#the gifs are from a movie called sausage party if you ask

[juanathesillyuser12]

shut the fnck up AND HEAR ME OUT !1!1!1!!

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[wardenparker]

The Stars Re-Align, part 1

Frankie Morales x female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst

Rating: M for Mature, but this blog is always 18+ Word Count: 12.1k Warnings: Reader is given an age and a grown daughter. Starts out as Santiago x reader. Cursing, food/alcohol, meddlesome friends, mentions of military service (obviously), glancing mention of Tom's death, past drug use, off-page abusive relationship, panic attacks, complicated relationships, family drama. Summary: When your daughter and your boyfriend talk you into having a birthday party, you are not prepared for all of the surprises that come your way. Notes: A little love triangle and 'one that got away' vibe for your Feral Frankie Friday!

“Rachel!” Calling from the kitchen is an old, unbreakable habit by now, but dinner is almost ready and you know your daughter is in the living room studying. She has plans with her boyfriend tonight which means she’s getting her reading out of the way, and you’re proud of her for having such good habits and steady resolve. It’s not at all what you were like at her age, and you’ve worked hard to make sure that she has opportunities that you never could have. Being a young single mom was rough, but every second you have with your little-girl-turned-young-woman is worth it. “Supper’s ready, honey. Find your bookmark!”

“Sure thing!” There’s no point in reminding you that her book is a digital copy, no bookmark needed, but she dutifully saves the spot and closes her laptop. “It smells good.” She compliments, walking into the kitchen and over to the fridge to bust out the bottle of wine that had become a habit with dinner since high school. Nothing fancy, just a cheap sangria, but it was a ritual that both mom and daughter enjoyed. “Are you going out with Santiago tonight?” She asks as she gets down the glasses to pour.

“He might come over to watch a movie since you’re going out.” Your two-month-old relationship isn’t deeply committed or deeply anything yet, really, but you like him. He’s attentive, handsome, and funny, and deeply — okay there’s one deeply — good in bed. “Do you want the good parmesan, or the shaker can? We have both.” Spaghetti with onions, peppers, and sausage isn’t necessarily gourmet, but it’s a family staple. Something your dad used to make you when you were growing up in New York City and you have made for your daughter her whole life afterwards.

“Good parmesan.” She hums. “Let’s be fancy tonight.” Bringing the glasses over to the small kitchen table, she moves on to set out the silverware. A chore when she was younger, it’s now just become habit when you eat together. ‘Working together as a team’ is how you always phrased it and it’s something she loves about her relationship with you now. You’re a team. “I’m going to stay at Ben’s tonight, so you and Santiago can have wild sex.”

“Be safe.” She’s twenty-four, so you’re not going to quibble about her sleeping over with her boyfriend, but you do give her a meaningful look when you set down the plates on the table. “Don’t make me a grandmother and I won’t make you a sister.”

Rachel laughs, it’s the same statement you have been using since she was first dating boys after puberty. “But Mom!” She pouts playfully. “I really want a baby sister!”

“Think I’m getting a little too old for that option, honey,” you huff, but laugh anyway. “Ask Santa for one at Christmas.”

She grins at you, bringing over the basket of breadsticks that are an Olive Garden copycat. Plain frozen ones that you brush with butter and garlic salt. So many of the meals you have together are mocks of the restaurant meals she had wanted when she was younger and you couldn’t afford. As an adult, it’s humbling to see the lengths you went to in order to make her happy.

“You’re coming back tomorrow, though, right?” Though you typically aren’t one to make a big deal out of such things, Santiago had offhandedly mentioned to your daughter a few weeks ago that it was a shame you weren’t doing anything for your birthday and Rachel had jumped on board with talking you into a party. The backyard barbecue will be small, but a chance to meet your boyfriend’s friends and have a few of your own friends from work come over. “It was half your idea, after all.”

“Yeah, I’m going to be there.” She promises. “Oh, is it okay if I bring Ben?” She asks. “He’s got another party to go to if not, but he said he would rather spend time with me.”

“Yes, you can bring Ben.” He’s a few years older than Rachel and has had a very different life experience, but you like Ben Miller. He’s doing his best to make an honest way in the world and he treats Rachel with love and respect. And probably in ways that you want to know absolutely nothing about. “There’s going to be plenty of food. Santiago and I are managing that end.”

She snorts and shakes her head. “Of course you are cooking for your own party.” She huffs.

“Get sassy with me and I’ll send every stitch of leftovers home with other people,” you threaten, though it’s hollow and comes with laughter.

“Not like you won’t make enough to still bring home food.” She shoots back with a grin. If there was ever a party, you always made too much food. It might be pasta salad, but you and she would be eating it for a solid week after everyone had gone home.

“Nothing fancy,” you assure her even though you know she’s right. “Burgers and dogs. And veggie burgers for the few people that skip red meat. All the accoutrements. Santiago is in charge of the grill, which he’s very happy about. And I’m making that cheese dip you like along with my guac. Salsa is coming out of a jar despite protests.”

“Let Ben bring the salsa.” She volunteers immediately with a grin. “He’s got some recipe he got from friends he used to serve with.” She explains. “He was going to make it for their party but we can hijack it and bring it to yours.”

“Deal.” That’s one more thing off your checklist and you’re fine with that. “And the cake is coming from an actual bakery, not a supermarket. I do listen to your protests most of the time.”

“The buttercream is far superior.” She huffs happily and lifts her glass when you are both sitting down at the table. “To a wonderful birthday weekend.” She offers. “One you never forget.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.” You tap your glass against hers and smile. “Forty-two feels like it will be a good one.”

******

“We have the cake, the burgers are all ready to throw on the grill. Fish is bringing the baked beans, Ironhead is bringing the potato salad and you said Rach’s boyfriend is going to bring the salsa?” He arches a brow in concern. “What do you know about this guy? Is it good salsa? Because I’m going to be offended if it’s Pace.”

“I was told he has a recipe from somebody he served with.” The Pace is in its jars in the cupboard where Santiago can’t be offended by it, and you slip past him to look at your checklist taped to the cupboards one more time. “Coleslaw is made, cheese dip is made, and you filled up the outside fridge last night so that’s all set. I think we’re okay. The last thing is the guac and that only makes a few minutes.”

Santiago slides behind you and wraps his arms around your stomach and hums. “So we have time to go back to the bedroom?” He asks playfully, even if he would haul you back there if you said yes.

“Only if you’re planning on disappointing me,” you tease, knowing he never has and never would. Not on purpose. Still, you twist to kiss away the pout that has certainly formed there. “People are going to be here any minute.”

“We could always tell them to go the fuck away.” He laughs as he suggests it and then the doorbell peels out right afterwards. “That’ll be Ironhead.” He predicts. “Will’s always early.”

“Is that his real name? Will?” You call back when Santiago goes to open the door. You can make guacamole with your eyes closed due to the fact that you’ve had this recipe longer than your daughter has been alive, and you go to the fridge to get the ingredients.

“Yeah!” He calls back over his shoulder before he opens the door to find his friend on the doorstep. The smiles are genuine, almost guilty considering the shit they’ve gone through for the past five months since South America. Grief and sorrow have pulled at them, but it also has finally started to let them live again. “You made it!”

“Of course I did. You didn’t think I’d miss out on seeing your ass do something domestic, did you?” Will ‘Ironhead’ Miller slaps Pope’s shoulder. “Nice place she’s got. You tried to move in yet?”

Pope chuckles quietly and shrugs. “Maybe in another month.” He jokes. “Gotta get in good with the kid first.”

“Right, the kid.” With another friendly slap, Will Miller steps inside the house. It’s well-appointed, clean, and obviously loved. “She coming today?” He thinks so, but he can’t remember. Although a barbecue and pool party seems like a kid thing. But somehow Will remembers the kid not being kid. Teenager? He can’t remember now.

“She spent the night with her boyfriend, but she’ll be here.” Pope nods. “Although she’s already said she won’t call me daddy but I can take her for ice cream.”

“Nobody ought to be calling you ‘Daddy’,” Ironhead huffs.

Santiago laughs and shrugs. “You’re right.” He admits, knowing that he’s not father material. One of the reasons you were an attractive option was that your kid was grown. He didn’t have to play daddy, although from what he’s understood, the dad was your first love and was too immature to stick around. “Benny didn’t ride with you?”

“His girlfriend’s got a family thing today.” Will shrugs slightly, but honestly he’s impressed. His kid brother is crazy about this girl. It’s six months in and he’s starting to use some very committed language — which is fucking thrilling to Will as it signals Benny finally starting to grow up where sex and relationships are concerned. “He’s gonna come by later.”

“That’s good. I want him to come and have a few beers. Fish should be here shortly.” Pope will be happy to see everyone, it’s better than just checking in and having a beer. This will be a good time to really catch up. “How’s things with Marie?” He asks Will softly, knowing that Frank has been a little closed mouth about things between him and his lady. South America hadn’t been great for their relationship, although no one really likes her, she’s the one who was dabbling in drugs and got Fish hooked on coke.

“She was throwing some fit last night about Fish being out with another woman.” Which is obviously bullshit. Frankie would never step out on the mother of his child. But living in the apartment next to Frankie and Marie means he overhears plenty of bullshit. “All he was doing was asking if she wanted to come today. So who knows what kind of mood he’ll show up in.”

“Shit.” Pope sighs and shakes his head as he escorts Will though the living room and towards the kitchen where you are. “He needs to just bite the bullet and leave her.”

“We all know that. But it’s Fish. Too loyal for his own fucking good.” Will hadn’t been expecting to see anyone standing in the kitchen, let alone you, and he clears his throat. “Um—sorry, ma’am. Soldier’s habit,” he apologizes.

“It’s fine,” you promise him, actually laughing at the sheer display of manners. “I survived my daughter’s teenage years. You want to know who swears more than soldiers? Teenage girls.”

It’s been a long goddamn time since Will has been around teenage girls, but he just nods politely and offers his hand. “Will Miller.” He introduces himself. “Santiago has talked you up to be some kind of Wonder Woman, and it looks like he was underestimating your worth.”

"That's very kind of you, Will." You take his hand and introduce yourself easily enough, reflecting momentarily that Santiago has pretty friends. Blonde and blue-eyed isn't your type, but good looking is good looking. "Would you mind helping us get the last few things outside? And the pool is open, I hope Santiago told everyone."

“Absolutely, ma’am.” Like any good solider, Will is going to follow orders and he immediately picks up the heavier items to carry outside. “You have a beautiful home.”

"Thank you." It's something you worked hard for, and you continue to work hard for every day. Everything in your life has been to make sure your daughter is healthy, happy, and well taken care of. It was a lucky break that you got a well-paying job in your field to boot. "And you don't have to call me ma'am. Though I appreciate the manners."

“We need to give her a nickname before Taz does.” Will snorts.

"Taz?" You haven't heard that name before, and it piques your interest as Santiago helps you set things out on the table on the deck.

Will chuckles. “Youngest in our team.” He explains. “Short for Tasmanian Devil. Brother’s like a whirlwind of stirring up shit.”

"Got it." The Army nickname thing had taken you a second to get used to, but you're on board now. It's a brotherhood thing, and you like that Santiago has such a tightknit group of friends still. It's not something you've really had much of in your life, so you're glad to see when it happens for people you care about it. "Well, I told Santiago, but whenever your friends get here just let them into the backyard. The bathroom is off the living room, but everything else worth getting at is outside."

“Yes ma’am.” He smirks slightly when he says that again before disappearing out of the sliding glass doors.

"Are all your friends polite and helpful?" You glance back at the man you've been seeing for the last few months and crack a smile. "I'm glad you invited them. It's about time we started to meet each other's friends."

“Until they are assholes.” He jokes, giving you a bittersweet smile. “We lost a friend half a year ago and it seems like we’ve had a hard time getting back in the routine. Thought this might be the little jolt we needed.”

"Then we'll make sure it's a fantastic day." He hasn't confided too much about his years in the service or about where he was before moving back to Florida a few months ago, but this is probably a large part of the reason why. Either way, you slip your arms around him for a comforting hug. It's the least you can do, when he's gone through something terrible and is willing to open about it a little.

“It’s your day.” He protests, turning and kissing your lips. “It’s supposed to be good for you, not me. We will have a few drinks, have a few laughs and then…” He waggles his brows. “Well kick everyone out and I’ll make you cum until you pass out.”

The hum that forms in the back of your throat is as pleased as it is dirty, and you kiss him once more before your doorbell rings again. "I'll get it," you nudge his nose with yours and step back, albeit reluctantly. "Go hang out with your friend."

People trickle in little by little. Friends from work, mostly, and the one mom from Rachel's school days that you stayed friends with despite Rachel and her son never actually having been friends. Eventually the text comes through from your daughter that she's a few minutes away and that makes you smile brighter than just about anything else today.

Pope pulls out his phone and texts Frankie, wondering when he’s coming – or if he’s going to come at all. He is worried about him, knowing that he’s under a lot of pressure. Marie blames him for losing his license and then going down to South America for two weeks when it was only supposed to be one. He couldn’t even tell her what happened and that was causing issues.

Had to wait for the babysitter. On my way now. Says the text that comes through a few minutes later, but there is a temporary distraction from waiting for Catfish: Rachel's car pulls up and parks outside the house, expelling both your daughter and her boyfriend onto the front lawn.

“Come on, Ben.” Rachel grabs his hand and rushes him towards the door. They are running behind because of the pre-party activities he had talked her into and while she’s not regretting that in the least, she wants to get inside and wish you happy birthday.

“Sounds like everybody’s out back, baby,” he steers her toward the fence surrounding the backyard instead of the front door, but when that brings him closer to the actual driveway of his girlfriend’s house he frowns — deeply — in confusion. He shouldn’t recognize the two vehicles sitting behind Rachel’s car and her mother’s, but there they are: Pope’s slick vintage Corvette right next to Will’s jacked up picked up truck. There’s no denying the two vehicles, he’s seen them together far too often. “The hell?” Benny breathes, but Rachel doesn’t hear him. She’s too excited to see her mom and moving them through the gate before he can hang back to do a double take at the cars.

“Mom!” Pope looks up at soon as he hears a familiar happy cry but then he’s immediately frowning. Watching as Ben Miller moves through the fence gate with Rachel. “What the fuck?”

“I told you she was bringing her boyfriend, didn’t I?” Santiago’s level of confusion is confusing in its own right, but you ignore it in favor of meeting your daughter at the edge of the porch to give her a massive hug. “Hey sweet pea!”

It helps that Benny looks just as stunned as Pope does, Will stopping short when he sees his younger brother and doesn’t hesitate to call out. “You made it!” He huffs out and shaking his head at his brother’s fickleness. “Girlfriend’s family already kick you out?”

“Nooo…” Benny blinks against the sunlight, having left his sunglasses in his truck. “You’re at the wrong party, assholes.”

The ball busting smirk immediately slides off of Will’s face, due to the knowledge that there is no way they could be at the wrong party. “Benny…” He glances at a stunned Pope and sighs heavily. “We’re at the right party.”

It only takes about a second more, but by the time Benny breathes “Ohhh shit.” He’s also cackling with laughter. “Are you telling me—” The younger Miller brother looks around and drops his voice for the sake of not embarrassing the girl he adores. “Are you telling me Pope is banging my girl’s mom?”

Will snorts and shakes his head. “Looks like.” He agrees quietly. “Hell of a birthday surprise.” He hopes that it won’t change your daughter’s mind on dating him, Rachel has been fantastic for Ben.

“Fuck….” Pope snickers quietly, shaking his head at the irony. He should probably go spell this out for you so you don’t take it the wrong way. No one knew. Even after hearing about Benny’s girlfriend for months, only Will and Fish had met her so far.

Rachel pulls back and gives you a beaming smile. “Happy Birthday Mom.” She hums, winking at you. “Santiago spend the night last night since I was with Ben?” She’s not been paying attention to the guys, too focused on you.

“We fell asleep watching our second movie.” It’s mostly true — true enough that you can play it off as innocent because you did technically nod off during the second movie — but the empty bowl of popcorn and wine glasses in the living room had waited until this morning to be cleared away once you hauled each other off to bed. “Did Ben have a fight last night or did you guys just go out?”

“No fight.” She shakes her head. “Next weekend, so we just got to go out. Although he wants to know if you would like to come to the fight.” You’ve met Benny and she thinks you like him, but she wants you to get to know him better. Which is why she had suggested they go to your party today instead of his friends’.

“If you want me to.” You don’t feel too excited to watch your daughter’s boyfriend get beat up, but you do want to get to know him better. Rach is so obviously head over heels for him.

“It’s up to you.” She smiles and looks back at Ben, curious to find Will here. “Um— what’s his brother doing here?”

“Whose brother?” Turning to follow her eyes, your head tilts slightly in interest. Santiago and Will are deep in conversation with Benny already. “That’s one of Santiago’s friends. Will.”

“Mom…” Rachel’s eyes widen slightly. “That’s Will Miller…Benny’s older brother.”

“That…” You swallow, slowly registering the situation as you watch the men interact. “That makes things interesting…” You’re dating a man who served with your daughter’s boyfriend…this is going to get complicated…

“Oh god.” Rachel bites her lip as Benny and Pope quickly break away and come over to the two of you. “So…”

“So, this is interesting.” You repeat the phrase almost disbelieving.

“Kind of a funny coincidence, huh?” Benny wraps his arms around Rachel and plants a kiss in her hair.

“I didn’t know.” Rachel promises you with a small shake of her head. “Shit, Ben. I can’t believe I didn’t know it.”

“I think I know why.” You observe, clearing your throat and accepting the comfort of Santiago’s arm around your waist as you look up (and up) at Ben. “I’m going to guess that your nickname while you were serving together was Taz?”

“Yeah.” Benny nods and looks back between all the other men. “Oh fuck, we’ve been just using our nicknames and they didn’t know.” He groans. "I'm sorry baby." He turns to Rachel with an apologetic look. "Pope was talking about his new girl and spending as much time as possible with her, so he missed the last fight you were at."

“It’s a little unconventional,” you admit, wondering what Santiago thinks of all this. “But not terrible, right?” As close in age as you and Rachel are, it wouldn’t be the first time you have had mutual friends. Just the first time you were ever dating mutual friends.

"He's a good guy." Pope assures you, like it's the first time you've met Benny. "And we can kick his ass if needed."

Benny snorts and rolls his eyes. "You wish, old man."

“Rach?” Your fingers run through her loose curls gently and you give her a questioning look. While this isn’t the day you want to have — after all, you do like Santiago — it’s ultimately up to her. Everything is and always has been in your life, and you made that decision for a reason.

"I don't think that you need to stop seeing Santiago just because he knows Ben." She rationalizes. "I think it's fine, what do you think?"

“Just as long as you’re comfortable with it.” That goes for the men involved, too. But they don’t seem to mind beyond being apologetic.

Rachel snorts and shrugs. "Just as long as they don't share sex stories." She giggles and shoots Santiago a smirk. "And we won't either."

“I was not planning on it, sweet pea.” You might be close, but that’s a step too far even for you. “Never ever.”

Agreeing completely, she walks up to Pope and gives him a hug. "So if you make my mom cry, I'll have my boyfriend beat you up." She teases.

“Got it.” She’s a grown woman, but he can’t resist the urge to mess with her thick hair, watching her face wrinkle in disapproval before she moves back to Benny, who smooths the familiar curls with care. “Now we just need Catfish to get here and we’ll have everybody.”

"I'm here!" A hand appears over the fence before he opens it, hat pulled low, and he grunts when he picks up the cooler full of ice and beer that he had stopped and picked up on the way. "Sorry I'm late."

“Fish!” Benny kisses the side of Rachel’s head before peeling off to grab the cooler from him and take it to the porch so his friend can catch his breath. He doesn’t see the tick in the tilt of your head or the way your eyes widen just a second later.

'Fish', or Francisco Morales, looks up and smirks at Benny when he grabs the cooler. Thankful, although he wouldn't make too much of a fuss about it. Getting older sucked and he's still feeling the effects of that workout he helped the other man do just two days ago when his normal sparring partner was sick. "'Bout time you made yourself useful." He huffs playfully and looking towards Pope to wave. Freezing with his arm halfway up in greeting when he sees someone that he had never expected to see before – you.

The way you shrink into yourself immediately is instinct. As much shock as anything else. But within seconds you’re stepping forward to block Rachel from view and shakily a demand an explanation. “What the shit is going on?” You hiss, though you’re not exactly sure who you’re talking to, you just don’t want to make a scene in front of your coworkers. They consider you to be such a calm, collected woman.

Frowning, Pope turns towards you, reaching out to touch your arm and stepping closer to you. "Babe— what's wrong? What are you talking about?" He follows your gaze back to Fish and he grunts in confusion. "Fish? He's another teammate. One of my best friends."

“Fuck.” Deflating on the spot, you feel like you could just collapse where you stand but that wouldn’t help the situation any. “We—we, um—know each other,” you explain quietly. “But it’s been a long time.”

Feeling like he's been kicked in the chest by one of those fucking mules, Frankie stumbles forward and murmurs your name softly. "I— what are you doing here?" He asks, frowning slightly.

“This is my house.” You wonder if Santiago even explained where he was inviting him, or if you have a nickname to their group just like they all do to each other. “I wouldn’t expect you to still remember my birthday.”

All the blood drains from his face and it falls into a wounded look. Realizing that you have to be Pope's girl. "I— remembered." He murmurs quietly, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Seven billion people in the world. Figured someone else would have the same day too." It's almost a kick in the teeth, that comment of yours. Considering he had a fight with Marie because he had said your name this morning when he was talking to himself after waking up. You were the reason he had fought, again, with the mother of his child and she had pitched a fit and left. Making him wait on a babysitter so he could come to this party. To find out that it was for you. He's so fucking lucky that Marie isn't here. He clears his throat roughly and bites his lip. "Happy birthday, gatita." He uses the nickname from a million years ago and steps back. "I should go."

A press of overwhelming guilt and the instinct to stop him makes you reach out, grabbing his arm before you can stop yourself. “No. You shouldn’t.” You admit, even though it hurts.

"No," He shakes his head and gives you a wry smile. "I should." He sighs softly and looks over at Pope. "This is your girl, huh?" He asks, confusing the other man even more. "Keep her and take care of her." He tells him. "You'll regret it if you don't." He reaches for your hand and pries it off his arm gently, squeezing it before letting it go.

“Where’s Fish going?” Benny returns from the deck just a second too late, but just in time to watch Frankie leave again and see the bewildered looks on his friends’ faces.

"I don't fucking know." The entire day has been one big bag of surprises and Pope doesn't particularly like surprises. He turns towards you for some kind of explanation, although the nickname gatita sounds familiar, like Fish has mentioned it before. "You know Frank?"

“We grew up together.” It’s the best you can hiccup out before you take off like a shot, following Frankie through the gate. “Frankie!” He’s already down at the street, but he pauses when you call his name and it gives you time to catch up.

Waiting for you as you rush towards him, Frankie takes off his Standard Oil hat and scratches his hair. Struck by how nostalgic the moment is, waiting for you to catch up to him so many times once upon a lifetime ago. “Look, I’m sorry.” He sighs when you are closer. “I didn’t know, okay? I’m going.”

“I think you should stay.” Not as fit as you once were, you puff a little and put your arms around your waist. “We, uh—for Santiago, if nothing else. You’re his friend and I—I’m somebody you used to know.” And there is so, so much to tell him…

The idea that you might want him there makes him pause and he frowns slightly as he stares at you for a moment. “Only if you’re sure.” He still hesitates. “It’s your birthday after all.”

“It is.” And you’re not sure. You’re really not. But since he’s reappearing in your life almost twenty-five years later, the lump in your throat is winning over logic.

“Last time I saw you was on your birthday.” Frankie frowns, wondering how he could have been such a shit head back then. “Seems like the circle is complete.”

“Eighteen was a long time ago.” It was right before he left for boot camp, and you’d been pushing him to commit to you before he left. A stupid thing to do at such a young age. You know that now. But you were so stupid in love with him back then and there was so much going on.

“Yes it was.” He can admit that, biting his lip and shuffling slightly. “And I was an asshole.” He had broken his own damn heart, even if he hadn’t known it at the time.

“I shouldn’t have pushed you so hard.” Squeezing your eyes shut makes you feel like your heart is going to burst, but the universe has decided that it’s time to finally time to come clean. “I was scared. And I’m sorry.”

“I was stupid.” Frankie has so many regrets from that time of his life, just compounded over the years and he almost steps closer to you, but he doesn’t. He can’t, he doesn’t have that right anymore. “I proved you right. I didn’t come back.” The argument is still confusing in his memory, just as much as it had confused him then. You had pushed to get married before he left and he had wanted to wait. It had become a sticking point and in his stubbornness, he had broken up with you.

“You didn’t come back and you didn’t have a cell phone…and then your parents moved.” With their only child moved on, Frankie’s father had accepted a transfer upstate from the Standard Heating & Oil Co that both of your fathers worked for. “I had—I had no way to talk to you. To—to tell you—” Tears prick at the corners of your eyes, surprising you since you thought you had cried every last tear you had over Frankie Morales.

“Tell me?” Frankie frowns and he does step closer, hating to see tears in your eyes again on a birthday. Especially because they seem to be because of him again. “Tell me what, gatita?”

“Fair warning.” Wiping at the corners of your eyes, you can’t quite look him in his even when you straighten out again. “You’ll hate me. And you probably should, at this point.”

“I don’t think I could hate you.” Frankie admits quietly, unable to even imagine a world where he would.

“You might.” Wiping your hands down your face and breathing out a deep, frustrated groan, you look up again to see the eyes of the boy who was your first everything looking back at you, and you crumble. “I didn’t have any way to contact you,” you repeat again, knowing you could and should have tried harder anyway. “And I was scared of losing you because — because I was pregnant.”

The way his brows pull down is instantaneous and he immediately puts his hands on his hips and twists around as he absorbs your news. “You— you were pregnant?” He chokes out, looking back at you with a wounded expression. “I— what? No? What— pregnant?”

“That’s…that’s why I was pushing you so hard to propose.” You admit, eyes cast down at the ground.

“You didn’t say a word.” Frankie shakes his head. “Why— why didn’t you tell me? If I had known—”

“I thought if I told you that you’d only run away from me faster.” Which, at eighteen years old, had seemed like pretty sound logic to you. “By the time I was scared enough to just want you there regardless, it was too late. You were…you were gone.”

“By the time—” he shakes his head, eyes wide and he swallows harshly. “What happened? Don’t— I— what are you saying?”

"I'm saying that you have a daughter." A fact which sticks in your throat now like you had tried to swallow a pinecone. "Who is smart, and kind, and headstrong, and stubborn as hell. But she's doing so well for herself that a lot of that stubbornness just slides right by."

Frankie blanks out for a minute, staring at you before he turns away. Grappling with his emotions as he bends over and tries to take a breath, groaning slightly in disbelief. “No.” He shakes his head, turning back to you. “No! Don’t tell me that!”

"I'm sorry." It isn't worth much, as apologies go, but you kneel down beside him on the grass and wonder if he'll be mad enough to strike out if you put a hand on his back. "I really am. You should have known a long time ago."

“Twenty-four,” he chokes out. “You are telling me I have a twenty-four year old daughter?” His face screws up in the regret and tears. “Please tell me you’re fucking joking.”

"I had no way to tell you." It's a lame excuse, or at least it feels lame, and you do rest your hand on his back but it's so gentle you don't even know if he can feel it.

“Oh fuck….fuck, fuck, fuck…..” Frankie moans, closing his eyes and his fists bunch against his thighs. “I-I-I— don’t— I can’t –”

"Frankie?" His breathing sounds panicked, and you soothe one hand in circles around his back. "Breathe, okay? Just breathe. Everything's okay. She—she's grown. She's raised. No one is asking you to do anything."

“I—I missed it.” He manages. “I missed everything.” Closing his eyes as he realizes that his trajectory of his life would have been vastly different if he had known.

Oh. It's the opposite. The exact opposite. He's not panicked that you're going to expect him to stay, like you thought he was. He's upset that he missed Rachel's childhood. "There's...there's still the whole rest of her life ahead."

“I— I should have been there.” He drops his head down even more. “Fuck— you must hate me. She must hate me.”

"It's my fault you didn't know. Why would I hate you?" As much as it has ever hurt to lose him, you've never actually hated him. Just missed him. Which isn't the same although they can be confused for each other. "And Rachel— Frankie, she knows the truth. That we were young and lost touch."

“Rachel.” He shakes his head, focusing on her name and it’s so goddamn familiar. “Her name is Rachel?”

"My aunt Rachel died right before she was born," you explain, wondering if he even remembers meeting your mother's sister a million and a half times at different family functions while you were together. He was always invited for every holiday.

“God.” He closes his eyes and shakes his head, hating that he had been such a fucking idiot back then. “I’m so sorry.” He whispers.

"I am, too." More sorry than you can possibly say, but what else can you do at this point but try to move forward?

“So I managed to ruin another birthday of yours.” He pushes aside the grief and sorrow that is threatening to overwhelm him and locks it down. Compartmentalize, shutting down, it’s what he knows best. He can freak out about this later when he’s left.

"It's not ruined." It's awkward, and it's uncomfortable, and you're not really sure what to do now. But it's not ruined. "It's—it's not—I don't know what today is, but it's..." you sigh heavily and stand up again. "I don't know, Frankie. If you want to leave that's up to you. But our lives cross now, and I know...I know Rachel would want to meet you."

“Oh god. Is she— is she there? Here?” He asks, shaking his head. “Can I meet her?”

"If I wasn't going to let you meet her, I would have just kept my mouth shut about the whole thing," you needle him gently. Just wishing he could or would do as much as crack a smile. It seems desperately needed.

The huff, the quarter of a smile is almost involuntary. Almost in disbelief and he looks over at you with a heavy stare. “I want to meet her.” He tells you quietly. “If I had known, things would have been so different for us, gatita.”

"No use crying over spilled milk, I think." Twenty-four years of regret is a lot to process, but you nod in acknowledgement. Just a small motion of thanks that he is at least saying out loud what you suspected.

“Fuck.” He huffs again and uncurls his hands to wipe them on his jeans. “I’m nervous.”

"Telling you not to be seems cruel," you huff, though you're not sure what else to say. "No one planned this. No one saw this coming. It will be as much of a shock to her as it is to you. As—as it was to me to see you."

“Forty-two.” He shakes his head and looks back over at you in awe. “You don’t look a day over fucking eighteen.” It might be a small embellishment, but you look amazing and so much like the girl he has loved for so long.

"You're not so bad yourself." Santiago may be on the other side of that fence, but a part of your heart has always and will always belong to scrawny Frankie Morales from Brooklyn. Even if he isn't scrawny anymore – which is a thing you can't help but notice.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, centering himself before he nods. “We should go back.” He murmurs.

"I promise she's not scary." Although you'll understand when it is a complete shock to her. And to the others. "Just...let me tell her first? I ran after you so fast that I didn't explain to anyone else yet."

Both of you stand up and he scrubs his hands on his jeans again. “Sure, sure.” He agrees, knowing that it could be sort of a shock, even if she’s known about him her whole life.

"Remember to breathe," you advise him with a wry chuckle, even though it's good advice for you too.

“When I remember how.” Frankie snorts, slightly pacing in place as he glances towards the back yard gate.

"Come on." Nodding toward the yard, you take a step in that direction to see if it will spur him on. The urge to offer him your hand is misplaced, and you have to quell it by putting your hands in your jeans pockets. "We've kept them waiting long enough."

Frankie exhales roughly and trails along behind you, wanting you to take the lead. He has to tell you about Luna at some point, but he will do that after he meets the daughter he never knew he had.

“Sorry about that.” Once you’re on the other side of the gate again, you see Rachel standing in the midst of Santiago, Benny, and Will all looking concerned. “That was…unexpected? Shall we say?”

“Mom?” Rachel moves closer to you and frowns as her eyes slide back to where Frankie is hanging back. “Why are you upset with Fish?” She asks softly, looking back at the other three men and then back at you. “You said you knew him? When? I don’t remember you dating him.” Your dates had been few and far between, even rarer that she had met them, but she would have remembered someone called Catfish.

“I’m not upset, sweet pea. I’m just surprised.” It’s a lie, but a prudent one. You are upset, and it’s because your little slice of peace has been disturbed. But no one did that on purpose, so you’ll just have to live with it. “Why don’t we—we should talk about this inside.”

“No. Here. Now.” She has inherited her stubbornness both you and Frankie. And she’s eyeing the man she had met a few months ago and hung out with suspiciously. He looks like he’s about to be sick and she’s not above taking a baseball bat to his knees if needed, whether or not she had liked him before.

“Rach, I really don’t think that’s a good idea,” you murmur, looking around the backyard. Most people are milling about and a few are in the pool, but they obviously all know something is up.

Rachel stares at you for a minute and then she shoots Frankie a glare because you look so upset before she turns around and marches towards the house.

“You guys, too,” you decide, figuring it’s probably best to get all of this over with. Santiago is dating you, Benny is dating Rachel, and Will is bound to find everything out soon enough.

There’s not a lot of hope for him with the glare shot his way, so Frankie hangs back for a moment. Reconciling the fact that Rachel is the girl that Benny has been dating. His daughter is dating his friend. His friend who has been bragging about his girl to him. And their sex life. He’s going to throw up or punch Ben in the mouth.

Once everyone is inside, you check to make sure the bathroom is empty and close the sliding doors tightly. Everyone outside can wait. This is far more important. “Everything is okay,” you start, making sure that right off the bat Rachel knows you aren’t mad and Santiago understands you don’t hate his best friend. His best friend. Fuck. “It was just—as surprising as it was to find out Santiago and Ben are friends…this is an even bigger surprise.”

Frankie leans on the side of the wall, staring at the tip of his boot as he tries to wait for you to tell Rachel. He can’t blurt it out, she’s your kid. Not his— not really. He hasn’t done a goddamn thing to help raise her, but he has to admire the job you’ve done.

"The thing is, Rach." Blowing out a breath, you reach out for your daughter's hand and just pray she won't hate you. "You wouldn't remember when I dated Frankie. Because it was before you were born."

“Hermano.” Pope’s eyes widen and the nickname clicks. He knew he had heard it before. “Gatita? This is—” he whistles quietly. “Mierda.”

When Rachel still looks confused, you breathe deeply and try your best not to shake. Or to chicken out. "There are a lot of blanks to fill in along the way, but...sweet pea...Frankie is—" Oh god, you're going to throw up. You're absolutely going to throw up. "He's your father."

You could hear a pin drop, or a mouse fart, the room is so quiet. Every head snapping towards Frankie in judgement and he doesn’t pay them any attention, focusing on the one person right now that matters. His daughter.

"I don't understand." Rachel stands bog still, clutching your hand with eyes as wide as saucers as she looks frantically between you and Frankie. She had liked this man. He is a good friend to Ben. But now she doesn't know what to think.

“Your mom and I were high school sweethearts.” Frankie isn’t sure what you might have told her, but he’s going to tell her what he knows to be true. “More like middle school, but you know?” He shrugs. “I didn’t know she was pregnant.” He promises. “I swear I didn’t know.”

Will sighs from the other side of the room. “Oh shit.”

"Everything I ever told you about him was the truth." You had worked hard to always be fair to Frankie when you were raising Rachel, even if it led to never telling her very much about him unless she asked. "He didn't know, and I had no way of telling him. It's been...it's been twenty-five years since we even spoke to each other. So you can understand why I was surprised to see him walk in today."

“And he’s friends with your boyfriend and mine.” There’s a note of disbelief in her voice that Frankie doesn’t blame her for.

“We were on the same team for years.” Frankie explains. “I was their pilot.”

“That’s why we lost touch,” you remind your daughter gently. “He left for boot camp.” Considering Ben isn’t the first Army boy that Rachel has dated, you have always sort of had a suspicion that she was subconsciously searching for her dad in these men. It just never occurred to you that it would actually work.

She looks at him, almost accusatory in her gaze. “Why did you never come back?” She demands. “If you loved her, why did you just walk away?”

That makes Frankie wince, and he shoves his hands in his pockets again. “Have you ever done something dumb and been too goddamn proud to admit you were wrong?” He asks quietly, and Pope, despite his own feelings about the entire situation, won’t let Frankie’s daughter twist in the wind.

“He used to talk about his gatita.” He interjects. “Regretting not making up with her and wishing he could get in contact with her.”

“It was harder back then, honey.” The gentle reminder is important, because Rachel might not have grown up in a world of luxury but she’s definitely never known a world without cell phones or social media. “When I told your grandparents that you were coming, we moved. It was just a little further outside the city, but the place was bigger and the neighborhood was safer. Your grandma found a better job and— and with neither of our families still in Brooklyn, we couldn’t have found each other. Even if your dad had come back looking for me, or tried to call our old apartment? We wouldn’t have been there.” At least she hasn’t ripped her hand out of yours yet. You’re considering that a good thing “We were kids, and we made mistakes. Very big ones. But you know he didn’t leave because he didn’t love you.”

“I would have never.” He promises, his voice thick with emotions. He shakes his head and frowns slightly. He doesn’t know why he didn’t realize who she was to him now that he knows. She looks just like a perfect combination of you and him, with your nose, thank God. But her ears curl just like his.

“Oh god…” In trying to process everything, Rachel glances up and looks at Frankie’s hat again, groaning to herself and wiping one hand at the bottom of her neck just like he does — but neither of them ever noticed the simile gesture. “I always just thought the hat was a funny coincidence,” she admits with a huff.

“My hat?” He takes it off and scrubs his hair quickly before putting it back on his head. “Had it since I was a kid.”

The Miller brothers look confused, and you offer them a wilted smile with your explanation. "Both of our fathers, Rach's grandfathers...they both worked for Standard for forever. That's how Frankie and I met."

“Oh shit.” Benny frowns slightly and moves over to Rachel’s side, squeezing her hip supportively.

"I know this is a lot." It's a lot for everyone, but you're mostly just talking to Rachel. Your whole adult life has been lived for your baby girl and now emotions are unraveling at light speed. "But nothing has to change. You're a grown woman, sweet pea. And whatever relationship you want with your Dad is up to you."

“I’ve spent time with him.” She admits quietly. “After a fight of Benny’s.” She looks back at Frankie and bites her lip. “But I’d like to get to know him as my dad.”

"I know this just got sprung on everybody," you murmur again. The fact is that right now you have a yard full of people and all you want to do is disappear under your comforter and pretend it isn't happening. "But...life throws you curveballs, right?"

“Yeah.” Frankie huffs, crossing his arms over his chest and feeling like his entire world has turned on its head. Wishing like hell he could snort a line but he promised himself he wouldn’t touch that shit again.

"We should give you guys some privacy." When Will finally speaks up, it's to motion to his brother and to Pope that maybe they should step outside. There are a lot of emotions creating tension in this room and they're not going to be made easier by having an audience.

Pope shuffles slightly, wanting to stay, but he also needs to think about this entire thing. The situation is blowing up and he doesn’t want to make things worse.

"Maybe you could throw the burgers on the grill? And we'll be out in a few minutes?" He had offered to be in charge of the grill today but that was before everything had gone to hell and now you have no idea what he's thinking. "And I promise we'll talk through everything, too."

“Of course.” He nods and doesn’t lean in to kiss you like he might have just a few minutes before walking in this house. Feeling almost guilty for the entire situation right now.

That missing kiss is enough to tell you that everything has changed. Santiago has never shied away from affection or from public displays, and this is exactly the time that a partner might have offered that kind of comfort. Whatever you end up talking to him about later, you're now prepared for him to end things. But you can't fault him for that. You had a baby with his best friend – even if you didn't know each other then.

“Baby?” Benny looks at Rachel, checking with her before he leaves.

"It's okay," she promises him, going up on her toes to kiss the corner of his mouth. "I'll find you when we come back out." And she's going to find a White Claw or six in the garage fridge, too. Fuck.

“Okay.” He shoots Frankie a worried look, not liking the despair on his friend’s face and shuffles to the door.

"I figured it might be easiest to just tell them the facts up front and then let all of us talk," you tell them both, now wondering if that was the right move at all.

“Yeah.” Frankie nods, understanding why you did it, but he looks over at Rachel with regret and waits for her to say something.

"Do you, actually...do you mind if I talk to Frankie—" Rachel hums awkwardly over it, before reconsidering. "If I talk to my father alone for a few minutes?" She sort of feels like they're ganging up on him, and while she has questions and she's sure that you do, too...hers are going to be very different from yours.

“I don’t mind.” Frankie glances back over at you for approval.

"I should go make the rounds outside." As much as you don't want to, it is your party and they are your guests out there. Most of whom noticed that something odd has happened even if they don't know what. Still, you nod and lean over to hug your daughter. "Come back out when you’re ready. Ben looked like he'll worry until you do."

“I will.” She promises and Frankie catches your eye as you glance over at him.

“Thanks.” He murmurs, thanking you for the opportunity to talk to Rachel. He knows you could have been very different with this entire thing. Blowing out a breath when you walk out and shut the door, he looks back at his grown daughter. “So hit me with it.” He tells her.

For a second Rachel is dumbfounded. She just stands and stares at him, but then her shoulders slump and she shrugs and she blows out a long sigh. “I guess I know the real reason my middle name is Francine,” she poses, shaking her head. “Mom said it was because The Nanny is her favourite show and I completely fucking believe that because she worships Fran Drescher, but I’m willing to bet that’s one of only like six lies she’s ever told me in my whole life and it’s actually because of you.”

“Francisco Alberto Morales.” He introduces himself to her quietly, nodding and trying not to be humbled by the fact that you gave your daughter a version of his name. Something to connect the two of you.

“And you guys were…you were together for a long time?” She knows the story. She’s heard it from you over and over again. But something in her feels like she needs to hear it confirmed from him.

“Seventh grade until her 18th birthday.” He frowns at the way that makes him sound, how callous it could be construed. He has just walked away after so long.

“And she wanted to get married.” Rachel prompts, needing these landmarks of the story confirmed for her.

“We had a plan.” He shuffles slightly and looks around the neat and well decorated home. You’ve done well for yourself and it shows. “I was going to get through boot camp and my ‘A’ school while she started college and then when I got to my first duty station, she would transfer to a school nearby.” His shoulders round when he remembers that last fight, the missing piece now clicked into place and with maturity, he can see that you had been terrified, not overbearing. “Her birthday, she blind-sided me with getting married.”

“She wanted to skip forward and get married first, and you didn’t agree.” She can see it from both sides, now. As an adult it makes sense why an eighteen-year-old planning his life would think his girlfriend was just trying to trap him — or even that she wanted the wedding more than she wanted him. “But…you never got married at all? Even after Mom?”

“No.” Marie isn’t married to him, he couldn’t do that even if he had been inclined to. She was still technically married to some guy in her past, or so she claimed. “But….”

“Oh god, don’t say Marie.” Rachel bursts out, talking before she can even think. “She’s awful, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. I didn’t feel like I had a right to say anything before but I totally do now and she’s abusive and terrible, and I will absolutely help you leave her if you need help. I’ll babysit Luna anytime and — oh my god Luna is my sister—”

Frankie shuffles and looks down at his feet. Marie hadn’t been at her best the first time that Rachel had come to the bar after the fight. She had been pissed off because his hearing had been postponed again and he wasn’t closer to getting his pilot’s license back.

“Look, if you’re happy, it’s whatever.” Rachel shuffles, not realizing she’s moving the same way as Frankie, and shrugs. She senses she’s hit a nerve. “I’ll still help with Luna whenever you need. I—I always wanted a baby sister…”

“She’s not bad.” Frankie had dealt with her for a long time and it seemed harder to leave than it was to stay. “That was a bad night.”

“If you say so.” She doesn’t believe him, but the very first day she meets her father isn’t the day to push too hard.

He doesn’t know what to say, so he looks around the house again. “Did you and your mom struggle?” He asks quietly.

“My grandparents helped.” The short answer is yes, but she doesn’t want to make him feel guilty. “We lived with them when I was little, then we moved down here when I was about thirteen. Mom got a job with Disney.”

Frankie nods, frowning slightly. He has his retirement and his Thrift Savings Plan from the military, which he will hopefully be able to not use once he gets his license back. He’s not in the best position to offer any kind of help, but he will. “You’re in school, right?” He asks.

“I’m getting my masters at UCF.” Rachel nods again. “I still live with Mom. Here, I mean. She didn’t make me leave or anything when I started college.”

She’s dedicated. Frankie knows that college, especially graduate programs, are expensive. “That’s good.” He bites his lip and wonders if the offer would offend her. “I have my G.I. Bill.” He mentions. “I can gift it to a spouse – which I don’t have.” He shrugs. “Or a child.”

It's a very sweet offer, but that doesn't really surprise her. She already knows Frankie is a sweet guy. "Save it for Luna," she tells him. "I have great scholarships, and that way she'll be able to look forward to school without worrying about student loans."

It’s feels like a rejection, even though he knows it’s not. He nods and clears his throat. “That’s good.” He has an odd sense of pride for her achievements, even though he had done nothing to contribute.

"What do you want to know about me?" There's probably plenty, but now Rachel feels a bit self-conscious. She's at least heard stories about him. All he knows about her is whatever Ben has told him.

“Everything.” The word tumbles out before he can stop himself and he looks embarrassed. “I— I want to know everything.”

"Everything is a lot," she laughs, but understands. She wants to know everything about him too. She's wondered about her father forever. "What if...what if we did some father/daughter stuff? I could come over and spend time with you and Luna or we could grab a drink sometimes? Just...exist together. And all the get to know you stuff will come in time?"

“Yeah.” He nods eagerly and smiles at her, his eyes crinkling and his face lighting up at the idea. “I like that. Any time. Any time at all.”

“Okay.” She’s feeling bone tired by all of this so she can only imagine how you and Frankie feel, but as Rachel moves over to the notepad on the far table to write her number down for him, she purses her lips slightly and tilts her head. Her thinking face. “Don’t…please don’t be too hard on Mom?” She asks, holding the slip of paper out to him a second later. “She doesn’t ever say it, but I know she’s missed you. And she worked so hard to raise me alone, she just…she deserves the world.”

“I’m not mad at your mother, querida.” He promises, taking the paper and looking down at it before he folds it up carefully and tucks it into his pocket. “I’m mad at myself.” He explains. “Too goddamn proud to admit I was wrong, and I apparently missed out on a hell of a life.” He looks up at her with pride. “And a hell of a daughter.”

“Well shucks, Paw,” she laughs, obviously very touched by the sentiment. “I guess we both have a bunch to catch up on. But we can do that.”

He snorts and huffs out a grin. “By the way, I’m going to punch your boyfriend in the mouth.” He warns Rachel. “So don’t go screaming at me when it happens.”

“Benny?” She makes an audible huffing sound. “What did he do?”

“You’ll find out.” He won’t say now, but he shrugs. “He deserves it, and he’ll know it.”

“Seems weird, but okay.” Men do weird things sometimes. She’s not so young that she doesn’t know that.

He chuckles and sweeps his head off his head again. “You look like your mother when you wrinkle your nose.”

“It’s funny.” She wrinkles her nose again but consciously, wondering if she really does look like you that way. “She always said I had your smile. And your ears.”

Frankie reaches out and brushes her curls back behind her ears and smiles. “You do have my ears.” He admits.

“Is it weird? She asks, stifling a laugh. “To realize that?”

“Surreal.” He admits with a sigh. “I don’t know what to think. I went from being too old to have a six-month-old, to being the dad to a grown ass woman.”

“I was teasing Mom about wanting a little sister last night,” Rachel admits with a groan at the irony. “Shows me right.”

Frankie smirks slightly and shrugs. “Isn’t life sometimes a kick in the teeth?”

******

“What a Fucking kick in the teeth.” Will pushes out a sigh in the backyard, cracking open the beer he grabbed from the cooler Fish brought.

“Yeah.” Pope frowns at the grill, pushing the perfectly aligned burgers with the spatula. “Who would have thought?”

"What are you gonna do?" It's not as though Pope has had a lot of time to think, but Will knows him long enough to know that the wheels are already spinning. They have all heard Fish talk about his gatita, and now that they know who she is? It at least warrants a reaction.

Pope glances over at Will before he looks back at the grill, his movements a little stiffer than just a moment before. “What can I do?” He asks rhetorically. “She was his first.”

"Just because she was his first doesn't mean that he has to be her last," Benny offers, not quite sure what else to say. They all know that Pope had been starting to fall for you, even if it had never been said. Now he is very obviously pulling back.

"No, but she would want him to be." He admits quietly. "She had told me about her first love. She didn't tell me his name." He says pointedly when Benny opens his mouth to ask the obvious question. "But she told me enough to know that she's still in love with him. And we know that Frankie never got over her."

"So it's not about stepping back," Will observes, sipping his beer in the hot Florida sun. "It's about letting them be together."

Closing the grill, Pope sighs, hands on his hips as he looks around the backyard and comes to his decision. "Don't you think Fish deserves to be happy?" He asks quietly.

"Of course he does." The idea that Will might think otherwise practically makes him clutch his proverbial pearls.

"And fuck knows we want Marie gone," Benny huffs under his breath.

"His gatita is the one to make both of those wishes come true." He's sure of it and he will bow out like a gentleman. It's the least he can do since the last half year of hell in his personal life is partially his responsibility. He had pushed Fish to come to South America. Pope looks back at both of the other men. "Want to help me fix Fish's life?"

Benny is the first to smirk, clapping his hands together and rubbing them dramatically. "You gonna pull a binder out of your ass or are we talking this one through?"

"First, I'm going to get really drunk and pretend like I'm not falling on a sword." Pope snorts, snatching the beer out of Will's hand and taking a drink. "Then, we're gonna figure out how to get Fish custody of Luna." He tells them quietly. "That little girl is the reason he's still with Marie."

"We just need proof that she's the one with the drug problem." Will mumbles, not wanting to say those words too loud. "And we need his hearing to go through so he can get his damn license back."

"Yeah." He sighs and points at Will. "Can you talk to your ex?" Pope asks, knowing it's a big favor. "She's still working in the DA's office, right? Maybe she can help us? Or know someone who can?" Being a paralegal isn't the same as being an assistant DA, but she knows people.

"I'll see if she can at least point me in the right direction," Will nods in agreement, knowing that as uncomfortable as talking to his ex-fiancée will be, it's definitely the right course of action. "She always like Fish. It shouldn't be too hard to get her to give an e-mail or phone number of who can help."

“Marie isn’t going be happy learning about Rachel.” Pope glances at Benny. “You know that.”

"She's going to be furious." Ben agrees, wiping his hand through his hair and blowing out a raspberry. "She's gonna think Fish kept it from her on purpose."

“Poor bastard looked like he was about to fall over.” Pope sighs. “I hate this.”

"We're gonna make it work," Benny promises him. "Sorry you got shoved into the middle of it, though."

“It’s okay.” It wasn’t and it actually really hurt that he was going to have to end things with you and pretend that he’s just friends with you, but his brother is worth it.

"Better to find out now than a year from now," Will offers, knowing it isn't a whole lot of comfort. But at least it's honest.

“Yeah.” You walk out of the house and he immediately turns to watch you. “Better now.” Santi murmurs, his heart aching.

******

Most people leave around dinner time, splintering off to nighttime plans or to go home to their families. Santiago, Frankie, and the Miller brothers stayed long enough to help you clean up and Rachel is loading the dishwasher when you realize Santiago has gone temporarily missing. On a hunch, you go down the hall to your bedroom and frown to see him there, tucking things back into his duffel bag.

"Decided not the stay the night?"

He hates that you caught him and he stands tall after shoving in a t-shirt and tamping down the guilty feeling. “It’s been a…surprising day.” He tells you. “Figured it might be better to change the plan for tonight.”

"Just for tonight?" You have a feeling you know the answer, but you want it out in the open. No questions or doubts.

His eyes slide away from you and for a moment, he falters. Wondering if this is the wrong thing to do. “No.” He admits, walking over to you and cupping your cheeks in his hand. “I am— was— falling in love with you.” He won’t lie to you. “But you’ve been in love with Frank for far longer than you’ve loved me.”

It's enormously frustrating for him to be both presumptuous and right. The last thing you want is to admit it, especially as tears press at the back of your eyes, and so a protest comes out of your mouth instead. "He's with someone else," you point out, knowing that someone mentioned it earlier. One of the Miller brothers, you think. "He's—he's—it's so complicated, Santi."

“I know it is.” His brow pinches together and he leans forward to kiss your forehead. “And if it’s too complicated, I won’t let you twist in the wind.” He promises. “But you deserve to find out if your love for him is still there.”

"This isn't how I saw today ending." Overwhelmed and next to tears was definitely not on the docket, but you're not going to beg him to stay. That's not the kind of girl you are anymore. You haven't been in a long time. "What a shitty birthday."

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” Pope closes his own eyes and leans his forehead against yours. “I can stay if you want.” He offers in a whisper, feeling guilty all over as his resolve crumbles.

"You'd feel guilty if you did." He's a good man, that's why. It's part of what you liked so much about him when you met, and part of what's grown on you. "Like you were betraying Frankie."

“I would still stay.” He promises.

"You'd feel guilty and then you'd start to resent me." The defense mechanism of crossing your arms over your chest might guard you in spirit, but it doesn't stop you from feeling like utter dogshit in this moment. "Just...know that this isn't how I wanted things to go between us. That's all."

“I know.” He murmurs softly, the slight smile on his lips ironic. “I know, baby. I didn’t want this either.” He admits. “But I’m still going to be here for you. That won’t change.”

“Could I just ask you one favor before you go?” All things considered, it’s very minor and sort of the least you could possibly ask.

“Anything.” Pope would do anything for you, he’s proving that, but he wouldn’t deny you simple request if it’s in his power to take care of it.

“I don’t know if you’re going to see them at all tonight or not but just…don’t tell Rachel yet? She’s going to spend the night with Ben again and I know her. She’ll come straight home to be with me instead. I don’t want to ruin her night.”

He chuckles softly, aware of what that says about you as a mom. “You are a good woman.” He murmurs, leaning in kissing your forehead again. “I won’t say anything to her.”

“I’ll tell her tomorrow.” You promise him. It’s not that you want to hide things from her — it’s that you know she’ll act rashly out of loyalty to you if she finds out tonight. She might even break up with Ben, which is the last thing she actually wants or that you want for her.

“When you tell her is up to you.” He would never think that he should have an input on your relationship with Rachel or when you tell her. “Whenever you are comfortable.”

“Well…” A shrug and a half sigh are the best you can do, not really sure of what else to say. Maybe you’ll get on Pet Finder tonight and look for a cat. Or three.

“Oh…” Pope reaches into his bag and pulls out your gift. “I didn’t want to give this to you in front of everyone.” He tells you quietly. “But this is for you.”

“You didn’t have to.” Especially now. Especially with everything that’s happened today. But you still smile weakly and accept the bag. Yup. It’s gonna be me and three cranky, elderly cats. That’s my future. “I—um, thank you. It’s…very sweet of you. You’re a very sweet person.”

“No, I’m not.” Pope snorts as he steps back. “But you are worth the effort.”

Impulsively, it does make you want to ask why he’s leaving, then. But you know the answer. You know this is about you and Frankie having a past and that nothing is going to change Santiago’s loyalty to his best friend. What’s even more annoying is that you like that about him, it hits harder and hurts more. All you can say without letting the emotions through the floodgates is just to excuse yourself to grab the book of his that you borrowed because it’s downstairs in the living room.

Staring at the door, Pope sighs and pulls his phone out of his pocket to text Will. Deciding that he needs a drink after the emotional rollercoaster of the day.

______

Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @littlemousedroid @harriedandharassed @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @haylzcyon   @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri @adancedivasmom @madiebear @tanzthompson @emilianamason @bigsdinger @xocalliexo @pedr0swh0r3 @avaleineandafryingpan @charlyrmv @avidreader73 @iceclaw101 @loveslide @elegantduckturtle @becsworld @julesonrecord @its-nebuleuse @itsrubberbisquit @mikeyswifie @guelyury @lizzie-cakes @for-a-longlongtime @vabeachazn @purplerain04 @weho2kcmo @madnessofadaydreamer

My Masterlist!

[villainousshakespeare]

It's been a hell of a year for you, darling! So, please answer any or all of the following, if you would?

End of the year Asks

Song of the year?

Album of the year?

Favorite musical artist / group you started listening to this year?

Movie of the year?

TV show of the year?

Episode of tv or webisode that defined the year for you?

Favorite actor of the year?

Game of the year?

Best month for you this year?

Something that made you cry this year?

Something you want to do again next year?

Talk about a new friend you made this year

How was your birthday this year?

Favorite book you read this year?

What’s a bad habit you picked up this year?

Post a picture from the beginning of the year

Post a picture from the end of the year

A memorable meal this year?

What’re you excited about for next year?

What’s something you learned this year?

What’s something new about your place of residence (room, home, or general location) now vs the start of the year?

Favorite place you visited this year?

If you could send a message to yourself back on the first day of the year, what would it be?

Did you keep any New Year’s Resolutions?

Did you create any characters (in games, art, or writing) this year? Describe one

Fun ask game from the wonderful @caffiend-queen!

Song: I mean, it has to be "Running Up That Hill" doesn't it?

Album of the Year: Selfish choice - hubs recorded his first album of original songs that I helped produce!

Musical Artist: Kate Bush resurgence for the 80's crowd!

Movie of the Year: I didn't have a lot of time to go to the movies this year. I liked Glass Onion.

TV show of the Year: Andor! I was late to the party, but it was so good! (Honorable mentions: Stranger Things, Severance, Succession)

Episode that defined the year: season finale of Succession. Even when you think you have all come together to win, someone or something unexpected fucks you over.

Actor: Tom. Always Tom. sigh. Otherwise, Fiona Shaw and Andy Serkis in Andor were stupendous.

Game of the Year: Nathan Chen winning the Olympic Gold Medal

Best Month: July. Got my first royalty check for a theater company performing my play!

Something that made me Cry: My father-in-law dying

Something I want to do again next year: get a show published. Editing my next play for submission to my publishers. Fingers crossed!

A new friend this year: I adopted my new kitten Hermia, and she became the light of my life and bosom friend and companion. She is fierce and sweet and playful and I love her.

I don't even remember what I did for my birthday this past year. In 18 days I have a big one though, and I will have to do something special.

Favorite book read: The Lost Queen by Signe Pike

Bad Habbit: I already had a lot, can't think of a new one

Pic:

Pic:

Memorable Meal: Had a dinner party with my closest friends where I made homemade pasta, pork tenderloin in Chianti wine and rosemary sauce, and chocolate sausage for dessert. It was yummy!

Excited about: possibly going to Europe for a month or more for a writing sabbatical!

Something I learned this year: professional off-broadway producers are just as flaky and unorganized as off-off-Broadway producers, if not more so. Give me the contract to sign and I am on board to direct, if not call me when you have it ready because I cannot put my life on hold for a "maybe" repeatedly.

Place of Residence: Everything is new!!! We have a new home and I love it. The neighborhood is friendly and convenient, I have a kitchen I can bake in, and it's all ours! No more subletting to friends to make the rent!

Favorite place visited: St. Augustine, FL. We didn't travel much this year, but I love visiting the ocean and being rejuvenated by the waves. Closest thing I have to religion.

Message to past self: Just keep going. This year is going to suck a lot and there will be a high level of stress, but you will come out stronger and in a better place.

Did you keep New Year's resolutions: I don't think I made any

Created characters: In fics I created Caroline, the feisty shrink who I love in Therapy Fit for a God; In my new play I created four idiosyncratic sisters who are all based in part on myself and my sisters written for actresses who will knock them out of the park if I can make myself finish the play.

Play along my dears! This was fun and made me think. Didn't have as much time for either creating or consuming content this year, but there were definitely highlights that I had almost forgotten about. Anyway, happy to have made it out of 2022 and hoping for a more tranquil and creative 2023!

[certifiedlovergirlsstuff]

Don’t Drink the Punch

pairing: Steve Harrington x Female Byers!reader

genre: follows show plot lines, but will diverge from canon

WC: 7K

warnings: cursing, alcohol, mention of weed and a quick with cigs, part of the stancy fight, mentions of throwing up. should be it.

summary: maybe next time, don’t drink punch that’s ‘pure fuel’. halloween sure was a crazy night, too bad you can’t remember much.

A/N: ALL PART UNDER THE TAG -The Byers Harrington Story-

series masterlist

we are going to ignore time when reading my stories because i also ignore it when writing! i put two and three together, but honestly ep3 (the physical ep) is barely in here, just the fight between stancy and a quick scene of joyce calling the radio shack for bob, once we leave the party that’s where ep3 begins.

thank you to @alecmores​ for proof reading!

previous chapter  next chapter

Halloween has finally arrived in Hawkins, Indiana. House decorated in fake cobwebs, a corn maze was organized by Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, and candy was sold out in pretty much every grocery and convenience store. Pumpkin patches sadly were supposedly destroyed, so you weren’t able to pick one out to carve with Will like you usually do. But it was still going to be a great Halloween, you asked Robin over the phone yesterday if she was interested in going to Tina’s party and her response was, ���do you really want to go to the party? Sure you don’t want to just come here?” “We don’t have to stay long, an hour at most, if we aren’t enjoying it after that, then we can go to your place. Deal?” “Mmm, sure. It’s a deal.”

You felt so giddy at the idea of finally going to a high school party, you tried to bring it down a notch knowing it’s not gonna be like the movies, but still, a Halloween party! You hope it was good enough to stay longer than an hour. You’re gonna let yourself be a dumb teenager tonight and get fucking drunk.

With your hair styled in tight ringlets and tied together with a blue ribbon, a light blue shadow dusted over your lids and your lips puckered pink. You smooth your hands down the fabric of the blue dress and slipped into some blue ballerina flats. You took a look into your mirror to see if you need any touch-ups or if you looked stupid, but when you looked into the mirror, you smiled. You felt quite pretty today.

Walking from your room to the kitchen you took a peek inside Will’s room, he was wearing his beige Ghostbusters jumper and Joyce was helping with the black ghost pack. You leaned against the doorway for a moment before speaking, “Nice costume.”

Will and Joyce both turned in the direction of your voice. Will had a shining smile on his face and Joyce placed her hands over her heart.

“Pretty dress,” Will noted.

“Honey, you look so beautiful!” you thought Joyce was gonna spill a few tears.

Thanking both of them, you stepped into the room and sat down on Will’s bed, holding your hands out for him to take. Your hands rest on your thighs while you just look at Will, then you move a hand to smooth his bangs and you let your eyes search him, trying to find something. With a hand on his cheek you leaned in closer to him, “are you okay?” you whispered.

He took a moment, but in the end, he just nodded a yes to your question. You didn’t want to push him, not after yesterday, but you knew he wasn’t telling the full truth. You gave a forced smile to Will, trying to show him that you were gonna try and step back just a bit.

Standing from the bed, you smoothed his hair one more time before heading to the kitchen where you could smell Jonathan making breakfast. The smell of eggs, sausage, and some toast wafted through the house, a comforting smell. With a plate already set on the table, you decided to dig in.

“You know-” you said with some eggs in your mouth, “you will make a great housewife one day.”

Jonathan scoffed at your joke, “Oh, and you’re gonna find an amazing trophy husband in the future.”

“Hell yeah. Just because I’m able to birth babies doesn’t mean I want to constantly take care of them, I’m already like a second mother to Will sometimes,” you bit into your toast.

Jonathan fully turned around now and he stopped at the sight of you all dressed up. Only on special occasions do you get fully ready, taking a while to pamper yourself pretty. He set the other two plates on the table then grabbed a tight ringlet, and pulled it down.

“Hey, I worked hard on these,” swatting his hand away.

“You know Halloween is tonight. You don’t have to be dressed up right now.”

“Okay, so Will wants to dress up for school, but I can’t. That’s misogynistic of you, Jonathan.” His mouth gaped open, “what-” You threw a hand into his chest, giggles spilling past your lips, “I’m kidding dude. I just felt like wearing it for school today, plus it’s just a dress, nothing like Will’s.”

He then backed off, knowing it’s Halloween, if you wanted to be dressed up for school you can do so for your pleasure.

Joyce and Will finally joined the both of you in the kitchen. All four of you are chatting, about school, about tonight and the rules, reminding Joyce that you’re going to Robin’s for the night. When everyone was done eating you helped Jonathan wash and dry the dishes while Will got the rest of his belongings together, the both of you were gonna take pictures before leaving.

“I was wondering if you wanted to go to Tina’s party tonight?”

Jonathan turned his head at your question, “What? Why? You decide to go?” He chuckled at the idea.

When you didn’t counter back right away he looked back at you, a small frown on his face, “(Y/n), come on. Do you really want to go to a party filled with drunk teenagers? Teenagers, who are mostly people that don’t like us?” “I know, but it would be nice to experience it just once. Plus Robin’s going with me, and we’ll only stay an hour at most. Come on, if you drive us, we can get drunk, and you can be the dd because you’re a wet blanket,” you threw a gentle elbow to his ribs.

He didn’t respond, just went back to washing the dishes and handing them to you for drying off, “At least- at least just think about it. Please?”

With a tiny turning of his head, he gave a nod.

And that was the end of the conversation.

…

“No way.”

You turned away from the inside of your locker and met the wide-eyed face of Robin. You look down at yourself then back up to her face, “what?” “Uh, two things. One, you look very pretty, and two, why are you wearing it at school?”

“My little brother wore his to school, I just felt like doing it as well. What’s wrong anyway, it's just a dress!”

“Yeah, but you’re a junior in high school, it’s a little different than a- what grade is Will in?” “Eighth grade,” “Eighth grade compared to Junior year, kinda different.”

You just rolled your eyes and closed your locker. The two of you walk down the crowded halls, elbows and warm bodies bumping into each other. Couples being gross, being way too intimate, or making out against lockers, it was eight-thirty in the morning. 

“Can’t they keep it in their pants at least till lunch, actually no, because I’ll probably throw up my food,” Robin commented.

A breathy laugh left your lips. You surveyed the halls, your eyes roaming from one person to another, the feeling of their eyes watching your passing figure kept you on alert. You knew that today you looked completely different compared to your usual school or everyday attire, but the feeling of them watching you. The eyes trailing down your figure, the giggles of girls, and murmurs. Maybe dressing up for school was a bad idea.

“Robin,” “(Y/n).” “Be honest, are people staring at me?”

Robin did a quick check around the crowded halls and took in the boys with their mouths agape, the girls chewing their gum obnoxiously, their very pointed stares on you.

“Ah, no I don’t think so.”

“Robin,”

“No yeah, people are staring at you.”

You just groaned. Now, you’re regretting this decision.

“I think it’s because these dudes are shocked they are just now seeing how beautiful you are, and the girls are jealous. Hell, I would one hundred percent ask you on a date if I didn’t already know about your little crush,” Robin tried to make you feel better.

“And I one hundred percent would date you if you asked.”

…

“Well, it looks like someone is excited for tonight.”

The abrupt male voice broke through the quiet conversation between you and Robin on the bleachers. The two of you watched as the metalhead trudged up the metal steps, the sound of his feet hitting each step reverberating in the air. In a joking manner, Eddie gave a bow, he was acting like a court jester and you were the sitting princess.

“My Lady.” “Oh, shut up,” lightly pushed his shoulder.

He sat on the bench below you and Robin, his lunchbox, which you knew was filled with weed, he placed it beside him the metal vibrating. Robin ate a sandwich and shared her chips with you as you worked through your homework. Bob let you take the day off, so now until the trick-or-treating, you are making sure your assignments are finished.

“Going to Tina’s Halloween bash?” Robin asked Eddie.

He sighed, “yes and no, it’s kinda a work event. If you look at it that way. Drunk kids, love to get high.”

“Gonna get high, Byers?”

You shot your head up from the work and flushed at the words falling from Eddie’s mouth, the playful wiggle to his brows.

“Oh, you smoke (Y/n)?” Robin turned to you.

“Ah, it was for a little- nightmares and such. Not anymore though.”

You shot Eddie with a pointed look trying to convey your thoughts, but even if he saw the glare, he chose to ignore it and met Robin with a playful smile dancing devilishly across his face.

“Oh, Byers and I would hang out in my van for hours and smoke. Really good times, and then one day, when we were both high, she ended up-”

“Hitting! I accidentally hit Eddie while high, really embarrassing thing,” you fibbed.

Robin slowed in her chewing, just watching the way you and Eddie were interacting with each other at the moment. The two of you have a staring contest, you with your bold eyes watching Eddie who looked to be holding back a laugh, he thought this whole exchange was hilarious and it was pissing you off a bit. Switching tactics of trying, and I mean trying to use intimidation, you decide to use sympathy instead. Using the puppy eyes, ones that your family says can work on anyone.

With a pout on your lips, a sight furrow of brows, and your eyes changing looks, “Yeah- yeah a good smack to my cheek. Her punches are really strong,” Eddie lied.

“Okay,” Robin said one word slowly.

“So, you're dressing up tonight, Munson?”

…

With the bell signaling the final class for the day, everyone rushed from their classes and flooded the halls. Walking beside Eddie as he walked you towards your locker, the both of you engaged in conversation, neither of you noticed the two people just three lockers away. With a bump to your hip and a gentle push to his shoulder the both of you split, Eddie giving another bow before departing through the double doors down the corridor.

“You two sure are close.” Turning to the voice, Nancy was putting things in her locker while Steve leaned against one, his arms crossed over his chest and feet crossed at the ankle. You looked from them to the doors Eddie walked through, a quick tilt of your head, “Ah, yeah. Got closer over the summer.”

You walked to your locker and threw in everything that you didn’t need for the day, stuffing your books and homework you finished into the cramped space, “You two going to Tina’s tonight?”

“Oh, yeah. Doing Risky Business. What do you think (Y/n), am I better looking than Cruise?”

Turning your attention away from your books and onto Steve, his winning smile on display just waiting for your answer to his question, ‘dangerous territory’ you thought.

“Oh, now you see, there is a pretty obvious answer to your question.”

“So you think I’m better looking?” a cocky smile.

You slammed your locker shut, a teasing smile, “oh, now, I thought you were smarter than that Steve. It’s so obviously Cruise, sorry Harrington.”

You left the two of them heading for Jonathan, “see you two at Tina’s!” you yelled just before exiting the school for the day.

…

“So you hit “T” to zoom in, and “W” zooms back out. See? Easy-peasy.”

Bob was teaching Jonathan how to work the new camcorders, Joyce wanted to have Will’s night out on tape since she wasn’t joining this year. She and Bob were staying at the house to give out candy and watch some movies, it was cute.

“Just make sure to turn off the power to save energy there. You can always ask (Y/n) for help, she knows her way around one of these, don’t ya?”

“All thanks to you, boss,” the two of you shared a smile.

Jonathan walked over to Will and Joyce, “Are you ready, bud?”

“Yeah.”

“Just try and keep an eye on him.” “We will mom, it’s gonna be fine,” you reasoned to her.

Will had a beaming smile on his face, ready to go out with his friends for the night and collect candy that will give him tummy aches for days after. Smiling at your fond memories of you and Jonathan trick-or-treating. One year when Will was still small the three of you did Scooby Doo, you as Daphne, Jonathan as Shaggy, and little Will as baby Scooby. And then one Halloween about four years ago, you tried doing a look from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, not as iconic as Audrey Hepburn, but still good.

The three of you ushered out the door and towards Jonathan’s car.

“Be safe,” Joyce yelled out.

“I hope it doesn’t suck!” Bob called out imitating Dracula, poorly you might add.

The boys giggled a bit at the joke, you flicked at both their ears for laughing at Bob.

The car was silent for a few minutes then Jonathan decided to speak up, “I just don’t get what she sees in him.”

“What?” Will asked in the passenger seat.

“Bob.”

“Hey, Bob is a great man. You just find him too dorky,” you quoted the one word.

He scoffed, “no I don’t.”

“At least he doesn’t treat me different,” Will murmured.

You and Jonathan got quiet for a moment. If you were to list the people who are very doting on Will after the Upside Down it would be Joyce, You, and Jonathan, then the party. Bob didn’t know about what happened to Will, all of you decided to not mention anything to him, also you all signed NDAs.

“I mean, I can’t even go trick-or-treating by myself. It’s lame.” “Hey, going with a group of people is always more fun than by yourself,” you threw out.

“You think I’m lame? You think (Y/n)’s lame?” “I’m not lame, just fyi.”

Will sighed, “no, but it’s not like Nancy’s coming to watch over Mike, you know?”

You chewed on your bottom lip, looking from Will who was watching the trees whiz past the speeding car, then to Jonathan’s eyes in the rearview mirror. All three of you just released quiet sighs and that was the end of the conversation for the rest of the ride to the Wheeler’s.

…

The three boys were walking up the grass lawn just as Jonathan pulled up to the curb. Jonathan honked the horn in greeting. Placing the car into park, Jonathan turned to Will as he grabbed the ghost pack getting ready to leave.

“Hey, listen,”

“Yeah?”

“If I let you go on your own, you promise to stay in the neighborhood?”

The spark was back in Will’s eyes, “Yeah! Yeah, yeah, totally.”

“And be back at Mike’s by nine,” you added from the back.

“Nine-thirty?”

You and Jonathan looked at each other for a moment, “nine,” Jonathan stated firmly.

“Yeah.” “Deal?” “Yeah, deal.”

“All right, go have fun, bud,” Jonathan added.

You grabbed the camcorder and pushed it up front, “hey, Will. Don’t let any of the idiots use this, all right? I don’t want to worry about Bob pulling it from my paycheck.”

“Okay,” he said with a chuckle.

“I hope it doesn't suck,” Jonathan imitates Bob.

You gave a swift smack to his shoulder, “What the hell?”

“Idiot,” you mumbled.

The two of you waved off Will as he rushed over to the three boys, the four of them shouting and smiling with joy. They were messing around with their pillowcases for a moment, then they headed off into the neighborhood, on a mission for some cavity-inducing candy. Weariness brewed in the pit of your stomach, worried something might happen to Will while you and Jonathan weren’t present, but you both know he needed this.

“Awesome,” Jonathan whispered while looking at his crumpled orange paper.

Smiling tugging at your face, the weariness fading to the back of your mind for the moment, “so, Tina’s?”

He turned his head at your voice, a grimace on his face, “Robin first?” “Step on it, chauffeur! We have a party to attend!”

He sighed, then put the car into gear.

…

“Wow” “I regret this” “What the hell is Bruce Stevens wearing?”

Girls On Film by Durn Durn was blasting through the many speakers at Tina’s house, it almost looked like the building was bouncing and bumping with the beat of the song. Teens dressed in different costumes ranging from a current pop culture interest to just a simple shirt with a dumb character face mask. Everyone had red solo cups in hand, some cigarettes, and a few couples making out against cars or on the lawn. There were screams and chants from the backyard, people chanting numbers then bursting into calls of someone's name. And then, finally, Bruce Stevens came rushing out the front door and threw up onto the lawn, classy.

It was a lot to take in within the first five minutes of arrival.

You and Robin linked arms, you were still dressed as Wendy, and it looked like Robin threw together a last-minute costume, “I’m one of the outsiders!” she declared. Jonathan trailed behind the both of you, he was like a weak bodyguard.

Walking through the front door, you were instantly hit with the smell of smoke and spilled beer. The air in the crowded house was warm, it was close to feeling like summer all over again just from the living room. The bass of the music makes the floor thump in time with the beat. People grinding against the other, both intentional and unintentional, everyone too drunk to care about a little personal space.

You and Robin pushed your way through the people crowding the door, Jonathan just behind you both. Looking behind to make sure Jonathan was staying close when something else caught you by surprise.

“Holy shit!” “What!” Robin screeched.

You turned her around to look at the scene before you, Jonathan was talking with a cute girl in a KISS costume. He must have said something funny ‘cause the girl was chuckling at whatever the remark was, then they both shook hands in a greeting.

Pleasantly surprised by these events, you pulled Robin with you towards the kitchen. You were in search of a hard drink to get you drunk fast. Having found your destination, you grabbed solo cups for the two of you and looked into the clear punch bowl that had a fog brewing atop the red liquid. Dipping the cups in, you passed Robin a cup and you clicked in cheers.

“What the fuck is this stuff!” you downed the liquid like water.

“This is going to be a dangerous night,” Robin commented.

You giggled at the comment and went back in for seconds, then thirds, and fourths. Whatever amount you were on, you finally went to the dance floor when a song caught your full drunken-dazed attention, “Robin!” and you pulled her behind you to the crowded floor.

Not being even an ounce sober you were just moving your body around in a way that just felt freeing and comforting, you even pulled Robin into whatever dance you were doing, your bodies intertwined.

“Byers!” a voice shouted over the noise.

You twirled your body, colliding into the hard chest of someone, their hands sitting just below where your bra band sat. You were a giggling mess, something was funny that only you saw or thought of, and your drink was long forgotten somewhere in the house, someone might have even taken it.

Your hands traveled from the stranger's chest and up to their neck then finally rested on their cheeks, you squeezed the mushy muscle. Your vision was blurring, one body could have been three bodies. You giggled again, the images were funny to your mind.

“Hey- hey handsome, or gor-gouse, whoever, wanna- wanna kiss?” your words were slurring together from the alcohol and time it settled in your body.

Leaning your face forward, waiting for lips to make contact with yours. Instead, a warm feeling heated your cheeks, your face being pushed back. Blinking your heavy lids, you were just able to make out the person before you, only because he was always in your dreams.

“St- Stevie?”

A clicking noise sounded off, “Sorry babe,” yeah, your vision was fucked.

Eddie was holding your face, “Where’s Ro- Robin?”

“She went to the bathroom, and found me before she hurried off.”

“Wh- where’s Jonathan?”

“Now that, I don’t have the answer.”

“Why don’t we get you some water, huh?” You pouted but complied when Eddie slipped a hand into yours. Pushing and stumbling through the crowd, you were allowed a moment of free space in the kitchen. You leaned a hip into the counter while Eddie grabbed a cup and filled it to the brim, “chug it, Byers,” Eddie tilted the cup to your lips. Chugging the water you felt like a starved man on an island, your hands limply grasped for the cup.

Eddie grabbed the cup back and filled it again, you wiped the droplets off your face. Just as you grabbed for the cup you heard everyone around you ‘ooooo’, you turned to look for the scene to cause such a reaction. Standing before you, actually standing in front of you, Nancy and Steve stood across from each other, and all the party-goers stood still. Nancy had a giant red stain splashed across the front of her white shirt, and Steve leaned against the counter, he ran a hand through his hair in a stressed manner.

“What the hell?” Nancy slurred.

Nancy hurried off into the crowd and Steve followed a second behind, “Nance.”

Eddie blocked your view of the party, the now refilled solo cup pushing against your lips. Grasping for the cup you chugged the water down again, almost choking on the speed you were drinking, “Jesus, you don’t have to chug it.”

“Another!” you screeched.

Eddie went to refill the cup for the third time, and Robin reappeared from nowhere, “You two see the scene between Wheeler and Harrington?”

“I think I wanna go home now, or yours Robin. I just- I think I should leave. I’m too- I’m too dru-nk,” words still slurring together.

“Okay, you can come to mine, my mom’s working a late shift. So I’ll go look for Jonathan and tell him, stay with Eddie,” and she hurried off.

Rubbing your hands over your face, you tried to will yourself sober, at least the water was helping just a bit. You were gonna have the worst hangover tomorrow morning, and god the throwing up, you regret this.

“I regret getting drunk,” you said aloud to Eddie.

Eddie chuckled and pushed the solo back into your hands, “drink, slowly.”

Just as you finished your third cup of water and handed the cup to Eddie you caught movement. Looking over at the crowd, everyone getting drunk and stoned, everyone forgetting the scene Nancy and Steve had only minutes ago. You saw Steve rushing through the crowd, you couldn’t tell from the distance between you and him, but he looked stressed and as if he wanted away from this party before he collapsed or something terrible happened in front of everyone. Your feet moved before your mind caught up to your actions and just before you reached the crowded living room, an arm gripped your bicep and pulled you back.

“You’re not disappearing on me, Byers.”

“But, Steve…” “I know babe, but you’re drunk and I don’t want Jonathan to bite my head off for losing you.” You giggled at that, forgetting what you were doing just a second ago, “Jonathan won’t hurt you, I’m the one with the brawns, remember? I smacked you!” a string of giggles followed.

Just then Robin came back, an arm went around your waist and she tugged one of your arms over her shoulder, “We’re gonna meet Jonathan at his car, and Nancy is coming as well.”

“Huh?” She just shook her head, “See you later Munson.” “Take care of our friend, Buckley, have a bucket ready!” …

The room was too bright, the air felt too thick, and the bedsheets rubbed against your skin in a way that felt like sandpaper. Everything felt wrong and too much at the moment, just even breathing felt wrong to your body. Curling up deep into yourself, just wanting to shut everything out and not exist for the moment, just a small relief of bliss from your hangover and the ache of your skull and body, but it didn’t last long. A door slammed open and then closed accompanied by a too-loud voice.

“(Y/n)! Wakey wakey!”

You just lifted a hand limply into the air trying to make a signal to Robin for her to quiet down.

“Get up! We have to get to school!” “Who’s going to school after last night?” your throat felt dry like a desert.

“Everyone, ‘cause if no one showed up it would be an early senior ditch day.”

“Ugh, I don’t even think I brought my bag with me, and I don’t have extra clothes.”

“Well first sit up and drink this water,” the thunk of the cup sitting on Robin’s nightstand rang like a gong going off in your ears.

“I already called Jonathan to make sure he grabs your bag, and I have some old clothes you could try. But first, drink this water and take some Advil, and take a quick shower to wash your makeup off. I’ll leave some clothes by the bathroom door for you,” and she left you, moving quietly you might add.

…

“I think my brain is gonna explode inside my skull any minute now.”

“So dramatic.”

You and Eddie hung out by the forest lining the school grounds, both of you choosing to ditch second period. You were seated on the bench hidden deep in the trees, the one where Eddie does all his business during school hours. He was lighting a cigarette between his lips, the smell of the tobacco made you crinkle your nose, but the urge to have a blunt hit you, “Can I have a hit?” A brow raised at your question, “That hungover?” “Oh yeah. Don’t know what the hell they put in that devil punch,” your fingers pinching for the death stick.

Your lungs when inhaling the nicotine burned, but you welcomed it with pleasure and pain. It filled you with some type of relief from your headache. Your shoulders shagged from their tense posture, you held the smoke for a few seconds then with your lips forming a perfect ‘o’ shape, smoke rings were pushed out. Taking one more hit you then passed it back to Eddie.

“So you remember anything from last night,” smoke passed from his lips.

Your eye widened, “not really, did I do something stupid?”

“You thought I was Harrington again,” he gave a breathy laugh.

“What the hell is wrong with me,” you ran your hands over your face in embarrassment.

“Your desire for Harrington must be really strong if you keep mistaking me for him, and you almost went after him when he rushed out the house. If you don’t watch yourself, you’re gonna get heartbroken like glass, the perfect hit and it crumbles.”

“Wow, so poetic of you, Shakespeare.”

Silence passed between your bodies, the rusting of fallen autumn leaves dropping from stems, the trees singing their song that you weren’t able to understand. Everything felt like a frozen moment in time, the two of you just enjoying the other’s company along with the woods shielding the world away from the two of you. Too bad it couldn’t last for longer than a moment.

“I’m just trying to look out for you, Byers. I care about you, I’ve seen you at what I assume is your lowest, the nightmares and everything. I’ve seen you slowly get better, getting a grip back on yourself. I don’t want all of that to just be thrown out the window just because of douchebag Harrington.”

“He’s not a douchebag…” Eddie threw a look your way, “...anymore. He’s growing out of that shell of himself. I swear.”

“Whatever you say, but just know, Robin and I will be here for you if you need mending done.”

The bell rang signaling the end of second period and moving into third. You gathered your belongings and headed back towards the stone building, you turned back to Eddie seeing that he didn’t join you.

“You coming?” “Nah, gonna stay out here a little longer.” “You know, if you keep skipping classes, you’re gonna be held back again!”

He just chuckled at your comment. Leaving him and the woods behind, the small moment of quiet just to walk back into the loud halls of teens you could care less about, “hey, Byers!” You turned to Eddie, “You know I’m here right? And Robin? We’re here for you if you can’t go to your family.”

Stilling for a moment, but then you nodded at him and walked back to the school. As you were taking your time walking to class, you watched the P.E. group running on the track outside and you could faintly hear the squeaking and shouting from within the gym. Just as you were about to pass the gym to enter the school, voices outside stopped you in your tracks.

“Apparently, uh… we killed Barb and I don’t care ‘cause I’m bullshit… and our whole…our whole relationship is bullshit, and… I mean, pretty much everything is just bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. Oh, yeah, also, you don’t love me.”

Your eyes widened from the realization of who was talking and what the conversation was about.

Steve and Nancy were talking about whatever happened last night. You knew this was a conversation meant only for the two of them, but you were scared to take even a single step away, worried they might hear you. So you tried to stay like a statue, even holding your breath worried they might have bat hearing all of a sudden. You will yourself think of something else, zone out, anything to avoid this conversation. Watching the kids running the track wasn’t helping as you could still hear them.

“Well, then tell me.”

“Tell you what?”

“You love me.” Your heart broke. The words sounded broken, sharp jagged pieces being spit from Steve’s mouth. You could tell how much Steve cared about Nancy when it was just the two of you and even more when the both of them were together, but sometimes Nancy looked like she wanted to be anywhere other than the present. Unintentionally hearing that Nancy thought their relationship was bullshit and her thinking Steve was bullshit, made a bit of anger rise within you, but this was something not meant for your personal feelings.

This was something between Nancy and Steve, something that they’ve been hiding, well, something that Nancy’s been hiding from Steve. She is hiding her true feelings about things, not happy with the way Steve’s handling situations compared to herself. Sadly that tiny bit of anger was pointed directly at Nancy and you hated yourself for it.

The abrupt noise of the gym doors banging open pulled you from your stupor. Bruce Stevens rushed out and looked down the alley at the bickering couple, “Harrington!” “Dude, we need you, man. That douchebag’s killing us. Let’s go!” “All right!” “Come on!”

And just before Bruce ran back inside he met your standing figure and flicked his head at you, “Byers! You were so hot last night!”

That was your cue to rush inside. With a quiet “thanks” to Bruce, you speed your way from the alley and into the empty halls, fourth period was long forgotten.

…

Wanting just to rush to work that day, wanting to ignore your hangover, wanting to forget the conversation between Nancy and Steve, you forgot that Jonathan said he had to leave early. So when you walked to the parking lot and didn’t see his car sitting with the engine running, your shoulders slumped and an empty exhale was released. Your bike wasn’t at school, you barely bike anywhere anymore with Joyce being worried.

You knew there was a pay phone near the front of the school, so turning back in that direction you managed to run into an oncoming body. The force in which you slammed yourself into their chest threw you off your feet and you would have landed on your ass if the person didn’t wrap their arms around your waist. Your hands reach out for their biceps to add extra support for yourself.

“In a rush, Byers?”

You thought for a moment it was Eddie, your mind still clouded with alcohol would continue to mix the two males up for some reason, but when you paid attention to the person it was him.

“Ah, sorry. I- Jonathan’s not here, so I was gonna call my mom. I don’t have a ride to work.”

His arms slipped from your waist, “I could take you if you want.”

“Oh, uh, you don’t have to. Maybe I could ask Robin or Eddie.”

“Seriously it’s no problem, Byers,” and he headed off in the direction of his BMW.

You hesitated, not sure if he was gonna bring up the conversation and your eavesdropping, but if he did you’ll just lie, just say you didn’t hear anything. Yeah, you can lie, it’s not even a bad lie, just a light fib. You didn’t even want to be involved with their relationship in any way, for normal reasons and selfish ones. So, with slow and hesitant steps, you walked to the passenger side and slid into the leather seat.

“Radio Shack, right?”

“Uh, yeah, on Main Street.”

With his answer, he started the car and headed off the school property. After just a few minutes you spoke, which might have been a bad idea, “so where’s Nancy? Don’t you usually drive her home?”

Why did your stupid mind have to bring up Nancy when you heard their conversation, but at least this could throw Steve off from thinking you did hear the dispute. You could feel the air thicken with tension from the question and the way Steve hesitated in his answer added more. His shoulders tense, the grip on the wheel tightening, and his jaw clenched.

“Uh, she- uh, she had to stay after school for a little. Told me she’ll have her mom get her.”

A lie, but you didn’t say anything about it, just nodded your head.

The suffocating silence came back. The two of you can make conversation both easily and also very difficult, today it looked to be difficult.

“So…you like working at Radio Shack?” Steve was trying to make small talk.

“Yeah. Bob’s a great boss, very kind and considerate with teaching me new things. It was a little weird at first, not used to that attitude from an older male figure. Only seen yelling and fighting, but I don’t have to stay on guard when I’m around Bob, it’s nice.”

Turning your head to Steve, you could see a tiny smile appearing, “And how do you feel about your boss dating your mom?”

A giggle slipped out, “it was a little weird at first, I admit. But after seeing how happy he made her, I got used to it quickly. Jonathan and Will, on the other hand, they’re being boys about it. Will seems more forgiving of Bob though which is great.”

“Well…I’m glad that you’re happy about this. I like seeing you happy about stuff, seeing people you care about feeling sad hurts in a way you can’t fix.”

Your breath got caught in your throat for a moment causing you to let out an abrupt cough. With your hand laying over your heart you could feel the fast thumping of your heart against your lungs. With your bottom lip pulled between your teeth, you took a quick look over at Steve.

He looked relaxed again while driving. His hands loosened on their grip and one hand rested under his jaw, the tiny smile still on his lips, his eyes holding just a bit of warmth compared to the coldness harboring just a few moments ago at the mention of Nancy. But with that warmth, you could tell that an underlying sadness rested behind his eyes, something that nested within his heart. And you wished you could fix it, just like he said earlier, it hurts seeing people you care about sad and you can’t do anything about it. But you knew that all that hurt came from Nancy and Steve's conversation earlier today, and that’s something only the two of them could work out.

“You see Bruce threw up yesterday at Tina’s? That whole party was crazy. And I regret drinking way too much of that punch.”

“Pure fuel,” Steve mumbled. “What?” you weren’t sure if you heard him correctly.

“Uh, Bruce said it was ‘pure fuel’ whatever that means.” “Basically poison.” “Yep, pretty much,” he sighed.

Just as you opened your mouth to say something the store sign came into view and Steve pulled up next to Bob’s car. Deflating into the seat, you just grabbed your belongings and moved for the door, “hey.” Stopping in your actions you turned to Steve, “if you need a ride home again, you can call me. I don’t have any plans for the night anyway.”

“If you tell me that, don’t be surprised when I’m constantly calling your house just for a ride.” He chuckled, “I’ll happily be your chauffeur if it gets me away from the quiet.”

The teasing tone in your voice dropped, “and if you ever want to hang out sometime outside of school, you know where I live and work,” the tone returned for a moment.

The two of you just stared at each other, taking in this blissful moment inside Steve’s car. The outside world was completely forgotten by you, your work was put on the back burner of your mind where you just took in Steve. Trying to memorize him at this moment, something you always do when it’s just the two of you in a small pocket of peace.

“You should,” his voice broke the quiet spell, “probably head inside. Don’t want to be late.”

With one final look at Steve, you left the car and headed into the store.

…

“So, how was the party?” “Uh, pretty great,” you lied.

You couldn’t remember much from last night, everything just blurred together making it hard to differentiate the things you did and witness there. You didn’t want to tell Bob that you got practically shit-faced, you didn’t want him to judge you and he would probably end up telling Joyce, and you can’t have that either. I mean, it seemed great.

“Any trick-or-treaters?” “Nope, a quiet night.” “Yeah, no one really goes to our house since it’s away from the neighborhoods.”

Bob was about to say something when the phone started to ring. You being behind the counter, you brought the receiver to your ear, “Radio Shack, this is (Y/n). How can I help you?” “(Y/n), honey.” “Mom? Why are you calling?”

“Uh, is Bob there?” You looked around the story. He wasn’t in the front and then you turned to look in the back and couldn’t find him, “uh, I can’t find him at the moment. Maybe I could help?”

“Okay, well um… I’m trying to watch the tape from last night on Bob’s video thingy, and the tape, it’s…it’s tiny. It’s like it’s shrunk.”

You rubbed a hand against your temple as you tried to remember what Bob taught you, “I believe it’s ‘cause they’re not the same. It’s a VHS-C, not a VHS. You gotta find the- oh what was it…you gotta find the RF-P1U with coaxial cable so you can connect the video ins and outs.”

“Honey, what does any of that mean and how do you remember all that?”

You huffed, “Uh, basically you gotta put a bunch of wires into the back of the TV, and I honestly don’t know.”

She giggled at the last part, “Okay, just give me a few minutes,” and then the line went quiet.

After about three minutes her voice returned to the phone, “Okay I hooked a punch of cords into the back.”

“You sure, are they-”

“No, yeah, I did the coaxial things in the back, so I…this one just goes into the camera itself?” “If it’s an input that fits the camera, yeah, exactly.”

“It’s blue,” “Mom, I can’t remember the cords-”

“No, the TV is blue, I think it’s working.”

“Okay, well, see-” and she hung up before you could say a proper goodbye.

You pulled the phone back for a moment, “Rude,” you stated before placing it back onto the base.

A sudden feeling came over you as if you had just been splashed by a bucket of ice-cold water.

“I've got a bad feeling,” you mumbled to yourself.

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

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*if your username is dashed out, tumblr can’t find your account*

[metalbuckaroo]

For The Future

Summary// Eight months after you leave town, Bucky still has his worries- but Sam has an unexpected surprise.

Warnings// some angst, some fluff, light doubtful bucky, some almost smut, actual smut, unprotected sex (wrap the sausage please), cursing, mentions of tobacco use, Steve being nosy, Sam being supportive

AU// biker!bucky x f!reader

Note// finally part three for this! I’m thinking maybe an epilogue? Of after a couple years?? Opinions on that?

Dividers by: @firefly-graphics

Mini-Masterlist

18+ ONLY MINORS DNI

Months passed since the night you’d left. It became easier, but still stayed in the back of Bucky’s mind.

Where you were, how you were doing. It took weeks for him to stop trying to text and call your number. Still getting the out of service message each time.

Though, he did feel happy that you chose yourself over both him and Jake. He still missed you- even the late night calls where you’d ask him to come pick you up from a random house party.

“Hey, Buck! Got a surprise.” Sam grinned as he shoved in the front door. Making Bucky roll his eyes, thinking it was just another delivery that wasn’t scheduled to show up yet.

“Not now, Wilson.” He sighed, sliding a beer across the countertop to a customer.

“Get your ass out here. This one is fresh from the bus stop.”

“If this is a fucking joke, I’m firing you.” Bucky threatened, rounding the bar and following his friend outside.

His heart dropped when he was met with a beaming smile. But, it wasn’t the kind of sickening drop that made his stomach twist.

More of one that made him feel like his eight months of worries vanished in a matter of seconds. Seeing you standing on the walk way with a smile just as bright as the day he met you, maybe even brighter.

“Holy shit,” he chuckled, arms wrapping around you in a tight hug as yours circled around his thick waist.

“God, I missed you.” You giggled, squeezing a little tighter as Sam mumbled something about going back inside.

Bucky looked you over for a brief moment as he pulled away, breathing a light laugh. “Can’t believe you came back. Where are you staying?”

He was terrified that it was an answer he wouldn’t like, one that meant everything would go right back to what it was before as you shrugged. “I don’t know yet, probably the motel on 9th.”

“The one with the rats the size of a small dog?” He questioned with raised eyebrows.

“That’s the one.” You nodded, pressing your lips together.

Bucky hummed as he lit a cigarette, contemplating his next words. “Come stay with me. Just until you get settled back in.”

“I won’t be intruding on… anything? Relationship wise?”

“Not at all.”

Everything seemed to have reversed to what it was like years before, in the beginning. Before everything crashed and burned.

To the days that caused the coffee stain on Bucky’s bedroom carpet and your initials carved into the leg of his nightstand. When sitting in his bed while eating overly greasy pizza while watching movies was a weekly occurrence.

You had figured you’d show up to him in a happy relationship- though you hoped that wouldn’t have been the case, you couldn’t blame him if it was. Instead being welcomed back in instantly as if nothing bad had ever happened.

The movie was muted and empty pizza box sat on the floor to be dealt with later as you told Bucky everything that had happened since you’d checked yourself into a recovery center out of town.

“Since you had a part in me ditching my bad habits-“ you plucked the half empty cigarette pack from his lap just as he was about to pick it up. Taking him by surprise as he narrowed his eyes at you.

“No,” Bucky chuckled, reaching for them as you went to lean over him to reach the small trash can.

“It’s your turn.” He let out another laugh as you sang out the words. Arms going around your waist to stop you from reaching any further.

“Those helped me through your old habits. I need ‘em.” Amusement laced his voice as you squirmed in his hold, trying your hardest to reach just a little bit further. A surprised squeal slipping out when your back hit the mattress, Bucky’s larger frame over you as he reached for the cigarettes that were clasped tightly in your hand.

“Give ‘em back, sweets.” This time was a belly laugh, the smile growing on your face as he struggled to catch your hand as you waved them back and forth.

“Nope, no more smoking for you.” You giggled, legs going around his hips and arms going loosely around his neck. A more serious look settling on his face as he looked down at you, your fingers grazing along the back of his neck as you grinned up at him like a fool.

Bucky wasn’t sure what part of him urged him to his next move, his lips molding to yours as he wedged an arm under your back to lift you so you sat on his thighs. Pouring every bit pent up emotion into the kiss.

You couldn’t help but grind down against the growing bulge under you. A quiet whimper slipping out from the friction as his hands gripped the outsides of your thighs, massaging his way up to your hips. Both already panting when you broke away to discard shirts, throwing them to the side as he urged you onto your back again.

Lips and hands explored as the remaining clothes were slowly thrown out of the way, your heart pounding in your chest as cold and warm fingers hooked in the waistband of your underwear. His erection heavy against your inner thigh and lips never leaving yours.

But, the guilt that suddenly filled your chest was overwhelming. Tears welling in your eyes as you thought over how easily he let you back in.

“I’m sorry-“ you murmured, gently pushing his hands away and slipping out from under him.

“You okay? Was I going too fast?” Bucky rushed out, worried he’d done something wrong as you pulled your clothes back on. Noticing the tears that spilled into your cheeks. “Sugar, talk to me.” He said, tugging his briefs on and standing.

“I shouldn’t have barged back into your life-” you choked out, Bucky’s heavy left hand resting on your lower back.

“Don’t say that. Okay? I want you here.”

“I can’t let you take me back in that easy, JB. I put you through hell.” You sucked in a shaky breath, shoving your phone into your jacket pocket.

“Please, don’t leave, sweets. Please.” He pleaded, hands staying on your sides as he followed behind you to the front door.

“I just need to think. I’ll be back.”

Bucky laid in his bed staring at the ceiling for what felt like the whole night, but had only been just shy of two hours when he heard his front door squeaking open. Knowing it had to have been you as he sat up, relief washed over him at the sound of footsteps towards his bedroom.

“I can go to the couch-” he started to lift the covers to get up before you shook your head, giving him a reassuring smile as you tossed your jeans back towards the corner and slipped in beside him.

“No, it’s fine.” You said, laying on your side to face him as he laid back. Bicep flexing as he tucked his forearm under his head.

“Why did you come back?” He asked, not looking from the same crack on the ceiling he’d been looking at since you’d left.

“Missed you, JB.” You murmured, rubbing your hand against the solid muscle of his bicep.

“I mean tonight. You could’ve… went to the motel- to Jake.”

You rolled your eyes at the mention of his name, scooting a little closer to Bucky’s side. “Fuck him.” You huffed. “Plus, I’m sure the motel isn’t near as comfortable as your bed.”

A ghost of a smile was visible in the dim light of his room, but quickly faded when he turned his head to look at you. “You really gonna stay this time?”

“Promise.”

His bionic hand covered yours that laid on his arm. Bucky letting out a soft sigh as his eyebrows creased together. “Sorry about earlier. I read that whole situation wrong.”

“Not your fault. I had my part in it and just freaked.” You said, shaking your head.

There was a moment of silence as he looked back to the ceiling. Hand staying over yours as the gears turned in his mind. “I… feel like this is a do-over. For us to fix our regrets, our mistakes and- maybe that’s why I thought what I did.”

“You can have anyone you want, Buck.” Your voice was almost a whisper as his lips curled down and he shook his head.

“That’s not exactly true. Been tryin’ that one for years, sugar.” He chuckled, getting a light laugh from you as you hooked your leg over one of his.

“Don’t start with that.”

“You’re better, that’s what matters.” Bucky nodded, hand moving down to hold the bend of your knee.

“You’re just so special, JB.” You mumbled, lifting your hand to hold his jaw. Stubble scratching your fingertips as you traced your thumb over his lips, stopping at the dimple of his chin. Your lips finding his again in a kiss that was slower than the one prior.

You didn’t want to push to try again after taking off the first time. Instead, soaking in how pillow soft his lips felt against yours. Gradually sitting up more until your legs were on either side of his waist, the kiss becoming hungrier with every passing second until you were sharing breaths as his large hands gripped your waist.

You shifted around until your underwear we tossed to the side, Bucky’s following as you dipped down to latch your lips to his pulse point. Feeling his swollen head prod at your entrance before his free hand urged you down.

His deep moan mixed in with your softer one as he pushed deeper. Swearing to himself that next time he would take it slower, let there be more build up- all he wanted in that very moment was to feel you stretch around him until he couldn’t go any deeper.

“S’fuckin’ tight for me.” Bucky huffed out, hooded eyes watching where he had disappeared in the warmth of your cunt as you sat up straighter. Hands laying flat against the firm muscles of his chest as you started to rock your hips and he held the outsides of your thighs.

Bucky’s mind felt foggy, almost dream-like in a way as your pace picked up and he reveled in the feeling he’d wanted for so long, but tried to find in other women instead. So wrapped up in the bliss that he nearly missed the needier rock of your hips.

He slipped a hand up to caress your chest, metal thumb extending out to press tight circles to your clit. Feeling your thighs twitch from the added pleasure as a higher moan poured from your lips.

Everything felt so perfect. So full.

Each rock of your hips letting him slide against a sweet spot that you hadn’t discovered before and made your head spin as he rutted up into you. Huffed out moans and pants leaving his kiss bitten lips as his head tipped back against the pillows.

“You’re so perfect. Shit- S’good.” Bucky grunted, gently pinching your nipple as your walls tightened around him. The sensation tipping you over the edge and his name spilling out in a blissed out chant as you bounced in a rhythmic pace. Nails digging into his smooth skin.

“Bucky,” you mewled, thighs starting to ache.

“Fuck- I’m- goddamn-” his teeth were gritted, fingers digging into the swell of your ass to guide you at a slower pace to hold off his own release for just a few a moments. Your sweat slicked chest pressing to his when you bent down to kiss along his jaw.

“Give it to me, JB. Need it.”

Bucky’s arm went tight around your waist, staying buried inside of you as he flipped you to your back and smothered your lips with his. The snap of his hips frantic as his thick tip fucked directly into a rough patch and your hands clung to his back. Feeling the muscles ripple with every movement as the bubbling pressure started to build again in your lower belly.

Cresting higher and higher until white shone in your vision and it felt like all of the air had been sucked from your lungs. Your heels digging into the base of his back to push him deeper as he spilled into you with a guttural moan.

Bucky rested his forehead against your shoulder as he calmed his breathing and heart rate. Hissing lightly from the loss of contact when he slipped out of you as you rested your forearm against your eyes.

“Stay there for a second.” He murmured as he placed a brisk kiss to your jaw. Standing from the bed and disappearing out of the room.

Only to come back a few moments later with a towel.

“Hm, what a gentleman.” You hummed, smoothing your hand along his shoulder as he peppered kisses along your chest and abdomen. Gently cleaning the mess between your thighs.

“Only for you, sweets.”

A week at Bucky’s felt like only a couple of days.

Staying in his bed until well into the afternoon when he had to leave to open the bar, waiting up for him on late nights handling club business. Everything fell perfectly into place and seemed too good to be true.

Especially as you sat in a diner Bucky had chose for lunch and a face you knew you would see eventually. But never fully prepared yourself to see.

“You’re back! God, I’ve missed you.” Jake chuckled, walking directly towards the table you were at, waiting for Bucky to come back inside from a phone call.

“Jake- I’m, uh, I’m here with someone.” You said, clearing your throat as you shifted in your seat uncomfortably.

“That’s fine, we can get out of here. Go celebrate you being back.” He offered, sitting across from you in the booth.

“Yeah, that’s not how this works.” You said with a dry laugh, trying to see where Bucky had went through the window.

“C’mon. One party, a couple drinks. How long have you been back? Where are you staying?”

“About a week, I’m staying with JB.” You nodded, watching his attitude instantly shift.

“Why? You could’ve came home. He cut you out of his life and I never did.” Jake snapped, eyebrows creasing together.

“Everything alright?” The waitress said, bringing over two menus.

“Yeah, everything is fine.” His voice was flat as he glared at you. A nervous laugh leaving your lips as you stood.

“I’m actually gonna go. It was nice seeing you again, Jake. But, please, don’t talk to me again.”

Bucky had been leaned against the bed of his truck, blood boiling as he watched what had happened through the diner window. Jerking open the passenger side door before getting in the driver side when he saw you walking out.

“We can just get something at the bar.” You said with a sigh as you shut the passenger door.

“What was that?” Bucky said quietly, not starting the vehicle yet.

“Just Jake- being Jake. Telling me to ‘come home’.”

“You said you were going to stay away! I thought we were doing great this last week!” Bucky said, feeling his heart twist at the thought of you already leaving him.

You looked over at him, baffled that he thought you’d actually agree to going with Jake. “I am, James! He’s the one who sat down wanting me to leave with him! But I didn’t!”

The muscle in Bucky’s jaw flexed as he nodded his head. “Yeah, yeah. Of course, I’m sorry. I’m just- I’m fucking terrified you’ll choose him again.” He sighed, rubbing a hand over his head before resting it on your thigh.

“I made my choice before I even left town, JB. Or, I wouldn’t have left at all.”

“I know, baby. I shouldn’t have gotten mad. I’m sorry.” He said, leaning to lock your lips in his briefly. “Alright? We okay?” He murmured, nudging the tip of your nose with him.

“We’re great.”

Bucky’s happiness over the month you’d been back was something that the people closest to him noticed. Some worried it wouldn’t last, others were happy to see a new smile on his face each time he was near you.

Steve had been wary of the whole situation, worried it would be a replay of prior occurrences and leave his friend a heartbroken mess all over again.

“What do you think of all of… this.” Sam looked to where Steve gestured to Bucky who was stood in the hall that led to his office. A broad smile on his face as your arms circled around his waist.

“I think he’s happy and it’s none of our business. Besides, didn’t you bring her to my house not long before she left to get Bucky to let her in his life again?” Sam quipped, leaning back against the bar. Cocking an eyebrow at Steve.

“And then she went right back to her ex.”

“I think we should stay out of it.” He muttered as Bucky walked towards them.

“How’s everything going?” Steve asked him, getting a shrug in response.

“Pretty great. Been talking about things, making sure we’re both on the same page with everything.” Bucky nodded, crouching down to unlock the safe.

“Don’t let yourself get too close, Buck. God knows how easily shit can go back to what it was.” Steve said, giving him a pointed look.

Bucky let out dry laugh and shook his head. “Been wanting this for years and everything is finally going how I want it. Just let me be happy.”

—————

Taglist: @duchessoftheheart @uhhnahhthnx @magicaleternal @cwbucky @marvel-3407 @thefallenbibliophilequote @goldylions @rbookgirl23 @missusbarnes-rogers @auriel187 @maladaptivexxdaydreaming @littlemissthistle @cupcakehinch @chunky-yet-funky @thegirlnextdoorssister @emmywinningengineer @spideysimpossiblegirl @treatbuckywkisses @simplyparker

[jae-daddy]

Duff (11)

im jaebum au series 

one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / twelve masterlist

pairing: im jaebum x reader  genre: angst, mature, smut  plot: you are the duff and guys use you to get close to your best friend, heather, and turns out Jaebum is no exception, but as time goes on the tension between you and your best friend’s unofficial boyfriend grows a/n: it’s been a while, my bad. but the next chapter is going to spicyyyyyyyy. not edited, hope yall enjoy it <3 stay safe out there <3

Your jaw dropped as the driver drove through the gates and up the long driveway to Park Jinyoung’s mansion. You knew he was rich, but you didn’t know he was this rich. But even more than the vast wealth the Parks had, you were more taken by the decorations that started from the gate all the way up to the main entrance. 

You turned towards Jaebum who was watching you already. You felt the golden glow of the lights outside flow into the unlit car, and somehow you could see something glint in his dark eyes. 

“It’s so beautiful, isn’t it Mr Kim?” you looked out the window again, to see the sparkling lights making a rendition of Van Gough’s starry night. You smiled to yourself a bit, “It might be a bit cliche and basic, but starry night is my favourite piece of artwork.” 

The driver hummed in reply, saying something about taking a picture for his daughter.

Jaebum didn’t reply, and you didn’t mind. Him and you weren’t exactly on friendly speaking terms, well at least not in your books. 

Since that day in the office, Jaebum had tried to talk to you numerous of times, but you avoided him. You didn’t want to hear his empty apologies or empty excuses or empty flirty, or whatever meaningless, empty words he wanted to say to you because he was feeling bored. 

You didn’t even think he would pick you up today, but when you called up your driver, Jaebum had pulled up in his sleek black car. It was a moment that you seen in movies, where the male lead sees the female lead with her makeover for the first time, and he’s blown away. 

But Im Jaebum wasn’t blown away. He wasn’t even fazed, if anything he found you so unappealing that he couldn’t bear to look at you for more than two seconds without looking away in pain. 

Was he always such an asshole?

He probably was, but back then he was trying to charm you with his sweet words. Maybe, he was a sicko who liked girls who weren’t into him, and as soon as you showed him any interest he vanished into the night. 

The car stopped at the red carpet laid out at the entrance, and you began to check your outfit and lipstick for the last time before reaching for the door. Your hand was reaching for the handle when the door swung open, and a hand reached in for you. 

You placed your hand in theirs, and carefully got out of the car. 

You stepped out to find yourself chest to chest with Jaebum. His fingers gripping onto your fingers as you stared up at him. 

You cleared your throat and began taking a step away from him, when he reached out and pulled your body against his by your waist. Your hands laid flat against his chest, the black material feeling rich on your skin. HIs dark eyes drifted to your lips, before they looked away purposefully. 

You turned around to find the car driving off behind you that you were about to bump into. You looked up at Jaebum, your cheeks tainting pink, “Thanks.” 

“Watch where you’re going,” was all he replied, as he let you go. 

Your heart once again sank at the lack of endearment, but you ignored it and adjusted the dress before you began following Jaebum into the mansion. 

Jaebum was instantly surrounded by people. People lining up around him, trying to play it off as they waited for their turns for introductions. You were right next to Jaebum, introducing him to everyone. 

The first hour was spent just like that, making introductions and standing next to Jaebum and pretending like you were invisible. The other important people only gave you a passing glance before looking away, no one stared for too long. You weren’t worth their time. 

You didn’t mind though. 

You enjoyed the architecture of the building and the artworks hanging around the hall. This must have really been a castle at some point you concluded after an hour of staring at the walls. You wondered which kind of ruler lived here before, but you knew for certain whoever it was wasn’t a good person; no in power ever is. 

Jaebum and you had drifted away about fifteen minutes ago, but you kept an eye out for him. He was currently taking to Paul from work, so you thought he was in safe hands. You took another mini-sausage roll before washing it down with another glass of expensive champagne. 

You didn’t like that taste even though it was exquisite. All it did was remind you of the night Jinyoung engaged to that woman in front of you, after telling you he loved you a few hours ago. 

“I finally found you,” a deep voice spoke behind you. His voice fell over you like velvet, and you struggled to breath. 

You turned around, already annoyed, “What are you doing here, Jinyoung?”

“You’re casual and feisty today,” he chucked, moving to stand next to you. He picked up a mini-sausage and popped it into his mouth, before waving a hand around, “This is my party, incase you’ve forgotten, y/n.” 

You snorted, “How can I forget with this champagne? Tell me, was this your favourite before you chose her or did it happen after?” 

“Woah,” Jinyoung tried to take the glass from you, but you moved it out of his reach, “How many of those have you had?”

“None of your business,” you gave him a straight smile. “None of these people are drinking anything anyway. And I needed a drink, it’s just been so hard lately.” 

You leaned your head on his shoulder, but straightened your spine right away, “I’m not drunk, Jinyoung. I just don’t have the energy to fight or pretend, at least not with you, not tonight.” 

“I don’t know if that is a compliment or not,” Jinyoung clicked his tongue, playfully. “I kind of like it when you fight with me.” 

“God, you’re such a perv, Jinyoung,” you groaned, and he laughed. 

“Come on,” he said, holding out his hand and gesturing to the dance floor. “Dance with me?” 

“No, thanks.”

“Why not?” 

“Are you sure you want to dance with me?” You asked him, with a knowing look. “I know this is a party, but I am still just an assistant here. Are you sure your reputation won’t hurt from dancing with someone like me? I’m not made of money like you, Jinyoung.” 

“Beauty and wealth are both welcomed here, y/n,” Jinyoung took your hand in his, “And you have a wealth of beauty, my dear.” 

He brought your hand to his face, his lips brushing over your knuckles. 

“Oh, right,” you chuckled, your heart sinking slightly. “You think I am pretty.”

Your gaze went to Im Jaebum who didn’t spare you a single glance. Your eyes fell on the girl he was talking to, and you couldn’t help but notice how different she was to you. You couldn’t but notice how different Jaebum looked talking to her; kind and well-mannered. 

“I’ve always found you beautiful, y/n,” Jinyoung said, drawing your attention back to him. “That’s why I was drawn to you in the beginning, and when I got to know you... well, I guess that was the end of me.” 

You laughed lightly as you placed your hand on his shoulder, and the other in his hand. His hands rested on the curve of your clothed hip. 

“But today,” he smiled at you, “You looked absolutely gorgeous.”

“Don’t exaggerate, Jinyoung. If you were so taken by me,” you laughed, teasingly, giving him a look. You continued your words turning sour, “You would’ve chosen me.” 

“You know how things were back then, y/n,” Jinyoung sighed, he closed his eyes to take a deep breath. He opened them to stare into yours with so much emotion, you couldn’t breathe. 

“I looked for you, you know,” he spoke over the music. You couldn’t blink or breath as you stared at Jinyoung. His brows creased as if he was rethinking a painful event. “After I decided to end the engagement... after I broke it off, I looked for you. I searched for you, but I couldn’t find you anywhere.” 

“I- I went back home,” you whispered. You saw yourself laying in a pool of your vomit and urine, and your mother and father crying around your limp body. “I couldn’t stay here. Everyone was talking about you... it was too much.” 

“Y/n,” Jinyoung said, softly. You looked up to meet his gaze. “It’s nice to have you back. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” 

“Jinyoung-” 

“May I cut in?” 

“Always interrupting us, isn’t he, y/n?” 

You turned to find Jaebum glaring holes into Jinyoung’s head. 

“What if I say no?” Jinyoung pouted, teasingly. Jaebum sighed, his patience running thin. You looked around to see people already turning this way. 

“Stop it,” you gritted through your teeth at the both of the them, your lips holding a smile. “People are starting to look.” 

“I’ll dance with him for a bit,” you smiled at Jinyoung, “Thank you Jinyoung.” 

Jinyoung smiled back at you before giving you a cheeky wink. You chuckled watching him walk away. 

“You both seem closer than last time,” Jaebum said from behind you. You shrugged stepping closer to him placing a hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand. You were holding Jinyoung the same way a few moments ago, but somehow this felt different. 

The soft velvet of his jacket, the heat of his skin, the short hair tickling your fingertips at the nape of his neck. It was all somehow more intense, more intimate. 

Jaebum’s warm hands wrapped around yours as he took another step closer towards you. HIs other hand rested on your waist, pulling you in closer as it rested on the small of your back. His thumb caressed the exposed skin from your dress and you drew in a sharp breath. 

You didn’t say anything as you looked up at him. His dark eyes bore into yours, his lips drawn and tight. His jaw clenched and sharp, his black eyelashes gently fluttering across his cheekbones. 

He was beautiful. 

He was a sin in this all black suit made to precision for him. His hair was styled in-between completely swept back and lazy natural. His lips were rosy pink, and even without his lip-ring you wanted to taste them between your lips. 

You leaned closer to him. HIs thumb gently caressing your back, electricity dancing up your spine making your head spin. You welcomed his minty breath falling over your lips, as your eyes fell to his lips. And to his neck, watching as he swallowed nervously. Your gaze fluttered up to meet his eyes fixed on your face. 

You looked away from him feeling your cheeks flush, “Are you having a good time tonight, sir?” 

Jaebum only hummed in reply, his dark eyes still trained on you. 

Your eyes met his intense gaze for a moment before looking away instantly, “It’s a beautiful place, isn’t it?” 

“Yes, it is,” Jaebum said. You didn’t say anything more and bit your lip wondering if you should continue to dance with him or excuse yourself. 

You looked up at Jaebum, your hands letting go off him. 

Jaebum’s hand held yours tighter as he pulled you in closer by your waist. Your front was completely pressed against him now, and your body shivered as he leaned his lips close to your ear. 

You felt his warm breath caress the slope of your neck, and you closed your eyes letting the feeling sink deep within your bones. 

Jaebum drew his lips higher, his softness brushing against the shell of your ear as he whispered, “Thank you for everything, y/n.” 

You remained like that for a moment. Soaking in his presence, his heat, his touch, his breath, him somewhere deep inside your heart, and then you leaned back. 

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Mr Im,” you smiled up at him. 

Jaebum stared at you with an unreadable expression as his lips parted. 

“You must be glad you’ll be getting a proper secretary now,” you laughed, but there was no humour between you two. 

“I might not stay.”

“I know,” you nodded, “But if you do, I think it’ll be the biggest win for the company.”

Jaebum might be an asshole, a player; a complete fuckboy. But he was also hardworking, intelligent and gave his all into his work and accomplished a lot within the last three months you were working with him. 

“Loosing you is probably the biggest loss,” he said, pausing for a moment. “For me.” 

“I’m sure there are more qualified then me for this job.” 

“But I only want you, y/n.” 

You breath got caught at his words. Your wide eyes met his that stared at you as if you were the stars and the moon. As if once again you were presented to him as impossible puzzle, and he wanted to get lost in trying to solve you. 

He moved in closer, and lowered your gaze to avoid his heated ones. 

Jaebum lifted his hand from your waist. His fingertips brushed your cheeks with the slightest touch as he whispered, “You look beautiful, y/n.”

“Jaebum, stop it.” You began moving out of his arms, but he pulled you back in. His fingers digging into your waist as he held you steady in front of him. 

“Why?” His fevered breath fell over your face as you looked up at him. His eyes were wild with darkness, but it didn’t scare you. It only made you mad, so terribly horribly mad. 

“Why?” You spat, quietly. Your chest was heaving as you tried to control the anger that had been swelling inside you over the past month. 

“Don’t you think we’re past these little games of yours?” You sneered up at him. Your hand on his shoulder tightened as you tried to control yourself. “We already know I fell for it. Do you wanna see if I’ll fall for it again after being rejected once?” 

Jaebum didn’t say anything so you snorted. The sneer on your dark lips growing as you looked down your nose at him, “I won’t let you lead me on again, only to make a fool of me like that. I’m not going to play this sick game of yours.” 

Jaebum’s fingers bit harder into your waist making you gasp as he pulled you flush against him. HIs nose almost brushed against yours, as he breathed harshly, “A game? You think all of this was a game for me?” 

“What else could it be?” You snickered at him, both your hands flattening on his shoulder, trying to push him away with attracting any attention. But he wouldn’t budge a centimetre. You gritted through your teeth as you glared up at him, “Why else would you pretend to be into me? Play with me like that?”

Play with my feelings like that?

Jaebum’s hands rested on your exposed back as he held you steady against him. His jaw clenched, his eyes furious as he tried to control his breathing. 

“It wasn’t a game for me.” 

You ignored his words. 

“Then what was it?” You bit back. “You made it seem like you felt the same way only to reject me when I-”

“I didn’t reject you,” Jaebum cut you off. 

You began laughing mockingly, and Jaebum shook you slightly to make you look at him.  

You didn’t say anything and looked up at him, your lips parted in surprise. 

“Do you,” Jaebum whispered, leaning in closer to you as he leaned his forehead against yours. His eyes stirring golden as they stared into yours, his fingertips softly dancing on your back, causing fire to dance through your vines. “have any idea how crazy you make me, y/n?” 

Suddenly it was all too much. His touch, the way he was looking at you, the things he was saying. The lights shining down upon you two, the chattering of people around you. It all became to loud too much. Your heart beat loudly in your ear as you took a step away from him. 

Jaebum looked at you, expectantly. You stared him, unable to hear a single bought. The only thing you could hear was your heart beating thumping loudly in your ear. 

Your lips parted, you were going to say something. You weren’t sure what. Jaebum’s gaze fell to your lips, waiting for you to the say the words. You took another step back, not saying a single word. 

The smile on Jaebum’s lips dropped as your brows creased as a sudden panic before settling in your chest. You needed to get away.

“I-” you began. 

“Y/n!” You turned to saw a fury of red first, and then her smiling face as she jumped in front of you. “I didn’t know you were coming here.” 

Heather turned to Jaebum, placing a kiss on his cheek. His eyes remained on you, his face void of any emotions. 

Heather smiled at you, “Go away, JB. I won't let you steal my best friend.” 

// 

You were next to Heather the rest of the night, but your eyes still followed the man in the black suit. His sharp eyes met yours throughout the night, but every time you looked away. 

You were looking at him once again. There was something pleasant about his lips when he talked, and the way those whiskers appeared on his cheeks when he would smile or laugh brightly. You couldn’t look away from him no matter how hard you tried. 

You watched him talk to Park Jinyoung with a frown on his face, that deepened when Jinyoung looked your way and winked. His hard glaze travelled to you, as his lips drew into a straight line. 

You looked away once again, your cheeks on fire. 

“Are you okay?” Heather asked. You looked towards her to find her following your gaze to the pair of males. 

“Mhmm,” you nodded, taking a sip of the champagne.

You watched Heather take a sip too, but you noticed that knowing smile on her lips. 

This was all too dangerous.