#the points don't add up. the touching his forehead moment is just too strong. WHY??? i wouldn't go up and slap my hand on a friends skin
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lunarharp · 1 year ago
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unnecessarily rated and ranked kitchen of witch hat volume 1 moments on silly gay madness
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hinatastinygiant · 1 year ago
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9 | Død
Pairing: Uzui x Fem!Reader
The Emptiness You Left
Y/N'S P.O.V.
When you come to, you find yourself in a strange room. As you sit up, you notice a lot of plants and only one other person in the room. A man with spiky white hair sits on the opposite side of the room.
"You're awake," the man says, turning his attention away from his desk to glare across the room at you, causing the hairs on your arms to stand on edge.
"Uh, where am I?"
"You're at the butterfly estate," he explains, before standing up and making his way over to your bed. "You seem to have hit your head rather hard. What stupid thing did you do?"
"Oh, uh, Suma punched me in the face," you sigh, thinking back to it. "Who are you? Where is everyone else?"
"Sanemi Shinazugawa. Wind hashira," he answers. "You were passed out for a pretty long time. Was it really Suma's punch that did that?"
"Yeah," you nod. "I guess..."
"I would have guessed you'd have a stronger pain tolerance than that," he scoffs, rolling his eyes.
"What does that mean?" you snap.
"It means you're not as strong as I thought," Sanemi shrugs, a smug grin on his face.
"Well, if I wasn't laying in this bed, I'd wipe that stupid look off your face," you threaten, glaring at him.
"Whatever, Y/N, just don't pass out again," he sighs, walking out of the room, only to be replaced moments later by Uzui who bursts in the door.
"Are you okay?" he asks, rushing to your bedside.
"I'm fine," you nod.
"Thank goodness," he says, reaching his hand up to touch the bandages wrapped around your forehead.
You're slightly stunned by his actions. His hand rests gently on the side of your face, his thumb caressing your cheek.
"I'm sorry, Y/N," Uzui apologizes. "I didn't think she hit you that hard. Maybe you're just not read-"
"I'm fine," you insist, cutting him off. Did she really hit you that hard or were you already spiraling before that?
A moment later, Suma joins the two of you in the room and Uzui backs away from you.
"Y/N," she sobs, throwing herself at your bedside.
"You better watch it, Suma," Uzui warns her. "Don't make the same mistake twice."
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hit you that hard!" she cries.
"Suma, I'm fine," you assure her, sitting up a bit more.
"Are you sure?"
"I promise. It was probably my fault, anyway. I wasn't paying attention. I think I zoned out for a bit," you try to explain.
"Yeah, you looked pretty dead," Suma then remarks.
"Well, I'm alive now," you laugh, rubbing the back of your neck. "And it was a good fight. Thanks for sparring with me."
"You both looked like you were having a good time up 'til that point," Uzui adds.
"I could feel it," you smile up at him. "It was like the air around me was guiding the blades in my hands."
Uzui smiles down at you, his eyes shining with pride. "That's good, Y/N," he nods. "I knew you'd be a fast learner. Even if you are an idiot."
"Hey!" you whine.
"You did good today," Uzui continues. "It was the first time you've connected with the sounds of your surroundings. That's why you froze up."
"Is it?" you hum, trying to think back to the way you felt earlier. You could sense something watching you in the shadows. Is it because you were so in tune with your surroundings?
"You were probably just nervous," Suma tells you. "Everyone gets that way. Especially with Master Tengen watching!"
"Well I'm not nervous now," you shake your head. "Can we go back and train some more?"
Uzui laughs, though you can see a bit of a surprised expression on his face. "You're too eager. And you've got to rest. We can't risk you getting hurt again," he decides.
"But I'm not even tired!"
"Don't care."
"Where'd you put my swords?" you question, looking at him.
"In my room," he answers, not taking his eyes off of you. "You need a break."
"And they're safe?"
"Yes," Uzui nods, and you can tell he's getting impatient.
"Hey, let's go out tonight, Y/N! We haven't had any fun since you've gotten here. We deserve a night out!" Suma suggests, her eyes sparkling.
"Oh yeah!" Uzui beams. "Let's have a night out. Get some drinks and have a good time. How's that sound, Y/N?"
"Like you want us drunk," you shake your head, a sinking feeling returning to your stomach.
"Hmph. Well... This is part of your training so you have to have fun!" he grins.
"How do you figure that?" you groan, leaning back into the bed a bit more.
"Because you need to learn to give yourself a break once in a while," Uzui answers. "Otherwise, you'll get stressed and anxious. And if that happens, you're going to start making stupid mistakes."
"He's right," Suma agrees, and the two of them nod.
They're right, you can only admit to yourself. Perhaps that's why your body froze. All you can think about is demons and fighting. But that's all you can think about! If you're not preparing for a battle, then what is there to do?
"Fine," you sigh. "We'll go out tonight."
"That's the spirit!" Uzui cheers, a grin spreading across his face.
You merely roll your eyes and watch as the two of them leave the room. You let out a long sigh and stare at the ceiling.
For some reason, you can't help but think back to when Uzui's hand was pressed against your face. He was gentle and kind. Something you're not otherwise used to. And the way he looked at you was different than any way he had talked to you before. Almost like he cared.
You close your eyes and try to sleep for a bit, but every time you do, all you can think about is him.
"Ugh!" you groan, tossing and turning, unable to get the image of his face out of your mind. "Can't I just relax?"
Suddenly, a voice speaks up from across the room, making you jump.
"Y/N, I don't mean to intrude, but if something is bothering you, I'd be happy to help."
You quickly sit up and see the insect hashira smiling kindly at you.
"Oh, Shinobu! When did you get back?"
"Just a few minutes ago. I wanted to check on you. You were unconscious for a long time. How are you feeling?"
"I'm alright," you answer, still a bit stunned. "Did you say you'd be happy to help me?"
"Of course," she nods. "It's my job to make sure my patients are well taken care of. So, tell me, what's the matter?"
"It's nothing, really. It's just, uh, well," you stutter, not sure whether to share or not.
"You can tell me," Shinobu assures you. "It's okay. I won't tell anyone."
"Alright," you sigh, looking down at your hands. "Well, I don't really know how to explain this. But I was thinking about, um, well, it's-"
"Is it about a guy?" she gasps. "Ooo, I just knew the two of you had something going on! He was so worried when he rushed in to see you before. Rengoku's a good man. And he really seems to care about you."
"Rengoku?" you whisper, ignoring the heat that rushes to your face at the thought of someone else being concerned for your well-being. "What are you talking about?"
"Yeah, he came in all flustered and worried. He wanted to stay by your side and make sure you were okay, but Uzui insisted you were to not be disturbed. So he waited outside... until he got called away."
"That was really nice of him," you whisper, looking down at your hands in your lap. You'll have to make sure you thank him when you get the chance.
The Emptiness You Left
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katsukikitten · 3 years ago
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In which Shoto is an asshole Oni and I am the author that wrote the majority of this fic tipsy, you’re welcome! Bnharemcollab masterlist found here
Warnings: Non con bruv. Claws horns? He's an oni bud
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"And they say he's been stealing the hearts of beautiful women for centuries. So don't go talking to any ole handsome man that steps over a threshold." The tour guide adds to the end of her ridiculous story about some Demon King that drags women to hell before she leads the group onto the next painting.
Still there was something captivating about the art work, how the man has his back to the viewer and how women bow to him, foreheads pressed into the tatami mats with their own bleeding hearts held high over their heads. Blood drips from their hands, splattering on the mats like rain or tear drops. The man, who is assumed to be the Oni, is looking over his shoulder, hand reaching out for the nearest offering. Both figures are forever suspended in brush strokes and desire for more. The closer you inspect the other worldly looking figure the more your gut tightens. His elaborate kimono hangs loosely from his body but you can still see the broadness of his shoulders, the thick bands of muscle on his forearms, the apparition of elongated nails when you look closer and finally the faint strokes atop of his two toned hair that are in the shape of sharp horns.
A God among men or maybe you should say a Devil among friends. A sigh escapes you as you admire the work before the tour guide announces the title, artist and time period of the next piece. “Wrath of the Mountain God.” A large man, with long hair so deep in hue you first mistake it for black, stands in a Kimono. His chest on display as he stands giving the view his profile, his eyes glow red in the light of the full moon, in his arms seems to be a maiden, a flower crown falling from her hair. It looks as if his strong form had just taken a step, beneath his foot begins a nasty fissure that gapes the Earth for miles and miles. The painting feels charged and emotions practically drip from the ink painting and yet still your eyes flicker to the painting to it’s right. At this angle you can see a faint shimmer in his smoky quartz colored eye. It sends a shiver down your spine as you feel a faint breath on the nape of your neck. Quickly you turn your head, craning your neck to look over your shoulder but no one stands behind you. Just another painting, “Golden God of Destruction.” Red gaze glowering as his hair drips gold, while he walks over the hellish landscape of cooling and erupting lava. You swallow thickly before following the tour guide onto the next section.
The tour lasts another half an hour but your mind lingers on the shimmering eyes of the dangerous entity. The more you think of him the bigger the sinking feeling in your gut becomes, not to mention the more you feel as if something is stalking your every move. Another quick glance over your shoulder as you exit the museum while you ponder over why this particular Oni was handsome when all of the other artworks featuring a yokai or oni were depicted as ugly, grotesque even.
Maybe it was because he was the King? You couldn’t be sure, all you knew is that you could understand why the women would rip out their hearts and offer them up to him. He was hot as hell, no pun intended.
Suddenly the fall air smells of frost and the threat of snow, you wrinkle your nose before you jump out of your skin. .
"So you liked the "Oni King, stealer of heart’s'' piece best?" A smooth voice calls from behind you, you press your hand over your rapidly beating heart as you try to catch your breath. Startled, you turn around to see a handsome man opening the gate, stepping over the grass line onto the sidewalk. Instantly you feel heat rush you as a cool autumn breeze swirls around fallen leaves around your boots.
"How did you…"
"I come here often and no one has ever stopped and looked at that piece as long as you have." He seems stoic and you can just barely see the corner of his mouth lift up. You take a moment to really drink him in, his tall stature, his hair a shocking white with contrasting red and a scar that sits beautifully over one of his gem stone eyes. One a smoky quartz and the other a bright turquoise.
You swallow thickly as you stare at the other worldly man, finding little to no words as your heart beats into your ribcage. You grip at the fabric of your jacket over your heart, it pounds against your rib cage like a fluttering wild bird.
"Where are my manners? I am Todoroki Shoto. But you can call me Shoto." Again he offers his barely there smile, "And you are?"
It's laughable how you stumble over your own name, you have never had issues talking to attractive people before, what the hell was your problem now.
“It sounds lovely.” He says your name, it rolls off of his tongue like music makes you swallow thickly, your knees threatening to buckle and you can’t understand why you’re acting like a love struck teenager again. There is a contrasting air about him, just like his hair. Passion and reservation, raging power and quiet tranquility, and the feel of it is making you dizzy. Tipsy almost, drunk if you linger here too long. Just as you’re about to express how you’ll be late for dinner he smiles at you.
Fully this time.
And you think your heart was going to claw out of its calcium coffin but it stalls when you notice that it doesn’t fully reach his eyes.
“Well since you have a good appreciation of art, would you care to join me in the garden, the Chrysanthemum are in full bloom this time of year.” You swallow as you look at him, a twinge of fear lingering in your blood that is soon lost as he steps over the threshold of the garden, waiting patiently.
“Uh, yea I think I can spare some time.” You smile nervously, he offers out his hand.
“Be careful, the step down can be quite steep.” A genuine small form on your lips now as you remember the first time you set foot into this garden and almost twisted your ankle. You step over the threshold, blinking against the late afternoon sun as you do.
Except when you open your eyes once more, you are no longer in the garden. There are no shrubs and bushes, no cinderblock wall of the old museum, something more sinister stands in its place. The sky is an inky black, the full moon hangs overhead shining down onto a small village that thickens the closer it gets towards a large feudal era looking castle. Fading sunlight filter behind you as you whip your head behind you. A giant Torri stands where the aging fence and garden gate stood before, a hazy image of an autumn afternoon in the shape of the gate rapidly begins to shrink. Panicked you lunge arm outstretched as if catching a full elevator as you’re running behind for a very important meeting.
If only your paralyzing panic was over something so trivial.
A strong set of arms wrap around your waist, pulling you towards a chiseled chest as hot breath whispers cooly in your ear.
“I wouldn’t do that if you want to keep all of your limbs, love.”
Shaking you glance over your shoulder before you watch the portal to home close up.
Just like that the landscape that could be seen through the gate was endless night and rolling hills dotted with homes here and there. When you turn to face your captor his eyes narrow as he studies you. His gem stone eyes glittering in the rich moonlight, following your hands up to your chest. He stills as he listens and while he looks you notice the horns growing from his head. Thin and shaped into a deadly point. He tilts his head as if you are bewitching before he leans closer, capturing your hair between his fingers. Now that you were in the moonlight, in the realm he ruled, you looked...familiar and the feeling made his chest tighten.
“How does your heart feel?” He asks, eyes anywhere but yours. You try to jerk out of his touch but his warm hand wraps around your bicep keeping you well within arms reach.
“My heart?! What does that have to do with me standing in HELL!” You scream and it echoes across the chilled landscape. Some women in kimono pass by, keeping their eyes turned down as they pass but once they are a few steps behind this brute’s back, they send you withering glares.
Your attention comes fully back to the man in front of you, or maybe you should say demon. He presses his hand over your heart with a puzzling look. Your body heats from the contact and embarrassment, you were sure he could feel how hard your heart was pounding. All the while his brows knit upwards.
“Seems you aren’t affected…”He murmurs to himself, tonguing his cheek. Suddenly he tears your sweater, pressing his hand against your chest and part of your breast.
“Hey!” You protest until a burning sensation blooms on your skin, when he pulls away you see kanji puckering up, that reads “Shoto”
“That should keep the lower demons away...for now.” He grabs onto your wrist tightly, too tightly before your world bends and blurs. Folding in on itself as if Space and Time were suddenly a beautiful origami paper creased until the maker was satisfied.
The world is bright when you open your eyes next, cradled in an abundance of candle light as your stomach sours causing you to lurch.
“Ugh, not on the tatami!” A woman’s voice scolds, but her state doesn’t help the nausea that hits you in waves. She wears a beautiful kimono, embroidered with gold and silver thread on violet cloth, the chest stained a deep cherry and a hole is where her heart should be. Her hands stained blood red and you back up, panting as you try to keep a level head.
“Get her cleaned up.” Shoto snaps, “I will want her in my room promptly.”
The women in the room shake slightly, keeping their heads down, distantly you can hear the sound of a thousand thundering hearts, deafening in a sense. The stately woman gently guides you towards the bath in the large mansion, shock sets in as your gaze glazes over. Every hall has a woman, anywhere from the feudal era to today, all dressed in kimonos, most were dressed in the ones they obviously died in or dressed in old clothes with their tattoos and fresh wounds peeking out from beneath the fabric.
Every single person sends you a death glare.
You’re stripped of your clothes and dignity in the company of about twenty women, hands shove you into the steaming water, cupping the cloudy water to wash your skin.
No matter how often the woman dip their hands into the water, the blood never leaves their fingertips, forever stained in their sin.
“We gave them away, you know. Ripped them from our chests….” She looks up at you with a timid look.
“Kiyoko, hush.” An elder hisses as she straightens the thin piece of cloth you were going to wear once you were all pieced together.
“No, she deserves to know..” Kiyoko hisses back, “The story is similar for a lot of us, he appears in a doorway, he seems kind enough, and then we look into his eyes. Gazing too deeply before our hearts seize in our chests, flopping around as if behind your flesh was killing it and it should sit in the palm of his hand. The only logical thing was for us to reach deep inside of ourself and give him what he deserved.” A quite falls over the room before a heavy solem air settles on your shoulders.
“He stopped for a while….after he met you.” Your eyes flash to hers and the elder’s hand wraps into Kiyoko’s hair, pulling her away from you.
“Enough.” She snarls as tears run down her cheeks, down all the women’s cheeks and you swallow thickly.
After an hour of primping you find yourself in front of two sliding tatami doors that have Oni and other yokai decorating their sheets.
“Send her in.” A deep voice sounds from the other side.
“Yes master.” The women answer, opening the doors before one shoves you in.
Doors to the eqwaa are open as he lounges on the polished wood, staring at the moon. He turns his head to look over his shoulder and it eerily reminds you of the painting in the museum.
In an instant he is in front of you, backing you into the plush bed that sat in the middle of his room, you fall onto the raised futon looking up at him.
The lowlight plays tricks on your eyes, the square paper lantern and the moon painting him in strokes of kind, of hurt, not some beastly thing he obviously was. Even his horns seemed soft, but nothing was softer than his lips as he pressed them to yours. Embarrassingly ecstasy blossoms under your eyelids as liquid heat floods your core. His tongue probes yours as he leans over top of you, playing with you nipples through the thin cloth as you moan into his mouth. Your body arches into his his as your heart flutters, trying to pull you away from his addicting touch.
Maybe you could have gotten away, maybe….
If only his hand hadn’t slipped between your thighs where he teased your sex utnil you pruned his figners, singing like the song bird he knew you were. His hard cock presses against your thigh twitching with delight. He kisses down your throat before he shreds the thin white kimono away from your body. He groans audibly before he leans down, one finger pulling at your pebbled nipple while the other pulls it between his teeth.
“Shoto…”You cry and he moans into your supple skin. Taking off his own thin kimono to align himself up to your fluttering hole. Eyes glued to your heart, fingers tracing the kanji as he eases himself in inch by inch. Stretching you and filling you pleasantly. He sits for a moment, taking in your body and how you burn under his touch. Free hand roaming your body as the other prods your fresh burn. Tracing the strokes over and over as if he wrote it himself.
Well technically he did.
“Please.” Your mouth betrays, hips pressing up into his to get any sort of friction, his free hand comes down, slamming your hips into the bed.
“Say it again.” He huffs, “Say my name again.”
“Shoto.” It's a hushed, reluctant breath but your skin was icy hot, lifeforce feeling as if it were evaporating away from the heated tension that sat between you two. He watches your body wither, feels your cunt clamping down onto him desperately and it’s all he can do not to thrust into you widely.
“Again.” He barks, pulling at your nipple harshly.
“Shoto.” You moan, the sound is enough to make him start his harsh pace. Pelvis slamming into yours as his tuft of pubic hair glides across your clit. Your vision blurs with tears, it feels so good. Better than anything you’ve ever had or could ever remember as his claws ghost over your soft skin.
“You thought you could escape me.” He grunts, ramming himself into you harder, you moan in response, “I marked more than your flesh two hundred years ago, I marked your soul.”
“You couldn’t help yourself, coming back to the very piece of art you created.” He continues with a laugh, claws raking down your skin, slicing at your skin superficially. Your eyes roll into the back of your head and you cannot fathom what he’s said. All that there is the feel of his hands, the pleasure that threatens to snap in your stomach.
He watches the way your cunt coats his cock in a silvery sheen that has his lips parting. Taking wanton ruts, the motion of it rattling the art on the wall. Pieces fall around you and any of the scrolls that try to block his view of you get shredded mid air. His thrusts turn sloppy as he comes down to bite at your neck.
“Shoto!” You cry out, vision going black as your body convulses around him, eyes rolling in to the back of your head as you forget your name and only cry out his.
“That’s right, tell me who you belong to. Who owns you love.” He pants, holding his own release for a moment longer just to hear your sweet voice scream his name over and over. Finally your milking cunt sends him over the edge. He grunts, staring into your eyes as he paints your wall a creamy white.
“Mine.” He growls, biting at your breast, at the skin over your heart. You feel his spilling cock harden again as your body melts into the sheets.
Most of the night is spent in mind numbing ecstasy and in those few short hours you forget you were ever brought here unwillingly.
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You sit on a throne, overlooking the vast landscape of Yomi, Oni running the underworld as heartless women wander the streets. Their mortal heartbeats keeping time as they ceaselessly beat just beneath your feet. Mind’s eye miles away as you see a ghost of a hand before you. Memory playing out as you take careful brush strokes against your canvas, hoping this would serve as a warning for other women as you dab the brush in the deep colored liquid that stains the tatami floor of your home.
Ever the artist you wanted to add final touches even as you drew your final breaths, having thought it better to take your own life than to sit at the right hand of a demon, your chest was already mutilated with his name.
Irony weighs heavy in your stomach as you realize how futile it was to even make that masterpiece. It did not serve as a warning.
No if anything, it served as a beacon, drawing you like a moth to flame until you circled to close.
Burning up in the flames of the very thing you admired.
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I Need You
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A/N: This was found on Pinterest, so if you're the owner, let me know so I can give you the credits.
Pairing: Daryl Dixon X Reader
Word count: 2 K
Requested by anons: 1- I'm like super in love with a certain Daryl Dixon and I was wondering if you could write about them getting into a big argument and they like avoid eachother for a while (super angsty if you care lol) and then Carol and Rick just kinda make yall talk and it ends fluffy? 2 - Can i request a daryl x reader where the reader’s been with the group since atlanta, maybe set during when they’re at the prison?? daryl realizes he has a crush on the reader and just p a n i c s ? and just really sweet fluff????
Summary: After you almost get bit, Daryl loses his mind and lashes out on you. Tired of the constant arguments, the group finds a way to out you two together to try and fix things up.
{The Walking Dead Masterlist}
×
“Yer almost got bit!” Daryl shouts, voice echoing through the prison. “Yer too damn stubborn, yer not goin’ on runs anymore.” He has his back at you as you follow him, struggling to keep his pace.
“I had everything under control.” You complain, ignoring Carol's questioning stare.
You, Daryl, and Maggie went on a run earlier today. Not too far, just to get some more formula for Judith. A walker fell from the roof, and it happened to be on a specific place Daryl told you not to go. The thing's teeth got a little too close to your arm, and Daryl shot an arrow through its head.
“Ya sure did!” He stops, turning around and pointing a finger at you. “If I weren't near ya, I'd be carryin’ ya back here with a freakin’ bite.” His voice gets louder, and you never saw Daryl so... Angry. So pissed. He's scaring you. “Or would ya have me cut her damn arm off? How does that sound?”
“Stop yelling at me!” You burst out, giving his chest a push.
“I'll stop yellin’ when ya understand how stupid and dangerous that was!” He steps forward, towering over you and you never felt so small.
“We needed those antibiotics!”
“Well, I freakin’ need ya. I need ya alive! Alive and well and breathin’.” Daryl shouts, right at your face. But the moment the words come out, he stops, stepping back. He seems confused, taken aback by something. “Screw that, I need a break from savin’ yer ass.” And then, he leaves, walking fast.
Huffing, you turn around, going to your cell.
You take the longest shower you can, washing the sweat and all the disgusting things the dead left on your skin. But most of the time, you were already done, dressed, and dried. You just wanted to be away from everyone. But eventually, you have to walk out. And of course, Carol finds you on your way back to your cell.
“(Y/N), I–”
“Daryl is such an asshole.” You say cutting her off and dropping on bed. “Did you see that? Did you see how he yelled at me? As if he has the right to do so.” Getting back up you pace around.
“I just think–”
“You know what? He can go to hell.” Throwing both hands in the air, you complain. “He and his crossbow, and-and his super hot stare and the stupid angel wings vest. And the bike too. All it. Straight to hell!”
“Aren't you just–”
“Uhg! Damn it.” Crossing your arms, you sigh. “Did you hear him forbidding me to go on runs?” With your hands now on your hips, you stare at Carol. “As if! Who the hell does he think he is? My boyfriend? To hell with him.”
“Will you let me talk?”
“Sure, go ahead.” Shrugging your shoulders, you nod.
But she doesn't say anything, she just takes a deep breath and shakes her head lightly. “Look, why don't you calm down first, and then we talk.” Carol gestured at the bed and you sit down, sighing. “Good... Try to relax and deal with it after a good night's sleep.”
“I could sleep a thousand years and I'd still be mad at Daryl.” You mutter as she leaves, lying on your back with your eyes closed.
You don't know where all this anger comes from, but it's always there, waiting to flow out. You do care about him, maybe too much, but it doesn't mean he gets to yell and boss you around like that. “Asshole!” You shout one last time, arms crossing as you drown in anger.
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“I saw it,” Daryl exclaims, pacing around the guard tower, breathing and talking fast. “I saw her dyin’. I saw that thing bitin’ her, tearin’ her flesh.”
“She's fine, Daryl. You don't have to keep thinking about it.” Rick tries to calm him down, both hands raised at the archer.
“No, ya don't understand.” It's useless though. Daryl is a mess. He got into the shower as soon as (Y/N) got out, rubbing the walker's blood out of his skin. But after that, he went straight to Rick because he needs to vent. He needs to yell and understand why he feels so damn scared.
Why he feels like a switch was turned on, lighting up something that was there all along, but only now was brought to light.
Losing anyone from his group, from his family would hurt bad.
But he just found out that losing her would be far worse.
“I her dyin’, man.” He slows down, both hands on his head. “I saw her dyin’ and–”
“You love her.”
“What the hell, Rick?” He snaps, a hand violently gesturing at his friend.
“You might not want to admit it, but it's true. You know it.” Rick nods, a hand casually resenting on his holster. “We all know it since Atlanta. She loves you too.”
Daryl grunts, turning his back at Rick. “Yer crazy. And so is she.”
“You should sit and talk like civilized people.”
“I ain't gonna talk to her. Crazy chick.” He mutters, grabbing his crossbow a bit tighter. “She ain't goin’ on runs anymore. At least not without me.”
“Daryl–”
“Gotta go.” The archer cuts him off, leaving the guard tower at a fast pace.
He didn't like the ideas Rick put in his head.
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“Rick wants to make a room for Carl and Judith on the second floor,” Carol says as you climb the stairs next to her. “So we're cleaning up the cells.”
“Alright.” You don't really want to help. Not today at least. The nap you took didn't help much with the last issue, and you're considering going out tomorrow, just to clear your head a bit. “What do you need me to do?”
“We're just setting things up.”
“Mmm.” You mutter, running a hand through your hair as you follow her pace. Carol takes you to the very back of the corridor, to a pretty isolated cell. “You gonna put the kids here? This cell sucks. It's too–” You stop talking when you see Daryl inside, eyes-rolling. “Look, I won't help if he helps.” It sounds childish, but you don't care. You're far too pissed at the man to be near him.
“Look, I don't care if you guys argued.” Rick walks over you, friendly touching your arm. “You two just have to get your shkt together.” And you're suddenly pushed, almost stumbling inside the cell.
“What the hell?” You shout, but the moment you move, Rick pulls the bars close locking you inside. “Rick, drop it. I'm not joking.” Holding the bars, you shoot him and Carol an angry stare. “Open up.”
“There are blankets and dinner will be brought to you,” Carol says, arms crossed. “We did that because it's the only way to force you guys to talk.”
“Yeah. You'll have the whole night to figure out whatever has you both always at each other's throat.” Rick adds, sliding the key into his pocket. “Have a nice time.”
And like that, both jerks leave, talking something you can't hear. Sighing, you lay your forehead on the cold metal bars, not wanting to look at your company for the night.
“Yer can take the bed.” He says after a while.
“Obviously.” You're quick to snap. “It's your fault we're here in the first place.”
“How's that?”
“If you didn't come back from the run making a hell of a show about something that didn't even happen, we wouldn't be locked up in here.” Turning around, with both hands on your hips, you stare at him.
“If ya had listened to me, ya wouldn't have–”
“And why in the hell do I have to listen to you, Dixon? I know my way out there as well as you do.”
“ ‘Cause I jus’ wanna keep ya safe.” He's yelling again, stepping forward.
“Stop acting like I mean anything to you!” With a finger on his face, you move closer to him. You wish you could look intimidating, but being so small, that's very difficult.
“Maybe ya do mean somethin’ ta’ me! How could ya know that if ya never ask!”
“Well, I–” The answer is cut short when your furious brain processes what he just said. Furrowing your eyebrows together, you shrug your shoulders. “What do you mean?”
“Nothin’.”
“Daryl, what do you mean?” Raising your voice again, you follow him as he moves further into the cell. “What would you answer if I ask?”
“I ain't gonna answer.”
“Daryl–”
“I ain't gonna answer!” He shouts again, turning around to look at you.
Taking a deep breath, you sit on the edge of the bed, folding a leg under you. “Do you hate me?”
“What?”
“Do you hate me, Daryl?” Your voice is lower now because you do want to know.
He remains silent for a while, those blue eyes locked on yours. “No.”
“Then why–”
“I can't lose ya.” He bursts out, eyes now looking at the floor. “At that moment back there, I... I saw it happenin’. I saw ya dyin’, and I... I can't lose ya. I can't see ya gettin’ hurt.”
His voice is so low you can barely hear it. You've never seen Daryl so... Scared. Vulnerable. “You can't protect me all the time, Daryl. Accidents happen.”
“I can. I can keep ya safe if ya listen to me.” You're about to protest when Daryl comes to sit next to you, eyes on the wall across the cell. “I know ya can survive out there. But my mind works in a thousand different ways ta’ get stuff done without anyone gettin’ hurt. I need ya ta’ trust me. Ta’ believe I can keep ya safe.”
“But I need you to believe me too. To believe I can do this.” Turning your body towards him, you friendly touches his arm. “Daryl, I... I like you... A lot. And I admire you, I trust you. You taught me so much and I need you to trust me. I promise I'll be more careful, but I need you to–”
“Don't go out there without me.” He suddenly says, voice heavy. “I trust ya. Yer brave and strong. But if ya go out there and I can't keep my eyes on ya... I'll lose my damn mind.”
“Alright.” Nodding, you sigh, smiling a little. “Just don't yell at me again, Daryl Dixon.”
“Yer almost died and I... Damn it, (Y/N), –”
“I like you too, Dixon.” Standing up to your feet, you smile, looking down at him. “You don't have to say if you don't want to, just... Let's get this over with. The world is a freaking mess and if you like me and I like you we should be together.” You can't believe you're saying this, after so long. But it feels good. You feel good, secure. “Just let me know what you want.”
“Ya.”
“Me?”
“Yeah.” He nods, blue eyes locked on yours.
“Alright.” Mirroring his head movement, you clear your throat, cheeks burning. After a few seconds of silence, you walk to the bars. “RICK! CAROL! Daryl and I are dating now, can we go?” You yell, and the low chattering downstairs goes silent.
“Would it be so bad ta' stay locked in here with me for a night?” Daryl asks, and you turn around, biting your lip to hold back a smile.
“Absolutely not.” Shrugging your shoulders, you slowly move to the bed, climbing on and lying down. “I'm actually sleepy and it's cold so it'll be nice to have someone to warm me up at night.”
“Don't push it.”
“I'm not.” Giggling, you feel as he lies down, close enough so his shoulder is touching your back. “Night, D. It was good to sort things out with you.”
“Good night, pretty girl.” He mutters and you smile, eyes closing and sleep easily overcoming you, thanks to the amazing feeling of having Daryl lying next to you.
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onmyyan · 3 years ago
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Hi its me again. I love your writing and the fact that there isn't as much abuse like there is in others. It reminds me of old yandere stories were it was genuine lovesickness. Anyway, how do you think jjba yanderes would react to a darling that is taller and more muscular than them by quite a bit. You can do whoever you like I don't mind.
A/N: Omg ily🥺 it means a lot you said all that because I really love this genre it’s my comfort trope anyway thank you for the request n I hope ya like it!! Kira should be a trigger warning in an of itself but dw he’s just weird, not mean. Mentions of his past ‘girlfriends’, a curse word or two, lil suggestive in someplace’s Mista murks a few people, tw//gun violence
Characters: Pt2 Joseph, Josuke, Kira, Mista
Joseph was used to looking down on people, standing at a proud 6’5” he was literally and figuratively knocked on his ass when he’d first laid eyes on you, his immediate thought was you were a forgotten pillarman coming from nowhere to get revenge for your masters only to quickly realize you were just a stallion. You were strong enough to put him on his back after one too many cheeky comments. Unafraid to speak your mind and keep him in check, You would stare down at him with that mind melting smirk, all too aware of his frustrations, you assumed he was just being a man, ashamed to be outclassed by someone other than himself, oh honey how wrong you were. You enjoyed teasing the behemoth of a man as no one else really could, at least not as well as you did, throughout your little jabs and snark he always had a retort, a response on the tip of his tongue, eager to do this dance of yours until one of you broke, to you he was a way too cocky dangerously self assured pretty boy who was entertainingly easy to rile up, but to Joseph, you were his everything. Someone he could proudly take home to Granny Erina once he’d finally tamed you. He had a plan, a three step plan to steal your heart just as you’d done his, and this little game of who could annoy the other the most was just step 1. “It’s been fun JoJo but you’re gonna have to find someone else to bother.” You’d jokingly said one day out of the blue, an odd friendship had formed through the month you’d been in town and it felt wrong to leave without notice, an act of kindness you’d learn to regret. “Is this one of your famous jokes (Y/n)? Not so funny to play with a mans heart like that I nearly believed you.” He finished with a scoff, his signature smirk not reaching his eyes. “It’s true Joseph, my flight leaves tomorrow, I didn’t wanna leave without saying goodbye, because as much as we fuck around you’re pretty fun to hang out with.” Your sincerity almost made him feel bad about rushing the next few steps of his plan, he’d have to cram months of planning into a night but he’d accomplished more with less time on his side. He huffed, his grin stretched wide across his handsome features. “Then we outta make tonight count eh?” A thick arm was tossed around your neck, you had to bend awkwardly for this to be possible much to your amusement. “Okay you weirdo, whatever you say.” You let him lead you around town with a grin, unaware you’d be missing that plane, and any other one you tried to take without him.
Josuke watched you eat with the dopiest grin on his face, he’d spent an extra hour in the mirror this morning in preparation for your first official date! Well you didn’t exactly know it it was a date and Okayasu was eating rather messily beside you two but still! You’d actually agreed to come to Toni’s with him! You’d been an enigma since you transferred to the bizarre town, choosing to keep to yourself, and despite the intimidating height and mass you possessed, he saw through your act in seconds. There was a huge softie under all that muscle, he’d watched you enough to know this as a fact, you were a gem and he was intent on showing you his appreciation and adoration for the rest of his days, a vow he’d silently taken the day you’d stolen his heart, the moment was brief in reality but it lasted forever in his mind, you smiled at him in passing, he could feel time slow down, everyone around you faded in the background, a backdrop to the beginning of your story. He could imagine telling your kids how you’d met, something about the way you’d stare down at him, eyes sharp and attentive, like you truly listened when people spoke, your laugh was loud when it was real and every time he heard it he felt 10 years added to his lifespan. At the same time that icky feeling at another person making you laugh was conflicting, he’d never been in love before but he suddenly understood why his mom had never given up on his dad, love was weird but he wouldn’t give it up for anything. You’d accidentally snapped your chopsticks laughing too hard at a joke he’d tossed out, your face scrunched in embarrassment before chuckling at yourself and switching to a fork, his stand came out on its own, pocketing the shards to fix later, a new item for his ever growing collection, what a cute little memento from your first date! His thoughts swirled happily with the stories you’d be telling your kids. Thankfully neither of you noticed his little pickpocket moment, dangerous plans forming as he stared at you with those misleadingly soft puppy dog eyes.
Kira could die in this moment, happily I might add, as your firm but soft hand was wrapped oh so deliciously around his throat threatening to crush it with ease at the slightest movement. He’d been watching you for a while now, the longest he’d ever spent on someone he didn’t plan to kill, it become sort of hobby he’d picked up recently, the morally upsetting activity bringing peace to his day to day, usually he used his stand to carefully observe your routine, eager to learn all he could about his future spouses likes and desires, but he was getting greedy. Of course he could always introduce himself but he resisted, knowing there was a time and place to get exactly what he wanted. He liked to think he knew everything about you by now, your favorite color, how you liked your coffee, your love for cats, but he didn’t anticipate this. You were much more observant than he’d given you credit for, while you couldn’t see his stand you could sense yourself being watched, and seeing the large blonde lurking indiscriminately in the crowds throughout the day was enough to set you off. So you trailed off into the less crowded parts of town quickly entering an alleyway, he followed in pure confusion only to be roughly slammed into the wall, his stand came out on reflex but simply stared at his attacker, it seemed almost confused as what to do. “Why the hell are you following me pretty boy?” His eyes rolled to the back of his head at the feel of your fingers tightening, god he’d never felt this rush of exhilaration, none of his past ‘girlfriends’ could pull such an illicit reaction from him with a simple touch. When he didn’t answer you simply scoffed and tossed him aside like it was nothing. You left with a threat to stay out of your sight, yet all he could do was smile, the faint imprint of your fingers burned in his skin deliciously, how lucky could one man get?
Mista observed you with hungry eyes. His stare was unapologetically locked on your form. He made no intention to hide his attraction for you. The day you’d joined Buccarati’s crew was the day his world flipped. He assumed his new teammate would be no one to fuck with based on what Bruno told him about your stand, but when you walked in? Needing to bend down slightly just to enter the doorway had him sweating in his seat. He didn’t know what to say as he watched you happily interact with his fellow teammates, immediately you blended with the group, but all that was running through his mind were all the fun things you could do with those muscles. He usually stayed silent around you, not out of dislike as one would assume from his piercing gaze, but fear of accidentally voicing one of those nasty thoughts kept him quiet. You didn’t seem to mind though, always including him in the conversation, you even understood his very valid fear of that dreaded number! How could god plop such a perfect person in his lap and expect him to not do anything about it? Alas, Bruno had specifically told them not to make you uncomfortable with any flirting so he bit his tongue. Your aura was calming, a contrast to your powerful stand, speaking of, he couldn’t get his under control. Whenever they could Sex Pistols was out and all over you. They climbed and clamored for your attention, thankfully you didn’t seem to mind, always entertained their antics when you could, even giving each one a small peck when they wouldn’t let you leave for a mission without Mista, to say he was done for was an understatement, it took one mission going foul for his resistance to snap. His stand moved faster than it ever had, piercing the skulls of the idiots who brought you pain. He left the last one slowly bleeding out kneeling down to wipe the matted hair from your forehead, “You okay baby? Don’t worry honey I’ll make the bastard hurt.” He spoke not breaking eye contact, his hand pointed behind him, grip steady as he unloaded in the poor fool who thought it was a good idea to make you bleed, the wound was small, not even deep enough to trouble Giorno but that didn’t matter to Guido, any slight against you was disrespecting the future parent of his children, and what kind of man would he be if he didn’t defend your honor?
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deberiaestarescribiendo · 4 years ago
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Saint Jude's Miracle: A Javier Peña x OFC (Isa) Fanfic (Chapter II)
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Summary: Chapter two is a little plot heavier than Chapter 1. Javier wakes up the next morning after the raid he had attended as a consultant for the DEA and the questions he avoided during the night are still very much unanswered and Isa, his wife, needs to know more about what’s going on. The second part of the chapter is in the past so we get to know how Javi got to be a consultant and how this affect his family life.
Word count: 3.4k
Warnings: Domestic Javi!, fluff, implied sexy times. Spanish and thoughts in cursive, translations are between parenthesis right after the dialogue line.
A/N: Hey, thanks to everybody that liked and reblogued. I was a bit weary of uploading this ‘cos this fic feels more like a characters study than any other thing. I’m just fascinated by Javi, from this chapter plot will move faster. S.
Chapter 1
Double life
"Daddy, wake up" Elvira grabs her father's arm that rests languidly at the side of the bed and shakes it until he answers:
“Morning" his face smashed against the pillows and his brown hair disheveled
"Good morning" she kisses him on the cheek and stays really close to his face, still pretty much asleep Javi starts snorting softly again “Daddy wake up!”
"You're hungry?" Javier clears his throat and opens widely his eyes as to convince his body that it has to get up. Elvi grins at him, with those honey eyes and that crooked smile she is the cutest creature on earth.
"You lost another one" he points at her mouth
"Yeah, yesterday, it was moving really funny so mami convinced me to get it out. I didn't even cry!" She tells proudly
"Such a strong girl! Let's get you a good breakfast then, what do you want?"
She smirks devilish and looks over Javier’s shoulder to make sure her mother doesn’t hear, but she finds her laying on bed completely naked and she seems puzzled for a second
"Why is mummy naked?"
"Oh" Javier pushes the covers over Isa that sleeps soundly. "You want those sugary things...the captain..."
"Cap’n Crunch!" Elvira raises her small arms excited
"Yeah, let's get those"
Javier adjusts his underwear under the sheets making sure everything is in place and gets out of bed. He lifts Elvira to his chest while she giggles.
"I love you, daddy" she holds his face on his little hands and he thinks his heart is about to explode.
"I love you too" Javier kisses her forehead, resting his child's head on his just for a second. He feels how the tangles around his heart become undone with her small, warm body against his. Everything seems kinder, happier, like if all of the sudden sunshine had pierced him deep inside where he hid his fears, regrets and pain.
He smells her hair for a second and then leaves her gently on the ground
"Let's eat"
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The light between the curtains is like a knife to her eyes even under the covers. Her body is exhausted, her muscles relaxed and unwilling to cooperate to get her up. Isabel had heard her daughter’s laughter but thought that Javier could handle the situation and make up for the time he had expend who knows where the day before.
She doesn’t complain about being busy all the time with Elvira, she actually really likes it and is dreading the moment when summer will be over and she’ll have to spend the day alone with Elvi being at school. But every day she finishes the daily routines tired and instantly falling asleep when she goes to bed, after juggling between doing the chores and entertaining her daughter. It has been months since Javier’s head was elsewhere.
Knowing she is not gaining any more sleep, she gets up. The heat of Texas comes through the glass windows and she feels that even as naked as she is she could melt.
Isa puts on one of the big, old, soft t-shirts that Javier rarely uses and a pair of his shorts. Wearing his clothes, with his scent still lingering on them, is one small solace she finds when he’s away. She takes her nightgown and panties and throws them in the laundry bin, seeing Javier‘s clothes from last night, she grabs them and inspects the pockets before throwing it with the rest of clothes. She finds a few coins, a pen and a half emptied Marlboro packet that she squeezes on her hand. Maldito veneno (Damned poison)
At the kitchen table, Elvira is telling every single detail of her pool day at the neighbor’s house that Javier had missed. When Isa arrives, she hugs her daughter from behind and kisses her head before grabbing a cup of coffee from the kitchen counter.
"Look, daddy prepared breakfast" she says stuffing her mouth with those multicolored cereals.
"Oh, I see, he grabbed a bowl, poured the cereal and the milk and voilà." She kneels beside her but is smiling directly at Javier. “Daddy of the year” she raises her cup and Javi smacks his lips but says nothing.
"No me diste los buenos días, princesa" (You didn’t say good morning to me, princess) Isabel holds Elvira’s hair and starts to untangle her mane with her fingers.
"Buenos días, mami" she kisses her leaving a sticky mark on her skin.
"After that you will eat a piece of fruit, me oiste?"
"Sí" she smiles engulfing another full spoon too big for her little mouth .
"And I don't get a good morning?" Javier adds looking at his wife over the cup of black coffee.
Isabel walks slowly towards him and brushes her lips on his forehead. She opens her right hand in front of him, the Marlboro packet squished inside.
"Morning"
With a dramatic gesture, she opens the trash can and throws the plastic packet angrily. Javi observes her but says nothing.
"You're mad at daddy?" Elvira asks looking between the two her little face concerned.
"A little" Isa responds
"Why?" Her little voice breaks
"I misbehaved. I didn't listen to your mother" Javier answers and pinches his kid chubby cheek softly “That’s why you have to listen to her always”
"Have you apologized?" Elvira leaves the bowl aside as to fully focus on this pressing matter and crosses her arms over the table
"I have, many times" Javier faces his wife with a smirk
"Twice" she clarifies “and they're not enough"
"Never" Javier sips coffee from his cup and winks at his wife. Elvira looks at them confused.
"Mami if he has apologized I think you have to forgive him"
“Yeah, I guess I have to" Isabel takes a sit at Javier's right side and holds his hand on hers. The simple golden ring in both their hands makes her feel a pinch on her heart, she was so young and so scared when they got married not knowing what she could expect from him and, and on top of that, having a newborn baby that demanded all her attention.
Now, 6 years later she can even begin to express how fiercely she loves her daughter and how all the sacrifices she made were all worthy for her beautiful baby.
Javier is another thing. Sometimes she thinks of him as the sea, something you can see, touch and be submerged in, but in the end there is a depth you are not able to understand. There are things that lie on the bottom of his heart and mind that she is not welcome to visit. And she loves him, and has an ardent passion and need for him but she feels as if he’s slipping through her fingers every time she tries to hold him.
"Can I finish breakfast watching TV, please?" Elvi’s question gets Isa out of her thoughts.
"Yes, but grab an apple"
The little girl jumps out of her chair already chanting some song she knows from her favorite cartoon show.
"So what was the operation that you had last night?"
Isa usually asks him about his job every morning and Javi always answers briefly without many details, mainly because he is not that interested but when he decided to counsel for the police, she started to insist more, trying to calm her worries, but Isabel grows more and more anxious with his vague answers. She had met him after leaving the DEA, and though he hadn’t told her about his life in Colombia, she knows that Javi was a broken man, lost in dark memories. In those six years of marriage he had been better, he was still the same, but he smiled more, was kinder, more open. But the shadow of his old self lurks through the house and Isa feels how her anxiety twists her stomach watching his husband crumble before her eyes.
"There were a few trucks passing the borders, they suspected they were hiding drugs” he finished his coffee and casually eats cereal from the box
"Why on earth would you be there at the moment they caught the transport? I mean, why were you on the raid?"
"You’re asking if I was ever in danger. The answer is no, I'm here, am I not?" Javi took her hand that still holds him and kisses her knuckles.
"Yes, you are, but my question is..."
"But" he sighs
"You're smoking again; you are not sleeping quite right. You think I haven't noticed? What is going on?"
"I'm fine"
"You're stressed"
"I said I'm fine"
"Then why are you back to the old habits?"
"You really are going to just drink a coffee for breakfast?"
"Don't change the conversation, Peña"
"Look, there's nothing to worry about. I was just there to help them out since I’m experienced” he turns the chair closer to her and poses his hands over her knees softly caressing her with the pads of his fingers “But everything is fine”
"Alright" she concedes "so is it done? The operation?" She looks at him from under her eyelashes
"I don't know, maybe they need me a few more times"
She’s about to say something when he presses his lips against hers and gets up saying "I'm going to see if I can repair the AC, it's fucking hot in here"
"Language" Isa says before he leaves the kitchen.
She finishes the coffee her gaze fixed on the trash can where she has thrown the cigarettes. Too nervous to eat anything she starts cleaning up the kitchen. The lasagna from last night still intact on the counter, the repetitive songs on the TV is loud and she feels the headache coming.
“Elvi turn it down, please!” The girl ignores her the first time, and a second...and a third time.
“¡Elvira Peña, baja la tele ahora mismo!” (Elvira Peña, turn down the TV right now!) She screams coming to the living room.
The kid pouts and turns it down looking angrily at her; the apple she took is still intact by her side “And eat your fruit!”
Gosh, this is what I’ve become, the annoying wife and the tiring mum
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Javier doesn’t know many things, but one thing that is always true is that shit follows him like a dog after a bone at every step of his life. After all the chaos that occurred with Cali and him leaving the DEA, he had spent a few month with Chucho back in Laredo. But soon enough, the atmosphere grew thicker consuming the air in his lungs and he woke up every day sweating and out of breath. Dreams of blood were leaking from the darkest parts of his memory polluting his nights.
“Mijo, ¿qué pasó allá?” (Son, what happened there?)his father asked every time and he found himself out of words. Not because he hadn’t them in him, but out of fear that if he began speaking the words would choke him and the disappointment he’d see on his father’s eyes. If they only knew he thought. If they only knew the things I did.
So after a time, he had to leave home again. It was better for both of them to be parted. Javier found the most boring job out there with his skills: Consulting companies that imported and exported things from Latin America. He translated documents, made calls in Spanish, and basically died a little every day in an office job, with bad coffee from a machine and many cigarettes each day to cope with the absolute weariness.
But again, shit followed him. StarsTextile Exports INC, nothing more than a normal company that passed, apparently, textile goods from South America to the US but you just had to dig a little to see the shady numbers they managed, a tangled list of companies’ names and banks in various tax havens. When he untangled all that mess what was left was a clear link to the biggest Cartel in Mexico. Shit. He even thought for a moment to let it pass, to just turn a blind eye like everybody did. But after many sleepless nights, he made the call.
“Agent Murphy”
“Hi, Steve, it’s Javier” he said softly suddenly feeling a little embarrassed of the time that had passed without calling his friend.
“Jav?!” Steve exclaimed “it’s been a long time...H-h-ow are you?”
“Fine, fine, you?”
“Great, I’m in Miami. But why you call me at the office? You alright?” he asked with a concerned tone.
“Yeah, it’s...well, maybe it’s nothing. But I need you to take a look at something”
“What exactly do you want me to check?”
“Some documents, I’ll send them to you”
“Great. Where are you now? Still at your pops?”
“No, well. I’m in Texas but I live with my wife.”
“Wait! what! you said wife?!” he exclaimed
“Yeah, yeah. Long story”
Javier had to hear his old college laugh for a good five minutes before he could say another word.
“I need to meet her. Gosh, I can’t believe it. Connie is gonna die when I tell her”
“Yeah...”
“Listen, I know you didn’t want to talk about you getting out and everything but I’d love to talk if you want. You know that...”
“I’ll send the documents right away, okay? You can call me at this number whenever you have any conclusion” he interrupted.
“Alright, Javi. It’s good to know from you. I’ll check those out”
Immediately after hanging up the phone, Javier felt like shit. He hadn’t contacted Steve, a good friend, in a long time. He knows his big out of the DEA would be a matter of a long conversation with him, a conversation he doesn’t want to have as he doesn’t want to tell all that to Chucho or Isa. Those days were gone, that crap was far away, he repeats to himself knowing that his memories have dark claws that hang on him like his shadow, reopening wounds he thought were healed.
After that brief phonecall, more followed. Steve and Javi found a perfect hour to talk when both Connie and Olivia and Isa and Elvi were asleep. They chatted about the documents, clearly there was something weird and Steve, though he could not confide anything to a former agent, agreed to disclosure tiny details. The DEA was behind StarsTextile Exports from months, but anytime they came close, they would hide again with dubious moves like changing company names, CEO’s and corporate headquarters.
“I see your instinct is still intact, Jav. You should still be with us” lamented Steve in one of their midnight conversations
“Yeah...but what can we do? nothing” Javi huffed
“We’ll see, I keep you informed”
“Yeah, thanks” he agreed but a little voice inside him replied why do you care? why do you still care?
“So, can you tell me about your wife? Connie keeps asking me for more information” Steve asked
“Her name is Isabel. She’s younger than me”
“Nice! Is she pretty?” the agent jested
“She is. We met at a bar; she was bartending for the summer while she was off college. I had just arrived after Cali” he explained
“She must be quite special. I mean, Jav...you left another at the altar” Steve replied shyly
“Well, that was another time and yes, she is...she is...a good woman and a good mother” Javi lay down on the sofa and turned his face towards the aisle, he could see the dim light of Isa’s nightstand lamp still on. She was always waiting for him to come to bed.
“How long did you wait to have the kid?”
“We didn’t. She got pregnant unexpectedly and then we got married” Javi sighed pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Oh! I don’t want to be indiscreet, but that’s why you married her?” Steve muttered
“Kinda, but as I said she’s an amazing woman”
“Are you happy?” Steve cut him
“What is this? Are you my therapist now?” Javi chuckled
“No! no! just Connie, well, Connie and I, we worried, we wanted to know if things were okay with you. It’s been a long time, Javi, and the things we saw... well, we’ve been through some shit”
“I’m fine” his voice cracked, the more he said those words the less meaning they got
“Fine, God, Javi Peña, a family man, I still can’t believe it”
Javi smiled
“Yeah me too”
“But it’s nice, it keeps you grounded. Now you have a place to come back”
“Right...”
And also thousands of questions, expectations, and nowhere to hide when all I want to do is be alone, he thought but didn’t say another word.
“It’s late and I don’t want to wake up the girls” he said before biding goodbye to Steve and promising to keep in touch.
A week after that conversation, Steve told him about the operation that the DEA was preparing at the frontier near Laredo. And last night, he rejoined the agents just as a consultant. But again shit followed him and they asked him to be present and advice in case they needed him.
Even though he was far up on a hill with a few other agents waiting for the transport to arrive, he heard clearly the gunshots and they left him with a terrible headache and a familiar yet horrible ring in his ears. He felt his heart beating hard and fast inside his chest. The rush, the thrill and the fear all very well-known to the old Javier and he could sense a part of him suddenly awake, begging for more, the tingling sensation on his muscles that he was doing what he was made for. It scared him. He had decided that he was through it all. He could not be back, but there he was, lecturing those agents, finding evidences where they looked clueless. He was made for this, and though he didn’t like the praise, he hadn’t felt as good about himself until that night.
But the DEA asked for more, always does. He had given them his all and they paid him with lies. But again he said yes to keep on going with this partnership and teach the field agents and give some advice on how you take down a cartel. Like if we actually won the war on drugs, like if we actually made things better
With all these, he kept Isa in the dark, giving just vague answers about who call him late at night and about what was going on at his job.
The look in her amber colored eyes breaks his heart with each lie he tells her. She had met a broken man in Laredo many summers ago, he never said anything really specific about his time in Colombia, but Isa was perceptive enough to see his cracks and shadows and everything he wanted to hide. She had lighted his life like a timid candle in the night, opening the darkest rooms of his mind and inundating them with her presence and comfort and domestic life.
There was no space for the old Javi, always running and burying his demons in alcohol, sex and cigarettes, in this new reality there were bills to pay, school supplies, family duties and morning conversations.
And at that moment, “family guy” Javi and the “ex-DEA but again working for the DEA” Javi were battling inside his mind making him feel like he was living a double life.
Half of him wishes to stay, go to the pool with Elvi, Sundays at his father’s house and hold Isa tight every night; but there again, the air grows thicker, the days are long and he misses the rush, the thrill, the only way of life he had known for so long.
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binkysteebnpewter · 5 years ago
Text
Of Paper Planes & Teddy Bears
Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Fem Reader
Words: 2100+
Summary: Wanda has loved you since you trained her when she joined the avengers. However she’s too afraid to confess all because she’s sure you’re dating the Diner guy.
I used a divider a few times, they’re by: @writeyourmindaway 💗
Warnings: TW:Dissociation, TW: Anxiety Implications, explicit (?) detailing, conspiracy thoughts (just to add flavor 🤷🏻‍♀️).
Taglist: @softpeachbarnes @thejournalman
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There was so much that I could say about her. So much good, so much praise, so many compliments that'd sound like Shakespeare had possessed my body to write an entire play solely about how her eyes stared into my soul with just a simple fleeting glance she'd give as we passed each other in the hall. There was so much I could say about her to show someone how much I love her and what I love about her, but that would take too long— even though I knew I could talk about her until my lungs failed to take in air and my heart failed to beat.
What I would utter out was that her attitude was what got me up in the morning, other than the fact she always made breakfast for everyone even though she didn't have to— and her cooking is absolutely blissful if I'm honest. However her coffee is downright dreadful. She liked her coffee way too strong for me or anyone other than Tony and Bruce, who refused to drink theirs any other way now. I didn't see how she could drink it, especially not black with just ONE spoon of honey.
There were those days where sometimes she didn't want to cook and everyone would sometimes go to the nearby diner, and today was one of those days. She had dressed down pretty casual and comfy, but oh— she looked otherworldly in her comfort clothes, dressed to no ones expectations as she held her favorite teddy bear
Sam drove while everyone else talked, but her? She sat playing with a few small paper airplanes, making them fly with psychokinesis. Making one fly out of her course, she stops them all and looks to me. She smiles and one of them unfolds suddenly, refolding quickly. Smiling at the blossom flower, my eyes widen when I moved over and rested in my lap. She smiles to me once more and focuses on her airplanes again, leaving me a storm of emotions.
The time passes like it's racing as we all ordered, waited, receivers, and ate. Some of us were still eating, some were just talking and relaxing. It was peaceful and the diner was never busy enough to draw a crowd to us, thankfully.
"How you gonna be like 'she gotta blonde, she gotta be thick, she gotta be tan'?" She asks, standing up to a guy sitting near us as he dissed his own girlfriend.
"You ain't got the right to be picky. All you packing is a tic-tac.. what you gonna do breath mint?" She asks and he flusters.
"What you gon' do Listerine?" She asks, giving him a look full of utter sass and confidence.
Smiling as the guy flustered and began ignoring her, I nodded and gave her a thumbs up as she turned back around. She smiles to me and laughs a bit.
"Yo! You're here today!" I hear and she turns.
"Mattie! What's up?" She smiles, standing and giving the guy a hug.
Him.
The one I wish I was. The guy who gets to call her baby girl, the guy who gets to stay up and talk on the phone with her for hours, the guy who gets to hear her sleepy voice say those three words I so desperately want to hear and say back.
I love you.
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Wanda had left my origami flower in the diner, right on the table with her plate. Did she not like it? Was it the wrong color? I purposefully kept my airplanes folded neatly in the colors black and red, the colors I knew she liked. Was I overthinking all the subtle things? Was I imagining them? It was possible, maybe I'm reading too far into things.
I walked silently across the street from the cemetery, a hat placed on my head and tipped low as I faced the ground. My fingers played with the fidget in my hand, the puzzle fidget I had solved too many times to count now. I was long overdue for a new one, there was no combination of moves someone could do to mess up the colors on my rainbow ball fidget toy to make sure I couldn't return each colored ball to its respective hole too quickly. Wind whipped around me and chilled my skin, my thin jacket doing nothing to keep me warm.
The pigeons, I swear, are staring at me as I walk. Following me, I know it, as I took turns and they stayed right nearby with me from the start of my journey. I was a long way from the compound, that I knew for sure. I'm convinced one day they'll begin recognizing individuals, or that maybe they're not even real— robots maybe. Do we ever see them sleep? Do the power lines charge them when they rest upon them? Do they video people and record conversations? Is this how the government truly finds wanted people?
A bus loops around and around, passing through the old streets. The neighborhoods of old tenement houses, public schools, coffee shops, and candy stores. Sidewalks lined with cart shops, their goods ranging from street food to newspapers and tourist spots. I haven't seen the bus stop once as it's passed by one time after another, yet there are always less and less people aboard it with each pass. Has it even stopped? Why come down this road so many times? Is it forever stuck in this route? Is it in limbo— wait, can objects be stuck in limbo?
dO UnITs hAVe a SoUL??
I pass a hot dog stand, the grilled hot dogs looked oddly like fingers to my eyes and I suppress a gag. Do they bleed when you bite into them? Is the juice metallic tasting? Is the texture— Let's stop there, yeah let's stop there.
I head to subway station to realize I had been in the Brooklyn-Queens area, my numb fingers aching as I swiped my subway card. I stand as far from people as I could, the suffocating feeling of the subway closing in. The scent of the train car was musty and pungent, like old sneakers in a gym locker and rotten food found in the home of a hoarder who'd dropped their food and never found it to pick up and throw away. My fingers pause in the motion of scrambling my fidget as I realize the conductor was making an announcement, I caught on too late. Asking the man nearby if he'd heard the announcement, I shuddered when he gave me a simple rat-like smile and said nothing with a shrug.
I guess I'll never know.
I feel as though someone is watching me and Natasha's words play through my head. 'If you feel like someone's watching you, it's because someone is.' Do I look for them? Do I make eye contact and sass them? No, don't. Really don't, never trust a man or even a women on the train this late at night— I have no clue why they're up, or why I'm up even. I had woke with a feeling of dread and left without a single thought about it, the compound had felt too stuffy and small— despite its size.
The compound was... a mystery to me. It was large and spacious yet at times it felt like it closed in on me, suffocating like a 5x5 room. It made me feel like SCP 096 in his airtight steel cube room, watched yet not seen.
I step off the train at a random stop, heading out back into the chilly night air to continue an aimless walk through a concrete jungle shaped like a maze of looming buildings that wait— wait for the perfect moment to swallow me whole like a fly in the air, gone like I had never even buzzed in someone's ear.
Walking off the sidewalk and into a parking lot, I glance around. The parking lot may seem empty but I don't trust it, there are cars here— I know there are. They just don't want me to see them yet. They like to hide, spook me when I'm not paying attention once more. The building seems to expend as I enter with my membership card in hand, I'm sure I'll never understand how everything fits inside this place— just like I'll never understand where all the shoppers in here come from, even so late.
Are they even people?
I don't know how long I've been in here before I begin to become hungry, taking notice of the samples being handed out. Don't trust it, never trust it— you don't know if that person is sick or has done something to the food. Buy something and make it yourself, or buy a packaged snack— some fruit even. I cannot find check out, and the lady I had passed only gave me an eerie smile when I asked how to get to check out.
What is up with people and not knowing the answers to questions tonight?
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I sit motionless, vaguely aware i was on the floor in the kitchen. I was also vaguely aware it was some time past 4am, when I returned from my late name wander. However something is wrong, something is staring. I do not know what nor do I think I want to know, yeah... I don’t want to know— I never will want to know.
It feels as if I’m staring at the back of my own head, watching as blurs vibrate and buzz off me and disappear into the air. I was staring, but staring where? At what? What color is it? What shape does it take? Is it smooth or textured? Is it decorative or a utensil?
I want to reach and touch myself, reassure myself that I am, in fact, here— that I am tangible and existing. So I reach up to touch my forehead, but everything blues— freezes. It was like something had stopped me from proving I was tangible, but I didn’t know what stopped me. I can’t figure it out, I’m sure at this point I don’t want to figure it out.
Do not touch my own face, that is asking for trouble. Something has warned me not to do it, and blindly I will take the unseen things advice.
My mind feels cloudy? No, it feels foggy. Not quite... It feels as if someone has steamed it, the moisture leaking out my eyes— I am crying with a dull expression as I sit on the kitchen floor, barely aware I even exist. This skin isn’t even my own, who’s is it? Did I steal it? Did I win it? Did we swap? How do I give it back? It is uncomfortable and suffocating, irritating like a sunburn.
Who am I? Am I a spectator? Am I a player? Am I winning? What am I playing? What am I spectating? Are others here? Is this a competition? Where are the controls?
I’d like to take the controls now.
It was a very faint and ghostly feeling of a hand touching mine that made me obscurely aware my hand had never dropped from moving to touch my own face. How long ago was that? The world was a blur, scratchy and set in black and white like a very old VHS tape. I didn’t know how long it was of those ghostly hands rubbing my upper arms and occasionally wiping my face and eyes, but the feeling of those motions became more prominent— heavier and more tangible.
Eventually, my world came into color and the first thing I could see was red. Brown hair that was lazily held in a messy ponytail, skin adorned with a pair of red pajamas, green eyes that seemed so soft and worried as they met mine.
“You’re with me, miere?” She asks softly and I touch her hand that was cupping my cheek.
She is real.
She’s here, tangible, existing.
So I am real, tangling, existing— because she is talking to ME.
“Miere?”
“Please don’t leave me alone...”
“I am not going to leave, Miere. I am right here, don’t worry.. I am always right here.”
“I love you..”
“Miere?”
Meeting her green eyes, they seemed so bright but so cautious. Why? Squeezing her hand that had been holding mine, the corners of my lips tugged up a bit.
“I love you Wanda..”
“I... I love you too, Miere. I, I thought you were dating... Mattie?”
“Mattie..?” I mumble, confused.
Who is Mattie? Do I know a Mattie? Surely I do, she wouldn’t have mentioned a Mattie if I didn’t and— Oh, the diner Mattie.
“No, I’m not dating Mattie.. He was my friend from school.” I admit, his face now fresh in my head.
“Besides, I don’t like guys.”
“Are you... are you gay?”
“Of course I’m gay.”
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notfckincool · 5 years ago
Text
DIRTY GIRL
CHAPTER 7 - LUCKY FUCKING DAY
NEGAN X ANA (OC)
Originally a collection of short smutty stories, this has now morphed into a long running storyline. Strong sexual content.
Ana embarks on a casual, and obviously filthy affair with Negan, accidentally falling for the man, knowing he will never love her. Angst and kinkyfuckery.
WARNINGS: It's Negan so expect swearing, violence, sexual content throughout. I'll add specific chapter warnings as it progresses. 
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CHAPTER 7 - LUCKY FUCKING DAY
Negan x Ana (OC)
It's been a while since they shagged, they both horny as fuck.
WARNINGS
f/f/m dirty talk, rough sex
Negan is a sweary muthafucka, that's a given
It''s a long one,hahaha. I enjoyed writing from his point of view and I got a bit carried away.
Negan stands, Lucille nestled on his shoulder, proudly surveying his jubilant saviors on their return home. 
The Sanctuary....His castle....The community HE built, from the shit storm of epic proportions, that left the remainder of the human race fighting for survival. Everyone here a cog in the well oiled machine, with a mission to save as many unfortunate souls as possible....And...bring some kind of fucking civilisation back to humanity.
The Saviors...These men and women, these fucking magnificent soldiers, were the key to its success, the last line of defence for HIS citizens. His own personal army, a force to be reckoned with. They were a bunch of quarrelling fuckwits and murdery fucking hoodlums before he took this place. He made them what they are today. He gave them structure, rules, purpose. He made them strong. Look at them now.
As trucks are unloaded the mood is jovial. Today had been another productive damn day. There would be celebrations this evening. Rightly so. Fuck it, he's in a great mood, everyone gets extra vegetables at dinner, they deserved it.
Heading inside the large canteen, they are rewarded with good food and bottles of liquor. He watches over his people, observes their hearty laughter, loud banter, and congratulatory patting of backs. His eyes scan the room.
He leans back against the wall as his eyes rest on Ana. She's sat at a long table with Simon, a few of the other higher ranking warriors, and....that girl she always seems to be hanging with these days. He lowers Lucille to rest casually by his side. She'd done well, he'd known she would, and, she'd finally even got Simon's approval. Simon was right. Fucking her, while on Savior business had been a mistake. While they were working EVERYONE needed to be focused. He didn't want to lose any one over some emotional shit, or by getting eaten on the job, so to speak. They'd had to cool it. Maybe they could get together when they both had free time, but with missions, meetings, and wives, it hadn't happened. A shame. It had been fun. 
Sighing heavily he watches her as she laughs a full belly laugh, her head thrown back. She looks really fucking happy. As rare as rocking horse shit these days. It makes him smile.....briefly. His eyes fixate on Simon's hand patting her thigh, resting a little too long for his liking. He shifts uneasily from the wall, his jaw clenching, hand tightening momentarily around Lucille. The fucking fuck? His brow sets in a deep frown. 
Ok..ok..calm your tits.....
It's probably just his imagination, but he might need to keep a fucking eye on that. Tearing his eyes away he looks down at the floor, inhaling deeply, rubbing his forehead, and trying to relax his jaw as he looks back over in Ana's direction. 
The girls are now sharing a conversation that he can't hear. They move in closer to each other, real fucking close. Huh? 
Cheering erupts. A drinking game has begun and a bottle of tequila is being passed around the table. The merriment continues, tables are banged enthusiastically, and numerous shots are knocked back. He shakes his head at his bunch of roguish fucking idiots. 
There it was again. A touch of the girl's thigh. A firm squeeze. No mistaking. This time stroking higher, leaning right in. His brow arches as Ana kisses her, playfully nibbling at the girls lips. Tangling her fingers in the long tresses she pulls her in for a firmer kiss. Jeering breaks out. 
"Get a fucking room you two"
Something is tossed across the table hitting Ana on the head. Breaking the kiss she tosses it back, laughing and giving them the middle finger. Jesus fucking Christ, sometimes It's like being at fucking high school with these morons. His attention is drawn back to the two women as they stand from the table. 
So how long has this been going on? 
She looks up. Her eyes meeting his. Hmmm.... Did she know he was there? Did she know he'd been watching? Neither looks away, locked in an unwavering stare as he tries to read her. A small smile plays at her lips as she whispers something in the girls ear before grabbing her hand and leading her hastily from the canteen.
Swinging lucille by his side, he takes a moment to process, pulls himself from the wall, bat on shoulder, and heads out into the corridor.
***
Turning the corner, towards Ana's room, the girl is pinned to the wall in a passionate kiss, a sense of urgency as she fumbles with the key in the lock. The door swings open. They tumble in. He saunters towards them, observing a  moment before tapping loudly on the door with Lucille. When Ana spins around he studies her, his eyes narrowing, Lucille swinging gently by his side. 
"Hi"  he grins, taking a step forward into Ana's room. 
"Hi" She moves protectively in front of her 'friend'
"Sorry to interrupt....."  The grin fades as he peers around Ana for a better view of the girl. He's seen her around. Someone new Simon had recruited and trained, name escapes him though. Never really took much notice of her before. He looks her over. Similar to Ana in age, probably. Looks pretty badass, sweet though. Not bad. He definitely would. Flashes her one of his irresistible smiles. She seems to be struggling to maintain eye contact with him. He revels in the long awkward pause.
"...and you are?" 
The girl swallows audibly and opens her mouth, but no words come out. He chuckles maintaining his stare. Ana glances over her shoulder looking quizzically at the suddenly dumb struck girl, shaking her head at her.
"This is Lily."
"Hey there Lily. Nice to finally meet you." He doesn't offer his hand, instead he twirls Lucille in his fingers, his tongue creeping out between his teeth. He can't resist looking her up and down again with a smirk. Immediately she blushes and looks down at the floor to hide her burning cheeks. That's cute. He chuckles.
"Not much of a talker huh?" Her eyes still glued to the floor he turns his attention back to Ana.
"Is she ok?" he mouths silently
"What do you want Negan?"
"You really have to ask? Ana, you know what I want." Placing lucille against the wall he takes another step closer, leaning into her space. Lily shrinks away behind Ana. 
"No Negan, I dont." Her eyes search his "I dont know what you want from me"
"Yes...you fucking do" Lowering his face towards hers, he takes her by the hips. Lily shuffles uncomfortably while Ana holds his gaze.
"Oh, so you think you can just drop in whenever you feel like it, without an invitation" 
"Oh girl, dont give me that shit. You know goddamn well I dont need an invitation. This is my place, I can do whatever the fuck I want" his thumb traces along her jaw
"What about what I want? ....What exactly are we doing here?"
"What do you wanna be doing?" He chuckles "This was your fucking idea. 'Why dont we come up with another arrangement', you said. I fucking remember it. Very fucking clearly...." His thumb brushes over her lips  "...right before before you put my dick in that pretty little mouth of yours" 
"That doesn't mean you can just call by whenever it suits you"
"That is EXACTLY what it means." He withdraws his hand " I gave you a choice. This is what you chose"
"Well, Im not just gonna sit here waiting for you" she smiles pulling Lily to her side.
"Yeah, I can see that" he glances over at Lily
"Look, I'm a big girl, I can make my own decisions, and I made my choice. I'm NOT one of your wives remember" leaning into Lily she kisses her softly.
"Thank fuck for that, you'd drive me nuts" His eyes linger over the kiss "So this is what you get up to when I'm not around"
"Mhm. What did you expect? I got needs you know." The woman's lips part for Ana     "...So if you dont mind...." she mumbles through the kiss
"I don't mind at all". He interrupts " I'm enjoying the fucking show, dont stop on my account"
"If you don't mind" she continues "I'm quite busy, so you can shut the door on your way out"
Arching a brow he watches the girls, their tongues exploring each others mouths. His grip on her hips tightens, pushing himself against her so she can feel him hardening.
"Hahaha! Ya missed me right? I can read you like a goddamn book......Ok you got my attention, got me over here......with the TWO of you. I see what you're doing here." taking her by the chin he pulls her face to look in his eyes. "Yeah...." he smirks "....you missed me"
"Maybe....Maybe not" she swipes his hand away
"Maybe...maybe not" he mocks "Why you always got to be so damned difficult all the time? Fuck, you're infuriating. See..... I'm hearing the words coming out of your mouth, but your eyes are saying 'fuck me Negan' " he shrugs off his jacket
"Wow! You really are an arrogant fucker"
"....Fuck me, AND my horny friend" he continues "Am I right? Hahaha. I know what you want, and how you want it. I know what kinkyfuckery runs through your dirty mind"
"You absolutely sure about that" she retorts "Maybe...I actually didn't miss you or your dick. Maybe...you're wrong." She smirks at him as she peels off her shirt
"Now I KNOW you're fucking lying" his tone no longer as playful. "Enough fucking teasing now. I told you before, don't play fucking games with me princess"
"And I told you before, don't call me princess" roughly she pulls lily towards her, pulling her shirt up over her head and tossing it to the floor "I dont need your permission to fuck someone else. You don't own me"  
Taking Lily's face in her hands she kisses her passionately. Releasing her hips he grabs a handful of Ana's hair, tugging her head back, prising the girls apart.
"I said that's enough. Have you forgotten who's in charge around here?" He says into her ear, his voice stern, delivering a hard sharp slap to her ass "Have you forgotten who your dealing with?" Another rough tug makes her wince. "The Sanctuary is mine. The Saviors, ..are mine. You....Are mine."
Lily cautiously takes a couple of steps back, Ana chuckles triumphantly.
"There's my Negan. You know I like that. she bites her lip " I love it when he gets mad, Lily. We like to play rough. This is just our foreplay" she chuckles again. "Still wanna fuck him?"
"Well?" His eyes burn into Lily's "Do ya? You wanna be my dirty girl too? " He smirks darkly  "then it looks like it's your lucky fucking day.....if you think you're up to it" Forcefully he unfastens Ana's jeans  "...Choice is yours sweetheart, nobody's forcing you to do anything you dont want to do." Still holding Ana's hair in a vice like grip he tugs her jeans down to her hips. "Stay,.. or leave, it's up to you...but it's now or fucking never Lily" he palms Ana's ass   "...Gonna need an answer. Are you staying?" 
Lily chews on her bottom lip and nods
"Then be a fuckin doll and shut the door"
Negan's eyes follow her as she closes the door and leans her back against it. 
"Well, Ana, would you look at that. Lily does as shes told, unlike some people I know"  his hand rubs across her stomach down towards her panties as he presses his swelling dick against her, eyes still on Lily. 
"That's because shes a good girl Negan, she'll do whatever you ask"
"Is that fucking so?" His stare unmoving, deliberately disarming her  "wanna play a game of good girl /bad girl?"  he smirks as he teases Ana, thumbing over her panties. "Ana is the bad girl obviously, but you've clearly spent some time together so I guess you know that already" Ana squirms as his thumb toys with her clit. "Speak up. Don't be shy. Can't be shy around my Ana"
"I'm not your Ana"           
"You fucking sure about that?"
He pulls her hair hard, tipping back her head, exposing her neck to him. Grazing her with his teeth, nipping at her skin, he raises his eyes to look at Lily from under heavy lids,. Ana moans softly and reaches behind her rubbing his hardening length through his jeans
"So.....You just gonna stand there?" Lily's eyes follow his hand as it slides into Ana's panties. Ana gasps and unfastens his belt
"Oh. You like to watch huh? We can put on a show for you if that's your thing" He rubs down Ana's folds, she reaches inside his jeans. "Any requests? Any other freaky weird shit you're into. I am down with that. We...are down with that" He grins as he circles Ana's clit and groans as she slowly strokes his cock. "We're pretty fucking comfortable with anything. We love that weird freaky shit" He turns his attention back up to Ana's neck, biting up to her ear lobe.
"So fucking wet" his voice is low in her ear as he pushes two fingers inside her, she responds by squeezing his cock, eliciting a moan from them both.
Lily finally ventures away from the door moving towards them. He smiles onto Ana's skin, removing his slick fingers and slowly pushes them into Ana's mouth.
"Take off those jeans" He commands Lily, his eyes wandering over her as she obediently pulls them down and kicks them aside. Their eyes meet again when she coyly looks up at him and smiles. Ana groans and squirms as he plunges back inside her, pumping slowly, his eyes never leaving Lily's. She stands expectantly, awaiting instruction. Withdrawing his fingers he uses them to beckon Lily over. She inhales sharply as he releases Ana's hair and strips off his shirt, revealing his slim toned body.  "How does she taste" he smirks as he runs them over her lips before inserting them into her eager mouth.
Ana turns to look up at him, eyes heavy with lust, running her nails across his chest and stomach, lowering herself to crouch before him.  Gently he strokes down Lily's neck and shoulder, caresses her breast, teases her nipple with his thumb, smiling as it hardens beneath his touch. Easing down his jeans Ana bites playfully at his thighs. Softly his hand travels down over Lily's stomach, lightly teasing the skin above her panties, maintaining eye contact as he slides inside, feeling her arousal pooling as she sucks enthusiastically on his fingers.
" Damn sweetheart, you are fucking soaked"
Ana trails her tongue over the bulge straining against his boxers, impatiently tugging them down, his erection finally springing free.
 "I lied" she confesses "I did miss this cock."
He looks down at Ana, to watch her tongue swirling around the tip, exploring the head, trailing down the shaft. He groans and throbs as Ana sucks his dick and lily quivers with his fingers inside her.
Withdrawing, Ana stands to move behind Lily, sandwiching her as he kisses up her neck.
"Remember the word?" Ana asks quietly in her ear. 
"Mhm" 
"If you want to stop just say the word" her hands cup Lily's breasts. Lily nods
"I'm good" she pants, her chest heaving. 
"Good. Get on the bed" Ana instructs her, giving her ass a slap, and pushing her playfully.
The girls tumble to the bed. He strokes himself as they kiss, bras unclipped, panties ripped off and cast aside. Playful wrestling as they caress and explore each other,  limbs entwined, until lily finally submits to Ana.
"Well look at my dirty girls" he sneers, laying himself beside them. His face hovers above lily's, watching her expression as Ana crawls over her. Lily leans in towards him mesmerized by his lips just above hers, moves in for a kiss.
"Oh no darlin" his fingers cover her mouth " that, is a no no. Anything else goes, but that is strictly for wives"
His hand slides over her chin and across her throat. Small quiet moans escape her as Ana's lips and tongue tease her nipples, travel over her stomach and down to her aching core, tasting and exploring. Her chest heaves and breathing hitches. 
"I think she might be close Ana" 
Her moans become louder and less inhibited as Ana brings her to the edge. 
"Cum for Ana sweetheart"  he dips down taking a nipple in his mouth, sucking and tugging gently, applying a little pressure to her throat. Lily's senses are overwhelmed and she bucks beneath them both, writhing in waves of pleasure. 
"Good girl." He grins stroking her hair. 
"Now my dick is really in need of some attention" he smirks. Barely giving her time to recover he clutches himself, guiding her head down, offering her his large throbbing cock.
"Suck it darlin"
She gulps and wets her lips, opening her mouth, slowly taking him in, gagging a little.
"Oh honey, you're going to have to open wider than that"  Ana smiles. Holding Lily's hair she guides her slowly up and down his length, before crawling up the bed, positioning herself over his face. Looking down on him.
"Eat me, Negan. Make me cum all over you"
"Bad girl" he grins
Grabbing her firmly by the ass he laps at her, expertly teasing, licking and sucking. Reaching for the wall behind him she steadies herself, rocking her hips over him. She begins to shake, claws at the wall, throws her head back. Lily picks up the pace on his dick. His strong grip around Ana tightens, locking her in place as he sends her soaring over the edge. Loud moans of satisfaction fall from her lips as she clutches at his shoulders, scratches at his skin, riding the wave. Lily withdraws and comes up for air.
" You ready lily? he mumbles from underneath Ana as she gradually subsides and climbs off laying back on her elbows.
Lily cautiously straddles him, slowly and carefully lowering herself. Very slowly. Inch by swollen inch. Negan looks amused. Anna scolds him with a glance. Lily rocks softly as she adjusts. Without warning he impatiently flips them. Looking into her face he slowly eases the rest of the way, and holds still.
"You really want me to fuck you? he teases
Panting erratically she twitches below him trying to get some friction and nods.
"Say it"
"Say what?" she falters
"I wanna hear you say please"
"Please" she says quietly 
"With some fucking conviction girl. ...Please fuck me Negan" 
"Stop toying with her. You're so fuckin cruel sometimes" Ana shakes her head at him
"Dont pretend like you dont love it, Ana" he chuckles "now get your sweet fuckin ass over here..." Ana smiles and crawls back to lily.
."....focus lily, I wanna hear you say it. Please fuck me Negan"
"Please" she swallows hard "please fuck me Negan"
"Thats my good girl" 
He sets a slow steady pace. Ana kisses lily softly. Lily moans into Ana's mouth as her hand moves down gliding between her wet folds. The kiss firmer as she pins her, circling her clit slowly as he pumps rhythmically, gently. Ana's hand wanders. He looks down when he feels her massaging his balls and inhales sharply.
"Ana" he warns. Not breaking the kiss she moves to grasp the base of his cock.
"Ana. Stop, unless you want me to blow my load right now"
She sniggers, putting her attention back to lily's wetness, when she suddenly convulses and arches. He stops abruptly, gritting his teeth and quickly withdraws, grabbing Ana by the hips and dragging her to him as lily writhes beside them.
"You are a bad fucking girl."
She gasps as he plunges into her. He stills, his hand around her throat pulling her up towards him. She backs up onto him, grinding, his hand squeezing her throat. Holding her tight against him, he fiercely slams into her and stills again.
"Bad, dirty girl. Aren't you.?"
"Yes"
"MY bad dirty girl"
"Yes"
Another deep thrust
"Are you gonna behave for me now?"
"Yes, Negan"
"Beg for my cock, beg for me to fuck you"
"Please, Negan. Please"
"I said beg"
"Please, I need it, I need you to fuck me"
Groaning loudly he rams into her again and pounds her relentlessly 
"Yes,don't stop"
Circling her clit with other hand he knows shes already close
"Don't stop. Don't stop. Don't  ..... she shudders and tightens around him
"Oh fuck... jesus ..fucking ...christ" he cries out
Releasing her onto her hands and knees, shaking beneath him, he hastily withdraws and spurts over her ass. Catching their breath he closes his eyes and rests his forehead on her back, until hes completely spent and their breathing returns to normal. Inhaling deeply he opens his eyes to see lily laying and smiling up at him. 
He pulls himself up collecting a shirt from the floor, wipes himself, and cleans Ana's back before tossing the shirt at lily. He collects his clothes and starts to dress. 
"Hey this is my shirt." Lily pouts. Smiling sweetly at Negan "it's ok though"
He briefly glances over at her and continues to dress silently. Ana grabs a shirt and pulls on some jeans. Lily sits up and looks around for the rest of her clothes.
"So..." lily ventures " What happens now?" 
"What do you mean?" He pulls on his boots
" um...us?" She looks from one to the other "what happens now with us?"
Ana and Negan exchange glances 
"Wow you suddenly found your voice. Um...Nothing. There is no us. Look darlin, nothing is fuckin happening here. It was just a casual fuck that's all, a bit of fun. I thought you knew that" he pulls on his jacket
"But ....I thought maybe we could...you know ....have an arrangement."
Ana grabs her cigarettes and rolls her eyes at Negan
"I'm going for a smoke. I'll leave you two love birds to it"
Negan turns to lily with a frown
"Whoah. Let me stop you right there, sweet cheeks. You wanted this. You got it. I'm very happy for you. Today was a great day for you. 'Yay, today was my bestest lucky fucking day. Today was the day I fucked Negan ' you can write it in your journal and tell all your friends"
Lily's eyes suddenly fill
"Dont get your titties in a twist sweetheart, it's just a fuck"
"Such a dick" Ana shakes her head at him as she brushes passed. He groans and rubs his forehead.
"Ok. Ok. For fucks sake. Don't go getting all emotional on me,....I'm just busting your lady nuts. Look... I'm a busy guy, I got this place to run, several wives to entertain, I just dont have the time." He heads for the door. "Dont take it personal.....I'll ..um....see you around." He shakes his head " fucks sake" he mumbles under his breath as he hurriedly leaves.
MASTERLIST
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loulougoingsolo · 5 years ago
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DIYing a Bold Hair Choice
So, as we all know, we live in troubling times. I've personally been living in quarantine-like arrangements for about a month now, and although I've been mostly doing alright, some things have proven to be hard. I was supposed to have my hair professionally cut and dyed this week, but I had to cancel the appointment, and at the moment, I don't know when I'll get to visit the salon for the next time. So, I had to take matters (or scissors) to my own hands.
I'm a DIYer, but I've never cut my own hair. I've also had it professionally dyed since I was 15 or so. For a short period, I only had it bleached and cut by a pro, but then dyed it myself with a pretty intense cool shade of red - but other than that, and a few toner touch ups, I've always relied on professionals. So I was in a bit of a pickle, when I realized that I'd have to either DIY or have my grey roots grow wild for months. And because my hair is short, the roots way too grey for my age, and I had all this time ln my hands, there was really only one way this could go.
When I go about a DIY project, my first step, always, is thorough research. I had an idea for what I'd attempt to achieve, so I went on Youtube and searched for diy haircuts. I got some good tutorials, but most of them were for long hair - and I also got suggested GMM episode #989, in which Rhett and Link battle in cutting their own hair (wigs). Can I just say, they predicted the Tiger King craze long before Netflix:
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So, I immediately figured I would not be able to follow yhe hair styling tutorials of this GMM episode. First of all, I could only find one pair of scissors even remotely sharp enough to cut hair. They were not sharp enough. Secondly, the longest part of my hair barely reaches my chin. I would need to really commit to every snip I make, or I'd end up with a bald hair style, instead of bold. As attractive and gorgeous some people are with a fully shaved head, with my head shape, that was something to avoid at all costs.
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Another thing I was worried about was that I'd probably end up cutting my own finger, like Link. I've always found it extra difficult to see my own reflection in a mirror and try to do accurate motions according to the reflection. Simply put, my brain gets confused. Also, I don't really have a way to see the back of my head through the mirror at all. How the crap am I supposed to cut anything?
At this point, I understood that the actual haircut was going to be the tough part, so I decided to focus on the dye. Since I cojldn't just go to a big supermarket to buy the equipment, I had to order the dyes online. At this point my plan was simply to buy a multitude of wild colours to mix and match according to my mood, so I ordered a tub of Midnight Blue, Daffodil Yellow, Flamingo Pink and Cerise dyes, all by the brand La Riche Directions. These dyes are semi-permanent, sonI knew they wouldn't cause permanent damage to my hair, and at this point, that was kind of my goal - whatever I do, I don'g want to ruin things too badly. But, because I'm familiar with semi-permanent dyes, and I've had pretty much every shade on the spectrum on my hair at one point, I knew I might require an extra step to see results. Which is why, "just in case", I added a hair lightening kit to my order. I figured, I'd make some lighter strands on top, to have some colours show properly.
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By the time the dyes arrived, I was already pretty fed up with my grey roots. I watched the GMMore which followed the hair cut episode. Rhett, who won the haircut challenge, got to decide what colours would go in Alex's hair. Alex had done the smart thing and bleached his hair professionally to be dyed in this episode, but he somehow agreed to letting Rhett and Link add the colours.
When Rhett explains everyone how he and Link used to dye eachother's hair back in the day, I realize that even though I'm technically watching a DIY hair tutorial, they aren't actually doing it themselves. It's quite different to put dye on someone else's head than your own. (Also, something I didn't notice back when I first saw this episode: Link says it would be crazy for him to have his hair dyed, but looking back, he most certainly had his hair dyed at this time.)
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It was slightly alarming to see that Alex was worried about how things would go. I could hardly expect to achieve anything much better than the guys, since at least they had the studio lighting and a full team to help rhem not screw up. I had a mirror in my dark toilet, which is barely big enough to stand in.
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I also forgot to buy vaselkne, which was a big mistake - although I don't think it's even possible to buy a container that big here. Why would they have that at Mythical in the first place? But something about seeing how much trouble the guys were having controlling the unmixed streaks of dye and all that vaseline made me worried.
At this point, I need to tell you that seeing the blank canvas which was Alex's hair, I, now the proud owner of a 40 % bleack kit (which apparently is the strong stuff), decided I was not going to waste energy by trying to dye my hair without bleaching, only to find out that the colours didn't show. So, I mixed the bleach, put on a worn-out t-shirt, used hand lotion to vas up my forehead, neck and ears, and then just went for it.
I did watch quite a few proper tutorials. They taught me, firstly, that 40% was a no-no. Secondly, never bleach something that has already been bleached, especially, if your hair has multiple colours. Forth, never start from the roots, as they get bleached faster (this ended up being the only rule I followed). And, above all, go to a professional.
So, I added the bleach to my hair. First I tried sticking to just a few strands, but then a blop of the bleach fell on the wrong spot, and I figured, why not just go full head. I did. I left the stuff on for maybe 20 minutes, and after that I got scared and rinsed it off. Then, I used a silver toner, and was left with a fascinating mix of orange, yellow and white hair - and a strand of persistent green from my previous dye. But it was blond enough for my plans.
Alex had a beautiful mix of blue, pink and purple in his hair - and that accidental splash of green - and after considering thoroughly, I decided to go for these colours, too. I mean, pink, purple and blue are my jam. Also, as much as I wanted to go full rainbow, I figured it would be an impossible task to keep the different colours from mixing, and that might result in brown, which is the colour of defeat. So, I went with midnight blue, flamingo pink and cerise, and wasn't too concerned aboit getting the colours mixed together.
This is how Alex's hair looked on the episode, before he rinsed the extra dye off:
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I couldn't find any good photos of his hair after it was rinsed, but tgere was one which suggested only a faint shade of blue stuck.
And finally, here's what happened with my hair. Now, I'm not posting my face here, just the hair. Imagine a white blop with green eyes below the hair, and you'll get the idea. In the first two pictures is my hair during normal times, and just before I diyed it. It looks particularly nasty in the just before hack job pic, because it was adviced not to wash your hair before bleachkng to save the scalp - but as you can see, this was not a fun thing to see in the mirror each morning:
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After I had dyed my hair, I did some snips here and there, and also, because I was able to borrow a hair clipper from my dad, some clipping - which in my books, saved the day. The haircut is pretty botched, but I actually absolutely love the colour. And the criss-cross shave despite it being pretty bad - it also looks badass in real life. The picture taken outside shows the pink colours more accurately, but the cut shows better in the other pic. There are a couple of ways I can style this later on, but I kept styling to minimum for starters, because I didn't want to cause extra damage to my hair:
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So, this has been the story of how I diyed my hair during quarantine. My mom loves the whole thing (I showed it to her yesterday while taking them groceries), and although there are some spots in the back which could have more colour in them, I'm pretty satisfied. I know my hairdresser is going to weep when she sees me, but she'll get over it.
So, in conclusion: Would I do this again? Yes, but I'd definately leave the cutting and bleaching to the pros. Also, now I can't really bleach again for a while. But I'm actually thinking about taking the dyes I have to my hairdresser so she can dye my hair properly with them, in a healthier way, once all this chaos settles and it's safe again. I'd probably need a slightly darker, permanent colour to the roots, but I absolutely love these insanely bright colours. And I'm so going to try the full rainbow this summer, too.
Would I recommend this to others? Yes, but with caution. The direct semi-permanent colours are safe and won't damage the hair, but bleach does. My hair is naturally a tad too dark to show bright colours properly, so I took the risk. I was also mentally prepared to shave the whole thing off and wear my mythical hat for the summer - but I'm happy that wasn't necessary. If you aren't willing to risk damaging your hair, stick to semi-permanents.
To end this post, here's a selfie I took yesterday on my grocery store trip in full safety gear (I have a paper mask under the scarf):
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Stay safe! Do things that make you happy! BYMB! 💗💗💗
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written-within-the-stars · 3 years ago
Text
Be My Valentine’s? - Part One – Together
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❁ Harper ❁
Smiling as I see the message from #Nova. Collin had sent a photo of her winking at the camera, with a pink and green heart around her. The Message read. ‘𝒲𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒?’.
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A smiled grew on my lips as I sent my own reply to her via her dad of course.
“To My Dear Valentine, I will be yours, if you will be Mine?” I attached a photo on me pointing to myself, with red hearts and a message for #Nova saying 𝐵𝑒 𝑀𝓎 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒.
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“And so, you know... I was thinking of you my beautiful baby girl... a little gift for you and..... Maybe a little something for your dad too...”
I sent an open box with treats, toys, a bottle of pawsecco for her, and a grey t-shirt for Collin saying ‘Husky Dad’ on the front with small black paws under it, as well as a small Huskey charm for him to add to the bracelet I gave him for Christmas. His two loves would sit on it now, a charm of a camera and one for #Nova.
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❁ Collin ❁
She was just too sweet, I couldn't stop thinking today. I mine... I hardly ever did anyway... But today...
Not long after her I was on her doorstep. Pressing the bell with Nova at my side, and a basket full of homemade goodies such as, honey butter, baked muffins, freshly made frittata and a glass jar of marmalade in my hands.
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❁ Harper ❁
Glancing up from the tablet, out of the window from my seat in the couch. My heart started racing. That truck of his couldn’t be mistaken for another.
“Oh mine...” combing my fingers through my hair, I pushed it back off my face. As I stood and made my way to the door.
“Hi!” Smiling as I saw #Nova and him and the box in his hands. Bending down to rub #Nova’s head and kiss her.
“Would you like to come in?” Surprised to see them.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled my heart outpaced hers and redness flushed up my neck and held out the small basket in my hands. “I was hoping you... I'm, might have a few free minutes to eat with me.” I cleared my throat.
“Us...” I nodded to Nova. “She wanted to say thank you... For the treats.”
❁ Harper ❁
Stepping to the side to let them both in. My eyes on the basket, and wow. “It all smells fabulous.”
Reaching out towards him. “May I help by taking anything?”
#Nova had other plans. She jumped up to my open arms, and I hugged her. Laughing. “Or I could just hug you baby girl”.
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed at Nova. “She's still not slowing down at all... And as you can see... She never says no to a hug.”
I smiled and stepping inside. “But when she gives a free hand, we did get you a gift too.” Showing her the mug with the words ‘𝐼 𝒮𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒜𝓃𝒾𝓂𝒶𝓁𝓈, 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉’𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓈𝓊𝓅𝑒𝓇𝓅𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇’, written on it. As well as a Chilly’s rain forest print drinking bottle.
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❁ Harper ❁
“It’s a good thing... I love her hugs.” Leaning down to kiss her head. “And I’m glad to hear you received your gifts.”
Glancing up towards him, my glasses slipping down my nose.
“You didn’t need... to get me anything..” my heart racing a mile a minute.
#Nova moved to go find her toys and I told the gifts. Opening and smiling from ear to ear.
“I love them.. th.. thank you... both...”
My eyes on him, the basket in his hands. Unsure if I should hug him... or... “Thank you.”
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled. "I know... neither did you. But... its Valentine's Day... and Um..."
Damn it!!! I had thought about what I wanted to say and it was just fine gone now...
"I was really hoping that I could steal a little of your time before you got called to the rescue of some poor innocent creature."
I wanted to hug her... or kiss her... both. But... I had shown up unannounced. I thought that was sweet and spontaneous... and now I was second-guessing myself.
❁ Harper ❁
Standing up again, I pushed my glasses up my nose and then took them off. I knew I’d not be working now he/ they were here. Stepping up to him, I looked in the basket.
“Is that an Omelette or a frittata? And honey butter?” The warm sensation and the pull in my chest started to make itself known again.
“How could I say no? You, #Nova, beautiful gifts, and food? You are spoiling me.”
Unsure where the confidence to say all that without stumbling came from. Leaning up on my toes. I kissed his cheek. Whispering.
“Thank you for coming to keep me company”
❁ Collin ❁
“Oh... Um... Frittata?” that wasn't meant to be a question. The kiss to my cheek had me flustered; my hand rested high on her waist when she moved in close.
My arm moved gently around her, and I leaned down to hug her. Every cell in my body came alive have her this close. Her scent, the sounds of her heart and her breathing; were amplified a hundred times. The soothing coolness of her skin.
“Thank you, for inviting me in when I never even called.”
❁ Harper ❁
His arm kept me in place, and I moved to curl my own arm around him the best I could with the basket in his other hand.
I closed my eyes, the warmth I felt around him drawing me towards it. My heart started to play up.
“Did you honestly believe I wouldn’t?” My voice a low whisper, and again the warmth makes me press my cheek to his. Why did this feel safe? Like home?
❁ Collin ❁
I pressed a kiss to the top of her head and the rush of a new warmth washed over me and I felt her lean into my cheek, and I inhaled deeply.
"I thought it was a great idea when I was at home cooking, but when I was on your doorstep, I started to worry I was being rude." I laughed softly.
I noticed when she was this close, I didn't trip over my words.
"It’s hard to be spontaneous and a nervous wreck all at once." I chuckled and moved back a little to see her face.
❁ Harper ❁
Such an innocent way to kiss my head had my heart fluttering. I moved back a little with him, my eyes finding his right away.
“Did we not agree to be foolish together? Coming and standing on my doorstep.... not something to be nervous about is it?”
I blinked, seeing the way he was looking down at me. He really was tall. And strong, however it’s the kindness in those eyes I found myself lost in.
❁ Collin ❁
I was awestruck by her eyes and by having her so close. She was beautiful on the deepest possible level. "Only because I..." I paused, I couldn't say I liked her, it was such an understatement that it was basically a lie. "I feel this... amazing connection with you... and I don't want to scare you off before we get to know more about it, or... making assumptions like you wouldn't have plans on Valentine's day."
❁ Harper ❁
I bit my lower lip, not fully sure how to answer him here. Praying my heart would stop playing up this way so that I could think clearly.
“Oh... Uhm...”
Did he think I went around kissing boys on a beach and then set up Valentines with other boys? No. He wasn’t like that. Right?
“No.. I.. umm.. had no plans at all.” Oh god did that sound pathetic. Should I have lied?
Taking a step back heart flushing into my cheeks.
❁ Collin ❁
My heart started to pound. Dammit!! I dropped the ball, didn't I? I cleared my throat. "I... um... I really wanted to ask... but... I know how busy you get... and um..."
I shook my head and ran my hand down her arm and took her. "I, um... I'm sure you've noticed that I'm really, really BAD at this. But..." What could say?
𝐼'𝓂 𝒶𝓃 𝑒𝓍𝒸𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝒷𝑜𝓎𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹? I mean I was pretty sure I was. but... that was a weird thing to say.
"I... will make it my personal mission to make sure all your Valentines are booked solid from now on."
Shit!! I should have said the boyfriend thing.
❁ Harper ❁
"Oh.." Okay, now I felt bad for a whole different reason. "Of course, work is... always busy." I didn't want to rub my cheeks in front of him, the heat was radiating.
Glancing down at my arm his hand sent a jolt through me. I stopped myself from walking away. Shifting on my feet, blinking up at him now.
"I'm sorry?" my lips half curling up.
"You promise to what?" tilting my head to the side a little. I could not have heard him correctly.
❁ Collin ❁
I wanted the earth to swallow me whole.
"I just.... Sorry. I mean..." I took a deep breath. I just mean that... maybe, someday... if I stop saying stupid things like that..." I paused, thinking hard. "I might be lucky enough to have another chance at... getting this... particular day right, with you... if um... you'd want to. I mean, obviously. But..."
I stopped and laughed at my own awkwardness... "I told you I was bad at this, right?"
❁ Harper ❁
My bottom lips curled in, and I held it in place with my teeth. Trying so hard now not to laugh, however the smile had started growing.
Leaning in my fingers curled around the basket and I took it from him as I whisper into his ear. “Let’s be Foolish together, remember?” The scent of him drew me in, I closed my eyes for a moment before pulling back. Turning to walk off into the kitchen.
“Would you like some biscuits with this honey butter you brought? I have a batch in the freezer I could bake up?”
Turning my head to glance back at him before disappearing into the kitchen.
My heart was racing again. Seeing him this way. We both managed to get ourselves into these muddles.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at the words and the warmth of her breast n my ear as she spoke made butterflies rise up in my stomach. Anyone else would have faked a phone call to get away from me by now... But not her.
"Some of are clearly more foolish than others." I chuckled but, there was relief in the gentle sound.
She took the basket and stepped away. "That sounds amazing." I smiled... She really wasn't trying to rid om me? I mean... not even politely but eating with me and sending me on my way.
She was making suggestions to extend our time together? I wasn't going to turn it down.
❁ Harper ❁
I couldn’t stop the sensations in my tummy. I had heard of butterflies flying, but this? It was like an army fluttering to the point where I didn’t know how to stop it. Or even if I wanted to stop it?
Setting the basket down on the counter. “Great, you don’t have to rush off do you?” I should have asked him this before, right? I rubbed my forehead.
#Nova came to join me, touching her paw to my leg. “What is it baby’s girl? Aww I know.”
Walking over I turned the oven on. Then took out her water bowl, filling it with water and setting I down for her. She started to lap it up right away. “Good girl.” I patted her back.
“Would you like a drink? Help yourself from the fridge.” I called out. Getting to work on making the biscuits, taking out a frozen whole carrot for #Nova and giving it to her to eat and play with too.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled and followed her to the kitchen. "No, I don't." I watched her with #Nova again. She was amazing.
"The only thing I wanted to do today was see you." I admitted honestly... not stuttering or turning bright pink! Just an easy honest statement. I opened the press that I'd seen her take glasses from the last time... well the first time I was here. And open her to find another jug of homemade juice that made me smile and poured us a glass each.
❁ Harper ❁
My heart missed a beat, and another, and another. And the smile wasn’t going anywhere from my lips.
“I’m glad you both came.” My hands clean, I took out the baking tray, placing the biscuits on it. Moving around him to grab a bowl to make the egg wash in for them.
Laughing as I heard #Nova ‘talking’ to the frozen carrot flying cross the floor. “You tell it off Nova, good girl..”
Every now and then I glanced towards him. “How have you been?” I asked.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled... Chuckling and Nova’s little noises. “When she does that I remember that she's still just a baby.” A small sigh, I knew she was doing well she was still eating still acting like herself... Even if she got tired easier now.
“I should have taken her with me on the first place.” I shook the thought away.
“I’m good... This little thing keeps me on my toes.” I chuckled. “What about you? I'd work letting you get any sleep?”
❁ Harper ❁
"She is a baby, and it's nice to see her this way." my voice soft as I placed the tray in the oven. Calling out.
"Alexa set timer for 10 minutes." and she called back. '𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚛 𝚂𝚎𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚠.'
Sitting the bowl in the sink, my head turned back. "You didn't know. No one knows what will happen. You have her now. She is happy, loved and cared for. It was what matters."
Not one break in my voice. my gaze had moved to #Nova happy in her own world on the cool floor. Smiling at the fact that she was indeed keeping her dad busy.
"Work..." My smile grew. "It's been great, a few nights here and there. However, the people and the animals here make it all worth it."
Walking across the kitchen, I opened the cupboards to take out the things I need to set the small table by the window of the kitchen.
"How are your family?"
These were easy things to talk about, normal things to take my mind off my beating heart. On top of which, I truly wanted to know how they were.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at Nova and then up at Harper. I nodded as she spoke about work. "Just make sure you're careful when you have late-night calls, the roads around here can be really dangerous after heavy rain... especially around the farms. If you're tired you should call someone come and drive you."
I watched her move around the kitchen, my heart picking up its pace again. I felt like should help but I also felt like that was an intrusion.
"They're all great, Custard hasn't eaten any more jewellery and as predicted... my sister is madly in love...𝓐𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷." I laughed. "How about your friends back h-" I stopped myself from saying 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. I wanted this to be her home, it was selfish... but it was one of my deepest wants. "Thompson Falls? Do you get to talk to them much?"
❁ Harper ❁
Working away, I saw the two glasses of juice he has poured for us. Taking then I set them in the table before taking out two plates. “I have noticed. My poor car is not liking some of the off roading necessary.”
The sound of his laughter had me lost. Tilting my head to the side to watch him before I shook myself out of it. ‘Jeez stop staring.’ I told myself.
“Kevin did say he was planning to keep a closer eye on Mr Custard, however it’s always good to head progress is being made.”
Biting my lips, I was sure I was missing something. The food! “Ana is in love?” My face lite up, I knew what he told me of her. His baby sister loved easily. However, it was sweet.
“Do you approve of this one?” I asked walking to the basket to look inside it. My eyes were back on him when he stopped himself. He was about to say ‘𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚’ I was sure.
“I don’t speak to them as much and I want to, however we all still have dinner once ever feel weeks if I don’t get pulled away on a call.”
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed, picturing the tiny car... more of a city vehicle really. "Yeah... not exactly the best for country roads. But if you ever need to borrow the truck just ask... if you think you handle it. Brady can always take me to work." I wasn't sure had comfortable she'd be driving something so much bigger than her car.
"She is... He's a poetry major so I think I should worry more about her breaking his heart than the other way around." I chuckled.
"Hopefully, the council will get you your proposal soon and you'll be able to bring in some help. Then you can make some plans that won't get interrupted.
❁ Harper ❁
“However, she is so pretty.” Moving back on my heel to glance toward the window, not that I could really see her from here. And I knew she wasn’t made for the roads outside of town.
“I bought her when I thought I was going to live in Seattle. The plan was never to move here.” Taking the basket, he brought apart I held out some of the things. “Would you mind placing these on the table please?”
Blinking my eyes at him. “Aren’t men supposed to be really protective over their trucks? Dad only let me drive his Ram when we went fishing and he may have drunk one or two beers.” Smiling at the memory of those days by the lake.
“A poetry major? Poor boy.” They were all soft hearts and arty. “I am sure Ana will be kind?” I asked as Alexa started to chime the reminder and I rushed to take out the tray of biscuits.
“Oh, Billy was sure that they would agree, I guess all I can do for now is wait to see how long it all takes to go through. I have a practice in Port Angeles willing to sister with us here as soon as we have a green light.”
Picking up the biscuits I start to pop them into a basket. “Ouch!” shaking my hands and blowing on my fingers from the heat of them. “Ouch…!”
❁ Collin ❁
I chuckled and nodded my head. “She does have a certain charm.” I admitted about her tiny vehicle. I think that mostly came from the fact that it was a pure expression of Harper’s personality. I would put money on it the inside of it was even more immaculate than mine. When she explained why she’d bought the car it made even more sense.
“It’s definitely a perfect city car.” I said, small… easy to park light on fuel in heavy traffic. Another chuckle when she talked about men and trucks. Taking the things from her to set on the table, the smell of the biscuits filled the room. “Boys are protective of their trucks… Men know the truck is probably in safer hands with a woman.” I smiled. I would have to thank #Embry for instilling that kind attitude in us when it came to girls from a young age. “It’s different with Dad’s… Even when Ana went to college Dad still insisted on driving her… even if that meant I had to follow him there in my truck to take him home.” I laughed at the memory.
I turned back to her when she said ‘Ouch.’ and took her hands. “Easy.” I tried to give a light chuckle but that familiar protective rose up in me. I guided her to the tap and held her fingertips under the cold water. “There’s no rush… no need to injure yourself.” I tried to keep my hot skin away from where she’d singed her fingertips.
❁ Harper ❁
‘𝘉𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘴… 𝘔𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯’ “How true and yet not many people.. Men.. can bring themselves to admit it.” I replied before burning my fingers.
“I’m sorry.” It was a foolish mistake to make. He was by my side before I had a chance to suck on my fingers and his hands were holding mine. Then he slowly guided me to the sink. I could tell that the burns weren’t deep. “It’s just a small superficial burn.” Wincing a little when the cold water flowed over my skin.
#Nova was stood by our side and she was pawing my thigh asking what was happening. “I’m okay baby girl. You play.” But those big brown eyes did not leave me and she sat herself down next to her dad.
My eyes moved to his face, and I was lost in him again. Everything else blurred out of sight. The sound of the song was in my ears, the warmth I always felt when he was close was back once again. And my heart skipped a few times. He was taking care of me? This was new. I was always the one who jumped up to help and protect, however here we were. To see him this close… I blinked my eyes to push the thoughts away. He had said something to me? Damn it. what had he asked? Racking my thoughts for the words.
“I wasn’t thinking.” What was wrong with me? Shifting a little the relief set in. My voice was low now. “I could always blame the smell of fresh biscuits, and wanting to try them with the honey butter?” He was so close, caring, and sweet. I could smell him even with the fresh baking in the kitchen.
❁ Collin ❁
Nova came around to my side when harper reassured her, I smiled. She talked to her like I did… like she was waiting for a response. I let the water run over her finger for a few moments. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.” H said in a tone as low as her. “It’s okay baby-girl.” I soothed her when she pawed my leg this time. I picked up a towel and gently patted Harper’s fingers dry but my eyes never left her face. Her heartbeat harder like it was trying to drown out her words.
Rested her palm on mine and only dropped my eye to the pink tips of her fingers for a second. “So clumsy Doctor Jenkins, these hands are needed to heal others.” I teased, the flurry inside me settling when I knew she was okay. I lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “You should treat them with kindness.”
My eyes found hers again and a ball the fluttering and pressure built up in my stomach and the urge to kiss her. I leaned in and let my lips touch softly against hers, every cell in my body was away at the contact.
❁ Harper ❁
Seeing #Nova’s reaction, hearing the small whimper coming from her. I knew she was worried. They picked up so quickly when a person they cared for was hurting.
My eyes flickered down to her as Collin also tried to reassure her. And it made me smile. I loved how the two of them interacted with each other. They really were a small family.
“I’m not always so clumsy Mr Littlesea...”
I wanted to continue with 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦... However, I didn’t dare. Biting my lower lip, my heart skipped a few times as I saw him lift my palm and kiss it. Butterflies fluttered freely in my stomach, and I couldn’t stop the blush on my cheeks.
My eyes met his when he glanced at me, and then I was lost. I closed my eyes when his lips touched mine. My body relaxed, my shoulders fell, the butterflies danced like the first time he kissed me, and I was left light headed.
❁ Collin ❁
My heart thundered, I felt the cool soothing touch of her lips against mine, quelling the fire in my vein the soft, glowing warmth. I moved my arms around her waist and drew her nearer, leaning down and resting my hands high on her back. My lips moving with her hers, I could hear her heart drumming alongside mine, my wolf was silent. My stomach was a riot of fluttering and twisting.
I felt her sway a little in my arm and I pulled back just barely, allowing us both to breathe. Nova giving a high pitched yip… as she did when she wasn’t the centre of attention and made me smile, but my eyes never left Harper.
❁ Harper ❁
My feet altered to move a little closer, as he placed his arms around me.
I wasn’t thinking clearly, however the thoughts I did managed to hold on to were of how sweet he tasted, how warm his lips were on mine, and how this kiss, every kiss with him was extraordinary. My lungs pulled on the air when he pulled back. I hadn’t even notice that I had stopped breathing all together. My lips tingled when he pulled back away, but it didn’t do anything to stop the rampage in my stomach and heart.
When I heard #Nova I opened my eyes to find him watching me, making the sensation in my cheeks increase and the temperature exceptionally hot.
I wasn’t sure what he saw when he looked at me through his eyes.
“She needs a kiss too.” I whispered.
❁ Collin ❁
Spirits! My head spun my lungs expanded and filled with the unique scent that was hers alone. Her cheeks-stained crimson and I smiled.
Beautiful.
She was so, incredibly beautiful.
“So does her dad every now and then.” I pressed my lips against her one more time.
Nova was up on her legs paws against my leg, I chuckled and scratched her between the ears.
“We should eat before everything goes cold. You take a seat. I'll finish up... Before you wound yourself again.” I teased and started placing the biscuits in the basket like she had before she burned herself.
❁ Harper ❁
“Are you aspiring to have her feel as though you are trying to steal her new best friend here?” My cheeks flushed as the words sat between us.
The burn was just a mild throb on my fingertips. And somehow him kissing me had dulled the little pain I did feel. I was smiling and then parted my lips to protest. I wasn’t an amazing cook; however, I had never had any complaints either.
Then noticing he meant the fact that I seemed to be hurting myself around him. I moved from the sink after patting my hands dry, I bent down on my knees and gave #Nova a hug and kiss on her forehead. “I always have kisses for you baby-girl.” I told her standing up, I went to sit down at the table.
“I’m not making a good impression here as a host. The fact that my guest is now working in my kitchen.” I was in a semi-trance while watching him work. He really did know his way around a kitchen.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled and took the over to the table and smiled as set the basket on the table and gave #Nova another pat and a kiss on the nose.
"You did all the hard work." I chuckled and washed my hands before I return to the table and sat down. "But just as a counterpoint... I do enjoy cooking. So really you're being an excellent host by allowing me to help out a little."
I smiled my eyes on her face, focusing on the tiny details that made up her expression and the lingering blush.
❁ Harper ❁
Waiting for him to take his seat before I took the two oranges from his basket, which sat on the table and handed them to him and a knife. “Would you mind slicing these for us?” I asked.
“I never really had someone else who liked being in the kitchen other than Seth. He used to help me with bakes on the weekends we were all together.
Taking out the frittata, I set it between us and then unwrapped the honey butter. “Did you make all of this today?” Pointing to the table. The scent of it was mouth watering and I couldn’t wait to dig in. But then I lifted the glass jar and gave him a questioning look. “What is in here?”
❁ Collin ❁
“Yeah, #Sue always wanted to make sure her kids knew how to take care of themselves. Especially after what happened to Mr. Cle… #Harry.” I was still young and only ever really called him Mr. Clearwater. If I’d had a chance to get to know after I joined the pack, I was sure he’d have insisted I called him Harry… just like #Sue had.
“Of course.” I took the oranges and the knife and started to slice the first one. “Yeah, I did say I enjoyed cooking… It didn’t take much time... I like my breakfasts pretty simple.” I turned to the basket again and smile. “Oh… that’s homemade marmalade but I can’t take credit for that… my friend Emily makes that. But’s really good… I told her she should sell her preserves at the farmer’s market. But she gives the stuff away.” I chuckled.
❁ Harper ❁
My heart felt a flutter at the mention of Mr Clearwater. “I never met him, however from the stories Sue and Seth shared with Kenz and us...” I smiled at another memory. “…Dad said he was a man he would have gone fishing with. Which is high praise.”
Opening the jar, I took in the aroma and it smelt delicious. Taking a spoon, I added some to my plate. “Are all the people in La Push talented when it comes to cooking? Well, everyone but Leah. She’s not the cooking type I am sure of it.” It was a vibe #Leah always gave when she was around.
I placed a biscuit on his plate with some of the frittata, the muffins remained in the basket as I was sure he would help himself. I took a sip of the Watermelon and Mint juice and waited for him to start. This was something as a host I knew I should do.
❁ Collin ❁
"He was a hell of fisherman for sure." I smiled, thinking back to the too few memories of being on my father's boat with Mr Clearwater. It wasn't my preferred activity, but I went... mostly for the time with my Father. Ana complained about the cold and stayed home.
"Leah cooking?" my brow furrowed at the thought. "I'm sure she knows the basics, but she's always rushing around I doubt she'd spend hours in her kitchen cooking."
"Thank you." I smiled and sliced the frittata with my fork and took a bite... soundly realising how hungry I was after spending the morning cooking and not eating. I had to try her biscuits too. Taking a bite and nodding at her. "Wow... this is so good."
❁ Harper ❁
“The time Sue told Kenz that Mr Clearwater would have loved her…” My heart swelled at the memory of that night we were all filled into the living room of my dad’s house. He’d invited #Sue, #Leah and #Seth for dinner and the rest of us too. But with #Seth, #Leah and #Dam in the same room, it had felt a little tight.
“It was when we all knew… Kenz is in good hands.” My eyes stung a little, with a lump in my throat. Remembering the way my friend, my sister had tears rolling down her cheek. Happy tears which then flowed down #Sue, #Jenna and my cheeks too. with Leah rolling her eyes at us asking for something strong to drink before she shook some sense into us all.
My cheeks flushed as he took a bite of the biscuit, I wasn’t sure why, but I was a bundle of nerves. ‘It’s a biscuit! Not open-heart surgery on a chihuahua. Deal with it woman.’ I told myself but my heart was still jumping around like some teenager waiting for a crush to notice her. What was wrong with me?
I let out a breath I didn’t even realise I had been holding in when he finally spoke. Smiling I reached over breaking my biscuit open, taking some of the honey butter and spread it before taking a bite. “Oh wow... this is really good.” Covering my mouth when I spoke.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled. "She definitely is... I mean just look at how they met... travelling so far on vacation and meeting like that." I knew I couldn't mention the imprinting... yet. "And to end up in the relationship they are now... If that's not fate, I don't know what is."
They would never be anyone more perfect for her friend then #Seth. I knew by extension the same should apply to me and Harper... but I couldn't express that right now.
I heard her heart race and I tried to contain my smile. I spread some of the honey butter of the biscuit too and nodded. "We really do make a good team in the kitchen, don't we?" I beamed, my attention solely on here now. "So... you like to cook too than?"
❁ Harper ❁
“Now there is a story no one will ever believe, especially the part that he followed her home. However, I was there. I witnessed it all.” Even if to start with I was the one who had been worried about #Seth. I mean who did that? But over time he had become family too.
Smiling I nodded swallowing my mouthful before I spoke again. “I do love to cook, unfortunately I don’t have as much time as I once used to, hens…” I pointed to the biscuits and then the freezer. “..I try to make big batches when I find a moment space and then it goes into the freezer for a time like now.”
Cutting into the frittata I took a fork full and moaned with happiness. “Gods… This is so soft and fluffy!��� He wasn’t joking. “A kitchen goddess and god if you ask me.” I teased taking another bite. “Oh and the hazelnut butter you made... Char and Teddy loved it too. Char had it on toast and Teddy added it to his smoothy. And me…” my smile grew. “..Pancakes.”
❁ Collin ❁
"Some people are worth following to the ends of the earth." My eyes never left her, as if to say... She was worth following to the ends of the earth.
"Do I need to start dropping by with bigger baskets?" I chuckled. "With some freezer-friendly meals to make sure you have at least a few decent meals a week?" I wanted to tell her to just come over and I could cook for her anytime... but I was sure she used her free time to eat, sleep and shower... and offering those last two was a long way off.
Even after I told her everything... we were still getting to know each other and I was sure she'd time to understand it all. and decide what she wanted.
I smiled. "I'm glad they enjoyed it... will I have to make you another batch before we get a chance for our lesson?"
❁ Harper ❁
Adding some more of the marmalade to the biscuit, I found myself nodding in agreement. “Kenz is an amazing woman, she is worth going to the ends of the world for.”
Popping the food into my mouth, I felt his eyes on me. And when I glanced back there they were. It felt like those deep brown eyes of his were trying to tell me something. And that pull in my chest was back. With the song whispering for me to listen. To really listen. However I was listening.. to everything... was I not?
My blush burnt my cheeks, placing my hand in my cheek in the sorry attempt to hide myself from him.
“No.. you don’t have to do that.” How kind and sweet of an offer. “I made spend some night eating PB&J or toast. However, most night I can always make a quick stirfry, or some sort of pasta. I...” stopping because I could hear #Jenna in my head and I pushed her out. “I manage.”
Taking a sip of the juice, when I felt a nudge on my thigh. I knew #Nova had come to sit by us. So I reached out a hand and rubbed her head.
“You are spoiling me, and I’m not going to say no to more of the Hazelnut butter. It’s the best I’ve had in a long while.. really I should just ask for the recipe and not take up so much of your time.”
But I really wanted to learn with him.
❁ Collin ❁
"Oh, I know." I chuckled. "#Seth talked constantly about her after he met her. And then the same when he first moved." I smiled and took another bite of the food on my plate.
"He started calling a lot more lately. I think Kenzi is making him check up on me." I smirked. I thought it was kind of cute, she was so protective of her friend. "You have a hell of a family looking out for you."
She was blushing again and that pink tinge in her cheeks was beautiful. I nodded along as she told me about her eating habits, not seeming to notice that I was probably too concerned about her diet than I should be.
"I have no problem giving you the recipe, but honestly... I would much rather teach it to you and then... Maybe the Spirits will be kind enough to make sure you don't get called away and we can have that movie date you promised me afterwards."
I smiled I was actually doing pretty well... I hadn't staggered over my word in a while. She made it so easy to be comfortable around her.
❁ Harper ❁
I stopped chewing and felt myself wanting to hide. “Seth is checking up on you?” My mind swelling with the thoughts of how I’d have done the same, but still.
“I... uhm.... I am so sorry...” There was an uneasy flutter in my stomach at how this may look to him. “I will - speak with them. I don’t know why they...” I shook my head. “... actually, I know why they are this way, and it’s as you just said. I’m lucky to have family like the ones I do.”
I wasn’t going to feel embarrassed, not when I knew it came from a loving place. My eyes flickered from the plate, to #Nova and then back to him. “You know. I’d like that much more. And...” I smiled even wider again at hearing him say ‘Spirit’ just as #Seth and #Leah did.
“Fingers crossed; we will have the movie night too. I will have to think long and hard, which Hallmark to share with you first.”
Placing the full fork into my mouth.
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed a little and swallowed the food in my mouth,. "No... it's good. To be honest... I wasn't really being good at keeping in touch with him lately, but know I have a great reason to." My eyes settled on hers and even my wolf snapped to attention. "And we have something in common now too... I mean talk about a small world... He meets a Thompson Falls Girl in La Push and I meet a Thompson Falls girl in La Push."
I smiled at her, my eyes moved to Nova as hers had. At least she was enjoying herself too, hearing Harper so she'd rather spend time with me then have me just giving her the recipe.
"Oh, I already have mine locked in. I know exactly where your B-movie education is going to start!" I grinned and fixed my gaze on hers again.
❁ Harper ❁
There was something to be said in his point. Gods how had it not occurred to me before? One of my best friends, my sister.. she had found the love of her life right here. It was a two night stopover and she’d met him when we were out on the hunt for a very drunk #Jenna. And now.. my eyes glanced up at him, my chin down trying not to over think.
My inner monologue working over time: ‘Just getting to know him.. don’t overthink and race too far ahead like Kenz and Jenna. You are the level headed one.’
“We.. I... all this time, it hadn’t occurred to me.” Biting my lip as I could hear my dad saying.. “Thompson Falls has the best girls, with the kindest hearts and the prettiest souls.” Laughing softly as I said it out loud.
My eyes widened. “You know which movie already? I feel so underprepared now. And I’m a planner!”
I would have to step up and movie game.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled watching the thought sink and laughed softly at her words. I couldn't help but think what would have happened if I met her when #Seth met Kenzi. Would have followed her to Thompson Falls like #Seth had followed her friend? I had no doubts about that. Would I still be there? Would she have stayed?
Would she know everything?
Would we be together?
Would she love me? Would she be happy?
'𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥. 𝘉𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵-𝘪𝘧.' My wolf whispers softly in the back of my mind.
"That's one thing I can certainly agree with." I smiled. There was no denying Kenzi was beautiful... even without seeing her though #Seth's eyes. But Harper... I may have been biased... She was exquisite. "Do you have any single friends? I have a few wild friends that need taming and they clearly put something ing in the water back there." I half teased. But honestly... it was too much of a trend to dismiss.
❁ Harper ❁
I almost choked on the juice as I sipped on it. Putting the glass down I wiped my lips with the napkin as I cough. Embarrassed rushed into my cheeks. I couldn’t even drink now.
Patting my chest, I sat up as #Nova pawed to check in me. My hand reaching out to rub her head to say ‘I am fine baby girl.’
Clearing my throat, I took another drink, this time making sure I did not choke.
“You want me to become a Thompson match maker?” Gods what could that mean? “Really friends is a small group Jennifer, Kenzie and myself.” One was married, one engaged and one single. “I know many of the girls..” trying now to think of #Anna because well. no. “I’m sure you will meet them if you go to visit Seth at some point.”
However, as I thought of it, only #Sue and #Leah were the ones who had visited while I was living there.
❁ Collin ❁
I sat up when she choked and watched her pat her chest. "Are you okay?" I asked grinning, I could hear her breathing still and I knew she was okay.
“Not for me… I’ve… um…” And here it came rushing, the awkward, rambling fool. “I’d rather… eh, see how things go, with the Thompson Falls girl sat across from me.” I smiled at her the word sounding steadier towards the end. I wanted her to know that she was the only person on my mind now.
“But my friend #Embry might finally settle down if he could land a Thompson Falls girl…. And #Brady too if you can find another one.”
I smiled at her, she had to know I was falling for her…. I mean the rest of La Push did…
❁ Harper ❁
“Fine, fine..” My eyes were on the ground now, I wondered which demon I would need to call and make a deal with for the ground to open up and swallow me whole, and at what cost?
“Oh…” When I finally willed my heart to stop thumping in my ears, my cheeks were still a flush. I dared to glance back up. My eyes fluttered from his, to just past him, this was awkward. “I.. you… me..” Okay, what was one to say to such a declaration? He wanted to see how things worked out for me and him? This wasn’t knew to me, right? And I still felt so out of place with how to react to his knowledge. Even if my heart seemed to tell me it was happy to learn this. “I’d like to… uhm… see.. how things.. go too.” I missed my glasses, I would have used them to hide behind about now.
“I have to be honest…” Setting the glass down beside my plate. “You are, maybe better off asking Kenz, she’s a lot better at this dating and match making thing. I’m certain right away she would have your friends delt with for you.” She was always the one who picked up on vibes, on guys looking at us with intent in their eyes. “She has some special skills with it if you ask me.”
❁ Collin ❁
She was flustered and blushing again, and it was beautiful the pink tint in her tan skin... I was staring and I didn't care if she knew it. The rhythm of her heart changed.
"Good." I smiled, trying to sound confident but my voice low... low, but steady. "It's good to know we're on the same page." I picked up the juice and took a drink listening to her say Kenzi was a better matchmaker.
"You know? I don't know her very well.... but when I think about it... it does seem like something she'd be suited to. She's definitely a dreamer... the world needs more of those."
I leaned over the table slightly... "Can I ask you..." I didn't finish that question. We were past that right. "Did you really think I could possibly be thinking about anyone else since we kissed on the beach?" I pressed my lips together. She was all I thought about since so long before the beach.
❁ Harper ❁
#Nova settled herself between the two of us, just like she had on the beach that night. It was like she could tell I needed to feel her fur on my feet. To know she was here, and I had nothing to worry about. However, I truly didn’t have anything but myself to worry over.
Collin had this way to calm me and twist me into a bag of nerves in a different way. It wasn’t a bad feeling, just a new one.
“Kenz?” I was smiling again at his comment about my friend. “She really is. Dreamer is the best way to describe her. She is always looking for the good, the glass is always half full, and never empty.”
My body reacted to him like a magnet. He moved forward into the table and I found myself doing the same. However, my cheeks filled with fire ants at his next question. “Uhm…” The truth was the only way forward. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I cleared my throat. “I don’t usually do this… Answering a question with another question… However, it seems to be the only way forward….” I was rambling again. What was Wrong with ME! “Uhmm.. What I mean is… As possible as it was for you to believe I could have made other plans with someone else today?”
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at her... listening to everything before I said anything else. I reached across the table and took her hand like I had when we had hot chocolate.
"Since we're leaving all the cards on the table." I smile my confidence thrummed now after she slightly rambled words. "I want you to make assumptions and maybe even make a few myself... If I can ever work to the courage to make some."
I squeezed her fingers and smiled. "We're kinda hopeless at this, aren't we? Maybe it's a good thing we have #Seth and #Kenzi checking in on us." I laughed.
I had no doubt she was getting calls for updates too.
❁ Harper ❁
I fought the urge to pull my eyes from his face, especially because his laughter made him light up. However, the fact that he had taken my hand, sending a surge of electricity in the same way as the day he took my hand in his at our coffee / hot chocolate catch up, made it hard not to glance down.
Our hands fit as one, his big hand took mine, and his warmth caressed me. I curled my fingers into his and squeezed back hoping he could see that I liked it when he did it. That magnetic pull in my chest had me moving in a little more. The soft voice sang in my heart leaving one work with me 𝐻𝑜𝓂𝑒 .
Biting my lips, I dared to glance back up into his eyes. “Let’s be fools who are happy to make the correct assumptions?” Because saying ‘Let’s be better at communicating’, was such a nerd thing to say. And #Kenz and #Jenna, #Teddy and #Jess would take my head if it ever got back to them.
Laughing softly at the fact that he too thought of #Seth and #Kenz in the moment I nod my head. “I would be lost without them all. However…. I wouldn’t say we are… Bad…. Just that we need… uhm… to do things our own way? Doing things that we feel comfortable with? Maybe?”
❁ Collin ❁
I lifted our clasped hands and leaned slightly across the table to kiss the back of her hand. I settled my gaze on hers. “That sounds perfect to me.” I said softly and smiled. I felt her hand warm in mine and savoured the sensation the spread across my chest from the contact.
“It will always be on our terms, I promise. You said #Seth was one of the kindest people you ever met… and that is definitely true. But as for me… well, I’m the most patient. So…” I finally released her hand, but it didn’t feel like I was letting go of anything. I picked my glass up and held it out. “To being fools… together?” I laughed at the fact that it sounded like a question.
But even my wolf didn’t reprimand me for it today.
❁ Harper ❁
A new rush of blushing heart spread to my cheeks when he kissed the back of my hand. It was such a chivalrous action to take. I shook my head free from the image from my dreams. Seeing Collin kiss my hand as he did now, took me back to the man who walked in the sky with the clouds with the light shining from around me.
“Oh… Uhmm…” My words were at a lost, I took my hand back as the butterflies took over ten-fold this time. He was right about #Seth, and I believed him when he said he was patient.
Gathering myself I picked up my own glass and held it up too. “To being fools… together!” This time I was sure of myself, it was a true statement now. We were going to be foolish together.
❁ Collin ❁
There was that blush again. My heart pounded. I touched my glass to hers with a clink.
I took a drink and I set the glass back. I kept eating and smiling up at her. “See we already have a lot in common.” I smiled.
“It seems like work is slowing down for you a little.” I said trying to steer the conversation towards something a little more normal. “I suppose springtime will see it starting to pick up again right?”
I looked up from the plate to her and smiled, still marvelling a little at the fact she was an amazing cook.
❁ Harper ❁
Clinking my glass to his, I took a sip of my juice. When I set it down, I reached over for one of the muffins and broke a piece off to pop into my mouth.
Covering my mouth, I nod, swallowing before I spoke. “It is a little, I believe it’s a good sign. We finally have some sort of normalcy falling into place.”
Work talk came so much easier. “I knew there would be a gab we would need to fill, bringing all the animals back into their annual checks, ensuring we have everyone seen to etc.” Cutting up my food to fill my fork.
“Spring! It’s one I look forward, and at the same time I am a little afraid of too. So much to do, and to stay on top of.” I shrugged a little. Filling my mouth. Now I couldn’t stop talking.
❁ Collin ❁
I chuckled. "Oh no... Neither of us is normal Harper... I don't think we ever will be." I smiled I would never want us to be.
"I know the farms and things around here get busy this time of year. But that one thing I can't wait for. Getting back to the regular check-ups with Nova. I think I'm doing good at not worrying around her... but it's still there in the back of my head."
Nova bolted across the floor after her treat and I laughed. "And then she does something like that I think she must be doing good because she's so happy." I smiled... she was playing with the carrot instead of eating it now.
❁ Harper ❁
My cheeks heated up again, but not as much as they had before. “Okay, I will agree with not being normal, only because if we were to start this debate. I am worried I will indeed prove you right. And who wants to do such a thing?”
My gaze moved to #Nova when he spoke of her check-ups. And I can’t help but feel a little guilty that I hadn’t gotten to connecting them about her before. “I’m sorry that I didn’t connect you or #Nova’s mum before you came to us. We were working our way through the charts and records. There is no excuse for it. I dropped the ball.” And it’s not a ball I planned on dropping again.
“Jess and I are going through all our records once again, and I know it doesn’t help baby-girl. However, we won’t let it happen to another puppy.” She bolted across the kitchen making me smile. “This makes me happy to see. Her puppy side still coming to play.”
❁ Collin ❁
I pressed my lips together and I tried to remember if I had told her about what #Jo had done. “Oh… Um that’s not… it’s not on you or the clinic or anything.” I took a long drink of the juice. Making a mental note to ask her exactly how she made this because my watermelon juice never tasted like this.
“I don’t know if I told you but when I bought Nova I made a promise to pay for all the basics her first shots, and neutering licenses and the first year of insurance and all of that. Thankfully that was still in my name. But I broke with my ex before she was old enough and um… Well, I actually sent her the money to pay for her neutering. But… I’m pretty sure she probably called and cancelled it… and just went shopping.” I shrugged, I wasn’t even mad about it anymore. Ex talk on Valentine’s day wasn’t really a great move.
“But All I care about is getting Nova through this and the puppies… and I know the Spirits will give us a blessing out of that bed of thorns… because they sent us you too look after her.”
❁ Harper ❁
Nodding my head as I listen to him. His Ex, he had told me that she had #Nova at the time and he has been responsible for her bills.
But we as a practice should have followed up. Even if at the time Dr Hill was only the visiting vet. “We are here now, and the baby girl is doing well. What is the saying about it needing a village and all? So, you know have your village when it comes to Nova’s care.”
Breaking off some more of the muffin as I continue to speak. “And your friends and family are excellent too.”
Popping the muffin into my mouth, my gaze back in her playing. And jumping around with her carrot. “Would you like some more juice? Or I could make you some coffee?” Seeing his glass close to empty when I pulled my attention from #Nova.
❁ Collin ❁
I watched her reaction, there was no judgement or irritation in her tone, all she cared about was looking after Nova going forward. “It does take a village…” I chuckled. “And yeah I’m really lucky… I had planned on getting a local kid to check in a few times a day and take her on a walk for me… But after finding out about the puppies, I didn’t want her left home alone. So she bounces from house to house when I work. But #Rachel works from home so she’s great and helping out when everyone else is busy, but I try to give her a break when I can. Mom takes her sometimes and I have friends that help out.”
I looked up at her again and smiled. “Coffee actually sounds great.” I had skipped mine today when I was cooking for us. I reached out for one of the muffins and broke a piece off. “Oh wow... Emily has some competition with you around.”
❁ Harper ❁
Finishing off my juice as I listened I recalled my first impressed of Collin. And I shook my head. How wrong had I been about this man? He was so caring and so worried about his baby.
“If you are ever in a bind, you are welcome to drop Nova off with us at the practice. ust another back up if you ever need help.”
Standing up I stepped around #Nova rolling on the ground. “You’re so cute.” Smiling I went to work on refilling the coffee maker.
“Emily?” I glanced back down the kitchen to where he sat at the table. “Why does that name sound familiar to me?”
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at her offer; it was probably I would normally have said ‘Thank you and I wouldn’t to impose on you like that.’ But it was Harper she was my imprint… I didn’t need to wonder if the thought the borne from some intrinsic compulsion to take care of my needs like all the imprints felt. She would do this for anyone; I didn’t doubt that for one second.
So instead I just said. “Thank you, I really appreciate that.”
“Emily?” I asked. “Oh maybe from #Leah and #Seth. She’s their cousin. She moved here from the Neah Bay reservation when she got engaged to my friend #Sam. Her cooking is legendary around her especially her baking skills.” I said with a soft smile. “Have you met her?”
❁ Harper ❁
“You are welcome, it’s an open offer. I’m sure Jess would love to have the baby girl to play with at work.”
#Jessica was really great with the animals. And we kept some pets if they needed a little extra care and the owners had to work.
But this would be different as #Nova wouldn’t be unwell so could play, or sleep which is what she was about to do now. I saw her slowly walk into the living room and curl up on the rug.
“Maybe you are right. Or maybe Sue mentioned her?” Shaking my head as the coffee started to brew.
“I’ve been really bad at meeting people. Unless they have visited the practice, or I have been on a house call. I’ve not met many people at all.”
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed softly. "I really think that working with animals is a calling for her too... she's a pure soul. Thank you... for the offer. I will definitely keep it in mind."
The smell of coffee filled the kitchen. "She probably did. Em and Sue are the great minds behind most of the charity events or community projects that happen around here. They work together on them all the time."
"You've been so busy and working so hard... I don't know how you do it." I shook my head, smiling wide. "I'm going to have to start driving you to your late-night calls, so I don't have to worry about you falling asleep at the wheel."
❁ Harper ❁
Pouring the coffee into two cups, I smiled. “Sue really does do it all doesn’t she?” #Seth’s mom really had been someone who walked into the room and we were all drawn to her like magnets, the first night we had met her. And nothing had changed. “I look forward to meeting Emily now.” Turning to return to the table I placed a cup before him taking my seat.
My eyes flickered up to him, a little shocked at what he said. “I love my job, it’s more than just work for me... Please tell me you really will not do that?” A little of the old Harper popped her head up. Because his words were like déjà vu of a conversation with my dad after the trouble with #Jimmy. My back stiffens even thinking of him and I tried to shake it off. “I mean it’s sweet of you to think of me like that. But you have a day job, and I don’t need the babysitter.” Smiling I sat back blowing on the hot coffee. “It’s not too bad here, people are kind and I’ve not had much trouble in La Push at all.”
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled and gave a nod. “Yeah, she's amazing. She's really is a force to be removed with. And the only woman on the Tribal Council. My Uncle says she's not one to be tricked with.”
I picked up the cup and laughed softly. “I know you need a baby sitter... but you do this all night, every night. I can spare a few hours once in a while if you ever feel hesitant to get behind the wheel because you've had such little sleep. Just keep it in mind, for a busy night, or in dangerous weather, four-wheel drive is safer on the farm roads. I can't help but worry a little."
She had no idea how much I couldn't help it. I lifted the cup and took a sip. I hoped I hadn't overstepped with the offer. I really needed to think before I spoke.
❁ Harper ❁
I bite my lips, setting the cup down and breaking of a little of the muffin left on my plate.
I’d done it again I’d jumped to a conclusion that he was trying to stop me from doing my work, when what he was doing... was worrying?
My cheeks flushed as the realisation. And I could hear #Dam in my mind. ‘Not all guys are the same Harps. Some of us are really nice. Even if we don’t always act it.’
And then he had pointed to #Seth holding #Jenna’s hand helping her, as #Kenzi sat smiling up at her boyfriend. “I’m sorry, I’m not used to having others worry about me. And you hardly know me...” bushing a strand of hair behind my ear. I sat up.
“Thank you, for the offers. I promise to keep them in mind.” This was the correct reaction.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at her. “That’s because you’re the one that looks after everyone else. I know we haven’t known each other long but…” I shrugged with a playful grin. “We’ve already established the Foolish thing. So, I’m reserving my right to worry.”
I sipped from my coffee and drummed my fingers against the table softly before deciding the reach across the table and take her hand again. “And like I said before you are important to this whole community, so until there’s some way for you get a few nights off… You should have a little support. Not because you need it but you deserve it.”
❁ Harper ❁
My brown eyes followed his fingers as they tapped in the table. And then as he reached over. My heart singing again when his hand engulfed mine under it.
“The foolish thing.” I laughed softly, turning my hand in his and squeezing. “It seems to be working out really well for me. I need to find a way to pay you back for all your generosity. Talking with your uncle to help, the hazelnut butter, the breakfast today....”
Setting the cup down I trailed my necklace and the small wood carved flower. “This beautiful flower... the scales are tipped for sure.”
Curling my bottom lip between my teeth. “If this keeps up, you may ask for refund from this club of ours.”
❁ Collin ❁
I shook my head. "No... no scales. No scorekeeping." I smiled at her. "After everything you've done for Nova..." So much of it was well above and beyond the call of duty. "Because if you did... by the time these puppies come I will never be able to catch up." I laughed, because, Spirits! It was true.
This was the easy part the further along Nova got the more help I was going to need.... and when he puppies came? I didn't want to think of how often I'd be calling for help or with all kinds of questions.
"Plus, I don't think this breakfast counts... my motives were purely selfish." I chuckle, the back of my neck heating again and travelling quickly up to my ears. "I was just looking for a way to hijack your Valentine's Day... and lucky for me... it seems to have worked."
❁ Harper ❁
His hand still held mine, and as much as I wanted to forget about it and act ‘normal’. I found my eyes drift down to the table.
It was such a new sensation to have someone in your life who felt like they always belonged. The magnetic pull still had a hold of my chest. However, when he touched me or held my hand. It’s dissipated a little and eased. Leaving me feeling calm in the moment.
“Oh. Well. Uhm.. I’m not sure how I feel about this now.” Trying to keep a straight face as I spoke.
“I mean I was 100% behind this when I thought I could win. But now...” I burst out laughing unable to hold it in any longer.
“Collin, I prefer the no score cards. I was just trying to tease you.”
Squeezing his hand with mine. “And I believe I already told you. I’m glad you and Nova came today.”
Nodding my chin to the table. “If you are done, I can clean up and maybe go sit in the living room with the baby girl?”
❁ Collin ❁
Her hand was still in mine and sending electric shivers up my arm and into my chest. Being with her was amazing, but touching her… the simple innocent touch of holding her hand was the most comforting and fulfilling feeling I experienced.
I laughed and nodded. “No scorecards.” I lifted our hands and laced my fingers through hers. “Just this and maybe the teasing too, I like that cheeky smile.”
“I’ll help clear up… I’m making up for not asking you out in advance so I can at least help clean up.” I smiled at Nova who had now decided to eat the carrot instead of just playing with it.
❁ Harper ❁
Tilting my head to the side a little, I was smiling from ear to ear. “The teasing and the cheekiness I believe we can both make a part of the being foolish thing?”
Curling my lip into my teeth, I shook my head still holding his hand.
“If we aren’t doing scores, we also are not doing the making up thing. Things happened, however....” my voice lowered as I spoke. “... we just set out cards on the table. So... shall we... Uhm... say fresh start?”
I wasn’t holding anything back now. If we were getting to know one another, and he could stand up and say he liked me. I could do this right? Squeezing his hand, I stood up.
“However, I will never say no to help.”
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed again… I laughed so much when I was with her. It was so easy and effortless. “Deal… at least on the days that I can string two words together around you.”
The tiny lip bite made my heart thump.
I released her hand and stood up too, keeping my eyes on her. I picked up the mugs and glasses and brought them over to the sink. “I’m always glad to help… I always enjoyed the cleaning up… It’s a reminder of the small things in life that are in our control when the world is so far out of it.”
Okay… that was lame. “Same… that… sounded…. dorky.” And there it was...I was stammering like a fool again.
❁ Harper ❁
I loved the sound of his laughter, and the way he looked so at ease in those moments. I picked up the plates and the flat wear taking them to the skin, then I started to fill the water and soap.
Listening to him. “You are doing just fine with the two- and three-word sentences.” Not that I could say much. “You sometime make it hard for me to find my words too, you know.”
Cleaning off the plates, I placed them to the side and started to clean the cups and glasses first. “You do not sound dorky; I actually understand exactly what you mean. This. Here. In the kitchen. I have full power over. It is up to me how things work out or don’t while I’m in here.”
I shrugged a little. “Now I sound like a nerd...”
❁ Collin ❁
"I do?" I beamed a wide smile. I knew it was silly but hearing her say it made me feel an odd sense of pride. "Well, I'm not doing it on purpose."
"It's probably a little OCD passed on from my mom being so overprotective." I chuckled. "My dad and sister are kinda messy and disorganised. So guess as a family we balance each other out."
I grabbed a dishtowel and waited for her to pass off the cleaned dishes. I nudged her playfully with my elbow. "Wanna know a secret? I always had a thing for nerds."
❁ Harper ❁
“Really. I’m sure you are being kind by not pointing it out. I’m not always this lost for word.” Oh and this revolution I could give him without a hiccup? What was wrong with me?
“Cleanliness is close to godliness.” I died a little as I handed meant to say it out loud at all. “Oh lord! Someone needs to stop me from talking around you!”
I covered my face with my arm and shook my head. Feeling him nudge me my cheeks were on fire again. Lowering my arm to look at him. “I told you I’m a proud member of the Nerd Association.”
Handing him a glass once it was clean. “So, you are more like your mom and Ana is more like Kevin?” I asked to take the attention off my burning face.
❁ Collin ❁
"Not at all... I'm just glad I'm not the only one." I laughed. I took the glass from her and started to dry it. "No, keep talking. I want to know al the in's and out's that make Harper Lee Jenkins tick."
"Yeah, she's a proper little Daddy's girl.... until it comes to fishing. She can't even stand on the boat without getting seasick." I chuckled and out the glass into the cupboard.
"That was always mine and dad's thing. And Ana loved shopping with Mom.... for anything... I mean even grocery shopping and that girl was right out the door and into the car."
❁ Harper ❁
Smiling I listened intently. Taking in each word he had to share. They say if you wanted to know about a man, you should listen to him talk about his family and friends.
And from the way Collin spoke about them, as well as the way they did about him. It was all so sweets. “I’d have to kind of agree with the fishing thing. I mean I went fishing with dad, but he never does it as a sport. It’s not a sport if you’re hurting a living being with a heart and soul..” I was rambling again.
“We always eat what we catch. And only catch what we can eat, - if that makes sense?”
I had to laugh handing him more dishes as I spoke. “And it sounds like she is well balanced with both your mom and dad.”
It was clear they are a close family.
❁ Collin ❁
I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it makes perfect sense. anything we caught we either ate or threw back whatever was too small. It was mostly about spending time on the water together for my dad."
"We make a great team." Smiled and took the dishes from her. "But La Push is one of those places where you have family everywhere you looks... blood or not. I don't have any biological brother but sometimes I feel like I have several." I chuckled, setting a cup into the cupboard.
"In a good way though."
I wondered if she missed that about being in Thompson... Her family might be gone, but her chosen family were still there.
❁ Harper ❁
I like this, hearing about him and how he spent his time. It felt like a view into a picture of his life.
“Yes, exactly. My mom and dad the trips up to the lack were about family time. Dad teaching me to fish, while mom lazed in the warm weather when we had it. Drawing and painting.”
I smiled at the memory, and then I felt a tug to my heart. My eyes stinging a little when he spoke about extended family who are not blood.
Mine was hundreds of miles away from me. And I did miss them when I gave myself time to think.
Clearing my throat, I handed him the last plate, before I pulled the plug and started to clean out the sink and the surrounding area.
❁ Collin ❁
“Your mom was an artist?” I asked with a smile. “That’s awesome. Do you have any of her drawings? I’d love to see them if it’s something you’re okay with sharing?” I wasn’t sure if she had many things of her mothers, and might want to keep it to herself. That would be understandable.
I saw that faraway look in her eyes. I give her a minute and dried the plate, by the time I put the plate in the press she was scrubbing the sink. I didn’t stop her because I knew it was little things like this that made her feel better. I put my hand on the centre of her back and leaned in to press a kiss to her hair.
“You don’t have to do that around me, Harper.” I said softly. “You don’t need to bury the things that make you sad or homesick… When I said I wanted to know all about you I mean 𝕒𝕝𝕝 about you. Whenever you’re ready for that, I’m here.” I pressed another kiss to her hair.
❁ Harper ❁
Rinsing out the sponge I set it to the side. He moved behind me and didn’t push to talk, giving me a moment without the need for me to ask for it. How did he know? When to be here and when to step back and give me time?
He asked about mom, wanted to see what she made? But then he wasn’t so different was he? He worked with his hands too.
“She.... yes she was, it was something mom loved to do when she wasn’t rushing around.” Thinking for a moment. “I have a few unopened boxes. I believe Jenna and Kenzi would have packed some of them for me maybe we can go take a look in then once we are done here?”
My friends knew me better than I knew my self. “I’d be happy to show you.” It was a joy to see others look at her work on the walls at home. Like a part of her was still sharing her love.
I closed my eyes feeling his hand on my back and found myself leaning into his kiss. My heart swelling at the kind words.
“I...” Trying to find the words, trying to understand why he of all people I wanted to be here? Why didn’t I want to keep him at a safe distance?
“I’ve never been one to be so open. And yet here I am, willing to share with you.” It was the tenderness in those two kisses, that now warmed me and made me smile.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at her and leaned against the counter and moved my hand to her arm. "I'm glad... And I think coming from a woman like you that counts as high praise."
It really was... she was so intelligent, so clever, and strong and independent. So, if she trusted me... high praise was an understatement.
"You know the more I learn about these girls the more I like them." The fact that they would've thought to do that for her. I smiled again and lifted my hand to her cheek.
"How about we take a look and see if we find some of those pictures... I have a very keen artistic eye you know?" I leaned in again and kissed her forehead.
❁ Harper ❁
My eyes dropped to his hand on my arm, it sent that spark of something sweet alight within me again. My cheeks turning crimson I was sure at his words. Nothing I had said was a lie, he had been someone who was so easy to speak with. And then there was that pull I felt towards him. That magnetically charged hum which drew me to him.
“I am very lucky to have them in my life, and then the boys too who are like the cherries on the sundae.” Without even thinking I leant into his touch. My eyes searching his, however for what I wasn’t sure. He really did have an interest in seeing things from my past?
Nodding my head slow. “If you are sure you… Let’s do it.” I folded the towel in my hands and set it down to the side. “However, I have to warn you. The boxes are in the closet in the hall, and I’m not look in them yet.” I sent out a prayer to anyone listening hoping that #Jenna hadn’t added any more of those ‘𝑔𝒾𝒻𝓉𝓈’, to any other boxes.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled, it was strange to think that #Seth had been part of her family for so long now and I only just met her… But at the same time, it sort of made perfect sense… It was probably safe to assume that #Kenzi was descended from the same tribe as Harper if they grew up that close together.
My heart was eased at the fact she was trusting me and not questioning why it was so sudden and intense. I felt like it was a step closer to being able to tell her the whole truth.
“Oh really? So we might find some of your deepest darkest secrets then?” I laughed. “Even better! Let’s do it?” I rubbed my hands together with a cheeky grin.
“Lead the way and let’s dig out those skeletons… I mean… pictures.” I smirked. Okay… I was definitely getting better at this.
❁ Harper ❁
“Deepest, darkest secrets? Skeletons?” My eyes widening at the sound of what he said. I knew he was joking. His smile was very telling.
“Uhm... I’m not so sure this is a good idea anymore.” I smiled as I started to walk out the kitchen backwards still facing him. “I mean are skeletons and those dark secrets a eighth or ninth date thing?”
Turned around to fact the correct way now. I laughed. How fast things had changed between us? And how fast had I started to trust this man? It was amazing and a little scary and a lot of being 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.
I looked over to #Nova curled up in the rug and I wanted to go hug her. “The baby girl is need of a nap.” I whispered leading him to the hall way to the bathroom, my bedroom and the closet at the top end of it.
❁ Collin ❁
That smile and the way she laughed… Spirits… I could listen to it forever. Nova was already half asleep on the rug and I couldn’t but wonder if she was going to completely cover in with dog hair… like she did with pretty much everything.
“If you can still put up with me by the ninth date I will be a very happy man.” I teased… but also… a hint of insecurity.
I followed her to her room, this entire smelled like her… but in here…. Wow! I couldn’t stop myself from looking around as we came into the room. Here her scent was softer and seemed to wrap around my senses like a blanket. I was instantly more nervous just from being in this room with her.
❁ Harper ❁
I bite my lips, tucking some hair behind my ears. I hadn’t even realise what I had said m, until it was out and he had commented on it.
Ninth date? Really? Had I really said it? Yes.. yes I did? I didn’t dare to glance back at him, that prayer out again for the ground to open up, however it wasn’t happening today.
“Uhm... well.. you know... just getting past the movie thing should take us up to there right?” I was rambling again. Until my eyes drifted to my bed.
Oh Lord! I had brought him into my room without even thinking about it! Who did that?
I rubbed my forehead, recalling where I had hidden the boxes. “Okay. Boxes!” I saw one poking out for under my bed. So, leaning down I dragged it out.
❁ Collin ❁
I heard the change in her heart when she seemed to realise the same thing that I had. I just smiled as she pulled the box from under the bed. Of course, I hadn’t taken the invitation into her room as anything more than helping her look through the boxes. But still… most of the time a woman would think twice about it with someone she was still getting to know, the fact that she hadn’t… meant something.
“I am hoping if I play my cards right… we’ll get to the point that we lose count.” I smiled; it was an easy confession because it was the truth.
I crouched next to her and smiled. “You really need to unpack.” I teased her. But I knew why she’d not gotten around to it.
❁ Harper ❁
I glance my my said where he was by my side. “Uhmm...” I bit my lips and then just said it.. if he were #Dam or #Seth or even #Char or #Teddy I would just say it right?
“That was either really smooth which would make you a player Mr Littlesea, or it was the kindest statement with the hopes of something good to come?”
I laughed softly as I pulled on the tap to the box. And I believed I knew the true answer. I could feel it in my heart. However I wasn’t sure how? I was only getting to know him.
“I know..” shifting a little. My hands on top of the box. I had been busy with work, trying to get the practice up and running. But also, unpacking would have a deeper meaning. It would mean I wanted to stay here.
Opening the top of the box my eyes widened at all that I could see. Lifting the first pack. “Bedroom throw?” The things all in different shades of Emerald green.
“Cushions?”
The next pack I took out. “Bathroom and kitchen curtains?”
The box was full of things for every room, things to make a house into a home. “I didn’t buy any of this.” I said more to myself.
❁ Collin ❁
I laughed at the idea of me being a player. "I'm not sure if I should be flattered that you think I could be a player when I can hardly speak when I'm around you." I leaned closer until my arm brushed hers as she searched through the box.
"Only good things to come Harper." I smiled at her another truth, because even anything tough to come with her was still better than anything that could without her.
I smiled and gave a soft chuckle. "Okay well, those ladies obviously know you well enough to know that you'd never make time to shop for these things yourself. We need another home improvement date so I can make sure their visions of your dream home are realised."
❁ Harper ❁
“I have this small inkling.” I held my thumb and index finger about an inch apart in front of him. And smiled at his promise of good things to come.
An electrical spark jarred me out of my mind, until I realised that it had been him. His arm brushing mine had made me react too?
“I told you... They really do have some special powers when it comes to our small family. And you are correct, they know I wouldn’t go out to shop.” I had told them when I was setting up my place in Thompson that Home was my dad’s place. Of course, they disagreed with me and I was thankful for it.
“Now you are working with them from afar without even knowing them?” I was teasing him, nudging my shoulder into his. “If I didn’t know…. I would say you don’t trust me to put curtains up?” I could hear myself and internally I had to agree with the fact. I wouldn’t trust me too.
Setting all the things back into the box. “I’ll take a better look and maybe make a start some evening.” I said as I closed the lid on the boxes and pushed it back under the bed. Scratching my temple I slowly stood up and opened the small hidden closet at the back of the room hoping nothing falls out of it on me.
❁ Collin ❁
I chuckled. "They clearly want the best for you so yes... I have a feeling I'll take their sides on most occasions." I smiled and my gaze fixed on hers.
"Plus, the fastest way to a girl’s heart is through her sisters and best friends."
I laughed again. "I have no doubts that you can... I just have plenty of doubts that you will make the time to do it." I grinned because I knew I had nailed that one and managed not to insult her accidentally.
I watched her open the closet and heard something shift inside as she slowly opened the door. I moved to her side a little too fast and reached up to stop the box on the top shelf before it could fall.
❁ Harper ❁
My head turned to look back to where he stood; I knew that anyone else would pull him up for saying such a thing. 1 He was openly saying he’d take the side of others over me, and 2. He was saying that I wouldn’t make time for my house. However. The first make me want to kiss him… He was willing to stand by my best friends, my sisters in order to make sure I was kept honest. And the second... I really couldn’t fault him; it had proven to be true. Six months since I’d moved here, and boxes were hidden and not unpacked.
My heart jumped out of my chest, I jumped back out of the way. However, it was from the way he saved me from being flattened by a box I didn’t even see coming. “Lord!” I exclaimed my heart racing in my chest. “I.. I…” pointing up to the box, but then.
“Weren’t you over there?” I pointed back to the bed. How had he made it to the closet and by my side?
❁ Collin ❁
I heard her heart race and lifted the box down. It wasn’t heavy… but still enough that it would have hurt but not injured her. “It’s okay…. It’s not actually that heavy.” I glanced back to the bed. “When you live with Nova you have to be quick on your feet?” I laughed, hoping she wouldn’t ask too many questions, because I wasn’t going to lie to her. But, I wasn’t sure she was ready… close… so, so close, but not yet.
I touched her arm, and I felt the jolt again right into my heart. “You got a bit a scare there… Are you okay?”
I set the box on the ground in front of the closet and looked up at her. “Should we check this one?”
❁ Harper ❁
He had to be fast because of #Nova, of course... she was a husky, they are runners. So if she were to get herself into any trouble, then it would made sense.
“I...” my heart was still racing, and I could feel the flush on my skin. “I’m okay.. th... thank you..” He took the box down for me. And then it was there again. When he touched my arm there was a jolt of electricity surging through me.
“Hey baby girl..” I smiled #Nova must have heard the commotion and her name, she patted in and sat by the bed.
“Yes, let’s look at that one.” I smiled, looking from the bed to the closet. Of course, he was right. It wasn’t that far the move.
I sat down on the ground by #Nova and rubbed her side, kissing her head before pulling the box before myself.
❁ Collin ❁
I smiled at Nova when she came into the room to check on us. I scratched her chin as Harper kissed the top of her head. She was really just perfect… My eye stayed on the two of them for a moment before I realised she had said something. waited until she flipped the box open. I could clearly see framed pictures even if the bubble obscured what the pictures actually were. “You haven’t even hung your photos yet? You really must have been busy.” I chuckled. She had obviously thought these memories were worth displaying to frame them in the first place.
She really needed that extra support at the clinic. I knew my uncle would get it done, he’d never let us down yet. He always went to bat for the pack… and that included Harper now too.
TBC...
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