#warned himself not to do pineapple hairstyle

[ployshinhwa]

Message to themselves in 20 years ago collection 

Part 1: Shin Hye Sung warning himself not to do pineapple hairstyle  Thanks Eng translation: malpabo

[halfrican-heat]

Slow&Steady (S. Rogers)

Summary: AU. Steve has an obsession with the hot owner of his favorite coffee shop. What does Steve have to do to get her to understand that they belong together? (Word Count: 5622)

Pairing: Black!OC x (Soft)Dark!Steve Rogers

Warnings: Cursing, Slow-ish Burn, SMUT, Degradation kink, p in v sex, oral (m receiving), Breeding kink (slight), Female Identifying Reader, Violence, Abusive Situation, Discussions of Abuse, Fighting, Near Death Experience (minor character), Stalking, D/S Elements, (very) Mild Dubious Consent, Body Image Issues

A/N: Hi. I have not posted a story in years, but I didn’t make my masterlist pretty for nothing! So here’s to my first post! Hurray!! I tried to be as detailed as possible with the warnings, so please let me know what I have missed or how I can improve those, please! Also, works part-time at a Starbucks in this universe because I said so lol. It worked well for the banter. Please be patient with me as I get acclimated to writing fandom things again :) It has been a long time. But this felt good to share. Beta’d by me, so I’m sure there may still be some errors. I’ll update those as I see them. Enjoy! -Lyv <3

Masterlist

The bell chimed quietly as he entered. Steve had been coming to see her for weeks now. He was in a rush to get home after work one night but really wanted a good cup of coffee. He was tired of that bland shit his job served, so he stopped by a little hole in the wall. It looked empty save for two or three people lingering, but what caught his eye was the woman behind the counter. 

She was breathtaking. The way her hips swayed as she walked, her smirk whenever she found something amusing. She was like a drug to him. He especially loved the way she would snort when something was extremely funny but then cover her mouth, looking around to see if anyone heard. They usually hadn’t. But Steve did. He noticed everything about her. He couldn’t get enough of her. 

Her name was Selene. She had deep brown skin that looked kissed by the sun and full lips that curved into that delicious, sexy smirk he loved to see. Her hairstyle varied. Some days it was black with full waves or reddish-brown with loose curls. Other days, her hair was in a coily updo that showcased her thick, gorgeous afro. 

A “pineapple” she called it. 

It was this hairstyle that greeted Steve as he walked in. Her coils were extra-defined, and she chose to braid her hair up into the puff Steve loved so much. She accented the look with gold beads and stray curls framing her face. 

Selene didn’t notice him at first, humming contentedly as she wiped down the counter. Her back was to him, and Steve couldn’t help but admire her full, round ass shift from side to side. She leaned over to scrub a spot across the table, giving him an even better view as she moved forward. Steve licked his lips slowly, clenching his jaw to keep from making a move on her. 

Slow and Steady. 

That’s what he told himself. So instead, he cleared his throat to catch her attention. She jumped slightly, whipping around. Her face relaxed when she saw it was him. She rolled her eyes playfully, sauntering behind the counter. 

“You know it’s near closing, Steve.”

Her voice was like music to his ears and fuel for the ever-growing bulge in his pants. He shoved his hands in his pockets and shrugged, giving her an easy grin. 

“No one else is here. Besides, you’ve got the best coffee around.”

She started the machine up, not bothering to ask for his order. She already knew. Her hands moved expertly as she made his drink, never once stumbling or faltering. For a moment, Steve imagined what those hands might feel like on him. 

Nails raking down his chest, pulling him closer as he buries his–

“You work at Starbucks, dude.”

Her words pulled him from his thoughts. His cheeks flushed red as he cleared his throat. 

“Like I said,” He began, walking to the counter. “You do it better.” 

In every single fucking way, he thought. 

“Ya damn right we do. I don’t mind taking money from a competitor,” She said, finishing up his drink and sliding it over with a wink. 

“There you go. Just how you like it.”

Black and sweet.

“Thanks, Sel. How much?”

“On the house. From one barista to another.”

As Steve reached for the cup their hands grazed. Selene looked up at him, her soft brown eyes swirling with something unreadable. Steve was almost certain it was desire. 

She gently bit her lip as they held eye contact, but before Steve could think of something to say she blinked and pulled away.

“Alright, now. Get out. I gotta close up. My baby and I have plans.”

Steve’s hand tightened on his coffee.

“Yeah? What are y’all doing,” He asked, his voice tight. 

“Just a lil date night. But I would like to get out on time,” She said, pulling her apron off. “So…”

Steve had to repress a groan at the sight of her body. Soft, supple curves filled out the striking red sweater dress she wore. The subtle v-neck accentuated the swell of her breasts and drew attention to her cleavage. The jiggle of her tits and ass as she jumped a little to reach the hook had Steve thankful her back was turned to him. He was hard as a fuckin’ rock at the moment. 

Even still, a rage like white-hot fire burned in his veins. Her baby she had said. Yeah, Steve knew she had a man. But he didn’t give a fuck. That son of a bitch wasn’t shit compared to him. Selene deserved better and Steve knew he could be that for her. 

He had heard the way she spoke of her baby to the other baristas when he would stop by on his lunch breaks. How he always complained about her appearance and never wanted to spend time with her. Steve was more than confident this “date night” was her idea and her baby was just an unwilling participant. But she wouldn’t have to worry about that anymore. Steve would set things straight.

He just had to get her to see that her boyfriend wasn’t good enough for her. But right now, she was clueless.

So, Steve made up his mind. He was going to make her see. 

“Steve. Earth to Steve! I have to go,” She called out, pulling him from his thoughts. “You’re holding me up.”

He blinked, taking a sip from his coffee. Selene arched an eyebrow and placed a hand on her hip, silently asking him why the fuck he hadn’t left yet. Steve just smirked and put $20 in the tip jar. Selene frowned, preparing to speak. But before she could, Steve turned and headed out the door. 

“I’ll see you around, Selene. Thanks for the coffee.”

Steve walked to his car and got in. But he didn’t pull off. Instead, he watched Selene finish closing up the cafe as he drank his coffee. She flipped the open sign to “closed” and locked the door behind her before hopping into her car. As soon as she pulled off, Steve started his car up and followed her, glancing at the time. It was 7:15. From previous conversations, Steve knew that Selene lived 15 minutes away so their date night was probably at 8:00. Thinking of the sexy red number she had on, Steve didn’t think she needed to get ready.

But he knew she would want to freshen up and change.

When she pulled into the parking lot of her apartment building, Steve intentionally drove past it before looping around and finding a spot down the road. From where he was parked, he could still see her car and had a good view of her apartment building. He watched as she got out of the car, taking another sip of his lukewarm coffee. He didn’t really like coffee once it got started to cool down. The burn of hot coffee on his tongue reminded him that he was alive. So no, Steve wasn’t a fan of cooled coffee.

 But Selene had made it, and Steve would be damned if he let a single drop go to waste. 

Once Selene was in her building, Steve got out of his car. He followed the path he watched her take, dumping his empty coffee cup on the way. Each apartment was two stories, so all he had to do was find the front door that looked like hers. And judging by the coffee-themed welcome mat in front of one of the doors, he was sure he had found it. 

Apartment D. Fitting, he thought. 

So, Steve stepped aside and found a shadowy spot between Apartment C and D. This spot kept him hidden but gave him a perfect view of parking space D– so he could see when Selene’s baby would arrive. Steve wasn’t sure what his plan would be when the guy did show up, but he decided that

he would have time to figure out the minor details while he waited. He checked his phone. 7:40. 

The fucker was due any minute. 

But as the minutes ticked by, he didn’t show. Steve leaned against the wall, checking his phone again. 8:05. By the time 8:20 rolled around, Steve had taken to scrolling through the few pictures of Selene he had on his phone. He had gotten so wrapped up admiring her that he didn’t notice the shabby-looking vehicle pull into the parking spot in front of Selene’s building. It wasn’t until he heard Selene’s voice that his head shot up. He checked the time. 

8:45

That son of a bitch was 45 minutes late to his date with Selene. Steve felt his rage returning full force, his jaw clenching. 

“Where have you been, Theo?”

Theo? What type of square ass name is that?

“Don’t worry about that. You tryna leave or not, Selena?”

Steve couldn’t see the couple, but he could imagine the way Selene was looking at him. Her brow was probably furrowed with one eyebrow arched and her hands on her hips. Her head would be tilted to the side as she kissed her teeth. He’d seen the look plenty of times when watching her deal with disrespectful (usually white) customers. He heard her scoff a little. 

“Selena? What bitch you know named Selena?”

Theo clicked his teeth. “Girl, don’t start with that shit. I ain’t mean it like that.”

Steve edged out of the shadows a little. He could see a little more clearly now. Theo’s back was to him but he wasn’t much taller than Steve. He was fair-skinned with a low-cut fade and some busted-up Jordans on his feet. He didn’t have much in the way of muscle, looking about as thin as a toothpick. 

But he could see Selene clearly, and he felt his breath falter for a  moment. She had changed out of the red sweater dress and into something more revealing. It was a black two-piece set. The top was single-shouldered and cropped, showing off Selene’s midriff while the skirt had two long slits running up the side, giving Steve an excellent view of her toned thighs. Steve licked his lips, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth. 

Her makeup was darker than before, making her eyes look sexy and mysterious. Selene’s plump, full lips were painted dark crimson with a light gloss on top. Her tits were sitting perfectly in her top and from the way her nipples hardened as a slight breeze blew, she definitely wasn’t wearing a bra. Steve’s cock twitched in his pants. He adjusted himself, moving closer so he could hear better. 

“So you getting your ass in this car or no? Cause you wastin’ my time if not.”

Selene scoffed again and rolled her eyes. 

“The reservation was 45 minutes ago, so no. I’m not going nowhere with you, Theo,” Selene snapped, turning to head back into her house.

It was at that moment that Theo made his first fatal mistake. He snatched Selene by her upper arm, pulling the girl toward him forcefully. Steve restrained himself. 

Slow and steady.

“Nah, bitch. I ain’t come out here for nothing. Either we eating or we fuckin’. Your choice.”

“Let me go, Theo. I don’t owe you shit.”

Selene tried to pull away, but Theo pushed her against the brick wall of her apartment.

“You gone do what the fuck I tell you to do. You run that mouth so much, how about you show me what it do.”

Mistake two. Steve was seeing red and ready to jump from the shadows. He close his eyes to compose himself but could feel his rage steadily rising. But then he heard a groan and the sound of a fist connecting with a face. 

“Get your fucking hands off me, Theo. I ain’t nobody’s bitch.”

Steve watched as Selene’s fist connected with Theo’s face again, causing the dude to fall into his rusted jalopy. Selene turned to leave, not noticing Theo preparing to lunge at her. Steve took his chance.

He leaped forward and pulled Theo backward, snatching him up by the collar. He could smell the cheap alcohol on Theo’s breath. Steve punched him in the face for a third time, causing the drunken man to fall on his ass. Theo stumbled to his feet, attempting to tackle him, but Steve maneuvered around the staggering man and pushed him to the ground. 

“The fuck are you doing, man? Get outta here,” Steve shouted, kicking Theo in his back. 

Steve turned to Selene, immediately checking her for injuries. She stepped back, looking at him confused. 

“Steve, what the hell are you doing here? Wh–”

“Relax, relax,” He interrupted, trying to placate her. “I was leaving my cousin’s place and I heard him. I wanted to help.”

She relaxed for a moment, wrapping her arms around herself. She tucked a stray coil behind her ear.

“W-well thank you. I didn’t really need your help but I appreciate it.”

He cautiously placed his hands on Selene’s shoulders, relishing in the feeling of her silky smooth skin under his hands. 

“Selene, is he always like that?”

She shrugged. “When he drinks, yeah. But I can handle myself. Ain’t shit he gone do to me that I don’t want done.”

Pride rose in Steve’s chest. Most girls said things like that. Things that downplayed the abuse they faced, but Steve knew Selene meant it. Wasn’t shit gonna happen to his baby and definitely not while he was around. It was then that Steve knew he loved her. Fully and completely. 

She could take care of herself, yes, but she wouldn’t have to anymore. Steve loved fiercely and fully, willing to do whatever it took to protect his loved ones.  And Selene was obviously the love of his life. 

Steve started to speak, but the bastard on the ground clearly didn’t get enough of having his ass beat. 

“You need some white ass, Superman-looking nigga to save you? Bitch, I knew you wasn’t shit with yo’ fat ass.”

Theo laughed scathingly as Steve watched the look of pain flash across Selene’s face. She immediately schooled her features into an impassive mask, but Steve saw it. He saw how the words affected her. And it pissed him off. 

Strike three. 

He took a heavy breath before turning on Theo. It was as if he blacked out, his body moving before his mind could catch up. His fists moved of their own volition, slamming into Theo’s face. Theo’s hands flailed, smacking at Steve a few times but those weak slaps and scratches didn’t phase him. Steve was shouting but he had no idea what he was even saying. His rage blinded him as he put all his effort into destroying the man that hurt his girl. 

“Steve! Steve, stop! You’re gonna fucking kill him,” Selene screamed. “Please!”

“Let him die,” Steve growled in response. 

Theo was barely conscious by this point, probably near death, as Steve reared back to land one more fatal punch. Selene grabbed his arm mid-swing. 

“Steve,” She said slowly. “You gotta stop. This ain’t the hood. Someone is gonna call the fucking cops.”

Steve gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the calming effect her touch had on him. With a frustrated sigh, Steve got up. Theo’s head rolled to the side and for a chilling moment he went completely limp, but then he coughed and groaned in pain. Satisfied, he turned back to Selene with his eyes blazing. Danger radiated off him in waves.

“You better have a good fucking reason for stopping me.”

Selene swallowed slowly, gently grabbing his arm. 

“Let’s go inside. Let’s get you cleaned up before the police come.”

Steve allowed her to tug his arm forward, letting her guide him into the apartment. He hesitated at the threshold, looking over his shoulder at Theo. 

“Watch your fucking mouth, bitch,” He spit at the barely conscious man on the ground. 

Then, he allowed Selene to pull him into the apartment. 

Steve sat in silence for a while as Selene moved through different rooms in her apartment. While he waited, Steve looked around.

It was almost how he had imagined. Decorated minimally but with tons of personality. The color scheme was shades of orange and yellow with white accents. The pictures on her wall were afro-centric with a few plants spread around the space. It looked so much like her. Simple but vibrant and enticing. 

The plush yellow sofa he sat on was adjacent to the door, facing a nicely sized television with a small glass coffee table between the two. Steve felt like he could make himself at home there. 

There was a kitchen area separated by a pass-through with little bar stools in front of it.

Selene rounded the corner, with a first aid kit and a bowl of water. 

She sat gingerly on the glass table in front of him, avoiding eye contact. Steve stared at her unabashedly, waiting for her to speak. She didn’t. 

Instead, she took his hands in hers and started to clean them, dipping a rag from the kit in the bowl occasionally. When she felt his hands were cleaned well enough, she put ointment on them and wrapped them in gauze. 

Then, she moved on to the scratches on his face. For the first time since they came into the apartment, she met his eyes. Steve could see the conflict in them and he wanted nothing more than to kiss her until she was breathless. 

She looked away, focusing on his wounds instead. He hissed a little as the antiseptic touched his skin and she giggled lightly. A large grin broke out on Steve’s face at the sound. 

“Something funny?”

She met his eyes again, her hand resting on his cheek. Her eyes were light for the first time since Steve arrived at her apartment. His smile softened and he rested his hand on top of hers. She swallowed thickly, biting her lip. 

“Well?” Steve whispered. 

They leaned in slowly, hesitantly. But at the last second, Selene looked away and separated herself from Steve. 

“Uh, you’ll need to put some ointment on your scratches. A-And you’ll have to take off your shirt. You can’t have all that blood on your shirt when you leave.”

“I don’t think it really matters with the comatose guy lying on the ground outside your apartment. You called the cops, right?”

Selene nodded, pacing away from him. Her hands covered her midsection as she fiddled with her fingers. 

“Yeah, the ambulance. But…this wouldn’t be the first time the cops got a call about Theo. He’s a bit of a nuisance if you couldn’t tell.”

Understatement of the fucking year.

Still, Steve pulled his shirt over his head in one swift motion. He heard her breath hitch and smirked a little.

“Yeah, well what are you gonna tell them about his…condition?” Steve asked. 

“He got into a drunken fight with another drunk who ran off when I threatened to call the cops.”

Steve nodded, considering her words. 

“Cool. Okay, then.”

Selene nodded, pursing her lips. She wrapped her arms around herself and seemed to be considering her words before she spoke again. 

“Steve, what are you doing here?”

“I got a cousin in the area, two doors down actually. I was walking to my car,” He lied easily. 

“Oh for real? He lives in 2B?”

“Yeah, something like that. He needed help with his TV.”

“Oh. Well, that’s funny ‘cause I don’t recall any men staying with Ms. Carter. She’s a widow.”

He blinked. Maybe she wasn’t as clueless as he’d thought. 

“W-well, I can explain–”

“Save it, Steve. I’m not fucking stupid. What are you doing here?”

Maybe it was the way she had spoken to him or the distrust in her eyes, but something inside of Steve cracked. Something dark and possessive, twisting and curving like black ink, coursed through his veins. It consumed him in a way that could only be satiated by devouring her entirely. 

“No, you are.”

“Excuse me? What are you talking about?”

Steve stood and crossed to her, his full height dwarfing hers as he backed her against the wall of her island counters. Both hands caged her head between him and the wall. Selene took a heavy breath, trying her best to look unbothered. 

But Steve knew he was affecting her. He could almost see the lustful spark in her eyes.

“You are fucking stupid because you wasted your time on that fucking waste of space —

He moved his mouth to her ear, his voice lowering. 

—when I have been right here.”

He pushed off the wall, putting some space between him and Selene. 

Slow and steady, he reminds himself. So, he takes a calming breath. 

“You’ve been giving yourself to a man who isn’t worth more than the dirt under your fucking boot,” Steve all but growls. “So, I got fucking tired of it.”

“That’s not your place, Steve! I’m a grown woman. I can handle myself!” Selene shouted, moving toward him.

“Does it look like I give a fuck? Cause I don’t,” He shot back, inching forward as well. “You’re mine. And it’s time you act like it.”

“Excuse me? Who the fuck are you talking to!”

Selene closed the space between them, attempting to shove him backward but he grabbed her hands the moment they touched his firm chest. 

“Stop it,” He said. “I won’t tell you again.”

That dangerous edge rolled off him again, swirling around Selene like an intoxicating scent. She took a shallow breath, finding herself lost in his intense glare. They were a soft blue that darkened as he cupped her face gently. The heat of his gaze brought out the green tone of his eyes, causing a riot to break loose inside Selene. The danger in his eyes spread through her like a thick black haze, infecting her insides and muddling her brain. Her eyes flickered down to his lips as she bit hers again.

Selene leaned in closer, “Steve…” She whispered. “I— I don’t even know you.”

Their lips were only a breath apart. “You will,” He whispered. 

Then, their lips crashed together. He dominated her easily with his mouth as her hands found his hips, stroking his v-lines and the outline of his abs. Her hands felt like heaven on his skin as he held the back of her head, deepening the kiss. 

She moaned into his mouth, fiddling with the button on his jeans. He pushed her hands away, grinning as they parted. 

“Eager? Don’t worry, baby, you’ll get what you want. But there is something I want first.”

He took her hand, leading her over to the couch. He sat, looking up at her expectantly. 

“I think you should thank me. Don’t you?” 

Selene smiled coyly, kneeling in front of him slowly. 

“Yeah..I should.”

She undid his jeans, helping him maneuver his pants and boxers down. Steve’s dick sprung free, full and erect. He released a sigh of relief that turned into a groan as she gently took him in her hands.

She could barely hide the surprise on her face as her hand could barely wrap around his cock. Steve wasn’t too long, but definitely longer than average and he was thick as hell. 

The thought of him stretching her open had Selene’s pussy clenching as a new wave of lust crashed over her. Slick, wet arousal filled her panties as she licked her lips, leaning forward to take him in her mouth. 

She started slowly, using her tongue to tease up his shaft. She then licked from the base to the tip, flattening her tongue and making sure to flick the base of his tip. She relished in the moans coming from him and took that as a cue to go further. She sucked his tip in her mouth, humming happily as he bucked his hips. 

Meanwhile, Steve was in heaven. He could barely think as she swirled around the tip, teasing it with little flicks of her tongue. With one hand resting on his thigh, she brought the other up to massage his balls as she took more of him in her mouth. 

As the sensation of her sucking him off and massaging his balls ran through him, Steve had to restrain himself from saying those three little words. Instead, he said them on repeat in his head like a mantra. 

I love you. I love you. I love you. 

Steve’s hands flew to Selene’s head, trying to be mindful of her carefully done hair. She started to move her mouth rapidly up and down his shaft, gagging as she tried to take all of him. Steve’s breath hitched as he hit the back of her throat each time she took him deeper. 

Unable to control himself, he started thrusting into her mouth. His actions drew loud whimpers and moans from her as she relaxed her jaw and allowed him to fuck her face. 

Feeling himself coming close, he pulled her off him with a satisfying pop. 

Removing his clothes all the way, he stroked himself as he watched her stand and strip out of her clothes. She hesitated at her skirt but turned her back to him, pulling it down. Steve frowned.

He would kill every son of a bitch that ever made this woman feel bad about her body. 

Selene was toned, sure, but being a thicker girl meant having more to love in certain areas. Specifically the stomach area. But Steve felt it added to her sex appeal and for her to hide was offensive to him. 

“Princess, don’t do that. Don’t hide from me. Get over here.”

Selene turned around, her arms wrapped around her midsection. She stepped over to him, her eyes downcast. Steve reached for her and positioned her over his hard cock. She shifted, desperate to sink down onto his waiting erection. But Steve held her hips firmly, waiting for her to make eye contact. 

When she did, he finally spoke.

“You don’t hide from me, you got that? You’re mine. You’re beautiful.”

Selene averted her eyes again.

“Look at me, Selene.”

Selene hesitated. She wasn’t used to taking orders, but something in her wanted to please him. It went against everything she believed in. Submitting to a white man? Hell no. But still, Selene found herself nodding slowly, meeting his eyes. 

“I hear you. Now, are you gonna fuck me or what?”

At her words, Steve grinned and bucked his hips upward. He slid his cock against her wet folds, the sound of her wetness filling the room. Her tight grip on his shoulders, the burn of her nails digging into his flesh, anchored him as his head rolled back on the couch. Feeling her wetness drove him absolutely wild but he worked hard to savor the moment– to let her feel exactly what she did to him. 

Steve wanted to take his time with her but his restraint slowly fell apart the more needy her moans grew. 

Slow and steady, slow and steady, slow and—

“Steve, please. I need it,” She whined. 

And just like that. His resolve snapped. 

“Fuck it,” Steve growled, flipping them over. 

He threw her leg over his shoulder, the other resting on the back of the couch, and finally slid home. Steve’s eyes rolled to the back of his head at how tight Selene was. 

“Fuck,” He hissed. “Fuck, you’re so perfect, baby. Made for me.”

Selene cried out at the drag of his cock as he pulled out, biting back a scream as he slammed back in. He held her leg tightly on his shoulder as he pumped in and out of her at a rapid pace, the sound of skin slapping skin filling the room. Her tits bounced in tandem with his movements as he fucked her deeper. 

Passion ignited the air as Steve finally laid claim to the beautiful woman beneath him. He leaned down, pressing their lips together, swallowing her moans. She pulled him closer, her nails raking down his back. 

“You like that? You like the way I fuck you?” Steve teased, his voice breathy and deep.

“Yes, yes,” She sobbed, feeling dizzy with pleasure. Tears leaked from her eyes at the pleasurable burn Steve’s dick provided. She had never felt so full before.

“Who do you belong to, Selene? Tell me whose pussy this is.”

“Yours! I’m yours!” She screamed. “Steve, I’m so close. I feel like—“ 

A sharp cry escaped her lips as she clenched tightly around his shaft. Steve’s head fell back. 

“Fuck yes, baby. Good girl.”

He fucked her through her orgasm, feeling himself reaching his peak. Closer, closer—

Then sirens sounded outside.

Steve stilled, panting quietly. Selene’s eyes widened as she peeked over his shoulder, watching the blue lights flash. And seeing those lights sent a thrill through Steve. 

Then, he had a devious idea. 

“It’s the fucking cops,” She whispers. “Steve—“

He shushed her, pulling out. She winced at the loss but became confused as Steve pulled her from the couch and over by the door. 

He pushed her against the wall, hiking her leg up around his waist. He slid back into her, covering her mouth with his hand when she let out a loud gasp. 

Steve started to move inside her, angling himself just right so he could pull those beautiful cries from her throat. 

“You better be quiet, princess,” He taunted. “Unless you want them to hear you fucking the man who beat the shit out of your ex-boyfriend.”

Selene whined, her eyes rolling back as he hit that spot deep inside her. Her pussy clenched around him, drawing a low groan from Steve. He grinned. 

“You would love that, wouldn’t you? You would love to have them walk in and find me shooting my load into this tight cunt, wouldn’t you?”

Selene pulled him closer, feeling herself rise to a higher peak. 

“Oh my god,” She whispered, her voice tight. “Steve, I’m so close.”

“Again?” 

She nods into his shoulder, pulling him as close as she possibly can. Steve lifts Selene up, both legs around his waist now, fucking into her harder. Selene’s head rolls back onto the wall, her face entirely blissed out.

Anchoring her between his pelvis and the wall, Steve eased a finger between the two of them and rubbed her clit in tight circles. 

“Come on,” He urged. “Do it, princess.”

Selene came with a scream, her hands tangled in Steve’s hair. Her body seized up, trapping his dick inside of her as he continued to give her slow, deep pumps. The look of pure ecstasy on her face, and the rough tug she gave his roots as he continued to fuck her, sent him reeling. He pulled out quickly, spinning her around. She braced against the wall and poked her ass out, desperate for more of him. 

Instead, Steve jerked himself off spilling his seed on her back and ass. Selene moaned at the sensation, resting her head against the wall. 

They stayed there in silence, cum and sweat rolling down Selene’s back. Their heavy breaths filled the space between them. Steve held himself up on the wall, on hand still gripping her waist. Selene’s legs shook from the effort it took to remain standing. With a breathless laugh, Steve started to speak but–

“Uh. The young man outside has been taken to the hospital. Would you like to make a statement?”

The voice came from the other side of the door. He sounded young, new to the job, and unsure how to proceed. 

Steve and Selene both stifled laughs as he moved away to grab his discarded shirt. He wiped down Selene’s back and she turned to him, pressing a heated kiss to his lips. Steve immediately deepened the kiss, gripping her ass as he pulled her closer.

The officer on the other side of the door cleared his throat awkwardly and spoke again—

“I’ll just leave my card.”

With that, the screen door closed and the sound of sirens pierced through the air. 

But the couple didn’t hear them, too drunk on one another to care about anything else. 

Steve was the first to pull away for a breath, grinning widely at her. 

“How about we get cleaned up, princess? I think I have some scratches on my back you should look at.”

Selene laughed, taking his hand and leading him toward the bathroom. 

Steve knew they would need to talk soon, but for now, he was content to fuck her like she deserved and worship her body. Because now that he had gotten a taste, he wasn’t going to let her go. She was his and he was going to make sure she knew that. Besides, she didn’t seem bothered by who Steve really was. 

She seemed content with the dark thing that lurked inside of him. She had seen it. Felt it move inside of her as she writhed underneath him and came with bated breath. Selene seemed comfortable with him. Perhaps it was wishful thinking but…maybe she loved him, too.

Slow and steady, He reminded himself. 

He had time to make her love him. And he would do whatever he needed to, and get rid of whoever, in order for that to happen. Though he didn’t think it would take much time at all for her to see they were meant to be. 

Because maybe there was something dark inside her, too.

Slow and Steady, He thought as he hoisted her up in the shower and slid into her with ease. 

Slow and Steady.

Backup blog: @thegirlonhamilton

Masterlist

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Consent/18+ Banner by @maysdigitalarts

Title Banner by Me :)

[sokkas-first-fangirl]

Fluff prompt, if you like it: Bruno combs Dolores with what will become her favorite hairstyle

Aaawww 💕

Takes place in the “With The Dawn You Rise (With The Day You Blaze)” ‘verse

Trigger warning: brief mention/allusion to Bruno’s suicide attempt

The funny thing is, the hairstyle was an accident.

Dolores was only two. It was a few weeks after…It. Bruno wasn’t allowed to be by himself and he’d barely spoken a word after yelling at Alma to leave Julieta and Pepa alone.

Pepa had never heard Bruno yell so loudly.

But she digressed: the hairstyle was an accident.

Dolores and Isabela were the only people who got Bruno to smile at all; weak, sad smile though it was, at least it was a smile. The two giggly toddlers managed to keep him focused for more than a few minutes at a time.

With that in mind, Pepa dragged Bruno to her room to help her with the girls. She’d promised to watch Isabela while Julieta and Agustín were out. She was fixing a ribbon in Isabela’s hair when Dolores pressed a red ribbon into Bruno’s hand with a squeak.

They were just messing about. Bruno sat Dolores in front of the mirror, gently teasing her by twisting her hair in wild directions while she quietly giggled.

When he gently pulled her hair up into a bun, into a shape that resembled a pineapple, Dolores clapped her hands.

“Yes!” she squeaked. “Yes please!”

Dolores was not usually an excitable child, so Pepa’s interest was caught. And what do you know, the hairstyle did look cute.

Very cute, actually. It suited her.

So Pepa took over, styling it properly and tying the bun in place with the bright red ribbon. Dolores was delighted, rushing over to show Isabela.

“It suits her,” Pepa said, squeezing Bruno’s shoulder. “I’ll have to style it like that again sometime.” She smiled at Bruno, hoping he’d smile too. “Maybe you should be a hairdresser, eh?”

Bruno’s smile was tiny. A shadow of a smile, nothing like the smile that Pepa had grown up with.

But he was smiling. That was what mattered. He was smiling and there was some light in his eyes.

Isabela loudly proclaimed she wanted the same style and Pepa got to work. All the while, Dolores sat on Bruno’s lap, proudly showing off her hair again and again, the loudest Pepa had ever heard her daughter get.

Funny, what a difference a change in style can make.

[ramp-it-up]

Fresh Squeeze, Chapter 7

Pairing: Daveed Diggs x OFC Linden Marshall

Set in 2023, post-pandemic

Warnings: Lots of pics, Cursing, Angsty Angst, Mention of Death, Lots of Plot, Anthony Ramos, Afro Samurai, Clothes altering, SMUT: Fingering, Thumb sucking, Fluff. 18+.

Word Count: 6.6 K 

Plot: Linden Marshall just finished law school at Columbia University in NYC. Daveed Diggs is still creating magic with his platonic life partner Rafael Casal and nursing his broken heart post pandemic. 

Linden’s boyfriend WAS Mark Monaco, movie star.  They were together for years, and her trauma and his addictions were chaotic. She knows now that wasn’t love. 

Read the Previous Chapter.

--------

Thursday night/Friday, May 6-7, 2023

After Daveed heard what you said, he stood stock still, trying to decide whether or not to go back into your room.  He clenched his fists and concentrated intensely to not break the fucking door down. All he needed was for you to call his name…

You stood in the middle of your room, naked except for the towel.  You closed your eyes and prayed for strength to not go running after him. You had to stay in control.  

But if you saw him turn your door handle, you would fuck him right there on the floor of your room.

After a few minutes, you both turned around and went about your business, Daveed to his room and you to the shower. You thought of Daveed in the shower and fell into bed still thinking of him. 

What did you want for your birthday, if not Daveed?

Daveed, alone in his bed, thought of all the feelings involved.  He knew you were fragile, but it seemed you were relaxing a bit, deciding to trust him if just a little.

He resolved to give a little bit of chase. You just needed to feel safe and accepted. 

You dreamt of each other so deeply that all that was left when you woke up was a wisp of a memory.

------

Daveed did not sleep long.  Even though it was after 4 o’clock when he went to sleep, he was up by 10, hard on raging under the sheets.  

He’d be damned if he jerked off, but he remembered your voice through the door of the room last night, and he had to strip the sheets away, as he was making a mess at the thought of you.  

He decided to go for a run on the beach. He pulled on some basketball shorts and decided to go shirtless, as the temperature outside was already 80 degrees.

Daveed ran with his music blasting in his ears.  He played out song lyrics and lined up preparation for upcoming roles.  Before he knew it, he was three miles down the beach from the house.

He turned around as the tropical heat and the sun was getting to be a bit much. He went back in and went to his room to shower and put some clothes on. You didn’t know the sight you were missing.

When you woke up at Noon, you pulled on Mark's t-shirt and basketball shorts and made your way to the kitchen which had floor to ceiling windows and glass doors facing the ocean. It was breathtaking. The doors were open and the ocean breeze felt amazing.

"Good morning, Sunshine!" 

You turned to see Daveed at the stove, greeting you and smiling. 

He was wearing an orange Oakland tank top and some pajama pants slung low on his hips. You smiled at his hair, which was tied up in two curly puffs at the front, with the back down in his wild curls.  

Even though it was an odd hairstyle for a grown man, you knew the curl life. And it did not take away from his masculinity.  

Not. At. All.

Besides, his curly puffs gave you a place to focus rather than on his well-muscled arms.  

Daveed’s hair reminded of when your mom did your hair only to have Dell try to pull your pony tails out as soon as she dismissed you from the kitchen chair. 

Ya’ll would get into so much trouble for fighting yet again. The thought gave you a warm feeling at the memory as you smiled wider and patted your own pineappled hair. 

‘Damn, her smile is a killer,’ Daveed thought as he watched you look around the kitchen for other signs of life. Now he was glad that he couldn’t sleep, and that he decided to be productive.  

He would have the chance to talk to you. As friends. Yeah.  He nodded to himself, trying to emphasize that last thought.  Friends.

Fuck.  He was in serious trouble.

Noticing that you and he were the only two humans in the kitchen and sniffing the air for the delicious smell that was wafting over from the stove, you finally greeted Daveed.

"Good morning, D.  Looks like everyone else is still knocked the fuck out.” 

Your other four friends were nowhere to be found.

You laughed, yawned and stretched.  Daveed turned back to the stove, cursing to himself. You were so damn fine.

“Calm the fuck down boy,” he whispered.

“What’s that?” 

You ventured over to see Diggs making French toast and bacon. Your stomach rumbled.

"I said sit down. Sounds like you’re hungry, haha. We gotta feed you. Grab some fruit over there and I'll serve you right up."

You grabbed something and sat down at the bar facing the windows. When Diggs turned to offer you some fresh oj, you didn't notice him watching you eat your banana. 

Your lips were a problem for him. When you looked away from the ocean, Daveed turned back to the stove and looked over his shoulder to smile at you.

His smile made you feel some kind of way.

"Why do they call you ‘Smiley?’" 

Daveed laughed, a sound that was quite nice.

“Because I started out as a clown. A professional clown.” 

You tilted your head, convinced that he was fucking with you. But maybe, he and Rafa always talked about the random shit they did to make money before they made it.

When he winked and turned back to the stove to the food, you just shook your head and ate the rest of your banana, positive that Daveed was fucking with you.

Meanwhile, Diggs was trying to stop himself from thinking about fucking with you. He did not need to watch you eat a banana. He licked his lips as he thought of how your lips tasted.

You smiled at Diggs’ broad back. He seemed different this morning.

He turned to plate some food for you and smiled again, shaking his head.

“Most times it’s a nervous tick.”

You were confused. “What’s a nervous tick?”

“My smile. I'm actually a really shy person.  Most times my smile is a defense mechanism.”

You were not sure about all that. Daveed had to know how he affected people.

“I’m not sure I believe that. Man. You are famous for performing in front of hundreds of people a night.  You’re on tv, movies, for goodness sake! You do live rap shows with your shirt off. I ain’t boo boo the fool.”

Daveed’s laugh filled the kitchen.

“How many clipping. shows did you watch on YouTube?  Or did you only watch the ones where I'm shirtless?” 

His look was hungry, and surprised, like he couldn’t believe he’d said that out loud. Then he barrelled on.

“I am shy, but I get my energy from crowds. I'm an introverted extrovert. Ya feel me?"

You nodded, understanding. You noticed that he was fiddling with the spatula he had in his hand. Uncertain again. He really was awkward. It was sweet. And hot.

Diggs continued.

"When I perform, I'm probably under the influence."

Pause.

"Hold up. What?" 

You flashed back to Mark. You couldn’t be around this again. Daveed caught your panicked look.

"Oh, it’s not like that, haha."  

That laugh and that smile. It automatically put you at ease. 

"It just takes a little. Drink; like last night at Criag’s Adrenaline; when I used to run track. Now it's performing." 

Daveed watched you carefully, gauging whether or not to continue. Fuck it, he thought. He felt as comfortable with you as when he first met Rafa.

"You know what the best drug is?" 

You cocked your head to the side, intrigued despite yourself. That smile. It was angelic and so opposite of what came out of his mouth next.

"Fucking. You know? When it's that good good. Or even better, that feeling when you haven't smashed, but the sexual tension is everything?"

There was suddenly little air in the room. You had to open your mouth to get oxygen. Oh. You knew the feeling alright. You gulped down your orange juice and continued eating.

"Hard-dick dopamine delivers every time." 

He said it so casually. He was playing innocent, but he was going for it.

You choked on your bacon. Daveed came up beside you.

"Raise your arms above your head.”

You turned toward him, held your arms up and he helped you, his hands holding your hands up. You stopped coughing pretty quickly but you stared at each other with your small wrists in his large hands. Daveed shifted on his feet and cleared his throat.  

“You good?" His voice had to be a couple of octaves lower. 

You gaped for a second, mouth still open, then laughed and nodded, pulling your arms slightly to get him to release them.  Daveed let go, stepped back and laughed along.

"But yeah. Back to what we were talking about...It just takes a little high, and I'm a completely different person." 

You watched him as he crossed his chocolate arms. 

"So what's your drug? Your motivation?"

That was something you didn't want to think about too hard. You tried to avoid his eyes. You cleared your throat and took another drink.  

“You got any vodka for this orange juice?”

-------

“C’mon. I made you this gourmet breakfast and everything…” You could hear the smile in his voice even though you were looking down. You didn’t feel pressed, you just felt like telling D this would open up so many things to him.

"Well, I don't do hard drugs if that's what you mean. No pills, or coke. Don't need molly," you winked and filled your mouth with French toast. 

"Gosh. This food is amazing!"

Daveed could barely make out the words through the food in your mouth.  He shook his head.

"Thanks, but don’t play me Lindy. Is french toast your motivation?"

Diggs wasn't letting you off the hook. You thought about it.  He was being very cool, and you felt safe with him.  You plunged ahead.

"I think about how fragile life is. How it is not guaranteed from day to day. How it can be taken away in a moment." 

You tried to push the emotions down and took a deep breath.

"I lost my twin brother when we were 17 in a car accident. I think a lot about what he didn't get to do. And that motivates me to do better with my life."

Daveed just looked down at the counter, mortified that he had pushed you to share something so personal. Then he finally looked up at you.

"That's a good reason to be motivated. I'm sorry for your loss." He looked down at his plate again.  "Look, I didn't mean to press you...."

Telling Daveed about Dell just felt right, even though you really didn’t know him like that.

"Don't apologize.  You didn't know. And I'm glad I told you." 

Diggs looked up at her and smiled. You smiled back.

He got up and stood next to you to grab your plate. Daveed smelled like coconut. It was nice. You closed your eyes and sniffed him.

"You done?" He was laughing at you.

"What? Oh, yeah. Thanks."

"Where is the fooood?"

Craig padded in the kitchen, with a wide smile. 

"There you are." You grinned at your cousin.

"Goood morningggg peopleeeee! I smell the Diggs Special. Hey. You two fuck last night?”

Rafa came in already on one this morning. Unlike his best friend, his confidence seemed to seldom waver.

He ignored your shocked looks and Craig’s laughter and went to get some food.  He continued as if he just walked in and said, “Good morning.”

"Ay, D, you gonna go check out this venue in town with me?"

Daveed shook his head at his friend. But he was chilling.

"Sure, what up?"

"I figure we can turn up on stage tonight"

"Cool. Let me eat and chill a little bit before we go." He looked at his watch. "About two?"

"Dope."

Jasmine walked into the kitchen. 

“Lindy needs to go shopping. We should come with.  You down, Craig?”

“You know it. That reminds me, we gotta fix you up.  Start destroying Daveed’s pants, since Lindy won’t do it for real.”

“Y’all gonna get enough…” you were getting swole.

“Calm down Ms. Fussy pants. Let’s go.”

Craig grabbed some shears from the kitchen and went toward Lindy’s room.

When you got to your room, Craig gave you the business.

"You are so tiresome."

“What?”

“You just need to fuck the man. We are all tired of feeling this sexual tension. It’s bothersome.”

“Leave me alone, Craig.” You watched as he worked his magic on the jeans. “What if I don’t want t…”

“Lie.”

“What if I’m not read…”

“Fuck that.”

“What if he hurts me? What if I hurt him?”

Craig put the shears down and turned toward you.  

“Listen, stop over thinking and do what you feel. What you want. Turn up. It’s your birthday. Anybody can see that man is all about you.”

“I’m scared.”

“I know. But you deserve…” He didn’t say it. 

“You deserve. Now put these clothes on, bitch.”

----- 

You emerged from the room and no one paid any particular attention to you, no one but Daveed. 

His eyes swept from your feet, which were housed in some of Jasmine’s high heeled sandals, to your long, brown legs which were highly moisturized and seemed to go on and get better from your juicy calves to your generous, muscular thighs. 

Craig had cut and distressed some jeans that Daveed didn't particularly love to garments that he felt he could not live without. 

On you. 

Damn, Daveed gaped as he remembered that you probably didn’t have any underwear on. 

His eyes moved up to notice how his blue Oaklandish t-shirt was huge, but the way you had it tied up let it accentuate your waist, breasts and shoulders.

‘Good God,’ he thought. As his eyes moved up to yours, he saw that you noticed his reaction and were smiling at him. He smiled back. He wanted you to wear nothing but his destroyed and altered clothing for the rest of your life.

“OKAYYYYYYY, you look cute as hell.” Jasmine admired your outfit.  

“Thank you!”  Craig responded. 

“Yes, you did that!” Jas laughed.  “And the model ain’t half bad.” Jasmine got up, took your hand and had you twirl.

“Got DAMN!”  

Everyone turned and looked at Rafa as he yelled.  He put his hand over his mouth. “Oh, did I say that out loud?”

Daveed was so grateful that you did not have any of your own clothes. Your ass in those distressed shorts were everything. He gulped and you and Jasmine giggled.

“Be quiet!” 

Anthony shushed everybody and then gave you a double take. 

“Nice, Lindy,” but then he turned back to the tv. He was used to Jasmine’s glorious ass, so he was nonplussed. 

“Let’s just finish this episode before we go. It’s my favorite,” he said as Jasmine went back over to sit down with him.

Black Dynamite was on the tv while they were waiting. It was the alien episode. 

Ant and Jas were curled up in a big white overstuffed chair, Craig was on the other,while Daveed and Rafa were on the couch. You sat down in between them. 

You leaned your head on Rafa’s shoulder, looking at Daveed. Rafa put his arm around you, watching the show, as you put your legs up on Digg’s knees. 

You didn’t see Rafa wink at Daveed, who just smiled at you and turned toward the screen. After a couple of minutes, he put his hand on your shins, looking over to see if it was okay.  

Your chill smile indicated your assent.  He started lightly rubbing, looking down at your caramel skin. Your legs were so soft. 

Diggs peeked up at you relaxing and accepting his touch, and snuggling into Rafa’s embrace.  The way you were looking at him was everything, even if you were in Rafa’s arms. 

Rafa was his boy. And he knew what you wanted. As for Daveed and you, you two were watching each other and not the screen.

Daveed decided to move his hand up your leg, but a flash went off and he stopped. He hadn’t noticed that the show was over and that Craig was taking pictures. 

"This is so cute! Family love!" 

He was cheesing as he snapped a wide-angle selfie and some pics. Jasmine came and sat on your lap, the couch becoming a crazy twister game. 

Anthony came behind the couch and snuck in the pics with the crazy eyes flipped a double bird behind Rafa’s head. You were all being so silly.

"What is this, a orgy?” Rafa with the jokes. 

“Not that I’m saying there’s anything wrong with that.” That devilish smile. Everybody laughed. 

“Y’all are some beautiful people, but ain’t nobody got time for that. Let's go."

Anthony seemed hype.  He slapped his hands together and then rubbed them.

“Okay, we have a choice, since we are going into town we can drive….” he looked around at everyone.  “OR, we can go over in my new boat!”

Everyone sensed that there wasn’t really a choice, so they all said, “Boat!” and laughed.  

Anthony’s grin was wide as fuck.  Jasmine harshed the flow.

“The only thing is, it only has four seats…”  Everyone looked around and counted six people. Ant spoke up.  

“I’ll be piloting, so I will stand, but it takes about 20-30 minutes, soooooooo…..”

“Sooooooo, Lindy… would you mind sitting on D’s lap? We need to get creative.” 

Her eyes sparkled as she smirked. 

“Would that be okay with you Diggs?”

Rafa coughed “Setup” into his hand.

You looked at Jasmine and Anthony and Daveed, who was looking at you expectantly.  You were in agreement with Rafa, but you weren’t mad. It seemed that everyone was looking at you.

“Sure…” said Daveed whose eyes were fixed on you.  “Is that okay with you, Lindy?” 

You smiled and nodded your head.  “I’m cool with it.”   Daveed smiled wide, eyes crinkling with happiness.

Jasmine and Anthony led you all out onto the back deck, where you and Jas took off your heels, and down to the beach, a little ways away to the boat dock.  You and Daveed brought up the rear of the little ensemble.

You were watching the waves and the beautiful surroundings, trying not to focus on the awkwardness. 

Daveed was watching you.

“You good Lindy?” 

Daveed’s voice broke your reverie.

“Yeah.” 

You two stopped and looked at each other.  Your head was tilted back, looking into D’s eyes. He smiled down at you and you felt warm.  Must have been the sun.

“Heyyyy youuu guuuysss!”  

Daveed nodded his head toward the boat. 

“Leggo.”

You smiled and followed him. Ant was at the helm, Jasmine and Rafa were at the front, and Craig was in the second row.  

Daveed stepped on the boat and turned around offering you his hand. You flashed back to that January night.

You swallowed, smiled and tried to board. And immediately fell when you misjudged the deck while stepping on the boat.

Daveed helped you up, chuckling, while Craig howled and Rafa shook his head. Jasmine just stared, open mouthed, said “That’s not funny,” then burst out laughing.

Anthony was busy getting the boat ready but had a grin on his face.

“Fuck all y’all!”

“No, not all of us, just D…”

“Shut the fuck up Craig.”  You gave him the gas face and then turned and smiled at Daveed.

Daveed was seated and spread his arms out so you could sit down.  Anthony started the engine, so you got settled in on his lap as carefully as you could.  

“You okay?” you asked him softly, turning on his lap and feeling the muscles in his thighs. And maybe something else. 

You tried to adjust your shorts to cover your core adequately, because like this, he would easily be able to ascertain your situation.

Daveed looked into your eyes and whispered, “I’m perfect.”

You agreed silently as you stared back into his big browns. 

You were thrown against Daveed’s chest as the boat gained speed. You were able to feel his abs through his t-shirt and your rear shifted and came into contact with his crotch. 

‘This is going to be a fun ride,’ you thought, smiling to yourself.

Daveed put his arms around you, one at your waist and one on your legs, to try and hold you steady.  The movement of the boat allowed him to feel you, just as he wanted.  

He turned his head and looked at the water, concentrating on keeping his hands in neutral locations.

Jas looked over at you.  “You okay?” she mouthed.

You smiled and nodded, giggling a little.

D turned his head back quickly to look at your face. You looked at him and winked. He smiled and unknowingly started stroking your leg.

You stopped laughing and all of your attention turned to his hand on your leg. You adjusted yourself in Daveed’s lap. You were getting a little moist and could feel his cock becoming hard. 

Your lips parted and you started breathing a little faster.

The feel of you on his lap was what was up. There was a definite heat from your core. Daveed happened to look down at his t- shirt on you and saw that your nipples were hard.  

All he wanted was for them to be in his mouth and to be enveloped in your heat.

Daveed turned his head to look at everyone else to see if they noticed you two, and his lips brushed your shoulder.  He heard your sharp intake of breath.

Geez, he felt like he could take you on the boat in front of everyone. By the way your body was reacting, he thought that you would let him.  

He finally noticed he was stroking your leg and stopped himself.  He sat up straighter and tried to get control.

You closed your eyes and moaned a little when Daveed pulled away.  All you wanted at that moment was him inside you. When you opened your eyes, Daveed was looking at you.

“You sure you’re comfortable? I could sit on the boat deck if you want.”

“No!” you said a little too loudly.  Craig smirked at you.

You blushed, then relaxed again in D’s arms. How could a moment be so awkward, yet so perfect?.  

After about 20 minutes, the view of the pretty little town of Isabela became clear.  It looked like a neat spot to spend the day, but you were sad that the boat ride was over.

As the boat came to a stop and tied off at the dock, you and Daveed let everyone get off before them, then D climbed out, turned around and held out his hand for you.  

You took it and stepped out onto the dock. You didn’t let go and Daveed didn’t either. No one said anything, just exchanged glances as you and Daveed concentrated on being casual with it.  

Truth be told, each of your hearts were pounding in your chest.  

This is another world. You could be free and do what you wanted to do.  And what you wanted to do was to hold Daveed’s hand.

Daveed’s chest was puffed out, proud that you decided to show affection. In front of the crew. 

This was a big step but he tried not to make it a big deal.  

You strolled together and admired the architecture, holding his hand until you walked to the shopping center on Barbosa Street.

They were going to check out a venue to do a show later in the weekend. Daveed didn’t want to let you go.

Rafa and Ant just walked on and let Daveed handle his business. 

“Go to work.” 

You smiling at him was everything, as Daveed played with your hand, moving it up to lace his fingers in yours and press your palm upright.

Jas and Craig went into the store.

“It’s not work. Having fun creating with friends…”  

Daveed really wanted to create fun with you. He felt like he should kiss you goodbye, but he didn’t want to push it.

“Bye Daveed.  See you in a few.” 

You laughed, cause it was like he was going off to war. This was too much.

“Bye Linden…” 

He finally let your hand go and then backed up the street in the direction that his bros went, not wanting to let you out of his sight. 

When you disappeared into the store, he turned and ran to catch up.

------

Rafa and Anthony were talking to the club owner in Spanish, Daveed following along, but not very well.  He thought they were talking about lighting and sound, but couldn’t get the entire conversation.

“Tienes tu propio gaffer o tenemos que hacer nuestra propia iluminación?”

“Nosotros tenemos un capataz, pero él cobra una tarifa separada.”

Daveed zoned out and planned how he was going to get closer to you.

Rafa turned to him and said something, and Daveed nodded. 

“Oh, absolutely.”

 He had not one clue what was happening in this club right now.  His mind was on you.  Rafa and Ant looked at each other.

“So, when they bring up the pigs in tutus, we cut one open and smear the blood all over you…” 

Anthony wanted to see if Daveed was paying attention.

Daveed smiled. “Sounds dope.”

Rafa and Ant shook their heads at him.

“Listen dude, your head is not in the game right now. You need to get right.”

They didn't have to tell him twice. 

------

You were going to town.  Craig and Jasmine had abandoned you and were already down at Pinkheart and Loft.  You were not moving from H & M.

You didn’t mind being alone in the store, as you minored in shopping in undergrad. You were in the zone. And zoned out from what was happening with Daveed. You needed some headspace.

Your hands were full of clothes and your heart was feeling light as you headed toward the dressing room. 

You could barely see over your pile when the cute top you just recently grabbed off a clearance rack fell on the floor as you rushed ahead.  You walked past it before you realized, then went back to try and pick it up.

You jumped as soon as you turned around.

Daveed was standing there with your top in his hand.

"Drop something?"  That smile was everything.

You stared at him wide-eyed. 

‘Fuck. Me.’ Daveed thought. 

"Here, let me take your pile, I'll help you to the register."

You smiled at him again. He'd do anything to see that smile forever.

"Oh, ok. Thanks." 

You handed over the clothes to reveal a handful of sandals underneath which you kept. Daveed slowed himself to appreciate you fully.

“I really like that shirt on you.” Daveed bit his lip. “And those shorts..”

You saw him checking you out and you watched him, your eyes fixed on his lips. 

You recalled the talk about what mouths could do from months ago but were thinking about his succulent lips. And you couldn’t stop.

You needed to remain in control.

"I'm not going to the register, I'm going to try these on.  You can drop them at the fitting room." 

Daveed looked around to tear his eyes away from you.  He caught you checking him out when he swung his eyes back around.  His stomach flipped a little.  

He smiled.

"Well."

You were at the fitting room, the attendant eyeing Daveed as he gave you a number and pointed you to a stall.  

You took the 10 garments you were allowed and started to go into to your fitting room, looking back at him over your shoulder. You disappeared into the room.

Daveed just stood there.

He made a decision.

You stood there for a minute, shook, before you thought you had yourself together. You were about to take off his shirt when Daveed opened the door at came in.

The look on your face was everything.  The wide eyes, that mouth in an "O." So damn fuckable.

"The guy out there said I could bring you the rest of your clothes."

That was true, after Daveed paid him 20 dollars.

He got close to you, reached behind you and put the clothes on the hook.

You could smell him. He smelled like the coconut and his cologne, and your dreams.  You closed your eyes.

Daveed wanted your lips. He wanted to own them, to command them, to hear them command him.

You opened your eyes and he backed up.  He tried to contain himself despite your proximity.

“Look. Daveed. That night. The launch party. I was wasted. I usually don’t lose control like that… I don’t want you to think that’s really me.”

You were keyed up and stressed because you were losing control.  He could tell.

God, he wanted to put his hands on you. In a good way. You’d calm down then.

He knew you had baggage.  And that he should probably stay away.  But he didn't want to.  Hell, he had matching luggage. 

"Well, I think it is you. I have a theory that people are more their real selves when they are drunk or high. Inhibitions are gone. They get to act out like they want to. Do what they want to."

Daveed looked into your eyes.

"What do you want to do, Lindy?"

You wanted to do a lot of things.  To Daveed. In this fitting room. You almost gave it all up for him right there.

Then you got mad. At Daveed or your feelings, you didn’t know.

"That's just it, adults don't get to do what they want to do all the time. It's called adulting, you know. Responsibilities...?" 

You fired back at him.

He opened his mouth and spoke.  To himself as well as you.

"Chill."

He said it gently, not raising his voice at all, but the force behind it made you shut the fuck up. 

Your knees were weak and the small of your back was acting up again. Your body was reacting without your permission. You shivered.

Daveed could tell you were reacting to him physically.  But he wanted inside your mind, not just your body. He was going to give you some space. 

He backed toward the door of the fitting room. Leaning against it, his long body in jeans and t-shirt delectable.

“What do you want, Linden?” 

His voice was deeper, more commanding now. You swallowed. You were exhausted from fighting it. Maybe you could have a taste.

“I-I want a kiss. Just a kiss.”

Daveed felt triumphant.  He smiled and looked down at his shoes, then back up at you.

“Come get it.”  

He was going to let you make the first move.

You bit your lip through a smile.  You walked the five steps toward him in slow motion it seemed, as you raised up on your tiptoes to reach up and peck his lips, your hands behind your back.  

Your lips met his pillowy goodness and you leaned back to look into his eyes.  

Then, you put your hands on his shirt, tracing his abs all the way up and going back in for more, Daveed’s tongue prodding it’s way between your lips, and your tongue dancing with his.

You moaned as Daveed put his hand on your hips and then slid them up the sides of his shirt, skimming your breasts, and resting under your arms as you two went for it. 

He lifted you up and you wrapped your legs around his waist, as he backed you into the wall. 

He palmed your ass in the shorts, his long fingers reaching inside the distressed rips and squeezing your ass. He spread you apart and squeezed you closed, so that his fingers barely grazed your core and drove you crazy.  

When you reached up and pulled his hair, that’s when he stopped kissing you, leaned his head against your forehead and breathed, “Fuck, Lindy. You don’t know what you do to me.”

You just looked at him and craned your neck for another kiss which he couldn’t deny, but then he stopped and let you down.

“What do you want Daveed?”

Daveed put his hand on the wall above your head. You looked up at it and at him and he had to remember to breathe.

“Fuck it. Linden, I want you. You know that.” 

You raised your eyebrow and smiled up at him, then bit your lip, playful. Daveed’s throat became dry.

“And I think that I know that you want me too. But I know it’s hard.”

Your eyes swept down his torso to his pants, and damn, well…if it wasn’t hard right now.

He cleared his throat.  “It’s hard for YOU.”  You smiled wide. 

He rolled his eyes.

“You know what I mean. It’s hard for you to be vulnerable, but Linden, I won’t hurt you. I promise.”

The way he looked in your eyes. You couldn’t go there with him, but the physical was okay for now. You decided to indulge yourself.  It was almost your birthday.

“What if I want you... to hurt me?” 

The innocent look in your eyes masked the devilish intent in your words. Daveed, stomach flipped again and he screwed his eyes shut. He masked a whimper and opened his eyes again.

“Huh. Don’t play with me Linden.” The menacing tone of his voice was making you wet.

“But what if I want to play with you, Daveed?” 

You reached for his belt buckle; Daveed stopped you, grabbed your hand and put it above your head against the wall, his arms now caging you in. 

You raised your chin, meeting his glare with yours. His eyes were fucking you so rough right now. You had to open your mouth to breathe, your tongue darting out to wet your bottom lip.

Daveed was looking as if he was going to devour you..  That mouth. He wanted to take it, but he restrained himself.  He had to know.

“Tell me. What. You. Want.”

You held his stare, the air around you crackling with energy.

“I want you Daveed.”

His smile was wide. Then he bent down, grabbed your thighs in his hand, picked you up and carried you to the mirror and pressing you against it, running his hands back down your body to your ass, cupping and grabbing it to memorize how it felt.

“We are NOT about to do this in the fitting room at H & M.  But somebody is going to cum. Right now.”

You kissed him as he ran his hands under your shirt to your nipples, pinching and rolling them in between his fingers as he kissed you again.

You started whimpering in your throat as you let him make you wet. 

“God, Daveed.”  

You kissed him again, but he did not stop what he was doing to your breasts.

“What?”  Daveed asked when you came up for air. “You wet?’

“Fuck yes.”  

You moaned as you threw your head back and huffed.

Daveed pulled his shirt up off your waist and exposed your breasts.  

“So fucking beautiful.”  

His mouth watered at the sight. Daveed licked his lips and leaned toward those beauties.

“Can I?”  Daveed paused.

“Please!” You whispered.  

He leaned down. His mouth got so close that you could feel his hot breath. Then he paused again.

“Please what?”

At first you could not think of what he was talking about. Then you got it.

“Please. Sir.”  

Your eyes sparkled under your lashes as you looked down. His dick got even harder.

“Such a Good Girl for me Linden. Fuck.”  

Damn, he had the key to your pussy.

Your wetness was leaking down your thigh, now reaching the tips of Daveed’s fingers.

Daveed proceeded to alternate his attention to each breast. Delicately at first, he kissed your nipples, then suckled them gently, then harder, more insistently, until his mouth was pulling at them rhythmically and firmly, to the point of almost hurting you.

You were groaning pretty loudly and Daveed released a nipple from his tightly clamped lips with an almost painful pop.

“Suck this,” he said, and put his thumb in your mouth, pushing your head back into the mirror. 

While still suckling you, he then moved his other hand down your body to your crotch and stuck his hand into the jean shorts, his long fingers grazing your folds, feeling a small patch of hair and your oh so slick lower lips. 

He looked up at you and how you were enthusiastically sucking his thumb, fellating it like it could cum down your throat.  That sight and feeling, combined with how you felt at your core, was fucking him up.

“Damn, Lindy? All this. For me? You sure?”

You nodded vigorously, his thumb deep in your mouth as he kept you pressed to the mirror. He found your clit and started rubbing, while inserting a finger into you. 

You were so fucking tight, it was a stretch to fit two in, but you were humming with pleasure now, your eyes rolling back in your head.

You nodded again, and as he pried your mouth open, your sounds became louder before he put his mouth on yours and kissed you, muffling your moans as his thumb and fingers worked in concert to bring you close to the edge. 

You tried to reach for his belt buckle again and he moved out of the way.

“Unh unh, it’s not about me right now.” 

Daveed grunted. He spun you around and had you face the mirror, his hand in your mouth and your pants, and his cock pressed into your ass.

It was big and your eyes matched it. You two stared at each other.

“Look at us.  Don’t we look good together? This should be a thing.”  

You watched what he was doing to you and it did look hot as fuck.

He pressed deeper into you through your pants.  He could feel you quiver on his fingers. 

“You want it Lindy?”

Daveed could feel your clit harden and vibrate like a guitar string.

“Maybe later, but you could cum… not now…” 

You whimpered around his thumb, but he sped up.  

“Not now…”

You were almost crying now. Daveed was smiling, his teeth bared against the shell of your ear, whispering his commands to you.

“NNNNot now….” 

Your legs were shaking from holding it.

“Good girl. Now cum.”  

Daveed spoke into your ear and you exploded from the inside out. It had been months since anyone else made you cum.

He reached down and grabbed you under your knees and sat down with you on the fitting room bench. You were draped around him like a vine, exhausted.

D held you for a few, taking care of you and waiting for his hard on to go down. You clung to him, eyes closed, trying not to panic. This was good. You wanted this.  And you told him so.

“Me too, Lindy.”  

He helped you stand and stood himself, standing behind you and watching you straighten yourself out in the mirror.  He pulled you back against him, wrapping his arms around your front and putting his chin next to your forehead.

“I meant what I said, Linden.  We look good together.  Let this be a thing.”  

You just smiled at him as you thought about the weekend to come.

-------

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[bldreamer]

LOOK | MorkSun

Dark Blue Kiss : MorkSun

Summary: Five times Sun is surprised by Mork’s appearance. One time they surprise each other.   Genre: Fluff. Hurt/Comfort. 5+1.  Warnings: Tiny mention of power tools and stitches(?) 

A/N: I miss MorkSun. @kdramama thank you darling x

1.

When Sun notices Mork sitting on the couch by the window of the cafe, he has to do a double take. He’s still in his uniform, brow creased in deep concentration, pen in his mouth as he chews on the cap. The coffee table is covered in textbooks and his calculator is resting on his thigh as he jams his index finger mercilessly into the buttons.

It’s not the first time Sun has watched him do his homework in the cafe. So that’s not the thing that surprises him.

Sun smiles, holding his pad and pencil for extra smugness.

“Can I get you anything, sir?” he asks in his perfect customer friendly tone.

Mork mumbles something Sun thinks sounds like a combination of ‘No’, and ‘Go away’. But he can’t help himself to tease a little more. He’s enjoying the view far too much to leave so soon.

“You can’t sit here if you don’t order anything, I’m afraid.” He taps his pencil, pressing it to the paper. “So, what can I get for you?”

Mork pulls the pen out of his mouth and looks up through his thick lashes. Sun can actually pinpoint the exact second where his glare falters and he realises Sun isn’t going anywhere unless he plays along for a moment or two.

“Iced tea, and a restraining order,” Mork grumbles.

“Restraining order?”

“Mh,” Mork hums, “There’s an annoying barista harassing me.”

Sun grins. “I bet he’s handsome though.”

“And he’s really humble about it.” Mork turns back to his papers, pushing his glasses back to his brow. “His personality needs work, if you ask me,” he mutters, jotting something down.  

Sun pouts. “You’re so cold,” he says.

“Was there something you wanted, P’?” Mork asks, distracted. “Or do you just enjoy bugging me even on my day off?”

Sun chews on his bottom lip, feeling a little sheepish all of a sudden.

“I didn’t know you wore glasses,” he says, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

“Surprise.” Mork pushes them up his nose again, as if on instinct because Sun has brought them up.

Sun won’t say this aloud, he values his life. But the glasses are undeniably cute. Slim black frames, soft round lenses, and a silver bridge curved across Mork’s nose making him look equal parts adorable and sexy.

“Don’t get used to it,” Mork tells him plainly.

“Oh?”

“I get my new contacts in a week.”

That means Sun gets to see Mork wearing them for the next five or six days at least. He isn’t disappointed in the slightest. Specifically at the thought of tugging Mork into bed and taking them off for him before they kiss.

“What happened to the old ones?” Sun asks out of curiosity.

“They were making my eyes itch,” Mork comments, clicking his calculator and turning his nose up, apparently unhappy with the answer it gives him.

Now that Sun looks past his lenses and the blue glare they’re giving off, he can see Mork’s eyes are a little red and irritated. He wonders if the AC is making his eyes dry and he needs to turn it down or change the filter. He makes a note to do both before morning.

“I like the glasses,” Sun mentions discreetly. “They make you look distinguished.”

Mork looks up past the reflective lenses. “Distinguished?” he asks slowly, like he knows what Sun is getting at but he’s still curious.

“Like a sexy librarian,” Sun tells him.

Mork sniggers. “Pervert.” There’s a faint pink glow that blossoms from his cheeks and Sun can’t help but grin at the sight. “Hurry up with my order or I’m going to Boss Cafe to study.”

“Yes sir, coming right up sir.” Sun jots something down on his pad. “One iced tea, coming your way,” he assures with mock urgency, tearing off the paper and putting it down on the coffee table.

He walks away back to the kitchen to make Mork’s drink. He looks up from behind the counter to see the boy reading his note.

-Stay over tonight and I’ll show you how I feel about sexy librarians.

He doesn’t miss the smile that spreads across Mork’s face as he tucks the note into his top pocket, going back to his homework.

2.

Mork starts growing his hair out some time around monsoon season.

His fringe is the only thing that’s different at first. It gets too long to lay over his forehead and Mork flicks it out of his eyes about a thousand times an hour until it's long enough to tuck behind his ears.

There’s an awkward stage where Mork grumbles about cutting it until Sun finds a new niche in threading his fingers through the long strands and brushing his thumb over the hairs at the nape of Mork’s neck in the quiet moments when they’re alone.

When it almost touches Mork’s jawline and starts to curl at the ends, Sun jokes he’ll have to start wearing a hairnet when he’s working.

The next morning Sun comes out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist to see Mork in front of the mirror, attempting to pull the front half of his hair into pineapple looking sprout at the top of his head.

It’s ridiculously fluffy and Sun hadn’t expected it to be so wavy when he started growing it out. It makes Mork look like a completely different person than the arrogant troublemaker he used to be. His rough and jagged edges softened into something warm and content.

Rain has taken to calling his best friend Mushroom Head and Sun often watches fondly as his boyfriend puts Rain into an unforgiving headlock and drags him around the cafe. It’s the only act of violence Sun permits under his roof.

“Need some help?” Sun dares to ask, despite being on the receiving end of a glare in the reflexion of the mirror.

“This is your fault.”

“My fault?” Sun echos, taking the hair tie from him without prompt.

“You told me I’d look good with long hair.”

Sun frowns. “I did?” he questions, racking his brain for that particular memory.

“You were drunk,” Mork says.

“That doesn’t sound like me.”

Sun manipulates him so he can reach the top of his head. Raking his fingers through Mork’s long hair and gathering the front section into his hand.

“You said I’d be as fluffy on the outside like I am on the inside.”

“That sounds like me,” Sun agrees. Drunk him anyway.

He twists the hair tie and makes a small if slightly messy looped knot on the top of Mork’s head. He steps back to admire his masterpiece, smiling at the cute hairstyle and Mork’s grumpy face below.

“You look adorable,” he beams, proud of himself.

“I look stupid,” Mork complains, not even looking in the mirror. “I’m going to the barbers on my lunch break.”

Sun wonders if the sounds of his shattering heart reach Mork’s ears. If they do, he doesn’t seem to care.

“Mork,” he cries, reaching for his hand.

“Shut your face, I owe Rain 500฿.”

“You guys had a bet going?”

Mork nods, disgruntled. “He bet me I couldn’t last six months looking like a mushroom.”

“Then wait until it’s been six months,” Sun tries to persuade but the expression on Mork’s face tells him he’s not backing down.

“It’s almost summer. I’m going to suffocate under all this mess.”

It’s probably true, Sun hadn’t realised Mork could have so much hair.

Sun pouts, Mork’s hand cupped in his own.

“Don’t cut your hair. Please,” he moans. “Please, pretty please, Mork.”

Mork shoves him away with his elbow, like Sun’s whining is the most annoying sound on planet Earth -it probably is- and says, “Give it a rest,” reaching for the doorknob.  

Mork keeps the topknot in even after Rain outwardly cackles in his face and Sun follows him around for the entire morning sulking. He switches between pleading aloud and throwing him sad puppy eyes whenever their eyes meet but to no avail.

Sun is thoroughly heartbroken when Mork unties his apron and grabs his wallet and bike keys from behind the counter just after one in the afternoon.

Almost an hour later he comes back with decidedly less hair and less curls than he’d had that morning. It's a shade or two darker without the sun lightened ends. Neat at the back and longer on the top, catching on his eyelashes and Sun carefully pushes the fringe from his eyes. 

It’s still just as fluffy.

“How does it look?” There’s a hesitance to Mork’s words, a nervousness about the way he holds himself.

Despite being in a state of mourning, Sun can’t help the smile that spreads across his entire face. He doesn’t deny Mork looks breathtaking. He twists his boyfriend around, hands on his hips so he can tie the apron around at his back.

“You have a tan line on the back of your neck,” Sun tells him with a small chuckle, brushing his fingers over the pale skin at his nape as he ties a knot in the neck of the apron “You look very handsome, boyfriend,” he whispers into his ear.

Mork smirks at him when they’re back facing each other, slipping something into Sun’s hand. “500฿ says you can’t pull off a top knot.”

Sun opens the hand as he walks away. It’s the hair tie Mork had had in earlier and he grins, eyes following his neatly trimmed boyfriend across the cafe.

“Oh, you’re on.”

3.

The sight of the bandage around Mork’s hand makes Sun’s stomach drop to the floor. Especially when Rain trails into the cafe behind him with a sullen expression and a split lip.

Sun forces air into his lungs, taking a slow and calculated breath before he does something stupid like start throwing accusations around before he knows the full story. He’s made that mistake one too many times. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel like throwing up as his brain leads him to the most obvious places when the two boys shuffle towards him.

“We know what this looks like,” Rain starts and the sound of his voice alone makes Sun jump out of his skin.

“And what does it look like?” Sun asks, his voice more level than he would have thought.

He clenches his jaw, preparing himself for the worst but hoping for something better. A good excuse at least.  

“P’Sun, it’s not what you think,” Rain assures. “I promise.”

Mork glares at him, looming large while Rain shrinks under his gaze. A stiffness that falls over the cafe, like time gets stuck and Sun can hear his own blood pumping in his ears.

“It was an accident-”

Mork throws his unbandaged hand at the back of Rain’s head making him yelp.

“Dude, what was that for?” Rain rubs the back of his skull. “I said I was sorry.”

“For the tetanus shot.” Mork wacks him again, gaining another yelp. “And that’s for the stitches.”

Sun puts down the tray he’s holding -it’s starting to wobble- and places his hands on his hips as he waits for the full explanation. Eyebrows raised, looking between both boys.

“I was using a saw in the workshop and this idiot,” Mork growls, “Decided it would be hilarious to jump out behind me. You’re lucky I didn’t slice my whole hand off and make you eat it, asshole.”

Rain’s eyes widen and he shudders, knowing his friend isn’t kidding. Sun is still trying to digest the part about the saw.

“What happened to your face?” he asks instead, working himself up from the smallest injury.

Sun highly doubts Mork punched his best friend, but it’s nice to have confirmation. Even if it sounds like Rain deserved it.

“He jerked his elbow into my face when I jumped him,” Rain complains, poking the cut with his tongue like he’s the terribly injured party in the whole thing.

“Be grateful P’Sun made me promise not to use violence anymore.” Mork clenches his good fist. “Otherwise you’d be scraping yourself off that saw.”

“Mork, darling,” Rain pouts.

Mork raises his hand, looking like he’s about to give Rain another head wack when Rain’s phone starts ringing -they all know who it is- and he skulks off to the side to answer it.

“Manow,” he whines into the phone. “Mork’s scolding me.”

Mork’s nostrils flare, glaring holes in the back of Rain’s skull as he walks away towards the stairs, trailing his backpack along the floor as he goes.

“Come with me,” Sun says, grabbing Mork’s arm and tugging him towards the couch by the window of the cafe.

He makes Mork sit down and gingerly takes his hand in his lap, holding it with the lightest touch, unsure where the injury is specifically under the thick bandages that go from his wrist to the knuckles of his fingers. Stark and white, contrasting with Mork’s tanned skin.

“It’s fine, I went to the clinic on campus,” Mork says, answering the question Sun hasn’t even asked yet.

Sun winces, looking from Mork’s face to the bandages. “Does it hurt?”

“It’s okay. Just a scratch,” Mork shrugs, letting Sun hold his hand without complaint. “The nurse said to keep it dry and change the dressings tomorrow.”

Sun furrows his brow, studying Mork’s face for a moment. He reaches out to feel Mork’s forehead with the back of his hand.

“You look pale,” he says, despite not finding much -or anything- of a fever.

“There was a lot of blood,” Mork comments flippantly like it’s the most throw away thing in the world.

“You said it was fine!” Sun scolds.

“It is.” Mork taps him on the cheek. “You worry too much, P’.”

“You make me worry.” Sun tuts, pursing his lips and he brushes his thumb over the edges of Mork’s bandage. “Don’t do any lifting with this hand, and make Rain clear your tables.”  

“No arguments from me,” Mork shrugs.

“Sit down if you feel lightheaded.”

“Anything else?”

“Don’t scare me like this again.”

Mork’s face curls into an all too pleased smirk, “You thought I’d punched someone, huh?”

Sun weighs up his options of telling the truth verses how effective a bold face lie would be.

“You really have so little faith in me?” Mork questions, because apparently Sun took too long to decide his silence is answer enough.

“No,” Sun pouts. “But you can’t blame me.”

Mork huffs a short laugh. “Well, at least you didn’t yell at me before hearing me out.”

“It’s progress?” Sun offers with a weak grimace.

“Sure, P’. Whatever you say.” Mork pushes to stand, adjusting his bag on his shoulder. “I’m going to go get changed before my shift.”

“Yell if you need help,” Sun says, and he’s not even being naughty.

“I cut my hand, not had my arm amputated. I think I’ll manage.”

“Tell Rain he’s on toilet duty for the rest of the month for his sheer stupidity.” And for giving him a mild heart attack.

“You’re the boss,” Mork mock salutes him.

Sun sighs, lying back against the couch. Those two idiots are going to be the death of him.

4.

“What’s this?”

Sun holds the pendant around Mork’s neck. It’s hard to see in the dim lamp light as Mork looks down from on top of him, the chain hanging in the air inches from Sun’s face. He knows instantly it’s different than the dog-tag Mork has always worn.

“It was cheap at the market,” Mork mumbles. He leans down, the metal pendant cold as it touches Sun’s skin and they share a chaste kiss.

“Is it what I think it is?” Sun breathes when they pull apart and Mork threads his fingers into Sun’s hair.

“Like I said, it was cheap.”

“It’s a sun,” Sun says.

“I thought it looked cool, don’t read too much into it.”

“You’re wearing my namesake around your neck?” Sun hums, not ready to let it go.

“It was a happy coincidence.”

“Some would call that fate,” Sun muses.

“You’re so cheesy.”

Sun grips the pendant and pulls Mork back down into him. He tastes of the hot chocolate Sun made for him downstairs before they clumsily stumbled up to the bedroom.

“Did you choose it for me?”

“If I say yes will you shut up, P’?”

Mork doesn’t wait for an answer before nuzzling into Sun’s neck, placing soft kisses from his ear down to his collarbone. He doesn’t like leaving bruises. He’s much more tender and gentle than Sun would have ever imagined but he loves it. Adores it. How careful Mork holds him despite the strength in his hands.

“Yes,” Mork admits between kisses. “It’s for you,” he murmurs. “Sap.”

“It suits you,” Sun tells him, bliss swelling from his chest as he trails his hands over Mork’s shoulder blades. “I love you,” he says, breathless and content.

Mork doesn’t return the sentiment in actual words, but the tenderness he gives Sun that night is more than enough.

5.

Sun almost falls over a chair when he sees Mork coming down the stairs.

It’s the cafe’s grand reopening after Sun decided it was a good idea to remodel the whole place after the new year. Luckily he has a boyfriend and a brother, both of whom are good with power tools and a paint roller between them.

Sun had attempted to make himself useful over the last several weeks, but he was quickly demoted from project leader to the mere drinks maker when the two delinquents in his care pointed out that there’s a reason why Sun is a barista and not a carpenter.

Rain whistles behind him, eyes on Mork as well as he approaches, grabbing himself a glass of champagne -the cheap stuff, Sun was poor before the remodel, now he’s bankrupt- on the way.

Sun has so many things he wants to say, so many things he wants to do to this boy.

“You own a suit?” he manages to squeak out and he’s worried if he grips his own champagne flute any tighter it will shatter.

“I didn’t before today,” Mork shrugs, sipping his alcohol.

“You look…”

Sun trails his eyes over Mork’s form from head to toe. Mouth salivating. Mork is dressed in a royal blue suit with a pointed black collar, a black shirt, and matching tailored pants. He’s even wearing patent dress shoes and they shouldn’t be sexy but for a boy who wears nothing but faded henleys and Vans sneakers, it’s everything Sun never knew he wanted until now. He wants to rip the jacket from his muscular frame and weave his way into his neatly buttoned shirt.

“P’? P’Sun?” Mork clicks his fingers in front of his face. “You okay?”

Sun blinks, looking at his glass and wondering how much he’s drunk this evening.

“Huh, what?”

“You’re drooling,” Mork says, and Sun reaches for his chin so fast he almost slaps himself in the face.

He is in fact drooling. The corner of his mouth a tiny bit damp from saliva. And he’s supposed to be the dignified one.

“Are you having a stroke?” Mork sniggers.

“Maybe,” Sun admits, fingers reaching out to smooth the slight kink in the shoulder of Mork’s jacket. “You look incredible.”

Mork smiles, “You don’t look so bad yourself, I guess.”

Sun looks down at his own attire. He’s also wearing a suit, but it's grey and boring and he feels a little underdressed as the host now he’s standing beside his boyfriend, adorned in blue that brings out the golden flecks in his eyes and matches with the new blue of the Blue Sky Cafe.

“Do me a favour?”

“Mh?” Mork hums.

Sun leans in closer, his warm breath next to Mork’s ear, the scent of his cologne warm and woody. “Keep the jacket on until I take it off you later,” he whispers.

Mork chuckles, draining the rest of his glass.

Sun suddenly wishes the party was over and he could have his way with his impossibly suave boyfriend.

+1.

It’s late. The moonlight casts a haze over the otherwise dark room, the curtains blowing in the cool breeze from the open window.

Sun is lying on his front facing the wall, arms tucked under the pillow and his cheek smushed into the fabric. He blinks, wondering what woke him from his slumber. It feels like hours have passed but given how black the sky is, it’s probably been less than one.

He feels a faint touch on his left shoulder blade. Warm fingers moving over his skin and the markings there. They swirl with the lightest trace along the intricacies of the lines, so gentle it makes the hairs on Sun’s neck stand on end. The once rigid hands moving with ease and grace, outlining the black markings with beautiful familiarity.

Sun keeps still and lets himself enjoy it for a while longer. Quiet moments like these are precious to him.  

“Are you having fun?” Sun asks against his pillow eventually.

“Mh,” Mork hums, unsurprised he’s awake. “I like it.”

Sun turns his head so he’s facing the room and more specifically, the boy beside him in his bed.

“Nong Mork,” he smirks. “Are you flirting?”

Mork tuts. “You wish.”

Sun takes a moment to study his face. 

“Everything okay?” he asks, “It’s late.”

“Just thinking.”

“About?”

“Nothing to worry about, old man.”

Sun huffs a quiet laugh, fondness spreading throughout his chest. He turns his body over and rests his head on his hand as his eyes adjust to the dark room and the features of Mork’s face become clear.

“What’s so funny?” Sun asks when he notices the faint smirk across his pink lips.  

“Still hard to believe you have a tattoo.”

“Why is that?”

“You’re so vanilla.”  

Sun won’t deny he makes every effort to live his life with the safety bars firmly locked in place.

“I wasn’t always,” he says, finding Mork’s hand on the sheets and lacing their fingers together.

Mork snorts. “I can’t picture that either.”

“I was worse than you, trust me.” Sun studies Mork’s fingers. They’re softer than they used to be. “I put my father through hell.”

“So the tattoo was at the height of your teenage rebellion?”

Sun shakes his head, “No, that was just before I opened the cafe actually. I’d got my act together by then but I thought it could bring me good luck.”

“That sounds even harder to believe,” Mork says. “That you would waste money on a stupid superstitious tattoo when you were trying to open a coffee shop.”

“It worked, didn’t it?” Sun counters. “I have a coffee shop and I even gained a boyfriend because of it.”

Mork pushes him on the shoulder. Sun knows if he turned the lamp on he’d see the boys cheeks flushed.

“Did it hurt?”

“I suppose.” He doesn’t remember actually. It wasn’t a pleasant time in his life and he regrets not getting it when he was in a better place. It’s worked out in the long run but it's taken a long time for him to look over his shoulder without his chest aching.

“Did you cry like a big baby?”

Sun chuckles. “It hurt a lot less than when you’re applying antiseptic to my face.”  

“Where did you get it done?”

“Some place my friend's brother owns,” Sun says, twisting the silver ring around Mork’s thumb. A gift for the News Years just gone. “Why are so curious all of a sudden?”

Mork shrugs. “Thinking about getting one.”

“Really?” Sun says, surprised.

“I’ve always wanted a tattoo. Just never had the spare cash to pay for it.”

“Where would you get it?”

“I wanted something on my arm for a long time.” Mork traces their entwined hands on the inside of his forearm, just below his elbow. “But I guess it would be better if I got it somewhere hidden.”

“I like that,” Sun tells him with a knowing look. Thinking about being the only one that would have the privilege of seeing it. “But it’s up to you. It’s your body.”

Mork blinks at him, looking like he’s taken aback slightly at Sun’s words.

“Did you expect me to talk you out of it?” Sun guesses with a smirk. “I’d be a bit of a hypocrite don’t you think?”

Mork huffs. “Like that’s ever stopped you before.”

He has a point.

“Do you have a design in mind?”

“Haven’t thought that far.”

“We could get one together?” Sun grins, waggling his eyebrows.

Mork’s eyes widen and he looks mindly horrified for a second before he narrows his brow and glares. “I’m not getting a couples tattoo with you.”

“It would be cute.”

“It would be over my dead body.”

“Fine,” Sun grumbles, pouting. “Will you tell me? If you decide what you want?” He doesn’t like the idea of Mork slipping off by himself and coming back with a fresh bandage and a sore patch of skin.

“Sure,” Mork says.

Sun looks over at the pile of clothes scattered across his bedroom floor starting at the door.

“Do you know where my t-shirt is? I’m cold,” he pouts, hoping the look is enough to get Mork to reach for it.

The boy just sighs, tilting his head and not falling for it as Sun would have liked. There’s a hint of something he can’t quite put his finger on in Mork’s eyes however. Disappointment, maybe?

Sun raises his eyebrows. “Unless you plan on admiring my stupid superscician a little longer?”

“Shut up.”

Sun bites his lower lip. “You like it that much?”

“So what if I do?” Mork says, rising to the challenge.

“Nong Mork,” Sun teases, squeezing his fingers to clasp the boy's hand a little tighter.

The boy glares, but there’s no heat behind his eyes. “I think I preferred it when you were sleeping.”

“Then let’s sleep,” Sun says, tugging his hand until he begrudgingly lies down. “I love you,” he murmurs when they’re facing each other.

“Mh,” Mork hums in return. “You’re going to wear that phrase out.”

“Maybe I’m saying it enough for the both of us.”

It’s not a dig. He knows how Mork feels, in fact he knows how the boy feels before he knows it himself. It’s just he’s more of an ‘actions speak louder than words’ kind of guy and Sun can’t help but admire him for it.

“Night, P’.”

Sun brushes the fallen hair from his eyes. “Sweet dreams, Mork.”

He feels Mork shuffle closer, not touching, because Mork isn’t a cuddler, at least not for longer than five seconds under extreme circumstances. But he’s close enough that Sun can feel the heat of his bare skin and the warm breath from his lips.

Sun wants to lean over and place a kiss on that pink mouth, but Mork looks tired and he doesn’t want to ruin the moment of quiet stillness that settles around them. And so Sun closes his eyes to the boy's soft face and lets himself drift off, knowing by the sounds of the slow breaths, Mork is already ahead of him.

~Fin.

[alias-b]

sins of my youth. 005

Billy Hargrove x OC! Evie Fenny~ Also posted to my AO3

Summary: It was common knowledge that Billy Hargrove hated Hawkins. Hated Cherry Lane. Even loathed the strange girl next door. Evie Fenny wasn’t too fond of the chaotic Cali transfer either. An awful high school tradition sparks a chain of events that changes everything, ultimately bringing two frayed souls together.

A/N: Well. It's time for the dance. Sigh. TW: Teenagers can be evil. Also head's up, light will be shined on an unhealthy relationship Evie is navigating. I won't get explicit with it, but we as readers are going to see red flags that our girl cannot see. Or is ignoring. Taglist open :)

Chapter 5: Skirt Safari

   Evie didn’t tell anyone she was going to a dance with Billy Hargrove for New Years. Just said some party in the city. Didn’t tell her mother. Not even Heather. 

   Floated through the holidays with her guitar on the porch swing.  Bundled up as snow fell. Little, perfect flurries. Open notebook next to her as she crossed her legs and exhaled into cold. Strumming idle tunes away from her mother’s indoor phone chatter.

   A car skidded up to Billy’s house. Day before the party. Tommy’s freckled face popped out of the driver’s side with Carol getting up too.

   “Hey, Fenny!” Tommy couldn’t resist prodding. “You stay on the nice list this year?”

   “Don’t spend all your coal in one place.” She set one leg down. Head cocking. Billy came out of his house shrugging a jacket on. He stopped to gawk at the snow. Let it fall into his curls. Rough and ethereal.

   “Let’s go.” He didn’t glance at Evie there as Tommy approached her porch steps. “Gimme the keys, I’m driving still.”

   “Little birdy told me you were gonna be around on New Years.” Tommy leaned against a brick post. A broad smile.

   “Oh, you guys are going too? That really makes me want to go.” Evie replied flatly. Billy smacked Tommy’s chest with a hiss at him.

   “I got shit to do. C'mon.” He warned, not wanting the annoying boy to ruin his chances here.

   “Don’t worry, Evie, I already have plans that night. I probably won’t be around that joint. I don’t qualify.” Carol’s bracelets clinked together when she swept her styled hair aside, undaunted by Billy's steel glaring. Tommy chuckled with her and Billy gave a growl low in his throat.

   “You take requests on that thing?” Tommy continued. “Got a song for me?”

   “Sure. How about this?” Evie straightened up. Strummed and tapped one foot to a beat.

  “Don't stand, don't stand so… Don't stand so close to me...” Evie flashed a smile and kept playing. “How’s that?” Tommy hitched to laugh until Carol hit his chest, tugging because she was over this conversation.

   Billy paused to smile at Evie there. Looking so pretty in the snow, it was criminal. Evie touched the strings to stop the flow of vibration.

   “She isn’t bad.” Tommy stumbled as Carol pulled him away.

   “Come on, you don’t even know what that song is about.” She peered back to glower at Evie. Lethal.

   “You see? I can’t sit on my own porch without being bothered.” Brown eyes lifted to Billy as she sat back to idly move the swing with one foot.

   “Never actually heard you sing.” Billy had observed instead, twisting the ring around his middle finger. No compliment or insult followed him back down the steps. Evie plucked a few cords, watching him go. 

   Billy wrestled Tommy for the driver’s seat. Won. Skidded off to raise hell somewhere else. 

   It was a clock ticking down each lazy hour as her secret hung in the air. Heather parents stole their daughter away to the Holloway's lavish cabin for a family New Years Party which took the heat off the lie.

   Evie spent the whole day preparing in her bedroom. Tossed dress after dress upon her bed like she cared what Billy Hargrove thought. Decided on something short and maroon. Sleeves just above her elbows and a slight poof to the little skirt. Gave her waist a little pull and didn’t make her cleavage look half bad. Matched her nails and lip color too.

   Makeup spread all over her dresser. Glittery gold shadow with a smoky haze. The dress was a metallic foil maroon, seemed fun enough for New Years. Big hoops and a necklace completed her look. Evie hurried to grasp a jacket before Billy could come to her door.

   “I’m going to a New Years thing mom, I’ll be safe.” She called on the way out.

   “Have fun, baby!”

   “I will.” Evie sprayed amber perfume and was lotioning her hands rushing out of the house. Almost bumped into Billy on the doorstep ready to knock. His eyes narrowed.

   “You didn’t tell anyone.”

   “Bet you didn’t either. Do your parents know?” She slipped her jacket on. Billy blew smoke in response. He seemed annoyed today which did nothing for her nerves. “So, I put on a dress...don’t get me murdered.”

   The joke seemed to go over him.

   “Well, let’s go.” He turned and went toward his car, stunning in the cold and twice and rude. “Let’s just get this shit going.” A cigarette hit the pavement.

   Evie didn’t move.

   “Are you alright?” She asked slower.

   “I just want to get there.” Billy snapped. “C’mon.”

   “Listen, I really don’t have to go anywhere if you’re going to be an ass the entire time.” She crossed her arms and Billy flared up. “I spent hours getting ready for this stupid thing. This stupid thing that you pestered me to go to!”

   His shoulder dropped.

   “Hours, huh.” Billy came around and opened the door for her. “We can’t waste that.”

   The charm reeled back.

   Evie stood unmoved.

   “Look, I just got into it with my old man. Wasn’t you.” Billy explained. “You lost the bet, Angel.”

   “I did.” She sighed and crossed to get in. He shut the door and joined her. Turned the music down when it blared. “What’s this bar called?”

   “The Dogfight.”

   “Charming.” Evie stuffed a tiny wallet into the bodice of her dress. Billy eyed her chest. “Watch the road, Hargrove.”

   “You spent hours getting ready for me.” He mused, rubbing his chin. “I like when a girl admits it.”

   “And how long did it take you to get this hair just right?” She reached and tugged at a curl as he’d done with her so many times. He’d doused himself in that sex cologne he liked so much. A red shirt opened and tucked into the tightest jeans he could have picked out. Leather jacket again today. “We both wore maroon.”

   “Looks more wine on you.” He fussed at that.

   “Just saying.” Evie broke to smile. “I meant it, don’t get me murdered.”

   “We get in, we snag some drinks, we get out. The streets are going to be chaos; it should be fun.” Billy turned onto the main roads. Sped beyond all the other cars.

   “I’m not letting you drive drunk.”

   “A motel is always an option for me, sweet cheeks.” Billy clicked his tongue.

   “With two beds, ponyboy.” She only grinned, undaunted. “I lost a bet, not all my morals.”

   Billy laughed, picking up speed.

   “We can loosen those up tonight.”

** ** **

   “What do you drink, Angel, an appletini?” Billy dragged Evie into a dark lit bar. Pink and yellow lights shooting all directions. Metallic streamers hanging and swaying with the dancers already smashed on the floor. Evie looked down at his hand as he peered around and brought her all the way to a corner table near the window.

   Even settled a menu on the other side like they might be hiding behind it.

   "Something with a little pink umbrella?" He continued, eyes on the window. Drunks sang along the streets in their party clothes. 

   “Try whiskey. I’m going to need one for this.” She caught Billy’s head whipping around. “Who are you looking for?”

   “No one, I-fuck!” The gorgeous boy lost all composure and skidded out of his chair when a bare ass pressed the window. Evie gasped and covered her eyes, pouty lips slack. Kind of enjoyed Billy losing his cool. “Asshole!” Music overlapped the chaos. Tommy fucking H howled with laughter on the other end, pulling his pants up.

   "Fuck." Billy sank back into his chair. "Shithead."

   Tommy swaggered in still laughing, had a woman on his arm that wasn’t Carol.

   She was clearly older, wrinkled and fatigued. Maybe forty. Wearing a tight purple lace number that was not keeping her warm or fitting correctly. Jean jacket. Fishnets. Smudged makeup. Big beehive hairstyle. She smelled like sweet pineapple and chain smoked her teeth brown and broken.

   Billy and Evie exchanged looks because she was also clearly a lady of the night.

   “Tommy...who is your new friend?” Billy asked slower. All teeth.

   “Her name’s Bubbles.” Tommy was shorter than her in those heels. Head on her shoulder with the cheesiest grin. “She’s a real winner.”

   “Charmed, handsome.” The woman rasped and reached for Billy’s hand then Evie’s. “Like the shadow, sweetie, it suits you.”

   “Thank you,” she blushed. “I like your beetle hairpin.”

   “We’re going to hit the dance floor,” Tommy scanned Evie, “good to see you here, Fenny.”

   “Right.” She glanced at Billy as they left. “What was that about?”

   “He’s drunk. Probably sad about some dumb shit with Carol, they’ll be screwing again before school starts.” Billy said that quicker than intended. A light bulb went off in his head. “Drinks. Wait here.”

   “Thanks.” Evie recognized teens from her school and rivals.

   “Fenny!” A couple football players spotted her inside. Poked until the window tilted open. “What’s a pretty girl doing in this dump?”

   “Our girl who brought Tannen down a couple pegs.” 

   Questionable Hawkins High Fame.

   “Just enjoying New Years.” Evie giggled there fiddling with her nails.

   “If someone messes with you, let the guys know, we’re down the block. That bar on the corner.” They started off. 

   “Will do, boys.” She jilted when Billy smacked a drink down, sitting. “Thank God.”

   “He ain't here. Thank me." Billy leaned over to see her. Crossed his arms as she drank. "You don’t party this hard?”

   “We snuck into a bar, did you even get carded?”

   “Told you, no one cares.” He gulped his own glass down. “Stop worrying.”

   Evie just drank more in response.

   "You established I only go to lame high school parties." Evie paused to see him. "Kind of waiting for a rain of pig's blood here. I guess I actually want a good night."

   "I wouldn't say it's asking a lot." Blue eyes went to the table, paint chipping away from wood. There was an uneasy beat before he softened. “Another? It’s open for the party. Free shit even after twelve.”

   “Please.” She followed him this time. Felt the burn in her throat as they leaned there together. "So, why-?"

   “Hey, Fenny.” Brock Tannen’s sculpted face craned over her shoulder. Billy tensed, jaw twitching. “Boy, am I shocked to see you here. With Keg King Billy Hargrove. Apply enough heat and even the ice queen melts. Must be a Cali boy thing.”

   “You’d be about Antarctica.” Evie replied. He only smiled. Eyes shifted to Billy.

   “Hope you stick around to midnight, have fun you two.” Brock pulled a girl off with him, staring at him like he was a pot of gold at the end of a spring rainbow. Little blonde with some acne scars she tried to cover with make-up. An eyeshadow look in blue to match her dress that must have taken hours to perfect. Two missing teeth in her mouth. Skin and bone thing. Young looking.

   “Asshole.” They said at the same time. Tension broke. Billy chuckled and she peered in the direction Brock had gone into.

   “Did you see that girl with him?”

   “No, who?” Billy scratched the back of his neck. Kept looking around.

   “Ah, nothing.” Evie brought the glass to her lips again and sipped. Screens all over this bar and the city played the party in New York. Commotion in the streets marked with loud party goers. “So, what’s there to do before midnight hits?”

   “Whatever the fucking fuck hell we want.” Billy tapped his glass to hers and downed it. Relished the burn.

   “You like to swear.”

   “No, I like to drink.” He corrected, offering her a menu. “Eat something.”

   “We gotta pay for food.”

   “I’m buying, I invited you.” Came a shrug. “Pick some shit out.”

   “You want food, honey pie?” A man flocked over.

   “Damn right, I do.” Evie peered at Billy. Amused. “I’ll take the fucking chicken tenders with a side of bitching fries.”

   “Ketchup?” They were writing, amused because she was cute even still.

   “Fuck yes. Um, please.” She gestured to Billy with his jaw slack open. “And who knows what this asshole wants.”

   “Blondie?”

   “Ah...I’ll just have another drink. Fucking beer.” He batted his lashes.

   “Wonderful.” The man slid off snickering. 

   “What was that, Fenny?”

   “I swear, but not like you. It sounded like fun to try it out.” She covered her lips to giggle. “Why didn’t you get food? We’re drinking and it’s going to be a long night.”

   “Long night, you say? So, you want to stick around for the whole party.”

   “I put on a dress and makeup. People are going to see me and the effort I made.” She set her jaw on her chin. “Avoided the question.”

   “I only had enough cash for one meal. Rest is if we need the motel.”

   “Billy, you should have said something! I have a few bucks on me somewhere.” Evie frowned when he got his beer.

   “Doesn’t matter, you’re probably a lightweight. Get food in your stomach before you down more free whiskey.” He brushed it off quickly, blue eyes on the windows. Evie’s food came and she slid it between them.

   “It’s hot, have some. Don’t make me feed you, I won't be my mother..” She pressed and pouted until Billy snagged a piece of chicken. They shared the basket, licking warm fingers clean. Billy took the thumb he licked and fixed her lipstick, earning a snort of protest.

   “Ick.” She cocked her head away, amused. “Thanks, mom.”

   “You know, it took me ages to place that tiny accent you got. But, it’s so Louisiana. Mona rubbed off on you.” Billy pointed when Evie had gotten a new drink.

   "It's not."

   “Let’s get air, I think some idiot is setting off fireworks in the street.” They got up to get away from the crowds. Evie noticed the odd couples. Scanned before Billy was pulling at her wrist through the mess of dancing bodies. Cool air chilled her pink cheeks as they got down the block to pause. Billy sighed and set one foot on the brick behind him to light up.

   “Don’t have an accent," Evie picked up again, "that’s all mom.”

   “Born and bred in Louisiana, it’s sticking to you too.” Billy offered the smoke.

   “Not good for the singing voice.” She declined so he puffed again. Groups were already tossing balloons and confetti about. Bar hopping from club to club. Evie pulled her coat closer. “I don’t have an accent. You have one, west coast.”

   Billy watched her look up at the few stars that decided to come out over the city. 

   “I haven’t been to California. Been to Vegas a couple times. All the women in my family descend upon that city every few years and I always had to tag along. Not much for me to do but look at the lights.”

   “My dad says Vegas is full of swindlers and whores.”

   “He strikes me to think that about most places.” She chuckled and Billy agreed, stepping on the butt of his cigarette. “This your first time out here?”

   “Yeah.” He sucked in some air, tongue sweeping his lip.

   “Hargrove's never been to New Orleans. I bet you’d like the food, it’s unreal.”

   “You haven’t had the food in Cali.” Billy quipped, scooting in next to her to see the sky that had her so enamored. “Never really have to deal with the fucking cold.”

   “I always wondered how you stayed warm in those clothes.” Evie’s giggle cut the second he pressed into her.

   “I just tuck in next to a warm girl, Fenny, it isn’t rocket science.” A breath touched the air and Evie felt herself spark. Saw those same stars glittering brighter within Billy’s eyes. A distant shore calling them both home. 

   Evie felt those flower petals whirling around her stomach like butterfly wings. Burrowing deep to bloom with new life inside her. Vibrant colors she hid from the world spinning to unfurl. Billy looked into her soul and saw the colors dance neon. Wind picked up their curls with gentle caresses. A pull of vines and thorns bubbled up too. Twisted every way to protect Evie in the only way they knew how. 

   She could feel Billy’s chest heaving with air. Hard and flush into her skin, stealing warmth. Admiring the echo of lights behind her brown eyes. If she opened her mouth, a rose might blossom on her tongue. Billy wondered about tasting it for himself. He dared to inch in and she spun out.

   “It’s a nice night. Beautiful.”

   “Let’s get a beer to go take a hike from this place. We’ll make it back before the ball drops.” Billy figured he could just keep her from the main party and she wouldn’t notice the odd couplings within. They delved in and out of bars. Watched the mayhem in the streets. Even caught a totally illegal race or two. Sparklers on every corner underscored by laughter and jeers.

   “What’s next for you, after school?”

   “Save money to hightail it out of here. See the beach again and get a shitty job.” Billy gulped, licking his lips after. “You going to college?”

   “Probably just the local community college, more focused on my songs. My mom and I keep trying to put it out there. Something’s holding me back.” Evie saw him peer at her to continue as they clicked along the cool sidewalks. Decorations scattered all over the buildings and streets. “What if these big time producers don’t like them? My songs. I mean, what if they tell me I’m no good?” She paced ahead to ramble. “I just don’t think I can take that kind of rejection.”

   “So, you find some asshole who wants to put you on the radio.” Billy chuckled. “You had entire albums on your walls. You want it bad, chica.”

   “What about you?” Evie gestured with the bottle. “What secret hobbies and talents does Billy Hargrove hide away?”

   “I care about my car and that’s about as deep as I go, Angel.” He winked, tossing his empty into the trash so she finished her own and followed. Swallowed the froth down. Evie hurried to nudge into him.

   “C’mon. You’re a good enough student. I see the grades you get in our classes.”

   “All to keep my old man off my shit. Not like that works.” Billy stopped at a crosswalk, settled his hand on the bar so Evie slipped under it to lean there and make him look at her. He couldn't help the smirk at this playful side.

   “Who will I tell?”

   “Heather, most likely.” Came the quick reply.

   “I don’t tell her everything,” Evie trailed off with her eyes wandering, a sly smile pressed, “I sing, sew, play the guitar, and collect little trinkets. Buttons. Rocks and crystals. Old coins and keys. Little vintage ceramic and porcelain figures. And I needle felt.”

   “What’s that?”

   “You stab wool with a special needle until it makes a pretty shape. You probably caught a few things in my room. On the bookcase.”

   “You’re a hoarder.”

   “I’m very organized.” Evie giggled as they crossed the street. In their own little bubble, ignoring all the festivities around them. 

   “What can’t you do?”

   “I can bake alright, but it's messy. Not a great cook. I’m hopeless, my mother gave up trying with me. I also can’t get my leg behind my head. But, I’m close.” Her joke brought a full laugh out of him. Angelic sort of sound. “I’m serious.”

   “You’ll have to demonstrate, I don’t believe it.” Billy stood in front of her, walking still and chuckling as he went.

   “Fat chance.” Her heels picked up to get beside him. They passed a window full of TVs and stopped to see all the parties playing within each screen. “You ever think the world is too big? We don't have enough time to experience all of it, I mean.”

   Billy only puffed.

   “So, what can you do?” Evie pressed again.

   “I can cook alright. I don’t know, I just do good in school because the shit’s never been hard on me. Used to surf,” he glanced at her, “back in Cali.”

   “I’m not a strong swimmer.” Evie said, looking up at him and the lights playing on his stunning face. Followed the curve of his jaw down his neck. “You know, Heather lifeguards at the pool every summer. She’d help you get a gig if you need a job when school is out. Probably prefer you over the other jerks that apply.”

   “Not as bad as the other jerks, I like that.” Billy mused, eyes flicking all around. Caught in stars again. “Hey, there’s the LA bash. Miss that shit. Music scene raged pretty hard.” The way he smiled melted Evie all the way to the pavement. Billy standing there lax and missing home. Displaying his own lush colors. Dreaming and feral.

   “You’re always writing in class when you’re not drawing dicks in textbooks.” Evie observed, earning an amused look in response. “Do you like that stuff? Stories?”

   “My mom used to say I told better stories than she did. I’d tell her them to help her sleep.” Billy admitted, blinking a couple times before the illusion shattered and he went stony again. Paced around Evie to continue.

   “You could write books, get more into English. Make some money being an author. Sell stories to the big screen.”

   “Burn out and go broke, sure.” Billy lit up another cigarette, gave this entertained puff. His wall went up higher and Evie stayed too soft. “End up teaching some snots like that jerk, Bowers.”

   “He’s not a jerk.”

   “Not to the girls in class.” Billy flicked his ashes. “Probably likes you and Carol fighting for his attention.”

   “We don’t…” Evie went red as an apple. “I don’t. Carol’s just jealous of the attention he gives me.”

   “Still weird. She hates that you’re a teacher’s pet. Don’t know why you’d want to be.” Smoke edged from his lips.

   “It’s nice when someone is respectful once in a while to a girl like me. When they listen, you know?” Evie held herself as they walked along a bit slower. “He respects me and what I have to say.”

   “Shouldn’t trust someone just because they’re being nice to you, Evie.” Billy had this distant expression when he said that. Full of ocean waves rolling into a peaceful shore.

   "Nice is still better than..." She never finished and Billy didn't ask her to.

   They peered at all the buildings illuminated before them. The skyscrapers pointing straight to heaven. Music boomed from several clubs, mingling all the celebrations together. 

   “Want to head back? Get another hard drink.”

   “I’d like that.” She admitted, shuffling some. 

   “Move it, Fenny, free alcohol doesn’t happen every day for us.” Billy snatched her by the hand, picked up the pace until they were both laughing and out of breath. Reeling around drunk groups of friends to squeeze back up to the bar. 

   The hard notes of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear us Apart” began after the second round. Evie was swaying already as they stood at the corner of the bar counter. 

   “Do you dance, Angel?” Billy cocked his head.

   “Sometimes. If I’m supposed to be onstage one day, I have to.” She giggled, bubbling and pink like champagne. “You?”

   “Fuck, no. Just bounce around and smash into people at concerts.”

   “That counts!” Her voice picked up over the ruckus. People dressed in glitter and metallic moved together above a floor that lit up. Gave the place an opulent vibe.

   “You look like you want to get out there!” Billy leaned toward her. The third round came.

   “We don’t have to!” Evie was pressed all the way into him. Both shouting at each other out of necessity. A pulse pounded their flesh apart. Jackets were left on a chair next to Tommy and his date.

   Billy sank his drink in one go so Evie followed.

   “I asked you here, I’ll ask you to dance if I want!”

   “Fine!”

   “Fine!” Billy echoed, sweeping Evie by the waist out with him. Bodies swayed all directions. Smashed them even closer together. Curls bounced. 

   Evie got swept up in the lights dancing on her skin. Blue and red glows now. She let her head tip back and moved with Billy there. He watched her intently, felt the whole world slow. Smiled brighter than he should have. Hot and sparking. 

   Electric and dreamy. Fizzling neon in their hungry veins. Bodies heating and sweaty. Nothing mattered in these lights though, something freeing there.

   Didn’t even care that it was fucking Cyndi Lauper blasting.

  “Girls just wanna have fun!” Evie sang along. She came alive under these glimmers in the crowds. Like she was the only one there. Every song change, they banged to each beat and never seemed to tire of it. 

   And then the mood tipped. Tempered with that damn Foreigner song about love. Billy and Evie stilled with it. Looked out at the couples coming together for a slow dance. 

   “Uh,” Evie swallowed harder and tucked some unruly curls behind her ear, “did you want to…?”

   “We’re doing this fucking party right. You asked for two things. A good night and no murder, I can manage that much.” Billy stole her forward. He tried to blame the alcohol. 

   Dipped a palm around the small of her back to bring her into his chest. Inches shorter, her eyes popped open. Lips parted with no words in sight. The alcohol in their bellies caught fire. He grabbed her hand and she laced their fingers without a thought about it. It was bold, how he touched her and Evie wasn't used to that.

   “There ya go. Just sway some.”

   Evie pressed her lips and broke that eye contact because it was turning her back to mush. Stared at the saint chain around Billy's neck. There was a pleasant glisten upon his taut chest from sweat. She got drunk off his stupid cologne. Let him inhale her perfume in turn. Boiling amber gleaming to stunt all his senses. Hint of sweet vanilla lotion.

   Unabashed, Billy pressed into her body. Not thinking she took up too much space or she wasn’t desirable. No, Evie Fenny was perfectly covetable. With her batting lashes and lights highlighting a glow upon her high cheeks. They swayed together between couples so Evie brought her arm over his shoulder. Gathered the bravery to see his eyes again, already looking at her face.

   “Billy,” Evie curled her fingers into his shirt, “why am I here?"

   “Because I asked you.” Billy spun her around under all the stars and streamers. 

   “Why’d you ask me?” She searched him. Saw his eyes flicker beyond her a couple times.

   “Because I wanted to, Evie.”

   “Why’d you want to?” Her tone etched into him, gentle as she could with another change of songs. Something older from the 70s by Kate Irving. Her little voice filling the space around them. 

   Billy just kept spinning Evie there at the center of the floor and they looked at each other without even getting dizzy. Let the world tilt while they stayed static. Silence crept and it was stunning.

  I'm afraid 'cause it feels too good

  And I want it too bad

   “Because you called me pretty.” Billy winked that time. Devilish. “At that party on Loch Nora.”

   “When we yelled at each other?” Evie felt the tension break and spill out. “I said your eyes were pretty.”

   “Same thing.”

  I never dreamed someone like you

  Could want someone like me

   Her head came to his collar when she laughed that time. The heart under his skin picked up. 

   “Evie.” Billy pressed then so she came up. The syllables died on his tongue. “We’re here and I like it. So, it doesn’t fucking matter.”

   “No, I guess not.” She let herself smile into his skin when her head dropped again. A slight giggle. “I like it too.”

   “Good.” Billy hit that word hard. They spun and spun to the flow of sound and lights. Drank it all in. Until it was seconds to midnight. Couples were stilling to count. 

   Billy looked at Brock raising his drink across the way.

   Twenty seconds.

   He peered down at Evie when her eyes lifted to see him. 

   Just one kiss, he could have stolen it.

   And he couldn’t do it. 

   Their hands dropped away. Evie smiled at the scene. Everyone celebrating the birth of this new year. It felt magical. Too good to let flutter away.

   Billy just looked at her and Evie breathed.

   It happened too fast.

   Soft hands on his jaw while she came to her toes and gave him one peck upon his lips. So inordinate in sweetness that Billy felt his eyes water.

   Instantly she slipped back down. Still beaming brighter than any star this night.

   A thank you for every single smile he’d painted upon her face in these short hours. For his boldness and his touch without fear.

   A kiss where there were no thorns for the first time in all her life.

   Billy had never been given such a kiss. It was gift wrapped. Something so signature for him from this girl. This girl he decided he liked to be around. He gasped the moment she let him go. Caught Brock laughing all the way across the room.

   “No.” He said. Crushed somehow.

   “No?” Evie’s head cocked in confusion.

   “Happy New Year!” Echoes and fireworks blasted. Everyone jumping up and down while Billy and Evie remained still as marble. Locked into each other.

   "Ah, I mean..." With midnight gone, Billy pulled her in. Decided to make this one count.

   Palms cupped Evie’s face. Brought her back with the slightest gasp he drank down. Kissed her full on the mouth like he'd been thinking about it all night. Billows of shiny confetti fell over them. Stuck to hair and clothing. Caught on flushed cheeks. Even tickled the kiss and made them laugh into it. Evie held his wrists, tried to remain steady until she had to part and angle to go back in.

   “Why?” She hitched the hot word against him.

   “Because I want to.” Billy uttered, mouth open just a little to coax her back in.

   This candied confetti kiss she’d remember forever. And the beautiful boy who opened his heart just enough to share it with her. Evie shined at him when she drew out enough to see his eyes. Billy’s thumbs drew shapes into her cheeks. 

   A finger had to playfully swipe a bit of caught confetti from her bottom lip so he could taste her again. Utterly divine.

   Evie’s arms slipped around his neck. Pulled.

   “Let’s get out of here,” Billy spoke between kisses. “Yeah? Let’s just go somewhere.”

   Her lashes fluttered at him. Same sensation drew up her stomach before she was nodding.

   “Okay.” Nerves crept. Billy smacked their lips together one last time. Like he wanted her and only her for the rest of this night. “I have to, um...restroom.”

   “I’ll grab our coats.” Billy’s hands brought hers down. Held them. He seemed in a hurry. “Meet me at the door. We’ll go.”

   Evie floated off into the wave of bodies so Billy sped to Tommy’s table. Bubbles must have excused herself too.

   “Man, you tongued, Fenny. It was actually kinda hot.” Tommy raised his hand for a high five that was ignored. “I won the pot, you know.”

   “You paid that girl.” Billy snatched their coats up.

   “Yeah, no one has to know that. Don’t get me disqualified.” Tommy leaned over. A hand clapped Billy on the back.

   “I’m so impressed. She kissed you, man. Whatever you did, I want that power.” Brock laughed loudly. “She was all over you, and that bit after midnight. Poor girl. Thinking anyone would ever-”

   “Man, just shut up.” Billy shoved to pass him. "Let's just forget this shit ever happened."

   “Oh, no, B. I don't think we will. You probably just want your reward. You earned it.” The horrible boy made it a point to count each bill carefully until he pressed it at Billy’s chest. “Good work. Maybe you can get a blowy out of her before you drop her off at home. My date’s good for one too before I call her a taxi.”

   Billy shoved the money into his pocket. Felt like trash. Eyes anywhere else.

   “Whatever, man.”

** ** **

   At the same time, Evie stumbled to the sink and washed her hands. Cloud nine. Sang to herself out of habit.

  “Oh, but anyone...who knows what love is…” She looked at that reflection. This breathless, kiss smothered girl who was grinning. Happy. Dabbed under her eyes to fix the makeup with a cold paper towel. “...would understand.”

   “Pretty pipes you got there, sweetie pie.” The scratching voice called before a stall opened. Tommy’s date. “Nice night, huh?”

   “The best.” Evie was still dancing in a dream, showered in confetti.

   “Wasn’t as bad as I thought. Free meal. Pretty guy who treats you right for a night. Not a bad gig. Not at all.” The lady came to the mirror. Washed her hands and started to apply some extra make up. “Stupid name though. Skirt Safari.”

   “What?” Evie’s head cocked. Hip leaning into the sink.

   “Oh, baby. You should open those big eyes.” The woman puckered up and put a lipstick into her tiny clutch. “Tommy told me everything. Tradition. These boys bring a date. The ugliest girl gets them the win and they get some money. Stupid high school thing. And I won. Tommy said I’d get a bonus for that.”

   “They…” Evie felt her entire heart sink. The vines and their thorns wrapped tighter around her heart until it bled. Like it never wanted to be touched again. “Wait, Billy…he...we-” No breath came into her lungs, it was all punched out. Ruthless and swift.

   “The world is unkind to us, sweets.” Bubbles sighed at her reflection. “We have to find that kindness where we can. While we can. Just enjoy it because you never know what the next day will bring. Husbands who like to hit. Women who walk out on their babies.”

   “It’s not fair.” Evie tremored there. Unable to move so Bubbles gave her cheek a pat.

   “I know. But, we don’t let them see they’ve beaten us down. Do we?” Bubbles smiled at her without fear in her heart. And it was tragic because no one cared about her strength, all they saw was how she looked. “My ma always said to be brave and kind. Not everyone’s parents give that advice. But, they should. Be a better world.”

   “My mom says that also.” Evie’s fists closed. Passionate tears sprang to be blinked away. “I really hope the world is kind to you tomorrow too.”

   The woman paused. Gave this fluttered smile when her eyes watered. Evie was marching away from her. Shoving through the crowds where Billy stood with Brock and Tommy. 

   Billy saw her expression and she caught fire.

   “Skirt Safari, huh,” Evie shoved him into the bar, ripped her coat from his arms. Billy just gave this opened mouth look of horror. She laughed cruelly and Brock joined her, tugging some of his friends to see. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

   “It wasn’t like that.” Billy pushed up.

   “No, Evie, he’s right. Your boy didn’t take you because you’re ugly.” Brock was still chortling, holding his stomach. “Three hundred bucks to get him to take the Hawkins Ice Queen. And you were so easy, girl. We all took notes.”

   “Shut up!” Billy had snapped.

   “You didn’t disappoint, he was supposed to kiss you before midnight. But, you earned him the win all on your own!” They clapped and laughed at her there. Evie shook and growled. Shoulders raised. Cackling hyenas.

   “Three hundred, wow.” Calming, brown eyes snapped to Billy. “You should have held out. Tannen hates me so much, I bet you could have gotten five. Maybe seven.”

   “She’s right, man!” 

   “Evie, it-”

   “You’re all disgusting!” She swept her hand out. Came to Billy’s face. Her tone thickened, but she didn’t cry. Not one drop for any of them. Vibrating so hard with fury that her hand came up. Billy saw it. Waited. Didn’t flinch the way he did at home. Figured he deserved this one.

   Silence drowned the boys behind her.

   “I want to hit you,” she let her lip wobble, “you know why I’m not. You know.”

   “Evie.” Billy had nothing. Nothing to give her. Nothing to make her stop shaking.

   “You’re all horrible. Disgusting, pieces of shit. Bet Tannen gave you an earful about me. Fuck you both.” Evie leaned out, looked around. “You know, I don’t care why I’m here. What’s awful is every stunning woman you animals brought here will always deserve more than the world can ever give them. You’re the fucking beasts.”

   She tore away to go outside. Marched through all the jubilation. Steaming.

   “Evie!” Billy was running after her. Yanking at her wrist after she got her coat on.

   “Don’t touch me!” A shriek had him skidding backwards. 

   “Let me fucking explain this.”

   “Nothing to explain. Brock paid you to thaw the ice queen. Jokes on you! I’m not even a virgin! I’m not a prize, I’m not anything to you.” She shoved him again because he kept grabbing at her. Trying to slow her down.

   “Let me drive you home.” Billy insisted. “Let me get you home safe. I won’t even talk. Hate me forever. Evie, wait, damn it!”

   “Leave me alone!” Her scream sparked some attention. She got colder. Sneered at his eyes. “You’re not worth it, Billy.”

   Something about that struck an arrow to his heart.

   "You talked all this shit about fire's starting and getting out and I..." She hitched to get lower. "I trusted you. I believed it, you made me believe it...you're disgusting." A scream perched in her throat, but never left.

   "Just let me-"

   "No! I don't have to listen to any of this, so just leave me alone!" Evie kept pushing back at him.

   “Hey, hey, back off the lady!” Those football players from Hawkins were descending. Grasping Billy by the arms. “Hargrove bothering you?”

   “Yes!” Evie shot out, eyes on Billy’s face. “He’s bothering me!”

   “Let go of me!” Billy struggled so Evie began to run. As far and as fast as she could until she couldn’t hear him anymore. Fireworks banged over their heads. Exploding to rain down. 

   Her chest seized so she went to the first payphone she saw. Dialed a number she shouldn’t have.

   “Mmm, yes? Who is this?”

   “I know you said not to call, I need you. Can you pick me up?” Evie shut her eyes so tight. One tear fell. “Please.”

   A sigh.

   “Evie? What happened? Where are you?”

   Evie finished the call. Went into an alley so Billy wouldn’t find her. Waited there in the cold. Tried to hide from the pretty explosions in the sky. 

   They rang too loud upon her ears. Started to sound like thunder. Evie shut her eyes. Began to rock. Felt out of her skin and trapped in it at the same time. No control. Nothing. Just an ache while the vines crushed her heart. Hands covered her ears.

   A lighter palm touched her shoulder.

   “Evie.”

   “Fredrick.” She reeled up. Tossed herself into his arms. Sobbed so hard and betrayed herself. 

   “Hey, hey. I got you.”

   “Can we go? Can we go home?” She wept, ruining his shirt with makeup and glitter. “Can you take me to your place? I didn’t...I didn’t tell my mom where I was. I don’t want her to know. I don’t want anyone to know.”

   Bowers was already buckling her into the car. Evie curled up under his coat when he offered it. The air conditioning calmed her some until she was biting her fist to stop the flow. Blood welled under teeth.

   “What happened?”

   Evie sniffled.

   “They...They all laughed at me.” 

** ** ** 

  Curls ruffled out on a towel that smelled of pine an hour later. Feet padded out of the bathroom. Evie in a soft grey robe. Cloth dragged upon the floor until she saw Fredrick in bed. Seated up with little reading glasses to mark some papers down. Handsome.

   “You really won’t tell me what all happened?” He mused.

   “Just some stupid boys.” Evie played with the tie at her waist. “You told me to go out with a stupid boy my age. Remember? At the end of summer. After everything I let you do to me. Did...Did you get bored of me? Was that it?”

   "No, Evie. You don't understand."

   "You told me we had to stop, why did we start?"

   “I remember.” He sighed, settling his work aside. “It was for the best. I thought. You're all I think about, did you know that? I want to be with you, but there are rules in place. They don't believe what we have can overcome.”

   Wearing nothing but some boxers and a clean, white tee. His feet touched the floor before he rubbed his head.

   “You still look so good in my robe.” He sounded bashful when he said that. Eyes drinking her in and averting. "You're all sin, Evangeline."

   She shuffled. Shy. Uneasy. Ignoring it.

   “Used to say that a lot.” Evie pressed her lips up.

   “And I mean it every time.”

   “I meant what I said...before summer ended. You remember that too?”

   “You know I do, Evie.” Fredrick rubbed his eyes. Swept his hair between those soft fingers. Evie crossed to him.

   “We were together the year. You weren’t my first, but you were the first man I ever loved. We spent all of that summer together and you told me we had to stop. Out of the blue. You talked of us running away from this place and getting married and it hurt me.”

   “I’m your teacher. If people found out about us... They'd never understand.”

   “You waited a year to stop us. Why kiss me if you knew we'd end? I didn’t tell anyone. Not even my best friend.” Evie reached out. Touched his shoulder. “You miss me and I miss you.”

   “I’m weak for you, Evie. You know that.” Fredrick let her climb into his lap. “You’re so different and special. Not like other girls. You heard me. You listen to me.”

   “I want to be with you. And I said I loved you, but you…”

   "What if I said I loved you? Huh? Those boys don't matter, a girl like you needs someone mature to match." He pecked her cheek. "I do love you."

   Evie's resolve melted. He shut out the red lights. Burned her thorn covered vines. Words held power because we gave the syllables a charge.

   And all Evie Fenny could put out into the world was lightning.

   "You do?"

   He smiled. Her prince. Braving so much to be with her. Wasn't that magical?

   "How many boys have seen you like this?" Fredrick asked in a peculiar way. Charged.

   Evie bit her lip. Couldn't look anymore. Didn't answer the question.

   “I was scared of us.” He soothed now. “I should never have let you go. I’m always going to want the best for you, Evangeline. I hope you believe that. I’ll take care of you now, but you have to let me.”

   Evie leaned in. Kissed him lightly. Wondered how Billy would have touched her in that motel room if they made it. How he'd feel in return.

   "Will you let me?" Fredrick pressed. Wanting all the control she clawed to keep for herself in this skin and marrow. Devouring her without shame or remorse because he was older and knew best.

   But, nice was better.

   Evie had nothing. Head full of static. Body pulsing against her will. She wanted to scream. She wanted to eat more flower petals. A man loved her and she felt ugly and blaring. Out of control. No longer held to this world. Is that how it should feel?

   “Okay."

   His chest heaved like the sun might have just come out.

   "Can we go to bed now?” She pecked his cheek. Felt his hands going under the robe to open it.

   Wordlessly, Fredrick Bowers reached and turned the lamp off. The blaring in Evie's head never ended that night.

   Darkness loomed to snuff out every star.

~~~~~~~

Next up, we learn how the rest of Billy's night went. It's been an odd week. Thanks for reading :) Feel free to chat. TAGGED::: @80sbxtch​ @nottherightseason​  @orxhidshavana​​  @alagalaska​​ @alongcamedolly​​

[shikamarubase]

Safe Haven [Modern AU, ShikaTema] Part 1

[Summary: Two strangers get to know each other while watching clouds]

She sat on a hill overlooking the town she was born and raised in. She thought of its inhabitants, the ones who always spoke to her politely solely because she was the mayor’s daughter. She thought of her professors, who never gave her a hard time because they were afraid of her father. She thought of her small circle of trusted friends, who have stayed by her side through thick and thin without being blinded by her family’s wealth and reputation. Finally, she thought of her family, the very reason why she was sitting on the grassy hill in the first place.

As their image flashed through her mind, she felt water well up behind her eyes. For the first time in her life, her will wasn’t strong enough to suppress the flow of tears surging down her face. She remembered the incident which transpired just a few hours ago, which instigated her to leave town and seek refuge in her safe haven—a spot in the hill that was abundant with wild grass. It surrounded the area like a fortress and protected her from the curveballs life threw at her.

She continued to sob and didn’t stop until she heard a faint cough. She immediately wiped the tears from her eyes and turned to glare at whoever it was that caught her crying. A boy her age was staring back at her. He stood awkwardly to the side with both hands jammed inside his pockets. The first thing that caught her eye was his hairstyle: his hair was tightly pulled back into a pineapple-shaped ponytail, seemingly unaffected by the law of gravity.

“You got a problem, pineapple head? You like what you see?” She growled as a way of masking the weakness he had seen in her just seconds before.

He rubbed the back of his head and let out a tired sigh. “I don’t have a problem with being called a pineapple, but I don’t wanna hear it from someone who has four.”

Her cheeks reddened when she realized her own hair was gathered up into four similar shapes, because it was the only way to tame her unruly mane. “Besides, I don’t enjoy watching women cry,” he continued to say.

“Then what are you still doing here? Leave!” She practically yelled. She hoped it would scare him away, but his face remained expressionless as he gestured to where she was sitting.

“This is my favorite spot for watching clouds.” He positioned next to her and laid on his back. With his eyes glued to the sky, he was oblivious to the flabbergasted look he was getting from her. “Don’t mind me. It’s a drag, but you can cry if you want.”

She scoffed but chose not to say anything. It was annoying to have him around her space, but at least his obnoxious interference stopped her from crying. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she laid down next to him—partly curious about the charm of cloud-watching, partly because she didn’t feel like leaving—and relaxed when she felt the soft grass against her back.

Her teal eyes watched as the fluffy white clouds lazily floated over her head. They look so free.

“That’s what I like about them.” Puzzled at his words, she looked over at him. “You were speaking out loud,” he pointed out.

Oh. She hid her embarrassment by asking, “How often do you come up here to watch clouds?” She knew she was being nosy and she was also aware of how stalkerish it made her sound, but she didn’t care all that much. It was simply curiosity.

If her question bothered him, he didn’t show it. His expression remained blank and unreadable. “Whenever I have the time,” he vaguely said. “Is it my turn to ask questions?” He surprised her by saying.

She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “It depends. What sort of questions are we talking about here?”

“Why were you crying?” Blunt and straight to the point. She had to admit she sort of liked that. But of course she couldn’t let him know she was impressed for even a second so “None of your business.” were the words that spilled from her mouth.

He shrugged it off like he wasn’t interested enough to bug her about it. She observed him for a few seconds. His indifference bothered her but, at the same time, also relieved her. Her intuition told her that this person was no gossip and only asked questions when he’s truly concerned. What made her so certain? She didn’t know. All she knew was she was completely at ease with a guy she’d met barely an hour ago, and it wasn’t a bad feeling.

She shifted her body until she was in a comfortable position before speaking. “My mom died after giving birth to my baby brother.” He didn’t react, not even a twitch, but she knew he was listening. “My father never forgave him. Gaara, my little brother, grew up without knowing a parent’s love. Kankuro, my other brother, and I figured we had to raise him up ourselves, but my father didn’t even allow that.” She clenched her fist as the memories flooded back.

“He warned us not to go near him or else there would be consequences and left him with a caretaker. He never calls him by name either, only referring to him as “it” or “monster”. Kanks and I were just kids then, we didn’t know what to do. Our mom just passed away and father busied himself with more and more work. I-I knew it was wrong to treat Gaara like he wasn’t part of the family. I’m his big sister, I should have gone against his orders and took care of Gaara, but I was too scared. I was a coward.” She closed her eyes so that she didn’t have to see the look on his face. For all she knew, his indifference could have easily turned into disgust.

“He’s 15 years old now and always getting into trouble. He cuts classes, smokes, drinks, and thinks everything can be solved with his fists. Kankuro and I try to talk to him, but he shuts us out. I don’t blame him because we’re probably the shittiest siblings anyone can have, but we try. My father doesn’t care what he does, as long as he doesn’t have to look or speak to him. I’ve tried everything to help him, but nothing worked. I’m already an adult, but I feel like I’m still a helpless four-year old.” She almost couldn’t believe she was dumping her problems on a complete stranger. But she was and, even if she wanted to, she couldn’t take it back.

“Earlier today, I had to pick up Gaara from school. He...” she pursed her lips. “threatened his classmate with a real knife and was seen by a teacher. When I asked what made him to do such a thing, he got this crazed look in his eyes then he said since he’d killed mom already, killing someone else was no big deal.” She nearly choked on the words, but she forced herself to continue.

“All I could think about was what a failure I had been as a sister. He believed mom’s death was his fault, even though it wasn’t. He just snapped, right in front of my eyes. I-I was afraid of what he might do in the future, then I became ashamed of thinking that. What kind of sister am I?” She was tearing up again, but this time she didn’t allow the tears to flow.

He sat up and turned towards her, serious brown eyes boring into hers. “You should be ashamed, because instead of being afraid of him, you should’ve been consoling him.” His words stung, but she willed herself to listen. “This kid spent his entire life thinking he was a mistake, a sin. All he wants is someone who needs him in their life. Why do you think your mom sacrificed her life to give birth to him? Because she loved him that much. He needs to know that. He needs to know that someone loved him enough to give up everything for his happiness. He needs you to tell him that nothing is his fault. He needs you and your brother to tell your father what a douchebag he is. The four of you need to sit down together and talk like a family. Air out all your dirty laundry, try to understand each other’s circumstances. It will be difficult and it will definitely take time, but if you work at it you’ll be rewarded with results. Every small step counts.“

After listening to him, realization dawned to her. Every word that came out of his mouth hit the mark. She didn’t realize how selfish she was until that moment. She should’ve been reassuring Gaara from the start. Instead, all she thought about was her image as a big sister. She never thought of what he could be feeling. But because of this stranger’s advice, that was going to change very soon.

He laid back down again, and in a much gentler voice he said, “By the way, that doesn’t excuse your brother from threatening to kill someone. After your family talk, I’ll leave it to you to punish him accordingly and to make sure he apologize to that person.”

With that said, he turned his attention back to the clouds. She was amazed at how he could offer advice one minute then act like nothing had happened the next.

She poked him in the shoulder. “Thanks. You helped me realize a lot of things.” He just shrugged in reply.

To Be Continued

So I meant to post this in one part, but it was too damn long😅

[cielofics]

(Old) ICMSAR VII

WARNING(S): OCC's, Parent!bashing, depressing!thoughts, suicidal!tendencies,

NOTES: "Japanese" "Italian" Thinking 'Tsuna's eye speak' [Written Text]

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn. Amano Akira does.

In the early morning (2 A.M.), a brunet was seen sneaking away. The moon was still shining overhead and Tsuna was gazing at it silently as he sat at the edge of the cliff, he used for training himself.

Tap.... Tap... Tap

Tsuna didn't glance over at at his shoulder to see who it was, he just called out. Already used to this energy, "Greetings Hira-chan~ What do I owe you to warrant you to visit me?"

Moonlight glinted off of the circular glasses the man wore and the crimson eyes glowed briefly. 'Hira-chan,' the man with white hair gazed at Tsuna with amused eyes.

"Are you going to take them to 'Nebesa' tomorrow?"

The brunet chuckled, "Un! I'm looking forward to their surprise along with the return of..." he trailed off at the end.

Kawahira looked amused before the expression morphed into sympathy and worried. Noticing the slight change in the other's flame energy, Tsuna turned around his head to look at Kawahira in the eyes.

Understanding the reason to the subtle shift, he cracked a small grin and motioned him to sit down.

Sighing, Kawahira sat down next to Tsuna. "I'm sorry," he mumbled softly. "I'm sorry for that..."

The white haired man stifled a gasp when he felt a foreign touch. Looking over he saw the brunet hugging him. "It's fine. I know I was rash but it was for the best.... Besides, they'll understand..."

Knowing that the brunet won't accept another string of apologies, he sighed. "...They'll regain them tomorrow, right?"

He felt a faint nod from the brunet, who had yet to remove himself from the white haired man. "So, the plan will be put to motion soon, huh?"

"Yes! Vongola won't know what hit them~"

XX..XX

Sawada Tsunayoshi was an enigma. A mysterious one. A mysterious one no one seemed to understand. While on the exterior he was a 'Dame.' He was graceful, smart, caring; nothing like the Dame personality of his when his brother was out of the picture.

It was as though he had created multiple personality traits to protect something or rather someone.

This is exactly what Reborn thought when Tsuna asked him, Gokudera, Yamamoto, Lambo and Bianchi to come with him somewhere without Ienari.

"Where are we going, Mama?" asked Reborn, seeing as how they were headed to a more deserted section of Namimori.

'Just watch chibi-chan~'

"Tsuna-sama, you do realize that Yakuza can come out here?" asked Gokudera looking alert for any Yakuza to hurt his precious boss.

'They wont Hayato! So don't worry~'

"How do you know they won't come out, Mama?" asked Reborn a bit skeptical of the cheery personality of his preferred student.

'All in due time. All in due time.'

Everybody glanced at each other before silently walking behind Tsuna. After walking for a while, Tsuna suddenly stopped. 'Here we are!'

Looking around, everybody could only see a broken entrance and the rest was barren.

"But there's nothing here, Tsuna," said Takeshi.

As soon as Takeshi said that, indigo mist started appearing, distorting the area around them. Everybody was alerted when a person, more specifically a girl, arrived next to Tsuna.

'Chrome-chan! Hisashiburi!'

"Bossu," Chrome nodded as well as pecked Tsuna's cheek as a greeting.

"Who is she, Mama?" asked Reborn. Realization dawning on the hitman that Tsuna may have been involved with the mafia even before he came.

'This is Chrome-chan~ She's a mist flame user and very shy too. She also has a brother!'

"Nice to meet you all," Chrome said nervously.

'Saa, let's go! They're waiting for us, aren't they Chrome-chan?'

"Hai bossu."

Suddenly, the distorted area began to clear and everyone began to see something. With the mist fading, they could make out a silhouette of something. Everyone's mouth dropped (except Reborn) seeing how Chrome's mist flames were so powerful that it was used to hide a freaking mansion!

They snapped out of their reverie when they heard a familiar voice. "Omnivore."

'Kyoya!'

"Hn." (you decided to bring them here?)

'Un!'

Everyone just stared.

"M-Mama, who is he?" asked Lambo, who had surprisingly stayed quiet throughout the whole ordeal.

'Kyoya. Hibari Kyoya. The so-called Demon Prefect of Namimori.'

"Omnnivore," everyone turned towards the demon prefect once again, "Mama?"

'Ah, Lambo and Reborn calls me that. I don't know why though.'

Now, everyone looked at Lambo and Reborn.

"Mama is Mama. He reminds me of Mama," Lambo childishly explained

Reborn shrugged, "It irks him."

Sweatdropping, Chrome mentioned, "B-Bossu, Mukuro-sama is w-waiting."

'Ah, arigatou Chrome!'

"N-No problem."

Reborn narrowed his eyes at the name 'Mukuro.' Maybe it's just his imagination but still. Why would Tsunayoshi be friends with a mass murderer?

'Let's go, minna'

Tsuna started heading towards the entrance with Chrome and Kyoya with the rest of behind them.

Just as they stepped inside, multiple voices boomed, "WELCOME BACK, TSUNA-SAMA/BOSS!"

Tsuna chuckled while everyone (minus Chrome who was smiling and Kyoya who was irritated at the crowd) had their jaws dropped. Yes even Reborn though it was schooled almost immediately.

"Let's go?" asked Tsuna quietly, amused at their expressions. It was asked quietly but it rang loud and clear for them.

"Tsuna-sama! Okaerinasai! Liu-san is waiting for you in your office," said a member.

Tsuna nodded before moving ahead. Along the way, the shocked friends of Tsuna could not say a thing. They were just too surprised.

'Chrome, can I leave it to you to make sure they get their rooms?'

"Hai bossu."

XX..XX

"C-Chrome?" asked Takeshi unsure whether or not the purple-haired girl would like to be called.

"H-Hai?"

"What organization is Tsuna the 'boss' of?"

"...Nebesa," she mumbled softly.

Everyone stopped in their tracks. "...Nebesa? You mean THE Nebesa?"

She nodded. "You mean to say that Tsuna is the boss of Nebesa whose members were once former Yakuzas and now they protect the safety of the citizens? You mean The Nebesa that can put  mafia families to shame??"

Another nod.

Unable to hold the information in, everyone (except Reborn) fainted.

Chrome blinked before sighing. She looked at the person next to him and gave a pleading stare. Said person merely nodded.

"Omnivore owes me..."

XX. Meanwhile.XX

...[Inside Tsuna's Office]...

Creak¬

"Ah Boss! Okaerinasai!" said Liu, the former boss of the Yakuza organization, Momokyokai.

[Tadaima~ How are things going on?]

"Good Boss, but it seems that there have been some strange movements going on in Namimori. Just recently, we've caught around 5-10 assassins... each sent by him," Liu snarled the word 'him.'

Tsuna pondered on this for a bit. [I see. Continue what you always do.]

"Boss, no offense but don't you think scarring them for life then healing them while showing them... gruesome illusions, again which questions their sanity level and then catapulting them back to their country... a bit too less? I'm sure they deserve more. Even Hibari-sama, Mukuro-sama and Chrome-sama agree with us..."

Tsuna merely flashed a smile too sweet to be put in words. [Liu... if I did what I want to do then I'm sorry but forget the enemies, Mukuro, Chrome and Kyoya will be traumatized... Anyways, we'll be having new recruits soon!]

Liu blinked twice before answering nervously, "New recruits? They aren't.. going to bring harm to you, right?"

[Nope! One is a sadistic tutor that is also the best hitman in the world, one is called the "Hurricane Bomb" in the mafia world who is going to become very strong and my right hand man in a few minutes, then we also have a baseball player that is very efficient in swords and is a bit too cheerful and oblivious, we also have a small 5 year old cow who is apparently very efficient in 'shocking' their enemies. Anyways, somehow, they have connections in the mafia. Funny, right?]

"..."

[Yes they are safe! Don't worry, they along with our head strategist and mechanist have agreed with the new recruits!]

"...Okay boss, if you say so... As long as they don't harm you," Liu said hesitantly as the new recruits. The only thing he could think right now was Why are people from the mafia joining a former Yakuza organization?!

XX..XX

While Tsuna was having a pleasant conversation with the former Yakuza boss, Hibari Kyoya had set the fainted people in their rooms. Reborn was paying great attention to the room setting, Bianchi was placed in her own room while the rest of the potential guardians were grouped together.

Creak¬

Glancing over the door, Reborn took notice of the two newcomers. It was a tall teen with white hair, grey eyes and tanned skin. There was also a distinct scar on his left temple and was wearing bandages on his hands.

Reborn quickly pieced the information of him being 'Sasagawa Ryohei,' the older brother of Sasagawa Kyoko.

While the other teen had hetero-chromatic eyes, on's blue while the other is red with a kanji symbol on it. He had a familiar 'pineapple' hairstyle to Chrome and blue hair. Reborn immediately identified him as the escaped fugitive, "Rokudo Mukuro," he said dangerously.

Noticing this, Mukuro merely chuckled. "Kufufu, you'll be thanking me after this, Arcobaleno."

Reborn tensed. How does he knows of the Arcobaleno?!

"Kufufu, are they all here?"

"Hai Mukuro-sama," Chrome responded.

Reborn narrowed his eyes, "What are you planning?"

Mukuro merely laughed eerily, Chrome stayed quiet yet there was determination in her eyes, Hibari was at the other side of the corner, while Sasagawa Ryohei was quiet for an unknown reason. Why is Sasagawa Ryohei quiet? I heard he shouts all the time....

He was cut out of his musing when the ex-convict of the Vindice slammed his trident on the ground and trapped them in an illusion.

"You. What are yo-" Reborn growled dangerously before he quietened with his eyes widening.

"Kufufu, nothing... I'm just giving back what we lost... I hope all of you enjoy your trip..." was all Reborn heard when he blacked out while the rest where left in an endless spiral of memories.

XX..XX

While Mukuro was dealing with things, Tsuna could be seen walking inside a dim room with 5 more people inside. When they saw him, they let a smirk take place on their faces.

"Now, let the show begin~"

[ramp-it-up]

Fresh Squeeze Teaser: Daveed x OFC Reader

Here is the teaser of my new Daveed/Bay Boy/Hamilfam fic.

Big thanks @royallyprincesslilly (one of the best to ever do it) for inspiring me to leap into the tumblr fic world. All of the great Daveed/Rafa blogs are dope as well.  I hope that you enjoy.  Please let me know if you like it.  Like, comment, reblog, and ask me anything!

Title: Fresh Squeeze

Pairing: Daveed Diggs x OFC Linden Marshall

Set in 2023, post-pandemic

Warnings: Cursing, Angsty Angst, Smut, Mentions of Death, Addictions, Notions of Infidelity. Lots of Plot.

Plot: Linden Marshall is in her third year of law school at Columbia University in NYC. Daveed Diggs is still creating magic with his platonic life partner Rafael Casal and nursing his broken heart post pandemic. Linden’s boyfriend is Mark Monaco, star of the superhero movie series Invincible.  They’ve been together for years, and they know everything about each other including her trauma and his addictions. She swears she’s in love. 

What happens when Mark gets a role on Broadway in Rafa & Daveed’s Blindspotting adaptation, Bay Boys, and Daveed & Linden’s worlds collide? 

_____________

Isabela, PR. May 2023

You pulled on Mark's t-shirt and basketball shorts and made your way to the kitchen which had floor to ceiling windows and glass doors facing the ocean. It was breathtaking.  The doors were open and the ocean breeze felt amazing.

"Good morning sunshine!" 

You turned to see Daveed at the stove, greeting you and smiling. 

He was wearing an orange Oakland tank top and some pajama pants slung low on his hips. You smiled at his hair, which was tied up in two curly puffs at the front, with the back down in his wild curls.  Even though it was an odd hairstyle for a grown man, you knew the curl life. And it did not take away from his masculinity.  Not. At. All.

Besides, his curly puffs gave you a place to focus rather than on his well-muscled arms.  His hair reminded of when your mom did your hair only to have Dell try to pull your pony tails out as soon as she dismissed you from the kitchen chair. Ya’ll would get into so much trouble for fighting yet again. The thought gave you a warm feeling at the memory as you smiled wider and patted your own pineappled hair. 

Damn, her smile is a killer, Daveed thought as he watched you look around the kitchen for other signs of life. Now he was glad that he couldn’t sleep, and that he decided to be productive.  He would have the chance to talk to you. As friends. Yeah.  He nodded to himself, trying to emphasize that last thought.  Friends.

Fuck.  He was in serious trouble.

Noticing that you and he were the only two humans in the kitchen and sniffing the air for the delicious smell that was wafting over from the stove, you finally greeted Daveed.

"Good morning, D.  Looks like everyone else is still knocked the fuck out. I guess ya’ll partied way past two in the morning. I could not hang.” The other six friends were nowhere to be found.

You laughed, yawned and stretched.  Daveed turned back to the stove, cursing to himself. Damn, he thought. You were so damn fine.  But also off-limits.

“Calm the fuck down boy,” he whispered.

“What’s that?” You ventured over to see Diggs making French toast and bacon. Your stomach rumbled.

"I said sit down. Sounds like you’re hungry, haha. We gotta feed you. Grab some fruit over there and I'll serve you right up."

You grabbed something and sat down at the bar facing the windows. When Diggs turned to offer you some fresh oj, you didn't notice him watching you eat your banana. Your lips were going to be a problem for him. When you looked away from the ocean, Daveed turned back to the stove and looked over his shoulder to smile at you.

His smile made you feel some kind of way.

"Do they really call you Smiley?" 

Daveed laughed, a sound that was quite nice.

“You got me Lindy. What gave it away?” 

You tilted your head, convinced that he was fucking with you.  When he winked and turned back to the stove to the food, you just shook your head and ate the rest of your banana, positive that he was fucking with you.

Meanwhile, Diggs was trying to stop himself from thinking about fucking with you. He did not need to watch you eat a banana. You were his friend’s girl.  This was not a thing.

You smiled back at Diggs’ broad back. The more you hung out, the more you got to know him. This morning he seemed different than when everyone was hangin in the group. 

He turned to plate some food for you and he smiled again, shaking his head.

“Most times it’s a nervous tick.”

You were confused. “What’s a nervous tick?”

“My smile. I'm actually a really shy person.  Most times my smile is a defense mechanism.”

You were not sure about all that. Daveed had to know how he affected people.

“I’m not sure I believe that. Man. You are famous for performing in front of hundreds of people a night.  You’re on tv, movies, for goodness sake!  I ain’t boo boo the fool.”

Daveed’s laugh filled the kitchen.

“I am shy, but I get my energy from crowds. I'm an introverted extrovert. Ya feel me?"

You nodded, understanding. You noticed that he was fiddling with the spatula he had in his hand. He really was awkward. It was sweet. Diggs continued.

"When I perform, I'm probably under the influence."

Pause.

"Hold up. What?" 

You suddenly remembered your sleeping boyfriend in the other room.  You  did not want Mark to backslide into addiction. You didn't know this about Daveed. He caught your panicked look.

"Oh, I'm not an addict, haha."  That laugh and that smile. It automatically put you at ease. 

"It just takes a little. Drink; like last night. Adrenaline; when I used to run track. Now it's performing." 

Daveed watched you carefully, gauging whether or not to continue. Fuck it, he thought. He felt as comfortable with you as when he first met Rafa.

"You know what the best drug is?" 

You cocked your head to the side, intrigued despite yourself. That smile. It was angelic and so opposite of what came out of his mouth next.

"Fucking. You know? When it's that good good. Or even better, that feeling when you haven't smashed, but the sexual tension is everything?"

There was suddenly little air in the room. You had to open your mouth to get oxygen. Oh. You knew the feeling alright. You gulped down your orange juice and continued eating.

"Hard-dick dopamine delivers every time." He said it so casually.

You choked on your bacon. Daveed came up beside you.

"Raise your arms above your head.”

You turned toward him, held your arms up and he helped you, his hands holding your hands up. You stopped coughing pretty quickly but you stared at each other with your small wrists in his large hands. Daveed shifted on his feet and cleared his throat.  

“You good?" His voice had to be a couple of octaves lower. You had to slam your mind shut at that moment.

You gaped for a second, mouth still open, then laughed and nodded, pulling your arms slightly to get him to release them.  Daveed let go, stepped back and laughed along.

"But yeah. Back to what we were talking about...It just takes a little high, and I'm a completely different person." 

You watched him as he crossed his chocolate arms. 

"So what's your drug? Your motivation?"

That was something you didn't want to think about too hard. You tried to avoid his eyes. You cleared your throat and took another drink.  

“You got any vodka for this orange juice?”

-------

Ch. 1. Ch. 2