#will definitely come back to fix this in the near future

[thisapplepielife]

Written for @steddieholidaydrabbles.

Along the Chimney with Care

Prompt Day 24: Stocking | Word Count: 550 | Rating: T | CW: None | Tags: Future Fic, Established Relationship, Learning New Skills, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

"What are you doing?" Eddie asks, as he leans over Steve's shoulder as he sits at the dining room table. 

"Practicing," Steve answers, as he looks at the scrap of fabric in front of him at the sewing machine that he's dragged out of the deepest recesses of some closet.

"Practicing what?" Eddie asks, because it just looks like a bundle of tangled up threads.

Steve flips it over. 

It's a kind of badly done embroidered version of Eddie's name, but it makes him smile. It might not be anywhere near perfect, but he likes the effort Steve's clearly tried to make. Steve could have ordered them custom-made from somewhere else, or even gotten iron-on letters, but instead he's chosen to do it this way, for better or worse.

"What's this for?" Eddie asks, smiling.

"Stockings for Christmas. I mistakenly thought this looked easy. It is not easy," Steve says, and Eddie sits down.

"Let me help," Eddie offers, even if he has no idea what that will entail. But surely they can figure it out together. They've always been able to figure anything out, as long as they've done it together. Two heads are better than one, and all that shit.

Not to mention, Eddie can sew. In theory. By hand, for sure, and Wayne had an old machine Eddie used a few times while making vests and other shit. He's never made a stocking, but he's willing to try.

"It keeps tangling on the back," Steve laments, and Eddie slides the practice piece of fabric towards himself, so he can look at it more closely.

"Is there a manual?" Eddie asks, and Steve shakes his head. 

"Not that I've ever seen," Steve answers.

"Hmm," Eddie says. He understands the basics, maybe, but he's not sure he can do much by way of troubleshooting.

But he bets he knows who can.

"Joyce says to check the bobbin," Eddie says from the kitchen, holding onto the phone. 

"What's the bobbin?" Steve asks, standing up and looking at the top of the machine.

"What's the bobbin?" Eddie repeats.

Joyce laughs in his ear, "Oh, dear."

But she walks them through it. They take it out, rethread it through the machine, and then test it out.

It's better. It's definitely better.

"That fixed it!" Steve says, pumping his fist in the air, hollering, "Thanks, Joyce!"

"He says thanks," Eddie repeats to her over the line. 

She heard him. The whole block heard him.

Eddie sits on the couch and watches Steve hang the stockings along the chimney with care. They aren't perfect. Far from it. But they do have their names on them, and Steve made them. He also let Eddie sew patches on them, which makes them even more personal to each of them.

A joint effort. Eddie loves them in all their slightly wonky glory, and he hopes they use them for years to come. 

"Okay. They're Santa ready," Steve says, and Eddie grins. 

"I can't wait to see what Santa brings me," Eddie declares, rubbing his hands together in anticipation, and Steve just smiles like he has the biggest secret. 

"Coal, probably," Steve teases, and Eddie laughs, big and bright.

Steve's got something planned, something up his stocking, as it were, and Eddie can't wait to find out what.

If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @steddieholidaydrabbles and follow along with the fun! 🧦

[acosmicdisappointment]

— ysla.

is that KYLIE VERZOSA? oh, no, that’s YSLA ALONSO, a TWENTY-NINE year old TRAVEL VLOGGER who uses SHE/HER pronouns. they currently live in VIÑA DEL MAR, and the character they identify with most is SOPHIE SHERIDAN FROM MAMMA MIA. hopefully they find their own little paradise here in el país de los poetas!

BASICS.

FULL NAME. ysla soleil alonso NICKNAME(S). ysla, ysa, lala (nickname she tells kids to use) AGE/BIRTHDAY/ZODIAC. 29 / september 7th / virgo SEXUALITY. heterosexual BIRTHPLACE. ilocos norte, philippines HEIGHT. 5’8” EYE COLOR. dark brown ILLNESSES/CONDITIONS. trying to heal through traveling TATTOOS/PIERCINGS/SCARS. standard lobe and upper lobe piercings, belly button piercing, a bouquet flowers drawn by her siblings on her inner arm (right) FC. kylie verzosa

PERSONALITY.

hardworking nurturing perfectionist self-critical emotional nitpicky

HER-STORY.

tw: mention of death and depression — Ysla grew up with her parents and eight brothers, four older and four younger, which made her the quintessential middle child. Despite the chaos of a large family, she maintained a close-knit bond with them, although at times they could be overwhelming. — As the only girl among her siblings, Ysla was both protected and challenged by her brothers. They were fiercely protective of her, always looking out for her well-being and making sure she felt safe and loved.  — However, being the only girl also meant that Ysla had to keep up with their antics and rough-and-tumble play. Ysla's bond with her brothers was unbreakable, shaped by a lifetime of shared experiences and unwavering support. — From a young age, Ysla knew she wanted to teach, a career path she pursued with unwavering determination. Graduating as the magna cum laude with a degree in education, she immediately became a preschool teacher, fulfilling her lifelong dream. — It was during her time as a teacher that Ysla developed a deep bond with Mirabel, one of her students. Mirabel often stayed late at school under Ysla's care due to her mother's demanding work schedule. Over time, Ysla not only became a trusted caregiver for Mirabel but also formed a close friendship with her mother, who appreciated Ysla's kindness and dedication. — Tragically, a hit and run accident took the lives of Mirabel and her mother, leaving Ysla and her family shattered. The mother and daughter were on the way to Ysla’s house when tragedy struck. The loss of her beloved student and friend plunged Ysla into a state of deep depression, and she struggled to cope with the void left by their absence. — It was during this dark period that Ysla stumbled upon a video of Mirabel taken by her mother expressing their desire to travel the world with her. Touched by their unfulfilled dream and inspired by their memory, Ysla made a life-changing decision.  — In honor of Mirabel's wish and as a tribute to her enduring bond with both mother and daughter, Ysla embarked on a journey to fulfill their dream, starting her own YouTube channel, Wander With Ysla, to document her global adventures. — At first, her family was hesitant about her traveling so far from home. However, when they saw how much joy it brought her, they eventually came around and wholeheartedly supported her decision. Ysla’s been in the region for about 3 weeks now and is always seen with her vlogging camera.

EXTRAS.

to read to see to listen

HEADCANONS.

— wears a butterfly necklace since it's mirabels's favorite (her comfort necklace tbh) — collects butterfly souvenirs from every place she’s visited and keeps them in a box dedicated for Mirabel — adores children and would want to have some of her own — has a knack for finding hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations — is a food enthusiast and loves trying local dishes to learn more about a place and their culture — loves karaoke and would treat it like her own concert — a hopeless romantic at heart who believes in soulmates and true love — biggest travel inspiration is dua lipa — always wears a swimsuit beneath her clothes

WANTED CONNECTIONS/PLOTS.

coconut pals — people ysla would generally have a good time with. they definitely need to be open to being dragged to the nearest karaoke a reason to stay — ysla is on the constant move, maybe this person is the reason why she’ll finally choose to stay more tbd! dm’s are always open to plot

[reidrum]

i cannot stop thinking about reader giving jesus hair spencer a blowjob, and him using the hair tie he keeps on his wrist to put her hair up

hair tie | s.r

a/n: hey so this made me insane. also i wrote this really fast if it seems rushed that’s why. may we all be manhandled by jesus reid in the near future amen

cw: smut 18+ minors dni, blowjob, softdom!spence lowkey, reader has hair long enough to be tied up, can be read as gn!reader but lmk if i missed something!

wc: 888

——————————————————————————

spencer’s long hair was definitely a choice. he grew it out to his shoulders purely because he couldn’t make it to a barber, and simply because he didn’t really care. it did become a hassle when he’d be hunched over his desk finishing reports and strands of hair would fall forward and obstruct his eyesight.

he found that he would waste so much time when he paused to push his hair behind his ears (two minutes and thirty seconds slower, he counted). he’d come home to you and complain wondering how all women dealt with the long hair if it just always flew in front of them. how did you get anything done?

then one day when spencer came home from work, you had a small surprise for him. a pack of 100 black hairties.

“so you can just put your hair up in a little pony or man bun and keep working!” you’d exclaimed.

he was so endeared by the gesture, he rarely ever tied his hair up but he never left the house without a hair tie on his wrist. he liked having the option if he needed it, plus it always reminded him of you when he saw it.

the few times he’s used it are during intense heat waves in dc, when he’s dealing with toxic chemicals and such, and when he’s with you.

when he goes down on you, his hair would never stay in place. and it irked him to have to remove his fingers from you in order to fix it. you found it so hot though. he was deathly hot, but he really didn’t understand what it did to you when he was on his knees tying his hair up for you.

until it happened to him, of course.

he had come home from work, tired from the day at the office. you led him to the couch and told him to sit and relax while you took care of him. he spreads his legs open and leans back onto the couch, his arms fanning outwards to rest on the ledge, “you’re too good to me, baby.”

you were down on him, moving your head and back and forth on his length. you traced the underside vein with your tongue, getting as much as you could down your throat. the sight of you dribbling spit all over his cock sent him into another orbit. it was messy, lewd, and outright fucking hot.

but that hair of yours kept falling down your cheeks and blocked the beautiful view of him fucking your mouth. he rakes his hands through your hair, but as much as he could hold it on his own, your ministrations were too good for him to keep a good grip on it.

in a haste move, he removes his hands and you look up at him in confusion at the loss of contact. you watch intently as he rolls the hair tie off his sleeve, the one that you got him, and watch him tie your hair up in a haphazard ponytail.

jesus fucking christ.

you whimper at the gesture, overwhelmed by the feeling of him tying your hair up. he feels you falter for a second, before you raise both hands to the remaining of his cock that didn’t fit in your mouth and hollow your cheeks out.

“fuck, angel, that’s so good—oh my god,” he mewls, “you like it when i tie your hair up? like when i—shit— use my own hair tie on you?”

you moan around his cock, sending vibrations throughout his body which he responded with a long groan, “bet you didn’t think this is what i’d use the hair ties for huh?”

he stares down at your face, tears streaming down both sides as you keep him in your mouth, as he twirls the ponytail in his big hand and tugs.

“baby, oh my god, fuck i’m gonna come.” he lets out, and soon he releases himself into your mouth as you swallow every last drop. you pull your mouth off his cock, leaning your cheek on his inner thigh as you stare up at him trying to catch your breath.

“holy shit.” you breathe out.

he laughs, “holy shit is right,” he strokes your hair gently, “was it actually hot when i tied your hair up?”

you look at him incredulously, “are you joking? the fact that i bought it for you to use, that you keep it on your wrist all the time, and that you used it on me when i was sucking you off, i could outcompete the sun right now.”

he pulls you off your knees to sit on his lap on the couch, “i’ll make note of that, my love,” he softly kisses you. cuddling further into his chest, you both end up falling asleep on the couch tangled all up in each other.

later down the line, spencer realizes that those cheap black hair ties aren’t all that great. they break easily and he finds it pulled out his hair, and probably your hair, a lot.

to solve this, spencer buys a pack of baby pink scrunchies that he keeps on his wrist at all times. he read somewhere they’re easier on the scalp. morgan makes fun of him for it, and while spencer rarely uses the scrunchies for himself, looking at the pink on his wrist always made his cock twitch a little no matter where he was.

[desideriumwriter]

Anyone But You | Chapter 10

Chapter Summary: A seemingly good night at the Yule Ball goes wrong and Reader absolutely loses it at Fred.

Pairing - Fred Weasley x Fem!Gryffindor!Reader

Category - enemies to lovers + hurt/comfort

Content Warnings - cursing, arguing, yelling

Word Count - 2.4k

A/N: I know I knowww the second task was in february and the third was in june but we’re gonna change it up and say they were in january AND february instead, stay with me now, it’s for the plot i promise

Series Masterlist | F.W Masterlist | Previous | Next | Navi

Katie and Angelina had come back just minutes after you had found your dress in pristine condition. Their exhausted looks from whatever Hooch made them do were replaced by shock.

“Is that- You were able to fix it?” Angelina blurted out, there was a noticeable amount of disbelief in her tone.

“Not me. I didn’t fix it.” You muttered, still looking at the clean fabric. “The twins…did.” You shook your head in disbelief, ignoring how the two girls gave each other knowing stares and smiles.

Katie then pleaded for you to leave the rest up to her, you did. And of course, by some miracle, was able to set you up with a Durmstrang boy for the ball, literally the morning of the event.

It was awkward being set up with a total stranger, but a date is a date.

Plus, you’d never have to talk to whoever this boy is again after this. Hopefully.

It was awkward enough meeting him. You had butchered the poor boys name to his face within the first minute of meeting each other. He had said yours perfectly through his thick accent.

“Poliakoff.” He corrected, you stammered out an apology and he only put up a hand to shush you. “It’s okay. Shall we go in?” He gestured to the entrance doors of the Great Hall when you looked puzzled at him. You nodded and wrapped your arm around his.

It was worse when you finally found where Angelina and Katie were standing with the twins, their dates. The weirded out stares from all of them were unnoticed by Poliakoff, but definitely not by you. It was so pathetically obvious you were just each other’s arm candy.

Poliakoff wasn’t the worst looking guy, but he definitely wasn’t the sharpest, and that seemed to be well-known already.

Even Cedric gave you a befuddled look and nod that said interesting choice when he entered with Cho and all the other selected champions and their dates.

Other than that, the night was going well. You stuck near Katie most of the night, you danced, you cheered and jumped around with the crowd when the band Weird Sisters came out to perform. Katie and you excused yourselves during the band's intermission to go get drinks from the refreshments table, you even were able to talk to Cedric then.

“What on Earth made you choose him?” Cedric gawked as you walked up to the table.

“You know…that is a really great question!” You happily pipped, turning to Katie with a sarcastic smile, “It was Katie's doing, not mine.” Katie scoffed and threw her hands up in defeat.

“Listen, he was the best I could find!” She huffed, crossing her arms in a playful way. “I understand he’s not the smartest but he was one of the better looking Durmstrang boys!”

“Exactly, you got her paired up with a Durmstrang while she's bestfriends with a future Triwizard Tournament winner from Hogwarts.” He grinned, tilting his head in a teasing manner, Katie sighed and shook her head.

“Future winner from Hogwarts.” You nodded slowly as you repeated his words, raising your glass in cheers to him. “Has Cho escaped you yet?” You teased Cedric, not realizing Cho was already making her way over.

Katie nudged you and your eyes went wide, a small amount of embarrassment creeping in when you saw her.

She stopped next to Cedric, letting out a shy wave.

“Cho! You look stunning!” You complimented, hoping to make her feel less tense than she looked. She thanked you, still giving a nervous smile.

“Cedric’s been giving you space to breathe I hope?” You joked.

“Yeah.” She nodded and let out a small laugh, you could see her relax a bit. “Um, you and Fred are having a lot of fun?” She pipped.

“What?” You blurted out. You were confused, honestly confused.

“You came here with Fred, right?” She blankly said, clearly oblivious to your hatred for him.

“Oh, um, no. No, I, uh, I didn’t come here with him. He’s not my date.” You stammered, genuinely surprised she thought that you and him were together.

“Oh! I’m really sorry! I just thought you two had something going on.” She rambled, apologizing more, you played it off with a laugh and shrug.

She then excused herself from the conversation, walking back to the group she was originally in.

“So, your nights been a success?” You let out a heavy breath, looking at Cedric and trying to distract yourself and everyone else from what just happened.

“Oh, it absolutely has. Cho..she…” He trailed off, letting out a happy sigh and looking behind his shoulder at Cho, “She really likes me.” He turned his head back to you with a lovesick grin stuck on his face.

“So, are you and her like…official?” Katie gestured, you looked at her with wide eyes as you nudged her with your elbow, your way of saying don’t be so nosey.

“I’ve got no idea.” Cedric breathed out, “I don’t know how to ask, am I supposed to ask? How am I supposed to?” He talked at such a quick pace, you gave him an apologetic shrug. He was so in love with her, you felt proud? Of him in some weird way.

“Well, I’ve got to get back. You better watch out, Freds been staring you down all night.” He winked and nudged you playfully before walking back to Cho.

He wasn’t lying either, by the time you looked over to where Fred was, he was darting his eyes away from you, going back to nodding at Angelina.

“He’s not wrong. He has been giving you eyes all night.” Katie said as you turned back to her.

“No he hasn’t!” You let out a ‘pfft’ as you waved her off.

“He has.” Katie said, a more serious tone this time. “You just don’t wanna see it. Cho isn’t the only one who thinks you and Fred have something going on behind the scenes.” She sipped her drink.

“You know, I would’ve told Angelina which one was George so you could take Fred.” Katie continued.

“Who thinks that?- Wait, she doesn’t know?” You gaped at her.

“I haven't got the heart to tell her Fred was the one who asked her out. I feel terrible…but I'm praying she’ll figure it out before she makes any moves.” Katie held back a laugh. “Also, plenty of people think that about you and Fred.” She gave you a sympathetic look, you ignored her.

“But what about you and George?” You attempted to switch the topic away from Fred.

“Us? We’re just friends. He clearly has his eyes set on Angelina.” She shrugged, unbothered. “Fred got Angelina, so he just decided to go with me. Anyways, where’s your boy gone off to?” She craned her neck towards the crowd, looking for your date.

You couldn’t remember the last time you saw him. There wasn’t a glimpse of him amongst the crowd.

“I suppose I should go look for him before the slow dancing starts, shouldn’t I?” You sighed, putting down your glass. Katie nodded. She went back into the crowd and you went to go look for your date.

It embarrassingly took ten minutes to find him. After looking through the sea of people in the middle of the room, outside the entrance doors, the staircase, you found him hiding behind a large pillar in an empty hallway. With some Beauxbaton girl. Sticking their tongues down each other's throats.

Neither of them noticed you standing there with a disgusted look, nor when you stormed off back into the Great Hall.

Sulking in a chair at an empty table, you felt stupid for being upset. You didn’t even care for that boy in the first place, but you felt stupid. You felt humiliated. It was embarrassing, being left astray like that, just embarrassing.

You stayed there for the remaining hour of the event. You weren’t sure why you bothered to stay since you were in such a bad mood, most students had left already. There were a few pairs mingling around or slow dancing.

You felt envious, watching Fred dance with Angelina.

You weren’t envious of Angelina, that she was Freds date, or that she got to slow dance with him. You weren’t envious of that, of course not.

You surely were envious that Fred was able to score a date, that he got to have fun until the last hour, and not be abandoned by his date. It hurt. It hurt seeing that. Seeing them. Him.

So, you continued to sit around, resting your head on your hands, staring at the bubbles fizzing in your drink.

“Wow, it’s odd seeing you in that fancy dress.” Freds voice appeared as he stood in front of the table. “Despite being all mopey, you look quite nice.”

“Why are you here? I thought you were with Angelina.” You slowly raised your head to give him a puzzled look.

“I thought she knew I wasn’t George.” He gave an amused look as he nodded behind him, George and Angelina were now slow dancing together, looking much more lovingly at him than she was at Fred. You let out a small amused breath, thinking about what Katie said earlier.

“What’s wrong with you?” He spoke when he noticed your face go back to its inexpressive look.

“Nothing.” You muttered as your eyes darted over to where your now ex-date was dancing with the Beauxbaton, you didn’t mean to point Freds direction to them, giving him a non-verbal answer. Fred clicked his tongue at the sight.

“I knew that geezer wouldn’t be good for you the moment he stepped in with you. Hell, I would’ve been a better date for you, and you hate me.” He sighed and shook his head.

“Yeah, well I didn’t ask for your input.” You muttered.

“I’m just saying.” He lifted up his hands in defense, “You're always holed up on your own, Katie and Angelina are the most people I’ve seen you hang around.” His words made you sit up a bit more, rubbing your arm for comfort, a bit shocked at his words.

“Maybe if you put yourself out there more…you wouldn’t be heartbroken being someone's last resort.” He shrugged, all your movements stopped as you glared at him.

Last resort? Was he fucking serious?

“Excuse me?” You whispered out, he opened his mouth to speak but you cut him off when you stood up.

“Firstly, I was no one's last resort and I am not heartbroken over anyone! Secondly, I don’t hole myself up, I have friends.” You noticed that look in his face, it was a hint of condescending. “And finally, what the fuck is your problem?” You felt your eyes glaze over, you decided to start walking off before the tears came.

“I don’t have a problem! I’m just telling you how it is.” Fred was quick to follow your steps.

"God, you just don’t know when to shut up, do you? Have you always been this insufferable? I swore you were somehow more tolerable when we were younger." You spat, he only let out an amused scoff.

"I reckon what happened is you've just become uptight. People love me, I'm great!" He uncrossed his arms as he followed you up the steps.

“Of course you are! That’s your fucking issue! You’re always great and you’ll always be great.” You stopped where you were on the staircase, whipping around to look at him. You were the one staring down at him this time.

“Everyone loves you and your brother and I can’t see why!” You continued on, “Why doesn’t anyone find you as annoying as I do? Either you’ve got them all under some spell or nobody has the courage to buck up and tell you damn insufferable you are!” Fred blinked back when you pointed your index at him.

“And just because you grabbed me out of the crowd that one night doesn’t mean I have to be your friend or like you! Because all you’ve ever done is make me fucking miserable! With your stupid tricks and pranks! You make people miserable!” The words were like venom spitting off your tongue, you felt awful about it underneath all your rage. Fred looked down and blinked a few more times, like there was something in his eyes.

“Why can’t you just leave me alone? Why’d you even approach me?” You breathed out, your tears were angry and hot. You never realized you were already crying.

“I originally wanted to say that you…” Fred hesitated to speak, opening his mouth and closing it.

“What?” You barked out, you wanted him to say whatever he was going to say so you could finally go back to your bed. Your feet hurt and you felt humiliated, there were already enough eyes from passersby set on the two of you now that you’ve shouted at him.

“That you looked…nevermind. Forget it.” He sniffled and shook his head. “Have a nice night.” He said flatly, turning around and disappearing down a random hallway.

There was a sting that came with his words. You’d never seen this raw version of him. So taken aback, sharing the same bitterness you had towards him. Spitting at you the way you always spat at him.

You’ve struck something in him somewhere in your scolding to see him be actually insulted by what you said.

You let out a breathy sob, you felt almost guilty for it, but you were blind with rage, and he started it. You attempted to swallow back your sobs and keep yourself together until you got back to your dorms, although you were already falling apart, you had already cracked in front of Fred.

Hermione bursted in not long after you, her face matching yours; tear stained with puffy eyes.

“What happened to you?” You accidentally spoke out loud.

“Ron. What about you?” She sniffled.

“Fred.”

“Weasley boys. Can’t give a damn about anybody but themselves.” Hermione muttered, grabbing pajamas out of her drawer before slamming it shut and walking out the room.

Katie’s words rung in your head as you sat in the silent room.

“Cho isn’t the only one who thinks you and Fred have something going on behind the scenes.”

“Plenty of people think that about you and Fred.”

She had to have been exaggerating, no one truly thought that. There was nothing going on “behind the scenes”.

There was nothing but hate for Fred, there was nothing hiding behind your hatred for him.

tell me what you thought! or ask tba to the series taglist!

TAGLIST: @sublimepenguinpeach-blog @five-seconds-flat@nal-leo-17@rhunew@albertdabuttler@weak-aesthetic @whotfskai @m00nymarauder @miaandthediamonds @hpstuff244444 @tarzanathetumblingwarrior @isabellavolere @navs-bhat @honeybee240 @pillowjj

[muzansfangs]

Bloodstain.

Starring: Aizen Sosuke x f!reader; mention to Shuhei Hisagi, Shinji Hirako, Ichimaru Gin, Shunsui Kyoraku;

Format: multi-chapters story;

Warnings for this chapter: domestic dynamics, suggestive themes, language, fear of storms, denial, sexual tension, struggling with feelings, mention to unprotected sex, breeding, violence, injuries;

Plot: To ease off the tension between you two, you decide to take Sosuke out to buy himself clothes, a phone and anything else he may need during his permanence in the World of the livings. Visiting shops, you mark some lines and establish rules to make your forced cohabitation more pleasant. What a shame you keep on repeating yourself the umpteenth ‘kiss’ is just an accident not bound to happen again.

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𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐫𝐚.

After five hours spent in avoiding Sosuke, you had come to the conclusion you just had to put an end to this circus. The day had not started the way you had planned, but it was not too late to actually try to fix things. After all, your forced cohabitation had barely begun. If you did not confront him now, things would have decidedly degenerated in the near future. Before locking yourself up in your bedroom, you had caught a glimpse of him wandering through the living room and directing his attention to your library. At least, he was reading, not destroying your flat or the whole city. Still, you did not think he was still doing that. He was too quiet. Suspiciously quiet.

Therefore, stepping out of your nest, you made your way to the living room, only to be taken aback by the sight of him still sitting comfortably onto your sofa with his nose buried into a novel. You had definitely underestimated his capacity of maintaining a deep and constant concentration for hours. How stupid of you to forget he was built differently from common mortals. He was a self-proclaimed god, was he not? He had trascended reality, challenged the quintessence of the world.

Staring at him from the entrance to the living room, shoulder against the wall and arms against your chest, you also took notice that he had removed his eye-patch. Handsome, almost looking regal, he was already bewitching you again. You had almost forgotten how much his eyes had always affected you. His features, sharp yet gentle, made your stomach twist and turn for the war waging in your head between your morals and your lust for him. You had to keep your distance from him. It was not going to be easy, you were well-aware of that, but you had to try not to be stuck in the deadly web he was subtly sewing around you.

“Staring is rude. Hasn’t your father taught you that? Shame on me, I should not be surprised, if he has not. It’s Kurosaki Isshin, after all” Sosuke’s snarky remark brought back on Earth.

He was such a jerk at times.

You rolled your eyes, ambling towards the couch with an annoyed expression plastered over your face “As if I would waste my time staring at you. I was merely doing my job: checking on you. — you punctuated, the fact he had caught you red-handed upsetting you to no end — What are you reading, anyway?” you asked, plopping down onto the opposite side of your couch with a sigh. You had missed your forniture. As much as you loved the Soul Society, you had to admit the beds and sofas were not that comfortable.

“One of your books. I found it in the novels section, but I believe you misplaced it” Sosuke stated, flipping a page seemingly unbothered by your presence.

You quirked your eyebrows up, squinting to get a glimpse of the cover to read the title “Huh? That’s impossible, I personally make sure not a book is out of its genre. — you reasoned, scratching the back of your neck thoughtfully — What is it?” you asked then, only for your jaw to drop to the floor.

“It’s ‘Fifty shades of Grey’. That’s porn. Low quality porn, to be fair” Sosuke replied, before delicately closing the book and settling it down onto the coffee table in front of you.

Out of the vast collection of books you had, he had really picked up that one. You felt your cheeks boil, you eyes frantically averting from him to the volume under your nose, as you cleared your throat to utter out some excuses. Did you feel ashamed for owning something tagged as erotic? It was just a stupid book, a gift from Shinji to mess around with you.

“It was a gift and… It’s a novel, anyway. It’s just a little steamy” you stammed, avoiding his gaze at any cost.

“Oh, is that so? Interesting friends you have. Who was it from, if I may ask?” he inquired, propping his hand onto the palm of his hand, leaning forward to pull your gaze back on him. He did not even had to try to catch your attention. He always had it. As if you were strong enough to evade his magnetic gaze, though, you pretended not to be affected by those caramel eyes. Or his whole persona, to be fair.

“Why should I tell you?” you replied, grasping the book and standing back up to put it into its original place. You would have done anything in that very moment not to be forced to look at him.

“Oh, just to take note of who are your real friends and who merely wants to sleep in your bed” Sosuke cooed, causing you to flinch.

“Excuse me? None of my friends has such ambitions and, even if they did, this is not your business. I have already told you not to meddle into my life” you countered back, your voice taking a warning edge that seemed to amuse him.

Sosuke smiled, that subtle smile you viscerally hated “Are you so naive to believe men have pure intentions, when it comes down to a woman? — he questioned you, swiftly standing up as well and walking up to you slowly, the stately pace and elegance of a panther stalking down its prey — A friend doesn’t gift such scandalous books to a girl. Not unless he wants to send her a message” he explained his point of view, causing you to sigh in exasperation and clasp your hands together not to lash out at him. He apparently had no intention of dropping the topic and, above all, he was attempting to get you to talk. He wanted informations from you, this much was evident. But you were not going to tell him anything, especially given the altercations between him and Shinji. You did not really want your chaotic friend to go through more psychological trauma thanks to your new roomer.

“No, I’m not. — you started curtly, gaze hardening — In fact, I let you fuck me only because I agreed to sleep with you, not because I thought you were genuinely offering me a shoulder to cry on” you countered back, before glancing at the clock and realizing it was almost noon. Well, considering you had to help him settle down anyway, you could help yourself out of this conversation and tell him to follow you out of your flat.

As Sosuke stared down at you, seemingly resentful for your answer, you just walked towards the door and grasped your wallet and keys from the bowl at its left. You expected him to talk, say anything, but you were genuinely surprised when he silently followed you out of the door. It was irritating, so much that you had to be the one to break the ice after your snippy comment.

“Aren’t you even asking me where I am heading to and if you are allowed to come with me?” you asked him, locking the door behind you.

“Why should I bother questioning you? It’s not like I’m not going to follow you anywhere you go, love” he casually replied, unbuttoning the collar of his shirt absent-mindedly.

Love. Now he had started using nicknames. Where did it come from? Why was he burying the hatchet, even though you had just wounded his ego? You eyebrow twitched as you shoved your key into the pocket of your shorts, head whipping in his direction only to find him placidly smiling at you.

You sighed “Love? Really? Sosuke, cut the crap—“.

It happened too quickly for your brain to register it. One second you were staring daggers at him, the next one your back was flattened against the wall and his hand was clasped over your mouth to prevent you from talking. He was not upset, then again he did not seem to be irate. Reading him was hard, he was too imperturbable to be affected by human emotions. You looked at him wide-eyed, muffling noises of protests reverberating against his palm as he hushed you by raising the index of his free hand.

“Calm down. — he commenced, cocking his eyebrow up as he watched your features relax gradually, albeit your hands were still scrambling up in a pathetic attempt to tug his hand down and free your mouth — Did you forget what I have told your neighbour? We are supposed to act like a couple outside your flat. Can I remove my hand from your mouth, or are you going to keep up that stupid attitude of yours?” he asked you, watching your eyes grow round and then be reduced to two fissures.

He had a point. He always had a point and throwing hands in the corridor was not exactly a good idea, given your proximity to Mrs. Watanabe’s door. You were one hundred percent sure that hag was staring at you from the peephole, confident you were going to make a false step. Against your will, you nodded your head slowly and inhaled sharply before raising your hand to cup his cheek in your palm and sneering at him.

“Alright, we are on the same page about keeping a low profile. — you said lowly, through gritted teeth — But once we are back home, you will keep your hands for yourself” you clarified, before slowly and gently slipping out of his grasp.

Ignoring him never worked. Acting like a couple in public was probably the equivalent of letting the population of a small medieval town drag you to the village square and tie you up to a stick to burn you alive. Sosuke was going to be your excruciating death. The worst part of it was that you did not have the strength to run away from your feelings for too long. Not after chasing them away for years. You were tired.

But then, he made comments that got under your skin and you admonished yourself for having let yourself think he could have been a good match for you, if only he had not almost massacred your whole family and your friends.

“As you wish. — he replied, his presence looming over your frame from behind as you exited the building — Admittedly, I do not think you are going to last long without my attentions, darling”.

Yes, in times like that, you desired nothing more than kicking him twice in the guts and feed his genitalia to a crocodile at the zoo. Instead, though, you decided to keep your chin up and head towards the main shopping area of the city “Believe it or not, I have been living a relatively peaceful and satisfactory life until Shunsui appointed me to babysit you” you replied, an hint of pride in your voice as you hastily crossed the road not to be rolled over by a car you had failed to spot.

The driver’s insults pierced your ears as you did your best to ignore him and resumed your march. The man standing right at your left, however, was not going to let it go.

“Are you sure Shunsui appointed you to babysit me? Maybe you’re mistaken” he commented dryly, watching you roll your eyes and grasp him by his forearm roughly to pick up your paces and reach your destination faster. The less you spoke to him, the better. You had no time to bicker with him over such trivial matters, not when your stomach was protesting as well. You craved food and you knew a cheap place not too far from there, where you used to grab your lunch on your way back home from school.

Sosuke shot you a displeased glare, his hand gripping yours to stop you. His hooded brown chocolate eyes bored into yours, slender fingers slipping between your smaller ones to lock your hands and, factually, forcing you to halt. Your eyes met his once again, his lean frame making you feel so miserable once again as he tugged you closer to him, this time more carefully.

“Y/N” he spoke firmly, a warning for you to settle down and listen for once. In the middle of a crowded street, mere inches separating your bodies, you lost yourself into his gaze. It was not the first time it happened. You should have known better than trusting yourself around him.

Sosuke’s free hand skimmed over your arm, resting onto the top of your shoulder, goosebumps pattering your skin under his touch “I know no one respects me. Despite that, you once did. What did I do to be undeserving of your company?”.

You frowned, blinking to clear your own clouded mind “What? We live together now. Whether I like it or not, I’m stuck with you”.

“Don’t lie, Y/N. Your body is here, but your soul is desperately attempting to run away from me”.

His words rang in your head, a lump in your throat you could not swallow forming. You had not let your guard down, not since you had slept together, still he was capable of reading your mind. You clenched your jaw, sucking in deeper breath, as you shook your head.

“Get out of my head”.

“I don’t think I will. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever had the pleasure to be in” he replied, a faint grin crossing his lips as he shook his head and dipped his head down.

You were unable to talk back, his lips a magnet pulling you in, hypnotizing you, as you tightened your grip on his hand. No, you had to resist, you had to push him back, to block him out of your head. But a kid passing by ruthlessly bumped onto your back, your balance failing you as Sosuke caught you promptly in his arms and stole a brief kiss from you. Lips pressing against your soft ones for a few seconds, yet causing a turmoil of emotions into your stomach. You scrunched up your nose, feet finding their place back onto the cobblestone as he tentatively let go of you.

The moment you stepped back, hand reaching up to your mouth, you stared up at Sosuke stupefied only to notice he was smiling almost imperceptibly. He licked his lips, his tongue swiping out to brush over his bottom lip and a guttural hum reverberated through his chest.

“You’ve changed your chapstick” he commented, before hinting at the road with his chin and ambling towards the busy street leisurely, silently awaiting for you to join him.

And you did, you followed him, with your fingers still lingering right where his sinful lips had met yours. You reprimended yourself for having enjoyed it, but you refrained from shouting at him he had blatantly ignored one of the first rules you had set. It had been just a casuality. He was standing too close, that kid had the same grace of an elephant and the politeness of an ogre. It was not even a real kiss. Insignificant touches did not count, right? You really wished you could explain that to your heart too.

You soon found out Sosuke had a classy taste for expensive fabrics and brands. His charm even helped to get a discount, at times, and you were seething in rage. With the amount of money he had, that man did not someone to deduct such generous amount of moneys from the price. Right, he was filthy rich. You had literally goggled your eyes, when Shunsui had given you the access to Sosuke’s accounts. The Soul Society had made sure to change the local currency into Yen. You were genuinely surprised he had saved so much money from his days as a Captain.

“I can’t believe it…” you muttered under your breath, as you entered into your last shop for the day. You needed to buy him some boxers, but he had pushed you right into an Armani shop because he was not going to wear ‘cheap boxers’.

“Still upset I’m not broke?” he replied amusedly, as you two wandered through the shelves to look for the lingerie section.

You huffed, rolling your eyes as you picked up a pair of black boxers and showed them to him “I’m just surprised, that’s all. I mean, Shunsui is the Captain Commander and he’s not that wealthy” you spoke your mind, watching Sosuke examine the fabric absent-mindedly before looking at the size.

“He’s constantly dissipating his savings in women and saké. — he replied monotonously, before glancing at a point at your back with a sly expression on his face — I never had to pay for sex and I’m not an alcoholic”.

With that he handed you the boxers you had chosen for him and gestured at you for purchasing a couple of other ones too. You scoffed, his words pulling out a bitter chortle from you, as you whipped your head around and rummaged through the different assortments of boxers on the shelf. He was such a bastard. You did not even spare him a glance to check at what he was doing, as you walked up to the cashier and told her you had to pay for some articles.

However, on your way out of the shop, Sosuke was quick to catch up to you. You noticed he was holding a bag in his hand, something that made you arch your eyebrows “What is it?” you asked.

“Curiosity killed the cat, huh?”.

“You know what? Nevermind. I don’t even care”.

”Not even if it’s a little something to apologize for having offended you earlier?” he hazardously tempted you, causing your ears to prick up rizzare. Did he really buy something for you? Did he think he could get on your right side so easily?

You sighed “Really now? Why spending your money for me? It’s not like you really yearn to earn my forgiveness or something. This is surely one of your bluffs”.

“Ouch, you hurt my feelings. — Sosuke defended himself, the sky turning gradually purple above you two as you headed back towards your home — You’re a broken record. I never lied to you, I think I have abundantly made myself clear”.

He had, that was true, but you wished you could trust him blindly. You wished he was not the user of a deceitful zanpakuto, you wished he was not the man you had fallen for and tormented yourself not to love anymore. But above all, you truly wanted to erase those intimate moments you spent in his bed. Sosuke was a snake, a wizard, a bewitcher.

“It’s a nice gesture, Sosuke. But I am pretty sure you know that a simple gift will not make it up for everything you’ve done. I don’t think I can accept anything coming from you” you replied, only to be feel his hand cup your hip and pull you closer to him.

With his lips grazing the shell of your ear, you felt your breath hitch in your throat “Then, forgive my language, why did you accept my cock so easily? Further more, why did you let me breed you?” he whispered darkly.

The sound of a thunder rolling in the distance was all you needed to shove him off of you and run all the way down to your home. The warmth coiling in your lower abdomen, the irriration and rage blinding you when he got under your skin were something you could not control and it was driving you insane.

You did not want to die young. You did not want to die by the sword of a Captain, or a Lieutenant. Despite being the oldest of the team, and obviously not the weakest, you were not confident enough to wander down the mazy streets of the Seireitei. You had miraculously entered the walls without your brother and the rest of the gang, after escaping a tremendous fight with a Captain. The same Captain that had sent chills down your spine for his easygoing nature, but cold homicidal rage.

The same Captain that had almost cut your arm off of your shoudler. Hand pressing onto the wound, you were jogging down the streets, hoping no one recognized you. Some shinigamis did not pay much attentions to you, your uniform clearly confusing them.

But a guy with a tattoo over his face had been following you around for quite a while now. You had not even had the guts to look him straight in the eye, someone referring to him as ‘Lieutenant Hisagi’ had scared you off. You needed a shelter, you needed a place to heal your wounds and look for Rukia.

Your vision was getting blurry, though. Your limbs hurt and you eventually slumped down against a wall with a pained expression and the certainty you were going to die. Your eyes closed, a whimper leaving your lips, as you hoped no one found you like that. But a powerful spiritual pressure squashed you down onto the ground. Your wary eyes snapped open, a familiar face blessing your vision as a man with glasses knelt down in front of you.

The white haori, that reiatsu. He was a Captain. You were dead!

Your hand gripped your zanpakuto, swinging it towards him, as you coiled like a squirrel when he reached his hand out to touch your cheek. But he stopped you.

“I don’t want to hurt you”.

Curled up in a ball on your bed, you flinched at the sound of the umpteenth thunder exploding outside, the rain pattering against the window of your bedroom. You had not even eaten in Sosuke’s company, barely talking to him if not to inform him you were going to sleep. This happened around midnight. It was two o’ clock and you were restless, nervous and … Scared of storms.

You did not want to tell him about your weakness. You had been made fun of for it in the past and you were in no mood to argue anymore for the day. Probably a glass of water could calm you down. Or this is what you told yourself, whilst you walked barefoot in the dark corridor to reach the kitchen.

The door of his room was closed, your feet making no sound on your way back to your room. But a sudden thunder caused your grip on the glass to loosen and you watched helplessly as it made contact with the hard floor. Splinters of glass and a puddle of water littered the tiles and you let out a screech that caught the attention of your housemate.

Door creaking open, Sosuke leaned against the doorframe. No shirt, grey pants on and his chiseled abs in full display, he narrowed his eyes at you and the scene unfolding before his droopy eyes. You had never really seen him like that, partially disheveled, more human. He was not faking his sleep, at least.

“Sorry. Go back to sleep, I will clean up” you fretted, looking for a rag to wipe away the water and collect the shattered glass.

“Turn the lights on, at least. You’ll cut your feet like that” he tiredly observed, finger switching the lights on.

You were about to snap at him, ranting about how you were not a toddler and how you could perfectly take care of yourself, when you squirmed out in fear again and the thunder gave Sosuke the hint of what was happening right before his eyes. Trembling like a leaf, you stared at him like a soaked, scared kitten, his lips parting in disbelief.

You feared being judged.

“It’s pathetic, I know” you blurted out in defeat.

He did not reply immediately, merely glancing at his room behind him before stepping aside “Come inside” he offered.

You furrowed your brows, his offer sounding strangely soothing and you searched for his eyes to find some further infos about his intentions.

The shinigami sighed, folding his arms across his chest “I don’t want to hurt you”.

Those words again. This promise of not harming you, the way you found yourself entering his room in search for protection felt like a deja-vu. However, as you sat onto the edge of his bed and he joined you, grasping a black t-shirt from the desk and wearing it, you could tell he had no intention to fool you in any way.

“If you don’t want to sleep alone, you can stay here” Sosuke said, before lying down onto his back.

You felt your cheeks heat up, foreteeth sinking onto your bottom lip “It’s inappropriate and… I don’t understand why you’re doing it anyway”.

“We’re far beyond the ‘appropriate’ etiquette, don’t you think? — he bantered, watching you shift onto your seat and slowly lying down next to him, rolling onto your side to face the wall — Also, I don’t mind you sleeping next to me”.

You mentally cursed yourself for having accepted, but when his arm snaked around you, pulling your back against his body to spoon you, you felt safe. Not a single thunder scared you anymore that night, not as you fell asleep in his arms.

As selfish as he was though, Sosuke had his reasons for wanting you there. Since you two had slept next to each other, he had learnt to appreciate the company of a warm body next to his one, your body.

Maybe feeling was not as detrimental as he had always thought. Maybe you were worth the shot. Probably, you were the cure to his solitude.

AUTHOR NOTE.

Hi, there!

I honestly did not think so many people were going to be invested in this story. Thank you so much for showing appreciation to my work, it means a lot! Having said that, I have been looking forward to write this chapter. Whilst there will be other chapters in which Sosuke is going to be involved into mundane situations, shopping with his ‘so-called-girlfriend’ is something I really enjoyed picturing. Sorry for the late update! I promise you very spicy things in the next one. As for now, thank you so much for your feedback!

Love,

— Luce

TAGS: @pseudowho @seireiteihellbutterfly @onyxino @areyouflying @bakugosgirl01 @noirfan12 @velaenaa

[sparklingchim]

long way home 26 | jjk

pairing: jungkook x reader

word count: 4.9k

genre: dilf!jungkook, friends to lovers, angst

warnings: ... emotions 🫡

summary: the one where decisions are made.

a/n: i can't believe m actually typing this out but we're at the end of lwh !!! thank u to everyone reading this series <3 i love uuuu <3

chapters: 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |

masterlist | long way home masterlist

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The coffee shop is eerily tranquil today. There aren’t many customers.

Only a few people linger at the tables near the windows and a single person stands in line.

The only loud noise comes from your phone pressed to your ear as Seulgi screams and yells at you.

You definitely should have waited until you entered the break room, because you’re afraid Seulgi’s voice is loud enough to hear.

“You promised me you would talk to him!”

You close the door with a push of your palm.

“I know, I’m going to.” You sigh and sit down at the table. “I just don’t know when exactly.” You sound sheepish, a worried crease appearing between your brows.

"Did he text you at all?”

“No. Why would he? I literally kicked him out of my place.”

Seulgi groans at your reminder. “Tell me why you did that again?”

“Seulgi,” you whine. You need her advice. She had already done the scolding part days ago.

“I know, I know – I'm sorry,” she replies, softer now – less accusing.

You fidget with your fingers. “Should I text him?”

“No, that’s not a good approach,” she dismisses.

“At least it’s something,” you retort. You could send him a short message. Though you’re not sure what it would contain. Hi, I'm sorry for making you leave, can we pls pls pls talk I miss you. You grimace. Maybe a call would be more suitable.

“Y/n,” Seulgi says, snapping you out of your thoughts. “You know what’s more important than figuring out how to approach a conversation?” She pauses, but you stay silent. “Being ready to tell him the truth.”

You told Seulgi of your feelings for Jungkook the day after he confessed to you. She sat on your couch and watched you intently after you announced in a flustered tone I have to tell you something, right after you had talked about what had happened the day before.

You waited for a reaction, but none came. She had a vacant expression. “I know,” she said then, shrugging nonchalantly. “You think you were being secretive about it?” A puzzled look spread across her face.

You felt your cheeks grow hot.

“Are you?” Seulgi presses.

“Yes. I think I am.”

“Good, because this isn’t gonna fix itself,” she says. “Not unless you finally have the courage to be honest with him.”

She’s right. And even though it’s scary, you have nothing to lose. You have already lost your two favourite people in the world.

“And now go and talk to him.”

“What?” Seulgi can’t possibly mean that.

"Go to his place and have a conversation with him.” As if it were that easy.

“I’m at work, Seulgi.”

“You’re taking a break right now,” she counters.

“Yeah, but-”

“No buts,” she interjects. “Just go and get your friend back. Or future boyfriend, whatever.” Seulgi is unwavering. But your doubts and hesitations slowly start to fade. “I can’t keep watching you be sad. It breaks my heart,” she adds, in a much smaller voice.

“Seulgi,” you pout. She has seen you at your lowest points, and of course you know that she is compassionate, but when you hear her voice, your throat tightens.

“You’re gonna leave now?” she asks.

It’s a bit hectic and far too spontaneous, but her words have planted determination in your mind. But maybe that is exactly what you need. This way you don’t have time to overthink and come up with possible scenarios that make you doubt everything and give you sleepless nights.

“I am.” You take a look at the clock. You still have time left, but it’s definitely not nearly enough for walking to Jungkook’s apartment and talking to him. You have to do this now. If you postpone it to later, you’re not certain if you still have the bravery to do it.

“The next time you call it better be to tell me that Jungkook is your boyfie.”

You ignore her. “I’m gonna hang up now, I don’t have time. And thank you, really, without you I’d probably never do this.”

“That’s what friends are for,” she says warmly. You wish you could hug her.

After the call you leave the break room. There still aren’t a lot of customers and you’re thankful for that.

“Jimin.” You walk up to him. He’s loading cakes into the display case. He gives you a sweet smile.

“Hey, uh – I kinda have something quick to do,” you start, gauging his reaction. “Do you think you could – It’s just something really important and I don’t know if I can do it later and-”

“It’s okay, y/n,” he interrupts, the smile still on display. “I’ll cover for you, no problem. Do what you have to do, there is no rush.”

He doesn’t ask for a reason. He doesn’t ask how long you’ll be away. He doesn’t ask any questions. You would pull him into a hug if you weren’t in such a hurry.

You tug at the tie of your apron at your back and pull it off your body. Jimin reaches out to you and you hand him your black apron.

“Thank you. I promise I’ll be back soon!”

You don’t know the outcome of this, but you will take the initiative and at least try to make things better than they have been the last couple weeks.

You’re a little hopeful, and you have yet to find out if you are foolish for that.

With your heart pounding in your ears, you rush out of the coffee shop.

~

The walk from the coffee shop to Jungkook’s apartment isn’t that long, but it gives you time to question your choice.

You stand in the elevator of Jungkook’s apartment building, wondering whether you should press the button that will take you back down.

Earlier, a guy walked out of the building when you were about to ring Jungkook’s doorbell. You were able to slip into the building without announcing your presence to Jungkook. You feel more comfortable this way, though your hands start feeling clammy.

The elevator stops at Jungkook’s floor. The steps that lead you to his apartment door are uncertain, ready to turn and sprint down the stairs.

But you didn’t come here just to run away. You want things to be good between Jungkook and you.

You take a deep breath and press the doorbell.

A few seconds pass. Then, the door opens.

Jungkook stands in front of you. His long, dark hair is a fluffy and wavy mess on top of his head, adorned with little wispy flyaways around his face. He’s in casual clothes – black sweatpants combined with an oversized white pullover.

He seems startled to see you.

“Hi,” you say, a little breathless.

“Hi.” His usual mellow lilt carries a rare hesitancy.

“Do you have time to talk?” A lump forms in your throat and you swallow it down.

“Yeah, sure.” He makes room for you to enter and closes the door behind you. You change into a pair of slippers and follow Jungkook to the living room.

“Is Nabi sleeping?” You can’t help but ask. You kind of hoped to see her. You missed her and maybe she could’ve eased your nervousness a little.

“I put her down for a nap a while ago.” Jungkook sits down next to you on the couch, a considerable distance between you. He glances at the clock hanging on the wall. “She should be up soon, though.”

When his eyes draw back to you, you feel a little helpless. You remind yourself of what Seulgi told you. This isn’t gonna fix itself.

After sorting the chaos in your head, you say, “I wanted to apologise for being so selfish all the time.”

Jungkook parts his lips to speak, but you continue before he can say anything. “I’ve never fully tried to look at things from your perspective and narrowed my mind to what I thought was the best solution.” You pull your sleeves over your hands. “It shouldn’t have been that way.”

“It’s okay,” Jungkook replies, flashing you a tiny smile that disappears soon after. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“I shouldn’t have made you leave. That was heedless and inconsiderate of me,” you admit, biting your lip in guilt. “You opened up to me and I didn’t know what to do. There was a lot in my mind, and I just needed some space for a moment – I'm sorry, truly.” You avert your gaze to the carpet. “I honestly didn’t prepare what to say, I just – I left work because I needed to talk to you.”

“Why do you sacrifice so much for me?”

He insinuates more than leaving work in the middle of your shift.

A string tugs at your heart. Jungkook was honest with you, it’s time to be honest with him too – and maybe to yourself as well. It’s time to acknowledge the feelings you hold for him in a hidden little niche of your heart.

It’s difficult to bare that part of you when you’re so used to hiding it.

“Because I love you.”

You said it. And you mean it. Wholeheartedly so.

You can’t foreshadow his response and what will happen, but you’re glad you said it. The relief that courses through you was worth it.

Jungkook’s stare is intense. You don’t know if it’s the intensity of his stare or what you’ve just confessed, but every single bone inside of you feels ignited. You’re burning from the inside with sheer anxiety darting through you, while Jungkook remains silent.

Your words hang in the air, so simple and yet so daunting.

Jungkook’s pierced eyebrow twitches. He opens his mouth but not a single sound passes his lips.

You don’t blame him. Three days ago you shooed him away after he told you the exact same thing. In retrospect, you deeply regret that decision. But at that moment, you were overwhelmed and needed to be alone. Sort your thoughts. And then talk to him again.

You shift in your seat. “Jungkook.” It’s a soft murmur of his name, a trace of pity and urge creeping in your voice.

The spark leaves Jungkook’s eyes and he casts his gaze away. “It doesn’t change that you made me leave. You still don’t want anything to do with me. Right?”

You shake your head vehemently. But he is still not looking at you, so you say, “That’s not true.” You sit closer to him, fingers curling against the fabric of his sweater on his elbow. “That night was overwhelming for me. I made a mistake when I told you to leave, but I didn’t know what else to do.” Doe eyes lock with yours. You realise how much you missed his glimmering eyes that hold the night sky within them. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want you back in my life, Jungkook.” His sweater crumples into a tiny ball in your palm. “I missed you.”

His answer is immediate. “I missed you too.”

Your chest feels light. A giddy warmth encloses you like a blanket.

“I’m sorry. For the way I acted,” you say.

“It’s okay. You’ve already apologised.” He looks down at your hand grasping his sweater. You should let go, but even the smallest hint of physical touch feels reassuring.

“I know but I just – I just think we’re equally as responsible for how things have turned out.”

Jungkook nods. “Yeah, definitely.” With a sigh he leans back. His tatted fingers vanish in his dark hair as he cascades through them.

“I really wanna try this. I want to be with you.”

He unclasps your fingers from his sweater and holds your hand. It’s an innocent, small gesture and still, your skin buzzes with delight.

“Y/n.” The way he whispers your name, tender and careful, as if not to break you. “Don’t you realise how much more you deserve?”

Your brows furrow. “But...” You squeeze his hand. “You’re all I’ve ever wanted.” His thumb strokes the back of your hand.

“I promised myself to get over you after we graduated high school,” you tell. “But that clearly never happened.” Looking at both your hands you feel silly for ever thinking you could suppress your feelings for Jungkook.

“High school?” he inquires.

You feel small beneath his sharp gaze. “Well, yeah.” You shrug. “You’re like. Really pretty.” Heat crawls up into your cheek. “And we hung out like 24/7. It was not that hard to fall for you.”

“I mean, same.” The corner of Jungkook’s mouth tilts upwards.

Your lips form a tiny ‘o’. He has feelings for you since high school? It doesn’t make sense. “But you never shut up about how we’re such good friends,” you accuse him. All these years. And you didn’t know.

“Oh, yeah. That was...” He trails off.

“That was what?” You level him with a raised brow.

You see the struggle in Jungkook’s eyes. You don’t want to push him, but there are no more lies between you, no more secrets and untruths. You want only total honesty from now on.

“I thought I wasn’t good enough. That you deserved more.”

You shake your head in denial. “Why would you ever think that?” The years you spent with him as a teenager are full of happy memories. There were no big fights, and you don’t think you ever said or did something that made him feel that way. He’s been your best friend for so long. You love him just the way he is. “Did I ever make you feel like that?”

“Your father once told me not to try to pursue anything more than friends with you,” he explains hesitantly. “That’s why I’ve always talked about being such good friends.”

“He said what.” You’re stunned. What was your dad thinking?

Jungkook pulls your hands to his lap. “He only meant the best for you at the time.” He remains calm but little bubbles of anger prick at your skin.

“I don’t care what he was thinking.” You scowl, lips drawn into an angry pout. “So you’re telling me that if my dad hadn’t said anything, we would’ve-”

“Don’t get mad now,” he interrupts, an amused smile playing at his lips as he tucks an errant strand of hair behind you ear. “Your dad didn’t have any ill intend. I know we could’ve saved us a lot of time and misunderstandings but looks at us. Years later and we’re still in love. It doesn’t matter if in high school or now. It’s the same love. Just - “Jungkook flashes you a cute smile. “I think the only thing that has changed is that I love you even more.”

You bite down your lip. This. This is all you’ve ever wanted.

“Being apart from you was terrible,” you say, scooting closer to him. “I spent so much time thinking about you, you know that?”

He chuckles. “I think I do. You never leave my mind, y/n.” His hand around yours feels strong, protective.

“Never?” You ask tentatively. Looking at him through your lashes.

“No,” he confirms, a subtle, gentle shake of his head. “Never.”

You’re not even that close to him, but your entire body prickles at the proximity of Jungkook. The weeks without him have made you forget how it feels when you’re with him and now your body reacts to it like anticipating the last book of a fantasy series.

You need him closer than this. And it’s almost as if Jungkook can hear your thoughts, because he lets go of your hand and instead pulls you by your waist into his side. His hand lingers at your waist. And you might just feel like your skin is on fire.

“I like this better.” Jungkook’s voice is low, and so so close, it sends shivers down your spine.

“Me too,” you mumble. You have your chin propped up against his arm, looking at him with a small smile. You grow shy beneath his gaze, and you don’t even know why. “I’ve always wanted this.” You clasp your hands around his arm.

“Good,” Jungkook agrees, voice an octave deeper. Oh. More goose bumps. “Because I’ve always dreamt of this too.”

His other hand comes up to your face. He cups your cheek so delicately, the warmth of his palm is a soothing distraction from your racing heart.

Jungkook’s eyes dart between your eyes and lips, a question floating in the air that he is too afraid to ask.

“Jungkook.” It’s a plea, a request a yes, please kiss me and make me forget the world for just a moment.

Jungkook bends down. Your heart thumps against your chest and when you feel the softest hint of his mouth against yours, it stops beating.

The kiss is brief, gentle. A mere brush of your lips. Your eyes flutter open when Jungkook pulls back again, just the tiniest bit. He gives your waist a squeeze. His lips left a glimmer of tingles on your lips, and you ache for more.

“I spent so long waiting for this moment I was worried fate might never let me have you,” he whispers against your lips.

“You have me, Jungkook.” It leaves your mouth like a promise. “I’m here.”

Your hands loop around his neck and you surge forward, pulling Jungkook into another kiss. He moves his lips against yours in a practiced manner, as though you did that every single day of your lives. Like he is the missing piece of your heart to make you whole again.

Jungkook tugs you closer to him. You raise to your knees and throw a leg over Jungkook’s thigh. He follows your movements with his mouth, the softness in the beginning switching into a frantic, messy kiss.

You sit on his thigh, hands diving into his fluffy hair. You pull at some strands when he bites down your lip, moan into his mouth when he pushes you closer at your lower back and you graze over his thigh. With every sweep of his lips, another broken bone of your body mends.

You never want this moment to end.

You didn’t know you needed this so desperately, but now that you’re in Jungkook’s embrace you never want to let him go. Just you two, forever.

But then a sudden cry blares through the apartment.

Jungkook draws back. His forehead is against yours.

You two need a second to come back to the real world. The afterglow clouds your rational thoughts like the night setting after a beautiful summer day.

Your breathing is laboured, so is Jungkook’s. Your hands slide down to his neck and down to his shoulders.

“Nabi woke up from her nap.” His nose scrunches at Nabi’s wailing. He plants a tiny smooch on your lips, lingering close for a chaste moment before he gets you off his thigh.

You think about waiting until he returns with Nabi, but you can’t wait to see her tiny, bubbly form after so long.

Before Jungkook leaves the room, you scramble to your feet and reach for his hand. “I missed her,” you whine and Jungkook leads you to the nursery with a promising squeeze of his hand.

When you follow Jungkook into Nabi’s room, you take tentative steps towards her crib. Nabi is curled up in her little blankets, her round doe eyes shimmering with tears. Instinctually, you coo at her sight. Your heart softens.

“Wanna hold her?” Jungkook asks. His eyes never left you since you entered the room.

You nod – way too animatedly – and you think you see a smile spreading across Jungkook’s face out of the corner of your eye.

Ever so gently, you swoop Nabi into your embrace. Her little sobs ring throughout the room and nip straight at your heart. “My baby,” you murmur. You rock her in your arms. “I missed you so, so much.” She is wearing her baby bear romper, the material a fuzzy brown with two little bear ears attached to the hood.

Nabi is a small, fluffy bear and you’ve missed this tiny human so enormously.

Her doe eyes – an exact replication of her dad’s – stare up at you. The cries subside into whimpers, her puffy lips trembling.

“Nabi.” Her name bubbles past your lips in a whisper. You brush your knuckle against her doughy cheek. “Do you remember me?” She blinks through her thin, wet eye lashes. Having her in your arms unfolds a gloomy feeling in your chest. Yes, you are happy to see her again, but how were you able to spend more than two weeks without her?

“Are you crying?” Jungkook suddenly asks, stepping forward.

It’s only then you discern the tears pricking your eyes. “No,” you deny, sniffing a little.

A soft chuckle springs from his chest. Jungkook stands behind you, nuzzling his head to the side of your face. His burly arms envelop your waist. “Don’t cry,” he mutters. He faintly nudges your cheek with his nose. “You’ll never be separated from her again.”

“I wouldn’t survive that.” Your lower lip juts out as you’re in awe with Nabi’s cuteness. She has your heart.

“She wouldn’t either,” Jungkook retorts. His hushed timbre so close to your ear is drawing you back to him. You slowly rest your head against his chest. His voice. You could listen to him talk for hours with no end. “Nabi wouldn’t settle for sleep if she didn’t have some of your clothes in her bed.”

With a quick tilt of your head, you glance up at him. And then your eyes travel to Nabi’s crib. You see something in a lavender colour peeking from underneath Nabi’s blanket. A top you must have left here.

You thought you had successfully managed to restrain your tears, but here you are again, with new tears stinging your eyes.

“You can't just say that.” Dolour cloaks your voice. “It’s gonna make me cry.”

“Sweetheart.” He pecks the crown of your head. “It’s okay now.” There’s a hint of amusement swirling in his tone. But his touches on your body are soft, soothing.

Nabi has gone completely silent in your grasp. You boop her nose. A smile unfurls on your face. So little. A broad smile blossoms on Nabi as a reaction, pudgy cheeks scrunching her twinkling eyes. The absolute sweetest giggle sparks from her. Your heart clenches at the sound.

But then your eyes spot her reddened gums and the faint white outlines of her teeth.

You gasp. “She is growing teeth already?” With a swift whirl of your head, you stare at Jungkook, eyes wide.

“Yeah, and she’s been really fussy about it.”

“Oh my God,” you utter, looking at the little baby in your arms who’s growing up too fast. A subliminal melancholy sets in your tummy. “She was just a tiny baby and now she has teeth?” You ask, appalled.

“Not yet,” Jungkook says. “But it doesn’t matter how fast she grows – she will be my little baby forever.” Nabi’s eyes are drawn to Jungkook as he speaks. “Isn’t that right? Hm?” He leans over your shoulder, squishing her doughy cheek with his fingers. Nabi squeals, another smile displayed on her mouth.

You give Jungkook a kiss on his cheek. His eyes are sparkling just like Nabi’s. Jungkook turns his face to you. “And you,” – his lips brush over the corner of your mouth – “You will be my baby forever too.”

You laugh against his mouth.

“What.” He raises his brows, a pleased expression on his face.

“You’re silly.”

“No, I’m not.” He pulls you closer to him. Your back is flush against his lean body.

“I’m just saying the truth.”

“Oh, yeah?” Playfulness flashes in your eyes.

He gives you a firm nod. “Yeah.” Jungkook gently strokes your hair over your shoulder. Your skin tingles when his digits unintendedly skim over your neck.

“Tell me another then.”

“I love you.” He didn’t let a second pass before answering. “I’m so incredibly in love with you.”

Your heart flutters in your chest. “I love you.”

His loving eyes bore into your soul. No one has ever looked at you the way Jungkook does. Like you are beautiful, a work of art.

A deep warmth of domesticity floats in the air. It’s a vast contrast to how you have been feeling in the past days.

You share a sweet kiss with him, but it gets quickly disrupted by demanding babbling from beneath you.

"Yes, I love you too, missy,” Jungkook says, brushing her thin hair from her forehead. Her brows are deeply furrowed. He gives her a kiss there. Nabi’s trembling pout changes into a beam. “Always needy of attention, huh?”

“Just like her daddy,” you tease, grinning at Jungkook, before you leave the nursery with Nabi.

Jungkook catches your waist in the hallway. “You’re right,” he admits, a smirk curving his lips. He pulls you into his side as he walks you to the kitchen. “That’s why I don’t wanna spent any second of my life apart from you anymore.” Jungkook pecks your forehead.

A shy smile sets on your mouth. You sir down at the dining table and watch Jungkook opening a cupboard with Nabi’s food.

Nabi has found interest in playing with your hair, occasionally tugging at it.

“Not a single second?” you ask mindlessly, eyes focused on Nabi.

“I’m being serious.” He pops open a jar. “Y’know what.” Jungkook turns around to you. “You should move in with me.”

Your head snaps to him.

You search for a hint that tells you that he doesn’t actually mean it, but Jungkook doesn’t budge.

“I mean it,” he confirms.

“I can’t just move out of my apartment like that,” you reason.

Jungkook shrugs. “Just stay with me.”

It sounds so simple from his lips. And maybe it is. Seulgi has already taught you today the simplicity of just acting without overthinking too much beforehand.

“That way Minjun can’t bother you anymore.” Something flashes in Jungkook’s eyes. “Next time I see him I’m gonna break his neck.”

You ponder for a second. “I mean, I spent most of my time here anyway,” you say. “But lets not rush anything.” You don’t want this to be ruined before it has even properly started.

“Of course, baby.” He turns to the counter again. “Only if you want.”

You watch from behind as he prepares Nabi’s food. The contours of his shoulder muscles flexing with his movements conjure butterflies in your tummy. Hm. Maybe you should consider moving in if this is what you’ll get to see every day.

“Waking up next to you for the rest of my life sounds like a dream, honestly,” Jungkook flirts. You don’t have to see him to know he’s grinning annoyingly.

You’re glad he doesn’t see the way your teeth involuntarily sink into your bottom lip at his teasing voice.

“Your daddy can be insufferable sometimes,” you whisper conspiratorially, looking down at Nabi. She babbles something in return. You giggle and Nabi squeals in delight.

“What are my girls talking about?” Jungkook asks.

“None of your concern.”

You hear him huff. Suddenly, you remember that you left work during your shift. And that you promised Jimin to be back as soon as possible.

“Jungkook,” you gasp. He immediately turns to you. “I have to go back to work. Jimin is covering for me, but I've left him for way too long. I-”

“It’s okay, I’ll drive you back.” Jungkook’s calm voice works like a miracle cure for your panic. “I’ll just feed Nabi real quick and then we can leave.”

“You don’t have to. I can walk back.”

“I want to,” Jungkook says. “Besides, we can eat our cookies again. It’s been so long since I’ve eaten one.”

“I haven’t eaten one in so long as well.” The last time was together with Jungkook.

Jungkook blinks perplexed. “How have you survived until now?” He closes the distance between you, the back of his hand against your forehead. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

You roll your eyes and swat his arm. “I’m perfectly fine.”

“Why are you on a cookie diet?”

“Reminded me too much of you,” you mumble.

“Baby,” Jungkook coos. His knuckles trace the skin of your cheek. “I’m sorry. I’ll buy you as many as you want.”

You grin mischievously. “For the rest of my life?”

“Of course.”

“Daaa,” Nabi gurgles.

“Yes, I’ll buy you as many cookies you want too, once you grow your teeth.”

“That’s gonna be so soon.” You pout.

“We’ll always have time to make a second b-”

“Jungkook hurry.” You push him away. “Poor Jimin is covering for me, and Nabi is gonna starve.”

“Okay, okay,” he replies, though he doesn’t go back until he traps your mouth in a tender kiss. It’s a short kiss, but it messes with every coherent thought in your brain.

You wait for Jungkook to bring Nabi’s warm food. He opens the cutlery drawer and fishes out her tiny, pink spoon.

You smile when you think about the phone call you’re gonna have with Seulgi later. The next time you call it better be to tell me that Jungkook is your boyfie.

The ambiance is cosy – Nabi snuggled up in your arms, Jungkook sending cute smiles your way as he gets her food ready – a feeling of utter contentment that has your whole body at peace.

It’s been a long way to get here, but you finally feel at home.

[justkpopjokes]

SKZ’s reaction to being Trapped in an elevator with you

A/N: An idea from ummm 2020? Lmao I got trapped in an elevator once. Requests open :D

gender-neutral!reader, mix of romantic + platonic!

Bang Chan: “It’s okay, baby, stay calm. This is why there’s a call button built into the elevator.”

Waits a moment to see if the elevator will fix itself

Hugs you and rubs your back if you get scared

Then he presses the alert and/or call button in the elevator and handles the whole conversation until maintenance comes

Prioritizes you and does his best to keep the situation under control

Lee Know: “I can’t die now! I have three cats to raise!”

Startled but isn’t surprised; the elevator has been having issues all week and he’s been thinking about it every time he steps in

Kinda scared the elevator will fall—he’s definitely the type of person to plan on jumping as the elevator falls to supposedly minimize damage

Tries to distract himself while you handle the distress call

Suggests lifting you up to the top of the elevator like in spy movies until you remind him that there’s another set of doors on each floor of the elevator shaft

Changbin: “YO…yohhhh…sorry, sorry, where’s the distress button?”

Freaks out for a bit at first but quickly toughens up because he doesn’t want to worry you

Tries to distract you both from panicking with humour

Acts cool on call with maintenance to impress you 😎

The elevator is stuck near a floor, so he’s able to help push the door open and help you out!

Hyunjin: “AOUGH are we gonna die?? Okay, nevermind, we won’t…at least we brought food, right?”

Was returning from a snack run with you when the elevator crapped out and the lights started flickering

Is a drama queen until you open a bag of chips so he’ll stop yelling

You’re gonna have to handle the distress call simply because his mouth is full of snacks

Suggests making out to pass the time (he’s trying to distract himself)

Han: “Did you hear—WHAT WAS THAT?!”

Would panic before he even knows what’s happening! Thank goodness you’re there to calm him down

Latches onto you for comfort

You’d have to figure out which button to press and the call because he’s too stressed

Hugs you tightly even after you escape the elevator because “my life flashed before my eyes! I need to cherish you more!”

Felix: “Woah WOAH woah. Are you okay? You’re okay, right? Don’t worry, let’s handle this together.”

Pretends not to panic but spams whatever assist buttons they have and the “open door” one even though it doesn’t work

Clears his throat and makes sure to use his deep voice when on call to show you he isn’t scared. He isn’t! Not worried at all!!

Holds your hand and does deep breathing exercises with you to keep you both calm

Will massage your head for you to help you relax

Seungmin: “Ugh, I hate when this happens. Give it a minute.”

This is the guy who had a helicopter crash into his building and was unphased… unbothered king™️ could not give a crap about the elevator

Is two minutes away from lock picking a control panel to try and fix it himself (he can’t. He’s just bored)

The elevator is trapped between floors even though the door opens—he’s ready to help lift you up through the gap just to get help quicker

You refuse because you don’t want to leave him behind, so you play a game with him to pass the time

I.N: “Um…we’re supposed to call someone, right? But my phone is dead!”

Is honestly unsure what to do…Is praying in his head that the elevator fixes itself first so you don’t need to call for help

His finger hesitates over the alarm/call button while his other hand holds yours tightly

Asks if you have snacks so he can stress eat while you wait for help

Immediately searches up “what to do when trapped in an elevator” the moment you’re out in order to prepare for the future

[rollinouttahere-writes]

Is the Alphabet still going on? If so can I please get I, J, K, L and N with Paulie?? I’m sooooo starved for content for this man!!

Paulie my beloved~

Ideals: What kind of future do they have in mind for/with their darling?

Paulie leans towards some old-fashioned mindsets as far as your relationship goes. Getting married at some point in the near future feels like a given to him. As soon as he's developed a romantic interest in you, it'll only take him a few months to propose. He won't take no for an answer when he does. Any attempt to reject him will be misinterpreted as you just being shy or playing hard to get. He's eager to be a good husband and provider for you and loves the idea of being able to come home to his darling at the end of a long day.

While he does like the idea of potentially having children with you, he's too shy to bring it up. It'll be up to you if you guys have any.

Jealousy: Do they get jealous? Do they lash out or find a way to cope?

Paulie gets horribly jealous very easily. He doesn't want anyone to so much as looking at you. Ideally, he wants to keep you locked away in his home, only letting you out when he's with you. It's a toss up if he'll be more mad at you or the other person that's making him jealous. So long as you don't do a single thing that could be interpreted as reciprocating the other person's "advances", Paulie will just focus on getting rid of them. He makes it quick, usually just punching their lights out and flinging them away using his ropes.

If he thinks that you were even a little bit into it, he'll go quiet and stare at you with the scariest expression. The other person is still getting their ass beat, but now you're in trouble, too. He'll drag you back home while being eerily silent, but once you're behind closed doors, he's in your face and yelling at you for being a "harlot" amongst other far worse things. Then he'll restrain you with ropes and leave you alone in your shared room until he's calmed down enough to talk.

Kisses: How do they act around or with their darling?

In public, he always has a hand on you while scrutinizing everyone around you. Other people see him as being an overprotective but well meaning boyfriend.

In private, he's much more affectionate. He can't get enough of you. He's always finding an excuse to be touching you, though he prefers anything where he's holding you from behind. The reason for this is because he gets more flustered when he can see your face. He enjoys helping you out in any way that he can, but he also wants you to dote on him in return.

Love letters: How would they go about courting or approaching their darling?

His behavior before you get together does nothing to tip you off. He's constantly flustered and blushing whenever you're around. You can definitely tell that he has a crush, but you have no idea how deep that goes. He initially tries to get you interested in him by giving you little gifts or offering his services to fix anything of yours that's broken.

The more that you indulge him, the more bold he gets. You might come home and find him fixing the hinges on your bathroom door even though you never gave him permission to come over. Or let him in. The gifts also start getting more grand and expensive (much to the frustration of his debt collectors). At this point, he already considers you two to be in a relationship and will casually refer to you as his significant other.

Naughty: How would they punish their darling?

While he would never physically hurt you, he can lash out verbally if you do something to upset him. If you really push him, he'll tie you up with ropes and leave you alone in a dark room for hours until he's calmed down and you've "learned your lesson". If you got any rope burns during this, he would get this guilty look on his face and silently clean and bandage the wounds. He doesn't apologize, though, because he believes that you ultimately deserved it.

[zapreportsblog]

❝tiny scientist❞

✭ pairing : neyetam x reader x aonung

✭ fandom : avatar the way of water

✭ summary : as a sky person being allowed to study the plant life on pandora is a remarkable feat itself. But somehow making two of the natives of the same planet fall in love with you, now that’s definitely something more than remarkable.

✭ avatar the way of water masterlist

In the lush, vibrant world of Pandora, (Y/N) was an anomaly. To the Na'vi, the native inhabitants of this extraordinary planet, she was a sky person, an outsider from the distant stars who had come to their homeland. Her presence in the thick jungles and towering forests of Pandora was an enigma to the Na'vi, but she had found her place among them, working tirelessly alongside Norman in the scientific laboratory.

The laboratory was situated in the newly established base near the Metkayina clan, a tribe of Na'vi who had graciously allowed (Y/N) and the other humans to set up their research center in their territory. The Metkayina clan had been cautious about outsiders, but their leader, had visited the base to forge a bond of friendship and cooperation.

Word of (Y/N)'s friendship with Kiri and Lo'ak had spread throughout the clan, she was someone the two had apparently befriended back when they were in their own home amongst the Omatikaya clan, and it had piqued the curiosity of Neteyam, Kiri and Lo'ak's elder brother. Neteyam had always been protective of his siblings, and he had heard stories of the sky people's actions on Pandora from his father, stories that weren't always favorable.

One bright morning, as (Y/N) was busy in the lab, she received a visitor. Neteyam had decided to pay her a clandestine visit, just to ensure her intentions were pure. He wanted to make sure she posed no danger to Kiri and Lo'ak, whom he cherished dearly.

Neteyam silently approached the base, using his agility to move through the forest without making a sound. He had almost reached the lab when he heard a rustling behind him. Whipping around, he found himself face to face with Aonung, a member of the Metkayina clan who had been curious about Neteyam's secretive expedition.

"What are you doing, Neteyam?" Aonung whispered, his teal eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Neteyam gestured for Aonung to be quiet and pulled him down behind a thick tangle of Pandoran vines. He spoke in a hushed tone, "I'm spying on the sky person, (Y/N), to make sure she's no threat to my siblings, Kiri and Lo'ak."

Aonung blinked in surprise but nodded in understanding. Despite their initial wariness when first meeting, Neteyam and Aonung had formed a close bond, united by their shared concern for their combined clans. Sure Aonung had been skeptical of the sky people at first, especially since they were now setting up base not that far from his clan and its people, he trusted Neteyam's judgment.

"What are we doing, then?" Aonung whispered back, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"We're watching," Neteyam replied, his eyes fixed on the laboratory's entrance. "We need to make sure she has no ill intentions. If she's truly a friend to my siblings, we'll let her be."

And so, in the heart of Pandora's untamed wilderness, two Na'vi warriors watched and waited, their fates intertwined with the sky person who had come to their world. The future of their clans and the harmony of Pandora itself depended on their vigilance and the bonds of trust they would form with this outsider named (Y/N).

(Y/N) had always possessed a keen sense of intuition, an uncanny ability to detect when eyes lingered upon her, even from within the dense foliage of Pandora's wilderness. That morning, as she worked in the lab, that feeling of being watched had become too persistent to ignore.

Unease settling in, (Y/N) swiftly donned her protective face gear and stepped outside. Her eyes scanned the vibrant surroundings, the alien flora and fauna of this mesmerizing world, searching for any sign of intrusion.

After a moment of squinting hard against the verdant backdrop, she made out a figure. The teal-colored body was unmistakable, and she called out, "Hey, who's there?"

Aonung's heart raced as he exchanged frantic glances with Neteyam, his mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. Panic etched across his features as he stammered, "Neteyam, she's seen me!"

As the two Na'vi argued in hushed tones about their next move, they failed to notice (Y/N) approaching. Her footsteps were surprisingly light on the forest floor, and before they knew it, she stood before them, her small human frame looking up at their towering Na'vi forms that came to a standing.

With her hands on her hips in a sassy manner, (Y/N) said, "Uh, so it's you two."

Aonung and Neteyam exchanged guilty glances, their towering figures suddenly feeling much smaller under (Y/N)'s piercing gaze. Caught in their covert act, they couldn't help but feel exposed.

"What were you two doing spying on me?" (Y/N) demanded, her tone a mix of irritation and curiosity.

Aonung, still flustered, quickly fabricated a lie. "We were... curious," he stammered, his voice trembling slightly. "Curious about the sky demon near my clan!”

(Y/N) narrowed her eyes at Aonung, her skepticism evident. She tilted her head, giving both Na'vi a discerning look. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she said, "If you think we are sky demons, then wait until I unleash Satan himself."

Confusion swept across the faces of Aonung and Neteyam as (Y/N) turned away, her head held high. With each confident step she took, she left the two Na'vi boys bewildered.

In the days that followed their awkward encounter, Aonung and Neteyam couldn't shake their curiosity about the enigmatic sky person, (Y/N). They found themselves drawn to her laboratory like moths to a flame. At first, they continued to watch her work from a distance, lurking in the shadows of the lab. (Y/N), always vigilant, would occasionally catch a glimpse of their teal and vibrant blue colored forms out of the corner of her eye, and it would irk her.

"Why don't you two just come in if you want to watch?" (Y/N) finally said one day, her voice tinged with exasperation. "It's getting old, sneaking around like that."

Aonung and Neteyam exchanged uncertain glances but eventually gathered the courage to enter her lab. They stood in the background, watching her intently as she conducted her experiments and analyzed Pandoran flora and fauna.

As days turned into weeks, (Y/N) found herself growing accustomed to their presence. In fact, she began to involve them in her work. She'd casually ask them to pass her various tools and materials, and they did so without hesitation, their Na'vi agility making them surprisingly adept at assisting her.

One day, (Y/N) was examining a peculiar Pandoran plant under her microscope. She noticed Aonung's puzzled expression as he tried to make sense of what she was doing.

"What's that thing you're looking through?" Aonung finally asked, pointing at the microscope.

(Y/N) smiled and explained, "It's a microscope. It helps me see tiny things up close, like the cells of this plant. Here, take a look."

She adjusted the microscope and showed Aonung how to peer into it. His eyes widened in amazement as he saw the intricate world that lay hidden within the plant.

Neteyam, not to be outdone, approached (Y/N) as she worked on another project. He watched her manipulate a complex control panel, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"(Y/N), what does this do?" Neteyam inquired, pointing at a particular button.

She paused and then walked him through the function of the control panel, explaining its role in regulating environmental conditions in the lab. Neteyam absorbed the information like a sponge, his fascination with the human technology growing with each passing day.

As time went on, (Y/N) had not only accepted the presence of Aonung and Neteyam in her lab but had also welcomed their help and curiosity. She knew that fostering this mutual understanding could be the key to a harmonious coexistence between the Na'vi and the humans on Pandora. And so, with each passing day, her laboratory became a place of learning, where knowledge was shared freely, and where the bonds between them grew stronger.

One evening, as the Sully family gathered around a communal meal, Neteyam's mother and father exchanged concerned glances. They had noticed a change in their son's behavior lately, a restlessness that had not been there before.

"Neteyam," his father began, his voice carrying a tone of curiosity, "Kiri and Lo'ak have been saying they've spotted you near the humans' lab lately. What have you been up to?"

Neteyam lowered his gaze, feeling a bit uneasy under his parents' scrutiny. He knew they were only looking out for him and his siblings, but he wasn't quite ready to reveal the extent of his involvement with the sky person, (Y/N), and Aonung.

"Well," he hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "I've been curious about what the sky people do in the lab. I wanted to make sure they weren't a threat to our new home."

His mother, who had always been more perceptive, narrowed her eyes at him. "Neteyam, we trust your judgment, but we also know that curiosity can lead to trouble. Is there something you're not telling us?"

Neteyam glanced at Aonung, who was seated nearby, and then back at his parents. He knew he couldn't keep his involvement a secret any longer. Taking a deep breath, he admitted, "I've been going into the lab, and Aonung has been coming with me. (Y/N) allows us to watch and even helps us understand their technology."

His father's brows furrowed in concern, and his mother looked worried. They exchanged a few words in their native language before addressing Neteyam again.

"We understand your intentions, Neteyam," his father said, "but you must be cautious. We don't know the true nature of the sky people's intentions, and we must prioritize the safety of our clan."

Neteyam nodded, acknowledging his parents' wisdom. He knew that they were right to be cautious, but he also believed in the potential for understanding and cooperation with the humans.

As the dinner continued, Neteyam couldn't help but wonder about the delicate balance between his loyalty to his clan and his growing friendship with (Y/N) and Aonung. The path he had chosen was not an easy one, but he was determined to find a way to bridge the gap between their two worlds.

Like Neteyam families, Aonung found himself in the same predicament.

Aonung and his family sat down for their evening meal, Aonung's parents couldn't help but notice the restlessness in their son's demeanor. Tsireya, Aonung's younger sister, had been quite vocal about her recent observations, and it had raised their concerns.

Aonung's father, his brow furrowed, looked at his son and began, "Aonung, your sister Tsireya has mentioned something troubling. She claims to have seen you going into the humans' lab with the eldest Sully son. Care to explain?"

Aonung shifted uncomfortably in his seat, acutely aware of the judgmental gazes of his family. He knew he couldn't keep his newfound friendship with (Y/N) and Neteyam's activities in the lab a secret any longer.

Taking a deep breath, he admitted, "Yes, Father, Mother, I've been going into the lab with Neteyam. We've been spending time with the sky person, (Y/N). She's not a demon; she's friendly and wants to help us understand their world."

A hushed silence fell over the dinner table as his parents exchanged troubled glances. Aonung's mother spoke next, her voice filled with concern, "Aonung, you know how our clan has always been cautious about outsiders. We must prioritize our safety and the well-being of our people."

Aonung nodded in understanding but couldn't hide the determination in his eyes. "I know, Mother, Father. But we've seen the humans' willingness to cooperate and learn from us. Perhaps we can find common ground and build a bridge between our two worlds."

His father sighed deeply, clearly torn between his son's earnest desires and the age-old traditions of their clan. "Aonung, we trust your judgment, but you must tread carefully. The path you've chosen is a challenging but dangerous one."

Aonung appreciated his parents' understanding, even if it was cautious. He knew that forging a friendship with (Y/N) and aiding Neteyam in understanding the humans' technology was not without its risks, but he believed it was a risk worth taking for the sake of unity and cooperation between their people and the sky people of Pandora.

As a month passed since their initial curiosity led them into (Y/N)'s lab, Aonung and Neteyam found themselves drawn to her in ways they hadn't expected. What began as mere curiosity had morphed into genuine fondness. They couldn't deny that (Y/N) had a unique charm that had captured their attention.

One day, as they joined her in the lab, Aonung mustered the courage to bring up a personal question. "Hey, (Y/N), we've been wondering... back on Earth, did you have a mate or someone special?"

(Y/N) looked up from her work, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Well, on Earth, humans don't really have mates like Na'vi do. We believe in the concept of soulmates, but that's a story for another time," she replied.

Aonung and Neteyam exchanged glances, intrigued by this notion of soulmates. But they didn't dwell on it for long. They had another question on their minds.

"So, did you have a boyfriend or anything like that back on Earth?" Neteyam asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

(Y/N) shook her head. "No, not really. Earth was in crisis, and I was focused on my studies, trying to find a solution to save it. I didn't have time for a romantic relationship."

The two Na'vi exchanged knowing glances, sensing an opportunity to learn more about (Y/N)'s preferences. Emboldened by their growing affection for her, Neteyam ventured further, "Would you ever consider dating a Na'vi man... or, well, someone from another clan?"

(Y/N) paused for a moment, her eyes locking with Neteyam's. "I'm actually bisexual," she admitted, her tone softening. "So, it doesn't have to be a man. What's more important to me is the kind of person they are."

Aonung and Neteyam hung on to her words, eager to hear more. "Well what kind of person are you looking for?" Aonung asked, his heart beating a little faster.

(Y/N) leaned back, her gaze distant as she considered her answer. "I want someone who's brave and kind, someone who would protect me and love me for who I am, flaws and all."

As (Y/N) spoke about her ideal partner, Aonung and Neteyam couldn't help but feel their hearts swell with emotion. They realized, in that moment, that they were both falling in love with this remarkable sky person who had entered their lives. It was a gentle competition of the heart, one that neither of them had anticipated when they first stepped into her lab, but one that had become undeniably real.

[dayas]

ok what’s your favorite fix it idea for jjiara

JJ not fucking dying 😭😭😭

DISCLAIMER: I haven’t touched Season 4 in any capacity and probably won’t but! If I were to sprinkle my magical fingers over this it would probably go something like…

Firstly, his birth family NOT being shitty. I just think it would be nice for that whole thing to have gone down differently. And if they still wanted to write him off, they could have done so by having him set off to learn more about his heritage.

As far as Jiara goes, I know JJ stole a ring at some point, so I’d keep the near death scene/stabbing (done by somebody completely unrelated to him), have Kiara properly freak out and help him with him reassuring her that everything is going to be fine/hazily going on about future plans when Kie asks him questions to keep him awake. Like, “Keep your eyes open for me, J. Someone’s coming to help. Talk to me, though. Where are we going for our surf trip?”

And he goes, “Island first — Poguelandia was — way too short — ” or something, also definitely a “Promise me you’re not gonna leave me here, JJ.” “Kie—“ “Promise” “I’m not gonna leave you, Kiara. I promise” at some point like I feel like we deserve the reassurance and he would be able to read her worries. She keeps him stable until they’re able to get help. Kiara stays with him all night while he’s being worked on, she doesn’t leave his side for a second and she holds his hand the entire time, just to let him know he’s not alone. JJ finally wakes up the next day and she very carefully hugs him and when she moves back, he looks at her and says something along the lines of, “I actually wanted to do this right, and as fucking cliche as John B and Sarah are, they made a good point…” BOOM! RING! Obviously Kie’s eyes go wide, and she’s just staring at him and of course JJ asks her to marry him, not wanting to waste any more time after their latest and greatest near death experience. Kiara accepts, they kiss, he puts the ring on and winces because of his injury, she apologizes, Sarah comes in and screams when Kie flashes the ring, John B, Pope, and Cleo follow, everyone’s happy and making in law/aunt/uncle jokes, “Now there’s two things to celebrate” etc etc joy abounds and we get prepped for Season Five in a beautiful place.

Now please excuse me while I cry into my pillow for 40 days and 40 nights.

let’s talk shop

[cullen-cannons]

Who Broke It?

Edward *totally about to murder somebody*: So. Who broke Bella's hand? I'm not mad. I just want to know. ROSALIE *quirking an eyebrow, obviously messing with him*: Really? You look pretty damn pissed to me.

ESME *frowning*: Rose, language. CARLISLE *just wanting to avoid an argument and more tension because they’re all already stressed about Victoria’s army*: I did. I broke it, let me fix it, please. It shall only take a moment. The fracture appears to be a minor one, I can reset the bone in a second, and I have cast plaster in my office. She will be healed in under six weeks. EDWARD: Of course, please fix her. And I know that. But I also know you didn’t break it. Emmett? I’m sure it was an accident, but vampires don’t make mistakes. I’ve told all of you many times to be very careful with her. She’s the love of my life. ROSALIE *rolls her eyes and shakes her head*: Yeah, yeah. You’ll go and kill yourself if she gets hurt or if she gets scared of us and leaves you, which we can safely assume by now WON’T happen because just face it, you aren’t nearly as scary as you think you are. We know. So shut it.

ESME *thinks about saying something, but agrees with the sentiment, even if not the wording, so she decides not to, but gives Rosalie a warning glance anyway.* EMMETT: Don't look at me. Look at Rosalie, *looking at Rosalie, speaking softer* sorry babe. *looking back to Edward, speaking louder* Read my thoughts. ROSALIE: What?! I didn't break it. I don’t even want to touch the stupid human. CARLISLE *in a warning tone as he takes a slightly concerned but amused Bella upstairs to his office for treatment*: Rose. Please. Be nice.

JACOB *just wants to take a dig at Rosalie (definitely not to redirect suspicion maybe)*: Huh. That's weird. How did you even know it was broken, huh, blondie? ROSALIE: Because she's sitting right in front of us and her hand is broken, dumbass. JACOB: Suspicious. ROSALIE: No, mongrel, it's not! EMMETT *trying not to laugh at his younger sister's overreaction, glancing at Jasper who’s already glaring back and shaking his head*: If it matters, probably not... Jasper was the last one to see her.

JASPER *sighing, but going along with it because he wants to mock Edward*: Liar! I don't even usually go near Bella! EMMETT *thrilled that Jasper's actually playing along for once*: Oh really? Then what were you doing with her earlier?

JASPER: Firstly, Ali was with me the entire time *looking to Alice with clearly false panic* Right, darlin’? And I can't resist a good emotional climate. Everyone knows that, Emmett! CARLISLE *coming downstairs, holding Bella’s good hand to steady her, frowns at his children in the living room below*: Alright let's not fight. I broke it, I’ve fixed it. I gave her some Advil. She is as fine as she will be until the cast comes off. And she’s not in any pain. Right, Bella. BELLA *nodding enthusiastically, a little exaggerated to convince Edward because she’s still a bad liar*: Nope. Can’t feel a thing! Besides, this is nowhere near as bad as the time I almost got killed by a van. *she hopes the joke will ease the mood. It does not.* let’s just focus on what to do about Victoria.

JACOB *tilts his head in confusion. He was unaware of this and it makes him feel slightly protective of Bella.*: Yeah. But when did the van thing happen? *mentally* Of course, that would happen to her. You’re good for one thing bloodsucker, you better have not let her be hurt . . .  Oh, who am I kidding? I bet you saved her, didn’t you? Swooped in like Batman with your dumb sideburns and charmed her.

EDWARD *ignoring Jacob’s words, and refusing Bella’s suggestion of a topic change*: No. Who broke it? *He’s already scowling at Jacob who’s thinking in suspicious detail of the wool armchair in front of him* ALICE *seeing the future*: Oh no, Jacob. You kibble-for-brains! Don’t go there. JASPER *whispering to his wife as he kisses her ear softly, bemused*: What, darlin’? ALICE *sighing and rolling her eyes*: You’ll see. JACOB *getting desperate and ignoring Alice in favour of mentally whispering*: hey, bloodsucker, your mom has been awfully quiet . . .

EDWARD *triggered, understandably because Jacob just insulted his mum*: Really?! JACOB *lost all sense because he’s trying to block his thoughts and simultaneously avoid the beating Edward looks ready to give him as his mental barrier cracks*: Yeah, really! EMMETT *really curious, leans over to Alice*: What’d he say? EDWRAD *scanning Jacob’s thoughts for proof he knows is there and giving him the death stare* ALICE *gives everyone a quick whispered recap*: So, yeah . . .

The Cullens *readying to fight*: He said WHAT about Esme? *Only Carlise remains still, just frowning. He knows Jacob didn’t mean it, but is still a little offended* *but Edward gets to Jacob first* EDWARD *grabs Jacobs’s right wrist and starts twisting*: Your little treaty only covers killing, and I won’t be anywhere as kind. You’re on our land now, wolf, so- ALICE *blinking away a vision, steps out from behind Jasper*: Eddie, stop. As entertaining as this is, he’s about to confess. JACOB: Okay, jeez, fine. At least one of you leeches has respect.  JASPER *snarls a low warning snarl and pulls Alice closer* ALICE *who knows what he’s going to say*: Oh you’re one to talk, mutt.

EDWARD *holding Bella’s good hand, not trusting himself not to maim Bella’s best friend right there as he reads his thoughts* JACOB: Sorry. I did it, I broke her hand. I kissed her and she broke her hand punching my face. Total misunderstanding! ROSALIE “Rapist Ravager” Hale: Are you shitting me, Fido? You. Did. What to her? *already charging* I don’t like her, and maybe she wants to become one of us which is as good as dying, but that still doesn’t give you the right to- The Cullens *all trying to hold her back* CARLISLE *sighing*: I’m so sorry Bella, you must think terribly of us. I swear we aren’t normally so . . . disorganised. BELLA *craning her neck cautiously, trying to see Rosalie and Jacob in the pile of bodies*: They’ll be okay, right?

ESME: Oh, this used to happen every other week when Rose was a newborn. Emmett will take and to cool off and she’ll be fine by morning. Edward loves you, he won’t let your friend be hurt. *looking knowing to her husband* Besides, I know he’ll take his chance to pick at his sister.

EPILOGUE: CARLISLE, ALICE, and JASPER gang up to get ROSALIE and EDWARD (who teamed up for once) off JACOB. It’s a miracle his limbs remained intact. He’s feeling very grateful for his speed-healing.

(A/N: Please, please, please tell me if this made you laugh because I spent way too long on it, plus I lost the work and had to retype it all over again too.)

[luminouslywriting]

Hey how are you doing? Hope the recovery is going well! Do you have any headcanons about maybe one of the guys falling for a girl in the village near Thorpe Abbott and feeling torn about asking her to come to America with him after the war?

Nonny, I am doing so good!! I finally am clear of infection and feel so good! Now I just have to conquer my vision problems haha. Please let me know how you’re doing too :)

I have THOUGHTS on this particular topic! For your pleasure and enjoyment, more under the cut, cut for length, some light spice sprinkled in:

-Listen, I think Robert Rosenthal is EXACTLY the type of man who has the time, energy, and focus to accidentally land himself a girlfriend while on base at Thorpe Abbotts.

-All unintentional, of course.

-But considering how long he's there and how many missions he ends up completing, it's not that crazy.

-We'll set this right before the holidays at Thorpe Abbotts, at least the first go around. This is where he meets his S/O—she's a seamstress who fixes the men's uniforms and he has a few things he needs fixing.

-Naturally, the two of you get to talking and his charisma paired with respect and genuine humor lands himself in the clear in your book

-So he keeps coming back and the two of you end up going on Sunday afternoon walks

-It's around this time that he asks you to be his girlfriend and go steady with him

-So the dates begin; picnics here or there, a dance or two at a party that he convinces you to attend, family dinners at your home, conversations about music and movies and books, exchanging of gifts between the two of you, etc.

-Now he is the type of man to go into things intentionally and with a plan—so keep in mind that he's focusing as much on the future as he is on the present with you.

-Which also means that despite the moonlit rendezvous in his jeep or in many a bar in the village, he's also trying to be long-term. He doesn't do things in half measures.

-This is all where his dilemma begins. Because he can see a future with you so clearly and he wants you to be happy and he wants his life to have you in it for the rest of his life.

-But asking you to leave your home and come with him to america? That's a big step in a relationship and not an easy one to make. That's life-changing and he's fully aware of that.

-So he's not going to ask you until the war is over

-That being said, he's still finding ways to have fun and make the relationship new and exciting in some ways

-He buys you flowers and you buy him records, you sew his clothes and he buys you a new dress—he's very much trying to equate and balance out the things that you do for him

-Rosie appreciates you being a support system for him. He can't always be at the Flak House, but a good cuddle session, pillow talk, and glowing session of sex oughta do the trick for him when he's getting anxious or upset about things

-Shower sex?? Yes, most definitely

-Rain sex outside?? Also yes

-He's very romantic in all of his gestures and he waits a while before telling you that he loves you—and it's right before he goes down in Russia

-Naturally, you're his first stop and call and when he gets back, it's a tearful reunion and realization that neither of you can live without one another

-So as the war begins to wrap up, Rosie feels more and more guilt about asking you to come with him and be the future Mrs. Rosenthal.

-Funnily enough, it's Gale Cleven that convinces him otherwise—with his return to base and immediate clocking of your relationship and how in love Rosie is, he's encouraging him not to waste any time on things

-So Rosie plucks up the courage to approach you about the entire thing

-And he just simply asks—he knows that you'll want time to figure it out and you might need some space. He's not going to argue or come up with any reasons why you SHOULD go with him.

-But he does add that he wants to marry you, so there is that

-Naturally, you say yes and the relief in his heart has only been matched by when the war actually ended

-So naturally, you drive to a chapel and get hitched before you even leave for the states

-Actual brother of Rosie: You know, when you said you were going to Europe, I was thinking you could bring me back a Luger, not a sister-in-law, but this works too.

[viaoverthemoon]

A Special Morning

Leon Kennedy x Fem!Reader

Summary: Leon and his girlfriend celebrate their 2-year anniversary by just staying home and being with each other

Tw: implied past/future sexy times, a whole lotta fluff :)

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It's calm mornings like these that are your favorite. Mornings where he doesn't leave you, mornings when, before you even open your eyes, you know he'll still be here.

The morning sun shines dimly through your kitchen window as you flip the last pancake, humming along softly to Coming Around Again by Carly Simon as the song plays low through the speaker.

You feel a pair of arms wrap around your waist from behind.

"Hmm. Good morning sleepy head."

Leon grumbles into your shoulder, causing you to giggle. He then resorts to placing soft kisses on your neck.

"Happy Anniversary, Baby." You felt chills run down your spine at the raspy deepness of his voice. It was just the way you liked it.

You gasped in mock disbelief. "Is that what today is?"

Leon scoffed at you, placing one last kiss on your neck before turning to the coffee maker you'd once bought him for a promotion party.

"Ha ha. So funny." You turn around just in time to see him hiding his smile. He came downstairs in nothing but a pair of sweatpants. His usual.

You turn back toward the food, quickly fixing his plate and turning back to him. You place the plate on the counter in front of him before kissing his chest and rubbing his forearms. "Happy Anniversary, my love."

He just hums, leaning down when you stand on you tip-toes for a kiss.

You kiss him slow, soft and passionate. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you sigh into the kiss, fully surrendering yourself to him all over again.

He picks you up by the back of your thighs and places you on the counter, not wanting you to overexert yourself after... your endeavors with him last night.

He pulls away from the kiss, running his hands along your thighs.

"What do you want to do today, sweetheart? It's completely up to you."

You already know your answer.

You run your hands down his chest. "I just want to stay with you this time, Lee. Maybe watch a movie... or cuddle... or something else...?" You suggest as your hands near the waistband of his sweats.

He catches your hands before they can get too low and eyes your mischievous grin.

"I'm definitely down for something else, Sweetheart." He chuckles and kisses the tip of your nose. "But we'll handle that later. Right now, I just want to look at you."

And you would like nothing more.

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I'm lowkey just bored lolll

[something-tofightfor]

On Deck Part 6: Checked Swing

Pairing: Jack Daniels x Female Reader Baseball AU

Word Count: 11,132

Rating: NOT safe for work. It's a smutty one.

Summary: You're in Texas, and that means confronting a hell of a lot of thoughts and emotions when it comes to Jack.

He might be on the away team, but his fans - and family - love him just the same ... and they take notice of you, too.

To your surprise, it's Jack that takes the first leap when it comes to what you are to him - and what he wants, both now and in the future.

Author’s notes: 

This chapter really digs into what it could be like for someone to 'date' an MLB player, even casually - and what it could (and would) feel like to have a ton of realizations about each other in a very short amount of time. They're still getting to know each other, but I'm going to be honest: things are spiraling, and neither of them are really prepared for it.

(On Deck universe masterlist for all the extras!)

While there are a lot of baseball references within this story, you only need to know the basics to enjoy it and understand what's going on - we're not getting overly technical here.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out. Thank you so much for being patient with me; I promise updates on this will be coming more regularly.

When a batter “checks” their swing, it means that they stop the bat’s motion before letting the end of it fully cross home plate. The outcome is decided by an umpire - the batter has no say in the call. It’s not an ‘official’ term used by the umps. Instead, it is used casually by players, commentators and fans and can be summed up simply: the player stopped their swing before going too far on a pitch they were uncertain about. 

Even though you only had a carry on, there was no way you could take it into the game with you. You were running late, but you still needed to make a pit stop at Jack’s hotel before you went to the stadium. So, as you eyed the time on the Uber’s dash clock, you sat in silence and tried to calm yourself down. 

The hotel is close. I’ll be fine. 

When the driver let you out, you thanked him before heading into the lobby and straight to the front desk, inwardly cheering at the fact that there was no line. The process was smooth - you gave them your ID, explained that you were there to pick up the second key to Jack’s room, and only moments later you were riding the elevator up, bag slung over your shoulder. 

You didn’t know what you expected when you walked inside, but it definitely wasn’t an almost untouched room. The only signs that Jack had even been there were his suitcase pushed into the closet, toiletries on the bathroom counter and an unzipped duffel bag at the foot of the partially unmade bed. He slept on one side. 

It made you smile, and after giving yourself a few more seconds to look, you took your bag into the bathroom and focused on getting ready. 

You didn’t have much time, and so you only changed your clothes, splashed your face and fixed your hair, deciding that the important thing was getting to the game, not looking perfect. He knows I just got in. He knows I’m rushing, and who knows how far away I’ll be sitting since this was so last minute. 

You stowed your bag in the closet next to Jack’s, and made sure you had what you needed for the night before leaving the room again. While riding the elevator down, you ordered another Uber - thrilled to see that there was one close, and it was nowhere near as expensive as you imagined it would be. 

And that was because you hadn’t realized that it wasn’t a 7:10 game … it was an 8:05 start. Which means I have time. You relaxed completely at that new information, and when you settled into the back seat of the car for the short ride, you were grinning. 

It was still cutting it close, especially with the crowd, but you picked up your ticket at 7:32 and were inside and on your way to your seat - Section 5, Row 7, Seat 5 - five minutes later. There were a ton of people to navigate through, but you made it without issue, plopping down into the chair and eyeing the field. 

Some of the home team’s players were still warming up, but you were stunned to notice that the visitor dugout was on the third base side of the field. That meant that Jack was likely only feet away from you, and he didn’t even know it. Or maybe he did. You watched some of the Statesman players moving around and tossing balls back and forth … and then you saw Jack, Ginger a few steps behind him as they walked onto the field. 

Loud whistling caught your attention. When you turned toward it, you saw a man and a woman a few rows ahead and almost an entire section over from you standing and clapping, both of them wearing Jack’s jersey. His parents. 

There were some good-natured boos and banter from the others in the section, but the couple ignored it, the man cupping his hands around his mouth and yelling Jack’s name. It made you laugh out loud. Even though you knew that you were nowhere near that point with him, you realized that you wanted to meet both of them, if only to learn more about their son. 

Jack only turned around when he and Ginger stopped walking, and you watched as he honed in on his parents, pointing at them with one finger and then waving, his teeth visible as he grinned. 

You wondered if he knew where your seat was, or if it had been an accident that you were seated so close to his family. I’ll ask him. I’ll… Your mind went blank when Jack’s head turned in your direction and he stopped moving, his grin widening. Well, he knows where I am now. But more than that, Jack’s reaction to seeing you solidified that he’d truly wanted you there, and that was all you needed to know. 

You nodded once, fighting the urge to wave. That’s too much. Too obvious. Jack looked away first, returning his attention to his trainer. You finally looked away from the field, too, pulling out your phone and sending a text to Erin. 

Guess where I am? 

There was no response for the next few minutes, and it wasn’t until after the opening ceremonies were over and the teams took the field to begin the game that you felt it buzz in your pocket. 

New Orleans? Where else would you be? 

You snapped a picture of the outfield and the open roof, the scoreboard visible in one corner, and then sent it with no explanation. That got a quick reply, your friend’s words making you laugh out loud. 

What the FUCK? Did you follow him to TEXAS? 

You typed a reply out, giving her a quick rundown and let her know that you’d tell her more when you could. 

No. I don’t want to hear a thing until you’re on your way home. Be safe.

That didn’t surprise you - Erin loved gossip, but she’d never want you to cut your time with someone short for the sake of telling her about it. Especially not someone like him. 

Jack was hitting fifth, so you had time to spare before he was up. You used it to look around, taking in the entirety of the stadium. 

It was beautiful inside, even though it was completely different from the one in Louisville, and while you liked the fact that it was air conditioned, you wished that the roof was all the way open. Maybe one of the other games will be. But after a few minutes, you found your attention drawn back to Jack’s parents, and let yourself look at them. 

You saw the resemblance immediately, especially in Jack’s father’s profile. They had the same nose and a similar smile, both men broad in the shoulders. Mr. Daniels was hatless, his hair longer than his son’s and streaked with silver in a way that made you bite your lip as you imagined Jack getting to that point. It’ll be years, but … 

They looked happy together, the man’s arm around her seat back as she pointed out different areas of the stadium, and that also made you smile. You wondered how many different places they’d seen him play throughout his career and which was their favorite. They seem so supportive.

You were curious to know what they thought about watching him as a member of the visiting team, and even though you’d been familiar with them from Jack’s own posts and previous interviews you’d watched, seeing them in person - after getting to know Jack a little - was exciting. There was no guarantee you’d ever get to meet them, and so even though you tried to pay attention to the game, you also watched the Daniels’, leaning back in your seat and getting comfortable. 

Looking in their direction gave you a chance to look at Jack, too, eyes on him as he waited at 3rd for game action. 

It didn’t happen in the first, and when he jogged off the field between innings, you tried to remind yourself that you couldn’t cheer for him in the same way you did when you were at home. Not only would it draw attention to you in a sea of the opposing team’s fans, you knew it would also potentially draw his parents’ attention. And I don’t want to do that because I don’t want him to think I overstepped and tried to talk to them. 

When Jack walked up to the plate during his first at bat, you were surprised to hear scattered applause and cheers that weren’t from his parents, and after quickly taking a photo of the scoreboard, you tucked your phone away and stared at home, watching as Jack dug in. He swung and missed once and then didn’t swing at the next pitch, Jack’s father clapping and cupping his hands around his mouth to yell good eye! at his son. 

“Wait for your pitch, Jack.” You spoke under your breath, nodding. “Wait for it.” He dug in again, and even from the distance, you could see his shoulders rise and fall as he took a deep breath before the next one came his way. 

He swung hard then, making contact, and even though you were unfamiliar with the stadium, the sound was one you knew well. You shot upward and onto your feet, cheering for Jack as he began to round the bases, and clapping your hands together as you raised them over your head. There were others cheering for him, too, including his parents, and out of the corner of your eye you saw them hugging as they celebrated. 

When he rounded second base and headed for third, he pointed at the stands, smiling broadly at his parents, who were still on their feet … but then Jack’s attention shifted to you briefly, your eyes locking with his as you nodded twice, widening your smile, and kept clapping. It was quick, but it was enough, and your already rapidly beating heart slammed against your ribs. Oh, Jack. 

You sat down when he touched home and headed back for the dugout, the smile still on your face. It faltered briefly when you saw Jack’s mother turn around in her seat, her eyes on you. Act normal. Don’t draw any more attention to yourself. And so you took a deep breath, looking up and at the scoreboard … but when you looked back at home - and the next batter - Mrs. Daniels was still eyeing you, a curious look on her face. Shit. 

There was nothing you could do but acknowledge her, meeting her gaze and smiling. It’s not my fault. It’s not like I’m going to speak to her. It’s fine. You focused on the batter, and to your relief she faced forward and then leaned over, talking to her husband, but neither of them looked at you again. 

You’d failed in your attempt to go unnoticed, but at least there had been others in the stadium cheering for Jack, too - and it wasn’t just the three of you. The thought comforted you, and when, a few minutes later, your stomach growled in hunger, you stood up calmly and gathered your stuff. It happened and there’s nothing I can do about it. 

There was still plenty of game left - which meant that there was more than enough time for you to go and find something to eat. 

— 

The room was cold when you got back, though the lights were still off, aside from the one in the bathroom that you’d left dimmed. 

You didn’t bother turning any others on before you took off your shoes and unbuttoned your jeans, dropping your bag and the room key onto the TV stand. It only took you a few seconds to decide that you did, in fact want to lay down on the still made side of the bed to wait for Jack. He invited me here which means I’ll be sleeping in the bed with him, so getting in now isn’t a big deal. 

You stretched out, pointing your toes … and only minutes later, the day caught up with you - and you were fast asleep. 

The shifting of the mattress woke you up, but it wasn’t until you heard him say your name that you opened your eyes. Jack was leaning over you, the room lights still mostly off. “Hey there, darlin’.” It made you smile, and before you could stop yourself, you reached for him, the palm of your hand curving against his cheek. 

“Hey, Jack.” Murmuring the words, you closed your eyes. “Missed y-” Shit. You cut your words off and reopened your eyes, hand frozen in place against the side of his face. He was smiling, though, and before you got too lost in your swirling emotions, he leaned down, brushing his nose alongside yours before pressing a quick kiss to your lips. 

“I’m real glad you made it.” He sat back up, taking your hand in his and squeezing. “Thought you might miss out on the game tonight, but then I looked up and saw you right there watchin’ me.” 

“Yeah, that was…” You sighed and then sat up, leaning against the pillows without letting go of his hand. “How stupid does it sound if I tell you that I liked knowing that you saw me?” You were still waking up and trying to catch up with the conversation, but each word came out stronger than the last. Because I mean them.

“Not stupid at all.” He laughed, the sound quiet. “I like hearin’ it.” That didn’t shock you, but Jack scooting closer to you did, and so did his lips trailing over your cheek and toward your ear after he’d leaned forward again. “Your flight OK?” 

“It was fine.” You hummed, squeezing his hand before you pulled yours back. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep, I just -”

“You had a long day.” He backed away, chewing on the inside of his cheek. “I get it.” The two of you stared at each other in silence for a few seconds, but before you could speak, you yawned, both hands rising to cover your face. Shit. “I’m gonna get ready for bed. You should too.” 

“No, Jack. We don’t need to…” He stood, his smile widening. “What?”

“It’s almost midnight. I’m tired. You might not believe it, but I’m not out partyin’ until the sun comes up when I’m in different cities.” He put a hand on his hip. “Especially when I’ve gotta say goodbye to my parents before they head out in the morning.” So that means he’s waking up early. 

“Do I need to get up tomorrow and leave before they come up? I don’t want to -”

“No. They’re staying in this hotel too, so I’m just going to go and meet ‘em before they check out. You can sleep in.” He smiled again. “We’ll order breakfast when I get back.” It felt normal - almost too normal, if you were being honest - but you didn’t want to question what Jack was saying. He isn’t. He sounds sure. “Give me five minutes.” 

You nodded and he grabbed the duffel bag, turning to head for the bathroom. When the door shut, you moved too, climbing out of the bed and quickly moving to the closet and your bag. But when you opened it, you froze, staring at the contents. Shit. Scrubbing a hand over your face, you groaned.

When you’d packed for New Orleans, you hadn’t counted on spending time with anyone in your hotel room, which meant that your pajamas were lacking. “Fuck it,” you whispered, pulling the ratty, oversized tee shirt from the bag and holding it up. There’s nothing I can do about it now. 

You changed in the closet, replacing the clothes you’d worn to the game with the shirt and then eyeing yourself in the full-length mirror on the opposite wall. It reached your thighs, but it showed off entirely too much to be considered appropriate, and you were worried Jack would think you were trying to suggest something with it. I’m not. I just - 

“Well, shit. Look at you.” You turned your head and saw him in the bathroom doorway, shirtless and in a pair of low-hanging sweat shorts. Maybe it’s not me that’s underdressed. “I wondered what you wore to bed.” What? He stepped into the hallway and toward you, grinning. “I mean, I know you didn’t sleep in anything at my place, but that was because you didn’t really have any other option.” Jack gestured to you with one hand, the other one rising to rub at the back of his neck. “This is … better.” 

“Jack? I don’t… I figured you’d like …” You were rattled, unable to get out a full sentence at first. “I didn’t pack any actual pajamas, because I didn’t think that I’d be seeing anyone overn-”

“This is better,” he repeated, stopping in front of you and reaching out to slip an arm around your waist. “Because it’s you.” You understood what he was saying, but that didn’t make it any less shocking. Why would he care so much? Jack leaned closer, eyes on you. “Bathroom’s all yours. I’ll pick somethin’ to put on TV.” 

Dumbly, you nodded and when he backed away, you headed into the smaller room. While you brushed your teeth, you stared down at the countertop, gaze moving between his things and yours on the counter. You tried not to think about how much you liked seeing them together, or how quickly his response to seeing you standing at the foot of the bed when he came out of the bathroom had warmed you. It was more than just sex, sure, but that still didn’t mean that you could get ahead of yourself. Because that’s dangerous.

Stepping back out into the bedroom ruined everything, though. 

Jack was in bed, the blanket pulled down and pooled at his waist as he leaned against the pillows along the headboard. The lights were off, which made the glow of the TV dance across his features. For long seconds, you stood and stared at him, trying to commit the sight to memory. “You should take a picture, it’ll last longer.” He turned his head, the smirk on his face visible even from the distance. “Ain’t that what they say?”

“I seem to remember you telling me that pictures were absolutely not allowed.” Crossing the room, you used one finger to tap the side of your head. “So I’ll just have to keep it all up here.” As you approached the bed, Jack stayed silent and pushed the blankets down before patting the space next to him with one hand. 

You climbed in beside him, leaning back - and felt that same arm go around your shoulders, pulling you closer while you tugged the blanket back into place. “You always play by the rules?” He kissed the top of your head and you laughed, closing your eyes. 

“I do when I don’t want to fuck things up.” Reaching over, you squeezed his knee. “And I would very much like to not fuck this up.”  It was the closest you’d come to admitting that you had actual feelings for him, and you hoped that you hadn’t overstepped. But Jack’s response - his fingers tightening on your arm and his quiet sigh as he urged you to stay by his side - told you that you hadn’t. And that’s good. That’s really good. 

The two of you watched the TV in silence for a little while, and you were pleased to see that he’d chosen a movie that you loved, turning the sound down low. As you relaxed, you angled your body toward his, moving your arm so that you could drape it across his waist. You began to doze off, eyes drooping as you got comfortable beside him. The faint scent of Jack’s body wash coupled with his deep, even breathing soothed you, and the slow motion of his fingers as they ran up and down your arm did, too. I could get used to this. 

“I think we should change those rules a little bit.” He spoke quietly, the path of his hand never faltering. “If you want to, that is.” You shifted so that you could look up at him, finding that Jack’s chin was tucked against his chest, his eyes focused on your face. “And I have something to admit.” What? “I took a picture of you sleepin’ before I said anything to wake you earlier.” 

“What?” You pulled out of his arms, sitting straight up and blinking rapidly. “Jack, that -”

“I know.” He sat up, too, scrubbing his hand over his jaw. “I broke my own damn … but I’ve gotta be honest with you, this is new for me. Having someone waiting in my bed when I get back from a game doesn’t ever happen. You just looked so …” He trailed off, frowning briefly. “I liked seein’ it. Taking a picture felt right and I didn’t stop to think about what I was doin’.” 

It wasn’t what he was saying - it was the meaning that lingered between the words that really got to you, and so without pause you shifted, rising onto your knees and then moving to straddle his lap. His lips parted but Jack reacted, too, both of his hands moving to your hips and settling there, his eyes locked with yours. But I don’t want to play my whole hand yet. 

“That was your rule” You rested one hand on his shoulder, using the other to trail your fingertips over his collarbone. “It was never mine.” His lips twitched, but Jack didn’t reply, giving you a chance to finish. “You take all the pictures you want, Whiskey, and if I’m allowed to take a couple of you, then …” You shrugged and then inhaled deeply, holding it. “Then I’m gonna take you up on that.” 

It took only seconds for his grin to widen, and Jack’s hands slid lower, fingers tightening against your thighs in the same moment that he leaned in to kiss you. But it wasn’t a fast or desperate kiss; instead, it was a relieved one, Jack’s mouth finding yours and lingering. 

You sighed against his lips, the hand on his shoulder gliding around so that you could curl your arm around him and the other palm flattening against his chest, his heartbeat steady beneath it.  

That time, it was you that chose to deepen the kiss, pulling back enough that you could part your lips before initiating another one, his full lower lip caught between yours. He liked that, a groan vibrating out from his throat and one hand sliding around further to follow your curves, urging you forward and closer. 

As you scooted toward him, his other hand moved up and beneath your shirt, trailing up the center of your back before it came to rest there. But when you tried to take things further by rocking your hips forward, Jack pulled away, shaking his head slowly. What? Why? “Not tonight.” It deflated you - the words dousing the mood more swiftly than you’d thought possible. “Didn’t have you fly out here just for sex. It can wait.” He licked his lips, narrowing his eyes. “You’ve been runnin’ around all day, you’ve gotta be exhausted.” 

“Yeah, I am. But I want -” He cut you off with a quick kiss, the edges of his teeth dragging against your lip. Jack, that’s not fair. 

“I’m not goin’ anywhere, and neither are you.” He said your name, nodding. “You can have your way with me first thing in the morning if that’s what you want, but right now?” He leaned in, kissing your cheek before he rested his forehead against yours. “I’m just looking forward to sleepin’ next to you.” 

It was there again in that admission - the confirmation that both you and Jack were rapidly passing the point of no return when it came to letting actual feelings get involved in what was happening between you. At least it’s not just me. “You could have waited a couple more days, you know.” You bit your lip, reaching up to drag your fingers through his hair. “You’re coming back to Louisville the middle of next week, and -”

“I didn’t want to wait.” He pushed gently on your hip, urging you to climb off of him. “And you were already only a couple hours away, so it made sense to ask you to come out here.” Reluctantly, you laid back next to him though you were pleased to see a slight tenting in his shorts - evidence of the fact that even though he’d been able to stop things from going further with you, it hadn’t been simple. 

You both stretched out, Jack pulling the blanket up so that you were covered to the shoulders. “I was surprised you asked.” You tried to get comfortable, sighing as you shifted your hips against the sheets. “But this is a hell of a lot better than sleeping alone.” 

Jack reached out, slipping an arm around your waist. “I sure as shit hope so.” It made you laugh, but his next words silenced that sound immediately. “I didn’t get much sleep last night because I was thinking about you bein’ here.” Even in the low light from the TV’s continued glow, you could see the apprehension in his eyes when he said it. Oh, Jack. 

“I kept you awake?” You didn’t miss the opportunity to tease him, though, moving even closer and hooking one leg over his. “Hard to believe, Jack. We’re basically in your back yard. There’s plenty of other stuff for you to thin-”

“I was also thinking about what it meant that I couldn’t sleep becausea you.” He closed his eyes and took another breath, his fingers pressing against your back when they curled inward. “What all of this means, and to be honest it scares the hell out of me.” The time for joking was over, and you knew with certainty that the way you answered him and steered the conversation would determine whether or not whatever was happening between you continued. Or if it ends right here. 

“It scares me, too, Jack.” You paused, thinking. “And I know that we sort of talked about this at your place, but …” You closed your eyes, giving yourself a few seconds. “It doesn’t have to mean anything serious. That’s not why I …” Slow down. “If us being friends complicates this too much, it’s better that we know it now, right?”

“That what you think is happenin’ here?” He moved his hand to your side, resting his palm against your ribs. “It’s too complicated because we’re not just stickin’ to sex?” His voice was steady, but you could feel how tense he was. “Us actin’ friendly and not just sleeping together is the problem?”

“It’s not a problem, no.” You bit down on your lower lip. Tell him the truth. “I’m attracted to you, Jack. And I know it’s a really limited experience pool, but sex with you has been fucking great.” He smiled at that, Jack unable to keep from reacting to your words. “But if you asked me to choose right now if I wanted to be friends with you or keep sleeping with you? I’d pick being your friend. It would hurt a little to know that you were with someone…or someones else, but …” 

“But?” You saw the tip of his tongue as it flashed at the corner of his mouth, the lines between his eyes deepening with his frown. “There more to that sentence, or?” 

There was a lot more, and you didn’t quite know where to start. I didn’t think we’d be having this conversation tonight. Ever, actually, but especially not tonight. “But you’re a good person. And if I could only pick one of those options, I’d choose the one I assumed would be more permanent.” That was the truth, especially with his schedule. A friendship with Jack seemed like it had the potential to last longer than being the focus of his attention, and when push came to shove, that was what you wanted. 

“I don’t want you to choose.” He reached up, twisting his wrist so that he could stroke the side of your face with his knuckles. “But I also don’t want you to feel like … I donno. Like I’m leadin’ you on?” He pulled his hand away, moving it back to settle it on top of the blanket and near your waist. “I’d hate knowin’ that you felt that way, because it’s not what I’m tryin’ to do.” 

“No one’s leading anyone on.” You smiled, heart thudding against your ribs. “I think we’ve both been very clear about our expectations for this.” Nodding, you closed your eyes and paused, only opening them when  you were sure of what you wanted to say. “But in case I haven’t been?” 

He watched you almost warily, waiting. And it took some effort, but you forced yourself to speak again, hoping that your words put him at ease. 

“I like you, Jack, but I don’t view this as a relationship. We’re friends that have sex when it’s convenient and we’re in the same city.” This is going to hurt. “I don’t expect exclusivity. If you want to sleep with someone else, I understand. If I want to do the same, it’s fair game. I’d just ask that you have the courtesy to put some time between anyone else and me, because I -”

“Of course.” He looked slightly offended, his head moving back and forth against the pillow. “I’m not that much of an asshole to go runnin’ between women like that.” That made you smile as you agreed, but Jack wasn’t done. “And that’s all great for now, and it makes me feel a little bit better, but…” He trailed off, looking away from you for a few seconds before he met your eye again. “I think I’m scared because a real big part of me is thinkin’ about what could happen later… or what I might want later if this was a relationship.” 

That revelation stunned you. You were focused on trying to ensure that you didn’t fuck anything up in the present and Jack was at least partially concerned with something that could happen in the future. And what he wants, or what he might want, or…  oh, God this can’t be happening right now.

“We can figure that out when and if it happens.” You squeezed his arm, the muscles in his bicep firm to the touch. “I understand that this with you is different than it would be with someone that had a traditional job. I get it. We’ve only known each other for a couple weeks. It’s not like I’m planning the color couch we’ll have in our house or choosing names for our kids. This is supposed to be fun, right?” He nodded. “Then let it be fun. No pressure on either of us, especially when the season’s over so soon. Maybe… maybe at some point it’ll get there, but -” 

You stopped as a yawn crept up on you, forcing your eyes closed before you turned your head toward the pillow to finish it. I’m too tired for this. “Maybe I am an asshole.” He sighed. “You’re fuckin’ exhausted and I’m laying here buggin’ you about my own bullshit. I’m sorry.” 

“Don’t apologize.” You chuckled, blinking slowly as you met his eyes again. “It’s not bullshit. No matter what happens with us, I think being honest about it is important.” You yawned again, Jack chuckling at the sound. “Thank you for inviting me here. Thank you for actually talking about this like an adult. Thank you fo-”

“You gonna keep thankin’ me, or can I kiss you goodnight?” Your eyes flew all the way open at that, and you found that Jack’s smile was back, the look in his eyes warm. “Because I’d really like to kiss you goodnight.” 

He was changing the subject, and that was fine by you if it meant that Jack was going to kiss you again. 

Instead of giving him an audible response, you reached up to tangle your fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck, pulling him closer. He took the hint and rolled toward you, but instead of pressing his lips to yours, he started at the corner of your eye and then moved down to your cheek, the soft scrape of his mustache following the path of his mouth. 

You felt his hand move off of you and to the bed, giving him leverage - and when Jack’s teeth grazed your chin, you tipped your head back, sighing. He took the hint, lips pressing to the side of your throat before they moved to the hollow of it. He paused there, and then you felt the drag of his tongue along your skin, the sensation making you gasp out his name. He liked that - Jack’s hum of approval a low, rumbling vibration as he kissed his way up and back toward your mouth. 

He didn’t just kiss you then, though. Jack stopped and whispered your name, waiting until you’d opened your eyes and looked at him to nod once, shoulders rising and falling as he took a breath. What is he doing? “You’re welcome, darlin’.” 

There was no opportunity for you to reply before his mouth was on yours, Jack’s lips parted in a mirror of your own. He used the opportunity, slipping his tongue between them and meeting yours head on. The intensity of the kiss took you by surprise, and you sunk into the bedding as Jack pressed forward, his bare chest against your covered one. 

When he pulled away, you could see that he was breathing hard, a wild look in his eyes. You liked the look - liked the fact that just kissing you for a few minutes could rile him up so much, and for a brief moment, wondered what he saw when looking at you. “That was one hell of a kiss, Jack.” He winked at you, and then leaned down to press a softer one to the corner of your mouth before he pushed away and then laid down, still facing you. 

“Sure was.” You rolled onto your side and faced him, too, sliding your hand beneath the pillow and under your cheek. “One hell of a kiss for one hell of a -”

“I’m already in bed with you. No need for the cheesy pick up lines.” He laughed, his hand gliding up and between your bodies and then under the pillow to move into place atop yours. That made your eyes widen, but Jack only smiled as his fingers dropped between yours and then curled to squeeze. 

“One more thing, and then I’ll let you sleep, I promise.” You nodded, heartbeat still racing. “This is just this right now, right?” You agreed, murmuring a yes. “I don’t want either of us to act like that’s all it’s ever gonna be.” What? “I’ve never been lookin’ for anything serious, but that doesn’t mean I’ve sworn it off.” Oh. oh, you … Jack. “So if you don’t feel like that’s something you might want with me, the sooner I know, the better.” 

You were stunned into silence, Jack’s words replaying in your head as you attempted to absorb  them. Are there people out there that really wouldn’t want more with him? Has he ever said this to anyone before? And if he has, how recently was it? I don’t … oh, fuck. How do I respond? 

“I’m …” You closed your eyes, taking a deep breath. “I’m open to figuring out if that’s what this is with you, Jack.” You exhaled, the sound shaky. “It’s kinda fast to even admit that, but -”

“Not if both of us are on the same page about it.” He leaned closer, though he didn’t take his eyes off of you. “And it sounds like we are.” You agreed, nodding and letting your eyes close. “Now get some sleep. Mornin’s gonna come real quick.”

You agreed, and after he gave your hand another quick squeeze, he released it, his hand moving from yours to your hip. He didn’t have a chance to pull you closer because you moved first, inching toward him and scooting down on the pillow so that you could tuck your head against his chest. 

Neither of you spoke again, but when you felt his hand against the skin of your back, Jack’s arm pushing your shirt up to expose it, you weren’t surprised. You’d both move during the night, it was almost a given, but for the moment, you were content to be so close. 

—

He woke you up the following morning with lips pressed to your temple and a hand on your shoulder. “Just lettin’ you know I’m leaving.” His voice was quiet as Jack spoke, and when you cracked your eyes open, you saw that the lights were still off in the room. 

“What time is it?” You sighed and stretched, moving closer to Jack without thinking. “Feels early.” 

“It’s only 8.” He kissed you again. “My momma sent a message and said they’d be in the lobby in fifteen.” Groaning, you reached for him and were surprised to find that Jack was still shirtless. “Stay here. I’m gonna go with them for breakfast, but I won’t eat much. We’ll still order when I get back.”

“No. Eat.” You closed your eyes, turning your face toward the pillow. “‘M fine.” He laughed and squeezed your arm before sitting up and letting go. 

“You still gonna be in bed waitin’?” You nodded without opening your eyes. Where else would I be? “Good.” The mattress shifted when he got up, but you didn’t move, already dozing back off. And when the door shut behind him a few minutes later, your breathing was deep and even - and you didn’t hear it. 

But you felt it when Jack got back into bed, his arm wrapping around your waist and pulling your body so that you were pressed against his chest. You let him, content to melt into the broad expanse of man as you came back to consciousness. “You smell like bacon, Jack.” 

“I had some.” He laughed, his fingers curling slightly against your belly. “Wasn’t smoked but it was still good.” That made you chuckle, too. I like this. It was Jack that spoke first, saying your name and then shifting his hips slightly. “I’ve got to be at the stadium around 3:15 today, so we’ve got a few hours. What do you want to do?” We have options? 

Rolling over to face him, you met his gaze, frowning. “What do you mean?” 

“I mean …” His smile widened. “We can go back to sleep. We can wake up an’ order breakfast. We can wake up and watch somethin’ on TV. It’s not even 10 yet, so we’ve got a while.” He paused, and then you watched his lips shift into a smirk. “Or, I could have breakfast in bed.” 

It took a few seconds because you were still waking up, but when you realized that he was talking about you, you groaned and then pushed away from him, covering your face with one hand. 

“Even for you, Jack, that was bad.” He laughed and then you did, too, the sound turning into a sigh. “Fuck, that was -”

“Enough to convince you to say yes?” You opened your eyes and saw that he was watching you intently, his head propped up on one hand. “I was only half kidding.” 

It was tempting. You could tell that he wanted you, and that feeling alone was almost intoxicating, Jack’s attention first thing in the morning something that you never would have thought possible only weeks earlier. “That sounds nice, Jack, but …” Reaching out, you trailed a finger up his arm, wrinkling your nose. “I remember you telling me that I could have my way with you this morning.”

“I did say that, didn’t I.” You nodded, watching as he took and held a breath, his eyes never leaving your face. “I’m not gonna tell you no.” That was all the permission you needed, and so you sat up and inhaled deeply. Alright. 

“Take your shirt off.” You gestured toward him. “And then sit up, like you were last night.” 

He did what you asked, and only a few moments later, Jack was shirtless and leaning back against the headboard, his uninjured arm bent and tucked behind his head. “What now?” You eyed him carefully, thinking. 

“I should go and brush my -”

“Fuck that. Get over here.” He unbent his arm and reached for you, fingers curling around your bicep. “You’re fine.” You climbed back onto his lap and settled in, knees on either side of his thighs. “You wanna kiss me?” You nodded, running the fingers of one hand through his hair. “Then what’re you waitin’ for?” 

It was surreal to you that Jack was giving you permission to treat him like that morning was routine between you - that it wasn’t only the second time you’d woken up to each other, or the first that you were staying in bed instead of getting up immediately so that you could leave. But it’s happening, so… 

Leaning in, you met his lips with yours, sighing. His hands moved to your hips, fingers dipping beneath the hem of your shirt to settle against your body - and when his grip tightened in response, you stopped overthinking. 

You kissed him harder, rocking your hips forward, and when he groaned, you used the parting of his lips to your advantage. It was easy to kiss him - easy to get lost in the way his mouth moved with yours, and the way it felt to have him beneath you, the warmth of his body comforting. It didn’t take much before you felt him stiffening through the shorts he wore, Jack moaning against your mouth when you ground down against him. 

“Are you sure, Jack?” You questioned him when you backed away to catch your breath, and there was no mistaking the reply, his eyes flashing as he said yes, head moving up and down in agreement. 

When you climbed off of him and settled in on the blankets beside his legs, you didn’t pause before you reached for him, the elastic of his waistband making it simple for you to pull the shorts - and the underwear beneath it - down. He helped by lifting his hips from the mattress, and then once you’d worked the clothing down to his knees, Jack kicked it the rest of the way off, leaving himself completely naked in front of you. 

You reached out slowly, dragging the edges of your nails up the inside of his thigh. When you wrapped your fingers around him, Jack’s eyes closed and he swore, a quiet thunk reaching your ears when his head made contact with the wood behind him. That made you smile, but it didn’t cause your focus to waver. 

Instead, you took a breath and began to stroke his length, Jack hard in your hold and even harder with each pass of your hand. Ok. Here we go. Without breaking stride, you leaned in and then bent forward, breathing out before you kissed Jack’s thigh, giving him warning. He hummed, one of his hands moving to rest against your shoulderblade, but he didn’t speak up or push you away - and so you continued. 

You worked your way inward and toward your hand, and when you glanced up, lips hovering inches above him, you saw that he was watching you, his eyes so dark you couldn’t tell where the iris ended and pupil began. “Please.” 

It was only one word - but it was filled with trust, and so without prolonging things any further, you lowered your head and took him into your mouth for the first time. 

He hissed when your lips closed around him, his fingers curling against your t-shirt, but since he still didn’t ask you to stop, you kept going. 

It was a leap forward, and you knew it. He did, too, if the look you saw in his eyes before you closed yours was anything to go by. 

He filled your mouth, and when you sunk down lower, the flat of your tongue pressed against him, Jack grunted as his hips jerked forward, pushing himself deeper. You were ready for it, rearing back just enough that you didn’t choke, but you didn’t pull off of him. I can handle it. 

You squeezed him at the base, the heel of your hand resting against the coarse hair there, and when you sighed, eyes squeezed shut, you felt Jack relax, his grip on your shirt loosening, too. As you bobbed up and down his length, your hand stroking what wasn’t between your lips, you wondered what he liked - wondered if he wanted things straight to the point or if he liked it slow and messy, giving him a chance to relish the warmth of someone’s mouth. 

With a quiet pop you pulled back, opening your eyes and glancing up. “J -”

“Your goddamn mouth.” The hand not on your shoulder moved, rising so that he could use his fingertips to tilt your chin up. “I shouldn’t have made you wait.” You sucked in a breath, lips parting. What? “Y’alright?” 

“Yeah, I…” You trailed off when he slowly dragged his thumb over your lower lip, his eyes following the movement. “I was just going to …” You kissed the pad of it, closing your eyes to steady yourself before opening them as you spoke. “I was going to ask what you like, Jack.” 

The question surprised him; you saw his eyes widen, and when you began to stroke him again - slowly, your hand gliding fluidly up and down - you took a deep breath, waiting. He was breathing hard, and you watched his jaw work as he eyed you, head tilted to the side. His hand moved back, stroking over your hair. 

“It’s been a minute.” He sniffed, hips shifting upward and pushing himself further into your hand. “But I liked what you were doing.” Jack’s lip curled when your thumb passed over his tip, circling slowly before your hand moved back downward. “That alright?” 

You didn’t speak, instead nodding as you lowered your head again and took him back into your mouth. That time, you focused your attention on the place your finger had just been, tongue moving in a series of quick, deliberate licks while your hand continued to move beneath it. 

He hissed out your name, hands falling away from you to fist the blankets, his muscles going rigid. It emboldened you, and when you braced yourself on his thigh, fingers curling in against his skin to give you more support as you continued, you pushed everything else out of your mind except Jack. 

You wanted to make him come. 

You wanted to push him over the edge with only your hand and mouth, and you wanted the satisfaction of doing so at his request. Your gaze rose, expecting to find him with his head tipped back and his eyes closed. Instead, he was watching you, chest rising and falling rapidly as he breathed out through his parted lips. 

When you caught his eye, he didn’t look away. That sent a flood of warmth throughout your body, the heat settling low in your belly. He closed his eyes first, muttering the word fuck and bringing one hand back to rest against your shoulder. You moaned around him, closing your eyes, too, and when you felt his muscles begin to tense again, you sped the movement of your mouth up and added a slight twist of your wrist as you stroked him. 

He was close - you could tell by the changes in his breathing, and as you prepared yourself, you were stunned to hear Jack say your name again before asking you to look at him. “Gonna come.” He swallowed, the motion turning into a groan. “Gonna come hard. You ok with that?” You nodded, flicking your tongue against his slit and then squeezing with the hand wrapped around him. “Oh fuck.” He jerked his head back and you heard the thud as it connected with the headboard again, but you were too focused to pay it much mind. 

You moaned, sinking down as far as you could go before returning your attention to his head, hollowing out your cheeks and then swirling your tongue around him, letting out a contented sigh as you savored the taste. 

He cried out and it took you by surprise, Jack pulsing in your hand twice before he came, his hips once again rising off of the bed as your hold tightened slightly. You tried to swallow, but were positioned awkwardly, resulting in Jack’s release leaking past your lips and down his length. You kept your mouth on him but slowed the motion of your hand as he finished, sliding your lips upward so that you could clean him with your tongue. When Jack managed to speak your name, his voice was low and somewhat strained. 

You looked up again and saw that he was smiling, eyelids hooded. “C’mere. You’re done.” I guess I am. Slowly, you released him, unable to resist giving him one last flick of your tongue that resulted in a quick hiss, though he didn’t stop smiling. Your hand was a mess, and when you pulled that away, you brought it up and into your eye line, considering. I could just wipe it off, but … 

That wasn’t what you chose. Turning your wrist, you brought it to your mouth and sealed your lips around the skin between your thumb and first finger, sucking the remaining fluid from your skin with another sigh. He swore at that, and when he reached for you, you let him pull you closer, both of his arms going around you as he tucked you against his body and tilted his head down to kiss the top of your head. 

“You’re fucking incredible, d’you know that?” Draping an arm over his belly, you didn’t reply, instead turning your head inward and kissing the center of his chest. If you say so. “You good?” You nodded, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath as you tried to keep from overreacting. 

Both of you were quiet for a little while, the low thrum of the AC unit the only noise in the room - but it was you that spoke first. “Never been woken up like that before, Jack.” He laughed, one of his hands sliding down the side of your body and over your hip, his touch comforting. “I liked it.”

“I did too.” He kissed you again, and then said your name, the sound quiet. “It’s not fair, though.” 

“What’s not?” You didn’t look up, instead opening your eyes to watch as your fingertips trailed over his skin, using one of them to travel between the freckles on his abdomen. “I have no complaints about -”

“It’s not fair,” he continued, the hand on your hip moving up and then down, his fingers slipping beneath the elastic of your underwear and then around so that he could squeeze you. “That you get to have all the fun.” What is he … oh, shit. Jack’s hand moved lower, between your legs. “Fuck, you liked that, didn’t you?” 

If you could feel the stickiness between your thighs, you knew that Jack could too, and when you mumbled out the word yes, he sighed deeply. Too much. I liked that too much. You weren’t expecting him to pull his hand away and pull you closer with it, or for him to use his other hand to guide your chin up, raising your gaze so that you could look him in the eye. And you were completely unprepared for the expression on his face - a mixture of excitement and fear, his eyes blazing. “Jack?” 

“Get up here.” You moved instantly, scooting up a few inches, and when he kissed you, you felt your chest grow tight. 

It was one thing to sleep with him based on mutual attraction. It was another to have him invite you out to a different state to spend a weekend with him. And it was a third, entirely different thing to have him break a rule for you that by his own admission was created to keep distance between him and the people he slept with - and then immediately have him pull you close and kiss you afterward. 

And even as it deepend, Jack’s tongue stroking against yours as his hand slid to the back of your neck to support the position you were in, your mind was working overtime trying to make sense of everything that you were feeling - and what it might mean. 

You couldn’t ignore it forever, and knew that you’d have to confide in Jack before you got in too deep. It was only fair, since he’d been so honest with you the night before. But maybe I don’t have to now, you thought as his hand slid down your thigh and toward your knee. He said he might be open to more, and I don’t … I don’t want to ruin this yet. 

Jack urged you to raise your leg and settle it atop his, and when he dragged his hand back up the inside of yours, you realized exactly what he was setting up. You shivered when he reached your inner thigh and then whimpered against his lips when his fingers made contact with the damp material of your underwear. You felt him smile, but he didn’t break the kiss. Fuck, Jack. 

Your hips flexed forward and Jack took the initiative, sliding his hand up and over your abdomen and then down, making its way between your skin and the fabric. Oh, God, he - 

It was you that bit down on his lower lip when his fingers sunk into you for the first time, but he didn’t stop with the sudden burst of pain. Instead, Jack curled his fingers as he thrust his wrist forward, changing the angle and filling you further. You gasped at the feeling, and then it was Jack that closed his teeth around your lip and tugged, pulling your attention back to the kiss. 

“I hope you slept well,” he mumbled, his lips moving against yours. “Because I’m just gettin’ started with you, darlin’.” 

— 

By the middle of that night’s game, you were almost positive that the trip to Texas was one of the best decisions you’d ever made. 

You and Jack hadn’t gotten out of bed until that afternoon. After dozing off once he’d gotten you off with his hand and waking up a little later, he’d given you a hands on demonstration of just how much better his arm felt while supporting his weight above you. 

And when you’d finally left the bed and headed into the bathroom, emerging from it with one of the hotel’s fluffy robes securely tied at your waist, you’d found him heating up a plate of his mom’s cooking for each of you. It was delicious, and while you ate, he’d told you a couple stories about his younger years, most of them centered around the types of meals she’d brought to share with the team. 

While he showered, you lounged on the bed and flipped through the TV channels, trying not to think too hard about how easy it felt to be with Jack. That failed miserably when he emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist and his damp hair dripping down his neck and onto his chest. You’d seen the look in his eye when he caught you staring, and it hadn’t taken long for the towel - and your bathrobe - to disappear, tangled together on the floor. 

After he’d left for the stadium, you finally got it together, opening your laptop and booking your flight home for the following day. It felt wrong to do so, but when you typed in the numbers from the credit card Jack had left for you to use, it felt like another puzzle piece falling into place, the realization that you’d already leapt past the point of just being a hookup a little more believable. 

But during the game, as you watched him from one of the seats that had been occupied by his parents the previous night, you let yourself enjoy it all without worrying 

He knew where you stood, and you had a better idea of what he was looking for - and how he viewed your situation. He’d made you feel thoroughly wanted from the moment he’d spotted you from the field the night before. Jack had assured you that he wanted you to watch him play again that night, and the frequent glances over while he was on the field solidified it. 

You weren’t his girlfriend. You weren’t in a relationship with him. There was no guarantee beyond that weekend that he’d want to spend so much time with you. But I’m here now, and we’re having a good time. That’s what matters. 

The Statesman lost the game, but you were already on your way back to the hotel by the final out, your Uber driver cheering quietly when the last out was made. And when Jack got back to the room almost an hour later, you were already in bed again, the blanket around your waist and a rerun playing for background noise while you scrolled on your phone. 

He paused in the hallway, leaning against it with one arm raised over his head and just stared at you, brow furrowed, his other hand in his pocket. “What, Jack? Why are you looking at me like that?” 

“I’m just thinkin’ about how the next time I walk into a hotel room, it’s gonna be empty.” He stepped closer, undoing his belt and tossing it onto the armchair. “And you’re gonna be back in Louisville.” Hmm.That’s quite the admission. 

“Well if it makes you feel any better, I’d much rather be in a hotel with you than at home and working, so…” You shrugged, setting your phone down on the side table. “Both of us are going to be disappointed after tomorrow.” 

He undid the zipper on his pants and let them drop to the floor, stepping out of them before he pulled his shirt off and headed for the bed. He’s still got the chain on. Jack crawled to you and then leaned over, no hesitation before he pressed a kiss to your lips. “Disappointed is right.”  

“I’m sorry you guys lost today.  It was a tough game.” You didn’t want to change the subject, but it was the only way to ensure that you didn’t say something you’d regret. “How early do you need to be on the bus tomorrow?” 

“Too early.” He sighed, lowering his head before he moved away and laid back, looking up at you. “It’s a 1 o’clock start.” It meant he’d be waking up early - and that you’d be saying goodbye sooner than you would have liked. “You probably think I’m boring as hell, invitin’ you out here and then going to sleep so early without -”

“You’re a professional athlete, Jack, and it’s almost the end of the season. You might not be in playoff contention, but -”

“Ouch.” He lowered his head and rested it against your shoulder, the golden pendant swinging forward and making contact with your arm. “You had to remind me.”

“I’m sorry.” You ruffled his hair with one hand, focused on the way his lips lingered. “But other teams are, which means that everything’s still full steam ahead. I didn’t come out here thinking we’d be up until 2 am partying. I came here to see you, and if that means being in bed early and watching TV with you, I’m alright with that.” 

He looked like he didn’t believe you, but without saying anything, he sat up and leaned over to kiss you again. It didn’t take you by surprise like it would have a week earlier. What did stun you was the way he kissed you - like he’d been doing it for forever - and how much of a response your body had to him. I can’t help it. 

When he sat upright again, Jack sighed, his hand dropping down to take yours. “Saw you booked your flight.” He laced your fingers together, palms flat. “You’re leavin’ before the game?”

“I had to. The only other flight back was late, and I didn’t want to risk not being home in time for work.” You shook your head. “Thank you again for offering to pay for that. You didn’t need to; it was really strange to use your -”

“Of course I needed to.” He frowned, arching a brow. “Why would you pay to go home from somewhere I invited you?” Because I don’t want you to think that I expect you to pay for anything for me. “But you’re welcome. I hope you booked yourself a good seat.” 

You hadn’t. You’d booked a regular, no frills ticket, and hadn’t even thought twice about doing anything else. Admitting that to him got you a good-natured eye roll, but it wasn’t until you were both laying down and facing each other that he spoke again.  

“Gimmie your phone.” What? “Someone’s got to break the ice and I don’t think it’s gonna be you.” You rolled over and reached for it, unlocking it before you handed it over. Jack moved to lay on his back, head propped up by a pillow. He studied the image you had set as your background for a few seconds and then used one finger to swipe and tap.

“Jack, what are you doing?”

“I have a picture of you, but you don’t have one of me.” 

“You’ve sent me pictures of -”

“That’s not what I mean.” He glanced over. “And you know it.” He raised the phone and aimed it, and you watched as he took multiple pictures of himself over the next few seconds. What is he doing? “How’re these?” He handed it back to you, turning onto his side and propping himself up on one elbow. 

You swiped through them, teeth digging into your lower lip. They were all great - even though they were dimly lit. You could also tell that he was in bed, and shirtless, the gold around his neck bright in the glow of the TV. You knew what it looked like and he knew it too, and when you opened your mouth to answer, you didn’t get a word out before he said your name, cutting you off. “What?” 

“D’you want to take one together?” He inhaled deeply, holding his breath as he waited for your answer. What? 

“Right now?” He nodded slowly, exhaling. “But neither of us are dressed, and -” 

“Nobody but us will see them, right?” You nodded, heartbeat quickening. “Then what does it matter?” He had a point, and you really had no solid excuse to turn him down. And I’d love a picture of us. You sat up and closed your eyes, looking down at where he laid. “That a yes?” 

“It is, Jack.” He sat up next to you and wound one arm around your shoulders, easing you closer as the two of you leaned back and against the headboard. While he took a few shots, you tried not to let the uncertainty you felt show in your expression - or in your posture. Taking pictures of each other was a big step on its own, but taking photos in bed - even though you were fully clothed - was yet another leap. 

“Think I got a good one.” He turned his head and kissed the side of yours. “What do you think?” 

“I think,” you spoke as you swiped through them. “I think that they’re all good, Jack. Do you want me to send any of them to you?”

“All of ‘em.” He moved his hand up and down your arm, squeezing your shoulder. “Maybe not the ones of just my own face, but…” He chuckled, shrugging. “It’ll be nice to look at those and remember the first time you came to see me play.” 

“The first time?” Turning at the waist, you faced him. “You think there’s going to be a next time?”

“Probably not this year.” He scratched at the side of his head, wrinkling his nose. “Season’s almost over, but yeah. Maybe next year you can come out to spring training or something.” It was at odds with what you’d talked about earlier. He was planning things in the future, though nothing was certain between you. Jack was acting as if he expected the two of you to still be in contact months down the road, and in a position where you flying out to spend a few days with him wouldn’t seem unreasonable. So maybe he really is thinking about more. 

“Getting out of Kentucky and going to Arizona in February or March? Count me in.” You laughed, quickly putting all of the pictures into one text and sending it to him before you leaned over and put your phone back on the table. “I had a lot of fun this weekend, Jack. I hope you did, too.” 

You settled back in, rolling over to face him, but Jack didn’t lay back down. Instead, he tilted his head forward, looking over at you. “I did.” He began to chew on the inside of his cheek, brow furrowed. What did I say? “I’m gonna go and get ready for bed.” He gestured to the bathroom. “You need in there?”

You told him no, watching as he got out of the bed and crossed the room. Jack reached for the light switch inside the smaller space, but paused and then looked back over his shoulder at you before stepping inside. “What’s that look for?” 

Some of the tension in the room eased with your question, and the rest of it disappeared when he spoke, his smirk visible even from a distance. “Don’t fall asleep while I’m gone, alright?” 

With a laugh that turned into a groan, you pulled the blanket up further. This is how it’s going to be for a while. I guess I’ll have to get used to figuring everything out as we go. “I won’t. But if I do… you have my permission to wake me up, Jack.” 

— 

[sunsetcougar]

Regarding Adam’s punishment in the Biotech Exorcists AU, I think that Adam himself said it best: “Fair is fair, an eye for an eye”.

Maybe Heaven and Hell eventually agree to subject Adam to the exact same treatment he subjected the exorcists to: surgically implanted with the same mechanical parts; before being taken from his home, and forced to serve the enemy: working for Charlie to protect the Hotel.

The more vengeful factions could be appeased by knowing that Adam received the same mental and physical torture he inflicted on the exorcists. The more merciful factions could be appeased by knowing that Adam’s future will be entrusted to Charlie, who is more forgiving than many in Heaven. Most importantly, by protecting the Hotel; Adam will be directly helping the people he harmed.

Both sides agree that, beyond being bound to obey Charlie, Adam should not be given the same brainwashing and mind control that the exorcists were. The merciful consider such a fate too cruel even for him; while the vengeful want Adam to be 100% aware of what’s happening to him, to remember all he’s done and lost.

That is definitely something some of the demons would suggest, but it wouldn’t happen because of Heaven’s council. Heavenborn angels, especially the elders, are very adverse to violence and torture. They view tormenting Adam like the demons want as stooping to his level and refuse to do or allow it.

Heaven’s punishments tend to be long and by Hellish standards really mild, save for Falling. Adam’s crimes, while incredibly severe, aren’t quite enough to warrant Falling in the council’s eyes. Lucifer is the only Fallen angel for a reason; he infected almost all of Creation and someone would have to fuck up just as severely to warrant the same punishment.

Angels are very social creatures so being socially outcasted, especially for long periods of time, is incredibly damaging to them both mentally and physically. An isolated, guilt ridden angel will begin losing feathers, growing emaciated, and self reinforcing the thought that this is all their fault until it drives them near mad. Leave them like that long enough and they’ll come crawling to the alter to beg forgiveness for as long as is required, from a day to centuries. Once the elders decide they’ve suffered enough they’re formally forgiven and welcomed back into society. The threat of being put through that again is enough to keep them from repeating their crimes.

It’s actually why Sera isn’t punished more severely for her hand in the exterminations. The council decided that between the guilt, social shame and isolation, and many of her duties and the connected privileges being revoked, she was suffering enough. Plus she was tricked and is making efforts to fix what she can which earns her some points in her favor.

What eventually happens is Heaven and Hell come to an agreement that neither is fully happy with but are willing to deal with. They’ll never find a solution that pleases everyone, and they know it. Lucifer is allowed, via the use of the mental manipulation magic all high ranked angels possess, to psychologically torment Adam for about a month. Then he’s given back to Heaven for their typical punishments, with the assurance that he’ll have to beg forgiveness for a very, very long time to be allowed it, and will never be allowed anywhere near the surviving exorcists.

[steddiealltheway]

Part Four of Not-So-Secret Secret Admirer!!!! Part One. Part Three. AO3 Link.

Eddie stares at the note and resists the urge to crumple it up. It’s been three days since he’s gotten it and somehow it remains as the only thing on his mind. Every time he reads it, it makes his heart race even though there really isn’t much to it. But just seeing Steve’s signed name makes him feel... giddy. 

He’s struggling to find a way to distance himself from the elusive E.R. while trying to keep the identity similar to himself so he doesn’t screw up on a fact check in the future. So, he needs to come up with something vague that doesn’t give himself away. Easy. 

It is not easy. Things that make Eddie smile are his sweetheart, metal music, DnD, and Steve... plus all his other friends. Maybe he could mention his sweetheart. E.R. could play the guitar, right? I mean, he is E.R. so of course they do. Gosh, this stuff makes his head swim. 

He looks at the note again. Something that makes him smile... does he give him something as a gift? A guitar pick? Eddie fiddles with his necklace and looks down. Definitely not a guitar pick – too obvious. 

He needs to clear his head or something. He shrugs on his leather jacket and leaves his uncle a note saying he’ll be back in a bit. Hopefully he’ll get back when he’s still napping so he won’t try to pry about why he left. Yeah, Eddie definitely needs some air. 

He grabs his car keys on the way out and quickly is driving off. He doesn’t know where he’s going until he finds himself turning into a somewhat hidden backroad and knows exactly where he’s automatically driving to. A few minutes later he’s climbing out of his van and walking towards the top of a grassy hill to sit down and look out at the hills of trees. 

He takes a deep breath and smiles. He forgets how nice it is to sit up here and hear how quiet it can get. Somehow the silence isn’t overbearing and tense – it's soothing. For once, Eddie feels like his head isn���t absolutely racing with thoughts. It would be nice to have someone up here with him though. 

Something that makes him smile... 

Eddie laughs softly then again loud enough to startle a bird out of the tree near him. He knows exactly what he’s going to do. 

-:-:-:-:-:- 

On his way to the Family Video, Eddie picks up the rest of The Party who insisted he needed to drive them so they could pick up a tape for their movie night. But then El and Max are giggling and whispering about something that makes Eddie a bit suspicious. 

“Hey, Red, what’s going on?” 

He looks in the rearview mirror only to find Max staring back with a smirk. That’s a terrifying sight. “We’re wondering what you got for Steve.” 

“I told you that that’s a secret!” Dustin shrieks out. 

“A secret to keep from Steve,” El argues back. She definitely has been spending time with Max who high fives her. “So, what did you get him?” El asks with a big grin. 

Eddie sighs. “I didn’t get him anything this time.” 

It’s as if he told everyone in the car that he’s going to try to open another gate to the upside down by the way they’re all yelling at him. “Jesus H. Christ!” Eddie yells. “I’m taking him somewhere that his secret admirer – that apparently everyone knows about – wants to take him.” 

“So, where you want to take him,” Max presses, and Eddie catches Lucas covering a laugh behind his hand when they get to a red light. 

Eddie fixes him with a look and says, “Do you want to be the one who breaks it to Steve that his secret admirer doesn’t exist?” He cringes and turns to find the light has turned green. He takes off as a silence settles over the car. “Let’s just... let this little admirer thing die off once he actually meets some girl.” 

“What if he starts turning down girls because he’s hoping this thing works out?” Will cuts into the conversation with some logic that Eddie was not prepared to think about. 

“Then I’ll develop a person that Steve would never fall for.” So, he will make E.R. entirely like himself. He pulls into the parking lot and gets out of the van before any of them can argue with him. 

Luckily, the teens dedicate their time to finding a movie instead of harassing Eddie about Steve. He takes the break to slip Steve a note from E.R. which Eddie tries not to cringe at as he rereads it upside down. 

Steve, 

I’m glad to hear that I make you smile because it’s my favorite smile in any world. One thing about me is that my brain never stops running, but there’s a place I go to that makes it all stop – and it makes me smile. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, 

E 

Eddie’s eyes widen as they get to the signature. How did he forget to finish it? He read it over at least a hundred times, but somehow, he didn’t catch it? He looks up at Steve and tries to smooth out his features but finds himself smiling as Steve gestures excitedly to the letter, the silver of the ring Eddie gave him glinting in the light. Eddie’s heart flutters as he realizes he kept it. 

“E! I can now eliminate anyone with a double first name like ‘Emma Rose’ or ‘Evan Ray,’” Steve says excitedly. And Eddie’s heart stutters. 

Evan Ray... Steve is no longer eliminating guys from his mind. 

“You okay?” 

Eddie blinks a few times and runs a hand over his face. “Yeah, man. Just... zoned out for a second there.” Steve nods with a soft smile and looks back at the note. Eddie tries not to sigh in relief. 

“So,” Steve says awkwardly, running a hand through his hair, “Not to sound greedy or anything, but no gift today?” 

Eddie nearly facepalms. He needs to get a grip. Instead, he smiles and asks, “Are you doing anything after your shift?” 

Steve shakes his head. 

“Prepare, Harrington,” Eddie says with a wink then glances over to the kids who are all staring at him. “Jesus,” Eddie mutters. 

Before he can tell them to stop staring, Steve says, “Are you guys getting a tape or just standing around to stare at Eddie.” 

“You’re the only one who’s staring,” Max says with a smirk then rushes off with a giggling El to the romance section which has all the boys groaning. 

Eddie turns back to Steve and finds him to be a little red. “Careful, you’ll make this E person jealous.” 

“Maybe they should be,” Steve says looking a bit too serious for Eddie’s heart to handle. 

“Got one!” Dustin yells as he breaks the moment and slams a tape down that causes Steve to go into a lecture about the way he treats the tapes in the shop. 

By the end of the rant, the other kids are already dragging Eddie out the door to give them a ride to the Seven Eleven for snacks. Eddie glances over his shoulder and gives Steve a parting help me look. Steve just winks in response which makes Eddie trip over his feet earning him a knowing look from Max. He sighs and prepares himself for the rest of this car ride.  

-:-:-:-:-:- 

Eddie stares at himself in the rearview as he waits for Steve to end his shift. It’s not a date. It’s not a date. It really isn’t. He’s just taking Steve to his favorite spot – no, E.R.’s favorite spot. Maybe he didn’t think this through. He probably has enough time to get a random gift from the gas station or something. 

There’s a knock on the window. Too late. 

Eddie reaches over and opens the door for Steve and does his best to act natural. “Hey, man, how’s it hanging?” 

Steve turns and gives him a look. Okay, maybe Eddie doesn’t know how to act natural. “Fine?” Steve replies as he tugs his seatbelt on. “Where are we going?” 

Right. “Somewhere incredible,” Eddie says with a wide smile then rapidly corrects himself. “Somewhere that your secret admirer showed me.” Which he needs to go to now if he wants to make it in time. He drives off and cranks up his music to calm his nerves and not give Steve a chance to ask him about E. 

Gosh, this is such a bad idea. 

Eventually, Steve is relaxing into the music and even nodding his head in what Eddie would call a minuscule headbang, but he tries really hard not to think about how attractive he finds it. Soon enough, they’re pulling into Eddie’s favorite spot. Eddie curses under his breath as the sun begins to blind him.  

Steve glances over at him and gives him an indecipherable look. Eddie’s eyebrows furrow. “What?” 

Steve shakes his head in response and climbs out. Eddie takes a deep breath and reaches behind him to grab two large blankets and pillows. It’s a bit of a struggle getting out of the van, but Steve appears in front of him to grab the pillows out of his hand. He glances at Eddie and gives him a questioning look. 

“Follow me,” Eddie says and makes the short trek up the hill and towards his favorite tree where he lays the first blanket out. Luckily it hasn’t rained recently so the ground was fairly dry. He sits down and pats the spot next to him. Steve sits close enough that their arms and legs are pressed together, and Eddie couldn’t shift closer if he wanted to. 

But then Steve is shifting forward and leaning away to push a pillow behind him which means their arms are no longer touching. It’s as if Steve can read Eddie’s thoughts because then he shoves a pillow at Eddie for him to use. As Eddie adjusts the pillow Steve comments, “It’s kind of chilly out.” 

And what else can Eddie do but drape the blanket over them and huddle closer to Steve – although he’s kind of sweating with how humid it is outside. Steve hums and leans against Eddie and stares out at the view. “I see what they mean about the view,” Steve says. 

“Peaceful,” Eddie replies. His heart is racing as the sun begins to set. He turns to Steve and stares at him instead. “Most beautiful view I’ve seen in a long time,” Eddie says without thinking. 

Steve turns to Eddie and his eyes widen as he registers what he means. “Yeah?” Steve asks with a big smile. 

“That- That’s what they told me to tell you,” Eddie stutters out. Smooth Eddie. Real smooth. 

Steve smile slightly falters but then he’s asking, “Can you tell me one thing about them?” 

Eddie swallows and looks away. Can he? Before he can answer, Steve continues, “Are they anything like you?” 

Eddie takes a deep breath and turns to Steve. “Just like me.” 

“I’ll definitely like them then.” 

Eddie stares at Steve who quickly looks away. What in the world does that mean? What the- 

“Hey, Eddie?” 

“Hmm?” 

“Tell me something that makes you smile.” 

Eddie smiles and automatically replies, “You.” Jesus H. Christ what is wrong with him tonight? 

There’s a shift next to him and suddenly Steve’s hand is tracing down his arm under the blanket and latching onto his hand – the metal of their rings brush together. “Thank you,” Steve replies and leans his head against the crook of Eddie’s neck. 

Eddie squeezes his hand in response and tilts his head to rest it on top of Steve’s, not trusting himself to answer. He’s in so deep now, and he has no idea how to feel. He knows that Steve is just projecting his romantic feelings for E.R. onto him since they aren’t there, but he is E.R.. Is there a possibility that all this could be real? And if so, would Eddie want that knowing he deceived Steve in the first place. 

His heart races as him and Steve continue to watch the sunset in comfortable silence. But Eddie’s head continues to race in the one place it usually doesn’t, so much so that when the sun is finally down, Eddie is whispering. “Steve, I need to tell you. And I’m sorry that it took me so long, but... I’m E.R.. Eddie Robin to be exact. And at first, I thought nothing of it, but as time has gone on I think it’s made me realize I have these feelings for you. Really deep feelings, and I’m sorry that I had to deceive you in order to get here. But here I am. And I’m sorry. But I really do like you. So much, Steve. So much.” He holds him breath and waits for a response. 

But there is no answer. So Eddie leans his head back up and glances down to see what Steve’s thinking because there’s no hiding it on his face. But then he notices it. The steady rise and fall of his chest, the lax grip on his hand, the soft snores that are unbearably endearing.  

Steve hasn’t heard a single word. 

Eddie sighs and gives him a soft kiss on the forehead. It was probably for the best then. He waits a few moments before he slowly shakes Steve awake – not wanting him to think he had been watching him sleep. Steve groans and cracks an eye open at him then he smiles. “Five more minutes?” 

Eddie smiles softly and says, “How about we get you home?” 

Steve’s arms come up to wrap around Eddie’s torso and bury his head into his chest. “Wanna stay here forever.” 

Eddie’s heart thuds. He knows now that he can never tell Steve about this secret admirer stuff because he can’t stand the thought of losing this. Maybe with time he’ll forget about them, and maybe in time Eddie with have the guts to admit his feelings for Steve. For now, he wraps his arms around Steve and helps him up and back to his van.  

The drive back is quiet as Steve begins to doze off again. It isn’t late, but Eddie knows that getting Steve to fall asleep can sometimes be a miracle – he holds the world on his shoulder too often. 

Eddie helps a half-asleep Steve into his empty house and leaves a note on his bedside table telling him that it was Eddie who got him back safely, and he’s happy to fill in any gaps. He signs it and drives back to his own trailer. He has no idea what to do, but he knows he needs Robin’s help. For now, he needs to figure out how detrimental it is if E.R. doesn’t give Steve something after five days. 

Part five

Hello!! I swear I haven't forgotten about this. I've just been busy ahhhh. Sorry tag list for the delay:

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