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keerysfreckles · 7 months

Note

Hi, can plz request something during the episode where the girls go skinny dipping with Nicole and her friends so the reader is friends with Belly and has feelings for Conrad. Conrad likes her too but is afraid of his feelings. Conrad receives a call from the reader that she is stuck with Belly and Taylor in the middle of the street with their clothes gone. Conrad and Jeremiah go to pick them up and the reader leaves with Conrad. In the car, they end up confessing their feelings for one another. And the reader is the same age as Conrad plz

getaway car — conrad fisher

pairing: conrad fisher x fem!reader

warnings: use of y/n and she/her pronouns, slight swearing, s1 scenes used, not exact dialogue!!!!

a/n: first conrad fic im scared 🙈

masterlist !

⋆ ˚ ｡ ⋆ ୨୧˚

you weren't sure what you hated more. the fact that nicole and the other debutante bitches left you, belly and taylor stranded with no clothes. or the feeling of the cold tarp wrapped around your body.

it's only been eight minutes since the three of you left the dock of hopper's cove, still just as cold and naked as you were when you left.

you knew nicole didn't like you, but to do this shit to belly and taylor? it was just too messed up.

you and nicole had history. you saw her and conrad making out at a random party last summer. the same summer you told conrad you've loved him for the past four years of your life. the same summer conrad fisher broke your heart.

instead of taking you the deb ball just like he promised at the beginning of the june, he took nicole instead. ever since nicole has hated you. now hate may be a strong word, but it was the only correct term in this situation.

three minutes pass and you, belly and taylor have barely made any progress on the dark asphalt. your feet are starting to ache as tiny pebbles and dumps edge into your skin.

"why can't you just call jeremiah to pick us up?" you hear taylor ask belly.

"because it's too messy," belly replies, "that's too much drama."

"drama?" you repeat, "bells we're stuck, naked in the middle of a road."

taylor nods, "yeah, this is how people get murdered."

another minute passes until taylor speaks up again.

"wait, y/n why can't you call conrad?"

belly agrees, "i mean he did leave you that text."

you sigh, knowing what belly was talking about. it's also why you think nicole left you three stranded.

conrad texted you while you were all skinny dipping. you were too engrossed in your conversation with belly and taylor, so gigi telling nicole she had gotten a text flew into one ear and out the other.

you soon found out the text wasn't from nicole's phone, but from your own. it was from conrad, explaining how he'd happily take you to the deb ball this year, and how he hoped to explain himself for how he acted this summer.

"i can't call conrad," you shake your head.

belly and taylor share a confused look.

"why not?" belly speaks up.

"it's too messy" you slightly giggle as you recite the three words belly stated moments ago.

"if i call jere, will you call conrad?" belly asks, now you three are stopped, more closer to the curb.

you sigh, knowing the looks your getting from your two friends will make you unable to say no.

"fine," you finally respond. you and belly move your phones to be able to see the screens, and belly calls jeremiah first, you call conrad right after.

you all agree to sit on the curb, it's not comfortable but it beats standing for the time it takes for the fisher brothers to arrive. you sit in silence, not an uncomfortable one, as you all process tonight's events.

taylor turns her head first, then belly, then you. jeremiah's jeep comes down the road first, followed by conrad's car.

"jesus bells," jeremiah's quick to run over to you, with conrad beside him with a shopping bag.

"nicole told me everything," your gaze met conrad's before he spoke again. "we broke it off, there's nothing happening between us anymore."

belly talks to jere for a moment, before the two boys hold the boat tarp open, creating a shield for you to change. taylor rips open the bag and belly hands you your clothes you were wearing earlier. one of conrad's sweatshirts you couldn't force yourself to get rid of, along with a pair of jean shorts and your dirty white converse.

"i'll go with jere," belly speaks up after you all are dressed. jeremiah throws the tarp in the back of his jeep, as belly jumps into the passenger side.

you share a glance with conrad, "i'll actually go with connie, if that's okay?"

taylor nods, before asking belly if she can join her and jeremiah.

the group disperses. now awkward silence fills conrad's car, with a pop song quietly playing on the radio. which was doing nothing to ease the tension between the two eighteen year olds.

"thank you," you finally break the tension in the car. you turn to conrad, who looks at you for a second.

"you know i'd come in a heartbeat when you call," his voice is soft.

you can't help but blush at his words.

"did you um," you think about how you're going to word your question, "did you mean what you said? about nicole?"

you watch conrad nod, "yeah. she told me she was done playing games with me, and then mentioned how college guys are waiting for her in boston."

you let out a laugh at the end of his response, making him chuckle as well.

"she always said she has a thing for older guys," you joke.

after a moment, conrad speaks again. "she also mentioned you."

your heart speeds up slightly at his words. what had she told him? your eyebrows furrow.

"she told me ever since last summer, i would hardly keep you out of my sight. she said something changed in me last summer, and she noticed, but didn't tell me. i guess she wanted me to figure it out for myself."

his words only confuse you more. he doesn't get an answer out of you right away, causing him to pull the car over to the curb, maybe less than ten minutes away from your own summer home.

"what did you have to figure out?" you watch as he turns to you, resting on hand on yhe steering wheel.

conrad takes in a small breath, "last summer i noticed you more than i did before, and it scared me. i realized things that i wish would've happened a long time ago."

he pauses, and you stare at him with intent, wanting him to continue.

"i know i pushed you away last summer, i ditched you for nicole, and i'm sorry. truly sorry y/n."

never in your life did you think conrad would apologize to you. in the foureen years you've known him, he's only apologized to you three times.

once, when he hit you in the head with a football when you both were seven. he was tossing it around with jeremiah and his father during one of susannah's fourth of july parties. you just so happened to be walking by the boys when the football hit the side of your head, hard.

second, when he accidentally bumped into you on the boardwalk, making you drop your ice cream during your eleventh birthday.

and third, when he made you cry at the end of summer three years ago. he mentioned not coming to the summer house the following year, and it destroyed you. he instantly apologized and to your surprised, showed up that following june.

now here he was again, apologizing. you couldn't take his words for granted, not knowing when you'd hear the two sacred words again.

you don't even realize he started talking again, continuing his long, thought out apology. however his words become fuzzy as one thought flows through your mind.

you lean forward, cutting off conrad with your lips connecting to his. a gasp leaves his lips and gets swallowed by yours. the kiss only lasts for two and a half seconds before you pull away.

you notice him look between your eyes and your lips, his cheeks were pink.

before you can start muttering out an apology, conrad's hand finds your cheek and he pulls you towards him. his thumb rests right beside your ear once his lips meet yours again.

a minute and seventeen seconds later, you both are smiling while panting slightly.

"i've known you had a thing for me since your fourteenth birthday y/n," conrad starts, "the birthday i got you that necklace."

your eyes trail down to the necklace you haven't taken off in the past four years. it was a simple silver chain with a butterfly in the middle. butterflies were possibly your favorite things in the world.

"i've never seen you take it off once," he spoke again.

"i was scared if i took it off after last summer, i'd fully lose you," your voice was now quiet.

conrad shakes his head, "i was the idiot who lost you. all because i was the scared one."

a few moments pass, and you can't help but giggle before you speak again.

"connie?"

he hums a response.

"kiss me again."

#shelbi writes #keerysfreckles #the summer i turned pretty #conrad fisher #conrad fisher tsitp #tsitp #conrad tsitp #conrad fisher x reader #conrad fisher x you #conrad fisher x y/n #conrad fisher x fem!reader #conrad fisher x gn!reader #conrad fisher imagine #conrad fisher fic #conrad fisher fanfic #conrad fisher x fem reader #conrad fisher x gn reader

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marleyybluu · 1 year

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Differences

husband!Rio x f!black!OC ( Toni - no relation to Miss Braxton.)

Word count: 3.2k

Content warning: 18+, smut out the ass, riding, fingering, p in v, creampie, use of the word cock sorry oops, baby-making boogie, doubts about marriage, doubts about kids, fluff, Rio being in love, lot of switching between his names, allusion to food play if you squint hard enough (?). lmk if I missed any.

A/N: this was orginally for... someone else iykyk mind your business, but I switched last minute. Also I gave Rio a middle name lol

(Not my gif, found off Pinterest. but FUCK ME he looks good)

They'd been married for four years. They enjoyed their marital life, going on various trips, spending their money all willy-nilly since it was just the two of them, having parties at their house every holiday but something was missing. At least for Toni. She always wanted to be a mother, children invaded her heart and soul her whole life. Her sisters had children that she loved to babysit, she was even in the delivery room a few times. She'd become a teacher for the sole purpose of spending her days with young ones, making a difference in their lives and loving them wholeheartedly as much as she could.

But it seemed like Rio wasn't in the same boat. Which was stupid because they made sure to have this discussion before they got married and he was on board one hundred percent, Toni wanted to make her husband a father, she wanted to see him cradle a little blanket in his arms, she wanted to see him snuggling next to the chubbiest cheeks and she wanted to see his face light up at their first word but, again, he seemed to not want it for himself.

It was frustrating.

She'd let the four years pass, it was a good time window, they had time to get their lives together and buy a house, fully furnish it, settle into a decent neighbourhood and buy an SUV to fit the little family they dreamed of.

Toni even made sure to let him know when she was ovulating, the perfect opportunity to try and make a child, but he'd shrivel up and disappear when she brought it up. Then she'd spend her nights quietly doubting his interest in kids, his interest in her.

They hadn't spoken in four days, the aftermath of their first real argument, the vibes in the house were heavy and sometimes a bit awkward. She even started staying late at work to avoid him even longer.

They weren't all that selfish, they still said good morning and good night but that was about it. Little to her knowledge it was killing Rio. He hated the silent treatment from her, she was his girl they talked all the time, this had been the best relationship he'd ever been in, he didn't want to fuck it up but it felt like he already did.

He tried sneaking his way back into her heart by leaving little love notes, cooking her favourite meals and turning on her favourite shows in hopes she'd join him on the couch but all he got was the cold shoulder and he understood. He fucked up big time.

"I'm ovulating." She stated plainly. Rio just blinked and shrugged. She groaned. "Christopher, I can't do this anymore, I'm dropping hints that I want to start trying and you... you ignore me."

"I'm not ready."

"When will you be? Because I am."

He chuckled nervously. "Come on, Toni, we cannot be parents. We'll fuck it up."

The look on her face sent his heart into the pit of his stomach, her eyes glossy with tears coming in, and a harsh; "Fuck you, Christopher!" To follow suit. It stung hearing those words, if she ever said them it was more so in a playful manner but this time she had rage, anger behind her words and rightfully so. But tonight he was determined to make amends, he could not keep living like this.

It was Friday, and Toni decided she'd come home a little earlier. Rio sat up quickly at the sound of her car door slamming and the keys on her keychain jingling as she sifted for the house key. The door opened and he tried his best to keep his cool. "Hi, darlin." He greeted.

"Hey." She said in the most monotone voice he'd ever heard. "Hungry?" He asked. "Nah, I'm cool."

Toni slipped off her shoes and crept up the stairs to their room, she placed her purse on a chair nearby and sighed, just ready to shower and lay down for the rest of the weekend. She walked past their bathroom intending to head to her Vanity but a red spot on the floor caught her eye, and then another... and another. But they weren't spots, they were rose petals, a trail of them leading up to the tub that was already filled with water, the smell of her lavender bath bomb invading her senses. On the counter were a few lit candles and her little speaker so she could play music.

She swallowed her smile and headed back to the room to collect her clothes for the night. Meanwhile, Rio was finishing the final touches on his persuasive dinner downstairs. He made Macaroni just the way she taught him, some rice and chicken, even topped it off with a red velvet cake... okay so he bought the cake but it was the thought that counted right?

He set up the table for both of them to eat together, he set up the forks and knives on the table with a small vase of her favourite flower, pink Dahlia's. His palms were suddenly sweaty, tonight was make or break. If he didn't fix things tonight he had no idea where they would stand after.

Almost an hour later, Toni decided she'd close the distance between them only because she was hungry. Her feet pressed against the carpeted stairs as she descended onto the main floor, the living room was empty, Rio left whatever he was watching on pause. Her head whipped over to the kitchen smelling a lovely fragrance, she followed the trail and stopped in her tracks at the opening to the kitchen. She watched as Rio scrambled to plate their food, she tilted her head and smiled lightly, her eyes slowly forming into hearts. Oh, how she loved him.

"Do you want help?" She asked making her presence known, Rio shook his head. "Just sit and be pretty." She giggled. "I have no problem doing that."

She sat around the table, her eyes landing on the Dahlia's, her smile widened. "You got these for me?"

"Of course," He replied walking with two plates in his hand like a waiter, he put hers down first and then his. "Any drink requests?" He asked. She motioned her finger in a 'come here' motion, his eyebrows knitting with confusion but following her non-verbal instruction, she cupped his face pulling him even closer until their lips, moulding into one. She'd been wanting to kiss him for days, she didn't know if she could ever hold a grudge this long again.

The kiss was quick, just a little show of appreciation. She could see a light shade of pink take over his cheekbones. "Do we have any wine?"

"Went and got two new bottles." He says matter of factly. Toni pecked his lips again before sending him off for her drink. He grabbed two wine glasses and the bottle. "You're going to drink wine?" She asked in utter confusion. He couldn't stand wine, his famous line was 'I don't know how you drink this shit.'

He shrugged sitting down. "I can drink wine."

"Christopher... baby you hate wine."

"I can learn to like it."

She knew he was doing everything to soften her up, but the look on his face when he took a first sip was priceless. "Go and get a beer, leave me and my wine alone." He chuckled and quickly grabbed a bottle from the fridge.

The two sat and actually conversed for the first time in four days. It was nice. They talked without missing a beat, he was making her smile and laugh, she told him about the kids at work and the twinkle in her eye at the smallest mention of them was beautiful. She truly loved her students, they made her day every day with the silly stuff they'd say to her. He was in love with how motherly she could be toward everyone, how forgiving she was of anyone and especially of him. He didn't deserve her and he'd made it known numerous times and in the same amount she'd reassured him that he was just for her.

In the middle of her ramble, she noticed the way he was staring at her and suddenly she became shy. "What?" She asked. "I love you, mama."

"I love you too, Christopher."

He shook his head vigorously. "No, I love you more than you could ever imagine, Toni. And I am so so sorry for what I said."

She sighed. "It's okay."

"No, it's not okay. You will be an amazing mom to our kids and I couldn't picture anyone else having them, shit I couldn't even picture having a family until you came, it wasn't in the cards for me." He confessed. "My whole life has changed and I'm forever grateful for it. I want it to keep changing."

She tugged on her bottom lip, trying her best to swallow her tears. "When I saw how my words affected you, baby, my heart broke. I never want to be the reason you're sad. Never. I've missed you these few days. I need you back. I'm sorry."

Toni was speechless, her lips parted to say something but how do you respond to the sweetest apology ever?

Her eyes darted between his pretty brown ones, she stood up and walked over to him, swinging her leg over his she planted herself comfortably on his lap. His hands instantly rested on her hips. She didn't say anything, just leaned down and kissed him and he could swear that on her lips he could taste his past, his present and his future and she was there for every step, for every second. He wouldn't dare say such foolishness to her again.

Toni could feel a little poke through his sweats, she quietly moaned into his mouth, his hands exploring her warm chestnut skin under her shirt, his fingers trickling down her back. His lips moved to her chin and down to her neck to the spot he knew oh so well, his facial hair tickling her skin only adding to the sensation and a ray of goosebumps formed on her skin. "Christopher...mmm." Was all she could mutter, her hips involuntarily moving back and forth desperately searching for friction to soothe the aching of her clit. He got the message though, firmly splaying his hands under her ample ass, he stood up and she wrapped her legs around him.

He was halfway out of the kitchen when he realized; "Wait, I got you a red velvet cake."

Toni laughed, and she kissed his forehead, god he was so cute. "Boy, forget the cake. Take me upstairs and you can eat a different cake."

Rio raised his eyebrows, didn't have to tell him twice. "That's why I married yo ass girl."

She gladly hung off of him while he carried her up the stairs and once they made it to the room he dropped her on the bed, her sweet laughter filled the room. He settled between her legs, peppering her with kisses and affection. "I can't wait to see you, walking around here with a little belly, carrying around our love." He twitched at the thought and she noticed. A small surprised look on her face. "Is the thought of me pregnant... turning you on?"

"No." He quickly denied it. "Christopher Javier Martínez, yes it does." She teased reaching in between them to cup his hardening erection. "Mm, so you want to fill me up? Hm?" Her voice was so smooth and silky yet seductive, her lips pressing against his only for a moment. "You want to see me carrying your baby around? How swollen and plump my breasts are gonna get? Practically spilling over my tops."

"Toni." He groaned. She giggled but her taunting was cut short when he reached into her (well, his) boxers, his fingers teasing her slit, her wetness coating him. Her back arched as he quickly dipped his fingers inside her heat and back out. "Stop playin' with me." She moaned. "Why?"

Her shirt slid up her torso and past her breasts exposing her erect nipples, his mouth quickly latching onto one, his tongue swirling around her pretty brown areolas, so delicious. His free hand massaged her other one, his thumb and index fingers playing with her nipple. Her back arched and her legs squirm under him.

"Christopher, baby, please." She whined. He chuckled and something about was kind of sinister like his intent was to tease her all night until she begged for what she wanted. He popped her nipple out of his mouth, planting a kiss on it before moving on to the next, his hips grinding into hers pressing his clothed cock on her needy clit. "Yes... oh, I need more, please." She gasped.

He kissed between the valley of her breasts, down her torso and finally reaching his destination above the band of her underwear, he tugs them off in almost a hungry manner, his mouth attaching to her pussy like a magnet. His tongue going to work on her clit, his thumb caressing the rest of her slit. Toni's entire body shivered, her legs slowly closing around his head, he used his free hand to smack her inner thigh, she squealed and spread them out, holding the under of her thighs for support.

Her eyes glided to the back of her head, she squirmed, her back arching just a little bit. "Oh... y-yeah." Her toes cracked while pleasure coursed through her veins. Rio hummed against her sensitive nub, his own hips losing themselves as he hunched against the mattress with neediness. Her thighs trembled as they partially rested on his shoulders. She moaned and whined, whimpered and croaked as he devoured her existence.

"fuck, baby, I'm so close." She warned with her jaw slacked as the hairs on her arm stood, her body stiffened, her nails scratched at his scalp with appreciation and love as he carried her through the tantalizing loops of her orgasm.

She was dripping down his beard and he smiled against her thigh, his teeth gently biting on the flesh. "Oh!... Mr. Martinez." She giggled. He kissed his way back up her body, his lips landing on her chin. "I'm so glad I married you." She hummed running her nails over his skin. "Hm, I love you, ma." He cooed pressing a kiss to her nose. Rio slid off his sweats and boxers, dick sliding between her soaking folds. Her hand reached between them wrapping her fingers around his well-sized shaft.

Their lips connect as she guides him inside her soft walls. She gasped and softly moaned as he eased his way in until she was stuffed. Toni wrapped her legs around his waist. "You good?" Just checking. She nodded, too full to speak. His lips occupied her neck, her mind in the clouds as he fucked her stupid. Mutters and mumbles of "fuck me! Yes!" Or "right there!" As he skillfully worked his hips. He held her close, his face buried in the curve of her neck. His thrusts were hard and slow, he was making her feel every inch, every bit of stretch he provided.

Her high creeping its way into her bones, her moans became louder as he consistently tapped against her g-spot. There was no way he was about to make her nut again in such a short amount of time. He could feel her juicy walls contracting around him, hugging him so tight. "You're so wet for me, huh, my pretty baby?"

Toni's jaw slacked while he talked to her, nibbling on her ear. "So fucking wet, can feel it dripping down my balls, fuck."

She whined. "I can't- shit! shit! ooooh!"

He chuckles as he pulls out, regrettably at that. Toni cried out, her climax so close yet so far. Rio fell onto the bed, slapping her thigh he said, "Get on top."

She sucked her teeth, in no mood to be on top, still irritated from being denied her needs. Rio pinched her and she yelped. "Ow! You dick!" She laughed slapping his arm. "Hurry up and get on this dick." He urged pulling her arm to help her over. She swung her leg across his body, perching herself on his lap like earlier. His dick resting perfectly against one of her cheeks. She looked down at him and he was so fucking pretty. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed thickly, her eyes landing on that notorious Eagle tattoo on his throat then down over the rest that he had scattered on his body, she moaned at that alone.

She leaned forward, raising her hips and skillfully lining him up with her entrance, no hands needed. She watched as his rosy lips parted slightly and a small crease in between his eyebrows formed when they came together. "Fuuuuck." He dragged out feeling his dick be re-enveloped in her velvety walls. Toni moved her hips back and forth with one goal in mind, to get herself off. She used her knees as leverage to lift her hips up and back down, her ass jiggling when colliding with his thighs. With her lip between her teeth, her head tossed back she got to work on him.

Rio's hands gladly squeezed at her sides, her moans filling the room once again. "You're so fucking pretty on top of me, mama." He encouraged, but he truly meant it, she looked like a fucking angel. "Oh god, oh god... fuck yes, Rio!" He felt himself twitch, his wife rarely called him by his street name, she only did it when she wanted to tease him, loved to do it when they were around others.

He groaned spanking her. She smiled, a hazy look in her eyes. "What's my name, mama?"

Toni cried out, her head falling forward as she bounced out her orgasm. "Fu-fuuuck, Rio!"

"Squeezing this dick so fuckin' tight, come on..." He sat up hooking his arm around her waist, his tongue darting out to the underside of her breast, tasting the saltiness of her sweat. Toni sang out his name, her back arched and her eyes rolled. He grabbed her hips and guided her up and down, her body going limp. "Shit! Oh... Toni, I'm comin' baby." He growled through gritted teeth, he pressed his forehead against her sternum and she softly smiled feeling his warm seed spread inside her. "Fuck... that feels so good." She giggled, she was cock drunk. He kissed her glistening skin.

They stayed like that for a moment, she kissed the top of his head, her hands on his shoulders as she slowly pushed him onto his back again, she climbed off of him and sighed in satisfaction. "You want something to drink?" He asked, she shook her head. "Nah, you gotta hydrate ma. I'm making sure I put a baby in you tonight." He laughed lightly smacking her thigh. Her cheeks warmed as a smile fell onto her face.

She watched as Rio, naked and all, left the room to go downstairs. "Bring the cake too!"Toni shouted, he could just hear the smirk in her voice.

"You are so nasty!" He yelled back.

"You love it though!"

If you liked this fic free to like this fic, likes, reblogs and comments are appreciated. peace and love, see you in the next one 🤙🏾 If you're interested in reading other fics based on songs just like this one you can find them here in 'The Mixtapes.' playlist.

tags: @darqchilddaydreamz @rio-reid-whoreee @skyesthebomb tags that might be interested: @bigenergy777 @realhotgurlshit @lovedlover

#good girls rio #rio good girls #smut #husband!rio #black!xOC #reader discretion advised #Rio fanfic #Rio smut #Spotify

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thelastofhyde · 9 months

Text

ii. santorini.

pairing. tourguide!joel miller x fem!reader. series synopsis. on the brink of undergoing a life-altering change, you runaway from your problems in the only way any sane person can: embarking on a mediterranean cruise. there you meet joel miller, a grumpy, private tour-guide, who just so happens to be tasked with touring you through each stop on your cruise. from greek goddesses to roman ruins, you have ten days to avoid your fate. maybe a frowning, southern, sex-on-legs of a man is just what the doctor ordered. chapter summary. tensions are high as you and joel spend your first day together exploring the popular island of santorini. back on the boat, joel gets a glimpse at more than he bargained for. series warnings. no use of y/n, set in 2015, no apocalypse au, cruise!au, rom-com, enemies-ish to lovers, tour-guide!joel, unspecified age gap, depictions/discussions of grief, angst, fluff, a whole load of smut, a lot of cheesy stereotypical romance tropes bc i just wanna see joel not suffer ( too much ) <3 chapter warnings. mild smut ( female masturbation, mentions of oral sex + piv sex ), bickering, alcohol, mild angst, so much cheese it'll turn you lactose intolerant!! btw joel hates santorini and he makes that known, but none of his opinions reflect my own ( please don't be mean to me over things characters say <33 ) word count. 7.9k hyde’s input. the majority of this chapter was written with a mixture of medicine flowing through my veins, it's a miracle it's even intelligible. apologies for the wait, the holidays and health issues got in the way <3 as always, i hope you enjoy, comments an dreblogs are always appreciated !! previous chapter - next chapter - series masterlist

It is a known fact that your name and late rarely exist within the same sentence.

The mere thought of being late fills you with a sickness you cannot cure. The extremes you’ll go to avoid it know no bounds. From arriving four hours before a flight, to waiting in your car a whole hour before entering a lecture hall, adulthood is a phase in which you’d sworn to repair the damage of a childhood worth of not arriving late.

Late to school, late to birthday parties, late to dentist appointments.

It wasn’t that you were a particularly difficult child, running rampant around the house as your mother tried to dress you, or your father tried to feed you. Quite the contrary, really. Often, it was little-you who chased around after them, and who waited by the door, school bag in hand, tapping your foot with every second that ticked by on the clock. You were too young and hadn’t the ability nor the empathy to understand that your parents were held up with sorting through things directly influenced by your existence, like cleaning up the messes you left at the breakfast table, or fixing the doorknob you and your sister broke in an intense game of hide and seek.

Nowadays, you can count on one hand the times you’ve been late.

First, you were late to your own surprise birthday party, but that was down to you getting stuck an extra hour at work. It was out of your control.

Then, there’d been your graduation ceremony. Your father missed an exit and ended up taking you on a mystery tour of the city, trying to find the next turn that led to your campus. Again, out of your control.

The third time is the one you remember panicking over the most, knee bouncing uncontrollably with nerves as you sat squeezed between two strangers on a plane. Your sister, barely halfway through her third trimester, had gone into labour, and where were you? Stumbling around drunk on a private beach in Cancún, mumbling along to the lyrics of some early 2000s classic you forget the name of. Your niece, all 4 and a half pounds of her, had decided now was her time to shine and there was nothing, not even the 4 weeks she had yet to grow in utero, that was going to stop her. By the time you arrived, mascara smudged eyes and with the stench of tequila still on your skin, she was laying peacefully in her incubator, the tiniest little fingers clenched into fists and a name tag around her wrist. This too was out of your control.

But the fourth time you’re late, as you stride urgently across the wooden decking of the ship, weaving in and out of lounge chairs and polo-neck wearing crew members, it’s completely within your control.

Yet, it’s not entirely your fault.

An alarm that never went off. A game of hide-and-seek with your purse. An unfortunate slip on bathroom tiles adding another bruise to your knees. An elevator that refused to travel faster than the speed of a snail. It’s as though Lady Luck had set out in favour of being against you, doing her utmost to ensure you arrive exactly seven minutes past your deadline. His deadline.

Best be on the deck by 7 am, darlin’, or I’m dockin’ without ya.

Your head whips from one side to another, eyes finding a familiar figure amongst the few passengers meeting their own private guides. It’s the same man from yesterday, out on the balcony, the memory of him cheering his champagne and shooting a tipsy smile your way replaying. Only now he’s clad in plaid, with a frown etched into his forehead as he stares at his watch. There’s another man, hanging off his arm, fusing with the collar of his shirt.

“She’s late,” you overhear him say, voice firm and leaking with annoyance.

“Maybe she just slept in!” The man next to him is cheerier, tired eyes full of optimism, even as he turns his head and stifles a yawn. “Give her a few minutes.”

“What kind of shitty tour guide sleeps in?” Balcony-Man huffs, and you can’t help but think of your niece and her pouty face whenever she fails to get her own way. “Does she think I’d not rather be asleep too? Lazy c-”

“See? This is why I told you to eat that damn croissant before we left.” The taller of them seems to snap, rolling his eyes. “Brighten up, Bill, or so help me God you’ll be leaving this boat a divorcee.”

Trying to tune their voices out, as the guilt of prying crawls its way into your bones, your gaze points down at your feet. The very same heels you’d worn last night, pretty as they may leave you, have you cursing at the Sun and the Moon. If you’d have just worn your sneakers, maybe you could have ran up the stairs instead of taking the snail-evator.

Joel, tour guide, Signore Miller’s voice- though your imagination can’t quite reach his level of arrogance- rears its irritating head through your mind, recalling his words from last night. Wear somethin’ a little more… practical. That had been enough to awaken that stubborn mule inside of you, hell-bent on proving him wrong.

But now, late, and with him nowhere in sight, your heels seem to have had the opposite effect. They’ve proved him right.

Which leaves you here, moping so pathetically you’re incapable of appreciating the shine of a rising sun over the horizon of aqua blue water.

Five minutes, you decide. That’s how long you’ll allow yourself to dwell in self-pity. Then, you’ll trek your way over to the Excelsior lounge, hit up the breakfast buffet, and await the general disembarking time.

Who knows, maybe you’ll get a call to say there’s a miraculous spot opened up on one of the tour groups.

If not, you’ll be fine! You’ve travelled alone before, you’ve got an all-inclusive data plan on your phone and you’re pretty well-acquainted with the less-than-accommodating features of Google Maps. You don’t need help, or a tour guide, much less one as blood-boiling, skin-prickling, irritating as Joel Mil-

“Wasn’t sure how ya like your coffee, but you look like a milk, two sugars kind of girl to me.”

Speak of the Devil and he shall appear. Or, in this case, think of him.

Turning a little too fast, you stumble a step or two back, and, sure enough, there he is. A tight fitting, dark grey t-shirt stretched over the swell of his biceps, a pair of washed-out denims, and two well-worn running shoes, one on each foot. Trailing up the swell of his tanned neck, you count the freckles up to his eyes, and find there’s bags under them. The growth of hair on his face is just as unkempt as yesterday, yet already it seems to have grown longer, making the litter of greys stand out more. The hair that sits atop his head is damp, and the strands that have managed to dry are being messed around by the morning air. He’s still got that ever-present frown stamped into his forehead, yet his mouth doesn’t seem to curl into a snarl as he calls your name.

You must stare a moment or two past his comfort level, for he clears his throat and nods down at his hand. Two to-go cups, the smallest streams of steam floating out the hole in each lid.

He’s extending one out- the one in his right hand- towards you. “If you’d rather black, you can take min-”

“No!” You snap back into your own body, all too quickly and all too volatile. Clear your throat, and then try again, this time with a little less of that im being held at gunpoint shake in your voice. “No… Thank you. It’s fine- Milk is fine.”

It’s more than fine.

In fact, he’s gotten it spot on. Down to the number of sugars you take.

But, still stubborn, you yearn to not give him the satisfaction of being right so early in the day, and instead settle for accepting the coffee out his hand. You welcome the golden warmth eagerly, eyes unable to resist slipping shut as you take your first sip. When they reopen, you find Joel watching you, intently. Purposefully, as though you’re something to be studied.

Clearing your throat, you glance to the side and spot Balcony-Man and his partner greeting an apologetic woman.

“Thanks for the, uh,” his stare is intimidating your nerves, setting you on edge of something you’re all to eager to jump off. “Coffee. Yeah. You didn’t have to… I mean, I actually thought you’d, you know, uh-”

“You thought I left without ya.” He states. All you can do is nod. “I could’ve. I did warn you not to be late.”

“You did.”

“I also told you to wear somethin’ other than them heels.”

“I know.”

“Yet here you are, late and in heels. You’re not very good at following orders.” He exhales something akin to a chuckle, as devoid of humour as it may be, and you swear he’s suddenly closer than you remember, knuckles brushing against your own as he bumps his paper cup against yours. “Just what am I gonna do with ya, huh?”

For a moment, you swear your heart has leaped from your chest and up to your throat, threatening to choke you with the beat of it. There’s no sense you can make of it, this reaction he rouses, a heat you can’t control creeping down your loins as you drag in a whiff of some manly cologne, the kind you’d usually turn your nose up at for being too overbearing. Yet, on him, it’s not. On him it’s just right, like he was born with pine soaked skin, and a tobacco stained kiss, and-

Before you can think of pulling in another breath, Joel’s stepped back, allowing a cool breeze to pass between you and get a hold of your senses.

“C’mon, we’re slotted in for the first tender that leaves for shore.”

“Oh my God.”

You’re half certain Joel’s growing sick of hearing those three words roll off your tongue. He’s likely felt this way since it first left your mouth, feet struggling to safely step out onto the dock as your mind became enchanted by the picturesque view in front of you. Only the burn of his hand meeting your lower back, nudging you ahead to make space for himself and the other passengers to step off the tender boat, was capable of dragging you back into your own body, the wanderlust that had gripped your soul yearning to be free to explore every building that sits carved into rock, every water-taxi that flows idly on cristaline water, every step that winds up and up and up the island’s cliff where, at the top, civilisation seems to lie.

The port you’ve docked on is rather small, with naught more than two docking strips and a walkway of shops and confection stands, with boats that find no space along the docking strips tying themselves to any safety they may find over the expanse of the walkway. It is no wonder the cruise floats safely out in deeper waters, alongside several other cruise lines, with no space for such large vessels. And, yet, the port is alive with something. The ground seems to pulse, like a beat of a heart, and the air, as fresh as the grass after heavy rainfall, almost dances its way down your lungs. Voices swim all around you, tourists scrambling past each other, fighting in a race towards something you’ve yet to identify.

“So this is Gialos, also known as the Old Port of Fira.” Somewhere, behind you perhaps, Joel’s voice pipes up, a speech so rehearsed and robotic, a part of your wonders how many times he’s recited it, how many people he’s recited it to. The other part of you, however, is much too fixated on the stairs ahead to pay him true attention, eyes following as two men and several donkeys descend. “That, up there, is Fira, the capital of Santorini. We’re going to need to take a cable- Are you even listening to me?”

“Yes!” You’re quick to react, a defensive rise in your voice. He meets it with a deadpan look and the crossing of his arms over his chest, which quickly becomes something you wish he wouldn’t do as you watch the tight fabric of his shirt stretch itself thin over the bulge of his arms. “No. Sorry, I’m just… Wow.”

You hope he appreciates the restraint you show towards repeating those three dreaded words again.

“You have all day to stare,” his words trip over his own irritated scoff, and you bite back a question of why he’s a guide if he seems to hate it so much, fearful he’s too honest to not tell you a truth that may hurt your fragile feelings. A truth where it is not so much his job he dislikes, but rather, your presence and all that it brings. “Right now, we need to move. Don’t wanna spend all day waitin’ in line now, do ya?”

This need for speed that hooks the other tourists seems to filter over into your guide, who’s forcing you forward, that heat of his palm now hovering inches away from your lower back. It’s enough to lead you where he pleases. As a pair, you weave in and out small clusters of people, till the space between you both and the large gathering crowd slowly diminishes. It is there where his once telepathic leading fails, with Joel turning left towards it as you stray right, over to the ascending pathway of stairs.

“Where are you going?” His tone is offended, almost, as he comes to a halt and watches you fail to do the same, to notice the space between you both and correct it like some puppy who’s been called to heel by its master.

“Where am I going?” The question, at first, is one you mistake as rhetorical. Staring back at him with an equaled confusion, you gesture to the stairway, as though it is the most obvious answer. Because, well, where else could you have been heading? He said so himself, that up there is Fira, the capital of Santorini, and you’ll be damned if you don’t get to see it. “Where are you going?”

“To the cable cars, that’ll take us up the island.”

Above the crowd of people, hanging over doors of small businesses, lay several signs. CABLE CARS - 6€ ! stands out, impossible to miss. Symbols you scarcely recognise sit beneath it, in smaller text, and you assume it’s Greek. In the distance, you spy the movement of the mobile boxes, people being carted up the length of the cliff at a speed that promises them a journey of mere minutes.

“Oh.” So, perhaps his option makes more sense than your own far longer, more tiring one. Still, stubborn as a mule, you double down on your decision to take the scenic route, inching closer towards the first step. Your guide, still in the face, refuses to move, daring eyes willing you to continue. “You want us to take the lazy man’s route? You go ahead, I’ll take the stairs and meet you at the top.”

You press one foot up onto the first step, weary of where you rest the point of your heel.

Glancing a few steps further up, there’s the unmistakable sight of a mound of brown substance, no doubt excreted out of one of the donkeys that walk ahead, tourists mounted on their poor backs.

“I don’t think you understand,” he finally inches closer, if only slightly, hands clenched at his side. “There’s five hundred and eighty-eight steps until you reach the top.”

The number is more daunting than you expect, and you pray he can’t read this on your face. “Only? I’ll be up in no time then!”

You feel more than see the way Joel’s eyes travel down the expanse of you, stuttering almost over the curvature of your chest, the dips at your hips, till they rest at your feet. The question hangs loose between you, unspoken yet evident.

In those heels?

“Listen, Joel,” taking a second, third, and fourth step, you aim for a literal higher ground, staring down below as he continues to drift closer and closer towards the stairway. “If you’re not fit for the task, or the climb’s no good for your knees, you can just say it, there’s no shame. Like I said, I’ll meet you at the top. Promise I won’t even report the fact my private guide abandoned me in favour of his own comfort.”

Defeat has never come easy.

Well, to phrase it better towards the truth, acceptance of defeat has never come easy.

There was always something more to be said, another excuse to be given for any of your shortcomings. When you’d been turned away from the school’s soccer team, you’d told yourself it was because you were a girl- ignoring the fact three girls in your year made the cut. When you’d lost an arduous game of Monopoly, you’d sworn you’d caught your sister sneaking notes out of the banker’s pile into her own. When you’d been beaten, round after round, by your own niece at Mario Kart, you’d stuck your tongue out at her and told her you let her win out of pity.

All that had been before, of course, back when you still roamed school hallways, when your sister sat across from you at the dining table, when your niece still laughed freely, wildly, celebrating her own victories with an over-the-top, uncoordinated dance around the living room.

As changed as things may be, defeat is still your foe.

It is that reason alone that you bite back a complaint.

You’d enjoyed the initial moments of your trek. Maybe it was the salty air in your lungs, or the beautiful views of your surroundings, or the idle grumbling coming from Joel, a few paces behind you, kicking up dirt under his feet with every step he travelled up. Whatever the reason, adrenaline had been flowing, into your heart and through your veins, covering every square inch of your body, a tingling of nerves from the tip of your toes to the top of your spine.

But, by the 10 minute mark, a dull ache forms in your feet. Each step of your heel feels more life threatening than the last, as the stairs grow slippier, dustier, and well-worn the further up you advanced. By stair who-knows-how-may, you take a near fatal tumble backwards, the crunch of crumbling rock threatening to be the last thing you hear. Till he appears behind you, fast as light, huffing out a breath as you smack down against his solid chest.

“Mind your step.” From anyone else, you would mistake it as a sign of care. From Joel, you know better than to think it’s anything beyond a humourless taunt.

You try to keep count of the steps, from then on, an effort to motivate yourself to move faster with each ten-pace you count. By 50, you lose your place and begin counting all over again.

The journey is difficult in other ways, too, with the constant passing of donkeys who obligate you to stand aside and make way for them. And the distant movement of cable cars, firing up and sliding down more times than you can keep track of.

When a particular step proves itself too steep, you can no longer hold back and, finally, a hiss slips out between your clenched teeth as pain shoots up your ankle, the leather of your shoe rubbing even harder into your brittle skin, threatening the promise of a blister yet to fully swell. Pushing the pain down, alongside a complaint, you take another step. Hiss. Then another, hiss. You can fight it no longer, bending at the waist to slip off your heel and examine the irritated skin.

Sure enough, it’s been rubbed raw, broken and spilling a small pool of blood.

Behind you comes an exasperated groan and, before you can straighten yourself to even register what’s happening, Joel barges past you and the figure of him up ahead slowly diminishes the faster he climbs up hill.

“Hey!” You call after him, hobbling to slip your shoe back on, but it’s to no avail.

He’s long gone, growing further and further out of your reach with each passing minute.

Cursing him under your breath, you decide to hell with the no complaints of his preferred regard for his own comfort. He’s abandoned you, injured and hobbling up the steps, all because he has the patience of a toddler who’s been waiting far too long to go potty.

“Wear somethin’ a little more sensible…” You’re bound to seem deranged to any passers by, half hopping up the steps, mumbling to yourself in a mockery of his deep voice “Yeah, right, how bout I shove somethin’ a little more sensible up your ass. Oh, what’s that? There’s no room up there with the massive stick you’re already carryin-”

“A local man warned me bout ya, on my way back down. Said there was some no-good girl casting out bad juju.” You freeze, foot stopped in mid-air. Shifting your gaze up ahead, you find Joel there, skipping a step every so often as he grows closer and closer. At his side, dangling from two fingers, sits a plastic bag. “Told him it ain’t no juju or curses you’re casting, just throwin’ a little tantrum.”

Like a fish out of water, all you can do is stare at him, wide eyes and mouth agape.

Joel pays your silence no mind, almost delighting in it. With a pop and a crack from his knees, he crouches down before you, holding out the palm of his hand.

“C’mon,” he mutters, pointing towards your injured foot. “Lemme see.”

You’re hesitant, at first, but ultimately lift it and let him curl his grip around it, holding you in place as the shoe slips off you. A tut meets your ears as his eyes meet the bloodied mess, and you watch how he contemplates, for a moment or two, before wetting his thumb with his tongue and swiping it over your broken skin.

It stings, like salt in a wound or a bee’s stinger through skin, and you try to flinch back, retract yourself from his hold. But Joel’s strong, resilient, nails biting at the flesh of your ankle to keep you in place. His free hand digs into the plastic bag he’d discarded at his side and pulls out a white box. Fiddling with it for a short period, he manages to open it at last and slips out a bandaid. He rips that open a lot quicker, using his teeth, and slips it over your open wound perfectly, thumb and pointer finger smoothing it around the curve of your heel.

“D’ya see now why I told you to not wear those things?” You feel like a child at his words, reprimanded like you once were for touching your mother’s curling iron. “And why I said we should take the cable car?”

Biting the inside of your cheek, you refuse to meet his eyes. But he just won’t let you be, craning his own neck to infiltrate the space you stare off into. There’s a pleased look on his face, smugness pulling at the right corner of his mouth. Alarmingly, you think of how it’s the closest you’ve gotten to seeing him smile.

You continue your pursuit of silence, repeating a mantra of how you don’t care that he’d tried to look out for your comfort, or how he’d then tried to save you the effort of an uphill battle, or how his hand, big and warm and rough at the fingertips, is still holding your foot in place, absentmindedly rubbing your ankle in a circular motion.

“Look at ya, gone all quiet on me,” that corner of his lip curls higher. You register the rustling of the bag, his hand digging back inside it. “Ain’t one for bein’ put in your place, are you?”

Out comes his hand once more, though this time it’s not a box of bandaids. Now, resting firm in his grasp, sits a mixture of navy blue dyed cotton, stitched atop a flat, thick layer of a straw-like material. A slip-on canvas shoe. Joel doesn’t await permission, nor does he even ask for it. He simply takes charge, slipping it onto your foot, mindful as he straightens out the back to lay against your heel.

“Other foot, up.”

Switching feet, you stumble as your weight completely shifts onto your injured side. Your hands, reaching out to stabilise your swaying body, are quickly directed by his own to rest atop his head, curls of brown threading between your fingers. You contemplate asking what products he uses to achieve locks so smooth and shiny, then rethink it as soon as you imagine his reply of a disinterested grunt and a snarky ain’t use anythin’ but dirt water and a splash o’ whiskey.

“How’s it feel?”

Soft, you almost reply, then realise he’s asking about the shoe.

With a wiggle of your toes, you tell him it’s fine, and leave it at that. He doesn’t need to know they’re surprisingly comfortable.

Joel rises with a bit of a struggle, yet refuses the help you offer. Rough hands scoop up your discarded heels, tossing them into the bag, and then he straightens his back, lets out a noise of discomfort, before nodding up ahead.

“C’mon, only got a hundred or so to go. We’ll be up in no time.”

The sun sits high in the sky when you reach the city of Fira.

Crossing over that last step, 588 painted in white across it, you huff out a sigh, exhaustion aching you out of any enjoyment of your victory over the stairway from hell. Before you can even utter a word of your thirst, Joel is already reaching into his bag of wonders, unscrewing the lid off a bottle of water and passing it to you. Grateful, you take a sip, and lament the few drops that spill down your chin.

At least they don’t go to complete waste, cooling your skin ever so slightly.

It’s a shame to see Joel start moving again, moments before you’re even ready to gain back your breath, but you follow after him, nonetheless, mindful to not press your foot too hard down. Through streets he winds, past shopkeepers he walks. Eventually, after a few minutes, you ask him where you’re both heading.

“To catch a coach,” his hand moves quickly, tugging you closer as a bicycle shoots past behind you. Your own find themselves against his chest, and realise it is nothing like his hair. Solid, warm, wide. It’s almost a shame to lower them back down to your side. “Less you think you can walk from here to Oia, too.”

Truth be told, you don’t know where Oia is.

But you do know your walking for the day is over, happy to follow Joel onto the coach. You take the aisle seat, he’s by the window. Across from you both sits a couple, young and giggling into one another’s ears, as though the sounds of their joy is sacred to none but them. A pang of envy thumps your soul, and you quickly turn your face.

Only to find that Joel’s is grey.

Not the hair that lines it but, rather, his whole face, paled and blood-drained. It’s a sickly image, and one that’s quick to get your heart racing.

“Are you okay?” Any thought of keeping your composure becomes mute as you hear your own voice, a treacherous shake to it that gives your panic away. “You look…” There is no word kind enough for you to use to relay the image of him, so you lock your lips.

It takes a few seconds for you to get a reply, as your hand moves up to feel his forehead. It’s sweaty, warm, and you move to pull your hand back when he’s holding it firm in place, eyes slipping shut. “‘S cold. You’re cold,” seems to be his explanation. “I’m fine, it’s just- Carsick.”

“You get carsick, yet you work on a cruise.”

“Not the same. Ship’s big, somethin’ bout the size and my own visibility, ‘s what stops me getting seasick.”

You sit like that the rest of the coach, your hand pressed to his forehead, his eyes slipped shut.

“What’s your favourite stop on the cruise?”

As it turns out, Oia is exactly what you’d pictured Santorini to be.

White washed houses, deep blue domes for rooftops, turquoise waters, all for as far as the eye can see. Joel complains, more than tells you, of the rise in tourism over the years, of how it’s turned the beautiful village into a party-town for idiots abroad, disregarding the clean environment, shamelessly blocking paths to snap a frame-worthy shot, raising prices to the ceiling. When you ask him if he thinks he’s in part to blame, if people like him are to blame- running tours, bringing guests onto the island, earning a wage off the visiting of such a place- he grumbles out something about missing breakfast, needing lunch.

So you find a cafe. Or, more, Joel leads you to one. He greets the doorman, with a wave and a pat on the back, before sauntering his way through to a back terrace, overlooking the whole village, the water perfectly framing it. Stepping out and sitting down, the view robs the very breath out of your lungs.

It’s like sitting inside a postcard.

Joel asks if you like Greek food.

You tell him you’ve never had it.

He orders for you both, a mixture of different plates, and swears he’ll find something you’ll like.

It turns out you’re rather fond of baklava.

“Florence.” Joel’s taken his time to answer, staring at you like a deer caught in headlights. Disbelief more than fear in his eyes, you have to wonder if it’s the first time someone’s thought to ask him, in all his years as a guide. Naturally, this leads you to wondering how many years that is. “It’s a real site. Full of history, a real story to be told.” He tilts a ceramic dish your way, eyes glancing down in an offering. You follow them, and spot olives. Shake your head, no, then smile, thanks. He shrugs, more for me, and pops two into his mouth. “There’s this…” he pauses to chew. “This library.”

“A library?”

“‘S not just a library.” He slips out the olive’s pip and raises another into his mouth. You try not to think about how thick his fingers look, rolling the remaining briny green pebbles around in the pot. “There’s a cinema built inside it. Plays some classic films. I always- or, I try to go whenever we dock.”

It’s hard to picture Joel inside a cinema, something about the setting too busy, too loud to place his scowling face in. Would he be the kind to have a favourite seat, perfectly picked to optimise the sound quality? Does he speak animatedly, excited any time he recognises an actor? Or is he a shusher, the kind to roll his eyes when someone dares to even clear their throat?

A part of you wants to ask him if your tour involves a trip to this library.

Something tells you it’s not a place he likes to share, though. It’s his own little corner, safe to sneak a moment of selfish indulgence amidst a week of catering to another’s needs.

“A cinema inside a library?” A waiter interrupts you, asks if everything’s alright. Joel orders another serving of baklava. “Isn’t that a bit of an oxymoron?”

“Yeah.” For a moment, you think you see a smile creep across his lips. “Suppose it is.”

Another interruption comes in the form of your ringtone, rippling the water in your glass as your phone vibrates upon the table. You’re well aware of how Joel spots the word Mum displayed across your screen. Just like you’re aware he sees how you swipe down on your screen and switch on aeroplane mode.

Before he can ask any questions, or the sudden silence can become too deafening, you throw out another question. “And your least favourite?”

“Least favourite stop?” You nod, affirmative, and he needs no time to reply. “Here.”

“Here?! How come?”

The baklava arrives, as if on cue, and you point down at it, as though it is reason enough to be enamoured with the island. It seems to do little to convince him, his hand reaching out to push the plate closer to you, inviting you to indulge yourself.

“Compared to the other stops, Santorini’s bland.” He says it when your mouth is too occupied to protest, stuffed full with layer after layer of pastry. “Kind of like a diamond, y’know? Real pretty to look at, empties your wallet, and, at the end of the day, ain’t much you can do with it.”

“People propose with diamonds.” You point out, and cough as a flake of pastry hits the back of your throat.

Joel’s already passing you your glass of water before you even think to reach for it.

“People propose with rings. Diamonds are just custom, not a guarantee.”

Sunset arrives with no warning, a hue of fiery orange melting down into the calm waters on the horizon. It’s Joel who makes the call to head back, one glance at his watch enough to tell you the last chance to catch a coach is nigh. It’s only as you go to call for the bill that he tells you it’s covered and you realise his earlier trip to the bathroom had been a ruse to go pay.

The trip back is calmer, quieter, with the coach full of sunkissed and heat exhausted tourists.

Again, you take the aisle seat, and Joel, the window.

Keeping an eye on him is easy, switching your gaze towards the approaching darkness of the night sky calling upon the street lights anytime he meets your eyes. When you notice the increase in breaths and the paling of his skin, you wordlessly unscrew the cap off a bottle and slot it into his hand, inviting him to finish off the last sips of your water.

Skipping out on a trip down memory stairway, you quietly follow him into the cable car and, when you reach the Old Port, you try your best to block out his smug remark of how easy and fast the ride was. A feat which becomes easier as you stumble halfway up the dock and turn back.

Like hours before, as you first stepped off the tender, your mouth falls agape. Only, this time, wider. The view of the island lit up in all its glory is enough to leave you breathless, hands scrambling to fish out your phone, open the camera and-

“You gettin’ on or what?” Joel calls out from behind, and you find him waiting on board one of the tenders, hand held out towards you.

It’s a demand, more than it is an offer, to hurry up. The collective of other passengers are watching the interaction, and a feeling you’ve come to know all too well crawls its way into your veins.

A burden, holding them all up, that’s what you are.

The feeling follows you back, as you slip into a damp seat and watch as the boat carries you further and further from the island, it’s lights twinkling in a way that chokes you up, drains you out, eyes stinging from more than just the salty air. You’ll love it, I swear! The memory plays out in your head, those words gushed at you. Hands squeezing your cheeks, a smile blinding you under its brightness. Just wait till you see it at night, the lights shine over it like stars!

You blink.

A tear pools at the corner of your eye.

“Here, look,” something nudges you. It’s Joel, inching his phone into your view. Through blurred sight, you glance at it. And find yourself, centre frame, lit only by the moon. In the back lies the whole skyline of Santorini, lights reflecting down onto the waters below. “Best view you can get, the whole island in one shot.”

Afraid to hear your own voice, you smile.

He answers by pointing his phone back at you, snapping another photo.

Back on the cruise, the two of you part ways, with Joel telling you to meet him in the same bar, same time as the night before.

Dinner had been part of your plans. With a glance over the listed restaurants on board, the ache in your tired bones asks you to stay in bed and make use of the room service. You listen, order something light, easy. It arrives in under 10 minutes and your hunger is satisfied sitting out on the balcony, watching the dark waves roll past.

Phoning your mother is the next port o'call.

Unlike with your food, that takes longer than 10 minutes. Much longer, and involves you countlessly reassuring her that yes, you’re okay, and no, you don’t need her to fly out and meet you in Naples.

“I’m a big girl,” you even throw in a laugh, hoping it’ll ease the worry lines you can picture splayed over your mother’s face. “I think I can climb up a mountain without my mum’s help.”

“Honey, you know that’s not what why I’m worri-”

“Did you know you can get carsick but, at the same time, not seasick?”

You hang up shortly after, with a promise to try your best to answer when she calls tomorrow, instead of hours later, when she should be fast asleep.

The time on your phone tells you there’s still forty minutes until you need to meet Joel. The image of that grandiose bathtub flashes before your eyes and, in record timing, you’re sinking into scalding waters, a complimentary bath bomb dumped in and granting you the childish gift of bubbles.

You try to relax, at first.

There’s no need to wet your hair, so you indulge yourself. Lay your head back, close your eyes. Feel your muscles loosen with the warmth, ignore the sting of soap in your blistering heel. Your hands struggle to find a resting place, until they meet your thighs. They sit still, for a moment or two, before one slips down, inching into the crease of where your legs meet.

Something stirs in your core, comes alive as you think of how long it’s been since you last felt someone. A few months, it has to be. A fellow graduate, if you remember correctly, that stupid robe still on his shoulders as he let his mouth come down on you.

Your hand is soon on your core, before you really notice, mind on a mission to recall the hazy encounter. When you think of his tongue, messy yet eager, your finger’s already on your clit, pressing against it with a tease of pleasure. When you think of his cock, uncut and thicker than your ex, splitting you open on his bedroom floor, your hips cant up against yourself, chasing friction. When you rewind how soft Joel’s hair had been between your fingers, your free hand grips one of your breasts, fingers pinching at your nipple.

Your eyes snap open.

Joel’s hair.

Joel.

Something you should not be thinking of right now, hand buried between your thighs.

You wait a few seconds, remind yourself of the graduate’s face.

His blue eyes, your fingers roll over your nipple.

His blonde hair, your legs spread wider.

Joel’s solid chest, your fingers dip inside your cunt.

Your breath is shaky, Joel’s annoyed groan echoes.

The shame of it, of thinking of him, is almost as tantalising as touching yourself, fucking your own hole full with as much of your fingers the angle will allow. It’s a one time thing, you justify. You just need to get it out your system. One and done, cum and done. No more of Joel Miller between your thighs, this is the closest he’ll get.

Someone knocks at your door.

You nearly miss it over the sound of your breathing, the pounding of your heart.

“Who is it?” You don’t like how weak you sound, but it’s too late to take it back now.

Another knock.

“Can I come in?”

A hand still between your thighs, orgasm titering on the edge, body fully submerged in lukewarm water. “No!”

“Ain’t safe to leave your door unlocked. Anybody could walk in- Jesus!”

You’ve never screamed louder.

Joel takes up most of the bathroom doorway, same clothes save for the shirt that’s got two buttons undone and the sleeves rolled halfway up his arms. You’re pressed right back into the bathtub, as physically far from him as you can get, knees pressed up to your chest, ankles crossed over.

In Joel’s defence, he’s quick to turn away, presenting you with a view of his back. A hand runs through his hair.

“Why are you in my room?!” You inch even further back, the water suddenly dropping several degrees.

“I asked to come in!”

“And I told you not to!”

“Well obviously I didn’t hear that!”

“Why are you in my room?” You’re back to your first question, eyeing up your towel.

It’s across the room, on the bathroom sink. No way for you to reach it without the risk of him seeing you reflected on something.

“You were late. Came to check if ya tripped on them heels and broke your neck.”

“I,” you’re not sure what time it is with your phone sitting by the bed, charging. That's now five times you've been late in adulthood. “Didn’t realise the time. I can meet you at the bar in ten minutes.”

He nods, and you watch him take a step, then immediately pause. “You know, I’ve heard a few things from passengers…” You may not see his face, but you swear there’s that half-smirk, smug look upon it. It’s practically dripping off his words. “The shower head, fourth setting. Seems to get the job done for most ladies on board.”

Grabbing the closest thing in reach- a bar of soap- you launch it and watch it bounce off his irritatingly wide shoulders. “Get OUT!”

You make it to the Tipsy Byson in 15 minutes.

Dressed more appropriately than the night before, your flared jeans and crop top garner less stares. It’s just as busy, if not busier, yet it’s not hard to spot Joel on a barstool, nursing a glass of something syrupy looking. Behind the bar is Luke, head thrown back at something Joel says.

They’re an interesting pair to observe, you realise as you make your way over. With Luke, so tall, so lanky, so bright-face, his energy warm and inviting, and Joel so- well, Joel.

“There she is,” Luke cheers, a little too loudly, calling attention to you as you slip into the stool next to Joel. “My new favourite customer.”

“Thought I was your favourite,” Joel’s yet to look at you, and it’s a relief. He’s looked at you enough for one day, one week, one lifetime.

“Sorry but she smells better than you, Joel,” the barman winks at you, a cheeky grin on his face. “ Plus, she’s a hell of a lot nicer to look at.”

Joel scoffs, you giggle.

“Not sure about the whole smelling better thing,” your response comes minutes later, after Luke’s already served you a glass of wine and turned away your cash, telling you he’ll put it on Joel’s tab. “But thanks!”

Unprompted and uninvited, Luke bends over the bar and takes an exaggerated sniff. “I don’t know, smell alright to me.”

“Really? I’m not even wearing perfume, I forgot to pack any-.”

“Yeah! Go on Joel, give her a whiff, tell her she smells fine!” There’s resistance on his end, but Luke’s adamant, hand clamped on the back of Joel’s head, shoving him face first into your neck. Joel’s nose brushes against you. You hear him inhale. Exhale. Inhale again, then the urge to cross your thighs begins to nag at you. “Well?”

“Yeah, smells nice- Fine. Ya smell fine.”

“Be still my beating heart! Someone alert the press that Texas said something other than-”

Joel interrupts Luke’s dramatics, scowl on his face. “Don’t you have a job to be doin’?”

Only once the bartender is down the other end of the bar, engrossed in a heated discussion over what beer pulls a better head, does Joel speak again, sipping on his drink. Whiskey.

“So I noticed somethin’, when I was checking your bookin’ info.” You nod, urge him to continue, and take a sip of your own drink. Some country song plays over the speakers and you notice a sudden shake in Joel’s knee, his foot tapping to the beat. “Says there should be two of you in my guide team.”

“Oh,” the lump forming in your throat falls safely back into the pit of your stomach as you take another drink of wine. “Must be a printing error. You know how technology can be, always complicating things.”

“Hmm,” it’s easy to write off the awkward energy between you with the excuse of earlier events, and it’s the first bright-side you find to him walking in on your intimate bath. “Well, you know the drill for tomorrow. 7 am on that deck or I’m-”

“Docking without me, I know.”

You finish your drink first. When Joel orders himself another glass, you smile politely and turn it down. Yawn, then tell him you best head to bed.

Before you can slip out the entry, someone calls your last name. Loud enough to turn more than just your own head.

It’s Joel, approaching you, effortlessly parting crowds through the lively bar as though he is knife and, the people, butter. The loud music seems to ring louder in your ear, impeding you from hearing the words that leave his moving lips.

“What?” You call out, hands clasped over your mouth in an attempt to amplify the volume of your voice.

His response is to step closer, hands holding you in place by the waist as he leans down. A hot breath on your neck, the smell of whiskey on his breath, the soft brush of lips against your ear.

“It’s your turn to bring the coffees.”

series taglist. @auteurdelabre

#joel miller series #joel miller smut #joel miller x reader #joel miller fic #pedro pascal smut #joel miller fanfic

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faghubby · 4 months

Text

Fishing trip

I was looking forward to this trip for months. The four of us had rented this cabin. Well not sure you can call it a cabin. Four bedroom two floor, huge porch, balcony over looking a pool. Set on a hill over looking a lake. We had use of a fishing boat. And ATVs not to mention the streams and river near by. The weather was going to be perfect. I was packed and set to leave. When tragedy struck. The deal I had been working on, my huge bonus to close the deal. Went sideways I could fix this but it meant a trip to Cincinnati.

I called Walt, Pete and George and broke the news. Maybe I could meet them later in the week. After some teasing on how at least I wouldn't scare the fish they all understood and hoped to meet me there.

Phoebe , my wife of 15 years. drove me to the airport the next morning, she had already planned on me being away. Where I went didn't really matter. I was kinda complaining about missing the trip the money already spent.

"Maybe I will go so it's not a waste" Phoebe told me. She hated fishing.

"And do what?" I said knowing she was just trying to make me feel better.

"Sit by the pool, kyack, walks in the wood" she told me. As I kissed her goodbye. My flight being called.

"Go then have fun with three guys who smell like fish" I said jokingly.

"Okay I will" she told me in defiance of my joking. I didn't think about it again. Till I had already landed met with the clients lawyers and checked into my hotel. When I read a text.

"Cells are spotty at the lake, George is driving me" the text read as she showed me a pic of her loading her stuff in his SUV. I called her they where still on the road.

"Hello sweety, you're on speaker " she sang.

"You really are going fishing" I laughed.

"She promised to cook, buddy" I heard Walt say. They where driving up together. Pete was going to meet them there. After a brief conversation of their plans she took me off speaker.

"Hurry up if you can, miss you already" Pheobe told me and hung up.

I spent the next three days talking them out of walking away from the contract. And two more writing changes to a new one.

Phoebe

We arrived at the cabin after midnight. I was still wide awake from too much coffee or general curiosity. Went exploring. The guys gave me the master bedroom saying I should have the private bathroom. I went to shower and couldn't figure out how the shower worked. It was one of those showers with all kinds of different showerheads. I went to the bedroom door.

"Hey guys, can someone help me" I called out Walt appeared.

"Um I can't figure out the shower" I said fully aware I stood in front of him in nothing but a towel. Walt ever the perfect gentleman. Went to investigate. He gave me a quick explanation. But as he went to leave he paused for a brief moment. It was nothing.

"What?" I asked.

"Sorry never knew you had a tattoo" he said excusing himself.

"OH, here it goes up" I raised my towel to show him the tattoo on my thigh of a dragon and unicorn some thought they where locked in an epic battle. I thought of it as both sides of my personality. But as I did my towel slipped and exposed my breasts.

"Sorry, I should" Walt said. I grabbed his shoulder to steady myself as I grasped the towel. He took it differently. He turned and pulled me into his arms. I should of pushed him away. I wanted to.

But I looked up into his deep brown eyes, he was a very handsome man. White hair sprinkled in his beard. Contrast to his ebony bald head. His body hard from a life time of hard work. He stood alot taller then Paul. I let the towel fall. His huge hands grasped my breasts. My c cups still not big enough to fill them. He kissed me. Then stopped

"Nothing has happened yet" he told me. I jumped into his arms and he carried me to the bed. I watched as he shed his clothes. His cock. My God I had never. It jutted out from his body, Paul's always pointed up. But I think the sheer size of Walt didn't allow that. He must be twice my husband I thought. As he climbed on top of me.

"Go slow, you are so much bigger" I pleaded. Despite his strength he was gentle and carresed my body. He didn't fuck me he made love to me. I came twice. Loudly as he did. We laid there in the afterglow. I admired his tattoos.

"I love my husband" I shared.

"Paul is great. Let's just call this a fling" he told me. As he held me tight I fell asleep. I woke and took that shower finally. It was already 10am the guys where gone. I figured out early.

I put on a bikini and laid out by the pool. It was mid afternoon, when I put down my book. Romance smut I thought after reading a well description of sex. I thought about Walt. I was alone the sun warming me. My fingers slid under my suit and I was soon rubbing my clit. Suddenly I opened my eyes to see Pete standing there watching me.

"Pete, I " I turned beet red. He sat at my feet. He rubbed my feet

"Don't stop on my account" he smiled. I couldn't I mean I had fucked Walt last night. I thought back to a time in collage when I had allowed 5 guys to gang bangs me. I pulled my bottom down exposing myself and started to masterbate. I felt Pete kiss my thigh higher and higher. Soon he pulled off my bikini and was sucking my clit. I wanted him I pulled his hair pulling him on top of me. He smelled of sweat and push. As I tried to tear his clothes off of him. Pete took his time. He liked to tease me. Get me close then stop. He even worked two fingers in my ass. He offered me his cock to suck. As much as he teased me it was like a present. I sucked it down my throat, he wasnt hss big and think as Walt but still bigger then Paul. But before he came he pulled out. And slid it into my very wet cunt. It didn't take long for me to dig my nails into his back as we came together. I didn't want to let him go but we heard the ATVs co,ING back. I jumped in the pool and fixed my suit as Pete vanished into the house.

In less then 24 hours I had fucked two of my husband's friends and cum more then I had in a year. I knew Pete was married. His wife and I friends but I hadn't cared. Later that night I sought out George.

George was funny, probably Paul's best friend. I found him in the hot tub.

"I am sure Walt and Pete" I said.

"Well Pete has a big mouth" George said. I looked at him and removed my robe. I was naked as I got in the hot tub.

"You are a nasty little mink" he told me. He pulled me onto his lap.

"Have you and Cindy ever talked about" he asked me. He pinched my nipples. Cindy was his long term girlfriend. They had been together for years.

"No" I moaned. He pushed me up and bent me over the edge of the hot tub. Without warning he drove his cock balls deep into my pussy. He fucked me like a man just out of prison. He pulled out and spun me just to cum on my face. Then shoved his cock innmy mouth. As I sucked him hard again.

"I am going to take that ass" he told me. As soon as he was hard he pulled out and bent me over again.

"Please some lube" I begged. He squirted something on my ass and again drive his cock in balls deep. I was in tears as he fucked my ass. Whatever he used was no longer lubricating but he didn't slow. Petre came all over my ass. He didn't even let me rinse off instead marched me naked back into the house.

"You are the cabin slut for the weekend, I don't want to see you even wearing clothes" he told me both Pete and Walt where in the room.

Pete, George and Walt although all friends where very different. Although I abided by George' s rule of no clothes. Other then when we went into town. And then I wore a sundress, no bra or panties. I had some kind of sexual experience with each of them. Everyday. Walt gentle and kind. George forceful and dirty , while Pete was funny and playful. By Wednesday night Pete and George even split roasted me on the balcony.

Thursday I sucked Walt's huge cock. Proud I had managed to take it all before they headed to the lake. When a car pulled up.

I glanced out the window to see Paul pulling up. I rushed upstairs and jumped in the shower.

Paul

I finished up in Ohio and rushed to the lake. I would still get in a long weekend. As I entered the cabin I heard the shower, the guys must be on the lake I was right I found Phoebe in the shower. I joined her. She kissed me surprised to to see me. Fishing could wait . I took her to bed.

"Paul, I have to tell you" she stopped me. "I don't know exactly how it happened but I slept with The guys" she confessed, I was stunned.

"What? Who?" I stuttered

"All three of them. I had to tell you.i am sorry" Phoebe cried.

"At the same time" I asked but I was kissing and pawing at her. I was so turned on by her being a slut.

"Paul?" Phoebe asked as she grasped the stiffest hard on I have had since I was 15. "You're not mad" she stroked me.

"Tell me about it" I begged. She stopped me pushing me back.

"I was so worried you would leave me" she yelled at him hitting him in the chest. Then she looked me in the eye. "Walt is very big" she held her hands apart to show me. I pinned her down. I wanted her.

"Stop, if it turns you on so much I should just finish the week out ad their slut" Phoebe told me. She reached down and stoked my dick.

"Sit up" she told me. Never letting go of my now leaking penis. I came in her hand.

"Let's go down to the lake" she suggested. I got dressed. But Phoebe only wore sandels and a sheer rap. Like woman wear over thier bathing suit on the beach. We reached the dock and called the boat on the shortwave radio. They headed right in. They took one look at Phoebe. And laughed.

"You okay with your wife dressing like that Paul?"

"Yes, she looks awesome." I replied. Phoebe kissed me.

"Maybe they will let you watch later" she said and smacked my ass.

The four of us spent the day fishing. And Phoebe was the topic of the day. The three of them compared notes, and told stories about the last few days. I was rock hard the whole time. Even sharing a story of my own back when me and Phoebe had first met.

As we got back to the cabin Phoebe was cooking diner. George walked straight up and bent her over the counter. He started to play with her ass.

"George please' She begged handing him a tube of lube. He took it.

"Paul finish dinner don't let it burn" George picked Phoebe up and took her outside on the patio. I could hear them bit not see focusing on not ruining dinner.

"You are really okay with this" Walt smiled

"Yes" was all I could muster.

"Well I guess you get the couch then" Pete laughed. They treated me like a bitch after that. I was the butt of every joke or prank. Not permitted to drink to much since I wasn't man enough. I don't know if it was Phoebe or the guys but she made sure I got a good look at each one of their cocks over the next two days.

Phoebe fucked all of them at least once a day. I got even more turned on. As they teased me.

"Maybe you should ride on the back of thefour wheeler. It might be too much for you to handle" they even made me fish with Phoebe's pink pole I had bought years ago. She never used. But hadbought along for the weekend cause you never know.

Friday night. Phoebe came down stairs sat on couch where I was sleeping. I woke up. She wore her robe.

"You need to come clean, explain this all to me" She said. "You get excited when I fuck your friends, but also when they treat you like a sissy" she told me. I was rock hard and rolled to rub against her.

"Explain first" she told me.

"I don't know, I always loved it when the guys would talk about how hot you where. Made me feel like a million bucks. I had fantasies of you fucking George. I knew what he is like. Way he talks about his conquest. Plus I know I am not very big. And it's hard for you to finish with me,

"I will admit I have had more orgasms this week them in the last 5 years" she told me.

"And you let them have your ass" I moaned. We had never. I had asked her to try it once but she was unsure about it and I let it go.

"Walt took it tonight I don't think it will ever go back." She laughed stood up and showed me her still stretched asshole. I kissed it even running my tounge along the rim. This made Phoebe giggle. She spun and showed me her gapped pussy as well. I went to kiss it too. She pulled back.

"He finished in" she started I grabbed her ass and pulled her back kissing her pussy. My tounge probing the creves. I could definitely taste Walt mixed with her. Phoebe just let me continue.

"It's in there deep" Phoebe reminded me. Soon she was rocking back on forth riding my face. I made her cum she regained her composure.

"Be right back" as she got up and went upstairs. She returned a few minutes later.

"Put these on" she held a peach colored panties, with lace across the ass.

"Phoebe?!" I said surprised

"If you're going to suck men's cum out of my dirty cunt. You are going to wear the proper underwear" she told me. I got up took off my boxers as she slid them up my legs. She rubbed my never ending erection thru the soft material till I came. It didn't take long. Then went back to bed.

I was up first showered and dressed. When Phoebe came down in just her robe and made breakfast. As we ate Phoebe just crawled under the table and sucked Pete's cock. She came up. And kissed me. She hadn't swallowed Pete's load. Instead she fed it to me. Forcing me to swallow it. To laughs from the three of them.

"Last day" she handed me a flower print bikini. "Since you love to eat cum so much you should dress the part on the lake." I felt warm. I couldn't not in public. Not with my friends. Suddenly they where all insisting. I went and changed. The suit was very small barely covering my ass. And I had not tits. I wanted to protest but everyone could see my erection straining against the material.

We went out on the boat. But fishing was done. They had fished for the last 8 days. Today they made sure I got a nice tan. They went and jumped off the cliff into the lake. I wasn't allowed to try I was delicate. And although it pissed me off. It excited me also. So inplayed the part of the unimpressed girl watching them be jerks. But at noon they headed back to the cabin. We surprised Phoebe. They sat me down and I watched as they all fucked her. In every hole. She was covered in there sperm by the time they finished.

"Go clean your slut up" they told me. Phoebe was exhausted and falling asleep as I started to lick and slurp up 6 or was it 7 loads of cum off of her. The guys left us alone. But I didn't want to stop. Phoebe even fell asleep until I sucked two loads out of her cunt

"Sissy, don't forget my ass" is all phoebe said rolling over to give me better access. I let Phoebe sleep. The guys left rather then spend another night. I spent the rest of the day in Phoebe's bikini. When Pheobe woke she gave me another handjob.

"Paul, I am going to at least counting to see Pete. Since he is technically the only one single. And I will have to find some more since I know now you are a total cum fag" Phoebe told me. We left in the morning.on the long drive home. Phoebe made me make a detour to an adult store. Where she made me pick out a strapon along with other toys. After a brief breakdown where I admitted I wanted it. She also had me change right in the parking lot. Into a pair of her panties. She let me choose. Since she hadn't worn any all week.

All I could think about was when was the next fishing trip?

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jisungsbff01 · 1 month

Text

.1.

.like i need you. 1.

...pairing…Chan x reader

...w.c... 2.7K

...genre…slice-of-life, college au!

...warnings...swearing, mentions of insomnia, stress

...characters...Y/N, (OC) Lilith, (OC) June, Chan, Hyunjin, (Han and I.N mentioned)

...synopsis...No one ever really knows what they wanna do in their 20s, but Y/N has always known what she was going to do. So, she began the journey to her dream and is so close to reaching it with no distractions at all. Until she is thrown into a project with Hyunjin, a fellow senior in college, and he introduces her to a few of his friends...connecting with one in particular...

Her whole plan is soon thrown off the track she’s had it on for 21 years….

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“So, how many exams do you two have left for this week?” June voiced across from Lilith and me as she sipped on her latte.

I snort sounded out to my left and my red-haired friend spoke a little louder than she probably meant to, causing a few pedestrians to glance in our direction, “FOUR, and Professor Leslie is riding my ass for my grade…I do have a life outside of college!”

The three of us chuckled to another as we continued to talk about how our classes have been since we last saw another, our trio has been wrapped up in perfecting each of our majors to even think about a time-out. With Lilith having a major final in her choreography class; she has to choreograph her own dance with a person from a producing and songwriting class. This trio-final rests heavily on all three of their grades. June has been up in the kitchen cooking up storms of various dishes for her major final, Lilith and me being her taste testers. Me on the other hand, I’m in a similar boat as Lilith, only…my choreographer,Hyunjin, was short a songwriter.So, I have to both produce and songwrite for this project. I somehow managed to wrap the him into helping me write the lyrics as well, giving the pair of us extra credit rather than just myself. Hyunjin has proved himself competent enough, both of us have spent more time together than I am able to sleep these days. He’s even brought me in to the choreography area of it, letting me add in a few touches of my own.

I swear I talk to him more than I’ve talked to either of my friends in front of me. Although, the two of them have heard the many stories between the pair of us, and vice versa with Lilith. Whom of which has found herself hating the hell out of my partner, even though her two partners are both best friends with him and roomates as well. So, she sees quite a bit of him…

I have yet to meet any of Hyunjin’s roommates or friends, I’ve only met a couple of his friends, one of them being my brother…the other being their youngest of the group who took us out for coffee since we pulled an all-nighter the other day.

I let the two of my friends converse with each other about how close each of them are to finishing their major finals…while I feel like Hyunjin and I are so behind. Just then, I get a text from the devil himself:

H: What class block do you have today?

M: I’m done with everything I need done for today, what’s up?

H: I was checking in to see when you wanted to link for the final?

M: I can meet you in about 30, I’m catching up with my girls right now.

H: Take your time, I know you don’t meet them much lately! I’ll meet you at the studio lobby so we can check in our time.

M:Sounds good, I’ll see you then!

H:Tell Lilith I said ‘hi’ ;)

I smirk as I slide my phone into my bag as face the ladies in front of me,”Lils, Hyunjin said ‘hi’, by the way.”

Lilith rolls her eyes as she takes a chug of her boba through the thick straw, “What is with him? I’ve told him sooo many times already I don’t like him and to leave me the hell alone, I already hear the stories of him getting around, I’m not about to be another notch on his bedpost.”

I look at June and give her a glance through my lashes, a knowing look. Lilith loves to say she won’t give in because she’s heard the stories, but I’ve also heard the truth…Hyunjin has hooked up with one girl and it didn’t go well because he got so nervous that he ghosted her. Since then, he’s just thrown himself into perfecting his craft and he’s definitely been perfecting it. June and I have spoke on several occasions about it, rooting that one day Lilith will let my new found friend in, she’s been hurt too many times by many people and I know Hyunjin would be a good match for her. So, on the down low, I’ve been doing my best to play ‘Cupid’.

“He’s really not all that bad, I’ve never had this much fun and ease collaborating with another class before and he’s really good at what he does-and a gentleman about it most of all.” I state with a teasing tone.

“That’s because he has that face…you know, that face…can-make-you-believe-anything-kinda-face.” Lilith struggles to find words as she tries so hard to sound confident letting this out in a quick breath.

I break the blinding silence we sit in for a couple of minutes by suddenly speaking, “Speaking of, I actually have to meet him in a few minutes in the studio, you two, if you need anything just call me-one of us will answer. I love you, get back to the apartment safely please!”

I give each girl a quick kiss on the cheek as I dash out to the bus stop a couple of blocks down.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I get to the studio lobby with five minutes to spare, finding Hyunjin on one of the study chairs with his headphones over his ears-grey hoodie covering his long hair. I check-in with the receptionist on the last studio slot available, grab him and head to the door. Once we get to the door, he drops his headphones to his shoulders and asks me how my time with my girls went. I swipe the entry card as I span through our brief time together with a wistful smile. I sit in the producer’s chair as he makes himself comfortable on the couch behind me, “You miss them, huh?”

I nod and turn to my counterpart, “Yeah, we always usually eat dinner together at the apartment and every week we usually have a night out or game night where we don’t do much…but lately we’ve all been too stressed or busy. Granted each of those were my ideas, so who knows…maybe they’re glad they don’t have to do those until we aren’t busy anymore.”

He violently shakes his head, “If either of them love you just as much as you clearly love them, then they miss you just as much.”

A hum makes it’s way out of my throat and I turn back to the workstation and begin to run back through our work once I pull it up.

We are working for two hours before he offers a break, he can tell I am not satisfied with what we have and that I am getting irritated with myself.

“Hyun, I can’t stop where we are, I have so much to edit, I kind of wanna scrap this section. It just doesn’t sound good. A song should not take as long as I have spent on this one.” I let out as I massage the base of my skull, about to press play for a full run-through of what we have. Hyunjin grabs my hand, restraining it and before I can protest, he speaks, “Okay, I get it, trust me…but we need food at least, yeah?”

I nod in response, “Why don’t you go grab something to eat and maybe I can get somewhere with this?”

He mocks my response, but gives in…takes my order and leaves the room so I can chug this slow-moving train along. I honestly feel so bad that he got stuck with me, I’ve dabbled in a few songwriting classes, but never wanted to commit to them. He swears that I’m a genius with the pen, but I think he was just buttering me up to play nice. After a few edits on the soundboard, I step into the studio and begin recording soft adlibs. My throat starts to feel tight and dry from lack of hydration, so I step out and grab a sip of water before restarting the recording and redo the short clip. Once I hear the music stop in the single headphone I had pressed to my ear, I hear cheering over the mic from Hyunjin, “Yes,” he drags out, “it sounded so heavenly, so lovely…and I hope you don’t mind me bringing in a friend of mine, he’s a couple studios down and I asked for his advice. You know what they say about an arist not seeing the beauty in their work, so I brought the audience, so maybe you will finally believe my words.”

He can be so dramatic sometimes, grabbing his chest and making a pained face like I just stabbed him. I see someone to the side, but am unable to see their face due to the glare in the window. I step out of the recording booth and am met with a wide smile and a handshake from a man that is about a head taller than me. He sports a hoodie similar to Hyunjin’s-just in black-a ball cap, and sweats. I recognize him from my Producing class, he sits just a row in front of me and I’ve had a slight crush on him for a few months now-too scared to approach him. There’s no way he’s single…

I firmly grasp his hand in return and introduce myself, “I’m Y/N, I’m Hyunjin’s final partner.”

He responds with a squeeze of my hand, “Chris, Hyunjin’s friend and roommate…well one of them.”

I giggle slightly, the sound almost foreign to me, “Nice to finally meet you, Chris, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

If looks could kill, Hyunjin would be dead. My friend holds his hands up, a sign of his innocence and I grab Chris’ attention again, “No, Hyun has only told me who you are to him, you’re actually partnered up with one of my best friends for the final, Lilith.”

That lights up his face, “Ahh, she’s a good one, we cut up well. Her and Han fight like brother and sister so often, I feel like a father.”

I raise my brows in a not-so-suprised expression, “Sounds about right, I’m gonna apologise on her behalf, I know she can be a handful. You should see how she is about getting up in the morning, I feel like a mom,” I laugh…missing the company of my friend, “granted, she doesn’t sleep well, if at all. Now my other roommate, I swear she sleeps enough for all three of us.”

It’s at that moment, I realize that our hands were still clasped in front of us. I suddenly let go and turn around, trying not to meet either of their eyes and sit in the chair in front of me as I change the subject, “ So if you’re up to it, I can show you a few seconds of the track.”

Chris brings up the other chair from the corner of the room and sits to the right of me. I press play and let the R&B inspired beat flow through the speakers. Hyunjin and I both agreed, after looking at thousands of dance videos, that his dance style would look beautiful with a sensual r&b vibe and we went from there. I gauge Chris’ reaction and I am horrified by how openly disgusted this man looks about the track. I stop it where it feels right and his face then changes suddenly, “This is so raw and beautiful…why do you hate it? Hyunjin said you thought about scrapping the whole thing-do you realize how good he’s gonna look dancing to this?”

I am stunned for a moment, does he need a mirror? Did he know the face he was making five seconds ago? Before I can get my words out, Hyunjin interrupts me, “Y/N, he likes it, trust me-the face you saw…that’s his “this shit’s really good” face. I know, I’ve talked to him about it, he’s made that face to my dancing before and I almost cried. He’s not lying, promise.”

I spin around, “Hyunjin, it’s not that hard to make you cry.”

He made a gesture to me and Chris put his hand on my shoulder as he got up, “Trust me, it’s good, I’m not a very good liar-ask him.” He begins to walk away and he leans in my ear, speaking low enough that only I hear him, “Don’t throw it away, if anything, put it out.”

And he walks out the door, closing it gently behind him.

Hyunjin all but jumps on me, “You like him, yeah?”

I shook my head and begin stuttering, “ Hyunjin, I don’t even know him.”

He cackles for a moment before speaking breathily, “I mean the way he works! You perv!!”

Now embarrassed, I turn and just respond with a short ‘mhm’ and he and I continue working. I strictly speak about the project, but he consistently brings up Chris and somehow I redirect it back to the track. He eventually drops it and we go back and forth for another two hours after we eat.

Being the gentleman he is, he drove me to my shared apartment and made sure I made it in okay since it was pretty dark out and out corner streetlight was out until further notice. I bid my friend good-bye and grabbed my eyes off my belt to unlock the door to my home. Suddenly I am being bombarded by my two friends with so many questions as soon as I walk through the door. Holding my hand up, palm facing them, I take off my coat and my shoes before going to the kitchen in silence to grab a quick drink. Lilith and June stand on the opposite side of our kitchen island and both speak at the same time again.

“Okay, okay, one at a time please!” I shout, a headache coming on from the chaos.

June gestures for Lilith to speak first, “Bitch, you didn’t tell us you met with Chris today!”

“He soooo likes you, Y/Nnie.” June speaks up.

I look at the two across from me in confusion, “What? He was in the studio for all of 8 minutes…I was in there for about four and a half hours, he doesn’t know me enough to like me.”

They both look at each other with the same expression, then back to me as Lilith begins again, “Really? Because those 8 minutes must be seared into his brain then, because he was late for our little choreo session…I mean HAN of all people was there before him, Chris is never late. And when he got there he was all jokey and smiley. I’ve spent enough time with this man to know he isn’t always like that, in fact, he’s rarely like that unless he is with all his boys, so shut up. You two are made for each other.”

8 minutes. That’s all we spent together and these two lunatics are jumping to a relationship, they truly are crazy…

I scoff, “Yeah, and you and Hyunjin are gonna get together. It was 8 minutes, guys. If the man spends even a fraction of his time doing what I do, then it was probably his first time seeing a girl in weeks, chill.”

The both of them hold their hands up, knowing I’m done with the conversation and they each go to their rooms in silence. Suddenly my phone goes off and it’s Hyunjin:

H: So how do you feel about our friend groups meeting this week?

M:I’d have to talk to the girls, but I’m sure they’re already down…

H: Good, all three of you need a break and to spend time together again. Also…Chris has mentioned you a total of three times since I’ve been home.

M: You’re funny, Hyun. Go get some sleep and I’ll let you know when we’re all free in the morning.

H: Say what you will, but if anyone else came to compliment your work, it would’ve taken a lot more time to convince you how good it is already.

M: He’s in my Producing class, and I know that he knows what he’s talking about, he’s really good at what he does, so I’m taking his advice.

H:Mhm. Say what you will…I say a month.

M:??

H: You’ll see, I’ll see you in the morning for choreo, angel!

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Let me know what you thought! I was really nervous about posting this one...hoping to make it a series!! Thank you so much for reading!

#skz #skz imagines #bang chan #skz fluff #skz hyunjin #stray kids #skz fanfic #skz jeongin #skz jisung #skz series #series #drama #college

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anangelwhodidntfall · 1 year

Note

said i'd have more to request and here's another one.

Prince Eric x Fem!Reader, we know Eric's love for the ocean.. so what if while he was a child around four. he saw a mermaid around the same age as him peek her head up from the ocean curiously.. to only quickly duck down when he saw them. the mermaid is y/n..

and a small friendship grew between the two in secret, eric promised to keep it a secret. eventually, y/n stopped appearing all of a sudden.. and eric eventually forgot about them.

until around the time the film takes place when he's 21..something seemed familiar about the girl who suddenly appeared and couldn't speak something about them just seemed so familiar.

A/N: I love your request much, thank you for sending them in, and sorry it took so long <3

His Little Mermaid : Prince Eric

*21 years ago*

The human world had always fascinated you even if your parents forbid you from going up there. You had found a spot semi-below the surface where you could watch the passing ships and see the humans. One night they had been shooting off fireworks which piqued your curiosity so you peeked your head out to watch not realizing someone had seen you.

"Whoa. You do exist." The voice said making you turn and see a boy about your age sitting there looking at you.

Panicked that you had been spotted after your parents told you not to be up here, you ducked your head back down and swam away much to his disappointment. The next few weeks you couldn't get him out of your mind....so the next time you saw a ship you swam to the surface and hopped into one of the lifeboats looking for him.

"You came back!" He said as he looked through the bars of the ship.

"I did. I'm sorry for running off like that last time, I'm not used to many humans." You said to him.

"It's alright. My name is Eric. What's yours?" He asked you.

"It's y/n but you can't tell anyone about me, I could get in trouble for being here." You said to him.

"As your friend, I promise not to tell a soul. Wait right here." He left there confused as he ran off but returned a few seconds later.

"I want you to have this as a symbol of our friendship and my promise." He said handing you a small mermaid figure.

"This is beautiful, thank you." You said as you placed it in your bag.

From that moment on you would always look for his ship and whenever you would see it, you would swim up to it and talk to him as the years went on you started to fall for him. But then one day when you went up to surface level and never went back to it again after what had happened, you had hated to just leave Eric like that but it hurt too much to go back up there.

Eric searched far and wide for you wondering why you had stopped coming to the surface level until one day he had just accepted that you were gone and weren't coming back and so he went on with his life.

*PRESENT DAY*

You still thought about Eric all the time wanting to see him again but could never bring yourself to go back to the surface level.

"I can help you my dear. To be with your human boy." She said as you looked at her confused.

"I whip up a little potion that gives you legs in exchange for your voice and then you'll have three days to kiss him to remain human or you'll be mine forever." She said.

"Okay." You said still not believing that you were agreeing to this over a boy you haven't seen in 20 years.

"3 days or you are mine forever!" Ursula said and the last thing you remember was barely making it to shore.

"The prince will be here soon." One of the maids said giving you a smile.

You smiled hoping that he would remember you and when he walked though those doors, he was even more dreamy than you remembered.

"You can't talk?" He asked sadly as you shook your head.

"I'm sorry you just remind me of someone I once knew." He said as you looked at him sadly.

"You're welcomed to stay here as long as you need." He said leaving you as the smile disappeared from your face.

The next day he took you through markets and for a boat ride where you guys laid looking at the stars.

"I still don't know your name." He said looking at you.

"It's begins with first letter of your name?" He asked you asked nodded your head.

"Y/n." He said after going through a few as you nodded your head

"Your name is y/n? I used to know someone with that name." He said sadly as you squeezed his hand.

"You remind me a lot of her." He said with a smile.

"I'm right here." You wanted to say to him.

"Goodnight y/n." He said with a smile.

You and Eric spent the next three days together constantly. He showed you his collection of things from his trips and it made you sad sometimes to realize how much you missed him growing up. You thought that today was gonna be the day you told Eric everything that was until you saw him and her together. You are so stupid to think he could fall in love with you, you were leaning over the balcony when you heard something break making you see the new girl's necklace break and an orb float towards you.

"Y/n." Eric said wrapping his arms around you.

"Eric there is something so much I need to tell you..." you said watching as the sunset.

"Y/n!" He said holding you to him as your legs were turned into a tail.

"You're too late!" Ursula said with a laugh before snatching you out of Eric's arms and diving into the ocean.

You guys fought Ursula, rescued the king and you got Eric back to shore. You laid there with him enjoying this moment with tears in your eyes as you knew this would be the last time you saw him.

"Goodbye Eric." You said sadly as you swam back into the water.

"Y/n! Y/N!" He screamed looking around for you not believing you were gone again.

You sighed as leaned up on the rock looking up at the castle and the fact that once again Eric was gone. You were foolish to even think that you could be a part of his world and hated that you were gonna have to leave and forget about him again.

"She really does love him huh?" King Triton asked Sebastian as they watched you leaning on the rock looking up at the castle.

"She does sir, I think after everything she's had to endure that maybe she should have a chance at happiness." He said.

King Triton agreed and pointed his staff towards you giving you legs, which made you turn and look at him as he nodded his head before you ran up to the castle hoping Eric would talk to you.

"Y/N?" He asked shocked as you handed him the figure he had given you when you were children.

"It's been me this entire time." You said to him.

"I never saw you again. What happened?" He asked you again.

"I had gone up to shore thinking it was you except it wasn't and I got my parents killed because of it. They hunted mermaids and they were gonna killed me until my parents came, they rescued me and they paid the ultimate price for it. After that I never returned to the surface, feeling guilty for what had happened. I'm sorry." You said to him.

"Oh my...y/n I didn't know. I'm so sorry I honestly thought you got bored of me and didn't want to be my friend anymore." He said.

"No, it's not that. I thought about you constantly but could never come to the surface after it. But then I saw you again and next thing I know I'm trading my voice for legs just to have a chance with the boy I fell in love with all those years ago." You said with a smile.

"He would like to have a chance with you as well especially now that you have a voice. He would like to explore the waters with you." He said looking at you with a smile.

You leaned up and pressed a kiss to his lips, feeling him wrap his arms around you and pull you closer to him as he kissed you.

#prince eric fanfiction #prince eric x reader #prince eric x you #prince eric x y/n #prince eric #jonah hauer king fanfiction #jonah hauer king #jonah hauer king x reader #jonah hauer king x you #jonah hauer king x y/n #the little mermaid x reader #the little mermaid live action #the little mermaid 2023

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griffintail · 1 year

Text

I'm still working on the Lost Ones chapter, but like I had this rotting in my brain so here you guys go. I don't speak Spanish so sorry for the shitty Spanish translations later in the story.

Oh, look, a QSMP fic with Little Star.

Summary: A horrible nightmare goes a little differently as another daughter of Wilbur's is there with only one life left to spare.

Pairings: Parental! Wilbur x Child! Teen! F! Reader

Warnings: DEATH!, SOME ANGST, I'm kind and it has a happy ending

-----------

Tallulah sat on her sister’s shoulders as Phil drove the boat across the ocean. They had seen so many fascinating things and Star, herself, couldn’t help but note things down as they went.

They’d been up most of the night, Phil and Star taking shifts driving the boat as the children slept during the uninteresting downtime but Phil woke her and the children up as he saw a village in the distance. The sun was soon to be up too soon, so it would be very safe.

“All right, rules before we make landfall,” Star called out to the two. “Stay close to Phil and I. Do not wander away. You both have your armor on already but don’t forget your sword. We’ll explore fully when the sun rises.”

Both children nodded as Phil gave a nod as well to acknowledge she was right.

“All right, here we are,” Phil said, parking the boat on the shore.

Star put Tallulah down on the boat floor before climbing out with Phil. There were no mobs she could see so she helped her sister out as Phil helped her uncle. Together, the four of them walked to the village with the adult and teen in front and the children in tow behind them. As they walked, Star heard the start of a quill scratching and she turned to see who wanted to talk of the silent pair when she screamed.

Tallulah was thrown away, blood already seeping into her clothes as she lost her notebook. Phil was startled as Star pulled her sword and he quickly followed as a pair of eyes came right for them.

“Chayanne! Get behind us!” Phil shouted as he went to meet the beast. “(Y/N)! Get Tallulah!”

Star rushed to her sister’s side, keeping her cool as she pulled out a health potion, quickly pouring it over wounds to let the little girl regain sense and thought.

“You’re ok little sis.” She whispered before she heard Phil yell and a crash.

She quickly whipped her head around to see Phil struggling to get up as Chayanne was quickly running from the monster, desperately swinging at it with his sword while trying to keep her distance. Star quickly shoved another health potion into Tallulah’s hand as she stood.

“Get to Phil and give him that. I got to save Chayanne.”

With that, she ran over with sword in hand as her sister held a hand out to her to stop. When her sister didn’t see, she raced to Phil, giving him the potion as Star shouted.

“Hey, shithead! Look at me you fucking prick!” She goated as she struck something of the invisible beast.

It gave a noise as the eyes looked at her and changed victims. Phil had the potion down in a quick swig and was standing once more as Chayanne went to attack the beast when it wasn’t looking at him.

“Get to the boat!” Star shouted as she quickly moved back.

Chayanne quickly shook his head.

“GET TO THE BOAT!” She glanced at Phil. “It’s too strong! Back to sea! Get the kids! Its eyes are on me!”

Phil hated it. This was his granddaughter too but she had a strong look in her eyes. One he’d seen on Will so many times before. He trusted her.

“Tallulah! Chayanne! Boat now!” Phil ordered.

Star didn’t want to; she knew she had no chance if this thing got close. But she had to keep it away. She needed to keep everyone safe.

Tallulah hated it. Her sister was out there backing away from a deadly beast that took down Phil. But when Phil saw her hesitate while Chayanne was making a noise of protest but coming back, he picked up the young girl. She thrashed in panic but Phil ran her to the boat as he could hear the start of Star fighting, putting Tallulah in as Chayanne managed.

As he went to turn around to tell Star to start hauling ass over, his heart sank as he watched her cough up blood as something spear her. Her sword fell from her hand. She looked at him, giving a shaky smile before she was thrown away. He stood in horror and shock as he heard crying behind him.

The eyes turned to him as the still form lay on the ground now, as he could hear a familiar ping on the walkie…

He gripped his sword as his wings stood puffed but he looked back at the crying, angry, distraught children making a choice he didn’t want to.

“I’m so sorry (Y/N)…”

He jumped in the boat and floored it back. Tallulah screamed in distress, unable to speak her words but it was all very clear to Phil as his heart broke. She wanted to go back. Save her sister! She wanted to do something, anything!!

But…there was no point…Star had lost her last life…

Wilbur was running like a madman after the news reached him. It had to be wrong. Phil must have seen wrong. He dropped everything and made his way for the QSMP land. He had to be wrong!

He stumbled as he used the magic of the teleportation pillar to land on Phil’s Island. Looking up though, he clenched his hands. Inside Phil’s home, he could see Chayanne hugging Tallulah as he was also crying; all while Phil crouched in front of the two of them trying to comfort them both.

Phil looked up as he heard the whoosh of magic, then looked at the pair, telling them he’d be right back before going to meet Wilbur.

“Will…” He started.

“This-This is all a joke? Right, Phil? Tommy’s been teaching Star shitty jokes since she was little. It’s just a shitty joke.” He tried to reason with his father.

Phil gave him a sad look as he crossed his arms. “I’m sorry Will.”

“She’s not gone! Where’s my little star!” Will shouted.

But Phil was starting to cry and Wilbur only saw his father cry a handful of times, none of them ever good. It was always when the worst had happened.

“Phil…(Y/N)…” He gripped his shirt.

Then he was startled as a force ran into his legs. He looked down and saw Tallulah hugging him tightly as she sobbed. Wilbur started to tear up as he picked her up and hugged her just as tight.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there Tallulah. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” Wilbur sobbed.

Phil had an arm gently holding Chayanne, who was gripping onto his shirt. It just all felt like a nightmare, but here they were…living the worst…

“Se fue mucho antes de tiempo. Protegiendo a la familia. Si no hubieras estado allí, las cosas habrían sido muy diferentes.” One voice spoke in empty space.

“Entonces, gracias a Dios que estaba allí. Lo haría de nuevo.” Another snapped.

“Tu hermana desea que vuelvas.”

The voices were quiet.

“Los monstruos no estaban destinados a ser tan poderosos. ¿Deseas volver?” The first voice asked.

“Por supuesto, imbécil.” The second rolled their eyes.

“Entonces, todo esto se convertirá en una pesadilla.”

The second looked over confused before everything went white.

Star gasped awake, looking around her wildly as she lay in bed. She…was in bed at Phil’s? Tallulah was asleep across the way and Chayanne’s bed was on the same side of the room with the boy sleeping as well. Star sat there confused as she touched her chest.

The quiet in the room was ruined as the door slammed open with the sound of flailing wings. Phil stood at the door disheveled as he looked over at Star in shock; Chayanne was on the floor holding his sword in panic and Tallulah was trying to hide in fear.

“W-What happened?” Star questioned.

“You’re ok.” Phil breathed before rushing over and hugging her tightly.

Tallulah gave a cry as she ran over and jumped on her sister’s bed, hugging her tightly. Star hugged them both, thoughts running through her head. Then a nightmare it shall be…It was all a nightmare now. Now though, everyone was going to be even more careful and once Wilbur made his new mad rush back to Phil’s he wasn’t leaving for as long as he could help it.

-----------

Translations:

Gone well before your time. Protecting family. If you had not been there, things would have been very different.

Then thank god I was there. I'd do it again.

Your sister wishes you back.

The monsters weren't meant to be so powerful. Do you wish to be back?

Of course dickhead.

Then, a nightmare this all shall become.

#qsmp fanfiction #wilbur soot x reader #mcyt oneshots #mcyt fanfiction #mcyt x reader #mcyt imagine

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bubblefina · 2 years

Text

Dad Scaramouche? just some post reuniting stuff

No Puppet Strings Attached Scaramouche specifically

I’ve been thinking about this before I even finished writing the final part of the story-

Didn’t feel like I could include it at the very end cause it just didn’t fit, but how could I not include it at all!

Here’s some of my brainrot about it-

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

- yknow after hundreds of years being a cold hearted harbinger, I think he’d walk the line of being somewhat of an ass to his kids, but eventually warming up to them

- The way I imagine it, you and scara have two twin daughters. They look so similar to him...actually they look more similar to the raiden shogun if I’m being honest

- through a really long discourse, the twins ended up being named Makoto and Ei 🤩

- he really REALLY hates the names

- but how can he say no to his cute little wife that he’s been in love with for so long?

- Both you and scara still live in Sumeru, occasionally venturing out to neighboring countries for the festivals and such

- favorite by far has to be lantern right. the twins love seeing the lanterns go in the sky :(( so cute

- when they turned 5, both of you made the decision to visit Inazuma. It’s been way too long since the both of you went back (well for you at least *cough delusion factory cough*)

- head to liyue to catch a ride on Beidou’s boat

- Uncle Kazuha is there too!! How much joy you felt to know that he was your descendent, and that the blood line continued with him

- Kazuha loves the twins too, keeping them entertained while parents get some much needed alone time

- playing tunes on a leaf, he’s never had an audience that asked for an encore like this

- the amount of people that had to do a double take when the four of you stepped off the boat

- “why do these little girls look so much like the shogun?” blah blah blah

- continued until you got to the tenshukaku, where even Kujou Sara was in shock to see it

- after centuries apart, mother and son finally reunite (he’s not the most happy about it)

- Raiden Ei is pretty awkward too, ngl both of them barely spoke, it was just you carrying on the conversation

- when it was finally time to introduce your kids, Raiden’s expression immedietly softened when she heard the names

- she didn’t speak much, but it was written all over her face that she was so happy

- even happier when both of them ran to her and hugged her legs, calling her different variations of grandmother

- she kneels down and pats their heads 😩 😩 offers them dangos!!

- scara was about to pull out a heavy NO, but you managed to keep him quiet

- Raiden Ei and the girls bond really well, and as much as Scara hates it...he wants his girls to be happy. To have the life that he always dreamed of having, and he was willing to give up whatever to make it happen

- While the girls were occupied with activities at the Tenshukaku, both you and scara venture to tatarasuna

- walking around, remembering all of the happy times before everything fell apart. it felt bittersweet to be back here. it was around night time when the both of you were about to return, but Scaramouche had another thing in mind

- he guided you a little far away from what used to be the village, you recognized the path

- just in the middle of the wooded area, there stood a single bloom blossom amongst a patch of grass

- he confesses that he planted it years ago when he visited inazuma for the first time since he joined the fatui. it seems as though it culviated itself and kept itself alive all this time. Still glowing alone, through all of the darkness.

- everyone else may be gone, but the both of you started a new chapter with each other. Both Makoto and Ei would carry it on, tatarasuna will never truly die

- If only Niwa, Katsuragi, Miyo and the others could see the both of you now, how you started a family. They’re watching up from above somewhere, and that’s all that matters.

#scaramouche #scaramouche x reader #dad!scaramouche #gutted me writing that last bit cause i miss niWA!!

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alimaybankkk · 1 year

Text

𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲

summary: after years of liking jj, u finally confess.

warnings: angst. if you squint rlly hard you can see a bit of fluff

pairing: jj maybank x reader

jj.

he was all i thought about.

there was no denying that.

even if i were sat on the hms pogue in the sun, back to the hot surface behind me with the smell of the salty sea and the laughter of my serene friends, i’d still be looking at him.

at jj.

the ocean’s nice, of course. the sun on my shoulders feels just right, and being with my friends brings me an overwhelming calmness i can’t explain.

but there’s something else.

it’s him.

at any given moment, i could sit up abruptly and dive into the enormous blue body of water around me, but instead, i’d always choose him.

he’d be paying attention to the joint he’s smoking or the beer he’s shotgunning, but i’d still give him my full attention and my full heart.

my fool heart.

IT STARTED when my friends decided to hint to him oh so obviously that i had feelings for him.

for ex. : “jj, notice anything different?” sarah asked as she helped me onto the boat.

the night before this occurrence, i’d gotten a bit of hair chopped off. a trim with dramatic layers and prominent curtain bangs. it had been my dream hairstyle for so long, and as excited as i was, my two best friends, sarah and kie, were, too.

he’d looked up reluctantly from the lighter he was fidgeting with his hands and narrowed his eyes to me. “where?”

“y/n, dummy,” kie giggled, flicking jj on the head.

he jumped back, flinching and returned a half smile before looking at me. he seemed to search my face and my body for what felt like minutes, but he just shrugged. “not really.”

i felt my heart sink to the bottom of the ocean. sarah spluttered, but managed to say, “she got a haircut, sherlock.”

before jj could say anything, pope heyward, another one of my best friends, chimed in and said, “it looks nice!”

i gave him a smile and a half hearted thank you before looking at jj. “surprised you didn’t notice.”

kiara nodded. “i really agree. y/n would notice anything about you.”

since it was the first time she’d ever hinted at my crush, i felt betrayed. i wanted to yell at her, but i didn’t want to be vulnerable. so, if jj was going to play this game, then so was i. “not really. jj always looks the same.”

“so, are we untying the boat or not?” john b called from behind me. john booker routledge, the friend in the group with the least patience.

well, maybe that title was getting passed over to me.

IT CONTINUED when i had nowhere to go after a kegger. stripped down to my bathing suit and a coverup, the night air of kildare island was starting to chill my skin.

but i had nowhere to go. just like john b, my parents were gone. unlike john b, they died in a car accident a year ago and i still hadn’t went into foster care. i was running from dcs more consistently than john b was.

i’d crashed for a few months at the chateau, finding it a home-like haven i never had before. my parents were criminals; they were always running from any type of authority they were able to piss off. which made moving a common thing for us. dollar upon dollar was spent on every new house they purchased, each one giving me no place to call home.

with empty and crushed beer cans littering the floors of the place my parents would fight and do drugs in, i never really felt safe in any other four walled building.

but the chateau was fun, whether it was a dump or not. it was constantly crawling with my best friends, (one of them being the love of my life).

after spending a few months at the chateau, sarah had moved in and transformed the guest room (where i had been staying) into her own little bedroom.

she didn’t even use said bedroom. she just slept in john b’s room. not that it made me mad she found a better place to stay than the lion’s den, but i also needed a place to stay, too.

kiara’s parents hated us all and hated me especially, for i came from a bloodline of criminals. they’d say, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

kiara’s house was a no.

our new found friend, cleo, was staying with pope around this time, in the only other bedroom i could stay in.

there was one possibility left.

so anyway, back to the night of the kegger, my whole crew had said their goodbyes. it was about to be my fifth day of sleeping on the hammock outside of the chateau, and as the stormy clouds in the chilly night sky foreshadowed a hurricane, i didn’t know if it was safe to go along with the usual routine. but not wanting to be a bother as i knew staying at jj’s house would be awkward, i waved goodbye awkwardly and went in the opposite direction as john b and sarah.

“wait,” i heard from behind me. i spun on my heels to face jj, who had now grabbed my arm. “why aren’t you going with john b?”

i bit my lip and gave him a smile, shrugging. “sarah’s staying in my old room, now. i can’t stay there anymore.”

“so where do you plan on going?”

“uh, i don’t know. wherever the wind takes me, i guess,” i gave him a thumbs up, trying to fight off the shiver that fought me in the meantime.

“the cold wind,” jj looked up at the sky that now jumped with lightning. “the storming wind.”

“it’s ‘kay, jj, i’ll find somewhere. swear,” i held out a pinky.

“no. come with me, okay?”

i blinked, shaking my head quickly. “no, jj. i don’t want to be a bother, okay?”

“it’s okay. please. i won’t be able to sleep tonight knowing there’s a possibility you’re not safe. i mean, look around. looks a lot like a hurricane to me.”

i let out a sigh and finally nodded, following him to his house.

but his house should’ve been a no, too, because it was decorated with the familiar yellow tape marked with some legal terms regarding eviction. there was a notice on his front door and the tape was ripped apart, falling down and resting on opposite sides of the door.

“‘kay… i just gotta get through here, you know, and everything…” he jiggled the door knob which suddenly granted entrance to the dimly lit house, causing jj to jump a little bit. “will be just fine!”

“jj…” i said, getting flashbacks as i looked at the piles and towers of empty beer bottles on the floor. “are you sure this is okay?”

“of course,” he said, gesturing to a room. “you’re my friend. anyway, that’s my room. you can sleep on the bed, i don’t mind the floor.”

“you’re gonna have to mind the floor if it has all this clutter on it…”

jj shrugged. “nothing i like more than beer.”

“empty beer? how do you feel bout that?” i teased.

he sighed. “now you’re makin’ it sound bad.”

after taking a lukewarm shower in the tight excuse of one in jj’s bathroom, i crawled into jj’s bed. he grabbed a pillow from the space next to my head and placed it under his.

“j, d’you want a blanket?” i asked, offering a flayed plaid cover that was near the foot of the bed.

he grabbed it and nodded, muttering thank you before rolling over.

five minutes later, he whispered, “sweet dreams, y/n.”

IT ENDED when i came home to jj’s house late one night.

earlier that day, jj was telling us about a party he was invited to.

“yeah.. bunch of tourons, y’know. shit’s gonna be real tonight, alright?” he’d said, making fake finger guns at pope who rolled his eyes and turned the other way.

“jj, for the last time, you’re the only person who cares about the tourons.”

john b nodded as kiara scoffed. “they’re not that bad. i like to have conversations with them sometimes—but i don’t sleep with them like jj does.”

i looked up, squinting and scrunching my face up at the unexpected ray of sun now beaming in my eyes. “actually, jj hasn’t brought a girl home since i ‘moved in’ with him.”

“you will not be set in the right mind to say that tomorrow…” jj quipped, smirking at the disgusted looks from all of us.

cleo fake gagged. “you probably don’t want to be there tonight, y/n. something tells me—“

i frowned, knowing he would never think about me when he tried to flirt with a tour on.

“listen, i gotta go,” jj said, “my boy sean wants us to bring a few packs of beer and any other goodies, if you know what i mean…”

“see-ya, j,” kiara said, slapping him on the back.

“tell us about it in the morning,” john b laughed, flashing a toothy grin.

“i don’t think he has to worry about that. i’m sure y/n could tell us all about it…” pope mumbled unamused, getting up to open the door for jj who rushed out excitedly.

now i walked into the bedroom nervously at the giggles and chatter spurring into my ears.

“you know, you’re the cutest tourist i’ve ever met…” i heard jj giggle.

my heart dropped to my feet as i cracked open the door.

“you’re not so bad for a local yourself, blondie,” said a brunette girl, leaning her head back as jj kissed down her neck.

“you’re about to see so much more of that,” he chuckled, arms reaching under her shirt.

i felt my lip quiver, stepping out of the hallway and into the living room.

i climbed over the weeks old leftovers that were still left on the table and rested on the couch, crying myself to sleep.

when the sun shined onto my eyelids in the morning, i got up hesitantly and looked around at my surroundings. at first, i panicked, but then i reminded myself of last night’s events.

my eyes were puffy and as soon as i thought of it again, i started crying once more.

i searched for jj who i believed was still in the room.

but when i stepped out into the hallway, i saw him in the kitchen, chugging milk straight out of the carton. “y/n!”

“jj?” i asked, walking up to him.

“how are ya?” he asked, giggling and wrapping his arms around my waist. “you hear it?”

“‘course i did, jj.” my lip started to tremble and i felt my knees almost give out. “and i’m so damn sick of it.”

“sick—sick of what?” jj asked, raising an eyebrow.

“jj…” i grabbed his hand. “i know this might not be the time, but sometimes, i wonder if you feel the same way.”

“same way about what?”

“i… jj, i’ve… i’ve liked you for years, j. for years.” i sobbed, hands reaching up to trace circles on his back. “and i know you have to feel the same way. we’ve always had this tension for the.. the entirety of our friendship. you have always reached out for me, you know? you took me in when i needed a place to stay. but then, there’s also other times where i feel like you’re on a different page. like… like you never notice new things about me. you never go out of your way to compliment me, and you always…. always want to take a girl home. but you know what, j? that’s love. a mix of things. confusion, anger, happiness, sadness…. the one emotion you feel the most is confusion. so am i wrong for thinking that maybe this is love?”

he took off the red cap that once sat on his head. “i’m sorry, y/n, i… i don’t feel the same way.”

“what?”

“listen… i think you’re amazing. i mean, why else would i be friends with you? but… i don’t… see you that way. i see you as maybe a sister. and i don’t feel comfortable having feelings for a sister. you are amazing. you’re one of the most amazing people i’ve ever met. i want to spend the rest of my life with you, but… not… like that.”

“shit.”

“i think it would be best if we remained friends. y’know? you know the rule. no pogue on pogue macking.” jj offered a shy grin.

i frowned. “f-friends… yeah. okay.”

tears filled my eyes as i took a step back. “i’m gonna… i’m going to head to the chateau.”

“oh?”

“i’ll…i’ll see you around, jj,” i gave him a fake smile before stepping off into the morning air, never feeling more alone.

#jj x reader #jj mayback x reader #jj maybank #jj mayback imagine #jj obx #jj maybank x reader #obx imagine #obx fic #outerbanks #obx #outerbanks fic #outer banks

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avocadosharks · 1 year

Text

a snippet of my new noco fic voicemails to a ghost inspired by @eavee-ry 's au :)

read on ao3 here

____________________

It’s been months since the door at the end of the hall was last opened.

There was a small table blocking the entrance. It didn’t hold much- only a singular photo sealed in a teal frame with dying flower petals circling the faded wood around it. There was a flickering tea light illuminating the haunted door behind it in a golden hue, creating ghostly shadows around the doorknob as the wax slowly withered away. Small tokens were scattered around the four corners of the table in the hope that one day, their owner would return to collect what was his.

On the other side of the door, though, sat a cold and vacant bedroom with crisp sheets pulled tightly around the corners of the made bed. The blankets were so smooth and his indent in the mattress began to fluff back up in his absence. Somewhere in the room, a clock ticked quietly. His desk was neat and organized. His books were still lined up by color on his shelf, yet, a thin layer of dust began to dull them. The curtains were drawn and the shades had long been tugged down. Everything was exactly how he left it- an artifact frozen in time.

But occasionally, life would be breathed back into it. A phone that would forever be plugged in would light up and bring the only light the place had left to see, casting a bright blue beam onto the blackened, dead shadows on the walls. It would buzz and buzz until the screen went dark, letting the shadows take over again.

“You’ve reached Noah, leave a message…or don’t, I don’t care.”

Cody sighs. “He-hey man, um, I’m just getting ready to go on a drive and I figured that…I could use the company, but…” He shrugs on a raincoat over his hoodie, his words fading quickly and he clears his throat.

He steps out into the early morning and his ragged breathing comes out in whisps as he fishes for his keys deep in his pocket, sandwiching his phone between his cheek and shoulder. “You know, I, uh, never really got my brake lights fixed, so I’m hoping I don’t get pulled over or something because that would really, really suck…I didn’t even know that not having functioning brake lights was a ticketable offense until you told me.” Cody slides into the driver’s seat and pauses for a moment, staring back into the glassy, exhausted eyes looking at him.

“I’m sorry to call you so late, Noah. You really hated how I used to toss and turn all night at-” His voice catches, “-at camp and, uh, for a second I…I was sleeping. But, I haven’t been able to for a while now and I just really needed to do something, so here I am. Driving.”

He pauses again, swallowing against his clamped throat as he jams his key into the ignition. The car engine shudders beneath him and the dull glow of the headlights offers some visibility as he twists around, pulling out of his driveway.

“Do you remember that first day at the camp? When everyone got off the boat and we were meeting each other?” Cody starts.

The lake water was the bluest Cody had ever seen it. It was the beginning of summer and he could practically smell the money through the stench of the dusty cabins and pine trees. He was young and dumb and excited, gripping the railing of the speedboat to lean forward over the water with a grin so wide, he could see it in the reflection as they sped to the island.

There were already people on the dock and the first person he noticed was that black-haired girl. She had deep teal lips and porcelain skin with eyes that seemed to cut into him as he hopped off the boat. He noted how she seemed to watch him as he greeted Chris. He knew that his chest seemed to pound as he approached the girls, knowing to flash an easy smile, but making sure to eye only her as he did.

She was pretty. Not intimidatingly gorgeous like the girl in the red tube top or hot like the blonde-haired girl. She was shy and pretty and had a raspy voice that made his spine shudder, but that’s exactly what Cody liked.

Then, as he walked over to the boys, he saw Noah. And Noah was beautiful.

#total drama #total drama noah #total drama cody #noco #writing #island of the slaughtered #live laugh noco fr #its probably one of the darkest things I've written #noah x cody

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halloween-neko96 · 3 months

Text

✒ Dream Catcher

[One Piece - ASL Solo Trio AU]

That day, he didn't lose one brother. That day, Luffy lost both of his brothers. And everything changed.

This is a story about a Luffy who lived through his childhood alone, about a Luffy who lost both of his brothers.

eclipse (the day the sun was eaten)

Four days after the fire, Dorga came back with bad news.

Four days after the fire, Dadan came back alone.

That day, he didn't lose one brother. That day, Luffy lost both of his brothers. And everything changed.

Luffy stayed on the cliff where the three of them promised to be free. He didn't want to move. Hence, he didn't even want to live. After all, his brothers were...

=Dream Catcher=

Three days ago...

"What do you mean!?!"

Luffy shouted. Dorga can't be telling the truth. He had to be wrong. That what he said had to be a lie. C-cause there was no way Sabo was dead, there was no way Sabo would leave them to set sail alone.

Except Sabo had left them. To protect him and Ace but he still had left them. And Sabo hated his parents, hated his previous life. He wasn't happy, he wasn't free. Of course, Sabo would want to get away from that place, just like what Luffy told Ace.

Oh god, Ace.

Ace who said that Sabo would be better off without them, who Luffy knew will blame himself for all of this. Cause Luffy isn't stupid. Okay, maybe a little but he knew enough thank you very much. And he knew that if Ace was here, he would be so sad and angry and-

If Ace was here. But he wasn't. So Luffy wouldn't cry yet no matter how much he wanted to cry, to be sad, to mourn- But Ace wasn't here so Luffy waited.

...

It wasn't even an hour later that Dadan came back. Alone. With no Ace.

Just one look at her eyes and Luffy cried.

...

Luffy was alone.

And it was terrifying. He didn't really remember those days before. Days when he had no one. Days when he was all alone. He only remembered, only truly lived when he met them, his brothers. The days before were never really a matter. He only remembered the time he spent with Shanks crew, the time he stayed at Party Bar with Makino, and even the time he 'trained' with his Gramps but never the time he was alone.

And now he was here, alone again.

He never truly thought about it before, not after their sworn brotherhood. Because he thought that they would never leave him, not after he told them that being alone hurts worse than being hurt.

And it's hurt. It hurt so much that he wanted to scream, to shout at the people who let it happen, at Sabo's dad for taking him away, at the nobles of this kingdom for burning the Grey Terminal, at Bluejam for starting the fire and for locking Ace and Luffy up, at the stupid World Noble for shooting Sabo's boat when he just wanted to be free, at the whole world like Dadan said. But most of all, he wanted to scream at himself because he was too useless, too weak to protect anything including himself. If he was stronger, Sabo wouldn't had to leave to protect them. If he was stronger, Ace and Dadan wouldn't had to be injured to protect him. If he had been stronger, Ace would have survived. Except he wasn't. And now both of them were gone forever.

=Dream Catcher=

Luffy opened his eyes and realized that he wasn't on the cliff anymore. He was at Dadan country. Somebody probably brought him back when he was unconscious.

"Brat, you're awake?"

Luffy turned his head and saw Dadan sitting near him. And god, she looked horrible, like she hadn't slept for days, which is probably true. (He would never forget the look in her eyes, the way her heart bled when she said that Ace was gone, the way her heart shattered when she heard about Sabo's death- like how he would never forget the way she called herself their parent.)

He closed his eyes and didn't answer.

"Brat, you know that I can see your eyes right?" She said sarcastically.

"...what?" He mumbled.

"Don't die." She said.

He took in a hitched breath but didn't reply. He listened a sigh left her mouth and something stumbled. He opened his eyes a little and got a peek at her standing up and leaving.

Before she left him alone, he heard her voice again, this time slightly trembling.

"...just don't die. You're the only brat left." "You're the only brat I have left." left unsaid.

=Dream Catcher=

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/44048214

#one piece #one piece au #monkey d luffy #straw hat luffy #asl brothers #portgas d ace #sabo #curly dadan #asl solo trio au #one piece dream catcher #op fanfic #ao3 fanfic

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yours-etc · 9 months

Text

Pancakes For Dinner

Short little ficlet based on this song <3

Pt. 1, Pt. 2 (coming soon)

————————————

Eddie is pacing his living room back and forth back and forth back and forth back and—

“Dude will you sit down you’re making yourself more stressed!!” Chrissy yells at him from their couch.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me Chris, I'm a writer this is what I do! So why is it so fucking hard to write a best man speech for my best friend, besides you of course Chris” Eddie adds to the end in quickly to cover his ass.

“probably because you’ve been in love with him since high school eds! And you need to tell him, because if you don’t he will marry that stupid rich bitch his mommy set him up with who he’s only marrying to make her happy and because he thinks he has no shot with you! And somewhere down the line probably 6-10 years in they’ll get a terrible divorce and he’ll have an early midlife crisis and buy a boat or a condo in Florida. he’s settling and he knows it and you are ignoring it.”

Eddie stops in his tracks and looks at Chrissy. they grew up together, practically siblings. eddie’s mom nannied for her family and eventually, Eddie was born and so was Chrissy. Raised together like siblings as Chrissy was the youngest of 3 sisters who were all moved out by the time Chris could walk. she has been here through every broken bone (4), every school play (6), a gay crisis, and one big fat crush on his guy best friend.

Steve and Eddie meet in freshman year English class. well, not Eddie’s freshman year, Steve’s. Eddie was two years older than Steve and so ended up being his English tutor to get extra credit in his own lit class. Eddie was smart, he just hated school. And yeah he repeated senior year twice making him and Steve graduate at the same time, but they both got the same degree in the end.

“I just don’t get it!” Steve would yell about Romeo and Juliet and Huckleberry Finn and Frankenstein and Dracula and pretty much any book he had to read…

Eddie would always smile and say “Don't worry steve-o, that’s what I'm here for”

Eventually tutor sessions turned into to hang out sessions turned into smoke sessions turned into crashing on one another’s couch. and yeah they’ve woken up a few times in… not totally platonic positions, but they were high and half asleep, no one could be blamed, so they didn’t talk about it. but Eddie and Chrissy did.

“Chris he doesn’t like me like that!” Eddie finally says responding to her.

“Bullshit! If he’s not in love with you then Robin and I are a straight couple!”

“That doesn’t make sense—“

“Shut up it doesn’t matter. how about you write two speeches. one where you pore you’re heart and soul out to him declaring your undying gay love, and then write the one that’s appropriate to say at his wedding. I would say just tell him now, but you know it’s your life, all I know is you need to get it off your chest one way or another.”

She was right. Eddie kissed her on the head and walked to his room and locked the door.

————————————

Eddie didn’t even make it two steps into the bar before Lucas, Dustin, Mike, and Will, some kids Steve started babysitting in high school to make some extra cash who grew up to be both of their favorite gaggle of kids, cornered him by the door.

“so what are you going to do?” Dustin asks

Eddie looked at all four of them, “I plan to get him shitfaced, hold his hair back when he eventually throws it all up, and have the perfect hangover cure for him waiting in the morning so he can… make it down the aisle.”

Mike rolls his eyes, “You know that’s not what we are talking about.”

“We are talking about you stopping Steve from marrying the Richie Bitch!” will whisper yells.

The envelope in Eddie’s coat pocket suddenly weighs about 100 tons. He didn’t know why he brought it. The letter is about three pages long with lots of chicken scratch and eraser marks, but it’s all of Eddie on paper. And maybe he’ll give it to Steve, maybe he won’t. He hadn’t quite decided yet. “What makes you think I can stop him?” Eddie asks.

“Because you’re the only one he listens to, besides Robin, but even she’s getting desperate!” Lucas pipes in.

“Guys, I’ve tried, We’ve all tried. He’s not budging, all we can do is be there for him through all of it. Eventually, it will crash and burn but until then, we put on fake ass smiles and we are happy for him.” Eddie says addressing all of them, “Now I’m going to grab a table, order a round of drinks, and I expect all of you to just focus on making Steve’s party the best part it possibly could be.”

He shoved past them to grab a booth, set his jacket down, and went to the bar. And yeah he downed a couple, maybe a few, okay a handful of shots, for confidence, that's all. The longer he sat there the more he wanted to pull his hair out individually by each strand. He knew he couldn’t let Steve go through with it, but he didn’t want to lose Steve completely, because that would break him. Like completely and totally shatter him into a million pieces that would get scattered into the wind. And yes, Eddie was aware of how cliche he was starting to sound.

Eventually, he made it back to the table with a round of drinks for everyone, Steve walked in looking, well looking gorgeous. It’s like that moment in the movies where the whole room disappears and it is just the two main characters. There’s a love song playing, except this is a crowded dive bar and they are playing some Zeppelin song that Eddie can’t take the time to name because Steve walks in with too tight a shirt and too tight pants and Eddie is only a man.

And suddenly the envelope in his pocket is not only 100 tons but also on fire.

————————————

Pt.2 coming soon...

#stranger things #steddie #ficlet

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topguncortez · 2 years

Text

Day 26: No One Left Behind ➢prompt: "Why did you save me?" ➢character: Robert "Bob" Floyd ➢warnings: hazing, underaged drinking, toxic parents, near drowning, fear of water ➢word count: 3.3k ➢masterlist | whumptober | library

Bob never liked large bodies of water. He grew up in a landlocked town in the middle of nowhere Wyoming. The only things to do in the summer were to run in the backyard through a sprinkler or to go to the pond. Everyone went to the lake, it was the place to be during the unforgiving summers. Kids, teens and adults would spend their days on the sand shores, fishing, sunbathing or playing in the water. Bob didn’t like the lake because of what lurked underneath the surface. He had seen the pictures of the large fish that fishermen pulled out of there. He had heard the rumors and the legends of different ghouls and demons that supposedly haunted the waters and would pull unsuspecting swimmers into its depths. But what really sealed the deal for Bob hating the lake, was when his younger brother pushed him off the family pontoon.

His parents didn’t realize Bob had gone overboard for several moments, he usually was behind them in the back, silent and holding on to his lifejacket tightly. But it was Bob’s older sister who shouted that the then six year old Bob was in the middle of the lake.

“Mom! Bob fell over!” She shouted.

“Oh my god!” His mother shouted and his dad quickly turned the boat around. Bob was luckily wearing a life jacket, but was kicking and splashing around, trying to get the lake grass off of his legs. His glasses had fallen off and were sinking towards the bottom, which caused more panic as he couldn’t see what was going on. When his father got close to him, he jumped into the water and swam over to where he was. Bob clung to him, his hands tightening around the shirt he wore.

“Kick your goddamn legs, Rob,” His father cursed as he swam them back to the boat. He lifted up the little boy into his mother’s arms and Bob clung on tightly to her.

“Oh my baby boy,” She cooed, and dried him with a towel, “I’m so sorry we didn’t notice.”

“Well maybe if he would fucking talk,” His dad cursed again, stepping up onto the platform of the boat, “Fucking say something next time or swim your ass back to shore.”

“David!”

“Well?” His father shrugged, “Kid needs to learn to do something for himself. Quit fucking babying him.”

Ever since that day, Bob did all he could to avoid water. But that seemed to be a bit of a paradox when he joined the Navy. His dad even laughed at him when he came home with his enlistment packet in his hands.

“You can’t fucking look at water without panicking. The fuck did you join the Navy for?”

“To help pay for school,” Bob said softly, “And they’ll teach me at boot camp.”

Which was true. His father had told him from a young age that they would never be able to pay for his college. That he would have to figure it out by himself. His older siblings didn’t go to college. His two older sisters MaryAnn and Elizabeth both married local ranchers. His brother Michael was set to take over the family ranch. But Bob was determined to not be stuck in no named Wyoming for the rest of his life.

And Bob was right, they did teach him how to swim in boot camp. It wasn’t beautiful, but he could pass the swim test and keep himself above water. But Bob knew that he wasn’t going to willingly jump into the pool and go for a swim. It also helped that he was wearing a life jacket the whole time, which gave him some comfort. After boot camp, Bob had gotten his acceptance letter into the Naval Academy. His mother cried when he told her, and didn’t stop crying until after they dropped him off in Maryland. Bob had never been to the east coast before, nor spent this much time away from his family. What kept him going in boot camp was the fact that he would be home in ten weeks. Now he was moving across the country.

Bob had three roommates in his tiny four person dorm; Geco, Tank, and Hermes. They were almost the polar opposite of Bob. Each of them were nearly 6’2 and built. Hermes currently holds the class record for fastest PT test. Though Bob couldn’t compete with them physically, he competed with them in the classroom. They envied the way Bob just understood everything that was being taught in their classes, and hardly had to study for exams to do perfect. Bob had offered to help them study, but they all shot it down. Most people in the class had envied Bob, and labeled him as the enemy, except Y/N.

Y/N, like Bob, was also on the outskirts of their class. She was a legacy student, her dad being the current commander of the pacific fleet. She had gone by her mother’s maiden name, so she could make a name for herself fair and square, but it was unmistakable who’s daughter she was, with her bright blue eyes and blonde hair. Oh, and the way she was ice cold. Unlike Bob, she didn’t let the whispers and the jokes bother her. She let them bounce off her back and continued on with her studies.

“Hey, Frost,” Hermes said. Bob was currently in the library, sitting att a table across the room from where Frost was. She had been there as long as Bob had been, her nose in a text book, “We’re having a little party this weekend at the SigEp house. You should come.”

“And why would I do that?” Y/N asked.

“Cause I’ll be there,” He smirked and held his hands out. Bob watched as Frost rolled her eyes and turned around, “Come on, don’t be so cold,” She continued to ignore him, which was something Hermes couldn’t stand. Bob watched as he clenched his jaw, “Fine. Just so you know, the only way you’re here is because your dad is fucking Iceman Kazansky. He probably couldn’t stand having a fuck up as a daughter and had to do some chairty work.”

Bob’s eyes widened at Hermes' words, and waited to see what she would do. He watched her body shake as she gripped her pencil in a vice grip, causing the wood to splinter. Hermes also watched her, and let out a laugh seeing no response from her, and advised his little posse to leave her table. Bob waited for them to leave, before standing up from his own table and walked over to her.

“You deserve to be here,” Bob said softly. Y/N looked up at him and his heart faltered a bit, seeing the tears in her eyes. His jaw dropped and he quickly dug in his backpack, looking for the packet of kleenex he usually kept on him. Y/N’s eyebrows furrowed as she watched him dig around in his bag, before stretching his shaky hand out and offering her the kleenex. She smiled at him and took it.

“Thank you, Bob,” Y/N said.

“You know who I am?”

“Of course, Bob Floyd, political science major. You sit in front of me during intro to strat,” Y/N said and packed up her books. Bob watched her as she moved quickly, “Thanks again. And I’ll see you at the party.”

“Y-Yeah!” Bob called out to her. Once she was out of the library Bob cursed himself, “What the hell? You’re not going to the party. You don’t party.”

— — —

The music was too loud for Bob’s liking. He didn’t understand how people would like their music this loud. He couldn’t even understand what was being said. The house was hot and stuffy, with people all over the place. Bob found a corner of the kitchen that was somewhat uncrowded and close to the table of snacks. He was nursing a cup of sprite that he had poured himself and snacking on the various mixes. Bob had never been to a party before.

His eyes scanned the kitchen, looking for Y/N. He knew that she was either already here or showing up late. He had watched Mean Girls before coming to the party, to somewhat understand what to expect. Apparently, you didn’t show up to parties at the time the host said they started, so Bob waited nearly an hour before arriving. He also felt slightly overdressed in his khaki pants, button up shirt, and vans. His roommates were wearing jeans and tshirts, and Bob made a mental note to go shopping for some.

“Do my eyes deceive me?” Bob turned around and let out a breath, “Bobby Floyd? At a party.”

“Hangman,” Bob sighed, “How are you?”

“How am I?” Hangman said, “I am magnificent. How are you? And why are you here?”

“I was invited,” Bob said.

Hangman raised his eyebrows in surprise. Jake Seresin was two years older than Bob, and had met him during recruitment over the summer, and was one of the peer leaders in his tactile movement and strategy class. Jake was also the quarterback for the football team, and had perfectly styled blonde hair and a bright smile. Bob had tried to hide in the back of the class, but Jake easily picked him out of the class, and told him he was “taking him under his wing”. Bob took in the sight of Jake’s outfit, dark blue jeans, a fitted black t-shirt, and cowboy boots.

“So really, why are you here?” Jake asked again.

Bob opened his mouth to answer, when he heard Y/N’s voice enter the kitchen. She walked right past him, a couple girls right behind her. His blue eyes watched as she greeted some of the other party go-ers and poured herself a drink. Jake followed Bob’s eyesight and smirked.

“The admiral’s daughter!? Way to go Bobby Boy,” Jake clapped him on the back, “I knew you didn’t just decide to show up cause you were “invited”.”

“Why is it so hard to believe-”

“Go talk to her,” Jake said.

“Oh no, I-I can’t,” Bob shook his head, “She’s with. . . him.” Jake squinted his eyes and looked back up at where Y/N was now being crowded by Hermes. She looked uncomfortable as he put his hands on her hips and tried to pull her back into his chest.

“The dude trying to force himself on her? Hermes? Nah, she’s not into him.”

“Well, he looks into her.”

“Bob, trust me, she’s not into him,” Jake said.

“How do you know?”

“Cause she’s walking over here right now,” Bob lifted his head up and his eyes widened as she walked over with determination. Jake took a step back as Y/N put herself by Bob, and wrapped a hand around his waist.

“Babe! You’re here!” She smiled and kissed his cheek, “I told you, Adrian, my boyfriend is here.”

“My fucking roommate? Next you’re going to tell me that his crying at night is actually cause you’re giving him head and not cause he misses his mom,” Hermes joked.

“I don’t kiss and tell,” Y/N sassed. Jake smirked at Bob, who looked uncomfortable. Jake rolled his eyes, and subtly grabbed Bob’s hand to put around Y/N’s waist. He jumped at the feeling and Jake just nodded.

“Listen, Hermes, how bout you and the freshman jock squad go take a walk,” Jake said, “You guys are fucking wasted. Now go, or I tell Coach Smith and we run Death Hill until someone really dies.”

The group all agreed and disbanded. Y/N waited a bit, still keeping her arm around Bob until they were out of eyeshot. She sighed and untangled herself from Bob’s side, and Bob had to fight back a frown.

“Thanks, Floyd,” She said and walked away from him.

— — —

It was a beautiful night, and Bob could see the stars for once. That was something he missed since moving out East. You could hardly see the stars at night due to all the city lights and pollution. Back home, Bob would lay on his roof and look at the stars until the late hours at night. It helped calm him. He knew all the constellations in the sky, and could tell you their stories, and what season they are most prominent in. Currently, he was looking at Orion, and recalling one of his favorite stories about the constellation.

He wondered if Y/N liked the stars too. He was surprised how quiet it was outside, most people preferred to be inside the sweaty, hot house. Those outside were couples making out, girls having a drunk heart to heart, or people smoking weed. Bob had been offered a joint, but was too scared to do it. He had smoked weed once with his older sister, and could remember how angry his dad had gotten when he threw up on the floor. Bob swore he wasn’t going to try the drug again.

Bob’s moment of quiet was cut off by a hand landing on his shoulder. He jumped and looked over his shoulder at Hermes, Tank and Geco standing behind him. He felt his stomach drop and he scrambled to try and get away, but Tank and Geco grabbed his arms.

“Bob, I don’t think we have properly introduced you to the SigEp house,” Hermes smirked.

“I-I’ve been here before,” Bob said.

“Oh yeah, with Seresin,” Hermes nodded, “Your little butt buddy? Oh wait. . . that’s Frost isn’t it. Sorry I forget, that you like both of them to fuck you.”

“I don’t do-”

“I don’t give a fuck who fucks you in the ass, Floyd. But stay away from my girl.”

“She’s not yours,” Bob sneered. He wasn’t sure where that came from, but he hated the way Hermes was talking about Y/N. She wasn’t an object he could own.

“No? Then why was she just sucking on my dick and not yours?” Hermes laughed and Bob felt himself deflate a bit, but shook his head.

“Just let me go. I’ll leave the party,” Bob said honestly.

“Oh no. . . No can do. Bobby Boy. It’s time for NIGHT SWIMMING!” Hermes yelled loudly, which seemed to get the attention of some of those in the house, because a group came rushing out. Y/N was dancing with Jake when she heard the commotion from outside. Her and Jake shared a look before pushing through the crowd to go outside. Jake saw Hermes first, standing up on a chair and cursed.

“Shit. . .” Jake said, “It’s Bob.”

Y/N pushed her way through the crowd and made it down the deck to the pool. Bob looked terrified in Geoc and Tank’s hold as Hermes was taunting him. She had been to enough frat parties to know what was going to happen. Hermes grabbed a random beer as Tank held Bob’s chin open. He dumped the alcohol into Bob’s mouth, not caring that he was fighting against the hold on his arms and choking. The crowd seemed to instigate the brutality even more as the three boys stripped Bob of his clothes.

“Adrian! Stop, just let him go!” Y/N pleaded.

“Oh look Floyd, you’re little girl friend is here. Hope you can swim!” Hermes yelled.

“Throw him in! Throw him in! Throw him in!” The crowd cheered. Bob was frozen in fear, only in his underwear and socks. He tried with all his might to push out of Tank and Geco’s arms, but it was no use as they pushed him into the deepest part of the pool. The crowd all cheered as Bob was tossed in, the boys high fiving each other.

“Help! Help me!”” Bob yelled as he started thrashing.

“Calm the fuck down Floyd,” Hermes spat.

“I can’t swim!” Bob felt his lungs starting to close up as he breathed in water. He frantically kicked his arms and legs, trying to keep himself up. The panic rose in his chest, and suddenly he felt like he was back in the lake as a child. He couldn’t see much other than blobs of people staring at him.

“Bob!” Y/N ran towards the edge of the pool. Hermes grabbed her waist to stop her, but she kneed him in the balls, “Burn in hell.” She spat at Hermes, before jumping into the pool.

Bob’s head started to spin as he felt his body being pulled under. He could feel the tears running down his face as fear had him in a vice grip. Y/N swam to him fast, and wrapped her arms around his chest.

“Calm down!” She yelled, worried that Bob was going to pull her under as well, “I got you, kick your legs with me.”

“I can’t!” Bob gasped out.

“You can,” Y/N grunted and wrapped her arms under his armpits. Jake had made his way down to the side of the pool, and knelt down. “Breathe, Bob, I got you.” Bob took a deep breath as Y/N reached the edge of the pool. Jake grabbed Bob’s arms and pulled him out of the water. The crowd around was shocked as Bob laid on his back, coughing up water. Y/N pushed herself out of the pool, and helped roll Bob on his side, so he didn’t choke. Bob let out a sob, as he pushed himself up to his hands and knees.

“We got you, Bob,” Jake said, rubbing his back. Y/N wasn’t sure what to say, brushed the wet locks of blonde hair out of his eyes.

“The bitch can’t swim!” Hermes chuckled.

“You could’ve killed him!” Y/N yelled at Hermes.

“Just pointing out the weak ones,” Hermes shrugged.

Y/N clenched her jaw and went to stand up, but Bob grabbed her wrist. She looked down at him and he shook his head. His chest was still heaving up and down, his blue eyes wet with tears. Y/N nodded and knelt back down next to him.

“Alright. . . EVERYONE GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY FUCKING HOUSE!” Jake yelled and the crowd quickly dispersed. Jake was angry and looked down at Bob, who seemed to be doing a bit better, “I’m going to get a towel. You okay?” Bob nodded and Jake looked at Y/N, “Frost?”

“I will be,” Y/N said and Jake nodded, walking towards the house, “I’m so sor-”

“I’m sorry,” Bob said, “Your dress is ruined.”

“Are you really concerned about my dress?” She asked in disbelief, “Bob, you nearly died and you are worried about my dress.”

“Seems expensive,” Bob waited a moment, sitting down on his butt and running a hand through his hair, “Shit. . . my glasses.”

“Oh, I think they are at the bottom,” Y/N peered over the edge of the pool, and sure enough, his glasses were sitting at the bottom, “I can get-” He grabbed her wrist again to stop her.

“Why did you save me?”

“You needed-”

“No,” Bob shook his head, “Someone would’ve jumped in eventually when I went passive. But why did you save me?”

“Because. . . I like you Bob,” Y/N admitted, “A lot. And I should’ve done more to stop Adrian, and I am so sorry for what they did. This is going to be dealt with. They won’t get away with this, I plan on letting my-” Her words were cut off as Bob grabbed her face and kissed her. She froze for a split second, before kissing him back. Bob’s hand caressed her face as her hands went to the back of his neck. Their kiss was split up by the sound of someone clearing their throat behind them.

“Well, excuse me for interrupting and saving my mentee from pneumonia,” Jake said, and handed Bob a towel, “You going to be okay, Floyd?”

“I don’t plan on going swimming anytime soon,” Bob said looking up at Jake and then at Y/N, “But yeah,” He grabbed her hand and laced their fingers together, “I’ll be okay.”

#top gun #top gun fan fic #top gun fan fiction #top gun imagine #top gun maverick #top gun maverick fan fic #top gun maverick fan fiction #top gun maverick imgaine #bob floyd #bob floyd fan fic #bob floyd fan fiction #bob floyd imagine #bob floyd x reader #whumptober #no. 26 #why did you save me #tw: drowning

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gladerwolfstarkimagines · 2 years

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The Guardian of Republic City: Mako x Female Reader - Part One

Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.

Growing up poor in Republic City, you knew what it was like to search the street for pennies and have the rich look down on you like you were worthless. You'd grown up in the poorest section of the city with your mother and father who both worked 2 jobs each and still struggled to make ends meet. Their great-grandparents had come to this city from the Water Tribe hoping to find a better life but got stuck in the same cycle poor people always got trapped in and it was passed down to each new generation. All the way to your parents and you. When you were 16 your parents were both killed in a bending accident. A rich official was taken a wrong turn into your end of town and someone tried to mug them. The man's guards didn't hesitate, retaliating brutally, not caring who they knocked down trying to get the thief. Two such casualties were your parents. They didn't have water bending like you and were defenceless from the guard's flames. Your father was killed instantly shielding your mother and your mother passed away in the hospital a few hours later. You got to her in time to say goodbye. In her last moments she gave you the key to the family safe hidden under the floorboards in your small apartment. It contained all the money they'd managed to save over the years but it wasn't much. She told you to build a life for yourself and that she loved you with her last words. When you counted out your parent's life savings it all seemed so futile. They'd worked so hard and for what? You couldn't afford the rent alone on your wage and your landlord didn't care what you'd been through. He told you to pay up or get out. So you knew your time here was numbered and packed your meagre possessions to head to the water tribe where you hoped your distant family would take you in. Your parents had many family friends in Republic City and you did too, with your best friend Shara actually offering to take you in with her family but considering she had 5 other siblings you didn't think it was fair to take her up on her offer. So you said goodbye and bought your ticket for the boat to the Water Tribe. You had some time to kill before it left so you wandered around the pier and stopped at a small shop. You bought yourself a tea drink your parents had always said was too expensive but you promised yourself you'd buy it one day. Seeing as this was your last day in the city and you were almost penniless you figured you had nothing to lose and also bought a lottery ticket for fun. You sat on a bench waiting for your ship and drank your tea as you scratched your lottery ticket, not really paying attention. "One airbender...two airbender..." you counted but paused as a third airbender appeared. One more and you'd win but these things were impossible to win right? Nobody even won them...then you revealed the fourth airbender. Time seemed to freeze and you felt like this was some sort of dream. You rubbed your eyes and flicked all the dust off the card but no there were really four airbenders. You had won the jackpot. You looked around almost expecting someone to grab it off you and quickly put it away safely in your pocket. You gathered your items and turned away from the boat. Republic City wasn't done with you yet.

4 years later Mako hated attending these fancy parties but ever since Bolin left and Korra went back to the Water Tribe he couldn't be picky about what his one remaining friend Asami wanted to do when she was back in town. So he donned the suit he ironically wore on his first date with her and walked into the building. He gave his name to the man on the door and was waved inside. He was anxiously assessing the room when Asami found him. "Mako!" she called and rushed over to hug him. "It's so good to see you" she smiled and he nodded "you too, you look great". "So do you! it's been so long". "Too long" he agreed and got the content happy feeling you get when you're with a good friend. The two chatted, catching up before Asami introduced Mako to a few people. "Y/n will be here tonight and I want you to meet her" Asami said. Mako nodded "yes your new friend, the one you made in the Fire Nation". Asami nodded "she's amazing Mako! You will just love her". Mako pursed his lips but didn't comment. He'd heard a lot about you in the past few months. A rich philanthropist from the Fire Nation who had come to save Republic City's poor. You'd arrived earlier this year and had set up factories and businesses in which you mainly employed the poorest of the city. You gave them good wages and safe working conditions which quickly generated a lot of workers and in turn lots of output with you opening up more and more locations. Asami had met you in the Fire Nation on a visit and helped you set up your first factories here in the city. Since then you'd since been working together closely and now you successfully supplied most of her factories. You'd also been providing education for your workers too and now had opened a school for their children too. That's what this whole party was for. It all sounded a little too good to be true in Mako's opinion. Some rich stranger shows up from nowhere and just starts helping the poor people for little gain herself? Something had to be wrong. You had to have some ulterior motive. "I just don't get why she chose her of all places" Mako said "rich people rarely do things out of the kindness of their own hearts". "She's a nice person Mako, not everyone has a deep dark secret". "But nobody even knows that much about her" Mako argued "where is she even from?". "There's nothing wrong with being private Mako and we know she's from the Fire Nation. It's not some big secret". "Then why start an empire here? Why not back in the Fire Nation? There are poor people there". "Well she told me she spent some time here as a child. We must've just made an impression on her that's all" Asami shrugged before shushing him "oh it's starting". Mako turned to see the host calling for attention. He explained how you were a friend of his and described the new school you were building. He exaggerated it in the typical way rich people did and Mako resisted the urge to roll his eyes. This whole event could've fed kids like him and Bolin for months. Then when you appeared Mako did hesitate in his ridicule of you because well you were beautiful and he was a stickler for pretty women. You were dressed in a gorgeous fitted suit with a beautiful wrap that hung off you dramatically. Your hair framed your face and your bright eyes showed curiosity and warmth. You weren't smiling but had a kind expression as you surveyed the room and joined your friend. Everything about you just screamed extravagance which reminded Mako of how he felt when he first met Asami. Totally out of his depth in a room full of people who never helped people like him. Still he was here to enjoy the party and be with his friend so he ignored everyone else and focused on Asami, the one rich person he knew he could trust. Your POV You eyed the room suspiciously and kept an anxious track of the time with your watch hidden just out of view on your wrist. You only had a limited amount of time here and had to do a round of the whole room before you could politely slip away. You'd saved your friend Asami for later in the evening as you figured you'd need a friendly face at the end. So as you were nearing the end of the night you approached her and she saw you coming and smiled. "Y/n" she grinned and hugged you. Her friendliness always surprised you and it was one of the reasons you felt comfortable with her despite her high-class status. "Asami thank you so much for coming, it's wonderful to see you" you smiled back. "I wouldn't miss it for the world" she told you and then glanced at her friend. You immediately panicked when you saw he had all the firebender features. Black hair, high cheekbones, golden eyes...textbook Fire Nation. Your story was pretty solid but being around people from the country you were supposed to have grown up in made you nervous. "Y/n this is my friend Mako, he's an ex-pro-bender and a detective under chief Beifong". That immediately made you relax as he was definitely from Republic City then. "Mako this is y/n, philanthropist, CEO and all-around great person". You smiled at Asami and then extended a hand to her friend "nice to meet you Mako". "You too" he said but his eyes didn't match his words. Judging by his suit which didn't fit him very well and looked a little worn, he wasn't from money. You and Asami chatted for while but Mako didn't say a word. You glanced at him and tried to bring him into the conversation "so Mako are you enjoying the party". Mako nodded "I am but I must admit I find it hard at these events sometimes". Asami elbowed him but you shook your head "no it's fine, please tell me why you find it hard". Mako looked at Asami and then continued "just the splendour of it all seems...wasteful and unnecessary. The food alone here could feed 10 kids for a week". Asami look livid but you nodded "I agree". "You do?" Mako asked and you nodded "yes that's why all this food has been purchased from local businesses across the city to help those small families and communities flourish. Any leftover food is being sent directly to a food bank to feed the homeless and poor. The outfit I am wearing was purchased from a charity auction where I bid money for it with the proceeds going to the Earth Kingdom refugees in Republic City. This building is one I recently bought and in the day it is an educational space for my workers who could never afford school or need qualifications to reach their desired careers. I assure you Mako I understand your frustration with these events and I would not attach my name to it if I hadn't tried to make it as beneficial to the community as possible". You finished your speech to find Mako staring at you stunned while Asami just stood there smirking "now do you see what I mean about her?" Asami asked. Mako nodded "I do...I'm sorry for questioning you". You shook your head "not at all, we all need to be questioned to keep us in check". Mako smiled "it's nice to know we have some rich people who actually care about the little people. You lived in Republic City too didn't you?" Mako asked. You tensed up as you always did when someone asked about your past but nodded "originally, but I've lived in the Fire Nation since I was a child". Mako looked like he was going to ask more questions so you excused yourself as someone called your name and said goodbye. "It was nice to meet you" Mako said and you nodded "you too" and walked away trying not to rush. You checked your watch, you had 10 minutes to go. Mako's POV After you'd walked away Asami smiled "she's amazing isn't she?". Mako nodded "she is, I totally had her wrong but there's one thing that's bothering me. She lied when she said she grew up in the Fire Nation". Asami frowned "what, how can you tell?". "I've been trained in interrogating people and she was lying. Not about anything else just about growing up in the Fire Nation". Asami shrugged "how strange, why would she lie about something like that?" and Mako shrugged just as clueless "I have no idea". An hour later Make was on his way home when he heard shouting. He ran around the corner to see a rich man he recognised from the event earlier yelling. He was running towards three figures who were rushing away from a building. The man caught one of them by the arm and tried to stop them but the other person just knocked him down with water bending. Mako rushed forwards to help and caught the man "I'm an officer what's happening?". "This is my building and they're robbing me! Stop them!' the man yelled and Mako turned to see the van had taken off and the motorbike was following. He targeted the bike and sent some firebending at it. The fire knocked the bike over spilling the two passengers to the floor. One checked the other was okay before standing up to fight Mako. The water bender. "I'm an officer of the Republic City Police, surrender and put your hands up" Mako said although he knew it wouldn't achieve anything. He was right, the thief shot a beam of water right at his head. Mako dodged but the thief was definitely on the offensive trying to push him back. Mako tried to outmanoeuvre the fluid attacks but his formal wear was making it hard to fight back. He cursed his smart shoes as they slipped on the wet floor and barely raised his arms in time to intercept the attack coming right for him. He was thrown back by a jet of water and collapsed on the floor trying to regain his footing. However by that time, the thief had disappeared on the motorbike and there was nothing Mako could do. They got away. A few days later Mako was still recovering from his fight with the water bender. He had bruises galore and still felt like a failure which didn't help considering the man who got robbed blamed him completely. The rich gentleman told Beifong it was Mako's fault for not apprehending the thief and that he should be fired. Asami told him the man was an asshole but this was a whole other level and Mako was almost pleased someone robbed him. As it had been a trying week Mako took a long dinner to meet Asami. He headed to her office and almost walked right into you. He jumped as he saw you and instantly felt embarrassed for questioning you the other night. "I'm sorry" you said moving out of his way but he shook his head "no I wasn't paying attention to where I was going, it's my fault". "It's Mako right?" you said recognising him and Mako resisted a shiver as your eyes scanned him. "How are you?" you asked and Mako smiled "I'm good thanks, how are you?". "Well thank you" but you trailed off noticing the bruises on his face "are you okay? What happened?". "I'm fine I just found some people robbing a factory on the way home from your party and tried to stop them...it didn't go well". You frowned "I heard something happened but I had no idea you were the officer injured. I can't help but feel partly responsible". Mako could tell you were sincere and quickly shook his head "it was your fault..you didn't rob him". "They did that to you?" you winced and Mako nodded "yes but I'm fine I promise". You nodded "well that's good...I apologise but I must run. I have a meeting in town". Mako nodded "of course" and stood to one side to let you pass. He watched you go and stood staring for a few seconds before he carried on inside. He walked into the building and found Asami. "Hey ready for lunch?" she asked. Mako nodded "I just passes y/n, she noticed the mark on my face and asked if I was all right". Asami smiled "she's nice like that and I can tell you think she's attractive". Mako went to disagree but Asami smirked "I know you Mako there's no use lying" and so with a sigh he went quiet. Asami smiled "you should try talking to her. From what I can gather she doesn't have tons of friends here and I'm sure she'd like to get to know you. You both have a lot in common considering you're both from Republic City and the Fire Nation". Mako frowned, worried you'd judge him for how little he knew about his heritage "I might do". "Why don't you just stop by her school one night? They do evening classes, maybe there's something there you'd like to learn?". Mako shrugged and told her he'd think about it. Your POV You returned home and made sure you were alone before proceeding to the hidden staircase underneath your bookshelf. You walked down the lofty staircase and came to your underground storage unit. Shara was there sorting through the loot with two of her brothers and you nodded to her "how's the shoulder? Need any more healing". Your best friend smiled "I told you last night the bruising is misleading. I'm fine". "You fell off a motorbike" you reminded her and she gave you her arm sighing. "So I've been sorting through the stuff all day" she said and you nodded "is it what we wanted?". She nodded "it is, the exact shipment. It couldn't have gone any better...except perhaps for that fire bender". You nodded "Detective Mako, should I be worried about him?". Bihan, Shara's eldest brother hesitated "he's a good cop which is bad news for us. I don't think we need to be worried yet but I'd keep an eye on him. He's friends with your friend Asami right? That's the perfect excuse". You nodded "that’s a good idea I’ll do that”. “He’s cute though” Shara said under her breath and you shook your head as her brothers glared at her. “What? He is!” she said defensively and you chuckled “thanks for sorting all of this, do you need a lift home?". Shara’s younger brother Rulo smiled “Y/n we live 3 streets away”. "I know but you guys are the closest thing I have to family. You helped me set up my business and all of this when I had nobody else to turn to. You’re all putting your lives at risk to help me so giving you a lift home is the least I can do”. Shara shook her head “y/n we all agreed to help you because we believe in you and trust you”. Rulo nodded “already you’ve changed this city and made all of our lives better. Not to mention our younger siblings can actually go to school because of you and we’re all in classes too!” he said happily. “We think of you as family too” Bhian told you “and family help one another...although it is weird seeing you in that disguise” he said gesturing to the black wig and golden contacts you always wore to hide your identity. “So the point is, you owe us nothing” Shara said “but we will take that lift, it’s cold outside”. You smiled and left your hideout safely secured.

You arrived at your school shortly afterwards and smiled at your assistant headteacher Naoki. "So how is our first week looking?" you asked. "Excellently" they smiled "attendance was been exceeded even our own expectations with almost 97% attending. Much higher than the local schools. It seems your theory about making the school local and the hours accessible was correct". You smiled watching the young students clustered around tables with their heads in books. Then you looked to the left where the adults were also learning skills from how to read and write to complex mathematics. "I am pleased, this is more than I could've dreamed". "We've had a lot of interest from all over the city too. An officer came in just a few minutes before and mentioned he knew you" they said gesturing to a tall figure in the back. You recognised Mako immediately from his broad shoulders and paused, your conversation with Shara and her brothers coming back to you. You had no idea why he was here but you had to remain calm and play this perfectly.

Mako was reading the list of classes your school offered when you appeared beside him "anything caught your eye?" you asked. Mako jumped before he realised it was you "y/n! It's nice to see you again. I just wanted to stop by and see how your school was doing but I can see it's doing amazing". You smiled "yes we've had a lot of interest. Most of the children's parents work for me so it’s great childcare and the parents are right across the hall studying too. It warms my heart to see families being able to receive an education together". Mako nodded "I bet it's more than most of them ever dreamed, they must be grateful to you". You shook your head "everyone deserves the right to education and to pursue the life they want. I am only providing them with that right". Mako smiled becoming fonder of you by the second "is there any way I can help out?". "Help out?" you asked "I thought you were here for lessons". Mako paused "I was but hearing you talk about bettering other people's lives makes me want to as well. I used to be one of those kids and I want to help other people so do you have use of me?". You smiled "I think so, we have bending classes Monday and Friday evenings. I'm sure the students would be floored to have an ex-pro bender as their coach". Mako smiled "I'd love to! What time does it start?". Mako's POV Mako walked out of the school feeling more peppy than usual. His hope had been restored in the world somewhat and he now had an excuse to spend more time with you. It was only when he got home that he wondered how you knew he was a firebender. Asami had only said he was a pro-bender and never mentioned his element. Then Mako realised there were many ways you might've worked it out. His appearance alone was a pretty big give away and you could've asked around about him. He hoped it was the latter. The idea of you asking people about him made him smile. Mako had a good feeling about you.

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This wonderful request was by @aoncyberplague and I loved writing it!

This will be a three to four part series but I’m not sure which as I haven’t finished writing it yet :)

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