#these are how the items i look in my head

[ghost-proofbaby]

Okay hear me out, Eddie nervous on your first valentines day together wanting to make it special and only knowing how to valentines from what he's seen at school and he panics and is very eddie about the whole thing 👀

please my heart almost couldn't take this. i swore nothing over 1k but nervous and panicking eddie being all cute?? yeah i couldn't help myself. this isn't edited, sorry in advance. no warnings, just fluff.

wc: 2.2k

He feels stupid.

It's the only thought ringing through his head as he sits at the Munson's dining table, scraps of construction paper strewn over the worn wood, glue stick drying out to the side and scissors digging into his knuckles. 

It had started as a prophetic vision after a few hits from his blunt; it was quickly souring into the most ridiculous thing he’s ever done. 

The high had worn off, Eddie had glued his fingers together thrice now (seriously, how was this glue stick approved for children?), and the end product…. Well, he hated it. 

The card was tacky. The flowers were uneven. He didn’t even have the willpower nor time to make a full bouquet as he had originally wanted to while under the influence. Pink glitter was now overtaking the trailer, and he’s never seen his uncle look so damn entertained. 

“Boy, what on God’s green Earth are you going?” 

Normally, the twang of Wayne’s accent would be comforting. But right now, all Eddie could hear was held back laughter choking up his old man’s throat, and a glint in his eye that felt a lot like a taunt, and he felt the farthest from comforted in a very long time. 

“Mind your business, old man,” Eddie grumbles, tongue sticking out as he tries to reglue a corner of a paper heart he had cut out, needing it to stick down properly. He probably should have purchased glue, in hindsight. 

“Where did you get all this paper?”

“I said mind your business.”

“Is that pink glitter?” 

“Don’t you have work?” Eddie huffs, grabbing at the Valentine card he was attempting to salvage, cheeks blushing more vibrant than any of the arts and crafts supplies spread about. 

He didn’t want to admit how embarrassed he was. He didn’t want to give anyone else the satisfaction. It was his own damn fault, really – he had offered for your nightly diner dates to be on him one too many times this last month, and entirely forgotten to put away any extra cash to get you a proper Valentine. And this was his last resort. 

He’d tried to convince the local florist to discount the flowers missing one too many petals for him, he’d tried to scope out the cheapest cards available at Melvald’s. He’d begged and bartered with every option in town to simply get you something for the day of love, and in the end, he’d simply fallen short.

So now, all he had was a palm full of gritty glitter and homemade items that looked worse for wear. 

One of the kinder ladies that lived two trailers down had been happy to offer Eddie some of her scrapbooking papers, throwing in the glitter for good measure, and he still had an old glue stick from when he’d built one of his custom tabletop maps for a D&D campaign. With five hours and a dream, he was now the not-so-proud creator of three handmade paper roses, and a card hardly large enough to fit in his palm. 

When he took a step back to look at it all, Wayne was right to be snickering on the couch over it all. 

“They’re going to hate it,” Eddie laments, glaring down at his creations, “They’re going to hate it, and I’m going to get dumped on our first Valentine’s day together.”

“Don’t be so harsh on yourself, son,” Wayne tries to genuinely comfort Eddie now, leaning forward to get a better look at his last five hours of work, “I’m sure they’re gon’ be happy that you just thought of the-”

“My life is over,” Eddie interrupts, walking over to the couch to collapse dramatically.

Wayne stops him, however, throwing up a hand, “Nope. You’re not gettin’ that damn pink glitter all over my couch. Go mope in your room.”

After a brief stare-off, a whole ten seconds wasted when Eddie could be wallowing in his self-pity, Eddie does exactly that.

He hopes Wayne is right, for all their sakes. There’ll be bigger things to worry about than just glitter if you really do hate Eddie’s attempt at a sincere Valentine. 

—

It takes nearly a full minute of knocking on the Munson’s trailer’s front door before Eddie opens it for you – that’s your first sign that something is terribly wrong. 

Your next sign is when Eddie hardly adds any enthusiasm into your welcome kiss, so reserved, as though he might be in a constant state of cringing; a constant state of preparing for the worst. 

“Is something the matter?” you ask innocently enough, toeing off your shoes and shifting your bag in hand. You’d picked up a few movies for the night, a variety of cheesy rom-coms Eddie expressed a slightest bit of interest in along with a few more up his alley. A horror film that neither of you had seen that looked to have a budget of $10 and a dream, and Labyrinth. 

The latter, you’d both already seen. Neither of you would pass up seeing David Bowie in his full glory, though. 

“It’s fine,” Eddie huffs out, still refusing to meet your gaze, “Want me to put on some popcorn?” 

You can’t help but light up as you follow him in his rush to the kitchen, “God – yes, please. I also got some sour patch kids, your favorite, and-”

You cut off when you catch sight of the dining room table. 

Eddie doesn’t glance back as he reaches up to the cabinet holding the stash of popcorn he keeps around for your movie nights, “And?” 

“Eddie…” you slowly draw out in a questioning tone, looking at the mess before you, “What, uh, happened here?” 

It’s an explosion of quintessential Valentine’s day. Pink paper hearts, strips of deep reds discarded messily. A shimmering glitter covers the table, and you can’t recall any DIY projects of Eddie’s for Hellfire that might involve that. 

“What?” He’s quick to turn around at that, and you watch as all the blood drains from his face, “Oh, fuck, I-” he launches himself back around the kitchen counter frantically, grabbing at any piece of paper he can find, “Shit, I meant to clean this up earlier, I’m sorr-”

“What were you making?” 

Eddie pauses all movement, glancing up at you in fear. 

You’re not even sure what he’s afraid of. All you can do is furrow your brows, twist your lips, scrunch your nose. 

Was it meant to be a surprise of some sort?

He swallows hard, standing up straight as he shifts uncomfortably on his feet, “I….”

When no words follow, you raise a brow, trying to silently encourage him to continue on. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

And oh, he’s such a bad liar. A pretty one, but a terrible one. 

There’s no sign of the stellar poker face you’ve seen him wear during Hellfire sessions, no impeccable cockiness to cover up the obvious. His wringing hands draw your attention to his knuckles, all the drying glue and glitter peeling off bit by bit.  

“You sure about that?” you press, grin slow spreading as you take a step closer to him, eyeing the mess he tries to shift in front of to block from your sights.

“Positive.”

“Has anyone told you you’re an awful liar, Munson?”

“I’m not ly-” 

You scooch around him effortless, dropping your bag in the process and making him yelp out as he tries to catch you. His arms are quick to wrap around your waist as you try to get a clearer view of what he had been so desperate to conceal, but even his best efforts can’t stop you. 

It’s all a bit childish from the outside. Reckless giggles, flailing limbs – even Eddie is smiling in his panic. 

“Let go of me!” 

“Then leave it alone!”

“I wanna see what you made!” 

Each screech between the two of you is overcome with laughter as he pulls you flush to his chest, caging you in and yet failing to cover your eyes. 

You spot what he was trying to hide, and all attempts to escape his hold cease. 

“Are those…” you start, a little breathless as you stare in awe. You swear, you could burn up from the warmth blooming in your chest. When his arms go the slightest bit limp, you have your answer before finishing the question, “Are those for me?” 

A small jar, one that had once held some of Eddie’s pick collection, now holds three handmade paper roses. Mingling petals of two different shades of red, with tightly rolled pieces of green paper servings at their stems. Two even have leaves, cut jagged and true to nature. 

Leaning against the small paper flower display is a card.

It’s a messier ordeal than the flowers, but you’re still prying Eddie’s forearms from your stomach in a rush to grab it. 

“Hold on,” he rushes out, no longer laughing as you get a hold of the card, “Wait, listen, I can explain. I just- I spent most of my money when we went to Benny’s for shakes last week, and I forgot I wouldn’t get any more cash before today, and I just-” he’s stumbling over his words, a mess of flying hands and wide eyes as you turn to face him, “I… I’m sorry, okay? I swear, they’re just placeholders until I get you a real gift for Valentine’s Day.” 

You’re hardly listening to him as you look down at the small paper, folded over fairly impressively to mimic one of the fancy cards from Melvard’s. It’s thinner, sure, but you’re mesmerized as you trace over the heart cut out of the center. It’s filled with pink glitter that clings to your fingertip as it passes, and you can’t help but let out a small laugh. 

And then you open the card. 

The outside was plain white save for the heart, but the inside is gorgeous. Hand drawn vines and flowers fill the empty space inside. Roses, mums, lillies – every flower you can think of is amongst the bunch. All etched out in ink, an ink you recognize from Eddie’s favorite pen, and every gentle line sketched out to make the larger picture sends your heart racing a few beats faster.

Underneath the glitter heart is a large bee, made with a speech bubble. 

“Placeholder?” you laugh breathlessly, biting your lip to stop from smiling like a fool. “You call all this a placeholder?” 

Bee mine? 

It’s so cheesy, it aches. 

Written in makeshift cursive, not quite as neat as it could have been, but clearly a valiant effort from the shy man standing before you. You can’t fathom how he’s embarrassed about this when you look up at him with fluttering lashes and a chest full of fizzling love. 

“I thought you were going to hate them,” he hoarsely whispers as he reaches a hand to the nape of his neck. 

“Hate them?” you repeat in disbelief, turning your attention back to the handmade flowers. “In what fuckin’ world would I hate these?”

You lift one of the roses from the mini jar, and sniff it on instinct. It should only smell like paper and glue, but it doesn’t – Eddie’s obviously spritzed his cologne onto the flowers.

The miniscule detail has your heart bursting. 

He’s still petrified as he stares at you, shrugging hopelessly, “I just know it’s our first Valentine’s together, and people usually go all out-”

“This is going all out, Eddie.”

You can’t imagine being capable of any more love for the boy in front of you. Genuinely – you don’t believe your bones could handle the weight of it, that your heart could take it. You’re filled to the brim with it, buzzing like summertime cicadas beneath your skin from all the vibrant emotions you have for him. For every blemish across his skin and every kink in his curls, for those big brown eyes simply staring at you now. Those knuckles covered in glue and glitter. Those lips that you can’t handle another second not kissing. 

And so you don’t. Not another second is wasted as you fling yourself forward, nearly dropping the paper flower in hand as you grab each side of his face, bringing him to you in a hard kiss. 

You hope he feels all that love. You hope the weight of it presses down on his shoulders, even if just a little, so he gets it. 

“I fucking love it, Eds,” you laugh into the kiss, pressing your forehead, “I- Honestly? I think this is the nicest Valentine I’ve ever gotten.” 

“Really?” his eyes pop open, pulling back from you slightly until you simply won’t allow it. You want him close – you need him pressed against you. “Well, shit. I thought you were going to hate them and break up with me.” 

“Me, breaking up with you? After this?” you parrot back in disbelief, shaking your head, tip of your nose rubbing against his through the action, “God, you’re an idiot, Eddie Munson. My idiot, but still.” 

He finally cracks a smile, and you lose yourself in the dimples that appear as he asks, “Does this mean you’ll be my Valentine?”

“Absolutely.”

[reikaryu]

18:58 ♡ s.coups

fluff, established relationship, we all need a cheol to care for us don’t we? seungcheol is WHIPPED, 0.7k words

been in my drafts for so long I decided to free it at last. enoy my loves!

“come on, babe, let’s gooo!” you whine, a pout forming steadily on your lips as you tug at your boyfriend’s arms.

seungcheol only stares up at you with a smile on his face — that little smile that has been taunting you for the past ten minutes, denying you full, premium access to the snowy weather outside.

“no, darling, you have a fever. it’s not gonna get better if you go out and play in the snow,” he tells you for the nth time today. he reaches up to press a warm palm to your forehead, then frowns at the temperature. “still warm.”

but you’re not giving up so easily. quickly, you try to reason (albeit dumbly), “well, if I’m warm now, then the snow will help chill me down!” the wide smile on your face makes seungcheol feel a little sorry for you.

“that’s …” he sighs, closing his eyes for a brief moment. “that’s not how it works, babe.”

seungcheol checks the clock on the wall just opposite him a few metres away. “go take your meds, love. it’s seven,” he smiles up at you sweetly, no doubt an attempt to take your mind off exiting the warm house.

but you know better. which is weird, because normally you’d be entranced, completely, by his adorable smile.

you slouch, groaning as you trudge your way to the kitchen. your medicine is placed on the counter in a little bag, labels and everything.

suddenly, an idea pops into your head. you ponder for a moment. will seungcheol fall for it? yes, probably. he’s too whipped for you not to.

quickly, you place your pills in the cupboard as silently as you can, then brace yourself and shout out, “cheol!”

an “it’s on the counter, babe,” tells you he heard you.

“no, it’s not,” you reply, making loud sounds of moving items around. you hear the movement of his feet, the shuffling growing louder and louder. swiftly, you move to grab his coat and hide.

seungcheol enters the kitchen with a confused expression. he looks around, trying to find you, but to no avail. shrugging, he shifts his focus to your pills, which, true to your words, are not on the counter.

he sighs. “where did I put them?” he mumbles, opening all the cupboards and looking behind appliances.

without notice, you jump onto him from behind, wrapping his coat around his shoulders. you tie a simple knot with the sleeves at his neck, as if you were trying to murder him.

“yn! what are you—?” seungcheol exclaims, a hint of laughter in his tone.

“I won’t let go unless you bring me outside,” you huff, tightening your arms and legs around his body. “I feel perfectly fine.”

your boyfriend closes the cupboard door slowly. “well, your body doesn’t agree.” but his hands come to wrap around your legs, holding you tight so you don’t fall.

you don’t reply, a pout slowly forming on your face. you seem to be pouting a lot more than usual.

seungcheol can’t see you properly with the position he finds himself in, but he knows your lips are jutting out — again — with the way you press your warm face into the crook of his neck.

silence lingers for a moment or two, before he suspires in defeat. “okay. take your meds first, then we’ll go out.”

the cheer you let out almost strips him of his hearing, but it doesn’t bother him. a smile finds its way to his lips as you retract from your koala hug and open the cupboard three steps away.

his eyes widen in realisation the moment he sees your pills in your hands. he’s speechless, mouth agape, watching you gulp down your meds in less than ten seconds.

“you absolute minx,” he mumbles, a scoff escaping him. you flash a cheshire’s grin and skip towards the coat rack where yours hung lifelessly.

seungcheol’s eyes are filled to the brim with soft admiration. you never know how to back down from a challenge, and he loves that about you. he loves you and everything you have to offer.

even when you’re sick and whiny and stubborn, he just can’t help loving you. even when you’re utterly willing to possibly fall even more sick than you are, he loves you too much to do anything about it. he’ll regret it later, but now, he’s content to see you smiling ear to ear, pulling him into a kiss to show your appreciation.

“you have three seconds to get out the door or I’m locking us in for the next week.”

seungcheol will kiss you if you reblog (.◜◡◝)

[kiwriteswords]

I was listening to Diet Pepsi by Addison Rae (it gives me so much Hotch vibes for some reason??? I love it) and I thought it would be the perfect occasion to make a request for your Thirsty Thursday 👀 I don't have much idea but I guess something in the car, maybe a younger reader so we have a lovely age gap and maybe something that goes with the lyrics "I write my name with lipstick on your chest I leave a mark so you know I'm the best" (don't need to be the name writing of course ahah but I love the idea of lipstick stains on his chest)

You're the absolute best and congrats on your 2k btw!! you deserve thousand more 🫶

Fog up the windows in the parking lot [Aaron Hotchner x Age-Gap!Reader] **

Ki2k Masterlist||MainMasterlist (not updated, sorry!)|| Ao3||Word Count: 3k|| AN: Hii! Thank you so much for this request--I still can't believe I was listening to this song when you sent this, haha. Great minds think alike!! I hope you like this (I can't write smut to save my life, but here i am doing a smut day.)

Tags/Warnings: female reader, porn without plot honestly, smut, mdni, unprotected sex, car sex, I am bad at writing smut sorry, horny hotch, sorta brat tamer hotch, age gap, you're hotch's controversially young gf, not specified if reader is BAU (so up to your imagination).

Summary: The one where Aaron Hotchner realizes he goes weak in the knees when he sees how tight his much younger girlfriend's jeans are.

Hotch couldn't help himself today, and it was all because of those jeans you decided to wear. Each time you bent over to grab something off the lower shelves at the grocery store, his heart skipped a beat, his mind filled with thoughts that had no place in the brightly lit aisles of their local market. You were oblivious to the effect you were having on him, focused on checking items off the grocery list, your hips swaying naturally as you moved down the aisles.

It wasn’t just the bending or the swaying; it was every little thing you did. Each time you reached up to grab something from a higher shelf, the way your back arched slightly, Hotch felt a pull deep inside him, a stirring of feelings he hadn't expected to be so strong.

When you both loaded the groceries into the car and then reached into the backseat to grab your purse, your jeans hugging you perfectly, Hotch found his eyes lingering. He was usually more composed than this, more in control, but today, those jeans had him teetering on the edge.

Driving home, he kept stealing glances your way, each look like adding fuel to a fire he was struggling to contain. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and tinged with a hint of warning and desire mingled together. "You have no idea what those jeans are doing to me," he confessed, trying to keep his focus on the road but failing miserably.

You turned to look at him, a mischievous sparkle in your eye, fully aware now of the turmoil you were causing. His words, so out of character for the usually stoic and controlled man, only brought a playful smile to your lips.

Hotch knew he was treading uncharted waters, not just with his emotions but with how openly he was expressing them. Despite the teasing from the team, who noticed how much younger you were, and their offhand jokes about him being like a lovestruck teenager, it didn't matter. You brought out a side of him he never knew existed. A side that felt alive, vibrant, and yes, even a bit reckless.

You sighed, looking in your purse for something beside Hotch in the passenger seat. He then all about lost it when you unbuckled your seat belt in the passenger seat and twisted to the back. Your ass was now level with his head, practically drawing him in. He had to keep his eyes on the road--but god dammit. 

The car shifted slightly as he adjusted his grip on the steering wheel, his knuckles whitening from the tension. "You're doing this on purpose now," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with a mix of exasperation and barely contained desire.

Playing coy, you didn't respond immediately. Instead, you found your lipstick and settled back into your seat, taking your time to apply it carefully, glancing at him to gauge his reaction. His eyes flicked, catching yours, and you saw a flash of something intense in his gaze.

Hotch stepped on the gas a bit harder than necessary, the slight surge forward a clear indication of his growing impatience and agitation. You couldn’t help but smile at his reaction, teasing him further. "You know, you're really sexy when you're all hot and bothered," you pointed out, your tone playful yet sincere.

The remark seemed to hit a nerve, and Hotch took a deep breath, trying to refocus his attention on the road. But it was clear you had effectively distracted him, his mind racing with thoughts he usually kept well under wraps. This side of Hotch, the one that struggled between his composed exterior and the mounting desire you elicited, intrigued you. It was a side of him that came out rarely, and you relished the moments when you could draw it out, loving the way he looked at you when he thought you weren't watching.

You leaned back in your seat, a mischievous glint in your eye, and teased him, "I have a good idea."

Hotch's response was immediate and a little strained, his voice tight as he focused on the road. "The only idea I have right now is getting home and taking a cold shower." He was half-joking, but the undertone of his voice betrayed his growing frustration and need.

You laughed lightly, enjoying the effect you had on him, but decided to push the envelope a little further. "You know," you started casually as if the thought had just occurred to you, "I've always wanted to have sex in the car."

Hotch paused at that, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He glanced at you briefly, his expression a mix of surprise and contemplation. The rational side of him kicked in almost immediately, listing several reasons why that was not a good idea—safety, legality, the potential for discomfort. But before he could voice any of those thoughts, he felt your hand on his thigh.

Your fingers started caressing him, inching dangerously close to his groin. Each touch sent a jolt through him, scattering his thoughts and straining his control. His grip on the steering wheel tightened again, and he drew in a sharp breath, trying to concentrate on the road while battling the surge of desire your bold move had ignited.

He half sighed, half groaned your name, his voice strained as he tried to concentrate on the road. "That's not—"

But he didn't finish his sentence. The sensation of your fingers, the way you leaned closer to him, your breath on his neck as you whispered just how much you wanted this—all of it was overwhelming. Hotch gripped the steering wheel even tighter, the car speeding along as he battled the surge of desire that you sparked with your daring touch.

He took a deep breath, trying to regain some semblance of control, but the more he thought about your suggestion, the more appealing it seemed. Here he was, a man always in control, always calculated, yet at this moment, driven to the edge by the simple act of your hand on his leg.

"We should... we should at least pull over," he finally conceded, his voice a mix of reluctance and desire, realizing that resisting you completely was a battle he might not want to win today. As he scanned for a secluded spot to park, the thrill of the impending escapade with you sent a jolt of anticipation through him. 

Hotch pulled the car over, the tires crunching softly on the gravel as he turned off into a secluded spot shielded by trees. Without a word, he reached over the console, his movements deliberate, and captured your lips in a rough, hungry kiss. You moaned into his mouth, your lipstick leaving a taste of cherries against his lips, igniting a fire within him that he hadn't allowed himself to feel in years.

His hands roamed over your body with a sense of urgency and ownership, finally reaching across the console to trace down your legs to those tight jeans that had been torturing him all day. His touch sent shivers up your spine, and you pulled back breathless, meeting his gaze which had darkened with raw desire.

"You’re gonna need to help me peel these off," you suggested with a playful yet sultry tone, motioning towards the backseat, "Maybe back there would be better?"

The idea sent a thrill through Hotch, the tightness in his own jeans growing at the thought. His brain buzzed with a cascade of 'what ifs' — what if we get caught? What if someone sees? Yet, the logical side of him was quickly overridden by the sheer desire to be closer to you, to explore this daring side of your relationship.

Hotch's decision was made the moment you suggested moving to the backseat, but as he surveyed the space, he realized there was enough room if he pushed the driver's seat all the way back. The SUV, similar to the one he drove for the FBI, was spacious, but even then, the two of you fit just barely.

You began to wiggle out of your jeans in the passenger seat, and Hotch reached for his belt with urgency. Typically, your intimate moments were full of foreplay, and you both took your time, savoring each other. But today was different—there was a sense of rush, an urgency in the air as he pulled himself from his jeans, his eyes never leaving you.

"Come here," he said in a low, commanding tone that sent a shiver down your spine. It was a direct, uncharacteristically blunt invitation, but it carried all the intensity of your mutual desire. He adjusted himself, making space for you, anticipation etching every line of his face as he awaited you to straddle his lap.

Your eyes went from his to his hand as he began stroking himself with a semi-achingly slow pace that made your eyes widen. He watched you slide your panties down your legs, kicking them to the floor of the car with your jeans and shoes.

The rush, the spontaneity—it all contributed to a thrilling urgency neither of you could deny. As you moved towards him, leaving the constraints of your jeans behind, the tight confines of the SUV seemed to close in, enveloping you both in a private world where only your intertwined desires mattered.

You slid from the passenger seat, the fabric of the car seats whispering beneath you as you maneuvered yourself toward Hotch. The confined space of the SUV made every movement more deliberate, more charged with an electrifying tension. Your heart raced as you reached him; his eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that mirrored the pounding of your pulse.

Carefully, you straddled him, positioning yourself over his lap. Hotch's hands immediately found your hips, his grip firm and sure, anchoring you securely against him. The close quarters of the SUV enveloped you both, creating a cocoon of intimacy that amplified each breath, each subtle shift in movement.

His hand moved from your hip to between your legs, spreading you and finding the wetness that waited for him there. He groaned, feeling it; he threw his head back, opening his neck for you to nip at and kiss. You began unbuttoning his button-up, glad he went without the tie today and just the button-up and jeans--a casual look you loved. 

You reached between the two of you and positioned him before swiftly sinking down with a shared groan filling the walls between the two of you. You felt the pads of his fingertips grip your hips again as you began to rock into him, subconsciously clenching around him. 

His hands caressed the curve of your ass, guiding your hips to rock against him. The way he pressed you so firmly down against his hips had the right amount of pressure on your clit, causing you to roll your eyes in pleasure. 

His hands spread up your sides on your still-clothed top. Through your shirt, he grabbed at your breasts roughly before returning to your ass. 

Hotch got a little rougher, meeting your hips rand ocking against his with a thrust beneath you. You could feel him deep within you. Caught in your throat was a moan, but the pleasure was too immense--too good. 

“You have no idea what you were doing to me today in those jeans,” Hotch panted, his lips finding the crook between your shoulder and your neck as he began to meet you thrust for thrust--so deep, so good--so much. 

“Oh,” You squeaked, “I have an idea.” You laughed, breathlessly. 

“Fucking,” Thrust, “Brat.” The sound of your hips smacking. Your thighs sweaty now against him, and your wetness now audible. 

“You love it,” You breathed, your lips going down to his chest now, kissing him and leaving marks of your lips from your lipstick, stained across his chest. 

“Yes,” He thrusted again, sharper now, but the rhythm beginning to falter. “You better hurry up and come,” he said breathlessly. You clenched around him with a glint in your eyes, “I’m serious.” 

Reaching between the two of you, you began working your clit with a circular rhythm that was old faithful in any situation. Hotch’s eyes squeezed shut then open, continuing to meet you. There was a found tempo from the way your fingers circled your clit and the way his hips met yours.

You felt the coil begin to tighten as your orgasm approached. Your thighs began to shake and you threw your head back. Hotch’s fingers bruising your hips continued with each deep thrust. Over and over and over. Just right. 

You came with a gasp, which was then covered by Hotch’s lips kissing you. His hips beginning to lose control as his own orgasm left him. You felt him empty within you, only adding to the sensitivity you felt deep within you. His hips stuttered against you, resting, but your thighs still shaking against him. As if to hold you into place, his hand rested at the small of your back, settleing you. 

A groan left his lips into your mouth, and the two of you slowed with lethargy. As the intensity of the moment ebbed, Hotch's hands gently caressed your skin, soothing and tender in their touch. The two of you were left sweaty and breathless, the aftermath of your passion palpable in the close, humid air of the SUV. His hands moved slowly, tracing patterns across your back and shoulders, each stroke helping to ground you both as you came down from your highs.

The small space of the car, which just moments ago had felt electrifying and exhilarating, now seemed overly warm and confining. As you both caught your breath, the reality of the situation gently settled in—a mixture of amusement and affection hanging between you.

"We definitely need a shower," Hotch murmured, a slight grin playing on his lips as he acknowledged the state both of you were in. The thought of continuing this intimacy in the shower brought a soft smile to your face.

"And maybe a detail for the car," you added, laughing softly, the sound mixing with the faint hum of the idling engine. The humor of the situation wasn't lost on you, and Hotch's responding chuckle told you he felt the same.

"So, I take it you liked the jeans?" you asked, a playful note in your voice.

Hotch glanced at you, a smirk playing on his lips. His eyes held a glint of mischief mixed with undeniable affection. "I loved them," he admitted, his voice low and enticing. "But for the sake of productivity, maybe never wear them again around me if we actually want to get anything done."

His witty response made you laugh, the sound light and carefree. It was moments like these that deepened your connection, mixing playful banter with the intense chemistry you shared. 

Your fingers trace the outline of your lips marked all along his neck and chest from the now-smeared lipstick you had applied moments before. A mischievous smile spread across your face as you pointed them out. "You know, this might be my favorite look on you now," you said, the playful tone in your voice tinged with a hint of satisfaction.

Hotch raised his eyebrows, a slight blush coloring his cheeks as he reached up to feel the marks, his fingers brushing over the spots you indicated. The corners of his mouth turned up in a smile, appreciative of your boldness and the memory of the moments that led to such disarray.

"Is that so?" he replied, his voice laced with humor and a warmth that reached his eyes. "I suppose it's a good thing we're heading home then. I might need to wear it more often if it gets that kind of approval."

As you watched the fading lipstick marks on his skin, you leaned closer, a teasing gleam in your eyes. "I like marking what's mine," you murmured, tracing a finger lightly over one of the marks, emphasizing your words.

Hotch looked at you, his expression softening into one of deep affection, the playful retort ready on his lips turning into something far more tender. "Sweetheart, you don't need marks to know I am," he replied, his voice gentle yet firm, filled with a sincerity that warmed you through.

You kissed him tenderly there before he patted your bare hip. You smiled against his lips, knowing the two of you had to leave this little intimate cocoon now. “I know, I know,” you sighed against his lips before whimpering, slowly moving off of him, trying not to make an entire mess of his already dirtied car. Hotch groaned, feeling you leave his lap. 

Despite the age gap between you, something about being with you made Hotch feel as though he was losing his innocence all over again; each moment tinged with a freshness and excitement that he hadn’t realized he’d been missing. It was a rediscovery, a rejuvenation of spirit in the best way possible, with every laugh, touch, and shared secret making him feel both wonderfully vulnerable and profoundly alive.

He sure hoped you wore those jeans again. 

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Imagine...Shopping With Dean

Pairing: Dean x reader

________

“Can I pick out one?” asked Dean from the other side of the dressing room door. You groaned and saw a black string bikini fly over the top. 

“Dean I’m not wearing that. I’m here for some new shorts,” you said. You pulled up the pair of light blue denim, running your hands over them and smiling. They were denim but had a nice amount of stretch to them, softer and more comfortable than you were expecting. They were short shorts but your ass felt covered and you could sit comfortably. The pockets being full sized, that was just a bonus.

“How’s the shorts fit?” asked Dean from the other side.

“Great. Can you grab a pair of the black and dark denim ones too?” you said. 

“Mhm. I’ll be back in a minute with them,” he said. You changed and like he said, was back a minute later. You almost left after trying them on and making sure they fit. You opened the door and Dean was there, a few swimsuits in his hands.

“Dean. No.”

“Please? This one matches my eyes,” he said, waggling it in his hands. “It’s pretty.”

“Fine,” you grumbled. You took the suits and started undressing, picking up the green one piece he’d picked out. It has thin straps and a little tie in the front, a small cutout just underneath for a hint of skin. The back was criss crossed straps and it took a moment to figure out how to step into it. It was nice and soft though and you raised an eyebrow when you looked in the mirror.

“Did you put one on yet?” asked Dean. You opened the door and he spun around, a smirk crossing his face by the time he was looking up to your own. “You’re getting it.”

“Dean-”

“You look fucking hot and your boobs look extra amazing and they ain’t gonna fall out. Come on. You never know when you’ll need a suit for a case.”

“Alright,” you said. You picked up the bright blue two piece, ushering Dean out.

Fifteen minutes later you had three new suits, three new pairs of shorts, a cover up and a new beach towel in your bag, Dean humming happily as you headed back to Baby in the parking lot.

“So when we going to the beach?” you asked.

“What ever gave you that impression?” he chuckled, throwing his arm over your shoulder. You rolled your eyes and he smiled. “How’s next week for you? Schedule clear?”

“For you I can make an exception, Winchester,” you said. “Did you get some swim trunks yet?”

“Nope,” he said. You grinned when you stopped at Baby, tossing your items in the trunk. “We’re going back in the mall, aren’t we.”

“Yup. Come on. Maybe we can find something for you that matches my eyes this time.”

_______

[rubiehart]

being jj’s passenger princess after a long day at work was a god send, especially when he treats you exactly how he should…

“can i borrow your lipstick?”

“yeah, it’s somewhere in here.”

the clatter of items from the two girl's bag's fills the silence of the dingy tikki bar’s bathroom, bringing you back to reality as you blink slowly in the mirror, hands gripping the porcelain sink as you sigh.

rude customers, and pervy old men, mixed with the heatwave the outer banks was currently suffering was a recipe for disaster, leaving you in a fowl mood all night, counting down the hours until you could stumble into your bestfriend’s truck and into john b’s guest bed with him.

at the distant buzz of your phone a wave of relief washes over you, reaching into the back pocket of your jean shorts, eyes landing on the little buzzing screen, lit up with his name.

pressing your back against the wall, you jab at the screen eagerly with a fingernail painted with chipper glittery polish, bringing to phone to your ear, breathing out an exhausted 'hey.’ fiddling with the hem of your uniformed waist apron.

"m’ outback, y’ need me to come walk you out? ‘s gettin’ dark- pretty fast." he hums, the sound of the blinker in background as he pulls into the parking lot.

you nod like he can see you, pressing into the corner of your eye with your ring finger, swiping away an rogue flake of mascara, before settling for an exhausted. ‘uh- nah, it’s fine. be one sec.” before promptly ending the call.

the slap of your sandals against the tarmac speeds up as you approach him, arms folded over his chest with that knowing smirk on his face, leaning against the hood of the twinkie.

you almost groan at the sight, tan forearms bulging unfairly. you practically throw yourself into his waiting arms, leaning your head on his shoulder. he’s startled for a second, eyes going wide, but then his arms are encircling your waist and his lips pressed to your crown, fighting the urge to kiss the skin softly, settling for just inhaling your shampoo.

“i fuckin’ missed you - never thought i’d say it." you hum jokingly, pulling away to look him in the eyes, his hands sliding lower to rest on the backs of your thighs. "missed you too my girl - always do." he says, titling his head down towards you with a teasing pout.

your heart flips at that, his girl, you knew, duh, just nice for it to be affirmed, especially when he’s looking at you like that in an empty parking lot. makes you contemplate if this friendship was worth ruining just to persue your fantasies.

“cmon, gimme some sugar.” he smirks, and it’s joking of course, but who is jj if not persistent? so he leans down a little anyway, doesn’t expect to feel the wet smush of your lips to his jaw, only now does he realise you’re a little tipsy - having been sneaking shots under the bar all day just to deal with your shift.

"that new?" he asks, feigning nonchalance when you pull away, running a gentle thumb across your chin to wipe away some excess gloss.

"yeah- got it last week. don’t you just looove it?" you smile hopefully and he nods, chucking softly as your excited little pout, hands sliding up and down your thighs as he replies, supportive as ever. "damn right- i love it. might cop myself some." he teases, giving a fleeting pat to your denim covered ass, rounding the car to open your door, gesturing for you to get in.

your cheeks heat up at the casual act, following his footsteps. "think y’ a gentleman? you ain’t foolin’ anyone." you grin, taking his hand to hop up into the truck, he averts his gaze, jaw clenching when you stumble, falling with your literal ass in the air.

once you’re situated, hand still in his, so flustered as he presses his chapped lips to your hand, charming smirk on his face, hair all disheveled and looking edible in the orange glow of the streetlights. “i am - only for you though, mama.”

he rounds the car to sink months agoat, turning the key in the ignition and you can't help admire the way his forearms tense at the action. the car kicks to life and you're both off.

after driving for five or so minutes, you were getting a little restless, unable to ignore how perfectly his jawline was highlighted by the streetlights, or how the hand he’d smoothly rested on your thigh was slowly sliding further and further towards where you wanted - scratch that, needed it most.

you weren't even sure he knew what he was doing to you, but you couldn't wait to find out. it was pathetic really, just how easily you could go from 0 to 100, but you were past the point of caring, and all you was for him to make you feel good.

on impulse, you reach for the hand caressing your thigh, his eyes flit to you, unsure of what you're intention was until he meets your eyes. he could recognise that glazed over needy look anywhere, the one you get when you’re scouting out boys at the boneyard, or the beach, or wherever, all this time he’s wanted you to look at him like that, and now you were? he thinks he’s gonna stop breathing.

you drag his hand gently up your body to rest on your tit, which he squeezes on instinct, eyes only half focused on the road. he lets out a gruff, unsure call of your name, clearing his throat, wondering if he should stop.

the action illicites a pretty little whimper from you, which he takes as motivation to keep you making those noises. he darts his eyes between the busy road and you, legs spread and lips parted, eyes fluttering gently as he rubs a thumb over your pebbled nipple through the bobbly material of your graphic tee, scarce of a thick enough bra.

navigating the bustle of traffic was a challenge in itself, but now he'd have to multitask, dipping his hand down between your legs, already feeling the warmth radiating off of you through your denim shorts as you eagerly begin popping the buttons, head thrown back against the head rest, eyes on him. “please, jay..." you mewl, and he knows the risks. but fortunately for you, jj likes a challenge.

[beuxwhoyouare]

Dressing Room Score

All the couples wanted the day off for Valentine’s Day but I took those shifts so quickly because hello it’s free money! I took the apparel section because it’s the easiest place to get a peak at the dressing rooms. I’m not a perv I swear, but I can’t help myself. I always kept one vital of bodysuit serum on me. All the eye candy going into the dressing rooms was like a buffet of options. Men, women, pets! Shit I don’t discriminate I love trying on another persons experience to see how they live.

We were getting a weird crowd today since all the couples were out and about. The store was filled with miscellaneous randos so I went through most of my day thinking I struck out. As I locked in refolding some destroyed sections of t-shirts, a customer came up to me asking for help locating more of a certain item I absent mindedly answered looking at what was in his hand before looking up. My words stopping in their tracks as I saw his face.

He was so adorable and dorky looking in his face but the outfit he already had on told a different story. Leaving little to the imagination, it inferred he was going on a date or going out but I didn’t want to inquire too much. I like my mouth mindlessly answer his inquiries as I kept looking back to ogle at his outfit.

Eventually he asked to use the dressing rooms and I knew this was basically my chance. We walked slowly to the rooms and as he walked into the tiny space I quickly pulled the syringe out, stabbing him in the neck behind his back. The mirrors lining the room couldve saved him but he was oblivious of his surroundings.

He began turning into a suit hollowing out into a mound that looked like skin colored liquid latex. I quickly pushed him into the dressing room with me to avoid spectators. As I latched the door, I turned around to see the process completed. I knew I was operating on limited time and quickly pulled his skin on. I love putting on a new body that’s stacked with muscles that I’m not. It’s like you feel bloated, but in a good way because it goes straight to your muscles and any other places you differ in size…if you get what I mean. He was clearly a grower because I didn’t feel anything crazy there though.

I looked through his wallet to figure out a name and basic details. Okay, Reese is the name 5’9” is the height okay there’s the address. Wait the best part! I whipped back upright standing and smiling towards my new phone.

I decided to save the rest of the excitement for privacy gathered my new belongings and headed to the address on my ID. I fumbled through several keys before eventually finding the right one as I pushed my way into a very nice but neutral looking apartment. It definitely gave upper class gay which is what I always pretended to be so this would be easy to embody.

I quickly began stripping as I hastily searched for the closest full body mirror. I wanted to see the goods from every single angle. I ripped the belt holding up my very fitted pants, dropping them down to my ankles and I just gasped at what I could see.

Reese was had the type of body I was always afraid to have. He’s so conventionally attractive that while I wore him I felt like I couldn’t control myself. I needed to push it to the limit and see what I can do.

I headed down to the gym matching the sign in tag on Reese’s keys and just pretended to be there for a good workout. I mean I did go for a workout just not that kind.

I had a hard time breaking a sweat, which only intrigued me more but I headed to the locker room to take pics. I was just so obsessed with his juicy chest. Thankfully this was the better strategy because I kept getting passing glances until someone finally took initiative and approached me.

The man was such a daddy, something I could’ve only hoped to previously attract before. He nearly demanded I come with him after he got dressed and who would be to not oblige? I got in his big truck and we made our way to his home. I don’t know how I deluded myself into thinking I’d be the dominant one in this situation but the second the house door closed behind me. The burly daddy manhandled me and pushed me onto his bed. Gentle and slow was only a dream I could’ve hoped for because that man whipped his beer can out immediately and shoved his way in.

Don’t get me wrong he was BIG but that was the moment I learned what Reese did well. He was a power bottom. There was no moment of pain, me and my new hole took it like a champ. The in and out of his aggressive pace was matched by my new muscle memory eagerness to accept it.

He attacked my muscular backside as I finally began to break a sweat. Loud moans escaped my mouth. I couldn’t control it like an animalistic cry. As I thought I was reaching my limit I came on myself as he kept going. That would become a recurring theme.

Every day I’d show up to the gym and act like the slutty himbo I wanted to be. Ending up at a different home, condo, apartment every night putting my new orifices to work.

[yuu-kantokusei]

Valentine's Day❤️❤️❤️

Third year version

Characters: Cater, Trey, Leona, Vil, Rook, Idia, Malleus, Lilia

TW: cute, fluff, wholesome

♦️Cater Diamond

Cater kicks off Valentine's Day with an energetic selfie spree, dragging you along for the ride. "Come on~! We need at least twenty cute pics for my Magicam story!"

But amidst all the fun, he suddenly pulls out a small heart-shaped box. Inside is a delicate charm bracelet, each charm representing something meaningful—your dorm, a tiny camera, even a little cupcake. "I saw these and thought of you! Cute, right?"

As you admire the gift, he gives you a rare, softer smile. "You make my days way more fun, y’know? Hope you stick around, my fave little Valentine~!"

♣️Trey Clover

Trey surprises you with a special Valentine’s treat—an entire cake, personalized with your name in icing. "Made this just for you," he says, placing it in front of you. "Hope you like it"

As you share the cake, he hands you a small, elegant box. Inside is a silver spoon engraved with your initials. "Figured you could use a good luck charm" he says with a chuckle.

The rest of the afternoon is spent in quiet comfort, baking together in the Heartslabyul kitchen. "Valentine’s isn’t just about romance," he says thoughtfully. "It’s about appreciation too. And I really appreciate you."

🦁Leona Kingscholar

Leona acts like he doesn't care about Valentine’s Day, but when you find a wrapped package on your desk, his scent lingers on it. Inside is a soft, high-quality scarf.

Later, when you go to thank him, you find him lounging under a tree. "Took you long enough to notice," he mutters, eyes half-lidded. "You’re always runnin’ around in the cold. Don’t want you gettin’ sick."

He lazily tugs you down to sit beside him, resting his head in your lap. "Since you’re here, might as well stay. Ain’t got nothin’ better to do than nap with my favorite herbivore." His tail flicks, betraying how much he enjoys your company.

👑Vil Schoenheit

Vil presents you with a beautifully wrapped gift the moment he sees you. Inside is a set of luxury skincare items tailored to your needs. "A beauty as radiant as you deserves proper care," he says with a pleased smile.

He then takes you to a private rooftop dinner, where everything is curated for aesthetics and elegance. As the sun sets, he studies your face. "Out of all the things I strive for, your happiness is one I truly wish to see."

Before you leave, he carefully applies a bit of lip balm to your lips. "Can’t have you walking around with chapped lips, darling," he teases, but his touch lingers a second too long.

🏹Rook Hunt

Rook approaches you with a flourish, handing you a handwritten letter sealed with wax. "Mon trésor, today is a day to celebrate the beauty of devotion! And so, I dedicate this poem to you!"

His words are grand, poetic, and filled with admiration, making your face heat up. Before you can respond, he presents a beautifully carved wooden bow. "A hunter must always cherish their most valuable companion. Let this be a symbol of our bond!"

He then whisks you away on a nature walk, pointing out the beauty in everything—from the way the wind moves to the way your eyes light up when you smile.

🎮Idia Shroud

Idia avoids you all day, only for Ortho to deliver a wrapped box on his behalf. Inside is a limited-edition plush from your favorite game. There’s also a shaky, handwritten note:

"Happy Valentine’s. Don’t make this weird."

Later, you manage to find him hiding in his room, his hair glowing pink. "Ugh, I knew you’d come looking for me," he groans. "I mean… I guess it’s cool that you liked the gift or whatever."

Despite his grumbling, he lets you stay, the two of you gaming together late into the night. At one point, he mumbles under his breath, "This… isn’t so bad."

🐉Malleus Draconia

Malleus appears before you at midnight, inviting you for a walk under the stars. He gestures to the sky, where countless glowing wisps float around you. "I wished to give you a sight as enchanting as you are," he says softly.

He then hands you a beautifully crafted pendant in the shape of a dragon. "This holds a minor enchantment," he explains. "Should you ever need me, it will guide me to you."

As you stare in awe, he gazes at you with quiet intensity. "I have lived many years, yet this is the first Valentine’s I have truly cherished. Because I spend it with you."

🦇Lilia Vanrouge

Lilia starts the day by pranking you with a questionable batch of homemade chocolates. "What? It’s the thought that counts!" he laughs as you gag.

But later, he surprises you with a beautifully played violin piece, dedicating the melody to you. "Music is the language of the heart," he says, eyes twinkling. "And my heart sings for you."

His real gift, however, is a small, enchanted music box. When opened, it plays a soft lullaby. "A tune to remind you that you are always loved," he says, patting your head fondly.

[thoughtfulfiction]

Friend zone? End zone.

Author’s note: Anon requested🧡

July

Packing everything up and moving to France with no idea where you'd live or how you were going to make money, to study under some of the most well known pastry giants in the world was...crazy. But somehow, opening up your own bake shop in Cincinnati felt even more like you were losing the last hold on your sanity. You didn't know anyone here, no friends or family nearby, but Velvet Clementine was your dream. And today, the dream smelled like vanilla, caramelized sugar, and the bright zest of fresh clementines, located in the middle of the Queen City. You had your own staff, granted it was four people but still, you were the owner, the boss, of your very own place.

Cincinnati had been your home for six weeks when the bell chimed, and two men—tall enough to make your display case look like a dollhouse—ducked into the shop. They moved with effortless confidence, their voices a low rumble of laughter as they scanned the display case with the focus of someone choosing their last meal. You watched them pile on various pastries, looking through the rows of mini pain au chocolat, almond croissants and pastel de nata. The mini fruit tarts featuring clementines and red velvet cakes were the items that made you fall in love with baking, hence the name of the place. The shorter man reached for a tart, its glossy colorful slices glistening under the bakery lights, nestled in a bed of creamy white chocolate mousse. You watched as the other one picked up a croissant, giving it a slight squeeze—a soft crackle of delicate layers breaking beneath his fingers. They seemed satisfied with their various selections, happily walking over to the register, the tall one flashing his almost sinfully perfect smile as he paid for everything. You thanked them for coming in and sent them on their way.

"You can't be serious, how did you not say anything?" Your sous chef Quinn let out a breath she had probably been holding since the two guys walked through the door.

"What are you talking about?"

She scoffed, remembering the fact that you’d lived in Europe the last few years so their presence didn’t hold much weight. She tossed a dish towel over her shoulder as she turned to face you, “they’re Bengals, babe. Like, literal football gods. Also, it helps that they’re stupidly attractive."

You hummed, processing everything she just threw at you. "Well, that part I did notice. And they’re freakishly...big. Good thing we made extras of everything, because I think they just wiped out half the front shelf."

Quinn laughed, stepping around you to check for herself. "I have a shelf they can—sorry."

"Okay easy tiger,” you let out a laugh, “they're gone. Are we still on for drinks tonight?"

"Oh absolutely, I definitely need a martini or three after seeing the best receiving duo in the game, in person. My boyfriend is actually going to lose his mind when I tell him."

You shake your head with a smile on your face, walking back to the kitchen to restock, the scent of butter and cocoa bean filling the air as you slip behind the counter to arrange the freshly baked tarts.

Much to your surprise, they were back three days later. The door sounded again, and the tall one walked up to you, his broad shoulders barely fitting in the doorway. "I'm Tee."

"Hi Tee," you smile, surprised. "Didn't expect to see you back so soon. Or your friend over there." Tee turns around to find Ja'Marr loading up on cheesecakes this time, not paying attention to anything else. The sight of him, mouth half-full of a pastry, causes you to chuckle.

"I didn't either but...damn. You the owner?"

You nod, hesitant but flattered.

"Excuse my language, but yo, this shit fire—like man. We had to come get some more. Everything’s made fresh, from... scratch?"

"Yeah, every morning I get here at like 5:30 and we bake everything. From scratch."

Ja'marr appears next to him, holding a mini crème brulee. "You are VERY good at your job. You'll be seeing a lot of us now that we're back for the season. Swear you weren't here when I left Cincy, how long you been here?"

"Stop, it's not that great.” You wave him off as he continues to nod profusely, holding up his latest find with wild eyes as you laugh again. “And I've been here a little over a month, just moved to Cincinnati actually."

"From?" Ja'Marr pipes up, curiosity dancing in his eyes.

"France, lived there for a few years to perfect my pastry skills and really focus on my craft."

"That's crazy, I just got back from Paris for Fashion Week. The food was amazing and looks like the classes worked cause you definitely know what you're doing."

"Thank you guys. And spread the word will you? I heard you two are kind of a big deal around here."

"Something like that, we appreciate you for these," Tee flashes a wide grin, holding up the bag as he thanks you one more time, "you'll see us back here soon."

The next day they returned the favor and since you'd been feeding them, they wanted to take you to a special spot downtown to really introduce you to the city. Of course you brought Quinn with you. Her boyfriend didn't believe this was actually happening until he Facetimed her and saw the guys for himself. It was nice to finally feel like you'd met people you got along with without having to try to be anyone but yourself. Over the next few weeks while exploring the Cincinnati food scene, you found out that Tee and Ja'marr were funny, sweet and kind, just two guys enjoying the last few weeks of the offseason before training camp ramped up. Both of them were in the midst of contract negotiations, having to explain to you the ins and outs of NFL life. They appreciated that you didn't care about their status and never asked unless they started the conversation and you loved having people around that made this city feel so much less like a foreign country.

Ja'Marr strolled in one morning with a grin, practically bouncing on his feet as he leaned across the counter. "Hey, so listen...you gotta make those mini cakes for my housewarming on Saturday. I mean, you have to be there, since we’re your best friends now and all. It’s only right."

Quinn, who had been wiping down the counter, stopped mid-motion and squinted at him. "Excuse me? So now I’m invisible? You’re just gonna act like I wasn’t the one keeping her entertained before you waltzed in with your designer sweatpants and phenomenal taste in bakeries? Some people." She shakes her head in mock disbelief.

Ja'Marr smirked, completely unbothered. "Anyway, Imma ignore that. Jealous isn't a good look on you Quinn." He quickly turns his attention back to you, "so...you'll be there Saturday right? I'll text you the address."

"Yes, I'll be there."

"And so will I, since we wanna exclude people from the conversation." Quinn adds in from behind you.

Ja'Marr, clearly pleased with his victory, flashed a grin as he turned to leave. "Speaking in third person? You know what I'll just see y'all Saturday." Before heading out, he shot you one more look over his shoulder. "Don’t forget, mini cakes."

As he walked out, Quinn glanced at you, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Looks like you’ve got some serious new friends now, huh?"

"We," you correct her, "we have some serious friends new friends now."

As a business owner, you prided yourself in being a professional. Even at your friend's party, you wanted to be more than on time and make the cakes look as pretty as possible. Quinn had joined you in the last-minute preparations, both of you arriving an hour before the gathering started to get things in order. The large living room was already buzzing—caterers setting up a lavish buffet, trays full of appetizers being placed on side tables. Some of Ja'Marr’s friends, who you assumed were visiting from Louisiana, lounged in the corner, their laughs echoing over the low hum of video game sound effects.

You and Quinn worked in tandem, setting the delicate mini cakes on a table near the center, the soft scent of the various flavors filled the room as you arranged the treats just so. You hadn’t even noticed Ja'Marr and Tee walking towards you until Ja'Marr's voice cut through the conversation.

"You brought my favorite ones, that’s so sweet. I am gonna tear. These. Up." His grin was wide as he took in the display of your pastries while wiggling his fingers.

"Be classy, please," you teased, glancing at him, "we don’t want your neighbors thinking a wild animal moved in next door."

"Nah, it’s cool," Ja'Marr shrugged nonchalantly, glancing down to check his phone. "I think one of the neighbors just got here."

The door clicked open, and in walked a tall figure. Your breath caught slightly in your chest as your gaze followed the man’s movement. His striking blue eyes swept across the room, a faraway intensity to his expression that made it seem like he was seeing more than just the people around him. There was a quiet confidence to his posture, the kind of calm authority that made him impossible to miss. His light brown hair, a little tousled in that effortless, perfect way, gave him the air of someone who had just stepped out of a high-end catalog.

"Burrow!" Ja'Marr exclaimed, his voice shifting into an easy familiarity. "Damn...I’m really surprised you here. Didn’t think you were leaving the house for a year after your little world tour."

"We went to the same country," Joe replied, his voice steady and slightly dry. "And it was just one." He gave Ja'Marr a side hug, but the moment was strange—a quick pinky shake that made you tilt your head, wondering what it meant. Something about it felt oddly intimate.

Ja’Marr turned his attention to you. "You remember that bakery we been tellin' you about? This is Y/N, the owner. We kinda best friends now so you need to get used to seeing her around. And that's Quinn, they're a package deal."

"Nice to meet you both." Joe’s voice was smooth, but there was a slight tension in the air as he extended his hand.

You reached for it, but Quinn—who had been standing beside you—was frozen. Her eyes were wide, staring at Joe like he was some kind of myth brought to life. The words she'd been about to say caught in her throat, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to process the moment. The seconds stretched on, but she didn't seem able to move, her usual confidence wiped away by her starstruck shock.

You nudged her lightly with your elbow, snapping her back to reality. She blinked, her expression changing in an instant. “Sorry,” she said quickly, her voice higher-pitched than usual as she shook Joe’s hand. “It’s just—um—I'm, like, a huge fan. My boyfriend, too. He’s gonna lose his shit when I tell him I met Joe Burrow.”

Joe’s eyebrow raised slightly, a small, amused smile pulling at his lips as he noticed her flustered reaction. He let out a soft chuckle. "Well, nice to meet you, Quinn."

You laughed softly, shaking your head at Quinn, trying to play it off while feeling your own pulse steadily increasing. Quinn, still flushed from her sudden nervousness, was no longer frozen but her eyes were still glued to Joe, unable to hide the awe on her face.

"Okay, now that we've got that out of the way," Ja'Marr said, clearly enjoying the shift in energy. "I know you don't play about your diet but when I tell you these cakes are the best thing I've ever put in my body? I'm being serious."

Before you can roll your eyes or downplay it, the homeowner stops you. "Don't even think about it, I don't wanna hear none of that. We just need to get him to try one."

Joe grabs one with a Biscoff cookie on top and takes a bite, completely unfazed by the fact that everyone is watching. "Wow, this is. This is incredible. I get why they won't shut up about your place. This is really good."

"Thank you," you laugh softly, trying to push down the weird sense of nervousness pooling in your chest. "And thanks for breaking your strict diet to try it, that means a lot."

He nods and more people start to show up so Ja'Marr leaves to greet them and Tee grabs a few tiny cakes for himself, Quinn asking him if he wants a plate. Everyone moved on from the previous conversation but as you made eye contact with Joe, something unexpected happened—a flicker of recognition, of something unspoken, passing between the two of you. His gaze held yours for just a heartbeat longer than usual, and for a moment, it felt like the rest of the room had melted away. Although you didn’t really want to, you ignored that feeling and focused on enjoying the night.

You and Quinn moved around the party, getting to know different groups of people, mingling with different players on the team, their significant others and she had to explain to you who all these people were. Of course you'd heard the names before, the buzz around the city the closer the players got to training camp and to the season actually starting. But if years in Europe had taught you anything, it was that sports fans are obsessively dedicated and somehow now you had also become an honorary Bengals fan because of Ja'Marr and Tee. And you couldn't wait to cheer them on. But right now? You couldn't wait to be home and in bed.

The exhaustion of the being up since 4:30 in the morning was continuously creeping up on you. The noise and the laughter mixing with the smells of rich food and the clinking of glasses was all becoming a bit too much after a long week of work. Your mind was constantly racing, your body tired and your spirit longed for some peace and quiet.

You slipped outside into the cool evening air, the chill of the night sky a welcome relief from the heat of the crowded room you'd successfully slipped out of. The city buzzed faintly in the distance, but it felt like a different world out here, away from the chatter and the constant movement.

You leaned against the porch railing, closing your eyes for a moment to just breathe.

The door clicked open behind you, and for some reason you knew exactly who it was. His presence was unmistakable.

“Didn’t expect you to be out here,” Joe’s voice was low, a little gruff but soft in the quiet of the night.

You didn’t answer right away, too focused on the quiet of the moment to form any words. You’d seen Joe around the party—he’d been laughing and chatting, looking perfectly at ease, but now he seemed... different. There was something in the way he stood, in the way he gazed at the horizon, that told you his social battery had run out just like yours had.

“You all good?” Joe asked after a beat, his voice a little more concerned than you expected.

You nodded, finally turning to face him. “Yeah. Just needed a minute. It’s...a lot, sometimes, you know? New city, new life, always on the go.”

Joe looked at you for a long moment, as though weighing something in his mind. “I get it,” he said quietly. “I’ve had days where I just need to...step away for a second. Guess we both needed some air, huh?”

You couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony. Two people who seemed like they could handle anything, both seeking a quiet moment to themselves, at the same time. You glanced at him, noting the way his hands were shoved deep in his pockets, his jaw slightly tense. He wasn’t trying to fill the silence with empty words or forced jokes, and for that, you appreciated it.

Neither of you spoke for a while, just standing there in the cool night air, the sounds of the party muffled behind the door. For the first time, you felt the world slow down a little.

Joe shifted, and you glanced over, catching the faintest flicker of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Tee and Ja’Marr won’t shut up about you. Guess it’s my turn to see what all the hype is about."

You smiled back, the moment stretching on, neither of you in a rush to move. "Hope I don’t disappoint."

Ja'Marr had you over a few nights later to go over some film with you to get you ready for "the most important season of your life." Tee walked into the living room holding an iPad full of notes, including the presumed depth chart for week 1. Joe sat on the opposite couch, a water bottle on the table in front of him. They gave you a rundown on what everybody's role is on the team starting with Joe.

"He's QB1, you know. Heart of the team, he's our leader." The more he talked, the more it sounded like he was reciting wedding vows to his quarterback, who looked like he was bored out of his mind. You glanced over at him, but he didn’t react, just sipped his water and let Ja’Marr ramble on. You had barely spoken to him all day—just small glances here and there without taking it any further.

The same thing happened the next day. And the day after that.

Finally, you spoke up. "You're not a man of many words, are you?"

Joe barely looked up as he responded, "Depends on who it is and what they're asking." His tone was casual, but there was a weight to it, like he didn’t give away words freely. Like almost every human interaction he had was a secret interview prying into his personal life.

"Okay, well, you've attended three sessions of my exclusive Bengals 101 class, and you've barely said a word," you pointed out, shifting on the couch to face him. "But yet, every day, you're here."

"I love football," he said simply, taking another sip of water. Then he set the bottle down, finally looking at you. "And I would hate for the newest football fan of the crew to be confused in the middle of the Jungle."

"Is that what they call it? The Jungle?" you asked, raising an eyebrow at the fact that he may have just cracked a joke.

Joe gave you a half-smirk and nodded. "It gets pretty wild, Y/N," he said, standing up and patting you lightly on the back as he walked past. "You better be ready."

He always kept interactions short, never going out of his way to talk to you in group settings, refusing to join the group chat that Tee had created with you, Ja'Marr, and Quinn. Instead of treating him like an onion who needed to be peeled, you just went with it and tried to lean in and embrace his dry sense of humor.

One night, you plopped down next to him on the couch. "Hey," you said casually, tilting your head to study him. "I was just wondering—do you ever smile? Like, unprompted? Or do you just reserve happy Joe for the comfort of your gigantic house when you're alone watching SpongeBob reruns?"

Joe turned his head slightly, his lips twitching into a smirk before he quickly looked away, trying to hide it.

Too bad for him—you caught every second of it.

A few hours later, as you cleaned up after another “film session”, you caught Joe watching you from across the room. Not in an obvious way—more like he was trying to figure something out, like you were a broken play he was seeing on his tablet.

He left without saying much, as always. You figured he preferred sticking to his usual routine—keeping his world small, guarded and unbelievably predictable.

So, when you saw him on the other side of Quinn's door after days of radio silence holding several bags of food, you almost dropped the bottle of wine in your hand.

"You know, you probably shouldn't have tipped that delivery guy. He just handed me these bags when I told him I was coming up here. I could've just been some horrible person stealing a perfectly good breakup recovery meal."

"I think because you're...you know—you? He probably would've handed you anything. I’m surprised he didn't ask for a selfie."

“Oh, he did,” Joe deadpanned, shifting the bags in his arms. “I signed the receipt instead. How's Quinn?"

"Honestly? She said she saw it coming, but it still sucks. You can come in."

Before long, everyone had found a spot, the coffee table now covered in takeout containers, the aroma of fried rice and lo-mein filling the air. The soft glow of the TV flickered across the dimly lit living room as Quinn sat curled up in the corner of the couch, picking at her food while Tee animatedly recounted his worst breakup story.

“At least your ex didn’t break up with you via emoji,” Tee said, waving his fork.

Ja’Marr nearly choked on his drink. “You lyin’.”

“Bro, she deadass sent me a salute emoji and just—gone.”

Quinn let out a weak laugh, shaking her head. “Okay, that’s tragic.”

“Exactly. So if I survived that, you’ll survive this.” Tee nudged her with his elbow.

The weight in the room had started to ease, the heaviness of Quinn’s breakup quickly turned into a lighter and softer energy. You sat on the couch sharing a blanket with her, almost having to force yourself into finishing your food because it was unfortunately your first real meal of the day. Joe sat beside you, close enough that you could feel the heat of him, his knee brushing against yours every time one of you shifted. You told yourself it was nothing.

Every once in a while, your eyes met—quick glances during a particularly funny scene, a knowing look when Ja’Marr started yelling at the TV. He was more relaxed tonight, his usual quiet guardedness giving way to something looser, something easy.

For the first time since moving to Cincinnati, you felt it. That feeling of belonging. Of finding your people.

Quinn let out an exaggerated sigh, leaning her head against your shoulder. “I guess I’ll survive.”

“You definitely will,” you reassured her, placing your hand on hers, giving it a squeeze.

Joe shifted beside you, his voice low. “You picked a hell of a crew to stick with.”

You turned your head, meeting his gaze, something unreadable in his expression.

“Could be worse,” you teased, nudging his leg slightly.

He huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. For a second, it seemed like he might say something else—but instead, he just reached for an egg roll.

After that night, things started to shift more toward football. The usual late-night hangs became less frequent, the group chat more active with reminders about packing lists and schedules. Training camp was looming, and you could feel the weight of it, even though you weren’t the one suiting up.

One night at Ja’Marr’s, Tee stretched out on the couch, scrolling through his phone. "This is our last free weekend before camp. Y’all better soak it in.”

Quinn groaned. “Ugh. That means my social life is about to take a massive hit.”

Ja’Marr snorted. “Don’t act like we don’t have days off. We just gon be tired as hell.”

Joe wasn’t there that night—he’d taken off for a few days on his annual lake trip, something about needing to “reset.” Not that you were keeping tabs on his whereabouts or anything, but the house felt quieter without him.

Then, two nights before camp started, he walked into Ja’Marr’s house like nothing was different.

Except, everything was different.

Tee was mid-sentence when he noticed, his words dying in his throat as he squinted at Joe. “Boy, what the hell?”

Ja’Marr turned, eyes widening. "Nah. No way."

You blinked. “Did you—did you shave your head?”

Joe barely reacted, setting his keys down like this was any other day. “Yeah.”

“And bleach it?” Quinn added in, looking intrigued...and a little scared.

“Yep.”

Tee leaned forward, inspecting him like he was some rare species. “You look like a villain in a Fast & Furious movie.”

Joe smirked, rubbing a hand over his buzzed, bleach-blond head. “Perfect.”

Ja’Marr was still in shock. “Bro, what possessed you?”

Joe shrugged, completely unbothered. “Felt like it.”

You tried to stifle a laugh, shaking your head. Of course. The most dramatic change of the offseason, and he acted like it was nothing.

Quinn tilted her head, appraising him. “You know what? I don’t hate it.”

Ja’Marr ran a hand down his face, groaning. “Man, now we gotta deal with this version of Joe all season.”

Joe just grinned, casually grabbing a side salad off the counter like he hadn’t just broken everyone’s brains. Training camp hadn’t even started yet, and he was already causing chaos.

Quinn, Tee, and Ja’Marr burst out laughing, looking at each other with wide grins. "Hold up—do y'all realize what this means?" Tee pointed between them. "We all got buzzcuts now."

Ja’Marr gasped, nodding. "Oh, it’s a sign. We're about to be in sync this season. Chemistry off the charts."

Quinn snorted. "What, like you're the bald-headed Avengers?"

Tee clapped his hands. "Nah, we’re like…an Olympic relay team. Faster, stronger, better communication."

Joe shook his head, amused. "You guys are ridiculous."

"You say that now, but just wait," Ja’Marr said, stroking his chin like he was cooking up a master plan. "I'm over here manifesting greatness."

Joe just rolled his eyes, taking a bite of his food, but then he caught your expression. You were dying to say something. "Go ahead, tell me what you really think. I've heard a few. Cody Rhodes, Eminem..."

"I was gonna say a more attractive version of Jonah Hill in the 21 Jump Street flashback scenes."

Tee and Ja’Marr lost it. Ja’Marr literally had to grab the counter for support, and Tee was staggering away, gasping between wheezes. "Bro, I can see it!"

Joe stared at you, lips pressing together like he was physically restraining himself from laughing. "That’s just hurtful."

"You asked." You bit back a grin.

The chaos continued around you, but somehow, it ended up just the two of you standing there as the others got distracted by something else.

You hesitated. You shouldn’t ask. But you did.

"Why did you do it?" You tried to sound casual. "Your hair looked fine—I mean, more than fine—but… why?"

Joe leaned against the counter, arms crossing over his chest. His lips twitched like he was about to say something stupid. Then—

"I want frosted tips."

You blinked. "Excuse me?"

"And I’ve never seen anyone actually look good when they just go get them, so I’m doing it the natural way."

You just stared at him. "Joe. This is the most insane way to get blond highlights, and you know it."

"Sorry you feel that way," he said, totally unbothered. "But I don’t do things halfway. Go big or go home."

He said it so casually, but the way he was looking at you? That was dangerous. The kind of look that made the room feel a little too warm, made your stomach do an annoying little flip. His icy blue eyes held yours just a second too long—long enough for you to realize that you should run for your life.

Because if you stayed here any longer, you might have to admit that you were developing a teeny, tiny, completely inconvenient crush on Joe Burrow.

August

Having a crush as an adult kind of feels like you're having a heart attack. You could be completely fine one second and then suddenly your entire being was consumed with thoughts of him so vivid it made your chest hurt.

The first preseason game was finally here, giving you the perfect excuse to focus on literally anything else. Your first tailgate was an experience, that morning of the game was by far the busiest day you'd ever experienced. Pre-orders were being picked up left and right, mini pies and cheesecakes were snatched off the shelves before 11am and the only thing that remained by the time all of you left the shop at 2pm was a lone batch of cupcakes that you ended up giving away for free at the stadium. It was easy promo.

Paycor Stadium felt like magic. A chaotic, slightly unhinged kind of magic. Fans were everywhere—some already drunk, all of them decked out in orange, fully prepared to dedicate their mental health to a 53-man roster for the next several months. You just wanted to see your friends do what they loved—well, at least two of them, since Ja’Marr was in the middle of a holdout. Or, technically, a hold-in, since he was still around the building but not practicing. You were still trying to grasp the nuances of contract negotiations, and honestly, you needed a few more Bengals 101 cramming sessions to feel more confident in your abilities to explain the situation, if anyone were to ask.

Time slowed when Joe stepped onto the field. And the stadium erupted when he threw a touchdown to none other than Tee. You swore you saw a couple of fans crying, which was kind of heartwarming but also a little funny, considering they didn’t know him personally.

Joe hadn’t talked much about his wrist injury or the recovery process after surgery, and you never wanted to pry. You figured he’d open up when he was ready. But as you watched him out there, commanding the field like nothing had ever been wrong, you couldn’t help but wonder if it had been as easy as he made it look.

He commanded the field like he commanded every room he entered. You met up with him, Ja'Marr, Tee, Quinn and a bunch of his friends from Athens along with his family to gather at his house, not only because it was the beginning of the season, but it was also a new beginning for him post surgery. The celebration was on, laughter and quiet music filling every corner of the house. You couldn't really hear it, but it had to be from Joe's never ending playlist filled with Gunna and Kid Cudi songs. People drifted in and out of conversations, drinks in hand, taking in the importance of indulging in the calm before the storm of the regular season.

At some point, you found yourself in the kitchen, away from the noise, refilling your drink. You weren’t alone for long.

Joe lingered in the doorway for a second before stepping into the kitchen, leaning against the counter beside you. His presence was quiet but steady, like he was still deciding if he wanted to speak.

For a moment, the two of you stood next to each other silently. You were perfectly happy listening to the muffled sounds of the party happening in the next room. Then, finally, he exhaled, his voice low enough that it almost got lost in the noise.

“I um—I cried last night.”

You turned to him, startled by the sudden confession. His gaze stayed on the counter, fingers idly tracing the grain of the wood.

“There were nights when I thought I wouldn’t make it back here,” he admitted. “Like, really about thought it. More than I ever have before.” He swallowed hard, jaw tightening for a second before he let out a humorless laugh. “I’ve never been afraid of failure. Not really. But this time… it was different.”

You could only imagine what that felt like—to have the thing you built your whole life around suddenly feel uncertain. To sit in the unknown and not be able to do anything but wait.

“I don’t know what to say,” you admitted softly, shifting so you were fully facing him. “I can’t even imagine what that must’ve been like for you.” You hesitated, searching for the right words. “But I do know I’m glad you’re here. That you made it through. And that I get to see you come out on the other side of it.”

Joe finally looked at you then, really looked at you, and for the first time that night, the tension in his shoulders seemed to ease.

Before you could stop yourself, you sighed, "I think about failure all the time."

His brows furrowed slightly. “What do you mean?”

You glanced down, running your thumb over the rim of your glass. “Every single day at the bakery feels like a risk. Like one wrong move, one slow month, and it all comes crashing down. I try not to let it eat me alive, but it’s always there in the back of my mind.” You huffed out a quiet laugh. “Every day is either a risk or a victory. Some days, it’s both.”

Joe was quiet for a moment before he nodded. “Yeah,” he said, almost to himself. “I get that.”

And you knew he did. Probably more than anyone else. Maybe that was the thing about him—he understood the weight of expectations, the pressure of something you love being both the best and hardest thing in your life.

The party carried on around you, but the two of you stayed there, in the quiet.

Joe wasn’t sure when it started, but sometime after the day he met you, he’d found himself wanting to be near you. To talk to you. To hear what you had to say.

Now, standing here, watching the way your eyes softened when you spoke, he realized something that both excited and terrified him.

He liked you. He really liked you.

And when you smiled at him—soft, understanding, like you really saw him—something in his chest tightened. He was absolutely fucked. And he knew it.

The day after his ill-timed epiphany, he had to figure out a way to see you, without making it completely obvious that he wanted to see you. So he did the one thing he could think of.

"THE Joe Burrow, gracing my humble bakery with his presence?" You place a hand over your heart in mock surprise. "Did hell actually freeze over? Or did you finally crack under the pressure of living a sugar-free life?"

The quarterback looks around and shrugs, "told my parents about this place and I wanted to grab them something before they head out. What should I get? What's good here?" He laughs and you glare at him.

"Everything," Quinn interrupts before disappearing in the kitchen to go over their fall menu, "you know this."

"Well…surprise me." Joe says, when it's just you again. "You're the professional here. And I trust your opinion."

You pick out a few things, putting them in a box and handing them over to him after he tapped his phone on the tap to pay. His fingers brushed against yours on the box, just for a second. Just long enough for his slightly calloused touch to settle into your skin. He didn’t pull away immediately. Neither did you. And then, just like that, the moment passed.

Joe thanked you, turning on his heel and walking out without another glance. He told himself not to think about it. About the way your hand felt against his. About how his skin still felt warm where you’d touched him.

He spent a considerably long time staring at his palm in the car before shaking his head, gripping the wheel, and driving himself home.

September

The month came with the promise of real football. Instead, it delivered losses. Three straight. By the end of the month, they were 1-4, and the frustration was suffocating.

Losing wasn’t new to Joe—football was a game of highs and lows. But this? This felt different. This felt like clawing for air and only inhaling more water. He’d been playing pretty well but that hadn’t translated to team success so needless to say, he was frustrated.

And when Joe was frustrated, when the weight of the season pressed down on him, he did what he always did: he shut people out.

His routine became even more rigid. Early mornings. Earlier nights. Film. Practice. Ice baths. Rehab. Study. Sleep. Repeat. No distractions. No detours. Just football.

No one took it personally. Not really. This was how he was wired. How he dealt with things. But that didn’t mean you didn’t notice the way his texts became shorter, the way he started disappearing from the group chat, the way even Ja’Marr and Tee could barely get more than a few words out of him after a loss.

You weren’t even sure if stopping by was the right move. Still, you showed up at his house the day after their first win, peanut butter oat cups in hand and a ton of nerves in your stomach. You just…wanted—no needed to see him. To lay eyes on him and know he was okay.

Joe opened the door a few moments later, looking like a guy carrying a losing record on his shoulders. His hoodie was slightly wrinkled, his hair, which had already grown out tremendously, was still damp from a shower, and there was something unshakably tired about the way he stood.

But when he saw you, his posture relaxed just a little.

“Hey,” he said, voice low.

“Hey.” You offered a small smile, holding out the box. “Figured you’d be on lockdown mode, so I won’t keep you. Just wanted to drop these off.”

His lips twitched like he was debating whether or not to smile. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know.” You shrugged. “But I did.”

Joe exhaled, running a hand over his face before glancing down at the box in his hand with a small smile. You were definitely going to consider this a win.

You let the silence settle between you for a moment before finally saying, “I know this is my first season actually paying attention to all this, but…I do know one thing.”

He looked at you then, a softer expression on his face as he shifted his weight from one foot to another.

“This season isn’t over,” you said firmly. “Not even close. I know you well enough to know you won't just give up without a fight.”

Joe swallowed hard, slowly nodding his head. He didn’t respond right away, but you didn’t need him to. Instead, you reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder—just for a second, just to ground him.

“I’ll let you do your thing,” you murmured. “I just needed to see you for myself.”

Something flickered in his expression, something almost vulnerable, but before you could place it, he sighed, releasing a significant amount of tension in his muscles.

“Come on,” he said, closing the door behind him. “I’ll walk you out.”

The morning air was cool as the two of you walked in quiet steps toward your car. When you reached the door, you turned to say goodbye, but before you could, Joe pulled you into a hug.

It caught you off guard at first, the warmth of him, the way he held onto you like he needed this moment more than he was willing to say.

And then you felt it.

The steady, rapid beat of his heart against your chest.

You weren’t sure what it meant. If he even realized how much he was giving away just by standing here, holding you like this. And as much as you wanted to say something—to push—you got in your car holding back a smile.

October

The guys were riding on a high after beating the Giants, allowing themselves to celebrate for a total of...four hours.

By the time Joe made his way to Ja’Marr’s place, the energy in the house was still buzzing. Most of the guests had gone home and it was just the core four cleaning up in the kitchen, while others made their way in and out of the house. For once, nobody was sulking over film breakdowns or injury reports. It was rare for Joe to show up to things like this—especially in-season—but a win after weeks of frustration made it easier to step outside his routine, even if only for a little while.

He kept to himself for the most part, sitting back and listening while his receivers talked over each other about plays, what went right and what they could’ve done better. But the conversation took a sharp turn when Quinn, comfortably stretched out on the couch with a glass of wine in hand, looked up and announced, “Oh, by the way, I got her on dating apps.”

Silence.

Then all hell broke loose.

“Wait, what?” Tee sat up so fast he almost knocked over his drink. “Are you serious?”

“Like, for real?” Ja’Marr leaned forward, grinning. “Ain’t no way.”

“Oh, I’m very serious,” Quinn smirked, pulling out her phone. “Took some convincing, but she finally caved. And now I get to be the supportive best friend who helps her swipe.”

Ja’Marr rubbed his hands together. “Hand it over. We gotta see this. Make sure ain’t no weirdos on there. Last thing I need is for you to end up on some true crime Netflix special.”

Joe stayed quiet, gripping the neck of his water bottle a little too tightly as you handed them Quinn your phone and she pulled up the profile. Tee and Ja’Marr crowded around, making dramatic noises every time they scrolled past a new guy.

“Absolutely not,” Tee muttered, swiping left.

“Oh, hell no.” Ja’Marr swiped even faster. “Why he posing like that?”

“This one’s kinda decent, though,” Quinn argued, nudging the phone toward them. “Look at him.”

Joe didn’t look. He didn’t join in on the commentary, didn’t make a joke, didn’t do anything except sit there, staring at the condensation rolling down his water bottle, wondering why there was a weird feeling sitting heavy in his chest.

It wasn’t like he had a right to feel any type of way about this. And he knew what it meant.

But that didn’t stop him from feeling it anyway no matter how hard he tried to ignore it.

Between the temperature fluctuations and the sudden boom in business, your head was spinning. The bakery had never been more popular. What had started as a hidden gem over the summer had officially become one of Cincinnati’s go-to spots. Lines stretched out the door on weekends, with customers raving about the new fall menu: cinnamon swirl snickerdoodle blondies, apple cider donuts, maple pecan scones. You barely had time to catch your breath between managing the chaos and perfecting each batch, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Meanwhile, the Bengals’ season remained a rollercoaster. A solid win against the Browns gave everyone a glimmer of hope, but that optimism came crashing down when the Eagles steamrolled them by twenty. After that game, no one heard from Joe. His silent rage wasn’t unusual after a loss, but it was nevertheless, felt from miles away.

The next week, they bounced back in a big way, blowing out the Raiders at home. The scoreboard said it was a dominant win, but Joe was still visibly pissed, seen on the sidelines venting to Zac Taylor about missed offensive opportunities and a shit ton of penalties that should've been avoided. The moment went viral—clips of his animated rant flooded social media, with analysts debating whether his frustration was a sign of his competitive fire or a deeper issue brewing in Cincinnati.

That night, everyone met at Jeff Ruby’s for dinner, but Joe didn’t show. To the surprise of absolutely...nobody.

Toward the end of the night, the restaurant manager approached your table with a takeout bag in hand. “This is Joe’s order,” he explained. “He called it in, but something came up. He asked me to give it to you, is that okay?"

You hesitated for a second before nodding. “Yeah, I got it.”

It wasn’t long before you were standing outside his house, takeout bag in hand, knocking on his door. When he opened it, he looked exhausted. Not physically—no visible bruises or signs of injury—but mentally. His eyes were dull, his usual composed demeanor carrying an edge of frustration.

You gave him the bag. “Figured you should still eat.”

Joe took it with a small nod. “Thanks.”

For a second, you considered just leaving, letting him sit with whatever was weighing on him. But instead, you crossed your arms and leaned against the doorframe. “You wanna talk about it?”

He let out a slow breath, rubbing his jaw before stepping back to let you in. You followed him to the kitchen, watching as he set the bag down on the counter but didn’t open it.

“I don’t know,” he admitted, finally breaking the silence. “I just—” He sighed. “I’m playing well, but I don’t know if we as a collective have what it takes to close out games when it actually matters. We can beat shit teams, but the moment we go up against a real contender, it’s like everything falls apart. And I hate feeling like we’re right there but just not good enough.”

You nodded, understanding the weight of what he was saying. Joe wasn’t the type to be satisfied with mediocrity. He needed to win, and not just in ways that looked good on paper. At this point, to get back on track they needed to look dominant— unstoppable. Not like kids throwing together a project at the last minute because they forgot the due date.

“I get it,” you said softly. “This is your job, your career. You don’t half-ass anything, and you don’t want to settle for middle of the pack.”

Joe’s lips pressed together, his gaze flickering to yours. “Exactly.”

He ran a hand through his hair before exhaling sharply. “I’m sorry for missing dinner. Just…had a lot on my mind.”

You tilted your head, a flash of curiosity taking over. “Anything besides football?”

For a second, he was quiet, debating whether or not to answer. You could see the internal battle written all over his face, his jaw tensing and flexing as he pondered the risks of honesty.

Then, he muttered, “Fuck it.”

Your brows lifted, but before you could ask, he looked at you—really looked at you—and said, “I’ve been...thinking about you.” His voice was low, steady, but you could hear the weight behind it. “More than I want to. More than I should.”

The words knocked the air from your lungs.

You should’ve said something, but for once, you had no idea what to say. Instead, you took a step forward. Joe’s eyes tracked your movement, and when you didn’t pull away, he closed the distance. His hand brushed against your waist, his gaze flickering to your lips, leaning in ever so slightly—

“Yo, have you seen my phone charger?”

Ja’Marr’s voice shattered the moment like glass.

Joe immediately stepped back, cursing again under his breath as Ja’Marr walked into the kitchen, completely oblivious to what he had just interrupted.

Your entire face was on fire and you were sure your heart was seconds away from bursting out of your chest.

Joe looked like he wanted to murder his best friend.

November

Neither of you brought up what almost happened. Maybe because neither of you were sure it should have happened. Or maybe, deep down, you were both afraid of what it would mean if you admitted that it did.

So, instead, things carried on like normal—except they weren’t normal at all.

Joe still came by the bakery, though now he had a habit of showing up under the guise of casual excuses. Like when he walked in one morning, a familiar water bottle in hand, and placed it on the counter in front of you.

“You left this at my house,” he said, completely straight-faced. “Wanted to make sure you’re staying hydrated.”

You blinked at him, then down at the bottle—one of many you’d undoubtedly left behind at places far more inconvenient. “You drove all the way here for…this?”

Joe shrugged. “Seemed important.”

Quinn made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a laugh. You didn’t have to turn to know she was giving Joe a look—one that said she saw right through him.

Still, nothing was said.

The two of you danced around the elephant in the room for 17 days. Then came the bye week, and as fate would have it, or your own personal hell, you ended up at Joe’s house, standing side by side in his kitchen as you baked a pumpkin pie together. The whole thing came randomly, he mentioned in passing that it was his favorite and he was spending his entire bye week on the couch so naturally you came up with a solution. Nobody else was free so it just ended up being you and him. Of course.

The kitchen smelled of cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm sugar, the scent pulling you into your natural element. This was your Paycor Stadium, your stage. R&B played in the background, filling the comfortable silence as Joe rolled out the pie dough with slow, concentrated movements. The counter was dusted with flour, the remnants of your work scattered across the surface.

"You’re pressing too hard," you murmured, stepping in behind him. You placed your hands gently over his, guiding his movements. "You want it even, but not overworked."

Joe huffed out a breath, the warmth of his chuckle brushing against your cheek. "So what you’re saying is, I’d be terrible on a baking show?"

You grinned, your fingers brushing against his as you both worked the dough. "I’m saying, there's some room for improvement for sure."

Joe turned his head slightly, just enough for his blue eyes to catch yours, his expression hard to read but there was a certain glimmer in his gaze. You didn’t move away. Neither did he. This was how it had been for months now—a quiet understanding, an unspoken closeness that had slowly built between you. It was in the way he showed up to your bakery with your favorite coffee, the way you memorized his weekly schedule, the way he looked for you after every home game, his gaze scanning the crowd in the player guest section postgame until he found you.

The pie crust was ready now, but neither of you were ready to move to finish it.

Joe’s hands lingered under yours, his thumbs lightly grazing your knuckles. "I like this," he admitted after a moment, his voice low. "Us. Doing this."

Your breath caught in your throat. "Me too."

It wasn’t just about the pie, and you both knew it.

You helped him move the dough into the pan, your fingers brushing again, sending little shivers up your spine. The pumpkin filling sat ready in a glass bowl, waiting to be poured, but Joe seemed far more interested in you. His eyes traced over your features, cataloging every detail as if he was afraid he’d forget them.

"What?" you asked, suddenly self-conscious under his gaze.

Joe shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Nothing. Just thinking."

"About?"

He exhaled slowly, rolling his lips together as if debating what to say. Then, instead of answering, he reached out to touch you, his fingers trailing down to your jawline, resting there a smidge too long. His movements were gentle, almost hesitant, as if he was giving you the chance to pull away.

You didn’t. You couldn't.

The space between you evaporated, his lips brushing against yours in a kiss so delicate, so achingly tender, that it stole the breath from your lungs. It was slow, unhurried, as if he was trying to memorize the feel of you against him. His hands found your waist, pulling you closer, and you let yourself sink into him, fingers curling into the fabric of his hoodie. The warmth of his body, the faint scent of his cologne mixed with vanilla extract—it was intoxicating.

Joe deepened the kiss, a quiet desperation laced within it, months of lingering glances and fleeting touches culminating in this moment. You felt his hesitation fade, replaced by something raw and real, something neither of you could ignore any longer.

But then he pulled away.

And you saw it—regret, creeping into his expression before he even said the words.

“We shouldn’t have done that,” he muttered, running a hand over his face. “This was a mistake.”

A sharp, bitter laugh escaped you before you could stop it. “Are you serious?”

Joe exhaled, looking anywhere but at you. He was still standing somewhat close but his hands weren’t on you anymore, making the temperature in the room instantly feel like it had dropped 20 degrees. Even the expression on his face was a little colder than before. “I don’t want to ruin what we have.”

Your heart was pounding, anger curling hot in your chest. It was the only thing fueling you and keeping you warm. “I think it's a little too late for that. Joe, things have already changed. These past few weeks—hell, these past few months—we’ve been dancing around this. We’re not in fucking high school. Just tell me the truth.”

You took a step closer, forcing him to face you. To look at you. “Do you honestly have no feelings for me?”

Silence.

Then, finally—too quiet— “I don’t.”

You flinched like he’d slapped you.

Joe must have seen it because he let out a heavy breath and ran a hand through his hair. “I’m just—overwhelmed. The team is losing, and I’m playing the best football of my life, and I just—I can’t add another thing to my plate right now.”

You studied him for a long moment, jaw tight, hands clenched at your sides. Then, finally, you nodded.

You stared at him, waiting for him to take it back, to say something—but he didn’t. He just stood there, shoulders tense, eyes locked on the floor like he was hoping if he didn’t look at you, this would all just go away.

“You’re such a coward.”

Joe’s head snapped up, but you were already shaking your head, anger and frustration crashing into you all at once.

“You are so stuck in your own head,” you continued, voice sharp, unrelenting. “You keep everyone at arm’s length so you don’t get hurt. So you don’t have to admit that you actually feel things like a normal human being. You’re not some heartless football machine, Joe. You don’t have to live, breathe, and die this sport 24/7 to be fulfilled.”

You took a step forward, forcing him to face you, forcing him to hear you. “And you can stand there and act like this isn’t real, like there’s nothing between us, but I know there is. And you do too. Maybe it’s new, maybe it’s always been there, but I’m not stupid. At least I didn’t think I was.”

Joe’s jaw tightened, but he still said nothing.

And that? That pissed you off even more.

You scoffed, blinking away the sting in your eyes as you turned on your heel, grabbing your things off the counter. “If you want to pretend none of this is real, then fine. I won’t fight you on it.”

Joe didn’t move. He didn’t stop you.

You lingered for half a second, hoping—praying—that he’d snap out of it. That he’d reach for you, say your name, give you anything.

But all he did was stand there, motionless, watching you go.

You exhaled sharply, shaking your head one last time before you reached for the door.

“Don’t burn my pie,” you muttered, then stepped outside, slamming the door shut behind you.

December

Joe told himself, over and over, that he’d made the right decision.

That pulling away had been necessary. That it was better this way.

But as the weeks passed, the reality of it settled in like a dull, persistent ache in his chest. The group dynamic wasn’t the same anymore. Quinn was firmly on your side, and Tee and Ja’Marr were caught in the middle, trying their best to act like everything was normal when it clearly wasn’t.

You only hung out with them if Joe wasn’t going to be there, and eventually, he stopped showing up altogether. Left the group chat, too, because what was the point?

So, yeah. He told himself this was what he wanted. That it was for the best.

Then one day, the night before his birthday while the Bengals were in Dallas, his house was broken into.

It was everywhere. The footage of the smashed window. The grainy security cam stills of showing the inside of his house. The headlines dissecting every detail—what was stolen, how much damage was done.

For a second—just a fleeting, stupid second—he thought maybe you’d reach out.

But you didn’t.

And why would you? It wasn’t your place anymore.

You were moving on. Meeting new people.

Like Cory.

Sweet, mature, honest-about-his-feelings Cory.

More than Joe could say for himself.

Joe wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.

At all, really.

But when he overheard Tee and Ja’Marr talking about you, about how you’d been going on several dates with some guy named Cory, he couldn’t help but listen.

“Seems like a good dude,” Tee said, scrolling through his phone. “Takes her out, treats her right.”

“She actually looks happy, too,” Ja’Marr added. “Not whatever the fuck that was with Joe.”

Joe rolled his eyes, slamming his locker shut. “The hell is that supposed to mean?”

Ja’Marr turned to him, unimpressed. “It means you fumbled, bro.”

Tee nodded. “Big time.”

Joe exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his jaw. He wasn’t in the mood for this. But they weren’t letting it go, so he told them. Everything. The kiss, the fight, the way he let you walk away because he was too caught up in his own head to admit how he really felt.

By the time he finished, Tee and Ja’Marr were looking at him like he was the dumbest man alive.

“You fumbled twice,” Tee corrected.

“She’s moving on,” Ja’Marr added. “And from the sound of it, dude’s actually putting in effort. You had your chance.”

Joe didn’t respond, just sat there, feeling more irritated by the second. He told himself he didn’t care.

The restaurant was dimly lit, the soft hum of jazz playing in the background as you swirled the last bit of your wine in the glass. Across from you, Cory was smiling, eyes warm and excited in a way that made you feel a little guilty. He was sweet, thoughtful, and easy to be around. The kind of man that you bring home to your parents and settle down with. But that was the problem, wasn’t it? He was easy. There was no tension, no unsaid words, no history thick enough to make the world stand completely still for a minute.

You were on your fifth date now, and even though you liked him, you knew deep down you weren’t feeling it the way you were supposed to.

“I, uh—I actually got something for you,” Cory said, reaching into his jacket pocket. “Well, it’s more of a surprise, really.”

You set your glass down, watching as he pulled out a sleek envelope and slid it across the table toward you. “Go on, open it.”

You hesitated before peeling it open, your heart practically stopping when you saw what was inside. Two tickets to the game—Bengals vs. Broncos. A must-win. And VIP passes for the postgame meet-and-greet.

You felt like the wind had been knocked out of you.

“I wasn't snooping in your house or anything but I did see a Bengals cup in your cabinet the other day. But you never really said anything about being a fan?” Cory said, clearly proud of himself. “i don't know, I figured you might like it. And hey, you can finally meet some of the players.”

Your stomach twisted painfully. You swallowed down the instinct to refuse, to make up an excuse, to say absolutely the fuck not. But what reason did you have? To Cory, there was nothing complicated about this—just a thoughtful gift for someone he was getting to know.

You forced a smile, hoping it didn’t look as fake as it felt. “Wow, Cory. This is...really sweet of you.”

“So, you’ll come?” he asked, his grin widening.

You nodded, the weight of your own decision pressing against your chest. “Yeah,” you said, voice quieter than you meant it to be. “I’ll go.”

And just like that, you sealed your fate.

Admittedly, it was their best game of the season. A win in OT, a Tee touchdown to keep their playoff hopes alive, and all the players riding on a high of a multiple game win streak. A month ago, you would've been celebrating right along with them. But tonight you really needed to get through this meet and greet without throwing up. And without blowing your cover. If nothing else, this was Cory's opportunity to have a once in a lifetime experience and the last thing you wanted to do is ruin that.

And then you saw him.

And Joe saw you with...him.

He saw how the guy next to you couldn’t wait to shake his hand—Joe thought it was a joke. Thought maybe this was some kind of sick cosmic punishment for all the terrible decisions he’d made in the last few months.

You looked good, unfairly good in your jacket and Bengals beanie, one that Tee had given you and Joe felt his irritation morph into something else entirely.

You weren’t even looking at him.

Cory, meanwhile, was beaming. “Man, it’s so cool to meet you. You played great tonight.”

Joe barely managed a nod, jaw tight.

Cory didn’t seem to notice the tension thickening the air, but you did.

And when your eyes finally met Joe’s, there was something there—something that made his pulse jump—before you quickly looked away.

Yeah. Joe was pissed.

The moment Cory got distracted meeting some of the other players, shaking hands and taking pictures, Joe saw his chance. He stepped toward you, lowering his voice.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

You scoffed, folding your arms over your chest. “Attending a football game, in the city I live in. Apparently that's a crime now.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“Then be more specific," you bite out.

Joe exhaled sharply, running a hand through his damp hair. “Him? This?” He gestured vaguely in Cory’s direction. “Really?”

Your expression hardened. “Yes, really. He’s kind, honest, actually says what he feels instead of hiding behind excuses and—” You stopped yourself, shaking your head. “You know what? No. I don’t owe you an explanation. I don't owe you shit.”

Joe clenched his jaw. “So that’s it? You’re just—what? Moving on like none of it mattered?”

“Oh, now you want to talk about it?” You whisper yell. “You didn't have anything for me when I asked you, remember? All you could do was look at the floor like a freaking idiot. It was crickets and now you have the nerve to ask me what this is? You don’t get to do this, Joe. You don’t get to push me away, call me a mistake, then act like you suddenly care when you see me with someone else.”

He stepped closer, voice low and tense. “You know damn well I care.”

You swallowed, blinking up at him, and for a second—just a second—Joe thought you might let your guard down. That you might admit there was still something there.

But then you shook your head. “If you actually cared, we wouldn’t be having this conversation here. We actually wouldn't be having this conversation at all. I would've been here, with you. Not looking for pieces of you in another guy, a perfectly nice guy who just wanted to meet the freaking Bengals today. So if you don't mind, I'm gonna go meet Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase...for the first time.”

Joe didn’t know what to say to that.

So you left him standing there, walking back toward Cory with a smile, pulling him in for a hug like Joe wasn’t just barely holding himself together.

January

Exactly seven days later, while Cory was over watching the game with you, Joe took a hit and stayed down. This time you were hanging on by a thread, on the inside. On the outside, you shoved some popcorn in your mouth and sipped on ginger ale, hoping the bubbles would bring your heart back to its rightful place instead of where it currently resided...in your stomach. You didn't know if he had a concussion but he definitely looked out of it, missing throws he usually made and the Bengals escaped Pittsburg by the skin of their teeth, securing a two point win on the road, their destiny up to chance. Ja'Marr called you in the locker room after the game to tell you he needed you at the watch party for good luck in praying on the Dolphins and the Broncos downfall. You told him you'd think about it, part of you didn't mind being in the same room as Joe, especially after you caved and watched his postgame press conference to make sure he wasn't lying about being concussed. Maybe the two of you could be cordial with each other and leave the past behind.

You woke up on the couch with NFL Network still on tv. Something about it felt embarrassing, because it felt right. Months ago you were watching an introduction to football PowerPoint and now you'd regularly catch yourself having football withdrawals. Just as you were ready to call it a night, turning off the tv and mentally preparing yourself to head to your room, you heard a knock at the door. Who could possibly be coming over at 2 in the morning?

You stood frozen in the doorway, gripping the edge of the door like it was the only thing keeping you upright. Your stomach dropped—hard and fast—like missing a step in the dark. Joe was standing there, still in the clothes you had seen him wearing during in his postgame press conference. His hair was a mess, the shadows under his eyes deeper than usual. He looked exhausted. But that wasn’t what made your breath hitch. It was him. Here. Now. After all this time.

“Joe.” Your voice was barely above a whisper. “What are you doing?”

He exhaled heavily, a far away look in his eyes. “I don’t know.”

You crossed your arms, trying to steel yourself, ignoring the way your pulse was racing. “You don’t know? What do you mean you don't know? You just drove around after you landed and magically ended up here?”

“I don't know, I just—I couldn’t go home. Not without seeing you.” He swallowed hard, eyes flickering over your face like he was searching for something, anything that might give him an answer. “I know I shouldn’t be here, but when I got on the plane, all I could think about was you.”

Your heart clenched painfully. Damn him.

“You scared the hell out of me tonight,” you admitted before you could stop yourself. “Watching you go down like that—” You shook your head, gripping the fabric of your hoodie. “I hated it.”

His eyes softened, a flicker of something unspoken passing between you. “I know. Can we just—can I come in?”

You stared at each other, the weight of everything unsaid pressing in around you.

“Joe.” You sighed, your resolve crumbling at the sight of him standing there like that, like he wasn’t sure you’d let him in.

“Please,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “Just for a minute.”

And against your better judgment, you stepped aside.

Joe ran a hand over his face and took a shaky breath. “I don’t even know what the fuck I was thinking on that play, the pocket collapsed so fast I didn't even have time to throw the ball away. And when I hit the ground, all I could think about was you.” He let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. “Not football, not the game, not the playoffs. You. And how I’d fucked everything up so badly that you wouldn’t even reach out. That I wouldn’t get a chance to apologize.”

Your throat tightened, but you forced yourself to keep your expression unreadable.

“I’m so, so sorry. I was a coward,” Joe admitted, his voice breaking. “I am a coward. I’ve spent my whole life trying to be in control—of my game, my career, my emotions. It's kind of my thing. And you…” He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “You fuck all of that up for me. The way I feel about you scares the living shit out of me.”

You blinked, stunned into silence.

“I’m not some heartless football robot,” he continued, his voice raw with emotion. “I’m a man who’s been terrified to feel anything real because it means I can’t control it. And when I’m with you, it’s real. It’s been real for months, and you were right. About everything. I was too much of a fucking idiot to admit it.”

Your heart was pounding, your breath shallow. You wanted to believe him—God, you did—but you couldn’t just let him walk back into your life like he hadn’t wrecked you before.

“I need you to give me a chance to fix this,” Joe pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper now. “Please.”

You swallowed hard. “Joe…”

“I swear to you,” he interrupted, stepping closer, his hands almost reaching for you before he forced himself to stop. “I promise, I will prove to you that I’m not that coward anymore. Just… just say you’ll let me try.”

You studied him carefully, searching for any sign of doubt, any hesitation. But there was none. Only raw, unfiltered desperation and a kind of vulnerability you had never seen from him before.

Your walls were still up, but something inside you cracked. Just a little.

“You have to earn me this time,” you whispered.

Joe nodded instantly. “I will.”

After a hard conversation with Cory in the morning, you decided to attend the watch party the next day to test the waters. And to see your friends all in one place again. The atmosphere in Joe's house had shifted from tense to comfortable, a soft kind of warmth that had been missing for a while. The room was still, save for the quiet hum of the television, which was showing the Broncos slowly dismantling the Chiefs, much to the frustration of everyone else in the room. Joe had been quiet for the most part, lost in his thoughts, but you could tell he had already come to terms with the inevitable.

You weren’t sure if you should be relieved or sad about the Bengals missing the playoffs, but you did know one thing: it didn’t feel like the end for you and Joe. Not anymore.

The room had cleared out, the others heading to their respective homes after the game, leaving you and Joe alone. The snow outside had started to fall heavier now, creating a peaceful stillness that you couldn’t help but love. Joe seemed to notice the shift in the air as well, his eyes softening as he glanced over at you.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. His concern was still there like that first night he found you outside the housewarming party, that need to take care of you even now.

You nodded, even though there was a part of you that was more uncertain than you wanted to admit. “Yeah. Just…just thinking.”

He leaned back against the couch, eyes flicking to the window as the snowflakes danced in the cold air. “You want me to drive you home? It’s getting pretty bad out there. Or, you could stay? Only if you want to."

You hesitated for a second, a small part of you wanting to avoid the drive, to stay with him just a little longer. Maybe it was the way he looked at you—like he was sure this time. Like there was no more running. “I think…I think I want to stay,” you said quietly, meeting his gaze.

Joe didn’t need any more convincing. He pulled you in close to him on the couch, his arm wrapping around your shoulders as he let out a slow sigh. “I’m really gonna miss football," he murmured. “But I’ve got a lot of work to do with you, so I guess I’ve got some time now. I messed up before. I’m not messing this up again.”

You smiled, the weight of the past few weeks lifting off your shoulders just by being close to him. “I can’t wait to put you to work, 6am at the bakery tomorrow morning. And the next few mornings. For a while.” you teased, your voice barely audible.

Joe’s eyes darkened for a moment, a quiet promise in his gaze. He cupped your face gently, leaning in with a tenderness that took you by surprise. When his lips met yours, it was slow, deliberate, as if he was savoring the moment. A kiss full of unspoken apologies, solidifying what was to come, and the quiet declaration that he was willing to do whatever it took to make things right between the two of you. Even if some of that ended up with him getting covered in flour for the foreseeable future.

You didn’t pull away. In fact, you melted into the kiss, your heart swelling in your chest as his hands slid to the back of your neck, holding you in place like you were exactly where you belonged.

He pressed one more slow kiss to your lips before his eyes flicked to yours, searching. “So… does this mean our friendship over?” His voice was low, careful, but there was something else there—hope, maybe.

You didn’t even have to think about it. You let out a small, breathy laugh, shaking your head and running your fingers through his hair. “Absolutely. It’s dead and gone.”

Joe exhaled a soft chuckle, shaking his head before reaching for you, fingers curling gently around your wrist. “Good,” he murmured, tugging you closer. “Because I really didn’t want to be your friend anyway. Got much bigger plans in mind.”

[takes1]

oh my lord i love your writing it literally has me geeked every time. any possibility you write more for my man asahi? i’ll take anything you have to offer but i can’t stop thinking about something similar in premise to the wrestling where, instead, it’s 7 minutes in heaven? possible details about the closet they’re in being too small for him, perhaps~ because what asahi fan doesn’t appreciate some size difference goodness

asahi azumane x reader w/ size kink

i literally said, out loud, "ohhh!!!" and started writing it as soon as i saw this ask - you have a gift for ideas my love. thank you for sending this in!!!

warnings. heavy nsfw. minors DNI

details. fem!reader / 7 min. in heaven / heavy size kink / heavy claustrophilia / soft top!asahi / mutual?crushing / manhandling / thigh riding / making out / hickeys and marking / semi PDA / rough but sweet!asahi / 2.3k words / oh lord another maybe? two parter

links. my masterlist. more haikyuu. my ao3. my imagines. my request box

"Well, it's not a closet per se," Suga cocked his head at the half-done, dusty, crawl space the group chose for this game, "But it'll do, right?"

Asahi glanced down at you and didn't stop. You were taken by a big wave of chills, crossed your arms, looked away, then back up-- and he was still looking down at you. Any hope of subtlety was over.

He nodded, despite being the most effected by the size problem of this unfortunate reality.

"Well, there's nothing in it."

A fair point. The other closets were filled with closet-like things. Towels, cleaning supplies, pantry items, tools. The group, consisting of mixed-up members of Karasuno volleyball teams, had a fun treasure hunt with that stuff, but this was what you were after. A closet to play your thirsty game in.

'Unfortunate' was just one mode of perception. Less room meant more contact, but nobody was saying that aloud.

"Can you even fit in here, dude?" Nishinoya clambered out with relative ease, albeit sideways.

Every girl except you looked away as Asahi tried, embarrassed at the way the boards creaked, how he wouldn't be able to enter normally because his shoulders were too wide for the space. He had to bend at the waist because he was far too tall. You scanned the empty space in front of him, warm and tingly.

There was some room! You could fit there and you would, maybe, die trying.

Ever since Daichi retired to his room for the night, nobody had taken up the burdensome mantle of responsibility. His dad-like severity had a strong influence on the types of activities that were 'allowed' to happen.

7 Minutes in Heaven would have never been brought up with him present.

As long as the Karasuno teams were quiet enough to not wake him, you could carry on.

It's not that a game of spin the bottle, or some truth or dare, was necessarily scandalous, but it was enough to get everybody giggling and generate the who-has-a-crush-on-who type of conversations. Since everybody left downstairs were the interested ones that hadn't gone to bed already, it left this smaller, more intimate group to carry out some otherwise repressed desires.

You weren't the first to go in, but it was clear that the first pairing didn't do anything. That was fine and all, and a good reminder that you didn't have to kiss, if you didn't want to.

When Asahi was asked who he wanted to spend the time with, he returned your previous admission from a different game.

"I mean- why would I not say (Y/n)?"

He looked from Suga, who had taken the mantle of 'fun-mom' in all of this, being the bottle-spinner and card-holder and question-maker, back to you.

You realized the time he took to look at his friend was probably the only instance in the past 30 minutes that his eyes hadn't been locked onto you, ever since you admitted your little crush for him.

Getting in was about as easy as you imagined.

It had you both packed so tight that you had maybe an inch to move, at best. It forced you to put your hands on each other, just to stay oriented in the pitch black, and not trip.

"G-od," He sighed, and you earned a centimeter of space for two seconds. Then he had to take another breath and you were immobilized again, "We gotta- gotta adjust, or somethi-ng."

A strained, "Y-eah," was all you could get out. This was not a space meant to fit two people.

"I think, if... I..."

In the darkness, all you could see was some vague shadows move as he stretched down. His palms swallowed up your sides, and you desperately tried to keep your excitement down when you felt for his shoulders. He curled you up and threaded a strong, wide thigh between yours.

Most of it was genuine adjustment, but that didn't mean that it felt any less erotic. Just having to wrap your arms around his body and pull, so that you could sit higher up on his leg, was making your heart race.

"That feel better?"

His grumbly tone forced your thighs to tighten, the way you sat becoming more arched.

You could only give him a whisper, voice strained, because of how nervous you felt, "Yes."

Asahi chuckled right away, his breath ghosting right past your temple.

It was impossible to tell if he was bent to purposefully be close, or if there was no space to straighten more. You assumed the most polite option.

"You, uh- you... comfortable?" He muttered, more against you instead of anywhere else he could've possibly spoken, "Comfortable enough- I guess?"

You laughed, "Sure, yeah."

His thumb started rubbing against your side as he laughed with you. You could feel yourself getting wet, and tried to suppress any automatic squirming.

"You're- a... a nice seat--," Your face scrunched, your innocent words unsuccessful at trying to make things silly, and easy.

"Oh?" He chuckled at you.

"I- didn't--," You looked up in the dark, but couldn't see anything, and tried to pray away your embarrassment, "I did not mean it like that."

His grin spread, and you could feel his stubble really clearly against your forehead.

A tiny kiss to your hairline made your fingers grip his t-shirt, your spine straighten, your poor heart work even harder.

"It's okay if you did," The smile in his voice was so sweet.

Kissing him was shockingly simple. You felt like you had lots to say, things to explain, but they were so unimportant when his lips were soft and reading you like an open book.

The only crucial detail needed, for the moment, in this closet, was that you were super into him, and he was at least entertaining it.

For minutes, he couldn't decide where, how, he wanted to hold you. His arms would trade off between pulling you against his front in a hug, so he could feel more of your body on his.

Or, he would take more of a direct route of using his hands to pull you in for kisses, by the back of the neck, with his other palm keeping you pressed hard against his thigh.

The switch would happen any time you weren't heavy enough on his leg, or when your back wasn't arched enough to stay smushed against his chest.

"M-mh-," He was rolling your hips for you, weighing you down more on his thigh, flexing it just so.

You squirmed, having to part, at his lewd sounds.

He searched for you, huffing, in the dark, "Does that feel good?"

The tone he used with you was genuine, despite how dirty the phrase felt. For a moment, he stopped rubbing you against him.

You swallowed the mixture of spit in your mouth and tried to wipe the drool off of your lips, trembling, "Y-eah, it-- it's--,"

When your hand dipped to fix the seam of your shorts, you accidentally grabbed something warm, and stiff, and just off of where he had you grinding.

"Oh-! Sorry," You retracted your hand, face radiating heat, "I'm sorry."

His chest swelled in a restrained gasp through his nose. His voice was higher, and different as he reassured you it was completely fine.

"Was- that--? Mmh--," Before you could finish your tentative question, he wrapped one arm around you, palming half ass, half hip, while the other yanked you against his torso. It seemed he had realized a good middle ground between his holds.

Another partial moan at how he was able to pull you further up -so that you were trapping his cock between your bodies- got cut off by another clumsy kiss.

He bit you, at your bottom lip, and it throbbed for the rest of the time you kissed him. It made you shove a hand down the back of his shirt, give him an otherwise embarrassing sound, that he ate right up.

What you could feel of his print throbbed against you. A weakness radiated down through your fingers and toes as you scratched lines into his bare skin. It didn't do shit. It was like he didn't even feel it.

Actually, you wanted that shirt off.

It took just three seconds of pitiful tugging for him to let off, pull it over his head with one hand, and swing it to the dusty floor. Forgotten.

He was rough when he put his hands back on you, when you returned it, tugging, wanting to be closer however possible.

"Fuck-!" You sighed, breathing hard, fast, at his busy sucking down your neck.

His nails dug into your skin, his breathing characterized by needy groans that sounded a lot like he in the middle of a workout, if anything.

Since when did he like you back? Was it just because you were available? Would he have done this with any of the girls on your team? Not that it was much of a competition- none of them thought he looked 'civilized' enough to entertain him as an option.

Your legs were jelly, your thoughts heavy, but it didn't matter.

His shoulders would stretch further with every huff, expanding and resetting, and you couldn't stop yourself from scouring every inch while he was over you. It was getting hot in here. He was getting tacky, a little slippery in some areas.

He bit you too hard in a soft spot and you cried out, barely stuffing the sound into his bare shoulder. It was loud and you both knew it was audible through the other side of the door.

Asahi slowed, as gentle as he started, again, with an apologetic hum in the crook of your neck.

"Sorry," You could hear his smile, "Too much-"

He sighed and collected his nerves for a second as he readjusted his grip on you. More palm, less fingertips. It didn't sting as much and you missed it.

He said definitively, mostly to himself, "That was too much."

"I liked it!" You reassured him quietly, palm moving from his shoulder, to his neck, to the side of his face.

"I liked it. I liked it," Got repeated, in a tiny giggle, as he stilled.

You were delivering multiple little pecks across his face, craving his intensity as soon as you lost it. You tried holding him tighter, but it wasn't the same when he wasn't pushing and pulling.

That tingly sensation of his breathy laugh, his skilled tongue, was back on your neck, closer to your ear.

You melted at once with a whimper, the need to rock your own hips short-lived because he pushed his own against your heat.

"Ahh-!"

He grinned, sucking another bit of skin in an obvious spot, "Shhh."

The heartbeat between your legs was strong. He could feel it clearly against his thigh, wishing it was better placed and put to good use.

His fingertips were digging, pushing past the waistband of your shorts, further down, palm against your tummy. Maybe it was that feeling, maybe it was your enthusiasm, or maybe the fact that you were so wet he could feel that, too, but something possessed him to start getting greedy.

But he paid for it. While you were encouraging him, a hand around his thick forearm, guiding and pushing it down, a gasp already on your breath-- you were both completely blinded.

No courtesy knock. Just a bright light and a loud screech. Asahi retracted his curious hand in a flash, but there was not much else to do to make this look less provocative.

Though the sound was higher-pitched, it was not made from anyone on your team.

Nishinoya dropped to his knees, slack-jawed, and that's all you were able to register before the door slammed shut again.

Suga scolded him from the other side, others were shushing incessantly.

"You were supposed to knock, Noya!!"

"Now Daichi's gonna wake up! Nice going, dumbass!"

It gave you both enough time to try and separate. However, without opening the door, you couldn't get fully off of one another.

You were shaking, beyond nervous, and forcefully sobered. Not exactly happy.

"Um- that was great. Thank you," It was a short, and curt, way of telling him you didn't expect much after this. You had one hand on the door.

Asahi grabbed you by the waist and dragged you back. "C'mere--,"

His rough, messy, desperate last kiss was enough to leave you dizzy. He readjusted himself during it with one last rub.

"We're not done yet," He told you. Another hasty peck to the top of your head, and he was leagues lighter in tone, "Uh, sorry- As far as I'm concerned. Do what you want, though!"

He turned the knob for you and pushed it open a crack. You stumbled out, wiping your mouth.

☆VIP☆

@integers @paradoxicalwritings @yuchacco @screamin-abt-haikyuu

potential for part two but i need to refrain from making promises. lmk if you're interested and i can make a taglist if i revisit!

my masterlist. more haikyuu. my imagines. requests open.

[nilla03]

𝓢𝓹𝓸𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓻𝓸𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓷 ღ

𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡: 𝑡𝑜𝑗𝑖 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝘩𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑦 𝘩𝑖𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚

𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠: 𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜𝑗𝑖, 𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑔𝑎𝑝, 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑠𝑒𝑥𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐

Toji Fushiguro had a weakness for spoiling you. He wouldn’t admit it outright, but the way his calloused hand found your lower back as he guided you into the high-end boutique said it all. You didn’t need to pout or beg—he’d already planned to indulge you, his deep pockets burning for the chance to see your pretty eyes light up.

“Go ahead, princess,” he murmured, his gravelly voice sending a shiver down your spine as his hand slipped to squeeze your hip. “Pick whatever catches your eye. I don’t want to hear no complaints later about not having anything to wear.”

You smiled up at him, your glossed lips glinting under the boutique’s soft lights. Dressed in a short pink dress with matching strappy heels, you looked every bit the spoiled little doll he loved to treat. “Whatever I want?” you teased, batting your lashes as you clutched his arm.

Toji smirked down at you, his green eyes flashing with amusement. “You heard me. Don’t hold back.”

You didn’t need to be told twice. With a playful sway of your hips, you wandered off, your soft giggles filling the air as you browsed through racks of dresses, skirts, and tops. Toji leaned against a counter, arms crossed, watching you with a lazy grin as you picked out pieces, holding them up for his opinion.

“This one?” you asked, showing off a snug, body-hugging dress in white.

He tilted his head, taking his time to rake his eyes over you. “Hmm. Try it on. Let’s see if it’s as good on you as I’m picturing.”

You added it to the growing pile draped over your arm, along with a few other items he insisted you grab. Once you’d gathered enough to model for him, he followed you to the fitting rooms, his large frame shadowing yours.

Inside the dressing room, you tried on piece after piece, stepping out to give him a spin each time. Toji, lounging in a plush chair outside your door, hummed his approval or offered teasing critiques, his gaze heated and heavy as it trailed over your figure.

But it was the final dress—a soft pink mini with a sweetheart neckline—that had his jaw tightening and his hands clenching against his thighs. You stepped out, adjusting the hem with a shy smile, and his sharp inhale was all the confirmation you needed.

“Well?” you asked, turning for him, the fabric hugging your curves perfectly.

Toji didn’t say a word. Instead, he stood, his imposing frame towering over you as he stalked into the dressing room, closing the door behind him with a quiet click.

“Too good,” he murmured, his rough hands finding your waist and spinning you to face the mirror. His chest pressed against your back, his lips ghosting over your ear as his eyes locked on yours in the reflection. “Way too good for anyone else to see.”

Your breath hitched, heat pooling low in your belly as his hands slid down to the hem of the dress, his fingers slipping beneath the fabric to skim along the tops of your thighs. “T-Toji,” you whispered, your voice trembling as his grip tightened.

“You got me twisted, doll,” he growled, his tone low and rough. “Parading around in this like you’re not mine. You want me to keep spoiling you, huh? Let me remind you who’s footing the bill.”

Before you could protest, his lips were on your neck, leaving a trail of open-mouthed kisses that had your knees going weak. His hands roamed your body, tugging the dress higher as he pressed his hips against you, letting you feel the growing bulge in his jeans.

“Toji—someone might hear,” you whimpered, though you made no move to stop him.

“Let ‘em,” he muttered against your skin, his tone dripping with smugness. “Let them hear how good I make my girl feel.”

He didn’t give you a chance to argue. His fingers found the waistband of your panties, tugging them down in one swift motion before cupping your cunt, “look at that doll, she’s already quivering for me”. A soft gasp escaped your lips, his scar on his top lip lifting slightly as he smirked, his eyes never leaving yours in the mirror.

“Keep quiet for me,” he rasped, slipping a finger sliding into your wet cunt and groaning at how ready you were for him. “Wouldn’t want to get us kicked out before I’m finished with you.”

The noises that were coming out of your pussy had your face turning a bright pink, toji was the only man that could get you like this. Your poor cunt was gushing against his fingers, juices dripping against his hand and forearm “to-toji! This is so embarrassing- oh!”

Your hands clutched at his forearms, your head falling back against his chest as he worked your pretty cunt with practiced ease, his free hand sliding up to palm your breast through the thin fabric of the dress. The combination of his fingers sliding in and out, his rough hand touching your breast. Ugh! His filthy words had your head spinning your body arching into him as you fought to keep your whimpers quiet.

But Toji didn’t make it easy. His fingers thrusted in a fast pace, your walls fluttered at the stretch, his pace unrelenting before gripping your thighs and spreading them. Leaving you wide open for anyone to see, you know for a fact that your cunt is leaving a mess against his lap and the chair.

“Oh my god toji- fuuck!” You whined grinding against his fingers poor little body begging to cream all over his fingers

“That’s it, doll,” he growled, his lips brushing against your ear. “Just a little more, you can do it doll just a little more- yeahh just like that”

Your perfect polished nails are digging into his arms, your hips are frantically moving back n forth against his fingers “toji! I’m gonna-“

Your soft cunt walls clenched against him again before letting out a stream all over his jeans underneath you, coating your inner thighs and his hand

“Fuck, princess,” he muttered against your lips, his hands tangling in your hair.

“Guess I earned that dress, huh?”

Toji chuckled, his green eyes dark and mischievous. “You’ve earned a whole damn closet. Now, c’mere—let me help you out of it.”

[razorblade180-heated]

Loving Obedience

[It’s Smut. Look away. Back door stuff. Happy Valentine’s Day]

Today is the day. Jaune wanted to pretend he wasn’t excited, but today was the day! Well, potentially. Thanks to a very interesting holiday gift, the groundwork for an even crazier Valentine’s Day with Ruby has been established.

“Someone looks happy today.” Weiss said, noticing the slight pep in his step as he walked with her down the hall to their apartment with their leftovers in hand. “I doubt a seafood bowl made you this fat and happy.”

“You underestimate my love of lobster. It’s as strong as your passion for cocktail shrimp.”

“Ha! Nothing is as strong as that.”

“Not even our love?”

Her cheeks turned pinkish. Weiss playfully rolled her eyes at his words. “Spare me the cheesy comments. I just ate.”

“Probably more than Ruby would’ve.”

“Hey! Uncalled for!” Weiss huffed. “This is not how you treat someone on a date.” She turned her head in faux outrage but quickly cracked a grin when she felt Jaune’s arms pull her into a hug.

“I’m soooorrry, my lovely Snow Angel.”

“Hmph! I guess the meal is worth a warning.” Weiss kissed his cheek then slipped out of his grasp. “Come on. Let’s get these leftovers to Ruby.”

“I’m still surprised she didn’t want to join us.”

“Are you though?” Apparently she had something she wanted to prepare for. Wouldn’t tell me what, but obviously it’s for you.” Weiss looked over her shoulder to see the boy’s face growing red. “You two are a couple of beasts.”

“Pfft, and you’re not?”

“I may have certain desires but I pale in comparison to you both!” She stated, knowing her argument was flimsy.

“So you aren’t curious at all about what’s happening?”

“I- well…that’s a different story altogether. Ruby isn’t the type to be secretive or embarrassed easily with this type of thing. That alone is hard to ignore.”

“Ah, so you are interested?”

“So!? That’s not the point! Regardless, I will give you both space. Unlike a certain someone, I don’t have a tendency to peek.” Just the memory of Ruby entering her room made her face burn.

“Hehe, honestly I don’t think Ruby would hate that. But I definitely wouldn’t mimic her boldness by coming if I were you. She’s really putting herself out there.

Okay now Weiss was super curious! What could they be experimenting with!? She already knew about the collar situation. Does the well go deeper?

Jaune couldn’t help but hold in a chuckle as Weiss walked into the apartment with a thousand thoughts. Their home looked mostly changed, except for the new trail of petals that lead to his room.

“Y’know, you’re quite lucky. How many people get these kinds of Valentines?”

Jaune put the leftovers on the counter. “You say that as if you’re the one who treated me to lunch or surprised you with shrimp cocktail.”

“Touché. I’ll give you that.” Weiss walked up and kissed his cheek again. “Well, if you’re not unbelievably tired when you’re done spending time with Ruby, I can reveal my gift. And before your thoughts go crazy, it’s an actual store bought item.”

“Aw, you didn’t have to, but thanks.”

“Ruby helped me when we both went to breakfast. I fear you too might make me fat.”

“We’d have more of you to hug.”

“Blegh!” Weiss grinned, gently pushing him towards the hall. “Go spend time with your girlfriend. I need a break from your corny comebacks. I’ll put the food away.

“Byyye! Love you too.”

Weiss watched Jaune step into his room, barely catching his eyes widening before he went in and closed the door. The young lady let out a deep sigh. “She didn’t tell me I had to leave the apartment, but if they get loud…” Weiss grumbled, wrestling with her inner demons and doing mental gymnastics. Her body hunched over and deflated. How could her mind go to such perverted places so quickly? “Maybe I am as bad as those two?”

xxxxxx

Jaune considered himself a fairly rational and reasonable person. He always tried to take in information and move with a sense of purpose and idea of what to do. This wasn’t the first time his room had been rose tinted with nice smelling candles and his girlfriend waiting patiently in lingerie for his return. However, it was the first Ruby sat right in the middle of his bed wearing absolutely nothing but a red collar, a headband with black dog ears, and most surprisingly, a long matching tail to which he couldn’t see the end of as it curved behind her. This was a lot to process and frankly, left little room for reason.

Ruby’s face was flushed beyond belief. Normally, she was rather confident when it came to lingerie and putting the moves on both her partners. This was different though; in every sense of the word. Blending both of their kinks with the added curiosity of taking a more submissive attitude had her well outside of her area of expertise.

“W-Welcome home. I uh…I’ve been prepping for today.”

“I can see that.” Jaune was still a little in disbelief. “When I mentioned anal a month ago, I was expecting a butt plug. This though, you never cease to surprise me.”

“Well, it is Valentine’s Day. Go big or go home, right?” She gave an awkward smile. Her eyes watched him approach the edge of the bed and gently reach out to hold the side of her face with his warm touch that never failed to put her at ease.

Those very fingers trailed down her neck and hooked under the collar, tugging her forward slowly until her face rested on the imprint of his restrained erection. His fingers continued their journey down to her left nipple and gave her body a sudden rush as he climbed down on her nipple. How cruel, immediately attacking her weakest spot like this.

“Ngh~”

“To think I’d get such a cute mutt for Valentine’s Day. You ready for obedience training?”

“Yessss.”

“Then show me how loyal you are.”

Ruby pressed her lips against Jaune’s crotch, slowly peppering it with kisses as her hands unbuttoned his jeans. She slipped the zipper between her teeth then pulled down until his heat and scent intensified. Jaune helped her out from fishing out his cock out over his waistband and resting it on her face unexpectedly. He was taking her request to switch roles rather seriously. He no doubt had gotten some decent experience from Weiss. Ruby felt like she was in good hands but also shocked to see her lovable dork so calm.

She stuck her tongue immediately, dragging it up slowly from the base to around the tip before slipping it properly into her mouth. She felt her cheeks burn as she kept eye contact; the way his gaze watched her jaw fall to swallow his girth made her hips ache. Ruby slowly worked her head down and back up, keeping her tongue engaged the whole time as she got a good taste of her man.

Jaune brought his hand back up to her face as wet and intoxicating warmth lathered his shaft. “Good girl. Just like that.”

Ruby’s ears were burning. How many times was she going to hear that today? She had to close her, focusing on the task at hand. Ruby used both of hers to grab the base of the shaft to suck harder.

“No hands.”

And just like that, she dropped them. His hips pressed forward the moment she did. Just like she practiced, she focused on breathing through her nose as Jaune went down her throat just enough to make her gasp. Ruby slowly moved her head back, still concentrating on breathing, before sliding his dick back down her throat.

“There ya go. Don’t force it.” He said calmly, letting her do most of the moving. Ruby brought her hands up again but to hold his steady as she continued her work.

She could feel tears well up from the initial thrust, but she quickly became accustomed to the feeling. Gods, how did Weiss do this so effortlessly. Seven throbbing and heavy inches kept her mouth wide open and had a taste that was dizzying to the point she didn’t notice her pace had increased. Her lips closed around his shaft completely. Breathing control and tongue. It’s all her mind could focus on as her mouth watered and throat opened with each push. Grunts and gasps left her body and Fingers twirled her hair into something to grip. Ruby dared not open her eyes; she didn’t even think to do so. All that mattered was her mouth sucking his cock. Yeah, she could see why Weiss does this. The feeling of fullness finally left her lips and air flooded in. Ruby gradually opened her eyes, her mind still dazed. Jaune was staring down at her with a redder face than he had before. Sometime during the experience he had removed his shirt as well.

“How was I?” She genuinely asked, his erection still in front of her face.

“Wonderful. Someone’s been clearly asking for tips.” He huffed.

“It’s still hard to put in practice though. Still…” Ruby kissed around the shaft and began stroking Jaune with her left hand. “I have my reliable methods.”

“Mngh, Ain’t that the truth?” He smiled. “But I didn’t stop you because it wasn’t getting me there. You don’t like cum in your mouth.”

“I’ve prepped my ass for you today. If you want me to swallow, I’ll drink it all.” She cooed. Her heart fluttered again. “I am your gift today. Use me how you want.”

“Heh. You’re my gift every day.” Jaune pressed her shoulders until Ruby fell on her back. “And I know better than to misuse gifts in my care.”

His hands grabbed her knees and separated them, revealing every part of her glory. Soaked, pink lips drooled down her legs and onto the black base of the tail she wore. Jaune used only his middle finger to trace in between Ruby’s petals and coat it in nectar.

“So ready and wanting, and yet it won’t be used.” He pushed his finger in without hesitation.

“Aaaagh!” Ruby’s Bach arched from the jolt of pleasure. His knuckles bent and moved side to side, kneading her flesh like a massage. Ruby couldn’t even collect her thoughts before the warmth of his tongue captured her clit. Her voice cracked. “AAAGH!”

Jaune did as he pleased, holding her hips down with his left arm as he slurped up her desire. Any attempt to move only made him drag his dinner back. “Don’t you dare run from it~”

Ruby tried so hard to stay still but it felt so impossible! Her hands clawed at the sheets for strength while her lips bumbled through curses and babble til her toes curled.

“I…I’m…!” She felt herself nearing the edge, then pulled back again before she could fall off. “Huh?” Her eyes looked down to see the man’s tongue leave her. His calm and calculated gaze told her everything she needed to know. He wasn’t letting her cum that easily.

“Something wrong?”

“N-No.” her voice trembled, still riled up. His fingers barely grazed her butt and ever so slightly tugged on the tail. “Nngh, please, don’t stare.” Ruby covered her eyes.

“I’ve seen you naked countless times and now you’re getting shy?” Jaune pushed the tail in just to watch her body jolt.

“It’s different this time!”

“It is, isn’t it?” Jaune finally got on the bed, resting on his knees as he put Ruby’s legs on each side of him. He pinched the base of the tail with a steady grip. “I’m gonna pull this out slowly, okay?” The girl’s arm slowly came down and gave him a nod.

With measured strength, Jaune gently pulled on the tail, causing him to learn something unexpected. Jaune had thought the end of the tail would be a simple metal plug. What he got was the reveal of two big black beads getting dragged out of Ruby’s ass and leaving it gaping as she took a deep breath. A dark shade of red washed over his face and reasoning dwindled further.

“You weren’t kidding when you said you’ve been preparing. Where’d you find this?” He asked, slightly breaking character.

“I’ve been talking to Blake.” Ruby whined, still reeling from the stimulation of everything really.

It’s always Blake. Oh what Jaune wouldn’t give to be a fly on the wall for that conversation. Even she had to be shocked for her own leader to ask about not only a butt plug, but a tail one at that.

Jaune briefly got up, removing his pants properly and grabbing lube from his nightstand before returning to Ruby. “If you need to call a quits, say the name of your scythe.”

Admittedly she had never thought about needing a safe word. In truth, though her heart raced, her body felt like fire that wanted to burn hotter. She wanted as Jaune laid his cock on her pussy. His hips rocked forward devilishly, sliding his length through her lips to coat it further in depravity as he poured some lube on it. Ruby bit her lip as his tip brushed by her clit. If only it would slide in properly.

“Can you please-”

“Nope.” Jaune said abruptly, watching her chest rise and fall. He lubed his middle and ring finger. “This is all the fun your pussy gets. There’s other things I want to play with.”

The two fingers slid inside her ass. Ruby gasped for air at the sudden pressure. It wasn’t as bad as the tail, but Jaune’s fingers rubbed the inside that kept her legs moving.

“You okay?”

“It…It’s weird, but okay.” She gasped between breaths. His fingers left again for more lube before massaging around the entrance. Ruby took another look at Jaune’s erection. The way it remained rigid and imposing; was it really going to fit? Has it always been this…big? The tip slowly disappeared from sight as his hips pulled back. She quickly felt its presence poking her back door.

Ruby shut her eyes again and tried her best to relax, her hands already gripping the sheets for support. Cautiously, she felt the head of Jaune’s cock push inside. So far so good, until the slow push quickly quickly brought her his swollen shaft.

“Uuunnnngh!” Ruby felt her lungs squeezing the air out. “H-Hold on!”

Jaune stopped his advances to give her time to breathe. “Take your time. In and out; breathe just like that.”

“It feels weird!”

“Want me to stop?”

“No, I just..agh.” Ruby exhaled, losing her thoughts. “How much more?”

“Not much more. You’re almost done.” He lied a little. She was halfway down. Jaune put his right hand on her boob and massaged it; meanwhile his left tenderly rubbed Ruby’s clit, giving her pleasure as her body adjusted.

“Aaah! Nngh, Jaune. Keep moving.” Her words reached him. Ruby felt him push again as she fought her body to lesson inch by inch.

After an eternity, Ruby felt his skin press against the back of her legs. At last she felt the base as the rest twitched inside with a violent heat. That same heat began gradually escaping her body before pressing forward back into the depths; Ruby’s bottom lip threatened to bleed as she bit it harder with each passing stroke.

Jaune swallowed his grunts and took in the girl’s messy appearance while her body gripped him in immense tightness.

“You okay?”

“It feels so weird!” Ruby panted, still catching her breath. “But…it’s not hurting.” Her hands gripped Jaune’s forearms.

He must’ve taken it as a sign. His hips moved faster, churning her insides in a way that rubbed her stomach yet mocked her pussy. It’s as if he was playing with it from the outside, and she didn’t hate it. Did it show on her face? Maybe it ran down her legs. Whatever the case, Jaune pulled his hips back and thrusted deep, bottoming her out.

“AH! Too hard!” She whimpered.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Ruby opened her eyes halfway to witness the man causing her such crazy sensation sweat as he looked at her with a deep hunger. He must be holding back so much for her sake. “Y-You can go faster though, if you want. I can take it.”

Dangerous words for sure. What was a display of subservience led to Jaune leaning down and claiming her tongue. Ruby’s arms instinctively wrapped around his broad back. Just like before, she let her jaw hang open and fell victim to Jaune’s lips. Deep, husky grunts escaped both of them as he rutted her faster. Ruby dug her nails into his skin to stay sane while her tongue was conquered. Every separation was for pockets of air and followed wet smacking that competed with his cock pumping into her. This was so much of everything. Ruby didn’t know if she wanted more or was dying for a break. This growing feeling was like hunger itself, yet she was full while being completely empty.

“Oh, oh gods…” Ruby cried out. How could someone feel so hot and cold at the same time? Jaune’s teeth found her neck. “AH! FUCK~”

“You’re doing such a good job for me. You feel so good! You sound like you’re made for this.”

Her cheeks burned. “Noooo! I’m not!”

“Then why are you moaning?” Jaune bit her neck hard.”

“AAAAH! JAUNE! AAAGH!” She was on the edge again, but it terrified her; made her ears red with embarrassment as she tried to endure. “No! Waaait!”

Jaune leaned into her ear. He could feel her crumbling. “Do it. Where is it? Where’s my cock?”

“…My ass.”

“Louder.” He bit her again.

“MY ASS!” She whaled, her head getting fuzzy again. “Your fucking my ass!”

“You gonna cum from it!?”

“YES!”

“Good girl. Don’t hold anything back! Keep climbing. Keep clinging on until three…two…” he found her nipple for good measure. “One.”

Jaune pinched it hard and gave Ruby another bite.

“GAAAAAAH!” Ruby screamed like a horror movie character. Her vision nearly disappeared as the orgasm wrecked her body. A rush of her nectar came flowing from between her trembling legs and ruined Jaune’s sheets.

The man himself got off of her so she could breathe, and he could watch her shake and pant like a dog. Jaune pulled his cock out to see her squirm further.

“You okay?” He said with a mixture of pride and disbelief.

Ruby let his question hang in the air for a few seconds before finding the composer to speak. “H- Fuck…”

It’s not often Jaune gets her swearing. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He said, wiping his cock down with wipes. “Need a minute?”

Ruby looked at his body. He hadn’t cum yet. Jaune was still rigid and waiting. Her mind wasn’t sure how to handle that. His teasing had left her ripe for the picking. He put the wipes down and slid a finger in her ass again.

“H-Hey.” Her voice quivered. “Mercy~”

“You don’t look like you’re ready to call a quits.” He slid in another to keep her in pieces.

Ruby helplessly watched as Jaunty played with her ass. She wasn’t sure if it could handle another beating, but he was right on the money about her body wanting more. That annoying hunger was still there. She wasn’t full, and he knew that.

“Pl-Please.” Ruby’s entire body was flushed. “Please fuck me properly.”

“I thought I was pretty clear that’s not the hole I was interested in today.” He mocked, pumping his fingers faster. “Maybe more training is in order?”

Ruby couldn’t stop herself from whimpering. His thumb brushed past her interest, but just barely. “Jaune, please! I’ll be a good girl!”

“Beg.”

“I’LL DO ANYTHING!” She blurted out, desperate for him. “You’ve marked my body. Torn my ass apart; please mark my womb.”

Jaune watched her fingers struggle to stay in place. She didn’t dare touch herself. Ruby simply endured, waiting for his every word. He took a look at her headband before looking her in the eyes. “Take it like a good girl would want it.”

Her eyes flickered. Even in this state, she understood. Ruby turned around and got on all fours, arching her back and resting on her forearms. Jaune didn’t ask but she looked over her shoulder and swayed her hips slowly, not caring how she looked for a second. The embarrassment didn’t matter; Ruby wanted him.

“Please, let me cum on your cock.”

It was amazing how she pushed his buttons. Jaune placed his left hand on her back and ran up to her nape. His fingers settled into damp strands of red before pushing her head against the mattress and gripping tightly.

Ruby didn’t utter a word, feeling his cock glide over her ass, then finally dipping lower to be swallowed by her aching walls. Her teeth bit into the sheets as Jaune gave her exactly what she wanted. A deep and rough pounding.

“NNNNGHHAAA! MMMNGH!”

“What do you say!?”

“Thank you. THANK YOOUUU~!” Ruby felt his right hand grip her waist, pulling it into his thrusts. Each stroke sounded like puddles in the rain. Ruby could literally feel her body grip him, coating his cock until it dripped white.

“He’s gonna get me hooked on this!” Ruby could hardly scream anymore with how out of breath she was. The best she could do was gasp and grunt each time he filled her. Both of her legs felt like lead while her hips were made of jelly. With her strength gone and her wits lost, all there was to focus on was how her nipples grazed the sheets beneath her, and the heat drilling into her. The sound of puddles grew louder.

Jaune could feel her body relax, the tension in her muscles disappear while her walls let him strike deep into her core. He got a little bolder, rubbing his thumb around the rim of her ass before easily sinking it in. A blissful sigh blessed his ears. At this point, Ruby was simply gonna take him.

“Where do you want it?” He groaned, reaching his limit.”

“I don’t care. Just let me feel it.”

“Someone’s been cumming all alone, hasn’t she?”

“S-rry” her body trembled, feeling her womb get kissed. Her voice was shakier. Almost as if she was trying not to cry. “So good. You feel so good~ Fuck, I’m close again.”

“Hold it.”

“But-”

“Hold it.” He said firmly, speeding up his thrusts. “I’m close too.”

Beads of sweat rolled down Ruby’s face. Sharp breaths of air flare her nostrils as she concentrates on holding back her orgasm. Would he be upset if she just- no, she didn’t want to disappoint him. Not now of all times. Not when he’s given her what she wanted. She had to listen. Wanted to listen. Her ears were burning to hear his praise again; to feel him let go and mark her body in any way he desired. He wasn’t gonna pull out. Ruby could tell how he ached and throbbed constantly inside; how he dared to entertain her womb’s entrance by prodding it so obviously. It opened for him. How could it not? This collar, this position! How could her body not want anything more than him to…

“Breed me like a bitch in heat~”

Ruby didn’t know if Jaune heard her filthy request, but all the same, a rush of his hot load poured into her body and broke the floodgates keeping her resilience. Ruby’s pussy gripped and squeezed him obsessively while her mind wandered. Her hips kept his cock buried inside, swaying left and right to make him pull her waist against him as he groaned like a beast.

Finally, Jaune pried himself away from her, pulling out and letting her hips fall onto the bed. Even he couldn’t believe the sight in front of him.

“You’re so perfect.” He uttered in disbelief.

“I love you too.” Ruby let out the single chuckle she could. She didn’t make an effort to budge. She honestly could’ve passed out in peace right where she was; that was until the mattress sunk by her face.

The silvered eye girl glanced upward to see the very thing responsible for her state hovering by her lips. Even half flaccid, it commanded her attention as it dripped with a mix of their arousal. Ruby didn’t hesitate to wrap her lips around Jaune, slowly using her tongue to clean the mess she made as the potent taste of the man poured down her throat while his fingers played with her hair. One time; she just wanted to hear him say those magic words one more time. Ruby looked up at him. Tired, dazed, wanting, yet willing all the same.

Jaune smiled softly. “That’s my girl.”

Ruby felt a warmth in her cheeks again. She took extra care to swallow him whole until her nose touched his waist while he continued his praise. It would appear his earlier reservations had faded. That was fine by her. If Jaune asked for it, she’d taste every drop.

xxxxxx

It wasn’t long after clearing him that Ruby did pass out, her body completely spent. Jaune managed to put her under the covers and replace the comforter with another; thank goodness it was the only casualty. He’d wash it later. For now, Jaune put on black boxers and quietly left his own room. The young man only took several steps before walking into Weiss’s without so much as a knock.

The girl immediately jumped, her face flushed ear to ear and hair a little frazzled. She sat on top of her bed with her knees together, hands cradled in each other.

“Y-Yes?” Weiss stuttered. He didn’t say a word, only getting closer until he was within arms reach. Jaune held her by her shoulders and gradually pushed her down with ease.

His hands rubbed the underside of her thighs before pulling them apart to reveal soaked, flushed red lips. Weiss covered her face but it hid no shame.

Jaune moved between her legs to keep them open while he removed her hands to see her eyes. “How long were you watching?”

“…Since the tail was removed.” Her eyes were glued to the cock he pulled out. Once was never enough for him, and he was clearly going easy on Ruby because of her inexperience. To make things worse, it glowed with his aura. He knew exactly what she wanted, or rather, where she wanted it.

“How many times did you cum?”

“Twice.”

“How long did you watch?”

“Until you came inside of her.”

“Naughty, naughty. Looks like someone’s sex drive is higher than she says she is.”

Weiss pouted, hating the reality of that. “You two were so loud. Anyone would-” Jaune slowly raised his cock away from her ass.

“Was that an excuse?”

“No sir.” She said seamlessly. His fingers tugged on the top of her dress, slipping a sleeve down to reveal that she removed her bra long ago. The blonde leaned over her and kissed her neck. The tension he put against her pulse made her heart bound. No doubt he felt every beat as his palm massaged her right tit. “Jaune~”

“Give me a reason.”

“I can take it. You know I can.” A raspiness invaded her lungs. The heat of Jaune’s body receded until it was completely gone.

Jaune sat on the bed and waited for Weiss to sit up. “I’m a bit tired, so if there’s something you want, you’re gonna have to get it.” He had to push her a little. “Or I could leave?”

How cruel of him. Was this the price of snooping, Ruby simply riling him up. Weiss moved towards Jaune, straddling the man. If this was her punishment, then she’d swallow her pride and accept it. Weiss needed an itch only he could scratch.

Carefully, Weiss raised her hips then lowered herself onto Jaune until he was deep inside of her ass. It was like electricity ran up her spine and made her head heavy. Weiss wrapped her arms around Jaune’s shoulders, hid her face in the crook of his neck, then rocked her hips. Jaune was kind enough to grab her waist for stability. She wanted to go slow. Gods, she wished she could go slow; to keep some sense of dignity. Unfortunately, seeing how he treated Ruby had made it difficult to keep composure. Weiss sat completely in his lap and grinded roughly, chasing her desires to the point they slipped through her lips.

“Ah~ aghn~” Weiss looked him in the eyes. “Please move.”

“Can’t do it alone?” He smirked.

She really created her own monster. “You know it’s better when you help.” Weiss hid her face again. It was a good thing she knew he wanted her, and how to push the right buttons. “Please…” Weiss shut her eyes and spoke her most humbling desire. “Daddy~”

“…Don’t wake Ruby up.”

Weiss felt his fingers run down her rear and squeeze. The knight’s strength pulled her in and raised her body up, only to drag it back down. Weiss fought a guttural grunt by biting his neck and holding on as he used her for both their benefits. Jaune made sure her weight came down on his cock each and every slam to the point the echo might drown out her voice. She didn’t dare test it. Despite her pussy making a pond out of his lap.

“Getting close again?” Jaune grunted. A burn in his forearms threatened his rhythm with each passing second.

“Yeah. Just…a little mor-” Suddenly, all weight shifted forward and Weiss yelled out of shock. “Aah!”

Her back hit the mattress While Jaune remained in her arms. Before she could let go to check if he was okay, a strong thrust knocked the air out her lungs and kept her mouth open. Again and again, his cock found a new spot to strike in this position without remorse. Voiceless cries squeaked out of her throat each time his weight sunk into her. Weiss’s legs wrapped around his lower back while tears welled up behind closed eyes. She really didn’t want to hurt him. It never felt okay for her to leave actual marks, but with nothing else to hold, her nails threatened to break the skin on his back.

Jaune listened to the strained cries of a pampered heiress as her body massaged his length. He put all the strength he could muster into making Weiss melt with bliss as he reached his end. Even someone with his stamina still had his limits. He couldn’t even warn her before letting loose another load. He could feel her body clench the second he began filling her. Finally, her voice returned as her lungs gained breath for distorted moans.

“Uuungh! Aaaaghn~!” Her orgasm tickled her brain and dosed Jaune’s legs.

Despite the fact it was very much possible Ruby had somehow figured out or assumed Weiss’s more intimate kinks, Weiss just might have to thank the girl. Jaune had put on his best performance to date!

“Can we go one more round?” She asked, wanting to live in the moment.

“Mmmm…”

“Jaune?” Weiss raised her head up from his neck. His hold on her body loosened while his weight became heavier. Weiss poked the boy’s face a few times before getting light snoring. “…Hehe.” She couldn’t even be shocked. It’s been a busy day. Weiss kissed the top of his head and let him lay precisely where he was. “You’re lucky I love you.”

xxxxx

A couple hours flew by in an instant. Ruby emerged from the boy’s room in one of his massive shirts feeling sore and in desperate need of water. The speedy girl took one careful step at a time down the hallway to the kitchen. To her surprise, Weiss was there eating her leftovers she left on their countertop. Ruby shuffled past her slowly, grabbing a cup and filling it with water. For once, Ruby was okay with utter silence. It was only when Weiss casually handed over a restaurant container that Ruby felt obligated to speak.

“Th-Thanks.” She opened it and began eating.

“Yeeeep.” Weiss rested her head in her arms. “Nice hickies.”

Ruby inhaled slowly, trying not to turn the same shade of red as the marks she was given. “Things got a little intense.”

“The amazing Ruby Rose, bashful after sex. Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Don’t get used to it.” Ruby huffed, fighting off the recent memories. Right now she was unsure if she was entirely sore or yearning for more. “Letting him take the lead was fun, but not a new lifestyle. I can see why you’re crazy about it though.”

“Careful. It sounds like you might want me to top you.”

“Ha, you’d have to fight me for it. Knowing your preferences, you’d lose on purpose.”

“Hardy har. Can’t believe I got you leftovers.”

“I love you too.” Ruby puts her head on top of Weiss. “Is he knocked out?”

“Yep.”

“Was it your doing?”

“Me? Who was the one screaming so loud the neighbors probably heard? If anything it was a team effort.” Weiss lightly jabbed Ruby.

“Ugh. Fair point. My bad. So uhh, what parts did you hear exactly?” Ruby was getting warmer by the second.

Weiss slid her way from under the girl, catching Ruby’s head before it hit the counter. “Nothing worth repeating.” Weiss kissed the girl’s forehead then walked off. A small token of goodwill, considering she couldn’t resist peeking.

Ruby wanted to scream inside. Weiss definitely heard everything but spared her the conversation. It was probably for the better. After all, today happened because she saw what Jaune and Weiss got up to!

Ruby remained mentally and physically drained in the kitchen while Weiss casually laid down on the couch and listened to music. She’ll come clean eventually. Not right now though. This was much funnier. At this rate, they will all probably end up sleeping together again. Weiss let out a shallow sigh and smiled from the absurdity of it all. If Ruby asked, she wouldn’t be opposed.

“I really am as bad as those two.”

[howi99]

Jaune's fabulous collection of otherworldly items jaune do ya got any mechs in your collection, and if so how do ya prevent ruby from piloting them and ironwood from taking them?

Ruby: *stars in her eyes, pointing to EVA-01* IS THAT A GIANT MECHA!?

Jaune: It... Is one, on a technicality. *Shaking his head* But you can't pilot it.

Ruby: *pouting* Why not?

Jaune: Well, it's in reality a living organism with the DNA of a human which you would need to be compatible with. *Shrug* And i highly doubt you'd wish for either your mother or your sister to be turned into... That.

Ruby: *looking horrified*

Jaune: Or at least, that would be the case if it was actually still active. *Scratching his head* It was already un-operational when i found it, i'm mostly rehearsing what those kids i found near that destroyed city told me.

Yang: Where they ok?

Jaune: They weren't the worst instances of their timelines, at least the entirety of the peoples weren't turned into goo.

Ironwood: *sigh* Something of this size could have been useful against the grimms.

Jaune: The pilot could also lose control, making it more dangerous than an army of grimm on a rampage. Really, you wouldn't want THAT as your line last line of defense, let alone your first.

Yang: *looking at a little pendant* And what's that?

Jaune: Oh that? *Walking to it, taking it in his hand* This is the key to the Lagann. It was a mecha which could fuse with other mecha or vehicles to become stronger.

Ironwood: How strong?

Jaune: *pensive* Well.... From the fight i saw, they were throwing galaxies at one another like ninja stars, so i'd say too much for anyone to use.

Ironwood: ... Galaxies?

Jaune: *nod* Indeed. *Sigh* Alas, it was destroyed during said fight. *Crossing his arms* It would have looked splendid between "Shining Gundam" and BT-7274... And no, you can't use them, we don't even have the technology to power them on, General.

Ironwood: *frown* I'm sure Pietro-

Jaune: *looking annoyed* General, if i have learned one thing during my travels inside universes where mechas were the main weapon of the people, is that either the world was in a civil war, a conquest war or a survival war. And in 99% of these worlds, their homeworld was either destroyed or un-livable.

Ironwood: But-

Jaune: DO YOU WISH TO TURN INTO A PINK LIQUID? *sigh* What part of "destroyed" don't you get?

[women-in-ssports]

Ch 4 Alumni Weekend

KK knocked on Paige’s hotel suite door with her foot, her hands full of alcohol bottles. Paige answered, her confusion clear at the sight of her.

“Hangout’s in your suite,” KK said, stepping into the room and walking past Paige into the main part of the suite.

“Why my room?” Paige asked, grabbing the bottles from the hallway and bringing them inside with her.

“Do you even have to ask?” KK replied, gesturing to the spaciousness of the suite.

Paige made an awkward laugh. “I know, it’s a little out there, but Melody likes nice hotel rooms, so I splurged.”

“Hey, I’m not judging,” KK said, holding her hands up. “Just saying.”

Just then, a knock came at the door.

“I got it,” KK said, moving toward the door. “It’s probably Ice.”

Paige followed her toward the door. It was still slightly propped open with one of the boxes they hadn’t grabbed from the hallway yet. As they heard voices outside, both paused.

“Whose room is this? Because I know it’s not yours,” Azzi’s voice said in hushed tones.

“It’s Paige’s,” Ice replied nonchalantly, reaching to push the door open and walk in.

“Paige!” Azzi said, her voice a little louder. “You could’ve warned me.”

“Why?” Ice asked, unbothered.

“Well, because I’m not sure her girlfriend’s going to want me hanging out in their hotel room,” Azzi replied with a shrug.

KK and Paige exchanged an awkward glance.

Just then, Melody walked out of the bedroom, catching their attention. “That’s a lot of alcohol,” she said, laughing.

Azzi and Ice went quiet as Melody’s voice reached them. Azzi controlled her smile and walked into the suite, Ice following behind her.

At the sight of Azzi, Melody’s smile faltered, though she quickly masked it.

“Hi, Melody. Hi, KK. Hi, Paige,” Azzi greeted, setting down the items she was carrying.

“Hi,” Melody replied, slipping her arm around Paige’s waist in a silent, subtle claim that didn’t go unnoticed by anyone in the room.

Just then, Azzi’s phone rang. “Nika,” she said to the group before stepping aside to answer it.

As she spoke, she glanced back toward the group. “Yeah, noodles and company and pizza,” Azzi said with a grin.

Paige smiled to herself. She knew Azzi had only added “Noodles & Company” to the food options tonight because of her—a small but sweet gesture that made her feel a little special.

“Melody, are you joining us tonight?” Ice asked, glancing between the two.

“No, she has work to catch up on,” Paige replied easily, at the same time Melody answered, “Yes.”

Paige looked confused. “I thought you had work?”

Melody recovered quickly, flashing a smile. “I finished, and besides, I want to get to know your friends a little better. We only ever see them when you play against them in season.”

LATER THAT NIGHT

Aubrey was trying to gather everyone in the living room, but her efforts were futile. Caroline, ever the mom of the group, stood up and simply beckoned for everyone. Without a word, they gathered.

“So, how are we doing this?” Nika asked, plopping down next to Ice and Azzi.

Lou, slipping between Aaliyah and Jana, suggested, “How about we go around and share our best memory?”

“Nah, that’s boring,” Ice said, giving KK a pointed look.

KK, getting the hint, grinned. “Yeah, boring. How about we spice things up a little?”

“Like what Aaliyah said?” Nika asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Spin the bottle!” Jana chimed in, hands up in excitement.

“I know you wanna kiss me, but you can’t, Jana,” Paige teased, laughing as Melody scooted closer to her, wrapping an arm around her waist.

From the stories I’ve heard, I’d rather kiss Azzi,” Jana replied, laughing.

This got a chuckle from everyone, especially when Amari chimed in, mocking Paige’s drunken college days. “It’s like kissing the stars,” she said, imitating Paige’s voice, causing everyone to laugh harder.

“No, no,” Aaliyah added, shaking her head. “You don’t get it. Kissing her is magical.”

The room erupted in laughter, and Azzi’s face turned bright red, though she couldn’t help but laugh along.

Paige tried to keep laughing, but her smile faltered when Melody’s nails dug into her arm, clearly uncomfortable with everyone talking about her current girlfriend’s ex.

“Okay, okay, whatever,” Paige said quickly, trying to shift the conversation. “What do you have in mind, KK?” she asked, turning to her.

“Truth or drink,” KK said with a smirk. “No tap outs. We don’t have to be anywhere until 2 p.m., so you’re all trapped until you spill your secrets, spill your guts or knock out.”

The room went silent.

“Damn, we haven’t done this since Nika kissed Caroline,” Lou said, breaking the silence.

“What?!” came the collective scream from the crowd.

“Lou!” Caroline shouted, hitting her. “Shut up!”

“No, no, tell us!” KK insisted, grinning.

“Nah, you shouldn’t have fallen asleep,” Nika said with a playful shrug.

The first round of questions was easy, mostly harmless fun. Everyone took turns sharing silly secrets or daring truths, and the laughter flowed freely. But then, someone asked Azzi a question that immediately made the mood shift.

“So, Azzi,” someone teased, leaning forward with a grin. “Where exactly did you go the night before the Final Four game in 2025?”

Azzi reached for her drink without missing a beat and downed it in one go. The room watched in a mixture of anticipation and curiosity as she set the glass down, trying to mask the tension that had suddenly filled the air.

TIME JUMP A FEW HOURS

Melody choked on her drink, her eyes wide in disbelief. Did this girl just say her biggest regret was breaking up with her current girlfriend?

Before Melody could fully process what had just happened, Paige added to the question, her voice more serious than before. “Why is that your biggest regret, Azzi?”

Caroline, seeing how drunk Azzi was—well, only a little more than her—tried to help her out and shift the conversation to something safer. “How about a movie, till we all fall asleep?”

“I agree,” Ice said, feeling way too drunk to keep talking.

But Azzi wasn’t finished. She looked at Paige, her eyes sharp despite the haze of alcohol. “Do you want to know?” she asked, her tone cutting through the noise in the room. “Do you really want to know? Because when I told you I needed time for myself and wanted to try again, you came at me like you weren’t already talking to someone.”

Paige froze, her heart skipping a beat. Melody’s face went pale, and the room seemed to hold its breath.

Azzi’s words didn’t quite make sense to anyone except Paige, who understood exactly what she meant—Azzi was talking about three different times in their complicated history.

Before the tension could settle in the room, KK leaned over, grabbed the trash can, and started puking. The sound of it was enough to put a hard end to the evening.

Caroline, with a mix of concern and exhaustion, shuffled KK to the bathroom, then guided her to the sofa, where she could rest. Caroline and Nika moved to take the bed, while the rest of the girls made do with pillows and blankets on the floor.

Paige and Melody silently retreated to their room, exhaustion weighing heavily on both of them. They didn’t speak as they settled into bed, the events of the night lingering in the silence.

The next morning

Let’s just say, thank goodness they drank as much as they did. When Paige woke up, she expected Melody to be pissed, but to her surprise, Melody seemed just as lost as everyone else. Not remembering anything past 10 p.m., and judging by the state of the living room, neither did anyone else.

Paige waived her way out of her room, where heads were still buried in pillows, and a quiet groan echoed from someone who had clearly slept on the floor. She moved toward the kitchen, intent on starting the hangover remedies she knew were necessary. But of course, Azzi was already there.

Azzi looked up from where she was fussing with a coffee pot. “Hey, P. Want some coffee?”

“Please,” Paige replied, grateful for the offer as she took the cup.

Azzi studied her quietly for a second, trying to gauge the mood. If she’s being this normal, she probably doesn’t remember anything from last night either, Azzi thought, a slight edge of relief mixing with the confusion. Though, if she were honest, she could only recall bits and pieces herself.

SCRIMMAGE

The crowd at Gampel Pavilion was buzzing with excitement, but this wasn’t your typical UConn women’s basketball game. Instead, it was an alumni showdown, where former Huskies greats—many now retired from the WNBA—were back on the court, but this time, with a more relaxed vibe. Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers, two of the most iconic players in UConn history, had taken on the roles of coaches for the day. Their squads were stacked with alumni, some of whom hadn’t played together in years, but all of them clearly enjoying the opportunity to reconnect.

The game wasn’t about high-stakes competition, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t plenty of pride on the line. Fudd’s team, with legends like Swin Cash, Asjha Jones, and Tamika Williams, played with a loose, fast-paced style—nothing too intense, but still full of sharp passes and quick shots. On the other side, Bueckers’ squad, featuring Kara Wolters, Nykesha Sales, and Barbara Turner, executed a more controlled offense, with occasional bursts of flair that had the crowd laughing and cheering. The alumni weren’t exactly playing at 100%, but it was clear they hadn’t forgotten how to play the game. Everyone was at about 70-85%, just enough to make it fun, but not enough to leave anyone exhausted.

From the sideline, Fudd and Bueckers exchanged friendly jabs, often shouting out instructions to their players, though neither seemed all that concerned about strategy.

“Come on, Swin! You used to hit those in your sleep!” Fudd shouted, watching as Cash missed an open three-pointer. Cash just shrugged and grinned, a playful smirk on her face.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m just making it interesting,” Cash replied, jogging back on defense. “You’re not gonna win this one so easily.”

Bueckers laughed from across the court. “I told you, Azzi, I’ve got my team’s chemistry down. We’re the well-oiled machine today,” she called, giving Fudd a wink.

“Chemistry?” Fudd shot back. “You mean we’re just waiting for Nykesha to pull something out of her hat.” She gestured toward Sales, who had just hit a wild turnaround jumper that made everyone in the gym stop and applaud.

The game proceeded in the same lighthearted spirit, with both teams exchanging points in a friendly back-and-forth. At one point, Asjha Jones attempted a no-look pass to Swin Cash, only for the ball to sail out of bounds.

“I swear, I could’ve made that pass in my sleep,” Jones called out, hands on her hips.

“You’ve still got it, Asjha,” Bueckers replied with a smile, though it was clear both teams were giving each other the occasional hard time. The energy was more about reliving memories than proving anything, but that didn’t mean a few competitive sparks didn’t fly.

The game hit a slight hiccup when, on a fast break, one of Paige’s players—who hadn’t exactly given up her old competitive fire—slammed into one of the refs, Nika Muhl, who was doing her best to keep control of the game.

“Come on, Nika! That’s clearly a foul!” Bueckers shouted, hands on her hips.

Muhl, who had been an absolute force for UConn in her time, shot back with a smirk, “Paige, if I wanted to call fouls, I’d have to stop the game every other play. Let it go!”

Bueckers, not one to back down, planted her feet and shot a defiant look. “You know I’m right!”

Just then, Caroline Ducharme, the other referee, came over and added with a teasing tone, “Paige, you keep this up and I’ll have to toss you out of the game, and we both know you don’t want that.”

“I’m just asking for fair treatment!” Paige protested, crossing her arms.

“Fair treatment?” Azzi called from the sidelines, laughing. “Paige, you are the treatment. I think we’ve got enough attention on you for now.”

The game continued after that little interruption, but the playful tension between Fudd and Bueckers persisted. They kept chatting back and forth as their teams moved up and down the court, both coaches making occasional gestures to calm things down or hype things up.

At one point, Tamika Williams found herself in a fast-break situation and passed up an open layup to swing it out to Swin Cash at the three-point line. “I had that one, T,” Williams laughed, though it was clear she wasn’t worried about the missed opportunity.

“All good, we’re just warming up,” Cash replied, taking the shot, which she missed, but it didn’t matter much. The game was more about fun than scoring anyway.

As the clock ticked down toward the final minutes, it became clear that this wasn’t just a game—it was a celebration of the history and legacy of UConn women’s basketball. Fudd and Bueckers shared a few final words of encouragement for their teams, neither one willing to fully concede victory.

“I guess we’ll call it a tie for now,” Fudd said, grinning. “But next time, Paige, I’m taking you down.”

Paige shot her a playful glare. “We’ll see about that. But for now, I’ll let you have this one.”

Nika Muhl and Caroline Ducharme exchanged knowing glances, both clearly happy to keep the peace without having to kick anyone out, despite Bueckers’ brief “incident.” The crowd erupted into applause as the game wrapped up—what had started as a fun alumni game had turned into a full-fledged celebration of UConn’s incredible legacy, with both coaches making it clear that, their love for the game—and for each other—would never fade.

AFTER THE GAME

After the game, the crowd was beginning to clear out, but Azzi and Paige lingered near the court, catching their breath and savoring the last few moments of a game that had been all about nostalgia and fun. But there was something else hanging in the air, something unspoken between them.

Azzi, always the one to break the tension, caught Paige by the hand, pulling her gently into a hug. “It was great seeing you, P,” Azzi said, her voice warm, her dimpled smile spreading across her face as she pulled back, her eyes lingering on Paige’s face. It was a simple moment, but there was so much history between them in that one gesture.

Paige, caught off guard by the sudden closeness, simply nodded in return. She stood there for a second, unsure of what to say, her heart racing slightly. The familiar pull between them was still there, even after everything—though they had both moved on in different ways. For a moment, it felt like nothing had changed. But then Paige felt the weight of the silence and tried to push through it.

Should I say something about last night? Paige thought, her mind racing. What if Azzi doesn’t even remember? What if she’s already moved on? The thought made her stomach tighten. What if it would make everything even more awkward between them?

Azzi, still holding Paige’s gaze, waited for her to speak, but Paige couldn’t find the words. Just as the silence began to stretch uncomfortably, Azzi finally broke it.

“You and Melody seem really good together,” Azzi said, her tone casual but with an underlying sincerity.

The mention of Paige’s girlfriend, Melody, snapped Paige back to reality. For a moment, she had completely forgotten about the life she had built since then. The thought of her and Melody, the way things had felt so right between them, grounded her. She exhaled sharply, fighting the mix of emotions that hit her all at once.

“Thanks,” Paige said, her voice soft but short, the words feeling heavier than she intended. She didn’t know why, but her chest tightened, and she pulled away from Azzi slightly, as though she needed space to breathe.

Before Azzi could say anything else, Paige did something she hadn’t expected herself to do. She pulled Azzi into another hug, this one unexpected and longer, wrapping her arms around her tightly. “I miss you, Azzi,” she whispered, her voice breaking ever so slightly.

Azzi froze, caught off guard once again by the sudden shift in Paige’s energy. She could feel the weight of those words, the unsaid part of them—the ache of a past that neither of them had fully moved on from. But Paige was already pulling away, and as quickly as the embrace had happened, it ended.

Paige didn’t look back as she turned to walk away, her footsteps echoing in the quiet gym. Azzi stayed rooted to the spot, watching her go. The silence stretched between them, filled with everything they never said and everything they never would. They had their separate lives now—Azzi, with her focus on her future, and Paige, with Melody and the life she had built away from the past they’d shared. Azzi didn’t try to stop her; she simply watched as Paige disappeared into the distance.

And for a moment, Azzi was left standing alone, caught between the memories of what once was and the reality of the present.

Neither Azzi nor Paige noticed the figure standing quietly by the side of the court, watching the exchange unfold between them. Melody, Paige’s girlfriend, had been there the entire time, hidden in the shadows, just out of sight. She hadn’t come to the game to make her presence known—she knew it was a special moment for Paige, and she didn’t want to intrude. But when the hug between Paige and Azzi happened, something shifted in the air, something palpable that Melody couldn’t ignore.

It wasn’t jealousy that churned in Melody’s stomach. It wasn’t even possessiveness. It was something deeper, something she couldn’t quite name. Watching Paige and Azzi, she could feel the weight of their history, the undeniable connection that pulsed between them. It was like witnessing a living thing, something you read about in books or see in movies but never quite believed was real. Their bond was magnetic, an energy that neither of them seemed to be able to shake off, no matter how much time had passed.

Melody had always known there was something special about the way Paige and Azzi interacted. It was unspoken, but it was there—an old familiarity, a comfort that came from shared experiences and deep, unresolved feelings. They’d been teammates, friends, and something more in another life. She could see it in the way they moved around each other, the subtle glances, the lingering touches, and the unspoken understanding that ran deeper than just basketball.

Melody loved Paige. She truly did. There was no doubt about that. Paige had become her person, the one who made her laugh, who made her feel seen in ways no one else ever had. But as she stood there, watching the exchange between the two former Huskies, Melody couldn’t help but wonder if she was settling for something less than what Paige and Azzi had.

She didn’t want to feel this way—she didn’t want to doubt what she had with Paige. But in that moment, with Paige walking away from Azzi and heading back to her life, Melody felt a pang of uncertainty. She couldn’t deny that there was a part of her, deep down, that had always known Paige and Azzi shared something that transcended time, something more than the fleeting connections that often came and went in life.

Was she really going to stay? Melody asked herself, her gaze following Paige’s retreating figure. Was she really going to accept this, knowing that anyone with eyes could see that Paige and Azzi were written in the stars? The thought lingered in her mind, unresolved, as she quietly turned away from the court, the weight of the question hanging in the air.

Melody wasn’t the type to make rash decisions, but as she left the gym, her heart felt a little heavier. She loved Paige, but love, as she now understood it, wasn’t always enough. Sometimes, even love had to step aside for what was meant to be—what had always been.

SEEING MELDOY

Paige was almost out of the gym, her thoughts still tangled in the moments with Azzi, when she spotted Melody standing just by the door, waiting for her. Melody’s posture was a little stiffer than usual, her gaze distant as she stared toward the court, though she quickly snapped out of it when she noticed Paige approaching.

“Ready to go home, baby?” Paige asked, her voice light, trying to shake off the strange heaviness that lingered from her encounter with Azzi. She smiled, eager to get back to their routine, to the familiarity of home—anything to put the weight of the day behind her.

Melody hesitated, a brief pause before she nodded, but it wasn’t the kind of nod Paige was used to. There was something in the way Melody lingered, a subtle tension in her body, as though she were somewhere else, her mind still processing what she had just witnessed between Paige and Azzi. The way they had stood so close, the brief but intense hug, the unsaid things between them—it was all still fresh in Melody’s mind.

“Yeah, let’s go home,” Melody replied, her voice quieter than usual. Her eyes flickered back toward the gym, where the echoes of the game still seemed to hang in the air. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted—something that neither of them had yet acknowledged, but both of them felt.

Paige didn’t pick up on the hesitation. She just smiled, relieved to be with Melody, and took her hand. “I’m starving. Let’s get something to eat on the way.”

But Melody didn’t move right away. She stood there for a second longer, still processing. What did I just watch? she thought. What does it mean?

“Melody?” Paige’s voice broke through her thoughts. She looked at Paige now, trying to mask the uncertainty in her eyes. “What’s going on? You okay?”

Melody forced a smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, just… tired, I guess.”

Paige didn’t push. They left the gym together in silence, but the quiet between them wasn’t comfortable—it felt like a space that had been stretched too thin, like the air around them had become just a little bit heavier. Melody needed time to understand what she was feeling, to process everything she had seen. Her mind was racing with the implications of the day, of Azzi and Paige, and where she fit into all of it.

As they got into the car, the hum of the engine filled the space between them. Paige reached for the radio, but Melody put a hand on hers, stopping her.

“Maybe just… no music tonight,” Melody said softly. “I just need some quiet.”

Paige nodded, giving her the space she needed. But as they drove, the silence between them felt different now. It wasn’t just about the drive home—it was about everything that was left unspoken. Melody wasn’t sure what would happen next, but she knew she needed time. Time to think, time to understand whether the life she was building with Paige was enough, or if something had already shifted beyond repair.

BACK TO AZZI

Azzi felt the light touch of footsteps behind her as she stepped away from the gym doors, the cool evening air brushing against her face. She turned, half-expecting another fan or maybe one of the old teammates to come say goodbye, but instead, it was Rachel—the honey-blonde from the bar a few nights ago. Rachel was wearing a playful smile, her eyes glinting with mischief.

“Some coaching out there,” Rachel said teasingly, as she walked closer, her tone light and full of humor.

Azzi let out a laugh, the tension of the game finally dissipating. “Thanks,” she replied, trying to keep the mood casual, though part of her was still caught up in the earlier moments with Paige. She pushed those thoughts aside—this was about having fun. Nothing more.

Rachel didn’t waste any time. “So, about that date,” she said, taking a tentative step toward Azzi, her voice now soft, but her intent clear. “You still up for it?”

Azzi’s mind immediately flashed back to the night she’d spent talking with Rachel—casual, fun, and free of any real expectations. But as much as she tried to stay present, she couldn’t ignore the ghost of Paige that lingered just beneath the surface. Snap out of it, Azzi told herself. Paige had moved on. She had a life with Melody, and Azzi couldn’t afford to keep clinging to memories that no longer fit.

“Well,” Azzi started, trying to keep her tone light, “there aren’t many options in Storrs…” she trailed off, half-joking, but Rachel wasn’t buying it.

“I can think of a few,” Rachel replied smoothly, her voice easy and confident. “Wanna try?”

Azzi rolled her eyes, trying to stifle a smile. “Sure,” she said, letting herself relax just a bit more. The night was still young, and maybe she could have fun. Maybe it was time to stop thinking about the past and enjoy the present. Rachel grabbed her hand and led her toward the gym’s exit, where she guided Azzi to the passenger seat of her car before slipping behind the wheel.

As the car started up and the headlights flickered on, Azzi tried to push the thoughts of Paige out of her head. It was hard, but she couldn’t let herself get stuck in that space anymore. She needed to move forward, one way or another.

Paige POV leaving the gym

Meanwhile, Paige had just finished helping Melody into their car, her mind still tangled in the web of emotions from the game. The air between them had felt charged, and though Melody hadn’t said much, Paige could tell something was off. She had no idea what it was, but it was like a shadow looming over their quiet drive.

As Paige slid into the driver’s seat, she glanced out of the corner of her eye, and that’s when she saw them. Azzi and Rachel walking out of the gym, Rachel’s hand confidently holding Azzi’s, guiding her toward the car. Paige’s heart sank, a sharp pang of jealousy catching her off guard. She swallowed hard, trying to push the feeling away.

You have no right to feel this way, she told herself. You’re with Melody. You’ve moved on. And yet, there was something about the sight of Azzi’s hand in Rachel’s that made her stomach twist. It shouldn’t have mattered. It wasn’t even her place to care anymore. But it did.

For a split second, Paige couldn’t help but imagine what it might have been like if it had been her holding Azzi’s hand. She quickly shook the thought away, but it clung to her like a weight, like a secret she didn’t want to admit. The truth was, seeing Azzi with someone else—it hurt. Even after everything, even with Melody right there beside her, the feeling was still raw.

Azzi’s hands, Paige thought, should be in mine. She caught herself, realizing just how ridiculous that thought sounded. This isn’t about Azzi anymore, she reminded herself. You’ve got Melody. You’re moving forward.

But as the car doors closed, and the engine hummed to life, Paige’s gaze lingered on Azzi and Rachel for a moment longer, her heart heavy in a way she couldn’t quite explain. She reached for the radio to drown out her thoughts, but Melody stopped her. Asking for no music to clear her head. Paige agreed and pulled out of the parking lot.

[bellysoupset]

heeeyyyy back at it again with me requesting my girl lollll <3 (only bc you asked for requests!!! (i’ve been dying to request sth but didn’t wanna be annoying))

soo i’ve been craving some wen/jon for a bit bc ofc i have💀 SO I WAS THINKING!! (this is so specific and long im so sorry) what if wen starts to get sick at work and jon gets worried and annoys her into leaving work early. and so he takes her home but then on his way home he starts feeling bleh too and kinda just falls asleep when he gets back. BUT THEN wen gets worse and in the middle of the night calls jon bc she’s like super sick and out of it and feverish and alone, but bc jon is also pretty sick, it just ends up being leo taking care of both of them <333 the more angsty the better ofc but also no worries if it’s not ♥️

no pressure at all to write this bc i know it’s pretty detailed and idk if you’d like this prompt? but i just thought i’d ask heheheheh <3333

(on a completely different short note,, vin+wen are so adorable with max aahhhh i was blushing throughout that whole cabin trip fic🤭🥹)

as always, KEEP SLAYING!!!!

- 🦦

Otter!! You're back! How are you, honey?

Loved the request 💕TW: there's some fatphobia talk towards the middle, Wendy about herself (triggered by the fever).

----

As lunch arrived, Wendy knew something wasn't right.

Many things weren't right, to be more specific. Bell and Luke were occupying the back of her thoughts, as she carried the secret, and then there was the fact Vince and Luke didn't seem to be talking, again, and well... Wendy felt silly for being so drained over problems that weren't truly hers, but she was.

Jonah, on the other hand, seemed to be on cloud nine lately. Oblivious to the outside world, he couldn't smile more if he tried and Wendy had overheard the nurses giggling about the doctor being in such a good mood.

Through some stroke of a miracle her schedule was coinciding with Jon's this week and they sat together in the cafeteria, Jonah having lunch before he left and her halfway through her shift. He pulled his chair to be side by side with hers and scrolled through his phone as he showed her several pictures of the venues he was considering.

She couldn't look at her plate, revulsion swimming in her belly, and Wendy pushed the dish away, grabbing her juice bottle and leaning back against her seat.

"That's a gorgeous place," she said, as Jonah scrolled past a picture of a whimsical fairytale venue. He scrolled back up and raised his eyebrows as if agreeing.

"Pretty, but not really our speed," he zoomed in the picture, "we're not the fairytale type."

"Uhm..." Wendy pinched her nose bridge and moved closer on her seat, so she could press her cheek to Jonah's shoulder. He raised a surprised eyebrow at the touch, but didn't say anything, "I guess. You're looking at more of a sleek vibe?"

"Yes, classical, but modern..." Jonah saved the item anyway and when Wen made a puzzled expression, he opened a sneaky smile, "for when it's your turn."

She rolled her eyes, without any energy even to blush at the implication, "not any time soon," Wendy planted her elbow on the table and gulped down as the smell of food assaulted her. She pulled back, breathing slowly out of her mouth and when she opened her eyes again, Jonah had pocketed his phone and was staring at her openly.

"You're sick," he accused, squinting, and Wendy shook her head.

"No, I'm not," convincing enough, Wendy mentally patted herself on the back, "just a long week-" it had been, Jonah couldn't deny that...

He rolled his eyes, "uh-hu," Jon scoffed, reaching without hesitation and planting his hand to her forehead. Wendy jumped back, spooked, but it had been enough for him, "and did your long week give you a fever, Dee?"

Wendy's cheeks flushed, but she also couldn't help the squeeze in her heart at the nickname. Whenever Jonah called her that, she melted. She let out a sigh, "I have three more hours to go, I can power through-"

"Darling, no," Jonah scoffed, getting up and gesturing for her to do the same, "you don't just have a fever, you're clearly queasy too and you don't wanna be stranded in the doctor's headquarters when that hits in full force... C'mon, I'll drive you home."

Wendy hesitated, chewing on her lip, but Jon only rolled his eyes and grabbed her arm, ushering her up, "no point arguing, Wen," he scolded her, pushing her forward.

The change of positions caused her head to swim and Wendy stumbled, pressing herself against his arm and taking a shallow breath, "Oh crap... Yeah, get me out of here," she pinched her nose bridge and squeezed her eyes until the world came back into focus.

Jonah followed her like a shadow as she clocked out early and requested a replacement. His own shift was already over and he seemed unbothered by the bureaucratic process that was a doctor leaving early, scrolling through his phone and occasionally looking up as Wendy stumbled over her own feet.

Finally they were in his car and Wendy pressed her forehead to the cold window, letting out a soft burp under her breath as Jon circled the vehicle. There was a ding-ding-ding over her head as the driver's door opened and closed, then Jon's hand was on her back, "Dee?"

Wendy swallowed the saliva pooling in her mouth and leaned back on the seat, "I'm okay..." she turned her head to look at him, everything felt horrible and sluggish, "are... Are you okay?" now she frowned, even through the fever haze able to pinpoint something was off with her best friend.

Usually, Jonah's skin was a russet, reddish-brown, but when he got pale all the warmth seemed to be depleted, an ashy tone taking its place. Besides that, his lips seemed to melt into his skin, despite normally being a dark shade of earthy-pink.

"I'm fine," he started the car and Wendy squinted at him, the motion doing nothing to ease her nausea. She muffled another little burp on her hand, blushing and mumbling a weak "excuse me..."

Jonah waved her off and Wendy squirmed on her seat, "you're not feeling well either, are you?"

"I'm fine," he repeated, stealing a glance at her, "you're gonna make yourself sicker in this position, seat correctly and put on your seatbelt."

"Yes, dad," Wendy rolled her eyes, but obeyed and closed her eyes, leaning back her head. Her stomach was churning uncomfortably, the small amount she had been able to eat at lunch sloshing around and causing a burn on the back of her throat. She planted a hand on her belly, rubbing it lightly, and blushed even more at the thought of how gross she probably looked...

The car came to a slow stop and she felt the back of Jonah's hand pressed to her cheek, "you're really warm, Wendy," he said, his voice sounding frustrated, "were you feeling sick since morning?"

"Were you?" She grumbled, then cupped a hand over her lips as the little line caused more acid to trickle her throat and a weak gag. The car started moving again.

"I'm not sick," Jonah scoffed, in denial. Wendy let out a huff, if she had puked already he could pass it off as sympathy sickness but as it stood... She opened her eyes, looking at him. There was a glint of perspiration all over his face and Jonah had a grimace on, not counting on her studying him.

The idiot.

Turning her head had been a bad idea, because it caused a wave of carsickness to hit her and Wendy felt sticky all over. She closed her eyes again, breathing out slowly and gulped down... The act of swallowing caused another gag and she vaguely heard Jonah cursing-

The car came to a second stop and Wendy opened her eyes just as Jon leaned over her, pushing her door open. Wendy leaned out and the seatbelt squeezed her in the middle like a rope, around her neck and tickling her gag reflex.

She let out a sob as her lunch made a nasty reappearance in one chunky splash on the asphalt. Wendy coughed, trying to clear her throat and reached blindly to get rid of the seatbelt, only for a pair of hands to aid her.

Her belly clenched again and Wendy had barely any time to push her hair out of the way before another stream came up, more liquid this time around and burning her throat.

She sniffled, pitifully, ears unblocking as the retching tapered off, and she was left gasping for air and trying to spit out the horrible taste.

"Here," Jonah's voice was very soft as he pushed a bottle of lukewarm water in her hands, "swish it around," he instructed and Wendy obeyed, spitting out the stale water and coughing once more before sitting back.

Jon pushed her hair behind her ears and Wendy sniffled, angrily trying to get rid of the tears clinging to her lashes. She hated throwing up, not only the horrible sensation, but how vulnerable and disgusting it made her feel. Clearly Jon could read it all on her face, because despite the fact his own pallor had moved straight into corpse-grey territory, he cupped her cheeks and offered her a strained smile, "you're okay," he stroked her cheek with his thumbs, "take a breath, darling."

It was so soft and Wendy was feeling so incredibly wretched, that all the gentleness had the opposite of the desired effect, causing another sob to bubble up and tears to well in her eyes, "I don't feel well..."

"I know, I know," Jonah frowned at her, all but mounting the handbrake as he pulled her into a hug, "I know, Dee. Shhh-"

She clung to his sweater, curling up on the passenger seat and trying to burrow her face in the crook of Jonah's arm, crying in the awkward hug that was more of a headlock. Jon made a wounded noise, but didn't pull back, planting a kiss on the top of her head.

It took her a handful of minutes before the tears stopped and Wendy pulled back from the embrace, wiping at her face. Her head was throbbing now from crying and her eyes hurt, like she had accidentally spilled shampoo in them and done a poor job of washing it off. Jon was watching her closely, "Wen?"

"I'm sorry-" Her voice sounded like she had just gargled with glass, "sorry... Can we go?"

He nodded, before pausing and lowering his forehead to the steering wheel, raising his index as if asking her to stand-by. Wendy raised her eyebrows, planting a hand on his back, "Jon..." She cooed, "sweetheart, you're not well..."

Which was bad, considering he was the one driving.

Jonah didn't bother denying this time around, instead he just squeezed his eyes shut, taking a measured breath, "just a little dizzy..."

"Is it a vertigo episode?" Wendy asked, continuing to rub her hand up and down his back.

He frowned, not opening his eyes, "no... Just give me a minute, Dee."

Understanding he wanted silence, Wendy clammed her mouth shut and focused on getting a hold of herself. Throwing up hadn't made even a dent on her nausea and she still felt like her stomach was filled with liquid, but at least her mouth wasn't watering like crazy anymore. She was freezing, which made sense considering the car door was open and it was January...

Wendy slammed it shut, shuddering, and Jonah startled, sitting back up. As he moved, he let out a large burp, hand moving up to muffle it, but being a second too late. He wrinkled his nose, cheeks turning dark with a blush, "sorry..." his voice was all distorted, deep in his chest and Wendy shrugged.

"It's fine," she rubbed his arm, "you feel better?"

It was clear that he didn't, but Jonah grit his teeth and nodded, "yeah. Let's get you home."

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

Jonah wasn't sure what had hit him. In one minute he had been waiting for Wendy to clock out of work, texting Leo that he'd be taking her home so probably not have the full afternoon free like he had planned, and in the other there was cold sipping down to his fucking bones.

The speed at which his condition had deteriorated had been alarming, but not as much as seeing his best friend bawl her eyes out. Wendy was a crier when it came to movies, but not when it was her life. It made his stomach squeeze into a horrible knot as she clutched his arm and sobbed like a little kid.

Her cheeks were a blazing red and her green eyes were droopy with fever by the time he parked in her garage, taking her spot. Wendy swayed dangerously on her feet as she got out and Jonah circled the car, wrapping his arm around her back, "we're almost there," he promised, squeezing her and fighting the urge to rattle her like a toy. It was awful to see her this down for the count.

Wendy leaned into him, pressing her forehead to his chest and gulping down loudly as they entered the elevator, "my stomach... I'm going to be sick, Jon..." she groaned and Jonah's own stomach churned at the warning. He couldn't even fathom the possibility of dealing with vomit when his lunch was sitting like a brick inside.

"We're almost in your apartment," he soothed her, pressing the 6th button twice more, just out of anxiety. Wendy let out a little burp, sickly wet, and gulped down, not saying a thing. She didn't even excuse herself, which was wildly out of character.

Jonah counted the seconds, looking up and gulping the sticky sensation in his mouth. It felt like his tongue was too big for it and he felt the urge to open his jaw and breath through his mouth like those dogs, but he knew this was only going to make him gag. His body luring him into a trap.

Wendy let out a groan, wrapping an arm around her stomach and sniffling, "Jon..."

"Almost there," he repeated, leg bouncing nervously, "try to hold it..." he bossed, before adding a weak, "I'm sorry."

Wendy gulped down again, pressing a hand to her mouth and shuddering violently, whole spine curling as she retched, but it was non-productive.

The elevator came to a stop and immediately Jonah was jumping ahead, grabbing the emergency keys that he had and unlocking the door as Wendy sprinted under his arm.

She rushed into the powder room and he heard the distinctive noise of her heaving, but Jonah couldn't bring his own feet to move. He pressed his forehead to the front door, shutting it with his weight and breathed slowly through his mouth. His stomach let out a nasty gurgle and Jon wrapped an arm around it, waiting until the cramp eased up.

Down the hall he heard a crash and Jonah sprung into action, the gnawing sensation in his stomach be damned. Wendy had collapsed down in front of the toilet, but she had tried to get up and put too much of her weight on the towel holder, causing the whole thing to collapse.

She was curled up on the ground, with the towel crumped next to her, a cut on her knee and through her lilac pants and the metal structure hanging by one handle on the wall.

"Wendy," Jonah couldn't help but let out a surprised chuckle at the image, although his smile faded as she heard her sniffle.

"I'm horrible," it was the fever speaking, he knew, but it didn't stop Jonah from feeling a pang in his chest as she sat there with a bruised knee and trying really hard not to start crying again, "I'm a whale, I broke the stupid thing-"

"Oh Wendy, shush it," Jonah scoffed, crouching down and avoiding looking at the toilet, closing the lid and gulping down, "that thing was a piece of crap, stop with this nonsense," he scolded her sharply, rolling up her pants and cringing at the purple bruise already forming.

Wendy let out a whimper, curling up against her bathtub and angrily wiping the tears on the corner of her eyes, "I wanna go to bed..." She wrapped her arms around her stomach, groaning softly as she rocked back and forth, "Jon..."

"Are you gonna be sick again?" He asked, moving closer to her and reaching to uncurl her from the position. Wendy hesitated, whole face wrinkling up with a grimace.

"I'm not sure..." She gulped down, "my stomach feels awful..."

"Okay," Jonah knew, deep down, that moving her was a bad idea, but he couldn't deny her anything when she looked this pitiful, "okay, c'mere-" he wrapped an arm behind her back, helping her up and the minute he did, Wendy lunged for the toilet once more, throwing the lid open hastily as she barely had any time before bringing up another wave of vomit.

It splattered all over the seat and Jonah was forced to let go of her as his lunch immediately rushed up, causing him to throw himself onto the sink. He covered his ears with his hands, squeezing his eyes shut as the foamy vomit fell into the bowl and his stomach convulsed several times.

Behind him, even with his ears covered, he heard the loud noise of flushing and Wendy coughing several times. Jonah let out a sick burp, panting and spitting the ropes of saliva still pooling in his mouth, "I'm-I'msssorry..." he slurred, feeling like the worst friend ever. He had taken Wendy home and now there he was being an even bigger burden.

Wendy answered him with a groan, pushing the lid closed once again and stumbling up, using his belt as support. She clumsily planted a hand on his back, patting completely out of rhythm, "are you good...?"

Jonah nodded, burping under his breath twice more and taking a drink from the tap, washing the bowl with his eyes closed before daring to open them, "yeah..." he met her eyes on the mirror, green and drowsy, "I'm good... Let's get you into bed."

Together they stumbled down the hall almost like drunks and Wendy immediately collapsed on the bed, kicking off her shoes and burying her face on the pillow. Jonah stood, awkwardly, next to her bed. In some recess of his mind he knew there were things he should be doing. Water, thermometer. Bucket.

However, his body felt so heavy and he was struggling to think through the fever — Wendy's fingers wrapped around his wrist and she tugged, hard, on his arm, pulling him down. There wasn't a bone in his body to fight it and Jonah immediately collapsed down, barely avoiding crushing her with his body.

Her pillow was cool and soft and he let out a groan, rolling on the bed and breathing out. His head was pounding and his stomach was churning once more, nausea starting to prickle him all over. Wendy pushed her back against his arm and Jonah forced his eyes open, staring at the side of her face. The redness coloring her cheeks was down her neck and exposed chest, like angry marks.

"Wendy...?"

"Uhm?" Wendy's eyes were closed and she was taking deep breaths, facing up the ceiling. Jonah scooted closer, feeling like he was freezing and seeking out her warmth.

"Are you leaving...?" He rasped out, staring intently at her. Wendy frowned, opening her eyes.

"Are you kicking me out my own bed...?"

"What?" Jonah blinked at her, flabbergasted, struggling to understand, "no, I- No! Are you leaving to Doveport?" he asked, then raised a hand to interrupt her answer, turning his face and muffling a sick burp against the pillow. Acid tickled his throat and he gagged, but it was unproductive.

Jonah moved his face away from the pillow, wiping the drool from his lips and Wendy was staring at him, unimpressed, her lids heavy with exhaustion, "I think I should call Leo," she whispered, her voice weak and Jon frowned at her.

"Why? Does Leo know...?"

"You're delirious," she groaned, pushing herself up, "you're not making any- Any sense..." Wendy shivered violently, eyes scanning the room for her phone, although her purse had been dropped by the front door.

Jonah grabbed her hand, stopping her from getting up from the bed, "so no? You're not leaving?" he pulled her down once again and Wendy frowned, pressing her hand to his cheek, trying to check his fever, although it was nearly impossible considering how warm she was.

"No, I'm not leaving-" she cupped his forehead, "you don't feel that warm..."

Jonah grumbled something, closing his eyes and reaching blindly, wrapping his hand on her shoulder and tugging her down on the bed, so he could hide his face against her neck, "you need to rest-" he rasped out and Wendy squirmed under him, but not trying to pull away. Instead, she wrapped herself around him and Jonah grimaced as he felt her arm wrap around his middle, his stomach sloshing at the movement.

Wendy let out a deep sigh, muffling a cough against his chest and he decided he could deal with everything in a moment, he just needed to rest his eyes for a minute.

TBC

[the-froschamethyst4]

Paper Hearts

𖤐Pairing: Husband! Barrage x Wife! Reader

𖤐Pronouns: She/Her

𖤐Warnings: smut, fluff, wholesome, language, kissing/making out, P in V, eating out, more use of Calvin, High School: nerdy! awkward! Barrage, popular! Reader, Adult Years: cocky! Barrage, innocent! Reader, children, married couple, groping, nipple play,

𖤐Summary: What started out as a small tradition by Barrage back in high school, still carries over into their adult years

————

————

A Week before Valentines Day High School

Cal was on the other side of the corner peaking his head out making sure, she wasn't there, quickly gaining confidence and walking to her locker, the one that was close to her Physics class, and the one she opens right when class is done.

He shoves a paper heart in between the grates of the locker and walking away, Cal was suppose to be in class right now but used the classic excuse 'I have to use the restroom' just so he could do this.

He goes back to class and sits down watching the clock now, he only has 20 minutes before class ends and he could go watch her open her locker and the paper heart falls out.

The bell rings and Cal gathers his stuff and rushes out of the classroom, going to the same hallway where her locker was, she wasn't there. Did she even see it? Did she read it and he missed it? Or has she not come out of the class yet?

Thoughts ran through his mind till he watched her come out of the classroom, her teacher behind her, they were talking about an upcoming project and she needed a bit more detail with it.

She tells her teacher thanks and opens her locker, as she did a piece of paper fell out, she watches as it lands on the ground and she picked it up.

A paper heart

She looks at it and smiles.

"Open it," Cal whispers and almost like she heard him through the loud and bustling crowd she opens it reading it.

A poem

Beneath Verona’s moonlit skies, Two hearts beat soft in love’s disguise. A whispered vow, a stolen glance, A fate entwined a fleeting chance.

O Juliet, my morning light, A rose that blooms in endless night. Your voice, a song, so sweet, so true, A melody the heavens knew.

O Romeo, my soul's embrace, A love the stars could not erase. Though walls may rise and daggers gleam, You are my life, my waking dream.

No name, no feud shall break our bond, For love defies what lies beyond. And though our breaths may fade to dust, In death, we love, in fate, we trust.

As she reads it, she just smiles and keeps the unraveled paper in her locker, she did know...her boyfriend didn't write this, hell, he barely did anything for her on Valentines Day, but it was nice to see someone cared.

"Hey babe!" Her boyfriend, Jake Preston, the schools famous jock, and most popular guy in the school, and Calvin's number 1 bully.

"Jake," she gasped.

"So, listen, I won't be able to hang out after school, I got practice but hey, we still on for V-day?"

"Oh that's okay, and yeah, we're good."

"Cool, I'll see you-what's that?" He points to the paper with the poem.

"Nothing," she shuts her locker. "I have to go to class, care to walk with me?"

"Sure."

Cal hated Jake with a passion, I mean who does like Jake? He's an asshole, a dick, and just a flat-out bully. Cal liked Y/n, but he didn't have the courage to speak to her, because of Jake and Y/n's friends.

Valentines Day

Cal had his backpack on and inside was a bear and a small heart box full of candy. He didn't know how to give this to her without a crowd drawing attention to them both. Cal hated the attention.

He sees her at her locker her friends next to her talking, but she didn't really seem interested in the conversation. Cal took a deep breath, he was going to walk up to her, and just hand them to her.

He moves his backpack over and dig for the items, but he bumps right into Jake, he knocked everything Cal had onto the floor.

"Jake-"

"Oh, look what we have here, little Calvin, who's this shit for?" Jake kicks the stuff that fell onto the floor. He turns his head seeing his girlfriend look at what was happening. "Oh, wait...was this stuff...for her? My girlfriend?" He says.

Cal just stays quiet as everyone looked at what was happening in the hallway.

"Baby! Tell this loser you don't want his gifts." Jake had so much power in this school, that if you define him, he could ruin your entire school year.

Y/n was at first quiet and looked at the items on the floor, if anything this was the most someone has given her, not even Jake has given her a stuffed bear and box of candy, maybe one measly rose that dies within a week.

"I...I am honored you wanted to give me these, but I am not interested," she says as she looks at Calvin, she feels bad for him, she knows he probably doesn't need her pity. But he just nods and walks away.

"Woah, woah, not so fast, nerd, we've got something special for you since you tried to give my girl some gifts."

"Jake, no please," Y/n begs as his friends held Calvin against the lockers and with people watching and cheering Jake on, Jake gave Calvin several blows to the stomach and face.

"JAKE STOP IT!!" Jake gives Calvin one more blow before a teacher came out, Jake's friends drop him and the students scattered.

Jake grabs Y/n's hand and quickly speed walked away from the fight.

"That was a rush!" Jake laughs. Y/n pulls her wrist out of his grip.

"What is wrong with you!!"

"What?"

"You didn't have to do that to him!"

"He was flirting with you!"

"If anything he was being nice, he was going to give me a gift, so what? It's the most anyone has done for me, you've never given me anything!"

"I'm taking you on a date, tonight, to a very fucking expensive restaurant and you want a gift from that freak!?"

"He isn't a freak, Jake, you're such an asshole, how could I've never seen that before! Take someone else, how about that girl that drools over you at your games? Huh? Take someone else! I'm not going and we're fucking over!"

"You're breaking up with me!?"

"Yes, and? I would rather be with someone like Calvin, then be with someone like you!" She storms off and saw that Calvin was being escorted to the nurses office.

She goes to her locker opening it and seeing the paper heart that Calvin, did for her, and she saw the items still on the ground from before. She picks them up and rips a page from her book.

She wasn't the best at origami nothing like Cal, but she turned that page into a paper airplane and went to the office.

"Y/n, what can I help you with?" The front office lady asked with a big smile on her face.

"Is Calvin up here?"

"He is...why do you ask?"

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

Cal sat on the nurses blue bed, feet on the floor and he messes with his fingers, maybe he was wrong about Y/n, maybe she was just like everyone else.

A paper plane lands at Calvin's feet, he picks it up and unfolds it.

He had never known love not the kind that seeped into his bones and made the world feel softer. His life had been built on routine, on logic, on the certainty that love was for others, not for him. But then she arrived, laughter spilling like sunlight, eyes that saw him not just the man he presented to the world, but the one he hid beneath it. Her presence unraveled something in him, something he hadn’t realized was caged. It wasn’t fireworks or a grand revelation; it was quiet, steady, undeniable. A warmth in his chest, a longing in his hands, a certainty in his soul, he had found love, and for the first time, he understood what it meant to truly live.

"It's from my favorite book," a voice spoke from the door, he looks up not really wanting to, but he did.

"Why are you here?" He asked.

"I'm sorry for happened in the hallway...I...I didn't know Jake was like that...he was a kind soul, but I see he never really was..." she walks to him and sit next to him. "How's...your stomach and head?"

"Hurts," he mumbles.

"I liked the poem you gave me." He doesn't say anything. "Are you...mad at me?"

"I just don't like you like I thought I did."

"I understand that...but please know...I did like the gifts," she pulls them out of her backpack. "They're a little damaged but...they're still nice. It's the most anyone has given me."

"Doubt it."

"Doubt it? Why?"

"You're popular...surely people have given you better gifts then I did."

"Jake doesn't get me anything but a single rose that dies in a week, and most people don't care, I'll usually get a 'happy valentines day' or a lazy card...but you gave me candy and a bear." She just smiles.

"It's nothing," he says.

"It's something to me."

The room just goes silent and Y/n stares down at Calvin's hand still holding the paper. She was hesitant but placed her hand on his. He doesn't jerk it back or tells her to stop touching him, but let's her.

She leans over and kisses Calvin's cheek before standing up to leave.

"If you...come by my house later tonight...my parents will be gone, but we can...I don't know, my dinner and watching movies if you want to. That'll be a better Valentines Day date then a restaurant."

She walks out of the office and Cal was just stuck...he didn't move, and his heart was quick in his chest. Thumping against his ribcage. His heart and chest felt like they were going to explode at any moment.

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

Monday, February 10th, 2025

"Mama, I don't wanna go!" Y/n's 5 year old daughter, Emmy whines, she didn't want to go to school, but her 7 year old son, Reed was all set.

"Well, you don't really have a choice, baby," Y/n coos at her daughter.

"Sure, I do," she says.

"No, not really baby. Come on, let's get going." Y/n hurries her children into the car so she could drive them to school.

Once Y/n had them buckled up, she drops down her sun-visor to see what was stuck in her eye, and once she dropped it, a small piece of paper fell out of it.

"Mama, what's that?" Emmy asked.

"Oh, nothing," Y/n sticks it in her cupholder to read it later, but it was a paper heart.

She drives her kids and played some of their favorite songs on the way there.

"Mama, baby shark!" Emmy yells.

"No, we listen to it every morning, it's so annoying!" Reed whines.

"One more time okay?" Y/n says, as she plays it pulling into the school's parking lot.

Emmy was singing it till the door opened by a school employee and both kids get out.

"Bye, babies!" Y/n says.

Once they got out, Y/n grabbed the paper heart and opened it.

Hand in hand, through years we roam, Two hearts entwined, one love, one home. Through whispered dawns and midnight dreams, We stitch our souls in golden seams.

Your laughter rings, a song so bright, A guiding star in darkest night. Your touch, a fire, steady, true, A love that time cannot undo.

Through storms we’ve stood, through joys we’ve danced, In fleeting glances, in a single chance. Not just in vows, but every day, I choose you still in every way.

So here we stand, my love, my life, Forever yours, your faithful wife.

Another poem, this one was about a husband and wife, she smiles and sticks the paper back in the cupholder till she got home.

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

Opening the front door, no sign of her husband, he must be still in bed. She giggles and heads upstairs where she was right. Her husband Cal was still asleep.

She gets on her side of the bed and moves closer to Cal, leaning over him, she moves his hair from his face, she gently caressed his cheek and kissed it.

"How'd you get that paper heart into my car this morning?" She asked, there was a smile on his face.

"I did it at 2 in the morning," he says.

"You sneaky, sneaky man," he cups her face and brings her down to kiss her lips.

"It made you happy didn't it?"

"It did." She smiles.

He sits up and pulls her closer, his lips on her and deepening the kiss. It became very heated and passionate. He pulls her on his lap, his hands resting on her waist and her arms wrap around his neck.

"You went...to the school...in your robe?" He teased.

"I have pajamas on," she giggles.

"That one teacher wasn't there...was he?"

"Not that I could see."

Calvin hated this one teacher, he was old enough to be the kids grandpa, but he loved to hit on Y/n, not in some old man flirting, but in he would like to have someone young like Y/n in his bed every night, and Calvin hates it.

"Doesn't he...have a wife?"

"M-Maybe."

Calvin placed Y/n on her back and pulls her pajama pants down.

"No panties either, risking."

"It's not like I have to get out of the car, besides, I'm not the only mom who shows up in pajamas."

"No, but I bet they wear panties."

"Not like you've ever complained before," she teases him.

"You're right, it just gives me easy access."

He spreads her legs, pushing them to her chest and immediately licking his lips, he leans his head down and starts licking between her folds and then sucking on her bud, she lets out a soft moan, her hips leaving the bed, and her fingers getting tangled in his hair.

His hands held a tight grip on her thigh, her knuckles turning white as she grips the bedsheets. She opens her eyes and sees him shake his head while his tongue quickly moves back and forth, like he was hungry.

His left hand then moves to inside his pajama pants, pumping himself a few times before sitting up and pushing himself inside of her. Her head goes back and she was trapped between his hands and the bed.

Him thrusting into her hard and rough and almost at an ungodly speed. She was bouncing on the mattress, her breasts wanting to pop out her thin shirt.

Cal took it upon himself and just ripped the thin shirt, earning a soft moan from her as the cold air hit his nipples, making them stand.

Cal could feel himself about to cum, so, he starts slowly down, giving a few more thrusts he ended up coming along with Y/n, her head goes back as she let's out a few more moans.

Cal bends down and kisses both her boobs and then kissed under her chin, making her look at him, and soon his lips were on hers.

"Best morning," he says, she giggles and holds him close. "I need a shower," he pats her thigh. "Care to join?"

"Yes," she says, and with ease, Calvin stood up Y/n koala bear hugged him the whole way to the bathroom.

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

Friday, 14th (V-Day)

Calvin gave his daughter a box of chocolate and a stuffed dog and gave Reed a new video game and stuffed bear.

He gave Y/n one of the best gifts, a bouquet of roses, box of chocolates, while Y/n and Calvin were in their bedroom, door closed and locked, and Y/n was giving Cal a fashion show with some lingerie she had picked up a few days ago just for Cal.

He sat back on the bed, staring at the bathroom door that was closed, he was only told by Y/n, she had a surprise for him once the kids are in bed.

"Hon, come on, now." He hears a giggle from the other side of the door and the door finally opens, she stood in a fluffy robe, and he just smiles.

"A robe?"

"Hang on now," she teased, she turns her back to him and slowly removes the robe, she let's it fall to her feet, but Cal was just staring at her bare ass on full display, she turned around to him and now her bare breasts were visible.

"Holy shit," he mumbles.

"Do you like it?"

"Love it honey, not like, love," he says, jaw on the floor, and she starts walking to him.

"You can't destroy this one."

"Destroy, when have I ever destroyed any of your sets?"

"A lot..." she says, giving him a bit of a serious look.

"Okay, okay," his hands traveled up her body, feeling the lace under his hands and parts of her bare body. He gets to her boobs, face going between them, kissing them both while his hands go to her ass giving her a nice squeeze.

"Holy fuck..." he curses under his breath taking in her scent. He stops and pulls away from her making her a bit confused, he hands her something.

A paper heart.

"One more for the night," he says.

It looked plane, but she opens it and just simple 'I love you' was written on it. She smiles, getting on top of him, arm wrapped around his neck and kissed his lips, his hands resting on her waist.

The kiss was heated and Cal fell back while Y/n was still above him.

"I love you," he repeats.

"I love you too," she pecked his lips.

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

Calvin fell on his side of this bed, while Y/n held the blanket to her chest.

"Fuck..." he mumbles.

"Thank you for my gifts," she tells him.

"Thank you for mine," he chuckles giving her ass one last smack.

Cal looked at her as she snuggled closer into his chest. "I'm glad you came around."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean like when we were in high school...after...what happened...I for sure thought you'd hated me..."

"I couldn't...it wasn't your fault that day..."

"But I was a bitch-"

"No, you weren't." He cups her face. "Listen if you wouldn't have come to the nurses office, and talked to me, I probably would have hated you, but...you came and talked with me, you invited me to hang out with you, and then we dated...got married, have two amazing like ones...would you rather have this life with me or have it with that asshole?"

"I wouldn't have forgive myself if I just left you in the state you were in, but I love this life more then anything," she says, cuddling almost impossibly closer to Cal.

"Exactly." He wraps his arms around her and held her tight. "Get some rest." As he said that soft snores were heard from Y/n, he just chuckles, he turns to turn off his lamp and hold her back in his arms.

[imagineweasley]

Puppy Love: Part II

Sirius Black x Fem reader

summary: you and your friends are fascinated by animagi and one day, decide to take a risk and become one. it proves to be an interesting experience - one day you are wandering the forest when things take a turn and secrets are revealed...

read part 1 here!

y/n: your name

y/h: your house

y/c: your color

submit a request!

author's note: a valentines' day present to my valentines! here's part 2 of puppy love :) also - THIS ONE GOT SO LONG TOO! this part is a big slow but i had to cut it off somewhere and i'll try to get part 3 out sooner. buckle in!

@hellokitty-girl666

-

Y/n's POV

My task was simple. During Herbology, I'd sneak over to where Professor Sprout kept the mandrakes and sneak three leaves. Somehow, I had to get them without the bloody things screaming at the top of their lungs, so my plan was to find three fresh leaves that they might have already dropped, or else I'd have to go to plan B. I did not want to go to plan B.

We'd scoured Advanced Potion-Making the night before, reading the steps over and over again so that we could commit them to memory. Callie had wanted to write it down but Ellie and I vetoed that idea; if we got caught, one look at the list would reveal what we were doing.

Under the list of items and instructions, there was an extensive list of disclaimers:

DO NOT ATTEMPT UNLESS OVER THE AGE OF 17. DO NOT ATTEMPT UNLESS AT/SUPERVISED BY A WITCH OR WIZARD WITH ADVANCED MASTERY OF POTIONS. IF STEP 3 FAILS, WITCH OR WIZARD MAY HAVE PERMANENT WHISKERS.

We ignored those, especially the whiskers part. The others had their own tasks, of course. Callie would be collecting the dew from somewhere "neither sun nor human feet have touched," and her best guess so far was to go to the Forbidden Forest to collect them. One of us would have to go with her, of course, there was no way we'd let her go in there alone. Ellie on the other hand, would have to get a chrysalis of a death-head's hawk moth. We were stumped because what the hell is that? After some research, we realized we would not be able to obtain it ourselves, and would have to find some underground tactics. I had no idea how she would pull it off, but if anyone could, it was Ellie.

It was the next morning now, and Callie and I were headed to Herbology. "You ready?" Callie whispered to me while we hugged our books to our chests and tramped to the greenhouse.

"Ready." I kept my eyes forward, not wanting to attract attention to us.

When we arrived at the green house, we found a spot on the far end of the green house, where the mandrakes were tucked into a corner to reduce the risk of a clumsy student falling into them and causing a chorus of brain-splitting shrieks. Callie tood right in front of me, stepping on my foot.

"Ow! Callie get off!"

"Sorry!" She whispered, panic creeping into her voice, "I'm just trying to make sure no one sees you!"

"Alright students, gather around!" Madame Pomfrey marched into the greenhouse and motioned for people to come closer, "I hope you all have good reflexes, as today, we'll be studying the Devil's Snare." There were a few "oooh"s as the students gathered around the small cut of the vine and Professor sprout bent over it. I, on the other hand, saw this as the chance to snatch some leaves and backed away from the group as discreetly as possible towards the sleeping mandrakes. I whipped around to the pots for my target, heart thumping. I scanned each pot for what I needed, but it looked like the mandrakes were perfectly in order. Damn. Of course they were in perfect shape, there was no way Sprout would ever let them - hold on. A flash of green caught my eye, tucked behind one of the mandrakes. I leaned carefully over as to not disturb it, and saw two leaves. Bingo!

Very slowly, I reached my fingertips in between the plants and managed to grab the them. I breathed a small sigh of relief, but it wasn't over yet - I still needed one more.

I looked over my shoulder to see if I had been spotted, but all I saw were students' backs and Callie shooting nervous glances back at me. I shot her a look that said Turn! Around! and she huffed but listened. Shaking my head, I turned my attention back to the plants in front of me. I searched in the dirt once more for one, JUST ONE more leaf, but there wasn't any. I even scanned the ground below the table, but no luck. Disappointed, I returned to the group.

"... usually grow so large that they can trap large humans, and they try to trick you with these lovely flowers..." Professor Sprout was holding up the pot to show everyone the budding white flowers. I tried to pay attention but all the possibilities of plan B were reeling endlessly in my brain. In my peripheral I could see Callie shooting me nervous glances but I ignored her and stared as hard as I could at the plant, wishing it could strangle my thoughts.

-

We huddled in the corner of the library for a rundown of our progress.

"Alright girls, how did it go today?" Ellie blew a strand of hair that had fallen into her eyes out of the way. I sighed.

"Only two." I mumbled, and she looked slightly disappointed but seemed to push it aside. "Okay! That's two more than we had this morning!"

"Yeah, but now I'll have to do plan B." I had really been hoping that it would be a one-and-done situation.

"Y/n, you've got this!" Ellie touched my arm encouragingly, "I would help, but I have to go find Jessup Daniels tonight. I've heard whispers that he has a gift for sneaking things into school for people for a price, things that no one should be able to get their hands on except for the most shadowy wizards. No one knows how he gets them, but I figure out of everyone, he'd know where to get those chrysalises."

Callie and I nodded in agreement. "He looks like he'd know how to get things like that." I said under my breath and the girls stifled giggles, earning some very pointed looks from the students around us. "Plus, I know that James Potter has an invisibility cloak on him," Ellie patted her bag indicating she already had it stowed away, "I heard them talking very loudly about it. Those boys aren't so subtle are they?" Ellie rolled her eyes. She had the most contact with those boys than us, being in Gryffindor house too, so it made sense that she had gotten her hands on something like that.

Sirius's face flashed across my mind at hearing James's name. For a second, I saw his dark gray eyes scrunch up with laughter, I felt his fingers against mine. I imagined just what would have happened if I had let my hand linger... what it might have lead to... what else his fingers could do....

"Y/n. Y/n!" I heard Ellie calling me and shook myself back to reality. "Do you need to use the cloak tonight? Maybe we can stagger when we go to do -" I shook my head. "The greenhouse is only a little bit that way and it'll be dark, no one will see me." Ellie nodded in agreement.

Callie surprised us by saying she'd already gotten her hands on her dewdrops. She merely shrugged, saying, "I have a lot of practice in 'borrowing' things and the Potions cabinet is a sitting duck, what can I say?" I nodded, impressed.

My watch caught my eye. 8:30.

"Alright girls," I made a motion to get up, "I should start heading out. It'll be dark and it looks like it's starting to sprinkle out there." Tiny raindrops were dotting the window next to us. Ellie and Callie followed suit and nodded seriously.

"Godspeed." Callie saluted me with mock seriousness.

I saluted her back, then quickly gathered my schoolbag that I had brought with me to stuff the leaf in. My nerves had suddenly turned to excitement - I had never done anything more than getting messy drunk at common room parties, maybe smoking a joint here and there and raiding the kitchen. I had been such a rule-follower my whole life - suddenly, I was excited to get my hands dirty. Hiking my bag higher, I quickly left the library, but maybe I shouldn't have been so fast. I never noticed the gray eyes watching me.

-

Sirius's POV

It hadn't even been a day since my run-in with y/n when I spotted her at the library. She and her friends - I think their names are Calliope and Eleanor? - were in a huddle, whispering furiously. I let my eyes linger on y/n as I made my way over to the only open table behind her armchair.

I plopped my bag down on the table, internally groaning. I never came to the library of course, I have better things to do with my time, but I had gotten into a small scuffle with James in Potions because he wouldn't leave me alone about y/n and gotten myself 10 points from Gryffindor and a foot and a half on the properties of belladonna. Huffing, I yanked out my parchment and quill when the words invisibility cloak and y/n's voice caught my ear.

I could barely hear what she was saying, but if I strained, I could hear her whispering, "The greenhouse... it'll be dark..."

The greenhouse? What could she possibly need to do in the greenhouse? Not only that, but in the dark? From my years of admiring her from afar, I knew that y/n isn't one to be sneaking around after hours. I kept straining my ears to catch more of the conversation without being too obvious, but all I could hear was Callie talking about some potion. Then, they all got up and I ducked my head, mind racing with ideas of what they could possibly be planning. Callie saluted y/n, and y/n started walking out of the library. I ducked behind a shelf to watch her leave, mind still racing about what she could be doing. I returned to my table and Ellie and Callie had gone too.

"What in the bloody hell..." I sat for a moment staring at my empty parchment, trying to focus my mind on this stupid paper, but gave up. I jumped to my feet, stuffed my belongings into my bag, and decided to go back to Gryffindor tower.

There was no way I'd be able to get y/n off my mind.