#why don’t you just shoot me in the face

[misswynters]

short drabble

Ekko and heimerdinger are being nerdy while you sleep

requested. by anon

There was always a soft hum of machinery that filled the air in Heimerdinger’s workshop. And with that accompanied by the occasional clink of tools and the professor’s enthusiastic ramblings. The workshop had an oddly calming atmosphere, a mix of glowing gadgets, bubbling contraptions, and the gentle warmth of lamp-lit light. It was perfect for dozing off, especially after a long day of following Ekko around Zaun.

You were sprawled out on the old, lumpy couch tucked in a corner of the workshop, your head cushioned by one of Ekko’s jackets that you’d claimed for yourself. Curled up against your side was your pet, a small, scrappy Zaunite fox. Its fur was a mix of gray and russet, with glowing green streaks running along its ears and tail. Ekko had found it injured near one of the Sump scrapers, and after some patching up, it had attached itself to you like glue.

Ekko called it “Scraps” (because of course he would), and Scraps was now peacefully snoozing, just like you.

Across the room, Ekko and Heimerdinger were huddled around one of the professor’s latest inventions, discussing something that involved words you didn’t fully understand.

“…but if you accelerate the core’s energy output without stabilizing the oscillation, it’ll implode,” Ekko said, gesturing animatedly at the device.

Heimerdinger adjusted his tiny glasses, nodding. “Precisely! Which is why you must ensure the harmonic calibrations are synced—ah, but don’t forget to account for temporal distortions.”

As the professor continued explaining, Ekko’s focus wavered. His gaze drifted toward the couch where you were sleeping, your form softly rising and falling with each breath. Scraps twitched its glowing tail but stayed nestled close to you.

A small smile crept onto Ekko’s face. You looked so peaceful, completely at odds with the chaos that usually surrounded you both in Zaun. Your hand was loosely tangled in Scraps’ fur, your other arm tucked under your cheek.

He didn’t notice the professor had stopped talking until Heimerdinger’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Ah, young love,” Heimerdinger said, his tone tinged with teasing amusement.

Ekko snapped his head back toward him, blinking. “Huh? What’re you talking about?”

Heimerdinger chuckled, folding his hands behind his back. “There’s no use denying it, dear boy. The way you’re looking at them, it’s rather endearing, really.”

Ekko’s ears burned. “I wasn’t—I mean, I was just—” He trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck. “They’re asleep, alright? That’s all.”

Heimerdinger hummed, clearly unconvinced. “Still, allow me to impart some wisdom, as one who has witnessed countless romances blossom and wither over the centuries.”

“Oh no,” Ekko muttered, groaning.

Ignoring him, Heimerdinger continued, his voice taking on the tone of a well-meaning but meddling elder. “When courting a significant other, one must always show respect, patience, and attentiveness. Flowers are an excellent gesture, but so is active listening. Communication, you see, is the foundation of—”

“Professor,” Ekko interrupted, exasperated. “I don’t think you understand. We’re not—”

“Young people these days,” Heimerdinger said with a dramatic shake of his head, cutting him off. “Always so quick to dismiss advice. But mark my words: treat them well, or you’ll regret it!”

Before Ekko could retort, Scraps stirred, lifting its head with a sleepy yawn. The movement must’ve disturbed you because you shifted slightly, blinking groggily as the sound of their voices filtered through your half asleep haze.

“Mm… what’s going on?” you mumbled, sitting up and rubbing your eyes. Scraps hopped off the couch and stretched before circling back to your lap.

Ekko winced, shooting you an apologetic look. “Sorry, Firefly,” he said softly, using the nickname he’d given you. “Didn’t mean to wake you up.”

Firefly—because you were always a little light in Zaun’s darkness, buzzing around him with endless energy.

You shook your head, a sleepy smile tugging at your lips. “It’s fine,” you murmured, scratching Scraps behind the ears. “What were you guys talking about?”

Heimerdinger perked up. “Oh, nothing of consequence!” he said cheerfully, though his smirk told a different story. “Merely enlightening young Ekko on the art of courtship.”

You blinked, then glanced at Ekko, who looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him whole. “Courtship?” you repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t start,” Ekko muttered, shooting Heimerdinger a look.

The professor chuckled, his ears twitching. “Ah, youth. So easily embarrassed.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at Ekko’s expression, your earlier grogginess fading. “Well, did you learn anything useful?” you teased.

Ekko rolled his eyes but smiled despite himself. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.”

He reached out, ruffling your hair gently before pulling his hand back. “For real, though. Sorry we woke you up. Want me to walk you home?”

You shook your head, leaning back against the couch. “Nah, I’m good here. I like listening to you two talk.”

Heimerdinger beamed. “A kindred spirit indeed! Intellectual discourse is a joy to behold, is it not?”

Ekko groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “And now you’ve encouraged him. Great.”

You just laughed again, feeling the warmth of the moment settle around you. Scraps let out a contented sigh, curling up in your lap, and Ekko plopped down on the couch beside you. His hand found yours, giving it a quick squeeze before letting go, his usual ease returning.

The three of you stayed in the workshop, for endless hours as the two nerds worked on their projects. Whereas you cheered them on at the sidelines with cute ol’ Scraps to keep you company. Especially when they would talk about all the science lingo that you did not understand. Even though ekko would sometimes explain it in more simpler terms. It didn’t quite go through your head. Needlessly to say you enjoyed the days you would spend at the workshop.

taglist. @diffusebread @xxblairslairxx @thesevi0lentdelights

banner. @anitalenia

[chestersturniolo]

good cop , bad cop

Matt Sturniolo x fem!reader x Chris Sturniolo

Summary; You have been a moody guts all day. Matt goes straight to comforting mode.. Chris, not so much

disclaimer; Chratt poly relationship dynamic! if you are not comfortable with this, do not read // suggestive // pet names // most likely a one shot.. based on this request

You flop onto the couch with an exaggerated huff, crossing your arms over your chest. Your irritation at an all time high for no real reason. It’s been one of those days, and it feels like nothing is going your way.

Matts attention is caught by your dramatics, he glances over from where he sat on the other side of the couch. “Hey-” he says softly “-what’s wrong sweetheart? You’ve been in a mood since this morning” his voiced concerned

You groan dramatically, rolling your eyes. “Nothing. I’m fine.” you snap,

Matt frowns, “C’mon, talk to me. Did something happen? Did I do something?” His voice is still patient, gentle, but for some reason it only makes you more annoyed.

“Ugh, Matt can you not?-” you sass back. “-I said I’m fine. Why can’t you just leave it alone?”

Before Matt can respond, Chris speaks up from the kitchen, his voice cutting through your tantrum “Alright, that’s enough” he says firmly, turning to face you. His blue eyes locking onto yours,. “What’s with the attitude, kid? You’ve been whinin’ n actin’ like a little brat all day”

Your eyebrows immediately raise, taken back by his tone.

“Chris!” Matt snaps, shooting him a disapproving look. “Don’t talk to her like that, she’s just—”

“She’s just what?” Chris interrupts, standing his ground. “Throwing a tantrum because she’s gotten herself all worked up for no reason? Don’t coddle her, Matt. It’s not helping.”

You glare at him, but Chris doesn’t waver. “look I get that you’re not in the best of moods today-” he says, his tone softening just a little “-but that doesn’t mean you get to take it out on us. We’re here to help you, not be your punching bags kid”

Matt sighs, running a hand through his hair “You didn’t have to put it like that” he mutters, clearly torn between defending you and acknowledging Chris has a point.

“Maybe not-“ Chris concedes, his gaze flicking back to you “-but she needed to hear it”

You shift in your seat with an subtle eye roll. Chris wasn’t wrong…you had been a little over the top today. But still, his bluntness stings.

Matt scoots over to you on the couch, his hand resting gently on your knee. “listen-” he says softly “-whenever something’s bothering you, just tell us, okay? We can talk anything out”

“Yeah-“ chris starts in agreement, making his way over to the couch “-we’ve got your back ma, next time lose the attitude, huh?” he says,crossing his arms as he stands infront of you

You sigh, the fight draining out of you as you mumble, “Okay, m’sorry” feeling slightly guilty

Matt smiles, giving your knee a reassuring squeeze. Chris smirks, tossing a wink your way “There’s our girl”

Your lips instinctively curl upward at his coo..you’d always found it quite hard to stay mad at them for long periods of time. They had this way of breaking your attitude down, sometimes without even trying. You let out another small sigh, “i think i’ve just been a little stressed lately that’s all..” you say honestly, your eyes flickering between them both.

Matt clicks his tongue “ah baby, why didn’t you say so? i know just the thing for that..” he says before throwing a glance to chris with a smirk. They share a quick knowing look before Chris’ smirk forms also, knowing exactly what his brother is getting at.

Before you could process what was happening, Chris leans down, scooping you up off the couch. You let out a surprise squeal as he hoists you up and slings you over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry, before placing a firm smack to your ass as he starts walking off toward Matts room.

“Where are we going” you giggle,lifting your head slightly to see Matts figure following closely behind

“We’re going to relieve all that stress of yours baby-“ Matt mumbles, wetting his bottom lip, his hand coming down to unbuckle his belt as he walks “-jus’ relax, we’re gonna take good care of you hmm?”

MASTERLIST LINKED HERE

[sonnyangeluvrrr]

˚୨୧⋆｡just one bite

The aroma of Sukuna’s food wafts over to you, rich and tempting, and you can’t help but lean a little closer, curiosity getting the best of you. He notices, of course, shooting you a quick side-eye as you inch closer, a small pout forming on your lips.

“Can I just have one bite?” you ask, trying to sound casual.

He rolls his eyes, a smirk already tugging at the corner of his mouth. “No, I’m not going to give you a bite.”

“Why not?” you ask, crossing your arms and looking at him with wide eyes, playing up your innocence.

He raises a brow, leveling you with a look that tells you he’s not buying it. “Because I know you’re not gonna like it. Then you’re going to ask me how the hell I like it, and I don’t want to listen to that right now.”

You blink at him, a little taken aback but also amused. “Oh, so now you’re a food psychic?”

He huffs, leaning back in his seat and taking a deliberately slow bite. “I’m just smarter than you give me credit for. Go ahead and prove me wrong.”

Challenge accepted.

You reach over, taking a forkful of his food before he can stop you, lifting it to your mouth confidently. But the second it hits your tongue, the taste catches you off guard. The bitterness mixes with a heat that’s almost overwhelming, and you try not to make a face, swallowing it down as casually as you can manage.

Sukuna watches you with that knowing smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement as you struggle to mask your reaction.

“Good?” he asks, a single eyebrow raised.

“…It’s, um, interesting,” you say, trying to salvage your dignity. “Definitely… bold.”

“Interesting,” he repeats, a chuckle escaping him. “Just say you hate it.”

You bite your lip, glaring at him half-heartedly. “Fine. How do you eat this?”

He shrugs, taking another bite with ease. “I guess I just have better taste.”

“Oh, sure,” you tease, “and what is that, acquired taste for terrible food?”

A low laugh rumbles from him, and he leans in, his voice dropping to a playful, almost challenging tone. “You’re the one who wanted a bite, brat.”

You can’t help but laugh, finally giving in. “Alright, alright. You win this one.”

He smirks, looking entirely too pleased with himself as he goes back to his food. But just as you’re about to turn away, he pauses, spearing another bite on his fork and holding it out to you.

“Here,” he says, his tone softening just a bit. “Try this piece. It’s not as bad as the last one.”

Surprised, you take it, feeling a strange warmth from the small gesture. The flavor this time is milder, easier to enjoy, and you give him an approving nod.

“See?” he says, looking at you with a rare, almost hidden softness in his eyes. “Maybe you just needed the right bite.”

And with that, he goes back to his meal, a faint smile lingering on his face as you sit there, heart pounding just a little faster than before.

[knottedhearts]

Christmas: B.E

The room is filled with the soft scent of pine and the warm glow of Christmas lights. Billie is balanced on a step ladder, carefully hanging ornaments near the top of the tree. You stand a few feet away, holding the next batch of decorations and watching her with a smirk.

“Y’know,” you say, crossing your arms, “if you need help, I could always grab a taller ladder.”

Billie glances down at you, one brow arched. “I don’t need a taller ladder. I’m perfectly capable, thank you.”

“Uh-huh,” you tease. “Because you’re doing great up there, Little Miss Five-Two.”

“I’m five-three!” she shoots back, her tone sharp but playful. “And don’t act like you’re towering over me or something.”

“Still taller,” you quip with a grin. “Want me to hand you a stool for extra support?”

She huffs, turning back to the tree. “You’re lucky I like you, or you’d be decorating this tree alone.”

“Lucky, huh?” you muse, biting back a laugh as she stretches up to place another ornament. “Maybe you’d be luckier if you had an inch or two more.”

Billie twists her head to glare at you mid-reach, but the movement makes the ladder wobble. Her eyes widen. “Oh—!”

The next second feels like slow motion. The ladder tips, and Billie loses her balance. You leap forward just as she tumbles, catching her awkwardly but still ending up on the floor with her landing halfway on top of you.

“Billie!” you exclaim, sitting up quickly. “Are you okay?”

She groans, shifting slightly to sit up. “Ugh… Yeah, I think so. Just—ow—my arm.”

“Let me see.” You gently take her arm, inspecting it with care. She winces but doesn’t pull away. “It’s not broken, but you’re probably gonna feel that tomorrow.”

“Great,” she mutters, leaning back against the couch. “This is what I get for trying to prove I can reach the top.”

“Or for ignoring gravity,” you say, brushing a pine needle off her sweater. Your tone softens as you look at her. “You scared me for a second there.”

Her lips twitch, half a smile despite the situation. “Guess I should’ve just let you do it.”

“Probably.” You stand, offering her your hand. “But now you’re officially banned from ladders.”

“Who’s gonna finish the tree?” she asks, letting you help her to her feet.

“I will,” you say, guiding her to the couch. “You can supervise. From the ground.”

As she sits down, Billie smirks faintly. “If you mess it up, I’m still blaming you.”

“Deal,” you reply, grabbing the next ornament. “But you’re not living this fall down.”

Her groan is half annoyance, half amusement. “Merry Christmas to me.”

Timeskip

The room is peaceful now, the lights from the Christmas tree casting a soft glow over the walls. The Grinch plays quietly on the TV, the muted sound of his scheming blending with the faint hum of the heater. You’re stretched out on the couch, a blanket draped over the both of you. Billie is curled up on top of you, her head resting against your chest, her soft breaths warm against your neck.

You glance at the tree, a quiet sense of pride settling in. It turned out pretty well, even if finishing it solo wasn’t part of the original plan. Billie stirs slightly, and you shift your hand to gently brush her hair away from her face. Her eyelids flutter, and she looks up at you, her dark lashes heavy with sleep.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” you murmur, smiling down at her. “How’s your arm?”

She stretches slightly, groaning as she moves it. “Still sore,” she admits, her voice husky from sleep. “But not as bad as earlier.”

“Well, that’s good,” you reply, your fingers brushing along her jaw. “Guess you’ll live another day.”

She smirks faintly, her eyes sparkling despite the low light. “You’re lucky you caught me. Would’ve been a lot worse if I hit the floor.”

“I’m always lucky when it comes to you,” you say, your tone softer now. “But let’s try to keep the death-defying stunts to a minimum.”

Billie chuckles, her voice still groggy. “No promises. You know me.”

“Yeah,” you say, your lips quirking into a grin. “I do. And that’s why I’m always gonna be here to catch you.”

Her smirk fades into something more tender as she shifts closer, her nose brushing against yours. “Guess I should thank you properly, huh?”

“I wouldn’t say no,” you reply, your voice dropping slightly. She tilts her head, closing the distance between you as her lips meet yours in a slow, lazy kiss.

The warmth of her mouth lingers, and you cup her face gently, pulling her closer. What starts as soft and sweet quickly deepens, her hand sliding up to tangle in your hair. You lose yourself in the moment, the world outside the blanket cocoon you’ve created fading away.

Billie pulls back just slightly, her forehead resting against yours. “You’re really good at this, you know,” she murmurs, her breath warm against your lips.

“Good at what?” you tease, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Saving you or kissing you?”

“Both,” she replies, grinning before she kisses you again, her lips soft but insistent. This time, her weight shifts slightly, and you hold her tighter to keep her steady.

“I think you’re just trying to distract me from asking about your arm,” you say between kisses, your voice low but teasing.

“Maybe,” she admits with a sly smile. “Is it working?”

“Definitely,” you whisper before pulling her back in, the soft glow of the tree and the sound of the Grinch’s laughter your only witnesses.

Her lips pressed against yours with a mix of urgency and sweetness, her fingers curling into your hair as if she didn’t want you to pull away. Each kiss deepened slowly, building a quiet intensity that sent a shiver down your spine.

When you moved your lips to her jawline, Billie let out a soft, shaky breath, her head tilting instinctively to give you more access. You trailed your kisses along her neck, the faintest touch of your tongue grazing her skin. She inhaled sharply, her body pressing closer to yours as she whispered, “God…” barely audible, almost like a prayer.

Encouraged, you lingered, your lips finding the sensitive spot just below her ear. A small, quiet moan escaped her, the sound lighting a fire in your chest. Her hands gripped the fabric of your shirt, grounding herself as your kisses grew more deliberate, each one drawing another sigh or soft sound from her lips.

When you pulled back just slightly to meet her eyes, her cheeks were flushed, her breathing uneven. “You’re so unfair,” she murmured, her voice laced with a playful frustration, though her lips were already seeking yours again.

[xetlynn]

Would you mind doing alternate universe claggor x a fem!reader who's a cat-person like lest?

Here you gooo!!!

Arcane Imagines- Claggor

Say It First

summary: [name] and claggor like one another but neither will make it official.

[arcane] [main page]

“[Name]!? [Name]! Dude your shift is about to start!” A slightly muffled voice shouts, startling me awake from the rough sleep I had last night. I shoot up from my couch, my ears ringing due to the sudden movement I made. I look around trying to remember where I even was. 

I glance down to my couch, trying to pinpoint why I was sleeping in my living room and not my bedroom. I get jolted out of my thoughts when the front door is slamming open. My eyes widened, stepping back to see Mylo who just kicked my door open. “Hey, my door!” I scrunch my face, putting my arms up. “You’re fixing that.” I angrily told him. 

“You should be thanking me, actually.” He rebuttals, showing me his watch. The time was 5 minutes before my shift at The Last Drop started. My heart sank. “I forgot to set my alarm.” I solemnly admit, rushing to my bedroom. “I didn’t know you were awake. I wouldn't have had Mylo do that! I thought he was going to pick the lock, not break it.” Powder says, following behind me. 

 “It’s okay, he’s fixing it whether he wants to or not.” I spit out, throwing my clothes off, not caring that my friend was right there. She covered her eyes immediately. “Vander is going to be pissed!” I cry out, throwing my work clothes on, grooming out my tail along with my hair. “I was up way too late last night.” I mutter, spraying a bunch of perfume on.

“Let’s go.” I grab my best friend’s wrist, dragging her out of my room. Mylo stood there, hands behind his back. “C’mon, I don’t want you in my house.” I point to him, taking his arm in my other hand. Hurriedly leaving my place, shutting the door behind me even though it really didn’t matter since my lock and door knob was busted.

“Why were you so tired, hm?” Mylo takes his arm back as we all rush to the bar. “I was out with a friend.” I rolled my eyes, sprinting ahead of them so I didn’t have to hear their teasing. 

“She was so with Claggor.” He whispers over to Powder who just snickers. “Totally.” She adds. 

“Guys, please whispering is not the best thing to do around me.” I point to my fluffed up ears. “We meant for you to hear.” The blue haired girl smirks. I groan. “Whatever.” The Last Drop comes into view and I start running to the building. I made it in just a minute. All eyes on me when I burst inside. I bite my lip, holding onto my tail nervously as I walk to Vander. “I made it on time.” I give him a small salute. 

“You look like you just woke up.” He ruffles my hair, my ears go down, upset with him messing up my hair. “That’s because she did.” Mylo sits on a stool, Powder joining. “Only reason she’s here is because we broke into her house.” She says in a joking manner even though that is quite literally what they did. 

“Yeah, Mylo. I’m not joking when I say you’re fixing that!” I fumed, heading behind the bar to tie my waist apron. “Yeah, yeah.” He sighs in annoyance. “He broke your lock?” A voice adds into the conversation, I perk up looking to see Claggor who’s holding a box of random things. “Yeah, can you believe that?” I smile, leaning over the counter. 

Vander scoffs, walking away knowing I’m about to be really distracted now. “Actually, I can.” He grumbles glaring over at his brother. “He learned it from Vi when we were younger.” Claggor thinks back to the pink haired girl who was basically his sister. I take his hand knowing sometimes it’s a little hard to mention her. “Yeah well he’s going to fix said door.” I squeeze his hand before letting it go to pinch Mylo on the arm. “Better get to it so I have a safe home to go to bed tonight.” I stare him down and when he attempts to argue I just make a zip it motion. 

“Going now…” He groans, storming out of the building. Powder joins Claggor and I, laughing at her pouting brother who just left. “I warned him about having to fix it.” She shrugs her shoulders. “He doesn’t think about consequences much.” I remind her. “Never has.” Claggor chimes in, giving me a small wink. My face flushes and I turn to Powder who was already smirking at me. 

“So, what were you two doing up so late last night?” She abruptly questions us, making both Claggor and I tense up. “Well, um, this was part of the reason.” He lifts up the box he came in here with. “A box of… junk?” Powder tilts her head with a slight expression of disgust. 

“Yes, I’m reusing it. To turn it into jewelry. Claggor and I were collecting them yesterday and he said he’d clean them and bring them back to me. Hence why he brought it here.” I explain, taking the box, hiding it underneath the counter. “Thank you by the way.” I grin, he nods his head. “Jewelry?”

“Yeah, Vander said I could sell some here if they were good enough.” I pointed over to their dad who was talking to a customer. “I forgot you were super into making jewelry.” Powder purses out her lips. “Speaking of jewelry! Ekko and I are going on a date to that art festival tonight. We wanted to invite you two.” She proposes to us and I furrow my eyebrows as Claggor has a slight blush on his cheeks. “You want us to join your date?” I repeated back to her.

“It’s a date for us, it can be whatever… your hangouts are called.” She avoids eye contact with me. I know what she’s doing. 

Claggor and I like each other. It’s extremely evident and we both know how annoying it comes off. For some reason we don’t talk about it nor do we hint at it or anything. No kissing, no hugging, no intimacy at all! I got a fist bump last night and I dreamt about it, that’s how pathetic this whole ordeal is. 

“You don’t have to answer now but I need one before 4.” She smacks her hand down on the counter before walking away just as her boyfriend, Ekko comes into view. I turned to Claggor who was staring down at his hands. “Do you want to go?” I ask him, I feel my tail flicker to the side and I grab it. Not wanting it to give away my interest. “Do you?” 

I smack his arm because of his answer. He does this often. Not giving me an answer on what he wants and deflecting it for me to answer first. “I do, actually. Now, what do you want to do?”

He smiles up at me. “That’s exactly what I was going to say.” He says. I roll my eyes. “Sure it was.” 

•••

Powder gets dressed over at my house. She’s wearing a white shirt that has pink flowers all over it with a long black skirt as I put on a dark blue shirt and jean shorts. My shorts used to be Powders but I absentmindedly cut a hole in them for my tail after I borrowed them. 

“Are you two going to make it official soon?” Powder asks as she finishes her eyeliner. “Again with this?” I whine, aggressively putting my shoes on. “[Name] it is exhausting to watch! Just say something. I’m sure he wants the same thing!” She practically begs and I sit on the edge of my bed, letting out a huff of air. “I know he does but I want him to make the first move. He never says what he wants first.” I throw myself back on my bed dramatically. 

“He’s most likely just nervous, he doesn’t want to say the wrong thing.” Powder comes and sits beside me. Her face was hovering over mine. “I understand though.” She rubs my arm. “Funny, Ekko was pretty straight forward last I checked.” I poke her nose, her cheeks turn pink in response. “Okay I don’t fully get it but I do understand if I put myself in your shoes.” She shoves my arm, standing back up. 

•••

We meet up with the guys at the bridge where they’re throwing the festival. Powder jumps over to her boyfriend, linking their arms. Claggor and I awkwardly stand beside one another, following behind the couple into the festival. 

I mainly just looked around for new jewelry inspos to make out of the recycled junk that I have. Telling Claggor to take a mental image just in case I forgot. Powder and I fangirling over certain paintings and little gadgets all around. 

“[Name], look at that table.” Powder points over to another jewelry table but the jewelry wasn’t made of metal or plastic but instead plants. My jaw slacks, grabbing onto Claggor excitedly bringing him over to the table with me. Not realizing that Ekko and Powder took that as a chance to split up from us. I pick up a blue flower crown, examining it. “I could so create something like this!” I squeal, placing it on my head. “Powder they have pink-” I held it in my hands, turning to show her but she was already gone. I press my lips together and frown.

 “Wow.” I scoffed out a laugh. “Hey, since you picked that up you actually have to buy both of them.” The creator comes up behind me, I look at her with a sad look. I didn’t bring any money. Before I can say that though Claggor was already giving him a few coins. “Thank you.” She nods her head, stuffing the coins in her pocket. 

“Sorry, I’ll pay you back.” I hold the flower crown in front of me. Not knowing what to do with it now. “It’s alright, don’t worry about it.” He waves me off. I look between him and the crown, a smirk creeping up on my lips. 

“Put this on.” I give it to him, he raises a brow. “Okay.” He puts it on without a fight and I giggle, giving him a hug. “We match!” I feel my tail flick back and forth and I immediately let him go before he can embrace me back.

I clear my throat. “Let’s go check out the glass area. That seemed cool.” I avert my gaze from him, walking ahead now. “You okay?” He asks. “Of course.” I curtly answered. 

I want to be able to hug him without worrying about doing too much. Or showing him I’m too happy because what if that looks weird. My ears and tail give me away too quickly though. I’ve never been able to lie about my emotions. Ever. If I’m upset my ears flatten. If I’m happy, excited or nervous my tail will show it with how it moves. It’s sort of annoying. 

“I know something’s bothering you, [Name].” He places a hand on my shoulder. See! 

“Nothing’s bothering me.” I lie, forcing a smile. “Let’s go see that glass.” I pump my fists in the air. He doesn’t move though when I begin to walk. “C’mon.” I try to grab his hand but he pulls away to cross his arms. “Not until you tell me.”

I glanced around us and everyone was just walking around, not paying attention to what we were doing at all. “I guess we can stay in the jewelry section.” I attempt to make a joke but it doesn’t land with my very small audience.

Once his silence began to bother me I swallowed down my pride. Thinking back to what Powder said. How it might just be hard for him to explain how feels about things. 

“I want to be something.” I deflect eye contact with him, trying to focus on literally anything else at this moment. “What do you want to be?” He stammers.

“A couple like Ekko and Powder. I want to kiss, hold hands, tell everyone that you’re mine.” I exclaim, at the ending of my sentence I glance up at him. His hands drop to his sides. “I can’t tell if that’s what you want either because you never tell me how you feel unless I say what I feel and then you just agree with me and it makes me feel like you’re lying almost.” I blurt out word after word, not being able to stop the vomit that is this sentence. 

“I just want to know how Claggor feels, not [Name].” I tell him truthfully, my head going down sadly. My ears falling with it. I hold onto my tail to mess with something.

“I… in all honesty [Name] I feel the same way as you most of the time. Like this for example, I want the same thing. I want to call you mine and scream it out to everyone. I just get scared that I’m going to mess up.” He grabbed my hands, my tail dropping back down. “What would you mess up?” I look up at him through my eyelashes. “Everything.” He chuckles dryly. 

“Mm, I don’t think you ever could.” I pull him closer to me, wrapping his arms around me. “I want you to be mine and I want you to tell me everything you feel.” I tell him, my arms going around his neck. “I want to kiss you.” He says, momentarily letting me go so we can get out of people's way a little better. We weren’t exactly stopping anyone from walking but so we could have our moment a little better. He brought me to the wall of the bridge. 

“You want to kiss me?” I giggle, my hand traveling to his face. “Mhm.” He nods his head. I see the redness in his ears from how hard he’s blushing. “Then do it.” I whisper.

He smiles, both of us inching closer and closer before he closes the gap between us. Our lips locking together and then moving as if we’ve done this before. 

Once we realize we were still in public though we back away with dumb, goofy smiles on our faces. “We need to do that more often.” I blurted out, causing him to laugh. “I wouldn’t mind.” 

“FINALLY!!!” Two arms wrap around us, pulling us together with Powder who was excitedly jumping up and down. “What’d I tell you, Ekko. My plan worked.” She throws her head back to look at her boyfriend who shook his head. 

[deantfwinchester]

Love Me Right

Part 1: Henrietta’s

Pairing: ConstructionCEO!Joel x Waitress!Reader

She's eventually gonna be a teacher again bc let's be real, i'm a one-trick pony.

This is a Millionaire Joel AU x Most Eligible Bachelor Trope

Summary: Joel Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of Miller Construction, hasn't been dealing with an Empty Nest very well. His family and friends have tried their best to cheer him up since Sarah left for college in the fall, but the storm cloud above his head remains. On top of that (or perhaps because of it), he has just been named one of Austin's Most Eligible Bachelors.

What will that mean for the new-in-town waitress he meets in his favorite diner? As far as she knows, he's just an average contractor.

Warnings: age gap (reader late 20s, Joel late 40s); family-centered trauma and conflict; lethal levels of fluff otw

A/N: Bear with me for this one y'all. My imagination is ambitious and my brain is obstinate. Title inspired by Sabrina Carpenter’s Short ‘n Sweet - bc i can’t stop fckn listening to Juno 🫣

Word Count: 4.6k

_______________________________________________

“Tommy, there ain’t a chance in hell that’s gonna happen. Why on earth did you bring this to me?”

“Well they talked to Joanna at the front desk first. She said wasn’t going to bring it up to you, but I couldn’t just let it slide,” Tommy raises his eyebrows at Joel, shooting him a mischievous look. “Because one - I wasn’t gonna pass up the chance to see this look on your face, and two - would a little publicity be so bad?”

“Who in their right mind is gonna choose a fuckin contractor from the goddamn ‘society pages��?” Joel bristles at his brother’s amusement with an unwavering scowl.

Tommy stares right back, but the playful nature of his expression is unmarred. “Most men won’t Joel - but their wives will.” Tommy’s salacious grin is damn near wider than Joel’s ever seen. Christ, he’s loving this.

“You gotta be kiddin’ me,” Joel says plainly, rolling his eyes.

“Come on brother, think about it - plenty of busy men in this city with bored housewives in need of a project. He tosses her a few thousand to redo the dining room - well who’s gonna do the job? She hasn’t got a clue where to begin and then BOOM! She sees the list of Austin’s Most Eligible Bachelors in the paper - where she finds a photo of the distinguished CEO and senior founder of Miller Construction—”

“Senior, seriously?,” Joel deadpans at him. Tommy ignores him, continuing to wax poetic.

“And can’t help but wonder if the rest of his staff is as dashing as he appears to be,”

“Flattery’s cheap Tommy.”

“Of course then she meets with me and the deal is sealed.” Tommy smiles smugly now that his story is complete.

“Boy can you paint a picture,” responds Joel, rolling his eyes at his brother’s antics. “So you wanna parade me around like a two-bit hooker, huh?

“Whaddya say — can I give ‘em a call?”

“If you’re so hell-bent on ‘marketing’ why don’t you do it?” Joel says flippantly.

“Well I’m not a bachelor anymore, am I?,” he grins brightly at him. This time, it’s sincere.

“Don’t break your arm pattin' yourself on the back, Tommy. Maria mighta said yes, but there ain’t a ring on your finger yet. She’s still got a few months to wise up,” Joel challenges, his tone playful.

Tommy glares at him, but then gives a sobered nod. “You’re right about that. I know I’m a lucky fucker, and I’m not interested in testing that luck - even for a charity auction. Sorry to the dogs, or the food bank or — is it old people?”

“Hell bent on it, and don’t even know what it’s for? Christ - it’s a Make-A-Wish thing Tommy, damn,” Joel replies, looking bewildered at his brother’s callous and cavalier response.

“And isn’t your attention and concern for the bigger picture just what they need in volunteers?” Tommy retorts, expression still smug but eyes hopeful. “What, ‘s it gonna kill you to go out for once? It’ll be a formality at worst and maybe even a good time if you loosen up a bit.”

“I can think of a number of other ‘worsts’ than a formality,” Joel muses

“You’re gentleman enough to handle it just fine,” Tommy continues.

It has been quite a while since Joel’s been out of his house for much other than work or routine, and even longer since he’s been out with anyone other than Tommy, Maria, and the guys from work here and there. He’ll admit, he hasn’t been dealing with an empty nest very well. He’s done a pretty terrible job of keeping busy since he dropped Sarah off at school back in the fall. She’d gotten in exactly where she’d hoped, and made friends fast - for this he was over the moon - but he misses her like crazy. He’s been swimming back and forth in swelling pride and stabbing grief since September, ecstatic and aching all at once. He knew Tommy’s intentions were relatively pure, business interest aside. He knows they’ve been worried about him for a couple of months now - they haven’t exactly been subtle — they’d started having him over for dinner damn near once a week.

This newfound hobby of Tommy’s, cooking like a grown-up, had become the ruse en vogue for getting Joel out of his house. As Maria’s caseload grew at the law firm, Tommy wanted to make sure she had a real meal to eat when she finally got home — so he started cooking. Joel had to admit it was real sweet, watching his brother dive headfirst into learning a new skill just to take care of his bride-to-be. He claimed it only made sense with his far more flexible schedule, but Joel knew it made Tommy proud to be able to do this for her, and the very fact he wanted to made Joel proud as well.

Once Sarah left for school, however, Tommy quickly discovered his brother’s less-than-satisfactory habits of microwave dinners or forgetting to eat in general. He was a fair chef in his own right once upon a time, but without his little girl there to feed, bothering to make a balanced meal fell by the wayside. Joanna, a kindly woman in her seventies, had been one of the first to notice the change in Joel’s demeanor and the drawn nature of his features. Not much younger than the boys’ mother would be today, Joanna worked at the front desk of Miller Construction, greeting clients with a maternal warmth that, Tommy had to admit, was in part strategic. Disarm a client while they wait with a smile and you’d be able to pry open their hearts and their pockets.

Joanna was not unaware of the role she played in this game, though she did not approve. She’d informed Tommy of her concern for Joel, and the regular dinner invitations followed suit. This, accompanied with Joanna’s tugging Joel along to a nearby diner for lunch a couple of times a week in November had practically pulled Joel through the fall slump and into the new year. The holiday visits home from Sarah had helped a great deal, as well.

Joel wasn’t blind to his friends and family’s kahoots to help him through this patch. Though he sometimes grudgingly obliged to Joanna’s pestering him out the door because she hadn’t “seen you eat a bite all day. Four cups of black coffee don’t count, and you know it. Up!,” or Tommy’s employing Maria to send a text herself inviting him to dinner after he’d tried and simply received the finger, he was grateful for their efforts and care. Sarah was too, but he didn’t need to know that. Those lunchtime diner visits soon turned into breakfasts — a preemptive measure on Joanna’s part to add some time out in public to Joel’s routine of home — office — work site — home. Eventually she’d pavolv-ed him into it, and Joel was at the diner for coffee, breakfast, and one of the only physical newspapers left in existence every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at first following behind Joanna and eventually on his own.

Joanna had been with the Miller brothers since the business was far smaller, just a few years after its inception, when they started needing a receptionist/secretary/assistant, just someone who knew how to manage their slowly growing demand. She’d been a friend of their mother’s and had taken up some of the slack when she’d passed, grieving alongside her friend’s sons and looking after them in her wake. She’d been one of the only reasons Joel and Tommy had been able to build the tiny Miller Bros. into its current position as Miller Construction, multi-million-dollar contracting firm, and the largest in the Austin Metro area. Joel’s practical thinking and creativity combined with Tommy’s ambition and idealistic hopes of grandeur got them into successful meetings with investors that Joanna quietly set up via her husband’s business contacts. Their vision reminded her so much of their mother’s optimism she couldn’t help herself. She’d keep an eye on Sarah when Joel needed and ensured they were taken care of in the moments they would have needed their mother around.

As the boys’ surrogate mother figure and Sarah’s Aunt Jo, it came as no surprise that amid Joel’s season of empty-nested loneliness Joanna had begun encouraging him to “get back out there” and claimed that she “won’t be around forever” and “would like to see him settled before I go.” Classic maternal guilt-tripping, and Joel told her each time that he hears 70 is the new 50. She told him to try that again in a few years when he hits the real 50.

Truth of the matter was, Joel had been alone for a long time. He’d seen people on and off while Sarah was growing up, but it was a rare occasion, and no fling had ever lasted more than a couple of months. With Sarah at home, it never mattered much to Joel — he had someone to care for who was the best company he’d ever had right in front of him. She’d needed him a little less as she’d grown up, but he always had a purpose.

Joel was a natural-born caretaker — between brotherhood and fatherhood, he took to it like a tadpole to water. With Sarah away at school and his little brother engaged, however, he couldn’t figure out where to put all that love, and so it crackled into grief like a blackening candle wick, blooming into a flower of ash that nestled in his chest. The cloud of soot hovered around him for a while as he went through the motions of his everyday. Tommy, Maria, and Joanna all wanted to see him find his way again, as did Sarah when she received honest reports from her family members after some prodding. He always put on his biggest smile for her, never wanting her to worry, but she could see something hurting in his eyes, just below the surface.

While it may have been blatantly out of his comfort zone, Tommy and Joanna jumped at the opportunity to convince Joel when the Most Eligible Bachelors’ Auction came knocking. He needed something to disrupt his routine, with the added bonus of his coming out into the social scene like a plaid-clad debutante with a few extra crow’s feet.

After rolling the last few months’ events around in his mind for a couple of minutes while Tommy answers a phone call, Joel is broken from his reverie. Tommy’s standing in front of him again, waving a hand back and forth.

“Hey ground control - you with me?,” he asks before Joel’s eyes focus on him once again. “Can I give em a call?,” and this time Joel notices the concern in Tommy’s eyes as his joking facade flickers with hope. It’s more than just publicity, and he owes it to them to give it a shot.

Joel releases a measured sigh, relenting. “Can’t believe I’m saying this but sure, fuck it. Call ‘em back,” he says rolling his eyes, resigning himself to whatever nonsense his participation will entail. He reminds himself it’s for charity, and returns to his computer, refocusing on his work as Tommy darts out of his office to return to his own, reporting his success to Joanna along the way.

_______________________________________________

You got lucky with this job at Henrietta’s, with its flexible hours and fairly livable wage, you had time to settle into your new place and get to know the city. You spend your off days wandering around, doing research on local schools and prepping your applications for summer school and the new year.

Never had you pictured yourself leaving students mid-year, and having to do it hurt like hell. You missed the kids you left behind every day, but when a friend caught wind of an acquaintance needing a subletter for a little studio within your price range, you didn’t have much of a choice. You needed to take up the lease starting in January, or you’d be starting over at square one. It had been a long time coming, this encroaching need to run and start over somewhere new. Staying in your hometown was no longer an option — work may have been a saving grace, but the other areas of your life were suffering. You knew healing couldn’t begin without separation. You needed to be far away from everything — it was the only way you could picture trying to feel whole again. Grad school had ended the previous year, so you fled.

With each mile you put between you and your family, you started to feel like your lungs could fully inflate once again. The oppressive air of scrutiny and memory that swam around you at home dropped off piece by piece with each passing mile marker. You’d put a few states between yourself and your parents once it was all said and done, and while it was scary, starting from scratch all over again, it was invigorating. You’d done it at eighteen when you left for college, you could damn well do it again with eight years’ more life experience under your belt.

You’d walked into the diner on your second day in the city. You had some money saved up from time living at home, but knew it would dwindle quickly with rent to pay and no salary coming in on the regular. You would need something to keep busy and pay for necessities until the end of the spring semester. When Diane, the manager caught sight of you, bright-eyed and looking like a deer in headlights, she welcomed you with a warmth you’d only read about in books. She interviewed you then and there and offered you a job on the spot, waiting tables on the breakfast and lunch shifts at least four days a week. She told you your “sweet smile and wide-eyed look will do wonders for you in tips, precious!” You think it’s probably just teacher face you can’t shake, and hope she’s right — maybe it could do you some favors until you get back in the classroom where you belong.

Diane’s rounded face was accentuated with wonderfully deep crow’s feet and smile lines that suggested a lifetime of sharing this warmth, and her dark hair streaked with gray around her hairline and temples rested atop her head in a frazzled bun. She made you comfortable out the gate, and had set you up with a uniform immediately. More aptly, she handed you a t-shirt and an apron to go over your leggings. You were thankful for the relaxed dress code, knowing plenty of other establishments required a much more specific ensemble. Once you’d changed she introduced you to your shift lead, Reggie, and the line-cook-on-duty, Tony, patting you comfortingly on the shoulder and insisting they welcome you, hoping to keep you around to solve their persistent staffing issue.

While Diane was quite a bit older than you, somewhere in her mid-fifties, Reggie and Tony were younger, floating between mid-thirties and early forties, if you had to guess. Reggie was a slim black man you’d put in his thirties, and he greeted you with a smile and an exclamation that he was more than ready to gossip ad nauseum with someone so much closer to his age. He’d been the one to fill you in on Diane’s immediate taking to you, letting you know with little ambiguity that you were just a few years younger than Diane’s daughter, who had moved out of the city about a year ago, and that you favored her to boot. Reggie had called this particular gossip session your orientation.

“Don’t get me wrong honey, Diane’s a sweetheart. But never have I seen her offer a position on the spot. I think having you here may do her some good,” he’d said, before turning to fill you in on Tony the line cook. “Yeah Tony’s hot, but he chain smokes like a chimney and doesn’t care at all when I ask him to keep his second hand smoke to himself on the days I have a performance!,” he shouted pointedly at Tony, who only looked up long enough to give Reggie the finger and wink at you. Tony was a muscular Italian guy in his forties with tattoos of a sort that didn’t quite match up with the gold chain and cross pendant hanging around his neck. When your eyes went wide at the wink, Reggie giggled a bit and leaned toward you. “Don’t worry, Tony’s a little sleazy but harmless. He’ll hit on anything in a skirt, but as soon as you tell him you aren’t interested he’ll back off and won’t bring it up again. He’s a good guy, but don’t tell him I said that.”

Over the course of your shift you discovered that Diane’s been at Henrietta’s for fifteen years, Reggie is a drag queen and lounge singer by the name of Wizz Tiria at a few different clubs around town, and Tony has a few other business ventures he mentions on and off (the details of which he keeps to himself), but never misses taking his Mom to church on Sundays. You share a good bit about yourself as well in exchange — what brought you to Austin, why now, and where you may go from here. It doesn’t take long for you to make yourself at home among this eclectic little bunch, and for the first time in a really, really long time, you’re content with the peaceful monotony of these early winter days.

_______________________________________________

It’s a brisk February morning when you walk into the diner for your shift. You’ve spent the last month working in the cozy little greasy spoon, so you’re still getting to know the regulars, but you’ve caught on pretty quick. You’ve been working the Tuesday, Thursday, and weekend shifts, but when Diane loses another server, you’re eager to pick up the slack — extra pocket change and keep your mind busy. The company’s pretty good too. Thus, you find yourself walking into the diner at 7 AM on a Wednesday morning with a hoodie over your t-shirt and a scarf to ward off more of the wind cutting into your cheeks. You head to the staff room to remove your hoodie and don your apron and emerge, finding the diner a bit colder than it had been up to this point. You’d kept a light jacket or a cardigan on you previously, but today’s need for something heavier led you to selecting a favorite hoodie to throw over your work t-shirt — which you didn’t quite think through until you came into the dining room and felt a chil run up your spine. Diane catches sight of you before you can still yourself.

“Sweetie, what on earth fo you think you’re doing?,” she asks like you’ve done something obviously egregious.

“Huh? What is it?,” you ask innocently, but you know the answer. She can probably see the goosebumps you feel rising on your arms.

“You need somethin’ on under that, you’re gonna freeze in here today!,” she chastises.

“Yeah, I brought my hoodie, but forgot I’d be taking it off. It’s not so bad in here, I’ll be alright,’ you tell her reassuringly.

“Absolutely not. Wait, hold on a second - REGGIE! We got any more o’ those long sleeve souvenir shirts in the case?!” she hollers after him.

“Hold awn!,” he hollers back, Southern twang taking center stage when he yells, just like the rest of them. After a few seconds he emerges with a few in hand. “Got a few left. Ugly as hell, probably why they’re still here. Watcha need ‘em for?”

“Sweetie, go on and change into that before the rush starts. Not the staff shirt, but the branding’ll be fine in case Jason drops by,” she says, rolling her eyes. She pats you on the shoulder, nudging you toward Reggie to take one of the shirts. They’re bright green with a gaudy design on them that makes you laugh when he hands it to you. Jason’s the owner of Henrietta’s, and so you’ve heard, the bane of Diane’s existence. You’ve only heard tale of this rotten Jason thus far, never quite laying eyes on the mythical beast. You really hope today in this goofy shirt isn’t the day you do.

You return to the dining room a few minutes later clad in the neon green monstrosity, tugging at it in a futile effort to make it look better. “Happy now, Diane?!,” you holler as you enter, only to find her standing directly in front of you at the hostess stand, face to face with a man you’d never seen in here before — who you almost run right into, not looking where you’re going. He’s tall and broad with dark brown curls laced with grey streaks, and gray patches in the short beard that frames his jaw. He catches you when you nearly bump right into him, and you look up to meet the deepest brown eyes you’ve ever encountered. Your cheeks go red when you realize what you’ve done.

“Whoa there,” he says, smiling down at you as you stutter out an apology. “It’s alright, no harm done,” he responds, voice gentle but deep. It’s true, he didn’t even budge when he caught you, and you’re fairly certain if you’d fallen, the outcome would’ve been the same.

“Sorry about that Joel. C’mon, your table’s ready,” she says, patting Joel’s arm and leading him forward, not before turning back to you and saying, “Certainly am. Now go grab some coffee for Table 7 for me, will ya sweetie?” with a smile. You’d just run almost smack into a customer, and she wasn’t upset with you or anything. You shouldn’t be surprised, that’s just Diane, but you’re used to much larger reactions to small mistakes. You just nodded and breathed a sigh of relief, but your eyes are drawn once again to the man she’s leading away. He’s looking back at you with a smile that sends a shiver down your spine, one you’re certain has nothing to do with the chill in the air this time. He’s wearing a plaid button-down and a utility jacket, with cheeks and a nose tinged pink from the cold. You tear your eyes away anxiously and head for the coffee pot.

You’ve got your hand around the decaf pot, pouring another cup for the regular at the bar counter, when your eyes find Table 7, your next destination. You see the man, Joel, Diane had called him, with his back to you, facing out the window, newspaper in hand. You steel yourself once again, switch coffee pots, and head for his table.

You approach from the side, hoping not to spook him as he’s engrossed in the paper he has in hand. Christ, when was the last time you saw a physical newspaper? It’s kinda cute, you think, seeing someone reading one on a cold morning with a cup of coffee. So picturesque. Especially someone as handsome as he is, and you find yourself staring at his broad shoulders and dark curls again before he looks up from his reading.

“Hey,” you start, a little shaky, “sorry again, about before. Don’t know what I was doing, not looking where I was going,” you smile a little, shaking your head at your mishap.

“Really, it’s fine. You seemed, uh, preoccupied,” he says, looking down at the offending design on the tshirt you’re wearing, before looking back up at you. “It’s certainly a change from the regular uniform, huh?” he says, smiling at you. The way his eyes crinkle as he does plants a warmth in your chest you aren’t expecting. It’s been so long since you felt it, it’s almost unfamiliar. Your cheeks warm as you smile back at him, hoping it comes off as embarrassment from your wardrobe rather than bashful attraction. You’re about to tell him it’s certainly not a permanent solution, when he speaks again. “So, Sweetie, huh? Haven’t seen you around before — that what they call you in here?” he questions, smirk playing at his lips.

You laugh in response and introduce yourself, and tell him this isn’t your normal shift, but you’ll probably be around for it moving forward. You take his breakfast order, and tell him you’ll let him get back to his paper.

You don’t converse much more when you bring Joel his breakfast, just quiet thanks when you refill his coffee cup. He looks so peaceful, you almost hate to interrupt each time. You ask Reggie about him when you both have a minute behind the counter.

“Yep, that’s Joel. Gorgeous, isn’t he? Started coming in a few months back with an older lady, then more regularly by himself. She’s with him once in a while, kinda seems like a mom vibe, but she doesn’t look like him. Anyway, I think he works construction or something, always coming in with those boots on looking like a lumberjack,” Reggie says flippantly. “Heard from the older lady one day when he was in the bathroom — his daughter went to college back in the fall, they’ve been trying to get him out ever since,” he said, looking sympathetic at the thought.

You feel your heart do a little squeeze at this newfound tidbit. A fresh empty nester. You know how hard it’s been for Diane, so much she’s taken to parenting the staff in her daughter’s stead. Staring at Joel’s back as his head is bowed reading the paper, you begin wondering more and more about him. His daughter’s probably around eighteen, so how old is he? You’d guess he isn’t married, and you didn’t see a ring. Who is he? Why does he come here to read his paper each day? And most importantly — how soon can you find out the answers to these questions? You don’t want to ambush him at all and scare him off, but you’re drawn to him, and so very curious.

Meanwhile, Joel is stealing glances at your reflection in the diner window in front of him, watching you laugh with Reggie and the customers at the bar, smiling sweetly when someone makes a request of you. He needs to get out of there before he starts feeling creepy, he thinks. He rises and walks to the counter to settle his bill with Reggie at the cash register, glancing at you when he does so, futilely trying to balance showing interest and being weird. He leaves a nice tip in the jar for all of you to share, but just before he turns to go, he looks back at you, locking eyes.

“Oh uh, Sweetie?,” he says, smirk on his face. He looks almost bashful when he speaks next, like he’s working up the courage. “Glad you’re picking up. Look forward to seein’ you again,” he smiles. The look on his face when he says it is so sincere, you could melt on the spot. He was nervous about his joke, you could tell, but recovered when you laughed in reply.

“Looking forward to it too, Joel. Enjoy your day,” you say, smiling wide in return. He gives a little wave to everyone before grinnig down at his shoes and walking out of the diner into the crisp February air. Your eyes follow him out to the pick-up he hops into, before looking back over to Reggie and Tony, staring at you devilishly.

“And I’m looking forward to seeing this story unravel,” says Reggie, looking over at Tony and grinning, like something juicy has just unfolded before their eyes. The two are laughing while you smile and wave them off, wiping down the counter. Diane emerges from the office at the sound of their hearty laughter, reading glasses slipping down her nose, notepad in hand, and stares back at the three of you.

“What’d I miss?!,” she asks. You’re smiling too much to respond with anything genuine, so you return to your wiping, and let Reggie take the lead.

[l2vedive]

DOUBLE TAKE w. joshua hong

wedding au ; kinda meeting the family trope + fluff and crack (730)

pairing: hong jisoo (joshua) x fem!reader

featuring: kim mingyu as your cousin

note: thought about this on a whim during a car ride to a wedding anniversary party i attended. enjoy !! please rb and like <3

you’re standing in a sea of pastel-dressed guests, the soft hum of chatter and clinking glasses filling the garden. it’s a beautiful evening—peach-coloured skies, fairy lights strung across trees, and the distant strains of a string quartet playing something vaguely familiar. you spot mingyu, your cousin and the groom of the lovely event, laughing with a few friends near the buffet table. he’s always been the golden boy of the family—charming, successful, and annoyingly smug about it.

and that’s when you see him.

joshua.

you’ve never personally met him before, only knowing about him during the wedding rehearsals as a former wedding singer about three years ago from one of the bride's band of bridesmaids. you thought to yourself about how with a face like that, how could anyone still be single. there’s no denial in that.

there was something about the way he carried himself while balancing a plate of hors d'oeuvres with an easy smile. he’s tall, lean, with a soft kind of confidence that doesn’t need to shout to be noticed. joshua looks up, and for a brief moment, your eyes meet.

your mind races. mingyu had spent the last week teasing you about being single, nudging you about how everyone in the family was settling down except you. “what’s taking so long? don’t you have anyone?” he’d asked with that insufferable grin.

and just like that, an idea blooms. a ridiculous one at that. a crazy idea that makes you hope would work despite not thinking about the logistics of it.

you make your way across the crowd, weaving through clusters of guests, until you’re standing right next to him. “hi,” you say, flashing your most disarming smile.

he glances at you, startled but polite. “uh, hi?”

“listen,” you lower your voice, leaning in slightly as you draw out the plan. “i know this is going to sound strange, but could you pretend to be my boyfriend? just for a moment. it’s complicated.”

joshua's brows shoot up in surprise, and you can see the gears turning in his head. “pretend ?” he echoes. “why?”

“i’ll explain later,” you promise, grabbing his arm before he can protest. “please, just trust me.”

before he can respond, you’re pulling him towards mingyu who is chatting up a few of the bride's own guests.

“gyu!” you call out in a tune, your voice bright and cheerful.

your cousin turns, grinning as always. “(your name), there you are!” he goes in for a hug before his eyes flicker to joshua, curiosity sparking. “and who’s this?”

you squeeze joshua’s arm lightly, as if urging him to play along. “this,” you announce with a casual confidence you don’t feel, “is joshua. my boyfriend .”

mingyu’s grin falters for a split second before he recovers. “boyfriend?” he repeats, a touch of disbelief colouring his tone.

“yes, boyfriend,” you reply smoothly, shooting mingyu a pointed look as if daring him to question you further.

joshua, to his credit, doesn’t miss a beat. the man next to you extends a hand, his expression friendly but calm. “nice to meet you, man. (your name) has told me a lot about you.”

mingyu shakes his hand, still looking slightly suspicious. “funny, she’s never mentioned you before.”

“oh, you know how she is,” joshua says with a laugh, playing along effortlessly. “always keeps me as her little secret.” you stand up a little bit straighter when you realise his hand has moved to rest on the small of your back.

you can’t help but feel a pang of gratitude for how natural he’s making this look.

but then mingyu’s eyes narrow, a sly grin creeping onto his face. “you must be serious if she’s introducing you now. what’s next? a wedding?”

you freeze, scrambling to think of an answer but joshua speaks up before you do. he chuckles, pulling you closer. “funny you should mention that,” he says, his tone light and teasing, “we’re actually engaged.”

“what ?! ” you and mingyu exclaim in unison, though for very different reasons.

you shoot joshua a wide-eyed look, but he just shrugs, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “you dragged me into this,” he whispers under his breath, lips barely moving, “might as well commit.”

mingyu looks utterly delighted. “engaged? well, this is news! congratulations, you two. shall i announce this during the toast? ooh, the family would be so glad to���,”

you cut him off before he could continue and eventually inform the rest of the guests about your endeavours. "everything's fine, thank you!"

“we’ll let you get back to hosting,” joshua says smoothly, steering you away from mingyu before the other man can protest.

once you’re safely out of earshot, you whirl around to face him. “engaged? really ? ”

joshua grins, entirely unapologetic. “what? you needed help, and it seemed like the logical next step.”

you stare at him, torn between annoyance and reluctant admiration. “you’re unbelievable.”

“and yet, you’re still holding my arm,” he points out, his smile softening.

“so, what’s the plan now, fiancée? ”

— please do not copy , translate or repost any of my works anywhere.

© l2vedive on tumblr

[insidekatmind]

Between rival hearts~ Noni Madueke and Trent Arnold (love triangle)

The sound of footsteps echoed through the England locker room as the players prepared for the upcoming match. However, that night it wasn’t the preparations for the match that dominated their thoughts, but something much more personal. Two of the team’s brightest stars, Noni Madueke and Trent Alexander-Arnold, were completely taken with you. What had started as a friendly relationship between teammates was quickly evolving into something much more complicated.

For two days, you had kissed both of them, but you hadn't made a definitive choice. Your heart didn't know what it wanted anymore, and what had begun as an innocent game was now turning into a war between two men who both had the same goal: to win your heart.

That evening, in the locker room, the tension was palpable. While the other players were preparing, trying to ignore the growing conflict, Noni and Trent found themselves face to face, their jaws clenched, their eyes full of anger and frustration.

"This isn’t right, Trent. You know it," Noni said, his voice thick with anger. "You think you have the right to...?" His sentence trailed off as he stared Trent in the eye, a mix of defiance and resentment.

"I don’t need your permission, Noni," Trent replied coldly, but with a spark of disdain in his eyes. "If you’re scared to compete, maybe you should back off. It’s clear she prefers me."

Noni hissed and took a step toward him, but was stopped by another shout: "Enough!" It was Jude Bellingham, who, although not directly involved in the love triangle, couldn’t stand the drama unfolding before him. "It’s not a competition. You both should stop acting like children. She’s not a trophy."

Trent didn’t flinch, shooting a quick glance at Jude. "Don’t worry about it, Jude. This doesn’t concern you." Then he turned back to Noni. "She’s made her choice. Maybe she’s just too shy to admit it, but I know she prefers me."

Noni let out a sharp laugh, but it wasn’t funny at all. "You’re trying to convince yourself, Trent. I don’t believe you for a second." He glanced at the other players, who were watching the scene in silence, almost entertained. "And where is she? How can she tell us who she prefers if she’s not even here?"

Suddenly, silence fell, as everyone in the room considered that question. Where were you? No one really knew what you were thinking, but Noni and Trent both seemed certain that you were the center of their worlds.

"You don’t get it, do you?" Noni continued, looking at his teammates. "This isn’t just about kisses or attention. It’s about who can make her feel special, who can give her something the other can’t."

Trent took a step forward, as if he wanted to confront Noni directly. "And who decides that, you? Or maybe her? Because I know I’m the one who makes her feel alive. And you, Noni, just seem like the guy who wants to play the nice guy, while I’m the one who makes her feel desired."

The other players started looking nervously at each other. The tension was so thick, and Jude, trying to maintain calm, stepped forward, but his voice was barely above a whisper. "Guys, stop. This isn’t going to get you anywhere. Why don’t you try talking to her directly?"

But in the heart of the argument, there was still the question no one dared to ask: *Who will you choose?*

It was a delicate situation, a clash of hearts and desires. The passion between Noni and Trent was now evident to everyone, and no one could ignore the longing they both felt for you. But it wasn’t just a battle of pride between them; there was also your heart to protect, slowly breaking under the pressure of having to make a decision.

And all you knew was that, as dangerous as the game was, you still hadn’t decided which side to stand on.

[venomwrites]

CaitVi but involve Jinx?

Spoilers for 2x08

Kind of a followup to Caitlyn cleaning VI up but it's not necessary to read that first

Caitlyn’s body moves without consent as she rides the elevator down. 

She has to do something to make this better. Something for Vi. She has been able to tell herself all kinds of lies with Vi’s absence. Probably with her time before. No, before she just listened to Vi’s bullshit. Because Vi wanted to make he happy. 

There is one thing Vi cares about. 

“I’ll take that,” she says, picking up the tray of food. 

Jinx looks small in the cell. 

Small in the same way Caitlyn saw when they first laid eyes on each other after the flare. She hasn’t since. Caitlyn is intimately familiar with the damage small objects can do. She tells herself she is not fooled by the small, curled up creature who is sobbing into her knees. The stupor that had her listlessly following them has eased. Caitlyn knows this part. Now the grief has dug in its claws. 

Your blood in her veins

Why do you sound like her?

“You sister survived surgery,” she says, unable to listen to the small sounds Jinx is making, “she’s resting.”

“Vi’s alive?” Jinx croaks. 

“Yes,” Caitlyn says. She could throw the food at the door and say nothing more. But she thinks of Vi just laying there and how furious she would be, “she isn’t out of the woods but the doctors don’t think she’s in any immediate danger.”

Jinx wipes at her face messily. Just that movement has Caitlyn jerking back, nearly spilling the water on the tray. She is better than this. Better than the memory of those ultraviolet eyes staring at her from her own bathroom mirror. 

“Did you see her?” Jinx questions. 

For a moment it’s Vi looking back at her from that cell. Where did you get these. Caitlyn tries to remember if they had the same eyes before the Shimmer painted JInx’s that color. But the memory of Vi is replaced by the image of her on the hospital bed and finally back to where Jinx is looking at her suspiciously. 

“Yes,” she says. Annoyance pricks at her, “I am not lying,” she snaps. 

Jinx just keeps staring at her and it is unbearable. Caitlyn drops the tray by the food slot and pushes it forward with her foot. She expects Jinx to grab her but she doesn’t. She just watches every move as Caitlyn nudges the tray forward and steps back. Caitlyn cannot take the gaze and walks over to the elevator. 

“Why did you tell me?” Jinx asks. 

“Vi would want you to know.” 

&&&

Vi crashes in the morning. 

It takes three doctors to stabilize her enough before they rush her to surgery again to cut her back open. Find the bleed. Find the swelling. Find what is making her die and relieve it before it can put her down for good. 

Caitlyn can only watch as they swarm over her. 

She’s powerless. 

“She had another surgery,” she tells Jinx. Jinx’s fingertips pause their listless drawing, “She’s alive.”

“She’s not getting better,” Jinx says. 

“That’s not what the doctors say,” Caitlyn shoots back. Jinx scoffs something that sounds suspiciously like Topsider and Caitlyn sees red, “what would you know?! You haven’t been around!”

Jinx lays her head on her knees and shifts enough to lock eyes with her. Caitlyn hates the appraising look in her eyes. She told everyone Jinx was dangerous. Vi always mentioned how smart she was. The bars of the cell are a cold comfort as Caitlyn gets the distinct impression Jinx is here only because she wants to be. 

“You talkin to me or yourself?” She asks. 

The desire to kill her rears up again and immediately gets overwhelmed by the guilt. Jinx is right. Worse, she knows she is right. Who is she to speak about Vi’s state in any sense but the medical one. It’s not just her new, urgent wounds. It’s her half healed ones too. Infected cuts, a fungal infection, vitamin deficiencies, concerning liver values—Vi has been doing everything but taking care of herself. And that, Caitlyn knows, is her fault. 

“I’m telling you what the doctors have said because Vi would want you to know,” Caitlyn says, trying to reach for the voice that puts obedience into people’s hearts, “That is the only reason I’m here. Not to talk to you.”

Jinx looks as though she is going to say something further. But then she looks back down at the floor. Her fingers resume their drawing. Caitlyn wants to remind her she can have her killed with a snap of her fingers. She has all of the power here. 

But then she thinks of Vi with the paddles pressed to her chest.

She has no power when it really counts. 

&&&&

“You say you were out of your mind when we were walking back,” Jinx says, “were you when you kissed her?”

It’s sometimes the bitterest pill to swallow. She can say she was not in her right mind. Dismiss her actions as those of a woman mad with grief. But she wanted to kiss Vi. She wanted to kiss her for so long. To feel the cut in Vi’s lips against her own, to feel what it felt like to have Vi’s arms around her. Not out of pity but out of desire. And they were, they were around her and then Caitlyn had to go and ruin everything. 

“Do you love her?” 

The words make her freeze. 

Jinx waits until she is crouched in front of the cell with the tray to ask. Vi is alive, healing. Caitlyn tells herself it’s security that drives her down here to deliver the tray. It’s been a hard day so she lets herself have the excuse. 

“Why would I answer that?” Caitlyn demands, “why would I talk about my feelings with you?”

Jinx considers her. 

“You keep coming down here,” she points out, “you didn’t even say if Vi had surgery today.” 

Caitlyn strongly dislikes being called out. But Jinx is not wrong. She does keep coming down here. She doesn’t even tell herself it’s because she’s concerned about someone poisoning Jinx. She barely touches the food except when she’s threatened with force feedings. 

“I want to know if there’s a person in you,” she says. 

“No,” Jinx replies. 

“No?” 

“She chose me,” Jinx says, “you’re trying to figure out why because you hate me.” 

Anger surges through her.

“You destroyed the Undercity and killed my mother! Of course I hate you!” Caitlyn shouts. 

The anger is blinding, but it’s unsatisfied. It doesn’t feel good to shout at this broken creature. She can cling to things like the law and intent all she wants. The fact is if Jinx was from a respectable family in Piltover a judge would call her insane and send her for treatment. 

“I kidnapped you.”

“What?” She looks at her.

“If we’re listing my crimes. I kidnapped you,” she draws on the ground, “I blew up my dad—“ her face tightens, “there are others,” she looks at Caitlyn, “Vi still chose me.” 

She’s back in that temple screaming at Vi. Hitting her. Leaving her. Like everyone leaves her. 

“Yes, alright. I hate that she chose you,” Caitlyn says before she can properly think. Jinx looks at her. Caitlyn doesn’t want to be here confessing things. But Vi is slowly dying up there. And Caitlyn cannot confess to her, “you’ve caused so much pain.”

“But she loves me,” Jinx says, “I was happy when she chose me but then I saw how unhappy she was without you,” Caitlyn feels sick, “she didn’t choose me completely. She chose you too. It just wasn’t enough for you. But she does love you.” 

Caitlyn presses her back against the wall. Somewhere she surely knew what Jinx is saying. Which means she’s right. It wasn’t enough. Vi never chooses anything in half measures and the fact she chose this to try it out—it stings. It feels like a betrayal. It isn’t and Caitlyn hates that she knows that and her heart doesn’t care. 

“Everything she did, she did it for you,” Jinx continues, “that’s what Vi does. She’ll go to the ends of the earth for the people she loves,” her eyes peer at Caitlyn’s through a mess of blue hair, “it’s hard to be loved like that.”

Caitlyn feels her throat go tight but she shoves the feeling back. 

They both know Jinx is right. 

&&&&

“It’s an eating day,” Caitlyn announces as she pushes the tray through the slot. Jinx gives her an annoyed look, “it’s been two days. You know what will happen.”

Jinx sighs and picks up the sandwich. On days when she eats her energy perks back. She’s more talkative, more alert. Caitlyn likes those days because it is much easier to hate her on them. She looks down at the water Jinx has used to paint things. Much to her shock, she recognizes something.

“Is that Jayce’s old studio?”

“No,” Jinx says, “that’s just some guy we robbed,” her brows knit together, “when everything went wrong.”

“When you blew it up!” Caitlyn says. Jinx pauses and for the first time looks intrigued, “I was there!”

“You were?”

“Yes! The door was jammed. We couldn’t open it,” her mind is spinning, “you—Vi was there?” Jinx nods slowly. Caitlyn tries to think back to that hallway. She remembers the sounds of people scrambling and the muttered voices, “I dropped something.”

“So did I,” Jinx laments, “after we heard you.”

“You heard me,” Caitlyn repeats. 

Jinx gives her a halfhearted annoyed look. Caitlyn knows she’s repeating things but she cannot help it. Vi was on the other side of that door. She presses her fingertips to her lips. Tries to imagine what Vi may have looked like at that age. Her stomach twists when she realizes the rocket Jinx fired at her mother was not the only time she tried to blow up someone Caitlyn loved. The familiar anger is acidic in her mouth but it’s more vinegar than bile. 

Because Vi was there too. 

And slowly Caitlyn is realizing that may matter more. 

&&&&

The day Vi starts to wake up is the worst day of Caitlyn’s life. 

She knows it does not happen all at once. It’s a gradual process. But it’s hell. She cannot kick the doctors out. She does not know what to do. She can only watch as they remove tubes and try to cajole a response from Vi. Vi struggles and makes the most horrible sounds that cut through Caitlyn’s defenses. It hurts so much to see she practically flees down to Jinx’s cell. 

“What happened?” Jinx is instantly at the bars.

“She’s waking up,” Caitlyn chokes out. 

“Okay? Why do you look like that?” Jinx questions, “Is she okay?” 

“She’s fine, she’s in pain,” she says. Jinx rolls her eyes like Caitlyn has just said the stupidest thing she’s ever heard. Maybe it is. Vi is always in some kind of pain, “I don’t like seeing her in pain.” 

“Me neither but you look wrecked,” Jinx observes. 

“I—“ Caitlyn stops. Collects herself. Jinx sighs and shakes her head. 

“You’re not going to do anything about it.”

“That’s not true!”

“You think when she wakes up its gonna be sunshine and roses?” She shakes her head, “Vi’s going to yell at you and scare you off. Just don’t hit her this time she’s still healing.” 

“How dare you!” Caitlyn glares. 

“I’m not the one who hit her,” she says. 

Caitlyn can scarcely believe her ears. Jinx has done so much worse. Nearly killed her more times than she can count. Caitlyn knows she has made terrible mistakes but this is different. Surely it is different. They are not comparable. 

You sound like her

 Only one of them flooded the Undercity with drugs. 

You sound like her

Hurt Vi

You sound like her

It’s her blood in your veins!

Caitlyn’s back hits the wall. 

“You sound like her,” the words slip out of her mouth, “that’s why I’m here. You sound like her.”

Jinx moves over and places herself in the corner closest to Caitlyn. It’s only a wall that separates them. In another world perhaps it is her in the cell and Jinx is the one who prevents all of this. Maybe then Vi gets to be happy. 

“You love her, don’t you?”

Caitlyn nods, though she knows Jinx cannot see her. She cannot say those words to her first. No matter how human she has become as they both wait for Vi to wake up. 

“What if she chooses me again?” Jinx asks. 

“I don’t know,” Caitlyn says.

“Will you still love her?”

Caitlyn wishes this was not a real question. Then she feels like a fool for realizing it will always be a facet of whatever it is between them. It is Jinx’s blood flowing through her veins. And Caitlyn has reflected her actions in every scream of grief. They have both brought Vi to this place. 

“Yes,” Caitlyn whispers. 

“What if you mess it up again?” Jinx asks. 

“I’m a Kiramman,” Caitlyn snaps, “we don’t fail.” 

Something sets in Jinx’s eyes. She considers Caitlyn for a long moment and then gets to her feet. 

“I’m not going to talk to you anymore,” Jinx says and walks to the far corner. “Next time you come down here it should be to kill me,” she says. 

&&&

Vi wakes up properly. 

And everything changes. 

[ozwriterchick]

Back to Us - Chapter 4

Summary: Y/n wakes after an accident to her Avengers team-mates. But something isn't quite right and only Steve and Tony can see it.

Characters/Relationships: Steve Rogers x Reader; Tony Stark; Natasha Romanoff; Other Avengers Characters

Content warnings: Mentions of an accident (no details yet); If I missed any, let me know

A/N: If you want to be tagged, let me know.

Not beta'd so any mistakes are my own. I don't write smut, but there are allusions to smut in my stories.

Back to Us Masterlist

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Word count: 1347 (approx.)

Some time later, you are both laying there, a tangle of limbs, your head on his chest with his hand lightly stroking up and down your arm, totally satiated.

“Well, Cap, that was…” you began.

“Good? I hope..” he replied.

“It might take me some time to get my head around the fact I just slept with Captain America, but yeah, very good.  Now, I’m going to go take a shower and then get something to eat.  Care to join?” you smiled at him.

“Shower or eating?” he queried.

“Up to you Rogers.” You raise your eyebrows, shooting him a lascivious look as you move into the adjoining bathroom.

He follows you with his own smile on his face.  “Much as I’d love to join you in there Y/n, I think I’ll head to the kitchen and start getting some food ready for you.”

“Ok” you say “but you’re missing out.” You say as you walk away, swinging your hips and looking at him over your shoulder.

“Plenty of time Buttercup, plenty of time”

As you watch him leave the bathroom, you can’t quite work out what’s gotten into you, or him for that matter.  This isn’t something you would normally do, and it’s not really something you ever anticipated Steve doing either.

You and Cap had never even so much as had dinner together, without the others being there.  And that nickname, it’s the name of a character in your favourite movie, The Princess Bride.  Maybe it meant nothing but again, you weren’t sure. 

Half an hour later, you are showered, re-dressed and headed to the kitchen on your floor.  You don’t see Steve in the kitchen, and you can’t smell anything cooking.

“Rogers?  Are you there?” you enquired.  “Hello… Anyone.. Bueller.. Bueller??” you laugh at your own joke.

“Hey Y/n” Nat came into the kitchen.  “Steve had to go out, he said to apologise but something came up.  He asked me to make you something to eat, but there wasn’t much so I just made this PB&J sandwich, I hope that’s ok?  Tony has dinner being delivered later, so we’ll get to eat something good then.”

“Oh, hi Nat.  Steve went out?  I guess he had something better to do.” You weren’t sure why this hurt, except that you’d just had sex with him and before you’d even finished showering he was out of here.  He probably regretted it and didn’t know how to face you. 

Did you regret it, you pondered.  It was great sex, unarguably the best you’d ever experienced, but that didn’t mean you couldn’t regret it later.  You will have to think on it.

At that moment, Tony entered the room “Hey Y/n, I thought you were going to sleep the whole day away.” He gives you a wink and you’re not sure if that means he knows what you and Steve did.

“Just having something to eat Tony.  Nat made me this amazing PB&J and I don’t think I’ve ever had anything as good in my mouth.”

“Are you sure about that?” he asked, another wink.

“Well food-wise of course.  That hospital food can leave a lot to be desired.  I reckon they make it bad so you don’t stay too long.” You laughed hesitantly.

Tony & Nat laugh with you and you all go your separate ways.

Later that evening you get dressed to go down for dinner.  You still haven’t seen Steve since the events of earlier in the day and you weren’t sure how you felt about that.  Sure he had to go out because ‘something came up’ but you’d hoped he’d be back before now and you thought he’d want to come and at least say hi and apologise in person for ditching you earlier.

When you arrived in the dining room, you noted that everyone else was already there, seated around the table.  The only spare seat was next to Steve so you took a deep breath and sat down.

“Hey everyone, I’m so glad to be home and I want to thank you all for being so amazing while I was in hospital and so far since I’ve been back.  I know I’ve got some gaps here and there, I’m still not sure how much time I’m missing” you notice that they all glance at each other when you said that “but I’m sure you all will continue to be amazing and I’m keen to get back to training and missions with all of you.”

Everyone settles into comfortable conversations around the table, enjoying the lavish dinner Tony has provided as a celebration of you coming home.

You had lively conversations with Tony on one side of you, Bruce opposite and Nat who was sitting next to him.  Tony winked at you a couple more times, which had you double take.

You can’t help feeling a nervous vibe coming from Steve, maybe he also feels like Tony knows what happened.

Under your breath you say to Steve “I think Tony’s onto us.  He made a few remarks earlier about me sleeping all day and he winked at me.  Twice!”

“He knows,” Steve said almost nonchalantly.  “I told him.”

“You told him” you whisper yelled at him.  “Oh my god, I’m so embarrassed that he knows.  Does everyone know?”

“Well, I only told Tony, I can’t say if he told anyone else.” He says.

You surreptitiously survey the table before realising that nobody seems to be concerned over you whispered conversation with Steve, or making any indications that they know about your little tryst, so you relax a little.

After dinner you make your excuses and head back to your room, tired from more activity than you’ve done in many days.

After you brushed your teeth and changed into your pyjamas, you get the feeling you’re not alone and you hope it’s Steve.  Looking up you see Tony in the doorway.

“Hey kid, how are you feeling, for real?” he asks.

“I’m so tired.  I still feel like I’ve been run over by a truck, but things are not as sore as they were, so that’s good.  To be honest though, I get the feeling there’s something I’m not being told and it’s scaring me Tony.”

“I’m not sure what you mean Y/n – there’s a bit of a gap in your memory, the doctor told you that.  So you know everything we know.  He also said we shouldn’t force the memories, they have to come back naturally.  Just make sure you don’t let anyone force memories on you.”

You think about what he said, thinking that it’s a code for something and you wonder if he’s referring to you and Steve.

“Listen Tony, Steve told me he told you what happened between us, is that one of the memories I’m missing?”

“Why do you ask that?” Tony asked.

“Well, without getting into the down & dirty” you start. “When he held me and kissed me, there was something almost primally familiar about it.  But I’ve never even so much as had dinner alone with him so I don’t get it.”

“Me either Y/n” Tony hoped he sounded sincere enough that you’d buy it.  “I came up to let you know that Brue has a flashback program he’s been developing.  I know the Doc said we shouldn’t force it but, think about it.  Maybe it will start things coming back to you.”

“Thanks Tony, I’ll think about it.  I might even chat to Bruce to see what it’s all about before I make a decision.”

“Good idea Y/n, sweet dreams.  Tomorrow is a new day.”

“You too Tony.  Oh, Tony..?”

“Yeah kid?” Tony replied.

“How big is the gap in my memory?  Nobody’s told me exactly and I don’t know if I should be searching for days or weeks.  Or longer?”

“Oh kid,” Tony began “I don’t know if it will help knowing that”. He kisses you on the top of your head and leaves the room before you can question him any further.

You sink into a restless sleep with dreams of you and Cap.

Tag List: @wolfbeanpotion @vioplay19 @jason-todd-fangirl-14 @crazyunsexycool @zaraomarrogers @bitchy-bi-trash

[turn-my-hollow-purple]

Don't You Want Someone Crazy Like Me, Babe?

CALLING ALL ARCANE FANS! Here's a CaitVi slowburn I'm working on on Ao3 so go check it out on there (tagged), this is just the first chapter :)

cw: swearing, mental health issues (eating disorders, self harm), alcohol/drug addiction/abuse

Two years? Two whole years. Isn’t that insane? Vi finds herself thinking as she feels the warm rush of water against her pale skin. She swipes the back of her hand along her face, pushing the beads of water off her body. Her delicate fingers wrap tightly along the handle of the shower and push it off shut quickly. The abrupt feeling of cold air against her skin causes a bitter sensation to erupt along her body, goosebumps decorating her skin.

She shivers, shaking her head slightly, letting the water spray from her pinkish hair. She wraps a towel along her body, covering only a slight portion of her figure. It hangs loosely off her soft skin, clinging to the wet curve of muscles along her body. As she walks past the mirror to exit the bathroom, she catches a glimpse at her body and cringes slightly, hating watching her own figure.

Vi exits the bathroom and is greeted by the loud banging of hyperpop music from Powder’s room across the hall. Vi bangs a hand on her door and rolls her eyes.

“KEEP IT DOWN, I DON’T WANT ANOTHER NOISE COMPLAINT!” she yells to her sister. She doesn’t receive a response which isn’t surprising, but Vi gives up, grumbling as she makes her way to her own room.

She drops the towel lazily on the ground and pulls out a pair of gray sweat pants that are coated in various markings… dust, grime, paint. She slips those on and finds a loose fitting, cropped, black tank top. Her nipples poke against the soft fabric as she runs a brush through her messy hair.

It’s grown out to a lengthy mullet, creeping halfway down her back and strands of her hair are painted black in contrast to the brightness of the pink color of her hair. Vi sits on the edge of her bed and realizes only now that she hasn’t slept through a whole night in the two years it's been. Her phone lights up on the ground next to her towel and she shoots up and rushes to it. It’s just a message from Jayce… not the message she wanted.

It’s the group chat with her, Jayce, and Viktor called “Hexual Tension”

Hammerhead: vi, when u work next Knuckles: ??? Knuckles: which job dumbass? Clockwork: I believe he is referring to your job as a bouncer at the club downtown, Vi. Knuckles: alright hexpert Knuckles: why? Hammerhead: we wanted to visit u Knuckles: professor v wanted to visit me? Clockwork: Jayce asked if I would accompany him to your work and I happily obliged. I told him it is like a date. Knuckles: with hundreds of other people Knuckles: and me Hammerhead: long time no see Vi Knuckles: I know I miss y’all too Knuckles: I work tomorrow from 8 to 1 am Clockwork: Perfect, we will see you then.

Vi flicks her phone closed and sighs. It’s been awhile since she’s seen those dumbasses and as much as she doesn’t want to be bothered, she does miss them.

She jumps at the sound of a knock on her bedroom door. “Come in,” she calls out.

Powder peeks her head inside. “Can I come in?”

Vi just nods and scoots over on the bed to make more room for her sister, but rather she sprawls herself out on the ground instead of the bed. Vi just huffs.

“What’s up?”

“I know it’s the two year anniversary,” she whispers, her eyes glued to the ceiling. Her blue hair is messy, falling on the ground with strands across her pale face.

“I don’t need your pity, Powder,” Vi mumbles.

“Hey, street name, dumbie,” she grunts out.

“Sorry, Jinx,” Vi subconsciously corrects, not quite used to her sister’s new ‘street persona’.

“I’m not here to give you pity, just make sure you’re okay, that’s all,” she whispers, turning over on the hardwood floor and facing upwards at Vi sitting on the bed.

“I’ve… been better,” Vi finds herself admitting quietly.

“It’s been two years and-”

“-don’t expect me to get over it after two years,” Vi bites.

“Not what I was going to say,” Jinx informs, flicking her finger in the air disapprovingly. “I was going to say… it’s been two years and I haven’t seen you take care of yourself once or process it properly once and I’m not sure… that’s just not good.”

“You’re not exactly the queen of taking care of herself,” Vi informs, her eyebrows cocking slightly.

Jinx laughs loudly, an outburst that catches Vi off guard. “You’re not wrong… I have anxiety and an eating disorder and I blast my ears with music so I don’t hear the voices. But you… you have depression and anger issues and hurt your body physically.”

“I’m not proud of it, alright. I’m just saying I don’t think you’re one to speak on healthy behaviors.”

Jinx shrugs, turning onto her back again, eyes darting across the ceiling as if they’re searching desperately for something, perhaps an answer to a question that underlies Vi's words.

“I didn’t mean to bother you, just trying to be a good sis,” she says quietly.

Vi feels a sharp pain in her stomach and scrunches her nose up tightly at those words. “I’m sorry, Po-Jinx. I’m just processing everything. First love and first heartbreak are hard.”

“Especially since you’re gay.”

Vi makes a scowling face, shooting daggers at her sister, who doesn’t even look in Vi’s direction, but bursts out in a fit of giggles again.

“Yeah, okay, especially since I’m gay. But it’s just been hard when she was… my whole life, I suppose.”

Jinx just nods, her fingers dancing across her skin as she allows the tingles to fuel her body, letting her know that she’s breathing and thinking and alive. The cool wood of the floor helps. Jinx tilts her head ever so slightly in Vi’s direction and her lips tug into a small frown.

“Sorry,” she chirps.

Vi just shrugs. “I’m going to be fine. I just can’t believe you remembered it’s been two years.”

“How could I forget?” she whispers, her lips teasing upwards slightly. “You hadn’t spoken to me in years and you just appeared on my doorstep like a wet dog.”

“I know, not my finest moment. Dad died and I got fucked up and I’m sorry again.”

“Stop apologizing for it, dammit,” Jinx hisses, hating to relive their past trauma and mistakes.

Vi bites the inside of her cheek, feeling the same pang in her stomach at the discussion of past wounds. “But I’m glad I’m here.”

“Me too,” Jinx whispers. “Work tomorrow?”

“Both jobs, yeah. You?”

“Yup, both as well,” Jinx whistles out, a soft sound that has a childlike tone to it.

Vi just laughs slightly. “Glad you call what you do work.”

“I make money!” she informs, offense written across her face.

“Legally?”

“Money’s money!” she yelps, pressing her palms into the cold wood to help push herself up so she’s sitting upright and looking at Vi directly.

Vi just shakes her head and laughs. “Just giving you a hard time. And don’t get caught, alright?”

Jinx offers a mimicking salute as she stands up and bows, making her way to the door. She swings it open and lunges through it.

Vi’s voice cuts through the door before she can shut it. “Turn your techno-ass music down so we don’t get a damn noise complaint again, alright?”

Jinx rolls her eyes but smiles, the door open barely half an inch as she whispers “no promises!” through it.

Vi watches the door shut all the way and she finds her body collapse fully on the bed. Her dark room glows slightly in the low light of the lantern sitting in the corner. She doesn’t bother with overhead lights often as it costs more for the electricity bill. She contorts her body until her hand scrambles against the floor under her bed. Her fingers brush against the cold glass of a beer bottle that she pulls out and presses against her cracked, scarred lips. She shifts her hand under the covers of her messy bed and she finds her vape. She also brings this to her destroyed lips, breathing in the taste.

She blows it out in a low breath, her lungs deflating completely, leaving her weak. The room fills with the scent of blue raspberry and it’s stupid, but it reminds her of-

Vi tosses her vape across the room. It hits the wall and then the ground with a loud bam! sound and she hears the pieces of it scatter across the wooden floor. She hisses under her breath, regretting the mistake but not bothering to clean up the newly made mess.

The beer bottle finds its way back to her lips and she consumes the tart liquid. It coats her tongue and her throat, encapsulating her entire body in a way that turns her mind fuzzy and numb.

Vi can’t help but think it’s also been two years since she hasn’t been either high or drunk.

Her body sinks into her old mattress and she lets her muscles relax, feeling the coursing alcohol throughout her veins, fueling her body and her mind, leading her to exhaustion.

════❖════

Only the holy lord above knows how long Vi’s alarm has been blaring for. That is if there is a holy lord above.

Her head is pounding and she feels sick to her stomach, a sour feeling pulsing in her body. She lets her hand search her hand blindly search her bed for her phone, searching for an escape to the loud sounds that make her hangover worse. She gives up quickly and pulls herself out of bed, realizing it’s on the floor.

“Motherfucker!” she swears loudly, realizing the time. “I’m so fucking late-”

It’s already 11:30 am and she realizes that she had a class that started 45 minutes ago. “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” she cusses under her breath as she messily runs a hand through her long hair, not bothering to straighten or brush it.

She also doesn’t bother changing, just grabbing her shoes and her boxing gloves, along with her wraps and a water bottle.

“BYE!” she screams loudly as she darts out of the small apartment that she shares with Jinx. Vi doesn’t get a response from her sister, which isn’t surprising. She’s probably still asleep.

Vi sprints about four blocks to the small little boxing studio in the middle of the downtown area, bursting through the door, panting and scared.

Her boss stumbles over to her… his face does not look amused.

“The fuck you doing here so late. Someone had to take care of your class,” he shoots bitterly.

Vi’s lips quake as she attempts to breathe properly, to fill her lungs with the air required to talk and communicate with her boss. She scrunches her nose and rests her hands on her knees.

“I’m so sorry I had an issue at home and-”

“Not interested. Go take your class back,” he demands.

Vi straightens herself out, pulling her tape out to bandage up her wrists and put her gloves on.

“Oh, and Vi?” he quips as she’s rushing to one of the back rooms. “You’re late one more time, you’re fired,” he hisses.

She nods, her eyes stinging. She’s exhausted and worn out but she has a class to teach. She bursts through the door and notices all the young kids practicing with their sub. She plasters a smile on her face and waves at the kids. They giggle with excitement as they notice her and she tries not to deflate instantly.

“Sorry about that, guys! I’m here for the rest of your class. How was the sub? Shall we practice some kicks too?”

════❖════

“Morning, baby,” Maddie whispers, turning over and pressing a kiss against Caitlyn’s cheek.

Caitlyn is staring numbly at the ceiling. “Morning,” she whispers, her British accent thick with exhaustion.

“Ah yes, still cranky until you get your coffee.” Maddie attempts to make the joke to lighten the room, but Caitlyn doesn’t crack. “I’ll go make some when you get ready for work, yeah?”

Caitlyn just nods, her eyes closing and opening in slow, drawn out blinks. Maddie crawls from the bed, naked. She dawns a robe as she exits the room to fix Caitlyn some coffee and food before work.

Caitlyn pulls herself from bed a few beats later, fully clothed. Her face is cold and emotionless as she stumbles to her closet, pulling out a uniform-type look. Her high waisted trousers hug her ass and thighs tightly, constricting her slightly, but she doesn’t mind. Her nimble fingers make their way up the button’s of her dark colored shirt. She slips on her boots and an overcoat.

She finds herself in her bathroom. She’s a mess; her hair is dark with sweat and grease and is tossed in every direction except down. Her face is dark and smudged with makeup from the night before. She tosses cool water against her face in an attempt to wake her up and wash away the remnants of her makeup. She brushes her hair with her delicate fingers, pulling it into a high ponytail. Some of her strands are defiant, sticking out in erratic waves.

She stumbles into the kitchen.

“You look lovely,” Maddie chirps, handing her a cup of coffee.

“I wear this every day, Maddie, and I’m not wearing makeup today and my hair’s an outright disaster.” Her voice is harsh… harsher than she intended.

“It’s okay, babe, you still look amazing,” Maddie pleads.

Caitlyn exhales sharply, taking a long sip of her coffee, letting the bitter liquid wake her up as it hits her taste buds. “Thank you,” she finally whispers out after a few minutes.

Maddie just nods. “Be safe today.”

“I always am,” she informs, grabbing her car keys.

Maddie leans in for a kiss before Caitlyn leaves, but Cait dodges it, letting Maddie’s small lips plant against Caitlyn’s cheek. “Bye,” Maddie hums as Caitlyn leaves.

Unfortunately, Caitlyn’s entire drive she isn’t thinking about the rules of the road or what the day at work is going to look like, which is very unlike her.

Rather, her mind is plagued with thoughts of Vi. Yesterday was the anniversary of their two year break up and man, did that day wreck Caitlyn. She honestly hadn’t even realized it until she was almost home from work that night but it ruined the rest of her day. The bitterness and contempt she held for her fiance because of it was awful, but she couldn’t help it. It's not as if it wasn’t all her fault, but it didn’t matter. She missed her so bad and she regretted everything.

But it was too late to fix the mess she’d created, so why not let it be… let the mess sit? She wasn’t proud of that mentality, but it is out of her hands, for better or for worse.

Caitlyn parks her car, her head pounding as she realizes she doesn’t even remember arriving here; how she got here and everything. But she slips her badge on the belt of her pants and stumbles towards the police station. Being a detective is hard, but what better way to take her mind off of a broken heart?

But fuck, did she miss Vi.

[charliedawn]

The Last Neighbor

Joel had never been known for his good actions. Quite the opposite, actually. If there was a Guinness World Record for being an asshole, he’d probably hold the title. Self-preservation was his only concern; if someone got in his way, he’d shoot first and forget their name second. He could shoot a human being straight through his skull just for another day of living. Actually, he already had—on more than one occasion. So, when he was jolted awake in the dead of night by loud banging outside, his reflexes kicked in immediately. He grabbed his rifle, ready to confront whatever or whoever had dared wake him up.

But, he wasn’t ready for the show waiting for him outside. He saw a young woman standing there with a cardboard box in her hands, her face breaking into a startled smile when she saw him. Then her eyes landed on the rifle, and her smile dropped.

"Don’t shoot ! Please ! I am not infected !", she called out, raising her hands halfway—as far as the cardboard box still in her arms would allow her to.

Joel groaned, leveling the rifle at her.

"Hands where I can see ‘em !"

She was quick to comply—almost dropping the cardboard box on his doorstep in her haste to raise her hands up. He looked her up and down.

"Weapons ?" He asked shortly and she nodded.

"Knife and gun. For the infected." She didn’t wait for his command, slowly lowering the items onto the ground before standing back up, her hands raised high once more. "I mean no harm. My name is Lace and—"

"What the hell you doing here ?", he interrupted, not interested in small talk. Lace winced, nudging the box slightly with her foot.

"Hum…Well, I saw that you had just moved in from the house across the street and I decided to drop a few essentials—in case you were running out. Food, medicine and water bottles. Stuff like that."

Joel’s eyes widened a little—momentarily glancing at the box—before they narrowed suspiciously and returned on the young woman. "What do you want ?"

Lace blinked, genuinely taken aback. "W-What ? Nothing."

He glared at her.

"Do not bullshit me. Why would ya come and bring me stuff if you didn’t want somethin’ ?"

Her mouth opened, then closed before she shrugged nervously.

"…Because it was the neighbourly thing to do ?" She offered—her eyes still fixed on his rifle in case he decided to shoot. "Hum…Could you please lower the rifle ? My arms are getting tired…"

He scoffed.

"What’s tellin’ me ya ain’t got no bomb in there or poison ?" He gestured towards the box. She sighed and grabbed an apple from the box before taking a bite of it.

"See ? Perfectly fine. Hmm. Juicy." She then threw the apple at Joel who barely managed to grab it with one hand. He still seemed suspicious and sniffed the apple before giving her a long side eye—waiting a few seconds before taking a bite too. He chewed slowly—his eyes not leaving hers for a second before he swallowed. He waited to see if he felt any dizziness or discomfort—but he felt nothing. He took another bite. Then another. Then another—until the apple was gone.

When he finished, she gave him an expectant smile. "Good ?"

Joel didn’t answer and she sighed again.

"Well…Could you at least stop pointing that rifle at me ?"

He scoffed and seemed to think about it for a moment before slowly lowering his rifle. He then carefully approached to take a look inside the box and at its contents. There were water bottles, various food products and cans, as well as medical supplies. Once he had scanned everything, his eyes returned on you.

"…Why you givin’ me all this ?"

She smiled again and shrugged.

"Like I said, neighbourly thing to do."

He scoffed, but didn’t say anything.

"Well anyway…It was nice meeting you, neighbour. Hope you’ll stick around." She said and then walked back towards her house. Joel’s eyes followed her before he scoffed again and muttered under his breath.

"Crazy woman…"

He took the box and slammed the door behind him.

A few days later:

When Joel opened his front door, prepared to go on a supply run, he stopped short. A freshly baked pie sat on his porch. He didn’t need to look far to know who had left it.

He looked up at the house opposite his and sure enough, he caught Lace peeking through a window. She smiled and waved when he noticed her. Joel sighed, rolling his eyes as he reached down, grabbing the pie, and closing the door behind him.

Maybe he’d stay a few more days...especially if she kept feeding him…

…….

Another week passed by and Joel had now received pies, pizzas, cakes, cookies, casseroles and many tupperwares filled with homemade meals. His kitchen was now a pile of plates, containers and other things she had decided to leave on his porch. He knew he should probably get rid of them—bring them back to her. But for some reason, he felt as if that would be losing some kind of war he had no intention of losing…

Finally, one morning, he opened his door only to come face-to-face with Lace herself, a paper plate held out in front of her. For a moment, they stared at each other in surprise—neither spoke. He looked down and sure enough…here was another plate of food. This time—it was on a paper plate. Looks like she had ran out of the good ones…Lace seemed frozen before she wordlessly extended the plate forward. "Uh…lasagna ?" she managed, her voice uncertain. "Made it myself."

He looked down and instead of accepting, he asked.

"How’re you cooking without an oven ?"

Her smile turned sheepish. "Wood-fired. I make a small fire in my yard…cook what I can." She shrugged.

Joel stared at her, the plate of lasagna between them, and let out a long sigh. Right. He finally accepted the plate and returned inside his house…He didn’t close the door, but she didn’t dare come in. She returned to her home and Joel forgot to mention the containers he had yet succeeded in giving back to her.

A few days later:

Joel eventually invited Lace inside—not that he’d admit it was an invitation. More like she showed up with another meal and he’d grumbled, "If you’re gonna bring all this damn food, might as well sit down." She took it as a warm welcome and walked in, balancing a tray of chicken stew and cornbread.

The silence was heavy as they sat across from each other at his small kitchen table, the stew steaming between them. Joel shifted, watching her with his usual suspicion.

"So," she started, looking around at the scattered dishes she’d left over the past few days, "enjoying my cooking ?"

He scoffed. "Edible." It’s not like he waited for her to bring him something good everyday or that he looked forward to it even.

A laugh escaped her, bright and unrestrained. Joel just looked at her, one brow raised as if to say, ‘What’s so funny ?’ She shook her head, taking a bite of stew.

"Well, I’m just guessing that that’s high praise, coming from you. Since you seem like the silent type of guy." She took another spoonful, and they lapsed back into silence. Joel watched her, his gaze unreadable, until Lace finally couldn’t help herself.

"Do you…I mean, have you been alone for a long time ?" she asked carefully.

He tensed, eyes darkening and immediately replied defensively. "Why do you care ?"

She shrugged and smiled nervously. "I just wonder sometimes, y’know ? The things people have been through."

Joel huffed, his jaw tightening. "People’ve all got their sob stories. Doesn’t make ’em special."

Lace nodded slowly, respecting his reticence but unable to hide her curiosity. "Fair enough." She set her spoon down, glancing at him. "But it doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone either."

He looked up, an edge of surprise crossing his face, but he quickly masked it, pushing his chair back and standing up. Lace watched as he moved to the sink, his shoulders tense as he washed his dish. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his tone gruff.

"So what’s your story, then ? Why waste your time cooking for people who don’t care ?"

She didn’t seem fazed by the harshness of his words. Instead, she met his gaze and smiled, a touch sadder than her usual one. "Guess it’s just nice to feel…useful. It’s rare to even find a neighbor these days, much less one that doesn’t try to rob you."

Joel snorted, almost amused. "Lucky me, huh ?"

She smiled and nodded.

"Lucky you indeed…"

….

Days turned to weeks, and their cautious alliance became a part of their daily routine. Joel didn’t question when she left supplies or when she knocked and said, "Dinner’s ready." He’d just grunt, maybe crack a rare smile that looked more like a grimace. And she’d laugh every time, knowing it was the closest he’d ever come to gratitude.

One evening, as they sat on the porch after dark, sharing the last of the coffee she’d bartered for at a nearby settlement, Lace leaned back, gazing at the moon. It cast a soft light over the deserted houses, making the street look almost peaceful.

"You ever think there might be…you know…more than this ?", she asked, her voice quiet.

Joel shrugged. "This is all there is. Survive another day. That’s the job."

She tilted her head, studying him. "And what happens when there’s no one left to survive for ?"

For a moment, he couldn’t answer. The question hung heavy in the air, gnawing at the walls he’d built around himself. He turned away, jaw clenched. "Survival’s a habit. Doesn’t matter what’s waiting at the end."

She gave a soft, understanding smile, sensing he wasn’t ready for that conversation. Not yet.

"Well," she said, breaking the silence, "if you ever want to talk, you know where to find me."

He looked at her and hummed.

"Right…Thanks, Lace."

She smiled. It was the first time he had ever called her by her name…

But in the apocalypse, peace is always short-lived. Just a few days later, Lace’s house was dark, and she didn’t show up with any new dishes or supplies. Joel tried not to notice. He told himself it wasn’t his business, that she could take care of herself. But after a few hours, he started to feel that old itch of worry. He waited until nightfall, slinging his rifle over his shoulder, before he crossed the street, heading toward her house. The front door was unlocked, creaking open with the slightest push.

Inside, the place was deserted. No sign of struggle, but no sign of her either. Joel’s jaw tightened. He checked each room, feeling a chill settle in his gut as he found only silence. Finally, in her kitchen, he spotted a note left hastily on the table:

Ran low on supplies. Be back soon. Don’t miss me too much.

He couldn’t help but roll his eyes, despite the knot of worry tightening in his chest. Damn idiot, he thought. Without a second thought, he headed out into the night, rifle at the ready.

…He was gonna kill that idiot if not someone had already.

Meanwhile, Lace had entered into a store and discreetly sought out for supplies. She smiled as she found more than a few cans and even a dozen water bottles.

"Well well…Lucky me."

She started stocking up when suddenly, she felt a presence behind her. She was about to get her gun out when she recognised the familiar feeling of the sharp edge of a knife against her throat.

"Wait wait wait…Please. You don’t have to do this." She pleaded—genuinely scared. The grip on her tightened, the blade pressing just enough against her skin to remind her of the threat on her life. She took a steadying breath, hoping she sounded calm.

"Please," she repeated, barely above a whisper. "I don’t have anything you want. Just let me go."

A rough chuckle sounded close to her ear. "That so ? All those cans say otherwise." The pressure from the knife eased just a fraction, but his hold on her remained firm. "Not every day I see someone alone. And a woman, no less. I bet you’d be worth a fortune if I were to sell you…"

There was a young man with him who didn’t seem as comfortable as his partner.

"Come on, Barry. We should just take the cand and go…"

But Barry groaned.

"Mind your own business, kid !"

Lace forced herself not to move. "Look, we can share. I don’t need all of it." She nodded toward the cans in her arms. "Take what you want. Just…leave me enough to take back home. We’re two and we are just trying to survive—like you."

"Home ?" Barry laughed again, low and cold. "No one’s got a home anymore, sweetheart." The knife stayed close, but she felt his grip shift, loosening ever so slightly.

She seized the moment. Dropping her supplies to the floor with a loud clang, Lace twisted out of his hold, spinning to face him as she backed up, pulling her own knife and holding it defensively in front of her. Her heart pounded, but her hand remained steady.

The man sneered, amused at her sudden boldness. "What you gonna do now, huh ? Stab me ? You ain’t got that nerve, girl. I can see it in your eyes."

"Look, I don’t want any trouble." She raised her chin, keeping her voice steady. "But if you force me, I’ll defend myself."

He tilted his head, appraising her, but his expression grew dark. "Think you can take me ?" He took a menacing step forward.

Before he could close the distance, a sudden loud bang echoed from behind him. His sneer turned into confusion as he staggered, reaching for the back of his head, his legs buckling beneath him as he fell to the floor—blood gushing out the bullet wound now in his back. Lace saw the shadowy figure looming just beyond him, rifle in hand. Joel.

"Guess she doesn’t have to," Joel drawled, lowering his rifle.

The young man took a few cans and ran out fast before Joel could stop him and he groaned. His gaze shifted to Lace, eyes dark with anger. "You, You should have asked me to come with you."

Lace took a shaky breath, trying to process what had just happened. "How did you find me ?"

Joel crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Followed your trail. You’re not exactly subtle."

She managed a small, wry smile. "Wasn’t expecting a stalker."

He ignored her attempt at humor, stepping forward and nudging the dead man with his boot. "This one won’t bother you again," he muttered, though his eyes stayed on Lace, his expression hard.

"Joel…" she began, wanting to thank him, but he shook his head.

"Save it." His voice was gruff. "Just…be smarter next time." His gaze softened just a fraction. "There are worse things out here than an empty stomach."

She nodded, still clutching her knife. "I know."

He sighed, glancing at the scattered cans on the floor before picking them up. "Come on," he said. "Let’s get you home."

She followed him with her head hanging low in shame. But she then opened her mouth to ask: "I still managed to get more than my fair share of cans. What would you like for dinner ? I could make some risotto with what I got or…?"

Joel didn’t respond at first, just kept walking, his eyes scanning their surroundings as he led her back toward the safe zone. Lace bit her lip, starting to think he’d ignore her altogether. But after a few moments, he muttered, "Risotto, huh ? Fancy for the apocalypse."

She smiled, a little relieved he’d answered. "Hey, even the end of the world deserves a good meal every now and then. I’ll make it worth your while."

Joel scoffed, though she caught the slight softening at the corners of his mouth. "Long as it’s edible."

They walked the rest of the way in silence until they reached her doorstep. Joel glanced at the supplies she held and then at her, his expression unreadable. "Just…be careful next time," he said, his voice softer than she expected. "You won’t always get this lucky."

She nodded, still feeling a hint of guilt. "I know. Thanks again, Joel."

He shrugged, averting his gaze. "Get inside. I’ll come by later to check if that ‘risotto’ of yours is any good."

With that, he turned and started to leave, but not before she called after him, a spark of hope in her voice. "Bring your appetite !"

…She almost facepalmed herself.

He didn’t look back, but she could’ve sworn she saw his shoulders relax as he walked away.

[siremasterlawrence]

Breaking In To The Movies

After shooting my first movie had to give you guys this and it’s also a thank you for hitting this page up with 4,025 followers.

Woohoo!

“I just landed my first acting gig so I need a new body.”

Scott Eastwood is at a some stupid celebrity sporting event held in a massive field in a stadium Hollywood, Los Angeles playing that idiotic game football in all of his overly masculine macho bullshit and showing off all of his skills.He brushes past most of the field running in a circle as he caught the ball falling to the ground as he hit the end of the field in a bit of excitement and he starts to scream his clothes obviously wet as ever and doing a little dance.I sigh rolling my eyes as he returns back to his seat taking a minute unbelievably he is careless to not be aware of mi presence is looming behind him and I reach my hand out for his bottle and grab it before he can see it happen.It is sad but I don’t give a shit walking back in to the end of the hall in the cover of the halls darkness the cap is unscrewed, the needle cap is pulled off and I inject it in to his bottle as it was nothing quickly returning it back to his bag.

Cockiness does have its disadvantages like well you know pride cometh before the fall as the saying goes I think to myself happily as I watch him gobble it down for the world to see and the camera finally pans on him as I begin to feel faint. I don’t really feel much at all as my eyes slowly close in time to a excessive amount of yawning then I nod off completely falling on to the bench fading out of existence and I appear right behind him.I laugh a bit as he starts to feel odd taking left hand he starts to yank on his collar as the whistle goes off he hops back in to the game excitedly it’s so pathetic, the sweat of beads so apparent in his face to go with this lethargic sportsmanship to boot he is a true laughing stock. Sorry! Cockiness needs to be corrected I think again following him as he pretends he is proud of his performance to the crowd, he then makes a dash for the bathroom placing his hand firmly on to the sink and screams in pain before he looks in to the mirror and sees.

“BOO!” I shout before unleashing a haunting laugh.

“Who the fuck are you?” He yells

“Your worse nightmare” my attitude assured

“Do I know you?” He thinks

“Go ahead! Guess” I state

“We worked together on a movie “ he replies

“Correct and now we will not be doing that “

“Wait! This most be by imagination “

“Yeah! Let me wet my face it’s a dream”

“Why bother? It’s a dream alright “

“Yeah! I’ll wake up soon”

“Go to sleep! Nighty night”

“Dumbass! Here we go”

“Let me close my eyes”

“Oooohh! My body bow “

“Not bad! Fine ass”

“For a white boi anyway “

“Time to go for a test drive “

“This is a nice see “

“Hey ladies “

“Hey fellas”

“Bring me some drinks stat”

“Who want to be in my entourage tonight”

“Yeah motherfucker’s”

“Uh uh! We are going all night”

“This loser thinks he is a sleep “

“I am Scott Eastwood “

“Who wants to dance?”

“Really? No one!”

“Boo!”

“You all suck “

“Guys or gals”

“Does not matter “

“I swing it right and left “

“Play both sides”

“I am Scott Eastwood Bitch”

“My budding career mixed with this body.”

“Yum”

The end

[oddaesthetin]

simping over him — lee jooyeon

fluff

—

jooyeon sits next to you on the couch, all long legs and that dumb grin that makes your brain short-circuit. you don’t know what’s worse—the fact that he’s wearing that particular hoodie you like on him or the way his neck is just there.

like, WHO gave him permission? his hair is still damp from the shower. he looks wrecked, judging by his toned down loudness. three days of nonstop performing would do that to anyone, but here he is, lounging like it’s no big deal.

“you good?” he asks, glancing at you from where he’s propped up against the couch. he’s tired, you can see it in the way his shoulders sag a little and how his usual energy is dialed down to a lazy grin. but there’s still something mischievous in his tone, like he knows you’re one heartbeat away from blowing up.

he’s right, by the way.

you’re trying to focus on literally anything else—the pile of laundry you’ve been ignoring, the weird stain on the carpet, the meaning of life—but no, your brain’s like jooyeon’s neck, jooyeon’s neck, jooyeon’s—

you shift uncomfortably, trying to focus on the TV instead of, well, him. the way his hoodie hangs loose around his collarbones is driving you insane. you’ve been doing so well all weekend, keeping your thoughts appropriate, but now? now, the universe has you cornered.

“could you please get your neck away from me?” you blurt out, crossing your arms and leaning as far away as the couch allows. “i’ve fought so hard to remove that image of your neck i saw from pinterest on my mind, and i don’t think i can go through that again.”

jooyeon blinks at you, caught off guard. he freezes. did you just say you’ve been thinking about his neck?

suddenly, the fatigue that had been weighing him down for days? gone. vanished. wiped from existence. he feels alive.

his eyebrows shoot up, and for a second, you think he didn’t hear you. then, he bursts out laughing, the kind of laugh that makes his voice high-pitched, shoulders shake and his eyes crinkle, and okay, now this is worse.

“my neck?” he wheezes, clutching his stomach like you’ve just delivered the punchline of the century.

“yes, your neck!” you glare at him, but it’s hard to stay mad when he’s laughing like that. “someone posted that stupid picture of yours looking all worked up with your head thrown back and your veins showing— and oh my god, describing it is so weird but now i can’t look at you without thinking about it. so move. away.”

instead of moving away, he leans in closer, his face way too close to yours. “you’re saying you’re obsessed with my neck?”

“jooyeon, i swear to god—”

“no, no, go on,” he says, grinning like the menace he is. “tell me more about how my neck haunts your dreams.”

he’s losing it inside—but the way you’re burying your face in your hands makes his chest feel lighter, like he could run another concert right now, fueled entirely by your flustered energy.

“this is why i don’t tell you things,” you mumble, voice muffled.

“but you did,” he teases, poking your arm. “and now i’m never gonna let you forget it.”

you peek at him through your fingers, narrowing your eyes. “you’re insufferable.”

“and you’re obsessed with my neck.”

“oh my god, shut up.”

he laughs again, softer this time, and when you finally pull your hands away from your face, he’s looking at you with that stupidly fond expression that makes your chest feel all warm and weird.

“don’t worry,” he says, tilting his head with a smirk that should be illegal. “my neck’s all yours. if you want, you can even mark it up.”

your brain short-circuits so hard you can barely process his words. he tries stifling a laugh after he see you pause and your jaw literally drop. this’ll be worth it, he thought.

“what—who says that?!” you choke, smacking his shoulder like it’ll erase the memory.

he shrugs, all casual, like his insides aren’t doing somersaults. “i’m just saying, if you’re this obsessed, we might as well make it official.”

you grab a pillow and smack him square in the face. he yelps, laughing as he tries to shield himself, but you’re relentless, fueled by sheer embarrassment and the need to wipe that smirk off his stupidly handsome face.

“ow—hey! violence?!” he yelps, laughing as he tries to shield himself. his cheeks hurt from smiling, and his heart’s doing that weird thing again, the one it always does around you.

when you finally stop, breathless and red-faced, he leans back on the couch, watching you with the kind of quiet confidence that makes your stomach flip.

“you know,” he says, voice soft and teasing, “you’re kind of cute when you’re flustered.”

you groan, flopping back against the couch and covering your face again. and your boyfriend?

he just grins like an idiot, feeling more energized than he has in days.

you can have his neck.

you already have the rest of him, anyway.

—

© oddaesthetin 2024

[burntsecrets]

Market Mischief

Pairing: Zuko x Katara Word Count: 820 Prompt: For Zutara Week 2024 | Day 6: Sweet @zutaraweek Warnings: Mild language, lighthearted teasing, humor, food-related themes, playful banter, minor romantic undertones

The marketplace buzzed with activity as vendors hawked their wares, carts rattled, and children darted through the throngs like mischievous sparrows. Katara weaved through the crowd with practiced ease, her arms laden with an assortment of ingredients for dinner. Zuko followed behind, his expression tight as he kept glancing over his shoulder, as though expecting a surprise ambush from a cabbage merchant.

“I still don’t get why we’re here,” he muttered, adjusting the hood of his cloak to better conceal his face. “We could’ve just—”

“Don’t even finish that sentence,” Katara interrupted, shooting him a pointed glare over her shoulder. “If you think I’m letting you ‘firebend’ our dinner together, you’ve lost your mind.”

Zuko grumbled something under his breath, but his steps quickened to keep up with her. “I’m not bad at cooking.”

“You burned rice.”

“It was one time.”

“And toast.”

“It was...extra crispy.”

“And that pot of tea.”

“Okay, fine!” He threw his hands up. “But it’s not like you’re perfect either. You made soup that was so salty Sokka said he could see through time.”

Katara froze mid-step and spun to face him, a saccharine smile that promised retribution spreading across her face. “Oh, really? That’s how you want to play this?”

Zuko immediately backpedaled. “I’m just saying—”

“I’ll show you ‘just saying,’” she quipped, grabbing a bright red fruit from a nearby stand and shoving it into his hands. “Here. Let’s see if you can even pick a decent lychee.”

He stared at the fruit like it was a bomb about to go off. “What’s wrong with this one?”

“Too mushy. Try again.” She crossed her arms, one eyebrow raised.

Zuko frowned, muttering something suspiciously like, “It’s just fruit,” before exchanging the lychee for another. Katara didn’t even bother inspecting it before shaking her head.

“Still wrong.”

“Are you making this up?” His voice pitched slightly, somewhere between incredulous and irritated.

“Are you seriously questioning my superior market skills?” Katara smirked, taking the fruit from him and swapping it for one from a different pile. “This one’s ripe.”

Zuko squinted at her. “How do you even know that?”

She tapped the side of her head. “Water Tribe instincts.”

“Oh, so now it’s instincts?”

Katara turned on her heel, heading toward the next stall, but Zuko caught the faintest grin tugging at her lips. He scowled, speeding up to walk beside her again. “Fine. Since you’re so good at this, what’s next?”

She didn’t answer, distracted by a stand overflowing with delicate jars of candy. The vendor—a cheerful, round-faced woman—beamed at them as they approached. “Looking for something sweet, young lady?”

Katara nodded politely, her eyes scanning the colorful array. “Just browsing.”

Zuko, however, narrowed his eyes at the jars like they owed him money. “Isn’t this kind of a waste?”

“Excuse me?” Katara looked up sharply.

“I mean,” Zuko said, flailing slightly under her glare, “we’re here for dinner ingredients. Why bother with candy?”

“Why bother with candy?” Katara repeated, her tone somewhere between disbelief and the ominous calm before a tidal wave.

The vendor wisely stepped aside.

“Let me tell you something, Sparky.” Katara plucked a jar off the shelf, full of little sugar flowers, and held it under his nose. “Candy is joy in edible form. It’s a reward after a hard day. It’s the perfect combination of ‘I deserve this’ and ‘Don’t judge me.’ And you, Prince Pessimism, could use some joy in your life.”

Zuko blinked, momentarily stunned. Then his lips twitched, threatening to curve upward. “So…you’re saying I need to eat candy to be less miserable?”

“Exactly!” She thrust the jar into his hands. “Consider it therapy.”

He snorted, a sound so uncharacteristic Katara almost dropped the bag of rice she was holding. “Fine,” he said, unscrewing the jar and popping a sugar flower into his mouth. His expression immediately shifted to one of wide-eyed horror. “This is…this is…”

“Sweet?” Katara offered, biting back a laugh.

“No,” he croaked, clutching his throat dramatically. “This is…too much.” He doubled over, mock-gagging. “I’m dying.”

Katara finally let her laugh burst free, the sound ringing out above the chatter of the marketplace. “You’re such a baby. It’s sugar, Zuko.”

“It’s poison,” he deadpanned, though the corner of his mouth twitched again.

Katara grabbed a flower from the jar and popped it into her mouth. “Mmm. Delicious. Guess I’ll have to finish the whole jar myself.”

Zuko straightened, his eyes narrowing. “Not if I get to it first.” He swiped another candy, tossing it into his mouth with a smirk.

And just like that, the competition began. By the time they left the marketplace, the jar was empty, Katara was triumphantly clutching the last flower, and Zuko—now suspiciously energized—kept insisting he wasn’t going to help clean up the “disaster kitchen.”

“Sweet, huh?” he said, nudging her with his elbow as they headed back toward camp.

Katara rolled her eyes but smiled. “Yeah. Sweet.”

[kaidanalenkosprmanager]

THE BEST OF TUCHANKA: TURIAN PLATOON

Featuring: Cmdr. Sophie Shepard, Lt. James Vega, EDI, and Lt. Tarquin Victus With: Lt. Steve Cortez and The Ninth Turian Platoon Decisions like these weigh heavy on me- when I was a General, I could pass them up the chain of command. But now? I'm all I've got. I'm beginning to understand why leaders so often seem lonely... Worst case scenarios aren't just theories- they're what you'll be dealing with five minutes from now. Mass Effect 3: Legendary Edition (2021)