#this looks HORRIBLE but in the nice way you know

[1d1195]

The Lottery V

Read The Lottery here | ~8.7k words

From me: the idea of making this two shorter parts or one long part was a very difficult decision. Hopefully you'll enjoy 💕 I think you'll see Peach and Harry again soon 🥰 you get to find out why I named it The Lottery too

Warnings: you get to find out why Harry is so grumpy so it's angsty and sad af I think. There is def some fluffy and love parts for sure!

Summary: Harry loves peaches. And Peach. She is quite possibly the most important person Harry has ever met.

*I highly recommend listening to Home Run by The Man The Myth The Meatslab*

After work, Harry ran errands. He went to the grocery store for his own house and planned on ordering take out because after working and all the errands, making a whole meal sounded horrible. As he approached the door with arms full of grocery bags, he swore he heard music playing loudly from inside.

He had to be imagining it.

But he tried the handle and was surprised (but also unsurprised) that it was unlocked. The second the door was out of the way she was in front of him. “Hi!” She cheered excitedly, grabbing two bags from his arms and turning quickly to the kitchen to bring them to the table. He stared at her, nearly unblinking as she continued stirring something on the stove. “I found this recipe that I wanted to try,” she explained. Was he dreaming? Most of his dreams involving the pretty bookstore owner and town princess were similar to this moment. Nothing really out of the ordinary except she was in his house, maybe he called it their house in his sleep. But the groceries were heavy on his arm, and he didn’t usually feel pain in the dreams.

“So y’broke into m’house?”

“You break into my house all the time.”

“Because y’leave the door unlocked. You had t’use m’key.”

She huffed. “Look.”

But there was nothing to look at. She kept watching her food cooking. Harry ignored it and put his groceries away. “Do y’need help?” He asked.

She shook her head. “I thought you were going to be home sooner. It’s almost done. I hope you didn’t have plans.”

Any plans Harry would have had would be canceled the moment he saw her. “No plans,” he assured her. “M’jus’... gonna put this stuff away,” he mumbled referring to the bathroom and cleaning items. Harry returned to her putting a plate together and setting it on the table before putting her own plate together. Then they sat and ate at his small dinner table in the middle of his kitchen. It was quiet, they didn’t speak, and she scrolled on her phone as she nibbled on her food. “Peach?” He said quietly. “Something wrong?” He asked.

“What could possibly be wrong?” But whether she realized it or not, she was holding the little moon charm between her fingers, rubbing her thumb along it like it would fix everything.

“Peach. Shouldn’t y’be... I don’t know... out with Malcolm?”

She paused very briefly and put her phone aside before she cut into the delicious-looking fish she prepared. It was covered in a layer of crunchy breadcrumbs and spices. It was beside roasted broccoli with a sprinkle of the same breadcrumbs and spices. Along with cheesy yet somehow creamy scallop potatoes. It smelled incredible and Harry didn’t think he deserved such a nice welcome home. Especially when she was seeing someone else. “No,” she whispered quietly.

Harry wasn’t going to harp on it if she wasn’t. Especially when she looked so upset about it. “Alright,” he said simply and dug into his own delicious food. They ate silently, her scrolling on her phone, reading emails and work orders. She had her to do list notebook beside her as well and she scribbled some thoughts onto the paper. Harry grabbed his book when he got up to grab them drinks. He put more potatoes on his plate and returned to sit across from her reading silently while they ate.

Harry cleaned up while she found a TV show to watch. Something silly and easy to watch. She was snug in the corner of his sofa and Harry sat at the other end. Once he was seated, she stretched out putting her feet in his lap and throwing the blanket along the back of the couch across them. Harry dropped his hand onto her legs and mindlessly rubbed over her blanket covered body. They silently watched TV like they silently ate dinner.

She was used to long periods of silence with Harry. This time was no different. But it was. Because Harry was her very best friend and she was in love with him but couldn’t have him.

“Peach?” He asked. “You’re crying,” he murmured, concern laced in his voice.

“Fuck,” she whispered and turned her head the other way swiping at her cheeks. His grip tightened on her leg.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just... don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“Nothing is wrong with you,” he assured her quickly, squeezing his hold on her shin. “What happened?” He asked.

“It’s not like we were in love or anything,” she mumbled. “I just... I feel so underestimated all the time and so...” she swallowed. “No one in my life seems to believe in me... and not like the people in town. Everyone is so lovely for accepting me. I don’t even know why I need approval from people who I hardly see anymore or new people who hardly care about this place... but I do. I need it more than I realize, and I don’t know why. I don’t know why they don’t believe in me,” her voice was so quiet and soft.

“Then fuck them,” he squeezed her leg again. It was the only thing he could do.

She laughed, tears leaking from her eyes again, but it was an honest to God laugh. Harry hated seeing her vulnerable like that. She was amazing in every possible way. It was a tragedy that she could ever see anything but perfection. He smiled. Not quite those rare, genuine smiles that she saw in his eyes that only really appeared around Gemma or Louis. But it was gentle, warm, and made her feel like she would really be okay. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“Yeah, Peach. Of course. Thank you for dinner. Y’didn’t need to do that.”

“Well, I figured if I only ever made food for you when you were sick, you would think we weren’t really friends,” she smiled.

He chuckled quietly, a huff of laughter that he covered with a shake of his head. He turned back to their show and kept his hand moving along the blanket.

“Peach?”

“Hmm?”

“Think you’re m’best friend.”

“Me too, Harry.”

*

If Harry wasn’t working, he would find himself at her bookshop, sitting between shelves on the floor, reading and watching her at work. Watching her during reading-hour was one of his favorite things. Watching her tutor was also a delight. But watching her read while waiting for customers behind the checkout counter was by far the best. The quiet of the moment, the beautiful, peaceful expression on her perfect face.

“You’re staring at me,” she nearly sang while flipping to the next page.

He looked back at his book.

“Now you’re blushing,” she giggled.

He put his book in front of his face to hide from her.

“Do you like it?” She asked.

“It’s cathartic,” he mumbled.

She grinned. She loved it when Harry read his books in front of her while she worked. There weren’t many ways he could reciprocate the way she sat at his counter and watched him cook breakfast and serve lunch. He was handsome and sweet. Her very best friend.

*

She came home to find Harry on her sofa laying across it with the clicker in hand. “Hi,” she blinked in surprise.

“I ordered pizza, s’in the kitchen,” he told her.

She nodded. “Sure,” she glanced at him curiously and walked to her bedroom to change into something cozier. The entire time she heard the TV going, which meant Harry was still there. She didn’t mind his presence. Not in the slightest. But she wasn’t used to seeing him laying on her couch like he lived there. He was usually fixing something or making dinner. This was peaceful and gentle. She went to the kitchen next, grabbed the pizza and headed to the living room again. She curled in the chair turned toward the sofa and TV for conversation and Harry merely continued watching TV as if this wasn’t a crazy moment.

“Everything alright?” She asked.

“Mmm,” he hummed.

“So, it’s okay when you break into my house?”

His lips twitched in his signature smirk, and he shrugged one shoulder. She nodded, biting into her pizza and turned her attention to her TV.

*

They traded off randomly appearing in each other’s homes. But it didn’t take a genius to recognize she wasn’t in his house when she was seeing another guy. Harry still visited her at work but when she talked about the guy she was seeing, he tried to keep his distance at her home to a minimum. It wasn’t fair to her to make that choice and if she was going to be in love she deserved to be in love with someone that wasn’t so grumpy and irritated with the town she loved so much.

But she still came to the diner and even introduced a few of the men in her life to Harry. She convinced Harry to help each Christmas and had him make hot dogs and hamburgers for cookouts in the summer. During the fall he provided hot apple cider per her request and helped her decorate the outside of the bookstore. In the winter he checked on her pipes and after her washing machine broke, he went with her to purchase a new one to make sure they didn’t try to swindle her of more money just because she was sweet and pretty. He even installed it himself.

But one day she came home to get ready for her date with Bodie. She liked him a lot. He was kind, funny, and intelligent. He worked hard and appreciated her love for the small town.

However, instead of heading to her bedroom to change and do her hair and makeup, she found Harry on her sofa. Which was weird as she had noticed the pattern of him staying away from her house when she was in a relationship. “Hey,” she frowned. “You okay, Harry?” She asked.

“Yeah,” his voice was quiet. He was turned toward the back of the couch. “Are y’busy tonight?”

She frowned. “Um... not till later. What’s wrong?”

“Jus’... wanted t’see you,” he mumbled. “Feel like I haven’t seen y’much.”

Did he sniffle? Her heart was going to break. She set her stuff in the middle of the floor and approached him like he was a wild animal. Not because she worried about her safety or that he would attack her. But because Harry was grumpy and angry. He was short and hardly smiled.

Harry was never vulnerable and that terrified her. If he cried, she was done for. Quietly, she sat on the coffee table facing him and watching for signs of trouble or something worse. “Yeah... sorry about that. I’ve been a bit busier than usual lately.” He didn’t respond, just stared at the back of the couch. She reached out. “Harry—”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” he said quickly, his voice shook, and it felt like a knife to her heart. Quickly, she dropped her hand to her lap. After a moment, she nodded, and he turned to lie on his back. He rubbed a hand over his face and sighed heavily. “I shouldn’t have come over,” he said. “I don’t mean t’bother you,” he pulled his hand away and she noted how red his eyes looked. Like he had been crying and so that knife in her heart turned into an entire sword.

“Course you should have, Harry. That’s what friends are for,” she promised.

“Y’have plans,” he mumbled.

She shook her head. “My only plan right now is to be here for you, Harry,” she assured him. “Move your head.” He sat up. She quickly got herself situated at the end of the sofa and then pulled him gently by the shoulder to lay his head in her lap. Her hand immediately dove into his hair. This was the closest they had ever been, and she knew it wasn’t a good move for her heart or her head, but her best friend was sad. So, she couldn’t care about that.

Instead, she watched the show he put on, combed her fingers through his hair, and ignored when the tears leaked from the corners of his eyes.

*

At some point she must have lost track of time, her leg was numb, her fingers were still curled around his soft locks. The TV show had caught her attention more than she thought. Harry was asleep, peaceful and she wished she could have pressed more. It killed her to not help him more, but he was quiet as always. Never letting her in deeper than need be. Sure, she read between the lines, but it hurt a little that he didn’t feel he could open himself up to her. But she understood. Harry was closed off for a reason and that was very okay.

The only reason she ignored the way her leg was losing circulation, and she wasn’t lost in the way his hair felt between her fingers was because of the knock at her door.

Fuck. She mouthed to herself. Slowly she untangled herself from Harry. She carefully lifted his head and placed it gently on the sofa. He turned, settling into sleep and she limped to the door with her leg nearly asleep.

“Hey, love,” Bodie smiled leaning in to peck her cheek. “You ready to go?”

She smiled softly. “I’m so sorry, I should have canceled,” she whispered. “Something’s wrong with Harry and he’s—”

The smile on his face immediately disappeared. “Oh, for the love of God,” he rolled his eyes.

The frown on her face settled and she tilted her head. “What?”

“It’s just... you talk about Harry all the time. He’s your best friend, I get it. But don’t you understand how difficult it is to think about you with another man?”

She bit her lip and looked at her feet. “We’re just friends.”

“I understand, but are you going to put him first forever? Everything you do revolves around this place, the diner, your bookstore. Don’t you want to live?”

She frowned. “I think you should go,” she whispered without looking up.

“Yeah. I was thinking the same thing,” he sighed and headed back to his car. She watched him leave, her heart aching, but it wasn’t hard to notice that it didn’t ache nearly as much as Harry’s sadness made her feel.

When she closed the door, she found Harry sitting on the sofa. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Hey,” he murmured. “Sorry, I fell asleep.”

She shrugged, sat on the chair. But she missed the way his head felt on her leg and how his hair felt between her fingers. “It’s okay.”

Harry pinched the bridge of his nose. “What are y’doing here, Peach?” He asked.

“I live here,” she laughed.

“Peach,” he sighed. “Here. In this town. Y’could be running a company, or... mayor of an actual town. Y’would probably be making more money in a city with a bigger house that didn’t have bad pipes even after y’replaced them.”

“Well... that’s not—”

“He was right,” Harry interrupted making her chest hurt again. The sword turned into a harpoon. “Don’t y’want t’live, Peach? There’s no living here. S’nearly the same thing all the time.”

She swallowed. “Harry,” she frowned.

“I’ve been here m’whole life and s’not...” he rubbed his hands over his face. “You’re too good for this place.” She felt tears prick her eyes. The heartache about Harry’s sadness, Bodie’s uncalled for breakup (even if she wasn’t upset about the breakup), and now... “Stop, I didn’t mean t’make y’cry,” he said hurriedly. “Fuck. Don’t listen t’me. M’jus’...” he shook his head. “M’fucking sad and m’taking it out on you. After y’were so nice t’me and I ruined your date and—”

She smiled, her heart aching a little less. “I’m glad you did,” she sniffled. “I guess—”

“Peach.”

“—I guess I just never liked the city, and I just wanted the feel of being known and not—”

“Peach.”

“—and not just some random person that no one would ever really know because it’s too big out there. There is so much and I’m not—”

“Peach,” Harry’s voice was soft, and he pulled her toward him and cupped the back of her head as he pulled her into his chest. His chin resting on top of her head and he sighed. “M’sorry,” he whispered. “I don’t want you t’go anywhere,” he promised.

She clung to him and nodded. There was nothing else to say.

*

For all the guys she brought around, Harry never brought a single girl around and she could never figure out why. But she never asked. She assumed if he didn’t want to tell her, then he didn’t want to talk about it. So instead, she asked him for pancakes that he didn’t want to make. Ordered pizza and only went over to his house when she wasn’t in a relationship.

He smacked her hand when she reached for sugar and cream. He rolled his eyes when she left her stuff on the counter for hours at a time. When she needed help stocking the shelves he was there. When she shoveled the driveways of everyone in town so did he. He hung up her Christmas lights and made sure she had hot chocolate on cold days.

She made him soup when he didn’t feel well. Made sure she stocked books that were cathartic. Helped serve at the diner when it was busy. And most importantly didn’t tell anyone he was dressed as Santa each year.

“Can I have a white chocolate chip pancake and a peach pancake?”

“No.”

“Please, please, please, please!”

“No.”

“Did you see the moon?”

“Yes, Peach, s’very pretty today.”

“Do you know how to change a lighting fixture?”

“I’ll come over later.”

Whenever he returned from the kitchen with pancakes, there was always a peach pancake hiding the one white chocolate chip below it.

“Muffin today?”

“Please.”

“Did you rotate your tires?”

“Every time I drive.”

“I need some new shirts, could y’go with me?”

“Is this so you can take my car to the shop?”

“Yes.”

“I would love to.”

And so, it went on.

*

Then there was Alex.

No one liked him. They tolerated him for her benefit. There was honestly nothing wrong with him. He was a lot like Bodie. Smart, funny, kind. He had his own business in the city. He supported her. Appreciated her kindness for the small town and like her business. He was also handsome if you were into that sort of thing (which Harry begrudgingly accepted). He didn’t feel threatened by Harry and thought that the idea of settling in a small town was going to be great for family life.

Which was probably why they had been dating for a year. There was sincerely nothing wrong with him.

Except he was not Harry, and everyone in town noticed that for sure.

Alice had no trouble telling Harry that.

“Oh, for God’s sake, Alice,” Ed sighed.

“Harry, we’ve been coming in here for ages and you have never looked at anyone the way you look at her.”

His lips twitched but he hid it because she was still his best friend, and he wanted her to be happy. Harry wasn’t a happy person. Perhaps he never would be. So, if she was in love with Alex, then she was in love with Alex.

And if she stopped coming to his house unannounced then he was fine with that.

Totally, completely fine with it (and he definitely didn’t need to buy a new refrigerator for opening the door so hard it broke at the hinge).

*

“Did you see the moon!?” There was so much delight in her eyes. Harry had heard her say it so many times, it instinctively brought a smile to his face (internally). He had never met anyone so excited about the moon even when it was out seven days a week.

Harry discreetly glanced out the picture window of the diner and caught a glimpse of it. Alex was looking at his phone while she nearly snapped her neck to get a better view of it.

“Honey, seriously! It’s so pretty today, and you can see Venus next to it and it’s just so lovely,” she sighed and got up grabbing his arm. But he nearly paid no mind to her.

“Alex, look—”

“Oh my god. I don’t want to look at the moon! It’s the same moon I’ve seen for years. I don’t care.”

She swallowed the words in her throat. She took a deep breath and returned to her seat. Not at the counter. Quietly, she poked at her food and sipped her tea. Harry thought her eyes looked shiny. The whole diner heard it. Harry felt the smile (internally) fall off his face.

How could he hurt her like that? He wanted to kill him. It was much too quiet and uncomfortable. Clearing her throat, she started with small talk. Things she was going to do that day, errands she needed to run.

The entire time, her fingers danced along the charm around her neck.

*

Hey

Hi...

Everything alright?

Yeah, why?

You don’t usually text me. Unless you want to tell me I’m not allowed to leave my stuff at the counter even though I’m coming back later.

He sent an eye roll emoji. It was hard to be nice to her when she was annoying. But not really.

Yeah... fine. Just...

I was taking the trash out behind the diner... and...

The moon looks really pretty tonight. Have you seen it?

Her heart softened reading the message. She knew what he was doing even if he was trying to be sly about it. But she loved the moon. She stretched in her hammock to look between branches of the trees she was sitting below. Yeah, she had seen the moon already. It was all she could look at tonight. But when Harry said it, she wasn’t going to be the one to tell him she already saw it. Not ever.

Oh! Yes, I hadn’t seen it yet. Look at that :)

Hope you’re relaxing. You deserve it. Night, Peach.

Night, Harry. Sleep well ❤️

There was something about looking at the same moon Harry was at that moment. Sharing something that they weren’t even in the same room for. But maybe, mostly because he had remembered how much it meant to her when no one else did.

Harry continued to message her about the moon every time he saw it over the next few months.

He took a screenshot of that sweet message she sent with the little heart emoji. He wanted to frame it and put it in the diner.

Maybe one day he would.

*

Harry entered his place, and it smelled like baked goods. But to his knowledge they hadn’t broken up. In fact, she hinted that wedding bells were in her future, (so Harry now needed a new stove because the oven door faced the same fate as his refrigerator).

He also wasn’t sick. So, she wasn’t making soup for him. There was no holiday or festival in sight, so she didn’t need help. It wasn’t winter so her pipes probably weren’t broken. So why was she there? Baking in his house? “Peach?” He called.

“Did you move the flour?”

“The cabinet on the right.”

“I’m making cookies for the kids—”

“Peach.”

“—they have their big exams coming up—”

“Peach.”

“I saw this recipe and thought I would give it a try.

“Peach.”

“I thought I had everything, but I always forget something.”

“Peach. Why aren’t y’with Alex?”

She stopped, gripping the side of the counter in front of the sink. She looked at the ceiling. “Because I need my best friend,” her voice cracked, and she sniffled before she wiped her arm across her nose. She shook her head and turned the sink on to wash her hands again.

Harry nodded to himself. Not knowing what was happening but couldn’t bring himself to care. He put his hand on her back briefly and she sniffled again as he grabbed the flour for her. He settled it on the counter and turned her toward him and cupped the back of her head the way he did when Bodie broke up with her. He rubbed his hand up and down her spine while she sobbed into his shirt. The ache he felt for her sadness made him want to cry himself.

He kissed the top of her head. “M’sorry, Peach,” he whispered.

She continued crying for a while. Her hands covering her face as she leaned into Harry’s embrace enjoying the feel of him cradling her like she was something precious. “Did y’see the moon, Peach?” He hummed quietly.

She shook her head. “It’s a new moon today,” she told him.

He snorted. “S’what I get for trying t’help.”

She laughed through her tears making him smile. Perhaps it was because they were in the privacy of his home, and he was heartbroken by her sadness.

But his smile was real and stretched across his face for anyone to see.

Even if it was just the sweet girl in his arms.

*

Harry didn’t ask any more questions about why she needed him. They baked cookies in silence and Harry made her dinner because it had been a long while since they had a dinner in his place. He made her favorite pasta dish and packaged it up so she could take it home when she ate no more than five bites of it.

Instead, they watched TV in silence. Seated on two different pieces of furniture and he glanced at her way too often assuring himself that she was okay when she didn’t seem to be at all. Eventually, he noted her eyes were shut, her neck awkwardly turned and slumped against the corner of the sofa.

Carefully, he took her shoes off. Brought her feet onto the couch turning her ever so gently because he didn’t want to wake her. He made sure the remote was within reach on the coffee table. Then he covered her with a blanket.

He would be up before her for the early morning breakfast, so he left her a note to come get her silly pancakes. Or her weird omelets if she wanted them. He would even throw in a muffin to go, and her coffee would be cold just the way she liked.

Then Harry went to bed with the sweet bookstore owner on his couch.

*

They didn’t talk about the night before. Harry didn’t smack her hand away from the cream and sugar but only because she didn’t reach. When she only ate two bites of her pancakes, he packaged them up for her to take home.  They didn’t speak and Harry didn’t read her little to-do list.

“Have a good day, Harry,” she murmured getting up from her seat.

“Peach?” He asked.

She looked up at him, her fingers touching the moon charm once more. His eyes flicked to the movement and then back to her eyes. Saddened, exhausted. God, was that what Harry looked like? No wonder she was constantly trying to make him better.

But she couldn’t look that way. No. She was perfect. Pretty and lovely. Intelligent and kind. She couldn’t get grumpy the way Harry had. “New moons symbolize new beginnings.”

She smiled, it hardly reached her eyes, but it was better than the flat expression across her face. Her cheeks glowed a little brighter, her eyes a little less sad. “Yeah,” she nodded. “They do.”

“So... every twenty-nine and a half days... y’can start over if y’have to. If y’need to.”

She nodded again and smirked. “Twenty-nine and a half? Did you do some research?” She laughed from the doorway.

“Something like that.”

*

What Harry hadn’t anticipated was her coming back for dinner. He assumed with all the leftovers she would be happy at home. Her dose of her grumpy friend no longer necessary. Perhaps she would call Bailey, who was arguably a much better person to assist her in relationship troubles. Or even Louis would have been a better call. At least that may have ended in some laughs at Harry’s expense.

But instead, she was back at the diner. Sitting at the counter as if it were the morning.

Harry headed back to the grill to get plates of food and returned to find Alex sitting beside her. She faced forward. No food in front of her, just her eyes focusing on the pots of coffee that were empty—waiting to be refilled for the morning.

“I didn't mean for it to happen. But when I look at her, my bones ache, love. I want you to have that. I want you to have a love like that. But you won't have it with me,” he told her.

She continued staring at the back wall behind the counter. Swallowing hard. Trying to ignore him. He pleaded with her. Only to make himself feel better for breaking her heart, Harry was sure. For stringing her along. How could she love so hard and not have someone love her back? She won’t ever forgive him. She can’t do it anymore. It’s not fair.

“Alex, just go,” She closed her eyes, and her voice felt weak. She was exhausted. It was plain on her face. She didn’t want to talk anymore. Especially not to Alex.

“Honey...”

“No.” Her voice was just a hair stronger than it was a moment before.

“Please just let me—"

“I really need you to leave,” her words were shaky. Cracking on every other syllable. She squeezed her eyes closed tighter. Like she could make the image of him breaking up with her in front of everybody go away. This was a dream. She was going to wake up any minute. But the pain was a lot. It felt like someone had ripped her tired, broken heart out of her chest.

“I don’t want you to think—"

Without warning, she slammed her fist on the counter gathering the attention of everyone in the diner. “I need you to leave,” her voice was so quiet. So different than the shake she just gave the counter, let alone the entire diner. Harry felt horrible. So completely horrible.

With a long look, Alex stared at her before leaving without so much as another word of apology.

Without truly realizing, Harry had followed him outside after the unending silence.

"Hey!” Harry had never confronted one of her boyfriends before. Not the one that told her she ate too many pancakes. Not the one that told her that her bookstore wouldn’t survive in a small place like this. Not the guy that told her she looked better when she styled her hair on special occasions. Or even Bodie who thought she was more than this town and even if that was true, he could have supported her anyway.

But this one... this one that just stopped loving her. Because of someone else. As if someone else could possibly compare to the most beautiful, kindest, most intelligent person he had ever met.

Alex turned around and sighed, rubbed a hand over his face. "Harry, I didn't mean to—"

"You jus’ lost the lottery,” he interrupted. His heart was pounding, and it felt separate from his brain. Like he is all too aware that his heart shouldn’t beat that fast nor be beating so hard for the girl that was heartbroken at the counter. But he couldn’t figure out why he chose today to confront Alex... and even his own feelings.

There was a deafening silence as he processed Harry’s words. "One in a billion. No. One in eight billion." Harry didn't move, just stared at him. "And you're throwing her away," he shook his head slowly. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and sighed, defeat falling over his posture.

"I'm sorry,” Alex said. “But I couldn’t... we all deserve happiness,” he promised. “Even idiots like me.”

Harry had nothing else to say to him, so he returned inside. People were staring at her silently as they pecked at their plates of food. Individually, Harry headed to each table and quietly requested that every one of them leave.

Food’s on the house.

I think she needs a minute alone.

Please, just go quietly.

Once everyone was outside, he left a crate in front of the door for empty dishes for people to finish and return once they left. Harry flipped the open sign to close. He headed to the kitchen and whipped up the fastest batch of pancakes he had ever made: one peach and one white chocolate chip.

“I wish someone loved me that much,” she whispered to no one.

Harry came from the back and set the two pancakes in front of her. He met her teary gaze with his.

“Eat your pancakes.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Peach,” his voice was gentle but still very firm. “Eat them, please,” he repeated.

She picked up her fork and drowned the plate in syrup. Harry wondered why she didn’t just drink it straight from the bottle. Mum was insistent that food would cure anything. A cold. a broken leg.

A broken heart.

She had tears rolling down her cheeks as she ate but Harry ignored it. “Never had a peach and white chocolate chip pancake before.”

She sniffled. “Yeah?”

He smirked. “Been making them for you for so many years. But no... Never.”

She smirked through her tears. “Figured you were eating them back there to keep your ratios on par,” she cut a piece of each one off and held her fork out to him. He took the bite enjoying the little piece of her that existed in her favorite breakfast. It was delicious. He could see why she would want one of each.

He chuckled around the bite. “Gave up on worrying ‘bout the ratios,” he shrugged.

“How come?”

“Y’eat them enough t’save the ratio in spades.” Harry felt like he won the lottery just by hearing her laugh; especially when she probably didn’t want to. “Do y’want t’watch a film?”

She nodded. Harry picked up her plate and let her lead down the hall. He flicked the lights off to the diner as they walked back to his little apartment home. She fit in the room so easily. Quickly, she made her spot on the sofa, Harry sat close beside her. Harry didn’t pay any mind to the movie he picked. In a matter of minutes, she was drowsy. The movie was nearly irrelevant because she was nearly asleep half a dozen times throughout the movie.

“Did y’fall asleep?” There was a smile in his voice when he asked the first time.

“No,” she mumbled.

“Peach... y’fall asleep?” She muttered a quiet no, again. She could still hear the movie. But the third time, she was simply too tired, physically and emotionally to respond. “Kitten, are y’awake?” She couldn’t speak to even register he called her something new. She was too tired. She simply continued listening to the movie playing and Harry asking her if she was asleep.

“My mum died out of nowhere,” he told her. It felt like someone punched her in the stomach. “It broke me. Broke me t’pieces,” his voice was nostalgic. “I was twenty almost twenty-one. She didn’t even see me graduate.” She should have told him she was awake. He didn’t want him to spill his secrets to her if she was awake. That much was clear in the way he asked the last two times. “Gemma had been stuck here t’see the aftermath of everything. I needed t’finish school even though I didn’t want to. She tried so hard t’keep this place afloat, but she didn’t like cooking, and she didn’t know how t’run a business. I didn’t want t’come home. It broke me all over again. Because I was already weary. Didn’t want t’relive the hometown heartbreak I suffered. This girl I dated from town. She wanted nothing t’do with this place, but I loved this town so much, Peach. I loved it like you do. So maybe s’on me. Because she said she wasn’t going t’stay and it broke m’heart. It broke m’entire plan t’stay here. I hated it here. I hated that it wasn’t enough for her. For us.”

This wasn’t right. Listening to him when he was sharing something personal that he clearly didn’t want to tell...but she was in too deep now. “M’plan turned t’helping Mum find people t’run the diner for her and then move away. Find m’own footing. That had been the plan since I started college. And then Mum...” he sighed and paused. She wondered if he could hear how fast her heart was beating. “I graduated. I cried. I drank.”

Her heart hurt. “I thought maybe I’ll jus’ burn the place down. If Mum’s not here, what’s the point?” His voice was so quiet. “Gemma was heartbroken. She was there when it happened, and she couldn’t stay. Didn’t want t’stay and how could I let her? She was holding everything together. She’s a superhero m’sister,” he whispered so quietly. “She didn’t know what t’do. But she knew she wasn’t any help. She told me it was okay t’sell it. T’move away. T’escape the heartache.”

She tried to think of this little town without the diner. Without Harry. It would be missing something. She was sure. But staying here, the ghost of a girl who was clearly just not good enough for his sweet heart and the ghost of his mother and the family that had to leave because it was too much, she understood. Of course he wanted to leave. How could anyone blame him? “I had a realtor. I had a buyer. A lawyer. I had it all. It was only days away from turning into something and I jus’ had this horrible breakdown before I opened,” he reminisced, his voice was far away. She heard him swallow audibly. His voice cracked. “I was sobbing on the floor over a dozen broken eggs.” The sound of the movie was gone. She couldn’t hear anything but Harry and his soft breathing. Her stomach hurt at the thought of his distress and wanted to make it go away retroactively. If only she had a time machine. If only she could have known him and done something. If only his mom was still there. “I begged Mum for a sign. I wanted her approval. Afraid I wasn’t doing the right thing. Afraid she would hate me for running.”

Of course she wouldn’t have. Harry was... Harry. No one could hate him. Especially not his mother. “I think everyone kinda knew it was coming. Even though I didn’t tell them. I was going t’tell them that day, actually. That I was selling and moving and... the diner would be no more. End of a chapter. End of a life. End of a story.”

She could hardly take how sad it all was. No wonder he was grumpy. She couldn’t figure out why he was telling her. She inhaled a little deeper, ready to tell him she was actually awake and that of course his mother wouldn’t hate him. Never. Not even from wherever her soul was out in—

“But then this insanely intelligent, beautiful girl sat at m’counter. Asked for one peach and one white chocolate chip pancake. Told me the ratios didn’t matter. That she would like t’open a tab.”

She swore her heart stopped. Time stopped. Everything stopped.

“Y’can’t have a tab if there was no diner,” he said simply, a shrug in his voice.

Like it was that simple. That in asking for a tab erased all that heartache. How different her life in this little place would have been without Harry through the years. She couldn’t imagine it. Her best friend just not there. Who would dress as Santa? Or help her rake leaves in the fall? How would she set off the fireworks?

“I didn’t think I would ever be happy again and y’jus’...” there was a quiet pause that seemed to last for hours. Harry’s voice sounded wistful. Like he was remembering every moment since she moved. “Y’were opening a bookshop and y’moved into a house with bad pipes. I didn’t want you t’be stuck in the dead of winter with no hot water,” he continued. “Y’jus’ wanted pancakes and cold coffee, and I didn’t want t’be the one t’stop y’from getting whatever you wanted. Peach, y’love this town like y’grew up here. Y’take care of everyone and everything. Y’are endlessly kind and wonderful and the most annoying person I’ve ever known. Y’love the moon when all anyone can talk about is how nice and warm the sun is. You are everything I wanted and all y’did was waltz into m’diner on one of the worst days of m’life.”

There was no way Harry couldn’t hear her heartrate flying. It felt like a hundred dragonflies were trapped in her ribcage begging to get out. “M’nearly certain I’ve loved you for as long as I’ve known you. The moment I met you and made you your ridiculous pancakes and all those omelets. M’never going t’stop loving you. No matter how many stupid men you date that don’t know that you’re the best thing that’s ever graced this town, this world, and especially my life.”

The sound of the movie seemed to come back as Harry stopped speaking for a bit of time. The movie filled the silence instead of his words and she felt like she might need to cry again. For several moments she kept quiet, trying to calm her heart. When she felt a sufficient amount of time had passed, she reached up to rub her eye with an exaggerated yawn. “Fell asleep again,” she sniffed turning to Harry. He was smiling at her with a little nod in the way he always did. A smile that didn’t spread across his face, but it was in his eyes.

“I know,” he whispered very softly.

“Sorry. Can we watch the movie another day?” He nodded again, still gazing at her. “Are you okay?” She asked.

“Should be asking you that.”

She bit the inside of her cheek. “I think I’m okay.”

“Y’sure?” He asked. “I... I wanted t’kill him. T’be honest.”

She shook her head. “He’s not worth it.”

“No? Thought y’wanted to marry him.”

“He...” she sighed. “He doesn’t like the smalltown life after all,” she shrugged then looked at Harry with a smile. “He doesn’t care about the moon.”

He grinned ever so gently at her. Not quite those secret smiles that he hid from everyone, but it was more than his signature twitch of the lips. “Yeah?”

“I can’t be with someone that doesn’t care about the moon.”

He felt his cheeks warm and was glad the room was dark aside from the glow of the TV. “I never really thought ‘bout the moon until y’rolled into town.”

“No?”

“M’more of a sunrise guy with the diner.”

She smiled. “I like the sun too.”

“The moon is better. Y’can stare at it without hurting y’eyes.”

She giggled. “That’s true.”

“I think ‘bout y’every time I see the moon,” he murmured.

She was closer to him than she ever had been even when he held her the night before and kissed the top of her head. She could feel his breath on her face, and she loved his eyes so much. They were so pretty. “What about when the moon is gone?”

“I think ‘bout the moon in the middle of the day, as soon as I wake up, and as the sun sets.”

She doesn’t know why it was then. Why she didn’t know...how she didn’t know. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him. The way he looked at her. The way he always looked at her. Harry was her best friend, and she never thought he loved her beyond that. She thought he only barely tolerated her as a friend. But the look on his face...

“Oh,” she managed. Breathless, her heart pounded. Harry didn’t date. Harry didn’t... love... right? Harry didn’t really love her, did he?

But he did. He told her (albeit, what he thought was her sleeping body). So, she wasn’t supposed to know that. Not really. Maybe he was just saying it because he felt bad for her and how upset she was. But he shook his head and smiled—really, really smiled.

“Peach, y’have m’whole heart,” he shrugged one shoulder as if this wasn’t the biggest deal in the entire world. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to her forehead. “Whenever you’re ready,” he said simply. “M’not going anywhere.”

*

She woke up and it was still pitch-black out. With a glance at the clock on her bedside table she found it was only four thirty and she was so awake. Even Harry wouldn’t be awake yet. She didn’t feel sad about Alex. Why was she crying about him yesterday anyway? He wasn’t Harry. He wasn’t someone who anticipated things she needed done and offered to do them before she knew it. Harry thought about her like she was an extension of him, which is exactly how she thought about him. He showed up when she least expected it but he was there.

Her fingers skimmed the moon charm on her necklace. Something she couldn’t stop wearing if her life depended on it. The thought of losing it made her nauseous. It was so comforting to have a piece of Harry with her all the time. How could she think she could marry someone that wasn't him?

Was it too soon? Maybe. But it was a long time coming. Had been for so many years. Harry was hers. Maybe whether he wanted to be or not. Because she loved him from the moment that she met him, and she couldn’t have imagined a more perfect person than him.

Hard pass. You need a nice bubbly guy like you.

Harry wasn’t bubbly. But he was nice, and he was more than perfect.

Suddenly, she was out the door running. Running through the quiet, sleeping town. Did she close her door? Maybe Edith or David would do it for her. She barely stopped when she got to the front of the diner. Harry wasn’t down yet—of course he wasn’t, it wasn’t even five—so she knocked on the door rapidly; peering through the glass waiting for the most perfect man she knew to appear. She could have used the key, but this was important, and Harry needed to open the door.

After what seemed like eternity, Harry came from the back: hurried, no shoes, and still in his sweatpants.

“Peach, what are y’doing? I hate when y’come here this early when s’dark out. On foot. What if someone snuck up and kidnapped you?”

“Oh my God, Harry. Shut up about being kidnapped. Everyone in town knows me.”

He snorted. “S’not good t’run in the near dark—Fine, whatever. Peach, what’s wro—”

She pulled his face to hers and kissed him. For so many years she dreamed of his lips. How soft they would feel, how nice they would feel. It felt electric. He tasted like toothpaste and summer. His skin was warm, and he loved her.

Harry reached down and cupped the back of her thighs, pulling her legs around his hips. She looped her arms around his neck, clinging to him wishing she could get closer somehow. He closed the door to the diner and fiddled with the signs. Opening late. She imagined the sign was being placed in front of the closed sign. Harry kept one arm beneath her butt, supporting her against him as he walked across the diner and placed her on the same stool she sat on each morning.

He brought his hands to her face, sliding his fingers through her hair, his thumbs skimming across her cheeks as he kissed her again. Her mouth was so warm.

“I could hear you talking last night,” she whispered against his skin as his lips moved to her jaw. "During the movie." She had to tell him the truth about some things. Many things. Some things she hadn’t thought about in ages. Some were still fresh. If this was going to work, she needed Harry to know everything.

“I know y’could, Peach,” he hummed quietly and moved across her collarbone, pausing to kiss the moon charm around the chain. His lips started their ascent up the other side of her throat. Her skin felt hot, tingly from head to toe. "Wanted you t'hear."

Her heart ached a little less. “Is this too soon?” She asked.

He shook his head. “Feels like s’been too long,” his kisses worked up the side of her face, skimming every inch of her like he was going to draw her face with kisses on a canvas and he was measuring what that would look like with an outline.

“Harry,” she whispered, shivering slightly. He didn’t respond as his lips were at the top of her head, kissing her hair line. “I’ve... I’ve known your mom passed away... since I moved in. Alice told me the first week I was here.”

Harry paused his kisses. He drew back to look her in the eye. There was a pucker of confusion between his eyebrows, and he looked at her like he had never seen her before. “Y’never said anything,” it wasn’t accusatory. It wasn’t mad. It wasn’t sad. A statement. That’s all he said.

“You clearly didn’t want to talk about it.”

His heart swelled. “Y’never... treated me differently.”

“I never asked about your mom, Harry. You didn’t notice?”

Well, now it seemed so obvious. “No,” he mumbled.

She smiled weakly. “You weren’t ready to tell me.”

“Y’didn’t look at me with pity.”

She shrugged. “You did that in spades.”

He smirked and rubbed his thumb on her lip before he took it between his again. “S’much as I want t’make more memories on this seat, s’going t’get light soon,” he pecked her lips and scooped her back up. There would be someone walking their dog and they would peer in and see something they shouldn’t. “But ‘ve wanted t’kiss y’in this seat for ages,” he assured her. He gripped behind her thighs again rewrapping them around his hips and lifting her into his arms again. He kissed her the entire way down the hall to his little home behind the diner that made his heart hurt for so many years. Now it was filled with peaches. So many sweet memories to take away the hurt.

“Harry,” she whimpered as he nipped at her skin.

“Y’taste so sweet, Peach,” he mumbled into her mouth. She shivered, making Harry squeeze her tighter. Then she smiled against his lips. Her fingers tangled in the back of his hair. She ground her hips against him in a needy fashion that she never imagined she’d ever get to do to him. He groaned softly into her neck kissing a path across her collarbone again. “Easy Peach,” he hummed. “M’pretty... starved for attention.”

She huffed a breath of laughter. “You can have all my attention,” she promised. “I’m not going anywhere, Harry Styles,” she pulled his face back so she could read his eyes. “Ever. I’m going to die on that stool in your diner eating peach and white chocolate chip pancakes when I’m a hundred years old.”

He smiled. That genuine, gorgeous smile that she loved so much but he kept so hidden. “Perfect,” he whispered and captured her lips in his again.

“I’m glad it was a new moon,” she whispered.

“Me too, Peach,” he laid her gently on his bed, stripped his T-shirt over his head. “I needed a new beginning.”

“Hey Harry?” She whispered.

“Hmm?” He pulled his sweatpants off next. Leaning to get them off his legs which left him in the perfect position to kiss the length of her leg, starting with her ankle and working his way up to her hip.

“I love you too. In case it wasn’t obvious at this point.”

He stopped, looked up at her, peering into her eyes like he was going to gaze at her for eternity. “Peach,” he said simply. “I’ll never stop loving you.”

--

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[chrollohearttags]

love thy neighbor • r. sukuna

(Y/N) moves into an apartment complex on the other side of town and winds up living right next door to one of the most notorious drug dealers in the city nonetheless! But looks can be deceiving…

📝: black!fem plus size reader, plug!sukuna, age gap (6 years or so) mentions of toxic relationship and baby trapping, religious trauma, anxiety, alcohol + drug use, comfort + fluff and angst to smut, missionary, prone bone, oral sex, reader cries during, daddy is used a couple times, size difference, lots of kissing, positive affirmations, creampie

wc: 3.0K

🎙️: I swear imma get back to posting regularly! I’m just being lazy and hating my writing rn (it sucks) 😭 but I hope y’all enjoy

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you didn’t know what to expect when you found yourself residing on the same floor as plug!sukuna..it was your first time living on your own. Fresh out of your parents’ house with minimal belongings and all of the savings you had managed to scrounge over the years. Enough to cover first and last month’s rent with some extra left over..working as a receptionist in a local doctors office by day and offering online tutoring services at night to suffice your income. You'd return home from your shift, ready to relax by at least eight o clock..meanwhile, plug!sukuna was just beginning his night. Heading out into the streets to do God knows what until the early morning hours. But he’d never leave until he’d done two things: said hello and made sure that you were straight. You never really understood the logic behind it..especially considering the fact that you weren’t exactly close friends or even acquaintances beforehand. Hell, he didn’t know you at all and yet, he was just as kind as an old lady bringing you cookies to welcome you to the neighboorhood.

nonetheless, plug!sukuna would always tell you “..keep that door locked, don’t answer that shit for nobody and call me if you need anything, aight?” his deep voice was the last voice you’d heard for the evening and the first when you awoke in the morning. Sometimes, he’d even bring you breakfast per your request and you’d eat together. You’d cut off all ties to your controlling, religious fanatic family and the narcissistic ex who’d all but attempted to stick you with a kid you didn’t want and turn you into his personal doll…trapped inside of the house with no purpose other than to serve him. It was the way all of the men in your former faith operated. But you weren’t interested. Not in the slightest. In fact, you wanted change so drastic, it’d make their goddamn heads spin! Over time, you’d grow closer to plug!sukuna. His second long check ins and warnings became full blown conversations as the two of you congregated downstairs in the pool area or at the mailbox for a cup of coffee. A cigarette dangling from his fingertips to go light once he went outside.

“I know this place seems nice and all from first glance but…imma let you in on a lil’ secret, baby. It’s all types of people who come here..looking for trouble and hell, I’m not gonna lie to you. I’m part of the reason. That’s why I tell you to keep your door locked. Your pretty ass answers for the wrong person and somebody is bound to try and take advantage. ‘Damn shame I’d have to fuck someone up if something were to happen to you..”

plug!sukuna was sweet and endearing in his own right. But that’s what drew you into him..he was the very antithesis to what you knew men to be. Brutally honest yet so empathetic to your feelings. Rough as hell around the edges but a total gentleman. He may have done horrible things but he was a good guy..the best damn one you’d ever met. Unbeknownst to him, you’d watch him from the window leaving out; others surrounding him in the parking lot in similar cars. Blacked out with tinted windows..doing sleight of hand to pass something to other tenants who you’d recognized. Only what you could assume to be drugs. A couple of the guys you’d recognized from church, talking to deacons and pastors..now it’d all made so much more sense. Even so, plug!sukuna kept you out of that part of his life as much as possible. Eventually, some months would pass and it was a secret to no one that you’d grown quite fond of him..damn near smitten even.

however, plug!sukuna was adamant on not taking it there with you! He’d admitted himself that you were beautiful and in another life, any other circumstances..he wouldn’t hesitate to make you his. The problem was, you were still too vulnerable and he was knee deep in a lifestyle he wanted you to steer clear from. You were healing from years of trauma and downright abuse..trying to navigate this world on your own. If he were any other scumbag, he could have easily sucked you into his world and had you out here doing his bidding.

“(Y/N) baby..do you know how many girls just like you..who leave bad situations and end up in worse ones because some nasty motherfucker saw how vulnerable they were and used that to their advantage? How many girls went from being in the church to being on their knees for some pimp? I care too much ‘bout you to let that happen. I’m no good for you, I swear. You’d only end up hurt because I can’t give you all of me. Shit, I can’t even promise I’d make a good boyfriend. I’m selfish as hell, I’m always gone..I’ve slept with more women than I can remember. What could you possibly want with somebody like me, huh? What could I possibly do for you, (y/n)?”

but you saw right through plug!sukuna’s facade. He was gentle at heart..a romantic even. He wanted his person to spoil and adore just as much as you did. The streets were his only love for most of his life. He’d seen many things but nothing quite like you..those round, doe eyes; so innocent and pure. Pouty lips, chubby cheeks and the soft, ringlet curls that surrounded that gorgeous face. That soft, plump body and those thighs that rubbed together when you walked away. He wanted to devour you whole sometimes..many nights had plug!sukuna lied in his bed next door, thinking of you being on top of him. Those perky breasts jiggling as he bounced you up and down on his cock. Those nails clawed at his chest as sweat poured down his skin. But those thoughts were far too lewd and disgusting for someone like you! He was ashamed of even having them. But he couldn’t help himself..especially when that sweet, airy voice all but begged him to take you.

“Because I love you, Ryo..I love everything about you. Even the bad shit. I don’t care what you do because it’s not who you are..you’re the man that brings me food and coffee in the morning so I don’t have to rush before work. You’re the man who kisses my forehead when he leaves because you know, deep down..it could be the last time I see you. You’re the man who calls me every time he hears a gunshot or sirens because he worries himself sick about me when I’m not near him. You carry my laundry baskets and groceries, you clean my apartment while I’m sleeping because I’m too tired. And not once have you ever tried to touch me. You never made me repay you with sex or anything. You could easily hurt me and you can’t even bring yourself to raise your voice, even when I’m dead fucking wrong. No one has ever cared about me that much, boyfriend or otherwise and I don’t give a damn if you sell drugs or blow up buildings. A man who’d do all of that for me and never asks for anything in return is exactly who I want.”

plug!sukuna found himself dumbstruck for the first time in a long time..standing there with your small hand cradling his chiseled jaw, tears streaming down your face, he’d find that his own eyes were welling and burning. He’d never heard anyone speak about him in such a way. “Damn, I guess you can read me like a book.” Hell, he’d never acted that way with anyone else either. Yet here he was, treating you like a princess. He couldn’t pretend anymore..he had to be honest with you..and himself.

“I—I love you too, (y/n). So much..”

“Then make me yours. Right now..right here.”

“you know once we do this, we can’t go back..”

“Please..leaving the past behind is kind of my thing.”

it didn’t take long for your lips to meet in a fiery haze, tongues intertwined in a moment of heated bliss. Your hands roaming one another’s bodies as moans slipped through..your clothes all but becoming discarded heaps on the living room floor like a movie scene cliche. His lips traced from your neck to your collarbone; slightly dredging his teeth along the skin in the process.

“Here, baby..take my hand.” plug!sukuna, in one fell swoop hoisted you into his arms as if you weighed practically next to nothing. Continuing to feed you those slow kisses, he’d carry you to a nearby wall and part your thighs. With your legs resting on his shoulders, he’d mark every inch of you. From your sensitive nipples which he cradled in his mouth to that pudgy tummy he loved so much to that juicy center, which was practically leaking for him.

“This all me? Just from some kissing?..” “This is nothing. I touch myself every night thinking about you..you should see the mess I make then.” plug!sukuna could barely sate his urges now, hearing how nasty this supposedly innocent girl was for him! He wasted no time slithering his tongue into that aching cunt. Swirling it around on that throbbing clit, spitting into those pretty pink folds and those succulent brown lips encasing them. He feasted like a man unhinged; greedy and selfish as fuck, just like he claimed. You’d grasp a hold of those dark reddish and black locks, grinding yourself into his face. Rubbing his nose in between your slit.

“Mmmph! Ryo…” “Yeah, fuck my face. Don’t hold back now. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to do this.”

plug!sukuna would eat your pussy until he heard you sobbing and felt that orgasm come barreling out. Your tight hole spasming on air as those juices trickled down his throat, chest and mouth. He couldn’t help but to laugh as he watched you writhe in pleasure. Attempting to push him away as you rode out that orgasm.

“Wha—how did you?—“ “What? I told you..I’ve had a lot of practice.” Choosing to omit the fact that he’d fantasized about you sitting on his face more times than he could count. Tossing you a wink and one final lick before carting you over to the sofa. Where he laid you down gently against the cushions…pinning those legs back whilst hovering over you. The entire time, he couldn’t take his gaze away from those gorgeous eyes..they glimmered so bright. Full of lust, adoration and excitement. No matter how much you smiled, he always sensed a certain emptiness behind them. A light stolen from you and now, he hoped to reignite it.

observing your movements, plug!sukuna began to chuckle when he saw you pawing at his crotch. So eager to unsheathe that hard on from his boxers. He could tell that the shy, bashful demeanor you presented was only a front. If given the opportunity, he could turn you into his personal slut with ease..but for now, he wanted to focus solely on making love to you. Giving you every part of him that he’d long to for months now. You’d examine his chiseled torso, reaching up to caress his abs and trace your fingertips along his various tattoos. But you couldn’t distract yourself from how large that bulge was..protruding and leaking with precum…

“Can I?—“ Go ahead, baby..take it out.” And without hesitation, you’d tug that elastic waistband back and let it spring forth. He was so girthy and long. Clean shaven and although he was erect now, you could tell he was huge even when flaccid. Nonetheless, plug!sukuna grasped those thick thighs of yours and mounted in between them; gliding that aching tip along your folds. ”Now you tell me if it hurts, okay baby? If I see you flinch or look uncomfortable, I’m pulling the fuck out. We clear?” And you knew when he spoke, that was law. Nodding in agreement, you’d consent to his terms as you rubbed your folds, waiting for him.

“Good..and tap my arm if you can’t talk. I’m ‘bout to start moving. You ready?” with your permission, he’d glide in slowly and immediately, he thought he’d seen stars! Plug!sukuna, by his own volition, had been with countless girls. From strippers to models, but never had he felt pussy this tight! The warmth immediately cradling him and not letting go. He’d suck his teeth before muttering a single ‘fuck’ under his breath. You were going to be some pressure, he was certain of it. But he’d continue on, gathering his footing and working that cock into your entrance. A single pop, along with wet, squishing sounds rang out across that living room as you lie underneath him.

“Goddamn…your shit feels incredible, baby. I know you had some good pussy..I can tell just by looking at you.” Forcing a wide, toothy smile on your face. You’d never heard him talk so vulgar but it was the side you’d brought out. He was officially obsessed!

“Yeah? Well I’ve been wanting to give it to for so long..I never thought you’d fuck me..”

“I kept you waiting, huh? I’m sorry..guess it just means we gotta make up for lost time then, huh?”

plug!sukuna was thrilled to know that he’d no longer have to hold back because you were on the same wavelength. You’d have no issues matching his energy..so with that, he’d speed up those thrusts. Pounding you with gentle but well paced strokes. The sound of your thighs and skin slamming together, coupled with the sounds of both your moans, made for a beautiful chorus. Your hands around his neck, scratching at his back; legs around his waist and his muscular arms planted right at your sides. Drilling you just as you’d requested and there was no limits between the two of you.

“Yes! Keep fucking meeee..oh my goodness. I’m gonna come again!”

“You’re so fucking cute..damn..” adoring how you sounded squealing and laughing as you met his thrusts. He couldn’t believe how receptive you were and how it took no time at all for you to open up.

“And you look so pretty taking all this dick for daddy. I can’t stop staring at you.” That deep voice showering you with praise as his thick cock thrashed around your insides. Even though you had always been a bigger girl, he made you feel so dainty and small..like a precious treasure he never wanted to lose. “You deserve this, baby..to get fucked just like this. To be spoiled and get whatever you want. I can put you up..you ain’t ever gotta worry about shit. Not a bill, not rent, your family..I got you, baby. I promise. I love you..” You believed every single word and clung to them with every fiber you had. You’d never had anyone treat you with such grace and care before..and that wasn’t the end. He’d continue doting. Telling you how proud he was of you and how far you'd come. How he admired your strength to get out of your situation…he was in awe. plug!sukuna would continue singing your praises until he looked up and spotted tears coming down your face. He was tempted to stop until you told him that you were just fine. He on the other hand..was struggling to maintain his stamina.

“No no..please don’t stop. You just make me feel so good. No one has ever fucked me like this.”

but that alone seemed to ignite a second wind and in a moment of haste, you’d find yourself flipped over into your stomach with his entire body weight shifted on top of you.

“You mean that, baby?” Those outer fangs of his teeth glistening and mouth slicked with saliva as he began pounding you once more..hands pinned to your back and his frame covering your own. The plumpness of that ass ricocheting off of him as he penetrated those walls. You’d come once again, dripping onto the leather couch and making that aforementioned mess he’d been dying to see. This time, his pace was rougher..less structured and sporadic. He couldn’t help it..he was running on pure fumes, trying to give you the first time experience you deserved. Tugging your head back by those thick curls, plug!sukuna fed you the deeper strokes he could muster until those chocolate eyes rolled back.

“Y-yes! This dick is amazing..”

“Tell me who it belongs to. Who’s this good pussy belong to now?”

“Y-you, daddy. It’s yours! Oh fuck..”

never having uttered such lewd words in your entire life, you reveled in the fact that he had been the one to bring this side out. And now, you were about to bring a side out of him. One far more vulnerable than the public witnessed..one that would beg you to let him come inside of you and cry out your name in sweet ecstasy as he did so. You’d feel those warm seeds pouring into your womb as he came to a halt and you welcomed them. plug!sukuna didn’t hesitate to swaddle you in his arms for kisses and comfort.

“I don’t want this to end..tell me it doesn’t have to, Ryo. Can we be this way forever?”

“We can stay like this for as long as you want, baby. I’m not going anywhere.“

and it was a promise he intended to keep. Not just as your neighbor or the guy next door looking over you. But now, as your lover and the man who’d never leave your side.

[old-fandom]

I've had this Stancest idea for a while and I need to get it down.

Sea Grunk era, pre-relationship. Stan and Ford have feelings for each other but they haven't told each other. There's been signs here or there but nothing concrete. However, while out. Stan starts to feel courageous that even if Ford doesn't feel the same way, then he can at least be truthful.

So one night, Stan is trying really hard to tell Ford. It's not coming out right and Stan is very nervous. He can't seem to get the words out right but Ford stops him - tells him that he knows what he's trying to tell him. And Stan is so scared but excited. But Ford pops the bubble and says that Stan is gay (which isn't wrong but not what he was going for.)

Stan, seeing as his way out of this horrible conversation, tells him he's actually Bi. Ford does the whole, "You're my brother and I'll love you no matter what." And in an act of solidarity, Ford tells Stan that he's gay, which Stan supports (for obvious reasons). But that night, Ford is laid up in bed, tossing and turning. He's feeling guilty, horribly guilty. He believes that his own foolishness has costed Stan a life in which he could settle down with someone, be it man or woman. He spent all his time trying to get Ford back, he neglected his own self. And Ford always feel guilty for wanting Stans sole attention but he believes that he owes Stan this, to find romantic companionship.

So in comes Match-Maker Stanford Pines.

He spends all his time trying to get Stan to tell him what he likes about men and women. And Stan is reluctant because the only person he's really into is Ford. But he obligies because when he doesn't, Ford looks so unhappy and he can't stand unhappy Ford. He blames himself for making him unhappy. What Ford doesn't realize is that the characteristics for the different dates are all characteristics he likes about Ford, nerdiness, brown hair, glasses, kind of sophisticated, things like that.

Through out their travels, Ford sets Stan on a few dates with people they meet in ports. Stan, not wanting to make Ford unhappy, goes on the dates. They're nice and everyone is kind to him and he can't argue that they aren't his type, but he gets sad because he would rather be with Ford than these people. So when he comes home from the dates, obviously not super happy, Ford feels like he failed him, and the cycle continues of Ford feeling like he's failing Stan and Stan feeling guilty for leading these people on and only wanting Ford.

One date, Stan just can't go with it and ends of leaving early. He walks back to the boat and get inside their cabin but freezes, when he hears Ford moaning his name in the bedroom. He cracks the door open to see Ford jerking it with Stan's names on his lips, laying on Stan's bunk.

This is all the confirmation Stan needs before barreling his way inside and confronting Ford. They get through some very direct confessions and make passionate love in bed.

[mattsobvimyfav]

neighbors (Matthew Sturniolo)

pt.5

It was a quiet afternoon in the house. Charlie and I were sprawled out on the couch, each of us scrolling aimlessly through our phones. The soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the silence until Charlie shifted beside me, clearing her throat.

“I’ve been thinking…” she started, her voice hesitant.

I raised an eyebrow, setting my phone down. “Uh-oh. That tone always means trouble.”

She rolled her eyes but grinned. “I’m serious. You know how we’re going to Hawaii next week?”

“Yeah…” I said slowly, unsure of where this was going.

“Well,” she began, her voice softening, “I was thinking it might be nice if I invited the triplets to come with us. You know, so I could spend some time with Chris.”

My stomach twisted at her words, but I kept my expression neutral. “You want them to come on our vacation?”

“Not all of them,” she clarified quickly. “I mean, Nick and Matt could come too if they want, but mostly for Chris and me. We haven’t had much time together, and I thought it could be fun. Plus… I think it might be good for you and Matt to spend some time in the same space without fighting.”

I let out a long sigh, leaning back against the couch. The idea of spending a week with the triplets—especially Matt—wasn’t exactly what I had in mind for a relaxing vacation. But I knew how much Chris meant to Charlie, and the thought of holding her back from that didn’t sit right with me.

“Okay,” I said finally, the word feeling heavy in my chest.

“Wait, really?” Charlie’s face lit up with surprise.

I nodded, forcing a small smile. “If it means that much to you, I’m okay with it. Just… promise me you’ll keep them in check if it gets awkward.”

Charlie practically tackled me in a hug. “You’re the best, you know that? Thank you! I promise it’ll be fine. You’ll see.”

I hugged her back, though my mind was already racing with all the ways this could go horribly wrong. “I hope you’re right.”

As Charlie pulled out her phone to text Chris, her excitement was contagious, and I couldn’t help but feel a small glimmer of hope. Maybe, this vacation wouldn’t be as disastrous as I feared. Or maybe it would. Either way, it was going to be an unforgettable trip.

The morning of the trip started with the shrill sound of my alarm blaring at 6:30 a.m. I groaned, rolling over to see Charlie already sitting up in bed, rubbing her eyes. Even though we had our own beds. We loved a good sleepover. 

“Vacation time,” she said with a sleepy grin.

I dragged myself out of bed, rummaging through my drawer for something comfortable to wear. I grabbed my black Gymshark sports bra and matching biker shorts and pulled them on. Charlie followed suit, opting for the same set in purple.

“Twins,” I joked, tying my hair into a ponytail.

“Power duo” she replied, slipping on her sneakers.

Once we were ready, we grabbed our suitcases and dragged them into the living room. Chris and Nick were already there, buzzing with energy. Chris was carefully stacking suitcases by the door while Nick paced around, sipping a coffee like he was preparing for battle.

“Finally,” Nick teased when he saw us. “We’ve been up since sunrise.”

“Nick, you woke up at 6:15. You’re not a martyr,” I shot back, rolling my eyes.

Chris couldn’t take his eyes off Charlie as she walked down the stairs. She was wearing the tight purple sports bra and biker shorts, her toned figure making every move she made look effortless. 

"Damn, Charlie," he said, voice hushed but heavy with admiration. "You look good, baby. I can barely focus right now... you're making it hard to keep it together."

Charlie smirked, clearly used to his flirtatious comments, but there was a glint in her eye that suggested she wasn’t playing along today. Before she could respond, Nick’s voice cut through the tension, sharp and annoyed.

“Chris, knock it off,” Nick snapped, his eyes narrowing at the two of them. "Some of us are trying to get out of here without you making everything weird."

Chris raised his hands in mock surrender, but the smirk never left his face. "Just saying what we're all thinking," he shrugged, winking at Charlie.

Nick scoffed. “Why don’t you do something helpful for once.” 

Chris grinned. “I got this covered. Just point me to the suitcases.”

Charlie and I watched as Chris and Nick carried our bags out to the car. Chris even managed to squeeze in a cheesy, “Anything for our ladies.”

Matt appeared last, already holding car keys in his hand. He looked more awake than any of us, dressed casually in a black t-shirt and sweats. He glanced over at me and Charlie, his eyes lingering on me for a moment before turning his attention to Nick.

“You ready?” Matt asked Nick, his tone clipped. Before Nick could answer, Matt's gaze flicked back to me, scanning my outfit with a raised brow. A sharp scoff left his lips.

"Are you serious right now?" he muttered, shaking his head slightly. "You going out dressed like that?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "What’s wrong with it?" I asked, crossing my arms defensively.

Matt gestured vaguely at my outfit, his tone dripping with judgment. "A sports bra and biker shorts? Come on, Y/N. Cover up or something. You’re not about to walk around like—"

"Like what?" I cut him off, my voice sharp.

"Like a whore," he said flatly, the word dropping into the room like a bomb.

The silence was immediate and suffocating. Charlie and Nick both froze, their heads snapping toward Matt in disbelief. My chest tightened, but before I could say anything, Charlie’s voice rang out.

"Excuse me?" she said, stepping forward, her tone sharp and fiery. "I’m wearing the exact same thing, Matt. So what, am I a whore too?"

Matt hesitated, clearly not expecting her reaction. "Charlie, no, that’s not—"

"Not what?" she demanded, cutting him off. "You don’t get to throw that word around like it’s nothing. Especially not at Y/N. You think this is okay? Fuck you."

Before Matt could stumble through another excuse, Chris, who had been leaning quietly against the wall, pushed off and stepped forward. His jaw was tight, his eyes narrowed dangerously.

"So what, Matt?" Chris said, his voice sharp and cutting. "You think my girl looks like a whore too? Is that what you’re saying?"

Matt’s head snapped toward Chris, his eyebrows furrowing. "No, Chris, I wasn’t—"

"Because she’s wearing the same thing," Chris continued, his tone rising. "You wanna explain to me how you’re fine with Charlie wearing it but not Y/N?"

"I didn’t mean it like that," Matt muttered, his voice faltering. "I wasn’t trying to—"

"No, you meant it exactly like that. You were trying to make Y/N feel like shit." Chris snapped, stepping closer. His protective instincts were on full display now, his voice deadly calm but laced with anger. "You don’t get to talk to either of them like that. Ever. I don’t care who you think you are."

"Chris, I—"

"Apologize," Chris demanded, cutting him off again. "To Y/N. And to Charlie. Right now. And make it good, because I swear to God, Matt, if you ever talk about Charlie—or Y/N—like that again, we’re going to have a real problem."

Matt shifted uncomfortably, clearly realizing he’d crossed a line he couldn’t talk his way out of. "Fine," he muttered, looking at me first. "I’m sorry, Y/N. That was out of line." Then, turning to Charlie, he added, "And I’m sorry, Charlie. I shouldn’t have said that."

Charlie crossed her arms, still glaring at him, but Chris wasn’t done.

"Not good enough," Chris said coldly. "You don’t just apologize when you’re caught being an ass. You need to figure out why you thought saying that was okay in the first place. Fix it. Now."

Matt sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, I get it," he muttered, but his tone lacked the venom from earlier.

Charlie glanced at me, her expression softening as she gave me a reassuring nod. Chris stayed close to her, his arm protectively around her waist, and Nick finally exhaled, muttering, "And this is why I stay out of this shit."

“Car’s ready. Let’s go,” Matt said angrily, walking toward the door, leaving everyone behind.

We piled into the car, Chris and Nick crammed in the backseat, while Charlie slid in between them. That left me in the front passenger seat, much to my dismay. I didn’t say a word as Matt adjusted the mirrors and pulled out of the driveway, his expression as neutral as ever.

“Alright, next stop: the airport!” Nick said, holding up his camera filming a travel vlog.

“Just don’t miss the flight,” Chris muttered, leaning back in his seat.

I glanced out the window as the car sped toward the airport, trying to shake off the uneasiness settling in my chest. It was going to be a long week, and this car ride already felt like a marathon.

The airport buzzed with activity as we all stood together near our gate, luggage piled around us. Charlie and Chris were whispering to each other, grinning like schoolkids, while Nick scrolled through his phone. Matt stood a little apart from the group, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

“Alright, everyone squeeze in!” Nick suddenly announced, holding up his phone for a picture.

“Nick, what are you doing?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Commemorating this historic moment,” he said with a smirk, motioning for us to line up.

With a dramatic sigh, I shuffled into place between Nick and Charlie, and the rest of them fell in line. From left to right, it was Nick, me, Charlie, Chris, and Matt.

Nick held out his phone, snapping the picture. “Perfect,” he said, typing furiously.

“What are you doing with that?” I asked, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.

“Just posting it to my story,” Nick replied casually, lifting his phone to show me the screen.

The photo showed all of us standing together, Nick grinning, me with a smile, Charlie and Chris looking like they’d just stepped out of a rom-com, and Matt… Well, Matt looked like he’d rather be anywhere else.

The caption read: “Family reunion, but make it complicated. ✈️🌴”

“Nick!” I hissed, snatching for his phone. “Take that down!”

“No way,” he said, holding it out of my reach. “It’s already up. Besides, this is iconic content. People are gonna eat it up.”

I groaned, rubbing my temples. “You’re going to start a firestorm with that.”

Charlie laughed, nudging me with her elbow. “Relax, Y/N. Let him have his fun.”

Meanwhile, Matt’s voice cut through the chatter, low and annoyed. “Did you really have to include me in that?”

“It’s a group shot, dumbass,” Nick said nonchalantly, sliding his phone back into his pocket. “You’re part of the group. Are you not?”

Matt muttered something under his breath, but I didn’t catch it. I could feel his eyes on me, though, and I did my best to ignore the weight of his gaze.

As the boarding announcement crackled over the intercom, I grabbed my carry-on, pretending not to notice the notifications already lighting up my phone. Nick was right about one thing—people were definitely going to have opinions about this.

“Here we go,” I muttered to myself, following the group toward the gate. This was going to be a long trip.

Once we were all settled in, I took out my phone, eager to pass the time as the plane took off. Nick was next to me, leaning over to see what I was looking at, and we started scrolling through the comments from the selfie he’d posted earlier. The comments ranged from positive, like “they are all so attractive,” to some not-so-nice ones, “she’s such a slut” 

I couldn’t help but laugh at some of the ridiculous comments. “People really think they know me?” I said, shaking my head in amusement.

Nick joined in with a smirk, scrolling through the comments too. “It’s hilarious,” he said, “Like, these people don’t have a clue what’s really going on.”

Matt, who was sitting right next to us, leaned over, glancing at my phone. “Let me get in on this,” he said, reaching for his own phone. Without missing a beat, he held it up, and before I could say anything, he and Nick were already putting their middle fingers up, and I joined in.

“Are we really doing this right now?” I asked, trying to stifle my laugh but failing miserably.

“Hell yeah, we are,” Nick replied, looking way too proud of the ridiculous photo.

Matt quickly posted it to his Instagram story with the caption: “with my favorite “slut.””

I chuckled, shaking my head. “MATT!” I yelled, hitting his shoulder

“You love it, admit it,” Matt teased, already scrolling through the responses.

“I’ll admit you’re insufferable,” I said, laughing along with Nick. Despite everything that had happened in the past, there was something oddly comforting about just laughing it off with them.

As the plane began to soar higher, the comments kept coming in. Some people were still commenting on the tension from our past, but most were just amused by the photo. The mood was light, and for a moment, it felt like everything had returned to some sense of normal.

I glanced over at Matt, catching his eye. “You know, we’re never going to live this one down.”

Matt gave me a playful grin, shrugging. “Who cares? It’s just us, right?”

I nodded, feeling the weight of everything we’d been through slowly lifting. It wasn’t perfect, but right now, it was enough.

The plane touched down smoothly, and after a slightly chaotic retrieval of our luggage, we made our way outside to find the rental car Matt had arranged. The warm air hit me as soon as we stepped out of the airport, a stark contrast to the chill of the plane.

Matt led the way to a sleek black SUV parked nearby, popping the trunk and helping load everyone’s bags. “Alright, different seating this time,” he announced, looking at me with a slight smirk as I slid into the window seat in the back row. Rolling my eyes. 

Nick plopped down next to me, tossing his carry-on into the space at his feet, while Matt climbed into the driver’s seat. Up front, Chris took shotgun, and Charlie sat behind him.

“Are we there yet?” Nick joked as soon as we pulled out of the lot, and I rolled my eyes, laughing.

“You’re like a five-year-old,” I teased.

The ride to the Airbnb wasn’t long, but everyone was buzzing with energy. Charlie was scrolling through TikTok, while Chris peppered Matt with questions about the house. Nick and I quietly plotted content ideas, already thinking about how we could document this trip for the vlog.

When we finally arrived, the sight of the Airbnb took my breath away. It was massive—practically a mansion—with sleek modern architecture and large windows that reflected the glow of the late afternoon sun.

As we stood in the massive living room of the Airbnb, everyone was still buzzing about the place. Charlie flopped onto the plush couch dramatically, her arms stretched wide.

“This place is insane,” she said, taking it all in.

Chris looked over at her, smirking. “Shotgun the master bedroom.” He darted for the stairs, Charlie hot on his heels.

“Unfair!” Nick yelled, dropping his bag and sprinting after them.

Matt, still standing by the kitchen counter, let out a loud, commanding voice. “Uh, no. Everyone stop.”

We all froze and turned to look at him.

“I paid for this place, so I’m getting the master,” Matt said, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.

Chris and Charlie exchanged a look at the top of the stairs. “That’s not fair! We’re the only two sharing a bed! We deserve it!!!” Charlie called down.

“Fair doesn’t matter when I’m footing the bill,” Matt shot back, his tone final.

Nick, halfway up the staircase, groaned dramatically and turned to trudge back down. “Fine. But I’m calling the second-best room.”

“Y/N and I are neighbors,” Nick added, shooting me a grin as we headed upstairs to claim our rooms.

Charlie sighed as she came back downstairs with Chris. “I guess we’ll take the next-best room,” she muttered, leaning into Chris as they headed toward the third bedroom.

I walked into mine, dropping my suitcase onto the bed and glancing out the window at the pool. It was cozy and had a great view of the backyard, so I didn’t really mind not getting the master.

Once we were all settled, we gathered in the living room again. Charlie plopped back onto the couch, giving Matt a side-eye. “Still not fair,” she muttered under her breath.

“I don’t care,” Matt replied flatly, scrolling on his phone.

“Alright, who’s hungry?” Chris asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“We can either cook or go out,” Nick offered, glancing at me for input.

“Out,” I said immediately.

“Agreed,” Nick chimed in.

“Not happening,” Matt interjected. “I’m getting a home-cooked meal in this place I paid for.”

“Are you serious?” Charlie asked, sitting up.

“Dead serious.” Matt’s tone left no room for argument. “We can go out and drink after”

With a collective groan, we all accepted our fate and headed for the kitchen, rummaging through groceries we’d picked up earlier. It wasn’t how I thought the first night would go, but as Nick and I started chopping vegetables while Charlie and Chris argued over seasoning, I couldn’t help but laugh.

After dinner, I went back to my room to get ready. The thought of going to a bar on the water felt like the perfect way to kick off this trip.

I sifted through my suitcase, eventually deciding on a wine red bikini and a tan knitted cover-up skirt that tied at the side. It was revealing but cute—exactly the vibe I wanted for the night. I slipped on my sandals and gave myself a quick once-over in the mirror before stepping out of my room.

By the time I reached the living room, Charlie was already ready, wearing a flowy white skirt over her yellow bikini, and Nick was complaining about Chris taking too long in the bathroom.

“Y/N, you’re a lifesaver. Tell Chris to hurry up before the Uber cancels,” Nick whined, looking dramatically annoyed.

“Chris, let’s go!” I yelled up the stairs, grateful for the distraction from my thoughts.

“Coming!” Chris called back.

Charlie glanced at me, smirking as she adjusted the strap of her bikini. “Cute swimsuit. Matt see it yet?”

I rolled my eyes, feeling the familiar heat rise in my cheeks. “It’s not like that.”

She laughed, clearly unconvinced, and grabbed her phone. “You say that now.”

The sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs, and we turned to see Chris coming down in matching yellow swim trunks, perfectly coordinated with Charlie’s bikini. He looked effortlessly confident, his grin widening when his eyes landed on her.

“I’m ready!” he sang, pulling her closer the moment he reached her. He took a moment to blatantly admire her, then smirked. “Damn, you look good. Like, really good, baby.”

“Chris,” Charlie said, rolling her eyes, though a small blush crept up her cheeks.

Chris wasn’t done. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he leaned down to murmur something that made her giggle, before he gave her a playful smack on the ass. “Let’s head out. I don’t want to waste any more time when I could be showing off my girl.”

Matt appeared next, holding his car keys and wearing... the same red colored swim trunks as my bikini. My stomach dropped the moment I noticed, and judging by the way his eyes briefly scanned me with a smirk tugging at his lips, he noticed too.

"Matching suits?" Chris teased, breaking into a laugh as he glanced between me and Matt. "Aw, how cute. You wanna be us so bad. Was this planned?"

"It’s not," I snapped quickly, my cheeks burning.

Matt, on the other hand, seemed unbothered. “Great minds think alike, I guess,” he said casually, his tone light but his eyes lingering on me for just a moment too long.

Charlie raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment, instead nudging Chris toward the door. “Come on, let’s go.”

The Uber was waiting outside, and we all piled in—Nick in the passenger seat, Chris and Charlie in the back together, leaving me to slide into the last seat beside Matt. I tensed as his arm brushed mine, his presence feeling suddenly overwhelming.

As the car started moving, I tried to focus on the passing scenery, but my thoughts scattered when I felt Matt’s hand rest lightly on my upper thigh. My body went rigid, my eyes snapping to his hand.

“What are you doing?” I hissed quietly, my voice low enough that the others wouldn’t hear.

Matt met my gaze, his expression unreadable but oddly calm. “Relax,” he murmured, leaning slightly closer. “I’m just trying to apologize for what happened earlier. You know I didn’t mean anything by it, right?”

"Matt," I started, but my voice faltered as his thumb began tracing slow circles against my skin. There was something so casual yet deliberate about the way he touched me, like he knew exactly how it would mess with my head.

"You know," he said softly, his tone low and smooth, "This color looks really good on you."

I swallowed hard, trying to come up with a response, but my brain felt scrambled. My heart was pounding, and I was hyper-aware of every small movement he made. His hand crept just a fraction higher, and my breath hitched.

 “Matt, stop,” I whispered, though my voice lacked conviction.

He smirked, his gaze flicking down to where his hand rested. “Do you really want me to, sweetheart?” He murmured softly, the old name slipping from his lips, sending a shiver through me at the sound of the nickname he once called me.

I was about to say something—anything—but the car suddenly stopped, jolting me back to reality. “Here,” Nick announced, opening the door and climbing out.

Matt leaned back slightly, his hand finally leaving my thigh, though his eyes lingered on me for a moment longer. 

I sat frozen for a moment, my thoughts spinning. Whatever this was between us, it was crossing into dangerous territory—and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it.

tag-

@tbfaptbfae @ch0llies @2muchofaslvt @rockstarchr1s @simply-a-simper @mattscore @watercolorskyy @urfungi @sturnsvelocity @mattsturnii @christmastreecake @izzylovesmatt @larnieboox88 @christophersstar @realuvrrr @namelesssav @matts-girlfriend

[dreamingofep]

Hi!! I was wondering if I could put in a request of an Elvis x reader imagine, where elvis meets the reader at a diner and she recognizes him (because reader loves his songs), and it goes further, and the next day he goes back to the diner to ask her out on a date and she accepts and it's just really cute and wholesome? Sorry if it's a lot but thank you!

Hi Anon!!! This is the sweetest idea! I just had to write this tonight! Hope you enjoy this cuteness!!

Elvis x reader

Word count: 1.1k

Tw: Elvis being so damn cute

✨

April 1960

It was a dreary Friday evening. Rain was trickling on the window of this old diner. It’s been here longer than your grandmother had been alive but it was a Memphis staple. Everyone knew about it and it was the best spot in town.

You sat in the back booth waiting patiently. You had a date tonight but he was late. Extremely late. Three hours late to be exact. You were getting ticked off and the cup of tea that you were sipping on was disgustingly cold. You hated that you sat here so long hoping and praying this boy would show up. Your girlfriend set you up on this date and you had high hopes it would go well. She spoke so highly of him and said he was ‘perfect for you.’

You didn’t have an appetite and knew you needed to give up this booth sooner rather than later for someone else to have. Your waitress was gracious and didn’t make you feel bad for sitting all alone. You were sure she picked up on the vibe that you were waiting for a date. You picked a pretty yellow dress to wear and everything with little white lace gloves to complete the look.

Now you just felt like an idiot looking like this waiting for him to waltz in like a knight in shining armor. You dig through your purse and try to find so cash to leave your waitress.

“Hello darlin’,” a deep southern voice says next to you.

Your head quickly turns to see who this man is and you instantly freeze.

Oh my god. It was Elvis Presley.

You hold your breath as you look at him. God he was more beautiful in person and those eyes were electric. You didn’t know someone could have such captivating eyes. His hair was slicked back and yet still fluffy. You couldn’t form any words as you continued to look at him.

He was somehow better looking in person which blew your mind. You knew every single song of his and now that he’s back from the Army, you were so excited for what he would come out with next.

“Hi, I’m Elvis,” he says reaching out his hand for yours.

You nod your head slowly, “I know- I mean… it’s nice to meet you, Elvis,” you say embarrassed, feeling your cheeky turn red. “I’m a big fan of yours.”

“It’s nice to meet you too. What’s a pretty thing like yourself sitting here all alone?” He asks, taking your hand and kissing the back of it.

You felt like passing out. There was no way this was happening. What turned out to be a horrible date just turned into something amazing. You’re talking to Elvis Presley. You could think of a dozen girls who would die to be in your position.

“Oh well I was waiting for a friend but it doesn’t look like they’re able to make it.”

You can tell he sees right through your lie. He takes a seat across from you and doesn’t let go of your hand.

“I’m sorry about that darlin’, they’re an idiot for not showing up. How do you like my booth though?”

You shoot him a confused look, not sure what he means.

“Your booth?”

“Yeah, I sit here every Friday night for a quick snack before we head off to the movies,” he explains.

You feel bad for taking so much of his time and let go of his hand.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’ll get out of your hair,” you say sliding out of the booth.

His hand stops you again though, lightly squeezing it.

“Oh no you don’t have to go, I didn’t mean anything by that.” He says a bit flustered.

You would love to stay longer, you’ve dreamed about a moment like this with Elvis but you don’t want to overstay your welcome.

“I better go, Elvis, it’s getting late. It was so nice to meet you. Thank you for letting me sit in your booth,” you say cheekily.

You quickly leave out the back door and feel so embarrassed. You hoped he wasn’t too upset about you being there. This whole night was just a whirlwind and you were looking forward to laying down.

You’re halfway down the block when you hear a voice behind you calling out for you.

“Darlin’ wait!” Elvis yells after you.

You turn around to face him, surprised to see him running after you.

“Yes?” You ask shyly.

“Uhh.. your date came back and is really sorry for making you wait. He would like you to come back tomorrow night, same time.” He explains.

You were honestly surprised by the admission. You got a bit of excited butterflies in your stomach thinking about it. Maybe it wasn’t a complete disaster after all.

“Oh, thank you for telling me Elvis. It was so lovely to meet you,” you say sweetly. You wanted to hug him or kiss him on the cheek for being so sweet to you but you didn’t want to cross those boundaries. You turn away from him, wishing you’d have more courage to do just that.

“I never got your name darlin’,” he says quietly.

“Y/n, good night Elvis.”

*

The next evening, you get ready and put on another cute blue dress with matching gloves. You were excited for this date. You’d try not to dwell on him making you wait so long yesterday but you’d give him a chance.

You open the diner doors and look around and see Elvis in the back booth, looking better tonight than the last. He stands up when he sees you standing there. He has a smile on his face and you walk toward him.

You feel giddy and love struck, not expecting to see Elvis twice in two days.

“Hi Elvis, what are you doing here?” You say in a giddy fashion.

His face lights up when he hears how excited you were to see him.

“I just had to see you again darlin’. You were the most gorgeous girl I have ever laid my eyes on. I was hopin’ you’d have a date with me tonight,” he says bashfully.

Your cheeks feel on fire and you can’t help the huge smile that spreads across your face.

“I would love nothing more,” you tell him. He pulls you into his arms for a hug when he hears your response and kisses your cheek.

“Oh you just made my whole night. Please sit down,” he says leading you to the booth.

“And after we were going to watch movies at the theater, I’d love it if you came too. I’d love to share with you some of my favorite movies,” he says cutely. He had this boyish wonder to him and you couldn’t help but fall for it.

You can hear how excited he was to have you here with him and hoped this night would never end.

“I’d love that Elvis, I couldn’t imagine a better night.”

*

*

*

Tagging:

@loving-elvis @neptuneismysister@velvetelvis @ccab @theresalwaysep

@sillybookmarks @dkayfixates

@ellie-24 @rktismylife-blog.

@myradiaz @tacozebra051

@18lkpeters @flwrs4aust @emma181873

@austinswhitewolf@eliseinmemphis

@everythingelvispresley@chasingwildflowers @idontwanttoputanything. @ohjustpeachy-

@elvisalltheway101 @austinsmutler @kingdomforapony.

@generoustreemystic @claire-elvisgirl

@ashtag6887 @burnthheparaphilia @richardslady121

@jaqueline19997

@returntopresley. @iloveelvis @rimartin11@that-hotdog @louisejoy86 @misspresley@cattcb@annapresley8

@arrolyn1114 @raginginkedslut @epthedream69

@mh777ep1938

@50sexyshadestashionista

@oldhOllywOod @hooked-on-elvis @livelovedilfs

@sloppiest-of-jos@thisis-theway @gatheraheart

@aphroditebabygirl @faeolwen

[witchthewriter]

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

⤷ gender neutral, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!

a/n: I combined a few requests together for this post. Hope you don't mind that! I think it works though! Also, with the nsfw it's more geared to female presenting people.

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ | ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ ᴵᴵ

・It was sunset and Jade had already led you to the bar.

・His hands were fidgety, and it gave you a bit of relief; since you thought you were going to have a panic attack every second of today.

・But the anxiety slowly seeped away when you were with Jade

・And when you entered the usually messy bar, you couldn't help but grin.

・Jade had gathered as many candles as he could and lit them throughout the bar, trying to create a certain atmosphere

・You two were in the throes of a new relationship; testing the waters, trying to keep something alive in this town was nearly impossible - since everyone wanted to leave

・One thing that you've found is that whenever you're in the room, Jade is usually staring at you

・You've noticed him do little things for you, that he would absolutely never do in a million years

・It's what made you like him more and more. Special treatment was nice.

・It was you who brought up the idea;

"I thought, maybe, since ya know ... I was just wondering if I could stay the night at the bar. The Matthews have kind of taken over the house..."

He gave a small smile, which turned into a smirk.

"I can't argue against that."

・You could tell he was flirting and a burst of butterflies erupted in your stomach. It always did around Jade. You wished you could control yourself better...

・So this would be your first time alone, at night, together.

・When the time came to close the curtains and lock the doors, you were already having a drink with Jade

・He had made certain that no creature could enter the bar; especially not when someone as precious as you was there

・Jade felt this overwhelming need to protect you. To take care of you, to be some sort of ... guardian.

・He's never felt that way before.

・Not until you had waltzed into town (okay not waltzed but you know what I mean) and threw yourself into theories, experiments; ways to get out of here

・Unlike some people who seemed happy to go along with their day to day duties

・Jade liked you because of your passion.

・And now, after two of those horrible homemade drinks, you were flushed, with a heavily beating heart.

・Jade still looked handsome, even though he looked a mess.

・He was in the middle of telling you a story, of telling you things that he would never say to anyone else.

・Both of you were on the bench, your hand barely brushing his very larger one.

"...and now I'm here! In some sort of hell...although it can't be hell. Because you're here." He mumbled on, his own cheek feeling flush.

・Your pinky wrapped around his and he squeezed.

"Thank you for telling me," you said quietly, and slowly turned to look Jade in the eyes, "-I want you to know I'm here for you."

・A shiver went up Jade's spine, his neck was giving away his feelings. You couldn't help but smile.

・But then a shiver went down your own spine, for an entirely different reason.

・Knock...knock...knock...

A high pitched, 'kind' voice sounded from behind the door.

"Hello? Is anybody in there? I need some help!"

・You and Jade looked at each other, his hand coming to clasp your own.

He moved closer to you, and whispered in your ear, "It's alright, everything is locked. We have the talisman. They'll leave."

・He nodded his head and motioned for you to take a few deep breaths. You did.

"I know you're in there! Jade, and his new love!" The woman taunted.

・Those words struck Jade to the core. If they knew that. Then the creatures would surely use it against him somehow.

・But he didn't want to worry you, so he just smiled, and thought of a way to release you both from the clutches of fear.

"Trust me?" Jade said, entwining your fingers.

"Yes," your response came out as a whisper.

・Standing up, he lent you against the bench and went about starting to blow out the majority of the candles.

・Then he brought the rest into his room and beckoned you to follow.

・Walking in after him, he placed the candles down and closed the door.

・It felt safer in here. It did. Because you couldn't hear the taunting.

"You can...sit down if you like."

"Thanks," you chuckled and sat on the bed. Taking off your shoes and socks.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

You Fall First (You) x They Fall Harder (Jade)

Overly Arrogant, Flirty (Jade) x Absolutely Unfazed (You)

Oblivious (You) x Constantly Admiring Them (Jade)

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Intertwined Destinies

Shared Vision and Purpose

Bickering and Banter

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Hold On by Tom Waits

R U Mine by the Arctic Monkeys

Back To Black by the Brian Ferry Orchestra

𝑁𝑆𝐹𝑊 🔞 No one under the age of 18 past this point, makes me feel weird if you read it.

・As a lover, Jade is all-consuming. He loves taking charge (when he knows you're completely onboard with it)

・However, he does love to make you squirm. To slowly place kisses here and there, his breath hot, tongue lightly licking as he goes along.

"You're not being fair," you whine, drowning out the fear that was once holding you back.

"je te savoure," is his reply. Low and gravelly.

・Jade's large hands gently remove your shirt, and then with a nod of your head, he unclasps your bra

・Laying you down gently onto the bed, he takes off his shirt and balances himself on the bed

・You can't help but giggle, it's such a small bed. It's better than nothing...

・Jade smiles back at you, but it turns into a smirk. His eyes darken, and your nipples harden.

"You're okay with this?" He near-growls.

"Yes, now come here-"

・You saw his length harden through his pants as you moved to touch your bare breasts. Massaging and pinching your nipples.

・Jade climbs ontop of you, hovering above you

・Your legs wrap around his waist, which forces Jade to lower himself to you.

"I want you," Jade said close to your ear, then he started nibbling on your earlobe.

・Reaching out, you started touching him. His shoulders, neck, arms. He was so warm. And had many freckles.

・Your mouth kissed his shoulder and you finally got to taste him. Salty, musky, you could slightly taste the soap he's been using.

・You gave his shoulder a small bite and he laughed, doing the same to you.

"You don't understand how much I've needed you. Not just like this; underneath me. But, close. To be able to call you mine."

・Goosebumps erupted all over your skin, you didn't realise how much he wanted you. Because fuck, you've wanted him for so long.

"I am yours."

[dragqueenstarscream]

In relation to your Starop Library au post:

-Starscream suddenly starts going to the library more often, asking for assistance finding books all the way at the other end of the library despite already knowing where they are whenever Optimus is on staff.

-Star starts sitting near Optimus' desk, occasionally staring at him and taking care of his appearance even more than usual. (He'll deny it to the end of the Earth though)

-In some places (*cough cough* Amarica *cough cough*) the average salary of a librarian can be pretty low compared to living costs so if Starscream finds out Optimus has trouble with living costs he mysteriously gets a raise.

-Whenever Op has trouble finding someplace in the city due to being from the country, Starscream would immediately assist him. Trying to find a good coffee shop or bookstore? Need a ride home since it's dark outside? He'll jump at the opportunity to be near Optimus longer, although he'll probably act annoyed about it.

-If Optimus is in collage on scholarship (or highschool based on how old they are) and needs an expensive textbook(s), brand new copies of them are mysteriously donated the the library by an anonymous source, or Star would let him borrow his if he had it.

Sorry if these are out of character, I just like sharing my StarOp brainrot

-💌 anon

see you get it!! you see the vision!!

as for the out of character worry, remember that, in some iterations, starscream was actually a very different person before the main war happens, like in skybound. since this is an au where nothing goes horribly horribly wrong and nobody dies, i think we can play with that possibility here. anyway!

- he would. he absolutely would. he'll ask for the same book several times even when he should know where it is by now. he thinks he's so sly, but optimus caught onto what starscream was doing a while ago. he just plays along because he thinks it's cute.

- i could definitely see starscream switching his usual study sessions from his dorm to the library so he can be near optimus. it's no coincidence that he also wears nicer outfits and fixes up his hair on his study days. maybe he'll throw on some jewelry if he's feeling especially fancy.

- i imagine in this au, optimus is working at the library to help with paying tuition while the rest of his money goes to food and rent. starscream comes from a family rich enough to afford the full ride, so he's a little shocked. cue a "mysterious donor" paying rent for optimus and his roommates. i wonder who that could be!

- starscream knows a good opportunity when he sees one. if optimus is looking for a nice place to treat himself with his christmas bonus, starscream has a recommendation. new movie out that optimus wants to see? starscream knows the best theater and can pay for the best seats. optimus needs a ride back to his apartment because his pickup truck is in the shop? starscream drives him in his rolls royce. he acts annoyed, but really he's just emotionally constipated.

- college textbooks are ridiculously expensive, so if optimus is having trouble affording the pricey physics textbooks he needs... oh, wow! someone donated a bunch of physics textbooks to the library! how kind! definitely without any ulterior motives of any sort!

also, what would their names be in this au? i imagine optimus' would be orson ryan pax, but he always goes by ryan or orion because he sees orson as an old man's name. what about starscream? something fancy and british probably

[clubsmarties]

He couldn't wipe the silly little smile off his face as she corrected him. She liked the movies and now he had even more inside look to how much she paid attention to movies. Disney movies to be exact. That alone made him chuckle to himself. "Who needs human companions when you've got Dolly." His pup knew his voice and even in her sleep her tail wagged. She truly did love him.

"Don't have to. You just said it." Wally laughed. "But, no. Talking to you keeps my mind from running back to work and the thousand other things that need to be done. Your voice is nice to listen to. Should do an audiobook of your favorite book. I'd for sure buy it." She could sell a sack of potatoes and he'd still buy it.

Her hey made him smile and had him chew on his lower lip. It was something he'd noticed when she truly enjoyed something. Where he thought she'd let her guard down enough to be seen. It was nice. "Not a bad thing. It's cute. Like dimples." Or so he had heard. People commented on the family trait more than he cared to admit. Then his eyes went to her arm covering her face and saw it. His hoodie. Even in the dark he'd recognize it. It was the one he had given her at the lighthouse. It was a funny feeling seeing her wear it when he wasn't around. It gave him the very possible scenario that she wore it more times than she had admitted and that it hadn't indeed collected dust in the back of her closet. She kept it. Now that made hope bloom in his chest. Maybe, perhaps, she did feel the same as he did about her.

Deflecting was the name of the game sometimes with her but that still didn't deter him. "Like what? If you say body then you can't say that. You can't copy me." He teased knowing that if anything whatever she stashed in her closet couldn't be as horrible as she made it out to be. "You'd have the best time with a collectible Disney sweater."

He laughed and shook his head. Clearing his throat a second later. "No, not forcing you. Your call remember. I just pack things in so you wouldn't be one to call me a boring tour guide. You can decide what you want to do. But I am gonna insist on the lighthouses trip. Those are always fun and you don't have to be attached to me the entire time. You can explore and meet me in the middle. Sunset tour is really cool though. If you like it maybe you can take Anna and Charlie and Orion out there."

He could tell she was on her way off to sleep and let her continue to talk. His somewhat lopsided plan was working of getting her to fall asleep first. That was the real reason he could fall asleep knowing she was safely off. Sweats and his hoodie made him smile. "Great idea, you got it," he whispered as he made sure to lower it and whistled lowly to his pup who had her ears perked. Gave her the snuggle command in French and saw his dog further lean her head on her chest. Goodnight lila. Was the last thing he said before he fell asleep without hanging up the call.

The morning light hurt his eyes as he opened them up and saw his phone was at 17% battery but still could see Dolly on top of Liz just looking at the screen. She put her head on her paws happily wagging her tail. He waved at her and made a shh sound as he got up and plugged in his phone getting up. He put it on mute so he could get the shower and eat something before she woke back up and realized they'd fallen asleep together on the phone and they were still on call.

After he finished and got dressed. This time in a dark blue long sleeve shirt and his hair was not covered in gel yet, his one bang laid on his side as he shuffled around cleaning up after himself. When he turned the phone around and unmuted it he figured he'd make his presence known.

"I'd totally share my waffles with you if I could. Though I don't know may rethink it because these are really good. Reminds me of the ones at the diner. The ones you didn't realize were hot."

"Nope. I did not quote. I merely commented on the situation and its comparative nature to this situation is all." Elizabeth rebutted, voice growing softer as she let the calm motions of absentmindedly petting Dolly and the stillness of not doing anything seep in. "And it's just a movie, no big deal. And for the record I'm glad too, she's a wonderful hiking companion."

She was too tired to keep up a façade about how he didn't make her smile sometimes, especially now when he acted like a kid. Ever since the lighthouse, in which she slipped up more than she usually did, she couldn't place her finger on it. At first she found it too childish, annoyingly so, especially from someone that was an Agent. Somehow, she had began to find it endearing? Was that it ? Well whatever it was, a wide smile replaced her usual stoic features. "Well, that sounds like a lie," She sighed snuggling closer to Dolly. "Seeing as you're still wide awake. Just admit that I am the only one that would pick up at this hour so you decided to annoy me. "

At the mention of her teeth, her hand came up to her face. "Hey!" There was no denying she was in his hoodie now as it was more visible. Fingers and his hoodie sleeve covered her nose and mouth, no one had ever mentioned it before or bothered to care or ever noticed her teeth. She hadn't ever thought them that prominent, just once when her stepmother called them out in her teens on a job. It made her feel seen, exposed. He had such an uncanny ability to hone in on the things others never saw. He is an agent, her brain reprimanded her, she needed to stop thinking that he was just someone else. One false move would land her where she never wanted to be.

"I'll put it in the box, don't want to be hoarding your things in my closet. There are things I could be stashing in there." Was she being slightly mean, sure, but she also didn't want me to get too comfortable. She would be gone soon, she kept telling herself, she just needed the right person to take over the office and she'd be off again. "I might borrow it though, if Anna and Charlie decide to come to the resort. I'll try to blend in."

Just the thought of all the activities that Wally was trying to cram into one week made her feel tired already but there was a sense of adventure that she couldn't deny. She was too tired now to start an argument about how hope is not real and just meant to crush people, it would be for another time. "Sunset Tour? You're making me hang out with you all day everyday aren't you? " There was no bite to it as nuzzled against the back of Dolly's head, the stillness, the quiet of the apartment seeping in and lulling her to sleep slowly. "Crowds are fine. I like crowds. Easy to blend in. Gossip to hear." She muttered. "Sweats. Sweats are comfortable. I'll wear sweats. And your hoodie." A soft sigh as her eyelids began to close over her hazel eyes. "It's comfortable too." Dolly moved slightly getting more comfortable herself, making Elizabeth smile lazily and sheepishly before snuggling against the border collie again. "Can we go to the falls? I heard its pretty. I'll do the cave if we can go to the falls." It was all soft muttering, not too different then when a child tried to keep from falling asleep.

[21280]

warnings for fem! reader, street interviewer jiji. quick blurb, srry!

we know jiji is a social butterfly, so i think he'd absolutely rock being a street interviewer. think of tokyo sims, except it's just a one man show, and it's jiji trying to pick up girls and (for once in his life) failing horribly.

jiji is tremendously hot, but only to the teenagers that surround him. in a high school setting, one is more likely to fall for someone who they're around constantly, or, settle for finding the 'school hottie' in order to survive the semester. outside of school, though, jiji is a hottie, in an intense competitive market of hotties.

he starts off with okarun's help, with him being his cameraman. his charisma is insane, and he picks up a following quickly. the people he interviews (which 9 times out of 10 it's women) find him quite odd and subtly laugh as his attempts to flirt, yet let him down nicely. his comments are filled with messages like "i wish i would encounter him irl" or "why is he always getting rejected is this scripted?? he's so cute"

except for one comment. yours. scrolling through your for you page, you find one of his interviews in which he asks a girl if she had ever been cheated on, with her saying yes. jiji goes onto this monologue about how he wouldn't, and asking for her number in the process. and he succeeds! for the first time. so you type out a comment.

"good luck girl, he looks like he ain't even allat 😭😭"

and waking up to around 50 comments proving you otherwise, you also find a dm. it's from jiji's personal, private account, who sent you your comment with a "wym i look like not allat lemme show u" and it leads to your first internet friend, jin enjoji.

and he suggests a date to prove you wrong. with his newfound fame, he's also found some cash that could definitely be spent on you. his words. you decline, because you're not easily moved by material goods. so he suggests you pick an activity, because congratulations! you officially piqued jiji's interest, and have him never asking another woman for her number in an interview again.

and his fans notice it way too quickly. they saw him at a park with 'some really pretty woman' and, since he's not too famous, decided to call it a day, no photographs or anything. but his comments were switching up, saying "why isn't he asking for numbers anymore" or "flirty jiji we miss you!!!"

but jiji is on a mission: to be yours, and yours only. because as much as he is a flirt, he's never been one for easy love. it would take months of him begging and scheming for him to finally ask to be your boyfriend, and for you to say yes. because you denied his other attempts before. he pops the question during a quiet (?) cooking date at his place, where he and you attempt to cook steak.

on his next street interview, people can hear a slight giggle from the camera as he asks questions to another girl, and in his caption, it reads: "got another cameraman so she can see i'm loyal" and it has fans questioning who the lucky lady is. unfortunately for them, only the interviewees can see who you are, because jiji absolutely cannot zip his mouth shut when it comes to bragging about you.

[fourth0rca]

Sometimes when I see how bad the reactions are to Nesta's character it makes me feel like people would see me the same way for relating to her. For understanding her and loving her.

Like I'm beyond redemption and I'll always be disliked and hated for the things I've done and said. That I'm beyond help and I'm not worth the time or trouble to see through a recovery process. That I can't mend broken relationships. That I can't grow and be better than who I was.

Truthfully I don't know many characters I've related to that expose the ugliness growing and festering inside someone. Self hatred is a horrible, self destructive thing. You want everyone to feel it. Hurt people hurt others. It's an ugly cry for help. Its not easy, but healing happens when we're ready. It just takes time.

We exist. People like Nesta exist. We don't like ourselves anymore than you do.

We all look for a Cassian, whatever form that may take.

Keep reaching out your hand.

It would just be nice if there was a little more compassion and empathy for those broken in another way.

I know everyone is entitled to their opinions. Full rationality, I get that. Just wish there was more open to seeing both sides.

[whumpitisthen]

Limbo

Previous I Masterlist I Next

CWs: dissociation/derealisation [whumpee thinking they aren't really alive], mentioned torture, mentioned character death, a candid conversation about death with Death the jolly fellow himself, angel whumpee, deity whumper, religious themes, carewhumper, the poor boy has no idea what's coming the boy is not doing so well :/ if only there was someone who cared :pensive: ( <- actively making him worse)

“Am I dead?”

The angel looks far away, grey, foggy under his skin. He perches on the bed he was provided, in the lavish guest room he was given. It's an emperor-size bed; it makes him look little with his bruised-up legs hanging off the edge.

Sitting at the long dinner table, legs propped up as he leans back in his chair, Grim hums distractedly. — “Hm?”

“Am I dead?” — Auden repeats after a swallow of consideration, this time at least managing to sound like he wasn't just talking to himself.

The Reaper’s lips curl with a slow hum. He forgets about the pen he was twirling — always playing, always busying his hands with something. A pen, a blade, someone's hair. His hand pauses only briefly, then he continues spinning it between his fingers like he never stopped. — “Mm. It feels like that, doesn’t it.”

There is the sound of thunder, far away, but close enough that Auden can hear it rumble. The sound of his Fall. It scares him so much he can barely breathe. His hands dig into the heavenly soft sheets, feeling undeserving. A moment passes.

“Mori,” — he starts quietly, voice breaking, — “they um… I did not mean to, I really didn't, but I asked them how uh, h-how they got,” — he gestures vaguely in the direction of the intimidating double doors leading into the bedroom, — “...here.”

He feels so similar to how he felt on the day Grim brought him home. Weak and hazy, no particular colour to him. Just tired. Shaken, commanding about as much presence as a ghost.

“It was really stupid, I know. It would be insensitive to ask anyone that, right? Especially so out of the blue, like I did. But I did not m-mean it um, literally. I just thought — I thought they were so nice. So kind. They, I, I did not expect anyone here to be nice. Not to me. I-It surprised me.”

They never found out what he really meant. He meant it to be a compliment. They took it as an order. — “That is what I had meant,” — he tells the Mori in his memory, a small murmur, as if they could still hear him, still trying to explain himself.

“They had gone quiet, and I um, I told them they didn't have to t-tell me anything they didn't want to. I felt horrible. But I asked them, so they answered.”

Now Auden is the one going quiet. He doesn't know how to continue, or if he even wants to. His melancholic rambling isn't even fully directed at the Reaper. Grim’s interest has been piqued, however. — “And what did they tell you?”

Auden squirms, frowning. — “Not pleasant things.”

“Is that so,” — muses the deity, expecting this to be the end of the conversation. For a minute it was, but then the angel finds it in himself to continue.

“They told me they came close to dying, many times. They told me they did die, but not literally — that confused me a little, but I’m, uh, I think I am starting to get it.” — Stealing a glance at the Reaper, he sees a bit of humour glint in his vermilion eyes. He must know the story as well as Mori, though, unlike them, he clearly finds the tale a lot more amusing. — “They said they barely remembered who they were before… before you um, saved them.”

The way he is saying all this makes it seem like he has some sort of conundrum he must solve. Like every bit of information Mori had relayed to him is a puzzle piece. However, while it is fun hearing about how Mori remembers their meeting, Grim does not enjoy long roundabout tangents that go on forever. Setting aside the pen, he stretches, swinging those heavy boots off the table, and fixes Auden with a questioning look. — “This is a lovely retelling darling, but is there somewhere you are going with this? Or did you just feel like sharing with me something I already know?”

The thunderstorm flies ever closer. Static ruffles the feathers on Auden's wings. His shoulders hitch higher, hiding him.

“You saved Mori…”

“Mhm.”

“And you saved me, from the, the dragon lady.”

Grim laughs. — “I did.”

“S-So, since Mori was saved by you when they were dying, and I was saved when I was near death, and we both ended up here, here w-with, well, with you…” — he trails off, hesitant to finish his train of thought. It's like he can't even bring himself to say it.

Finally, Grim's expectant gaze forces the words to tumble out of his mouth anyway.

“I was wondering if maybe… I did die.”

The silence is so loud Auden doesn't even dare to look up, afraid that all he would find is a pitying, mocking grin. His guess at the Reaper's expression is not far off.

“Are you asking me?” — Grim asks belatedly. The fanged smile is clear enough in his voice.

“...Nothing really felt real since then,” — Auden finishes vaguely, weakly, eyes stuck to his own shaky hands clasped around each other in his lap. He feels silly, now. Saying it all aloud made it sound like it's either the most obvious or the most stupid assumption in the world. He can't tell which one it is from the Reaper's mood, but shame sears his cheeks nevertheless.

It takes another moment of cruel silence before he is granted a curious reply; — “Where do you suppose you are right now?”

Auden curls up a little more. — “Somewhere between alive and dead.”

Oh, the poor thing is lost, in more ways than just one.

Grim thinks for a minute, leaning his temple onto his fist. The angel's reality has been all but turned upside down, and now his mind is fracturing. Perhaps the shards could be built into something vastly different. His Lord does find moulding minds especially enjoyable, though such a process can be unfathomably delicate. Still, for now, the safest way forward may just be care and patience. The angel is confused enough as it is, and while hilarious, he doesn't want his lamb losing all touch with reality before meeting his new master. He will have a difficult enough time keeping track of what is real under his care anyway.

“Where do angels go when they die?” — he inquires instead, half interested in Auden's answer himself.

“They don't…”

Grim rolls his eyes. Of course. — “Where do Fallen go?”

“To Hell,” — Auden answers promptly, but then thinks further, and finds the answer insufficient. He doesn't really know what happens to Fallen Angels besides ‘eternal damnation’, since that is just a sentence, not reality. He just never thought to think further than that. Because Fallen can die. They do die, swiftly, once they reach here, once demons find them and tear them apart. — “But, but when they die… I am not sure.”

“Would you like to know?” — the Reaper asks with an easy smile.

Auden lifts his head, a little surprised to be offered to be let in on such secrets of life and death. Asking questions rarely lead to straight answers back up in his Heaven. Most of the time, he was met with disdainful expressions and waved off, told that these kinds of matters should not interest him, or, more humiliatingly, that he should already know the answer. Embarrassed, he learned not to ask questions, and only now is he starting to realise how much of his present knowledge is made up of his own assumptions.

To think he would be learning of death from Death himself — and for his silly question to be met with an unexpectedly straightforward desire to answer; no mocking, nor judgement, nor annoyance…

A small glimmer returns to his eyes as he looks to the deity intently. — “Yes please,” — he whispers, amazed, a little reverent.

The Reaper lifts a claw and beckons Auden over. The angel slides off the mattress and begins walking over obediently, only to stop in his tracks all of a sudden, hesitating.

“W-Wait, no, no I don't,” — he stutters, waving his hands out in front of him, seemingly swiftly having changed his mind. — “You don't have to, to show — I'll, I'm sorry…”

Grim is confused for a moment, not understanding the sudden reluctance, his outstretched hand sinking ever so slightly. Then, he chuckles, light as a cloud. He waves his hand dismissively. — “Oh, no, not like that. That did sound somewhat threatening, I will admit. No need to fear; you are a smart boy, you do not need such demonstration.”

Being beckoned to come closer by the Reaper after inquiring about what happens to Fallen when they die — Grim can't exactly fault the angel for hesitating. Nevertheless, with a small bit more encouragement, the nervous dove sulks up to him cautiously in the end, keeping his hands close in front of him.

“Choose one,” — the Reaper says, motioning to the jade porcelain vase filled to the brim with fresh roses set in the middle of the table. Auden saw so many bouquets arranged in large pots lining the hall as he was looking for a way out. He wonders just how much work it takes to keep every one of them filled and replenished in such a massive mansion.

Once he has made his choice — sliding free the flower that least upsets the balance of the rest as he takes it out — he looks to the Reaper. The Reaper picks one for himself and lifts it to his nose.

“When angels die, their souls float towards Heaven.” — He flips the rose downwards, letting it flop on the table. — “When demons die, their souls remain stuck here. And when Fallen die — ”

The radiant red petals are suddenly wilting, growing limp and dark, then dry and ugly in the Reaper's hand. Auden watches the healthy, beautiful flower rot, and then finally completely erode into black ashes, floating in the air like smoke after a wildfire, leaving nothing behind. Some sort of twisted awe leaves his mouth open and raises the hairs on the back of his neck in seeing the effects of Death's touch. Obliteration, destruction, extinction — with just a single touch…

He held that same hand from Miss Thu’lin’s palace all the way here.

“When Fallen die,” — Grim repeats as he rubs the pads of his fingers together to rid them of the flower's remains, — “their souls have nowhere left to go, so they disperse, just like that. Like a warm breath on a cold winter night.”

Auden clutches his own rose close to his chest, far, far from those deadly talons of shadow. — “Do they just… cease to exist? Permanently?”

The angel's wide eyes bring fondness to the Reaper's smile. He asks, instead of answering; — “do you think you exist?”

“...I don't know,” — Auden admits, a hushed whisper.

The fondness remains as he puts his hand out, scaring a flinch out of the angel. Auden goes to carefully place his rose into Death's hand, but he takes hold of Auden's wrist before he could, plucking it from him and returning it to the vase. He holds his hand gently, but firmly, feeling resistance. It's hard to tell the difference between his silver jewellery and icy skin.

“You are alive, my dear,” — assures Grim, making sure Auden hears him, looking directly into his eyes, — “you are here with me, and that should be all the evidence you need that you still exist as, if you didn't, I could never find you again.”

The young angel's lips quiver, his eyes growing misty, but he listens, and tries in earnest to believe those words. His eyes flicker down as the Reaper's thumb runs across the back of his hand. Back and forth, slow and gentle. Auden's face never crumbles fully, his tears silent as they flow.

Death's frigid kiss presses onto his knuckles like a curse, and the angel forgets to pull away.

<3

Masterlist | Ko-fi

Taglist: @whumpsday @whump-me-all-night-long @whumpifi @sordayciega @a-miscellaneous-number-of-rats

Taglist (tagged in everything I write): @morning-star-whump @whumprince @a-living-canvas

[goblin-enjoyer]

I BEAT THAT ZOGGING WIND SERPENT'S RAMPAGE! I HAD TO CHEAT A BIT BY USING THE OP NINJA GEAR YOU GET AT THE START BUT ZOG DID IT FEEL GOOD TO NOT LOSE HORRIBLY. YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SHOOT THOSE ROCKS WITH A TURRET THING? I DIDN'T. GAME DOESN'T EXACTLY MAKE IT CLEAR. THEN AGAIN NOTHING ABOUT THE RAMPAGE IS ZOGGING CLEAR. I HOPE THAT GAMEMODE ROTS IN THE FURTHEST DEPTHS. APPARENTLY YOU (SOMETIMES) CAN DODGE OUT OF THE AIR CURRENT "STOP PLAYING THE GAME FOR A FEW SECONDS THAT FEEL LIKE HOURS BECAUSE YOU LITERALLY COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THIS BECAUSE THEY KEEP CHAINING IT TOGETHER" ATTACK. DOESN'T MAKE SENSE THAT YOU CAN DODGE IN THE AIR BUT WHAT DO I KNOW, IM NOT AN INSECT GLAIVE PLAYER, I MAIN HEAVY BOWGUN. MOST OF THE FIGHT FOR ME WAS JUST RUNNING AWAY, GETTING 4 QUICK NO CHARGE HITS IN, THEN HAVING TO QUICKLY UNSHEATHE SO I CAN RUN AWAY AND HEAL. SURE I GOT A FEW RANDOM CRITS ON THE HEAD THAT DID LIKE 240 DMG BUT JUST HITTING THE THINGS HEAD WITH THE THING DID OVER TWICE THAT CONSISTENTLY SO I WOULD JUST DO THAT EVERY TIME HE FELL DOWN. ONCE AT THE END HE FELL ON THE ARTILLERY PIECE ON BEAM MODE DIRECTLY IN THE HEAD. WAS NICE. WELL I AM GOING TO LOOK UP HOW TO FARM MORE DEMON AND ARMOR DRUGS AS THIS STUPID RAMPAGE QUEST HAD DRAINED MY ONCE PLENTIFUL RESERVES.

i swear i am going to rend the person who thought of adding rampages to rise asunder. i get knocked in the air and then die before i hit the ground. stunlock on stunlock. attacks coming from 30 miles behind me. some attacks don't even have effects, it's just the monster moves a bit and then BOOM! take half health and fall down. nothing makes sense and it feels like i am being punished for no reason. I was so excited to fight this serpent that i saved it for today, but turns out it's an idiotic rampage quest that makes me want to split my switch apart. I was going to get right back into it and it was going to be fun, BUT NOOO IT HAD TO BE A RAMPAGE QUEST. HAD TO BE IN AN AREA THAT CONSTANTLY GLUES MY CHARACTER TO THE WALL WITH THE STUPID WALL RUNNING BIT. ANYTIME I TRY AND GET ON A BALLISTA I END UP BLASTED WITH POISON OR FIRE FROM SOME STUPID GIT SO FAR AWAY THEY HAVE BLUR ON THEM. I swear this better be the last ramage quest in the game or im quitting. i don't care i got sunbreak, I just want to play the actual game and not a shitty tower defence attempt.

[swagging-back-to]

the way literally every fucking person has been REPULSIVE about euthanasia lately.

[rpfofficial]

all r-dfem blogs on here are always posting 3 things: a) most vitriolic disgusting display of shaming people for how they look which almost always implicitly or explicitly aligns with some kind of eugenics or racism, b) how everyone who isnt them or disagrees with them is stupid or misguided or has no hope left for them, and c) how lonely and isolated they feel all the time . I wonder when they will join the dots

[themyscirah]

WE GOTTEM BOYS

[running-in-the-dark]

ooooh. we got an apartment!!!

the house isn't completely finished yet so we can't move in until April. we'll have to figure that out. but that's fine. it's in the town where my husband works! which is amazing.