#second chance at love

[hawkinsbnbg]

Eddie Munson wasn’t one who knew when to quit.

Eddie Munson was a lot of things, but he wasn’t one who knew when to quit.

He sold drugs when it was frowned upon because he wanted to help his uncle pay the bills. He did drugs because why the hell not?

He loved music that was too loud, he played games that were considered satanic, he wore his queerness as a badge of honor in the town that hated him.

He headed to hell, sacrificed himself for the kid he loved and people he barely knew, and survived the odds.

He graduated high school by tooth and nail, pursued his dream when everyone deemed he was a lost cause. He worked harder when being pushed down. He succeeded.

He made it big, achieved his dream, got fame and wealth at his disposal. He was notorious for the long list of flings left in every city he visited. He despised the snobs, bigots, and paparazzi.

He—

He tried to quit mooning over the beautiful man who had saved his life alongside the whole world. Who was the object of his desire and obsession. His dream and muse, his pain and yearning.

Who was the bane of his existence, the opium to the addict in his core. Dangerous and yet, lovely, irresistible.

Even so, he could never bring himself to ignore the monthly phone calls with Steve, listening to the warm voice that made his heart ache and flutter, checking in to make sure his boy was still safe in the town that he had left behind to go spread his wings.

Yes, his.

The moment Steve kissed him—shaky, tender, sweet—their souls had intertwined, bounded together for evermore.

Eddie couldn’t bring himself to deny it, that he had lost his heart to Steve Harrington since the first time he caught a glimpse of those pretty eyes and soft lips, wishing he could kiss them one day.

And then he did.

Back when their feelings were still new, fresh, tentative. They had done everything any young lovers would do upon having made it through an almost-apocalypse together.

They dove headfirst into each other. Touching, crying, kissing, laughing, and making love. They consumed, they devoured, they ignited.

And they crashed.

Eddie couldn’t stand being the town’s prime murder suspect even after the charge had been dropped.

Steve couldn’t bear leaving the only place he had grown up in, the place he had fought for with his life. He had people, friends who needed him there, who would miss him a terrible amount if he decided to leave.

But Eddie didn’t have such problems. His uncle didn’t rely on him the same way the kids did to Steve. His friends had left long before the ‘earthquake’ took place.

A label had sought him out after seeing his performance at The Hideout, offered him a good deal if he signed with them, and for the first time since his life had been turned upside down, Eddie saw hope.

He had talked with Steve about it. About leaving for a better future. About them making a life together somewhere outside the cursed town they had been unfortunately put in.

But it was a wistful thinking. Because sometimes, love was never enough. And sometimes, Eddie wasn’t the only scared one.

They parted. Tearful but surprisingly civil. They hadn’t been through so much just to lose each other over a mutual breakup.

Because Eddie still loved Steve.

And Steve still loved Eddie.

Simple as that.

"Don’t be hung up on me, Munson," Steve whispered to him, hugging him so tight that his healed ribs might crack again. Eddie didn’t think he would mind if it meant he could stay in this moment forever.

"I should be the one telling you that, Stevie," Eddie sniffled, hugging the boy he loved just as fiercely.

He suddenly didn’t want to leave anymore. Maybe he could apply for a position at the plant, asked Wayne for a recommendation. Or he could make do with the mine at the edge of the town, he heard they were hiring just the other day ago.

"Good luck, Eds," Steve pressed a kiss on his ear. "Don’t do drugs, don’t get in trouble, don’t be–"

"–stupid."

Steve laughed, tilting his head back and offering his pale throat for Eddie’s greedy eyes. The urge to lick, to bite, to leave a mark was strong, but Eddie just tightened his hold around Steve further, because the privilege wasn't his anymore.

"I was going for ‘cute’," Steve looked back at him, arms coming up to wrap around his neck, nails scratching the back of his nape teasingly, eyes light and twinkling with mirth. Eddie wanted to kiss him. "But I guess ‘stupid’ suits you just fine."

"Stop flirting," Eddie chided him half-heartedly, unable to resist it anymore and leaned in to peck the end of his nose.

Steve blushed, pretty and precious, before releasing him and finally stepping back. Too close and too far at the same time.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, and Eddie was thankful that their friends were considerate enough to give them some semblances of privacy after having said their goodbye.

Before Eddie could do something stupid like falling to his knees and begging Steve to go with him, the final boarding called for his flight.

"So this is it," he shrugged on his duffle and gave Steve a lopsided smile.

"Have a safe flight, Eddie," Steve squeezed his shoulder before stepping aside so the others could do the same.

As Eddie turned on his heels, he could feel Steve’s gaze trailing after him until he disappeared behind the gate.

"He kept asking me when would you come to Indianapolis, which was unfair because how could I possibly know that? And the dipshit just rolled his eyes at me with Aren’t you supposed to be his best friend or something? Then I had to set it straight with him that us being on the phone once a month doesn’t mean I’d know every deepest darkest secret about you."

Eddie felt his chest and stomach warm with fondness when Steve didn’t deny that they were best friends, didn’t insist that the position was for Robin only. Because Steve was cool like that. Because why on earth would he refuse to have two best friends who would go to hell with him?

Eddie bet if he looked at the mirror right now, he would see himself smiling like a lovesick idiot.

There was something so endearing about Steve whining to him about their kids and friends every time they talked.

It was as if they had been doing this their whole life. Talking about mundane things, asking about each other's days, chatting about everything and anything.

It would be awfully domestic if they lived together.

Eddie could imagine it, see it clearly in his mind.

Steve sharing the spaces with him, waking up in the same bed as him, standing in the kitchen wearing the Kiss the Cook apron, swaying to the songs from the radio, giggling cutely when Eddie smothered him with kisses, smiling warmly as they did the chores together, getting huffy and bitchy when they bantered, and humming softly to some random tunes Eddie just came up with.

Perhaps, they would all become his new reality if he took that first step.

Eddie Munson wasn’t one who knew when to quit, after all.

And for Steve, he would take a million steps to make them work this time.

"Are you sure, Stevie?" He asked.

"Sure what?"

"That you haven’t already known every deepest, darkest secret of mine."

He heard Steve take a deep inhale. Eddie smiled fondly. His smart boy, always knew him so well.

"Eddie..."

"I’m an adult now, sweetheart," he chuckled. "Gotta be the one addressing the elephant in the room when my boy is too stubborn to look at it."

"Don’t be silly," Steve said weakly, a bit breathless. Good to know Eddie still had that effect on him even after all those years.

"I can’t, Stevie," Eddie lowered his voice, like he was telling a secret. "Been silly for you since high school. Don’t think I can stop it now."

"I told you to move on."

"And I didn’t promise anything," Eddie bit back a laugh, knowing how frustrated Steve must be right now. "I tried. Haven’t you seen all of that?"

There was a reason Eddie did everything in his capacity to appear on the headlines most of the time. He wanted Steve to see him, to watch him, to be there for every little step he took, to be in his life as much as possible.

"... I have," Steve sighed, sounding more tired than dejected.

"So you know how hard it had been for me to find someone who could measure up to you," Eddie twirled a strand of his hair absently. "They always failed at the ‘having perfect hair’ part."

"Bet they didn’t know what Farrah Fawcett is, huh?"

"They just looked at me blankly when I told them to take better care of their hair," Eddie grinned at the lovely sound of Steve’s giggle.

"So," Eddie cleared his throat slightly and braved on when Steve quieted down. "My band’s final destination is Indianapolis. It’s a two-night stop. After that, I’ll take my well-deserved break in Hawkins for a few months, visit my uncle and our friends, and see if you’re gonna take me back."

"Eddie," Steve said pointedly. "We both agreed that it’s better for us to stay friends. And I don’t– I can’t watch you leave again. I’m not made for it."

"Baby," Eddie said softly, his heart breaking at the sound of Steve’s sharp inhale, like it was too much, like the word hadn’t been on the tip of his tongue every time they spoke. "Everything’s different now. Our kids are all in colleges, our friends have their jobs and families, and I think it’s time you allow yourself to live your life, Stevie."

"What are you trying to say here, Eddie?" Steve asked shakily.

"That I need you," Eddie poured out his heart. "I craved for you, missed you so much that it hurts me physically. All of my songs are about you and just for you. I’m obsessed with you, bewitched by you, my love. You’ve been in my mind for years now and I don’t think it’ll stop any time soon."

"C’mon, angel," he went on as Steve let out a small gasp. "I did everything you told me to. No drugs, no fights, no troubles. Haven't I been good enough?"

"Except you’re still hung up on me," Steve laughed softly, warmly.

"Yeah, I’m still an addict, after all," Eddie chuckled. "It’s impossible to quit loving you, baby boy."

"Me, too," Steve said after a while. "I'm still hung up on you, Eddie," his voice cracked as he admitted quietly, "still in love with you."

"Christ, we make quite a pair, huh?" Eddie chuckled, running a hand down his face.

"Tell me about it," Steve let out an amused huff.

In the next several minutes, they discussed what they would do when Eddie got back. And in return, Eddie promised to send everyone at home tickets and backstage passes so they could go see him once the show was over.

"I listened to them all, you know," Steve said amidst their conversation.

Eddie paused, feeling his heart somersault and pressing a hand on his chest to calm it down.

"I’m glad," he said, crooning, "'cause they’re my love letters for you, darlin'."

"Gosh, you’re such a sap."

He could hear the smile in Steve’s voice.

"Your sap," Eddie grinned so much that his cheeks hurt. "Only yours, baby boy."

"Guess you’re right," Steve giggled. "Can’t wait to see you again. My sappy poet."

It had been years since they last saw each other. At least on Eddie’s part, because he knew Steve had seen him plenty on the TV and in those magazines.

Eddie was relieved that they had been too stubborn to let themselves grow apart and still kept in touch to this day.

For being long-distance friends, they didn’t have a lot to catch up with except their pent-up feelings for each other.

Eddie looked at the framed candid photo of Steve on his nightstand.

In the shot, Steve was wearing his signature blue polo and snug jeans. Around his neck was a silver chain that carried Eddie’s guitar pick, tucked safely beneath his shirt.

He was watching the kids fooling around in the pool. Cold beer in his hands as he turned to Robin, whispering about anything he found funny like a cute gossip schoolboy.

Eddie’s boy.

Golden skin kissed by the sun. Hazel eyes sparkled with joy, like gemstones that tasted of warm caramel. Rosy cheeks, pouty lips, freckled nose. All perfect and divine under the bright daylight.

The photo had cost Eddie an arm and a leg when he asked to buy it from Jonathan.

It was worth every penny.

"Soon, angel," Eddie said softly. "I’ll be there before you know it."

Two days later, Eddie stood on Steve’s front porch with his luggage and rang the bell.

When Steve opened the door and saw him, a warm smile graced those pretty features.

"Hey."

There were no questions about why Eddie had returned earlier than planned. Because Steve knew Eddie was never good at the waiting game. And he had waited long enough for both of their sake.

"Hey yourself," Eddie smiled back, taking a couple of steps forward to erase the little distance between them.

As Steve tilted his chin up slightly to look at him, Eddie leaned down to peck the corner of that lovely mouth, resting his hands on the soft waist.

"I’m home, baby."

Naturally, Steve hooked his arms around Eddie’s neck and pressed their lips together—firm, tender, sweet.

Just like their first kiss.

"Welcome home, Eds."

[mysterious-moonstruck-musings]

Rough Waters

Frankie Morales x OFC (Elena) ||| Main Masterlist

Summary: While on family vacation, a young Frankie Morales and Elena meet by chance. They become inseparable during the trip. They part with promises to stay in touch, but life eventually gets in the way of that. Elena is haunted by thoughts of Frankie and wonders what ever happened to him. In a story of first loves and second chances, she gets her answers fourteen years later when they reconnect under less than perfect circumstances.

Word Count: 9.5k

👉 Warnings: smut (MDNI), angst, alcohol consumption, brief mention of parental death, brief mention of unplanned pregnancy, brief mention of mental health struggles, Frankie's mouth, Frankie's hands, Frankie's hair

Quote: "Why do I feel like you're telling me goodbye?"

People weave in and out of our lives, making and severing connections without a second thought. In most cases, their absence has no effect and the memory of them eventually fades. They turn into a forgotten name and blurry image. Other times, the impact of their absence is so profound that it changes your life trajectory. It carves out a piece of your soul and leaves you wandering, looking for the missing piece. The longer that piece is missing, the bigger the void grows. That void can never be filled and will leave you asking, “What if?” until your end.  

This was never meant to be a love story, but it is a story about the love between two people. It’s a story about heartbreak and loss. A story about two souls on a journey to fill the void that the other left. It’s an unpredictable journey that leads into new beginnings and second chances.

It was near midnight as I sat on the balcony of a 14th floor suite at the Eastgate Palms Resort, drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels and listening to the hypnotic sound of the waves crashing against the shore. My fiancé slumbered in one of the two bedrooms, unaware of the turmoil raging inside me. My eyes were unblinking, watching the reflection of the moon and stars rippling in the water, remembering the last time I sat in this very spot fourteen years ago to the day. It was the last time I saw him. The one that I could never seem to let go. My “what if”. 

We were still kids, both of us 16 and full of dreams. The first time I saw him was on the beach. I didn’t appreciate him then. I was more interested in his blonde haired, blue eyed best friend, Will, who had accompanied him on his family’s vacation. I tried my best to get Will’s attention, but he was more worried about pickup football games and surfing. Frankie, however, seemed to prefer lounging by the pool. We skirted around each other that first day. I insisted to my best friend, who was traveling with me and my family, that I wasn’t interested. He wasn’t my type I had said to her. It didn’t take long for that to change. 

Our first night together, I was awake later than everyone else, just as I was every night. I had been sitting on this same balcony, enjoying the peaceful lulling sounds of the waves as I wrote in my journal when I heard the balcony door of the neighboring suite open. Frankie appeared, leaning against the railing and staring out at the dark ocean before him with a somber expression. I watched him for some time as he stood illuminated by waxing moonlight, taking in the outline of his shaggy curls and fit frame. His profile was unique with an aquiline nose and pouty lips. It probably wouldn’t have fit into the conventional definition of beautiful, but something about it was. 

To this day, I can’t remember what the first words were that we said to each other. I wish I could. I do remember him laughing, his eyes crinkling at the corners and his cheek dimpling as he came to lean against the railing closest to me. We talked until the first rays of sun appeared over the water. We talked about my writing, our plans for the future, our families - no topic was off the table. It was like we had been friends for ages. I remember the way he looked during the sunrise with his dark hair hanging down over his chocolate-colored baby cow eyes, patchy stubble on his jaw, his golden skin darkened from being at the pool. He was perfect and already owned a small piece of my heart. 

As the week went on, we spent all of our free time together doing mundane things - lounging by the pool or on the beach, walking the pier or to the local gift shops. We were usually accompanied by our friends or older siblings. The nights, however, were ours. Every night after our families were asleep, we would both sneak out to our balconies to be together and always talked until the sun was visible on the horizon. During that time, I got to know Frankie very well. He was an old soul and a dreamer. He was caring and sweet. To me, he was perfect in every way. 

On our last night together, we both stood leaning on our respective railings across from each other, no more than a foot apart. Our hearts were heavy knowing that I would be leaving the following day. Our heads stayed bent closely as we talked in hushed whispers, making promises to stay in touch. That was the night he gave me my first real kiss, his hands cupping my cheeks as he licked into my mouth. It was every teenage girl’s dream come true. 

It was the days before social media and cell phones. Long-distance calls from a landline costed a small fortune. So, we settled for exchanging addresses, insisting that we would write to each other weekly. And we did. We wrote to each other for nearly two years. We shared our most intimate thoughts and feelings - things that we never told anyone else. We made plans for our future, when we were old enough to be together and have our own life. However, Frankie’s letters eventually started to come slower. Weeks and then months between each one, until they eventually stopped. My last letter was returned with a note indicating a new resident with no forwarding address. I was devastated but held out hope that I would still hear from him. I never did.

As the years went on, I tried to forget about him, but he was always in the recesses of my mind. I couldn’t help wondering about him from time to time. I tried looking him up on social media once that became a thing but had no luck. I even used all the resources at my disposal to try and locate him, but I came up with nothing. He was a ghost. Nothing but a memory. I hated not knowing what became of him. I knew it would be one of the many mysteries that would haunt my dreams until the day I died.

I was drawn from my thoughts by the familiar sound of a sliding door from his balcony. I knew it was ridiculous, but that didn’t stop my heart from jumping into my throat for a brief moment. That was quickly remedied when a woman moved into view to stand in Frankie’s place, leaning on the railing, staring into the abyss. I briefly wondered what inner demons she was battling as I stood to go inside. I left the door open so I could listen to the sounds of the ocean as I laid down on the living room sofa, eventually drifting off to sleep. Frankie haunted my dreams that night, as he did most nights. However, this night they were so vivid, it was like I was 16 again and here with him. The sound of his voice rattled around in my brain, but it sounded off. Different. It left me questioning if I could even remember how he sounded anymore. 

I eventually woke to the sound of seagulls and warm sunlight beaming down onto my face. I could faintly hear Chris, my fiancé, singing off key in the shower. I groaned, feeling groggy and hung over. He had insisted we take this trip to try and rekindle things between us, but so far, he was only pushing me further away. He chose the location because he thought it would make me happy. Citing that he remembered how fondly I had spoken of my memories here when I was younger. What he didn’t realize was those memories were because of Frankie. I had never told Chris about Frankie. I didn’t see the need since I never expected to see him again. Yet here we were. Frankie wasn’t in my life, but he was still hanging over it like a dark cloud. Being here was only making things worse, reminding me of how unhappy I was with the path I had chosen for myself. 

With a sigh, I pulled myself up off the sofa and wandered into the bedroom. Chris was just coming out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist, smiling as he gave me a quick peck on the cheek.

“I bet you slept real good on that tiny ass couch. Why didn’t you come to bed?”

I shook my head, “I just fell asleep listening to the waves. I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry.” 

“I can’t believe we spent our first night of vacation sleeping in separate rooms. Who does that?”

“I said I’m sorry. It wasn’t my goal. I told you, the sound helps me relax. I just dozed off.”

He smiled as he wrapped his arms around me, “I know. I’m just giving you a hard time. I would like to spend some time with you though…like we used to.”    

I smiled, but it didn’t reach my eyes, “Don’t worry, we still have four more days. I’m gonna go take a shower.” 

He kissed me on the lips now, attempting to deepen it before I pulled away. It didn’t feel right. It wasn’t the same. Something was missing.

I gave him a tight smile as I moved to my bag to grab my toiletries before disappearing to the bathroom and locking the door. 

We spent the day doing touristy stuff. It was something that I probably would have found pleasure in in another life, but today, it just felt empty. The only thing I could feel was a heavy weight on my chest. It got heavier every time Chris mentioned something about his plans for our future together. I was beginning to feel like I was on a spinning carnival ride that I couldn't get off of. It made me dizzy and nauseous. It was becoming more obvious to me that I was choosing the wrong path, but I feared I had gone too far and wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

The day had turned to night when we found ourselves waiting to be seated at a boardwalk restaurant. Chris was chattering away at my side, but I didn’t hear a word he was saying. My mind was distracted by thoughts of a young Frankie and I walking down a nearby footpath, laughing about something as he slipped his arm around me. I hadn’t remembered that moment until now. It’s funny how long-lost memories can be unexpectedly triggered by random experiences. 

My attention was pulled back to the present day by a buzzer lighting up and vibrating in my hands, alerting us that our table was ready. As we stood, I turned to move toward the hostess stand and crashed into a broad frame. When my eyes locked with the familiar dark orbs in front of me, I couldn’t breathe. We stared at each other for a beat before I managed to stutter out, “I-I’m sorry… excuse me.” 

I could feel the eyes of the beautiful blonde beside him boring into me. Clearly, she had noticed the odd exchange between us. Chris’s hand was on my elbow, leading me away toward our table none the wiser to the events unfolding before him. Frankie’s gaze was wide as he nodded curtly, his eyes flicking to Chris, then back to me. He forced a tight smile before turning away. An understanding seemed to pass between us in those short seconds. It couldn’t appear like we knew each other. 

As I turned away, the room began to spin. I was feeling light headed and overwhelmed by his sudden appearance. I let out a stuttered breath as I sat down in my seat. I couldn’t believe this was happening. What were the chances?

After ordering, Chris took me further off guard, asking, “Have you decided on a date yet?”

I shook my head, “No, I haven’t.”

“Elena, it’s been two years. We should’ve figured that out by now.” 

I sighed, “I know, I’ve just had a lot going on. You know work’s been keeping me crazy busy.” 

He shook his head, “You know, I would like to be settled down and have kids by the time I’m thirty-five.”

I could feel my blood beginning to boil. This was my problem. He was building a life for me according to what he wanted. I felt like I had no say in it. 

In my periphery, I could see Frankie and the blonde being seated at a table across the room. Our eyes briefly connected before I turned away. Chris was completely oblivious to any of it as he continued to drone on.

“I don’t want to be a sixty-year-old with teenagers, you know what I mean?”

I nodded, agreeing with him just to shut him up. 

He gave me a hopeful smile, “Maybe you should just quit your job. You know you don’t actually have to work. I make more than enough…”

I scoffed, “I’m not having this conversation with you again. I happen to enjoy my job. I’m not gonna be a stay at home housewife.” 

His brows furrowed, “You’ll have to eventually. I would prefer you be home with the kids.” 

I wanted to punch him in his stupid face. He was never going to let this go.

I rubbed at the crease between my brows, “Can we just not talk about this right now? Please?”

Chris gave a disbelieving laugh as he shook his head. I chanced a glance in Frankie’s direction, really seeing him for the first time. He still had his shaggy hair, but it was tucked away under an old baseball cap. His lean frame had filled out some and appeared much broader than I remembered. There was something about the way he carried himself that seemed different. He was no longer the shy boy that I remember. He was alert, sad eyes constantly scanning the room. His posture appeared too formal for the setting, with an assertive air to him. He was still absolutely beautiful. Maybe even more so now with the way his shirt stretched across his thick arms and wide shoulders.

He glanced in my direction again, holding my gaze longer than he probably should have. From the way his chest was moving under his gray fitted t-shirt, I could tell his breathing was elevated. He looked like he was seeing a ghost. 

“So when should we have that discussion? You can’t keep putting it off, you know?” 

My eyes darted to Chris, “I’d rather not ruin our evening. Can you please just drop it?”

He puffed air out of his cheeks, then reached for his glass of wine, downing it in a couple of gulps. At this rate, he might pass out when we get back to the resort. I kind of hoped he would. I watched as the server came around and refilled his glass. I gave her a tight smile, “Leave the bottle, please.” 

She hesitated but set it down between us. Chris was already working on the next round. I watched as he grabbed the bottle and topped his glass off. I needed to get away from him for a minute before I lost it. 

“I’m gonna run to the bathroom.” 

He held his glass up, like he was giving a toast then took another sip. I could already tell; the rest of this evening was certainly going to be fun. 

I took my time in the bathroom, not wanting to return to my now hostile partner. Leaning against the sink, I took a moment to look at myself. I looked tired, run down, and miserable. There was no way I could keep doing this. I sighed, washed my hands, then pulled the door open. Frankie appeared out of nowhere, grabbing my hand and pulling me around a corner into a short hallway that was meant for staff. 

I just stared at him. Tears pooled in my eyes as I struggled to speak. His hands rested on my shoulders as he gave me a disbelieving look, “Mi sol, it’s really you.” (My sun)

I shook my head, it hurt too much to hear that endearment, “Don’t call me that.” 

I turned to walk away, suddenly overcome with anger, but he grabbed my hand to stop me.

“Elena, wait. Please. Give me a chance to explain.” 

I rubbed at the ache forming between my brows before turning back to him. I wasn’t prepared for any of this. I definitely wasn’t prepared for his big brown eyes. They were the same, only aged, and were still having the same effect on me. 

I had to look away, “I’ve gotta get back out there before he comes looking for me.” 

Frankie’s shoulders slumped in defeat as he tried to meet my gaze, “Give me your number, please. I can’t lose you again. Just lemme explain everything.” 

I could see the desperation in his sad eyes even though I was trying my best not to focus on them. The permanent crease between his brows deepened as he stood there silently pleading with me. How could I ever tell him no? Wasn’t this one of the things I wanted to know above all else? 

I let out a controlled breath, “Ok, fine gimme your phone.” 

He handed over his cell, “I’ll text you tonight… Do I need to worry about him seeing it?” 

I shook my head as I typed in my contact info, “This is a google voice number. It doesn’t go directly to my phone. I have to log in to check it, so I may not get back to you right away.”

I gave him a tight-lipped smile, handing his phone back as I turned to walk away until he gently grabbed my wrist to stop me, “Hey, I am sorry. I-I��ve…missed you.”

For a brief moment I saw the old Frankie, shy and sweet. It made my heart ache for him. “I’ve missed you too. We’ll talk soon,” I said almost in a whisper.

I gave his hand a squeeze then turned to make my way back to the table. When I sat down, Chris was pushing pasta around on his plate, seemingly uninterested in eating now. He never stopped drinking the wine though. He looked at me with cold eyes, “What took you so long?” 

I scoffed, “You’re really asking about my bathroom habits now? I’m sorry, I had to wait and then deal with some unexpected feminine issues. That takes a minute.”

He rolled his eyes, “Of course, that’s convenient.”

It was convenient because it was a lie. I just couldn’t deal with him tonight. I was still reeling from seeing Frankie on top of dealing with Chris’s asshole behavior. I wasn’t in a good place. 

We ate in strained silence, staring daggers across the table at each other. That didn’t stop me from stealing the occasional glance in Frankie’s direction. There seemed to be an uncomfortable silence between him and his partner as well. 

We returned to the resort after that. Chris disappeared to the bedroom with another bottle of wine. I could hear the tv click on from where I stood in the small kitchenette drinking from a glass of water. He already appeared to be intoxicated, so I silently hoped he would quickly pass out for the night. 

With a sigh, I grabbed a bottle of liquor and walked out onto the balcony. I sat there lost in my thoughts for some time. I felt numb, but my mind was racing. I had so many questions and I wasn’t sure if I wanted the answers. Something told me that knowing would only make matters worse. 

A quick glance at my phone told me it was nearing 11 PM. I wondered if Frankie had texted me yet. Part of me didn’t want to check and forget that I saw him out of fear that I would never hear from him. It now seemed almost easier to not know. However, the broken part of me was mentally huddled in a corner crying and begging for answers. 

I let out a controlled breath, leaning forward in my seat with my elbows on my knees as I opened the internet browser on my phone. After navigating to the web address, I typed in my credentials, held my breath, then hit the login button. I didn’t have any messages. I huffed, “Figures.” I had a feeling I wouldn’t hear from him again. 

I leaned back in the lounge chair and rubbed at my face, accepting the fact that I just needed to let Frankie go. At least I knew that he was alive and living his life. It wasn’t closure, but it was something. 

After grabbing the bottle at my side and taking a sip, I glanced at my phone again. A little red notification now appeared indicating I had a message. Relief washed over me as I clicked to view it.

Unknown Number: Hey, it’s Frankie. 

I quickly added his number to my contacts, and even took a moment to try and memorize it. My fingers hovered over the keys, unsure of what to say. 

Me: Hey. I was beginning to think you were going to stand me up. 

Frankie: Never again, mi sol. Are you somewhere you can talk? 

I now felt heat bloom in my chest at the familiar nickname he had given me all those years ago. It caused my heart rate to spike. 

Me: Funny enough, I’m sitting in our favorite place…but yes, I’m alone. I can talk. 

My attention was drawn away from my phone by the sound of the sliding door opening to the neighboring balcony. His balcony. I glanced up, expecting to see the woman again. Instead, I was met with the sight of a man with messy hair. I had to do a double take as he sat two beers down and came to lean on the nearest railing with that familiar smile on his face. I nearly dropped my phone once I realized it was him. 

My brows furrowed as I stood, “Frankie? What are you…?” 

He let out a quiet chuckle, “I could ask you the same thing.” 

Tears pooled in my eyes as I stared at him in disbelief. He reached across the open space to grab my hand, taking it between his two large ones. 

“I’ve been coming here every chance I could get, on a whim really…Hoping that you would turn up.” 

I chuckled, “It might have been easier to look me up on Facebook.” 

He rolled his eyes, “Yeah, I don’t use any of that. I try to stay under the radar these days…why did you finally come back?”

I chuckled, “Believe it or not, this wasn’t my idea. I did book the room though.”

He laughed quietly before turning more serious, “I’ve missed you. I did try to find you. I knew it was a long shot, but I went to your old address.” 

I felt my heart clench with that news. I couldn’t believe it. 

“What happened to you? Why did you ghost me?” I asked.

He sighed, “I joined the military. I didn’t know how to tell you...”

My face twisted in confusion, “Why did you think I wouldn’t have been able to handle that?

I watched as his tongue slid across his lower lip before his teeth sunk into it. He seemed to be weighing his words.

“I was being recruited to join special ops. I wasn’t going to at first, but then my parents were in an accident��they didn’t make it…”

I gave him a sympathetic look, now cradling his large hands between mine. 

“Anyway, after that…I decided to take the offer. I didn’t really have anything left at home and I wasn’t in a good place, you know? And I knew I’d be doing some dangerous shit…I just didn’t wanna string you along and have you worry. I thought letting you go would be easier.”

I shook my head, “That’s ridiculous.” 

He hung his head between his shoulders, “I know. I regret it…every day. Trust me.” 

“Are you still on active duty?”

He pursed his lips, “I’m on reserve. That’ll be up in a couple months though, then I’m out. My body can’t take much more of it unfortunately.”  

He looked disappointed, but I couldn’t help feeling relieved at the news. I couldn’t stand the thought of him being in danger. 

I heard a noise behind me and stepped away from Frankie. He stealthily disappeared behind the wall that separated the two spaces. I watched as the curtain pulled back and the door slid open. Chris stuck his head out, peering at me with squinted eyes through the dark as he held onto the door frame for support. He was clearly very intoxicated by this point.

“You actually coming to bed tonight or not?” he slurred out from the doorway. 

I sighed, “I’ll think about it. No need to wait up though…feel free to knock out at any time.” 

He scoffed and mumbled something I couldn’t make out as he slammed the door shut and let the curtain fall back in place. 

I puffed air out of my cheeks as I sagged back against the railing, rubbing at the tension forming in the back of my neck. 

In a flash, Frankie was at my side again. “Rough night?” he asked.

I gave him a sad smile, “More like a rough year…maybe even two.”

“Yeah, I could sense some tension at your table.” His lips set into a line.

“He and I just want different things out of life. This trip was meant to fix it…but I think it's only making it more obvious that it’s not gonna work out.” 

He offered me a beer, “You may need this more than me.” 

I chuckled, moving to pick up my bottle from beside the lounger, “Thanks, but I’ve got Jack to keep me company in that regard.” 

He took the lid off his bottle, “Ooof, that bad huh?” 

I nodded, “Yeah, he’s uhh, he has the rest of our lives planned out with a specific timetable. I’m just not cool with that. There’s still a lot I wanna do…and he wants to settle down, get married, and start popping out kids. Four to be specific.” 

Frankie took a drink, “That…fucking sucks.” 

I nodded, “What about you and the blonde?”

He groaned, running his hand down his face, “I uhhh…” 

He paused and shook his head, “We’ve been together almost three years, but I’ve been deployed through most of it.” 

He took another drink, “Found out recently she’s pregnant…which definitely wasn’t planned. I was ready to end things until I found that out…and now we’re living together and I’m gettin’ married in a few months.” 

He looked like a broken man with that revelation. I hated it for him and honestly, it broke me a little too. It was clear, he was never going to be mine.

“I’m not sure if I should say congratulations or not…”

He shrugged, “Yeah, me neither. It’s been hard with her. Now that I’ve been back for a bit it’s become painfully obvious that we’re not compatible. Yet, here we are.” 

I leaned my bottle of Jack toward him, “You may need this more than me.” 

He chuckled and shook his head, “Fine. Suit yourself.” I took a long pull from the bottle, trying to settle my chaotic thoughts. 

He laughed, “Damn girl, calm down with that.” 

I shrugged, “It’s life these days.” 

He shook his head, “This is not where I saw my life going.”

I leaned on the railing closer to him, “Do you ever wonder what would have happened if we hadn’t lost contact?”

He took a long pull from his bottle now, eventually meeting my eyes, “Every damn day.” 

A controlled breath passed through his pouty lips. His brows furrowed as he averted his gaze. “I fucked up. I fucked it up for us. It was supposed to be you. What we had…I’ve never been able to find that again...I constantly feel like a piece of something is missing and I’ve never been able to settle down because I couldn’t find it.” 

My forehead pressed against his as I reached to rub my fingers through his shaggy curls, “I can relate…I’ve felt that way too.”

There was a low hum of energy passing between us. The same way it had all those years ago. I had never felt that with anyone else and it was absolutely killing me that we couldn’t explore it further. I briefly wondered if that hum was the universe’s way of telling us that our missing pieces had been found, but quickly dismissed the thought because it could never be.

Frankie’s eyes fluttered closed, enjoying the feel of my touch. I wanted to kiss him but knew I couldn’t. It would be wrong. I had to force myself to pull away from him. He looked dejected from the loss of my touch. 

His eyes finally met mine, “So, whatta we do now?” 

I sighed, “What can we do? I mean, we’re on our own paths now. We couldn’t be further apart.” 

“Can we at least stay in touch this time? I’d like to check in with you every once in a while.” he asked.

I gave him a small smile, “You have my number.” 

He snorted, “I have a google voice number. What’s that about anyway?”

I laughed, “I use it for work. I don’t want clients to have my actual cell number.”

He nodded, “That’s smart, actually. Maybe I should set that up too. Vic may lose her shit if she finds another woman’s number in my phone.”

“OOH, she’s one of those,” I said with a chuckle. 

He rolled his eyes, “Yeah, she’s very jealous. She got upset because you bumped into me. She didn’t like the way you looked at me.”  

I gave him a tight smile, “Well, to be fair…that probably was an odd exchange to anyone who saw it. I was taken off guard.” 

We were interrupted by a sliding door again, except this time it was Frankie’s. I dipped behind the wall as Frankie had earlier. My stomach was in my throat as I listened to their exchange.

“Baby, why did you leave me? Couldn’t sleep?” she asked.

“No, I couldn’t. Lemme finish my beer, and I’ll come back to bed. Ok?”

I could hear them kissing. I suddenly felt sick. 

“Don’t take too long. I need you,” she said with a suggestive tone.

My breathing spiked as I fought back tears. I couldn’t take this. 

“I-I’ll be in shortly, OK? I need a few minutes.” His voice sounded strained. I’m sure this had to be uncomfortable knowing that I could hear their conversation.

I heard her huff loudly followed by the sound of the door closing. I took a deep breath, trying to pull it together before I faced him again. Once I was sure she was gone, I moved back over to the railing. Frankie dug the palm of his free hand into his eyes before he met my gaze.

“I’m sorry about that. She tends to be pushy and doesn't know how to handle my PTSD issues. She smothers me and gets frustrated when I don’t respond the way she expects.”

I grimaced, “You have PTSD?”

His eyes now looked vacant as he stared at me, “Yeah, I have trouble sleeping because of it. That seems to bother her for some reason.” 

My heart hurt for him. I could only imagine the things he had seen. He turned to face the water, downing the last of his beer, then picked up the second bottle. He looked lost as he stared off into the darkness of the ocean. I would have given anything to be able to hug him, to settle the storm that was brewing inside of his mind. This was beginning to be too much. 

He turned to me suddenly. His brows pinched together as he spoke, “We’re leaving tomorrow, so I guess this is all the time we’ll get together…but I’m glad we got this at least.” 

I nodded, “Yeah, it’s nice to have some sort of closure. I worried that something had happened to you, and I would never know.” 

He shook his head, “Why do I feel like you're telling me goodbye?” 

I shrugged, “Aren’t I? It’s not like we can be friends, Frankie…” I shook my head as a tear slid down my cheek, “I don’t think I could…not now.”

He reached for me, pulling me as close as he could with the railing between us. He cupped my cheek as his forehead leaned against mine, “Te amo, mi sol. (I love you, my sun) Always have. Please don’t forget that.” 

The tears were pouring out of me now. I couldn’t help it. He pulled away, placing both hands on my face, wiping the tears away with his thumbs. “Promise me you won’t forget.” I nodded. I couldn’t say the words back. It hurt too much to speak them aloud. He gave me a chaste kiss on the forehead. This was our goodbye. We both knew it, but neither of us wanted to say it. 

He pulled away, “I need to get back in there…if I stay…I…” He shook his head from side to side, unable to finish the sentence.

“I know...It’s ok. Go,” I replied in a soft whisper.

I could see his eyes glistening in the moonlight as his broad form turned to go inside. In my heart, I knew this would be the last time I would see him. I felt like he had died as I sat down on the lounge chair. I stayed there and cried well into the early morning hours, mourning his loss and the life that we could have had together. At least I knew now, even if it hurt more. 

Three Months Later

I was sitting in my car finishing up a call with a client. As I ended the call, I realized I had a message notification. When I switched to view the messages, Frankie’s name was bolded to show it was from him. I hadn’t heard from Frankie since that night on the balcony. I had been actively working to forget about him as I navigated all of the new major changes in my life. Part of me wanted to delete it without reading. Another part wondered if maybe his circumstances had changed too. My heart pounded in my ears at the thought. My thumb swiped left, then hovered over the delete button. 

I sighed, “Fuck.”

I swiped right, then clicked the message to open it.

Frankie: I’m getting married next Wednesday. Please tell me I’m doing the right thing. 

Something about the message pulled at my heart, but also pissed me off. I wasn’t going to be his excuse for an out. I couldn’t make that decision for him. I debated on a response, but in the end, I left him on read. 

I couldn’t ignore it though. Actually, it was eating me alive inside to know he was getting married. I wished he hadn't told me when it was happening. I would have been better off not knowing the day. It would have been easier to forget not knowing the specifics.

As the week wore on, I couldn’t handle it anymore. I needed a change of scenery, so I called into work and requested the following week off. I needed to go back to our place and mourn properly, without Chris’s incessant buzzing in my ear this time. It was the only way to put Frankie behind me. 

I spent Monday and Tuesday in his suite, crying like a fool and reading through all of his letters that I had saved in a shoebox. My intention was to burn them. To rid myself of the memories of him for good. 

On those late nights, I sat on his balcony, allowing every memory I could recall to play through my mind as I stared off into the dark void of the ocean. It was torture, but I needed to get it all out of my system. I needed to get him out of my system. 

On Wednesday, I sat staring at his last message, battling with myself about responding. Something told me if I said the words, he would end it all and be here in an instant, but I couldn’t do it. It would be wrong. It needed to be his decision, if there was even a decision to be made. I knew him. He was too damn honorable. He would go through with it no matter what because he had a responsibility to do so.

As the sun began to set over the rolling waves, I made my way down to the beach. I was all cried out by this point, but that didn’t make what I was about to do any less painful. I knew that if I got rid of his letters, what memories I had left of him would begin to fade over time and I could finally let him go. After starting a small fire, I sat staring at the flames, second guessing my choice. 

A familiar baritone voice pulled me from my thoughts, “What are you doing?” 

My eyes flicked up to the figure now standing before me, with shaggy hair that was messy and wind-blown. It was Frankie. I was shocked and confused, “W-Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be walking down the aisle?” 

A sad smile formed on his lips as he sat down beside me. His eyes focused on the endless horizon that stretched in front of us, “We called it off.” 

My breath hitched, I shouldn’t be excited about this, but I was. “Why?” 

He sighed, “Well, at her doctor's appointment on Monday, they said she was further along than what I was led to believe…which means it’s not my kid. I was still on my last deployment. That’s why she’d been going to her appointments alone until I insisted. She knew the whole time.”

I gave him a sympathetic look, “Oh Frankie, I’m sorry.” 

He shrugged, “I’m not. I was fucking miserable. She admitted she was cheating on me the whole time I was gone. I had a feeling something was going on, but I didn’t know what and had no proof... I decided to come here while I figured out my next steps.” 

His eyes met mine, “Now the even bigger question is…why are you here?” 

I laughed nervously, my eyes shifting to look anywhere but at him, “Saying my goodbyes to you.”

His eyes drifted to the box sitting in front of me, “Are those my letters?” 

I nodded, “They are.” 

He reached down, thumbing through them as he asked, “Were you gonna burn them?”

My brows furrowed, “I was. I needed to forget so I could move on.” 

His lips set into a tight line as he nodded, “So, you here with your other half this time?” 

I shook my head, squinting from the last rays of light that were shining into my eyes as I looked at him, “I no longer have another half. I couldn’t take it anymore. I broke it off about two months ago.” 

He gave me a dimpled smile, leaning in closer as he pointed to the box, “How about you don’t burn my letters, and instead, let me fill up that empty space with yours.”

I gave him a disbelieving laugh, “My letters? You still have them?” 

He smiled, causing his eyes to crinkle at the corners, “Of course. I couldn’t let you go either, mi sol. They’re the only thing that’s stayed with me since I left Texas.” 

His hand found its way to my cheek as he pressed his forehead to mine. The rush I felt from his touch was something that I knew I would never feel with anyone else. I’ve craved it every day since I’ve been without him. Knowing that we were both free to be together now only heightened the feeling. 

He pulled away, “Where are you staying this time?” 

I smiled, “Your suite.” 

He snickered, “Ahh, so you’re the reason I couldn’t get it, huh?” 

My teeth sunk into my bottom lip as I fought a smile and nodded. 

“Well, sadly your suite wasn’t open either. I guess that’s what I get for booking at the absolute last minute. I got stuck one floor down,” he gave me his best pouty face. 

I couldn’t help laughing at him, “If it means that much to you, I’d be happy to let you have your suite back.” 

Frankie scooted closer and wrapped his arm around my back, allowing his hand to rest on my hip, “I only want it if it comes with you in it.” 

My head lowered to lay on his shoulder, “That’s the only way it comes.” 

We sat in silence for some time. Huddled in each other’s embrace, watching storm clouds roll in over the ocean. The waves became choppier the closer they got. The ocean seemed to mirror the nervousness I was suddenly feeling. Something that I had wanted for so long was finally possible and it scared the hell out of me. Part of me was questioning if this was even really happening. It seemed surreal. 

Frankie shifted, kissing my forehead before mumbling against my hair, “We should probably get inside before we get rained on.”

I nodded, sitting up and reaching for the shoebox and placing the lid on top. Frankie stood, turning to pull me up with him. I watched as he kicked mounds of sand on top of the small fire to put it out. Then, he took my hand, I trailed behind as he led us into the resort. 

Once we reached the lobby, he turned to me, “You’re sure you want me to stay with you?”

I gave him a shy smile and nodded. He almost looked relieved as his lips tugged upward, “Alright, I’m gonna go get my room sorted out and grab my stuff. I’ll be up shortly.” 

I was in a daze as I walked over to the elevator, still not believing this was happening. After making my way to our suite, I closed the door, but didn’t latch it completely so Frankie could come in when he was ready. I decided to wait for him on the balcony, leaving the sliding door open so that he would know where I was. 

In the distance, I could see the rain falling into the ocean. Something about it was comforting, almost like we were being cleansed of the unhappiness we had been living in - a renewal of sorts. It was like a new beginning was on the horizon. Thunder rolled quietly in the distance, masking the sound of Frankie’s bare footsteps as he approached me from behind. His arms snaked around my waist, causing me to sink back into him. His lips grazed against the shell of my ear, “How does it feel to be on this side of the railing?” 

I smiled, “Better now that you’re here with me.” 

He huffed out a quiet laugh against my cheek, just as his right arm released me. His hand moved to the back of my neck to gather my hair and pull it to the side as his lips left small kisses across the newly exposed skin. I could feel his touch all the way down to my fingertips and toes. It felt more amazing than I could have imagined. 

His right arm reached back around my shoulders, his large hand resting just under my chin to tilt my face toward his. Being this close to him with nothing separating us had me vibrating as he nuzzled his nose against mine. I turned in his arms, closing the distance between us. Our lips tentatively explored each other at first. Frankie pulled me in tighter, deepening the kiss as my hand made its way upward to tangle in the hair at the nape of his neck. His tongue expertly explored mine as he moaned quietly into my mouth.

I was suddenly feeling every emotion all at once. I never thought this day would happen, didn't think it was even possible. It was almost overwhelming, causing tears to gather in my eyes as I held on to him like he was going to disappear into thin air. The tears spilled down my cheeks just as he pulled away. His eyes were full of emotion too, his hands moving to wipe away the moisture from my face. His forehead pressed against mine as he sighed almost in relief, “Is this real? Because I feel like I’m stuck in one of my dreams...” 

I nodded, grabbing hold of his wrists as his hands cupped my cheeks, “I feel like I am too, but it’s real. We’re here…together.” 

Frankie smiled against my lips, pulling me in for a chaste kiss just as the rain began falling around us. We stepped back further into the alcove of the balcony to avoid getting soaked, laughing as we took each other into a tight embrace. Our lips crashed together, both of us now needing more. It became urgent with an all-consuming passion as I pushed him toward the open door, peeling his shirt over his head as he stumbled backwards through the threshold. 

Our clothes littered the floor of the suite from the living room to the bedroom. Our bodies broke apart along the way just long enough to remove the cumbersome fabrics, only to be drawn back together like two magnets. Once the back of my legs hit the bed, I sank down. Scooting up to the center as Frankie trailed behind me, placing kisses on whatever part of my skin was the closest. 

As I settled into the plush bedding, his mouth met mine again. First, gently sucking my bottom lip before seeking entrance and massaging my tongue with his. We went on like that for some time, allowing our hands to explore each other’s body’s and grinding against one another. My body felt like it was on fire, skin prickling from his touch. It was unlike anything I had ever felt. 

Frankie’s mouth began to move downward - caressing my neck, breasts, and stomach. He placed soft kisses and licks between whispering sweet words against my flesh. 

“Mi sol.” Kiss. (My sun.)

“Mi vida.” Kiss. (My life)

“Mi todo.” Kiss. (My everything.)

“Never letting you go.” Kiss. 

“Never again.” Kiss.

His words were like an electric current that ran straight to my core. His large calloused hands slid down the length of my body alternating between light touches and firm kneading of my skin, awakening something inside me that I had long thought dead. 

By the time his lips reached the apex of my thighs, I was already coming undone. His tongue danced around the bundle of nerves, causing my muscles to tremble. My fingers reached down to twist in his messy hair as I arched up into him. He settled in, lifting my legs over his shoulders and gripping my hips, not holding back as his mouth worked me over. The stubble of his patchy beard brushed against my most sensitive areas, creating a new sensation that had me begging for more. Once his fingers joined in, I didn’t stand a chance. After a few curls against that special spongy spot, I was seeing stars. Falling over the edge and moaning out incoherent words. 

After working me through it. I could feel him smiling against my thigh as he planted a few kisses there before standing and disappearing from my sight. I could hear him rummaging around through his bag before coming back to the bed and settling on his knees between my thighs. He tucked a small square packet between his teeth before stroking himself with one hand and rubbing at my thigh with the other. I watched his face as his eyes explored my body. They were blown black with his arousal. His messy curls hung down over his forehead, beginning to stick to the sweat forming on his brow. 

I took this time to take in his form, his arms and chest flexed with his movements - emphasizing how defined they now were. His abs were less defined, but I could still see them tensing as his breathing picked up from the anticipation of what was to come. I also noticed the scars. Those were new. One near his upper right shoulder and another on his lower left abdomen. Something about them made my heart clench in my chest. I couldn’t look at them anymore, now shifting my eyes down further to watch as he slid the condom over his girthy length. His size was bigger than I expected, but I was ready for him. 

I reached my arms out toward him, “Frankie, please…I can’t wait any longer. I need you.” 

He smirked, “Un momento, mi sol. I wanna savor this sight… savor you. I’ve waited too long to rush this.” (One moment, my sun.)

His voice was lower than I had ever heard it, and his words only spurred my need. The ache that I now had for him was almost unbearable. I couldn’t wait.

“Frankie, I need to feel you… please.” 

He leaned down, rubbing himself along my entrance. My hips had a mind of their own as they bucked against him, seeking more - needing more. He chuckled at my eagerness, now pushing in slowly. He hissed through his teeth once he was buried to the hilt, seeming to need a few seconds to compose himself. He leaned down, propping himself on his elbows as he began to move, thrusting slowly as he took my mouth with his. I wrapped my legs around his hips, meeting his thrusts, swallowing his moans. 

His lips moved to my ear, “Fuck, I’ve missed you. I’m sorry I took this from us.” 

I held him tighter, “You didn’t take anything from us. We’re here now. It’s ok.”   

His eyes met mine before he leaned down to nuzzle our noses together, “Never again.” 

I pulled him into a searing kiss as the tension at my center began to build for a second time. The intimacy of the moment and the way the base of his length was rubbing against me sent me over the edge. I tensed around him as he increased the pace of his thrusts, groaning loudly into my neck as he fell over the edge with me.

He raised up to lean his head against mine, panting heavily as he spoke against my mouth, “I love you. Always have…”

I smiled, “I’ve always loved you too.” 

A slow lingering kiss followed, before he finally pulled away. He reached between us to secure the condom as he pulled out with a quiet groan. I watched as he walked to the adjoining bathroom to dispose of it. He wasted no time, returning to join me under the duvet and pulling me against his chest. 

We were quiet for a time, just enjoying the feel of being in each other’s arms. His right hand rubbed lightly up and down my spine as mine ran over his chest. My fingertips involuntarily moved to seek out the scar on his lower abdomen. His left hand captured my fingers and brought them to lay on his chest, where I could feel his heart beating away under my palm.

“It’s from a gunshot. So is the one on my shoulder,” he said in a somewhat detached voice. I hugged him a little tighter and tangled my leg with his. 

“I was in the middle of a lot of bad shit when I was deployed…done a lot of bad shit. Mentally, it fucked me up for a while…but thoughts of finding you got me through it.” 

My fingers moved to trace the bullseye tattoo on his left hand between his thumb and pointer finger. That was new too. I found something about it to be incredibly sexy. 

“Do you have any more of these?” I asked.

He laughed quietly, “I do. I’m almost embarrassed to show it to you though.” 

My head popped up to look at him as he smiled shyly at me. 

“Why? Show me?” 

He raised his left arm so that he could remove the watch he was wearing. After tossing the watch on the nightstand, he turned his wrist to face upward so I could see it. In a script small enough to be hidden by his watch band, were the words ‘All that separates us is time.’

My hand moved to my mouth as I gasped, “That’s from one of my letters...” 

I pulled it closer so that I could give it a proper look, “Is…is that my handwriting too?” 

He laughed, tightening his right arm back around me, “Yes, it is. It was my way of keeping you with me.” 

I could feel the tears prickling at the corners of my eyes again. I had to fight them back as I leaned up to give him a lingering kiss to show my appreciation. 

“So, where have you been all this time?” I asked after settling back down on his chest. 

He leaned his head closer, lips brushing against my hair as he spoke, “When I wasn’t deployed, I was in Florida.” 

I scoffed, “And here I was mostly looking in Texas.”

He squeezed me a little tighter, “I’m sorry.”

I chuckled, “Doesn’t matter…even if you had stayed there, I probably still would’ve had a hard time finding you. Did you know that the last name Morales is the 63rd most common last name in the United States? Don’t even get me started on how many of those have a first name of Francisco.” 

He snorted, “You haven’t changed at all.”

I snickered, “No, in some ways I haven’t.”

My fingertips began to trace patterns in the freckles on his chest as his strummed through my hair. 

“What did you end up doing, career wise?” he asked. 

I smiled, knowing he wouldn’t be surprised, “I’m an editor at a major publishing house.” 

He raised his head to look down at me, “No shit? Really?” 

I nodded. 

A wide smile spread across his face, “That…makes me happy and really proud. I know that was something you wanted.”

“What’re you doing now that you’re out of the military?” I asked.

He shrugged and laughed nervously, “I was working odd jobs while I tried to figure it out. Honestly, my life is a mess right now. I’ve no idea what I’m doing…and as of two days ago, I’m homeless. Everything I own is packed up in those two duffels. I also spent a good chunk of my savings on a kid that’s not even mine.”

I sighed, “Damn…that is a mess.” 

I felt Frankie nod, “Yeah, but I’ve been in worse situations. It’ll all work out in the end. I’m sure of it.” 

He shifted, scooting down to lay on his side to face me, “What about your writing though? I remember how important that was to you…I always loved when you would include bits of poetry with your letters. I mean your letters were poetry in and of themselves...” 

I smiled, reaching up to rub my thumb over the bare heart-shaped patch in his beard, “I started a novel, but I haven’t been able to finish it.”

The creases between his brows deepened, “Why not?” 

I watched my fingers brush through his messy curls, now noticing the smattering of gray strands throughout. My eyes shifted to his as I spoke, “Because I didn’t know the ending yet. I still wasn’t sure if it was a romance or a tale of star-crossed lovers that ended in tragedy.”

He smirked as his hand slid down my side and grasped my hip, “What about now? 

My hand moved to cup his cheek, “I think it’s gonna be a romance about reconnecting with your first love and getting a second chance at a new beginning.” 

Frankie smiled, snuggling in closer as he nuzzled his nose with mine. “Whatta we do now?”

I kissed him, breaking away with a shy smile to ask, “How do you feel about Massachusetts? I’ve got a king bed and a house that feels empty with only me in it.”

Frankie’s arms tightened around me, pulling my body flush against his. “That sounds like a new beginning to me.” 

And it was. 

👉Fun Fact: Why does Frankie call Elena “mi sol” (my sun)? The name ‘Elena’ is Greek in origin and means ‘shining light.’ 

A/N: Thank you for joining me on my very first and very random Frankie fic. I'm normally a Dieter girl, so this was a little different for me. I do hope you all enjoyed it. 💜😘

Comments and reblogs are appreciated.

👉 Not sure who out of my regulars are interested in Frankie, so feel free to ignore if you're not. We shall return to our regularly scheduled Dieter Bravo shenanigans after this.

NP Tags: @alokaerza @angelofsmalldeath-codeine @annalovesflorida @annieispunk @auteurdelabre

@avastrasposts @babycatkitty @bitchwitch1981 @bunniboo0015 @burntheedges 

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Folks who interacted with the teaser post: @eff4freddie @maryfanson @christinamadsen @morallyinept @sonnestrandmeer

@76bookworm76 @lizzie-cakes @jensensational71 @suziesc @cheekychaos28

@fpsantiago @pedrostories

Credits: Shell divider courtesy of @kaitsawamura

[hairmetal666]

cw// cancer mentioned, no character death

Eddie's moving to Chicago with his boyfriend and their best friend.

Eddie's moving to Chicago and it feels like everything is finally coming together.

Eddie's moving to Chicago, Steve Harrington is his boyfriend, and his life is starting.

Eddie's moving to Chicago, but then Wayne gets sick.

He tells Steve that he can't leave, not yet, needs to take care of his uncle.

And Steve, his Steve, perfect Steve, says with no hesitation, "I'll stay. Eddie, I'll stay with you. We'll go in six months. Together, that's the plan."

But Eddie can't let Steve do that; Steve who is everything bright and good and right in the world. Steve needs to get out, even if Eddie can't.

He insists Steve go, insists so hard that Steve can only agree, though Eddie can tell it's killing him.

Before they leave, Steve and Eddie cling to each other.

"Six months, baby. Just six months and then I'll be with you."

"I'll stay, Eds. Let me stay for you?"

"Not in a million years. What's six months in a lifetime together?"

"You mean that?" Steve whispers, the words tickling against Eddie's neck.

"Of course, sweetheart. Never meant anything more in my life."

They cling harder, crying against each other, despite it being goodbye for now and not forever.

They haven't said "I love you" yet, and the words hang on his tongue as the embrace ends, but he can't say it now; not when six months of time and 200-plus miles will separate them.

Except Wayne isn't better in six months. He's not worse, but the cancer's still there, he's still sick. And Eddie can't leave.

Eddie figured something like this would happen. Knew in the back of his mind that Steve and Robin and Chicago were never anything but a pipe dream.

When he calls Steve, he thinks he's ready.

"Okay, so Hopper's letting us borrow his truck, but he needs to know our timeline. You think next Saturday--"

"Steve." He says. His stomach clenches.

"What's wrong?" Because Steve knows, like he always does.

"Wayne's not better."

Steve is silent for a beat. "Okay...that's okay. I'll come back. Right now. Tonight. We'll do this tog--"

"You know I can't let you do that."

"Eddie--"

"No, Steve, don't. Okay? Let's just. It's time, you know?"

"It's not. Eddie, it isn't. Don't do this. Please, please," Steve cries.

"It's for the best. I know you can't see it now, but it is. You need to live your life, Stevie. Get that degree. Be someone."

"Eddie," Steve sobs. "Please. You have to know that I lo--"

"Don't," Eddie snarls. Doesn't mean to but can't hear those words, the three that will break him in two. "This is for the best, Steve. A clean break, yeah?"

"No." And Eddie hears Steve shuffling on the other end, like he's getting up. "I'm not letting you do this. I'm coming back, and we're doing this together. A lifetime, remember?"

Eddie's crying now, can't help it. "Please, don't. Steve, just--it's over, okay? I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I can't do this anymore."

He hangs up the phone before Steve can argue, cries himself to sleep.

5 Years Later

Eddie never gets over Steve Harrington. His golden boy, the brave, perfect, kind, bratty man who has his whole heart.

Wayne is okay. Will never not have cancer, but he's doing good. And Eddie runs a record store in the town over. Visits some bars in Indy when he feels a certain kind of lonely. He's settled, finally, is the thing. He's settled and happy enough, so of course, that's when it happens.

He's at the grocery store, stopped in produce. There's a little girl, maybe 3 or 4--bright pink shirt, chestnut hair, little overalls--sitting in a cart by the tomatoes.

The sight of her sparks something in Eddie's chest, but he doesn't understand what or why, and then she's pointing at him, smiling and wiggling. "Daddy!" She shrieks.

That's when Steve Harrington swoops around the corner, reaching for the girl, his daughter, and Eddie takes a step away, ready to run from this.

The girls says, "That's the boy in all your pictures." She giggles and points at Eddie more. Steve blushes, and Eddie's assaulted by so many things all at once he thinks he may pass out.

"Stevie," he hears himself saying.

Steve freezes, looks at Eddie, so much knowing in those hazel eyes it makes him a little sick. But it still surprises him when Steve pulls him into a hug. Being in those arms again, It's like everything keeping him together falls apart. He sinks into the hold, breathes in deep, feels like home.

It shouldn't, though. Steve's got a kid. Probably a wife. Can't have his ex-boyfriend falling apart in his arms in the grocery store. Eddie disengages, steps back a little. Steve blinks, eyelashes fluttering, and Eddie is still so in love with him it hurts.

"I should--I should go," he mumbles, gripping at the back of his neck like it's a lifeline. The little girl giggles more, bouncing in her seat, and he's overcome with fondness. Can't help but give her an exaggerated bow as he goes.

He makes himself walk to the end of the aisle, but once he's left Steve behind, he runs.

That night, when a knock comes at his door, nothing prepares him for a sheepish Steve Harrington standing on the other side.

"Sorry to drop by unannounced," Steve says, manners still impeccable. "Wayne gave me your address. I'm glad--I'm glad he's doing okay, Eddie."

Eddie's too astonished to respond, nods for a few seconds before, "Th-thanks. Uhh, you wanna come in?"

Steve does and then they're in Eddie's little living room together and what the fuck is he supposed to do?

"Where's the kid?" he asks. He gestures Steve to the couch.

Steve smiles, a soft thing that's a knife to Eddie's heart. "Oh, I left her with Robin. They'll be fine for a few hours. Her name's Ellie, by the way. Ellie Jane Harrington."

"She knows who I am?" Eddie asks.

"Course. I told her about everyone. Showed her pictures. I hoped she could meet you one day."

"Yeah?" Eddie can't stand the thing that unfurls in his chest, blooming with love, so much care it aches in his teeth. "I swear next time I won't run away."

Steve laughs, hazel eyes fond in a way that Eddie can't look at for too long. "You didn't run away, Eds. It was a weird--reunion."

Eddie chuckles, pulls hair over his face. "A little bit. Not every day you run into your ex and his daughter scoping out tomatoes."

"I was hoping to give you a call, ask you out to dinner, or something. Not my kid recognizing you at Bradley's Big Buy."

"You wanna take me out to dinner, Stevie?" He asks before he can think better of it. Steve blushes red, and god Eddie missed him.

"Thought it might be nice, yeah. Get to know each other again."

It's Eddie turn to blush. "Why are you here?" He asks, good of a segue as any.

"Here, like, in your apartment, or here in Hawkins?"

"Both."

"I'm--uh--the new counselor at Hawkins High. Might coach the basketball team."

"But--Chicago," is all Eddie can say.

Steve laughs. "It was fun for a while, but--I don't know, man, it got hard with a kid. Joyce told me about the job opening and I decided to try."

"And Ellie's mom?" Eddie doesn't want to ask, can't stand not knowing.

Steve's eyes fall. "Ah," his hands squeeze into fists. "She's not in the picture. Never really was. After--" he takes a deep breath. "After we broke up, I sort of. Lost myself for awhile. Slept around. One night, I got this call saying that a baby had been surrendered at a fire station, my name listed as the father."

"Oh, sweetheart. I bet you didn't hesitate."

Steve stares at his hands, smiles. "Not for a second. I cried when I saw her, Eds. Just fucking sobbed. She was so beautiful. Then I had to figure out how to raise a kid and finish school."

"But you did it." Eddie can't hide that he's crying anymore.

Steve nods, is crying too.

"I'm really proud of you, sweetheart," Eddie whispers.

They look at each other, tear stained and sad but somehow so happy, and Steve leans forward, presses his mouth to Eddie's. He freezes, shocked to stillness, overwhelmed with the thing he never thought he'd have again.

Steve pulls back, face red and eyes wide. "I'm so sorry. I got it in my head--" he stands, fumbling for his keys. "I should have never--you told me we were done and I know you meant it. But I saw you in the grocery store and I thought, you know, I'm never getting over him. I'm so stup--"

"Steve, wait" Eddie snaps out of it all at once, hurrying to where the man he's never stopped loving is shoving his feet inexpertly into his shoes.

"Don't leave," he says, almost whispering. "Please don't leave. Steve, I'm so, so sorry for how I ended things. I was so young and stupid, and--I didn't want you to lose your dreams for me."

Steve turns then, tears trickling down his cheeks. "You were my dream, Eds. You still are. I should have come back, made you let me stay. But I thought--maybe your feelings had changed. That you didn't--that you weren't--"

Eddie can't help it, pulls Steve into his arms. "I was. I am. You're all I've ever wanted." He presses his face to Steve's hair, breathes in deep. "I loved you then. I love you now. I've loved you every day in between."

"I love you," Steve sobs. "I love you so much."

They kiss, lips slotting together like they never stopped. It's salty with tears, but it's perfect. It's them.

Their mouths part, but they stay in each other's orbit; need the proximity after years apart.

"I have a kid now, Eddie," Steve says into the silence between them.

"Yeah," Eddie nods. "She's beautiful. Looks like her dad."

Steve smiles, flushes again. "She needs stability in her life, you know? She's my priority. Always will be. And if I--if this--"

Eddie knows. Understands his boy just as well now as he did back then. "We'll take it as slow as you need, baby. I want to be there for both of you. When you're ready. And until then, I'll be wherever you need me."

More tears escape Steve's eyes, but Eddie brushes them away. "We have a lifetime to figure it out."

[hannahbarberra162]

Struck Twice By Lightning

On Ao3 All Chapters

You married Shanks when you were both younger and in love. But life happened, you broke up, and you haven't been with him in years. You need him to divorce you to get your business started. He strikes a deal with you - but will you want to keep it? Or would you rather keep him?

AKA- second chance romance with Shanks.

I'm trying not to use Y/N, just "you," we'll see how it goes. Should be fluffy, maybe a touch on angst later on. No Uta, haven't seen the movie yet.

18+ MDNI

Struck Twice By Lightning

When you heard that a Yonko ship was docked at the main island, you rolled your eyes. Others on the island were happy, concerned, worried, excited, a myriad of emotions. Not you. You had a feeling about who the Yonko was. And you needed something that only he could give you. 

You lived a quiet life on a small island archipelago. The main island was where the majority of commerce and tourism were, but you lived on a small, lush, green nearby island that you loved. It was easy to travel between the islands - you didn’t even need a log pose. You’d been living there for a while, making money with your trade. You were satisfied with your life, and wanted to keep it that way. 

You did need to find a certain someone, so the fact that he had docked near your island was fortuitous. It saved you the time it would take to track him down. You decided just to get this over and done with, so you grabbed what you needed, and went to the small wharf. There would be plenty of boats and ferries going between the islands, you’d just catch the next one. Sure enough, you were able to pay for fare and be on your way in less than an hour. 

Landing at the main island, it didn’t take long to figure out where the pirates were. It was like the entire island had erupted into a party. There was music coming from every restaurant, every bar was open and full, and there was dancing in the street. It would have been nice, but you weren’t in the mood. You headed towards the biggest, loudest part of the party you could find, and sure enough, there were the Red Hair Pirates. You saw some familiar faces, some new ones, but not the one that you needed.

Finally, you saw a circle of people sitting around, talking and laughing. They were drinking heavily, telling tall tales trying to entertain the local women. You walked up to the circle and looked for your target. In walking towards everyone, you passed by an old friend. You reached out and patted him on the shoulder.

“Hi, Benn.”

“Hi, nice to see you,” Benn replied with a smile. Ever unflappable, he didn’t seem surprised you were there. 

“He’s here, right?”

“Just over there.”

“Thanks Benn. Happy you’re ok.”

“Likewise.”

With that you trudged over to your mark. You stood in front of him and said simply

“Shanks.”

Shanks, who had been laughing a moment before, looked as though he’d seen a ghost. After a moment, his face broke into a huge smile and he said “Buttercup, is it really you? Or have I been hallucinating again?”

“Don’t call me that. I need you to do something for me.”

“Come here! It’s been forever! Come sit by me and tell me everything that’s been going on.”

“No, Shanks. It’s not gonna be like that. I just need to talk to you.”

“So sit here and talk to me! We haven’t seen each other in so long, I wanna talk to you too…” Shanks continued to try to get you to sit next to him. Eventually, you did, just so you could tell him what you needed to. Shanks could be incredibly persistent when he wanted something, a trait you had not forgotten. 

A newer recruit, who hadn’t recognized you, asked “who is that? His ex-girlfriend or something?”

Benn sighed, took a drag of his cigarette, and replied “no, that’s his wife.”

[joshsindigostreak]

Running Through the Garden

Chapter One

“Rosemary: Remembrance, your presence revives me.” - Language of flowers.

Werewolf!Danny x Werewolf!OC

Authors Note: Hey y’all!!! Hope y’all enjoy this first full chapter of Danny’s story! I’m having a blast writing him 🥰

Word Count: 3k

Warnings: Brief SMUT, 18+, m!masturbation.

The drive back to Sam’s house was a quiet blur for Danny. He replayed the memory by the lake over and over again, trying to figure out where exactly Ivy had run off to, even if it was futile effort knowing her. If Ivy Phillips didn’t want to be found she simply wasn’t, which was why he hadn’t seen her in the years since they graduated. Ever since the morning she left there had been no trace of her. No social media, no LinkedIn profile, nothing; she never showed up in any tagged photos of their mutual friends either. He only knew that she was alright because their parents had mutual friends and there had been light chatter between the parents about their kids. She didn’t want anything to do with him and made it abundantly clear. 

But he could never figure out why she distanced herself. Things between them had been great, and Danny saw a future with her that he had never seen with anyone else, but those plans had been halted since that fateful morning when he woke up alone to a cold bed. 

Sam had tried to get his attention a few times but eventually let his friend have some time to himself. He never took it personally when Danny was quiet the morning after a Full Moon, as he knew that he was probably exhausted and just needed a proper shower and a nap. Over the years Danny had essentially taken over one of the downstairs guest rooms. To make it less obvious as to why he was sleeping at their house, Sam would come up with various half truths to convince his parents that Danny was just a little codependent on him and loved being with their family. When they were teens, Sam snuck Danny into the house some mornings, terrified his parents would catch on and see his disheveled friend and figure out he was a Wolf. 

When they got back to the Kiszka Manor, the monthly routine continued with Danny making a bee line for his usual room. It was the only guest room with its own en-suite, which allowed the young Wolf to have even more time to lose himself in his thoughts. 

The scalding hot spray felt heavenly in his sore body. He watched the excess dirt run off his body and down the drain as he scrubbed at his hair and scalp. Mid-lather those giant green eyes flashed in his mind again, and he almost groaned at the memory. He was convinced he’d never see them again. Another memory of her familiar scent flooded his brain and his hands stopped what they were doing in his hair.  His eyes fluttered shut as he got lost in it.

  Ivy was Spring personified. She always reminded him of how the earth would smell after an early morning rain, when flowers would just start to open up as the Sun peaked out from behind the clouds. Memories of waking up with his face buried in her fiery hair trickled in, when his first thoughts of the day would be about her and he’d pull her even closer. 

Danny tilted his head back under the shower head to rinse out his shampoo. It had been a long time since he had thought about her. He decided years ago that dwelling too much on memories of her ruined his entire week and he couldn’t keep putting himself through it. But after last night he couldn’t help it. He had seen her for the first time since the last month before he graduated, and it almost felt like a dream. 

His skin prickled and he realized that the adrenaline from the Full Moon was still coursing through him. He tried distracting himself with his conditioner routine, but it was no use. Leaning against the shower wall, Danny wrapped his left hand around his aching cock. He didn’t even try to muffle the groan that escaped his full lips. He missed her so fucking much. There had been others before and after her, but no one felt as good wrapped around him as she did. Memories of being tangled together in his dorm, waking up together in the forest around Lake Champlain after a Full Moon, being locked in a bathroom together at a party and lifting her onto the sink while she sucked bruises on his neck and undid his belt, the taste of her core filling his mouth and him wanting to drown in it, the way she would shake underneath him when she came, the way he would shake above her with his forearms bracketing her head and his fingers tangled in her hair. His brain couldn’t focus on just one image before flipping to another one. 

His hand worked his swollen cock even faster, squeezing the head every few strokes while his bottom lip sank beneath his teeth. His right hand was braced on the shower wall, and his head tilted to the side to rest on his arm as he got closer and closer. He missed her so fucking bad. He missed how they’d always end up at the apartment she shared with her roommates after a Full Moon and they’d wash the grime and outdoors off each other in a shower that was barely big enough for two people. 

A wave of emotion mingled with the pleasure flooding his system. Those green eyes, always looking at him, looking through him, the only Wolf to never treat him like the future Alpha he was. He was just Danny to her, and he loved that. There was never any pressure between the two of them. They were just two college students trying to figure out how to be adults. He never had to worry about Duty with her. She was never intimidated by his mere presence like other Wolves around campus, or back home. 

Danny’s mind finally settled on an image, a memory, of them facing each other on the soft forest floor, the sun barely peeking through the trees. He felt her hand on his face before he fully opened his eyes, and when they fluttered open those green eyes that he loved so much were warmly staring at him. Her thumb gently brushed over the dried blood near his mouth, and he noticed she had a matching stain on her face as well. That was who they were, at their most vulnerable, bare to each other in more ways than one, all alone except for a few birds in the trees above them. 

His length thickened in his hand, and with a few last pumps and a low groan he found his release. He kept his eyes screwed shut as he worked himself through his high, trying as hard as he could to make it last while focusing on the sleepy smile on her face. As he slowly came down and his hand slowed, he shuddered as the last shockwave of his orgasm pulsed through him. His eyes fluttered open and he saw his release dripping down the tiled wall, and the reality of the last few minutes hit him. 

He had just jerked off over his ex in his best friend's guest shower. 

Danny was grateful for Sam being a human and being unable to hear what he had been up to from wherever he was in the house. 

The Wolf sighed and used the shower head to rinse his mess down the drain, and finished his shower in silence. 

~!~

Later, after sleeping most of the morning, he finally got properly dressed and grabbed two bananas out of the kitchen before going to the one place he knew Sam would be: the basement. 

Sam's “office” was in the far corner of the underground level, hidden behind his own stacks of books and artifacts. In the years that the house existed, this particular corner still wasn’t as renovated as the rest of it, but Sam did his best to make it homey and definitively his. A few posters had made it down to this level from, including a standard Redwings poster that he snagged from a book fair in third grade, and one of those artsy “anatomy of a bass guitar” prints with certain parts crossed out and corrected with a black sharpie, and an old Lakewood University print bought right before they graduated. 

But as Danny made it past the final stack that hid his best friend from view, he was greeted with one of the few normal and comforting images in his life: Sam hunched over his hand-me-down desk scribbling into a black journal before popping the pen he was using between his teeth to quickly type something on his laptop. 

The Wolf  lightly rapped his knuckles on the wall to his left and Sam looked up at him with wide eyes and his pen still in his mouth. 

“Did you sleep enough?”

Danny looked at him incredulously as he took a seat in the chair that sat directly in front of Sam’s desk. 

“Yeah, why?”

Sam gave him a knowing look, “because you look like shit.” 

Danny rolled his eyes, “I’m fine. It was just a more intense Full Moon than I anticipated.”

Sam knew his best friend was lying, “sure it was.” 

“I’m serious.” 

“…and I’m the governor of Oregon, Daniel.” 

Danny dropped one of the  bananas on the desk as Sam sat back and folded his hands on his lap. He kept the other in his hand and began peeling it without another word. 

Sam ignored his intended snack, “but seriously what’s up?” 

Danny knew he couldn’t keep anything from him, “I saw her last night.”

Sam stared back at him blankly, “…who?”

“Ivy.” 

At the sound of her name, Sam's face hardened and he made his chair squeak by him adjusting how he sat.  He wasn’t the biggest fan of the She-Wolf, as she had utterly broken his best friend's heart and essentially abandoned him years ago. She hasn’t been around to see Sam pick up the pieces and help Danny move on.

“‘You sure it was her?”

Danny gave him a flat look as he chewed his banana, “red fur, green eyes, and a scent that has haunted me since junior year. I would always know if it was her.”

Sam sat there silently, wondering what the hell she was doing in Michigan in the first place. From what he could recall she was from Texarkana, and had seemingly gone back there when she disappeared right before graduation. At least that’s what the Instagram chatter implied. She had a mild twangy accent that Danny went stupid over. 

“What would she be doing up here, in this town especially?” He verbalized his thoughts anyway.

 

Danny shrugged, “no idea but she was definitely out there last night.” The Wolf put gis resting bitch face to good use so Sam wouldn’t pick up on the glimmering hope that was producing butterflies in his gut.

“She was probably just passing through,” Sam offered. 

“Wolves don’t just pass through anywhere, and you know that,” Danny replied in a flat tone. 

He was right, unfortunately. While Wolves weren’t nearly as territorial as they had been not even a century ago, pack territories still remained internally governed and guarded. The section of the forest that Danny Ran around was put in place by his father as a potential future location to expand the territory when Danny took his place as Alpha. It was adjacent to the territory the family already occupied, so there was little fuss with Danny using it as his own for the time being. However the longer and longer he went without taking responsibility for his Pack, the more worrisome his parents and other Pack members became. But in order to do that, Danny needed to complete a Mating Bond with someone, and the young wolf had been extremely picky ever since he had returned home from college. 

Danny seemingly had the same thought run through his head, and his eyebrows raised, “if she’s here…then she had to have had permission by a neighboring Pack to Run in their territory…and that patch of forest does butt up right against the Reynolds’ territory.” 

Now it was Sam’s turn to raise his eyebrows, “the chances of her joining neighboring Pack are so-”

“Slim, I know, but that couldn’t have been a coincidence.”The logical side of Sam’s brain threatened to interject, but he kept his mouth shut. The Wolf continued, “I could text Jason…he’d know if there were any new Pack members.” Jason Reynolds being the nephew of the Reynolds Alpha, of course. He was a few years older than Danny, but had always maintained a quiet friendship with him as their fathers were allies. 

  “Danny.”

The gentle giant had stood up, turning to leave, “what?” 

Concern riddled Sam’s features, “just…don’t get your hopes up, ok?”

Danny truly appreciated where Sam was coming from, but he was too anxious about the possibility of Ivy being this close to him. 

He looked down at the abandoned fruit on the desk, “eat your damn banana, Sam.” 

Sam’s eyes followed him as his best friend disappeared in the stacks and left the basement. A sigh left his lips as he rubbed his own exhausted eyes. Being best friends with a Werewolf was not for the weak. 

~!~

However, across town there was a red headed She-Wolf curled up in her bed, not wanting to face the reality of the previous night. She had seen him for the first time in years, and her own heart and body betrayed her by how it responded by merely being in his presence. She had tried her best to not let him know that her body was thrumming with adrenaline not because of the Full Moon, but because of Danny himself. Years had gone by and she still felt the rush and magnetic pull to him like she had that very first day of junior year. His Wolf form was still so gorgeous and dignified, with his thick black fur and dark hazel eyes. Trotting around that pond like he owned the place, following her in a reverence that no other Wolf had shown her. But at the sound of her brother’s howl, she bolted, just like she always did. 

She could have stayed. 

She wanted to stay. 

She should have stayed. 

But she didn’t. She let the panic and apprehension govern her actions and she took off into the trees without looking back. With each step her paws took she felt her heart crack even more. Running from him felt so unnatural and just plain wrong, but it was how it was to be. Running to him at this point in their lives led to an unknown she wasn’t ready to face. If he chose her like he had promised years ago, would they themselves change along with it? She knew how her mother had changed for her father, and she always resented the mere idea of being a “Luna,” as the older Wolves referred to her future role. The title made her face crinkle as she thought of the word. She hated it. She never understood the reason behind it, no matter how many other Wolves tried to explain to her that it was the highest term of endearment in their species one could call their Mate. It felt old fashioned and suffocating to her. As soon as her parents had Bonded, her mother’s life and ambitions were abandoned to give her father children, Ivy’s older brother Derek being born within a year of said Bonding. Her mother was rarely referred to by her own name afterwards, even by the other Wolves in the pack.

 No longer Alyssa Burke, now Phillips; just Luna, or Mom. 

Ivy refused to let that happen to her. 

But on the other hand, Danny was Danny. 

The one Wolf who had held her so gently as if he was afraid she’d break at any moment, the only Wolf to hold her in such a way. The first time his eyes locked with hers all of the breath had left her lungs and she had nearly dropped her books in front of the entire quad. She wasn’t even supposed to be going in that direction on campus, but something deep down told her to walk towards the little grove of trees at the edge of the quad, where a lot of students would hang out on the stone benches that sat under the leaves. That's where he was., quietly conversing with a skinny male with long brown hair.  But it was a sudden gust of wind that made him snap his attention to her. The breeze had rushed past her, sending her fiery hair over her face, and by the time she got it behind her ears she could feel his stare. 

He sat there, stock still on that bench, completely ignoring his friend while he looked at her. Ivy herself halted in her tracks, nearly tripping over a slightly raised brick. To them, at that moment, they were the only people on that quad. The tiny voice got louder in her head, “go, go go,” it called so loud her ears started ringing. Her own feet acted before she could make a decision, and she shoved past an obvious human that was in her way. 

Ivy rolled over and shook her head, trying to rid herself of the memory that plagued her mind. She screwed her eyes shut, trying to get her body to finally sleep. It took several minutes but at last she felt herself drifting off, the last thing she felt was a few tears sliding down onto her pillow, staining the fabric under her cheek. 

To be continued…

Tag List:  @dannyandthekiszkas , @readyforthegarden , @sinners-go-to-drink-the-wine , @wideminded-dreamer , @runwayblues , @wildbluesorbit , @llightmyllovee , @rhythm-of-space , @sacredthefran , @writingcold , @alwaysonthemend , @wetkleenex-gvf , @josh-iamyour-mama , @lightsofthe-living-gvf , @kakejiszkas , @sacredthethreadgvf , @losfacedevil , @jakekiszkasbuttsweat , @shutupdevvie , @hearts-hunger , @gretavanfleetposts , @ascendingtostardust , @mackalah , @andromeda-raine-gvf , @jake-kiszkas-smirk , @gracev0609 , @sacredjake , @earthlysorrows , @gvfpal , @myownparadise96 , @itsafullmoon , @gvfmelbourne , @twistedmelodies , @that-witchy-pan , @gold-mines-melting , @texas-bbq-pringles , @jakekiszkapunchmeintheface , @sadiechar, @char289 , @stardustvanfleet , @sunfl0wer-power , @holdingup-fallingsky , @bladenotblaze , @gretavanlace , @lipstickitty , @jjwasneverhere , @josiee-gvf , @peaceloveunitygvf , @exokpopfreak, @gretavanhockey , @gretavanazula

[maefansblog]

Last thought of the night,

Maybe Violet and Lord Marcus Anderson are following Book Michael and Francesca storyline. The Second Chance Love storyline, that is.

[hbyrde36]

It's never too late for a second chance

written for the @steddiemicrofic prompt

🍰Cake🍰 wc: 311 | rated: G

“Dinguuus. You in here? It’s time to cut the cake. What are you…” Robin trailed off when she spotted him huddled on the floor of the men’s bathroom

Steve looked up at her, eyes swollen and rimmed in red.

“I can’t do it.”

She gave him a sympathetic smile. “You already did it, babe.”

He mumbled incoherently.

“What?”

“I didn’t sign it, Rob!”

Steve sighed, rubbing hard at his eyes and relishing the pain it caused. He deserved it after all. He’d gone through with this farce.

“What does that mean?” She asked.

“It means, I signed my name fucking Mickey Mouse on that marriage certificate. It means, it’s invalid. It means, I need you to help me get the hell out of here.”

When the coast was clear Robin escorted him through the kitchen and out the back door of the event hall. 

He glanced around looking for his car, but it was nowhere to be found. Robin had also suspiciously disappeared once he was outside. 

A throat cleared nearby and Steve froze. 

“A little birdie told me you needed a getaway driver.”

It was a voice he never thought he’d hear again outside of his dreams. Not after he’d fucked things up in such a spectacular fashion. 

Steve turned, and gasped at the sight.

Eddie looked good.

The simple black suit he wore was tailored to fit, hugging his body in all the right places. He was standing far too close, and Steve’s mouth went dry.

“You were there, weren’t you? At the church. Why didn’t you object?”

“I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to, sweetheart.”

“It’s always been you, Ed. I’m so sorry that I made you feel like it wasn’t”

“Well then,” Eddie began, leaning in to press a soft kiss to the corner of Steve’s mouth. “What’dya say we get out of here, big boy?”

[fakescenariosonly]

He’s become my best friend the way the others did: bit by bit, sand passing through an hourglass so slowly, it’s impossible to pin down the moment it happens. When suddenly more of my heart belongs to him than doesn’t, and I know I’ll never get a single grain back.

He’s a golden boy. I’m a girl whose life has been drawn in shades of gray.

I try not to love him.

I really try.

- Happy Place, Emily Henry

[sjsmith56]

Summary - Part 2 of 2 part story. Bucky leaves the Tower after finding out his former girlfriend is dying and she had his child. She and Steve track him to a biker bar. After a heart to heart talk he agrees to stay with her to the end.

Length - 5.64K

Characters - Bucky Barnes, named female character, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Helen Cho, Wanda Maximoff, named female bartender

Warnings - anger, angst, cancer, Bucky dealing with being accused of cheating, Bucky realizing he messed up, swearing, medical drama.

Author notes - First part takes place in a biker bar that isn’t quite what it seems. Second part takes place five months later at the compound where Bucky’s girlfriend undergoes an experimental treatment with the serum. There is a twist ending. It is what it is.

<<Part 1

〰️〰️〰️〰️

Part 2

When Bucky roared out of the parking garage at Stark Tower he didn’t know where he was going or what he was going to do. All he knew was that he had to get out of there before he began destroying something. As he weaved his motorcycle in and out of traffic on the expressway out of New York City, all he could think about was the last four years that had been taken from him. Four years without the woman he loved and a son he had never seen. If he wasn’t so angry, he would have pulled over and wept instead. After some time driving aimlessly, he saw it, a small motel with a roadside bar, on a side road next to the expressway. Turning off at the next exit he doubled back towards the place where a line of motorcycles sat outside the bar. Pulling into the parking lot he stopped a short distance away from the other vehicles and turned it off, sitting there for a moment before entering the bar with his bag.

As soon as he strode in all conversations ceased. It was dark inside and it took a moment before his eyes adjusted then he shook his head at his own preconceptions. The people inside, drinking and playing pool, weren’t exactly what he was expecting, as the hair colour leaned towards grey and white.

“What can I get you?” asked the bartender, a woman with a ready smile.

“A beer and a bourbon,” said Bucky, sitting on the stool in front of her, dropping his bag to the floor, then looking to either side of where he sat. “Older crowd.”

“Yeah, they’re the Silver Wolves Motorcycle Club,” she answered as she poured him a bourbon then started filling a beer glass from the tap. “All of them have been riding for charity for about 40 years give or take. My dad was a founding member.”

Bucky downed the bourbon then took a drink of the beer. “So, they just come around and hang out?”

“Pretty much,” she replied, then she stuck her hand out. “Nancy Martin. I own the motel and the bar.”

Bucky took his right glove off and shook her hand. “Bucky Barnes.”

If she recognized his name, she didn’t say but she did smile and looked at the other riders. “They go on toy runs, and give rides to the kids getting cancer treatment, that sort of thing. They’re all retired from all types of jobs and walks of life but they all love riding their motorcycles. What brings you in today, Bucky?”

“I was looking for a fight,” he admitted, “but I guess now I need a sympathetic ear.”

“Yeah,” she nodded. “That happens when people see the bikes out front. What do you want to talk about?”

“The woman who left me four years ago showed up today to say I was a father and that she was dying,” he said, taking another drink of his beer. “At the time I didn’t know why she left me but apparently she thought I cheated on her.”

“Did you?” asked Nancy.

“Nope.”

“Awkward.”

“Yup.” She poured him another bourbon and he downed it. “I didn’t handle it very well. I took off, drove until I saw the motorcycles and figured I could punch through my anger. Now I don’t even get that.”

“I have just the song for that,” she said, then looked over to one of the riders. “Hey Bobby, put the Rolling Stones on the jukebox. You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”

As Mick Jagger’s voice began to fill up the dim interior Bucky kept drinking his beer. Nancy served some more drinks then came back and appraised the dark-haired man.

“Why would she think you cheated on her?” she asked. “I mean, you told her you loved her right?”

He hesitated. “Sort of. Maybe not in words. We were together constantly, and the sex was amazing. I thought she knew that she was it for me.” He sighed and took another drink of his beer. “Maybe I should have said and done more things to show her. Like propose.”

“Why didn’t you?”

He chewed on his lower lip for several moments. “She was too good for me. I had issues and a past that I wasn’t proud of. Kept waiting for her to say she was moving on.”

“This woman you supposedly cheated with … did you flirt with her?”

Bucky scowled. “I didn’t even like her. She was always coming on to me but I never saw her that way.”

“Did you look for your girlfriend after she left you?”

“Jesus, you ask a lot of questions,” he sputtered. Then slowly, he nodded his head. “She was very good at covering her tracks and that just confirmed what I felt all along, that I wasn’t good enough.”

“You were wrong.”

Bucky whirled around to see Lane and Steve standing at the end of the bar. Some super soldier he was that he didn’t even hear them come in. Nancy smiled and poured out two more beers, placing them on the empty spots on either side of Bucky. Sitting beside him Steve and Lane sipped their beer.

“Sharon confessed to setting you up,” said Steve. “Tony has kicked her out of the Avengers, permanently.”

“Yeah, well …,” muttered Bucky, lifting his beer to his mouth. “Not sure I’m coming back.”

“That would be a mistake,” said Lane. “Danny knows his dad is an Avenger. He wants to be just like you.”

Bucky put his beer glass down. “He knows who I am?”

“Yeah, I haven’t kept that a secret from him,” she replied. “It wasn’t my intention to stay away that long. I was waiting for you to find me. You were the Winter Soldier, finding me should have been a piece of cake. Guess I put you off your game.”

“Then why didn’t you come back?” His voice was full of anguish. “Why didn’t you contact me?”

“Because all this time I thought you were with Sharon,” cried Lane. She turned to him with glistening eyes. “You weren’t the only one who thought you weren’t good enough. All we had between us was sex, or so I thought. We didn’t exactly talk a lot except on missions.”

The Rolling Stones song had ended several minutes before, and Nancy went over to the jukebox, looking over the selection for a moment before picking out a few more songs. The first one was an Eagles tune, The Heart of the Matter. When she returned to the bar Steve looked at her with questioning eyes. She shrugged her shoulders in reply then jerked her head over towards the end of the bar in the universal language of “let them talk.”

“I’m going to give you two some privacy,” said Steve, picking his drink up and following Nancy to the end of the bar.

It was as if the couple didn’t even hear him as they kept their eyes only on each other without saying anything verbally. Bucky ran his hand through his hair then looked at Lane as if searching for the right words to begin this long overdue conversation.

“What’s he like?”

“Danny?” She smiled with fondness. “He’s amazing. Sweet, curious, adventurous. He has your eyes and hair.”

“Is he enhanced?”

She nodded. “He eats more than I do, can hear people talking in whispers, runs faster than a teenager. He’s so strong, likes to lift up the couch for me when I vacuum.”

“Who’s looking after him while you’re here?”

“I have a nanny,” said Lane. “Her name’s Carol and she’s become my best friend. She’s offered to adopt him, but I want her to have her own life, not one that’s been forced on her.”

Swallowing noticeably, Bucky nodded, becoming mute for several long moments. “Your cancer, you’ve tried everything?”

“Yeah, although Bruce is willing to try one more thing,” she replied. “It’s a long shot. He’s going to try to replicate the serum out of Steve’s blood. I might not have enough time left for him to be successful.”

Bucky swallowed hard, as he clamped his jaw shut, trying to tamp down the emotions that were trying to erupt from within.

“We really messed things up, didn’t we? I’m so sorry I stopped trying to find you.”

“I should have trusted you, but I couldn’t believe that you really loved me,” said Lane. “You were so handsome, and I’d see you flirting with all the women. I imagined that once you found someone more interesting that would be it for me.”

“It was always you,” answered Bucky, his voice breaking. “You made me feel things I never expected to feel again. Making love to you was like a religious experience.”

Lane touched his right hand and he enclosed her hand in his, looking at her tear filled eyes. “Stay with me until the end,” she whispered. “Be with me. Help me.”

Pulling her into his arms Bucky kissed her fiercely, as they both began to cry. At that moment the Beatles song We Can Work It Out began playing and Bucky stopped crying then smirked, as he looked at where Nancy was at the end of the bar.

“Were you a therapist in a previous life?” he asked. “These songs … I mean, really?”

She smiled. “Nope, just a bartender. You’re not the first person to have a heart to heart talk with a loved one in here. After a while I kinda get an idea of what they need to resolve things. You have resolved your issues, right? You’re getting back together and you’re going to accept the mantle of fatherhood?”

“Yeah, I am on both counts,” he said, holding Lane’s hands and gazing at her. “I’ll even retire from the Avengers just to be with you.”

“No, don’t do that,” smiled Lane. “I’ll come back to the Tower. Tony offered me a place to stay while …. He’s sorry for doubting you. Sharon had almost everyone fooled, except you, Steve, and Peter. On the way here Steve said you didn’t trust her at all.”

“I didn’t,” he said. “She was always leaning in too close, flipping her hair at me, touching my arm … it put me off. I never thought she would stoop even lower by planting her underwear in the bed. No wonder you left without a word. You must have thought I was the worst type of man to cheat on you while you went to be with your mother.”

“I should have talked to you about it,” answered Lane, “but I just lost it and wanted to get out of there before you returned. Wanda guessed and tried to talk me out of it, but I wouldn’t listen. Promise me that we don’t do anything stupid like that again.”

“I promise,” he replied, then he stood up and drained the rest of his glass, before looking over at Steve. “You didn’t happen to bring a truck, did you?”

“The big SUV,” replied Steve. “There’s room in the back for your motorcycle.”

Putting money on the counter for the drinks and picking his bag off the floor, Bucky smiled at Nancy. “Thanks for the drinks, the music, and the sympathetic ear.”

“You’re welcome,” she answered, “and if the Avengers ever want to join any of the runs the Silver Wolves do for charity, you’re more than welcome. The more the merrier and maybe having you guys involved will increase participation.”

To the sounds of Let’s Stay Together by Al Green, the three of them raised their hands in farewell, and headed out to the SUV, parked next to the motorcycle. The two super soldiers had it loaded inside the SUV within minutes and Bucky took his leathers off so he would be more comfortable in the vehicle. When they got back inside the city Lane asked Friday to direct Steve to a certain address.

“Where are we going?” he asked.

“My place,” said Lane, looking back at Bucky, sitting in the back seat. “Someone has to meet his father for the first time. I’d rather do it in a quiet environment.”

Nodding his head in agreement, Bucky sat back and began to prepare to meet his son. No matter what, he was going to make it work. He owed that to Lane and Danny, owed them for four years of separation. In the time Lane had left, Bucky planned to make their life all about her and their son.

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

Five months later

“Are you sure you want Bucky here when we start the treatment?” asked Bruce. “I honestly don’t know what your reaction will be to it. We’ve tested it against your blood samples and Shuri ran the virtual simulations but until we actually start to infuse you with the serum ….”

Tiredly, Lane smiled at the gentle doctor. He, along with Dr. Cho and Shuri, had done so much to try to get a working serum ready for her. Even though she was weak she grasped his hand with all the strength she could muster in her left hand, the wedding band loose on her ring finger, her thin and wispy hair barely grown back.

“He’ll be okay,” she said, in her almost whispery voice. “I know he doesn’t like hospitals and doctors, but he trusts you three and if it gets to be too much, he’ll deal with it.”

“Alright, I’ll call him up,” said Bruce.

Down in the lounge Bucky sat with Danny on his lap, watching a Disney movie with the others. Although he found it hard to concentrate on the movie, as he waited for the announcement, he was glad to be there with everyone. In the months since he and Lane reconciled they had been through so much; being with her as her cancer got worse, getting married, then officially adopting Danny as his son. Although he was listed as the father on his birth certificate, Tony’s lawyer said the adoption would remove any doubt about him being the boy’s legal guardian. Combined with treatments to keep Lane comfortable as the cancer wreaked havoc with her body while Bruce and the others worked non-stop on a serum for her, it had been a whirlwind time for the couple. Without everyone’s support he wasn’t sure he could have handled it as well as he did.

“Sergeant Barnes?” said Friday. “They’re ready to begin the infusion. Mrs. Barnes would like you to be there.”

“Thank you, I’ll be right up,” he said, then looked at his son. “I’m going up to be with Momma now. You stay with Uncle Steve, okay?”

Smiling, Danny changed laps, plopping himself down on Steve’s legs and getting a quick cuddle in response. Bucky stood up and gently mussed Danny’s hair before walking to the elevator. There were several murmured “good luck” wishes and he smiled slightly at everyone before stepping through the opening doors. When the doors opened on the medical floor, he was greeted outside the medical lab door by a nurse, who directed him to wash his hands, put on the gown, gloves, and mask before smiling at him to go on in. Nodding his thanks he entered the isolated treatment room, and sat on the chair beside Lane, grasping her hand in his. Bruce and Dr. Cho, also gowned up, had the infusion all set up. It’s bright blue colour seemed to look the same as what Bucky remembered his serum looked like. Steve had seen it on the internal camera system, as only Bucky was allowed to visit, and had said the same.

“Now, we expect that just like your serum and Steve’s, that it will have a burning sensation as it flows through Lane’s veins,” stated Bruce. “We don’t want to interfere with the process so there won’t be any pain relief. I’m sorry in advance if it hurts. By Shuri’s extrapolations the healing effects of the serum should be evident within half an hour but in reality it could be faster or it could take longer. We just don’t know for sure.”

“Bruce,” whispered Lane. “Just do it. Please.”

Nodding self-consciously he started the infusion pump and both doctors watched the readouts on the virtual imaging system that watched the infusion entering Lane’s circulatory system. Within a minute it was obvious she was in discomfort as her breathing became laboured. Her heart rate increased, as did her blood pressure and respiration rate. She squeezed Bucky’s hand and began to gasp as the pain became harder to take.

“It’s okay, you can yell,” said Bucky. “I did. So did Steve. Do what you have to.”

Giving in to the burning sensation that filled her body Lane began to whimper, which built into cries, then screams. She was already restrained but her body pulled against the padded straps that held her down. Bucky tried not to show any fear, but he buried his forehead onto her hand that he was holding, trying to will his body to take some of the pain she was feeling.

Dr. Cho looked at the monitor. “She’s approaching the red line for heart rate and BP,” she said to Bruce, trying to keep her voice calm.

“Infusion is at 65%,” he replied. “Lane, hang in there for just another minute.”

The alarms on the monitoring equipment were all going off as Lane’s heart rate approached 200 beats per minute and her blood pressure reached a dangerous level. Bruce watched the virtual imaging system as her entire circulatory system changed colour while the serum was infused throughout. When the readout indicated that she had received 100% of the serum he shut the pump off and watched the readouts of her vital processes. Unconscious, her body started sweating profusely and Dr. Cho grabbed some heated blankets out of the warmer, layering them over Lane, to prevent her from going into shock. Bucky looked anxiously at his wife, kissing her hand and stroking it.

As her heart rate stabilized so did her blood pressure and Bruce leaned over to check her eye response. When he shone his penlight into her eyes there was a response from her pupils, but she was still unconscious.

“Lane?” he said, loudly, as he touched her cheek. “Can you hear me?”

There was no response and he looked at the readouts of her brain activity, not entirely happy with what he saw. Then Dr. Cho touched his arm, pointing to the virtual display. The blue colour of her circulatory system had spread to her entire body, including her internal organs.

“That wasn’t supposed to happen,” he said.

“What is it?” asked Bucky. “Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know,” replied Bruce. “The serum seems to be spreading into her muscle and organ tissue. Everything is blue.”

Pulling back the heated blanket from one of her legs all three of them gasped to see Lane’s leg increase in musculature, almost as if it was replacing what she had lost in the last few months. Uncovering her completely they were surprised to see it replicated on all of her limbs then Bucky let go of her left hand and they noticed her wedding ring was no longer loose.

“Does this mean it’s working?” asked Bucky.

“I think it’s making her into a super soldier,” said Bruce. “All of the blood testing and virtual simulations just showed the serum destroying the cancer but it seems to be fixing her body in the process. Both you and Steve experienced the same thing, just not as fast in your case.”

“It is made from Steve’s blood,” said Dr. Cho. “Could explain the rapid response.”

All three of them were looking up at the readouts and the virtual images, seeing the blue colour stay in her system. Her readings approached normal, at least normal by Bucky and Steve’s standards, including a body temperature that was two degrees higher than a normal human. Although Lane was still unconscious her breathing eased, and her body relaxed.

“I think we can undo the restraints,” said Bruce. “We should take a blood sample.”

As Bucky undid the restraints, Dr. Cho fastened a tourniquet around Lane’s left arm, and Bruce began listening to her heart and breath sounds with his stethoscope. After successfully taking a vial of blood from Lane’s arm Helen withdrew the needle and called Bruce to see the insertion site heal as they watched it. Both doctors smiled at each other, amazed that it actually worked. Taking a small amount of the blood in a syringe the vial was sent to the lab for the full work up. The small amount they took was smeared on a slide and both doctors inserted it under the microscope, looking at the sample before transferring the image to a split screen, comparing it to a sample taken before the infusion.

“It’s definitely changed,” said Dr. Cho. She looked up at the elapsed time. “It took only 22 minutes.”

They looked back at Bucky and Lane. He was holding her hand to his lips and murmuring to her. After several more minutes he looked up Bruce.

“Why isn’t she waking up?” he asked. “Her body has healed, right?”

“It looks like it, but we won’t know for sure until the blood work comes back, and we do another full body scan.” Bruce pulled Dr. Cho to the hallway so Bucky wouldn’t hear them. “We should do a brain scan, just to rule out a stroke. Her blood pressure was very high.”

Nodding in agreement they both went in and reset the imaging to do a detailed scan of her brain. While it was being done Bruce asked Bucky to stay in the hallway so his vibranium arm wouldn’t interfere with the process. It was a lie, but he didn’t want Bucky there if the scan showed brain damage. As the imaging confirmed there was no brain injury, he allowed the super soldier back. The blood work results also came back showing no trace of any cancer. Elapsed time since the beginning of the infusion was at 54 minutes.

“Bucky, talk to her,” said Bruce. “Maybe she’s in there and isn’t sure how to get back to you.”

“Can I get in bed with her?” he asked, receiving the okay.

Removing his shoes, mask and gown, Bucky laid beside her, putting his arm around her and cradling her close to his body. Gently, he kissed her on the forehead.

“It’s been almost an hour since they started giving you the serum,” he said softly. “We watched as your muscles came back and your breathing got better. Bruce said all the tests show you’re cured but you’re still unconscious, lost in there maybe. I never really told you that I loved you when we were together before. It wasn’t because I didn’t, it was because I was afraid to open myself up to you, afraid you would see I wasn’t good enough for you. You gave me so much, your friendship first, your love next, a son … still can’t believe I’m a father and that he likes me. Most of all you gave me what I needed, a place to call home. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that from the beginning. We wouldn’t have lost out on four years together. So, I’m telling you now. I need you Lane, my heart yearns for you, my eyes need to see you every morning, my body needs your soft warmth to make love to, every part of me is addicted to you. I’m a better man with you, a lost man without you. Please come back to me.”

His tears streamed down his cheeks as he pressed his lips onto her forehead, asking her over and over to come back. As Bruce and Dr. Cho kept monitoring her readouts, they both began to wonder if they had failed. Everything indicated she should be awake, as her body was functioning as it should, but it was like nothing was there, the spark that was Lane was gone. Bucky slowly realized that she wasn’t going to wake up and began to weep for his wife. Clutching her to his chest, he whispered about what he loved the most about her. Then he kissed her gently on the lips and prepared to get off the bed, sadly accepting that she was lost to him.

“Bucky,” she whispered, so softly that even he almost missed it. “Don’t go.”

“Lane?” He stopped moving and studied her face. “Baby, are you there?”

Her head moved slightly, and she opened her mouth. “Stay.”

Bruce came over and leaned over the couple. “Lane, can you open your eyes?”

His voice was desperate as he repeated his request. Then her eyes fluttered open, and she saw Bucky, bringing a beautiful smile to her face.

“There you are,” she said quietly. “I found you.”

Gathering her into his arms Bucky wept tears of joy at the return of his wife and mother of his son. When he kissed her on the lips her hands grasped his arms, holding on as if she was afraid of drowning. It took several requests from Bruce before Bucky let go of Lane long enough for her to be examined. As far as they could tell the cancer was completely gone and she had been transformed into a super soldier. She still seemed to be a little fuzzy but Bruce attributed that to her brain adjusting to the serum after fighting the cancer for so long.

Advising Friday to pass on the good news resulted in everyone coming up to see the couple, starting with Steve and Danny. Squirming out of Steve’s arms when he got off the elevator Danny came running into the room and threw himself on the bed, to Lane’s laughter. She looked at her son as if she had never seen him before, lovingly caressing his hair and kissing him.

“Uncle Steve says you’re strong now,” the boy said breathlessly. “Does that mean you can jump up high?”

“I don’t know,” replied Lane. “I haven’t got out bed yet. It might be a while before I feel brave enough to try. If it’s true it means you won’t be able to run away from me anymore, as I’ll be able to catch you, and tickle you until you let me kiss you.”

“Aw,” he grinned. “Momma, what about your hair?”

Lane looked at Bruce. “Well, based on how fast Steve and Bucky’s hair grows after being cut I would say you’ll probably start regrowing it in a couple of days. According to the bed monitoring system you also gained 25 lbs in muscle. I’m guessing you’ll start feeling hungry very soon.”

“It seems like forever since I last ate,” she replied. “Everything looks wonderful. All of you ….”

She began to get emotional and both Bucky and Danny hugged her. Wanda watched carefully from the end of the bed, making eye contact with Lane, who smiled and nodded at her, then hesitated when Wanda didn’t smile back.

“Well, right now you need to rest up,” said Dr. Cho then she turned to everyone else. “I want Lane in here for the night for observation. You can have a big party welcoming her back tomorrow. This is a momentous occasion.”

Everyone else left, except for Bucky and Danny, who stayed until the little boy began asking for food. Kissing Lane tenderly, Bucky picked up his son, allowing him to kiss his mother, then he took the boy down for dinner, some play time and bed. Some food was brought to Lane and she savoured every bite, telling anyone within earshot that the food was incredible. As it got dark, she asked for her bed to be pushed close to the window so she could look outside, wanting to see the moon come up in the night sky. Everything felt new again and Lane wanted to feel it all. 🌕

Several hours later Wanda entered the medical lab, nodding at the nurse who was on duty.

“I’m just here to see Lane,” she said softly.

“Go ahead, she’s awake,” replied the nurse who had just checked on her, finding her looking out the window again.

Entering the room, Wanda pulled a chair up as Lane watched her from the bed. The young witch frowned as she tried to word the question she wanted to ask, but Lane put her hand on Wanda’s arm.

“I’m not here to hurt him,” she said. “Lane died during the procedure when she suffered a stroke and had already accepted that. The serum fixed it immediately but she was already leaving when it fixed her body.”

“How did you end up in her body?” asked Wanda. “How do you have her memories?”

“Everything is different there,” said the young woman. “I wasn’t ready to cross over as I never had a great love, never knew what it was like to be with someone who worshipped her as much he did. It felt like I spent an eternity in the between place, waiting for a chance to experience the life that had been denied to me.” She wiped at the tears that came from her eyes. “She always wanted to make things right with Bucky before she moved on as she didn’t expect to survive it. She was so tired of it all and just wanted to be released from it. Lane gave it all to me, his love for her, her love for him and Danny. I love them, as much as she did.”

“But you’re not her,” said Wanda. “You don’t think he’ll realize that?”

“Even now, my original memories are fading so that only hers will be left and I’m great with that,” said the person who was becoming Lane. “My previous life wasn’t good. It was filled with sadness, violence, and pain. I never got what I wanted or needed to feel loved and cared for. Now, I have a chance for that but you’re the only one who knows the truth, the only one who can rip us apart.”

She let Wanda enter her mind and see what her life had been like before she died, before she encountered Lane in the between place that exists after life but before a person’s essence moves on. Her life had been full of abuse and violence that ultimately killed her. Yet even for all that she suffered the person who was in Lane’s body always had hope, for someone beautiful in mind and spirit to become her life partner. She had cast away the negative energy that surrounded her previous life and allowed herself to be filled with the calming energies of love, patience, and kindness.

“Alright,” smiled Wanda. “Both Bucky and Danny accept that you’re Lane. If you truthfully become her then it’s not on me to say otherwise. Promise that you won’t hurt them or leave them.”

“They’re exactly what I need to be happy,” said the other woman. “To love and to be loved is what I always wanted but never had a chance at until now.” The young witch stood up, satisfied that this new incarnation of Lane would keep her promise. “Wanda? Pietro wanted you to know that he still misses you. He said whenever you catch a flicker of light in the corner of your eye, that it’s him. He’ll wait for you, in the between place.”

“Was … was Vision there?” asked Wanda, her eyes glistening.

“No, I’m sorry, there was no one there by that name,” said Lane. “By the sound of your voice you must have loved him very much.”

“I did,” smiled Wanda, sadly. “Thank you for telling me about my brother.”

“You’re welcome,” said Lane. Then she looked out at the moon again. “It’s just as beautiful as I remember it.” 🌅

In the morning, Lane was released and walked out of the medical lab with Bucky’s arm wrapped around her waist and holding Danny’s hand in hers. Before they went to their quarters they stopped in the common area where a large paper banner was hung with the messily painted words Welcome Home Momma! There were handprints from everyone on the paper, welcoming Lane back from her brush with death. After being presented with a large cake Lane thanked everyone for supporting her and Bucky through the last 5 months. As the others went to cut it into pieces for everyone Wanda sat next to Lane and took her hand.

“I’m glad we had that talk last night,” she said quietly. “It’s obvious that you love Bucky and Danny.

“What talk?” asked Lane, puzzled. “You came to see me? I don’t remember that. I do remember that it was a beautiful full moon.”

Wanda turned her head slightly, almost as if she was listening to something faint. Then she smiled.

“I must have dreamt it,” she said. “It seemed so real. How does it feel to be a super soldier?”

“Strange,” replied Lane. “I can hear things out in the hallway but it sounds like it’s right beside me. They gave me a double serving of breakfast and I was still hungry after. Once I’m used to my strength Bucky and Steve are going to train me so I can go on missions. I can’t wait.”

Wanda’s answer was interrupted by Bucky bringing cake to Lane. As Wanda excused herself she stood a short distance away and observed the former cancer patient, realizing that whatever entity had assumed Lane’s identity was now fully integrated with the other woman’s memories. She was truly Lane Barnes now, beloved wife, doting mother, and soon-to-be super soldier for the Avengers. Everything she would ever want or need was here, friends, family, and a higher purpose with the Avengers. Maybe this was the way it was always supposed to be.

Please like, comment or reblog if you liked this.

Short Fiction Masterlist

Tumblr Masterlist

[whatisreggieshortfor]

Reprise

Hamish x MC

For @rebelrayne 😀

Partially inspired by this post

[herrmannhalsteadproduction]

*squeals*

i forgot about abuela!! second chance please!!! 😍

I don't have anything fully written for this one yet, but I'm still really excited! Basically, it's Abuela giving Eddie the 'don't give up on finding love' talk instead of Pepa and he throws it back at her because SHE hasn't had a relationship since her husband passed.

And it hits her that he's right and she SHOULD take her own advice.

So she makes him a deal. For every social activity he tries, she'll try one too. (We'll have some overlap for the giggles of it all.) And Isabel does end up finding a spark with someone who has a surprising connection to the 118... More to come - someday!!! Thanks for the ask @sunnywithachanceofbi

[chaostudee]

movies, rafe cameron

pairing : female reader x rafe cameron summary : "cus baby this ain't like the movies". warnings : angst? pining? miscommunucation? words : 3.1k a/n ; i haven't posted in like a year and ik this is so shit but ye idk.

it was never as simple as just loving. you wished it could've been but with rafe nothing was certain. at the start that was what you liked about him but when he failed to show up time after time you began to question. question whether he deserved you.

a week later you found him in bed with one of your best friends. that hurt like hell but truthfully you weren't that shocked. you knew he was hiding something. you just chose not to acknowlege it. maybe that was a mistake.

the look on rafe's face was something that you were never forget. it was mixed with hurt and guilt. in that moment you had wondered had he ever loved you? had you ever loved him?

at times you were certain of that answer but how can you love someone who put through you through that much hurt?

rafe wasnt a good boyfriend. he was always late, sloppy. he ignored you when he was with his friends. he would brush off your touch. hell he sometimes could barely look at you.

okay maybe you hadn't been a saint throughout the relationship but you made more of an effort than him anyway.

now 1 year later you watch as his arms holds firmly around her waist. he smiles as she talks. he kisses her head. he whispers in her ear.

you can't help but scoff at the display. so much for hating pda. sarah rejoins you and sighs when she spots who your view is focused on.

"her name is victoria" sarah says as she takes a sip of her beer before continuing "they've been going out for about 6 months....".

you blow out air and slowly nod. it wasn't like you didn't expect this but six months?!?! like damn who hurt him?.

"you got to talk to him".

you scoff at sarah.

"what would i even say?". you fold your arms across your chest. you knew damn well that there was plenty you had to say to him.

"everything you need to say" she pauses "he hasn't been the same since you guys you know...-".

"don't give me that bullshit sarah". picking up your drink from the nearby dresser you take a sip.

"if he really cared he would've....he would've been there but he wasn't, and i am so sick qnd tired of you being on his side. i did nithing wrong."

sarah begins to speak but you don't wait to hear. you grab your beer and walk off. you need to get out of here. anywhere but here. as you manoeuvre your way through the crowd you miss your footing placement but before you meet with the ground a pair of arms hold you up.

"hey". you recognized that voice all too well. you pull away from his grasp and look upwards to see an awkward smile on his face.

"hey" you reply, as you fidget awkwardly with the sleeve of your dress. you hadn't seen or spoken to him in over a year and although there was plenty you wanted to say nothing came to mind.

he looked mostly the same except that he had grown out his hair a bit. that had been your suggestion. an ache in your stomach creeps in when you remember.

"you grew out your hair" you state.

he chuckles and lowers his head down before meeting your eyes. "yeah, yeah i did...."

he pauses for a moment and then his gaze hardens. he stuffs his hands in his jean pockets. "i'm sorry y/n, i-".

you stop him before he can continue. "im sorry too but we were done a long time ago, i've moved and you have clearly moved on aswell". you gesture towards victoria who waves a hand at rafe. rafe looks back at you. like really looks at you.

the same look that he gave you that faithful night. a look of hurt and guilt. and like that night you wanted nothing more than to strangle him but deep down you knew you could never really be fully mad at him.

:::

it had been a week since your awkward encounter with rafe and the conversation still lingered in the back of your mind.

every so often you couldn't help but admit that he looked just as handsome as ever.

"i know that look" sarah says as she rests her chin on her hand on the bed. you two had made up quickly as you usually did. fights were short lived with you two.

"what do you mean?" you ask as you throw another dress on the bed. the camerons were holding some fancy ass party tonight and sarah had given you the task of picking out your outfits.

"you know damn well, i know that you haven't stopped thinking about him since the party".

you chuckle and begin to fathom an excuse but sarah raises her eyebrows so instead you just nod and shake your head.

you turn away from her and begin flipping through the rack of ball gowns.

"you know he broke up with victoria"

this causes you to stop your fingers abrubtly.

"what?"

sarah smirks. "ye i know and i mean he wasn't even upset...."

"really...?" you ask and you can't even smother the smirk on your face. "why.....?".

sarah laughs. "i didn't think you were that stupid y/n".

your heart races at her words. could you really be the reason why rafe broke it off with victoria.

:::

you had chosen to wear an emerald green dress from sarah's wardrobe along with matching heels.

you nervously checked your watch as you waited for your parents at the front of the house. your father helped your mother out of the car and behind them came your brother and his girlfriend.

you were beyond nervous at this point. you began to fix your hair once again as your heart raced at the thought of seeing him.

your brother pressed the doorbell and beside you, you felt a comforting hand on your shoulder. your mother understood and you smiled at her in gratitude.

the door opened swiftly after the bell rang out. ward cameron welcomed everyone with a smile and an embrace. you were last to be welcomed and after standing there awakwardly ward smiled and pulled you in for a hug.

after ward closed the door behind you and you watched as your mother was catching up with rose. you spotted sarah beside wheezie but you were looking for somebody familiar.

"rafe" called ward. the sound of his name made you anxious. moments later he walked in. once you saw him you swear your breath caught in your throat.

he wore a navy suit, no tie and his hair was all messy. god he had never looked better. he began to walk over but his footsteps slowed when he saw you.

of course he knew you were coming tonight but he hadn't expected you to be this beautiful. your dress was hugging your curves in just the right places and your hair was pulled back, which you rarely had it, so rafe could see your features. and god those dimples would be the death of him.

"so um....ill leave you two to talk" says ward as he walks off to join his wife in discussion with your parents.

"you look-"

"i like-"

you both laugh as you interrupt eachothers sentences. his smile brought butterflies to your stomach. you had missed that smile.

"you first" you prompt.

he nods and looks you up and down. you can't help but blush. you missed when he looked at you like that. you missed a lot about him.

"you look incredible" he says truthfully. you smile at him. "you don't look too bad yourself cameron".

he smiles. you smile. he looks at you. you look back.

"do you want to talk outside?". the words come out of your mouth before you register what you are saying.

he looks surprised but then nods.

:::

your legs dangle in the water at the edge of the pool. rafe hands you a beer as he sits down beside you.

"i dont even know why i asked you to come out here" you chuckle before taking a swig of your beer.

"yes you do".

you turn to look at him. "yes you do" he repeats.

his eyes falter down to your lips then back up to your eyeline. if it wasn't for your inner conscience you would've kissed him.

instead you stood up quickly and shook your head at him.

"no no no no" you mumble, shaking your head as you speak.

rafe stands up and raises his hand as he nears you.

"no rafe you can't do that".

"do what?"

you scoff. "act like you can just kiss me and everything will be okay, it doesn't work like that".

"hell you cheated on me with my bestfriend and what now you want me back?".

there was silence then but the voices from inside the house. rafe was looking shamefully at his feet.

he couldn't even own up to his actions.

"fuck this". you pick up your heels and make a run for it. part of you was hoping he would chase you or call out your name but he didn't. he had wanted to but what would he even say?

there was no apology big enough for what he had done to you. perhaps you were better off without him.

:::

alone with a glass of wine was not how you had expected the evening to end. well you were with sarah earlier but she had disappeared a few minutes ago.

you hear someone call your name so you turn around. your heart sinks when you realize it is not him but your mother beckoning you to leave.

setting down your glass you take a look around just incase but no one. you sigh and head over to your mother and take her arm. she rubs your arm soothingly as you make your way over to the car.

as you open the door of the car you hear a shout.

"y/n wait!".

you hesitate before getting into the vehicle. there he was his hair disheleved and a distraught look on his face.

part of you wanted to get into the car and drive off but you know all too well what you were going to do.

"what do you want?" you ask bluntly. you decided you couldn't give him the satisfaction that you wanted him.

"you y/n". "i want you". he says as he moves closer so that there are but inches between you.

"you shoudl"ve thought about that before cheating on me" you reply shoving him back.

he grunts softly and runs a hand through his hair."fuck i know it was wrong i know i know. you dont know how sorry i am for doing it. im going to regret it for the rest of my life if it means i cant have you."

"please y/n. please." he looks down at you his eyes kept firmly on your lips. you licked your lips but refused to close the gap between you.

"fuck y/n what else can i do?". he places his hands on your waist, you glare at him but don't say anything. he slowly sinks to his knees, his head resting at your feet.

"god your so beautiful, i dont know how i can live knowing that you'll never be mine again please-"

you pull him up practically yanking him up from the ground. "if you say please one more time i swear to god ill fucking kill you".

he smirks at you. "what?" you say angrily.

"that was hot".

your cheeks go red and this time you don't even hesitate or think. you pull him closer placing your hand on his cheek. his lips meet yours and everything else melts away. its like your first kiss all over again. the spark is still there and the butterflies you had the night.

you can hear someone cheering who can only be your mother. you can't help but smile through the kiss.

nothing was decided yet but it didn't matter. at this moment in time rafe cameron was yours and only yours. his lips were on yours. his heart was yours.

and that was all that counted.

[melaniem54]

Review: Jonathon, After All: Princes Take New York Book 1 by K. Sterling

Rating:  4.25🌈 From K Sterling’s forward: “All the books in this series are meant to be modern adaptations of classic fairy tales with the primary focus on the king of all tropes: Prince Charming. He’s the king for me, at least. And if there is one thing that is consistent with Charming, it’s insta love. He believes in love at first sight and he is often blindly noble. Occasionally, to his and…

[hannahbarberra162]

Struck Twice By Lightning, Chapter 13

18+ MDNI on Ao3

Link to all chapters

TW: jealousy

A few days later and you were laying on the bed in the early evening, resting after a huge supper. You felt like a snake, basking in the sun after a large meal. And like a snake, you didn’t think you’d want to eat again for another month. Damn Lucky and his fantastic chicken pot pie. Laying there, you heard the ringing of your den den mushi.

Puru puru puru puru puru puru

You looked at the Buggy snail and your mouth twisted. You still hadn’t called him back after all his missed calls. You didn’t want to worry him but you hadn’t wanted to hear how he was right, how you screwed up, and how you shouldn’t have gone with Shanks in the first place. The worst part of it all was, he was right. But he didn’t deserve to be left hanging for so long. You rolled off the bed and grabbed the snail, bringing it to sit on the bed with you.

“Hi.” 

“About time, babe. I was getting worried. I was gonna leave for the Grand Line if I didn’t hear back from you soon.” You felt guilty, Buggy really was a good friend.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. I was just kinda…going through it.” Buggy hummed through the snail.

“Yeah, I’d imagine so. Everyone and their Captain saw the article. That's all anyone is talking about.” You cringed. You had some small naive hope that everyone would forget about it after the next big story broke. “You looked great, though. At least they got a good picture of you.” 

“Yeah, I mean but did you see Shanks? That asshole has never taken a bad picture.”

“Fuck him, did you at least stab him? I have no doubt that it’s his fault somehow.” You laughed, something Buggy could always get you to do. It was Shank’s fault, but you didn’t want to poison Buggy against Shanks even more.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t. Thought about it though.”

“Do you want me to come get you?” You knew Buggy’s offer was sincere. But you’d thought about that too - the only place that you’d really be safe would be with an Emperor. Buggy was strong, but not if someone like Linlin or Kaido wanted to get you. They’d send wave after wave of powerful fighters, Emperors had a shared quality of being goal oriented when they wanted something or someone.

“No, but thanks. I’m gonna ride on the Dead Horse with Stanks. I think it’ll be OK, at least for a while. If I need you, I’ll make my way out to the East Blue.”

“Like hell you will, if you need me, I’ll come out there. We can stab that idiot together, as a bonding activity.”

“Hi Buggy!” The man himself had appeared, entering the cabin through the doorway. He walked over and sat next to you on the bed, leaning back on you as if you were a sitting pillow.

“Fuck off,” Buggy replied angrily. This was the first time they’d directly interacted since you’d been on board. 

“Aw, c’mon Bugs, I haven’t talked to you in forever.” Shanks was pouting. He had a lot of love for Buggy, but it wasn’t always reciprocated. You understood why, but it still made you a little sad.

“Fuck off,” Buggy repeated. “Why do you have to fuck things up for everyone you’re involved with? It’s like the Mierdas touch, everything you touch turns to shit.” Shanks laughed.

“That’s a good one, never heard it before. But it's not true! How was I supposed to know -”

“- that your actions have consequences? Gee, Shanks, I don’t know, it’s a lesson most of us have learned by our thirties. Anyway, fuck you. Doll, listen, say the word and I’ll set sail. Kisses.” 

“Love ya, Bug.” You hung up the snail. Shanks was looking at you with an amused expression. “What?” 

“Why did you call it the ‘Dead Horse? ‘Stanks’ I get, no questions asked. Buggy’s been calling me that since we were 12.”

“Oh, ‘cus the presence of your ship is like beating a dead horse. We get it - you’re Shanks and the Red Haired Pirates . No need for all the fuss.” You waved your hand at him dismissively.

“It’s not my fault we’re greeted with fanfare everywhere! I didn’t ask for it, people like me!” Shanks scoffed.

“ Some people like you, sure,” you said, rolling your eyes with a smirk.

“And some people like being tickled,” Shanks replied. Your smirk dropped but as soon as the words came out of his mouth, he’d grabbed your foot with his hand and yanked your leg into the air. 

“Ha! Whatcha gonna do now? No other hand to tickle with!” You were weakly trying to kick him.

“This.” Shanks licked the sole of your foot, causing you to shriek. 

“Shanks!! That’s absolutely disgusting! Don’t do thaaaaa-” but you couldn’t finish your sentence as he licked it again and you were laughing. 

“You’re right, that’s too hard with one hand. How about here?” He pinned your legs under his and started tickling the inside of your thighs. You were laughing hard.

“Stanks! Stop!” You weren’t serious, you knew he’d stop if you changed your tone.

“Stanks, is it? You really want to play hard ball, huh?” He pinned your arm under a knee and tickled your side up to your armpit. You were laughing so much tears were coming out of your eyes.

“O-k ok ok I surrender! I won’t call you Stanks!” He moved off you, freeing your arm while your giggles subsided. “Fake surrender!” You launched yourself over him and started tickling him back. You knew Shanks was letting you hold him down, but it was still fun. The two of you were goofing off for a while, ending with you leaning down over him, breathing heavily, with his one large hand pinned by both of yours.

“So, what do I get for defeating the Emperor?” 

“You can keep me as a prize of war,” Shanks rasped, wrapping his legs around your waist. You moved your face closer to his. 

“Mmm, not sure about that. What makes you worth keeping?”

“This,” he said as he leaned forward and kissed you on the lips. You pressed forward, lying down on top of him, releasing his hand. You ran your nails down his chest, feeling the muscle twitch under your fingertips. You’d been having a lot of soft moments with Shanks recently. You still fell into bouts of sadness and loss, but there was no other solution you could see. You were sailing back to your island and you’d be there before you knew it. Life would continue in some kind of way, but right now you were enjoying time with your…husband.

You kissed him along his prominent collar bones, leading to the hollow of his neck. You spent some time there, flicking your tongue on the sensitive areas. Shanks was moaning, gripping your ass and thrusting up slowly, turned on by your actions. You whipped off your shirt and bra, throwing them onto the floor. You leaned forward so your breasts dangled in front of his mouth. He quickly captured one nipple in his mouth, sucking and biting. He released it only to put the other in. You had undone his belt and were shimmying his pants down his legs. You didn’t want to wait any longer, you could feel you were already wet. 

You didn’t even remove your own clothes, just moved your skirt aside. You sat up a bit, taking your breasts away from Shank’s eager mouth. You hooked your panties to the side and sank down onto Shank’s eager cock. As you lowered yourself, you groaned. This is exactly what you needed. The stretch always felt good, but this time you wished you could make it last. You started bouncing on Shanks, pulling your hips down harder with every stroke.

“Come on, Love. I’m here for you,” Shanks was talking to you sweetly as you used him to get to your peak. You suddenly felt tears pricking the corners of your eyes but you didn’t know why. You shifted yourself to lay down next to him, hoping Shanks would take up the mantle and fuck you while spooning. You wanted to continue but were feeling too raw to have Shanks watch you. Shanks looked down at your face but didn’t say anything. He pulled out and fixed your panties, covering you up once more. He pulled your back flush to his front, gently kissing your face, while your tears threatened to spill.

“Where’d you go? Come back to me,” Shanks said softly. That made the dam break and you started crying.

“I’m s-sorry Shanks. I don’t know what’s w-wrong with me,” you cried, covering your face with your hands.

“Nothing’s wrong with you. Take whatever you need, I’ll always wait for you.” That just made you cry harder. Shanks comforted you until your tears ended, letting you cry into his chest. 

“S-sorry,” you eventually said. You felt bad about starting something you couldn’t finish and ending it with a huge crying session. Shanks turned your face to his and kissed you. 

“Don’t be. I love you.” You blinked. That was the first time he’d said it directly. Maybe you weren’t the only one guarding your heart this second time around. He joked and teased and beat around the bush but rarely expressed his emotions so frankly.

“I love you too.” You put your forehead against his. “Guess you’re stuck with me now.”

“Wouldn’t want it any other way,” he replied. 

~~~

It didn’t take too long to get to your island since you’d only been with Shanks for a few weeks at that point. The closer you got, the more anxious you became. You were nervous to see what remained in and of your house. You were on edge as the Red Force docked near your island and you were chewing your nails to shreds as the dingy brought you to the wharf. Unfortunately, the article had brought notoriety to the island and to you, so locals were waiting to catch a glimpse of you and Shanks together.

“Leave,” was all he said. He was serious, intimidating, and had his hand resting on Gryphon's hilt. The villagers, all of whom you knew, quickly dispersed to their houses. 

“You didn’t have to do that, they’re just townsfolk.” You felt awkward that the people who sold you milk were being threatened by one of the most powerful pirates in the world.

“Did you want one of them taking another picture of you and I together to sell to Morgan?” You pursed your lips. You were hoping the story would die down, Shanks had a point. You walked hand in hand towards your little house. From the outside, it didn't look too bad. Your garden was a little trampled, but someone had been watering it.

You pushed open the now unlocked door, braced for the worst. Shanks trailed in behind you, inspecting various trinkets you’d gathered over the years. You were surprised to see most of your belongings still in their places. You went from room to room, looking for your favorite possessions - a knife from Buggy, an empty bottle from the first sake you’d sold, old pictures of friends, and they were all where you expected them to be. You went into your office and found someone had rifled through all your documents, but you had been expecting that. You yelled to Shanks through the open door of your office.

“Shanks, you’re not going to believe this, almost everything is still here! And unbroken, too. I was so sure this place would have been looted, but no -” Out of the corner of your eye, you saw a shock of blond hair.

“You’re welcome yoi,” said a familiar voice.

~~~

You skipped up to your old friend and gave him a hug around his middle. “Marco! What are you doing here?”

“Buggy called in a favor and asked me to watch over your house yoi. Prevent looting, stealing, that kind of thing. He said you’d be by soon and I was in the area anyway.” God, you loved Buggy. You really needed to send him a gift after all he'd done for you. 

“Honeydew, I can’t believe you kept this old shell from that beach -” Shanks was walking back to you, holding a shell in his hand. He stopped short when he saw Marco. Internally, you groaned. 

“Shanks, Marco’s the reason the house wasn’t looted. He’s been staying here.” Shanks smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Thanks, Marco. Owe ya one.” 

“That’s so kind of you, Marco, I really appreciate it.” You beamed at The Phoenix, who popped a tomato in his mouth. “Was it you who watered the plants?”

“Yeah, I couldn’t leave them parched. You have a great little house yoi. It’s so cozy and comfortable, I relaxed more than I have in years. You have great taste in interior design yoi.”

“Yeah, she does, doesn’t she?” Shanks had come to stand next to you and hooked his arm around your middle. You wanted to roll your eyes - you’d already told Shanks you hadn’t slept with Marco, he didn’t need to be jealous. 

“Thank you, I spent a lot of time over the years getting everything just right. Listen, I’d like to invite you to dinner, it’s the very least I can do,” you said. You were incredibly grateful, he’d saved you a lot of heartache. 

“-That WE can do,” Shanks interrupted with a laugh. You’d meant the invitation to include Shanks, but hadn’t specified. 

“Thank you, that sounds great. But it really was no problem yoi. Always ready to help a friend in need,” he said, smiling. He leaned against your office bookcase, holding a tomato from your garden in his other hand.

“Here, would you like it? They’ve been coming in, they’re good yoi.” Marco underhand tossed the fruit to you. Shanks let go of your waist and caught it. 

“Thanks, bud.” Shanks was trying to speak casually but was failing. He looked like he wanted to throw you over his shoulder and haul you off to the nearest cave. The twinkle in Marco’s eyes told you he was enjoying riling up Shanks. This time you did roll your eyes. This would not end well for someone, probably you. 

“Quit it,” you whispered angrily, turning to Shanks. Marco pretended not to hear. You turned back to Marco. “Please, feel free to stay here as long as you’d like. I’ll get dinner later today, I still need to get my house in order. It will be our pleasure.” You dragged Shanks out the back door of the house by his empty sleeve.

“What are you doing?!” you whisper yelled at him.

“What am I doing? What are you doing?” he wasn’t yelling, but Shanks wasn’t happy. “ You’re the one trying to go on a date with Marco.” You tutted at him.

“You’re being ridiculous, and you know it. Marco was helping as a friend after Buggy called him. You heard all that, right? Behave or I’ll uninvite you to dinner.” You would too, you didn’t have a lot of patience for Shanks’s jealousy. Shanks huffed.

“Fine, we’ll have the rooster over for dinner. But I’m gonna call you my wife the entire time .” If your eyes rolled any harder, they’d be out of your head.

~~~

You hadn’t specified that you’d be the one cooking dinner for a reason. You weren’t the best cook on the Grand Line, to say the least. You bribed Lucky to make the dinner for the three of you with a large bottle of sake. He obliged and made a fantastic orange duck dish with jasmine rice. Of course, you brought out a nice bottle of wine and some sake, unsure which Marco would prefer. You were setting the table while Shanks sat in your overstuffed armchair.

“This thing’s great, we should bring it back to the ship.” You hummed in response.

“I know it’s great, that’s why I bought it. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the house and most of my belongings. It’s not like I can bring it all with me.” Shanks was messing around and finally found the lever for the footrest. He pulled it and launched himself backwards, enjoying the full recline.

“Oh yeah, this is definitely coming with us. Now, if I had this chair when you first came on board I wouldn’t have had to sleep in the bed.”

“Shanks, be serious for a minute. What should I do with the house? I can’t be here at any regular intervals. I guess I’ll have to sell it.” The thought made you sad - you really loved this house. 

“Sell it? Why?” Shanks asked.

“Well, it’s not like I’ll be here to stop anyone from taking things, and I don’t want to ask Marco -” Shanks cut you off with a wave of his hand.

“No one’s gonna take anything from here. I’m gonna spread the word that this is my vacation house. No one will touch it. And maybe we really can vacation here, this place is great.” 

“Do you think that will work?” You gnawed at your fingernail, while setting the final silverware down.

“Sure, I’m not an Emperor for nothing. Keep your house, keep your stuff, take whatever you want with you. But we’re bringing this chair.”

~~~

The dinner was lovely, except for two things. The first was Shanks and the second was Marco. Shanks was in a pissy mood, trying to cover it up but not quite succeeding. Marco kept making little comments to annoy Shanks and they hit their mark every time. 

“Thank you again for watching over my house, Marco,” you said, pouring him a cup of sake. Shanks had sat right next to you and kept trailing his fingers up your thigh during the meal. Which was incredibly obvious because he had to stop eating to do it, due to having only one hand. You slapped it away as discreetly as you could.

“My pleasure yoi. I always enjoy coming here.” Marco gave a little half smile as he sipped his drink. Shanks stiffened incrementally. “This is excellent, is this aged?”

“Yeah, this is an older batch. It’s pretty good, I was thinking of entering it in a competition.” Maybe you could enter neutral territory by talking about work.

“My wife is so modest, it’s better than ‘pretty good.” Shanks kissed your cheek. He had kept his word and was referring to you only as his wife. 

“Mh. Speaking of which, were you thinking of gifting Whitebeard another bottle for his birthday? I can bring you that tokkuri if you want to use it again.” You rubbed one temple. These two idiots were going to be the death of you.

“I didn’t know you made sake for Whitebeard. How…thoughtful of you.” Shanks said through his teeth. 

“Just once, and no, I don’t think I can. I’ll be sailing with Shanks now, and the ship isn’t a great place for brewing.” Maybe you could move to Laughtale and live happily ever after by yourself.

“So you are still married? Last you said, you wanted to get divorced yoi.” Marco said it like he was talking about the weather but you swore Shanks’s haki was starting to build. Maybe you’d kill Marco before you moved to Laughtale. Or Shanks, whichever made your life easier.

“We’re still married,” Shanks gritted out, taking your hand in his. “My wife couldn’t get rid of me so easily.” He kissed the back of your hand. Marco smiled calmly. 

“It’s rare to see you like this, Shanks,” Marco said with a raised brow and knowing smile. Shanks was already moving his hand towards you under the table. 

“Like what?” You said as you swatted Shanks’s hand for the millionth time off your inner thigh.

“Jealous. I only ever see you relaxed or serious, with nothing in between yoi. Your wife is the only person I’ve ever seen inspire such feelings in you. It’s endearing.” Shanks barked a genuine laugh.

“Only person I ever met who was worth being jealous over.”

~~~

The rest of the dinner went slightly better but not by much. You were doing the dishes while Marco insisted on clearing the table. Shanks had gone back to reclining in the chair, still drinking.

“Leave them, I’ll do it.” You felt bad your guest was helping. 

“I don’t mind yoi,” Marco replied. “Have you decided what you’re going to do with your house?” You nodded.

“Shanks is going to spread a rumor that it’s his vacation home to keep it safe. I think that’ll work. You can come here when you want though, it’s not like we’re going to be here all that often.” In your house inspection, you’d found that Marco had fixed a number of small projects you always meant to get to. That alone had earned him a permanent visit invitation. 

“Thank you, I just might. Nice to get away from my siblings now and again.” You hummed in response, still working on the dishes. “By the way, yoi. It seems like things are patched up between you two. But if you ever need to go somewhere else, you can come aboard the Moby yoi.” You paused for a moment. You hadn’t considered the possibility of staying with Whitebeard. He was another Yonko, you'd be safe. Before you could answer Shanks was by your side, leaning against you casually. But nothing about his demeanor was relaxed. Laughtale was looking like a better and better plan.

“You invited my wife to come with you?” Shanks was speaking in a clipped tone. Marco was unphased, still carrying plates. You looped your arm around Shanks, to attempt to calm him down.

“Shanks, stop. Marco, send my thanks to Whitebeard, but I’m staying with Shanks.”

“You’ve gotta be needed back on your ship, you’re the doctor after all,” said Shanks coolly. Marco laughed.

“You’re right, and I’ll be leaving soon. It’s nice to see you both again, yoi. Thank you for the dinner.” Marco deposited the remaining dishes in the sink. You said your goodbyes and you walked him to the door, giving him a final hug goodbye. He partially transformed and flew off into the night. You sighed, it was always so beautiful to watch him in his Zoan form.

“Show off,” Shanks grumbled. You walked back to the living room and plopped down on your couch. Shanks laid down next to you with his head on your lap.

“You’ve been such a brat all night! Marco was just being helpful.” You weren’t mad at Shanks but you’d wished he could contain his jealousy better.

“Inviting my wife onto another Yonko’s ship isn’t helpful, ” he replied. “Besides, Marco was provoking me!” Shanks’s mood was already on the mend with Marco gone.

“Mmm. And the all powerful Emperor just had to take the bait, right?” You jiggled your legs, making his head bounce slightly.

“I can make your thighs shake more than that,” Shanks said, turning his head towards your body.

“Show me, husband .” Shanks grinned. You hadn’t called him that yet. Hopefully the last of his jealousy would dissipate. And if not, well, jealousy sex was always fun. 

[rwwinton]

War made them enemies. Could they ever be anything more?

The war has not been kind to Elijah Fulton, Major in the Continental army. After nearly losing his leg during the Battle of Monmouth, he returned to his home in Pennsylvania only to discover his herd of livestock severely diminished and his ability to continue his trade in textiles nearly impossible. He can only be thankful that his horse, Hercules, wasn't killed. As he works to rebuild his life in the ever-present shadow of war, he learns he is to help keep an eye on a group of prisoners captured at Yorktown and brought to town for an unspecified amount of time. Among those soldiers is an officer who is to be given a place in Elijah's home until the prisoners leave.

All Colonel Benjamin Edmonds wants to do is return to England with his steadfast horse, Achilles, and what remains of his regiment. Between the battles, disease, and desertion, his force has dwindled and so has his tolerance of war. He can think of little that appeals to him less than living in the home of an American officer while his men are confined to a poorly-built prison in the middle of town. Yet, he soon learns Major Fulton isn't a spiteful man who despises Benjamin simply for being his enemy. In fact, he seems to be a good man, and a gentleman.

Bound together by their desire to see the prisoners treated properly, they both begin to see each other for who they truly are. But with the war ending and Benjamin certain to be returning home before too long, do they dare look for comfort and affection in each other?

BOOK SPECIFIC CONTENT WARNINGS: prisoners of war, disabilities from wounds received in battle, death in battle, PTSD, past death of a spouse, past death of a lover, past death in childbirth, references to death of a newborn, mentions of slavery, references to non-monogamy

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[anewdaywilldawn]

If you liked Given, I recommend you this…

I was watching this jdrama the other day, called Jack o’ Frost (pretty niche but you can find it on Viki)

‼️Given - Jack o’ Frost spoilers ahead ‼️

The plots are different ofc, but at some point of the drama it started giving me Given vibes and I didn’t quite get why…

But then this scene came:

It was painfully familiar…

Then I remembered this scene from the Given ova:

• Again, different reasons, different outcomes, but still, MISUNDERSTANDINGS & MISCOMMUNICATION. Uenoyama and Fumiya not talking openly about what upsets them, Mafuyu and Ritsu not picking up on subtle hints/not understanding unless explicitly told…

Didn’t think I’d cry so hard ever again after Given but here we are Ig-

• Also, MEMORIES is another theme they have in common. Mafuyu never really letting go of/forgetting about Yuki and Uenoyama having to deal with Mafuyu’s past; Ritsu losing all his memories about Fumiya and Fumiya, who cherishes those memories so much, watching Ritsu not recognizing him and still staying by his side, hoping he would remember one day.

• Lastly, the SECOND CHANCE/STARTING ANEW, whether it is Mafuyu finding love again in Uenoyama after Yuki or Ritsu and Fumiya “resetting” their relationship, trying to avoid their past mistakes and falling in love all over again.

I didn’t have high expectations on this drama at first tbh, it seemed to have just a bunch of tropes and I wanted sth just to pass the time, but by the time it ended I realized it already got a special place in my heart T-T

Bonus coz they’re too precious:

Here they used “itterasshai” and “ittekimasu” which are used when you leave home or with ppl you consider family and that’s why Fumiya is giggling so much I can’t 🥹🥹