#team karaoke nights... in a room full of men... he was belting out

[3416]

every time mitch said his go-to karaoke song was "dancing on my own" by calum scott, i assumed it was some bro-y current song and NOT the gay version of the 2010 robyn hit, but. now that i'm listening to this emo piano version clearly about a guy wanting to take another guy home....... i'm yelling

[thebiasrekkers]

No Words, pt 11

Pairing: Taehyung x Jeongguk x OC [ft.  Namjoon x OC]

Type: Series

Chapter Rating: 18 +

Genre: Idol, Poly, Interracial, Tall Female, Smut, Angst, Fluff [if you squint]

Warning: Vivian - again. Namjoon kisses. Taehyung and Jungkook being real rude in a moving vehicle.

A/N - That feeling when you need to check your timeline and count days. Phew.

—- It’s now almost 3 years since they met.

—-

The Big Hit group made a hasty retreat from the media-to-media circus. So hasty that people piled in cars haphazardly. Namjoon managed to snag Tasha into a car to themselves. They were the first to pull off. They exhaled deeply as the lights grew distant behind them.

“What is it, jagiya?” Namjoon watched as Tasha nibbled her manicure away. It seemed her coloring had returned to normal since their unexpected meeting with Peyton.

“Vivian really pisses me off, you know?” Her eyes narrowed as her hair swayed against her shoulder. “Like, she’s talented, yes. She’s got potential, yes. But, she’s just…such…a…” Her hands clawed the air as she tried to figure out a word.

“Pain in the ass?” Namjoon responded gently with a lifted brow.

Tasha blinked up at him, taken aback by the insertion. He offered a lazy shrug. “Look, I see it too. She’s displaying it, and more than she should, to the rest of the company. We need people we can work with, Tasha. It’s simple.” She frowned.

“It’s not simple anymore, Joonie. Not if he’s here.” She leaned into the nook of his arm. He let it drape down across her shoulders, pulling her closer. “You don’t understand. If he and Vivian started dating? The portal to the underworld would probably open.” She scoffed. Namjoon sputtered into a chuckle.

“Is he really that bad?” His gaze tilted down to the crease in her forehead. He tilted her head up to meet his gaze. “We won’t let anything happen to her.” Tasha’s eyes were wide at their proximity. “…or you.” It’s a good thing the windows were so dark. It’s a good thing there was a separator in this vehicle. Namjoon’s lips crashed onto Tasha’s with a hint of desperation. His fingers sank into her hip, pulling her closer into the length of his body. The soft sound of Tasha succumbing to what he offered burned the blood in his veins. It’s now almost 1 year since Taehyung invited himself to her room. But, in the back of his mind -  he couldn’t help but take on her worry. That trio was a delicate situation. There was something obvious brewing there, and Vivian was going to disturb all of that.

The one thing that he wouldn’t stand for? Is the disturbance of this quiet sanctuary they have established.

As Tasha rested content, lips kiss swollen, on his chest - Namjoon rubbed his finger against his bottom lip. Namjoon couldn’t help but grin at himself in the window reflection.

Vivian wasn’t aware of the beast she had awakened tonight.

It’s now almost 1 year since Taehyung and Jeongguk invited themselves to her room.

While the boys were all good friends, they were still very particular about certain things. It came with time, love, and learning these particulars that kept them a working team for so long. And one thing in particular that they were all aware of?

Jeon Jungkook’s competitive spirit is a thing of wonder.

And his penchant for jealousy? Absolutely legendary.

——-

Jungkook hadn’t released her from his captive embrace as they moved toward the cars. “Gguk-ah, you can let go now?” Was it a question? Her brow furrowed as she watched his tongue move in the hollow of his cheek.

Oh. Oh no. Everyone knew the little ticks and quirks of the boys. This one, in particular, had a reputation. Her brow furrowed as she turned to Taehyung, a silent question lingering in the lift of her brow. Taehyung’s hooded gaze, paired with a faint smile, made her stomach do loops.

“I should probably go find Tasha, so we cou-” She turned just as Namjoon helped Tasha into a car, hopped in behind her - and left.

“I think you’ll be fine with us, Noona.” The depth of Jungkook’s voice made her eyes go wide. His fingers dug possessively into the meat of her hip. Her nostrils flared as Taehyung opened the door.

“Ladies first.” A slight bow, as he smirked.

She looked ready to protest, but Jungkook’s stiff posture and equally dark gaze killed the notion. A roll of her eyes before she let Jungkook help her into the vehicle. Taehyung slid in beside her as Jungkook rounded to slide in on the opposite side.

Jungkook tilted as he adjusted his belt buckle with that soft, irritated sniff. The partition rose as the vehicle pulled away. Vivian’s eyes narrowed as the trio pulled off in a car alone. Her cellphone buzzed as she waited for the others to pile in. The student stragglers were hustled into the next available vehicle.

    Unknown:

    Hey, Vivian - It’s Peyton. We should have coffee sometime.

Vivan’s gaze lifted toward the building to see Peyton standing outside, waving toward them. She gave that megawatt smile while waving back. Turning to enter the car, her lips tilted upward into a smirk.  “What an interesting night, right?” She chuckled as she settled in next to her classmates. They groaned with a roll of their eyes as she prattled on. The gears were turning, and Vivian already had a scheme in place.

It has now been 30 days since the karaoke room.

——

Heat.

That’s all she felt. A creeping warmth that wrapped around her. One one side - Taehyung’s hooded gaze was turned to the window. On the other side? Jungkook’s dark gaze was lowered, his tongue prodding the inside of his cheek.

All she wanted to do was take off those fucking heels. They were ridiculously close to her, there was enough space for the three of them. Her gaze slid between them before she finally gave up.

“Fuck it.” She spoke in a hiss before leaning down to free her feet. The motion caused the two men to break their concentration. Because they were too busy trying to fight off an urge. Each of them boiling over at Peyton’s audacity. They didn’t care if she had a history with him. She was building, had built, history with them.  Fucking Vivian, the little tartelette was busy trying to enamor every company there!

Taehyung had been focused on their plan. This appearance of an ex complicates matters- especially on the arm of Vivian. His thoughts wandered back to the text message that Tasha sent. They were running out of time.

All that seemed to fizzle away when she moved. Leaning down to remove her shoes exposed a fair amount of skin. The skirt sliding up just a hint more against her thigh. Taehyung’s head tilted as he followed the line of her spine. It had been some time, and this proximity reminded him of such. His gaze lifted to Jungkook, who was fairing no better.

The Maknae’s newly discovered feelings had yet to be exposed. But the way Jungkook was focusing on her every motion had Taehyung’s stomach rolling. He knew that gaze; it was the look of someone committing something to memory. Analyzing every inch to file away for later. Her hair parted, exposing that soft spot behind her ear. Jungkook did that soft sniff again, his hand reaching out - and before he knew it? His fingers slid against her ear and that dangly earring.

The touch caused them both to jump as she turned to face him. “G-Gguk-ah, you trying to kill me?!” She laughed softly, sitting back while wiggling her toes. “Ah, that’s better.” She made obnoxious movements to get them to…move the hell over!

“Noona.” Jungkook’s deep voice again had her turning to the Maknae. Jungkook’s eyes were full of dark promise as his proximity to her increased instead. “You look outstanding tonight.” His lips ghosted over her shoulder.

“Jungkook.” There was a subtle warning in her tone as he leaned in. She leaned back with a thick, audible gulp. “Jungkook, what are you doing?” Her voice was low as she bumped into the solid rock of Kim Taehyung behind her.

She felt the Visual turn behind her until she was practically laid back into his lap. “Tae, g’damnit!” Another hiss as her hair splayed across his lap. The position was awkward with Jungkook practically looming over her.

There was a sound in the back of Jungkook’s throat as he adjusted himself over her. “Noona.” The air was too thick. It was too hot, and there was no place for her to run. The outline of Jungkook’s thick erection pressed into her hip. Taehyung tilted his head as he watched, like a proud tiger watching its young cub hunt for the first time.

Jungkook’s biceps struggled against the suit jacket as he leaned against her. “You know you belong to us, right?” His voice had a low, raspy quality that shocked her. It was different from the usual jovial, almost bright tone he used.

She cut a glance at Taehyung that would have melted steel. He had that arrogant tilt to his head, the tip of his tongue playing along his lip. You son of a bitch! “I don’t think she realizes that yet, Gguk-ah. It’s a shame, isn’t it?”

Her eyes widened as Jungkook thrust into her hip, a moan slithered between her lips.”It’s really is a shame, Taehyung-ah.” Jungkook grunted as he shifted against her again. His hand moved along the front of her body; fingers splayed between the valley of her breasts. He could see the nipples stirring against the fabric of her dress; he leaned down, brushing his lips over the covered nub. She gasped, grabbing a handful of his hair.

“I think she needs to be reminded, Gguk-ah. Don’t you?” Taehyung’s fingers combed through her hair with a tug that had her bucking against Jungkook. “I think she needs to be reminded that her dance card is full for a good while.” Her eyes went wide as Taehyung spoke.

“I wasn’t joking with you, Noona. I want you all to myself. But…” His gaze slid up to meet Jungkook’s. “…so does he. So…” He tilted his head down at her. A bright smile as if to say that everything was fine. “…we’ve decided to share.”

“W-what did you say?” The grip in Jungkook’s hair loosened as those words settled in the air. “Y-you what?”

Taehyung leaned down until they were almost nose to nose. Jungkook’s hand covered a breast as he dragged his lips along the column of her neck.

“We..are going to share you, Noona,” Tae whispered darkly.

“…and we don’t play well with others,” Jungkook whispered airily into her ear.

“You belong..” Jungkook growled.

“…to Us,” Taehyung purred.

It was so hot in this car. Her lashes fluttered, and she was sure she was feverish as her vision filled with both of them. Taehyung was one thing. Then Peyton, and now?

And now?

Jungkook was rubbing the erection straining his zipper against the curve of her ass. He feasted on the length of her neck with open mouth kisses. Taehyung had a handful of her hair as his tongue sought out the back of her throat.

It has now been 131 days post kiss.

[valkyriesryde]

Beautiful Soul

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Summary: The team decides to let loose after a rough few months with some singing and some alcohol, what could possibly happen ;)

Warnings: swearing, alcohol consumption, bit of fluff and pining

A/N: it took me so long to decide if I wanted this to be emotional or fun and light but every karaoke au i read the songs are slow and sad and I wanted a bit of a change and my friends and I decided Beautiful Soul by Jesse McCartney. ENJOY

Masterlist

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

It’d been an emotionally and physically draining few months for the Avengers. Everyone had missions up to their eyeballs and if they weren’t out in the field they were stuck under piles of research or surveillance work. Finally, after the long sleepless nights the overall objective was complete, and the team could relax. Everyone was exhausted, one more week and they would have been down each other’s throats.

There had already been several examples of members lashing out. The most recent was when Natasha threw a cup of yogurt at Tony because he happened to walk in and start talking to her while she was in the kitchen. Was it too much to ask for some time to yourself for once in this godforsaken place?!?

It was safe to say that the Avengers needed some sort of release. Ideas had been bouncing about on how they should celebrate the end of the gruesome missions however nothing stuck.

The most common came from people like Sam, Thor and Tony…get absolutely sloshed and have a party. They were always shot down, the rest of the team not wanting to deal with the clean up or other people for that matter.

Another common suggestion came from Wanda and Bruce, they suggested a horror movie marathon with snacks and drinks (alcoholic optional). Bruce’s reasoning was that horror movies had been proven to provide a cathartic release most efficiently compared to other genres of movies. Wanda also made sure to mention that everyone would be too busy belittling the characters to think about how exhausted they were. It was a good idea, but there were too many PTSD ridden people in the building to create a safe enough list for them watch so it was quickly pushed aside.

It wasn’t until the day after their target had been eliminated that a decision had finally been made and Tony was quick to get everything in order so the team could celebrate as soon as possible.

It had just been a passing comment, in fact, Tony couldn’t actually remember who had said it and no one would confess. Someone had mentioned to him in the midst of everything that they just needed to pick something fun. That’s when the spark went off in Tony’s mind and as soon as he had settled back at the compound, he was booking out an entire bar for the following week. He refused to tell anyone what his plan was, only Rhodey knew and that was only because they had a deal that Tony would keep no secrets from him.

The team had specific instructions before they set off. They were to dress nicely, but comfortably. They had to attend. They had to take part.

Tony’s plans were the talk of the week as everyone took the chance to relax and get back some time to themselves that had previously been lost. Soon enough though the night came around and the team were piling into the three separate cars and making their way into town.

As they pulled up to the bar in the city no one thought much of it. There had been a couple comments here and there amongst the group, Thor suggested maybe Tony had decided to go with their original idea, Natasha warned him that surely there was something more going on, they weren’t just here to get drunk and party.

Her warning was proved somewhat wrong when they all filed into the bar one after another, it was a small bar, worn out booths with a few tables scattered around the place. They noted the lack of staff around almost as soon as they walked in, seemingly looking over what Tony and told Rhodey was his masterpiece.

“We’ve got the place to ourselves!” he exclaimed jumping onto the small stage and gesturing his arms out towards the room, “you’re all also looking over our entertainment for the evening.” There was a sparkle in his eye and a smirk on his face as he caught everyone’s attention.

“It’s not you is it?” Steve yelled out as he followed Sam behind the bar to start handing out drinks.

“No, it’s no - that’s not very nice you know Captain,” Steve just shook his head in response. “Our entertainment is this!” Tony pointed towards the machine that stood to his side on the stage, the large machine, from the back, looked like nothing special, a metal box really, the noteworthy feature of this metal box was the two microphones that sat on each side of it.

“Karaoke?” Clint raised his brow, “I’m gonna need a stronger drink than this,” he shoved the beer back to Sam who quickly replaced it with a line of tequila shots along the bar.

“Mate we all are.”

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

The party was in full swing, it took a few rounds of shots and pestering for the karaoke to begin but soon enough the music was turned off and the machine was started up. Sam and Clint belted out Bohemian Rhapsody together, Wanda, Clint and Natasha decided that they couldn’t NOT sing We Are the Champions. After about four rounds of Asgardian alcohol Steve was pushed onto the stage to sing his heart out to Party in the USA.

Everybody was singing and dancing and having a fabulously buzzed time. Then there was Bucky. Bucky was not a party man, with or without the mounds of strangers Tony would bring to his parties he just couldn’t find himself enjoying them. Bucky would much rather be at home drinking and chatting with his friends than dancing and singing in this sticky bar. That’s why he was sat in the booth at the back of the bar facing the stage, watching his friends sing along to whoever was on stage off key and out of sync.

He slumped back into the booth, sipping on his drink as he watched Tony serenade Pepper with some song he didn’t know. His peace was interrupted when Sam and Y/N came crashing into the booth on either side of him.

“Hey Bucko,” beamed Sam.

“Buckaroo” laughed Y/N. Bucky rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hold back a smile or the laugh that escaped him as his drunk friends doubled over in laughter at the nickname.

“I’m glad you two are having so much fun,” he shook his head as Sam took a swig of his drink and Y/N leaned closer to him.

“We’re playing a game Buck,” Sam smiled at Y/N as she shot up from her spot on Bucky’s shoulder, as soon as she moved he felt a chill sweep through him.

“It is not we, it is you,” she turned her attention to Bucky and threw an accusing finger at Sam, “he’s trying to get me drunk Bucky!”

“Doll, I’m afraid you’re already drunk,” Bucky looked at the girl who sat next to him with a shocked expression on her face, her body turned completely towards him.

“I can’t believe you would say that,” she turned back to Sam, “it’s your fault isn’t it!”

“Hey! I merely offered the drink, you’re the one that took it!” Sam slurred out matter-of-factly. Y/N nodded and hummed in reluctant agreement, she relaxed back down into the booth and leaned her head back on Bucky’s shoulder.

Bucky looked down at the girl on her shoulder who was softly singing along to whoever was on stage now, a small smile found its way onto his face until he thought about what they were actually talking about and his eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“Was the whole game to get her drunk? Dude,” Bucky looked at Sam with a disappointed face, you don’t just go around getting girls drunk for the fun of it.

“No,” Sam’s eyes darted to Bucky and back to the stage, “well maybe but she challenged me to it!”

“Please do tell me more.”

“I asked what drunk Y/N was like because none of us have ever met her and Y/N said, and I quote, ‘if you can get me drunk I’ll gladly introduce you’” he put on his best impression of Y/N and shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal. Bucky couldn’t help but laugh, it was kinda funny okay, he had to admit that.

“And what did you find out you idiot?”

“Yea Sam, what’d you find,” Y/N slurred out softly, sitting up again and raising her eyebrows at Sam who stuck his tongue out towards her.

“You’re you, but like, times ten and giggly,” this caused an eruption of giggles from Y/N in her drunken state and a laugh from both the men, he wasn’t wrong. “Now if you excuse me, I have a song to sing” Sam jumped up from his seat and ran towards the stage.

“You don’t want to go join him?” Bucky asked twirling the glass in his hands as he avoided her eye.

“Nah, I’m good here,” Y/N smiled sweetly at him before leaning her elbows in the desk and watching Sam get the dance floor’s attention.

“I would like to dedicate this song to my main man!” Sam pointed towards Steve, “this ones for you spangled man with a plan!” The whole room started cheering and laughing, even Steve laughed as they all started singing along with Sam.

“Why are mopping back here Bucky?” The pair turned their attention away from Sam dragging Steve onto stage to finish the song and to each other, Y/N leaned forward on her elbows towards Bucky, he tried not to lean further towards her, he tried to push the feeling of wanted to be as close to her as possible deep down.

“Not a fan of parties,” he shrugged. She thought for a minute, eyeing him skeptically before humming.

“Not a fan of karaoke?” She smiled at him with the playful look in her eyes that he couldn’t resist, and Bucky could only swallow down a mouthful of his drink and nod. “Is it because you haven’t had a song dedicated to you yet Buck? There’s no need to be moping because of that,” Bucky rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to talk but the sudden applause interrupted him, and they looked over to see Sam and Steve bowing and leaping off the stage.

“I call next!” Y/N called out as she stood up but quickly leaned down to Bucky, “don’t worry Buck, I’ll dedicate my song to ya,” she winked and skipped off towards the stage. Bucky watched her jump on and select the song, she didn’t even have to think about what she was picking she already knew the perfect song to sing.

Bucky didn’t have enough time to process what she was on about. He wasn’t quite sure why it was such a bad thing that he hadn’t had a song dedicated to him. He didn’t mind it. He was more focused on the fact that she’d run away just as fast as she’d arrived at his booth and he hadn’t wanted her to leave. He knew though, as was with all of his friends, there’s no way to control them when there’s alcohol in their systems. As long as their safe, and happy, which they were.

Y/N wasn’t quite thinking as clearly as she would have liked when she ran up to the stage and selected the song she wanted. Her one thought process, the conclusion she had come to all by herself, was that Bucky was moping because no one had sung for him and he wasn’t enjoying himself. So she was determined to make a change of that. Y/N looked out to the other end of the room and meet Bucky’s eye. He had a wide smile on his face as he watched her, and he raised an eyebrow as the music began. All she could do was give him a smirk and bring the microphone up towards her.

“This is for my favourite super soldier with the long hair and the bright blue eyes!” she winked at him.  

As soon as the music started everyone in the room began whooping and cheering. Y/N stepped to the edge of the stage and held her hand up towards the crowd.

“I don’t want another pretty face,” she screwed her eyes shut and brought her fist towards her stomach dramatically, “I don’t want just anyone to hold,” she opened her eyes and scanned the room, Sam and Clint were wrapped in each other’s arms serenading one another, Tony was pulling Pepper towards the dance floor and giving her a spin. “I don’t want my love to go to waste,” she looked towards Bucky, her movements and her voice getting more and more dramatic with every movement, but her eyes were locked with his as she sang the next line, pointing a finger directly at him.

“I JUST WANT YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL SOUL!!!” the room all shouted in unison.

The song continued and everybody got louder and louder as it went. Y/N felt like she was back in her childhood bedroom, jumping on her bed with a hairbrush microphone with her friends all singing along with over dramatic gestures and their entire soul going into the performance. This really was just the adult version of that.

Bucky watched Y/N dance around the stage singing the song he’d never heard before but deciding it was his new favourite. He laughed every time she pointed towards him, singing just for him. He listened to the lyrics, oh he wanted so badly for there to be truth behind those lyrics she sung to him. He watched her movements slow as she pushed her tangled her back from her face and then held the microphone with both her hands, her eyes not once leaving him as she beamed.

“Am I crazy for wanting you? Baby do you think you could want me too?” he wanted so badly for her to mean those words, he wanted so badly to run up to her on that stage and kiss her like his life depended on it because he did want her too.

Y/N’s eyes darted away from Bucky when she started the chorus again, she tried to push back the butterflies in her stomach from having his eyes glued so tightly to her. She tried to ignore what the song actually meant, this was just fun, it was a throwback song that was just a little bit of fun at a karaoke party. Right? Right?!?

As she came to the end of the song Y/N tried to immerse herself in it, she felt the music flow through her, she felt the alcohol running through her veins, she pushed back any feelings for Bucky that sat in her mind and focused completely on the song and her friends dancing and singing with her.

The song came to an end everybody burst into cheers and applause. Bucky stood up from his seat in the booth and moved to stand in front of it, joining in on the applause smiling at the girl he was so head over heels for. He watched her jump off the stage and stumble before catching herself and being enveloped by Natasha and Rhodey, he watched her high five Wanda and Clint as she made her way through the crowd and he watched her as she stepped up to him giggling.

“Did you enjoy your song Bucky?” Y/N mirrored his stance, arms crossed, shoulders back, smile sitting ear to ear.

“You put on quite a show Y/N” Bucky dropped his arms and stepped closer towards her, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

“Well,” she placed her hands on her hips and looked up at Bucky who flicked his tongue along his bottom lip, “I do aim to please.”

Bucky let out a deep chuckle, he pulled her by the wrist back to the booth before walking towards the bar and getting them both another drink.

“You gonna get out there before the nights over?” Y/N bumped her shoulder against Bucky’s after a few minutes of comfortable silence between the two.

“No way in hell,” he laughed looking back at her.

“Damn, was hoping you’d dedicate one to me,” she gave Bucky a smirk over the brim of her glass, “it’s the least you could do.”

“I can thank you in other ways,” Bucky mustered up whatever confidence he had in him, Y/N put her glass down and turned her body so she faced him fully.

“And how are you going to do that?” she leaned on her head on the booth, waiting for Bucky to make a move, any move.

He didn’t give her an answer, not a vocal one and not at first. Bucky chuckled softly and reached up to place his hand on her cheek, moving it across her skin to the back of her neck. He leaned in closer to her as she stayed in place biting her lip. Bucky brushed his nose against the side of Y/N’s, he had a small smile on his face when he noticed her cheeks turn pink at such a small action.

“I’ve got a few things up my sleeve,” he whispered before closing the gap between them. Their kiss was gentle and quick. She could taste the mixture of Asgardian liquor and the bitterness of beer on his lips but it wasn’t long enough or deep enough for her to remember the taste or feel it on her tongue. When he pulled back he didn’t move far and opted to rest his head on the booth next to hers.

“If that’s how I’m thanked after one song I wonder what another will get me,” she whispered, they kept their voices quiet, no one else needed to hear them.

“Guess you’ll have to sing me another one to find out,” he smiled, he kept his hand at the back of her neck, his fingers tangling themselves in her hair.

“I’ll need to finish my drink before you get another song out of me Buckaroo,” Y/N laughed and sat up, Bucky’s hand fell from her hair and he picked up his own drink, his other hand moved to wrap around her waist lightly.

“I think I’m starting to enjoy this whole karaoke thing,” he smiled at her from behind his drink. He’d let her sing every song under the sun for him up on that godforsaken stage if it meant getting to kiss her again.

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

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it and requests are open!

[darknytemare]

No Words, pt 11

Pairing: Taehyung x Jeongguk x OC [ft.  Namjoon x OC]

Type: Series

Chapter Rating: 18 +

Genre: Idol, Poly, Interracial, Tall Female, Smut, Angst, Fluff [if you squint]

Warning: Vivian - again. Namjoon kisses. Taehyung and Jungkook being real rude in a moving vehicle. 

A/N - That feeling when you need to check your timeline and count days. Phew.

 ---- It’s now almost 3 years since they met.

----

The Big Hit group made a hasty retreat from the media-to-media circus. So hasty that people piled in cars haphazardly. Namjoon managed to snag Tasha into a car to themselves. They were the first to pull off. They exhaled deeply as the lights grew distant behind them. 

“What is it, jagiya?” Namjoon watched as Tasha nibbled her manicure away. It seemed her coloring had returned to normal since their unexpected meeting with Peyton. 

“Vivian really pisses me off, you know?” Her eyes narrowed as her hair swayed against her shoulder. “Like, she’s talented, yes. She’s got potential, yes. But, she’s just...such...a…” Her hands clawed the air as she tried to figure out a word.

“Pain in the ass?” Namjoon responded gently with a lifted brow. 

Tasha blinked up at him, taken aback by the insertion. He offered a lazy shrug. “Look, I see it too. She’s displaying it, and more than she should, to the rest of the company. We need people we can work with, Tasha. It’s simple.” She frowned.

“It’s not simple anymore, Joonie. Not if he’s here.” She leaned into the nook of his arm. He let it drape down across her shoulders, pulling her closer. “You don’t understand. If he and Vivian started dating? The portal to the underworld would probably open.” She scoffed. Namjoon sputtered into a chuckle.

“Is he really that bad?” His gaze tilted down to the crease in her forehead. He tilted her head up to meet his gaze. “We won’t let anything happen to her.” Tasha’s eyes were wide at their proximity. “...or you.” It’s a good thing the windows were so dark. It’s a good thing there was a separator in this vehicle. Namjoon’s lips crashed onto Tasha’s with a hint of desperation. His fingers sank into her hip, pulling her closer into the length of his body. The soft sound of Tasha succumbing to what he offered burned the blood in his veins. It’s now almost 1 year since Taehyung invited himself to her room. But, in the back of his mind -  he couldn’t help but take on her worry. That trio was a delicate situation. There was something obvious brewing there, and Vivian was going to disturb all of that. 

The one thing that he wouldn’t stand for? Is the disturbance of this quiet sanctuary they have established. 

As Tasha rested content, lips kiss swollen, on his chest - Namjoon rubbed his finger against his bottom lip. Namjoon couldn’t help but grin at himself in the window reflection.

Vivian wasn’t aware of the beast she had awakened tonight.

It’s now almost 1 year since Taehyung and Jeongguk invited themselves to her room.

While the boys were all good friends, they were still very particular about certain things. It came with time, love, and learning these particulars that kept them a working team for so long. And one thing in particular that they were all aware of?

Jeon Jungkook’s competitive spirit is a thing of wonder. 

And his penchant for jealousy? Absolutely legendary. 

-------

Jungkook hadn’t released her from his captive embrace as they moved toward the cars. “Gguk-ah, you can let go now?” Was it a question? Her brow furrowed as she watched his tongue move in the hollow of his cheek. 

Oh. Oh no. Everyone knew the little ticks and quirks of the boys. This one, in particular, had a reputation. Her brow furrowed as she turned to Taehyung, a silent question lingering in the lift of her brow. Taehyung’s hooded gaze, paired with a faint smile, made her stomach do loops. 

“I should probably go find Tasha, so we cou-” She turned just as Namjoon helped Tasha into a car, hopped in behind her - and left. 

“I think you’ll be fine with us, Noona.” The depth of Jungkook’s voice made her eyes go wide. His fingers dug possessively into the meat of her hip. Her nostrils flared as Taehyung opened the door. 

“Ladies first.” A slight bow, as he smirked. 

She looked ready to protest, but Jungkook’s stiff posture and equally dark gaze killed the notion. A roll of her eyes before she let Jungkook help her into the vehicle. Taehyung slid in beside her as Jungkook rounded to slide in on the opposite side. 

Jungkook tilted as he adjusted his belt buckle with that soft, irritated sniff. The partition rose as the vehicle pulled away. Vivian’s eyes narrowed as the trio pulled off in a car alone. Her cellphone buzzed as she waited for the others to pile in. The student stragglers were hustled into the next available vehicle.

     Unknown:

     Hey, Vivian - It’s Peyton. We should have coffee sometime.

Vivan’s gaze lifted toward the building to see Peyton standing outside, waving toward them. She gave that megawatt smile while waving back. Turning to enter the car, her lips tilted upward into a smirk.  “What an interesting night, right?” She chuckled as she settled in next to her classmates. They groaned with a roll of their eyes as she prattled on. The gears were turning, and Vivian already had a scheme in place. 

It has now been 30 days since the karaoke room.

------

Heat.

That’s all she felt. A creeping warmth that wrapped around her. One one side - Taehyung’s hooded gaze was turned to the window. On the other side? Jungkook’s dark gaze was lowered, his tongue prodding the inside of his cheek. 

All she wanted to do was take off those fucking heels. They were ridiculously close to her, there was enough space for the three of them. Her gaze slid between them before she finally gave up.

“Fuck it.” She spoke in a hiss before leaning down to free her feet. The motion caused the two men to break their concentration. Because they were too busy trying to fight off an urge. Each of them boiling over at Peyton’s audacity. They didn’t care if she had a history with him. She was building, had built, history with them.  Fucking Vivian, the little tartelette was busy trying to enamor every company there!

Taehyung had been focused on their plan. This appearance of an ex complicates matters- especially on the arm of Vivian. His thoughts wandered back to the text message that Tasha sent. They were running out of time.

All that seemed to fizzle away when she moved. Leaning down to remove her shoes exposed a fair amount of skin. The skirt sliding up just a hint more against her thigh. Taehyung’s head tilted as he followed the line of her spine. It had been some time, and this proximity reminded him of such. His gaze lifted to Jungkook, who was fairing no better. 

The Maknae’s newly discovered feelings had yet to be exposed. But the way Jungkook was focusing on her every motion had Taehyung’s stomach rolling. He knew that gaze; it was the look of someone committing something to memory. Analyzing every inch to file away for later. Her hair parted, exposing that soft spot behind her ear. Jungkook did that soft sniff again, his hand reaching out - and before he knew it? His fingers slid against her ear and that dangly earring. 

The touch caused them both to jump as she turned to face him. “G-Gguk-ah, you trying to kill me?!” She laughed softly, sitting back while wiggling her toes. “Ah, that’s better.” She made obnoxious movements to get them to...move the hell over! 

“Noona.” Jungkook’s deep voice again had her turning to the Maknae. Jungkook’s eyes were full of dark promise as his proximity to her increased instead. “You look outstanding tonight.” His lips ghosted over her shoulder.

“Jungkook.” There was a subtle warning in her tone as he leaned in. She leaned back with a thick, audible gulp. “Jungkook, what are you doing?” Her voice was low as she bumped into the solid rock of Kim Taehyung behind her. 

She felt the Visual turn behind her until she was practically laid back into his lap. “Tae, g’damnit!” Another hiss as her hair splayed across his lap. The position was awkward with Jungkook practically looming over her. 

There was a sound in the back of Jungkook’s throat as he adjusted himself over her. “Noona.” The air was too thick. It was too hot, and there was no place for her to run. The outline of Jungkook’s thick erection pressed into her hip. Taehyung tilted his head as he watched, like a proud tiger watching its young cub hunt for the first time.

Jungkook’s biceps struggled against the suit jacket as he leaned against her. “You know you belong to us, right?” His voice had a low, raspy quality that shocked her. It was different from the usual jovial, almost bright tone he used. 

She cut a glance at Taehyung that would have melted steel. He had that arrogant tilt to his head, the tip of his tongue playing along his lip. You son of a bitch!  “I don’t think she realizes that yet, Gguk-ah. It’s a shame, isn’t it?”

Her eyes widened as Jungkook thrust into her hip, a moan slithered between her lips.”It’s really is a shame, Taehyung-ah.” Jungkook grunted as he shifted against her again. His hand moved along the front of her body; fingers splayed between the valley of her breasts. He could see the nipples stirring against the fabric of her dress; he leaned down, brushing his lips over the covered nub. She gasped, grabbing a handful of his hair.

“I think she needs to be reminded, Gguk-ah. Don’t you?” Taehyung’s fingers combed through her hair with a tug that had her bucking against Jungkook. “I think she needs to be reminded that her dance card is full for a good while.” Her eyes went wide as Taehyung spoke. 

“I wasn’t joking with you, Noona. I want you all to myself. But…” His gaze slid up to meet Jungkook’s. “...so does he. So…” He tilted his head down at her. A bright smile as if to say that everything was fine. “...we’ve decided to share.” 

“W-what did you say?” The grip in Jungkook’s hair loosened as those words settled in the air. “Y-you what?” 

Taehyung leaned down until they were almost nose to nose. Jungkook’s hand covered a breast as he dragged his lips along the column of her neck.

“We..are going to share you, Noona,” Tae whispered darkly.

“...and we don’t play well with others,” Jungkook whispered airily into her ear. 

“You belong..” Jungkook growled.

“...to Us,” Taehyung growled purred. 

It was so hot in this car. Her lashes fluttered, and she was sure she was feverish as her vision filled with both of them. Taehyung was one thing. Then Peyton, and now? 

And now?

Jungkook was rubbing the erection straining his zipper against the curve of her ass. He feasted on the length of her neck with open mouth kisses. . Taehyung had a handful of her hair as his tongue sought out the back of her throat. 

It has now been 131 days post kiss.

[movedvalkyriesryde]

Beautiful Soul

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Summary: The team decides to let loose after a rough few months with some singing and some alcohol, what could possibly happen ;)

Warnings: swearing, alcohol consumption, bit of fluff and pining

Requested by @turquoisekokiri

A/N: it took me so long to decide if I wanted this to be emotional or fun and light but every karaoke au i read the songs are slow and sad and I wanted a bit of a change and my friends and I decided Beautiful Soul by Jesse McCartney. ENJOY

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

It’d been an emotionally and physically draining few months for the Avengers. Everyone had missions up to their eyeballs and if they weren’t out in the field they were stuck under piles of research or surveillance work. Finally, after the long sleepless nights the overall objective was complete, and the team could relax. Everyone was exhausted, one more week and they would have been down each other’s throats. 

There had already been several examples of members lashing out. The most recent was when Natasha threw a cup of yogurt at Tony because he happened to walk in and start talking to her while she was in the kitchen. Was it too much to ask for some time to yourself for once in this godforsaken place?!?

It was safe to say that the Avengers needed some sort of release. Ideas had been bouncing about on how they should celebrate the end of the gruesome missions however nothing stuck.

The most common came from people like Sam, Thor and Tony...get absolutely sloshed and have a party. They were always shot down, the rest of the team not wanting to deal with the clean up or other people for that matter.

Another common suggestion came from Wanda and Bruce, they suggested a horror movie marathon with snacks and drinks (alcoholic optional). Bruce’s reasoning was that horror movies had been proven to provide a cathartic release most efficiently compared to other genres of movies. Wanda also made sure to mention that everyone would be too busy belittling the characters to think about how exhausted they were. It was a good idea, but there were too many PTSD ridden people in the building to create a safe enough list for them watch so it was quickly pushed aside. 

It wasn’t until the day after their target had been eliminated that a decision had finally been made and Tony was quick to get everything in order so the team could celebrate as soon as possible. 

It had just been a passing comment, in fact, Tony couldn’t actually remember who had said it and no one would confess. Someone had mentioned to him in the midst of everything that they just needed to pick something fun. That’s when the spark went off in Tony’s mind and as soon as he had settled back at the compound, he was booking out an entire bar for the following week. He refused to tell anyone what his plan was, only Rhodey knew and that was only because they had a deal that Tony would keep no secrets from him. 

The team had specific instructions before they set off. They were to dress nicely, but comfortably. They had to attend. They had to take part.

Tony’s plans were the talk of the week as everyone took the chance to relax and get back some time to themselves that had previously been lost. Soon enough though the night came around and the team were piling into the three separate cars and making their way into town.

As they pulled up to the bar in the city no one thought much of it. There had been a couple comments here and there amongst the group, Thor suggested maybe Tony had decided to go with their original idea, Natasha warned him that surely there was something more going on, they weren’t just here to get drunk and party. 

Her warning was proved somewhat wrong when they all filed into the bar one after another, it was a small bar, worn out booths with a few tables scattered around the place. They noted the lack of staff around almost as soon as they walked in, seemingly looking over what Tony and told Rhodey was his masterpiece.

“We’ve got the place to ourselves!” he exclaimed jumping onto the small stage and gesturing his arms out towards the room, “you’re all also looking over our entertainment for the evening.” There was a sparkle in his eye and a smirk on his face as he caught everyone’s attention. 

“It’s not you is it?” Steve yelled out as he followed Sam behind the bar to start handing out drinks.

“No, it’s no - that’s not very nice you know Captain,” Steve just shook his head in response. “Our entertainment is this!” Tony pointed towards the machine that stood to his side on the stage, the large machine, from the back, looked like nothing special, a metal box really, the noteworthy feature of this metal box was the two microphones that sat on each side of it. 

“Karaoke?” Clint raised his brow, “I’m gonna need a stronger drink than this,” he shoved the beer back to Sam who quickly replaced it with a line of tequila shots along the bar.

“Mate we all are.”

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

The party was in full swing, it took a few rounds of shots and pestering for the karaoke to begin but soon enough the music was turned off and the machine was started up. Sam and Clint belted out Bohemian Rhapsody together, Wanda, Clint and Natasha decided that they couldn’t NOT sing We Are the Champions. After about four rounds of Asgardian alcohol Steve was pushed onto the stage to sing his heart out to Party in the USA. 

Everybody was singing and dancing and having a fabulously buzzed time. Then there was Bucky. Bucky was not a party man, with or without the mounds of strangers Tony would bring to his parties he just couldn’t find himself enjoying them. Bucky would much rather be at home drinking and chatting with his friends than dancing and singing in this sticky bar. That’s why he was sat in the booth at the back of the bar facing the stage, watching his friends sing along to whoever was on stage off key and out of sync. 

He slumped back into the booth, sipping on his drink as he watched Tony serenade Pepper with some song he didn’t know. His peace was interrupted when Sam and Y/N came crashing into the booth on either side of him.

“Hey Bucko,” beamed Sam.

“Buckaroo” laughed Y/N. Bucky rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hold back a smile or the laugh that escaped him as his drunk friends doubled over in laughter at the nickname. 

“I’m glad you two are having so much fun,” he shook his head as Sam took a swig of his drink and Y/N leaned closer to him. 

“We’re playing a game Buck,” Sam smiled at Y/N as she shot up from her spot on Bucky’s shoulder, as soon as she moved he felt a chill sweep through him.

“It is not we, it is you,” she turned her attention to Bucky and threw an accusing finger at Sam, “he’s trying to get me drunk Bucky!” 

“Doll, I’m afraid you’re already drunk,” Bucky looked at the girl who sat next to him with a shocked expression on her face, her body turned completely towards him.

“I can’t believe you would say that,” she turned back to Sam, “it’s your fault isn’t it!”

“Hey! I merely offered the drink, you’re the one that took it!” Sam slurred out matter-of-factly. Y/N nodded and hummed in reluctant agreement, she relaxed back down into the booth and leaned her head back on Bucky’s shoulder. 

Bucky looked down at the girl on her shoulder who was softly singing along to whoever was on stage now, a small smile found its way onto his face until he thought about what they were actually talking about and his eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“Was the whole game to get her drunk? Dude,” Bucky looked at Sam with a disappointed face, you don’t just go around getting girls drunk for the fun of it.

“No,” Sam’s eyes darted to Bucky and back to the stage, “well maybe but she challenged me to it!”

“Please do tell me more.”

“I asked what drunk Y/N was like because none of us have ever met her and Y/N said, and I quote, ‘if you can get me drunk I’ll gladly introduce you’” he put on his best impression of Y/N and shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal. Bucky couldn’t help but laugh, it was kinda funny okay, he had to admit that. 

“And what did you find out you idiot?”

“Yea Sam, what’d you find,” Y/N slurred out softly, sitting up again and raising her eyebrows at Sam who stuck his tongue out towards her.

“You’re you, but like, times ten and giggly,” this caused an eruption of giggles from Y/N in her drunken state and a laugh from both the men, he wasn’t wrong. “Now if you excuse me, I have a song to sing” Sam jumped up from his seat and ran towards the stage. 

“You don’t want to go join him?” Bucky asked twirling the glass in his hands as he avoided her eye.

“Nah, I’m good here,” Y/N smiled sweetly at him before leaning her elbows in the desk and watching Sam get the dance floor’s attention.

“I would like to dedicate this song to my main man!” Sam pointed towards Steve, “this ones for you spangled man with a plan!” The whole room started cheering and laughing, even Steve laughed as they all started singing along with Sam.

 “Why are mopping back here Bucky?” The pair turned their attention away from Sam dragging Steve onto stage to finish the song and to each other, Y/N leaned forward on her elbows towards Bucky, he tried not to lean further towards her, he tried to push the feeling of wanted to be as close to her as possible deep down.

“Not a fan of parties,” he shrugged. She thought for a minute, eyeing him skeptically before humming. 

“Not a fan of karaoke?” She smiled at him with the playful look in her eyes that he couldn’t resist, and Bucky could only swallow down a mouthful of his drink and nod. “Is it because you haven’t had a song dedicated to you yet Buck? There’s no need to be moping because of that,” Bucky rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to talk but the sudden applause interrupted him, and they looked over to see Sam and Steve bowing and leaping off the stage.

“I call next!” Y/N called out as she stood up but quickly leaned down to Bucky, “don’t worry Buck, I’ll dedicate my song to ya,” she winked and skipped off towards the stage. Bucky watched her jump on and select the song, she didn’t even have to think about what she was picking she already knew the perfect song to sing. 

Bucky didn’t have enough time to process what she was on about. He wasn’t quite sure why it was such a bad thing that he hadn’t had a song dedicated to him. He didn’t mind it. He was more focused on the fact that she’d run away just as fast as she’d arrived at his booth and he hadn’t wanted her to leave. He knew though, as was with all of his friends, there’s no way to control them when there’s alcohol in their systems. As long as their safe, and happy, which they were. 

Y/N wasn’t quite thinking as clearly as she would have liked when she ran up to the stage and selected the song she wanted. Her one thought process, the conclusion she had come to all by herself, was that Bucky was moping because no one had sung for him and he wasn’t enjoying himself. So she was determined to make a change of that. Y/N looked out to the other end of the room and meet Bucky’s eye. He had a wide smile on his face as he watched her, and he raised an eyebrow as the music began. All she could do was give him a smirk and bring the microphone up towards her.

“This is for my favourite super soldier with the long hair and the bright blue eyes!” she winked at him.  

As soon as the music started everyone in the room began whooping and cheering. Y/N stepped to the edge of the stage and held her hand up towards the crowd.

“I don’t want another pretty face,” she screwed her eyes shut and brought her fist towards her stomach dramatically, “I don’t want just anyone to hold,” she opened her eyes and scanned the room, Sam and Clint were wrapped in each other’s arms serenading one another, Tony was pulling Pepper towards the dance floor and giving her a spin. “I don’t want my love to go to waste,” she looked towards Bucky, her movements and her voice getting more and more dramatic with every movement, but her eyes were locked with his as she sang the next line, pointing a finger directly at him.

“I JUST WANT YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL SOUL!!!” the room all shouted in unison.

The song continued and everybody got louder and louder as it went. Y/N felt like she was back in her childhood bedroom, jumping on her bed with a hairbrush microphone with her friends all singing along with over dramatic gestures and their entire soul going into the performance. This really was just the adult version of that.

Bucky watched Y/N dance around the stage singing the song he’d never heard before but deciding it was his new favourite. He laughed every time she pointed towards him, singing just for him. He listened to the lyrics, oh he wanted so badly for there to be truth behind those lyrics she sung to him. He watched her movements slow as she pushed her tangled her back from her face and then held the microphone with both her hands, her eyes not once leaving him as she beamed.

“Am I crazy for wanting you? Baby do you think you could want me too?” he wanted so badly for her to mean those words, he wanted so badly to run up to her on that stage and kiss her like his life depended on it because he did want her too.

Y/N’s eyes darted away from Bucky when she started the chorus again, she tried to push back the butterflies in her stomach from having his eyes glued so tightly to her. She tried to ignore what the song actually meant, this was just fun, it was a throwback song that was just a little bit of fun at a karaoke party. Right? Right?!?

As she came to the end of the song Y/N tried to immerse herself in it, she felt the music flow through her, she felt the alcohol running through her veins, she pushed back any feelings for Bucky that sat in her mind and focused completely on the song and her friends dancing and singing with her.

The song came to an end everybody burst into cheers and applause. Bucky stood up from his seat in the booth and moved to stand in front of it, joining in on the applause smiling at the girl he was so head over heels for. He watched her jump off the stage and stumble before catching herself and being enveloped by Natasha and Rhodey, he watched her high five Wanda and Clint as she made her way through the crowd and he watched her as she stepped up to him giggling.

“Did you enjoy your song Bucky?” Y/N mirrored his stance, arms crossed, shoulders back, smile sitting ear to ear.

“You put on quite a show Y/N” Bucky dropped his arms and stepped closer towards her, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

“Well,” she placed her hands on her hips and looked up at Bucky who flicked his tongue along his bottom lip, “I do aim to please.”

Bucky let out a deep chuckle, he pulled her by the wrist back to the booth before walking towards the bar and getting them both another drink.

 “You gonna get out there before the nights over?” Y/N bumped her shoulder against Bucky’s after a few minutes of comfortable silence between the two.

“No way in hell,” he laughed looking back at her.

“Damn, was hoping you’d dedicate one to me,” she gave Bucky a smirk over the brim of her glass, “it’s the least you could do.”

“I can thank you in other ways,” Bucky mustered up whatever confidence he had in him, Y/N put her glass down and turned her body so she faced him fully.

“And how are you going to do that?” she leaned on her head on the booth, waiting for Bucky to make a move, any move.

He didn’t give her an answer, not a vocal one and not at first. Bucky chuckled softly and reached up to place his hand on her cheek, moving it across her skin to the back of her neck. He leaned in closer to her as she stayed in place biting her lip. Bucky brushed his nose against the side of Y/N’s, he had a small smile on his face when he noticed her cheeks turn pink at such a small action.

“I’ve got a few things up my sleeve,” he whispered before closing the gap between them. Their kiss was gentle and quick. She could taste the mixture of Asgardian liquor and the bitterness of beer on his lips but it wasn’t long enough or deep enough for her to remember the taste or feel it on her tongue. When he pulled back he didn’t move far and opted to rest his head on the booth next to hers.

“If that’s how I’m thanked after one song I wonder what another will get me,” she whispered, they kept their voices quiet, no one else needed to hear them.

“Guess you’ll have to sing me another one to find out,” he smiled, he kept his hand at the back of her neck, his fingers tangling themselves in her hair.

“I’ll need to finish my drink before you get another song out of me Buckaroo,” Y/N laughed and sat up, Bucky’s hand fell from her hair and he picked up his own drink, his other hand moved to wrap around her waist lightly.

“I think I’m starting to enjoy this whole karaoke thing,” he smiled at her from behind his drink. He’d let her sing every song under the sun for him up on that godforsaken stage if it meant getting to kiss her again.

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

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it and requests are open!

[ober-affen-geil]

This is a short fic for @bialiencowboy, for the cosmic love exchange! 

I gave a shout out to some of the gems (this one, and this one) on @roswellprompts which, if you don’t know, is run by the ever wonderful Edin that this is gifted to, but the bulk of the story sprang from several references to Teen Wolf I saw on both blogs. I was a fan of Teen Wolf as well and as soon as I saw the reference, an idea dropped into my head so.........I wrote a crossover ficlet :D 

Some author’s notes. 1) While this was somewhat inspired by the idea of werewolf!Michael, the fic is a crossover and not an au so it’s canon compliant to both shows. 2) As much as I wanted to write Malex I couldn’t find a place for Alex in this fic in my head so he’s off doing something else. Don’t worry, Michael misses him. 3) No one dies, but there are some injuries related to gun violence so CW for that. 4) Many, many thanks to the lovely and patient @chasingshhadows and @ubiestcaelum for tweaks, comma wrangling, and cheerleading. 

Hope you enjoy!

The crowd at the Wild Pony was finally starting to break up as, one by one, people peeled off and headed home. Karaoke night was always a popular one and tonight had been no exception. Michael was half sure the house was actually going to come down when Maria led everyone in "Bohemian Rhapsody", but by now it had thinned to their small group and two young men sitting in a booth near the bathrooms.

They both looked to be in their early twenties; one of them spoke with large, animated hand gestures and the other listened and laughed more quietly with the ease of long friendship. Michael had seen them from the pool table and didn't recognize them, so he figured they must be tourists passing through.

Michael spent most of the night playing pool as he normally did, but it was getting to be closing time and the last of Michael's pool competitors had left. Since Alex wasn't there for him to pull into a dark corner or snuggle up to in a booth, he settled down at the table with everyone else. Isobel had begged off that night but Max and Liz were there, as was Kyle. Unfortunately.

He saw Maria make her way out from behind the empty bar and over to the bouncer by the door. The Diné man towered over her almost comically, in every way fitting the physical stereotype of his profession. She laid a hand on his arm to get his attention. "Wolf, I'll be right back. You're in charge, ok?"

“Sure, boss.” He nodded, crossing his arms over his black leather vest and settling into an easy, alert stance.

"You running out on us, DeLuca?" Michael called after her, craning his head to catch sight of her as she whisked out the door. 

She stuck her head back in and raised an eyebrow at him. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"If you don't come back does that mean my tab is cleared?" He grinned at her over his drink.

Maria rolled her eyes. "Keep dreaming, Guerin. One day the whiskey fairy might grant your wishes but until then, you owe me 63 dollars." She flashed him a bright smile with just enough teeth to let him know she meant it and slipped back out the door.

"Well I've got to go to the little surgeon's room." Kyle heaved himself up to a chorus of teasing protests.

"What's the matter, Valenti? Can't hold your liquor?" Michael smirked at him from across the table.

Kyle rolled his eyes. "Just don't get up to trouble while I'm gone, Guerin. And I don't want to come back to Evans here going off about - what was it again? Twilight?" 

Max hunched, slightly embarrassed, as Liz laughed. "That was one time."

"Well make sure it stays that way." Kyle turned and headed towards the bathrooms.

Max seemed undeterred. "All I was saying was that it would have been more interesting if the focus had been less on the conflict between the wolves and the vampires. You know the original Dracula could turn into a wolf, so really-"

He was drowned out by a chorus of groans.

"What do you think, Liz?" Max turned to her and raised his eyebrows.

Liz leaned back and seemed to consider for a moment. Then she beamed at him. "Team Jacob all the way."

Max clutched his heart in mock pain. "I am betrayed!" 

Liz laughed and shoved him playfully. He flopped dramatically, then leaned over and pulled her into a quick kiss.

Michael scoffed at them around the lip of his beer as they looked at each other in sickeningly sweet contentment.

"Nobody move!"

Michael jerked around and saw that a man had just walked in. His clothes were dirty and clearly unwashed and he sported a scraggly and unkempt beard. It looked to Michael like he was a drifter, but the thing currently commanding his attention was the gun he had leveled at Wolf. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the two tourists stiffen to attention and he sincerly hoped neither one of them tried anything stupid.

Max leapt to his feet but quickly spread his palms when the gun swung around to him. "Take it easy ok, what do you want?"

"Money. In the till." The drifter's eyes flicked to the bar, then back to Max. "Now!" he yelled when no one moved.

"Ok, ok, just-"

"What'd I miss?" Kyle walked out of the hallway from the bathrooms, directly next to where the drifter was standing.

"Wait-" Max reached a quelling hand out, a moment too late.

The drifter startled at Kyle's sudden appearance and swung around. The hand holding the gun lashed out and Kyle's head snapped back as the metal made contact. He bounced off the wall, crumpled to the ground, and lay still.

Michael saw one of the tourists, the quieter one, make an abrupt aborted movement as if to help Kyle, then apparently thought better of it after a second glance at the drifter. Michael tried to catch his eye to warn him off trying anything further, but was distracted by a flurry of movement next to him.

"Kyle!" Liz gasped and started forward out of her seat. She froze as the gun swung around again and pointed at her, the muzzle shaking slightly along with the hand holding it.

Max spread his hands again, and edged between Liz and the line of fire. "Alright, calm down, we'll get the money for you. Wolf?"

Wolf moved toward the register on the bar, eyes trained on the drifter.

Michael tracked him for a moment, waiting until he got far enough away. Then he focused on the gun's safety and narrowed his eyes. He heard and felt the faint "click" it made as he switched it on, and he glanced at Max. 

Max gave him the slightest of nods, then in a fluid motion he stepped forward, grabbed the man's wrist, and twisted, forcing him to drop the gun. Max kicked it across the floor, away from them, and used his momentum to carry them both against the wall with a grunt. He got the drifter's hands behind his back and pulled a pair of handcuffs from his belt where he kept his spares.

Michael stooped to pick up the gun as Max read him his rights, putting it on the table. 

Max handed the man off to Wolf. "Take him out front and wait, I want to check on Kyle." 

Wolf gave the drifter, who was protesting loudly, a shove towards the door. "Sure thing. Why do these things always happen on your day off, am I right?"

“Tell me about it.” Max scoffed in rueful agreement. He called after Wolf as he manhandled his charge out the doorway, "Someone should be by shortly from the department." 

He nodded to Liz who was just getting off the phone with Sheriff Valenti. Liz nodded back as she slipped her phone back into her pocket, then her gaze sharpened. "Hey! What are you doing? Get away from him!" 

Michael turned and saw that one of the tourists from the booth, the one who he thought was going to pull a dumbass move before, was kneeling by Kyle on the floor. He had Kyle's hand in a tight grip and his head was thrown back, jaw clenched and teeth bared in what looked like pain. What was most concerning though were the fingers of unnatural black something snaking up his arm that seemed to be coming from Kyle.

Liz had already started towards them and without thinking Michael reached out and pulled. The young man went flying into a table where he lay groaning on the floor.

Max's head snapped around and he kept trying to catch Michael's eye as he went to crouch next to Kyle, but Michael ignored him in favor of making doubly sure whoever this potential threat was wasn't going to cause more trouble.

"Woah, woah, woah! Calm down!"

The other tourist was suddenly standing with his arms spread wide in a placating gesture. Michael sized him up. He didn't look like he weighed more than 150 pounds soaking wet and he was tall enough that it made him almost gangly. Michael narrowed his eyes, confident he could take him on if he had to.

"Look, he was trying to help ok? Lemme just, go over and make sure he's alright." At this he started to sidle towards his companion on the floor, hands still raised in the air.

"Hey!"

The young man jerked to a stop as Max stood to his full height.  

"How about nobody moves until we sort out what just happened?" Max said, using what Michael thought of as his Officer Evans Voice.

"Ok! Ok, sure, we can do that." The tourist craned his neck, trying to get a look at the figure on the floor. "Hey Scott? Buddy? How you doing over there, huh? You ok? You maybe wanna, I don't know, help me out a little?"

His companion - Scott, apparently - groaned and started to heave himself up. He had leveraged himself onto the table top when Liz marched up to him and shoved him to the ground again. 

"What were you doing to Kyle?" she demanded, glaring down at him threateningly.

Scott, wisely, lay flat on his back with his palms spread in a show of surrender. "Nothing! I was just trying to make him more comfortable."

On cue, Kyle moaned and put a hand to his head. Max crouched next to him again and touched his shoulder gently. "Hey man, how you feeling?"

Kyle squinted up at him. He pulled his hand away from his head and looked at the blood on his fingers. 

"Better than I should be considering I may have a concussion." He heaved up into a sitting position and let himself fall back against the wall with a groan.

Max turned over his shoulder and traded a look with Michael.

"See?" Scott's friend interjected. "We weren't trying to mess with your pack, ok?"

"Pack? What do you mean, 'pack'? " Max asked, brow furrowed.

Scott grunted as he pulled himself to his feet, glancing at Liz, who glowered but stepped back a little to give him room. 

"Stiles, they're not werewolves." He winced as he pressed a hand to his side where the table hit him.

"What kind of a name is - wait, werewolves?! Who’s - what - 'werewolves'? Those aren't real." Michael stared at him in disbelief. He shot Liz a glare when she snorted, then looked at Stiles to see his face twisted in derision.

"Yeah, ok, Mister Broody. Deny away. But we're in on your little secret. And don't try to tell me that Puppy Eyes and Cheekbones over there aren't werewolves either because hello?" He swept an arm towards Kyle and Max, who looked mildly affronted. Kyle just looked confused. 

"Should've known we'd run into another pack," Stiles muttered to himself. "'Come on a road trip Stiles, it'll be fun!' Why do I still listen to you, Scott?"

"Stiles, I told you, they're not werewolves. He's human." Scott pointed to Kyle on the floor. 

"Thank you," Kyle said, clearly done with trying to make sense of the conversation.

"He smells funny though." He swung his hand to Max, who tensed. Liz took a step towards Max, half blocking him from the accusing finger.

"Scott, we've talked about sniffing people without their permission. It's creepy and gross. You gotta cut it out." Stiles seemed unbothered by this revelation and was looking at Scott in exasperation.

"Come on man, you know I can't help it." Scott gave Stiles a long-suffering look and dropped his hand. Then he turned his gaze on Michael. "You're not human either, are you?"

Michael froze, but Stiles just rolled his eyes.

"Wow Scott, brilliant deduction. I got that when he threw you across the room with his freaking mind. What tipped you off?" Stile gestured wildly at the table Scott had knocked over when Michael forced him off Kyle.

"Like I said, he smells funny," Scott answered without a hint of the sarcasm that Stiles' question was dripping in.

Michael gritted his teeth. This was going nowhere. "Yeah I get that a lot. What exactly does it mean?" He stepped forward threateningly. "You got 5 seconds to answer or I-".

"Michael," Max warned.

"What, Max?" Michael snapped.

"Woah, hey, guys. Look, I get it. How 'bout I show you my thing so we're even, ok?" Scott spread his hands, supplicating.

Max stood and moved closer to Liz. "What do you mean 'your thing'?" he said, cautiously.

Rather than answer, Scott bowed his head. When he looked back up, Michael recoiled with a curse.

His eyes, which had been a deep brown, were a blood red that nearly glowed. He seemed to have sprouted extra hair around his face; his ears now ended in long points, and his lips pulled back to reveal fangs that definitely hadn't been there before.

Michael heard a startled stream of Spanish from Liz and Kyle let loose a very emphatic, "What the fuck!" from his position on the floor.

Scott quickly ducked his head again and suddenly his features had returned to normal. 

"See? Can we please calm down a little?" Scott was acting like everything was fine now when Michael felt like his head was spinning even worse than before. 

Michael broke the shocked silence. "Ok, what the hell was that?"

Scott seemed disappointed that no one had relaxed. "I'm a werewolf. Look, it's not a big deal, can we all-"

"Not a big deal? You turn into a character from an 80s B-movie and it's not a big deal?" Michael flung his hands wide in disbelief, but Liz cut him off before he could continue.

"Do it again."

"...what?" Scott seemed nonplussed.

"Do it again. That thing." Liz gestured helplessly, searching for words. "Cambia otra vez, muéstrate. You say you're a werewolf, prove it." She crossed her arms and stuck her chin out, challenging. 

"Liz, I'm not sure that's-" Max started.

"No, it's ok." Scott interrupted. He grew silent again, concentrating, and this time they saw the change ripple over him.

No one moved for a moment, then Liz stepped forward.

"Liz-" Max said warningly. She shot him a look, and moved closer to Scott. They all jumped when he said "You can touch if you want." 

"You sound...normal." Liz said, tentatively. 

Stiles snorted and Michael glared at him. But his curiosity was piqued, too. He made his way over to stand next to Liz, who was tilting her head while she examined him up close. She reached a hand out and gently touched some of the excess hair on Scott's face, then she tugged on it.

"Ow!" Scott flinched away and rubbed his cheek. 

Liz held her palms up in apology. "Sorry, just making sure."

Scott shook his head like a dog, and his face returned to human.

"So when you say you 'smelled us'..." Michael started, mental gears clicking into motion.

"Yeah. Side effect." Scott looked mildly embarrassed. 

"What exactly were you doing to Kyle?" Liz asked, eyes narrowed in suspicion, not willing to back down that easily. 

"Oh." Scott rubbed his hand self-consciously against the back of his neck. "I was taking his pain."

"Taking his - what? Like healing him?" Michael looked over at Max whose gaze had sharpened in interest.

"No, I can't heal other people like that. But I can ease their pain, make it hurt less." Scott shrugged.

"Huh." Michael digested that information. "What do you do?" He rounded on Stiles, who looked taken aback.

"Uh, nothing. I'm human." 

Michael's face twisted derisively, and he raised his eyebrows at him.

"No, seriously!" Stiles threw his hands up. "So what, two seconds ago you don't believe in werewolves, and now you don't believe in humans?"

"Alright," Michael thinned his lips and dropped his chin in a nod of concession. But Stiles apparently wasn't done.

"And by the way, how do you not know about werewolves? What are you that don't know werewolves are real?"

Michael schooled his features into a practiced mask. "None of your business."

Stiles was insistent. "Come on, you can tell us. We know lots of different types of people like you. Banshees, kitsune, you name it."

"None of them smell like you though." Scott was looking at them with an expression that suddenly made him look older, more mature. Michael had an uncomfortable suspicion that he might already know. 

"You smell…" Scott tilted his head and considered. "I don't know, shiny?"

Kyle barked a laugh and Liz snickered. Then again, Michael thought to himself, maybe not.

"Dude." Stiles was looking at Scott with 'what the hell' clearly written on his face.

"What?" Scott said defensively. "That's what they smell like."

Michael shot a glance at Max, who looked helplessly back.

"Oh, just tell them." Kyle said from the floor, exasperated. "Can't make this much weirder than it already is."

"Max-" Liz tucked into his arm and looked up at him with concern etched into her features.

Max softened down at her and gave her hand a squeeze. He looked at Michael, questioning.

Michael shrugged and looked away, annoyed at how much his stomach was churning with anxious energy. He wished, not for the first time that night, that Alex was there. "Fine, whatever. But you have to explain it to Isobel."

Max grimaced, but nodded and squared his shoulders. He looked at Scott. "We're aliens."

An explosively loud silence fell, and Michael took a moment to savor the fact that they had finally gotten the upper hand. Whatever Scott and Stiles had been expecting, it wasn't that.

Stiles, who couldn't seem to decide which of them to gape at, spoke first. "You gotta be fucking kidding me."

"For real?" Scott looked like his birthday had come early. "That's so cool!" He turned excitedly to Stiles. "Oh man, if Lydia were here she would freak out."

"What about me? I'm freaking out!" Stiles ran a slightly panicky hand through his hair. Then he froze. "Wait. You don't actually probe people do you?"

Michael rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, you're not my type." 

"Wh-" Stiles looked down at himself and then over at Scott, who shrugged. He looked back at Michael, insulted. "Why not?"

"Excuse me."

Everyone jumped and turned to look at Maria who had appeared in the doorway with her hands on her hips. "What the hell people? I leave for five minutes and you can't keep it together? Everyone out."

Max turned and offered Kyle a hand. Kyle took it and pulled himself to his feet with a wince. Max put a hand on Maria's shoulder as he walked past. "I’ve got to go down to the station to deal with this, I'll cover their tab when I come back." He said, gesturing to Scott and Stiles as they headed out the door.

Maria nodded shortly in acknowledgement, and Max walked outside after Liz and Kyle.

Michael swiped his hat from the seat where he'd set it down. "Do you want-"

"Not another word Guerin, or I ban you for life. Permanently. " Maria shot him a look that told him this wasn't a time she was feeling friendly banter.

Michael clicked his mouth shut and plopped his hat on his head to shuffle out after the others. He emerged into the parking lot to see Liz had cornered Scott and was excitedly asking him questions. Max was walking Kyle over to his car, hand at his elbow.

"So."

Michael turned to find Stiles standing next to him.

"Alien, huh?"

Michael heaved a sigh. It was going to be a long night.

[atc74]

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say

A/N: This kinda took on a life of it’s own from the one-shot it started as! Hope you like it! Beta’d by the ever amazing @just-another-busy-fangirl. I used the song ‘Never Felt Love’ by Little Big Town. 

Warnings: None that I can think of...

Word Count: 3541 with lyrics

It has been more than three years since I met the love of my life, but I didn’t know it until a year ago when Rob Benedict asked me out on that first date and the rest is our history. Truth be told, I was smitten with him three years ago when I first met him at during a photo op, but I was married and he was recently divorced, which I also didn’t know until a year ago.

The past year has been a roller coaster. You’ve been on a roller coaster, right? Or at least have seen one? The ups, the downs, the twists, the turns, the loop-the-loops. That is what love feels like. It has highs and lows. It has twists that you don’t see coming and loops that turn your insides to mush. My relationship with Rob was no different than that roller coaster that makes you squeal with delight, cry in fright, or fear you may throw up.

For the better part of the last year, Rob and I have been blending two families. Between the two of us, we have three children. Our kids met for the first time last Christmas when he arrived in Minneapolis for winter break with his two little darlings in tow. But as the roller coaster would have it, it wasn’t a smooth ride, not all of it at least. Do you have children? Well, even if you don’t, let me tell you; children fight, whether they are siblings or not. Things were no different with these three. They got along, but some of it was rocky. They now get along, mostly. But the important part is they have come to accept each other and I even heard the girls (mine and his) tell each other ‘I love you’ just a few weeks ago.

Life with Rob has been amazing, even when he isn’t here. He decided we needed a larger house just a few weeks after that winter break, so we purchased a larger, modest home in our same neighborhood. He didn’t want to uproot us completely, considering my daughter Olivia in all his plans, so she could stay in the same school. That is just one of the many reasons why I love him.

I work to maintain our home and some semblance of normalcy for my daughter since the split with her father. I also hold down a full time job. Rob commutes between Minneapolis and Los Angeles to be near his children when working. When he isn’t here or there, he can be found on tour most of the time. Our time together is tight, but it is never rushed. We cherish each moment, making the most of it when he is home.

In February, for our six month anniversary, he surprised me with a vacation. It was short and he worked for four solid days, but watching him in action at the Las Vegas Convention was mesmerizing. He is naturally charismatic and he and Rich make an amazing team. It helps that the fans love him, probably more than I do; they don’t have to pick up his dirty socks off the floor. The three days we had alone were filled with romantic dinners, shared stories from our childhoods of our fondest memories and as much time between the sheets as we could handle.

I have read a quote so many times that I feel it is now ingrained in me: ‘You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it.’ I don’t know where I first read that, but it rings true. We have all experienced tragedy, love, loss, heartbreak, death, strength and weakness. I have also heard that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. More than forty years on this planet has taught me that both are true, although you don’t think so in the times when you need it most. Being loved by Rob has taught me things I never thought I would believe and loving him is easy because of who he is and who I am when I am with him. Is that sappy enough for you? Anywhoo...on with the story.

I think back as I drive and realized that I am happy for the first time in a long time. The Minneapolis Convention is two days away and I am on my way to the airport to pick up my girls. It is a crazy story really, if you thought about it. What are the chances? I met Rob. We dated and fell in love and now we are living together. Rob introduced my girls, Ana and Megs, to Jared and Jensen. Megs now lives with Jensen in Vancouver, while Jared splits his time between Vancouver and Ana. It is a crazy small world, isn’t it?

Rob isn’t due home for another day and Jared and Jensen don’t come in for three more days due to their filming schedule. I have my girls all to myself for at least one more night. We catch up all the way home and I couldn't have been happier. Until the call came in from Rob, that there are some last minute details that Creation needs him and Rich to finalize before Friday.

“What do you mean you aren’t coming home?” I asked Rob when he called just as we walked in the door. I heard Ana and Megs head downstairs with Olivia, providing me some privacy as I made my way to our bedroom.

“Baby, I just can’t. Our flight doesn’t even get in until after nine tomorrow, by the time Creation is done with us, it will be after midnight. We all have a very big weekend ahead of us and you deserve some quality time, just the three of you. Drop Liv off at your folks and live it up with the girls, Babe,” Rob told me.

“Now I am going to sound whiny cause I just want to see you,” I cried into the phone, “Robby, you haven’t been home in weeks. We miss you; I miss you.”

“I miss my girls, too, more than I can ever tell you,” Rob sighed on the other end of the line. “But I will see you Friday morning, bright and early. I love you, Honey.”

“I love you, too, Rob,” I whispered. “Fly safe, Babe.” I dropped my phone on the bed and flopped down dramatically before I decided I needed to pull myself together. I had guests and Liv didn’t need to see Mama like this before she spent a week with Gramma and Grampa.

The four of us ate a delicious dinner and before long, Olivia was snug in bed. The girls and I were on our second bottle of wine out on the back porch. We got our giggles out on the first bottle and then I started thinking out loud.

“He has been acting really weird lately, ya know? He didn’t come home last weekend because the kids had some school thing and the weekend before that it was a Con. I knew what I signed up for when I said yes to that first date, but sometimes, I don’t want it to be so hard,” I lamented and like the amazing, supportive friends they are, they listened with non-judgemental ears.

“Just another couple of days, Ang, then he will be home and you can be together. Megs and I don’t even mind that you won’t be with us Friday night,” Ana stated.

“After karaoke, you know you will be in his room, clothes flying everywhere and making noises that would make a porn star blush!” Megs laughed so hard she snorted.

“Yeah, two more days. Here is to good men, amazing love and the two best friends a girl could hope for,” I raised my glass to join theirs and we finished off another bottle.

~*~

Friday at the conventions were always a fun time. It was Rich’s favorite day and that made all in attendance giddy, the three of us included. It was also an easy day, not as much happened and there were fewer guests, the schedules were lighter so Rob had more free time...Usually. However, it didn’t appear to be working on our favor this time around.

Before I knew it, karaoke was over and I had only received one text from Rob, saying Rich needed him for rehearsal for the Saturday Night Special concert. I was unhappy with his explanation, but luckily, there was booze in our room and plenty of it. It was going to be a long weekend, if the start was any indication.

~*~

With my oh-so-handy VIP pass, I let myself backstage during Kim and Brianna’s panel on Saturday. I had a few Irish coffees under my belt and was going to let my Mr. Wonderful know exactly what was on my mind.

“Oh hey Ang, um, Rob isn’t here right now. He was rushed off by a volunteer, something about missing photo ops,” Matt stuttered when he saw the look of determination on my face. I looked closely at him and my guess is that my look went from determination to wrath, because he retreated as I advanced on him, my finger poking him in the chest.

“Matthew Joseph Cohen! If you do not tell me where my boyfriend is right now, so help me God, Mandyi will have to find a donor if she wants another baby!” I growled as I backed him into the wall.

“Ang, I swear, I don’t know where he is. He and Rich took off, said something about picking up a package but didn’t say anything else, except not to tell you,” Matt blurted out. For such a strong man, he really did cave easily.

“Matt, I am so sorry, I just miss him. Um, don’t tell him I was here, okay?” I hugged him quickly and darted from the room, looking for the nearest restroom to check myself before I headed back to join Ana and Megs. I could hide internal turmoil, but I preferred to keep a pleasing outward appearance; I hated giving people satisfaction and social media always caught the worst of it when it happened.

“Babes, I am skipping the rest of the afternoon. I have a headache, so I am going back to the room, I think,” I said as I rejoined them at the table.

“What happened, Ang?” Megs questioned.

“Nothing happened, Megs,” I told her.

“Angelina, spill it!” Ana was a little scary when the situation called for it.

“I don’t know! He wasn’t there. Matt said he and Rich took off, mumbling something about a package. I left. I didn’t even wait for Kim and Bri to get off stage like I planned,” I relayed.

“You go back to the room, the boys will be here in an hour or so anyway and we will come get you for dinner. Be ready at seven,” Ana kissed my cheek and I started the short walk to our hotel. We preferred to walk during the day and leave the car and driver for after dark. The warm sun and slight breeze did little to lighten my disposition, though. Ever since I got that call from Rob the other night saying he wasn’t coming home and now the girls were acting weirder than normal; something was going on, I could feel it. I was going to get to the bottom of it, but first I needed to make a stop. I called our driver on reserve and waited patiently for him to arrive.

~*~

I heard the door open and close, followed by giggles. Jensen’s deep laugh and Jared’s breathy chuckle spilled through the open bathroom door. I don’t know what had them going, but I could tell from the sounds that four of my favorite people were happy. I took one last glance at myself in the mirror. The cobalt blue, one shoulder dress was stunning and the strappy heels were just what I needed. Not bad, I thought to myself and worth every penny he didn’t even know he paid, but he would. I strutted out of the bathroom to join my friends.

My thoughts were echoed when I entered the living area of our suite and received a low whistle from Jensen, cat calls from Megs and Ana, while Jared just stood there, mouth open and eyes wide. “I take it from your reactions that this receives your stamp of approval?” I twirled once for the four of them.

“I don’t know what he did, Sweetheart, but he is going to be begging for forgiveness after one look at you,” Jensen smiled in approval, wrapping me in a tight embrace. “It’s going to work itself out, don’t worry your pretty little head.”

“I hope so, Jay. Thank you,” I whispered before he let me go.

“Let’s get this party started!” I exclaimed, grabbing my small clutch.

Dinner, although delicious and entertaining as always with this crew, was anticlimactic for me. Rob and Rich had not been able to make it; typical for the weekend so far. I was starting to worry that something was really wrong. I looked around the table at my best friends, so happy and in love, and it made me more than a little melancholy that Rob wasn’t there with me. I caught Ana and Megs as they exchanged glances more than once and it made me wonder all the more what was going on.

“I have to get back for sound check; don’t be late!” Jensen gave us all a wink, kissed Megs and then he and Jared were gone. I sent the driver a quick text to let him know we were ready and we finished our drinks. The ride back to the venue was reticent; as strange as it may be, I didn’t have much to say.

Once we arrived, we found our seats quickly as they were right in front of the band. I excused myself to head to the bar for a quick shot of courage in the form of Patron Silver, which I had sworn off since my early thirties due to the fact that it made me emotional and overly frisky. I was already emotional as it was and getting frisky was the farthest thing from my mind. As I entered the auditorium, I saw Rob talking with Ana, Jared and Megs, but as I approached my seat, he abruptly turned and got back on stage. I blinked back the tears that threatened to escape, threw my shoulders back and put on my best smile as I returned to my seat like I hadn’t seen anything.

An internal battle raged and I tried to push the negative thoughts away. Did I love him? Hell yes, with everything I had. As I watched him perform in front of all the fans, with his friends; that was what he lived for and was also one of the many reasons I loved Rob. The stage was the one place he is allowed to be himself and totally free. Did it make me a little sad? Yes, I can’t lie about that. This was the man I missed most when he was away.

We were already an hour into the concert when the stage was plunged into darkness. I could see shadows moving around and I saw Rob in his spot, but that was about all I could make out. Then a single spotlight shone brightly on the love of my life. His face covered in sweat, that cute, little hat perched atop his head as he addressed the crowd.

“I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. We have a special song that we have been working on that we would like to perform for you tonight. Jensen, Kim, Brianna?” Rob called from his mic.

Three more spotlights lit up the stage opposite Rob as the three stars took their places. The music started and that stupid, persistent tear made another appearance. This was the first song Rob ever sang to me.

I've seen it come and I've watched it go

The ins and outs and the highs and lows

Well I gave my heart and I paid the cost

For the loves I made there were friends I lost

At the point I'd almost had enough

Like the morning sun you woke me up

You held me close and you help me see

Oh you made a believer out of me

Now I'm alright, I've got you in my life

And I never felt love, ever feel so right

It's a miracle and a mystery

How the hands of fate brought you to me

I had lost all hope, had lost all faith

With each kiss you loved my fear away

Now I'm alright, I got you in my life

And I never felt love ever feel so right

Well it's good to feel and for once I know

That I'll never have to worry about you letting go

No matter where this road may lead

As long as I've got you with me

I'll be alright, I've got you in my life now I'm alright

And I've never felt ever love feel so right

Never felt love ever feel so right

Never felt love ever feel so right

Never felt so right

Never felt love ever feel so right

Never felt love

Never felt so right

Never felt love ever feel so right

Never felt love

Jared appeared out of nowhere and took my hand in his as he pulled me from my seat and toward the stage steps. I saw Rob still strumming his guitar as he walked to side of the stage and down to me. He reached for my hand and I took it without question. He lead me back on stage with him as he finished out the song.

I'll be alright, I've got you in my life now I'm alright

And I've never felt ever love feel so right

Never felt love ever feel so right

Never felt love ever feel so right

Never felt so right

Never felt love ever feel so right

Never felt love

Never felt so right

Never felt love ever feel so right

Never felt love

The crowd broke into applause and Rob removed his hat and bowed dramatically. I had to hold myself back from grabbing him by the face and pressing my lips to his. That was not something we had done before, not at a convention. I settled for lacing my fingers with his.

“For anyone who doesn’t know, this stunning woman next to me is my girlfriend, Angelina. This is the very first song I ever sang to her, for her. She is the light and the love of my life. I met her three years ago in this very building and have never been happier. I have a small confession and a big apology,” Rob looked over at me and I felt one tear escape it’s lashed prison as I made eye contact with him.

“I have been pretty busy and rather absent lately and I miss my girl. Honey, I am sorry that I haven’t been home as much as either one of us would like, but I have good reason. Jared, a little help please?” Rob explained to me as the audience watched, rapt with attention, and Jared slid up next to him and placed a small box in his hand.

“I had some business that could not be avoided for good and bad. Ang, I love you more than life itself. I thought I had love, but I have never experienced this before you. You make me a better person, a better father, a better partner, and I cannot imagine spending another day without you in my life.” Rob was now speaking directly to me and the crowd slowly faded from view as I saw him drop to one knee in front of me.

“Will you give me the chance to make you happy each and every day for the rest of my life?” Rob opened the small box and in it was the most beautiful, brilliant blue ring I have ever seen.

I dropped to my knees to get as near him as possible before I nodded. I wasn’t an emotional person to begin with and I despised crying, but those tears were making it impossible for me to form words. I did what I wanted to do since the song ended and I grabbed his face with both hands, pressing my lips to his. The kiss was sweet and salty, as we were both crying now, but it was officially the first kiss of the rest of our lives. Rob slid the ring on my finger as I heard Jensen congratulate us as we got to our feet.

“Supernatural Family...I present to you the future Mr. and Mrs. Rob Benedict!” Jensen screamed into the mic and the crowd went wild. Rob held me tight to him as my face lit up.

“By the way, you are killing me in that dress and I can’t wait to rip it off of you!” Rob kissed me once more.

Tag list - get on or off here: @padackles2010 @like-a-bag-of-potatoes @smoothdogsgirl @mamaredd123 @meeshw777 @tmccarney @milkymilky-cocopuff  @iwantthedean @ashstrom87 @chelsea072498 @paintrider13-blog @zeppo-in-a-trenchcoat @spntrista @mikey2217 @d-s-winchester @scorpiongirl1 @just-another-busy-fangirl @winchesterprincessbride @gemini75eeyore @waywardjoy @katewatso @cosmicpeanuthologram @jotink78 @l8nitl0vr @supernaturalyobsessed @memphisgirl1977 @bmcnally85  @ruprecht0420 @mskitty416 @theoriginalvicki @hexparker @nanie5 @whywhydoyouwantmetosaymyname @sandlee44 @fangirl1802 @moonstar86 @raylin19 @niamandthings  @feelmyroarrrr @ellen-reincarnated1967 @kittenofdoomage @t-bear99 @hamartiamacguffin @colorfulobjectenemy @uttertrash--butlikecutetrash  @sammieb1127 @evyiione @you-didnt-see-that-cuming @death2thevirgin  @moshingatthedisco  @tankcupcakes  @winchestersmut  @purgatoan  @alicat-life @mogaruke @cyrilconnelly @growningupgeek @charliebradbury1104 @evansrogerskitten @therewillbeblood @docharleythegeekqueen @megansescape @taste-of-dean @leatherwhiskeycoffeeplaid   @scarlet-soldier-in-an-impala  @deathtonormalcy56 @notnaturalanahi @jensen-jarpad @impalaimagining @fangirlextraordinaire @itseverythingilike @jesspfly @love-kittykat21 @mrswhozeewhatsis  @supernatural-jackles @samwinlover @girl-next-door-writes @27bmm @keepcalmandcarryondean @iamnotsaneatall @autopistaaningunaparte @sis-tafics @blacktithe7 @melissaj616  @emoryhemsworth @dracotomanddeansprincess23 @bringmesomepie56 @deanxfuckingadorablexwinchester @devilgirlindisguise **If your URL is crossed off I cannot tag you!

[tisfan]

All American Road Trip

Chapter One: Get out the Map | Chapter Two: (A Very Little) Leg Room

Chapter Three: (You’re Gonna) Sing the Words Wrong

I told a girl that my prospects were good And she said baby, it's understood Working for peanuts is all very fine But I can show you a better time Baby you can drive my car Yes I'm gonna be a star Baby you can drive my car And maybe I'll love you

--Drive My Car, The Beatles 

There were a lot of things that Steve Rogers had missed about his best friend, Bucky Barnes, when Bucky had been lost to a combat mission. Had fallen from the train and in that one instance had taken everything -- everything -- in Steve’s life that had been good and constant and true.

He’d missed Bucky’s wit; the man was far too clever for his own good. Which had been a real morale boost during the war. Even when Bucky was suffering (and Steve had known that he was, but hadn’t known how to help, and Bucky had been so desperately trying to pretend that everything was normal, so Steve had just… let him) he was able to make quips and jokes and kept the men entertained.

Steve had missed Bucky’s steadfastness; there’d been something unbreakable between them. Neither of them would ever, could ever, leave the other behind. Steve knew, always, Bucky had his back. Which was good, because quite frankly, Steve had needed that when he was younger and smaller and couldn’t seem to shut the fuck up. His need to prove himself had gotten him into more trouble than it had ever gotten anyone else out of. And Bucky had kept him alive, almost despite himself. (There were times when Steve had legitimately wondered if he’d been suicidal the whole time; wanting some back-alley thug to take him out, rather than choking on his own blood in a bed somewhere.)

He had not, however, missed Bucky’s singing.

Dear fucking Christ on a pogo stick.

More Below the Cut or read the whole thing on A03 [x]

Sam had found some music -- Steve was never going to reconcile modern artists to being musicians -- and the start of his gap-toothed smile had crept out as he hummed along. Sam had a nice voice, soothing, sort of like molasses-dark and a little burr in the way he dropped certain words that made Steve feel warm and happy.

And then Bucky started singing from the back seat.

The way he was sitting put Bucky’s face -- and therefore his mouth -- right next to Steve’s ear, which was completely unnecessary, since Steve could hear him perfectly well. Could have heard him pretty well if he’d been in the car behind them. In fact, that might have been preferable.

And the way he was sprawled in the backseat -- Natasha had once called it man-spreading -- and Steve had to admit when he twisted around to look, Bucky was taking up way more space than he needed to. Steve had seen the man’s bits and balls before, and he was pretty sure that even pumped full of Hydra’s knock-off version of the serum, Bucky didn’t quite need enough room between his thighs for an entire women’s volleyball team. It was distracting as hell once Steve noticed it, because then he kept wanting to look back there. That vee between Bucky’s thighs, the way the denim pulled over his legs and clung to his muscles, was a bitter temptation.

That was something else Steve had missed about Bucky, still missed about Bucky, since Bucky hadn’t yet made any sort of indications that their physical/romantic relationship was something Bucky wanted to pick back up where they’d left it off. Not that Steve blamed him; God only knew what sort of trauma Bucky had endured. Steve wasn’t going to be the one to start it. When Bucky was ready, he’d let Steve know. And if he never was? Well, Steve’s hand worked perfectly well.

Which did not, apparently, mean he was immune to Buck’s physical charms. Didn’t mean his eyes weren’t constantly wandering over the man’s body, storing up images and impressions to use at a later time.

Except for right now.

Because Bucky was singing, and how the fuck did he even know the words to this song?

“Seriously,” Steve said, finally, after the fifth or sixth song in a row that Bucky had known, word (if not note) perfect, “this is what you remember? How do you only know half of your life and yet you can sing Miley Cyrus?”

Buck shrugged one massive shoulder. “Don’t know. Just know.”

Steve didn’t want to say anything. He’d adjusted the rearview mirror a few times trying to see around Bucky’s head and failed miserably, but maybe that was okay, because he could check traffic behind them in the sides and watching Bucky’s face while he was singing was almost worth the terrible noises coming out of his throat. Bucky was singing. And he looked… happy.

And that was enough for Steve.

Except that after a while Steve was starting to look forward to commercials. Anything. Because dear sweet Mary, Bucky’s voice was terrible. And loud.

Bucky’s happiness, however, did not seem to be enough for Sam.

Just a small town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took the midnight train goin' anywhere Just a city boy Born and raised in south Detroit He took the midnight train goin' anywhere A singer in a smoky room A smell of wine and cheap perfume For a smile they can share the night It goes on and on, and on, and on --Don't Stop Believin', Journey

Sam punched the silver button, cutting Barnes off mid-note. For just a moment, the abused and tortured syllable lingered in the empty air while Sam scrolled through the available FM stations, trying to find something else.

He paused on a country station -- not that country music these days was anything other than pretty boys and girls with carefully cultivated hick images that sang songs specifically to pander to a middle-aged white audience and was therefore one of Sam’s most hated sorts of music on the planet -- but as soon as Barnes caught the rhythm, he was right back to singing. And if there was something that Sam wasn’t going to tolerate, it was the fucking Winter Soldier telling him that his tractor was sexy.

Just no.

Sam kept scrolling through the dial. Rap. Two beats and Barnes was rapping along, which was almost tolerable. Sam was pained by the theory of a white man rappin’, but it was somewhat better than the singing, in that Barnes’s I-just-had-the-most-amazing-sex-ever voice was better suited to rap than to any actual melody (Sam would have killed for an in-car karaoke set that had auto-tuner) but there was still back up singing, and Barnes’s voice wandered in and out of the proper range.

Sam couldn’t take much of that, either. Bad enough listening to Barnes butcher music, it was worse when it was music that Sam liked. Which meant he skipped right over the Motown station that Sam was familiar with from mid-state. Because just. No and some more no.

He stopped briefly on a hispanic station, the immediately identifiable sounds of a mariachi band coming out of the speakers. Surely, at least this would be something Barnes was unfamiliar with.

No such luck.

“How th’ hell do you even know Spanish?” Sam demanded, turning all the way around in his seat and the belt cutting into his neck.

“Forty million people in the United States alone speak Spanish,” Barnes said, “and four hundred million worldwide.” He paused, tongue flicking out to wet his top tip. “A sixth of the world’s population speaks Chinese, mostly Mandarin. The pervasive, slow power of American culture has not yet nudged English past third place as the most commonly spoken language, half a billion world-wide, most of them as a second language.”

“Well, that’s some good old-fashioned propaganda comin’ out of your mouth, Barnes,” Sam said, eyebrow quirking.

Barnes actually smirked. “You think American culture ain’t propaganda, I got bad news for you, pal.”

Sam sighed and fiddled the knob again, finally coming across a classical station with no words, which was boring, but at least easier on his ears.

Right up until Barnes started humming.

Seriously. How the fuck was he even doing that?

“What’s the next turn?” Steve asked. The way his hands were on the wheel, ten and two, you’d think the man was a proper driver. He wasn’t. He tail-gated and passed with inches to spare, and generally acted like the other drivers were combat enemies rather than people doing their daily commutes.

“We close enough now, there should be road signs,” Sam sighed. He hated looking at maps. Even if Steve had let him draw all over them with highlighters. He traced their route… gave the next turn.

“After this, we eat,” Barnes piped up. “I ain’t carin’ about any dead author’s house, Stevie, but if you don’t feed me soon, I will kill an’ eat the weakest member of our party.”

Sam did not look around to see if Barnes was staring at him, because if he was, then Sam was just going to have to punch him, and supersoldiers were notoriously hard-headed.

Also, Sam wasn’t entirely sure that Cap would back his play, this time.

“There’s snacks in the footwell,” Steve said.

“Not anymore, there ain’t,” Barnes said.

“What?”

“I ate ‘em all,” Barnes reported. “What of ‘em you didn’t eat. In case you hadn’t noticed, been handin’ em to you for the last fifty miles at least.”

Steve took his eyes off the road for a heart-stopping moment to verify that, yes, there were snack bar wrappers scattered all over the front seat’s foot wells. “Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”

Sam did turn to catch that expression. Barnes was angry, exasperated, but under that, a touch scared. There was fear in the set of his jaw, the way his eyes darted around the tiny car. Knowing he was trapped in the back seat, that getting out past Steve would be an effort.

“Dude’s hungry,” Sam said, leaning back in his seat. “Best feed ‘im or it’s goan be your Irish ass on the line.”

“All right,” Steve said, his fingers tightening on the wheel for just a second, long enough for the cheap plastic to creak before he eased up. “Let’s catch this museum, and then we’ll have some lunch?”

Sam let Steve get ahead before getting out of his seat and pulling it forward so Barnes could clamber out of the back. The man’s spine looked painfully twisted already and he stretched mightily, showing off a brief flash of skin as his shirts pulled free.

Sam spoke quietly, both hoping that Cap would hear him and hoping that Cap wouldn’t. There was this destroyed look on Steve’s face every time he was reminded of what Barnes had been through. “You know, we ain’t your handlers. If you’re hungry, say so. You’re allowed to eat. Or sleep. Or take a piss.”

“Seventy year’s habit, hard to break,” he said, patting Sam’s arm hard enough to knock him two steps sideways. “If you’re feelin’ so sorry f’r the poor little Winter Soldier, y’could let me ride shotgun a while.”

“Hey, fuck you, man,” Sam said.

Barnes flashed him a barely there grin. “Buy a book, while we’re in’ere, okay? I’ll read it. Better’n singing.”

“Anything’s better than your singing, man,” Sam said and that wasn’t nothing but the truth. So help him Jesus.

“An’ I get shotgun.”

Sam rolled his eyes. “Fine. Fine.”

Well, me and Mark Twain were having us a ball Telling each other lies, floating down from Hannibal With a bottle and a worm and a cane pole We were fishing for secrets where the catfish crawl And the Mississippi River's flowing downstream Meet the Gulf of Mexico somewhere downstream Meet the Atlantic Ocean somewhere downstream Gonna meet you in the water somewhere downstream Well, we picked up Harry Truman floating down from Independence We said "What about the war?", he said "Good riddance" We said "What about the Bomb, are you sorry that you did it?" He said "Pass me that bottle, and mind your own business" --Downstream, The Rainmakers

He wasn’t sure why Steve insisted on the stops; visiting the homes of famous people long dead had been barely interesting even before they were both older than the person in question. Now that he had lived -- sporadically it was true -- through a century, he found himself utterly uninterested in history.

Fashions had changed again. He’d been trained to blend in, so his eye was drawn to the differences in clothing between the older tourists and the younger ones. Brightly dyed and oddly cut hair was back in style; he hadn’t missed that when the eighties had passed, but at least this time he was old enough to not be expected to blend into a punk scene.

The tour attendant had noticed Steve. Of course she had, it was impossible not to notice Steve; the man was blinding in his grace and beauty. He shone so bright it was hard to look away; everything was dingy and smaller after he’d walked into the room. Using the distraction to slip away, avoiding the useless and somewhat tidied up historical information, he’d found his way to an employee break room.

No one was about, so he took the opportunity to raid the fridge. Someone’s turkey sandwich went missing, along with two bags of chips, a soda, and a bottle of exceptionally sweet tea. Yuck. Oh, look, cake. Only a day or two old. Not that he’d really care about that, he’d been known to eat food from bins on really bad days. This time, at least, he had a few twenties in his pocket; he left two in the employee fridge. Hopefully it would do.

Steve hadn’t even noticed the few moments that he was missing; that was good to know. If he decided that he needed to leave, he might get a few minutes lead before Steve was tearing the world apart looking for him again.

“Where’d you vanish off to, Barnes?”

Well, maybe not. Wilson had eyes; probably not so keen as his namesake, but good enough. Sneaking away and around on him was going to be like dodging the Black Widow. Possible, but he’d have to chose his moment carefully.

Why are you still planning to leave?

He pushed that aside. The habit of more than half a life’s span was hard to break. He always, always had an exit plan. He hadn’t stayed alive as long as he had by getting soft and complacent.

“There was cake in the breakroom,” he reported. “Still is.”

“Man, I ain’t eatin’ someone else’s cake,” Wilson said, eyes rolling up. “You--”

“Michael Phelps.”

“What now?”

“Olympic swimmer--”

“I know who Michael Phelps is, man,” Wilson interrupted. “What’s he got to do with you stealin’ someone’s cake.”

“For performance quality health, Phelps consumes twelve thousand calories per diem,” he continued. “Similar to functionality as an enhanced individual.”

“You eat twelve--”

“Steve is more efficient,” he said, shrugging. “Twelve is enough for him. My required intake on mission is more like eighteen.”

“Dude, you’re goan starve to death on this trip if Cap doesn’t up his game,” Wilson opined.

He shrugged. Didn’t matter. He wasn’t on mission, so his needs were less. And it’s not like they were road tripping in Siberia, where food was hard to find. The amount of high-intake food in American cities was obscene.

Wilson’s eyes narrowed. “Didn’t think I’d need to tell you this,” he said, “but you are Cap’s whole life. Suffering in silence isn’t goan cut it with him. You saw what that man did to protect you; don’t you be makin’ it all for nothing.”

“Didn’t know you cared,” he managed to say around the lump in his throat. Of course he knew Steve had given up so much to protect him. Even when he didn’t deserve it. Annoying as it was, because he’d been doing fine without Steve around; things had actually been easier when Steve wasn’t around. Steve had a way of making everything louder. More urgent.

“Man, I don’t,” Wilson said. “I care about Cap, let’s get that straight. I near to made myself an exile for life to give him a chance of having you back again. That’s the smallest item on the tally of what you owe that man, so don’t you forget it.”

He scowled. “I didn’t ask him to.”

“Since when did that ever matter?”

Fuck.