#she had a sign ready to put out on live television!! call her crazy for doing that but i applaud her

[epickiya722]

This lady right here said "uh, yeah, NO. Let's not agree to AFO's demands or anything, hello?"

She had a sign ready to show on television! She wasn't playing any games!

[sunmoonandeddie]

marriage story

pairing: bucky barnes x reader

word count: 5,641

summary: Fake marrying Bucky was only supposed to be a means to an end.

prompt: college au, fake marriage au, and enemies to lovers

warnings: swearing, talk of past sexual abuse

a/n: This was written for @broadwayandnetflix​ for @bucky-smiles​‘s Secret Santa!  SURPRISE!!!!  I’m so sorry I’m a day late, I just wanted to make sure it was as good as I could make it!!  I really hope you enjoy!!!

You weren’t sure how you ended up staring at divorce papers.

Hell, you’d just graduated college three weeks ago and had miraculously landed your first job that was conducive to your career.

And now, you were a divorcée at the age of twenty-one.

Granted, your marriage had lasted much longer than a lot of those that happened when the two people were teenagers.

It had also been fake, but that’s beside the point.

You read over the divorce papers for the eightieth time since they’d arrived.  Both of you took your individual things, no need for lawyers…

It had all seemed so simple when it first began.  A means to an end.

You were eighteen and stupid.  Desperate.  You had no idea what the consequences would be.

You had no idea that you’d actually fall in love with your husband.

He’d needed to live off campus since he couldn’t afford the on campus housing.  At a minimum of seven thousand dollars a school year, it was ridiculous.  You couldn’t really afford it either, but the school had a rule that you couldn’t live off campus until your junior year, and the two of you were still second semester freshmen.

Then there was the issue with your FAFSA.  You weren’t exactly on good terms with your parents.  And by not on good terms, you meant that you didn’t speak to them.  At all.  Getting their tax information wasn’t going to happen, and it wasn’t like they were helping you pay for college.

But FAFSA wouldn’t let you fill it out as an independent student until you were twenty-one.  Apparently, being cut off from your parents wasn’t enough of a ‘special circumstance’ to allow it.

But, there was one little thing that could fix all that.

Matrimony.

If you were married, you’d have to file independently.  No questions asked about parents.

And the university would allow you to live off campus, too.

It was a perfect solution.  A quick little trip to the courthouse.

Living together had seemed logical.  A little two bedroom apartment was much cheaper than seven thousand dollars for nine months in a dorm room you had to share.

Plus, you had to keep up the illusion to the school and the government that you were married.

Outside of living together though, there wasn’t much needed.  Each of you wore a fake ring when you went to your meetings with your advisor and your classes.  It kept the rabid frat boys away from you, at least.

And then there were the scholarships.  Turns out, there are scholarships specifically for married college kids, and your advisor thought you were just perfect for it because she’d never met such a wonderful couple.

It was all perfect.  Until it wasn’t.

First off, you and Bucky didn’t even really like each other when all of this started.  You only knew each other because you were best friends with Natasha, who was his best friend’s girlfriend.  It had actually been the two of them that had gotten the idea in the first place.

“So, I’m sure you’re wondering why we gathered you here today,” Steve said, and you couldn’t help but roll your eyes.

“Steve, this is my room.”

This was not how you wanted to spend your Saturday night.  You’d worked a double that day, from eight in the morning to ten that night.

The perks of working at a bar that did Mimosa Mornings on the weekends.  The worst part was that you weren’t even allowed to take a shot or two to help you get through it since you were eighteen.

Stupid fucking law.  If you could work in a bar, you should be able to drink to deal with the customers.  Because fuck, they’re horrible.

But you made more than you’d be making at Buffalo Wild Wings, that’s for sure.

“Can we just get whatever this is over with?” Bucky asked from across the room.  He definitely wasn’t keen to be stuck in a room with you for any longer than necessary.  “I have work in the morning.”

“Same here,” you added, narrowing your eyes at the two who sat in front of you.

Natasha was your best friend and your roommate, but fuck were you ready to put out a ‘New Friends Wanted’ sign.  You could take applications.

Requirement number one: Must not be dating the best friend of the most annoying prick in the world AKA Bucky Barnes.

Requirement number two: Must not be waiting to ambush you in your own dorm room with said prick.

“So, both of you are having issues with the university,” Nat said as she took out a bunch of papers.  “The dorms are crazy expensive and you’re not allowed to live off campus.  Also, FAFSA is ridiculous.”

“And we have a solution,” Steve said, a grin on his face.  He was such a giver.  He loved his friends more than anything in the world and would literally give anything for them.  Seriously.  You’d once watched him actually give the shirt off his back to Bucky when the latter had gotten drunk at a party and puked all over his.

He’d also gotten it on your shoes, and Bucky had just burped and said, “They look better now.”

The disgusting asshole.

“Well, spit it out,” you said, rubbing your temples.  You were still in your uniform, a pair of cut off jean shorts and a tank top.  Your hair smelled like cigarette smoke and someone’s beer that they spilled on you.  “I’d like to go to sleep before sunrise, please.”

“You two could get married.”

Both you and Bucky stared at them like they’d grown two heads.

“I’m sorry…  What the fuck did you just say?” You asked, standing up.

Natasha rushed to continue, still grinning.  “If you two get married, the university will let you live off campus, and FAFSA will let you file as independent!”

“And it’s cheap!  A marriage license only costs like… fifty bucks?  Something like that!” Steve said.

Well…  It wasn’t… a horrible idea, even if you and Bucky might end up killing each other before then.

“I don’t know...,” you said, the whole idea making you nervous.  Marriage?  Come on.

Bucky crossed his arms over his chest defensively.  “I really don’t want to be married to her.  We’d kill each other before we hit our six month anniversary,” he mocked, shooting a glare your way.

“It would only be until you graduate!” Natasha said.  “And then, you two get divorced and it becomes a funny story to tell at parties!”

You shared a look across the room with the brunette.  It would solve your problems…

“Fine.”

Turns out, getting married was a lot easier than you thought it would be.  All four of you went to the courthouse that next Tuesday when all of you had a break in between classes.

You wore a sweatshirt and leggings, your ratty sneakers that were covered in mud along the bottom.  Bucky wore jeans and a university hoodie.

Not exactly usual wedding attire.

Natasha, ever the optimist ever since she met Steve, had shoved a daisy she’d picked in your hair.

And an hour later, you’d walked out as Mrs. Barnes.

Wrapping your arms around yourself, you stood up from the couch and walked around the little place you’d called home since you were eighteen.

It had been quiet the first few months.  You signed a lease on an apartment a few blocks from campus and had moved in right at the end of the school year, but he went home with Steve to Brooklyn, New York.

You were alone the entire summer except for the few weekends that Natasha managed to come visit.  The only time you and Bucky spoke was when he texted you to let you know when he was moving in.

And that’s when the fighting had started.

As you stared at a picture of the two of you on the wall, you couldn’t help but laugh.  In the photo, you two were sitting on the couch, holding a cake that Natasha and Steve had gotten you as a joke.  HAPPY 2ND ANNIVERSARY! was written across it in bright blue icing.

It was a far cry from when you two had first moved in.  Everything was an issue.  You didn’t do this, he did that, the both of you wanted to watch different movies and he had brought the television but you’d brought the DVD player.  Everything.  Hell, you’d sleep on the bean bag in Natasha’s dorm some nights because even being in the same apartment as him was too much.

Eventually, there was compromise.  An understanding grew between you and with that, a truce.  You couldn’t keep living like you were.

You were pretty sure the war had finally, silently ended one late night in October.  It was the weekend before Halloween, and you’d had the worst shift of your life.

Your keys clanged as you unlocked the front door, trying to open it as quietly as possible.  Even from where you stood, you could see the clock above the stove that read 1:42 AM.  You were supposed to be off at ten, but that clearly hadn’t happened.  One of the other girls working had gotten sick and you were forced to cover the few hours she was supposed to work alone until close.

And to add onto that, you made less the entire weekend than you had last Friday night.  You’d been hit on, groped, yelled at.  Fuck.  You just wanted to collapse in your bed.

“You’re home late.”

“Fuck!” You jumped in shock, your heart pounding in your chest.  God.  Your anxiety had just spiked and the exhaustion you’d been feeling was replaced with your fight or flight instinct.

Bucky was standing in the hallway entrance, brows furrowed.  “Sorry.  I didn’t mean to scare you.”  He had on those gray sweats that he looked so good in…

No!  Down girl!  Bad!

It didn’t matter that he was hot.  He was a total dick.

Though, lately he’d be rather kind.  Nice.  There’d been less fights in the past few weeks.

You cleared your throat, looking away from him.  “Yeah, Wanda got sick, so I had to close.”

“There’s dinner in the microwave,” he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Oh.  Thank you.”

He nodded, before disappearing down the hall.  It surprised you when you heard the bath start, but whatever.  Whether or not he took baths was none of your business.

You were surprised to find a huge bowl of vegetable soup in the microwave.  Huh.  You’d just been talking to Natasha about how much you missed your mom’s homemade version.

Whatever.  It wasn’t like you’d ever be having that again.

You let your head rest on the counter as you waited for the soup to heat up.  Fuck.  Your entire body ached.

“Hey, do you want epsom salt?” Bucky called out from the bathroom.

“Uh, what?” You said as you raised your head.  Even just moving that little made your head pound.

He poked his head out of the doorway, his long hair pulled back in a bun.  “For your bath?  Do you want epsom salt?”

“My bath?  What the hell are you talking about?” You asked as the microwave beeped.

Bucky leaned against the doorframe.  “The bath that I’m currently running you.  Do.  You.  Want.  Epsom.  Salts?”

There was a long pause as the two of you stared at each other.  “Yeah,” you said finally, your voice coming out a lot smaller than you expected.  “That would be nice.”

Once he’d disappeared back into the bathroom, you pulled out your phone and texted Nat.

To: Tasha

Why is Barnes acting weird?

From: Tasha

Which one of you?

Get it?

Cause you’re married?

To: Tasha

Yeah

I got it.

But he’s being fucking weird.

From: Tasha

How so?

To: Tasha

He made me dinner?  At least, he poured vegetable soup from a can into a bowl and left it in the microwave.

Oh

And he’s running me a bath???

V V strange.

If I don’t text you tomorrow

It’s probably because he killed me

From: Tasha

Oh that

To: Tasha

What do you mean

“Oh that”????

NATASHA

ANSWER YOUR PHONE

From: Tasha

Sorry, was talking to Steve

He mentioned you’d been working a lot and how tired you were so I told him he should do something nice.

And I may have told him that you missed your mom’s vegetable soup.

So that probably explains that.

“Hey, it’s ready,” Bucky said as he came into the kitchen.  “I’ve got some towels in the dryer going, so they’ll be all warm when you’re ready to get out.”  He seemed so… laissez-faire about it.  Like you two didn’t fight on a daily basis usually.  He watched as you took a bite of the soup, his blue eyes zeroed in on you.  “Do you like it?” He asked.  “I tried following my ma’s recipe.  Don’t know how well it went.”

You couldn’t help but moan around the spoon as the warm soup went down.  Even reheated, it was amazing.  “This is your mom’s recipe?  It’s amazing.”

His cheeks flushed as he tried to hide a grin.  “Thanks.  I’ve missed her cooking.”

It was silent as you finished up the soup, the only sound being the spoon clanging against the bowl.  It wasn’t until you set your dishes in the sink to wash the next day that he spoke again.

“Oh, I got you this,” he said as he pulled out a box.  “I saw my advisor and he knows that we’re married and he mentioned that we still don’t have rings, so I just went and grabbed a ring from a thrift store.”

It was then that you noticed the simple silver band on his left ring finger, glinting in the low light.

“You didn’t have to do that,” you said as you took the box.  But your breath was stolen from your lungs as you opened it, revealing a gorgeous diamond engagement ring with a matching diamond wedding band.  “It’s…  It’s beautiful…  Thank you…”

“You’re welcome,” he said softly, rubbing the back of his neck.  “Uh, you go ahead and get in the bath.  I’ll bring you the towels when they’re done.”

As you sat in the bath, you couldn’t help but stare at the rings that now resided on your left hand.  They glinted in the low light of the candles that had been placed in various places around the bathroom, most likely lit with Bucky’s lighter from the local smoke shop.

They were absolutely stunning.

Maybe… just maybe… this marriage wouldn’t be as bad as you first thought it would be.

You glanced over at the table as your phone buzzed, running to it.  Maybe it’s Bucky…

But your hope was dashed as you realized it was Natasha calling you.

You hadn’t realized you’d been crying until a drop of water fell on the screen.  Wiping your eyes, you brought it up to your ear.  “Hey, Tasha!  What’s up?”  You couldn’t help but wince.  You sounded like a fucking real estate agent.  Perfect and peppy and… not you.

“Hey, I just wanted to call and see how you’re doing,” she whispered, as though she was trying to keep someone else from hearing.  “Bucky got the divorce papers today and I figured that meant you did, too.”

Ah, another thing.  He’d been staying at Steve and Natasha’s place since all of you had graduated, and the time had come for the divorce.  He’d gotten all of his things out within two days, except for the hoodie you were currently cocooned in and your wedding rings.

“I know how much you love this place,” he’d said with a wry smile.  “So you can have it in the divorce settlement.”

It had been a joke.  The divorce settlement.  Like you two had actually been in love and things just hadn’t worked out.

“You aren’t gonna change the Netflix password on me, right?” You asked as you stood in the doorway of Bucky’s room, arms crossed over your chest.  “Because I’m still paying for half of it.”

Buck grinned at you as he taped the last box shut.  “I don’t know…  Might change it up on you.  Have it all to myself.  Then my suggested movies and shows won’t be so fucked up,” he teased.

You rolled your eyes, glaring at him.  But there was no heat behind it.  “We have separate profiles on there, you dumbass.  So if Gossip Girl is on your suggested, that’s your fault.”

The laugh that erupted from his mouth made him throw his head back, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Seeing Bucky Barnes laugh was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  It was better than the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Wall of China all rolled into one.

“We’re still gonna have Thursday night movies, right?” You asked, trying to ignore the way your voice cracked.

In the three years since you’d gotten married, Thursday night had become your sort of fake Date Night.  You two would order takeout and watch movies until the both of you passed out of the couch.  You both changed your availability at your jobs to let them know that you couldn’t work Thursdays.  Not even Natasha and Steve were allowed to intrude.  It was just your special night to hang out.

“I’ll bring the food.  Do you want Thai or Mexican?” He asked, his features a little softer.

“I’ll text you what I want,” you said.  Biting your lip, you toyed with the rings on your left hand.  “I guess I should give you these back, huh?”  You started to slip them off, but he stopped you.

“They’re yours,” he said, his hand closing over yours.  His blue eyes shimmered in the light as you swallowed.  “Keep them… as a reminder of your former husband.”  The corner of his mouth twitched, but you couldn’t tell if he was going to smile or frown.

“I’m gonna miss you,” you said, suddenly surging forward to hug him.  “Even though you’re super annoying.”

Bucky laughed as he wrapped his arms around you just as tight.  “I’m gonna miss you, too.”

“How’s he doing?” You asked as you moved to what had formerly been Bucky’s room.  It was now completely bare, except for a single gum wrapper on the floor.  You sank down against the wall as you stared at it.  Extra wintermint gum.  Because he absolutely hated spearmint.

“About as well as you, I imagine,” she said slowly, choosing her words ever so carefully.  “I don’t know.  He went out for a walk a few minutes ago.  But he locked himself in the guest room for hours after getting the papers.”

You let your head fall back against the wall, staring up at the ceiling as you tried to stop another onslaught of tears.  “This is what we wanted,” you said, your voice cracking.

A pause.  You could feel the tension even through the phone, a can of worms Natasha was about to open.  “Is it?  Is this what you wanted?”

“This was always the plan!” You retorted, the tears coming in a wave now.  “We’d stay married until after we graduated and then we’d divorce.  No drama, no court, no lawyers.  Just a means to an end.”

You could hear her whispering to someone that you knew was Steve on the other end for a few seconds, the sound muffled.  She’d probably covered the speaker.  “Do you want me to come over?” She finally asked.

“No,” you said with a sigh, rubbing the hell of your palm against your eyes.  “I just wanna… curl up in bed and watch cheesy movies and never come out.”

You didn’t understand.  Why did this hurt so bad?  He was just a friend.  You two had never even kissed, for crying out loud.  This wasn’t some fanfiction where you two fell into bed one drunken night and then woke up with feelings.  This wasn’t an ‘Oh no, there’s only one bed’ type of deal with 100K+ words on AO3.  You two were just friends.  Really.  There was no happy ending for the two of you waiting.

“Are you still gonna go to the Barnes’s Fourth of July party?” Natasha asked, her voice softer.

You pulled your knees up to your chest, resting your chin on your knee caps.  “There’s no point.  We’re not married anymore.”

“Sweetheart,” she chided.  “You know he’d want you there.  So would his family.  You’re still a Barnes, even if you change your last name back.”

“I don’t know,” you said, chewing on your bottom lip.  “I like the last name Barnes better.  It’s not like I have any connection to my old last name.  Maybe…”  You swallowed.  “Maybe I should keep it.  It costs money to change it back, after all.  It’s on my license now.”

Ah, yes.  Because your license had expired while you were married and you’d had to get a new one.

“You’re a Barnes now and forever, hon,” she teased.  You could hear her smile through the phone.  “And you know Winifred would be pissed as hell if you didn’t go.  You’re her daughter now just as much as Bucky is her son.”

God, the tears came on like a tsunami when you remembered the Barneses.  George, Winifred, Becca, all of them.  Especially Winifred.  Sweet, sweet Winnie that had become your mom in the years since you’d met her.

“Bucky, I don’t know about this,” you said as you walked up the steps to his place.  Or, rather, his parents’ place.  “I should just go home.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he scoffed as he searched for the right key.  “I’m not letting you drive the way back just to spend Christmas alone.”

Truthfully, it was stupid to even suggest.  Your apartment that you shared with him now was over eight hours away, and it was two days before Christmas Eve.

God, how the hell did you end up here?  You’d been planning on spending it alone, just like you had Thanksgiving.

But when Bucky had come back from the break and realized that you hadn’t gone anywhere, it’d prompted him to ask why, which had then resulted in him insisting on you accompanying him to New York City for Christmas with his family.

“What if they don’t like me?” You asked, barely audible.  In truth, you were terrified.  This was your first holiday season that you were away from your parents.  Thanksgiving had been strange, and you had certain it wasn’t going to get any better up until a few weeks ago.

Bucky stopped suddenly, looking at you with big blue eyes.  “Sweetheart, they’re going to adore you,” he said, more sincere than he’d been since the two of you had gotten married.  “How could they not?”

“You didn’t!”

“Yeah, well, you didn’t like me either.  And then we got to know each other.”

He had a point.

You grumbled, staring down at your boots.  They were still covered in snow.

“And besides, Ma hasn’t shut up about meeting you ever since she found out about you,” he muttered as he finally found the right key.  “Dad said she’s been obsessively cleaning the house since she found out you were coming.”

As soon as the opened the door, you were hit with a wall of sound.  A woman with the same shade of hair as Bucky rushed forward, trapping the six foot man in a hug.  “YOU’RE HOME!”

“Winnie, come on, don’t suffocate the boy.”  A man with Bucky’s eyes appeared, his hands shoved in his pockets.  He was trying to appear nonchalant, but the second he was free of his mother’s grasp, he was dragging him into another hug.  “I’ve missed you, son.”

“And you must be his wife!” Winifred Barnes said, suddenly turning on you.

“Ma, she has a name.”

“I know that!”

“Winnie–”

You were pulled into a hug, and you were suddenly overwhelmed with feelings.  Maybe it was just the fact that you hadn’t hugged your own mother in so long, or maybe it was just because Winifred was that lovely of a person.  Either way, you were tearing up as she hugged you tightly.  You gave her your name as she pulled back, looking over your face.

“Oh, you’re even prettier than Jamie said!”

Your cheeks flushed as Bucky grumbled out a quiet “Ma…”

It was then that you were swept into the apartment, finding it bustling with people.  You were then introduced to the rest of his family: his younger sister, Becca, who was going to be a senior in high school and was SO grateful to have a new sister, his aunts, his uncles, his parents.  The entire apartment was bursting with people even days before the actual holiday.

It wasn’t until after dinner (which was absolutely delicious) that you were able to capture a quiet moment in the kitchen, helping Winifred wash dishes.

“Thank you for having me over,” you said, to break the silence.  It wasn’t uncomfortable, surprisingly, you just felt like you needed to vocalize your thanks for what was probably the third time.  “It means a lot.”

“Any friend of Jamie’s is a friend of ours,” she said as she rinsed off a plate.  “And we’re so grateful for what you’re doing.  He mentioned that it helps you, too, but…  Our family can’t afford to pay for his housing.  We can barely make his tuition.”  She looked at you with crystal clear eyes that seemed to bore into your soul.  “We’re so happy to have you.”  She then paused, glancing over at the side of the sink, where you’d set your wedding rings just to make sure they didn’t slip off in the water.  “You know, I was so happy when he asked for my ring.  He’s always dreamed of giving it to a girl.”

“What?” You asked, looking at her in shock.

Winifred paused, her brows furrowed in a way that really reminded you of your husband.  “Did he not tell you?  The engagement ring is mine.  But he saved up over the summer to buy a matching band for it.”

Your heart raced in your chest as you stared at the rings.  Bucky had gotten his ma’s ring for you?  But… why?  You two were barely friends at this point.

“I would’ve been spending Christmas alone if it wasn’t for him inviting me,” you said, breaking her stare to look down at your soapy hands.  “He found out I spent Thanksgiving at home and almost shit a brick.”  You rushed to cover your mouth, to apologize, but she just snorted.

An easy smile tugged at her lips.  “Holidays are a big thing for our family, and I guess we passed that down to Jamie.  Everyone comes to town for about a week and we spend it drinking and shooting the shit, baking.  We can’t afford much, so our gifts are usually just spending time together,” she said.

“It sounds nice,” you whispered as you scrubbed absentmindedly at a pan.  “My family… even when I still talked to them, we were never big on holidays.”  Winifred had gone quiet beside you.  “It was always just us.  We’d eat dinner together and sometimes I’d get a present, but mostly it was just spent like any other day.”

She took a deep breath, setting a plate on the drying rack.  “What… happened?  If you don’t mind me asking?”

“I… confronted my parents about the sexual abuse I went through as a kid,” you said slowly, swallowing around the lump that had suddenly formed in your throat.  “My cousin…  He, uh…  He’s only a year and a half older than me.  From the time I was… four or five, I think, to about twelve, he would… you know.”  The kitchen felt deadly silent, and you were so glad that the rest of the Barnses, including Bucky, were in the living room.  Even though he knew the basics of what had happened, you never told him details.  “And my parents would punish me for it when he got caught.  They blamed me.  They’d ground me or spank me or… whatever.”  You let out a weak laugh, trying to lighten the mood.  “They didn’t really take it well.  It doesn’t matter though.  I’m fine.”

You were shocked when you were suddenly pulled into a tight hug.  Winifred’s arms formed a cocoon around you and you could feel her tears on your face.  She was only an inch or two taller than you.  “That was not your fault,” she gasped out, holding you to her.  “That was not your fault.”

Before you realized what was happening, you were clutching onto her as hot tears streamed down your cheeks.

You didn’t know how long she’d held you before she leaned back, wiping away your tears.  Or at least, trying to before they were replaced with more.  “You are not what he did to you, you hear me?” She asked, wiping at her own face.  “You are always welcome here.  We’re your family now.”

“What’s going on here?”

The both of you turned to see Bucky in the doorway, his sea blue eyes wide.  He was holding a few extra plates that had been left behind.

“Nothing,” she said with a watery grin.  “Just… talking.”

“Here,” he said as he walked over and put the dishes inside the sink filled with soapy water.  “I’ll finish up with my wifey here, and you go clean up before dad freaks out because you’re crying.”

She barked out a laugh, nodding.  “Fine.  Fine.  You know how he gets if I’m upset,” she said, kissing your forehead before leaving.

“So… You actually okay?” Bucky asked as he took over rinsing the dishes you washed.

The smile that found its way onto your lips was real, surprisingly, as you said, “Everything’s great, Jamie.”

And even though he let out a groan, he was smiling, too.

It was after that trip that you’d started calling him Jamie.  It just… felt better rolling off your tongue than Bucky ever did.  It was also when holidays in Brooklyn became a permanent thing.  Anytime Bucky went home, so did you.

They were your family.

But now…  Now what?  Did you lose them like you lost your parents?

Granted, losing your parents wasn’t exactly the worst thing.

“Sweetheart?  You there?” Natasha asked, bringing you back to the present.

“Yeah,” you said, shaking your head to clear out the cloudiness of your memories.  “Yeah, I’m–”  You broke off as you heard a knock at the door, a frown tugging at your lips.  “Hold on, Tasha, I’ll call you back…”  You hung onto your phone as you walked to the front door, peeking through the peephole.

Bucky?...  What the fuck was he doing here?

You opened the door wide, shocked to find him crying.  His eyes were puffy and red, his nose running.  “Jamie?  What’s wrong?”  You reached forward to touch his shoulder, shoving your phone in your back pocket.

“Don’t sign those papers.”

“Wait…  What?”  Now you were even more confused.  Your brows furrowed as you pushed his hair back from his face.  God, he needed a haircut.  Maybe you could…  No.  Not the focus right now.

He stepped toward, half inside the apartment that had been his, too, just two weeks before.  His large, calloused hand caressed your face.  “I don’t want to not be your husband,” he said, his voice cracking.

Your heart thundered inside your chest and you were half sure this was some kind of trick of your mind to soothe its aching.  “What do you mean?”

“I want to make this work,” he said as he cupped your face in his hands.  “I… I want to actually have Thursday night Date Nights and take you out and when we go home for the holidays, I want to kiss you under the mistletoe my ma always hangs up, and I want you to wear my ma’s ring.  I want to be your husband.  Please.”

You didn’t realize you were crying–yet again, fucking damn it–until he wiped them away.  “I don’t want to not be your wife, either,” you said, your voice shaking.  “I love you, I love you so much.”

His lips met yours in a blazing kiss, holding you closer than you thought possible.  “I love you more,” he whispered against your lips.  “I’m never letting you go.”

You dragged him inside, shutting the door before kissing him again.  “You’re staying here.  None of this bullshit of you staying with Tasha and Steve.”

“Gladly,” he chuckled, holding onto your waist.  “But only if I get to sleep in your bed.”

“Only if we can shred those divorce papers.”

The moment was interrupted by his phone ringing, and you couldn’t help but giggle when you saw it was Winifred.  He shot you an apologetic look as he answered it.  “Hey, ma.”

She was speaking so loudly you could hear her clearly.  “Well?!  How did it go?!  Did you ask her?!”

“Yes, I asked her,” he said slowly, squeezing your side.  “She said yes.  I’m with her now.”

Both of you flinched away as she screamed in excitement.  “GIVE HER THE PHONE!  GIVE HER THE PHONE!”

You smiled as you pressed it to your ear.  “Hi, mom.”

“BABY!  I’M SO HAPPY!  NOW WE CAN HAVE A REAL WEDDING!”  She was speaking at a hundred miles an hour.  “Do you want a summer or fall wedding?  I think it might be too late to do summer, but I’m sure we could scrounge something together!”

You giggled as Bucky stole kisses from you while she was speaking, distracting you.

“Sweetheart?  You there?”

“A late summer wedding sounds perfect,” you said, unable to wipe the grin from your face.  “Absolutely perfect.”

[bakugohoex]

Can I request Bakugou with angst prompt #7 ? Congrats again on 1k 👏🏽👏🏽✨

“that blood, it’s not yours is it?”

pairing: katsuki bakugo x female reader

cw: angst, death, blood play

word count: 1500+

a/n: idk what the fuck this is, but i thought this would be a good idea for the prompt

summary:  in which villian!bakugo comes to your apartment, confessing to his sins before finding himself surrounded by pro heroes after your call for help, with nowhere else to go, his only option to take you down with him

1k event masterlist

↞ back to my hero academia masterlist

Midnight had struck, you sat beside the window, watching the sky fill with blood. Villains always cascaded down alleyways, always loving the stench of blood, you had read the news about the latest call for the escaped S rank villain. The man you had loved, the man you had fought for to bring him back to the heroes side, the day he left stayed in your head. 

You continued looking out to the sky, the crystals of stars encasing each blue and black spiral up above. Signing, you moved away from the window as you went to go turn the television off, the pictures of your ex floating across the screen. His blonde hair and tattoos surrounded his arm and shoulder, even now he kept the costume he had worn when the two of you were heroes.

Ever since you both found out the true purpose of heroes and UA, his whole life being a lie. He couldn’t stand it, you looked at his face one more time, remembering the day he had confessed to wanting to leave the hero's life. 

“I...I can’t do this anymore.” Bakugo spoke, his hands on his face as he finally looked up at you. 

“What do you mean?” You questioned walking up to him about to touch his shoulder.

His hand grabs your own, grip tightening as it felt more painful than anything else, “don’t touch me.” He shouted, making you flinch back, his grip began to tighten even more, you could almost feel him rip through your skin with his nails. 

“Katsu...owww.” His nails indented more into your skin, eyes filled with fury as he stared into your eyes, you felt blood trickle down your arm at how easily he had been able to hurt you. 

He finally let go when he saw your eyes begin to water, “I can’t do this anymore, my life it’s been built on a lie and I don't think I can be a hero anymore.” You didn't meet his eye, grabbing a towel to wipe away the red oozing blood. “I need to get out of here, I’m sorry Y/n.”

“Wh...where are you going?” You whispered out, he walked past you as if you weren't even there. 

He saw your watering eyes, how he had hurt you so easily. But he didn’t care at all, he saw right through you. “I can’t do this anymore, don’t look for me.” 

It was the last words you heard from him, he had left without a word, you had thought he had just gone for a walk and he’d be back within a day. You were so wrong, in the end he had come back to the apartment, removing all of his belongings and the sign on the screen in your agency showing the murder of a civilian. 

The splattered blood across the wall and fires that surrounded him, with a ring hanging off a nail, the ring you had gotten him. The ring that was now around your neck on a piece of metal. He had murdered someone, you needed to remember that. But all the photos were still up of the two of you. All the memories that you both lived here together surrounded the apartment, pictures from your time at UA together, to your first date, sea shells from the beach you both had visited. Even more so, the apartment remained the both of yours, it was never just yours.

You finally switched the television off ready to go to bed, but the sound of glass being smashed was heard instead. Your arms went to your head just as you saw a shadow in front of the smashed window. “Y/n.” The voice was breathless, it had been months since you heard that voice, the way he stood up scratched across his body and the most significant part the blood seeping through his hands and clothes. 

“Bakugo.” You paused, your eyes widening as you realised what he was doing, “that blood, it’s not yours is it?” 

“What happened to Katsuki, baby?” He disregarded your question, quirk activating as he had a lust for more blood. 

“Katsuki.” You breathed out heavily.

Just as he tried to come closer to you, he collapsed leaning against the sofa to gain support. “I thought you were the polite type to your guests, get me some water.”

You could barely move, but even then, he always knew he had a sort of charm with you. He had the ability to easily control you in any way, he looked at you, keeping the light off as he watched you teeter over. “Wh...what are you doing here?”

“You haven’t gotten dumb since me leaving, cops showed up whilst I was hunting some guy down.” He had become sadistic gulping the water down as you could smell the blood across his body. “I don’t bite.”

You hesitantly moved closer to the man, he looked at how your eyes had become more tired and how you refused to meet his gaze. “Why’d...did you come here?”

“You wouldn’t snitch on me, my love.” He was almost mocking you now, the way he brought his bloodied hand to your face, he put the blood around your lips. “Go on, taste it.” His voice felt enchanting as you did as he spoke, the metallic taste of blood cascaded down your throat. 

“L...leave.” You whispered, the blood creeping down your face and down your neck. You knew why you said for him to leave, the way you had gone into the kitchen and sent a text to Midoriya saying the one word you knew he’d understand. You were helping Bakugo, helping the boy to not get caught. 

“Why? Because you called for help?” He smirked, licking his fingers off the blood before moving his saliva ridden fingers around your mouth again. “I know you Y/n, you were supposed to be my good girl.”

You felt mocked and humiliated, he knew what you had done but even then, he remained by your side. His fingers moving past your lips and touching your teeth as he felt your own saliva move through his fingers. “Pl...please, go before they come.” You whimpered as he moved his fingers away from you. 

“Why? Scared I’ll kill them all.” He could almost smell the heroes and knew what the protocol was for a scenario like this, stealth was key, to get you out and into protective custody. “You could’ve caught me already, why haven’t you baby?”

“I promised you.” he remembered the promise you made after he got his hero license, that you both would never use your quirks on each other. 

The steps towards the door became louder as you felt anxious that this would be the moment Bakugo was finally caught. “Y/n.” Midoriya shouted from the broken window, having jumped up to see the two of you on the ground as other pro heroes boomed through the front door. Bakugo got up a smirk on his face as he looked at you and only you.

“You really thought this would work.” He could feel Midoriya come closer, fist clenched ready to push him, Bakugo grabbed your waist as you let out a shout as Bakugo moved past Midoriya’s one for all move, Bakugo jumped from the window with you in his arms. Quirk activating as he landed on the edge of the roof. 

“Kacchan, why?” Midoriya spoke of jumping out of your apartment, with the other pro heroes in suits. 

“Why, Deku? Because my whole life was a lie, we don’t save people, heroes create evil and vengeance, I killed all those with quirks that could kill others. I had to kill them and if you think I’m getting caught, then you’re strongly mistaken.” Bakugo shouted, you became limp in his arms, the man you loved holding you like a ragdoll. 

“Let her go, let Y/n go, she was your girlfriend, you loved her, let her be safe.” Midoriya bargained as he saw Kirishima come beside him as they both landed on the roof themselves. 

“Bakugo.” Kirishima spoke, “let her go.”

“What is this a fucking reunion? She means nothing to you, let me have her.” You couldn’t break the promise you had vowed to the boy, but in this moment in his arms, as bad as it sounded. You felt loved for the first time in months, maybe you had gone crazy, or maybe it was Bakugo stepping further and further towards the ledge that made you realise you loved him. 

“Kacchan, please, she wouldn’t want this?” Midoriya shouted, he had no plan to save you and Bakugo’s eyes were filled with fury at the two heroes who were trying to stop him. 

Bakugo saw lights flash onto him and you from a police helicopter, he knew he’d been caught but what was it to him anymore. He stopped caring about this world, he missed you, needed you and he wasn’t going to let you live in a world without him. “Goodbye.” Bakugo whispered.

He fell off the building, your arms around his neck waiting for the plummet, “I love you.” He softly spoke into your air as you collided down the building, the wind encasing your hair and clothes.

“I love you too.” You whispered, the last thing you heard was a scream from the pro heroes who had called you their friend, and Bakugo’s tight arms around you, bones crushing on impact as you fell out of this world with the man you loved.

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[tatestripedsweater]

Plot: Kit Walker never came back from the abduction of him and Alma, the extra-terrestrials kept him until they were done with the man. In the year 2000 Kit gets taken back to Earth in a time era he is unaware off, he’s just as confused as the person who finds him in the woods.

Kit Walker x GN!Reader

Wordcount: 1941

Tags: @kitwalker02 - Message me or comment below if you want to be added

Key:

Italics - Flashbacks

Bold Italics - Aliens speaking

1964

Kit lay on the bed smoking his cigarette as he looked up at the ceiling, only in his white briefs he couldn’t help but grin slightly at the events prior. It wasn’t the first time him and Alma had made love, in fact it was the second time today they had sex as this morning they fucked before he went to work. Moving so he was sitting on the edge of the bed, he put out his cigarette in the small tray on his bedside table, a clattering soon got Kit up onto his feet.

‘’Alma?’’ He maneuvered quickly to put his jeans on and shirt on before walking out into the living room, she was nowhere to be found. Quietly moving, Kit grabbed the gun he kept under a weak floorboard, he did this so no one would find it but he had to keep his wife protected somehow. The air was cold as Kit walked outside barefooted, not even bothering to put on shoes since he was more concerned on where Alma was, she couldn’t have gone far. ‘’Okay this isn’t funny darlin’!’’

Silence. The fear that something had happened to her had started to set in on Kit’s mind, he didn’t want to shoot into the darkness just in case she was playing a prank on him and the bullet accidentally went into her. As soon as Kit stepped inside the house the entire room was filled with a bright light and everything flew up onto the ceiling, including himself.

“Alma!” Kit screamed out loudly before putting his hands to his ears at the loud ringing in his ears, it was like something you’d use on a dog for it to stop misbehaving, he felt like electricity was being shocked all through his body before everything around him turned white and he was suddenly laid on his back on a cold, metal surface. “Alma..?”

Looking over at his wife she was completely naked as was he, but she was unconscious and no matter how hard he tried to reach her she seemed to get further away from him. “Alma.. please wake up!” Tears were streaming down Kit’s face as his voice cracked, his nose was running from how hard he was crying, the fear was getting worse the longer he lay upon the metal surface. Hearing noises around him soon turned Kit ridgid, it was mumbling in a language he didn’t understand.

His head was beating like a drum, it was as if someone had punctured right through his skull but he wouldn’t put it past these creatures if they did. The mumbling got louder and so did the ringing in his ears, screaming out even louder Kit could’ve sworn his ears were bleeding from the pain he was currently feeling it, he just wanted it all to end.

‘’I think it’s time’’ The moment that left the aliens lips, the sentence unknown to Kit, the surroundings went a blinding white before Alma found herself back in the living room that she called home. Quickly standing up she looked around for any sign of her husband. With her whole body shaking she made her way outside hoping he would be out there, crying out for Kit, but all she got was a beam of light like a fallen star flying across the sky before disappearing.

“Kit..”

2000

You were used to people shutting down your claims of what you believed to have happened that evening. You remembered it like it was yesterday but due to you being a child when the event had happened, people just put it down your brain creating false memories to protect you from what actually happened to your mother. The officer in front of you was the same as all the others, he felt sorry for you so he never shuts you down when you tried to explain to him about the ‘abduction’, but he had to soon stop you since you were getting stares from people passing by.

‘’Y/N stop this.. we’ve been through this dozens of times’’ Huffing heavily you shook your head, a look of disappointment on your face when he said that to you. Staring the officer in the eyes you couldn’t help but narrow your eyes at him, he always seemed to cut you off as soon as people started staring but you believed people of this town deserved to know. Of course you’ve gotten called everything under the sun.

‘’You should be put in a mental hospital! You’re turning into Julia’s mother, Alma, God rest her soul’’ You knew that voice all too well, she was the gossip of the town Mrs Wilkins and she had a face like a toad, and the perfume she wore wasn’t exactly being kind to your nose either. Feeling the annoyance and anger within you, you decided to stand up for yourself and the officer knew the look in your eyes all too well, but it was too late to even stop you before you spoke with a harsh tone towards her.

‘’Shouldn’t you be getting a new mirror, considering your face made the last one crack!” You quickly got pulled away by the officer before the woman you had now offended could speak another word,

“Go home Y/N! It’s getting late for a woman of your age to be out anyway..” He always used that excuse with you, being a girl of eighteen had more downs than ups, you sometimes wondered why everyone who was young couldn’t wait to turn eighteen, you frankly wanted to go back to being a kid again. “It’s six thirty, I can drive you home if you want?”

Shaking your head but staying silent you put your left foot in front of the other and started walking down the now lit street, the streets lights automatically came on around this time and you knew that your father was going to kill you for being out. It wasn’t even late yet they panicked if you weren’t in the house by five in the evening. Since your mothers ‘disappeared’ he hasn’t wanted the same to happen to you due to being the only thing left of her.

Sitting in front of the television watching your evening program your parents always let you watch before bed, you could hear them arguing like they did every day. The comfort of the teddy bears on the screen is all you had at the age of six, you held onto your stuffed bunny as you tried to drown out the shouting from the next room.

“I know they aren’t my kid you cheating whore!’’ You didn’t even understand what the words even meant at that point in your life, but you knew that they weren’t nice onces just from the tone of your father. Slowly turning around once you heard the door open you stared up at him with your glassy and wide eyes, his face turned soft once he looked at you. You were the innocent one in all of this, your mother wouldn’t admit to you not being your fathers even if it was the truth. Watching his every move until he was out of the front door, your mother was the next one to walk out.

“Come on you, let’s get you ready for bed” She acted as if that argument had never happened as she scooped you into her arms, the moment you wrapped your arms around her neck the ringing in both of your ears started. Her grip on you tightened in that moment and all you remembered was the blinding white light and the ringing. Your memory had gotten rid of the both of you going upwards to the ceiling and the details of the abduction. It was as if something didn’t want you to remember what happened that night. But part of you knew what had happened even if you couldn’t remember most of it. That’s what drove you insane.

Looking down at the watch on your wrist it read ‘7:00pm’, you were in for one hell of a lecture so you decided to take a short cut down the forest. You didn’t like the dark as it was but you knew if you took the long route it would be another hour till you got home. You wished you had taken those driving lessons from your father when he offered you them months ago. You would’ve been home by now if you had a car.

‘’I should’ve taken Officer Carter’s offer of a drive home..’’ You often talked to yourself in times off stress and annoyance but you didn’t want to rely on a man to help you with all your issues, even if it was as little as having no driving licence yet.

The snap of a twig caught your attention and goosebumps formed on your skin out of fear. Someone else was out in these woods. Taking slow steps, you made sure to pay close attention to every sound no matter how little it was. You didn’t know if this person was dangerous and you weren’t taking the risk of being kind if they decided to show themselves.

You made your way over to a bank in the forest, thanking god that you had even got this far without coming across the person that seemed to be in here with you, sliding down the bank your eyes caught side of a shadowy figure inbetween two trees. Your eyes didn’t leave the figure but the air got caught in your throat once you saw it run towards you. It’s arms reaching out for you as you fall on the bank floor due to trying to run backwards. Stupid.

‘’Please you need to help me!’’ The moonlight shone down on the figure as it quickly kneeled down beside you. Themale looked scared and you couldn’t help but go wide eyed due to him being in just a pair of boxer shorts. “I-I’m sorry I scared you, but I really need your help!”

“Okay! Okay! Just calm down..” The man in front of you took a few deep breaths once that left your mouth, him thanking you over and over again for your kindness to a stranger. “Just tell me who you are..”

“I’m going to sound crazy, I was taken by these things. I don’t remember much..”

“What’s your name..?” Your voice was timid and quiet but it was enough for the man in front of you to hear. He kept looking up at the sky then back at you and in that moment you knew what he was afraid off. Your mind wandered but in a good way, what if this man had experienced the same thing your mother had done in 1988? Or was he another homeless man looking for a home but pulling the heartstrings of a woman? You didn’t know but you believe the first question that was circling through your mind.

“Kit.. Kit Walker'' Your eyebrows furrowed once he told you his name. You recognised it from somewhere. Your brain was doing overtime trying to figure out where you had heard that name before, the last name you knew all too well. your neighbour, Julia, had the same last name and you thought she had mentioned a distant relative of some sort.

Maybe this was him? The next sentence he said gave it all away on who this man was. “You need to help me find my wife.. Alma..”

The sentence from Mrs Wilkins rang in your head like a bell ‘You’re turning into Julia’s mother Alma’

Maybe she wasn’t so crazy after all.

[sgstories123]

Guess who?

Cindy, Huixin and Farah were at Kate’s condominium. As it was very warm, they went for an afternoon swim in the pool. As they were good friends, they had even bought their bikinis together. The bikinis were all similar except that Cindy’s was pink, Huixin’s was yellow, Farah’s was green and Kate’s was white. There were not many people at the pool except for an elderly couple sunbathing at the side of the pool and a mother with two kids. The four friends enjoyed themselves in the water and making lots of noise. The elderly couple smiled at them but the mother was obviously upset and left the pool with her kids after a while. Some time later, a man in his forties entered the pool. He smiled at the girls and tried to make small talk, but the girls ignored him and moved to another part of the pool.

“He still staring at us,” whispered Farah.

“He staring at you, lah,” replied Huixin. “Who asked you to have such big breasts, bouncing up and down like waving to him like that? And I told you to get a bigger size for your bikini, right? There is hardly enough cloth to cover anything.”

Farah laughed. Everyone was jealous of her D cup and round, perfect ass. Not that the rest of the girls did not have a good figure, but in her presence, they pale in comparison. Cindy and Kate were  C cup and even slim, athletic Huixin had a decent pair of B cup.

Cindy swam up to Huixin and Farah. “I think he is having an erection. I saw his cock was almost peering out of his trunks when I swam near him.”

“Eww. Let’s get back to my place. Grab a towel and we can take a bath there. Don’t want to linger here with that pervert here.” Kate got up of the pool and quickly walked out of the pool. The other girls giggled and followed her. “Prudish Kate,” whispered Farah. The other two girls laughed.

The girls reached Kate’s condominium unit and entered the flat. A man dressed only in a pair of black shorts was watching television in the living room.

“When did you come home? I thought you will only be back tomorrow?” Kate was surprised to see her brother, Ken.

“The army let me book out early. I have not been home for nearly 3 weeks but you don’t seem happy to see me.” Ken smiled. “Out swimming? Your friends?” Ken’s eyes moved quickly from one girl to another, admiring their figures in the brightly coloured bikinis.

“Yeah.” Kate responded curtly and turned to walk to her room. But her friends were interested in her cute-looking brother. Ken had short hair and a muscular body. As he was topless, he exposed his abdominal muscles and a faint shadow of pubic hair reaching out of his shorts to his belly button.

Farah, never the shy one, plonked down the seat beside Ken. “My name’s Farah…” But Farah never finished her sentence as Kate pulled her up from the sofa and pushed all of them into her room. Ken could only hear the girls squealing in laughter.

“Behave yourself, Farah. That’s my brother. Don’t be up to your usual tricks.” Kate warned Farah who was lying down on Kate’s bed.

“But you never told me that he was so cute. You know I can’t stop myself whenever a cute guy is available.” Farah protested.

“Usually, I will say a friend’s brother is off-limits. But Kate, your brother is too cute so the rule does not apply. Even if Farah is not interested, I will still be interested. You are really at fault here for not letting us meet him sooner.” Cindy teased Kate further.

“Sex-crazed bitches!” Kate smiled in exasperation. “Don’t blame me if this turns out bad. I know my brother. He is not worth it.”

“So permission granted for us to fuck him? You don’t get horny and want to fuck him yourself, okay, sister?” Farah’s eyes gleamed brightly.

“You crazy? He is my brother. I won’t fuck him. And, as I said, I think you will regret it. I don’t think he is any good in bed.” Kate shook her head. Her friends are all crazy when it comes to boys. They will just sleep with any good-looking guys. Was she being too conservative? She knew that her friends were calling her prudish and a nun behind her back.

Just then, Ken walked past the room and tried to steal a glance at the girls. All fours pairs of eyes were looking at him and he sheepishly pretended that he was just going to the kitchen.

“Hey Ken!” Farah shouted.

“Yes?” Ken turned back and walked into the room. “What is it?”

“You see, we are having a little disagreement over here and I was wondering if you could help us resolve it.” Farah tried to sound as innocent as she could. The other girls were trying hard not to laugh, wondering what she was up to.

Farah decided to approach it boldly. “We were wondering who amongst us gives the best blowjob. I think I am the clear winner but unfortunately, my friends don’t agree with me. So I was wondering whether you can help us out?”

“What do you want me to do?” Ken was getting suspicious.

“Well, since you are the only person with a dick here, how about we give you a blowjob and you be the judge. Tell us who gives you the best blowjob.” Farah eyed Ken carefully. She saw a glimmer of interest in his eyes and noticed that his cock seemed to be getting hard, making a little tent in his shorts.

“I guess I can help with them.” Ken seemed to hesitate just a moment before replying. He looked at his sister. “Is Kate joining in as well?”

“Of course not. Are you out of your mind? I am your sister.” Kate retorted fiercely. Yet, somehow, she felt aroused that her brother is thinking of getting a blowjob from her.

“Oh.” Ken sounded disappointed. ”So, how should we do this?” He tried to change the subject.

“Well, we need to blindfold you so that it will be fair. Also, we need to tie your hands so that you do not touch us and guess who is giving you the blowjob. Does that sound okay to you?” Farah continued. She was smiling to herself. She saw the look of disappointment in Ken and thought maybe she could do something for him.

“I guess that sounds fair.” Ken agreed.

Farah took off her bikini and allowed her large breasts to pop free. Ken was staring at those huge breasts but not for long. Farah used her bikini and covered Ken’s eyes, blindfolding him with it. As she was tying the bikini on him, she brushed her breasts onto Ken’s face. Without conscious thought, Ken stuck out his tongue and tried to lick her nipples.

“You naughty boy.” Farah chided Ken.

The rest of the girls took Farah’s lead and removed their bikinis. They then used them to tie Ken’s hands to the bed.

“Okay. So this is how we play the game. Each of us will give you a blowjob for 1 minute and then at the end, you tell us which one of us did better. The winner gets to blow you till you cum. The first person will start now. Ready.” Farah nodded to Cindy and motioned for her to go first.

Cindy pulled down Ken’s shorts and for the first time, the girls saw Ken’s cock. It was already hard and rigid, with veins protruding along its length. As expected, Ken was very hairy with the pubic hair extending almost to his belly button. Farah turned to Kate and from the looks on her face, realised that it must be the first time that Kate was seeing her brother’s cock. She smiled to herself. Prudish Kate.

Cindy wasted no time and started licking Ken’s cock. With one hand, she stroked his balls seductively while the other squeezed his rod, trying to exert pressure.

“Next.” Farah interrupted. Cindy reluctantly moved away and let Farah take her place. Farah did not bother with the preliminaries and swallowed Ken’s cock whole. She sucked forcefully and circled the base of his cock with her fingers. Ken groaned in shock at the forceful attack. He could feel his sperm being suck out of him and he tried to distract himself from cumming.

In a sense, he was relieved when Huixin took over from Farah. Huixin focused on the tip of Ken’s cock, first dripping drops of her saliva onto his glans and using her tongue to rub them all over the tip of his cock. Her fingers massages the most sensitive tip of his penis, delivering little shocks of pleasure to his whole body.

“All right. Tell us. Which blowjob was the best?” Farah commanded when Huixin’s time was up.

“Oh my god. They were all so good.” Ken managed to gasp.

“No. Don’t cheat. Choose one. Or you won’t get to cum.” Farah threatened.

“The second one.” Ken decided.

Farah smiled and made a V sign with her fingers. She went between Ken’s legs and started sucking on his cock again. This time, she took her time to enjoy herself, slowly sucking and caressing Ken’s body seductively, She squeezed his nipples and touched his muscles seductively. Finally, her hands moved down to his balls and cock, squeezing them with alternate levels of force. She realised that Ken was now shoving his cock into her mouth, at a quickening pace. He must be shooting soon. She stroked his cock harder, applying more pressure and with a final thrust into her mouth, Ken groaned, shooting almost 3 weeks of cum into her mouth. Farah tried to swallow as much as she can, but it was too much and some dripped out of her mouth.

She sat up, looking at Ken panting, with beads of perspiration all over his body. She saw both Cindy and Huixin fingering themselves, obviously enjoying the show that she put on for them. Kate had a look of confusion on her. Farah walked up to Kate and whispered softly. “Are you okay?”

Kate nodded.

“Do you want to suck him too?” Farah asked.

Kate was hesitant but finally shook her head. Farah smiled.

Turning to Ken, she asked “Do you know who gave the blowjob?”

“No. But it was very good.” Ken replied.

“Well, we are not feeling so good. You cummed but not us. I think you should repay the favour and let us ride you until we cummed. Fair?” Farah looked at the girls and saw Cindy and Huixin nodding in agreement enthusiastically.

“Yeah. But can I fuck you without my blindfold? I also want to touch you.” Ken tried to bargain.

“Well, that depends on whether you can satisfy us.” Farah smiled.

Huixin was already pushing away Farah so that she can straddle Ken. She gave Ken’s cock a few strokes and it quickly became hard again. Huixin was already wet and quickly guided Ken’s cock into her. She sighed in pleasure, slowly enjoying how Ken’s cock was filling her hole. She grinned herself on Ken’s cock, moving forwards and backwards slowly. As she increased her pace, she squeezed her nipples, trying to enjoy herself as much as she can. She felt her orgasm approaching and bit her lips so as to stifle her moans. She grabbed Ken’s shoulders, before collapsing on top of him in exhaustion.

Cindy pushed Huixin away and pushed Ken’s cock in her. She bent forward, kissing Ken. Their tongues met and fought in their mouths. Cindy slid along Ken’s body, enjoying the full body contact. Ken, on his part, could feel Cindy’s pair of breast massaging his body. Cindy moaned as she felt her orgasm approaching. She froze, letting her pleasure overcome her.

Farah saw that it was her turn and being the aggressive lover, simply straddled Ken and plunged herself onto his hard cock. She rode him hard, humping up and down on him, squeezing his cock with her cunt. Again, Ken found himself unable to restrain himself.

“I am cumming,” he warned.

“Let’s cum together.” Farah moaned. She quickened her pace and within minutes, both came, with Ken ejaculating his load into Farah. Farah collapsed onto him. Ken’s cock became soft and plopped out of her cunt. Sperm flowed out and left a line down Ken’s body and onto Kate’s bed.

Farah got up and motioned to Cindy and Huixin to leave the room. Before Farah left the room, she whispered to Kate. “We are leaving. Even if you fuck Ken, we will not know. Neither will Ken.”

Farah smiled and closed the door behind her.

Kate looked at her naked brother covered in her friends’ and his own cum. She looked down and realised that her bikini has a large wet patch.

[deexchanel]

When he sees me

Word Count: 1400

Summary: Empriss prepares for her first date with Bucky.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x BlackFem!OC, Steve x Fem!OC

Warning: Fluff and singing!

A/N: (If you do not like singing in one-shots then read something else!) When I wrote this one-shot when I obsessed with the song . “When he sees me” from Waitress the musical.😆 so link to the song right here so you can listen to it while you read!

https://youtu.be/-H-uxwvJT2c

Empriss sat in front of her vanity nervous while Hermione curls her hair. Bucky had Steve to help him ask her on a date. They had been liking each other for a while but never had the nerve to ask each until he did.

"Are you nervous bestie?" Emma asked while working her magic.

"I stick with real things, usually facts and figures. When information's in its place, I minimize the guessing game. Guess what?" Empriss sing basically rambling not wanting to admit she was.

"What? Empriss answer the question. It's a simple one!" Hermione stated grabbing another piece of hair to curl it.

"I don't like guessing game, or when I feel things before I know the feelings. How am I supposed to operate if I'm just tossed around by fate? Like on an unexpected date?" Empriss sing turning to look at Alexis. She rolled her eyes letting the last curl fall.

"Empriss you're overthinking. It's just Bucky, this maybe the chance for you to get to finally know each other!"

"With a stranger who might talk too fast. Or ask me questions about myself. Before I've decided that he can ask me questions about myself." Empriss cross her arms over her chest. She stood up going to her closet.

"He might sit too close or call the waiter by his first name or eat Oreos. But eat the cookie before the cream." Hermione mocked jokingly so Empriss could hear how crazy she sound.

But Empriss thought she was finally understanding what she was thinking about. "But what scares me the most. What scares me the most?"

"Is what if when he sees me, what if he doesn't like it? What if he runs the other way and I can't hide from it? What happens then?" Empriss sing holding up a dress. Hermione tilt her head examing it but she doesn't like it so she shake her head no.

Empriss throws it behind her grabbing a couple more to try on. She wanted to pick out the best dress for him. "If when he knows me, he's only disappointed? What if I give myself away, to only get it given back? I couldn't live with that."

"So, I'm just fine, inside my shell-shaped mind. This way I get the best view. So that when he sees me, I want him too." Empriss sing confidently picking up the perfect dress. She shakes it in excitement then walks over to the bed.

"Dawn, don't you think you're being a little, I mean maybe just a tad." Hermione trailed off not wanting to call her crazy. Hermione phone dinged signaling that Steve texted her. "Steve said they're back in the building! Put a little pep in your step bestie!"

"I'm not defensive! I'm simply being cautious, I can't risk reckless dating. Due to my miscalculating."Empriss sing sitting in front of the vanity again. "While a certain suitor stands in line I've seen in movie. Most made for television."

She used her talents to do the best makeup look. "You cannot be too careful, when it comes to sharing your life. I could end up a miserable wife."

Bucky held the red roses bouquet in his hands nervously. "What if she doesn't like me Steve? What if she doesn't like my arm or how I eat or something. What-"

Steve cuts him off, "It's going go good Buck. I know Empriss personally, she doesn't judge people."

"Okay Steve, I'm going to take your word on it. Is she beautiful?" Bucky wondered since he haven't seen what she looked like yet. Steve pat a hand on his shoulder smirking.

"Beautiful as ever."

"Emrpiss you're killing me. Bucky is the best person I've ever known. He's so cute and super sweet." Hermione assured sitting on top of the vanity. " What are you so scared about?"

"Sorry girl, but he could be criminal, some sort of psychopath. Who escaped from an institution,somewhere where they don't have girls." Empriss sing letting her imagination run wild. Hermione sigh taking the brush from her hand so she could do upwards strokes on her face.

"He could have masterminded some way to find me. He could be colorblind. How untrustworthy is that? He could be less than kind." Hermione sing mocking her again. She leaned back once she was finished with the makeup. "Empriss I got to admit it. Your nervousness making you sound crazy."

Empriss rolled her eyes continuing. "Or even worse he could be very nice, have lovely eyes and make me laugh, come out of hiding. What do I do with that?" She sing somberly fumbling with a makeup brush. Hermione lifted Empriss face so their eyes could meet.

"Empriss this is going to be the best date okay?" Be the confident best friend I know. This isn't going to be like what you had with little dick Tyler. Bucky's going to treat you so much better."

Empriss smiled and her eyes twinkled in excitement. She rushed to the bathroom with her dress in hand. Bucky and Steve arrived at the door. The winter soldier hand was held in front of the door so he could knock until he heard the girl's inside.

"Why aren't you knocking?" Steve asked confused and Bucky held a 'shh' then pointed at his ear then at the door. Both guys placed their ear again the door so they could hear better.

Empriss twirled around in her outfit happily, "Oh, god what if when he sees me I like him and he knows it? What if he opens up a door and I can't close it?" She grabbed Hermione’s hands they both giggled dancing around the room.

"What happens then? If when he holds me, my heart is set in motion I'm not prepared for that. I'm scared of breaking open." Empriss sing hitting a high note. "But still I can't help from hoping."

The music get softer and Emrpiss fall back on the bed, "To find someone to talk to,who likes the way I am. Someone who when he sees me....Wants to again."

Hermione clapped at the beautiful song that she sing, "You're voice is amazinggg!! They should be here any minute, ready to go?"

Empriss nodded her head, "That's you with the beautiful voice bestie. I'm ready!" She gets up from the bed grabbing odds and ins to take with her. Bucky was blown away by her amazing voice. He knocked on the door and in a matter of seconds Hermione opened the door.

"Hi Bucky! Hey baby!"

"Hey Hermione." Bucky smile. Steve leans down giving her a sweet kiss on the lips.

"Hey baby."

Empriss walked over standing beside Hermione. Bucky mouth was agape from her being totally different from what he thought of. "I'm um- uh-."

He stuttered over his words blushing and Steve helped him out like a good friend would. "This is Bucky, my best friend."

All Bucky could do was hold out her flowers towards her which she happily took. "My name is Empriss and Thank you Bucky! These are beautiful." She stands on her tippy toes placing a kiss on his cheek. "I prefer hibiscus flowers but roses are my second fave."

"I'm glad you like them." Bucky smiled looking her lovingly. Hermione took that as a sign that they needed to leave.

"Well me and Steve are going to have dinner with Tony and Lori. See y'all when y'all get back! Have fun!"

Everyone bid goodbyes and it was just Empriss and Bucky left. She was putting the flowers in some water.

"Where are we going for our date? I wanna know if I'm too dressed up."

"Oh we're going to a restaurant and if you didn't mind, afterwards I was going to take us go the beach."

"I love the beach. Let me grab a swimsuit and we can go." Empriss smiled which hooked Bucky on. He bit his lip fighting every temptation to kiss her.Unknowingly to him, she wanted to as well. You only live once so fuck it.

Empriss grabbed his shirt placing a passionate kiss on his lips. Bucky grabbed her waist pulling her closer to him. He deepen the kiss as his hands guides down to her ass, gripping it. The both pulled back with smiles on their face.

"I'm going to enjoy this date with you."

"Me too. I like it already."

———————-

Hermione is @kalopsia-flaneur 💞

I hope you guys enjoyed it.

I thought this was really cute and corny.

Stay slutty my friendsss 😉

[escxpedes]

loopholes

I haven’t written anything for a fictional couple in a very long time, much less obsessed over them. That being said, the show can only give me so much. I could write a thesis paper on why Angus Macgyver and Riley Davis belong with each other, but that’s for another time. I have this idea about writing macriley drabbles, oneshots, etc every day until they become canon. It’s a bit crazy, but let know if that’s something you’d be interested in. I have so many ideas, and my fingers are itching to write every single one. I’d like to thank @refinedbuffoonery because even though I don’t know you personally, your work inspired me to write and I couldn’t bring myself to even touch a word document (unless it was for class) until now. Please go easy on me, I’m a little rusty. I hope you guys like it! x

~

loop·hole noun | A loophole is an ambiguity or inadequacy in a system, such as a law or security, which can be used to circumvent or otherwise avoid the purpose, implied or explicitly stated, of the system

~

Riley finally moves into her new apartment, but struggles to adjust after the events of Codex and the realization of her feelings for Mac. When Mac finds her passed out over her keyboard after a late night of coding at Phoenix, he decides a talk is long overdue. Just some slightly angsty soft!macriley to help you cope with this season 5 hiatus. 

~

there is a love I reminisce, (like a seed i’ve never sown.)

There's a lot about Los Angeles that makes it home for Riley, but her new apartment doesn't exactly fall under the list. It's a quaint place, just big enough for her to live comfortably. It's only ten minutes from Phoenix Homebase, a couple of blocks from her favorite late-night pick me up, and she was able to negotiate the rent to a livable wage—always ask for more than you want, as Jack would have told her if he was there.

Although, she's pretty sure the negotiating tip is common knowledge.

Despite this, there’s something about the way the place feels that she can’t place. It’s not enough of a reason to stop her, though, so she takes a leap of faith and gives the grouchy landlord the required security deposit. 

Of course, when she finally gets around to mentioning it to the team, they insist on helping. She doesn't even try to dissuade them, already knowing they'll show up on moving day with extra boxes and a case of beer.

It takes several trips with Mac's truck and most of the day, but eventually, the echoing, empty rooms of her new abode are filled with boxes packed with belongings that probably aren’t labeled correctly. 

Everyone is hard at work before she can even put the last box down, and it fills Riley's heart with so much appreciation, it nearly knocks the air out of her. 

For the first time since she signed the lease, the apartment comes to life.

She watches as Matty scolds Russ for not reading the directions before putting together the desk she recently picked up from IKEA. She notices Bozer checking out the fridge, ranting to nobody in particular about good ventilation. She helps Desi unpack the kitchen, cracking open the beer and passing them out to everyone. 

Riley lets out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, and for a moment, it almost feels like everything will be okay.

Then, she notices Mac scouring every inch of the place: checking the light fixtures, fiddling with all the faucets, making sure her locks work, always preoccupied with her and their team's safety.

It's such a familiar sight, something so undeniably Angus Macgyver, that it makes her heart both swell and clench at the same time.

Before Mac has the chance to ask where her air conditioner and heater are, just to make sure it has all the working components, Matty gathers everyone in the kitchen and proposes a toast.

It's endearing, and among all the excitement, Riley almost forgets why she dreaded moving out of Mac's house in the first place.

Almost.

It still lingers in the back of her mind, showing in the faltering smiles that she struggles to hold when the attention isn't on her.

She knows she should be grateful for her new place, grateful for an escape from the near-constant pressure building up since she recognized her feelings for Mac. 

This is an opportunity to move forward, to forget the way Mac's hand curled around hers in the presence of danger and instantly tamed her racing mind.

So far, she hasn't had any luck.

Before Riley knows it, and maybe before she's ready, the night is over, and slowly, everyone packs up their things and clears out. After all, they had to be up early in the morning, and the world isn't going to save itself.

Mac is the last to leave, prattling on about an untrustworthy screw in one of her ceiling fans and urging her to call him if something needs fixing.

She knows he's serious about it, knows that he'd answer in a heartbeat, no matter the time, place, or situation. His selfless nature is something some might consider a weakness, but to Riley, it's one of the many things she loves about him.

On the outside, she's the epitome of ease, full of soft smiles and effortless wit. On the inside, she wonders why it hurts more than it did before.

She knows why, but she's afraid to admit it.

When he pulls her into a hug, it feels like something inside her is breaking. Her lungs constrict, it's hard to breathe, but she refuses to let go. Instead, she buries her face into his neck and tries to commit the warmth and comfort she feels in his embrace to memory.

When she finally pulls away, because some things are just too much to bear, she swears she can feel the smallest reluctance in his movements.

When the door shuts behind him, the silence is deafening. It fills the room with the feeling of regret, and things left unsaid. Without the laughter and silly conversation as a consistent distraction, her mind goes into overdrive.

Although she can't stand the absence of sound, things like music and the pointless jargon of shitty late-night television only remind her of what she can no longer enjoy.

Or, moreover, what she can't enjoy with the people she wants to.

Glimpses of the past couple weeks surge forward before she can stop them; the feeling of being completely comfortable next to Mac while they watch the most recent episode of Rick and Morty, their shoulders brushing as they discuss possible endings and conspiracies.

Or when they ordered takeout after a failed attempt at something as simple as stir fry, although she can't help but admit that it was cute that he tried, her knees brushing his under the small dining table due to his tall frame.

Even annoying memories like being woken up at the crack of dawn to the sound of Mac building complicated machinery or adjusting something on his motorbike fill her with so much longing.

Living with Mac had felt so effortlessly right, but Riley couldn't fool herself anymore.

Of course, she knows that they could easily replicate the activities at either of their homes, and nobody would think anything of it. Something inside her thinks it's wrong somehow, that she's betraying Desi, or rather, the respect she has for her.

Not to mention, Mac is her best friend.

She would sooner go back to Supermax before entertaining the idea of ruining their friendship over something as silly as her feelings.

It's easier to remove herself from the equation, to add distance, and allow herself to heal and move on with her life. Unfortunately, moving on is easier said than done, but knowing that certainly doesn't make it hurt any less.

So, instead of turning in and spending the next several hours staring at the ceiling trying to figure out how she got into this mess, Riley plugs in her old coffee machine and double strains the coffee grounds for an extra-strong helping of caffeine.

Matty talked to her recently about upgrading the Phoenix’s firewall, and there's no time like the present to get started.

She sets up her new monitors, pushing the unwelcome reminder that throwing herself into her work is an unhealthy coping mechanism to the back of her mind.

Pouring herself a large cup of coffee and grabbing a warm blanket, she settles into her chair and stares at the bright screen of her desktop

It's going to be a long night. 

[dragon-of-dreams]

Pieces

My Masterlist

 Part four to Cracking a Code; Previous Part

 Pairing: dark!Steve Rogers x Reader (fem)

 Warnings: Swearing, gaslighting, stalking, aftermath of noncon, noncon touching

 Summary: The next day can’t be real, can it? Or where y/n goes into work and gets hit by a strong sense of deja vu.

 Word count: 2k

 A/n: I’m so sorry that this a) took so long and b) has so much plot not much else, but well I promise it’ll get creepier next chapter!

 ~*~

The next morning you woke before your alarm clock, which was good because it gave you time for the world’s longest and most thorough shower.

And was also terrible because you woke up and it was still real.

It happened.

 The intensity with which you scrubbed down your body was straight out unhealthy and you only stopped when you realized how close you were to breaking skin. He’d hurt you, but you wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of hurting yourself over him. You were hurting enough as it was.

While that mindset stayed with you, you were also shaking the entire time it took you to put on clothes and get to the office. Leaving your apartment was harder than you had ever imagined it being. For the first time in your life, you could understand those people you sometimes saw on the television, who hadn’t left their homes in years. You’d give anything for a reprive of having to live what was now your daily life. You knew it wouldn’t end and hiding in your apartment sounded oh-so-appealing, if – in your case – completely useless.

You used the short elevator ride down to your apartment lobby for some breathing exercises, put on a smile for your doorman, and in front of the double doors leading out into the Brooklyn sunshine you froze.

You knew Steve wouldn’t be there to follow you around. No, he wouldn’t stoop that low. But then again, he didn’t have to. You were terrified as his words rang in your ears: Good thing I had Buck accompanying you home. As you stared out into the busy street before you, you knew without a doubt, in your heart, that Bucky Barnes, the fucking Winter Soldier, was out there waiting for you. Watching you. Never leaving you. You were fucked. There was no running away.

“Miss? Are you alright?” You turned your head to the porter approaching you from behind his desk where he kept guard over his proverbial sheep, unknowing that you’d been torn by the wolf already.

You forced a smile: “Yes, thank you, uh, “ your eyes flew to his name tag, “George. Work has been keeping me so busy lately I’m turning into the weird professor guy from the movies!” you laughed and George chuckled but eyed you worriedly. “I’ll see you later, Miss. Please take it easy at work today. Tell Mr. Stark to cut you some slack!” You smiled and nodded at him: “Will do. See you tonight” and with that, you pushed through the doors and the pit in your stomach. Out into the bustling life of New York City.

You didn’t look behind you as you briskly walked down the street to the subway, but you could feel Bucky’s eyes on you like the fog creeping in in early October. It was an all-consuming feeling, creeping in from the sea to swallow you whole.

But you kept your head up high. You weren’t a stranger to being afraid, to being bullied. You had been the smartest student in every class you had ever taken and men didn’t appreciate being beaten by a woman. You hadn’t backed down when you were a kid, you wouldn’t bow down now, not to Captain America and most certainly not to the Winter Soldier! You knew you were putting up a façade but if you didn’t you wouldn’t have made it out of bed this morning, maybe never have left it again, but that wasn’t you.

‘Oh yes, the times are changing and those boys better get with the program’, you thought grimly as you stepped into a subway car and crossed your arms, staring at the open doors, waiting for your shadow to make an appearance.

Bucky entered through the doors to your left. You almost missed him, but now that you knew you weren’t looking for blond and beefy but brunette and murdery it was a lot harder for him to play invisible. He was good, but you were better.

But by God was he confused when you approached him. “Good morning, Mr. Barnes. I don’t know what Steve told you about me, or what your involvement in all of this is, but here is what I am telling you: Fuck off. I don’t want to see you or him again, so make sure he gets the message?”

Before Bucky could reply you moved away from him and slumped down in between two elderly ladies, the perfect shield from anyone getting close to you. Even Bucky knew not to harass a woman in front of two NYC ladies. They’d beat him to death with their shopping bags. You smirked at the mental image you had created in your mind, escaping reality even if getting away was only temporary.

Once you were sitting, the pain you had ignored so diligently came back with force. Your lower half was cramping and sore and you wanted to cry from the pain of it, but no, not while Bucky was there. Not ever again, while any man could see. ‘When had you turned to hate men for what one had to you?’ you wondered.

Bucky disappeared one stop before the tower and you were relieved that he seemingly had realized how dead-serious you were.

The second you entered the tower, you were utterly, abnormally calm and finally stopped shaking. You didn’t have a plan yet, but you knew you’d have to get away, away from this place and Steve and all the pain he’d caused you. After all, you could barely move without hurting.

You could go and teach at any university in the country. They’d love to have you. All you needed to figure out how to quit without seeming suspicious. That was going to be difficult because Tony knew you loved your job. But you couldn’t tell him the truth. No one would believe you if you told them the real reason and you had worked too hard to now be labeled as a crazy fangirl/stalker-lady. You huffed. If only they knew who the real stalker was.

You smiled at your secretary, thanked her for the coffee she had bought for you on her way to work. You squared your shoulders and open the door to your office ready to start your day.

When you entered your office you were hit with a strong sense of déjà vu, you started to shiver again and felt all color leave your face. You almost dropped your coffee.

Steve was in your office again. But luckily – blessedly even – so was Tony. What the actual fuck? You cursed in your mind but tried to smile. It didn’t work judging by Tony’s expression.

“Y/n, are you all right?” he asked while crossing the room towards you. “You don’t look too good.” Before Tony’s outstretched hand could touch you, you took half a step back. “I think I’m coming down with something. The flu, I guess,” you mumbled.

“Then why didn’t you stay home?” said a sincerely concerned voice – Steve’s. Sincerely concerned? No, it couldn’t be! Your creepy-man-radar must just be off, right?

“I… I… I promised Jarvis to teach him about the code. I forgot yesterday” you murmured turning to the super-soldier, whose brows were drawn up in concern and he was leaning forward, looking you over as if to check for injuries or signs of your alleged flu. ‘What was going on?’

“Is there anything I can do for you gentlemen?” you asked. Steve smiled at you at that. His smile was stunning. So… open and kind. And WHAT THE HELL??? No! His smile wasn’t kind! He was your rapist! Except that it was. There was no denying that. If your entire body hadn’t been hurting maybe you would’ve started talking yourself into the fantasy that yesterday hadn’t happened, but it did. But his smile was nothing like yesterday. His smile made you want to trust him. 

“Well, y/n, I just wanted to congratulate you and Stevie here wanted to thank you for your speedy work. We were able to arrest 20 people yesterday because of the intel you decrypted.”

“Yeah? That’s great” you forced out and turned back to Tony, but your eyes kept straying to Steve.

“Were you working late again, Gaia?” Tony suddenly asked. Shit. Tony had been on your ass to get a life. “No, no, why?”

“Because you look, and please forgive me for being frank here, worn out and really sick. I told you to take better care of yourself. Work isn’t everything, you know?”

You were about to call Tony out on that, after all, he was famous for his work benders, but Steve never gave you the chance.

“Jarvis, when has Ms y/l/n left her office yesterday?” Once more he sounded concerned. ‘Oh, that bastard’ you thought. Steve knew - of course - that you’d lied to Tony. “At 9 p.m., Captain, 4 hours after her workday usually ends, Sir.”

You wanted to strangle the AI at that moment. 

“Well Tony, if you don’t mind I will take y/n home, then. She obviously needs to rest and I need to head to Brooklyn anyways to meet with Bucky.” Steve sounded offended that you’ lied, so righteous.

“Yes you do that, champ” Tony agreed, absentmindedly, not noticing that Steve had no right knowing where you lived. “Say hi to Buckeroo for me, will ya?” Steve nodded and added “Tony, you can’t work your employees that hard. We talked about this.” His voice was imploring, and a little disgruntled. What was happening?

“Well with this one it isn’t my fault” Tony replied flippantly as he walked to the door. “Take care of yourself y/n, okay?”

“Tony, I’m fine. I’m an adult, I can decide if I am fit to work or not!” You wanted to sound assertive, but you were rather aware that you begged. Tony just smiled at you and grinned: “What the Captain says goes, young lady, trust me it’s for the best.” And with that, he’d left your office, leaving you alone with your tormentor.

You were done for. You knew it. Steve would now pounce on you and break you to pieces and… fuck. You were getting wet. Your brain knew that this was a self-defense mechanism to your body, but your heart felt ashamed. There was no denying that the sex had ended spectatcularly.

You jumped a mile when you felt a gentle hand on your shoulder, ripping you out of your thoughts. “y/n?” Steve’s voice was soft. “It’s time to go home, come on.”

“Don’t touch me” you replied, your voice hoarse with unshed tears. 

“Don’t worry, I can’t catch the flu, you could even cough on me, doll.” Steve joked, as he took your coffee from you and placed it on your table. “Any aches, pains or other flu symptoms?” For the first time since Tony left you, you dared look into his face. He seemed so concerned that you couldn’t help yourself and nodded. “Yeah. “ You sounded defeated even in your own head. “Both.”

“It’s okay, angel. I’ll take you home and take care of you.” Steve wrapped his warm, strong arm around you and moved you out of your office. Everything started to blur together, as he called out to your secretary that you were sick and he was taking you home and he moved you into an elevator and finally maneuvered you into a car. You let him. You let yourself be manhandled. You still didn’t understand what was happening. Where was the man who had almost fucked you to pieces yesterday night? At the thought, more wetness gathered between your thighs and you blushed scarlet as Steve got into the driver’s seat next to you. If any of the rumors about his enhanced senses were true, he’d be able to smell you by now.

As Steve pulled into the crazy Manhatten traffic he said: ”Bucky told me about your little argument this morning” His voice was so soft it lulled you in even more, “and quite frankly darling, I don’t appreciate the language you used nor how unappreciative of my protection you are. I know this must all be difficult for you, but there will still have to be consequences for your behavior,” ‘he sounds like a well-meaning teacher’ you thought confused. “but for today, I think you earned yourself some aftercare for taking my cock so well yesterday.” You felt like you’d been hit by a truck. Steve still sounded absolutely casual, but you froze at the slight mention.

His right hand settled on your thigh. “Breathe, darling, deep breath. It’s gonna be alright. I’m gonna take care of you from now on out.”

[allandoflimbo]

Take It Back (Chapter 22)

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Summary:  About five years ago, a one night stand with Y/N tore Bucky’s life apart. It was also the night before his wedding. Now he’s married to her sister and she needs a place to stay.

Chapter Warnings: Some language, mentions of cheating and sex. Like I've said before, this story is filthy. 

MASTERPAGE |

Chapter 21

_

Two years later.

“We’ve been doing so well for five years that I found it strange that nothing has broken us yet.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m paranoid, maybe I’m just expecting something to blow up in our face. Like I feel like sometimes it’s hard for you to see how much I really do love you.”

Ashlyn’s heartfelt response made Bucky sigh.

“We’re in our new home, Ash. We’re literally on top of the world, and I’m on it with you. Of course, I see it.”

“Yeah?”

He smiled softly.

“Yes. We’ve worked on our issues and we’re doing so well.”

Silence.  Two hands were on the back on his neck, dark eyes looking into his.

“Have you ever made love, Bucky?”

The question caught him off guard and Bucky’s heart was suddenly in his throat.

“Five years and I’ve to think I’ve never made love to you. It's always just been sex. I’ve always wanted to, though.”

“Ashlyn...”

“Baby, let me show you how much I love you.”

He wanted to rip her hands off his neck, but instead, he reached around and held them tighter against his skin.

And for the first time in a while, he thought of you. He finally admitted to himself that he still wanted you.

After much denial, he caved and thought of you as he fucked his wife.

Bucky couldn’t take it.

His heart kept shattering over and over again as he grabbed her small neck in his hands, the neck of someone that was supposed to be his wife.

He felt hot tears behind his eye lids as he sobbed into her neck, as he attempted to make love to her, knowing he was doing so miserably. Because it wasn't love,  what he felt for Ashlyn was no longer love.

Just respect.

He grabbed her hair in his hands and whimpered as he tried to allow himself to feel.

He had put up a wall around his heart for so long, trying to be this horrible person he really wasn’t; all of it just to forget you.

He was supposed to love his wife by now, he had hoped to especially because of how well she had been treating him lately. She was truly trying to become better and she had.

They finally had a great life together, they had it all, but he still loved you.

And he hated you for it.

“Bucky, baby gonna cum.” Ashlyn had cried, tightening her legs around him.

He came into her with a shout.

He should’ve known everything had changed, that he had finally admitted to himself that he was not over you and that he needed to talk to Ashlyn about it. He knew this the moment he felt the disgust run up his spine at what he had just done- what he kept doing.

He wasn’t an unfaithful man.

He was prepared to finally look the barrel of the gun down the eye, but what he wasn’t prepared for was for Ashlyn to hand him a little gift back five weeks later with a bib inside along with a positive pregnancy test.

Daddy’s little baby.

The bib had read.

Bucky was shocked. He had thought Ashlyn had been on birth control - he was not ready to be a father. And most importantly, he didn’t want to have a child with her.

He had held Ashlyn in his arms as she rejoiced.

Afterward, when she was in the kitchen drinking a glass of water, Bucky’s head had been in the toilet as he violently puked out his nerves.

He hated the situation he was in, and he hated you.

__

“Steve, did you buy more tomatoes like I asked?”

A muffled response came from behind the closed bedroom door down the hall as you rummaged through the refrigerator.  

Looking one last time behind the bottles of random condiments - ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce- you cursed under your breath as you dropped a garlic glove from between your fingers.

Brodi’s little nose was sniffing at the clove at your feet before you realized it.

“Brodi, honey, stop it. This is for din-din.” You said playfully as you reached down to grab the garlic.

Brodi stuck his tongue out at you and you sighed contently.

You hadn’t even had the chance to get dressed yet, barely making it through the door before already preparing a nice dinner for you and Steve.

Giving up on finding those extra tomatoes, you turned your attention back to the cutting board in the counter.

The last two years living with Steve had been amazing. You couldn’t have asked for a better roommate.

It all started when he spoiled you by offering the largest bedroom in the apartment.

He was kind. He’d let you call dibs on the shower whenever you wanted and on Netflix. He was understanding. He would respect your boundaries on your lowest days - especially on those days- when you needed to be alone and just sulk in silence.

Steve lived in a nice three-bedroom apartment on the upper west side, right off West 88th St, and it was more than what you ever thought you deserved. But with much gratitude and kindness, you took his offer and accepted it.

His gesture never went unnoticed by you. It wasn’t every day you were offered such a comfortable living situation.

When you first moved in, you had asked him why he lived in a place with two spare rooms if he lived by himself to which he simply responded that he used to have roommates that lived with him fresh out of college but over time as they each began to make their own money and eventually got married, they got their own place.

Steve never moved out, he was able to afford it all himself anyway, so it worked out perfectly.

Barnes Enterprises has blessed him with a beautiful salary at the time.

Speaking of Barnes Enterprises, you hadn’t spoken to him in five years, but it wasn’t like you didn’t own a television or a smart phone. You knew that The Barnes were now living a happy and wealthy life somewhere across town in a prestigious penthouse somewhere on the East Side by the river.

You tried not to think about it, you tried not to think of him anymore.

It took you about five months to get used to living a somewhat upper-class life.

You still settled for doing the same things you always did, vowing to yourself to never change just because you were now more comfortable. You would take the train - the M track - every day across the said river to Brooklyn to work at the coffee shop, where you had been promoted to Manager (but truth be told you were looking for something closer now). You never thought you would be one of those New Yorkers that could wear headphones the entire commute to work on the train ride and on the walk to work. You were always worried you’d accidentally miss your stop or miss something important, like if the train derailed or if you wanted to pay extra attention to a bum that was doing crazy things on your train.

You were surprised that only a few months in, you were able to simply count the stops in your head, and let your feet drag you to where you needed to go on a will of their own. You weren’t like the tourists who waited for the walking man crossing to light up on the sign to cross the street while you blast your favorite song of that week.

You didn’t think you’d fit in so well, learn the city so well. And yet you did.

On your way home, you’d go to the little market and buy some groceries when you had the chance, and if not, you’d try to at least stop by at home first, In one arm you’d have the ingredients for the night’s dinner, and in the other holding a leash walking Steve’s Boston Terrier, Brodi.

You were more than thankful that Steve let you keep Pebbles, and even more so when Brodi and Pebbles got along fairly well.

The dynamic between the both of you had changed gradually and then suddenly.

You knew what you were getting yourself into.

The first few months living with Steve you would feel his lingering eyes on you during small nonintimate moments. Like when you were preparing breakfast, trying to flip one of the pancakes, or when you were reaching across the coffee table to grab the remote control.

Part of you felt bad for him, you knew very well how he felt about you.

It wasn’t until your sixth month living with Steve that you walked in on him tying on some nice dress shoes. You had leaned against his door frame with a small smile and crossed arms and asked where he was going dressed so nicely.

His cheeks turned a sight shade of red.

“I have a date.” He had said smugly.

It had caught you off guard at first. You could still feel his lingering gazes, his comments with underlying meaning.

Not that you were trying to play him or that you enjoyed the attention, but more so because you wanted to feel the same way back desperately. You wanted to move on, you wanted to love another man, especially a good one at that. You prayed that with time maybe it would happen.

Maybe life would give you another chance. You wanted a distraction from your late-night thoughts when you would still think of Him and how he used to make you laugh, how he used to kiss you, how you felt when you saw That dress, and how he had felt when he had made love to you in his bed that he now shared with his wife.

Steve and Sharon didn’t last long. Four months later at some ungodly hour of the night, Steve had walked in drunk into your shared apartment. It was hard to miss the way his keys had slammed onto the kitchen counter, the way he had looked into your eyes when he pleaded with you and cried asking why you just wouldn’t love him. Why you wouldn’t kiss him again, finally give it a try.

After his pleading moment, you had held him tightly to your chest as he finally told you that Sharon had dumped him.

Maybe this was your chance and maybe you should finally give it that try.

You had run your hands up the side of his face, allowing his ears to slide in between the edges of your finger tips. With slight hesitancy, you had angled his head down to yours and You kissed him.

You gave it a try- you and him.

You knew it might’ve not been the best idea, especially since he was your roommate, but part of you secretly hoped this was finally the escape you needed, the once you’ve been asking for.

You’ve been given The chance to move on, with someone else.

You wished you felt more in your shared second kiss, god how you had prayed for it. It was sweet and gentle, but it lacked that fire that you had felt when you kissed Bucky.

And that made your heart shatter.

But you pushed it down and kept trying to make it work. Six months had eventually passed and here you were.

Tonight was your turn to cook dinner and you had worked late at the coffee shop. You had called Steve on your way home asking if he could pick up some tomatoes since you were exhausted.

With another sigh, you quickly shut the refrigerator door.

“Did you find them?”

His happy and jittery voice came from behind you.

You turn around slightly after putting the freshly washed vegetables on the cutting board to see a tight towel hung low on his hips. Your cheeks turned a slight pink shade as he walked up behind you, taking your hips in his hands.

He moaned slightly as he placed a small kiss on the side of your neck.

He loved kissing you.

“So you did get them?”He chuckled slightly against your skin and the rumble made you smile.

“Of course,” he continued his trail of kisses up your neck and to the back of your ear, “Why don’t we do something else instead, though?”

It wasn’t the first time he’d asked.

When the words left his lips you felt something cold in the pit of your stomach and you tensed against him. Steve noticed this and slightly cleared his throat to prepare for the upcoming rejection that he had heard a one too many times.

He’s noticed how you’ve been together for months, and you haven’t slept with him yet, he noticed how you kept avoiding it. How you would lie and say you were too tired, just to get up and watch some tv or look on your phone. How when he would drag his hand just slightly up your thigh, how you would grab it and intertwine his fingers with yours.

He was even starting to wonder if you didn’t believe in sex before marriage.

With a deep breath, you removed his arm from around you, “I’m hungry, I should cook."

”We can order take out.” He murmured against your hot flesh.

You started feeling dizzy, sick to your stomach.

“Come on.” He returned his arm to your lower tummy, “We can order take out. We haven’t had Thai in a while.”

You felt the bile in your throat, the strong hammering of your heart against your rib cage.

“I don’t want Thai, Steve. I want to make home made dinner,” You remove his arm one more time, this time sharply. Your voice was borderline imploring now, “Why don’t you go get dressed and then pick out something good for us to watch?”

Steve gave you a look that made you want to smack yourself across the face. You could see the look of shame in his sad puppy eyes.

Damn you.

You were glad that Brodi decided at that moment to hop on his back legs to get Steve’s attention. Steve let go of you and looked down at his little dog.

You watched in shame and guilt as Steve called Brodi to follow him to his room. He didn’t even look back at you.

——

One moment you had been cuddled in his lap as you watched TV. Then you felt his hands on you and you allowed it.

You needed to try. You needed to stop feeling like you didn’t deserve it.

Quickly, The air between both of you became thick and he stared up at you. You felt yourself gulp as you felt the soft skin of his palm against the side of your face.

You felt physically sick to your stomach. You felt like a whore.

You didn’t deserve his kindness, his love. What you were doing to him was killing you for the first time in five years.

Why were you doing this to him? Letting him touch or kiss something so vile?

You were your own worst enemy, but with a great cause.

You had gone head first into this, hoping that something innocent could become something great. That what you had with Bucky would be something you could eventually shove under the rug and that you would eventually work things out with Steve. That’s why you never blew off the idea.

Dating him had been exciting the first few months, but for some reason, as you now sat in his lap and with the way he was looking up at you, it finally hit you how much you did not want him.

What the hell was wrong with you? Did your heart really want to betray you that much?

The soft feeling of his lips on yours caused you to close your eyes even more tightly together.

Maybe if you just tried…

You felt him grasp the back of your neck harder, bringing you down harshly against him. The feeling of his tongue dancing around yours caused him to moan.

It wasn’t until he had flipped you over so you were laying on the couch beneath him, his lips on your neck, and his hand bringing your thigh around his back when you felt the disgust in the pit of your stomach.

You were disgusted with yourself, you were ridden with an absurd amount of guilt.

You couldn’t take it, not when you kept picturing his best friend.

Five years and you still kept hoping.

“Steve, no!”

Your shout came from somewhere inside of you the moment his fingers touched the bare of your tummy, like a natural reflex.

Steve pulled back, startled. You looked up at him with guilt, feeling dirty, as he sat back on his feet kneeling between your open legs.

You tried to close them in shame.

Steve looked confused and worried. He knew you’d kept stalling around this, but he wasn’t expecting that exclamation from you.

“Did I hurt you? I am so sorry-“

What was wrong with you? Steve was perfect, he was a gentleman, he was gorgeous, he was everything you’ve ever wanted in a man, and here you were not wanting to go through with it.

Why? Why couldn’t you just give yourself this opportunity, why did you keep pushing him away?

Damn you, you knew why.

He was cut short as your face crumbled and hot tears started leaking in your eyes.

How could you do this to him? To everyone.

You couldn’t take it anymore. At that moment, you realized you could no longer hold it in, any of it.

Steve pulled back even farther as he rose to stand up on his feet. He had a feeling in his chest that something was really wrong.

He knelt down next to your face on the couch and softly touched the side of your face.

“Stop it, Stevie.” You begged softly turning away but not necessarily pulling away.

“You’re scaring me.” He mumbled, “did I touch you wrong? Please. I’m sorry.”

You shook your head furiously from side to side.

“No, it’s not that,”

He swallowed hard, his eyes narrowing together in concern.

“Tell me.” He pleaded, hands softly touching your forehead.

“I need to tell you the truth.”

His breath hitched in his throat and he paused before asking further.“What are you talking about?”

Your bottom lip trembled as you brought it between your lips.

“I can’t do it.”

His eyes trailed over your features, considering your words delicately.

“If you’re not ready, we can wait, it’s okay. I won’t force you into anything you don’t want to do yet-“

God, why was he so damn sweet?“It’s not that- I can’t,” He looked at you confused. You looked into his eyes and repeated, “I can’t.”

His face immediately changed from sad to blank and he began to understand what you were saying.

The silence became unbearable as you felt him rip his hand off your face. His face was red as he stood up quickly on his feet.

“What are you doing to me?”

The question made a soft sob escape your throat.

“I gave you a place to live, I gave you so many good things-“

“Because you are my close friend and you have a good heart. Not because of your feelings. I know you, Stevie.”

You knew you couldn’t have said anything more heartless.

But your heart was ramming away inside of you now.

“I gave you my love,” he continues. you felt more tears in the back of your throat as you turn your face towards the back fo the couch in shame, “I gave you five years of my life because you asked me to wait for you and suddenly you ‘can’t’? You told me to wait. You lied to me.”

“I didn’t lie, Stevie, I always hoped something for us.”

“‘No. If you did, you wouldn’t suddenly not want this.”

“I want to want this!”

“Then what the hell is the problem?”  

You were silent.

He literally recoiled as he observed your face.

“It’s him, isn’t it?” Silence. “Please, for the love of God just for once tell me the truth. Is it because of him?”

There was another silent break before you nodded shortly.

You heard an intake of a sharp breath followed by an aggravated groan.

Fear crept into your body as you slowly brought yourself to sit up, hiding your face behind your hair.

Steve just stared at you in disbelief.

“How long?”You were confused by his answer.

“For how long have you loved him?” His voice broke, “Since the wedding night? Since before you two met? Since you met me?”

“Steve-“

“No, Y/N. I should’ve known. I always had this feeling, but I thought no that wouldn’t happen. You wouldn’t lead me on for so long.”

“Steve, listen to me-“

I don’t wanna hear your little pleading voice anymore because this is serious. I wasted five years of my life on this. You wasted five years of my life pinning over something that was pointless-“

“It wasn’t pointless, would you stop with that.”

“If it wasn’t pointless then what was it? You know I was waiting for you.”

“But you went out with Shanon.”

“Because I was trying to keep myself distracted. Do you know how hard it is to wait for something, for someone that doesn’t communicate.”

“You should’ve told me.”

“Should’ve told you? You knew this! God, and you kissed him. I can’t stop picturing the two of you ever since you told me. I tried to push it down and eventually I did but it kept coming up.”

There was silence between the both of you for a few long seconds and all you could hear wAs your breathing.

You had to tell him the truth.

“It wasn’t just a kiss.” You whispered.

Steve raises a brow and tilts his head, not sure if he heard right.

You raised your head up slightly so you were looking him dead in the eye. Some of the strands of your messy hair stuck to the side of your face in a disarray, “It wasn’t just a kiss that night.”

You whimpered.

Steve felt many emotions at that moment. Shock, anger, jealousy.

He literally recoiled as he stepped back.

“No…” he whispered shaking his head in disbelief, “He wouldn’t- he wouldn’t do that to her, to me. You wouldn’t.” You felt his burning gaze on the side of your face as the air between the both of you became hot, "Why would you hide something like that?” His voice was broken.

“Because  I wanted to make it go away, I wanted to pretend it didn’t happen!”

“Why? So you could then make a move with me? His best friend?”

“No! Because it was wrong!”

“Then why did you guys do it in the first place?”

“It just happened.”

He scoffed “Shit like that doesn’t just happen, y/n! You don’t just sleep with someone who was already in a committed relationship. Are you kidding? it was in the making. Shit I should’ve known something was up when he went missing that night. He was with you. And That’s why you ran away.”

You sniffed loudly. He still remained in the same spot still and in disbelieve. Hurt.

“Why are you telling me this?” He asks pathetically, “Why now?”

“Because I can’t hold it in anymore.”

“I just want you to stop and think about what you’ve done to me, to your sister. Damnit, even that bastard that I call my best friend. He shouldn’t have done what he did, but you shouldn’t have ran out on him like that. Underneath his stubbornness and his foolish acts, he’s a good man. What you did was not right. What you did to any of us. For once, stop thinking about what you want and what others want. Damn it, I loved you. You know I always have. But this breaks my heart. Prove to me that you’re still the strongest woman I know.”

You were shocked at his change of heart. You felt guilty.

“You still love him and I have a feeling there’s a lot left unsaid between the both of you.”

You didn’t deny is as you remained quiet.

Steve allowed himself to take a couple of deep breaths, now matter how much pain he was in.

“Does Ashlyn know?”

“No. And I don’t think he would tell her either.”

“She’s going to be devastated when you do.” He added quickly as he spun around to grab your phone off the coffee table.

Fear crept up your chest as you eyed him and the phone in his hand.

“What?”

“She has to know. This was so wrong. What you both did to each other, to everyone around you; it was wrong.” You watched as he blinked violently, trying to keep his tears at bay, “I can’t even stand to look at you right now,” He took a deep breath as his hand stopped over your phone, “I don’t want you here.”

“Steve, please-“

“I don’t want you here because by you staying here all you’re doing is running away. You have to tell them,” His voice was surprisingly calm as he continued, “You have to tell her especially. Because what you both did is so wrong. For the sake of all of us. And you’re just hurting me more now. I loved you. And god, I still do even after all this. Which is why I’m giving you a chance. You can come back, but only after you tell everyone about what’s really going on.”

You shook your head quickly, already imagining your sister’s reaction.

His reaction.

You gulp, “I can’t- I can’t do that.” Your blurry eyes watched as he reached out to you, your phone in his hand,

“Call her, and tell her you need a place to stay. You need to talk this out-“

“-I’m not a home wrecker, Steve. I’m not a damn mistress. I can’t destroy them.”

You both said at the same time.

Steve watched you as he took in a deep breath.

“I didn’t say you were, and I don’t know what happened between the both of you. But You can’t keep it hidden. I’m making you go there, I’m going to help you stop running away from your past.”

“Steve.” You begged, “I can’t.”

“You will,” He looked you dead in the eye, “You’re lucky I’m not a bawling mess right now for you, because I sure like hell want to be.”

You didn’t know what to say to that as you stared at the throw pillow on the side of the couch in shame, but yet relieved all the same.

Steve finally knew the truth, and something about that felt liberating.

But he was right, you had to stop thinking about you and just you. Right now, you were hurting everyone.

Especially Steve.

“Please, it will make everything better.” He whispered.

Hesitant at first, you take your phone from his grasp. You stare at it for a few seconds longer than necessary.

“I’m sorry.” “Stop, Y/N-“ “Listen, please.”

You begged. Finally, he met your eye and you saw a flicker of hope in them.

“I’m sorry I haven’t moved on. It has nothing to do with you, I still wanted us to try, regardless of the past.”

Steve stared at you as he took in your words. He nodded shortly.

“I believe you. Look, give her a call. Get this whole thing straightened out, and when you are ready, really ready, to come back, I’ll be here waiting for you.”

You considered his proposal.

If shit hit the fan with Ashlyn and Bucky, at least you would have someone to run back to.

“You’re a selfless man, Steve.”

He knew that by you taking this step, it would finally allow you to heal.

You were finding your sister’s number and about to call her when Steve’s hand landed on your left shoulder.

“There’s nothing wrong with loving someone. It’s how you handle it that makes the difference.”

You pondered his words, and with a deep breath, you finally made that phone call.

You were going back.

While Steve watched from afar, he raged in silence for his best friend. After everything, he still couldn’t believe Bucky had touched her in a way that he always wanted to.

He was absolutely seething.

_

@wxntersoldxer16 @void-imaginations @heykarsyn @avashroom @sarcastic-and-cool @lunaticbarnes @benhardygalileo @wildmavs @runaway-escape @stevieboyharrington @kimvmarvel @chipilerendi 

[fleckcmscott]

Pre-Show

Summary: It’s a big night for Arthur. Y/N helps him prepare.

Warnings: Swearing, Smut

Words: 3,387

A/N: Instead of this being a request, this was a scenario I came up with while writing The Find. My brain wouldn’t let go of it. (Though, funnily enough, @sweet-nothings04​ requested something similar a couple days ago!) I hope you guys enjoy!

If you have any thoughts or questions, please comment, feel free to message me, or send me an ask. Requests for Arthur and WWH are open!

The mild, local fame Arthur had gotten after being on Live! with Murray Franklin had been a boost to his ego. And, if Y/N was being honest, confounding to her. She'd assumed he'd continue to be an object of ridicule, the way he had been since that terrible video of his first stand-up had become public. (The humiliation and anger that had radiated from him as they'd stood together in Penny's hospital room, and his withdrawal from her afterward, remained fresh in Y/N's mind.) But she had never been so happy to be wrong.

Only a couple of assholes had approached them on the street. Of the small number of people who said hello, most were neutral, simply amused at having run into a person they'd seen on television. A few were kind. As the months rolled on, the resulting increase in clubs letting him sign-up for sets offered opportunities to hone his craft. She was glad for him, delighted to see how those moments bolstered his self-confidence, helped him let out the instinctual elegance that was too often concealed by reservation.

Though she did have slight concerns. Many of his jokes were sweet, especially ones he directed towards her. But most were therapeutic, about matters closest to his heart. They helped him understand the world around him, in his own way. There was a tendency to treat Arthur like a novelty act, whereas he took his comedy seriously. Would that happen when he performed at amateur hour at the Smile Factory tomorrow night?

She didn't bring the possibility up to him. They'd been a pair long enough for him to know what she was pondering. And she never wanted him to think she didn't believe in him. She did, always. Wholeheartedly. Even if she didn’t always get his humor. And she would sit that audience, give him applause, and laugh at every punchline. Provide the attention he craved and support he coveted. Her love for him and his quirky shtick made that a pleasure to do.

Arthur's deep voice, occasionally halting, other times confident, drifted through the ajar bedroom door. She grinned, standing next to the couch while she ironed creases into his maroon trousers. It was routine for him to rehearse his timing in front of the vanity mirror. Try out his facial expressions to make sure he didn't look "too strange."

The first time she'd seen him do it, he'd blushed and turned away from her, lines tight on his face. But the awkwardness had dwindled as she'd explained she had to prepare for her job, too. That even with all her years of experience, she had to practice testifying if she was going to a big hearing. The effort he put into perfecting his routine meant he cared, and she admired his discipline.

When she heard him enter the living room some minutes later, she glanced over her shoulder. "All ready to break a leg tomorrow?"

"Or an ankle." She giggled at his retort and turned to give him his freshly pressed shirt. The green of his eyes glinted, meeting hers. "I can do this. I know how to handle an iron."

She put her hands on her hips and cocked her head. He'd gotten better at letting her take care of him, but she felt he did more than his fair share. "You know how to handle a lot of things." She wrapped her arms around his slender waist. "This is the first time you've headlined a show. Focus on your act. Besides." A peck to his chin. "We must be in the honeymoon phase, because I enjoy doing this for you. I loathed ironing my ex's ties."

His palm went to the small of her back, lips on the shell of her ear. "Don't honeymoons last a week?"

God, he smelled good. He hadn't smoked since getting out of the shower. She nuzzled the crook of his neck for more of his masculine, spicy scent. "It's been a year and a half..." Her fingers sneaked under the hem of his gray thermal shirt. The warmth of his skin went straight to her center. "And you still drive me crazy."

A muffled laugh as he stopped her caress of his belly. "Sorry, I can't cure you yet." Then he patted her bottom and headed towards his desk. "Something just came to me. If I figure it out, you'll hear it tomorrow."

~~~~~

The dressing room was quite small, maybe eight by eight feet. But Arthur didn't mind. It had everything he needed. Incandescent light from the corner floor lamp made the wall's brown paneling cozy instead of cheap. The metal table was sturdy, the mirror on it sufficient to make sure his hair was in place. If the worn, wooden chair had had arms, it would have been more comfortable. But he wasn't there to lounge, anyway. He was there to work.

Pogo's was still his favorite club to perform at. The people there knew him, were aware of his condition. Not having to constantly explain it was a relief. They seemed to like him better, too, now that he ordered more than tap water. True, he hadn't been able to get paying gigs (though he had been allowed to split the covers on a Tuesday or Thursday night now and then). If he kept refining his material, however, he was certain he'd get there.

Skepticism had been his first response to the call from the Smile Factory. Having not slept well for nearly a week, he'd suspected it was either his imaginings or an elaborate prank at his expense. He'd waved Y/N over and they'd listened to the phone together. Yes, she confirmed. They really had gotten his contact information from Pogo's. A manager had gone to open-mic night and recognized him from Murray Franklin. An amateur block was a couple weeks away, and they wanted him to open it. They liked his oddball factor. They'd even stick his name on the chalkboard sign on the sidewalk.

Arthur had accepted the invitation quickly. It had taken a few seconds for him to put the phone in its cradle. Then he laughed in excitement and held Y/N so tightly he nearly spun her around the kitchen. She'd been happy. But her need to protect him was clear in her posture. He'd tried to put a stop to that quickly. "I want this. People are noticing me. I can't wait for my big break forever."

"You're right," she'd said, nodding. He'd run the back of his fingers over her cheek, her pretty gaze glittering at him. "I can't wait to hear whatever you come up with."

Her words echoed as he read his notebook. Opening a show was new for him. He'd picked out what he thought were his best jokes. A mix of ones which had gotten rare guffaws from audiences, and ones Y/N said she loved. There were new quips, too. He'd done everything he could think of to prepare. But stage fright roamed as deep as his bones.

Nervousness happened prior to every performance. Arthur had habits to deal with it. He'd scribble in his journal, draw winding circles over and over, sometimes until his pen gave out. He'd worry its pages while re-reading his material. (His memorization had gotten better, but he still needed the book for support.) The breathing exercises, in through the nose, holding, then out through the mouth, relieved some of his laughter and his anxiety. Visualizing success was supposed to help. So, as he sat waiting, smoking and sipping seltzer, he attempted to see himself with his arms out and the crowd cheering.

The knock at the door gave him a slight startle, broke him out of his fantasy. He checked the wall clock. He was scheduled to go on in twenty minutes. The emcee likely wanted to check-in and ensure Arthur would be ready on time, let him know how packed the place was. Better to prevent any hitches. "Come in."

Not even his anxiousness could stop his toothy smile upon seeing Y/N enter the room. She didn't usually visit him backstage, not wanting to interrupt him. But he was happy she'd chosen to tonight. "Hey," he said, turning in his chair. "I tried to pick a good table for you." He appreciated her feminine silhouette, the contours of her breasts accentuated by her collared, lilac sweater. Curves shapely in the A-line, pleated skirt she wore, ending just below her knees. Her black kitten heels. She must have come straight from work.

After a pause she stepped forward. "Patricia's guarding our drinks." He averted his eyes, made a soft sound, and studied the back of her hand as he grasped it. She'd brought her friend to his sets once or twice. The first time he’d spotted them, he'd frozen for a split second. Would her faith in him, enough to invite someone along, always be staggering? It was one of the many kindnesses that confirmed how important he was to her, that filled him with gladness.

She kissed the spot between his brows. "I had to tell the emcee I was Mrs. Fleck before he'd say where their big star was."

Outside of his flights of fancy, he'd never truly thought of himself as a “big star.” Or a “big deal.” Or a big “stand-up.” But he’d hoped for all three, aspired to fulfill his purpose in life. To make people laugh, even on days he himself couldn't. And if Y/N said it, it must be true. At least tonight.

Yet, just when the corner of his lips quirked, his back tightened against unexpected pressure forming in his torso. This was an important night. Whoever walked past the club's sign could see Arthur Fleck would be performing. Sure, he was getting more at ease in the spotlight, cackling only sporadically instead of every time he got started. But he knew there was a chance he'd screw up. Maybe he'd never get to do another set. Maybe he wouldn't even be permitted to come in and make notes. Maybe they'd decide he wasn't funny.

He winced at the negative stream of thought. That wouldn't do any good, especially not now - he was about to make a debut. Scoffing, he took a drag off his cigarette, stamped it out in the ashtray on the metal table, and rested his cheek on the heel of his palm.

Y/N's gentle touch drifted to his shoulders and his eyelids shut. He let her guide him to rest against the back of the chair. "Let me unwind you," she purred. The tips of her nimble fingers kneaded him. The circular motions in the notches above his collarbones ached at first, but started to tingle as he felt his muscles loosen. "Did you figure out that new joke last night?"

"Yeah," he breathed. "I changed my opening." The press of her thumbs to either side of his spine released a knot he hadn't been aware of and he groaned. "'Hello. It's good to be here. Thank you for the invitation.'" His gaze caught hers in the mirror. Combined with her massage, her prettiness made it hard to recall what he'd written. "'When I was younger, I never wanted to go running. I was afraid I'd run out of money.'"

Shivers went through him at the glide of her hands on the nape of his neck. "That's a good start." She moved to stand in front of him and his legs fell open. "You're going to be great. But-" she bent to fasten their mouths together. "You still seem to have some jitters." Her palms smoothed down his chest and he twitched, huffing as she knelt before him. "I think I can help."

It took a moment for him to process what she was doing. He gulped, watching her crumple the bottom of his vest and untuck his shirt. As her fingertips went to his fly, he grabbed her wrist, stiffening and snorting awkwardly. "Y/N." He tried to straighten but was halted by damp kisses to his stomach. "They're going to come get me any minute. I-"

"This won't take long." Mischief twinkled in her eyes. "And I locked the door."

This was entirely inappropriate. He should be telling her to get off the floor. To stop groping at him. To save it for their bed, their sofa, wherever. They were in public; this was something private. Her volume would definitely give them away. But the slight pressure of her unzipping his pants and his growing erection made him squint and roll his pelvis forward. In seconds he was lifting his hips to help her lower his trousers and briefs to his calves.

Her look was eager as she gripped his hard-on, her pink tongue peeking out as she smiled at him. The first lick along his length, the first sweep over the dark red tip of his shaft drove him to clutch his seat. The warm, wet contact caused his breath to shudder. Her lips enclosed him wickedly, and he had to stifle a moan at the sight of her working him. Of her taking him in almost entirely. At the determined expression she had while she sought to bring him off.

Mouth falling open, he tilted his head back, the pace of his thrusts increasing. She was alternating between enthusiastic laving and ardent sucks on the head. It was a struggle to control himself, and he bucked up, digging his fingers into her scalp. She whined around him, gripped his thigh, ran her nails through the hair on it the way she knew sent electricity through him. The tightening of his abdomen increased with her every stroke. He was so close...

Then a pounding at the door. "Ten minute warning!"

"Shit," Arthur gasped. He grasped her arm to pull her up. She started to fall into him but caught herself on his shoulders and straddled his lap. Absorbed with the urgency to be inside her, he hurriedly lifted her skirt to pull her panties away. What he discovered caused him to blink at her in surprise instead. "Where's your underwear?"

With a grin, she steadied herself and reached to press him to her slick folds. "In my bra," she breathed, sinking onto him. When her hips were flush with his, his groan matched her whimper. "I knew they'd just be a nuisance." She raked her hands through his locks and kissed him, hard. "I've been horny all day." She ground herself on his public bone and inhaled sharply.

The embrace he returned was fierce, fingers splayed on her back. She adjusted the angle of her body, allowed him to enter her more deeply, until he was completely embedded. The hot, tight slide of her walls went straight to his brain. His eyes darted from where they were joined to her face.

Her brows were drawn together, cheeks pink, lips parted as her undulations quickened. The beauty she held when she lost herself like this could rival that on the cover of any check-out magazine. Grunting, he braced his feet on the floor for leverage and bucked up into her. As he brushed his thumb against her swollen clit, she let out a short wail. He squeezed her thigh, chuckling. "Shh..."

"Sorry," she whispered. She smiled, the cadence of her ruts quickening. "You just-" Another short moan. "You feel amazing."

He nuzzled at her temple. "Y/N..." Her mouth opened against his and his tongue plunged into it. There was a hint of the cocktail she must have ordered before visiting, as well as his own musk. Normally, he didn't find the latter pleasant. But he found her so seductive, riding him like she was, he couldn't bring himself to care.

The rising pitch of her whimpers betrayed how close she was to going over the edge. Faster and faster, he skimmed her sensitive nub, her limbs rigged and trembling. As her pulses began to clutch his cock, he angled their kiss to swallow her strangled cry. She clung to him, holding herself upright, fisting his waistcoat and shuddering.

Somehow, she kept moving.

He was trying to catch his breath, to concentrate on keeping quiet, knowing there were people just outside the door. But the delicious friction was overwhelming, the clench of her threatening to undo him immediately. She was egging him on, her voice husky in his ear and pleading, "Come on, Arthur." He pressed his lips to her neck to conceal his cries, pleasure scorching through him as he surged into her one last time. Her thrusts ceased only when he cupped the swell of her ass, locking her in place as he poured himself inside her.

Their coupling had left him a little muddleheaded, but he knew he didn't a lot of time to recover. His gaze raised to find her glowing, and he felt himself fall in love with her again. Her kiss was swift as she disentangled herself and shakily stood. There were tissues on the table - she wiped herself off with one and handed him another. With a giggle, she took a third and dabbed at the sheen of sweat on his brow.

Her examination of her skirt prompted him to go over his trousers. He was relieved nothing had gotten on them. Once she'd straightened his collar, combed his loose curls back behind his ears, she got out her simple pair of cotton panties and slipped them on. "I'll see you after the show," she whispered, pecking him sweetly.

He watched her retreating form in the mirror until she shut the door firmly behind her. Standing to tuck his shirt in, he laughed softly. They'd really ruined her ironing job. But, he considered as he smoothed the bottom of his vest, it had been worth it. Being with her was always worth it. With a happy sigh, he grabbed his journal, steeled himself with a couple deep breaths, and repeated his opening to himself one last time before leaving the room.

~~~~~

Y/N patted her face with the damp paper towel in the restroom. Her cheeks were unbearably warm, her hair a mess. Carefully, she sniffed at her sweater. Good. It smelled like perfume, not sex. How did Arthur, who had been remarkably timid when they'd first met, become the one person who could inspire her to be so brazen? Whatever the answer, she loved it. Once she freshened up, was satisfied no one would be able to tell what had transpired, she headed back to her seat.

The club was nice, a bit more modern than Pogo's. While the lighting was low, the color scheme was a mix of black, grey, and silver. Arthur's maroon suit would be a pop of color against the painted brick wall at the back of the stage. The place was smaller overall, the space for the audience about two-thirds of what Arthur was used to. It was fairly crowded, though, and the groups that were there seemed to be having a nice time.

Patricia's eyes held suspicion when Y/N finally sat down at the black table for two at the back. "Where the hell have you been?"

"I was just wishing Arthur good luck." Y/N sipped at her Tequila Sunrise nonchalantly. It was the drink she always ordered at his shows. Her legs crossed under the table and she swung her foot back and forth.

"You were gone almost twenty minutes." Patricia nudged her arm. "How much luck did he need?"

"An abundance." Her friend's smirk was impossible to miss, even as Y/N focused on her cocktail glass. Patricia was onto her. Of course. "Sorry. I didn't mean to ditch you," she said. "I'll cover your tab." Patricia’s response was to grab the drink menu.

When the lights dimmed, Y/N straightened with anticipation. Arthur came out, notebook in hand, and gave a little wave. Standing in front of the mic, he surveyed the crowd, as always, and nodded at Y/N when he spotted her. She admired his wrinkled outfit, his mostly slicked back hair, the lingering blush on his sharp cheekbones. Everyone else in this room probably assumed his color was due to nerves. But she knew what it was a remnant of. Savoring the secret held between them, she pressed her legs together and smiled.

~~~~~

Tag list (Let me know if you want to be added!): @harmonioussolve @howdylilflower @sweet-nothings04 @stephieraptorr @rommies @fallenstarsabyss @gruffle1​ @octopus-plasma​ @tsukiakarinobara​ @arthur-flecks-lovely-smile​ @another-day-in-chuckletown​ @hhandley80

[dcbbw]

Sneak Peek Sunday (8-23-2020)

I know for certain I was tagged by @sophie-and-shizuku​, and I think I may have been tagged by @bebepac​. Honestly, I have not had a lot of time to work on anything because of work obligations but I do have a fic ready to post and a handful of almost-there WIPs; fics that if I just sat down and added one more section, or did a final read-through on, I could post.

For Sneak Peek Sunday, I present to you my They’re Almost Ready list.

Boomerang (Un-Romance AU):

Maxwell.

I wonder what he is doing here. Then I hear his voice carry over my partition.

“Hey, Reebee,” he says, using his nickname for me.

“Max!” I say a little too loudly and a lot too cheerfully.

He steps to my ‘doorway’. “I come bearing treats,” he announces as he holds out a brown paper bag in one hand and my pink drink in the other.

I tell him to come in, and he plops in the guest chair before handing me my drink and cookies. I place them on my desk and roll my chair around so I’m facing him. I eye him appraisingly: Maxwell looks good. He’s still slim with a head full of gelled hair; his face is still handsome in an odd way. Maxwell is the type that is always animated: eyes flashing and sparkling, a permanent half smile lifting one corner of his mouth, hands moving.

A man in motion.

Right now, his leg is jiggling while his fingers tap and dance against his pant-covered thigh.

“What brings you here?” I ask curiously.

“I dropped Pen off this morning and walking her to the elevator, we ran into Lynn going on a coffee run.”

I freeze momentarily. Maxwell dropped Penelope off? “You and Pen?” I ask in what I hope is a casual tone.

He nods happily. “I ran into her at a pet shelter a couple of weekends ago. We talked some, grabbed some lunch, and we’ve been … hanging out ever since.”

“He was looking for a peacock!” Penelope offered helpfully from her cubicle.

I nod slowly. “Hanging out,” I repeat.

Max’s eyes grow wide as he takes in my expression. “It’s not like that.”

We stare at each other. The yet is unspoken. 

Ghosts (Damien/Kai/Hayden ):

We were eating dinner in the living room. America’s Most Eligible was on, and for whatever reason, Kai and Hayden absolutely love that show. There were shrieks of laughter and finger pointing at the television set while I watched them absently, barely tasting my dinner.

Hayden noticed my lack of scoffing and reprimand and looked at me quizzically. “Are you okay, love?”

Kai put down her forkful of food to look at me through narrowed eyes. “Does this have to do with that client? What’s the job, Damien?”

She is neither suspicious nor jealous, just protective. Kai doesn’t love deeply or passionately; she loves fiercely.

I sip some cold beer. “I don’t know the job yet. I have to meet with them to find out.”

They both look at me skeptically. I shrug. “I just … I don’t know. I feel disconnected and I don’t know why.”

Except I do. I’m lying to the two most important people in my life, after mom and siblings, because of a man who left me three years ago. Over a phone call. I didn’t hear from him when I was heartbroken. I didn’t hear from him when robot assassins and a crazy man were trying to kill me and my friends.

No, he waits until I’m happy again to call. And I answered.

Love in a Time of Betrayal:

The light in the room was muted as the late afternoon sun filtered in through the closed window blinds. The heavy damask curtains were pulled open, tied back with cords of silk rope. They reminded her of an opera box.

Her hands ran down the front of his shirt, frantically pulling buttons through their holes; the diamond on her finger sparkled in the muted light of the room. The fabric was soft beneath her fingertips. Silk? Often washed cotton? It didn’t matter as she pulled the shirt from his broad shoulders. He let out a low laugh at her eagerness, his hair falling across his forehead in an endearing way.

She couldn’t wait to run her fingers through it.

The man pulled her closer to his bare chest, his short curly hairs matted to his skin. She breathed him in: pinecones, green grass, cognac. A hint of leather. Her lips found the crook of his neck and placed a kiss on his collarbone. He responded by planting a kiss in her hair.

They were star-crossed lovers, their hearts and their fates always at odds. The very Universe telling them constantly that they were not to be together, yet their bodies spoke differently.

Their love spoke differently.

She wondered if what they shared was lust or love, and always decided love. Lust could be sated, but her feelings for him never were.

He knew he loved her, with every fiber of his being. But he saw the signs: every chance they had at happiness was snatched away; sometimes cruelly, sometimes subtly. Either way, the pain was the same:

Deep. Hurtful. So intense not even the sweet release of death would alleviate it.

But here they were again, under the most trying of circumstances, attempting to right their world the only way they knew how.

The Queen’s Friendship:

The woman and Veronica were sitting in a dive bar, eating burgers and drinking beers. It had been five years since high school graduation, and their group of friends had disbanded:

Brenda’s mother had died soon after graduation, and she and her siblings had sold the house and divided the money. Brenda moved to Richmond, VA and had gotten a job with the state government. She was expecting her first child any day.

James had gotten a football scholarship from Auburn University. He played well, but not well enough to be noticed by the NFL. He was working as an accountant in Birmingham.

Michael D. had joined the Army.

Michael B. had moved to DC to attend Howard University and was applying to the police academy.

Shirley was in nursing school, and roommates with Rosalind, who was now a cosmetologist.

Ryan had gotten a degree in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. He had always liked sports, but not playing them. He was waiting to hear back from the school board about a coaching position.

Veronica had gotten her meeting planning certification and was now looking to get into real estate.

The woman had her degree in Office Administration, along with the rest of the world. She had applied to several places but had yet to hear back.

Veronica dipped her French fry in ketchup as she studied the woman’s face. “I need you to be there! We’ve been friends forever and I want you to be my maid of honor!”

“You and Ryan are getting married?” The woman repeated her friend’s earlier statement, feeling foolish. Why, she wasn’t sure.

Veronica leaned back, tapping her nail against her chin. “I thought you were over Ryan?”

“I am! I am!” the woman hurriedly reassured her lifelong friend. “I just … wow, life is moving fast.”

Veronica nodded as she sat up straight. “It is, but it’s right, ya know?”

The woman nodded, but she didn’t know. She didn’t know how right felt. The two friends finished their meal, and on their way out, the woman saw a sign hanging on the wall: Now hiring waitresses, all shifts.

How I Met Your Wife:

The Duchess stopped fussing long enough to allow Yu to greet her deferentially; Riley smiled at the pretty, slim waitress and asked if there were a more private dining area she and her friends could enjoy their lunch. Yu arched an eyebrow; already the waitress held resentment against the Duchess. Of course she would want to lord her power and position over everyone else.

With a grunt, Yu led them to the private dining area reserved for large and/or private parties. Once the group was seated, Riley grasped Yu’s hand. “Thank you so much for accommodating my request. My appreciation will be reflected in your gratuity.”

Yu looked at the Duchess with a touch of incredulity before saying, “It’s the least I can do given that the King is offering the orchard workers some relief. I have family members who are affected.”

Riley looked at the waitress with concerned eyes before rummaging in her purse. “What are their names?”

Yu gave her the names before leaving the table with menus. She didn’t expect anything to come of it, but at least the new Duchess gave good lip service. She returned with the tea service in time to hear the Duchess on her phone arguing with someone who had to be the King.

“NO, you CANNOT return to the manor, Liam! And NO ONE is coming to the Palace! How in the HELL are you going to suggest WE use the SAME BAKER you and Madeleine were going to use?”

Silence as the Duchess listened to whatever the King was saying.

“I DO NOT CARE THAT THEY ARE THE ROYAL BAKERS! DO I LOOK ROYAL TO YOU?”

Yu hung back, not sure what to do. Riley smiled, and waved her over. “I am going to find a local Valtorian baker for the cake.” Brief silence. “IT ISN’T OUR WEDDING CAKE! I have three people, possibly four, with me RIGHT NOW who would LOVE to be the Duke of Valtoria! Don’t worry about who they are!’

More silence, then the Duchess hung up the phone. She looked at Yu. “The King will be joining us. Please send him here when he arrives.”

Coronation:

I run my hand through my hair while keeping the other on the steering wheel. The car is quiet, too quiet. I turn on the radio and a melancholy song fills the sedan.

And I bruise when you leave the room I never liked the way it felt Keepin' my hands to myself, mmm

Like some magic moment of which I'm not quite sure I wonder if you've ever been in love like this before You'll be scared when I possess you But you'll want me all the more

The music doesn’t help because my brain is filled with questions and images. There’s not enough room for the music and I impatiently turn the radio off. My phone rings; my hand fumbles on the passenger seat and I pull my eyes from the nearly empty road long enough to see it’s Beaumont calling and press the speaker button to answer.

“Yeah?” I growl as I check the speedometer and press a little harder on the gas pedal.

“Drake! We got Little Blossom! She’s going to stay!” he babbles excitedly in my ear.

I am quiet for a moment before I respond. “That’s great. Liam will be happy to hear it.” I don’t bother to ask Maxwell why he convinced Brooks to stay.

Liam made a choice. It wasn’t her.

“I thought you’d be more excited,” Maxwell says with some confusion in his voice.

“Olivia showed up at the Coronation, talked to Liam, and left. Then the pictures of Brooks came out. Wondering if there’s a connection.”

“You think Liv sent the pictures?”

I roll my eyes in annoyance. I try to keep the irritation out of my response. “No, Beaumont. I’m wondering if whoever did this to Brooks is behind Liv’s leaving.”

Desperate Measures:

Blinking back tears, Bertrand glanced at his watch. He raised an eyebrow as he realized it was almost time for his visitors. They were coming to meet with the stoic, confident Duke of Ramsford, not some maudlin, lovesick fool whose bank account was dangerously close to being overdrawn.

He pulled his papers together in neat stack and centered them precisely in the middle of the desk. He opened a drawer, and retrieved his lint brush, rolling it in brisk strokes over his suit jacket and sweater vest. Before leaving the study, he reached in a candy dish; he plucked a breath mint, which he popped in his mouth.

The Duke strode down the hall, ignoring the paintings and photos that lined the walls. He needed to check on lunch; the cook had been with the Beaumont family for decades; she still came in twice a week to do the grocery shopping and prepare dinner for the Duke and Lord. The rest of the staff had been let go; Bertrand could not afford to pay them, and people needed to make a living.  

Bertrand trusted the chef implicitly, and normally wouldn’t micromanage, but today was important.

This meeting could put House Beaumont back on the road to riches.

Crown Prince Liam’s social season was starting in two days’ time; Maxwell had accompanied the Prince and some friends to New York City. Bertrand had tasked him with finding a wealthy American socialite who may be willing to sponsor herself in the season. It was a long shot, but Bertrand was desperate. Nothing seemed too farfetched at this point.

House Beaumont could not afford to sponsor anyone; however, every house who entered a suitor received a stipend to cover expenses such as clothing, food, and transportation. The House with the winning suitor received press coverage and a check to be split with the suitor.

Bertrand needed a winning suitor.

But the noblewomen of Cordonia did not need House Beaumont; they had their own houses, and no need to come out of pocket. However, there was one suitor who was entering the season who came from a minor noble house. A suitor whose name was unknown despite her mother having strong ties to Cordonia.

A suitor who had money, and lots of it.

Lady Hana Lee of Shanghai.

What are you working on @ao719​ @bobasheebaby​ @katedrakeohd​ @glaimtruelovealways​ @burnsoslow​ @thecordoniandiaries​ @bbrandy2002​

[myhockeyworld87]

Choices - Tyler Seguin/Jamie Benn - Part 28

Word Count: 2,037

POV: Reader

Warnings: None that I can think of but I always say language just in case.

Notes: I put a little Jamie love in here for those that think I’m only focusing on Tyler. Voting is open until 8PM EST Friday!!! Happy Reading

Choices Master

When you woke up the following morning after sneaking around Tyler's you were ready to get answers; no matter what they were. There was obviously something going on between Kathleen and Tara, though you couldn't quite put your finger on it just yet. So, you got up and got ready hoping to catch Kathleen. You weren't sure how you were going to confront her. Did you just walk up to her apartment, knock on the door, and demand to know what's going on? You had a feeling that she wouldn't tell you the truth even if you had evidence in your hand; so that plan was a no go.

 Your only other option was to follow her. Which is how you found yourself sitting in your car across the street from where she lived. It didn't take long for her to emerge, but what you didn't expect was to see Tara with her. However, that wasn't what had you following the two down the road. It was the fact that Tara, in a matter of two weeks looked nine months pregnant. There was no way that she could've hidden something like that in such a short time. Hell, you were having twins and didn't look that big. Besides, she'd flat out told you she met Tyler so he could give her money for an abortion. Which obviously didn't happen, given the way she looked right now.

 At the moment you could only come up with one solution to the whole thing, and that was that she was faking being pregnant. If she was doing this to some other guy, then she could totally have faked her pregnancy with Christopher. There were still a million questions in your head and as you followed Kathleen's car.

 The two drove to a ritzier section in town, not far from where Tyler and Jamie lived. The neighborhood was quiet and afforded the owners some privacy, but you could still see them pull into the drive of a home that was just a tad fancier than Tyler's. Both got out then and went inside. It didn't seem as if the owner was home, for you saw them enter the code to get inside. It couldn't have been more than thirty minutes and you saw Kathleen leave, though this time by herself. Part of you wanted to follow her, but instead, you decided to wait out and see what was happening with Tara.

 Shortly after, Kathleen left, a man in a Bentley pulled into the garage. What you wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall in that house. It wasn't more than twenty minutes later, Tara came out of the house crying. The man following after her. From your hideout, on the side street, you couldn't quite hear what the were saying. The man was obviously flustered, but there was something about the way Tara was acting that you could tell she wasn't crying real tears. A few minutes later Tara pulled some papers out of her purse and the man signed the forms, before thrusting them back at her. He stood there for several minutes just looking at her until an Uber pulled up and Tara got in; which was now your cue to follow her.

 You ended up at a decent house in a nice neighborhood in Dallas. Kathleen's car was sitting in the driveway and as Tara exited the vehicle; she came out to greet her. That's when all your suspicions were confirmed, for Tara reached around and pulled off some sort of prosthetic baby belly. She was obviously scamming that man out of money. The question was had she been doing the same to Tyler? And if so how could you prove it. You needed to find out if Christopher was real, and maybe finding out who the man was Tara had just scammed could help you with that. You headed home to see if you could discover some more information on the guy before you went any further.

 Your phone rang on the way back. "Hey Jame, what's up?" you answered.

 "Hi, sweetheart. How are you and the twins doing today?"

 "We're doing great."

 "Sounds like you're in the car. Where are you off to this morning?"

 You couldn't very well tell Jamie what you'd been up to. He'd been so insistent that you not put any more stress in your life, but this was something that you couldn't let go since it might potentially affect your children. "Just running a few errands." Which wasn't a total lie. There was just no reason to divulge the specifics.

 "Well, I hope you're taking it easy."

 "I am, Jame. I promise. So, how are things in Tampa?"

 "Good, but I miss you like crazy." You could even hear it in his voice.

 "I miss you too." You really did. When Jamie was home the two of you had fallen into this comfort level with each other. On nights that he didn't have to play, the two of you would cook dinner together, end up watching some game on the television, then finally end up in bed; where sleeping wasn't necessarily a priority. Your second trimester had really upped your hormones to a new level, but thankfully Jamie had been more than willing to satisfy all your hormonal urges. "What time will you be home tomorrow?"

 "Not till late, though we are flying straight back after the game; so, don't wait up."

 "I can always take a nice long nap during the day." He chuckled at your response. The two of you talked for another hour or more, about nothing in particular, but then you'd always been able to do that with Jamie. It was only because the twins were starving that you ended hanging up. "Ok hun, I'm going to go feed these little ones that are growling inside me."

 "Well if I were there, sweetheart, you know I'd make you something."

 "Can't you just fly home and be with me?" you whined to him. "Forget I asked that. I know you and I know you'd do it if it was possible. It's one of the reasons why I love you so much."

 "Just one?" He teased.

 "Oh stop! You know there's a million." And there really were. Jamie seemed to show you every day that he really was the only man you were meant to be with. "Now hang up, before I regret saying anything more."

 "I love you, (Y/N)."

 "I love you more."

 "Couldn't possibly. Now go feed our children." He kissed you through the phone and you returned it, before hanging up and heading straight for the kitchen. You chopped up some leftover chicken and threw it into a salad before heading straight for your laptop to do some digging on the guy you saw with Tara. You tried not to get your hopes up as you did reverse address lookup, though luck seemed to be on your side. The name Philip Brentwood popped up on the screen. After a quick google search, you'd found that he was a wealthy entrepreneur that had made his money in the tech business. He was also older with a wife and a couple adult children. This meant that he'd probably had an affair with Tara and didn't want his wife finding out about it.

 Now that you had all this information, you didn’t know what to do with it. There was no phone number tied to the address and it wasn’t like you could actually call him up; he’d probably think you were a complete loon, telling him that some random woman was lying to him about having his child. You were really stuck between a rock and a hard place at the moment. There was always stalking him as you did with Tara and Kathleen, but what would it really prove. You’d look crazier than Tara actually was. The information that you’d collected was enough for you to question whether or not Christopher was real, and now that you knew where Tara lived; it gave you access to find out the answer. You needed to stage a run-in with her, at her place and figure a way inside.

 Which is how you found yourself parked on a side street, yet still able to see her house the next day. You knew you wouldn’t be able to stay there the whole day long and just wait for her, but you thought if we went in the afternoon you might catch her going for lunch or meeting up with friends. It was about an hour into the stakeout that you saw some movement inside. You got out of your car and made it look as though you were going out to get some exercise, or at least that was going to be your excuse when you ran into her. As she turned around after locking the house, you saw a moment of recognition mixed with fear in her eyes. “Tara is that you? I didn’t know you lived in the neighborhood.” You tried to put on an Oscar-worthy performance when you greeted her.

 “(Y/N)? Um…yeah. I’ve lived here for a while.” She made her way over to you. “How are you doing?” She asked obviously referring to your bump.

 “We’ve been doing ok,” You rubbed your belly to emphasize you were speaking for the babies as well. “Just moved to this area a couple weeks ago, and thought I’d get a little exercise while checking everything out.”

 “Oh! So you’re not with Tyler anymore?” She seemed excited about the prospect that Tyler was single again, but you didn’t know if it was for her or Kathleen.

 “No, after our talk, I felt it best we went our own ways. If he can’t acknowledge his own son; I’m not sure I want him in my child’s life.” Your statement seemed to throw her for a loop, for all she could do was nod her head up a few times. “Speaking of Christopher,” well technically you weren’t but you thought this gave a little lead-in. “Where is your sweet little boy? I'd love to meet him."

 “Umm…a…he’s not here.” She was definitely flustered over your asking about the child. “My mom came by about twenty minutes ago and picked him up for the day." The lie rolled so easily off her tongue and since you'd been sitting there for an hour; you knew no one had come to her house. Now, who was giving the performance?

 “Oh, I’m so sorry I missed him. Maybe now that we’re practically neighbors and all we could get together sometime. I mean I’m going to need all the single mom tips I can get.”

 “Umm…yeah…sure. Some other time I’ve really got to run now.” She said stepping away from you. You couldn’t let her leave, this was the only time you had before Jamie came home to prove that something was going on here.

 “I understand, sorry to…OOHH,” you grabbed your stomach as if something was wrong with the babies. It was so wrong to use them in this way and you hoped that God would forgive you for it. “OH, the pain. It hurts so bad.” You were being way overdramatic but it did get her to stop and come over to you. Maybe the bitch had a heart after all.

 “Are you ok?”

 “I don’t know. Do you have a place I can sit for a moment?” She looked around as if a chair would magically appear on the lawn but didn’t.

 “Of course, come inside.” She helped you in, and you continued to hold the babies and wince out in pain every now and then to keep your charade going. She unlocked the door and led you inside. What you saw you couldn’t believe.

   ***************************************************************************************

Choices time.

 A)    As you make your way through the house, you see pictures of Tyler. Some were of the two of you but she cut you out and put her pic in instead.

B)    There’s not one thing in the house that shows a sign that she has a baby. No toys, bottles, clothes, etc…

C)    The prosthetic baby bump is laying on the floor.

Voting closes at 8PM EST Friday

[howggswouldreact]

❗️ What’s Wrong with Gahyeon? | Gahyeon

Request: Hello my insomnia friend, this is my second request because your writing is so good. The request is Gahyeon telling the reader that she is pregnant. As you can probably tell she’s my bias. She’s so beautiful. Thanks in advance

Plot: Gahyeon's strange mood change leads the ingenuous Reader to be confused. But soon, everything becomes clearer when a good discovery is made.

Words: 1,498

Genre: fluff

Notes: i tried to make it as neutral as i could, i hope i did a good job. have a nice read! ♡

There was something wrong with Gahyeon.

You knew what was wrong but surely you didn't know why. Yet, you realized that something different was going on in the past few weeks. And, even though you knew these strange things were happening, you didn't know exactly how to ask her anything other than "is everything okay?".

The weird things that were going on made you think a lot and never come to a conclusion. For example, sudden mood changes.

At times, Gahyeon was completely kind. You would wake up being covered by kisses and praises, long hugs and loving words spoken in your ear. But, later in the day, Gahyeon was suddenly furious at the way you pressed the buttons on the television’s remote control, saying that you were doing it too hard and, of course, would break it.

In fact, you were just pressing the buttons like you always did, it was no big deal, just something... normal. And that was what you responded to her, very calmly but a little surprised by the sudden change in her mood.

This led to another sudden change, which brought with it a pout on her lips, tears in her eyes and made her voice sounds fragile. All of this led you to embrace her, even with all the confusion forming in your head.

There were mornings during the weekend when you woke up before her, tried to wake her up with kisses, lots of affection, in every gentle way possible, but it was no use.

"5 minutes.", Gahyeon said, turning those 5 minutes into more two hours.

You thought it could be due to the effort to practice choreography for a new single or album, but remembered that the other times she had prepared for a comeback she didn’t act that way. When she used to ask you for the 5 minutes it was, in fact, 5 minutes. If it was more than that, it was only 10 more minutes. They didn't turn into a couple hours.

And as soon as she lay in bed again at night, she was even more sleepy. She did not even wish you good night; she could only put her head on the pillow and her mind would already travel to the world of dreams.

Maybe the comeback that Dreamcatcher was preparing was really exhausting, that's why she was so tired, you decided to think that way. So, in order not to fill her with questions, you just let her rest.

"Shall we eat something?", you suggested as you walked hand in hand through the park near your apartment at a Saturday afternoon.

"Of course."

"What you want to eat?"

"Hmm... I think I would like to eat a hot dog.", Gahyeon said, a smile on her lips as you both walked over to a foodtruck.

When you arrived, there were a feel people in line. You said your orders and, when Gahyeon was finishing hers, her last sentence caught you off guard.

"Oh, could you put condensed milk in it?", she said, as if it was the most natural thing.

The man inside the truck was motionless for a few seconds, not understanding what that request was about, thinking that it was some kind of joke since it had never been asked before. And you stood beside her, frowning, a big question mark on your face because in so long in a relationship with Gahyeon, knowing all her preferences and favorite foods, that had never happened. 

And condensed milk? On the hot dog? This was something completely new.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we don't have condensed milk.", he said, still wondering about the order.

"Ah, that’s sad... I was really in the mood to have a hot dog with some condensed milk. But maybe next time.", she thanked you and you took your orders.

You teased her a little about it and for the rest of the week you made some jokes related to condensed milk.

"Hey, honey, I'm cooking some pasta, do you want what kind of sauce? Or maybe you prefer condensed milk...", you laughed but, inside Gahyeon's mind, it didn't seem like a bad idea.

She complained of back pain, nausea and dizziness. You insisted on taking her to the hospital, feeling like this couldn't be normal, but Gahyeon said she needed to dedicate herself to the comeback. She would just take a deep breath and soon it would all be over.

You didn't know what exactly was wrong, but you knew it was making everything... weird.

Then one day, on your way home from work, you opened the door and heard some laughter coming from the living room. You left your shoes by the door and followed the laughter.

All the girls were there, Gahyeon sitting on the big L shapped sofa with Siyeon, Yoohyeon and Minji on her left, Handong, Dami and Bora on her right, there was music playing but it was low and you couldn't be able to hear it because of the conversation.

"Oh, are you having a party and you didn't invite me? And in my own apartment?", you said playfully.

All eyes turned to you and the girls smiled at you.

"Hey, Y/N, in reality we were already leaving...", Siyeon said, standing up and looking at the others, signaling them to do the same.

"Ah, yeah... You have a lot to talk about," said Minji, patting your shoulder.

”Like a lot!”, Yoohyeon said, patting your head.

Without understanding a thing, you remained standing in the room as they said their goodbyes and headed for the door. Gahyeon was sitting on the couch, quiet, but with a beautiful smile hanging on her face. You knew she was hiding something, but you didn't know exactly what it was. All the doubts were driving you crazy.

"Okay... I'm clearly missing something here.", You said, eyes narrowed on Gahyeon.

"Come here, love ...", she called you and you sat next to her on the sofa. "Today I got sick while filming the MV and-"

"What? And you didn't call me? Jeez, Gahyeon!"

"Hey, it's okay, I'm already fine, really.", she took your hands and caressed them. "It was the manager's perfume. It was too strong and I threw up and it was a mess... But anyway, it doesn't matter. They took me to the hospital and I had to do a few exams."

"And now you're feeling better, right?", you asked, obviously concerned.

Gahyeon's smile widened and she looked at you with teary eyes. The silence that followed your question could be replaced by a drum roll and would have the same result: your heart and breathing slightly accelerated, worries running through your veins. Whatever it was, Gahyeon should say it right before you freak out.

"Look, love, say it before I-"

"I'm Pregnant."

You said at the same time. Your face froze and you swore that the silence followed by Gahyeon's words could make it possible for you to hear a needle falling on the ground from miles away. Your heart was beating but you didn't know if you were breathing. Was she serious? Or was it a prank?

You looked at her face, that beautiful smile on her sweet lips and her eyes letting a few tears of happiness escape on a path down her fluffy cheeks. You wiped away her tears and took a deep breath.

"Are you serious?", your voice was low, almost like a whisper.

"Yes, I am pregnant, love."

"Wow.", you allowed yourself to smile and it all started to make sense in your head.

All the doubts you had about sudden changes in mood, excessive sleep, dizziness, nausea, these were all signs of the preciousness that Gahyeon kept inside her. A little secret from you both that in a few months would emerge into this world bringing even more joy to the apartment that you shared for some years.

You finally found out what was wrong with Gahyeon and in fact there was nothing wrong with her, she was perfect, everything was perfect and going an even better way. And looking at her, the prettiest woman in the world, you felt lucky.

"So are we going to have a baby?", you couldn't stop smiling at her, your faces were close and you caressed her cheek.

"We are going to have a baby.", she agreed and you allowed yourself to join her in happy tears.

"Well, it looks like now I'm going to have to take care of two babies at home, then.", you joked and made her laugh.

You knew that, with the arrival of a child in your lives, new responsibilities and concerns would also come, you would need to dedicate yourself a lot to this little life that would make everything feels better with their coming. But with Gahyeon, you knew you could be stronger than anything.

"I hope you're ready...", you said with a confident smile. "... because we will be the best parents in the world."

[zambie-trashart]

Prime Queen: Rewritten Series

Read the whole series

Summary: Being outed is never fun, especially on live television. Looks like the Jon protection squad is back at it again after Nadja tries to take her show prime time without caring who she hurts along the way to get there.

...........................

Jon waved to his cousin on his way down to see Damian. They were going to watch the interview of Ladybug and Chat Noir first hand thanks to Lois and Clark. It was too bad that Marinette had to find a way out of babysitting Manon to get to the interview. Jon was sure that she would find a way.

They stood behind the camera and heard Nadja talking to her supervisor and Chat dropped down in front of her scaring her making Jon laugh a little. Chat looked over and smiled nervously at Jon. Chat still couldn’t get the sight of Jon’s shirtless body out of his head.

“Where’s Ladybug, I assumed that you two would be coming together?” Nadja asked looking for the spotted girl.

“Oh, she’s not here, she must be running a little late,” Chat said shrugging. 

...........................

Marinette was panicking, she wanted to get to the interview on time so she called Alya and ditched her. If Alya called into the show, she would be doomed.

Ladybug swung across the city of Paris and fell into her seat just in time. She looked over and saw Jon and Damian behind the camera and Jon was laughing at her.

Nadja did a quick introduction and started answering calls. Chloe called in first and then Alya which led to some panic on Ladybug’s part. She felt guilty and saw Jon shaking his head at her smiling.

The ratings on the show still weren’t high enough so Nadja got serious.

“Ladybug and Chat Noir, the city has been hearing about possible partners for the both of you and one happens to be in the room right now. Ladybug, you have been seen around with Robin lately as well,” Nadja says and Damian pushes Jon behind him and is ready to go up onto the stage to shut that shit down. Jon pulled on Damian’s arm.

“She has no proof Damian,” Jon said trying to calm Damian down.

“What makes you say that?” Ladybug growled eyes narrowing trying to protect her cousin. Pictures then appeared on screen. Ladybug and Robin’s kiss from trying to stop Dark Cupid, Chat cornering Jon in the alleyway kissing him to stop Dark Cupid, Robin holding Ladybug from the back helping her learn how to use a sword, and tons of others.

“Those are pictures taken out of context!” Chat yells and Damian is pulling Jon out of the room and Jon’s shoulders are shaking which meant that he was either laughing or crying.

“Sorry, but we have to go,” Ladybug said pulling Chat with her and after the two boys. 

...........................

“Damian, don’t,” Jon said tears covering his face as Damian picked up his sword and placed his mask on his face.

“She deserves to burn in hell for what she’s done,” Robin said holding out his sword and Ladybug and Chat stood in front of the two boys.

“Where’s your friend from earlier?” Chat asked looking at Robin.

“Left to call his dad to sue Nadja for outing me on national T.V. just rich kid stuff,” Jon said sniffling.

“Why are you here?” Ladybug asked pointing to Robin.

“I was always here, I do help out here and I figured that since you guys were going to be busy I should look out for the city but when I swung by here you guys were being embarrassed on television so I figured that I should look out for an akuma,” Robin said and Jon still had tears rolling down his face. Jon stood up and grabbed Chat’s arm pulling him to the elevator so they could talk without any interruptions.

“That’s clearly going to go well,” Ladybug said going to follow them with Robin right behind her.

“Chat, I-I don’t even know what to say, I didn’t know that those would be on T.V. and now... now I don’t know what to do. How were you so confident in coming out as gay?” Jon asked and Chat’s eyes widened. Chat thought that Jon was at least bi but being gay was even better.

“It wasn’t easy but I always knew that I would have people there for me when I needed them the most. I’ll always be there for you,” Chat said and Jon ran up and hugged him.

“Chat...” Jon was cut off when a giant screen went off calling herself Prime Queen.

Ladybug and Robin were outside too. Chloe was taken and put on a speeding train.

“We have to go through the screen,” Jon said and Chat looked at him like he was crazy.

“You aren’t going anywhere, you could get hurt,” Chat said holding Jon’s shoulders.

“Oh please, my mother did more dangerous shit trying to get a story she never ran the other way even when things were worse and Doomsday was about to destroy the entire known world,” Jon said sassing Chat.

The squad went through the screen and on the other side Chloe was waiting for them.

“The only way to get the train to stop is to give me your miraculous!” Prime Queen yelled.

“Wait! You wanted to know about our partners, I know something that will boost your ratings,” Chat said making everyone in the cart freeze. Chat grabbed Jon’s face. “Pucker up,” Chat whispered winking and Jon went bright red. Damian grabbed Chat’s tail and pulled him back.

“Not a chance,” Robin said making Nadja mad. She disappeared for a while and the train stopped making Jon fall on Chat making Chat let out a low grumbling noise. 

“Did you just purr?” Jon asked jumping off of him. Chat just shrugged and a new portal was opened that the four went through.

...........................

They were trying to come up with a plan while stuck in a freezer. Ladybug covered the screen and Prime Queen came through. They struck her watch and they were all free to go. Chat and Jon stuck around.

“I’m so sorry for hurting you,” Nadja said knowing that Lois could end her career in seconds. 

“Next time, just try not to publicly out people on live television and we’ll be good,” Chat said helping Nadja up and walking her out of the room winking at Jon on the way out.

“Yeah, but I’m sure I can live with the consequences of being outed if it means getting to see you more,” Jon sighed to himself before shaking his head and walking out of the kitchen.

...........................

Nadja had started a new show and her first guest was Alya to talk about the Ladyblog.

“Let’s just set the record straight, Ladybug and Chat Noir do not have romantic partners... yet,” Alya said winking.

“Thanks for helping me out with that Alya!” Jon said and Marinette and Manon were there with them.

“So when can I have your autograph?” Marinette asked teasing.

“When you get me an internship with your aunt,” Alya said back and they took a picture together and Alya signed it.

Jon looked out the window and saw Chat waving at him. Totally worth it.

...........................

The Jon Protection Squad:

@loveswifi @ash-amg @toodaloo-kangaroo @mochegato @wannajointhecrabcult​

Damian forgot all of his excuse training in this

[suitofvibraniumarmor]

Boston Boys [Part Sixteen]

Summary: John and Aurelie make amends; Sebastian has reason to be suspicious of Scarlett.  Pairing: Chris Evans x OFC, John Krasinski x OFC Word Count: 1867 Chapter Warnings: Discussion of criminal activity including murder ... I think that’s it? A/N: This story contains a character who lost her hearing as she got older. I do work closely and regularly with the D/deaf community (I’m a sign language interpreter), but my own hearing problems do not involve significant hearing loss. It is not my intention to offend anyone, only to bring in a character with a quality I don’t see often in other fics. If you have questions about her, feel free to ask :)

Additionally, I have decided to attempt to post a chapter a day until we get to the end of this bad boy. Since the fic is completed, it’s just a matter of me getting off my butt and putting the posts together!

Boston Boys Masterlist

The rain was coming down hard when John got home from closing the bar. John ran for the front door, unlocked it and got inside before he could get any more drenched than he already was.

He took a warm shower and put on a pair of thin sweats and a plain white t-shirt. A beer and sports highlights sounded good before bed, so he popped the top off a glass bottle and tuned in to ESPN. The announcer only got through the highlights of one game before John’s doorbell rang.

John muted the television and reached for the handgun hidden under the coffee table. He kept it behind him as he looked out the peephole, but tossed it back to the couch when he saw Aurelie on his porch. He flung the door open and pulled her inside.

“Are you crazy? It’s pouring out there!” he scolded.

She sniffled and looked up at him. Her eyes were red and her face was splotchy -- a sure sign she had spent a fair amount of time crying. Shaking her head, she apologized for showing up at this hour.

“I took my implant off because of the rain so I only caught some of what you said,” Aurelie admitted. “Anyway. I’m sorry about our fight the other day -- it was my fault.”

John shook his head. “No, Aurelie --”

“Robbie Evans killed my dad,” Aurelie blurted out. “The detectives tried to tell me when they came back to question me that day, and today I mentioned it to Chris. He knew this whole time. This whole time! He’s been the only person I trusted and he’s been bringing me money from Robbie and I thought it was because Robbie has thought all this time my deafness was his fault -- but now to find out -- Chris is all I have left and now I don’t even have him!”

She broke down then, holding her face in her hands and crying silently. John came forward and pulled her to him. He let her cry it out until she stepped back and apologized again, this time for coming at all.

“Don’t apologize,” he said, speaking the words clearly and signing as best he could. “You’ve got me. Maybe you don’t have Chris, but you’ve got me. I love you, kid.”

“I love you too, Johnny,” Aurelie said, managing a sad smile.

He helped her to his room and into one of his t-shirts. He changed into a fresh pair of pajamas, then they sat together on the couch, watching the sports highlights until John finished his beer. Then, he shut the house down while Aurelie waited for him in bed.

“Are you still mad at me?” she asked.

John sighed. “I was never mad at you. I was mad at myself. You deserve better than what I can give you. You deserve normal.”

“Normal’s just a setting on the washing machine,” Aurelie shrugged. “That’s what my mentor used to say, anyway. This is our normal, and I wouldn’t want anything else if it meant not having you.”

John smiled and kissed her softly, made sure she was tucked in and comfortable, then switched off the bedroom light and joined her in the bed.

Candles were lit on the table, a vase was full of her favorite flowers, and quiet music set the mood just right. Scarlett adjusted her dress as she followed Sebastian to the table where he pulled out her chair.

“My lady,” he smiled.

Scarlett smiled, too. “Well, sir, you’re quite the gentleman. This place is amazing … what’s the occasion?”

Sebastian ordered a bottle of wine for them, then turned to his date. “I got the all-clear from the doctor today. I’m completely healed from the gunshot wound. Felt like celebrating and there’s no one else I’d rather celebrate with.”

Scarlett giggled; she never giggled. Being with Seb, though, made her feel like she could be whoever she wanted to be, express herself however she felt fit the situation. She didn’t hold back with him. It was refreshing, to be honest.

“Everything looks amazing,” she sighed, looking over the menu.

“It does,” Seb agreed.

They discussed different options until they each settled on what sounded best to them. A very stately looking waiter came to take their order, then they were able to only concentrate on each other. They made small talk, voiced their observations about other people and couples in the restaurant, and when their food came, they got right down to eating, trading bites here and there. Sebastian ordered a second bottle of wine, which they made short work of.

The waiter came to clear their plates, and Scarlett excused herself to the ladies’ room. Sebastian paid the bill and fished around in his pockets for a toothpick -- then took another look around the restaurant and decided maybe a classy place like this wasn’t the place for a toothpick. The vibration of a phone caught his attention, but once he realized it wasn’t his, he let it go. Scarlett should be back soon, he would let her know that she had missed a call.

But then the phone rang again. Risking a very rare kind of rage that only Scarlett could dole out, he reached into her purse to get the device. The phone that he pulled out wasn’t the phone she normally carried with her, and the number wasn’t one that Sebastian recognized. Though he considered answering the call, he thought better of it and dropped the device back into Scarlett’s purse just before she returned from the ladies’ room -- and set the phone she normally carried on the table.

“Did I miss anything exciting?” she smiled at him, sipping at what was left of the wine in her glass.

“No, sweetheart,” Seb smirked, leaning over the table to place a soft kiss on her lips, “nothing at all.”

Elsa wasn’t sure what to do. Chris had texted her that he would be late for dinner because he was meeting Aurelie, but that was the last she had heard from him -- and that had been hours ago. Two text messages and a phone call to Chris went unanswered.

I’m really starting to get worried, Chris. At least let me know you’re okay.

The reply came a few minutes later. I’m fine.

That was it. No explanation. She wanted to ask him if he was still coming over, but the tone of the situation told her that maybe it was better to back off. Chris had given her Aurelie’s number for emergencies, so Elsa typed out a text to her but then deleted it without sending. She wasn’t in high school anymore, she wasn’t going to get Chris’s sister involved in their drama, no matter how small. She couldn’t call Brie to talk through the situation with her -- those two hadn’t spoken since their fallout in the Manhattan night club. Elsa really didn't want to hear any version of I told you so, from Brie or her mother or anyone else, so calling New York was out of the question, too.

Feeling defeated and pretty low, Elsa packaged up the meal she had cooked for herself and Chris without eating any of it. She loaded and ran the dishwasher, then went to start a bubble bath for herself. While the water ran, she wiped off her makeup, piled her hair on her head, and turned on a quiet playlist. Add in a glass of wine and by the time the tub was full, Elsa was ready to step in and forget about her hurt feelings and ruined night.

Seb had dropped Scarlett off at home and was returning to his apartment when Chris pulled up with a twelve pack. Seb chuckled.

“It’s like you read my mind, man,” he said, greeting Chris with a playful punch on the shoulder. “Just dropped Scar off, I’m ready to get out of this monkey suit and get a little fucked up.”

Chris nodded. “Yeah, I just stood Elsa up. Feel bad, but not bad enough to go over there, I guess.”

“What’s goin’ on? I thought you really liked her?”

Licking his lips, Chris nodded up to the apartment. It was better not to talk about any of this where anyone else could be listening.

Once Seb had changed and the television was on for background noise, they each popped open a beer bottle, toasted to girl troubles, and knocked back a few gulps a piece.

“The cops talked to Aurelie about me the other day,” Chris sighed. “They mentioned something about Robbie killing her dad. She wasn’t flat out asking, but -- shit, if you could have seen the way she was talking about it. She’s got too much faith in me. A piece of shit from a bad part of Boston. So, I told her the truth.”

Seb’s eyes went wide. “Fuck, Chris. Thought you were taking that one to the grave. I mean, you told me, but I never expected you to come clean to anyone else.”

“Yeah, neither did I. Aurelie’s a good person. She deserved better than to ever be dragged into this bullshit with my family. I shoulda protected her like I do Carly and Shanna. Shoulda kept my mouth shut all along.”

“You could have tried, but Aurelie’s too smart for that.”

Chris finished off that first beer and reached for another one. “Anyway. I’m probably no good for Elsa, either. I gotta break that off, soon.”

Seb leaned back against the couch. “Yeah, I’m not sure Scarlett and I are going to last much longer. She’s hiding things from me -- she might be hiding things from all of us.”

“What do you mean?”

Seb took a good, deep breath, measuring his words out carefully. He could look into the matter on his own, but his feelings for Scarlett could potentially interfere. He finished off the beer in his hand and got up to find a whiskey bottle, taking a good swig before returning to the living room.

“Can you think of any reason why Scarlett would have two phones?”

“Two phones? Scarlett’s got two phones?”

Seb recounted what had happened at dinner while Scarlett was in the ladies’ room. “Had to make a lot of excuses not to go home with her or have her come here after we paid the bill. I love that woman, and I want to trust her. Thing is though, between the two phones and the times no one seems to know where she is, I’m not sure any of us can trust her.”

Chris nodded; he could see where Sebastian was coming from. He was just as concerned, and felt like an idiot for being so caught up in Elsa and his own shit that he had neglected his responsibilities to his family. Just because he didn’t want to take any referrals, just because he wanted a normal life for a while. Now, the foundation they all rested on was potentially beginning to crumble.

“All right. Clearly we need some answers. You up for starting tonight?” Chris asked.

Seb took another couple pulls from the whiskey bottle and capped it. “Sure. Finish off that beer, then we’ll go.”

AlloftheThings: @captain-s-rogers​​​​​​​​​​​​ @star-spangled-man-with-a-plan​​​​​​​​​​​​ @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked​​​​​​​​ @hurricanerin​​​​​​​​​​​​ @horsesandbandsforlife​​​​​​​​​​​​ @im-not-an-armrest-im-short​​​​​​​​​​​​ @captain-rogers-beard​​​​​​​​​​​​ @shynara51​​​​​​​​​​​​ @sea040561​​​​​​​​​​​​  @pinknerdpanda​​​​​​​​​​​​ @xtina2191​​​​​​​​​​​​ @jackryanplz​​​​​​​​​​​​ @beakami​​​​​​​​​​​​ @heartsaved​​​​​​​​​​​​ @fullprunerebelstatesman​​​​​​​​​​​​ @blackwidowismyhomegirl​​​​​​​​​​​​

Boston Boys:  @the-murder-strut-murdered-me​​​​​​​​​​​​ @becs-bunker​​​​​​​​​​​​ @shield-agent78​​​​​​​​​​​​ @patzammit​​​​​​​​​​​​ @crazyandanonymous4u​​​​​​​​​​​​ @ntlmundy​​​​​​​​​​​​​ @jennmurawski13​​​​​​​​​​​​​ @okay-maybe-i-like-marvel-too​​​​​​​​​​​​

[misssophiachase]

Putting this here just in case: Celebrity Klaroline, they are co-stars on a super popular show and have been secretly dating for years. They decide to reveal to the public that they are engaged via an Instagram-live during quarantine.

Thank you, luv, this one is so much fun and reminds me of Bob and Eliza my  Bellarke babies : ) So, they are my inspiration. I hope you like it, it got a bit longer than I’d envisaged. 

Do You Want to Know a Secret?

“So, let me get this straight,” she began. “You’re going to announce your engagement via Instagram Live?”

“Didn’t we just say that?” 

“I was repeating myself to emphasise my point not because I didn’t hear you,” Rebekah growled, looking between them. Even via Skype she still had that scary ‘don’t mess with me’ demeanour. “Last time I checked I was your publicist and it’s my job to tell you when you are doing something stupid, today is case in point.”

“And while we appreciate the, uh, services you provide, little sister,” Klaus mumbled. “It really is up to us how we let people know about the engagement.”

“You’ve been secretly dating for years, not one paparazzi shot, not one late-night TMZ ambush, not one Perez Hilton catty headline, not one on-set insider account, not one secret, comic con moment, not…”

“We get the picture, Rebekah,” Caroline interrupted. “We’re stealth as Kol would say.”

“Did he put you up to this? Because on further reflection it seems like one of his immature, ill-conceived ideas.”

“I’ll tell him you send your love, Rebekah,” Klaus teased thinking about his little brother and manager.

Klaus Mikaelson and Caroline Forbes were co-stars of the most popular sci-fi drama on television. Their characters were engaged in an on-again-off-again romance but what the public didn’t know was their favourite on-screen couple were off-screen as well. 

Not that it had started out that way, in fact it was more adversarial

2 years earlier…

“You did not just kick me there!” He growled, rolling around on the floor in pain. The director had just called ‘cut’ and the series leads were fighting, yet again.

The tension between them had been present from the first audition and the producers thought it was exactly what they needed in their two leads Cole Hamilton and Riley James.

As predicted, there was fireworks on-screen but off-screen was another story. The tension bubbling below the surface was threatening to boil over. The cast and crew were taking bets on when they were going to finally relieve the tension.  

“Like I meant to,” Caroline replied, the slight smile tugging at the end of her lips was telling him otherwise.

“Maybe we should get you a stunt person if you’re going to be such a danger on-set, love?” He insisted, eventually standing up fully recovered.

“Maybe we should get you one of those protective cups for your privates, you know just in case the stunt person accidentally does the same?”  

Their mouths were now within inches of each other, their intense gaze showing no signs of faltering.

As it turned out the tension did boil over in her trailer later that day. Bets were won and the couple found ways to relieve the tension, first as a physical arrangement but then they went and fell in love.  

“Keeping our relationship out of the public eye has been amazing because we’ve been able to do things at our pace without any intrusion from the media, but it has also been the most difficult experience,” Caroline explained. “There’s only so many years of Uber Eats and Netflix I can handle.”

“Don’t forget the chill part, love,” Klaus murmured in her ear.

“Way to put me off my breakfast! Even I can hear you, Niklaus,” the familiar sound of his brother-in-law came over the speaker. 

“Well Lorenzo, maybe you two should go and do that and we can….”

“Why can’t you just put up a cute picture and caption it with a ring emoji? I know it has all been done before but…”

“Everyone is doing Instagram Live, especially during the pandemic.”

“So if they all jumped off a bridge would you do that too, Niklaus? Also, don’t forget I have your Instagram password, Nik.”

“Unbelievable! How did you…” he trailed off before Caroline intervened. 

“You don’t know mine. Look, Rebekah, we appreciate your concern but it’s time to go public. And what better time than during a world crisis? If you ask me people need some good news, now more than ever.”

“Fine, I don’t agree but if you’re going to do this you realise there’s no way to control things once you start? People will be going crazy, more so since they’ve been cooped up in isolation and had no idea you were dating let alone engaged.”  

Two hours later

“We ready to do this?” She smiled, placing her hand on his. Yes, it was a completely unusual way to announce their engagement, let alone their secret relationship.

“As much as I’ve loved having this time to get to know you,” he murmured. “I’m excited for this next stage in our lives.”

“I know, it will be nice not to have to sneak around anymore,” she shared. “Although, I’m not looking forward to the hate I’ll get from all your female fans upset you’re off the market.”

“You’re worried about my fans, yours are absolutely rabid, love.”

“Well, at least we have the Ciley fandom,” he chuckled. “What do you think they’ll call our real-life ship?”

“The fact you’re asking that means you have been cooped up in quarantine too long,” she teased.

5 minutes later

Before they’d even started to speak the love hearts were flowing in a bright array of colour and the comments began and not just a couple, thousands within the first couple of minutes.

Turns out their fans didn’t need any words to work out what was happening given their steady stream of comments.  

“Some of you might be wondering…oh looks like many of you have come to that conclusion already given the comment from @mark91,” Klaus began, “And yes, agreed, I’m a lucky dog.”

“What he’s trying to say is that…oh @jazzy39 glad you like my sweater. But…”

“I’m sorry @rayna001 but yes I’m taken,” Klaus read, a  slight chuckle escaping his lips. “Funny you should mention that actually..”

“We wanted to announce that oh @arabella5700 looks like we don’t need to do that anymore.”

They looked at each other briefly before realising their news wasn’t really theirs anymore.

“Yes, we’re engaged,” Caroline murmured feebly, holding up her left hand which keen-eyed fans had already spotted within the first 30 seconds.

“And what better way to announce it than with out fans,” Klaus smiled. “Now, if only we had our own ship name…”

“Looks like @hermione1992 has already offered an option,” Caroline interrupted. “Klaroline, mmm interesting. What do you all think of that?”

After they’d fumbled through quite a few more questions, including what her dress was going to look like and if her co-stars Katherine Pierce and Bonnie Bennett would be bridesmaids, they finished the live stream.

“OMG,” Caroline moaned, flopping onto the couch next to him. “I’m exhausted.”

“It’s like the banks of the dam have given way and…”

“All those questions, it’s like two years worth of them all stored up,” Caroline murmured. “Your sexual prowess was one of my personal favourites.”

“Which you didn’t answer,” he pouted. “People out there are going to think I’m bad.”

“Yeah, because I was going to go into that on an Instagram Live,” she muttered. “I’m sure the parents of our younger fans would love that.”

“And after all that we didn’t get to make our own announcement,” he complained. “They are an observant bunch.”

“Well, give we’re all supposed to be in lock-down I imagine us being in the same place was a dead giveaway. We are now officially hashtag klaroline though,” she giggled. “It kind of has a nice ring to it.”

His phone beeped signalling a new message, Klaus didn’t have to be a genius to realise exactly who it would be. He picked it up lazily and consulted the screen.

“So, how did that go for you?”

“She’s never going to let us live that one down,” Klaus groaned.