#so clearly I'm just that annoying that noone wants to date me

[raellynaaa]

── ✦ SECRET KEEPER - PJS

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: living with jay means constant bickering over everything. his growing protectiveness borders on overbearing, making you question if he's just looking out for you—or something more.

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: brother-sister bond (jay × female!reader) 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: slice of life 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓: 1.2k 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆(𝐒): sibling arguments, protective older brother, mild possessiveness, misunderstandings, light cursing

"𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋 are you waiting for?”

your older brother, jay, yelled from the doorway like a fed-up parent. you were still barely conscious as you sat at the edge of your bed, watching him with a lazy gaze.

“just give me ten more minutes.” you mumbled weakly, collapsing back onto the bed. jay let out an annoyed huff as he strode over, his footsteps echoing with purpose.

“it’s already 10 am! go shower and let’s hit the market. we’re doing the grocery shopping today!” his deep voice and the no-nonsense tone sent a wave of reluctance through you. you burrowed your face further into the mess of blankets. 

“i don’t ever wake you up when you’re running late,” you complained, face still squished in your pillow.

jay rolled his eyes and clenched his teeth, clearly in no mood for your usual antics. out of the two of you, he was the one who slept the longest and was notoriously hard to wake up. however, being the denial king, he ignored this fact altogether.

jay couldn’t stand your habit of staying up late or your recent ��lazy morning routine’, especially with the dark circles under your eyes that were getting worse by the day. he worried silently about your health, though he’d never admit it outright.

“stop making excuses,” he muttered, grabbing your hands and pulling you up with a surprising amount of strength. 

you gasped at the sudden movement. before you knew it, you were face-to-face with him. you quickly pushed him away, snapping back into reality. after all, you weren’t kids anymore and his “big brother” treatment was getting a bit awkward now.

if someone asked you to describe your ideal guy, you’d probably say “someone like jay” without a second thought. sometimes, you’d even wish he were from a different family so you could date him. he had all the qualities you wanted, minus his temper.

“i'm craving steak today,” you muttered to cover your nervousness, yawning as you lazily fixed your sheets.

“steak? you need more greens,” jay said, unable to hide the slight smile as he noticed your bedhead. your hair sticking out in every direction like a cartoon character’s.

“greens again? i finished my soup yesterday,” you replied flatly, throwing a pillow back onto the bed.

jay didn’t reply immediately, instead reaching over to help fold your blanket. your bear plushie then fell to the floor. he picked it up, shaking his head with a bemused look. for all your tomboyish tendencies, he still found it funny how much you adored cute things like that plushie. 

a small warmth spread through him as he realized you’d kept it all these years. at least, in some way, he still felt connected to you after all the guilt he’d carried over the years.

there were times when jay resented you—especially as kids—feeling like you’d “stolen” his parents’ attention, but as you both grew older, he’d come to see you as the sister he was grateful to have.

“are mom and dad coming over today?” you asked, dragging yourself to the bathroom.

“yeah, they’ll be here around noon,” jay replied casually.

you froze, wide awake now. “why the heck didn’t you tell me sooner?!” 

without a second thought, you grabbed a towel and dashed into the bathroom. if your mom caught you lazing around, she’d have a field day lecturing you. you weren't not ready to accept it because jay's nagging is enough for today.

jay shook his head, chuckling as he left your room. he prepared cookies and milk while waiting for you. he’d already cleaned downstairs, scrubbed every surface, and folded the laundry that usually cluttered the sofa. it seemed like he also didn’t want to get a scolding. 

your parents had been busy working out of town, so jay took over the housework while you helped him with tasks outside the kitchen.

sometimes you two got annoyed with each other. jay often made a mess of the room when hanging out with his friends, while you spent time experimenting with your dad's tools to create diy room decorations.

a few minutes later, you rushed downstairs, wearing an oversized white t-shirt and knee-length cargo shorts. your face dusted lightly with powder and the faintest swipe of lip tint. you grabbed a cookies from the counter, holding it between your teeth as you opened a massage from someone. 

as you typed a quick reply to your friend, you suddenly felt jay leaning over your shoulder, peering at your phone screen without a hint of shame. before you could even react, he reached around you and snatched your phone right out of your hand.

“who’s this?” he scanned the message. his voice was low and grumbling, giving off a hint of possessiveness that felt a little too serious for what was essentially a joke.

“jay, what the hell? give it back!" you reached to grab it back, but he held it just out of reach and blocking you with his shoulder.

“‘hey, let’s hang out tonight.’ really?” jay squinted at the screen, reading the message out loud with a mocking tone.

you rolled your eyes. “stop being so dramatic. he's just my friend."

jay’s expression turned serious, his gaze sharp as he looked down at you. “that guy? a friend? please, i knew what that look in his text meant."

“you're just overreacting,” you groaned, finally succeeding in swiping the phone back. “i'm just going to the usual place, you don't have to worry."

“can't you just say no to him? you have other friends,” he muttered, almost to himself.

“why?” your voice turned flat. It wasn’t the first time Jay had tried to stop you from going out like this. “what's wrong with him, huh?”

“he's just not the kind of guy you should be hanging around,” jay replied, which made you laugh bitterly.

“oh, so now you think you know everyone?” the clock already showed midday, so you headed straight to the front door and put on your sandals. “you've only talked to him once.”

“why don't you get it?” jay reflexively reached for your shoulder, but you pulled away immediately. “i often meet him in places he shouldn't be! you just don't know him like i do!"

you frustrated by his sudden overprotectiveness. "seriously? you’ve been doing this with every friend i make. what, are you screening everyone now?"

"i’m just trying to keep you safe, you idiot!" jay frowned, clearly defensive. "some of these guys don’t have the best intentions."

"maybe," you snapped, "but you’re definitely not my dad, so stop controlling me."

the atmosphere suddenly became quiet. jay's eyes darted on you, but he didn't say another word. his usual confident demeanor softened, just for a second, showing a hint of vulnerability that caught you off guard.

jay wasn’t trying to limit you. he was just worried because you were often careless in your friendship. knowing your past, your childhood, and the wounds you carry until now, he didn’t want you to feel hurt again from people taking advantage of your kindness.

"i can take care of myself," you replied, softening your tone as he passed you without making eye contact again.

"i know, i just don't want anything bad to happen to you."

©raellynaaa (don't repost, copy, or plagiarize any of my works)

[uglypastels]

Remember that episode where Jackie and Hyde go on a first date?? And he drapes his jacket over her shoulders and they end up kissing under the stars? Maybe you could write something with Hyde!Eddie and Jackie!Reader????

ok so i'm using this as a sequel to my previous request (but i think it can technically be read separately as well. you do you). idk what I'm on when writing these. i had so many ideas its just... anyway haha

warnings: not proofread. cursing. awkwardness. female!Henderson!reader

masterlist. || join the Stranger Things taglist

A kiss filled with pent-up tension and emotions is how it should have ended, right? That should have sealed the deal; it should have been the beginning of the happily ever after, shouldn’t it? 

That couldn’t have been further from the truth. 

After that kiss in the hallway, things had reached a new maximum of awkwardness between you and Eddie. 

‘You’re still a jerk, Munson,’ you said, and nothing followed. Neither of you said anything. Finally, Eddie dropped his hands, which fell lifelessly to his sides, and he took a step back. So did you, hitting the door. 

‘No need to remind me, sweetheart.’ He might have smirked saying that, but in the dark hallways, in the deep evening of Friday, it was hard for you to tell. So, blindly, you opened the door and made your way home, not looking back and keeping your thoughts as far from Eddie as you could. That second part, though, seemed to be more challenging than expected. 

Never before had you really given Eddie Munson much thought. He was just your brother’s freaky Dungeon Master, the school’s scapegoat. From what Dustin had told you, he seemed nice but then whenever you saw him… what did you actually think? It was hard to think back to any other day. It was as if that kiss had blocked that ability for you. 

On Monday, you had decided it would be the best thing to do to just ignore him. He seemed to have had a similar idea, as you did not see him until Wednesday noon in the cafeteria.

‘Hey, you forgot your lunch again.’ you threw the brown paper bag in front of Dustin, who thanked you over and over. The plan was to give your brother his food and make yourself scarce, but you had made the mistake of looking up. Your eyes immediately locked with Eddie’s. One blink was, luckily, enough to break you out of the trance and without another word, you left. The boys at the table didn’t even wait for you to distance yourself before talking about you. 

‘What’s wrong with your sister?’ One of the Hellfire guys (you never learned their names) asked, but you never got to hear Dustin’s answer, for you were already across the room. 

◈

‘Is everything ok? You’ve been acting strange, and not like your usual strange, but extra strange-y.’ Robin asked as the two of you roamed around in the library for books.

‘Yeah, of course,’ you shrugged, ‘why would you ask?’

‘Uhm, I just explained it.’ She picked up a book and put it back in its place without even reading the title.

‘I’m fine.’ And you meant it, for in the moment, you did actually feel quite alright. It was already a week since the kiss, and nothing had happened. Clearly, whatever had been in the corridor last Friday was a freak accident, and you and Eddie both decided on the healthy mature thing to do– bury it deep and never speak of it, or to each other, ever again. Done. 

And maybe Robin would have believed you if it wasn’t for your annoying little brother running into the library, followed by his friend Mike, and immediately getting shushed by Mrs Corey, the librarian. You could hear Dustin whisper-shout “sorry!” before turning the corner and finding you. 

‘There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.’ 

‘Why? Did you forget your lunch again? Because you’re not getting my sandwiches–’

‘No. no.’ He shook his head. ‘We need a sub for the campaign today. Gareth’s out cold with the flu and we need another player if we ever want to beat–’ 

‘Forget it.’ You didn’t need to hear the rest of it. 

‘Oh c’mon, please.’ Dustin begged, ‘I’ll do the dishes– for the entire week!’

‘After you made my drive out to school last week for nothing because you couldn’t be bothered to let me know you were hitching a ride? Forget it, pipsqueak.’ 

‘I’ll clean your room!’ Dustin was starting to get louder and quickly toned it down.

‘Stay out of my room.’ You threatened. ‘No. I am not setting foot in that room again.’ You made your point.

‘Fine. Fine.’ Dastin backed away and pulled Mike along with him. You were now left with a confused Robin who was trying to put all the puzzle pieces together. 

‘Was it really that bad to drive to school?’ 

‘No, I just– I don’t want to see Eddie right now, let alone play a stupid game for a whole night.’ 

‘I didn’t know things were that between you too. I thought he was just annoying.’ Robin put another unread book back. 

‘Why can’t that be enough?’ 

‘It can be… just not for you. I’ve never seen you dislike anyone without reason. Unless something happened between you two that you are now too ashamed about to even look him in the eye.’ It was typical of Robin to make a crazy assumption that hit the nail right on its head without her even realising it. She laughed at her own absurd theory until she looked over at you and realised you were quiet. More quiet than normal, and looking anywhere but at her. ‘No.’ 

‘What?’ You glanced her way, arms crossed, almost as if you were protecting yourself.

‘No.’ She got louder. ‘Did you and Eddie–’ She was so loud, you had no choice but to quickly slap your hand over her mouth, making her laugh hysterically. Once you released her, Robin asked: ‘What the hell happened between you two?’ 

‘Nothing!’ you hissed, not very convincingly. Just by the way Robin was looking at you, you could tell she was not impressed. With a roll of your eyes, you answered her truthfully this time. ‘He… uhm– Eddie kissed me.’ 

‘Oh my god!’ She was ready to let the entire library know, but shut up at the stern look you gave her. ‘So what does this mean? Do you like him? Why are you ignoring each other?’ 

‘I don’t.’ What was that supposed to answer exactly? ‘I don’t like him. And I’m ignoring him because it’s awkward and I don’t understand…’ 

‘Don’t understand what?’ Robin asked. 

‘Why the hell did he do it?’

‘You’re more hopeless than I am, seriously.’ She sighed, grabbing a random book off the shelf and dividing that one was the right pick. Without another word said, she walked away, leading you to follow behind, trying to figure out what she meant. What did any of it mean? Did you actually like Eddie?

◈

Would have helped to know Eddie was having a very similar conversation a few miles away? With the one and only Steve Harrington? 

He left school almost as soon as he arrived there. Hours later, the skidmarks of his van’s wheels were still on the parking lot in front of the building. And what was the reason for this panic-induced retreat? Well, he saw you walk through those doors. The same ones that the two of you had stood in front of a week prior. He watched you walk inside next to your friend, laughing, and he immediately decided to call it a day. 

Everything in that building just reminded him of how stupid he was. How stupid he was for doing what he did. Why the hell did he kiss you? And it wasn’t like it solved anything, either. 

He spent the next hour driving around town, almost decided to leave it and drive straight to the big city, but turned around when his gas meter was dangerously close to that bright red E. On his way to the gas station, however, he parked in front of Family Videos. Steve worked Fridays, didn’t he? 

‘Shouldn’t you be in English class now?’ Steve asked at the sound of the door opening without even bothering to look up from the magazine he was reading. The store was empty beside the two of them. 

‘We’ll get back to you apparently knowing my school schedule later, Harrington. I fucked up.’ Eddie took a few steps to the counter and sat on top of it, almost knocking down the small display that Steve had just been working on.

‘How many times do I have to tell you? Don’t give out discounts to every pretty chick that comes up to you, it just makes you look cheap and needy—

‘I kissed her.’ Eddie blurted out. Walking in, he had considered trying to play the subtle card, not directly tell Steve about his problem, but if there was someone who could help him, it must be Harrington, wouldn’t it?

‘Excuse me?’ Steve blinked. 

‘I kissed her. Last friday.’

‘And by “her”, you mean–’

‘You know who I mean.’ Eddie sighed. 

‘Well, shit, man.’ Steve chuckled under his breath, closing his magazine and rolling it up. ‘How was it?’ 

‘Fine.’ 

‘Just “fine”?’ Steve raised a brow. ‘Well, how did she react? What did you say?’ 

‘Well,’ Eddie tried to think back to that night without bringing up too many memories, just so as not to trigger a trauma or something. ‘Pretty sure I said “sorry”. She called me a jerk and… we haven’t talked since. More or less.’ 

‘And you’re sure you’re not a virgin?’ 

Eddie punched Steve in the arm. 

‘Ok, sorry. But you like her, right?’ 

‘No?’ For that, Eddie received a smack in the face with the rolled-up magazine. ‘What was that for?!’ 

‘No? You spent months looking out for this girl, witchhunting her boyfriend, then you kiss her and suddenly you have no feelings for her?’

‘It wasn’t months...’ Eddie felt like a little kid trying to win an argument he was too stubborn to admit defeat about. 

‘I say, ask her out.’

‘Did you miss the part where I said we haven’t talked for the past week? I’m pretty sure she hates me.’ Eddie was still rubbing the bridge of his nose, where Steve seemed to have aimed directly. 

‘And I’m pretty sure you’re a chicken. Just go talk to her, man. Ignoring her won’t help you. And het, you either get a date out of it, which is a win, or she kicks you to the curb and you get some closure, which is also a win.’

‘She’ll never agree.’

‘Then you better rent a movie, because this is becoming a real waste of my time.’ 

◈

It had been a long day, but at least an Eddie-free one. Before going home, you quickly passed your locker to get your books and jacket, but to your surprise, you were met with something else. A small, torn, piece of paper fell at your feet. 

In black marker, the words were scratched out messily: Meet me at the bleachers? 

Now, you could only assume, but it felt like he tried to remain anonymous– which was hard when posters covered in his equally unimpressive handwriting were all over the school, promoting either the upcoming battle of the bands show or his own gigs at the hideout. Yeah, you knew it was Eddie, 100%. 

So, why you actually decided to go to the football field was a mystery to you. The team was running drills around, and some students were seated in the audience, not exactly paying attention to the jocks. It was always more of an after-school hang-out spot where people didn’t do their homework after promising themselves to get it done the entire week. 

Eddie was sitting on top of the bleachers. Leaned back on the bench behind him, leather jacket on his lap. As you climbed up the steps, he suddenly straightened his back and waved awkwardly. ‘Hey.’ 

‘I didn’t even know you knew this place existed.’ 

‘Please, I may be a social disgrace, but I’m not an idiot– so this is what they call football, huh?’ He glanced over at the team of boys running around below you. 

‘Why am I here, Munson?’ You thought about sitting down next to him but decided against it for now. 

‘I was just thinking about… last week.’ Great. That was the last thing you hoped he was doing, but you let him continue. ‘And I know I fucked up. Everyone’s noticed that something’s up.’ 

‘Everyone?’ Your throat suddenly felt extremely tight. 

‘So I’ll just say that I’m sorry. I’m sorry for how I’ve acted before, and during and after. And I totally understand if you don’t ever want to see or speak to me again, just don’t stop Dustin from coming to Hellfire–’

‘What?’

‘What?’ He blinked at your sudden outburst of a question. 

‘Is this all about Dustin? You don’t want me to ruin your dumb campaign? Jesus, Munson–’ You were glad that you had not sit down. What a waste of time.

‘No, shit. I’ve been thinking about this for the last hour and— fuck.’ He was visibly getting frustrated now with himself, rubbing his hand all over his face as he let his thoughts sink back down slowly. ‘I just meant, I know that you and Dustin are close, so he would probably listen to you and stop hanging out with us– Hellfire– if you told him to, which would be a shame for him because the little dude’s got skills with the d20 and I think letting him be in a creative environment– what the fuck do I know, I’m not your family therapist–’ he chuckled. So this was meant to be a joke, right? But you weren’t laughing, too confused at everything he was verbally throwing at you. 

‘That is all besides the point, because I… wanted to actually make up for how I’ve been the last few days.’ 

‘How would you do that?’ You inquired, crossing your arms.

‘Let me take you out?’

‘Like on a date?’ 

‘I wanted to say a joke, but if it doesn’t land, I would live up too much to my reputation in this town, which is not what I’m going for right now, so yes… like a date.’ He sighed deeply.

You let him sit there for a moment as you pondered on an answer. His big brown eyes looked up at you expectantly. There was no way anything good could come out of this…

‘Ok.’ You readjusted the strap of your bag. ‘Pick me up at 8.’ 

‘Tonight?’ Eddie called after you as you already started your departure. 

‘Yes tonight.’ You said without turning around. 

◈

Eddie was panicking all the way until the clock struck 8 o’clock, and if only he could say this feeling stopped the second he saw you. His heart was in his throat the whole walk back to his car and inside it and as he started driving. Words just wouldn’t come out. He was sure you expected something, something he for sure did not have. He had no idea what he was doing.  

‘Do you just want to drive around? And then maybe grab something to eat?’ You suggested, saving his life. 

‘Uhm,’ Eddie cleared his throat as he took a turn, ‘sure. Or let’s get something now and then… I know this spot we can hang out.’

‘Yeah, ok.’ You smiled.

Now, Eddie was no asshole, so he was willing to pay for the food. The problem, however, was that his budget was limited, so the only thing he could afford was burgers and milkshakes. But you didn’t seem to mind, thankfully. 

Twenty minutes later, Eddie drove to the woods while you both sipped on your milkshakes, the burgers still warm in the foil packaging until you parked– Eddie’s van, to your great surprise, was surprisingly clean, and the seats would probably be a bitch to get mustard stains out of. 

‘And here we are,’ Eddie stopped the car in a small clearing. The trees towered over you but opened up to reveal a beautiful patch of the night sky. ‘Here,’ he helped you get up on the hood of the car before pulling himself up to sit next to you. The milkshakes were almost gone, but the burgers were still warm and delicious. You both ate in silence, enjoying the atmosphere. 

Once you were done with your burger, you leaned back against the window to look up at the stars. Eddie sat more upfront, slurping the last bits of his milkshake. You were together, yet apart. Enjoying each other’s company individually. 

‘I got coke– soda— in the van, if you want anything else to drink.’ Eddie said, slowly making his way to lie down next to you. 

‘What, no beer?’ You giggled.

‘Well, yeah, that too, obviously. Just didn’t think you’d be the type to drink it.’

‘So what type do I look like?’ 

‘Aren’t you always drinking sodas on parties? But you seem a much more classy kind of girl. Wine and shit, you know.’

‘I don’t think I’ve ever had wine in my life.’ You started laughing more now, and Eddie joined in a little. ‘You have no idea what you’re talking about, do you?’

‘No.’ Then both of you burst out laughing. 

A little time went by, the conversation died down, and a shiver tickled over your arm as the trees around you rustled with the wind blowing by. It had been a pretty warm day, but you had not considered how drastically the weather would change by the time the sun would go down.

‘Are you cold?’ Eddie noticed.

‘No, I’m good,’ you tried to curl up, pull your legs up to your chest, to warm yourself up a bit, but Eddie didn’t believe you for a second. Before you could protest again, he pulled his jacket off and put it over your shoulders. ‘Thanks.’ 

He replied with a small nod. 

◈

‘I’m sorry.’ 

‘What for now?’ You had been ready to open the door of the car. The lights were still on in your house, meaning your mom and brother were expecting a detailed description of the whole night, as always, whenever anything remotely interesting happened to any of the three of you. But before you actually opened the door, Eddie had caught you by surprise with those little words. When you looked back at him, he actually looked small, and sad. Which you didn’t understand at all.

‘About the date.’ 

‘I don’t understand.’ 

‘For ruining it–’

‘You didn’t ruin it.’ You reached for his hand on the wheel. ‘Honestly, it was one of the best dates I’ve been on.’

‘We didn’t talk for like an hour.’ He looked embarrassed and as if he had failed or disappointed you in some way, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

‘That’s an exaggeration. And we don’t constantly have to be talking, do we? I really had a great time, Eddie.’ You leaned over and slowly, carefully, kissed him on the cheek. ‘Thank you.’

the end.

thank you for reading! please support your (not so) local writers with comments and reblogs <3 it means the world. also, I love to hear what you thought of the fic. asks are always welcome

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eddie taglist:

@spiderrrling @dorianelizabeth @theletterhart @niyahwhoreworld @fopdoodle1624 @pastel-abyss-x @ghoulsgraveyard @prettytoxix @lovesickollie @xbreezymeadowsx @ssanjuniperoo @nxrdamp @meaganjm @yourmommilf @mischiefmanagers @capybergara @brother-lauren @h0sh1verse @ghostlyreads @croweaterr @ladyapplejackdnd @bilesxbilinskixlahey @kbakery @lizzylynch1 @liltimmyst @hellfire-state-of-mind @escape-in-time-x @miscelaa @sweetpeapod @the-a-word-2214 @eddiemunsonbby @mydearzero @overthewhiteclouds @wroteclassicaly @groupies-do-it-better @celestialsxturn @hoe4eddiemunson @inanausomewhere @scoops-harrington @fluffyharrington @billyhargrovesprincess

[dream-launch]

I better get a girlfriend at uni or what's the point

[wheeler-beretta-harwood]

So it happens to every couple…Arguments.

What is a silly/small and a big serious fight about. Who started the fights, how do you both respond when fighting, how do you resolve it, and what do you two do to make up.

Love ya S.T

This turned out to be pretty long...which is surprising because I avoided to answer this for so long. Because girl, you're breaking my heart with this one. For real. But so does my sweetie Kenny sometimes...

"Kenny, I swear, if you don't stop now, I'm gonna pull the plug of your PC!"

I've already waited for him to finish his game for an hour now. And I am sick and tired of it.

He sighs heavily, clearly annoyed with me. "Yeah, Babe, just five more minutes."

I narrow my eyes at him, which he doesn't see because his eyes are glued to the screen in front of him, and scoff. I am almost 100% certain he forgot it's date night. Of course he doesn't get the hint that I am all dressed up, because he doesn't look at me. I know I will regret this, but I wait another five minutes for him, trying to convince myself he needs this to relax. Life has been stressful for him lately. But you know what? So was mine. We are living together, he should have noticed by now that his health and state of mind also affect me. I love him after all, how could it not?!

When the minutes have passed and he still hasn't turned off the PC, let alone changed from his sweatpants into something nice, I decide to call my bestie Christine so we can have a girls night. She seems to be puzzled because she knows I had plans for me and Kenny tonight, but agrees to meet me at the Karaoke bar.

When I arrive, she's already sitting in a booth with my favorite drink waiting for me. I sit down next to her, pull her into a side hug and then down half of my drink in one big gulp. "What did the idiot do this time?" The frown on her face tells me she is ready to fuck Kenny up. I chuckle softly. God, I love this woman.

"The idiot stood me up. Has no idea that it's date night. He's playing Persona 4. Since noon..."

Christine just scoffs before clinking her glass with mine. "Come on, forget about him, Sweet Tits. We'll have a fun night and get wasted. Sounds fun, right?" She says before sipping on her drink, while I finish mine. "Getting wasted does sound fun. Imma get another drink. I'll need it because I will rock this stage later on." I say looking over to the small setup, where an obnoxiously touchy couple is singing a sugarsweet love song while staring in each other's eyes. I comedically act like I have to throw up, which causes her to laugh out loud.

As I walk over to the bar, a rather handsome man approaches me, saying me and my friend caught his eye right when he entered the bar.

The little devil on my shoulder tells me to flirt with him for a bit, but Kenny pops back into my mind and I tell him I am taken....and so is my friend. He looks at me, then glances over to Christine, and I can see the wheels turning in his head.

"Oooooh, I'm sorry, I didn't think you two were..." His voice trails off, not sure if he wants to say it out loud, but I decide to play along. "Yeah, we two are." I answer before slyly grinning at him.

He blushes like crazy, apologizes and offers to buy both of us a drink, which I gladly accept.

When I return to our table with the drinks, I tell Christine about my encounter and she loses her shit, which makes me lose my shit as well. We laugh about it the whole night, pretending to be the drunk lesbian couple, until I forgot about my problems with Kenny and am drunk enough to hit the stage with my bestie.

Little did I know that while I was talking to the guy at the bar, Christine secretly took a pic of it and sent it to Kenny, putting him in his place because of the way he treated me and telling him that if he continues this shit, I could easily find another man...

So when I get home late that night, Kenny is still awake and has outdone himself. He lit every candle we own, and pulls me into a hug as soon as I am through the door.

"Babe, I'm so sorry. I'm an ass for forgetting our date night. And you look so stunning and I didn't even notice. Sorry. I promise it won't happen again." He then cups my face with both his hands and offers me to run a bath and pamper me.

I am still very drunk and therefore not in the mood to argue, and the candle light makes him look supercute, so I forgive him and take him up on his offer.

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

He keeps his promise for a long time, until he has to take some time off due to his injuries. I selfishly thought this would be great for us because he doesn't have to be on the road and I'll have him all for myself, but he is pissed off most of the time. Even when we plan our wedding in a few months, I can tell he'd rather be in some city wrestling than with me.

I suck it up most of the time, but it's all too much for me one day.

"Are you ready, Kenny? We're supposed to be there in 30 minutes."

He walks up to me, his phone in hand. "Where?"

"The bakery. For the cake?"

He rolls his eyes. "Listen, Baby, I'm waiting for TK to call because of the Forbidden Door PPV. Can you do this alone please? I really don't care much for the cake anyway..."

I can feel my breathing getting heavier, anger rising in my chest. "No, I'm not doing this alone. And what do you mean, you don't care? It's our wedding cake!"

The fight goes on for a few minutes until he finally snaps. "God, it's not a big deal. Just go alone!"

My eyes tear up and I can't stop myself from yelling at him.

"It is a big deal, you dense asshole! This is the one day where it is not about you and wrestling! It's about me, too! About us. And you don't give a fucking shit! I knew that you loved wrestling more than anything else....more than me. I'm okay with being number 2. But I thought at least this once, I could be number 1 to you. And it's not just about the fucking cake, it's about the way you think of this wedding! You didn't like anything we talked about and did for it. I wonder why you even asked me to marry you." I take a deep breath before grabbing my keys. "And you know what? I'm not cool with being number 2 any longer. So you either get your shit together and think about your priorities, or I am out of here. Go marry Tony Khan. You treat him better anyway."

He stands there, dumbfounded, unable to say anything. Instead he watches me leave the house without hesitation. When I close the door behind me, his phone starts ringing. It's TK.

Kenny doesn't answer though.

He just stares blankly at the door, waiting for me to return.

But I don't. Not that day, not the next days, I only sneak in my own home to get some clothes. I stay at Christine's place and sulk. I know running away is not a solution, but I can't help myself. He calls me several times, but I don't want to talk to him. He even shows up at the apartment, but Christine doesn't let him in, although she knows it'd be best to talk.

On the fifth day, Kenny is standing in front of the apartment building when I return from running errands. He senses I am looking for an escape route and holds my wrist...gently. "Please listen to me. I'll leave you alone if you want, but I need to get some things out before, okay?"

I simply nod and wait for him to start again.

"I've been an idiot. I shouldn't have treated you the way I did. I've taken you for granted, and realize how dumb that was. I'm a mess without you. I need you. I want you in my life...for the rest of my life. That's why I asked you to marry me. I will change, for real this time. I have talked to Tony and told him I don't want EVP status anymore. That I needed more time off once I return. I won't be responsible for the women's division anymore. No more appearances at Impact. It's all done." He sighs heavily. "I love you. So much. Please come back home. We still have to try all those cakes...or are we not getting married anymore?"

I stand there and listen to every word he says. "You really did all that? No more EVP? No more Impact?" He nods while looking at the ground. "What about the times you're at home, ignoring me because you are busy gaming?"

"Just pull the plug for real, Sweetie.....please don't leave me."

I nod my head, but tell him this is his last chance. I will be gone if things don't change for real. Then I go up to Christine to get my stuff. Before I leave, I hug her tightly. "You told him to come here today, didn't ya?" She smiles at me and shrugs. "Thank you. For everything. You're the best, Christine."

"I know. Now go back to your man. He's devastated and needs to be cheered up." She winks at me as I walk through the door. Yeah, we both need to be cheered up right now...

[bruh--wtf]

No Flirting

Pietro Maximoff x Reader

Main Masterlist

Prompt List

Requests are open(not just from Prompt List)

Request:

5.)"Stop looking at me like that!"10.) "Just hold me." 13.) "I don't want to be alone tonight." 18.)"What are you doing in my room?" "Waiting for you. I'm sorry." 28.) "How long will this be?" "Longer if you don't shut up."

You and Pietro had gone on your first date a month after he and Wanda joined the Avengers. Sam and Nat were your absolute best friends in basically the whole world. It’s been months since you and Pietro started going out.

It’s amazing. You’re on the team together, he always brings you to places he finds in the weirdest areas of the city, but he’s also the biggest tease in the universe. He’s a natural flirt.

And that’s what got you into the whole mess in the first place.

On a mission, you and Pietro had been sent to look on the streets. Seeing as you were a couple. You had the classic hat and sunglasses on, outfits you’d never usually wear, and tended to keep your head down.

“Guys, get eyes in the museum. I think one of our guys just went in,” Sam said through an earpiece. You and Pietro had gone into the museum. You walked away from him for a minute to check down the hall.

When you started back to Pietro he was talking to a blonde with skinny jeans, black heels, and a corset style tank top on. You initially didn’t think much of it until you noticed her wink at him and his smirk.

“A guy like you would look really good in my place,” she said and vaguely gestured to the art around.

“Yeah, well what can I say? I’m irresistible,” he says. You cross your arms and decide to wait to the side and watch this play out.

“Oh you definitely are, and the accent?” The girl asks.

“You like the accent?” He asks. Before the girl could respond Nat interrupted through the earpieces.

“Stop walking yourself to the dog house and keep your eyes out for people trying to blow the building up,” she said. Pietro’s smirk fell and he looked around for a second and then he looked at you. You raised an eyebrow at him and gave him a very fake smile. He cleared his throat and walked away from the girl, towards you. You turn, letting the fake smile fall as you head in a different direction.

“What’s wrong?” He whispers when he catches up to you. You cross your arms again, avoiding letting him grab your hand.

“Besides the immediate threat? Nothing.”

“Why do you look mad?”

“Because we still need to find these assholes.”

“Can we talk after?”

“Maybe.”

“I’ll take it. How long will this be?” He asks, causing you to roll your eyes, sparing him an annoyed glance.

“Longer if you don’t shut up,” you say. Pietro looks shocked by your clearly annoyed statement and open his mouth to say something. But over his shoulder you see the man you followed down the street. The guy you’d been looking for before entering the museum. So, you ignore Pietro and walk towards the man, telling Nat to meet you by the exit down the hall.

It doesn’t take longer than twenty minutes after that to be back in the plane and on your way to the compound. You go to your room where Sam decides to grace you with his presence and hangs out in your room with you to watch a few movies.

Eventually you, Sam, and Nat relocate to a main area with popcorn and snacks.

Around midnight you finally left the couch and went to your room. When you got there, you planned to crash in bed and do nothing but sleep until noon the next day.

That plan was interrupted when you find a certain blonde sitting on your bed. You stare at him for a second as he stands up. “What are you doing in my room?” You ask. He sighs and takes a couple steps towards you. You just cross your arms and raise an eyebrow.

“Waiting for you. I’m sorry.” You tilt your head, giving him a pointed look. He hesitates for a second. “Natasha told me how it sounded at the museum. How it looked. I didn’t mean to make you think that there was anyone in this world I’d rather be with. Or anyone I’d ruin being with you for.” He gives you a slight pleading look and takes a couple steps towards you. You clench your jaw, annoyed with him still.

“You’re an idiot,” you tell him.

“I’m aware,” he says. He pouts a little, dramatically and gives you a pleading look again. You glare at him and shake your head.

“Stop looking at me like that!” You exclaim which only makes him smile. You shake your head again when he takes another step towards you. “No, no! You can not just openly flirt with another person and get away with it!” You say. He frowns, stopping.

“I told you I didn’t mean it like that. You know me-”

“I know you should know better than to flirt with someone. Not just on a mission, in general!” You exclaim. He puts his hands up in surrender and takes the last couple steps towards you.

“You are the best thing to happen to me, Y/N. I didn’t mean to hurt you. Let… let me make it up to you. I’ll take you out to dinner tomorrow. I’ll never look at another person again, if that’s what you want! Just… don’t be mad at me.” He waits for your answer for a second, and you hesitate.

“No more second chances. If you flirt or anything again, you’re done,” you tell him. He smiles and cups your cheeks to kiss you.

“Deal, love.”

“Good.”

“Okay,” he hesitates for a second and glances at the door. “Do you want me to go, or…”

“No,” you say quickly. He raises an eyebrow, smirking slightly. “Shut up. I just… I don’t want to be alone tonight.” He nods and smirks a little still

“No problem.” In a few minutes, you’d brushed your teeth and gotten into bed with Pietro. “You know, there’s no need to be embarrassed for wanting me in your bed, love. I’m-” You cut him off by scooting closer to him, grabbing his arm and draping it over yourself.

“Shut up, and just hold me.”

“Whatever you want, love.”

[straykidsworldwild]

Duskwood

Phil Hawkins x MC

Part 2 (2/2) : MC and Phil have lunch but it doesn't turn out as planned.

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Heyy guys!! Here's (2/2) of part2! 😁

(I just made the collage. Credits go to the creators of Duskwood and owners of the pics)

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- Why didn't he want you to have a break? He asks me gently, sounding confused.

- Because I arrived late by one minute this morning, I respond to his question. I look up at Phil as I hear him chuckling. He doesn't believe me...

- Right… he says before looking down at me. I give him a look, showing him that I am being serious. That's enough reason for my boss... Oh, you're being serious? He asks me with surprise. I nod positively as I notice the exasperation growing over his face. What are you waiting for to change your job? He then asks me as we are walking through a small path. Green grass is surrounding it accompanied by flowers. There are two benches every 50 meters. It's one of the most peaceful areas in Duskwood. That's where I usually go by when I need to clear my head. It’s just sad, in a way, that it is next to might work… Oh well...

- Trust me. I looked everywhere. But have you seen a lot of job offers around Duskwood lately? I haven't, I answer to the man as we approach a wooden bench. We take a seat on it while he puts down his bag.

- You could work with me at the Aurora, he proposes to me, using a suggestive tone mixed with a hopeful one.

- Mmmh... I'm not sure it'll be a good idea, I reply and smile playfully to his comment.

- Why not? He asks me, looking a little disappointed. He's actually being serious...

- Well, one, because the others would start to wonder why I am working at your bar, I say as I pull one finger out. Two, will you still manage to work? Won't I be distracting you? I question him playfully, pulling a second finger out while smirking. I know he takes it seriously and I do too, but it makes the atmosphere lighter this way. There's no need to fall on an argument because of that… and Phil is the last person I want to argue with.

- Well, I admit having the beautiful sight you'll be giving me constantly will clearly take my mind off work but, I'm sure I'll manage, he responds with his charming smile, which is contagious, as he enters my game. It's impossible to not smile when he does. I smile as I feel my cheeks lightly burning. It's awful how easy he makes me blush... Phil begins to open it before I hear him rummaging in a plastic bag. Oh… I didn't take anything to eat… I look away, getting nervous. I don't get why he makes me so nervous. It's… a weird feeling. It's a crazy feeling. Here, for you, I turn my head and look at what he is holding to me. Oh…! Cobb salad with a fork, something to drink, he pulls out a bottle of water and gives it to me. I take it. And I heard someone liked dark chocolate so I got some, he tells me, pulling a tablet of chocolate out of his bag. It's terrible… I can't control myself. I can't stop smiling, appreciating his attention.

- My favorite! How did you know? I ask him happily as stars must be filling my eyes. I mean, chocolate is just everything! Phil laughs amused and winks at me. You asked Jessy? I demand him with surprise, yet, kind of… scared of his answer. I don't know why I'm scared about Jessy finding out I accepted to have lunch with her brother. Is this a date in the end?

- No, why would I ask my sister? He asks me back, frowning confused.

- Because she knows me well. And I thought you would have told your sister about this lunch, I simply replied to Phil, telling him my thoughts on how he might have done things before coming here.

- Well, I didn't, he answers calmly, shaking lightly his head left to right. I nod understandingly, keeping a small smile. Did you? He then asks me. I look up at him and start shaking my head negatively. Though, before I could say a word, I was being interrupted.

- MC? Phil? I widen my eyes in surprise to Phil before I turn my head to look at the person. She approaches us, smiling and looking confused at the same time. How…? What are you two doing here? Asks us, Jessy, coming to stand before the both of us. She looks at me with her usual smile, waiting for an answer. Oh God… What am I supposed to tell her? Will she take the truth well? What will she think? I hold onto my fork nervously as I give her a shy smile.

- I saw MC having lunch here by herself while I was walking around so I stopped by to talk a bit, responds, Phil, getting me out of this awkward and nerve wracking situation.

- Mmmh... Shouldn't you be at the bar? She asks him back, looking suspicious. It's hard to hide things from Jessy. Especially since she knows us well… Too well...

- It's pretty empty at this time, Jessy. It's noon. Why do you think I'm eating too? He says and asks her back, sounding calm but also a little annoyed that she stays here and asks all of those questions. I mean… I love Jessy but I'm going to die of nervousness here. I hate keeping secrets from her… Especially when it involves her brother.

- Right, she tells him, not so satisfied by the answer. When does your break end, MC? She then asks me.

- I have to get back in, in like... 15 min or so, I respond to her, looking up at my best friend after checking the time on my phone.

- Let me guess, your boss is being the same dick as ever? She tells me, looking sorry for me. Jessy knows absolutely everything about what my boss said or did to me or my colleagues.

- Bull eyes, I reply, nodding positively. I see Jessy weakly shaking her head left to right, upset with my boss. Oh! Oh, Jessy, before I forgot, could you stop by my mother's for me, please? She wasn't well because of… You know, the loss of my uncle, and I think she needs to take her mind off a little bit, I demand her gently as I know mom considers Jessy like her second child. I'm sure she would be happy to see her. Though, it was hard for me to mention Uncle Alex. Harder than I thought.

- Oh right, I wanted to send you a message. I am so sorry about your uncle, MC. Alex was amazing, she apologizes sincerely to me, her eyes showing sadness. Jessy knees Uncle Alex as well. Duskwood is a small town and, well, Jessy was often at home so she knew him too.

- Thanks… I thank her with a small smile as I frown sadly. I tried...

- Well, I have to get back to work before Richy thinks I quit, she tells us playfully. I smile at her comment. It's true, I think Richy would be lost without her at work. Don't be a dick to her, Phil. I'll know each of your moves, anyway, she warns her brother as she begins to walk away.

- Right… he simply says, sounding annoyed. It was almost as if he didn't mumble to himself. I hear Jessy softly laughing before she finally leaves. I follow her with my eyes before meeting Phil's ones. So gorgeous... So I'm guessing you didn't tell her either, he says with a smirk.

- We all have our secrets, don't we? I reply to the boy before winking back.

- We do, he agrees. The two of us continue eating our lunch as time is passing by. I don't have much time and I won't be able to eat anything before tonight. It's going to be long until then… I look up as I hear a car honking. A little breeze hit my face and pushed back some of my hair. A lock came over my cheek so I gently pushed it away. The sun is so bright in the sky today. You look tired, MC, he suddenly tells me. I do…? I'm not surprised...

- I didn't sleep well. I didn't sleep much. I couldn't with... You know, I answer to Phil as my lock of hair comes over my face again. Though, I couldn't mention my uncle a second time. I couldn't bring myself to do it.

With his hand, he reaches the lock of hair and pushes it gently back behind my ear. Oh… Once again, our eyes meet. As always, there is this connection. They're so deep and… Gorgeous. I mean… How can you not get lost in them? For a moment, we stare at each other as if nothing was surrounding us anymore. I want to get closer to him. I want to know him a little more than I already do. You can't imagine how strong the feeling is… But all of this is so scary. I notice Phil's eyes falling on my lips a few times, desire seen behind them. He is as eager as last night. Without controlling it, I smile at the boy before breaking our look. And back to reality… How can a simple look be so intense? Biting lightly on my lower lip, I feel some heat on my face.

- You're so cute, MC, he tells me with a smile, his voice sounding so… Deep and lovely. I feel myself blushing a little more to the sound of his words.

- And you're a little Devil because you do see that you're making me nervous, I tell him with a chuckle as I push him playfully. Phil laughs along with me before he grabs my hand in his. Oh… My body tenses up due to the surprise and the nervousness he is giving me. But it soon relaxes under his comforting hold. I look down at our hands loving the feeling of being held. Not alone. His hand is so soft and warm. I slowly move my hand and intertwin my fingers with his. Phil lets me do and actually holds it back with a firm, but gentle tight. It's so comforting. I look back up at him and see that the man has been staring at me for a moment actually.

- I do. But blush looks good on you, he suddenly tells me, commenting my previous sentence. Oh come on… How did my heart not give up yet? The two of us smile at each other, sparks certainly illuminating my eyes. I don’t need to see my reflection to know it… This feeling of happiness is enough to say how I feel about him. It’s actually betraying me...

- Hey, Phil, I suddenly hear an unfamiliar voice which gets me out of my thoughts. What…? I retrieve my hand from Phil’s and look at where the voice came from. A blonde is approaching us. Oh… I’ve seen her at the Aurora before. She was “close” with Phil usually. Didn't expect to see you out of your bar, she tells him with a flirtatious look. Right...

- Hey, Lola, I have a life too outside the bar, he responds to the girl, sounding just as annoyed as when Jessy was here. Actually, he sounded more than annoyed. But I can’t describe this feeling...

- Yeah, apparently, she tells him as she looks at him up and down with hungry eyes. Oh please… I look away, staying quiet. What are you doing here anyway? She asks him, putting her hands in her back jean pockets, winding-up. Like it’s not already obvious what you’re trying to do...

- I'm with a good friend, answers, Phil, not revealing anything about this lunch. Right… It’s better this way. Reluctantly, I look up at the girl and give her a small smile. The girl looks at me up and down, clearly judging or being bothered by my presence.

- Right... She says before looking back at Phil and smiles at him. Maybe I should go… I feel like I'm being too much here right now. Can I see you, tonight? I need a little distraction and I'm sure you do too, she asks and tells him with that same flirtatious tone.

- No. I'd rather not, responds, Phil, not even taking time to think of the answer.

- Oh come on, tell me you don't need to relax a little bit. I'm sure the last few days must have been stressful. I could help you with that, she replies with the same annoying flirtatious tone while biting her lower lip and twerking some of her hair with her finger. And Phil liked that…?

- No, it was pretty calm, he tells her, shaking his head lightly. My absolutely not confident self kicks in again… Is he telling her "no" because he knows I want to hear this? Is he doing it because he really doesn't want anything with her? Or will he contact her right after I go back to work? Is it just a play from him? I look away upset and thoughtful. It was going so well...

- Fine, as you want. You know my number if you change your mind, she tells him, sounding disappointed at first but quickly uses that annoying voice and tone again. Even better… Of course he has her number… Well, he can do whatever he wants. We're nothing technically. Just friends. And I'm not jealous of this girl. I just don't like it… The girl leaves us, swaying her hips. Oh God… seriously? Watch where you're going instead...

- I'm sorry… apologizes to me, Phil. I look up at him, disappointed and… I guess, hurt. I'm not disappointed by him. I guess I just don't understand why I didn't see it coming...

- No, it's fine, I say standing up from the bench. I mean, you're mister popular-with-women and it's obvious we couldn't avoid this… I say with a serious tone, a point of jealousy in my voice. I think it's the first time I ever hear this emotion in my own voice. I mean… I'm not jealous… am I? Well… I guess I am...

- No, MC, I'm serious. I don't… He quickly tells me, interrupting me while standing up from the bench as well.

- MC! I suddenly hear someone calling my name. Really? We can't be alone for 30 seconds? I turn around and see Angie approaching rapidly. Oh… I know we're next to the restaurant but why is she here? She should be working... Sorry to interrupt but I just wanted to tell you that you have 2 minutes left before the boss comes to look for you. I'm kind of keeping him in my sight so he doesn't come yelling unnecessary at you again, she tells me seriously, having my back. Thank God for having her as my colleague! She actually saved me from two situations… My boss and Phil's...

- Thanks, Angie, I thank my friend. The girl nods before turning around and starting to run toward the restaurant. I face Phil again, watching the boy looking at me with a small frown. He looks… A little nervous? Disappointed? I have to go, Phil. Sorry, I tell him while shaking my head lightly. Thanks for lunch, I give him a quick and very small smile. I turn around, not waiting for his answer and start to walk toward my work place.

- Will you call me? He asks me, coming after me. I stop and turn around again. Once you're out of work, will you call me? I think we need to discuss what happened, he tells me with a surprisingly pleading tone. Hum… Please, MC, he pleads me all of a sudden. I stare at him a little moment, actually surprised by his tone… Of his emotions. I'm lost… I'm not sure what to believe anymore. Maybe the lunch wasn't right after all? Or was it? So much happened in half an hour...

- Maybe... See you, Phil, I reply with a small nod. Phil lightly nods back to me all while he looks down. He’s... Hurt? It’s actually weird to see this expression on his face...

Without another word, I turn around and walk back to the restaurant before my boss comes looking for me. I already don't know what's going to happen since Phil "argued" with him…

My afternoon passes slowly… Slower than this morning. And just like my boss said, I couldn’t leave work before 6pm… Anyway, I’ve done my day, that’s the most important thing. I mean… One of the most. I wanted to go to my mother’s to bring her the little surprise and to spend some time with her. I wanted to see her. It’s been hard lately for the both of us. I need my mom just as much as she probably needs me. When I reached her front door, I knocked on it, but nobody answered. I knocked again, but still, nobody answered. I took my phone out and only noticed then that my mother had contacted me. Why didn't I look at my phone first…?

- “Hey, baby. I’m going to go see Sarah around 5:30pm so I don’t think I’ll be home when you’ll come see me. I’m sorry, MC.” I read her first message. Oh, she’s not home... “Jessica came to see me this afternoon. You told her to come, didn’t you? Well, I’m glad you did, baby. It felt really nice to see a familiar face and to talk about everything and anything other than the situation we are living currently. Thanks, baby.” I read her second message which brought a soft smile on my face. She’s still sad, I can tell, but she seems to have also realized that life isn’t done for her. My uncle is gone, but not us. We still have to live. That’s what Uncle Alex would want us to do anyway… I know it. I crack a small smile again despite the sad frown. Tomorrow is going to be another long and emotional day… I let my little surprise for mom in front of her front door and walk back home. We live ten minutes from each other’s house. I don’t need my car…

Three hours have passed and I am sitting on the floor of my living-room. A piece of paper is set before me, I am holding a pencil and the TV is on. However, I am not watching it. I only have it on to have some noise in the background. The night has fallen and a small warm light is illuminating the living-room. I am preparing my speech for tomorrow. I’ve been trying to write it for… For a good hour and half now. I have so much to say… And yet, I can’t find a way to say them. It’s hard to find the right words. I try. I wrote a dozen drafts already but all of them sucked. It’s so hard to say how I feel. I don’t open up like this easily. And it’s hard to recount a memory when I know that… It just won’t ever happen again. Not with Uncle Alex at least… I had so many good family moments with him and mom. Vacances… Festivals… When I graduated… My birthdays and Christmases… So many good and memorable moments. I think what blocks me is that, no matter how I try to put it in words, there's just not this magic or this thing that made this moment amazing for me. I just want it to be perfect…

Suddenly, I hear my cell phone buzzing. I gasp as I get out of my thoughts. I wasn’t ready to hear it buzzing… I look at the I.D. caller before answering the call.

- Hey… I say to my best friend. I sounded tireder than I thought… What time is it anyway?

- What did you do or say to my brother? She asks me with a confused tone, actually interrupting me. Huh? What is she talking about?

- Wh... I... I'm sorry, I don't follow, I respond to Jessy with a confused tone. I put the pencil down and lean back to lay against the sofa. I look up at the ceiling, frowning confused. Why is she asking me what I’ve done to Phil? What does she mean by that?

- Phil. Did you say or do something to him? She asks me again, reformulating her question. She sounded just as confused as before. And not upset.

- Why would I have done something to Phil? I ask her back, not answering her question. I mean… Phil is certainly the last person I would hurt… I know I left him kind of on a disappointed note, but… I had to go back to work anyway.

- MC, he told me, she says with a slightly annoyed tone. Though, it wasn’t an annoyed tone to tell me I am bothering her, it was more in a way saying “I know, just spill it out”. He did…? What?

- About the lunch? I ask with an unsure tone. Yet, a point of sorry is heard in my voice as I know that I’ve hidden this from her. And I hate it to have hidden something like this from my best friend… We usually say everything to each other.

- About everything, she responds. Oh… Well, there’s no need for an explanation then… I guess... I've never seen Phil like this for a girl before. I almost didn’t believe him when he told me, she tells me, still sounding like she doesn’t believe what he… Did or said to her. He's really trying, you know? She suddenly tells me. Oh… Trying? I mean, it's true that he did put in some effort for lunch earlier today and he did reject the girl… Lola...

- I'm supposed to call him, I just… I admit to my best friend before pausing. I didn't forget to call Phil. I’m going to call him. I don't hold grudges and I don't dwell on a situation that didn't turn out the way I would have liked. I’m not like that. I just wanted to do the speech first... I am writing what I want to say to my uncle for his funeral tomorrow morning, I admit to Jessy as I stare blankly at the white paper in front of me.

- Oh, MC, I'm so sorry. I thought... You didn't reject Phil? She apologizes to me before a brief pause takes place. Then, she asks me a question, sounding confused. Reject? Now I am the one being confused.

- Reject? How can I reject your brother? He never asked anything, I ask her before stating a fact. I mean, shouldn't I be the one who thought I would get rejected?

- That idiot, I hear her mumbling with a disbelieving tone before sighing.

- I will call him. I just need to finish this first, I tell her my plan sincerely and seriously.

- He told me about Lola, too, she tells me. Oh God… Please, don't mention her. He told me what she said and the way she looked at you. He didn't like it. He hated that she looked at you as if you were a cockroach ready to be smashed and how she talked to him before you. He doesn't want you to think what's not true, she explains to me seriously. She's having her brother's back… It’s not surprising. That’s actually good that she’s having his back. But... How much did he tell her?

- And what's not true? I ask her. He's a womanizer. He's good looking. He owns a bar. He likes girls. That's his nature to run after them, I reply to Jessy, feeling so unsure about myself. Wait… Did I really just tell her that her brother is good looking…?

- MC... She calls me gently as I hear lightly sighing. He rejected her for you. He even deleted her number from his phone. Don't you see what this means? She admits and asks me. I look down with a light frown. He did this? I think it's the first time he actually comes to see me at work because he needs to talk, she says with seriousness, a point of disbelief heard in her voice. Work? Wasn't she with mom? She must have gone back to work after...

- “Comes”? As calling? I question her, unsure.

- “Comes” as walking inside Richy's garage, she corrects me. Oh… It's true that I've never seen Phil going to Richy's garage except for his car, maybe? I'm not even sure about that...

- Phil likes me like... A potential boyfriend would like his potential girlfriend? I mean... Not like he likes Lola? I demand her with a slight shy and confused tone. Yet, some hope in my voice. I hear Jessy softly giggling.

- Phil is Phil. He has his way to do things, which aren’t always the best, and his past. But I can tell you he isn't playing with you. I'd be the first one to yell at him for hurting you, she tells me seriously. She's the best! Wait… But I would never let her choose between Phil and I if things go wrong. I would rather want her to side with her brother than with me. Their siblings bond is much more important. Even though she means everything to me as my best friend. Anyway, there's still something off...

- Wait... You're not mad? I demand her with surprise. I mean, I was expecting her to kind of yell at me for not telling her the whole thing with Phil. Or to just yell at me for having lunch with her brother and maybe more… If it ever happens...

- Why would I be? She asks me back, confused and surprised by my question.

- You're my best friend and he's your brother. Isn't it weird to you? I remind her and ask her with a confused tone. I'm just really surprised...

- Well, I’m definitely caught between two stools but, if you two like each other I can't stop that, she replies sincerely which makes me smile. Why can't I control myself?! I keep smiling crazily when something involves Phil and I. I must be so obvious how I feel for him... I feel my cheeks slightly burning again. It's awful how I can blush so easily with that guy... He was right, it's cute how you blush when someone mentions you both, I hear Jessy saying with a playful tone. What…?

- How do you know I'm blushing? I ask her with a surprised tone as I widen my eyes.

- I didn't but now I do, she says as I hear her laughing. She tricked me… I laugh along with her, amused by how much she knows me. She doesn’t even need to see me anymore to know my facial expression. Anyway, I'm not going to get anything done right now… Maybe I should call Phil first and then get to my speech.

- Thanks, Jessy. I think I'm going to call Phil now, I tell her gently as I keep a small smile on my face.

- Okay. I'll go then. But don't tell him I called to tell you all of this, okay? She asks me with a giggle. Oh, she wasn’t supposed to tell me? The little Devil… I chuckle at her comment.

- Of course, I agree with her. Oh wait! I suddenly stopped her before she could hang up. Thanks again. For my mother this time. She told me that she was going to see her best friend. I'm sure your talk must have helped her realize that things are still going on and that it is just a hard moment to pass, I thank and say with sincerity to my best friend, holding the phone before my mouth as I put her on speaker.

- No problem, she replies with her usual cheerful tone. Oh, before I forget, I'll need your help tomorrow night, she tells me rapidly, sounding excited this time. Just in time… I was about to hang up… Let me guess...

- For your dress as the birthday girl? I demand her even though I already know the answer. I smirk.

- Exactly! She exclaims while giggling.

- Of course. Can you come to my place though? Tomorrow is another long day for me and… I ask with an unsure tone before trying to give her an explanation.

- No need to explain. I'll be here at 7:30p.m., is that alright for you? She responds and asks me.

- Perfect! Thanks Jessy. For everything, I thank my best friend truthfully. I hear her giggling cheerfully as usual before we say our goodbye and hang up.

My head is just so full of thoughts right now… With being concerned for my mother even though she is dealing with the loss of her brother at her pace, dealing with the loss of my uncle at my own pace as well, thinking about Phil, thinking about my stressful job, or more about how much money my boss owes me for cutting my pay so many times, thinking about all the work I have to get done for college… There’s just so much at once. I feel like I haven’t been resting for weeks… Why is it so complicated? Everything seems simple when I’m with Phil though… His calm behavior is just so relaxing and just his presence in general makes you feel comfortable and safe and… Good. Jessy is right, I should call him. What else do I have to do anyway? And let’s not lie to myself, I’m dying to call him to hear the sound of his voice...

[dorkzrul]

(Chapter 1)

Chapter 2

The next morning she found Luke had texted her and immediately jumped up, thinking he wanted to make amends for yesterday night. However this was all the text said:

Luke Castellan: You wanted to talk? Let’s meet at my place at 5.

No apology, not even an acknowledgement of the fact that yesterday had been their anniversary. Last night’s thoughts came back to her. She decided that she would go over, they would talk about yesterday and she would ask him why he was being so weird. Communication was important for any good couple. They would work through this.

At exactly 4:45, she left the house and reached Luke’s apartment by 5. She rang the bell and waited. Luke didn’t come to open the door. She rang the bell again. This time, she heard someone walking towards the door and fiddling with the lock. Luke pulled open the door and held up a finger. He was on a call. “K, I have to go, Annabeth’s here.” She heard a female voice saying something on the other side of the phone. “Maybe later, I have to go.”, said Luke and he put the phone down. “Who was that?”, she asked, more out of curiosity than anything else. “Noone.” “Um...okay” “Just someone from work”, Luke responded with a sigh. “So, how’ve you been”, he asked, instantly brightening. “You wanted to talk. What’s wrong?” The tone of his voice made her want to hit herself on the head. How could she ever think that he was cheating on her? He loved her!

“Oh um I actually wanted to talk about yesterday” “Sure, what about it?” Wait. had he really forgotten? “Yesterday was our anniversary Luke! How could you have forgotten? I waited for you for almost an hour yesterday!” He looked surprised and smiled sheepishly, “So sorry Annabeth! I thought it was next week. I really did. I had plans to surprise you with flowers and even bought tickets to see that movie you’ve been wanting to see. Ugh, I really messed up didn’t I?”, he shook his head, looking mad at himself. She softened. So he hadn’t forgotten. Well he did mix up the dates but that was a valid mistake. He did seem to have plans to make it special. She could forgive him. And since he’d bought movie tickets, they could go out together next week. “It's fine, it can happen. Lets go to see the movie next week and you can make up for forgetting our anniversary”, she added playfully. Luke looked relieved, “Great! Thank you!”, he tightly hugged her. She laughed. Things were good between them again!

Then suddenly she got a call from the architectural firm she worked in. “Hello?” “Annabeth, so sorry to bother you on a Saturday evening but do you think you’ll be able to send in the report right now? The date got changed to tomorrow and I still need to edit it and send it to boss” “Oh, of course. The report is complete. I'll send it to you as soon as I get home.” “So sorry Luke, I need to go”, she apologized. “It's fine, baby. Call me when you get home. Can’t wait to go out next Friday!”, he kissed her goodbye. She put on her shoes and walked out, closing the door behind her.

That night, as she lay in bed, she realised she’d forgotten to tell Luke about Percy. It’s fine though. It wasn’t really that important. Though she still felt she should’ve told him. She would have wanted to know if Luke was going for coffee with a random girl. She’d tell him tomorrow. Also, she still can’t believe that she’d actually considered that he was cheating. Luke would never do something like that, not just because it was wrong and he loved her too much but also because it would make him like his father. Luke’s dad had cheated on his mother and then just left them without a word. Luke’s mother hadn’t been right in the head since he left, leaving Luke to fend for himself. Luke loved his mother dearly and always took care of her, however she never got better. At least until she met his stepdad. She seemed brighter, happier, better mentally and physically. Until she died in a car crash a few years back. This was on the anniversary of his father leaving. Luke was devastated after that and his stepfather just took all the money that she’d left him and ran. Luke had had a tough past and he blamed his father for it all. However, he looked just like his father and every time he looked in the mirror it was his father's face he saw staring back at him. Luke swore that he would never be like his father and cheating would ruin that.

She fell asleep then, confident that everything was once again great between her and Luke.

The next morning she woke up and jumped out of bed, weirdly excited at the prospect of meeting up with Percy, considering he was just a stranger. You dont meet strangers for coffee, there's something else going on here, a part of her announced. Was there, she wondered, were they friends? She shrugged, it was unimportant. It was Monday, she suddenly realised. She was going to be late to work! She quickly got dressed and headed to work, grabbing a coffee on her way. The day passed, she felt herself get more and more jittery as it got nearer to 4. At exactly 3, she left the office and arrived home with just enough time to get dressed and leave.

She got there right on time and saw Percy already there. He saw her and waved, grinning. “Hey!”, he happily greeted her. “Hi”, she replied, slightly hesitating. He waved over a waitress. “What would you like today”, asked the waitress, clearly flirting with him. “Oh, um I’d like a hot chocolate and a chocolate muffin please”, he asked politely, almost as if he didn’t notice the waitress twirling her hair and blinking rapidly. “Um, do you have something in your eye”, she asked, annoyed. The waitress, Kelly (it was on her nametag), glared at her. “Who asked for your opinion”, she asked rudely. “You’re the waitress aren’t you? Shouldn’t you be asking for my order?” “Fine, whatever. What do you want?” “I’d like a cappuccino please” “Whatever, sure”, she rolled her eyes and walked away, swaying her hips and turning around her shoulder to wink at Percy, who had been watching this whole exchange with an amused expression on his face.

“What?”, she asked when she saw him looking at her. “Nothing, just the way you reacted” “She was just being annoying. I mean she only asked for your order, what about me. I was right there. Like hello, are you blind?!” He laughed at that. She glared at him, before cracking a small smile herself. “So, Annabeth, did you sort things out with your boyfriend yesterday?” “I did actually. It went pretty well” “Did he apologize for standing you up” “He did actually. He thought our anniversary was next week” Percy snickered a little at that. She glared at him, “Hey! It could’ve been you! Are you telling me you’ve never forgotten an important date between you and your girlfriend?” “Okay firstly, I might have forgotten a couple important dates but that’s different.”, he protested, “Secondly, I don't have a girlfriend”. Oh, Annabeth thought to herself, a guy as good looking as you without a girlfriend? Damn! But she kept that thought to herself, once again reminding herself about Luke. “How is it any different?”, she asked referring to his previous statement. “Well, it just is”, he mumbled, the tips of his ears reddening. She sensed there was an embarrassing story in this somewhere and tried to convince him to tell her.

“Fine, fine”, he conceded, grumbling under his breath. “I once forgot my own birthday and when my friend called me asking about my gifts, I thought it was his birthday, panicked and immediately went to his house to give it to him and apologise, only to find he wasn’t at his house. When I got back home, all my friends and family were there and threw me a surprise party. Imagine how much of an idiot I looked like when I entered the house with a gift from my friend and sad because I’d forgotten his birthday, only to be surprised by everyone and realise that it was my own birthday I’d forgotten”. She was doubled over by the end of the story, laughing harder than she had in a long time. “Whew”, she added, wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye. “That is hilarious! Did you really forget your birthday?”, she asked in disbelief. He nodded, embarrassed.

“What about you? Any embarrassing birthday stories”, he asked, grinning, his face still red. She immediately stiffened. Her birthday was a topic she liked to avoid. Percy noticed this and immediately, the expression on his face turned to one of concern, “What’s wrong? Was it something I said? I’m sorry”, he quickly added. “No, nothing you said” She debated for a moment, should she tell him? She’d only known him for a couple of days but he looked trustworthy enough. She decided to tell him. “It’s just, birthdays are kind of a hard topic for me. On the night of my seventh birthday, my mother just left, without a word. My father was heartbroken. He immersed himself into his work until he met Helen, my stepmother. On my 11th birthday, he introduced us to each other and she instantly hated me, I don't know why. I had never done anything to her.They got married soon after and had twins. My brothers, Bobby and Matthew. As I grew older, I looked exactly like my mother and looking at me reminded my father of his lost love. Thus, he shunned me and ignored me entirely. He got his own family with Helen, Bobby and Matthew and I was always the outsider, just another reminder of his failed marriage”, tears were falling down my cheeks by now, “My stepmom hated me as I was the child of her husband’s previous marriage. My stepbrothers learned to hate me. I had no one left who I could rely on… until Luke”

She kept her head down, tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt Percy’s arm around her and moved closer to him, almost burying her head in his warm chest. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be crying. I’m making this whole meeting really awkward.”, she noticed a couple of wet marks on his shirt, “And I also ruined your shirt!” She pulled away, quickly wiping away her tears. “No, no, it’s okay. I'm glad that you trusted me enough to tell me this and I’m so sorry. If it makes you feel better, my father also left when I was little and until a couple years back, I also had a terrible stepfather. He was really bad. He used to hit my mom and I. I still have scars on my back from his knife, and they’re still better than those my mom has.” That did make her feel better, but then she felt horrible for feeling better at someone else’s bad experiences. “Oh, I’m sorry that must’ve been terrible. You said until a couple years back? What happened” “Oh um, he died in a car accident and my mom just remarried another guy. He’s much better. He really loves her and she loves him.” She could hear the pain in his voice. He really loves his mother, she thought. “What about you? Do you like him?” He looked surprised at the question. “Well, I suppose he makes her happy so he can’t be all that bad” “You really love her a lot huh?”, she asked, softly. “I do”, he smiled at this, “She’s the most wonderful person ever. She deserves so much better than what has happened to her. She really loved my father and he left her, leaving her to fend for herself with a baby. Then came Gabe, my first stepfather. He used up all our money and left us injured and almost broke. She worked 3 jobs to support us and we finally got back on our feet. Then, she met Paul, and he’s been around for a year and it’s been great” The two shared soft smiles. “It was really great meeting you today Percy. And thank you” “You’re-you're welcome”, he replied, looking a little shocked. “You too. I hope we can do this again sometime”, he said smiling. “Sure”, she responded.

He walked her to her apartment and then left with a quick hug, momentarily stunning her. That night she fell asleep with a smile on her face, feeling better than she had in ages.

Thanks so much for reading this and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I tried to update asap, which was today. Also, anyone got the Bad Blood reference? Lol. K thanks again for reading and don't forget to comment/review. It helps me write better and update faster!!! *awkwardly hugs readers* <3<3<3

Tagging: @rhian-not-ryan

[boldlygayingwherenogayshavegayed]

Erwan only dated arseholes, of course. Deeply, deeply shit people, the kind that superheroes put in jail or shot in the face, depending on their level of edginess. He liked to think he was taking justice into his own hands.

There was also a more selfish reason, of course.

"Again?"

The voice was not so much incredulous as tired. It sounded like the brush of wings, like the last grain falling in an hourglass, like many impossible things, and yet. It was warm.

"Sorry," Erwan said, not at all apologetic. "For my defense, that one was a huge creep." Eyes turned and landed on the corpse sitting between them.

"Indeed he was. Don't worry, his wife won't miss him."

Erwan startled. He didn't know about that, and he generally avoided people who had friends and family. It was a mess if someone were looking for them, and... He didn't want to cause too much grief. He tried not to feel guilty, though, because he knew that was the truth: she wouldn't miss him. He wouldn't either. The relationship had been brief, and even then, Erwan's patience had been tested. It was baffling to him that people like this could get married, have lasting relationship. Then again, he himself...

"I do not understand." The otherworldly voice startled him.

"What?"

"I do not understand," it repeated. "You're gentle. You worry. You're kind, and yet. You keep murdering people."

Erwan didn't deny it. They were people, actual people, horrible people that were still fellow humans. Ironically enough, he was against the death penalty, and yet allowed himself to be judge and executioner. It was a tad hypocritical, he knew it, but he hardly could help himself. He did a bad thing to prevent worse ones, he told himself. And... he got to see him.

Erwan looked up. Draped in a long cloak, the hood pushed back, was an ageless silhouette, thin and dressed in black, in torn jeans and platform shoes and a teeshirt that seemed made of pure Onyx. Maybe Erwan read too many comics, or maybe he just liked these clothes. He was beautiful, too, delicate traits and long, soft hair, and curious black eyes that stared curiously at Erwan, expecting an answer. He got another question instead.

"Why do you care, Ankou? You're amoral, and you're just here to take them, so... Why?" The figure in front of him looked down at the corpse.

"It's strange. Just because I am not alive doesn't mean I'm not curious, Erwan Anthony Mahe." Erwan snorted.

"My first name is Erwan."

"I know." His voice was confused. "I know everyone's names." Erwan smiled fondly.

"You don't need to call me by my full name every time, we've been over this."

"I shouldn't call you at all," was the mumbled reply he got.

Erwan couldn't help but snort. He supposed noone would describe such a being as petulant, but he didn't know what other word would fit Him in that moment. He sighed, and, because he could hardly refuse Him - not that there would be any consequences if he did, he just couldn't find it in himself to say no - he finally replied:

"Humans are complicated. I have reasons to do it, and yet people with the same reasons would hardly do the same. I dislike the idea of being a murderer, and yet... Well, clearly, I am," he pointed casually to the dead guy still on the ground. "I know I shouldn't. It's something I try not to think about. Death isn't justice and justice shouldn't be death, but-"

"Clearly. She's incredibly annoying." Erwan blinked.

"What?"

"Justice. She's judgemental, which I can excuse, but she's also rude and condescending more often than not and trust me, we do not look remotely alike." Again, Erwan laughed.

"My apologies, dear. I didn't mean it that way."

Instead of a matter-of-fact but careful reply, he was answered with silence. Silence long enough that he looked up and studied the Ankou's face, truly observed him. He seemed almost shocked, and Erwan couldn't figure why, until slowly, again, he spoke.

"I have apologised to countless beings. I have been there longer than your human mind could possibly fathom, Erwan. And I believe... I know for a fact, that this is the first time anyone has apologised to me."

His eyes widened. An almost thankless eternity, with no one ever feeling sorry for Him, despite having perhaps the hardest task that ever was.

"Is it the same for you?" He blurted out the question without thinking. The answer, however, was clearly thought out.

"...Not remotely. But I suppose... If this is why you're asking me, then... Yes. It's hard to take a life."

Erwan remembered the first one. He tried to never forget it. It was completely unintentional, of course, he'd been hit one time too many and defended himself, not even brutally, just pushed her away. She fell at the wrong angle, and never got up.

He'd cried so much, after that. He didn't know who to call, how to get help. He was in a panic so deep that he didn't really question how someone had gotten in, simply clinged to their arm desperately seeking help. What he got was comfort and understanding, and surprising kindness. He remembered that moment, the first moment he'd looked up to see His face, so very fondly. They'd talked after that, briefly. Then He had grabbed her arm, and a blurry, almost faceless silhouette had followed him out the door, walking with him without looking at Erwan. He'd cried again, of relief. And found a way to get rid of the remains.

"Then I truly am sorry. I suppose you don't see most people more than once, but still, I wished they'd take the time to understand." An amused smile passed on Ankou's face, almost mischievous.

"You're not the only person I see regularly, you know?"

Erwan made a face. That made sense, but he didn't like the thought. Again, hypocritical. And perhaps a tad envious. He didn't want to think that what they had wasn't quite unique. Not when he felt so much tenderness for the Ankou, so much longing as well. He couldn't help it.

The second time, he didn't do it himself. He just wanted to know if he'd hallucinated. Perhaps it was morbid to go and see someone dying, but not going there wouldn't keep them alive, and at least he could bring them comfort in their last moments, he thought. The person looked fragile, and nice, and he liked talking with them. They were "the patient in room 36" to most people here, but when He appeared, too soon for Erwan not to feel sad, he had named them by their full name and they smiled and said 'thank you', and closed their eyes. Erwan had choked up, without meaning to. They turned, and stared. 'You're here', they said, and there was clear surprise there. 'So are you,' Erwan had replied.

"How many of them see you?" He asked. He learned by experience that not everyone did see Him, some time ago. It made sense, really. Ankou's discreet smile grew ever so slightly.

"Not most of them, I suppose. And regardless of that, none are quite as pleasant as you are." Erwan's heart skipped a beat.

"Really?"

"I have no reason to lie, Erwan Anthon- Erwan," He corrected Himself when said young man glared. "You're kind and you care about others, and you once offered me a cup of tea, which is the most absurd thing a human has ever done to me, and-"

"And you care just as much, and you're gentle, and you took it with a spoonful of honey, if I remember correctly," Erwan noted, because he could feel himself blushing, and he didn't know how to react to the sudden afflux of compliments.

Suddenly, Ankou stiffened. He looked at Erwan as he suddenly found a new puzzle piece, a missing corner, and the image had suddenly changed before his eyes.

"We have to go," He said, not abruptly in any way, but it still suddenly felt terribly definitive.

"Wait," Erwan pleaded.

"I have stalled already, more than I should. Goodbye."

"Wait!" Erwan begged again, as Ankou's hand seized the wrist of his new (and old) boyfriend. No reaction. "I want to see you again."

Ankou paused. It was an obvious fact. They both knew it, and had never voiced it before, because it was obvious and acknowledging that absurdity would change definitely between them, something that probably shouldn't be changed. But something was changing already, and Erwan had to say something.

"Well," said the tall, cold silhouette in His inhuman voice, "You have only two options for that."

He did it again. It was surprisingly fast and easy this time, and he still made sure that the world was better off without that guy in it before he dared to take action. Things didn't go far before he found himself in a stranger's appartement, sitting on the bed next to a dead body. He felt a bit guilty. This was impulsive, and he generally avoided impulsivity. Guilt twisted his throat in a strange way, and even more so when he heard the absurd sound of a creaking wooden wheel, soon followed by impossible wings flapping briefly. And then He was there.

"Erwan Anthony Mahe. So soon?"

"It's been a while," Erwan noted.

"Less than usual. And you look..." His gaze trailed up and down Erwan's silhouette and he didn't see disapproval, any judgement, until He finally met his eyes, and worry shone deep in the black of His irises.

"I know." He thought he'd deny it, but in the moment, he felt the need to be honest. "I know, I did this for the wrong reasons, more so than usual, but I worried that you... That I..."

"Death isn't Justice," He quoted. "I have no reason to judge you, let alone condemn you. I am simply here for him, someone has to."

There was a third, and a fourth, and more. Erwan had found a sense of accomplishment in getting rid of horrible people, despite how wrong it may or may not be, and a joyful pleasure in seeing Him again. Even now, despite the strange tension in the room, he couldn't help the warmth he felt in his cold presence, he couldn't help wanting to forget what he did and talk for a while, bonding together in their strange duo, but this time was different.

"Should I die?" Asked Erwan pensively. A flash of horror passed in Ankou's face and he flushed and clarified: "Not... Not on purpose, I mean, should I wait? Should I just stop my mission, accept that they're here and let them be? Wait until I die to see you again?"

He'd lowered his gaze as he spoke. He heard the weight of platform shoes on the floor as the tall figure walked to him and half knelt, lowering himself in order to meet his gaze. He looked moody.

"When you die, Erwan, I will come. Like I come for everyone else. I will take your wrist and you will take mine, and I will lead you to my cart, where you'll sit with all the others for the length of the journey. It'll take as long as it takes, and then we'll come to your stop, and you'll see what lies after, if there is anything. And we, my dear, will never see one another again. Even I do not know what lies after Death."

"After you?"

"After me, yes. I know not if I am last. But I do know that the journey is all there is for us."

My dear. Us. Words Erwan had dared say, occasionally, often in banter. He'd never heard them in His mouth before.

"What if I never get off?"

"Everyone does, eventually. Dead beings all go somewhere."

"What if I'm not dead?"

"Whot."

There was a second of stunned silence. Erwan looked at Him excitedly.

"I'm not dead! I'm alive, I'm flesh, living flesh and beating heart and all that stuff, right? If I could come with you- that is, if you wanted-" The Ankou was never abrupt, but this interruption came close.

"Erwan. There is little I wish more but for you to come with me. Someone to journey with. But that is not possible."

"Have you tried?"

"Have I tried to break every rule of the universe by taking a living, taking the risk to shatter reality? No, my dear I did not try. Because it's a terribly stupid idea."

"I have a lot of those."

Ankou glanced at the corpse laying face down on his bed.

"Clearly."

There was a moment of silence. They both stared at each other.

"Please."

"I need to take him.

"Please!" This felt terribly, agonisingly familiar. Ankou turned towards him and for a moment, he saw a skull's empty and dead orbits under His hood.

"I'll be back. I need to take him."

Erwan sat there in stunned silence as a blurry, faceless shadow was dragged by the wrist and followed out the door, and then. Nothing.

Silence.

A silence that lasted until He came back, nervous. He looked at Erwan in silence and worry, then, at Himself. Finally, he spoke.

"I'm already breaking the rules. I have no one to take here, he is already gone."

"We have spent more time together."

"That was tweaking, cheating, at most. I just did something I'm not supposed to."

"Death isn't Justice," Erwan teased, though he felt terribly nervous.

"I have no law, but I have rules. Rules I am breaking for you, Erwan, do you understand what that means?"

"...That I might be responsible for breaking the whole fucking universe?" He asked, squirming. The Ankou smiled.

"That I am willing to break the whole fucking universe, for the love of you."

So this was what it felt like. To be loved, to be wanted as companion by one who saw him, who understood him, without bounds, without violence and hurt and condescension. And to be love by Him, whom he loved in return, so very much he was willing to break the law of Humans and the laws Above, just for a change to hold his hand.

Erwan smiled softly as he stood and extended an arm. Ankou walked towards him, raised his hand. Erwan wrapped his fingers around His wrist at the same time as He did, and they took eachother, carefully, as the universe held its breath. And then. Nothing.

Silence.

A silence that lasted until they laughed together, incredulous, in wonder. Erwan watched Him, multiples and layers and his. He looked in his black eyes and touched his impossible wings as he saw them for the first time.

And then, in a Reality that was still solid around them, and would never shatter for something so small and so crucial as a love story, Erwan let himself fall, in the warm embrace of Death.

All of your partners tend to end up dead under mysterious circumstances. Of course it’s you that is killing them, but they’ll never prove that. You do it because you’ve fallen for The Grim Reaper and this is the best way to see them.

[lamburrito]

After an argument - Mckirk

A/N: Fourth day of Inktober and again Mckirk! This time it plays in the Academy days. Hope you like it!

Fandom: Star Trek

Prompt: "... ouch..."

Words: 837

They honestly didn't know anymore why exactly they had started arguing. It probably just started because both of them had a bad day,were frustrated and needed a way to let it all out.

"You are behaving like an infant." Leonard stated annoyed still standing in the doorway to the bedroom. 

Jim however huffed and rolled his eyes:"You tell me this everyday. Is this the only insult you know old man? You really need to be more creative."

"Creative? This is an argument not a contest!" the doctor replied and crossed his arms.

"Yeah,maybe it's better this way! Since you seem not good at winning. In not one of our shared classes you are on top,you are divorced, you have a bad drinking habit. You haven't had a date since I know you! Are you even trying? I don't know about the doctoring part..." That's when Jim stopped with his rant, realising what an asshole he was at the moment. 

The reason Bones was in such a bad mood today? Because he had lost a patient and Jim knew this. 

He was also aware that his best friend was one of the best in all the medical classes. Jim saw how hard Leonard always studied. 

So why the hell was he saying such things? 

But before he could apologize he heard Bones mutter:"...ouch..." Louder he said then:"I think I should go now."

"Bones wait! I'm..." Jim tried but Leonard had already left.

"I am an idiot..." Kirk whispered, slowly sinking to the ground.

He had clearly seen the hurt on his best friends face. His best friend who he had a crush on. Now Jim was sure he runied it. Just because he had spoken without thinking. Said things,he knew weren't true. He loves Bones and he knew how great he was. As doctor,student and even better as friend. 

"I am the worst." Jim choked out as tears started streaming down his face. 

He couldn't loose Bones. He needed him in his life. The doctor was part of Jims happiness.

It was at noon of the next day and Leonard hadn't spoken to Jim again. Actually he hadn't even seen the blonde. 

To be honest Bones didn't really know what to do now. It wasn't like he wanted to ignore Jim forever. He probably couldn't anyways. 

What the younger man had said yesterday however had hurt him. Leonard had thought Jim would never hurt him like this. That the kid knew and understood him better than anybody else. Now he started doubting it a bit. 

As his clinic shift ended, Mccoy immediately made his way to his room. He just wanted to sleep and to not think about the argument with his best friend anymore.

But his plans were runied by Jim himself, who sat on the couch in Leonards room.

"Jim..." The doctor started but the blonde shook his head and stood up.

"Listen,I know I fucked up and I totally understand if you want to distance yourself from me for a while or even forever.... Anyways I need to apologize. What I said to you was complete bullshit and I don't know why I said these lies when I know better. I mean you are actually way better than me! You study hard,always make time for your friends. Hell,you might be divorced but you probably know more about love than I do. I don't deserve a friend like you. I'm not good for you. Yesterday proved this. I hurt you. But this is the last thing I want and I will never forgive myself for it. If there is anything I can do to make you you forgive me I will do it without question. Because I just can't loose you and I am so afraid I ruined the best friendship I ever had. So please don't hate me now...." 

Jim didn't really realize that he had started crying again. He was a wreck. He hadn't sleep last night. Had skipped every class today. All because of this one argument with Bones. 

Leonard was stunned by the words but he quickly snapped put of it to pull Jim into an embrace. 

"I could never hate you." the doctor admitted. 

This seemed to make the younger one cry even more as he clutched onto him. 

"But what if someday you have enough of me? I am annoying, immature and flirt with everyone. Why would you want me around?" 

"Why wouldn't I? You're funny, intellegent and always try your best. While I am just a grumpy, broken old man." was Leonards response.

Again Jim shook his head and looked up:"No,you are perfect."

At this Bones smiled a little and wiped away Jims tears. 

"So are you in my eyes." he whispered.

Then whithout thinking about it he leaned down and kissed Jim. The other men was shocked at first but then practically melted against Leonard and returned the kiss.

As they parted Jim smiled,making Bones realise how much he had missed that smile.

@mouse-the-human, @medicatemedrmccoy, @flowerydazai