#that'll just be my talking tag i guess

[felsicveins]

Wah!!! Sorry I havent been posting so much!! I've mostly been drawing stuff that I can't post . . On here ; D but I'll get back to it soon

[savventeen]

would anyone be interested in seeing my placeholder "chapter" titles for my upcoming socmed au bc i Desperately want to talk about it but also don't want to spoil it so..

if it helps, it's going to be called "Thanks For Playing" and will be a tragic chan x reader horror story (not in the gory way but in like the emotional/psychological way), but it starts out fun and silly

also the titles out of context are hilarious to me haha

also also by "socmed au" i mean it's all text convos with some written parts sprinkled in

[monochrome-m0use]

okay yeah it's just getting painfully more and more obvious wow

so uhhh hi yes this is my most obscure kintype now but idc

watch me spend months now trying to find more info on this one

confirm or deny stuff, ya know

[neverendingford]

.

[melody-love-sketch]

All of your posts are hermitcraft now, I just won't take this, get unfollowed

not that i answer asks much at all but lmao buddy, pal, friendo- i literally be scrollin through my all socials like a sugar crazed kid loose in a candy store, a black bear breaking into a quiet unattended gas station late at night for the sweet, sweet grub, caution to the wind(somewhat) just a lil creature with a gremlin brain scrambling to consume whatever happy or at least interesting enough posts i so choose; free to change my mind whenever.

i see pretty art, i psuh button! one day it's Deltarune, next it's minecraft subfandoms, then it's whatever. "i am cringe but i am free" yadda yadda, et cetera and all that jazz

edit: also forgot to add before postin but i got like 25+ tabs of tumblr up on my phone browser for years now, each bein the tag page for diff fandoms(deltarune, splatoon, minecraft, the owl house, whatever latest animation, etc) and just a couple at most on my pc...i cant escape tumblr, tumblr cant escape me lol

[bunny-jpeg]

the dnf club (vol. 4)

lance stroll

tags: smut/pwp, brazil gp '24, mating press, car sex, breast play, hickies & bites, semi-public sex, dirty talk, mentions of children

a/n: thank you for the warm reception for the others in this little series! i'm always open to hearing about what ideas you may have. my inbox is open <3

carlos edition // franco edition // alex edition // nico edition

you know this was defeating for lance. the kind of defeating that left you feeling horrible for your boyfriend. while he wasn't going to win the wdc, it was important to have a good season. and when you watched the red flag be drawn and him hauled back to the paddock. you only knew how to be there for him.

while he seated to cool off, you pressed yourself up against him. the level he was at meant that your breasts were in his face. and while it was an innocent action. lance grabbed your ass when no one was looking. you knew what would happen tonight, to get the anger out from a shitty performance.

you two barely got to the car before lance was all over you. he practically guided you into the backseat. the car was in a far part of the parking lot and with tinted windows. it was a tad cramped back there but you two would make due. especially when lance got his hands on you.

"you really are my number one fan, huh? but i guess you're much more than that. you're everything to me." he pushed up your t-shirt to expose your bra underneath. a black lacy number that made the blood rush south for lance, "anything i want, you give. quite an admirable thing." he got the bra off of you and his mouth on your chest. he tongue grazed across your nipples. he gave them both attention before he started to leave heavy marks across your chest.

he wanted to mark you. he wanted to see pretty bruises on your chest that'll last for days on end. and when they faded, he would just add more. he felt the disappointment of such a horrible loss. he didn't even get a place in the race, he couldn't complete it. and it made emotion swirl in his gut as he rubbed your thigh. soon enough you got your jeans off and your panties. you were left naked in the backseat with your lover at the track.

"you look prettier with my marks." he said as he pressed one of the bruises on your collarbone, "the kind of pretty that makes me go crazy. thank you, thank you." he groaned, "for letting me take out all the anger."

you cupped his face and looked into his dark eyes, you said to him, "you'd never actually hurt me, lance. so i'm not worried." then kissed him square on the mouth. you helped him out of his jeans and his aston martin t-shirt. you were pressed into the back corner of the backseat with your taller boyfriend crowded in your space. he took you by the legs and pressed them into your chest.

it allowed him to hit your pussy at just the right area, exposed in the air of the car. slowly the windows started to fog up as he sank into you. his cock really did hit every right place inside of you. the blunt head rubbed up against your g-spot as he started to move his hips up against your ass.

and then like butter over popcorn, the anger melted off of his shoulders. he groaned as he rutted against you. while it wasn't the more comfortable position, it was enough to get the two of you going. you felt the fire in your gut as he moved against you.

"fuck, baby." he said as he worked his hips against you, "you feel like a dream under me." his words were tense as pleasure combed through his body. there was something about you that just got him riled up. even on his worst days, he still had you. he had all of you. he allowed himself to bask in what made you amazing and fuck you until he got his fill. he could feel the pleasure on his tongue and seep into his blood.

you whined, "please, lance. we have to be quiet." then felt him hit just the right spots that made you tense up and moan. your bruised nipples got hard and the additional feeling made the pleasure run faster through you.

the air of the car got warm as the two of you moved together. the sex was hot and with your knees to your chest the pleasure only got more intense.

"next year.' you panted, "it'll go great. you'll get them next time." you moaned as lance continued to thrust up against you in just the right way. you felt the hammer in your chest as he continued to fuck you with heavy thrusts.

"it will." he said, "and then we'll celebrate the victory. you, me and a nice hotel bed. maybe some champagne, maybe i'll even tie you up." he chuckled, "i bet you'd love that. if i took my belt and put it around those pretty wrists."

you clenched around him and he got his answer. he continued to fuck you, bully the blunt head of his cock against your most softest areas. he knew exactly how to make you feel good. let the dirty words come off his tongue. you whined and he chuckled lowly.

"ah, i bet you'd love that. even if i lost next year. you'd still let me mark up your little body. let me ruin that sweet fucking cunt." he groaned, "fuck, you feel amazing. you know i'd give you anything you needed or wanted. everything i have is yours. and everything you have in mine." he shuddered with a heavy want as he continued to fuck you achy cunt.

the sounds of sex filled the car, and the scent of sweat paired with it. the car rocked a little as he moved and you tried to meet his thrusts. his weight pressed on you as he had you in a mating press. your pussy exposed in the low light coming from the parking garage. the sight of you under him was beautiful. you were so perfect for him, you'd happily give yourself over to him at any chance. let him use that sweet cunt for stress relief.

"fuck, lance." you moaned as the pace was picked up. you knew you weren't going to last much longer. the pleasure was a thick throb in your head as he fucked you. his lips captured any skin he could find. trailed them across your cheeks and jaw. he even laid a small hickey on the curve of your jawbone. which made you grow even more wet.

he gave a few more thrusts because he slammed his entire length into your achy cunt and finished inside of you. but he wasn't going to leave you without pleasure. he continued to rut up against you. he could feel the fire in his gut as he moved against you. your noises got a bit ore higher pitched as you felt the slam of pleasure inside of your needy core.

you whimpered and whined as he continued to rut up against you. he fucked you through your orgasm, and even a second orgasm for himself. he made sure that not a drop was wasted as he slowed to a stop. he pulled out and when your hips dropped, a bit of his cum got onto the leather of the seated.

you both panted heavily. lance eyed your naked body. you looked at him and his dark eyes soon lingered on you. he pulled you in for another heated kiss and you knew this wasn't going to be the only round tonight. you just hoped that the rest of them would be somewhere a little more comfortable.

-

you watched lance pull into second place at the 2025 brazil grand prix. you stood with the rest of the team and when he crossed the finish line, everyone cheered. and you looked to the baby in your arms.

he was sound asleep despite his father's near victory. your little escapade in the backseat of the car led to the eventually birth of your son three months ago. he was asleep in your arm, ears covered with noise cancelling headphones while lance was having a stellar season.

"he did it, daddy got podium." you whispered to your son.

you kissed the baby on his round little face and heard lance over the radio. you knew this year would be better, and that was becoming fact. <3

[andiv3r-doctor-who]

And don't even get me STARTED on the Master slash whatever the fuck she had going on when she was Missy. She was silly and confident. Also probably even more insane than usual but she was happy. Ive almost never seen the Master happy or content at any other point. He's always plotting and has a general agitated vibe about him, but Missy is. Calm. Out of her damn mind, sure, but like. Am I reading into things or does everything about her seem more alive. She's less I Want To Kill Everyone, more Let's Cause Some Mischief. Also she refers to her regeneration into a woman as an upgrade but I can't really get into that because the 13th Doctor does too (even though inside I am convinced he only says this because Missy said it). Anyway all I have to say is. Sad fucked up man becomes joyous fucked up woman, aka the story of just about every transfem ever, I rest my case.

The more I watch this show, the more my internal hc that the Doctor is transmasc and the Master is transfem gets supplied with Evidence. Like wdym the Doctor was a girl when they were found and then after a couple regenerations became a guy and just never changed back (except that one time *cough*.. Jodie Whittaker ...*cough*) that is the most transmasc thing I've ever read, if I didn't know any better i would think i was hearing this about someone's OC who was intentionally written to be transmasc. A lot of my intentionally-written-to-be-transmasc OCs aren't even That Fucking Transmasc.

[wh1msic4lwasab1]

⋆˚࿔ 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

synopsis: how genshin men would degrade you <3

tags: degrading (obviously) facesitting, mentions of gagging, oral, penetration, explicit

wrd cnt: 800+

a/n: cooking up an hsr version soon

Ayato is always complete and proper in his semantics, he's fair and he loves to praise you.

But tonight...you stretched his patience too thin and his only choice was to stretch your little cunt til you couldn't talk back anymore. "Fuck, you're tight, honey.. this is what you want, isn't it?"

This day was big for Ayato, but you just had to keep pestering him with question after question. Usually, he'd entertain your playfulness but tonight was stressful. So he took it out on you instead. Call it karma?

"Clenching from my vulgarity..what a whore you are." He whispered into your ear, bending you across his desk, while all the guests sat outside having tea while you got fucked hard from behind by Ayato, who put a hand over your mouth, warning you greatly to stay quiet and stop those slutty moans of yours.

"Am I wrong or, did you not hear me? Ayato said lowly, slowly growing more and more annoyed and irritated at your misbehavior.

"Do you need me to gag that mouth of yours, y/n?” Sounding more like a promised threat than a question.

The only way you can get yourself out of this is giving Mr. Kamisato all he asks for and more, and be an obedient girl.

Nothing could really piss off Alhaitham as much as you, but not in the way that's most obvious.

He hated how much you doubted yourself, looked down on yourself, and harbored deep annoyance of the fact you didn't love the things about you he can't get enough of.

Sure, he could give you a little cute pep-talk but, fucking it into you is the approach that'll really make it stick. Some reverse psychology maybe?

After hearing you badmouth yourself for what felt like hours, he's stripping you of all your clothes and sitting you onto the couch armrest, forcing you to look him in the eyes; daring you to say those things again.

"Fucking pathetic is what you are. You're lucky I'm not fucking that stupid shit out of your mouth". He said, grabbing your hips as he sat down, positioning your cunt over him.

Not sure if you should just hover, his large hand lands on your ass, surely leaving a handprint.

"Sit down y/n." Alhaitham groaned, pulling your hips down onto his face and swallowing your clit with his tongue; his eyes never leaving you and your perfect tits.

Wriothesley loved showering you with compliments and nothing but the sweetest of words, but sometimes he just can't hold back all the filthy things he knows you want from him.

Oftentimes he's just worried you're gonna start crying, but fuck is it hot when you do.

"Fuck, I'm gonna ruin your pretty little mouth." He breathes out, watching you kiss up his cock. On your knees and eyes up is his favorite way to gaze at you, and it's just so easy for him to fuck your face.

"Wrio...you said-"

"Sluts don't get to talk." He cuts you off, his brows raised in amusement as he lights up a cigarette and throws the lighter somewhere, taking his cock in one hand to push past your lips as the other keeps the cig inbetween his fingers.

"Open that dirty fucking mouth of yours... can't take it all of a sudden?" He says, shoving it deep into your throat while his hand grips the back of your head, letting you take it at your own pace before he throws his head back and thrusts his hips up as he hears all the sloppy noises, waiting for your glossy eyes to make an appearance.

Now, Childe really tries to be sweet and praiseful, but he loves how disgusting and filthy you can be, and it's even better when he gets to tells you how much he loves it.

Wearing a new outfit wasn't something you expected to lead to something like this.

Definitely not being put in a tight mating press by your lover, pressed into the couch cushions while he left marks all over your neck and collar, biting and sucking places anyone could see to leave no guessing who's you belong to.

"Look at your thighs...they're just spilling out. You look like a filthy slut, do you want me to fuck you like one? Is that it?" He asked, pulling and smacking the material of your stocking that you didn't think too much of, but the minute he saw you walk out in them his cock wanted to spring out and get in between your thighs. But your pussy was an even better spot.

Deep and deeper be thrusted, the springs in the furniture squeaking while your voice almost did the same, cursing and moaning his name while he kept you close. Small protests for him to be quick fell from your lips, urging him so the two of you could get to where you were headed prior to this..."short" break.

"Are you gonna be a good girl or a fucking headache?" He asked, only fucking your harder and slower, a hand finding to squeeze the sides of your neck.

whimsic4alwasab1 ™ - do not copy, translate, modify, or claim any of my work as your own.

[ofstoriesandstardust]

can't take the home out of oklahoma - i. (k.c.)

a/n: eeee! a fever dream later, i've finally cobbled together the first part of my top gun: maverick and twisters crossover fic! it's going to be lengthy so we are in for quite the ride! it's way heavier on twisters, so any non-top gun fans should have no problem reading this. future parts will deal with darker content that's only referenced right now, so that'll all be tagged and marked accordingly. for now, it's just my standard cup of angst. reblog and comments are always appreciated!!

summary: After a twisted stroke of luck, you leave behind your whole life in San Diego, California and find yourself in Oklahoma with Tyler Owens and his Tornado Wranglers.

warnings: swearing, weather inaccuracies, flashbacks, reference to past trauma, alcohol

word count: 5.7k

Your finger rubs gently over the crinkled piece of paper Jake had torn off for you, the phone number and the name Tyler Owens written in the neat penmanship the blonde prided himself on. 

If you ever find yourself down South and need something, Jake had said, a bit out of breath as he’d run out of the house after you. If you need anything, call that number. They’ll help you. 

The cursor blinks back up at you on the call pad, your cracked screen making a mockery of you. The chaos of the San Diego airport whirls around you, pressing in on you the longer you sit here. 

You take a deep breath and press call. 

-

His phone starts vibrating on the table and he frowns, eyebrows furrowing as the team, crowded around the table in the RV, goes quiet. 

He answers, despite it being an unknown number. “Tyler Owens.”

“Hi. Uh,” A shaky breath comes from the other end of the receiver before introducing themselves to him. “Uh, Jake Seresin gave me your number. Told me to call if I needed anything.” 

His gut drops at the name, a clench in his heart. “What can I do for ya?” 

“Look, I’ve- I’ve had a rough week and I’m, I’m sort of finding my life upside down. And uh, I guess I’m just grasping at straws here. Jake said, he said you could help me.”

“That so? Well, I’m afraid you’re gonna have to be more specific. How can I help you? What can I do for you?”

“A- a purpose, maybe? I need a purpose, something to do. Um, I’m in San Diego right now but I need to get out of here.”

Tyler frowns, eyes flicking around at his team. They’re all curious as to what’s unfolding, and he scrubs at his forehead, knowing they’ll be upset with him for pulling the trigger on this without talking it through with them first.

But damn it, this girl sounded scared and Jake had sent her to him. Had told her he’d help her, and he would see to it that he did. 

He wasn’t going to leave her behind. 

“Tell you what, get yourself on a plane to Oklahoma. I’ll come get you. You can come work with me and my team.”

“You- your team?” Though she sounds hesitant, she almost sounds relieved at having some sort of direction now. 

“Storm chasers. Ish. We’re doing some field research out here in Tornado Alley, but I’ve got a team, the Tornado Wranglers. And honestly, we need another set of hands out of here managing the backend of things.”

The word managing was the wrong choice as it immediately sends his team into protest. Boone stands up abruptly, Javi and Kate whispering protests to him, as Lilly starts making a face. He waves a hand, wanting them to be quiet. 

The last thing he needed was for this girl to hear, to hang up, to not follow through. 

“Okay.” You say, and he thinks he hears you stand up. “Okay, I’ll find the soonest flight out. Um, what kind of things do you need help with? My background- it’s not in science.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’m sure we could find something around here you can help with. Research grant editing or something.”

“I’ve actually got experience with that.” You say with a choked laugh, and Tyler can feel the relief bleed through the phone. He smiles a bit, pressure easing as he does. 

“Then we’ll make sure we put you to work.” There’s a beat as he hears the intercom in the airport go off in the background. “Listen, text me when your flights supposed to land. I’ll make sure I’m there to get you. We’re out in the field right now, so it may be a bit of trek out here, but I’ll make sure you get here.” 

You confirm and he hangs up and his team starts yelling before the phone is even back on the table. 

“We don’t need another team member man-“

“A manager? What kind of business do you take this for?” 

“Are you serious? Kate and I, we’ve got the grant stuff covered-“ 

“This really tells us how you feel about us, Owens.” 

He glances at Kate, who’s looking at him with a guarded expression he hasn’t seen since he first met her. She doesn’t excuse herself, simply pushing her way out, climbing around the back of Javi and Boone. 

-

It would be hard to miss Tyler, the way he’s signing an autograph, cowboy hat atop his head as he leans against the truck branded with the Tornado Wranglers logo.

You stop dead, a cold feeling washing over you at the eerie reminder of the person you’d just left behind. 

This Tyler Owens might be Jake Seresin’s doppelgänger, and based on what you’d seen during the flight you were beginning to suspect the only difference between them is the way they chased the adrenaline high. 

During the flight, you’d bought in-flight WiFi for the first time in your life, just to learn who these people were, who you’d be spending time with. Trying to understand what you’d gotten yourself into. 

Tyler perks up at the sight of you, a smile growing on his face. He holds out his hand and you take it, noting the genuine smile. You shake his hand, swallowing around the burning desire to ask the question. 

“Welcome to good ol’ Oklahoma.” He welcomes. “You ready to hit the road? The team is a bit of a ways out.” 

You nod as Tyler grabs your small duffel bag, throwing it in the back of the truck before you can even ask. 

You climb in the front, taking note of all the gadgets the truck is equipped with. “What’s all this?” You ask, as he turns the key, pulling away from the curb. “Storm chasing stuff?”

“You could say that. The trucks decked out with all kinds of stuff.”

The radio is soft in the background as Tyler talks to you about the team, about what you’ll be doing. 

As Tyler talks, as you talk, as you both think of things for you to do, you begin to lose interest in the conversation as the Oklahoma skyline begins to paint itself into a deep orange. 

“Can we stop?” You ask, voice full of wonder as you peer out windshield, watching the sky transform itself. 

You feel Tyler look over at you, before turning on his blinker despite the lack of cars around. The truck rolls to a stop as you dig around, pulling the disposable camera you’d bought from the bottom of your backpack. Tyler hasn’t even parked before you’re slipping out of the truck, walking around the front to take a picture of the sunset. 

“I haven’t seen a sunset like this since I was a kid.” You breathe, the camera clicking as you do. 

“I hear California has pretty good sunsets.” Tyler says, sticking his hands in his pockets as he stands next to you. 

You shrug.  “They do, but if you’re in the inner city, a lot of times the good ones are hard to catch. They’re easier to see at the beach but the marine layer blocks a lot of the good ones.” You say, turning to Tyler. “At least in my opinion. We can get back on the road now.” 

He nods, eyes steadily watching you as you turn on your heel, climbing back in the truck. Tyler’s a few beats behind you, still standing in the same spot as you buckle your seatbelt. 

The rest of the drive is quiet, the flow of quiet country music coming through the radio as the Oklahoma skies turns from dusk to night. 

By the time you roll up to camp, it’s clear that Tyler’s team has gone to bed, save for one. 

An older man perks up at the sight of you, climbing to his feet from his chair. “Ah, Tyler. Was just about to call and see where you were. This our new teammate?” 

Tyler nods, introducing you to this man. You step forward taking his outstretched hand. 

“Dexter.” He says, a smile on his face. “You must’ve had a long day. We’ve got some leftovers, can I get you anything? We’ve also got our extra tent set up, it’s where you’ll be sleeping.”

You glance at Tyler, although you’re not sure for what. Reassurance maybe. “I’d love some food. And a water maybe? I don’t have a water bottle with me anymore.”

It’s almost a natural instinct to wince at the thought of the loss of your emotional support water bottle that was probably laying in some crevice in the wreckage in Texas. 

Dexter sets to work as Tyler settles himself in front of the fire, a beer in hand. “We’re meant to head to town tomorrow anyways. We’ll stop, get you stuff to help out with the team. Maybe some new camping gear and whatever.” He takes a sip of his beer, cringing as he does. “Just realizing you’ll probably have to sleep on the dirt; I don’t think we’ve got any extra protectors after we visited the last wreckage. We should probably get more stuff tomorrow anyway.” 

“It’s no worries.” You say with a wave of your hand. “I was a Girl Scout for like, eight years, so it’s not a big deal. Won’t phase me.”

A head pops out from a tent nearby. Tyler perks up at the sight of him, as the man sticks his hands in the pockets of the zip-up he’s wearing. “You want a jacket?”

You glance down, realizing you’re shivering. “Uh, yeah, that’d be nice.” 

He gives you a cautious smile before looking to Tyler. “Hey Ty, man, I’ve got an extra pullover in the back of the van, can you grab it?” 

Tyler nods as the man reaches a hand out. “I’m Javi.” 

You shake it, introducing yourself.

“You from around here? You don’t sound it.” 

You shake your head. “San Diego, actually.”

Tyler comes back the same time Dexter comes back with your food and Dexter waits patiently as you scramble, pulling the soft material over your head. 

It smells strongly of rain in a way you can’t explain. In a way, the smell brings you a sliver of comfort. 

You take the food from Dexter as you do, thanking him. 

“Dexter, this is incredible.” You say around the bite. 

“It’s an old family recipe from down in the bayou. I’ve tweaked it so we can make it out here on the road, but it’s a crowd pleaser when I do.”

“You from New Orleans?” You ask and he nods. “My boyf- my ex boyfriend now I guess-“ You say, taking another bite in hopes to hide the awkward way you swallow around those words. “He’s from out there too.” 

Dexter sighs. “I miss that place, I do. But it wasn’t easy to stay after Katrina. I lost my whole family.” 

Your heart pangs, at his words, and it aches, at the thought of the person you’d left behind. 

“I’m very sorry to hear that.” You say softly. 

Javi clears his throat. “You need anything else?” You shake your head and he stands up again. “I really oughta get to sleep, but we’ll chat more tomorrow, yeah?” 

You nod and Javi gives you another cautious smile. In your heart, you want to believe there’s maybe a little hope hidden in it too. 

Dexter also bids you and Tyler goodnight, and the two of you sit there, the crackling fire filling the silence as you eat. 

“Thank you Tyler.” You say softly, staring at the burning embers after you’ve finished eating. 

You know you should explain to him how it all happened, how you got here, but Tyler doesn’t ask and you can’t forget the vision in your head of Steven’s cold eyes, unseeing. 

“You’re giving me a second chance here, and I really do appreciate it.” You settle on instead. 

He nods. “Whatever I can do to help.” 

You excuse yourself, bidding the man goodnight, only to find yourself tossing and turning on the hard ground. 

You thought sleep would come to you easier, with how emotional the last week has been, but everytime you close your eyes and a breeze rolls through, it all comes flooding back, the haze of freezing rain, of a rusty storm grate, a heavy body, and so much blood-

The sound of a door shutting (from the RV if you had to guess,) causes you to open your eyes, sitting up on the makeshift bed. 

“I don’t want her here Tyler.” A female voice says, and you frown. 

There’s a beat. 

“Too bad Sapulpa, she’s staying.” Tyler responds. 

“Stay here and do what?” The girl asks incredulously. “We don’t need her help. And I didn’t know you’re suddenly in the business of helping out random strangers who call you in the middle of the day-“

“This is our whole business, Kate.” He says firmly. “We help people. Strangers. That’s what we’re here to do, remember?”

“And how are you helping her?” 

Tyler’s quiet for a minute again. “We’re giving her a second chance.”

“A second chance? Are you serious?” The girl, Kate, huffs. 

“It wasn’t that long ago it was you who needed a second chance. We gave that to you, remember?”

Another zipper being yanked cuts off Kate’s response. 

“Yo!” It’s Javi. “Can y’all argue about this tomorrow?” 

You don’t hear the sound of Kate’s footsteps but you hear the slam of the RV door loud and clear. 

Tyler goes through the motions, getting the camp cleaned up, before putting the fire out. And then you hear him slip into the RV and for the first time in days, in the quiet of the Oklahoma night, it feels like you can breathe. 

-

You awake with a gasp, clawing at the blankets as if it was Jake’s flannel, holding on for dear life through the storm. 

You swallow back the bile threatening to spill over and blindly climb from the nest of blankets, pulling the zipper down, and stumbling into the sun. 

You swallow as someone’s head turns. It’s a girl, sat at the table the crew has set up outside. You pull yourself from the tent, unable to shake your nerves as you take in the soft baby pink hues above her in the sky. 

You introduce yourself softly and she gives you a tight smile in between bites of yogurt. “Kate.”

Your heart clenches, realizing this must be the girl you’d heard last night. 

It’s an awkward silence the two of you sit in, the baby pink fading from the sky as Tyler pulls himself from the RV. When she sees Tyler, she quietly excuses herself and brushes past him, floating back into the RV.

“You oughta get that screen fixed.” Tyler comments, sitting down next to you. 

“Haven’t had time.” You say with a shrug as you glance at the screen on your phone. It was more shattered than it was cracked, a hazard really, but what could you do? 

“I’ll take you to a place in town today that’ll replace it for cheap.” Tyler says around a bite. “Can I get you anything to eat?” 

Tyler’s team appears over the next hour, and he introduces them as they do. Dexter appears from the RV first and then Dani and Lilly from the back of the van. Boone gets dragged out from the van by Lilly twenty minutes later, and Boone pulls Javi from his tent because “if I have to be awake so do you Miami.” 

Kate doesn’t leave the RV for the rest of the morning. 

-

“They don’t like me.” You say quietly, drumming your fingers on the car door as Tyler drives to the motel that evening. 

“They barely know you-“

“Cut the shit Tyler, I heard Kate last night.” You say sharply, sending him a cold glare. “They don’t want me here.” You roll out your shoulders, looking back out the window. “If you want me to go back, it’s okay.” 

“And send you back to god knows what?” 

“I’d be fine.”

“Kid, you sounded so damn terrified on that phone — I’m not inclined to turn around and give you back to that fear.”

You swallow around a sigh, feeling Tyler watch you as he drives. 

“Give me a week. Give me a week to make it work. And if you still feel like you need to go back, hell, I’ll pay for your flight.” 

You look at Tyler, noting the serious look in his eyes. 

“Okay. One week.”

-

The next week feels simultaneously long and short in the worst ways. 

Short, in that it feels like your time is running out. 

Long, in that there are no storms to chase, dissipating before the team ever has a chance. 

Long, in that you sit around most days, doing your own research on grants and sponsors and the backgrounds of potential investors and articles on social media growth. 

Long, in that you don’t really talk to any of them, except for the one time you look over at Javi’s computer, just to tell him that his sentence didn’t make any sense. 

Long in that, Kate refuses to be anywhere near you and Boone ignores you and Lilly shuts you out of conversation and Javi sort of looks at you like you’re some sort of alien placed down next to them. 

It’s only on the sixth day, when you’re collecting everything you’ve worked on all week to give to Tyler in the morning before he takes you back, that something happens. 

The storm is too far away for them to chase it, to get any research done, but Tyler and Lilly agree that the team should head in, to be there to help out and hand out food in the aftermath. 

Because, apparently, that’s what this team is known for. 

You feel awkward here, watching the team spring into action. You feel out of place, not knowing what you were supposed to say or do as these people dug through the rubble of their lives. 

You were supposed to help people. Tyler had said you could help people here. 

The team is distracted just enough, that it’s you who catches it, not them. 

The sounds of a cry, somebody softly shushing them. You round a corner, heart breaking at the sight. 

There, a small little boy, maybe around the age of 8, is holding who seems to be his little sister as she cries. 

The poor girl can’t be any older than 3 or 4.

“I want Mom.” She blubbers out and the boy shushes her. 

“I know, sissy, we just gotta-“ The boy looks around helplessly. 

“Hey.” You call out, stepping around the rubble. “Hey, do you need help?” 

The boy nods. “Mom said not to move but-“

You hold your hands out. “Stay where you are, okay? I’ll come get you and your sister alright?” 

The boy nods, clinging to his sister’s hand.  You make your way through the rubble, kicking things out of the way to make a path back before finally reaching the two kids. You kneel down best as you can, leveling yourself to them as you introduce yourself. 

“I’m here to help. Can you tell me your name?” 

“I’m Jack.” The boy says. “This is Bella. She’s bleeding and I can’t find my Mom-“

“Hey, hey.” You soothe. “We’ll get you guys some help and get you out of here, okay? We’ll find your Mom.” You look at Bella. “Bella? Are you okay if I carry you? I’m going to help you find someone to patch that cut up, okay?” Bella nods and Jack lets her go as you scoop her up. You hold out your hand for Jack as the two of you navigate your way out.

As you weave your way through people, you ask Jack soft questions about himself, where he goes to school, if he likes dinosaurs or trucks, distracting him as he talks to you. Once you get the two kids to the EMTs, you duck around the side, in search of someone from your team. 

“Kate.” You call, as she’s sifting through rubble, calling for a dog. She glances over at you. “Hey, I’ve got two little kids here who can’t find their Mom. I’m gonna stay with them but can you let the team know? Just in case anyone sees her.” 

The face Kate makes is difficult to read as she nods. You sigh, making your way back around the truck. 

Bella’s all patched up and Jack is studying the logo on your shirt, lighting up when he recognizes it. 

“Mom lets me watch their YouTube channel sometimes!” 

You scoop Bella back up in your arms, holding a hand out for Jack to jump down as you do. 

“Oh well then I’m guessing you don’t want to come see the tornado-proof truck?” 

-

It’s late in the day when Bella and Jack’s Mom comes running down the street, hysterical. Tyler and Kate aren’t far behind her. 

Her arm is in a sling and there’s a few bumps and bruises on her, but otherwise she’s fine. Both of the kids light up at the sight of their Mom, and she’s tearful, thanking you over and over for helping them, for watching over her babies.

You wave her off, citing babysitting as just another thing you’re used to, a big family and all that. 

It’s as they’re walking away, Dexter asking if you want any food, Jack shouts out. 

They turn back, Bella running back to you with the stuffed animal she’d been holding in hand. You kneel down as she holds it out for you to take, heart aching as you look at the stuffed pig. 

Bella had seen it atop your stuff when you’d taken them in the RV and had been holding it ever since. 

It was one of the few things you had of your life left behind but you know when it’s time to let something go. 

“You keep it okay?” You say softly. “You take care of yourself little Bella?” She wraps her arms around your neck, the stuffie clutched between her little fingers. You return the hug, exhaling as you do. Bella lets you go, returning to her Mom and her brother and you stand back up, wiping at your eyes with the back of your hand. 

“Do you want some food? You’ve been with those kids all day.” Dani says softly, holding the box. 

“How’d you find Mom?” You ask quietly, crossing your arms. 

Tyler sighs. “Was sitting with her the whole afternoon when Kate came down the street, hearing her talk about her missing kids. Kate connected the dots.”

Your arms wrap around yourself tighter. “Kate, I told you I was with those kids. I told you to tell the team in case anybody found Mom.” 

Kate opens her mouth but no words come out as Lilly’s eyes slide between the two of you. 

“Here.” Lilly says gently as she holds the box out, taking it from Dani. “You should eat. Been a long day.”

“I’m not hungry.” You say. “I’m gonna get in the truck, let me know when we’re leaving.” 

-

You sling your backpack over your shoulder, the truck door shutting behind you as you walk up the motel steps. 

The backpack, downsized from your duffel bag as Tyler had gone through the Oklahoma necessities with you, which was hardly anything you owned, feels heavy as you do. 

“Hey.” Kate’s voice calls out. “That was a really nice thing you did for that little girl.” 

Tears sting at your eyes as you push the key into the lock, pressing against the door with your body weight to get the door to unstick. 

You think Tyler says something as you shut the door but under the hot water of the shower rushing down you, you can’t hear anything else.

-

You clear your throat, announcing your presence as you do. Tyler and Kate pause in their conversation as they look over to you. 

You set the folder down in front of Tyler, Javi’s pullover in front of Kate. 

“Just wanted to give these to you. Tyler, do you want me to just wait in the truck?” 

Tyler peeks at the folder as Kate asks “Wait for what?”

“What is all of this?” Tyler asks, flipping through the pages. 

“Research on potential investors and their backgrounds. Just so you guys don’t get into another StormPar situation. There’s some stuff about grants, donors in there. Other stuff I tracked down about how you could grow your social media, ideas I had. There might be a couple of pages about laws on people donating, not sure. It’s everything I’ve done this week. Y’all don’t have to use it but I just thought it might be helpful as lead points.” 

“This is- this is really great stuff.” Tyler remarks. “It’s gonna be a real loss to not have your brain on our team.” 

“Wait - are you leaving?” Kate asks, eyes flying between you and Tyler. 

“I’ll meet you at the truck.” You say, turning to leave. You think you hear Kate repeat the question to Tyler, but you shut the door to the RV before you can hear their conversation further. Across the parking lot, Javi calls out, but you wave him off as you climb into the passenger seat of Tyler’s truck. 

Your heart feels heavy as you look at your own Javy’s contact. 

It would be so easy to pick up the phone, to tell him you made a mistake, to beg him to let you come home. 

He would too, and he would pick you up from the airport, and he’d wash the Oklahoma from your skin, and he’d hold you through the loss. 

But then you remember Jake’s defeated look as the two of you had assessed the damage, the way he’d asked you to lie. 

You remember the blood-

A startled gasp leaves you as someone knocks on the window. 

It’s Kate. 

You roll down the window.

“You’re leaving?” 

You eye her, unsure why she appears to be almost nervous, fingernails digging into the soft flesh of her arms. 

“Yeah?” 

“Why?” 

You shrug, surveying the team in the parking lot. “It just didn’t work out. I didn’t fit here.” 

“But-“ She worries her bottom lip. “Where will you go?” 

“I’ll figure it out.” You say simply.

You’d have to because you knew the alternative would be devastating to everyone you’d ever known. 

She sighs, eyes flickering to Tyler, who’s moving closer. “Well, we’re headed to my Mom’s tonight. You should stay one more night. You’ve never even had real Oklahoma barbecue.”

A dry laugh escapes you without your permission. “Kate, what are you playing at here?”

She seems shocked, not expecting your question. “What do you mean?” 

You roll your eyes, huffing. “Kate, c’mon, you told Tyler you didn’t want me here.” 

Her face drops as her arms fall by her sides. “You heard that?” She says quietly. 

“Yeah.”

She licks her lips. “Look, I ain’t good with new people. I’m- It’s a me thing.” She looks down, scuffing her boot on the ground. “It’s my problem and I misjudged you. I’m sorry. Give me another night to show you how it could be.” 

“Why the hell would I stay to see how it could be when I know at this moment I’m not wanted here?” 

“I do.” She says softly. “Want you here. I was wrong and I’m sorry.” 

You let out breath through your nose, meeting Tyler’s eyes through the windshield. 

You think of Dexter’s food, Javi’s pullover, Dani and Lilly’s gentle insistence you feed yourself last night. 

You think of the Louisiana area code sitting open on your phone right now. 

“One night, Kate.”

-

“I sure am sorry you’ll have to sleep on the floor. I just wasn’t expecting an extra person from the crew but we can make sure you have somewhere to sleep tomorrow night-“ 

You cut her off, holding your hands out for the dishes from dinner. “That’s very kind of you Ms. Cooper, but I’m just fine sleeping on the floor.” 

“Please, I keep telling you to just call me Cathy and, well, you could stay in Kate’s bed?” Cathy offers as you take the plates from her. 

“Think you’d find my throat slit tomorrow.” You mutter and Tyler barks out a laugh. 

“You deserved that one Kate.” 

Cathy turns to her daughter, a look on her face. “What did you do?”

Kate pulls a face, holding her hands out. “What- Nothing, Mom!” 

Cathy hums, eyebrows furrowing but you cut them off. “The floor is just fine, Ms. Cooper. Um, do you mind pointing me in the direction of the bathroom so I could change?”

-

“Do Tyler and Kate have a thing?” You ask, taking a sip of the hot chocolate Lilly had made as Javi chuckles next to you. 

You’re watching the group fight over Uno, you and Javi sat in front of a puzzle. 

“They did at one point. When they first met, but they burned out pretty fast. Figured out they were better off as friends.” You hum and Javi’s grin grows. “Why, you thinking you want to start something up with Owens?” 

You blanch and shake your head. “No, I think I’ve more than had my fill on macho thrill seekers for this lifetime.”

Javi lets out a laugh, a real one, for the first time all week. You smile, thinking of how Tyler would fit in with those pilots like he’d always belonged there. 

You were all set on those types.

Kate though…

If Kate hadn’t been so cold to you, Kate would’ve been the type of girl you could see yourself falling for. 

Witty, bright, a soft smile always worn on her face. She’s at ease here and it makes your heart hurt to see. You want to someday be as at ease as she looks, wedged in between Boone and Dexter, the brightest smile you’ve seen from her on her face. 

“So how the hell does a city girl like you find herself in Oklahoma?”

You slide a puzzle piece into place. “I don’t, I don’t really want to talk about it, if that’s okay.” 

Javi sighs, quiet for a minute. “Look, I’m sorry we were so off-putting when you first got here. We’re a tight knit group and we’ve been through a lot together. And-“

“Javi.” You cut him off with a tight smile. “You don’t have to explain. I get it, okay? You guys aren't the first group to not want me around and you won’t be the last, alright?”

He heaves a breath, an unreadable look on his face. “Just- if anyone might understand the things you’re running from, it would be us.”

“Who says I’m running?”

Javi raises an eyebrow and you sigh, setting the pieces you’re sorting through down. 

“Look, I’m not running. I’m just- I’m just trying to leave something behind.” 

Javi studies you for a few minutes as you set back to work on the puzzle. 

“Shame you and Kate can’t get along. You two are more alike than you think.”

-

You awake with a start, fingers clenching in unfamiliar fabric. 

“Are you okay?” Someone asks softly and you blink, Kate coming into focus. 

Right, you had- you had slept next to her last night after she’d worn you down. You couldn’t deny how nice it had sounded to sleep in a real bed. 

“Fine.” You breathe, willing yourself to forget the shouts of a friend left behind.

She frowns as she pulls her pants on. “I’m, uh, sorry for waking you up. Gotta help Mom with the cows.” 

You wave a hand, pulling yourself to sit up in the bed. “Want a hand?” 

“Mom would kill me if I let a guest help. Why don’t you get some more sleep, okay?”

You lay back down as she quietly ducks out of the room, but you know sleep won’t come. 

You’re restless so you pull yourself from the bed, padding down the staircase and sitting in one of the chairs on the porch. Tyler appears a minute later, an extra coffee mug in hand. You take it from him with a quiet thank you before the two of you start to watch Kate. 

“So California, are we gonna talk about it?” Tyler asks. 

You sigh as Tyler kicks his feet out. “Well, you’re gonna ask me questions I don’t want to answer and I’m gonna ask you ones you don’t want to answer, so unless you want to start copping to some things…”

Tyler shakes his head. “Won’t talk about it then, California.”

You eye him. “I’d prefer it if you didn’t call me that. Sort of hard to leave that life behind when you keep calling me that.”

“You gonna stay?” Tyler asks, looking over at you. 

You shrug, finger running over the rim of the mug. “I don’t know that I should.”

“I know it’s been a rough start with them.” Tyler sighs, shoulders hiked up. “But they’re good people.” 

“I don’t doubt that.” 

“You’re good people too.”

“Doesn’t make me a good fit here.”

Tyler sighs. “It’s my fault, I should’ve approached it a different way. But if you leave, we’d really be missing out. You’ve got those fancy degrees and you’re smart and you’re one fucking selfless girl. We could use someone like you around.” 

Kate and her Mom appear, Kate’s bright smile appearing as she pulls herself onto the railing of the porch. 

“You guys hungry? I’m gonna go get started on breakfast.” 

“Starved.”

“Wanna come see the barn?” Kate asks you as her Mom opens the screen door. 

“Now hang on, California ain’t said if she’s staying. No reason to show her the barn if she’s gonna be leaving.” 

You sigh, look down at the mug you can feel going cold. You rub your thumb over the Oklahoma written into the side as you think of Kate’s smile, of Tyler’s kindness, of Dexter’s food, of Javi’s pullover that had somehow ended back up in your bag after giving it back to Tyler and Kate yesterday. 

You blink, looking back up at them. “Okay. Yeah, okay, I’ll stay."

ii.

[all-purpose-dish-soap]

Hi, for the wip ask game, bff Soap Hurt Comfort? :') please and thank you!

for the wip ask game--lighter, sweeter bff!Soap. you're meeting him at the airport. he's coming home after being MIA. scared you to death.

this one is short, so here it is edited + posted in full. for the hurt/comfort girlies :)

600 words / 23

…

“Thought you couldna live without me, eh?”

You tackle Soap in a hug, tactical gear and all. "Shut up. Shut up. God, you're alive."

He laughs and returns the embrace. "Too stubborn to die. I thought I told you not to worry about me."

You grip the straps on the back of his vest and keep your face in his chest to hide the tears threatening to track down your cheeks. "You can't just say that and go MIA. They talked about putting your name on a memorial and everything."

"You know me. Always gotta do things my way."

"Your way is stupid."

He chuckles and rubs your back. "Yeah, I'm stupid. I've missed you, though. I haven't stopped thinkin' bout you."

"Really? Cause I..." The dam breaks. You can't stop the flood of hot, angry tears. "I missed you too." Then you start sobbing. God, it's embarrassing. But you refuse to let go of him.

He strokes your hair. "Hen, don't cry. Please. I'm here and I'm not goin' anywhere. I'm your man, aye?"

You shake your head, stubbornly refusing to move.

He rests his cheek on you. "I don't want you to be sad. I'll make it up to you, I promise. I love you."

Hearing him say that just makes your heart skip before the tears come out faster. You love him, too, more than a friend should. How could anyone not fall in love with him? He's Johnny. It's just that you were always too chickenshit to tell him. You thought you lost your chance.

"Come on, look at me."

"No," you mutter, refusing to unbury your face from his shirt. Scared to, maybe. "I don't want you to make it up to me. I want to stay here."

"That's no problem. We can stay here for however long. I just need to know you're not upset at me. I can't stand seein' you sad. Makes me sad."

You sniff. "You deserve it."

"Aye, I do. But what can I do to cheer you up'?"

"Nothing," you mumble into his chest. "I've been crying for two weeks because of you."

You try to collect yourself anyway, wiping your eyes with your sleeve. His squadmates stand a little ways away from the terminal, looking curious at this scene you're causing. This isn't exactly how you wanted to meet them. You're supposed to be Johnny's cool best friend, not a weepy mess.

Johnny recaptures your attention, wiping away a stray tear track with his thumb. "You've been cryin' about me?"

You shove him, but it's light and there's no anger in it. "Of course I have, asshole, you're my best friend. They said you were MIA. Why wouldn't I cry?"

He grins. "But I'm here now, though. Could use a wee bit of comforting myself. You mind?"

You sniff, nodding as you press your sleeves into your eyes one more time to dry them. He's right. He's the one who's been away from home for a month. Probably endured some draconian shit, missing for two weeks and all. But the way he's looking at you through those blue eyes of his... it's not fair how easy it is to fall under his spell again.

"Yeah. I guess. What do you want? More fawning and crying?"

He laughs softly and pulls you into another tight hug. He presses a kiss to your temple, and you have to act like it doesn't make your heart explode into tiny pieces. He rests his chin on the top of your head, content to keep you here, totally enveloped in his frame. "Mm, that'll do. Just to start."

...

wip ask game / more Soap / masterlist tag

[cjlouwho]

Twelve Christmases

chapter tags: discussions of a burn victim (nothing graphic), discussions of suicide and mental health, very brief mentions of things that happened in past chapters (Tommy's mom, military, red handkerchief, implied noncon), anxiety, depression, background character death, Tommy calls the crisis hotline

read below or on ao3

Day 10: 2022

“I'm calling Roberts in early, you can go home.”

“Captain Marks-”

“No, Kinard! What you did out there was careless. You could've gotten yourself killed.”

“And if I'd done nothing, that man would be dead.”

“He's gonna wish he were dead if he ever wakes up! He's got third degree burns on over seventy percent of his body! I don't mean to be harsh, Tommy, but you risked your life for a dead man walking!”

“So?” 

Marks took a deep breath, sitting back in his chair. “I'm gonna pretend I didn't just hear you say that. I know emotions are high right now, but you know as well as I do I can't have a pilot that isn't concerned about whether they live or die.”

“That's not-”

“Stop talking, Kinard,” Marks warned. “You're on the ground for five shifts, I'll reevaluate things myself after that. If I have any hesitation, for even a moment, about your intentions here, you're getting a psych eval. That'll put you on the ground forever. You understand me?”

Tommy pursed his lips, nodding his head. “I understand.”

“Good. Now, go home, enjoy the rest of your Christmas, come back next shift with a clear head.”

*****

By the time Tommy got home, it was nearing ten o'clock at night. His brain was a jumbled mess. It didn't seem to matter how many times he hit the punching bag in his garage, it was never enough.

After a quick shower, he thought about laying down.

But even the idea of that made him want to crawl out of his skin.

So, he began to pace.

He paced, and paced, and paced, with his hands on his hips. From the living room, to the kitchen, down the hall, and back again.

It all felt like too much. He wasn't just thinking about today. He was thinking about his mom. He was thinking about the military. He was thinking about the red handkerchief. He was thinking about waking up in a stranger's apartment with no clue what happened the night before.

He was thinking, thinking, thinking, pacing, pacing, pacing, and he needed it all to stop.

Just stop!

So he did something he never thought he'd do.

He wasn't even sure what made him do it.

All he remembered was pulling his phone out of his pocket and dialing the number.

988.

“988 crisis lifeline, this is Penny. How can I help you today?”

He froze.

“Hello? Is anyone there?”

He swallowed. Closed his eyes.

“I'm here.”

“Oh, good. May I ask who I'm speaking with?”

“Tommy,” no attempt to try for a fake name.

“Hi, Tommy! I'm Penny. I know I said it before, but I like to make sure the people I speak to heard me. Tommy, ca-”

“I'm not... I don't wanna kill myself,” Tommy interrupted, needing to make it clear. “I just needed someone to talk to.”

“Okay.” Her voice was soothing, familiar almost. A voice that Tommy hadn't heard in years. “That's what I'm here for, Tommy. What's on your mind?”

He tried to think of what to say. Tried to figure out the perfect way to start the conversation.

He was usually so put together.

But everything felt off.

“I hate Christmas.”

He wasn't sure why that was the first thing that popped into his brain at this moment, but it was out there now.

“A lot of people have complex feelings about holidays. It can be tough sometimes, no doubt about it.”

The tiny admission seemed to open a floodgate for Tommy. “My mom was thirty-eight when she died, and I'm thirty-eight now,” he explained. He was sure the words coming out of his mouth were just as jumbled as the thoughts in his head. “And she- she didn't die around Christmas. She actually died in June, so I don't know why I keep thinking about her today of all days, but I do. Not just her; I'm thinking about a lot of things. But it all sort of leads back to her at the end, I guess.”

“Was Christmas important to her?” Penny asked.

“She loved it when I was really little. Always liked looking at the lights and taking me to the mall to pick out things I wanted. I think my dad ruined Christmas for her though.”

“He wasn't big on the holiday?”

“He wasn't big on family. Looking back, I can see how being with him changed her. I didn't recognize it back then.”

“You were young. She probably didn't want you to recognize it.”

Tommy sighed, giving himself a moment to gather his thoughts. “She didn't get thirty-nine Christmases, you know? And that doesn't really seem fair. Because I'm here for my thirty-ninth Christmas and I don't even like the damn day. She deserved more. She deserved better.”

“It's never easy to understand why the people we love get taken from us too soon. It can be especially difficult when we lose them as a child.”

Tommy let out a humorless laugh. “She didn't get taken from me,” he bit out, “she left me.”

There was a pause on the line, then, “I'm sorry?”

“Yeah, she uh, she made that choice to leave herself. Stuck me with my dad, who never really gave a crap about me in the first place, and she... she was just gone.”

“I'm sorry about that, Tommy. That's a lot to have to deal with as a kid.”

“I don't ever talk about it, about her. I don't really have anyone to talk about it with. My dad never cared for emotions, so I just plaster a smile on my face and put my shoulders back and keep going.” Tommy shook his head, clearing his throat and wiping away the tears that were pooling in his eyes. “That's not why I called though. Not because of her.”

“Okay,” Penny replied. “Tell me why you called, Tommy.”

Tommy rolled his shoulders, trying to rid himself of some of the tension running through his body. “I did something stupid at work today, and I knew better. I just didn't care.”

“Can you tell me what happened?”

“I work for the fire department. I'm a firefighter pilot, but today I was on the ground. We were called to a fire at this house- well, more like a mansion- and we thought we had the place cleared. Then the daughter started yelling for her dad. I headed back inside and found him, um,” Tommy paused, taking in a shaky breath.

“It's okay, Tommy. Take your time.”

“He- He was at the source of the fire. A fairly large space heater exploded and the fire had spread quickly. The house was about to collapse, and I was being told to get out, but I stayed. Long story short, I was able to get the man out right before the structure collapsed. He was severely burned though. If he makes it, and it's a big if, he's going to wish he hadn't. My captain won't let me fly for a while now. Sent me home early.” He let out a humorless laugh. “I wasn't even supposed to work today. I took the shift because I hate this damn holiday.”

“You've mentioned that three times now,” Penny noted.

“What?”

“How much you dislike Christmas. Tommy, do you think that maybe the risk you took today had something to do with the fact it's Christmas? Emotions were already high, making you take risks you wouldn't usually take?”

“Hm,” Tommy hummed. “Maybe? I don't really know though, because I feel like I'm ready to take those same risks any day, anytime. I said it before, and I meant it, I'm not trying to die. I just... I don't think I care if I do. It didn't matter to me if I didn't make it out. We're all gonna die someday, you know? That's what I always figure. What's it matter if it's now?”

“I think it would matter to the people who love you. The people who care about you.”

“I don't think I know anyone well enough for them to be affected by my death.”

“Well, it would matter to me,” Penny replied matter-of-factly, and Tommy couldn't help but let out a laugh.

“I dunno, I can be kind of a bitch sometimes.”

“Thank God for that, I'd hate it if you were too perfect.”

“Well, I never said I wasn't perfect. Perfect and bitch can go together, right?”

“I think it's a great pairing.”

A smile lingered on Tommy's face. He couldn't remember the last time he spoke to someone so openly. “Penny?”

“I'm here.”

“Would you stay on the phone with me until Christmas is over?”

“Honey,” she answered, Tommy softening at the name, “I can honestly say there's nowhere else I'd rather be.”

Penny stayed on the phone with him until 12:01. She was willing to stay on the line longer, but by the time Tommy had watched the clock strike midnight, he was ready to go to bed.

He felt better. A little lighter than he had in a while.

He'd been in bed for about fifteen minutes, and was just dozing off when his phone buzzed.

It was Captain Marks.

The man from the house fire died on the operating table.

I know you wanted to save him, Tommy.

Unfortunately we can't save them all.

Tommy stared at the texts for a good ten minutes before switching over to the phone app and dialing 988 again.

[dsireland86]

Hi! Could I request something with Matt? Where the reader and Matt always dance the line between friends and something more and it irritates the others that they keep denying it?

Thanks!

Another Matt One-Shot! Thank you 😊

Denial

Tags: @philomenie @supersquirrel1996 @foliosgirl @angelmarie89 @fadingintothegrey @theanarchymuse95 @thisbicc @lma1986 @dominuslunae @shayzillaaaa @fadingintothegrey

The box fell over, dumping most of its contents onto the floor. Y/N growled, frustrated with how the day was already going, and it wasn't even noon yet. She was starting to rethink her decision in helping Matt declutter the warehouse, thinking it would have been best if she'd just stayed in bed and shut the world out.

"Hey, let me help," came a soft voice. Matt bent down and helped Y/N toss the cables and extra pieces back into the box. 

"You alright? You seem a little stressed this morning." 

"Yeah," Y/N sighed. "Well, no. The water in my apartment building got turned off last night because of a busted pipe, leaving me with no shower, no coffee, and little tolerance."

"Shit, I'm sorry! Why didn't you say anything?"

Y/N shrugged. "Didn't want to complain, I guess. There's nothing you can do about it, unless you know how to fix a busted water pipe."

Matt grinned, draping an arm over her shoulder. He pulled her close, running his hand up and down the side of her shoulder. The sweet, affectionate gesture made Y/N's body shiver, stirring the pot of swirling emotions for Matt inside her.

"No, I can't, but I can offer you a hot shower and a hot cup of coffee over at my place once we're done here, if that'll help."

Y/N blushed, lowering her head to escape embarrassment.

"Sorry, was that too much?"

"No, no, no, it's fine!" she assured him with a smile. "I really appreciate the offer."

Her fingers found Matt's fingers that were around her shoulder, briefly lacing them together. The way her touch made Matt feel was insatiable, causing him to shift from the increased pressure against his shorts.

"Yeah?" Matt's stomach flipped inside him, and his heart was pounding.

"Yeah," she smiled again.

Y/N picked up the box and carried it over to Matt's work table, sitting it down. She glanced Matt's way once more, grinning like a schoolgirl, before turning and walking away with the brightest smile on her face.

"Man, you've got to tell her, Matt. It's obvious she's into you," Noah stated, coming up behind him. He clamped his hand down on Matt's shoulder.

"Tell her what?"

Noah gawked at Matt. "Really?"

Matt shrugged.

"You like her. You know you do. She likes you. Why are you both denying it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Noah. I don't like her like that. Y/N and I are just friends. She's been talking to some other guy anyway, so yeah."

"So," Noah shrugged. "Doesn't mean anything."

Matt's face fell.

"Whatever. I'm not discussing my personal life with you right now. I've got too much on my mind.

"Dude, she likes you. You like her. Just admit it."

Matt sighed loudly.

"Whatever. Go," shooing Noah away.

Matt did like Y/N, a lot, but he was scared as hell to admit it. She didn't feel the same about him. There was no way. He was her boss and had been for almost a year, never picking up on any of the same vibes that he felt towards her. He was just trying to be nice, regardless of how crazy she made him feel.

Throughout the day, Y/N and Matt continued their weird awkwardness around each other. Whether it was apologizing to the other if they had accidently knocked into each other or hands brushing against hands as they reached for the same thing, Matt and Y/N were fighting the truth like a bull, choosing to stay in complete denial about their feelings for one another

"If they don't kiss or do something, soon, I'm gonna lose it," Jolly commented to Noah and Nick. "Have you seen the two of them today? What hell is up with that?"

The three looked over at Matt and Y/N, who were working through a box of computer parts together. Her giggles and his smiles were giving all of them tooth aches.

"God. Matt is being ridiculous," Nick chuckled.

Noah sighed, plopping down on the couch and stretching his long arms over the back. "Just wait. Something's going to happen. Knowing Matt, he won't be able to handle it much longer."

"Why do you say that?"

Noah raised an eyebrow, twisting the ring on his right hand.

"Matt's an impatient person. When he wants something, he'll just take it."

Jolly hummed. "So, what you're saying is that by tomorrow, Matt and Y/N will have slept together?"

Noah grinned, cocking an eyebrow.

"No way." Jolly disagreed.

"You wanna make a bet?"

Jolly narrowed his eyes, staring at Noah.

"Fifty dollars says she doesn't."

Noah stuck his hand out. "Deal."

"Hey, Y/N, you want this last Celsius in here," Folio asked, buried in the refrigerator.

"Mmm, I think that's Matt's. Doesn't he get really mad when people take his drinks, especially if it's the last one?"

Folio peered at her from around the side of the fridge. "Well, yeah, but it's you. He won't care."

"Who won't care about what?" Matt asked, casually forcing his way into the conversation.

"You won't care if Y/N takes your last can of Celsius."

"Oh, no, go ahead. Maybe it'll make up for that missing cup of coffee this morning." Matt winked at Y/N, making her smile.

"See," Folio noted. Y/N chuckled.

Matt stopped next to her and just stared at her for a moment.

"You okay?" she asked, skeptically.

He nodded as a small smile spread over his lips. Y/N grinned, looking down again.

"God, the two of you are ridiculous," Folio groaned, closing the fridge and handing Y/N the energy drink.

"Just fucking sleep together, already and put us all out of misery."

"Folio, what the fuck, dude!"

"What! It's obvious you two like each other."

"Oh, no," Y/N denied, shaking her head. Matt looked at her as if her words stung.

"Well," she shrugged nervously, "you're my boss. That's all."

Matt shoved his hands in his pockets, looking away.

"See, I'm her boss. Sleeping together would be out of the question," he stated, glancing over at Y/N, who opened the can of Celsius and took a long sip.

"These are the last two freaking boxes," Y/N sighed, dropping the ones in her arms with a thud. Matt gave her a stern look, raising an eyebrow.

"Hopefully, there's nothing valuable in there."

"Really? Matt, we've gone through forty boxes, and not one thing in any of them is valuable."

"Well, maybe forty-one and forty-two will be different."

"Make that forty-three," Nicholas corrected, dropping one more box on top of the other two.

"Ugh," Y/N groaned, scowling at Matt. "I just want to shower."

"Alright, look, take my keys," Matt said, pulling them from his pocket. "Take my car, go to your apartment and get whatever you need for your shower, then go to my house and take one. Use all the hot water if you want to, I don't care. I'll get one of the guys to bring me home."

Y/N stared at Matt, her eyes etched with curiosity.

"Are you sure? I mean, I don't want to inconvenience you or anything."

"You're not. Honest," Matt assured her, with a soft grin.

Y/N's lips curled into a sweet smile, graciously accepting the offer.

"I won't make a mess. And I won't use all your hot water. You won't even know I was there."

Matt nodded, watching as Y/N turned around and walked out of the warehouse, silently hoping she would wreck his entire house.

Matt pulled the spare key out from the small box behind the planter, unlocking the door. His two boys greeted him with wagging tails and hand licks, so excited that dad was home and after plenty of pets, kisses, and outside potty breaks, Matt finally climbed the stairs to check if Y/N was still in the shower. It was quiet, not a trace of running water.

"Y/N?"

Matt checked the spare bathroom first, hoping Y/N didn't choose to use it; not when he had the huge walk in one in his bathroom. To his disappointment, she had, which honestly didn't surprise him.

"Y/N?" Matt called out again. Her stuff was still in the bathroom, so she had to be here somewhere.

Going back downstairs, Matt checked the kitchen and the living room, stopping immediately when he glanced over the couch. Y/N was curled up under a blanket, fast asleep. She was a beautiful sight to see, so relaxed and at peace, making Matt's heart race.Kneeling down next to her and gently brushing strands of hair away from her face, Matt watched Y/N sleep, focusing on all the pretty little things about her he had never noticed before. After a few minutes, he decided that a bed would better suit Y/N than the couch. Carefully lifting her, he carried her upstairs and laid her down gently in the comfort of his bed.

It was pitch black when Y/N awoke to the sound of silence. Wiping the sleep from her eyes, she looked around, trying to figure out where she was. The touch of a hand on her lower back startled her, but the voice did not.

"Hey," came the sleepy voice of Matt as he rolled over on his side. By now the dim light from the hall seeped into the darkness, creating the right amount of light for them to see each other.

"Hey."

"You fell asleep on the couch."

"Yeah. I'm sorry, Matt. I didn't mean to. I just,"

"It's fine, Y/N," Matt said, scooting closer to her. "You don't have to apologize."

"You sure?" Y/N sounded so uncertain that Matt was being honest and it bothered him.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Why do you always question me when I say it's okay?"

Matt sat up next to her, their shoulders touching. Her being this close to him was really messing with his head and his heart.

"I don't know," Y/N, huffed a laugh looking away. But Matt stopped her.

"And why do you always look away from me when I'm trying to be nice to you," laying his hand over her cheek to pull her back so that he could look at her.

Through the soft glow of the moon and the hall lights, Y/N never looked more beautiful to Matt than she did right now, with messy hair and sleepy eyes. He was captivated by her, afraid to look anywhere else but at her. His thumb trailed back and forth over her lips as they continued staring at one another and the utter silence was the perfect setting for the light sound of only their heartbeats.

Matt's eyes darted between Y/N's.

"How have I never noticed how beautiful you are?"

Y/N shrugged. "I'm pretty average."

"Whatever. Don't even pretend you don't know how incredibly sexy and amazing you are."

Y/N just stared at Matt. "If you say so."

"I do. You're pretty perfect."

"Oh god, Matt! I'm a ridiculous mess," Y/N groaned, bringing her hands to her face.

"Hey, no you're not. Come here." Matt pulled Y/N towards him, shifting their bodies until she was sitting between his legs, up against his chest.

"Good?" 

Y/N nodded, leaning all the way back against him. Matt was warm and comfortable, making it even better when his arms came around and wrapped around her.

"Is this okay?"

... "Better than okay," she sighed, resting her head against his shoulder.

Matt leaned over and placed a soft kiss on the side of her temple. The feeling of his lips on her skin made Y/N shiver.

"Goosebumps," Matt whispered against her ear, his hands trailing up and down her arms.

"Matt," she whimpered in the dark, her voice trembling.

He kissed the side of her face and this time she tilted her head so he could get a better angle. The feeling of Matt's lips gliding along her skin made Y/N clench her thighs together. This was wrong. He was her boss, her friend. But why did it feel so right?

"Matt, what are we?" she softly asked as his hands found hers.

"We don't have to be anything. I'm tired of people trying to label us."

"You know the others already think we're something, right?

"I had a feeling."

"Are they right?"

"You tell me, Y/N," Matt answered, lacing his fingers through hers. She shifted, turning around and facing him.

"I think you know what we are, Matt. I think you just want me to be the first to say it."

Matt clenched his jaw tight, unable to hide the way his body was reacting towards her. He was dying to tell her the truth, yet scared she'd run away. But then she surprised him by wrapping her arms around his neck and throwing her legs on either side of him, pulling herself up into his lap. Y/N gasped lightly the moment she felt his hard length press against her core, causing Matt to grunt.

"Then say it, Y/N. Tell me what we are, what you want, and I'll give it to you, whatever it is."

The desperate, yet promising look in Matt's eyes was enough for Y/N. With her arms around his neck, she leaned into him and kissed him, softly at first, hoping this wasn't a mistake. She pulled back, looking at Matt's reaction. His eyes were blown wide with surprise yet with a hungry need for more.

"I can't lie anymore, Matt. I want you, and not just as a one night stand."

Matt smiled, slipping his hands around her face, pulling her back in for another heated kiss, this time harder.

"I'm all yours baby. I'm not going anywhere," he promised, pulling back for a moment to look at her. "And fuck, don't ever stop looking at me like the way you are right now."

Y/N giggled, throwing herself back into another kiss with Matt.

"Baby, I can't hold back anymore," Matt groaned the second she pressed her core harder against his erection. "I want you, right here, now," he panted between her kisses.

"Then take me, Matt. I'm yours."

Matt gazed at her for a moment, hoping that what she was saying was true.

"You're serious? No fucking with my head?"

Y/N smiled, grabbing the waistband of her shorts and pulling them off her. Because it was dark, Matt couldn't see her, but he didn't have to. Y/N took his hand and placed it directly between her legs, letting him feel how wet she was for him.

"I'm yours, Matthew. Only yours."

With neither one of them denying their feelings any longer, her promise was all Matt needed. Slipping two fingers instantly inside her, he claimed Y/N as his by making her cum on just his fingers alone. It was unlike anything Matt had ever felt before. She made him feel powerful, fully in charge and capable of anything. Their love making for the first time changed everything for both of them. There was no fear, no questions, just wanting and love, neither one of them able to get enough of the other. The room was filled with nothing but moonlight and moans, cries of passion and groans of ecstasy mixed with the smell of sweat and sex. It was unlike anything they had ever experienced. It was love; pure, undoubting, unwavering love.

[sstardustt3]

Johnny cade headcannonsss

Authors notes- um so my writers block is gone (yipeee) and I decided that from now on this is just going to be a general writing account instead of something focused exclusively on one fandom (I'm still gonna do creepypasta stuff dw) but I didn't realize how much writing for one singular thing burns the fuck out of you so I'm doing this because it's much more easier and I'm gonna upload more because I'm on summer break. Anyways I'm on an outsiders kick rn so this is the result of it

tags/ warnings- mentions of abuse, johnny being a gossip whore, angst, fluff, johnny thinking negatively about himself, brief mention of romance, someone please give him a hug-

-Johnny is really fucking strong despite looking kinda scrawny but he believes no one when they tell him this (he thinks they're just trying to make him more confidant)

-If he did have a s/o then nine times out of then they've asked him to carry them everywhere

-he hates physical contact he can't stand it especially if he's not ready for it like if you hug him from behind. mostly because everytime someone touches him it's to hurt him but also another is because he just hates being surprised

-his body is so unbelievably cold all the time that even if there was a heat wave in the area at like 120*f he would still feel like he's on the brink of dying from hypothermia

-something he picked up from Dally is being rude to people for like no reason he doesn't even do it intentionally he just kinda says the most outlandish rude shit about people and does not even realize it

-adding onto things he's picked up from hanging with dally is how to talk to girls, contrary to popular belief he's actually not (completely) clueless with girls and he can sweet talk if he really wants to (he starts off stumbling like an idiot though)

-he's failling a good percentage of his classes for half the year because he figured that he wasn't gonna go far in life even if he didn't end up dead by 18 and his parents don't care about him enough to check his report cards

-at the end of the year the week before you can't do any more retakes and turn in late work he'll just do everything in one go because he doesn't really wanna be held back (he ends up passing with b's and c's)

-he's actually really good at making shit he has a drawer full of small little trinkets he's made in his spare time

-he learned how to make things to pass the time because before the gang he really didn't have friends and he didn't have a good excuse to go out anyway so he just locked himself in his room and began making things out of paper and rearranging action figures he stole from the junkyard or from second-hand stores

-more than half of his creations look like the shit Sid from toy story made

-he's so oblivous when people like him it's ridiculous and when he does realize they like him he just kinda is like "oh...oh...OH?!!!"

-even when he does like them back his first instance is to distance himself from them he thinks it's something that'll like pass

-he's dyslexic which is why he always makes Ponyboy do his English homework and read his homework to him in general

-adding onto the headcanon about him being cold all the time, for that very reason you'll never catch him out of him dead out of his jacket (well I guess that's not true bc he died without it but wtv)

-another reason is that he has a lot of scarring and bruises from his parents that he hates seeing

-dally was the first person to meet Johnny and he was kinda like "damn look at that little possum...it's coming home with me" and when he asked Johnny his name he had mumbled it so when he said it it sounded like Johnny cakes so for like half a year dally called him that before randomly correcting him

"yeah, so johnny cakes here-"

"Johnny Cade."

"huh? What you say, little man?"

"My name's Johnny Cade, not Johnny Cakes."

"..."

"..."

"are you serious-"

-Johnny's a gossip whore whether he admits it or not. the perks of being quiet and going unnoticed is that people will say there business loud and proud in front of you because they have forgotten you were even there.

-he will without a doubt tell Ponyboy after.

-and since Ponyboy has little to no understanding of the meaning of keeping things to himself he will in fact tell the rest of the gang

*requests for hcs/ or fics are always welcome*

[simpingforstardew]

misty [chapter two]

pairing: sdv harvey x reader

synopsis: harvey has always been a man of routine and order— although just as he begins to tire of his life in pelican town, a new farmer moves to the valley and turns his life around. chapter two.

warnings: some angst in this one (tw/ description of familial death). pure fluff and romance; eventual smut, but that'll be tagged when the time comes !! please enjoy my harvey playlist while you read ♡ (this is crossposted from ao3).

word count: 1.6k

<< last chapter | next chapter >>

The Stardrop Saloon, bathed in the soft glow of warm, dim lighting, welcomes its patrons with a comforting ambiance. The air carried the distinct aroma of aged wood and the faint scent of a crackling fireplace, giving the bar a rustic charm. The gentle hum of conversation mixed with the mellow tunes emanating from the vintage jukebox, creating an intimate symphony that echoed throughout the space.

In the games lounge, a haven within the heart of the saloon, the atmosphere took on a relaxed and casual vibe. Two arcade machines stand as silent sentinels; their screens flicker with pixelated adventures. The soft glow of the games cast dancing shadows on the well-worn couches nearby, a testament to the countless conversations and moments that must have been shared over the years. Adjacent stands the pool table adorned with worn-out felt and scarred by countless games. A haphazard arrangement of colourful pool balls wait patiently for their turn, illuminated by the warm glow of an overhead light.

“What the fuck? Fired?” Shane’s disbelief echoed through the saloon, as the cue ball he hits ricochets off the side of the pool table, “Just like that?”

“Yep,” You chuckle— both at the absurdity of your own misfortune, and Shane’s awful shot “HR claimed my ‘extended bereavement’ could lead to ‘performance issues’ and ‘wasting company resources’… Whatever that means”

Shane let out a snort, taking a swig of his beer. “And here I thought working in retail was a special kind of hell. Turns out even the corporate suits have their own issues.”

You accepted the pool cue he passed your way, unable to resist a playful jab, “Thanks, Shane. You’re making me feel so much better.”

The short man scoffs, grabbing his beer from the table behind him to take a long sip. “Just sayin’, you dodged a bullet getting the fuck outta there.”

Chuckling, you circled the pool table, searching for the perfect shot, “Well, it’s not all bad. Getting the boot from Joja pushed me to embrace farm life here. Guess I’m lucky in a weird way.”

“Yeah, lucky you,” he deadpanned, though a glimmer of curiosity flickered in his eyes. His attempt at sarcasm faltered as your shot proved victorious, sinking the 8-ball with a delicate tap.

“Talk shit all you want, but it seems like my luck’s holding up pretty well considering I just wiped the floor with you.” You flashed a triumphant grin, leaning the pool cue against the wall. Shane’s stoic exterior cracked, and for a moment, a genuine smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“Beginner’s luck,” he huffed, yet the twinkle in his eye hinted at a begrudging acceptance of your presence, “That kinda luck doesn’t count.”

“Yeah, yeah— A win is a win, Shane!” You shrug on your coat with a smile, heading towards the front door of the saloon, “You owe me a drink next time I’m here!”

Without turning to see Shane roll his eyes, you step out into the quiet darkness of the night. Your smile quickly fades as the door of the saloon swings shut, leaving behind the warmth of the bar. As you enter the town square, a serene hush settles over Pelican Town, its sett streets bathe in the soft, ambient glow of vintage street lamps scattered along the thoroughfare. The spring breeze carries the distant melody of an insectile symphony, the noise of crickets underscoring the serene ambiance that envelopes the town.

Strolling through unfamiliar streets under the moonlit sky, your steps echo against the rough cobblestones beneath you. Your shoulders are hunched against the night chill and your gaze remains fixed on the ground, a mosaic of uneven stones beneath your feet. Each step whispers a story of the town’s resilience, of seasons changing, and the curious rhythm of life in Pelican Town.

Once inside the farmhouse, however, you realize that you have made a grave misstep. Arranging for your grandfather’s funeral, clearing your new land of trees and shrubbery, drinking with the townsfolk— these had all allowed you to keep your hands busy and your mind blank. Now, alone in your dark farmhouse, you had no distractions from your new reality.

The house itself was bleak. Each attempt to redecorate felt like an intrusion— as if the space itself was resisting your efforts to make it feel like home. The bed stood as a lonely sentinel in the corner of the room, illuminated by the crackling flames of the fireplace on the furthest wall. The room itself was adorned with remnants of your grandfather’s presence; even your sleeping cat— Pixel— was the runt of your grandfather’s cat’s litter.

A small pot of forget-me-nots, once vibrant, now drooped listlessly on the windowsill. You reached out, your fingers gently brushing against the frail petals, a silent acknowledgment of the grief that clung to every corner of the room. You are at least blessed with a working CRT television, although with access to only two channels in the valley, the device feels like a relic of a bygone era.

A cold draft sweeps through the room as you look above the TV: the otherwise barren wall displays a single faded family photograph, featuring your late grandfather, grandmother, and you. The glass of the frame cracked during the move and the photograph itself never seems to hang straight. You move to bring the photograph down from its place on the wall, holding it delicately in your hands— as if it could shatter at any moment. The photograph captures a moment frozen in the sepia hues of nostalgia.

In the centre, your grandfather stands tall, a patriarchal figure with calloused hands cradling a newborn lamb. His eyes, warm and crinkled with a lifetime of stories, radiate a quiet wisdom that guided your childhood. Besides him, your grandmother’s hands gently cup a cluster of wildflowers. The fabric of her apron was slightly swept, caught in the breeze. In the foreground, you: a child with innocent eyes and a smile that mirrored the joy of the moment. Clutched in your small hands was a clumsy, makeshift bouquet. The backdrop was the farmhouse itself, standing proudly amidst a sea of greenery; the sun bathed the scene in a warm glow. Yet, even in this idyllic tableau, there lingered a subtle melancholy, as if the photograph itself harboured the prescience of inevitable goodbyes.

The frame, once resplendent, now bears the scars of time—a crack here, a chip there. The glass that shields the captured memories has grown cloudy, as if the passage of years had draped a delicate veil over the faces of those who once shared laughter under the farmhouse’s sturdy roof. A sob escapes your throat as a tear splashes on the glass of the portrait; hesitantly, you place the photograph on top of your small table. You take a step back. You chuckle solemnly, wiping your eyes using the back of your sleeves as you yawn.

Pixel mews softly, as you climb into the cold sheets of your bed, before falling back to sleep. The silence of the farmhouse envelopes you like a weighted blanket, as moonlight floods through the windows of the farmhouse. It seemed that sleep was becoming increasingly elusive as you tossed and turned in bed.

The gratitude for your budding friendship with Elliot and Shane brings a bittersweet comfort, as you stare up at the ceiling, watching the way the moonlight casts a silver glow above. Elliot was the first person in the valley to approach you. His efforts to get to know you eased your anxiety about the new town. Shane was a tough nut to crack, but you suppose any stranger is your friend after too many beers— at the very least, you had a new drinking buddy.

The doctor you met before entering the saloon flashes through your mind as your eyes flutter shut.

‘Harvey,’ You mentally correct yourself, ‘His name is Harvey… and he doesn’t like decaf.’ You softly exhale, a smile tugging at your lips. He was… cute? A little bashful, sure, but he was more than gorgeous enough to make up for his nerves. Your face heats up thinking about his broad, towering figure; and the way his moustache curls up with his coy grin; and the way his dimpled, freckled cheeks blush so intensely when you look into his forest green eyes…

You turn to cover your face in your firm pillow, attempting to control your wondering thoughts; eventually, your breathing slows and your blush fades as you finally drift off.

[frickingnerd]

something that'll last forever

pairing: claude von riegan x gn!reader

summary: after claude finds out that you've been proposed to, he realizes that if he doesn't confess to you now, he'll lose you forever

tags: confession + proposal (claude to reader), lorenz proposing to reader, best friends to lovers, wholesome fluff, claude being serious for once, holding hands & kissing

claude knew that eventually the day would come when someone else would show interest in you and where he'd have to tell you how he felt about you. but he didn't think that day would come so soon…

he heard about it from hilda. apparently, lorenz had proposed to you! you still hadn't given him a clear answer, but it was clear that this was a proposal you couldn't easily turn down. after all, he was the first and only man proposing to you. though claude planned to change that!

claude had invited you to his room, under the premise of just being nosey about lorenz's proposal. of course, he hadn't told you that he'd propose to you as well. he wasn't even sure how he'd go about it. but he knew that he had to do it. now or never!

“let me guess…” you plopped down onto claude's bed next to him. “you want to talk about lorenz's proposal…”

claude got a bit nervous when you addressed the topic so casually. was it that obvious?

“you're not the first one to ask me about it. everyone wants to know all about it. the ring, the location and what he promised me…”

claude was a bit relieved to hear that he wasn't the first one to ask. though he certainly was curious about everything that happened. and how you felt about it.

“and? did his promise sound good? good enough for you to marry him?”

claude had never been as nervous as he had been now. if you'd tell him you wanted to accept lorenz's proposal, then what was he supposed to do? propose to you anyways? or let you live in peace, unaware of his feelings for you…?

“well…” you hesitated. “i haven't given him an answer yet. i think that says it all. but i haven't rejected him either…”

that answer was as vague as it could be. it sounded like you weren't even sure yourself yet if you wanted to marry lorenz.

“is there something that would help you make up your mind…?”

claude sat up on his bed, holding eye contact with you. his gaze was so intense, as if he feared you'd slip away once he took his eyes off you.

“maybe…”

you stared back at him. but you didn't specify what could potentially change your mind. almost like you didn't want to say it out loud. just like claude didn't want to say out loud how he felt about you, because he was terrified of your answer. but he had to.

“alright…” he took a deep breath, to prepare himself. “then let me say something, that might help you find clarity”

his hand found its way into his pocket, grabbing the ring he had gotten for you. but he didn't pull it out. not yet. he just needed to remind himself that it was there and what he needed to do now.

“i know i'm not the type for this serious talk. but you're my best friend and i don't want to lose you. i don't want to ruin what we have, but i want you. and if i don't say it out loud now, i'll lose you to lorenz and have to regret not telling you how i feel for the rest of my life…”

claude took a deep breath, pulling out the ring.

“marry me! i swear to you, that i'll make you just as happy, if not happier, than lorenz ever could!”

the tension was unbearable. it was only a moment of silence, but it felt like an eternity to claude. he could hear his own heart beating so loudly, that he was sure you could too. never in his life had he feared something as much as he feared your answer.

“i don't want to lose you either…”

you carefully reached out your hand towards claude, grabbing the hand he was holding the ring in.

“if you truly mean what you said, then i don't have to think twice about it. i've loved you ever since our first year at the officers academy. through the years, my feelings for you never changed. you're the person i love the most…”

claude smiled happily, pulling his hand away from yours, so that he could cup your cheeks and press a kiss onto your lips.

“i know i joke around a lot, but i am serious about this. i meant what i said. i'll make you happier than anyone else can!”

[olsenmyolsen]

Chapter Seventeen: ...But There's Karaoke

The Farmer's Daughter - (A WandaNat Story)

I really need people to start reading this because this chapter is my favorite, and they're so fucking cute and dumb.

Masterlist . Tag list: @xenaizogie

Summary: Natasha takes Wanda on a date, and while it doesn't go exactly to plan, Wanda and Natasha agree it was the best first date.

Word Count: 6.6K (its a long one)

Content: Protective Pietro, Soft Wanda, Soft Natasha, Dating, Drinking, Other Marvel Characters, Karaoke

Wanda nodded and let the music she qued up play in the background. "So, can I guess where we're going?"

"You can." Natasha moved her right hand from the steering wheel to the middle console. Wanda took notice, and her left hand found its way to the middle console. "Mini golf?"

Natasha shook her head. "Froyo?" Wanda asked next. "You have that around here?" Natasha hadn't had frozen yogurt in a long time. Wanda nodded esthetically."'Maybe that'll be where I take you." Natasha raised her eyebrows. "Oh! You think you're getting a second date just like that?"

Wanda squeezed Natasha's hand. The redhead glanced over at Wanda for a brief moment. "Natasha, we've already had sex and have upgraded ourselves to pet names. Frankly, if there's no second date, what the hell are we doing here."

She kept her green eyes on Natasha as she spoke. Natasha could feel them as she squeezed Wanda's hand back. The tips of her fingers nailing down the details in Wanda's rings.

"Froyo it is." Natasha smiled wider and let out a small chuckle.

Wanda loved it.

"It's not the movies..." Wanda went back to guessing. "Art museum?" Natasha once again shook her head. "But I did think about that. Along with a whole lot of other places." Wanda clicked her tongue and hummed. She was about to make another attempt at a guess when Natasha made a turn onto a road Wanda knew all too well.

Her eyes scanned the shops and street parking as Natasha made another turn.

Oh, Natasha had no idea what she just did. But out of the corner of her eye, she saw something in Wanda's face. Natasha luckily parked the car in front of the establishment as people exited and entered the place with smiles. "Is this okay?"

Wanda's face wasn't giving anything, and that made Natasha's mind race. "Yeah!" Wanda said after a second longer of silence. Natasha was unconvinced as they exited the car. "Hey..." Natasha stopped Wanda as she stepped up onto the curb.

Natasha taking a second to think of her words and to look over Wanda looking lovely.

"I want you to know that I didn't want us to go somewhere overly fancy or overwhelming for our first date. But I can find somewhere else if you don't like this." Wanda purses her lips in thought, making Natasha scramble even more.

Wanda hadn't seen her nervous like this before.

"Listen, it's a bit cliche, yes! But I thought it was cute! I googled other places around here, too! And places in the city, but I figured that'd be hectic, so I chose here! The cat cafe sounded cool, but we never talked about your thoughts on cats, so I said no to that, and this place says it's won awards in the past!

Once Natasha catches her breath, Wanda grins. Natasha just looks at her.

"This is fine. I like this place." Wanda says as she looks at Natasha again. "I promise."

"Are you sure?"

Wanda nods.

"Okay... so why the look?" Of course, Wanda got caught. She cleared her throat and moved her Barbie purse up her shoulder slightly. "I'll show you." Her eyes are kind as she extends her hand to drag Natasha up the curb and into the Ice Cream Shop calledMuffins.

Natashafollowed along while her mind couldn't stop thinking about Wanda's vague words. It wasn't until Wanda moved further past the building doors to a wall of photos that Natasha understood.

"Look right here." Wanda pointed at a framed picture from three years ago. Natasha's mouth dropped, and she felt her body warm up from embarrassment. She turned her head to Wanda. "Are you telling me that on our first date, I took you to a place you used to work at???"

It was cute seeing Natasha whine.

"Like I see Natasha, I'm fine- in fact, this is cute! And will make a good story!" Wanda couldn't help but giggle, not making Natasha feel any better about her choice. "I promise." Wanda then held up her pinky to Natasha with a precious smile.

No matter what Natasha thought or felt, it melted away when she looked at Wanda.

She was down bad.

Natasha held up her pinky and linked it around Wanda's. "Then let's have some ice cream." Natasha smiled as their hands fell before they went to stand in line. "Also, why is it called Muffins?" Natasha asked as she not so shyly went to hold Wanda's hand.

The act made Wanda's stomach flutter as the butterflies that she had for weeks in her stomach were officially Mothra-sized.

She had already fallen for Natasha, but this was something more.

"I knew at one point but forgot..." Wanda replied because her brain was too busy trying to think of all the places to go, Natasha picked this one. It was as if the universe had stepped in or something. Wanda then laughed because, of course, when Natasha told her to pick out an outfit that wasn't fancy, but meanwhile, she and Natasha dressed to impress.

Wanda's eyes moved back to Natasha as she read the menu on the board. "What are you thinking?" Natasha kept her eyes up as she answered. "I'm thinking I should've asked you if you were lactose intolerant before bringing you here."

Wanda laughed loudly as her head fell against Natasha's shoulder, earning a laugh from her as well.

"Thankfully, I'm not. Would've made working here a different experience, don't you think?" Natasha looked down at Wanda and shrugged with a smile before saying: "Mint."

Wanda, confused, looks back at Natasha.  "What?"

"Mint Chocolate Ice Cream. That's what I'm thinking about. What about you?" Wanda's cheeks were already hurting from smiling as she leaned into Natasha while looking at the board.

She had never felt this comfortable with anyone. She also had never felt more nervous or aware of their actions around someone prior to Natasha as well. But it made sense. Having someone like Natasha made sense.

Wanda smiled as her eyes found the flavor she wanted. Her thoughts changed from Natasha to having the first taste of her ice cream.

"Pumpkin?!" Natasha asked for the fourth time as she and Wanda sat on metal chairs across from one another at a flimsy table. Wanda hid her smile behind the waffle cone and licked her treat. "It's summer!" Natasha exclaimed as she opened her mouth to try the cooling mint.

Oh, this shit was good.

"I can see why you worked here." Natasha immediately changed her tune, making Wanda laugh as the orange ice cream slid down her throat.

Wanda had more fun on this date than she had in a long time.

Plus, it was cute discovering how much of a messy eater Natasha was when it came to ice cream.

Wanda felt her phone vibrate from the pocket in her jumpsuit and decided to ignore it as Natasha started to shyly ask questions about Wanda's time working at Muffins. Wanda answered the questions with truths, lies, and laughter once the lies were discovered.

On the other side of the table, Natasha couldn't get over how fucking hot and cute Wanda was being. Even when she finally pulled her phone out while delicately making sure not to spill her slowly melting ice cream onto her phone.

"It's Darcy," Wada said before she tried to hide her laughter. Her eyes looking up at Natasha and down at her phone rapidly. "What?" Natasha asked as a droplet of the white ice cream fell onto her black turtleneck.

She had no idea.

Wanda looked up from her phone and sighed with a smile as she faced it to Natasha.

"did she really take you to muffins???? 💀"

"I didn't know!" Natasha groaned while looking at the words on the screen. "Wait, how does she know?" Natasha hadn't seen Wanda on her phone at all until this moment.

"We have each other's location. Safety reasons, plus, in case you couldn't tell, Darcy loves to live vicariously through everybody."

Natasha softly nodded. This all made sense. "You're still enjoying this, right?"

Wanda set her phone on the table and looked at Natasha's eyes. She could see the worry, concern, and potential hurt in them. "Nat..." Wanda spoke gently. "I think this is great. It's not a typical first date, but I like that. I've had more fun with you than anyone else in a long time. So what if I worked here?" Natasha pulled her free hand out, and Wanda grabbed it and brushed her thumb over Natasha's. "Plus, it's a funny story."

Natasha rolled her eyes. "Sadly, it is."

"Wanda!!" Wanda jumped at the loud voice coming around the side of the ice cream chest into the lobby. It was from a tall man with a muscular build and blonde hair. He wore a button-down blue shirt and one of those old soda fountain hats.

Wanda removed her hand from Natasha's as she turned her body to the man who stopped at their table.

Now, who the hell was this?

"Steve!?" Wanda sounded shocked as she looked up to the man, who was nothing but smiles. "Peggy thought she saw you, but I just had to see for myself. How are you?" The man asked as his blue eyes darted towards Natasha. It looked as if he was waiting for Wanda to introduce them. "I'm great!" Wanda answered as she smiled genuinely at the older man.

Natasha tore her eyes away and went back to her ice cream. Taking a bite as Steve started talking.

"Home for the summer?" Wanda nodded. "Schools great, though." Steve smiled, and once again, his eyes darted to Natasha. Wanda noticed this time and put her free hand to her head. "Oh, right! Steve, this is my- this is Natasha!"

My??

Natasha heard it and froze slightly before Steve stuck his hand out. He took note of the tags hanging from her neck. Natasha shook his hand and maybe applied some force. But Steve took it like a champ. "Hi!" Natasha said as her hand dropped to the table.

"How do you know each other?" Steve asked Natasha as he pointed in between her and Wanda. "She works for my dad," Wanda spoke up, and Steve raised his eyebrows. "Oh! Well, you got a great job then." Natasha smiled at that and peeked at Wanda. "Don't I know it?"

Suddenly, Steve noticed that this maybe wasn't just friends hanging out... He cleared his throat and smiled at Wanda. "Well, it was nice to see you again." He turned to Natasha. "And to meet you as well!"

Both girls smiled as Steve walked away.

"So Steve..." Natasha started as another drop of the ice cream fell onto her shirt. Wanda looked at the green eyes across from her. "He was a manager, nothing more." Natasha knew that, of course, but she wanted to tease Wanda just the slightest.

Natasha nodded. "Of course." Wanda looked at her and could tell she meant it. So she softened her eyes but quickly found herself laughing. "What?" Natasha said as yet ANOTHER drop fell onto her black turtleneck.

How was she not noticing?

"Natasha, look down!" Wanda spoke through fits of laughter. Natasha heard Wanda's wheezes and grumbled at her own mess. "How the fuck?" She questioned as she wiped up the ice cream.

As Natasha returned to the table with her cone upside down in a bowl, Wanda was still laughing. "There!" She propped it up proudly before another voice broke the two from their moment.

"Sestra!" Natasha became paralyzed as she didn't dare to look up. However, across the table, Wanda was wide-eyed and looked at her brother with shock.

"Pietro!?" She questioned as she almost choked on her ice cream.

Her brother was wearing a grin in addition to his dark jeans and giant plaid shirt. Natasha could see his shoes. His stupid Nikes. Stupid!

Why the fuck was he here?

"What's going on?" He questioned as he stepped closer. "Is this a date?" He asked with fake surprise. Wanda wasn't sure if he genuinely had a thought as to what was happening or if he was trying to get a rise. Regardless, she shook her head. No.

Yes. Natasha thought.

Pietro hummed. "Good, because Muffins would be a terrible first date." As the words left his mouth, Natasha's eyes graciously gave Pietro the time of day. He smiled. "I'm just kidding." He said while looking at Natasha.

Wanda was taking note.

"Date or not. I was on my way to Mavericks and saw your car, and then I saw you two. So feel free to join." Pietro shrugged as he walked away. Natasha thought he was leaving, but he was actually getting in line.

No, not to buy ice cream, but to try the free samples until Steve kicks him out.

"Don't tell me he has your location too?" Natasha sighed as she put her spoon in and out of her ice cream. Wanda saw how Natasha's shoulders slumped slightly. "We don't have to go," Wanda said, making Natasha look at her. "What even is it?" Natasha asked. She didn't remember seeing a place on Google called Mavericks.

"It's one of those Karaoke/arcade bars. Like they have karaoke rooms but places to game and let loose."

From how Wanda said it, it made it sound like she wouldn't mind going. "I haven't done Karaoke in forever..." Natasha said as she put a spoonful into her mouth. Wanda leaned in a bit. "Could be fun... plus I think Pietro knows...." Natasha knew what she meant.

Also, if they went to Mavericks, there would be a good chance Pietro wouldn't say anything.

"But if you had more planned, then please let's go with that." Wanda is genuine and delicate in her words. Natasha shrugged and moved her head around playfully. "A walk in the park and then stopping by that pizza place on the corner."

"Ice cream first and then pizza?" Wanda questioned. Natasha laughed. "Just in case you were hungry! Plus, pizza is a classic date food. It's in like every rom-com."

Oh, so Natasha watched rom-coms?

Wanda was sure to save that information for future reference.

"However, Mavericks doesn't sound too bad," Natasha said as Pietro stopped in front of their table once again. He had a cup with a spoonful of birthday cake ice cream, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles. "So you coming?" He asked with his mouth full.

Wanda nodded for her and Natasha. "Yeah. We'll join." Pietro did a small dance that only a brother would do to annoy his sister, who rolled her eyes.

"Once again, sorry about him," Wanda said as their feet hit the sidewalk. Natasha was finishing up her ice cream. "It's okay. I've convinced myself he was dropped on his head more than once as a baby."

"Hey!!!" Pietro turned his head back as he walked ahead of the other two. "Sestra, she's not nice!" Wanda shook her head and offered Natasha a taste of her pumpkin ice cream for the fifteenth time before tossing the last of it when Natasha said no.

Natasha did the same with her last spoonful of mint chocolate chip, and Wanda also declined.

"Here we are!" Pietro triumphantly cheered with his arms as they stopped in front of the guy dressed in all black outside of Mavericks. "IDs?" The man with a name tag that said Greg on it asked in a deep voice.

It was already pretty busy by the time the three got inside. Now that the sun had gone down and the nightlife of the summer came out.

Wanda noticed the way Natasha's eyes worked the room. Finding the exits and scanning the people around. She did this at the beer garden in the city as well. "Hey." Wanda wrapped her hand into Natasha's. Natasha jumped slightly at the touch before relaxing into Wanda's hold. "Sorry."

Wanda shook her head. "It's okay." Pietro had walked away to the group of friends he was meeting. "Do you want a drink?" Wanda asked. "I'm driving," Natasha replied, even if having one or two drinks wasn't so bad.

"I can drive."

Wanda's eyes met Natasha's. "Get whatever you want to drink, and I'll have the same only once." Natasha wanted to protest, but Wanda gave her that smile that made Natasha melt. "Okay." Natasha ended up saying before squeezing her hand and leaning into her body.

"I hope you don't mind this," Wanda asked about how touchy feeling she was being. "Not at all. I think I realized it's one of your love languages."

The sentence and that word slipped from Natasha faster than she could stop it. I mean, she could say it, right? There was nothing wrong with that... right? Natasha held her breath as she wanted Wanda to say anything, but all the brunette did was smile and nod.

Wanda heard that word and noticed how it felt perfect falling from Natasha's mouth. "And what do you think yours is?" She asked Natasha, letting the woman exhale. "Acts of service."

Wanda threw her head back and laughed. "Shut up. I know how it sounds." Natasha rolled her eyes as the bartender finally acknowledged them

Ex-militaries favorite love language is acts of service.

Once Natasha and Wanda had their drinks halfway gone, they decided to find Pietro and his group's karaoke room. "Ah, finally!" Wanda's brother forever, the child cried as Natasha and Wanda sat in the corner of the couch. The door closed behind them.

All eyes were on Natasha.

"Natasha," Pietro spoke up. "I'd like to introduce you to Jean, Scott, and T'Challa." He pointed at each person as he stood in the front of the room with a mini stage. "Guys, this is Natasha. She works on the farm, and she and my sister are—."

"Pietro." Wanda was stern with the way she said her brother's name. He looked right at her, and Natasha could've sworn she had seen him gulp. "I was just going to say friends. They're pals." He darted his eyes towards Natasha before fumbling with the mic in his hand. "Anyways..." He continued talking to his friends. "Don't try and flirt with her. Look at those muscles," Pietro said, making the group chuckle.

They all had eyes and could see how strong Natasha was.

Meanwhile, Wanda didn't like everyone looking at Natasha, scooting herself closer to Natasha's body. Natasha, of course, noticed and put her left arm around Wanda. Pulling her in.

Jean saw this and smiled. She had seen Pietro's sister go through dirtbags and jerks, but Wanda hadn't been like this with them.

"No need to be jealous," Natasha whispered. "I'm not," Wanda whispered back but her lie wasn't believed.

"So, who wants to start?" Pietro offered the mic but took it and sang Mr. Brightside when everyone else agreed they needed to drink more before that was possible.

So after Natasha downed another drink while Wanda enjoyed her water, they watched Jean and Scott belt out the Start of Something New. "You're a genius for picking this one," T'Challa commented to Wanda, who picked the song.

Apparently, it was a fun game the group liked to play. If you get picked by the person on stage to sing next, you have to choose someone to pick your song.

"Thanks, King," Wanda replied, making Natasha turn her head. "Prom King," Wanda clarified to Natasha, making her laugh.

The room erupted into claps as Jean and Scott kissed once they finished. But now is, when Natasha gulped, she could feel the silent conversation that would result in them picking her to sing. However, lucky for Natasha, just as Scott opened his mouth, the door to the room swung open.

It was Darcy.

Wait, it was Darcy?

Wanda was just as shocked and stood up as her best friend entered the room. Natasha took a quick peek at everyone else. Pietro looked curious while the others were probably talking about how many times they'd pick Natasha to sing tonight.

"We'll be right back!" Wanda pushed an unmoving Darcy out of the room to speak to her next to all the loud arcade machines. Natasha was left with her mouth closed but her mind racing. Mainly about Wanda. How she looked tonight. How pretty her eyes were. How touchy-feely she was and how Natasba melted.

If Wanda had told Natasha that she had hung the moon and the stars, Natasha would have believed her.

The feelings were there, but the drinking tonight was definitely pushing her more and more. This is why when Natasha reached for her drink and found it to be missing, she concluded that Wanda grabbed her almost empty glass to get her a new one.

Thus making Natasha feel like a giddy idiot again.

Outside the room, Wanda and Darcy were at the bar. "You look hot!" Darcy complimented her friend, making Wanda slightly blush. "Thank you. You look great, too- wait! Darcy!" Wanda put her head in her hands and looked back. "What are you doing here!?"

"Celebrating!" Darcy cheered as the bartender set down their drinks. "You soft-launched! Plus, I checked the location for Pietro, and I was right. It was Mavericks! So, I called an Uber- well, the group chat, but after that, I called an Uber and came down to celebrate!"

Darcy spoke a million miles an hour as her excitement could not be contained.

Wanda hadn't moved. "What do you mean I soft-launched?! No, I didn't!" Wanda went to check her pocket before remembering her phone was on the couch next to Natasha. "Yes, you did!" Darcy put the small black straw bars give you into her mouth as she pulled up Wanda's Close Friends Story.

The last photo was a picture of Pietro singing in the multicolored lights of the room. However, covering up a small percentage of the right side of the frame was Natasha's figure. Plus, in the bottom corner of the picture, Natasha's hand was on Wanda's covered thigh.

"Shit." It did look like a soft launch. "I was trying to be sneaky!" Wanda whined. "I think it's cute!" Darcy cheered as she bumped Wanda's shoulder. "Who cares if it was an accident? I mean, you two are dating." She said casually.

"We're not. We haven't labeled anything yet," Wanda said, siping Natasha's drink. "Yeah, but you have. You just don't know it yet." Wanda hummed in thought. She knew what Darcy was saying, but no, she and Natasha weren't girlfriends.

This was their first date after weeks of a cat and mouse game, and it was ending at a karaoke bar with her brother and friends.

Wanda shook her head and laughed as she saw Carol and Monica enter the bar. Darcy waved them over. "Congrats on the-" "False alarm, it was an accident!" Darcy stopped Monica from cheering.

"Oh," Carol said. "Should we leave?" Wanda jokingly (kinda) rolled her eyes. "Guys, we're still seeing each other, okay? We like each other. A lot! The picture was an accident, but I don't mind."

Carol and Monica understood as they shared glances with Darcy.

"Can I just say her arm looks so fucking hot in the picture!" Carol said with a huge grin. Natasha's muscles were entirely on display in the picture. "Better than a little weasel, man," Darcy said as she took another gulp of her beverage.

"Anyways! Join us when you're ready, girls." Wanda said with pink cheeks to Carol and Monica at the bar as she drug Darcy away.

She missed Natasha and didn't want to miss her singing.

When the two friends entered the room again, Natasha was on stage. "Oh, thank god," Natasha mumbled into the microphone. She stepped off the mini-stage and took the drink out of Wanda's hand. Practically downing it. "They picked me. I'm nervous."

"I see that." Wanda smiled as Natasha stood close. Darcy smiled politely at the redhead and sat on the couch near T'Challa. "How's the kingdom?"

Natasha focused back on Wanda in front of her. "Your phone was blowing up, by the way. I didn't look, but I put it in my pocket so the table would stop vibrating." She pulled the phone out and handed it back. Wanda looked at it and to Natasha. "Yeah... I kind of posted a picture tonight, and you were in it a little..." Natasha didn't understand the severity of the matter until a few seconds later. "Oh!"

"Is that okay?" Wanda asked, even if it sounded silly, and if Natasha didn't care, she still thought she should get her views on it.

Communication. Isn't that the key to a healthy relationship?

"Of course." Wanda looked up into the dark green of Natasha's eyes. Natasha was being truthful. "Technically, if you count the picture with Butterball, I've already been. What's it called soft-launched?" Wanda relaxed and laughed into Natasha's chest. Almost knocking the drink from her hand.

Carol and Monica entered just in time to see it. They gave their hellos to Pietro and his friends before sitting beside Darcy. "Okay, I know it's early, but I don't think I've ever seen Wanda like this." Monica pointed out. The two other friends agreed. "Fuck Jarvis."

Natasha unwrapped herself from Wanda as she placed her drink on the table in the middle of the room and gravitated again towards the mini-stage. "Woo!" Darcy cheered, making everyone else cheer for Natasha, who couldn't help but awkwardly smile.

"Alright, Natasha. Who's going to pick your song?" Pietro asked with a grin. He wanted to be the one. Natasha wanted to pick Wanda, but Darcy was the most obnoxious as she waved her hands like crazy.

So Darcy ended up picking Heads Will Roll by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Wanda could feel her friend's eyes dancing back and forth between her and the girl on stage, but Wanda paid them no mind as Natasha stumbled at the first lines of the song before she hit her stride.

Wanda was captivated by the discovery of Natasha's hidden talent.

She couldn't look away.

As the song progressed, Natasha's nerves disappeared, thanks to the supportive friends gathered around as well as the alcohol running through her body. But yet, the final thing that pushed her was the way Wanda looked at her.

Eyes wide with happiness as she danced while sitting.

"Glitter on the wet streets!" Natasha groveled after a dance break on stage to the background music. A smile stretched across her face as she was singing to Wanda.

"Silver over everything! The rivers all wet You're all chrome."

Wanda was jealous of the way Natasha held the microphone. How close it was to her lips. How the heat from the lights around the stage made Natasha sweat.

So when the song ended, and the cheers roared, Wanda jumped up and clapped her hands together before running to Natasha.

Monica leaned over and asked someone if she was drunk.

Natasha let Wanda's body crash into her as she accepted the tight, life-gripping hug. "Sorry." Wanda corrected her actions as she scanned the room of the eyes, watching them, and exited the hug quickly, but Natasha shook her head high on adrenaline. "Don't be!" She squeezed Wanda into a hug again before leaving it.

She loved feeling Wanda against her body. She knew Wanda felt the same but was caught up in the moment.

"You're next!" Natasha hung her index finger above Wanda as she spoke. "Oh, you're evil!" Wanda shook her head before Natasha made a face that made Wanda laugh as her stomach flipped.

"Go sestra!" Pietro ushered his younger sibling (by twelve minutes) up onto the stage. She made it up there with a playful huff. Her eyes scanned over Natasha's body as she high-fived Carol.

Just then, Wanda questioned if she had ever seen Jarvis high-five any of her friends. As a matter of fact, she's pretty sure she never heard him sing.

"You gonna pick someone!?" Scott said with his hands cupped over his mouth, breaking Wanda out of her head. She joined the moment and smiled as looked around the room.

Natasha couldn't get over how cute Wansa looked, especially when the lights would shine across the top of her head. She could see little strands of hair sticking up from the heat in the room. Strands that had fallen out of her messy bun. Darcy watched the way Natasha picked up her cocktail to hide a smile as the redhead's eyes were glued to Wanda's movements.

"Jean!" Wanda decided. Natasha looked over at the other woman who turned to Wanda's friends. "Alright, girls, what should we decide."

"I vote Black Sheep!" Carol announced, making Darcy smack her arm. "No... it's gotta be something poppy... Taylor Swift vibes."

"Style?" Monica suggested, but Darcy wasn't sold. Jean looked at Natasha and gestured for her to come closer. "What do you think Natasha?"

Natasha hummed. She could feel Wanda watching, praying it wasn't an embarrassing song like YMCA. "What about..." Natasha whispered as she looked back at Wanda, who was dressed beautifully in her jumpsuit. Her lipstick was the tiniest bit smudged from the ice cream and stolen kisses earlier. Natasha smiled as she knew Wanda would sing anything, but she thought back to the playlist Wansa skimmed by on her phone earlier. "...Fast Car?"

"I like it," Jean whispered back. Darcy smiled as the rest of them agreed. "Okay." Jean sat straight up and turned to Wanda. "Your song is... Fast Car by Tarcy Chapman."

Wanda smiled and knew this was Natasha's doing. She knew she had seen her playlist before, but the untold truth as to why this song was picked is that for the last couple of days, it's all Wanda has quietly been signing.

It was adorable.

"Alright! Now we're talking!" Scott said as he jumped up to pull it up on the machine. Natasha looked at Wanda, who picked up her thumbs. "You'll do great." She mouthed.

Halfway through the song, Natasha had officially passed the threshold into drunk, but she didn't care. She didn't care about work tomorrow or that Darcy was totally taking pictures of her as she stood up to dance, making Wanda more comfortable in her skin and her own dance moves. She didn't care when everyone else jumped up and sang along as well.

She didn't even care that this was how their first date ended up.

None of it mattered because right here, in this moment, she had her arm around a blushing Wanda belting out Fast Car.

"Hey, you okay?" It was now two hours later, and Natasha was outside, sitting on the curb. Natasha had been relinquished from Wanda's hold after telling her she had to go to the restroom, but that was eight minutes ago. And she was outside. Not in the restroom.

Natasha looked up with glassy eyes. Wanda was keeping an eye on her drunk gir- drunk friend but her eyes appeared to be glassy from something else. "Natasha?" Wanda whispered as she sat on the curb next to Natasha. "What is it?"

Natasha and her were having the most fantastic time so Wanda's brain was rattling around for ANY reason Natadha might be upset.

"It's nothing." Natasha was quiet. "Don't do that. You can tell me. Did I do something?" Natasha shook her head and sniffed before exhaling. "You're perfect," Natasha said before it looked like she was going to cry. As much as Wanda's heartstrings were being pulled on, she wanted nothing more than to smile and giggle at how cute Natasha was being.

Drunk Natasha, on top of being flirty, handsy, and, as Wanda would come to find out, horny. She was also vulnerable.

"Then what is it?" Natasha kept her voice level and eyes placed on Natasha's. "The song..." Wanda knitted her eyebrows together. "The song? What song?" She couldn't think of any specific song that might have been triggering.

"American Pie..." Natasha turned her face towards Wanda. A tear slipped from the corner of her left eye. Wanda was quick to cup her face and wipe away the salty water with her thumbs.

The tender touch felt good on Natasha's fuzzy cheeks. Wanda kept her hands resting on Natasha. "What about the song?" She was carefully as she spoke. "It was Yelena's song."

"Oh... oh babe..." Wanda pulled Natasha into a hug, which the older woman desperately needed. As Natasha's arms held her, Wanda could feel Natasha relax as she kissed her cheek and rubbed her back. "She would play it all the time when we were kids." Wanda listened to every word as Natasha spoke.

How Yelena wore the tape out on it. How it was then the first CD Yelena bought. How Yelena got stuck in Natasha's head all the time.

Wanda listened, and by the time Natasha was done talking, she hadn't cried for a while. Yet her arms remained around Wanda. Slowly, she pulled away, and Wanda followed her lead.

Natasha looked tired when Wanda saw her eyes again. Beautiful but tired.

"Don't apologize. I know you're about to, but don't, Tasha... it's okay." She had herself up against Natasha's body. She turned and kissed the side of Natasha's head. "Plus, you're drunk. It's like a rule that you have to cry while drunk." Wanda lightened the mood.

Yet Natasha was silent for a moment. Lost in thinking about how kind Wanda was being. "I meant what I said...." She said as she refused to look at Wanda again. "You're pretty perfect. Like the second I laid eyes on you, I thought you would just be bratty and annoying. Which you are. Sometimes. But it's perfect. And you made me like you so much. Like forced me too. And I liked it... I like you, Wanda."

Wanda's face glowed brighter with each word Natasha spoke until the end when Natasha lifted her head and kissed Wanda.

Wanda could taste coconut and cranberry on Natasha's lips. She really shouldn't have let Natasha mix and match.

"You always taste like cherries," Natasha whispered to Wanda. "I can get new chapstick if you want me to?" Natasha shook her head. "Only if you want to." She said before kissing Wanda again. Her tongue slid on Wanda's bottom lip, and as much as Wanda wanted to let her in. They were on the sidewalk, and Natasha was past the point Wanda felt comfortable doing anything with. So she ended the kiss and held Natasha's red face.

"I really like you, Natasha. More than last time, we confessed our.... enjoyment... of each other." Natasha exhaled a light laugh through her nose. Wanda had her eyes on Natasha. "Are you feeling better?" Natasha looked at her as if she grew three arms in each side of her body. "Your kiss was just what I needed." Wanda laughed and went to stand up. "Oh my gosh. You're such a flirt."

Natasha shrugged before being helped up. Wanda then helped brush anything off of Natasha after she had the same done to her. "Wanda?"

The brunette turned back to Natasha. "Before we go back in, can I have another kiss?"

Drunk Natasha, on top of being flirty, handsy, and, as Wanda would come to find out, horny. She was also SUPER vulnerable AND NEEDY.

Wanda hoped her way to Natasha. "Okay, but then we're going inside. I'm going to sing Lana to you, and then we'll have Pietro pick up the bill, okay?"

"Just kiss me, Wans."

Inside the bar, while looking for his missing sister and Natasha, Pietro looked out the window just in time to see Wanda's lips leave Natasha's.

Pietro went slack-jawed and froze in place by a claw machine. He had suspected something but a part of him did not think he'd be right. At all.

Pietro tore his eyes away and sighed.

It was Wanda's life. He had accepted that forever ago when he forced her to play football with him, and she kicked the ball so hard it nearly broke his nose. So, as Wanda turned with Natasha's hand in hers, Pietro turned away, but not before he noticed that no one had ever looked at his sister the way Natasha did.

Pietro stopped by the bar and thought.

Natasha was different. He watched as the two came back into the establishment.

Maybe Natasha is what Wanda needed...

dividers by @/benkeibear