Was it me?” His voice is casual, but the words hit you like a thunderbolt. You freeze, and Eddie just keeps looking at you, calm but expectant.

“Yeah… I used to have the stupidest crush on you,” you admit with a laugh, hoping your flippant tone hides how much you mean it.

Eddie grins, blushing slightly. “Did you ever think we’d date?”

“I used to hope so,” you admit, fidgeting with your empty beer can. “But part of me knew it’d never happen.”

Eddie’s brow furrows, his expression serious now. “Why not? Why did you think we wouldn’t?”

“Because you’re you, and I’m me. I never thought you’d even look at me like that. I was shy, socially awkward—a giant loser,” you confess, laying your insecurities bare.

Eddie frowns, genuinely upset by your words. “You were never a loser to me,” he says softly. He sets his beer aside, leaning forward slightly.

“Why didn’t you ever say anything or make a move?” He asks not giving you a chance to respond to his last statement.

“I’d rather have stayed your friend than risk losing you if my feelings weren’t mutual.”

Eddie sighs, nodding in understanding. “You weren’t the only one who felt that way. I thought someone like you would never want to be with me. You were smart, going places. It just made sense that you’d end up with someone else. Someone better.”

You scoff, shaking your head. “Eddie, I followed you around like a lost puppy. I did anything and everything you asked. I started smoking, drinking, partying. All just to be around you more. I was so helplessly, pathetically in love with you.”

Eddie stares at you, stunned into silence for a moment.

“If you were so in love with me, why didn’t you ever say anything?” His voice is quiet, almost disbelieving.

“I thought you had to know. Everyone knew. I’d get teased about it constantly—people at school, our friends, even our parents. And every time, without fail, you denied it,” you say, holding his gaze.

Eddie rubs the back of his neck, looking guilty. “Yeah, I heard the teasing too. I just… I didn’t think you felt that way for real. Have you always felt this way?”

“It’s always been there,” you admit. “Even when we were kids, but it got stronger when we got older.”

“And do you still feel that way?” Eddie asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

You hesitate, but honesty wins out. “I feel like it’ll always be there, whether I want it to be or not.”

Eddie exhales deeply, running his hands through his hair. His silence is deafening, and your nerves spike.

“Say something,” you urge, forcing a weak laugh to cover how vulnerable you feel.

Eddie finally looks at you, his eyes soft and contemplative. “I don’t know what to say. I feel like an idiot for not seeing it before. For not doing something about it back then.”

You shrug, smiling faintly. “It’s ancient history now, right? I mean, we’re just friends, and that’s fine. It’s great, even.”

Eddie tilts his head, studying you with a mix of disbelief and something you can’t quite name. “Do you really think that’s all we’ve ever been?”

“Isn’t it?” you counter, trying to keep your voice steady.

He doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he leans back, staring at the ceiling as though searching for the right words. Finally, he sighs.

“Maybe it was all I let it be,” he admits. “I didn’t think I deserved to have you like me. Not like that. So I never let myself think about it. I shut it down before it could even start.”

Your chest tightens at his confession, and suddenly, the air between you feels heavier.

“Well,” you murmur, breaking the tension with a nervous laugh, “we’re quite a pair, aren’t we? Both too scared to say anything, both too blind to see what was right in front of us.”

Eddie chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Yeah, guess we are.”

“Did you really start smoking, drinking, and partying just to be around me more?” he chuckles as he asks.

“Unfortunately, yes. You probably could’ve asked me to do crack, and I would’ve considered it back then.” You laugh, and he laughs with you at your honesty. He’s never seen that side of you before; no one’s ever had the guts to be this honest.

“You were crazy about me, huh?” he grins.

“Yes, and it was embarrassing, Eddie.”

“So, that’s why you never dated anyone? Because I was too stupid to see you right in front of me?” Eddie says, not really asking, just confirming it out loud to himself.

“What happened with Michael then? Why’d you two break up?” Eddie asks, curiously looking at his bottle.

“We broke up a few weeks ago. He was nice… but boring. And I’m boring, so for me to think someone else is boring, they have to be really boring.” As you speak, he laughs. He always disliked Michael and never let you forget it.

“You didn’t really see a future with him then?” Eddie asks, already knowing the answer.

“I tried to… he was so rich. Like, I could’ve had a few kids and never lifted a finger again—type rich. But his lack of personality and being terrible in bed, I couldn’t look past those things.” You can’t help the drunk laughter that comes as you speak, surprised by how honest you’re being.

Eddie’s face mirrors your surprise when you finally stop staring at your bottle. He can’t help but laugh. It’s the first time he’s heard you joke about something so serious.

“Bad in bed?” Eddie laughs so much he has tears in his eyes. He looks at you, and your eyes are now a little glazed.

“Mhmm… I had to do all the work. He had a very teeny weeny.” You laugh as the confession leaves your mouth. Sober you would have never admitted this outloud. Eddie shakes his head as if he can’t believe the words coming from you.

“Damn… he was tiny?”

“I’m sorry… I’m starting to feel the effects of the drinks and losing my filter.” You set your empty bottle down, bringing your cold hands to cover your warm face in embarrassment. Eddie laughs even more, clearly enjoying this side of you.

“Keep going, this is great. How tiny exactly are we talking?” Eddie can’t help but ask, curious to hear just how small this guy really was.

“He had a micro penis, like scientifically. A doctor diagnosed him. It’s one thing to have a teeny weeny, but at least compensate elsewhere.” You huff in annoyance. You know you shouldn’t be admitting this to Eddie, but it feels good to finally get it off your chest. The girlfriends you had in school would always try to see the positive in Michael and talk you down.

“He couldn’t compensate anywhere else either?” Eddie asks, still laughing, and you can tell he might even start to cry from how hard he’s laughing.

“Nope.”

“Damn. That’s a shame.”

“I know. The first time I went to have sex, and he has a micro penis. Just my luck.”

“That must have been a disappointment for sure. You were this young, cute girl wanting to get it in, and he turns around and pulls out that little thing?” Eddie says, with a laugh holding his hand out to show how small it was.

He can’t help but think of his own cock, it’s definitely not micro. It’s something he’s always been proud of, large and heavy. His mind wonders to thoughts of his sliding his length inbetween your folds, until you beg from him to finally fuck you. His thoughts interrupted when you speak.

“Yeah.. I tried really hard to no judge him and make it work. After six months, I couldn’t do it anymore.” As you speak, his eyes dart to your lips. He’s enjoying this conversation but now his mind is elsewhere. He can feel the heat growing between his legs, his dick stiffens as he porrly attempts to push those thoughts away.

"Do you know how much I wish I’d paid more attention back then? Save you all that trouble. I wish I could go back and do things right. If I could, I’d make a move on you in a heartbeat. But that’s in the past. I’m not letting you slip away again.” Eddie’s voice is genuine, tinged with frustration. He can’t help but imagine how different things might have been if one of you had made a move when you were younger.

“Is it too late for us?” Eddie asks, his voice quiet but earnest. He doesn’t want to mess this up now, not after finally finding the courage to be honest with you.

“I don’t think so. I’m willing… if you are.” You answer, looking down at the tiny space between you, now nearly nonexistent.

You meet his eyes again, and this time, his gaze shifts to your lips. That’s all it takes. Before Eddie can respond, you pull him closer and kiss him hungrily. He matches your intensity, kissing you back with just as much passion. Your hands tangle in his hair, pulling him closer as the kiss deepens—an image you’d imagined countless times before. A smile plays on your lips, and the sound of Eddie’s groan fills the air as your kiss continues.

After a few more heated moments, Eddie pulls away first, his lips swollen and red. You can’t see yourself, but you imagine you look the same.

“Do you have any plans this weekend?” he asks between breaths, trying to catch his voice.

“No,” you answer, barely able to focus on the words.

“Good, I’m going to pick you up Saturday night. We’re going on the most stereo typical high school date. Make up for all those missed out years.” Eddie’s grin is mischievous.

“Oh yeah? What does that entail?”

“First I’m gonna take you to Al’s dinner, cop a feel at the movie theaters and then drive you to the look out and hope that I get lucky.” He teases, kissing you swiftly as if it’s the most natural occurrence.

“We used to do all those things but without the kissing and heavy petting.” You say and can’t help the eye roll that happens, as you bite your lip trying not to smile.

“Yeah but I’m not holding back no more. Now that I know your feelings are mutual, prepare to be sick of me.”

“Dunno if I could ever get sick of you, Eddie.” You admit, honestly.

“Good. I’m going to make you so damn happy. You’ll never get bored with me,” he says, laughing as he throws a jab at your ex.

“I believe it,” you smile, your fingers intertwining with his.

“It may sound cheesy, but I want to be the guy who can walk into a room and make you feel the most comfortable and safe. When people see us together, I want them to know that we’ve found the best in each other.”

“Eddie, you’ve always been that for me.”

“Good, and I’m only going to get better when I’m your boyfriend. That’s a promise.” Eddie’s voice is full of confidence, even a bit cocky now, but it’s clear he knows what he’s capable of. He’s determined to be the man you’ve always deserved.

[muxshwriting]

almost (sweet music)

Bradley Bradshaw x reader

summary: a summer where you and Bradley remind Maverick of Goose and Carole || warnings: literally one swear word, mentions of pregnancy, childbirth (mentioned) || word count: 793 || masterlist

You had Bradley had met at the Hard Deck and hit it off instantly. You were charmed by his carefree attitude and charisma, and he was charmed by your kindness and your heart. Both of you had found the perfect person to spend the rest of their lives with, to be yourselves with. Bradley had never been more sure about anything in his life when he thought about marrying you. Your family loved him and, in turn, the squadron and especially Maverick, loved you.

Maverick viewed Bradley like a son, and was very particular about the girl that had captured his heart. However, the second he saw you, he was pulled in my your very soul, the pureness that was simply you. Bradley was lucky to find someone so well matched for him. There was something else, though. There were moments where Maverick would glance over to you and Bradley and see Goose and Carole staring back at him.

It began the night you and Bradley got engaged and went out to the Hard Deck to celebrate. As all good nights at the Hard Deck do, it ended with Bradley at the piano. Despite being at least eight beers in, he was rather coherent and playing a recognisable tune. Patrons and other people all joined in on the fun, crowding around the piano. You, smiling unabashedly at your man, were standing directly next to Bradley, leaning against the piano, glass in hand as you sang to whatever he was playing. Bradley had reached up, pulling you closer and down onto his lap. He kissed you passionately, laughing with you as he continued to play, choosing to stare lovingly at you instead of what notes he was hitting.

★--~-~--★

Then came your wedding, a beautifully private affair with a few friends and family members from both sides. Your vows were perfect, encapsulating your love for Bradley in a few short words. “Bradley, there are no words to fully describe how I feel about you but I will say this: I’ve never felt as much comfort as I have whenever I hear your name. It’s so bizarre to have a word that can make you feel so much in a second, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world. I love you.”

Maverick was thrown backwards to Goose, drunk on his bachelors night out, leaning against Maverick and rambling about his soon-to-be wife. “She’s like the wind beneath my wings. It’s so weird that her name makes everything feel alright whenever I hear it. God Mav, she’s perfect.”

★--~-~--★

Maverick will never forget the day that Rooster came to him with the amazing news that he would become a Great Uncle. Or a great, Great Uncle as he reminded Bradley. He had had a few beers in the back garden, talking about everything and nothing going on with life. “Gods Maverick, I’m gonna be a dad. That sounds terrifying, a good kind of terrifying but still terrifying.”

Goose had come onto base, a giddy grin plastered onto his face. “Carole’s pregnant. We���re gonna have our own little bird in the nest.” His eyes widened as he sighed. “A kid Mav, a whole entire human. That’s crazy.” He had hugged Goose, giving him his congratulations for him and Carole, wishing them the best for the future. Goose had stayed ecstatic for a week after the news, nothing could bring his mood down. “I’m gonna be a dad!”

★--~-~--★

He had gotten the call from Rooster that you’d gone into labour and that his son had been born (his son!), inviting Maverick down to the hospital to meet his great nephew. He got to hold him in his arms, a newborn baby, so small and innocent. “What did you name him?”

Rooster had smiled proudly, “Nick Bradshaw.”

From the bed you had perked up, taking your baby back when Pete handed him over. “His full name, however, is Nick Mitchell Bradshaw. We had to fit you in somewhere.” Maverick couldn’t stop the tears from springing in his eyes as he tearfully embraced Bradley.

“I’m a dad!” Goose was whisper shouting through the phone to Pete, trying not to wake his sleeping wife. “Do you want to come meet him?” Maverick was there as soon as he could be, bring in flowers for Carole and patting Goose on the back. “Uncle Maverick, meet Bradley Bradshaw.” Goose was standing there, a shit-eating grin on his face as he wiggled his eyebrows and Maverick burst out laughing, unable to hold it in.

Carole swatted at both their arms, telling them to keep it down for the baby. “Don’t make me regret his middle name.”

“His middle name?” Maverick had asked.

Her expression softened as she glanced over at the baby. “Bradley Pete Bradshaw.”

[wroteclassicaly]

Best-friend!Pervy!Reader and Bestie!Eddie, whom is getting so annoyed with you talking during his campaign planning, that he swats your ass a little too hard (you always slap each other’s butts), and you moan. It causes a chain reaction that ends up in you being over his knee and staring at a carpet full of his nasty magazines, babbling about how you want him to do all of that stuff to you. You do, however, get some teasing of your own in.

“Go look in my bag. I brought something I was gonna use in your bathroom when I took a shower.”

When he brings the vibrator into his sights, his eyes widen. “Wait — is this… One of those toy things?”

“That it is.” You’re smirking as he shifts, clearly growing in discomfort, in more ways than one.

“And you were gonna make yourself at home with it in the bathroom I share with my Uncle? The man you look at across the dinner table four nights a week?”

“After I stole a few of your shirts to hump first, that is also correct.”

You’ve never seen the metal-head, motor-mouth so slack jawed and speechless. Until he he says, “You better fuckin’ show me.”

~*~

“Fuck, sweetheart. No, slap yourself with it harder.” A groan of appreciation, before a deep huff of annoyance. “I fuckin’ said — HARDER!” And he has to force his impulses to stay in control, to not overstep and do it himself.

When you struggle to slap the pulsating end of the buzzing toy to your swollen clit, overly slick, you see Eddie completely drunk on you from his palm to chin position, between the plush of your thick thighs. He’s trying to communicate a want without the desire to cross a boundary. You melt and choke on a gasp of excitement, before you level off your ballooning heart rate with a statement.

“Help me, asshole!”

Rings clink, air is inhaled so sharply that you’re surprised he doesn’t choke. The warmth fans across your cunt, making you arch, your embarrassingly soaked pussy leaking into your ass, causing your cheeks to stick when you move. Eddie’s day old washed curls tickle your calve. Shaking fingers are explorative, hesitant, tickling the creamy curls that have matted above your clit. He dips in seconds later, spreading your lips into a typical V.

Firm, confident direction is given next. His lust clouding his usual demeanor. “There. Like —“ He wraps his spare hand around yours over the toy, bringing it down with a strong, sopping wet smack. You both moan out, his getting caught on the sentence’s finish, “— this.”

[captain-bubble-wrap]

Intemporelle; timeless

Paring: Quinn Hughes | OC Female (Older)

Chapter: 1 of ? | A Chance Meeting

WC: 5,825

Genre: Romance/Fluff

Warnings: Alcohol use, swearing, mentioned depressive thoughts, guilt/shame, embarrassment

Summary: Off-season wedding within the Canucks' organization. Quinn is drunk when he's introduced to a friend of the bride and groom. Things take a turn when he gets sick and requires being tucked into bed.

Big thank you to @insidious-apple for letting me gush about my silly ideas and spamming you with updates.

White flowers fell in cascaded archways over top of every doorway in the chateau's ballroom. No expense had been spared on the wedding, now in full swing, that evening. Guests had been arriving the last three days to the Fairmont Chateau to enjoy the luxuries afforded by their hosts. No matter where you looked, luxe decorations  reminded you of the scope of the affair.

By now, the reception had gone late into the beginning hours of the morning. Parents, grand-parents, aunts, and uncles had all said their goodbyes hours before, leaving the younger generations to continue the festivities. Shoes had been abandoned, empty glasses, and plates of cake littered several tables, their respective owners all mingling on the dance floor or in their rooms entirely.

Madeline Ramsey, best friend of the bride, had gotten to the resort just that morning. Work as a dress consultant in one of Vancouver's high-end bridal stores had kept her away from joining the rest of the bridal party's celebrations and had made her feel like she was playing catch-up ever since the ceremony. She was tall, curvy; a deep brunette with striking sage green eyes. She had just turned thirty-four two months prior in June; becoming now the last of all of her girlfriends to tie the knot. Years before, she was so consumed by the fact that she wasn't even in a relationship let alone engaged, but now, it was just another day on her own.

"Maddie! About time you showed! You were missed!" The groom hollered over the booming DJ equipment. He was obviously feeling no pain, throwing his arm over his friend that was standing next to him and whose conversation had been interrupted when she wandered near. The friend, looked in way worse shape than the groom but equally enjoying his time at the reception, locked eyes on Maddie and never took his eyes off her.

"I'm sorry! You didn't have to schedule your wedding in peak season either! I work in the industry, you know!"

"I forgot about that. But hey! You're here now!"

They stood there for a few minutes, just talking, giving congratulations and catching up. Maddie still being admired from the unintroduced bystander, took a sip of her wine, smiling with her eyes over the rim of her glass.

"Ah, goddamn, sorry! Maddie, Quinn; Quinn, Maddie."

"Hello," she says, making Quinn smile, his eyes finally falling away from her for the first time.

"Quinny's a little shy," the groom jokes. Quinn's face goes beet red in the dimly lit hall, at the sound of being called by one of his nicknames. He receives a playful shove to his shoulder from his teammate before he turns to leave. "I hate to leave you too, but I need to check on my bride. She's been left unsupervised with an open bar...for probably too long. Don't be strangers!"

Maddie said her goodbyes and turned her attention back to Quinn. He was looking down at his feet, kicking one with the other. His awkwardness made her smile. "So, I take it you play with Connor?"

"Yeah, he's a great guy," Quinn replied, trying to keep his drunk gaze on her face. "You're really...pretty."

His compliment was the last thing she had expected to hear so she just stared at him like a deer in the headlights for a second. Knowing she heard him correctly, she still asked him to repeat himself like the music was too loud. 

“I’m sorry, what did you say?” 

Quinn shook his head, trying to make it come off like he hadn’t said anything, realizing in his drunkenness he had some regret over saying what he had. After a few moments, he began to crack a smile. 

“Yeah, huh, you said I was pretty.” Maddie teased, taking another drink from her glass.

“Nuh-uh,” Quinn grinned.

Maddie, realizing he was being full of shit, gave her best fake, dramatic gasp. “How rude!” Quinn just continued to smile that same cheesy grin. Leaving it alone, Maddie looked forward to the dance floor, trying to see if there was anyone she needed to say hello to before while they could still remember seeing her. However, from where she stood it was hard to say. 

“Would you want....would you like to dance?” Quinn blurts out, when the song changes to a slow one making Maddie look back over at the young captain. 

“You want to dance? With me?”

Quinn nodded quickly in succession, like a little boy asked if wanted candy. 

“Since you called me pretty…I guess,” she teased. “Yes, I’ll dance with you.” Putting her glass and clutch down on a nearby table she takes Quinn’s wobbly, outstretched arm and tries her best to let him lead her to the outer fringes of the dance floor. 

At first, Quinn seemed hesitant to put his hands on her for the dance. Maddie helped him along by putting her arms around his neck which brought the two of them together quickly. Quinn’s face burned hot smelling her perfume and feeling her so close to him. 

"Are you okay?" She said, leaning in to tease him. 

"Mhm." He blushed, again. 

The two of them just swayed back and forth to the slow beat of the song, in their own little world and no one paid them a bit of mind. Maddie stood an couple inches taller than Quinn due to her heels but he didn't seem to mind. From time-to-time, she'd look over at Quinn who would just start to giggle. However, towards the end of the song, something changed in his face. 

"Quinn?" Maddie's brows pulled inward. Looking at him a little longer, she knew that look. His breathing had deepened, his brows were knitted together, and he just looked worried. He was going to be sick if she wasn't proactive in getting him out of there, for the sake of his pride if nothing else. "C'mon, let's get you outside."

This time, he doesn't even nod. He fully lets her guide him to the connecting hallway where she hoped she might find a bathroom. Quinn's feet began to drag, like he was fighting the urge to expel his guts all over the marble hallway. 

"You're okay," she reassures, her hand in his. "Hold on just a little longer."

He didn't answer her; didn't even hum an answer, just kept his eyes down and clung to her grasp. Eventually, she'd find him a safe place and he wasted no time pushing through the door while Maddie waited outside. While she stood there, she remembered she had left her purse behind. If she didn't get it now, the possibility of someone else running off with it, or forgetting it entirely, was growing with each second she stood there. 

Down the hall she sprinted - sprinted as fast as she could in her heels - to gather her things and return to Quinn hopefully before he was better. Before she reached the door she slowed to a dignified walk and acted like nothing was wrong. No one needed to know there were things going on; not her friends or his. 

"Maddie!"

"Maddie come here! Where have you been?" A couple bridesmaids spotted her and at the top of their voices they yelled her name. "Come dance with us!"

Maddie just smiled and waved a "no thank you" in their direction. Their audible, disappointed whines melted into the music as she passed by them. She'd blow the group a kiss before finally parting ways, thankful that she had been able to skirt that situation without being too hindered, or asked why she was leaving; worse yet if they had seen her leave with Quinn. 

Back down the hall her heels clicked almost at a panicked pace. She'd turn that final corner to see Quinn sitting on the ground, outside the bathroom door, his head resting on his knees as he hugged them. When his eyes lifted to see her, they were red and wet. He looked so tired, drained, and just like he still felt like shit.

"I'm sorry, Quinn. I just left to get my bag."

Quinn shook his head, his eyes staying locked on her face, "It's okay." 

"C'mon, how about we get you upstairs?" Maddie reached down, both of her arms extended for him to take her hands and get up off the floor. His skin was cool and clammy when he finally decided to move and reach out for her. "Nice and slow." 

He had lost his suit jacket by this point, it laid beside him in a crumpled heap but he was so wobbly getting back up that Maddie decided to get it for him instead. Quinn stood against the wall, his breathing slowed now and he was leaning.

"Do you have your room key, Quinn?" She asked respectfully feeling around in the pockets of the jacket in case it was in there. 

"Mhm, somewhere. Oh, here, I think." From the pocket of his pants, Quinn produced the black room key and did his best to hand it to her. 

"Thank you. Do you want to wear your jacket?" Maddie asked, thought it laid draped over her left arm. He shook his head and stayed leaning against the wall. "Do you need a minute?"

"No."

He sounded awful; like there was nothing left in him to interact with. Maddie put her hand against his back and his eyes opened, looking at her with exhaustion. She wanted to help him, but there was only so much comfort she could offer him from their current position. "Ready?"

"Yeah."

Getting Quinn towards the elevator had been easier than getting him to the bathroom, but it was still no speed walk. He was still wobbly underfoot and couldn't walk in a straight line without Maddie as a bumper. He mumbled inaudible apologies, laying his head on her shoulder as the elevator doors closed and pulled them upwards towards the top floor suites. 

"I...sorry." Quinn spoke through a sigh. "I am...I'm really sorry."

Maddie smiled, her cheek laying against his head ever so slightly to give him that brief moment of unashamed comfort. "We've all been there, Quinn, it's fine! You'll feel better in the morning."

"I don't...think....I doubt it," he replied, causing Maddie to stifle a laugh. His deep, full-bodied sighs were the only sound beyond the dings from the floors the elevator was passing.  The chateau's top floor opened up to the two of them and she let Quinn step out at his own pace. Naturally, his room would be at the other end of the hall but she never once rushed him. It didn't matter if it took five minutes or fifteen, she'd let him stop whenever he needed to collect himself. 

"Do you...have...do you have my key?" He asked, feeling around in his pocket. His voice was getting deeper, more monotone. Was he getting more relaxed or just on the verge of falling asleep? 

"Yes, Quinn, I have your key."

"Oh, okay."

The lock clicked and with the weighted door pushed open, Maddie would insist Quinn go in first. He put one hand on the door, then the other on the wall and felt his way inside while Maddie stayed close behind; her fingertips hovering just behind the center of his back. He'd find his way safely to the edge of the bed and flopped down with another heavy sigh, laying on his back.

"I'm sorry," Quinn continued to apologize, his hands covering his eyes. "I'm...I'm really sorry."

"Don't be sorry," she added, hanging up his jacket. "Do want some help getting into bed?"

"Yes, please. Wait, no, yeah...I don't know."

Maddie smiled though Quinn never saw it. She stood there just looking at him have an existential crisis in real time. "Come on, let me help you or else you're just going to lay there all night in your suit."

"I'm fine."

"Quinn." Maddie said, her brows raised.

"Okay." He was just being a big kid at this point but she found it cute. She'd get his shoes untied and him pulled back up to a seated position. His little legs didn't reach the floor and she'd find Quinn kicking his sock feet when she turned back around. 

Quinn's golden eyes just looked at her while she slowly unbuttoned his dress shirt. "Have I told you...that I think....that you're really pretty?"

Maddie tried not to look at him, not out of embarrassment, but because she, too, wanted to get back to her room and if she looked at him every time he said something adorable, she'd be there all night. However, when he brought a hand up to stop her from undoing another button, she had no choice.

"Have I? Because you...because you are." The natural sincerity in his words touched her, drunk or not. The look in his eyes said nothing but the truth. 

"You have, a couple times, yes," she smiled, his hand still holding on to both of hers. "That's very sweet of you."

Finally, the childlike joy flashed in his eyes again and he mirrored her smile, "Okay...okay good. Someone should...you should be told that." 

"Alright, Prince Charming, can I finish what I'm doing?" Maddie winked.

"You're trying to get me...you're taking my clothes off! You're...you want me naked, huh?"

This time she couldn't help but snort, she laughs so hard. Quinn just looks at her wide eyed and serious; almost shocked thinking he got her intentions correct. 

"I knew it! Here, I'll...I'll help you!"

"Quinn it's fine! I--," but before she could finish her sentence, he started fussing with his belt but clumsy fingers couldn't conquer the buckle. 

"I can't...I'm stuck...in my pants. Wow..."

Shaking her head she'd finally finish with the last remaining buttons of his shirt while he hung his head in what appeared to be the most self-defeating shame. She was, however, able to get him to his feet just long enough to get him out of his pants, leaving him wobbly there in a t-shirt and his underwear. 

"Okay, bedtime," Maddie said, giving his back a little tap. 

"Okay," he yawned, shuffling a few feet towards the turned back covers. Once he was under the blankets she put his phone on the charger but not before putting her number in his contacts, just in case.

"If you need anything, you can call me, alright? Do you remember my name?" 

"Maddie?"

"Mhm, so if you need anything, just call, okay?"

"Thank you," Quinn said, giving her one of his bashful grins from earlier in the evening. 

Maddie, standing next to him held her hair back before leaning forward to place a soft kiss to his forehead. Quinn smiled wider, snuggling deeper beneath the blankets after she turned off the light. "Good night, Prince Charming."

"Good night, Maddie. It was...I'm glad that...it was really nice to meet you." 

"It was lovely to meet you, too, Quinn. Get some sleep, okay?"

"Thank you, you too."

In the darkness of the room Maddie smiled, before turning away from her not-so secret admirer. Once the door closed behind her, she hoped he'd be alright through the night. She felt that after some good sleep he'd bounce back to his old self which was a thought that she held for herself as well. And with said thought, Maddie returned to her own room, two floors down from Quinn's, instead of returning to the reception. 

Maddie's room was much smaller than Quinn's suite, but seeing as she could only stay the one night, it was for the best, plus, she didn't have NHL money to afford the twenty-five-hundred-dollars a night charge. She undid the ankle straps of her stilettos, removed her jewelry, and slipped out of her dress. Having those heels off was such a relief but walking without them was terribly painful. 

The cold tile brought some relief, as she stood before the vanity removing her makeup. Hot steam rolled from the spa-like tub filling with water and fragrant scents behind her. By this point, it was well after 2am, and by her face in the mirror, she felt it. This bath would be well worth the wait. 

--

Forty minutes later, with her hair in a messy top-bun, Maddie stood there in an oversized t-shirt and a pair of boyshorts. She was exhausted as she applied her skincare, yearning for the comforting embrace of her bed that was just around the corner. That was before her phone began to ring in the next room. There was only one person she could think of that would be calling her: Quinn. 

"Quinn?"

From the other end of the phone, a slight reverberation echoed with each word he struggled to speak. 

"I need you. Please."

"Okay, okay, I'll be there in a few minutes," she replied, worried. 

His line went dead and the phone call ended. Maddie didn't even bother putting on her leggings; just slipped on her white sneakers, grabbed her phone and sprinted down her own hallway to get to Quinn as fast as she could. The elevator took forever to open to her floor but at least it had been empty. Her acrylic nails tapped against the buttons, queuing Quinn's floor as she impatiently waited for the final stop. 

"610, 611, 612," Maddie whispered to herself, hoping she had remember the correct room number. Knocking lightly, she hoped he would hear her.

"I'm sorry," Quinn said, opening the door to her slowly. He was covered in sweat, his white shirt damp and his hair all in front of his eyes. 

"What's wrong?" No sooner had she reached for his shoulder, Quinn was turning away to stumble back to the bathroom. 

Dry heaves. The devil.

He had nothing left to lose, but his body was trying to convince him that if he didn't clear his system, he'd continue to be miserable. Maddie followed behind him, seeing him draped over the toilet, his shoulders rolled forward as his body tensed against each retching episode. 

"Oh, Quinn," she said under her breath. She knew his pain; dry heaves were almost worse than actually having to vomit: less painful. Maddie ran a washcloth beneath the cold tap and wrung it out before placing in on the back of his neck. His body shuddered against the sharp sensation which prompted her to run her hand up and down his spine for comfort and support. "You're okay." 

He started to sniffle when he pulled away, feeling awful both physically and about having her see him like this. Maddie would hand him a towel off the warmer and he buried his face in it immediately. Her sympathy for him was growing. He just looked like a little boy getting sick for the first time. 

"Want to try laying back down?"

He nodded. 

"Okay, come on, sweetheart," Maddie cooed, getting him to his feet. His fingers clung to her body without hesitation, unlike before. Now, he came off like he needed her; no longer bashful about being so close to her. "You sit right here, okay?" 

"I'll try," Quinn said, sitting back down on the edge of his bed a second time. She returned to his side with a bottle of water he had left out from earlier in the day. It wasn't full but it would serve its purpose.

"I need you to drink this, okay? Just little sips, alright?"

Quinn took the bottle and brought it to his lips several times; each time he pulled it away, he gasped for air slightly. He was still shaking; his shirt slightly damp from sweat. Maddie was standing directly in front of him, close enough for him to lean into her. When the bottle was nearly empty, Quinn reached out for her and pulled her into him; his head nestled directly between her breasts. She knew he didn't mean to be so forward, so she didn't push him away. 

"You'll be okay, Quinn, I promise," Maddie said softly, both hands lost in his hair. 

Eventually, he'd look up at her, the faint light from the harsh overhead bathroom fixture giving the bedroom enough illumination to see his expression. He looked so worried, so scared by everything going on with him in that moment. Maddie brushed the hair from his forehead; his eyelids fluttering closed each time she brushed them away. 

"Wanna lay back down?"

Quinn's brows pulled together, like he was unsure if he should or not. Maddie continued to play with his hair, her pointed nails raking against his scalp comfortably, 

"I don't want to get sick again." Quinn's voice was meek and solidified the notion that he was scared. 

"I don't think you will. I think your body knows now that everything is gone now. Let's try getting you back in bed, okay?"

He nods again, his arms falling away from her waist as she takes a step back to give him room to move, taking the bottle from him. Quinn slips back beneath the covers as Maddie covers him up to his chin. "Can I get you anything?"

"No, thank you."

"Okay, if you're sure."

"You're not leaving, are you?" He asked, seeing her turn away from him again. Maddie turn back, her eyes locking onto his face immediately. 

"Aw, Quinn you don't have to pout." The sight broke her heart, but she wondered if staying was really the best decision. However, looking at him beneath the covers, his dark eyes conveying immeasurable amounts of sadness, and that bottom lip. How dare he look so cute yet so heartbreakingly miserable. 

"I don't want you to go," he mumbled. 

"You're okay now, I promise."

"Please, stay?" Quinn pleaded again, this time with more emotion in his voice. 

Maddie's eyes pulled away from his face. The bed was an obvious King; too much for one person let alone two. Quinn hadn't come off like a guy who couldn't keep his hands to himself so what harm would it be to stay? 

"Okay, if you want me to say, I'll stay." She tried giving him a reassuring smile, but it didn't change his sorrowful expression. 

Climbing into the bed from the other side, Maddie got close enough to Quinn that if he needed her she was within arms reach. She didn't want to crowd him, they didn't know each other that way. Surely he'd understand, right? She'd let her eyes fall closed but they didn't remain closed for long. The feeling of Quinn's hand touching her bare leg made her flinch.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He mumbled. "I just...I didn't mean it, I just..."

Maddie didn't say anything, instead, she found his arm and followed it downward until her hand found his. Quinn gave hers a little squeeze, his heart falling back into its normal rhythm after his scare. It was all he had wanted in the end. They'd fall asleep hand-in-hand; Quinn's head facing Maddie's on their respective pillows. 

--

Hours later, way into morning, Maddie awoke to find Quinn snuggled up beside her. His stray curls had tickled her nose, pulling her from a comfortable slumber. He remained asleep as she did her best to carefully leave his side, ensuring he stayed asleep. Afterall, it was Quinn who needed to recover from the wild night of drinking, not her. 

Quiet as she could, Maddie laced up her shoes, grabbed her phone and redid her hair before slipping out of the room. She tugged at the hem of the shirt she wore as she walked, and even though it fell just below her backside, she wasn't at a frat house; this was a luxury resort... She felt dirty, like she was walking a modified walk-of-shame. Had Quinn been awake she might have asked to borrow a pair of his sweatpants or something but that just didn't happen. Maybe she could play it off like she had been in the gym or something, but though she wasn't sweating or out of breath, it might just look like a big lie. 

Thankfully for Maddie, there was no one around. Everyone still seemed to be sleeping off their hangovers which kept the halls and elevators empty. Once back inside her room, everything was like she had left it in her frantic leaving some hours prior. The lights were still on, her bed was still made, even the containers of skincare remained open and strewn about the counter like she was in the process of applying it. Looking at the mess, she couldn't believe she had just dropped everything for a guy she had just met. Granted, the way Quinn had sounded and what he had said, it had conveyed urgency. She'd spend the next hour packing and preparing to head back to Vancouver. 

--

It was the headache that had woken Quinn up. 

The curtains were still drawn, his phone was silent, and he was alone. He didn't dream about everything that had happened the night before, had he? He had met Maddie, and gotten sick, and had begged her to stay, right? They went to bed together, too? Where was she now, he wondered. Clawing his way up to rest his body weight on his forearms, he looked around the room, but there was no sign of her; no sound but the gentle whistle of the air conditioner. 

Quinn sighed, pinching his eyes shut before the buzzing of his phone on the nightstand grabbed his attention.

--

Connor: Hey bud (10:38am)

Connor: You alive? (10:38am)

Connor: Just checking in 

Didnt see you again after leaving you with maddie (10:39am)

Quinn: Yeah, I'm alive. (10:40am)

Connor: Thats good

She treat you alright? ;) (10:42am)

Quinn: Yeah, I'm pretty sure I made an ass of myself, though. 

She's the only reason I made it back to my room this morning. (10:45am)

Connor: ooooh ;) (10:45am)

Quinn: It was nothing like that. (10:47am)

Connor: Well damn, lol

You get sick? (10:48am)

Quinn: Yes. (10:49am)

Connor: On her? (10:54am)

Quinn: No, but I have a feeling I said some things I shouldn't have. (10:56am)

Connor: Oh im sure shes okay (10:58am)

Quinn: Hopefully. 

I need to get up and shower. What are you guys doing today? (11:01am)

Connor: Sounds good

Come meet us downstairs for brunch (11:09am)

Quinn: I'll see you in a few. (11:11am)

--

Quinn let his phone from his hand into the duvet as he laid on his back once his conversation with Connor had concluded. He had no strength to get out of bed and get in the shower, though he knew the hot water would likely bring him some comfort. Several minutes passed before he finally threw the covers aside and left the warm embrace of the linens. 

Before he made it to the bathroom, in the small closet area, Quinn noticed his suit hung up and his dress shoes on the rack below it. He hadn't expected to see everything so nice, so tenderly cared for. Maddie really had taken care of him from the moment she had met him. Normally, he would have smiled to himself at such a kindness, but instead Quinn found himself with an opposite emotion. He should have been able to do everything she had done for him on his own. Instead, he was ashamed of everything and dreaded hearing of anything he didn't remember. 

Hanging his head, Quinn entered the bathroom and hoped the hot steam would erase his lingering shame. 

--

"Maddie! You're not leaving us, are you?" Sarah, the bride of the whole affair said, seeing her best friend walking past their private, outdoor dining area. The chateau had no shortage of stunning views, outdoor patios, and grand interior decorating. Maddie was sad to be leaving after essentially just arriving, and considering she hadn't even turned back the blankets of her bed, it was shame to just pack up and leave, but she had other obligations. 

Maddie stopped and gave a sorrowful expression to her childhood friend. "I've gotta get back to the city, babe!"

"Not even for brunch and mimosas? You literally just got here!" Sarah got up from her table and made her way to where Maddie had stopped. They met in a hug and Sarah hoped she could still convince her friend to stay just a little longer. 

"Yeah, I know, and I want to stay, but I just have so much to do. It was so hard for me to even get yesterday off! I have over a dozen appointments a day right now. I'm working twelves just to make my numbers." 

Sarah pouted, both because she hadn't been convincing enough and also because she hated to hear how over-worked her bestie was. "Well, we'll have to meet up sometime when you have a minute. I miss you, girlie!"

"I miss you, too!" Maddie responded, giving Sarah another loving hug. 

"You be careful! Text me when you get home, please!"

"Oh, absolutely, I'd like that. And Connor, you take care of her for me!" Maddie threatened playfully. Connor returned comments of assurance before giving his well-wishes as well. She didn't like goodbyes, but thankfully they were all around Vancouver and it was easy enough to make plans. Maddie would just have to survive wedding season first. 

"Well, we'll let you go! Please, be careful!"

"I will. Love you," Maddie said, with one final goodbye.

"We love you, too!"

Before Maddie left, Connor left the table to give her his personal farewells. His hug was tighter than Sarah's but it came with a meaning.

"Hey, thanks for taking care of Quinn the other night. I appreciate it."

Maddie pulled away, and looked upon his face with confusion. "He told you about that?"

"Yeah, and he was pretty embarrassed. I just wanted to thank you. I don't think anyone else would have done that."

She gave him a slight nod, a silent agreement between the two of them. Maddie waved back to the table once they parted ways and turned back towards the direction of the main lobby. At the same time she was leaving, Quinn rounded the corner and stopped when he saw her. Those legs, bare beneath the pale, floral sundress she was wearing; the same ones he vaguely remembered touching by accident. The dread came flooding in once again, remembering bits and pieces of things he had done that morning. She was leaving and he found himself feeling sad yet he was unable to do anything but watch her go. It was only after she was out of sight that he forced himself to walk again.

"Ah, there he is!" Connor teased, seeing Quinn finally darken the patio doorway. "You just missed Maddie. You know, if you hurry you might be able to apologize to her before she leaves."

Quinn looked down and sighed. It would take him a second to take his seat at their table. 

"It's alright, bud, we all do stupid shit around pretty girls sometimes."

Sarah gave her husband's arm a slight tap, "Baby! Don't tease him like that! That's not nice!" 

"Oh, he's fine, but you should have seen him, though. I don't think he blinked the whole time we stood there." 

"Connor! Stop it!" By now, Sarah was trying not to laugh. 

"Is she still dating the Henrik Lundqvist looking guy?" Connor asked, taking a slightly more serious turn with the conversation.

"Who, Jared? No, they split a year ago or something," Sarah recollected before taking a sip of her champagne drink. "I couldn't stand that guy. He was a pretentious asshole."

"Wasn't he a lawyer or something?"

"I think so, yeah. I mean, I know what she saw in him, but Christ. She's better off."

"Now's your chance, Quinny! Next year, it's your wedding we'll be going to if you play your cards right!" 

"Ha, yeah, okay," he mumbled, his eyes scanning the morning's specials instead of interacting directly with the couple.

"I don't see Quinn the type to get engaged and married within a year," Sarah said, looking upon the young man with a smile, a hint of mischief in her eyes. Of course, she'd love to see her best friend find a great guy to be with, but she wasn't sure if Quinn was that fit either. 

"I don't know, you should have seen how he looked at her, babe. It looked like love at first sight to me." 

"I'm sitting right here," Quinn said in a huff, starting to get annoyed with the constant berating. 

"Alright, alright! Fair enough," Connor chuckled.

Quinn's mind was racing like his heart in his chest. He still felt terrible about everything he had done, that other people knew, and that Maddie's opinion of him was probably terrible. He'd sit with Connor and Sarah through brunch, mostly hearing them talk, occasionally including him when needed. His mind was elsewhere: replaying the night before, wondering what he could do to rectify the past situation, and wondering if he'd ever see the tall brunette that called him Prince Charming, again. 

After brunch, Quinn would remember that he had her phone number. By then, however, she would be hitting  

--

Quinn: Hey, I'm really sorry about last night. 

I hope I didn't do anything to offend you last night. (1:15pm)

Quinn: I feel awful about everything. 

You were very kind to me, through everything. (1:25pm}

Quinn: I'm sorry if I'm rambling and bothering you. (1:27pm)

Quinn: I'd love to make it up to you, if you'd let me. (1:31pm)

Quinn: I know you're busy with work right now, but if you have some free time, may I take you to dinner sometime? (1:33pm)

Quinn: I'm sure you're still driving.

Sorry to keep messaging you. (1:37pm)

Maddie: You don't have anything to apologize for. <3 I'm just hoping you're feeling better! (2:45pm)

Maddie: Dinner sounds nice, but you don't have to do that just because you're sorry. (2:45pm)

Quinn: I'm tired, but I'm okay. Thank you. Did you make it home okay? (2:46pm)

Quinn: I am sorry about my actions, but I honestly would like to take you out. Genuinely. (2:46pm)

Maddie: :) You're sweet!

And yes, just got in, thanks. (2:53pm)

Quinn: That's good. (2:55pm)

Quinn: Hope you have a good afternoon and evening. (3:25pm)

Maddie: Sorry! My phone died! I didn't realize what my battery was on! D: (3:50pm)

Quinn: It's okay. (3:51pm)

Maddie: I'll let you know by the end of the week what my schedule looks like.

I'm already a day behind so I've a lot of catching up to do! :/ 

Where do you want to go for dinner? ;) (3:55pm)

Quinn: No rush. It sounds like a lot.

How do you feel about sushi? (3:58pm)

Maddie: It's my favourite! :D 🩷🩷🩷(4:05pm)

Quinn: Mine, too. 

I'll make it up to you, I promise. (4:09pm)

Maddie: Nothing to make up for, Quinn. <3 Promise. 

Take it easy, okay? (4:12pm)

Quinn: Okay, I'll try. 

Have a good evening. (4:19pm)

I really worked hard on this daydream; days of brainstorming and note making. I hope at least one of you enjoys it. c: I can't guarantee a consistent posting schedule but I will do my best to get a couple out each month, as they tend to be a little on the longer side.

If you have any requests for stand-alone blurbs, please don't hesitate to reach out in my Asks.

[fjksdhzsx]

Jealous of what a reader you are. Do you have any tips or routines? I used to be such a reader but I feel like brain rot culture has taken over my ability to pay attention to anything lol

Hi! Yes, I sure do. I struggle with reading.

1. Getting out of the habit of watching reels helped me get out of a major block a year and half ago. Which sucks because my friends love sending funny shit to me but I found that I would just get home from work and scroll mindlessly because my brain was tired after work and I couldn’t think or produce or take in any more information which brings me to my second point:

2. Get to know the rhythms of your brain. There’s times during the day it’s more able to absorb information. For me, that’s before work. For a while I’d wake up at 5-6am so I could get 3-4 hours of me time in where my brain was alert and awake. I found it was more productive to sleep early (since my brain is useless in the evenings) and use that time to actually rest, then wake up early alert and read then.

3. Because I read multiple things at the same time (a tip in itself!) I set timers. 10 minutes on this book, 10 minutes on the next, 10 minutes on the third book. This makes it less daunting and also kind of appeals to my attention span. What I usually find is that the knowledge that I’ll have to switch soon ends up triggering the part of my brain that can deeply focus, it’s sort of like how you get the urge to clean your entire room just when you have to leave the house for work or something. I don’t know what it is or why that’s the case.

4. Is your environment working for you? I find myself more able to focus in certain spaces. Some are too silent, some are too noisy, I like just the right amount of background noise.

5. Reading is a muscle. Just as you mentioned how our attention atrophies when we sit around consuming shortform media online, it strengthens as we continue to exert ourselves in reading a book.

6. It’s silly, but I like to develop imaginary relationships with the author of any text I’m reading, esp. with theory. That makes it more fun and less intimidating. Marx is a father to me— he’s boring and dense, but has important things to say. Lenin is like my cool stylish uncle, Kristeva is my mysterious spinster aunt, Simone de Beauvoir is my sister, Sylvia Plath is my homely best friend who’s jealous of me because I’m hotter than her, but whose writing I envy in return, etc.

7. There is no “right way” to read a book, esp. theory. Start in the middle. Jump to the beginning, skip five pages, read backward, if it’s a good text ultimately it will draw you in and you’ll consume every last bit. Let your curiosity pull you in, reading shouldn’t be punitive and it feels that way often because of how we’ve been taught to approach a book.

8. Don’t be afraid to use resources on the internet to supplement your reading. It’s not cheating to look things up, develop a roadmap, run your understanding by other interpretations of the text.

9. Annotate, but not in a boring way taught in schools. Books should be a source of play and creativity. Write in the margins, talk to your book, use it as a diary. “I’m drunk” is my favorite annotation in a book. Often times my annotations are also just lists of associations my brain makes while reading a sentence or paragraph, and nothing to do with trying to extract deeper meaning from it. You and I could read the same book and have our own universe of associations which influence our experience of the text.

[averillaratargaryen]

‘The Bitter Bond.’

Chapter III

“I find it hard to believe, that you were given your first cup of wine at such a young age” Daerlyssa suppressed her shock, as she and Aegon were sat beside one another.

“Well, believe it” Aegon let out a soft chuckle, “it is no surprise for you to find me drunk everyday, during your stay here. I am warning you in advance.”

“Not to worry. Besides, it is not my place to say, whether or not you should be drinking. That is for you to decide” Daerlyssa responds.

It had become quiet for a couple of seconds, as Aegon looked toward her, watching as she admired the books sat on the shelves in front of her.

“My father’s books. Some important.. histories, and stuff” He sounded bored by the topic of it.

“I’ve only ever known my mother to read books. My father, Daemon.. he is quite a complicated man” Daerlyssa chuckled as she stood up, getting a closer look toward the books.

“As I’ve heard” Aegon responds, as he stood up after her, “do you?.. read books?”

Aegon cringed at the thought and the fact that he had the audacity to ask such a question.

Daerlyssa shook her head as she turned to face him, “Daemon does not allow it. He says it would corrupt my mind.”

“I see” Aegon nods with a slight smirk played across his lips, “I referred to the books of histories. But perhaps Daemon is referring elsewise.”

“What do you mean?” Daerlyssa asks.

“How do I put it?..” Aegon whispered, as he thought for a moment, looking around, before looking back toward her.

The innocence played on her face, with her eyes glistening as she awaited his response.

“Perhaps it is best I keep it to myself” Aegon responds, “I would be speaking out of turn, otherwise.”

“You must tell me now” Daerlyssa sighed, “you can not mention such a thing, only to then dismiss it completely.”

“You are a young woman. You will come to learn of it one day” Aegon responds.

“Why does every person refer to me as a young woman, to only then hide matters or myself? I know I am a young woman. That is established. However, I should be taught many things at this age” Daerlyssa pouted.

“It is simply not my place, Daerlyssa. I can not say” Aegon sighed, “the most I can speak of it, is that a man’s saying and doings could perhaps… heighten a woman’s desire?”

Daerlyssa tilted her head as she looked toward him, confused, yet still very intrigued.

But she knew to find herself defeated, as that was all Aegon would speak on the matter.

“Do you have a book? One that.. heightens a woman’s desire?” Daerlyssa asks.

Her question causes Aegon to feel slightly warm, as he adjusts his armour, pulling his collar away from his neck.

“I-erm-?” He suffered, as he gulped, his eyes travelling down to her bosom, that heaved before him.

“Uncle?” Daerlyssa called out.

“Oh sorry” he was quick to looks away, gulping once again, “I um- I can not. Even if I did have one, I could not lend it to you. I do not want to be the cause of any trouble.”

“We can keep it a secret” Daerlyssa whispered.

“N-no, we can not” Aegon picked up his sword, from the bed he was sat on, “I have to go. My brother will be waiting for me.”

He turned as he hurried his footsteps out the his fathers chamber.

Daerlyssa’s eyes had followed him out, as she tilted her head, looking toward him quite confused, until she turned back toward the books of history, placed on her grandfather’s book shelves.

-

As it got to the evening, everyone had gathered for dinner.

Once again, neither Aemond, nor Aegon were seen to be around.

“I’m starting to think this alliance will be disappointing for the both of us” Daemon whispered.

“We do not know that yet. We hardly know, what Daerlyssa thinks, of Aegon yet” Rhaenyra responds.

“What? That he is a drunken mess?” Daemon sarcastically responded.

“It is not entirely his fault, for being drunk, Daemon. You can not fault him” Rhaenyra pointed her eyes toward her father.

Daemon turned his head, noticing Viserys drowning himself in his fifth cup of wine.

“Shouldn’t you slow yourself there, brother?” Daemon asks.

“It is needed, certainly” Viserys responds, knowing the shame he would face, if Aegon joins whilst he’s drunk, once again.

“Would you like to sit beside me?” Heleana asks, as Daerlyssa walks in.

“Oh thank you, but i was hoping to sit next to Aegon” Daerlyssa responds.

Having everyone turn to look at her.

“Oh, no well- it is just, me and Aegon get along quite well” she let out an awkward smile, “he is quite funny when you speak to him.”

“Except that is when he is sober” Jacerys remarks, “who knows what he’ll be like, should he be drunk.”

“There is no harm with him, brother” Daerlyssa made her way to a seat, which had an empty one beside her, “he is our family. We should include one another.”

“Y-yes. Yes we should” Viserys puts his cup down slowly, onto the table.

“We do not know what Aegon faces behind closed doors to make him want to.. become drunk” Daerlyssa gave a look to her grandfather, watching him turn away in guilt, “so we must be nice to one another.”

“It would be nice to have one day without either one of us trying to bite each others heads off” Lucerys mutters.

“Prince Aegon, your grace” Ser Harold called out, as Aegon tumbled in, his hair a mess and himself drunk, once again.

Before he could speak, Daerlyssa had stood up, “Uncle.”

Aegon looked away from his father, toward Daerlyssa, with a smile, “ah, Daerlyssa. How delightful.”

“We were just speaking about you” she smiled.

“You were?” He looked around, confused that no one seemed to be displeased by him being drunk.

“Come” Daerlyssa points to the seat beside her, “take a seat.”

“I don’t know what is going on, but it is clear our daughter is possessed” Daemon muttered.

“Or perhaps, as she said, she spoke to Aegon and he seemed to be a nice person. You can not judge every person that is not you, Daemon” Rhaenyra sighed, “she seems happy to have him beside her.”

“I suppose” Daemon glared at the two for a moment, before he turned to Viserys, “and perhaps you would know what she referred to, when it comes to behind closed doors?”

“I’m unsure but, glad they are getting along” Viserys cleared his throat, as he looked away.

Daemon looked toward Alicent, who surprisingly had nothing to say, as she sat back quietly.

“Something isn’t right” Daemon whispered to his wife.

“Whatever it is, we should not assert ourselves with it. It has nothing to do with us” Rhaenyra responds.

Jacerys sighed, as Daerlyssa offered Aegon the seat she was to sit in, now having his uncle sit inbetween the two of them.

“Thank you, for welcoming me in” Aegon seemed to be confused, and slightly less drunk, compared to the day before.

“It is no worry. I just wish for us to get along. Don’t you, Jacerys?” Daerlyssa asks.

Jacerys, playing on a smile, then turns to face them, “of course. Why not?”

His sarcasm was not hidden, having Aegon toward Daerlyssa, confused.

“Jace” Baela whispers, as she eyes him to stop.

Aegon look back toward Jace, noticing Baela holding onto his hand.

“A-ah! Right!” He clapped his hands, looking toward both of them, “you are bethroed aren’t you?”

“Yes, they are” Daerlyssa responds, “they make the perfect match.”

“Yes, they certainly do” Aegon responds, before he leans in to Jace, “as someone with much experience, if you ever need details, do not hesitate to ask.”

Jace tilts his head toward Aegon, before he whispered back, “I do not know what you are trying to maintain with this sudden friendship, but hold your tongue before my bethroed”

“Right” Aegon nods, as he turns away.

“What do you mean, of experience?” Daerlyssa asks, “in fact, could we revisit our conversation from this afternoon? I have been meaning to find out all day.”

“I am sorry but even if I could, I will not” Aegon notices Daemon’s eyes on him, causing him to gulp, “but, if you’d like to speak on food, then i must say, this dish tastes quite good.”

Daerlyssa pouts as she turns away.

She found it frustrating, that everyone continued to treat her as though she were a child.

Looking around, she noticed the chatter everyone shared with one another.

Conversations should could not be a part of, considering they all saw her to me of such a young age.

She could only wish there was someone, who did not treat her as a child.

“Brother” Aemond called out.

Aegon looked up at him, with a smile, and half a turkey leg in his mouth.

“Are you sober?” Aemond scoffed.

“This food is just too good” Aegon responds.

“Have a seat, brother. Your seat, specifically, is available today” Heleana responds.

“Hmm” Aemond looked toward Daerlyssa, as he tilted his head, “i wonder why.”

“I hoped to sit here, today. To have a nice conversation with my uncle” Daerlyssa responds.

Aemond looks toward Aegon, who was far too in with his turkey leg, to look back at Daerlyssa, who sat politely, with a smile.

Aemond nods, before he sits himself down, beside his sister, Heleana.

“It is strange” Aemond spoke, his tone low.

“What is?” Heleana asks.

“Yesterday, she sits in my seat, and today, she sits in the seat i was sat in” Aemond scoffed.

“Do hide your pride brother” Heleana responds, “she wished to sit beside Aegon. Apparently they have engaged in a conversation before. Daerlyssa seems to find funny.”

“Hmm” Aemond responds, as his eye averts toward his niece.

“What i am surprised about, is that you have decide to eat dinner with us twice. Since our sister and her family have been with us. It is the most i have seen you, within the evening” Heleana spoke to him, yet she seemed to find herself occupied with her fingers, as she fidgeted with them.

Yet Aemond could not give his sister a response. Rather, he leaned back into his chair, as he rested his arm onto the table.

Tilting his head, he observed his niece, who found herself with such joy, laughing along with his brother Aegon.

What was her game, for her to become interested in her brother, so suddenly?

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

chapter 4

[songsofadelaide]

"These fatal fantasies giving way to labored breath— Taking all of me. We've already done it in my head. If it's make-believe, why does it feel like a vow we'll both uphold somehow?"

Author's Note: Reader is 19. Gojo is three years older.

You know how you have people you call aunt and uncle but you aren't actually related to them? And they're just really good friends with your parents? That's what Satoru's parents were to you. Your mothers were close since they were children and they both pursued modelling as they grew older. While your mom eventually retired from the game and chose a more quiet life with a kind lawyer for a husband, your Aunt Arisu became a famous supermodel and married into a family of old money— the Gojos.

And though your mom got married much earlier since she retired from modelling first, your Aunt Arisu got pregnant right off the bat after her wedding. She was a spoiled little thing, too, always calling for your mom and not so much her husband when her cravings and hormones reared their ugly heads. She often chided your mom to give her child a playmate, but not too late. She hoped to have a pretty daughter so they could wear fancy matching clothes.

Aunt Arisu's son Satoru was three years old when you were born. And while he wasn't the daughter she pined for, she loved him so, so much because he was just as pretty as she always hoped for. He was present when you were born, locked in his mother's arms as she held him out to take a peek at you.

...The story never gets old. Your mother and Aunt Arisu would always be laughing as they got drunk on their sweet wine every two weeks or so, and your family's kitchen was still a mess after hosting dinner for the Gojos again. Your fathers were drinking whiskey and smoking their expensive cigars on the front porch, talking about current affairs and stocks if you knew. And Satoru...

Well...

He was always welcome in your room. He always brought his own toys to play with and sometimes played with yours, too. Satoru was like the older brother you never had, and he was always so sweet to you... That is until you turned sixteen and suddenly, he was way too good for you to hang out with.

You didn't see much of him in the last three years, but you always knew where he was— on the cover of your favourite teen magazine, that soda commercial on TV, fronting promotional material for high-end clothing and expensive mobile phones on social media... All of that made sense. He's the son of modelling royalty, after all. Your childhood friend was the nation's sweetheart now and you're probably just a girl in his boyhood memories.

You didn't bother showing yourself downstairs when the Gojos arrived for your usual dinner date. You couldn't stomach seeing Satoru sitting across from you at the table, his silvery hair and feathery lashes framing his blue, blue eyes, his slender fingers curling around the wine glass that was usually just your mother's and her best friend's... His eyes twinkling in mischief as he calls your name with that voice of his, both so sweet and so sultry...

Why did he push you away back then when he was the one to embrace you first?

That embrace was etched so in your head since you were sixteen, and it was something you always remembered whenever you saw his posts on Instagram, whenever your mother watched his commercials on TV, whenever you've been struggling at high school... And whenever you were alone in your room in your bed— the walls the only thing that could hear you and your thoughts, possibly— as you dove deeper into your inane imagination.

"Toru..."

He wanted you just as much.

...So much that you were crying to yourself, too, thinking of how stupid you were to believe your Aunt Arisu's silly little joke that you were born for her lonely little son to have someone—

The soft knock on your bedroom door was enough to snap you out of your deluded solo flight. You jumped out of your bed without a second thought about how flushed you looked. "I'll be there in a second, mom... Just... a sec!"

Perhaps you should have thought about it first.

"Hey there. Are you... feeling okay?"

Gojo Satoru. As though he stepped right out of your fantasies mere moments ago.

"Uh..."

He wedged his foot on your door as you tried to shut him out in panic. What the hell was he doing here? "Wait a moment. I've been meaning to talk to you about something."

And what could he possibly want to talk about now?

When you turned sixteen, Satoru's father sat him down for a conversation. He was told that you weren't just some girl anymore. That you weren't children anymore and that he needed to be more careful around you. Because you were growing into a woman— And because of that, there were certain things you couldn't do together anymore.

"What are you saying, dear? If Toru likes her, then I'm all for it. That girl is my best friend's daughter and a fine young lady! I wouldn't want anyone else for my boy!"

...And it bothered him. A lot. Because it meant he couldn't hold you anymore. And when he did so once out of habit— because your laughter delighted him so much— he pushed you away so hard that you held back tears. He didn't know what came over him back then, but he stopped coming over to your room afterwards.

Satoru couldn't handle the way you avoided his gaze whenever he was around for your family's shared dinner. He realised you must have been finally done with him tonight when you didn't bother showing up at all even though you were just upstairs in your room.

"...ask Toru to call her downstairs! I haven't seen that girl for quite some time now! Has she been..."

"...with university lately. There's this boy, too. Her classmate, I think..."

The older women's conversation faded in his head the moment your mother mentioned a boy— a classmate— and just how close the two of you have grown while you were in university. Good grief. He couldn't handle it. He couldn't.

You were supposed to be his.

He made his way to your room upstairs, his footsteps as soft and quiet as a cat's, and he was ready to talk to you. About everything. About why the last three years were torment for him. About why his father was right to remind him that you weren't children anymore because children wouldn't think the way he did. About why you shouldn't go out with that guy from your uni—

Satoru heard them. The faintest of whimpers from your bedroom. And if he was right in his head, he seemed to have heard his name, too.

He wasn't going to let go of this.

You opened the door with your face still flushed and your clothes all rumpled and you nearly shut him out if didn't think fast enough. You let go of the door and allowed him inside your room, the sound of the locks unheard because of the rush of blood in your ears.

He's going to take what's his. Without so much of an effort, too, by the way you willingly walked into his arms the moment he opened them to receive you.

[queen-of-elves]

Spilled wine

Summary: These events were all the same, the same names, the same faces, at least that's what Aemond had always thought.

A/N: this is more of a crack fic but not really? Basically everyone is friends and happy haha but not really. Aemond still has the scar but it happened during some summer vacation and it was a complete accident + Aemond getting his walls knocked down by reader and being absolutely whipped for her

Btw this is probably the most ambitious fanfic I ever attempted to write when it comes to the word count, so I am sort of proud of myself

Fanarts for this fanfic: The snap screenshot, some sketches of outfits, kiss

Masterlist

Words: 8,7K

Warnings: english is not my first language, drinking, mention of dr*gs, alcohol consumption, minimum use of Y/N, male oc present at the table, swearing, +18 themes but not smut

Dividers by: @cafekitsune

Red and white

Aemond did not appreciate his mother pushing him into attending these kinds of events. Opulent and full of rich fellow friends of his sickly father. This was nothing more than a powertrip for their egos. Socialize, make connections and exploit them in the foreseeable future.

And this event was a definition of what he hated. Noone was there to actually enjoy themself, it was all an illusion. This was a competition: who can get more information while sipping on their drinks, who could manipulate another investor after doing lines in the dim bathrooms, who could win another connection to centuries old wealth. Aemond felt sick to his stomach over these thoughts even though he was born into this world. However, the worst part of this whole farce was that he needed none of that, except his grandfather did. His scheming got even more out of control since Aegon moved into Aemond's apartment, destroying his plans of him being the heir to their father’s company by being a reckless drunk out in the open.

And now he was standing next to him in a freshly pressed suit, dark green fabric turning black in the evening darkness. He once found suits and formal clothing as a second skin, armor he could hide underneath but they were now constricting him. Aemond’s younger self was always obsessed with this image of the perfect son. Well educated, polite, manners of the perfect gentlemen, perfect son, perfect in everything. PERFECT. The older he grew the more he started to resent the word, the more he started to fear it in some way. No matter how much he tried, it was never enough. While his brother was failing in everything he touched, Aemond was succeeding and it was all for nothing. 

His mother was giddy to introduce him to people, ready to make a match of him and some rich lady, probably at the instigation of his grandfather. Another face, another introduction. Aemond did not remember the new rich people introduced to him by his mother. And why should he, he did not expect to see them again. 

He already knew the proper aces in the field since he was 9 years old, he remembered well Lannisters who did business with his father through their banks or the Royce family, giants in the food industry and of course Hightowers, his grandfather’s and his mother’s name, his uncle Gwayne being one of the best lawyers. Aemond was meant to soon join him, after he finishes his studies.

When I finish college.

There were many more of these names, sewed into his brain since a young age but these names did not change, they were all playing the same game with the same moves with the same chess pieces since he was born. Generational wealth hiding from the new kind, gatekeeping their society from the rest, while they enjoyed parties with the best of the best.

“Oh, Aemond, do you remember Margaret Baeltigar?” Soft touch of his mother’s hand, almost as if burning him, woke him up from his thoughts. He had no recollection of such a lady, maybe she was one of Alicent’s so-called friends or maybe some wife of an investor in the family’s company.

The lady was slightly older than his mother, clad in a light blue gown, her boney hand clutching her glass of champagne. She was the kind of skinny only obtainable by starvation, unhealthy diet. The smile she gave him was forced, too much white pearly teeth showing for his liking and for it to be sincere. Her posture was rigid as if she was posing and maybe she was, to him, to his mother, to everyone.

“Of course.” The polite small smile fell unappreciated since her gaze had already turned away, wide eyes searching for something specific, someone specific in the crowd of empty faces.

“Here she is…” Those words seemed forced, like an unwanted gift you still have anticipated, so you keep smiling to please the donor. “Finally.” Her mouth was once again outstretched in that horrendous toothy smile, lips almost cracking under the strain of holding it all together. Boney arms holding out for a hug.

“Hello.” There was a polite voice behind him but he did not turn. Aemond already knew what this was about, this was not the first time he would get ambushed by his mother’s scheming mind into the web of being introduced to some bratty heiress. He did not even notice when his brother ran off, probably searching for another drink or a white powder to misuse, leaving Aemond to fend for himself. 

The young lady moved in a nonchalant manner, her attention solely on her mother and her outstretched arms. The hug was awkward, he could feel the deja vu pulsing through him. Image of Aemond and his mother enveloped in such a hug. A constant reminder of the chasm between them over unsaid things.

The stark contrast between the mother and her daughter was apparent. Boney corpse parading around the mirage of a living body dressed in light blue dress and young lady in red, bow tying it all around her neck, accompanying her.

“This is my daughter.” 

“It’s so lovely to meet you, dear.” The smile on his mother’s face was sincere, in some manner she was always excited to meet new young ladies, if it was ‘cause of her single sons or lonely daughter he did not know.

“Oh, thank you.” There was untypical shiness to her, voice not trembling but slightly fighting to be heard in the overabundance of loud talking. She seemed confident enough next to her own mother just like he was next to his. Her bright eyes had moved from Alicent to him and Aemond recognized the uneasiness in them. Used to the parties but not used to the contact with people at them.

“I am Y/N-” Her words just like her unstretched hand toward him were interrupted by her mother abruptly moving to the side. Attention of everyone in the conversation then shifted to the new face entering in. Another young woman, this time more similar to the mother in her face, same structure but much younger was now staring at him, grinning widely. The white dress shining in the light.

“Oh, you have to meet my oldest! She is such a delight!” This time Mrs. Baeltigar’s voice was high pitched, excitement radiating from the statement.  This was the second time Aemond felt deja vu struck him on this particular night. Oldest and delight, that’s how his mother used to talk about Aegon in front of everyone. Her most prized son, a son who did not care for his education and ended up on his younger brother’s coach, hiding from the rest of the family. 

The Baeltigar’s oldest daughter was marching right to them the moment she realized her mothers presence. Almost bumping into one of the waitresses' sides, overjoyed by the possible introduction, she clung to her mother’s thin left arm. 

“Margo Baeltigar, pleasure to meet you,” Margo’s voice was similar to her mother’s high pitch and sugary, leaving a sour taste in Aemond. The oldest was almost hyper focused on him and before he could even react to her introduction, she opened her mouth again but no words got to him. Because while this conversation took place the other sister carefully navigated her way around her sister’s body, moving into the background. Her figure slowly and unnoticed disappearing behind the two M named ladies, fighting for his and Alicent's attention.

There was a heavy stone set in his throat, his stomach fluttering at the same time and Aemond did not know what it meant, not yet. 

Aemond was thankful for not being seated at the same table as his mother or anyone from his family and while the company next to him was quite boring he knew it could have always been worse. Five seats out of six already occupied, he was not expecting any miracles from the last person yet to arrive. 

On his right was one of his father’s long term investors with his wife, a quiet old man with an already full belly even before the food had yet to arrive, his wife still yapping in her husband’s ear since they were seated, while on his left were two other men, one of them younger than the other. The younger one seemed like a total newcomer to this kind of event, to this kind of society too, his eyes constantly darted from one table to another, trying to identify everyone present. However, the man next to him was the opposite, comfortably sprawled in his seat, his hand leaning on the young man’s chair, black eyes observing his behavior, finding amusement in it. His smooth hair was graying just like his beard but there was pleasant handsomeness in his face. 

“I was almost afraid you would run off,” The silver fox at their table spoke up, gaze heading to someone behind his shoulder, the last person finally arrived at their table.  Aemond was only slightly interested in the person, another short distraction in a long night, he knew them all and quite frankly, they were all boring. 

The figure moved, he could feel the movement behind him, wind picking up, fabric rustling, heels clicking. A woman. Or a very short man, he had noticed several guys trying to hide their shortage, pun intended, by clapping heels hidden beneath longer suit pants. 

His hand gripped the champagne flute, glass slick with condensation, almost causing shivers down his spine. The liquid was bitter, bubbles fizzing on his tongue, and for a second it was an uncomfortable feeling before the drink slid down. In moments like these Aemond understood why his brother was always drinking, in the end there was nothing else to do. 

The new addiction to the table was finally at her seat, still chatting with the man. And just like the bubbles his boredom fizzled off. The bow was gone and she was no longer wearing the pretty red dress. Her current dress was snow white, like fresh cotton sheets, and on one shoulder. The fabric was dangling off her in an awkward manner, almost as if it was not meant for her. Her shoulders were hidden by black suit jacket, a decent and modest combo, however, it was apparent the outfit was not meant to be this way.

But white suits her.

“Don’t worry, I just went to save my sister.” The almost silver haired man moved the empty chair for her to sit in more comfortably, too eager for a new distraction at the table just like Aemond was. And once again Aemond felt something within him move, how did they know each other, were they close, he might be years older than her but even his mother was significantly younger than his father. 

“Oh, what has she done this time?” Laughter erupted from the man, cheeks blooming red. For a moment, Aemond thought she would take offense to such a statement, he probably would but only in the sense of feeling embarrassment for himself stemming from his brother’s failures. In some sense he loved his brother but on most days he was exploding in anger over Aegon’s public mistakes.

 However, she only sheepishly grinned before motioning to her side. “Spilled some wine on herself.” And truly there it was, ugly red stain on her hip, the jacket covering it just enough to not be prominent in the evening dim lighting, saving her from judging glares.

“Of course you did.” This time the man was the one with a sheepish smile hiding behind his glass, twinkle in his eyes indicating some kind of hidden joke. 

The Targaryen felt like he was the only one witnessing the conversation even though the full table’s attention was turned to two. His eyes were scanning her face, then the dress and then her face again. She acted as if she was so used to it and there was silent understanding on his part for such action. It wasn’t long before the two noticed his unmoving gaze, while the other occupants of the table turned to their own matters.

“I suppose our introduction was cut short. I am Y/-,” He did like her smile, it was soft, not quite reaching her eyes, not in a malicious kind of way. To an untrained eye it would only seem like a sincere reaction, to Aemond’s it was apparent her smile was the result of years of practice. 

“I know.” His voice cut through her sentence like a hot knife, stopping her completely. Aemond knew of his talent to be awfully cold to people but this time he had truly overdone himself. The smile he rewarded her with, trying to improve his reputation, only received by a puzzled look from her and her companion. 

This night can’t get worse.

Rough grimace struck his face, muscles twitching under the pressure of his failing. He was good at this, he was good at these events. So why was he fucking it all up today? Bitter feeling bit his throat and he wished he could swallow all the shame in the world, devour every mistake he ever made so no one could gaze upon them and he would be perfect again. Was it because she felt familiar to him? Because she had the same watchful eyes behind her every step, watching her to complain about her wrong doings? Or maybe he was completely wrong and playing himself entirely.

After the food arrived, most of the over the table conversation had died down, except for a few whispers here and there between some of them. He did not register any kind of taste, all was now in a fog to him, the illusion of a perfect man shattering with each glance turned to her. Only consolation prize to him were the few and far inbetween looks she rewarded him with. The plates with food were gone just as fast as they appeared, all in a flash moving forward. It was time to go out, social torture once again in progress. 

And at the end of the night, when most of the guests had already left and the rest were getting ready to leave, he saw a glimpse of her saying goodbye to the older man from their table. Aemond realized he never got to know his name but he knew he could turn the tables, he could make this right again. 

There was not much left of the courage in him on this grim night, but what was left had to be sufficient for now. His movement was rigid, he weaved between the people, tables and chairs, mind almost blank except for the command to move forward, to go to her.

“Hi.” Was his voice always so rough? He tried to swallow with no success, the lump in his throat winning.

“Hi.” Her eyes were wide, caught by surprise, she moved to fully face him. The light softly illuminated her face, giving her a certain glow he knew he would never forget. There just was something so familiar about her. Like a picture he has seen before but now had no recollection of. Have they already met? He couldn’t remember even though he really wanted to.

“Sorry about the…” His head moved to their table, indicating what he meant without having to say that. Aemond was sure he would spontaneously combust if he had to talk about his own rudeness caused by the unfamiliar uneasiness in his stomach more than this.

“Oh, don’t worry about it.” Her answer was so casual, as if his rude behavior was long gone from her mind, while he wanted the opposite even if it were her remembering only the worst stuff about him. He needed her to remember him.

He could hear someone call her name, the shadow of her mother frantically waving her hand at them, signaling something to her. There was a drunk mess of a person even further behind her mother, hair everywhere, red dress tripping her on uneasy legs.

It was an image he was so used to by now, but this time, it was not his responsibility. It was someone else’s. And somehow it changed nothing, there was a bile rising up inside him, hands sweaty and heart beating too fast, such a familiar situation he saw her in. It was like looking in the mirror.

She was biting her lip anxiously, some part of her evidently annoyed at her sister and he wanted to tell her to never ever do that again. He wanted to take all her worries away, he wanted to do that for her.

“Sorry…” Her shoulders visibly slumped, one of her shoulders escaping from under the black jacket. “Have to go.” Her manicured thumb pointing behind her, at the mess she was meant to deal with. Her older sister was drunk off her mind, stumbling in the crowd, the man with her unable to hold her straight up, part of him found relief in the fact Aegon was not with her. One of her heels dangled off the man’s hand while the other wrestled to keep her on her feet.

“Have a great night!” Aemond thought these words might haunt him for the rest of his life, the rest of the night squished into few fragments of him saying bye to people and getting back to his apartment, while some part of him was still stuck in the moment with her.

Teal blue

This time she was wearing teal blue gown, satin complementing her skin like nothing he has ever seen. Her smile was wide and even though Aemond saw her only in passing, a warm feeling spread through his insides. Since their first encounter he had chastised himself for his behavior, praying for a chance to redeem himself to her.

However, they were not seated at the same table and for once he found himself disappointed for the lack of his mother's interference. And so after losing Aegon, in the crowd, even though he was meant to babysit him after his last drunk tirade at some club went public, he began mapping the whole place in hope to find the teal gown in the crowd. 

It was after the obnoxious dinner that he found her standing next to the bar, the silverfox by her side once again. Aemond could not hear them but it seemed as an interesting conversation by the way her arms flailed while explaining something. Wide grins spreaded over both of their faces before a round of giggles overcame them. Faced near each other in secretive closeness, they held on the other’s arms strongly while their bodies shook in held down laughter.

He wanted to know what they were to each other, how back they went and why they held each other so familiarly and he wanted to do the same with her. It was like a new emotion, jealousy he had never experienced. 

His pleading stares must have awoken some mercy in her. The young lady bid goodbye to her friend and gracefully walked over to him, still holding his gaze. And even though Aemond’s attention the whole night was fixated on the image of her, now that she was there, he was lost for words. 

“Evening.” The cheeky smile was back and if it was to disarm him it worked perfectly. Lost in his nervous thoughts, he chewed on his cheek, an anxiety filled bad habit he picked up as a kid. It took him a moment to realize she was patiently waiting for his reply. He completely forgot he was meant to give her his greeting too.

“Evening.” He could only mutter his reply. Needles of uneasiness prickling along his spine, giddy feeling spread through him now that he was once again near her. He needed to set it right, courage boiling his throat but no words came out, he was overwhelmed by all of it. His solace was found in a similar scene in front of him. 

She, like himself, was in a frozen state, mouth open, ready to speak and eyes moving all around the room, searching for something to say. Both of them desperately need to say something to the other, not only to fill the silence but for the simple reason to converse with the other one. 

The voices and music completely overwhelmed them and while they hoped it would soothe some of the anxiety over their failed meetings it only fueled their nerves more. Their eyes met again, corners of their mouths simultaneously lifted, smiling like idiots. And there was a silent understanding between them. The ballroom is too loud, let’s move it to the balcony.

The balcony itself was absolutely quiet, there was no one who would disturb them. Night cold breeze was slowly picking up but the heat from the inside was enough to keep them satisfied. He could not see the outside properly, lights blinding his vision of their surroundings and he liked it this way. 

Maybe this time he would not come off as a rude idiot to her, maybe this time it could all end well. Both of them stood with their backs to the lights of the ballroom, only darkness before them and cold railing underneath their hands. The silence between them was comfortable, for now at least.

Aemond was aware of the intense stare she was giving him, precisely his fake eye and the scar dividing the bad eye socket into two. It had been years since he gained the injury, the scar no longer dark reddish color but more of a white pink, it faded slowly, plus his mother begged his father to pay for laser treatment to help it fade out quicker. He also got gifted the new fake eye, his mother was absolutely ecstatic over it, her sweet son’s face finally appeared more normal. 

He knew she did not mean it that way but it still hurt, and the eye itself hurt or maybe it was the injury itself. If only he could wear his eyepatch to these kinds of events but according to his mother it was too eye-catching (pun not intended) compared to the fake eye even though if someone looked at him for too long they would probably notice not only the scar but the fact he could not fully open the eye or the lack of movement in it. And so fake eye it was.

“How did it happen?” Her eyes softly cascaded over his face before settling on his bad eye again.

“It was…,” Aemond felt like he couldn’t breathe, not this conversation again ,” an unfortunate accident.” Over the years he had dozens upon dozens of people asking him the same question and not stopping snooping even with his short answers cutting them off.

“Oh, sorry to hear that.” Her attention turned to the crowd behind them, they might have moved to one of the balconies but the noise of people was still present.

“It’s okay.” He hummed, never knowing what to say to those who pitied him over the injury. “It happened years ago.” Aemond hardly ever thought about it now, it worked as a bitter reminder of his own carelessness in the end. And while some responsibility laid with his cousins and brother he knew it was his decision, he couldn’t blame them for it even if he did at the start.

“It’s more purple.” Her attention was back on him, staring right at  the fake eye once again.

“What?”

“The other eye.” Her delicate hand pointed to his left side of face. “It’s more purple.” Aemond knew the prosthetic he got was not identical in the color to his other eye and while others claimed he was only imagining it, he knew. He knew it was not the exact shade of purple like his other eye.

People always saw the younger son of Alicent Hightower and Viserys Targaryen, second born son, the Targaryen boy, not Aemond. Not the young Baeltigar, she looked at him, not through him, not at his family, not at his very possibly, almost surely, shiny future thanks to his name.

He had never felt so seen in his life and being known by her became a carnal need to him.

This time it was his mother who called for a saving of an older sibling, in the middle of the night Aegon had sneaked away from Cole’s watchful eyes and ended up drunk as the dirty pig he was. They must have found him half asleep on some naked lady’s back in one of the private rooms of the manor the event was at, his hair was a complete mess, his earring already gone and tie let loose. Aemond expected him in a worse state than this, most of the time he was called to him half dead, this was nothing compared to those times. But his mother was red faced, completely embarrassed by his brother’s antics.

Light pink

It was weird, feeling this nauseating feeling within him. Aemond felt like a little boy again, excited for another gala where he could show how perfect of a son he is. When he was still a child he would parade himself around, maybe because his mother and father did not, while Aegon got all the attention. 

However, this time it was different, this time it was only because of one person, one person’s perception of him. He was excited to see her and for her to see him. Their last talk left him hopeful for more.

This time it was her who found him, dressed in light pink fabric that was easily floating around her in the soft breeze, she found him right after dinner. He was just thinking about the appetizer, perfectly composed plate with balanced flavors but he could not figure out what the sauce was made out of. It was a little game he liked to play with himself, so he wouldn’t lose his mind over the boredom. 

“Are our meetings destined to be cut short every single time?” With a champagne flute in hand, another occupied by a whole bottle of it, casually staring him down with a light smile gracing her face, she talked comfortably to him.

“Hope not.” He could feel corners of his mouth twitching and soon a similar smile appeared on his face. It warmed his heart that she was the one to find him, that he was not the only one searching for her and she herself was on a mission to find him. 

Just like the white dress, or any other actually, the light pink shade suited her. The thin fabric of the short sleeves hid her shoulders away from him but he was still fascinated by the soft skin of the inside of her arm.  He could feel the twitch of his fingertips over the thought of touching her there. 

Once again soft silence creeped on them while the both of them observed his older brother, balancing one glass of whiskey in his hand while trying to stay upright, his attention far away from the liquor spilling over the brim but on the young lady in front of him. If it was anyone else Aemond might have felt embarrassment bubbling up to the surface but since he had seen her own older sister in similar state, her presence left him unmoved by it. 

“I think some part of me hates him.” The words left him before he could fully comprehend what he was saying.

She hummed at that, it was a comforting sound he did not deserve, at least in his head. No proper brother could say something like this about his sibling. Regret was a bitter friend to his heart and to his mind. He should not have said that, not to her, she should not know how angry he was inside. 

“He is my brother.” He tried to convince her of his sins against his family, his kin. Part of him did not want to acknowledge fully what he said, he prayed to stay in her good grace, in everyone’s good grace by being the good son, the good Targaryen boy, polite, smart, sophisticated.

.

“I know.” She laughed with ease and Aemond knew the bitter feeling was not going to fade away, as always. He could not escape the regret of speaking out, he did not deserve any pity.

“It’s so hard to explain to anyone.” The words fell off his tongue so freely, Aemond thought someone else was using his mouth to voice out their concern. 

“Right?” Another comforting sound came out of her and maybe the bitterness could fade away from him, from both of them. He could feel it radiating from her skin, they were so similar and unaware of it until now.  “Everyone always tells me to just let it go-, you don’t own them anything and yadayada-, but I can’t-”

“Because she is your sister.” Before she could finish, he knew what she was going to say, he knew those words too well. Everyone said them to him, let it go, let your brother go, he will fuck up and he will have to solve it. However, he could not because in the end he was the one getting voicemails of his drunk brother’s voice, panicked calls from his mother, there was no escaping it, his blood, his family tree tied him to this whole mess. Just like her.

“Yeah…” she nodded, tired from the whole situation. “Exactly.” He did not like the line between her brows, frown caused by his voice, his words. He wished to never see that expression on her face ever again.

“We can’t save them.” The wind pushed the words away from the pair and neither of them knew who uttered them first or who regretted them before the other one.

Another sip of champagne turned into two and then a long gulp, they shared the alcohol so freely, Aemond felt like he could fly in the sky, happy butterflies flapping their wings on the inside of him. She soon downed her flute and instead of filling it back up her hand set the glass down with a clink. 

The light from the ballroom framed her perfectly, creating a vibrant halo around her silhouette. And again Aemond was lost at the vision of her. She was so comfortable in her skin, in her own struggles, in this situation. She felt comfortable even to him and he wanted her to remain comfortable for the rest of her life.

And so he nudged her shoulder with the champagne bottle, creating a moist trace below her armlet. For a moment he was hypnotized by the droplet and its slick path trailing down her arm. He envied it for even a longer moment, to trace her skin to him is to die of the fire inside him. 

Her hand gripped the bottle, tilting it slightly, another sip of the still cold liquor ended in her mouth. And with that he realized she drank alcohol like Aegon did, with no struggle, with no twitch in her face over the bitter taste, like she liked the feeling of it hitting her tongue. He missed the weight of the bottle in his hand and the empty feeling started to itch on his skin, before he realized.

It felt almost intimate, his cheeks aflame and the little boy in him was kicking his feet. An indirect kiss. He drank from the bottle himself before her, their lips touched the same surface.

He did not even notice how the evening turned into a night, only darkness now facing them on the balcony high above ground. Voices behind them have yet to tune down but he could feel the event slowly ending.

And the familiar man was back, simply nodding to her not daring to step even a bit to them, only glancing at them from the inside of the big hall. The smile on his face might have been in a friendly manner but his round glasses hide the glint in his black eyes.

“What are you two?” Throughout their conversations Aemond realized he liked how she enjoyed his forwardness, just like he did with her. There was no shame between them.

“Me and…” there was a slight twitch in her face and she tried to contain it, unsuccessfully in the end “Kim?” 

Kim. 

He did not mind the name, it went over his tongue and he swallowed it slowly. It was not a name he hated, it just felt unfamiliar. However, he was not afraid of it, not with her by his side. The fox be damned.

The laughter was soft, almost scaring him for a moment. Whispered giggles as if she tried to hold it in, turned into a full blown cackling. Her body bending forward with hand set on her stomach, she looked at him, shining once again. 

“He is my friend. Like an uncle… some sort of, I guess.” She giggled at these words. Quick glance and he saw Kim looking their way again, smirking in a conspicuous manner. 

“Oh.” Embarrassment reddened his cheeks, shattering any kind of thoughts left in his stupid thick skull, except for the two voices.

Of course.

They are just friends.

Calm down.

Thank god.

Tucking on his sleeve, he turned his full attention back to her. His body was so close to hers, he could almost distinguish the shape of the lights reflecting in her eyes. And her wide eyes only stared at him. Aemond could get used to this kind of attention, he loved it too much for his liking. It was intoxicating.

Her arms enveloped him, she folded him into her embrace like it was nothing, it was an instinct to her. Even Aemond could feel she needed him close, a secret message embedded into the touch but the meaning was evading him. Both of them knew though, this meant something to both of them and it calmed them.

She was holding him so close and so gently, he never ever experienced something like this. No one ever treated him this way, he almost thought he did not deserve it. It was foreign but not unpleasant but he still felt undeserving of this. To receive kindness was a different kind of punishment for him. Warm touch burning him to the bones, scarring him, it was an awful feeling like nothing else. However, this felt holy, as if gods decided to bless his horrible mind. His horrible mind that only thought of her, how he could keep himself in her presence. She was warm and kind, dark as a shadow and present in everything. No, there might be a holiness in her touch, that kind he might become slave to, but to her, there was nothing saint. She was rotten, broken and mend on the inside like him and still she decided to look at him as if complete, as if she accepted it. And Aemond knew he could never get enough of it.

At that moment it was apparent to him. Hell existed and for them it was their sacrifices for their families, expected of them and without reward. Hell for them was sewed into their blood and they couldn’t do anything about it just obey the law set upon them by the iron chain in their veins. 

Her movement unsettled him, afraid of losing her warmth, calmness now in disarray in his heart. She moved away, just slightly but enough that they could see into each other's eyes and there was uncommon indecision in her stare, and then she moved again.

The first touch of her lips was hesitant, almost shy and maybe it was all the alcohol playing with his brain, Aegon oftentimes blabbered with his drunk mouth about beautiful dreams of even more beautiful ladies before Aemond woke him up to get him home. But if it was a dream, he hoped it would last a lifetime before he himself had to be awoken.

It was soft, almost innocent. Her lips just gently touched his before courage overtook her and something hungry awoke in him. What was once a gentle embrace soon turned into a violent clash, their mouths fighting against each other, devouring more and more of the other person. There was no stopping now, any kind of will of holding themselves back was gone forever. They stepped over the line, now open for crossing.

Her hand gripped his forearm urging him closer, each kiss more hungry, igniting something within him. Soon a soft skin met his neck, gripping the hair at the base and tugging. In that moment his legs almost gave up on him, the overwhelming feeling consuming him completely, his mind, his body and his soul. 

That's how life should be, he thought, being drunk and kissing a pretty girl, kissing her.

Her warmth suddenly left him and the young Targaryen had no desire to open his eyes, too afraid of the dream ending. Maybe if he kept his eyes closed he would never wake up, she would never leave and her touch on his skin would be still present.

Another soft kiss tore him up from that fantasy, this time on his cheek and what he saw was a vision he never wished to forget. Her cheeks were red, hair a complete mess, absolutely breathless, trying to calm down but still the most beautiful person he has ever met. Pupils blown wide moving across his face, her smile reached her eyes and her whole face was bright.

“I have to go.” He did not like those words. No, there was no ending to it now, they were meant to kiss forever until both of them suffocated, unable to leave the presence of the other.

“No.” His voice was hoarse but the implication of his words seemed too stern for his fogged brain. 

“My taxi is here.” Her hand moved, pointing to the yellow car parked and waiting for the next passenger. The smile she gave him was reassuring, lulling him back to the foggy fantasy of kissing her again. 

“Oh.” 

He watched her wave goodbye to a few people, leaving in their own cars or by other taxis, he himself should get moving, find his brother and leave too. However, he could not move, his body rigidly straightened, neck craning to catch a few last more glimpses of the car she left in. 

And even with her once again gone, Aemond’s mind was dizzy and belly full of butterflies.

“Awww, you smooched the girl.” His brother giggled from the coach, his form morphing into the soft cushions, with one of his sweaty hands grasping for the bottle set on the coffee table. While his brother was occupying the coach, his oldest cousin took the armchair next to it, spreaded out just like Aegon. Luke, the younger cousin of his, was meanwhile seated next to his brother but on the ground with his back to the armchair, with one cushion stuffed under him, functioning like a seat.

All of them were in some state of disarray, of course his brother the most. Aegon’s tie was missing, just like his suit jacket and one of his shoes. If he knew one of his feet was bare, not counting the dirty sock still stuck on it, he did not let it be known by anyone. The white shirt he wore was sticking to his skin and some of the buttons were undone throughout the night, Aemond could see the tiny stain on his right wrist. White wine or whiskey, he wasn't sure. Compared to him both of Jace’s shoes were present, his hair a complete mess just like Aemond’s, and while he took off his own suit jacket it was apparent that tomorrow won’t be pleasant for his head. The most kept of them was young Luke presumably because Jace did not let him drink more than a flute of champagne through the dinner and a few sips of the wine served at the event.  

“You didn’t have to call them here.” Aemond waved his hand to their cousins. His older brother decided to end his night with a big sweet treat as a finale, Aemond’s humiliation. It took him one text, snap exactly, to their cousin Jace and they were all here, in Aemond’s apartment. At least Baela and her sister went out for more drinks and were not present, plus Heleana already left because she felt too tired, bless her heart.

“Oh, come on.” Aegon was enjoying it all, the panicked expression of his brother, the utter confusion of their cousins and most of all, the drink he was finishing. “Take this as a…,” his arms motioned into the open living room, searching for the correct words,“family bonding experience, eh?” His brother’s face was once again graced by a cheeky smirk. Once more Aemond felt like a joke, as a tired, drunk joke but he knew if he decided to go to bed, sleep would not overcome him, only panic would.

“So… How did it happen?” Young Luke piped up, his ears turning a light shade of pink. At least Aemond was not the only one embarrassed by the conversation.

“Well-, I-I kissed her?” Shrugging his shoulders, Aemond tried to act as if talking about it was not bothering him at all, as if it was another normal conversation.

“That sounded more like a question, mate.” This time it was Jace who spoke up, not giving Aemond even a glance, occupied by his phone, possibly texting Baela, while still part of the conversation.

“We… kissed…” He was at a loss of words, how does he describe it…. It wasn’t like this was Aemond’s first kiss, far from that. There were some girls in school when he was younger, few relationships, notably with Alys, that one had a nasty end. “And… so- like…,” The whole conversation was not only irritating his nerves and his brain but his eye, the old scar pulsing under the pressure of the talk and even the fake eye.

Fuck. I need to get it out.

Aemond was still uncomfortable with taking his fake eye out in front of… well basically anyone and while he could go search for the eyepatch he wore instead of the artificially created prosthetic, his nerves did not allow him to move.

His silence was not taken lightly by the men in his living room, each of them racking their brains as to why someone like him was unable to describe what happened.

“But it was like…” Jace nodded his head, trying to indicate the words without saying them,” y’know… consensual?” At this Aemond’s pacing stopped, it all happened too fast. Did HE kiss her first? He definitely didn’t have enough courage to kiss her first, did he? Maybe the alcohol, maybe she… 

“I… think so?” Memories in Aemond’s head started to swim, prompted by an anxious feeling setting in his chest, messing up his perception of the events or maybe it was the alcohol…

“Okay…” He did not like this reaction from his brother one bit, nerves one level higher and he might definitely explode. The whole room was slowly but surely getting influenced by his own nerves in the end not helping him ease his mind at all, more like provoking him to descend to madness more and more.

“So that kiss was like… alright, eh?” Aegon’s unsure face was also not helping his nervous mind.

“Eh…” He did not like this sound, he himself did not know where it came from but the tone prompted everyone to silently pounder for a few seconds before they arrived at their separate conclusions.

All eyes turned to his tall frame, mouths slowly opening. “Don’t.” He tried to shut them down promptly, hand raised at them once again, especially if their conclusion was that he was a bad kisser.

“But what if she actually doesn’t like you?” Aegon’s words cause them to think again while Aemond pointed his finger at him, fuming and ready to slap his brother over the head.

“Wait a second…” He tried to gain footing in the conversation but it was a losing battle. “I am just saying that-” This time Aemond was sure to swat his hand toward his brother, meters away, meant to not cause any harm but to at least scare him a bit.

“Hold on,-” Luke was unsuccessfully trying to defuse the situation, getting this conversation might have been going the wrong route.

“He did not mean it like that!” Jace too tried to intercede the whole ordeal but just like his younger brother completely unsuccessful.

“Yeah and how the FUCK did he mean it then!?” Aemond’s nerves finally gave up, letting out his fury. 

“Calm DOWN!” The armchair under Jace screeched after he pushed it in an attempt to stand up, ending up back in it after losing his balance.

“He WAS JUST SAYIN-” It was Luke’s turn to get up or it was simply prompted by his brother moving his back support. 

“I DON’T CARE!” His throat felt tight, scratched from the volume of his voice. He knew he was losing it but he could not stop.

The words took everyone by surprise. They were used to some mean and angry words from Aemond, he was antisocial on his better days and if pushed far enough he would get cruel in some fucked up way to hide himself from the world. However, to see him bubble over, to let himself scream so unapologetically… this was the first time for any of them to witness, even Aegon got quiet.

“What if she doesn’t like me?” It came out more like a whisper, an involuntary sound escaped him and Aemond was finally ready to collapse, to throw it all out of the window, lose it completely and most embarrassingly ready to cry in front of them.

“I mean, maybe she likes y-” Aegon’s voice piped from his right, still on the coach he was subtly hiding behind his now empty beer bottle.

“YOU said that MAYBE SHE DOESN’T LIKE ME!” 

“I am sure she likes you.”

“HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT?”

“WELL, I WAS NOT THERE!” 

But this time Aegon was down to yelling it out along with his brother, the alcohol or just his rude nature supporting him in the decision. The screaming match went on for quite some time, Luke and Jace slowly joining, the living room becoming louder and louder, Aemond’s downstairs neighbors were sure to call the police any minute now. At the end none of them knew how the screaming match started, who argued with what or what they were arguing about, the alcohol dulling their sense of reason.

“Why are you all yelling?!” Baela’s agitated voice sounded from the front door, she was still in her coat while Rhaena had her shoes already off.

And then inferno began once more, voices shouting over each other in a chaotic symphony.

“RHEANA!”

“BAELA! YOU WON’T BEL-!”

“WHAT IF SHE DOESN’T LIKE M-!”

“YO AEMOND KISSED -!”

For a moment they all quieted down, catching their breath, bodies heaving and faces reddened, fingers still pointed at each other. “What?” Rheana asked, turning her gaze to her sister in a confused manner. Baela instead looked unamused partly because she got used to such banter from the younger two men.

“DRINKS!”

All heads turned to Aegon whose attention was now preoccupied by the plastic bag dangling from Baela’s hand. She lifted her hand, dangling it in front of his face as some sort of bait. And while the girls lured Aegon into the kitchen with the bad set down on the kitchen counter, Aemond felt like crying. Crying like when he was a little kid, unable to escape his doom.

Bottles clicked against each other aggravating Aemond even more. His anxiety was spiking up, dizziness almost overcoming him. This could only result in another screaming match between all of them until he would give up and tell them to fuck out of his apartment, Aegon included, even if he had been sleeping on his coach for the last 2 months.

Speaking of which, his brother was once again attempting to open a new bottle of beer while the girls finally sat on the coach previously occupied solely by him. “Thanks for the keys.” Rheana’s outstretched arm was handing him his keys but Aemond felt drained of all energy. Instead of taking them he motioned for her to throw them, catching them with ease. The iron keys to his apartment comfortably cold from the outside night air, grounding him in his own body. He was fine, in his living room, in his apartment… and he was fine.

“So…,” Rheana could feel his uneasiness prompting her to tune down the volume of her voice to a soft mumble, almost whispering, “what was all of this about?” 

“He kissed the girl,” Aegon shared on the behalf of his brother. Aemond was not sure if it was for his own sakes or if he simply wanted to be the one to break the news once again.

“The girl?” Her eyebrows raised, Baela motioned with a light smirk to Jace to continue, to indulge her curiosity. And he would of course indulge her as always. “Yeah.” 

“Wait… what girl?” Her sister spoke up, this time louder while another cheeky smile played on Baela’s face, giggling like a schoolgirl ready to receive another juicy rumor.

So Aemond recounted the story one more time, this time properly with some actual details. They talked, shared some personal stuff, and when it came to saying goodbye she kissed him before leaving in a taxi. He made sure to leave out the details of his knees buckling every time she had touched him or the fact he could still smell her shampoo and was still thinking about her eyes, lips, everything.

“Well, she is the girl.” Baela whispered mischievously, her elbow assaulting her sister’s side before the mischief in her face turned into another loud laughter. Rheana giggles had continued to sound throughout the room, waking him up again.

“Yeah?” Confused grimace overtook Luke’s face, his whole face scrunched in confusion. “So?” With a nod Aemond tried to urge the girls to continue, almost not breathing over what might come out of their mouths. There was hope for his doing and where was hope was also disappointment.

“I can guarantee you she knows that she is THE girl” Rhaena laughed even more. “I mean SHE kissed him!” Aegon gave Aemond a pointed look which turned into a cheeky grin before a hysterical laughter overcame him, realizing they truly might have been overthinking the whole situation. The bottle of beer he was holding up to his mouth for a not sip shaking violently, spilling some of its content out on his shirt, adding to the mess of him.

 “Honestly, guys… I don’t know what you are all debating over” The sisters bumped their shoulders, giggling like little girls, excited over the information. “She obviously likes him.” And even more loud giggles followed, Aegon gradually joining in with his screeching laugh, not holding back.

“Shit.” Faint murmur left his lips. Realization setting in, he might have kissed her but she was definitely the first one to make a move.

This was one of the worst and best nights in his life.

[stwritings]

Bestfriend!Eddie who has never thought of you in an explicit way. You’ve been friends since middle school and are now well into your 20’s, stunning all of your mutual friends by your consistently platonic relationship (through no fault of your own).

Following a spontaneous night of drinking, you ended up sleeping over, having accidentally gotten a little too wine drunk whilst hanging out. This wasn’t the first time you had spent the night in the Munson’s trailer. Normally, you and Eddie would take turns sleeping on the pull out bed, alternating each time so at least one of you could get a good night’s sleep during your stay.

On this particular night, Wayne was off work, making the small cot unavailable. Despite Eddie offering to sleep on the barcalounger, his uncle wasn’t having any of that.

“Boy, i don’t want you sleepin’ upright in here. Lookin’ like the damn exorcism chick, freakin’ me out.”

He had a point.

You both made your way to his bedroom to get set up. With alcohol flowing through your veins, the prospect of sharing a bed together didn’t seem like a big deal to either of you. You settled in for the night, borrowing an old t-shirt and some clean boxers of his to sleep in.

It was a particularity cold night and you were notoriously selfish in your sleep. You greedily pulled on the blanket throughout the night, stirring Eddie out of his sleep. He woke up shivering, glancing around in confusion until he was conscious enough to remember your presence.

He grumpily turned to face you and quickly snatched the blankets back so he could be covered once more. His rapid movements caused the duvet to slide off of you, exposing your sleeping body as you laid on your stomach, one leg hiked up to your side. This position caused the boxers you were wearing to ride up your ass ever so slightly, really showcasing your figure. Eddie paused for a second as his brain short-circuited. He stared at you, his best friend of 10+ years, stunned and confused by the way you were unintentionally making his boxers feel tight.