#that law school holiday week feeling

[it-is-the-hannah]

I'm stuck in the office for another half hour bc I have to wait around for a class and there is a very intense discussion of a plea bargain happening a few desks away while I'm here, scrolling through Tumblr

[aestheticanimegirl15]

TW: slight angst, slight mentions of pregnancy, fem reader

It happens every year without fail since you and Simon got together. Every December, it's almost like clock work. You've come to accept it now as sort of a tradition. You put up the tree, wrap it in colorful lights, candy canes, tinsel, and ornaments that's been in your family for years. You hang up the stockings, make hot coco, etc. All normal, right? Except for this.

It's happens a handful of times, a week or a couple of days before Christmas. You'd wake up at some ungodly hour in the middle of the night because the spot next to you is cold, the personal heater you call your husband no where to be seen. Except you know exactly where he is, and if you can manage to pull yourself out of the comfort of your warm bed and into the cold winter air you will find him exactly where you thought he was.

He'd be sitting on the floor, criss crossed, and just staring at the Christmas tree. His hulking form looks almost comical in such a position, almost looking like a school child waiting for story time. It's easy to tell he's tired and probably cold, too. So you grab a blanket and sit next to him, drapping the blanket around the both of you. He'd accept it, but he won't talk, not a peep, he won't even take his eyes off the colorful tree.

So you don't, either. You'll just sit there with him, looking at the tree and the presents you had managed to wrap before you had to stop because your legs were numb and ran out of tape. You'll notice the distant, almost sad look in his eyes as he stares at the tree, like he's remembering something. But you won't mention it, in the past you did but he'd always divert the question.

"Maybe in the future, love." He'd say.

And since there was no point in asking questions you'd get no awnsers to, you just came to accept this as a part of who he is. After all before he met you, he never celebrated the holiday unless one of his teammates forced him to. You remember being shocked when he told you he had never put up a tree before.

"Just never saw the point in it."

After a while, if you're able to, you'll manage to coax him back into bed. The bed now cold but just as comfy as when you left it, and you'll fall back asleep in his arms.

Simon swears to himself that one day he'll tell you once he's comfortable enough. He'll tell you about his mother, brother, sister in law, and his nephew. Maybe even tell you what happened to them if he can bring himself to talk about it without breaking down. One day, he'll tell you about his past, but not tonight. Tonight he'll just focus on the feeling of you in his arms, the sound of your gentle breathing, but most of all he'll focus on the feeling of your stomach and the five month baby bump that was hidden underneath your night shirt.

But in the quiet of the night, when he knows your asleep. A silent whisper floats up into the air

"Merry Christmas, mom... I hope Santa is able to get little Joseph his present. Say hi to Tommy and Beth for me...."

[yamumsyadadd]

the forgotten girl (4)

posted this originally on my old account. will be posting twice weekly :)

The obnoxious sound of my alarm had awoken me from a very deep slumber. The past few weeks had been a lot. It was getting closer to Christmas, meaning closer to actually playing. It was a lot. I didn’t have plans for Christmas, not that I usually had anyway. Christmas was Emily’s holiday, she loved it. The house would be decorated. Every where you’d look, the bedrooms, the bathrooms, couches, everything. 

Today would be my first time training with the team. I’d be training with the injured players but today, today was the big league. I’d have to go into the locker room, wear the Barca uniform and actually interact with everyone. It was going to be hard. 

I thought that by arriving an hour early, I’d have time to sit in the silence of the locker room, take it all in and what not. But that would not be the case. Alexia was there, of course, always had to be the first person to things. But I didn’t expect Keira or Claudia to be there. Keira was always late. No matter what and from what I learnt over the past few weeks, Claudia was the same. Yet here they were, all smiling at me as I walked in. 

“Uh hi. Sorry, I didn’t expect anyone to be here so early.” 

“We” Keira pointed to her and Claudia, “came here early for you. Alexia is always this early.” 

“Congratulations!” Claudia bounded towards me, barely enough time for me to react before her arms wrapped around me tightly. 

“Thanks Claud. And Kei, you too.” 

Alexia just watched on. Wishing she wasn’t so ridged. Despite everything that had happened to you, Alexia wished she could be more like you. You were still vibrant, calming and carefree. As carefree as someone who went through what you did, could be. 

As the end of the week neared, everyone was talking about there holiday plans, I stayed completely silent. Listening to what everyone was doing. I was prepared to make up a lie if I was asked, but thankfully I wasn’t. When Alexia stopped me in the car park I knew what was coming. 

“Do you want to join my family for Christmas? It’s just mum and alba this year?” 

“No that’s okay. I don’t do Christmas. Thanks for the invite though!” Despite the rejection, Alexia sent me her mums address. I wasn’t planning on going. Really I wasn’t. Yet here I was, standing at Eli’s front door, presents in hand. Before I could even knock, the door swung open. 

“Milly! What are you doing here!” Alba screamed, pulling me in for a hug. 

“Alexia invited me. I hope that’s okay.” 

“Amelia Higgins! Look at you! You get more beautiful Every time I see you. Come here, give me a hug.” Eli’s loving voice was something that I missed. The warmth in her hugs, the way she would mother me like I was her own. 

“I bought gifts.” Shoving the bags into Albas arms and watching her skip away like a 12 year old. 

“I’m glad you came.” Ale whispered in my ear as she hugged me. 

Christmas was my least favourite. For many reasons. Growing up in the system, the only presents I got were from charity. Not to say they were bad or anything but all the kids at school got phones and iPads and whatever they wanted. I did not. Another reason why I hated it, I didn’t have a family. Especially not now. Emily’s family was big, her older sister, brother and in laws, as well as nieces and nephews. It was loud, fun, full of love. It was Emily’s holiday. 

This was different though. It didn’t feel like Christmas. It felt like before emily. Whenever I’d get a break, I’d come visit Alexia in Barcelona. Even if it was just for a night. The ability to be able to hide away in her mums living room was a feeling I’d missed. There wasn’t any pressure to be the best here, showing up and being present was simply enough. 

Eli was hurt when she found out I had been living in Barcelona for 3 years and hadn’t come to see her. She’d manage to track down my address from Olga and showed up one night with paella. 

“Eli? What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing mija.” 

“I-I don’t know what you mean?” 

“3 years Amelia! You have lived here for 3 years and not once did you ever message me or come over. It’s been over 3 years since I even spoke to you last! You vanished and stressed everyone out. Why did you do that! To me? To Alexia?” 

“I’m sorry” I said quietly. I was sorry. “I couldn’t be the person everyone wanted me to be. I needed to get out of there. I didn’t want to grieve with the whole world watching and I didn’t want to destroy everyone as I destroyed myself, so I did what I thought was best.” 

“Mija, you’re an idiota. You could’ve come to me. To my home. Lived with me. I would’ve kept you hidden. Safe. Away from it all. It doesn’t matter. I am here now and I have food for you. You’re too skinny so please, wash your hands and come eat.” 

Whatever Eli wanted, she got. 

A few days after Christmas, training started again. We had 2 full days of training and then a week off. Barcelona was an intense team with an intense schedule, it made sense that they would train so hard, they were the best. 

The transfer window opened, the plan was to not announce my signing until the very last minute. Meaning that teams wouldn’t bombard myself or my manager with questions and contracts. Eloise, my manager, had set me up with a social media manager, someone who would recreate my social media’s and post on behaviour of me. This way I wouldn’t get overwhelmed or have to deal with the comments. I could stick to my anonymous instagram that only had 15 followers. I very much preferred it this way. 

The whole transfer window was quiet, no rumours of my return. It put my mind at ease, no would could or would expect this. I, however, did not expect the amount of followers, messages or people talking about me. 

Amelia Scott-Higgins has signed with FC Barcelona until 2026. 

FC Barcelonas new signing: what you need to know. 

Where has Amelia Scott-Higgins been hiding for the last 3.5 years? 

It was a lot. I miss the time when I was off the grid and hiding. 

[littlemessyjessi]

"Gingerbread Dragon": A Holiday Stranger Things Imagine: Eddie Munson x Plus Size Reader

Stranger Things Holiday Imagine 

Eddie Munson x PS Reader, Plus Size Reader, Reader

Use of Y/N bc the other choice is a full character on my part and ya’ll would never even see this because hyperfixation reasons. 

Reader is fem identifying because, listen, I just think girls are lovely and this is my creative outlet.  I have bi tendencies and if I’m pairing with a dude, well, I need both.  And this is my tumblr so feel free to scroll. No hard feelings.  

Also, brief mention of dr*g use (pot).  This should go without saying that if you are under 18… Have a lovely Holiday Season and all that.  Wish you well and everything but scram.  This is no place for children so hit the bricks.  *she said as a loving auntie would…  But seriously, get lost until you’re an adult. 

……

…….

Eddie was a fairly easy going guy most of the time. 

Or at least he liked to think he was. 

He did his best. 

Tried to be nice to people. 

Some took it well, others didn’t. 

He didn’t have many true friends in this world but for the few that he did have he tried his best to make sure they knew he appreciated them.  

He knew he had a reputation but his friends knew this about him. 

It was no secret. 

He thought he was accepted as he was. 

Which was why it left him scratching his head when no one showed up for the D&D meeting the last week before school let out for Christmas break. 

Y/N, who may as well have been his girlfriend for all intents and purposes because Eddie didn’t pay any one else any serious attention when she was around,… was nowhere to be found at all. 

He hadn’t seen her all week…. which was very odd for the two of them. 

Usually, they always met up in the woods after she got off work because, frankly, she needed to chill out and Eddie always had flower. 

And Eddie also thought she looked absolutely magical when she was stoned and had that glossy look in her eye…. but whatever. 

 But this week?  

Nothin’.  

Nowhere to be found. 

I mean, he knew she was alive.  

He’d heard several people mention her here and there but he had yet to lay his eyes on her …. and he was kinda getting bummed about it. 

Did he do something? 

Was she mad at him? 

He was certain that she was clueless to the fact that he was a hopeless sap for her but he very much was and…. it bothered him to think she was upset with him. 

When everyone bailed on him today… that was the extra punch to the stomach. 

He sat there for another fifteen minutes before he packed his shit and just gave it up. 

He was on his way towards his van, tugging his jacket around him a little tighter as the cold wind bit at his cheeks, when someone slammed into his side. 

The unruly mop of hair told him it was Dustin. 

“Henderson, where the hell have you been?” Eddie snapped perhaps a little harsher than he meant to judging by the quick backstep Dustin did. 

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! But you gotta come quick! It’s Y/N!” Dustin said, eyes wide as dinner plates. 

Eddie’s blood ran cold. 

He knew something was up when he hadn’t seen her all week.  

“What? What is it? What’s wrong? Is she hurt? Where is she, man?!” he said, all but lifting Dustin off the ground as he grabbed his shirt. 

Eddie, despite being a lovable goofball  about seventy five percent of the time , was actually quite strong and it took almost everyone who actually knew him by surprise whenever it came out of him. 

“I’ll tell you on the way.” Dustin said.  “Let’s just go!” 

Dustin was sure Eddie broke every single traffic law there was on the way there and nearly took out another car as he skidded to a halt in the parking lot. 

He didn’t even close the door as he blasted out of the car and took off running towards that familiar jacket. 

Y/N had barely registered who’d turned her around before Eddie wound his arms around that plump cushy body of hers…. and seared their lips together. 

Eddie pulled away for a second with intentions of explaining himself and asking questions but he never even got his forehead pressed against hers before she was pressing kisses against his lips again. 

Eddie, of course, fell right into said kisses because HELLO, his dream girl was kissing him.  

“Ugh, guys, gross. Come on.” Dustin said once he had shut the door that Eddie left open and finally caught up. 

Eddie opened one eye and then somehow seemingly narrowed it as well at the teen currently grinning at him. 

“Listen, Henderson.” he said between kisses. “You made me think.”  *kiss* “That she was seriously injured.” *kiss* “And I nearly killed us both.” *kiss*  “to get here and now-” 

He broke away from her kisses but didn’t go far. 

Eddie chuckled a bit to himself at the situation before he looked into her eyes, “Honey, as much as I am loving this sudden attention from you, and trust me, I am.  Oh, how I am.”

He all but moaned when she grabbed him by the jacket to bring him in for more kisses, “Babygirl, I definitely, definitely, definitely want to continue this but I’m gonna need some answers here and Henderson’s gonna need an ass kicking.” 

Y/N smacked her lips together, tasting Eddie’s cigarettes and those little cinnamon candies he’d been eating lately on her tongue. 

He nearly fainted at the sight of her tasting him on her lips… and clearly liking it. 

“Dustin, what did you tell him?”  she said, tilting her head and cocking that wide hip of hers out. 

Eddie bit his lip watching her do it… because man, could she do it and damn, did she do it well.  

He fidgeted, “Well, uh, you see, he might not have… and we kinda forgot to tell him that-” 

Y/N let loose a long suffering sigh, the dropping of her shoulders causing her jacket to slip and expose her skin. 

Eddie, ever the opportunist, swept in to place a kiss there before covering her back up again. 

She gave him one of those sweet Y/N smiles, he flushed like a tomato and she smirked to herself before turning her gaze back to Dustin.  

“You forgot to tell him about the change of location?” 

“Yep.” 

“And you panicked at the last minute?” 

“Uh huh.” 

“So he sat there thinking everyone ditched him?” 

“...Yeah.” 

“And you decided to tell him what exactly to make him roleplay as a NASCAR driver?” 

“... well, I mean…” 

“Dustin.  I’ll not be asking again.   But I will tell you that there dungeons and dragons themed christmas treats in there and the grand finale is a gingerbread dragon and if you don’t tell me the truth within the next three seconds then-” 

“I told him you were jumped and bleeding in an alleyway and the paramedics said you only had an hour to live!” he erupted. 

She blinked. 

Hard. 

Very hard. 

Then she arched a brow at Eddie. 

“And you believed him?” 

“I didn’t ask anymore questions after he said you were in trouble.  I just got in the van.” he admitted, not meeting her eyes and suddenly finding the pavement very, very interesting. 

Y/N smiled and tugged Eddie closer by his shirt again to press another kiss to his lips…. that tugged up into a smile. 

“Well, this was not how I envisioned this night going nor was it how I envisioned us revealing our feelings to one another.  However, I will definitely take it.  My knight in shining armor.” she smiled… and Eddie nearly turned to goo at the sight. 

“Eddie, sweetheart, you haven’t seen me much this week because I was planning a holiday D&D party for the last one before Christmas break.  I told Dustin to tell you this Saturday.  New location.  I was handling food because the restaurant where I work at? Well, the owners had a family emergency.  They had to go back to their home country two weeks early.  They’ll be gone for a month.   The food would’ve spoiled.  So I thought….” 

This time it was Eddie pulling her in for another kiss, “I love you.” 

She blinked at him in surprise.

“Shit! Shit! Shit! Too soon! I’m sorry!” he panicked. 

But she just pulled him in for another kiss, “I love you too, Eddie. Now come on,  I have literally made you a gingerbread dragon, D&D themed Christmas food and there is an unspeakable amount of Italian food in there that must be eaten tonight.   And everyone has to take home leftovers because I already took an unholy amount of spaghetti to the homeless shelter.   And I’ve already fixed Uncle Wayne a plate.” 

“Merry Fucking Christmas to me!” he cheered and squeezed the squishy woman in his arms.  “And thank you for this.  For everything, you know.”  

“Merry Christmas, baby.” she smiled and Eddie all but fell to his knees at the term. “Thanks for the kisses by the way.  Definitely made my night.” 

“Oh, I come with a steady supply of those, babe.  All at the low, low price of… be my girl?” he asked hopefully. 

His cheeks were pink and those dark eyes looked like he was almost scared she might say no. 

As if. 

“Be your girl?” she pondered comically.  “I’ll be your girl but you gotta be my most favorite boy in the whole world.” 

Eddie’s grin was massive. 

The big grin that crinkled his face and made his eyes sparkle and Y/N swooned just looking at that beautiful boy. 

She thanked whoever was responsible for making the both of them for leading them to one another. 

“And no one thanks me?  I got him here!” Dustin said, effectively ruining the moment. 

“After you nearly gave him a heart attack and made him sit there all alone when I told you to tell him nearly a week ago!” Y/N chastised. “I bet he sat there with his heart broken thinking we all left him!”

“Yeah, I did.” Eddie pouted. 

The little shit was fine (better than fine actually) but he was definitely gonna milk this because he knew Y/N and he knew how she doted. 

He was definitely getting a piece of that action especially with his new title in her life. 

“Aw, my poor baby.  Come on.  Let’s fix you a plate and have a little cuddle.” she said, coddling him. 

Dustin shook his head and rolled his eyes but his mouth dropped when Eddie gave him that mischievous grin over his shoulder. 

The little shit. 

…….

…….

….. 

Hello, loves!  I hope you enjoy this holiday content! 

Hope ya’ll are having a great day! 

Love you. 

— 

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K, Love you, Bye!

[sweet-s0rr0w]

day 26 of @hprecfest - a smokin' hot fic

Lucid by @dracoladon - E, 4.4k, 2020

Summary: Harry's not sure what makes him harder; listening to Draco talk about astronomy, or shagging Draco so thoroughly that he can't talk at all. Both, probably.

Excerpt:

Mm, yes. Because, here’s the thing; Harry likes that his boyfriend is smart. 

He likes that Draco is passionate and articulate, and he likes that he can talk to almost anyone. 

He likes that he sometimes doesn’t understand Draco’s jokes, and that on occasion, his sarcasm is so profound that Harry really can’t tell whether he’s being serious or not. He likes it when Draco says something awfully dry, and he has a feeling that he’s just been insulted, but can’t be quite sure. 

He likes that Draco reads Muggle literature (he didn’t stop trying to pester Harry into reading The Picture of Dorian Gray for fucking weeks. “It’s like, so completely gay, Harry”. Harry tried, and didn’t get very far. Draco ended up reading it to him, and Harry was happy with that compromise) and listens to political podcasts. He likes that Draco researches alchemy while he’s studying at law school, just for fun — that he’s a swot, basically (perhaps even more so than Hermione, though it would send both of them into a strop if he ever voiced this opinion aloud.) 

Sometimes, when Harry’s brought home a casefile to review in the evenings, he’ll ask Draco to explain a paragraph of legal jargon to him, just to hear him talk, and see him wave his hands in that expressive way of his. 

Harry also likes it, however, when Draco gets… hmm. Harry’s friend Lachlan from five-aside-Quidditch, who is really fit and who Harry and Draco have on occasion invited into the bedroom (Harry hasn't ever been so simultaneously mortified and entertained as when Ron and Hermione walked in on the three of them. Ron essentially carked it right there in the doorway, and Hermione couldn’t look at him without blushing for weeks. His friends are so square, and he loves them terribly for it), calls it sex-dumb. Draco, when’s he’s emerged from said haze post-fuck, calls it fuck-drunk. Harry doesn’t know what to call it, but he thinks it’s utter perfection.  

This fic - YUM. Love the premise, love the dynamic, love the sex. Just the perfect little PWP.

If you read it, and especially if you love it, please do let me know! And as always, please do take the time to leave the author a kudos/comment <3

day 1 - first fic you remember reading

day 2 - a fic rated G

day 3 - a fic not on ao3

day 4 - a comfort fic

day 5 - a romantic fic

day 6 - a fic for a ship you don’t normally read

day 7 - the best of your OTP

day 8 - a fic that was recced to you

day 9 - a WIP

day 10 - a fest/event fic

day 11 - an underrated fic

day 12 - a fic from your favourite author

day 13 - a rare pair

day 14 - a fic rated T

day 15 - a fic over 50k

day 16 - a podfic

day 17 - a fic that makes you cry

day 18 - a fic that makes you laugh

day 19 - fanart

day 20 - a fic with fanart

day 21 - a fic rated M

day 22 - a series

day 23 - a crossover or AU fic

day 24 - holiday (vacation)

day 25 - holiday (national holiday)

[bunnyswritings]

Fake dating prompts (with a twist)

Fake dating x enemies to lovers trope: A is a famous actor/actress who gets caught up in scandal one day, with rumours claiming that he/she is gay / sugaring minors etc (something controversial). Cue B, who is a (poor rookie) lawyer part of the law firm that represents A's agency. But it just so happens that B has crossed paths with A already, though they aren't on good terms over something petty. However, A is always seen with B due to work. To mitigate the situation, A's agency drafts up a dating contract, convincing B to take it up for the obscene monetary reward.

Fake dating x forced roommate trope: A's landlord informs them they their new roommate, B, will be moving in soon. To A's surprise, B turns out to be her high school best friend, whom they have lost contact with all these years since graduating. To make matters even more frenzied, A's ex is back in town, trying to get back together with them. Desperate to ward off A's ex from causing further emotional wreckage, A and B embark on 3 weeks of fake dating, given the already perfect set up of roommates. Only that those 3 weeks might just be the catalyst for something more.

Fake dating x exes to lovers trope: It is the holiday season and A goes back to visit her family house. It all seems like routine to them, until A realises that their entire family has no clue that they are no longer together with B. Unbeknownst to A, A's mother had already invited B to their annual holiday family gathering; much to A's surprise, B actually shows up. They spend the week walking on eggshells around each other, and simultaneously pretending to still be in love in front of A's family. Will this one week reignite the spark between them?

Fake dating x wedding meet cute: When A gets an invitation to attend her university friend's wedding, they know that they will be bombarded by millions of invasive questions (from those judgmental acquaintances) around work, family and the most dreaded of all, their love life. A bites the bullet, however, given that it's a good friend's wedding. To A's surprise, they meet B, an old university crush at the wedding venue, who senses A's uneasiness. B boldly suggests that they act as A's partner just to spite those nasty 'friends' of A's. Could this lead to them catching feelings for each other?

Hope someone finds these helpful! I'm just starting out with this blog, but my ask box is always open for requests - feel free to drop any!

[pseudowho]

hi haitch! there's just a little political rant below this regarding my fears.

i'm really really scared of what the us is going to become if trump is reelected. i'm scared for my rights and safety, as well as the rights and safety of my friends and family. this doesn't feel real.

obviously i'm not planning on getting pregnant any time soon, and i'm really really careful, but if something happens, it's terrifying to think that i would be forced to choose between having the baby and having an illegal operation, assuming i would even be able to afford one.

and gun rights? i grew up in a big city where shootings were real. my high school had armed security guards, because the only way to ensure our safety as students was putting officers with firearms in our school hallways to protect us. the fact that that was normal for us and no one batted an eye is insane.

but gun laws might become even more lenient, and besides that a country follows its leader. last time trump was president there was a dramatic increase in hate crimes and racial violence. if we elect a man who is a literal felon who is blatantly racist and has stood charges for sexual assault what are we saying to our people? that that's acceptable behavior?

i don't know i don't even know what to feel.

Honestly, in light of the way the vote seems to be going this morning, I'm horrified.

Me and @mrhaitch were 100% sure we'd never ever want to live in the US, and to be frank, I don't think I'd want to visit there on holiday now either. I'm astounded. I'm afraid for everyone over there, who's not WASP.

Good luck, my love. Stay safe and careful.

It's been a shitty week, and it's only getting shittier.

Love,

-- Haitch xxx

[missmeasured]

Merry Rickmas everybody! I’d like to throw this in, even though I’m late for the prompt. Under the category of Restless Waiting I have a Hans Gruber/Reader smut for y’all.

You are a new lawyer who is being blackmailed by Hans Gruber and forced to work for him in the weeks leading up to his heist. Temporarily living together in a penthouse apartment that faces the Nakatomi Tower, you sometimes forget he’s a criminal. He prefers to remind you.

Rating: Explicit | Word Count: 2300 | Pairing: Hans Gruber/ You (Reader has breasts and a vagina)

Content Warning Tags: Blackmail, shoplifting, Heist planning, Non consensual touching, Fingering, Vaginal Sex

Read below the cut:

Restless Waiting - Rickmas 2023 - Hans Gruber

You had gotten used to being woken in the night with his requests. Working for Hans, living in this apartment while he worked on his plan, was an all hours kind of job. However, normally it was a sharp knock that stirred you, this time you did not wake at the soft opening of the door, or the lifting of the covers, but jolted into alertness as the weight settled into your bed.

“Sir?” You ask in a panic, please God let it be him and not some intruder.

“I require your assistance,” he used his normal answer and yet as he slunk across your bed the normalcy of the answer seemed not to matter.

“I’ll get some clothes,” you begin and try to leave from the other side, but his hands take your hips, clad only in some cotton underwear, and pull them back toward his own.

“That won’t be necessary. You are perfect as you are.” He answers calmly. Then his fingers start tracing patterns across the flesh of your shoulder blades above your camisole and you shiver to think what assistance he is asking for tonight.

You knew he was not a good man, in the moral way. He was not opposed to using violence to get what he wants. You yourself are here because he is blackmailing you. You would lose your law career if he told on you about your prolific shoplifting spree you went on after a bout of depression at the end of law school. How he knew about it, you were not sure. You had changed your name since then, covered your tracks as best you could. Yet the evidence remained, and with his folder of evidence your employers would also have no difficulty connecting the dots.

The fingers of a not morally good man swirling around the skin on one’s back, were complicated. On one hand, you were not an idiot, men like him often take what they want in this way. So your body tensed, too aware of being prey, all the nights you had slumbered here unmolested had lulled you into a false sense of security perhaps. On the other hand, he was a handsome man. Quite charming. Too many times you had felt yourself forget that he was a criminal, who was blackmailing you into helping him dot the i’s and cross the t’s on his plan. He planned on killing. You knew all of this explicitly and still there were moments.

Mornings of sharing cups of coffee, when he was not questioning you about the legal intricacies of different foreign bank accounts or corporate documents, sometimes he would just ask you questions about yourself and really listen to the answer. In those conversations you felt yourself forget who he really was. You cursed the little butterflies in your stomach and squashed them with the remembrance that he was your blackmailer.

“What do you want, Hans?” You ask, you need to be clear about what is happening here. To know what to expect. Are you being asked to pay the blackmailer with your body now?

“It’s funny… my plan… it’s all coming to fruition and now… all this waiting. It makes me unsettled.” He answers. It is not an answer.

“And… how can I help?” You ask the dark, his hand begins slipping up and down your waist and over your hip, on its way back he lets it go under your camisole. Your breath hitches but the hand stays near your waist, he doesn't move to grope you.

“The holiday… it makes me feel… lonesome. Funny how your childhood has a way of rearing its ugly head when you think you are so big and impervious to it all. So I find myself… seeking your company.”

“Christmas… is a strange time for a lot of people.” You whisper back, unsure what to say.

“Take off this top. I want to draw on your whole back.” He instructs in a whisper. His fingertips swirl again, under your shirt now. To say no, and be told it was mandatory felt too uncomfortable. You didn’t want to think of this as happening as part of your blackmail, so you lifted yourself up to slide out of the camisole without argument, telling yourself you wanted the handsome man to draw on your back anyway. You told yourself to pretend you had met him at a cafe. Come home with him of your own accord.

“So much…. Waiting… so much wanting… perhaps I am a child waiting for Saint Nicholas all over again. Only this time… I wait for a much bigger present. Freedom.” He muses as he maps out the planes of your bare back while you clutch the covers close to your chest. “Then again, I am sure you also… are restless… waiting for your own freedom. From me.”

“I was more restless in the beginning. Now I have accepted it. Just a few more days, and you’ll be somewhere in paradise and I’ll… go back to work,” you answer.

“Perhaps I shall send you a plane ticket… have you come so that I might do this in sun cream…” he muses.

“I’m sure there will be a lovely lady with a lovely back where you are going.” You try to shut this down, because just then your mind was too eager to jump at the chance. The idea of not working anymore was too pleasant. But you were too clever to jump at being the mistress of a criminal. You would live at his whim, feeling like he owned you. You would lose all the progress of your hard fought career, and what if one day he just called it off? Better not to dream at all.

“I’ve grown quite fond of you, this month.” His lips seem too close to your ear. “My clever girl. So helpful.”

“You are a very charming blackmailer.” You answer in a whisper, too excited about the change in his tone, the weight of his pressing hands, and how one has gone back to your waist and made the pilgrimage over your hip and down your thigh.

“Charming?” He did that laugh where he made a single grunt of chuckle in his throat and pushed air through his nose, it tickled your neck. “Charming enough… to ask for more? I confess, I came in here thinking if I can blackmail you to work for me, I can blackmail you to snuggle away the Christmas woe, the relentless waiting, and yet… I do confess I want more. But… I don’t want your body as blackmail. You’d have to give it of your own free will.” His fingers swirled over the fronts of your thighs, sending wanting to your core in their wake.

You did not know what to say, but the more his fingers made swirls of goosebumps as if they were the winter wind inside the warmth of your covers, the harder it was not to show your arousal inside your breath.

“Well… can I have my pretty lawyer for Christmas?” He was impatient, waiting for your answer, his fingers so close to touching your panties you were aching with the need of it. His beard scratched against your bare back, he was kissing you softly there between your shoulder blades.

“Yes.” You whispered. He ended your waiting, immediately. He cupped your sex and pulled you tighter against him, suddenly his hard cock pressed against you. Had it been there behind you the whole time, pointing, reaching, not touching?

You moaned. You were letting him, your blackmailer, do this to you. Where were your senses? His beard scratched you while his lips clamped down to suck on your neck. Pain twisting with pleasure, like what you should do, and should not do. You should not be excited by the man who has threatened your livelihood, not yearn for the stiffness that pressed against your ass.

His fingers wormed under your panties, feeling for your entrance and finding it quickly. He laughs into your ear from behind. “I didn’t know I was this charming,” he teases. “So wet…” he pushes in with two fingers, making you cry out. “Tell me… did your pussy get this wet when you were stealing?” He was bringing up a dark time, a bad memory, twisting it with your pleasure. There was no fighting how good his fingers felt inside you. “That’s why I chose you, you know. My little thief. I know that you know… the rush I am chasing.”

Your response was only sounds, wanton, craving sounds while he talked and plunged his fingers in and out, with every pass of them you felt yourself dripping around them, almost embarrassed by how eager your body was for him. “You try to be such a good girl now. Different name.. revised history… but I think helping me steal all this money…. Turns you on. I think you are excited.” He ground his excitement into you and you clenched around his fingers thinking about having it inside you.

He stopped, withdrew, and tossed back the covers, plunging you into the chilly night air. He sat up, pulled you over onto your back, eyes feasting on your breasts. “I’ve been wondering what’s under your clothes… what a beautiful canvas to shoplift on. I bet these nipples looked so pretty under stolen lace. I bet this…” He put his hand down to her core again and brushed a thumb over her mound “left lovely silky wetness right in the middle of every stolen pair of panties.” He hooked his fingers in and stole your last bit of clothing.

In the moonlight you saw he had on an open button down shirt on and a pair of navy blue boxers that tented in the middle. He saw you look, and smirked as he pulled the length from below the waistband, letting it go above, an eager rock hardness, bobbing up and down as he let the thing swing. He looked so good, so handsome, and partly undressed, that beautiful cock the cherry on top, you opened your legs for him.

He knelt between your legs and guided the tip into your folds, slipping it up and down, lubing himself in your excitement. Every time he rubbed your clit with it you couldn’t help but moan for him, making you sound whoreishly eager for his coming penetration. But you liked it when he smirked at your noises.

He lined up the tip and nestled it into your opening. He raised and lowered his hips with maddening slowness, easing the length of it inside you tiny bit by tiny bit, relishing in your gasps, your hips lifting, trying to take more of him than he would allow at once. “You are… a very…mmmm… good Christmas gift… my little thief… you are…. So wet… “ He slowly said while he fucked himself into you with such erotic slowness you thought you would explode when it reached his full girth.

“I bet when I’m long gone with all my money you will touch yourself to these memories. At your boring job. Your pussy will be throbbing around your fingers when you think about helping me steal all that money…” He told you, and you knew he was right. You had been enjoying helping him.

You were so swollen, so needy, every pass of his cock was scratching a desperate itch. You didn’t even know you needed it. Had wanted it. He put his hands under your knees and pushed your legs back, crunching your body up under him as he began fucking you faster. He must have sensed you were about to come, because he slowed to a stop with a mischievous look. “Let me catch up with you, naughty girl.” You moan at his teasing, as he goes slow again with a maddening rhythm .

“I like this.” He sighed over your face as casually fucks you, letting you stay on the edge. “Respectable girl with bad girl past still likes being fucked like a naughty girl, doesn’t she? Because that’s who you are… inside.” He has pegged you with deadly accuracy. It seems to give him pleasure to have caught out the truth about you. He speeds up again.

He’s too right, you haven’t felt so alive in months, and no man has felt as good inside you as this criminal mastermind does. It all washes over you. The feelings, the truths of it all, the pleasure more than anything. Then you are starting your climax and he is chasing his own, pushing harder and deeper into you.

It’s like being outside of yourself, watching him fuck you till he comes. How when he begins to feel his climax coming he abandoned his slow, talkative approach and tossed his head back in open mouthed pleasure as he slams himself in to the hilt over and over again. His breathy noises, his groans on the air, make your growing orgasm unbeleivably strong, your legs shake as he fucks you.

He pulls himself out only at the last possible second as his cock instantly explodes all over your curled up form beneath him. You enjoyed his grunts a little too much as he used his hand to spend the last himself across your breasts.

It was only after that you had your first kiss with the man. The damn butterflies came back. “I don’t think the waiting is going to be so hard anymore… with such a lovely distraction.” He smiled as he cleaned you. “Not with my little thief stealing my attention.” He teased.

As he tucked you into his arms for the night suddenly the few days before the heist seemed like they would be too short. Your impending freedom loomed too imminent. You would be restlessly trying not to think about how fast Christmas was coming, knowing it would mark the end of your time with him. Unless you accepted that plane ticket offer after all.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Random Fics (7) Masterlist

part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six

A Leap in the Dark (ao3) - Bleeding Phass Incident (doctorwhat420)

Summary: Dan’s fingers brushed Lester’s face on the screen. Cold, plastic, hard… Yeah, it was probably just like the real deal.

An Island in the Mediterranean (ao3) - natigail

Summary: A holiday just for them and their friends. A little break filled with calmness by the seaside. Five precious moments shared on Instagram. September 2017

As the World Caves In (ao3) - cosmic_angel_writes

Summary: Dan and Phil vs The Zombie Apocalypse

Boys on Fire (ao3) - transdimensional_void

Summary: Dan is visiting Phil for the second time ever and a little Buffy viewing session turns into sexy times.

cherry lips and crystal skies (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: It’s summer in England and Phil gets invited to a high school pool party to survive the heat wave. There, he meets a flirty and mysterious Dan Howell.

Come along (ao3) - ottertrashpalace

Summary: In medieval England, a young knight rides north, sent to serve at the court of the quiet young Duke of Lancaster.

Crushes and Waterslides (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: Dan has a massive crush on one of the supervisors at his local water park, which is why he goes back every single week even though he doesn’t even like watersides.

Deeper (ao3) - Scuddleduck

Summary: Inspired by the idea of "Pass Around Party Bottom Dan."

Don't Blame Me (ao3) - ForeverJustAnEmoKidAtHeart

Summary: When Phil gets a new job at the Tops Only Bar, he's just looking to make ends meet over the holiday period. He doesn't expect how he'll feel about one of the performers or how hard that'll make his job.

envelop the lonely places (ao3) - cityofphanchester

Summary: Dan in his arms is like remembering how to breathe.

(reunion fic, dec '22)

Green (ao3) - iihappydaysii

Summary: When a man hits on Dan at a party, Phil knows it doesn’t really matter, but he still doesn’t like it.

How I Met My Boyfriend on Queer Eye (warning: super gay) (ao3) - danhoweiis, twoheadlights (fizzfic)

Summary: au where dan is a hero on queer eye and accidentally falls in love with one phil lester

i thought that i was dreaming (ao3) - twoheadlights (fizzfic)

Summary: Dan and Phil and the beds they've shared. Basically.

in this smoking chaos (ao3) - writingcollective

Summary: Dan bottoms for the first time, not being able to shut down his inner demons that whisper internalised homophobic thoughts into his ear. But Phil guides him through it, somehow.

life happens, coffee helps (and so do you) (ao3) - halfofacrackedbluesky

Summary: Dan makes friends with the barista at the local coffee shop.

Like Fine Print (ao3) - totalincandescense

Summary: Every few weeks, Dan was given an unfriendly reminder of at least one of the many reasons why he never went outside. The most frequently recurring thing on the list being the general existence of people. But more specifically, the existence of people who flirted with Phil.

Love That Passes (Is Enough) (ao3) - nihilist_toothpaste

Summary: Phil is a sad divorcee who lives in a mansion. Dan starts as a nervous and weirdly loud law student hired to work part-time as Phil's poolboy-slash-housekeeper and turns into so much more.

Just go with me on this.

move your body when the sunlight dies (ao3) - phegetarian

Summary: dan is cursed, phil is a witch.

and i can't do summaries.

one night stand (ao3) - dizzy

Summary: Dan meets a stranger in a bar during after one of his shows on the We’re All Doomed tour.

Phil’s ASs (ao3) - transdimensional_void

Summary: Dan can’t help but worship Phil’s perfect posterior

Phome is where the heart is (ao3) - blossomsphan

Summary: dan and phil go shopping at target while in Seattle for tit. they’re feeling festive for the season and a little sappy bc, well, duh 🧡

Precious Baby Angel (ao3) - toadsappho

Summary: Phil shows Dan his new t-shirt, but that's not the only surprise he has for him.

remember me, love? (ao3) - CapriciousCrab

Summary: The club was a bit crowded tonight for his taste; the sound of beating hearts and gallons of blood rushing through veins an annoying distraction from his hunt for something to sate his hunger.

Silver Arrows To The Heart (ao3) - evermorepeyton

Summary: Phil loves his life, he loves being a Mercedes Formula 1 driver and he loves being PJ’s teammate, friend and neighbor. He loves the routine he has going on. He lives in a perfect bubble.

But now that bubble is about to burst when the news that PJ is leaving Mercedes hit the tabloids. And worst of all, his replacement is Red Bull’s two-time world champion Daniel Howell, who has a reputation for having a little bit of an ego.

Phil isn’t exactly happy about this.

To put it lightly, he fucking hates it here.

sunkissed (ao3) - ivylakes

Summary: Maybe Phil was made to pour warmth into this man and leave little marks all over his body the way the sun does when it covers his skin with freckles. Maybe everything they’ve ever done and every little way they’ve loved each other has culminated in this very moment, where they can hardly see each other in the low light but are still brighter than the yellow light that breaks through the sky and glitters on the ocean.

Or, Dan and Phil go on holiday, and every photo they take tells a story.

"that's what makeup is for!" (ao3) - latenightfanfic

Summary: dnp finally have a night alone to themselves in a hotel after a few drinks after being cooped up in a tour bus.

The Most Beautiful Forbidden Fruit - botanistlester

Summary: In a world where witches and humans live side-by-side, a war breaks out after the two species procreate, producing bloodthirsty children. As a result, the government puts laws into place: Witches and humans must never fall in love or bear children. It’s a rule that Dan Howell and his family have lived hand-in-hand with, even going so far as to make sure that Dan never has prolonged contact with the other species. When Dan goes to his favourite magic shop one day, he meets the new employee, Phil Lester. A human who he can’t seem to get rid of.

the pool noodle fight (ao3) - jonsaremembers

Summary: Navigating the emotional aftermath of Phil's near-death experience with the help of, uh, some foam pool toys.

Time is on our side (ao3) - Mysticallykai

Summary: In 2010, AmazingPhil decided to make a video trying to time travel. He ends up meeting his boyfriend Dan in the year 2023 as well as himself, and he has a lot of questions.

Us, As Told by Other People (ao3) - jestbee

Summary: People make a lot of assumptions about Dan and Phil, but what happens when Dan starts believing some of them. You can’t actually ship yourself with your best friend, can you?

Or: the five times Dan was guilty of over-thinking things, and the one time he wasn’t.

waiting outside the lines (ao3) - dizzy

Summary: An not-really-coffee-shop, not-really-uni au in which Phil is confused, Dan is cute, no one does youtube, and there's still a happy ending.

we got the north lights (ao3) - dizzy

Summary: Sex by the pool in Australia.

you look so good it hurts (in my favorite t-shirt) (ao3) - phantasticworks (steddieworks)

Summary: Phil is gifted with a "Mega Dilf" shirt. Guess who picked that shirt out?

you should’ve raised a baby girl (i should’ve been a better son) (ao3) - thislifedoesnotexist

Summary: Fiona has had a best friend, and she’s had a crush, and Dan is both and neither and something new and transcendent altogether.

(2009 and it’s the same but they’re transfem so it’s not)

[anaconamor]

miami night's - christian pulisic x reader.

a sum of the story! : growing up to your parent's expectations, you were told what to do, how you were going to live your life. what happens when one night you break the rules for a man you just met?

warning this contains smut... so if you're a minor step away. it's my first time writing smut and genuinely something like this so please be kind! I'd also appreciate some feedback. enjoy! ❣❣

WC: 5.4K (18+ content)

Masterlist

Miami. Miami held a special place in you. You had been going there since childhood, all the way to now during your senior year in Uni. You enjoyed taking long walks by the shore, picking up small shells that you've gradually collected over the years, and taking pictures of the blue water and the to-die-for sunsets. It is where you've had a near-death experience by almost drowning, but also special memories like going for boat rides and surfing.

You had stayed in the States for your first two years of Uni studying to become a fine architect like your dad. It wasn't up to you, you had to follow his footsteps or you'd be a dishonor to the family. Your family went decades upon decades as architects, building and making some fine homes, buildings, and businesses. You didn't want to do that though, you wished and prayed that one day they’d realize how hard the pressure was to live up to the last name.

You had two older brothers, they have their families and are known quite around for making their work be known, but you, you weren't near their level. Mostly because part of you loved to make things harder for them. You just wanted to go out and live life how you dreamed. Due to your family’s name and reputation, you became such an introverted person. No matter how hard you tried to be “different”, they wouldn't find it professional of you.

You wanted the late-night drives with friends, travel around the globe, the skiing trip in Aspen, read books on a cold night as you felt the heat of a bonfire, and become a different person than the one they set you to be. You wanted freedom.

You had your group of friends that stuck with you since day one, two are engaged and going to start law school in the fall, your other girlfriend was going to begin her years in medical school in December, and one was going to become a professional dancer, and you well a said to be an architect. You wanted to become a journalist and have the world know of your passion to write a novel one day. No one knew of this, of course just your friends, if your family knew they freak.

During your third year of Uni, it took some convincing but you made the move to study abroad in the UK. Promising that you went for school, and school only. You loved it, the experiences of going out, looking at the different historical monuments, and taking holidays to Germany and Spain. You were living the life of the party, you could get used to that, but the States held a special place in your heart.

While in school in London, you made the decision to design and build out your dream home by the beach in Miami, a plan and idea only you knew. A house that you could visit and escape reality from. The dream home where you could wake up to smell the ocean breeze, tie up the beachy waves in your hair, and walk to shore to write your novel. It's what you had set to finish before working with your dad’s firm. A home one day you may take your kids to, for them to enjoy their time off. You invested and it was built secretly to your name, no one knew besides you. Receiving the keys shortly after arriving back.

Graduation was a true and humbling experience. But the feeling of relief of not having to take finals, go out with your dad on the weekends, and overall stay at your small dorm of yours was so soothing. You had promised your mom you’d stay the summer with her in their house in Miami. Before moving out to an apartment in Downtown Miami. It was the first couple weeks in which you realized you hated living with them. You were constantly asked what you were doing, where you were going, and why you were being so lazy instead of helping out. You never argued back, but your mom was always there to hold and hug you while you silently friend.

“Y/n? Your dad wants you in his study,” you heard your older brother Ryan say, knowing on your bedroom door. You rolled your eyes, and stood up, quickly throwing on an oversized t-shirt. You roamed through the kitchen to find a bottle of water, quickly taking a sip before knocking on the door of your dad’s study. “Come in.”

You stood by the door, crossing your arms behind you, waiting for him to speak. “Sit. I’d like to discuss something with you.” You knew that meant trouble, trouble for you, but a marvelous plan for him. You’d get used to the disappointment over time, but it never did get easier. You walked over and sat on the leather chair that faced him over his desk. Your dad's glasses hung low on his nose, looking at your choice of outfit. “Could’ve made yourself more presentable. It's almost one pm.”

“Dad!” you groaned, quickly becoming irritated, but he just shrugs it off. “I was discussing with Ryan, and Luke about our opening party for the new hotel in Downtown. Your mother will be assisting you, but you're in charge of decorating, and planning out the event. I just forwarded the invite list. Please don’t waste any time and get to work quickly. I hate being disappointed,” he urged.

Your jaw clenched, eyes wanting to pop out of their sockets. “You have a week, and I mean when I say I don’t want to be disappointed.” you wanted to refuse, to tell him to find someone else, that you're tired of working for him, but instead you brushed back the angry tears and nodded, standing up to walk out. “Anything else I should know?” you quietly said, afraid of your voice breaking.

“You're dismissed.”

You sighed and walked over to your mom’s office, where she gave you a sympathizing smile when opening the door. “I'm sorry sweetie. I just found out today as well. Let’s just help each other out. Maybe you can invite your friends over to help us too. I already did the catering, you can start off by making the invitations and forwarding them over to Luke so he can send them out.” And so you do.

Over the next few days, your mom grows worried when you're just sitting there quietly, not making any conversation or noticing her at all. You look unhappy. You are unhappy. But you knew if you told her, she’d rat you off to your dad, and that's the last thing you needed. She’d take notice of how shy and fragile you look. But you continued to work to make your dad satisfied. “Are you okay Y/n?” your mom asked, but you shrugged it off, “I'm fine. Let's quickly finish here, yeah?”

She did just that. After finishing decorating the tables by securing the silk fabric, placing the glasses, plates, and utensils, and positioning name cards on every table, you went to the mall and picked out a gown for the evening, having a self-care day after the week you had. You treated yourself well, happy with your purchases before heading off home for the day that was held for you tomorrow.

Your black gown was staring at you after you finished your hair and makeup. A smokey eye look and false lashes made you look sexy. You felt sexy and empowering. You went over and picked up the silk material before sliding it over your body. The dress hugged your curves, and the heels elongated your legs giving you the model look. Your family waited for you, your heels clicking against the floor as you placed your gold watch on, a gift from your friends. “You look beautiful Y/n!” your mom gasped, kissing your cheek before guiding you to the car.

You greeted the different guests, hugging old friends of your parents, helping them find their assigned seating, and assuring food would be out quickly. Putting them first over you. You were chatting with your friends, discussing going out after the event tonight, which was needed. You wanted to have drinks and wake up with the most raging hangover.

You shut your eyes annoyed when you heard your dad call you over, “Y/n! Come here for a second sweetie.” He only called you sweetie when it was a client he was interested in having, wanting them to believe in the perfect family title. You excused yourself from your friends, feeling their eyes as you walked over to your family. “Yes Dad?” you asked respectfully, shaking the hands of a blonde woman, and her husband, and then finally a young man close to your age.

You could've sworn you felt butterflies as you stared at his brown eyes. He was attractive, making you feel insecure and intimate with his gaze. “I’m Christian, a pleasure to finally meet you,” instead of shaking your hand, he placed a small kiss on the back of your hands, making your cheeks burn crimson. You smiled at him, shifting your weight from one leg to another, “Likewise Christian, I’m Y/n.”

You stood there quietly hearing your family talk about how they started their business, how they built the new place, and your dad’s career mostly, but what got you intrigued is when he mentioned your name. Christian voice was filled with curiosity, wanting to hear you speak again, “Your dad mentioned you recently graduated. Will you work with him, or what are your plans?”

You looked over to your dad who held almost a frustrated face, your brothers sending you a “don't fuck this up for us” look. “I just graduated! I will be working with him after the summer ends. We have some definite plans of wanting to design and convert something together. I just want to enjoy a bit of time for myself before reality kicks in,” you joked, making them laugh. “Enjoy it, sweetie, because once you become an adult there is no going back,” Christian’s mom said.

You noticed new people were arriving, so you took the time to excuse yourself from the fierce setting. You locked eyes with Chrisitan one more time, feeling goosebumps as you observed his freckled skin and curly hair, god he was sexy. Especially with the suit he was wearing. “If you'd excuse me, I’m going to greet some people that came in. Make sure they settle in okay.”

You didn't look back, just making sure one of your dad's old clients was taken care of. After sharing a few laughs and conversations with your friends you went to take a quick breather outside. You didn’t tell anyone, just wanting some space and peace. You hated these types of events, acting like the perfect daughter to please them. You were shy and reserved, only speaking when the attention was advertised to you. It's what you were taught.

“You okay?” you let out a small gasp, turning over to see Christian again. This time his coat was off, his white button-up undone from the top, and his sleeves giving you a first-hand look at his tattoos. You swallowed and became nervous all over again. “I'm okay. Just needed some time before going back in there,” you said, offering a reassuring smile. He chuckled and joined you, standing dangerously close to you.

“In that case, I'll join you. Events like this aren't my cup of tea,” you gave him a small laugh, “Believe me, I'm on the same page.”

“You look beautiful. Nearly tripped when I saw you…” Christian admitted, watching how your eyes slightly widen at his words, the small blush creeping against your cheeks despite wearing blush already. “Thank you, Christian,” you were speechless, should you say he looked handsome?

“Back there I asked you if you were planning to work with your dad. But I sensed a small hesitation. So I’ll ask you again, what are your plans? Not his, but yours…” you let out a nervous chuckle. Christian read your cards right, and he wanted to know more about you, what you liked and disliked. He wanted to spend the evening with you, break the rules and let you loose.

Was this a test your dad had sent him to you? Or was he genuinely interested in you? You’ve had your share of men wanting to know about you, spend a night with you. You’ve had sex once, never had a boyfriend, who would be interested in you? Why was he interested in you? You overthinking thoughts crossed.

“I want to become a writer. Write my novel, and travel to see the world. I had the chance to go abroad last year, and I miss it. Got to visit places I dreamed of going to as a kid. I don’t want to work with my dad. Or his firm at all. I want to make a name for myself, not the one they’re trying to produce,” you confessed, watching as his hand interlocked with your shaky one. His thumb delicately brushed against your knuckles, assuring you he was right there. How could this handsome, well sexy, stranger make you feel this way? Hot and bothered?

“Tell me more about you Y/n. I want to hear all of it.”

And so you did. You told him about your dream to become an author, explaining how Miami was home to you for so long. You told him about your group of friends, sharing jokes that made him let out deep chuckles, you even went on to tell him about the house you built not too long ago. He told you about his career, his life here in the States, and how he admires his family and friends over anything. Not once spilling out a single lie. You trusted him, as much as he trusted you.

“Take me there, I’d love to see the house. Let's get out of here and continue the night together,” he whispered, nodding his head back to the party inside, “It’s not that easy. They’ll be mad if I do…” you say, turning away from him. Reality set in. Realizing how just as long you’d been out here for. But no one came looking for you. “Can I be honest with you?” Christian said you averted your eyes back to him, his hand brushed against your cheek, tucking a curl behind your ear, his touch sending shivers down your spine.

“I haven’t had this much fun in so long. I needed to have this night, like this. I confide in you, and I want to be near you. You intrigue me a lot Y/n… I just hope you feel the same way, or else I just made a fool out of myself,” he revealed. You let out a shaky breath, feeling his forehead rest against yours. Despite meeting just a couple of hours before, you felt a sense of comfort and safety in his arms. “Wait for me outside. I'll be there in ten minutes okay?” you whispered against his lips, you tested the waters and kissed the corner of his mouth before standing up.

He watched with dark and intrigued eyes as you returned to the party. You made up a lie about not feeling well to your parents. Feeling like you were going to throw up and wanting rest. Of course, your dad caught on but he was with friends, so there was nothing he could say. You told your friends, wanting someone to at least know where you’d be, and they couldn't help but tease you, ushering on to go get your “man”. “Don’t worry about us! Go and enjoy yourself Y/n! Don’t look back.”

Your heels clicked against the concrete, hearing Christian footsteps following you up the stairs of your beach home. “This is it,” you unlocked the door and faced yourself with a family feeling of home. You watched how he silently stared at your home, the long and tall ceilings, the many windows on the wall, the antique furniture, the picture frame of your favorite memories, and the bookshelf near the TV mount. “You designed all this?” he couldn’t help but ask.

He stared at you, watching you nod, and walk over to the kitchen where his jaw drops open, “Holy shit. This is so beautiful Y/n,” you silently patted yourself on the back proudly. He was the first few people that came in here. The only people coming here first were your friends and the construction crew. “You're one of the few people that have seen this place. Not even my family knows about this.”

“I feel honored. Truly, this is amazing work love.” The word love made you almost fold. The way it rolled off his tongue to you. It had you wanting to hear more because you knew he was capable of doing so. “Do you want a drink? I have some beers and other beverages?” you offered, he nodded and settled with a Corona, you having the same. You showed him different parts of the house but upstairs was still unknown to him. You were sitting outside just having meaningful and deep conversations. He told you more of him, even admitting some of the things he said he didn’t tell anyone. You were falling for this man already? Is this what it felt like to like someone? The feeling of security with him didn't leave you, but now there was an elephant in the room that was being discussed. “How did you handle relationships like that? You know, with having a dad like that?”

“I've never been in love. I’ve never had a boyfriend,” you sadly smiled. “I've spent my whole life just living up to their expectations. Having a boyfriend to them was a sign that you were ready to settle down and began your family. Which I’m not prepared for. There is still so much I want to encounter, and having that commitment right now scares me…” you confessed. “This is all new to me Chris… I never bring people here, let alone have talks like I have with you… I have trust issues…” you continued.

Despite sitting outside on the steps that faced the beach, he moved closer to you, grabbing your chin gently facing towards him. “We might've just met. But this feels so, so, so right. Being here with you. If you’d let me I’d prove to you how much you’re worth. Because the woman I see in front of me is beautiful, a pure soul, with talent, and smart. You already have set with what you want to do with your life, and you should. A little love never hurts anyone, and I want to earn your trust,” Christian hummed at the end, now grabbing your cheek, and wiping a small tear that let out.

“I trust you, Christian,” was all you said before crashing your lips against his. His hand now rests on the back of your head, while yours is placed flat on his chest. You kissed him fervently, his soft lips molding against yours. He tasted sweet despite having some beers, and when your tongues began to fight for dominance, he let out a soft groan that made you want to clench your thighs together. “So sweet Y/n…” he whispered.

The sexual tension grew, now feeling as his big hands went behind you to unzip your dress, he kissed along your jaw, leaving a wet trail that made you throw your head back in pleasure. Chrisitan continued kissing down to your bare collarbone, biting the skin and leaving a small mark behind. “You feel perfect against me,” his voice deep. He gripped your waist and felt your clothed nipples as you kissed him back passionately. His hands traveled close to your ass, where he gripped it gently which made you let out a small moan against his mouth. “God the way you sound,” Christian groaned before diving back and kissing you.

You wanted more, you needed more. His touch and taste were addicting. “Christian…” you panted, your small hands making their way up to grab his face. You swallowed before interlocking eyes with him. “Yes, baby? Tell me what you need…” he replied, one of his hands delicately drawing shapes on your spine. “I want you to kiss me…” you say.

He listens. Tasting your cherry-coated lips, his tongue finding its way back inside your mouth, hearing as you whimper as he devoured you. “What else…” Instead of replying you took off his shirt, watching over the small moles that decorated against his skin. You looked up as you kissed over them, watching him throw his head back. You place a small trail of kisses up to his throat where you see him gulp deeply, awaiting your next move. Your thumbs brushed against his nipples, “God your hands are like silk, Y/n. Already can't get enough,” you smiled innocently before unbuckling his belt. You felt his cock harden against his black Calvin Klein boxers. “Now we're even…” you refer to being only in your black lacy bra and thong.

He picked you up, your arms wrapping around his upper shoulders as you let out a small giggle. He placed you on your bed, watching you with hungry eyes at your almost naked figure, Christian felt lucky. “You have such a beautiful body. One I’m going to take my time to kiss and mark on. Will you let me do that? Hm?” he asked you while dipping his head into the crook of your neck, feeling as you let out a breath. All you could do was nod, but he wasn't taking silence as an answer. “I have to hear you say it. I won't touch you unless I hear you say it.”

“Touch me, Christian. Kiss me. Mark me. Just do something please,” you begged. Christian nodded and went between your legs, feeling your legs wrapped around his, your clothed pussy brushing against his clothed cock. His hands went behind you to unclasp your bra, where he slowly kissed around your shoulder, before diving his mouth to your nipple. You let out a shaky moan, feeling his tongue flatly pressed against the sensitive nub before flicking it and sucking with his teeth and lips. His hand comes up to play with your other breast, giving the same undivided attention.

He looked at you, having you under his mercy. He kissed along your ribcage before licking his way down to your navel. Your attention quickly returned to him. You sat up on your elbows, awaiting his next moves, now feeling nervous and shy. “Don’t… whatever is racing through your head isn't true…” he kissed your hip bone. “No one has ever done it… What you're about to do…” you admitted.

“Then I’ll be the first. I need to taste you, baby. I can feel you dripping… I'll be gentle,” Christian reassured you, kissing your lips again, before diving back in between your legs. You felt his stubble kiss along your inner thighs, teasing you, you moaned when his face came close to your heated area. “Kiss me..” you let out a breath, just wanting to feel his tongue against you. “Kiss you where baby? Here?” he went back to kiss your thighs, where you groaned. You shook your head, growing tired of his teasing. “Here, baby…” you pointed at your clothed pussy.

You felt his shoulder flex against the back of your things, watching how he placed your thong to the side before kissing your clit gently. Your lips trembled, biting your bottom lip as you felt place his tongue against you. He pulled you closer and began to eat you out. You moaned, grabbing and tugging his curls, wanting to pull on something as you felt his warm tongue against you. Your back arched as he began to gently flick the bundle of nerves, feeling wetter as you felt him groan. “You're so incredibly sweet, I need more…” he said.

He gave your clit so much attention, that your back arched once again when you felt him place his tongue inside you, his brown eyes watching you as you do so, your nipples completely erect. “Chris… You feel so good… how are you so good at this?” you wailed, your fingers circling your nipple to enhance the pleasure even more. “That’s it baby… play with your nipple and watch me eat this pussy…” he dove back in, feeling your thighs close around him. He spread your legs and began to dig his head deeper into you. You felt the sudden intrusion of his two long and thick fingers inside you, “Fuck. Oh god… Keep going, don’t stop,” you moaned.

“I want you to come for me. I want to watch you come around my fingers, Y/n. Can you do that?” you nodded quickly, feeling his tongue begin flicking your clit again. He pumped and worked his fingers inside you quicker now, feeling how tight you were. “So tight baby, I wonder how my cock will feel inside you…”

He continued the same momentum, bringing you to your high where you cry out his name. He continues to suck and pump his fingers inside you after cumming, beginning to feel a bit overstimulated… “Chris… I want you to fuck me now…” He stops what he’s doing, stands up, and kisses you. The taste of yourself is present, your hands remove his boxers watching his cock spring out. Your eyes widen at his size, feeling smaller than before. “Look so innocent baby. Are you sure you want me to fuck you?” he asks. “Yes. Please fuck me,” you beg.

He smirks and lays you back down, fully removing his boxers, he looks down at your wet cunt, your cum seeping through, he groans and picks up some of your wetness before pumping his dick with it, using it as lube. The sight had you going over and playing with yourself, your fingers drawing small circles to relieve the agony. He removes your fingers, licking over them before resting your hands with one hand above your head.

Both of you watch his cock seep inside you. You let out a small breath… before looking at Christian's face that has pleasure over. His brows pulled together, biting his lip. “So tight and so wet Y/n…” he moans, “Can I keep going?”

“Keep going?” you look back down and notice only half of his cock was in, he smirks before looking at your innocent face all over again. You nod and give him consent, and he slowly begins to drill deep inside you. Your walls clench around him, where he sizzles in almost pain, he notices you frown concerned, “I’m okay baby, just feels so good. I knew your pussy would feel this good around me… Taking me like a good girl you are” Christian praises you.

“You can move…” you say and he lets go of your wrists, watching as your small palms rest against his strong biceps, which you dig your nails into. He begins to slowly thrust out and then go back in, the sight of his abs clenching has you moaning. He finds a correct wave of pleasure for both of you, quickly finding the spot inside you that makes you turn your head to the side and cry out in pleasure. “Eyes on me baby… I need to see your face while I make you come…”

“You're so big, Christian… I can feel you right here…” You place your palm against your abdomen, where he moans in pleasure. “That deep baby?”

You moan out as he picks up his pace, feeling his long and thick cock guided against your wet walls. He leans down and kisses you, wanting to taste your sweet lips. “So perfect baby, doing so good for me…”

“Are you going to come for me Y/n? Gonna come on this cock,” you moan out a yes, kissing his stubbled jaw that tickles you. He grabs your hips, watching as your hands tug on the white sheets below you. He feels in heaven, your warm walls swallowing his cock just like he imagined, the noises you let out reassuring him it wasn’t a dream and it was real. His thrusts were more quicker but still gentle like he had said, your eyes shut, “I'm going to cum Christian… I need to. You're making me feel so fucking good…”

You're at the rim of the glass at how close you were to cumming but you whined when he warned you to wait for him, “Wait for me… I'm almost there baby… Want to cum with you…” You leaned up and kissed him, letting his weight drop against you, your sweaty bodies now closer than ever. The small beads of sweat gilded against his freckled skin, his curls messed up at the way you tugged at them. He stared at your plump and swollen lips, picturing how they would look around his cock.

Chrisitan leaned his head down to your ear, thrusting harder inside you that had you moaning loud, “Cum for me love… Cum all over for me….” He felt you clench against him, his orgasm running with yours. You could've sworn you felt his warm ropes of cum inside you, as his thrust began to falter. He kissed you, smiling when you smiled against his lips, “You okay?”

You hummed muttering out, “Im okay… Feeling tired though…”

“Don’t fall asleep on me now… I have to care for you. Make sure you're nice and clean before we go to bed…” Christian said. He let you know he was going to pull out, and you suddenly felt empty. He picked you up and pulled you into the steamy hot shower, where he washed your hair and body. You return the favor, the loofa gliding against his skin, you drawing small shapes on his tattoos, and him watching you with the biggest grin on his face.

You decide to sleep naked… Not having many clothes here just yet. You told him to sleep in the guest room together, feeling lazy and tired to change the sheets. He held you close, your head on his chest, feeling his nails rake against your arm. But during the night, he somehow ended up on top of you. His curls are messy against your shoulder, and his tattooed arm is around your waist. You felt at home again.

You stir quietly, still feeling the weight on top of you. You don’t know how you manage but you get up and use the restroom. Drawing your hair up in a messy bun and washing your face and teeth. You put on a bra and underwear, going back into the room where Chrisitan continues to sleep. You grab his shirt from last night and button a few buttons. It’s early, maybe six in the morning? But you stare at the man who you now want to spend the rest of your life with.

You kiss his forehead, knowing he can’t hear you but you whisper, “I'm going to make up some breakfast… Come join me when you wake up…” You quietly hop down the stairs into the kitchen you designed from scratch. You make some coffee and rest on the small island that faced the windows outside to the beach. Watching the first lights of morning awakening, you feel his hands wrap around you… “I saw you washed my clothes, and I had wondered where my shirt went…”

He kisses you and says good morning… he pours a cup of coffee and nudges you to go outside to watch the sunrise together. “Give me a second, just going to grab my phone,” he kisses your forehead and walks outside. You pick up your purse and grab your phone. You carry your mug in your left hand while you unlock the phone with your right, only to be met with a message from your father. Your heart sinks, and the feeling of being uncovered overcomes you. Christian notices and asks if you're okay, seeing as you become pale. He looks at the message in your hand, his eyes widening just a bit.

From Dad:

I hope you have a good explanation as to why you’re not home and “resting”, Y/n. You lied to me and your mom. When the fuck were you going to tell me about this home you built here? Why was I not aware of this plan?

tag list! if you'd like to be included just send me a dm or reply below! ❣

@swimmingismywholelife

[abbatoirablaze]

Sealed, Steve Rogers

Word Count: 2.2k

Warnings:  sexual tension, slight angst, mentions of fighting, underage drinking, dubcon/noncon relationship.

Part 2 of 3.

Part 1, Signed

Part 3, Delivered

“My god, you’ve grown so much, (Y/N),” your future mother-in-law cooed as she pulled you into a hug.  You gave Mrs. Rogers a small, albeit forced smile as you pulled away and she got another look at you.  She reached out and stroked your cheek, “my god, I remember when you were just a little girl.  Barely knee high and going at it with Stevie like cats and dogs.  Now look at you!  You look like a refined young woman…”

“Yeah…it has been a while…”

“Been a while,” she giggled, pulling away from you, “been a while might have been a holiday or two…I haven’t seen you since your mother squirreled you and your sisters away from sight when you hit the end of fourth grade.”

You gave another forced smile, “yeah…I’m sorry.  I-I would have called…or written, but I-I didn’t have anyone’s numbers memorized.  A-and, well…mum thought it was best that I focus on school.  She always said a good education helps all.”

“It’s okay sweetie,” she smiled softly, “we understand…Steve’s sister just got married to that Parker boy…sweetest little couple you’ve ever seen…you’ll see them at the reception at the end of the week.  They’re still finishing their honeymoon.”

Your eyes widened, “oh no…I-I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to interr-“

“Oh, you’re not interrupting anything,” she laughed, “we insisted on Peter taking her on a nice little honeymoon to one of our villas in Milan.  They get back from there in about a day or so, so they’ll have plenty of time to unwind before your nuptials…”

“Yeah…”

“Sarah…maybe we let (Y/N) get reacquainted with everyone…I don’t believe she’s gotten to say hello to her father yet…have you dear?”

“Oh…uhm no,” you admitted sadly, the smallest of frowns crossing your lips, “I-I haven’t seen daddy yet.”

“He’s in his office,” she smiled as she looped her arm through Mrs. Rogers, “go say hello to him and pull him from whatever he’s doing in there.  He should be out here…enjoying the party.  It is your homecoming after all…and soon you’ll be a Rogers and not a Barnes.  All of you should be mingling…it’s your graduation and engagement party after all…”

“I still don’t see why we couldn’t do two separate parties,” Mrs. Rogers sighed as she gave you a soft look, “the girl should be celebrating all of her accomplishments…a party for graduating high school, and a party for becoming officially engaged to my Stevie.  I keep telling you Winnifred this all feels too cluttered…you should have let me plan at least one of the parties…allow me to showcase our home...”

“You’re too kind, Mrs. Rogers,” you offered, giving your mom an out as you put a hand on her arm, “I’m perfectly fine with just the one party.  Two parties so close to the wedding would have made it seem forced, wouldn’t it?”

She gave you a firm smile, “perhaps you’re right, sweetheart…you know, you always were a wise one, well before your time.  And how many times do I have to remind you, it’s mom…you’re practically our daughter as it is, (Y/N).  Lord knows Stevie’s been in love with you since the two of you were little…call me mom, sweetie…”

“Okay…mom…”

She chirped excitedly to your mother, cooing at how you calling her mom as well felt ‘all too right.’

Meanwhile, you rolled your eyes as you started back to the house, promising both mob wives that you would go to find your father, while ignoring the rest of the party goers and well-wishers. 

You barely had an idea on who many of them were, only knowing that they were associated with one of the five families, and here to ‘strengthen ties.’ 

It sickened you to your stomach. 

Everything was done to ‘strengthen ties,’ while they bickered behind closed doors and made stomach-turning deals.  All of them wearing faux masks of happiness to see one another, when they would all too quickly stab one another in the back for a chance on a higher rung.  But that was the nature of the beast.  One that you’d become all too accustomed to. 

You were glad when your parents sent you off to finishing school back in London.  You didn’t have to deal with anyone and could just blend in without having to be a Barnes, or the future Mrs. Rogers.

“Champagne, miss?”

You smiled politely, holding a glass in each hand.  When he gave you a look, you shrugged, “going to take one to my fiancé…or father.  Whomever I can find first I suppose.”

He gave a nod, one that said that he didn’t believe you, but he didn’t question it as he turned on his heel and went back to the main part of the party.  When he was out of sight, you downed the first.  Feeling the crisp, dry bite of the champagne, you rounded the corner and took the other, as though it was a shot yet again. 

A shiver ran down your spine as the warmth from the alcohol filled your belly.  You placed the two empty glasses along a desk sitting in the entryway. 

Sighing, you noticed that your father’s study door was closed.

It was always business with him. 

But stepping forward you could hear voices behind the heavy wooden door.  You frowned when you couldn’t recognize the one that was speaking, nor make out any words that he’d been saying.  But a roar of laughter made you pause from knocking. 

You recognized the melodic laugh of your brother, despite not seeing him since you were ten. 

“You gotta stop getting into fights, punk,” the thirteen-year-old chuckled as he ruffled the sandy blonde hair of his best friend, “you’re twelve and nearly losing to a eight year old.”

“He was nine,” Steve grumbled, shooing his friend’s hand away, “and anyways…I didn’t need your help, Buck.  I’m Steve Rogers.  The heir to the Itali-“

“You’re the heir of every ass-kicking from here to the Bronx with how you go picking fights…” Bucky replied sternly, his laughter fading away, “come on man…I shouldn’t have to rescue you from a little kid…all I wanted to do was enjoy my book and-”

“He was annoying (Y/N).”

Bucky gave you a small frown and you rolled your eyes, crossing your arms over your eight-year-old chest, “he wasn’t annoying me nearly as much as you were, Rogers…”

Steve’s nostrils flared, “you know…I did it to help you, (Y/N)!  I did it because I was standing up for my wif-“

“Don’t you dare say it, Steven Grant Rogers!” You growled, cutting the older boy off as you wagged your finger in his face, “don’t you dare!  I am not your wife!”

“But (Y/N), you are going to be it one day!” he said quickly, “you’re going to be my wife!  And I’m going to burn down the world for you…or at least anyone that gets in your way.”

“You’re in my way,” you growled, “you’re always in my  way.  News flash, Steve…I don’t need you lurking around every corner waiting to be chivalrous.  I don’t want it!”

“But (Y/N) I’m doing it because I love you,” he simpered, attempting to take your hand in his own, “I-

You sneered, your face scrunching up at the words as you ripped your hand from his, “stop it, Steve!  I will never be your wife…because you won’t make it to adulthood.  You won’t ever be anything other than a scrawny little twerp who can’t fight his own battles let alone the ones you pick over me…and you’re gonna get Bucky hurt…just like the last time.”

Steve frowned as he turned to look at his best friend.  Bucky nervously pulled the sleeve down so that his cybernetic arm was covered by the sweater, “(Y/N)…”

You looked at your older brother, still angry over the accident that Steve caused years ago when he and Bucky first became friends.

“I-It was an accident, my lo-“

“I’m not your anything, Steve!” you spat, glaring at the young man, “now go away!”

Bucky took a step forward, “(Y/N), that’s enough.  Steve was being a good fiancé and looking out for you.  And right now, you’re being a spoiled brat and pushing people’s buttons.”

“You had to come save his butt!”

“Yeah…and he saved yours…it’s what family does for one another…” Bucky growled, defending his friend, “family makes sure that they’re safe and sound.  That they-“

“Then why did he let you lose your arm, huh Bucky?”

“(Y/N)!”

“(Y/N)!”

You were snapped from your thoughts, and you noticed that the door to your father’s study was open, and man just inside the door, holding it open was none other than your big brother.  You felt a bit of pride in your stomach as you launched yourself at him, “BUCKY!”

“Pipsqueak!” Bucky exclaimed happily as he easily lifted you from the ground, “What are you doing in here?  You’re supposed to be out there enjoying your party!”

“Ughh, gag me with a spoon!” you groaned, “last thing I want is another snotty person from one of the families telling me congrats.  I wanted to see you, robo-boy!”

“(Y/N)” your father scolded as he stood from his desk.  Your heart melted as you peeled yourself away from your older brother and started towards your father. 

In the years since you’d last seen him, he’d definitely aged. 

He was only about fifty years old, but time had not been kind to him. 

He kept his hair short and tight on the sides, as was normal from his military days, but the salt and pepper look that had graced the longer hair on top was all but silver on the sides. 

He looked like an aged version of your older brother.  A little bit smaller, and definitely less muscle-mass, as well as the obvious differences in the fact that your father had both of his arms, while one of your brothers was a robotic one, but they were very much the same otherwise. 

“Daddy!”

He smiled as you wrapped your arms around him, becoming wrapped in the scent of the posh cologne that he wore that reminded you of smokey bourbon and fresh leather. His scolding of you had quickly faded and he allowed himself to melt under your touch. 

“Oh, sweetheart…I’ve missed you…it’s nice to have all of my children so close to home again…”

“How’ve you been.  Wha-“

“Good…good!” he smiled, pulling away from you, “but I don’t want to talk about me.  Tonight is about you, honey.  You and Steve!”

You groaned, hearing your fiancé’s name, “Daddy….can we just not talk about Steve Rogers for a second…you know that I don’t want to marry him.”

“Don’t worry…I think you’ve made that abundantly clear since we were children.”

You paled as you turned around and noticed a man that you didn’t recognize, standing off to the side of the room.  He was watching you interacting with his father while he kept his hands in his pockets.

You felt a blush rising to your cheeks as you stared back at the attractive man. He was tall and muscular…well built.  His sandy blonde hair was styled elegantly, and he was dressed to the nines.  You felt your heart fluttering as he looked at you with his cerulean stare and pouty lips. 

Was he someone new to your father’s crew?

But then the words snapped in your mind.

‘Don’t worry…I think you’ve made that abundantly clear since we were children.’

And you paled once more.

NO!

It couldn’t be.

Your stomach turned. 

Had you just been guilty of finding yourself attracted to him?  To Steve Rogers. 

You took a few steps away from your father and started to back out of the study.  “Sweetheart, where are you going?”

“Anywhere but here,” you muttered softly as you backed through the door.  You were nearly there until you stumbled when you took another step back.  You thought you’d hit the edge of the door frame, but when you heard the crashing of a silver platter behind you and the crunching of glass, you spun, “oh fuck…”

You had knocked over a waiter carrying a tray of champagne from the catering space in the kitchen to the party outside. 

“And here I was thinking it was bad luck to see the bride just on the night before the wedding,” the charming blonde smiled as he leaned against the bookcase.  You shot him a glare, trying to focus your rage into him, instead of staring at his chiseled jawline and the way that his clothes clung to his muscular frame and slim waist.  He pushed himself away from it and pulled his hands from his pockets.  In three quick steps he was nearly on top of you, his arm already looping around your waist and pulling you close.  Your lips parted as you stared into his cerulean eyes, unsure of what to do or say.  A smirk tugged at his lips, “why did no one tell me that it’s also two days before?”

“S-steve…”

He chuckled, and the action sent a pulse straight to your core as he watched you, “have you been drinking, (Y/N?)”

You felt a whimper escaping the back of your throat as you lost all resolve.  You weakly nodded, unable to form the words. 

“I can smell it on your breath,” he chuckled softly, still holding you close, “You naughty girl…”

“Sweetheart…I’m sure you remember Steve…” your father reminded you, “perhaps…your brother should take you to the powder room though…or the kitchen and get you sobered up before we address the guests for coming to celebrate you and him…”

“Y-yeah…”

[tropes-and-tales-archives]

Whistle Down the Wind, Chapter One

Word Count:  1372

TW:  Pining, unrequited love.

AN:  Part of a series.  The series masterlist here.

You were late.  Again.

Practice had run over (again), and so you found yourself sprinting down the street (again), your violin case banging against the side of your leg as you dodged around pedestrians, hollering apologies over your shoulder when you ran into anyone.

Luckily, it was only Sunday at lunchtime, so you probably would still get a table even if you were late.  Unluckily, if you were late again, Sonny would never let you hear the end of it.  Luckily, you were just sprinting with your violin and not, say, your cello or your keyboard.  

Unluckily, you hadn’t seen much of Sonny since he got himself a girlfriend.  So you tried to maximize your time with him when you could get it.

You had been friends with Dominick “Call me Sonny, everybody does” Carisi Junior since college.  You had gone to school with his younger sister Bella, and she had quickly adopted you and made you a member of her family.  How many holiday breaks, how many weeks each summer had you spent in the Carisi household on Staten Island?  Too many to count.  And while you loved Bella like a sister, it had taken even less time to fall in love with Sonny.

Who, sadly, did not seem to return the sentiment. 

You pushed the thought out of your head as you jay-walked and then entered the restaurant.  Sonny was already there, and when he saw you walk in, he tapped his watch in an exaggerated manner before standing up to wrap you in one of his patented hugs.

You allowed yourself to melt against him for a briefest nanosecond, breathing in the scent of his cologne and soap, before you pushed yourself away, stashed your violin, and shed your coat.  Sonny pulled your chair out for you, and your flashed him your winningest grin as you sat down across from him.

He looked good.  He had finally shed that ridiculous mustache that made him look like an extra in a 1970’s porno, and his hair was swept up and gelled to perfection.  He was wearing his grey Henley and the jeans that looked perfect on him.  He crinkled his eyes at you and grinned back.

“I know I didn’t just see you jay-walking,” he said by way of greeting.  

You rolled your eyes at him and scanned the menu.  “Don’t be such a cop.”  

He picked up his own menu.  “Over 6,000 people died in pedestrian related accidents last year,” he said, his voice stern.  “I’d hate to see you go out that way.”

“I plan on dying tragically while rescuing my family from the wreckage of a destroyed sinking battleship,” you replied, dead-pan.

Sonny snorted by didn’t reply.  That’s what the two of you had originally bonded over: movies.  Bella didn’t have the attention span for movies – especially indie ones – so there were many summer nights in college that you found yourself on the Carisi rec room couch, curled under Nonna Carisi’s crocheted blanket in the frigid AC, watching some Wes Anderson or David Lynch (or once, very uncomfortably, a Harmony Korine film) with Sonny.  The first movie you had watched together had been “the Royal Tenenbaums.”

The two of you ordered lunch and then caught up.  He told you about his new stint at Manhattan’s SVU and his classes at Fordham Law.  You told him about the multiple gigs you had with your music – your cover band, your work at weddings, your growing portfolio of producing work.  He told you about his parents (bored empty nesters), you updated him about yours (bitter divorcees who lived halfway across the country).  Then you came to the topic that made your stomach turn with jealousy.  Significant others.

“How’s Nicole?” you asked, keeping your voice level and nonchalant.  

Sonny swallowed his bite of food.  “She’s good,” he replied.  He wiped at his mouth.  “We’re good.”

You nodded.  “That’s good.”  You focused on your plate, pushing the remains of your chicken piccata around. You could feel Sonny watching you, but you didn’t want to look up at him.  You had met his girlfriend exactly one time, at a Carisi family dinner. Nicole was the opposite of you: polished in perfect makeup and perfect clothing that fit perfectly.  She obviously went to the salon regularly – she didn’t have visible roots (despite Bella snarking to you once that Nicole wasn’t a natural blonde), and her nails were polished to a high shine.

In your meaner moments, you would reflect that she wasn’t very nice – she spent that dinner stealing glances at her phone, and she didn’t talk about anyone but herself.  But you tried to be happy for Sonny.  If he was happy, you were happy.  You could deal with the bittersweet feeling of being invisible.

“So everything’s good then,” Sonny teased, and you looked up to see his bright blue eyes twinkling at you.  “What about you?  Seeing anyone?”

You gave half of a shrug.  “Nah.”  You pushed your plate aside and flagged down the waitress for the bill, which Sonny snagged from you before you could get it.  He put down some cash and replied.

“You shouldn’t be so picky,” he said.  “I’m sure you could find someone if you didn’t have such high standards.”  You winced at this unintentional barb but tried to cover it up with a smile.  Of course you were picky – of all the people in New York City, there was only one Sonny Carisi.  And he was unavailable.

“You’re right.”  You stood up, put your coat on, grabbed your violin, and waited for him to follow. “The next time a guy with a rapey vibe hits on me after one of my gigs, I’ll just be less picky.  Thanks for the official advice from Sex Crimes.”

Sonny snorted as the two of you walked out of the restaurant, but he looked serious as he turned to hug you goodbye.  “Be careful out there.”

You hugged him back awkwardly, shielding part of your body with your violin.  Between both of your busy lives, you never got to see your friend anymore.  Lately, you only had time for these quick lunches before each of you went back to your separate lives.  

When you had graduated from college, you had moved to Manhattan to start your musical career, and Bella had stayed behind in your college town to wait for her boyfriend Tommy to finish his stint in prison. Sonny was a new detective, and the two of you spent a lot of time together, watching movies and cooking for each other when the other was busy.  

But as many times as you fell asleep on his couch, it never progressed beyond friendship, and your time together waxed and waned depending on if Sonny was seeing anyone.  And lately, any free time that Sonny had was spent with Nicole.  He had cancelled and rescheduled this lunch three times before it actually happened.

So you only hugged him back halfheartedly. Because you could feel him pulling away from your life more and more, and when you were nestled in his arms, even in a friendly hug, it reminded you of what you didn’t have.  Of what you’d never have.  

You pulled away after a moment, then smiled up at him. It made your heart ache to feel that you were losing him, but you could always channel that pain into your music. Maybe sell it as scoring to some sad romance movie where the woman dies at the end and the man walks away into the rain when the end credits start.

“See you around soon, stretch,” you said, trying to keep your voice light.  “And thanks for lunch.”

“Sure thing, kiddo,” he replied.  He chucked you on your shoulder, then turned and walked away.  You watched him for a moment, enjoying the sight of those jeans that really did fit him perfectly.  Once he rounded the corner and was out of sight, you checked the street both ways and jay-walked towards your own apartment.  

Because you weren’t joking about using your heartache for your music.  The sharp sting of your unreciprocated infatuation would make for a great string piece, and you already were composing the main theme in your head.

[lolitastories]

Helpless

Description: She worked as a lawyer in New York until she received a phone call from the man she owes her career to. She knew she would be back and what she was in for but what she didn’t know is that her life would change even more than she imagined.

Part 2

Chapter 1

“You hide your emotions for a living but at this moment you are not doing a great job” I directed an eyeroll to him. We were currently sitting at the dinner table, waiting for his children to join us.

“Not really helping John '' I let out a sigh taking in his words. I know he was right. This family has been in my life since I was 17. I had met Beth, who at first wasn’t the kindest but somehow we both got along great. In my job you had to be assertive, judgemental,firm, confident and when things got rough, you had to be rude and tough. Not an easy thing to do on a normal basis and I thought to myself I was crazy for not only entering law but to becoming a General Practice Attorney. Somehow when I enter the courtroom or when I am making a deal my eyes dial in to my target and I blackout. I do what is needed to do and my streak of losing none of my cases shows that. But when I am outside the law and I am just me, I lose myself. With Beth, she was that for me. She was the assertive side in me and I was the calming side to her. We got each other and I was thankful for that.

“You didn’t tell me she was joining '' Jamie, sweet Jamie. I get up and give him a hug which he gladly takes. Right out of law school I was taken under his wing. John decided not to tell him how he helped me through law school and how he became a mentor to me since the night we met. Jamie took such pride in seeing me become what I wish he knew I could be. Soon I had to move on since I wasn't a specialist in only one thing. I now only see him if he or John needs help and needs me to work with him on something. We distance ourselves over the past years but nothing feels any different now. “Finally” He sighs, moving around the table to take a seat across from me, of course one seat down from John who was at the end of the table.

“Decided we couldn’t keep her a secret anymore and now would be a great time to have her here” After Lee’s death I was asked to come back to the ranch. I moved to New York as I was working on expanding my knowledge in more than just Law, but when I received John's call I dropped everything. Lee’s death was unfortunate and John mentioned in that phone call that things were just going to get tougher from then, and hell did it. I have been working in the background with Lee’s death and filing it under the table with the help of Jamie. Also helping him with Kayce and Monica. When the drug explosion accident happened and Monica’s accident at school. With the kidnapping of the girl Kayce found and the trips he took to jail. Not to mention Dan and Beth, and I have a feeling that won’t be it.

“He didn’t want to continue hearing my rants on driving from home all the way to town. Loved the peaceful rides but you know I am not a morning person” I was staying just outside of Darby. Of course I could stay in town but it wasn’t a risk John nor I wanted to take. He has enemies and everybody knows each other, we didn’t want to give them anything that could come back and damage the farm.

“That you are not” I looked up hearing a familiar voice. “You remember your finals week?” I shake my head in embarrassment. I had just turned 20 but in Beth’s head I was 21. So she made a trip from Salt Lake City to Connecticut. Of course I told her right but she didn’t care. She told me Yale could wait for a couple hours so I could have fun. I was unaware that her couple hours meant a whole night a day. John sent me to study in Yale a couple months after we met. I promised him I wouldn’t disappoint and for me, I never make promises so It was like writing it in stone. I took multiple classes and spent nights, days,summer,spring break, holidays studying and advancing as much as possible in my degree. Work paid off when in only four years I graduated when it usually took 7. Anyways I was in my finals and she took me out that morning.

“In my defense it was 3 in the morning when you showed up” yeah 3 in the morning, I was walking into my apartment hoping to take a 3 hour nap so I could continue at 6 the next day.

“That when New york wakes up” So she shook me off the bed and drove us down an hour and 30 minutes to Manhattan.

“I thankfully took a that ride a power nap”

“If that is what you want to call it.” She laughs while pouring herself a drink. “ I could swear her body felt more energized than ever because she looked like a zombie who hadn’t slept in years'' I hadn��t slept well in 5 weeks. I knew finals were coming and with everything going on I needed every hour I could get to prepare for it. “We got to the club and she was going on a mission. I am not going to tell you what she did to get in because it would ruin your image of her '' She meant I seduced and promised the security an amazing morning if he let me in knowing I wasn’t 21 yet. That might not seem bad but when your promises are very verglaur and detailed and also loud, well now that I think about it, it was more embarrassing but still. “But don’t worry I didn’t let her slip that night. Well maybe just a little.” I cover my eyes and my ears. Dancing on every surface I could find and wired with more alcohol than they had in the club I was having the best time of my life that night. But when we got out and I saw the sun I began cursing at it like it killed and took away everything I loved. I bet there is a video of me out there becoming New York’s crazy woman who hates the sun. After that I went back into the club and refused to come out until the sun was gone. And to be fair that was not what I meant by not being a morning person. I love sunrises and sunsets, I just hate waking up.

“Sorry I am late. Leaving Tate wasn’t easy today” I have only seen Kayce from afar. When I arrived at the farm, Kayce had already had the altercation with John. I soon left and didn’t hear about him until I came back. I have been only helping Jamie with his cases but never had the opportunity to speak to him once. I knew he had moved back and became the Ranch Foreman but I avoided the farm as much as possible knowing that was what John and I agreed on. Kayce walked in with his head down seating next to John and Jamie. He only focused on me when John spoke up.

“Don’t worry son. We were just catching up” he stood up at the end of the table looking over at us. “This is Y/N. She will be living here starting today” That is not what we spoke about. I gave him a worried look but he only shook his head. That meant I had to trust him. “Beth and Jamie have known of her for the past years but because of the circumstances of you not being present in the ranch” A little sadness in both their eyes could be seen. “You hadn’t gotten a chance to meet her” I sent him a nod with a gentle smile and his response was a cold stare that he quickly moved towards his father.

“What do you mean she will be living in the main house?” Not that I mattered more than him but somehow his words caused annoyance in me. You don’t even know me and speak like I was not important. John takes the chance to sit down as Gator comes out with the food.

“I want to take this dinner as a chance to not only tell you about her” he look over to Kayce and then followed his gaze to Jamie and Beth as he continued speaking “and to tell you two along with Kayce how she came to the ranch and why I asked her to come back and stay in the ranch” That last part he looked over at me and I knew he was asking me to listen and consider his question on staying and living in the ranch for awhile. We began eating but John didn’t touch his food as he began speaking. “One night almost 7 years ago she came to the farm. I know under what circumstance she came to run into our lands but that is up to her if she wants to share it with you” He looks over at me and I give him a nod thanking him for that. He looks back to his kids and continues. “That night 3 of our cowboys were out and found her. Thankfully Rip found her before anything bad happened to her.” I look down focusing on my food not really wanting to relive that moment. I guess it showed on my face since I felt Beth take my hand that was settled in my lap. “Rip brought her to me and that night I decided to bring her in. She made a good impression on Rip and I so I decided to help her from that day on.” I smile hearing that from John. Rip was a big softy but had a hard time showing that to people. Mainly because this kind of life didn’t bring out the best in him. He liked it and as much as I would like him to see the better side of things, I know he is better off that way he is.

“So what does that mean? Is she?-” Beth chuckles at Kayces words.

“She is younger than you Kayce! Just 22” Almost 23 I thought. Jamie's words cause a groan from his brother who looks over to John for answers.

“It means I saw something and helped her become what she wanted in life. She spoke to me about going into law school and to show her gratitude she promised to do everything in her power to make me proud and devote herself to this family and she hasn’t failed since”

“She has helped me keep this family running and keeps you from jail.” Jamie says, taking a bit of his potato.

“She had been working behind the scenes since I asked her to come back months ago.” John adds finally starting to eat his dinner.

“So you paid for her school and are now moving her into the house in exchange for her service?” It was a question but to him it was a statement that he made his own answer from. “It will become a great headline” I see the annoyance now in John's face.

“I can assure you that being here will cause no harm in the farm's image. I will assure myself of that personally.” Beth chuckles again but Kayce takes it the wrong way. Getting up and excusing himself from the table.

“You don’t have too, it's not something he has a say about” John grabbed my arm before I could walk past him.

“If I am going to devote myself to this family like I promised I need him to trust me.” John nods letting go of me as I try to catch up to Kayce. I see a dark shadow walking down the path towards the foreman’s cabin. “Kayce!” I don’t see him turn around but he does turn right and leans over the fence. Goddamn dramatic Duttons. I shake my head with a mission, yet I don’t know what I am going to say when I reach him.

“I’ll ask the questions and I’ll tell you if you deserve to be here” I only gently smile and give him a nod. It took everything in me not to roll my eyes at him. He spoke those words and it brought annoyance to his character. “What was the real reason behind him paying and allowing you to be here?” I shrugged in all honesty John and I never spoke about why he decided to help me out. I want to say it was for the kindness in his heart. We all know he takes prisoners and gives them work, it doesn’t sound like much but I can assure you it's a lot. Then there is Rip, a small boy who needed something and John gave him a start, a chance.

“I have no idea” I leaned against the fence, directing my gaze to the land before us. It was past 6 and the sun was way down. The crickets are already playing their tunes and the wind, singing along. “I am not one to usually put my take in things but I think it was because of you” I didn’t turn but I felt his gaze turn sharply to me. To be honest I was feeling a little nervous. Beth, Jamie and Lee had asked me the same question but I never told them what I actually thought the reason behind it was, one because I wasn’t sure and two because I was no one to put such an idea out there. “I came in around the time you left” Under his stare it felt like I was starting to run a fever. Chills went down my spine and I felt like I was burning, thankfully he turned back to the view in front of him. “I always was one to read people’s sadness and when I looked into his eyes, that was all I could see. At that moment I didn’t know why he was sad until later on when I met Beth. She told me all about it. The couple of weeks I spent in the ranch John was kind to me. Taking me in and treating me not like a worker but-” I cut myself off. It caused a bit of pain even thinking of such feelings. How for John I may be like his own child but I know that wasn’t true. Sure he cared for me but if it was between his own blood and me well, there was no question about it. I was pulling on my own heart strings and I needed to cut myself off. “I feel like I was just a right time, right place situation that helped him feel better about letting you go”

“How did you end up here?” He was avoiding my statement. The answer to that was something I haven’t told anyone except John. John had the right to know, but that wasn’t the case with Kayce or his siblings. I needed time. “By the looks of it I see you fighting yourself on whether you should tell me or not” I quickly shake my head.

“It's not a difficult choice. I have the right to not talk about it. Just like I told Beth, John had the right to know but it doesn’t mean it was easy. Am still dealing with my past and soon when everything is over, there will be no need to keep it hidden. Until then I ask them to trust me just like I trust the Dutton blindly”

“You ask for trust but we have more to lose with how much trust we put with you” He was right

“It might not be a lot but I could lose everything with putting my trust in you all. The Duttons are a full package and I choose to take that on no matter what. What you know of this family and its past since I have been here I have helped, if anything happens that could come back and bite me too. You know better than me that people here come and go just as fast as bullet trains”

A/N: I have found my new obsession.♥️. I don’t know where am going with this but I hope you guys like it. This app doesn’t have much of him so I hope that changes.

Thank you❤️.

[heavenangelly]

hello i love your blog I won't say I'm manifesting because I know that I changed everything a new face a new name my age my family my school and a lot of things I wrote a wonderful story for myself and lived happily in it I've known the law for 3 years. I've been on tumblr for 1 year and I love it here.Once upon a time I had the best days, there were no negative thoughts, no doubts, and I spent a month like this, it was like there was a curtain in front of my eyes. I was still in my old house, but I was so sure I was where I wanted to be and so many other things I wasn't even seeing my old reality.It was like everything was flying away and then I was like "Yes, everything is over, now 3D will reflect it" I think my problem is that I'm waiting for this reflection and I can't stop it. I'm low on motivation right now because I was dreaming of a great summer vacation.I don't keep at it but I can't stop waiting for the reflection Although not as much as before, I was able to enter my 4D self again and find peace there, but there are so many things that stress me out. I have X I know that but then I start waiting for confirmation again I guess it's become a cycle Last week I went on holiday to the city where I confirmed that I live, I was there, but now I'm back to my old city. I'm still there I know my true self is there I have to solve my problem of waiting for reflection my inner self is literally dying I hope you can help me I want this very much I have the life I want and I live it, I know and approve of it, but when 3D affects me, I say oh, it will change anyway and start waiting. The idea of everything changing suddenly scares me. I want to wake up one morning to the life I want.

Stop being afraid of the mirror, of YOURSELF. The 3d is just YOU. It’s just you manifested physically. It’s nothing but you.

What’s there to fear if it’s my mirror? - Edward Art

You need to let go of the 3d validating you and validate yourself instead. The 3d serves you, you do not serve it. Start seeking validation and approval within. It won’t feel easy at first, but the more frequently you do it, the more easier it will become. Just start trusting yourself and leave the mirror alone. Then your journey will become much easier

[thgfanfictionlibrary]

In Panem AU Fic Masterlist (2)

Part 1 /

Created: June 6th, 2024

Last Checked:---

Golden-JLaLa (ao3)   Summary: A mandatory law brought them together. Four years later, Peeta Mellark comes to District 12 to the daughter he’s never known and the wife he barely met. An In-Panem AU with the marriage law twist. Heart and Soul-JHsgf82 (ao3) Summary: In Panem AU (No Hunger Games). A Soulmates AU. Two weeks prior to Peeta Mellark’s 18th birthday, his best friend, Delly, notices a bright yellow dandelion adorning his arm and asks about it. He proceeds to tell her about the day it formed on his skin, the day after he tossed a starving Katniss Everdeen some bread. Delly, believing it’s a soul mark, takes Peeta to a mysterious traveler who can explain the concept to him. Turns out, it is a soul mark, and the situation turns dire when Peeta discovers there’s a time limit on making a connection with his soulmate, and he’s fast approaching it. If he doesn’t find a way to talk to Katniss, could it mean the end of his life? Innocence Within-Alliswell (ao3) Summary: Prompt #59 of the Everlark Fic Exchange on Tumblr: Lighthearted Canon-Divergent, Snow's Hijacking backfires, reverting Peeta to a childlike state, where he pulls on Katniss' braids, and draws her pictures to let her know that he Likes-Likes her. By: @elaine-spades. "It hits me immediately, Haymitch and I are the only family Peeta has now, whatever is wrong with him, it'll be up to us to deal with.” Peeta has been rescued from the Capitol, Katniss will do her best to help The Boy with Bread come back to her. Or the one where she stays to help Peeta get better. It's All A Lie-katnissdoesnotfollowback (ao3) Summary: Unrest in District Twelve drives the Everdeen family to make choices they'd once thought would be impossible. Panem AU with no Games. Like The Stars Hold The Moon-VanillaCottonCandy (ao3) Summary: Their eyes full of shock and sympathy and sadness. And maybe a slight hint of relief. And for some reason, it doesn't compute right away. Nothing registers in my mind for a long beat of time. Nothing makes any sense, my thoughts completely frozen, for one long, harrowing moment. Until Effie repeats the name again. The name of the male tribute who will represent District Twelve in the Hunger Games. Who will go against Twelve's female tribute and the career pack and every other wildcard on a nationally televised death brawl. "Peeta Mellark!" / For the Everlark Fic Exchange 2021, Prompt 59, "Katniss' dad is a victor, he won his hunger games and is now a mentor. Peeta is reaped for the games and Katniss begs her dad to help him win the games. [submitted by anonymous]" Missteps-oakfarmer (ao3) Summary: Gale needs to discuss future plans with Katniss. She's been hard to track down this particular Reaping Day. He hasn't even been able to congratulate her yet.

No Reason-katnissdoesnotfollowback (ao3) Summary: It starts when their history teacher talks about ancient holidays and traditions of gift giving. It escalates when Katniss overhears Peeta talking about what would be his idea of a perfect gift for him. But what is she supposed to think when a gift, exactly what she needs, is left on her school desk one day, addressed to her. In Panem AU with no Games but still far too much poverty. Not Just Another Dumb Jock-JHsgf82 (ao3) Summary: Modern AU (high school). Katniss is fed up with Peeta's brother Rye and vents to Peeta. She might be surprised to learn why Rye is playing pranks on her, and what's more, she might get yet another surprise in the process. One Panem-Alliswell (ao3) Summary: Based on the Prompt: “How about this: Peeta, a capiltolite, is made to marry Katniss, a girl from 12’s Seam, as part of the ‘One Panem’ initiative.” By freddyfreak1999. On the Other Side of the Fence-JHsgf82 (ao3) Summary: Peeta has always loved Katniss, even though he feels she's way out of his league. Katniss has always loved Peeta, even though she thinks she's not good enough for him, and that he only sees her as a friend. When Katniss is discovered by a modeling agency and whisked away to the Capitol, Peeta feels his whole world crashing down, especially considering he's just worked up the courage to tell her how he's felt all these years, his mother's opinion be damned. What will happen when she comes back as the 'Darling of the Capitol?' Did she mean what she said in her interview? She had to be talking about him, right?

[writtenonreceipts]

Hi friend! How are you? I hope this sparks some ideas for your secret santa: N.12 for Elorcan, please?

Hi! I've been alright, I survived my holiday weekend and am back to the usual grind! I hope you're doing well! Thanks so much for sending me this, I really did enjoy this one!

from this prompt list

Prompt: "H-how long have you been standing there?” - “Long enough.”->I tweaked it just a little.

AO3 Link Here

.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.

Tear In My Heart

The gritty scent of cigarette smoke was the first thing Lorcan noticed when he entered the bar.  Being this far out in the middle of nowhere Colorado led to no one caring about enforcing the law about indoor smoking, especially not the owner.  Mort never seemed to care about that sort of thing and it showed.  Lorcan doubted any sort of deep cleaning would ever rid the place of the stench so there was no use banning smoking.  Especially not when it was accompanied by the sharp tang of alcohol and vomit.

Unfortunately, there was nowhere else to get a decent drink around here unless you sat out on your porch with your own.  And even Lorcan didn't drink alone.

But there was another reason to come to the bar.

Eighties rock played through the speakers adding to the grungy atmosphere.  Dim lights over the counter set everything in an orange haze.  Even the neon lights of the different beer logos and other paraphernalia didn't add anything.  Two pool tables sat in one of the back corners along with a dart board.  No matter how few people were seated at the bar or various tables, it always felt overcrowded and tonight was no different.

All Lorcan focused on, however, was the woman behind the bar.

Her black hair fell around her shoulders in loose waves, framing her face.  He'd always found her beautiful, striking really, with her onyx eyes and pale skin, that sarcastic twist of her lips when she made a quip. 

She hadn't noticed him yet, which was good, he didn't need to be caught starting.  Instead, she was focused on pouring out a drink for the man across the counter from her.  She laughed at something he said, though he didn't know what.

Lorcan felt his own blood heat at that and he strode across the hardwood floor in just a few quick steps.  When he approached the bar, Elide finally noticed him and a smile lit up her entire face.

"Well, well," she said, sliding the drink to the other customer.  "If it isn't Salvaterre."

"Lochan," he said.  He took a seat a few stools down from the other man.

"Let me know if you need anything else, Dan," Elide said to the other man.  She moved down the bar until she reached Lorcan.  With her arms crossed she leaned against the polished wood so she could properly examine him. "You look like hell."

Lorcan rolled his eyes.  It was true enough.  This past week had been miserable.  The small shop he ran had been struggling a bit and things at the ranch were not better.  It shouldn't have surprised him, things always slowed down this time of year, but summer had been slower as well.  And then there was the fact that he had feelings for the girl he could never have.

"I always look like this," he said.  And because he was a bastard, he leaned forward, drawing closer to her.

"Yeah, you should do something about that," she said.  Her endless black eyes stared directly into him as though she could see to his very soul.  Then with a laugh she pulled back. "You want your usual?"

"Yeah, sure," he said.  He watched her go as she turned for a new glass, a bottle of whiskey. 

Elide had always been the sort of woman he knew he could never have.  She was good, first off.  She came from a good family with a good background.  She'd graduated high school with honors even though she had pretty bad dyslexia.  Then when her dad got sick she'd dropped out of college and left everything to move back home and help her mom out with bills by working at a crappy bar that probably doled out even crappier tips.

As she assembled the drink she glanced over her shoulder at him. "Just you tonight?"

"Nah, the twins'll show up eventually," he said. "And Rowan if he can drag himself away from another fight with Galathynius."

Elide snorted a laugh and she turned back to him with the drink. "Aw, upset your best friend actually has a life?"

"You know how annoying that woman is," Lorcan groused.  He accepted the drink.

For the last year and a half, Aelin had been working at the Whitethorn ranch as a trauma specialist in youth and children for kids needing help in various forms of therapy.  Rowan had inherited the business from his parents and for some reason thought it was a good idea to keep it running.  Even if he and his lead psychologist did not get along.

"Yeah, that's why she's my best friend," Elide said drily.  "She's a good person."

Lorcan doubted that but he'd shut up.  There would be plenty of other chances to put his foot in his mouth tonight.

"I'll take your word for it," he said instead.  He took a long drink, ice clinking gently in the cup.

"Well I am a very reliable source," she said. 

And then she was gone to fix another round for a couple at one of the far tables.  Lorcan watched her go, unable to look away from the sway of her hips or the sliver of skin that peeked out between the edge of her shirt and her jeans.

He only managed to tear his gaze away when the door of the bar opened and Fenrys Moonbeam entered.  Lorcan knew it was him without even looking because Fen, annoying as hell, always made sure his presence was known.

"Lochan!  How's it going?" Fenrys called, looping over to Lorcan.  Behind him was the more subdued Connall, eyes glued to his phone.  Lorcan had the sneaking suspicion that Connall was about to start dating someone.  But being who he was, wouldn't talk about it until it was an actuality.  Even quiet and distracted, Connall still managed to balance out his twin.

"Hi Fenrys," Elide called back.  She kept with her current task of drink refills and checking the kitchen on a food order.

When Fenrys dropped into the stool beside Lorcan he smacked a hand on his shoulder.

"You know you're getting obvious, right?" Fenrys asked.  "What's this?  Three nights in a row?"

"He's not that much of a psychopath," Connall spoke, he dropped into the seat on the far side of Fenrys. "He puts a day between the visits."

"Shut up," Lorcan growled.  He took another sip of whiskey, relishing in the bite as it slid down his throat.

Somehow, in some pathetic and sad twist of fate, his friends had learned of his crush on Elide.  He blamed it on a night a few months ago involving too much tequila and spur of the moment round of truth or dare.  It was pathetic enough that he was a thirty-year-old man playing truth or dare but to follow that up with the admission of having a crush?  Pathetic. 

He really had to get a life.

"You should make a move 's all I'm saying," Fenrys said.  He snagged a half-filled bowl of pretzels from down the bar and dragged it closer so he could snack.

"He's right," Connall added, finally looking up from his phone. "She's not going to stay single forever.  I heard Archer Finn wanted to ask her out."

Lorcan couldn't help his scowl.  Finn was best described as being a player.  One night stands, ghosting, playing games.  He wasn't a good person.  It was the one thing he could agree with Aelin Galathynius about.  He certainly didn't deserve to even talk to Elide.

"Yeah, the scowl's real convincing about your feelings," Connall said.

"Archer's an ass," Lorcan said.

Fenrys laughed. "So are you and she still talks to you."

Lorcan kicked his chair. "Shut up."

"Man."  Fenrys shook his head, brushing his blond curls from his eyes. "You've been obsessed with her for years.  At this point it's your own fault if she gets picked up by someone else."

"I'm not--" Lorcan began.

"You have her shifts memorized," Connall said, "know her birthday, her mom's birthday, dude you got her flowers on her dads anniversary."

Lorcan was never telling Rowan anything ever again.

"Didn't you fix her car for free too?" Fenrys added, mouth full of pretzels.

In the last five years of knowing Elide, having moved to this town on a whim after school, Lorcan had indeed done all of those things.  There had just been something about Elide and the first time he'd met her.  It had been at this very bar, just a few months after her dad's passing.  He hadn't been in the best of moods, admittedly that was usual for him, and she'd called him out on it.

Their friendship slowly developed from there where he'd learned all those things and more about Elide.  He'd been in love with her as long as he could remember.

He couldn't say anything of course because he was Lorcan.  He was the town miscreant who usually stayed on his property unless it was to come in for a drink.  He managed the stables for the Whitethorn ranch and ran a side mechanic shop.  Really, the jobs weren't stable and would likely only get worse from here.  His father was an alcoholic, his mother gone since he was eighteen--he wasn't good enough for someone like Elide.

"She's going to figure out you're in love with her eventually," Connall said, "and what are you going to--"

Connall abruptly cut off with a rather colorful curse and Lorcan felt his blood freeze.  He abandoned his drink and spun in his stool to find Elide standing behind them, half empty tray of drinks and plates in her hands.

Her eyes were too wide and her lips parted in shock.

"I-" Her gaze bounced between the three of them before settling on the floor. "I'll be out with drinks in a minute."

She dropped the tray on the nearest table and immediately left through the front door of the bar--not through the kitchens.

"Hell,” Lorcan muttered.  He stood and punched Fenrys' shoulder for good measure. "Thanks for that."

"Connall's the one that actually said it!" Fenrys shouted.

Lorcan ignored him and launched himself out and across the bar to the door.

The cool air of the night immediately washed over him, clearing his senses of the heady scent of the bar.  Overhead, a waning crescent hung in the sky with patches of stars filling the inky darkness.

He spun, looking for where Elide had gone.  He knew she was still on shift and wouldn't take off without a replacement.

It didn't take long to spot her.  She'd walked down the length of the sidewalk outside the bar a few yards away.  Overhead, a streetlamp burned with pale light, illuminating her as she paced with quick, uneven steps.  She tugged one hand through her hair, holding it out of her face as she muttered under her breath.

When Lorcan's boot scraped on the ground, she looked up.  Her eyes were still wide and shock remained cleanly written on her face.  Lorcan kept enough distance between them so that if she really wanted she could skirt around him and head back to the bar, but close enough that he could reach out to her too.

"How much did you hear?" he asked, because really that's all he really cared about, how much damage control he needed to do.

"Enough."

If there was one thing that Lorcan knew about Elide it was that she didn't shirk away from a problem.  Even if she didn't like the situation or what may come with it.  Just like now.

Her dark eyes met his and, for once, he couldn't read her.  He'd gotten so used to knowing her little quirks that the radio silence unnerved him.  Or maybe that was how it was supposed to be.  Maybe he didn't actually know her and everything he thought he did know was more or less a facade, an illusion.

"Is it true?" she asked, voice soft and far more vulnerable than Lorcan was used to hearing from her. "Or were they just talking shit, I know how they are."

"I--" Lorcan scrubbed at his face, looking away.  He didn't know if he could tell her the truth.  If he did there was no guarantee of how she would respond.  And he didn't know if he could take the rejection.  Because something like this?  It would ruin any semblance of friendship between them.

"Lorcan."

She wouldn't let him get away with the silence or the pretending to ignore what she had heard.

"Do you really want me to answer that?" he asked.

"Yes."  The hard line of her voice drew him back to her.  With hands on her hips and the way her hair swept over one shoulder, Lorcan knew he wouldn't get away with delaying any longer.  

The thing about it was that he didn’t like not being able to control the outcome of a given situation.  And he knew more than anything that there was no controlling Elide.  She was exactly who she was and would yield to no one.

Lorcan often put his foot in his mouth over so many things--especially when he had been younger.  It simply became easier to act.  Which was what he did then.

In two sweeping steps, he reached her.  Lorcan cupped her face in his hands, feeling how soft her skin was against his own calluses.  Her dark eyes gleamed in the streetlamp overhead, her full mouth opening in surprise.

Lorcan acted without thinking when he kissed her.  All he was really focused on was wiping that look of mixed hurt and confusion from her face--to show her exactly how he felt.

A part of Lorcan thought she would shove him away, but instead her hands gripped the front of his shirt, fingers digging into the fabric to pull him closer.  Her lips were soft against his, soft and warm and everything he’d imagined in all these years.  And when she exhaled a soft moan, Lorcan nearly broke at that sound alone.

One of his hands slipped into her hair, the thick locks like silk in his fingers.  His other hand went to her waist as he tugged her closer.  He could feel her warmth and her soft curves and all he could think that he wanted more.  More of her and more of what they could have.

“Lorcan,” Elide whispered against his lips.  She broke away only to catch her breath, her chest rising and falling heavily as she met his gaze.

He leaned in close enough to press his forehead against hers even though all he could think about was kissing her again and memorizing the way she felt against him.

“I’m in love with you,” he told her, voice soft.  He’d never said these words to anyone before and they felt strange on his tongue.  But he knew they were true and he knew that he had to say them at least once.  And it would only be for her.

He felt her tremble in his arms and listened to the sharp inhale of breath she made.  When she didn’t try and pull away from him, Lorcan felt a bit of hope rise in his chest.  Instead, Elide tilted her chin until her lips brushed against his.  The touch was barely there and hardly even a kiss but Lorcan swore he came alive with that simple act.

“It took you long enough,” she replied.  Her dark eyes stared into him with a spark of that same fire that had first caught his attention five years ago.

When she kissed him she held nothing back.  Her mouth was firm and insistent, her hands moving with determination until her fingers curled over his shoulders keeping right where she wanted.

And for the first time since he’d moved to this town, he felt like he’d finally come home.

.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.

tagging still is not functioning properly, so if you'd reblog/comment I'd really appreciate it! Y'all are so great <3