#the stool throw lives in my brain rent free
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nuclearanomaly · 4 days ago
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Tirena (beat up the entire bar) Mercar
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mushyjellybeans · 5 years ago
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Can’t Help Falling In Love
Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader
Summary: Enemies turned to friends. Friends turned to lovers as a misunderstanding brings the two people who hated each other together. 
Warnings: Angst, Language, Bucky is a jerk and a bit of a bully sorry, fluff, implied smut.
Word Count: 3,466 (uhhh oops? Like seriously before I edited this it was at 1.5k LOL)
A/N: Nobody asked for this but I was in an angst/fluffy mood and I love these enemies to lovers AU’s so... I haven’t posted much in a while so this is my apology!! I have lots of requests to get through though and they are NEXT! This almost had smut but wasn’t in the mood to write it :( maybe for part 2?
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You honestly couldn't fathom the real reason why James Barnes hated you so damn much. You didn't even need to speak for him to become pissed off at you, your presence was enough.
You've tried being nice, and you've tried asking Steve why his friend was such a jerk with you when he was lovely and kind to Wanda and even Natasha. "He doesn't hate you, Y/N. You're overreacting." Is was the only explanation you would receive.
It was Stark's weekly movie night, and for the first time in a long time, you were actually excited to sit down and relax with your friends. 
Walking in the common room with a bowl of caramel popcorn in your hand, you realized there were no free seats. Wanda and Vision occupied one couch, Nat and Bruce were snuggled on the loveseat, Tony was relaxing in his very expensive massage recliner chair. Steve was out at a bar with Sam and you were disappointed Bucky didn't go with them, bringing you to your current predicament. Either you could sit on the uncomfortable floor for a few hours, or suck it up and sit next to Barnes. The latter seemed more plausible. When Bucky saw you from his peripheral, he immediately kicked his legs up longways on the couch and you huffed, tempted to throw the damn popcorn at him and smash a vase over his head at the same time. He was making it difficult for you and you didn't understand why. 
"Can I sit, please?" You rolled your eyes to the ceiling. 
"No." He responded, his gaze fixated on the title screen on the TV.
"Fine." You exhaled as you sauntered towards him and sat on his legs. He hissed out in pain as your weight crushed his bones and for a moment you were happy you hurt him. 
Good, he deserved it! You beamed. 
When he realized neither of you was planning on leaving anytime soon, he retracted his legs and you bounced on the cushion underneath. 
For the rest of the night, Bucky didn't utter a word to you but you could sense he was beaming holes into the side of your face every once in a while. You ended up going to bed at midnight. 
You woke up later than usual and threw on some yoga pants and a tank top, making your way down to the kitchen where the rest of the team were already sat down at the dinner table eating their breakfast.
Bucky was making coffee in the kitchen when you walked in, and for a moment you considered leaving since it was just the two of you. He scowled in your direction and you rolled your eyes and walked to the pantry.
"Keep rollin' your eyes, they'll get stuck up in your brain." He sneered.
"Good morning to you too, James." You mumbled. As usual, he ignored your greeting. And then Natasha walked in grabbing a mug from the cabinet and pouring some hot black coffee.
"Good morning Nat. You look absolutely gorgeous today!" Bucky smiled. You watched their interaction carefully. Natasha greeted him back and you felt a pang of hurt in your chest. You sheepishly poured your cereal in a bowl and added some milk, you were about to take a seat on the barstool when Bucky grumbled.
"You're seriously eating here? I'm here and there's a fucking empty chair at the dining table, take your cereal and go and eat there!" He spat angrily.
"Buck she's entitled to eat here." Nat intervened, sick of his attitude towards you.
"No, she isn't!" You tried not to take his words so personally, you really did. Your lips quivered as a sob threatened to break out. You covered your mouth with your hand, your appetite quenched by his hateful words and bitterness. You sprinted on out of there, ignoring the concerned calls from the team.
You headed back to the only place you knew you were safe from Bucky, your room. You dropped face-first on your bed and screamed into your pillow. You ordinarily wouldn't let his words hurt you, and if he was being honest he was expecting you to fight back with your usual sarcasm or your typical eye roll you loved to give him so much. He didn't anticipate you just skipping breakfast and leaving.  
But you've just given up, accepted the fact he hates you and you're done trying, you're done with this job.
You question your role amongst the superheroes. You wondered if it was best to find your own place to live away from them, away from him and resign as an avenger and live a normal life like you desperately wanted.
It was clear he would never accept you as a friend, or even as a teammate. You had so much to think about, it was the weekend too so you gave yourself until Monday to come to a decision.
"Hey, has anyone seen Y/N?" Sam asked, grabbing the bowl of salad on the dinner table. There were some mumbles and the rest of them shook their head. Bucky lowered his gaze to his plate, his heart wrenched tightly in his chest as he reminisced over what he has done to you. 
You stayed in your room for the whole day. Skipping food and occasionally sneaking out for the odd bottle of water with FRIDAY's assistance. The team were worried about you. You didn't answer any of their texts and didn't acknowledge them when they stopped by your room. You knew Tony could have ordered your door to be knocked down if he wanted to. And you didn't know but Bucky had stopped by a couple of times too, but he had to keep up his facade.
It would be the next day when you came face to face with Bucky again. You woke early and decided to get some training done, a bad mistake on your part for doing it on an empty stomach since you started to feel dizzy and nauseous. 
You were jogging on the treadmill when he barged in through the doors in his shorts and tank top, he went straight to the weights. He audibly tutted when he saw you but you decided this time to ignore him.
In the floor-length mirrors, you watched him as he stretched his muscles. Mumbling something under his breath and he kept looking at you, so you knew he wasn't saying nice things. Your legs were starting to turn to jelly, so you shut the treadmill off and stepped off and slowly approached Bucky. As you got nearer him, his nose scrunched up in disgust like your scent was offensive to him.
"Hey, Buck. Do you need a spotter?" You motioned with your head to the weight. He ignored you and continued mumbling under his breath.
"If you have something to say, say it to my face Barnes." You huffed out, a sheen of sweat on your forehead.
"I have nothin' to say to you. I don't know why you keep botherin' me."
"What- what did I do to make you hate me so much?!" Your jaw clenched. Blinking to stop your tears from falling, you refused to let him see you break down.
"You didn't do anything wrong." He shrugged, resuming his squats.
"So you just hate me for no reason?" Your arms folded over your chest, pushing your breasts together and you noticed his eyes quickly glanced at your swells and his tongue darted out between his lips. You cleared your throat and his gaze met yours, as you stood there waiting for his answer. 
To Bucky, you were looking as gorgeous as ever. But he didn't overlook the way your eyes were dark and your skin was pale. If anything, he was concerned about you but his strategy was working and couldn't let his emotions slip through now.
"Look, Y/N. Just because you're friends with the rest of the team doesn't mean we gotta be friends." His pointer finger motioned between you. "I don't like you, it's as simple as that. I don't need a reason. So stop badgering me with questions and creeping up my ass like you're my wife."
Before you could argue, Nat walked in. She looked at the two of you with a questioning eyebrow, a small hope you've sorted your differences out.
"Hey, Nat!" Bucky smiled at her. "I need a spotter. Can you do it?"
"But Y/N is here. She can do it."
"But I'm asking you. I trust you more." He grinned.
And it was then you understood you didn't need to wait until Monday to make your decision.
You watched as Nat walked alongside Bucky to the weights and spotted for him. You murmured a quick goodbye to Nat and went to your room, taking a hot shower and sat on your bed with your back against your headboard, you sighed as you opened your laptop.
You explored Google for a couple of hours looking for apartments you could realistically afford. It would be perfect if you were a billionaire. Then an idea hit you.
"You want me to what?!" Tony yelled, swinging on the stool to look at you like you had just grown 2 heads.
"Tony please I promise I will pay you back in monthly payments once I get a job-"
"A job? You've already got a job."
You sighed and massaged your temples. This was not going as well as you had hoped.
You had very kindly asked Tony for a small loan, without giving him the details as to why you needed the money. You just needed enough to cover rent for a couple of months and some furniture, and when you found a stable permanent job, you would repay him. But you neglected to tell him about your plans to resign because you knew he wouldn't allow you to leave.
"Tony, I can't explain it right now but please trust me-"
"Are you in any trouble? Drugs? Gambling? Are you pregnant?" He asked, cutting you off. You groaned and shook your head no to his questions. "Sorry kiddo, unless you tell me what's going on, I'm not giving you that amount of money."
You felt helpless. You just wanted, needed to get away from the compound. But nobody was willing to help you and you couldn't face the hundreds of questions from Tony right now if you did explain the real reason why you needed the money.
Leaving the lab defeated, you leaned against the wall and yelled into your hands. 
"What did you need the money for?"
Your head shot up to the sound of the voice and furrowed your brows. Bucky leaned against the doorframe of the room next door with his arms folded over his chiseled chest. You were surprised to see him here.
"None of your damn business." You spat and started to walk down the hallway and unfortunately, you needed to walk past him. His hands grasped at your wrist as you step past him, he pulled you back so you're face to face with the man of your nightmares.
"It is my business if it concerns you." His grip on your wrist tightened painfully.
"LET GO BUCKY!" You screamed in his face as you saw his nostrils flare. You pulled your arm back and walked away from him. His heavy footsteps were not far behind you. 
"Don't you walk away from me, Y/N!" The sound of his voice prompted you to move your legs faster. 
You made it to your room and just as you were about to shut the door behind you, a large foot stopped you from doing so. 
"Bucky, leave me alone!" You groaned as he easily pushed the door open and slammed it shut behind him. 
"What, so I ask you a question and now you don't wanna talk to me?" He questioned. 
"What the hell are you talking about? YOU'RE the one who's been acting like a total asshole towards me. Ignoring me when I speak to you!" You hissed. 
"Yeah and only because I heard you and Nat talking about me in the kitchen days after I got here!"
"What? What did I say?"
"So what do you think of Bucky?" Nat asked you, leaning over the kitchen island as she sipped her tequila. 
"He's kinda cute but I don't know... I don't like him that way." You chuckled. You had the hots for the new recruit James Barnes, wild and vivid dreams invaded your mind as you dreamt of him every night. 
While you were busy gossiping with Natasha, you didn't hear the footsteps and heavy breathing outside of the kitchen. 
Your eyes widened when he retold you the story, a simple misunderstanding lead to this much hate and it was all your fault. 
"I - I didn't mean in the way that you thought Buck." You whispered, your heart was heavy with the guilt. The guilt of him assuming people already didn't like him when he was just learning to accept himself and settle into society. "I'm so sorry." you sighed and sat down on the edge of your bed. 
"I'm sorry, too." The bed dipped to your right. "I should have asked you about it first before I... did this." 
"Is that why you ignore me?" You asked, wanting a real answer this time.
"It was. Because I thought you hated me too." Bucked tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear and smiled. "We're both stupid huh." He chuckled.
You nodded your head and joined him with a chuckle of your own. 
"God, I feel so stupid." You cringed as the memory of that night replayed in your mind. 
"Imagine how I feel." Bucky sighed, running a hand through his locks.
"Don't leave." He whispered, catching you off guard. "That kind of money you were asking for would make it possible for you to run. Please don't." His eyes pleaded.
"Are things gonna be different? I can't really cope with this anymore..." You admitted. 
"Most definitely, I don’t wanna fight anymore. I’m tired of fighting. He sighed. “I know of this really great diner a few blocks away. Would you care to join me for some food and a milkshake?" The corner of his lip was pulled up and you nodded your head eagerly, earning a deep chuckle from Bucky.
Dinner at the diner was amazing and for once you enjoyed Bucky's company. The two of you talked everything over and apologized to each other repeatedly. 
You learned a lot about Bucky in the span of an hour. What kind of music he listened to, what his favorite movies were. Turned out he loved the gangster movies and you couldn't blame him. You recommended Goodfellas and he invited you to his room to watch it with him sometime. 
Bucky talked a lot about the 1940s. How different the music was back then and how different the women were. He loved women with self-confidence who didn't need to wear dresses and skirts every day and was comfortable being in her own skin. 
You shared a lot of common interests with Bucky and you regretted not speaking to him sooner about everything. Though the many times you did and he shot your attempts down. 
Bucky paid for dinner and that was another thing you felt guilty about. You offered to pay for your own but he insisted it was his treat for the way he had so rudely spoken to you. 
"Thank you for dinner." You grinned from ear to ear. 
"You're welcome, doll. I love this between us." He admitted, putting an arm over your shoulder as the chill from the air bit you. 
"Me too. I don't wanna go back yet." You chuckled. 
Bucky walked to the vacant bench overlooking the city. You shivered as a gust of wind blew past you. 
You sensed Bucky was staring. You turned your head smiling ready to question him when his lips pressed yours. Your angled heads allowed you to deepen the kiss as your hands wrapped around his neck pulling him closer. His tongue tasted of the chocolate milkshake he had earlier at the diner. The need for air becomes greater and Bucky rested his forehead against yours with a goofy grin on his face. 
"I'm so sorry for everything." His breath fanned against your lips. 
"I'm sorry too and I forgive you. Can I ask you a question?" 
"Anything." He pulled away and smiled.
"Was that - was that your first kiss since...?" You pondered. His body stiffened and you were worried you crossed a line. 
Bucky bellowed out a laugh as a visibly crimson blush crept up his to his cheeks. 
"Maybe." He looked away embarrassed and you couldn't help joining in on the laugh. 
You and Bucky spent a lot of time together since the diner. You watched movies in each other's rooms and took each other out for dinner. 
Everyone at the compound were surprised by the turn of events. 
Just weeks ago, you and Bucky would have happily killed each other and now? You were joined at the hips. Where there was you, there was Bucky and vice versa. 
Since you became so close to each other, Bucky had no problem asking you to be his date to the upcoming party Tony was hosting, which was happening this evening.
You wanted to wow Bucky tonight. With Natasha and Wanda's help, you chose a black dress that showed just the right amount of cleavage with the laced arms, black stockings, and heels. Wanda curled your hair and Nat painted your nails to match your dress and did your makeup, creating a black smokey eye effect. 
You looked gorgeous and the girls knew you would make him weak at the knees as soon as you stepped in the room. 
Bucky was already downstairs with a drink in his hand as he waited for you. He was dressed in a black tuxedo and bowtie, unintentionally matching your outfits. 
The party was in full swing, people dancing, talking and catching up. The main doors swung open and everyone in the room went quiet. Bucky was worried he had gone deaf until his eyes followed the trail of everyone else's. 
His eyes bulged out of his head and his jaw hit the floor when you walked in with your clutch in your hand and looking gorgeous in your dress. 
He watched as your eyes scanned the room and landed on him. He watched as a grin was etched on your face and he returned it. 
His feet carried him closer to you and you met him halfway. 
"Hi, soldier." You greeted as you admired his bowtie. 
"Y/N... you- you- you look..." He was speechless as his eyes wandered up and down your form. He was so used to seeing you in jeans and shirts and on occasion did he see you in your tactical armor. "You look- wow... just... breathtaking." He stuttered and blushed. 
"Do you like my dress?" You grinned up at him as you wrapped your arms around his waist. 
"Yes. Very much." He panted, his eyes turned dark with lust and this gave you the encouragement you needed. 
You leaned up near his ear, your breath made him shiver. "Would you like it more if it was on your floor?" You whispered as his arms snaked around your body and pulled you closer to his. 
"Fuck yes." He growled. 
"Y/N! Wow, you look beautiful." Sam beamed from beside you. 
Bucky growled and before you could respond to Sam as he interlaced his fingers with you and pulled you away. You smiled apologetically at Sam, who just shrugged in return with a knowing grin. 
It was only Steve and Sam who knew of Bucky's lust for you since you became friends. 
Bucky pulled you along and into the elevator when it opened. 
"My room, FRIDAY." He ordered.
"Yes, Sergeant Barnes." The elevator began to move and anticipation built up inside of you. 
"Ready for a long night, doll?" He asked as the doors slid open and he pulled you to his room. You nodded eagerly, relieved your plan worked and you didn't need to resort to using Sam to make him jealous.
**********
Taglist: @buckysmischief @stuckonjbbarnes @sebbbystaaan @valkyriesryde @mypassionsarenysins @honeyvbarnes @stateoflovinged @tuesdays-are-for-bobby @photography-to-all @dark-night-sky-99 @veganfangirl5 @infj-slytherclaw @imma-new-soul @hailqueenconquer @mood-pancakes @seb-be-holding-these-tatas @seb-owns-these-tatas @margoshanotherwriter @iheartsebastianstan @lovvliies @buckysdumbmetalarm @livylou3333 @marvelsangels @donnaintx @crushedbyhyperbole @teamcap4bucky @zeilenkrieg @itsunclebucky @this-kitten-is-smitten And tagging my loves: @babiiface95 @perpetually-tuned-out @pinnedandneedled @captain-kelli @captainchrisstan @capandbuckylvr @simsadventures @nerdy-bookworm-1998 @smutsonian @jobean12-blog@sebastiansloserclub @buckythewhitewolfx @babblingbonky @a-mess-of-fandoms @hey-its-grey @the-ss-horniest-book-club @littledarlinhavefaithinme @godofplumsandthunder @criminal-cookies @stateoflovinged @eurynome827
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cosmiclatte28 · 4 years ago
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Secret Love Song (ten x you)
here we go!
ps. Ten is a WayV and SuperM idol here, while Yuta, Jaehyun, and Johnny are not idols! Thanks
Song : Secret Love Song from little mix and Jason Durelo lol Derulo xD
warning : tiny bit of insecurities, lots of fluff, happy end.
CHITTAPON IS JUST SO SWEET!
─── ・ 。゚☆: *.☽ .* :☆゚. ───
You make your way slowly back to your small studio apartment. You rush from the nearest bus stop, walk through the cold winter night, reach the front door and then take the lift to your room. Today has been tiring, your neck and lower back are aching from sitting on stools for hours and reaching your clients body as you inject safe permanent inks into their skin. Yes, you are a tattoo artist, working in a superior tattoo parlor, where hygiene levels are guaranteed safe and the drawings are not regrettable. Well, your clients paid a hundreds of dollars to have a 4 inch tattoo! You have to admit, being a tattoo artist in a high-class studio gave a fair amount to pay your rents, eat decent foods, and spend some money for your happiness. You sigh when you remember that the flat fee for this month has been raised, and you know you will need to either find a new living space or work extra hours to pay for the extra cost.
You stretch your neck for a while as your fingers type in a six digit combination to open the door to your heaven: the bed. Once you close the door behind you, you take off your coat, carelessly toss your bag to the sofa, and free yourself from your boots. You make a quick attempt to untangle your scarf and dive belly first to your soft mattress. A sigh of great relieve escapes your mouth and you find your eyelids super heavy. You would totally fall  asleep within five seconds if your bizarre phone did not disturb you.
Your hand blindly searches for the rectangular noisy object and when you find it, the ring has ended. You groan in frustration, but your fatigue drowns you back to slumber. This time there was a short beep five times in a row, and you know that is your boyfriend messaging you. Your mind fights over waking up to call him back, or just drive your tired eyes to sleep and deal with him later when you're fresh. You decided to do the latter, but today must not be your day. Your phone rings again and your finger slides to pick up his call.
"What?!" You snapped.
"Woah, easy... Did I call the wrong number?" the man on the other hand takes his phone away from his ear to check the caller ID. He shakes his head when he ensures this is the right number.
"Sorry... I-"you yawn and he stays silence until you continue, "I just got home, and your calls postpone my -so needed- sleep..."
He smiles to himself when he heard your yawns and slurs.
"Okay, I'll just tell you I'm busy for the next three days. I'll call you back, I need to do my make up now. Bye!"
You did not reply him, your brain didn't actually understand anything he said, you've lost yourself into the dreamland after finishing your sentence. You sleep through your dinner time, only to snore deeper as the night darkens.
__
One man sits stiffly on his chair in the powder room. He is waiting for his stylist to come and do his make up before he steps into the stage filled with a crowd dedicating their life, money, and time to support him and his group. He shakes his shoulder a bit to throw the pressure away, why did he feel like he committed a great sin for calling his girl just to disturb  her from sleeping.
"Who is that Ten hyung?" Yang-yang who happens to catch a few of Ten's surprised action earlier asked.
Ten turns his head to face the youngest boy, he's about to open his mouth before the tallest and loudest man cuts his answer "It's (y/n) of course," Lucas offers his big smile while slapping Ten's shoulder.
"Stop it Lucas, I might poke his eye because of your sudden slap when I am drawing this eyeliner." The stylist who has been working hard to polish this pretty eyes of Ten, scowls at Lucas.
"Sorry, but it's true right?? It's (Y/n)???" Lucas takes a seat on one of the free chairs in the powder room. He's ready to go on stage already.
Ten shakes his head in disbelief and nods, "Yes it's her. Happy?"
Yang-yang smiles and drags his chair closer, "So... what happened? Spill the tea!"
Lucas also has his eyes bigger twice as much in size and his back is straightened, he is ready for the gossip!
Ten smacks his lips when the last stroke of light lipstick was applied; he checks himself on the mirror and nods an approval for the stylist to go. "Thank you!"
Now when nobody else is in the room, Ten finally opens his mouth.
"I called her at the wrong time I think... She snapped at me because she said I disturb her sleep?"
The two younger men pretend to understand though really they don't have a single idea why Ten must look this nervous just because his girlfriend snapped. Hey, every person has a bad day right?
Ten stares into the two soul across him and he face palms himself mentally when he realize there was no way Lucas nor Yang-yang understands his worry.
"Forget it, both of you are not helping." Ten pushes himself from the chair to put on his golden jacket.
"We're putting on mikes and in 7 minutes, you're going Live." The stage director opens the door right in time and a swarm of crew help the members put on their mikes.
Ten glances at his phone for the last time, there his smile rises when one notification pops from none other than you.
From: mon petit cœur
"Burn the stage,love! Bad Alive deserves the spotlight. <3"
Ten knows he doesn't have to reply that message, but the heavy weight in his heart is gone as he takes a deep breath and joins his other brothers to the side of the stage. They chant their group cheers and soon take over the stage.
--
You're awakened by your alarm clock around seven at night. Your head feels dizzy and you know that's probably because you skipped dinner. You force yourself to open your eyes. Your fingers expertly open the messenger application and through your squinting eyes, you type a short message to your boyfriend. Well, you promised him you won't miss their first stage of Bad Alive, and so here you are! seated on your worn-off sofa, an apple on one hand and the small TV provides you music and pictures. You focus yourself on the screen when you can see your boy and his team already shown for the interview at the screen. You fix your position, increase the volume, and you're totally awake when the stage shows your favorite group of all time.
The three minutes performance was over. You get up from your position, walk to throw the apple core away, and you grab your phone back.
To : Ten
"Amazing job you did there, my body's burning,
Guess I can save money from not using any more heaters.
Going home? <3"
You want to meet Ten so bad, it's already one month since you two didn't see each other. He has intensive practices for the comeback. Not that you're not understanding or selfish; You just wish he can make some time to come tonight, because you need someone to listen to you.
Your phone bleeped after an hour. Ten must've finished all of his works and probably already seated in the van, ready to leave the venue.
From: Ten
"Glad the song kept you warm. Sadly I've told you earlier in the call I cannot make it home these three days. Next week I also have another stage performance. I'll let you know when we can meet. How's today?"
Your shoulder slumped, you ghost you finger over the call button. You want to call him right now, but dating an idol is not that simple. If some manager or stylist caught you in the act, they might tell this to the director board and you know how this will end. Yes forced break up!
You left him on read. You glance at the clock on the dining room. It's already nine, you have some place to go. You dress yourself in a warm jacket and you leave the empty room. You hail a cab and direct an address. Your phone vibrated and you picked up a call.
"Hey! Where are you now?" Ten asks
"I'm going out for a while, why?"
"Oh, where are you headed to?"
"Ummm Johnny's, I forgot he invited me over for wine and cheese. Wanna join?"
"Is this Saturday Night already?"
You chuckled, "Yes Mr. busy, this is a Saturday Night."
"I'll see how the meeting with SuperM goes, til then have fun and be safe, Love you!"
"He's a nice brother, don't worry I'll be okay. Wait I have to get off the bus."
Ten waited for you on the other side of the line. He likes to make sure you're okay on the road. He busies himself with a strand of loose thread on his jacket and holds the phone close to his ear. His smile returns when your breathy voice greets him back.
"Woah, sorry there were several people going down too.
I'm only 3 minutes away! Are you in the office yet?"
"I'm entering the lobby, need to rush to the lift and see if everyone's there already."
"Okay, guess I'll end the call here. I can see his house already."
"No, I'll wait until you are in his house. Besides my notification just notifies me Taemin hyung is late."
"Well, I'm here already. Johnny's by my side."
"Alright, trust you. Tell him I miss him! Okay then, enjoy your night.
Call me whenever you need my help. Love you!"
You smile at his small attention, "Thanks Ten, Love you too! Good luck with the meeting."
The phone call ended
You enter the kitchen of the small house your brother and his fiancée bought. Johnny is five years older than you, and that's why he has been able to take care of you ever since the two of you were young. Johnny's wife happened to be staying in her mother's house because she had to look after her younger cousins. Johnny cannot join her because he needs to supervise his office. So here you are, the two of you meet one another for a siblings quality time.
"Tonight's special is Cabernet Franc," Johnny said after examining the bottle and taking the cork off.
I push him my empty glass and he fills in both glasses with the red liquid.
"Cheers," You both chime and clank the glass.
Moving on to sit on the comfortable L-sofa, you make yourself comfortable before finally starting to chat and talk about life. A soft music was played on the background, some classics because both of you felt like it.
"So, how is your day?" asked Johnny.
You gulp down the rest of the wine and roll your eyes, "Bad. Worst!"
Johnny straightens his back, "Ten? Or Work?"
You run your eyes right and left, taking a moment to think which one of them is bothering your mind. You smile when you know the answer, "Both!"
Johnny only raises his brow and you know the queue to spill everything out. Your mind went back to earlier this morning, where you woke up late and missed the bus to your office. You had to take the cab, since Ten was busy with his performance schedule today. You had to spend a good $20 to make it on time. You did arrive on schedule; the shop was opening as per usual. You greeted your co-workers, Yuta and Jaehyun.
The three of you have been working together since this parlor opened, there were no other worker here because we don't need that much! The people who step through the door were usually a regular or have made an appointment. However, today was totally irregular!
You remember the horror of Jaehyun's face when he entered the employee room with terror. Yuta was working on a customer's drawing and you were washing and cleaning the pen.
"We sorta have a problem here, there were three girls wanting to get a tattoo done without any appointments."
Yuta raised his brow, there must be something next that will surprise them both.
"They're minors. I've told them to come back when they're older, but they insisted."
"Let me talk," You place your pen down on a table and take the queue to talk to the girls. Well, Jaehyun is a softie, he cannot be strict especially to high-school girls.
You caught the three girls giggling over a picture on their phone, and you quickly snatched it away from her hand. They gasped and protested on your action, but you were taller than them.
"Sorry, but it was not appropriate for you to secretly take pictures of another person. This, I'm sure you took them secretly earlier. You're violating someone's privacy." You said as you deleted the pictures of a candid Jaehyun.
"If you're here only to take inappropriate pictures of my co-worker, leave immediately and don't ever come back. And you're clearly not 18 yet, the law stated you must be 18 to have a tattoo. Til then, let's wait patiently. Come back only when you are 18 and permitted to have ink on your body. Good bye." You returned the phone and shrugged your shoulder to the exit door.
The three girls have fires in their eyes and they were clearly killing you in their heads, but you're not afraid of babies like them.
"You're mean! Just wait for our revenge!" One of the girl stomped her feet in anger and ordered the other two to follow her and they left the parlor.
You let go a breath you held back earlier, then you decided to take the welcome desk for a while.
Just when you thought nothing else will go wrong, that's where you were fucked. Across you stood your nightmare. The enormous man across you smiled secretly when he found you greeting him.
"Well, welcome back Sir Dimitry, I believe you're here for a touch up?" You ran your eyes through today's schedule. Sadly his name was not there, but he was a regular and he's the Russian gang leader here, who roamed around Incheon at night. You knew better not to mess up with him, but that was not what bothers you.
He Is big and scary, the first time you saw him was when Yuta has to do a big dragon on his well built arm. That day you were occupied with another client, but although you were focused on doing your work, you can't help but feel his gaze on your body. Yuta and Jaehyun were aware of this, and since then they always try their best to take his project and they always lied you're busy or occupied. You're thankful for them. The two men were not so pleased to work on his skin too, for his drawings were always big, disturbing, and scary. However, he was the most generous tipper, and that made them close their mouth and ears (because he used to answer calls and believe me your ears won't stay cold listening to his choices of bad words).
"I haven't made an appointment yet, and I came here for a new drawing. I've had one in my mind and I believe you can finish tracing it in a couple of minute." The big guy leaned forward on the table.
There were two other people coming in and Yuta happened to pass by. You threw him a "help" sign and Yuta bit his lips, "My client is here already... I'm sorry, try Jaehyun."
Yuta took his customer to the studio and Jaehyun appeared beside you.
Jaehyun glanced at the clock, then looked into the Russian man's blue eyes "I'm sorry sir, but today we're a bit tight. You can come back here tomorrow say around one? I'll take your order, do you want a new drawing or retouch?"
The man hit the table, "I believe this lady over here is free right now, I don't see any client waiting for her. That guy is clearly your job Jae, I saw his tattoos those were definitely yours."He smiled winningly.
You cursed in your heart, well today you happened to have no appointments, you're only making templates. You closed your eyes, inhaled, and looked at Jaehyun. You nodded your head to tell him you'll be okay and you'll take him. Jae could lost his eyes from the shock when you sighed and told the big man, "Alright, I am free for two hours. Before that let me remind you I cannot do strong and big inks."
The Russian man smirked like a cat who won a fish, you took him to the processing room and he explained you what he want. You went to your professional mode and focused clearly on making his dream comes true. You were bargaining with him to make the designs smaller and less bold, he finally gave in. You worked your drawing quickly and after he agreed, you prepared your tools.
To make it short, it was the longest two hours in your life. He was clearly stealing views of you concentrating, and he was throwing so many offensive and disturbing flirts. You almost lost your cool when he joked about how hot you would look like on bed. You promised you held yourself from not forcing the word "bastard" to his neck and you clearly knew Yuta and Jaehyun were both busy keeping eyes on you. You're focused on making a word out of Russian alphabet you didn't know.
"I am attached, so please stop. You're going over the line already." You exhaled when he tried to touch your lap. You quickly pushed his hand away and you rushed your work.
"I said stop! You're harassing me!" You tossed the pen to your metal tray, and you pushed your chair back. He was not totally harassing you physically, but he was mentally fucking you. You saw his tent and you decided you'll stop your work. Well you finished it right on time though.
"I can file a report and you can be trialed." You stood up from your stool, but he held you back faster.
"Let go off her," Yuta threw him a deadly gaze and swatted the man's hand.
"You won't, they wouldn't care. Look this tattoo's amazing. I'm leaving you 500! Take the change." He forced the bills in my hand and made his way out.
You stood there surprised and petrified. You're ashamed of yourself, but what would your boss say if he found out a client was not satisfied because the girl artist did not want to work on his body. You'll lose your favorite job, and no you don't want that to happen yet.
Yuta and Jaehyun comforted you and ensured that you were not assaulted physically or even harmed. You shook your head and a tear fell on your cheeks. "I am embarrassed of myself, I feel bad for Ten... and Fuck I blew up my relationship."
Yuta ensured nobody will know, or you hope so. The day continued and after some more picky madams with boring gossips, you went home with....well an extra $300. You actually hated the money, but 300 is a big number, you can either put it on donation or pay your rent. You decided to put it in the cashier box though, let your boss decide. Usually a 100 bucks is already a big tip, this is triple! But thinking back of his actions, you hate everything.
"You sure you're okay?" Johnny reaches for your hand and takes a good look on your body.
You giggle, "It's fine, he almost reached for my lap but I was faster! But his mind, I can't control that..."
Johnny nods, "Just avoid him okay, or tell your boss you cannot take him. Moving on, tell me about Ten!"
"About Ten, I just hope dating an idol can be more public." You swirl your wine that had been refilled.
Your mind one again brought you into a daze, you remembered two years ago when Ten knew you from his tattoo appointment. You were responsible for his temporary tattoo for a comeback. He knew you from Taeyong, fellow SuperM member who made the 'UNDER STAND' tattoo with your help. Ten likes the result and he asked Taeyong where he got it done.
To make it short, you frequently see one another from discussion, drawing, and planning. Ten and you learned about one another quickly while he was on his ink bed, and you're focused on drawing his perfect sketch on his arm. The meeting became frequent after three months where he needed another tattoo for a comeback.
After returning about ten times to have a retouch or a new design, Ten finally earned your number. From there, everything was so fast and you're suddenly on your third year of dating an international famous idol! You thought you were ready for everything, not going public, staying home most of the time for dates, wearing masks and keep being undercover, even having sleepless nights while waiting for his message when he's away on a world tour. You can go on with the list, but you decided to focus on the good things more.
You were okay with Ten being away from his phone most of the time. He always did his best to send you an update about him, be it one emoji, a selfie, or a whole long ass paragraph of how his day went. He couldn't call you that much because someone might eavesdrop.
So far, no one thought Ten is having a secret love relationship. There were small fights, but both of you can talk it out together with cool heads and bonded stronger after the fight. Ten could see you and him being a family in the future, he even boldly told you his parents can't wait to meet you.
You were okay with all of the relationship, you were okay with his fans, you supported him on concerts and voting, you basically love him too with all your heart. Only one thing actually made you sad.
"What is that one thing? Not posting it in social media?" your brother teases you.
You lean on the soft cushions; your finger carelessly fiddles with the tassels hanging around the blanket Johnny had wrapped around you. You toss your look to his curious face.
"I want to walk under the cold winter air beneath the romantic lights, hand in hand, warmth shared from I don't know his heat pack in his pocket maybe... Then imagine the Christmas Carols are softly whispering in the night, mistletoe is everywhere. It doesn't have to wait until Christmas... I just want it whenever we can." You plop a cheese into your mouth. Your eyes were glassy when they look into Johnny's
Johnny pulls you closer and you instinctively lean in and let him caresses your back.
"You're tipsy, can you still walk?"
You shot your eyes open, the hell did your brother just kicked you out? Hey it's night already! Shouldn't he let you sleep in??
"I am not going home! It's dangerous! What kind of brother are you? Telling your little sister to go home at this time." You hit him repeatedly.
Johnny rolls his eyes, you clearly had too much!
"WALK TO THE BED SIS, WALK TO MY ROOM AND SLEEP PROPERLY." Johnny stresses each of the word in case my ears did not caught them.
You look at him blankly and Johnny knew you're gone already. He swiftly picks you up and carries you to the bed. Nicely he tucks you in and he cleans up the mess in the living room.
He notices his phone vibrating; noticing it was Ten, he picks up the call.
"She's sleeping in tonight, you're on the dorm right?" Johnny asks.
Ten answers him his schedule for the week and how he's not going home. He also told Johnny what happened earlier this afternoon. Johnny smirks as he whispers a code to Ten.
__
Two weeks passed by, you already forgot your grudges to Ten. You try to be considerate to his hectic schedules. One cold afternoon, just after you finished working on your last client for today, you take your time cleaning the tools and sterilizing them. While humming to Love Talk, your favorite song, Jaehyun peeks from the curtain door.
"(Y/n), someone's looking for you." Jaehyun drags the curtain open. You pause your activity, for a moment; your eye brows quirked. You focus your mind to see if you missed an appointment, but no you're positive no one called you for a session this afternoon.
"Hmm, we still have time before closing time, so okay I'll take it."
You leave the room to see your client and you're surprised to see your boyfriend sitting on the waiting room.
"Ten!" You squeal out of surprise and joy. You run to hug him, well it has been three weeks since you last saw him in tangible state. Three weeks of video-calls and texts were quite satisfying, nevertheless.
Your boyfriend hugs you back and engulfs your smaller figure. He inhales the sweet scent of your shampoo he missed and how he wished the time can stop here right now.
"You're here for a new tat?" You ask after breaking the hug.
Ten shakes his head, "No, I got dismissed earlier and I want to pick you up!"
You blushed, hey that's so sweet of him. Unlike other boyfriends, having Ten walking in the sidewalk without his manager and body guards is a rare occurrence. Ten was always in the van or swarmed by fans! This afternoon however, here he is standing with a long winter coat, face hidden under a cap and a mask. He did not wear anything eye catching to avoid the media and saesangs. He did it! He made it here in your office without any missing piece or a trending twitter hashtag!
"Well we have another 20 minutes before my shift ends; do you need any help for a tattoo?" You smile at him. Hey planning a tattoo with Ten is always wonderful.
"You know we can always draw them together at home." He smirks and brushes my hair away from my face.
"Okay then, wait for a moment as we're tidying up." A big smile erupts from your lips and your heart is full of flowers!
--
"Good bye Jae, Yuta!" You wave your hand as the two men let you leave first while they close the doors.
Ten is already waiting for you on the front porch with his hidden face. You place your mask over your face too. You stick yourself next to Ten to hug his arm, his heart softens at the sight, how a soft girl like you can work as a tattoo artist with Yuta and Jaehyun (who both have enormous prints on their bodies).
Without any warning, Ten takes one of your hand into his, he holds yours tightly and slips them to his jacket pocket."It's a bit cold right? Now where should we go?"
Your eyes widen, usually he always brings you home directly since he cannot be in public for too long.
"Shall we just go home? I can cook dinner." You sound confused by his offer tonight.
Ten shakes his head, and drags you without any clue where are we headed.
You are so stunned when you find yourself finishing a nice dinner course at a new restaurant. Luckily it was not crowded yet and no one seems to notice Ten, but dinner was not the end of the surprise.
You stand frozen under the dazzling disco ball, beneath your feet are colorful light up tiles, surrounding you are the moving body of half-conscious people, and your ears are slowly aching from the loud music.
"Ten, can we go somewhere quiet, I can't talk." You lean in closer to scream into his ear and your boyfriend pulls you out of the crowded space.He brings you to the bar and helps you sit on one of the stool.
"One bourbon for me, and a vodka for this pretty lady." Ten smiles to the bartender.
After he takes his sit next to you, you raise your brow. He knows that code and he quickly reaches for your hands.
"You don't like dancing in the club? It's a Sunday Night, I thought some drinks won't hurt right?" Ten knows you're not new to these kinds of places.
You let out a free laugh, "I do love dancing in the club, I'm just surprised why you're suddenly doing this. Plus if you told me, I could have prepared for better attire!" You hit him playfully.
Ten takes your hand into his, "Well, you look great already, plus we must not catch attention right." He leans in closer to you.
Your eyes slowly move down over his nose and finally on his lips. Maybe it was the way they glistened under the dim light, or the tenderness you miss, or just simply his lip bites he always did when he's nervous! You feel gravity pulling you closer just to taste a tiny bit of it, but Ten moves back quickly when the bartender returns with two glasses of our drinks.
"Thank you!" Ten hands over the cash and offers you your glass. You found yourself stupid for almost kissing him in public. Rule number one of dating an idol is to never kiss on public.
"Sorry," You look everywhere but his eyes and gulp down your shot.
Ten just nods beside you and there was a bit of a tension between you and him. Maybe you're still embarrassed of your action, but Ten is actually enjoying your braver side.
"Let's hit the floor. I really miss dancing together." Ten easily picks you out of your stool and lands you gently on the floor. One shot of vodka won't make you drunk yet, but you spent your youth dancing on the dance floor, so this is nothing for you.
The DJ was wonderful tonight; his choices of songs are perfect and as the two of you are getting more and more heated up under the throbbing lights. The dance floor was crowded and there was not much space left. You share his body heat, you can feel his breath tickles your neck, and you can once again see his plump cherries. You drive your mind elsewhere, and move your body to the rhythm. You smile at him and he smiles back at you, with one deep glance the two of you inches closer and closer.
Your eyes grew heavy, vision dark, you let your other senses work, and you feel that warm plump lips touching yours. You caught your breath and after some time, he pulls back. The loud sound blasting through the speaker slowly disturbs your hearing again. You open your eyes slowly and stare into his deep eyes. He places his hands over your waist, pulls you into his arms, and the two of you sway to the loud slow music the DJ offers.
You're no longer thinking straight. You bury your face into his chest, you trust yourself into his lead and a single tear fell down.
When you hold me in the street
And you kiss me on the dance floor
I wish that we could be like that
Why can't we be like that, Cause I'm yours.
You know this is everything you need to face when dating an idol, and you cannot hate him for this. It was your decision to say yes to him. Your head spins, your ears deafened, your vision darkens, and you no longer feel your feet.
You lost your conscious; all of a sudden you're already lying down on your bed. Turning your head to the side, you see Ten sleeping by your side hugging you loosely while taking in calm and relaxed breath. You grit your teeth as you try your best to softly turn your body to face him.
In his warm embrace you snake your hand to ghost over his godly face to brush away the golden locks away from his eyes. You stare at his innocent face, you're overwhelmed. It's been a while since the last time you has Ten by your side when you sleep. He was always busy and thousands of miles away from you in a different time zone. You touch his cheeks and wipe a tear running down from your eye.
We keep behind closed doors
Every time I see you, I die a little more
Stolen moments that we steal as the curtain falls
It'll never be enough
Just the sound of his relaxed breathing and the slight touch of his arms over your waist, you finally found the missing warmth and peace you've always craved for bedtime. Having Ten lying next to you tonight sparked a small fire in your chest. You feel safe and you're so emotional. You snuggle closer to him, Ten stirs in his sleep but did not wake up, instead he naturally finds your body and fixes his posture to a comfortable position. You face his chest, right where you can see the tattoo you nicely did on his left chest (where he worked so hard to get his mom's permission) you smile when you remember how happy he was when he sneaked out to meet you to deliver the happy news.
Your heart flutters, he did not need to wake up to fit you into his embrace. Your relationship fits like a puzzle where each pieces were so different that you won't make mistakes. You want to believe that Ten is the one destined for you and so are you to him!
It's obvious you're meant for me
Every piece of you just fits so perfectly on me
Your mind plays thousands of silly scenarios. Most of them were happy, but you cannot lie that the darkest corner in your brain still repeatedly tricks you with nightmares. It was not the first time you have dreams about his fans finding out your relationship, you cannot imagine their faces and you cannot imagine living with the constant fear that one of those fans might kill you out of obsession!
Your insecurities also snatch your confidence away whenever you see Ten standing on a stage with another "oh so perfect" girl idols or models or hell actresses! Not to mention the flirty look those back up dancers always toss to your man. Well, they might be throwing flirts on him because they did not know Ten is attached already; however, even when they know 90% will fight harder and the rest 10% will let go. You're living in fear, in terror that one day when you wake up Ten can no longer be beside you.
You break your own promise about always telling one another your fears and struggles. You hide them behind your cheerful smile, you blame yourself for over thinking, and you make sure Ten will never know that. You are learning every day to put the negative thoughts away and focus on the good ones. Ten needs your support, Ten loves you, and you believe that. You can sleep a bit after convincing your heart that the man hugging you here is an angel made for you!
Every second, every thought, I'm in so deep
But I'll never show it on my face
Your eyes flung open when you feel the sudden drop of temperature. Your hand reaches to your side in panic and you peek to see that it's no longer occupied. You stretch yourself to wake up, Ten might be away already for his schedule. You take your phone to see any message he probably left, but there were none. You glance to the door, it was closed. There are no traces of Ten, not his shirt, not even his phone.
Once the room door was opened, your nose is filled with a fresh smell of bacon and eggs. Your smile returns when you see Ten only in his boxer and apron. You can hear your washing machine working and when you look at the door, you smile when you see a pile of your laundry and his outfits are there.
"Morning princess, I'm sorry I have to run the laundry for my clothes...since someone happened to spill a drink over me yesterday and I'm not going back to the dorm with a smelly outfit." Ten explains while flipping an egg over. He sets the fire to a lower heat and turns his body to see you.
You can only smile like a dumb love-struck girl (which is not wrong). You make your way to jump and hug him. Ten automatically receives you in his arms and you dip your head down to greet your lover with a sweet morning kiss. In between the sweet kiss, you can see Ten smiling like he enjoys these kinds of cheesy morning things.
"You better stop kissing me," Ten speaks up on our short breaks, he kisses you one more time, "Or I will burn the eggs."
You laugh and toss your head back, you take your queue to jump off him and Ten quickly saves his egg from burning. "Just right in time," He smirks when he plates the last egg on the dish.
"Please take your seat miss, breakfast by your hottest man is ready." He sits down across you with one plate of the same menu. From your request, Ten did not take off his apron. No you do not need a distraction this early!
Your mind records every single moment Ten giggles and laughs, his wake up state is already so lovely and you cannot imagine how perfect your mornings will be if the two of you finally tie the knot and live together. You can only keep that in your small heart, a really simple dream you wish you can achieve. Living with Ten for the rest of your life, why? Because you know he is the man made for you. But are you the woman made for him?
You finish your breakfast and as the washing machine finished its job in drying the clothes too, you hear his phone rings. Ten glances at the buzzing noise. You toss him a small smile before leaning in to kiss him and walking away to take the laundries. You pick up his shirt, Ten does his duty to wash the dishes and pan he used.
"Let me iron this quickly," You disappear to at least send him off to work in a nice attire.
Ten places the last dish on the drying rack and he starts to pack all of his stuffs, he brushes his hair and teeth, puts his cap back on and his eyes soften when he sees you coming back with a neat shirt.
He finally takes off his apron and with your help, put on his tidy sweet smelled shirt. Secretly Ten loves your laundry soap and that's one reason why he used your washing machine. He wants to smell like you!
"So, when can I see you again?" You ask as you fix his collar. You're facing him and only inches away from his nose.
Ten smiles and puts his hands over your waist, he leans in to stare deeper into your eyes, "Whenever you want miss! I'm only one call away," he winks.
Both of your face are slowly erasing the gap between you two and just as you close your eyes his phone abruptly kills the mood. You pull your face back and you can see Ten cussing at the caller.
"Damn Lucas! Such a mood breaker! I told him I am coming in 10 minutes," Ten presses the red button and pockets his phone. You burst out laughing, of course it must be Lucas!
"Well, guess you will want to go before Kun calls you! Thanks for yesterday and today and everything!" You hug him and bury your face on his chest. "I wish you can come often and do my dishes!" You taunt your tongue.
Ten ruffles your hair and kisses your forehead for the last time, "Okay, I need to go now. You also need to prepare yourself for work."
You nod and note the time, it's an hour to the store opening hours, you need to get ready.
"Bye love, take care! I love you." Ten walks to the exit after putting on his coat and shoes.
"Love you more!" You stand by his side facing by the exit door.
"Love you most," he winks and finally pulls his cap to cover his face and puts his mask on. He finally turns around and walks to the lift.
You return to your room, taking a bath and getting ready for another long week. You believe if you can get through this, your dream of living with Ten will be clearer and brighter.
Your day goes on and you cannot lie whenever you see him on social media, a website, a magazine, or a music show, even from the talks from your customers, you cannot throw the disturbing insecurities away from your mind.
Is our love hopeless?
Will the world accepts me as his significant other?
Will his family love me?
Will he even stay by my side, or will he found someone new who is better than me?
Those are the things you cannot spill to him that haunt you every time he is away.
You play with the promise ring Ten gave you on your two years anniversary. The dark minds foreshadowing your mind suddenly disappear just as you remember the same words Ten always recites, "You're the puzzle that fits into me, why would I let you go? Trust me and wait for me, I love you more than anything!"
With that, your smile erupts back into your face and the rainbow in your heart plus mind is back. You know you just have to trust Ten the same way he trusts you! Life will bring you two together if it is meant to be, and fate will also play a part.
Because Trust is everything you need for an everlasting love story right?
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puppy-steve · 4 years ago
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a preview of this little plot bunny that's been living in my brain rent free for months
Gavin's still in his workboots and he hasn't washed his hands and there's a radio on a stool playing a slow song Hank doesn't know, but he doesn't care. When the other is close enough, Hank tugs on his belt loops with a quiet "C'mere, country boy," and Gavin grins, letting himself be pulled into his lover's arms, his right hand in Hank's and his head on Hank's shoulder as they sway.
Like a rainy Sunday morning makes me want to stay in bed
Twisted up all day long
You're my inspiration, girl you take me places
Put the words right into these songs
Gavin closes his eyes and thinks about the past couple weeks, how nervous he was about bringing Hank out here and almost never inviting him at all. "Nobody is unwelcome in this house, you hear me?" he remembers his mama telling him as a kid, "You step through that door, you've got a seat at this table." He wasn't sure how mama'd take to him bringing home a man close to twice his age, but she took it in stride and gave Hank the same respect you gave the pastor.
You took all my rough around the edges
Never let it ruffle up your feathers, angel
Yeah I'm down for life, you got me wrapped around your finger
And I like it just in case you can't tell
For all the shitty things Gavin has done these past few years, being an asshole to everyone around him, treating Connor and Nines like shit and dumping his insecurities on them, Hank's been nothing short of a living saint with the patience of an angel. He doesn't deserve it. He doesn't deserve any of the love Hank Anderson gives him.
He lets out a breath and turns his face into Hank's neck. Hank hugs him closer and presses a kiss to Gavin's temple. "What're you thinkin' about, baby?"
Gavin thinks of lazy mornings on their days off, waking up beside each other and trading sleepy kisses and quiet words until Sumo nudges through the door demanding cuddles and breakfast. Big Cheese delicately jumping onto Hank's side of the bed and rubbing her snotty nose all over his arm and purring loudly until he begrudgingly gives in and scratches the top of her head. Hank making breakfast while Gavin, still not fully awake, stays tucked into his side, held in place by a thick arm with a fresh tattoo.
Gavin shakes his head slightly and kisses Hank's whiskery jaw. "You," his voice is quiet, "about how you've been so fucking great this entire time and how I've always been an ass to you and Connor and Nines and everyone else since the day you met me and I'm still waiting for you to say you don't want this anymore."
Hank scoffs and opens his mouth to reply, but Gavin cuts him off. The song crescendos and he feels his chest tighten and his eyes burn. They stop swaying and Gavin moves to place his hands on Hank's chest. He takes a deep, shaky breath.
Stealing kisses under cover, babe
See forever when I see your face
And I swear God made you for me
"About how, despite all that, I wanna spend the rest of my life with you."
Hank doesn't say anything. Jason Aldean continues to croon quietly in the background until the song fades into a more upbeat tune and Gavin feels like he's gonna throw up. What if Hank doesn't feel the same? Marriage is serious and what if he doesn't want to live that life again?
His throat closes up and he's about to apologize when he feels a finger under his chin and lips being pressed so softly against his. Gavin sighs into the kiss and pushes up on his toes to wrap his arms around Hank's neck. Hank pulls away too soon for Gavin's liking, causing the younger man to pout.
"You sure you wanna spend that long with an old bastard like me?" Hank strokes Gavin's cheek with his thumb and Gavin leans into it, putting his hand on top of Hank's and giving him a cheeky smile.
"We've already got three years down, what's forty more?"
Hank grins back and slides his hands down to the backs of Gavin's thighs, easily lifting him up. Gavin laughs and wraps his legs around Hank's waist as he's being carried through the front door of the tiny house they've called home for the past two weeks, the radio still playing low into the night.
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cherryyharryy · 6 years ago
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Chapter 5: Clavicular Notch   
 This dream isn't feeling sweet
A shattered gasp shot through her lips as her head flew off the pillow. Harry’s shirt was glued to her drenched body and her pillow held more than her imprint. Adeline clenched the comforter through the exhausted and weakening paralysis coursing in her bones, focusing on what little energy and strength she could conjure up to throw the heavy weight off her body.
She counted back from ten before finally opening her eyes, willing her lungs to find a calmer rhythm. It took her brain a few moments to register that she was awake, her legs now dangling off the edge of the bed, allowing her feet to get used to the shock of cold from the hardwood.
After a few minutes of stirring in silence she shuffled out of her room in need of a glass of water, eyes nearly closed and her tongue struggling to swallow in dryness.
The apartment was dark, and she didn’t have the stamina to fiddle around for the light switch when she stumbled into the kitchen. The sink seemed miles away as she drug her feet across the tile, yanking a mug off the rack on the counter and filling it to the top with cold water.
She adjusted her shirt so it covered her thighs before sliding onto the barstool at the island, sparing her already tormented body from the bite of the cold leather. She only had three big gulps past her lips when her body flinched at a sudden burst of light.
“What are you doing up?”
An ankle-length-nightgown-clad Nicole strolled towards the stove where she started a pot of tea. She flipped the box of small packets open and picked out a few before deciding on one, which only sent memories of Harry tumbling through Adeline’s head.
Harry and his middle of the night tea that served to further his consciousness rather than its intended purpose of soothing his wired body and rambunctious mind, which led to flirty texts buzzing through her phone and a whispered phone call until one of them fell asleep.
But Nicole was no Harry and now they had a bit of a different routine.
Despite having been asleep for hours, every hair on Nicole’s head was in place and her nightgown was wrinkle-free. There were no makeup smudges under her eyes nor any evidence of a panic attack wreaking havoc on her as she slept. Her kettle steamed right away, drawing her questioning eyes from where they’d been resting on her younger cousin.
“Couldn’t sleep.”
“These walls are thin you know,” Nicole eyed her knowingly, “I can hear you gasping and mumbling to yourself.”
“I’m just a little stressed.”
“Are you having nightmares? Are you—why are you using a mug for water?”
Adeline looked down at her drink and sighed. “No nightmares, just stress. I think I let it build up and then at night it all hits, and then I just...lose it. I don’t know.”
Nicole took a seat beside her cousin, her tea in perfectly manicured hands. “What are you so stressed about?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know? How could you not know?”
Adeline shrugged. “Life I guess. That’s what I worry about.”
“What could you possibly be stressed about?” Nicole asked accusingly, waving her spoon in the air. “You’re 18, living in a rent-free apartment, away from your parents. You’re at a great school, no job, no major responsibilities. Your skin is blemish free...what’s the problem?”
Nicole’s criticism only furthered Adeline’s need to shut down. The clinking of her spoon stirring her tea grew louder, mixing in with the whirlpool of reasons she should be happy flinging around her mind.
“I know, I know. I’m very blessed. I don’t know what it is, just got a case of the blues.”
Nicole’s eyes narrowed in on her. “Alright then, whatever you say.” She brought her cup to the sink, mumbling about all the chores she had to do the next day before cleaning up her mess and bidding Adeline a weak goodnight.
Adeline downed the rest of her water and slid off the stool, holding back a round of tears as she she rounded the island, leaving her mug on the counter for Nicole to fuss about in the morning.
***
Half an hour later and Adeline was still tossing in bed, so she resorted to the only thing that could quiet her mind.
“Hello, darling.”
“Harry…”
“Bad night, love? You alright?”
“Just tell me about your day.”
And so their routine began; her calling in the middle of the night to rely on Harry’s voice for comfort. The time they spent together took a major hit when fall semester began. His college acceptance letter to Chadron had been bittersweet, knowing what it meant for their relationship.
“I had quite a productive day. Woke around noon to go stand in line at this new record store that was opening. I was eighth in line, Addy.”
“So? What does that mean?”
“That, my dear, means that you are talking to the proud owner of two free vinyls.”
Adeline settled back into her pillows, her body finally able to relax at the thought of the smug grin that was surely adorning his face, lying in his small bed, shirtless with the covers kicked down to his feet because he always got too hot, fan on high with that morning’s coffee still sat on the nightstand.
“Congratulations, glad to hear you skipped class yet again for a worthy cause.”
“You’ll eat those words when you’re listenin’ to this delicacy the next time we see each other.”
“Neither of us even owns a record player.”
“M’working on it, babe, don’t worry about it.”
“Anyway,” Adeline hummed, “what are your plans for tomorrow?”
“Guess I’ll go to class considering I haven’t gone all week.”
“All week! Harry you can’t do that! This isn’t high school. They aren’t going to cater to you. If you miss assignments, that’s it, no more turning things in whenever you want.”
“Thank you, mum.”
“M’serious, Harry. We can’t slide by anymore. Last week this girl showed up ten minutes late to class and my professor told her to leave. He said if she was going to be late, then she shouldn’t even bother showing up. We have to be more responsible now.”
“I know, but s’just not any fun. Guess that's what happens as yeh get older, the fun dies a little each day."
"I think that's a little dramatic. We can still have fun, we just have to put school first."
"For someone so smart that was a load of shit, Addy. If I were to die next week, my life flashing before m'eyes, what do you think I'd wanna see?"
"I know," she let out a sigh, "I get that, I do, I just don't wanna mess this up. This is the rest of our lives we're talking about."
"True, but you can't have all work and no play either," he reasoned. "See, this is why we should've gone to the same school. We balance each other out. You could yell at me to do my homework, and I could drag your bloodshot eyes away from your laptop to some stupid party."
Spending her college years with Harry would be a dream. She missed him more and more as the days went by. The picture he painted made her skin tingle and her brain dance, wanting nothing more than to live out the innocent fantasy.
"And then what?"
"We'd be there for an hour before leavin' out of boredom, tired of watching people drink themselves into a coma and mixing drugs in the bathroom. Then we'd go get ice cream, or go skinny dipping."
"How are those my only choices?" She laughed.
"Sorry, I meant, go get ice cream, and go skinny dipping. Forgive me love, m'quite knackered."
"You're ridiculous. What about in the winter when it's cold?"
“In the winter we would...go back to my apartment, cause you're roommate is really weird. Like, really weird. And pile up every blanket we own onto the bed and just hug 'till we fall asleep."
"You mean cuddle."
"You know I don't like that word, Adeline."
Laughter erupted from her mouth at his sudden serious tone. It had been late at night, not long after they first got together, that he informed her of just how much he hated the word. It was on a list that included overdone brownies, people who let newspapers pile up at the end of their driveway, and seeing babies in frigid grocery stores without socks on their feet.
"I couldn't help myself. I—ugh, Nicole is shouting at me to be quiet. I should probably go." her eyes flickered to her clock. "It's getting late anyway, almost three."
"Yeah, I have an early class tomorrow, he sighed.
"Thought your Thursday class didn't start 'till eleven?"
"It does, that's early."
"Whatever, Harry."
"Hey,” he cooed, “I know you've been really stressed out lately, yeh need to step back sometimes to relax."
"I know, I've just been overthinking about my life at the moment."
"You're living the dream, babe."
"I know, s'just not what I was expecting.
"And what was that?" He asked.
"I—I don't know. Just doesn’t feel the way I think I should feel. I don't even know if that makes any sense."
"It does, I understand."
"You do?"
"Yeah. I miss you too, angel. More than you know."
***
And then her professor, a dignified man with three degrees and a never ending collection of sweater vests, who erased everything he wrote on the board about two seconds after he wrote it, who's advice for her when she came to him for tutoring was to 'look at her notes', was anything but helpful.
The classroom was on the exact opposite side of campus from her class right before, and you'd think fifteen minutes would be more than enough time to get there, but a few weeks in and she can only manage to arrive after the door had been locked and she’s left to interrupting the lecture with her knocking.
On top of that, the room was freezing. The guy that usually sat next to her asked for a pencil every. single. day. And last week she sat in gum.
So needless to say, she dreaded Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Despite the weekly impending doom, today she had high hopes. They were getting their first test back, and she was in need of some good fortune. Nicole had been a grouch that morning, complaining about how she interrupts her morning routine, which led to an argument which led to her storming out without even having the chance to brush her teeth.
So an 'A' on a test, which she knew she was getting—she had studied for hours—was just what she needed to turn her day around.
***
Dr. Wallace loved to torture apparently, making them wait the entire hour and fifteen minutes of which she couldn't harness any concentration, until he passed back their exams. Adeline’s heart was a pounding frenzy and her bones were tingling.
When the seventy-five question test was finally laid down before her, her brain froze in mindless thought and the anxiety filling her up moments ago switched gears. She looked up to her professor, who was already five rows past her’s, and back down at what must be a mistake.
Had to be a mistake.
Please, God, let it be a mistake.
***
"Well maybe next time you'll try a little harder. Set some time aside and study, you can't have your boyfriend the focus of your life anymore, school needs to be your priority, Adeline."
She just sat there, dumbfounded with her mouth gaping around silent protests. Her dad flipped through the pages of her test, shaking his head every so often. At one point he pointed out one of her wrong answers, with the audacity to ask her why she got it incorrect. And he did not care for her response of 'I didn't know the answer'. Before she even had a chance to put a sentence together, he continued on with his rant.
"College is different, honey. Your professors aren't goin' to babysit you anymore."
"I know dad, I know." her head dropped into her hands. She huffed out a shaky breath and met his gaze once again. "I guess next time I'll start preparing three weeks ahead of a test."
"Now that's what I'm talking about." He slid from his seat at the table, nodding with each word as he picked up both of their plates. "More cake?"
She shook her head. "M'just gonna head back."
"What? I thought you were spending the weekend? That's a long drive."
"Yep. So the sooner I leave, the faster I get back." She slung her bag over her shoulder and rounded the island to kiss her dad's cheek. "I'll see you guys at Thanksgiving."
***
Strike two. The understanding of trying your hardest was not a part of the genetic makeup on her dad's side of the family.
"Adeline, I don't know what you want me to say? This is a terrible grade. You got what you deserve. You get out what you put into things. Try harder next time."
With that boost of encouragement Nicole tossed her now crumpled test on the counter and went back to scrubbing the bare fridge, mumbling about how Adeline arranged all of its contents wrong and how she has to do everything.
"You're not listening. I did try. Really hard—"
"If you tried hard you would have the grade to show for it."
She snatched her test and spun on her heel. "Whatever, Nicole. M'goin' to bed."
***
Surely this was a joke. Bombing this test was bad enough, but everyone’s negative input was just another muddy stomp across her heart.
“You can’t be mad, Addy, not at me or anyone else.” Gina, Adeline’s friend from high school whom she sat with in her Sociology class, attempted to smooth out her test on the edge of her desk. “You’ll do better on the next one.”
“But Gina, you can understand why I’m frustrated. I mean, look at the second question—it’s ridiculous! How can he expect anyone to get that right? And—”
“Blaming the professor will get you nowhere.”
She sighed and took her somewhat smoother test from her hands and stuffed it into her book bag, trying not to let any more tears slip all because of one stupid exam.
“You’re my friend, aren’t you supposed to complain alongside me, y’know, and tell me as long as I try my best it’s good enough?”
Gina brought her coffee down from her mouth and narrowed her eyes. “M’not your mom at your dance recital. You’re in college now. The bar for doing your best has raised, so you’d better catch up.”
***
"It's one test, love. You'll do better on the next one."
"You don't understand, Harry." She kicked her door shut and flopped down on her bed, keeping her phone pressed to her ear. "I spent hours over the course of days studying. Took pages of notes, did the practice questions, I even went to a study group with some people from my class! All for nothing but a lousy fuckin' 42."
"M'sorry Addy, know how you feel," he sighed. "But I also know how smart you are, how yeh never give up. You'll come out of this class with an A, I know it. Remember that biology teacher you had? She was a piece of work and you made it outta her class alive. I'm rooting for you, darling."
She relaxed into the pillow, letting herself believe his encouragements. It wouldn't last, she’ll worry and panic the rest of the semester, but for now she’ll pretend he's right.
"Thank you, Harry."
"F'course. S'what I'm here for. So other than everyone you know not taking your side—”
“Don’t mock me!”
“S’your own words,love.”
“I was really upset!”
“I know, I know. But you’re not now?”
“Until my next test.”
He sighed on the other end, and now more than ever did she wish she could see him, feel him. His voice alone was losing its convincibility that Harry was actually physically on the other side of the call.  
“Take a deep breath, baby. Your whole college career isn’t dependent on this one class. Everyone has a test or two that they’re going to bomb. All you can do is learn from it. Maybe find someone who’s already taken this professor, see how they survived.”
“Yeah, there’s this guy in my history class who took it last semester. Guess I could pick his brain.”
“There you go. You’re going to be fine. And if all else fails, I’ll support you for the rest of your life.”
She rolled her eyes, fighting back a smile. “Shut up.”
“So...any luck with picking a major?”
“I was hoping you wouldn’t ask,” she sighed.
“How many times do I have to tell you—”
“I know, I know. Literature. But—”
“It’s your calling. Your mom said you’re an incredible writer.”
Adeline rolled her eyes. “She’s my mom, she has to say that.”
“I’d say it too if I was allowed to see any of your work.”
Adeline bit the inside of her cheek, thankful that Harry couldn’t see her at the moment. She’d done an excellent job of keeping her writing to herself, only choosing to share a poem or short story here or there with her family, but the thought of Harry reading anything she’s put down on paper filled her with more fear than she’d like to handle.
“I’ll think about it,” she mumbled softly. “My major I mean. I’ll think about literature.”
“Good. And—ah my neighbor’s here. I blew him off last week, can’t do it again.”
“Have fun. Don’t do anything stupid.”
“I won’t if you’ll stop stressin’ over this class for now.”
“I’ll try.”
“Good,” Harry sighed. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Sweet dreams, love.”
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ryik-the-writer · 5 years ago
Text
Rumbelle fic: A Sitting Deal
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A Sitting Deal 1/6
A03 LInk
Rating: T+
Summary: With the threat of a rent increase being held over her head, Lacey E. French makes a deal with Mr. Gold to babysit his three-year-old son. Soon however the town troublemaker finds herself getting close to her landlord and son...which just can’t be good!
Note: for my Rumbelle Secret Santa recipient @of-princes-and-savages based off the prompt: Hey, who’s kid is this!
 I’ve admired your blog for years and I’m so glad I got you this year! I really hope you like it! 
Special thanks to @thatravenclawbitch for ‘parental advice’ and @pissedoffatouat for the convos and helping me name this damn thing!
“Hey! Who’s kid is this!”
The exclamation came from the one and only Lacey Eloise French (though a total of two people in the entire world knew her forbidden middle name), who now had the Rabbit Hole’s full-blown attention.
It had been a regular Friday night for the town troublemaker: a quick breakfast of dry toast and shot of whiskey (for the hangover she received for Thursday night’s shenanigans), a quiet afternoon of sneaking chapters in Storybrooke’s undersaturated selection of books (because Lacey E. French was not about to let anyone know her secret passion of reading), and a routine evening of flirting for free drinks and pool hustling so she could make rent and buy more cheap bread and whiskey for the next major hangover.
Yet the weight of a pair of pudgy arms wrapped tightly around her stocking-clad thigh changed Lacey’s night—and life, as she would soon find out—forever.
Her eye twitched when she looked down at the curly haired something or other wrapped around her leg. Who the everlasting hell would let a kid into a bar?
She looked around for a frantic parent—though she knew good and well she wouldn’t find one. Anyone who would bring their kid into a place like the Rabbit Hole was obviously a subpar caregiver at best. Probably someone who had kids before they were ready and used precious moments to wallow in their regret rather than use that time to hone some decent parental skills.
“Hey…kid?”
A pair of large glassy brown eyes looked up at her, and Lacey felt a strange jolt in her gut.
Now, Lacey didn’t hate children, but she sure as hell didn’t like them. Kids were loud and sticky and hyper, and they required a certain softness that Lacey just didn’t possess.
Still, there was one clinging to her like a drunk would a toilet, and she couldn’t deny that she was just a bit concerned. What if he was fleeing a kidnapper, or what if his parent was drunk off their ass and bleeding to death somewhere?
“Are you…” she paused. What did you say to crying children? Wasn’t there a stranger danger law she was supposed to help uphold?
“Bae!”
Lacey tensed, and this time not from the tiny nails sinking into her flesh.
She knew that voice all too well, even if it was being released in one syllable. She heard it sometimes in the echo of her apartment building when her neighbors were behind on rent.
In a moment, a pair of shiny black shoes were in front of her. A pan up from said shoes revealed a well-tailored suit, and finally the intense glare from one Mr. Gold—Lacey’s landlord and the town nightmare.
And he was staring at Lacey like she had just keyed his car.
Beside him was Chuck, the manager of the Rabbit Hole, scared for his life.
“What are you doing to my son, Miss French?” he inquired, his voice low and as dangerous as venom.
It was on the tip of Lacey’s dried tongue to tell him to back the hell off, she hadn’t done shit. But when she looked down at the boy once more, she noticed that she had subconsciously threated her fingers in the boys impossibly small curls—a sort of subconscious coping mechanism to comfort the distressed creature in front of her.
Then the other thought: when the hell had Gold gotten a kid?
Lacey French and First Name Unknown Gold were hardly close, but they had a few run-ins through the years. Sideways glances on the streets in the middle of the night, brushes of the skins as they picked up food at Granny’s. Little things that didn’t really mean anything or added anything to their non-existent relationship.
But when Lacey stopped to think about it, she wondered if it was something.
At the moment she hoped that little something was enough to stop Gold from calling the cops on her for assumed kidnapping.
“I…bugger off kid!” she hissed, carefully prying the boy’s hands from her hip.
The boy obeyed and turned his face into Gold’s pants leg, the man instantly cupping the boy’s curls as Lacey had.
“Oh, Mr. Gold!”
Lacey looked up to see Crystal the day bartender bounding towards him.
“I’m so sorry, I looked away for a minute!”
“A minute is all it takes,” Gold growled. “for my son to get kidnapped, or to run out and get hit by a car!”
Chuck was quiet, but his eyes were fearful.
“I know, I’m sorry—”
“You can forget that extension on the rent.” Gold said, turning to Chuck. “We’re done.”
Lacey flinched at the tension in the bar. She was hardly friends with Chuck are Crystal, but they never gave her grief about her tab or the fights she would start over unpaid pool bets.
It was that semi-form of respect that made her stupidly speak up.
“And you don’t think it’s your own fault for bringing a toddler into a freaking bar?” she snarked.
Gold turned to her, a warning in his eyes. “What was that, Miss French?”
Lacey knew the warning, knew she would suffer greatly if she told him just what she thought. But damn it Lacey E. French spoke her mind and held nothing back.
“I’m just saying, don’t push your kid in front of a car unless you’re sure it’s not going to hit him.” Her tone was steady, but she did lower her gaze down to her pool cue. “And don’t bring your kid to a bar unless it soberbility day or something.”
She heard one of her opponents hiss. She was about to get it.
But Gold only stared at her, his expression dark and exhausted. Even under the muggy light of the pool hall she could see the bags weighing down his eyes.
Maybe it was his sheer exhaustion that kept him from bringing down his full wrath—or perhaps it was the child clinging to his leg.
Either way his repercussion came in the form of a very quiet but very damaging growl.
“I suggest you mind your own business, Miss French, and.”before you find yourself in trouble that even you can’t get out of. Consider your rent raised as well,”
“Are you freaking kidding me?” she shouted.
Gold didn’t answer, but instead picked up his small son, unstably limping out of the much quieter bar with the boy’s face nestled deep in his shoulder.
Lacey managed to keep a stone face until he exited the premises, but as soon as the door closed behind him, she took her pool cue and splintered it over the nearest bar stool.
“Son of a bitch!” Lacey snarled, kicking away the splintered pieces away with her heeled boot.
“You’re going to have to pay for that, Lace,” sputtered Chuck.
Lacey turned an exasperated look at the bar manager. “I’ll break another one over your fucking face!” she hissed, storming out and throwing a middle finger over her back while her pool buddies howled with laughter.
Outside the cool night air did little to settle her foul mood. Why did she ever try to help anyone when she knew she’d get stabbed in the back seconds later?
“Fuck!” she yelled, rubbing her barely insolated jacket to keep her arms warm. She thought about what she could do as she hustled down the street. She could swallow her pride and ask her dad for a loan, but she be damn if she admitted she needed anything from him. Granny had always made off-handed remarks about “needing some damn help” around her diner, but Lacey would rather be homeless than serve the assholes she played pool with in a short skirt for little to no tips.
There was a time when she didn’t have to worry about making it day to day. She once had ambitions—had dreams, even. She wanted to travel, to get a degree, to have a library. She wanted to have something bigger than a life of pool hustling and drinking…
Like Belle did.
Lacey’s bitterness mulled over as she thought about her twin sister. One would think they weren’t sisters at all by the way they acted. Lacey was always the troublemaker, the rebel without a cause who lived in each moment. Belle was structured, always planning a head even when both their futures seemed uncertain.
They’d never been friends or overly close the way some sisters were, but there was never any bad blood between them.
It wasn’t until the day Belle whisked herself away to Boston for college that Lacey was hit with a crushing realization: her only sister was gone, and for her own benefit, would probably never return.
Now Lacey craved those scattered phone calls she made every other month. Her life was good. She’d even started dating her grumpy but whoafully intelligent ex-physics professor. Her life was good, and Lacey was happy for her, really. But she missed her. Because with Belle around, somehow Lacey thought everything would be alright.
Lacey sighed. Where was that ray of hope now?
Just ahead she could see the end of Mr. Gold’s Cadillac come to a stop at a red light. Her blood boiled at the thought of his impassive smirk and judgmental eyes. What gave him the right to go around screwing up her life?
And screw up someone else’s life at that.
When did Gold get a kid?
A kid who apparently had to go with his pop on dangerous business ventures.
It was odd, and while Lacey could give a hoot less, she wondered why Gold hadn’t hired a sitter or sent him to Storybrooke’s sole daycare.
Then again, most people were terrified of Mr. Gold. Who’s to say the same courtesy didn’t extend to his son?
Lacey puzzled on the matter as she reached her apartment and kicked off her heels, fishing a half bottle of wine from the back of the fridge.
The alcohol buzzed through her quickly, tainting her thoughts and filling her brain with mixed messages.
She wouldn’t have her rent by the morning, that much was apparent. And somehow she hoped Gold would be too busy with his son that he wouldn’t be worried about her not having it in on time.
Lacey blinked, the thought refusing to flow away along with the alcohol in her system.  
A father with a business to run and a kid to take care of.
Could this be the end of the terrifying Mr. Gold?
Well, Lacey though with a mischievous sip of her wine, there was only one way to find out.
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