#what a thing to wake up to thank you drea

[nextstopwonderland]

Bryan and Danny Red Rocks hiking date (with someone else who looks like it could be Yuta) THIS IS NOT A DRILL

ETÀ:

YES IT IS YUTA (moar hike lore)

[nahimjustfeelingit-writes]

HBCU CONFESSIONS.

Part Four

One entire month.

Valencia wanted nothing to do with Erik. He had come to terms with that after many failed attempts at trying to talk to her. She blocked him, she hadn’t been active on the blog in weeks since her last message, and every time he would see her around campus or in the dorms, she would turn a blind eye or walk in the opposite direction. She even stopped studying in the library to avoid him. And the thing is, she didn’t look sad, hurt, or angry. She walked around campus with a pep in her step and she smiled brightly.

Moving on wasn’t hard for her apparently. Erik can respect that. He fucked up, even if he hadn’t intended to. He didn’t plan on rekindling anything with Jeanette. EVER. At D9 parties, it’s a routine to get a sexy dance from a SOROR, but Erik didn’t expect to be the chosen one. She hopped up in his arms and locked her legs around him in a vice grip. His brothers circled him and cheered him on. Erik dropped her and she went in for a kiss. Valencia was gone within two seconds.

She hadn’t seen the part where Erik laid into Jeanette’s ass about that. Everyone thought it was hilarious. He was pissed. The dancing, he could have told her no, which he knows he fucked up on, but that kiss was unexpected and DEFINITELY not what he wanted. He apologized many times, tried speaking to her in person, and even asked her roommate, Brielle, to relay a message to her. Her socials were private and she didn’t accept outside messages from people she didn’t follow.

He wasn’t going to invade her personal space and corner her. She wanted to be left alone, he’ll give her that. No more texts, no more blog messages, no more trying to talk to her in person. He wished her well although he still really liked her. He really wanted another shot. But it would take a lot of work because Valencia would not let up. Erik respected that. He loved it actually. Maybe he needed the wake up call. He’s so used to things being easy. Nothing challenged him. But this? She wouldn’t budge.

After an exhausting class, Erik decided to make a stop at Andrea’s office and get some insight from his friend. On his way there, James was leaving her office. He was in the middle of fixing his tie and looking really sneaky. Erik snorted and shook his head. It was obvious what they were doing in there. James turned towards Erik’s direction and he smiled. They dabbed and bro hugged.

“You lookin’ stressed, my nigga. What’s good?” James questions with a chuckle.

“Lady trouble,” Erik replied with a monotone voice.

“You? Lady trouble? Since when?”

“Since now, fool.”

James didn’t believe that for a second.

“Not Mr. Suave himself. Listen,” James clapped Erik on the shoulder, “Whoever it is, she’ll come around, bruh.”

“I can never take you serious, Yo’” Erik shakes his head with a smirk, “Drea still in there? Should I giver her some time or?”

Erik jokingly pointed to the door causing James to crack up.

“Knock first.”

James backed away, saluting Erik before making his way down the hall.

“Come in!”

Erik twisted the knob and peeked his head around the door cautiously.

“Is it safe to enter, or do you still need some time?”

“Erik!”

He laughed before opening the door further. Andrea was in the middle of fluffing her voluminous hair into a ponytail. She cut her eyes at Erik and gave him a look. He sauntered over to her desk, pulled out the chair, and proceeded to take a seat while cuffing the crotch of his slim fit slacks.

“What can I do for you, best friend?”

Andrea folded her hands on her desk, tapping into her professor energy.

“I figured I could come to you for some advice. Before we get into that though,” Erik sat back in his seat, folded his arms across his sturdy chest, and arched a brow, “I see things are moving along with you and Jay.”

“They are,” Andrea cleared her throat, “Rather nicely actually…”

“And all that worrying was for nothing. I told you it would work out, girl.”

“Thank you for being so supportive!” Andrea replied with an overzealous tone, “Enough about me. What’s going on?”

“…Valencia.”

Andrea sat up straighter. A smile slowly crept up her face.

“I know that you know that I KNOW,” Erik pointed his finger like Denzel, “who my crush is.”

Andrea chuckles, “Of course I know. Don’t I use the blog too? I saw what she sent weeks ago…”

Erik propped his elbows up on her desk.

“Tell me I fucked up.” Erik said.

“You fucked up. And Jeanette is a fucking nuisance.”

Erik exhaled, “The car wash is tomorrow afternoon. She’s gonna be there—”

“Then tell that ho to leave you alone, Erik! You know it’s harder for me to get buck because I work here and I can lose my job, but she needs a reality check. I mean…did you want to get back with her?—”

“Hell nah. I wasn’t expecting all of that. I’m interested in Valencia. I wanna make it right so we can continue getting to know each other.”

Andrea raised both of her brows and grabbed her drink tumbler, sipping her tea. Erik gave her a strange look.

“And yet you allowed that girl to throw herself all over you in front of her.”

“I didn’t allow—okay, okay…I should have been more proactive in stopping her. I see that now. What should I do?”

Erik was desperate. If nothing else worked, he would leave her be for good this time. He was tired of the mental turmoil. One second he wants to leave her be, next second he’s trying to figure out how to win her back. This shit was driving him crazy. He had this on top of school to worry about.

“You’re known to be that guy, right? And you’re such a romantic, right? Romanticize her. Do it for everyone to see. Be your most vulnerable self. Show her that you will do anything to get her back.”

Erik drummed his fingers against her desk and twisted his thick lips in deep thought.

“…All I’m saying is, she’s a really nice girl. She’s such a sweetie pie. She didn’t deserve that mess. Do whatever you gotta do, Daka, seriously. I like you with her,” Andrea smiles, “I want this to actually work.”

Erik bowed his head and smiled. Even that knowledge made him feel like complete shit. Even after she told him how she’d been mistreated in past relationships. Andrea was right, he needed to go all out with his approach to this.

_______

It’s an abnormally hot day, the sun beating down on all those melanated bodies in the parking lot. Erik makes his way over to his group, shirtless and wearing athletic shorts that showed off his muscular legs. He wore Adidas slides on his feet, polarized aviator sunglasses, and purple paint streaks beneath his eyes like a proud Que Dog. Three Omega branded scars were on his right bicep.

His chest and toned stomach with skin golden brown made the gold chain hanging around his neck pop. Throwing up the hooks in greeting, his Bruhz handed him a bucket full of sudsy water and a sponge. Today was the yearly charity carwash. They hosted the event at a local lot in Houston and booked a DJ, grilled food, and offered pouch drinks. All sororities and fraternities from TSU banned together. The turnout was always big, and cars were already lining up.

"Where the hell is Isaiah?" Erik protests.

A fellow Omega, Travis, shrugged his shoulders.

"He already in hot water with the shit that happened last weekend. He keep this shit up, he's getting cut."

Erik slaps hands with all his boys, even men from other fraternaties, grinning excitedly to be at the function. Just then, Isaiah came strolling over wearing nothing but purple basketball shorts, his Nike slides on his feet with a gold fanny pack with his letters on it hanging loosely across his chest. He had a crisp line-up and all like he'd just gotten out of the barber chair.

Erik inclines his head, pulling his sunglasses off and approaching the neophyte, "You're late, Static. Get your narrow ass over there and help those cars."

Erik shoved the soapy bucket and sponge in his hands.

"Chill, Poet, I had to grab some supporters," Isaiah tilts his head and jerks his thumb behind him, a group of pretty women in a neon green Jeep Wrangler waving over at them from their open window. They honked their horn and shook their titties at them.

"Hi, Poet! you lookin' real good!" One of the girls shouted.

Erik couldn't help that he was good-looking. He's a tall man with caramel skin that was a shade darker due to the southern heat. His athletic shorts hung low off of his hips and gave anybody that looked hard enough a preview of what was beneath. He was a walking thirst-trapper.

"See? they want you, Poet," Isaiah slapped his chest with the back of his hand, "I'm lookin' out for you."

Erik put his shades back on and walked away, Isaiah throwing his hands up.

Andrea and her line sisters were wearing fitted tanktops with their soro colors and letters on it. They had black biker shorts on and different types of black sandals. The Zetas wore their soro t-shirts and little denim shorts. Majority of the ladies were mostly covered up but when the AKAs arrived, it was a scene straight from ATL. Bikini tops and booty shorts. Andrea shared a look with her sisters and rolled her eyes. It was known for the AKAs to pop out and do the most, which made them the popular ones. Jeanette wore a pink bikini with her bundles in a ponytail covered with an AKA trucker hat.

Erik locked eyes with her through his sunglasses and Jeanette blew a kiss at him. Ignoring her, Erik jumps in to help, motioning for the next car to pull up. A middle-aged black woman with her toddler in the backset gave Erik heart eyes out of the window of her Honda Odyssey. Erik gave her a smirk, sponge and bucket in his hands.

"How much to clean my whip, handsome?"

"Twenty dollars, ma'am."

"Here you go..."

The lady boldly slipped the twenty in Erik's waistband. He shakes his head, Ignoring the laughter from everybody who caught that. He placed the money in a collection bucket before cleaning her car off.

"Get it extra clean for me baby!" She shouted with a wide smile.

While Erik cleaned, a Zeta walked over offering free water and the option to park and grab some cookout food or a mixed drink pouch. Erik grabbed the hose when he was finished and the woman rolled up her windows so he could rinse it down. When he was done, his shorts were soaked. He knew that it was only a matter of time before his big boy made an appearance. The woman drove off and Erik motioned for the next car. Erik spotted Isaiah running game so he whistled, Isaiah turning in his direction.

"Static, you better get to work boy! making your brothers look bad! us Nupe's are known for being clean!" A Kappa brother teased.

"Nah, G, we ain't letting a dirty dawg show us up! Poet! you better get yah boy in line! making ya'll look worse than he already did!"

Erik shot a pointed look at Isaiah. Isaiah walked over and got back to work, motioning for an all-black, 2019 Ford Focus to pull forward. Meanwhile, Erik took a water break and after drinking it all down, he used the hose on mist to spray his body. He could feel eyes on him and when he looked up, Jeanette was eye-fucking him while sucking on a Bomb Pop, the cherry lime of the popsicle dripping to her chest from her sloppy slurping. She made her way over and Erik shot a glance at Andrea.

"This is the first time in weeks that I've been this close to you," Jeanette licked her popsicle, "You avoiding me again?"

Erik threw a towel over his shoulder and shut his eyes before opening them to stare down at Jeanette.

"You're not still upset about that kiss are you?"

"I am. Because you don't know when to chill the fuck out." Erik argued.

He walked around her and Jeanette marched right after him. He waved his hand for a car to pull forward and they rolled their window down. The driver handed Erik some money and he placed it in his pocket before cleaning the car off.

"You act like what we had wasn't real! you said so yourself that we could make it work again. Or did you forget?!"

Erik agressively scrubbed the car, his annoyance towards Jeanette growing, "I never said that shit to you. You wasn't thinking about none of that with that nigga dick in your mouth." Erik quipped.

Jeanette and the driver had to look at Erik in disbelief that he even said that. Jeanette was so shocked that she dropped her popsicle. Erik continued cleaning the car like he didn’t just say what he said.

“Fuck you! I wasn’t going to wait around, Erik! Don’t act like you weren’t doing whatever it was you were doing!”

“I wasn’t though,” Erik glanced back at her over his sweaty shoulder, “Look, I’m not doing this with you. Why don’t you pitch in and help.”

Jeanette was fuming. She stomped away, grabbing the water hose out of a soro’s hand, turning it on the highest pressure before spraying Erik in his back. He flinched and dropped the bucket and sponge. He turned to her with rage. That was painful, especially since he hadn’t expected it.

“THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM, GIRL!”

Erik really wanted to call her a bitch but he had to bite his tongue. She laughed right alongside her AKA sisters. Others snickered and laughed as well, not fully comprehending that Erik was seriously angry.

“What? You deserved it, Erik!” Jeanette yelled.

Erik grabbed an extra hose and sprayed the car down. He shook his head and flared his nostrils, heart thumping in his chest. When he finished, he walked over to Andrea and the other Deltas. She met him halfway and he turned for her to examine his back. The water hoses were attached to a fire hydrant. She could see that the middle of his back was bright red and irritated. James strolled over to look as well.

“You good, E?” James questioned.

“Jeanette is doing too fucking much. Look at her.”

Three pairs of eyes fell on Jeanette twerking on the hood of some guys car. It worked, because he gave her fifty dollars instead of twenty.

“I’ll be aight. She just needs to stay far the fuck away from me.” Erik spoke angrily.

“I’m here if you need me,” Andrea said.

Erik walked away and picked up his sponge and bucket. After refilling the bucket, he made his way back over. He kept cutting his eyes at Jeanette. He wanted his lick back for that. So much for ignoring her. Taking the bucket, while her back was turned, Erik dumped it over her head. She screeched and flailed her arms.

“OH MY GOD!!!! MY HAIR!!!!!”

Jeanette snatched her hat off and rubbed soap from her face. She turned a rageful gaze towards Erik and he laughed in her face. Laughter echoed across the lot.

“You started it!”

“Awww! Now you’re mad!”

“Get her ass, Poet!”

She pushed Erik and stormed past him to grab a towel. He made a crybaby motion with his hands as if he were rubbing his eyes. Some of her AKA sisters rushed to her aid and they didn’t hesitate to shoot Erik dirty looks. That’ll teach her ass not to fuck with him again. Erik refilled his bucket with a smirk on his face as he watched Jeanette drying her weave. She noticed and gave him the finger. Erik returned the gesture.

Some time went by, everyone working hard and raising money. The next car, Isaiah motioned to pull in and when they did, he recognized them and spoke their name. Erik heard and his head whipped in that direction so fast he could have twisted his neck. His once sour mood was no replaced with anticipation.

“Valencia, what’s up girl?”

Valencia was sitting in the passenger side of Brielle’s white 2019 Nissan Altima. Skai and Cindy were in the backseat. Brielle was wearing a yellow tube dress and her braids down and flipped to the side. She accessorized with octagon-shaped silver hoops and Y2K shades with butterflies.

“Hello,” She gave him a wave before passing him a twenty, “This is my donation.”

Brielle, Skai, and Cindy handed over their money.

“You ladies wanna stick around for some good vibes? Just pull in after I’m done.” Isaiah said.

“Will do. It looks lit out here,” Brielle looked around with a smile.

Isaiah couldn’t stop staring at Valencia. She glanced up at him with a straight face.

“Aren’t you gonna clean the car?” She questioned.

“Yeah but I’m tryna see what’s up—”

“STATIC!”

All four ladies and Isaiah followed their gaze towards the source of the shouting. Erik walked over with his usual gait. He paused in front of Isaiah and pointed to the car behind them.

“Get yo’ ass back there and clean that Jeep pulling in.” Erik ordered.

Isaiah kissed his teeth but before he walked away, he grabbed Valencia’s hand that was dangling out of the car window, kissing it before giving it an affectionate squeeze. She jerked her hand away, staring at him with her nose turned up.

“I love it when you play hard to get, girl!”

Erik put the sponge in the bucket and placed his hand on the hood of the car, leaning in towards the open window to peek inside. He still had his shades on, so Valencia was staring at her reflection through the lenses. She looked visibly tense, toying with her hair and jerking her leg.

“How’s everything, ladies?”

“They all said ‘good’ in unison, all except for Valencia. Erik caught Brielle trying to be discreet with bumping Valencia with her arm. Valencia shifted in her seat.

“…I’m doing great, you?”

This was the most she’d said to him in a month. He parted his lips but no words came out. Erik furrowed his brows and cleared his throat.

“I’m good. Been busy…”

He tapped the hood of the car. If only she were alone.

“…Are you gonna clean us off?” Brielle asked.

The awkward tension between them was palpable.

“Yeah, I gotchu, arms in and roll up the windows tight.”

They did as they were told, Valencia and Erik staring each other down. He went to work sudsing up the sponge and then he started with the back of the car first. He then moved onto the hood of the car, taking his time to get every spot. He walked around to the drivers side to clean the front and back doors and windows, and then he made his way around to the passenger side. Erik scrubbed the back down, then he was right at Valencia’s window again.

She focused her eyes forward while he cleaned but when he made it to the front window, Erik watched as her eyes scanned his body. He titled his head towards her, licked his lips, and flashed her a grin. She quickly averted her gaze to her lap and Brielle’s eyebrows disappeared behind her curly ginger bag. Skai and Cindy were giggling in the backseat. Erik retrieved the hose and started spraying the car down. He stood at the front of the car again, smirking at her through the window.

Erik walked over to Valencia’s side when he finished and Brielle eagerly rolled the window down. Valencia shot her a look and then she turned her attention to Erik who was leaning into the window. Valencia inhaled slowly and then exhaled a shaky breath. Removing his sunglasses, Erik kept his gaze pointed at Valencia. Now, she had no other choice but to look him directly in the eyes.

“…Got you ladies all cleaned up. Why don’t ya’ll stick around for a while? Grab some food, dance a little…”

He was really asking Valencia.

“Oh, we will. Right V?” Skai said.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Brielle replied, fighting the urge to laugh.

Erik waited anxiously for her to speak.

“…sure. We’ll hang out for a little while.” Valencia said.

“Bet. Say less…”

Erik stood at his full height, his lower half in her face. He slowly backed away and Brielle pulled off.

——————

They’d just finished the last few cars and by then the lot was filled with people having a good time. Erik slipped on a cropped golden yellow muscle tee that had Omega Psi Phi printed on the front in purple letters and the fraternity logo in the center. He sipped from a Blue Raspberry drink pouch that had some Hipnotic in it. He took pictures with his bruh’s and other fraternity buddies as well as the ladies

Valencia was leaning against the side of Brielle’s car, drinking a watermelon mixed drink. Erik kept looking over at her, wanting to approach her badly. Jeanette hadn’t bothered him since the hose incident and he was grateful. They were too busy putting on a performance, doing an AKA stroll to entertain people. Like clock work, Isaiah approached Valencia to talk to her and Erik noticed that he had one too many drinks. He kept grabbing Valencia’s arm and Erik could tell that she wasn’t asking for any of that attention.

Erik jogged over and yoked Isaiah up by the collar of his T-shirt. Valencia looked up at Erik with wide eyes. Others started paying attention as well.

“The fuck you doin’, Static?” Erik barked out.

“We were just talking, right, Valencia?”

Isaiah looked at her expectantly. She cut her eyes at him to Erik and then Valencia shoves him out of her way before storming off. Erik let go of Isaiah and pushed him back, causing him to stumble.

“Yo, what the fuck is your problem, Erik?!” Isaiah questioned with frustration.

“You don’t know what no means, nigga? And how much have you been drinking?”

“I only had two drinks, relax. You got a thing for Valencia or something? Every time I try and talk to her, here you come cock-blocking.” Isaiah fired back.

A few Bruhz came over to see what was going on.

“All good?”

“It’s cool. Poet can’t stand it when it ain’t all about him, that’s all,” Isaiah jokes.

Erik cut his eyes at Isaiah, one of their brothers clapping him on the shoulder to calm him down. He tried to get Erik riled up with some barking and goofing around and Erik gave in. The party continued and then the sky turned a deep orange. Erik could see Valencia walking towards a trash can to throw away her plate. It was now or never. Erik walked over towards her with his hands in his pockets and before she could walk away, he took a hold of her hand and she looked up at him.

“Valencia, can we talk? Please?”

“No, Erik—”

“I’m sorry, okay? Look,” Erik let go of her hand, “I know that I fucked up. I should have stopped her from jumping on me like that. The kiss—you ran away so fast you didn’t see how pissed I was that she kissed me. I don’t want her…I wasn’t planning on rekindling anything with Jeanette…”

Valencia looked down at her feet. She kicked at the ground with her arms folded. She finally looked up at him, her eyes searching his. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and feel those lips again. She looked so damn sexy in that dress.

“Listen, I was wondering if you wanted to come thru at Poetry Live tonight? I’m gonna recite some new shit and…I’d really like to see you there. Will you think about it?”

Erik tilted his head down at her. She pondered, her cafe noir eyes looking heavenward. Valencia exhaled, staring up at Erik through her lashes. He waited with bated breath. She parted her full lips to speak.

“I’ll be there.”

Erik cracked a dimpled smile. Valencia gave him a small smile and then a quick once-over before walking away. Erik made it back to his group and he spotted Valencia and her friends leaving. It was definitely a step into the right direction. Erik was happy about that. Andrea made her way over to him with a knowing smile.

“I saw that, Daka. So, is she coming?”

“She’ll be there. I’m a lil’ nervous. Not gonna lie.”

Andrea laughed, “you got this!”

“I just wanna make it right. I want us to get back to how things were, you know? I was just getting to know her in so many ways…”

Erik cut his eyes at Andrea and she stared at him with her mouth agape.

“I BET,” Andrea rolls her eyes.

After another hour, they started to shut things down and it took them another hour to make sure everything was cleaned up before heading out. Erik was exhausted with no time to get rest since he had to get ready for tonight. He made it back to his RA dorm with a sweaty body and tired limbs. Dropping his gym bag onto the floor, he grabbed his towel, rag, soap, and a fresh pair of briefs with a pair of basketball shorts.

In the showers, he cleaned himself off good, thinking about the night to come. Valencia was going to be there, and he hoped that she would give him a second chance. After rinsing off the second round of soap, Erik pat dried his skin and before he exited the shower, he slipped on his briefs and shorts. Towel over his shoulder, he exited the bathroom and made his way down the hall to his room which was a short distance away.

Back inside, he shut his door and turned on some music to get ready to. He took off his shorts and opened his closet to grab an outfit he planned to wear.

Ping.

Erik paused.

That sound could only be from one thing. He took long strides to his lap top on his desk and pulled out the chair. He touched the mouse pad to wake his lap top screen up and then he went straight for Tumblr. There, he clicked on his message thread and his eyes scanned back and forth, reading the words.

ebonygoddess1990s: I know it’s been a while. I’ve gone an entire month not speaking to him. Today I spoke to him for the first time and it reminded me of what happened at that D9 party. He asked me to come to Poetry Live tonight and I’m a little nervous. A part of me wants to forgive him, but the other part of me has trust issues. What should I do?

Erik for the first time didn’t know what to say. He didn’t feel right messaging her. He could simply persuade her into forgiving him, but then that would be manipulation. He slowly closed his laptop and stood up from his seat at the desk.

He was going to make it right as authentically as possible.

————

“How do I look?”

“Girl…you look damn good.”

Brielle snapped her fingers while Valencia did a turn. She was all dressed up herself in a denim dress with platform chunky brown heels and her big, curly ginger hair styled in two Afro puffs.

“He’s gonna love it.” Brielle said.

“…this isn’t for him, it’s for me.”

Brielle rolls her eyes at the ceiling, “Right. Sure.”

They grab their bags and then head out of the dorm room. Skai was going to drive tonight. Cindy and her were waiting in the car. They left the dorms and headed towards the parking lot. There, they spotted Skai and she was talking to Dior. Valencia’s footsteps slowed down and she instantly grew defensive. Brielle looked at her with an equally angry expression.

“Let me go, I’ll see you there…”

Dior looked at Valencia.

“Brielle,” She touched her arm, “Valencia—”

Valencia smacked her hand away. Hard. Dior raised up on her and Brielle leaped between them.

“Let’s get going! Right, Val?” Brielle pleaded.

Brielle looked over at Skai for help. Skai walked towards them and grabbed Dior by the arm.

“Yeah, let me go before I drag this bitch all over the parking lot!” Valencia shouted after Dior.

Dior yanked her arm out of Skai’s grip.

“Awww still mad your crush doesn’t want you?”

“Dior!” Skai yelled, “Chill out!”

Dior put her hands up, “I’m chill. She’s the one that put her fucking hands on me.”

“I should have been put my hands on you!!!!” Valencia screamed.

“THEN WHAT’S GOOD?!” Dior screamed back.

“Just go, Dior,” Skai moved her towards her car.

“I’m going. Just as long as she stays over there.”

Dior backed away to her car with a big grin on her face. There was a girl in passenger seat, laughing at the entire thing. Dior got in her car and drove off. Valencia took meditating breaths while Brielle tried to calm her down.

“She pulled up to my car to talk, Valencia. I wasn’t trying to start trouble,” Skai spoke to her defense.

Brielle ignored Skai. She loved her friend but if she was going to keep being friends with Skai knowing that she didn’t like Valencia and was probably talking shit about her, she had to cut her off too. They all got back into the car, Cindy rubbing Valencia’s shoulder.

She just wanted to have a good night. Megan Thee Stallion Cognac Queen came one and Valencia started rapping the lyrics. She wasn’t going to let that dumb bitch ruin her night.

Her makeup looked good, her outfit is sexy, she felt the hottest she’s ever felt. She felt great. She rolled her window down and as the air whipped across her face, she couldn’t get Erik off of her mind. Valencia couldn’t help but smile to herself. He looked extra scrumptious today. The effort he took into winning her back made her feel good. She wanted him to know that she could easily forget about him and move on.

Erik still tried. This man could have any woman on campus, hell, even his crazy ex girlfriend, and yet he didn’t want her or anyone else but Valencia. She couldn’t control the butterflies. It’s been a month too long. She could only hope that tonight would go right.

“We’re here.”

It was a huge turnout. Brielle parked and they all stepped out. From the outside looking in, Poetry Live was packed like sardines.

“Please tell me Russ saved a table for us,” Cindy said.

“I hope so, because I am not standing.” Brielle said.

They were carded at the door and when they were in the clear, all four of them walked inside. Cindy took the lead, searching the crowded room until she pointed towards a round table with a great view of the stage. They squeezed through people dancing and having a good time with drinks in their hands. Cindy wrapped her arms around her boyfriend’s shoulders and went in for a kiss. Valencia sat her bag on the table and looked around. As she scanned the room, her eyes fell on Erik, sitting at a table with Andrea, James, and a few of their friends.

Valencia’s eyes scanned his body from head to toe. He had a fresh retwist and he was dressed nice with a layered gold chains hanging from his neck and black diamond earrings in his ears. He didn’t have his glasses on tonight, so Valencia could see his onyx eyes more clearly beneath the lights. She shifted in her seat and fiddled with the strap of her bag when he finally looked over at her. They locked eyes and then a slow smirk crept up his lips. She felt hot all over. He waved to her and Valencia returned the gesture. He checked her out from across the room and with an appreciative nod, he mouthed ‘you look amazing’.

Valencia blushes and mouthed ‘thank you’ in response. She reluctantly pulled her gaze away and released a shaky breath. He always makes her so flustered.

“Everyone looks so nice tonight like it’s a special occasion!” Brielle said with a sonorous tone.

“I know! We need drinks!” Cindy declared ecstatically.

“I second that,” Valencia fanned herself.

Their waiter returned and they put their orders in. Valencia looked around the room again and in a booth seat, Jeanette and Dior sat surrounded by their AKA sisters. They were dancing and causing a scene since they needed to be the center of attention at all times.

“SKEE-WEE!!! SKEE-WEE!!!!”

A few Zetas threw up kitty hand signs, Deltas threw up triangles, Sigmas threw up three fingers with their thumb and ring finger down.

Their drinks came and Valencia automatically took sips of her Long Island Iced Tea. She couldn’t stop herself from looking over at Erik’s table again and he was stomping around like a proud Que with his Bruhz Valencia giggled at Erik’s mug. He settled back in his seat and took a sip of his drink.

After some time, the lights in the room went dim and a spot light hit the stage. It was a spotlight with a purple hue. Valencia was nursing her second drink, taking careful sips so she wouldn’t get drunk too fast. She was too busy turning up with her friends to notice that Erik himself took the stage. He walked up to the mic apprehensively, grabbing the pole with one hand while adjusting the mic with his other. The sound of the mic caused everyone to turn their attention towards him.

Valencia looked at him and her smile disappeared from her face and in its place was a nervous look. Erik’s presence on that stage commanded the room to silence. The only sound being that of Usher Dot Com instrumental. Valencia scanned the room, and then her eyes looked towards the stage again.

“Hello…hello…hello. I’m sure most of you know me but I’m gonna introduce myself anyway. My name is Erik. My friends call me E, Daka—that’s short for my middle name, N’Jadaka, and Poet. Uhm,” he placed his hands in his pockets, “It’s been years since I’ve been on this stage. Tonight I have some new shit,” Erik chuckles nervously, taking one hand out of his pocket to run over his locs, “This is for you, Valencia.”

Valencia’s eyes went round like saucers. Her eyebrows shot up as she looked around the table at her friends, all of which were staring back at her with big goofy smiles. One by one, they each pulled a rose from beneath the table and handed it to her. Valencia clutched her chest, the roses placed in front of her on the table rendering her speechless. Others stood from their tables and walked over, handing her red roses painted with glitter.

“W—What?” She accepted another rose, “I can’t believe…”

After the last person, Andrea, handed her a rose. Valencia had a full bouquet in her hand. She wanted to cry. This was the most beautiful thing a guy has ever done for her. And it wasn’t over. She looked up at Erik with glossy eyes. He smirked at her and gave her a wink.

Valencia…

I'm sorry for what I've done

I'm sorry for who I've been

Sorry for where its gone

So sorry to lose a friend

I’m sorry I kiss your plump lips in my sleep

So sorry I can’t get you off my mind

As I lose myself and find myself

I’m sorry if I wonder do I ever cross your mind

So hypnotizing…

Your soft voice and bashfully beautiful gaze

I’m sorry we’re apart

I’m not sorry I’m falling for you though

Forgive me if I can’t help that I want you

Forgive me…

If I stumble and fall.

Too clumsy…and my words do not form as I wish

So let me kiss you and let my lips paint for you

All that I feel in my heart.

Let my hands touch again…and my mouth again…

Erik paused. The suspense of his words blanketing the room. Valencia drew her bottom lip into her mouth. She could never…would never forget how his mouth felt on her pussy. Saying that on stage in front of everyone…

Every rose I gave to you

I hope brings a smile to you face

Inside each rose is a piece of my soul

So Valencia

I want your trust more than anything

Baby girl

It was a bad decision

And now I want you here

So please take me back

'Cause I need you right now

Vulnerable words from your Poet…

Erik backed away from the mic, and instead of snaps, everyone clapped. There was a standing ovation. Erik exited the stage and walked over to Valencia. She stood up and tears rolled down her cheeks. She opened her arms and Erik pulled her in for a tight hug. He pulled away and Valencia surprised with a kiss to the cheek. It didn’t matter if it was the lips or the cheek, he was happy as hell.

“This is so much—Erik, thank you,” Valencia blotched her eyes dry.

“Anything to put a smile on your face again,” Erik said.

————

Valencia returned to her dorm room with a smile and her bouquet of roses pressed against her chest tightly. That was the sweetest most sincere thing any guy has ever done for her. She liked Erik even more. Brielle decided to stay with Skai for the night and Valencia was grateful because she needed to process this alone. The fact that her friends even knew what was going to happen all this time and they didn’t give her a hint amazed her.

Valencia sat on her bed to take off her shoes. As she did, she looked at the selfies she took with Erik before she left. Her phone vibrated and she noticed it was a text from Erik. She unblocked him on the ride over. Valencia read his text and she instantly smiled.

Erik: care for a night swim?

Valencia knew that he would be texting her. He whispered to her that he planned to send her a text with a surprise later. So, he wanted to go swimming? Valencia smiled at her phone as she texted a reply.

Valencia: absolutely ☺️

Erik: Cool. I’ll meet you there. Bring a change of clothes 😈

Valencia shot up from bed and headed towards her closet. She opened a drawer that stored all of her bikinis and found an orange one. A pink body con, a thong, sandals, and a few pieces of jewelry went into a bag. She quickly undressed and put the bikini on with Erik’s hoodie on top. She slipped on a pair of slides and grabbed her bag, phone, and keys. She made her way over to the pool and when she got there, Erik was nowhere to be found. She shot him a quick text message outside of the entrance to the pool.

Valencia: Where are you?

Erik: One second

The door opened and Erik was dressed in a pair of blue swim shorts that hugged his thighs. He was shirtless and still rocking the gold chains. His locs were in his face, almost long enough to cover his eyes. He opened the door further and Valencia slipped inside. The luminescent swimming pool looked calm and lonesome. The blue hue created the same glow around them. The tiny ripples created a specular reflection across their bodies as they dress closer.

Placing her bag down, Valencia took off the hoodie and sat it on a bench. She stepped out of her slides and walked over towards Erik. His eyes roamed her body, and then he licked his lips. Valencia sat down on the edge of the pool and Erik joined her. Their feet slipped into the water and it felt warm. She turned to look at him before timidly avoiding his gaze to stare down at the water. Erik didn’t take his eyes off of her.

“That was beautiful, Erik.” Her voice echoed as she spoke.

“Thank you. It wasn’t my best but…It was definitely my most vulnerable.” Erik said.

“Well, I thought it was heartfelt and sweet. How the hell did you get everyone to go along with it?”

Erik laughs, “The car wash? I pretty much went around and asked every one if they wanted to participate. The roses were planted there beneath the tables.”

“Very clever,” Valencia giggles.

“I knew you weren’t gonna let me off the hook that easily, and for that…I thank you.”

Valencia looked up at him through her lashes.

“…I’m happy we can start off where we left off.” Erik said.

“Me too…I did miss you…I just….I have major trust issues.”

Erik shrugged, “I get it. You ain’t gotta explain that to me.”

Valencia tucked her chin and smiled.

“The water looks good,” Valencia stood up, “I’m getting in. Are you coming?”

“Yeah.”

She stepped into the pool from the ladder and backstroked towards the deep end. Erik swam over towards her, water splashing on Valencia. She giggled, splashing Erik back even though it wasn’t intentional that he got water in her face. Back and forth they played water tag.

“Okay! Stop!” Valencia shielded her face, “Truce!”

“You givin’ up that easily, girl?” Erik teases.

“Yes, I am. You’re stronger.” Valencia said.

“Am I?”

Erik swam over and picked Valencia up. She squealed before Erik tossed her playfully, Valencia going under. She reappeared, smoothing her braids from her face. Erik laughed at her attempt to glare at him. It was cute. They circled each other, staring each other down. Valencia broke the eye contact first. Erik inched closer. They paddled their arms and propelled their legs to stay afloat. Erik looked so delicious. Valencia couldn’t help but to reach up and smooth his locs back from his eyes.

“…You’re so handsome,” Valencia shyly looked at him.

“And you’re so beautiful.” Erik replied.

The sound of his voice bouncing off of the walls shot straight to her pussy.

“I want to kiss you…” Erik whispered.

Valencia turned away from Erik. He watched her go under, swimming away from him. Erik followed and took in a breath before going beneath the water. He swam, following her until she turned his way, still under water. She broke the surface and Erik was right there, centimeters away from her face. They stared into each other’s eyes and then Valencia’s back hit the edge of the pool. Erik trapped her there. Water dripped from his hair and made his lashes look wet and curled.

“…Can I kiss you?”

Valencia looked from his lips to his eyes. She slowly nodded her head and Erik closed the space between them, his lips crashing into hers desperately. He yearned for her lips. Erik grunted against her lips. Valencia opened up and Erik swiped his tongue across her teeth. Valencia draped her arms over his shoulders and Erik gripped the edge of the pool harder. His chest and crotch were pressed snuggly against Valencia’s body.

Their heads swiveled from left to right, tongues dancing, their lips moved together in a sloppy manner. It was hot, sexy, steamy, and passionate all at the same time. Valencia wrapped her thighs around Erik and he took that opportunity to pick her up. They moved towards the center of the pool and after sucking each other’s faces off for minutes, Erik came up for air. That didn’t stop him from kissing her. His lips were on her neck now.

“Mmmm,” Valencia moaned.

His lips kissed the tops of her breasts and between them. He looked her in the eyes while doing it. She knew what he wanted. Valencia slowly grabs one of Erik’s large hands and guides it to her bikini strings. He didn’t take his eyes off of hers as his fingers pulled, the top falling from her chest. Erik’s eyes dropped down to admire them. B-cup, perky, with perfect nipples and areolas. Deep brown and tasty.

“Damn, baby,” Erik whispered, “Fucking beautiful…”

His lips were on hers again and then he broke the kiss, lifting her up more so that her breasts were in his face practically. Staring up at her, Erik wrapped his thick lips around her left nipple and started sucking. That sensation was a tickle that went straight to her pussy. Her clit jumped, her inner thighs gripped him tighter, and her breathing became uneven.

Erik took his time sucking each nipple. They were so stiff and begging for attention. The sensation of his warm mouth and soft lips did that. She couldn’t watch him doing it anymore, it was too much. She instead moaned towards the ceiling with her eyes shut. Now, his tongue flicked her nipples. Valencia looked down with her beautiful mouth parted, tiny breaths of pleasure from between her lips. She loved that he took attention to her breasts. Her ex would suck a nipple for only ten seconds. Isaiah didn’t even care to do it.

Another box checked off her list.

“Erik…”

He lightly nibbled with his teeth on the tips of her nipples. She gripped his shoulders tightly. He dragged his tongue and lips all over her areolas like a starved man. Valencia couldn’t take it anymore. She tried to move her chest away from Erik’s mouth but he wouldn’t stop. Her body tensed up and she started to panic. What the hell was happening?

“Unh…Erik…uh—uh—uhhhhh—”

Her body trembles, as if the water ran cold. He pressed his face between her breasts and exhaled. Did she just experience an orgasm from nipple play? A wetness that didn’t come from the water made her pussy hot and sticky. Erik looked up at her with a smirk and Valencia couldn’t help but giggle.

“That was intense and out of my control.” she spoke breathlessly.

“Didn’t I tell you I can be your first of many things, beautiful?”

“Yes,” Valencia bites her lip. “Getting freaky in a pool is definitely something I’ve never done.”

“Hmm,” Erik brought her down so that they were face to face, “Getting your pussy ate pool side sounds amazing right now, don’t you think?”

Erik’s hand came down to sit between Valencia’s legs. He cupped her pussy in his hand over her bikini bottoms and slowly rubbed up and down. His thick digits applied pressure to her clit and he could feel her piercing. Valencia closed her eyes and parted her lips.

“Nah…look at me…”

She took her time opening her eyes. When she did, she was staring into Erik’s eyes.

“I still have those panties…”

She shuddered. Yes, her used thong from a month ago.

“They still smell amazing by the way.”

A sly smirk painted his thick lips. She looked away. She couldn’t believe this man still had them! That was the nastiest thing and she loved it.

“…what do you do with them?” Valencia asked with a small voice.

“Well…I sit them on my face and I just…beat my dick whenever I think about you…”

Her face grew hot and she shifted in his embrace but Erik made sure she didn’t move. His hand rubbing up and down felt so good. Valencia started circling her hips while his hand rubbed. He chuckled at her and that Que tongue teased her.

“I guess you can say I’m obsessed. I need a new pair to add to my collection…”

“What else are you obsessed with…sexually?”

Valencia had to chew on her bottom lip to control the tremors. He started rubbing her clit in a circle with his finger tips.

“I have fetishes and kinks…bondage…voyeurism…exhibitionism…toe-sucking…that’s just to name a few.”

Valencia is familiar with BDSM but she’d never experienced any of it. He has a foot fetish and that’s something she always found interesting. She’s very ticklish, so she hoped Erik wouldn’t do that to her. She wouldn’t be able to handle it.

“How about you?”

Valencia blinked away from him, “Uhm…well I do have some kinks for some things—I’ve never tried—it’s not as hot as yours though.”

Erik cocked his head. They floated towards the edge of the pool again and Erik sat her down. He stood between her legs and looked up at her eagerly.

“You can still tell me,” Erik said with a reassuring voice.

“…okay…I consider myself to be a size queen.”

Erik lifted a single brow.

“Do you know what that means—”

“I do. You prefer big dicks. Bigger than average dicks.”

It was the way he said that. Valencia couldn’t look him in the eye after that. Erik laughs.

“Sexual partners with bigger dicks…coming from you, that’s…not what I expected.”

“What did you expect then?”

“DD/LG. Sex talk…you know size queens take dick, right?”

Erik emphasized dick strongly.

“I know,” Valencia looked away shyly.

“Aight,” Erik smiled playfully at her, “What else?”

“…I feel like I have an oral fixation…”

“Me too. I definitely do,” Erik chuckled.

He reached up to stroke between her legs. She shut her thighs and trapped his hand there.

“Spread your legs, Valencia…”

She did as she was told.

“Bring your feet up and open wider…”

She leaned back and carefully brought her legs up one-by-one. Her pussy was sitting phat between her legs from that position. Erik got closer, taking his thick fingers to push her panties to the side. What he saw blew his mind. Her wetness had a slimy consistency to it that connected to her bikini bottom. She was ready for some dick and his mouth. He used his thumb to peel back her outer lip and the more he did, the more it leaked.

“Fuck…you should see this…you’re so fucking wet, girl…”

Valencia scooted her hips towards the edge and Erik used his tongue to swipe between her outer lips. Valencia placed a hand on the back of his head. He was slurping and sucking at the same time. Anything to get all of that tasty stuff in his mouth. He flicked his tongue up between her folds and the sensation caused her clit to ache in the best way.

“Yes…mmm…Erik, that feels so good…I missed your mouth…”

That was music to his ears. She could hear him smacking his lips and the sound of his wet tongue.

“Daddy…yes…please don’t stop…make me cum…”

Pushing her thighs back, Erik did just that. He didn’t stop. He sucked that bejeweled clit into his mouth and sucked to his heart’s desire and it tugged on Valencia’s heartstrings. She had his locs in her fist. Her wet braids fell over her face. Her naked chest thrust forward. It was the most erotic thing.

“Oh my gosh!”

Her body spasmed and Erik dipped his tongue into her entrance so he could catch it all. Every drop needed to be on his tongue. Valencia pushed his head away and sat up. Erik shook his locs from his eyes and licked her sticky sweetness from his lips.

“We need to take this shit to my room now…I can’t do what I wanna do to you here…”

Valencia knew she was in trouble. He gave her this look and she just knew.

————

They entered the Omega Psi Phi house and Erik shut the door softly. Hand in hand, they crept up the stairs and when they both made it to the top landing, Erik led Valencia down the hall to his right. Majority of the house was still out for the evening. His room door was the most decorated out of the ones at the end of this hall. He took out his keys from his hoodie pocket and opened his door. Valencia slipped inside first and then Erik came in right behind her before shutting his door and locking it again. The room was cloaked in darkness with a little light from the streetlights outside peeking through the blinds. Erik took her bag from her and she could see his silhouette moving towards a desk.

He flicked on a lamp and adjusted the lighting so that it was dim. A yellow ambiance filled one corner of the room and the area where the bed resided was 80% dark. Valencia thought it was the perfect glow for what was about to go down. Erik proceeded to take his laptop out of his book bag and Valencia made herself comfortable on his bed. It was neatly made and fluffy. Some music played and Valencia figured it was to muffle the noises they were about to make but one thing about her, if it feels good, she can’t keep quiet.

Erik took off his hoodie and T-shirt. He stood in front of her with a bare chest and shorts on. They took a quick rinse after swimming. Valencia removed Erik’s hoodie from her body and her panties. She kicked off her slides and went to shield her body with her legs. Erik walked up to her on his bed and while his eyes looked down at her, he slowly peeled his shorts off. Valencia watched his movements with a steady gaze.

She could see that he was well groomed down there. When his dick bobbed out, she went still with speechlessness. It was thick, long, and veiny with heavy balls to match. Shaft the color of hickory and the tip reminded her of cinnamon. Something you would see in a porno. She’d never seen a dick this big in person. That’s all she had to compare it to. Valencia didn’t even want to venture a guess as to how big he is. Tonight was going to be the night where she explored her size queen fantasies.

“You’re so big…”

Valencia wrapped her small hand around him. Her fingers barely touched. She didn’t want to look scared, but she was. She replaced her shocked expression with a flirty smile. Erik reached down and caressed her chin. She knew what he wanted. She wished she’d practiced for this. She wanted to impress this man badly with skills she didn’t possess. Sure, she could give head, but would he enjoy it?

“Valencia.”

She was knocked out of her daze. Sitting up on her knees, she leaned forward while gently stroking him. Valencia would dart her eyes up at him timidly while his fat dick was in her face. So much dick.

Don’t chicken out, she thought.

“Go on, don’t act all shy, get a taste.”

Valencia let go of his shaft to push her braids back over her shoulders. Erik helped her by taking her braids into his fist loosely.

“Thank you,” She took him into her grasp again.

Fear flashed before her eyes and Erik used his thumb to stroke her chin again.

“C’mon, don’t be scared. Not with lips like that…”

She giggled nervously. Valencia leaned in and flicked her tongue along the tip of his dick like she was testing the waters. Erik’s grunt made her kiss his tip with her juicy lips.

“Stop teasing me and suck this dick.”

Valencia opened her mouth and Erik tugged on her braids so she could look up at him. She shut her eyes while sucking his wide tip into her mouth. That action alone made her jaws sore.

“Open your eyes, Valencia,” Erik tugged on her hair, “What I say?”

He was starting to show his dominance more and more. Valencia blinked up at him, the view from her position a sight for sore eyes. That body and that face with that big dick in her hand was all too much. She sank her lips deeper, and Erik exhaled a longing breath.

“You got a tight ass throat, ma…”

Valencia popped her lips off.

“I’m sorry—”

“Nothing to apologize about, baby. Put that mouth back on daddy’s dick.”

She did as she was told.

“There you go, put some more in there…”

She squeezed her thumb and breathed through her nose. A technique she’d learned about but never really used. She wasn’t a throat goat but she’d never had to challenge herself until she met Erik.

“Good girl…mmm.”

She added more spit to her sucking. There was no way she was going to fit all of him in her mouth. Valencia stroked him like she was grinding pepper with one hand while she sucked whatever she could.

“Look at you, all that being scared and you sucking it just like I like it…nice and slow…lots of spit…such a nasty girl.”

Erik licked his lips at her and his eyes were low. He kept making these grunting noises in his throat. She loved it so much.

“Those lips…feel so good on my dick, baby…”

Erik did something she wasn’t prepared for. He thrust his hips forward a little and more of his dick sank down her throat. Valencia gagged and her body jerked away from the feeling. Spit was hanging from her mouth and she looked up at him with wet eyes.

“Did I tell you to stop sucking?”

“N–no,” Valencia sniffled.

Erik tapped her lips with his dick.

“Open your mouth.”

Panic set in. She opened up and Erik had a hand on the back of her head and one on her throat. He started fucking her mouth slow. Valencia placed a hand on his thigh to try and control him. A knock suddenly came to Erik’s door and not once did he stop.

“Poet! Me and the rest of the guys were going out for drinks. You wanna roll out, dog?”

“Nah! I’m good. I’ll see ya’ll tomorrow!”

Erik bites down on his bottom lip when her lips popped off. He rubbed his dick along her lips, dribbling her lips with his tip before whispering for her to open the fuck up.

“Aight! We’ll catch up!”

When the coast was clear, Erik groaned.

“When I cum don’t you come up off this dick, you hear me?”

“Mhm,” Valencia couldn’t use her mouth at the moment to reply. Only sounds.

She sucked and sucked and her jaws ached but she was determined to make him cum. She was doing so well and Erik was loving it so much. He started moaning and saying her name. She felt in control. With a deep inhale, she took a chance and relaxed the back of her throat, twitching it around his tip.

“Shit, here it comes—”

Valencia sat still with Erik’s dick between her jaws. She could feel him throbbing with his release. He came in her mouth and it was thick and warm. She swallowed quickly, careful not to choke. It was a lot. She wasn’t surprised, with a dick that big and balls that heavy, it was expected. She came up for air and wiped her mouth off with the back of her hand. Erik twirled one of her nipples while bending over to kiss her lips. Tongue and all.

“You did so good, baby.” Erik whispered against her lips.

“You liked it? I wanted to make it good for you.”

“You made me cum didn’t you? I was tryna hold back but I couldn’t control it. I wonder what that pussy gonna do to me…”

“The same,” Valencia boldly replied.

“Yeah? That pussy gon’ make this dick bust too?”

“Mhm,” She jerked him while chewing on her bottom lip and staring him in his eyes with all the strength she could muster.

“You better hope I don’t bust in you…”

Erik tongues Valencia down again. His words fluttered in her mind. She was on birh control but she’d never let a guy do it. Isaiah drunkenly told her that he wanted to cream pie her, but he was wearing a condom. Erik planned to fuck her raw.

“Come sit on my face.”

Erik climbed into his bed and propped his pillows up. When he was settled, Valencia threw her leg over him and Erik popped her on that bubble booty with a hard slap.

“Turn the other way…just like that…”

She turned her back towards his face while her ass and pussy sat inches away from his mouth.

“Arch that back, girl.” Erik commanded with another smack to her ass.

Valencia did as she was told and Erik spread her cheeks . He didn’t waste time tongue-fucking her wet hole and slurping up her clit. Valencia clawed the sheets and started grinding her pussy along the length of Erik’s tongue. He spit on her pussy and sucked it back up over and over. Her eyes crossed like she was losing consciousness.

“OOH!, Erik, fuck, I’m gonna cum already!”

Erik whacked her across the ass through her release. He was showing a roughness with her that overwhelmed her. Valencia didn’t have time to recover when Erik sat up and positioned her on her back. He loomed over her and his lips pressed firmly against hers. She could feel his thick fingers between her thighs, stroking her pussy before slowly sinking two fingers deep.

“Uh—”

“I gotta make sure I open you up for this dick, girl,” Erik whispered.

His fingers pumped in and out of her. He was knuckle deep and torturing her spot. Valencia turned her face away and Erik attacked her neck. The obscene noises her pussy made was similar to squelching. She felt that from head to toe. Erik’s continuous nasty talk in her ear with a husky voice had her whimpering.

“This my pussy, Valencia?”

“Yeah.”

“I can’t wait to fuck you…”

She felt a flutter in her belly from his words. His anxiousness let her know that she was going to take it all over his bed.

“Ima be in that pussy every way I can…you’re so pretty…you have the best pussy, babygirl…My dick is so hard…”

She could feel his stiffness on her inner thigh. Rigidly tapping her.

“I’ve been waiting for this shit…”

“Daddy—”

“You wanna cum? That pussy cumming again?”

“Yes—”

“Tell me whatchu want…open your mouth and tell me. All that shy shit is over wit’ you know what time it is.”

“…can I cum, please, daddy?”

She clawed his back. The more he continued to finger-fuck her, the harder it became to hold it in. She felt a sensation and she was afraid she was going to urinate. It was so intense, Valencia couldn’t fight it.

“Erik, Erik, Erik!”

“Gimme that shit.”

A stream of liquid similar to a fountain stained the sheets. It was too powerful and the more he fingered, the more she did it. She’d never ever squirted before.

“Oh my gosh,” Valencia tried to catch her breath, “I squirted…I’m sorry, I made a mess.”

She shielded her face with her hands in embarrassment. Erik moved her hands away and showed her his messy fingers before sucking on them.

“You can squirt, you can cream, I want all of that shit. Don’t ever be embarrassed about what this body can do. I’m so crazy about you…”

Erik pecked her lips and she could taste herself. He sat up on his knees and spread her thighs. Valencia hitched her breath when he started spanking her pussy with the tip of his dick.

“…A fat puss and a fat dick…you know what time it is, right?”

Valencia nodded her head with a pout of her lips.

“I’ll go nice and steady, okay?”

Erik kissed her inner left thigh before he gripped the base of his dick in one hand, gliding it between her folds before the wide tip of his thick pipe sat at her entrance eagerly. She watched as his chest moved up and down and his eyes focused on his movements. His eyes drifted up her body to rest on her face.

“It’s gonna feel so good…you’ll be begging me not to stop…”

She brought both of her arms up and her hands squeezed the pillow beneath her head. She tried to steady her breathing, but when Erik finally thrust forward, she lost her cool.

“Shit,” she squeezed her eyes shut, “It’s too much…”

The tip popped in and instantly she clenched him. Erik groaned. The snugness around his tip felt so fucking food. He needed more.

“Ima give you more…fuck, Valencia, pussy tight as fuck…”

He had his hands on the back of her thighs and both of them watched as he fed her pussy more fat dick.

“I’m tryna behave but all I wanna do is dig yo’ shit out.”

He gave her this look that told her ‘I’m ready to go berserk’ he would stop to give her a second to adjust and then more filled her up. She threw her head back and moaned. Erik had half of his dick in there.

“Look at me, talk to me…”

He withdrew his hips and Valencia’s eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open.

“Tell me where I’m at…”

“You’re in my pussyyyyyyy!”

Tears rolled down into her hairline. The sensation was so intense. She couldn’t even describe how wet she was. She felt so full.

“I’m finna’ go harder. You ready?”

Valencia had panick in her eyes. Erik kissed his teeth. He was impatient and with her good pussy wrapped around his dick she better get ready.

“Be a big girl and take it…own it and take it, ma.”

“…okay.”

Erik dropped that dick off in her all the way now and Valencia cried out. He leaned over her body causing her hips to lift from the bed. He put his fist into the mattress and the momentum of his thrusting went faster and faster. She didn’t know what to do.

“Yes,” Erik whispered, “I’m in this pussy now. hmm…”

“Unh—”

It felt so intense and so amazing. Erik sat up so he could look her in the eyes. He drew his bottom lip into his mouth and delivered sharp thrusts while staring her down. She was completely ruined and all he did was fuck her and look at her.

“I c–c–can’t hold it—”

“FUUCK—”

Her orgasm rocked through her body. Erik slipped out and she exhaled a shaky breath.

“Look…”

She sat up on her elbows. His dick was coated in cum and brick hard. Erik looked at her through his locs, a teasing smirk on his face. He was on her again, not even telling her how he wanted her. Instead, he positioned her with her face down and ass up. He fixed her arch, adjusted her legs, and then with two large hands on her ass cheeks, he pointed his tip at her opening and bam! He was back in like he never left.

“Keep that arch. What the fuck did I say?”

“Okay!” Valencia bowed her back, “Do I need to do it more?”

Erik didn’t respond with words, he fixed her himself and then spanked her ass.

“Ouch,” it stung so hard, “daddy that hurts..”

He kissed her cheeks and she whimpered.

“It wouldn’t hurt so much if you listen to what I say. Stay just like that.”

Erik’s dick went in and out. Each time it would go in, her pussy would queef. So much creamy mess. She felt it in her lower belly, it created intense pressure to the bottom of her pussy, her body quaked out of her control. So many different sensations hitting her at once.

“Mhm, you look so good right now…”

Valencia looked back at Erik.

“It’s s–s–so deep….” Valencia stuttered.

“I know, baby, but you’re doing so well, pretty girl…now daddy gotta bust it open some more…”

With just his hips, Erik showed her a good time. When he wanted to play back shots, he didn’t want you running and pushing him away. Her ass ricocheted off his hips and all she could do was grip the sheets and moan so loud it bounced off of the walls. She couldn’t do anything about the intense sensations.

“DADDY! OH MY GOD! ITS SO BIG! ITS SO BIG, DADDY! OH MY GOSH! ERIK! ERIK! ERIK!”

“Don’t push me away,” Erik locked her wrist behind her back as he barked out his command, “FUCK!”

He slowed down and Valencia tried to catch her breath. She didn’t want him to slow down. She wanted more dick. How was it possible to want more when she couldn’t even take it in this position?

“There you go…there you go. You fucking me back? Oh, so now you ain’t scared of this dick?”

Valencia threw it back on him and Erik stood there watching her with unblinking eyes and his mouth hanging open.

“Didn’t I tell you I would have you on this dick? Didn’t I fuckin’ tell you that?” Erik slapped her ass, “You showing out, girl. Fat pussy takin’ it like a real size queen.”

She looked back at him and licked her lips.

“Can you beat it up, daddy?”

Valencia was talking her shit. Erik pounded her pussy out.

“UHHHH SHIT!” She yelled.

Valencia sat up and Erik placed a hand around her neck from the front.

“Right there! Please don’t stop!” She begged.

Pound after pound. Her body seized up.

“You ain’t gotta tell me, baby, I feel that pussy…don’t hold back, give me what I want, wet up this fuckin’ dick!”

“YES!”

Erik slipped out and Valencia fell flat against the bed. She rolled over and stared up at Erik before reaching her arms out. He chuckled, picking her up and then she wrapped her legs around him snuggly.

“You want me to fuck you in the air?”

She nodded her head and bashfully smiled at him.

“I’ve always wanted to be picked up during sex. I wanna see how it feels…”

“I’ll give you whatever you want.”

Erik lined himself up and dropped her down on his dick. He palmed her ass and forced her down on his big dick, bouncing her up and down at a leisurely pace so she could feel it from the tip to the balls. Erik dipped his hips and Valencia had her arms wrapped around his neck.

“Uh! Uh! Uh! Uh!” That’s all she could do. Moan and live in the moment.

Erik pressed his forehead against hers. She took in a sharp breath.

“I’m so close, this pussy gon’ make me cum so hard, fuck, gahdamn, shit, this wet pussy…tight, wet, gushy pussy—”

“I’M CUMMING FOR YOU!” Valencia declared.

“Cum on this fucking dick!”

Valencia came so damn hard. It was an out of body experience. She clung to Erik tightly and he sat on the bed and bounced her in his lap. Her words ran through his mind.

“Daddy! I wanna have your baby!”

“Valencia—”

Erik’s balls tightened and his shaft throbbed and twitched the same time her walls clenched him.

“Ima fucking nut—FUCK—”

He lifted her off of his dick and she was on her knees fast, sucking him clean. Erik sat back on his elbows and his body twitched. Spurt after spurt of his thick cum covered her lips and dripped onto her breasts. She jerked him while sucking on his tip.

“Unh, mmm, huhhhh, uhhhhh, fuckkkk….”

He was too sensitive. He grabbed his dick from her and sat up. Valencia licked her lips and tried to clean herself off. She peeked up at him and gave him a small smile followed by a giggle.

“I can’t believe I said that.”

She laughed it off, trying her best to conceal her embarrassment. She was so caught up in the moment. She covered her face and Erik moved her hands away. He helped her to her feet and sat her in his lap.

“Forget I said that.” She looked down into her lap, “That was amazing…”

Erik tilted her head up and stared into her eyes.

“I don’t want to forget it. And you need to stop feeling so ashamed. Shit, I almost gave you that baby.”

They both laughed. Valencia pressed her face into Erik’s neck.

“…you might experience a lot of emotions. It’s intense…”

“I’m so happy I got to experience it with you.”

Erik kissed Valencia on the forehead.

“Me too, baby girl. And I want more moments with you.”

Erik pulled the sheets back and he laid back against his pillow with Valencia snuggled close to him.

“You wore a nigga out…”

Valencia giggled.

“I could go for round two…”

———

@goddessofthundathighs @theegoldenchild @hearteyes-for-killmonger @imagining-greatness @chaneajoyyy @uzumaki-rebellion @theeblackmedusa @lisayourworries @ratedbadgal @bombshellbre95 @cecereads209 @cancerianprincess @dameshaemonique @6lack-1otus @thickemadame @thickeeparker @stinkalinkkkk @ehniki @electrixit @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @bakarisprxncess @melodichaeuxx-lacritquexx @bxolux @sweet2krazee @bluesole16 @seyven89 @ispywithmylileye @geemamii @unbotheredblackchild @nubianbabee @adoreesun @blackpinup22 @nayaxwrites @cocoa-puffs @dersha89 @honeytoffee @thickianaaaa @modelmemoirs @why-wait-4-eventually @queenfaithmarie @angelicniah @soulfulbeauty19 @aijha @novaniskye @princessxotwod @callmemckenzieee @blowmymbackout @lahuttor @momobaby227 @blackerthings @kenbieee @palmstreesallday @kokokonako @coolfancyone @soulsparker @richgirlaesthetics @withoutmusiclifewouldbflat @beautybyfire @abluesforlyssa @xo-goldengirl @mbakuetshurisprincess @4ftwonder @raysunshine78 @sensitivelegend @sourbabynaee @gotbeefbitch-blog @efonteno @akimi-youngblood @badassdoll @shyblackgurl @childishgambinaax @teheeboo @skylahb @gigafaex @readingaddict1290 @circeaphoenix @xsweetdellzx @carewornblackgirl @queengodiva619 @certifiedlesbianbaddie @jamaicanqueenaa

[scryarchives]

𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 - 𝐣𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 | 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟔

two nights ago, jaime thought he and drea thought things out, so why did she want to talk more?

masterlist | previous , next !

–pairings: jaime reyes x oc

– warning: fluff, canon divergent, blue beetle movie spoilers

– author’s note: i wont lie, im surprised this series has made it this far, so let's see how many more parts i can write lol. disclaimer: i’m not of Hispanic descent and i have don’t know casual terms spoken, so do correct me if im wrong!

translations: Me estás haciendo sentir al límite - you're making me feel on edge mi querida hermana - my dear sister pilliyeyan - my child

Hey, Jaime. You down to discuss some stuff?

The Mexican hero blinked tiredly, groggily waking from his sleep as he reached out to his vibrating phone, tired groans escaping his lips.

His eyes opened, barely, and squinted down at the small text on the bright glow of his screen, eyes scanning over the text that was now lingering on his lock screen.

“What the…” He muttered, glancing up at his alarm clock, the glaring red numbers alerting him that it was almost noon.

Quickly, he unlocked his phone, realising who the text was from. His sleepy conscience struggled to recall how they exchanged numbers, and that was when Khaji-Da’s voice popped up again, further waking up the male.

“You both exchanged contacts two nights ago. She hasn’t texted you prior.”

“Thanks, Khaji,” Jaime muttered, recalling her surprise as he hesitantly asked for her number, part of him telling himself that it was just in case a new attack appeared and he needed backup. 

Deep down, however, maybe he just longed for someone to talk to, someone who understood the risks just as well as he did.

The cogs in his mind turned as he took note of the time the message was sent, the male pulling himself out of bed as he walked towards the bathroom to brush his teeth.

Sent at 7:30 a.m.

“Shit, uhm,” Jaime’s voice came out muffled, a toothbrush shoved into his mouth. “Khaji, if you were human, how would you respond to this text?”

“I would say, ‘I do not converse with threats. Farewell.’ And perhaps keep records of her status.”

Rushing out of the bathroom, Jaime rushed back to his bed, eyes still concentrated on his phone.

“Okay, I’ll make a note to never ask you for advice again.”

Pulling a random tee from his drawer, he tugged the plain cloth over his head, a random pair of sweatpants from the corner of his room’s floor being pulled onto his body next. With his fingers speeding over the keyboard, he waltzed out of his room, grabbing the nearest hoodie, which conveniently was sprawled on the couch.

be over in 5?

Quickly, he clicked the little send icon, and the message was delivered in less than a minute. Dropping his phone back into his pocket, he spotted his younger sister sitting at the dining table, a plate of golden-coloured rice in front of her.

She was dressed cosily – hair bundled up messily into a ponytail, glasses slightly askew, and in her loose clothes. As soon as he was within her view, her eyes narrowed, trained on him with a glare so sharp, Jaime was sure he would’ve been dead if it weren’t for the alien embedded in his back.

“Hermano, sleep well last night?” She questioned with a fierce bite in her voice.

“Yeah, I did, thanks, now please stop glaring at me. Me estás haciendo sentir al límite.”

The siblings continued their banter, the older of the two rolling his eyes while pulling the fridge door open. He peered within the cooler for anything edible, a satisfied hum leaving him as he spotted all the containers.

“You deserve it,” She scoffed. “You literally chased off Drea, from the dinner that you invited her to. You’d honestly think that you were raised better. I’m surprised Mama didn’t pull la chancla out on you.”

“And I apologised, and we talked it out,” Jaime responded in a mutter, feeling his phone vibrate. “Besides, it was two days ago. If she’s chill, you should be chill too.”

Once again, he grabbed the closest thing, that being an energy bar, and pulled his phone out once more, eyes glued on the device.

Sure. meet you outside.

“Anyways, mi querida hermana, I’ll see you in a bit. Got a bit of talking to do,” He ripped the snack’s package open, multitasking with shoving the bar into his mouth and tying the laces of his second-favourite pair of shoes.

“What? Where are you even gonna go?” She huffed, scooping another spoonful of rice into her mouth. 

“Just to catch up, gonna talk. That’s all.”

“Very specific, Jaime. You better text Mama. I’m not cleaning up your messes all the time, you know?”

“Gotcha, see you later,” He winked, exiting his childhood home. “Don’t cause too much trouble while I’m gone.”

“Speak for yourself, sheesh.”

“Mama, please, I promise that I have this handled.”

Drea muttered, eyes cast onto the floor as her mother fussed around her, hands on her hips as she lifted her hand to place on her daughter’s cheek. Anika leaned against the doorframe of their kitchen, walking up to her wife and daughter.

“Are you sure you can trust this boy? Remember what happened last time in Metropolis–”

“Mama,” Drea placed her hand over Zara’s, pulling her mother’s palm away before holding it gently. 

“I’m telling you, it’s gonna be okay.”

“I know, pilliyeyan,” Zara muttered, placing a kiss on the crown of Drea’s head. “I’m just worried about you.”

“But you know I can handle myself now, right? I’m not thirteen anymore, right Amma?”

Slowly, Drea pulled away, Anika placing her hands around Zara’s shoulder, despite the extraterrestrial woman being taller than her human wife and child. Their daughter slung her purse over her head, tucking her phone into it, but not before checking her neighbour’s message one last time.

Sure. meet you outside. Seen at 11:30 a.m.

“I’ll be back in a bit, okay? I’ll call you both if anything! Love you both, bye!” 

And the thud of the front door closing shut was all that was left of their daughter, Zara chuckling in a bittersweet way as Anika placed a kiss on her tanned cheek.

“You’re right,” The extraterrestrial hummed. “She grew up too fast.”

Hearing the click of a lock, Jaime looked up from his phone, waiting just beyond the front gate of the Tlatilpas. He waved, a small smile growing on his features as the woman across him smiled kindly back at him.

“Hey, what’s up?” She began, Jaime’s hands stuffed back into the pockets of his grey sweats.

“I mean, I got out of bed less than ten minutes ago,” He shrugged with a teasing smile.

“Late night, huh?” She nodded. “Your eyebags say it all.”

“I mean, nothing new. Just more research and… stuff I guess.”

“You should rest later, when you have the time obviously,” Drea chimed, Jaime glancing at her in mild curiosity. “It’s important to rest up before job hunting. Gotta make sure you’re in your best shape.”

“Right,” Jaime nodded, his eyes taking in their surroundings. “Uh, where exactly are we going?”

“I dunno, I was following you.”

Jaime gave the woman a look of disbelief, his face naturally shifting into one that read “are-you-kidding-me”. But before he could let his tired mind suggest anywhere to go, Drea broke into a grin, a soft chuckle escaping her.

“You and Milagro really are so similar,” She shook her head. “Don’t worry, I got this. C’mon, I found this cool place the other day, and it’s quiet, so…”

“Great,” He sighed. “Cuz I’m too tired to think of any good place right now.”

“Don’t worry, Mr Reyes, I got you handled for today,” She winked.

And even though Jaime brushed it off as a little joke, he felt his cheeks warm, the urge to fight back his growing smile weakening by the second.

“Dopamine levels raised by twenty per cent, oxytocin levels raised by fifty per—.”

“THANK YOU, KHAJI.”

gif by @rob-pattinson

taglist: @mooncleaver @hoshi4k @mymanjaimereyes @asvterias @tinkerbelle05

< comment/dm me if you’d like to be on the taglist! >

[thelilreddragon]

Hi. I had an idea for a neat HP one shot/drabble prompt, if you are interested. I would understand if you aren’t interested in it, but regardless here it is=

Jily(James and Lily Potter)lives/muggle prompt/AU, ‘all a dream?’: “Harry! You are awake! Oh thank god”

“M mum? D dad? You are alive? Was it all a drea..”

“Son, you have been in coma for a while”

He had been asleep for a while… a while being 4 months and two weeks and 6 days.

Harry’d been hit in the head by a book, when he’d gotten into an argument with his friend Ron. Unfortunately, Harry fell backwards and had hit his head on the corner of his bedpost.

The force had fractured the back of his skull- just over his parietal lobe… after rushing him to hospital, his parents had seen him for all of two seconds before he went into surgery.

Ron was a mess, and Harry’s girlfriend and best friend was worse. Hermione kept yelling at Ron for his stupidity, and Lily had to send Ronald home.

Surgery had gone well. EEGs came back with heightened brain activity, highly indicating dreaming and imagination being present. There was only a tap of impact on his parietal lobe. The surgeons expected him to make a solid recovery, but were slightly concerned about writing not being the same.

James and Lily agreed that they would rather have their son never write again, than him be dead, and they cried when the surgeons told them that surgery went well.

4 months, two weeks, and 6 days later, Hermione is sitting in the bed beside her boyfriend, typing on her laptop.

Lily is asleep on her husband’s lap, on the inflatable mattress they purchased, and James is chatting with Hermione on Harry’s latest labs.

“He seems to be making progress. They’re thinking he’s going to wake up soon!” James exclaims, excitedly.

“I’ve been doing some research, and based on his heightened EEG levels, they’re thinking that rather than being able to hear us, Harry is actually having a dream that is so strong it mimics reality.” Hermione frowned, looking down at Harry, whose brow had furrowed for some reason.

She softly brings her finger down to poke at the bunched up skin on his forehead. “Please wake up, you idiot. I love you, but I will kill you before this thing does.”

Hermione is met with a further scrunch, including his nose. She wouldn’t have given it much thought, except for the fact that Harry’s mouth started to move like he was yawning. That’s new.

“James? He’s seriously making faces. Could you call in the nurse?”

“Alrighty!” James perked up, and gently moved his wife from his lap, to rest on the pile of blankets beside him. He skipped out the door, when Harry’s eyes started flickering like he was dreaming.

“I miss your eyes. Can you open them please?” Hermione whispered, moving her hand to cup his chin. Her response is a seriously scrunched face, and a raspy voice.

“Burr-ite.”

“He’s awake?!” There’s a crunch coming from the air mattress, the light is shut off, and Lily’s on Harry’s other side. Her hand reaches out to stroke his hair.

“Seems like it! Harry, love, can you hear me?” Hermione whispers.

“I got the doctor!” James yells, throwing the door open and striding into the room. “Any change?”

“L-ow-d,” rasps Harry.

“Bloody hell! He’s awake!” James exclaims, rushing up to beside his wife.

“I need you all to move away from the bed, so that I can look at him closer, please,” the doctor says, pulling his scope off of his neck.

The group moves away, and Hermione gracelessly drops her laptop onto the mattress. After what feels like hours, the doctor turns to them and says, “he’s fine. Let him readjust.”

Hermione is the first there, and she slips her fingers through his hair. “Hey handsome. Good to see your eyes again.”

A quirk of his lips. “Mione. What am I doing here?”

“Ron gave you a bonk.”

“Harry! You’re awake!!” Lily shouts, going onto Harry’s other side. James creeps up behind her.

“L-ow-d,” Harry whispers again.

“Oh I’m sorry, honey. You’re awake!”

“M-uh-m?” He rasps out. “Duh-add?”

“Yes, honey, we’re here. You’re okay.” Lily replies.

“Th-aw-gh-t yu-ew we-er d-eh-d,” Harry states, his words chopped and stuck. Likely a result of the impact of waking up, and possible aphasia.

Hermione and Lily share a glance. His raised EEG levels were in fact due to a hallucination.

“You were out for a while, honey.”

“So… I dreemed it?” He slurs out.

“Yes, son. You dreamed it.” James says, putting his hand on his son’s.

“‘S go-od. Was a we-ird dre-em.”

Turns out, Harry hallucinated being a wizard, which sent Lily into a laughing fit. Harry told her that he had fought some bald snake man with a stick, and married Ron’s sister.

Harry told Hermione that she’d married Ron, and she was splitting a gut with laughter. Though they had all been friends as kids, Ron was far too irritated with Hermione and vice-versa.

James and Lily weren’t too concerned about the concepts in Harry’s dream. They just kept asking him what the hell a huddle poof was.

—————

Hope that was good enough!! I tried! :)

[ask-the-flirty-fighters]

SWEET DREAM

Connie stretched as she entered her home. She just spent a sleepless three-day work streak, and while it was usually nothing for her to do (thanks to diamond essence and steel will) she was happy to be in her place. The project that she was working on showed great success, so she figured she deserved the rest.

As she climbed the stairs and made the left turn to the hallway, she saw that her main bedroom was cracked open.

A smile formed on her features as that could mean one thing.

Steven," her 'Mister' was back from his trip. Walking in silently, she saw him on their bed taking most of it as he laid near bare, the only clothing being his silk cookie cat boxers she brought for him recently.

She smirked and took a picture of her big Bisky slumber before stripping down to her gray bikini panty and his discarded rose-colored button-up, unbuttoned of course.

She was too hot for anything else, even with the gentle central air blowing.

She sat down next to him and was about to lay back when he heard him mutter in his sleep.

"Connie."

She shivered at the tone. Groggily but so sexual, and loving even in his sleep.

"Are you dreaming about me?" she teased slowly, not wanting to wake him.

He didn't respond, but he did speak her name again.

Her cheeks grew warm and her chest tightened as she continued to listen; only growing hotter when she saw his passion rise under his silk as his belly button gem glowed gently.

'This…' she started before snickering like an imp; setting the phone up on their end table and pressing record and making sure he was in the main view.

"Someone missing their Heartberry, huh?" She teased the sleeping man, feeling her arousal stroke and slowly build as she continued to observe him, while adoringly massaging his scalp.

Similar to all the times he massaged hers.

"Heartberry." he purred her moniker through heated breaths as his gem glowed, yet he remained asleep; unconscious instinct at the forefront.

Connie was about to answer when his hand crept down to his stiff and swollen member, pulling out of the slot of his boxers. "oh, it's been a bit, hasn't it?" she giggled lushly as she watched Steven begin to stroke himself. Her hand crept low upon herself.

"I missed you." Stevens' puppy whined as he caressed his gritty length up and down.

"Did you?" she cooed in his ear, making him moan as she gently rubbed his gem making sure to not wake him." I missed you too.."

"I missed your touch.." he admitted through a gasp, "so much...Every night I was away." His palm moved with more passion up and down as he melted under her gently polishing his gem.

"I missed you too, Mister... " her response was as true and tender as it was sultry and salacious," our bed seems so big when you're gone, so cold...too cold." She whispered watching him continue to dream and stroke, "hardly makes me want to come home...Rather lose myself in work if I can't lose myself in you."

He groaned in his sleep, "You work..too hard..."

She chuckled lovingly at his reprimand.

"As do you...but we do what we do for Era 3 and beyond." She told him purring in his ear.

"Connie?" He let out a groan as he stroked with more vigor.

"and what 268 hrs of nonstop work." she teased in his ears, knowing it would stroke a certain fire.

"Connie!" he growled with a hard reprimand as he stroked with more strength.

Still in his dream.

It served to make Connie's core hotter and slicker.

"I'm sorry mister.." Connie moved to his gem kissing the facets adoringly as she caressed her wet sex. Being so close to smell his scent, his natural musk mixed with the scent of his now dribbling cowper fluid. "You told me so many times to take care of my sleep...but it's hard without you." She played the brat role well.

"You need to...fuck..Take better care." He stroked more, squeezing his cock tightly as he did, "Such...a prideful...Workberry brat... I'll put you to sleep." He growled as his hips hiked as he stroked with more force.

Well, now she had an idea of what he was dreaming.

"Please..." she pleaded in his ears. "Put me into a comatose of euphoric bliss." She teased rubbing her moist and clenching core. There was something extremely arousing about helping his wet dream feel more real. About imagining the things he was doing to her, the things she wanted him to do to her.

The things he will do to her soon enough.

Maybe wake up to his tongue flicking her sweet spot, In that sweet way, that turns her to his spicy Berry.

And she will definitely return the favor.

"Fuck, you feel so good." she rolled her hips over her hand stroking her flame at the thought of them loving each other, in such a way..no matter how many times they have done it, it is always a new experience.

'NO...this is for him..naughty girl.' She gently reprimanded herself with a grin before lightly licking the clear fluid not wanting to wake.

"You feel so good." He gasped, "So tight, Hhmm."

She tensed gently when he trembled against her tongue trying to bite back a giggle.

Her impassioned breath on his diamond-hard, dripping erection.

"I love how you ride me...The mewls and faces you make when you do."

Connie's face glowed red through panting as she rubbed herself more.

Surely making the faces he's talking about now.

"You know how to bring…love…Fuck…Hmm!…the silly in and out of me." She praised through panting breaths and cooing lips, her palm still on his gem rubbing as she strokes her clit.

Soon moving the crotch of her panties to the side to fully fill her slick slot with three fingers, riding them as her wrist still massaged and kneaded her button, gasping his name.

Previous instructions were forgotten as she wanted to join him in his fantasy.

"Steven, you feel amazing." She gasped in a low lust drenched whisper watching her physical reaction.

"Oh! Hmm! You…feel so…good…so right…" he moaned as he bucked with more gusto, "So…Nice taking another's bride."

Connie blinked at that, her cheeks flushed maroon and she felt her sex clenched tighter…Was he dreaming about stealing her as a bride? And if he was…That was hot as hell.

'If a bit silly, since he's the only one I'd seriously consider marrying.' She thought before moving to his ear.

"On my wedding day…You're gonna give me a white wedding…take what belongs to my groom."

Steven growled as he thrust and pump more feeling himself stiffen, "You…hh…Might be his bride, have their last name…Fuck…but you gave me your heart, your mind, and even now…Your body."

"Well…" she said lustfully," You are my best man for a reason…" she teased rubbing and pumping her sex with the same vigor gasping wetly as she rubbed her inner hot spot, "Hmm Steven…Steven…fuck me." She whispered, kissing his gem, sending tight tingles through his nervous system.

"Fuck fuck…I'm gonna cum…so deep inside you!"

"Yes, do it! Come fill me to the brim! I wanna dirty the aisle with your Cum running down my thighs."

The sound of her needful whisper filled the room as she pleasured herself, and her hips moved in circular motions, pressing herself against the firm palm of her hand. Her eyes were transfixed on him as his hand worked his manhood methodically and with purpose, his shaft long and swollen, its veins protruding in a perfect rhythm.

"Show everyone that I'm your partner, your partner, your bad, BAD HEARTBERRY…and Heartberry…oooh fuck."

He shivered at the possessive words, feeling his testicles clench and tighten, she was his woman, he was her man and nothing would tear them apart.

"and your Heartberry…" She repeated between gasps, a searing sensation building in her core.

"Belongs only to her MISTER!" he growled out as he felt himself erupt with vigor, pumping his seed into the air and covering his hand, underwear, and her face in thick ropey strands of his juice as he shuddered in his bed.

The spectacle and force of his self-orgasm was enough to cause her own as she release; evoking a moan that would have pornstars jealous as Connie back arched, hips jutted, and inner walls constricted around her fingers in a python's vice. Her nerves burned wildly like running lava as she sprayed her essence over the bed, her hand, underwear, and both their thighs.

"Hmm…" she purred as she rode through the aftershocks. Fatigue slowly but surely seeped in.

"You made such a mess." A groggily Steven said.

"My biscuit made a mess of me, Mister." She sighed through a cute mewling yawn, nuzzling closer as she felt a palm on her head massaging her scalp.

Through sleepy eyes, she looked up at her mister who was smiling both adoringly and smugly at her through slightly sleepy eyes.

"...Can you turn off my phone, hubby?"

Steven arched a brow turning to her phone standing on the end table. Reaching over her saw that it was recording.

He turned to his sleeping Heartberry nuzzling closer to him.

"I love you, Mister…Welcome home." She sighed dreamily.

Steven shook his head chuckling before bringing her to the crook of his neck to rest as she wrapped him in a koala cuddle.

"Good to be home…Sweet dreams." He whispered, holding her close and rubbing her scalp as he fell back to sleep.

[harlowsbby]

idk if your taking requests but jack fic idea

he forgets your birthday - i want angst & arguments vibes you know like he made a promise to take the day off and he doesn’t and you don’t wanna make a big deal about it but it hurts

In the city

( I switched it up a bit anon I hope you don’t mind, thank you @mortirolo and @heavyhitterheaux and @softtcurse for the help 💗 )

“You promised me you’d be there Jack, you promised, you promised, you promised but you lied once again!! All you do is lie Jack.”

“I’m sorry I have a job Y/N! I’m sorry I do all of this shit to keep a roof over your head, this is my career I have people, important people and millions of fans that I can’t let down.”

“What about me Jack, all you do is worry about you and your career what me?! Tomorrow is my birthday and you can’t take the day off?!”

Jack sighed and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration he understood your anger towards him but at the same time he needed you to understand his life, you knew what you were signing up for before even dating Jack so he didn’t understand why you were acting like any of this was brand new.

He had to come up with some type of idea to get you to drop this silly argument he was exhausted and wanted to sleep.

“Look baby I’ll take the day off tomorrow I’ll call Neelam in the morning and let her know I can’t make it, I don’t want to argue with you baby not tonight please.”

“You’ll really do that for me?” You smiled softly when Jack smiled and nodded.

“Let’s go to bed baby yeah?” You crawled into bed while Jack turned off all the lights downstairs once he made his way upstairs he changed into a pair of sweatpants and a white t-shirt before getting into bed next to you.

The last thing you remembered before falling asleep was Jack rubbing small circles on your back and cooing in your ear.

You following morning you woke up shivering and groaned, patting the side next to you where Jack usually slept you frowned not feeling him next to you.

“Maybe he to get me something for my birthday.” You told yourself before unplugging your phone on the nightstand, you spent a good few minutes thanking everyone who told you happy birthday.

It didn’t feel the same not waking up to Jack on your birthday and having him not telling you happy birthday right away felt off.

Jack 💗

- good morning babe I just woke up, where are you at?

You sent the message and sighed there was no use of sitting around and sulking on your birthday, your friends Arianna and Drea were taking you out for lunch. Later on all three of you would be getting ready at your house before heading over to your birthday dinner that you hoped Jack would be at.

You quickly got dressed before heading outside where Arianna and Rykky were waiting for you.

“The birthday girl! How’s your day going so far?”

You wanted to tell them about Jack and yours argument last night and how he wasn’t there when you woke up this morning but there was no point in being negative especially on your birthday.

“It’s going good so far, I’m so hungry I can’t wait to eat.”

Halfway through the car ride you got a message from Jack, you quickly opened up the message.

Jack 💗

- Sorry baby I was in a meeting but I’m about to come I promise.

You frowned you didn’t even bother to reply you weren’t about to let him ruin your day.

Once the three of you arrived to the restaurant you took your seats and started talking about anything and everything you tried your best to stay focus but your mind kept wondering off to Jack.

“Are you sure you’re okay Y/N? You haven’t even touched your drink and you love some mimosas.” Drea frowned and tried scooting the drink closer to you to try and tempt you but it wasn’t working.

You weren’t going to tell them about Jack but you couldn’t hold in your emotions anymore.

“It’s just Jack last night we got into a fight about him working today and I wake up and he isn’t there I sent him a message asking where he was and he’s at some meeting, I just feel like he’s taking me and this relationship a joke.” You cried out Drew and Arianna coo’d at you.

“I’m sorry baby but I know he’ll definitely be at your birthday dinner right? He wouldn’t be dumb enough to miss that.” Arianna reassured you but you weren’t so sure.

“He hasn’t even told me happy birthday yet I’ll honestly be surprised if he shows up.”

“Well I hate to be the bear of bad news but he’s actually not in a meeting..” Drea told you both.

“Where is he?”

“You might wanna look for yourself.”

The minute you took Drea’s phone you wish you hadn’t, there was Jack on Neelam’s story at some other restaurant celebrating Jayda’s birthday, looking closely you noticed a gift that was next to her that said from Jack to Jayda , you clicked over to the next story and seen Jack had gifted her a cuban link.

“Jack you bought me a cuban link?! Oh my gosh thank you I love you so much!” Jayda’s voice came from the phone, you watched with envy as she jumped up and down while having her arms wrapped around Jack’s neck.

“So he can go and celebrate her birthday with her but not celebrate my birthday, his own girlfriend.” Your voice barley above a whisper you felt like breaking down and crying but what justice would that bring you.

“He’s an asshole and why would he go and celebrate her birthday last time I checked she had a man no? Jack’s with you not her and I can see all of the blogs now.” Drea hated Jayda she always felt that Jayda had this secret motive to take Jack from you.

“Well let’s not jump to conclusions or say and do things we might regret, I’m sure he’ll have an even better and bigger gift for you Y/N.” Arianna gave you hand a light squeeze before paying the bill.

Maybe Arianna was right you didn’t want to jump to conclusions and assume the worse but what were you supposed to do or feel when your boyfriend gifted some girl one of the most expensive gifts known to man.

You arrived back to your house and started getting ready for your birthday dinner, Arianna and Drea tried many times to cheer you up and take your mind off of Jack but it wasn’t working. You’ve been sending him several messages ever since you saw that he was with Jayda and everytime it would say he read the message but he never replied.

Just as you were about to text him again your phone was snatched out of your hands.

“Arianna give me my phone back please. I need to text Jack.”

“Again? You’ve been texting him all day don’t think I haven’t noticed you aren’t texting him. You’re not getting your phone back till your birthday is over.”

“What? You can’t do that.”

“Yes I can and I will. It’s your birthday and if Jack wants to be hangout with some botched barbie of hollywood then let him but today is your special day and you won’t be sitting around and crying about him anymore, now get up so I can do your hair.”

“And you’ll be taking shots you haven’t taken not one shot today and that isn’t the type of birthday behavior we want!” Drea’s voice came from downstairs you shook your head and laughed at the two of them, you were beyond grateful to have two amazing friends like them in your life.

After Arianna finished your hair you quickly put on your birthday outfit and took a few shots with Drea, just enough shots to make you a little tipsy.

“Are you ready to have the best night of your life?” Drea asked and linked both of your arms together as the two of you walked towards the club.

“I’m definitely ready, I want to get fucked up tonight.”

“Trust me you’ll regret ever telling me that.” Drea smirked and you gulped maybe you were going to regret that decision.

Once inside you were immediately pulled over to the bar by Drea, she had you taking shots and drinks back to back like it was nothing.

“How are you feeling!” She yelled and you giggled not really finding what was funny but all you knew was the alcohol was taking over, your legs began to tingle something that always happened when you drank alcohol.

“I’m feeling wonderful!! How are you feeling?” You giggled and fell forward a bit but luckily she caught you.

“I’m feeling wonderful too!”

“Why are we yelling?” Someone said from behind the two of you, looking behind you it was Druski and Urban.

“Druski! Urban! I missed you two so much, what are you guys doing here?” You pulled them both in for a hug which they happily accepted and returned back.

“Why wouldn’t we be here? It’s your birthday after all.” Urban added on.

“Well I just thought the two of you would’ve forgotten because clearly Jack did.” Urban and Druski frowned they were mad when they found out Jack was out celebrating Jayda’s birthday and not yours but according to Jack your birthday can wait.

“Well don’t worry about him I’m sure he’ll show up later maybe or at least we hope he does.” Druski said and Urban nodded his head in agreement.

“Well for now let’s just enjoy the night? I heard Arianna’s fine ass is here point me into the direction where shawty is.” You rolled your eyes but pointed towards the table where Arianna sat.

“Let’s make this night one of the books Y/L.” Urban took your hand and took you to the dance floor, Urban wasn’t the best at dancing but he tried his best to dance with you throughout the dance. Urban and Druski kept true to their words and made sure you had the best night of your life.

Jack didn’t flood your mind once, you laughed watching how Druski tried to flirt with Arianna who kept making gross and gagging noises whenever he did, Urban was flirting up a storm with a few of your friends you’ve known since diapers. The only thing that would’ve made tonight better if Jack was here thinking about Jack honestly made you sober up.

Once the party was over Urban and Druski offered to take you back home, after they dropped off Arianna and Drea it was now your turn.

Checking your phone you frowned seeing Jack still hasn’t answered back any of your texts from earlier but it was clear he read every single one.

“You still haven’t heard from Jack?” Urban asked you from the passenger seat.

“No I haven’t yet.” You replied back and looked out the window. Druski and Urban gave each other knowing looks.

When you arrived back to your shared apartment with Jack you thanked Urban and Druski.

“Do you want us to come up? You know make sure you’re all tucked in and what not.” Urban asked, smiling warmly at him you nodded.

“I’d love that Urban.”

Urban and Druski walked you upstairs towards your apartment you wen to unlock the door but furrowed your eyebrows noticing the door was already unlocked.

“Did you not lock it earlier?”

“I locked it earlier I’m not sure why it’s opened.” You opened the door and looked round the living room confused why was there clothes spread throughout the entire living room.

“Damn Drea and Arianna sure don’t know how to clean up after themselves or what. That shit is a turn off.” Druski said which made Urban smack his chest.

“This isn’t Drea’s or Arianna’s bra, this shit is way too cheap looking.” You told them and that’s when you started making your way up the stairs.

“Maybe we should go back downstairs Y/N and wait for Jack.” Urban tried to reassure you but you weren’t trying to hear any of it. If you felt in your heart what you were about to witness was true you weren’t sure what you were going to do.

Upon opening the door you so badly wished what you saw in front of you was just a terrible nightmare. You stared in amazement as Jack’s lips attached to Jayda’s body, you watched how his hand traveled upward and cupped her face as he depended the kiss.

“Hey Jack..Jayda.” He pulled away from her lips and looked at you with his eyes wide.

“It isn’t what it looks like baby.”

“It isn’t what it looks like? It looks crystal clear to me Jack you’re a cheater and to make matters worse you cheated on me on my own birthday, you never even told me happy birthday.” You told him your voice barley above a whisper.

“Please Y/N let’s talk this out baby, I’ve just been so stressed and overwhelmed.” You cut him off and shook your head at him.

“I just hope you’re happy with your decision, happy birthday to me huh?”

[naitodenight]

A God In Teyvat: Gold

This will be the first time I write something for Genshin and the madness of SAGAU so bear with me! For now I'll leave you a sort of prologue since it felt like a very long post otherwise (plus, I didn't know how to tie the ending scene with something else). Hope you enjoy!

Warnings: General sagau crazy stuff (isekai, cult behavior, violence towards the reader, all that) but this is more like having fun and surviving while ignoring all the bad stuff. Impostor!Reader. Reader is basically a cover artist, a theater kid if you will. I try to keep the reader gender neutral, but I wrote this in spanish so if a he slips out I'm sorry. Originally I had intended this to be a male reader but take it as you like, other characters see the reader as a he because of this. It's the first time I write something in this format ( 2nd person) so if there's a mistake or something, I'd really appreciate any tips you can give ^^

Part 1: You're here! / Part 2: Coming soon!

Lately you'd been obsessing over a free video game. It had caught your attention as a noob gamer, a terrible one in your opinion, but the characters seemed so appealing that you decided to give it a try. You had no regrets about it. You may not have been around since day one and maybe your life didn't allow you to play daily, but Genshin Impact had become a little escape from all your daily struggles. After classes, having exhausted your body and voice practicing choreography and singing, your beloved hobbies, playing was what you needed to relax.

Perhaps you weren't the best player in the world, nor did you have that many characters, but you were happy with the ones you had. Your main team did enough damage to make the enemies look easy, sure you were a bit behind in the story, but it didn't matter; you loved exploring and fighting alongside your characters.

You'd swear that, if they existed in real life, they'd be your best friends. Maybe a potential partner for one of them. That's why, as soon as you found yourself waking up under the shade of a large tree, being surrounded by strange flowers, you knew exactly what was going on: Somehow, you had been transported to the world of Genshin.

this was surely a dream, right? You looked down at yourself, thankful that you had fallen asleep in nice clothes and not in your pajamas or underwear. There was no one around you, but you figured that even if someone else saw you, you wouldn't stand out much from the others; you were a bit modern, yes, but Kaeya wore tight leather pants, so yours was fine.

But of course, come to think of it, you didn't have any weapons with you, let alone any combat experience. So when you took a few steps forward to investigate the statue of the seven in front of you (you recognized the place, Windrise if you remember correctly) and ended up coming face to face with a pair of slimes (the two that keep popping up in this part of the map), you couldn't do anything but freeze. What were you supposed to do?

"Uh… Hello?" The pair of hydro slimes stood still, you smiled awkwardly at the situation. "Hey, look I don't have any weapons with me so… could you guys stop- HEY WHY ARE YOU GETTING CLOSER????"

You instinctively backed up a few steps, but the slimes were following you. Taking two steps to the right, two steps to the left, one slip…you were basically dancing and yet, no matter what you did, those adorable little things were following you! Not only were they following you, they seemed to look at you with adoration.

"Okey this is really weird, what's wrong with you guys, aren't you interested in attacking me?"

You knew well they couldn't answer you, but their silence and expressions said it all: they were delighted at the mere sight of you. Letting out a heavy sigh, you finally decided to sit down on the old, broken steps leading up to the statue of the seven, the slimes placing themselves next to you. At least they wouldn't attack you, that was a relief, but you still wondered what else you could do in this dream. Maybe go to Mondstadt? You really wanted to try the food of this land, or at least what your imagination could provide; you usually had to keep fit and eat healthy, so a delicious Sweet Madame or a Hash Brown didn't sound so bad. You didn't have a single coin in your pocket, though.

The slimes seemed to understand, so they just started hopping out to the open field, looking for help. As you were thinking about what else you could do in this strange dream, a few footsteps approached your figure. Suddenly, a strong male voice snapped you out of your thoughts.

"Hey you! Stop right there!" Before you could register anything, you see the tip of a sword being pointed at your neck, an NPC glaring down at you from above. "How dare you impersonate the appearance of our Creator! By my power as Knight of Favonius, you will be taken before Acting Grandmaster Jean to receive your deserved punishment."

… What?

"Whoa wow hey! Wait a minute!" You say raising your hands as a symbol of peace. "What the hell are you talking about? I just woke up, how can you accuse me of something so-"

Before you could continue speaking, the NPC, a Knight of Favonius you finally noticed, delivered a powerful kick to your chest that quickly sent you crashing to the ground, the blade of his sword was thrust too close to your waist, causing a not so deep cut. You felt the sudden loss of air and the immense pain in your ribs, as well as the sensation of your own blood threatening to run down your waist, what kind of dream was this? How could you feel pain? And, most importantly, why were you being attacked?

The knight had no respect for the one who, in his devoted eyes, was a sinner. That was the only explanation he had; that person usurped the face of his creator, but had no divine air about them. That only fueled his rage. He grabbed him roughly by the collar of their shirt, ignoring the strange fabric and lifted them up again, this time letting the person's feet dangle a few inches off the ground.

"How dare you respond!!!! A filthy creature like you has no right to talk that way, let alone with that face-" Before the knight could let out another punch, the boy decided to take advantage of his short stature and what little strength he had left to let out a kick at the NPC, knocking him down in a loud thud before the supposed sinner shouted, "M- Mitachurl!"

He was about to ignore his words and attack him again when he heard it; a growl and the imposing presence of one of those strange creatures. Right behind him was a group of Hilichurls commanded by a Mitachurl, the latter was holding his axe loaded with a pyro slime.

It happened too fast.

Still recovering from the impact on the soft grass, your heavy breathing and the sound of your heartbeat distracted you from the knight's cries for help, it seemed as if he couldn't stand on his own in front of a group of Hilichurls. You instinctively touched your waist, feeling the place where the sword cut you only to realize that you were indeed bleeding. You brought your hand up to your face unsure, only to check that it was real. Instead of finding the typical red, all you saw was gold; it looked like your hand had touched one of those edible gold sheets or something.

You were too stunned to speak, but managed to get up only to see the knight turn to ashes. You looked in horror at the group of Hilichurls, fearing for your life, but to your surprise they only knelt down in front of you. Rather awkwardly, but they did.

What was this?

Careful not to alter any of them and slowly so as not to hurt you more, you walked to the place where that NPC vanished: from him only the sword with which he wounded you remained, a Dull Blade that you lifted as best you could. It was heavy, you had never held a real weapon, but that was exactly what you feared.

Everything was real.

Still with the sword in hand, you finally passed out. The sound of Hilichurls cries running towards you was the last thing you heard before you lost consciousness...

[ikeromantic]

Hii, I really enjoy your writing and I’d like to ask if you could do Ikevamp MC being Sebastian’s childhood friend and crush and meeting him again in the mansion after having no contact in years. Thank you.

Alright anon, you got it! It's a little angst and a little fluff. Approx. 1900 words.

The two strange men were arguing. The dark haired one with the odd accent and the other flirty one. Something about dinner . . . she really couldn’t follow and didn’t want to. What she wanted to do was to get out of here. To go back to her hotel room in Paris. Text her friends and tell them what a crazy-weird time she was having on her trip. 

She was beginning to panic. Her pounding pulse was almost deafening and her body felt wobbly with adrenaline. 

“Messieurs.” The voice came like a cool breeze. Like a calming touch. The lightly accented French spoken with understated formality by a Japanese man dressed as a butler.

His eyes met hers and in them, she saw a flash of recognition. But he didn’t say her name or give her any other sign that he knew her at all. He only said, “Dinner is served. They are gathered in the dining room, if you please?” 

Incredulity widened her eyes as a name rose to her lips. “Aki-”

“This way,” he said, cutting her off. 

Over dinner, she learned that here, the butler went by the name Sebastian or Sebas. And that he served a group of . . . eccentrics. A wealthy count and his fancifully dressed and named colleagues. It was bizarre, but no more so than walking through a door in the Louvre to find oneself in 19th century Paris. It still seemed unreal.

She was caught in some sort of delusion, one she hoped she would wake from. And for some reason, her dreaming mind had conjured up someone she’d once known well. Akihiko. Though he wouldn’t meet her eyes. Perhaps, she thought, in this bizarre hallucination, the butler only looked like her childhood friend but was in reality, a stranger. That would figure.

Playing along was the simplest course, and she did. The food was good, and the odd cosplayers were entertaining, if nothing else. She managed to mostly set aside her anxiety as she was introduced. The men she’d met in the corridor called themselves. Napoleon Bonaparte and Arthur Conan Doyle, which was hilarious. Or would have been if she understood what was going on here. Dinner ended with no answers to any of the questions she had.

The count, le Comte de Saint-Germaine, invited her upstairs to finally answer her questions. None of his answers made any sense. A magical door. An hourglass. Plus her attention kept straying to Sebastian. 

He looked so much like Akihiko would, all grown up. But when he glanced at her, there was nothing in his gaze to say he recognized her at all. Only a sort of perfunctory politeness. 

Le Comte gave a warm smile and patted her hand. “Clearly, you’re very tired, ma cherie. Let me walk you to your room, hm?” 

“Sorry. I am pretty exhausted. Did I miss something?”

“It’s no matter. We can talk more when you’ve rested.” He guided her out of the room.

She looked back just as they turned down the hall to see Sebastian’s eyes on her, unreadable and dark in the low light of the oil lamps.

At least, she thought, le Comte was a perfect gentleman. He escorted her to her room and wished her a good evening. He handed her the key to her room and left her alone with her thoughts. 

After making sure the door was locked and there was no other way into her room, she fell back on the bed. It was incredibly soft and the sheets held a hint of lavender and mint. Way better than the tiny hotel room she’d been expecting to spend the night in. “Maybe it’s not so bad,” she murmured. At least, as long as she didn’t try to make sense of the strangeness. Hopefully tomorrow she could sort it out. Get some real answers. Figure out how to go home. 

She fell asleep thinking of these things, but her dreams took her away from these concerns. Her worries melted away as a man she felt like she knew came into her room. In the dream, she couldn’t quite focus on him. His figure flickered and blurred as dreams sometimes do. Despite his insubstantial identity, he leaned over her and left kisses on her lips, across both cheeks, and down the line of her jaw.

So much better than she could have imagined, her dream-self thought. It was like this ephemeral lover knew all her favorite places to be touched. He took her into his arms and her clothes dissipated under his questing fingertips. His caresses drew sighs and soft moans from her lips, and her body arched against him as if begging for more.

His laughter was soft, breath tickling the skin at her neck. It felt so real that for a moment, she wondered if she was really dreaming or if someone had come into her room. Her room in the strange mansion out of time. 

Her body tensed but before she could push him away, she felt his lips at her neck in the soft space below her ear. Warm and firm, the sensual brush of his tongue, and then something sharp. A searing pain that shot down from the love-bite and into her chest. 

He lapped and suckled the spot, drinking her in like a vampire. The pain disappeared, replaced by a sensation she couldn’t begin to define. Like being drowned in bliss. Warm waves of pleasure that robbed her of all sense. 

But something stayed with her, despite the strange ecstasy that sent tremors through her body. Vampire. That word. Yes. The man - the monster - was drinking her blood.

She shot up from sleep, adrenaline cascading through her tired limbs. Her hands curled into fists, ready to fight. But there was no one there. And her clothes were in place, her neck, untouched. 

It was the weirdest nightmare to have, she thought, as she turned the beside lamp on. It clicked and flickered into life with a soft hiss. She decided to go and get a glass of water, if she could find the kitchen. 

The hallways were empty and dark, as quiet as the grave. There were no sounds outside of cars or trains or planes overhead. No hum of electricity, no gleaming LEDs. That drove home the real possibility that le Comte wasn’t lying when he said they were in the 19th century. The realization did not make her feel any better.

After a bit of wandering, she spotted an open door and the warm glow of lamp light. A clatter of dishes told her the butler was probably still up. 

She poked her head inside. “Umm. Excuse me. Sebastian?”

He turned in surprise and then gave her a small smile. “Ah. You’re awake. Trouble sleeping?”

“Something like that.” She came in and took a seat. 

“Would you like a glass of warm milk? Or perhaps some wine?”

“No. No. Some water would be great though.” She rubbed a hand over her face. “I can get it myself if you’ll tell me where you keep the glasses.”

His smile turned up a little more at the corners of his lips, an expression so like Akihiko that it made her breath catch. “It’s not a problem. Please allow me.”

“Thanks,” she managed, watching him as he got a cup down and filled it with water. When he handed it to her, their fingers brushed. The warmth of that light, accidental touch nearly made her tear up. It was something real and kind and her emotions were all over the place after the dream, not to mention the weirdness of just everything.

“Here.” He handed her a handkerchief. It was soft and made from linen, with flowers embroidered along the edges. “You look as if you’re about to cry.”

She took it and dabbed at her eyes. “I’m really sorry. I’m just - everything is so overwhelming. I had the weirdest dream and then you. You’re so nice! And you look just like . . . like Aki-”

“I’m just trying to be a proper butler. It’s really nothing.” 

“You know, that’s the second time.”

“Hm?” He turned to go back to the sink of dishes and did not look at her.

“It’s the second time I tried to say a name. You interrupted me.”

Sebastian rinsed a dish and began to dry it with a towel. “My apologies then.” His voice sounded tight, as if his jaw were clenched.

“I was going to say that you look just like an old friend of mine.” 

He turned and there was something fierce in his dark eyes. “I promise you, no matter who I might resemble, I am just Sebastian. A butler. That is all I am now.”

She took a sip of her water. “I see. I’m sorry then. It’s just, I used to know someone who looked a lot like you. His name was Akihiko. He moved away when his parents died and I missed him very much. But if you aren’t him . . .”

“I’m not him but,” Sebastian fell silent, frowning. The towel in his hands was clenched so tightly that his knuckles were white. “I am sure your friend must have missed you too. If you were so close.”

“We were. He would read to me from his books and I would lay my head in his lap and close my eyes, just listening. He made the stories come alive for me. I don’t know if I ever told him that.” She searched his face for some sign that he remembered those long afternoons. “Sometimes we would play hide and seek in his family’s mansion. Or sneak goodies from their chef.” 

Sebastian’s expression softened for a moment. “It sounds as if you had a lot of fun.”

She nodded, not trusting herself to say more. Was it luck or a curse to find Akihiko again, like this? When he’d become someone else, somewhere else. Someone that did not want to remember her. What had happened to the sweet, serious boy she’d loved? Her fingers stretched toward his cheek, and for a heartbeat, he leaned into the touch.

His eyes fluttered shut, and he let out a trembling breath. Then he pulled away, his face a polite mask again. “You know, it’s not my place to say, but I think you should forget this friend of yours. Move on. If he wanted to see you again, he would have found you by now.” He set the dish and towel down. “It’s really for the best to simply let go.”

“I - I -” She clasped her hands in her lap. “I should get back to bed. Thank you for the water.”

“Of course,” he said, not turning to look at her. 

She felt even more lost as she took her lamp back into the dark hallway. She’d never expected to see Akihiko again, and now that she had, her heart filled with all the sweetness of her childhood romance. She wanted to turn back around and hug him. To remind him of all the silly promises they’d made to each other when they were little and all the cares of life were so very far away. 

But he’d made it clear he wasn���t the Akihiko she knew. He was Sebastian now, or so she reminded her foolish heart. The boy she loved was gone and a stranger had replaced him. Yet, she’d glimpsed something when they touched. A softness that spoke of fond memories and a time he had not forgotten.

Le Comte told her she was stuck here for a month. Well, she promised herself, she’d spend that month getting to know this stranger with Akihiko’s face. Hopefully, it would extinguish the flame in her heart or rekindle the fire in his.

[auramindedd]

Drunk Thoughts and Feelings - SMAU*

Part 17

CorpseHusband x Fem!Reader

<3

Warnings: cussing, mentions of alcohol & alcohol consumption

A/N: summer started for me a while ago, but i wanted to take some time for myself. finally gonna be posting a lot more frequently! i’m super excited. also, taglist will be updated soon, i just have to go through all my posts and i haven’t really had time to do that. will try my best to get to it as quickly as i can :)

*links aren’t working for me, AGAIN, so i’ll update this and other posts when they do work!*

🤍 directory

�� previous

☁️ next

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You plop down on a stool at the kitchen counter, contemplating even answering the door.

First of all, it could just be a package. If anything, they’ll leave it at the door. No need for human interaction.

Second of all, you don’t want to answer the door. The only thing that can happen is the person at the door will keep ringing the doorbell or knocking, but eventually, they’ll leave.

Lastly, it could be Corpse. Corpse jokes around all the fucking time, but who’s to say he’s joking now? He lives in San Diego, and for all you know, he could live five minutes away from you. He did say he’s literally here.

Snapping you out of your thoughts, the doorbell rings. You get up to look through the peephole, making sure it’s not someone trying to rob you.

A tall, broad figure stands there, their head down. Their hair is dark and curly, fluffy too. They’re holding a small gift bag in their left hand, their right hand still on the doorbell. You look down to their hoodie, and your heart drops to your ass...

Slowly, you unlock the door, opening it up just a bit.

A deep chuckle rumbles from his chest, leaving you speechless. “I won’t rob you, Y/N.”

You open the door all the way, letting him in. You’d be your bubbly, outgoing self right now, but there was nothing that could’ve had you prepared enough for Corpse standing at your apartment door.

“Uh- sorry, I just didn’t expect this.” You gesture for him to sit on the stool next you.

“This is for you.” He passes the small gift bag to you.

“Corpse, I swear, if you wasted a shit ton of money on me...” You slowly open the bag, not wanting that to be the case.

Getting the small jewelry box out, you give him a stern look. He nods his head, urging you to open it faster. Finally, you open it. There’s a frog ring in it. Corpse puts his hand over the box and you see the matching one on his finger.

Honestly, the fact that he remembered the short interaction you guys had about frog rings means a lot to you - more than the gift itself.

“Can I give you a hug?” You ask him. He opens his arms, standing up from the stool. You jump into his arms, almost knocking him over. Corpse wraps his arms around you, radiating warmth and you feel safe in them.

Rae and Brooke walk in. Of course you’d forget to lock the door.

“Okay, wow! Hey, Corpse!” Rae places the bags of snacks down, Brooke following suit behind her.

Awkwardly, you and Corpse stop hugging. He rubs the back of his neck, looking down at his shoes. Cute.

***

The fact that right now all of you are laughing your asses off, telling stories, talking about anything, and just getting through the night so quickly, it’s crazy. It’s crazy how comfortable everyone is with each other. You honestly thought it would take you a while to get used to Corpse being here, but you don’t want him to leave.

You guys have gotten through bottles of alcohol and now you’re all tired, completely worn out from all the laughing. Brooke and Rae head to bed.

“Thank you for having me, Y/N.” Before Corpse can get up from the couch, you stop him.

Slightly giggling, you hold him back. “You’re not driving drunk, dumbass.”

He sighs, leaning back into the couch. You watch as his eyes get heavier, his breathing becoming even.

“Come on,” While you are a lot smaller than he is, you still do your best to walk him to your room. You hold his arm around your shoulder, practically carrying him.

After what feels like ages, you reach your room. You carefully place him on your bed, letting him get comfortable.

“I didn’t bring any extra clothes.” Corpse slurs, opening his eyes slightly, only to be blinded by the lights in your room.

You burst into a fit of laughter as he covers his eyes quickly, complaining about how bright it is. You turn the lights off, leaving only your fairy lights on.

“You don’t need extra clothes, Corpse. Just go to sleep.” You grab a blanket from your closet.

Corpse opens his eyes fully. “Where are you going?”

“To the living room.”

“No, stay here.” He lifts up the blanket that had been placed on top of him, scooting over to create space.

You shake your head, “Corpse, I’ll be okay.”

“But I won’t be. Stay, please?” He juts out his bottom lip, and that might just be the cutest thing he’s ever done.

Knowing he’s drunk and that once he wakes up, he’ll forget any of this happened, you decide to get in next to him. He wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you closer to him. Honestly, you’d do anything to be able to experience this every night.

Maybe it’s just your drunk thoughts and feelings...

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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Tags - ignore::

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

The Darkest Timeline, Part 6

"There is one more thing you should know," Kara says the following morning. Lena looks up at her with tired eyes, wary of what else may be lurking in the five years she's missing.

Kara takes a deep breath. "I'm Supergirl."

Lena blinks. "Who?"

Oh.

"Superman is my cousin."

Of course, Superman she knows. Realization dawns, but Lena's features lack any sense of excitement or repulsion. She seems almost... indifferent.

"I see."

"I just... wanted you to know."

Lena offers a smile then, soft but neutral. "Okay."

Kara mentions nothing of the secret she kept for so long, nor of the way it had once torn them apart. For now, perhaps this would be enough.

---

After a while, Kara has to go back to work. She manages to avoid Andrea for two days thanks to the other woman having meetings in Metropolis, but the moment Andrea returns she zeroes in on Kara like a heat seeking missile.

"Where is she?" Andrea hisses, towering over Kara with her eyes glinting.

"She's safe," Kara starts, keeping her voice low.

"Not what I asked." Andrea leans closer. "Tell me where Lena is or so help me god I will--"

"Okay," Kara caves. She lifts her hands placatingly. "Okay. Let's... go get some lunch."

Together, they head to Hope Street. Kara leads Andrea up the four flights of stairs to her apartment, her thoughts crowding chaotically. Could Andrea be trusted to keep Lena's survival secret? She seemed to care for Lena, and Kara knows they were friends at least at some point. Would that bond be enough to protect Lena? Or is she putting Lena at risk bringing Andrea here?

Too late to change her mind, Kara realizes as she puts her key in the lock. She could only hope her decision is the right one.

When she opens the door, Lena looks up from her tablet, where she'd been looking through more photos from Kara's phone. Before Kara can say a word, Andrea pushes past her into the apartment.

"Lena!"

Lena blinks, shock and relief spilling over each other as she recognizes the voice. "Andrea? Oh my god..."

She climbs to her feet just in time to receive Andrea's sweeping embrace, throwing her arms around the CEO's shoulders. Kara awkwardly shuts the door behind her, unable to stomach the sight of Lena's relieved sigh as she squeezes Andrea tight.

"I can't believe it," Lena utters. Her eyes sparkle with sudden tears, even as she smiles. "I'm so relieved to finally see a friendly face."

Hurt lances through Kara's chest. Part of her had hoped Lena would recognize Andrea-- it's one of the reasons she brought Andrea here in the first place-- but the reminder that Kara isn't yet a familiar face cuts deep.

When Andrea pulls back to examine Lena, her hands frame Lena's cheeks, her touch gentle and intimate. "Where have you been? Lex said you were on vacation, but you weren't responding to my messages..."

Lena swallows. "I, ah... I hit my head," she says ultimately, offering a chagrined smile. "I've just gotten out of the hospital--"

"What? Are you okay??"

"I'm fine..."

"Does Lex not know?" Andrea asks. Her fingers stroke Lena's hair, today left long and wavy.

Lena's features darken. Her gaze slides away from Andrea, searching towards where Kara stands. Kara comes to stand with her, offering her hand in quiet solidarity.

"Lex is the one who put her there."

Andrea blinks, then scoffs. "That's impossible."

"It's true, Andrea," Lena says quietly. She swallows audibly, squeezing Kara's hand tightly. "There are things you don't know, about my family."

"He's your brother--"

"Lex cares for nothing but himself," Lena insists, her voice sharp. "He's convinced the world he's some sort of hero, but he's not."

Andrea glances between them, doubt shadowing her features. "Lena..."

"He can't know you've seen me," Lena delivers, her voice stronger than its been since waking up. Kara glances at her, taking in the sight her sharp jaw and piercing gaze. "Andrea, please..."

"Okay," Andrea exhales, nodding. "Okay. I'm with you. Always." She smiles. "If you jump, I jump."

Lena breaks into a wide smile, disentangling her fingers from Kara's to wrap her arms around Andrea once more.

"It's so good to see you," she murmurs. Pulling back, Lena sniffles, wiping her eyes. "I need you to know, I'm sorry. For what I said, about the medallion..."

Andrea shakes her head. "No, hey, okay? We agreed to bygones, remember?"

Lena blinks in surprise. Kara surmises that they bygones must be a relatively recent development-- Lena doesn't remember it. But she sighs, relieved, accepting Andrea's word at face value.

"Right." Lena nods. "Right, I know. I just... wanted you to know."

Andrea looks at Lena, her gaze gentle. After a long moment, she takes Lena's hand. "Come on. I'm taking you home with me."

A squawk of protest lifts to Kara's throat, but Lena beats her to the punch. "Andrea, I can't..."

"Lena, if Lex really is a threat, you need more protection than a fourth floor walkup. My building has security, I'm on the eleventh floor..."

But Lena shakes her head. "Lex may have eyes on your place, and Obsidian."

"Obsidian? You mean CatCo."

Lena's brow furrows. "What?"

"The point is," Kara cuts in, "is that it's too risky for Lena to leave."

After a moment, Lena nods. "I'm safer here than you'd think, 'Drea."

Andrea looks at her sharply, then glances at Kara. "You're friends with Supergirl," she states. "Is she aware of the situation?"

Kara nods. "She is."

"And she's keeping an eye out?"

"Yes," Kara confirms. "If anything happens, she'll be here in an instant."

That seems to be enough for Andrea to let the matter go. "Okay," she says finally. "But if anything changes-- if you need anything-- you'll call me?"

"Of course," Lena says with a teary smile.

Andrea nods, giving Lena's arm a rub. "I'm here for you."

"Thank you," Lena whispers.

When Andrea leaves, Lena turns to Kara, her eyes still glittering with brimming tears. "Thank you," she says quietly. "For bringing her here."

Seeing Lena struggling not to cry, Kara offers her a hug, which Lena accepts with a tearful huff. She grips Kara tightly, and Kara struggles not to compare it to the hug Lena had given Andrea. When Lena next speaks, it's so soft Kara almost misses it. But when she hears it, it nearly breaks Kara's heart.

"I thought no one missed me."

[entertainment]

Entertainment Spotlight: Osric Chau

If you’re a fan of Supernatural or the Arrowverse, you probably recognize actor, producer, writer, director, and martial artist Osric Chau. He landed his first leading role in Kung Fu Killer in 2008, after spending years training in martial arts with aspirations to work in stunts. The following year Osric played Nima, the Tibetan monk, in the blockbuster film 2012, and he recently produced and starred in the film Empty By Design. On the television front, he played genius high school student pulled into the role of prophet, Kevin Tran, in Supernatural, and is currently starring as Ryan Choi in the Arrowverse’s epic crossover event, Crisis on Infinite Earths. Over the years, Osric has more than found a passion for acting and filmmaking. He still enjoys stunts, and has enormous appreciation of the skill and sacrifices involved but he'll settle with doing as many of his own stunts as a production will allow. Osric took time out of his busy schedule to answer some of our questions. Check it out:

With Supernatural ending this year, what is your favorite memory from the show (either on or off camera)?

First day, first episode. The beginning of it all. Met everyone. Got to do some running around as Kevin. And Jared became a father that night. Such a crazy time.

If you could have a conversation with Kevin Tran, what would you want to ask him and/or talk about?

I'd probably talk him into doing some physical training so he could be a hunter too.

You just produced and starred in Empty By Design. What did you learn from the experience? 

I learned that I'd been holding back my whole life. That I'd been limiting myself in what I thought I could or could not do and that there really isn't anything that I can't do with passion, hard work and a couple of good friends.

How would you describe the plot of Empty By Design to a five year old?

So Barbie lives in her house, right? (Child says yes) And GI Joe's always fighting some bad dudes so he's kinda homeless, but he lives in his truck, right? (Child says yes as well) Well let's say Barbie leaves her house and her family and goes to school for years. And one of the bad guys kidnaps GI Joe and keeps him away from his truck for years. And one day Barbie comes back to her house, but things have moved around and it's just a little bit weird, GI Joe escapes the bad dudes, and now he's back in his truck but his brother changed it to a stick shift while he was away and he doesn't know how to drive it anymore, and they bump into each other and talk about how weird it feels to be back home again even though they belong there. That's what Empty by Design is about. Can you tell I'm bad with kids?

What inspired you to make Empty By Design?

I needed to do something for myself. And I found some friends that did too. I asked my roommate Drea if she could do anything, what would she want to do? She said go back home to the Philippines. I told her to write a script about that. This was all happening while we were moving into our new apartment and after daily Ikea trips for a week, the words Empty by Design popped out of her mouth.

Do you have any fun facts about the making of Empty By Design that fans would be surprised to find out?

We flew to the Philippines with one way flights without a budget and we somehow managed to raise the money within the first two weeks there.

Can you walk us through an average day on the set of Crisis on Infinite Earths?

"What're we doing right now?" "Why are they in that costume?" "Wait what happened before this?" "My beard is so itchy..." "Okay this feels like Comic Con! Am I too excited right now?"

You wake up tomorrow morning as Ryan Choi in the middle of Crisis on Infinite Earths. What do you do?

I recognize I am not as smart as him but thankfully better trained and stupid enough to run in with full confidence. I limber up and try not to get in the way.

How does the making of a crossover event differ from the making of a regular episode?

Well for starters the crossover event was filming 5 episodes at the same time, so that in itself is a feat. Now on top of that, you're trying to use the same actors on all of those episodes so to coordinate which character which set and which show at all times and then you have other actors from other shows that you need to coordinate with as well. It was a logistical miracle that they pulled off. Hats off to everyone that made it happen.

What’s next for you?

I'm writing a script right now that I'm gonna co-direct with a friend. It's about my parents and I started writing it after the realization that they're actually real people and getting older. Weird thing to consider but that really scared me and I had to force myself to take the time to appreciate them while I still can. Doing a movie for them is my way of saying I love you, and thank you for putting up with me my entire life. And I'm also in talk with a good friend of mine to starting a vegetarian restaurant in Vancouver. I won't go into the ambition that i have for both of these but they're high haha, and they both bring me back to Vancouver more often which goes back to me wanting to spend more time with my family.

Thanks for taking the time, Osric! Give Osric’s Tumblr a follow right here. 

[watchyourbluesturngolden]

songs that make me think of vampy and why

this is for drea and leyla ONLY thank u

daylight- taylor swift "i don't wanna look at anything else now that I saw you, i don't wanna think of anything else now that i thought of you" bc vampy loves her so much he only wants her 😔 midnight love- girl in red "I know I'm the last one you try to call but I always give in to give you it all" "your silver is my gold" bc miss chiropractor treated him terribly but he loved her with everything and would have gone back to her no matter what watch you sleep- girl in red this one is obvious: bc vampy watches bloodbag sleep :) also "the scar on your spine, you fell off a roof when you were nine" is all appreciating the tiny details about someone and that is definitely something vampy would do :( paper rings: taylor swift "i hate accidents except when we went from friends to this" line without a hook- ricky montgomery "oh baby i am a wreck when i'm without you" bc vampy loves bloodbag so much he just wants to be with her always 😔 dead girl in the pool- girl in red this one is kinda weird but i feel like bloodbag is gonna die at some point and then vampy will just be like "theres a dead girl in the pool (or wherever her corpse is laying slfjskldfjkldsj) i don't know what to do" and then he's gonna make this face

bad habits- ed sheeran bc he was just slutting around before he met bloodbag demons- imagine dragons dont make fun of me for this I KNOW but fr it's vampy renegade- taylor swift "you wouldn't be the first renegade to need somebody" he needs bloodbag 😔 starting line- luke hemmings i can't really explain this one but it's like how you always talk about how his happiness is overshadowed by the fact that he's a monster or whatever million dollar bills - lorde "theres nothing i want but money and time" and vampy has literally all the money and time :) solar power- lorde this is harrys hot girl anthem idk happiness- taylor swift "there'll be happiness after you, but there was happiness because of you" this is him reminiscing on miss chiropractor i wanna get better-bleachers "i didn't know i was lonely til i saw your face" "I didn't know i was broken til i wanted to change" come on 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔 good 4 u - olivia rodrigo this is his fuck u song for miss chiropractor my tears ricochet- taylor swift "if i'm dead to you why are you at the wake" it's ironic innit 😌 what a feeling- one direction "what a feeling to be right here beside you now, holding you in my arms" please 😔 "everybody needs someone around" 😔😔😔 "but i can't hold you too close now" bc he has severe attachment and commitment issues :) all you had to do was stay- taylor swift "had me in the palm of your hand, then, why'd you have to go and lock me out when i let you in" omg miss chiropractor really hurt him 😔 king of my heart- taylor swift "and all at once you are the one i have been waiting for" bloodbag @ vampy 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔 cruel summer- taylor swift "I love you ain't that the worst thing you ever heard" bc he knows getting close to bloodbag will ultimately only lead to pain for everyone involved "i don't wanna keep secrets just to keep you" bc he can't tell bloodbag everything about him even tho he probably wants to :( thank u next- arianna grande this is weird BUT if miss chiropractor hadn't fucked him up so much he never would have met bloodbag tear in my heart- 21 pilots again don't make fun of me for this I HAVE AN EXPLANATION "you fell asleep in my car i drove the whole time but that's okay i'll just avoid the holes so you sleep fine" if bloodbag fell asleep in his car he would definitely do this :( shape of you-ed sheeran "now my bedsheets smell like you" his room probably smells like honey and lavender all the time now and he's probably foaming at the mouth constantly cowboy in LA "let's skip the club, lets skip the crowd, i wanna take you on a date" bc they both hate clubs!!!!! "I'll hold your hand I'll hold the door bc that's how i was raised" he's a gentleman 😔😔😔😔 & burn- billie eilish "i'll sit and watch your car burn with the fire that you started in me, but you never came back to ask it out" idk for some reason this has vampy and miss chiropractor vibes take me to church- hozier religious trauma babes 🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼 speechless- dan+shay "i'm speechless, staring at you standing there in that dress" love 😔 yours- russel dickerson "i came to life when i first kissed you, the best me has his arms around you, you make me better than i was before, thank god i'm yours" SCREAMING AND CRYING AND SHAKING tolerate it- taylor swift "i know my love should be celebrated, but you tolerate it" MISS ******** DIDN"T APPRECIATE OR CELEBRATE HIS LOVE MIA- anarbor "thinking about my life and everything i did wrong along the way"😔 lay low- josh turner for when bloodbag and vampy go to a cabin in the woods for a week and just love each other 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔 who can save me now- anarbor "you stabbed me in the back" this one is pretty literal LSKFJLKSJFLKDSJ "you could have at least been kind enough to let me turn around" ouch 😔 dopamine- anarbor "i'm hooked on your dopamine" vampy and bloodbag ugh lie to me- 5sos this give me vampy and ******** vibes "i wish we never met, cause you're too hard to forget" "while i'm cleaning up your mess i know he's taking

off your dress" bc she probably cheated on him while they were together 😔 and he would have stayed with her if she told him she loved him, even if he knew it was a lie 😔 cotton candy- yungblud it's just a happy song with good vibes like bloodbag and vampy currently have :) small talk- niall horan i don't even have to say anything here pillowtalk- zayn "so we'll piss off the neighbors" chappy 9 vibes dancing with our hands tied- taylor swift "i loved you in spite of deep fears that the world would divide us" vampy rn 😔 once in a lifetime- one direction vampy will live a million lifetimes but he will only ever have one bloodbag 😔 holy ground- taylor swift "tonight i'm gonna dance for all that we've been through but I don't wanna dance if i'm not dancing with you" they've come so far omg 😔 since we're alone- niall horan "you can show me your heart, if you put it all in my hands no i swear no i won't break it apart" crying if i could fly- one direction "for your eyes only i'll show you my heart" rollercoaster- bleachers again i can't explain it but it makes me think of him 😔 so long- niall horan "so if we knew all along why did it take so long" good question bestie current location- LANY "i need your current location to be my current location" they're idiots in love and want to be together all the time 😔 why dont we go there- one direction "hey i don't want you to be the one that got away i wanna get addicted to you you're rushing through my mind i wanna feel the high i wanna be addicted" well hes already addicted to her blood so might as well like you lots- LANY bc they both have issues and can't say love lmao too much to ask- niall horan vampy though wanting love was too much to ask of miss chiropractor 😔 walking in the wind- one direction this one just has his vibes man 😔 heartbeat- carrie underwood "dancing to the rhythm of your heartbeat" bc vampy is obsessed with listening to bloodbag's heart (fan behavior if you ask me) idfc- blackbear this is vampy and ******** bc "tell me that you love me even if it's fake" city of angels- 24kgoldn "i sold my soul to the devil for designer" yes this made me laugh the woods- olivver the kid "waking up in the middle of the woods" "don't you wanna get out of here, out of the woods" flashback to when he was dead in the woods oop "you brought me down to the river, and you pushed me in, hoping that the white rapids would challenge my ability to swim" bc... she's a murderer omg this verse is talking about leaves and i'm freaking out it fits 100% this is crazy "You pick up two handfuls You tell me they're all dried up & dead You know that's nothing like us We'll live forever instead" just a little bit of your heart- ariana grande vampy bc he loves so deeply and completely that he will give all of himself to someone even if they won't do the same my strange addiction- billie eilish bc he is addicted to her blood :) cross your mind- niall horan this is vampy and ******** "love the way you hurt me and it doesn't even cross your mind" "leaving me in pieces (literally lmao) but i swear it's worth it every time" everywhere- niall horan that scene where vampy smelled some perfume or soap or something and it made him think of bloodbag 😔 everything makes him think of her now 😔 "swear it's hard to think it's hard to breathe when you're in the air" put a little love on me- niall horan "you're the only one i need" 😔 bend the rules- niall horan VAMPY AND ******** ALL THE WAY "i'm not saying that you're lying but you're leaving out the truth" heartbreak weather- niall horan "all of my life i've been sleepwalk living, running around the same bars i've been in, it can be so lonely in this city, but it feels different when you're with me" bloodbag and vampy 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔 mr loverman- ricky montgomery "i miss my lover man" vampy is probably dramatic like this all the time now that they're official 😔 bad blood- taylor swift again, just for the irony 😌 vapor- 5sos "i want to breathe you in like a vapor i want to be the one you remember i want to feel

your love like the weather all over me" they're so in love like this 😔 catch fire- 5sos "all my life i've been waiting for moments to come" he's been waiting for bloodbag his entire life 😔 beside you-5sos "i wish i was beside you" they want to be together all the time 😔 black and white- niall horan "that first night i was standing at your door fumbling for your keys then i kissed you" ARE YOU KIDDING ME not in the same way- 5sos this is vampy and ******** just bc they were so toxic lkfjskldfjsdlkjf lonely heart-5sos "and i haven't slept in days" lmao ghost of you-5sos "my feet dont dance like they did with you" thinking about when vampy danced for bloodbag and what if they break up 👁️👁️ why wont you love me- 5sos vampy at ******** 😔 he just wanted to be loved 😔😔😔😔😔 fool's gold- one direction "i let you use me from the day that we first met" "i know your love's not real, but that's not the way it feels" STOP IM SAD last first kiss- one direction "let me be your last first kiss" i want them to be together forever 😔 truly madly deeply- one direction "foolishly completely falling and somehow you kicked all my walls in" bloodbag really snuck into his heart huh 😔 fireproof -one direction "nobody saves me baby the way you do" ugh 😔 long story short-taylor swift "clung to the nearest lips long story short it was the wrong guy" (or in vampy's case the wrong vampire) gold rush-taylor swift "and the coastal town we run around has never seen a love as pure as it" bloodbag and vampy are all i want 😔 no judgement- niall horan bc vampy would never judge bloodbag 😔 daddy issues- the neighborhood again im not even gonna say anything here new angel- niall horan "the touch of someone else to save me from myself" this is vampy 😔 god is a woman- ariana grande vampy after he brought bloodbag home the first time something like this- the chainsmokers "just something i can turn to, somebody i can kiss" ALL VAMPY WANTS IS LOVE sweater weather- the neighborhood idk this song makes me think of him all of me- john legend "all of me loves all of you all your curves and all your edges all your perfect imperfections" KSFLKSDJFKLDJSFLJSDKLFJDSKL i like me better- lauv "i like me better when i'm with you" she makes him a better person 😔 sex- eden "oh no, i think i'm catching feelings" vampy when bloodbag went on a date with someone else half a heart- one direction bc bloodbag completes him 😔 theyre so disgusting 😔 only angel- harry styles "turns out she's a devil in between the sheets" woman- harry styles vampy when she was on a date with someone else bc hes a jealous moron temporary fix- one direction this has chappy 1-2 vibes a.m.-one direction when they first started falling in love and he wanted to be with her more often 😔 something great- one direction "i want you here with me like how i pictured it so i don't have to keep imagining" through the dark- one direction just all of this song 😔 happily- one direction "you know i wanna be the one who holds you when you sleep i just want it to be you and i forever" 😔 electric love- borns "i can't let you go now that i got it" canyon moon- harry styles they're just happy like this rn 😔 sunflower vol. 6- harry styles "kiss in the kitchen like it's a dancefloor" "mouth full of toothpaste" when they brushed their teeth together 😔 adore you- harry styles obviously

[theonlygamergost]

As long as I’m with you - Dream SMP

This fanfic came up in my head a while ago, finished it recently and I’m pretty happy with it, the inspiration is how much I love the Techno/ Tommy brothers/friends dynamic.

This fan fiction was corrected by the lovely @im-default

~~~~~~~~~~

Techno has never been good with human interactions, so when pushing Tommy’s buttons too far, he decides that seeing the boy like that was never gonna happen again under his supervision... but is he willing to broke the alliance with Dream to save Tommy?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Warning! Angst, past trauma, a bit of fluff 

Enjoy~

Waking up in the hole that was his room underneath Techno’s house was… Rough, it was always cold, and getting out of the blankets wasn’t the most pleasant experience, that's why Techno usually shouted from upstairs to wake up when the warmth of the fire had taken over the cold of the night.

But Techno was always wide awake when Tommy entered the comfortable home above his room, so, out of curiosity, he decided to fight the freezing cold of the morning and get out of bed earlier than usual, hoping to see what Techno was up to before he was awake.

Carefully climbing up, he peeked out the top of the stairs to see the candles and the fireplace were already lit, the dancing shadows on the walls upstairs made Tommy realize how cold it truly was, so after following the trail of warmth, he found no one home.

“B-big T?” he called out, finally getting to the top floor of the house, “Techno?” no one answered, the blonde boy looked around to find the man’s bed already done, like it was never slept in.

As he looked around, his eyes got distracted by the view outside the window: there was a blizzard raging on.

But if there was so much snow coming down, why wasn’t he here? Did Techno go out in the cold?

Getting closer to the glass, he couldn’t help but think about how pretty the snow was, everything was white… soft… cold and… a human?

A figure covered in blue was walking towards the house, the strong wind would reveal hints of red underneath the coat. Not to fret, it wasn’t blood, Techno never went outside without his red iconic cape, it was big, fluffy, and super warm, perfect for cold climates.

Tommy had the privilege of sleeping inside of it once and he had never slept better since.

Though, why was the man walking in a blizzard? And why was he so slow?

A surge of panic rose in the back of his mind when the figure started approaching the door, he wasn't supposed to be there- he was supposed to hide, he was supposed to-

“Good morning Theseus” the freezing air made the fire sway, serving as a dramatic entrance for the half-man half-pig. Closing the door with a bit of force, he snapped Tommy out of his trance: Wrong person, he wasn't supposed to hide from him, was he?

The smiling mask and the green hoodie of his warden still haunted his thoughts, as much as the big man he shared the house with ease the sensation of fear and depression he had felt, that creepy still smile was always watching from the corner of his vision. Yes, it was an illusion… and yet…

“I wasn't expecting you to be up so early “ Techno’s deep voice snapped him out again, bringing him back to the warmth of the fireplace, “Want to have breakfast since we’re both up? I don't mind eating earlier” taking off that huge and wet cape, he minded the blonde no attention, directly passing onto preparing a meal for two.

These moments of the two of them alone reminded him of how much Techno trusted him. When with others he was always on high alert with a sword at hand, ready to strike. But now? He had his back turned, focused on something else, his shoulders were also visibly more relaxed… He acted the same around Phil… And…

Wilbur…

“So are you gonna help me make breakfast? These eggs don't cook themselves y’know” Techno briefly looked over his shoulder to see the blondie froze in place, he wasn't good with people and emotions but it didn't take a degree to see that his thoughts weren't the most pleasant, the boy looked like he saw a ghost.

Tommy shook his thoughts away and started looking for the pan, grabbing milk, cookies, and some bread to toast.

The two had very different breakfast habits, Techno prepared toasts with eggs, no bacon tho, he wasn’t a cannibal, while Tommy ate anything sweet: cookies, cakes, anything goes.

One thing they both agreed on was milk, only because Techno couldn’t cultivate coffee beans himself due to the freezing temperatures.

“Thanks, big T” Techno nodded his head when handing Tommy his warm cup of milk, the sizzling of eggs getting cooked made the walls feel warm, comfortable even.

Taking a sip of the warm liquid, legs close to his chest and arms hugging them, he recalled how the day prior Techno had taught him to milk the cows he was breeding, with the number of inappropriate jokes he had made, Tommy was shocked Techno didn’t kick him out. People underestimated the man’s patience and kindness, of course it was for few to see the sight, and Tommy was grateful he was the lucky one in a million.

They ate in silence, Tommy didn’t go down a rant and talk for the whole breakfast, this time, the boy was happy with the silence, even if his mind was as loud as ever.

Techno took a bite and placed the plate aside, opening the front door to grab some firewood, explaining why he was walking so slow in the storm. Throwing it in the fireplace made sparkles and dust fly around for a few seconds, the man sat down and took another bite, “Why do you still trust Tubbo?” the out of nowhere question made him almost choke on his milk, “He has exiled you and clearly doesn’t care about your feelings nor well-being…” he munched on some more food, covering his mouth before speaking, “Why do you still want to see him?”  

The blonde boy stared at the dancing flames in the fireplace, why wouldn’t he trust Tubbo? “Tubbo is… e-everything I have left...” Techno looked over him confused, “After Dream got my discs, losing the election and Will lost his mind… he is all I have left” dipping for a bit too long a cookie in the warm milk, he slowly munched, thinking back at when he, Wilbur and Tubbo lived in those high black stone walls, before Eret and Fundy, before the war…

“Are you sure you’re not lying to yourself?” It was Tommy’s turn to be confused, “I’m just saying, Phil, Fundy, Quakity, Ranboo, Niki, they were all there for you too…” Techno counted the people on his fingers, making Tommy’s eyes widen a bit, “But they all did turn their back to you” he pointed out, making a tightness appear in the boy’s chest,  “… So are you sure you aren’t holding on to a lie? It doesn’t look like Tubbo cares that much about you-” “HE CARES ABOUT ME!!!” Techno raised a brow at the tone, “Are you sure he truly does?-” Tommy covered his ears, his body crumbling into a ball.

“SHUT UP DREAM YOU DON’T KNOW ME OR TUBBO!!!”

The room stood still, even the fire looked like it stopped moving, Techno shifted in his seat, eyes looking down in front of him. He didn’t mean to push that deep, he didn’t know this was a scar still open … but what preoccupied him the most was:

…

What in the hell did Dream do to this poor kid?

Even if Techno was silent, Tommy heard a million voices shouting nonsense right into his head. Squinting as hard as he could, he started feeling cold, the same humid cold he felt in his tent when he was alone waiting for him to get his items, his creepy smile… his harsh voice… his-

“Theseus...”

He snapped his head up at the man kneeling in front of him, Techno figured that by calling him Tommy it would have only made it worse, so using the nickname only he used seemed a better option…

And it was.

The shadows on the edge of his vision started to disappear, the braided pink hair and the preoccupied gaze made him realize, it was simply Techno… Wait- Techno? Didn’t he just say Drea-

Oh...

The tightness in his chest lightened meanwhile the knot in his throat thickened.

“I- I… I…” Techno’s reassuring smile beamed with light and kindness he had never seen before, “It’s alright Tommy, I’m here” he extended his hand toward the trembling teen, who instead of taking it, threw himself at him, hugging the man tightly.

“I’m sorry Techno!” Tommy buried his face into the soft fabric of Techno’s shirt, staining it with tears.

Techno wasn’t good at this comforting people thing, nor used to physical touch, hell it took his whole being to not jump at the hug. He was still kinda stiff, hesitant of what to do, but for Tommy, even if he was an annoying gremlin, Techno was willing to push all of this aside.

He hugged the blonde boy, caressing soothing circles on his back, “Shhh... It’s ok Tommy, I’m here” he looked up at the ceiling, thinking of how Dream had come searching for him...

~~~~~

“Do you know who killed Theseus, Techno?” he looked at the man, keeping a high guard, “I don’t remember the whole story… but he was killed by the king of the island he was taking refuge in after getting exiled”  Dream’s masks tilted to his crown, and then his red cape.

“Either way” he swung his axe on his shoulder, shrugging at the other man, “I’ll come to collect the favour soon, farewell”

As Techno looked over the green figure walking away, something in the back of his mind started to sound an alarm, this wasn’t going to end well

~~~~~

Tommy’s sobs became quieter, the grip on his white shirt loosened, but the hug was far from over.

“As long as I’m here, Dream won’t hurt you…”

If the admin of the server ever came back to use the favour, it probably will be for Tommy, Techno’s guts were right most of the time, but oh boy did he wish they were wrong right now. He wasn’t sure he was willing to sacrifice the already delicate alliance with Dream for Tommy, he couldn’t decide what to give up, not now, not never.

“... I won’t let him…“

Techno wanted to promise him, but he prefered to stay silent instead of giving half-hope, instead of lying and backstabbing…

...Just like many did to him…

… Just like Tubbo did to Tommy...

[royallyprincesslilly]

Title: Love, Maybe {41}

Chris Evans X Reader OFC Vixen Giovanni

Warning: Cursing, Heavy Angst

Word Count: 2.4K

Summary: After a night of drunkenness you wake up next to warm, hot as hell body, a migraine and no memory of the night before. When you come to realize that the hot body belongs to none other than Hollywood’s golden boy Chris Evans you freak out. As events unfold you become even more panicked to find out you got married in your drunken haze. What else is there to do but get it annulled, right? Before walking away, you share one more night of molten kisses and passion. Three years later you are still living with the repercussions of your brash decisions, but the surprises don’t stop there. The past has a way of coming back and have you questioning is this fate that you’ve been running from, hell could it have been love, maybe?

NOTE: **Italic texts is an inner Vixen thought. Bold Italic texts is an inner Chris thought. 

**Loosley Edited/Proofread**

Thank you guys for reading!!!! If you enjoyed this please LIKE, COMMENT, REBLOG. 😊❤❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 41:  Options, Everyone Has Em’ 

-Vixen-

 You had no idea why you were here. You didn’t even know you would be here. You’d gone on a run, had breakfast with Ella, cleaned out your voicemail by listening to most messages. Most meant all the messages that weren’t his. His you deleted automatically. You responded to most texts even the crazy ones from your friends and explained what exactly happened. They were still pissed you’d lied but weren’t too pissed that they didn’t forgive you. In the words of Drea, “who could stay mad at Chris Evans’ wife?”

 You’d meant to drive to the restaurant but the voicemail you got while stuck in traffic led you here. You vividly remembered the first time you were here. It looked relatively the same but some aspects were different. The carpet was a teal color now and the décor looked a lot chicer but overall it was the same.

 “Ms. Giovanni.”

 You looked into the smiling and welcoming face of a man who was at least half a foot taller than you, slim build that contradicted the wide breadth of his shoulders. He held his hand out to you as if to shake your hand.

 “Max Loren, we spoke.”

 You nodded and shook his hand. “Yes.”

 “Please follow me.” He walked ahead leading you down the hall to an office three doors down. He ushered you inside and motioned to one of the three free chairs. Once you sat down he did the same behind his desk and plastered that smile on his face again.

 “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. My wife is super excited about the opening of your restaurant. She is a big foodie.”

 “Oh, thank you. That’s kind of you to say.”

 “I’m glad you could make it in on such short notice,” Max continued.

“You were on the way to where I needed to be, two birds.”

 Max smiled and nodded. “So I can assume that is enough small talk, right?”

 You scoffed and crossed your arms and waited for him to continue. “My job is to explain your options. I can imagine this is not what you expected. You thought you were rid of this years ago and due to an error you’re not. You may be wondering what does it all mean? How can this be fixed? Let me tell you there is an easy fix.”

 There was a quick knock at the door before it opened. You turned and saw the same lawyer from three years ago, Sherman walk into the room. He had a bashful look on his face as he came to stand next to Max.

 “Sherman, I don’t think now is a good time,” Max began.

 “This is still my practice, it’s my name on this building. Sit down, son.” Max sat back in his seat and you got a bit of satisfaction from it. Something about Max rubbed you the wrong way.

 “Ms. Giovanni. I was going to cower in my office from shame but I decided to face you. I want to apologize for my error those years ago. I also wanted to explain. I had a complete mental and emotional breakdown not too long after we met. As you can imagine in this town they are quite common. I lost everything and with it my mind. I went into rehab and my work and responsibilities fell to the wayside. I am solely responsible for dropping the ball when it came to processing the paperwork for your divorce. I sincerely apologize.”

You didn’t need a lie detector test to know he meant it. He really was remorseful. You couldn’t hold a mental and emotional breakdown against him. Mental health was important to you and nothing should supersede it. Yes, it was inconvenient your situation fell through the cracks but you didn’t want to make him the bad guy.

 Taking a deep breath, you slowly released. “Sherman, it’s all right. I understand the importance of mental and emotional health. I’m sorry you went through a tough time. I’m happy you’re doing better now.”

 He looked surprised and speechless as if he’d expected a whole different reaction. No doubt his other clientele would have been livid and threatened lawsuit upon lawsuits to nail his ass to the wall. He stuttered for a few moments before composing himself.

 “Ehm, uh, thank you. That means a tremendous amount to me, especially coming from you.”

 You smiled and nodded, then sighed.

 “So options?”

 “As I was saying,” Max began bringing your attention back to him. “We can assist you in refiling for the divorcee. The papers would be submitted and processed in about--.”

 “Three to five months, right,” you filled in.

 “Right.”

 “I’m a pro at divorces now, although I’ve never actually gotten one,” you sarcastically joked.

 “It all would be quick, painless and easily executed. Both of you just go your separate ways,” Max added.

 “Don’t believe one word he says, Ms. Giovanni.” Your head spun to watch a tall, beautiful woman dressed in a sharp pencil skirt outfit walk into Max’s office.

“Excuse me? Who the hell are you?” Max was on his feet with a clear annoyed look on his face.

 “Names, Charmaine St. John, from St. John & Associates. We’re across the street. My third assistant’s job is to watch this building and report who goes in and who goes out. When she told me you walked in, I knew this was my chance. It’s a good think I came when I did these two were about to swindle you all for the benefit of their client,” she explained.

 You looked between the three faces and waited for someone to pull whatever chosen weapon lawyers preferred and duke it out.

 “I’m calling security,” Max started.

 “What Mr. Loren doesn’t want me to say is that quick, painless and easily executed is a crock of shit, especially when it comes to your divorce.” You looked to Max and then Sherman who wore different expressions. Max looked fed up and at his wit’s end while Sherman looked calm.

 “Their client, Chris Evans is a huge Hollywood star, he is worth millions. If the rumors are correct and I assume they are, there was no prenup. That little detail that the two of you have foregone means that you are entitled to everything he has. Homes, cars, income, jewelry, and anything that matters. They don’t want you to know that.”

Again, you looked to the two men. You wouldn’t put it past either of them. “Before you barged in Ms. St. John, it would have been addressed,” Sherman began. “I am not here to swindle anyone. I want this handled as quickly and as amicably as possible,” he finished. You smiled to yourself and nodded.

 “If that is true for our client, then the same is true for you Ms. Giovanni,” Max announced.

 “Excuse me?”

 “There was no prenup, Chris is also entitled to everything of yours as well, including this new deal with your upcoming restaurant and any other deals that were made up until as recent as this morning.”

 Once he said that you paused. You never thought this deeply about any of it.

 “And you two have a child together, there are a slew of things that can come up there. Custody, visitation, child support,” Ms. St. John added.

 Your stomach fell to the floor at the thought that he could try to take Ella from you. to hell with him getting half of your accomplishments, the thought of Ella being dragged through this tore you apart—literally. This was a lot more complicated now.

 The three of them spoke for the next thirty or so minutes but after Ella was brought up your attention faded as you got lost in your thoughts. So many things were possible, especially considering how attached he seemed to have grown to her and all his admissions with how much she meant to him. It was possible he would try to get some form of custody, even if he didn’t try to take her away completely. Before any of them finished speaking you stood and walked out in a daze. You needed air.

 The elevator ride was the longest thing. You felt as if any moment you’d vomit and felt as if the walls of the elevator were closing in on you. Thankfully the doors opened before you puked, and you stumbled through the lobby outside to gulp in much needed oxygen. You stood there panting trying to slow your heart, calm your thoughts, and stop your impending panic attack.

“Vixen?” Your spine stiffened at the sound of his voice but the butterflies in your belly began instantly. You looked to the side and there he was, all six feet of muscle, beauty, and charm. Only he looked like he’d seen better days, there were bags underneath his eyes, he looked paler than normal, his eyes were near bloodshot and he wore sweatpants and a hoodie. He looked off. When you realized what you were doing you rolled your eyes and walked off.

 “Wait, please.” Ignoring the plea, you continued your walk to the parking lot around the corner.

 “Vixen, please. I’ve been trying to call you. We have to talk. Let me explain, please. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the full truth as soon as I found out. I’m sorry about everything.”

 As you walked you could hear his words but you didn’t want to listen so you picked up the pace of your steps while looking around. You had to make sure paps were around. That was your life now, because of him. a fresh wave of anger filled you and it was enough to get you to your car.

 “Vixen, come on. This isn’t fair. I don’t deserve this. I miss you, I miss Ella--.”

 Seeing your car you spun around while walking and looked at him. “Leave me alone! We were better off without you.”

 As soon as the words left your mouth he stopped in his tracks and the rest of the color drained from his face. Not waiting to see any more you turned and jogged the rest of the steps to your car then climbed inside and sped off.

 You were pissed for the rest of the day. Everyone knew it, so they limited their interaction with you hoping to steer clear of the fury that was Vixen Giovanni when she was pissed. After a quiet dinner and solemn bathtime with Ella, you sat out back with a glass of wine.

 “What’s wrong?”

 “I went to see his lawyers today.”

 “Oh, how’d it go?” You looked at Nex giving her the look. She instantly knew it was bad.

 “We don’t have a prenup. Normally that means I’m entitled to everything he has but now it means he’s also entitled to everything I have, everything Nex, including the restaurants, the deal with Kassius, even the Food Network deal. He is rightfully entitled to all of it.”

 “Do you want half?”

 “What! No, of course not. I don’t care about his money. I don’t want anything from him, I didn’t then and I definitely don’t now.”

 “But you think he’ll jump at the chance to take half of yours,” Nex filled in. You rubbed your forehead and finished the glass. “You don’t honestly believe that Vix.”

 “I don’t know what to believe anymore Nex. I don’t know him, I know nothing about him.”

 “Bullshit. You spent an entire night with him in Vegas. Something meaningful must have happened for you to have sworn off men and everything for three years. Something meaningful must have happened to make you fall for him, and marry him. Then these last months, it was clear the two of you were reconnecting. You’ve spent a lot of time together. You know more about him than ninety percent of the world. So this bullshit about not knowing him is a crock of shit,” Nex berated.

 You refilled your glass and took a few gulps.

 “Then this other lawyer, Charmain St. John who looks like she is vying to be my lawyer in all this brought up Ella. There’s a bunch to work out there, custody, parental rights, visitation, child support. Then it dawned on me he could try to take her from me. He could fight for shared custody. What then!”

 “Vix. Are we talking about the same man? Chris Evans who we’ve both spent weeks with, who has grown into this amazing dad right before our eyes. The guy wants the best for Ella. In no way could he believe the best for Ella is a life without you or less of you. It’s just not going to happen.”

 “People do strange things when they feel their backs are against the wall or they’re losing something.”

 “Is that why you’re going off the walls, you feel like you’re about to lose something?”

 “Yeah, my child.”

 “Is it your child or is it Chris?”

 You groaned and finished the glass. The sound of his name elicited conflicting reactions, want, desire, sadness, and anger. It was confusing.

 “Vix. Think about things thoroughly and slowly. Things happen for a reason, every single thing. You have to think about the reasons why you slept with him and married him before and think why you chose to open yourself up to him a second time, why did you sleep with him this time? Usually we act on feelings we don’t even recognize or haven’t fully acknowledged consciously. You should step away from everything surrounding him not telling you about the marriage and try to think about everything else.”

 “I can’t Nex. I’ve tried. I just—can’t go there.”

 “You’re gonna have to or prepare for this court battle.” With that Nex walked off inside leaving you alone with your thoughts, fears, and worries.

 As you passed Ella’s room to yours you heard her murmur your name. Walking in and stooping at her bedside you brushed her cheek.

 “Go to sleep, sleepy head.”

 “Mama, wayo da-da? I wan da-da.” Pinching your lips, you did your best to keep it together. You kissed her forehead and hummed to her hoping to gently lull her back to sleep.

 Once you had you disappeared into your room and buried your face into your pillows and bawled yourself to sleep, yet again, only this time with the realization that one of your biggest fears had come true. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[girlmadeofivory]

Fever Dreams (Jace x Reader)

A/N: So I wrote a short little thing based on a weird dream I had and here it is! Also I really appreciate constructive feedback but keep in mind a binge-wrote this in like 30 minutes ;) Also the reader’s name is Audrea bc if I try to use Y/N I get super confused and it doesn’t work out well at all

Warning: near-death experience

Something around 1400 works but idk

I followed closely behind Jace as we neared the lobby of the abandoned theater. 

“All clear,” he whispered. 

I stepped around him and quickly drew the unlock rune onto the door and opened it slowly. Thankfully, the hinges didn’t creak. Jace moved in front of me and, to no one’s surprise, a demon leaped at him from a shadowy corner. As he slaughtered it and its companions, I picked my way across the room to the bookcase against the wall. There were cobwebs stretched over every surface and I shuddered at the thought of touching a spider in here. There was barely enough light to see, and I didn’t want to take any chances, so I used another rune to clear the wall of the sticky webs. 

“Hey, can you hurry up? I’m literally fighting monsters of hell here!” Jace shouted. 

“Hold on, I’m looking for it! Just smash in a window or something, the light should scare off a decent number of them,” I said.

I heard glass break behind me and sighed in relief that Jace had taken my advice. He could be stubborn, especially when it came to admitting I was right, but now was not the time to fight over it. I scoured the bookshelf a little faster, skimming titles: The Magical Upkeep of your New Pet Tiger, How to Paint and Wallpaper: the Warlock’s Handbook, Best Practices for Magical Ironing. Wait- A Complete History of the Mortal Instruments. 

“Jace! I found it!”

“Well, let’s fucking go!” he shouted back at me.

I grabbed the book and zipped it into my bag, sealing it with a rune for good measure. I stepped carefully over a few piles of demon dust while Jace opened the door, looking incredibly stressed out. I knew why; this book was the only advantage we had over his father, Valentine, and no one knew how much time we’d have before it was too late to keep fighting. 

As I passed a particularly dark section of the wall, a stabbing pain shot through my thigh. On instinct, I activated my seraph blade and slashed at it. A demon’s scream rang through the hall as it turned to dust. The next second, Jace was at my side. My blade slipped from my hand and darkness blurred the edges of my vision. 

“Jace-” 

**************

I woke up in the Institute’s infirmary wearing only my underwear and my shirt. There was a thick bandage over my leg, and my head was spinning. I sat up in bed and tried to stand, but Jace stopped me.

“Hey, no. Sit down, get some rest. You need to heal up.” Jace felt my forehead, a concerned look on his face

“What are you, a doctor? I just need to iratze it, I’ll be fine.”

“Absolutely not. You’re really, really warm,” he said, pacing the room anxiously.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I asked.

Jace turned to me, as if to say something, then shook his head. “Just try to sleep, okay?”

I nodded, and he left the room.

The hall was silent, so I assumed Jace had noise-canceled the door. I laid back, closed my eyes, and let the fever consume my mind.

**************

The air was wet and hazy. Jace walked into the infirmary, wearing just his black jeans and the silver necklace I had given him for his 17th birthday. 

“You look beautiful, Drea.” Jace’s voice was softer than usual.

I looked up at him, but before I could say anything, we were standing in the Sanctuary. I wore the white dress I had picked out for my funeral, a “just in case” that all of us prepared for. Jace too was wearing his funeral suit. The white jacket fit more loosely than most of his clothes and hung open, exposing his bare chest. He held me close to him and I leaned into him as heat crawled up my legs. I pulled away to look around the room. Flames licked the walls around us, crackling as the wood panels sparked and collapsed. I buried my face into his neck and felt sweat run down my back.

“It’s okay, you’re gonna be okay,” Jace murmured into my ear. “We’re okay. Just breathe. I love you.”

I glanced up at him in confusion, but Jace was gone. The flames raged higher, and I closed my eyes as my vision turned white.

**************

I woke up to voices in the infirmary. I shifted, just barely, to hear them better, then relaxed into the cot to listen in.

“You know why I can’t tell her!” someone whispered intensely. “She’ll beat me up or stop talking to me or some shit!”

“Jace, you have to. Keeping secrets like this is just going to ruin your friendship,” the other voice responded.

So, it was Jace keeping secrets… from Maryse? No, probably Izzy.

“Alec. We’ve been through this. If I tell Drea I’m in love with her she’s never going to talk to me again!”

Wait. That can’t be right. There’s no way Jace is in love with me! 

“I know it’s terrifying, but she won’t disown you or anything. You’re her best friend. If that means anything to her, then the most she’ll do is pretend it never happened.”

Ok, so Alec and Jace are discussing Jace’s massive crush on me while I’m in the room. I guess they do think I’m sleeping, but still… would they really be that dumb? Apparently so, because Jace didn’t sound like he was kidding. 

I heard the door click open and closed, and whoever had stayed sat heavily in the chair. It must be Jace, because Alec doesn’t sigh like that. Jace doesn’t usually either, but I’ve heard it happen occasionally. Only when he’s really stressed. 

I rolled over in bed and sat up, pretending that I had been asleep. 

“Audrea, thank Raziel. How are you feeling?” Jace asked. His hair was messy, the way it is when he runs his hands through it a lot. His hands shook a little.

“Uh, fine. Did you have too much coffee or something?”

“No. Well, kinda, maybe. Just, like four cups? Or eight?”

I frowned. “Wait, how long have you been here?”

“Just since we got back from the mission. You’ve been out for like two days-ish? So about that long, except Alec made me take a shower and change.”

“Of course he did. What would you do without him?” I shook my head at Jace, then winced a little at the headache behind my eyes.

Jace was beside me in a heartbeat. “Are you okay? Does your head hurt? Do you want-”

I laughed a little. “Jace, I’m fine. I just need a glass of water. Honestly, I’m way more concerned about you. When’s the last time you ate?”

“Actually, I’m not exactly sure. I’ve been waiting for you to wake up. You had a really bad fever. I think you had a nightmare too.”

“Kinda, I guess. We were both wearing our funeral clothes, and the Sanctuary was on fire, and-” I cut myself off.

“And what?”

And you told me that you loved me. “That was it. The Institute just burned down completely.” 

Jace faced towards me. “There was kinda something I wanted to tell you, but if now’s a bad time…”

“No, of course, now is fine.” I turned to give him my full attention. He bit his lip, fidgeting with the Herondale family ring on his finger. 

“Um… I was planning not to really tell you, not that I don’t think you deserve to know, but like it’s a pretty big deal and I didn’t want to mess anything up and stuff, but Alec said I should, but I didn’t tell him because I don’t trust you as much, it’s just he’s my parabatai and I figured he’d get it, and I had to talk to someone, and I wasn’t sure-”

“Ok, point made. Moving on…”

He laughed nervously. “Right. Anyways, I wanted to tell you… I really really like you. Like, like like you. And I was wondering if you maybe want to go out with me sometime?”

I smiled at him. “I’d love to go out with you sometime.”

His face lit up, and he leaned over to hug me. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Can I kiss you? Sorry, is it weird to ask?”

“To your second question, no, it’s very sweet. And to answer the first...” I smiled and leaned forward to kiss him. 

[theawkwardterrier]

things left behind and the things that are ahead, ch. 31

AO3 link here

The winter Emma turns thirteen, her childhood roundness starts turning into curves (rounded curves, but still), her clothes draping around her in new ways. She’d known that these sorts of changes were meant to be coming - Mom is always very straightforward - but to actually experience them is a different matter.

She manages to conceal things for the most part under some of the heavy sweaters that Nana Barnes had once made for Rosie. She pulls them out of the boxes in the basement where Dad stores the old, outgrown items of clothing that he can’t seem to make himself donate, and adds them to her own wardrobe. The sleeves come only just to her wrists (she’s already taller than Rosie now, and it’s a good thing her sister has long arms), which looks weird, and Mom asks about them because Maryland winters aren’t really cold enough for Nana’s thick Brooklyn wool. But wrapping them around herself feels better, easier, than to try to figure out something else.

Except Emma loves spring, and on the first really warm day, she can’t help but put on her favorite dress from last year, yellow with flowers and a pleated skirt, even though it’s tight in strange places. She wears a sweater over it when Dad drives her to school, keeps holding her books against herself and avoids stopping to talk to her friends in the hallways, and she can’t tell if the tradeoff was worth it.

Mom and Dad don’t say anything at dinner, but there is a glance traded between them in the overlap of Drea’s story about her science teacher and Nate asking if they can go to the library tomorrow because his friend Arnold told him about a book about a mother mouse who goes on adventures that’s apparently very good. The other two don’t seem to notice the way Mom tilts her head from her side of the table and Dad nods from his, but Emma sees.

(That would never have happened when Rosie was still there, because their biggest sister would have seen the way Emma kept picking at her plate, and suddenly everyone would have been focused on a very involved recounting of everything that was happening with the drama club that week. And then later, Rosie would have come into Emma’s room to sit on her bed and explain everything, even how they were going to fix it, and would have made her laugh too. But Rose is 500 miles away, having a great time at college, and so there’s no one to get their parents to look away from Emma.)

That night, she’s in the kitchen baking with Dad. It’s a ritual with them, at least twice a week. He used to make a cake or cookies in the afternoons when Emma was little, but she joined him one day and never looked back, not even tonight.

Tonight they’re making cupcakes, vanilla with pink frosting on top that they’re shaping like spring flowers with their new piping bag set, just like they’d planned. It’s so normal that Emma forgets about that traded glance, stops thinking about how the apron she’s always used doesn’t slip on quite the right way anymore.

Dad waits until she’s finished frosting one of the cupcakes and set it down before he taps the top of her arm for attention.

“Mom - she’s not working on Saturday,” he says, his signing taking on a hesitant quality that she associates with topics much more awkward than her mother’s weekend plans. “If you want to go shopping with her - you might find some new spring dresses. I think you might be a little old for me to pick out your clothes.”

She doesn’t know how to thank him for not making her ask, for not making it strange or shameful. “You got me all of my favorite stuff,” she offers shyly, and gives him a hug around the waist.

Mom does take her shopping over the weekend (on Sunday in the end; Mom sometimes has to work even when it wasn’t planned) and they find things that actually fit, that make her feel like herself again, even if herself is still changing.

“Come to the yard,” Mom says once they’ve put the bags away in Emma’s room. Emma sighs, the movement involving chest and shoulders and puffed out cheeks. She knows what that means. Their house in New Jersey had a high fence to discourage neighborly prying, and when they’d moved to Maryland, they had a big yard far away from other houses: useful when the children had each taken their turn learning to throw a punch.

"You never know when you'll need something like that," Dad says. They all know that part of it has to do with Mom's work, and part of it comes from the way Dad grew up, but Emma’s never run into either, really.

Mom starts with a bit of a refresher. Making a fist with the thumb on the outside and wrist straight still comes naturally although Em has never really liked the idea of actually punching anyone. But then they move onto other things, moves with her legs and something about using her own weight and leverage to flip a big stuffed model over her shoulder, what to do if someone tries to hurt you when you’re sitting instead of standing. They’ve never done anything like that before. Nate watches from the back window, confused, but when Drea sees what’s happening, she only makes her slim shoulders even smaller and walks away.

"Why are we doing this?" Emma asks when she is finally sweaty enough to have earned a break. She watches carefully for the tiny tics of a lie, nearly impossible to spot on Mom's face, as she takes a drink.

"It's a good skill for a growing girl to have," Mom says, and that her face is entirely truthful just makes Emma feel more out of sorts as she goes in to look through the cookbooks for something that she can bake tonight to make herself feel better.

At dinner, Dad tells a story about a time when he and Uncle Bucky had to fight four bigger boys. It’s funny, the way he shows Uncle Bucky looking down at him because Dad was littler then, the way he shows everyone squinting at each other like a standoff. But he catches Emma’s eye when he talks about pulling hair or kicking up between the knees if necessary, and she knows that he’s trying to train her in another way.

(The next time they go to bake, there’s a new apron folded on the counter, her name embroidered across the top. When she puts it on, it fits perfectly.)

Mom and Dad are being weird, she writes to Rosie. They keep talking about how to fight if I need to.

Mom and Dad are just being Mom and Dad, Rosie writes back. The rest of the family does phone calls every week or two, but since Rose moved into her dorm in September she’s said that she loves getting Emma’s letters. Emma likes writing them, likes seeing her thoughts organized on paper, and likes getting Rose’s back, the Massachusetts postmark on the replies and the little creases that represent how far its traveled to her. They know the kinds of things that can happen in the world, so sometimes they can be a little protective.

That hasn’t been Emma’s experience with her parents. She’s been trusted to use the oven by herself for years, and no one checks to see that she’s reading “appropriate” books, the way her friend Rachel Clarke’s mother does. When she’d had strict Mr. Farrell in fifth grade, Mom had told her sternly not to let him intimidate her and Dad had helped with her reports and packed the best snacks in her lunch bag, but neither of them had stormed into the principal’s office and gotten him fired. But things have been different for Rosie, and not just because she’s older, so Emma assumes that in this she’s gotten it wrong somehow.

The day after school lets out, she and Drea walk into town to get ice cream. It’s so hot out that their cones are melting as soon as they start back home, and keeping control of the dripping takes attention and agility. It’s too hard to hold a conversation, but Emma notices when Drea jumps and glares over her shoulder at the car speeding around the corner.

“Did it get too close?” she pesters, her hands sticky but finally empty as they approach the house. “I would have noticed if they drove so close.”

“No,” Drea says slowly, finally answering, though her fingers drift slowly shut and linger on the word for a strangely long time. “They didn’t get too close. They just—They were shouting at us.”

“We didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Sometimes,” Drea tells her, a peculiar look on her face, “a girl walking - that’s enough.” Seeing the confusion on Emma’s face, Drea wraps an arm around her sister. “We’re okay. The wrong ones - that’s them. We should be able to walk down the street looking however we want.”

Emma looks down at her peachy pink blouse and the striped skirt that matches it. She had bought them only a few months ago. The buttons running up the center of the skirt had seemed a cute touch, fun. She hadn’t even really considered them when she left the house that morning, but now they seem awkward, a mistake.

She starts to have an inkling of why Mom keeps taking her to the backyard even though she still refuses to put in much effort there. Maybe next time she’ll try to be different.

The following Saturday, Emma wakes up to a sweet-smelling breeze blowing through her open window and knows that today will be a gardening day. A few hours later, they are all outside.

(Not Rosie - she was invited to go on a trip with one of her new friends and now she won’t be back until almost August.)

Over by the new flowers they are planting, Dad playfully adjusts the sun hat Mom is wearing, even though it would make more sense for her to do it herself - she has on her gardening gloves as usual, but Dad always sticks his hands directly into the earth and already has dirt under his fingernails and in the creases of his palms. As they both kneel at the edge of the flowerbed, he puts his fingers to Mom’s cheek as he kisses her and it leaves little streaks against the cream of her skin. He brushes it away with the edge of his wrist and says something that makes Mom laugh.

She knows that Drea, checking for bugs at the other end of the bed from Emma, is saying something. Nate, who already finished the small bed he was working on, has gone to get his pad and drawing pencils. He sits with his mouth open slightly and tongue poking out, listening to their sister. When he sees Emma look up at them, he raises an eyebrow to ask if she wants him to interpret, even goes to put his pencil down, but she shakes her head and runs her finger over a soft leaf. She doesn’t need chatter right now, just the blue sky and the warm sun, her family around her, her hands busily working on a task they already know exactly how to do.

Later, after they have finished with the flowers in front and then the vegetable garden in back, when they have made sure the peach trees are thinned enough and then cleared or collected the June drop fruit (Dad will try to ripen them up and use the best of them to make jam and cobbler in the next few days; she has an idea about adding raspberries to their usual cobbler recipe that she thinks he’ll like), once Nate has convinced Dad to make a little peach syrup to try with lemonade and they have decided that they’ll try again with the more flavorful crop later in the summer, after Emma has had a bath, put her capri pants with their muddy, grass-stained knees into the laundry room, eaten dinner in her cotton pajamas with the still-warm breeze playing against the kitchen curtains...later, she asks Dad to come read with her.

He doesn’t chide that she’s too old for it, a teenager now, doesn’t remind her that they slowly dropped off with such routines years ago. Instead, he picks up his book and swings a hand toward her: “Come on.” Though she can’t catch the title as she makes her way upstairs, his book is pretty, with brightly colored trees on the front; it’s been a while since she saw Dad not reading notes or textbooks or something for a class assignment and she realizes that this is summer vacation for him too.

She hasn’t actually been read aloud to since probably third or fourth grade, when the chapter books she was picking made it harder and harder for her dad to sign the stories to her; she kept peeking over his shoulder, eager to know what happened next, her eyes racing over the words faster than he could convey. For the next few years they compromised instead, each reading their own book together in the evenings, until that eventually stopped too.

Curling up beneath his arm is still so familiar, even if it’s not routine anymore. She opens Up a Road Slowly and starts to read, but she has barely even finished a chapter before her blinks are pressing long, the book drooping over her chest. Vaguely, she feels Dad kiss her hair as he picks the book up from her chest. She knows that in the morning she will find it bookmarked at her page, resting on top of the copy of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, that Tina Lasko gave her for her birthday because all the girls in school were talking about it, but that Emma stopped reading (the beginning was okay, but then she heard what was going to come later and put it down).

Just before she falls asleep, she thinks that she would like to live in this day forever, never grow up, just have this day and this day and this day...

A few nights later, she sets the table fresh from her bath, her curls still long and darkened down her back, dampening her nightgown. They were out in the garden again today, just doing a brief check of things, before she and Nate rode their bikes into town to go to the library - she hasn’t finished her book yet, but Nate wanted company and she was bored enough to agree. Mom’s just come home and they will eat soon and it has been another wonderful day.

She isn’t sure how it starts, really. Dad sets the platter of meatloaf on the table - his is better than most, not mushy and with vegetables and a sauce that isn’t just ketchup; Emma would rather have chicken if he’s asked her, but Dad likes to make it for Drea sometimes, special - and before he turns to get the potatoes, he asks if she is going to try out for the basketball team this year. Eighth graders are allowed to be on the team at her school, even if it’s pretty rare for them to make it.

And even though the answer could easily be yes (she’s not really tall, but her aim is good and she and Drea are pretty well neck and neck for wins at H-O-R-S-E) somehow she finds herself getting worked up over just that question. Before she knows it, even as something inside her says that this doesn’t make sense, that she should calm down, she has slammed down the knives she is holding so she can use both hands. And ignoring his gentle responses, looking away from the steadiness she has always loved, she tells her father that he never stops pushing her, he and Mom are so bossy, they never just let her be, why can’t she just enjoy her summer, why is he always asking questions, he doesn’t understand, she hates him.

She closes her bedroom door hard, then opens it again to give it a real slam that she can feel even through the thick wood of the frame and floor. Face down in her pillow, she screams, the feeling grating and growling its way up her throat, then cries for a while even though she doesn’t understand why.

Later, she sits up against the wall, her pillow hugged against her chest. She has her book open in her lap, but she has barely turned a page.

The light flips off and then on again, off and on, then twice more. She knows it’s Nate - he’s the only one who flicks the outside switch for her room four times instead of three to let her know he’s there - but she doesn’t move or make a sound. He pokes his head in anyway. Seeing her on the bed, not crying anymore, he comes in and sits at the foot.

“We ate, but Dad says there’s a plate for you. You can get something from the fridge, maybe.”

He says it exactly like normal, as if she hadn’t just exploded downstairs, as if she wasn’t just awful to her father.

“Is he mad?” she asks, and even the angry face she puts on for the sign is tentative. “Does he hate me?”

Nate shakes his head. “Rosie slammed a lot more doors than you. Dad loves her. He loves you.”

When she goes downstairs, Dad is washing the dinner dishes. She sits at the table looking down at her plate and he gives her a little smile over his shoulder before he turns back to the soapy water. It makes her want to cry again, but instead she stands up and goes to tap him on the shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” she signs, the circling on her chest reminding her of the times he rubbed her back to help her sleep or when she had a cough or as she cried because someone had made her feel bad. Now, the tears do come, filling her eyes. “I was mean to you. I hurt you.”

Dad wraps his arms around her, his chin atop her head. His hands are wet against her back, against her bare arms as he gently moves her away so he can speak.

“It’s hard - I know,” he says. “Kindness is hard work sometimes,” and his understanding, the way he doesn’t reassure that she has not hurt him, just makes her want to keep ahold of herself so she never does it again, even though she knows that he would forgive her then too.

Mrs. Walker calls asking if Rosie is back to babysit the next afternoon. She used to watch Brian and Sandra every few weeks when she was in high school. When Drea tells her no, Rose won’t finish her trip for another few weeks, Drea gets offered the job instead, and when she says that she has plans, Mrs. Walker suggests Emma.

As she gets her book and a sweater so Mom can drive her over, she asks Drea, “Are they desperate?” She’s feeling as if she must have been desperate in order to agree to do this in the first place. She was only looking for something new to break the monotony of the days because her school friends don’t live in town and she had turned down the offer of day camp or the school’s summer program. Plus, she was eager for the forty cents an hour that she had been offered. (She knows that Rose would sometimes hold out for up to seventy-five, and she charged a dollar after midnight , but that’s Rose.)

Drea, leaning against the doorframe, shrugs. She isn’t busy, she just didn’t want to go. “Husband on a business trip - she wants a break, time alone.”

That’s obvious once Emma has waved to Mom and knocked on the door. Mrs. Walker opens it right away, her handbag already over her elbow. She has a little notebook out and tears off the top page, handing it to Emma and waiting - foot just this side of tapping, but still - for her to read it.

Brian is apparently staying with his grandparents in Delaware which leaves her only watching Sandra, who is just a toddler and meant to go to bed by half past six anyway. That’s a relief: Brian is seven and bossy, and one reason Rose is such a popular choice for the Walkers is that she’s bossier. Sandra is content to dabble her feet in the inflatable pool for a while before coming inside to play while Emma warms up the pasta bake that Mrs. Walker left in the refrigerator. Getting Sandra for bed makes her feel simultaneously brilliant (no one had to tell her to save bath time for after dinner - she’d figured that out all on her own even before she saw all that drippy red sauce and Sandra’s preference to eat with her hands) and entirely foolish (apparently babies do not stay still when you’re trying to put a diaper on them - even when there are pins involved!).

It’s still light out when she sits down to read in the big armchair facing the street. The drapes are open and when she looks up every so often, she can see parents getting home from work, then families taking walks and visiting neighbors, kids running and biking in the street, narrow columns of barbecue smoke that she can nearly smell. She gets up to check on Sandra every ten or fifteen minutes though she seems to be sleeping fairly deeply just like Mrs. Walker had said she would, the room dark and warm.

When she comes downstairs again after peeking into the baby’s room, Emma notices a car coming slowly down the street. It’s a white Ford Mustang, fairly new looking. (Mom was always having them play different “spot the car” games when they were driving to Maine or Brooklyn, finding certain license plates or keeping track of which car had been on the highway with them for the longest amount of time; they got really good last summer.) The driver waits for the kids to run to the sides of the street, then keeps driving.

Five minutes later, Emma looks up from her book to see that the car is back again, circling the block in that same slow manner.

She checks the clock. Mrs. Walker was supposed to be going for a hair appointment and then to a movie with a friend. She told Emma that she wouldn’t be out later than 8:30. It’s quarter to now.

Her book is pretty good, and she’s getting close to the end, but she finds herself losing focus, glancing up as the car circles another time. The bugs are coming out and the sun is going down. Lots of people are inside now. The driver doesn't have to wait to drive along. None of the neighbors brush their curtains aside to watch the next slow slide down the street, the way the passenger side window rolls down and Emma thinks she can see someone leaning over the seat, staring toward her, though the inside of the car is so dark and she can't tell for sure.

She goes to check on Sandra, and even though nothing is amiss there, she finds herself sitting against the crib, the slats propping her back up. She tries to think through a plan.

She doesn't want to leave Sandra, doesn't want to wake her to go over to a neighbor's house to ask them to call. They don't seem worried, and besides, she can call herself. When they moved to town, Mom had taken Emma to the police station and introduced her to the officers. She remembered being in an office, tall men all around, watching her from very high, and a few women with big hair.

"In case of emergency," Mom had told them, as if she was able to give them orders, which apparently she was, "Emma knows the number of the station and, if possible, will tap out her name in Morse code against the receiver rather than a simple SOS to help you identify her." They had practiced it at home - a short tap, four long taps, a short, one last long - and even once with the agreement of the local emergency workers. A firetruck had come to their house and the firefighters had waved at them. Nate had drawn a picture of it that hung on the fridge for months.

She could call them now. A policeman would be here in only a few minutes; they would be able to find where she was using the phone line, and the Walkers lived much closer to the center of town than her family did. But what if it is only someone from nearby out for a drive in the warm summer air? Does she want to call the police for that?

A real babysitter would know these sorts of things. A real grownup would know when the right time was. Emma just wants to ask her parents, wants them to take care of it all.

Downstairs again, she sets her jaw and finds the phone, stretching the cord so it sits on the table beside her chair just in case. Then she goes to find a pad of paper and when the car returns, she writes down everything she can see about it: the make and color, her estimation of the year, the license plate number, the sort of scratch on one door. She lists how many times it has driven by already and approximately when. She thinks it is what her mother would do.

And then another car pulls up beside the strange one, this one her own familiar station wagon, drives around and parks in the Walker’s driveway. Mom steps out and goes over to where the car is still meandering, bends her head toward the driver's window and speaks for a moment.

The car drives away. When Mom comes up the path to wait for the last few minutes before Mrs. Walker returns, Emma opens the door and steps out to hug her tightly.

"Why was the car waiting around?" she asks as they walk up their own driveway. Mrs. Walker had come back smiling and paid Emma an extra ten cents.

Mom answers, "The driver wanted to find Oakdale Drive, but was confused and lost on Oak Way. I gave directions." In the moonlight, she peers over at Emma and stops her with a hand to her wrist. She brushes Emma's hair back from her face with gentle fingers. "I know you must have been scared," she says. "But you noticed and made good choices. You were smart, careful to protect yourself and the baby." She runs a finger over where Emma’s torn off list sticks out from the top of her book.

When she has trouble sleeping that night, imagining eyes looking out at her from within darkened cars, she thinks of Mom's words and tries to remember that she is brave.

On the Fourth of July, it doesn’t get dark until late. There’s plenty of time to go for the party at the Deaf club in D.C. and still be able to find a spot to watch the fireworks.

Emma watches Dad out of the corner of her eye. There are kids at her school whose hearing parents never come to these sorts of events, who won't even drop them off, so she knows that she should be grateful that her whole family is here. Drea and Nate stand in a group of kids they’ve met before, Mom over in the corner with Eric Blanchard's father who is the chapter president, and Dad signs with some other parents. No matter what she tries to tell herself, she feels a little embarrassed watching him. The other parents are Deaf, and even though Dad's pretty good at ASL, he's not exactly a native speaker.

At least he's not trying to make everyone watch the slides from their trip to the Grand Canyon last summer again. (People did seem pretty interested when he had brought them a few months ago, but still.)

Her focus is broken by a wave in front of her. She brings her eyes back to Albie Duncan, who is grinning at her so that she can see the chip in his canine tooth.

"Question," Albie starts, and she tilts her head to allow it, even as his grin turns nervous. "Want to go on a date with me?"

She considers. Albie's a year older than she is, but sweet and he does good impressions of the teachers. She's never really thought about him being handsome, but she guesses that his hair is good, thick brown and swooping up in the front, and she does like his smile.

"Okay," she nods. "My parents - I'll check with them. Where do you want to go?"

Albie lives a couple of towns over, but finally they agree to get ice cream at a place in the middle. Emma hopes they'll be able to find it without too much trouble.

When she looks away from Albie, she finds Dad still standing with his group but looking at her. The smile he gives her is one she has never seen before, sort of sighing and twisted at one corner, even as his eyes look the same as they always have.

Drea drives home from the fireworks with Mom in the front guiding her. Nate falls asleep pretty quickly, curled up against Dad in the backseat.

Emma, on Dad's other side, watches out the window for a while as the other towns nearby celebrate Independence Day too. Before long, her head drops against his shoulder.

He angles his hands toward her, and as they pass beneath the streetlights, she can just make out what he is saying.

"Don't grow up too fast, okay?"

She closes her eyes and gives a little nod into his shirt. She plans on growing up at exactly the right speed.

More chapters here