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roosterforme · 10 months

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That's My Boy | Rooster x Reader

Summary: Bradley gets caught up in his emotions after Everett turns twelve. As his son gets older, he realizes that days spent playing baseball in the park together will grow fewer in number. He wants to make all of them count.

Warnings: Fluff, swearing

Length: 2400 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female single!mom Reader

This is a Batting Practice one-shot but can be read alone! Check out my masterlist for more! Banner by @mak-32

"I can't believe he's turning twelve next week," Bradley muttered as you and he stood in front of a wall of baseball bats in San Diego's best sporting goods store. "It feels like he just turned seven."

You slipped your arms around his waist and gave him a squeeze. "Have I mentioned yet that I love that you kept the Padres game tradition alive every year for his birthday? Ev is going to flip when you tell him you got box seats for the game on Sunday."

Bradley kissed the top of your head and grunted softly as he smiled. "I fucking love that kid. He still asks me to take him to the park to hit balls all the time. And I just don't know how much longer he's going to think I'm cool, you know?"

You snorted against Bradley's chest and then looked up at him. "He'll probably think you're cool for longer than he thinks I am!"

"Well, yeah. Obviously, Kitten," he said as he rolled his eyes and tried not to laugh. "But I might only last another year or so past you."

"You're obnoxious," you informed him with a grin as he positioned you with your arms out in front of you and your palms up.

"I know," he replied, giving you another kiss. Then he walked around the store and loaded your arms with two new bats, a new mitt, cleats and some baseballs. "I think that's good. Plus I ordered him and I those personalized Phillies throwback jerseys."

"Seriously? You think the two of you needed more Phillies jerseys? You probably already have half a dozen with BRADSHAW on the back."

"Actually I have seven. This will make eight," he said, pulling you closer to him while your arms were still full. "But he won't be a kid for much longer. He's not gonna want to match with me when he's eighteen. And I love spoiling him. And you."

You set everything down at the register while Bradley dug his credit card out of his wallet. "So..." you said softly while the cashier bagged everything up, and he paid. Bradley looked at you out of the corner of his eye as you ran your hand along the back of his bicep. "You want to take me home and spoil me while Everett is with his cousins for the evening?"

Bradley smirked and grabbed the bag, lacing his fingers with yours. "You want to dress up in your bodysuit and kitten ears for me? Let me kiss off your whiskers?"

You were giggling as you ran out to his Bronco, and Bradley was hot on your heels.

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"Dad, I want to try out my new gear," Everett whined as he looked out the front window at the pouring rain a week later. His voice was starting to get deeper, and all of the girls in his class had a crush on him. He had grown up so much since Bradley met him, and sometimes it still shocked him that he had a son.

"It's supposed to be nicer out tomorrow. We can go then."

Everett turned and looked at him. "But tomorrow's your birthday."

Bradley smiled. He couldn't think of anything he'd rather do after work than come home, get changed, grab his mitt, and go to the park. "Yeah, it'll be fun."

But Everett still looked skeptical. "Won't Mom be mad if we ditch her on your birthday?"

"Nah. We'll be home for dinner. And I'll make it up to her later."

Everett grimaced and started to head upstairs, but then he paused and asked, "Can we wear our new jerseys?"

"Of course."

And it turned out, you were a little annoyed at first the following day. "I have birthday dinner and cupcakes planned. I thought the three of us could eat together here since we're going to the pizza place with Molly and Bob on Friday."

Bradley pulled you close and whispered, "Just for an hour?" He rubbed your back and gave you his sweetest expression. "We'll just hit a few balls and come right back."

He turned as he heard Everett thunder down the stairs. "Ready, Coach?"

"Please?" Bradley asked you, kissing your forehead.

"Go," you said, pushing him toward Everett. "But seriously, be home by seven or I'll eat all the cupcakes myself."

Bradley and Everett ran out the front door with twin grins and loaded their gear into the back of the Bronco. It was strange to see how tall his son had gotten after a recent growth spurt; he was already almost as tall as you. Another few years, and he'd be the same height as Bradley. Maybe taller.

"You okay?" Everett asked, and Bradley realized he was just standing there staring at him. He looked a lot like his biological father, but he really looked so much like you.

"Yeah," he grunted, kind of missing the days when he would buckle Everett into his booster seat. Now he climbed into the front seat without help. Bradley started the engine and said, "A few more years and I'll be teaching you how to drive this thing."

Everett's eyes bugged out. "You'll let me drive the Bronco? Mom hardly ever even drives it."

"Yeah, well, Mom doesn't appreciate the fine art of making sure it doesn't stall out on the highway."

"I would," he replied, looking around the interior like it was a hallowed space.

Bradley nodded as he pulled into the parking lot. "I don't doubt it, Kiddo. You ready to test out your new bats?"

"So ready!"

The grass was still a little damp from all the rain, but the air smelled fresh as the sun dipped closer to the horizon. Bradley waited until Everett signalled that he was ready, and then he pitched an easy slider to him. Everett sent it soaring. "Holy shit," Bradley muttered as he watched where it landed so they could collect it later. "Nice," he called out as he reached into his bucket for another ball.

This time he threw the same pitch but harder. The result was identical as Everett nailed it far into the outfield. "I like this bat!" he said, adjusting his stance, ready for more.

Bradley rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck before throwing his slider again, this time with everything he had. He could feel the ball leave his hand. The perfect pitch. And then he heard the crack of the bat. The perfect hit. This time the ball went even farther than the last two.

"Damn," Bradley said, reaching for another ball and rolling it around in his glove a few times. "Try the other bat," he told Everett, and he watched his son switch them and take a few practice swings.

"Ready!"

Maybe he wouldn't be expecting a fastball this time. Bradley wound up and threw a pitch that even Bob could only hit half the time in the rec league games.

Crack!

"Jesus, Everett," he said as he watched the ball sail directly over his head. In a real game, it would have been an easy out for the center fielder, but it was hit so well and so hard, Bradley was kind of shocked.

"Come on, Dad," Everett called. "Throw a really hard one."

Bradley looked at his eager face. He wasn't taunting; he really wanted a harder pitch. But Bradley was already starting to get a little sore as he scooped up another ball. He threw the hardest changeup he could muster, and while it wasn't a clean hit, Everett still got some wood on it.

But when he threw that pitch again, Everett hit it square on and sent it sailing farther than the other balls in the outfield. "Damn, Kiddo," Bradley said, gaping at his son who looked completely unfazed.

"Wanna switch places?" Everett asked, heading toward Bradley and handing him the bat.

But it was more of the same. Sure, the bat wasn't quite big enough for Bradley, and it was still hard for Everett to stay in the strike zone, but Bradley could barely hit his pitches. They were too fast. His slider was so good, he had Bradley swinging too late. His changeup was so sneaky, Bradley swung early.

Finally, Everett threw a fastball that Bradley nailed so hard, they'd be lucky to find it in the treeline. "That's a birthday home run, Coach!" Everett cheered, jumping and tossing another ball up into the air.

"Yeah," Bradley rasped, just standing there staring at the twelve year old. He felt tears prickle his eyes as he smiled and closed the distance between them. "You're really good, Ev," he whispered, pulling him tight to his body. When his son smiled up at him with his slightly crooked front tooth and bright eyes, Bradley said, "Let's get home for dinner with Mom."

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You loved more than anything that you and Everett had Bradley in your lives, and that the boys so easily lost track of time when they were together. But tonight you made an enormous dinner for your husband's birthday, and now they were late getting back. Just as you started to make yourself a plate of food, unable to wait any longer to eat, the two of them burst through the front door. Everett was talking a mile a minute, and they looked absolutely adorable in their matching shirts.

"Did you have fun?" you asked, taking a bite of mashed potatoes. It was actually impossible to be annoyed at them when they got like this. But Bradley met your eyes with a soft smile on his face that almost looked a little sad.

"Yeah," he replied, his voice rough. When you set your plate down and went to him, he pulled you in for a hug. "Thanks for making dinner."

"Happy birthday," you whispered for probably the hundredth time today. "Are you okay?"

He nodded. "I'm perfect."

The three of you ate at the table, but Bradley was a little quieter than usual. And he only ate one cupcake instead of two or three. And you thought you saw tears in his eyes when he opened the enormous Phanatic foam finger Everett picked out for him.

"I love it. And I love you," Bradley told Everett as he hugged him. "We can put it upstairs in the Phillies room."

You watched the way your son hugged him as he said, "Happy birthday, Dad." There was no way that kid was ever going to stop thinking Bradley was cool.

"Ev, sweetie, it's time to start getting ready for bed," you reminded him.

"Go on up and get a shower, and then I'll tuck you in," Bradley told him as Everett went thundering up the stairs.

He was old enough that he probably didn't still need to be tucked in, but you knew for a fact that Everett had never once asked Bradley to stop. When you looked at your husband across the table, he was rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands. You stood and went to him as you softly asked, "Will you please tell me what's wrong?"

He looked up at you with tear filled eyes before scooting his chair back and patting his thigh so you'd sit on his lap. You settled in with your arms around his neck, and he kissed your cheek and your shoulder as he visibly tried to hold back his tears.

"God, Kitten. You should have seen him tonight. He's just so fucking good."

"I know he is," you replied, kissing his cheek.

"No. He's better than me now. He hit the hardest pitch I could throw, and then I could barely make contact with his slider."

You let those words really sink in. Bradley was easily one of the best players in his recreational league. He could pitch nine innings and make it look easy. He could hit the ball beyond the fences. "Are you serious?"

"I'm so fucking serious, Baby," he whispered, rubbing his mustache along your neck. "He's twelve. His voice hasn't even changed all the way yet. He hasn't even reached his maximum height."

You took Bradley's face in your hands and kissed his nose. "And this is making you cry?"

He shrugged as you ran your thumbs along his rosy cheeks. "I'm just overwhelmed. He seems so grown up now." He closed his eyes, voice shaky as he said, "I wish I'd had more time with him when he was a little kid, you know? I didn't get to see him when he was a toddler or anything. It would have been nice to have another year of tee ball. Hell, I wish I'd had a few more years with you, too."

Now your throat felt tight with tears of your own, but you shook your head. "You found us at just the right time. Right when we needed you the most."

Your forehead came to rest against his as he gave up the battle and let himself cry. You loved that he was so soft for the two of you and let you see his emotions. He took as much time as he needed while you ran your fingers through his hair, and when he met your eyes again, he was smiling.

"I don't know what I'm going to do when he doesn't want to play ball in the park with me anymore," he said with a laugh as he wiped his eyes. "I live for this shit."

You kissed his cheek as you heard Everett calling for him to come upstairs. "I really don't think you're going to have to worry about that, Coach."

Bradley stood but kept you close. "Pretty soon he'll be grown. An actual man."

When he tried to walk away to tuck Everett in, you put your hands on his chest to keep him in place. "Yeah. He will. And he'll have the best role model in you to show him how it's done."

Bradley ran his hand over his forehead, and he looked like he might start crying again. "I better go tuck him in while I still can."

You nodded and followed him up the stairs. When he turned right toward Everett's bedroom, you stood in the hallway, blinking away your own tears as you listened to their voices. Their combined laughter filled your house and your heart as you waited to take your husband's hand for the night whenever he was done being the dad who was tailor made for Everett.

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Soft and sweet Coach makes me tear up every time. Bradley, Everett is always going to think you're cool, and he's always going to want to spend time with you. Thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

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steddiealltheway · 1 year

Text

Part Three of Six of Meddling ;). Part One. Part Two. AO3 Link.

Nancy drives the four of them to whatever mystery location as Steve has a minor freak out in the backseat because it’s finally hitting him that he kissed Eddie. And Eddie kissed him back. And that’s not something he wants to just breeze over and pretend never happened.

How will things ever be the same after this?

Steve runs a hand through his hair as reality hits a little too hard.

“You okay?” Eddie whispers as his hand moves to rest on Steve’s knee.

Steve glances down at the hand and squeezes it once before he replies, “Yeah.” But he knows his smile is a little too forced based on the way Eddie’s staring back at him with concern.

The car slows to a halt.

“We’re here!”

Steve glances out the window, and it suddenly hits him. They’ve taken them to the bar where they first met.

“Throwback,” Eddie breathes out.

It had been a while since they had been back there. Things had changed over the past three years, and they had found a new bar with better acoustics for Eddie to play at when he isn’t hogging the small stage at the café where he works.

Still, sometimes Steve misses the place where some of his best memories had formed.

Once they get inside, nostalgia hits Steve in a way that’s almost bittersweet. Eddie must be feeling the same way based on the low whistle he lets out next to him as they look around. Nothing has really changed since they were last here.

“We’re going to grab a table away from you guys but remember to take pictures and just text whenever you want to head out. But this is our lunch plan so eat up,” Robin says with a big smile before grabbing Nancy’s hand and pulling her to a far corner spot.

“I’m kind of relieved that they’re not sitting with us,” Eddie admits as he and Steve walk to the opposite part of the somewhat dead bar. “Can’t wait to get that camera out of my face. I just hope they don’t try to sneak pictures of us while we’re eating.”

Steve snorts. That sounds exactly like something Robin would do, so he does his best to find a booth where he can’t see the girls and vice versa. He eventually points at one and sits across from Eddie, and the sight of him thoroughly distracts him from any thoughts about Nancy or Robin.

Eddie pulls out his phone and sets it down on the table. He taps on it once and asks, “What if we only did a cheesy picture of each other before we eat, with our food, and a quick selfie after we finish? Then we can just live in the moment and enjoy this.”

Steve sticks out his hand for Eddie to shake. “Deal.”

Eddie grabs his hand and presses a quick kiss against the back of it. “Deal,” he agrees with a wink.

A blush starts to creep up on Steve’s face, so he ducks his head and grabs his phone – but he knows he’s not being subtle about trying to hide his face. As a new means of distraction, he hits the camera icon and quickly snaps a picture of Eddie without warning. “Pre-date picture done.” Oh, why did he have to call it a date?

Eddie luckily brushes off his little blunder and scoffs, “No, you have to redo that. You gave me no warning!”

Steve just laughs as Eddie pouts. Next thing he knows, Eddie’s phone is coming up and snapping a picture of him. Steve freezes. “Hey, that’s unfair.”

Eddie snorts and presses on the picture. He frowns at it before turning his phone around. “Why do you always have to be so photogenic?”

The picture is... very telling of everything Steve is feeling. He can practically see the joy and love radiating off himself in a way he hasn’t seen before. It’s terrifying.

Eddie turns the phone back and clicks around a few times before proudly smiling and turning his phone off.

“What?” Steve asks suspiciously.

“Oh, nothing. But could you check the time on my phone?” Eddie asks, sliding it over.

It’s a weird request, but Steve goes through with it, tapping on the screen. “It’s...” he trails off before he sees the time.

His smiling face stares back at him as it covers the lock screen on Eddie’s phone. He glances up at Eddie who watches him somewhat anticipatorily. Steve doesn’t say anything, but he unlocks his own phone and immediately changes his lock screen to the picture he took of Eddie.

It’s cuter than Steve thought it would be considering that he took Eddie off guard. He isn’t looking at the camera. Instead, he’s smiling softly at Steve with his dimples on full display. The only thing wrong with it is that it’s a little bit blurry, but he thinks it adds to Eddie’s general vibe.

It’s the perfect lock screen really although he thinks Robin and Dustin might kill him for kicking them off it.

It’s worth it.

As Steve slides his phone to Eddie, a waiter comes by and introduces himself, “Hi, I’m Tony, I’ll be your waiter today. And the ladies over in the corner told me you two were celebrating an anniversary today?”

Oh, no. Even from a distance, the two are meddling as much as they can. Steve is about to say no when Eddie replies, “Yes, it’s been three years since we first met in this very bar, and two years since we started dating.” He leans in toward the waiter all conspiratorially and stage whispers, “Give it a year, and I’ll probably be back to propose to him right here.”

Steve chokes on his saliva.

“Sorry, babe, did I say that too loud?” Eddie asks with a big smile. He turns back to the waiter. “He’s always telling me that I don’t know how to whisper.”

It’s true, but Steve can’t say very much as he keeps coughing.

“We’ll get two waters please,” Eddie says, starting to sound a bit concerned.

The waiter must be too because before Steve knows it, a glass of water is being placed in front of him and he’s chugging it down. Gosh, he wishes this were a beer.

Eventually, the coughing dies down, and Steve shoots an apologetic look at the waiter. He just smiles back and politely asks, “Do you know what you want to order?”

Steve shakes his head and swipes the water off his mouth. “Haven’t looked at the menu yet, we were too busy... reminiscing.” Since when is he playing along with the lie?

“No worries. You two take your time and happy anniversary.” The waiter quickly dismisses himself, and Steve is left to stare at Eddie.

“Why would you do that?”

Eddie throws his hands up. “One, this is great practice for faking a relationship, lets us establish some backstory. And most importantly, two, celebrating an anniversary means a free dessert.”

“We’re at a bar, not a Chili’s.”

“There’s still the potential!” Eddie argues back. “Please, Steve, my love, my sweetheart, my muffin-”

“Please never call me your muffin ever again,” Steve says, cringing.

Eddie sighs but then a mischievous grin slowly appears on his face. This can’t be good. “I promise not to call you that if you pretend to be my boyfriend of two years during this lunch.”

The payoff is quite great, but he can’t let Eddie know that, So, Steve takes his time rolling his eyes and pretending to weigh the pros and cons of it all while Eddie shakes the table with how hard he’s bouncing his leg.

Steve reaches under the table and grabs his knee to still it. “You have yet another deal. But you have to stop shaking the table, too.”

“Sorry,” Eddie apologizes bashfully. He quickly moves on when he realizes Steve’s phone is still on the table and taps on the screen. He smiles at it and pushes the phone back. “Not as bad as I thought.”

“Not bad? It’s perfect,” Steve scoffs as he grabs one of the menus at the end of the table.

He doesn’t get a response, but Eddie is smiling at his menu when Steve glances up.

Eventually, they put in their food order and chat about random things just to catch up a bit although Steve talks to Eddie every day – usually in person but occasionally over text.

Then, Eddie randomly throws out the question, “So, are you seeing anyone?”

Steve swallows hard and shakes his head. “No, are you?”

“No,” Eddie replies.

Steve tries and fails to hide a smile. They both know if they started dating someone the other would be one of the first to know, but it’s cute that Eddie asked.

Their food comes out, and their conversation halts for a bit while they eat. But the relationship conversation plays over and over again in Steve’s head until Eddie interrupts his thoughts. “Man, I can’t believe it’s only been three years since I met you.”

Steve laughs and finishes chewing his fry. “It feels like I’ve known you longer.”

“Technically you have, if you count all the times Dustin mentioned my name before we met.”

“Could’ve met sooner if I hadn’t been so afraid that you would be a weird nerd,” Steve teases him.

“Hey, you know I’m both of those things, so don’t say it like it’s an insult,” Eddie says with a smile.

“Well, I didn’t think those two things could be hot together, so excuse me for assuming,” Steve replies while shoving a fry into his mouth.

Eddie leans forward. “You think I’m hot?” he asks as if he’s teasing him, but Steve can hear a bit of the uncertainty in his tone, so instead of shaming himself for admitting it he shrugs.

“Always have.”

Eddie stares at him for a few seconds before he clears his throat and changes the subject, “You should’ve worn the yellow sweater.”

The comment startles a laugh out of Steve. “Of course you would bring that up. I’ve never understood your obsession with the thing.”

“Well, there’s a reason I brought it up now.”

“Oh really,” Steve says raising his eyebrows, not ready for whatever line Eddie has prepared. “And why’s that?”

“It’s what you were wearing when we first met,” Eddie says as if it’s nothing.

It takes Steve entirely off guard. His stomach does a little flip. “You remember what I was wearing after all this time?”

“Yeah,” Eddie says but quickly moves on to ask, “Speaking of that night, what happened to that girl you were with?” He looks away as he asks the question, taking one of Steve’s fries but still not looking him in the eye as he eats it.

Steve tries to shake off the little piece of information Eddie just gave up as thinks back. He shrugs. “Nothing happened there. I was actually on a date with her that night. She left after we met. Told me I should go out with you instead since I hadn’t paid her any attention since the moment I laid eyes on you.”

Eddie glances back up at him, holding so much intensity in his gaze. “Why didn’t you ever tell me this?”

“Because I didn’t think I had a chance and didn’t want to risk getting my heart broken.”

Eddie stares at him, and Steve thinks that they both feel it. All the time they lost that they could’ve potentially spent together if Steve would’ve said something three years ago. But maybe Eddie is thinking something entirely different.

“Steve-”

“Hi, I hope everything is tasting alright. Also, I have a dessert on the house for you two. Happy anniversary, and I hope to see you two next year,” the waiter says as he slides the check on the table. Steve swears that he has the same bad timing as Robin and glares at the man as he turns his back.

“Steve-” Eddie tries again, but then, speak of the devil, Robin is suddenly scooting into the booth next to him and making grabby hands at the dessert.

“I love free dessert,” she says. “Thanks for going through with it. I thought it would be good practice.” It’s a clear lie based on the way she’s staring at the chocolate cake.

Nancy gives Steve an apologetic smile as Robin steals his spoon and digs in.

Steve shoots Eddie a look trying to convey, we’ll talk later.

He gets a sad smile in response, then they both pick up their forks and take a bite of the cake. Steve can barely enjoy it as he knows that the fate of his and Eddie’s relationship might rely on their next conversation. But Nancy and Robin also won’t leave them alone.

This is not good.

Part Four

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#steddie #eddie munson #steve harrington #stranger things #robin buckley #nancy wheeler #steddie fanfic

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earthtoharlow · 1 month

Text

Don’t Like The Lights

Sequel to Flashing Lights series, must read Flashing Lights first to understand

series masterlist

11. Adore You

I could do this for eternity. You and me, were meant to be in holy matrimony. God knew exactly what he was doing, when he lead me to you

Jack had been feeling like he was watching Maryse slip through his fingers ever since she started working again. The stalker incident had left its mark, not just on her but on him too, and he could see the weight of it in the way she carried herself—pushing forward, but always with a hint of something lingering in the background. He missed her, missed them, and knew she needed a break just as much as he did.

So, he decided to plan a day that was just for them, where they could shut out the world and just be together. No obligations, no work, just them. He didn’t tell her his plans, wanting to surprise her with something special, something that would remind her of everything they still had together.

Jack woke up early the next morning to go to their favorite bakery that was down the street. When he walked into the bedroom balancing a tray filled with pastries, fruit, and two steaming mugs, Maryse was just waking up.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he greeted with a grin, making his way over to her.

Maryse propped herself up on the pillows, smiling back at him. “Is this breakfast in bed? What’s the occasion?”

“No occasion,” he said, carefully setting the tray down in front of her before climbing back into bed. “Just wanted to spoil my girl a little.”

She raised an eyebrow, smirking as she reached for a croissant. “I could get used to this. What’s your angle?”

“No angle,” Jack replied, leaning in to steal a bite of her pastry. “Just missed you, that’s all.”

Maryse rolled her eyes playfully. “Missed me? You’ve seen me every day this week.”

“Yeah, but not like this.” He took a sip of his tea, his eyes on her. “I’ve missed us. Feels like we’ve been running on empty lately.”

She softened, knowing exactly what he meant. The past few months had been a whirlwind, and even though they were always together, the weight of everything that had happened hung over them. “Yeah, me too,” she admitted, taking a sip of her tea.

Jack reached over, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “That’s why today is just about us. No work, no stress—just you and me.”

“Sounds perfect,” she said, feeling a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the tea. “What do you have planned?”

“First, breakfast in bed,” he said, gesturing to the tray. “Then, a little drive—just the two of us, see where the day takes us.”

“Hmm, sounds mysterious,” she teased, picking up a piece of fruit. “But I like it.”

They spent the rest of breakfast talking and laughing, reminiscing about old times and making each other smile like they hadn’t in weeks. It was simple, but it felt like exactly what they needed.

After breakfast, they got dressed and headed out, piling into the car with no set destination in mind. The kind of wandering that they used to do when their schedules weren’t packed to the brim.

The sun was shining, the windows were down, and they had the music blasting—singing along, terribly off-key, but not caring one bit. It felt like a throwback to simpler times, and it made him realize how much he missed just being in the moment with her.

As they drive, Jack glances over at Maryse, her curls blowing in the wind, framing her face perfectly. He can’t help but be struck by how beautiful she looks, even more so in this candid moment. He stares a little too long, and when she catches him, she gets a bit nervous.

“What?” she asks, her hand instinctively going to her face. “Do I have something on my face?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “No, nothing like that. Just… you look beautiful.”

Maryse could feel the warmth rise to her cheeks, and then tried to play it cool. “Gross,” she mutters before quickly turning her attention back to the window, hiding the smile that’s tugging at her lips.

Jack laughs softly, shaking his head. “Annoying.”

She just shrugs, still looking out the window, but that blush isn’t going away anytime soon.

When they stumbled upon a quaint farmer’s market, they decided to explore. They walked hand in hand through the stalls, picking out little trinkets and tasting samples from local vendors.

“Look at this,” Maryse said, holding up a small, hand-painted dish. “It’s cute, right?”

“Very cute,” he agreed, taking it from her and examining it. “Let’s get it. We can put it in our new kitchen once it’s done.”

She smiled at the thought, nodding. “Okay, let’s do it.”

As they walked back to the car, he noticed a little ice cream stand and steered them towards it. “You want some?”

“Always,” she said, not hesitating.

They shared a cone, passing it back and forth between them as they wandered down a path that led to a small lake. Finding a spot by the water, they spread out a blanket they had in the trunk and sat down, enjoying the quiet.

“This is nice,” she said after a while, leaning her head on his shoulder. “I needed this.”

“Me too,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “We should do this more often.”

She nodded, closing her eyes and just soaking in the moment. “Yeah, we should.”

Maryse’s mind drifted back to her work, thinking about something that has been on her mind for months.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about,” she began hesitantly, her fingers tracing patterns in the grass beside her. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my album.”

Jack looked at her, his attention fully on her. “What’s on your mind?”

She sighed, trying to find the right words. “I know we’re supposed to be forgetting about work today and just enjoying ourselves, but it’s been on my mind a lot. I’ve been considering scrapping the whole album and starting over. After everything that’s happened, it just doesn’t feel like it represents me anymore. I’m worried it won’t connect with my fans the way I want it to.”

Jack nodded, his eyes understanding. “I get it. It’s been a tough year, and you need to feel like what you’re putting out is true to who you are. But are you sure? I mean, there’s a lot of work that’s gone into this album.”

“I know,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s just that I feel like I’ve changed so much over the past year. I want to create something that feels authentic to me right now, not what I thought I was a few months ago.”

Jack reached over, taking her hand in his. “You know, your fans are going to support you no matter what. And you have that amazing collaboration with Usher from the Color Purple soundtrack coming out soon. They won’t be without music for long. Real fans will understand that this is about you finding your voice again.”

She looked at him, grateful for his support. “I hope so. I hate the thought of disappointing them, but I need to do what feels right for me.”

Jack gave her a reassuring squeeze. “You’re doing what’s best for yourself, and that’s important. Your true fans will stick by you through it all. And hey, if you need a break, we’ll get through it together.”

She smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. “Thanks. I really needed to hear that. I know we’re supposed to be taking a break from work and just enjoying this day, but it’s hard to shut it all out when it’s been on my mind so much.”

Jack’s gaze softened, and he leaned in closer, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “You’ve always been so strong, and I admire that about you. But it’s okay to be vulnerable and to make changes when you need to.”

She leaned her head on his shoulder, letting out a sigh. “Thanks. I really needed to hear that.”

He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. Maryse practically laying on top of him. “I’ve got your back, always,” he whispered. “And when you’re ready, we’ll make sure this new album is everything you want it to be.”

Maryse sighed with contentment, happy that she had Jack, not knowing what she would do without him.

As the sun began to set, they headed back towards the city, but instead of going straight home, he took a detour to their house—the one they were building together. The sun was low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the half-finished structure as they pulled up.

“Thought we’d check in on the progress,” he said as they got out of the car.

Jack smiled as he and Maryse walked hand in hand inside the unfinished house stepping over tools and materials scattered on the ground. It was still very much a construction site, but he could already picture the finished rooms, filled with laughter, music, and the kind of life he’s always dreamed of having with her.

“We’re gonna need a lot of bedrooms,” he says, grinning as he runs his hand along the frame of what will be their living room. “You know, for all eight of our daughters.”

He glances over at Maryse, waiting for the reaction he knows is coming. Sure enough, she raises an eyebrow at him, trying to hide the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re very ambitious.”

“Hey, gotta plan ahead,” he replies, keeping his tone light, though he’s only half-joking. The idea of a big family with her isn’t just a fantasy; it’s something he really wants, even if they haven’t talked about it seriously yet. “And we definitely need a studio here. That way we can work from home more, right?”

Maryse nods thoughtfully, and he can tell she’s already picturing it too. “Makes sense. But you do realize neither of us can cook, and you want a big kitchen?”

He laughs, the sound bouncing off the empty walls. “Who said anything about us cooking? That’s what the big kitchen’s for—to look good while we order takeout.”

He watches her chuckle, shaking her head at his logic, and he feels a warmth in his chest. There’s something about planning their future like this, even if it’s just hypothetical, that makes him feel more connected to her. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”

“Of course I have,” Jack says, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they continue walking through the space. “I want this place to be perfect for us… and the kids.” He catches himself, almost surprised by how easily that last part slipped out, but it feels right. This house isn’t just for them; it’s for the life they’re building together.

Jack glances at Maryse, seeing the way her eyes soften when he mentions kids. It makes his heart race a little. “You’re really serious about those eight daughters, huh?”

“Absolutely,” he grins, leaning down to kiss her temple. “And we’ll need a space for them to play, and a yard big enough for all the dogs we’re gonna adopt.”

Maryse laughs again, and he can see her holding back a full smile, but it’s there in her eyes. The way she’s looking at him makes him feel like he’s on the right track, like maybe, just maybe, she’s thinking about that future too.

As he continues to ramble on, talking about the yard and the dogs, Jack sneaks glances at Maryse, trying to catch every little reaction. Her quiet smile, the way she’s holding back but also letting herself dream along with him, makes him feel like they’re already halfway there.

As they continue to walk through what will eventually be their home, Jack’s eyes kept catching on the promise ring she wore, the way the diamond caught the light whenever she gestured. It was supposed to be a simple token, something to say, “I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere,” but now it felt like more than that. The idea of marrying her no longer felt like some distant plan; it felt like a certainty, something inevitable that he was ready for.

Jack slows down, an idea forming in his mind. He stops in the middle of what will be their bedroom, turning to look at her with a mischievous grin.

“You know what we should do?” he says, his voice low and playful.

Maryse rolls her eyes, “Jack, I’m not going to have sex with you in here! I might get splinters in my ass!”

Jack let out a huge laugh, the curls on the top of his freshly cut mullet, moved as his body shook.

“M, that’s not what I was going to say!” Jack tried to explain through his laughter.

Her face warmed, feeling slightly embarrassed. “Ok so, what?”

“We should write our names on the walls,” he suggests, a spark of excitement in his eyes. “Like, right now, while everything’s still just frames and drywall. It’ll be our little secret, something only we know is there.”

“You want to graffiti our own house?”

Jack laughs, shaking his head. “Not graffiti—just a little mark, something to say this place is really ours. Imagine, years from now, we’ll know it’s there, even if no one else does.”

Maryse considers it for a moment, then smiles. “I like that idea. It’s like leaving a part of us here, in the foundation.”

“Exactly,” he nods, already pulling a Sharpie out of his pocket. “We’ll put our names, maybe a little heart or something cheesy like that. What do you think?”

She giggles, watching him with a mix of amusement and affection. “You’re really prepared, huh?”

“Always,” he replies, uncapping the pen and holding it out to her. “Ladies first.”

Maryse takes the marker, and with a glance at him, she steps up to the nearest wall. Carefully, she writes her name, adding a small heart next to it. When she’s done, she hands him the pen, and he leans in, writing his name beside hers.

“There,” he says, stepping back to admire their work. “Now this place is officially ours.”

She looks at the names on the wall, then back at him, her smile softening. “I love it. It’s like a little promise, something we’ll always have here.”

He wraps an arm around her, pulling her close as they both look at their names on the wall. “Our little secret,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to her temple. “This house is gonna be filled with memories, and now we’ve already got our first one.”

Maryse leans into him, resting her head on his shoulder. “I can’t wait to make more.”

As they stand there, wrapped up in the moment, Jack feels a deep sense of contentment. This house, their future, all the plans they’re making—it all feels so real now.

But Jack couldn’t help but break the comfortable silence. “You sure you don’t wanna have a quickie?”

“Jack!” Maryse exclaimed, giving him a hard shove and walking away to explore the rest of the house.

Jack laughed and then pouted as he followed behind her. “HEY! You’re the one who brought it up first.”

As they strolled back to the car after their day together, it was starting to turn dark outside, the moon casting a glow over everything. Maryse turned to Jack, her expression soft and full of gratitude.

“Thank you for today,” she said sincerely. “I really needed this, more than I realized.”

Jack smiled, reaching out to gently brush a curl away from her face. “You don’t have to thank me,” he replied. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I know it’s been a lot lately.”

She nodded, a lump forming in her throat. “It’s just… everything’s been so heavy, you know? Today, I felt like I could actually breathe again.”

He pulled her into a hug, holding her close. “That’s all I wanted,” he whispered against her hair. “You deserve to be happy, to feel at peace.”

She hugged him back tightly, then let out a small laugh. “I’m sure Lou Lou has been driving Urban crazy,” she added, thinking of their dog.

Jack chuckled. “Probably, but he’ll survive. We can’t be the only ones she tortures.”

Maryse smiled, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too,” he replied, squeezing her gently before pulling back to look at her with a soft smile. “Ready to head home?”

She nodded, smiling back at him. “Yeah, let’s go.”

***

an: a little filter chapter of our favorite couple thank you to the lovely @harlowcomehome for helping me with this

Tag List

(message me if you'd like to be added or removed)

@heavyhitterheaux @hoodharlow @neon-lights-and-glitter @babiefries @jackmans-poison @dstark-0706 @harlowsbby @itsyagirljaz @leftapricotprofessorlover @toocriticalharlow @minkookie95 @harlowcomehome @jackharloww @jaydaaasworld @kkrenae @hufflewhore128 @w1ldthoughts @jackiehollanderr @katiaw2 @halfmoondaze @babybardi2 @daphnescorner @angelluv444 @coquette-harlow @wabi-sabi1090

#jack harlow #jack harlow x reader #jack harlow x y/n #jack harlow reader #flashing lights #jack harlow fluff #jack harlow fanfic #jack harlow x oc

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spenceragnewfics · 2 months

Text

THE MEET CUTE | Trevor Evarts x F!Reader

I'm so sorry if this sucks!

Summary: As a popular Youtuber and close friend of Chanse, you get invited to be on TNTL and meet an unlikely friend.

Word Count: 614

Being an influencer wasn’t something you ever thought you would be. Granted, you did grow up in the peak age of online content so it shouldn’t have been too surprising when you decided to try your hand at it during the pandemic. You were bored and thought it would help the time pass, it did plus you got five million followers in the span of three years as well.

During that time, you met a friend named Chanse. You two met at a mutual friend’s house and have been best buds since. His humor works perfectly with yours and you two are known for being super close. He used to be in a lot of your videos over Zoom or Facetime which got him some popularity too.

It’s because of Chanse that you are sitting on the Smosh Pit set right now, getting ready to film TNTL. You had watched the series for years so it feels like a dream to be filming it, especially with your best friend being right next to you. You had met some of the cast and crew before shooting but this was something else.

Sitting on the stool, your fingers are typing away when someone walks onto the stage. “Oh, hey, you’re Y/N, right?” A male voice asks and you look up to see the most beautiful man you have ever seen. His light brown hair and facial hair make his youthful face more mature but his glasses help keep his youthful look.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I am. And you are?” You ask, getting off the chair. “I’m Trevor. It’s great to finally meet you, Chanse has said a lot about you.”` You look at him shocked, “I promise that most of it is probably not true.” He laughs while shaking his head. “It’s all been good, I promise. I’ve also seen a few of your videos. I’, excited to see if I can make you laugh today.”

“I’m excited to see you try.” You say, smiling before everyone gets called into place. Since you’re the special guest, you ae chosen to go first. It’s a smooth and funny filming and Trevor is the last one to go.

He comes out in a girly wig and holding a play camera as vlog camera. He lays on the floor and holds the camera in a familiar position before you spit out your water when he speaks, “Hey, hey, hey, all my panbaes.” It’s the intro you used to use back in the pandemic because you thought it was funny.

You soon understood how cringey it was and changed it but it had become a meme amongst your fans and now will get even more attention thanks to Trevor.

The rest of filming goes well before it’s called a day. Walking over to Trevor, you giggle “You did awesome, I genuinely did not expect that to come up.” He shrugs, trying to play it cool.

“Eh, I thought it would be funny. Do a bit of a throwback.” He says, his cheeks getting red. “So, have you seen more of videos than your letting on?” You ask, suddenly feeling more confident.

“Yeah, I used to watch all the time back when the pandemic was happening. I still keep up but not as much as I used to. I really like your stuff.” You smile and feel your cheeks heat up at his confession.

“Well, I would like to thank you and would also like to ask if you wanna get lunch sometime. Maybe we can discuss some of your past stuff, Mr. Streamer.” He chuckles and nods, “Yeah, yeah I'd like that a lot.”

“Okay, it’s a date then.”

#smosh #smosh cast #smosh games #smosh mouth #smosh pit #smosh x reader #smosh imagine #fanfiction #trevor evarts #trevor evarts x reader

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writingquestionsanswered · 6 months

Note

"Probably one of my biggest writing-related takeaways of 2023 was the brain science behind being overwhelmed by writing. So often, we put so much pressure on ourselves to meet goals, and get so frustrated with ourselves when we fail, that we end up making writing time something that fills us with anxiety. So our brains perceive that activity as a threat, which makes us want to avoid it."

I'd love to learn more about this cause it's my biggest problem when it comes to writing. The avoidance of the task, but it also manifests also as feeling overwhelmed by writing a long story/novel.

Some Brain Science Behind Avoidance

I encountered this idea of fear-based avoidance in a few workshops and summits over the past year, but I have to give a shout out to author/coach Monica Hay whose "Overcome Writer's Resistance Bootcamp" explained it the best. I can't find my notes so I'm going from memory here, but the gist of it was that our brains are hard-wired to avoid things that make us feel fearful or uneasy. This is an evolutionary throwback to when those instinctual feelings helped us steer clear from danger. As I remember Monica putting it, "Don't go that way, there are cheetahs there that will eat us."

So... how does this apply to avoidance of writing?

When we heap unreasonable goals and deadlines on ourselves, and berate ourselves for falling short of them, we inadvertently turn writing into a stressful activity. So, when we sit down to write, our brain picks up on that stress and says, "Don't go that way, cheetahs will eat us," and your gut instinct tells you to avoid this stressful activity at all cost. And then it becomes kind of a vicious cycle because you feel even worse because you're avoiding writing, and that makes you feel more overwhelmed and makes writing more stressful, and well... you can see the problem.

The solution? De-stress the writing process for yourself as much as you can. Start by de-stressing yourself when you sit down to write... take a relaxing walk first, do some yoga or a meditation exercise, or try some grounding techniques. See if you can do some things to make your writing environment more relaxing and inviting. Put on some soft lighting and relaxing music, use your favorite method to lightly scent the air, grab your favorite drink and snack. Then, just try to move the needle forward in any way you can.

My suggestions: try editing a sentence. Maybe see if you can add a paragraph or two. Don't think about deadlines or word count or what others are doing. Just focus on adding something to the page, even if it's changing a word or adding a sentence. Don't push yourself. Congratulate yourself on whatever progress you made. Ultimately, if you do this every day, the stress should start to melt away and writing becomes an activity that your brain no longer tells you to avoid.

Another suggestion: try to avoid setting arbitrary deadlines, or if you have to set a deadline, take a look at your schedule/calendar and be really honest about how much time you actually have to write. Because so often what happens is we say, "I want to finish this 80k word draft in eight weeks..." but the reality is we're not going to write all 56 of those days. In fact, when we take an honest look...

-3 days per week for days with both class and work = 32 days -5 days for a cruise next month = 27 days -1 day for bestie's birthday celebration = 26 days -Sundays because that's hiking day = 18 days Suddenly, that eight weeks is actually only 18 days... and that's not even taking account things that come up unexpectedly. But, let's say you do get to write all 18 days, and let's say you know you can commit three hours a day to writing but you'll probably take two ten-minute brakes... so 48 hours worth of writing. But here's the problem: you know on a good hour, you're probably only going to write 1200 words. And guess what: 1200 words per hour over 48 hours is only 57,600 words... far short of your 80k goal... and that's assuming you get to write all 18 days and hit 1200 words every hour you write. In other words... you've set yourself an impossible deadline, and when you fall short of it without understanding why, you're going to be disappointed in yourself. And that's why it's so, so important to be honest about the time you have and how much you can reasonably accomplish within that time. Also: just don't be hard on yourself. It will never make you write faster, more, or better.

I hope you can use this to overcome your own resistance to writing! ♥

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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unusualgrimm · 5 months

Text

Incorrect quotes~

Wiggly: What’s something you guys are better than Pokey at?

Tinky: Mario Kart.

Nibbly: Yeah, video games.

Blinky: Emotional vulnerability.

Tinky: There. How do I look?

Blinky: Like a cheap French harlot.

Tinky: French?!

*The Squad is eating dinner*

Blinky: Can you pass the salt?

Pokey: *throws Wiggly across the table*

Tinky, holding an antique bottle: Is this whiskey or perfume?

Nibbly: *grabs and chugs the entire bottle*

Nibbly:

Nibbly: It's perfume.

Nibbly: Hello Blinky, made anyone cry today?

Blinky: Sadly, no. But it’s only 4:30.

Wiggly: Happy Throwback Thursday! Here’s a throwback to when Nibbly ate an entire tube of lipstick.

Nibbly, whining: But why would it be cherry-flavored if you can’t eat it?!

Pokey: Here is my wall of inspirational people.

Wiggly: Is that a picture of you?

Pokey: Yes, I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself.

Tinky: Honestly, I am so evil. So full of darkness. I feed of the souls of the living I strike fear into-

Blinky: You sleep with a teddybear.

Tinky: He’s my sECOND IN COMMAND IN MY ARMY OF DARKNESS!

Blinky: *slowly removes heart-shaped sunglasses* I beg your fucking pardon?

Pokey: When you've been on the internet for as long as I have, you develop a thick skin.

Wiggly: *walking past* Navy blue isn't your color.

Pokey: Navy blue brings out my eyes, you prick! *chases after Wiggly*

Pokey: Request for you not to be a bitch.

Wiggly: Request denied.

Uncle Wiley: I am not gaslighting you. I am lying to you. Gaslighting implies a level of effort that I am simply not putting in.

Uncle Wiley: Deceiving you does not require much

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jackharloww · 1 year

Text

"I hate you" - part 2

Summary: Enemies to lovers - This is 3 months after part 1

“How much time do I have left?” you asked, and looked through the mirror. He was lying on your bed waiting for you while you got ready. He came over to chill at your place before the party. Urban had invited you to his photo exhibition and after that, he was going to throw a party.

“An hour,” he said without looking up. He was scrolling through his phone with one hand while the other played with his beard. You had just finished fixing your hair and started with your makeup. You went for a smokey eye look and a red lip to match the black mini dress you had picked out. You finished right on time and the both of you sat in his car and drove to the exhibition.

As soon as you stepped into the venue you saw Urban and walked up to him to say hi. The both of you hugged and Urban turned around to look at the man standing next to you.

"Urban, meet Shawn" you smiled at him "Shawn, Urban" you gestured back and forth, and they greeted each other. You and Shawn had met at a work event two months ago and immediately hit it off, a few days after that he asked you out on a date and the rest was history.

You quickly looked around but couldn't see him, the person you were looking for. Urban noticed and smirked before he excused himself and went to greet someone else.

"Let's go," Shawn said and grabbed your hand. You slowly walked around and looked at the pictures hanging on the wall, letting out a few comments here and there. You felt a pair of eyes on you and turned to look to the side, and there he was, the person you so didn't want to see. You felt your heart drop to your stomach. The person who hooked up with you in that venue 3 months ago, and then didn’t want anything to do with you. The one and only, Jack Harlow. He was standing a few feet away, with a girl next to him.

"Damn, This reminds me of my ex" Shawn chuckled making you quickly turn your head and look at him.

You didn't hear a word of what he said, but you still turned your head back and laughed at his comment, putting your hand on his big arms. "You're silly" you giggled. You glanced back at Jack, he had his eyebrows furrowed together and the girl next to him was saying something, but he clearly wasn't listening, his eyes focused on you.

You looked back at Shawn and smiled at him, "Let's move on" You grabbed his hand and went on to the next picture.

You and Jack were way worse than you had ever been. After the two of you kissed, one thing led to another and you ended up having very passionate sex on the floor. Urban came back after two hours, fortunately after the two of you had gotten dressed. He suspected something but didn't mention it. Jack didn't say a word to you, he just said he had to go home and walked out of the venue. And the two of you didn't talk, until a week later......

Throwback to a week after Part 1

It had been a week after the day in the venue that you had with Jack, and Urban had invited you over to a soccer game at mockingbird valley. You and Jack hadn't spoken after you hooked up, so it made you very excited to see him today. You were a bit confused why he hadn't reached out, but he probably had a lot going on.

You stood next to Urban talking about a pair of pants he just ordered when Jack walked in, and your heart immediately skipped a beat. He walked towards you, and you got a big smile on your face. "Hi" you greeted him happily, but he barely shot you a glance, he said a quick "Hi" back and then walked right past you.

Your face dropped and you felt your cheeks getting warmer, feeling embarrassed. What the fuck was that? you thought and felt very dumbfounded.

He went around and greeted everyone, before standing the furthest away from you, talking to Cope about something. He didn't even shoot you a glance. You felt very confused, was this his plan all along? To fuck you and get the upper hand? You felt your blood boil and got enough of this, so you walked up to him.

"Uhm, Jack" You said making him look up at you, giving you a confused look, "Yes?"

"Can we talk?" you received a nod, "Let's go to the dressing room" he mumbled and the two of you walked over there, Jack showing you the way.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" you started speaking as soon as the door closed "You fuck me and now you can't even look me in the eyes? I should have known that's all you wanted from the beginning" you raised your voice at him, swallowing back the lump in your throat.

"You think I just wanted to fuck you?" he breathed out,

"It sure looks like it" you threw your hands up in the air

"I can't do this" he said and shook his head wanting to turn around and walk out

"So now you can't even talk to me? I should have trusted my gut" you yelled at him

"I respect you too much god dammit, that's why I can't do this. You deserve so much more than this, more than me" he said "you deserve someone who can take you out on proper dates and show you off to the world. You don't deserve me, you don't deserve getting nagged by paparazzi" his voice raising with every word he said, the vein in his neck prominent, "If you're mine I want to be able to shout it out to the world because that's what you deserve, but you don't deserve me putting you in that position where everyone will be up in your business" his face was red now, his threw his hands up and ran his fingers through his hair, clearly frustrated with this whole situation.

"You can't just make that decision for me" You took a few steps closer to him and put your hand on his cheek, "I also have a say in this, what if I'm okay with all of that? What if I don't give a fuck about people being up in my business?" you spoke gently this time,

He cut you off, not letting you continue your little speech, he removed your hand and backed away from you, "I'm not changing my mind Y/N" he said sternly, "Whatever you want is irrelevant, I've made up my mind" he swallowed hard, and finally looked you in the eyes. When he noticed the tears he quickly looked away and started walking towards the door.

“You're such a coward” you screamed at him, he stopped in his track and turned his head to the side, before he shook his head, opened the door, and walked out.

Present

"Hey, Y/N I'm talking to you," Shawn said with an irritated tone as he snapped his fingers in front of your face.

"Sorry, what?" you got out of your trance and smiled at Shawn that only rolled his eyes at you. "I said, I'm thirsty let's go grab a drink"

"Oh, yeah sure", Shawn grabbed your hand and took big steps to the mini bar, making you almost run behind him to keep up.

Jack's eyes followed your every step until Urban came up and talked to him, "Bro, stop being so fucking obvious" he chuckled. Jack had roughly told Urban about what had happened between the two of you.

"Who is she with?" he asked, ignoring Urban's comment.

"A guy she's dating" Urban gave Jack a tight-lipped smile, before putting his hand on Jack's shoulder, "You had your chance, bro". Jack tensed up at Urban's words and looked down, "whatever" he mumbled. He gave up his staring and started walking towards the bar.

"I need to go to the bathroom," You told Shawn as soon as you saw Jack making his way toward you. You only received a nod as Shawn was too busy talking to the bartender to give you an answer. You grabbed your bag and quickly walked to the bathroom, noticing Jack walking after you.

"Can we talk?" He asked when he caught up with you.

"No" you simply answered.

"Please" he grabbed your hand to get you to stop, but you simply pulled it away and continued walking towards the bathrooms. Just as you were about to open the bathroom door, he stepped in front of you, preventing you from walking in.

"What do you want Jack" you sighed, not having the energy to deal with him. He went mute, he didn't say a word, he just stood there and stared at you. He didn't really know why he came up to you, he just couldn't handle seeing you with someone else.

"If you don't have anything to say I'm going back," you sighed and turned around. But he grabbed your hand once more.

"I can't let you do that" he mumbled, still holding your hand

"You can't let me?" you repeated surprised, "okay so I'm stuck here in front of a wall then" you motioned at him

"I can't let you go out there to him" Jack flexed his jaw as he put an emphasis on "him".

"So let me get this straight, a person who I haven't spoken to in months decides to tell me not to go out there, to the person I'm dating, I mean the math isn't mathing" You rolled your eyes and let go of his grasp.

"That's about right, but I can't let you go out there" he rubbed his neck, "You deserve better" he continued.

"I deserve better?" you chuckled, "I'm so sick of you telling me what I deserve and what not" You raised your voice now, and people that were close by started looking your way.

Jack grabbed your hand once more and walked into the bathroom, locking the door. "How long have you been going out with him?" he asked sternly

"None of your business" you answered back, Jack stared deeply into your eyes making you look away.

“He doesn’t deserve you,” he was clearly frustrated, throwing his hand up in the air, "I saw the way he was eyeing other women in the bar," Jack said angrily, "I can't fathom how someone can have a woman like you but still have a fucking wandering eye. I can't believe you are with him"

"Respectfully, shut the fuck up, you lost the right to say anything about what I do, and who I'm with for that matter”

"You don't think I know that?" He ran his fingers through his hair, "Don't you think I know I fucking messed up, that I let this amazing woman go? I know I did, But I can't let you be with him" He walked closer to you. "Jack" you sighed, but he kept walking closer to you.

"He doesn't deserve you" he repeated, "He doesn't deserve to feel your soft lips against his" Jack whispered, breathing down your neck, making you shiver, "He doesn't...."

"Don't" you whispered, interrupting him. He brought his finger up to your face, pushing a hair strand back. You looked up at him, your faces being only a few inches away. Jack bent down, but just as he went in for a kiss you backed away.

"Don't do this to me" You swallowed the lump in your throat and blinked away the tears in your eyes, you looked at him one more time before opening the bathroom door and walking out.

You took determined steps toward the bar, where Shawn was chatting with a girl sitting next to him. "Shawn, I want to go home" You quickly told him.

"Now?" he furrowed his brows at you, "The party hasn't even started"

"Well, I'm not feeling well" you mumbled

"Oh okay, you want me to order a Uber?"

"You're staying?" you furrowed your eyebrows in disbelief

"Well you're not feeling good, you're probably just going home to sleep right? Why should I cut my night short?"

"Whatever, you stay, but don't call me anymore" you angrily said and walked away from him, the tears in your eyes now falling. Shawn just shook his head and returned to the conversation he was in.

Jack noticed the interaction and got even angrier. He quickly sent a text to Urban and told him he was going to leave before he ran out after you. As soon as he walked out, he saw you standing to the side waiting for a cab, your arms around you to keep you warm, and tears silently falling.

"Take this," he said, handing over his jacket. He startled you with his voice, as you didn't notice him walking up to you, "sorry" he mumbled. When you didn't budge, he came closer and put his jacket over your shoulders, wrapping it around you before stepping back again.

"My car is close by, I'll take you home," he said, and you didn't have the energy to argue, you simply just nodded and let him show you the way. You didn't say a word to each other, the only thing you could hear was the wind and your sniffles as you made your way to the car. He opened the car door for you, before walking around to hop in the driver's seat. The ride to your apartment was silent, neither of you wanting to be the first one to speak. He parked the car and turned it off when he arrived and the both of you just stared forward.

"Please say something" Jack was the first one to speak, breaking the silence.

"I don't have anything to say" you mumbled, taking deep breaths.

"I'm sorry for everything I put you through. You were right that day, I was a coward" he turned around in the seat to look at you better, "I was afraid of letting you into my world and making you go through fucked up things. I was afraid of messing everything up"

"But you should've talked to me before making that decision for me" You also turned around to look at him better.

"I regret doing that, I thought I was doing what was best for you, please Y/N forgive me"

"You hurt me" you whispered, feeling the tears well in your eyes.

"I know I did, and I'm an idiot for doing that" he grabbed your hand, "I can't stop thinking about you. You captivate me, it's hard to not get dragged in. And it's frustrating, I've tried to forget about you, I have but I just can't. I'm sorry for everything I said, believe me, It hurt me too"

"I don't know Jack" you sighed and pulled your hand away, turning your head around to stare out the window.

"Just give me one chance to make it up to you, let me take you out, I don't care who sees," he said, very passionately making you chuckle. You stayed quiet for a few seconds, thinking, before answering him.

"You could just come up now? I have tea" you suggested, and Jack hurriedly took off his seatbelt making you giggle.

"oh uhm yeah some tea would hit right now," he said, his face red from blushing.

🩵—————————————————————🩵

This was a long one huh…? 🤭 I hope you enjoyed it!! 🩵

Taglist: @heavyhitterheaux , @middlechild404 , @harlowsbby , @harlowcomehome , @hoodharlow , @nattinatalia , @neon-lights-and-glitter , @itsyagirljaz , @mortirolo

#jack harlow #jack harlow fic #jack fic #jackharlow #jack harlow fluff #jack harlow concepts #jack harlow stories #jack harlow imagine #jack x reader #jackman #jack harlow x reader #jack harlow x you #jack harlow imagines #jack harlow x y/n #jack harlow fanfic #jack harlow angst #angst with a happy ending

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cheynovak · 2 months

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Echoes and Shadows - Part 9

Soldier Boy x F/Reader Y/N

Warnings: Throwback memories, hurt, angst, jealousy, sexual tension,

Words: 3400

*Does not follow the boys storyline *

In the 1950, Soldier Boy had to train a train a young girl supe named Y/N, she had a "nice girl next door" persona. Soldier Boy hated it at first, until they started to work together, he seemed to start to like this kid.

But will they overcome all the secrets and pain they had collected over the years?

Y/N sat on a bench in the park, it was almost night fall, she couldn’t believe him. No, she couldn’t believe herself, why, why did she believe him, all he ever did was pushing her buttons or hurting her.

His sweet words lingered in her head: "I never hated you, on the contrary some nights I wanted you so much it was hard not to break down your door. But I knew that good catholic school girl in you wasn't ready for me yet."

“Well fuck you, asshole, all you did was holding me back!” Y/N looked around realising she said that out loud. Luckly the park was almost empty. When she looked up to the moon, she felt nostalgic, thinking back to the first time Ben showed how possessive he was and she still stayed.

Y/N's mind drifted back to a fight she had with her ex-boyfriend, the date was November 1952 and she had just turned 20. They had been dating since she was 17, and for a while, everything had been perfect.

But when she was forced to live with Ben, trouble started brewing. Her ex-boyfriend had never liked the fact that she lived with another man, no matter how much she tried to convince him it was just a job.

She remembered the night everything fell apart. They had been arguing in her room, her boyfriend’s jealousy flaring once again. "I don’t like you living with him, Y/N, there has to be another way." he had said, pacing back and forth. "It's not right."

She had sighed, trying to stay calm. No matter how often she asked her boyfriend over or said they stayed in the separate rooms. This is my job, you knew I had to work with him. Ben and I are just partners, nothing more. I asked to live in another apartment but Vought made it clear, it was either living with him or they replace me."

Her boyfriend had scoffed, shaking his head. "You expect me to believe that? Besides, I know what men are like. He's probably trying to get into your pants every chance he gets."

Y/N had felt her frustration boiling over. "You're being ridiculous. Ben made it very clear in the past he likes older women. And he calls me kid, he doesn't see me like that!" But then Ben had walked in, smirking as he leaned against the doorframe.

"Trouble in paradise kids?" he had asked, his tone mocking. Y/N's boyfriend had glared at him. "Stay out of her room, asshole." Ben had shrugged, but his eyes had gleamed with mischief. "Just trying to... lend a hand.” he looked her up and down his eyes staying a little to long on her bare legs.

“Besides, Y/N doesn’t need a man, she makes way more happy noises when she's alone playing with herself, than when you're with her." Her boyfriend’s face had turned beet red, and Y/N had felt a rush of humiliation and anger.

The argument had escalated after Ben left, and by the end of the night, her boyfriend had stormed out, leaving her relationship in ruins.

She had been angry at Ben for his comment, but deep down, she knew he had only spoken the truth. Her ex-boyfriend's insecurities and jealousy had been a ticking time bomb. Which only translated to arguments and him giving her comments on how she should cover up nobody wanted to see her fat ass.

After their breakup she decided it was time for some ‘healing’, needing to settle for a real man instead of a boy. The air outside was cold and the city lights shimmered against the darkened sky as if trying to outshine the stars themselves.

The city was alive, and for once, Y/N wanted to be a part of it without the weight of her superhero persona, break up or the bad tension with Ben hanging over her head. The last years of her partnership with Soldier Boy made her realise what kind of manchild the great hero was.

A void that could never have enough booze, drugs and sex. She lost count on the times she walked in on him with one, two or multiple women, she had begged him to at least stay in his room, but he liked to shock her.

"Kid, are you sure you can handle this superhero life?" Ben would often say, his tone dripping with condescension. He rarely called her by her name, opting instead for 'kid' as if she were a child tagging along on his grand adventures.

Y/N hated it, but she bit her tongue. Tonight, though, was different. She had slipped out of her usual superhero outfit, trading it for a tight-fitting dress that hugged her curves and accentuated her figure.

Her hair was done up in soft curls, and her lips painted a bold, defiant red. She admired herself in the mirror, feeling a surge of confidence. As she stepped into the living room, Ben looked up from his mirror filled with coke, his eyes widening slightly before he masked his surprise with a smirk.

"Aren't you a bit too young for that kind of makeup, kid?" Y/N rolled her eyes, refusing to let him dampen her spirits. "I'm going out for a bit." was all she said. He leaned back in his chair, eyeing her critically. "You trying to catch some dick tonight? Men won’t be able to keep their hands to themself.”

Y/N was glad her back faced him, those semi-concerned/ complimenting words made her fluster. "Pretty sure I can handle a night out, thanks." She shot back, her voice laced with irritation. “Besides you bring back a girl ever night, what’s wrong with me bringing a man home?” she turned to face him now.

Ben's eyes darkened for a moment, a flicker of something she couldn't quite place crossing his features. But he said nothing more, just watched as she walked out the door, the sound of her heels clicking against the floor echoing behind her.

The night was young, and Y/N was determined to savour every moment of it. She found herself drawn to a bar with live music, a place she had heard about from some of the other younger employees at Vought.

The atmosphere was electric, the energy palpable as the band on stage belted out tunes that made the crowd go wild. She slipped into the bar, her tight-fitting dress turning heads as she made her way to a small table near the stage.

The music was loud, the bass thumping in her chest, and for the first time in a long while, she felt free. The usual pressures of being a superhero, of living up to the expectations set by Vought and by Ben, melted away with each beat.

As she ordered a drink, she couldn’t help but let a smile creep onto her lips. The lead singer’s voice was raw and powerful, and the guitarist’s riffs sent shivers down her spine. She tapped her foot to the rhythm, immersing herself in the music and the vibrant crowd around her.

Meanwhile, back at the Vought building, Ben was restless. He had tried to focus on the tv, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Y/N. The image of her in that dress, the confident way she had walked out the door, lingered in his mind.

Finally, he gave in and went to searching for her. It didn’t take him long to find her. The bar was buzzing, and through the crowd, he spotted her instantly. She was a vision, completely in her element, and for a moment, he hesitated.

He had always seen her as the kid, his sidekick, some pain in his ass, someone he didn’t need but had to tag along because of Vought, but she grew on him, and so he demanded to Vought she stayed with him.

He grew to love her girl next door persona. And even though he wouldn't admit it, she did calmed him down in a way, made him feel less alone. He never thought he would be sexually attracted to her. But when he heard her sweet moans on the other side of the wall... it took everything not to break down her door and show her how it's done.

But tonight, she was different. Confident, vibrant, and utterly captivating. She was sitting with a couple of soldiers in uniform, their presence commanding her attention. One of them poured champagne into her glass, the bubbles catching the dim light and adding to the sparkle in her eyes.

The other soldier leaned in, whispering something into her ear that made her laugh, a genuine, carefree laugh that Ben hadn’t heard in a long time. A surge of fury coursed through him, catching him off guard.

He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he watched the scene unfold. The sight of those soldiers trying to charm her, making her laugh, ignited a possessive anger within him that he didn’t fully understand. Pushing through the crowd, he made his way to her table.

Y/N looked up, her laughter fading as she saw the storm brewing in Ben’s eyes. The soldiers turned to him, their expressions shifting from surprise to mild irritation. “Y/N,” Ben said, his voice a strained attempt at calm. "A word" he demanded. She raised an eyebrow, sensing the tension in him. “Ben, I’m in the middle of something.”

The soldier who had poured the champagne leaned back in his chair, eyeing Ben with a smirk. “Hey, buddy, why don’t you relax? We’re just having a good time.” Ben ignored him, his gaze locked on Y/N.

Y/N sighed, setting her glass down. One of the soldiers, the one who had been whispering to her, asked, "Who’s this guy?" She stood up, giving the soldiers an apologetic smile. “Excuse me, gentlemen, seems like my boss is being unreasonable.”

The soldiers exchanged glances, amusement flickering in their eyes. The one who had poured the champagne leaned back in his chair, giving Ben a once-over. “Boss, huh, looks more like your dad.” Ben ignored the jab, his eyes fixed on Y/N. “We need to talk. Now.”

Y/N rolled her eyes but obliged, leading him away from the table. “What the hell, Ben?” she hissed, crossing her arms. “I was having a good time. You think just because you’re Soldier Boy, you have the right to control my life?”

He took a deep breath, his anger giving way to a different, more vulnerable emotion. I don’t want to see you get hurt... ever since that shitty boyfriend broke up you’re not yourself.” Y/N’s expression hardened slightly. “ First off, he broke with me because of your fucking comment. And second, I can take care of myself, Ben. I’m not some helpless kid. Do me a favour and find yourself some who can suck your dick tonight and leave me alone."

Y/N returned to the table with the soldiers, a forced smile on her face as she tried to shake off the confrontation with Ben. She wasn’t about to let him ruin her night, and if he wanted to play the overprotective boss, she’d show him she wasn’t just some kid to be controlled.

Ben, on the other hand, didn’t leave. He stayed at the bar, his presence a constant shadow in the corner of her eye. He ordered a drink and started flirting with every other woman around, his charm on full display.

But his green eyes kept drifting back to Y/N, watching her every move with a mix of irritation and something deeper, something he couldn’t quite admit to himself. Y/N noticed him, of course. The more she drank, the more the situation started to feel like a twisted game.

She chatted, flirted and laughed with the soldiers, but her gaze frequently met Ben’s across the room, a silent challenge passing between them. She leaned closer to one of the soldiers, letting him pour her another glass of champagne, her finger moving over the spilled drop on the side or the glass, lifting her finger towards her perfect painted lips, licking it.

The music grew louder, the bar more crowded, but the tension between her and Ben was almost palpable. She could feel his eyes on her, dark and intense, and it sent a thrill through her. Deciding to push his limits, she leaned in and kissed the soldier next to her.

The kiss was brief but deliberate, and she kept her eyes open, locking onto Ben’s as she did it. The soldier, surprised but pleased, deepened the kiss, oblivious to the undercurrent of the moment.

Ben’s reaction was immediate. His jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing with fury. He fought to control himself, trying not to react impulsively. But his ease was interrupted by the sight of the other soldier looking at her hungrily.

Y/N’s hand grabbed the back of the soldier’s head, pulling him closer kissing him as well. Both men moved over to her neck and shoulders, making her bit her lip. Ben felt his anger rising. He couldn’t stand seeing her like this, used as a plaything by these men.

One of the soldiers moved his hand under the table, and Y/N moaned softly, a sound so quiet that no one in the bar noticed. But Ben did. He knew exactly where the soldier’s hand was, and the knowledge ignited a fury inside him that he could no longer contain.

His vision narrowed as he marched across the bar, his anger radiating off him in waves. He reached the table, and without a word, he grabbed the soldier’s wrist, yanking it away from Y/N with a force that made the man wince.

“Hey!” the soldier protested, but Ben’s glare silenced him. “What’s your problem?” he asked standing toe to toe with him. “My problem,” Ben growled, his voice low and dangerous, “is that you’re crossing a line.”

Y/N looked up, startled by the sudden confrontation. “Ben, what are you doing?” He didn’t answer, his eyes never leaving the soldier’s. “Get up. We’re leaving.” The other soldier tried to stand, but Ben’s presence was too intimidating.

“Come on, man, we were just having fun.” Ben's voice was a menacing rumble. “It’s over. Get up, Y/N.” His hand gripped the soldier's neck, pinching the last breath out of his lungs. The soldier's eyes bulged in fear and pain, his hands clawing at Ben's iron grip.

Y/N hesitated, torn between defying Ben and the growing realization that he might just kill this man on the spot. She could see the fury in Ben’s eyes, the unrestrained rage that made her shiver. She stood up slowly, her eyes flicking between Ben and the soldiers.

“I’m sorry, guys.” The other soldier raised his hands in a placating gesture. “Hey, man, let him go. We don’t want any trouble.” Ben’s eyes flickered towards the soldier who spoke, his grip tightening momentarily before he finally released the man.

The soldier gasped for air, collapsing onto the table, his face pale with fear. “Out,” Ben commanded, his voice cold. “Now.” He said while pushing he out the door. “What the hell, Ben?” she demanded. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I did,” he replied, his voice still tight with anger. “You were letting them use you, Y/N.” - “You don’t get to decide what I do,” she shot back, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’m not your possession.”

Ben's anger flared, the words spilling out before he could stop them. "If you make a man so fucking horny, you better be prepared to fuck him too!" he shouted, his face flushed with a mix of rage and something more primal.

Y/N laughed, a bold, defiant sound that echoed in the night. "Who said I wasn't? You pulled me out of there you ass!" For a moment, they stood there, the air between them charged with tension. Ben’s breathing was heavy, his fists clenched at his sides. Y/N’s eyes were bright, challenging him, daring him to close the distance between them.

Without another word, Ben grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards him. Their bodies collided, the intensity of the moment crackling like electricity. Y/N’s breath hitched as Ben’s mouth found hers in a fierce kiss.

Ben pushed her in the alley behind the club, her body pushed against the brick wall. The hit making her let go of a small breathy moan from her lips. Only then fully realising what they were doing.

She was still angry, the suddenness of his actions only fuelling her frustration. She shoved him away with all her strength and slapped his face. Ben’s head snapped to the side from the force of the slap, but when he turned back to her, he was smiling, a dark, knowing smile.

“See? You’re not fucking ready for a man.” Her chest heaved with emotion, her hand still stinging from the slap. "Is it so hard to believe not every woman wants you between her legs? You're disgusting." She said whipping her lips.

Ben's smile faltered at her words, his expression flickering with hurt. He opened his mouth to speak, but Y/N walked away from him and left towards their home in the Vought building.

Y/N stood in front of the bathroom mirror, her reflection softened by the steam from the hot shower she just took. Her mind raced with thoughts of the argument with Ben earlier, the sting of her own words still lingering.

She hadn't meant to lash out like that, but his actions had crossed a line, and she had reacted out of frustration and anger. As she stepped out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around her, she hesitated before opening the bathroom door.

The apartment was quiet, but she knew Ben was still awake. She had heard him in the living room earlier, he refused to look at her still angry with her. But she needed some form of reassurance, some sign that she wasn't just too ugly, too fat, probably going to regret her next move.

"Why would those men be interested in me?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Ben scoffed, his frustration evident. "Because you were being easy. Any pussy would be good for them." She took a step closer, her eyes searching his face.

"So that means he was right. I'm too fat, no man will ever think I'm beautiful." She referred to her ex. "No one wants me long term." Ben's expression shifted from anger to confusion. "Where is this coming from?" he asked, his eyes flickering down to her towel-clad body that barely covered her up.

Before he could say anything else, Y/N let the towel drop to the floor, standing before him completely bare. "Do you... think I'm too fat?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. Ben swallowed hard, his eyes moving over her body unable to look away, taking in every inch.

After a few minutes he walked closer, his gaze intense, before kneeling down and picking up the towel. "You're beautiful, Y/N," he said softly. "

But you're also drunk, and you need to go to bed." Her fingers moved through his hair, pulling him closer, his head against her thigh, making it hard for him to concentrate. He turned slightly so that his cheek was touching her flesh.

He pulled himself away from her and stood up, draping the towel gently around her. But she didn't take it, so that he had to hold her close. The moment was charged with a mix of emotions: desire, concern, and a deep, unspoken connection.

"Y/N," Ben said softly, his voice filled with both tenderness and frustration, "You don't want this." Y/N looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You really think I'm beautiful?" Ben cupped her face in one hand, his touch gentle.

"I do. And you deserve more than to be treated like some easy target." She nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Thank you, Ben." He pulled her into his arms, his touch strong and reassuring.

"Let's get you to bed," he murmured, guiding her towards her room. As they walked, Y/N felt a sense of shame wash over her. She turned to Ben, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"I really just flashed you, didn't I?" Ben's lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Yeah, you did." Seeing her shame, he added quickly, "But it was the finest body I've seen in years."

He winked at her, trying to lighten the mood. She giggled and swatted his chest playfully, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. He chuckled, the tension between them easing slightly. "Get some sleep, kid." He said kissing her head.

By the time Y/N got out of the memory she realised it was already pitch black at the park. “He had aways done that.” she talked to herself. Complimented her when she needed it, but then again, it felt more like saying what she needed to hear so he could work her over.

He probably wanted her to invite him in to her bed that night, yes, that could be the only reason he did that. He was as jealous of the soldiers like had been with Noir. “I’ve only been seen like his possession.” she whispered while she got up and walked back home.

------

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#jensen ackles #fanfic #x reader #soldier boy #the boys #the boys fanfic #the boys fanart #they boys series #soldier boy x you #soldier boy x reader #jensen ackles soldier boy #jensen fucking ackles #soldier boy fanfiction #the boys soldier boy #the boys jensen #fight scene #flashback #Shadows and Echoes fanfic

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teenagecowboyrunaway · 28 days

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Throwback to when I saw Freddy Carter in a restaurant in London but I didn't want to interrupt so instead I side eyed him as I walked past, which in hindsight was probably weirder 😭

#shadow and bone #six of crows #free reign

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equallyshaw · 9 months

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connor bedard x kailey hughes au!

↳ star crossed lovers au masterlist. ↳ throwback blurb to 2019 right after the draft (: warnings: swearing & an anxiety attack!.. this one is sad :/ word count: 1.5k

kailey had just come back from a soccer intensive out in los angeles, when jack had just come back from the devils development camp. quinn and kailey had just walked inside through the garage when jack waltzed through the front door demanding the family's attention. he wanted to let them all know what he had gotten up to. kailey silently groaned, and turned towards the kitchen to grab a snack. quinn watched her walk out of the family room and jack could not hide his distaste, "is that how you're gonna treat your brother who's been away for almost a month?" he chastised, referencing his non stop media touring and now development camp. she sighed knowing that this was a fight that he was gonna win, each and every time. she no longer had the energy or will to compete. "why yes jack, id love to know everything." she said sarcastically as she went to grab an apple and creamy peanut butter.

jack made a tsk noise, and began to ramble on for the next 45 minutes. by the time he was done, kailey had managed to slip out without so much as an eyebrow raised from the boy. luke found his way up to her bedroom, softly knocking before stepping inside. she had just finished putting her clothes away or in the laundry bin, and she shook her head. "its not even worth it lukey." she said not looking up at him as she fished through her carry on bag. "oh come on, we all know that you could have put him in his place and shut him up." he said plopping down on her bed. she sighed, standing up and putting her bag up on it's hook. there was a knock on the door as soon as she was about to speak up, "luke were getting food!" they heard jack on the other side. luke was about to speak up as she turned around, "just! go.." she said her voice raising slightly before softening. "just go, please. its whatever." she huffed, taking her towel and going into her connected washroom.

as soon as he shut the door, she shut her eyes and began to sob silently. and then it wasn't silent after a few minutes. she kneeled down and pulled her knees up to her chest, hyperventilating at this point.

ellen was walking past kaileys room when she heard the sobbing, and she quickly made her way in without knocking. however, her bedroom door was locked. "kailey sweetie, can you let me in please?" she said knocking on the washroom door. it only made kailey sob harder, "kailey baby, please. just let me be with you i wont say anything." ellen pleaded, as jim made his way down the hall after he heard ellen shouting. "no! i don't want to talk to you." she cried out, and jim's eyebrows furrowed. "'kiwi, please sweetie we just want to make sure you're ok!" jim added now. kailey shook her head, feeling her breathing become harder and harder. she was having an anxiety attack and felt as if she couldn't breathe. "i-i-i cant bre-breathe." she sobbed, and her parents looked at one another. they didn't know what to do besides breaking down the door. "call quinn!" ellen said in a hushed voice, and jim nodded pulling out his phone.

quinn was in the middle of driving towards their local chipotle, when he got a call. "hey dad, whats up?" he asked tapping the accept call on his phone. "hey uh, we need you to speak to or attempt to speak to kailey." jim said on speaker, before he took it off speaker and pulled it up to his ear. "is everything ok?" he questioned, his tone laced with concern. luke's head popped up from the backseat, quickly going to text kailey. quinn's hit the steering wheel twice, hearing that she was having an anxiety attack - well now, panic attack. "bro chill out." jack said not looking up from his phone. "put her on." quinn said, pulling into the parking lot. jack quickly hopped out as soon as quinn parked, with luke and quinn not moving from their seats. "lets go, i have plans later." jack said from where he stood just next to the passenger door. quinn waved him off as he heard sobbing from the other end, "she wont let us in the room. fuck!" jim swore as ellen continued to beg, with no luck.

"slide it under the door, ill try to talk to her." quinn said and jim nodded putting the phone on speaker and slid it under the door. kailey heard the scrape of the phone on the wood floor, and looked up to see her dads phone. she sniffled before quinn began to talk, "hey kiwi, is there any way i can get you to unlock the door for mom and dad?" he asked softly, and luke leaned in to hear her response. jack sighed, slamming the door and heading inside. kailey sniffled, "im so over it q...im done being treated as if i don't exist or matter." she sobbed taking the phone and bringing it closer. "i wanted to tell you guys what i did in los angeles, i wanted to tell you guys what food i tried or the colleges i visited..." she trailed off shutting her eyes tightly. "but its all about him, all about him!" she said frustratedly. "i know kiwi, i know." quinn said feeling his and luke's heart shatter. "im fine, i promise." she said wiping her nose, "im letting them in." she said hanging up on quinn. quinn swore, along with luke who sighed.

as soon as kailey unlocked the door, ellen made her way in quickly. jim stayed by the doorframe, watching as his wife pulled their daughter into her arms. she cried softly into ellen's arms, ellen's heart breaking at the sight. her happy-go-lucky daughter wasn't happy, and hadn't been for a while.

"no quinn, im sick and tired of him walking around here and telling people that im just another roommate to him? where does he get off by embarrassing me, huh?!" she screamed at her oldest brother. for the past ten minutes the two had been talking, and as it went on kailey's anger grew. "y'know what? im not dealing with this!" she said grabbing her car keys and wallet, and headed downstairs. "kails!" quinn called after her, and ignored him heading down the stairs before going to the garage. "kails wait!" quinn called after her, and she stopped to turn around. "stop defending him! stop it! just stop! next time i need someone to talk to ill know not to come to you, okay?" she screamed about to turn around, but he grabbed her arm before she could do so. she yanked her arm from him, giving him a death glare in the process. "who are we fighting about?" jack questioned cheekily from the living room, and she quickly started her descent towards the second eldest. quinn quickly scuffled after her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "no let go of me!" she screamed, trying to get away. she kicked her foot to his chin, and he let go of her. "dont you touch me luke!" she screamed, pointing a finger at her Irish twin. he held his hands up in innocence, backing away. she then looked towards jack who found all of this amusing.

"kailey." ellen said trying to settle her daughter.

"man if i could only wipe that childish smirk off your face, id be the one smirking. i'd be the one who is fucking happy in this household but NO! it has to be you, always. you have to suck it out of everybody else like goddamn vampire, jack and i only hope karma comes for you..as a rookie." she snapped, before turning around and walking out to the garage. quinn held up his hands, not letting anybody go after her. "you! you don't get to move an inch." he said threatening jack who tried to get up, "i've sat back too damn long and allowed you to treat our only sister like shit for the past three years. I've allowed mom and dad without success try to reprimand you without luck. im sick of you acting like an immature baby who believes that he is the only child in this family. do you realize how annoying it is to hear your voice 24/7? and don't act like i haven't noticed everything, I've just become so immune to it - its made me sick. i love you man but wake up, better yet- grow up!" quinn boomed at his brother, before walking outside. jack looked over towards luke, who only shook his head in response before heading outside after quinn.

ellen and jim looked at one another before they both shook their heads. they stood up, with ellen heading upstairs to kaileys room and jim to his office.

jack sat there alone, not truly understanding or comprehending the true weight of his words and actions to kailey over the years.

damn that was sad, but next blurb will be with connor and kailey!!

hope you liked, and if you did please reblog and like !

#connor bedard #connor bedard x k hughes au #star crossed lovers au #quinn hughes #luke hughes #jack hughes #jack hughes blurb #quinn hughes blurbs #new jersey devils #vancouver canucks #nhl #hockey #nhl imagine #hockey imagine #hockey blurb #nlh blurb

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jellyfosh · 4 months

Text

throwback of who’s most likely to draw but w/ lore in making + Chosen n Mango’s relationship.

I remember when I was making this. I got little creative and took it to a deeper-ish level. For all four. Midas/Mike (owner is @yennasun), Navy, Dark and Chosen. Having their scars drawn with flowers, basically the “you drew stars on my scars kind”

It took me forever to find the flowers that matches them. Warning : Prepare for a lot of reading cause lots of text. Sorry in advance Q w Q

Midas - When I was looking up for flowers. I thought the Lotus flower would be the best to define Midas in R.S AU, given to his past and what he went through over the years. - Not wanting to leave just one, I remember the flowers that grew commonly in my old high school The Forget-Me-Not flowers. And fit to describing of Rooney, Midas’ old mentor n possible close as family growing up. - Coming to flower placement. If I covered his scars entirely, Midas will look like a walking Picasso. So I did this or in this scenario, Mango did this. His scars on the right side act vines for the Forget-Me-Not for “Each Scar holds a memory” while the Lotus is “Rising from the ashes” coming from the left of his scars.

Navy - originally I was going for an Orchid symbolism and meaning, but the Camellia flower caught my attention. Mainly it was the longing part, this connects to the AU of Redemption Squad between Orchid and Navy. - Magnolia although is the name of the flower, Magnolia was someone dear to him before he met Orchid. No known information of this person yet. - Because his scar was too big to be covered up. Mango decided to turn his scar into something that complements the flowers- by making it look like a pond.

Dark - The meaning behind the black roses, supposedly my way of saying how Dark sees in Chosen/Zen- including Chosen’s character. The romance dialogue describes how much Dark means to Chosen. - Of course I wouldn’t wanna leave out Charlotte. - He was pretty much my easiest part to draw, cause i already thought out that his flowers would be the Black Roses and the color looks good on him.

Chosen - It was tricky to find flowers that best describes Dark. The iconic flower i went was the Spider Lily because- I couldn’t let that pass. It was the best description of Dark honestly- and I wanted to add something more by putting the spiritual meaning to Japan and China (I looked up) and said it lead to reincarnation. As that fits to the character I put in for Dark. - The Peacock Flower describes how Chosen sees in Dark. Energetic, very lively. And it connects to his story, overall it shows of Dark’s second chance of living his life.

Then I went back to this while making.

I wondered how Chosen felt when his scars were being painted. Given to his past and actions he had done in his villain rampage. The fires, the deaths, the begging and screams, everyone being afraid to death by him. In the showdown, while fighting Dark- a part of him thinking that he deserved this - knowing he was the reason it all happened. And here he is, sitting down and letting Mango paint all over his scars.

As it was stated here in the bio of the two. Chosen becomes cautious around Mango who wants Chosen to be comfortable around him. This isn’t because Chosen is afraid of someone- It ended to be misunderstanding. Chosen was afraid of himself, overthinking that one day he might accidentally hurt Mango. While I was making Mango’s character. Despite seeing him as a powerful stick who nearly took down Minecraft/herobrine/the mobs and ruled over the piglins - and being also the King thing. He’s no different than a normal stick figure civilian. Not born as an abnormal or created by animators/creators. Sooo Think of it like a (S)trongest afraid of hurting (W) x (W)eakest not afraid of (S) dynamic. - It’s still working, it’ll work out.

I rlly wanted to say this, I like putting out Lore but not fully XD

#Lore my love #lore i dare crave #ask redemption squad #redemption squad lore #redemption squad #redemption squad au #ava chosen one #avm mango

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mandy-asimp · 24 days

Text

With a smile

Melissa Schemmenti x fem!oc (she/her)

Friends to lovers

Summary: Claire has a crush on a specific redhead and it only seemed to have gotten worst over their friendship. After 5 years of friendship, dreams begin to become more persistent.

Warnings: nothing too crazy, implied smut, fluff, pushing away, idk after that

"This is where we say goodbye, hun..." Melissa's voice was liquid meth as it flowed. Addicting on the first go, and if that was the case Claire was an addict. "You knew it was bound to happen."

"I....no. We still have time. Let's enjoy it." She mustered. The soft breeze brushed past her body.

Melissa shook her head. Those green eyes Claire loved so much stared at her with sorrow and pity. "Goodbye Claire."

Claire shot up in bed, tears stinging her eyes as she was alone in her apartment. This crush was getting worse and worse.

But she didn't get to decided what it all meant as another school day approached. Spirit week had been drawing closer to an end with Throwback Thursday, meaning the outfit she had let Melissa pick was over at her house. Leaving her with no choice but to bring most of her stuff to the others house, who told her to show up at five to get ready.

Claire would've protested the morning, but it was for Melissa...so who was she to deny it? Plus, the drive was only a few minutes.

And before she even really realized, she had survived another dream. Now she was in the woman's bedroom lying on her bed while she began to do her makeup. Her eyes focusing on the woman through the mirror. How precise she was with her look.

Claire must've drifted back to sleep as she woke up to something weighing her down. A soft brush fanning her cheeks as her eyes fluttered open. Squinting at the brighter light above.

"This is a new level of extreme." She grumbled. Claire wasn't conscious enough to realize how she easily slid Melissa back onto her thighs so she could sit up. Her thumbs brushing the woman's inner thigh. "Why didn't you just wake me?" She sat still however.

Melissa hummed, "you suck at sitting still for as long as I needed. Because...now you're done." She smirked before putting a big red kiss to the left cheek. "Now follow me!" She slipped off the bed.

Claire waited a second, watching how she walked closer to the door. She'd follow her wherever.

"You coming?" Melissa laughed while looking over her shoulder. Catching how the other just seemed to have been staring. It could've been because of the early morning, or she was actually just staring.

The brunette blinked slowly, trying to cover up the staring now. Getting up and following the other to the spare room where the outfit was hung up and layed on the bed.

There was no sight of Melissa's outfit, one Claire had still yet to see. But she assumed it was meant for her to match. She hoped Melissa wouldn't pull that mean of a prank.

"I have to still do my hair but then we'll be ready to go so take your time changing." She had spoke before leaving, but turned at the sound of no movement. Her eyes focusing on how the other teacher just stood and stared at the outfit.

Melissa also noticed the lack of sleep that Claire had gotten but showed when she was so close to her sleeping face. How at peace she was until she woke up. Her hands felt strong as they moved on her hips. Melissa enjoyed the feeling in that moment. Her thoughts trailed as she worked on her hair.

Claire on the other hand, had fallen back asleep carefully on the bed. Just needing a few more minutes before being properly awake. And as she drifted off, she began falling deeper into her sleep.

As her subconscious began to work its wonders, it gave her a dream. One with her and Melissa. Hands roaming over each other while they gasped and panted against the bare skin. Claire could practically feel the softness of the red head thighs as they sat on each side of her. The moment was warm and intimate. Leaving little room for the ac to send a shiver.

"Claire..." Melissa whispered into the air. Soon she began to repeat it, losing the airyness and becoming more firm.

A hand shook her shoulder as her eyes fluttered open. Melissa looked absolutely stunning and Claire couldn't process it at all. Her brain fogged by the dream and then the woman leaning over her.

"Jeez hun, you feeling ok? You sleep, but I've never seen you sleep this much. Youse havin' bad dreams at night?" She frowned sitting near the end of the bed now. Her legs, covered in red tight that hugged her the way Claire wished she could, came up to let the red head face the other. "Seriously, talk to me?"

Claire couldn't think anymore, not that she was in the first place. To do something, honestly anything because this was getting embarrassing, she reached her hands to rub her eyes. Melissa's quick to grab them, squeezing them before dropping them. The makeup, right.

"It's just been a long week," she yawned with it and stood. "I'll be done in just a minute. You look hot by the way." She tried to dodge further questioning with the compliment. Her back turned as she headed to change.

Melissa squinted her eyes a bit. Something was up and she was going to find out by the end of the week. Unless it truly was just Claire was tired? Whatever it was, she was gonna know.

Claire listened to the silence from the other side of the bathroom door. Waiting patiently till the floorboards creaked away. She loved Melissa's house for that. She could always hear where everyone was if she listened close enough.

She changed into the little get up and smiled at it. It was fitting...but it could've fit better. She took it all off and glanced at the time. To be on time, they would have to leave in about twenty minutes. That was surely enough time to make modifications.

Making little loops on the seams of the jacket, she ran a red ribbon through them. Thankful for when she at least asked for the colors. Only, the jacket took most of the time. The loops had to be done over at least three times so they wouldn't rip on day one. Oh, how she hated overthinking sometimes. Claire managed to sew the red button up to also be fitted to her within five minutes.

A rhythmic beat hit the door before it opened. "You better not be sleeping again. I have you an extra ten but no-...what the hell are you doing?" She sighed. Melissa came in and the sight of the outfit spread out and Claire in just a red bra and seamless white underwear. Her eyes begged to look over the exposed skin, but Melissa knew better.

"It was big but I'm done! I promise." Claire grabbed the top, only buttoning up a few. Keeping it respectful enough for school, but enough to also be different from her everyday looks. The blue, wide legged pants flowed up her legs, covering them from the world all over again.

Melissa flushed when she saw how well the outfit fit now. How it so deliciously hugged Claire. She didn't know that the other knew how to sew so well.

"Melissa?" Claire bashfully called her name. Eyes looking at the older woman through the mirror. Her eyes dropped to the hat in her hands, a wide smile going over her lips. "Is that my hat?" She spun.

She rushed over and stood with stars at the beige cowboy hat. Melissa loved that smile. She's expressed it before as well. Her free hand came and cupped Claire's cheek, the thumb just barely grazing the plush lips. With little force, she pulled Claire down closer to her. "Your outfit wouldn't be complete without it." She placed the hat on her head before walking back.

And she was right. Something about when that hat and outfit was put on, Claire felt empowered. It made her feel more confident in every step and look.

Claire, left to stand alone, shook her head with a small laugh. Collecting her bags and ready to head to work.

"I haven't seen what Ms. H is wearing, but I saw Ms. Schemmenti walkin' in and all I know is she's gonna eat." A group of girls, they were coming from the breakfast to Jacob's class. Catching the teachers attention.

His eyes looked over at Melissa. He saw her outfit in the teachers lounge, but Claire wasn't in the family click really so she spent mornings in her room. Jacob took the remaining moments to go ask her. "Hey, Melissa!" He ran over. The woman smiling as she spun around.

"Do you see how many kids actually dressed up? This was a good idea, and even we get to take part." She was beyond giddy of the whole idea and happy it went through.

"Yeah it's great, but you and Claire I heard were matching? I didn't know you guys knew each other like that. I mean I thought I was the only one she talked to-," his ramble began.

Melissa shook her head, "kid calm down. Yeah we're matching today, I just went up and asked last week and told her she wouldn't have to worry about anything. She agreed easily. Thankfully, she'd be the type to agree to anything I ask."

Jacob took the information in. "But how long have you guys actually been friends?" He was full of questions. "Because we've been friends since I started."

"Jacob....go to class at this point." Melissa shooed him away as she turned back to her class. Closing the door and starting her 2nd graders day.

The young man looked at the clocks, he had a spare two minutes if he ran upstairs. His curiosity wanting to see Claire's outfit. But, Jacob couldn't hit all those stairs that quickly. Not without dying.

So the costume remained a secret till lunch. When Claire had finally forgotten her lunch. She yawned as she walked into the teachers lounge. Catching Melissa's eyes roaming her body.

Claire wanted to ignore it. "Nice hat cowboy," Ava winked while walking by. Her hands brushing over the ribbon that dangled by her ass.

The confidence came rushing over and a smirk formed on her lips. "Hands to yourself partner, my lady would tear you apart." She sauntered over to Melissa. Her hands sneaking over her shoulders as she hugged around her. Her body pushed back to a right angle of sexiness.

Both Melissa and Claire looked at Ava. Claire with a playful smirk that truly was just for fun. But Melissa....she looked ready to murder Ava for flirting. Her wised hand came up to Claire's cheek, patting it twice.

"This town ain't big enough for the both of us." Melissa seethed. Placing another kiss to her cheek, overlapping the one from this morning.

That's when Jacob had came in. Gasping at the two in matching costumes. The rooms attention went over to him at the doorway. "This." His hand dramatically waved over Claire, who did a big spin in the middle of the room. Her back turned as she looked over, running the hat's rim through her thumb and index finger. Jacob practically squealed at the radiating confidence. "Who even are you?!"

She smiled widely before nodding her head towards Melissa, "she picked it. Just told me to say yes and I did."

"I've been meaning to ask about that! Since when was that a thing?" He rounded to his table. Expecting Claire to come follow over but she didn't. Instead, in the gayest manor she could, swung a chair around and sat on it backwards. Facing Jacob but staying right next to Melissa.

The room was silent for a second at the action. It was out of character for Claire.

"Well, long before you came around, I came around." She began her story.

Melissa scoffed firstly, "you only have three years on him. Don't think you're veteran status like us." She corrected.

Claire frowned, "for all that we've been through. But, I stayed upstairs mostly until I practically heard the fashion emergency and somehow no other teacher knew how to handle it." She let the dramatics start to trickle in the story. "One of Melissa's kids had ripped her favorite jacket and needed someone to sew it. I had her older sister and somehow she came running up crying to her about it."

"You let a child run off on you?" Jacob looked to Melissa, a bit shocked to hear such a thing from the past.

"She asked to run to the bathroom. At the time, I was in the classroom right there and said yes." She explained the simplicity of the mistake.

Claire chuckled to herself, "yeah she had the stinky bathroom classroom. We were in the middle of our test when it happened. So, graciously as the amazing teacher I am, scooped up her little sister, brought her to the front, and taught her not only how to sew, but how to do very light algebra. Took Melissa twenty minutes to notice something was wrong."

"Ok, no it did not. It took me ten. Don't be that dramatic. The rest of the story is, I met Claire because she brought down Amelia with a fixed jacket and lollipop." Melissa finished the story. Not wanting anymore lies on her name.

"Well that explains how you met but not how you stayed friends?" Jacob kept pushing.

Claire yawned and stood up. Rolling her neck to the side to crack it once over. "You can tell this one." Her hands ran over the others shoulder.

"We can tell it together tomorrow when you're rested up." Melissa decided instead. Leaving Jacob on a cliff hanger of the friendship.

Claire stepped as the word 'together' rang in her head. The dreams quick to follow with them. She threw a glance over her shoulder and sighed. "Nobody's promised tomorrow." She bowed her hat before walking off.

The room stunned by the exit but it was a good one. "That's an award winning exit." Mr Johnson wiped away a tear.

Melissa got up and followed though. The behavior seemed beyond normal now. And she didn't like the way she phrased the sentence.

She found Claire sitting on her desk, legs spread apart as she looked down at her fiddling hands. "What did it mean? What thought when through your head in that moment?"

The brunette groaned as she rolled her head to the side. "It's nothing really, I'm just so tired." A yawn followed to prove her point. "I just don't...my mind is a jumble and I'm trying to sort it."

"Well let me help you." Melissa reached her hand to place it on Claire's thigh. Squeezing it reassuringly. Just to be denied with a silent shake of her head.

Claire grabbed Melissa's hand and kissed her knuckles. "This isn't a partnership right now." Was a mere mumble.

Melissa grew annoyed by this change. She's never been shut out before by Claire. "No. I won't expect that. I love and care for you."

"And I'm gonna love you like it's the last night." Claire squeezed the hand she still held onto. Her eyes full of all those emotions Melissa never knew excited in just one person.

"You're speaking like the whole world is ending and personally...I don't like it." She shrugged and disapproved. Watching as the smile so easily slipped onto Claire's lips again.

"If the whole world was ending," she stood up and backed Melissa to be sitting on a desk. Managing to work herself between her legs. "I'd wanna be next to you."Claire slipped away like a soap bar after that.

Melissa stood speechless for what seemed to becoming a natural feeling with Claire. Being left speechless at her gestures or her words. But something was still up and Melissa had no lead to follow.

The day had lulled to an end. The kids were gone, eagerly talking about tomorrow's spirit day of Fun Fest Friday. Wear your grade color and compete in a series of games. This includes the teachers.

Clair looked at it and hummed, knowing her kids would do good no matter what. She stared at the paper though, a hand subconsciously coming to undo a few more buttons to let her chest breathe more.

Melissa had came to the doorway and watched each button go. Her mouth running dry as her eyes focused so intently on the hand that moved so flawlessly.

She fell back around the corner and took a deep breath. Trying to stop thinking about what else those hands could do.

"Hey hun, do you wanna come over for a little wine night?" She finally came back. Catching Claire mid yawn again. "Or maybe a nap?"

Claire laughed, head rolling to meet Melissa's eyes in a sleepy state. "If I choose the nap will you hold me?" She let the joke roll out. Not really thinking too deeply in it. She never thought when tired.

Yet, the joke made Melissa laugh anyways. "That's my kind of party hun." The red head moved further into the room. "So you wanna tell me why you need a nap this badly? I haven't seen you this exhausted in years."

Claire sighed before packing up. Attempting to find the words to say anything believable. "Maybe I am sleeping bad at night." She mumbled towards the ground.

Melissa scoffed, grabbing her chin to make her look her in the eyes and say it. "Say it while looking at me. And I want you to mean it." Her voice was hard and demanding.

It was one of Claire's least favorite tones. It meant she had hit a nerve and she knew it. Her brown eyes shined in the setting sun as she looked up at Melissa. An overwhelming rush came and tears began to sting her eyes again.

"I just feel lost at the moment..." tears slipped out her eyes as she kept looking into those beautiful green eyes, that reminded her of flower fields. Claire knew she could run miles in them if she was allowed to.

"With what hun?" Melissa swiped away a tear. Stepping forward and resting Claire's head against her stomach. Placing a caring kiss to the crown of her head and stroking through her hair.

Claire didn't know in the moment if she should've hugged back or if that would've only encourage her dreams further. But she did anyways and she held on tight. Not saying anything as she processed how the woman felt in her arms like this.

The silence only made Melissa pull them apart a bit. Blushing to herself as Claire's hands slid to hold her hips to keep her close. "Claire, what's got you so scrambled?"

"I just..." she tried, but she couldn't. "I've been having dreams that keep waking me up. I don't...let's just go. I don't want to talk about them." She heavily sighed, pushing the dreams to the back of her mind.

Reluctantly, Melissa let the conversation drop as she backed off. "Fine. I'll give you this once, cowboy" She pointed, then flicking the rim.

Claire slightly smiled, remembering how sexy she looked and it boosted her suddenly. "Melissa?" The red head turned at the closed door. "If our time on earth was through," she began while slowly sauntering over to the red head. Hand slipping to her waist and pulling her close, her eyes darkened out by the rim. "I'd wanna hold you, just for awhile. And die with a smile." She hummed, placing a kiss to the woman's cheek before leading out the room.

Melissa felt warm. Warm and tingly and giddy and all other sorts of emotions. The ones that scream 'hey! You are so fucked!' With big red hearts around it. She groaned at the realization and followed out.

Claire had been sitting in the dark when Melissa found her. Her head slumped against the desk as she hardly moved. Friday had drained everything out of her. From waking up early again to get ready at Melissa's, to the pep assembly.

"This is getting out of hand," the red head flipped on the lights. Clearly not playing around as she knocked against the wooden desk. "What is happening right now?"

Claire lifted her head and let out a big yawn. The other night she was restless as dreams of Melissa were the only thing she saw when she closed her eyes. "It's been a long fun week. Can't help a girl for being tired."

"Hun. You slept from the moment we got home, till this morning and you're still sleeping. I'm almost positive it was you having an energy failure." She frowned at Claire. Leaning over the desk and taking hold of her face. "I'm beginning to get lost and I'm not just gonna let you suddenly shut me out. Not with all the words we've screamed, laughed, and cried over."

This was hurting Melissa and Claire hadn't even realized. She was making her best friend worry and not giving her a single clue as to why.

The brunette yawned again from the desk, her thick waves bouncing in the motion. She threw herself at Melissa and held her close. Hiding her face in her shoulder. The older woman held her back just as tight. Scared something was seriously going on.

"I'm sorry." She whispered. Tears had found their way out as she pulled back. "I don't wanna do this anymore."

Melissa sighed. "What? Do what? You and this new way of speaking. You seriously worrying me babe. And worst of all, you're treating me like an absolute stranger who means nothing to you. It's not fair if I can't even get hints on how to help you." She spewed out before she realized.

"No. No don't go there. You already know how much you mean to me. And our love is the only war worth fighting for." Claire pulled her brows together. Never would she let Melissa think she didn't value her at every second of her day.

"Then what? What has you pulling away from me?" Melissa was almost desperate for a response. "Just lay it on me."

They stared in a beat of silence. The clear internal war Claire was facing was evident to Melissa as well.

"I just need to sleep it off. Long week." She couldn't. Claire wasn't ready to jeopardize everything now. "I might just be coming down with something."

"Well then let's go. I'll make you soup when we get home." Melissa was quick to offer help. Trying to ignore that she was once again shut out.

But Claire shook her head in disagreement. "I might just head home all the way. Sleep in my own bed."

"Hun...."

Claire began packing up on autopilot. Her head crowded with so much Melissa. "I'll see you Monday?"

And with that she was gone. Crashing the moment she got to her couch and sleeping the rest of her Friday away.

Another dream began to stir for her. This time it was morning and the rising sun was shinning through. A mess of perfect red curls filled the beige sheet. She was earthal looking in the moment. Claire was entranced and never wanted to leave.

"What are you looking at me like that for?" Melissa's raspy voice got out. Her eyes fluttering open to look up to Claire.

That's when she realized they were both naked and only covered by the blankets. "Because I love you," she hummed. Takingn in every single detail that lay on her face. "I'll go make us breakfast."

"But you never cook for us?" The question was raised. And it was true, Claire was the less skilled cook.

She answered with a smile, "I won't burn anything this time." Claire slipped out the room and right back into her living room.

She groaned and got up, picking up her phone and glancing at the time. "Shit." She whispered as it was past nine.

The time wasn't the only thing she noticed. There were several text from Melissa. It was like Claire was never going to get a break for just a minute. They read from 'hope you're ok' all the way to 'you seriously cannot be ignoring me now'.

To ease the woman's worries, Claire shot back a small sorry text. Adding that she had been asleep since she got home. Dropping the device onto the countertop before slipping off to make some dinner.

Yet, just as she pulled out the ingredients for a small serving of Alfredo, the doorbell rang and she could smell the home cooked lasagna wafting through. Melissa had shown up.

Still in her clothes from earlier, she opened the door wide and let the other in. Knowing they'd follow a routine.

"See. This. This is what I'm worried about. You are going to go change, I'm going to reheat the lasagna, and you will tell me what's wrong. I'm not leaving until the truth is out." Melissa demanded. Hand pushing Claire by the small of her back towards the stairs.

Any other day, Claire would've hooked her head and said it's her house, no one can boss her around....but now? It would be pointless to fight.

She agreed silently and found her way upstairs. Taking only a few minutes to change and clean her face from the day. Going even as taking out her contacts now. The framed glasses being something Melissa has yet to ever see.

Claire didn't like anyone else seeing her with them on. It was like a secret personality she liked to keep from her work life. It didn't matter now though, Melissa seemed to be in every corner of Claire's life.

As she descended each steps, the warm inviting smell of Melissa's home cooked meal drew Claire closer to the kitchen. Hoping up onto a stool at the island, folding her legs up as she watched in silence.

The chef knew how to move flawlessly. Grabbing two wine glasses and setting them aside. Her attention on the oven as it beeped, shouting that the food was done and ready to be served. Gloved hands pulled out the pan and set it down. Letting it sit as she poured out the wine and grabbed a spatula do serve with.

Melissa turned around with plate and glass in her hand, jumping at the sight of Claire. "Jeez hun! Could've said something!" She set down the plate and glass. Stopping for a moment to take in the new frames. "Glasses?"

"I'll never be able to hide the fact I'm Superman now." Claire was quick to joke, taking the glasses off without much thought.

Melissa was a bit confused. Did she need them or not? "How long you've had them?" She threw out before turning to grab her plate and wine. Standing on the other side of the counter.

Claire shrugged, "seems like forever. I'm pretty sure I got them when I was like...four maybe? Blind as a bat at this point."

The laugh was unintentional. "So then put them back on, I think they look cute on you anyways." Melissa complimented, doing the extra as putting the glasses back into Claire's hand. "How'd you find out you need them at four?"

Claire slipped them on, and she could see the beauty in front of her. A smile teasing her lips. "I walked off my parents bed and broke my nose."

Melissa laughed loudly. Picturing a young Claire eating it. It took her a moment before she could really look back up. "Is that what that also how you got the scar on your nose? Cut it a bit?"

"No, that was from the failed bridge piercing. A blessing in the long run I guess." The brunette hummed out another fact. This one cutting the laughter to short and simple.

"It seems like I don't know anything about you now?" Melissa frowned as she thought it over. Never did she know of the glasses, nor the pricing. What else did Claire never mention? "You've never mentioned either of these stories."

"You've never asked about the scar. And like I said, my glasses are my secret identity. You're basically speaking to Clark Kent." She winked from behind the glass that was raised to her lips. A delicate hum following as the wine was delicious. "New brand? Now it's like I don't even know you."

"Decided we should shake it up a bit. And they were out so I knew of a recommendation." She explained, taking a sip herself. "Might become a regular."

They fell into a silence after that. Just eating while enjoying the other's presence. That's what they normally did when they ate late. Which only seemed to happen at Claire's house. Melissa would've had dinner ready by seven and the bottles ready till nine.

Claire realized how much time she actually spent with Melissa in that moment. She was over at her house almost daily. They did everything together. Even in the moment now, they were eating dinner at nine-thirty in the peaceful silence of her home. It felt right.

"You done?" Melissa reached for the empty plate.

With a shy smile, "can I get another piece?" Claire batted her lashes. Knowing Melissa wanted more information since she never asked for a second. "I may...or may have not slept through lunch."

The red head shook her head, whispering under her breath things Claire couldn't quite pick up. Yet, she cut another slice (a slightly larger one) and slid it back over. She refilled both their glasses before leaning back more. Her eyes focusing on Claire as she ate.

"So..." Melissa began. "You slept all day again, I take it?" There was a slight nod. "...I just don't get why you won't tell me. I get it might be hard, but you've told me everything for the past six years and now you won't say anything."

Swallowing her bite, Claire sighed. "I don't know why I can't skip this one thing? There are things in my life that you just don't know. Like my teenage years and twenties."

"I don't get why though? This issue is causing you to loose sleep hun. I'm worried about you." Melissa furrowed her brows, worry covering her features.

Claire felt bad, truly. She didn't mean to do this, but the topic was heavy in her eyes. She couldn't just drop it and go on. She knew it wouldn't be possible.

Melissa rounded the counter, standing mere inches away. Her hands grasped the younger woman's face and stared into her eyes. "Hun, please don't shut me out."

Claire could see the tears forming and it felt like heart was starting to break. It ached her chest terribly as she looked at her. Feeling chocked up, she opened her mouth. "I...um, Melissa I really like you. And it has been driving me too loose sleep...because all I can think about...is you." She confessed. If it would make her feel better, then Claire was ready to face every consequence.

The emotions showed on Melissa's face as she heard the words. First her hands covered her gasp, then they were on her cheeks as she blushed profusely. Then it clicked and she couldn't stop smiling. Tears fell from her eyes.

"Hun...did you think I didn't know by now?"

"Huh?"

"You sometimes mumble when you're deep in sleep. It's why I keep ya around. I like youse too." Melissa smiled before coming close again. Her hands holding Claire's face once more. "I really do like you, Claire. You've always done so much for me."

"I couldn't help it," she leaned in. Their lips meeting tenderly as they poured emotions out. Short and meaningful as they pulled away. Sharing a laugh as they opened their eyes.

"Claire, will you be my girlfriend?" Melissa hummed out. The smile never leaving her face.

The brunette matched her, "I'm practically your wife."

They shared another kiss before moving towards the couch. Hands intertwined and glasses in the other. Sitting right next to each other as Claire began to search for a movie.

"Now that the hard parts out the way, what dreams were you havin'?" Melissa raised her next question. Her arm wrapped around Claire and her hand resting on her hips. Light shapes being traced with her nails.

Claire sighed, "you would ask that question wouldn't you?" She briefly looked away from the tv, quirking an eyebrow. "For your information, Schemmenti, they were mostly pure sided."

"Mostly?" She sounded surprised. "Give me one."

The brunette scoffed a bit, "as if."

Melissa laughed before grabbing her jaw and turning her head to face her. Her hold being nothing more than delicate and soft. "I've dreamt of you once or twice." She so casually said.

Maybe Melissa knew of the crush, but she never knew how deep it truly went. How her words so easily affected Claire. "Really?"

She nodded slightly. "Recently too, after that cowboy hat and the confidence it gave you? Ava was this close to getting swung at." She held up her hands, pinching the air between her fingers. The comment earned a small chuckle from the other.

"I've always wanted a cowboy hat. But also, Ava wouldn't have actually meant anything. You know how she flirts." She brushed off. "It didn't help I looked good though."

"When did you learn to sew that fast?" She recalled how she found Claire. On the floor with a needle and easily tailoring the outfit.

Clicking on The Proposal, she set the remote down. "I'm full of surprises from my youth. I taught myself an excessive amount of skills just enough that I would never have to pay for simple services. I can also play the flute." She turned after that to watch the movie. Cuddling up close into Melissa's side and enjoying the new found relationship.

A few weeks had passed and the two only mentioned the relationship to Barb. Seeing as she sensed it the Monday Claire came in early.

"Well someone seems happy and well rested?" She joked as Claire practically skipped by towards the stairs.

"I've been blessed this weekend." She slowed to turn into the conversation. Her smile being infectious.

Melissa walked in only seconds later, wearing the same smile. She approached the two. "What are we talking bout?"

"Oh, just how Claire is doing better." Barb's smile faltered a bit as she glanced between the two. Noticing those lovey-dovey eyes anywhere. "Seems like you already knew that though?"

Claire broke away from their eye sex first. Humming herself back to the conversation. "Barb, you're a wise woman so I'm going to tell you first." Her face was serious now and her voice was truthful. "I am dating your best friend."

The woman was stunned at first. What a way to start the week. But then she started laughing and praising the lord. "It's about time! I couldn't watch another year of you following her around lost! I'm happy for you both." She hugged them both. Dancing her way down the hall as she couldn't contain the excitement.

Claire looked over to Melissa, who was stood shocked herself. "You wouldn't have told her till it came up. It was like when you were casual with Chief Robinson."

"Jealous of my past?" Melissa teased back, hand slipping around her waist and pulling her close.

Except she got an eye roll and lightly shoved back. A cocky smirk on Claire's face, "I could never be jealous of men who couldn't keep you. I got the wife title within two years, they have nothing on me." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and waltzed off.

Melissa was left to think of what she's gotten into. It was new and full of more surprises. Ones she's never seen from Claire. Whoever the brunette was now, Melissa was doomed to love her forever.

#fanfic #abbot elementary #wlw post #melissa schemmenti #freinds #lovers #friends to lovers #barbra howard #abbot #oc

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