#what’d I do without my lovely blonde dog

[thetorturedlovergirl]

Today in this holy day, the anniversary of “The Woman Who Fell To Earth”, we will celebrate by staring for 24 hours at 13 in 12’s clothes

[the-queen-of-hell-666]

The 100-Year Old Virgin

Pairing: Virgin!Steve Rogers / Fem!Reader

Words: 2000+

Summary: Reader has a crush on Steve but he is already seeing someone.

 Warnings: explicit sexual content (vaginal sex, unprotected sex, vaginal fingering, oral sex (M and F receiving), squirting), friends to lovers, lost of virginity, SMUT!!!!! NO MINORS!!! 18+!!!!

A/N: This was my first time writing a Steve Smut fic (Only because I have only written Supernatural smut) and I am very proud of this fic. I like to write in 3rd person, just because it makes it easier on myself. There is some fluff at the end but for the most part it’s smut. Also I posted this on my Ao3 account and people seemed to really like it and I want to see if it happens with all platforms. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did while writing it. 

Y/n sat on the couch of the Avengers compound. She was wearing a pair of grey sweatpants and one of the t-shirts, she stole from Steve, her best friend. She has her Y/h/c hair up in a top knot and black fuzzy socks on her feet. She was watching The Big Bang Theory on the giant tv in the lounge.

She was relaxing, when a tuxedo clad Steve Rogers came rushing out of the lift. She looked up as he rushed past her with a pair of black dress shoes in his hands. 

Y/n whisted, “Why do you look like a blonde double o’ seven?” She questioned, pausing her show and standing up. Steve tries to put on his shoes but ends up falling flat on his face, he rolls onto his back and looks up at her. “Steve, why’re you in such a hurry?” She asked, helping him back onto his feet.

“You know Destiny?” He questioned, oh Y/n knows Destiny. She hates her, because the day Y/n had the courage to tell Steve how she felt about him, was the same day Steve introduced Destiny, his girlfriend, to the team.

“Yeah I know her.” She nodded, and then clenched her jaw shut, so she didn’t say anything she’ll regret.

“Well tonight I have a date and I think tonight… might be the night.” Steve shrugged, and a blush dusted his cheeks.

“Tonight might be the night for wha-” She started to ask, but it clicked with her and her eyes widened. “Steve are you a virgin?” She asked.

“What?! No, no…” He trailed off, and Y/n suppressed her smirk and took his shoes from him. She helped him with his shoes and then stood back up. He looked at her faded dark blue t-shirt. “Is that my shirt?”

“You should know by now that I steal your clothes all the time, Steven.” She shrugged, and patted him on the shoulder and walked to the couch and leaned on the back. She crossed her arms and looked up at him. The look on his face was nervous and he was playing with his fingers. “Tell me what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” He shrugged, and nervously chuckled.

“Really? ‘Cause it looks like you’re about to sweat through your suit.” She said, and he sighed and dropped his defensive facade.

“Fine! I’m nervous that I’m not ready to cross that line.” He explained, and Y/n cocked her head to the side.

“If you’re not ready. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“But I feel like it is and I don’t know how she is going to react if I’m not ready.” Steve rambled, and she placed her hands on his arms, and he looked at her in the eyes.

“Steve, if she really loves you then that shouldn’t matter.” She said, and he let out a breath of relief.

“I wish that all women were like you.” He sighed, and she chuckled.

“Well they aren’t, unfortunately. But you’re going to be late.” She said, and he quickly placed a kiss on her cheek and grabbed his keys and wallet. “Bye!” She yelled, and Steve waved before slipping out the door. Y/n sighed and plopped back onto the couch with her blankets and pillows. “Good job, Y/n. You love him and yet you let him go.” She sighed, and buried her face in a pillow and screamed before taking a breath, then unpaused her show.

After a while she fell asleep in the sea of blankets and pillows. She woke up to the sound of the door open and shut. She jolted awake and looked at the mystery man in the kitchen, but she could see it was Steve. He saw that she was awake and paused in his tracks.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” He questioned, as Y/n got up and walked into the kitchen behind the lounge. She grabbed a bottle of beer and popped the cap off.

“Yeah. But I needed to get up anyway.” She shrugged, then took a long sip of beer and then looked Steve up and down. “Your tie is still around your neck. So I’m guessing it didn’t happen.”

“No. I wasn’t ready, but she was and then when I told her I wasn’t… she broke up with me.”

“I’m sorry, Stevie.” She said sympathetically. “Wanna stay up late watching crappy tv?” She offered, walking back over to the couch.

“Sure.” He shrugged, and plopped down next to her. She leaned over and grabbed the remote, and her shirt rode up and Steve saw the back of her Y/f/c lace bralette, he blushed and quickly looked away. She leaned back and sank into the pillows.

“Alright what’d you wanna watch? Big Bang Theory? Game of Thrones? Supernatural?” She questioned, and Steve looked over the tv screen.

“What about Friends?” He shrugged, and she nodded.

“Sounds good.” She said, and played it and leaned back against the couch. After it started, Y/n realised that it was the episode, where Ross came back from China with Julie and Rachel was jealous, and Y/n can’t help but feel like she was in the same thing. The episode ended and Y/n was quick to pause the tv before another one could come on. Steve looked at her confused.

“Why’d you pause the show?” He questioned, and she turned to look at him.

“Why didn’t you go through with Destiny?” She asked, and he looked a little taken back by her question.

“Why do you ask?”

“I mean you can get any woman you want by just stepping outside. Most women are practically in love with you. I mean I’m in love with you-” She stopped her sentence, in realization of what she just confessed.

“Y-you love me?” He questioned, but Y/n didn’t answer, she just dashed down the hall to the stair and took them two at a time. She got to her floor and ran into her room.

She paced the room waiting for Steve to come knocking. “God damnit, Y/n! You take one look at that man and practically fall apart! Now you just confessed your love to him, right after a break up! Stupid, stupid, stupid!” She exclaimed, and then someone cleared their throat from behind her. She froze not exactly knowing what to do.

“I don’t think it’s that stupid.” Steve said, from where he stood at her doorway. Tears filled her eyes as she slowly turned around. She laughed a watery laugh and sat at the edge of her bed.

“Yeah, well I think it’s stupid that a man like you would ever look at me the way you looked at Destiny.” She explained, and he sat next to her.

“Why would you say that?” He asked her sympathetically, and looked at her with big puppy dog eyes.

“Because, I’m not pretty enough, skinny enough, good enough for a man like you.” She whispered, and Steve looked at her with confusion and a little bit of pity. She looked at him and saw the pity so she jumped up and started pacing the room again. “No! Don’t look at me like that!”

“Look at you like what?”

“With pity! I don’t want to be pitied.” She sighed, and he stood up and took her hands in his, so she’d stop pacing.

“I don’t pity you. And as far as I’m concerned, you are the most beautiful dame I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Steve said, she looked up at him as tears fell down her face.

“Then why don’t show it?” Y/n questioned, as her voice cracked. He decided instead of words he would show her, so he placed his hands on her face and leaned down and kissed her. She froze for a moment not really knowing what to do, but then she came back to reality. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. He pulled her up by the backs of her thighs. She jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. He laid her down on the bed and hovered over her without removing his lips from hers. He then pulled back and looked down at her.

“I don’t show it, because I was too scared to.” Steve said, and she placed her hands on his face, so he would look at her.

“Well, don’t get scared now. Because I want you, and by the bulge in your pants I think you want the same.” Y/n whispered, and he leaned down and kissed her hard. She untied his tie, then pushed his suit jacket off. She took her hair down and it flowed around her face, like a halo. She reconnected their lips as she unbuttoned his dress shirt. “Too… many… clothes…” She said, through kisses. He quickly stood up and took off everything except his boxers. He stood back and watched. As she sat up and took off her shirt, then her socks, and finally her sweatpants, leaving her in matching lace panties and bralette.

“You’re so beautiful, doll.” Steve said, and climbed on top of her. He kissed and sucked down her jaw, to her neck, collarbone, then finally to her chest, leaving little red marks in his wake. Before Y/n knew it her bra was gone, and Steve had taken one of her breasts in his mouth.

“Ohh… Steve.” Y/n moaned, as he nipped and sucked on one breast before switching to the other. He kissed down her stomach to the hemline of her panties. “Are you sure about this?” She questioned, and he looked up at her.

“Of course. I love you and I want to show you.” He said, and she smiled and pulled him up for a heated kiss.

“I love you too, Steve.” She whispered, and he again kissed down her stomach to her panties. He hooked his fingers under the hemline then slowly pulled them down. The cool air hit her already soaked pussy, and she mewled out. He smirked and gently spread her legs. He groaned at the sight of her completely exposed to him. He used his fingers to spread her folds, before he dived in. He thrusted his tongue into her wet channel. She moaned and mewled out as he sucked on her clit. He plunged two thick fingers into her. He curled and thrusted them in and out of her pussy. “Ohh… Steve, how are you so good at this?!” She exclaimed, as he slammed three fingers into her.

“Tony sent me a lot of porn, when I first started dating Destiny.” Steve explained, and Y/n rolled her eyes and scoffed.

“That sounds like him.” Y/n said, then he curled his fingers and they hit her g-spot and she arched her back. She cried out as her orgasm took her over. He continued to suck her clit and thrust his fingers, until she came down from her high. He took his fingers out and she took them and sucked them clean. He smirked and climbed over her and connected their lips. She rolled him over onto his back. She straddled his thighs, then pulled his boxers off. His hard member slapped his taut stomach. Y/n took in the size of his and practically drooled at the sight of him. She took Steve in hand and gave a few pumps, before taking the head of his cock in her mouth. She licked the slit, tasting the pre-cum already dripping down his shaft. She slid her mouth down his shaft, until he hit the back of her throat.

“Ohh… Y/n!” Steve groaned out, as she swallowed around him. She hollowed out her cheeks and gently sucked. He moaned and thrusted his hips up, so that his cock moved farther down her throat. Steve pulled her up, then rolled them over, so he was on top. He kissed her fiercely, as he lined up and started to push into her. She had to break away from the kiss, so she could cry out, as he bottomed out. “Oh. You’re so tight, doll.”

“Move. Please, Stevie.” Y/n whined, and he started thrusting in and out of her slowly trying not to hurt her, but she wanted more. “I’m not going to break. Please fuck me. Hard!”

“Whatever you want, babydoll.” He whispered into her ear, then started thrusting hard and fast into her. She cried out and arched her back, he used this new position and took one of her nipples in his mouth. He sucked and nipped on her breasts, leaving hickeys and red marks all over her chest. He kept thrusting hard and fast into her wanting pussy.

“Oh, fuck! I’m gonna cum!” Y/n yelled, and he brought a hand down and started rubbing tight circles on her clit. His cock hit her g-spot over and over again, and that set her off. Her thighs shook as she started squirting all over his cock and chest. Steve groaned at the sight of her squirting all over him. He pulled out quickly and came in spurts of hot, white cum. The cum covered her stomach, pussy, and breasts. He slumped over her without crushing her. After a few minutes of resting, Steve got up and walked to her bathroom, and grabbed a washcloth. He soaked it with some water, then came back in to see Y/n tangled in her white sheets, his cum covering her body, her hair a mess around her head, her eyes closed in peer bliss, and a lovestruck smile across her face. If Steve could take a photo of this he would, she was just so beautiful in his eyes. He walked over to the bed and gently cleaned the cum off of her body, then threw the washcloth in the laundry hamper. He climbed into bed with her, and she immediately cuddled up to his chest.

“I love you, Y/n.” Steve whispered to her, thinking that she was asleep until he heard her voice.

“I love you too, Steve.” Y/n whispered back, then closed her eyes and cuddled closer into his chest. He wrapped both arms around her, and hugged her closely to himself, silently promising never to let her go.

[dumdumsun]

And Dusk

A/N: Enjoy ❤️

Warnings: blood and violence

Word Count: 1975

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Chapter 4: Always Next Time

Who the hell were those men?

Shaken up from her encounter with the three gunmen, (Y/N) threw the front doors of her home open and hurried inside with Mr Pennycrumb skittering behind her. “Dad?” She called out as she hurried all around, her voice breaking and echoing throughout the house. “Dad?!”

“(Y/N), hun, what’s going on?” The southern accent sounding from behind her caused her tense posture to relax as she turned to Grace.

“Mom… W-Where’s Dad?”

“He’s at a meeting, sweetheart. I’m not sure where, he didn’t tell me much,” When her daughter nodded with a faraway look, Grace took a step closer. “What happened? Where’s Preston?”

Swallowing, (Y/N) tried her best to crawl out of the hole she dug for herself, but it seemed to just be getting deeper. “Uh… I was attacked by some crazy people a-and Preston decided to take me home.” She rushed out as her feet quickly took her to the staircase that led to the rooms. Grace was immediately on her heels.

“You were what?! Honey, are you okay?! Who was it, what’d they do?!”

“It’s fine, Mom-”

“No, it’s not! You need to be tellin’ us these things, (Y/N). W-What if somethin’ like last time happened?” Grace recalled the day the two met. The girl’s shoulders visibly tensed and her mother wondered if she should have said that.

“Mom… I-”

“It’s alright, darlin’. I’m sorry for saying that.”

“No, no!” (Y/N) quickly turned towards her and brought her into a tight hug. Grace chuckled and returned the affection. “I’m glad you worry… It lets me know I’m loved.”

Grace gently ran her hand through the girl’s hair. “You most definitely are…”

(Y/N) began to get choked up, so she pulled away before the waterworks could make their presence known. She pointed behind herself awkwardly. “I’m gonna… get some sleep. I’m a little exhausted…”

“Of course, sweetheart. How about I make you a snack when you wake up?”

The familiarity of this woman making her food simply because she loved her had the girl’s (e/c) orbs nearly overflowing with tears as she nodded. “I’d love that. Thank you, Mom… I love you.” She grinned before slipping into her bedroom and softly closing the door. As soon as she heard her mother’s footsteps echo down the hall, she quickly wiped her eyes and charged towards her bed, flopping onto her back and closing her eyes.

Inhale for one, two, three, four

One, two, three, four…

One moment, she’s in her bedroom, and in the next, she’s in the park where she left her date. She adjusted her blurry vision by blinking several times. The fogginess washed away to reveal Preston much closer to her than she was comfortable with. His brown eyes were glancing at her lips as his blonde waves, once slicked back, fell in his eyes as he leaned close to her, lips puckered. Before his lips could graze hers, she pressed her index and middle fingers to his mouth. The boy frowned and stopped his movement, eyes fluttering open. “Um… What are you doing?”

“I-I was, uh-”

“I have to go,” She stood to her feet. “I think Mr Pennycrumb ran away.”

“Oh,” Preston’s entire expression fell into a look of irritation that had her blood boiling every time she saw it. “Then, I’ll help you look.”

“No,” She shook her head. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary. I’m just…”

(Y/N) placed her hand over her eyes and feigned sadness. “I’m so torn up about it… I just wanna be alone…”

“Awe, honey,” Preston stood and moved to stand in front of her. “I told you that you didn’t need that dumb dog. How about I take you to get some ice cream-”

“I just said I wanted to be alone!” She quickly turned away and took long strides to get away from him faster. “We’ll reschedule!”

Groaning into her hands, (Y/N) made her way back to her home, running to the side where the roof cast its shadow, a perfect hiding spot. Sitting down in the grass, she hugged her knees to her chest as close as she could before humming her three-note tune to dismiss her clone. Her eyes rolling to the back of her head, she became dizzy and her vision faded to black. When she opened her eyes, she was in her bedroom again, laying on her back. Exhaling, she let her hand drop onto her chest. “God…”

-------------------------------------------------

“This is it.” Five announced as he and Diego exited the car stolen by the latter. The two approached their father’s company building with slow, hesitant steps as they surveyed the exterior.

“‘D.S. Umbrella’. This is it.” Diego muttered. The closer they neared the entrance, the slower Five’s pace grew until he stopped walking altogether. Diego turned to his brother in concern. “You okay?”

Five hesitated. “Yeah, fine. Just…” When he reached the front door, he let out a sigh. Diego swiftly took out his knife and began picking the lock on the door.

“How long has it been since you’ve seen the old man?”

“Forty-five years…”

“That’s a trip…”

“No kidding…” The boy sighed yet again. “You know, when I was stuck out there in the apocalypse, there wasn’t a day that went by where I didn’t hear his voice in my head.”

Diego didn’t look away from his task. “What was he saying?” He asked before muttering to himself when he couldn’t get the door to unlock.

“‘I told you so’.”

The quote itself made Diego scoff and shake his head. “Yeah, I’ve witnessed (Y/N) get an earful of that after you left… Dad used to lock her in that damn room all the time…”

“What room?” Five stood straighter, the mention of his love something he would never disregard.

“A small, dark room in a part of the house none of us were allowed to go… I don’t know how she did it, but he kept her in that room with no windows or light or human interaction until she was able to find you,” Diego looked up at his brother. “Almost a week.”

“A week? He kept her there for almost a week?!”

“Yep. And each day she couldn’t reach you, we could hear him shouting about her ‘not wanting to find her true potential’ or whatever bullshit he tried to beat into her mind to make her feel like shit. But something must’ve happened, because on the fifth day, Mom was bringing her to her room. God, she looked…”

Five wasn’t sure if he wanted to know.

“She looked dead. Like she had just come from her own grave. She didn’t talk to anyone for a while.”

“Starlight…” The boy shut his eyes and shook his head. His mind immediately thought back on Luther’s words. Perhaps he had been dragging her into every mess he made, and he’d been doing it far longer than he thought.

Diego was silent for a few beats before breaking it with a huff. “But hey, if Dad’s here, he’s never met either of you before, so he can’t say ‘I told you so’.”

“I’m sure the bastard will find a way.” Five growled, the tiniest hint of a sarcastic smile on his face before it fell moments later. Without warning, he blinked inside the building and unlocked the door for his brother, who sat dumbly before him.

“Right… Gotta remember that.” Diego cleared his throat as he stood to his feet and walked inside. After searching around for a bit, the two decided to split up to cover more ground. Five tried several rooms, all with locked doors until he found one in particular.

The decor was disturbing, to say the least. Set up to be a family room, yet the only “people” inhabiting the room were three mannequin-esque figures. Brushing off the chill that ran down his spine, he made his way to another room with a desk on one side of it, going through several papers until he came across an invitation to a gala. Deeming this useful, Five pocketed the invitation just before the sound of something metallic clattering behind him could be heard. Slowly, the boy stalked closer to a part of the room where a child’s play area had been set up. There was a table with puzzles, crayons and paper. Five unknowingly passed a chalkboard with the names “Pogo” and “(Y/N)” written in yellow chalk. The boy’s eyes caught a drawing on the table and picked it up. It had to have been drawn by a child, the monkey on the paper poorly drawn. The character beside it, though, had the gears turning in Five’s head. It was a girl with (h/l) (h/c) hair and (s/c) skin. He was going to look around the area more when he heard another noise coming from in front of him. He dropped the paper and moved forward, his body going still at who stepped out of the shadows.

An ape wearing only pajama pants cautiously crawled out of his hiding spot and Five immediately knew who it was. His soft grunting and squeaking made the boy’s voice and actions become softer as he crouched down in front of the chimp. “Hi… Pogo,” He whispered as the two got closer. “Hey… It’s alright, little buddy.” He softly smiled as both he and Pogo stared at each other in wonder. With a gentleness only shown to his love, Five slowly reached forward. “Pogo… It’s good to see you-”

He was caught off guard when Pogo screeched and struck Five in the side of his neck, causing the boy to cry out and fall over. The chimp quickly moved away from Five and ran through the glass wall, leaving him a panting mess. The boy looked all around as his hand pressed onto his bleeding wound. “Diego! Diego!” He called out as he stumbled to his feet, dashing out of the room. Little did he know, Diego was nowhere near him, having his own share of bloodshed.

Just as Diego was about to have his ass handed to him, he spotted a rebar a little ways away from him. Turning slightly, he kicked the man who had a grip on his arm, setting himself free. The Kraken jumped onto the platform, grabbed the rebar in both his hands, and backflipped off the platform, landing right in front of his shadow-clad opponent. The man dodged nearly every swing Diego took at him, save for the one to the side, and then to the leg that sent him to his knees. Raising the rebar above his head, Diego was just ready to give this man hell. But when he raised his head and revealed himself to be Sir Reginald Hargreeves, Diego hesitated. “Dad…” He whispered before a small knife sunk itself into his abdomen. He wheezed out a breath, his father staring into his eyes as he muttered,

“Ametur.”

Diego could do nothing but fall to the ground as blood seeped out of his wound after the knife was ripped out of him, watching as Reginald continued down the foggy pathway. He clapped his gloved hands twice, alerting a screeching Pogo to drop down from where he had been waiting. Once the chimp was on the ground, he and Reginald joined hands, continuing away from the man bleeding out on the ground.

-------------------------------------------------

As Grace and (Y/N) painted together, the girl hummed her usual tune, being interrupted when her mother softly gasped. “Y’know what? Reggie wasn’t at a meeting. He was takin’ Pogo to run some tests. That’s why he’s out so late.”

“Oh, yeah, I forgot,” (Y/N) sighed. “I wanted to go this time…”

“There’s always next time, darlin’.”

“Yeah,” The girl returned to her painting. “Next time.”

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[slowly-writing]

Only You

Jennifer Jareau x Reader

Word count: 1.3k

Requested by anon: Could I get a JJ imagine where R is super flirty with everyone especially JJ but then JJ gets jealous when she flirts with others.

“Y/l/n!”

“Yes, beautiful?” You return JJ’s call across the bullpen and she rolls her eyes, but you can see the blush she's trying to hide by looking away.

“Emily needs those files on her desk by the end of the day,” she tells you, gesturing to the stack of papers shoved as far away from you as your desk allows.

“I don’t waaaaaannaaaaa,” you whine and she rolls her eyes again, “you do it for me.”

“Nice try, cutie. Do your own work,” JJ shoots back and you groan, throwing your head back and slumping in your chair.

“Damn Jareau, what’d you do to her?” Morgan asks as he and Reid walk back into the bullpen from their coffee run.

“Nothing! I’m just the messenger here. Emily needs the paperwork from the last case and y/n is mad I won’t do it for her,” JJ defends and you look up at Morgan.

“You wanna help?” You put on your best puppy dog face but he shakes his head, backing away.

“No way, that’s all in you. I’ve got my own paperwork to deal with.”

“I can help. I finished mine before we left,” Reid says and you grin as he pulls his chair towards your desk.

“You’re the best, Spencer,” you place a kiss on his cheek. He blushes but smiles as the two of you tuck into the papers, missing the way JJ’s brow furrows just slightly.

xxxxx

You’re all sitting around the conference room table eating lunch a few hours later. To say the team needed a break from paperwork would be an understatement, so you had all left your desks to hang out over the lunch hour.

“Is that a new shirt, y/l/n?” Prentiss asks and you glance down at it before smirking at her.

“It is, know what it’s made of? Girlfriend material. Looks pretty good on me doesn’t it?” You ask with a wink.

“It’d look better on my bedroom floor,” Emily flirts back and the team bursts out laughing. All except a certain blonde who’s staring very intently at her food. Nobody seems to notice but you. The conversation continues but you can’t look away from JJ who is stabbing at her salad just a bit too aggressively in her seat next to you.

“Hey, are you okay?” You whisper and she sends you a tense smile.

“I’m good,” her voice is stiff, and it doesn’t take a profiler to know she’s upset but this isn’t the time or place to have that conversation, so you file it away for later as Emily’s phone rings. She steps out of the room and you all glance after her.

“Any guesses on where this one is?” Garcia wonders aloud, knowing you’re all about to have a case.

“Hopefully the west coast. I need a break from the cold,” Morgan says as Emily enters the room again.

“Well your wish has just been granted, we’re going to California. Wheels up in 20, we’ll have the briefing on the plane,” she says and everyone moves to gather their things, JJ is out the door before you’re even on your feet.

xxxxx

“What can I do you for?” Garcia answers the phone, peppy as ever despite the unfortunate circumstances.

“Hey, it’s y/l/n. We need help narrowing down our suspect pool,” you begin as you place the phone on speaker and set it in the middle of the table.

“Ah yes, my second favorite profiler. What parameters do you have,” Garcia teases and you place a hand over your heart even though she can’t see you.

“You wound me, my love. I thought what we had was special,” you can see Morgan smirking and you roll your eyes.

“It is darling, but nobody can beat my chocolate thunder.”

“Whatever. JJ’s my favorite anyway. She’d never insult me like this,” you wink at the blonde and she laughs, a smile finally back on her face. “Anyway, we need to look into men who’ve lost their job recently.”

“Try people in the construction industry,” JJ adds in and soon enough you’re back to business.

xxxxx

“What are you all up to?” Morgan asks as he enters the small room the local officers have you in.

“Reid was teaching me about important dates in history. Wanna be one of them?” You ask and he laughs.

“Only if you’re paying, hot stuff,” you scrunch up your face in fake thought at his words.

“You drive a hard bargain, but I might be able to make that work,” you tell him with a smirk, even pulling a chuckle out of Reid who still hasn’t looked up from the files in front of him. But you notice JJ is once again frowning, and you’re starting to think you know what’s going on. Before you can question it Prentiss is walking in.

“Alright, I want JJ and y/l/n on the first site. Morgan, Ried, and I will check out the other. We’ll meet back here, hopefully with our unsub in custody,” Prentiss instructs and you all grab your vests before heading to two SUVs.

“I’m glad we got paired up,” you say in a rare show of sincerity as you step into the vehicle and leave the parking lot.

“Really?” JJ asks and you grin at the blush on her cheeks, but as quick as your serious mood came, it’s gone.

“Yeah. I mean, I'm no photographer, but I can picture you and I together,” you tell her and she rolls her eyes as you pull up to the run down house.

“Never serious for long, are you y/n?” She asks and you shake your head.

“Where’s the fun in that?” You ask before focusing on the task at hand. “You take the front I’ll take the back.”

At her nod you split up, a few local officers following each of you. You wait for JJ’s signal through your earpiece before going in the back door. You’re making your way through the house when you see the unsub. He’s standing directly between you and JJ, a knife in hand. There’s no way for you to take a shot without risking JJ’s safety.

You weigh your options, deciding that your best bet is a surprise attack. You take a running start, sweeping out the unsub’s legs before grabbing his arms as he falls face first. In his shock he drops the knife and you’re able to secure a set of handcuffs around his wrists fairly easily.

“Jesus, y/l/n, where’d that come from?” JJ asks and you smile sheepishly as you roll out your shoulders.

“What? I wanted to play hero,” you justify as you hand off the unsub to the cops.

“You really are something else, huh?” She says and you grin for real.

“The things you do for love.” Her smile falls quickly at your words.

“No one loves me.”

“I’m- I’m right in front of you? How dare you?!” You sputter out and she shakes her head

“I mean really loves me, y/n. We flirt and it’s fun, but you flirt with everyone. It doesn’t mean anything,” she argues and your jaw drops.

“It does when it’s with you!” You all but yell.

“What?”

“I...I’m in love with you JJ. And I couldn’t help the flirty comments I sent your way, so I thought if I said them to everyone, then you wouldn’t figure it out. But it’s always been you, only you,” you promise, taking her hand in yours and pulling her closer. She smiles at you before pulling you into a bruising kiss. It is everything you expected and more, and it is so worth the wait.

“Is this the Hogwarts Express? Because it feels like you and I are headed somewhere magical,” you say as you pull away and she glares playfully.

“Those aren’t done now?”

“Never.”

Tag list: @rvgrsbrns @rororo06 @prizmix-and-friends @worlds-in-words @im-salt-but-not-salty @5aftermidnight @riotmaximoff @xxxtwilightaxelxxx 

CM tag list: @reidingandwriting @zizzlekwum 

[feirceangel]

Imagine | A Baby? (David)

Imagine David having to raise you.

Requested by @Davidsmate24 on Wattpad.

~

The night started as normal, the boys hanging around the boardwalk until they grew hungry. So, they tracked down a few unsuspecting people and feasted.

Of course, something unexpected happened.

When David was about to attack a woman, she screamed, "No, Y/n! Don't hurt her!"

David, naturally, paid her outburst no mind and drained her of blood.

Then, he heard a cry.

A baby's cry.

This was not good. The Lost Boys never hurt children: it was just an unspoken rule. David frowned as he investigated the noise.

He discovered a babe wrapped in a soft f/c blanket lying by a bunch of bags on the ground. This must be the 'Y/n' that the lady was screaming about.

Paul, Marko, and Dwayne come beside him and stare down at the child.

"What are we gonna do?" Marko asks, tilting his head.

David cusses, "I have no idea."

~

Long story short, they took you in and began raising you as their own.

It wasn't easy for them to get accustomed to you.

~

David stares at the screaming kid with irritation etched into his features. "What the hell is wrong with it?!"

At his tone, she begins to cry out again, louder this time. He runs a gloved hand through his hair and breathes out heavily.

Dwayne speaks up, "Maybe she's hungry?"

"Marko, food," David demands.

Marko frowns, "What do babies eat?"

"I don't know, think of something!" David growls, sending the younger vampire scampering away.

The child watches the curly blond leave before wailing again.

"Ugh, make it stop!" He seethes, glaring at the nuisance.

"Maybe pick it up?" Paul suggests.

David curls his lip, "No way. You hold it."

"Hey, it's not my responsibility."

"Why is it my responsibility?"

"Because you killed its mom."

Dwayne intervenes, "Can you stop calling her an it? She has a name."

"What was it again?"

Dwayne sighs, "Y/n."

"Oh right."

David, having enough of the crying, finally bends down and scoops the child into his arms.

To everyone's surprise, Y/n stops crying.

Marko walks in, holding up a bag, "I found some baby food!"

"Finally," David sighs, and hands the kid over to Marko and Dwayne. Although he'd never admit it, he actually liked holding the baby in his arms.

~

Eventually, you grew into a cute toddler. Marko and Paul loved playing with you and teaching you knew things, like how to speak and walk and draw, while Dwayne was determined to teach you the alphabet and simple math.

David was like the overseer, and somehow your favourite out of all the boys. He would read to you and show you cool 'magic' tricks and tuck you into bed each morning.

The boys all grew attached to you, and loved you as much as they would have their own flesh and blood.

~

When you discovered that the boys were vampires, you were unaffected, having not understood what vampires were in the first place. They told you when you were younger, so that it wouldn't be such a shock.

They told you that you could turn when you were eighteen, which seemed so far away at the time.

Currently, at seventeen years of age, you've become a bit of a rebel. Therefore, it's been harder for the boys to keep you out of trouble.

You sneak out during the middle of the day to explore Santa Carla without the boys watching your every move. You've even been hanging around the comic book shop much to the annoyance of David.

He's become so protective of you, demanding that you stop seeing Edgar and Alan, claiming that they're 'dangerous'.

You can understand where he's coming from, seeing as the Frog brothers are determined self proclaimed vampire hunters. The fact that you're going to turn into a vampire in a few months would make them hate you.

David hates waking up to find you missing, although you always leave notes to tell him where you are.

Paul and Marko usually feed your rebellious side, being the fun uncles of the group. Dwayne is more of the calm, but still cool, uncle.

David, on the other hand, is your father figure, having taken up the mantle when he 'found' you on the beach.

You even call him 'dad' sometimes.

In the best sense, you and the Lost Boys make a tightly knit family, willing to do anything for each other.

~

You enter the comic book shop with a smile, sunlight pouring in after you. Edgar and Alan look up from the books in their hands to return the smile.

"Hey, guys, what's up?"

Alan crosses his arms and leans against the counter, "Not much. It's been quiet lately."

"No vampires?" You tease, a sly smirk forming on your lips. Deep inside, you're terrified that one day they'll find what they've been looking for.

If they did find out the Lost Boys' secret, there's no doubt that they would try something foolish.

You really don't want that to happen.

Edgar glares at you, "Not yet, but we're ready."

"I know that. You and your crosses and garlic."

Alan adds, "Don't forget the holy water."

You roll your eyes, but cringe on the inside. Holy water is the only thing that can actually harm the boys, apart from sunlight.

Relax, they have no clue.

Sitting on the counter next to Alan, you look at the fading sunlight. You snuck out before sunset to throw off the Frog's suspicion, just in case.

"What are you doing tonight, Y/n?"

You turn to Alan and shrug, "No idea. Probably just hang around here, if that's okay?"

"Got nothing better to do?" Edgar questions.

"Jeez, now that I think of it, I've got dinner with the Queen! How could I forget that?" You laugh, "What do you think, Eddie?"

Alan suggests, "We could always go to that concert, close up shop early.

"Ooh, yes! I wanted to catch that concert! It's gonna be awesome!"

You look to Edgar with wide puppy dog eyes, "C'mon, what'd you say?"

He doesn't say anything, simply sighs and nods. You laugh in victory and leap up, "Let's go, losers!"

~

The concert is amazing!

You've been to a bunch of different concerts before, but never with the Frog brothers. They kinda just stand there and maybe nod along, but it's nice to be with friends.

In the distance, you hear motorcycles revving.

Crap. I hope they don't ruin everything.

You nudge Edgar, "We should head back."

"Why?" He frowns in confusion.

"It's nothing, let's just go."

You push through the crowd on your way to the shop. As you break free from the swarm of people, a different group blocks your way.

An angry David leads them.

"Oh, uh, heya Pops," you mumble, looking downwards. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Where were you?" He asks.

"Out."

"I know that, I want to know where you were."

You gulp. Technically, you're not supposed to be hanging around the Frog brothers.

"I was around. I went to the concert."

Just then, two familiar brothers arrive behind you, "These guys bothering you?"

"No-" you start to say, but a glare from David silences you.

"The Frogs," the head vampire growls with a smile.

This is not good

"Why are you hanging around my daughter?" He takes a drag from his cigarette.

Edgar and Alan freeze. They hadn't known about you're fatherly attachment to David.

"Daughter?" Edgar asks disbelievingly.

He nods.

They look to you and you nod, "Yeah, this is my adopted dad, David. David, you know Edgar and Alan."

"You're one of them!" Edgar accuses. He's been suspecting the Lost Boys of being murderous vampires for some time.

"No!" At your outburst, David frowns dangerously. "I mean, kind of. I don't know," you try to explain.

Alan scoffs and starts to walk away, "Don't bother coming back to the shop. You're not welcome."

Your heart breaks as they leave.

Tears fall from your face as Marko wraps you in a warm embrace, "It's okay, kid."

"It's not okay!" You yell, wrenching away from them.

You run to the beach, away from it all. The silence is a welcomed experience. You turn when you sense a presence.

"David, why did you do that?!"

"You have to realize that they don't care about you! You know what they'd do if they knew for a fact that you were raised by vampires?! They'd kill you, Y/n. This is for the best."

You hate to admit it, but he's right. You hate it when he's right.

He hands you a cigarette and lights it for you, "I'm sorry, hun. I know you wanted to be their friend."

"They're the only ones who wanted anything to do with me."

"Not true," David chastises, "Marko, Paul, and Dwayne love hanging with you."

"It's not the same."

He sighs heavily, "You're right. We're your family: we're never gonna run away like that, no matter what."

You hiccup, trying to stop the tears. He draws you close and hugs you, "Love you, sweetie."

"Love you too, dad."

[charincharge]

I Don’t Want To Wait, three

rowaelin high school bff au  masterlist

Based on the prompts : 

Subtle glances at each other but they don’t notice Everyone else knows how they feel Where one of them subconsciously copies the others movements.... For Rowaelin HS au (of course)

Person A sneaking things into the cart when Person B isn’t looking. I thought of Aelin sneaking some chocolate sweets 😂

“Ace, control yourself.”

Rowan removed the family-sized bag of assorted chocolates from their grocery cart and replaced it with a smaller one. Aelin pouted and widened her eyes, hoping that her puppy dog eyes would distract her best friend, but he remained resolute. He walked a little further down the aisle and placed a bag of trail mix into the cart. Aelin picked it up and frowned.

“Ro, there’s not even chocolate in this!” she whined, and Rowan rolled his eyes. “Who eats trail mix without chocolate? That’s a crime against humanity.”

“Some of us have lacrosse nationals to prep for and might want nutritious snacks.”

“You can have all the carrots and humus you want,” Aelin laughed, grabbing two bags of potato chips and a can of queso.

“You’re never going to make it through this all-nighter if you eat that crap,” Rowan chastised, but Aelin merely flicked him off in return.

“Please. My body runs on grease and sugar and caffeine,” she bragged. “I’ll be fine.”

Rowan’s eyes slowly perused her body, and Aelin resisted tugging at the hem of her cropped hoodie, studiously ignoring Rowan’s pointed gaze.

“It is kind of insane how true that is,” Rowan said, eyes still affixed to the few inches of exposed skin between her jeans and top. “You’re a medical marvel. Doctors should study you.”

“I exercise,” Aelin huffed in response, and Rowan barked out a loud laugh. As a varsity athlete, Rowan’s exercise regiment bordered on extreme – a five mile run every morning, lacrosse practice every afternoon, followed by weight lifting.

“Says the girl who uses cramps to get out of gym every other week, and then the week you actually have your period.”

Aelin snorted loudly. “It’s not my fault that Coach Hammel doesn’t know anything about the female reproductive system.” Aelin frowned. “And by the way, it’s weird that you track my period.”

She watched as Rowan’s ears turned pink, but he rolled his eyes regardless. “It’s for my own protection. I need to know when to steer clear, otherwise you might mistake me for a piece of chocolate and bite my head off,” he said, poking her in the ribs.

Aelin could feel herself heating up, imagining how delicious Rowan might taste with some chocolate on him.

Since Aelin’s birthday, it was as if her hormones were constantly going haywire. Some sort of teenage hormonal glitch, for sure. Her lust for Rowan had blossomed, and she was no longer in control of her thoughts or her body’s flustered reactions to his presence.

Since their weird, too-close slow dance just a few weeks ago, Aelin had kept track of every time Rowan had touched her. Her body was just… hyper aware of him.

It wasn’t as if Rowan hadn’t touched her before – no, the pair of best friends had always been comfortable with each other in their casual physical intimacy. But suddenly, it was driving Aelin insane. To the point of distraction. She’d written down every pinch and tickle and arm slung over her shoulder with a time code into her diary, just to organize how frequently he touched her.

It wasn’t even that the touching was inappropriate. No, it was completely innocent, but she couldn’t stop herself from wondering if it meant something. Like, maybe Rowan wanted to kiss her too?

She mentally clocked another one to add to her diary – Tuesday at 5:12pm: Rowan poked her side in the grocery aisle.

To combat her rising flush, she diverted her attention to their full cart, overflowing with every kind of junk food from frozen pizza to cookies to tubs of icing to energy drinks and every snack food in between. Rowan’s healthy food section was a paltry sampling of baby carrots, hummus and now his gross, chocolate-free trail mix. They had exactly what they needed for a late night of cramming for their world history exam.

As they made their way to the front to pay, Aelin took a quick moment to replace the bag of chocolates with the family sized one. Rowan didn’t notice until she placed it on the conveyer belt to pay, which he noted with a loud sigh.

“You’re a menace to society,” Rowan he said, squeezing her side.

As Aelin paid, Rowan brushed by her again, his fingertips ever so slightly caressing the bare skin of her back, flustering Aelin completely. Her cheeks heated as she fumbled with the credit card in her hand. Gods, she could not get her lust under control today. How many times had she blushed in this shopping trip alone? But also…

Was that necessary?! She wanted to scream at him as he took his place at the end of the belt to help bag groceries. She looked up at the cashier, who was looking at her with a knowing smile on her face.

“Huh?” Aelin asked, not having quite heard the cashier.

“$83.78,” the cashier repeated, glancing quickly at Rowan and then back at Aelin.

“Right,” Aelin mumbled, ignoring the cashier’s pointed look and swiping her dad’s card quickly.

Rowan hoisted the bags onto his broad shoulders and led the way back to his car, completely oblivious to Aelin’s most recent spike of arousal. Luckily, Rowan was unable to touch her over the large center console of his jeep, and Aelin propped her feet up on the dash, giving herself some space to cool down.

But as he put on his driving playlist, her eyes unwittingly slid to him. She couldn’t help herself.  Somewhere over the last six months, he’d grown about four inches and had started filling out his lanky body with actual muscles. She glanced at her best friend’s face, noticing his long blonde lashes and sloped nose and his silver-blonde hair, in desperate need of a haircut, falling ever so slightly into his dark green eyes.

“Why are you staring at me?” Rowan asked, never taking his eyes off the road. He was nothing if not an overly cautious driver.

Aelin leaned forward and poked her thumb against his cheek. She briefly wondered if Rowan was cataloguing every time she touched him, too. She doubted it. Instead of saying anything incriminating, she went with something ridiculous.

“Do you think you’ll ever need to shave, or are you too blonde to grow facial hair?” she asked, causing Rowan to scowl. He leaned his head down and lifted his shoulder, trapping Aelin’s fingers. She laughed loudly, wriggling her fingers, but she didn’t try hard to remove them. Why would she?

“Why, you think I’d look good with a beard?” Rowan asked, and Aelin crinkled her eyes trying to imagine him, even more grown with a full face of stubble. She just couldn’t.

She must have been making quite the disgruntled expression, because Rowan looked immediately offended as he released her hand from its hold and snapped at her free fingers with his bared teeth. Aelin squealed and pulled her hand back into her lap. “Rude,” he said, pulling into Aelin’s driveway.

“Your dad just left,” Elide announced, barely waiting until the jeep was in park to pull the door open. “He said not to burn the house down.”

Aelin rolled her eyes. That was her dad’s sign off every time he left to go to work. Aelin had started one tiny fire while attempting to cook dinner alone one time, and her father had shown up with the entire Orynth Fire Department in full gear, ready to rescue his daughter from certain death. He’d never let her live it down. She was OFD legend.

“What’d you get?” Lysandra asked, rifling through one of the grocery bags. “Oh! Stuffed crust,” she said with a grin. “Have I mentioned how much I love you?”

Lysandra batted her long lashes at Aelin, slipping her arm around her friend’s waist as Aelin led them all into the house. Another arm tugged at Lysandra, pulling her away, and Aelin laughed at Lysandra’s annoyed squeal with her boyfriend.

“Wes, go help Elide set up our work stations,” Lysandra ordered, and Wesley immediately pouted, wrapping his arms around his girlfriend’s waist even tighter, nibbling at her neck.

“But I’m so hungry,” he complained.

Lysandra pushed his face off her as she narrowed her eyes with warning.

“You get that snack after you help me ace this exam,” Lysandra smirked, and Wesley nuzzled his chin against her shoulder, pulling her closer.

“This is a PDA free night,” Rowan groaned, unloading his healthy snacks. “You promised.” He wagged his finger at the amorous couple, who, since losing their virginities to each other over spring break had been completely inseparable. At the mouth and the groin.

Wesley kissed Lysandra one last time before taking a large step back.

“Just because you’re not getting any,” he grumbled, “Don’t be a killjoy.”

Rowan’s mouth dropped as he continued to plate his carrots. “I could get some… if I wanted…” he mumbled under his breath, causing both Aelin and Lysandra to burst into laughter.

“Sure you could, Buzzard,” Aelin said with an overzealous wink. She grabbed her bags of chips and queso and left a flustered Rowan in the kitchen.

Aelin plopped down onto the couch and groaned at the extensive schedule Elide had written up for them.

“I’ve broken up our schedule into twelve, forty-minute long increments,” Elide explained, tying her dark hair up into a bun. “If we stick to the schedule, we should be fully crammed in… eight hours.”

Aelin pouted as she opened her chips. She knew she was in for a long night, putting Elide in charge of the study schedule. But… eight hours? That meant they’d be studying until two in the morning.

Elide clapped loudly as she started handing out flashcards. “Let’s go, team.”

Six hours later, Aelin was ready to collapse. It was approaching midnight, and they’d made it through nine of the twelve study sections. Only three more to go until freedom. She knew she was supposed to have thoughts of Elirea history swirling through her head, but since Rowan took his place on the floor next to her, she was having a hard time concentrating.

“You know what we need?” Wesley said, twirling one of Lysandra’s chestnut curls around his fingers. Aelin shrugged. “A bowl,” he said. “I always study better when I’m buzzed.”

“You think my dad wouldn’t be able to smell weed as soon as he walked into the house? The man is like a bloodhound for smoke,” Aelin replied, trying to ignore the way Rowan leaned back into her in agreement.

“Gods, I can’t wait to smoke a giant bowl after lacrosse season is over,” Rowan said, resting his chin on top of Aelin’s head.

“Pack it for two, Buzzard,” Aelin said with a laugh, and she could feel Rowan nod against her scalp.

“What about ice cream instead?” Elide suggested. “I think we could all use a sugar bump.”

Lysandra jumped to her feet, moaning loudly as she stretched her arms above her head, her back popping with each subtle movement. Aelin watched as Wesley practically salivated, getting a glimpse of her lacy bra strap. He grabbed at Lysandra’s thigh, and Aelin laughed as she kicked him off gently with a wink.

“Soon, babe.”

Aelin’s filter must have disappeared with her exhaustion because upon looking at her two friends she shouted out, “You two cannot fuck in my house.”

“Please, I’m classier than that.”

“Are you?” Aelin asked, causing Rowan to snort into her hair.

Lysandra blushed but ignored Aelin as she swayed her hips all the way into the kitchen. She reappeared with three pints of ice cream and five spoons.

Aelin immediately grabbed her favorite flavor, Half Baked, and stuck her spoon into it. Her lips wrapped around the cold metal and she couldn’t help but moan loudly at the fudge brownie bite.

She nearly protested as someone else stuck their spoon into her pint, but she stopped herself when she saw it was Rowan.

“Sugar? Really?” she asked. “You must be really tired.”

She watched as Rowan smirked in response, taking a large bite for himself. Aelin’s throat dried as she watched his lips wrap around his spoon, his tongue peeking out and licking the remainder of the ice cream. How was it possible that he made ice cream look pornographic?

“Yum,” he said softly, and took another bite for himself.

There was something weirdly intimate about sharing a pint of ice cream. One pint, two spoons. Aelin completely missed the tenth section of Elide’s schedule because she was too focused on the way Rowan was eating next to her, occasionally knocking his spoon into hers.

When they got to the second to last section, Aelin realized she’d forgotten her notes upstairs. Grateful to have an excuse for some space to cool down, she made her way up to her bedroom to search for her notebook. Even though it was exactly where she’d left it – on her desk, Aelin couldn’t resist the fluffy allure of her bed. She looked at the clock, almost one am. She was so, so tired.

Knowing her friends would absolutely send someone to find her if she didn’t come back downstairs in a few minutes, Aelin risked getting into bed, huddling under the covers for a very quick power nap. Sleep found her quickly, and before she knew it, she was being woken up by soft whispers and laughter.

“Should we wake them?” she could hear Elide ask, and Lysandra’s chuckled reply came quickly after.

“No, don’t wake them.” A long pause. “They’re so cute.”

“And stupid,” Wesley drawled.

Aelin went to roll out of bed, but she found herself pinned down by something heavy. She cracked her eye open and was shocked to realize that Rowan was on top of her comforter, arm flung around her shoulders, deep asleep next to her. His light snores made Aelin smile.

Aelin moved her head over her shoulder, only to see her three friends standing in her doorway, staring at the sleeping friends, wide grins plastered to their faces.

“We sent him to bring you back an hour ago,” Lysandra explained.

Aelin glanced at the clock. Officially 2am. They must have finished Elide’s study schedule. Shit. Well, hopefully Aelin could remember enough of the other topics to do well on this exam. Despite her movement, Rowan didn’t stir once.

“Just leave a note for my dad downstairs that Rowan is here?” Aelin asked, not feeling particularly inclined to move out of his grasp at all.

“Done.” Elide nodded. “Already texted Aunt Maeve, too.”

“Love you,” Aelin mumbled out to her friends, already letting sleep overtake her vision again.

“Love you, too,” Rowan mumbled in his sleep, sticking his nose into Aelin’s hair.

Aelin ignored her friends’ snickering and closed her eyes and burrowed into Rowan’s soft shirt. Inhaling deeply, she was asleep before she even heard the front door close.

~*~*~*~

AN: I’m starting a ToG tag list. Please let me know if you’d like to be added to it HERE (replies in notes tend to get lost, so if you’ve asked to be tagged already and you’re not, please don’t hesitate to ask again!)

tag list:

@df3ndyr

@hizqueen4life

@maastrash

@justgiu12

@aknymph

@bamchickawowow

@thewayshedreamed

@strangeenemy

@studyliketate

@iammissstark

@heirofthenightcourt

@acourtofmarauders

@cmoff1

@stardelia

@b00kworm

@wordsafterhours

@m-like-magic

@the-third-me

@cursebreaker29

@annejulianneh111

@queen-of-glass

@aesthetics-11

@x3hopelessdreamer

@illyrian-velaris

@galyxsy

@cool-ish-nerd

@althelkingshorses

@rockgirl321

@westofmoon

@sanakapoor

@louiseleblancdiggory

@superspiritfestival​

[collecting-stories]

The Beach Day - ep. 02 - JJ Maybank

Summary: It’s the second day of s’week and your group decides to hit up the beach. Issues before and after put a  damper on the vacation but the events of the day might just bring you and JJ closer together. 

The S’week Masterlist | Outer Banks Masterlist

///

“Beach day bitches!” JJ shouted, footsteps thudding down the steps as he entered the kitchen. Sarah was slumped over the island, scrolling mindlessly through her instagram feed while you sat across from her on your computer. 

“How’re you not hung over?” Sarah asked, turning just enough to glare at her boyfriend’s best friend. 

“Cause I didn’t drink my body weight in four locos?” JJ shrugged.

“You say as you down a natty for breakfast,” you mentioned, watching him stand in the doorway of the refrigerator as he drank. 

Sarah and John B had joined you on the beach the night before where Sarah had gotten absolutely cooked because she ‘couldn’t deal with JJ’ while she was sober. While the three of you split a case of Pabst, Sarah had accumulated as many blue four locos as she could find and proceeded to drink until John B had to carry her back to your house. 

“I need a shower and like three more hours of sleep before I even think about the beach.” Sarah mentioned, coming back around to JJ’s original idea. 

“Is the point of s’week not to go to the beach?” 

“And I will JJ, when I’m not practically dead. I came down here for some ginger ale, sorry I’m not standing at the door ready to go.” Sarah snapped, sitting up enough to glare at JJ. 

“You guys are super fun to vacation with clearly,” you cut in, closing your laptop, “I have to go to the market before we hit the beach so...do you wanna come JJ?” 

You figured the best plan of action you could possibly have for this vacation, especially after yesterday, was to keep JJ and Sarah away from each other. If they could survive five days without murdering each other in the house it would only be because they didn’t spend any time together sober. Which seemed fine with both of them. 

Sarah got off the island stool, taking her phone and leaving the half empty can of ginger ale as she went back upstairs to find her boyfriend. Possibly to take the shower she claimed she needed but probably just to wake up John B and complain about JJ’s attitude all over again. 

“Morning,” Pope passed Sarah on the stairs, coming into the kitchen and grabbing a water bottle, “what’s with her?”

“Hang over,” you replied, “If you and Kie want to wait to go to the beach, I’m just running to the market with JJ and then we can all go?” 

“Yeah sure,” Pope nodded in agreement as you excused yourself to get changed. When you were out of the kitchen Pope turned his attention to JJ, who was rummaging through cabinets for something to eat. “I thought you ‘didn’t want to spend senior week with a bunch of fucking kooks’?” 

JJ paused in his search, looking back over his shoulder at Pope, schooling his expression into one of indifference. “Keep your enemies close Pope.” He replied, “and if they wanna buy you some free food then fucking let ‘em.” 

“You know, she does seem nice.” Pope reasoned. He knew his friend well enough to pick up on tells. JJ could pretend like he wasn’t as easily swayed by a cute girl but truth of the matter was that he was looking for the same thing John B and Pope had seemed to obtain. Someone in their lives a little closer than a friend. 

“Don’t try to make it something it’s not.” JJ replied, grabbing a bag of Frozen themed graham crackers and shutting the cabinet. 

You came down the stairs at the same moment, changed into different clothes to go out. “Okay, I’m ready.” 

JJ sat with his feet up on the dash, black scuffed boots leaving dirty prints on the glove compartment of your ‘88 land cruiser. He fiddled with his phone the whole time, switching between playlists as you drove. You’d given him the aux cord willingly, knowing that Kiara has good taste in music from the years at the academy with her and assuming her friends were the same way. 

“This car isn’t very kook of you,” JJ mentioned as he plugged his phone in, noting the old tape deck adapter that the cord plugged into. 

“I think you’re obsessed with that word.” You replied. 

“What? Kook?” 

“Yeah...is it possible for you to not say it for the next four and a half days?” You asked, looking over at him briefly as you stopped at a red light. 

“Of course it is.” 

“Okay, it’s a bet then.” 

“What do I get if I win?” He asked switching to another song when one he didn’t care for came on. 

“You can decide when you win.” You replied, “also, to ease your concern for my car, my dad’s not really into all that ‘kook’ shit. My grandparents are, hence the keys house but my dad tries not to flash his money.” 

“I’ve never met a k-never met anybody on the Eight that doesn’t.” JJ replied. 

“Well I think it was established yesterday that we should get to know each other more.” 

The Winn-Dixie you took him to was a little further away than necessary but it was your favorite, a little less updated, it reminded you of coming down in the summers as a kid. 

JJ was out of the car the second you pulled into a spot, grinning as he looked toward the entrance. There in the front of the store, between the set of sliding glass doors, was a mechanical horse that looked straight out of the 80’s. “I’m getting on that before we leave.” 

“I think you’ll break it.”

“I think you’ll break it.” He snarked back and you couldn’t help but laugh as you followed him inside. 

-

“Hey!” 

You turned in the frozen food aisle when you heard someone call your name. Kelce waved as he walked over, pushing a half-cart of food. 

“Hey, Kelce.” You greeted, shouldering the door to the Ben and Jerry’s display. “How’s the rental?”

“Pretty sweet. Heard you got Sarah and her friends at your place?” He replied, gaze shifting passed you as he spotted JJ at the top of the aisle. “Scarlett saw you two at the party last night. She told Rafe.”

You looked back as the blond approached, smiling at him before turning back to Kelce, “Scarlett can tell Rafe whatever the fuck she wants. I don’t really care. My life is none of his business.”  

JJ came up beside you, missing the entirety of the conversation, putting an arm over your shoulder for the sake of Kelce, while he dropped some orange juice in the cart. Kelce looked both of you over, an expression of annoyance and contempt marring his features. He wasn’t a big fan of Rafe but he would defend a fellow kook, especially a friend of Topper’s, over you any day. You flew under the radar when you hung out with them, and they tolerated you because your family had more money than most, but you were far from the typical kook.  

“I better get going.” Kelce finally said, shifting his cart to walk passed you, “make sure you  check all your silverware before they leave.”

Before he could pass you completely JJ’s hand grabbed the end of his cart and he stepped in front of Kelce. “What’d you say?”

“I swear to god, if you two make a scene right now-” You groaned, annoyed as it was that Kelce had brought up your ex-boyfriend or the fact that they were in creeping distance of your house. And now he was being an asshole to JJ.

“Hey, I’m just stating a fact.” Kelce said, grinning, “you got sticky fingers just like your old man-”

JJ shoved Kelce’s cart back, pushing it into him stepping closer. You grabbed JJ’s arm to stop him from doing any more damage. You didn’t honestly know anything about his family life or him other than what you were learning as you went along but what Kelce said had clearly struck a cord. JJ looked back at you, jaw tense but eyes softer than they had been when he was looking at Kelce.  

“It isn’t worth it, don’t let Kelce being a douche ruin the day.” You said, glancing over at the kook in the aisle. “Let’s just go.”  

“Fine. Lets go.” JJ grabbed the handles of your cart and twisted it around, heading back the way he had first come down.  

“Hey, in the future try to keep your dog leashed.” Kelce commented.  

“What the fuck did you just say?” JJ shouted, leaving the cart and coming back down the aisle. You darted in front of him, putting your hands on his chest to stop him from completely plowing passed you and pounding on Kelce in the middle of the Winn Dixie.  

“You heard me, fucking pogue.”

“I swear to god, say one more thing and I’ll fucking rip your throat out!” JJ threatened though he kept his anger in check enough that he didn’t push you.  

“Hey, no!” You snapped before turning back to where Kelce was still standing, looking smug, “Kelce, fucking leave.”

“See you guys around.”

“Like hell!” JJ shouted after him. Once Kelce was far enough away JJ backed away from you and ran his hands through his hair, trying to calm himself down. “I fucking hate those guys, I swear to god, they’re all fucking douches!”

“I’m not arguing with you JJ, I’m just saying it’s not worth it to push them, especially not in the middle of a fucking grocery store.” You sighed. “Lets just go okay...we can head back and go to the beach.”

“I gotta cool down...” JJ said, trailing off. He still felt like he wanted to punch something and Kelce was well gone by now.  

You stepped over to the refrigerator door closest to him and opened it, jokingly swishing it back and forth like you were fanning him. “Does this help?”

“I hate you.”  

-

The rest of the grocery trip went without a hitch, JJ falling back into a more easy-going persona as he walked the length of the Winn-Dixie with you. Without quarters neither of you got the opportunity to ride the mechanical horse though you promised to come back later in the week with him. When you got back from the store Sarah was already on the back patio, beach bag ready to go.  

“They almost left without us.” Kiara mentioned as she helped you unload the car.  

“Why am I not surprised?” You loved Sarah but she was single minded and currently, for the last few years, the object of her attention had been John B. It was fine when he wasn’t around but now her main focus was him and spending senior week with him and sunbathing.  

Able to wait long enough for you to come home from the grocery store but not long enough for you to actually unload the groceries, Sarah and John B headed down to the beach while you were still getting changed into your bathing suit. With them gone it just left you, JJ, Kiara, and Pope to head down the beach together though you didn’t mind.  

Even though it was senior week the beach wasn’t too crowded, the four of you setting up a little closer to the water. Pope helped Kiara with the umbrella while you set up the blankets, watching JJ pull his shirt off and kick off his sandals.

“Do you have sunscreen on?”

“JJ never wears sunscreen.” Pope said, looking over at his best friend.  

“You should be down here. The sun is more intense down here.”

“That’s the stupidest thing I've ever heard.” JJ replied, putting his sunglasses back on.

“Are you kidding me?” You asked, looking up at him like he was crazy. You knew from passed experience that the sun in Florida was a nightmare and could only imagine his pale skin burning in the summer sun.  

“You should put sunscreen on Jay, seriously.”  Kiara said, offering him hers.  

“Nope.” He shook his head and you rolled your eyes at him.  

“Don’t come crying to me when you burn.”  

You and Kiara headed down to the water almost as soon as everything was set up. As you neared the edge of the water JJ ran up behind you, grabbing you around the waist and lifting you into the air. You screamed in surprise, Kiara and Pope laughing as JJ carried you into the ocean and threw you into the water. When you surfaced, you jumped him, wrapping your arms around his neck and your legs around his waist and sending him falling back into the current.  

“Guys!” Kiara shouted when JJ accidentally backed into her trying to grab you again when you ran away from him.  

“Sorry!” You laughed, running behind Pope and holding him in front of you.  

“No! I’m not getting in this!” Pope said though he was laughing as he tried to move away from you.  

“Get over here!” JJ reached for you, just missing and falling into the water. While he was under, he grabbed your ankle, dragging you under as he surfaced. You screamed again as you fell into the water, coming up and sputtering saltwater as you tried to catch your breath.  

“JJ!” Kiara smacked his arm as she swam over to you, rubbing your back as you shook your head.

“I’m okay, I’m okay.” You swore, voice hoarse. When you looked up from the water your eyes met JJ’s and you smiled, splashing water toward him.  

You stayed close to JJ throughout the afternoon, offering him sunscreen a few more times though he continued to claim that he ‘didn’t burn’ and that he was perfectly fine in the sun. When he and Pope went further out to jump waves you headed back up the beach with Kiara to sunbathe.  

-

“I don’t think you should go,” you said, standing in the door of the bathroom as JJ stood in front of the mirror, inspecting the harsh red burn that covered the entirety of his back and shoulders and part of his arms. You had been right about the sun in Florida and he had learned that the hard way.  

“I’ll be fine.” JJ replied though he sounded a little apprehensive. “All I need is some aloe and I’m good as new.”

“Okay,” you bit your lip, knowing that it was a bad idea to let him go to the party but also knowing that there was no way he was going to listen to you. He hadn’t listened to you in the market and he definitely hadn’t listened to you about putting on sunscreen so there was no reason for him to listen now.  

The party was down the street from your grandparents' house and you cut through the beach to get there, carrying your shoes as you walked beside JJ. You knew his back was bothering him by the way he kept twitching but you said nothing. The party the night before had been nothing compared to this one which was clear as you walked into the house.  

“Finally, a good fucking party.” JJ announced, scoping out the place.

“He says on the second night of the entire week.” Pope commented, rolling his eyes.  

Kiara pulled him off to dance while John B and JJ went to find refreshments. Sarah stayed by you, hovering a little too close, and you frowned as you began to catch on to her motive. “I don’t even know if they’re here.”

“If my brother and Topper heard that there was a party anywhere near their place and didn’t decide that they definitely had to come? Yeah, I’m sure they’re having a quiet night in playing scrabble.”  

“I didn’t mean they wouldn’t be here I just meant I’m perfectly capable of dealing with your brother Sarah.”

“Except every time you see him you’re so cringe it’s unbearable.”

“I am not!”

“How many times have you gotten back together with him? Because the second he even looks your way you totally turn to jello and do whatever he wants.” Sarah pointed out.  

You crossed your arms over your chest, looking around the party and suddenly feeling like you wanted nothing more than to leave. “Look, it’s over. For real this time. I don’t want anything to do with him and I’m not just saying that.”

“Good, I hope not. JJ and I don’t always get along but he’s John B’s best friend and I don’t wanna see him get hurt or anything.” Sarah commented.

“What are you even talking about Sarah? JJ and I are barely friends. Just because we hung out today doesn’t mean we won’t go back to our usual kook v pogue shit when we get back to North Carolina.” You replied, “I’m getting a drink.”

You pushed through the crowd to the kitchen, grabbing a seltzer and heading down the hall for somewhere quiet. Sarah had sucked the party right out of you and honestly all you wanted to do was walk home and forget the whole night had even begun. You knew she was right, you had fallen back into Rafe’s charm more times than you could count but this time you swore things were going to be different. They had to be. You couldn’t keep putting yourself in that situation. And speak of the devil, you had just grabbed the doorknob on the bathroom when you heard the familiar voice call your name.  

You turned around to see Rafe standing there in the hallway, beer in hand and grin on his face. “Topper and Kelce said you were down here...I was starting to think they were seeing things.”  

“Did it occur to you that I didn’t want to see you?” You asked, turning your face away from him and looking back down the hall.  

“Oh come on, you’re not still mad about your grad party are you?” He asked, stepping closer to you.

“Am I still mad that you showed up to my graduation party high off your ass and embarrassed me in front of my entire family. And then on top of that I had to catch you with my cousin?” You said, holding your ground. You hadn’t been lying to Sarah when you said that the last time was the last time you were doing this.

“Babe-”

“Don’t babe me Rafe, I made it perfectly clear I wanted nothing to do with any of you. Why are you even here? Aren’t you a little old to be hanging out on senior week.”

You watched the tic of his jaw as it tensed, “I came to see you and convince you to give me another shot babe. What happened was a mistake.”

“You sound like Topper, desperate and pathetic.”  

Before you could get away Rafe grabbed your wrist pulling you closer to him. “I won’t give up.” He said, leaning forward and kissing you while you were trapped between him and the wall. He reeked of alcohol and you pushed at him, trying to shove him away from you. He wouldn’t let up, hands holding your wrists and pushing you harder against the wall.  

“Rafe!” Someone shouted and his concentration broke long enough for you to push him away and duck into the bathroom. You shut the door behind you and locked it, leaning your head against the wood and taking a deep breath. Trying to steady your heart beat as the sound of the bass from the music thumped gently in rhythm with the pounding.  

You heard the familiar gag of someone about to throw up and turned just in time to see JJ throw his head almost into the toilet bowl as he vomited. His whole body seemed to convulse and as he fell back against the tub you realized he was sweating.  

“JJ!”

He groaned but said nothing to you, leaning forward into his lap. You came over, kneeling onto the ground beside him and carefully reaching for the hem of his shirt. “Can I take this off?” You asked, “I want to get some aloe on your back to cool you down.”

“I’m not even drunk, what the fuck.” He groaned, letting you take the cut-off shirt off of him. You got up and grabbed some aloe from the cabinet before coming back and sitting between him and the bathtub. He leaned closer to the toilet, waiting to throw up again.

“I think you have sun poisoning Jay,” you said, watching him shiver as the first of the aloe hit his shoulders and neck. “I’m sorry.”

“Tally this as another fucking terrible part of the trip.”  

“When you’re feeling up to it, can we try walking back to mine? You might be more comfortable there, where there isn’t a massive party happening.” You reasoned.  

He nodded. There was a long pause as you worked aloe into his back, cooling him down significantly, before he finally spoke up again, “are you okay? Why’d you come in the bathroom?”

“Saw someone I didn’t wanna see.”  

“Kelce?” He joked. A second later he was kneeling up on his knees so that he could throw up into the toilet and you were holding his hips to steady him as he leaned over the toilet.

“It’s okay.” You comforted when you realized the quiet noises, he was making were whimpers from the feeling the vomiting was causing. “You’re gonna be okay.” When he fell back onto his butt again you rubbed his back carefully, adding a little more aloe. “We need to get you some water too, sun poisoning can dehydrate you.”  

As you took care of JJ any thoughts of Rafe where pushed to the back of your mind. You knew it was only the second night and you had the rest of the week to survive, and he was was nothing if not persistent, but you couldn’t worry about what he wanted or what he would do when JJ was taking up all your attention. Not for the same reason he had on the beach today but still, you didn’t mind focusing on him for a while.

-

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[sxveme-2]

blueberry pancakes // bucky barnes

MASTERLIST

Description: A single mother. Juggling being a mom, a full time pediatrician, and a difficult ex who believed now would be the best time to finally be a father. A soldier ripped out of time. Ex-assassin turned superhero. Learning how to balance a new domestic life with handling demons of his past, while facing the trials of the future. a love story began over something as simple as chocolate chip pancakes with hidden blueberries.

Disclaimer: I do not own any original Marvel characters! All canon plots and canon characters belong to Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios. This is an original work. You may not publish it anywhere else

Status: Edited

Note: Takes place after endgame. I have elected to ignore Tony's death and Steve's leaving. Did not happen. Quick Reminder! My works are only published here, AO3 and on Wattpad, thank you.

Chapter Three: The One With the Wallet

Warnings: N/A

Word Count: 1511

    The nights that Lily spent alone were always the hardest for her to handle. She'd spend her day busying herself with miscellaneous activities in order to keep her mind off the empty house around her. Whether it be sweeping the floors, vacuuming the carpet, cleaning dishes that were probably already clean, whatever it was. If it kept her mind off the fact she'd be asleep alone in the house with only her dog...she'd do it.

But today...things just didn't work out like that. There were no dishes. Lily could practically see her reflection on the hardwood. The carpets were as soft as a cloud. She'd walked Joey twice already, and the dog then passed out in the living room with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. She scrolled through Netflix about six times, even made herself spinach puffs from scratch. And still, it was only 4pm.

Glancing down at the screen of her phone, she let out a gentle sigh. She figured she may as well spend some time out in the city. She's lived in New York State her whole life, and lived specifically in New York, New York, for 15 years. And yet she'd never done anything really tourist-y in ages. The last time she walked the streets of New York by choice was when she and Genevieve first moved out from Long Island. Those were the days. Living in an old and dingy apartment with Gen. Her only stress being school and balancing a part time job.

Lily lived like that for around two years or so. And then she met Scott. However, everyone knows how quickly her life had changed after that.

Grabbing her keys and purse, Lily bent down to press a gentle kiss on the top of her sleeping dog's head before sliding out the front door and locking it behind her. Would she wander the dirty streets of the city? Probably not. But she would for sure be stopping in to pester gen as she juggled running the cafe. Maybe even snag a few pancakes to indulge in during her nightly read. Who knew? All that the blonde knew was that she would definitely be grabbing at least one of Gen's infamous blueberry muffins.

-----

Around five, Lily felt herself grow weary of the hustle and bustle of the city. She had stopped into a few stores to take a look around, specifically the m&m store to pick Hunter up some chocolate, the Disney store, and just a few small boutiques. Making her way down the packed streets, Lily found herself out front of Gen's cafe. Letting out a soft sigh with a slight grin tugging at the corner of her lips, she pushed through the door.

The young girl's dark green eyes scanned around the room as she watched customers laugh over coffee, share a pancake, or just indulge in the tasty sweets that her best friend made her living making. Giving a small wave to a few of the wait staff, Lily maneuvered to the back, where with a furious intensity, Gen sat on a stool, icing a doughnut. Knocking on the wall to alert the fellow New York native of her presence, Lily made her way over.

"Well well, what did little ol' me do to deserve two trips by the infamous Lily Osborne today hm?" Gen teased while moving her work to the side, "Couldn't stay at home any longer?"

"Nope. If I took Joey out on another walk I think he may have gone into cardiac arrest," Lily chuckled while taking a seat down on a stool, dropping her bags, "I always hate when Hunters goes back to Scotts. The house feels so empty without him."

"I can imagine. Why don't I stay over tonight? Keep you some company in that basic suburban home of yours, hm? Sound like a plan, Doctor Osborne?" Gen grinned, nodding over to two bottles of wine beside the fridge, "Picked those two puppies up on my break. Figured it's better if I drank them with someone else, instead of just myself."

"Oho is that all I am? A buffer to keep you from turning into a raging alcoholic? Also, mind throwing some blueberry pancakes in a container for me?" Lily teased while snagging a chocolate chip out of the container.

"I thought you were aware of this?" Gen joked, before looking past Lily to one of the waiters pushing the door open, "Yes Elijah?"

"The man who called earlier about his wallet just showed up, where'd you put the thing?" the dark haired worker asked, dark eyes glancing down briefly towards Lily.

The blonde blushed ever so gently at the look, before turning around so her back was towards the male. She spotted the dark leather casing of a wallet and slid her arm out, pulling it into her grasp before standing. Lily pulled her purse over her shoulder and picked up the plastic bag her son's chocolate snack sat in, gripping it in her opposite hand.

"I'm heading out...I'll take it to him, what does he look like?" Lily asked as she brushed past Elijah, turning towards the seating area of the cafe.

"He's got long hair and a beard," a gruff voice commented from beside her, the small screech of a bar stool being scraped against hardwood echoing through the space, "and is wearing leather gloves."

Turning her attention to where the voice was coming from, Lily found herself face to face (or more so face to chest) with the same man she had seen earlier with her son. Bucky, right. That was his name. He was taller than lily had imagined, and more beefy in the chest then she could see from many tables over and under a clearly oversized jacket. But up close? The man looked like he could rip lily apart with his bare hands, and not even break a sweat. Granted...he was a supersoldier. She was sure he probably could actually do that, jacked or not.

"Oh! Sorry," Lily mumbled as she extended her arm with the wallet at the end, "I was leaving so I figured..." her voice trailed off, a familiar feeling of excited nerves bundling up in her throat. Letting out a deep breath before taking a small step back, after the cool sensation of metal danced across her fingers.

Lily remembered Hunter raving about how cool the Winter Soldier's metal arm was. How it was so strong it could tear car doors right off their hinges without any resistance. By remembering this, Lily’s suspicions were confirmed. He totally could rip her in half if he wanted to. But according to her son, the Winter Soldier was timid in real life. But how would she know for sure? She didn't know who he was.

"It's okay...thanks," he mumbled softly, seeming to nibble on his chapped bottom lip, "You were here earlier right? With the cute little guy?"

Lily nodded gently, fumbling with her fingers as her mind raced in an attempt to find a way to quickly exit this social situation. If she wasn't familiar with someone, it was rare to hear Lily speak. Being a talker was never one of the timid girls personality traits. She mostly kept quiet and never tried to go out of her way to spend time with new people or large groups. They made her nervous. She didn't trust people. She had seen what they were capable of doing.

A tap on her shoulder pulled Lily out of her self-inflicted panic mode. glancing behind her, Elijah stood with the paper container filled with blueberry pancakes for Lily. Giving a gentle smile, the blonde mouthed a thank you before turning back towards the man who seemed to have not moved a muscle since the two began talking. Or more so, he mumbled and she stood there dumbfounded. It wasn't much of a conversation.

"So...what'd you get?" the man asked, glancing around as if he too, was thinking of a way to either get out of this conversation, or at least distract himself from the seemingly terrified girl in front of him.

“Blueberry pancakes..." Lily laughed gently, biting down on her plush bottom lip, before her phone rang from inside of her purse. Sending a quick thank you to the good lord above, Lily excused herself from the awkward conversation, only catching a quick remark about how they were his favourite.

Pushing out into the humid air of New York in September, Lily pulled her phone out and answered quickly. A quick sigh of relief escaped her lungs as she turned away from the cafe and back towards where her car had been parked for the past hour and a bit. Finally, thankful she could get away from any possible chances of awkward run ins.

"Hello?" Lily spoke quietly into the phone as she unlocked her car, sliding into the front seat.

"He was totally eye fucking you." Gen's voice sang out as her bluetooth automatically connected from Lily's phone.

"Shut up! Be at my place at eight, weirdo."

[thorne93]

Long Lost Love (Part 2)

Prompt: Clint just lost everything. He turns to you – an old friend and an old flame – for comfort. Can you keep your old feelings at bay? Can he?

Word Count: 1304

Warnings: The Snap, grief, loss, mentions of abuse throughout series, angst will be the best friend in this fic

Note: This was written after IW, but before Endgame - so I have my own take on how certain things happened. Couldn’t have done this without @arrow-guy​ @carryonmyswansong @like-a-bag-of-potatoes (my amazing betttaa!) @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo

Aesthetic by @dontshootmespence​

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“It’s okay, you’re all alright,” you cooed as you went around to the animals in the office. Another loud crash happened outside and instinctively, you ducked. You were in the back, avoiding the windows. “I hope they get this fixed soon,” you said to no one as you stayed crouching. 

Suddenly, you heard the front door open. You picked up a scalpel and slowly looked around the corner of the doorway, breathing a sigh of relief when you saw your blonde friend.

“Clint?” you breathed, putting the scalpel on the counter.

“Hey, Y/N,” he said with a sort of fondness. 

“What… uh, what’s up?” you asked tentatively, your heart trying to recover from seeing him. 

“We need some patching up, could you do us a solid?” he requested, gesturing to his teammates.

“Uh, yeah, sure. Everyone take a seat and I’ll get some supplies.” 

You tried to slow your breathing on your way back to the supply closet. Your heart was hammering so hard in your chest you thought everyone could hear it out in the waiting room. 

Finally, with shaking hands, you grabbed gauze, a needle and sutures, and some ointments. Then you made your way back out. 

“So what the hell is going on out there?” you asked in a quiet tone as you kneeled before the first person. Captain America, you believed it was.

“Alien invasion,” Natasha informed you. You’d met her twice before, with her and Clint being… close. 

“Sounds exciting,” you murmured.

“Nothing we can’t handle,” Tony stated. 

“Thanks to Tony, we think the aliens are dead now,” Steve said with praise. 

“That’s good,” you agreed. It killed you that Clint wasn’t talking to you. Steve had a cut on his elbow and scraped knees that you tended to. Next was Natasha. She tried to wave you off but you just gave her a stern look and she showed you her lip, cheek, and side where she’d been cut. 

You went down the line, healing, stitching, applying bandages. This was your first time meeting all but Nat. They each thanked you kindly.

“Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you have evacuated?” Steve asked when they were about to leave.

“I can’t leave these animals,” you said.

“What’d I tell ya?” Clint said. “I knew she’d be here.” 

“Well we need to start damage control,” Tony stated. “First, shawarma. Then, damage control.” 

The team started to leave before you said, “Hey, Clint?”

He spun to look at you. 

“Yeah?”

“Could we talk a second?”

“I really gotta go, Y/N.” 

“I know but… just a minute.”

“I’m sorry. I need to go. Thank you for your help. It means a lot. I’ll have Tony send you some money for your troubles.” 

“Clint, I don’t want--”

But he moved quickly out the door, making you sigh heavily before going back to check on the animals one final time. Just like always, he just walked out of your life, leaving you bleeding. 

------------------------

Finding Clint’s farm was hellish. He really did live off the grid. You drove up and got out of the car, taking in the beautiful land and home. It was stunning to you, you’d always wanted land and animals like this but your practice was in Manhattan so you lived just outside the city. But this, this right here was what you’d always dreamed of. 

You walked up to the door and knocked on a rickety green screen door, holding your breath. 

When the wooden interior door opened, you saw the man that was the broken version of Clint. 

You threw open the screen door and pulled him into your arms quickly. At first he didn’t move and you just held him, but within a few seconds, he grabbed you back, gripping you so tight it hurt. He began weeping into your shoulder and you just held him. 

This lasted only a few minutes, but you felt it was something he needed. 

“You, uh, wanna come in?” Clint asked, gesturing lazily to the inside of his home, trying to wipe his face off.

You nodded and stepped in beside him. 

“It looks like you’re keeping up with the house really well,” you noted appreciatively, looking around the house. 

“Thanks…” he murmured, his head hanging. 

You reached up and squeezed his arm. “Hey, you okay?”

“No, not really.” 

“Well you look like you need a shower, have you showered?” 

He shook his head. 

“Well… Go shower and I’ll start taking a look at some of the animals.” 

“Alright,” he said with a tired tone. 

With a sorrowful smile you sent him off upstairs and then you walked around the house, and noticed a dog bowl. You found a dog in the backyard playing. He looked a little thin so you brought him in, searched for the food, and gave him water and a bowl full of food. You made your way out to the stable and found a horse that had a cut on his leg, probably from barbed wire around the farm. 

After an hour, you were done bandaging the horse’s leg. You decided to go back to the house to see if there were any specific jobs Clint needed you to handle. You didn’t want to miss anything. 

As soon as you got inside, you called up the stairs. “Hey, Clint?” you shouted up the stairs. 

“Yeah?” he called back down.

“What animals did you want me to tend to?”

He made his way down the stairs and met you at the landing. “Uh,” he started, breathing out a heavy sigh, “well Wade’s heifer’s got a wound on her leg. I can take you over there if you’d like. My chickens are losing feathers. The cat has a cold in its eye. I’ve got a horse--”

You held up your hand. “Okay let’s get the cow taken care of first,” you said. “One animal at a time.” 

He nodded and led the way out the screen door to the truck where you two hopped in, drove down the road a minute or two, then pulled down a dirt road. This didn’t appear to be a driveway, but rather an access road farther back on his neighbor’s property. 

After a long drive, he finally parked and jumped out. He went to the barbed wire fence where he opened it enough for you to slide through without ruining your clothes or hurting yourself. You pulled your medical bag through and he showed you the cow. Her leg just had a wound on it. Looked like maybe she scrapped it on a rock in a creek or maybe tripping in some mud. 

He stood by while you calmed the cow, talked to it, put it at ease, then got to work. Often times calling out to Clint for this instrument or that tool. 

The rest of the day, you two went around to all of his animals and fixed them up as best you could. You’d cleaned out your entire veterinary supply closet for this. 

By nightfall, you returned to the house. 

“Care for some dinner?” you asked, heading to the kitchen. 

Clint made a noise, one you weren’t sure if it was approval or rejection of your idea. You went ahead and made some fried chicken and corn for the two of you. Clint picked at his food, not eating, until you said, “Hey, if I’m here to help you, it means you need your strength too. I can’t do this all on my own, so eat up.” 

Only half a second passed before he began to actually eat, making you feel relieved. You didn't like being stern with Clint, you never were. In fact, you were more nurturing than anything else, but right now, he needed tough love. 

You just wondered if you were the person for the job.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[jjmaybankxpogue]

「ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ᴤʟᴜᴛ」 ᴊᴊ ᴍᴀʏʙᴀɴᴋ ᴥ ᴋᴏᴏᴋ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

✰ Word Count: 1.1k+

✰ Genre: Smut

✰ Warnings: SMUT, Sexual punishment, arguing, hitting, daddy kink, not proofread whatsoever.

✰ Inspo: random 3am thoughts 

All characters have been aged up to 18!

ONESHOT

Not my gif

Being alone and horny is a dangerous thing especially with JJ...

I was sitting in JJ’s truck waiting for him to come back from getting condoms at the store. Not only was I alone but I was also horny, I went into my camera roll and looked for some of JJ’s nudes I had saved. I put my hand up my skirt; this time with no panties. I rubbed circles on my clit moaning and swiping through my pictures of JJ. When the feeling of pleasure became invasive over everything else my eyes fluttered shut, tilting my head back now fingering myself. “Y/N!” JJ yelled flinging the car door open. I quickly put an end to my movements yet still craving more. “What are you doing” JJ grumbled “I- I-” JJ took my phone “i know your password, will daddy have to see what you were looking at?” JJ said letting you answer “n-... yes actually” you said with your face turning into a smirk. JJ unlocked your phone to see the pictures of him “alright, i'll let it slide this one time” JJ said warning me in a dangerous tone “but you know i don't like you touching yourself without my permission” JJ said calmly. “Okay daddy” you said being extra submissive.

Once you got your empty estate JJ said “actually, no i won't let it slide” “what- why” “because you need to learn that you can't be acting like a slut when i don't say so'' JJ said with authority “bend over” JJ said but you were nervous he would get mad since you weren't wearing panties in a skirt in public “bend over. Now.” JJ demanded “n-no” i stuttered “what’d you just say to daddy?” JJ said dangerously “No. I said no.” I said figuring if you came this far the punishment couldn't get any worse. “Up to your room, Now.” JJ said following behind you up the stairs “where are your panties” JJ asked when you got in your room “in the truck” you lied “do i need to check that too?” JJ asked “no… I never put them on” I said feeling guilty “you can do that with me at home, but not in public. Remember” JJ scolded. You sat on your bed nodding “words” JJ said “Okay Daddy” I said “now bend over, how many times do you think you need?” JJ asked “20” you sighed in honesty. When JJ finished you had a couple tears streaming down your face. “Did you learn your lesson baby?” JJ asked “yes daddy” you mumbled.

“How about you put your pussy to good use and please me, okay princess” JJ said laying in your bed “okay” you said getting excited. JJ took his shirt off along with the rest of his clothes. You took your shirt off and got on top of him, lining yourself up with his erect cock. You used his precum to help you slide onto his dick. Once you started going up and down faster your skirt was flowing through the air flashing JJ every time you went down. “Take your skirt off, baby” JJ pleaded, I just took it off over my head making sure to not stop. JJ put his hands behind his head, and moaning as I was pleasing him; it was what I did best. JJ gripped your throat with his right hand moving his thumb up to your lip gently stroking it as you went slower “okay baby, that's enough” JJ said softly “but i want to make you cum first” I said “I- okay” You went faster and harder than you did before to ensure he would cum soon “fuck y/n” He moaned. You felt your walls tighten as you came close to your orgasm but denied it until JJ came. 

You laid down beside JJ on your bed “I’m sorry for yelling at you earlier, baby” JJ said with puppy dog eyes “It's ok” you smiled. “What do you want to do” JJ asked as a way to apologize “can I ride your thigh” JJ smirked at the question “of course you can” JJ said. You climbed on top of him and started grinding on him. The pleasure coming from your clit had never felt better “mhm” you let out a subtle moan triggering you to move a fair amount faster. JJ could cum at the sight of you riding his thigh but he wasn't going to let himself, he wanted you to enjoy this. You went the fastest you could go as you achieved your orgasm, JJ holding your hips as support when you calmed down. 

JJ flipped the two of you over with you now laying underneath him, playing with his fluffy blonde hair that dangled in front of your face. He whispered sweet little nothings in your ear sending shivers down your spine caused by his breath fanning over your ear and neck. He slowly put his cock inside you and began thrusting slowly and lovingly, Clearly wanting to make up to you for how he treated you earlier. “JJ, faster” I pouted, He quickly changed his attitude after hearing you beg. “Keep quiet” he demanded; you liked dom JJ better anyways.  He lifted one of your legs over his shoulder, now hitting your g-spot everytime “oh fuck” you screamed: JJs hand quickly covered your mouth, you tried to say something but it was just inaudible mumbles. “What was that” JJ said lifting his hand “we don't have to be quiet, nobody’s here” “I told you too” JJ said letting out a groan after he had finished his sentence.

 I was biting my lip as hard as I could to hold back the moans I wished I could release. “Oh my god y/n” JJ moaned, tossing his head back in enjoyment. Then he looked back down at you “ohhh don’t you wish you could moan, you little slut” JJ teased, smirking. He could feel your walls tightening around his cock; he loved the feeling more than any other. “Cum on my cock like the slut that you are,” JJ groaned. His words alone were enough to send you off the deep end. The knot tied up tightly in your stomach had finally broken sending whole tidal waves of pleasure throughout your body, moaning his name so many times. This far into his orgasm he didn't even remember telling you to be quiet. His warm cum shooting into you like bullets out of a gun. “My god y/n you're the best i've ever had” JJ said breathing heavily, he toppled down onto the bed laying beside you. “Always will be” you said looking deep into his sky blue eyes before resting your head on his chest. JJ ran his finger through your silky smooth hair, slowly shutting his eyes and falling asleep in that position with you.

REQUESTS

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Blue Eyes Part 15

Summary: After the Garrison is shot up, the youngest Shelby daughter finds a new home in London. She strips herself of her last name and tries to live a peaceful life far away from her brothers’ chaos in Birmingham. But fate leads her right back into it after she runs into Alfie Solomons.

Part 15: Alfie gets revenge for a pup, Ella confesses. And after returning to London, they receive troubling news. 

Warning for violence

//I hope everyone’s hanging in there and staying safe! Here’s an extra long chapter to pass the time if you need it!

         When Ella heard the jingle of Cyril’s lead being pulled off the coat rack, she knew something was up. “Alfie?” She poked her head out of the kitchen to look down the hall.

           He stood there, pulling on his coat and hat. Cyril was eagerly waiting by the door, his tail wagging and thumping against the wall beside him. “Yeah, love?”

           “Where’re you off to? I’ve just started dinner, it’ll be done soon.” She rested a hand on her hip in disappointment. She was looking forward to having a nice dinner before showing him the outfits he’d bought for her.

           “Need to take Cyril out.” He replied casually.

           “I’ve already let him and Thea out just an hour before.”

           It threw Alfie for a loop but he rolled with it. “Just want to make sure he’s got all his energy out. Don’t want him playing rough with the pup.”

           Ella frowned but nodded. “Alright, but be quick or you’ll eat a cold dinner.”

           He chuckled. “Be quick.” He agreed before leaving the cottage with Cyril trotting beside him.

~~~~~~~~~

           Alfie walked down the sandy path towards the address the man had stupidly given him. As far as the gangster was concerned, the man sealed his own fate by beating on a puppy and giving out his address without a second thought.

           The sun was just setting by the time he arrived at the small cottage. It was very similar to the one he owned. Although the garden was a little more well kept and tended to. It was clearly adored by someone. The roses were perfectly pruned and showed off every color and hue. A few vegetable plants lined the beds as well, chicken wire protecting them from the abundance of bunnies who roamed the area.

           Alfie tied Cyril to the fence and entered the lawn. There were lights on in the cottage but the curtains were drawn. It didn’t deter him. He had a gun just in case things went a bit more south than he intended.

           It was only fair to warn his victim, so he knocked on the door. Hindsight made him glad he did because a petite young woman opened the door. She had the same demeanor of a turtle who disliked looking outside of its shell. With thin blonde hair and curiously strong emerald green eyes, she was beautiful. But her face had been disfigured by a black eye and her neck had the telltale signs of bruising fingermarks.

           “Can I help you?” She asked in a timid voice.

           Alfie was caught off guard but composed himself. “Your husband home?”

           “Peter? Yes, I…I’m sorry are you a friend of his?”

           He was going to answer but an angry voice from inside interrupted him. “Gale, who the fuck are you talking to?”

           “Stay outside.” Alfie ushered the woman out of the doorway and into the lawn. She was already cowering at the sound of her husband’s loud voice. Instinct causing her knees to buckle and hands to lift to her face for protection.

           “You’re alright, stay out here.” He assured her again and stepped into the cottage.

           The man, Peter, stepped into the hallway. He frowned at the sight of Alfie in his home. “You?”

           “Yeah, mate, found your dog.” Alfie’s shoulders squared and he tucked a hand into his pocket just in case the fucker had a gun of his own.

           “Don’t look like you have a dog. Where’d my wife go?” He demanded. His body swayed slightly and his eyes were bloodshot.

           A drunk or high man was an easier target, although Alfie was hoping for a bit of a fight. He wanted to give the man exactly what he deserved. “Well she’s a home, don’t gotta worry ‘bout her. You think it’s fun to pick on things smaller than you, mate?” His eye twitched from the anger that was building.

           “Whatever my wife said’s a lie.”

           Alfie clenched and unclenched his fist a few times. “She didn’t say anything. I’ve got enough fucking intuition to know what’s going on.”

           Peter took a shaky step backward. His eyes widened and his fingers fidgeted as if he were looking for a weapon or a way out. “I know the constable.”

           “That’s neat, innit? I know lotsa coppers. I’ve killed my fair share of some too.” His face scrunched up. “But only those who fucking deserved it, yeah. One, right, one was beating on this chap for no good reason other than he were black.” He continued stalking towards the cowering man. “Another one thought it were a good idea to call me…what was it again…Jewish scum? Yeah, he screamed pretty loudly. They usually do. Cowards, the lot of them.”

           Peter stumbled backward into the kitchen. His hands flailing out to catch himself. But he missed a nearby chair and fell.

           Alfie towered over him. “Most recent one? That fucker decided to assault me cousin. A fucking blind little girl. Innocent. Helpless. A grown man taking advantage of a woman. Disgusting, innit? Or what ‘bout a defenseless little pup?” Alfie pressed his boot down against Peter’s chest so he couldn’t get back up. Increasing pressure whenever he tried to inhale. He wanted the man to be in as much discomfort as humanly possible before he finished the deed. “Don’t fucking like men like you.” He hissed. “You don’t deserve to breathe the same oxygen as me, mate.”

           “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I won’t ever do it again. I promise!” Peter’s eyes were filled with tears as he wheezed out a panicked apology.

           “Oh good.” Alfie moved his foot from his chest and held out a hand.

           Relief flooded the wiry man’s face and he took Alfie’s hand to stand up. He was right-handed then.

           Once he was stood up again, Alfie punched him so hard he was certain he’d broken the man’s jaw. “Don’t you fucking dare bleed in this house.” He snarled. “Your wife’s innocent and she ain’t gonna be questioned by your fucking copper friends.” Alfie snatched up a nearby dish towel and carefully wrapped his pistol in it. He wiped it down as Peter clutched his face, whimpering in pain.

           “Now fucking walk.” Alfie pointed the gun at the man’s head.

           Peter shakily raised his hands in surrender, his jaw already starting to swell. “Wh-where…”

           “Outside,” Alfie instructed calmly and led the man out the back door at gunpoint.

~~~~~~~~~~~

           The cottage lights dimly lit the sandy pathway down to the beach. The ocean swirled and stormed angrily, a black mass pounding at the shoreline. Clouds covered up any glimpse of the moon or stars.

           “Please…pl-please I’ll never hurt her again.” Peter continued to stammer on their way to the beach.

           “Your damn right you won’t. Dead men can’t assault their wives, now can they?” Alfie retorted.

           “Please!”

           He heard enough of his whining and pistol-whipped him across the face. “Men like you never change. Ain’t no second chances for you.” He knocked Peter’s feet out from under him, forcing him to his knees. The man tipped forward but Alfie grabbed him by the collar, pulling him back upright.            

           “Men like you don’t last long in my part of the city. They end up dead in the worst possible ways.” Alfie crouched down in front of the man, making sure the gun wasn’t within his reach. Although Alfie wouldn’t have minded if the man challenged him. But he didn’t want to return back to the cottage a bit banged up. Ella would certainly ask questions if Peter managed to get a hit in.

           Peter choked out a sob. Sweat poured down his temple, staining the collar of his disheveled shirt. It was cold out on the shore but the alcohol in his blood boiled his adrenaline.

           “Yeah…didya think ‘bout your wife? Did she cry?” Alfie spoke in a low voice just over the sound of the waves behind them. His eyes narrowed.

           “I-I…”

           He stood and kicked Peter right in the side, making the man yelp in pain and double over. His face pressing to the sand, leaving a sticky mess of blood on the pristine beach. Peter coughed violently and grabbed his ribs.

           Alfie loomed over him, his face shadowed over. “What’d you think? Your coppers friends are gonna find you here or will the tide come in and fucking wash you away?”

           Peter’s blood-shot eyes closed and he moaned in pain. “Please…”

           With a grim chuckle, he grabbed the man by the collar again and yanked him back up to his knees. “World ain’t gonna miss you.” He cocked his gun and pressed it against the man’s temple. But he didn’t shoot him right away. Instead, he waited, forcing the man to wait for death. Hoping to instill the fear that he caused his wife and Anthea.

           Alfie counted the number of times the current rolled in. Waited for five and pulled the trigger.

           True to form, the cowardly man died instantly and slumped onto the beach. His limp body sunk into the damp sand, blood still trickling out from under him. Alfie glared at the dead body for a second before wiping the gun down again and chucking the weapon into the ocean.

~~~~~~~~~

           Peter was left on the beach and Alfie made the walk back up to the cottage. He walked around the area of the fence and found Peter’s wife, Gale cowering by the gate. She was knelt down by Cyril who was sitting protectively by her.

           Her green eyes widened when she saw Alfie’s dark shadow emerge from the bluffs. “Please, I-I have jewelry under the bed. We d-don’t have much money.” Tears streamed down her cheeks.

           “Easy, easy, m’not here to hurt you,” Alfie spoke gently as to not frighten her further.

           Still unsure, Gale made herself as small as possible against Cyril. “Where is my husband?” Stress and fear had taken its toll on her for the years she was trapped in an abusive marriage. She was thin, pale, face gaunt, and still sporting older injuries. It was obvious she was more comfortable with Cyril than Alfie.

           “He’s erm…perhaps you have relatives to stay with?”

           Gale chewed on her lower lip. “Is he coming back?” She whispered. A learned volume. Never did she want to raise her voice in fear she would attract attention and anger from Peter.

           “No,” Alfie answered bluntly and shook his head. “But you ought to gather some things. The police won’t bother you but I don’t want you to be here when they arrive.”

           A mixture of relief and apprehension split her expression. “Okay.” She shakily stood up but her hand lingered on Cyril.

           “I’ve got money if you need it. But the further you can get away, the better.”

           Tears still filled her eyes. But it was simply confusion. She’d been granted freedom away from an awful man. “I-I’ve got family in Wales an-and some money saved.”

           Alfie nodded. “I’ll watch the house while you get your things, just what you can travel with.”

           Gale’s face wrinkled in concern. She went to enter the gate again but paused. “Is the pup okay?”

           “She’s alright. Should heal in week’s time.”

           Her lower lip quivered. “He killed the others…” She admitted, her voice cracking. “I let her out hoping she’d make it out alive. I-I didn’t know what else to do.”

           Alfie swallowed hard and considered going back to the beach to shoot the abuser again. But he risked drawing attention from neighbors. “You’re safe now.”

~~~~~~~~~~

           It was late when Alfie returned from escorting Gale to the train station. Cyril found Ella and Anthea in the reading room. The pitbull puppy curled up in her lap.

           “I was ‘bout to send out a search party for you!” Ella exclaimed when she heard Alfie’s heavy boots on the old hardwood floors. “Where on Earth did you go off to?”

           He sat down heavily on the sofa beside her. “Don’t want you to be angry but I ain’t gonna fucking lie to you either.”

           Anthea yipped happily and scrambled over Ella’s lap to Alfie. He smiled, happy to see another one of Peter’s victims happy.

           Ella frowned. “What’d you do?” She asked in a warning tone.

           He picked up the puppy and cuddled her close to his chest. Her little paws scrambling up against his shoulder. “When I were at the shop, I ran into the man who hurt Anthea.”

           The news caused a sharp reaction in Ella. Something that she’d learned by instinct from either John or Arthur. A snap of anger that sparked in her gut and nearly caused a physical jolt. “Well, where is the fucker?”

           “Dead,” Alfie admitted. “His wife…he’d abused her too.”

           She cooled off a bit when she realized he’d already gotten justice for the newest addition of their home. “Where did you kill him?”

           “On the beach.” Alfie returned Anthea to Ella’s lap so he could slip off his boots. Wet sand still stuck to the soles and crumbled onto the rug. “I brought her to the station. I’ll make sure the police rule it a suicide.”

           Ella nodded and sighed. “Even on holiday…”      

           “I’m sorry, love.” He winced. Of course, he wasn’t planning on killing anyone there.

           “Don’t apologize.” She curled up against him, draping her legs over his lap. “I’d’ve done the same thing you just got to him first.”

           A hint of a smile tugged at his lips. “Shelby girl.” He teased.

           She laughed quietly but it faded. His honesty triggered guilt. “I’d like to tell you ‘bout the call I made this afternoon.”

           He rested his hand on her thigh, his thumb grazing over the thin material of her nightgown. “Sure, love.”

           She focused on stroking Anthea’s smooth fur. Although she didn’t expect a negative reaction from him, she was worried she would lose some trust. Trust was such a touchy subject between them even months together. “The inspector, the one I told you about…he followed me to work.”

           Alfie’s arm muscles flexed instinctually. “Fucking what?”

           Ella moved closer to him and touched her forehead to his cheek. “He threatened to arrest you. I was so afraid…I called me brother.” She couldn’t pinpoint the exact emotion behind the long sigh he let out. Disappointment, betrayal, concern, anger?

           But he brought her relief when he began to carefully remove the pins from her hair. Her curls unwound slowly around his fingers. The scent of rose oil filling the air. “Hair’s gotten so long.” He commented quietly.

           Indeed, her hair had begun to grow past her shoulders. She chewed on her lip and closed her eyes. “You mad at me?” Her lips kissing against his neck.

           “No, El, I’m not mad. I’m fucking mad at that copper.” He grumbled and tossed the hairpins onto the coffee table before combing his fingers through her hair.

           “Tommy’ll take care of him. I won’t let him arrest you.”

           Alfie wrinkled his nose. “Don’t want to hafta owe Tommy for keeping me outta handcuffs.” He mumbled.

           “It’s my favor, not yours. And I don’t owe him anything.” She lifted her head and kissed his cheek affectionately. “He owes me more than he’ll able to pay off in his lifetime.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

         For what it was worth, Alfie wanted desperately to stay at Margate. There would come a time where he would come to rest eternally there. But he wouldn’t lie down until there was nothing left to do. And he had plenty to do.

           Whispers were starting to become louder. Although they were whispers about the Shelbys, it was inevitably going to affect everyone within their grasp. More than ever, that included Alfie.

           Rumors were just that, rumors. But Alfie learned it was wise to always keep an open ear when it came to rumors about Tommy. If they were false then there was no harm, no foul. But more often than not, listening to rumors brought him valuable information.

           Ella and Alfie were quiet on their way back to London, returning with one more dog than they’d left with. Ella was at ease once she knew her brother would take care of their Scotland Yard issue. Alfie was uneasy by the phone call he’d had with Ollie the night before they left.

           Something about Italians. Something about Americans.

           A vendetta was the last thing he wanted to get involved with. The Shelbys had dug their own graves. Unfortunately, they’d also dug one for Ella.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           “Did anything happen at Tommy’s wedding?” Alfie asked halfway through the drive back to London.

           “His wedding?” Ella frowned and thought about her brother’s wedding to her late sister-in-law. Grace’s funeral felt like a lifetime ago, the wedding felt even more distant. “Not that I can remember.” She shrugged. “I left early.”

           “Does the name Angel or Vincente Changretta sound familiar?”

           “Changretta…” Ella perked up. “That was our teacher’s name. She was lovely. Of course, my brothers were such a terror for her but she liked me. Always snuck me sweets because Ada and I were more behaved than they ever were. I believe her husband was named Vincente.” She tried to recall the long muddled memories of her childhood.

           Alfie’s lips pursed and he grunted grimly. “Both of them ended up dead. The wife, your teacher disappeared I think.”

           The hairs on Ella’s arm rose. “Dead…do they know who-” She blinked and grimaced. Italians had killed Grace. But Ella never knew they were working under the orders of the Changrettas. She hadn’t been around to find out about the feud with Angel that revolved around Tommy’s wedding. She’d been blissfully pining after the man in the driver’s seat beside her. “My brothers.”

           He nodded. “One can only speculate.”

           She scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Oh give me a break, of course, it was them. For fuck’s sake.” She scrubbed a hand over her face. It felt like all the relaxation from Margate was tossed out the car window in an instant. Mention of her brothers tended to do that. “Why are you bringing that up now?”

           “Ollie called me last night, told me about some rumors that’ve been flying ‘round.” He explained. “Rumors ‘bout Angel’s brother.”

           Ella shut her eyes and took a few deep breaths. “He wants revenge.”

           “Well, s’all us folk know innit? They kill one of our men, I kill one of theirs. Then it cycles ‘bout ‘till we’re all fucking worm food.” He attempted to be light-hearted about it but she clearly wasn’t in the mood.

           She peered over at him. “Should I be worried?”

           Alfie gripped the steering wheel and kept his eyes steady on the road in front of them. “No, love.” His tone didn’t match the words of comfort. But Ella didn’t call him out. “You don’t hafta worry about anything.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           Minnie liked to bake with cinnamon when the weather turned. The chill of fall swept through Camden and the sky grayed. The scent of the spice kept the kitchen warm and created feelings of joy instead of the gloominess of the impending winter.

           “Elsie’s boy just started to walk,” Minnie called from the kitchen. “Took his first steps yesterday.”

           “Is that right?” Ella smiled, as she kept warm by the fire. Cyril sprawled out on the floor, his body pressing up against her legs. Anthea was curled up in her lap.

           “I bet she’s worrying. The moment Isaac learned to walk, he began wandering off everywhere. I remember once she asked Alfie if she could borrow one of Cyril’s leashes. She wanted to clip it to Isaac’s shirt so he couldn’t run off in public.” Minnie giggled at the memory and walked out of the kitchen. She brushed her hands off on the apron around her waist. “Just another ten minutes and they’ll be done.” She said and sat down beside her friend by the hearth.  

           “Do you think Alfie would ever want children?” Ella asked, shyly focusing on Anthea’s coat.

           She smiled coyly. “Have you been thinking ‘bout children?”

           “No, no, I mean…you brought it up.” She mumbled and rolled her eyes.

           Minnie reached up to fix her hair scarf, adjusting several of the pins that had come loose while baking. “Alfie likes to show you off, doesn’t he? Dress you in the finest things, make sure people know you’re his, wants you to be seen on his arm?”

           Ella blinked. “I uh, I hadn’t noticed.”

           “I think you have.”

           She smiled and shrugged. “I don’t know what that has to do with having children.”

           Minnie stretched out her legs, wiggling her stocking-covered toes as they warmed by the fire. “Can’t you just picture him walking up and down Bonnie Street with a little bundle in his arms. Stopping everyone to introduce his son or daughter. He’ll explain the meaning of the name you’ve both chosen. Show everyone how they’ve got the same eyes as you.”

           Ella bit her lip and ducked her head to conceal the chuffed smile. Of course, it sounded a dream. A tiny newborn all swaddled up in Alfie’s arms. She could almost see the look of pride on his face as he met his child for the very first time. “Don’t get too caught up in that idea, Minnie, it’ll be a long time before that happens. If it ever does.” Since she had such indifference for a relationship in her younger years, Ella hadn’t much considered a family. She had the odd dream where she would be expecting or mothering an unfamiliar baby. But she didn’t feel strongly one way or another. Being one of the youngest of the family, she had little experience raising children. She could just barely remember her baby cousins before they were taken from Polly. But she in no way thought she had that instinctual motherly quality that all her friend’s in Camden seemed to have. “I think Alfie would much prefer a family of dogs. They can’t talk back to him.”

           Minnie smiled but wagged a finger at her. “I think you might be hiding how you truly feel. I also think you ought to discuss these things with Alfie. Best to be open instead of tiptoeing around such big decisions. You never know when you might miss your monthly.”

           Ella’s eyes widened. “Don’t even say that!” She snapped as if her friend was cursing her with an immediate pregnancy. “We’re, y’know, erm-careful…”

           They were not. Far too often Ella and Alfie got a little carried away with things and caution was tossed out the window. Since both of them had sporadic pasts of intimacy, and none that were exceptionally remarkable, they were a little frantic. Trying to wring out every ounce of lust for each other. But it appeared it was endless. And anything could trigger it.

           A simple look, a comment, or a kiss that started out innocently enough. If both of them had enough energy, it often progressed into something more. Even at the most inopportune times. They were like teenagers who were completely magnetized. If Ollie had job security, he would mention how inappropriate the two were at the bakery. It was inevitable that one of these days, they’d forget to lock a door and he’d walk in on something he would never be able to unsee.

           It didn’t seem to matter what circumstances they were under. Careful wasn’t a word they could use. Whether it was a lazy morning spent in bed, a hasty tryst against Alfie’s desk, or a playful romp in the kitchen, Alfie and Ella were both good at forgetting where they were. And forgetting the consequences.

           “You can be as careful as a nun and it’ll still happen.” Minnie shrugged. “Although I’m not sure you’d fall under the immaculate conception criteria.”

           Ella’s mouth popped open in shock but then the two women burst into giggles. “You’re the worst!” She smacked Minnie’s arm.

           “I’m just saying!” She defended herself. “These things happen out of nowhere. Better to discuss it than be surprised.”

           That made Ella groan with discomfort. Sitting Alfie down and talking about kids sounded like a crapshoot. It was anyone’s guess what his reaction would be. “I’ll think about it.”

           “Better think about it quickly. Elsie talks, love. She says Ollie complains about you two going at it like rabbits in Alfie’s office.”

           Her cheeks went bright red. “Don’t tell Alfie that, he’ll knock the religion out of Ollie. And besides, that’s our fucking business.”

           Minnie snorted but just shook her head. Some people were very foolish in love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           “Wonder if Santa’s gonna come tonight,” Alfie remarked on Christmas Eve as he got ready for bed.

           Ella was already snug under the covers, doing everything she could to ward off the brutal chill in the air. “Santa?” She raised an eyebrow. “You don’t celebrate Christmas, Alfie.” In fact, the two had already celebrated Hanukah with friends and family. Or at least, their Camden family. The arrival of the holiday season had only pressed the knife further into Ella’s heart. The idea that she wouldn’t see her family at all. She’d missed birthdays and other special occasions but she couldn’t remember spending Christmas without them. Even when she was living on her own in London for a few years, she had Christmas with Ada and Karl.

           Instead of brewing on it, Ella tried to immerse herself in the festivities with Alfie and her friends. Trying to adopt new customs instead of hanging on the old ways that would never again be a reality.

           Alfie and Ella had already exchanged gifts. And he’d gone a little overboard as far as she was concerned. But at the end of the last night, they were curled up in bed happy as clams to be together. That was the best gift.

           “Nah, but you do.” Alfie shrugged and walked over to the dresser. “And he’s s’posed to come if you celebrate. That right?”

           Ella smiled and shook her head. “You’re being silly, I hope you haven’t bought me anything else.” She said in a warning tone.

           “I didn’t buy you anything, love.” He gave her a sly glance over his shoulder. “M’just saying. Santa might’ve.”

           “That’s not fair, I didn’t buy you anything!” She protested.

           He picked up an envelope off the dresser and wandered over to the bed. “I don’t celebrate Christmas, Santa ain’t gonna bring me anything.” He grinned and passed the envelope to her. “I forgot, this came for you this morning.”

           Ella took it from him. “I’ve already received cards from everyone I think. Ada, John, Arthur…Tommy too.” She tore open the envelope without reading the return address.

           Inside was a card wishing her happy holidays, accompanied by a black hand. Ella frowned. “I don’t know what this is.” She held it out to Alfie to see if he could decipher the odd message.

           He grabbed his glasses off the nightstand but realized he didn’t need them. The black print was big enough to see clear as day. “Fuck.” He grimaced and tossed the card to the side. “Fucking hell. Should’ve realized.” In a frenzy, he threw open the bedroom door and went out into the hall to get the phone.

           “What is it?” His reaction obviously alarmed her. “Alfie?” She jumped out of bed and pulled on a dressing gown.

           “Warwickshire.” Alfie barked into the receiver, giving the operator Tommy’s address.

           That was enough to send Ella into a panic. Why on Earth was he calling her brother? “Alfie, hang up!” She commanded.

           Instead of responding, he waited until Tommy picked up on the other end. Then, he unleashed his tirade. “Why’s there a fucking black hand in me fucking house, Tommy? Aye?!” He shouted into the telephone but listened for Tommy’s response. “S’got your sister’s fucking name on it, that’s who it’s addressed to. Yeah he’s fucking signed his name. Who else on this bloody Earth would send a black hand? You and your fucking brothers have gotten yourself into this mess but now you’ve fucking dragged Ella into it. So now, you’ve got an issue with me, mate!”            

           Ella’s stomach churned. Black hand. An omen. Had to be. She returned to the bedroom and found the card on the floor. Cyril and Anthea came over to her as she knelt down to pick it up. She opened the card again and read the signature.

           Luca Changretta.

           There was officially a hit on her head.

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Masterpost

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[mermaidxatxheart]

Home for Christmas

This is my next prompt for @panicfob​‘s #25 Days of Christmas.

Day 14: The Company Holiday Party

Pairing: Sam X Reader

Warnings: Swearing, small acts of violence, threats of violence against Steve. 

Summary: This is a continuation of my Home story. Sam’s been gone for even longer this time. Naturally, you hate every second. But the worst part is that he’s supposed to accompany you to your stupid work holiday party. And now that he’s not going, you really don’t want to.

Word Count: 3328

How do people make long-distance relationships work? This is impossible. 

 Your boyfriend, Sam, has been gone for his longest mission to date. 

 3 months. 

 7 days. 

 16 hours. 

 And you’ve counted every single second of absolute agony. 

 You shake out the towel you’re folding with a grumble. “We won’t be gone that long, baby. You won’t even have time to miss me.” You mock his parting words, lips still tingling at the memory of his searing goodbye kiss. The door clicked shut and you had to look down and make sure you were still dressed. 

“Right.” You sigh, giving up on the towel and throwing it onto the bed. “Steve Rogers is gonna get a Captain America sized slap the second I meet him.” You curse, dogging through the laundry basket, looking for your cloud shirt. 

 It’s really Sam’s, but not anymore. It’s soft as sin, worn to perfection, and he knows it’s your favorite, so he leaves it with you.

 You crumple it to your face and inhale, trying to remember what his cologne smells like. It’s faded from the shirt, doesn’t smell like your Sam anymore. Just you. 

 You pull it away, a frustrated, strangled sigh escaping. You’re about to fold it back in his drawer when you notice a small dark spot towards the bottom. 

 “No.” You whisper, bringing the section closer to your face. Sure enough, it’s a hole. Your eyes fill with tears as you stare at it, heart thumping erratically in your chest, banging painfully against your ribs. You fold the shirt, being extra careful with it, placing it in his drawer and wiping your eyes.

 Your phone chimes with a text message and you dive for it, thinking it might be Sam, finally replying to one of your four hundred text messages. 

 But it’s just your coworker, Ashley, reminding you about the holiday party tonight. 

 “Calvin told me to remind you that it was mandatory.” She writes. 

 “Calvin can sit on a cactus.” You mutter, tossing your phone on your bed. You look at the bright red dress hanging over your closet door. Sam’s suit is next to it, but you don’t think he’s going to make it home in time for the party.

 You don’t feel like going to a stupid party, not without Sam. Everyone thought you were scary when he’d been gone for just two weeks. They were downright avoiding you this time. You can’t even find it in yourself to feel bad about it. 

 You groan and get in the shower, cursing Steve Rogers again. It’s bad enough that they’ve been gone for so long, but his phone calls have gotten further and further apart until last month they just stopped altogether. 

 You scrubbed and scrubbed, digging your nails into your scalp harder than you should have. He would want you to go and have fun. Which makes you want to go even less. Partly because Sam was supposed to go with you, and partly because you’re so mad at him for being gone for so long. You don’t want to do anything he’d want you to do. 

 Jerk. 

 ***

 The hotel ballroom is beautifully decorated. Massive Christmas trees are brightly decked out in silver and gold, placed in the four corners. A long table, half the length of the room, runs the back wall, covers in food and maintained by the hotel staff. Fairy lights are strung from the ceiling over the wide-open dance floor where the majority of your coworkers are enjoying themselves. 

 You watch from the side, not really interested, unable to leave yet. The only saving grace about this whole fiasco is that Ashley keeps bringing you glasses of bourbon-spiked eggnog. 

 Bless her. 

 You have her Christmas present in your small black clutch. Sam helped you pick it out and you’re slightly reluctant to let it go. 

 Calvin saunters over, holding his hand out. “May I have this dance?” He asks. 

 You have nothing against Calvin, except that you just don’t particularly like him. You’re debating your ability to say no and get away with it when he speaks again. 

 “Just one dance. You look so bored over here. And I don’t know if you noticed, but everyone else seems to be afraid of you. So, they won’t be asking you to dance any time soon.”

 You sigh, figuring one dance can’t hurt, but you’re keeping your drink. “That’s by design, Calvin.” You mutter, following him out to the dance floor. You haven’t made it easy on him, clutch in one hand, very necessary drink in the other, but he manages. One hand rests on your waist while the other awkwardly clasps your palm in his fingers. 

 “So, what do you think?” He asks, gesturing around the extravagant ballroom. 

 “It’s nice.” You answer, taking a big sip of your drink. The bourbon burns on the way down and you very nearly choke on it as his hand slides down over the curve of your ass. You grab his wrist and yank it off you.

 “Sorry.” He says automatically, very carefully placing it back on your waist. You’re much more wary of him this time. Any sign of him being inappropriate, and you’re going to punch him right in his face. 

 He guides you across the dance floor, seeming to have a direction in mind and your gut is telling you to cut this short. You glance around, looking for a way to make your exit and when you look back at him, his face is almost to yours, lips puckered. His hand tightens on your waist, trying to hold you close. You put your clutch bag between you two and push his face away roughly with it. 

 He splutters indignantly and glares at you. “What’d you do that for?” He demands. 

 “Don’t act stupid.” You hiss. 

 “It’s tradition.” He points upward and above you is a ball of mistletoe. All of a sudden the move across the dance floor makes sense. Rage boils inside you and you throw your drink in his face, followed shortly by the glass. Everyone stops and turns as he lets out a shout and the glass shatters on the floor. 

 “So is being a gentleman.” You snap and storm out of the ballroom, your coworkers rushing to part for you. Your heels click on the floor as you find the nearest restroom and shove the door open. Thank god the room is empty because you probably would have ripped someone’s head off if they had been in here. You lock the door and stomp back and forth until your feet hurt. 

 You knew, you knew you shouldn’t have fucking come tonight. You should have just stayed home in your pajamas and thrown darts at Steve’s perfect picture. 

 Where are they?

 You pull out your phone and call Sam’s number. It goes straight to fucking voicemail again. 

 “Hey, it’s Sam. You know the drill.” His recording picks up. 

 “Wilson, I swear to god. Rogers better hope I never meet him for making you miss this awful fucking party. And when you come home, because you have to come home, just know you’re in deep shit. I love you so much, you asshole.” You hang up and drop your phone back in your clutch. 

 Time to find Ashley and give her her Christmas present. Then it’s time to peace the fuck out. You take a deep breath and check your reflection before leaving the bathroom to find your friend. 

 You stand on the side again, looking for the pretty blonde girl in the gold dress. Suddenly, she’s right in front of you, holding out another glass. 

 “Are you okay? I saw what Calvin did.” She says. “I added extra for you after that.”

 “I’m fine. I have something for you. It’s from me and Sam.” You say, digging through your bag and handing her the envelope. You take the eggnog so she can open it and you watch with a fond smile as she opens it excitedly. 

 “Oh, no way! How did you get tickets to Ed Sheeran? He’s been sold out for months!” She practically shouts. 

 You just smile and accept her hug. “I’m glad you like it.” You nod. 

 “Are you leaving?” She asks. 

 “I’ve made my mandatory appearance, turns out just so Calvin can make a fucking move. Now I’m going home to plot Steve Rogers’ murder.”

 “Okay, that all sounds great. But can you wait until you at least finish your drink? My Christmas present for you will be here in just a minute.” She asks excitedly. 

 “Fine. But if it’s not here by the time I finish, you’ll just have to give it to me on Monday.”

 “Deal! Wait right here.” She points at you and disappears into the crowd. 

 You’re tempted to just chug the drink and leave. She’s sweet but you’re 100% positive that no matter what her present is, there’s no way it could possibly make this night any better. But you promised, so you sip the drink slowly, looking around for your friend. You spot her over by the opposite edge of the dance floor and you frown. 

 Isn’t she supposed to be getting your present? You watch her walk over to the DJ, feeling more and more confused. 

 “Like a Queen watching over her peasants, she stands to the side, aloof and-”

 Your heart stops dead in your chest and you turn, already swinging your arm. Sam catches your wrist easily, holding it against his chest.

 “-apparently always ready for a fight.” He adds and you glare at him. “Okay, a well-deserved fight.” Your eyes narrow. “Baby, it’s not my fault.” He sighs, closing his eyes. His thumb is tracing your wrist gently. 

 Your annoyance and anger soften slightly when you see the fading bruise over his eye. In theory, you know what he does is dangerous. You’re aware that each mission could be his last, but he’s generally pretty careful about not coming home with too many injuries. 

 Gently, you touch the bruise, no pressure because you’re afraid to hurt him. He exhales softly and cups your hand to his face, holding it there. He was tense before and you didn’t notice it. But he seems to breathe easier under your delicate touch. 

 You’ve always had an understanding that you definitely need Sam Wilson more than Sam has ever needed you. 

 It’s not that he doesn’t love you, because you know that he does. He shows it in every touch, every look. It’s that when he’s away on a mission, you completely lose control of everything and he never has that problem. He’s your rock, your sunshine, he keeps you grounded and you know that when he calls you from a mission, he can tell how miserable you are. You’re no good at hiding it, while he’s always smiling, in a good mood, cracking jokes. One last laugh before he has to go, sweetheart. 

 He’s always happy, even when he’s gone. So, maybe he doesn’t miss you as much as you miss him.

 “Baby girl, please say something? I haven’t heard your voice in too damn long.”

 “And who’s fault is that, Samuel?” You ask, but you can’t quite manage enough venom. 

 “There she is.” He sighs with a smile. 

 “Where have you been?” You demand, feeling your eyes start to water. “And who did this to your face? I’ll fight them.” You sniffle and he fucking grins. 

 “It’s a long story, they should be terrified. Please don’t cry, I’m right here, I’m okay.” He promises, rubbing your shoulders. 

 “It’s not that.” You sniffle, almost too emotional to speak. Because he’s here, in front of you and you can’t figure out why you’re not kissing him. “It’s just...” your fingers trace over the black silk bow tie at his throat. 

 “Just what, beautiful?” His thumb strokes over your cheek softly. 

 “It’s just... who taught you how to tie a bow tie? It’s awful. You look like a first grader.” You mutter and he laughs, a loud, hand on his belly, head tipped back laugh.

 “Well, my girl wasn’t home to fix it for me. So, this is what ya get.” He sasses and you’re still not sure you won’t slap him. The song changes to your song and there’s a light in his eyes. A slow-burning fire that makes you feel warm all over. 

 “Dance with me?” He asks, maybe a little uncertainly. 

 “I was gonna head out. I’m not actually having fun.”

 “Y/N, please? It’s our song, you look amazing and I’m here. I just need to dance with you in my arms. One song and then we can go. We’ll finish a bottle of wine and you can yell at me for being gone for so long.” He promises with his eyes closed, almost as if he can’t stand to look at your face as you reject him. 

 That hurts you more than you can say. Without a word, you slip your hand into his. He closes his fingers around yours with a small exhale, eyes squeezing shut. He leads you to the dance floor with no resistance from you. He holds you close, cheek resting against yours as you sway gently back and forth. So far, you think you’ve done a damn good job holding onto your emotions. 

 “I missed you.” He sighs quietly and buries his face in your neck. He inhales deeply, fingers tightening desperately on your waist. Your breath gets stuck in your chest, but you won’t cry, not here in front of everyone. Later, at home with Sam, where he can comfort you and tell you stupid jokes while you cuddle in his favorite shirt-

 “Christ, I almost forgot what you smell like.” He mutters, lips nipping at your skin. 

 “I know the feeling. Your shirt doesn’t smell like you anymore.” You tuck your face into his neck, voice clipped as it shakes precariously. Don’t lose it here. “It has a hole in it.” You mumble, gripping at his shoulders. 

 “We’ll find you another favorite shirt, baby. I’ll find you ten.” He promises. “They always look better on you, anyway.”

 You can feel your coworkers’ eyes on you, whispering as they realize who you’re with. Looks of understanding pass over their faces and they move along, letting you have your moment. 

 “Please tell me I’m not dreaming again. Tell me you’re really here.” He whispers, his voice cracking just a little and your heart right along with it. 

 You guide his face back to yours, kissing him slowly. You should have done this the second you realized he was behind you, not try to hit him. His lips, usually so soft and gentle are hungry, unrestrained as he kisses you back. He snuffs out your breath and clings to you desperately. He crushes you against his solid chest and it feels like he’s trying to merge you together. 

 You pull back, very out of breath and his eyes are still closed, his face somewhere between pain and bliss. 

 “Did your dream ever do that?” You ask and he grins. 

 “That and a lot more, sweetheart. I have a fantastic imagination and like I said, I missed you a metric fuckton.” He says softly. 

 “Well, let’s get out of here and you can show me just how much you missed me.” You say, turning to leave. “Ashley can give me my present on Monday.”

 “Baby, I’m your present.” He laughs, pulling you back against him. “She saw me standing by the door and wanted to surprise you.”

 “Even better. Can we go now? I really need your mouth in places.”

 He snorts, but then his face gets serious. “In a second.”

 You follow his gaze and realize that he’s spotted Calvin. He’s talking to some people, holding a napkin to his forehead where the glass cut him. “Sam, he’s not worth it.” You start, grabbing at his hand. 

 He latches onto yours, pulling you with him. “No. But you are.” He walks over to your boss and taps him on the shoulder. He doesn’t push you away, which means he doesn’t plan on punching him. You watch curiously as Calvin turns and his eyes get wide at seeing Sam Wilson-Avenger, standing in front of him and looking pissed. “I don’t need to threaten you, because my girl can take care of herself. But you try something like that again, and I’ll forget that fact.” He says, his voice dangerously low. 

 Calvin nods, absolutely terrified, and Sam drapes his big arm around your shoulders. “Come on, gorgeous. Let’s get your coat.” He mutters, guiding you away. 

 You wait until after he’s helped you into your coat and outside waiting for a cab before speaking. “Is it awful that you really just turned me on in there?”

 “Really? Oh, thank god. I was worried I went too far.”

 “It was perfect.” You assure him, leaning into his side.

 He squeezes you close, nuzzling into your hair. “I got your messages, by the way. Including the last one. Were you in the bathroom?” He asks, his lips moving against your hairline. He can’t seem to pull away from you long enough and you know the feeling. You need to feel him under your hands, you missed him so fucking much. 

 “I’m sorry I called you an asshole.” You mumble. 

 “You don’t have anything to apologize for, sweetheart. I’ve never gotten mad at you for calling me names before. I’m not about to start now, especially when it follows you telling me you love me. It helps me know exactly what you’re thinking.” He turns you flush against his chest and wraps his arms around you with a satisfied groan.

 “I don’t think I understand.” You mumble into his jacket. 

 “You’re complicated, Y/N. And my job doesn’t make it any easier. I understand that. You worry about me, and it stresses you out. And you get mad at me. But when you tell me you love me and call me a name, I know it’s not out of anger, it’s out of frustration and worry. And I’m so sorry that I have to disappear the way I do sometimes. I hate it, not being able to let you know I’m okay, that I’m thinking about you every second I’m away.”

 You sniffle and he rubs your back gently. “If you don’t stop talking, I’m gonna start ugly crying and that would be an embarrassment for the both of us.” You warm thickly and he laughs. 

 “I’m just saying I don’t mind. You can call me all the names you want. Because none of that matters. You’re my whole fucking heart, Y/N. And I leave it here with you every time I step outside that door.”

 You groan and thump your forehead against his chest. “Here comes the ugly crying.” You whisper and he laughs.

 “You don’t have to be strong all the time, you know.” He cradles your head against him. 

 “But crying hurts so much.” You whine. 

 “That’s kind of the point. Doesn’t fighting it just make it hurt longer?”

 “You want me to cry, or what?”

 “Only so long as I’m here to make you feel better.” He smiles, nuzzling into your hair. “I have some bad news, sweetheart.” He mumbles. 

 “I swear to Christ, Wilson if you’re gonna tell me that you have to leave again-“

 “Whoa, slow your roll, baby.” He laughs. “I was just gonna tell you that Steve invited you to our holiday party next weekend.”

 “Oh, so he’s into being slapped? Publicly humiliated?”

 Sam cackles. “You can’t slap Captain America, babygirl.”

 “Watch me.” You pull him close, that wicked park back in your eyes that he loves so much. “Now, it’s been 3 months, 7 days and-”

 He crushes his lips over yours and judging from the blistering passion with which he kisses you, there is no doubt in your mind that he’s been counting, too.

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@everythingisoverrated​ @dsakita​ @shreddedparchment​ @bitsandbobsandstuff​ @after-avenging-hours​ @alexblrus​ @thinkingsofamadwoman​ @i-dont-want-to-be-called​ @thefridgeismybestie​ @fortheloveofallthatsholy​ @crazychaotic​ @pleasureoftheguiltiestvariety​ @redstarstan​ @septic-boye @justreadingfics​ @themistsofmyavalon​ @sebastianstanslefteyebrow​ @wkemeup​ @thiccbinch​ @glide-thru​ @moli1497​ @ellaenchanted91​ @part-time-patronus​ @janeyboo​ @jensensjaredsandmishaslover​ @thirstybitchqueen​ @xxloki81xx​ @stuckonjbbarnes​ @browngirlmagic​ @geeksareunique​ @nicoleplacee​ @lexshead​

[bisexualsforprompto]

Teen Titans AU Part 12

This chapter is longer since I’ve taken longer to update! Today we’ll meet a certain redeemed blonde Bee miraculous holder. Maybe she’ll have a love interest 😉.

Gabriel Agreste had been working with Slade for a while. He knew who the traitor of the Titans was and he knew all the information given. He also knew that Marinette Dupain-Cheng was Ladybug, it was too risky to tell his son though. They needed Ladybug removed and if he knew his so-called ‘princess’ was Ladybug he might refuse to fight her or hesitate. In the end, Gabriel always knew what was best for his son and his grand plan. He chuckled to himself as he walked the streets of Jump City, until he finally made it to his destination. He was in need of a certain Italian girl’s assistance.

“Ah!!!! Guys they’re online! They’re online!” Jon screamed at the top of his lungs. “Coming!!!” Garfield yelled as he shoved a pancake into his mouth. The team assembled in the common room as Jon hit the accepted the video call. There on the screen was a smiling Marinette with hair in twin braids and a scowling Damian who seemed to be...holding Marinette’s hand?! Raven gave a sly smile as Gar grumbled and discretely passed her twenty dollars. “So when did that happen?” Raven asked in a monotone with a hint of a smirk on her face. Marinette blushed, “I-I guess technically yesterday.” Damian glared at Raven, but he had a nagging feeling once again, guilt. It was awful, he felt...bad for Jon, especially after telling him he didn’t want to date Marinette. He felt almost like he had lied to Marinette, what if she wanted to be with Jon but thought that he didn’t like her so Damian was her only option?! “Oh.” Jon coughed. “Anyway,” Marinette said oblivious to the situation, “We wanted to catch up with everyone. Maybe individually if that’s alright with you guys?” The team took the bait, “Of course! I need some Mari time!” Gar exclaimed doing some jazz hands, “And Damian time too of course.” Marinette giggled but then realized, Gar could be the mole. She sighed and knew when she found out who the traitor was, it would hurt like hell. Jamie shoved the computer away from the rest of the team. “Me first, I have something I want to run through you guys.” Marinette nodded kindly and Damian’s face held the same amount of brooding on it as before. Before the others could protest Jamie took the computer to his room.

“Sorry, this is really important and I think you’ll want to know.” He took a deep breath, “So I asked my scarab if searching for miraculouses could be done since you mentioned you’re missing some. You won’t believe where it found a bunch.” Damian raised an eyebrow, “Spit it out Reyes.” Jamie rolled his eyes, “Ok ok. A storage unit in slightly south of here. An hour out from Gotham and an hour out from Jump City. The scarab said that both the horse miraculous and butterfly are active. I didn’t know if that meant anything to you.” Marinette nodded though she was internally freaking out, she really hoped Gabriel hadn’t gotten out of prison. “Thanks Jamie. I’ll have to get them as soon as possible. This is extremely important. In the wrong hands the miracle box is the most dangerous weapon ever. Although if only two miraculouses are active that means Hawkmoth has only one other co-conspirator, I’m guessing Slade.” Marinette’s mind went at 100 miles a minute, she’d need to find the box as soon as possible.

Jamie nodded and smiled, he went back to the room to give the computer to someone else. Damian muted it, “You know we were supposed to stick to the plan.” Marinette nodded and squeezed her boyfriend’s hand, “I know Dami but it can’t be him if his scarab can track miraculouses. Chat Noir would already have mine.” Damian scowled and unmuted the computer.

Everyone else passed by easily, Damian and Marinette gave each of them a different location where they were ‘hiding’ the Ladybug miraculous. The plan was off without a hitch, all they had to do was wait, well wait and Damian had to talk to Jon. Marinette had gone downstairs to clear her head, she still couldn’t believe someone who she’d been living with betrayed her and the team. Jon got on the computer, he didn’t look too mad so Damian was slightly relieved. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Jon depanned. “I-I it just happened. I’m sorry, I really wanted to tell you.” Jon nodded and then sighed, “It’ll take awhile but I’ll get over Marinette. If anybody I’m glad she’s dating you. Besides,” he said cracking a smile, “I won the bet.” Damian stared at him confused. Jon laughed, “We’ve had this bet ever since I got to the tower. Betting on if you’d ever date anybody. Most people said no, but Raven and I said yes and we both are twenty bucks richer.” Damian scowled, “You bet on me?!” Jon cracked up and nodded. “Anyway, why did you talk to everybody individually. It was super weird.” Damian crossed his arms, “The Titans have a mole.”

Jon’s eyes widened, “W-what?! Since when? Who?! Are you sure?!” Damian rolled his eyes, “I don’t know when or who but I am sure. That’s what we’ve been trying to find out. Don’t make me regret telling you and don’t tip off the rest of the team!” Jon nodded still in a stupor. Marinette hopped back upstairs and into the room, she sat down next to her boyfriend and waved, “Hey Jon!” Jon smiled, “Hey Marinette, how's it going?” “Pretty good. Sorry I’ll have to cut this short, I realized it’s almost time for lunch. What do you want Damian?” Damian shook his head, “You know Alfred can go out for that.” Marinette shrugged, “I need to stretch my legs.” Damian nodded, he was slightly concerned, but he knew she needed this because she had been so stressed since the mole debacle. “I don’t want you running off alone in Gotham. I’m coming with you.” Marinette giggled, “Okay, I’d be fine if you didn’t come though.” Damian patted her on the shoulder, “I know Angel, but you can’t help me being paranoid.” Jon smiled, he had to admit they were a cute couple, “I’ll let you guys go then. Bye!” Marinette waved and Jon hung up. “Ready?” Marinette asked standing up. “Sure. Where’d you want to go?” Marinette tapped her chin, “Since you’re coming maybe we could go somewhere, you know for our first real date.” Damian blushed, “Any places in mind?” “Well you know the area better than me, but how about Gotham Diner? It’s near the fashion district.” Damian chuckled, “Sounds perfect Angel.”

Marinette grabbed her bags, they ended up going into stores before they ate and of course Marinette bought new fabrics. Damian insisted on paying but Marinette refused, he pouted and said he’d pay for lunch. Marinette giggled and agreed. As Marinette walked down the street, sunshine radiating off of her, Damian followed smiling a little to himself. Gothamites gawked as they saw the Ice Prince with his girlfriend, they were surprised he could smile, that he had a girlfriend and that he was back in Gotham. Some people snuck pictures. As Marinette walked, with Damian in tow a blonde girl with her hair cut in a short bob squealed and ran up to her. Damian was shocked and they Marinette and the blonde started talking excitedly in France, he almost didn’t catch it.

“Dupain-Cheng!” Squealed the blonde. “Chlo?” Marientte turned to see her ex-bully turned best friend. She thrust her into a hug and squeezed her. “Look Dupain-Cheng Im glad to see you too, but I do like breathing,” Chloe strained. Marinette released her, “Sorry it’s just that I haven’t seen you in so long. Wait, what are you doing in Gotham?” Chloé narrowed her eyes, “Could ask you the same question DC and who’s this?” She asked motioning to Damian. “That’s Damian,” Marinette exclaimed, “my boyfriend.” Although Marinette turned pink and rushed her statement a little Chloé screamed, “FIRST YOU’RE IN GOTHAM WITHOUT TELLING ME AND NOW YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND! THAT’S IT WE’RE CATCHING UP NOW!” Chloé grabbed Marinette by the arm and stormed off. Damian stood there in a stupor, his girlfriend was just sister-snatched before his eyes. Chloé whipped her head back, “You coming or not?!” Damian didn’t say anything, he knew from his family that you do not mess with strong willed women like Chloé, he followed obediently like a dog.

Chloé led them to a small café where she sat down at the closet empty table. She sat down and wasted no time, “Why are you in Gotham Dupain-Cheng?!” Marinette giggled, she’d always enjoyed Chloé’s...directness. “Damian took me here to meet his family?” Chloé narrowed her eyes, “You!” She pointed at Damian, “How long have you been dating Maribug?” Damian’s eyes widened, “What’d you call her?” Chloé hissed in Marinette’s face, “He doesn’t know?” Marinette sighed, “He does, and we’ve been dating since yesterday but we’ve known each other for months. Anyway, Damian this is Chloé otherwise known as Queen Bee, and Chloé this is Damian, he does have a name.” Chloé rolled her eyes, “Whatever. You do realize it’s stupid to go with some random guy to a different city right?!” Marinette nodded, “Damian’s not-“ “Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous. Stop going off with random dudes Maribug! And don’t tell them you’re identity!” Chloé flicked her in the head. “Um Chloé, I distinctly remember you telling everyone you’re Queen Bee.” Chloé rolled her eyes once again, “That’s different Dupain-Cheng, you know I can’t hide this fabulosity.” Chloé flipped her hair as Marientte giggled, “But you still shouldn’t tell random people that you’re Ladybug!” Damian decided to step in, “I’m not a random person.” “Excuse me?!” Chloé said, turning shooting daggers with her eyes. “I said I’m not a random person.” Damian repeated plainly. Marinette shrank down in her seat as Damian and Chloé continued their intense staring contest. “He’s a keeper Maribug.” Damian shook Chloé’s outstretched hand. “Chloé Bourgeois, daughter of Paris’s mayor and fashion designer Audrey Bourgeois.” Damian nodded, “Damian...Wayne.” Chloé sprung up from her chair, “You bagged a Wayne?! Yes Maribug, way to use what I taught you! He’s definitely a keeper!” Marinette started cracking up until Chloé saw a shadowy figure in the distance. “Don’t look now but I think a certain alley cat followed us. Why is he here anyway?!” Chloé scowled. “I recently joined a team, ever since then he’s been getting intel from one of them about my whereabouts.” Marinette sighed. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! RIDICULOUS, UTTERLY RIDICULOUS! GET ME MY MIRACULOUS I’M GOING TO KILL THIS TEAMMATE AND THIS STUPID CAT!” Damian cracked a smile, finally something he could agree on. “Chloé, no killing. But I might be able to get your miraculous back. Once we deal with a certain black cat we can find the miracle box, Damian pull up the location Jamie said the box was.” Damian obliged and pulled up a map. “Got it, but what will we do about that idiot?” Damian asked while motioning to Chat. Chloé smirked deviously. “I’ve got a couple ideas.”

Taglist (you already know how this goes):

@Zebrabaker

@2sunchild2

@northernbluetongue

@violatiger8

@mochinek0

@beaversuenightly

@poshplumcot

@queen-of-the-trash-planet-tm

@heaven428

@worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry

@indecisive-mess-named-me

@captainmac6

@mandy984

@emjrabbitwolf

@synnesstra

@mjisntme

@i-have-no-cool-username-to-use

@shamefullove

@yokizu

[akp-1327]

dear diary // chapter one

Hi, everyone! This is the first chapter of the new series I’ve started. I hope you enjoy and stick around for future chapters! 💕

Find a series “description” and other detailing here!

Word Count: ~ 5.3k

(*) Warnings: none

July 16th, 2020

Dear Diary,

Nothing would make me happier than to visit the city. The bright lights, the busy streets, the shops, the smell of car exhaust. For all the wonders I’d discover, for all the opportunities I’d face. For the experience, for the fun.

Living in a small town is boring. It’s the same, day after day. Then as soon as you bat an eye, you’ve turned eighteen and have barely left the state. Some would call me a hobbit, some would call me lazy. But it’s hard to get out of town when your family can’t really leave because of their job and you’re too scared to learn how to drive.

The diner that my parents own is great; awesome pancakes, delicious milkshakes, and every single pie flavor you could ever imagine. It’s called the Golden Griddle and it’s located right in the heart of Cedar Cove, Oregon. You’d have to be blind to miss the sunny yellow paint (that’s ever so slowly chipping away, but don’t tell my dad) smeared on the bricks.

Anyway. I’m Charlotte, but you knew that already, didn’t you? Of course you did. Well, if you needed a reminder of my sob-worthy life story...my brother and I are adopted. But you probably remembered that, right? Wow, I need to stop ranting about how you probably remember me. You’re a literal book for God’s sake.

Wait; back on topic. I want to go to see the city. So badly. Oh, and have I mentioned that I got accepted into my dream school? New York University, here I come. How have I not written about that yet? Holy crap. NYU preparations have been coming along nicely. I already have half my room packed and almost all my dorm stuff that my mom insists on buying. My brother Henry, too. He’s going to Ohio State on a football scholarship and a desire to pursue athletic training. Big dreams!

Me, you ask? Good gracious, Diary, stop interrupting! (Oh boy, I’m talking to myself. Skye would laugh...). I’m pursuing acting and theater, of course. A major in drama and a minor in production. I’m chasing the sun here, okay? I am a future Broadway star and actress with dreams as far as the eye can see!

I am ecstatic to make the big move at the beginning of August. More updates to come. Sorry if this ending was abrupt. My dad made his famous chili tonight and I gotta go get it while it’s hot and before Henry inhales it all like the vacuum he is.

Yours, Charlotte :)

*

*

The faint, familiar smell of spices filled my senses as I put the old and tattered diary down. It was a gift I got years and years ago from a friend, but I never used it. May as well start before the wild ride of my new life starts, right?

I threw my blonde hair into a bun as I walked out of my room, avoiding boxes piled up high on the floor. Right as I stepped into the hallway, however, my foot met a ball of fluff curled right outside my doorway.

“Aw, Cooper,” I cooed, leaning down and scooping the little snowball I called a dog into my arms, cradling him close, “you’re missing all the food downstairs, buddy!”

A small whimper came from him as I made my way down the stairs. Henry was spread out on the couch and watching some sort of European soccer, er, football on the TV.

“Hey, just in time!” Henry smiled, waving me over to sit next to him. I obliged, setting Cooper down onto the floor and taking a seat next to him. 

...It was crazy how he was twice my size. And how I was the older one by three whole minutes.

“What’s up, Henry?” I asked, nudging his arm. A laugh escaped his throat as he gestured to the screen and unpaused the video (wait, it was paused this entire time?). I watched the screen to see a player get hit in the head with a soccer ball.

“Hah!” Henry laughed, his deep pitch echoing off the walls. I gasped and swatted his arm.

“Henry! Laughing at someone else’s pain is so rude! What if he got a concussion that ended his career?” I said, a twinge of amusement in my tone. All in all, I loved to see my brother get all flustered. He was such a goody-two-shoes that even something like this comment would make him blow a gasket--

“He’s laughing, sis. I don’t think the dude’s hurt.” Henry said, his tone smug. Maybe college was finally really going to his head.

I shook my head with both surprise and disappointment as I stood up, gesturing for the walking vacuum to follow suit. “C’mon, knucklehead. Dinner’s almost ready.”

We both walked into the kitchen to see the finishing arrangements being set up for dinner; Mom was retrieving bowls and utensils as Dad strained the water from the elbow macaroni at the sink.

“You two are in here early,” Mom teased, giving us a side glare as she placed the bowls and spoons on the counter, “what about?”

A sweet, innocent smile crossed my face as I batted my eyelashes at her. “It just smells so good that I couldn’t stay away!”

“I’ve heard that one before, you jest. Come get your bowls.” Mom chuckled, stepping away. Henry and I grabbed a bowl right as Dad turned to us.

“Get it while it’s hot!” Dad said, grabbing a bowl of his own. Henry and I both dove for the noodles and chili, somehow managing to get our servings without making a complete mess like we usually do. It’s crazy to think of how people mature over time...

The old seats at the table squeaked as we all sat down and started to dig into our chili. A comfortable silence blanketed the table and just as I got used to it, Mom broke it.

“So, you two have been packing, yes? Even the stuff you aren’t bringing?” Mom asked sweetly, dabbing a napkin at the corners of her mouth. She’d always been the politest one in the family; too bad no one else at the table had her mannerisms.

“My room is basically packed except for some of my clothes and books,” I said in between chews of the (extremely hot) chili in my mouth, “but otherwise I’m good.”

Henry nodded and pointed his thumb at me, his eyes never leaving his bowl. “Mhmm.”

“That’s great! Your flights leave in only a matter of days!” Dad cheered, giving Mom a high five. It was such a weird but common thing to see parents do: act like teenagers.

“You sound excited about that?” Henry questioned. I looked over to see half his bowl already gone. 

Mom heaved a sigh.

“We’re excited for you both to finally experience the world. We can’t wait for your lives to truly start!” Mom said, a smile encompassing her features. Her kind, brown eyes flitted between Henry and me.

“You two have the world at your fingertips,” Dad added, glancing at Mom. They shared a fond look. 

At that moment, for the briefest second, I wished that I had a connection like that; a soulmate, someone who you could spill your heart out to. Someone who you could love and be loved by. Someone who’d want nothing more than to see you happy. 

Also at that moment, I decided that I would make it a small goal of mine to make this wish come true during my time at NYU.

*

*

My blankets were soft around my legs as I sat propped up against my pillows. Leila and I had been talking on the phone all night. I felt like I was in that moment in Mean Girls where Gretchen was switching between Cady, Karen, and Regina. Except...I wasn’t switching between anyone at the moment. 

Leila Maciel is my best friend. She’s someone with a sarcastic personality and a snarky remark to anything. She’s as smart as a whip and could, without a doubt, put you in your place if you stepped out of line with her intimidating strength. Though, she also has a soft and caring side that she only reveals to those who she deems trustworthy. A confident, kind, and bold girl indeed. 

We’ve been friends for our entire high school careers, but it feels like I’ve known her my entire life.

During our freshman year, Leila was in an extremely toxic relationship. Her ex-girlfriend, a “sweet” but a rather manipulative girl, was to blame for our friendship. This girl, Sadie, ticked all of Leila’s boxes; beautiful, smart, compassionate, sweet... 

Remember that Leila and I had only known each other for a month at this point.

Leila and Sadie’s relationship was adorable from the outside. Both bright-eyed and bushy-tailed freshmen with hearts in their eyes. It was something you’d see in a more realistic version of High School Musical because let’s be real...those movies aren’t realistic. (I still love them, though!)

About a year into their relationship, though, Sadie transformed from sweet to sour. She used Leila to get what she wanted like she was her very own puppet. Her antics ranged from cheating on tests to almost stealing a designer handbag before I intervened. Then, like the cherry on top of this extremely nasty sundae, Sadie revealed that she cheated on Leila with a college girl for the majority of their relationship. Let’s just say that their relationship was terminated seconds after that bombshell blew up.

Leila was broken for months. She truly believed that she loved Sadie, but upon further examination, I found that Leila felt guilty whenever she had the opportunity to say no. It had never been any sort of love; it was an obligation. Also after that relationship, Leila decided that instead of focusing on liking girls, she’d be open and love anyone. She was sick of limits.

So, here we are today.

Now, as we talked on the phone, I thought about how she’d also be going to NYU, majoring in business. We were roommates! It was like a dream come true.

“Uh, Charlotte?” Leila asked with a laugh. “You alive?”

Reality snapped back into place as I blinked my eyes rapidly. “Oh, uh, yeah. What’d you say?”

“Did you buy a fan for our dorm?” Leila asked monotonously. This made me laugh for some odd reason. “Dear Lord, what’s so funny?”

Honestly, though. What was funny, Charlotte? One could say that I was losing my mind.

“I don’t know, spur of the moment? But otherwise, yes; I got the one you pointed out at Target.” I said, surprising myself with how even my voice sounded. A familiar hum came from the other end of the line in response.

“Cool. Then you’re all set to go for next week?” Leila asked, her voice making it sound like she was smiling. I laughed again and nodded to myself.

“Yes!” Was all I could say.

Leila’s sigh was so loud that I could swear that I felt her breath through the phone. “You’re not stressing out over this, are you?”

My eyes widened at her question. Was I stressing out about this? I’d been packing for days on end without breaks. I had folded, re-folded, and re-re-folded all of my clothes several times in my duffel bag. I had splurged on so many things, like that fan Leila mentioned, without a second thought. I don’t think I’ve had a proper shower in almost a week; I was too busy being a nervous wreck.

“Maybe a little bit, but not too much,” I responded, my tone a bit somber as I tried to conceal my lie. My fingers twirled the fringed fabric of my tie blanket around as I waited for Leila’s retort.

“Stressing out over this is like a circle, Charlotte. It’s pointless,” Leila said, her voice starting to reveal her exhaustion, “and you need to relax. We’ll be fine.”

Thoughts buzzed through my mind as I contemplated her words. Would we be fine? Is “fine” even the correct word to describe this situation? How about rephrasing the entire statement entirely by saying “there is a chance that we’ll survive, but it definitely ain’t high.”? That version was more accurate, in all honesty. Moving across the country for school didn’t sound like a situation that could only earn the word “fine”.

“Aren’t you worried, though? A big city, a new city, a scary city...we’re diving into the deep end here, Leila! We have no idea what the hell we’re doing!” I panicked, squeezing my eyes closed.

Now it was Leila’s turn to laugh uncontrollably. Though, hers was more of a witch’s cackle.

“Wow, okay. First of all, we’ll stick together. Second, not knowing what we’re doing is all apart of the college experience. We’ll seriously be okay if we stick together.” Leila assured, still laughing - she never was the sympathetic type in these types of situations.

“If you think so, then I guess I need to believe it.” I yawned, tucking myself further into my blankets. Leila broke out into a yawn as well, making me think that she was actually tired for once (the girl was the definition of a night owl).

“We should get some sleep. We’ll have plenty of time to talk later.” Leila stated. I could imagine her rolling her brown eyes at her own words. A laugh escaped me instead of the hum I intended on.

“Jesus, why do you keep laughing? Why do you have so much energy?” Leila groaned, making my laughter subside.

“I honestly don’t know, I’m a complete and utter mess. We’ll text tomorrow?” I suspired, resting my arm over my eyes to completely block out this embarrassing reality.

“You bet. Love you lots.” Leila said. Her declarations of love truly became more meaningful after that whole spectacle with Sadie. She had a ginormous heart of gold beneath that rough exterior.

“Love you more! Good night!” I said, hanging up after she murmured a farewell. I tossed my phone onto the soft fabric of my blanket and stared up at the ceiling, a nostalgic feeling washing over me. All of the nights during elementary school where I’d do this exact thing, except I would be thinking about my Barbie dolls or my recess adventures. Now, I thought about the future and what waited for me.

College better live up to its well-known reputation.

*

*

Before I could comprehend what was even happening, I was standing in the middle of Portland’s airport with the arms of my family around me. 

Days legitimately whizzed past with nothing short of a greeting. I mean, it was already August 4th...somehow.

“You have all your bags, right?” Dad asked, his voice wavering the slightest bit. I looked down at my belongings for the fourth time; a large duffel bag of clothes, a chest full of dorm stuff and personal items (including that stupid fan, yes), and a very large and heavy carry-on stuffed with all of my technology. And, for the fourth time, I confirmed that I had everything.

“It’s all here, Dad. For the last time.” I giggled, shaking my head. He could only respond with his usual eye roll and grin.

“What about Leila? Are you completely positive that she’s on your flight?” Mom asked, her eyes inspecting mine. A sigh freed itself from my lungs as I nodded.

“She’s already waiting for me by the baggage area, Mom. You even saw her when we walked in, remember?” I stated, returning her inspecting gaze as she fondly smiled in remembrance.

My hands were reaching down to pick up my bags before Henry lightly punched my shoulder. “Wait, whoa, where’s the love, sis?”

“It’s hiding from you,” I teased, punching his shoulder before I pulled him close for a tight hug, “I’m gonna miss you bunches, you know.”

Henry’s grip tightened before he pulled back to show me the tears in his eyes. I gave him a sad smile, knowing that familiar look in his eye; he agreed but didn’t want to admit it.

“Don’t worry, Henry. I’ll only be a call away if you ever need to talk to me,” I said, putting my hands on his shoulders, “and I’ll be a nine hours’ drive away if you ever need me in person.”

He cracked a smile that was identical to my own and let out a deep breath that turned into a shaky laugh.

“Shut up, midget. Go catch your flight.” Henry laughed, shaking his head to compose himself. His blonde hair was tucked away in a red hat with a big, fancy ‘O’ embroidered in gray and black on its face. My heart swelled with pride to see it, too.

“Ditto!” I laughed while reaching down to grab my bags. “Well, I ought to get going. Leila’s been waiting on me for a while”

“Travel safely and call us when you land, no matter the time!” Mom said, hugging Dad and pulling Henry close. My eyes burned with tears as I nodded.

“Can do,” I shakily breathed, “I love you guys.”

Mom blew kisses my way and Dad smiled. Even Henry gave me a rare, genuine grin. I waved, and with a final glance, turned around and headed to the gate that was just behind me without looking back.

The weight of the bags in my hands doubled with each step towards Leila. She was sitting in the waiting area, her bags all around her, scrolling through her phone. Her straight black shoulder length hair was accessorized with a jade green headband, matching her comfy outfit that consisted of a matching jade green tee and a pair of workout leggings.

“Took you long enough, you slowpoke!” Leila smiled, patting the blue seat next to her as she tucked her phone in her backpack. I dropped my bags in relief as I sat down next to her. “How emotional were your parents?”

“Enough to make me almost cry?” I laughed, wiping the wetness below my eyes. “Well, maybe I did cry a little.”

Leila laughed and wrapped her arm around my shoulder. “It doesn’t take much to make you cry, Charlotte. But I am beyond glad to see that you held in most of your alligator tears.”

We both laughed, though our laughter faded after about a minute, turning into a stressed silence...

“We’re really doing this, aren’t we?” I said while taking a deep breath. After almost a year of building up the nerves, the day was finally here.  College...adulthood...life...

Leila turned to me, her eyes showing the most vulnerability that I’ve ever seen in them, and took a deep breath with me. “We may be crazy, but at least we’re crazy together.”

*

*

Bag security was a surprising breeze; little to no lines and no troubles. The security guys even smiled at me. Talk about weird.

Waiting for the flight time was tiring. I did, however, get a text from Henry saying that he’d successfully reached his gate and would be taking off for Ohio at dusk. So that was at least something to keep me occupied for a good two minutes.

Another distraction was to play matchmaker with Leila. It was our favorite pastime in high school, so why not continue the tradition?

“Ooh, that business guy over there wearing the red tie, and...” Leila trailed off, scanning the rows of seats until her eyes focused on a woman talking animatedly on the phone only a few feet away, “her.”

“Wait, the Adrian Raines-looking guy paired with that preppy woman?” I asked, my eyes narrowing. Leila hummed with approval next to me, making me cringe immediately; why, and how, would that work? They were polar opposites!

“Leila, listen. He looks like the type of guy that’d bite your head off if you gave him the wrong coffee order and she looks like the type of girl to organize a charity event. It’s all in the eyes and the cheekbones, even the eyebrows.” I explained, shaking my head. Leila, however, disagreed like she always did.

“They’d balance each other out. He’d soften up and she’d harden up. It’s that simple! Plus, it helps that they’re both very attractive...” Leila smirked, her eyes examining them both with a wistful sigh.

“And they’re probably much older than us, so don’t even get ahead of yourself.” I sighed, rolling my eyes. “But back on topic. Are you talking about the whole ‘opposites attract’ lore? Because that’s just not...plausible. Maybe it is in the movies--”

Leila let out an exasperated breath that hindered the rest of my thought. “It is plausible, though! Just think about how you would feel in this situation. Would you want a guy who has a prickly exterior and a mushy-gushy heart?”

My heart started to palpitate as my hands started to sweat. I have learned to loathe Leila’s ‘boy talk’ because it’d always turn into her setting me up with guys that were either way out of my league or guys that just didn’t meet my expectations.

Her question, though, did deserve some deep thought. I guess I can set my pride aside for a mere second and give her some sort of approbation...

So, the question on the table: did I really have a thing for those types of people? Snarky but also impossibly soft? I guess I’ve never really been invested in relationships of my own. The idea of romance, sure, but not for me. It just never really seemed as important as the ACT or my GPA. I’m starting to regret my valedictorian title; I focused so hard on my studies that I forgot about the fun aspect of high school like the average, rebellious boyfriend with a leather coat and a motorcycle.

“You know what, Leila?” I started, carefully testing this ground as to not lead her down the matchmaking rabbit hole, “I would like a guy like that. A sarcastic and snarky guy with a secret soft side? Yes, please. Oh, and glasses that he’d push up his nose when he was frustrated? Even better.”

An uncharacteristic snicker escaped Leila; she was never one to snicker like that, and now that I actually think about it, our boy talk always had that stereotypical effect on her. Man, this hobby was melting her brain. Is there any research out there on how the quietest whisper of romance can turn the human brain to goo? If so, I need to get my hands on it ASAP. 

“I knew that you had a thing for that! I’ve been scoping this out for years, Charlotte!”

Of course she has.

“Glad you’ve been looking out for me. That or stalking me, but that’s up to you.” I teased, bumping my shoulder with hers only to receive a tired groan in response.

“Oh, hush. You know exactly how damn predictable you can be sometimes. Don’t even try to contradict that, either.” Leila stated, giving me a side glare. I gave her a bright, innocent smile in response as I fiddled with my duffel bag’s handles.

My mouth opened to bring up another round of matchmaker, but I was overpowered by a loud speaker.

“Flight one-hundred two for New York boarding at gate fifty-six!” A voice said gently over the speakers. Leila and I instantly looked at each other with the same anxious looks that slightly weirded me out.

“Um, Leila--” I stammered, trailing off as Leila hopped up and started to grab her things. She wore the biggest and brightest smile when she glanced at me out of the corner of her eye.

“C’mon, slowpoke! We gotta go! Move those short legs of yours!” Leila beamed, grabbing my duffel bag with her open hand. Before I could retort, I was ushered into standing and walking towards the luggage area.

“Alright, eager one, slow down a bit?” I asked through a huff. Only two months off of the cheer team and away from drama and I’m already bent out of shape.

Leila threw my duffel bag and her own suitcase onto the conveyor belt and so I followed suit.

This...this entire experience was moving faster than I expected.

*

*

The plane ride wasn’t really all that exciting. Just Leila falling asleep on me, like I expected. Throw in a couple packs of peanuts, a dash of watching Dirty Dancing and Grease religiously, and a sprinkle of a baby’s obnoxious tantrum...and you end up with the definition of a typical plane ride.

Woo, college. Already kicking off with such an exciting start.

*

*

We were about thirty minutes out from The Big Apple when Leila finally woke up from her sleep. I felt my shoulder lighten and then felt the instant soreness from the five and a half hour flight.

“How’d you sleep?” I asked, busying myself by pausing Dirty Dancing on its second playthrough. Of course it was right as Baby started to awkwardly dance down the staircase and onto the bridge.

Leila’s response didn’t come when I thought it would, so I looked over to see if she fell back asleep on the plane’s wall. To my surprise, I saw that her eyes were glued to a figure a few seats over. 

The girl who sat there had this gorgeous auburn hair that cascaded over her shoulders. Her black headphones stood out against her pale complexion and revealed the slightest trace of taupe freckles scattered about her cheeks. Also from the girl’s side profile, you could just barely see the tint of matte black lipstick on her lips.

A gentle but teasing smile formed when I looked back over at a wide-eyed Leila, her cheeks now starting to redden with embarrassment.

“See someone you like over there?” I asked, softly nudging her arm with my own. She cleared her throat and blinked rapidly before turning her attention to me.

“I thought she was snoring?” Leila stammered, now rubbing her tired eyes. I looked back over at the girl - her head bobbing slightly to whatever she’d been playing on her laptop - and let out a laugh.

“Sorry to break it to you, Leila, but she’s completely awake.”

Leila whipped her head back around to see and then let another deep blush cover her cheeks. It was hard to notice against her olive skin, though it deepened enough to see from miles away.

“Okay, um, she was snoring a little bit ago. I swear on your life.” Leila said, pressing her hands to hide her bright red cheeks. 

I let out another laugh. She had never let herself get this flustered...ever. This was so rare that I’d only ever seen it once and that was back in high school. Leila locked eyes for a solid twenty seconds with a junior guy named Michael Harrison at lunch during our freshman year. She couldn’t stop blushing or stuttering for the rest of the day, and that’s not mentioning the dejected look she had when Michael walked out of the building with an unfamiliar girl on his arm after school.

As expected, Leila only responded to me with her notorious deadly side glare.

“Shut up right this instant, Charlotte Parker.” She hissed between her gritted teeth.

Did I listen? Of course not.

“Looks like Miss Maciel has been struck by Cupid’s arrow...” I teased, dramatically leaning into her lap with my hand against my forehead. She grumbled and leaned her head on her palm, looking out the window. After I sat up, I could see her brown eyes flit over in the girl’s direction every once in a while and couldn’t hold back my smile. Not teasing, but happy.

I knew that wistful look in her eye well enough to know that she’d been enamored.

*

*

The plane landed at about seven in the evening. Before getting off the plane, I looked over to the girl. She was frantically putting her computer away in it’s decorated case. I saw a patch with the familiar NYU bobcat...right next to another patch with the name “Skye” in this sort of horror-ish calligraphy.

Huh.

“I think her name is Skye,” I said, leaning in to whisper to Leila, “and I think she’s going to NYU.”

Leila glanced over as she stuffed her neck pillow (that she never used) in her bag.

“Cool. Um...Skye, you said?” Leila said, a blush blooming across her cheeks again. 

I’m seriously loving this.

“Yep, Skye. Maybe she’s a freshman like us?” I said. Leila bit her thin bottom lip.

“Maybe,” Leila said, a smirk crossing over her features, “just...maybe.”

*

*

Waiting for our luggage was so boring. I decided that it was even worse than waiting for our fight.

“Ah, it’s mine!” I heard a girl a few feet away from my tired figure cheer. She rushed forward to grab a gaudy pink suitcase bedazzled with fake gems. Leila pretended to gag next to me.

“Gross,” Leila sighed, though her eyes suddenly lit up, “hey, wait, those are our bags!”

She pointed toward a cluster of familiar bags on the conveyor.

“Ah! C’mon!” I stammered, rushing forward and grabbing them. We both started to laugh as we lugged them off.

“Jesus, this is heavier than I remember.” Leila huffed, lifting her bag onto her shoulder. I did the same, though almost toppled over because of the weight.

“Are we sure that these are ours?” I asked, unzipping the duffel bag to see my familiar coat. Relief flooded my features as I looked back at Leila.

Her face was a sickly greenish pale.

“Uh, Charlotte, this...this isn’t...” Leila stuttered, carefully shuffling through the bag. There were lots of black sweaters and lots of striped shirts. A couple pairs of ripped jeans, a few rock band tees along with an NYU sweatshirt...and a tag on the strap.

I reached out for the black tag on the strap and flipped it over. It read...

Skye...Crandall?

“Leila, remember that girl from the plane?” I asked, showing her the tag. Her face immediately fell, though I could see the flame of hope flickering in her deep brown irises.

“Oh. My. God.” Leila groaned, taking the tag into her hand. “You’re kidding. Charlotte, this seriously isn’t happening right now.”

Despite her panicked state, I laughed. And laughed. And laughed.

“I’m officially calling you Eliza Schuyler because you are helpless!” I giggled, doubling over. Leila loudly sighed.

“No, no no no...” Leila whispered, zipping the bag closed, “how are we going to find her now? I bet she left already with my bag.”

I sadly let my laughter subside as I wiped the humored tears from my eyes, being careful to not let my light layer of mascara run or smudge into a huge mess. That was the last thing I needed right now.

“Alright. Well, I think we should wait and see if your bag is still here. We don’t know for sure that she has it,” I stated, patting Leila’s shoulder, “but if it doesn’t show, we’ll track this Skye girl down and give her the right bag. Okay?”

Leila nodded, her face still contorted with a mixed emotion of annoyance and helplessness.

“Welcome to New York, where we lose your freaking bags and make you chase after freaking girls that you like,” Leila mumbled in a bad imitation of a New York accent, pinching the bridge of her slender nose.

“So you do admit it! Aww!” I cooed, booping her nose. She caught my wrist and gave me another glare, though this one was downright teasing.

“Shut it or I will mercilessly write on your face tonight with a Sharpie while you sleep,” Leila teased, “but let’s get going. We still gotta find our dorm and the sun’s already starting to set.”

I nodded and gathered up my stuff, taking another look back at the conveyor...

“Oh, everyone’s gone?” I questioned, my eyes scanning the now empty area around us. Leila rolled her eyes and started to drag me along towards the masses of people with her free hand.

“Yes, but now let’s go find this girl before I lose my mind. I need my bag and I can bet that she needs hers.”

[junghelioseok]

preview. | jjk

⇢ a snippet of clandestine for you all, because i’ve resigned myself to the fact that i won’t be able to post a jk birthday fic this year since i’m literally about to leave the country lol (is this also a mini hiatus notice? yeah i guess lmao) 🤷🏻‍♀️

⇢ brother’s best friend!au, jimin is your lil bro, some smooching, me and my kink for jungkook’s dumb veiny arms, unedited nonsense

///

“I’ll do the dishes,” you volunteer, standing up and gathering up the empty platters. Jungkook and Jimin are quick to jump to your aid, collecting any utensils that you missed, and you offer them a grateful smile as they follow you into the kitchen.

“Let me wash, Noona.” Jungkook rolls up the sleeves of his cobalt blue shirt to expose the silver watch glinting on his left wrist—the watch that his father handed down to him when he was sixteen, and that had been worn by his grandfather before him. You still remember the day he’d first worn it to school, proudly displaying it even though the band was too loose around his narrow wrist.

He’s grown into it now, you realize. The watch no longer flops around like it used to and sits snugly in place instead. You eyes trace the outline of the silver buckle on the inside of his wrist before trailing up to follow the network of thin, branching veins in his forearm, admiring the smooth flex of muscle as he grabs a sponge from the wire rack hanging above the sink and squirts some dish soap onto the surface.

“I’ll dry,” Jimin chirps, selecting a towel and brandishing it. “Noona, do you want to help me? We’ll finish faster that way.”

Nodding, you pull another towel out from the drawer and rejoin the two boys at the sink. Jungkook washes quickly and efficiently, and you determinedly avoid staring at the way water trickles along the patchwork veins in his hands as he hands you bowl after bowl to dry.

It doesn’t take long for all the dishes to be washed and dried. The three of you take the time to put them back into the proper cabinets and drawers before bidding your parents a good night and heading out onto the back porch. Falling back into old routines feels like second nature, so you plop down onto the steps without hesitation and grin when Jungkook takes a seat beside you.

“Wait, I almost forgot!” Jimin suddenly exclaims, bouncing up from where he was beginning to sit down next to Jungkook. “I bought some beer earlier and left it in the trunk. Be right back!”

You watch your brother run off, his floppy blond hair a stark contrast with the deep blue evening sky. In seconds, he’s disappeared around the corner of the house, leaving you and Jungkook alone on the porch steps.

“So Chimchim hasn’t changed at all,” you remark with a laugh, turning toward your dark-haired companion.

Jungkook chuckles. “The kid loves his alcohol—that’s for sure.”

“Please,” you say, elbowing him lightly in the ribs. “I know you’re just as bad as he is.”

“Maybe,” he concedes with another chuckle. “But come on, Noona, you can’t tell me you don’t enjoy a drink every now and then. What about all that college stress?”

You hum. “I never said I didn’t enjoy a drink. Or five.” Jungkook’s chest rumbles with delighted laughter at your remark, and you smile slightly before letting out a soft sigh. “I’m glad Jimin got the beer tonight, though. Maybe I’ll finally be able to stop stressing out about this internship.”

That sobers Jungkook up immediately, his eyes widening as he peers down at you and lays a gentle hand on your back. “Are you still worried? You already got the job, didn’t you?”

You nod slowly, thinking back to the job offer that you had accepted. It had been difficult finding a company in your desired field that offered internships to first-year college students, but with dogged persistence and a lot of luck, you’d managed to snag a summer position. It isn’t due to start for another two weeks, however, and while you are grateful for the chance to visit your family, part of you also wishes that you didn’t have to wait such a long time. “I just have no idea what to expect, you know? The only job I’ve ever had was in retail, and that was in high school. I don’t feel ready at all.”

A strong arm settles across your shoulders, and you look up to see Jungkook gazing down at you with something indescribable sparkling in his deep brown eyes. “You’re gonna be amazing,” he murmurs, his voice whisper-soft and completely genuine. “You know that, right, Noona? You always are. This won’t be any different.”

And you believe him. Every detail of his face is bathed in moonlight—the gentle slope of his nose, the sharp angle of his jaw, the little scar high on his cheekbone—and you wonder how you never realized how handsome he is before now. And maybe it’s the low, soothing timbre of his voice, or maybe it’s the way he’s looking at you suddenly—with unspeakable tenderness and gentle affection glimmering in his eyes—but you are suddenly leaning closer, nestling up against his side. You don’t look away, and neither does he.

Then his gaze drops, following the slope of your cheeks all the way down to the curve of your mouth. He seems to hesitate for a split second, his throat bobbing harshly as he swallows and sucks in a breath.

And then his lips are pressing against yours—soft and tentative and a just a little bit chapped. Your eyes flutter shut almost on instinct, your body relaxing as his arm tightens around your shoulders and pulls you a little more firmly against him. Slowly, his other arm finds its way around your waist and settles there. You reach up to curl your fingers around his nape, displacing his beanie just enough so that you can stroke through his silky hair.

It’s only when Jungkook’s tongue darts out to run along the seam of your lips that reality comes crashing back down, your stomach plummeting down to somewhere around your toes as you wrench away from his embrace. “Kookie!” you gasp, your breathing labored. “We can’t!”

Jungkook blinks a few times, momentarily distracting you with the way the stars reflect in his gaze like glittering diamonds. “Why not?” he asks, reaching out for you again. “You kissed me back, didn’t you?”

Squeaking, you bat his hands away. “Jungkook, no! We can’t! Oh my god, this is all kinds of weird—“

The dark-haired young man looks like he wants to protest more, but the sound of footsteps coming back around the house sends both you and Jungkook scooting back to your original positions on the porch steps. Jimin appears just seconds later, plopping down beside Jungkook cheerfully and dropping a six-pack of beer at his feet.

“What’d I miss?” he asks, seemingly oblivious to the tension lingering in the air as he pops open a bottle and hands it to you.

“Nothing,” you say immediately, accepting the proffered beer. The cool glass bottle is a welcome relief, and you hurriedly take a long sip when your mind unwillingly begins to wander back to just how warm and soft your dark-haired companion’s lips had been.

Jungkook is much slower to respond to Jimin’s question. His shoulders slump as he reaches down to grab a drink of his own, twisting the cap open viciously and taking a swig. “Yeah,” he mutters, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, a frown etched across his face. “Nothing at all.”

Luck must be on your side, because Jimin doesn’t seem to notice anything amiss as he grabs another beer for himself and flops backward, resting his weight on his elbows as he gazes up at the night sky. “It sure is nice out,” he remarks, looking utterly at ease.

You, however, are anything but. Beside you, Jungkook is sipping pensively on his beer, and you are painfully aware of the heat radiating off his body. Jimin is still chattering away, rambling about the first thing that pops into his head, and you take the opportunity to sneak a glance at the dark-haired young man. His face is cast in silvery luminescence from the moon shining down overhead, his mouth pulled down into a deep, contemplative frown—and you are once again forced to shake off thoughts of how nice it felt to have his mouth pressed against yours.

This is Jeon Jungkook, you tell yourself sternly. Friend, neighbor, and Jimin’s best friend in the entire universe. You kissed him, sure, but it was a mistake. A moment of weakness. And it won’t happen again.

You repeat that over and over, silently reciting it in your head like a mantra until, at last, you finally start to believe it.

[halfgclden]

THE BIRDS AND THE (ZOM)BEES | ELI&JORDAN

tw: animal death

Eli scuffed his shoe against the ground and wiped at the tears threatening to spill over one eyelid. He streaked dirt across his face as he did, and breathed in slowly. As someone was suddenly in the space next to him, he gave a start, blinked quickly, and glanced up at the person who was now there. Great. He was sitting on a large rock in the middle of the woods, almost crying, looking like a loser, and now Jordan was standing in front of him, looking confused and almost annoyed that Eli was there with him. As if he had some sort of ownership over this part of the forest, and as if Eli wasn’t there first.

Jordan squinted down at the boy at his feet, staring up at him with a pouty expression. Typical that he would end up at the same camp as Jordan. With his blond mop of hair and long eyelashes, and a sunshine demeanour that only came off as grumpy, even when he was truly angry, he looked more like the statue of a young Greek boy than Jordan ever would. He looked almost akin to a nymph, one whom a butterfly would land on in a painting and turn into a flower in a myth. Jordan shook his head at him. “You lost, boy scout?”

A wave of anger rolled through Eli, and his expression grew hard as he looked up at Jordan, willing his lip to stop wobbling as he frowned at him. “No.” He pitched his voice down, speaking the word in Gene’s voice, apparently surprising enough to make Jordan flinch. “Why don’t you get lost?” This was spoken in Eli’s own voice, much less sure of himself, much more wobbly. He ducked his head, turning his face away from Jordan as he wiped a traitor tear on the shoulder of his shirt and looked down at his cupped hands.

“Oh, sick burn, boy scout, didn’t think you had it in… what the fuck?” 

Eli pulled his hands back from Jordan, trying to hide the fact that he was holding something, but moved carefully, so that the something wasn’t jostled around. He gave another start as Jordan was suddenly behind him, and he finally couldn’t hide the fact that he was holding a sparrow, one wing at an awkward angle, breathing shallowly as it looked up at Eli, not yet accepting its fate.

“Fuck, dude, that’s sick.” Jordan made a face. “You wetting your bed? Setting any fires lately?"

“Shut up,” Eli managed to choke out as he looked at the little bird, lifting one hand so that he could stroke its head with one finger softly. “It’s dying.”

“I can help,” The words were spilling out of Jordan before he could process them, and he cursed himself as Eli looked up at him with hope. “Ugh.” He looked away. “Maybe. But we have to wait.”

“We don’t have much time,” Eli, for once, was speaking quietly and seriously. “It’ll die if we wait.”

“That’s what we’re waiting for.”

There were many strange mannerisms that Jordan had that confused Eli, and he couldn’t tell if he was making fun of him or not. “What are you talking about?”

“Just.” Jordan groaned. “Just fucking stay here, alright?” And he was gone, leaving Eli still upset in the middle of the woods, holding a sparrow that came to him for help and was slowly dying in his hands. He didn’t feel the need to hold his tears back once Jordan was gone, and he wept quietly as the bird twitched, fluttered, and took its final breath. 

So consumed by his grief, he didn’t even notice Jordan was back until there was a dog trying to climb up onto the rock he was sitting on. He screamed and scrambled back. “What’d you bring that for?” Eli cradled the bird’s body in one hand and wiped tears off of his face with the back of the other. “Are you trying to give it a snack?”

“Jesus Christ,” Jordan muttered, shaking his head. He had a basket in one hand, and was holding a leash in the other. “He’s gonna show us where to go.”

“Where to…” Eli watched as the other boy unclipped the leash and spoke quietly to his dog. He dug around in his basket before finding a bell and attaching it to the dog’s harness, then looked back up at Eli, eyebrows raised. “Where are we going?”

“Look, do you want to see your little bird friend again or not? Come with me and bring the bird.”

Eli scooted closer to the edge of the rock. “Are you bringing it back to life?”

“Dude, you ask a lot of questions.”

“Because you don’t give me any answers!” Eli frowned, the grief from before turning to anger.

“Ugh, fair enough.” Jordan turned to him. “Yeah, we’re gonna try to bring it back to life. Hecate’s the goddess of magic and paths and shit but we have to be expedient. I dunno how long that bird’s gonna be in limbo, and it’s almost dusk now, which is a transitory period and yada yada yada. I could go on and bore you, or I could do some magic on Tweety.”

The dog sniffed the air before walking off, and Jordan turned to follow it, which left Eli to make a quick decision. He hopped down from the rock and jogged to keep up with the other boy, who was rifling through his basket. “Where are we—“

“Sh,” Jordan said sharply, then looked to his dog again. “Crinitus, poof.”

The dog was there, and then it wasn’t, and then there was howling in the distance. “Can you please tell me—“ Eli was cut off by the feeling of Jordan taking his hand and then the feeling of falling, though he was on steady ground. The dog was there again. Or… He looked around. He wasn’t in the same place that he was, and now he felt dizzy and disoriented. “What did you…?”

“Oh, fuck, yeah, teleporting. Just, try not to yak, alright? Breathe and watch the horizon or whatever.” Jordan continued to follow his dog, and Eli after him, until they reached a fork in the road that split off into three paths. “Damn, fucking appropriate, huh? Nobody loves this shit more than Robert Frost and my mother.”

Eli didn’t understand Jordan’s humour at the best of times, and this certainly wasn’t that. He was dazed, staring down at the three paths, and holding a dead bird in one cupped palm as the sun was beginning to set. “Can you please tell me what we’re doing?”

Jordan was taking everything out of his basket and setting it all down on the ground, and didn’t look up from his task as he spoke. “Alright, I’m gonna do some weird magic shit and bring your bird back to life, and you’re gonna help me. Or…” He moved to squat and looked up at Eli before looking back at his materials. “I’m gonna try. And you’ve gotta just do what I say, alright? No, this isn’t a joke or me making fun of you,” Jordan added when Eli opened his mouth, causing him to close it again.

“Okay? Um, what do I have to do?”

“Alright, me and you are going to draw a big circle in the ground here, and then you’re gonna put the bird in the middle. And then I’ll do my thing, and I might ask you to help or do something, cool?”

“Um.” Eli didn’t think any of this was cool, but he nodded. “Okay.”

And they began. Jordan picked up a stick to start tracing a large circle into the dirt, and Eli did the same, then set down the bird, as asked. “Crinitus,” Eli held his breath as Jordan addressed his dog, who seemed to be watching something out in the distance. “Septentrio.” The dog moved and sat, keeping guard in a different direction. 

“Alright, that’s north.” Jordan picked up a plastic water bottle and poured some onto his hands. “This is salt water. Wash your hands with it while I cast this circle.”

Eli did as he was told and watched as Jordan stood next to the bird, facing the north. “Fodere.” As he spoke, the dog began to dig. “I invite the element of earth to join this circle.” He turned, careful not to step on the bird. “Arrêtez.” The dog stopped digging and sat still as Jordan crouched, poured water out of a bottle into a bowl, and set it on the side of the circle. “I invite the element of water to join this circle.” He turned again and picked up a torch, then held it out to Eli. “Stand there and hold this.” Jordan pointed and Eli followed, watching as he lit the torch and repeated his phrase, using fire this time. He turned once more, took out two sticks of incense, and dipped them into Eli’s flame as he invoked the element of air, letting the smoke curl for a moment before he set the sticks down, then crouched before the bird, looking up. “As above.” He looked back down at the sparrow and touched the ground next to it. “So below. This circle is cast.”

The air grew eerily still. Eli hadn’t realized that there was a small breeze until it wasn’t there anymore, and all Eli could hear was his own breathing as he watched Jordan continue to work on the ground. He drew a line on one side of the bird with his finger. “I invoke Hekate Chthonia. The earth on which we walk.” He drew another line connected with the first. “And Hekate Hegemonen, who guides us on our path.” He drew a third line. “Hekate Empylios, gate keeper, guarding the entrances of the worlds.” He drew a last line, forming a square around the bird. “Hekate Pammetor. The creator of all. You who comes in darkness, you who shows us the way.” Jordan tilted his head back and pulled out a key. “Death now touches a creation, and we beg of you to return it to the path. Oh gate keeper.” Crinitus was salivating, dripping pools of black onto the ground as his eyes grew darker. “Let us open the door and return it to the land of the living.” Jordan stuck his key into the ground and turned it, and nothing happened.

Then, the lines that Jordan had drawn turned purple, glowing faintly, and Eli took a step back. Jordan turned to him quickly, eyes frantic now. “What’s its name? Quick.”

“Stout Beak.” The words felt like they left Eli without him even speaking them, and the purple light grew brighter.

“Harken these words, hear my cry, I call to you spirit from the other side.” The bird twitched on the ground, and Eli’s stomach lurched. “I call to you, Stout Beak. Ab intra, ab extra, ab mortem.” The glowing grew so bright Eli had to look away, noticing for the first time that the flame he was holding had also turned purple. There was a great feeling of dread somewhere deep in him, and he took another step back before the flame returned to its normal colour, and Jordan rose slowly to his feet, stepping on the incense. “I release the element of air from this circle,” he sounded somewhat weary as he spoke this time, then turned to Eli so he could put out the flame, let Crinitus drink the water, and scooped the dirt back into the ground. As he released the circle, the breeze returned, and Eli felt comfortable enough to drop back down onto the ground, checking to see how the sparrow was doing.

“Its wing is still broken.” Eli scooped up the bird again and stuck out his lower lip at Jordan, who took a heavy seat on the ground before he started to gather everything up. 

“I’m not a healer. Bring it to the Apollo cabin for that.” He rubbed his forehead with the heel of his palm before looking back at the bird in Eli’s hands. “Is it better than before?”

“Um, it seems calmer? I think its breathing is better?”

“Hm, but broken wing.” Jordan frowned, pulled out a leather-bound notebook, and wrote a few things down. He called his dog back to him and scratched his head. “Alright, yeah, just take it to the Apollo cabin, I guess. And, uh, maybe keep an eye on it? Lemme know if it survives a few days?”

“I’m not gonna… keep it. It’s a wild bird.” 

“Alright, whatever.” Jordan sighed and shook his head. “And can you not mention this to anyone? Like, not even Dev. It’s weird shit here, I don’t want it getting out.”

Eli made a face. Now that he wasn’t supposed to tell anyone, he wanted to more. If Jordan didn’t want people knowing about it, he probably shouldn’t be showing off the fact that he could do it. Nevertheless, he nodded, not sure if he was going to be able to keep his promise for long, but willing to give it a try. “Um, can you get us back now?” He looked around. “It’s getting dark out.”

“Dude, I just brought something back from the dead. I don’t really have the energy to be your fucking Uber.” Jordan stood slowly and looked around, starting back in the direction they’d come from. “We’re getting our ten thousand in today, unless you have some shit you’re like to pull out now, Snow White.” 

Eli shook his head and sighed, moving the bird to sit on his shoulder, where it perched, now whistling a tune. He moved to follow after Jordan and his dog, whistling along with the bird, their song a less sinister way of welcoming the night that was growing around them on their walk back to camp.