#vigilante fanfiction

[gothgleek]

Utah Law- Adrian Chase x fem!Reader

It some states such as Utah it is illegal to have premarital sex. You scoff at the idea but your boyfriend is very strict when it comes to following the law so he refuses to budge even when you try tempting him.

Notes: NSFW, MDNI, this was written before I found out that formication laws were outlawed in Utah in 2019.

This was also based on my Adrian Chase NSFW Alphabet post and a few conversations with @hieronymph to whom this was written for🖤

Includes: Semi-public sex, dry humping, switch! Adrian, pussy eating, spanking, loud sex, face sitting. Mentions of absurd state laws, murder, and violence.

Comments, reblogs, and likes are appreciated!

“What crawled up your ass and died?” Adebayo asked with a raised brow when you threw your luggage into the van with just a little too much force and a scowl. Chris laughed.

“She’s mad because she didn’t get any last night.” He said with glee.

“Seriously?” Harcourt said, raising a brow from behind the driver’s seat.

“I thought it was tradition for the two of you to ‘break in’ every motel room you sleep in.” Adebayo questioned while making… some sort of gesture with her hands.

“It is tradition, thank you for remembering that Adebayo.” You turned to face Adrian. “Do you want to tell them why we didn’t honor tradition last night?”

Adrian sighed and pouted. “Pre-martial sex is against the law in Utah.”

“You’re kidding.” Economos deadpanned.

You were well aware of Adrian’s rather… strict way of looking at the law. He will kill anyone he finds breaking the law, hypocrisy aside. This ranges from murderers to vandals. As your little group went across the country to find butterflies, you came to find out his knowledge of the law not only included federal laws but also state laws. Including the obscure ones.

For example, while the two of you chased a possible witness in Portland, Adrian had come to a complete stop before you could enter the cemetery. He left you to chase the witness alone so he could run around the property. You chewed him out afterwards and his only defense was that in Oregon it’s a misdemeanor to bring weapons or go hunting in a cemetery. He gestured to the multiple guns and knives on his body.

“All I’m saying is, it’s better to keep a low radar and avoid breaking the law.” Adrian said with his hands up in defense when the group confronted him later. “And we can’t pick and choose which laws to follow. Otherwise we’d be no better than the bad guys.”

“Low radar?” You scoffed. “You’re dressed in a teal super suit! People are gonna know something is up! And I’m not sure if you remember this, but murder is also illegal!”

“Thank you for remembering it’s teal,” Adrian beamed at you and well, you couldn’t be mad at that face any longer. The point was, you knew Adrian took the law seriously even to the team’s detriment. Even to your detriment. Like now.

“He’s not kidding.” You crossed your arms.

“Babe, I offered loopholes like eating out your-“

“Okay!” Harcourt interrupted and started the van. “I do not want to listen to this. Economos, brief us.”

Everyone’s attention turned to Economos, except for you and Adrian. You pretended tie your shoe laces and bent over, which gave Adrian a peak of your teal lace bra under your baggy, low cut top. His whimper was enough confirmation from you that he did. You tried to hide your smirk as you listened to Economos. You knew it was enough to have Adrian eating out of the palm of your hand in no time.

The following evening, after a day of ‘innocent’ flashing Adrian- as well as ‘accidentally’ sending him a picture of you in the bra- Adrian wrapped his arms behind you and pressed a kiss to your neck.

“Please forgive me,” He begged into your ear. “I know you’re wearing matching teal panties with that bra. You know that’s my weakness.”

You glanced around the van and saw that besides Economos who was driving, everyone else was asleep. You glanced over at the GPS and saw that the team was about two miles from the Wyoming border. You never thought you would be so happy to see a ‘Welcome to Wyoming’ sign.

“I’ll forgive you in two miles,” You said and faced him. “But I can think of something to do while we wait.”

You began kissing Adrian, letting your fingers tangle between his brown locks. He gripped your waist and pulled you onto his lap. This continued until the GPS announced that the team had entered Wyoming. And while you enjoyed his kisses, you did wonder why Adrian made no move to fuck you.

“Come on,” You begged in between kisses. “When are you gonna fuck me?”

“Shhhh…Hold on,” Adrian shushed you before you could get too excited. You couldn’t wait to kiss that smirk off him. “Public sex is still illegal in Wyoming.”

He was fucking with you. Truly he was. “That’s never been an issue with you before!” You protested, recalling the many, many times the two of you fucked in much more public places, including the the woods and a bar alley.

“It wasn’t until you kept flashing me that bra of yours,” He said in a deep voice. “But if you’re so desperate, climb on sweetheart.” He shook his head and patted his denim covered thigh. “Because I’m not fucking you until we get to the motel. All you get right now is my thigh.”

You glared at him as you straddled his muscular thigh but you had to admit, this was turning you on a bit. Your teal panties were absolutely soaking right now. You started to grind on his thigh and your eyes fluttered to finally have some relief. You made a good choice choosing lace panties with a seam line that rubbed just right on your clit as you humped his leg.

“Shhh… slow down baby girl,” Adrian cooed as his hands slowed to your hips. “Slower… I said slower, baby girl. I’ve been looking forward to this all day, I don’t want you to wear yourself out before we get to our room.”

“Good girl,” He smiled as you were at a pace he was finally pleased with. He grabbed onto your waist a little tighter so he could control your movements. “You look so fucking pretty riding my leg like this.”

You pulled Adrian in for another kiss, this one sloppier and more reckless than the last. His mouth tasted like the maraschino cherries he stole from your milkshake. You wanted more of it. His hand grabs your ass to press against you and push himself deeper into your mouth. Adrian let out soft moans as you deepened the kiss. His other hand moves up your torso to grab you by the jaw and breaks the kiss so his mouth can move down your neck.

“Please baby, I want you,” You begged. “

Then Economos slams on the breaks and you fall off Adrian’s lap.

“We are at the motel,” He says, covering his eyes and to be honest, you kinda forgot he was driving. “I will go in and get us rooms. You two get first pick because I cannot clean the van again.”

The two of you run to your room, not even bothering to grab your bags from the van and Adrian presses you against the door, his mouth back on yours.

“I need you,” He says, pulling off your shirt and does not hesitate to kiss the skin around your teal bra.

“I love this bra so much.” He says between kisses. “You look so hot in teal… you look hot in all colors… but teal… teal takes the cake”

“And speaking of cake…I need to see those panties,” He said shamelessly. He moves his way downwards and had he not been holding you upright, you would’ve fell from the force he ripped your pants off. He kissed you through the lace of your panties and growled.

“You’re so fucking wet,” He panted as he hastily pulled it down. “I’m so sorry for leaving you like this for so long. Wait, actually I need more.”

Adrian shot up and pulled you to the bed, you kicked the pants off hastily as you tried not to trip, and he threw you down. He jumped on the bed, landing on his back.

“Ride my face,” He said quickly, pulling you on top of him. You threw your bra to the side, letting your breasts free. “I don’t want anything but you. Sit on my face now.”

You obeyed and Adrian wasted no time lapping up your pussy. His fingers dug into your thighs, pulling you closer so your tongue could go deeper. You could feel the vibrations of his voice against your clit but you couldn’t make out what he said. Not that you cared when his tongue was doing that thing to your clit.

“Fuck! Adrian!” You screamed and you fell forward, your hands landing on his abs so you could grind your hips even harder against his mouth. Adrian began to suck on your clit more aggressively, rolling and curling his tongue all the while. You called out his name again as your hands fisted the sheets. Adrian smacked your ass, causing your body to jolt a bit further into his mouth, which he used as an opportunity to slip his tongue inside you.

Your eyes rolled to the back of your head. “Too much… fuck please, I’m getting… I’m getting closer! Fuck me! I’m getting closer! Oh fuck… Adrian… please…” Your stomach was tightening with every thrust of his tongue and every slap on your ass.

Adrian slid his tongue out of you and licked your clit, using his saliva to get it nice and wet so his fingers could take over. “Cum for me babygirl, cum on my tongue.” He said and that was enough to push you over the edge. You screamed his name as he sent you to completion.

You fell over to his side as you shook and Adrian sat up with a self-satisfied smile on his wet and puffy lips. “You’re so fucking gorgeous babe.”

Adrian kicked off his pants and pulled you to the edge of the bed by your legs. He started rubbing his cock against you, smearing his precum on your skin, as he waited for you to stop shaking. “Such a good girl baby, you didn’t even need my cock to cum.”

“No please,” You begged, your brain still a little fuzzy for him. “I need that too.”

“You’re pretty when you’re begging for my cock babe.” Adrian chuckled and leaned forward to kiss you, his hand on your jaw as he slowly slid into your sex. You mouth opened in a gasp and he slid his tongue in.

Adrian gives you shallow thrusts as he kissed you but once you signal you’ve adjusted to him, he gives you one last kiss and pulls away to start pounding away at you. Your back arched as you took more of him.

“Does it feel good baby?” Adrian asked and you nodded as he slid his fingers between your lips. “Good girl, get them nice and wet for me.”

He slid them out of your mouth and dragged them down your torso and to your clit. “We can never go to Utah again baby,” The fingers you covered with your saliva began playing with your clit. You arched your back and moaned loudly. “I can’t go another day without seeing you like this.”

You sat up and wrapped your arms around his neck. Adrian smiled and picked you up. He loved showing off how strong he was for you. He bounced you on his cock and began kissing your neck. You moaned his name again and a small part of your mind wondered if you were going to get a noise complaint the next morning. The thought was quickly forgotten when Adrian pushed you into a wall as he carried you. You pulled his hair to sloppily kiss him again and your fingers tangled in your hair as he fucked you.

Still sensitive from your last orgasm, it was taking very little time to build up to your second. Especially when this new position gave Adrian a new angle to fuck you in entirely. He could feel you tightening around him so he nodded and moaned between kisses.

You came with a scream, your body tightening as pleasure washed over every nerve. Adrian didn't last long after that either and you felt his cock twitch before filling you with his cum. You moaned as you felt it wash over you and pulled him in for another kiss.

Adrian carried you to the bed and laid you down, curling next to you.

“Are you tired already baby?’ Adrian tilted his head as he crawled over your prone body. “We need to make up for not having sex at the last motel.”

“Well if you insist baby,” You smile at him.

The following morning, Chris slams his bags a little too hard into the van.

“What’s wrong now?” Adebayo asked as she blew her extra sugary coffee.

“Those two-” He said with disgust dripping with every word and pointed at you and Adrian wrapped up around each other, energized and in love. “Were celebrating being in Wyoming all night.”

[multifandomfanficss]

F*ck You?

Adrian Chase/Vigilante x Reader

and the rest of the 11th Street Kids

Adrian Chase Masterlist

Prompt: Adrian has his own secret way of asking you to sleep with him.

Warnings: Mentions of sex, but no actual sex. The team bullying Adrian as per cannon ☹️. Peacemaker typical language.

A/N: Just a silly little thought I had at 5am during a text convo with one of my best friends when I couldn’t sleep. Shout out Tyler for letting me bounce this idea off you. Thanks bestie! Just a short little fic. The italics are flashbacks. Crossposting on my AO3 adriansglasses.

Adrian stuck his middle finger up, pointed at you. You were going through some files on the other side of the room unable to see him behind the papers you were focusing on. Those who saw were giving him questioning looks.

“Dude why are you flipping off, (Y/N)? I didn’t realize you were mad at them” Economos decided to be the first to question him. Usually he didn’t care enough to ask, but even he was curious as to why Adrian was enthusiastically flipping you off.

“Oh! That’s because I’m not. I just wanna have sex when we get back to my apartment. I was saying can I fuck you.” Adrian says, as if it’s obvious. Chris begins to laugh, having overheard the conversation.

“Oh my god. I’m not sure if you’re insane or an idiot.” Harcourt rolls her eyes, walking away.

“I’m pretty sure he’s both. You know that’s not what that means right?” Economos questions.

“It has two meanings.” Adrian says in a very matter of fact way.

“No, it doesn’t.” John argues.

“Then how do they always know what I mean?” Adrian asks, as if he’s proving his point.

Chris continues to laugh to himself as Adrian and Economos argue.

You’re deep in thought, not paying them any attention when Leota passes you the file you were looking for.

“Thanks!” You smile at her.

“Why is Adrian flipping you off?” She asks.

You look over at him, blushing. You nod.

“See!” Adrian yells throwing up his arms. “Two meanings! I told you!”

“Oh god.” You blush, hiding your face in one of the files. You didn’t need the entire team knowing you were going home to have sex after this, but it’s not like it was that big of a surprise. You’d been dating Adrian for a while, of course you had a sex life. “I don’t know how or why he got it into his head that fuck you means can I fuck you- but like I personally think it’s very clever and very cute so I just don’t correct him.” You laugh, deciding to be honest with Leota.

You thought back to the first time he flipped you off in such a manner. You were out with the team celebrating with drinks after a mission. He threw up his middle finger, drawing a question mark in the air with the other hand. You looked at him with a confused look and mouthed. ‘Are you asking me to have sex with you?’ and he mouth back, ‘Isn’t it obvious?’. Only Adrian could think something like that was obvious. Only Adrian would even do something like that. You smiled, laughing quietly to yourself. It was so uniquely him.

Chris was still laughing uncontrollably in the back. He was thinking of the first time he’d seen Adrian do this too. Little did everyone else know Chris had been the one to teach it to him long before you were dating.

“You really wanna know how I pick up chicks across the bar?” Chris asked with a shit eating smirk.

“Please!” Adrian begged. He could pull girls as Vigilante no problem, but it was a lot harder without the suit.

“Be direct. Just ask if she wants to go home with you. The most subtle way to be direct is to flip her off.” Chris falsely informs.

“Wait… you want me to be subtle and direct? I’m confused.” Adrian asks.

“Well, yeah. You want her to know, not the whole bar.” Chris quickly lies.

“I always thought flipping somebody off was an insult.” Adrian is rightfully cautious.

“It has two meanings. It’s like special. Special can mean you’re one of a kind, cool, awesome, or it could be used the other way.” Chris explains.

“Oh! Okay!” Adrian smiles, before pausing, with a pondering facial expression. “Wait! You call me special all the time.”

“You should hit on that girl over there!” Chris redirects.

“Okay… here goes nothing…” Adrian says, slowly raising his middle finger. The girl looks shocked and starts to walk up to the two men at the bar. “Oh wow! I think it worked!”

Her pace picks up. She walks up to Adrian, slapping him, hard.

“Wait! This is positive! I’m hitting on you!” Adrian says frantically with his finger still up, as she walks away.

“Aw! Fuck! Do you think maybe she had a boyfriend?” Adrian asks, adjusting his glasses and rubbing his jaw.

“Yeah, maybe.” Chris laughs hysterically.

[starsofmilos]

Holding Back (Adrian Chase x reader)

Synopsis: You're an immortal. Adrian is not. You fall in love with a version of him each and every time. Only to outlive him.

So I had this idea while listening to the song 'I Know You,' by Faye Webster. I recommend.

Masterlist

Warnings: mentions of sex, angst, fluff, cursing, mentions of violence, guns, blood, murder

"You're holding me and holding back I don't really care for that Just you"

Adrian didn't wanna go out tonight. He said he wouldn't, but the team wanted him to go.

So here he was sat here at the bar ordering a beer as he waited for Chris to show up. He didn't notice you.

The pretty girl who had been working the bar. The girl who couldn't help but look at him as if you saw a ghost. The girl who's hand shook as you handed him a beer.

"This isn't what I ordered miss-" Adrian froze as he looked up seeing you. Actually seeing you. He adjusted his glasses.

"Hi.." He breathed out. A warm feeling spread throughout him. He grinned at you.

It was like something struck his chest. He couldn't describe it but you were..

You were so beautiful..

"So this isn't your drink? I'm sorry call it an old habit I guess. I'll get you what you ordered sorry-"

"No no! I want this beer. I'll take it your fine." Adrian grinned at you. You gave him a nervous smile. He took it sipping it.

"Holy shit this is amazing." You fidgeted with your hands.

"Yeah I figured you would like that one." He couldn't stop staring at you. "Well I'll be getting back to work now."

"What's your name?" Adrian asked you.

"What?"

"Your name? I'm so sorry I must be acting like such a weirdo. I'm Adrian and I plan on ordering this beer again so incase I forget the name of it..Can I have your name?"

"Oh..I'm Y/N.." You gave him a smile.

"Y/N..that's such a pretty name.." You grew flustered as he couldn't help but stare at you.

"Thank you..Adrian.." You walked away giving him another glance. He looked just the same as always.

Adrian jumped feeling a hand on his shoulder. "Dude why are you staring at the bartender?" Chris had arrived.

"Oh I just ordered a drink."

"That's not your usual though." Chris gave him a confused look.

"I wanted to try something new okay!" Adrian snapped out. He shook his head.

Chris laughed a bit. "Alright dude my bad. You mind calling her back? I wanna order a drink now."

"Uh sure sure sure." Adrian looked at you giving you a grin again. You smiled waving at him. He waved you over.

"There's a pause between every minute Feelin' like I need something It's just you"

You giggled as Adrian kissed your neck. "Man am I so happy you came home with me."

"Well you're cute and you got me pizza so I couldn't pass up an opportunity to be with you." Adrian laughed kissing you.

"Now look I latched on and didn't let go and I will never let you go." You giggled kissing his lips. "I don't know how to explain it. I just felt attached to you. Like it happened so fast.”

Your smile faltered a bit at his words. Adrian lifted his head feeling you tense. “What’s wrong?” He asked caressing your cheek.

“Nothing..just happy to be here with you.” You relaxed again. He kissed your lips.

“I’m happy to be here with you too. Now wanna cuddle and watch movies?” He asked running his hand down your stomach. You giggled feeling ticklish.

“Yeah I’d love that a lot.” He smiled at your words kissing you again. He really couldn’t explain it. He just felt it in his heart.

“I know I know

I know I know

you..

You…”

“Adrian I don’t-“

“ITS NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!!” Adrian shouted cutting you off. His hands urgently reaching for his mask.

You stood in shock feeling the blood soak through your shoes. Your socks now drenched.

In all the lives you’ve lived, you have seen your fair share of dead people. You’ve seen Adrian die in almost every life time you’ve been with him, but this was different.

You had never seen him standing over the dead people.

“Honey please please it’s not what it looks like.” He panted ripping his Vigilante mask off. “I swear please baby.” He reached for you desperate.

Your eyes snapped to his. Shock was coursing through you but the one thing that also flowed through you was love.

Adrian was and will always be the love of your life. No matter what.

Your hand lifted grasping his ignoring the blood on them. “It’s okay.” Adrian looked in shock by your words. You leaned in your lips meeting his gently. “I know you. It’s okay.” You reassured.

He grasped at you yanking your body to his. Neither of you caring of the blood all over or the dead body in the room. At least you knew in this lifetime Adrian could protect himself.

“I'll quiet down if it's what you want

I understand I'm not the only one

For you”

“So peacemaker and me totally fucking nerfed this guy and then he spit out a fucking Butterfly from his mouth! So I freak out and I shoot him-“

“Adrian you’re literally missing your pinky toe.” You lectured him as you tended to his wounds. “This is not funny to me. He let you get tortured.”

“Well yeah but he also couldn’t give up information so I understand-“

“Yeah well I don’t. You call him your best friend but he could even fucking stop a guy from torturing you.”

“Y/N…” Adrian sighed out. “It’s not a big deal-“

“Yes it is.” You cut him off. “I’m sorry honey but this is big deal to me. You’re hurting. And if this me sitting here instead you’d have a lot more to say.”

“Yeah but this isn’t you! God why do I even bother speaking you have some type of lecture waiting for me.” Adrian snapped out.

“You did not just say that to me.” You snapped out standing up. Adrian sighed looking away.

“Okay…make sure to keep your wounds clean.” Adrian’s eyes widened seeing you grab your bag.

“Baby where are you going-“

“Away from you since all I seem to do is fucking annoy you.” You yelled back as tears welled in your eyes.

“I didn’t say that!” Adrian argued. “You’re putting words in my mouth.”

“Every time I find you I get so happy but then forget how much of an ass you are.” You sniffled as you cried.

“Babe what do you mean?” He asked confused by your wording. You ignored him storming out.

“So tell me what you're looking for

Is it a picture-perfect girl

For you?”

You laid in bed replaying the argument with Adrian in your head. You loved him more than anything in your life.

Could this be the end? No it couldn’t possibly be? You’ve had worser disagreements in the past. Well your past lives that is.

It was exhausting losing Adrian.

A knock on your window interrupted your thoughts. Peeking through you sighed seeing Adrian as Vigilante.

“I don’t wanna talk to you.” You snapped out. Adrian groaned.

“Honey I’m sorry! You were right. I should be more angry about it. I don’t think you lecture me all the time and when you do I know it’s cause you care. I’m just an idiot!”

You opened the window glaring at him. “No you’re just sorry cause you want something not cause you mean it.”

“No I do mean it.” Adrian snapped out. “I do mean that I’m sorry for upsetting you and making you cry. I don’t like doing that.”

You rolled your eyes as he reached forward grasping your chin. “Hey.” He whispered out. “I do mean it. You’re right I’m not sorry for brushing the whole thing off but I am sorry for not taking your feelings into account and not listening to you and making you sad. You only speak to me cause you care and I love you and I’m not ready to lose you.” He whispered out.

You moved aside letting him in. He ripped his mask off lunging for you. His head buried in your neck as he held you. You sighed hugging him back.

“You were also right about another thing. I did come for something and that something is you.” He murmured out. “You’re mine. My girl and I don’t like it when we’re apart and you’re mad at me.” He kissed you softly.

“Here I was thinking you’d break up with me and find someone better.” You teased.

“Never.” Adrian looked at you seriously. “I could never.”

“I know

I know

You

You…”

“So you can’t die.” Adrian repeated your words softly. After project Butterfly, you decided it was finally time to tell Adrian your biggest secret.

“Yes..when I was younger I challenged one of the gods and I lost. He proceeded to curse me with immortality.” I sighed.

“That’s why you never age?” Adrian snapped out. A small short laugh bursted. Out of everything he could’ve said you weren’t expecting that.

“Yeah that’s why I don’t age. I’ve lived through it all Adrian.” You smiled at him. He sighed holding your hand.

“And you know me?..” He repeated again. You nodded standing up.

“This is my photo album that I’ve never shown you..it goes back to when cameras were invented.” Adrian looked through it shocked to see himself over and over.

“Y/N..you fall in love with me over and over again.” He whispered in shock.

“And I standby you as you die too.” You spoke. “I love you Adrian Chase. More than anything in this universe.”

Adrian stood up scooping you up in his arms. “I love you too..I don’t know what to say. This is crazy. Like it’s cool but also like wow. You’re telling me that you fall in love with me over and over?”

“It’s how I knew your favorite that night we met at the bar. I’ve gotten you that same drink so many times.” He laughed at your words.

“I wanna be with you forever.” He whispered out.

“I'm here regardless of the pain

Don't ever tell me to go away

From you”

“ADRIAN!” You yelled for him as you bursted through the hospital doors. Chris stood up going to meet you.

“Y/N! Hey hey calm down he’s in surgery right now as we speak.” He grasped your arm. You yanked away from him.

“You don’t talk to me! You could give two shits about him.” You snapped out. A nurse approached you both.

“Adrian Chase?” She spoke up. Your head snapped up.

“I’m his fiance.” You looked at her worriedly. It was seven pm when you got the call. Adrian had been in a tough fight and took a gunshot for Chris.

You had practically ran yourself here.

The nurse nodded. “He’s in the ICU asking to see you. I could take you back there with him?” She offered softly. “The doctor said his chances are not so good. The gun punctured his upper cavity..”

Your heart dropped at her words. You rushed with her seeing Adrian in his hospital bed. Tears welled in your eyes as you ran to him.

“Adrian..” You whispered out. Your hand grasped his. “I’m right here baby even if you can’t see me I’m right here. I’m not gonna go anywhere.”

Adrian laid barely able to speak. His hand gently squeezed yours back as you kissed his arm. Your head pressed against his shoulder.

“You’re gonna be okay. You have too. I can’t lose you so soon. Please don’t make me lose you so soon.” You sobbed against him.

“When we're old and have to leave the Earth

I'll still remember all I've learned

From you”

You had never once lost Adrian this soon. You were supposed to have a lifetime left before this happened again.

This wasn’t something you had prepared for. Adrian always was unpredictable.

He laid asleep in bed your hand still in his. You weren’t going to leave him. You refused too.

You’d do anything for him.

That includes giving your life away. You grasped his hand tightly.

Something filled you deeply. There was always a part of the curse you were bared that, you didn’t tell Adrian. The only way to cure the curse would be to past it on to the person you love the most.

Immortality was one of your greatest shames though. It wasn’t all it was thought out to be. You didn’t want Adrian to die though.

“This will kill me..” You spoke softly. The second the curse would leave your body, you’d die.

You smiled softly kissing him. “I love you. And I hope you find someone to love again. Maybe in another life we’re happy?..” A small sob left you as you caressed his head letting your life spill into him.

Adrian woke up alone.

[thevampirekeke]

Breaking rules

Warnings: bad and out of character writing like usual, slight angst, emotional hurt/comfort, lack of communication, very very VERY brief mention of domestic abuse (y/n mom is a survivor!), crying, use of y/n, reader is shorter than Adrian. Probs not as long as I thought it was but it took a whole day to write so CHEERS!!

Additional tags: hurt/comfort, miscommunication, angst with happy ending, fluff, coworkers to lovers (do as y/n says not as they do), I try to write gn!reader but might have moments where I slip up.

Summary:

You knew something was starting to form and you were treading a line that you swore you’d never cross as long as you lived in Gotham. your feelings for Adrian flooded you like a tsunami,You tried to ignore it at first, rationalize it in anyway you could. he was your coworker, it was simply from being around him so much, plus you rarely find nice guys from Gotham.

After all that’s exactly what he was. A guy from Gotham.

You always told yourself you’d never date anyone while living in Gotham. Your mother had met your father while living here and that ended in bruises and tears and since then you knew that any guy or girl in Gotham would be bad news. So you made that pact with yourself And it has yet to be broken for the last 3 years. Sure you slept with someone once or twice but usually you leave before they wake up and never give them any way to contact you.

However that doesn’t mean you can’t look, there is never anything that comes from finding someone attractive. You acknowledge it in your head then move on. Honestly, you think of it as window shopping and usually if you see that person again you don’t pay them any mind.

Yet every time that damn busboy walks through the door you can’t help but watch him make his way over to the other busboy to switch out for the day. You believed it was innocent, you told yourself you were just being observant. Of course you thought he was handsome but you didn’t think any deeper than that. You’ve never even talked to him, you don’t even know his name. He’s always coming in to start his shift right as you are leaving yours anyways.

So, why did he always catch your attention?

You knew you were starting to approach a line you had drawn years ago when he walked into the break room one day while you were digging through your bag. You glanced over at him and your heart bumped a little stronger at his presence. Your eyes trailed over him, the polo you were all required to wear fit loosely on him, however you could tell by the way his forearms stretched and moved as he reached around his cubby that he wasn’t scrawny. He turns to face your direction as he stretches and -you guess- prepare himself for the day. You land on his name tag and it reads ‘Adrian’ you let it roll over all around your head, it bounces around in different pitches and tones. Your eyes trailed back up and your met with his. The first thought you had was that his glasses looked really good on him, way too good. The second thought you had was your brain screaming at you to look away. You were staring at him and you didn’t realize it till it was too late. He smiles widely at you and waves “y/n right?”

Oh no. His voice was nice, so nice your stomach felt like it was swirling around almost as if it became a hot bubbling whirlpool. “I- uh- I’m- ye- um-“ you can’t get yourself to speak properly, it all rushes out in one mushed unfinished sentence. you worry for a second that this is a stroke. Thankfully your brain comes in and saves you and you clamp your mouth shut before you can embarrass yourself more. Your lips are pulled into a tight thin line and your hands are balled anxiously at your sides. They are sweating and they grow even more sweaty because you know it wasn’t this hot before he walked through the door. You simply nod with a very tight “mhm” before grabbing your bag and walking out. You hear a quick “oh co-“ but it’s cut off short as the exit door slams behind you. You rush to your car and are quick to head home.

If your brain was filled with chanting of ‘Adrian, Adrian, Adrian,Adrian-‘ you didnt acknowledge it in fear of what it may bring.

You had asked about him the next day. you honestly didn’t mean to. You and your coworker and friend, Claire, were sat at a booth rolling silverware before your shifts ended. The conversation you had both been having prior about the new girl she had been seeing recently he had died down and your brain and mouth were moving before you could regain control. “What’s that Adrian guy like?” You ask and it catches her off guard, you never ask about people unless it’s someone’s she is talking about. She gives you a strange look “like- you mean chase? The bus boy?” You nod and feel a small ball of shame fill your stomach at her tone “why? He’s a weirdo who’s obsessed with all that crime fighting, hero stuff. I think he has a thing for-“ she says and you are quick to cut her off with a high pitched “Claire!!” Just as Adrian walks through the break room door. She quiets down and glances between you and him before settling on you, picking at the dry skin around your nails. “Im just curious” you say, her eyes soften a bit as she looks at you and she sighs “well he’s been working here for a bit-“ she begins telling you what she knows.

honestly, you felt bad for the guy. from how Claire had described him you could tell a lot of people didn’t give him a chance. She said he was loud and vulgar, always making stupid jokes nobody found funny. Still as Claire expressed her grievances of working with him, you simply nod and hum along in acknowledgment. After all you probably wouldn’t ever work with him. Right?

Wrong.

your manager pulls you into his office one morning- he asks you to sit down and explains that your schedule would need to be moved around due to someone quitting and them now being short staffed. You were the only one who hasn’t said no yet. Instead of early mornings you would be working evenings along side the busboy Adrian. You guessed you had a look on your face because He was quick to keep talking and explained that the evening shifts were usually really slow due to the main business hours being breakfast and dinner. “Plus chase isn’t that bad, just an… acquired taste” he adds on trying to sugar coat it but still your heart squeezes at the unfair description.

That wasn’t your worry though, honestly, you didn’t care who you were working with even if it was the bus boy who had caught your attention. it was more the annoyance of the routine you had become so used to being flipped on its head. Still, you agreed and left the office with a copy of your new schedule in hand and your manager telling you to clock out early since you’d be starting your new schedule the next day.

Your first shift with Adrian had started warily. You entered the break room through the parking lot door to find Adrian already throwing his stuff into his assigned cubby. He glances over at you and offers a wide smile. You quickly glance away and rush over to clock in and then to your cubby. Once you are settled in you keep your eyes down walking towards the door that lead to your hell for the next few hours. You reach for the door knob but instead your hand meets with Adrian’s. You both pull back quickly as if the other is made of fire “sorry-“ you quickly blurt out stepping back for him to go through the door. An amused laugh leaves his mouth and he pulls the door open “don’t be sorry, I always enjoy holding hands with pretty people” he says, gesturing for you to go through the door. You feel like a fire just sprung from the ground under you and engulfed you. You quickly thank him and rush through the door.

The first two hours consisted of him talking. You found out Claire was right, he was loud, making many stupid jokes while you quietly worked. However you didn’t feel the annoyance that Claire had expressed. He was kind and constantly offered to help you out whenever he’d see you busing a particularly messy table or holding a tray that looked too stacked with plates. Never making you feel bad for when you did actually need the help.

You rarely needed help throughout the day though, Your manager was right, evening shifts were boring and slow. So as two hours turned to three and three turned to four Small questions of “do you need help?” turned into long drawn out conversations full of laughter from his ridiculous jokes. You rarely joked back though, not finding any confidence in your humor to do so. you made up for by being an attentive and responsive listener, asking questions whenever he brought something new up. You found yourself enthralled in everything thing he says.

After a few more hours, finally, it was getting close for evening shifts to switch with those working into the very early hours the next morning. You thank whatever is out there for not making you part of dinner/grave yard shift, knowing your sanity would become thin from the hours. You focus back in on your task at hand. You are filling condiments at the tables, the restaurant is empty even though you are still open. the only noise is the old dad rock music playing over the speakers and you pumping ketchup from the giant container into a small red bottle. Adrian is sweeping the floor, you keep taking glances at him. You cant stop finding things about him that makes your stomach flip. The way his glasses would slip just the slightest bit and he’d scrunch his nose in an attempt to get them back up to their original spot, had become your favorite thing you’ve noticed so far. Your brain short circuits and repeats.

Your favorite thing.

You haven’t even known the guy for a day and yet you are already claiming things about him as your favorite. You subconsciously click your tounge against your teeth in annoyance at yourself and look away from him. He must have heard the noise because he looks up at you. you hope he doesn’t say anything and hyper focus in on your task. The world must really want you to suffer because you go to hit the pump of the ketchup and it stays locked in place, another sound of annoyance leaves you. “are you ok?” He asked and you curse under your breath, pressing down on the pump afew times trying to get it to move again. “Yeah just-“ you start, palm hitting the pump harder, this time using one big strong push to get it to press down. Still nothing. “This damn ketchup stopped working, I think the pump broke” you say in frustration.

You hear footsteps approaching and you turn to be met with Adrian’s chest “oh-“ you breath out, this time Adrian must not hear because he reaches behind you to grab the container. He moves positions so he is now stood next to you. His hip meets yours with a quick bump that has electricity flying through you. You take the hint and step to the side giving him full access to the table. You take a seat in the booth and watch as he messes with the pump, twisting it afew times before pressing down on it. It must press down easier than he expected because ketchup comes flying out the opening and hits you. You shriek and Adrian lets out a loud “oh fuck-“ you gag as the smell of ketchup hits you.

It’s a blur of movement you jump up from your seat and gag more as the ketchup seeps into the fabric of your shirt sticking to your skin.

Adrian is quickly yanking napkins out of the dispenser you just filled quickly pressing them to your chest, a rush of ‘I’m SO sorry’ leaving his mouth over and over. You are stuck in your spot too overwhelmed by your disgust and discomfort to notice him hurriedly wiping the ketchup off of you. He glances up at you and you both freeze for a moment eyes locking, it’s broken by Adrian’s eyes widening at the position you are both in, realizing where he’s wiping the ketchup from. He quickly pulls back and more waves of ‘im sorry’ fly at you, he expects you to yell at him but instead he is met with a snort.

Your hand shoots up to your mouth to stop yourself from laughing but you fail and double over in laughter. He watches you, awestruck, for a moment. you gasp for air between your laughs and gag as you smell ketchup again this time your hand shoots to your nose and you grab more napkins with your free hand to rub at your ketchup stained polo “oh god-“ your laughter has died down into small giggles bubbling out from your mouth “I forgot how much I hate the smell of ketchup” you say locking eyes with him once again. It’s his turn to laugh “I don’t think it’s broken anymore” he chuckles.

From that day on you decided Adrian chase wasn’t as bad as Claire made him seem. Over the next two weeks you two grew closer. Helping when actually needed quickly became turning any task, no matter how easy, into a two man job. Your manager had even scolded you both for filling up napkin holders together, a task that usually required one person to complete and took 5 minutes. You couldn’t lie and even if you could you would still be telling the truth when you said you enjoyed his company. You enjoyed it more than anyone you have ever known, more than Claire and more than your friends back home. infact, you even found his stupid jokes funny.

Ontop of that he found YOU funny, it was something new. It’s not like you didn’t joke around with people, You would of course make jokes with Claire but rarely did they land the way you wanted them to. Though Claire would laugh you knew she only did it out of love for you and not wanting to hurt your feelings. With Adrian however they always landed and make him laugh, his laugh felt genuine. the day he first laughed at one of your jokes it made your heart jump into your throat in a way you were sure it was going to fly out and land right into Adrian’s hands, a note taped to it saying ‘keep me 4ever’.

He was scrubbing at the table complaining about how the people who had just been sat there had been rude to you, not only rude but they were down right offensive too. you could tell he was holding back on how deep his annoyance actually went. You had heard their comments too you were their waitress after all. They kept talking about the chefs in the back and their horrible assumptions of them. Their questioning of you and the food as if they were in a Michelin star restaurant and not a greasy unkept diner in the middle of Gotham made you both want to scream.

“If I had known you hated them just as much as I did I would have gone out and poured hot oil in their gas tank and syrup on the engine” it really wasn’t even that funny of a joke, it was more to humor yourself than anyone else. Still Adrian smiled and looked at you with a brow raised “not to be a downer on your plan babe, but I think their car would probably malfunction and they would crash” he huffed out past a small laugh. You are sure you died for a second, your mouth softly repeats the word. ‘Babe’.

you stare down as if in a trance, he looks at you when you don’t respond as quickly as he expects. This makes you snap out of it, you force your warming face to form a menacing smile “yeah, so we should have poured hot oil in their gas tank and syrup on their engine” you repeat putting more emphasis on the plan. you know it’s not funny, yet a laugh rips past Adrain’s mouth and you watch at his shoulders bounce up and down as he laughs.

The heat hits you in a wave and your heart picks up a bit. You’re glad you don’t blush and your face can’t turn red, because you can feel your cheeks tingling. You giggle alongside Adrian as you both continue talking.

You tried to ignore how everyday you’d come into your shifts excited for nothing other than Adrian. After a month Your talking during work soon turned into you both sitting in the warmth of one of your cars. Talking about anything you can think of until you both have no choice but to go home. When you weren’t face to face you were constantly texting eachother, your brain now instantly thinking of Adrian Anytime you see the merman emoji. You knew something was starting to form and you were treading a line that you swore you’d never cross as long as you lived in Gotham. your feelings for Adrian flooded you like a tsunami,You tried to ignore it at first, rationalize it in anyway you could. he was your coworker, it was simply from being around him so much, plus you rarely find nice guys from Gotham.

After all that’s exactly what he was. A guy from Gotham.

So how come you don’t say no when he asks you to go over to his house? You are sat in his car. You are both turned towards each other Your seat is reclined and you have your legs pulled up to your chest, shoes kicked off and sitting on the floor so you wouldn’t ruin his seats. A habit you picked up after complaining about your feet hurting due to your new shoes, to which Adrian told you to take your shoes off and get comfy.

As you two talk small giggles slip out of you, Adrian isn’t saying anything particularly funny, but the excitement in his voice and the closeness makes you feel giggly as you listen to him ramble on about one of his favorite movies. “-and the ending- oh my god! The ending is amazing I won’t tell you cause I don’t want to spoil it- BUT! you just have to trust me and watch it, babe. It will change your life!” You nod your head as you listen. That became a common for him. To call you babe and not think anything of it, you on the other hand, had to fight to breathe everytime he said it. “I’ll watch it tonight when I get home!” You say smiling widely.

This causes Adrian to glance at the clock and his excitement deflates a little, your eyes follow and it’s 7:30 almost two hours since you both have gotten off of work “it’s getting kinda late now huh?” He questions and you smile “I don’t mind sitting here longer…” you let your voice trail off and you glance out the window next to you “I like talking to you” you say hoping it was too quiet for him to hear. He doesn’t say anything to that but you can hear the smile in his voice as he starts talking “you should come over to my house, I have the streaming service for that movie so we can watch it together at my house” he suggests.

your mouth drops open as you go go to respond but instead only a “uhhh-“ comes out, you see Adrian’s confidence drain and you beg your brain to start working again “you probably just want to go home and sleep. I can just text you my log in” he scrambles for a way to save himself, he reaches for his phone and your brain finally powers back on “NO! no!” You cringe at the earnestness in your voice. You want to go, god you want to go and never leave. You don’t tell him this and instead clear your throat and smile “I think that sounds fun, but we have to stop at the gas station and get snacks first” at this Adrian smiles widely and legitimately fist pumps with a small but triumphant ‘yess!!’

You guys talk for afew more seconds before you both buckle in and Adrian puts his car into drive. That night you both stock up on gas station snacks- you make a mental note of the one he mentioned is his favorite- and watch the movie, one movie turns into two and two to three and by the middle of the third one you were fighting the urge to sleep. Your Head falling to the side jerks you awake and you rub at your eyes hoping Adrian didn’t notice. If he did he didn’t say anything, he only hesitates for a moment before letting his arm fall over your shoulders. You know you should back up, set a boundary now even if you don’t want to set it. But sleep weighs too heavy, you simply let your head fall into him and your eyes close.

You knew it was really bad and you were stepping over that line when movies at his place became something you guys did almost every other day. You especially knew you were screwed when cuddling on his couch became a common occurrence aswell. He occupied your every thought and you began hating the days you couldn’t see him. your days off went from being something you looked forward to, to something you tried not to think about. Your days off meant no Adrian, and no Adrian meant you’d spend your days thinking about him. What he was doing with his day off? did he hang out with anyone outside of work? Your thoughts would wander as you sat on your couch watching tv.

What if he is on a date?

Your eyes widen as this thought crosses your mind. Your heart tightens at the idea and you swear you hear it crack as you imagine him holding onto an unknown partner. You don’t just cross the line, you are throw several feet past it, so far you couldn’t see it anymore. You couldn’t lie to yourself, you liked Adrian. No- not just that you wanted him for yourself.

You spent weeks keeping it secret, ignoring it. You are hunting for that line trying to drag yourself back over it to the side you knew and took comfort in. But you were simply too far gone. Your attraction to him. Your need to see him outside of work. Your questions on if and who he’s seeing. You feel borderline crazy how quickly he’s taken over your mind.

It doesn’t help that Adrian has you questioning if he feels the same. Your body is always on fire by the end of the day. Your brain searing every time he touches you in your memory, in fear of forgetting how warm his hands are. You constantly think of how he now calls you babe in that way that makes you go all stupid. You don’t notice it at first, but now you are hyper aware of every interaction after that night. you notice just how much you two touch and you question if you’ve gone to straight up delusional. You began to count every time your shoulders and elbows bump when you were both leaned in gossiping to each other. You will your body not to tense up screaming to yourself to relax the first time Adrian lets the side of his body press fully into yours not moving away as you two remain arm to arm.

You told yourself you were thinking about it too much, it was just friendly contact. That was until you were walking past the sever station and a voice catches your attention “Hey could you pass me two rolls of silverware?” Adrian asks leaning over the short wall separating the booths that were next to each other. You glance down at his arms and watch his muscles flex as he crosses them and lets them rest on top of the wall. You are quick to look away, so quick you don’t even notice how Adrian follows your eyes down to his arms. You reach into the bin and grab two rolls.

“Here you go, it’s going to cost you 20 bucks though” you tease handing him the two napkin wrapped utensils. He unfolds his arms and grabs them, his fingers land just slightly on your hand, but it’s enough of a touch to make your brain scream over and over again. You can’t quiet focus in on it but you are sure it’s a mixture of ‘Oh MY GOD’ and ‘what is this???!’ He holds on for a few seconds longer than normal, his eyes meeting yours. They burn with something you can’t quite put your finger on but whatever it was comes off intensely. “20 bucks!? Damn babe, I knew you only love me for my money” he jokes, and that’s exactly it you remind yourself, a joke. Yet as he walks off, you can’t help but repeat how he says babe and question how you could ever think of his actions as just friendly.

You weren’t even able to bus your tables across the room from him peacefully anymore. Your mind always subconsciously having you glance up at him. You throw your rag into the gray tub full of dirty dishes and cups you had collected. You look up at him one last time before you head into the kitchen with a gift of dirty forks and plates for the dishwasher on staff that day.

You look at Adrian but find him already staring at you. Your eyes lock onto each other and you expect him to look away. However, he keeps eye contact and smiles widely at you. You are concerned for a moment that you haven’t thought about writing a will yet because you swear you were about to die with how hard your heart was beating and how weak your knees became. You smiled back before quickly rushing across the room and into the kitchen.

It’s like this for the next two weeks. Tonight it just like any other you are both sat in his running car. However, tonight he’s heavily occupied with his phone. He’s talking your ear off, you don’t think he could stop even if he wanted to, but something is off. The first time his phone lights up you see a text notification, you don’t look at it too closely not wanting to invade his privacy, instead you take notice of how his face lights up. He quickly texts back and puts his phone back down. Not even a few minutes it lights up again and he answers then Quicker than before it lights up AGAIN and he answers. Quickly the time inbetween texts turns into his phone taking permanent residence in his hand as he types away. His face becomes serious for a moment and he glances at you, then his phone once more.

You go to ask him if everything is ok but he beats you to it “im sorry- I have something I need to go do” he says hurriedly. You glance at the clock 6:30 only an hour after you guys got off work “oh- ok. Um yeah give me a sec” you say as you grab your shoes and slip them back on your feet “is everything ok?” You question. He nods and smiles at you “peachy keen, babe” he says.

You are left reeling as you stand in front of the now empty parking spot. The goodbye and speed it took him to take off was all to fast, you feel like you just go thrown into the deep end of a pool. Cold comes crashing into you and you hurriedly rush to your car.

When you make it home you are quick to kick off your shoes and pull your phone out of your pocket. One hand locking the door while the other types in your password and navigates you to your texts with Adrian.

Your fingers dance across the keyboard. ‘Hey, was everything ok?’ Is the first thing you type out but you are quick to delete it. ‘Are you ok? I hope I wasn’t being weird or anything’ But it was quick to be deleted as well. Finally you settle on your usual message.

‘Goodnight! Ill see you tomorrow <3’

Seen just now

A bubble pops up and you watch as the three circles hop around inside. It disappears and pops up again for a few minutes before finally disappearing fully. You bite into your lip and press the back button, you pull down on the top of the screen hoping that a text will load.

Seen 5 minutes ago

It finally all comes crashing down, you try holding on hoping you can avoid crashing down along side everything else. The next day Adrian is nowhere to be seen, an hour into your shift your manager comes out to tell you that Adrian called off and someone else would be coming to fill in for him. You haven’t even made it to the break room to clock out for lunch before you are digging your phone out of your pocket. You see no texts from Adrian only the ‘seen 1d ago’ that mocks you as you try to type something out.

‘Hey ade, I heard you called off today are you feeling ok? I can stop by after work and bring you your favorite slushie!’

Seen just now

It shows he is typing for a moment before it stops, just like the night before. Your whole face contorts into one of worry. You try rationalizing it, if he is sick he probably doesn’t feel like texting. At least thats what you try to tell yourself. But your brain tells you otherwise, you did something and you messed it all up.

One day turns into another and soon he’s been out almost a whole week. You stopped messaging him after the fourth day. Your last message was asking him if he was ok and if you had done anything wrong. Instead your only response is that dumb fucking word. Seen.

You wake up in the worst mood, most of the time it would be because It’s a Sunday your days are usually busy on Sundays due to the church right up the road holding its services up until around noon and people often coming in after for lunch. Usually you’d get through it with a text from Adrian complaining about preparing for the day. Today there is nothing, you don’t bother to check your messages. You know there won’t be any texts that magically slipped through your notifications.

Still you drag yourself to work. your eyes and legs feel heavy and you worry you too might have to call off. You know if Adrian were to call off again he’d be fired. your heart pulls at this, that means you would never see him again.

You yawn and try to keep your eyes open as you pull into the back parking lot. You almost slam on your breaks, Your heart drops to your feet when you see Adrian’s car parked in its usual spot. There is a loud thudding in your ears, you wonder if it’s your car malfunctioning but you are quick to realize it’s your heart beating in your chest. You park your car afew spots away from his. You glance at it and you feel a patch of excitement fill your chest, then you remember the last few days and suddenly you are full of anger and frustration. Your eyes burn but you quickly blink away any tears threatening to spill.

You get out your car and rush into the break room. You feel like a bowling bowl hits you in the chest with how all the air leaves your body at the sight of Adrian putting away his belonging. He glances over when he hears the door squeak open and your eyes meet. That intensity is there again, it’s burning holes into you with how strong it is. You want to run over to him, slap him, hug him, kiss him. But you don’t, you turn away and make your way straight to your cubby just as he opens his mouth to say something. He is quick to shut his mouth simply watching you put your stuff away.

Neither of you break the silence, you instead walk to the break room door and walk through. Adrian follows behind and you try not to look back at him. Luckily the chaos of the diner catches your attention. Claire rushes over to you “oh thANK GOD Y/N!” She shouts hands planting on your shoulders, getting a few looks from the customers hear by. “they all say they just came from church but i don’t believe it. This is hell!!” You can see the stress painting her face and let out a sympathetic but amused huff. You try to pay no mind Adrian skirting around you two and heading towards the other bus boy and instead take in the whole room. There must have been an important something going on because your usual 8-10 tables of small families had turn into about 15+. You are quick to switch out with Claire telling her you’ll take over the last 15 minutes of her shift and leave her tips in a To go cup in her cubby. After some questioning and you insisting, she disappears through the break room door with a “thank you my angel from above, I need a cig SO bad”

You get to work and begin introducing yourself to your tables telling them you would be taking over. You are shocked to see just how busy it is, everytime a table leaves it feels like another one comes in. You and Adrian barely had a moment to stop a breathe, Bouncing around from table to table, it had been so busy the manager had even asked Adrian to jump on taking orders instead of just busing tables.

You find yourself becoming more and more agitated as you glance at Adrian and lock eyes. Everytime you are quick to scowl and look away. The day goes on like this, constant glances that just lead to a steady growth of aggravation. But you could handle it, it was ok.

Until it wasn’t.

You are going to boil over, It’s almost the end of your shift and you are walking your last table out but Adrian’s last table will not finish up. You say goodbye to your last table with a smile and a wave before taking a second to glance at Adrian again but this time you notice him laughing at something the attractive girl at the last table is saying. They look about your age and Adrian looked very intrigued by what they had to say. Their hand reaches up and finds itself on his lower arm as he is leaning on the table. You can’t help but stop in your tracks and stare at the two of them scowling.

What could she possibly say that’s so funny?

Why is she touching him?

He hasn’t talked to you in a week but is chatting it up with this chick?

You knew it’s wasn’t logical, she is a customer and he was simply being professional. But still when he glanced over at you and perks up before looking at you questioningly you couldn’t help but glare at him and stomp away. It takes an hour for her to leave. You keep sweeping around her and bussing all the empty tables in hope she will get the hint to finally leave. Still she kept pulling Adrian over for a chat before finally sliding him a folden napkin with a heart scrawled on the top.

Your legs are moving and you can’t get them to stop no matter how loud your brain screams. You slam your bin on her table with a loud thud, making the whole table shake. her and Adrian both jump, she gasps and looks at you as if you were insane. And maybe you are.

You suddenly find yourself stood at the line. You don’t know which side you are on anymore. You want to kick at it and rip it from the ground. “I’ll go ahead and take these since it looks like you are FINALLY done” you say in a sickeningly sweet voice, your smile is strained and they can both tell there is no kindness behind your demeanor. Adrian softly says your name but you ignore him aggressively grabbing all her dishes, dropping them noisily into your bin.

She is quick to stand and mumble something under her breath, she turns to Adrian and thanks him. You stare at them as Adrian apologizes to her and walks her out, he wishes her a safe trip home because why wouldn’t he. It’s Gotham.

And everyone knew you had to be careful in Gotham. Something you seemed to forget.

The silence that filled the room is deafening, Your ears are ringing now and you are harshly scrubbing at the table. It’s clean but you are too focused on the insults your brain is throwing your way and stopping tears from rushing down your face. You wish your shift change would just show up already and tap you out of this hell. Adrian keeps throwing concerned glances your way and you feel like you are going to explode with anger and shame.

The break room door finally opens to show your shift change, you rush over to him and tell him about what you have done to help get his shift started easier before leaving with a quick goodbye. You made a beeline towards the break room wanting the day to be over. You just needed to get home and forget about everything. You couldn’t handle it, seeing Adrian, his laughing with that girl, his week of ignoring you. How could you ever come back from this pit of embarrassment? Maybe you could ask someone to cover for you until you can ask your manager to switch your shift again?

You let the break room door shut behind you with a soft thud. You dig through your cubby pulling out all your stuff, you are quick to realize you are missing your keys. You glance around the floor realizing they must have fallen out when you threw your bag in your cubby, hurrying to escape the break you. You blink back tears and whimper softly when you don’t see them on the floor. you glance up and see them in the shelf just above your cubby.

You reach up to grab them but freeze when a hand finds the lower half of your back. You feel completely engulfed as Adrian reaches above you. You don’t move even as his muscular arm reaches past your head. You could have gotten the keys, the shelf wasn’t high up and Adrian knows this having seen you put things on that shelf before. Still he grabs the keys and holds them out to you with a smile “i saw them on the floor and put them up there” he says eyes scanning over your face. You mumble a harsh ‘thanks’ before snatching them and grabbing your bag. Adrian makes a face and you try making a beeline for the exit door to the back parking lot of the restaurant, Finally escaping him. but Adrian grabs his own stuff and is following quick behind. The shuts behind him and he rushes to catch up to you.

You hear your name and a hand is suddenly on your shoulder, you whip around to face Adrian. If looks could kill Adrian would have been dead on the floor. He pulls his hand back quickly “I’m sorry, I know what I did was shitty but I can explain-“ he starts but quickly stops himself with a groan of frustration “well no-I can’t really explain- it’s top secre-“ you turn back around and continue walking after you glare at him “I swear I have a good reason” he pleads following behind you

“Leave me alone Adrian” You say through clenched teeth, thumb pressing down on unlock button causing your car to beep and click. You open your passanger door and throw your bag and coat onto the seat shutting the door with a loud thud once. You wince slightly not meaning to shut it that hard “no- not until you give me a chance to explain” Adrian leans down to try and catch your gaze yet you dodge him and walk around your car to the drivers side “I know you are upset but ignoring me isn’t going to help” He says. He knows the mistake in his wording the second the words leave his mouth.

You quickly turn around to face him. Your feet are moving quick, it only takes afew stomps before you are right in front of him. You finally have a chance to look at him. There are bags under his eyes, he looks tired and worn. You wonder for a split second what the hell he has been up to this week. Still, Your finger jabs into his chest harshly. “YOU-“ your finger goes to jab him in the chest again “YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO TALK ABOUT IGNORING PEOPLE” your voice is rough and you feel like you are fighting against your throat to get the words out. You send a push his way with both hands this time, he doesn’t move an inch. Instead he stares down at you brows creased as he frowns. “A WEEK! YOU LEFT ME WITH NOTHING FOR A WEEK!” You go to push him again, then again and he grabs your wrists before you are able to make contact. The grip is gentle and loving, it has you gritting your teeth in anger.

“Y/n- babe” he whispers, you rip your wrists out of his grip “NO- You don’t get to call me that! I should have never allowed you to call me that!” You shove at his chest again “I HATE YOU!” and again “I fucking hate you!” And again. You continue your tirade of shoves to his chest and shouts of how much you hate him. You aren’t looking at him anymore. You can’t see him through your tears even if you were. Your shouts soon go from words to sobs and with one last shove you fall to a crouching position.

Your mind is yelling at you, screaming how embarrassing you are and how you need to just get a grip. You knew this would happen. Your sobs are loud and You hope none of the chefs are watching this all go down through the grease smeared kitchen window. Your hands find your face and you sob as you desperately try to scrub away your tears, it’s no use, every time a tear leaves more follow behind it.

“You- you were gone for a-“ you gasp as you catch your breath, you know you look like a mess, tears and probably snot streaming down your face, barely able to breath. “A week!” You repeat through a sob. You let yourself fall back on your butt and pull your knees to your chest.

You hear gravel shift under Adrian’s feet as he crouched down to match you. You can hear how his breathing is off, it sounds exactly like yours before you started sobbing. “I know-“ he tries but your gaze snaps up at him. It’s your turn to look at him intensely, burning holes into him. His hand is in the middle of the air like he was going to reach you but stopped once he saw your eyes. “No- you don’t know Adrian” your voice steadies itself but tears continue to leak from your eyes. “I spend every moment thinking of you when you are right next to me!” Your hands grip at your pant legs “how do you think I felt after you decided to just ghost me!?” His mouth opens to answer, nothing comes out. “I finally thought I proved myself wrong-That I wouldn’t have to spend the rest of my life in Gotham alone” your eyes narrow at him “did you know that Adrian?” You question intensely

You don’t even try to stop yourself as words just begin tumbling out with no shame. your hands find the gravel and you push yourself up and onto your knees glaring harder-if possible- into Adrian’s eyes “did you know how it feels to go from falling in love with you to feeling like Im some crazy delusion person? Do you know it’s pretty fucking shitty to go from calling me babe to not calling me at all?” His eyes are red and tears are streaming down his face. It feels wrong to see him like this but you continue.

he shakes his head, he feels like he needs to do something other than stare at you dumbly “do you know how is felt to spend everyday of the last week wondering if I read everything wrong? Wondering why you suddenly hate me?” The words leave your mouth and somehow Adrian’s face grows even sadder, he too finds ground on his knees “do you know that Adrian?” you question once again and Before you can even react he grabs you by the shoulders and is quickly pulling you forward. Your body hits his with enough force for a small ‘oof’ to leave you.

You begin to fight against his grip trying to escape the hug. You don’t want to escape though you want to stay there forever grip onto him so tight that you are sure he can never disappear again. But you brain is screaming at you still. “Stop-“ he says, you shake your head and continue to squirm in his grip. He pulls back and brings his hands to your face “y/n please just stop!” finally you stop and look up at him “you didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t read anything wrong and I sure as fuck don’t hate you” you frown at him, you don’t even have to ask it’s as if he can hear the ‘why?’ Bouncing around in your head.

“I had to leave, I had no choice. people were in danger. YOU would have been in danger” you look at him confused, how could you have possibly been in danger? You go to shake your head and move away again but he is quick to grab your focus once more “you aren’t going to believe me but it’s the truth” he begins and takes a deep breath “me and some buddies had to go on a mission. A very important mission that I got myself wrapped up in” you scoff “this isn’t funny-“ you begin trying to turn away from him but he cuts you off. He stands quickly and grabs your hand dragging you to a standing position along side him.

He drags you away from your car and over to his. Hands digging through his pockets until he finally finds his Keys. He finds the right one and stops in front of his trunk. He slides the Key in and twists. The trunk opens just slightly with a pop, he takes a deep breath and pulls it open all the way. Your eyes widen as you stare down into the trunk. A dark helmet with a red visor stares back at you, under it sits the rest of the dirt and blood stained uniform. Next to it sits a locked case. He doesn’t open it but you know what’s in it, after all you did spend many nights watching his favorite superhero movies.

You reach in and pick up the mask. You’ve seen it before. Never in person only is photos sent around by the police or news, but you know what it is, you look at Adrian confused “you-?” He nods and takes the mask from your hands and puts it back in the trunk, in fear someone else may see it. “My best friend, peacemaker, he got into some weird alien stuff and now I’m stuck in with this group” it feels unbelievable and you open your mouth to question him. Aliens? THE peacemaker? He’s messing with you your brain shouts at you. He is quick to fish out his phone before you can even say a word.

He clicks through and opens his camera roll. He begins to swipe through. You see the blur of photos as he swipes and you swear one of them is him posed with an eagle. He stops on a photo, It’s a small group and it looks like they are in a van. Everyone looks tired, there is blood and dirt and they look at the camera in annoyance. One of them is fucking peacemaker himself. Your eyes trail down to Adrian His face is barely showing in the corner of the screen, it’s really just his left eye and up but you know it’s him. You’d recognize his green eyes anywhere. “I had to come back to work because they would have fired me if I didn’t. But I was going to show up to your house anyways if I didn’t see you today”

“Adrian I-“ you look up at him “I swear I didn’t mean for this all to happen. I usually stay near by” you shake your head “but one moment I was helping them take out a family of butterflies and the next I was in a basement having my junk electrocuted. You wince at the thought. you look back at his still open trunk before he shuts it and locks it once more “you aren’t supposed to tell me all this are you?” He shakes his head and smiles “nope” you frown “what if I like reported you to the police?” This draws a laugh from him “well I’d be gone before you told them and also I know you won’t” he smiles and you choke up a bit seeing it

“I- ade I’m sorry” you start hands clamped into fists at your sides “I should have let you explain yourself I shouldn’t have-“ you are cut off by Adrian. His mouth crashes into yours, if it was anyone else the kiss would be horrible. It’s messily placed and your teeth clack together. However it’s Adrian, the same Adrian you have been wanting to kiss for almost months now. The Adrian you thought you’d never get to kiss. You are quick to kiss back. It’s intense and desperate and lasts for a long moment before he pulls away.

“You have nothing to apologize for. I wanted to tell you, I wanted to respond to every text but I couldn’t. There is always something happening-“ he looks to the side ashamed “I kept thinking about what would happen if someone wanted to hurt you because of me. What if I couldn’t protect you” his voice shakes as he says this and your hand finds his cheek, his head falls into your touch “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself”

Your heart aches, You missed Adrian so much, you felt like you were drowning you missed him so much. “You don’t have to want to be with me anymore. it’s dangerous. IM dangerous. You don’t need to be wrapped up in that, especially not for someone like me” you shake your head and lean up, lips pressing to his. “I’m not leaving” you say against his lips before pulling back, a smile makes its way onto your face and Adrian can’t help but lean down to kiss you once more. He has been waiting to see your smile for a week. You break the kiss and laugh “Especially if that means I get a sick vigilante boyfriend, just promise you’ll tell me the next time you have to go”

Adrian smiles and nods enthusiastically as he pulls you in for another kiss. You can feel Adrian smile against your lips before he pulls back with a short chuckle. You tilt your head and raise a brow at him, “so…I’m your sick vigilante boyfriend now?” You roll your eyes and turn away from him to hide your smile “actually now that I think about it where is the police station?” You tease

He pays you no mind and kisses you again. Yeah, maybe not everyone in Gotham is trustworthy. Maybe this will end in tears and heartbreak but still, you’ll never know if It doesn’t if you don’t at least try.

That’s it!! I hope you enjoyed and if you didn’t keep that to yourself😾

[sandy-the-glader]

Hi!! If it’s okay, can I please request an Adrian Chase x soft and innocent!fem!reader where they are coworkers at Fennel Fields, him being a busboy, and she is a waitress. The two of them have feelings for each other, Adrian just trying to get the confidence to ask her out. A group of guys come in every week are super loud, rude, and also make Y/n (who is taking their order) very uncomfortable, and when Y/n turns down their advances, they say some very mean things and make her cry. Adrian is absolutely FUMING, literally having to hold himself back from going at them right then and there, instead following her to the kitchen try to calm her down (in his own Adrian way), promising to “take care of it” . She 100% thinks he means kicking them out, but the group of men get a “visit” from Vigilante… the group “disappears” without a trace “, never to bother Y/n again.

Adrian softly kissing a very relieved Y/n when the men don’t return to the restaurant, she doesn’t know about Adrian’s Vigilante side nor does she know the fate of the group of men, but Adrian takes it as a compliment nonetheless

The Protector

Character: Adrian Chase x InnocentFem!Reader

Type: Fluff/Comfort, Angst

Length: 2.7k words

Summary: Request above!

Trope: Best friends to lovers, Co-workers to lovers

A/N: I have not done anything for Adrian in a while and I love him so much aaaaaaa! I bent the request ever so slightly. Also, let me know if I should make a part two of this but it’s Adrian’s POV 😉

"God that group is back." I hissed. "How do they always manage to get seated in my section?" Me and Adrian eyed them from the kitchen.

"I don't know but they never tip well either. I think all the tattoo ink got into their brains or something." Adrian glared at the noisy group. I smiled at his joke. He always lightened the mood and I was forever thankful for that.

"God it's twenty minutes until closing why do they always come in here late?" I grumbled folding my arms.

The group was dreadful and I have no idea how they haven't gotten in any section but mine yet. They've been showing up the past 3 weeks on Saturday nights and past close. Me and Adrian had plans ruined because of those guys. I've been working here for 1 year and a half (Adrian for longer) and I've never had a worse group of customers.

Usually, the worst is an old lady who asks for the manager when the food isn't exactly to her liking. Or a group of teenage boys who don't buy anything they just sit there and be as loud as possible.

Sometimes me and Adrian went to see movies together on Fridays or had plans with friends and I loved it. That's what made me look forward to the end of the week but with this lousy group of 40-year-old biker guys trashing the tables and leaving sometimes a zero-dollar tip was starting to have the opposite effect on me.

"You know I can take the table for you. I know they're pretty shitty guys." He looked at me and I shook my head softly. His green eyes dazzling in the heat lamps made me almost take back rejecting the offer. When he looked at me the way he did it made my heart flutter. They were so careful and easy.

"You take over my shifts all the time Adrian. The least I can do is deal with one unpleasant table. I can do it." I looked back at him with determination. Besides he was only a busboy, not a waiter though I'm sure he could do the job just fine.

It was true though. Every time I was sick he took over no questions asked. Sometimes he even encouraged me to call out sick when all I had was a cough. He was my best friend after all but he always went above and beyond with the way he treated me.

Sure my other co-workers were nice like Taylor treated me nicely but never as nice as Adrian. From the get-go, he was kind to me always guiding me to where things were or making small talk with me to help get me though my shifts. He was never afraid to give me a hand in anything I needed.

He looked very unsure of my decision but he didn't protest as I left to deal with said table. Though I could still feel his eyes glued to my back. I pushed open the door and

I strode over there with a sudden burst of confidence. I could do it. Then when It's all over me and Adrian can go back to his apartment and watch movies all night like usual.

As soon as I reached the table that confidence slowly started to melt away.

They were a group of 5, all big-looking, and they were like I said a biker gang. Sometimes I hate my job.

"Hello I'm Y/n I'll be your server today can I get you any drinks to start with?" My hands trembled as they gripped the sides of my apron. Whistles filled the air as the men's eyes wandered across my body. Some even leaned over to get better looks at me.

"Looking good honey!" I laughed nervously trying to be as polite as I could to them.

I felt so incredibly uncomfortable. I felt my cheeks getting hot. I was even embarrassed to be close to them. I cleared my throat trying to get them to reply to the simple task at hand.

"Waters for all of us." What I was sure the group leader spoke out. "Please, baby." He added. His group let out an array of deep chuckles. I felt sweat start to appear on my skin. I smiled and walked off in the back. As soon as my backs were to them my smile vanished off my face.

Oh god, it's barely been 5 minutes with them and I already want to leave. Once I got back there Adrian was still standing in the same spot looking at me with a pleading look.

"Don't look at me with those eyes." Those pleading begging green eyes.

"You can still take my offer you know." He pressed his lips together. "Because you look like you need that help. It's not like a bad look or anything but you look kind of helpless. In a good way." Adrian rambled. I've known him for so long I could decipher any message he gave me.

"It's fine I can handle it," I said firmly. I wasn't going to let them get the better of me. Just seeing and having Adrian here made it better.

He was a complete nerd and I loved having someone like that. I loved hearing him talk about DND and all of his hobbies. Then I got to start doing it out of work too.

We even set up a DND campaign at one point. It was a little confusing at first but playing with him made me understand. The memories of us together made me way more relaxed.

I poured those glasses of water and put them all onto a tray and held it with one hand. I pushed the door open almost spilling them in the process and walked back to the table.

"There she is!" One of them shouted. I placed all of the glasses on the table without a word trying to keep my cool.

I watched some make extremely disgusting gestures. Just 20 more minutes and you can go home. Just 20 more long excruciating minutes.

"She's a beauty isn't she fellas?" The main one asked. I swallowed thickly not excited for their replies. I did not have the energy for this today.

"Oh definitely would talk her home. You single honey?" One of them eyed me.

"Uhm yes, I am I'm just not looking for anything like that right now." I lied trying to get him to understand the message.

"Nah she's lying they're always in the market." My feet wouldn't move. I felt scared. Uncomfortable. Where's Adrian? I shouldn't have taken this table. "Come give me a chance honey!" He begged. Can't this guy take a hint?

"No, thank you I'm sorry." I tried to stay as polite as possible. "What would you guys like to-" I was instantly cut off.

"It's not like her makeup hides much." They laughed. I felt ashamed to be here.

"And she could smile more. Where's our cute smile sweetie?" I couldn't smile to save my life. I would not give them what they wanted. My lips trembled.

"Nah her smile would be ugly too we can't ask for something she doesn't have." The table erupted in laughter.

"Look at her she's a doll. She could get any guy she wanted."

“Maybe she’s a slut. No wonder she's not in the market she just sleeps around!” Barked another.

I looked up to see Adrian cleaning some dishes from a couple tables in front of them.

He was looking at me because he had clearly heard that nasty remark. His eyebrows were furrowed and he looked red with anger. He was seething and I could see his hand gripping the rag he was holding tightly.

Then the dam in my eyes broke. Tears started to brim my eyes and I stormed back into the kitchen quickly. As I left I heard them start to laugh louder. I shoved open the outside door and sat on the picnic bench we had out there.

I leaned my head in my hands and let the tears spill over my cheeks. I couldn't think about anything other than their words and how humiliated I felt. I felt like screaming at them but I just couldn't. That wasn't how I was.

Who did they think they were? Coming into our restaurant and treating me like shit for what reason? Do they have nothing better to do with their life?

I heard the door swing open and I tried to cover up my sniffling but it was no use. It slammed shut and I heard quick footsteps trot over to the bench. I already knew it was Adrian so I let him sit next to me. As soon as he put his arm around me it all came rushing back out.

"Hey hey, I'm right here." He whispered softly, I wrapped my arms around his back and in that moment he was all that mattered. I just wanted to have Adrian by my side. He awkwardly patted my back.

"Thank you." I wiped my cheeks which now had mascara smeared down them. "I'm a mess," I complained to him. He didn't say anything he just kept holding me. I knew he could struggle with comforting and with words in general sometimes. "You don't have to stay here you know. I'm already in trouble for abandoning my table i don't need you getting into it too." I frowned.

"Oh no, I'm staying." I snuggled myself into his side. "They don't deserve you. They're dicks who don't know how to treat women and that feels like a crime. They had no right to insult you like that." I nodded trying to listen to his words but I still felt shitty. "And that's like so not cool." He said and finally, a small smile spread across my face. He let out a built-up sigh of relief that I was starting to feel a bit better.

"I know. It still hurts though."

"No matter what those guys say they're so wrong." I looked up at him and he was already glancing at me. "You look so beautiful without makeup. I'm not saying you look bad with makeup on I mean like the complete opposite." I started to grin at his ranting.

"Thank you A. It means a lot." He enjoyed the small nickname. He continued to rub small circles into my back relaxing me.

"But those guys will never bother you again." He said still heated by the situation. "I'll make sure of it and because I really like you okay?" He confessed. "And seeing you hurt like that hurt me." he stared at the ground.

The confession threw me off. I always stressed about him liking me but hearing those words fall from his lips felt bewitching. I pulled away from him and looked at him eye to eye.

"Oh fuck I mean!" His cheeks grew pink. "Like I like having you as a friend not like in like I've been crushing on you since I've laid eyes on you and have been dreaming about you or anything because that would be like..." I leaned closer to him and brushed my thumb against his cheek. His face was warm and soft beneath my hand. "crazy." He whispered finishing his sentence.

"Don't lie to me right now Chase." I frowned. He sighed as he realized he'd been caught.

"Okay yeah, maybe I really like you." His eyes never once left me. "And maybe I have been dreaming about you since I first saw you."

"You better not be joking with me right now. Or I will continue to cry ."

"Okay um do not cry again please I already handled the first time poorly. But I am certainly not kidding." I moved my hand from his cheek to his hand which was much larger than mine.

"You better not be because I like you too." He blinked a few times trying to determine if I was the one joking around this time. He moved a stray piece of hair out of my face and tucked it neatly behind my ear. His eyes flickered down towards my lips and back up to my eyes. Was he really about to kiss me right now?

He swiftly closed the gap between us and captured my lips in a phenomenal kiss. Maybe he wasn't all nerdy after all because damn he knew how to kiss. Sure I have barely kissed anyone my whole life but he made it feel so right. He slowly pulled back to look at my face.

"Was that okay? If it wasn't I can totally like stop. I don't mind at all." I squeezed his hand and hugged him.

"It was perfect. Thank you." For having such a shitty night he made me realize the better. Like how the stars seemed to shine just a bit brighter than before and the moon was glowing just a little more than it just had. All because of Adrian

"How about I go deal with them and I also go grab our stuff since it's about time we clock out we have a fun relaxing night tonight?" He proposed.

"I would love nothing more."

"Good. Now you wait here!"

-

Once I got inside his apartment I immediately collapsed and melted into his couch with a loud dramatic sigh. He had probably the most comfortable apartment imaginable.

"Oh shit." I heard him hiss.

"What's wrong?"

"I was supposed to drop by the store after our shift to grab some things from the store..." He trailed off looking sheepish.

"Go ahead, Adrian. I know it will be all you talk about if you don't." He nodded before muttering a quick 'thank you' and leaving.

I had a really long day in general so as much as I wanted to I did not feel like waiting up for him. I left my work bag on the couch and wandered to his room.

His bookshelf overflowed with books and tabletop games, His bed was slightly messy from the morning, and it felt like him. I dug through his dresser to find this shirt that had a cool-looking dragon and a D20 on it. I took off my apron and work shirt and threw it on. I really hope he doesn't mind.

I threw my shoes somewhere on his floor and crumbled onto his bed. God his blankets were so soft.

-

It had been an hour before Adrian finally made his way home. He took off his mask and suit and tucked it away in the hall closet once he got home. He'd deal with all the blood later.

He walked through the hall and pushed open the door to see his best friend asleep on his bed in his shirt. He couldn't be happier to come home to this. She finally looked at ease snuggled beneath his covers.

Adrian scooted himself into his bed and joined her. He placed a small gentle kiss on her forehead and spooned her.

"They won't hurt you again." He whispered before allowing himself to drift off to sleep with her in his arms.

-

I waited afraid week after week to see that group come back but they never did. Nor the week after that or the next. I soon started to get curious about what Adrian meant when he said he'd "deal with them." Did he get the manager involved? Did he really have that strong effect on them? Maybe he even beat them up. He's too soft for that right?

Anyway, I was just happy to be with the one I've crushed on for so long. It felt good. Better than anything has ever been.

Tonight we were staying in on the couch while we waited for the popcorn to finish in the microwave of his apartment. The smell drifted through the room making me even more hungry than I was before.

"I'm glad they're gone." I looked up at him. His glasses glowed from the light of his phone.

"Me too. I hate seeing you upset." I leaned on his shoulder and my eyes wandered quickly over to his phone. Just a quick peek it wouldn't mean anything. He was texting Chris who according to him was his guy best friend. I had met him a few times for drinks after work and he was a pretty alright guy. I scanned the words and...

I finally got to use the chainsaw on those guys :)

What does that mean?

[modern-vellichor]

hi! i’d love it if you could write adrian chase/vigilante x reader(fem or gn if you prefer!) where they are quite hard faced and irritable with the other members of 11th Street Kids, but with Adrian they are quite soft and show they actually care for him, laugh at his awkwardness etc. basically a different person than the way they are with the others. ty!

im so good to y'all. i have genuinely no idea when this was sent to me but I'm back baby.

masterlist // send a request

"Fuck off," you said to Peacemaker.

Waller had promised that this was your last job. And you made sure she meant it. This was nothing more than community service. You did as little as possible with these shitheads. You sat in a van with Economos during missions, you never said a word unless absolutely necessary. You avoided Murn like the plague. You never accepted Harcourt's invitations to drinks. You always rejected Peacemaker's various advances (it's not like you would say yes in any other situation.) Even Adebayo, who was the most tolerable on the squad, always found a way to get on your nerves, usually with unwanted (but not unhelpful) advice. In spite of this, there was one person who just made your heart melt.

Sweet little Vigilante. So stupid, so blind and deaf and dumb. So sweet. Sure, he was a bit dopey. He had no brain-to-mouth filter whatsoever. He was extremely violent. He was a bit creepy. But you had a soft spot for him. There was something about his puppy dog eyes, or his dumbstruck smile that turned you into a gushy, weeping, puddle. He was just plain neat.

The others noticed, of course they did. You turned into this sweet, gushing mess around the idiot. You placed gentle hands on his cheeks, you listened to his god awful rants with a soft smile, you helped him with whatever he wanted.

Adrian didn't notice, obvious. He was oblivious to your gentleness towards him. In his heart, he knew he loved you but you were so scary. You were so mean to all the other agents, even Peacemaker! Despite this he tailed after you like a lost puppy, or an imprinted duckling. And you let him. If he ever gained the nerve to reach out to caress your arm, or your hand, or if he ever reached for your knives or your guns, you didn't push him away like you would have anyone else.

Maybe one day he'd realize how soft you truly were, maybe he'd ask you out. But for now, he'd secretly admire you, even blood-soaked, battered and beaten, and pretend you were nothing more than a favoured coworker.

[frankiethedarkangel]

Peacemaker Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Cum-petition (coming soon) 🔞

Adrian Chase/Vigilante 🔞

I met Vigilante aka Freddie Stroma!!

Not Your Typical Mission

Sinister Secrets

Chris Smith/Peacemaker 🔞

Not So Friendly Visits

[jediviolet]

i feel like with the wait for Peacemaker season 2 people are forgetting all about the lovable “sociopath” Vigilante/Adrian Chase. I feel like I’ve read every Vig fic there is to read and there’s a huge slow down in new ones! I would love any recs on here or any other sites of ppl’s fav vigilante fics or ones they’ve written themselves! Also any creators taking submissions for new vig fics reply too!! tysm <3

[vigilante-chase]

Summary: Part 5 of Ever Rose Has Its Thorn. The title speaks for itself.

Pairing: Adrian Chase x Black!Rose Wilson

Word count: 2.1k

Warnings: MDNI (minors do not interact) grinding, groping, mentions of threesomes

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

5. Grinders Keepers

Adrian was nervous. He never had women over to his apartment. Usually, hookups happened at their place or, on rare occasions, at Peacemaker's. His own place wasn't messy—it just barely looked barely lived in. He was either working, patrolling as Vigilante, or sleeping. The rest of his time? Eating quick meals, hanging out with Chris, and the occasional binge of Fargo.

He trailed behind Rose as she stepped inside, her sharp gaze taking in the sparse décor: a lone gray couch, an empty coffee table, and curtainless windows. She shrugged off her wig, stuffing it into her bag before dropping the whole thing on his couch like she owned the place. Her platinum white hair free from the confines of the wig.

"I don't usually have people over," Adrian blurted. "I have a really hard time trusting people."

"Aren't I lucky?" she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she glanced around the barren apartment.

Adrian smiled, not catching on to the sarcasm. "You're honestly really lucky!" He was still baffled that Rose knew his secret. He thought he'd done a decent job hiding it. But then again, she was Rose Wilson—daughter of one of the world's deadliest assassins. Of course, she'd deduce that it was really him. "I just don't get one thing though!" he exclaimed, stepping closer. "How did you find out I'm Vigilante?!"

Rose snorted, tossing herself onto the couch. "You don't mask your voice or your mannerisms, genius. You're basically screaming 'I'm Adrian Chase!' every time you open your mouth."

Adrian blinked, momentarily stunned. "Really? I thought I did a pretty good job keeping it separate..."

She gave him a look that said, Seriously?

Rose kicked her feet up and changed the subject. "So, tell me about your time with Task Force X," she said, settling into the couch like she planned to stay awhile.

That was all the encouragement Adrian needed. His face lit up as he launched into a detailed, breathless recounting of everything he'd done over the past year. He rambled about killing alien butterflies, his vigilante missions, and his unwavering sense of justice.

"It's the best job ever," he gushed, grinning ear to ear. "Even though the pay sucks. But honestly, I don't do it for the money. I do it because killing criminals is just so... fulfilling, you know?"

Rose listened, intrigued despite herself. Most people would've found his enthusiasm for killing unsettling—sociopathic, even. But while she didn't share his zeal, she could relate to his sense of justice. For her, killing was a necessity. A job. Something that required detachment. But for Adrian? He reveled in it. It made him happy to even talk about it, as fucked up as it may seem. She kinda respected it. No hidden agendas, no double crossing or ambiguity. Just a strong sense of justice.

"And the best part is," Adrian gushed, "it's not just the big stuff either. I go after all criminals. Like jaywalkers —  I broke one guy's legs for that. Or drug dealers — I slit one's throat last week. Justice doesn't discriminate!"

"You're just an open book, huh?" Rose said, arching an eyebrow.

"I'm only like this with people I trust," Adrian said, his chest puffing out slightly. "Like my friends. Especially Peacemaker. We do everything together. Except when he was in prison. That was the most boring four years of my life, dude."

Adrian began unbuttoning his work shirt as he spoke, revealing a surprisingly chiseled physique beneath. Rose caught herself staring for a second too long.

"Nice body," she blurted out, immediately cringing at her own words.

Adrian, oblivious to the awkwardness, grinned. "Thanks! I try to work out when I can. Gotta keep my body in peak shape—it's a weapon of justice, after all."

He tossed the shirt over the back of the couch and sat beside her.

"Definitely pays off," Rose muttered, leaning back and urging herself to stop ogling. Fuck it's been a while since I've gotten laid, she thought. It was a rough few months living in Mexico, and usually She and Red Hood would have an arrangement if either of them were horny, they'd use each other. And now, looking at Adrian, as weird as he seems, she couldn't deny he was actually hot. 

Adrian nodded earnestly. "I'm not as ripped as Chris, though. He's my goal."

Rose rolled her eyes playfully. "You have a little obsession with him or something?"

He smiled like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I told you, he's my BFF!"

"Right, right. The BFF you do everything with."

Adrian's face lit up with nostalgia. "Exactly! We shoot old appliances in the woods together, patrol together, have threesomes together, and drink together."

"Wait, what?" Rose cut him off, blinking in disbelief. "Run that last one by me again?"

Adrian tilted his head. "Uh... we drink together?"

"No, before that," she said, sitting up straighter. "You and Chris have threesomes together?!"

Adrian nodded, completely unfazed. "Yeah, it's bonding with my best friend! Chris says it's totally fine as long as I don't make it weird. And I keep my mask on, none of the chicks see my face!"

Rose stared at him, her jaw dropping. "Dude, what the fuck?!"

"What?" Adrian asked, genuinely confused.

She waved her hands, trying to process. "I don't even know where to start. Like... Do you enjoy it? Duh, of course you enjoy it."

"The women usually love it too. They're into the whole 'man behind the mask' vibe that I have going on."

Rose shook her head, laughing incredulously. "That's insane."

"If it makes you feel better," Adrian added, leaning closer, "Chris thinks it'd be awesome to have a threesome with you too."

Her eyes widened. "Excuse me?!"

Adrian chuckled almost maniacally. "Have you seen yourself? Dude, you're hot as fuck! You and Chris would look so hot together."

"Adrian, I'm gonna say this again: what the fuck?! When did you two have time to discuss a potential three way with me?"

Grimacing, he admitted, "We only talked about it after we got back to HQ. Chris said you had a great ass, which, honestly, he's not wrong. And of course it would be consenting, so we're not creepy at all." he insisted.

Rose smirked despite herself. "Uh-huh."

"I-I mean," Adrian stammered, his cheeks flushing, "only if you wanted to. No pressure or anything!"

She shook her head, laughing. "Adrian, you are...something else."

He grinned, relaxing. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"I'll take a rain check on the threesome though. I'm a one-person woman," Rose told him, crossing her arms with a smirk.

Adrian blinked, trying to process her bluntness. A question had been nagging at him since they left Fennel Fields, and now seemed like the right—well, only—moment to ask it.

"Hey, uh... can I ask you something?" he said, his tone hesitant but curious.

Rose tilted her head. "Sure. What's up?"

He cleared his throat and fidgeted with his glasses. "So... that kiss back at Fennel Fields. Was that, like, a real kiss? Or were you just trying to get my coworkers to back off?"

Rose paused, stewing over her answer. She didn't want to give him the wrong idea, but honesty had always been her strong suit. And if she were being truthful, she hadn't been with anyone since leaving Gotham. 

Adrian was... different. A little dorky, sure, but endearing in a way she couldn't quite shake. His green eyes behind those glasses, that awkwardly beautiful smile, those dimples—and the fact that he had no clue how hot he was—made him all the more irresistible.

"Why?" she asked, her voice soft but teasing. "Do you want it to be real? Or would you rather forget it?"

His answer was immediate and without hesitation. "I so want it to be real! You have, like, the softest lips ever."

She couldn't help the smirk that crept onto her face as she moved to straddle his lap, her movements slow and deliberate. Adrian's eyes went wide, his mouth parting in shock as his back pressed against the couch.

"Now I've got a question," she said, leaning closer, her voice a low purr. "Have you ever had sex without your mask on?"

Adrian's face flushed red. He nodded quickly, his voice cracking. "A f-few times. Before I, uh, fully became Vigilante. I really didn't have sex 'til my penis got bigger because puberty hit me in my twenties."

Rose raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yeah," he said, looking sheepish but unable to stop himself. "Peacemaker used to call me Thimble. Anyway, I'd say I'm, like, average size now."

She bit her lip to stifle a laugh. His oblivious honesty was almost too much. She could feel him throbbing against her, and average was not the word she'd use. Maybe he didn't know how puberty worked. That was a question for another day.

"Come here," she murmured, leaning down to kiss him.

Adrian melted into her, his hands hovering awkwardly at her sides before she grabbed them and guided them to her hips. His glasses fogged up almost instantly, but he didn't care. Her lips moved against his, her teeth nipping at his bottom lip before her tongue slipped into his mouth.

What did he do to deserve a hot girl like Rose kissing and grinding on him, he breathed when she broke the kiss to trail her mouth down his neck.

Rose chuckled, grinding her hips against his in slow, deliberate circles. Adrian's head lolled back, a guttural moan escaping his lips as she picked up the pace. His whimpers only encouraged her to move faster, her own frustration driving her hips into his harder.

"Rose, please—don't stop," he begged, his voice cracking in desperation.

She paused, lifting her head to meet his wide, pleading eyes. The shit-eating grin on her face both terrified and thrilled him.

"You want me to keep going?" she asked, her voice low and sultry and slowing down her movements.

He nodded frantically, gripping her hips and dragging her hips over his. "Yes! Please!"

Her lips parted as she started moving again, his hands roaming over her hips and ass with more confidence now. Rose leaned back just enough to pull her sweater over her head, revealing bare tits and perfect curves. Adrian froze, staring up at her like she was some goddess descended from the heavens.

"Can I... touch you?" he asked, his voice soft and awestruck.

She grabbed his hands and guided them to her chest. "Go ahead."

Adrian's hands trembled as they cupped her tits, his thumbs brushing over her nipples. The sensation pulled a moan from her lips, and she leaned down to kiss him again, her tongue exploring his mouth while his hands kneaded her skin.

He was close—so close. His breath hitched, hands gripping her tighter "Jesus, Rosie, keep going!" he whined, his voice a mix of desperation and bliss as his body tensed and jerked. His cum spurting inside his black work pants.

She froze, pulling back with a raised eyebrow as they both came down. "Did you just call me 'Rosie'?" she panted.

Adrian's face turned beet red. "I—uh—sorry! I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine," she said, a grin tugging at her lips. "I kinda like it."

Relief washed over him, and he let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

"This was... oddly fun," she said, climbing off him and reaching for her shirt. "Sorry, I jumped you though, I was really horny."

Adrian's eyes lit up. "So, like, we can do this again?"

She laughed, slipping her shirt back on. "Yeah. Definitely."

"Can we actually, you know...fuck next time?" he asked, his voice hopeful and a little shy.

Rose smirked. "Sure."

Adrian's face split into a grin so wide. Peacemaker was never going to believe this.

When they were both dressed again, Adrian drove her back to her hotel. As they pulled up, Rose held out her hand.

"Your phone," she said.

"Uh, why?"

"So I can put my number in it, duh."

Adrian handed it over, grinning like an idiot as she typed her number into his contacts.

"Text me when you're free," she said, leaning over to kiss his cheek before slipping out of the car.

Adrian watched her walk into her hotel room, his heart racing. As soon as she was out of sight, he pumped his fist in the air.

"Fuck yeah! Best. Day. Ever."

[she-wolf09231982]

Vigilante/ Adrian Chase

Vigilante/Adrian Chase & Female Agent

[gothgleek]

Adrian Chase Nsfw Alphabet

TW: mentions of canon torture (nothing explicit or of a sexual nature though), blood, and knife play.

Disclaimer: I do not own Peacemaker or DC Comics or the images used in any form.

Comments, reblogs, and likes are always appreciated 🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

This boy is touch starved so no matter how long the two of you were going at it, Adrian will wrap around you like an octopus and kiss your neck.

Unfortunately, Adrian is also cringe. He will give you a high five and thank you for letting him ‘smash that ass!’ Every. Single. Time.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Adrian spent a lot of time crafting his body into the killing machine that it is so he loves his entire body (except his missing toes) but his most favorite would probably be his ass. He likes the way you react when you see it. But before you, it was his abs.

His favorite part of you is your ass as well. He’s an ass man.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

He likes cumming on your ass but if you beg him enough he’ll cum inside you too. If you wear glasses, he likes covering it with cum as well.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He likes eating ass (but that’s hardly a secret).

He also fantasizes about fucking you while he’s on patrol but that’s unfortunately illegal so he only enjoys it in theory rather than practice. (Unfortunately, he takes vigilantism very seriously.)

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Not a ton of experience. Honestly, he’s only had threesomes with Chris and whoever is into Chris. He tends to be ignored but he was happy to watch. “Less chances of getting my mask removed!” It takes him a minute to realize you only want him and a little longer how to have sex with only one other person.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Anything involving picking you up. He likes to show off how strong he is for you. He gives you a whole goofy smile and everything. Alternatively, any position where he can grab, smack, or watch his cock go in and out of your ass.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Pre- relationship, he was adamant that the mask stays ON during sex. Post relationship he was serious about learning how to please you. Other than that, the two of you are bound to burst into giggles at least twice while fucking.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

He is waxed because his suit is best without hair getting caught. But if you preferred he grew it out for a vacation away from vigilantism, his public hair is a dirty blonde and his chest hair is a light brown.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

He is hardly a natural romantic and the advice he gets from Chris has… mixed results to say the least. His attempts at romance are cheap and cheesy at the least (flower petals in the shape of a heart, a box of dollar store chocolate, some leftover pie from the diner, etc.) But he does make you feel looked at and cared for during sex.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Doesn’t really get horny, maybe a few times a month, since he is pretty busy. Of course, upon meeting you he is willing to

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

He’s into roleplay, especially the kinds where he can rescue you.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

He’s pretty vanilla in this aspect as he likes to fuck inside his place. But he does enjoy picking you up and taking you from room to room.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

He likes making you laugh at his dirty jokes and pickup lines. He always likes you covered in lingerie and blood and hopes to see you in both one day. Outside of you, if he kills someone in a really cool way, he will run home and start eating you out without even taking his uniform off.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

The funniest answer is that I think that Adrian has all the federal and state laws memorized so he will not do anything illegal- even the ridiculously outdated laws. Like, if you happen to be in one of the states that forbids extramarital sex like Utah or Idaho, he will not have sex with you until you cross that border.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

He’s a giver 1000% but he also enjoys getting a blowjob while you have someone else (aka Chris) or a toy in your ass and watching you give someone/a toy a blowjob while he fucks you.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

He’s used to doing it hard and fast but he does dedicate a lot of time to foreplay.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Quickies with the two of you were born out of necessity since you’re traveling together. Even when you settle down for long periods of time, he will have a quickie in the motel room if you ask. But in those moments, he would prefer to take his time with you.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

I think he would be into knife play and maybe wax play but that’s as far as he will go. Someone brought up the idea of using a cattle prod and he was curious but right now he associates extreme bdsm with losing his toes and nothing is as much of a boner killer as that.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

By virtue of his threesome exclusive past, he is used to going multiple rounds. His recovery period depends on how much exercise he’s gotten that day but he will use toys or something to keep you ready for him.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

He appreciates toys and will use them on his partner. He’s especially found of DP-ing you with a teal dildo you bought together. Sometimes, if he’s feel cruel, he’ll tie you up and leave a vibrator on your clit.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

He’s a pretty impatient guy who values the power of a quickie but he knows sometimes teasing is better than the actual sex.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

He’s not loud but he is super chatty and will talk you through it.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

He would like to have sex with you on a boat with flames on it while dolphins swim around you two. Ideally, you would also be a mermaid in this scenario.

He also had Chris make him a sex playlist… depending on your taste in music, it’s very cute or incredibly cringey.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Solid muscle with a v line and no body hair and an ass like a baseball player. He likes to say he’s as smooth as a dolphin.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Pretty low. You usually are the one to initiate things. Non-sexually though, he is pretty clingy and wants to be with you all the time.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

He falls asleep pretty quickly, he likes to keep his days and nights busy after all!

[multifandomfanficss]

You Really Gotta Get Better At Lying

Adrian Chase/Vigilante x Reader

Featuring platonic!Peacemaker, Goff, and the rest of the 11th Street Kids

Adrian Chase Masterlist

Prompt: You’re a civilian with a superhero boyfriend. It was working out pretty well for you both until one day when you’re hanging out in his best friend’s trailer and you get stuck in the crossfire. This is based on episode 6.

Warnings: Mentions of guns, Cannon compliment jokes, language, and violence, joking references to m-preg and daddy kinks (this is Adrian and Chris we’re talking about and it’s based on the butterfly interrogation scene lol), Angst with a happy ending

A/N: Hey Guys! Cannot believe this is my first full fic I’ve been able to finish since last August…11 months! This year has been pretty nuts for me, but I miss my man :)))) ❤️🧜‍♂️❤️ (Also the part in italics is a flashback if that’s not clear.)

“Come in Adrian!” You heard a voice coming from the trailer as your boyfriend knocked.

“How did you know it was me?” Adrian asked.

“You knock in a very annoying way. Hi, (Y/N).” Chris said as you walked into his place.

“I’m sorry.” You placed a hand on Adrian’s shoulder.

“Well I think it it’s cute.” You smiled at him. He smiled down at you, breaking into an infectious smile. Your own smile only grew. “Hi, Chris.” You said turning to look at Peacemaker. Today was your day off and Adrian wanted to get wasted at the trailer. Despite not always getting along, you were pretty good friends with Chris so you loved going to his place with Adrian to hang out. When you got there he was in his super suit. This was no surprise to you. Adrian had brought his as well. Usually a day at Chris’ meant at least an hour would be spent doing target practice or what you liked to call watching your two favorite idiots fuck around.

You had learned about Vigilante not too long into dating Adrian. It wasn’t hard to figure out. You loved him, but he was an awful liar. One slip up lead to another and suddenly it was 3am and Vigilante was knocking on your door. You’d had a nightmare and called Adrian because you knew he was a night owl. You woke up hyperventilating and sweating, too scared to go back to sleep. You just wanted to hear his voice, but you weren’t gonna complain when he said he couldn’t sleep either and was on a late night walk by your apartment. You didn’t question how weird that sounded, you just wanted to be with him so you said he could come over. What you didn’t know was that he was actually on patrol on your side of town. He meant to change, before reaching your door, but somehow he was in such a hurry to get to you he just forgot. He didn’t realize when you screamed upon opening the door, already shaken up from your nightmare and now confused as to why the news’ least favorite costumed crime fighter was at your apartment. He screamed back at you.

“What are you screaming about?!” Vigilante asked.

“What am I screaming about?! What are you screaming about?!”

“Okay! Stop screaming! I am really confused right now!”

The more you thought about it the more you realized you knew that voice.

“…Adrian…”

“Of course it’s me! I know it’s late and it’s dark, but is it that hard to recognize me? I think you might need to check your eyes again, Bug-a-boo.”

One of those silly nicknames you loved. It was Adrian.

“…mask…”

You saw his eyes go wide behind the tinted red visor. His gloved hands went up to touch his face. He’d forgotten.

“Oh shit…” He said under his breath. “I- I don’t know who Adrian is…who’s that? I’m sorry I scared you, innocent civilian. I was just out doing my patrol duties and I-“

“Adrian…” You started to tear up.

“I told you I’m not Adrian. I’m Vigilante. Common mistake. Both names sound like super similar actually-“

“Adrian…” You cut him off again, bursting into tears, hugging him. He sighs.

“You’re okay, (Y/N). I’m here. Everything’s okay.”

You stared at a jar on Chris’ table. It had some sort of bug in it. It was a species you’d never seen before.

“What’s that?” You asked.

“You kept Goff?” Adrian questioned.

“Is that like the name of the bug or did you guys name it?” You keep staring, confused. It almost seems to stare back at you.

“That’s his name. We found him in a shitty politician.” Adrian answered. In him…? You didn’t want to know so you decided not to press as the boys continued to argue about keeping Goff as a dangerous pet.

“Why is he dangerous? Is he invasive?” You questioned.

“You could say that!” Adrian joked.

“Where is it from?”

“I don’t know, but I don’t think they came from our solar system. I feel like NASA would have figured that out by now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were fucking lying to us.” Chris said on the verge of telling another conspiracy theory.

“What…?” You finally broke your gaze from Goff.

“Don’t even fucking get me started on the moon landing and-“

“No, I mean this- this is an alien?” You cut off Chris. You turn to Adrian. “You’re fighting aliens?!”

“Yeah! How cool is that?!” His face lit up.

“So fucking cool!” You started nerding out with your boyfriend until your attention was drawn to Goff who was drawing a peace sign on the jar in some sort of weird goo. The three of you, after taking about a minute to freak out, sat on the couch to investigate. You sat in between Chris and Adrian. You were hoping this would keep them from arguing, but it did nothing of the sort. Before you knew it your head was resting on the back of the couch as the two guys argued above you. “Will you guys just kiss and make up already?! Jesus! Get a room! Chris you gotta have more patients and at least try to see his point of view. Adrian, baby, we have to ask yes or no questions because Goff can’t speak to us verbally and we don’t have an alphabet for him to spell things out with.”

“What if we got like an ouija board and just let him move the little triangle thing around?” Adrian wondered.

“I think that’s a great idea, but we don’t have one right now, so just while we’re limited on time we gotta keep it to yes or no questions, alright? Think of it like that pendulum thing I showed you. It can only swing so many ways like how Goff can only tap so many times.” Adrian finally seemed to understand. One of your favorite things to do together was info dump about your interests. Not too long ago you’d had a really big hyperfixation on ghosts, which is probably where he’d gotten the idea for the ouija board in the first place. It wasn’t that he was stupid, he was often just running a marathon in his head to find different solutions to the problems everyone else had already given up on. While he was trying to figure out a solution, everybody thought he was an idiot for even trying. That was one of the many reasons you and Adrian worked so well together. You both understood how the other person’s brain worked.

“Okay. Goff, are you here to put babies in us like in alien?”

Two taps: No.

Adrian sighs.

“Dude, you’re upset about that?” Chris asks.

“Well how else am I gonna experience motherhood?” Your boyfriend asked sadly. You rested your hand on his knee.

“I’m sorry, baby. But you know what? Maybe one day you can be a really incredible dad to our kids.” You blushed.

“You think I’d be an incredible dad?” He asked in awe.

“I think you’d be the most incredible dad.” You kiss him as Chris gags.

“Now it’s my turn to say get a room and not one in my trailer. I don’t want you guys fucking roleplaying your daddy m-preg shit in my bathroom.” Chris rolled his eyes.

“Oh my god that is not what I meant! Please can we just get back to the alien bug sitting on your coffee table?!” You exclaimed.

One tap: Yes.

“See! Even Goff agrees you’re being ridiculous!” You tell him.

“I am not!” Chris started to argue like a toddler.

Two taps: No.

“You’re acting like a toddler.”

One tap: Yes.

“Woah! It’s like Goff’s on (Y/N)’s side.” You smiled at Adrian’s amusement.

One Tap: Yes.

“You are not helping me here.” Chris whispered in a harsh tone to the jar.

One Tap: Yes.

You laughed. “Goff, do you wanna be friends?”

One Tap: Yes.

As you and Adrian continued to argue with Chris, much to Goff’s amusement, Adrian’s phone started to ring.

“Who is this…Vigilante? I- I don’t know that person. That’s um- is that even a name? I’m- sounds Italian and I’m- I’m- I’m American, so I can’t even-“ Chris ripped the phone from his hand and you gave him a sympathetic look.

“Babe, you really gotta get better at lying.”

“I’m great at lying!” You gave him a smile.

“Okay, honey.”

“I am!”

“A month after we started dating you showed up at my door fully suited up, completely forgetting to change after patrol.”

“That’s because I wanted to. It was my way of telling you.” He was obviously lying again

“Okay, honey.” You smiled as Chris shushed you. He was panicked, far more panicked than usual.

“What’s happening?” You questioned, starting to get nervous.

“The entire police force of Evergreen is outside right now. This place is fucking crawling with cops.” Chris whispered, opening his sunroof.

“Are we gonna fucking crawl up there?!” You whisper yelled, trying to keep your voice down. You were a civilian and despite hanging around superheroes you had never been in on the action yourself.

Adrian grabbed your hand. “It’s gonna be okay.” He tried to give you reassurance, despite not quite knowing what they were up against. “I need you to promise me you’ll stick by me, okay?” You stared at the roof in fear. “(Y/N), I need you to promise me.” Adrian looked at you desperately searching for an agreement.

“O-okay” You stuttered, your mind barley able to process what was happening. Chris climbs through helping pull you up as Adrian lifts you through the hole. You were so scared you didn’t even really notice Adrian had Goff tied to him with duct tape. Chris started climbing in a nearby tree. Adrian pushed you towards it. You shook your head at him, giving him a face that said ‘There is no way in hell I’m doing this’.

“I’m not gonna let you fall.” He promised. So much for that. Not long into climbing Adrian himself fell out of the tree. Usually you would find his clumsiness cute, but now was not the time. Chris put his free hand over your mouth to stop you from screaming.

“Oh fuck…I’m okay…” He said, a little out of it, just having at the wind knocked out of him. Of fuck. Goff. This is when you fully process the glass jar taped to Adrian’s back…the broken glass jar. Chris quickly helps you get down. You run to Adrian.

“Are you okay?!”

“I’m okay, I promise.” Adrian reassures you.

“DON’T MOVE!” The police detective yelled, pointing her gun at you. Adrian rested one hand on his hip, close to his knife and the other on your back so he could push you underneath him in a second if bullets started flying. You were terrified. You didn’t even notice Goff flying towards the woman until he started to fly into her mouth. Now you knew what Adrian meant by in the senator. Blood started pouring out of her mouth.

“What the fuck?!” You yelled in shock as Chris and Adrian started pulling you up from the ground. Everything was happening too fast. Suddenly you were running through the woods. Bullets were flying. Knives were being thrown.

“At worst, he’s paralyzed!” Adrian’s voice barley broke through to your clouded mind. You could see a clearing up ahead. Just get to the clearing. You can do it. Just get to the clearing. You saw Chris stop in front of you. He had a gun pointed directly at him. Then another. You and Adrian stop behind Chris. You’re surrounded. Adrian keeps you close. Then one of them falls to the ground. You grab onto Adrian’s back, not wanting to limit the movement of his arms. He reaches behind himself to put a hand on you. You turned to see another policeman had shot the guy who was pointing a gun at you.

“What the fuck?!” You yelled, trying to keep your panic down.

“Do you wanna ask stupid questions or do you wanna live?” He asked you as you hid behind Adrian again.

Chris and Adrian pulled you away from the scene as the man shot the defenseless low level cops on the ground. He mocked their cries as he shot them. Chris and Adrian brought you to a car the man had told you about. A getaway car that was waiting for you just down the road at the edge of the woods. Adrian shoved you into the car. You sat in the back seat with him as he continued to argue with Chris, even throwing his phone out the window at one point. He kept an arm around your shaking body. Eagly was squawking in the passenger seat. It was all too much.

“SHUT UP! BOTH OF YOU PLEASE.” You started to cry. “I LOVE YOU BOTH, BUT PLEASE! FUCK!”

Adrian placed a kiss to your forehead gently starting to rub your arm. “I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s not you. Usually I wouldn’t care, but what the fuck is happening?! Is the detective fucking dead?! Like is that what they do?! Just like fucking drill into your skull through your mouth and play Ratatouille?!”

“They can go through your butt too…” Adrian said quietly.

“Oh great! So glad! That must be so much more pleasant!” Adrian went to open his mouth, but you knew what he was gonna say. “Yes, I’m being sarcastic!”

“Okay. Thank you for specifying. Let’s just breathe. Can you do that? Can you breathe with me?” Adrian asks, starting to exaggerate his breathing for you to follow. He knew you were starting to get worked up. You always got upset when you were confused, but this was an entirely new level with an added sense of extreme terror and danger. You try to follow his breathing. “In and out. Good job.”

“Forget about the aliens I wanna know what the fuck was up with that one cop!” Chris questions from the driver’s seat, now done using Adrian’s phone to call headquarters.

“You mean you didn’t fucking know that guy?!” You question.

“No! Why would I just know a crazy fucker at the police station?!” Chris yells.

“I don’t know! Maybe the fact that he gave you a car?! You know some pretty weird fucking people! I’ve never met King Shark!” You scream, letting out a sigh, leaning further into Adrian’s touch as he kisses your forehead again, still trying to calm you.

The rest of your short drive to headquarters was mostly spent in silence. You had never been there, but you knew where it was. You were the only person Adrian told everything to. You walked into headquarters quickly, not wanting to be seen stashing the getaway car.

“What the fuck just happened?!” Chris yelled bursting into headaquarters.

“Who’s the civilian? I don’t think I have to remind you of the privacy of this mission.” A man who seemed to be in charge asked as you tried to make yourself small feeling scared and embarrassed. You think you remember Adrian saying his name was Murn.

“They’re my partner.” Adrian told the team.

“You have a partner?” The man who was absolutely John Economos asked. He was even taller than you imagined.

“I told you I had a partner. You knew about them.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t think they were real.” John laughed at his own joke.

“Um…hi. Sorry. Very real partner over here, what the fuck is happening?!” You interrupted. They all exchanged a series of looks you couldn’t read before one of them spoke up.

“Hi my name’s Leota. Why don’t we go talk in the other room for a bit?” You didn’t answer her, you just squeezed Adrian’s hand, not wanting to be separated from him.

“It’s okay. You can go. I’ll just be a few minutes. I promise you can trust her. Eagly does!” Adrian smiled at you.

“I guess he’s pretty good judge of character.” You joked, giving Adrian a smile.

“It’s okay. We’re safe here. Here, take this.” He reached for the back of his chair and grabbed a sweater he’d accidentally left there. He wrapped it around you. He knew how much you loved to wear his clothes. You were happy to be surrounded by his smell. You sighed, calming a little bit. “I won’t be long and I’m not gonna leave the building. I promise.” You nodded, reluctantly following Leota.

“Harcourt you handle this. Peacemaker, Economos in my office now.” You heard as you walked up the stairs. As Leota was answering some of your questions Harcourt and Adrian were downstairs having a very difficult conversation.

“You don’t look so happy. I thought you loved violence. I thought you said it was awesome.” Harcourt started, her voice thick with sarcasm. Adrian missed it yet again.

“Not when they’re involved.”

“Well maybe you shouldn’t have involved them then.”

“I didn’t mean to! I’m not normal. I know and usually I don’t care, but they are the only thing in my life that makes me feel normal- the only part of my life that feels normal. Even…even when I’m just Adrian Chase, the busboy at fennel fields, everybody acts like I’m a fucking freak or some big burden. But not them. They let me be myself. They like me! They’re separate from all of this. I should be allowed to have this one thing.”

Harcourt’s face softened. “You should be and I’m sorry…but that’s not how this life works. I know you want to keep them safe. It’s only gonna get more dangerous from here. You know what you have to do, right?”

“I’m not doing it.”

“Look…” Harcourt paused taking a deep breath. “Adrian…I’m sorry. Doing what we do- it isn’t easy.” She used his real name. He thinks this might even been the first time she’s really called him anything other than Vigilante, psycho, or dumb shit.

While they were talking downstairs you were upstairs asking all sorts of questions to Leota about the butterflies. She was answering as much as she could until Adrian knocked on the door. “Can I have a minute alone with (Y/N)?” He asked.

“Of course. Let me know if either of you need anything.” She smiled at you on the way out.

“She’s nice. I’m sorry I freaked out earlier. I think I finally have a handle on everything now.” You smiled at him, but he wasn’t looking at you. His eyes were glued to the ground. “Ade, what’s wrong?” You asked.

“I’m breaking up with you…”

“Yeah haha very funny. Now, what actually happened downstairs?” He stayed silent. “You’re serious? Adrian, you’re not breaking up with me.”

“Yeah I am actually.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want to date you anymore.”

“That’s not true. You’re an awful fucking liar, so look at me and tell me why you’re breaking up with me.”

“I already told you why.” He was starting to get choked up.

“Adrian, I love you.”

“I love you too-“

“Then don’t break up with me!” You cut him off.

“I have to!”

“Why?!”

“I need to keep you safe!” He raised his voice at you. He’d never raised his voice at you like that before. You started crying.

“Why don’t I get a choice?! What about what I want?! Shouldn’t it be my choice?! Adrian, I don’t give a fuck if it’s dangerous! Before I met you my life was awful! I was a freak! You are the only person who makes me feel like I can be my fucking self! You are the only person I don’t feel like a fucking inconvince around! The only one who understands me! Why can’t we just have this one fucking thing?!” You yelled.

He laughs through the few tears that had just started falling down his cheeks. “That’s what I said.” He sighs, sitting on the couch, wrapping you in his arms. “I’m sorry.“

“Please don’t leave me. You’re my entire world.”

“I may be your world, but you’re my sun, I live for you- because of you. There would be nothing without you. Nothing.” He kisses you on the forehead.

“So, don’t break up with me.” You were pleading quietly through your tears at this point.

“I’m sorry. I don’t wanna say I was eavesdropping, but I was totally eavesdropping. If you’re worried about them being safe I think I can help.” Leota entered the doorway again.

“How?” Adrian asked.

“Well, I have my wife set up in a safe house right now while things are a little extra sticky. Sometimes things get lonely. I bet she’d love a new roommate.”

“Adebayo, are you serious right now?”

“Very serious, Adrian.” She smiled.

“Oh my god I could kiss you.”

She laughs at his comment. “Don’t kiss me. I’m married. Go kiss your partner who you’re not breaking up with and don’t tell Harcourt about this.”

“I won’t.” He smiles.

“Okay, now I think you should really take her advice and kiss me.” You smile up at him, kissing him.

“Okay, lovebirds. I’m gonna go distract buzzkill 1 and buzzkill 2 downstairs. I’ll let you know if you’re needed.” She smiles, leaving you to alone.

“I can’t believe you almost broke up with me.”

“Yeah that would have been stupid.”

“Really stupid.” You added, both laughing. “I love you more than anything.”

“I love you too more than anything.” He said. You both smiled, kissing. You snuggled deeper into him and started a discussion about the logistics of how you would navigate this new adventure.

[starsofmilos]

I Know You (Adrian Chase x reader)

Request: Ooo can I please request an protective!Adrian Chase x fem!civilian/innocent reader where she’s Adrian’s girlfriend and she’s super soft and Adrian is LITERALLY head over heels for her. But she doesn’t know about him being Vigilante (I’m sure he’d be scared about her reaction).  She only finds out when he saves her life when she’s walking home, Y/n clearly hearing that it’s his voice behind the mask, but Adrian ‘attempting’ a fake voice  lol, but she knows it’s him shsh (anyways, I’m sure Y/n would be terrified but also clinging to Adrian and shaking). Lots of cuddles and kisses following🥺 Adrian being extremely protective🥺💜

AHH SO CUTE!! I’m excited.

Masterlist

Warnings: small amount of angst, violence, mentions of sex. cursing, possessive Adrian, fluff, mentions of assault, robbery

Adrian Chase had never been in love.

He was a rough person who lived a dangerous life. There was no room for someone in his life. 

He didn’t wanna drag some random innocent civilian into his complicated life. It was good most girls saw him as complete weirdo. 

The girls he picked up as Vigilante too where all quick flings so he never had to worry about committing to one person. 

Adrian had told himself he wouldn’t get committed to someone nor would he ever date someone. 

It wasn’t until a soft warm beautiful person quite literally bumped into him. That was at least how he described you.

He quite literally became attached to you. You were his and he was yours.

Adrian was wrapped around your finger and you had no idea. 

“AHHH!”

Adrian eye’s popped open hearing your yell. He was up within seconds grabbing his pocketknife. 

Only to find you on top of the kitchen counter pointing at a small spider that was currently crawling away on the floor. He sighed putting the knife away in his back pocket.

“Adrian! Help! Please!!” Adrian bit back a laugh seeing your eyes grow watery. 

“Man you had me fucking scared. I thought someone was breaking in!”

“I mean technically something did break in! Just please get it!” You whined. Adrian nodded grabbing a napkin to carefully grab it. 

He threw it outside walking back in to see you still shaking a bit on the counter. Adrian smiled approaching you. You clutched onto him the second he got close to you. 

“Sorry..Didn’t mean to scare you. Thank you for saving me..”

Adrian chuckled a bit hugging you back. “Aww I’ll always come to save you. You should know that by now.” 

“That’s a relief. I’m sorry again..”

“It’s okay. I know my girl is sensitive.” Adrian kissed you softly. You hummed against his lips.

“Is this my reward?” You nodded feeling a bit shy as he grinned against your lips. 

“Can I have more? I did fight that nasty spider for you.”

“If you fight all the spiders then I’ll let you have as many kisses as you want.” 

“I’ll fight anything for you..” Adrian whispered out in complete seriousness. You laughed it off shaking your head. 

Adrian was always like this towards you. You had no idea just how serious he was about fighting everything and anything for you.

“That reminds me I have a late shift again today.” Pouting up at him, you groaned as he kissed your cheek hiding his face in your neck. 

“Sorry love..”

“Wish you didn’t have that stupid extra job. If I could support both of us I would.” Adrian laughed nodding. 

You had no idea how he was going out as Vigilante at night. Adrian had wanted to keep you, the one good thing in his life, away from all the dangerous stuff he does.

He didn’t want scare you or worse make you a target for some of the people he went after. 

So he decided it would be best if you didn’t know that he was a mass murderer. 

“I know you would. I work though because I like the extra job. Being a bus boy isn’t permanent.”

“I know..I just miss you at night sometimes.” Adrian hummed kissing you softly.

“How about tomorrow I will call off night job and we’ll order a pizza and just eat till we pass out?”

“I’d love that so much. Can we?”

“Yeah I miss you at night too..”

“Sleeping at night is boring without you. I’m all cold and alone.”

“Now don’t make me feel bad!”

“I have nothing to hold me! Except myself! Don’t even have anyone to help get rid of ache I get.”

“What kind of ache?”

“The in bed kind. Only one you take care of.” Adrian coughed a bit trying to hide just how flustered you made him. 

“We can do that now if you want before I go-”

“Nope gotta wait till tomorrow.” He groaned before nodding kissing you again.

“Fine. You tease. So wanna watch me get ready for work?” You nodded as he helped you off the counter. You admired him as he slipped his shoes on.

Grabbing his duffle bag, you dropped it with a small oomph looking down at it in confusion.

“Why is it so heavy?”

“It’s not heavy!” Adrian laughed nervously grabbing it effortlessly. “See! You just need to lift more hahaha!”

You rolled your eyes walking him to the door. He sighed giving you another kiss. “I promise I’ll be back before you know it.”

“I know and when you do come back home I will be here.”

“Good..You’re the only thing I look forward to seeing.” You huffed as he kissed your cheeks before taking off.

After Adrian left, you decided to clean up the kitchen. Adrian usually cleaned it when he came home, but you knew he’d probably be tired. Your boyfriend was hard at work the least you could do is take care of things at home.

You hummed a small tune before opening the fridge to make some dinner. There was quite literally nothing.

Grabbing your phone you sent Adrian a quick text letting him know where you were going. He was so persistent on knowing when you left the house. 

It never really made sense to you. 

Your apartment complex wasn’t that far so you decided to walk.

Adrian had been hiding in an alleyway checking up his latest text. Crime was pretty low tonight. He smiled seeing the small selfie you sent him with the text letting him know you were going to the store.

You were so sweet..and so soft...He craved more than ever to just go home and be in your arms. He sighed taking a look at the photo once more. His eyes squinted as he tensed up seeing something behind you.

It was a guy wearing a hoodie. His face was darkened out, but Adrian could tell he was trouble. He had a good distance but it was obvious this guy was tailing you.

Without another thought, he called you. Cursing quietly when you didn’t answer.

“Come on baby..Come on..pick up the phone..” His breath hitched hearing your voice. “Y/N.”

“Hi this is me and if I didn’t answer it’s probably cause I’m busy call back later!”

He began to run growing anxious.

You had no idea of the man trailing you. Too busy looking at your phone seeing two miss calls from Adrian. Right as you were about to call him again, you were grabbed.

Adrian paced looking around the street he saw your last location on. It said you were still there.

Your eyes widened as the man who was stalking you smiled wickedly. You struggled in his hold whimpering when he pointed a knife at you. 

“Easy there girly..I’d hate to cut a pretty little thing like you up.” He leaned in whispering. You grew tears in your eyes beginning to feel fear rise in your chest and bile build in your throat.

Adrian..Adrian needed you to come home. To be okay..You promised you’d be okay..

You bit the mans hand trying to make a run for it crying out as he yanked the back of your shirt back. Tears fell from your eyes and small sobs fell from your lips as you were tossed harshly against the wall.

“You didn’t even fucking let me finish what I was gonna say stupid girl.” You cried a bit harder as he leaned in again.

“I just wanted your money but now that I look at you. You’re a real pretty crier.”

You struggled again as he pushed his knife towards your throat. “Stop moving or I will cut you. Stupid bitch.” 

Your eyes shut from fear. Adrian...You wanted Adrian and to be home. You should’ve just ordered food in.

Right as he moved his knife down to your chest, something popped up behind him. It moved like quick like a shadow. The man was off of you within seconds. 

“I suggest you point your fucking knife towards someone who can actually fucking fight.” 

That voice..It couldn’t be..Adrian?...

The man scrambled back seeing Vigilante standing before him already with his gun pointing at him. 

“Woah woah man! This is a misunderstanding I know this girl!”

You opened your eyes. No it wasn’t. It was the Vigilante you had been seeing on tv, but he sounded just like..

“Oh really? That’s why she was crying for help? You messed with the wrong fucking girl mother fucker.”

Adrian kicked the mans face in immediately going down to beat the shit out of him. You watched in shock as he went in punching the man repeatedly. The bones crunched under his fist.

This man tried to hurt you. This man was going to kill you. His sweet soft angel...Adrian wanted to make this man pay.

He pulled his knife out about to slit the mans throat stopping once he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned seeing your tear stained face.

“Enough..”

Adrian looked back at the man before looking back at you. He nodded standing up checking you over. 

“Are you alright? You’re not hurt are you? I’m so sorry I didn’t get here sooner Y/N. I heard your cries though-”

“Adrian..” You whispered out hesitantly. He stopped rambling. His eyes widened under his mask.

“What?! What?! That’s...No! Who is that? I’ve never heard of an Adrian before. Why would you say that name?!”

You teared up feeling a sob claw its way through your throat. Adrian fumbled as you collapsed in his arms crying. 

“Woah woah! Are you okay?! Did he hurt you?! I swear I will kill this son of a bitch!”

“I was so scared!” You cried out gripping his shoulder pads tightly. Adrian stopped sighing as he hugged you back. You sniffled still crying as he gently picked you up.

“Where would you like to go miss?” Adrian deepened his voice trying to hide his actual voice.

“I-I w-wanna go h-home..Please?..” You whimpered crying your heart out. Adrian nodded. “I’ll get you home miss.”

“Thanks..wait my groceries! Our groceries! I’m so sorry Adrian!”

“I’m not Adrian!” Adrian yelled out gripping you tighter. “Besides whoever this Adrian is would probably tell you not to worry about it and just order some food for you both! Nothing matter more than your safety! I care way more about you than some stupid groceries! I mean he. He cares about you more than some groceries!”

Adrian sighed at his slip up carrying you home. He even unlocked the front door for you. You clung onto him scared.

“Don’t leave..please...”

“Miss I gotta go back out there to make sure that guy-”

“Cut the crap.I know it’s you..I knew the second I heard your voice..I need you please Adrian..” You sniffled reaching for his mask.

“I’m not Adrian-”

“How did you know my name?”

“What?” 

“You said I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner Y/N and you knew where I lived. So if you’re not Adrian how would you know?..” You shook against him.

“I’m a stalker.”

“Adrian!”

“Okay! Okay!!” Adrian groaned removing his mask. “It’s okay..I’m here..”

You sighed in relief clutching him tightly. Adrian kissed your forehead scooping you up. “I’m here now it’s okay..Always gonna protect you..You’re mine..”

You nodded relishing in his comfort. Adrian was grateful you weren’t scared of him. He was so happy nothing had happened to you. He shook a bit thinking of what would’ve happened had he not gotten there in time.

“I was so scared..I’m so happy you got there..Here I was thinking the scariest part of my night was gonna be a spider.”

“Well I was hoping the scariest part of your night would be a spider..Are you okay? You never answered me you’re not hurt right?” Adrian tightened his hold a bit nervously.

“Yeah I’m okay..I promise..”

“Good..Good..My beautiful sweet girl..I’m so sorry that happened to you. I should’ve gotten there sooner-”

“You got there as fast as you could..Thank you for saving me..”

“Always gonna save you. Never let anything happen to you..”

Adrian kissed your forehead walking you to the room. He stripped his armor off laying next to you on the bed cuddling you close.

“Y/N...”

You hummed trying to stop shaking. “Are you mad at me?”

“Why would I be mad?..”

“For not telling you..”

“No..I get why you were trying to keep it a secret..I’m not mad..I’m not scared of you either if that’s what you were worried about.”

“Good..I can’t stop being Vigilante..”

“I know..I’m not gonna ask you too. I just want you safe..Just like you want me..”

“I do..I’m still really sorry this happened tonight.”

“You don’t have to be.”

“I am though.” Adrian sat up pulling you to his lap to cuddle you close. “I never want anything to happen to you. You’re my everything. I am nothing without you and I will never forgive myself if anything happens to you.”

“I love you.”

“Took the words right out of my mouth. I love you too Y/N.”

“Thanks Adrian...” Before you could rub your face, Adrian gently used his hand wiping your tears away.

“I’m gonna order us food okay?..”

“Okay...you’re the best boyfriend..but..”

“But?..”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

“Hey!”

You laughed as he kissed your face clutching you tightly. He was so happy you knew his full self now.

[peknie]

Hear Me Out // Vigilante Tommy [7]

Full story; AO3, Tumblr Parts 1-6

Summary;

Siren’s power couldn’t stop the vigilante Vé. Siren is their ace, the hero tower’s last resort when nobody else can catch someone. But he failed. Siren has failed. And maybe he explained it away by saying that Vé’s mysterious power has something to do with that, but that’s not it.

Vé, in his regular life known as Tommy, is deaf. In a cruel sense of irony, his power is to be able to sense all things around him, including sound- but he can’t quite hear it. When he lost his hearing due to an explosion, he took years to re-learn hearing through his powers. He wasn’t noticed by the media as a vigilante due to how subtle his powers are, but once the public finds out Siren can’t control him, he’s top priority.

OR; Minor vigilante Vé is deaf, and since nobody knew that, when Siren's voice-command powers don't work, everybody assumes he's far more powerful and scary than he is.

Playlist:

Hear Me Out - Spotify

Chapter Seven; Oh, A Villain! Can We Keep 'Em, Please?

     Ranboo dropped Aimsey's body onto the carpet in Tubbo's living room, taking several steps back. "So, maybe it's just me, but maybe we should take them to the goddamn heroes," Tubbo seethed, dropping down and moving the villain onto his back.

     "No!" Ranboo said, next to the couch where Tommy lay. "Uhm, no. Do you have a basement and rope?"

     Tubbo's eyes widened. "I'm not keeping a villain in my basement."

     "Come on, just this once?" Ranboo frowned, murmuring, "If I can just talk to Aims, maybe they'll..."

     Face dropping as Ranboo trailed off, Tubbo's brows raised. "What? Maybe they'll what? Come to their senses? It's fucking Rabbid, Ranboo! You're giving fuckin' Rabbid a nickname!"

     "That's not- no, okay, before Aimsey was Rabbid- we were friends!" Ranboo's voice raised as they crossed their arms. "We were like siblings, I mean, we literally lived together, so at least let me say goodbye!" Ranboo huffed, the anger he'd clearly felt for a while coming out and directed at Tubbo. Tubbo scoffed. "You have to be kidding me."

     "Says you. You're keeping a priority vigilante on your couch," Ranboo grumbled, motioning to Tommy. "At least I'm suggesting we keep mine in the basement."

     Tubbo tried to suppress a tired cackle, failing as he cracked up, staring at Aimsey on the floor. "Why are you talking about them like they're pets we're keeping?"

     "I mean... Rabbid did wear a bunny mask."

     "Good point. What're we going to feed 'em?" Tubbo asked as he went to the hall closet, grabbing a survival cord instead of rope.

     "I heard villains live on a diet of carrots and blood."

     Tubbo paused as Ranboo picked Aimsey up, clicking his tongue. "This doesn't mean I don't hate you, by the way. I think this is dumb, and you're dumb too."

     Ranboo sighed. "And here I thought we were getting somewhere."

     Tommy woke up in the morning. He was still in his vigilante outfit, although the sleeve had torn off for someone to tend to the gash in his shoulder. Sitting up, Tommy winced as his shoulder flared in pain. He felt talking coming from a few rooms down, the layout familiar.

     Tubbo's house used to feel more like home than his own, almost as much as Fundy's apartment, but now it felt cold. It was like thinking about a soured memory.

     Eyes wandering, Tommy stood up and started making his way to Tubbo's room, where he felt the figures of him and Ranboo hunched over a table. 

      "The mask is already fixed. I'm sure it's fine. You can ask when Tommy wakes up." Ranboo mumbled, grabbing something off of the table that Tubbo snatched back. Tommy's hand hovered over the handle.

      Tubbo shook his head. "He's probably not even going to talk to me. Just tell him about Aimsey, give him his mask, then let him be on his way."

       "Jesus, what even happened?" 

      Tubbo shrugged and looked away. Tommy rolled his eyes and opened the door, lips in a thin line. The two's heads whipped around, Tubbo wheeling back while Ranboo stood up.

      "Tommy! Hey... man." Ranboo tried, then blinked, looking at Tubbo. "He can hear me, right?" 

      "Yes, Ranboo." Tommy sighed, walking forward to where he saw his now repaired mask on the table. "I can understand you. Can't hear you, but be sure it makes no difference." Tommy shot a look at Tubbo as the boy wilted, sliding down in his chair.

      Ranboo caught that it was some sort of jab, but they didn't question it, watching the two of them intently.

      Neither of them acknowledged him, maintaining uncomfortable eye contact. Tubbo looked away, dragging his fingernails across the arm of his chair. "Tommy, I'm..." Tubbo stopped, then sat up as he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, okay? I was angry with you, and I didn't want to be wrong. I was angry because, at the time, it felt like you were lying about being deaf, but obviously it was more than that. I didn't want to admit that I was wrong." Tubbo's hands moved again. 'I'm sorry. I fixed your mask. It doesn't make up for it, I know. I'm sorry.'

      Tommy looked away, not quite as upset anymore. He didn't want to forgive Tubbo, after all, an apology would've been more effective sooner.

      He picked up the mask, turning it over. It was different- upgraded. He'd known Tubbo to work in an auto shop a year ago, so he assumed it was Tubbo's doing.

       There was a small camera on the side, and speakers like Siren's along the bottom. Tommy didn't look up as he addressed Tubbo. "It looks good." 

      Tubbo stood up quickly, walking over to the mask but keeping a healthy distance between himself and Tommy. "I only had a few hours. My power can melt metal and such, but it's pretty slow so- I mean, I could do more if you'd be fine with that, y'know, because... Well, I don't like that you're being hunted down by the heroes now that I know why Vé's not affected by Siren, and I know Fundy's probably doing his best, but a little more help couldn't hurt, right?"

    "If you would, that'd... I'd be fine with that."

     Ranboo jolted, alarmed. "Are you plotting crime in front of me right now? Did you forget I'm right here?" 

     Tommy snickered, putting the mask on and adjusting it as Tubbo glared at the taller. "Oh, please, you're harboring a fugitive." 

     "Me?" Vé asked. Ranboo made an indifferent noise as Tubbo smiled, motioning for Ranboo to explain.

     "Aimsey may or may not be in the basement..." 

     Vé sucked in a breath. "Oh. That's definitely a crime. Sorry, buddy." Then, as he realized the weight of that, he spun to punch Ranboo in the shoulder. "You brought Rabbid into the basement? Call the heroes, dumbass!" 

     "That's what I said!" 

     Ranboo huffed. "Okay, well, I just want to talk to him, okay? We used to know each other- before xe disappeared. I want to know what happened." 

     Vé focused, trying to feel the basement. He felt Aimsey's heart in the same slow pace it had been in, but their body was struggling, trying to get out of the binds. Vé's eyes opened as he sighed.

     "Well, she's awake now. Here's your chance. After this, we need to call the heroes." Vé decided, motioning for them to leave the room.

     Ranboo's heart picked up with nerves, and he ran to the door and down to the basement before either of them could follow. Tubbo shook his head behind Vé, the two walking at a more normal pace.

     Aimsey's head whipped up to look at Ranboo as the three entered the smaller room of the basement. It was a laundry room, Aimsey tied to the pipe at the end of the room.

     "Oh, lovely, so glad you could make it." They seethed sarcastically. "If you'd be so kind to untie me, we could hug and make up. I'd be on my way. Although I do have to give you my compliments, these binds are incredible! If I didn't know any better, I'd say I'm not the first person you've tied up in your basement." 

     Vé looked to Ranboo expectantly, but they just stared at Aimsey. "Uhm, that's not... I mean, Aimsey's eyes aren't red. They're brown. Maybe that's an effect of his power, though. Aimsey was powerless before they disappeared, so maybe it's just that, but..." Aimsey raised a challenging brow, looking at Ranboo like he was dumb.

     Vé frowned, walking closer to Aimsey as Tubbo made a noise of protest behind him. 

     Like the day before, there was a low hum of vibrations coming from Aimsey. Before, Vé had assumed it was the bomb- the detonator- but now it was just Aimsey. 

      He stepped around Aimsey, trying to locate where exactly it was coming from. He stopped down and put his hand on Aimsey's forehead to stop them as they tried to bite him. Vé brushed her hair back and looked at the back of her neck.

      A red gem blended into Aimsey's skin, turning the veins around it into a bright red color that shone through the skin.

      "Holy shit..." 

      Aimsey snarled, ceasing at their attempts to bite Vé. He looked at the vigilante through his bottom lashes. "Your shoulder looks awful. Wonder what did that." 

       Ignoring them, Vé used his other hand to push on the gem. Aimsey tried harder to struggle against the binds, however useless that was.

     "You said Aimsey's eyes weren't red, right? Rabbid doesn't seem to recognize you, either," Vé said, looking over at Ranboo. They nodded, trying to learn to see what Vé was doing. "Alright. Both of you, hold Rabbid still."

     Hesitantly, Ranboo held Aimsey's head as Tubbo made sure they couldn't kick. Vé sucked in a breath through his mask. "I'd say I'm sorry in advance, but you're a murderer, so... Brace for impact." 

     Aimsey lost their cool at that, thrashing as best as they could. Vé grabbed a jagged edge of the gem and, all at once. he yanked on it. The gem ripped at Aimsey's skin, the practically glowing veins vanishing. It left a decent wound in Aimsey's neck, blood spilling over it. 

     Ranboo slowly released Aimsey's head as they stopped thrashing. Their heart finally broke from a resting rate, their brown eyes hazily glancing over the three of them.

     "Ranboo?" Their voice was hardly a whisper. Ranboo's eyes teared up, quickly hugging Aimsey. "Holy shit, Aims, it's... you- oh my God..."

     "You have to get Guqqie, get Guqqie." Aimsey pulled at the binds, eyes looking over at Vé. "Where's the others?"

     Vé frowned, feeling Aimsey's panic in his increasing heart rate. "What others, Aimsey?"  

     "Who's Guqqie?" Ranboo looked at Vé too, equally confused.

     Aimsey took another look at the basement, eyes wider. "How did you find me?" 

     "Find you," Tubbo repeated. "We didn't find you, exactly. You were going to blow up the docks, and then you were in front of us, and Ranboo panicked, knocked you out, and here we are." 

     Swallowing, Aimsey leaned into Ranboo. "Not me. It wasn't me, I don't remember..." 

     "It's okay." Vé held up the crystal, which Aimsey's eyes locked onto. "Whatever happened to you, it's tied to this. Let's start with what happened the day you disappeared." 

     Aimsey tried to move, but the survival cord pulled at their hands. Tubbo jolted, quickly going to untie them.

     Finally sitting against the wall, Aimsey drew her legs up to her chest. "I don't know the order anymore. I feel like it's a fever dream. I was leaving school, I walked down to the corner store, I was friends with one of the workers. Uhm, I'd never told you, Ran, because it was this older person I knew you'd say was creepy." Aimsey looked away from Ranboo, hand over the wound in their neck.

     "I went in, but they weren't at the counter. They came from the back and said they were going to this gathering- that I should come. I followed them, but can't remember where. Some old warehouse, I think?" Aimsey held his fingers to his temples, looking almost in pain thinking about it.

     "There were a lot of people there, they all had red eyes, I remember that. They were young. I asked something, and then the doors slammed and I woke up somewhere else. Other people were trapped with me- Guqqie, that's who was right next to me. I hope she's okay..." Aimsey frowned, pulling up their sleeve to show a messy circle stick-and-poke tattoo. "Uhm, we did these together the day before they disappeared during the night." 

     Vé nodded slowly, putting a slow hand on Aimsey's shoulder. "Do you know what happened to her?" 

     "No, I guess whatever happened to me? I can't remember much after that. Just panicking, asking the other people if they'd seen what happened. Somebody else, Billzo, disappeared the next night, then... I guess I was next, then." 

     Tommy sighed. "Thank you, Aimsey. I'm sorry about all this. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Here, let's get you somewhere a little less cold."

    Aimsey was asleep in Tubbo's guest bedroom by the time the three sat down in the kitchen. Tubbo broke the still room, vibrations bouncing off in an echo. "What now? Do we tell the heroes what happened? That it wasn't Aimsey?"

     Ranboo looked up. "Would that work?" 

     "Fuck no," Tommy laughed dryly. "The heroes wouldn't believe us. First of all, I'm priority list. Second of all, you've already committed a crime by harboring a fugitive, then giving a very convenient reason as to why they're innocent. It's suspicious. Look, I'll get to the bottom of this. Until I can get some solid proof that this is some conspiracy involving many people, keep Aimsey safe." 

     "You're not doing this by yourself," Tubbo said sternly, standing up. "I already agreed to help, didn't I? I'll be your guy in the chair."  

     Ranboo, brows drawn together, nodded slowly. "I want to help, too. Anything to help Aimsey. Plus, they deserve justice." 

     Lips pursed, Tommy shrugged. "I don't know..." 

     "Tommy, you don't have a choice. Respectfully." Tubbo leaned over the table. He took in Tommy's unsure expression and pouted. "We'll let you give us your nerdy myth names." 

     Tommy laughed, looking between the two, eyes landing on Ranboo. "You're not going to panic, are you? You do have a pretty cool power." 

     "Of course. I'll be mysterious and calm and collected. I've never panicked a day in my life." 

     "Right," Tubbo mumbled, "That's not why we have a missing person in the guest bedroom."  

     "Shut up, loser." 

     "I'm stating facts, bitch." 

     Tommy smiled, shaking his head. "Alright then. Deal. You guys can help, as long as you get your arguing under control." 

     Tubbo pumped a fist in the air. "Fuck yeah, now I get the cool codename and shit." 

      Tommy looked to the ceiling, thinking. "You're my 'guy in the chair,' yeah?" Tubbo nodded. "Then how about Heimdall?" 

      Trying to remember the rambling texts Tommy had sent him about Norse mythology, Tubbo cringed as he guessed, "God of... Surveillance?" 

      "Sort of, he's more like the eyes and ears of the gods, but yes." Tommy hummed, nodding frantically. Tubbo sighed in relief. "Yeah, that works." 

      Ranboo waved a hand in the air. "Me next!" 

      "That's harder, you're doing this for justice? Then what about Týr, god of war? That's a big focus of his-" 

     "Yes. Yeah, that's cooler than Heimdall, so I'll take it." 

     Tubbo glared at them. "Shut your fucking mouth."

      After a moment of silence, Tubbo cleared his throat. "So... What are we going to do about Aimsey when my aunt gets back from vacation?" 

[norestforthespookywriters]

The Best Intentions

Summary: The 11th Street Gang is on lunch break, and Vig suffers from a case of premature hotsaucelation.  PG for hints at crude humor?

IDK man still trying to figure this weird little alien brain out.  Some of it is playing for laughs, but there’s consistency underneath it, okay??

#

It’s not that Vigilante wants to miss the cues that make him feel like he’s speaking a foreign language  - or, rather, everyone else around him is. It’s that his brain defaults to literalism, and there’s nothing short of a full-frontal lobotomy that can change it.

Even then, he’s had enough blows to the head and assorted stab wounds that if a little scrambling about inside his skull was going to change something, it would have done so a long time ago.

No, the things that make him different are inherent – innate.  His mind spins off on currents and tides unfathomable to most people. Even himself, sometimes. Sad little boats in a duck pond instead of the open sea.

The words get ahead of him, or chase down a pattern structure that he doesn’t really understand, and then he’s left holding a bag of metaphorical cats – each one squirmy and adorable and in need of…

No, that saying doesn’t make much sense, does it? Why would anyone want a bag full of cats?

He’s not dwelling, as the 11th street gang banter around the lunch table, celebrating a recent win. He’s just wishing – a little – that he was in on the jokes.

It doesn’t help that people have a way of saying so many things that don’t really add up. That absurdism reigns supreme in English, a hodgepodge of things taken at face-value and metaphors that make it impossible to understand or follow along.

He knows aphorism, and alliteration, and metaphor. He has read lists of those commonly used impractical phrases, memorized their general meanings.  But it’s not something he recognizes – not something he follows. Not something he translates automatically.

It’s like asking how someone is doing, when you don’t really want to know. It’s because it’s what people do.

And so many of his attempts to blend in to it – to mimic, to copy, to just be a person – go awry.

That’s why he’s holding a bottle of hot sauce, staring down Economos, stiff, unsure what the joke is – unsure if he should be laughing or offended. Unsure if should be a gut-buster, or a polite chuckle, or a roll of his eyes like Harcourt always does, like she’s too cool to laugh, but still in on the joke.

He’s absolutely positive that if he gets it wrong, everyone will notice.  And it’s a rigged game, because it’s pure chance, and he’s missing half the cards that would tell him what to do.

And they get so impatient – so annoyed – when he gets it wrong.  Especially when he’s the one attempting a joke. They demand, Why is that funny? Ask him if he’s a total moron.  Insist he’s a buffoon.

Or worse, they get mad, but in a sneaky, quiet way. A way that builds, undetectable until it’s nothing short of rage.

Maybe he’s not firing on all cylinders anymore.   Maybe he doesn’t understand their attachment to strangers, their aversion to permanent solutions. Maybe he doesn’t understand their morality, which is built in pure grayscale, when his is so literal, so black-and-white.   Maybe it’s just that he’s cracked, but that’s not exactly new news. 

And he wants to get it. He wants to fit in. He wouldn’t admit it – couldn’t even explain the why – but he needs to fit in, as much as he needs a BFF like Peacemaker.

He wants to laugh. But he’s not really sure about the joke.

He’s late to laughing, because he’s weighing his options. And then his laugh goes a little long, or a little stiff.  He’s not killing it, as Adabayo would say. It’s not really a laugh – it’s a disguise. A way to fit in.  To use the same humor they all wield so deftly with one another.

And he holds the hot sauce, trying to keep the question inside, trying not to need to know the thing his brain insists is of vital importance, because it’s not just the jokes, or the expressions. It’s all the nonverbal stuff, too. So when they turn on to the next thought, Vigilante remains frozen. Like a foreign element, his body gives tells, tips people off that he’s not full up on the culture – not really communicating on the same level.

He really doesn’t mean to ask. He doesn’t. But it’s how he’s wired.

“Is it because it’s red?”

The groans are immediate.

“it’s not because it’s fucking red,” Peacemaker snaps, and the motion is so abrupt Vigilante’s hands slip along the neck of the hot sauce bottle, popping the lid right off, sending it spurting out across the table.  It splatters into Adabayo’s burger, and up over the crinkle-cut fries, painting them up like a murder victim.

“Damnit, Vigilante!” Economos takes the hot sauce back, never mind that Vig hadn’t meant to use it, hadn’t actually decided if he was going to try to, even. Never mind that he’d been surprised by Peacemaker’s sudden annoyance.

“My French fries!” But Harcourt’s eyes crinkle, and even Vigilante can tell she’s not annoyed. His bothering Economos is somehow a humorous thing they all agree on, because Adabayo starts to laugh, too, and even Peacemaker gets in on it. And Vig knows – because he’s spent a lot of time studying it – that these are their real laughs, their real smiles.  Not the pretend kind, or the annoyed kind, but the kind that they reserve for those quiet moments when they’re not a collection of weirdos, or a bunch of people speaking different languages. Those moments where they’re the 11th Street Kids, and somehow, for a fraction of a second, even with only half a deck to work with, Vig has played exactly the right card.

It's magic, but so fleeting – like cotton candy falling into a river, it just melts into nothing.

“Best part of being a lesbian is never having to worry about a premature hot-sauce-ulation,” Peacemaker says, leaning into the good mood, tossing a smile at Adebayo, resident lesbian and the group’s least volatile emotional mediator.

“That sounds like a personal problem, Chris.” But she laughs, wiping at those brown eyes of hers, and even Economos gets in on the giggling.

It’s rare, those moments where he thinks he understands them. Where he thinks they’re as much his friends as Peacemaker’s.

Where he thinks, maybe, he wants more than one friend.

It’s rare, and maybe, just maybe, it’s a good thing. A sign that he’s if not evolving then at least getting better at pretending to speak the language he hasn’t quiet figured out. 

[evabellasworld]

First Meeting at Fennel Fields

AO3 Link ——————————————————————————————

Pairing: Adrian Chase x Agender!OC (Rue Iqbal)

Rating: 13+

Summary: 

Rue Iqbal, who recently moved to the town of Evergreen, stopped by at Fennel Fields to enjoy a meal when they made a potential romantic connection with the cute busboy, Adrian Chase.

A/N: This is part 1 of the series, Star Blossom. Stay tuned for part 2

It was a cold, late afternoon, with light gray clouds and a glint of sunlight in the sky. Driving in a silver car, Rue Iqbal admired the quaint town of Evergreen, with rows of mom-and-pop shops attached together and small trees and shrubs planted in every corner of the sidewalks, their light green leaves slowly fading into dark orange, reflecting the beginning of the autumn season. Their face was drenched with sweat and makeup and their ribbons loose from both sides of their curly hair. Wearing a light blue knitted vest with a slightly crumpled shirt and flared midi skirt, their Mary Jane shoes that Rue polished early in the morning had lost its shine, along with their white stockings that turned gray.

Despite their favorite song, La Vie En Rose, playing on the radio, Rue’s head was throbbing with slight pain and their right eye felt heavy, their left eye covered with eyepatch. But with their last meal after their mid-afternoon prayer, Rue’s stomach rumbled for hours, forcing them to drive to a nearby restaurant and eat as much as their heart desired. If they had the option, they craved a large paratha with thick, spicy mutton curry and a side of pakoras, just like how their paternal grandmother made them years ago. 

Unfortunately, grandmother isn’t here to cook their favorite food, let alone comfort their heavy heart and dried tears. They’re on their own, in a new place, without anyone by their side.

Parking their car in front of a restaurant called Fennel Fields, Rue stared at their reflection in their rearview and touched up on their makeup and hair, before spraying an ocean-scented perfume on their bare neck. Taking a deep breath, they emerged from their vehicle with their light blue handbag and approached the restaurant their co-workers raved about earlier. The interior of the restaurant was painted with warm yellow that harmonized with the mild lighting and toasty surroundings, and the scent of Bolognese sauce and fresh rosemary welcomed the only customer. 

All the seats were vacant, with saucers and a set of forks and knives placed on top of serviettes. Rue noticed that there were only a few staff on duty, and focused their gaze towards the round clock hanging in the middle, which was half-past five. As Rue glanced at the freshly mopped wooden floor, the restaurant hostess approached them with a warm smile on her face and a menu in her hands.

“Welcome to Fennel Fields,” she greeted. “Are you here to dine in or takeout?”

“I’m here to dine-in,” they replied in a cordial manner.

“Alright, miss, right this way,” she said, as she led them to their seat, which was a table with only two chairs and a painting of a willow tree on their right.

“Thank you,” Rue said, as they sat down and hung their handbag behind them. 

“You’re welcome, miss,” she responded, handing them the menu. “Feel free to take your time to browse through the menu and ring the bell once you’re ready to order.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” they said, browsing through the menu, hoping the restaurant had options for vegans and vegetarians, just like what their co-workers claimed. They were right‌, because there is a vegan section on the menu, which is completely plant-based. Five minutes later, Rue rang the bell and a waitress approached her table, with a notebook in her hands.

“I’ll have a Caprese salad with a strawberry Italian soda,” Rue stated, as the waitress wrote it down on their notebook.

“Will that be all?” she asked. “A Caprese salad with a strawberry Italian soda?”

“That will be all,” they affirmed, handing her the menu. “Thank you so much.”

“No problem, miss.”

As the waitress left, Rue leaned against their seat and as they listened to the tranquil music in the background and turned to a simple willow tree painting on their right, sinking deep into their thoughts. They couldn’t help noticing the yellowish-greenish colors that were used for the leaves, along with the shadow that casts underneath it with light gray colors. Rue remembered the willow tree in the park one sunny day, where they used to sit whenever they felt like their burdens were too heavy for them to carry on their back and weeped without shame and guilt from people around them. With orange butterflies fluttering and the scent of nectars in the air, it was the perfect way to feel home. 

But they weren’t home anymore. They’re in Evergreen, where there’s no sight of enormous skyscrapers and the mysterious green forest loomed at the edge of the town.

Before delving further into the new town, the waitress returned with their Caprese salad and a glass of strawberry Italian soda, bringing them back into the present. Rue thanked the waitress and glanced at their meal, which consists of fresh tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and a hint of black pepper. It may not be vegan, but last they checked, mozzarella cheese did not contain rennet, hence, it was safe for them to eat. As they took a bite of their meal, they tasted the tanginess of the tomato and mozzarella slices mixed together with the pungent taste of basil. With the balancing flavor of the olive oil and black pepper, Rue’s eyes widened as they glanced at their meal, taking another bite and stuffing it in their mouth, satisfying their hunger. 

They then took a sip of their strawberry Italian soda with a red-striped straw, and sighed in relief at the sweet taste of the fresh strawberries that were mixed with the bubbly club soda and the cooling ice cube that refreshed their body, despite the cold mist fogging the restaurant’s window.  Despite the fog, however, Rue pictured the golden leaf that blew towards their bedroom window early in the morning, resembling the ones that were scattered near the willow tree. The street sweeper usually piled them up into a mini mountain, and Rue used to jump towards the pile and let the leaves rain towards their giggling face, until the sweeper showed up and cursed at them. 

That was years ago when they were still in high school. As their mind flies towards their past, they did not notice the busboy approaching their table, who had been admiring their beauty since the moment they stepped foot into Fennel Fields.

“Excuse me, miss,” a busboy asked, carrying a jug of strawberry Italian soda. “Do you want a refill of your drink?”

Rue focused their attention towards the busboy who was standing in front of them and traced their eyes from his head to his toned forearms, all the way to his leather black shoes, which looked almost worn out. Wearing a red cap with matching shirt and a beige apron, his bespectacled eyes reminded Rue of a forest at night, which complimented with his porcelain skin and dimpled smile. Rue could only sip their soda as they admired the handsome busboy sitting in front of them, who resembled one of those main leads in a Korean drama, except for the fact that he was clearly a white man whose age they could not guess. But if they had to bet, the busboy looked like he was either in his late 20s or in his early 30s, though not more than 31. 

Their eyes then moved towards his name tag on his apron before nodding in response. “I would love that, Adrian, thank you.”

He rapidly blinked at Rue’s response, gripping on the jug’s handle. “How did you know my name?”

“It’s on your name tag,” they pointed out, much to his relief.

“That makes sense,” he chuckled, as he poured their drink into their glass. “Though it feels weird that a customer would refer to a busboy or a busgirl or a busser by their names, since we mostly do the dirty work that the waiters don’t dare.”

“Yeah, bussers have to carry stacks of dirty dishes and refill drinks, which is really tiring. Like, I remember carrying 15 dirty dishes from one table and both my arms and legs were super sore.”

“Wait, you were a busser as well?”

“Yeah, it was my first job back in high school. Whenever school finished, I worked from around 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and then woke up for school at 6, and then the pattern repeated.”

“I know that feeling,” he empathized with their experience as he leaned closer to their ears to whisper. “Not to mention you’re underpaid, a lot.”

Rue’s eyes widened as Adrian whispered in her ears, though they understood that he could not say it openly at his workplace since it might get him fired, or worse. Speaking of the workplace, Rue realized that they may have been taking loads of Adrian’s time, since he was still on duty right now. 

“You should head back to work,” they reminded him. “I don’t think your boss would be happy to see you mingling with a customer.”

“Please, you’re the only one here,” he snorted, as he took a seat and placed the jug on the table, facing Rue. “Besides, I was really bored and there’s nothing much I can do anyway, aside from wiping the table, which I’ve done that for like a hundred times.”

Rue burst into laughter. “You talk to customers when you’re bored?”

“Nah, I usually would be sitting in the back and listening to music, but since you’re here all alone, I thought you could use some company anyway, since you look lonely and all.”

“I appreciate that,” they replied. “So how long have you worked here?”

“Pretty long, I guess,” he shrugged, looking upwards. “Probably around a year or two. Or maybe three. I don’t know. I’m bad at math. Anyway, let’s talk about you. What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a high school chemistry teacher. Today’s my first day of teaching at Evergreen High School. Ever heard of it?”

“Oh my gosh, yes, of course I heard of it. I used to go there, along with my older brother and my best friend, who’s close with my older brother,” his eyes brightened, reminiscing his past to Rue. “If I could remember, Mr. White was my chemistry teacher, until he got killed by a drug lord, which I’m not sure how to feel, since chemistry isn’t my favorite subject and also the fact that I zoned out at every one of his classes.”

“So you and your older brother and your best friend, who’s close with your older brother, were alumni of that school?” they recapped, feeling goosebumps on their skin on Mr. White’s death. “Well, that explains why the superintendent hired me immediately after the interview.”

“I’m not surprised,” he shrugged. “A lot of teachers are leaving the profession, which I don’t blame them, since the pay is low and students can be dickheads sometimes. Are your students a bunch of dickheads?”

“So far, they seemed fine,” they laughed with amusement. “Though it’s too early to judge, since it’s only the first day.”

“That’s totally understandable,” Adrian let out a pleasant laugh, before proceeding to dig through their history. “So if you don’t mind me asking, where are you from, cause I’ve never seen you around town before, so yeah…”

“Well, I was born and raised in Malaysia, but I came to America when I was fourteen,” they explained, releasing a shallow sigh. “I lived in Kane City for eight years, which was famous for their willow trees, until I decided to move to Evergreen, where I’ve only been here for two days.”

“That’s a lot of moving,” he remarked. “So you must be a city girl, right?”

Rue chuckled in response, much to his confusion. “Did I say anything wrong?”

“I’m not sure how to say this, but I’m not a girl,” they clarified, pressing their hands together. “I’m actually agender, which means I don’t identify with any gender at all. Basically, I’m genderless, so yeah…”

“I am so sorry about that,” he babbled, aghast at his own behavior. “I should have asked before assuming your gender, which I did, and now I think I made things awkward between us.”

“No worries about that,” Rue assured him. “I get that a lot.”

“It’s still not an excuse to misgender you, though,” he looked down on the table, avoiding their eyes, before clearing his throat. “Anyway, to make things less awkward, what pronouns do you use?”

“I go by they, them, ze and zir,” they answered. ‘What about you? What pronouns do you go by?”

“I go by he and him pronouns, and I’m also a cis male, just to clear up the confusion between the both of us.”

“Alright, looks like we’ve cleared up the air,” they clapped their hands once. “So, how long did you stay in Evergreen?”

“Since I was born, which was practically my whole life,” he answered, gazing at Rue’s right eye. “I never left Evergreen, and I don’t think I ever will. I mean, I know it can be boring and all, with nothing much happening in this town, except for the fact that we were almost invaded by a bunch of butterflies, which I obviously have nothing to do with, but otherwise, there’s nothing much here except for a few crimes here and there.”

“Honestly, I would rather be almost invaded by a bunch of butterflies than to deal with corrupt cops and some billionaire who tried to poison our rivers,” Rue chortled. “Besides, butterflies are beneficial to the ecosystem since they contribute to our food production.”

“Yeah, of course,” he laughed nervously, wiping the sweat off his forehead. “Those butterflies are definitely beneficial to the ecosystem, alright. Anyway, let’s talk about your home country, Malaysia, since I’ve never heard about it before, so yeah, what’s it like down there?”

“From what I remembered, I would hang out at the esplanade with my friends while admiring the ocean up close, along with the blue sky above. I also remembered the alleyways with artworks of children riding on the bicycle and playing on the swing. I also remembered enjoying swimming in the river near my grandparent’s house and the water would be freezing cold, despite the immense heat outside. Oh, there’s also a rice field nearby as well, and it’s a beautiful sight when it’s being harvested.”

“It sounded like paradise.”

“It did, actually,” they smiled sadly. “If only I could stay there forever.”

“Do you miss your home country?”

“Yeah, I do miss Malaysia a lot,” they sighed. “I could come back there, but I’m not sure whether I would recognize it since everything changed for the past eight years.”

“Well, you know what they say, if you’ve been away from home for too long, you end up becoming a foreigner when you return home.”

Rue nodded as they stared distantly at their drink, contemplating Adrian’s words. Their memories of their eight years old self enjoying a strawberry ice ball replayed in their mind like a rolling film camera. They were sitting all alone in an open-air shop and counted every trishaw that rode past them on the quiet streets. The shopkeeper knew their parents well. Whenever Rue came to his shop, he always smiled and talked to them in their native language. Rue would love to go back to those moments, but they no longer live there anymore, nor speak their native language that their parents and teachers from her old school had taught. Even if they go back, they would no longer be the same little girl that everyone recognized. 

“Everything alright, Rue?” Adrian interrupted their thoughts, his brows wrinkled. “You seemed sad.”

“Yeah, I’m alright,” they insisted, grinning from ear-to-ear. “I was just taking a trip down to memory lane, that’s all.”

“Is it something I said, cause if it is, I’m really sorry about that.”

Rue shook their head. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Adrian. It’s just that I realized that I forgot how to speak Malay, which I used to be super fluent along with English, but since coming here, I could only converse in English, Japanese and Korean, which is embarrassing, cause I made an effort to learn Japanese and Korean but somehow I didn’t do the same with Malay, which was the language my parents and my grandparents and the rest of my ancestors have spoken, even during the colonial eras. So yeah, you’re right. If I returned to Malaysia, I’ll feel more like an American tourist instead of a Malaysian who returned home.”

Adrian can’t imagine losing the ability to speak his native tongue, but listening to Rue’s cries on forgetting the language that their ancestors have spoken made his heart ache. They would insist that everything seemed fine, but he noticed their suppression of tears through their right eye, since the other eyes were covered with an eye patch. He wondered how they lost half of their sight in the first place, though it’s not the right time to ask about it.

“It must be painful forgetting a language you used to be fluent in,” he empathized in a softer tone. “And I’m sure it hurts to feel disconnected from your home country and its culture. But I’m confident that it is never too late to re-learn the Malay language and reconnect with your culture. It definitely won’t be easy, but I’m sure it will be a healing journey for you and your family, if you’re still in touch with them, of course. Are you still in touch with your family?.”

“Unfortunately, no, but you’re still right,” they smiled at Adrian. “It’s never too late to re-learn the Malay language and reconnect with my culture. After all, we persevered through the colonial era and the Japanese occupation during World War II, so I don’t think I’ll give up anytime soon.”

“That’s the spirit,” he cheered, as he noticed their blue handbag hanging on the chair. “Is that a Kate Spade you got there?”

“How did you know?” they gasped, grabbing their handbag.

“It’s the leather for me, cause it’s made of crossgrain calf leather, which is the least expensive kind of leather and also more durable than the regular soft leather, perfect for carrying loads of stuff like files and books, since that’s what teachers usually carry all the time.”

Rue raised their eyebrows as they leaned towards him while still clutching on their handbag. “You have such eyes for details. Does anyone ever tell you that?”

“No, people just call me stupid and clueless, which is actually true, since I can’t tell who’s being sarcastic and I also don’t feel emotions like people do.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

Adrian shook his head. “No, it’s true. People always tell me that I’m dumb and that I talk too much, which is also true as well.”

Rue blinked at his statement, wondering whether he was pulling their leg. Surely, a man who accurately guessed the brand of their handbag would not be stupid, clueless, and dumb. As for the emotion part, Adrian makes them feel like they’re talking to a close friend that they’ve known for years instead of a stranger they just met an hour ago. 

“What makes you think that you’re stupid and clueless?” they asked, tilting their head to their right. 

“Well, one time, I noticed my best friend was really occupied with work and all, so I decided to help him do his laundry. Unfortunately, I may have used the wrong detergent, so his clothes pretty much turned pink. Understandably, he got mad and he wouldn’t allow me in his trailer for two weeks, so yeah.” 

Rue burst out laughing that they almost choked on their saliva, before clearing their throat and straightening their posture. “I don’t think I can consider you being stupid, since I also accidentally turned one of my white dresses pink. But honestly, at least I could wear that dress, since most of my clothes are blue and white.” 

“I threw my best friend's phone out of the car, thinking it was trackable, but his dad found him anyway because of his helmet. I realize now that it was a dumb thing to do.”

“Wait, helmets are trackable?” Rue bit their cheeks in thought.

“Well, my best friend’s helmet was trackable since his dad specially built it, and his dad is a racist nutjob‌, which you shouldn’t worry about, since he’s dead and I definitely have no part in his death, so yeah.”

“Okay then, that’s good to know,” Rue nodded. “So, you mentioned you have an older brother, right?”

“Yeah, I did,” he replied with a grin. “His name is Gut, and he’s like way older than me, like 13 years older, and he was alright. We only see each other during the holidays, since he has his own life and all.”

“Huh, it must be nice having a big brother. How about the rest of your family? Are you close with them as well?”

“Kind of, I mean, I only see them during the holidays, so yeah, it’s all good, I guess.”

Rue hummed in agreement as they stole a quick glance of the time. It was already 6.30 p.m. It dawned on them just how swiftly the past hour and a half had flown by, their conversation flowing seamlessly and effortlessly. Yet, Rue was hit with their most important part of their everyday obligations, which was their daily prayers. In 20 minutes, their next prayer would start, though they can’t bear the weight of leaving Adrian all alone, despite their short but captivating connection they had shared earlier. 

Letting out a resigned sigh, Rue took out a piece of a blue memo pad and a Sharpie from their handbag, puzzling Adrian with their unexpected action.

“Everything okay, Rue?”

“I would love to stay and chat with you longer, but I just realized that my next prayer starts in 20 minutes, which I can’t be late to, so will it be okay if I give you my phone number instead?

Adrian’s eyes sparkled as Rue handed him their phone number on a blue memo pad, which had an ocean scent attached to it. It’s not every day a pretty person like Rue would give their phone number to him. He felt like floating in the air as angels surrounded him with their soulful opera.

“Of course you can,” he grinned, folding the piece of paper inside his pocket. “I would definitely call you, after you’re done with your prayers. By the way, what time is your last prayer, cause I don’t want to disturb you while praying, you know.”

“You can call me at 9,” they suggested, getting up from their seat. “I’ll be done by then.”

“Sure thing, I’ll definitely call you at 9,” he got up with them. “I can’t wait to continue our conversations together.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Rue winked, before realizing that they only had one eye, prompting them to turn around and ignore his soft laugh behind them. “Just don’t be late.”

“See you soon, Rue,” Adrian waved as he watched them leave Fennel Fields. Looking down at the phone number that they gave earlier, he paced out of the restaurant through the back door and performed his signature dance move at the empty alleyway, not giving a fuck whether his co-workers were staring at him weirdly.