#when I tell you this book consumed me until I finished it

[uhohmarie]

Book Review: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

★★★★☆ It's a well-paced mystery with characters familiar to fans of NBC Hannibal or the Anthony Hopkins films. Would have appreciated more interactions with Hannibal. A star was removed for the glaring lack of sex or sexual tension between Will and Hannibal.

Red Dragon is the prequel to Silence of the Lambs, making it the first in Harris's Hannibal Lector series. The story follows Will Graham, the detective responsible for the identification and arrest of Hannibal Lector, as he's called from retirement to help catch another serial killer. This killer has, at the start of the novel, already annihilated two families. Graham is called in because of his curse gift of being able to visualize and retrace the crimes of psychopaths. The last time Graham was out in the field, he caught onto Lector, and Lector repaid him by maiming him. The new killer Graham is hunting calls himself the Red Dragon, after William Blake's series of paintings called "The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun." The Red Dragon's motivations stump even Graham, so the detective travels to consult Hannibal Lector. Though it's the first in the Hannibal novel series, we see little of Lector, and the focus of the plot is Graham and the Dragon. Overall, it's a well-paced, well-written horror, and I definitely recommend giving it a read.

[welovelouisandbucky]

You don't say it back

Summary: you prank your boyfriend by not saying "I love you" back, while he's getting late for quidditch practice.

Warnings: Fluff. Kissing (insert scandalised face) Few suggestive moments? Out of character stuff mayne? Seriously, none on this one, lol. Well, of course my writing, as usual. Not proof read.

S/n: positive criticism is appreciated as always. As well as any form of feedbacks, likes, comments or rebloggs. And be kind you guys, this is a safe place for everyone. Enjoy!!

Masterlist

Mattheo Riddle (with Hufflepuff!reader)

It was stupid and ridiculous.

You were just curious of his reaction, that is all.

You heard your friends' talking about doing this to their boyfriends for shits and giggles. At first, you hated the idea of tormenting your significant other for fun, then curiosity consumed your mind for weeks.

Now it seemed like a fun idea to prank your boyfriend, Mattheo Riddle.

You thought it was a perfect way to get back at your boyfriend for teasing you last week in The Great Hall. In your mind it was the perfect revenge.

So you made up your mind to put it into action as soon as you had the chance. Which was now, at his dorm room while he was about to leave for Quidditch practice with Theo.

You were excited as well as anxious for his reaction. Anticipation has been eating away your brain for days now and you were finally going to do it.

Mattheo came up to you and kissed your forehead as you remained sitted on his bed, with your books all splattered around before you.

"gimme a kiss, will you?" He grinned down at you, ignoring annoyed and impatient Theo by the door, who was urging him to hurry up as they were already late.

Smiling, you complied to his wish and kissed him. Without meaning to, you deepen the kiss, clinging onto him as if he's your life support, suddenly not feeling ready to send him off just yet. He seems to think the same way as he holds onto you tighter, kissing you more intensely, cupping your face with his one hand as the other roams down. You almost moan into his mouth when you hear someone gag.

"oi! Stop snogging her and hurry up!" Theo called, tapping his foot impatiently. Matthew rolled his eyes and winked at you before stepping back.

"'ight, love. We'll finish this later, yeah?" Mattheo smirked when you blushed under his gaze. He loves how's you blush at his every word, one of the reasons why he teases you a lot.

"Love you!" He said as he was about to leave with Theo. You just smiled and waved at the both of them. Physically restraining yourself from saying it back, you almost did, but you are glad you didn't as he stopped abruptly.

He looks back at you, expectedly.

You all but smiled up at him innocently. Your eyes never once betraying the guilt you are feeling inside, you just now realised how bad of a timing this is to do this prank, when he's clearly beyond late for his practice. Though, it's too late to go back now.

He clears his throat.

"uh, love? Aren't ya forgetting something?" He asks, his one brow raised in accusing manner. Mattheo steps inside the room again, completely ignoring the loud groan of his best mate ( who looks ready to hit Mattheo with his broomstick any second now ).

You don't reply, just look in his way with furrowed brows, feigning false confusion, which you can tell Mattheo saw right through.

"don't think so, no," you say. You pretend to think over it for couple of minutes before shrugging your head no. Mattheo huffs and rolls his eyes at you. Almost annoyed with you, as you're purposefully making him even more late to his practice.

"c'mon now, princess. Don't play stupid with me," he says impatiently. Not wanting make his team wait any longer on his account, just wanting to get over with that thing as soon as possible so he can come back and spend time with you again. But he can't do that unless he leaves and he's not leaving until you say "I love you" back, but judging by the look on your face, he knows he's not leaving any time soon.

"oh yeaahhhh, sorry, baby!" You giggle. And he smiles, thinking you finally got what he was saying.

"I forgot to wish you luck! Well, good luck with your practice, and have fun!" You tell him affectionately, your voice sugary sweet. You waved him bye again and blowed him a kiss.

Mattheo's hopeful expression falls, so does your heart.

"Y/n," he says, there's an edge to his voice, as well as a slight hint of hurt. Your heart breaks a little inside, regretting your stupid prank now as you look at him. He's standing in middle of the room, in his quidditch robes with his broomstick clutched tightly, his puppy brown eyes looking alarmingly sad.

You know how hard it was for him to express his feelings openly, it is still a struggle for him to express his emotions sometimes, you help him best as you can. And you're really proud of him, for how far along he had come since when you first met him. You curse at yourself mentally, just realising how stupid of an idea this was to began with.

"oh Mattheo," you softly say and go over to him. Wrapping your arms around him and he instantly holds you closer to him, you kiss him tenderly all over his face. "I'm so, so sorry, baby. I thought—i well, doesn't matter now. It was stupid anyways, I'm sorry. I love you." You say against his skin, feeling him tightening his hold, nudging his face deeper into your hair. You heard him sigh of relief, and relax into him.

"sorry, Mattheo. Please forgive me?" You ask, pulling back just a little to look at his face. He gives you one of his smiles which tells you're forgiven, you almost melt into a puddle at that.

"don't. ever. do that again, yeah?" He mumbles before kissing you. He doesn't have to tell you that anyway, since you're never attempting something like this ever again.

He leaves ghostly kisses against your skin, traveling from your lips to sensitive skin under your ear. His hand sliding down to your back, as you lock your arms around his neck.

"don't think you can get away with this so easily, love. We'll see about that forgiveness once I'm back from practice." He whispers darkly, and with one firm pat to your bum, he begins to leave once Theo clears his throat. Making his presence known, which you seemed to forget about completely.

"love you," he smirks your way before leaving with Theo, who looks as if he wants to dig himself into hole and never comeback, ever again.

You try to reply, but no words come out. Suddenly breathless.

You watch him leave with newfound excitement and anticipation burning through your body.

Maybe you're not forgiven afterall.

(divider credits to the rightful owner @rypnami 🙏🏼)

A/n: annnnnnddddd I'm back!!!!! So sorry for disappearing again😭 I have some ideas that I'm currently working on, so hopefully I'll be able to post more content soon!! Yay!

And don't forget to comment or reblog.

Hope you enjoyed reading. Have a nice day!!!

Requests are open.

[twilghtkoo]

pairings. jungkook x bookworm!reader (f)

genres/aus. fluff, established relationship

warnings. jk loves calling reader ‘sweetheart’, mentions of reader’s anxiety, and a short kiss(makeout?) scene, not proofread!

notes. i actually loved writing the first drabble of jungkook x bookworm!reader and i can’t sleep and currently rewatching the twilight movies as im writing this so here’s this :D likes and reblogs are appreciated <33

[ masterlist ]

—

you can’t remember when you had told yourself, one more chapter. but apparently it’s been long considering it’s almost three in the morning. the ice in your coffee has melted into a smaller ice cube, so you take a big sip. not wanting the ice to water down the sweet, creamy taste.

coffee late at this hour doesn’t affect you no more. you drink it now for the taste more than anything. you can thank school and those tiring days of studying hunched over a table. the amount of energy drinks and coffee you’ve consumed should be concerning but you gotta do what you gotta do.

if jungkook was here, he would’ve had a fit and told you drinking caffeine at this hour is bad for you.

but he’s not. he’s at a late night practice and he told you he’s not sure he’ll be able to come over.

you have your two pillows propped up against your headboard, your book nuzzled against your thighs and your stuffed animal under your arm. your bedside lamp creating the perfect lighting for you to see and the perfect atmosphere.

you’re deep into your book, too engrossed in the plot between the love interests that you don’t hear keys jingle and a door softly shut and echo in the quiet night of your home.

you still don’t hear the soft feet padding towards your bedroom until your door opens, revealing your boyfriend.

he looks as if he’s freshly showered, the ends of his hair are damp and stringy, and his face is bare and cheeks a soft red. that’s how it looks after he finishes his skincare routine, he must have rushed over here.

he grins when he sees you’re awake and so do you when you see him, placing your bookmark inside and setting it down next to you. you sit up on your knees, eager to touch him and kiss him, realizing again how much you miss him despite seeing him this morning. that was almost 24 hours ago.

but his eyes maneuver to the coffee that’s condensing, making a puddle on the coaster.

he squints his eyes at you. and it feels almost as if you’ve been caught as a child. you lower yourself to sit on the back of your shins.

“hi kookie,” you smile, acting innocent.

“don’t kookie me. how many times have i told you to stop drinking coffee so late, it’s almost three. you’re not gonna sleep.” he tells you again, sternly. reaching behind his neck to take off his crewneck in one swift movement, the shirt underneath scrunches up with the sweater, revealing his abs. and you can’t help but ogle while you’re being scolded. you can’t blame me.

you frown, “i know, i know. but you know reading and drinking coffee goes hand in hand. i wanted to enjoy reading my book and–“

he moves towards you, placing his knee on the foot of the bed, crawling shortly til he reaches you. his nose brushing yours and his eyes half-lidded. the soft scent of his shampoo and brief smell of mint swallows you, bringing that familiar comfort.

“sweetheart, i know. but caffeine also doesn’t mesh well with your anxiety. you know that. it’s fine to drink it once or twice during the day but late at night is a no.” he softly warns, tilting his chin upwards to catch your lips with his.

it was meant to be a quick kiss but your fingers reach to hold his face, tugging him closer to you until you’re lying on your back and he’s on top. his hands placed on both sides of your head, caging you in, straddling you. both your hands trail its way down from his neck down to his chest, stomach and then they find its home at his waist. pulling him down til his front weighs pressure on your sensitive spot.

both of you moan into the kiss, and your sweet sound sends an alert to jungkook. before you both get carried away, he pulls back, kissing you once more before pulling away.

he hums, deliciously. “though coffee does taste best coming from you.” he gazed at you, eyes shining and lips slightly red. no doubt, you look the same.

“i thought you weren’t coming tonight.” you say questioningly, watching him move your book next to your coffee so he can lie underneath the covers with you. once he’s settled in, he has an arm resting behind his head and the other resting around you.

“i wasn’t, but i really wanted to sleep with you and i wanna make you breakfast in the morning. i saw a recipe i wanna try.” you hum in response, trying to nuzzle your head deeper into his warmth but his t-shirt is blocking what you want.

you tug at his shirt without saying anything and he understands. he sits up quickly to shrug off the fabric, tossing it across the room to land beside his bag before lying back down, holding you.

he lets out a dramatic sigh, “ahh, this is my favorite thing in the world.” turning on his side, you following so you’re both facing each other, legs tangled together.

“i missed you too.” you whispered. he didn’t say it but he didn’t have to, his answer was enough.

your head nestled underneath his chin and against his chest, you kiss the skin.

“what chapter are you on?” he asks, his voice deeper than it was, slumber almost taking over him.

“twenty-eight, i’m almost done with it.”

he hums. “did you start the book today?”

he feels you nod. “my little bookworm.” he coos, scratching your back softly with the tips of his fingers. “go to sleep, sweetheart.”

and you do.

[okwonyo]

WANT YOU ALL OVER ME, 或 𓈒𓈒 when you are clingy.

❛𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗄𝗂𝗇’ ’𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝖻𝗈𝖽𝗒 𓈒𓈒 ❜

𝒾 ⠀⦂ ⠀ 엔하이픈 형선 ୨୧ f ╱ r! 8OO fluff ── non idol au skinship kissing ⠀ ｡｡ ⠀ ( 𝑜𝑜𝑒𝑢𝑣𝑟𝑒𝑠 )

지아 ⠀⦂ ⠀i wanted it to be longer but your girl, as always, is booked a busy TT i will post maknae line soon, enjoy 🎀 also, do you guys prefer when i use present tense or the auxiliary verb ‘would’ ? :0

rblgs♥︎fdbcks & C𝑙𝑖CK

HEESEUNG

he notices your figure under the door frame in an instant. although his face would be focused on his screen, you would never go unnoticed by him.

he waits patiently for you to move—which you don’t— until he speaks:

“honey, why are you still standing over here?” he blinks at you from across the room, turning his gaming chair to look at you. you look at him like a deer caught in headlights. he chuckles, “come here.”

you can tell he figured out you are nervous by the way a quiet push of air gets out of his nose as he looks at you.

he takes your hands in his as soon as you step closer, he studies you face and your breath catches. he understands. “you want cuddles baby?”

you smile, rather sheepishly, “please?” and he draws you closer, in between his legs and he makes you sit on one of his laps.

he presses your side against his torso and tuck your head in the crook of his neck. he warmth consumes you whole, you hold onto his shoulder with one hand for support—kind of.

his hand rests gently on the outside of your thigh, he bets gently there. you missed him so much.

JAY

welcoming you in his arms— in your ear, over the loud music of the classy party, he whispers, “what’s wrong, princess?”

you bury your face into his chest and close your eyes as he kisses the top of your head ever so softly.

“i wanted to stay with you,” you respond, he is already rocking your bodies along the beat of the music when hums.

his arms do not leave your body during the entirety of the night. he holds you close as he talks with his friends. he rubs your lower back as you talk to yours.

some here along the way, he holds your wrists while he dances. with your back against his chest, he makes your arms move everywhere in the space— like a doll, he makes you dance.

you can’t help but laugh as he does so.

your boyfriend doesn't let you go even if you tell him to leave you alone, breathlessly, through loud laughter. you end up in his arms again when the songs stop. like always.

JAKE

you watch your boyfriend get ready to leave your apartment. strangely getting very well dressed to go with his friends (who does he need to impress?).

eyes narrowed, you watch him walk toward the bed you are sitting on after he finished getting ready.

you close your eyes when his lips meet yours, your hand finding his hair on instinct. he leans against you— transforming a pack into a long kiss.

he whines in your mouth, “i have to go,” he tells you in between kisses.

still, he follows your lips like he needs to when you lean backward. “don’t go,” you whisper as your nose brushes against his. you give him a soft kiss before continuing; “i will be lonely without you.”

he bites his lips, smiling like he has the habit to do. “you are driving crazy,” and he cups your face. kissing you as he gets up, “i’ll be back soon and i’ll be all yours.”

you are the one who whines now, chasing after his lips desperately. chasing after his warmth even as he is so far— close to the room’s door— and tells you he loves you.

you throw a pillow against the door as it closes.

SUNGHOON

“that’s a really big baby,” your friend laughs, steppin closer to you with her phone in her hand.

you say nothing as the phone’s camera films your loverholding your thighs as your legs are wrapped around right under his torso—you jumped really high and he caught you.

the man’s face is barely visible, your arms strongly wrapped around his neck. he doesn’t seem that bothered by you and your cheek pressed against his forehead.

you might look ridiculous with your pyjamas pants and the t-shirt you stole from the man holding you. all up in the air like, well, a ‘big baby’. but you don’t even care.

he frees one of his arms, holding you steadily with the other, to show off his strong and big bicep.

“yeah, that’ my baby,” he proudly says before putting his free hand behind your back and his way from the camera.

your loud laugh echoes amongst the voice of the people in the airport. a hand— your friend’s— tries to reach you but your boyfriend turns around over and over, his hold getting tighter.

you missed him so much.

ㅤㅤ𓈒ㅤㅤ𓈒 taglist open

[petalsthefish]

He’s shirtless.

He’s fucking standing there, shirtless.

Lily did not know what to do with her hands, or eyes, or legs, or hair. She’s frozen in the middle of the field where she’d been meeting Marley for a post practice walk back to the castle for the Slug Club meeting. Marley was busy blabbering on about Anna Spinnet getting on her nerves, going on and on about some rule book thing.

Maybe.

To be honest, the words didn’t even register in Lily’s brain. There was nothing going on up there, not a single brain cell firing, not once she caught sight of him. Instead she stood there, mute, wondering if she could die from attraction.

Next to “Fatal Attraction” in the dictionary, was James Potter.

Now don’t get her wrong, she crushed on him everyday. He had many qualities that made him worthy of a swoon.

His hair, for one, was windswept to one side with curls sticking out in places he’d not managed to tap down. She’d once gotten to run her fingers through the strands and they’d felt like sugar candy from the fair, waves spun like thread that might melt from her touch.

His eyes, if she were standing close enough, would be a deep shade of brown with gold and green flecks. Not emerald green like hers, a softer green, like the color of the sea in photos from southern islands. She’d seen it in postcards, almost like diamonds reflecting a green light.

More impressively, he was shirtless.

Rippled arm muscles demanded her gaze as he drank from a water bottle, the water dripping out of his mouth he was so careless with it. It was May, warming up, and the early summer sun had slightly tanned his chest. Curly black hair ran across his chest, and normally she hated chest hair, but this was James Potter. 

He broke all her rules but that only made sense where he was concerned. Lily often wondered if the man had ever followed a rule in his life. He was known for detentions and late night parties with friends. He had no idea how to stay out of trouble, but maybe that’s why she liked him so much.

She couldn’t stay out of trouble either.

Lily imagined if he ever showed up to class like that, she would grab him by the waistband of his quidditch joggers and pull him into her lap. Merlin, he’d tower over her, consume her, on top. His hand was big enough to hold a quaffle so he could handle her breasts with ease. One of those hands ran across his beautiful body, preparing to stretch and—

She swallowed a sigh just as someone side smacked her, making her call out and capturing the attention of everyone nearby.

“What was that for!” Lily demanded with a cry, rubbing the side of her head and glaring at Sirius Black who had his arms crossed and was looking at her like he could read her mind.

“Dunno,” Sirius tilted his head, his grey eyes slightly narrowed, “I couldn’t tell if you were having a stroke or not, your eye kept twitching.”

“So you hit me?” Lily stepped away from the tall Gryffindor, still rubbing her cheek pathetically, her eyes darting back to James who (still shirtless) was now watching them with one eyebrow quirked.

“My house elf taught me to smack my uncle Boris when he was having a stroke,” Sirius shrugged as he waltzed past, cool as could be, in James’ direction. “Hasn’t failed me yet.”

“I wasn’t having a stroke!” She called after him, “I was—“

Sirius grinned wickedly as he turned on a heel to watch her expression momentarily falter as she stopped herself from speaking. “I know what you were doing, but until you’re willing to pay up, gawking counts.”

She shot him a nasty hand gesture at which he laughed before finishing a complete turn to face James who mumbled something to Sirius quietly. Sirius kept in a bit of laughter as he passed James a shirt, not answering.

Lily cursed Sirius within an inch of his life when James took the shirt and covered back up. Sure, she might’ve made a bet with Sirius that she’d never date James Potter, or else she’d owe him twenty galleons, but that hardly meant she couldn’t stare politely when James offered himself up for it.

She just had to figure out how to get him shirtless again.

[bangtaninborderland]

MYG- I love you eternally.

Summary: he hasn't been gone long but the space he left behind consumes you, thankfully you aren't ever really alone.

Genre: hurt/comfort, angst, sad fic, happy ending, COMFORT

A/N: this came to me after seeing an edit on tiktok of yoongi clips to fine line by harry styles (deffo listen as you read it makes you cry) this is very self indulgent. I miss yoongi an awful lot, he was my comfort person and it sucks that I can’t stop crying.

BTS Masterlist

The sound of knuckles tapping on the door pulled you out of your trance, you hadn’t even realised the movie you’d put on had finished, nor that your phone had been receiving numerous calls for the past god knows how long.

Reluctantly you shove off the blanket you had wrapped around you, it was a gift from Yoongi one winter when it was far too cold to sit in just clothing. The door is only a few steps away from the couch so it doesn’t take you long to finally open it.

“I brought foo-“Namjoon's mouth rounds into an ‘o’ shape. “You were crying.”

“Was I?” You frown reaching up to touch your face, sure enough, it was damp from the tears you’d shed. “Sorry, I was just a little out of it.”

“Let’s go inside?” He asks, raising the white bag up a little higher to remind you of the food he brought.

“Oh yeah, of course.” You shake your head stepping aside to let him pass. “I’m not really hungry.”

“Have you eaten today?” He asks, pulling out some plates.

You slump back onto the couch, pulling the blanket around you before shoving your face into the hood of the sweatshirt you’d stolen from Yoongis's closet. The smell comforts you. “I don’t know, I had breakfast or was it lunch…” you trail off, half-heartedly trying to recount your day.

“You can’t let yourself fall apart YN. Hyung will be worried.” He looks at you with a hint of concert as he passes you a plate of food. “Let’s watch something?”

“I- uh.” You really can’t stand the idea of noise right now. “Maybe not tonight?”

“Of course. What did you do today?” He questions, sitting on the other end of the couch, his own plate balanced on his thighs.

“Not much, I watched TV and read a chapter of the book yoon gave me.” You dug the spoon into the food, not really attempting to eat.

It wasn’t your fault you had no appetite.

“Was the book good?” He asked in between a mouthful.

“It… I don’t really know… I couldn’t get into it.” You shrug, bringing the spoon to your mouth.

“It’s 5 pm and you haven’t done anything today have you?” Namjoon sets his plate aside in favour of moving closer to you.

“I miss him.” You mumble, putting your own plate on the table.

Yoongi would have scolded you if he were here, always complaining that it would mark the table despite the fact you always used hear absorbent dinner trays but that was the problem…

Yoongi wasn’t here.

You don’t know what exactly caused it but within a second you were bursting into tears, everything you’d managed to hold together ever since he left a week ago falling apart. “I miss him, I don’t even get to fucking call him.”

“I know.” Namjoon shushes you as he brings your head to his shoulder in an attempt to comfort you. “I’m so sorry this must be hard for you.”

“It was so short notice he didn’t even tell m-me.” You hiccuped, bordering between the lines of angry and sad was never a good place to be but you couldn’t help it.

Yoongi had waited until the last possible moment to tell you he had received his enlistment date and when he had received it he was shocked to see a date only 4 days away giving you absolutely no time to mentally prepare yourself for him to be gone.

“It’s so fucking unfair.” You cuss, unable to do anything else with your anger at the situation.

Namjoon didn’t say anything, he couldn’t, he himself knew how ridiculously unfair it was but still, he didn’t regret the group's choice, it was the only right way to deal with the situation. “It will pass quicker than you think. You won’t be alone.”

“Joon soon enough you, Tae, Jimin and Jungkook are enlisting too. It’s not exactly like anyone else knows about me and Yoongi. Other people just don’t understand it.” Yoongi had made a joke two days before he left telling you to cry with other armys about it because they would understand but it was looking more and more appealing as the days went past. “I don’t know what to do with myself.”

Another wave of tears came just seconds later and this time there was no reprieve, anytime you nearly stopped a memory of him would pop into your mind and the tears would start again. You hated how it made you seem crazy, seem overly obsessive but you knew Yoongi would be missing you just as much. You’d become each other strength in all the years you’d been together so now he wasn’t here, wasn’t just a phone call away, it felt like you’d lost a part of yourself, it felt like you’d lost your strength.

That’s how you fell asleep, curled in Namjoon's arms, sobbing in longing for the man who taught you how to love.

Namjoon waited until he was sure you were fast asleep before slipping out from underneath you, draping the gifted blanket over you as he tiptoed to the balcony to take his incoming call.

“Hyung.” Namjoon smiles into the phone. “How are you?”

“As good as I can be, you didn’t tell her right?”

“No Hyung. Are you sure we really can’t tell her about you-“

“No Namjoon-ah I don’t want to get her hopes up, that will only hurt her more if it doesn’t get approved. I’ll tell her if she knows I can call and I don’t want to do that to her. How is she? How are you? ”

“I’m okay.” Namjoon responds. “She misses you.” He continues, not going u into depth about the small breakdown.

“I miss her too.” He breathes, his voice a little strained in the way it gets when he is very obviously holding back tears. “Is she eating?”

Namjoon nodded before realising Yoongi couldn’t see him. “I brought her food she just seemed sad. Are you eating Hyung? Sleeping enough?”

Yoongi laughs as though Namjoon has said something absurd. “The food is shit. I’ve got this fucking melody stuck in my head and I just know it would sound amazing for the vocal line.”

“Ah, Hyung.” Namjoon laughs. “I’ll tell them I’m sure they would appreciate the fact you’re thinking about making their songs already.”

“I’ll probably forget it by the time I’m actually allowed to work on music.” Yoongi huffs.

“I doubt it.” Namjoon hears shuffling, already knowing it’s you. “I have to go Hyung she’s waking up.”

“Make sure she knows I love her okay? I’ll call you again to let you know if it’s approved.” Yoongi rushes out before Namjoon hangs up.

“What are you doing?” You ask him, shivering at the draft coming from the open door.

“Sorry.” He smiles, stepping back inside and closing it behind him. “Just needed some air. So… how about watching something?”

You don’t hate the idea as much as you did earlier, your little thirty-minute nap helping you feel a little better. “Sure.”

You watch 3 episodes of some drama before declaring it a night, Namjoon insisting you eat before he left which led to you both eating an oversized pizza. It leaves you feeling a little less lonely, especially when he tells you just how much he too misses Yoongi.

Namjoon comes over again three more times that week, each day following the same pattern. The days he didn’t come you resigned yourself to laying in bed, looking through pictures and videos you and Yoongi had taken in the past few months.

Today was one of those days, those days where you missed him so much and felt so alone that you’d texted Namjoon not to come, told him you just couldn’t deal with being around anyone else right now, so it surprised you when the doorbell rang consistently for five minutes until you finally gave in.

You groaned, shivering as the floor felt cold against your bare feet. “Namjoon I said not to-

“You really shouldn’t lay in bed every day.”

You froze, too afraid to move, speak or blink in case the figure in front of you disappeared.

“Baby.” He sighed, dropping his bag inside the door before pushing you inside lightly. “It’s me.”

“Fuck.” You sobbed, wrapping your arms around him as tight as you could. “You’re here. How are you here.”

He laughed, the sound of it melodic to your ears. “I did extra time so my training finished earlier. They could t exactly say no.”

“I just- I can’t believe you’re here I thought it would be at least another three weeks before I could even call you.” You bring your hands up to his hair, despite it being short you still love it. “I missed you.”

“Baby don’t cry I’m here now.” He sucked in a breath, his own eyes pooling with tears. “I get to stay for four days.”

“Really?” You pull back to look at him properly, a grin breaking out as he nods.

“Really.”

Despite the tears trailing down your lips he leans in to kiss you, his hand at the small of your back a comforting presence. “I love you.”

“I love you too Yoon.”

The next four days passed much faster than you would have liked but as you dropped him off at the camp again things felt different.

You hated how quiet the house was without him, where he would normally be playing piano, watching a new show jimin had recommended or cooking with a glass of whiskey in his hand, there was nothing but silence.

You were almost ready to give in to your tears again until you spotted a letter on the kitchen counter.

The perfect writing on the envelope already tells you who it’s from, you don’t hesitate in pulling out the paper and reading it.

Hello, my love,

I snuck away to write this whilst you slept, I’m not the best with words although I’m sure by now you’re absolutely aware of that but still there are only things that can be conveyed by words. If I was allowed to I’d write you a hundred songs but I’m a little short on time so I hope this suffices.

I want you to know just how much you mean to me, just how much your presence has brought me happiness, strength and comfort. You often thank me for giving you strength but you forget that you are the sole reason I keep going.

You cannot let the bad days consume you, although it’s okay to give up and take a break, you can’t let that feeling consume you. There is always a tomorrow, always another chance and I know that you will never ever fail because I don’t believe in failure, every attempt is precious, and every time you try to get up - even if it isn’t successful - is precious and I am so proud of you for it.

In the moments you miss me do something nice for yourself, eat a good meal, read a book you like, watch a movie you find brings you happiness and before you realise it I’ll be back, spending every moment possible with you because you are my home.

I will always be here, write me letters, send me messages, take pictures of the things you see and do and share them with me. I’ll always be apart of your life, I’m not going anywhere.

I love you eternally.

You wiped away your tears, holding the letter close as though it were him. You let the words sink in and silently you made a promise.

You’d keep going and do the best you could, you’ll be the best version of yourself when he returns because he gave you the ability to grow much like water does a flower.

And even if you couldn’t say it to him, you were sure he knew…

You loved him eternally too.

[absurdthirst]

Cellblock Tango {Marcus Pike x F!Reader}

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 20.6k

Warnings: Mentions of drinking, hangovers, drunk tank, flirting, mismatched power dynamics, jail cell sex, rough sex, fingering, hand cuffs, derogatory language, role play, unprotected sex, miscommunication, Dad Marcus deserves his own warning, father/son bonding, there was only one hotel room, break ups, angst, confessions, oral sex (female receiving), love making, mentions of future children.

Comments: One little interlude leads to a surprising discovery eleven years later, Marcus Pike has a son. You are the woman he fucked in a jail cell when he was a cop and now, you're the mother of his child.

Co-written with @storiesofthefandomlovers

**Follow @absurdthirst-writes and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all new fics.

|| MasterList || Marcus Pike MasterList ||

Click Keep Reading only if you have read the Rating and Warnings and understand the warnings may not be complete to avoid listing spoilers. As AO3 says 'creator chooses not to use warnings'. You also agree that you're the right age to be consuming anything here.

“Pike.” Marcus answers his phone as he tries to finish this report and he half listens until he hears the words “art stolen” and then he’s listening to the call and he nods, stopping typing. “I’ll be right there.” He promises and hangs up, grabbing his jacket. 

He is quick to drive over to the gallery and he flashes his badge when the police ask who he is. He ducks under the tape and makes his way into the gallery where glass is shattered on the floor and several employees are clearly shaken. “Hi, I’m Marcus Pike, FBI.” He introduces himself, “who’s the curator?” He asks and you step forward.

“It’s nice to see you again, Agent Pike.” You smile and Marcus frowns, trying to place your face until it hits him.

 **Eleven Years Ago** 

“Let me outtt.” You whine, slapping the bars of the cell you’re in, your head aching and you look at the officer on duty sitting at his desk. 

“You can’t come out until you sober up.” He says and you squint as you look at his badge. 

“I’m sober…ish.” You bite your lip and he shakes his head, “drunk and disorderly behavior…not great for your record.” He says and you scoff, “I’m a senior in college. Art history. I am graduating this weekend. I- I just wanted to celebrate.” You whine, resting your head on the cool bars and you aren’t sure how long you’ve been in this cell.

Marcus shakes his head and has to admit that you look cute for a criminal. You won’t be charged, you aren’t even booked in right now, taking mercy on you, although he hopes that you understand that you need to curb bad habits before it does get you into trouble. “You’ll be there until you can tell me your telephone number backwards.” He tells you with a grin, looking up from his paperwork. Marcus is known as a by-the-book cop and even though he’s still green, he’s going places. His application to the FBI should be accepted any day and he wants to make an impact on the world and community. 

You whine, slumping down on the bench in the cell and soon enough, you’re falling asleep. You wake up a couple of hours later with a headache and Marcus hands you a cup of water and some aspirin. “Here.” He says and you open the bottle, taking a couple and downing the water. He refills it for you and you sigh, feeling sober and worse for wear. 

“Got any good hangover tips?” You ask the cop who chuckles and you finally notice how handsome he is. His brown eyes are tired looking as he nears the end of his shift and you tilt your head against the wall.

“Nothing that would be appropriate for a jail cell.” He jokes, happy that you seem to be sober now. You had been a little rough there for awhile and it seems like though you have a hangover, you’ve learned your lesson.

“I guess pancakes and bacon is a no go in a cell.” You chuckle and look over as Marcus stands up. “You got any mints?” You ask and Marcus nods, reaching into his desk drawer and he hands you the box of altoids. You chew a few and sigh, “thanks.” Handing him back the tin, your fingers brush and you notice again how handsome he is. “I bet you’re ready to head home to your partner after dealing with drunk me tonight?” You ask with a smirk, knowing you were a handful.

Marcus snorts and shakes his head. “No partner.” He admits, shrugging sadly. “Ex-wife didn’t want to be a LEO wife.” It had stung but he understood it. He would rather end it amicably than turn nasty after kids. “And you were pretty cute drunk.” He admits with a grin.

You giggle, loving how kind he’s been despite being locked up. “At least I have that going for me.” You wink at him and he leans against the bars. “Your ex wife is an idiot to have let you go. You’re handsome and funny and you have a good job.” You flirt, leaning towards the bars. “I’d wait for you allll night baby.”

“Yeah?” Marcus smirks, enjoying the banter even though you’re probably just trying to get out of being charged. He had no intention of charging you, but it’s a harmless little indulgence. “I think you’re just hoping I’d use my handcuffs on you.”

“Ooo don’t tempt me with a good time, officer.” You wink, “I like a man who knows how to take control.” You reveal with a smirk and you playfully hold your hands up. “Arrest me again, officer.” 

He chuckles and your stomach twists, “for what crimes?” He teases and you grin, “for lusting after a man in uniform.”

There is nothing that Marcus finds sexier than a confident woman and you are not simply flirting with him because you are behind bars. Or if you are, it’s because you find it sexy. The spark of desire in your eyes makes him bolder, pushing off the edge of his desk to come and prop against the bars with a smirk on his face. “Yeah?” He asks, lifting a brow. “What would you do then? Fight me?” He asks. “Or what would you let me do? Right there in the cell?” He’s dangerously close to inappropriate behavior but he doesn’t think that you mind it. 

You look up at him from under your lashes, wrists still outstretched when you say “anything you want.” You promise and he inhales sharply, “I wouldn’t fight you. I’d fuck you. I’ve been a bad girl, officer, and I need some punishment.” You pout playfully and lower your hands, lifting your dress a little higher to expose your panties.

“Jesus Christ.” Marcus’ eyes widen in surprise. “Are you serious?” He asks, looking around and then back at you. “You really want that?”

You nod, feeling bold at the look in his eyes and you reach through the bars to play with his badge. “Officer Pike. Do you want to fuck me?” You ask, licking your lips.

“Yes, I do.” His cock twitches and starts to harden in his uniform and he reaches for the cell keys. “Are you sure?” He asks. “You can say no at any time.” He reassures you. “I- don’t want you to feel like this is to get out of being charged. You’re being released no matter what.”

You nod in understanding, watching him open the door, and you watch him stride in. “I know. I - I don’t usually do this but you’re - you’re so sexy. I want you.” You confess. You’ve been sensible your entire life. Focusing on getting your degree, you didn’t even go out for drinks most weekends and tonight, you want to celebrate. The officer steps closer to you and you reach out to take his hands, bringing them to your waist.

“Shit. I don’t either.” Marcus confesses, squeezing your waist and then he is whipping one hand behind his back as he twists you around. “Hands behind your back.” He growls, a thread of authority in his voice. “I’m going to cuff you.”

You gasp when you feel the cold metal encircle your wrists and your cunt clenches at the way he manhandles you. “I’m sorry, officer. I didn’t mean to be bad.” You play along, arching your back so you can grind against him and you’re pleased to feel how hard he is.

“Should have thought about that before you broke the law.” He grunts, twitching against your ass. “Gonna have to teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.” He never thought he would be a man who enjoyed roleplay, but he is very eager to see how you react.

He bends you over the bench in the cell and tugs your dress up over your hips, making you whimper and your nails dig into your palms. “I’m sorry, officer.” You gasp when his hand comes down on your ass after he sits down beside you, one hand gripping your cuffed wrists, the other slapping your ass hard enough to make you cry out in both pleasure and pain.

It’s a good damn thing that there’s no one else in the entire building at this hour. You are loud and he loves it. “Fuck. You like this, don’t you? You little slut.” He stops and strokes your ass gently. “Was that okay?” He asks, realizing you could take offense and wanting to check in.

You love that he’s asking you if it’s okay, breaking the roleplay, and you know he’s so sweet but also so dirty to be doing this. “It’s perfect. I’ll tell you if I don’t like something.” You promise and he nods, rubbing your ass before he brings his hand down again. “I love it.” You moan, “I love it, officer.”

Marcus groans and he slaps your ass again before he slides his hand down your hip and drags your panties down. “Let’s see how much you love it.” He growls, his fingers seeking your cunt and loving how wet he finds you.

You moan loud when he finds your cunt, sliding his fingers through your folds until he is rubbing your clit. “Oh shit.” You pant, arms starting to ache but you don’t care. You want this, you want him. It’s cleared your head and you know you are no longer drunk on booze but rather drunk on his touch. “Yes. Yes. Fuck, that’s - I need more.” You beg greedily.

Marcus pulls his fingers away and he lets go of your arms so you collapse onto the bunk. Unzipping his uniform pants and pulling his cock out, he spits in his hand and pumps himself. “I’m clean.” He promises you. “Are you…on birth control?”

You nod, “I’m clean and on the pill.” You promise and he shifts to kneel on the bunk, straddling your thighs as he pumps his cock a couple of times. “Jesus.” He hisses as he lines up and starts to push inside of you. You whine and clench your fists, enjoying the stretch of him.

You’re so fucking tight he feels like he’s going to bust. Granted, it’s been awhile for him, but he’s clenching his jaw and enjoying the way you squeeze him. “Goddamn.” He grunts when his hips are flush against your ass.

You can’t open your eyes, mouth open in a silent cry as he stretches you and you are certain you are dreaming, this has to be a wet dream. When he starts to move, you moan out and try to spread your legs a little wider but he keeps you pinned down. “Fuck baby. Yes!” You finally cry out when his hips press against your ass with each thrust.

It’s probably the roughest, kinkiest sex Marcus has had in forever and he’s into it. Holding onto your cuffed wrists, he covers you, driving into you with increasingly rougher thrusts. “Think you can spread your legs and get out of trouble?” He growls in your ear. “Your tight little cunt your get out of jail free card?” He demands. “Whoring yourself out? I should book you, keep you here to fuck.”

Your eyes roll into the back of your head, his words making you gush around him and he sets a harsh pace, “do it. Keep me - I - fuck. If you fuck me like this every day, I’m yours.” You moan, enjoying the way he pushes deep and his deep voice. It makes you shiver under him.

Marcus hisses when you clench around him and the keys on his belt around his hips jangle as he fucks into you. It’s a damn good thing he’s going home after this because you are soaking the front of his uniform. “You are mine.” He huffs, biting his lip and watching as his cock plows into your cunt. “Fuck, this is so hot.”

You moan your agreement, your voice echoing in the empty cell and his keys jangle a little faster as your nails dig into your palms. “Fuckkk. I’m gonna - you’re gonna make me cum.” You whimper at the way he angles your hips and you cry out as you cum, clamping down on his cock.

Marcus moans, fucking you harder as you soak him with your cum. Desperate and unmeasured thrusts as he starts to feel his own orgasm building. “Shit- shit,” he whines. “So tight, you’re so fucking tight, baby.” He let’s go of your wrists to hold onto your hips and changes the angle to fuck down into you for the last half dozen thrusts before he’s grinding deep and painting your walls with his seed.

You pant, loving how he feels when he cums inside of you, and you close your eyes, savoring the feel of him inside of you. “Fuck that’s good, officer. Oh God.” You wish you could reach back and touch him. “That was so good.” You sigh and he hums in agreement as his forehead rests on your back. “Are you going to - are you going to let me go?” You ask playfully, eyes still closed as you smile.

"I shouldn't." Marcus plays along, his hand running soothingly up your spine as he catches his breath. He kisses your back and then sits up. "But I think I have to, with something this good." He chuckles, pulling out of you gently and admiring the way your cunt spasms and starts to push his cum out. He tucks himself away and pulls your panties up respectfully before he reaches for his keys. "No regrets?" He asks softly as he uncuffs you.

You let him uncuff you and you sit up, looking at him. “Baby, I couldn’t regret it.” You tell him with a wink, and you cup his cheek. “Thank you. Am I - on a serious note…am I being charged?” You ask timidly and lower your hand from his cheek.

“No.” He smiles, even though he is serious. “I had told you last night you were just being held until you could tell me your phone number backwards.” He chuckles. “You whined it out right before you fell asleep.” He hums. “So I can throw it away, or maybe… I can call you after my work week and maybe take you out on a date? Unless you want to get picked up again for drunken disorderly?” He teases. 

You fluster, nodding at him, “I, uh, I would like to see you again…showered and completely sober. Not that I’m not sober but you know what I mean…not - not recently arrested.” You chuckle and he smiles softly, his brown eyes sweet and soft, albeit tired. “I’d love to go on a date with you.” You promise and he blushes a little, making you grin.

“Well then, I’ll call you.” He promises, reaching up and stroking your cheek gently. “Tonight was fun, but I know you want to get home and shower and I’m about to get off to go home and crash.” He admits. “Make sure to hydrate today, okay?”

You nod, squeezing his hand when he lowers it from your cheek. “I’ll see you soon, officer.” You wink playfully and he nods at you. You are soon reunited with your things and call a taxi to take you home. You collapse on the bed as soon as you get home and fall asleep, the exhaustion getting to you. You’ll wait for the officer to call and you dream of brown eyes and handcuffs.

**Present Day**

Marcus squeezes your hand and his face flushes hotly, remembering every moment of his time with you. Your name comes off his lips quietly and he wishes that you were meeting under less public circumstances. “It’s good to see you again. It’s been a long time.” He segways lamely. “I tried to call you.” He blurts out. “The number you gave me was wrong. And I finally figured out what the real number was about a year later. By then I figured you had forgotten about Officer Pike.” 

You stare at him in shock, unable to believe that you are seeing him right now. You clear your throat, glancing around to his colleagues and yours and you offer him a soft smile, “don’t - it’s okay. I understand. I just figured you changed your mind.” You shrug like it’s no big deal and he frowns but you stop him before he can respond, “do you want me to show you where the piece was that got stolen?”

Marcus snaps back into a more professional mode and nods seriously, reaching into his suit jacket pocket to retrieve a notebook and a pen. He likes to jot down his first impression of the scene while he’s there. “When did you notice the piece was missing?” He’s aware that you gave your statement to the local police but he wants to hear it straight from you. Unable to believe that the drunk tank encounter eleven years ago had turned into his victim on his latest case.

“This morning. I came into work as I always do at 8:40. I walked around to check everything was clean and in place and then of course I saw this piece was missing. I checked the security cameras but it’s been interfered with as it’s all fuzzy. I called the police right away, didn’t touch anything else, and they sent you over.” You tell him as you walk towards the area of the missing artwork, trying to conceal the way your hands shake from seeing him again after all these years.

Marcus nods, jotting down notes and he looks over the scene carefully. “When did the museum close last night? Are there any night shift personnel that clean or maybe a guard?” He wants to make sure that he does everything right and he can’t help but be a little flustered by you. He looks over at you and sees you shaking. “It’s okay.” He shoves the pen and the notebook into one hand and pats your shoulder soothingly. “I know that being robbed is a terrible violation but we are going to do our best to recover your painting.”

“There’s a night guard but he was sick and - he admitted to me he fell asleep for a couple of hours during his shift.” He mistakes your shaking for fear and you play into it, nodding and smiling in appreciation of him helping you with this situation. He’s the last person you ever imagined would be helping you find the art, especially after he never called and you had no way of getting hold of him. “Thank you.” You smile and he continues to assess the crime scene. Forensics comes in and you spend your work day with Marcus and his team working on finding the missing painting.

Marcus is delighted to find that the younger woman he had a brief liaison with has become a smart and capable woman. You are thoroughly knowledgeable about the museum you run and the staff. Even the maintenance schedules are quickly located and accounted for. You seemingly run a tight ship. “Okay. Have there been any visitors who have been unusually interested in the security? Asking questions pointed around the room that the painting was in?” He asks, wondering if there’s another possible angle to this.

You bite your lip, pondering the question before you turn towards Jenny, the new receptionist. “Didn’t you say we had a man come in and he was asking several questions about different pieces and you thought it was weird because he kept looking at the cameras?” You ask and Jenny nods. Marcus asks her to describe him and Jenny tries her best. While Marcus is writing down her description, you admire his profile, the way he’s matured into a handsome man and you remember the way he fucked you.

“If possible, can we see if the camera footage is still available from the days he visited?” A photo of the suspect is worth more than a description, but he hopes that the entire hard drive hasn’t been compromised. He looks up at you. “Do you know how far back the data has been corrupted?”

You nod, “about seven days. It’s spotty in the past 36 hours but it’s solid up until then. I’m not sure if they used some kind of tech to fuzz the cameras but it’s spotty at best.” You explain and look over at Jenny, “can you show office- Agent Pike to the security room?”

Marcus catches the slip up and his cock twitches, but he ignores it. He can’t go there with you. He’s in a relationship. Instead, he smiles and nods, thanking you quietly and following Jenny to the office so he can watch the videos with her to the approximate time the suspect was there.

You watch Marcus leave with Jenny and you check your watch, biting your lip. It’s getting close to four and you glance at your phone, wondering if you should call. No…Marcus will be gone by then. You keep glancing at your watch and finally Marcus appears, notebook in hand just as the door to the gallery opens. “Mom! Mom! Guess what happened? I made the team!” Theo announces as he runs into the gallery and over to you, your mom behind him carrying his backpack.

Halfway between the door to the security office and you, Marcus freezes. His eyes widen and he feels like he’s been kicked in the chest and he swears his heart stops. The boy, he’s guessing around ten years old, looks like he could be a copy of Marcus when he was a boy. Skin tone is different and there are small features that are a unique blend of your features, but he looks like him. There is absolutely no way that this child, this boy, isn’t his. His mouth drops open and he nearly chokes on his own breath.

You ignore Marcus, avoiding his eyes as you look down at your son. “Really? That’s amazing, baby.” You hug him, kissing his hair. He’d been so excited to try out for the baseball team and now he’s on it. You know it’s gonna be a lot of work to take him to practices and games but you don’t care, you want him to be happy. Your mom looks over at Marcus and back at you, her eyes wide. She sees the resemblance immediately and you told her about Marcus when you found out you were pregnant.

He can’t move, trying to process what the hell possibly happened and he’s immediately flooded with intense guilt. He had gotten you pregnant. He had gotten you pregnant and he didn’t call you. You didn’t have any way to get into contact with him and you had been a single mother for ten years. He knew you weren’t married, or at least he thought you weren’t. There’s not a ring on your finger, but you might have a boyfriend. He watches the boy, his son, closely. Absorbing every detail of his mannerisms and excitement as he talks about his obvious passion - baseball. The same sport Marcus had played in school. 

You glance at Marcus finally, seeing his eyes, and you know he has figured it out. You swallow harshly and look at your mom who has questioning eyes. “Can you take Theo for a snack, mama?” You ask your mom who nods. 

“You wanna go to the place on the corner for a snack, honey?” She asks Theo who nods, “can we, mom?” He asks and you smile, ruffling his hair, “of course.” Your mom takes him outside and you inhale deeply, turning to face Marcus. “We need to talk.” You tell him, “you wanna come sit in my office?”

He nods, not even able to put anything into words and follows you to the back. Your office is across from the security office and is neat. It’s obviously filled with personal touches. There’s a picture that is obviously from last Christmas of the two of you. Theo beaming as he holds a new baseball glove and bat. “I- does he- what’s his name?” He asks, once the door is closed. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

You can see he’s struggling but you’re hurt too. He didn’t call and when you found out you were pregnant, you were newly graduated and alone. Your mom helped, letting you move in with her and it’s been hard to get your career where you dreamed it would be all those years ago. “His name is Theo Lucas. He has my last name…obviously. It’s - you didn’t call and I thought that you - that you just asked me out to save face for a quickie in a jail cell.” You cross your arms and turn towards the closed door, “he’s - he’s the best thing that ever happened to me so I guess I should thank you for that night.”

“I want to meet him. Officially.” Marcus clarifies. “I didn’t know that he was - that you were pregnant. If I had I would have helped you, supported you, been there for both of you. “Please?” 

You bite your lip, watching him with hesitation. What’s to say he won’t just take off again after Theo has gotten attached. You’re not sure if it’s sensible or really the actual reason why but the words “of course” escape your mouth before you can think about his. His answering soft smile makes your heart ache a little and you clear your throat. “I’ll give you my cell phone, proper numbers this time as we can talk.”

Marcus chuckles and reaches into his jacket pocket to pull out his badge folder. Pulling a card with his information on it and handing it to you. “This way the ball is in your court.” He offers. “Theo likes baseball?” He asks. “I used to play in high school and college when I wasn’t playing with my band.” He tells you. “Maybe I can practice with him or take him to a game? I planned on seeing the Rangers play this weekend.”

You bite your lip, looking down at his card. “I bet he’d love that.” You smile at Marcus and are terrified but excited for your son to meet his father finally. You’ve imagined it so many times and he has asked about his dad. You tried to explain it as simply as you can to a young child and you told him you and his dad had a brief relationship. It sounded better than what the reality is. “It’s good to see you again, Marcus.” You say just as his phone rings.

“Shit.” He jolts and reaches for his phone, glancing down at it and then giving you an apologetic look. “Hey.” He answers, a smile on his face when he speaks. “Are you finishing up for the day?” He asks, “I’m still working on a case.” Listening for a few moments he hums. “I’ll meet you there, okay. Sounds good. Bye.”

You see the look on his face and you know it’s his romantic partner. The look in his eyes is soft and sweet and it makes your heart twist even though he’s not yours, he never was. You just had one night. You wait for him to finish and he smiles at you after he shoves his phone back in his pocket. “Sorry about that.” He says and you shake your head, “it’s fine.” He clears his throat, “so I’ll see you soon. For the case and for Theo. I will wait for your call.” He promises and you nod, twisting the card in your hand. 

“I’ll see you soon, Marcus.” You promise and he gathers his things, bidding you goodbye and you sit down at your desk and close your eyes, hating how your heart twists at seeing him again.

Marcus makes his way out of the museum and when he gets into the car, he just sits for a moment. Absorbing the life changing information that he is a father. He wants to jump in and help and support you in any and every way he can. Feeling guilty for not knowing about Theo sooner. He knows he has to tell Teresa as soon as possible. Tonight at dinner. She will understand.

****

“You met my dad?” Theo asks when you discuss it at dinner. 

“Yes baby. He’s - he - we lost touch and now he’s back. I got his number. He wants to meet you. He loves baseball too and said about taking you to a game. I- I know it’s a lot to take in but he wants to get to know you.” You tell Theo who frowns, looking down at his plate. 

“Why now?” Theo asks and you clear your throat, “I told you…we lost touch.” You explain and Theo shakes his head, “he didn’t want me?” He asks and you reach for his hand. 

“No. No. Not that. It’s complicated. Adult stuff you won’t understand.” You try again but Theo is pushing his chair back and rushing to his room, “you didn’t want me to know him!” He yells and slams the door, making you close your eyes and rub your head.

****

“I have something I need to tell you.” Marcus gazes at Teresa nervously over the votive in the middle of the romantic table at their favorite restaurant. He’s already had two glasses of wine because he’s excited and nervous. Reaching out, he takes her hand. “Eleven years ago, I had a….fling.” He isn’t going to give all the specifics, but Teresa deserves to know. “It was right before the FBI academy and somehow, the phone number I was given was bad, so it didn’t go beyond the one encounter.” 

Teresa tilts her head and laughs. “Marcus, I don’t need to know about every person you slept with. We both have a history.” She assures him. 

Marcus shakes his head. “No, I ran into her today. And….” He takes a deep breath. “I have a son. He’s just like me. I saw him and I-“ he shrugs. “I’m going to get to know him, become a part of his life.”

Teresa stares at Marcus in shock, looking down at their hands, and she swallows harshly. “How - you - um, that’s - wow.” She finishes lamely, still in shock. “That’s great, Marcus. Truly. That’s - I can’t wait to meet him.” She says, a little through her teeth but Marcus doesn’t notice as he beams, squeezing her hand. 

****

You call Marcus the next day due to Theo constantly asking you when he’s going to meet his dad. “Are you free this evening?” You ask and Marcus holds the phone in his hand, “of course. I’m free.” 

You smile, “great. You want to come over for dinner? Theo is excited to meet you. I told him we had a fling and tried to explain it as much as I could without getting into details.”

Marcus hums in agreement, “he doesn’t need to know the details, I don’t think a child would understand that yet.” He will follow your lead on Theo since you have been the one raising him. “Does he have a particular favorite baseball team?” Marcus asks. “I don’t want to come empty handed the first time I meet my son.”

You smile against the phone at how sweet he is. You remember that from that night, how funny and sweet he was even when he was wrecking you with his cock. “He loves the Nationals. My dad…he lives in D.C and has gotten Theo into his team, so yeah, Nationals.” You answer and Marcus hums, “Nationals, got it.” 

You nod even though he can’t see it, “so I’ll see you at 6?” You ask and he confirms. “Great. I’ll text you my address.” You say and bid him goodbye, hanging up the phone to quickly shoot him a text. You’re nervous and you know Theo is nervous, unsure of going to school today but you took him and he was fine once he settled in. You’ve got the day at work to figure out what to cook for the first time your one night stand meets his son.

During lunch, Marcus runs out to a sporting goods store to pick up Nationals gear for a ten year old. Then back to his apartment to pick up his own glove and some balls. If you’ve got a yard, he wants to get out there and throw the ball with Theo if he’s up for it. Your text comes through with the address and by 5, he’s leaving the office and plugging in the GPS to go to your house.

You smile as Theo rushes up to the front door when Marcus rings the doorbell. “I’ll get the door, sweetie.” You say, rubbing his shoulder and he’s practically buzzing as he watches you open the door. You send a silent prayer that this is gonna go well and you come face to face with Marcus, standing there holding a big duffel bag. “Come in.” You gesture and he steps in, clearly nervous, and his dark eyes find Theo. “Sweetheart, this is - this is Marcus. He’s your dad.” You introduce him officially and Theo looks at Marcus with wide eyes.

Marcus sets the bag down and kneels down so he can look his son in the eyes. The same shade of brown as his own. “Hello, Theo.” He offers quietly, beaming and trying not to cry. “It is so good to meet you. I brought my glove. If it's okay with your mom, after dinner we can throw the ball around?” He asks, glancing up at you for permission before looking back at him to see if that’s something he wants to do.

Theo beams, staring at his father, and he nods enthusiastically. “Yes! Mom - can we - can we go outside?” He asks you and you nod, “of course you can.” Theo surges forward to wrap his arms around his father, “hi dad.” He says into his father’s neck as he grips him tight, excited to have him there.

His eyes close and his arms wrap around Theo tight, holding his son against him. “Hey, buddy.” He chokes out, opening his eyes and looking up at you. He’s overwhelmed and emotional and it’s almost a relief that you are silently crying. He’s not being too much with his reaction to meeting the son he didn’t know about.

You wipe your eyes, seeing the unshed tears shining in Marcus’s eyes and you know in that moment that you haven’t made a mistake. You know Theo is going to have his father in his life finally. “Come on you two. Dinner will be ready soon. Marcus, what do you want to drink?” You ask after clearing your throat.

“Anything would be great, thanks.” He squeezes Theo once more before he pulls away to grin at him. “I brought you some presents. Although I know I have a lot of missed birthdays and Christmas’ to make up for.”

Theo grins, “lots. Ten years worth.” He says and you chuckle, “dad is here now and he brought you some presents. You wanna open them while I finish up dinner?” You ask Theo who nods and grabs Marcus’s hand to practically drag him into the kitchen. 

“Come on dad, I wanna open my presents.”

It’s surreal to hear someone calling him dad and it makes him break out into a wide grin. He had managed to grab the duffel bag and he sets it on the table to open up and start pulling out gifts. He had thought he had gone overboard, but he doesn’t believe that now, the way Theo’s eyes are widening and he’s practically bouncing with excitement.

You get Marcus a beer and a glass of wine for yourself then set them down after getting a glass of milk for Theo. “Wow! I always wanted one of these!” Theo gasps when he sees the Nationals jersey and you feel a little guilty that you didn’t get the right one that he wanted. You got the Rangers and he was happy, but it’s not his favorite team.

“I’m glad. Your mom told me that you’re a big Nationals fan.” Marcus chatters nervously. “Now I have tickets to the Ranger’s game this weekend, would you want to go? Even if it’s not the Nationals? Since we are here in Texas?” It’s a commute to Ranger stadium and he would buy you a ticket if you preferred to come too, but he wants to give Theo that experience together.

You watch Theo bounce, nodding his head, “yes yes yes. Oh can I go mom? Can I?” He asks you and you nod, “of course baby. You can go.” You won’t deny him this time with his father and you know Marcus is a good man. He works for the FBI for goodness sake. “I’ll go get dinner. Sit down, both of you.” You order playfully.

“We better listen to your mom.” Marcus grins, happy that his son wants to go to a game with him. He reaches up and ruffles the boy's hair. “Let’s go wash our hands, gotta be clean to eat.”

You watch Marcus take Theo to wash his hands and you smile to yourself as you plate up the spaghetti and meatballs. The boys sit down at the table and you set the plates down in front of them. “I hope you like it. I didn’t ask if you were vegetarian. Oh shit. Are you? If not, I can make something else.” You start to panic a little, realizing how little you know about Marcus.

“No.” He smiles up at your reassuringly. “I love spaghetti and meatballs.” He looks over at Theo. “And I’m sure your mom’s is great, isn’t it, Buddy?” He asks. 

“Oh yeah! Mom’s spaghetti is the best!” Theo cries out with a grin. “She puts extra cheese on top for me.”

You smile, loving that your son loves your cooking. You look at Marcus, “I put extra cheese on yours too.” You wink at him and watch Theo as he starts to dig into his food, hungry as always, “why don’t you tell your dad about school today?” You ask Theo, wanting Marcus to be involved in the small things like hearing Theo talk about his day.

Marcus listens intently, nodding while Theo tells him every little thing about his day. Grinning to himself when the boy would go off on a little tangent like he used to as he shovels in his food with the enthusiasm of a growing boy.

You finish eating while Theo talks about his school and his friends. You watch Marcus hang onto every word, nodding and responding like it’s the best thing he’s ever heard and that makes your heart thump. “Everyone done?” You ask and Theo nods, “thank you, mom.” He stands up to collect the dishes but you stop him. “Not tonight, honey. Sit with your dad. I’ll clean up.” You tell him as you gather the plates, “I have dessert too. You want ice cream?” You ask and Theo nods, eyes lighting up.

“Must be a special night.” Marcus muses. “Dessert too?” He grins when Theo bobbles his head so hard he might rattle some teeth around. “After we eat dessert, you wanna throw the ball?”

Theo thinks that Christmas has come as he nods and Marcus chuckles, “sure thing, bud.” You smile as you load up the dishwasher and listen to Marcus and Theo talk. “So why did you not stay with my mom?” Theo asks, always inquisitive and you wince slightly but leave it to Marcus to provide his own explanation.

Glancing up at you for permission, he knows he needs to tell his son why the two of you aren’t together. Why he’s never met him before. “I- it’s complicated.” Marcus winces, knowing that isn’t the best answer. “Your mom was wonderful. And I had plans to take her on a date, to spend more time with her, but I messed up.” Marcus stresses. He will take the blame, of course he will. “I wrote her number down wrong, and couldn’t call her. And I didn’t know where she lived.”

Theo stares at Marcus for a moment, absorbing his answer until eventually he nods and looks over at you. “Well, you’re dumb because my mom is amazing.” Your heart clenches and tears sting in your eyes at the compliment from your son and you look at Marcus with an apologetic smile.

“I know I am.” Marcus accepts that rebuke and nods in agreement. “Your mom is amazing and I have to thank her because she gave me a son.” He reaches over and pats your hand. “Thank you. For taking care of him while I wasn’t around and being amazing enough for him to defend you.”

You smile at Marcus and lean in to kiss Theo on the head as you slide the bowl of ice cream towards him. “Okay. Let’s eat some ice cream.” You declare, trying to lighten the mood and give yourself a moment as you hand Marcus his own bowl. “Toppings are yours to pick. We have chocolate sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and strawberries.” You say and Theo begins to put a river of chocolate sauce in his sundae. “Maybe we have enough sauce to go with the ice cream, huh baby?” You tease and he chuckles, setting the sauce bottle down.

“He’s a man with taste.” Marcus chuckles, amazed that he is sitting down and eating dessert with his son. “I love chocolate syrup too.” He admits, taking the bottle and turning it up over his ice cream. The little boy beams happily, loving that his dad likes the same things he does. It’s almost a family moment and he feels guilty that Teresa isn’t here to see it. “What else do you like? Whipped cream and a cherry? Or strawberries?” He asks, wanting to know everything about Theo.

“Whipped cream, for sure. And nuts.” Theo answers and reaches for a spoonful of nuts. You watch him and Marcus chuckles, “same. I do like strawberries but not on ice cream.” He says and Theo nods. You reach for the strawberries, “those are for me. I love strawberries.” Marcus nods and you watch him as he takes the spoon from Theo to cover his sundae with nuts. The ice cream goes down well and you’re soon putting the dishwasher on while Marcus and Theo go outside to play catch.

Outside, Marcus feels like he is living every ‘dad dream’ he’s ever had. It started with small tosses of the ball to warm up and he started asking questions. Theo’s likes, dislikes. His dreams. Favorite movies. Learning about the boy and hopefully bonding with him. They play until you come back outside as the sun starts to go down.

Marcus sits in the living room while Theo showers and gets ready for bed. He’s already done his homework and you get him in bed. “You want your dad to come and say goodnight?” You ask Theo after you kiss his forehead. 

“Yes, please mama.” He murmurs and you nod, standing up and walking into the living room where Marcus is sitting. “He wants you to say goodnight.” You tell him and he stands up, rubbing his hands on his pants.

Marcus goes down the hall and hovers in the doorway for a moment, taking in the bedroom and smiling when he sees baseball posters on the wall. It could be a bedroom from his own childhood. “You all ready for bed, buddy?” He asks, coming and sitting on the edge and nervously rubbing the covers on the edge. .

“No.” Theo says and you smile as you lean against the wall in the hallway. 

“I know, I’m never tired after a big day.” Marcus smiles and pats the bed sheets. 

Theo nods, settling down against his pillow, “after you fight the bad guys?” He asks his father with a sleepy smile.

Marcus reaches up and brushes Theo’s hair gently. “After I fight the bad guys.” Marcus nods and smiles down at his son. “Goodnight Theo.” He murmurs softly, amused that despite being so adamant about not being tired, he’s already starting to fall asleep. Marcus sits with him until he’s completely gone and then watches him, amazed that he is here with a child who is his.

You push off of the wall as Marcus walks into the hallway and you smile at him, at seeing the way his eyes are soft and glassy. You reach out to pat his arm, “you want another beer? Or coffee before you go? We need to talk about how we move forward.”

“Sure.” Marcus nods and follows you back out to the living room and into the kitchen. “He’s a great kid.” He gushes after a moment. Standing around, he wonders where to go from here. “I owe you a lot of child support.” He blurts out, reaching into his pocket for a check he had written. “Obviously it’s not ten years worth, but I want to start making up for not being here.”

Your eyes widen at the amount of the check. “Marcus. No- it wasn’t - you didn’t know. I can’t accept this. You didn’t know about him. You didn’t dodge it and I’ve done well. My parents helped. Please…this is way too much.” You shake your head, knowing you could never accept his money when you had ten years with your son and he’s missed out on so much.

“Put it in a college fund for him.” Marcus shakes his head when you hold the check back out to him. “Please. I might not have known about him, but I know now. If I had known then, he would have had a college fund started from the day you told me.”

You can’t deny him that, knowing that your funds for his college are a little low after you have been working hard but it’s not enough, never enough. “Marcus. It’s - I’ll put it in the bank account I have ready for his college fund.” You surge forward to wrap your arms around his neck, “thank you.”

Marcus hugs you back, there’s nothing wrong with hugging the mother of his child. This is the woman who gave him the little boy in that bedroom. He tries not to remember how good touching you had felt all those years ago. That was past, and he is involved with Teresa now. “You’re welcome.” He murmurs sincerely. “I’ll give you more. I promise.”

You step back, patting his chest, “you’re just - I’m glad you’re in Theo’s life.” You step away and you make your way to the kitchen followed by Marcus. “Take a seat and I’ll get you a beer then we can talk details.” You watch him head into the living room and you grab two beers, making your way into the living room and you sit down on the sofa beside him. “So, uh, we didn’t exactly discuss our - our situations in life. I don’t have a husband or even a boyfriend. It’s been tough dating with a young son and I’ve been focused on work and Theo. I just wanted you to know that.”

“I’m sorry.” Marcus winces and shakes his head. “You didn’t deserve to be left with the responsibility by yourself.” He won’t let go of the guilt easily. “Maybe with some help, you can have some time for yourself.” He won’t say ‘date’, but that’s your decision. “I- I am in a relationship. Another agent.” He confesses, feeling guilty again.

You hate how your heart clenches at the news but you know he was never yours. “That’s great. I- I can’t wait to meet them one day. Did you tell them about Theo?” You ask, and Marcus nods, “she knows. Her name is Teresa.” He says with a smile that makes you want to cry a little. He’s such a lovely guy and he belongs to Teresa. 

You know you can’t be an idiot, you have a child together that he’s just met. You need to be sensible. “So I want you to see him. We can work out a custody schedule in a few months I’d say once Theo is comfortable and I am. I don’t want you to feel like I’m keeping him from you but I need him to be safe and secure and happy.”

Marcus holds up a hand and shakes his head. “Absolutely.” He agrees. “Theo has been your priority for ten years, eleven really.” He reasons. “You are his mother and I would never try to come in and immediately change everything. I was going to ask you if you wanted to come to the game too?” He asks. “Since it’s a few hours away? He can say that he wants to go and then get nervous because I am essentially a stranger to him. Plus, I can see how you parent, because I want to work with you on raising him.”

You appreciate how accommodating he’s being, not demanding more when he hasn’t been here at all even though it’s technically not his fault. He’s missed out on so much but he’s still wanting to include you. That makes you warm to him even more and you nod, “I think that’s a great idea. Let's all get to know each other more. We didn’t exactly have an in-depth conversation before we had sex.” You fluster and reach for your beer to take a sip, “do you want to ask Teresa if she wants to come too?” You add, hoping he says no but she’s going to be part of Theo’s life and you need to assess her.

“She has a case that she’s working on.” Marcus frowns slightly and shrugs. “She’s going to have to be on a stakeout or something.” He had originally been going to go with her, and then he had considered selling the tickets when her plans had fallen through, but this is perfect. “What do you want to know about me?” He asks.

You are relieved that Teresa isn’t coming on this first adventure and you lean back against the sofa, tucking your leg up beneath you. “First of all…I didn’t - Theo is fine but do you have any medical family history? I know mine of course but I want to know in case there’s something I need to look out for.”

“Nothing really.” Marcus shakes his head and takes a sip of his own beer. “Grandfather died of a heart attack, but he was 87.” He shrugs slightly. “I can’t say that’s a short life. Parents are pretty healthy. I haven’t told them yet, but I know they will want to meet Theo, get to know him. When you’re comfortable.”

“I’d like that. Theo would love that. I have always felt so guilty that he hasn’t had a lot of family.” You confess, taking another sip of your beer, tears stinging in your eyes as you think about all the things Theo has missed out on with his father. 

“You okay?” Marcus asks and you shake your head, a few tears escaping. 

“I just wish - I wish I had given you the right number.”

“It’s my fault.” Marcus will readily admit that. “I should have double checked with you before you left. I had been trying not to seem too desperate, or creepy.” He shoots you a sardonic grin. “Since we had just had sex in a jail cell after you were picked up.”

You chuckle, wiping away your tears, “that was sexy as hell though. I still think about that night sometimes.” You admit until you realize what you said, “I’m sorry. I- you have Teresa and I’m not asking you to - shit. Have I made it weird?”

“Don’t worry about that.” He shakes his head and hums with a small smile. “It’s okay. I promise. I’ve thought about it before.” He admits. “It was sexy.” He doesn’t really think about it now that he’s with Teresa, but when he was single, it was one of his go-to memories when he wasn’t in the mood to look at porn. 

You chuckle, “it was.” You nudge him and move to set your beer down. “I guess we go from here. I’ll see you Saturday for the game. Are you gonna come back to the gallery or is your team working on tracking down that guy first?” You ask, curious as to what’s going to happen with the stolen painting.

“They are working on tracking down the suspect, but I normally come check in every day, every other day.” He admits, shrugging slightly. “The worst thing for the victim is to feel like they are just bogged down in the system. Especially when dealing with art. It’s normally personal or professional so everyone is eager to know that it’s being taken seriously.”

You nod, “then I’ll see you in the gallery.” You shift to stand up, “I’m sure Teresa is expecting you to be home soon. Theo will be out like a light. Do you want some water for the ride home?” You ask, looking down at him.

“Oh, Teresa and I don’t live together.” It wasn’t for lack of planning but it hadn’t happened yet. Just wasn’t quite to that place in the relationship yet even though a lot of nights were spent together. “But I will take a water.” He agrees.

You walk over to the fridge to get him a bottle of water, admiring his profile as he gathers his things. “Here you go.” You hand him the bottle and your fingers brush his. “I’ll see you soon. Maybe…if you don’t see Theo, we can do daily calls? You can talk to him.”

“I’d really like that.” Marcus quickly agrees, happy that you are so willing to let him spend time with Theo and get to know him. “Thank you.” He murmurs as you walk with him to the door. “He’s a great kid and that is all because of you. I hate that you had to do it alone but you’ve done a fantastic job.” Mother’s Day will have to come early for you and he will have to make sure that it’s amazing to make up for the ones that he missed.

You fluster at his kind words, excited to see how this goes, and you are happy for Theo to have his father in his life. You know it’s been a missing piece. No matter how hard you try to cover both positions, you know he’s been jealous of the other boys going to baseball games with their fathers or going out with the father-son groups. It’s been hard and you try to compensate but it’s impossible.

Marcus pauses at the door, turning around and smiling at you. You had been gorgeous eleven years ago, hungover and obviously partying, but now you are even more beautiful. Maybe it’s because he had a child with you, but there’s a softness that he admires for a moment. He murmurs your name, “have a good night. Call me if you need anything, okay? I want to help anyway I can.”

You nod, crossing your arms as you lean against the doorway, watching him as he makes his way to his car. You bite your lip, admiring his broad shoulders, and you know you have to stop. You will not ruin your son’s relationship with his father because you haven’t had sex in a while. You watch Marcus, waving as he pulls away, and you shut the door, closing your eyes. “It’s gonna be fine.” You murmur to yourself, deciding to get ready for bed and watch your show to distract yourself.

On the way home, Marcus contemplates calling Teresa, but he doesn’t. Instead he thinks about the situation, knowing that he will have to tell his parents soon, and they will want to meet him. He knows they will have questions so he wants to talk to you about what to tell them.

**** 

“You having a good time?” You ask Theo as he takes a big bite of the hot dog Marcus got him. The game is in full swing and you love how Marcus and Theo are bonding over their mutual love of baseball. You take a few photos, certain that Marcus will want them, and you think about the past few days. You and Marcus established when Theo will meet his parents and the story you’ll tell them is the truth. Although it’s awkward, keeping secrets never helps anyone. You watch the father and son and feel emotional, wishing once again that Marcus had called you after that fateful night.

“Oh man!” Theo cheers when the home run cracks off the bat and he leaps out of his seat to watch it go flying over the left field fence. Marcus grins and looks over at you, emotional at how much he is enjoying this. Almost upset that there isn’t a team in Austin so this could become a weekly thing. He’d say that season tickets could be done. 

“Looks like extra innings.” He teases, playing with Theo’s cap. “You aren’t gonna wanna miss that, are you?”

Theo shakes his head so hard his neck nearly breaks, “no, dad! Of course not!” He scoffs and you hide your grin behind your hand. You watch Marcus point out various players to Theo and they discuss the stats, both clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the sport and it’s making your heart nearly burst with joy.

Marcus grins as he leans back, looking at you behind Theo’s head. “If it goes too late, do you want to spend the night?” He asks, thinking about getting a hotel depending on how many hours it goes over a normal game. “I’ll cover the cost. Two rooms.” He offers, knowing it’s not right to stay in one room.

“Please mom! Please!” Theo begs, looking up at you with wide eyes and you nod, “okay baby. Okay. We can do that if it runs too late. I, uh, I don’t really have anything. We can stop at CVS to get a tooth brush and toiletries.” You say, unable to take away from this experience for Theo. “Are you sure Teresa won’t mind?”

“She’ll be alright.” He’s already texted her and let her know that it might be a possibility. She had said ‘okay’, so he knew she was alright with it. Teresa tends to speak her mind so he trusts her. “We can stop by a store and get some things.”

Finally the game ends and it’s late, way past Theo’s bed time and you can see he’s tired from the constant yawns but he’s fighting it. “Are you ready for bed, sweetheart?” You ask, hugging Theo as you approach Marcus’s car. “Maybe a hotel is the best idea.” You tell Marcus, running your hands through Theo’s hair.

“Yeah.” Marcus frowns slightly as he has spent the last twenty minutes of the game trying to book rooms. “There’s a hotel up the road I have a room booked for you guys.” He promises, turning towards his son and smiling at how sleepy Theo looks. “We’ll find a Wal-Mart and grab toothbrushes and PJs.”

“What about you?” You ask as you buckle Theo in and get in the front seat. Marcus bites his lip, not answering. “Marcus…” You raise your eyebrows, wanting him to answer you before you start to get frustrated. You’ve learned he’s a people pleaser and it’s to his own detriment sometimes.

“There’s….” He sighs and hangs his head. “There’s some kind of big conference this weekend.” He admits quietly. “Everywhere is sold out. I could only get the one room. It’s okay, though.” He assures you. “It’s a nice place and I can catch a few hours in the car. Not like I haven’t done that before.” He chuckles, making a joke about stakeouts.

"No. No. You - you are going to get some sleep. You've been driving and you are driving tomorrow. I- Theo will sleep between us. We can share the bed. We are parents sharing a bed with our son. You can't sleep in the car." You shake your head, whispering harshly as Theo is asleep.

Marcus frowns and shakes his head. “No, the room has two beds.” He reveals. “I just don’t think that you would want…you know that Theo might get the wrong impression.” He murmurs quietly, looking in the back seat and then towards you. He’s trying to be a gentleman and give you privacy. The only intimacy you’ve shared was the night you created Theo and he’s not going to assume you would be okay with sharing a room. 

You bite your lip, "two beds is perfect. I can share with Theo and you get to spread out in your own bed. He won't - we can explain that there was only one room left. He knows you are with Teresa...he wants to meet her."

“Are you sure?” He asks seriously, turning expressive eyes on you. He’s thrilled to learn that Theo wants to meet Teresa, because he wants her to get to know him, but he is talking about the hotel sleeping arrangement. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

You nod, chuckling softly. "I don't think you can make anyone uncomfortable, Marcus. You are the most caring man I can think of. We will be fine." You promise. You give Marcus a list of what you need and he goes into Walmart to get your list. You watch Theo sleep in the mirror and about ten minutes later, Marcus is pulling up at the hotel. You grab the bags after Marcus checks in and comes back out. "Can you carry Theo?"

“Of course I can.” Marcus beams as he opens the back door and starts to gently unbuckle the sleeping child and pull him out of the car. “He’s solid.” He grunts, grinning at you as Theo snuggles against his dads shoulder and grunts at being disturbed before settling back down into a limp mass of limbs.

You smile, watching Theo wrap his arms around his dad who carries him to the room. “Notice I didn’t offer.” You tease softly and pat Marcus on the shoulder as you take over finding the room. Once you’re inside, Marcus lays Theo down and you work on removing his clothes to dress him in the pajamas his dad had just bought for him. “Night, my love.” You murmur, kissing Theo’s head after you cover him up with the covers, the. you look over at Marcus who has removed his shoes and is watching you with apprehension. “I’m gonna get ready for bed. Thanks for buying these.” You hold up the shorts and tank top, feeling a little awkward but it’s necessary for Theo to get some good sleep.

“It course.” He nods, feeling bad that he always carries an overnight bag in the car. “I’ll change quickly while you’re in there and then we’ll get some sleep.” He offers, trying not to think about the mechanics of all of this. This is just two parents sharing a room with their son.

You brush your teeth and wash your face, coming out of the bathroom in the tank top and shorts and you had told yourself in the mirror that this isn't a big deal. It's Marcus and Theo. You get under the covers on the side closest to the nightstand since Theo shifted in his sleep and you look over at Marcus. "Goodnight." You murmur, your eyes finding his in the lamplight.

“Goodnight sweetheart.” Marcus whispers softly, smiling at you as he reaches over to switch off the light. “Thank you for today. Letting Theo come to the game.” He shuffles and settles in the dark. “Might be the best day I’ve ever had.”

“Me too.” You answer honestly and you smile when you hear him snore. You listen to him and Theo breathe for a while until you finally close your eyes, wishing this was real, that you were a real family.

****

The next morning is fun, if not a little hectic. Getting up and getting ready without crowding each other in the bathroom proves interesting and the two of you decide to take Theo out to breakfast before getting back on the road to Austin. Taking your time and enjoying the Sunday brunch, Marcus can’t help but laugh at your jokes and enjoy that you have such a warm and delightful personality. Making him wonder what would have happened if he had gotten your number right. Would you two be married right now? Would there be another child besides Theo? He hates thinking that way, since he’s involved with Teresa, but it’s there in the back of his mind. 

You hate how natural this feels with Marcus. It should be awkward. After all, he fucked you while on duty in a jail cell, yet it feels like you’ve known him forever. You smile as Theo tells his dad about his favorite show and you realize it’s gonna be hard to meet Teresa, to meet the woman that has Marcus. “Shall we get on the road?” Marcus asks, pulling you out of your thoughts, and you nod, gathering your things. The drive home is filled with music and Theo chattering away and you can feel Marcus look at you every now and then, his hand on the gearshift and it makes you want to reach out and place your hand on top. “Dad, can you come to my game on Friday?” Theo asks, “with Teresa?”

“I’ll have to check with Teresa, but as long as nothing comes up with your mom’s case, I’ll be there.” He promises, looking in the rear view mirror at his son’s hopeful eyes. “Sometimes the bad guys don’t stop being bad to do fun things, but I will never stop trying to make sure that I am there.” It’s important to him that Theo knows that. “Even if I’m coming in at the end or having to duck out early, I will be there as much as I can.”

He knows it’s a hollow promise to a ten year old, but he also wants to make sure that he knows that sometimes dad’s job has to come before other things. It’s one of the downsides as far as Marcus is concerned.

Theo nods, “okay, dad.” 

You look behind you to wink at Theo, “if not this game, the next one.” You compromise with your son, not wanting him to put all his hopes on this one game when Marcus could be working. You turn back to the front and Marcus nods, sending you a silent thanks. 

****

“Come on Theo!” You cheer, watching your son run to third base and then “home run!” You shout and clap your hands. Marcus hasn’t arrived yet, he texted to say he’d be late and he has a lead on the mysterious man who was in the video.

Marcus pulls into the parking lot, rushing out of the car and takes a moment so he can lock his gun in the glove compartment and take off his jacket. Rushing over to the ball field that you had told him. He managed to catch Theo sliding into home and cheering. “Yeah! Theo! Way to go buddy!” He stands at the fence and beams at the boy as he stands up and brushes himself off.

Theo sees his dad and his face lights up. He’s covered in dirt but he looks on top of the world. You clap and cheer your son and suddenly Marcus appears beside you. “Hey!” You greet him and glance around, your brow furrowed as you look past him. “Teresa couldn’t make it?” You ask him.

“She had to work.” Marcus frowns slightly but he shrugs. “She said that she would like to go out to dinner with you and Theo.” He offers, although he had been the one to suggest it. She had been a little distracted when she agreed, but she had been rushing to get off the phone to talk to Jane.

You nod, “that would be nice. I want to meet her.” You say even though you’re not entirely convinced. Teresa doesn’t seem to want to meet. She’s avoided every opportunity to meet Theo and you are worried she won’t accept your son.

“I think you’ll get along well.” Marcus hums, even though he’s starting to get antsy about the two of you meeting. He’s spent a lot of time with you lately and while she understands, it seems as if there’s not been a lot of time for them. He doesn’t want her getting worried about things.

After the game is over, you take Theo for ice cream to celebrate and Marcus is a little distracted, looking at his phone. “Everything okay?” You ask and he nods, “yeah. I’m fine.” He says and you don’t push, knowing he has a lot on his plate.

Marcus gets the alert that there is a name on the suspect, as well as a current address. He hums and looks up, smiling at Theo and you. “Tomorrow, I might be a little out of pocket.” He announces to you. “We are going to question the man from the security surveillance.” He tells you quietly while Theo is distracted with his ice cream.

Your eyes widen slightly, “wow. I hope - hopefully something comes from it. The artist is freaking out and I’m struggling to keep him calm enough to keep his other pieces in the gallery. We had to reassure him that our security has been reinforced.” You confess and Marcus nods, “we will get him.”

Marcus hates that he had been late, finding it to be too little time with Theo. “Sorry I was late, but I’m glad to see that home run. Those batting drills are paying off.”

“Yes they are.” You smile, happy that Marcus and Theo have already bonded. You are a little sad that your son has missed out on so much with his dad but you are happy he’s here now.

****

“You got him?” You gasp when Marcus comes into your office before telling you he has found the perp who stole the piece. 

“We got him. And the art. He had it in some storage unit out west, waiting until the dust settled so he could sell it.” Marcus tells you and grins. 

“Oh my God. Thank you!” You surge forward to hug him, relieved and happy that the piece has been found.

Marcus grins and hugs you back. Rubbing your back gently and nodding when he pulls back. “Obviously the piece will be photographed and logged into evidence for authentication, but once that is done, we will return it to you. The pictures from recovery will be enough for the DA.”

You kiss his cheek as you pull back, “thank you. Thank you.” You squeal, not even thinking about kissing his cheek until you hear a throat clear behind you. You turn to see a woman, her eyes flicking between you and Marcus whose eyes widen as he looks at the woman.

“Teresa. Come here.” He gestures her over and introduces you. You aren’t sure if she is upset or doesn’t like you being near Marcus but she’s polite yet aloof when you get to finally meet Teresa.

Teresa slides up beside Marcus and looks up at him in amusement. “Good news?” She asks and Marcus nods. 

“We recovered the painting today.” He tells her and her slightly bland smile turns genuine. 

“That’s great.” She murmurs, knowing how good a closed case is for an FBI agent. She wraps her arm around his waist and hugs him tightly before she looks towards Theo. “So, this must be Theo.” She grins, bending down slightly. “Your daddy talks about you….a lot.”

“My dad doesn’t talk that much about you.” Theo answers honestly and you clear your throat, offering Teresa an awkward smile, ruffling Theo’s hair. 

“It’s great to meet you.” You tell her and she nods, “you too.” Theo steps closer to you and you nudge his back, silently telling him to be polite and he looks at you with those same brown eyes as Marcus.

Marcus chuckles quietly, admitting that is true but Teresa just smiles. “I’m sure he has more to talk about with you than me.” She tells him before looking back up at Marcus. “Are we ready to go eat?” She asks. “I’m starved. Jane had us mucking through a field rather than having lunch today.”

You notice the frown on Marcus’s face as he hears the name Jane and he’s told you about Patrick Jane a few times, about how he feels like the man is trying to get involved in his relationship with Teresa. 

“Let’s go to dinner.” You declare after you grab your purse and Theo starts to chatter to his dad about the upcoming game. 

****

“So, uh, yeah. I haven’t given them my final decision since I wanted to talk to you first.” You tell Marcus as you sit on your sofa. Theo just went to bed and you asked Marcus to stay a little longer so you can talk. 

“The Smithsonian. Wow.” Marcus says softly, looking across the room. 

“Yeah. It’s - it’s huge. Modern art and I- it’s in D.C and I want Theo to have his father in his life but this job - it’s double my salary now and it’s the freakin’ Smithsonian. If you don’t want me to take the job, I understand, but Marcus…I want this. Not to guilt trip you but I’ve lived my life for Theo since I found out I was pregnant and this - this is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.”

Immediately shaking his head, he hums in disapproval. “No, no, you should absolutely take it.” He insists. “There’s airplanes, we can visit.” He cocks his head and thinks about it for a moment. “There’s rumors of a position opening up in DC, that I’m also rumored to be in the running for now that my latest case has been solved so quickly.” He admits. “Maybe I can push for that position. You wouldn’t find it creepy if I moved to DC too? Follow you and Theo?”

You shake your head so fast it almost makes you dizzy. “You move to D.C? Marcus - that would be - I would love that. I don’t want Theo to lose his dad just when he’s got him. I want you to come to D.C with us…you and Teresa.”

“I’ll talk to Teresa.” Marcus nods. “If I get that position, it’s a director's job, I can pull some strings and get her a job at headquarters.”

You shake your head, a smile on your face, “you are amazing.” You lean in to kiss his cheek. “I’ll tell them I’m taking the job. We can figure everything out.” You promise and his phone starts to ring. “I’ll let you go home.” You say, standing up and he follows suit, deciding to silence the phone call so he can say goodbye.

“We will work it all out.” He promises as he walks with you to the door. He’s eager to get home and see about putting in for the position. He has a few friends in DC that he can call and have a conversation with.

****

Teresa is shocked when Marcus asks her to move to D.C with him, even more shocked when he proposes. She isn’t sure about the move to D.C but she can’t let him go. He’s a good man and although you and Theo aren’t her ideal, she’s reluctant to let Marcus go. 

When you hear about Marcus getting the job in D.C, you are ecstatic. When you hear about Marcus and Teresa being engaged, you try to be happy for him, but it’s hard. Teresa doesn’t seem to be on board about being a stepmom to Theo, nor does she seem able to tear herself away from Patrick Jane. You’re worried about Marcus getting hurt but you don’t want to say something in case Marcus turns against you. You can’t get involved for Theo’s sake. You often imagine being a family with Marcus and Theo but you’re not an idiot. Marcus loved Teresa otherwise he wouldn’t have asked her to marry him. You sigh and continue to pack. Theo has finished the school year and you threw a goodbye party for him, you leave tomorrow and it’s bittersweet but you’re excited for the future.

“So I’m going to go ahead and find us a place.” Marcus chatters with Teresa. “I’ve already got listings booked and I’m thinking of a house, at least three bedrooms.” He tells her. “I want a room for Theo, let him come over and spend the night, give his mom a break and let us bond together.” His apartment is packed and organized, ready for the movers to pick up. “What do you think?”

Teresa bites her lip as she holds her cell phone, Jane gesturing for her to hurry up as she shuffles her feet in the airport in Miami. “Yeah. I, uh, that sounds good. Marcus…I gotta go. This case…I’ll see you in D.C, yeah?” She says and Marcus frowns but doesn’t voice his annoyance, “sure. Speak later, honey. Love you.” He says and she hums before she hangs up the phone, following her partner out to their hired car.

****

“Oh my God, he did.” You nod, laughing alongside Theo and Marcus as Theo talks about his friend shoved a marble up his nose and you had to call his mom while taking the boy to the ER after you couldn’t remove it. Marcus shakes his head, laughing at Theo’s face. 

“I told him not to do it.” Theo mumbles and you chuckle, stopping when Marcus’s phone rings. 

“It’s Teresa.” He says and stands up, making his way into your new living room to take the call. “Hey.” Marcus smiles as he answers the phone, happy to see Teresa’s name pop up. She should be about to take off to come to D.C. He doesn’t quite understand why she called him a few hours earlier talking about coming sooner, but he’s happy. “You about to take off? I can’t wait to see you. You should see the new place.”

Teresa looks up as Jane runs onto the plane and she can hear Marcus talking to her but she doesn’t respond. Marcus frowns when he hears Jane say “I love you” to Teresa and that’s the moment he knows it’s over. He won’t be seeing Teresa in D.C. He guesses he should’ve seen this coming but a small part of him wanted him to be the one who comes out on top, who gets the girl for once. “Marcus, you okay?” You ask, “your ice cream is melting.”

“What?” He’s staring down at his phone, frowning at it and then looks back up at you. “Oh, oh yeah.” He shakes his head, plastering a fake smile on his face. “Everything’s good.” He motions back towards the kitchen. “Let’s go eat before it’s ice cream soup.”

You don’t believe that everything is fine but you don’t press as you walk back into the kitchen and Theo has already eaten half of his ice cream. “Where’s my cherry?” Marcus asks and Theo bites his lip. 

“Theo!” You reprimand the ten year old and Marcus shakes his head, snorting, “it’s fine. I’ll just have to have yours.” Marcus plucks the cherry from Theo’s sundae and the boy cries out in protest. 

“It’s not nice to take without asking, is it?” Marcus asks and Theo shakes his head, “no. I’m sorry, dad. You can have the cherry.” Theo shakes his head and Marcus places the cherry back in his son’s bowl. 

“You can have it but don’t take.” He teaches him and you nod, amazed at how far Marcus has come in being a father. It makes your heart thump and your stomach twist but you shove that aside.

He manages to eat his ice cream without causing his son to worry but he can feel your eyes on him. Wondering what is wrong since he’s not acting like himself. 

After ice cream, Marcus and Theo clean up the kitchen together. Marcus knows it’s important to have his son help you out and it’s good for him to see that a man should help with household upkeep. “Go tell your momma goodnight and get ready for bed, buddy.” He ruffles Theo’s hair after he dries his hands. “Thank you for helping.”

Theo comes rushing over and wraps his arms around you. “Goodnight mom.” He says and you bend over to kiss his hair, “go brush your teeth and get ready for bed. I’ll bring you some water and Dad will tuck you in.” You promise and Theo rushes off to the bathroom. You glance over at Marcus who is still in the kitchen, shoulders hunched. After Theo is in bed, you and Marcus bid him goodnight, shutting the door, and you walk into the living room and spin to face Marcus. 

“What’s happened?” You ask, knowing there’s something wrong.

His eyes slip closed and the tight rein on his control slips. He sighs and seems to just wilt under your gentle probing. “Teresa-“ he chokes out. “She’s- she’s not coming to D.C.” He turns and stumbles a few short steps to the couch and sags down into it, hunching forward and plopping his head into his hands, elbows on his knees.

You frown, sitting down beside him and you place your hand on his back. “What do you mean she's not coming? Is her flight delayed?” You ask, confused and wanting to comfort Marcus. He seems distraught and you feel helpless.

“She-“ he shakes his head and looks up, his eyes slightly watery. “Apparently Jane is in love with her and….” He shrugs. “She’s going to stay in Texas, with him.”

Your heart breaks for him, “oh Marcus. I- I’m so sorry.” You surge forward to wrap your arms around him, wanting to comfort him. He doesn’t need your opinion of Teresa or the situation, you know he needs you to just be there for him. “She’s a fucking idiot to pick Jane over you.”

“I should have known it wouldn’t be …” he shakes his head again. Not willing to burden you with the second thoughts that had plagued him and the terse unspoken things between him and Teresa. “It’s who she wants. I don’t want to be second place.”

You caress his back, resting your head on top of his shoulder. “You’re not second place. She didn’t know what she had. Jane is gonna break her heart. You were too good for her. Anyone could see it. Marcus…you deserve better.” You voice some of your opinion of Teresa, not wanting to say you think she’s a heartless bitch.

“It’s my fault.” Marcus groans, embarrassed that you are seeing this. Seeing him wallow like this. He should have just gone home. Now you are going to think that he is some kind of sap. Or worse, a horrible example for Theo. “I should have seen the signs. They were there.”

“She should’ve told you. She shouldn’t have dragged you along. She shouldn’t have accepted your proposal or agreed to move to D.C with you. I don’t see how this is your fault when you gave her every chance to say no. She should’ve backed out long ago if she was in love with Patrick Jane. She led you on and you should never blame yourself for that.”

“I should have ended things when I found out about Theo.” Marcus rambles on, appreciating your comfort but he always blames himself. “Concentrated on that. Instead of thinking about having it all.”

You huff, “finding out about Theo doesn’t change anything. She - Teresa didn’t exactly seem enthusiastic to get to know him and - and as his mother, I could sense that. You can have it all, sweetheart. You will. She just wasn’t the right one. I’m so sorry. You don’t deserve this.”

“I don’t want to be bringing women in and out of his life.” Marcus reaches out and he takes your hand, turning it over and kissing the back of it. “Thank you for trying to make me feel better, but I should go home.”

You nod, knowing he probably needs to go home and have a drink. “You’ll find the right one, Marcus. You deserve your happy ending.” You tell him, leaning in to kiss his cheek as he stands at your front door. “Go have a whiskey and pass out and tomorrow, wallow. Don’t force yourself to be happy, go lucky. You can be mad and upset.” You remind him, knowing he will try to push it aside.

“Thank you.” Again, the thought of where he would be if he had called you floats through his head but he doesn’t say anything. He’s not in the right headspace to say anything and you’ve never even hinted that you wanted anything to do with him. Besides, he doesn’t want a rebound. “I’ll see you later.” He pulls away and stands, grabbing his jacket and shuffling towards the door.

You watch him go and close the door, your heart breaking for him, and you want to fly to Miami and strangle Teresa for hurting him. He deserves more. You often wonder what life would've been like if he had called. Would you be married? Or would you be divorced? It’s hard to imagine you’d divorce Marcus. You know he’s gonna wallow and you make your way to bed, knowing you’ll be there for him no matter what.

****

“Hey.” Marcus has been wallowing for two weeks and he’s tired of feeling down and letting his personal life affect his relationship with you and his son. “What are you doing this weekend?” He tucks his phone against his shoulder and waits for you to answer. He’s gotten tickets to a Nationals game and wanted to take both of you.

You glance around your office, watching your staff walk down the hall through the window. “Nothing. I was gonna take Theo to the park, maybe get some brunch. What are you up to?” You ask him and he tells you about the baseball game. “Well you know Theo will love that.” You smile, “we haven’t been to a game here yet.”

“I’ve got three tickets.” He doesn’t say that it was for Teresa, because he had just bought them. “So I was hoping that you would come with us? Make it a group outing? Unless you want to take the time and have some alone, non-parental adult time for yourself?”

You bite your lip and know you’d love to spend some time to yourself but you also don’t want to miss out on spending time with Theo, and with Marcus. You want to discuss doing the DNA test to get shared custody of Theo so Marcus can spend more time with his son. “I’d like to go. I know Theo will love it and I think we could all use some time to enjoy ourselves.”

“Great!” He knows you are probably still worried about him, you’ve been texting him everyday. Checking on him and he appreciates it. He could have never imagined a better mother for his child or a friend. It makes him kick himself in the ass sometimes for not finding you after that night.

****

“You’re going undercover for a month?” You ask Marcus, arms crossed. It’s been three months since Teresa broke his heart and you’re worried he’s doing this because he wants to distract himself. You’ve been trying to keep him occupied, going on picnics, going to museums and the movies. All with Theo. It’s been hard to not want more from him but he’s emotionally drained and you have to put Theo first. “

“Yeah.” Marcus hates that he has to do this, but it’s also a good thing. He’s started imagining you as a complete family and he doesn’t want you to feel like he’s using you to get over Teresa. “Apparently there’s something that I can be good for.” He jokes quietly and flashes you a grin. “I’ve been sitting behind a desk too much lately.”

You don’t want him to go, you know undercover missions are dangerous and he won’t be able to communicate with you or Theo for the time that he’s gone. “You- you really want to go? I- Theo is going to miss you. So am I.” You admit, biting your lip as you stare at him.

“I’ll miss you both too.” That is easy to confess. “I will be safe, but honestly?” He sighs. “I’m the only one that can go in. My team isn’t exactly unknown in the art world.”

You nod, knowing you can’t stop him, this is his job. “You wanna stay for dinner and you can say goodbye to Theo?” You ask, a little annoyed that he waited until the day of to tell you but you can see he’s been nervous. 

“Sure.” You step forward to touch his upper arm, “you’d better not be killed, Pike…otherwise I’ll murder you.” You threaten playfully as you make your way to the kitchen to begin dinner while Theo sits at the table finishing his homework. Marcus chuckles like he was supposed to as you both walk into the kitchen.

“Hey buddy.” Marcus’ smile immediately brightens when he sees his son sitting at the table. 

“Hey dad.” He glances up and grins before he’s looking back down at his work sheets. 

“I wanted to talk to you before dinner.” Marcus sits down and waits until Theo puts his pencil down. “Buddy, I’ve got to go out of town for work. A big case and I’ve got to be out of touch. It’ll be for a month, and then I promise I’ll be back and you and I are going to spend a ton of time together.”

Theo frowns, “a whole month?” He asks and Marcus nods. “Why?” Theo whines and you turn to look at him in warning for his tone. 

“I gotta go fight bad guys. I can’t - I promise you I’ll spend as much time as possible with you when I get back.” Marcus promises and Theo pouts, “I don’t want you to go! You’re gonna disappear and I’ll never see you again.”

“That won’t happen.” Marcus promises, shaking his head. “If there’s an emergency, I’m going to give your mom a number so my work can get me a message.” He explains

You walk over to rub Theo’s back, “it’s okay, sweetheart. Your dad will be back  before you know it. He’s gotta go fight bad guys and he’s gonna come back and spend so much time with you. Maybe you can stay with your dads for a change.” You give Theo something to look forward to.

“We could do that?” Theo asks hopefully and Marcus nods. 

“Of course. I want you to stay. I want you to have your room set up just the way you want it.”

You nod, “your dad and I will talk when he’s back about spending some nights together. Boy time without mama.” You wink, and Marcus smiles at you before you finish cooking dinner. After you eat, it’s time for Marcus to go and you watch him say goodbye to Theo for the month.

There are extra long hugs and Theo tears up, but Marcus is right there with him. “I love you, buddy.” Marcus promises. “I’m going to be back as quickly as I can. And I’m going to be thinking about you all the time.”

You watch them say goodbye with tears in your eyes and you know it will be hard for Marcus and Theo to be away from each other. They are so close now and you wonder how they were ever apart. Marcus kisses his forehead and you watch Marcus as steps towards you. You wrap your arms around him and you breathe him in, holding him close before he leaves for at least four weeks.

“I’ll be back. I promise.” He doesn’t hesitate to kiss the top of your head. “Take care of our boy, okay?” He asks softly, wishing that he didn’t have to go.

You step back and you pull Theo into your side as Marcus grabs his jacket. “I’ll see you soon.” He promises both of you and Theo’s lower lip trembles as he watches his dad leave. 

“It’s okay baby.” You promise, pulling him into your arms to comfort him. You know he loves his father and if you’re being honest with yourself, so do you. 

**** 

The month seems to drag by and you decide to put up a calendar so Theo can cross off the days until his father is supposed to be home and finally, it’s that day. You are anxious, waiting for Marcus to call to say he’s coming home and finally, when the phone rings, you grab it so fast it nearly drops out of your hand. “Marcus.” You sigh, relieved when he says hello. “Are you okay? Are you safe?” You ask, desperate to hear that he’s fine.

“Hey.” Marcus grins, even though he’s exhausted. He just got out of a long debriefing and still has to fly home, but he wanted to hear your voice and Theo’s. “I’ve got a flight in about ten minutes. I should be back in D.C. late, but I was wondering if I could come over and see Theo? And you?”

You glance over at your computer, a little lost in the fact that he’s okay. Your pounding heart calms a little and you exhale softly. “Of course. Theo will be mad if I don’t let him see you as soon as you are back in D.C. Come over when you’re back. Theo can take the day off of school tomorrow and we can do something together to celebrate you being back. How long is the flight?” You ask and Marcus pauses, “I, uh, actually I’m flying from Austin. Had to go do a deposition. Figured I’d head straight there after the op ended to get it out of the way.” He confesses and you bite your lip, a little mad that he didn’t call first thing. 

“Oh, okay. Well, uh, I’ll see you soon.” You say and he clears his throat, “yeah. There’s something I wanna talk to you about. See you later.” He says vaguely and your stomach twists. What could he possibly want to talk about? 

You mull it over for a couple of hours until it hits you. “Teresa.” You choke, he’s getting back together with her. Something in your gut just tells you that’s what he wants to discuss.

On the flight, Marcus mulls over what he wants to say. He’s missed you. A lot. Not just Theo, but you as well. You’ve been on his mind constantly, wondering if you’re cooking dinner or curling up with your phone to giggle at videos that you’ll share with him. He realized over the last month that he’s been gone, he’s in love with you. It’s been hard to not call you and tell you, but he decided it was better to do it in person. If you don’t feel the same way, he won’t try to convince you. He’ll concentrate on helping you raise Theo. But he’s come to view the three of you as a family. The family that he’s been supposed to have all along.

The doorbell rings and you smile when Theo rushes to the door. “Hold on, sweetheart, let me check who it is.” You look through the peephole and your heart thumps as you see Marcus, looking different with a beard. You open the door and Theo rushes out, “dad!” He shouts and wraps his arms around Marcus.

“Hey buddy!” Marcus rushes towards his son and scoops him up into a crushing hug. Feeling instantly better now that his little boy is in his arms. “God, I missed you. I thought about you every day. Talked to you at night before I went to bed.” He pulls back and grins at the boy. “Have you been good for your momma?”

Theo surges forward to hug his dad again, reluctant to let go so you answer, “he’s been good. Been making a list of things he’s wanted to talk to you about so be prepared.” You joke and Marcus chuckles, “I got all the time for you, bud. I have the next week off so I’m all yours.” 

You are relieved to see Marcus and he steps forward to kiss your cheek while holding Theo close to his side. “Hey sweetheart.” He murmurs and you smile at him, letting him step into your apartment. 

“Come in, I’m just making dinner.” You tell him and shut the door behind him when Theo takes his hand to practically drag him inside.

Marcus chuckles and shakes his head. “You missed me?” He teases playfully but Theo just scoffs. 

“Of course I missed you dad. I didn’t have anyone to play catch with.” He sends you an apologetic look. “Mom tries but she’s not as good as you are.” 

He ruffles Theo’s hair. “That’s okay. Mom’s great at a lot of other things.”

You nod, “exactly. Who else is gonna make your lunch just how you like it? Daddy doesn’t know how to cut off the crusts.” You tease and Theo shakes his head, “I don’t want that anymore.” He lies, “I’m a big boy.” 

You snort, “sure thing baby.” You wink at Marcus as the boys sit at the kitchen table and you grab a beer for Marcus and a juice for Theo. 

“What did you do, dad? Did you fight the bad guys?”

“I did.” Marcus smiles a thank you towards you as he takes the beer. “But first I had to convince them that I was a bad guy too.” He admits and Theo’s eyes widen. 

“But you are the best!” He cries, making Marcus feel so very honored that his son thinks so highly of him. 

“I was just trying to get them to tell me all the bad stuff they were doing. And I did it. So I got to arrest them.”

“That’s awesome!” Theo cheers, a wide grin on his face and you are glad that Marcus is back with his son…for now at least. You work on dinner, listening to them catch up and when you sit down, Marcus asks how you’ve been. “Same old. Work has kept me busy. Trying and failing to play catch with this one keeps me occupied.” You tease Theo who looks down at his plate with a little remorse at his comment. You wink at him when he looks up to show you are teasing and he starts to dig into his dinner. “I, uh, had my mom come stay for a weekend. She looked after Theo while I went out with some work friends.”

“That’s great.” Marcus’ smile tightens slightly, wondering if it was a date. He doesn’t have any reason to be jealous, but he would love to take you out. To give you a kid free night and explore what could be between the two of you. “Did you have fun?”

“Yeah it was good.” You nod, “Theo had a good time with his grandma, right?” You ask the little boy who nods, “she gave me soooo much chocolate.” He says and you chuckle, “and she was told it was too much.” You remind him and ruffle his hair. 

You finish eating and Theo is reluctant to go to bed but you soon convince him to shower and get ready for bed so Marcus can go lay in the bed with him until he falls asleep. “Night, my love.” You kiss Theo on the forehead and pat Marcus’s side as he lays down and pulls Theo close to continue talking. 

“Dad?” Theo asks softly. 

“Yeah?” Marcus murmurs back. 

“Mommy missed you.” He reveals without you knowing.

“She did?” Marcus’ heart leaps in his chest but he focuses on his son, brushing his hair back. “Why do you say that?” He asks quietly. He wonders if you just agreed that you missed him when Theo said something or if you had been upset that he wasn’t around to help.

“She would stare at that photo of the three of us, that’s in the hall. She’d cry and think I couldn’t see it, hear her.” He whispers, innocent eyes wide as he looks at his father.

“Oh.” He closes his eyes and nods. “I understand.” He whispers, leaning in and pressing his forehead against Theo’s. “I’ll make sure I make it up to her too.” He promises. He knows how much Theo loves his mom. You’re easy to love.

Theo snuggles into his chest, closing his eyes. “I love you, dad.” He murmurs, falling asleep moments later. When Marcus comes out of Theo’s room, softly shutting the door behind him, you look up from your phone. “He asleep?” You ask and Marcus nods, “out like a light.” 

You smile softly, setting your phone down, “he’s missed you so much.” You tell Marcus who comes to sit down beside you. 

“I missed him.” He says and you notice him hesitating. 

“Marcus…do you have something you need to tell me? Because I’d rather you just rip the bandaid off if you’re gonna be moving back to Austin, back to Teresa.” You spit out your worries, unable to stop it.

“What?” Marcus’ eyes widen and he’s bewildered until he remembers that he had told you that he was flying back from Austin. “No, no, I’m not getting back together with Teresa.” He promises. “I’m not going back to Texas. I want to stay here with Theo. And you.” He takes a step closer to you. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking while I’ve been gone.”

You look up at him, your brow furrowed and you wonder what he’s talking about. “Me too. I want - I want us to have shared custody of Theo. Officially. I want you to be listed as his father and I want you to be able to have all the rights a father has.”

“Is that all you want?” He asks softly, knowing that he’s putting his heart on the line. “I want- I needed that time apart.” He admits. “I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t just feeling grateful for you after Teresa, but I know that I - I’m in love with you.”

You stare at him, in shock and your jaw drops slightly. “You- wait - you - Marcus?” You ask breathlessly. He fidgets, looking like he’s regretting telling you but you shake your head and surge forward to cup his cheeks, bringing his eyes back to you. “I love you for the brilliant agent you are. I love you for how kind you are. I love you for what an incredible father you are. I am so in love with you, Marcus Anthony Pike. You are the one that got away but you’re back now and I’m yours if you want me.” You promise him, voice steady as you give air to the emotions that have been plaguing you since long before Marcus left to go undercover.

His brow furrows and he pulls you closer, feeling both incredibly frustrated for all the time you’ve lost together and relieved that you feel the same way. He whispers your name. “I love you.” He promises before he ducks his head and presses his lips to yours.

The kiss is sweet and full of yearning. You and Marcus may have started off as a purely physical encounter but these feelings are the culmination of months and months of friendship and respect. You sigh into the kiss, your hands sliding down to rest on his chest and you can feel how fast his heart is thumping.

“Baby.” He pulls away and kisses down your jaw. “I love you. I just- I wanted to make sure -“ he groans again and his hands slide down to the very cusp of your ass. “I’ve felt so guilty. Because I wanted our little family to be real.”

You whimper when his lips kiss down your neck. “Marcus. Whatever happens- we - we agree that Theo comes first but - I really want to take you to my bed right now.” You admit, “and do naughty things to you.”

He groans against your pulse, unable to deny the fact that his cock is twitching. He’s had sex with you once and it is one of the highlights of his sexual experiences. So he might be a little nervous that he doesn’t live up to your expectations. “Let me make love to you.” He begs, scraping his teeth over your sensitive skin and grinning when you shudder. “I promise it won’t be the last time we are in bed together.”

You should be worried that this will change everything and if anything happens between you and Marcus, you put Theo in the middle. However, you don’t feel scared, you feel like this is meant to be. You feel like you belong with Marcus, in his arms. The love you feel isn’t fleeting or a honeymoon phase, it’s deep and real. “Take me to bed.” You request softly and Marcus takes your hand, guiding you to your bedroom. He’s been in here before but mainly to help with DIY stuff and when you’ve been putting laundry away. He shuts the door behind him while you shift towards the bed and when he walks over to cup your cheeks, you suddenly go a little shy. 

“Hi.” You murmur when his nose nudges yours. Marcus chuckles softly, “hi.” His response is soft and sweet, making you lean forward to press your lips together while your fingers work on the buttons of his shirt.

It’s slow. An opposite response to the first time that you were together. He wants you completely bare, he wants to be bare. He wants this to be what it should have been that first time. Sighing when your fingers brush his bare skin, he reaches for your hands and brings them up to kiss your fingers. “I’ve dreamed of touching you again so many times.” He confesses. “I want to make this good.”

“It’s you. It will be good because it’s you.” You promise him, your fingers caressing his jaw while his hands let go of yours to find the hem of your shirt. You let him pull it over your head and his hands caress your spine while they slide up to the clasp of your bra. “God, I love you.” You sigh after he removes your bra and he’s dragging you against him, your chests pressed together and your confession comes seconds before his lips find yours again.

Your taste is intoxicating, his tongue slides into your mouth and tangles with yours. Keeping it lighter, but the hunger is there, just simmering beneath the softness. His hands roam over your back before he slides them down to unhook your pants. “I want to taste you.” He groans against your lips. “Thought about it that night. Just spreading you apart wearing my cuffs and tonguing fucking your cunt on that jail cell bed.”

You moan softly at the memory of that night. How feral and rough it was. “Fuck, I- I think about that night all the time. When I- when I use my vibrator. Remember how you felt, the way you touched me. How you sounded.” You confess while he pushes your pants down and you step out of them to leave you in your underwear.

“I want to touch all of you.” He groans. “I wish I had just stripped you down. Fuck getting caught. You are gorgeous.” His hands caress your stomach, in awe that this body gave him Theo so long ago. “I can’t tell you how many times I jerked off thinking about that night. What I would have done if I had you again.”

“Shit, Marcus.” You pant, loving the dirty talk that’s spilling from his mouth and you reach down to squeeze his hard cock through his pants. “Always imagined sucking your cock. Wanting you to cum down my throat. So much I want you to do to me and me to you. Fuck.” You gasp when he bends over to take your nipple into his mouth. You tangle your fingers in his hair and push him further into your chest, your body almost shaking from the sensation after so long without physical touch.

He can’t help but groan when you tangle your fingers and tug. You hadn’t touched him that night and all of your previous touch had been innocent and friendly. Suckling hungrily, he bites down on your nipple gently and then soothing it with a loving lick. Imagining them filled with milk for his son. Imagining seeing you pregnant.

“Marcus. I want - I want to see all of you.” You plead when he lathes your other breast with attention until you’re pushing him back. You reach for his belt, unbuckling it and working fast to unbutton his pants. Reaching in to wrap your fingers around his cock that you never got to touch the first time.

“Fuck.” Marcus hisses, his hips rocking up. “Jesus, baby.” He lets you take control, knowing that you had been at his mercy the first time. He owes you this. “Sit on my face.” He begs, willing to do whatever you want but he wants his tongue into you.

You won’t argue with him, letting go of his cock to push your underwear down and he works on pushing his pants and boxers down, struggling to kick off his shoes until he’s left in just his socks and he’s in too much of a hurry to remove those. You watch him lay down and you kneel on the bed. “Fuck, I want to suck your cock too. Didn’t get a chance to.” You say, bending over to run your tongue along the underside of his cock as it rests heavy on his lower stomach.

“Fuck.” Marcus moans, nodding almost dumbly as your tongue presses against the head. “Whatever you want. I just want to make you feel good, baby”

You nod, shifting to straddle Marcus’s chest. You want to suck him off but you remind yourself that you don’t just have one night, you have as many as he will give you. You slow down a little as you sit on his chest and his hands grab your thighs, shifting you until you are hovering over his face.

“Jesus Christ, you have such a pretty cunt.” Marcus groans before he lunges up and dives into your folds. Sliding his tongue through the wetness and moaning at your taste.

Your hands find your headboard, a moan escaping your lips as his tongue dives deep. “Fuck! Marcus!” You cry, throwing your head back and you realize you were too loud for sleeping Theo. You bite your lip, trying to remain quiet and rocking your hips down to meet his eager tongue.

Marcus groans, his hands coaxing you to ride his face. He doesn’t want you to suppress your noises, he wants to hear all of them. Cock throbbing as he probes deeper into your cunt, his chin grinding against your clit.

You let go of your lip as you can’t help the moan that escapes you as you grind down onto his face, his hands squeezing your hips with encouragement and you whimper when he nudges your clit just right.

Chuckling, Marcus makes sure that you are still getting that pressure that makes you whimper. Watching your ass move as you rock on his tongue, lost in pleasure. He wonders when the last time you had someone do this for you. He knows it will be something regular now, as long as you want it.

His chuckle vibrates through you and you reach up to squeeze your own tits after letting go of the headboard, your head thrown back as you grind onto his face. “Fuck. Fuck. I’m gonna - Marc - oh shit.” You squeal and clamp down on his tongue, soaking his face as you cum with a low moan.

He swears he could cum from just that alone. Groaning and continuing to make sure that you have the best orgasm you can possibly experience. Slowing his tongue and just keeping you shaking as you ride it out.

You take a moment to savor the feel of him before you bend over, taking his hard cock into your mouth with renewed vigor after he made you cum so hard. His answering groan makes you work harder, shifting off of his face to take him deeper.

“Baby.” He gasps, reaching down and cupping your jaw. “Holy shit.” His eyes roll back in pleasure when you flick your tongue over his frenulum and suck on the tip. “Not- not gonna last if you do that.” He pants, wanting to be inside you when he cums.

You reluctantly pull off of him, shifting to straddle his thighs, his cock pressed against your stomach as you lean down to kiss him. Again, there’s no rush as you languidly caress his tongue with yours. “Fuck, I love you.” You murmur against his chin. “I have an IUD. I know we never discuss anything sexual but it’s been a while for me and I’m clean.” You haven’t been a nun since Theo was born, managing a few nights out with coworkers or friends while your mom babysat back in Austin and you ended up having sex before rushing home to relieve your mom, never taking it beyond that for Theo’s sake.

“I love you too.” Marcus promises. “I- I got tested after ending things with Teresa.” It was a part of the work up for his undercover mission, but he had been planning on scheduling it anyway. “I’m clean and I trust you completely. You know that. Or you should.”

You caress his chest after you sit up, “I trust you with everything I am.” You promise him and his answering grin makes your heart thump. You shift up onto your knees, reaching between you to grip his cock and you position him at your entrance, sinking down onto him with a moan as he slowly stretches you out.

Marcus watches in rapture as your face twists up in pleasure at the fill of him. “I love you.” He groans, caressing your side and smiling up at you as you adjust to him. He wants you to take your time, whatever time you need. He wants you to have the exact pleasure you want tonight.

You take a moment to adjust to him, he’s long and you feel like he’s already in your guts. You caress his chest and close your eyes for a moment, just feeling him. Finally, your thighs touch his and you open your eyes to look at him. “Fuck, you feel so good.” You admit after you lift up, slowly, and you feel him dragging against your walls as you sink back down onto him.

“You feel good.” He groans. “You felt so good that night, but now.” He shakes his head and squeezes your hips. “I love you. Fuck baby, you look so good. You belong right there.”

Your heart pounds as you look down at him, your hand sliding over his chest to feel how his heart beats and you love the way he’s looking at you like you’re the most precious thing in the world. “It was meant to be. That night. Us having sex. Having Theo. It took a while but this is where we belong.” You murmur, grinding down onto him.

“Yes it is, baby.” That he’s now completely certain of. “I want to make a real family with you.” He knows that serious conversations need to happen, Theo’s best interests need to come first, but he wants you to know how serious he is. “Us baby. The three of us.”

His words make tears spring in your eyes and you bend over, cupping his cheeks so you can kiss him. “The three of us. A family, oh God. You have no idea how many times I’ve imagined it. Maybe…maybe one day…another baby. If it works out.” You suggest, “want you to be there for it all.” You murmur, kissing his jaw as you rock back onto him.

“Fuck.” Marcus groans and his cock twitches inside you. “I hate that I missed it. I would have waited on you, hand and foot.” There’s nothing he wants more than to see you growing his child, but maybe there can be another one sometime soon. If you want. He would love it. “Want to marry you, baby.” He coos.

His words make you shiver at the idea of being Mrs. Pike, but in the best way possible. It’s something you’ve definitely thought about, you’d guiltily admit that you thought about it when he was with Teresa. You rock back onto him, your chest still pressed against his. “I want to be yours, Marcus. In every way. You are - fuck - you are everything I want.” You promise, leaning closer to kiss along his neck.

The moment lingers and it’s everything that he’s wanted. The sensation more than he had with Teresa. He knows that now. His hands slide up your back, tongue pressing against the dip in your shoulder.

You are breathless as you rock on top of him, “Marc.” You moan as your body shakes above him, getting closer and closer as the angle hits just right and his pelvis is rubbing against your clit. You bury your face in his neck when you cum. It’s slow and intense, making your entire body vibrate as you feel it from your toes all the way to your head. It’s dizzying and you shudder as you try to work yourself through it.

“Good girl.” Marcus moans, closing his eyes and feeling your body shake and shudder as you softly come down from your high until you are limp on top of him. “God, you are so perfect.”

You tilt your head to kiss him, enjoying the feel of him inside of you and the lingering haze of your orgasm. His tongue slides against yours and you’re in no rush. You have all night and hopefully every night from now on. His hands caress your back until he pulls back from your mouth and rolls you over, his body hovering over yours. “You gonna make love to me?” You ask softly, fingers caressing his lips.

“I am.” Marcus leans in and nudges his nose against yours. Pressing his lips to yours in a petal soft kiss before sliding his hand down to lift your thigh onto his hip. “Want to make sure you know exactly how I feel about you.”

You caress his shoulders, “show me.” You order, wanting to experience Marcus like this. After so many months of pining for him, watching him with Teresa. You finally have him and he’s taking his time to make sure you know how he feels. When he starts to move inside of you, it’s slow and you feel every ridge and vein of him. “Shit.” You pant, tilting your head back.

He keeps his lips on your skin. Trailing kisses up and down your throat as he slowly rocks into you. Just slow enough that you feel him move but he’s not even built up anything that could be considered a pace. Feeling like he’s home and relishing it.

You keep your head tilted back so he can kiss along it, making you sigh and your hands caress his shoulders before sliding up to his cheeks, bringing his face to yours so you can kiss him. You wrap both your legs around him, wanting him to be even closer and he barely moves as your tongues slide against each other.

It’s like time doesn’t matter right here, and it doesn’t. The fatigue, the sorrow, the loneliness all evaporate as the two of you slowly move towards that pinnacle together. Almost more emotional than physical as he wants to stay buried inside you.

You shift your hips and Marcus moves a little faster, sensing what you need without you saying it, and you whimper when he shifts deeper inside of you. The pace is still leisurely and your lips hover against his, eyes closed as you breathe him in.

“Fuck, I love you.” Marcus promises, rocking slowly and tightening his hold on you. Feeling like he’s in Heaven. “This is- everything to me.”

“Me too.” You promise in return, caressing his shoulders and back as he rocks into you and he’s still in no rush. “You’re everything to me. You and Theo. My - my fucking world. Would do anything for either of you.” You vow, clenching around his cock.

He hums, knowing you mean every word you say. You have been nothing but truthful with him. Good to him when he didn’t deserve it and he’s honored that you fell in love with him.

When Marcus picks up the pace a little, you tighten your grip on him and can’t stop the little moans that escape your lips. “Oh God. Yes, right there.” You murmur, lost in the pleasure and the emotion as he pushes deep inside of you.

“There?” He grunts, biting his lip and concentrating to make sure that he makes you cum again. His arms brace his body up above you, still close as he works his cock in and out of your tight cunt. “Fuck, one more baby.” He begs. “Give me one more.”

You can’t speak as he hits the right spot over and over. Your stomach twists and your thighs tighten around him as he pushes deep until you are clamping down on his cock. Your head thrown back as you cum, gushing around him as a silent cry of his name graces your lips.

“Oh god, baby.” He groans, and presses his lips to yours as he starts to feel his own orgasm start to take over. “I love you, I love you so much.”

You watch him as he cums, his eyes squeezing shut as his jaw drops after he pulls back from you and you squeeze him within your walls, wanting to milk him for everything he has. Your hands caress his shoulders, sliding down his back. “I love you too. More than you’ll ever know.” You promise against his chin .

Panting, Marcus smiles and kisses your lips again. “I can’t believe that we are here like this.” He admits with a small chuckle. “I think that the best thing I did was watch the drunk tank that night.”

You cup his cheek, “I think the best thing I did was go out to celebrate my graduation. It’s been - it’s been a wild journey but I wouldn’t change anything. I love you and Theo so much. My world. I want to be your wife, I want to have more of your babies. I want you. Forever. Marcus, I fucking love you.” You declare breathlessly and he grins, pecking your lips. 

“You’ll get everything you want because that’s what I want. You’re what I want. You and my Theo. You’re everything.” He promises and you pull him close, his cock still inside of you and you know that you were always meant to belong to Marcus and him to you. It took eleven years but you and Marcus are finally where you belong: together.

[portraitofalinkonfyre]

Burning Love

Chapter 6

Main Masterlist | Fic Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

There were, in fact, lizalfos’ in the library.

Wind was already fighting the creature, an unconscious Wild sprawled on the floor by a bookshelf, while Warriors and Legend danced around a second one. Four charged into the fray, slashing at the back of the one attacking Wind while he had the element of surprise. The creature hissed in pain when the blade connected with its armored back.

Four hopped gracefully over the lashing tail of the creature, allowing Wind to stab at its vulnerable underbelly. The lizalfos screeched, swinging its claws in a wide arc that would have torn his stomach open had he not ducked in the nick of time, slashing a nearby bookshelf in his stead. Books rained onto the floor below with heavy thuds, but he paid no mind to the destruction.

There was a piercing scream and Four snapped his head just in time to see your body collide soundly with the one of the many bookshelves, an absolutely massive lizalfos looming over your hunched form. There was a large gash on your right bicep, and he didn’t need enhanced vision to see the small amount of blood you spat out upon impact. Reaching behind you, you grabbed what appeared to be a large textbook, letting a fierce yell as you smacked the creature's face with all your might, but he knew it wouldn't be enough.

With a grunt of exertion, Four launched himself at the first lizalfos, slashing at it's throat with a battle cry that rivaled even Wilds, then, still clinging to the dying monster, swung his sword with deadly accuracy at the lizalfos attacking you, which shrieked harshly as the blade embedded itself in the creature's flesh.

There were several more shrieks as the last of the monsters were finished off, and an all-consuming silence settled in the building.

You were the first to move, wobbling over to examine Wild's fallen frame, tightly clutching your injured limb. Wind joined you, expression filled with worry. "Is he okay?!" the sailor caught sight of your arm and gasped: "Are you okay?!"

"I'll be fine," you said through gritted teeth, and it pained Four to see you in such a state. "We need to get out of here before more show up."

The doors to the archive slammed open. "What in Hylia?!" exclaimed Sky, while Hyrule swore under his breath and rushed over to you and Wild. "What happened here?"

"You tell me," you grunted, swatting at Hyrule's hands when he attempted to heal you. "Don't you dare– Wild's worse than I am."

Hyrule hesitated, green sparks illuminating the skin of his palms. "But–"

"Now, Hyrule," you hissed, tone brokering no argument. With a solemn expression, Hyrule relented, placing his hands on Wild's chest. You pulled a roll of bandages from your satchel and began to wrap Wild's head, crimson blood already blotting the fabric from the nasty gash on the champion's forehead.

Four would have been a fool to miss the pained grimace marring your expression every time you pulled the bandages tight, which is why he slid beside you and removed the roll from your trembling hands. "Hey–"

"Please," he said, because it was the only word he knew would freeze you in your tracks. "Let me."

You held his gaze for a long moment. Four returned it with a determined glint in his eye, and you relented with a sigh, leaning against the nearest bookshelf, eyes fluttering closed. "...Fine."

Four deftly continued your work, weaving and twisting the bandages around Wild's head until there was no blood to be seen. One of your eyes cracked open, watching him work. Dried blood flecked the corners of your mouth and expanse of your rough palms.

There was a shuffling sound as Hyrule patted Wild one last time, moving towards you with a determined expression. This time, you didn't shy away when the traveler laid his hand over the brunt of the gash, a familiar green light illuminating the torn, bloodied skin. If anything, you looked relieved, tilting your head against the shelf behind you.

"Do you think they came in through a portal?" Sky asked softly. "Hyrule and I were outside and we didn't see anything enter."

"That is concerning," Warriors piped up, looking at the corpses with vague interest, though he quickly grimaced at the amount of damage the archive had sustained. "We have two people down, we need to get out of here."

Everyone murmured in agreement, until Legend skidded around a splintered bookshelf, a rare look of panic on his face. "There's a portal!"

Four felt himself pale at the thought of one of those accursed things as silence reigned supreme, only broken by a pained groan that sounded vaguely like 'oh no' from Wild. The champion propped himself up on his elbows, his expression a picture of disgruntled confusion.

"Wild?" you called, trying and failing to scramble forward when Hyrule pushed you down with a hushed: "I'm not finished."

"What happened?" Wild asked groggily.

"A lizalfo knocked you out," Wind answered.

"My head hurts... did I fall?"

"A lizalfo knocked you out," repeated Wind, though his tone was slightly less sympathetic.

"Aww," Wild moaned, but it was swiftly cut off by Warrior's exasperated sigh.

"Someone carry him, we're burning daylight."

Twilight shrugged and bent to lift the errant hero, while Four busied himself with assisting Hyrule with dragging you to your feet, slinging his arm securely around your waist. You were too exhausted to protest, following his lead as the group made for the portal.

"Any idea where it goes?" Sky asked, though Four had a feeling it was mostly to himself.

"Nope," Legend responded, drawing his sword and pointing it at the swirling portal. "But we're about to find out."

You awoke on your bedroll. Or, rather, a bedroll that looked close enough to your own that you didn't bother questioning it. The sky was slightly cloudy, and the air carried a familiar rainy scent that reminded you of home.

You shifted to your side, hissing softly as your muscles screamed in protest, and took stock of your surroundings. Most of the Links were huddled around the crackling fire in the middle of the clearing, while Time and Warriors stood a bit off from the group, talking in hushed tones.

Crunch, went the ground as a pair of boots entered your line of sight.  You lifted your gaze, squinting slightly to make out Twilight's face amidst the blazing sunlight.

"How ya feelin', medic?"

"Sore," you grunted, forcing yourself into a sitting position, ignoring the rancher's offered hand in favor of studying the unfamiliar landscape. "...Where are we?"

"'Wild's Hyrule," Twilight wasted no time plopping down beside you. He nodded to your shoulder. "How's the arm?"

"Still attached," was your response, grinning at the slight chuckle from the rancher. "Do you need something?"

"As a matter 'o fact, I do," oh no, your brain supplied, and you couldn't be held responsible for the suspicious expression that graced your features.

"...Should I be worried?"

"Not at the moment," Twilight admitted. "'M not the best at this, but I'd like ta address somethin' with ya."

You raised an eyebrow, cocking your head. "About...?"

"Four."

Oh Hylia.

You pinched your temples. "Please don't tell me he threw up on Time again."

"Miraculously, that ain't it," the rancher joked before his tone turned serious. "He's physically fine an' dandy."

"...You know doesn't reassure me, right?"

"Hush, 'm trying to tell ya somethin'," Twilight cleared his throat and you fell quiet. "I can't tell ya everythin'--it ain't my story ta tell--but he's got somethin' going on right now an' he's worried 'bout what'll happen if he tells ya."

Um.

"He thinks I'll hate him?" You questioned, desperately hoping that wasn't the case. Above everything, Four was your friend, and you would sooner fight a lizalfo than do something so drastic. "Why?"

"'Cause he's a mooncalf," Twilight grumbled, and you wondered if it had anything to do with their conversation at the inn.

"Right," you deadpanned, scanning the camp for any signs of said hero. "I don't suppose you've seen him?"

"Seen who?" Four's voice intoned behind you, and, for a moment, all your brain could muster was speak of the devil and he shall come.

"'Bout time," the rancher grunted, laying a heavy pat to your head as he departed with a wink that seemed to say: 'good luck', you're gonna need it'.

"What was that about?" Four asked, and you shrugged, not trusting yourself to respond. The bedroll dipped slightly as he joined you on it. "How's your arm?"

You snorted at the feeling of deja vu that swept through you. "Still attached!"

Four laughed and your heart managed to skip a beat; it was a nice sound, coming from him. "I'd hope so," he flashed you a sweet grin. "Do you need anything? Water? Food?"

You shook your head. "I'm fine, just needed some rest."

"I'd say so… who you knew you had such a mean swing!"

You raised an eyebrow, the ghost of a grin lingering at the corners of your mouth. "Me? Have you seen what you can do with a sword?"

"Ah," the already present flush on his cheeks darkened and it was, well... you supposed you found it rather cute. "It's nothing, I'm good enough to do my job."

You deadpanned. "You took out two of those things in less than a minute."

"Well--" Four's blush deepened and you almost felt bad. Almost. "It's not--"

"--the same?" You interrupted, crossing your arms across your chest. "I beg to differ."

Instead of admitting defeat, Four mirrored your posture with a vaguely petulant expression. "...You're impossible."

"You're just figuring that out?"

There was something terribly, horribly wrong with him.

Four had always considered himself fairly level-headed, stoic... Hylia, even confident, so why did he feel so... so weak when talking with you?

Perhaps it was your gaze, sharper than steel and softer than silk, boring into his very soul, or the way you reached out to tenderly check his blazing temperature for the nth time, a healthy flash of concern flitting across your features. Maybe it was the way his heart jumped with every second next to you, or how he wished time would come to a stop when you were together.

And, of course, there was the distinct urge to never leave your side, to stay with you until the end of your days; an idea that seemed more tempting with each passing day. It was almost mortifying how appealing the rancher's 'suggestions' now seemed to him, though Four was still determined to grapple with the impending reality of Twilight's theory, which, also, was beginning to make an astonishing amount of sense to him. It explained everything; the temperature, his unusually ornery attitude, and the embarrassing stab of possessiveness he felt in his soul when he witnessed the rancher sitting on your bedroll earlier.

There was only one problem: you, both the problem and the solution. Even if he made peace with his... nature, who's to say you would agree to that with him? While he was sure height wouldn't be a dealbreaker for he, he worried that you only saw him as a friend, despite the glaring evidence that Twilight practically preached existed.

It was all so confusing, he thought, watching with a small smile as you helped a groggy-looking Sky prepare lunch; a delectable-smelling curry that he couldn't wait to dig into. Your arm flexed as you chopped a bird leg into small cubes, laughing as Warrior made a quip that was all but ineligible to his one-track-mind, and Four nearly excused himself to the woods then and there.

"Ugh, are you still staring?" Legend's voice broke through the fog, and Four immediately scowled. "I think I'm going to barf."

"Nice to see you too," he deadpanned. "Aren't you supposed to be bossing everyone around?"

The pantless hero snorted, hands on his hips. "Don't turn this on me, smithy; you're not subtle."

"Oh yeah?" Four challenged. "And you're telling me you are?"

"Shush, I'm trying to instill some wisdom in that thick skull of yours."

"Goodie."

The bedroll shook as Legend practically threw himself down on it. "It's getting real painful, you know."

"...Dare I ask what?"

Four blinked in shock when Legend poked him in the chest. "Watching you moon over the medic like an idiot, that's what."

"Hey now--"

"Don't 'hey now' me, smithy," the veteran interjected, though there was no real heat behind his words. "You're going to fix this or Hylia help me, I'm going to do it for you!"

Four was lost for words, suddenly glad the others were well out of earshot. "I-- excuse me?"

"You're excused," snarked Legend, and the smithy wondered if he had finally descended into madness. "Now, we'll be at Kakariko Village before noon tomorrow."

"Uh," Four said. "That's nice?"

Legend's eye twitched. "If I have to witness another week of you two dancing around each other like rabbits, I'm going to lose it. Get it together, Four."

With that, he was gone. Four watched Legend's retreating form with disinterest, though the other hero's words had given him a fair bit to mull over, as if he did already have a thousand other things to think about.

Until you called his name, bearing two bowls of curry, and the smithy found his mind becoming carefully blank once more. You plopped in the spot Legend had just occupied, handed him his food, all the while chatting innocuously about how excited you were to see Karariko for the first time.

Four dug into the curry with gusto, nodding along to your words. Only when you turned to grin at him, the handle of your spoon sticking from between your lips like a pipe, did a revelation brighter than the sun crash down onto him.

Four didn't recall falling in love, but he sure as hell remembered the feeling.

Twilight, you dog! XD

I swear someone'll knock some sense into Four.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Off the Page 2

Warnings: non/dubcon and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

Characters: skinny!Steve

Part of the Bookstore AU

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

You take a page out of Maria’s book and sleep on the train. The night at the hotel wasn’t long enough. By the time you ate, you were too tired to enjoy the fancy tub and your alarm woke you well before you were ready. As your stop comes, you’re still groggy and barely ready for your evening meet and greet. 

Isn’t this the dream? Running yourself ragged as a bestselling author? Seeing all the fans who love the words that you wrote? Who see themselves in the characters you created? So much a dream that you feel as if you’re falling asleep again. 

Wake up! You splash water over your face in the bookstore bathroom. It’s not glamourous. You have the small space to refresh before you face the masses. You hoped for a smaller crowd given the time of day and the lesser known location. How wrong you are; you can hear the buzz of fans through the walls. 

“Hey,” Maria enters without knocking. She’s like that. You and your agent have gotten rather cozy in those last weeks. A bit too much at times. “Almost ready?” 

“Yeah, sorry, I... is this blouse okay?” You ask as you touch the satin, patterned with violets, “I don’t even know why I bought this?” 

“It looks fine,” she assures, “you’re not a writer if you’re not at least a little eccentric, right?” 

“Oh, and what about book agents?” You challenge, “are they all so stylish?’ 

“Of course. We’re the face that sells the tour. All you have to do is smile and sacrifice your hand to carpal tunnel syndrome,” she teases, “just you wait until the interview. That's the heavy lifting.” 

“Interview?” You check yourself one last time in the mirror. 

“Didn’t I mention? The local station wants a sit down before we’re off tomorrow,” she explains, “I said yes. It’s a decent check and good business. Any publicity is good publicity. Publisher signed off on it too so... can’t back out.” 

“Oh, and you were going to tell me when?” 

“Right now,” she shrugs, “come on, your adoring fans are waiting for their elf queen.” 

“Oof, don’t,” you cringe, “you make it sound so lame.” 

“If it was lame, you wouldn’t be here,” she asserts. 

“Suppose you’re right,” you pack your things up into your bag and shove it in the corner. “Alright, I’m ready.” 

You follow her into the hall and through to the main area of the bookstore. It’s been closed early for the event, a meet and greet exclusive to those who claimed the limited one hundred tickets for sale. Each ticket includes the cost of a free signed edition and bookmark. Funny to think you’d once been on the other side of one of these things. The eager beaver reader aspiring to be the star author. 

As you come into sigh of the audience, they cheer. You’re still not used to that either. You wave and smile out at them. The moderator, an employee of the bookshop chain, calls for their attention over the microphone and introduces you. There’s another softer round of applause. 

You take your seat on the stool and let out a breath. You start with the reading. You try not to do the same chapter, instead cycling through your favourites. Some you even know by rote now. 

Then comes the Q and A session. You know all the answers. You find it’s always the same questions. Besides, you created this world, these characters, if there isn’t anything written, then you get to decide. 

A group a giggly women finish asking their questions about the ‘rumoured’ sequel to which you give your PR friendly deflection. After them, you wait for the next person to appear. There’s some scuffling at the microphone as they lower it. You wait patiently and smile at the slender blond man. He’s vaguely familiar. 

“Hi, um, my question is, whether Emeris is truly the promised knight or if he was just in the right place at the right time?” 

You nod as you listen, your thoughts whirring. It’s not an entirely out-there question. It isn’t what he’s asking that gives you pause. You swear you’ve seen him before. 

“Well, we can’t know for sure. I like to think of the promised knight as not a specific person fated from birth but rather a possibility for all. The promised knight is the one who can step up in that time of need and do what it is needed,” you explain. “I hope that makes sense.” 

The man doesn’t speak right away, himself stalling before he can respond, “yes, I guess it does. Thank you.” 

He lingers at the microphone for a moment as he watches you. He clutches a worn copy to his chest tightly. That’s familiar too. 

Strange. You're sure there’s lots of people who double dip. You have to admit you did it once yourself. Sometimes you just need that thrill.  

The blond man steps back and lets the next person ahead of him but he doesn’t go far. He stays close to the queue of people and you feel him staring you down. Everyone is watching you but his gaze just feels so much more intense. You do your best to focus on the person at the microphone. 

Several others ask their questions or just give their praise. The man remains. You can’t shake the sense of him. He’s like a shadow. You don’t know why you’re so aware of him. 

Finally, you finish up and it’s time to announce the special prize. It’s a raffle set up by ticket number. The package isn’t anything special; a collector’s edition, a mug, and some pens that look like quills. The moderator brings up a box filled with slips and you reach inside. You read out the number and the crowd mutters. 

“Me,” a deep voice rings out, a hand popping up from lower down. The blond man steps forward and waves his ticket, “it’s mine.” 

Strange coincidence. You keep your smile plastered on. You don’t need another Maria lecture about your tired moping. You’re handed the prize basket and you carry it down to meet the man. 

“Congratulations,” you say as he meets you at the lip of the low platform. 

“Thank you,” he beams up brightly, “it’s nice to see you again.” 

You try not to show your surprise, “yeah, uh... you too.” You don’t know what else to say. You don’t remember exactly where you saw him and definitely not a name; you hear too many of those to keep track. 

“Really?” He breathes. 

“Er, enjoy your prize. Thank you so much for coming.” 

“Of course. Always. Anytime,” he avows shakily. “’To you, my queen, I bid my blood and breath.’” 

You hesitate. That’s from the book. Emeris proclaims it to the elvish protagonist on her quest to reclaim her stolen homeland. It’s flattering yet slightly unsettling to have it recited to you. 

“Have a good night,” you say gently and turn to walk back across the platform. You’re tired, you need to get out of here. 

[peachsukii]

𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚜; 𝚊𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎, 𝚏𝚎𝚊𝚛 — 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎. 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚐𝚒𝚛𝚕, 𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛?

𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜.

↬ welcome to the "what's your favorite scary movie?" collab!

『 navi // masterlist | pinterest board | playlist | ao3 collection 』

what's WYFSM about?

any and all things horror related! no matter how tame or gruesome, every flavor of horror (and sci-fi/super natural/thriller/psychological!) is welcomed. i'm a huge fan of the horror genre and love consuming the angst and survival of it all — that's it! :)

rules & themes

anyone is welcome to join! all content must contain horror elements of some kind. this could be a re-telling of a movie, game or book, or an original idea! (examples; One Piece in Scary Movie or Fairy Tail in Dead Space, etc.)

— need help finding an idea? check out the resources below!

⊹ fic requirements | written in x reader or OC format with no word limit ⊹ fandoms | any fandom is welcome! ⊹ ratings | sfw & nsfw are accepted as long as they tagged appropriately (you must be 18+ to participate & have your age visible in your profile!) ⊹ content | there's no limit to how many people can write for one character/trope/movie/etc. ⊹ deadlines | spots are open until 10/15/24 & entries due 10/31/24!

any other questions? feel free to message me or comment!

interested in joining?

⊹ how to enter | send me a message or an ask and the following info: — potential title (can just be tbd! as a placeholder), character, and tags & content. if you're using a source as a base storyline (movie/game/book), please include that as well! (example; knives in the back - based off of friday the 13th, nsfw angst/comfort/dark content with Jo Togame) ⊹ submissions | when your finished with your fic, send me an ask with the link to add to the masterlist! — be sure to tag your entry with the #WYFSMcollab tag and myself @peachsukii ! if you cross-post to a03, send that link as well so I can add your entry to the collection <3

resources

⊹ inspo prompts | [all] - [angst] - [apocalypse] - [post-apocalypse] - [end of the world] - [vampire] - [werewolf] - [supernatural] - [aliens] - [amnesia] ⊹ list of | [movies/games/books]

『 all work belongs to the respective collaborators. please do not steal, plagiarize, modify, or repost any of the content. Member of the @pixelcafe-network . ♡ 』

[ithebookhoarder]

Calling Out (Matt Murdock x Reader)

Description: You're always there for Matt when he needs you, but tonight he's keen to remind you that he's there for you too.

A/N: Set during S2 Ep 10 after the attack on Reyes - I couldn't resist.

Warnings: Angst, mentions of violence, mentions of death, gun violence references, injury references

Masterlist

Sleep was impossible. 

No matter how hard you tried, you’d been tossing and turning since the moment you’d got home. It didn’t matter what you did, you couldn’t seem to turn it off - to quieten the worsening anxiety inside of you. 

You’d seen the news. You hadn’t meant to be watching but it had been on in the corner of the office, as it always was, silently playing in the background. 

The rolling banner on the screen was what caught your attention first, followed by the collective murmurs of disbelief from colleagues surrounding you: DA dead in courthouse shooting. 

Your stomach had dropped instantly. 

Matt. 

Even now, in your apartment, the all-consuming terror roared inside of you, drowning out anything other than the voices in your head. The fear and adrenaline were pounding in your veins, no matter how many times you told yourself that Matt was ok. He was alright. 

He’d answered the phone the moment you’d called, voice frantic as you begged to know what had happened - that he was alive and unharmed. You’d even spoken to Karen and Foggy to corroborate that fact.

That had been enough for then, enough to calm yourself and allow you to go back to work safe in the knowledge Matt was coming home to you. That he’d eventually walk through your door tonight after finishing patrol, after he’d washed away the grime and the dirt from a night in the city. It was routine - your routine… yet he still hadn’t come. 

Where was he? Why hadn’t he come yet? Was he hurt? 

It was hard to shut the thoughts down, especially as you kept replaying today over and over again in your mind. 

What if... Those two words taunted you. 

What if Matt had been sat closer to Reyes? What if he hadn’t heard the gun cock? What if the bullets had been just an inch closer and killed him and everyone else in that office? 

Sure, Foggy had been hit but at least he would recover. Matt had been just quick enough to change what should have been fatal to a flesh wound. But that was Matt all over… He had always danced with danger and death, but right now it felt like he’d never come closer to it. 

You choked back a sob and grabbed your phone.

“Hello?”

Of course he picked up on the first ring. 

"Hey, Matt," you choked, doing your best to keep your voice calm and steady. It was no use though, he knew you too well - and that was without his ‘super-senses’.  He could probably hear the way you were biting your lip and fighting tears through the phone. 

As if reading your mind, Matt’s voice became filled with concern. You could even picture his brow creasing, as it often did when he was upset. Normally you were the one to make it better, kissing his forehead until the lines simply melted away. But tonight, it was the other way around.  

"Y/N? Honey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," you answered quickly. "I just… I needed to hear your voice. I know it's late, and you probably only just got back from patrol, and I’m so sorry, but I was wondering if you were still coming over or not-"

"Hey, hey. It's ok, don't apologise," Matt soothed. "I was late getting back in and wasn’t sure if you would be asleep by now, else I’d have called to tell you. Why? What’s wrong?"

"I told you, it’s nothing. I just wanted to... to make sure you were okay-"

It would have probably been more believable if your voice hadn’t decided to crack at that exact moment. As it was, your hands began to tremble, making it hard to keep a grip on your phone. 

Thankfully, Matt could read you like a book. 

"Y/N, listen to me very carefully… I’m okay," he soothed, letting the words sink in. "Sweetheart, I’m okay. I promise."

"I know, Matt, but ... When I saw what had happened on the news, I couldn’t breathe. It’s one thing to know you’re out at night, doing what you do, but that’s different. That’s the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen and not… this was close, Matty. This was you, in broad daylight and I can’t lose you. It was close, too close." 

The words fell from your lips without you even realising. It was as if he had removed the cork from a bottle, all the pent up emotions and fears simply spilling over in a steady stream. 

You didn’t know how to make it stop. 

"Y/N… do you want me to come over?" 

You immediately froze at the question. The answer was on your tongue but a sudden rush of guilt hit you before you could give in.

He was probably exhausted and given what he’d been through, asking him to come all the way over to your apartment just so you could squash your own fears was selfish. 

"No, don’t worry about it, Matt. You just got in and you need to sleep. You've been through a lot today and I - I’m being stupid. Don't worry, please."

"But-"

"I’ll just see you at the coffee stand, before work, ok?" you rushed, wiping a stray tear away as it finally broke free. “Love you, Matty. Goodnight."

You hung up before he could say another word. 

Hearing his voice had been helpful, you couldn’t lie, but it was no substitute for seeing him in person. To be able to hold him, to breathe in the scent that was so distinctly him. 

Taking a deep breath, you lay back against your pillows, staring aimlessly at the ceiling fan as it span in circles over and over and over… 

Until there was a knock at the door. 

You paused. 

Peeling back the sheets, you stumbled to the door, somehow knowing who it was long before you stared through the peephole. 

“Matt?” 

You couldn’t quite believe your eyes as you took him in, in the flesh, on your doorstep, at 5 in the morning. Hell, his hair was still sticking up at odd angles, and he had his favourite pair of grey sweatpants on, like he’d got out of bed and run the entire way here. 

The sight was enough to make your heart ache all over again. 

“What are you doing here?”

Matt’s lips tugged into that familiar smirk that you loved so much. “Isn’t it obvious? I wanted to see you."

Just like that, the tears began to flow. You couldn’t help it as you collapsed into his arms, letting him haul you close as relief washed over you. 

“I’m here,” he purred. “I’m here...”

[hoes4lino]

Do you wanna share a towel? | LMH

WARNING ⊂✦⊃ This story contains nsfw content; minors please don’t interact, please beware of what you consume online.

Genre: Childhood friends to Enemies to Lovers

Word count: 2k

Summary: it’s spring break and your mom and her best friend decide to rent an airbnb to spend the week in, everything sounds great until you realize Minho has to tag along.

A/N: pretty little liars inspired me to come back from death and write this fic hope y’all enjoy <3

It was a cloudy day on a Sunday morning the weather didn’t look the best, a heavy storm coming its way. You finish packing your stuff as you stare at the window, the light rain and the dim lights of the porch bringing some type of comfort to your heart.

*Ding*

The light of your phone lights up at the notification, you grabbed it to see a text from the person you hoped not hearing from today… specially this early.

lifeless hoe: don’t think im texting you cause i want to.

lifeless hoe: my mom’s phone ran out of battery, she told me to warn you and your mom about the storm

lifeless hoe: we already in the house, so she will be waiting for you, stay safe (that’s meant for your mom btw) <3

You roll your eyes at his texts and reply back with a simple k.

Its not like you hate him, but he seems to not like you at all and you been trying to figure out why. He and you been knowing each other since kids, both your moms are best friends and therefore you two had no choice but to grew up together. As kids the two of you had a cute friendship but as both of you reached puberty the friendship started to die, both of you being too busy with friends, parties and relationships to focus on your childhood friendship. You realized Minho didn’t like you anymore the moment you started dating one of his friends, he suddenly became distant and he would never told you why. When you broke up with his friend he seemed to calm down a little bit, but the coldness was always there.

Preparing your favorite book and your Spotify playlist you place your stuff in the car, ready for the long roadtrip, making your calculation you assumed you will be there by dinner, depending on how strong is the storm. The sounds of the droplets hitting the car roof as you listened to your favorite song and stared outside the window; made you feel at peace, your eyes slowly closing as you drift into peaceful sleep. Thats until someone abruptly opens the car door almost making you fall from it.

“Wake up sleeping beauty” someone said with a mocking tone, adjusting your vision you look up to see no other but Lee Minho.

You scoff “out of all people, you are the first one i have to see in this trip” you yawn as you stretch looking around a little bit confused.

“Ok ok, can you hurry the fuck up? The rain just calmed down and you been sleeping here for an hour now” he said impatiently as he hold an umbrella and your suitcase on the other hand.

As you get out of the car and walked under his umbrella you speak up to break the awkward silence “so you telling me… we arrived an hour ago and my mom didn’t wake me up?” You said in confusion with a little bit of betrayal in your tone.

“Yeah… my mom came to greet your mom and they just walked back to the house, this whole time they thought you were with me” he chuckled a little bit as he started to walk fasted.

“YAH walk slower im getting wet” you complain as you try to match his steps “oh really” he said teasingly, he stopped and looked at you directly in your eyes “bet” he said, making you raise an eyebrow in confusion; suddenly he started running leaving you couple centimeters behind with no umbrella.

“YAH LEE MINHO” you screamed as you chased him down the rain, that’s when you knew it was about to be a long week.

————————————————————————————————————————————

It was 8pm from that same day, you were in your bathroom about take a shower when someone knocked on the door “occupied” you said as the door started to open.

“My bad, i need to take a shower and this is the only bathroom with hot water” he said as he took off his shirt and place his towel on the counter besides you.

“Well if you haven’t noticed, im also about to take a bath, wait till your turn you creep” you roll your eyes trying to push him away but he is heavier than you thought. Suddenly you catch him looking around the bathroom, making you mimic his movements.

“Well” he emphasized the word “in case you haven’t noticed you didn’t brought a towel” he paused thinking if the next thing he had to say was worth it “do you wanna share a towel?” He said in a very teasing way, his eyes piercing right through yours and his smirk seductively as ever.

The moment you moved your gaze to your blushing self in the mirror you wanted to die.. this can’t get any worse.

“You win. Im leaving” you said a bitter tone as you send him a death stare, however as you are about to leave the bathroom, you hear your mom barging in your room.

“y/n” she said, as suddenly Minho leans towards your ear and whispers “oh oh, think what your mom will think if she comes in and sees her daughter with her best friend son in the bathroom while he is half naked” he chuckled as he started to undress and get in the shower.

“You asshole” you swear under your breath, your mom knocking the door “y/n, I need my phone I left it there charging while I showered, im going in” she said, as you panicky entered the shower with Minho there.

He looked at you in surprise as he didn’t thought you would dare to join him, you could see his intentions to say something so you got closer and covered his mouth with your hand while your mom walked through the bathroom.

“Dinner is at 9:30pm please don’t be late, see you there honey” with that she finally exited the bathroom, a huge relieve hovering you as you didn’t get caught.

“You asshole, you almost set us up for trouble” you cry in desperation. “See I wouldn’t mind you scolding me, if I wasn’t naked and if I couldn’t see your nipples through your white shirt” you look down to were his eyes were focusing on, to see your white tank top fully drenched in water reveling your tits to him.

For a second you forgot everything and stared at the man infront of you, lips slightly parted, dark brown eyes, wet brown hair that slightly covered his eyes and moving down you saw his honey tone chest covered with water droplets that would slide all the way down to his… STOP

you brought yourself back to reality “mom said dinner is at 9:30…” you paused not even knowing what you are saying “we can’t be late” you are about to leave the shower, when you felt his hand grabbing your wrist “she said don’t be late” he said, you look at him confused “just shower with me” he finishes making you die of laugher “thats the stupidest idea you ever came with” you laugh at him “hey why? our moms used to bath us together when we were kids to save time” he argued back “Minho we were 3… things have changed now” you scoff.

“Oh so you are saying that if you bathed with me you will want to fuck me?” He raised a brow “what?! No!! NEVER” you argue back “actually I think you will be the one having THAT problem” you smirk at him, kinda like daring him to see who would cave into temptation first “BET” he says.

With that you agree to his little game, undressing yourself painfully slow, can feel his eyes hovering your body, as you remove all your cloth, once being fully naked you walk closer to him startling him.

“What? I need to get under the shower, if not how else am I supposed to get wet?” You give him an innocent look and thats when he knew he was screw.

As the hot water starts pouring down your body, you bend down fully letting Minho have a view of your back shot, he could feel his body starting to betray him, but he refused to give in first, he wanted you to be the one begging for him touch. You stood back up with your loofah full with soap, slowly moving it everywhere in your body, his eyes hypnotized by the movement.

“What? Already losing” you smile at him, your ego being boosted by the type of power you had on him, that was until you suddenly gasp, as you feel him caging you, your front being pressed against the glass wall of the shower and him being behind you.

“Im sorry, I just needed to grab the shampoo” you turn to look at him scoffing “you definitely did that on purpose” you glare at his eyes “maybe, but I know what you being doing” he took a step closer “or am I wrong” he titled his head as he caressed your cheek “oh so you are the first one to give in huh” you smile as he laughed “will see” he said as you raised a brow in confusion, with that he suddenly touched your pussy and started teasing your clit as he kissed your neck and ears. You swore you could see the stars, the way his finger moved in a circular way on your clit and the way his tongue danced on your neck, desperate moans begging for more. Thats when suddenly a tap on your shoulder startled you and you woke up.

“Having a wet dream?” You see the man laying next to you and blood rushed over to your cheeks… it was… all a dream… you were having a wet dream with MINHO.

he chuckled… “don’t worry I also have those with you pretty often, just relax, we have the whole week in this house for ourselves” he teased as he got up from your bed “dinner is ready” were his last words as he left the room leaving you dumbfounded and with an aching core.

[blueskylinesx]

Tomato Red - Chapter Six

Parings: Jesse Cash x Female Reader

Warnings/Triggers: Language, anxiety/nervousness, arguing, self - doubt, barely making it in time, fluff, sexualization, smut. If I missed any tags please feel free to let me know so I can add them!

Summary: The local cafe/bookstore down the street was Jesse's usual hang out spot where he spent hours reading books and working on music. Until one day when he meets a new barista working the bookstore cafe. Suddenly, Jesse's reasons for visiting the bookstore down the road were no longer just for reading and work... but were suddenly meant for much more.

Author’s Note: I am so sorry this chapter took me so long to get out! But I stayed up super late to finally get this finished and posted for you guys. Thank you endlessly for everyone's continued support for Tomato Red. I will never be able to thank you all enough. <3

Tags: @thefallennightmare @collidewiththesav @collidewiththesavannah @artificialbreezy @thatchickwiththecamera @follow-me-down-to-wonderland @chewyylynn @cncohshit @arkiliastuff @lma1986 @lonelydragonlady @supersquirrel1996

If you would like to be added to the tags list please let me know and I would be honored to do so! :)

READER

My eyes weighed heavily and were swollen red from all the crying I let out the last few days. I hadn’t spoken to Jesse in three days, three intensely long days. It’s not that I didn’t want to, the thought of calling him or showing up at his place to knock on the door and ask if we could talk was all that consumed me. 

But I couldn’t muster up the confidence to do so. I would often grab my phone and stare down at his contact and the last few text messages he sent me. Trying to find the right words to finally respond back to him. But, were there any right words that could fix the mistake I made that night?

Was there anything that I could even say that would make everything go away and make everything go back to how it was before we ended up here? Guilt ate away at me, biting into my insides and taking chunks out of my gut and my heart. Why did I freak out like that? Why did I fucking storm out? Why? Why? WHY?!?

I sat up in bed and angrily threw the blankets off of my legs and punched the mattress underneath me. God, I’m so fucked up, I thought to myself. Jesse didn’t deserve this, he didn’t deserve what I did. 

Jesse is kind and is caring, and he is completely in the dark thinking he did something wrong. When in reality, this was all on me. I’m the one at fault here, I’m the one who fucked everything up. All because my past has made me put up walls that I’m so afraid of tearing down. When things started getting real and I finally had a moment to catch up to speed it all hit me at once.

When I was laying there in Jesse’s bed, legs bare to the chilly air, the room started spinning and getting smaller, caving in on me. My breathing started getting erratic and my chest felt so heavy like it was going to combust. Jesse’s phone conversation seemed so small, so silly at first. Even now looking back at it, it was just a phone call… one simple little phone call.

But it was enough to send me into a panic overdrive. I hadn’t had a panic attack that intense since when I caught Jake cheating on me. I laid there in that bed so desperate for Jesse to come back and hold me and tell me it was all okay. But my mind didn’t allow me enough time to put all the worry on pause. The voices in my head quickly consumed me and told me that I wasn’t enough. I could never be enough for Jesse. Especially now, after what I did.

He probably fucking hates me, and I deserve it. I hate me too. 

I pushed myself up out of bed and glanced over at my phone that was turned screen side down against my bedside nightstand. A wave of anxiety flooded through me and intense nausea casted down on me like a raincloud before it starts to pour. I shook my hands in an attempt to shake out the guilt and headed towards the bathroom to begin getting ready for my shift at the cafe.

READER 

It had been a busy morning, per usual. When I first clocked in Kate was having a screaming match with the oven in the back. The pastries were burning on the bottoms but were still raw in the center. We tried moving around the racks, adjusting the oven temp settings, even arranging the pastries so that there were only a few on the pan at a time but nothing seemed to work.

With the sink situation that happened last week and now this new oven issue, I knew Kate was on the edge of her breaking point. She was barely ever home with all the hours she had been working at the cafe. Last night when I went out into the kitchen to have myself a bowl of sad girl ice cream I overheard her speaker playing out from her bedroom. She had been listening to Billie Eilish, which was her usual go to artist when she was feeling down in the dumps.

I thought about knocking on her door and asking if she wanted to talk about it, but I wasn’t even in the right headspace to take care of myself the last few days. What could I possibly say to her that would make her feel any better? 

Me and Kate were so different but also so alike in the way that we handle and cope with things. I think a lot of it had to do with our childhood and our parents. When we were younger, we never really could rely on our parents to go and talk with when we had issues or were struggling with things.

Our parents were so focused on their own bullshit relationship and being so miserable with each other that they were too blind to notice when their own children were struggling. Me and Kate both had a bad habit at bottling up our feelings and emotions and trying to work through them ourselves because our parents were never there emotionally for us.

It wasn’t healthy, we both knew that. But it was the only way we knew how to handle all of our shit when it seemed too much. That way we didn’t have to let whatever the fuck was going on with us leak out onto whatever and whoever else and create any bigger issues we couldn’t handle.

Kate slammed the oven door and let out a deep aggressive sigh, “fuck it I’m over fighting with this stupid piece of shit. I guess I’ll go ahead and call this in too since everything around here decides it just wants to break!” She yanked the oven mitts off her hands and threw them onto the bakers table.

I glanced over and she was digging into her back pocket to pull her phone out, “Kate, do you want me to call? I know last week the sink situation was a lot, I don’t mind.” I went to walk towards her to lay my hand on her shoulder but she started walking away from me to head to the small back office.

She didn’t respond to me, so I continued to follow her. We both made our way into the back office and she sat down on the chair that was in front of the desk that held the cafe laptop. “Kate, did you hear me? I can call, I know you have a lot on your plate right now -”

“Y/N I’ve got it! It’s just another thing on my list to check off. Go help Kristina out on the floor before she burns the place down or gives a customer another cold cup of plain milk again!”

I knew that the aggression behind her voice wasn’t personal towards me. I could tell she was exhausted, the bags under her eyes were the worst I’ve ever seen. Kate looked like she hadn’t slept in days.

She let her hand run over her face and I could see the water start to build up in the corner of her eyes. Kate barely cried, and when she did she made a serious effort not to let anyone ever see it. Kate wasn’t the type to let people see when she was down, she was always the one trying to help pick up everyone else while putting herself last. That’s just how she always was. 

I came up behind her and laid my hand on the center of her back, “I heard you listening to Billie last night.” She tensed up under my touch. “I thought about knocking on your door and asking if you wanted to talk about it, but I figured I would leave you to yourself. But I’m not doing that again today. You’re always there for me, picking me up without ever hesitating. Now please, let me help pick you up. I’m your sister, lean on me. You can’t keep carrying everything on your shoulders by yourself.”

She sniffled in an effort to fight back the tears from overspilling out and down her cheeks. She lifted her head up to finally look at me, “I’m sorry Y/N, I didn’t mean to snap at you like that. I know you’re trying to help. Just lately it’s been one thing after another.” She set her phone down on the desk and tucked the loose strands around her face behind her ear, “It's like I just can’t catch a break. I knew taking on the management position was going to be tough work. I knew that it was going to be long hours and a lot of responsibility, but -”

She let out another deep sigh before continuing, “I just wasn’t expecting everything to go wrong all in one week and right after the other. It’s like once I get one thing fixed, something else breaks, or someone calls out and I have to drive right back up here, or I’m having to calm down another angry customer because people who’ve worked here for weeks all of a sudden forgot to steam the milk for a hot latte.”

I knelt down beside her so that we could be eye level, “Kate, you know, I’ve always admired how hard you work and your ability to always give everything you do one thousand percent. You never stop to ask for help even when you’re drowning. But please, I’m here, I came to work at the cafe for you. Please, lean on me. You don’t have to handle everything by yourself.”

Kate placed her hand on my knee and gave it a gentle squeeze, “I know I’ve said it before but I don’t say it enough… Thank you, Y/N, for moving in with me and for coming to work at the cafe with me. I’m sorry for being so absent and for letting work consume me so much. I feel like I’ve been neglecting our relationship and I’ve been such a shitty big sister the last month. I’ve been making promises to myself to not put so much importance on this cafe and make sure to make time for you and for life outside of here. Just lately, it’s seemed so impossible. But I promise you, I will be a better sister going forward.”

I let out a soft chuckle, “Are you seriously apologizing right now? That’s so like you, to still put my feelings before yours. I appreciate you and I appreciate you caring about me so much. But I promise you I’m fine. I’m not for you to worry about.” I fully stood up and flattened out my apron, “Now, let me call around to find someone to come out here and fix this oven. Then when I’m done with that I’ll drive over and grab us some hoagies from your favorite sub shop for lunch.”

Kate went to protest but I put up my hand to stop her, “I love you but I’m not taking no for an answer. Now, get up so I can sit here and call some people for this oven and go step outside for a breath of fresh air. You and those eye bags need it.”

Kate stood up out of the chair and rolled her eyes, “You get your stubbornness from me.” She replied before stepping out of the office to head towards the back door. “Also, you did not have to call out my eye bags like that!” She shouted just before she stepped out the back door to take a minute to herself.

KATE

When I came back inside Kristina had come to the back to call us up to the front to help with the line of customers that had formed. Y/N was on the phone scheduling a time for the technician to come out to fix the oven so I told her to stay put while I came out to the front to help.

Thankfully the line wasn’t too long so we were able to get out all of the orders pretty quickly. With a break in the rush I began wiping down the counters and the espresso machines. Once everything was back in order and to my liking I began to stock up the cups and brought up some extra gallons of milk and creamer from the back.

The back door swung open and Y/N came rushing through, “Technician is scheduled for later today! He should be here around 5pm.” She began to untie her apron and pulled it over her neck to drape it over her arm, “While it’s slow I’m going to run down the road really quick to pick up our hoagies. I called them in right after I spoke with the tech so they should be ready to go by the time I get there. So I shouldn’t be too long.”

She turned to place her hands back on the silver door and I tilted my head up from stocking the coolers to look at her, “Drive safe, and thank you again, Y/N, for everything. I love you.” 

“I love you too. Call me if it gets crazy or you need me for anything and I’ll rush back as quickly as I can.”

“Will do.” I responded before she turned to head towards the back door and out to the parking lot to her car.

After I got the fridges up front stocked back up with milk, creamer, and full cans of whipped cream I made my way around the front of the counter towards the pastry case. Some little kid was touching the glass this morning and got their sticky little fingerprints all over the front of the glass, which had been bothering me all morning.

With some windex and some elbow grease the pastry case glass was finally fingerprint free again and I was starting to get my peace of mind back, slowly but surely. The front door to the cafe opened and the bell that was hung atop the door let out a soft ring which echoed through the bookstore.

I made my way back behind the counter and asked Kristina to help take out the trash before she clocked out for the afternoon. When I glanced back up towards the register five men stood before my line of sight.

I recognized four of them, however the fifth man that was standing with them I had never seen before. 

He had dark brown hair with gray streaks through the front strands. His facial hair framed his entire jawline perfectly and the silver metal from his nose ring shimmered back at me from under the cafe lights. He was also covered in tattoos and was wearing a black Doctor Doom t-shirt that he paired with black shorts.

To his right stood Noah, who I recognized immediately. When we made eye contact my heart fell straight to my gut and I swallowed heavily to keep myself upright. Jolly, Michael, and Jesse stood closely behind them. 

I inched up to the register and I instantly picked up on Jesse’s nervousness. He was more fidgety than normal and refused to make eye contact with me. Instead his eyes roamed all around the cafe, as if he was in search of something, or someone.

“Good afternoon.” I spoke lightly after clearing my throat. “What can I get started for you guys today?

Noah and the unfamiliar man walked straight up to the counter and still stood side by side, “Oh nothing for me. I’m still stuffed from the two bowls of ramen I scarfed down earlier.”

Noah let out a sigh, “Davis, I told you it was my treat. You covered ramen, let me at least buy you a coffee man.”

“Fine, cause I know you won’t get off my ass otherwise.” Davis slightly lifted up his shirt and began rubbing his stomach, “Uh, hmm, I'll go with something simple. Can I just do a medium iced coffee with hazelnut and light cream and sugar please?”

“Yeah, of course!” I answered back as I grabbed one of the plastic iced cups from the stand next to the register and began writing out his order on the cup.

Noah turned around to face the three men standing behind them, “Jolly, Jesse, Michael, get up here and order your shit.”

Jesse never moved. It was like his feet were melted into the floor. 

Michael and Jolly came up to the front to now stand in front of Davis and Noah, “I’ll just do my usual white mocha.” Jolly spoke with a heavy accent.

“Yeah fuck it, same for me too, a white mocha please.” Michael said with a soft smile spread across his face.

I grabbed two additional cups and began writing out the orders on the sides. I glanced back up to focus on the side of Jesse’s face. Trying to analyze his body movements. He had both his arms wrapped tightly around himself and kept fidgeting with a loose strand of stitching that was hanging down from the left arm cuff of his white t-shirt.

Noah cleared his throat and I quickly snapped my eyes over to him to give him my full attention, “Me and Jesse will do two of those matcha latte’s please.”

“Alrighty, two matcha lattes. Will that be it for everyone?” I asked.

“Yeah I think that covers everyone. Thank you.” Noah stuck out his arm to hand me a twenty dollar bill. I handed him back his change and he dropped it into the tip jar that sat in front of the register. 

“Your drinks will be out shortly if you guys want to go take a seat.” I gestured over towards the bookstore to the usual corner table Jesse would always sit at.

“Thank you!” They all turned back to respond before they all headed over to the far right corner to their usual table.

Jesse was far in the back trailing behind them with his head hanging low. Normally he would always give me a friendly smile and I was sure he was going to come up and ask me if Y/N was here. But nothing. Not even a hi or one of his quick awkward waves.

Something was definitely up with him. I figured it was due to what happened the other night when I had picked Y/N up from his house. When I had asked her about it she just sat in the passenger seat staring out the window with her head tilted against the glass.

I thought maybe they had just gotten into a small argument and then everything would be fine within a few days. But with the way Jesse was acting, I was now certain that there was much more to the story, that everything was definitely not fine.

As I helped Kristina make the coffees for the guys, I began to stand and wonder what possibly could have happened between the two of them. Did they get into a serious argument? Did he hurt her? Did he say something to her that caused her to leave that night?

I let out a deep breath and had to center myself. I didn’t have all the answers yet so it wasn’t fair for me to make assumptions and create a false narrative against Jesse when I didn’t have all the facts. Despite my older protective sister instincts coursing through me.

We finished up the coffees and I grabbed a drink tray to begin placing the cups in. “I’m going to run these over to the guys really quick. Think you can hold it down for a few minutes?” I turned to ask Kristina before stepping out around the counter.

“Yeah! If it gets too crazy I’ll holler.” She responded back.

I was quick on my heels. I was going to get to the bottom of this, figure out why the hell Jesse was acting so off. I know Y/N would probably be annoyed at me for sticking my nose in her business but I couldn’t help it. She was my younger sister and if she wasn’t going to tell me herself what happened then I would just do a little digging to make sure she was okay. That nothing serious took place the other night… or that I wouldn’t have to pour this hot matcha latte over Jesse’s head. I did not need Y/N finding herself in the middle of another Jake situation.

As I came up towards the table Jesse immediately looked down at his hands and began tapping his fingers against the wooden tabletop. “My sister isn’t back yet so I was the one who made your drinks today. I tried my best on the matchas but I’ll just prepare you for the disappointment now, they never come out as good as hers.”

I began to set the according cups down before each one of the guys, to which they all eagerly took and began sipping from. When I came up beside Jesse to set his cup down on the table in front of him he quickly glanced up and let out a very quiet “Thank you.” If I wasn’t watching him so intently I probably would have missed it.

I knew he was doing everything in his power to avoid me. But I was not about to let that happen. I pulled up a chair from the empty table that stood beside us. Setting it right beside Jesse. The rest of the guys at the table all watched my every movement but I didn’t care. I sat down eagerly and was determined to see what was up with him and why he was acting so weird.

I crossed my legs over one another and I placed my hands on top of my knee, “So, aren’t you going to ask where Y/N is?” My eyes dug into the side of Jesse’s cheek and if he wasn’t already bright red from the nerves his face probably would have been set ablaze from how hard my line of sight was casting on to him.

He nearly choked on the large gulp of the matcha latte he attempted to swallow, “Oh uh -” He swallowed hard again, “When I didn’t see her behind the counter I figured she was maybe off or had already left for the day.”

He kept his eyes peering straight down at the cup in front of him. Not daring to look me in the face. It was frustrating me and I let out a louder sigh of frustration than I had intended and I felt it bounce off of all the faces that sat around at the table and right back to me. 

One of the chairs dragged across the concrete floor echoing through the building and it broke my hard focus on Jesse. Davis caught in my peripherals, he was now standing up from the table flattening down his shirt against his core, “I drank my coffee so fast it went straight through me, I uh, gotta go run to the little boys room.”

“Me too.” Jolly answered back. “Me three.” Michael quickly followed after.

Noah was now standing up from the table also, “Ya know I should probably go to the bathroom too just in case. Doesn’t hurt to try.” All four of them quickly scattered off together to the bathrooms in the far back of the store.

 I knew that it was an escape plan to break free from the brick wall of tension that was built up around me and Jesse. I couldn’t blame them, they were just innocent bystanders to the entire situation. As I watched them basically sprint to the back of the store I started piecing the puzzle together. This was set up, they set this entire thing up. Dragged Jesse to come here and that was why he was acting the way he was.

So Jesse had obviously spoken to them about the situation between him and Y/N. Which meant that it definitely wasn’t something small or something that could be fixed and brushed over within a couple of days. More agitation began to build up inside of me and I tried my best to keep a level head. I still didn’t have all the facts.

Jesse finally looked up at me, “Can you please just let me know if she still plans on coming out this weekend?”

I raised my brows, confused by his question. “Coming out this weekend?”

“Yeah, my band is playing a show and I invited her. I haven’t heard from her since the other night when she stormed out of the house. I’ve tried to text her and ask if I could call but she never responded. I guess I’m just trying to bite the bullet and prepare myself now if she doesn’t plan on showing up.”

Stormed out of the house? Why would she storm out of the house? I thought to myself.

“She never mentioned anything to me about a show this weekend. To be quite honest Jesse, I didn’t even know you were in a band.” I paused to continue to study his face, “But to be fair, I’m barely home these days since it seems like I now live here, so we haven’t really talked much.”

He nodded, “Ah I see. I just figured after she left she had told you what happened. I still don’t really know what happened myself. How we got to this point or what I did wrong. I just wish she would give me the opportunity to fix it.”

“Jesse, I don't even know what happened. When she got in the car that night I could tell she was upset. I figured maybe you two had a little disagreement and that you guys would be fine again the next day. When I had asked her what happened she never told me. I figured I would try again to sit down with her and talk about it but then with work and everything here breaking I just never got the time.”

He ran his hand through his curls and for the first time all day was now staring directly into my eyes, “Listen Kate, I know that this has nothing to do with you and I’m sorry that you ended up in the middle of it. But I started developing feelings for her, which doesn’t happen very often for me.” He let out a shaky breath, “Y/N is an awesome girl and I enjoyed every second I spent with her. To be completely honest with you, although me and her haven’t known each other for a long time, I fucking miss her. It sucks not talking to her and not even knowing what I did that pushed her away. Could you please just tell her I’m sorry and that I would still love it if she came to the show?”

I could see the hurt in his eyes and all the anger I had built up earlier inside of me suddenly dispersed. As I watched each word fall from Jesse’s lips I could tell they were absolutely one hundred percent genuine. I felt bad that I had compared him to Jake, questioning whether I was going to have to put him in a chokehold and risk losing my job if he hurt my sister. The man who sat before me was clearly broken and desperate. He didn’t have to say it out loud but I knew this man was slowly falling in love with Y/N.

The thought of Jesse loving my sister honestly scared me. The last guy who claimed they “loved” my sister had me picking her up off the floor and moving into my apartment with me. But, as I sat here and spoke with him I knew deep down in my gut that I could trust him. Jesse felt safe and I believed every word that was falling from his lips.

“She’ll be there.” I quickly let out while standing up from the chair and pushing it back underneath the table beside us.

Jesse looked back up from his cup, “How do you know that?”

“Just trust me, she will be there Jesse.”

He let out another small sigh and tapped his finger against the wooden tabletop, “I really hope you’re right.”

JESSE

After me and the guys left the coffee shop Davis came back to the house with us and we all sat around on the couch watching some trash television and reminiscing back on old times. We talked about the times we had toured together and all of our green room escapades, like the time I ran up the wall and climbed over this little balcony rail.

I never did see Y/N before we left the cafe. Shortly after me and Kate had spoken a line started to form and she had to rush back to go help out. I didn’t want to linger around and look desperate so I practically had to beg the guys to get me outta there before Y/N returned.

This was another reason why I was so grateful to live with my closest friends. Whenever I was dealing with something or found myself sinking too far into my head I could surround myself with a temporary distraction to block out all the thoughts that flooded my skull. Although, I still couldn’t fight the urge to flip my phone over from time to time to see if I had any missed texts or calls. But none ever came through, at least, not from the person I had hoped for. 

I sunk my teeth into the slice of pizza that had been sitting on the paper plate before me. The warm marinara sauce coated my tongue and I let out a few short breaths to cool off my mouth. Jolly bumped his shoulder against me, “I told Michael to order pineapple on only half of the pizza, guy never listens.” 

“I don’t mind it.” I said while pushing the bite of food to the side of my mouth, “It gives it a salty sweet taste.”

I turned to watch him pick off the pieces of pineapple chunks and fling them to the side of his plate in distaste,“You people are fucking weird.”

Noah let out a sigh and tossed his empty plate onto the coffee table, “I really gotta stop eating all this garbage ass food. I feel like shit.” He ran his hand over his stomach and fell back deep into the cushions of the couch.

More time passed and we sat around exchanging more conversation and it helped to temporarily relieve me of the thoughts and the anxiety from Y/N and whether or not she would still be coming this weekend. I know Kate tried to reassure me that she would be there, but I couldn’t help the deep feeling of utter defeat that sunk to my stomach and had been resting there like an anchor pledged deep into the sand.

My phone buzzed and I flipped it over to see an incoming text from JT in our ERRA groupchat,

JT: Hey guys, soundcheck tomorrow is at noon… Usual place, Matt is going to help us set up and make sure we are all set and ready to go for this weekend, you know how he is, try not to be late.

Clint: Noon. Don’t be late. Got it.

I let out a light chuckle towards my phone screen and glanced over to Noah who was still lounged back into the couch talking with Davis, “Your boy Matty came through and will be mixing ERRA this weekend.”

“Good shit, it’s gonna be a sick ass show.” He turned back over to Davis, “You should come out man! All of us are going, I’m sure Matt would be stoked to see you.”

I let their conversation fade out as I tapped out my response in the chat.

Me: I will be there, with coffee and kisses, but no coffee for you guys, nothing but sweet sweet kisses for my boys. 

Conor: ….Can’t wait.

JT: I’ve been in need of a good Jesse Cash kiss, it’s been far too long.

Alex: I had taco bell for dinner and I can’t wait to pass gas next to you all tomorrow. Kisses sound cool too. 

Me: Taco bell farts are my favorite. Can’t wait to see you good boys tomorrow.

JT: Can’t wait for taco bell farts and sloppy wet kisses. 

I clicked my phone screen off and let out a deep sigh while I pushed myself off of the couch with the tips of my fingertips. I waved good night to the guys before climbing up the stairs to make my way towards my bedroom so I could spend the rest of the night getting lost inside of a book. I needed some time to myself before the busy day that awaited me tomorrow. 

JESSE

With my red Ibanez guitar hung around my core I twisted the tuning pegs until my guitar was tuned just right for the next song we were about to rehearse. Me and the guys had spent all afternoon practicing our set for the show this weekend. We had just finished running through Gungrave and Pull From The Ghost was up next on the setlist we decided on.

I began strumming the opening verse of the song and let my eyes close to the rhythm while my fingers tapped against the wooden fretboard. JT’s vocals echoed throughout the room and I took in a deep breath to prepare for my verse coming up next to sing. 

I inched up closer into the mic that was sitting atop the mic stand before me and let my mouth lightly drift over the top with my eyes still lightly shut, “To the bones of the past spilling over in a rare reflection. A captor seeking Stockholm, dying alone with a ransom note.” 

I opened my eyes to scan around the room while singing the next part of the song, “Bleeding host, what I can’t find in you I’ll just pull from the ghost of a virtual memory.” Y/N’s face flashing through my mind as I belted the words out. 

All of our moments together from when I first saw her that night at the cafe a few weeks back all seemed like virtual memories with the way things had been between us now. As I continued to strum the guitar I also continued to scan around the room in hopes that I would see her face in the invisible crowd standing before me.

But much to my dismay, she never showed. I swallowed hard with the gutting sensation of disappointment and tried to keep the thoughts of her shoved into the back of my brain so I could make it through the rest of practice with a clear and focused mind.

We finished soundcheck and with tired fingers I set my guitar back on its stand for the rest of the afternoon. JT, Clint, and Matt were huddled around Matt’s sound equipment and I walked over to join in on the conversation. Resting up against the black equipment case I pulled my phone out of my back pocket just to check to see if I had any missed calls or messages, but of course, there was nothing.

“This set is gonna be crazy, ERRA is about to go kill God insane mode.” Matt said while wrapping up a cord around his hand.

“Jesse and Conor are the ones who came up with the setlist. I think it was a great idea to have Vanish Canvas as the closing song.” JT replied while smacking the back of my shoulder.

I let out a smug smile, “Yeah, Vanish Canvas is really important to me and it just felt right to end the set with that one.”

“The whole set list is solid. Plus with the lights and the mix, people are gonna lose their fucking minds.” Matt paused from packing up his equipment to take a sip of his Celsius. “Jess, you got any of those signature Cash spins planned for the show?” He asked.

“Oh I’m sure he’s got a couple of tricks up his sleeve.” JT chuckled.

Clint cracked his fingers and glanced over at me, “I was talking with Conor and he mentioned how it would be cool if the three of us got up on the riser with JT during Scorpion Hymn and did a synchronized spin together.”  

“You guys think you could keep up with me, the man, the myth, the legend?”  I asked while running a hand through my hair to keep the curls out of my face. I was long overdue for a haircut and made a quick mental note to schedule an appointment soon with my barber.

“I constantly have to look around me when we are on stage to make sure Jesse isn’t cycloning and power sliding behind me. You and Conor have some work to do if you wanna keep up with Jess here.” JT retorted back.

Clint let out a small chuckle and nodded in agreement, “Yeah, sounds like me and Conor have our work cut out for us but, I do think it would be cool if we pulled it off.”

“Let’s get Conor’s ass over here and see if we can cook something up.” I pulled my phone out of my back pocket to give it a quick check once more before heading over with Clint to find Conor. 

READER

I swallowed hard after snoozing my alarm and seeing the time and date on the phone screen before me.

Saturday September 5th 8:34am.

Today was the first weekend show for Jesse’s band ERRA. He had sent me a text shortly after our first facetime call a few weeks back with all the details. 

They were playing at a small venue downtown which was about forty five minutes from my apartment. Jesse had sent me the address and the time for when doors opened which was 6:00pm. They were opening for another band and were the third band scheduled to play so Jesse estimated their set to start around 8:30.

I had been battling all week internally with myself on whether or not I should still attend the show. Deep down I knew I wanted to go and see Jesse up on stage, honestly to just see Jesse in general since it had been weeks since I’d last seen his face. I missed him and I wanted more than anything to fix this weird situation between us.

I set my empty bowl of oatmeal into the sink and turned the water all the way to hot to fill it up and let it soak. I’d take care of it before Kate woke up and made her way into the kitchen to find the evidence. 

Thankfully we were both off today, with the technician coming out to fix the oven we had to shut down the cafe since we were unable to sell any pastries. The oven taking a shit was a blessing in disguise. Kate desperately needed a day off and it was nice to be able to have a day at home alone with my thoughts.

I walked over to the barstool at the kitchen counter and pulled it out to hop up and take a seat. Opening up Jesse and I’s text thread, I scrolled back up to find the text that had the address for the venue. I copied it and pasted it into my google maps app and zoomed in on the photos scanning over the building and parking lot. Would he even still want me to show? I thought to myself.

“Well, well, well, you’re up early.” Kate emerged into the kitchen wearing her purple bathrobe and polka dot slippers. She had her hair wrapped up in a towel and there were a few droplets of water still running down the few little strands of hair peeking out. 

I quickly glanced over to the bowl I left behind in the sink, still making a mental note to go back over there before Kate had seen it. “Yeah, I’ve just had a bunch of stuff on my mind. Sleep has been hard for me the last few days.” 

“I definitely understand that.” Kate headed over to the coffee maker and set her mug down to start a fresh cup of coffee.

I pushed myself off the counter and walked back over to the sink to begin rinsing out my bowl, “You look like you got some good sleep though, there is a hint of life that’s creeped back into you.” I let out a chuckle.

“Oh yeah definitely. If I would have known that all it would take was the oven breaking to get a day off I would have made a conscious effort to break that stupid thing a lot earlier.”

Kate took a deep breath before continuing, “Hey Y/N, just a question but has Jesse reached out to you at all?”

My shoulders tensed up and I had to firm my grip on the bowl so I wouldn’t have dropped it from how hard my stomach fell to my ass with her question. I haven't really spoken to Kate about the Jesse situation. She was so busy with being at the cafe and when we were at work together we didn’t have much downtime in between for her to pry and ask her usual investigation questions which admittedly I had been taking advantage of.

I shook my head, “Uh no, we haven’t spoken since that night you picked me up from his place.” I left it at that, short and sweet.

“Well I’ve been meaning to tell you -” She paused to take a quick sip of her coffee, “The day you left to go get us hoagies for lunch, Jesse and his friends showed up to the cafe.”

After setting the bowl inside the dishwasher I closed the door to whip my head around to face her, “What?!” 

“Yeah, they showed up quickly after you left. I had been meaning to tell you about it but I wanted to wait until it was the right moment and it was just me and you.”

Jesse showed up to the cafe? Did he mention me? Was he wondering why I wasn’t there? Did he ask about me? My brain was going a million miles a minute and I had to place my hand on top of the counter to keep myself up right. 

I shifted my feet against the cold floor, “Well, what did he want?”

“Weeeelll, he was very nervous from the moment they all walked in. He wouldn’t look at me and made a serious effort to avoid any and all eye contact. I’m pretty sure it was his friend's idea to force him to come..

But, I could tell something was up with him. His body language was off and he just looked very uncomfortable.”

I shook my head, “Oh god, please tell me you did not interrogate him Kate.”

“No, I did not interrogate him Y/N. But I did just want to see what was up with him and why he was acting so weird. So, after I made their drinks I pulled up a chair and we just had a little conversation.”

“You just had a little conversation?” I retorted back.

“It was nothing bad, I promise. I just asked him if you guys were okay. He didn’t go much into it, but he did say that he misses you and asked if you still had planned to come to their show this weekend.” 

Fuck. He misses me? He still wants me to come to the show, even after everything? Even after I walked out? I let out a shaky breath, “Well what did you say back?”

“I just told him that you’d be there.”

“Excuse me?” I snapped back. “Why would you tell him that?!?”

Kate walked up closer to me and laid a hand on my shoulder, “Because, I could see how much Jesse fucking cares about you from that small conversation we had. And I know how much you care about him. I don’t know what exactly happened between you guys and you don’t have to tell me. But I do know that you both miss each other and that whatever little rut that's going on right now between the both of you can be fixed.”

As always, Kate was fucking right. I did miss Jesse, I missed him so fucking much. He was all I thought about for days. I fought with myself every day to not text him or explain why I walked out. But my fear got in the way and I knew I had already disappointed him and I didn’t want to let him down even more. I was so scared that he hated me.

I let my head fall so I could keep my eyes trained down to the floor, “I was just so scared he hated me, Kate. The night I left I could see the hurt in his eyes and it fucking killed me. I just don’t want to disappoint him. Jake has me so fucked up and I have broken pieces of me that won’t ever heal right. Jesse doesn’t deserve that, he doesn’t deserve some damaged, stupid, girl. He deserves someone so much better.” I tried to keep the tears from spilling but they fell down the sides of my face in failure.

Kate lifted my head up to look me in the eyes and wiped away the tears with her thumbs, “Don’t you think you should let Jesse make that decision for himself? I’m pretty sure if he thought you were some damaged, stupid, girl he wouldn’t have admitted to her sister that he misses her and that he hopes you still come tonight.” 

I nodded, “I hate you for always being right.”

“You should just give up by now, I always have been right and probably always will be.” She let out a small laugh before finally removing her hands from my face. “Now, go get your ass in the shower and get yourself cleaned up. We have a concert to attend tonight.”

I pushed off of the counter and turned back behind me towards Kate, “You sure it won’t be weird, me showing up? After everything?”

She gave a light pat to my butt, “No. Not at all. Now stop procrastinating and go get ready.”

Kate waved me off and I made my way back into my bedroom. Now, what do I wear that will grant me Jesse’s full attention?

READER

I stood in front of the mirror giving myself a full onceover. I had spent the last few hours doing my hair, my makeup, and getting dressed for tonight. I hadn’t done anything with my hair in so long so I decided to curl it, leaving it in a bundle of loose light waves.

My outfit was definitely not subtle. I decided on a tan corduroy mini skirt that was slit on both bottom sides revealing just the right amount of leg, my ass was a near breeze from showing out of the bottom. I paired it with a black lace bralette that pushed my tits up just right, a pair of thigh high black suede boots, and threw on a thick black cardigan over the top just in case it got cold inside the venue.

Confidence is very much non existent when it comes to myself, however, standing here in the mirror looking at myself in this outfit, my makeup done with a dark smokey eye and a pop of red lipstick, and the waves of my hair framing my face, I looked fucking hot. I was sure to get Jesse’s attention one way or another.

I gave myself the usual spray down in my best fruity scented perfume and grabbed my bag off the back of the door. I clicked off my bedroom light before finally stepping out into the front room to meet Kate, who was standing by the front door putting her shoes on. 

Her outfit was definitely not as outspoken as mine was, however it was still very cute. She had her hair done up in a pair of space puns and decided on a pair of ripped blue jeans, a plain cropped long sleeve turtleneck shirt, and a pair of stacked doc marten boots. I probably would have worn something similar had I not had a mission in mind.

“You ready?” I asked before grabbing the handle of the front door.

Patting down the cuff of her jeans she glanced up and gave me an assessing look from top to bottom, “well that is certainly a choice.” A sly smirk spread across her face.

“Is it too much?”

“Not at all, it’s perfect actually. Now I don’t have to worry if he will miss us in the crowd. Also, your boobs look really good in that top.” She threw me a thumbs up before we stepped out of the front door and made our way to Kate’s mini cooper.

JT

The guys and I had spent most of the day in the green room after lunch and soundcheck. Matt wanted to go try this Mexican restaurant a few blocks from the venue, we all had warned Alex not to get the enchiladas with the spicy sauce, but this guy took the risk even after the baskets of chips and queso we all demolished beforehand.

While Alex spent most of his time blowing up the greenroom bathroom, Clint and Jesse were sitting on the black couch against the wall strumming some notes in preparation for our set in the next hour, Conor was sitting on the other end of the couch I was on, watching videos of racoons Matt was showing him on his phone.

Brennan, our merch guy, got done setting up the table early and had come by to wish us luck for tonight before heading back out. But before he could make it all the way outside the door Jesse set his guitar down and cleared his throat, “Hey uh, did anyone from my guest list show up tonight?”

Brennan stopped to pull out the clipboard he had tucked under his left arm, “Let me see, let me see.” He said while dragging out the last E and tapping his pen to the side of the board. “Clint had a few, Alex had a few, Matty has a full list, JT you had one show, and Jesse, no, no one from yours tonight.”

Jesse blew out a sigh and pushed his hair back anxiously with his hand, “Well that sucks.”

“Were you expecting someone important?” I asked with furrowed eyebrows.

“Yeah, but it looks like she isn’t showing so I should just fucking get over it.” 

Jesse hadn’t mentioned that he was talking with someone. Granted he was a private guy and did keep his personal matters pretty tightly knit. However, the potential of Jesse even meeting a girl was a pretty big deal. I caught myself being overly intrigued, when did he manage to meet someone let alone get on big enough terms to add her to his guest list? This was something very new for him.

“Well maybe they’re just running late?” Clint added before placing his hand on Jesse’s back.

“I doubt it.” That was all he said, typical of Jesse to keep it short. He never did like to put his problems out on other people. 

“Hey man, I don’t know who this person is but we will make it a good show regardless. We are gonna go out there, have a good time, once you’re in your zone you will feel a lot better and we can come back and chill, have a few drinks, and maybe order some pizza?” I reassured him.

“I can’t think about it anymore. I don’t want it to fuck with the show and my performance. Let’s just drop it.” 

I didn’t want to push the issue anymore so I agreed with a nod, “Yeah sure man, I get it.” I cleared my throat to help ease the tension in the room, “So uh, everyone set to go? I think we will go on in ten minutes.”

“Eight minutes.” Matt interrupted while holding eight fingers up. 

“Yeah I think everyone is good, well besides Alex, someone get him out of the bathroom for God’s sake.” Conor exclaimed while heading over to knock on the bathroom door that Alex had been shut behind for what felt like hours.

“Can I wipe my ass in peace?!?!” Alex yelled from behind the door.

“You got five minutes to get you and your shit smelling ass down on that stage!” Matt replied before gathering his can of Dr Pepper and his radio. “Also, Noah texted and said that he and the boys just parked. I’m going to head out and bring them up.” 

Alex, Conor, Clint, Jesse, and I were now all standing and made our way out of the green room and down towards backstage. With just a few seconds left of intermission and the sound guys setting everything up for our set next, me and the guys stood in a circle to put our hands all in for our routinely preset huddle.

KATE

“Of course, leave it to the fucking LA traffic to be at a goddamn standstill!” Y/N exclaimed from the passenger seat. “We are going to be late, Kate!”

I did my best to maneuver through the traffic for the last thirty minutes but as we got closer to downtown and the evening afternoon the traffic had become horrendous. We almost ended up in an accident twice because people didn’t know how to drive. 

“I’m doing my absolute best to get us there on time, Y/N.”

“I just don’t want to disappoint him again. I don’t want him thinking I don’t care. I can’t do that to him again, Kate.”

“Hey, we will make it. I promised Jesse you would be there and you are going to be there. Even if I might have to commit a few illegal driving decisions. 

I didn’t want Y/N picking up on any nervousness or doubt I had about making this show on time. We were definitely cutting it close but I was going to get us there regardless. I owed it to both of them. 

I grabbed my phone off of the center console to refresh the GPS to see if there were any other routes we could take. The service in downtown was also ass so it took refreshing and closing out of the app a few times to finally get a result. 

A new route finally loaded in and cut off about ten minutes from the trip. It showed that we would have to take a pretty sketchy way through downtown but I didn’t care, it was worth the risk and I knew that Y/N would feel the same.

“Make sure your door is locked.” I said while setting my phone back down on the center console and clicked on my left blinker. “You may also want to tighten your seatbelt too.”

Y/N nodded in approval before I made a hard left turn to take the back roads of downtown LA.

JESSE

We were halfway through our set, I did my best to not let the thoughts of Y/N interfere with my performance for tonight. The guys didn’t deserve that and the fans who spent their hard earned money to come see us definitely didn’t deserve that.

However, I couldn’t fight the urge to scan my eyes around the entire room every chance I had to look for her. To see her beautiful face lit up from the stage lights staring back at me. I was so desperate to see her again. 

When I had opened my eyes in the middle of the chorus for our last song Night To Silence, I had scanned over a girl in the second row who had similar features as Y/N and I had to swallow down the lump in my throat for the brief second that I thought it was her.

But as the lights casted her face in a brighter glow it also casted the disappointment in my stomach on full display when I quickly realized it wasn’t her. I immediately broke eye contact with the stranger as soon as the taste of despair stained the back of my mouth.

Was she really not going to show? Kate promised me she would be here. But we only had two songs left and my optimism was already on thin ice. If Y/N didn’t come tonight that meant that whatever we had between us was really coming to an end. And that was the thought that was killing me the most.

My hands shook and I did everything in my power to keep them steady. Although Y/N wasn’t here tonight I had close friends who were watching and people in the crowd who were here for us, for ERRA. I could not let my emotions fuck me up, I had to pull my head out of my ass.

My heart was racing and I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath the entire set. I knew JT was picking up on my behavior because he kept side eyeing me but I tried my best to remain focused, I know he was just concerned for his friend.

“Alright Los Angeles you guys have been incredible all night! We are going to need you to keep up that energy for this last song. Show us what you’ve got, I know you’ve been holding back!” JT yelled into the mic. 

I inched up closer to the mic stand and spoke into the mic, “This song is very dear to me and is one of my favorites. This one is called Vanish Canvas and it goes out to all my best friends who showed up tonight and to someone very special to me who couldn’t make it.”  

I stepped up onto the riser and began to let my fingers strum the notes, closing my eyes as I was taken back to the night me and Y/N sat in my room and I played this song for her. Her face perfectly in frame, smiling back at me. 

God her fucking smile, the smile that I couldn’t get off of my mind the entire last few weeks. Along with the taste of her lips and the desperate longing to feel them on my mouth again.

I stepped down off the riser and made my way back up to the mic to sing the opening verse, “Your star burns and dies out a thousand times over.” Eyes opening to scan around the room for the billionth time tonight, “But still remains a source of light to guide you home.”

READER

Kate pulled into the parking lot and launched her mini cooper into park at the first empty spot she saw. My knees almost slamming into the dash from how abrupt the stop was.

We wasted no time climbing out of the car. With my arms wrapped tightly around my cardigan to shield me from the chilly LA air, Kate walked with fast pace next to me as we nearly sprinted to the venue. 

As we reached the front entrance I pulled out my phone to pull up the text Jesse had sent me with the address and instructions for when I got here. He had mentioned finding someone named Brennan but all me and Kate could see were the security staff working the venue out front.

“Kate, I don’t know what to do.” I said while running a hand through my hair, “Jesse said to look for someone named Brennan but with the show already started I’m sure he’s inside. I don’t have tickets.”

She paused for a moment, I could tell her brain was going a million miles a minute trying to think of our next move, “I’m going to ask this security guy over here and see if he knows who we can talk to.”

I followed eagerly behind her as she patted the arm of the tall guy standing outside the entrance, “Hi excuse me, we are here to see… what's their band called again? She turned around to ask me.

I rolled my eyes, “Erra, Kate, they’re called Erra.”

“Ah right yes of course! We are here to see Erra, we were told to ask for Brennan. We are on Jesse’s guest list for tonight.”

The gentleman let out a deep sigh, “Yeah, and if I had a dollar for every time I heard that someone was on the guest list I could probably have enough to quit this place.”

I came up closer to stand next to Kate so I could look this dude in the face, “We aren’t lying, look! Here is my text from Jesse. He added us to the guest list so we could see the show tonight. Please, their set is nearly over and I can’t miss it.”

He looked down at me with an annoyed look on his face, “Listen here girly, no ticket, no entry. I don’t care how hot you think you are or how many band guys in there you are trying to sleep with. That’s the rules.”

“I beg your fucking pardon?” Kate exclaimed while stepping up to the asshole in front of us.

I grabbed her shoulder to pull her back, “He’s not worth it Kate. He’s probably just spiteful because with an attitude like that no girl in their right mind would want to fuck him. So instead, he has to scan tickets at the door of all the pretty girls who he knows he will never bag.”

He rolled his eyes at my remark and crossed his arms, “Again, no ticket, no entry. Now if you’re not going to present a ticket I advise you stop wasting my time.”

“Fuck this.” Kate said while pulling my arm. “We are getting in this fucking venue one way or another.”

As she pulled me down the sidewalk I caught glimpse through the open doors of the venue to see Michael, Jesse’s roommate, standing at one of the merch tables. I instantly recognized him from the few times he came to visit the cafe with Jesse.

“Wait stop.” I halted my legs and pushed Kate’s hands off of my elbow. “That’s Michael!”

Kate inched up closer to the venue and held up her hands to cup around her mouth, “MICHAEL!!” She shouted.

He was too deep in conversation and wouldn’t look over at us. “Fuck.” I let out. I was getting into this goddamn show if it was the last thing I do.

“MICHAAAAEEEELLLL!!!!” I yelled from the top of my lungs. I knew my throat would be sore the next morning but I didn’t care. I needed to get inside and I needed to see Jesse.

Michael turned around with a confused look on his face, it was dark outside and I knew he would probably miss us if I wasn’t fast enough.

“MICHAEL! It’s Y/N and Kate!! We are here to see Jesse!!” I yelled again.

The asshole from earlier started walking over towards me and Kate, “Alright ladies I’m going to have to ask you both to leave. You’re causing a scene and neither of you have tickets. If you don't, I'm going to have to call the police.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Michael approached from the venue doors, “They are on the guest list for tonight and I’m sure the band would love to hear all about how politely you treated their guests.”

“Whatever.” He mumbled under his breath. He stepped to the side to remove the security rope that was blocking the side entrance. 

Michael held out his hand and I grabbed it without hesitation. I took Kate’s hand in my other hand and pulled her quickly to my side as Michael guided us through the venue. “It’s pretty jammed packed in there so I’m not sure how close you guys can get up to the stage. But, Matt is working sound tonight for ERRA so if you guys want I can have you stand over with him, he will be able to get you guys back upstairs to the green room.”

I nodded, “Whatever gets me to Jesse is fine. I just need to see him.”

We made our way through the double doors in the back and I could hear Jesse’s voice echo through the building. My heart sank at the song I realized he was singing. It was the same song he sang to me the first night he took me back to his house.

As Michael led us through the crowded room my eyes immediately landed on Jesse. He looked fucking ethereal up there on that stage. If Michael wasn’t pulling me I was sure I would have been stopped in my tracks at how beautiful Jesse looked. The way the stage lights casted him in an angelic glow, how effortlessly his fingers played the red guitar that rested in his arms, the way his tattoos looked lining his arms from underneath his tan colored tank top, and the way his curls creeped out of the back of his flower embroidered hat.

“Alright you guys should be good here.” Michael stated while leading us up next to the man who was standing in front of the sound equipment. “Y/N, Kate, this is Matt. Matt, this is Y/N and her sister Kate. They are here for Jesse.”

Matt glanced over at us and stuck out his hand, “Nice to meet you.” I shook his hand and responded back, “Nice to meet you too.”

“I told you we would make it.” Kate spoke into my ear.

I couldn’t help the wide grin that spread across my face. We fucking made it. I was here. Jesse was just a few inches away from me. I wouldn’t have to let him down again.

“In flight or in freefall, glide along the evergreen. Motes of dust resembling constellations.” I opened my mouth and let the words glide off of my tongue as I sang along with Jesse. Everyone else in the room disappearing. 

JT’s screams bursted out through the room, “We are waking up out of this coma! We are waking up out of this coma!!”

I immediately felt a set of chocolate brown eyes land upon my face. I slowly looked up from Jesse’s fingers that were playing the last notes of the song and let them trace up his body. I licked my lips in anticipation and felt the nerves quickly setting in.

I continued to trace my eyes up his neck and finally to his face where our eyes immediately locked. I couldn’t tell if he would be able to see me from this far back but I hoped to God he knew that I was here and that it was me.

Vanish Canvas slowly started fading out and I watched as Jesse stepped up onto the riser, his eyes still locked with mine. We both never let our eyes fall away from each other. I felt my heart beat increase and it felt like it was nearly seconds away from bursting out of my chest.

A large smile spread across Jesse’s face and his eyes lit up so bright that I felt it in my soul, he knew it was me. He knows I’m here and that I showed up. I let my smile reflect back at him and Kate placed both of her hands on my shoulders.

I knew she was watching the whole thing and I knew she probably had some stupid grin on her face that was going to tell me whatever snarky “I’m always right” comment she was about to drop on me.

But all she did was repeat the same sentence from earlier, “I told you we’d make it.”

JESSE

Holy shit.

Holy shit.

I swallowed thickly and dug my feet into the riser to keep myself from falling face down off the stage.

Holy fucking shit.

Y/N is here. I’m looking at her. She’s fucking here and she actually fucking came. I couldn’t keep the smile off of my face. I needed to get down off this stage. I needed to get to her, to hold her in my arms, to breathe in her scent again. 

“Thank you Los Angeles for being so fucking awesome!! We will be back tomorrow for round two! Thank you for coming and enjoy the rest of your night!” JT belted into the mic before finally walking off of the stage following behind Conor, Clint, and Alex.

I wasted no time, I quickly jumped off the riser and made my way backstage to toss my guitar in the case. I needed to get to Y/N. 

I made my way out around the stage and scanned around the room as the crowd grew larger and more compact in preparation for the headliner. I tried to keep my gaze focused on the back center of the room where I had seen Y/N standing earlier next to Matt, but it was difficult now that there were so many people.

I tried my best to move quickly through the crowd in hopes that no one would recognize and stop me. I didn’t have any time to waste. I needed to get to Y/N. That was my main focus. Everything else didn’t matter.

I made my way through the room unnoticed thankfully and came up around the back of the sound deck. I immediately caught the side of Kate’s face as she was talking with Matt. I continued to look around until my eyes landed on her.

Her long wavy hair showcasing down her back, the way her legs looked so fucking perfect in the thigh high boots she was wearing. I could only see the back of her and the back of the long black cardigan she was wearing but I knew once she was finally in front of me I’d falter in her gaze.

I came up behind her and placed my hand on her lower back, “Y/N. You made it. You’re real and you’re here.”

She turned around to fully face me and I took in all of her. The way her tan skirt hugged her lower frame perfectly, the lace from her top showcasing her boobs in all the right ways, I couldn’t help but lick my lips in how badly I wanted to trace my tongue along her cleavage.

“Of course I’m here Jesse.” She placed her palm on the side of my face and I let myself fall into her. I couldn’t help it, I was needy and I was desperate for her. I wrapped both my arms tightly around her and picked her up to wrap her legs around my back.

“I was so worried you wouldn’t show. I thought about it for weeks.”

She nestled her face into my neck and my skin grew goosebumps from her hot breath fanning against my skin, “I know. I’m so sorry Jesse, for walking out, for disappointing you, for every -”

I cut her off before she could finish, none of that mattered anymore. She was here and I had her in my arms, “Shh. You don’t have to apologize for anything. You’re here and that’s all that mattered to me. You didn’t disappoint me and you never have.”

“Uhh, listen I really hate to break up this little Notebook type shit that's going on, it’s really sweet and all… but I gotta pack this shit up and you guys are kind of in the way and you’re big ass shoe is standing on my cord Jesse.” Matt spoke with a hand on his hip.

I rolled my eyes, “Someone is just jealous that I didn’t come over here and swoop him up into my arms huh?”

Y/N let out a giggle and I gripped her even tighter at the familiar sound I had longed so hard for the time we were apart. 

“We should get out of his way and let him finish his job.” She went to let go of me but I slid her legs back up and held her firmer against my chest. “Oh no, you’re not going anywhere. Not that I have you here with me again.” 

She returned her grip around my neck and ran her hands through the bottom strands of my curls and I couldn’t help but lock my eyes with her red tinted lips. I went so long craving the way they tasted.

Before finally stepping out from the sound deck I planted a firm kiss to her lips and shut my eyes to take the taste of her all in. She continued to run her hands through the ends of my hair and I had to refrain from slamming her up against the wall and having my way with her.

“Jesse.” She whispered against my lips.

“Hmm?” I replied still with shut eyes.

“I missed you. I’m so happy to be in your arms again.”

[tartagliad]

Not Wanting to Eat

Summary: how would the boys do when you don't want to eat (but you're hungry)

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Characters: Zhongli, Kazuha, and Alhaitham

Genre: Fluff

G/N reader!

Warnings: reader is a bit sick in Alhaitham's

(a/n: I have eating problems.. maybe I'm too exhausted or stressed..? idk, I'm hungry, but nothing sounds good. Even my favourite food doesn't feel right.. I'm ordering cookies for breakfast and it's 10.30 am rn.. it's dumb.. but idk what else, ehe- it's already nighttime by the time this is up.. this is an indulgent of mine, hehe-)

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

He knows something's off about you

Your eating patterns are.. let's just say scattered

In the morning, you usually have breakfast with him, which was pretty early

For the last few days, you would eat when the sun is almost high in the sky

You also ate lunch at 4 or 5 pm and not eating dinner AT ALL-

It genuinely makes him worry about your health.. you're an ordinary mortal, he's scared if something bad happens to you..

Night time comes, both of you were enjoying your time with each other

Both of you are currently in the living room, you reading your documents whilst laying your head on his lap

Zhongli was reading a book. His other hand gently stroked your hair

"mmh.." you made a noise, he then looked at you, "is there something the matter..?"

He scans you, you shake your head slowly, "I'm just hungry.." you said. His eyes widens a bit, "I'll make you something then-"

Before he could finish, you cut him "thanks.. but I don't want to eat.." you then continue reading

Excuse me?? It left him speechless, did he do something wrong to make you like this?

"Love, I've noticed you haven't been eating properly. Mind telling me?" he spoke softly

You hesitate a bit, "it's dumb.. but nothing really taste good.. just thinking about it.. I don't know.."

Now, it left him confused.. "Even something you like?" he asked and you nodded

He sighed, gently cupping your cheek and facing you towards him. "You have to eat at some point, whether you like it or not.."

It's true.. you've been eating just because you need energy.. even if your body refused to..

"I'll make you something.. don't worry, it's not going to be in a big portion.. just small will do.." he left a little kiss on your forehead, then walk to the kitchen to cook :3

You smiled to yourself, "how sweet.." you mumbled

It makes your heart flutter on how caring he is <3

Zhongli comes back to you after a few minutes to give you a cup of tea, "Here, not to worry.. it's a softer brew, it'll help your stomach a bit.." he smiled softly

You hummed as a thank you, carefully taking a sip at it. It does made your stomach better

Knowing that you were comforted by it makes him feel relieved a bit..

..He hopes that you could finally eat properly again.. it hurts him that his gem didn't want to eat :''

Usually at the Crux, it's always a large feast for everyone to gather around and eat

It's normal for you and Kazuha to feast together and both of you never missed it

But now it's a bit different

You told Beidou that you're a bit busy and probably going to end up in the room for a bit

She then gave you the idea that you could eat while working, so she then told Kazuha to bring you some food

You thanked her and it was going smoothly until.. you told him just bring the food to you later

Not only that, when both of you are at Liyue, you refuse to eat anything and told him that he can eat first

..he doesn't want to, okay?? :(

Kazuha won't eat if you're not going to (but he ended up eating because from your whines..)

Although you grab a drink or a bite-sized cake to consume.. it doesn't feel the same

It feels wrong for him to eat a full portion of food while you were only having a snack

He DESPERATELY needed you to eat with him or at least let him feed you with his cooking :(

One night, he decided to confront you about this, he knocks the door

''y/n.. it's me" he spoke, you responded with a hum and he then walks in, like usual.. you're working

"Darling, can we talk for a bit..?" he sat on the bed beside you

You then put your pen down, looking at him, "what is it, Kazu?" you tilt your head.

"I realized that you didn't want to eat.. are you okay?" he pats your head.

You kept quiet, you looked at him, hoping for an answer from you, "I just.. didn't feel like it.. although to be fair.. I am hungry..'' you explained, "nothing really tasted good.. even my favourite foods.." you continued

It saddens him.. not wanting to eat although you're hungry is far too concerning..

"My poor sunshine.." he gently pull you to his chest, you leaned your head more

He hums softly, twirling your hair gently

"I don't want you to get sick.. especially busy like this.." he holds you, sniffing your hair, "try to eat, okay..? it'll make you feel better.."

You nodded slowly, leaning against the desk for support you then rest on the bed beside him

Pulling out a bar of chocolate and snapping it, he then feeds it to you, you bite into it, "See? it's good, right..?" kisses your cheek

"It's.. sweet.." "I know.." he chuckled, pecking your lips

"Try to get some rest too, don't stress yourself out.." he smiled, you hummed as you continued eating the chocolate that he feed you

Just by you eating chocolate makes him happy a bit.. but it still a long way for it to go away.. :")

He knows damn well that you're a hardworker, but not this much-

You've been busy with the reports from the Akademiya

It takes quite a bit of your energy, but that's just how it is..

Alhaitham wasn't concerned about anything, he's glad that you have some productivity

After a bit, he noticed somethings wrong with you

When he prepared some snacks for you in your office, it often left untouched

Also, did I mentioned that you also got a bit isolated (EVEN FROM HIM)??

When he happened to met your friends, they told him that you also refused to go eat with them, even if they forced you, you only asked for a drink (non alcohol ofc)

It makes him worried for you, your work is also starting to get a bit more stressful every minute

Often times also, you came home and just continued to work.. not paying attention to him

..how odd he thought, the usual you would greet him with a kiss

Alhaitham then followed to the bedroom, to his surprised, you're not even resting.. you continued working..

His heart sinks a bit, just when did you stop resting..?

Approaching you, he was caught off guard by your soft whimpers

"y/n, what's wrong?" he went beside you quickly, rubbing your shoulder gently

"..mmh.. I feel sick.." you curled up a bit, trying to hold the pain

Holding you close to him, he gently soothes you, "want to go to the bathroom?" he rubs circles on your back

You shake your head, leaning more towards him, he then pick you up and move you to the bed

"Have you eaten today?" he asked, holding your hand gently, "I didn't saw you go out from your office.."

You look away, not wanting to face him, this made him more greedy for answers. "Is your work stressing you out? If yes, I can help you reduce it."

It sounds great actually, "..a bit.." you looked at him, smiling a bit, "and no.. I haven't eaten anything.." you looked at his hand that was holding yours

He wasn't surprised actually, and you also know that, "What would you like to eat?" he asked, you fall silent again, thinking deeply before then shaking your head, which made him frown

"Sorry.. it's just that every food that comes to my mind doesn't sound good, it makes my stomach uncomfortable.." you answered, "although yes.. I am hungry.."

Rubbing your hand again, he sighed, "How about I'll make you some soup?" it sounds a bit odd since he doesn't prefer eating it, but for you right now, he'll do it. You nodded

"Be right back." he kissed your hand before leaving the room

Although the smell of food that he was making was good, your stomach didn't agree, it churns a bit.. making you curled up again

It took a bit to calm it down, just in time when Alhaitham comes in

"Here.." he sat beside you, gently feeds you the soup, making sure it's not too hot

It hurts him to see you slightly frowned uncomfortably whilst holding your stomach at some of the bites..

Especially when he felt that you were a bit lighter when he picked you up.. :(

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

[crispycrunchers]

The Book Of Bill

This is kind of random, but I want to go on a little rant about The Book Of Bill. Fist off, I love the book. I haven't finished it since I really want to take my time with it, but it's so funny and gives us a lot of insight on Bill and his life. Also, toxic old man yao-

But what I really want to talk about is the fact that a lot of Christians and parents are freaking out over it. I am not in fact a parent (thank God) but I am a Christian. One who loves and follows God, but is also a huge nerd so I'm really into things like Gravity Falls. I'm also a 'young' Christian, but have been following God for years and years of my life, so I feel like I know enough to talk about this.

Fist off, the fact that parents are getting mad over the more 'mature' themes in the book. Baby girl, the book and Alex Hirsch said it was for older audiences. I understand people associating Bill Cipher as a kids character, since Gravity Falls is deemed a 'kids show', but if there's a content warning given by the book, you should probably listen. It wasn't really a surprise, since it gave a content warning. And above all, you should have been paying closer attention to what type of media your kids consume. Yeah, you're probably busy, but I somehow highly doubt your kid has their own debit card to buy the book on amazon, and even more so doubt that they went to the store by themselves to buy the book with pocket cash. Anyways, the point is, it has a content warning saying that it is geared towards older audiences, so don't be mad at the book or Alex Hirsch.

Now when it comes to the 'Christian outlook' on all of this, a lot of Christian have been debating on whether it's okay for Christians to watch the show since it has themes of demons, summoning's, and things of that sort. For me personally, I think if you're worried about it negatively impacting your kid, wait until they're older to let them watch it. Realistically, Gravity Falls probably would have scared the crap out of younger me since I was a little weakling lol. But when I got older and had a firm grasp on my own beliefs and watched Gravity Falls, I didn't suddenly become a Satanist or get possessed. And if you're a Christian whos a teenager or even a young adult and wants to watch Gravity Falls without compromising your relationship with God, I want you to keep some things in mind as you make your own decision.

First off, one mistake wont ruin your relationship with God. This I can promise. I've watched a lot of shows that I probably shouldn't have, and they've affected me in a bad way, but never has God pulled away from me or made me start over. If you start watching a show and feel like it's wrong, just stop watching it and move on. God wont hold a grudge. Secondly, Bill Cipher isn't a 'real' demon. He's a fictional character who is a demon in the fictional show, but he's not based off of a real demon from what I've seen. The fourth wall breaking where he talks to the reader in the Book Of Bill is just a fun twist to the whole thing. Yeah, obviously you don't want to give your blood or mind to an evil triangle Dorito demon in real life (even if he is super dapper with his lil' hat and bow tie), but again, it's fictional. I apply this rule to basically everything, meaning I'm gonna watch Beetlejuice Beetlejuice because he isn't based off a real demon, just a fictional one. Now, the last point is that ultimately it's your choice. Hate to break it to you and all those possibly controlling/judgmental family members, but your walk with God is- big shocker- between you and God. It's like how no one can really tell you have to have a relationship with your significant other. Whatever works for the two of you, works for the two of you, and might not work for others. I feel that it is okay for me to love Gravity Falls since I'm not doing anything bad, and I'm not letting it take the place of God if you know what I mean.

Anyways, if you made it this far, congrats. If you're wondering why I posted such a long message about Christianity on my blog about goofy video games/movies/shows/etc., then you're perfectly correct for wondering so. (More yapping ahead, please read this part).

Like I said before, I am a Christian. I've not always been a Christian despite being raised as one, because at some point in our lives we have to question all that we've been thought, and find our own footing. Now, one of the things I am extremely passionate about (besides good story telling and art) is correcting and calling out lies and faults in the church. 'But, Crisp! Isn't that going against church and therefore God!?' Uh, no. If someone was straight up lying about you, wouldn't you want your friend to correct them? And even more so, if you were being lied to, especially in a way that was harming you, wouldn't you want to be corrected?

I am by no means perfect, not even close, and I am nowhere near the level God is at. But I can say that I've spent many years of my life witnessing people who are supposed to be the carriers of love and hope, be the most hateful, fearful people on Earth. Like any group of people, there are good people, and bad people. I want those who want to try out Christianity to be able to see God for who he truly is, and those who are already following God to not be afraid as I was taught to be originally.

Now, worry not, my little buttercups, this isn't randomly going to change into a Christian blog where I'm beating you with the Bible since, quite honestly, that is the last thing I want to be doing. I just want to be super upfront with you all, and provide a place where Christians and none-Christians alike can just co-exist and talk about nerdy things. That being said, I don't care if you're not a Christian, I don't care if you don't agree with everything I say. Love is the most important thing to me, so I want everyone to be able to come together and nerd out about things like Gravity Falls and such. But every now and then I'll make a little (enormous, holy sweet pineapple baby I wrote so much) post like this.

That being said, my apologies for hitting you with such a big piece of text first thing in the morning, lol. But if you made it this far, thank you so much for reading my little (again, enormous) rant. I hope you don't see me as some brainwashed, Bible beating person disguised as a lore freak. I promise I'm not. lol. That being said, I will not tolerate any hate what-so-ever. I don't care from whom towards who, it's entirely wrong. If I find out you're hating on someone I will immediately try and figure out how to remove you (I'm new to Tumblr, spare me the glares).

Anyways, thanks for reading, folks. I hope to see you on a more 'light-hearted'/nerdy topic. I hope you understand everything I wrote here, lol, don't be afraid to ask me any questions, I love yapping as you can tell.

[kbagraces]

Curious Time - Lando Norris

Lando Norris x Singer!reader

Multiple part series where their friendship was easy, their feelings were confusing and the distance was the hardest <3

(Third person perspective)

!!explicit content warning: 18+!!

PART 5 -

CONVINCED ME

“You convinced me that I can't know if I never try. Love me like you do, you make me feel so new.”

Lando knew she wasn't for him. He was sick of being alone, almost the entire paddock had girlfriends, people who didn't doubt their relationship, someone who'd fight for him like he would do for her.

Lacy was passing time and that time had passed. After the call with Pippa he was inconsolable, no tears left his eyes, that wasn't how he dealt with things. But he was almost mute, only answering yes or no to any questions asked. He left Saskia in his bed no goodbye or anything and got on his flight to Singapore. Arguably the hardest race of the season, the weather was draining when you were out of the car, the sickness he felt within the car was unmatched. Until now. This loneliness looming over him couldn't be topped he felt.

Press day looming, he wasn't in any state to speak to anyone, act with his teammate or interact with fans. He wanted none of it. He wanted to do the race. Then fly to y/n. His flight was booked, no one knew he couldn't risk them telling her and her running away or attempting to convince her otherwise. He needed her in anyway, he just needed her.

She was aware of how he was feeling, she over heard max and him on the phone when she was visiting P. She couldn't pull herself away from the conversation. She ruined her chance with him and now she's destroyed his relationship with Lacy. She felt awful.

She planned before the album dropped to have a break from social appearances and interviews as once November 4th hit they'd be non stop. But her time was consumed with worry, about her future, about his, about everything. Her needed rest was anything but that.

She kept updated with Lando at the Singapore Grand Prix with his performance last year ending up second, all eyes were on McLaren.

Qualifying was here, Lando was in the zone flying in Q1 and Q2. She hoped he was channeling everything to keep him going. Q3 wasn't awful ending up 6th place, not the best place to start on the street circuit but similarly not the worst.

One thing she loved about Lando was his ability to let go as soon as his helmet was on, she's glad that was a trait he could still channel following the recent turmoil she'd caused for him.

She believed she'd blown all chance. Contact was less the minimum, his name didn't even grace her instagram likes anymore. Total radio silence. And she was struggling, the girls would take her out, introduce her to their friends. But the same rule applied, they weren't him. And although she couldn't have him, she certainly didn't want anyone else.

P2! Again Lando finished P2 in the race of his life it looked like. She cheered, reaching for her phone, only to put it down right away. It's not your place anymore she told herself.

Lando was ecstatic, the first positive emotion he'd felt in weeks. Although he wanted to celebrate with the team, he wanted to get to her more. Rushing out of the paddock jumping in his car, not before throwing his hat to a group of young boys waiting for him, watching them fight over it in his rear view as he drove away.

He rested for a few hours once he got to London, hoping no pictures of him had reached her timeline. A few hours of sleep he caught up on, before heading to her. He prayed she was in, it'd be just his luck if she wasn't.

It was 8pm, she's ready for an early night. Make up removed, hair falling slightly messily over her shoulders and matching pyjamas set covering her figure.

Making a cup of tea before bed, she pottered in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boiled when a knock made her jump out of her skin as it echoed through her apartment.

The face appearing before her was the last person on earth she expected.

"Lando? What? Um, hi. What?" So startled sentence ran through her head but failed to reach her lips. She stepped aside for him to come in not saying anything else.

He looked tired but gorgeous as always, he too didn't say a word he just looked at her. She couldn't read his expression, maybe due to it being so long since she's seen him or because he wasn't sure what he was feeling himself.

!!!

He finally spoke, "don't say a word." He demanded, grabbing both sides of her face and pushing his body against hers so her back hit the door behind her. He kissed her softly but only for a second before it intensified. She was lost in the moment, her hands lifting up to get lost in his curls, pulling on them as he leaves her lips abandoned before he continues kissing and biting down her neck to her collarbones.

Her mind catches up with her, her voice small and out of breath from the kiss, "Lando. Lando! Wait." He stopped immediately, worried he'd taken it too far.

"Are you sure you want this? Are you just going to leave me tomorrow? You have every right to be angry but I don't want either if us to regret this." She's right, it'll be their first time sleeping together, hell that was their first time kissing each other more than just a peck.

He knew he wouldn't regret it, he was still upset. But he wouldn't regret it, he's wanted this for the last 2 years, he's needed this for the past 6 months.

"Y/n/n, it feels right doesnt it? Don't worry about tomorrow, do you want this now?" God she does her legs are already weak from the kiss, doing there best to relive some tension rubbing together.

No words necessary she attached her lips back to his all the confirmation he needed.

His hands slipped below her bare legs hoisting her up, she instinctively wrap your legs around his waist, moaning softly into his mouth as she feels him, hard, rubbing against her. He wanders straight into her bedroom, she praises herself for doing some decluttering earlier that day.

He rests her down on the bed, taking her in hair splayed out, "candles, huh? Were you expecting me?" He jokes. Humour right now is not appreciated by her as she leans up grabbing his hoodie pulling him on top of her.

He rest between her legs once more, arms beside her holding his weight above her. He pulls back from her kisses once more to which she groans in frustration.

"I don't think you're in the position to be demanding anything from me baby."

Baby

She's desperate for him and he's taking his sweet time. "Lando please." She whimpers trying to pull him down again, missing his lips against hers.

"Fuck say it again baby. Beg for me. Show me that you deserve it."

"Please. Please. I'll be good. Touch me, kiss me anything. Please"

He dives back down lips attacking her neck straight away, kissing, biting, marks being made down to her collarbones.

"Can I take this off?" He slides the strap off of her shoulder signalling he wants her naked infront of him.

She nods staring at him almost bewildered, she can't believe this is happening. She's hidden her feeling for so long and here he is undressing her after she believed she wouldn't see him again.

He pulls off her top shorts leaving her completely vulnerable in front of him.  Her nipples hard point at him, he's staring think, God she's beautiful. Not a single imperfection in his eyes. Her skin smooth to the touch, freckles delicately scattered over her body, her lips puffy, cheek flushed and marks from him littering her neck.

She notices him analysing her and instinctively goes to attempting to cover her bare body before him. Her arms wrap themselves around her chest, wondering if he likes what he sees or if he's changed his mind.

He grabs her wrists, holding them about her head with one of his large hands. "Don't." He says.

"Please don't hide yourself from me. You're perfect. You're mine and you're perfect." He kisses her once more wrists still pinned, she tries to fight it desperately wanting to touch him, get him out of his clothes and inside her. The more she resists the more he tightens.

"Lando. Do something please I'm begging you." She's throbbing at this point begging for his touch, desperate for it.

"Whatever you want, baby."

He removes his hoodie, she gapes at his body one she'd seen hundreds of times before but never it hovering over her, fuck.

He kisses from her neck down her chest, flicking her nipples with his tongue earning another moan from her. Taking them in her mouth biting and sucking gently as his hand travels down her stomach and between her legs. He'd never felt someone this desperate for him before. His slender fingers toy with her clit as her back arches from the contact, he inserts one finger, followed by another, his thumb now concentrating on her clit. She's moaning and writing at his touch.

He shuffles down her bed lips now attaching her clit, tongue swirling in circles whilst his fingers dance inside her.

"Lando. I'm so- don't- don't stop." Her body quivering beneath him his unoccupied arm laying across or stomach now to try and limit some movement.

Her body shakes as she reaches her highs, chanting his name louder and louder.

"Fuck." She exclaims.

"We're not done yet baby. You going to let me take care of you again?" His fingers finding the drawstring of his joggers pulling them off completely.

"Let me do something for you Lan, please" she looks at him through hooded eyes, looking exhausted already.

"No baby it's all about you right now." He removes the cloth of his boxers, setting her knees up beside him as she lays on her back.

"You ready baby? Can you take it?"

"I need it. Please I need to feel you." She cries out, he taps his tip on her now extremely sensitive clit before allowing himself to sink into her.

"Fuck" he whispers, she's gripped around him in a perfect fit. She was perfect for him.

Thrusting deeper and deeper, as she chants his name gripping onto any part she can. His arms are tattooed with the marks of her nails raking down them as she reaches her second high of the night, it hitting her hard.

Lando slows the rhythm as she begs him to be gentle clearing becoming overwhelmed and overstimulated. "You going to let me cum inside you baby? Can I fill you up?"

"Daddy please. Please"

Daddy. That finished it for him, hoping he could go a bit longer but once that word left her lips he was done for. He swears that's the most intense it's felt.

He gently removes himself from her, entering her en suite, grabbing the first towel he sees. Re entering her room she's propped herself up on her elbows, looking for him as if he's disappeared, slightly delirious. He wipes off what's leaked from her. Urging her to move up under the covers.

"Thank you for coming Lan." She sighs, wrapped in his arms, she's deeply missed being his little spoon. "I don't know what changed your mind. But thank you for being here."

"I'm glad I'm here but I don't want to talk about that right now. Just want to enjoy you and that great sex we had." He smirks into her shoulder, avoiding the dressing topic they'd both have to face at some point.

"Hmm I'd give it a 3/10." She mocks, knowing that's a complete lie.

"That's why you were screaming daddy at me right, baby? Where did that come from?" His smile getting wider and cockier at the minute.

"Please don't. It's your fault anyway.”

If that's his fault, he'd love to be to blame all day everyday. She's finally back in his arms and for now he's enjoying this ignorant bliss.

Masterlist