#was gettin this out the door in such a hurry that i forgot the summary LMAO

[stergeon]

Rating: Teen and Up (very light sexual themes, some fodlan-induced internalized misogyny)

Fandom: Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Relationship(s): Dorothea Arnault/Petra Macneary

Words:��7.3k (complete)

The night before Petra's coronation as Queen of Brigid, Dorothea reflects on their love, their friendship, and the life they're building together.

[cerealmonster15]

Kalim and the Great Relationship Rescue [Twst] [Kalisil + Jamiazu]

[Ao3 Link]

Chapter: 1/?

Word count: 1165

Summary: Kalim makes it his mission to help Jamil fix his relationship with Azul - even though Jamil never asked for his help in the first place. He enlists the aid of his trusted friend and classmate, Silver, as well as their fellow schoolmates, to ensure success. After all, the chilling tension between Jamil and Azul is really throwing off everyone else's mood, so something has GOT to change, and fast. Surely the power of persistent friendship and the minds of several devious teenagers coming together can lead them to success… Right?

“Hey, Floyd! You guys have a basketball game tonight, right?”

“Sure do! Why? Don’t tell me Sea Snakey forgot to tell ya?”

Silence.

“...Hellooo?” Floyd called through the phone. “Sea Otter? You drop the phone in the toilet or somethin’?”

“No, no, sorry! I’m here… it’s just, uh… I think Jamil’s a bit…”

Kalim paused and looked over at where Jamil was laying in a prone position on the bed, arms wrapped tightly around a pillow, face buried inside, muffling his voice as he let out a frustrated scream.

“...Stressed?”

Kalim could hear Floyd’s amused laughter in response on the other end of the line. “Hey, maybe he’ll make more interesting plays tonight with that kind of energy on the court, hehe…”

Maybe Floyd was right. Maybe basketball would be a good distraction for Jamil right now! It was a physical outlet - and dancing always made both of them feel better, so surely basketball would have a similar effect. Maybe all Jamil needed was to play a really intense game with his supportive teammates, and he’d cheer up.

“Yeah, good point! I look forward to seeing you guys play. Are Jade and Azul comi-?”

Kalim’s question was abruptly cut off by another loud, angry, and strange combination between a sob and a shriek from Jamil against his pillow.

“Oh! Uh,” Kalim moved the phone away from his mouth and frantically turned around. “Sorry, Jamil! I was just asking Floyd about your basketball game tonight. You’re… still going, right?”

Jamil only responded with more muffled screams.

Kalim took that as his cue to leave, quickly hopping up from the edge of the bed and scooting towards the door. “Okay! I’m gonna let you have some alone time, and… Um, I'll come get you when it’s time to go to the game, alright?”

“Just GO!” Jamil shouted, lifting his head just long enough to get those words out before immediately flopping his face back down and resuming his wails of disgruntled anguish. 

“Right! Got it! See you later!”

Kalim hurried the rest of the way out of the room and shut the door behind him. He sighed, and put the phone back to his ear.

“Sorry about that, Floyd. Are you still there?”

Floyd, again, responded with laughter.

“Sure am! Sounds like Sea Snakey’s definitely gonna play an interesting game. I’m gettin’ fired up just thinkin’ about it!”

Kalim sighed. “Man, I really hope it helps him feel better… How’s Azul holding up…?”

“Oh, terribly. But what else is new, right?'' Floyd said, though he did not sound particularly concerned about the matter. “I mean, he’s insistin’ it’s fine and all, but he’s an awful liar when it comes to feelings - especially feelings about Sea Snakey. He keeps pretending to be busy and holing himself up in his office, snappin’ at people that bother him too much.”

Kalim made his way down the hall and into his own room, flopping down onto his back on his own bed. “Oh no, really? That’s awful!”

“Ehh, he ain’t actin’ super different from regular cranky Azul, really. Probably most of the Mostro Lounge employees wouldn’t be able to tell the difference when he’s in ‘business mode’ on the clock. Me ‘n Jade see right through him, obviously.”

Kalim sighed and started fidgeting with the corner of one of the many pillows covering his bed. “Well, at least you and Jade are there to support him…”

“Heh, sure.” 

A door could be heard opening on Floyd’s end, followed by what sounded like Jade’s voice.

“M’kay, I gotta run, Sea Otter. Jade and I’ll try and pull Azul out of his wallowing to the game tonight, but no promises!”

“Yeah, alright… See you later, Floyd!”

The line clicked and went quiet, and Kalim rolled over on his stomach to open his texts. He scrolled through the long list of conversations he’d had throughout the day, and tapped Silver’s name.

Hi silver! Wanna come to the basketball game w/me later? You can come over 2 my dorm and hang out til then if ur not busy!

Silver texted back a few minutes later.

Okay. I will be there in a few minutes.

Kalim’s face brightened, a feeling of relief washing over him at Silver’s prompt reply. He didn’t know who else would be at the basketball game, but at least he could count on Silver to keep him company in the stands.

Moments after sending the text, Silver arrived at Kalim’s room and took a seat beside him on the edge of the bed.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Silver!” Kalim exclaimed, rolling over to face Silver with a distressed pout. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do about Jamil!”

“Is he still having a hard time with his and Azul’s breakup?” Silver asked, straightforward as ever.

“Yes!” Kalim wailed. “He’s completely miserable, but he doesn’t ever want to talk about it when I bring it up, so I just don’t know what to do to help!”

“Perhaps he needs more time,” Silver lightly suggested. “I imagine heartbreak is not an easy thing to experience. My father often says that ‘time heals all wounds,’ after all.”

“Maybe…” Kalim sat back up and scooted over beside Silver. “I just want to help him feel better sooner, yknow?!”

Silver nodded in silent understanding.

“They were so in love…” Kalim continued. “Jamil smiled more after you all came back from that trip to Fleur City… More than I’d seen him smile in years. And… And I refuse to believe it’s truly over!”

Kalim stood up, followed by a confused Silver.

“What do you mean?”

“I think there’s still hope! And I think they’re still in love!” 

Silver tilted his head. “Really? But then why would they break up?”

“I… don’t know!” Kalim sighed, furrowing his eyebrows. “But I do know it has to be a mistake. I think if they just gave each other a chance to talk it out, they’d understand each other better. Then maybe they could make up!”

Kalim headed to the door, Silver following behind. 

“I have to find a way to help them. I don’t know how, but… Jamil is my best friend!” He glanced down with a sullen expression and sighed again. “I owe it to him to try and help him find that happiness again…”

Silver nodded again. “That is a noble cause, and really nice of you, Kalim. I’ll help you however I can.”

“Really!?” Kalim halted his stride to turn and face Silver, eyes wide.

“Yes. Jamil and Azul are our friends. I don’t want to stand by and watch our companions suffer if there’s something we can do to lessen their anguish, and you would know better than anyone if there was a way to help Jamil. I trust your judgment.”

Kalim’s face relaxed into relief and delight. “Oh, I’m so glad…Thank you, Silver! I don’t have a plan yet, but I’m sure you and I can figure something out between the two of us!”

Really, how hard could it be?

[cevansbrat0007]

Kiss & Make Up

Summary: Bianca finds out that her friend’s parents are getting a divorce. Could her own be next? Andy Barber x Black!Reader, Bianca Barber

Warnings: Fluff, Concerned Bianca, Mentions of Arguing, Smut (implied), Minors DNI

A/N: Please enjoy and let me know what you think. Part of my Growing Pains Series. Not beta’d. Semi-proofread. All mistakes are my own. Thanks for reading.

___

“Busy day tomorrow?” You ask your husband as you climb into bed. As usual, you were wearing a pair of sleep shorts and one of his t-shirts. 

“Actually, I think it’s gonna be a pretty light day.” He responds as he continues to iron his light blue dress shirt. “You wanna do lunch, baby girl?”

“Dunno.” You pretend to think as you swipe through your phone. “I’m going to have to check with my assistant, maybe move some things around on my calendar.” You hear Andy chuckle. “Ugh. I’d hate to have to reschedule laundry, but I think you're worth it.

“Well, thank you for clearing your calendar for me. I’ve never felt more loved.” You let out a snort when he rolls his eyes. 

“You’re welcome, Andy Bear.” You chirp as you snuggle under the blankets. “Where do you wanna go? Also, hurry up so you can come snuggle with me. It’s hard to keep warm in such a big, empty bed.” You give your Big Man your best pout. 

He just smiles and shakes his head. “One more shirt, little love, and then I’m all yours. And how do you feel about burgers? There’s this new place about fifteen minutes from the office that’s supposed to have a killer bison burger and -”

“Mama? Daddy?” Whispers a little voice. Sitting up, you spy your oldest baby, Bianca, hovering just outside your door.

“It’s late, honey. What’s wrong? Why aren’t you in bed?” You turn and check the clock which reads 11:03pm. 

“I need to talk to you.” She looks down at her bare feet. “Please.”

“Okay, come on in, Bianca Boo.” Andy replies, setting down the iron. 

“Come sit up here with me and talk to us.” You tell her as you pat a spot next to you on the bed. Letting out a soft sigh, she does just that as your husband walks over to join you both. “What’s going on?”

“It’s just that, um…” She wipes at her eyes with the back of her hand. “Daddy…are you and Mama gettin’ a divorce?”

Huh? Say what?

“A divorce?” You and Andy repeat at the same time. 

“Of course not, baby.” Your husband murmurs, clearly just as shocked as you are by her question. “We’re never getting a divorce. Not now, not ever.”

Wrapping your arms around her tiny waist, you lovingly pull her into your lap. “Why would you think we were getting a divorce, BiBi?” You rest your head atop her bonnet covered curls. 

“Because Carly Mason’s parents are getting a divorce and she was crying about it at lunch today. She has to move and everything, and even go to a new school and stuff.”

“Oh, baby, I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you’ll still be able to see her outside of school.”

“It’s not that. It’s more like, um, she told me her parents used to argue a lot. And you and Daddy were arguing the other day about groceries and the credit cards and you slammed the door super hard when you went outside and Daddy slammed the door super hard when he went into his office and -”

“Okay, okay.” You gently cut her off, knowing that your sweet girl had a tendency to ramble when she was upset or nervous, just like you. Your eyes stray towards Andy as you try to figure out how to continue.

He lets out a sigh as he attempts to collect his thoughts before speaking. “First of all, BiBi, your Mama and I are sorry that you saw us arguing like that.”

“Yes, we are.” You agree. “I think that Daddy and I both were just having a rough day.”

“Uh huh. Your Mom sent me to the grocery store with a list, and somehow I still forgot to get a bunch of things. Although, if I may, I’d like to blame A.J. and KitCat for that fiasco, because they kept making me laugh.” Andy playfully waggles his eyebrows at his little girl. “Which is why the three of us aren’t allowed to go shopping together anymore.”

“They sure aren’t. And Mama forgot to pay a bill. See, I thought I had it set to auto-pay, but I completely forgot that I received a new debit card in the mail and hadn’t added it to the account yet. So we had to pay a late fee. But it’s all fixed now.” You flash them both a smile. 

“Oh, okay.” 

“But we shouldn’t have gone around slamming doors like that. I mean, it’s only natural that parents argue sometimes, but that wasn’t very nice of us. Especially not in front of you guys.” 

“No, it wasn’t.” Andy murmurs. “Which is why we apologized to one another as soon as we calmed down. We’ll try to do better sweetheart, but I can’t promise you that your mother and I will always agree on everything.” He presses a kiss to one of her small hands.

You begin lightly rocking your baby back and forth. “Daddy’s right, but what we can promise you is that we’ll always kiss and make up.” 

“Oh, gross!” She grunts as she scrunches up her little face. “No kissing. And no divorce. I don’t wanna move.”

“You got it, kid. Anything else you wanna talk to me and Mama about?” Andy asks.

“Nope.”

“Alright, well, we love you. Now, give us both a hug and get your tush back in bed.” 

___

Ten minutes later…

Crisis averted, Andy quickly goes back to ironing.

“Um, by the way, I believe you were the one who decided that divorce wasn’t an option. I don’t recall having any say in the matter.” You inform him, cocking your head to the side. 

“I’d like to think that I made the decision for both of us.” Comes his gruff response as he attempts to smooth out a particularly stubborn wrinkle. “Why? You suddenly feel like angling for one?”

You allow yourself to fall backwards into bed. “Eh, not sure.” You sigh. “It’s gonna depend on how good that bison burger is tomorrow. If it sucks, I might serve you papers right then and there.”

“So, you’re telling me that our entire marriage, our beyond epic love story, currently hinges upon whether or not you like what you have for lunch tomorrow?”

“Yep.”

“Well, shit. Maybe I’d be better off taking you out to Miyoko’s for sushi.” Your husband mumbles, making you giggle. “Can’t go wrong with that one.”

“Nah, you’ve got my heart set on that damned burger. And it had better be good or it’s the end of the line for you, Mr. Barber. Now hurry up and come cuddle with me. If I have to tell you again, I’m afraid I might have to rough you up.” You aggressively flex your little biceps for added emphasis. 

Andy lets out a low whistle as he hangs up his last shirt and unplugs the iron. 

“I’m all done, sweetheart. But if you still feel like you need to get rough with me…” You watch as your man slowly peels the t-shirt from his delicious body before climbing across the bed to loom over your smaller frame.

“Then who am I to stop you?” He asks before nipping your chin. “Hurt me good, baby.” 

END

[tricksters-captain]

Bucky Barnes imagines - Some Sunny Day Part 2

AN: I’m splitting episode 3 into two chapters because so much happens. 

Summary: Before the Blip, you and Bucky were close. After you both returning and Tony’s funeral, you decided to go back to your home town to spend time with your family. When duty calls, you return.  

In this chapter: Despite your protests, Bucky seeks out Zemo (Based on S1 EP3)

(PART 1 HERE)

Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader, Sam Wilson x Platonic!Reader

Word Count: 5,196

Warnings: Spoilers for episode 3, violence, strong language. 

You watched Bucky as he sat beside you on the aircraft. 

“Do you mind?” Bucky’s side eye didn’t make you look away. 

“I’m just trying to see what’s going through that head of yours.” You confessed. You were all on your way to Germany to visit Zemo. It wasn’t a plan you were happy with but it was the plan. 

“Don’t bother.” Bucky frowned, looking down at his hands on his lap. “And don’t ask me if I think this is a good idea again.” 

“I wasn’t going to ask that.” You turned away from the man.

“What was it then?” Bucky asked. 

“I was going to ask if you were sure you wanted to do this.” It was another question you had already asked 20 times or more but you couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling of anxiety about this trip. 

“She has a right to be worried, Buck. The last time you were alone with Zemo, you ended up putting (Y/n) through three windows.” Sam reminded you both of what happened the last time you were in Berlin. 

“It won’t happen this time.” Bucky tried to reassure you both but you still felt uneasy. 

After another hour or so Sam announced that you were almost there. 

It was a short drive to the prison from the airport but once you were inside, you felt your chest begin to tighten again. 

“He’s just through that corridor.” The German guard gestured up ahead and that’s when Bucky stopped you. 

“Alright. Give us a sec.” Bucky instructed the security guard before turning to you and Sam. “I’m gonna go in alone.”

“Why?” Sam asked, 

“You’re Avengers. You know how he feels about that.” Bucky said as he looked between the two of you. 

“It’s not like you two were known for frolickin’ in the sun together.” Sam felt he needed to remind Bucky of the past again. However, Bucky stood his ground. 

“He was obsessed with HYDRA. We have a history together. Trust me. I got it.” 

“Buck...” You started, 

“I got it.” He repeated himself before you could say anything else. 

You watched Bucky head through the doors alone. 

“Let’s wait outside. This place gives me the creeps.” Sam encouraged you to follow him to which you didn’t do without hesitation. 

Sam brought you a hot drink as you sat on a bench outside. 

“I forgot how worried he can make you.” Sam admitted as he sat down beside you.

“I’ve seen what he went through, Sam. All of it leading up to Zemo. I just... I don’t want it happening to him again.” You knew you couldn’t explain the extent of why you cared for Bucky. 

“You love him.” Sam said. It wasn’t a question but rather a statement. “I can see it clear as day. Anyone could if they stuck around long enough.” 

“Why are you bringing this up, Sam?” You sighed, looking away from him. 

“Because it’s also obvious that he loves you too. You run around driving each other crazy with worry but you have none of the good stuff that comes with being in love with someone.” 

“What do you know about love, Don Juan?” You chuckled as you tried to lighten the tone.

“I know it when I see it.” Sam smiled but there was a sadness behind his eyes. 

“Things are complicated, Sam.” You muttered, “You already know that.” 

“Well I also think that if Bucky got some he’d be a whole lot less angsty all the damn time.” You knew Sam only said it to make you laugh but you still gave him a whack for the comment. 

“Shut up, Sam.” You shook your head, trying not to smile at the inappropriate comment. 

Sam kept you entertained by a couple of silly games of rock, paper, scissors before Bucky returned. 

“Come on, I got some information. We gotta go.” Bucky hurried you and Sam along. 

“Just like that?” You were surprised that Zemo even spoke to Bucky at all. 

“A location. I’ll explain everything once we get there.” Bucky wasn’t giving you much information and it was making you a little suspicious. 

“Hey, hey, hey...” Sam ran after Bucky, stopping him. “You gotta give us a little more than that.”

“Zemo agreed to help us after hearing that there were more super soldiers. It was his life ambition to stop the winter soldier programme and he’s given us a lead.” Bucky explained. 

“And you’re just gonna trust his word?” You probed. 

“There’s not much else we can do.” Bucky did make a point. 

It didn’t take long to reach the large warehouse/garage that Bucky wanted to go to. 

Bucky on the way had started rambling about breaking Zemo out of jail in order to help you guys which sounded ridiculous to you. 

“Tell me you’re joking, Buck.” You pleaded, unsure whether he had lost his mind entirely. 

“He’s our best shot at finding who is making the serum and he’d be a lot more useful out than in.” Bucky opened the door to the building and you followed him inside.

“What are you talking about? You wanna break Zemo outta jail? Where are we, Buck? Have you lost your mind?” Sam was just as lost as you were as he shot questions at Bucky. 

“We have no leads, no moves, nothing.” Bucky sighed as you made your way in with your flashlights. 

“What we have is one of the most dangerous men in the world behind bars.” Sam argued. 

“We also have eight Super Soldiers that are loose.” Bucky retorted. 

“Anyway, I thought this was a lead?” You tried to look around but the place was badly lit. There were mainly mechanic tools and lots of storage scattered around. 

“It’s complicated.” Bucky frowned.

“What’s complicated is Zemo. He’s gonna mess with our minds. Especially yours. No offence.” Sam shone his flashlight at Bucky as he spoke. 

“Offence.” Bucky didn’t look impressed as he found the light switch. “Super Soldiers go against everything he believes in. He is crazy, but he still has a code.” 

“I’ve been on the wrong side of that code and so have you. He blew up the UN, he killed King T’Chaka and framed you for it. Did you forget that? You think the Wakandans forgot about it? It’s a rhetorical question. They didn’t. I know why this matters to you, but it’s pushing you off the deep end.” Sam stepped closer to Bucky. You couldn’t deny that Sam had a point. Zemo was the one who tore the avengers apart by framing Bucky.  “We don’t know how they’re gettin’ the serum. We don’t even know how many of them there are.” Bucky couldn’t give up. “Let me just walk you through a hypothetical. Can I?”

“What did you do?” Sam narrowed his eyes at Bucky. 

You were busy looking inside the car that was revealed by the lights coming on. 

“I didn’t do anything.” Bucky shook his head before he continued with his ‘hypothetical’. 

“The weakest point in any system isn’t the software, the hardware, it’s the meatware. The human element. Now, in this lockup, it’s nine to one, prisoners to guards. And if two prisoners start fighting, then the protocol says four guards have to respond.”

“So why would two prisoners randomly start fighting at that moment? Who knows?” Sam questioned. 

“There could be many reasons…” Bucky shrugged. “But the point is, these things escalate. Lockdown procedures would have to be initiated, and with all those bodies flying around left and right, wouldn’t be hard to slip down a hallway or two.

At this point, you stopped looking around and looked over at Bucky with your arms across your chest. You weren’t liking how thought out this plan was sounding. 

“And if the fire alarm got tripped while the prisoners were being separated someone could use the chaos to their advantage.” Bucky continued. 

“I don’t like how casual you’re bein’ about this. This is unnatural. Are you… And where are we, man?” Sam gestured around the place with confusion locked on his face. 

“Bucky, I’m with Sam on this one. I’ve got a bad feeling and–––” A door opening behind you cut you short. 

You turned around to see Zemo walk through the plastic door curtains. 

“Woah, woah, woah!” Sam jumped forward instructively. Bucky managed to stop him but he didn't stop you. 

You rushed towards Zemo and held the tip of one of your knives to his Adams apple as he held his hands up. 

“What are you doing here?” Sam shouted at Zemo before snapping back to Bucky.

“I didn’t tell ’cause I knew you wouldn’t let this happen.” Bucky admitted. 

“What did you do?” Sam pointed at Zemo in shock.

“We need him.” Bucky stated to which you chuckled harshly, pressing your knife a little harder. 

“You’re going back to prison!” Sam called over. 

“If I may..? “ Zemo tried to speak but you all shut him up with a unanimous ‘No.’

“Apologies.” Zemo mumbled. 

“(Y/n), put the knife down.” Bucky came towards you and wrapped his hand round your wrist. “Please?” 

You did. Slowly. 

“Look, when Steve refused to sign the Sokovia Accords, you both backed him. You broke the law, and you stuck your neck out for me. I’m asking you to do it again.” Bucky looked back and forth from you to Sam. 

“I really think I’m invaluable.” Zemo spoke again. 

“Shut up.” You rose the knife again to which Zemo took a step back and pretended to zip his mouth shut. 

“Okay.” Sam sighed after a moment of contemplation. “If we do this, you don’t make a move without our permission.”

“Fair.” Zemo nodded. 

“Bucky... You understand what this means right? If they find out we took Zemo, specifically you. We’ll be on the run again and I don’t know if there will be a pardon this time either.” The concern in your eyes made Bucky frown. 

“It’ll be alright. He's the only shot we got to stop these guys.” Bucky wasn’t sure if he believed his own words but he was praying that this was the best thing to do. 

“Alright.” You turned to Zemo. “So where do we start?”

Zemo gestured for you to follow him before taking you into another dark room. You kept your knife in your hand just in case.

He reached for the light switch to reveal a mass of classic cars. 

“So our first move is grand theft auto?” Sam cocked his eyebrow at the impressive collection.  

“These are mine. Collected by family over the generations. I spent years hunting people HYDRA recruited to recreate the serum. Because once it’s out there, someone can create an army of people… like the Avengers.”  Zemo entered one of the cars and pulled out a bag. “I ended the Winter Soldier program once before. I have no intention to leave my work unfinished. To do this, we’ll have to scale a ladder of lowlifes.”

“Well, join the party. We’ve already started.” Sam told the man.

“First stop is a woman named Selby. Mid-level fence I still have a line on. From there, we climb.” Zemo took his bag and headed into another room. 

“Jesus... How big is this place?” You looked around to see it was full of clothes. 

“First I change and then we head to Selby.” Zemo placed the bag down before filing through one if the rails of clothes. 

“How are we supposed to get anywhere with Zemo on our hands? We can’t exactly call Torres and ask for a ride but please ignore the fugitive that’s coming with us.” You looked between the boys. 

“I will get us there.” Zemo told you. 

“Great.” You pressed a fake smile onto your face which Zemo chose not to acknowledge.

Before you knew it you were at the airport at Zemo’s private jet.

“So all this time you’ve been rich?” Sam’s eyes went wide at the sight of the plane.

“I’m a Baron, Sam. My family was royalty until your friends destroyed my country.” Zemo spoke as if it was well known information. You felt a pang hit you in the chest, it happened every time you thought of Sokovia... it was guilt. 

You watched Zemo greet an elderly man in a suit before you entered the jet. 

You sat furtherest away from Zemo, still feeling very uncomfortable about him being free and under your custody. 

You watched him sip on a glass of champagne like he had no worries in the world. 

“You don’t know what it’s like to be locked in a cell. Oh. That’s right you do.” Zemo reminded you of the time Tony had locked a lot of the avengers up. 

“Why don’t you tell us about where we’re going?” Sam suggested. 

 “I’m sorry. I was just fascinated by this. I don’t know what to call it, but this part seems to be important. Who is Nakajima?” 

Before you could blink, Bucky had lunged forward and taken Zemo by the neck.  

“If you touch that again, I’ll kill you.” Bucky kept hold of Zemo for a second longer before sitting back down. You had fought the urge to get up and take hold of his arm to calm him down.  

"I’m sorry. I understand that list of names. People you’ve wronged as the Winter Soldier.” Zemo made no attempt at a sincere apology for the invasion of privacy.  

“Don’t push it.”  Bucky warned him.

“I’ve seen that book. It was Steve’s when he came out of the ice. I told him about Trouble Man. He wrote it in that book. Did you hear it? What’d you think?” Sam smiled as he thought back on the memory. 

“I like ’40s music, so…” Bucky shrugged. 

“You didn’t like it?” Sam seemed more shock to hear this than when he saw Zemo. 

“I liked it.” Bucky proclaimed. 

“It is a masterpiece, James. Complete. Comprehensive. It captures the African-American experience.” Even Zemo had to get involved. 

“He’s out of line, but he’s right. It’s great. Everybody loves Marvin Gaye.” Sam turned back to Bucky after giving side eye to Zemo. 

“I like Marvin Gaye.” Bucky repeated. 

“Steve adored Marvin Gaye.” Sam couldn’t drop it but you didn’t bother getting involved. 

You looked at the book in Bucky’s hands. You knew Steve had given it to him before but seeing it again after all this time brought up a hundred thoughts. You remembered the many things you had told Steve to watch or eat or listen to like ABBA, Mochi ice cream and pranking him by suggesting the twilight movie as must see. 

“You must have really looked up to Steve.” Zemo mentioning Steve made you look up again. “But I realised something when I met him. The danger with people like him, America’s Super Soldiers, is that we put them on pedestals.”

“Watch your step, Zemo.” Sam warned him. 

“They become symbols. Icons. And then we start to forget about their flaws. From there, cities fly, innocent people die. Movements are formed, wars are fought. You remember that, right?” Zemo looked over at Bucky. “As a young soldier sent to Germany to stop a mad icon. Do we want to live in a world full of people like the Red Skull? That is why we’re going to Madripoor.” 

“What’s up with Madripoor? You talk about it like it’s Skull Island.” Sam asked but you already knew of Madripoor. Anyone with links to the underworld of crime knew of Madripoor. 

“It’s an island nation in the Indonesian archipelago. It was a pirate sanctuary back in the 1800s.” Bucky informed him. 

“It’s kept its lawless ways. But we cannot exactly walk in as ourselves. James, you will have to become someone you claim is gone.” Zemo looked down at his duffel bag of clothes that you had watched him pack before.

“What do you mean by that?” You finally chimed into the conversation. 

“James will have to retake the person of the Winter Soldier. You both will have a role to play also.” Zemo explained, turning to face you as you sat in the chair by the back wall of the jet. 

“Bucky, can I speak to you privately?” You looked past Zemo to Bucky. Bucky gave you a look to ask where would you go so you stood and opened the cabin toilets door. 

Bucky huffed before following you in.

“Bucky I’m not okay with this.” You whispered as you pressed yourself up against the wall so you could try and fit both you and Bucky a little more comfortably. 

“This isn’t up to you.” Bucky sighed. 

 “Everything about this situation is making every nerve in my body scream this is a bad idea.” You folded your arms across your chest as you stared up at Bucky. 

“How many times do I have to tell you that this is the only plan we got?” 

“I don’t trust him.” You kept your voice low as you threw your hand up in the direction of the door. 

“Do you trust me?” Bucky asked. 

“I’m starting to question it.” You muttered. 

Bucky just stared at you in response. 

“Yes, I trust you.” You grumbled, caving in. 

“Anyway I have you if things go bad.” Bucky tried to make light of the situation but you weren't impressed. 

You left the bathroom and remained silent until you drew closer to Madripoor. 

Upon your arrival in Madripoor, you were handed some clothes to change into. 

“You’ve got to be kidding me?” You held up the small material dress that you were meant to wear. 

“I had to choose a disguise that would cover your face. Too many people here would know you from your days before the avengers and after.” Zemo defended his choice of ‘costume’ for you. 

“So I’m assassin barbie?” You scoffed before taking to the bathroom to change. 

You slid on the black leather playsuit and boots, along with the mask that Zemo gave you. 

You felt exposed and uncomfortable. You managed to hide a few knives in your boots and you slid on a thigh holster to hold some more to make you feel like you were protected at least. 

“Loose the knives.” Zemo instructed. 

“Are you serious?” You were growing more agitated by the minute with this man. 

“You are playing an escort. You can’t have knives on show.” Zemo pointed to your holster. 

You bit down on your cheek as you removed it. 

“Fine.” You then left the plane to Sam and Bucky waiting outside. Bucky’s eyes went wide at the sight of you but he tried to hide it by clearing his throat and looking away. 

“We have to fix this. I’m the only one who looks like a pimp.” Sam was wearing a red patterned suit and chains. He didn’t look too bad in it either.

“Only an American would assume a fashion-forward Black man looks like a pimp. You look exactly like the man you’re supposed to be playing. The sophisticated, charming African rake named Conrad Mack, aka the Smiling Tiger.” Zemo handed Sam his phone revealing a picture of Conrad Mack.

“He even has a bad nickname. Hell, he does look like me, though.” Sam took the phone and looked down at the picture. 

“(Y/n) is playing your partner for the night. Conrad is known for his appreciation for the finer things in life and often has a woman on his arm Therefore, (Y/n), you must be attached to Sam’s hip the entire night.” Zemo filled you all in on the reason behind your disguise. 

“Excuse me, what?” Bucky almost choked at the idea of you having to be Sam’s woman for the night. 

“Well it is the only disguise that makes sense. She can’t be your girlfriend as you are the Winter Soldier. She can’t be mine as everyone knows I am loyal to my wife. She has to be the smiling tigers current whore.” 

“Watch your mouth.” Bucky hissed. 

“We all must play a part.” Zemo defended his choice of words. “You smell this?”

“Yeah, what is that? Acid?” Sam asked. 

“Madripoor. No matter what happens, we have to stay in character. Our lives depend on it. There’s no margin for error. High Town’s that way. Not a bad place if you wanna visit, but Low Town’s the other way.” Zemo gestured across the city as a car approached you all. 

“Let me guess. We don’t have any friends in High Town.” You sighed as Zemo opened the car door for you. 

“Not if we want the answers we are looking for.” Zemo climbed into the car after you and then the boys followed. 

It didn't take too long to find the way to low town. You had been to Madripoor before but it had been years ago. 

You did as you were ordered when you all exited Zemo’s car. You stuck by Sam, walking in the middle of Sam and Bucky. 

The air wasn’t cold but it felt thick, you could feel it sticking to your bare skin which gave you the desperate urge to take a long shower. 

“Here we are.” Zemo had brought you to a bar. It was busy and filled with a lot of men.  

“Ready to comply, Winter Soldier?” You heard Zemo ask Bucky in Russian. 

You heard whispers around you questioning if Bucky was who everyone thought he was. It made your gut clench with nerves but you didn’t let it show. 

“Hello, gentlemen. Wasn’t expecting you, Smiling Tiger.” The bartender greeted Sam and Zemo but barely brushed a glance over you.

“His plans changed. We have business to do with Selby.” Zemo spoke for Sam. You then felt Sam wrap his arm around your waist. You leaned into him, batting your eyelashes first at Sam and then the bartender. 

“The usual?” The bartender asked Sam. He nodded, afraid that if he spoke then it would give away the facade. 

You were thankful you were wearing a face mask when you saw the drink made for the Smiling Tiger. You grimaced at the dead snake being cut open and then again when one of its organs was dropped into Sam’s shot. 

“Ah, Smiling Tiger. Your favourite.” Zemo picked up his own drink as he looked down at Sam’s. 

“I love these.” Sam forced himself to speak. 

“Cheers, Conrad.” Zemo and Sam touched glasses before Sam hesitantly shot back the drink. You could tell Bucky enjoyed watching that. 

“I got word from on high. You ain’t welcome here.” A man suddenly approached from behind and tapped Zemo on the shoulder. You felt Sam’s grip on you tighten protectively. 

“I have no business with the Power Broker, but if he insists, he can either come and talk to me...” Zemo held his hand out to show his new bodyguard. 

“New haircut?” The stranger looked Bucky up and down. 

“Or bring Selby for a chat.” Zemo gave him the other option. The man retreated. 

“A power broker? Really?” Bucky spoke once the stranger had left.

“Every kingdom needs its king. Let’s just pray we stay under his radar.”

“Do you know him?” Sam asked. 

“Only by reputation.” Zemo admitted honestly.

“In Madripoor he is judge, jury, and executioner. You can’t visit low town without appearing on his radar.” You spoke up as you let yourself look around the room and take in just how many threats were around. 

“And you know this why?” Sam looked down at you. He must've forgotten your past. 

“I was a free agent before the Avengers. I've been here undercover a few times especially when I was a young teenager. Surprise Surprise evil guys like little girls.” You kept quiet in case anyone around was listening. 

Zemo suddenly spoke a command for Bucky in Russian once again and that’s when another stranger put his hands on Zemo. 

You watched Bucky follow orders and he didn’t hold back. 

He grabbed hold of the strangers wrist and pulled him off Zemo before attacking him and several others around. 

You took notice of those around with their phones out. Cameras...

You went to step forward when you felt Sam squeeze your side. He gave you a look that told you no. 

“Didn’t take much for him to fall back into form.” Zemo muttered to you and Sam. You wanted to punch him. 

Bucky slammed another man onto the bar and that’s when you heard the wave of guns cocking. 

Sam took hold of Bucky’s arm when Zemo told him to stay in character. 

Instead Zemo told Bucky to stand down once you were informed you could see Selby. 

Sam took hold of you hand and dragged you along side him as you all left the bar. 

“She isn’t welcome.” One of the guards stopped you before you could enter the room. 

“Excuse me?” Sam scoffed at the guard. “She’s with me and so she is welcome.” 

“Let her in!” You heard an English accent call from ahead. 

“You should know, Baron. People don’t just come into my bar and make demands.” Selby was an older woman with a white pixie cut and a sly grin. Sam remained stood and so did Bucky but Sam had commanded you to take a seat next to Zemo. 

“Not a demand. An offer.” Zemo was impressing you by how cool he was playing this. It also worried you. 

“A lot has changed since you were here last. By the way, I thought you were rotting away in a German prison. How did you escape?“ Selby asked. 

“People like us always find a way, don’t we? I’m sure you’ve already figured out what I’m here for.”

“You’re taller than I’d heard, Smiling Tiger.” Selby ignored Zemo as she eyed up Sam.” What’s the offer?”

“Tell us what you know about the super-soldier serum. And I give you him, along with the code words to control him, of course. He will do anything you want.”Zemo had risen from his seat and held Bucky by the chin. 

“Now that’s the Zemo I remember. I’m glad I decided not to kill you immediately. Yeah, you were right to come to me. Arrogant, but right. The super-soldier serum is here in Madripoor. Dr. Wilfred Nagel is the man you wanna thank...Or condemn, depending on what side of this you’re on. The Power Broker had him working on the serum, but… things didn’t go as planned.” Selby fed you what she knew. 

“Is Nagel still in Madripoor?” Zemo questioned. 

“Oh. The bread crumbs you can have for free, but the bakery is gonna cost you, Baron. And before you get all cute, don’t think you can find Nagel without me.” Selby pushed herself from her seat and walked across the room. 

That’s when Sam’s mobile went off. 

“Answer it. On speaker.” Selby ordered. The gun behind Sam made him pull out his phone. 

“Hello?” He answered. 

“Hey, um, we need to talk about this situation. It’s been drivin’ me nuts.” A woman’s voice came through. 

“What situation exactly are you talkin’ about?” Sam tried his best to keep up his persona. 

“Are you high? You know what situation, it’s the only situation me and you have.” The woman’s attitude was not helping Sam’s case. 

“What situation, Sarah? Say it.” Sam demanded. 

“The damn boat. And watch your tone. Okay? I let you slide at the bank.” Sarah snapped back. 

“The bank. Yeah. Laundered so much...” Sam chuckled. “Yeah, they’ll come around.”

“If that was the case, then why’d they dog you out, Big Time?” Sarah asked. 

“Yeah, you damn right I’m Big Time. You’ll see when I have that banker killed.” Sam tried to seem intimidating but at that moment you knew you were screwed. You reached down into your boot to take a knife just in case. 

“Cass! What’d I tell you about the Cheerios? I don’t have time for this! Sam, I’m sorry. I’ll call you back.” Sarah had used Sam’s name and that was the end of it. 

“Sam? Who’s Sam?” Selby looked pissed. “Kill them!” She ordered but before her hired men could react, a bullet came through the window and shot Selby down. 

You snatched two knives from your boot and sent them into the guard behind Sam. 

Bucky immediately reacted with taking out the other guard. 

“They’re gonna pin this on us.” You took the knives from the body as the boys took the guns. 

“We have a real problem now, so leave your weapons and follow my lead.” Zemo’s order made the boys put their guns down but you just wiped your knives and placed them back in your boot. 

You left the club in a hurry. Text chimes went off around you and you knew the power broker had seen what happened. 

You were well and truly fucked. 

“This is not good.” Zemo’s last words before the shooting started. 

You took off alongside Bucky and Sam, cursing the fact that Zemo had put you in the most uncomfortable shoes on the planet. 

“I can’t run in these heels!” Sam shouted which almost made you laugh. 

“Down here!” You took a turn into an alley to get off the road as two mopeds appeared behind you. 

Before you could spin around to fight, a shooter had taken them out. 

“You seem to have a guardian angel.” Zemo looked just. as confused you felt. You weren’t aware you knew anyone who was in Madripoor at the moment. 

“Well, this is too perfect. Drop it, Zemo.” A familiar face soon revealed itself from the shadows. 

“Sharon?” Sam furrowed his brow at the woman. 

“You cost me everything.” Sharon ignore Sam as she spoke to Zemo. 

“Sharon, wait. Someone recreated the super-soldier serum and Zemo had a lead.” Sam stepped ahead of Zemo to protest him. 

“That explains why you guys are here. And Selby’s dead.”Sharon glowered at the four of you. 

“So what are you doing here?” Bucky asked the question on everyones mind. 

“I stole Steve’s shield, remember? I also took the wings for your ass, so that you could save him from him. I didn’t have the Avengers to back me up. So I’m off the grid in Madripoor.” Sharon informed you.

“Don’t blow smoke. Both (Y/n) and I were on the run, too.” Sam didn't bother with feeling pity. 

“Was. Is. Big difference. I don’t speak to my family anymore. I can’t. My own father doesn’t know where I am.” Sharon shot back. 

“Listen, Sharon, we need your help.” Bucky interrupted her before she could say anything else.  

“Please.” You added. You and Sharon were friendly for a time before the world went to hell. You figured she’d help you at least. 

“This isn’t over. I have a place in High Town. You’ll be safe there for a while.” Sharon sighed, giving in and lowering her gun. 

“Thank you.” You pressed a small smile onto your face but Sharon didn’t reciprocate. 

She managed to get you to a car safely and you headed out of low town for the night. 

(PART 3 HERE)

Bucky Barnes Tag List 

@florencxs @mystictimetravelcolor @yourphotographyteen16 @shannon-posts @darkbluenovember @sexwithhiddlesbatch @thefandomimagines @mydarkness-itsnotmyfriend @sad-huffle-nerd @glitchingghosts​ @themaddies-obx​

[ladyteacups]

Experienced

GIF NOT MINE

Summary: Smut with a hit of plot... idk how much more you want.

A/N: I hope this don’t suck. I don’t write much smut but I was just inspired I guess. Some language is offensive probably so... don’t like it, don’t read it. I only read through it once so.. idk man. I just wanted to share.

Warnings: It’s dirty smut my guy. age gap. cursing, and again offensive language. don’t like, don’t read. unrequited crush. bad spelling, sorry I didn’t wanna spellcheck. breeding kink. gettin dirty in public.

Y/N was practically drooling on the training mat as she lay on her belly, her cheek propped up against her hand. Her best friend was right next to her, in the same position. They unintentionally gawked openly.

“He’s so beautiful,” Danny commented next to her.

Y/N nodded her agreement as Bucky’s muscles flexed with each rep he did.

“I wanna pull his hair so bad,” she said back.

Danny sighed. “You think he likes that kinda thing? Like… rough?”

Y/N nodded so fast she feared whiplash. “A hundred percent.” Her gaze shifted to Danny and it was returned at the admission.

“I bet he could really break me in, ya know what I mean?”

They both looked at him as he switched to pull ups. His back faced them and they both gasped at the scratches scattered across his back.

Danny giggled. “Some lucky girl really enjoyed herself.”

Y/N had to admit her jealousy. She wanted to be the one to put those marks on his skin. To give him a reminder of their passion.

“What I wouldn’t give to put my own mark on him.”

Y/N looked over at Danny with a smirk. “Where would you put it?” She wiggled her brows at her.

Danny blushed slightly. “Right on his-

“Hey guys.”

They both looked up to see Peter walking over. Reluctantly they wiped at the drool and stood to meet him.

“Hey Pete. What’s up?”

Peter answered Danny’s greeting but Y/N was still lost in Bucky’s heaving chest as he sipped his water and sent her a wink.

Good. Lord. Her face tinted pink, but he just went right back to work. Arms and pecs day, she noticed.. Nice.

“Y/N, did you hear me?”

Her gaze snapped back to Peter.

“Huh?”

He looked nervous.

“I said, me, Ned, and his girlfriend are all going to the carnival in town. I asked if you wanted to go?”

She nodded absentmindedly. “Uh, sure Pete. Sounds good.”

He smiled brightly but she was hardly paying him any mind. Her eyes were trained on Bucky’s arms, and wait a second.. Was that a tattoo she caught sight of? Swoon. Y/N wondered what it was. Something hot probably. Like a skull, or a spider, ooh or a pinup girl that looks an awful lot like her somehow.

“Cool so I’ll text you the deets.”

Peter’s smile was bright and drew her attention back. She just nodded.

When he walked off and Y/N expected her and Danny to go back to talking about the sexy man grunting as he lifted weights. Heavy weights. Like twice her body weight kind of weights. Damn, now she’s wondering what else the serum gave him.

“Y/N, why did you just agree to a date with Peter when you know you’re not into him?”

Y/N shook her head. “It’s not a date.”

“Uh, yes it is. A double date actually.”

“Well so what? Agreeing to go out doesn’t make him my boyfriend.”

Danny wanted to press the issue. She knew Peter was crushing hard on Y/N, but she wouldn’t look twice at him. He wasn’t nearly old enough to catch her eye. But Y/N was right. Plus maybe indulging the kid would make him see that Y/N wasn’t the one for him.

“Just don’t let him get his hopes up.”

Y/N agreed and they took a break from Bucky watch to go see a movie.

 Y/N returned a little later than expected. Her head was thrown back in laughter as she walked down the hall. Her attention fully on the phone call she was currently engaging in with her friend Matt.

“No way if I had the balls to seduce somebody I’d wear the little black number hiding in my closet. I think I’d die if anyone saw me in it though. Could you imagine me showing off my ugly birthmark? I don’t think so.”

Matt laughed and said something back, but she wasn’t paying attention anymore.

Bucky Barnes stepped into her path quick and quiet. She nearly stumbled, and hurried Matt off the phone when she saw the look in Bucky’s eyes.

Sticking the phone in her pocket she stood straight as a rod under Bucky’s scrutinizing gaze. He smirked at her after he looked her over.

“Well Y/L/N, how’d you enjoy your movie?”

She got the faintest impression that he didn’t actually give a shit, but she didn’t want to leave him.

“It was really funny. I’m already ready to see it again.”

“That’s great.” He looked her over again and asked suddenly, “So… this birthmark… where’s it at?”

She blushed deeply.

“Because, I’ve never seen one and I know I’ve seen plenty of your bare skin before.”

“Well it’s. Ya know. I- that’s personal.” She crossed her arms.

He wanted to laugh at her upset expression. Damn she’s cute.

“I guess I’ll have to find it then.”

Before she knew it, Bucky had grabbed her shirt and pulled her flush to him as he attacked her lips with a hunger she never witnessed before.

His hands roamed her belly, just above the hem of her skirt and she pulled him closer.

“Not here,” he said without looking.

Y/N shook her head, agreeing with him. Nope, definitely not there.

His hands moved upwards, caressing just below the wire of her bra.

She wrapped her leg around his waist, pulling him closer. She felt his hardness through his sweatpants, and she was suddenly thankful for the skirt. She grinded her core against him and he growled into her mouth, “not here either.”

She wanted to laugh. Y/N was sure she was gonna like this game.

He cupped one breast through her bra. “Maybe here?”

He pulled it down to play with her tits. Teasing one nipple, then the other.

She moaned against him when he dipped his tongue into her hot mouth. She groaned out his name when he pressed their lower halves together harder. Then she pulled away completely.

He wasn’t even panting but she was sure she looked a mess. She straightened her shirt.

She could still taste it on her tongue. Meeting his questioning look she said clearly, “Bucky you’re drunk.”

He shook his head. “Angel I only had a little, it’s fine.”

He tried to pull her back to him but she resisted. His pout made her melt a little but she wouldn’t do this.

“I’m going to bed. Goodnight Bucky.”

And she walked past him without hearing if he replied or not.

At least she got one thing though. The tattoo was a bird.

 Y/N couldn’t stop thinking of her brief moment with Bucky in the hallway. His hands touching her, tugging her, teasing her. Fuck. That’s it! She was completely fucked. She needed to get him out of her system. Y/N was sure that would work. Indulge a little and everything will go back to equilibrium.

She painted on her lip gloss and waited for Peter.

He was taking her out tonight for a double date with his friends and Y/N wasn’t sure how to act. She didn’t exactly mean to agree to a date but she did it.

She stepped back for a final look when she heard the knock at her door. Cute and not too flirty. Hopefully safe.

Y/N opened the door expecting Peter but coming face to chest with Bucky Barnes.

“James! What are you doing here?”

He looked her over. “Going out?”

“Uh, yeah. Peter’s taking me to the carnival tonight.”

He nodded as he eyed her sexy black heels.

Peter walked up just then and Bucky was quick to excuse himself. He disappeared quickly, leaving the two alone.

Pete certainly looked excited as they walked the carnival grounds together. He was a perfect gentleman. He offered his coat when he thought she shivered. He rode the ferris wheel with her. He even stayed with her when the ride threatened to make her sick. She really hated heights.

When the four of them sat down to eat, she realized she liked Peter and his friends. They were nice. Not quite her crowd, but they were sweet. She laughed at all of Ned and Peter’s jokes and Ned’s girlfriend told her where she got her really cute top. It was all going pretty ok.

Y/N hoped she wasn’t getting Peter’s hopes up. She really did like him just… not like that.

When Y/N decided she wanted to ride the roller coaster, Peter had to opt out. He almost looked sick so she didn’t push or tease him.

She stood in line and waited till the gate opened. She took a seat in the back but wasn’t expecting someone to get in right behind her.

Y/N looked up into Bucky’s beautiful eyes.

“What are you doing here?”

He shrugged, leaning in to whisper, “I was wondering about the little black number in your closet.”

He looked thoughtful. “Come to think of it, I still haven’t found that birthmark either.”

She sighed. Y/N had been embarrassed enough that he kissed her because he was drunk, without needing the reminder of her birthmark.

“Are you asking me where it is?”

He shrugged. “I thought you were having fun letting me find it.”

Just then the cars lurched forward. She hadn’t even noticed the guy come around to check on everyone.

“I don’t remember you actually looking. More like feeling me up in the hall.”

Bucky chuckled. His hand wrapped around her and his fingers brushed lightly over her neck. Shivers traveled through her body at his touch.

She thought for a moment about how big he felt pressed against her center. He was definitely hung. That much she could tell. Remembering his thickness had her biting her lip.

She nearly forgot Bucky was right here next to her until he grabbed her chin, made her face him, and kissed her.

Y/N stuttered briefly. Her thoughts interrupted and her panties dampening seemed to be exactly what he wanted.

Before she could collect herself, his hand started up her skirt. She bit his lip almost painfully and he growled at her. His hand went higher, caressing her soft skin and moving towards the treasure between her legs.

“You were right angel.” His voice was husky at her ear. “I do like it rough.”

It took two seconds for him to reach her panties, yank them down and plunge two fingers into her heat. She gasped and gripped his arm as he felt her insides.

One hand was removing her panties from her ankles and placing them in his pocket, while the other was torturing her slowly.

The roller coaster stopped climbing and zipped down the first big dive.

Y/N moaned against his mouth like she had the night before in the hall. “You don’t think I’m too young?”

He blinked at her, his fingers halting for a moment.

“What, you think I’m too old?” He questioned her.

She shook her head and he gladly resumed pleasuring her.

“No. I think it’s so hot. An older man touching me. Knowing exactly what he wants. Teaching me just how he wants his cock sucked.”

Bucky groaned. “Angel you can’t talk about sucking cock with that sinful mouth of yours or I’ll explode.”

“Just like that Bucky.” She encouraged his movements and tried to meet his pumping hand. “Feels so good. Are you this good with your tongue too?”

He smirked. “You wanna ride my tongue Baby? You want me to make you see stars as you cum all over my face?”

His fingers hit that spot and she was nearly there. Just a bit more.

“Fuck James. I love the way you talk.”

“You like it dirty honey?”

She moaned out a, “yes,” before he continued.

He stuck his metal fingers in her open mouth and ordered her to suck. “Get ‘em nice and wet baby.”

She did as she was told and sucked his fingers. She swirled her tongue over the plates in his hand and he tried to hold back the feelings that surfaced.

He pulled his fingers from her mouth and gave them a lick before he brought them down to her heat, flicking them across her clit.

Y/N’s orgasm hit instantly and Bucky was quick to capture her lips and swallow every moan she let out. He was absolutely relentless. Even as she came down he finger fucked her sensitive hole. Y/N clutched his arm, her nails digging in as she begged him to stop. Bucky could only smile, pulling his fingers from her and licking them clean of her cum. Her blush was bright and he faintly heard her yelp. Lord help him, he wanted this girl again and again.

“I’m taking you home with me,” he said as the ride slowed.

She was looking around and snapped her head up to look at him. “Bucky my panties are gone.”

“I’ll get you new ones. Come on.”

He pulled her from the car and she fixed her skirt to not give wondering eyes a show. She was still eyeing the ground around the coaster, but Bucky was looking at the picture from the ride. His laugh distracted her from the search and her eyes went wide when she saw what he was looking at.

Y/N’s face pink, her eyes lusty, and her mouth open in shock, as Bucky sat next to her tasting his fingers. The fingers that were knuckle deep inside her seconds before.

She stared at the picture for a long second, studying the look on Bucky’s face as he looked at her. Damn if he isn’t the sexiest man she’s ever seen. His soulful eyes are so beautiful and his smile. She’s such a sucker for a nice smile, and Bucky has the best. She loves his smile. He gave them out freely now, but she cherished each one he offered to just her.

Bucky walked over, his arm wrapping around her waist and pulled her to him. “Come on honey. I’m taking you to my bed.”

She let him lead her to the car but couldn’t help asking. “What are you gonna do with me?”

Bucky chuckled. “I’m gonna spread ya open, eat my fill of your wet pussy, and fuck a baby in you.”

She nearly tripped at his words. Fucking hell.

A fresh wave of arousal hits her and she silently curses her missing panties for not being there to keep her thighs clean.

The car ride was silent. Bucky’s fist clenching the wheel and Y/N’s leg bouncing in anticipation. She quickly made an excuse to Peter over text to keep herself somewhat busy. She felt bad. Peter deserved more and she knew that, but she couldn’t bring herself to care when she had Bucky next to her.

Arriving home was both freighting and exhilarating. She was biting her tongue to stop the shy grin when he opened the door for her and helped her out.

Y/N could hear Seethers ‘Careless whisper’ play in her head like she was in a movie, as she followed him inside and down the hall. The hall they were grinding in just under 24 hours ago. She occupied her mind with assigning a movie to the situation. 50 shades of gray? No… ok, so maybe that’s the only movie she could come up with. Then she tripped over her own feet and the record in her head scratched to a stop. Never mind. She knew exactly which one. Bridget Jones’s Diary.

Bucky turned at the sound of her epic fail and he rushed to help her up. “Jesus doll, you ok?”

She wanted to hide. Briefly she realized the roller coaster should have made her think the movie would be ‘fear’, but she was praying not.

“Yes. Fine, just embarrassed beyond belief.”

He chuckled. “This way babe.”

Damn that sounds good coming from him.

He opened the door and Y/N turned to look at the empty hallway. She imagined that it was the blue pill. She could leave and not let Bucky ruin her for any other man… or. She could take the leap and hope her amateur sex skills make him fall in love. decisions, decisions.

“You coming?”

She could hear the innuendo drip from his sexy full lips and she gulped that red pill down like she promised herself she’d do to his cock later.

When the door closed behind her, she heard the lock click in place and she turned to him. He pulled his jacket from his muscled body, and ordered her with one word.

“Strip.”

She only hesitated for a second but he still gave her a stern look. She stripped her clothes and waited for further instructions.

“Get on the bed beautiful and show me that pink cunt.”

She was quick this time. Nearly jumping on his bed and looking at him as she spread her legs for his perusal . He looked so long she wanted to close them again, but his shoulders were holding them open just as the thought crossed her mind.

His tongue touched her center before she could blink and she threw her head back. The sound was obscene as he licked and sucked her clit like he wanted to bruise her. His fingers were quick to resume their previous job of occupying her empty hole.

Y/N gripped his hair. It was all she could do seeing as his arm was holding her down. She was screaming his name and she could tell he loved the sounds. His tongue and fingers worked harder with each meaningful moan.

“Give it to me,” he commanded her.

And how can you argue with that? Right when she came seeing stars and chest heaving, Bucky reached into his pocket and pulled her panties out for her to see.

“James you- Holy shit!”

Bucky lapped at her, collecting every drop of cum and groaning at her taste. “I’m gonna have you like this at least two more times before I smack your ass as you leave my room.”

She snatched her panties from him when he laughed at her angry face.

“It’s not funny Buck. Who knows who got to see whats up my skirt.”

“Me, and that’s all that matters. And you’re not keeping those either.”

She wanted to argue but he unbuttoned his jeans and pulled down the zipper. He seemed to not give a single fuck as he pulled his dick out. He didn’t even care enough to finish taking his clothes off.

His shirt was wrapped tightly around his muscled chest, his jeans were just under his ass, and his biker boots were still laced up. Damn she felt like a five dollar whore and she wondered why she loved it. She considered briefly, asking him if he had five dollars. She’d accept her panties back as payment though. They came from the bargain bin and she’s pretty sure it was around five.

“You on the pill?” He questioned her, and she thanked god that the answer was, “Yes.”

“Good, cause I’m about to turn you into my own personal cum slut.”

And he sunk into her. Spreading her wet heat to his size and groaning at the tightness.

“Damn girl. Does all young pussy feel like this or just the ones that come with such fantastic tits?”

He hammered his point home by grabbing her tits and teasing the nipple. Sucking one into his mouth, he made her nearly cum again.

“I love the way you talk to me Bucky.” His hips started a smooth rhythm. “Makes me wanna give you all my holes to use up.”

He bit her nipple and gave her harsher thrusts. “Doesn’t matter if you give ‘em to me baby. I’m gonna take whatever I want from you.” He pulled one leg up to lay on his shoulder. “When I get done with this pussy, and I ain’t nearly there yet, I’m gonna see how soft and hot you pretty mouth is. I want that lipstick staining my shaft when I get done fucking your lips.”

She sent a thank you to her best friend for talking her out of liquid lipstick tonight, because damn she wanted to see that too.

“Fucking hell honey. You’re so tight I might cum already.”

“Don’t you dare leave me like this.”

He laughed. “Two orgasms and you get demanding? I’m gonna have to watch out for you.”

He pulled out, flipped her over, pulled her ass up and plunged back in.

“There’s that birthmark,” he laughed out loud seeing the patch of dark skin like a splatter of paint hit her ass. Sure enough right on her left ass cheek was a birthmark. Bucky wanted to kiss the cute mark but he held back. Choosing instead to give it a smack with a big ol’ grin on his face.

She decided to ignore that comment, and her pink cheeks, when he started to move inside her again. His thrusts were bruising and he grabbed her hair into a ponytail to pull her back on his cock. Her back arched when he pulled her hair. She was god damn loving it. The stretch, the way his balls slapped her, and most of all the fucking dirty words he was spouting.

“You look like a bitch in heat right now, letting me fuck you like animal.”

“Bucky,” she groaned into the air and she felt the release creeping up. “I’m so close James. Please let me have it.”

He was stretching her like never before and the pulse of his hips against hers was mind numbing. She could stay like this forever. Letting James fill her over and over. She’d happily be his breeding mare if he just kept fucking her like this.

He smacked her on the ass again and she didn’t wait for permission. She came with a loud scream and a fresh surge of cum coating his cock. Bucky fucked her through it then pulled out and pulled her hair to position her just how he wanted.

“Push those sexy tits together baby. I want my load right there.”

Y/N did as she was told, pressing her breasts together and up for him to fuck. And he did just that. Fucking her tits till he emptied his balls on her face, and breasts. She was all painted up like a freshly fucked cock slut and he wanted to take a picture, to keep under his pillow.

“I thought you said you were gonna fuck a baby in me,” she questioned as she sucked his cum from her fingers like he had earlier in the night.

“We got all night little girl.”

He began to strip (finally) but stopped to pull something from his pocket.

“That means we can talk about how you shouldn’t gossip about how someone fucks when they’re in the room with you.” She blushed. “And… we can also figure out where to hang this.”

When he unfolded the paper and showed her the picture from the carnival, of him savoring her cum on his fingers, she exploded into laughter. She was relaxed now. Feeling comfortable with him enough to let go of the embarrassment.

He bought the damn picture. She couldn’t believe it.

“You could have told us you heard us you asshole. And I know exactly where that picture is going.”

“And ruin all the fun?”

He was nearly bare before her. His shirt gone, boots off, and jeans around his ankles. She faintly caught a glimpse of that tattoo again.

“Tell me where it’s going honey.”

She only smiled a devious smile.

[patriciasage]

because you are my heart

Author: Patricia_Sage

Fandom: The Adventure Zone - Balance

Summary:

Barry goes down to the lab every morning. One rainy day, about two and a half weeks from the initial implantation, he comes up the stairs with an excited expression on his round face. “I’ve got some news –”

He doesn’t get the chance to finish because Lup is already sprinting past him. They hear the sound of shattering glass. “It has a latch...” Barry mumbles, his head in his hands. They would have to go to the black markets to find another tube, now.

The footsteps on the stairs sound much more solid coming up than they had been running down. The door is kicked open and there’s Lup in her corporeal form.

posted in full under the break but you can find me on A03!!

Lup is incredibly impatient to get her body back. She rambles to Barry over their post-Hunger-battle celebratory dinner about how they could alter Taako’s DNA. But her boyfriend interrupts her, red-faced and mumbling something Taako can’t hear. He hears his sister’s reply, though.

“Babe, that is so creepy. I love you so much.”

Taako kicks her boot from across the table. “What?”

Her white-toothed grin glows from within the black, wispy shape of her face. “Barry saved a lock of my hair like an absolute weirdo.” Barry flushes with embarrassment as everyone turns to listen. “But you know what that means – mama’s gettin’ her body back!”

Magnus cheers from beside Taako, raising his glass of mead in a single-person toast. “How long will it take to grow?” the wizard asks.

Barry takes off his glasses and cleans them, something he does about ten times a day. “I’d say about a couple weeks.”

“Fuck yes!” the twins say in unison.

Magnus, being the rustically hospitable man that he is, allows them to use his basement as a science lab. He’s the only one besides Merle who has a house. Lucretia still lives on the moon; Davenport is traveling; and Taako has a small apartment in New Phandalin. Lup and Barry have a place in the Astral Plane, but they had a feeling Kravitz would lose his mind if they start growing a body in his neighbourhood. It’s already stressful enough for him to look the other way when they do necromancy shit here.

Lup and Barry need to be there to monitor the experiment but there’s no real reason for everyone else to stay. However, Magnus’s table is full of friends while Lup’s body grows in his basement. The kids are with Hecuba, so Merle invites himself over. Taako can’t bring himself to leave. Days turn into weeks; a few sleepovers turn into a strange vacation.

Kravitz visits often, gently convincing Taako to go out for a walk or an activity with him, but never pressuring him to go home to his apartment. He kisses the wizard goodnight on Magnus’s porch. “Keep me up to date on that thing I don’t know about,” he says, then disappears into the darkness with moonlight shining off of his skull.

“Bet your boyfriend has a bone to pick with me,” Lup winks when her brother enters the kitchen.

“Nah,” Taako replies, “he’s chill.” He grabs Magnus’s apron off of the hook next to the door. It’s warm yellow with strawberries embroidered on it. “I’m thinking dumplings tonight, what about you?”

Cooking together was what they always did. When things got tough, they lost themselves in a recipe and the warmth of each other’s company and forgot about the world. “Sure,” Lup replies. But things are different now. She can’t taste any of the food. Her hands are cold when he passes her a dish. Instead of filling the room with a comfortable fire, her physical presence is dark and damp. And Taako has trouble ignoring that, although he wouldn’t trade this time for anything.

Lup teases him about the garlic. They used to double the amount in any recipe that called for it. In retrospect, Taako thinks maybe a hidden part of his mind created thirty garlic clove chicken because of this. But he uses barely any now. The smell of it brings him back to the sound of choking, the sight of dropping bodies, and panic flooding his veins.

He tells her this. She knew about Glamour Springs, of course, but she didn’t know about the recipe. “Shit, Taako, I’m sorry, babe.” She hugs him and he appreciates the gesture, but she’s cold and weird and not quite solid. He pulls away.

“Taako’s good, don’t you worry, sis.”

They cook, the boys eat, and days pass sluggishly. It’s kind of nice being together like this, and everyone knows that Magnus loves a house with a crowded table. Taako teaches him how to make churros. Merle teaches Barry how to garden. And Lup watches, wringing her shadowy hands together and wishing she could fully join them. Sometimes Taako hears a noise from the basement, but it’s only Lup – pressing her hands to the tube and shouting at her body to “hurry the fuck up!”

Barry goes down to the lab every morning. One rainy day, about two and a half weeks from the initial implantation, he comes up the stairs with an excited expression on his round face. “I’ve got some news –”

He doesn’t get the chance to finish because Lup is already sprinting past him. They hear the sound of shattering glass. “It has a latch...” Barry mumbles, his head in his hands. They would have to go to the black markets to find another tube, now.

Taako watches Barry closely, looking for any sign of stress. Besides the general air of exasperation he always has, he seems relatively calm. Taako tries to take some deep breaths in the silence. This feels exactly like when he was standing on the deck of the Starblaster, watching Lup and Barry rise up from their bodies in their lich forms for the first time. Anxiety squeezes his heart with an icy hand.

The footsteps on the stairs sound much more solid coming up than they had been running down. The door is kicked open and there’s Lup in her corporeal form. She’s dressed in the clothing Taako had bought for her – a black crop top with a pair of skeleton hands over the breasts and a pair of leggings covered in rhinestones. She’s smiling wider than she has in weeks. Taako thinks about Lup in her lich form, how he could recognize his sister in the shape of her ears and the way that she moved. But looking at her now – the softness of her shoulder-length hair; her dark, freckled cheeks; the angle of her nose – he’s overwhelmed.

Taako isn’t even aware that he’s crying until he realizes he can’t see. Lup crashes into him like a tidal wave on the beach planet. She holds him close and he presses his face into her shoulder. She smells a bit like Barry’s lab, but also achingly familiar and so very real. She no longer feels cold and misty; she’s warm and strong and alive. There’s something about it that slots everything into place for Taako and suddenly he’s consolidating everything in a way he hasn’t been able to before. He grips the back of her shirt tightly and cries for the ten years she was trapped and alone, for the years he lived wandering and scared, searching for something that felt like home.

When he pulls back, Lup is sniffling too. Taako wipes her tears away and then just holds her face in his hands, squishing her a little like he used to when they were young and she needed cheering up. They’re exactly the same height now that she’s not floating a foot off the ground anymore. She laughs. Her eyes are shining.

“I missed you, Lulu,” Taako says.

“I never left you.”

“I know.”

The others can’t seem to hold back anymore, and they join the twins, invading the bubble of space they had given them. Taako feels Merle hug him at the hip and he feels Magnus’s big hand on his back. Barry presses his face into Lup’s hair. He’s also crying. Lup gives him a big, wet kiss. “Gross,” Taako protests half-heartedly.

Of course, Magnus is crying too. Even Merle wipes his eyes when he thinks no one is looking. It’s squishy and messy and way more emotional than Taako would usually be comfortable with. But he just looks into his sister’s eyes (a honey brown, no longer glowing red) and lets himself feel safe and warm.

They clean up a bit and sit down in the living room with a fresh pot of coffee. Merle makes a group call on his Stone of Farspeech to the entire I.P.R.E. crew. His voice echoes from the foyer where everyone else hung up their coats. Taako takes his Stone out of his pocket and calls Kravitz.

Lucretia takes a canon down from the moon base immediately, and everyone is delighted and surprised to see Davenport with her as well. He had just returned from a trip and had been visiting Lucretia when they got the call.

Kravitz arrives soon after. He’s initially very concerned at the sight of everyone’s tear-stained faces, but then he notices Lup’s corporeal form and his face softens into happiness. “You look wonderful,” he tells her.

She shoots finger guns at him. "You're just saying that 'cause I'm his twin." He laughs easily, as he always does.

Taako leaves to make a new pot of coffee and his boyfriend follows him into the kitchen, enveloping him in a cold but comforting hug. Taako presses his face into Kravitz’s neck and tentatively acknowledges that this is the happiest he’s ever been.

A rainy Thursday morning turns into a celebration full of tears, hugs, and reminiscing. Taako and Lup cook supper together and she takes charge this time, very excited to be able to eat again. They make arroz con pollo, their aunt’s recipe, and this time the smell of garlic and chicken summons fond childhood memories alone.

They’re back – Taako and Lup, Lup and Taako.

He’s whole again.

[cheekysos]

Between Hate And Lust Part Three

Ashton Irwin x Plus Size Reader

Author’s Note: I think this will be the last part but if you guys feel differently and have any ideas please feel free to share.I think I might have gotten a little carried away but I still kind of like it. Let me know what you think. As I always say  I’m not writing this series to exclude any body type, shape, or size because everyone’s bodies should be accepted and celebrated. So I am very sorry if this in any way excludes anyone, that is not my intention. If there’s anything you’d like to read please leave a request in my asks and I will try my best to do it justice. If you have any feedback or ideas for part three please let me know. Also I know the picture doesn’t really go but I love it and I couldn’t find anything else   

Summary: Y/N is forced to interact with her ex and Ashton comes to her rescue.

Warnings: Brief mentions of alcohol and cigarettes, violence, swearing, and smut 

Y/N’s POV

That voice instantly made you sick to your stomach. You knew he was invited  but you were hoping for your sake and everyone else’s that he wouldn’t show. You were pretty sure he was drunk already, his cheeks were flushed and his eyes were glossed over. He pushed off the wall and stumbled closer to you, the overpowering smell of alcohol confirming your suspicions.

“ ‘cha get all dressed up just for me?” he slurred. 

“It’s a wedding,” you retorted, stepping back from him. 

“You still mad at me? I told ya it was a mistake.” he flicked the butt of his cigarette aside. 

“I really don’t want to get into this with you,” you let out. “Can we just go back to forgetting each other’s existence and call it a night?”

He scuffed dramatically. “You couldn’t forget this even if you wanted to,” he crudely grabbed at his crotch. “Look like you haven’t had a proper fuck in a while...” 

“You’re right...been about two years.” You figured he was too drunk to catch on to your implication about your guys’ sex life but he caught on. 

“Look, I fucked you the best I could considering all the extras I had to work around.” he motioned towards your figure. 

As much as you wanted to fight back you knew now wasn’t the best time; outside your best friend’s wedding, all by yourself with your ex drunk off his ass so you started to walk away from him. His empty hand immediately reaching out for your wrist and holding on tight. 

You looked up at him with pleading eyes, “Please let go. Now is not the time.” 

Ashton’s POV

Your cover song was hit, countless people stopping you as you walked off stage. You tried to be as polite as possible, but the truth was you really didn’t care what they were saying. You saw her reaction as you played the song, you watched her hurry outside and all you wanted to do was make sure she was okay. 

You walked out the door and found her almost instantly. Your blood started to boil, a guy stood there in front of her with his hand wrapped tightly around her wrist. It most likely wasn’t your place to get involved but you didn’t care, you needed to make sure she was safe.

“Y/N,” you called out. “Everything ok?”

Y/N used the distraction to pull away from the man. Your heart aches when she looked at you with puffy eyes and tear stained cheeks.

“Um ya,” her voice was shaky and she rubbed at her wrist. “I was just...”

The guy stood in front of her stepping closer to you.

“Fuck off. It’s none of your business,” he slurred.

You were heated. “You made it my business when you put your hands on her mate. So why don’t you fuck off, let’s go Y/N.” You stepped to the side and reached out for her. She looked at your with a meek smile, just about to grab your hand when hands collided with your chest. You stumbled back a few steps. It took everything in you to not retaliate. You wanted nothing more than to lay him out on the ground right now, which you were fairly certain you could do with just one punch. This time Y/N stepped towards you and placed her hand on your balled up fist.

“It’s not worth it. Please let’s go.” You unclenched your fist and tangled your fingers in hers. Her hand was soft and inviting and you were positive you’d hold it forever if she let you.

Y/N’s POV

You never thought you’d be so happy to see Ashton. You were grateful that he followed you outside. You were desperate to remove yourself and Ashton from that situation before things got any worse. For a split second you forgot about everything while you looked down at your hand intertwined with his, for a split second things were nice.

“She wasn’t the first ya know!” Your ex yelled back at you as you walked away with Ashton. His words stung more than you care to admit but you tried to ignore him and he wasn’t happy about it.

“There were six! And you better get used to gettin’ cheated on when you look like that, fuckin’ cow!” he yelled.

Before you could even process what was happening Ashton’s hand was pulled from your grip and swinging at your ex. His fist connected with his jaw and he was down.

 “Don’t ever talk to her again,” Ashton snapped.

He was either too drunk to care or too scared to hit him back because he just sat on the ground spitting out blood.

You looked at Ashton, “what the hell?!” you questioned.

From the look on his face he wasn’t happy with your reaction. “Seriously? Nothings ever good enough for you!” He raised his voice. “First you’re mad at me for not standing up for you and now I stand up for you and you’re mad at me? Fuck this.” He huffed past you, walking in the direction of the parking lot. 

Ashton’s POV

You really tried to keep your cool, but the second he opened his mouth again you lost it. You weren’t expecting Y/N to just fall into your arms and instantly forgive you but you definitely didn’t expect her to be upset with you. You were just trying to do what you thought was right and at that moment when you heard him say those words, punching him in the face seemed right. Granted it probably wasn’t the best choice but it’s what he deserved.

You hated raising your voice at Y/N, but you were upset. This back and forth with her was getting to be too much. You started to storm off to your car. 

“Ashton will you just stop!” she huffed. You stopped dead in your tracks, Y/N practically running into you. 

“Why? So you can yell at me some more.” You stepped towards her, the space between you two was practically none existent. You could tell Y/N was caught off guard, she bit her bottom lip nervously and it drove you crazy. 

“I don’t get you Y/N,” you chuckled. “One second you seem like you’re ready to forgive me and then the next second you’re ready to rip my throat out.” 

“Because that’s how I feel! You drive me crazy! I know I should hate you, I really want to...but you’re.. fuck! I dont know.” This time she was raising her voice at you. You could tell she was having the same struggle you were so you decided to throw caution to the wind and go for it. 

“You do know. You’re just scared. Tell me what you want.” You looked her up and down and licked your lips. 

Y/N’s POV

God he was infuriating. “You think I’m scared of you?” you laughed. 

“No I think you’re scared of what you want.” You were a little taken back by his sudden confidence but you decided to play along. 

“Oh really? And what is it that I want?” You held your breath while you waiting for his response. 

“I think you want me...want me to push you up against this strangers car and show you how a real man should treat ya.” His words hit you like a ton of bricks. He was right, you were feeling so many different emotions right then but all you could think about was Ashton. If he was going to play this game then so were you.

“Then what are you waiting for?” you teased. 

Ashton was on you instantly, his toned body pressed against yours and massive hands cupping your face. His kiss was better than you could have ever imagined. His lips were soft and sweet, eager but not rushed. Your lips parted, half because you were in shock that this was actually happening and half because you craved to taste him. His tongue slipped into your mouth and danced along yours. He pushed the two of you back against a car, his leg pushed your knees apart to make room for his leg to rest between yours. His thigh providing you with much needed friction. 

“Bet you’re so wet for me.”  he whispered in your ear. The moan he elicited from you was almost embarrassing.  Your desire took over, you couldn’t waste anymore time being shy and self conscious. It was obvious Ashton wanted this as much as you did so for once you let go. 

Ashton’s POV

You were certain she’d be the death of you by the end of the night. The sounds she made went straight to your cock. You were already so hard and you had barely even touched her, who knows how you were going to last once you did. You couldn’t get enough of the of her body. The way it felt pressed up against you, the way she responded to your touch. You kissed every inch of her exposed skin- her cheeks, down the length of her neck,  and all over her clavicle.

“You teasin’ me on purpose?” she moaned. 

“Maybe a little,” you laughed. 

“Please do something, drivin’ me crazy.” she rocked against your knee, begging for more. 

“Since you asked so nicely...” You kept eye contact with her as your fingers trailed down her body, outlining her every curve. You kissed her softly as you got to the hem of her dress. In a swift motion you pushed up her dress and into her soaked panties. 

“Fuuuck...” she gasped so loud you instinctively covered her mouth with your free hand. You started to rub circles around her clit. 

“Gotta keep quiet doll. We are in a parking lot ‘member?” Y/N nodded eagerly. 

You decided you both had had enough teasing for now so you slipped your index finger inside of her. She was so tight and warm, just thinking about being inside her made your dick twitch in your trousers. 

“So tight and wet for me. Ya feel fuckin’ amazing.” You spoke against her lips. 

You started off with a steady pace, pumping in and out of her while your thumb traced over her clit. She tangled her fingers in your hair, pulling on your locks as her climax built up inside her and her other hand started to palm your prominent erection. You were needy for her touch, but you were determined to make this about her right now, to make her feel good. 

“Need more please... Ash,” she begged. 

“You’re such a good girl for me..so needy.” You added an extra finger inside her and increased the pressure on her clit. It must have felt good because you could feel her legs start to shake. She grabbed on to the wrist of your hand that was down her panties, encouraging you to not let up. 

“C’mon doll. Want to see you cum for me. Let me feel ya.” She nodded at your words.

Watching her cum on around you fingers was unlike anything you had experienced. You had made your share of women cum before but none of them looked like Y/N. Her face was so expressive, her body writhed with pleasure and her sounds alone were enough to make you cum.

“Fucking shit Ash,” she panted when you removed your fingers and brought them up to your mouth. 

You licked her orgasm off your fingers, releasing them with a ‘pop’. “Knew it. Taste amazing.”

She caught her breath, “Let’s see how you taste...” She stepped towards you and started to drop to her knees. 

You reached for her, “Not here doll. Can I take you home? I want to take my time with you and treat ya right.” 

“Fine but I still kinda hate you,” she teased.

[ddixons-angel]

Fated: Season 3

Summary: Gloria Rhee narrowly escapes Atlanta with her brother as the outbreak reaches the city. Luckily, they find a camp outside the city and together, they fend through encounters with the living and undead.

Starts a little before Season 1 and then follows the main storyline of the show.

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Glenn Sister!OC

Warnings: major TWD spoilers, language, violence (the typical TWD stuff)

A/N: We’re on Season 3!!! Wow time flies haha this is just pre Season 3, but I promise we’ll get into the good stuff soon! 

Chapter 1

The days were getting shorter and colder as the group of survivors scavenged the woods for shelter, only finding small wooden cabins to spend the nights. Rick and the others knew that they could not stay like this, not with Lori’s belly getting bigger and especially not with the harsh winter that was to come. Doing his best to keep up the morale of his group, Rick and Daryl went out to look for food and hopefully a shelter that they can stay for the months of the winter. Thankfully, they had come across an old abandoned warehouse, large enough for the group to temporarily live in comfortably. 

They get to work on securing their temporary home, pushing up wooden planks up against the doors and windows to keep the wind out. Lori and Carol start up a fire in the middle of the building but the small fire wasn’t able to warm up the large place. Gloria looks around and finds metal drum tins, she calls for Glenn’s help to arrange them in a circle then fills up the finds with pieces of broken wood, setting them on fire for light and heat. The others start to lay out their sleeping bags and blankets, exhausted from their long journey. Gloria is still looking around the place when she finds a few metal buckets and she gets the idea to let her group have the luxury to clean themselves off.

She looks around and sees many wooden skids strewn all over the ground, “Hey, Glenn, Daryl, come here for a minute.” she calls over to them, “can you help me move these skids up to make a little private room, I think the others wouldn’t mind a private place to clean themselves off.” 

The boys smile and nod, then proceed to move the skids, arranging them so that they have a makeshift bathroom. As they do that, Gloria goes out to retrieve snow into a bucket from outside, then places the bucket over the fire and waits for it to boil. Once the first bucket of water is boiled, she places another bucket of snow over the fire and brings the first to the makeshift washroom. 

“Alright, the towel bath is set up for anyone who wants to use it first, but be careful, the water is just boiled so it’s really hot.” Gloria announces.

The others smile at her appreciatively, Rick insists that Lori be the first one to use the bath, followed by Carl. Gloria reaches out to Daryl who grabs her hand and helps her back to the campfire, letting her sit down by her bag. 

“Ya need to ice that?” he asks, looking down at her ankle.

She looks down at her ankle then nods, “I think so.”

Without another word, Daryl gets up to go outside to get some snow for her. Over the past few weeks, her ankle had healed a lot but not completely yet. Gloria was very grateful for Daryl as he was persistent on not letting her walk; he would have her sit on his motorbike while he pushed the bike from behind. 

“Here.” Daryl says as he comes back from outside, handing her his red rag with snow wrapped inside. 

Gloria smiles at the makeshift ice pack and places it gently on her ankle, hissing at the sudden cold on her skin. A while later, everyone had washed up, T-Dog being the last one to walk out from the wooden skids. 

“Yo, Gloria, it’s your turn, I helped you change the water already.” he calls out to her as he walks back to his sleeping bag.

She smiles at him, “thanks, T’!” 

As she struggles to get up, Daryl gets up from beside her and grabs her arm, pulling her up to stand. Daryl begins to walk Gloria to the makeshift washroom, his arm wrapped around her waist. 

“Hey, Daryl.” she says in a soft whisper, “are you going to help me scrub my back, too?” 

He blushes at her teasing but scoffs, trying to hide his embarrassment, “if ya need me to.” he mutters, making Gloria chuckle as they reach their destination.

Daryl stands there awkwardly, not knowing what to do as he wanted to help Gloria if she needed it but also knew he should give her some privacy. Although, Gloria didn’t seem to mind or even notice that he was still standing close to her and watching her as she crouched down to wet the towel and wrung out the excess water. She draped the towel around her arm then grabbed a second towel, wetting it and wringing it out, then tossed it over to Daryl, letting him know that she was aware he was there. 

“You gonna just stand there?” Gloria teases, taking off her denim jacket then proceeds to wipe down her arms, her chest and her neck. 

Daryl scoffs then takes the towel and does the same, wiping his arms of dirt and grime accumulated throughout the last few weeks. As Gloria cleans her skin, she realizes that she actually won’t be able to properly clean her backside. She glances at Daryl and a smirk grows on her face.

“So, were you serious when you said you’d scrub my back if I needed you to?” she says looking up at him, playing innocent as he blushes at her words. 

He eyes her for teasing him again but then nods, crouching down to her level and gestures the towel to her as if telling her to turn around. Gloria smiles at him, pleasantly surprised that he was actually willing. She turns around, her back facing him as she pulls off her black tank top. Daryl moves her long black hair to the side over her shoulders, he steadies his breath as he looks at her smooth back. She lets out a soft breath of relief as Daryl wipes her back with the warm towel, humming in satisfaction and enjoyment at the warmth on her back. Once he’s finished, Gloria turns around to face Daryl.

“Your turn.” she says with a smile, gesturing him to turn around.

Daryl bites his lip, hesitant but still turns around. Letting out a breath, he pulls his shirt over his head. Up until now, Gloria had completely forgotten about the scars littered on Daryl’s back. The sight of them jogged her memory and then she realized why he was so hesitant. 

“Shit. Oh god, I’m so sorry.” she mutters as she turns away from his back.

“Ya’ve already seen ‘em before, right?” Daryl says, glancing at her over his shoulder.

She purses her lips and nods, stuttering, “I have... I just... I forgot you had them...and I-I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.” 

“It’s okay.” he tells her, then sighs when she still hesitates, “girl, would ya hurry up, my backs gettin’ cold!” 

Gloria looks at Daryl then nods, muttering a soft sorry then wets the cloth again with warm water, ringing out the excess then starts to wipe down his back. As she does so, she isn’t able to stop her mind from wondering how he got all of these scars, but Gloria also knows better than to ask him about it. Teasing him is one thing, asking about his past traumas are another. 

“Was my dad.” Daryl suddenly speaks, not turning to face her. 

She’s surprised that he would share something like this with her. But his words made her heart ache, it dawned on her that this was why he was always so flinchy and awkward with any physical contact. Daryl glances over his shoulder at her again when he hears her let out a soft sigh.

“You won’t get hurt like this ever again.” she says softly then looks up at Daryl, “not if I can help it.”

He scoffs at her words, turning back around to face forward, “Jus’ keep wipin’,” he says with a small side smile tugging at his lips.

---

After months of the cold, the winter had finally passed. Daryl had been going out everyday to hunt for the group so that they all had some kind of meat. Gloria’s ankle had finally healed properly as she had been icing it nearly every day and keeping off of it. Now being early Spring, Rick has wanted to find another place to stay. The warehouse was nice but it was only temporary as it was in the middle of nowhere and barely offered any protection from walkers or other potential dangers. 

“I’m gonna go on a run, see if I can find anything before we move on,” Glenn announces as he puts on his pack. 

“You’re going out there alone?” Maggie asks, worry evident in her voice.

Glenn shakes his head then points to Gloria, “she’s coming with me.”

Gloria looks at him and blinks, “I am?” Glenn hums a yes as he grins cheekily at her then leads the way, “I guess I am.” 

She follows him out of the warehouse with her own bag slung over her shoulder, daggers equipped to her belt. The siblings walk down a path set in the woods, scanning the area as they look for any cabins or houses they can rummage. Gloria uses her dagger to carve an ‘X’ in the trees they pass just in case they get lost.

“So, is today the day we can discuss what’s going on between you and Daryl?” Glenn asks as he walks beside her. 

She rolls her eyes at the question, “Is that the only reason why you asked me of all people to come on a run with you?”

He smiles sheepishly at her, “Well, not the only reason, you’re good on runs too. But don’t change the subject, so what’s going on? I told you about me and Maggie.”

“Please, you didn’t tell me shit.” Gloria chuckles. 

Glenn scoffs at this, “Are you kidding? I told you everything that’s going on, back at the farm and after!”

Gloria stops walking and turns to look at Glenn, her arms crossed, “Glenn, you didn’t even tell me that you and Maggie first hooked up in the pharmacy.”

Hiding her smirk when she sees Glenn’s face turning bright red, she continues on the path, leaving him behind until he snaps out of it. He jogs to catch up to her.

“What else did Maggie tell you?” Glenn asks, worry in his voice. 

“Well thankfully, for my sanity, she spared any details.” Gloria tells him.

He sighs, slightly relieved but curiosity is still engraved in Glenn’s mind, “at least tell me when you two started, I could tell by that kiss on the highway that that wasn’t the first time.” 

It’s Gloria’s turn to scoff at him, “you’re an expert at analyzing kisses now?”

“You could say I’m experienced now,” Glenn grins proudly.

Gloria shakes her head and keeps walking, not revealing anything to Glenn about her potential relationship with Daryl. He pokes at her, knowing that she’ll give in eventually. She sighs as she knows Glenn will not give up until he gets his answer, Gloria glances at him then smirks, she’ll just have to make him regret asking.

“Daryl and I slept together at the C.D.C.” she blurts out, then turns around when she realizes that Glenn isn’t walking beside her anymore, a look of horror on his face, “you wanted to know.” 

Gloria shrugs and continues walking, a look of victory on her face as she hides her laughter. 

Glenn groans as he resumes walking, “Come on, I only wanted to know about a kiss, not when my little sister got laid.” 

“Kisses can lead to other things, but I’m sure you knew that,” Gloria laughs when he groans again, “plus, that’s revenge for when Maggie told me about you two, she doesn’t realize how awkward it can be with us since she has Beth, so I’ll let that slide with her. You, on the other hand, enjoy the awkwardness.” 

Glenn shudders jokingly, making Gloria chuckle, “do you love him?” he asks suddenly. 

His question makes Gloria stop in her tracks, “What?”

Glenn looks at her seriously, “all jokes aside, do you love him?”

Gloria ponders for a moment, pursing her lips together as she thinks. She is attracted to him, that’s for sure, and she enjoys his company. It always made her happy whenever she was able to make him smile or laugh, and she’d always worry about him when he went out on his solo hunting trips. Gloria had thought she found love before, but this time it felt different. So... was this love? 

“It’s getting there, at least... I think it is.” Gloria says as she smiles shyly.

Glenn smiles warmly at her as he pats her back, happy for his little sister. The two continue hiking through the woods on the path when Gloria spots a cabin in the distance, she nudges Glenn and points to it. Wordlessly, they agree to go and check it out. As they approach it, they notice that rather than it being a small cabin, it turns out to be a decently sized house. Gloria stands by the side door, holding one of her daggers ready to stab at anything that comes out as Glenn is on the other side of the doorframe, crouching and holding the handle. He looks up at her as he silently counts to three, then pushes the door open, both of them prepared for any type of threat but to their surprise, the house looks empty. 

“Look out for any traps, this place looks way too clean.” Glenn says quietly as they walk in.

Gloria cautiously walks through the house, noticing that it looks barely touched by anyone, “either this place is too hidden in these woods for anyone to find or someone is still living here, there’s no way this place can be untouched.” 

“Or not.” Glenn says as he comes across the living room, his face a solemn expression. 

Gloria walks over to him and looks into the living room to see a family of five, dead. Bullet holes in all of their skulls. She lets out a sigh at the scene, then snarling from outside catches her attention. She goes over to the windows and looks out, frowning at the sight in front of the house. 

“Glenn... this place was fully protected.” Gloria tells him.

“What?” Glenn goes over to the other window and looks out, “Oh my god...”

Around the perimeter of the property, walkers were lined up, bloody as they were caught in barbed wire, some impaled by wooden pikes sticking out of the ground. There were also small craters in the ground, scattered around the yard looking as if created by small explosions. The upper halves of some walkers were still wriggling around the yard. 

“We must have gotten lucky with going through the back door.” Gloria perceives, glancing at Glenn.

He nods in agreement, “but if they were this protected, why did they still off themselves?” 

Gloria shrugs, looking away from the window then going towards a picture frame hanging on the wall, “because there were supposed to be six of them.”

Glenn turns in her direction, going to the picture and sees that there are six people in the photo. An older man and older woman, assuming to be the parents of the four younger adults. Two ladies, and two younger men. 

“They must have lost one, didn’t see a point to go on after that.” Gloria sighs at this conclusion. 

Glenn sighs too, then turns their attention to scavenging, “come on, let’s see what we can find.” 

He heads upstairs while Gloria covers the main floor. Opening every drawer, she isn’t able to find anything useful until she comes across two working flashlights. The kitchen was empty, wiped clean of anything. She sighs in frustration and confusion. This didn’t make any sense, the house was spotless, as if no intruder had come in before them and if there were, they would have no reason to leave the house this clean. She goes out of the kitchen and down the hallway where she sets her attention on another door. Gloria grabs the doorknob and cautiously opens it slowly. The door leads down a set of stairs but it was too dark to see anything. Making use of her find, she turns on the flashlight and shines it down the stairs where she sees the start of some shelves. She bangs on the wall and whistles, listening intently for any snarling and she proceeds down the stairs when she hears silence. 

“Holy shit...” she whispers to herself when she gets to the bottom of the stairs.

Packed along the endless shelves are boxes upon boxes of food, others stacked with medical supplies. This place was a goldmine. 

“Glenn!” she calls with a grin on her face as she waits for her brother to meet her in the basement, “Glenn, down here!”

Light footsteps from the upper floor could be heard making their way down to the middle then reaching the basement, “Gloria?” Glenn calls out to make sure before going down the stairs, “Holy shit.” 

Gloria grins as she glances at him and hands him the second flashlight, “Jackpot.” they both say in unison. 

The siblings start to pack up as much as they can into their bags. Soon, both of their bags are packed full of food and supplies, when Gloria comes across another shelf. Smiling to herself as she picks up a bottle of prenatal vitamins, she grabs a few and packs it into her bag as well, knowing Lori would appreciate them as she was getting bigger as each day went by. 

“Come on, let’s go.” Glenn says as he zips up his bag, putting it on over his shoulders. 

Gloria does the same thing and they both head upstairs and out of the house, making their way back to the warehouse. Unable to contain himself, Glenn woops as they get into the warehouse, catching everyone’s attention as Gloria shakes her head at him. 

“Guys, we hit the jackpot!” Glenn announces as he puts his bag on the ground, kneeling over it and opening it, revealing all the food and supplies they had found. 

Rick grins at the sight, “Where did you two find all this?” he asks as the rest of the group ogle at the findings in awe. 

“Found a house in the middle of nowhere, barely touched and found their full supply in the basement.” Gloria tells him as she too puts her heavy bag on the ground beside Glenn’s.

“Hey Rick,” Glenn calls out, “how about we stay here for one more night, eat and rest up and head out tomorrow, you know, to boost our strength and morale?”

Rick smiles and nods at the idea, “yeah, that’d be great. Thank you, you two did us a great one.” 

The siblings smile and nod at Rick, then head to do their own things. Glenn goes over to check up on Maggie and Gloria digs through her bag as Carol goes up to her. She lets her go through her bag to see what she wants to cook up for the group, taking a few cans of corned beef, corn, and tuna. As Carol gets to cooking, Gloria takes the few bottles of prenatal vitamins and goes over to Lori.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” she asks as she sits down beside Lori.

“Weak and tired, some days I feel like I can’t even get up.” Lori sighs, her answer worrying Rick who’s sitting beside her.

“Then I guess we’re lucky I found these at the house,” she says as she hands Lori the bottles of vitamins, “take two a day, max, and you should be feeling better soon, assuming you keep hydrated and fed.” 

Lori looks at the bottles in her hands then back up at Gloria, she smiles and pulls her in for a hug, “Thank you, thank you so much.”

“It’s nothing,” Gloria says, smiling as she pats Lori gently on the back. 

Rick pats her on the shoulder, smiling warmly at her as a silent thank you and she nods back at him. Rick looks up as he hears footsteps entering the warehouse and he spots Daryl coming in, seeming to be looking around for him as well. 

“Rick!” Daryl calls out when he spots him, then gestures him to come over. 

Frowning as Daryl sounds eager, Rick gets up and goes over to Daryl. The two men talk in private, then Rick looks to the group, an unreadable expression on his face. 

“We’ll be right back.” Rick says as he and Daryl leave the warehouse together. 

As the group waits for Rick and Daryl to return, they’re feasting on the meal thrown together by Carol. Lori keeps her eyes on the entrance of the warehouse, waiting anxiously for Rick to return. Gloria pats her shoulder, trying to calm her down but Lori sits up when the two return, a grin on Rick’s face.

“Everybody, I think Daryl found us a place we can make our new home.” he announces.

“What kind of place?” Maggie asks, a look of uncertainty on her face.

“It’s a prison.” Daryl says simply.

“I’ve seen it, it’s got fences, a large courtyard and walls that can keep walkers out. We can make it work,” Rick looks around at his people, “it’s not a long walk away, if we head there now, we can secure the yard by tonight.” 

The group is silent, unsure of their new finding as it sounds too good to be true. They’ve been wanting to find a permanent place to stay ever since the farm got overrun, so this was something they needed to be true but they didn’t want to get their hopes up. Gloria looks around and sees the rest of the group hesitate so she takes initiative and gets up, walking to her bag and zipping it up.

“Come on guys, it’s gonna get dark soon, we should clear it now while we still have light.” she says, looking at everyone encouragingly. 

Rick smiles at her then Glenn nods and starts to pack up his stuff too along with Maggie’s. Carol, T-Dog, Hershel, and Beth start to pack up their things too. Carl helps his mom carry her things and they all head out, following Daryl and Rick to their new potential home. 

---

Next Chapter

Some main things I wanted to show here were Daryl and Gloria’s relationship growing, and Glenn and Gloria’s dynamic as siblings, I hope I did them justice?? Hehe Please let me know what you think! Next chapter coming on Friday!

I hope everyone stays safe and healthy, please don’t panic, we will get through this!

And as always, I would really appreciate any comments left for me! I’ll be replying to any comments in a new post because this is a sideblog!

Taglist (please let me know if you’d list to be added/removed!):

@twdeadfanfic​ | @fandomfanatic97​ | @crossbowking​ | @watchmeaspire​ | @spidergirla5​ | @kamieshep​ | @letsstarsfalling​ | @molethemollie​ | @alicewinchester99​

[starship-squidlet]

New Music: Act 2, scene 7

Chapter summary: The aftermath of the fight with the Delanceys. Cora and Davey get to spend some time together.

Word count: 2,122

Warnings: blood tw, injury tw (nothing serious, but just as a heads up these are things that come up in the chapter)

Disclaimer: Preface

Tag list: @the-cowbi @i-am-a-wizard @xbanner-carriedx @chaotic-sunflower-galaxy (let me know if you’d like to be added to/removed from the tag list!)

Links: Spotify playlist, YouTube playlist, ‘Just the Way you Look Tonight’ on YouTube

A/N: Hey, look, I finally figured out how to put the keep reading links in mobile!!! Now y’all don’t have to scroll past mega-long chapters any more!!! I’ll go back and add them into the other chapters at some point, too. Also! There are some deleted scenes that I’m going to be posting today or tomorrow! Two are from this chapter, and one is from an earlier chapter and I just forgot to post it then (oops). So stay tuned for those!

Previous chapter: Act 2, Scene 6

Next chapter: Act 2, Scene 8

Davey turned around as the door to the club opened, ready to join the others in their typical gentle ribbing of Jack, Albert, and Race for being late, but his comments died on his lips at what walked through the door.

Race and Cora came through first. Even with her face buried in Race’s shoulder, the filth covering Cora’s clothes was obvious, and Davey immediately knew that something was wrong. This conclusion was supported by the next people through the door: Crutchie, clutching a bloodied handkerchief to his head and walking half-supported by Jack. They were followed by Albert, carrying Elaine on his back, and Mush, holding another bloody handkerchief over his nose.

Henry was the first person to move, running for the first aid kit Medda kept behind the bar. The others shifted into action right after him, getting chairs to set Crutchie and the girls down in, getting them glasses of water, and wrapping ice in towels to help with swelling and bruises. Spot took Mush by the shoulder and led him into the bathroom. Albert set Elaine on one of the bar stools and helped her out of one of her shoes, grabbing one of the bundles of ice and holding it to her ankle. Race set Cora down and gave her a quick, tight hug before picking up another ice bundle and holding it to his knuckles.

Henry went straight for Crutchie, checking out the bleeding gash over his eye first. “This isn’t actually as bad as it looks,” he said. “I don’t think it needs stitches. The bleedin’s slowin’ too. Keep pressure on it until it stops.”

Davey noticed Cora’s eyes flicking around the room, like they couldn’t focus on anything. With everyone flitting around, chattering with each other, demanding answers, he couldn’t blame her. He stepped forward hesitantly and brushed a hand against her shoulder. She flinched away, nearly falling out of the chair.

“I’m sorry!” Davey said. “Come on. Let’s go over there.” He offered his hand to her. Cora took it, trembling, and let him lead her to the other side of the club, where they sat down in a corner booth. The high seats blocked out some of the noise the others were making, like they were in a bubble. Davey looked down and saw Cora picking at the skin on her hands, pulling it away from where it had split over her knuckles. “Hey,” he whispered, reaching out to take her hands. She pulled away from him with a little gasp. “Sorry, I’m sorry,” Davey murmured. He held his hands up, then set them on the table. “I don’t want to hurt you, or scare you at all. I just want to help. What can I do?”

Cora shook her head and stared down at her hands. Davey nodded and crossed his arms on the table, resting his chin on them, hoping that his presence alone would help Cora relax.

Back over by the bar, an argument was brewing. Davey glanced over, trying to catch up on what he had missed.

“That’s it,” Jack was pacing back and forth, clearly furious. “That. Is. It. This is done. We’re done—all of it.”

“Jack, come on, you’re not makin’ sense,” Race said, shifting the ice on his bruised knuckles.

“No,” Jack snapped, spinning on him. “I said before—the last time—that we should stop before things got outta hand, but youse convinced me to keep goin’. Well, now it’s over.” He stalked over to Elaine and lifted her arm, showing a nasty scrape that went from her elbow almost all the way down to her wrist under the ripped fabric of her sweater. “Look at this. All of youse. Look at this, and at Crutchie’s head, and Mush’s nose. I’m not okay with this.” Elaine yanked her arm back and cradled it against her chest, glaring at Jack. “I ain’t gonna let anyone else get beat up over music.”

“What are you sayin’, Jack?” Mush asked, his voice low.

“It’s over,” Jack said, turning to face him. “All of this. The band. Over and done.”

“Jack, the Delancey twins have been beatin’ people up long before we started playin’ music and doin’ shows,” Albert protested.

“They didn’t start because of us,” Race added.

“Yeah, but we all became a target because of this,” Jack said. “Everybody knows that the Delanceys have been beatin’ up kids on Pulitzer’s orders since freshman year. Kids he couldn’t punish otherwise. Pulitzer wants to control us, that’s why he’s got Snyder and his goons patrollin’ the school all the time. If he can’t control us through legit means, he’ll do it through the Delanceys.” He flung his arms out. “Well, Pulitzer can’t control this. He tried—last night, he was the one who sicced Snyder on us, I’m sure of it. He’s doin’ whatever it takes to shut us down.”

“He’s doin’ whatever it takes, and he’s winnin’!” Mush snapped. “Because you’s lettin’ him! If we stop what we’re doin’ now, it’s tellin’ Pulitzer that we can be controlled, just like you was sayin’. It’s lettin’ him win and givin’ in to his pressure.”

“You’d really let him take away something that makes you as happy as music does over a couple of bullies?” Elaine asked softly.

Jack turned around and took her hands in his, looking up into her eyes. “If it would keep you—all of you, or even one of you—safe? Absolutely.” He kissed Elaine on the knuckles and released her hands, then turned around, looking at the rest of the group. “Look, youse may be okay with this, but I ain’t,” he said softly. “I ain’t gonna be responsible for anyone else gettin’ hurt.”

“You’re not responsible for this, Jack!” Finch insisted. “Pulitzer is. The Delanceys are. It ain’t your fault.”

“It’s none of our faults,” Spot said, taking a step closer. “The Delanceys is just a couple of meatheads. They ain’t thinkin’ for themselves. All they wants is to hurt other people. Pulitzer just gave ‘em an excuse to go after all of us. They was probably told that they could do whatever they wanted to us without gettin’ in trouble, and that just made us the easiest targets for them. The Delanceys have come after all of us before. It’s nothin’ new. Now we’s just easy pickins.”

“That’s the point!” Jack cried. “We’re easy targets to them. Why would they risk goin’ after anyone else when they could just keep pickin’ us off?” He grabbed Elaine’s arm again. “What’s it gonna take before we do let them win? Broken bones? Worse? What if they put someone in the hospital? What do we do then?”

Elaine snatched her arm back again. “Do me a favor, Jack. Don’t use me as an illustration.” She slid gingerly off the barstool and limped towards the door, stopping to pick up her bag. “It’s clear we won’t be getting any rehearsing done today. I’m going home.”

Finch sighed. “I’ll drive you.” He stood up and took Mush by the arm. “You too. Let’s go.” Mush didn’t protest, but let Finch pull him out of the club.

They passed Medda on the way out, and she gasped when she saw Mush’s face. “What happened?”

“The Delanceys,” Mush sighed. “Everyone’s okay. Henry’s patching Crutchie up now. Jack’s pissed, though, so fair warnin’.”

“Can I assume you all won’t be rehearsing today?” Medda arched an eyebrow.”

“Yeah, but we’ll be back tomorrow, don’t worry,” Finch grinned.

“I look forward to it,” Medda smiled. She patted Mush on the shoulder as she passed, and nodded down the street. “You’d better hurry and catch your girlfriend before she gets too far away.”

Finch glanced down the sidewalk and sighed. “Elaine! Wait! I said I’d drive you!”

Medda opened the door and stepped into the club. As advertised, the atmosphere was tense. Henry was taping up a gash on Crutchie’s forehead, Jack hovering nearby. Some of the other boys were close and seemed to be trying to help—Mike and Ike, Boots, JoJo, Specs. At the other end of the bar were most of the other boys—Spot, Blink, Albert, Race, Romeo, and Smalls. Medda looked around for Cora, concerned, but spotted Davey’s side in the corner booths and smiled to herself. She went to check on Crutchie first, and patted Henry on the shoulder. “That’s a nice job you’re doing there. If any of you need anything, I’ll be in my office.”

On the other side of the club, Davey glanced back down at Cora. She had her eyes squeezed shut, and her hands clamped over her ears. Davey raised a hand to brush against her shoulder, but thought better of it. “Cora? Cora, can you hear me?”

Cora opened her eyes slowly and looked over at him.

“They stopped fighting. It’s quieter now. It’s okay; you can uncover your ears.”

Cora moved her hands away for a moment. When Davey proved to be correct, she moved them down into her lap and started picking at her skin again.

“Hey, don’t do that,” Davey murmured, reaching out to take her hands in his. “It’s okay. You’re okay. No-one is going to hurt you. I promise. I won’t let them.”

Cora offered him a watery smile. Davey looked around, not really sure what to do. “Hey, Cora, what’s your favorite song? That we sing, at least. Or your favorite song to sing. Or perform. If… uh, if that makes sense.”

Cora stayed silent for a moment. Davey didn’t think she was going to answer, at first. But then:

“I like… I like when you sing Sinatra,” she said, her voice small.

“Oh yeah?” Davey grinned. “What’s your favorite Sinatra song?”

She paused. “Um… I can’t remember what it’s called. I liked the one you sang for your audition. That was real nice.”

Davey thought for a moment. “‘Moon River’? That’s a good one.”

Cora nodded. “It sounds real pretty when you sing it.”

Davey smiled to himself. “Thanks.”

They sat quietly for another minute. Cora shifted slightly and leaned into Davey. He very gently slipped his arm out from between them and wrapped it around her shoulders. “What other Sinatra songs do you like?” he asked finally.

Cora shrugged. “Lots. He’s got a nice voice. It’s soothin’. Like yours.”

Davey smiled down at her. “Thanks.” They lapsed into silence again. Once again, Davey was the one to break it, as he began to hum softly.

Cora glanced up at him as he began to sing quietly:

“Some day, when I'm awfully low,

When the world is cold,

I will feel a glow just thinking of you

And the way you look tonight.”

Davey didn’t miss the soft smile that was beginning to creep over Cora’s face, so he kept singing, emboldened now.

“Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm,

And your cheeks so soft,

There is nothing for me but to love you

And the way you look tonight.”

The rest of the club seemed to fade away. He could no longer hear the other boys talking—he wasn’t sure if it was because they had left, or if he was just so focused on him and Cora in their little bubble.

“With each word your tenderness grows,

Tearin' my fear apart,

And that laugh, wrinkles your nose,

Touches my foolish heart.”

The longer the song went on, the more Cora seemed to relax. She rested more and more of her weight against him, letting her head fall against his shoulder. Her breathing grew steady and even, and her hands relaxed in her lap, no longer tearing at themselves.

“Lovely, never, never change,

Keep that breathless charm,

Won't you please arrange it?

'Cause I love you

A-just the way you look tonight!”

Davey’s breath hitched in his throat and he stopped singing. Cora looked up at him, green eyes wide, but she didn’t say anything. Davey swallowed thickly and whispered the next words: “And that laugh that wrinkles your nose, it touches my foolish heart…” He found himself leaning lower, drawn by some magnetic force to Cora. His voice cracked, but he kept going with the lyrics, his voice getting even softer.

“Lovely, don't you ever change,

Keep that breathless charm,

Won't you please arrange it?

'Cause I love you

A-just the way you look tonight”

He swallowed again and pulled away. Cora looked down at her lap again, her hands shifting like she was about to start picking at them again. Davey took a deep breath, leaned down, and quickly pecked her on the cheek. When she looked up at him again, her eyes were even wider, shining happily as a beautiful smile spread over her lips. Davey grinned back at her.

“Just the way you look tonight.”