#wish we saw more of her at the water park

[bueckersbitch]

greenlight part two - paige bueckers x reader

☆ warnings : angst, sexual context, strap, toxic!paige

☆ word count : 2k

☆ authors note : hiiiii! here’s part two! i could honestly keep going w this concept bc i love it sm! also how is it senior night im in shambles

☆ taglist : @sierrale8ne @thaatdigitaldiary @pboogerswbb @lupinqs @rosemariiaa @xxloveralways14 @lovegalor333 @mrsarnold @janaelalfysblunt @bueckersfive @vamptizm

“I can’t believe I'm back here again.” Your words hung in the air, thick and suffocating to Paige, but it wasn’t new; it was the mantra you had been repeating to her over the last couple of months whenever you would see her on occasion. So, Paige had heard it more than she wished to. You watched as Paige took a hit from the blunt you guys were sharing, her low eyes revealing the high she was experiencing. But even then, the high was something that would eventually end, like the two of you.

Paige’s ego got the best of her, “I know, but we always find our way back to each other.” She referenced the text you received from her a month after you saw her new girlfriend on your feed. You snatch the blunt from her, taking a drag and exhaling, the smoke filling the car and the void of uncomfortable silence. You looked over at the blonde, being met with her eyes already looking at you. The cool air from the ac settled into your bones. You hated how this seemed to be your normal now, Paige pushing to see you, which led to the inevitable argument that made you come to the same conclusion every time: You would leave, and Paige would beg you to stay.

Paige licked her lips, taking the bottom one in between her teeth before tilting her head back to lie on the headrest of her seat, “Why do you keep pretending it’s gonna be the last time we see each other?” You broke your gaze away from her, looking out the windshield at the Dallas skyline, and while the city was buzzing with the lives and stories of countless people, Paige always managed to make it feel like it was just you two. She had taken you in her car to the very top of a parking garage, parking facing the beautiful skyline. 

You manage to find words, deciding that the truth wouldn’t hurt. “I don’t know. I want to move on, and everything in my head is telling me to, but my heart still wants to be with you, I guess.” Your confession lingers in the air. That’s when you feel the softness of Paige’s fingertips on your leg. Her hand travels to caress your cheek, moving a strand of hair that had escaped from behind your shoulder back behind your ear. “I fucked up, ma. I know that now. You don’t want to move on because you and I both know it was always supposed to be us.” 

You lead your eyes back to Paige, slightly admiring her appearance. Her signature braided ponytail she hadn’t been able to let go of. Even after going to the league, it was obvious she couldn’t let go of you when she went to the league either. Finding comfort in familiarity . Her legs spread as much as they could in the tight confines of her Jeep. Her bottom half covered in grey Essentials sweatpants, and her black Nike tech covering her top, slightly unzipped to show her “pb” necklace, an outfit you had told and showed her how much you loved when you were together.

Her hips shift up slightly when she reaches to adjust the temperature of the car, taking the blunt back from your hands.

You guys pass the blunt back and forth, Paige finishing it off and discarding the roach mindlessly, tossing it out the window and onto the asphalt. She shifts her seat back, opening the sunroof to look out at the night sky above you both. You follow suit, eyes tracking a shooting star. Piage had noticed it too it seemed, “Y’wanna know what I wished for?” Your eyes start to water, because you knew what she was going to tell you, “I wished that you would come back to me, for good.” You sigh at that, as much as you wanted to, and as much as you kept finding yourself in this situation, you couldn’t bring yourself to let yourself get lost in her again. Maybe you were being overdramatic, but how could you pass off your feeling of betrayal? Paige had left you as soon as she found someone whose smooth flirting eased its way into her mind. Discarded you, like she had with the roach, which left you feeling like the four years between you two wasn’t as serious as it had been.

Her hands reached for your thighs again, this time, it was to swing your legs over the middle seat, to rest in her lap. You were leaning against the window now, facing her as she turned her head to you. Paige was always more affectionate high, the warmth of it giving her the ability to be honest with herself and you. “Y’look so pretty ma.” Paige says, a soft smile adorning her lips as she rubs her hands up and down your calves. “I told you, no pet names anymore.” You set boundaries before you hung out with Paige, it was always, “behave yourself P, no pet names, and no arguments about what we used to be.”  Even you found that hard sometimes.

“C’mon, I just miss how it was, I miss when you were there for me, I miss coming home from practice to find you napping on the couch, how i would wake you up with a kiss to your forehead so you could pull me under the blanket with you, how we would fall asleep together.” You could lash out, tell her that this was the consequences of her own actions, but you couldn’t deny that you felt that way too. “Paige.” Is what you settled on, not wanting to argue with her, not wanting to ruin your high. “M’sorry” she groans. “I miss it too.” You confess, Paige being the one person who coild get the truth out of you. And you did miss it, your own couch feeling cold and lonely without your tall girlfriend.

“C’mere.” she coaxes you with her smooth voice, and for once, you don’t fight it, letting her hands wrap around your waist and lift you up over the middle console and into her lap. You let your arms fall around her neck, she hugs you by the waist, rubbing your back comfortingly as you inhale the scent of her Valentino colonge. 

She shifts her hips again, this time to try and get more comfortable. That’s when you feel it, pressing up against you through the clothing. It wasn’t foreign, she would wear it under her clothes when you were together, reminding you that it was “more convenient” that way. 

You pull away from her neck, and she knows, she knows what you’re about to say, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively as her lips curve into a smirk. “Oh my God Paige, You’re not real.” She starts twisting the ends of your hair between her fingers, “You love it.” 

Her hands find their way to your hips, softly rocking you on her lap. You let out a soft whine, accompanied by a breathy string of curse words. “Missed this, missed you” Paige says, grabbing your head to crash her lips onto yours. Her lips felt so familiar it hurt, the air was being stripped from your lungs, you let yourself sink into her as her hands kept moving your hips against her. “I need you Paige.” You say, grinding down against her, feeling your slick start to get uncomfortable. “I know baby, I need you to cum in your pants first, been awhile since I got you right like that.” Her words were filthy, but Paige was always good at communicating what she wanted from you, “Give me a chance, lemme remind you how I make you feel.” You whine, the wetness in your pants providing enough to comfortably grind against what you yearned for in her pants. “Fuck, okay.” You say, wanting nothing more than to forget about all the hurt you felt over the last few months. 

That was all the confirmation Paige needed, she lifted your light pink tank top just enough to be met with your light purple lace bra, the one you bought for Paige’s birthday. “Fuck, Y’tryna kill me?” She sighed, rubbing her thumbs across your nipples before flicking them, watching your tits bounce slightly with the movement of your hips. You let out a whine, Paige continued to aide you with your movements, her sweet words helping the feeling in your stomach tighten, relief finally washing over you, whining into her ear as you do so.

Paige lifts her hips to take her sweatpants off, unzipping her tech right after, very quickly figuring you that she had decided to forgo a bra, being met with her supple tits, nipples pink and peaked due the the pleasure of getting you off. You mirror her actions, taking off your tank top fully, deciding to keep Paige’s favorite set on you on, you follow with your sweatpants, the light purple thong being corrupted with a darker patch from earlier actions. Paige let out a hum at the sight of you, cursing slightly to herself at the sheer thought of having you like this again. 

“I’ll do all the work for you ma, you deserve that.” Paige says, lifting your hips to place you above the tip of her purple strap, “Look at that, we go together real bad, huh?” You don’t get a chance to respond, she pulls your panties to the side and eases you down onto her length, the tip hitting your spot as she allows you to get used to the intrusion.

Paige pulls all of your hair over one shoulder, leaning you into her, lifting you up just enough for her to start thrusting her hips up. She moves your face into her neck, craning her head to start kissing your neck, you feel the slow suck of your skin into her mouth, biting it a little before smoothing it over with the cool of her tongue. 

“Fuck Paige, just make me feel good please.” You say through your moans, the car starts to fog up with desire. The faint buzzing of the vibrator against her clit cutting through the air, making you both moan, Paige sighing with pleasure. Your back arched as you got closer, taking in how Paige looked, needy, her lips more flushed and plump than usual, the rapid breathing pushed her tits out to you, you moved your fingers to her nipples, your short french manicured nails twisting one slightly, forcing Paige to let out, “Oh, fuck.” Paige started thrusting faster, harder, her hands underneath your thighs to support you through it, “Please tell me you’re close baby.”  You gasp, the direct punching of her against your spot made you moan out, “Yes, please.” Pressure in your stomach becoming unbearable, you decide to kiss at her neck, pulling her ponytail to yank her head to the side, giving you better access. You suck a mark, just as she had, and then you lick the letters of your name straight over it. Paige groans when she realizes, and you knew, the pressure snapped for the both of you, letting out satisfied moans as you both reahed your peak.

-

Paige had dropped you off at your apartment, you used your keycard to get into the building, walking past the complex's gym, straight to the elevator.

You questioned how much longer it would be like this, you thought about how you told yourself you would take her back if she truly apologized. But she had, and you still felt a sense of longing to go back to the way it used to be, young, and in love. Before the reality of the real world drowned you guys. She fucked up, she knew that, but you were also very aware of how it had you feeling, like Atlas, the weight of the whole sky on your shoulders. The elevator opens, and you step into it, hitting your floor and pulling your phone out. You needed to move on, so you find Paige’s contact, and hit the red text that says, “Block Caller”

[vividiana]

chapter 2

pairing: Astarion x f!Durge · word count: 4.6k

rating: M for now, will change to E (18+)

tags: modern AU, witness protection, strangers to friends to lovers (see AO3 for a more exhaustive list)

summary: It’s been over a year since Eve had to uproot her life and assume a new identity—anything to distance herself from the past she wishes she could forget. When an erratic, if oddly charming, newcomer stumbles into her place of work, she recognizes something familiar within him and the two can’t seem to stay away from each other. But Eve is not the only one running from her past.

An alternative, modern take on the Dark Urge x Astarion romance, filled with friendship, secrets, healing, and ABBA.

a/n: this chapter is a bit heavier as we start to get into Eve's backstory. but fortunately, she has World's Best Roommate to come home to, so it's not too terrible 💛

chapter-specific cw: mentions of past relationship abuse, mentions of murder, nightmares, flashbacks, blood, guns, anxiety attacks, being called pet names by slimy men

previous chapter · read on AO3 · dividers

“I’m afraid this is all we have time for today,” says Therapist Number Nine, or Halsin, as he insisted she call him. “Thank you for your honesty, Eve. I’m truly glad you decided to take this first step in coming here. Does the same time next week work for you?”

Eve is currently channeling all of her energy into maintaining a neutral expression, so the most she can manage is a nod. 

“Great. I’ll see you then.”

“Thanks,” she mutters before grabbing her bag and walking out of the office. 

The perky receptionist attempts to talk to her, but Eve is already reaching out for the door. She needs to get out, needs to breathe, needs to–

The afternoon air is too warm to offer her any relief. It envelops her in a constricting embrace, making it even harder to breathe.

She rushes back to her car and as soon as she closes the door, her body jerks with a loud sob. She rests her forehead on the steering wheel as the tears keep falling.

This is why she keeps changing therapists, why she never makes it past the first couple sessions. Because after all the formalities and testing the waters, they start digging, and when they dig, she starts to remember, and she doesn’t want to remember. She just wants it to stop hurting. To make it through the day without despising herself. Why is that so much to ask? 

But this one, this Halsin, with his kind, insightful eyes that made Eve feel like he was peering into the very core of her rotten soul, he didn’t seem to have a need for your standard interview. No, he had to get straight to the point, to call it as it is, or rather, as he saw it.

Abuse.

It echoes painfully against her skull, the concept rattling around her mind looking for fertile ground to take root, but she won’t let it. She doesn’t want it to stick, doesn’t want to face it head on.

The tears don’t stop and it scares her, the sheer force with which the pain seizes her body. It’s not that she doesn’t usually cry—it’s just never about this. Never about him. 

There is no relief to be found in those tears, only an increasingly hollow feeling, the gaping hole in her chest widening with every trembling sob.

She can’t stay here, because the longer she stays, the more details come back to her, the more vivid his voice grows in her mind—after she went through such great lengths to never have to hear it again. But she can’t find it in herself to force her muscles to move.

It’s not until someone pulls into a parking spot to her left that Eve is snapped back to the present, the sudden movement reminding her that the world around her carries on. She sits up and retrieves some tissues from the glove compartment to try to manage the sniffling mess her face has become.

She’s still too shaken to drive, so she decides to walk to a CVS down the street to get some water and a Twix bar. When she’s waiting to check out, she spots some discounted face masks and grabs one for her and one for Lae’zel. Surely the “Exfoliating Strawberry” will fix her.

When Eve finally makes it back to Clinton, she is, of course, late. And while she looks like a chewed-up possum, with her puffy cheeks and wrinkled jumpsuit wrangled out from the jaws of her dryer, Agent Ravengard looks like a model, all lean muscle and perfect smile. This time, his locks are pulled up into a bun, eyes obscured by a pair of round rimless sunglasses. He waits for her on a bench outside the coffee shop, his iced mocha and her chai latte in hand.

Gentleman that he is, Wyll tactfully ignores her frazzled state as he rises and hands her the beverage, then nods towards the park on the other side of the street.

“How was your weekend?” he asks as they start walking.

“It was fine,” she says, her voice still a bit hoarse. She clears her throat and continues: “Lae’zel dragged me out on a hike yesterday. And Saturday was not particularly exciting, since I had to work. My manager was giving me a hard time. This lady yelled at me because we were out of Smirnoff Ice. You know, the usual.”

“Have you thought about looking for a different job? Every time I ask about it, you sound exasperated.”

“Oh, every single day. But there is only so much you can do with a high school diploma, no employment history, and no references.”

“You know you can always put me down as a reference, right? We do that sometimes. Just give me a heads up, so I can prep. But I’m also quite good at making things up on the spot—I was in an improv group in college, have I ever told you that?”

“No, you haven’t,” she laughs. “But that seems very on-brand.”

They sit on one of the few remaining benches in the shade and Wyll asks her about her support network: whether she’s made any new friends or found a way to get involved with the local community. It feels like he is actively avoiding the subject of therapy.

But then there is a lull in the conversation and finally, trying to make himself sound as casual as possible, he asks:

“Oh, and how was your appointment today?” 

There it is. The real question, the one he was warming her up for.

“I don’t like this guy.” Eve avoids his gaze as she speaks, watching a bird perched on a bench a few feet away, ruffling its feathers.

“Mhm. And why is that?”

“He’s too nice,” she sighs as she turns to face him, painfully aware of how silly she sounds. “He treats me like I’ve never done anything wrong in my life.”

“Eve, you know I like you, but this feels like you’re just making up excuses at this point.”

“I’m not,” she insists. 

“He’s too nice? That’s the issue?”

“Yes. And there is another thing, he just– He’s barely met me and he thinks that he can tell me the truth about my life, when he doesn’t even understand the full picture.”

“So maybe with time, he will begin to understand the full picture? If you let him.”

Eve takes a large sip of her beverage to stall.

He doesn’t get it. And after all, why would he? We are nothing alike.

“Eve, you know I can’t force you to do this,” Wyll continues when she doesn’t respond. “It’s your life. I’m here to connect you with resources, but it’s up to you whether you use them or not. But you said it yourself, not so long ago: that you wanted to feel better, that you’re tired of living like this. I understand that whatever he said made you uncomfortable, and you can bring it up to him during your next session. But if you truly want things to change, you will have to deal with that discomfort. For a while, perhaps. I know you know this, too. And I understand that it’s hard to accept. But please just give it an honest try, will you? Not for me. For yourself.”

She’d rather do it for him, honestly. And so, to not make his job any harder than it already is, she says, however reluctantly:

“Okay. I’ll give it a try.”

“Splendid.” After a moment, he adds: “I know it’s not easy, Eve, but I think you’ll find it to be a good choice in the long run.”

She nods, thoroughly unconvinced.

In a great display of mercy, Wyll changes the subject and asks about Lae’zel. Eve jumps on the opportunity to divert from her problems and update him on the highs and lows of the county youth soccer league.

When he walks her back to her car, she asks:

“Has there been any progress with the investigation?”

“No, nothing new. I’m sorry, Eve.”

“But you’ll tell me if there is, yes? I’m still avoiding the news.”

“Of course.”

After they say their goodbyes, Eve heads to the elementary school, but this time she chooses to wait in her car. The drive home is quiet, Lae’zel glued to her phone, probably on the prowl for her next hook-up.

As soon as they make their way back to the apartment, Eve heads to her room and engages in the titillating activity of lying on her bed and staring at the ceiling, her gaze following the branching out cracks in the paint.

She knows she needs to find a distraction soon to avoid a repeat of her outburst in the car, but that would necessitate moving, which currently seems like an insurmountable task. 

There is a soft knock on the door.

“Come in.”

She turns her head to watch as Lae’zel walks in, an unusual hint of concern in her hazel eyes. She grabs the chair from Eve’s desk and sits facing the back, her elbows propped on the plastic as she speaks.

“Talk to me, boluda, what’s going on?”

“I don’t know what to tell you.”

But in the silence that follows, Eve eventually finds the right words and recounts the unfortunate appointment, skimming over the details of what exactly she told Halsin. She’s still facing the ceiling as she talks, which makes it a bit easier.

Lae’zel listens thoughtfully, refraining from any comments. When Eve finishes, she waits for a moment before asking:

“Do you need a distraction, company, space, or…?”

“I don’t know, I kinda want to rot in bed for a bit. But company might be nice.”

Lae’zel nods, her gaze gliding around the room. When it lands on the corkboard above the desk, she leans towards it, brows furrowed.

“What’s this about?” she asks, pointing to the pinned note.

“Oh, that. It’s kind of a long story,” Eve says, waving her hand dismissively.

But Lae’zel just cocks her eyebrow and Eve sighs, sitting up as she explains: 

“Okay, so there was this guy…”

“Uh-huh,” Lae mutters in a this will be good tone.

“...who came into the Blushing Mermaid on Friday. A new customer. Um– and he was a bit… frazzled, let’s say. Anyways, I go up to take his order and I don’t know what it is about him, but I get this feeling that he looks familiar, like we’ve met before. So I ask him about it, and then he just snaps at me, starts talking nonsense–”

“Sounds like a douchebag.”

“Well, yeah, But then I called him out on it, and he instantly apologized, which literally never happens. And he seemed genuinely sorry, like– It just felt like he was going through some stuff and wasn’t himself. Which I can understand.”

“And then what?”

“Well, we talked for a bit. You know, just your usual customer small-talk. And then he left and I saw that he wrote that note on the receipt and gave me a tip that was higher than his total. He came in on Saturday again and we chatted for a bit and that’s kind of it. Left a standard tip this time.”

“And you kept the note because…?”

Eve opens her mouth and closes it shortly, suddenly at a loss for words.

“Uh– I don’t know. It comes with a funny anecdote, I guess?”

“Mhm,” Lae’zel says. She has a talent for conveying entire sentences with hums and weighted stares. This particular one seems to communicate: you’re full of shit. After a moment of silence, she asks: “Was he hot?”

Eve can feel the blush that spreads across her cheeks under this sudden interrogation.

“I– He–” she stutters. And then, carefully choosing her words, she responds: “He had a certain charm about him, yes.”

“A certain charm. Mhm. And he came back on Saturday.”

“Yeah…” Eve says, already fretting where this is going.

“Why do you think that is?”

“I don’t–”

“Is the food that good?” Lae interrupts her.

“No, not really–”

“So maybe it’s the ambiance… is it cozy and inviting?”

“No but–”

“Eve, I went to the Mermaid one time to support you, and I will never step foot in that shithole again. Unless you ask me to murder your manager, which I would happily do.”

Eve takes a mental note of the generous offer before asking:

“Okay, so what’s your point?”

“What is so great about that place that he would come back the next day?” Lae asks, like she’s trying to get Eve to understand a math equation.

“I don’t know, but we have a lot of regulars! So people clearly like coming back.”

“Yes, but they’re mostly truckers, or older people who don’t want to eat alone, or men who want to watch a game with their bros. So which category does this mysterious stranger fall into, out of those three?”

“None. But he’s new in town and said he wanted to check out the local scene.”

“Right. So wouldn’t it make sense for him to go to a different restaurant next time to see what else is around here?”

“…maybe.”

“Unless, of course, there was something compelling him to come back. Like, maybe a cute, funny, feisty waitress, who wasn’t afraid to talk back, who has a beautiful smile and a great ass to match?”

“I, uh– Well thank you, but–”

“If you don’t want to make a pass at Wyll, then maybe you should bang Note Guy.”

“Can we go back to the part where you were showering me with compliments?”

“Gladly. You’re also very smart.”

“Aww, thanks.”

“Which doesn’t stop you from being a dumbass about certain things, this being one of them.”

“Okay, well, thank you Lae, this was a very helpful distraction, but I think this conversation is over now.”

“If you say so,” Lae says, standing up. She heads for the door, turning back to add: “When he comes back tomorrow, which he will, you should get his number.”

“Go away,” Eve says exasperated as she tosses a pillow at Lae’zel. She dodges without as much as batting an eye.

Left to her own devices, Eve fetches her laptop and as she scrolls through the selection of horror movies on Netflix, she tries not to think too hard about Note Guy’s smile.

The night is restless.

A gunshot.

Blood. 

There is so much blood.

He’s still holding the gun with one hand when the other grabs her chin, forcing her to look at the body.

“Don’t you dare look away,” he commands, voice dripping with venom. “You made me do this. This is your fucking fault.”

The gun clatters to the floor and Eve startles when his hands come up to cradle her face.

Tears.

But not hers– His.

She might have been impressed by how quickly he managed to make them fall, were she not hypnotized by the growing pool of crimson on the plastic tarp.

“You know I love you, babygirl. You know that, right? I have to keep you safe. This is how I keep you safe.”

Her throat is too tight to utter a sound, but she manages a curt nod. He leans in to shower her with quick, frantic kisses, lips wandering around her face and neck, whispering praises and declarations of love against her skin.

But all Eve can do is stare at the unfortunate eyewitness. She was so beautiful, full of color and life. But now, her long purple hair sticks to her scalp in clumps, darkened with blood, her golden eyes wide open, frozen in terror.

Wrong place. Wrong time. 

That’s all it took.

The body turns its head to look straight at her.

Eve jerks awake, drenched in cold sweat. It takes her a moment to realize where she is, that she’s safe.

It’s not even 7 a.m. but she doesn’t want to go back to sleep, doesn’t want to risk seeing him again. She just needs to find a way to stay occupied until noon and then her shift will start, giving her something else to stress about. 

But no matter what she does, she can’t shake how visceral the dream felt. She keeps hearing his voice, fragmented memories resurfacing through the haze.

“You look terrible,” Wulbren greets her when she finally makes it into the diner.

“Thanks for noticing!” she responds, a little louder than intended, as she walks past him.

The next couple hours pass in a blur. 

It’s not her best day. One might even say that it’s one of the worst days in her illustrious career at the Blushing Mermaid. She confuses people’s orders multiple times. She nearly snaps at a customer for asking her why the prices are so high, as if that was somehow her decision.

Contrary to Lae’zel’s predictions, Note Guy doesn’t show up at his usual time, which Eve feels strangely grateful for. She doesn’t want him to see her like this, when her brain is so scattered, when just being here physically hurts. And it’s more than wanting to make a good impression on a customer—no, it’s something uniquely about him, about how he might perceive her. Though why would she care about his opinion in the first place? 

Half-way through the day, she is carrying a tray full of glasses when all of a sudden, she loses her balance. The tray tops over, glass shattering into a thousand pieces as it hits the floor.

Someone claps and cheers, like she’s a fucking court jester who went for ye olde broken glass gimmick in a desperate attempt to liven up the crowd.

Thank you. That’s so helpful and exactly what I needed right now.

She rushes to a couple seated at the nearest table, assessing for damage.

“Are you okay? I’m very sorry.”

“We’re okay sweetie,” the older woman reassures her. “Are you?”

The simplicity of the question hits her like a brick wall.

No.

“I’m okay, thank you. I’ll be right back to clean up.”

But as she heads for the kitchen, Lakrissa emerges with a broom and mop in hand.

“I’ve got it,” she whispers as they pass. “Go drink some water or something.”

Of course, it’s not long before Wulbren shows up looking for her, because apparently having a breakdown and needing a couple minutes to compose herself outside of her scheduled lunch break is highly unprofessional.

A couple hours later, as she enters the bar room, she spots the familiar white curls and curses under her breath. This time, Note Guy is wearing a lilac linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up. She briefly notes how much the color suits him before the dread of talking to him in her current state takes over.

“Welcome back,” she says when she comes up to his table.

He smiles with that stupidly charming smile of his and makes some comment about how busy the place is for a Tuesday night. His attempt at striking up a conversation goes completely over her head and instead of acknowledging it in any way, she just asks:

“What can I get you?”

Smooth. Keep up the attitude and he will stop coming back.

He must notice that something is off because he eases on the cheeriness and doesn’t force her into small talk, which Eve is eternally grateful for. Small mercies. 

By some miracle, she makes it to the last few minutes of her shift. 

She checks in on a booth full of men who have grown increasingly drunk and obnoxious throughout the evening. As she’s picking up the empty beer glasses off their table, she feels a hand rest on her waist as another man scoots behind her to join the group.

“Scuse me,” he mutters.

Because of course how could you possibly pass someone without touching them? It makes her skin crawl, her jaw tense as she picks up the pace.

“Aw, always with the frown,” the man says as he sits down, his speech slurring slightly. “What’s the problem, sweetie? You can tell me, I’m a good listener.”

“Anything else I can get you?” she asks, looking at the other people at the table.

“Get us another round,” the man says.

“Nah, Rick, you’ve had enough,” another one chimes in.

An argument breaks out, and Eve grasps at the opportunity to excuse herself:

“I’ll give you a moment to decide. I’m heading out soon, but I’ll have my colleague check up on you.”

When she turns away, she catches Note Guy’s gaze for a second, before he averts his eyes hurriedly.

She walks up to his table and asks:

“Anything I can get you before I’m off?”

“Just the check, please.” And then he looks like he might say something more, but instead he opts for a short: “Thank you.”

Eve goes through the motions of finishing up her shift, her mind miles away. When she eventually clocks out, she throws on her denim jacket and leaves through the back floor. Relief washes over her as she steps into the crisp night air, grateful that this disastrous day is finally over.

But the relief is short-lived as a familiar voice reaches her from the steps leading up to the front door of the diner.

“Oh, it’s you!” says Rick or Nick or whoever else, a limp cigarette hanging from his mouth.

Eve tenses immediately, her palms closing around a small can in her jacket pocket. She doesn’t particularly want to finish this day off by treating some drunk to a helping of pepper spray, though if he gives her the faintest reason, she won’t hesitate.

But the man seems harmless enough, though no less insufferable, as he stumbles down the steps and onto the parking lot, positioning himself rather inconveniently on the path to her car. 

“Didn’t mean to bother you back there, Miss,” he slurs as Eve walks briskly, eyes fixed on her destination. 

“It’s just– You looked so sad today and I know that look. My wife left me and it’s still hard sometimes. She took the dog, you know, my Millie–”

He continues his sorry tale as Eve keeps walking, refusing to acknowledge his existence.

“You know, sometimes when I get groceries I accidentally buy those chewy treats she liked so much. It’s a habit. Honest to God, I just forget–”

The diner door opens and shuts, but she doesn’t let it distract her as she passes the man in a wide berth.

But then she hears slow footsteps behind her, and her muscles tense anew, fingers gripping the spray as she flicks the safety mechanism to the side. And because apparently the situation is not aggravating enough, the familiar voice slithers into her mind, dripping with affection that makes her skin crawl:

“You gotta learn how to fight, baby, in case I’m not there to protect you. I need to know you can take care of yourself before I send you on a job all alone.”

“Twenty years of marriage and all of a sudden she wants a divorce, no warning, she says I stopped trying–”

Eve is almost by the car when another, chipper voice cuts through Dick’s drunken rant.

“There you are, darling! I told you to wait for me.”

Eve’s head snaps back in disbelief as she sees Note Guy jog towards them, his mouth curled up into a fond smile.

He stops beside her, and Eve catches a glimpse of his arm snaking up to her shoulders, but no touch follows. It’s as if he’s hovering his palm over her back in some exaggerated pantomime of affection.

“Is there a problem?” he asks sweetly, but his expression is tense as he looks up and down the man before them.

The customer ceases his sloppy soliloquy as his eyes flit back and forth between the two of them. Eve can almost hear the booze-soaked cogs turn in his mind as he tries to piece together the puzzle before him.

“Nah, no problem. Miss and I were just talking.” He gestures to Eve as he takes a drag of his cigarette.

“Mhm,” Note Guy hums, and then makes a show of checking his watch. “I think it’s time to go home, don’t you?” But he makes no effort to move, instead looking at the customer pointedly.

“Right, I ‘spose,” the man says, palming at his jacket pockets. “Shit, the boys took my keys.” He sighs, as if he wanted to say: don’t you hate it when that happens? “It’s not that far, guess I’ll just– I’ll be off then. Night, Miss,” he says before heading down the street.

Eve’s finger is still on the pepper spray when she turns to the man at her side. He takes a large step back, looking a touch embarrassed.

“Darling?” she asks incredulously.

“I briefly considered ‘babe,’ but that seemed even more awkward,” he says, fidgeting with his sleeves.

“Well, either way, this was unnecessary,” Eve says coldly. 

“Oh. Right. Well, I just– I saw him bother you in the restaurant and then– I didn’t want to just walk past without saying something when he was clearly making you uncomfortable. But I won’t take up more of your time,” he says, taking another step back. “Good night.” 

A tinge of guilt grips at her chest as she watches him turn around and briskly walk away. Her mouth opens before she can question it.

“Wait!”

He stops and turns halfway to glance back at her.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” he says, before resuming his walk.

She stands there for a moment, eyes fixed on his silhouette, hoping that the next time she sees him, she will feel more like herself—and not like she wants to curl up into a ball and hide from the world.

Once she’s back at her apartment building, she starts putting in the code to the door when it swings open, and a woman steps out, smiling to herself.

As the woman holds the door open, Eve recognizes her from the Hinge photo Lae’zel showed her last week—Jen, 25. Even prettier in person.

“Thanks,” Eve says, grabbing the handle, and watches Jen walk away, swaying slightly on her chunky platform boots. Her black night slip of a dress does absolutely nothing to shield her from the evening chill, but she doesn’t seem to care.

Eve can’t help but smile, head shaking in disbelief as she makes her way upstairs. 

When she gets to the apartment, she finds Lae in the kitchen in nothing but a tank top and underwear. She’s chopping some vegetables, the countertop full of neatly arranged tupperware containers.

“So that’s what you do after sex? Meal prep?!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lae’zel says, not looking away from the task at hand.

“I think you do,” Eve says, leaning against the fridge with her arms crossed. And then in a pointed tone, she adds: “I passed Jen on my way out.” 

But Lae’zel seems thoroughly unfazed.

“And?”

“It seems like you’re breaking your own rules. Need I remind you? Lae’zel’s Sex Codex, Rule Number One: ‘No second dates. Always leave them wanting more.”

“I left her wanting more, trust me.”

“Oh, I’m sure you did.” 

“How was work?” Lae’zel asks, making it abundantly clear that she will not be discussing her entanglement with Jen any further.

“Just about everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong.”

“What about Note Guy?”

“Oh. Like I said: everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong. Including Note Guy.”

This prompts Lae’zel to finally turn away from her chopping board.

“I need to know everything,” she demands, knife in hand.

“I desperately need a shower, but meet me in ten for face masks and story time?”

“It’s a date.”

a/n: thank you for reading! 🧡 a quick note on the language: "boluda" generally means "idiot," but in Argentinian Spanish it can also be used as a term of endearment between friends, which is how Lae uses it here

taglist: @roguishcat @arzen9 ✨ (lmk if you'd like to be added!)

my masterlist

[partiallypearl]

Mary Mouser as Samantha "Sam" LaRusso in Cobra Kai S5 EP4 - Downward Spiral

[paigebuckets6]

Number One Pick

Pairing: Caitlin Clark x reader

Genre: Homoerotic friendship, cheating, smut, angst + comfort ending.

Summary: You want Caitlin to pick you over her boyfriend Connor, just once.

Warnings: Smut with plot! Fingering, name calling/pet names, teasing, mild degradation

The game against Chicago Sky was close.

Caitlin had been booked and busy lately, playing 11 games in 20 days. This was the second game you were able to attend in person, as the only other had been her very first game of the season.

During the third quarter, you watch Chennedy Carter knock Caitlin to the ground while waiting for an inbound pass. You scream "flagrant foul!" with the rest of your section, but the refs declare it an away-from-ball foul.

It doesn't end up mattering anyway, though, cause the game ends 71 to 70.

The crowd is roaring, and you're cheering as loud as you can, watching the pride all over Caitlin's face. This was Indiana Fever's second win of the season, so you can't help but grin like an idiot at Caitlin and her teammates all celebrating on the court, high fiving, and yelling.

After Caitlin finishes her after post-game interview, she picks you up into a bear hug, her eyes lit up with happiness.

"We won!!! I missed you so much y/n"

Caitlin buries her face in your neck and her hands linger on your waist for a few seconds longer than necessary before she puts you down. You smile at her, patting her back.

"Yeah, I saw!! You did so good"

Caitlin rubs her arm absent-mindedly,

"I'm tired as hell.. I think my ankle hurts from earlier, too."

You just smile, and grab her bag from her.

"Come on, I parked outside"

Normally Caitlin drives, but you know she's exhausted from tonight, so you drive. She falls asleep in the car, and while you're stopped at a stoplight, you watch the way her hair's fanned out prettily on the headrest. Her eyelashes are dark, creating crescent shadows under her eyes. She looks so tired, the dark circles much more prominent than you remember.

You pull up to Caitlin's hotel- you're staying with her for a few days. She's been lonely lately, and wanting you to come visit. After her game tomorrow against New York Liberty she'll have a few free days until her game against the Washington Mystics on the 7th.

You're shorter than Caitlin- most people were, considering she was 6'0, and certainly not as strong, so you can't pick her up in her sleep, but in this moment you wish you could.

"Caitlin, we're here"

She blinks groggily and gets out of the car, and you make it all the way upstairs before she just flops onto the bed.

"Ugghhhh.. sorry y/n, I know I asked you to come stay, but I'm just so wiped..."

Caitlin groans into her pillow as her phone starts blowing up with notifications. During games she keeps it off, but now that she's at the hotel and connected to wifi, everything's pouring in.

"Probably just Twitter covering the Carter foul.. bullshit"

She turns over onto her side, looking at you.

"Yeah I saw that, what the hell was that foul??"

Caitlin rubs her arm again and you scoot closer to her on the bed, checking for a bruise.

"Nothing, you're good- and man, maybe they'll reevaluate?"

Caitlin just kicks off her shoes, chucking them closer to the door.

"They asked me about it during the post-game interview.. whatever, honestly, we still won."

Just then, Caitlin's phone rings, high and shrill. Connor's name flashes on the screen, bold and large.

"Who- oh him"

She ignores the call, flipping her phone over.

"I'm gonna take a shower- hopefully I'll be less dead after that and dinner"

Caitlin walks away then, not bothering to even give her phone a second glance, as she pulls clothes out for her shower.

Around 20 minutes later you hear the water turn off and she comes out of the bathroom with her hair wet, in nothing but a tank top and shorts.

You shift your position on the bed at the sight of her, crossing your legs at the feeling.

Caitlin presses a knee into the mattress and stands with her arms out.

"Come here, I'm sleepy"

Your heart wrenches a little, you're sure you're half in love with Caitlin- and how could you not be. Whatever this is between you two, you refuse to label it as just friendship. You wish you could.

Even still, you crawl over and hug her waist, breathing in the scent of her fresh shampoo. Her head rests on top of yours, water droplets hitting the back of your shirt.

"You should eat something-"

You say, your words slightly muffled by her chest and shirt. Her hands are in your hair, tangled in the strands, combing gently.

"Yeahhhh.. about that"

Caitlin tilts your head up to look at her, her fingers cool under your jaw. You feel her switch her weight to her other leg, sliding her knee between your legs.

Her brown eyes are dark, desire dilating her pupils, and you feel yourself longing for her more than you'd like to admit. You feel the pull in your stomach and subconsciously your hands grip her waist a little tighter as you stare at her.

You know what's gonna happen, even though you've told yourself over and over again to not let it happen. To just be friends, to set some boundaries, because she's got Connor and you can't just keep doing this, that she'd never pick you over him. But you just can't find it in yourself to hold back right now, the want too much.

Caitlin kisses you hungrily, hands on your face, and she pushes you over onto the bed, hips straddling your waist.

You moan into her mouth, hands pulling her in. You squeeze her ass as she adjusts on top of you.

"Take this off," She demands, and you take off your shirt quickly.

Caitlin just raises a brow, unhooking your bra for you, and sucks your nipple immediately, fingers kneading the other.

"Oh Caitlin-" You clutch at her hair as her hands continue to roam over you, pulling off your sleep shorts.

"You're so wet for me.. just waiting for me to do this huh?"

Caitlin's face is cocky, playful smirk playing on her face. Her fingers dip into your wetness, circling your clit, and she smirks wider as your hips raise slightly at her touch.

"Did you touch yourself thinking of me when I was away? Been my little slut?"

You moan at her words.

"Yes..." You admit.

"You like it when I call you a slut? My slut?" She asks, pressing kisses right under your jaw.

You moan a yes out as she pushes two fingers easily into you.

"Look at that, taking me so well"

Caitlin's going at a quick pace, her palm rubbing against your clit. You're gonna come fast if she keeps this up, and you feel it building in your lower stomach.

"I'm- I'm gonna come.. Caitlin"

You arch your back as she continues to hit your g spot roughly.

Caitlin grabs your face, making you look at her again.

"Come for me, I wanna hear you say my name y/n"

"Fuck Caitlin.. Caitlin.." You moan her name as you climax, finishing all over her.

She sucks her fingers when she takes them out, and you pull her down into a kiss.

"Wait, what about Connor?" You whisper, giving her an out, even though you know that's never stopped her.

"Who cares about him-" She says, panting slightly, too busy chasing her own high as your fingers dip into the waistband of her shorts.

"Fair-" It's your turn to smirk, even though the temporary win is bittersweet.

You find her clit easily, her underwear soaked.

"You made me feel so good, baby." The term of affection slips out by mistake, but she doesn't seem to notice as you kiss down her neck.

"Come on y/n, make me come-"

Caitlin's demand is cut short when her phone rings again, and Connor's name flashes on the screen for the second time.

"You gonna pick that up?" You tease as she sits up, looking at her phone. Your fingers are buried inside her, curling to hit her g spot, and you can tell she's warring with herself, even on top of you.

"I- uh-" Caitlin's moans are breathy, her hips rocking into your thrusts.

"You should answer, tell him who's fucking you"

You're being a little mean, annoyed at yourself for letting yourself get swept up in her again, annoyed at his existence, she doesn't even love him- so you tease her further by pulling her down onto you again.

"Fuck- I.. I can't.. I'm gonna come y/n"

Caitlin's moaning into your ear, her hand still clutched around the phone, the call ringtone loud and annoying, just like Connor himself.

"I want everyone to hear who's fucking you like this, cause it ain't him-"

"Y/n... oh god y/n" Caitlin comes, her body flush against yours. You bite her as she does, leaving a pretty hickey smack in the middle of her neck that she'll have to cover up later.

The call goes to voice-mail, and Caitlin's phone sits forgotten beside you two.

Caitlin gets off you, refreshed grin on her face.

"That was good.. UGH.. I guess I'll have to call him back later-"

You're not surprised, this is common. You wonder if you should say something, if you'll finally have the courage to tell her that this is the last time, that you can't keep doing this because you like her more than you should.

"Is it always gonna be like this Cait?"

You ask her, watching her run some water on a towel to throw to you, as per usual.

"What? It's just sex y/n" Caitlin avoids your eyes as she replies, pulling a shirt on.

"You're my best friend, it can't just be sex- he doesn't fuck you like this, doesn't make you feel like this!"

Caitlin's stepping into her shorts, her eyebrows knit together.

"He tries! And I don't know.. we're just friends..."

She trails off, like she's unsure of her own words.

You can't believe she wants to keep avoiding how she feels,

"Who was there at your first game of the season? Who was on call after every game after, debriefing with you? It wasn't him!"

"Y/n.."

You keep going as you throw on clothes of your own, suddenly feeling vulnerable naked in front of her.

"We act like girlfriends, in every sense but the title- we do everything together, we have sex, we call every night- do you even love him? You know this is more than sex."

Caitlin's standing up now, hand on her forehead.

"I... I don't know if I love him.. but I'm not gay! Or at least.. not-"

"What, not for me? Do you hear yourself??" You scoff at her.

Maybe it's too much, everything that's been going on, because Caitlin bursts into tears.

"Cait-" You say, lost for words as the tears run down her cheeks. She hates crying.

"It's too much.. being out here alone, not playing with Kate, Jada, Gabbie- being the rookie.. dealing with Connor.. and.."

She wipes at her eyes, looking at the bedspread as she tries to get out her next words.

"And how I feel about you- I know it's not fair to you that I'm still with him"

Your heart physically aches at her confession and you tap the spot on the bed next to you, placing her phone on the bedside table.

Caitlin hides her face in your chest, arms clutching you tightly.

"I'm sorry y/n"

You soothe her, stroking her hair,

"Shhhhh.. it's okay Cait"

She looks up at you, pushing herself upright.

"No, you're right.. it's not.. I thought if I kept trying to like him, that it might happen- and if I tried hard enough, maybe I'd feel even a fraction of how I feel around you, around him."

You move the hair out of her face, wiping away her tears.

"I get it" You say, as she continues.

"You're more than my best friend.. it'd be stupid to say this was just sex.. I don't want to lose you"

Caitlin's clutching your hands, and you want to believe her, to believe in you two.

Her phone rings again.

"It's Connor" You say softly.

There's determination in her eyes now, a fire you hadn't seen before. She takes the call, swiping across the screen.

"Hey I can't talk, I'll text later" Caitlin says briskly, before hanging up. You smile wide at her, despite yourself and the situation, and she smiles back.

"I'll dump him, I'm gonna make this right.. you're my number one pick y/n.. I swear it"

Caitlin's eyes are wide, solemn and honest. You believe her.

The clock on the wall reads 1 am and the tiredness hits you like a wave. You know she must be exhausted too.

You say softly,

"Why don't you start by cuddling me and sleeping?"

Caitlin's eyes light up at your words, relieved.

"Okay, I can do that"

Caitlin settles under the covers, and you feel yourself falling asleep as you kiss her forehead.

Guess she really would pick you over him.

---

Authors Note: I know I usually write for Paige but I've been wanting to write a fic with this concept and couldn't make Paige work. Hope y'all don't mind the change, Paige fic coming soon.

[emotionalhottiee]

Made For Each Other!

Chapter 1: A New Friend

Aleah

“40-inch when, I bust down

G6, how I touch down

Hot girl, put them cuffs down

Icy from the neck down

I'm that bitch, so they all dissin'

Puttin' on for the tall bitches

All these hoes be big fans

Swingin' at the air and they all missin”

I rapped with my whole chest, as Megan Thee Stallion blared my speakers while i stepped out of my afternoon shower. Today is the day I start my new job as an assistant content officer working for WWE. Working as a mentee under The Paul “Triple H” Levesque. I have to make the right impression, to be taken serious as a young black woman in a white male dominated field as my mom would always say.

Finishing up the final touches on my makeup, i made sure all the lights in my apartment were off, before heading to my car. Lookin at my apple watch the time read 1:16pm sounds like i have enough time to stop by Starbucks. For an afternoon Coffee. I am gonna have to get use to this crazy schedule, between starting work around 3 in the afternoon until after midnight possibly, to being on the road most of the week. This is going to be a different experience for me. Especially because this is my first big girl Job, since graduating from college.

“Ugh would yall please hurry the hell up” i quietly raged in the comfort of my own car. Why do people get in both lanes to drive the same slow ass speed? I questioned to myself. Praying i won't be late for my first day of work. That would be so embarrassing.

After a short drive from starbucks i made it to the State Farm Arena. Pulling into the parking lot where Monday Night Raw, will be filmed tonight. I am very happy my first show is in the city i live in. I peaked at the clock on my dashboard and the time read 2:49pm. That allowed me to let out a high sigh of relief. “Thank goodness I’m not late” i said gratefully checking my makeup one last time, before making my way into the building. Swiping my badge i got a few days prior at my orientation. I smiled and waved to all the WWE employees i walked past. My heels clicking on the creating a small echo against the concrete, as i made my way into elevator area of the parking structure.

Walking in to the elevator, and pressing the up button to take me to the main floor of the arena. I stepped into the big elevator and just as the door was closing i saw HIM. A very fine specimen of a man. His tall muscular frame making his way over to the elevator, trying not to miss it. I stuck my hand out of the elevator just enough to stop it, causing the door to reverse opening back up, to allow the hunk onto the elevator. “Preciate it” he said in a deep powerful voice. Sending chills down my spine, into my vagina causing her to throb a little. “You’re welcome” i replied calmly. Trying not to let the man see, he had me weak in the knees off two words.

I never really been into wrestling as a kid, that was more of my dad & older brother’s thing. But i had been brushing up on all things wrestling in order to not seem like a fish out of water. And clearly i had to learn about the finest men in the WWE, which is how i learned about The Jey Uso. I had to relax my thoughts, before i started sweating, because it’s late fall in Atlanta. This is not sweaty weather. Snapping back to reality i watched as big sexy tried pressing the lobby button, but it was already lit from me pressing it just a few moments earlier. My mind started roaming again, wondering how close we were going to be working together, if at all.

But my thoughts were quickly interrupted by the elevator dinging letting us know we were on out floor. The big fine gentlemen holding the elevator doors open for me. “Thank you” i replied putting on my sweetest voice. “You’re welcome” he replied kind but so matter of factly.

Hopefully i will be seeing him again. I blushed as i made my way to the backstage area looking for Triple H, so he could give me the rundown and everything i will be doin. I wish i coulda talked more to big sexy, but the shyness took over my body while i was intoxicated off the smell of his cologne. Lord knows i don’t need to get involved with someone i work with. Things could get quite messy, if it didn’t work out. Snapping myself out of my thoughts, i finally saw Triple H. “Hello Mr. Levesque i greeted him reaching my hand out for a shake. “Ah Miss Alexander, welcome to your new home” he reached his hand out returning the handshake.

Finishing up the impromptu tour of the arena, and its offices. Triple H gave me a brand new work computer so that i can log in to all the WWE website, and save all my media. I found my way to catering to grab a snack. And to fidget around with my work computer. Finding an empty table. I sat down doing some remote work, for my other job as a junior project manager. I’m thankful my other job is remote and i can just login anywhere i have teams. I was focusing on my work, answering my emails. When i felt a large figure looming behind me. Before i could turn around big sexy was in front of me asking to sit down.

Jey

After unloading my bags from the trunk i made my way over to the elevator, only to find it closing. I wasn’t even worried about catching the elevator until i saw HER. A fine ass shawty standing in the elevator. I had never seen her before, so i had to see who my future wife was. I started jogging over to the elevator now hoping i can catch it before it closes. Luckily shawty held the doors open for me. “Preciate it” i said trying not to sound out of damn breath. “You’re welcome” she said her voice so soft and cute.

Trying not to look to obvious i stole a couple of glances while going to press the button for the Lobby, but i realized she had already pressed it. I stole one more glance, before noticing she had a WWE badge clipped to her purse. “She must be new here” i thought to myself, quickly getting snapped out of my thoughts, by the elevator dinging. I went to hold the door open for shawty, stealing one last look. DAMN she was fine as hell… “Thank you” she said, barely hearing it above the sound of my own thoughts. You’re welcome” i replied back. We went our separate ways but i caught her name from her badge before we did. I definitely will be seeing you later Miss Aleah. I thought to myself smiling as i made my way to the locker rooms.

After dropping my bags off in my locker room, i was making my way into catering when i saw shawty talking to Triple H. I wonder what she does here, and how come i ain’t neva seen her? It don’t really matter as long as i get to see more of her fine ass. I got distracted from my thoughts running into Damian, and Rhea. After a few minutes chopping it up with Damian & Rhea i was finally on my way to catering. I felt my phone vibrating in my pants pocket so i took it out, only to be slightly annoyed at the notification.

iMessage

Saniah; goodluck tonight zaddy. I miss you

Shrugging my shoulders i just slide my phone back in my pocket. Don’t get me wrong Saniah is cool, but I’m not trying to be in no relationship with her. But she always texting me, like she is my girl. And besides i couldn’t stop thinking about shawty from earlier. She got my mind & my heart racing. I can’t believe it, i haven’t even officially met the girl. Getting myself a sandwich i saw shawty sitting at a table by herself. This is my opportunity to introduce myself. I gotta bag her, before someone else tries talking to my girl.

As i honed in on her like a lion, stalking his prey. I was approaching her and i saw she was typing away on her computer. Whatever she was doing she was focused and singing a song i had never heard before. But her vocals were on point, let me find out my girl can sing. I didn’t want to scare her, so i walked around the table until i was in front of her. “Mind if i sit here babygirl” i asked while pointing to the chair that had her big ass Louis bag. She snatched a headphone out of her ear, before replying “yeah of course. let me move my purse out of the way”. She likes the finer things i see, ima have to spoil my princes.

She smiled at me before moving the bag, so that it was hanging off of her chair.

Damn she has a beautiful smile.

“Whatchu got in that big ass purse a body?” I chuckled looking at the bag that was almost as big as her. That bag was big as hell. “Nothing just my work stuff”. She giggled pushing a hair behind her ear. “You must be new around here” i asked watching her face intently. I smiled at her showing off my bottom row of grillz. “Yes today is actually my first day. I do content for WWE”. She said still smiling. “That’s wassup. My name is Josh, but everyone calls me Jey”. I responded reaching my hand out. “Nice to meet you Josh, I’m Aleah”. She responded sweetly returning the handshake. Bring her soft little hands into mine.

“I hope you didn’t mind me joining you” i mentioned after our greeting. “Oh no you’re fine” she spoke so softly.

She has the softest voice i had ever heard. This must be what angels sound like.

Series Disclaimer!

Tag List:

@prettypink-princesss

[justwhisperingfantasies]

Pairing: Jensen Ackles x Reader

Characters: Reader. Jensen. Jared. Mac. Heather. Alex. Kyle. Mike.

Warnings: Language, Drinking, Heartbreak, Fluff, Angst, Couple Fighting. Rough Sex. Unprotected Sex [no just no] Breed Kink, P-I-V , Oral [both receiving] I think that's all if not lmk.

A/n: Sorry this one took forever and I'm sorry. Beginning is sad be prepared.

You guys are amazing. Seriously thank you for every heart, reblog, and comment. I love hearing your feedback. 🫶 Please do not copy my work.

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My Master List

Series Master List

Special Thank You To: @copperboom82 Thank you beta-ing and listening to all my rambles. 🫶

Jensen

He pulled into the drive way, and parked beside Beau. He huffed, if this went bad, she would probably change his name.

He walked up to the porch, finding her siting on the porch steps.

“Hey, “He said lightly kicking the step her feet were on.

She scooted, giving him room to sit down.

“I can explain.” He took her silence as sign to continue. “She told me her dad was in the hospital. That he wasn’t going to make it. I felt bad, that’s why I stayed to talk, next thing I know she threw her arms around me.”

She stayed silent.

“There’s nothing.”

“So I got a call on my way home.” She cut him off.

He rolled his eyes, “Let me guess.”

“Yep, it was her. “ She sighed. “How did she get my number?”

“I don’t know… What did she say?”

“Oh ya know, how you couldn’t believe people actually thought we were married.”

“I never said that.”

“But you did talk to her that night, and you lied about it.”

“Yes, but I told you the truth.”

“After you lied.” She took a drink of her water. “She also told me y’all have been fuckin this whole time and how much you just loved fucking her in my cowboy hat.”

He scoffed a laugh, “Now you know that’s not true.”

She turned on the screen of her phone and handed it to him. White hot rage bubbled in his stomach as he saw a picture of Heather lying in his bed with y/n’s hat on.

“She sent 4 of different poses. You can scroll through them, if you’d like.”

“You don’t have to be a smartass.” He said handing her phone back.

She swiped and turned the phone back in his direction, “Oh and there’s this one. Of you, her, and some of your band mates, the night we met.”

“She came in, had a beer, and wished us good luck. That’s it.”

She swiped again “And one of you and her at the brewery. Which I just found has a co-owner.”

Jensen huffed, “I am been trying to buy her out since the divorce. She won’t budge.”

“And correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that what you wore fishing last Sunday?”

“Yes, she told me it was for the website, but it’s not like I’m holding her or sticking my tongue down her throat.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Yeah… So that makes it all ok?” Her voice cracked.

“I didn’t say that.”

The cicadas hummed as they sat there. Neither knowing what to say.

She wiped her eyes before the tears could fall. “She also said, that you told her that you hope I’m not pregnant with your kid.”

“That’s not fucking true. You can ask Jared,” He sighed. Kickoff the steps he got up and started to pace. “Why would I do half the shit I've done if I was fucking someone else, or if I didn't want a future with you?”

She stayed silent.

“And do you really think I’d cheat on you?”

“You cheated before…”

“That’s not fair.” He blinked back his tears.

“You really wanna talk about what’s fair right now?”

“Look, I know everything is all fucked up right now” He grabbed her hand and held it in both of his. “And you have more reasons to not trust me right now, but baby the things she said isn’t true.”

“Jensen..”

“Don’t. y/n don’t let her win.”

She stayed silent.

“This can't be over.”

She looked over at him, wiping the tears away from his cheek “I don’t want it to be, but how do we come back from this?”

Jensen

“Hey man,” Jared said as he sat down at the bar of the brewery

“J.P. what’s up bud?’ Jensen greeted, cracking a can of beer open and sliding it to Jared.

“Not much. How are you?”

Jensen opened another one for himself. “Eh, I’m hanging in there.”

“So, have you talked to y/n?”

“Not since Sunday,” Jensen said after taking a drink.

“It’s only been two days, just give it some time, man everything will work out.”

“You remember what I’ve told you about my luck right?!.”

“And what usually happens when I say i have a good feeling about something?”

Jensen rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Jensen lifted his head as he heard a car door, “Motherfucker.”

“Dude. Follow my lead.”

Jensen tilted his head with furrowed brows.

Jared pulled out his phone and began scrolling.

Reader

“Aw Jared.” Mac said as his name flashed on the radio screen.

“He’s probably with Jensen.” You reached for the ignore button, but Mac slapped away your hand and hit the green button

“Jay-rod!” She exclaimed. No answer. “Jared? Hello?”

New text message popped up on the screen.

Padalecki: Trust me. Don’t hang up. Please just listen. And please do not hold anything against us. We are just great actors I promise 😉 you know we love you.

You pulled into the nearest parking lot and pulled your e-brake. Mac turned the volume up.

“Hey! Heather!” Jared shouted

“You need to cut him off if he is happy to see me.”

“I’m just happy, now that y/n is gone we can finally have fun again.” Jared slurred.

Your jaw dropped.

You heard Jensen chuckle. “What are you doing here?”

“I just came to see how you were doing.”

“Better now.”

“I thought you’d be mad.” Heather’s voice got closer.

“Eh, I was at first, but I see why you did it.”

“Jared, can I talk to Jay for a minute?”

“Sure thing. I gotta piss anyway.”

You heard some ruckus and what sounded like a barstool slide across the floor.

Heather laughed. “You really need to cut him off.”

“He would have done that sober” Jensen chuckled again “So, What can I do for you darlin’?”

“Just acting.” Mac whispered as you grinded your teeth.

“Is it true? Did you guys really break up?”

“Yes, ma’am”

“Thank god.”

“Can I ask you somethin’?”

“Anything.”

“How’d you get the picture in her cowboy hat?” Jensen chuckled “Man she was so pissed.”

“Promise you won’t press charges?”

“Now, would I do that to you?” Jensen said in a flirty voice, making your jaw clench again.

“Well, I kinda broke into your house. I was just going to take pictures in your bed, but I saw the hat and I knew it wasn’t yours, so I figured why not.”

“You’re an evil genius, Heather.”

“I know.” she snickered. “Hey, have you heard anything? Is she pregnant?”

“No. she’s not. How the hell did you know about that?”

Heather laughed. “I watched her the night of the pop-up. Nobody goes to a bar and orders soda unless they are pregnant.”

“God, I forgot how damn clever you are.”

“So now that she is out of the way, maybe we could.”

You heard another round of ruckus. “Jensen you need to fix these floors dude.” Jared said in his drunk voice.

“Well i gotta get going.” Heather’s voice seemed farther.

“I’ll call you later.”

“Dude. Are you really going to call her later?” Jared asked in a normal voice.

“Fuck no.”

“Did you get anything good?”

“Yes. Please tell me you were recording that.”

“No, better. y/n?”

You bit the inside of your cheek, “Ow.” You said when Mac nudged your arm.

“Bonnie?”

“Yes, Sasquatch.”

“Did you hear it?” Jensen asked.

“Yes.”

“What did she say?”

“She just admitted that pretty much everything she said was a lie.” Mac told him.

“Not everything.” you mumbled.

“Hey there Mac.” Jared said.

“Hello boys.” Mac said using her Crowley impression, making you laugh,

“So y/n, what do you mean not everything?” Jensen asked

You sighed. “Can we talk about it later?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Reader

Your heart pounded as your finger loomed over his contact. “Come on ” you told yourself.

You hit the green button and brought the phone to your ear.

“Hey.” Jensen said as he answered.

“Hello Mr. Ackles.”

He chuckled. “How are you?”

“I’ve been better. How about you?”

“Same.”

“What are you doing?”

“Sitting on my couch. Having some scotch.”

“Mmmm scotch.”

“Did you take a test today?”

“Yeah.” You murmured

“Well I can tell by your enthusiasm that it was good news.” He huffed.

“I'm sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“I don't know I just feel bad.”

“Well don't. We kinda knew it was a long shot anyway.”

“Yeah…” you sighed. “Still would of been kind of cool though.”

“Really? So you.” You heard the beep on his end. “Hey bab-” He stopped himself “Eh, y/n I gotta take this. Gimme a minute.”

“Sure.”

After a couple minutes you got antsy.

Y/n: Do you just want to call me back. Ackles: No. Y/n: Is everything ok? Ackles: Lawyer. Y/n: So I shouldn't be stealing your attention.😂 Ackles: Don't have to steal it. You always have it.

“I’m sorry.” Jensen said,

You jumped a little as his voice came through the speaker.

“You're fine. Is. Never mind not my business.”

“Frank and I, Frank is my lawyer. We have a meeting tomorrow with Heather and her lawyer.”

“Ah. I see.”

“Yes I'm gonna push her to let me buy her out.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

“Let's just hope she does.” He huffed “So you wanna tell me what you meant earlier with that comment?”

“The not everything one?”

“Yep. That'd be the one.”

“Well I mean she didn't. She asked me why I never came to the brewery and I said I don't know. She said because Jensen couldn't have the 2 girls he was fucking in the same spot. I know now you weren't fucking her. But you didn't tell me about her co-owning the place and apparently always there.”

“Actually she hadn't even stepped a foot in it for a year, the day our pictures came out, boom there she was. That was the day the boys and I went fishing.”

“See I didn't know that. Maybe you should learn how to open up more.”

“And invite you into all this bullshit?”

“Yes, when you are in a relationship with someone their bullshit is your bullshit and yours, theirs. If I would of known about the brewery, she wouldn't have been able to use it against you.”

“I don't know, I just got scared. And then it felt like too much time had passed. Like I was hiding it.”

“But you were.”

He sighed. “Yeah.”

“And she did come see you the night we met, but I guess I can't hold that against you since we weren't technically together.” your phone beeped. “And now I'm getting another call.”

“Maybe you should of just came over.” he teased

You hit the red button as you read private caller. “I need to get my number changed.”

“Let me guess.”

“Yep. I ignored it.”

“Great, now she's calling me.”

You sighed. “She's always gonna be there isn't she?”

“Not if I can help it.”

Reader

“I can not believe you talked me into this shit.” you said walking through the doors of the honky tonk.

“Trust me, I'm just as surprised at you.” Mac laughed as you followed her to the bar. “Bar keep!” She pounded her first down getting the guys attention.

“Omg is that McKinley Jane?”

“Hey Kyle, How are you?”

“Good! Girl i haven’t seen you in months.” He turned toward you. “You must be y/n. I’m Kyle.” He stuck his hand out.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Alex is here somewhere.” He said turning back to Mac.

“You know Alex?” you asked

“Yep, I know Jensen and Jared too. Jensen and I went to school together.”

“Ah, so how big of a dork was he back then?”

Kyle chuckled. “Imagine the same guy with a baby face, no beard or shaggy hair. He’s always been a dork. Great guy though.”

You sighed. “Yeah.”

“So you guys want a beer? Or we have Jell-o shots tonight…”

“Give us one of each.” Mac told him. “Start a tab?” She said handing her i.d and credit card to him.

“You got it darlin’. What flavor?”

“Surprise us.”

“Hey gorgeous.” You heard Alex say as he wrapped his arms around Mac from behind. A faint sense of jealous hit you. “Hey there stud.”

You cleared your throat. Alex chuckled. “Hi y/n.”

“Oh. Hi.” You teased.

“The boys and I got a pool table in the back. Y’all wanna play?”

“If you mean kick the crap out of you let’s go,” Mac snickered.

“Thanks Kyle,” she shouted, handing you your beer. The two of you took your shots and handed for the back corner.

You and Mac followed Alex, the balls were racked and ready to go.

“So,” Alex said picking up a pool stick. “I call dibs on y/n’s partner.”

You laughed.

“Ha! I think the fuck not, bud.” Mac playful sneered.

“Did you really think that was going to work?” You asked him

Alex shrugged I thought I'd give it a shot.”

“She can't be that good.” A guy walked up beside you.

“I've known her most of my life and I've only seen her lose twice.” Mac explained. “The first time she was drunk off her ass, the second time.”

“He cheated.” You cut her off with a smile.

“Y/n, Mike. Mike y/n.” Alex introduced him. Mike nodded at you “Pleasure.”

“Same.” you told him. “Mac you break.”

“Why do you get to break?”,

“Did you rack them?”

“Yeah.”

“You know it's bad luck do break your own rack right?”

“Ok maybe you know your stuff. Doesn’t mean you're good.” Mike teased.

Mac took her shot. Nothing went in “you should of broke.” She told you shaking her head.

Mike swaggered over the the white ball. 1

He got 2 striped balls in, before missing a shot.

“Alright sweetheart. Let's see what you got.” He taunted, stepping back.

You strolled over to where the white ball was, sinking 4 balls in.

“Damn little lady.” Mike commented.

“I told ya.” Mac said

You lined up your next shot and your head dropped with a groan when you missed.

You walked over to the table and took a drink of your beer.

“Finally.” Alex teased

“So are you single?” Mike asked as stepped beside you.

“Um. Technically, but I’m really not.” you said as you watched Alex, he got 2 more balls in.

“Y/n!” You turned around finding Matt walking up to you.

“Well hello there.”

“How are you?”

“Good, you?”

“I'm good, where's Jensen at?” Matt asked

“Not sure”

“Shit! I forgot I'm sorry.”

“Your Jensen’s ex?” Mike blurted out.

His words were like a punch to the gut. You nodded, not being able to form words.

“Please don't tell him I hit on you.”

You rolled your eyes.

You and Mac looked up as your heard the commotion coming from the bar area.

“Wonder what that is...” Mac said looking at you

“I’m gonna go get another round.” Alex said. “I’ll let you guys know.”

“Oh, Grab some Jell-o shots too, baby.” Mac called after him.

“You’re up.”

Mac went over and lined up her shot, getting one ball in.

“Well I see why you always partner with y/n.” Mike teased Mac.

“Just shut up and shoot.” She joked back.

Mike got 2 balls in before he missed.

“You’re up Jaws.”

“Harty Har,” you said sarcastically. “I’ve never read that one before.”

You got the last 2 of your balls in, you line up the shot for the 8 when you heard his voice.

“I got next.” Jensen challenged.

You called your shot and made it in.

“I don’t know Jay, she’s pretty good.” Mike said.

“I’ve beat her before.”

“You cheated! And you had help from Steve.”

“Well come on cowgirl, show me what your made of.” He nodded to the empty table

“You’re on, Ackles.”

Jensen.

“So, what are we going to bet this time?” she asked as she started racking the balls.

“Hmm.. I could think of something.” He smirked as his eyebrows raised.

She rolled her eyes.

“I was talking about the next round, sweetheart.” he chuckled.

“Sure you were you perv,” she teased

“Better idea. If I win you have to come to the Dallas con this weekend.”

“Alright, And what do i get if I win?” She asked.

“I’ll take you to the Dallas con this weekend.”

She laughed, “Or…” she bit her lip as her eyes scanned him up and down.

“Alright, kettle.”

“Just shut up and break already,” she taunted.

He did sinking 2 of the solid balls.

“Damn, small balls again.”

“God, I forgot how much shit you talk when you play pool.”

She giggled as she lined up her shot.

“Yeah, but I can back up my shit talk,” she said after getting 3 balls in, making him laugh.

He lined up for a jump shot and got the ball he wanted in. “So can I darlin’.” He winked at her, he laughed again as she rolled her eyes. Jensen put 2 more balls in before missing a shot.

“Son of a bitch” She exclaimed.

“Alright, Dean calm down!” Jared said as he approached.

She let out a belly laugh. “That’s my man.”

“He has really pretty eyes.” Jared said in a high pitched voice.

“Oh my god! And those muscles.” y/n added.

“Oh and those bow legs.” Jared said as he started fanning himself.

“Alright! That’s enough,” Jensen groaned with pink cheeks.

“So, Bonnie you whooping his ass?”

“Not at the moment.” she walked around the talk “About to be though.”

“Less talkin’ more shootin’.” Jensen teased.

She stuck her tongue out at him, making him and Jared laugh.

They watched as she got 3 more balls in.

“Damn, Ackles, I think you’ve met you’re match.” Jared commented.

“I know.”

She cleared her throat when she got the last one of her balls in.

“Oh, look I’m down to the 8 ball, Jensen.”

“So much shit!” He chuckled, “Hold on, what did we settle on a bet?”

“I’m about to win and your going to change it now?”

“Were you serious?!”

“Guess you’ll have to play the game and find out.”

She called her 8-ball shot and missed.

“Wah-wah-Wah.” Jared teased her.

“Don’t you have a forest to go frolic in or something sasquatch?”

“Damnit.” She said when Jensen got his last 2 balls in.

“Which pocket you going for Jensen?” Jared asked.

“Top right.” He looked up at her, lined up his shot, and missed.

She called the 8 and made it in. She gasped. “Mac!” y/n ran over to her.

“Damn Ackles, I thought you had it,”

“Yeah, me too” He smiled as he watched them celebrate.

Reader.

“I know you threw the game.” as you approached him, playfully kicking his boot that was sticking out as he leaned on the pool table ankles crossed.

“You can’t prove it.”

“I don’t want to.”

His head lifted slightly as he laughed.

“So, how was your meeting today?” you asked standing in front of his long legs.

“Well, that’s actually why I’m here,” he sighed, “This place is for sale.”

Your jaw dropped. “So, what’s going to happen?”

“Well, since Heather and I couldn't come to an agreement. We are going to sell and spilt the offer.”

“No way!”

“Yea, It will be on the market, Friday.”

“And there’s nothing you can do?”

“Nope,” he looked down. “She won. That was the last thing she could take away from me.”

You placed you legs on either side of his and waddled over them, wrapping your arms around him. He sat his beer down and pulled you closer as his arms wrapped around your waist. You heard him inhale deeply as he nuzzled into the crook of you neck, sending shivers down your spine.

“Jensen, I’m sorry.”

“It will be ok, It’s just a brewery.”

“Just a brewery?! That place is your baby.”

“Well that’s two I’ve lost this week…”

“It’s my fault.”

“How in god’s name is any of this your fault?!” He reared his head back with bewilderment in his eyes.

“You were doing fine until I came along. Now everything is fucked up.”

“You didn’t fuck anything up sweetheart. She did.”

“But if it wasn’t for me she wouldn’t.”

He pressed his lips to yours, cutting off your words. He rested his forehead on yours.

“I wouldn’t trade this,” he gestured to the two of you, “for anything in the world.”

You pulled his lips back to yours, his hands gripped your ass and pulled you closing. Your lips parted your lips inviting his tongue. you heard a small groan as he rolled his tongue against yours.

His nose nuzzled yours when the kiss ended. “From now on you have to be completely honest, and stop shielding me from the bullshit. I’m a big girl. I can take it.”

“I promise.”

“I don’t care if I’m not gonna like it. Hiding it or lying about it is gonna make it so much worse.”

“I know.”

“Like for real Jensen Ross.”

“Wait.. Does that mean?!”

You nodded your head with a smile.

He gasped and you were off the ground in seconds, spinning around as your arms held on tight.

“Ok Jensen stop. Or I will throw up on you.”

He chuckled as he stopped spinning.

He kissed you again.

“You wanna put me down?”

“Nope.” He nuzzled your nose again.

“So you’re just gonna walk around like this?”

“Yep.”

“And how long do you really think that’s gonna last?” you asked

“For the rest of my life.”

Jensen

Somehow she managed to still kick her shoes off at his door, her lips never leaving his.

His fingers found her ass, he heard a small yelp against his lips as he lifted her off the ground.

He plopped down on the closest couch in the sitting room, He heard a light moan as her core bounced off his hardening bulge making it thrum.

Her fingers knocked his hat off as they twisted in his hair, she moaned into his mouth as she rolled her hips, making him do the same.

She broke the kiss, her fingers pulling at the hem of his shirt. He lifted his arms and leaned. Her eyes danced across his chest as she threw it behind her. He smiled, his hands gliding up her sides pushing her shirt up, Jensen threw it and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her chest to his face, kissing and nibbing at the exposed skin. He found his favorite spot. Although there wasn’t a mark there anymore there soon would be.

She inhaled sharply as he sucked and raked his teeth across her skin, just above her right breast.

“I should probably just get a tattoo of a hickey there, at this point.” She teased, making him chuckle.

“Don’t act like you don’t love it,” he said then raked his teeth against the sensitive skin again, making her whine.

His fingers found her bra clasp next. He watched as the cool air hardened her nipples as he pulled it off, Her hips began to roll as he flicked his tongue against one, kneading the other in his palm.

A growl left his lips as she quickened the paced of her hips, making his cock throb.

She kneeled on the floor in front of him, pulling his pants down once she got them unbuttoned.

He felt her hot breath on his cock, making it tingle.

Breaths turned into pants as he watched her pretty mouth wrap around his cock.

“Fuck baby.” He cried out as she slid down his shaft.

His head went foggy as hers started bobbing. Pulling her hair out of her face he twisted it around his hand. Her eyes flashed up to him, sending shivers all over his body. He noticed the tears well in her eyes as his cock hit the back of her throat. “Baby...” he whined again. She moaned, the humming vibrations making the tension start to build in his spine.

“Damn baby.” He said trying to catch his breath. She grinned as she stood up, unbuttoning and pulling down her jeans. She straddled him again after she kicked them off her ankles.

“Um excuse me?” he exclaimed.

“Get me back later,” She whispered “right now I want you inside me.” her words making his cock throb again. He grabbed her hips as she lined his tip to his entrance.

Her pussy enveloped him as she slid down, making them both moan, as his cock stretched her tight wet walls.

His fingers tightened on her hips as they started to rock, pleasure coursing through his veins.

Heavy pants and moans filled the room as her pace quickened, making her clench around him.

She leaned back, her hands on his thighs, moaning his name as he watched her tits bounce. Fuck she was so hot.

“Baby, I'm getting close,” he warned her with a groan.

“Jensen. “ She cried out as he walls clenched tighter.

“Babe. Babe,“ he said head foggy.

He felt her cum trickle down as her pussy squeezed him, making his balls tighten. He tried to buck her off , but she pushed back down.

“For real?” She nodded as her hips started to bounce again.

He wrapped his arms around her and went a loud grunt the tension released as his warm seed coated her walls.

His muscles relaxed, as she put her lips to his.

“I love you.” he said as her forehead rested on his

“I love you too.”

Reader.

You woke to the smell of burnt bacon as the smoke detector wailed. Pulling his t-shirt over your head you made your way to the kitchen

“Jensen?!” you yelled

“It’s fine, It’s fine. I just had the stove too high.”

“Are you sure? Where’s your fire extinguisher?”

“Not necessary,” He looked over at you, doing a double take as he noticed his shirt. His eyes scanned lower as he bit his lip. “Whatcha got on under that?”

“Can you focus on the food before you burn your house down?” you quipped pouring yourself a cup of coffee.

He flipped off the stove. “I’m done anyway, mouth.” he smiled as he swaggered over to you and too the mug out of your hands

“Um, haven’t we covered this already? Taking my coffee equals violence.”

He chuckled as he sat on the counter.

“Yes but speaking of mouths, I believe I owe you.”

You gasped as his arms caught you and tossed you up on the corner. His hand glided up your thighs as his lips captured yours.

Trailing kisses down your neck, he pulled the shirt up to your collar bone. You leaned back on your hands as his mouth moved down to your breast. His tongue swirled around your nipple as his fingertips found your clit, making you cry out his name.

He lifted your ass and scooted you back to the middle of the island, Spreading your legs his head dipped down “Baby,” you moaned as he ran his togue up and down your slick sending pleasure through your veins.

Finding your clit his tongue swirled around it as he slid 2 fingers inside you. You could feel the tension start to build as he started pumping his fingers making your walls clench around them.

“Fuck Jensen.” You moaned out as he curled his fingers, hitting the sweet spot just right.

He slammed his fingers deep. “You gonna come baby?”

“Yes.” you moaned as he slammed his fingers again.

“Come on then.” He flicked his tongue against your clit. “Let me feel it.”

The tension got tighter as his tongue lapped faster.

You shivered as your climax coursed through your veins, his fingers slowed as you pulsated around them. Grinning at you he grabbed your hips and pulled you back to the edge. He pressed his lips against yours.

“You know I love you right?”

“Yeah.”

“Good.”

He spun you around once you feet hit the floor, bending you over the counter.

Pulling his sweat pants down he unleashed his already hard cock, He pushed his t-shirt up your back, lining his tip up to your entrance

“Fuck.” He moaned as he pushed inside you, grabbing your ass as he stretched you again. “You good?”

You nodded, feeling a sting on your across your backside. He drew his hips back, making you moan his name as he slammed back into you. Pleasure started coursing through you again as his pace quickened, his fingertips so tight around your hips you swore you could feel the bruising start.

You could feel the tension start building, faster than it had before as your walls squeezed him.

“Oh. So close already?” he taunted

“Yeah baby, don’t stop.” You cried out as his hand dipped between you thighs, finding your clit.

His hips went even faster, bring the tension to it’s peak, You moaned his name as waves of orgasmic bliss course through you again,

“You gonna let me come inside again?”

“Yes.” you moaned, causing him to pound harder.

“Fuck.” he groaned as he pushed deep inside you, filling you with his hot pearly cum.

He spun you around again as you stood up, weaving his lips with yours as he pulled you against him.

Reader

“But babe, look at this one.” He picked up the phone off the display rack, “And it’s blue!”

“Jensen, I don’t need a new phone. Just a new number.”

“Howdy folks. Sorry about your wait. What can we do for you?”

“But, Its bigger than the one you have now.” Jensen protested.

You sighed. “Please ignore him. I don’t need a new phone.”

The sale associate’s eyes looked over to Jensen as he stepped beside you.

“Holy crap! You’re Jensen Ackles.” the young man gasped. “Oh my gosh I just love Supernatural, and you as Soldier Boy was just absolutely amazing. Oh! and Beau Arlen Just Ah.”

Jensen gave him a diffident smile and stuck out his hand “Nice to meet you…”

“Tony.”

“Tony!” Jensen repeated.

“What can I do for you sir?”

“We both need new numbers and she needs that phone over there.”

“No, I don’t.” Your argument fell on deaf ears as they ignored you.

“Alright, I just need your current phone number,” Tony said typing on his tablet as Jensen rattled it off. “And it looks like you are eligible for an upgrade. And if we were to add her line to your account you would get a discount on the phone. With the special we are running you would also get a free pair of air pods.”

“Absolutely Not Jensen!” you objected

He gave you a mischievous grin “Do that both with new numbers.”

“Alright, Let me go grab those. Did you want the pro max’s?”

“The biggest and the best.”

“This is ridiculous!” you said crossing your arms.

Jensen looked over at you poking the tip of tongue past his lips.

“Alright I will be right back.” He turned and went to the back.

“I’m paying for my phone and my line!”

“We'll see. “ He turned toward you

“We ain't seeing shit Ackles I'm telling you!” you growled turning to him.

“Oh you're telling me?” his hands slid onto your hips.

“Yes sir, I am,” You kept your arms crossed as he pulled you to him.

“You think you're big enough to be telling me?”

“Please I could take you”

“You think?” he chuckled. “Or should I bend your ass over again?”

Your eyes followed his as he looked at the table in front of you.

Your eyebrows rose as you hands slid up his chest. “I just might have to take up on that doll face.” You taunted as you stretched on your tip toes pressing your lips to his cheek.

““You missed.” He said pulling you back. Capturing your lips with his. Deepening the kiss as he hand grasped your hair.

Tony cleared his throat, startling you. “Um, Mr. Ackles?”

You cheeks got warm as Jensen chuckled.

“Sorry, she just can’t keep her hands off me.”

Your pursed your lips as your cheeks got warmer.

“We just got to out the sim cards in and get them set up. Do you need help moving your files and accounts?”

Jensen looked at you and you shook your head. “Nah, we got it.”

“Alright. And then are we terminating you service ma’am?” They both looked at you. “Since you are being added to his plan?”

You sighed. “I guess so.”

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[gretavangroupie]

Errant

Word count: 16.0k

Pairing: Josh Kiszka x Female Reader

Warnings: Language, Alcohol, Smoking, Angst, Fighting, Name Calling, Toxic Themes and Behavior, Allusions to Cheating, Jealousy, Anger, Gaslighting. Smut: Kissing, Touching, Oral M!Receiving, Fingering, Oral F!Receiving, Dirty Talk, Degradation, Slight Masochism, Slight Humiliation Kink, Spanking, Unprotected Sex, Rough Sex. Fluff.

A/N: Hey! Welcome back for the third installment of the four part Valentine's Day Mini Series I've been working on along with my best pal, @sacredstarcatcher! We've had so much fun writing these, and we hope that you enjoy Josh's story! This may not be everyones cup of tea, so make sure you read the warnings! There's only one left now, and we can't wait to share Jake's story with you! See you real soon!

JOSH POV

You sit on the exam table, gently swinging your feet as the doctor scribbles on his prescription pad. The paper underneath you crinkles, your clammy hands getting stuck to it. 

“It’s looking like the perforation is healing, but I’m going to give you some antibiotics and ear drops. You’ll take the antibiotics for 10 days and the drops for 5.” He tears off the prescription and hands it to you. “Just be sure you aren’t drinking and you avoid getting any water in or around your ears.”

You scrunch up your nose when you hear the pointed reminder not to drink. 

“Thank you, doc. I’ll be on my best behavior.” You joke, hopping down from the table. Your sneakers squeak as you stick the landing. 

Navigating through the back halls of the ENT practice, you follow the signs that direct you to the check-out. It’s eerily quiet as you walk through the waiting room and out of the front doors. The sun nearly blinds you when you get outside, so you lift your hand to block it out while you search for your girlfriend’s car. 

Spotting her a few rows into the parking lot, you walk in her direction, knocking softly on the window once you’re close enough. She unlocks the door and you slip inside, the car next to her parked a little too close. She sighs, shifting from park to drive while you buckle your seatbelt.

“How was it?” she asks, her enthusiasm lacking. You look over at her as she cranes her neck to check that the way is clear before she pulls out of her parking spot.

“Well, it was fine.” You take a deep breath before continuing. “I have to take antibiotics and put in ear drops for a few days, so you might have to help me with that. I can keep taking the pain meds that the doctor I originally saw prescribed, but the pain should subside as I heal.” 

She nods, keeping the radio volume low. The only time she doesn’t sing in the car is when she’s upset, and you know the song currently playing is one of her favorites. So, you seal your fate and ask the dreaded question in every relationship.

“What’s wrong?” 

She huffs and thinks for a moment before she answers. 

“You know it’s Valentine’s day, right?” 

“Oh. Yeah, I guess it is.” You’ve never put much stock in the holiday and you didn’t think she did either. The last two years, you hadn’t ever done more than get her some flowers or chocolates delivered, mostly because you weren’t around.

“I just… I don’t know, it’s the first one we’ve been able to spend together and we’re spending the day going to the doctor and the pharmacy…”

“Oh, so you’re mad that you had to bring me to the doctor?” you ask, a little defensive now. 

“That’s not what I’m saying, Josh. I’m just saying I wish we were doing more than running errands.” She speaks curtly to you, and honestly, it’s a little condescending.

“It’s a made up holiday anyway. I’ve never bought into all the hearts and candy and bullshit. I didn’t think you did either.” You rest your head on your hand, looking out the window as she drives a little too fast down the freeway.

“It’s not about that. You’re not getting it.” she snaps, her tone whiny and frustrated.

“Listen. I had my assistant send you chocolate covered strawberries to your office. I don’t really know what else you want from me.” you bite back. You’ve had enough of this argument and want to be home already so you can take something for your pain and try to get some rest. 

“I didn’t even know that, seeing as I had to call out and use a sick day to take you to the doctor.” she says, and you feel your scalp get hot, your temper flaring.

“So you are mad you had to bring me to the doctor.” 

“I just don’t understand what a ruptured eardrum has to do with driving!” she says, her voice raising a bit. “You didn’t take your pain meds this morning so you technically would have been fine to drive… I just don’t appreciate that I had to use my PTO on Valentine’s day and all I’m doing is driving Miss Daisy.” 

“I don’t know if you realize this, but I’m in a lot of fucking pain.” you grit out, and she scoffs a laugh.

“Yeah. I’ve heard.” 

You know you’re about to lose it, so you close your eyes for a moment, gathering your composure. Unfortunately, she just keeps going.

“I thought I was going to spend my Valentine’s day getting bitten and scratched by your brother’s awful fucking cat, but now that you’re all home, I get to spend my evening dealing with you while you’re miserable and in pain, and I’m not sure which is worse.” 

“You act like I’m home on some vacation… I have a work function tomorrow even if I’m not out at the shows, so–”

“Are you kidding me?! You somehow have MORE obligations now that you’re home? I guess I’m the fool for thinking we would have more than a few hours to spend together.” She cuts the wheel and turns sharply into your driveway. You grab the handle of the door and grumble under your breath at the way she’s driving like a maniac.

“Look, it’s not like I asked to go. Jake and Danny did the last one, so now Sam and I are stuck going tomorrow. It’s supposed to be nice. It’s a fancy thing, dinner and drinks. I figured you would be my date.” 

You watch her turn off the car and think for a moment, the word “date” appealing to her a little bit, which is exactly what you had hoped.

“Come on. I missed you and I feel like shit and you’re… you’re all prickly. Can’t we just have a nice night in? I’ll make it up to you. I just want to take a nap.”

She seems to be thinking about it as she gets out of the car. You unbuckle your seatbelt and follow suit, walking around to her side and reaching for her hand. Tugging her closer, you wrap your other arm around her shoulders and kiss her on the side of her head with some force. 

“Okay, okay…” she relents, leaning in to you. 

“I love you. You’re still my Valentine, right?” you ask, nuzzling your nose into her hair and squeezing her tighter. It works up a little giggle out of her, which means you’re in the clear. 

“I guess so. You didn’t even ask me.” 

You squeeze her again, this time digging your fingertips into her sides to tickle another laugh out of her. 

“It was on the card that came with the strawberries, obviously.” you quip, peppering her cheek and neck in kisses while she continues to soften up. 

“Oh, get out of here. Go take your damn nap.” she says with a smile, turning you by the shoulders towards the house and pushing gently. 

—

HER POV

You hear the soft padding of feet upstairs and the whip of the flat sheet as your bed is remade, pulling your attention away from your computer screen as you send off emails. The sun is set now, the room cast in darkness, and you figure Josh has slept off the fatigue that was a result of his medications. You gently close your computer, setting it next to you on the couch as you hear his feet walking slowly down the stairs. You turn to lay eyes on him, looking a little worse for wear in his low slung joggers, but still glowing as usual. 

“Hey baby, you feel any better?” you ask, resting your chin on the back of the fluffy leather couch cushion. 

“No. Not really, but it’s fine.” he pauses, reaching the landing and walking up to the back of the couch. He pulls his phone from his pocket and checks the time, “You want to get ready, we can go grab dinner?” he asks, running a hand over his messy curls. 

“I would love to, but are you sure you want to?” you ask, a little surprised that he actually wants to go out. 

“Yeah, I have to eat with these antibiotics.” he says, pushing off the couch, and heading into the kitchen. “How long do you need to get ready?”

“Um, I don’t know, twenty minutes or so?” you answer, standing quickly and grabbing your phone from the coffee table. 

“Alright, I’ll be up there to change in a minute.”

You take the stairs two at a time, rounding the corner into your bedroom, and dashing into the closet. You finger through your hangers searching for the perfect outfit, the idea not occurring to you that you’d need one since he wasn’t even supposed to be home for Valentine’s day this year. 

You pull a dark burgundy top from the hanger, the thick sweater material perfect for the cold snap that has swept over Nashville this week. You pull your t-shirt over your head and put it on while reaching for a pair of dark wash jeans. After shimmying into the denim pants, you find a pair of heels, kicking off your socks and securing the buckle at your ankle. 

You make a mad dash into the bathroom, doing a quick version of your normal make up and running a curling iron through your hair. You’re spraying your wrist with his favorite perfume just as you see him walk past the bathroom door and into the closet. You can hear him changing clothes, grabbing his coat and pulling it over his arms as he steps into the bathroom and meets your gaze in the mirror. 

“Wow, uh, you know it’s freezing out, right? Actually, colder than freezing.” he says, adjusting his sleeves. 

“Yeah, I’ll grab my coat from the closet down stairs, no big deal.” you answer, walking towards him and shutting off the bathroom light. 

“You sure you want to wear heels?” he asks, as he ushers you downstairs, a lilt in his voice.

You open the coat closet, grabbing your jacket and pulling it over your arms. “Yeah, why not?”

He throws his hands up, “Just asking…”

You grab your purse from the kitchen counter, following his lead out to the car. He makes a point to open your car door, shutting it behind you before skittering across the front of the car to join you. 

With the turn of his keys, his Jeep roars to life, his fingers quickly pressing the buttons to turn on the heat. He puts the car in reverse, backing up enough to turn around in the driveway, the gravel crunching beneath his tires. He lays his hand over top of yours on your thigh, clasping your hand in his. He licks over his lips and turns to look at you. 

“Hey,” he pauses, waiting until he has your attention. You let your eyes meet his, before he refocuses on the road. “I’m sorry about earlier… I just have a short fuse when I’m in pain. Thank you for taking me today, and thanks for taking care of me.”

“Oh, it’s– it’s okay, I know you don’t feel good. Don’t worry about it, baby. We’re here now, right?” you say, offering him a lopsided smile.

He pats your thigh as he drives down the road, leading you into town as he mouths the words to the songs playing through the speakers. Your heart flutters as you look at him, your head tilting back to rest on the headrest, just happy to be with him, and happy that he changed his mind about doing something tonight. 

You’re quickly pulled from your daydreams as he whips the car into the parking lot of Phil’s Tavern, a local spot that is not exactly known for its phenomenal cuisine, sitting a whopping 5 minutes away from your home. You sit up a little straighter, making sure you’re seeing this right, and that he really is parking the car. 

“Phil’s…” you question, turning to look at him. 

“...Yeah? Did you want something else…?” he asks, as if annoyed you’d question his decision.

“You said– You– I thought we were going to dinner, not picking up sandwiches from the fucking neighborhood bar?!” you shout. 

“I’m not getting a sandwich. I’m getting soup. You can get whatever you want.” he says, pulling his keys from the ignition, and opening his door. 

A huff leaves your mouth as your jaw hangs slack, watching in shock as he shuts the door behind himself and makes his way to yours. He opens yours and offers you a hand to step down, but you’re still sitting in shock that this is his idea of a romantic Valentine’s day date. 

“Josh…” you admonish, looking down at your heels and sweater. 

“What? I asked you if you wanted to wear that and you said yes!” he says, shrugging his shoulders.

“Yeah! I didn’t think we were going to fucking Phil’s, Josh! It’s Valentine’s Day! I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there aren’t a lot of cars in the parking lot?!”

He clicks his tongue, and looks around. “Perfect, then we have the place to ourselves.”

Your eyes close on their own and you take a deep breath to keep yourself from having a meltdown. You grab your purse from the floorboard and grab his hand, stepping out of the car and snatching it away from him as soon as your feet hit the gravel.

He shuts the door behind you and locks the car, the two of you walking quickly into the dimly lit bar and grill. You walk up to the counter to order, watching as the bartender throws back a shot with the guys at the end of the bar. You catch his attention and he rushes over to the order counter pulling a pen out of his pocket. “What can I get ‘cha?”

“Hey man, can we uh– I’ll take the soup of the day, whatever it is is fine.” 

“It’s ahh, it’s Chicken Tortilla.” he answers. 

“Yeah, that’s great, thanks.” he answers, pulling his wallet from his pocket. “Babe?” he murmurs, wanting you to order. 

“Okay, I’ll do a Cuban, extra pickles.” you say, crossing your arms over your chest. 

He nods, “Outta Cuban bread, sorry sweets.” 

“Okay I’ll do the Italian then.” you concede, watching him scribble it down on the notepad.

“You want that hot or cold?” he asks. 

“Hot.”

“Think our press is down, but I can check.” he says, turning to shout towards the kitchen.

“It’s down, is cold fine?” he asks, him and Josh both staring at you. 

“Fuck.” you mutter under your breath. “Yes, fine.”

“$17.97.” he says, ringing the service bell for the staff. Josh swipes his card through the card reader and puts it back into his wallet, placing it back in his pocket before thanking the man at the counter. 

“Oh shit, I didn’t tell him it’s to go. You don’t care if we take it home, right? It’s a little loud in here.” he doesn't give you a chance to answer before stepping back up to the window.

You pull your phone from your purse, opening Instagram to mindlessly scroll while you wait for your food, seeing story after story of the dates your friends are on, fueling your rage all the more. You didn’t care that you weren’t at a fancy restaurant. You didn’t care that you were having a sandwich. You cared that he seemingly didn’t care about how you were feeling. That it was just any other old day to him, simply because he didn’t subscribe to the holiday. But that didn’t mean you didn’t. You tried to see the bright side, that he was home, and that you were at least together, even if he was in a sour mood.

He steps back over to you, pulling his own phone from his pocket and sending a few texts. You can’t help but notice how carefree he is, completely unbothered and oblivious to how you’re feeling as you stand right next to him.  

“You wanna watch a movie or something when we get back?” he asks, putting his phone in his jacket pocket. 

“What movie?” you ask, raising a brow.

“I don’t know, a documentary? We can find something, I’ll probably fall asleep watching it anyways.”

You huff out a laugh, “Of course. Yeah, whatever you want Josh.”

“What’s your deal tonight, Y/N, Jesus…”

You feel your blood boiling beneath your skin and just as you are about to unleash, the order bell rings and a brown paper bag is placed on the counter. Josh steps up and grabs it, pulling his car keys from his pocket and heading for the door, leaving you to follow behind him.

—

He pulls into the driveway rapidly, rocks flying as he throws the car into park. Shutting off the engine he pulls his keys from the ignition and grabs the brown paper bag from the center console. “Come on, let’s get inside. I’ll start the fireplace.”

You huff as you step out of the car, making your way up the walkway, pulling the sleeves of your coat over your hands. He unlocks the front door and places the to-go bag on the kitchen counter on his way to the living room.  

You take off your coat and hang it in the closet, pulling your foot up to release the buckles of your heels, letting you drop back down to your normal height. You can hear him mumbling in the living room, clearly having a hard time getting the fire lit. You walk into the kitchen grabbing a bottle of red wine off the top of the fridge, and searching around the junk drawer for the corkscrew. It’s no time at all before you’re popping the cork out of the bottle and pouring the Merlot into a bulbous green colored wine glass. 

He joins you in the kitchen, washing his hands in the sink before looking over at you, starting to take the first sip of your wine. “Really? You’re serious…”

“Serious, what? About this glass of wine? Yeah, I am.” you quip, swallowing down the first sip.

“You’re really gonna drink my favorite wine, right in front of me when you know I can’t have any? What are you playing at tonight, Y/N?” he seethes, pulling his plastic container of soup from the bag.

“What am I playing at? I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that just because you can’t drink, meant that I had to follow suit! My mistake!” you shout, setting the glass down on the marble countertop maybe a little more forcefully than you should have. 

He shakes his head trying to rid the nasty thoughts you know are swirling around up there as he pulls a spoon from the utensil drawer. “Whatever, I’m gonna take this to the couch.”

You grab a plate from the cabinet in front of you, unwrapping your sandwich and placing it on the plate. You look over and see him tinkering with the TV remote, no doubt queueing up something the two of you have watched, studied, and rewatched a hundred times. You grab your wine glass and your plate and join him in the living room, setting your items on the coffee table before sitting at the opposite end of the couch. 

The tension in the air is thick, neither of you wanting to say anything for fear of it turning into yet another argument. So instead, he presses play on the remote, and as suspected, ‘Kubrick by Kubrick’ begins to play for the 77th time in this household.

“Josh, really…” you whine, your shoulders slumping in defeat. 

“I don’t want to get too invested in anything, I’m gonna pass out as soon as I finish this soup.” he answers, turning up the volume to effectively silence you.  

“Can’t we watch something, I don’t know… With a plot? With a shred of romance? That we haven’t seen a hundred times?” you barter, talking over the intro music.

“Can’t you just let me enjoy being home for once?” he snaps, pressing pause on the remote.

Your eyes dial in on his, and almost poetically, you’re positive he can see the reflection of the flames in the fireplace dancing across your infuriated eyes.

“For once…” you breathe, biting your tongue.  “Sure, sure. You uh– you just enjoy yourself, okay? I would hate to ruin your time at home with my presence.” you say, standing up from the couch with your wine glass in hand, leaving your sandwich laying there as you bound up the stairs. 

Before you even reach the top you hear the music blare back to life, and the slurping of the soup from his spoon. If you had a bedroom door you would slam it but fucking of course, you don’t.

You place your wine glass on your nightstand before walking into your closet ridding yourself of the wasted outfit. You pull a slinky black satin slip from your pajama drawer, dropping it over your bare body before padding back out to the bedroom to close the curtains. 

You draw back the fluffy flax colored duvet, thinking of nothing but positively melting into your olive green linen sheets; a Christmas splurge the two of you decided you couldn’t live without. Sinking down into the feather pillows you let out a sigh, finding yourself exactly where you expected to be tonight, before you ever knew Josh was coming home for a few days.

You settle in with your glass of wine and your kindle, reading love stories of men, who at this point, you were sure didn’t really exist. An hour or so later, when the wine was long gone, and the house had grown quiet you heard the front door lock, and the flick of the light switches downstairs. You switched off your lamp, hoping to avoid any further conversation for the night, placing your tablet on the nightstand and pulling the sheets up over your shoulders. 

His footfall is light as he pads up the wooden stairs, rounding the corner hesitantly as he catches sight of you in the bed. He slides his hand down the wall as he enters the room, walking quietly into the bathroom and shutting the door. You can hear the sink running and the sound of him tossing his clothes into the hamper as you close your eyes and will yourself to fall asleep.

It’s not long until you hear the door open and feel the dip in the bed as he slides in behind you, a  gentle sigh leaving his lips as he sinks into the sheets. You feel the brush of his knuckles as they glide up your spine. “I know you’re not asleep, my love…”

Knowing you’re caught, you turn softly to your back, “No, you don’t know. I could have been.”

A soft smile forms on his lips, a few misplaced curls falling over his forehead, “Not true. I know you fall asleep with your arms over your head every single night. And in the middle of the bed. You never sleep on your side of the bed.”

“Well maybe I want to tonight.” you quip, rolling back to your side and repositioning the sheets.

“Come on baby, don’t be like that.” he says, wrapping his arm around your waist. He pulls you towards him, his obviously nude body conforming to yours. You can feel him, hard against your back and you push away from him. 

“Josh…” you scold. 

“What, baby…” he asks, running his hand along the curve of your waist. “I miss you…”

“You didn’t an hour ago!” you sneer.

“Yes I did! I miss you all the time! Every single day I’m away from you. That’s why you moved in, remember? So I could spend every day with you when I’m home?” he pauses, “Every night like this?”

“Josh, I just– Tonight was… Well the entire day, really, was rough. I’m not exactly in a romantic mood at the moment.” you answer.

“Well that’s okay, you can just blow me instead.” he says, more of a demand than a question, his lips brushing against your shoulder. 

“Oh can I?! How generous of you to offer that to me! What a privilege!” you mock. “You really have earned it, I can’t believe I didn’t think of this myself!” you scorn, reaching for his hand and shoving it towards his dick. “Try that instead!”

“Goddamn you’re being such a bitch!” he seethes, throwing the duvet off of himself and snatching his phone from the nightstand. 

“Yeah! Happy Valentine’s day to you too, Josh!” you spit one last time as you watch him pull on a pair of boxers. He smooths his hand over his face and runs his tongue under his lips, looking at you one more time before stomping his way down the stairs. 

—

JOSH POV

It took you approximately fourteen seconds after you said it to know you fucked up. It took you two more seconds to realize there was no coming back from it, at least that’s what you deduced as you tossed and turned on the living room couch all night. You spent those sleepless hours racking your brain for ways you could fix this. You were a dick, admittedly, in pain or not, and she in no way deserved the way you treated her.

You pulled your sore body up from the couch, tossing the throw blanket over the arm as you made your way up the stairs. She was still sleeping, sprawled across the middle of the bed with your pillow hugged to her face. You wished you could take back what you said. You wished you had taken her somewhere nicer than Phil’s. You should have known that when you saw her in heels and smelled your favorite perfume. She dressed up for you. But you couldn’t see past your own selfish needs. You only cared about yourself and what you wanted. 

You kicked yourself the entire time you spent under the spray of the shower, knowing that of the three sporadic days you would spend at home with her, you’d let one go completely to shit. Then tonight, you’d spend the whole night schmoozing with label executives, where she would willingly stand in your shadow until it was time to go home. 

Unless…

A smile spread across your face as you formulated your plan, and as you shut off the water and wrapped a towel around your waist you hoped and prayed it would work. 

—

You rap your knuckles against the old wooden front door, peeking through the glass to see if there is any movement inside. It’s nearly noon and you know he’s in there, but whether or not he’s awake is the question. You shove your hands into your pockets, the cold air whipping through the porch a little too harshly for your liking. 

You hear his footsteps bounding down the stairs and you see him appear through the glass, a strange look on his face as he opens the door. 

“If you’re on my doorstep, you want something that a text wouldn’t cover.” he says, raising a brow.

“Can I not come visit my twin?” you ask, pushing past him into his warm house.

“No, I think your last words to me when we left the airport were ‘Fuck off, don’t call me, I’ll see you in three days’, but I could be mistaken.” he says, shutting the front door. 

“Listen…” you counter, flopping yourself down onto his couch with a huff.

He stands across the living room with his hands on his hips and a small smile on his lips. There’s something different about him, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. Almost like a little bit of life has been breathed into him. 

“Why do you look different…” you ask, the intrusive thought pushing through.

“I don’t.” he says, putting his hands on his hips. His eyes flick up to the window behind you, before looking back at you. 

You cut your eyes at him, you can tell he’s not telling the truth but you let it go because you have more important issues to deal with. 

“I need a favor.” you say, cutting right to the chase. 

He raises his eyebrows signaling for you to continue. 

“I need you to go to this event tonight in my place, I–”

“No.” he shouts, cutting you off. 

“Jake, please. Y/N and I got in a huge fight and I have to make it up to her and I can’t if I have to go to this fucking thing tonight.” you explain, giving him the shortened version. 

“No. Actually, my answer is not only no, but fuck no.” Jake stood with his arms crossed across his chest. You let your head flop back onto his couch, a groan leaving your chest. 

“You know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t fucking dire.” You plead. “I fucked up, and I have to make it right. Please Jake…”

“Jesus Christ, it’s Thanksgiving all over again. You know Josh, if you and Y/N didn’t fight like this every other day, I might be more willing to consider it. One day you’re gonna fuck around and lose her for good.” he says, shaking his head and rubbing his hand over his chin. “Hold on, you two fought on Valentine’s day? Fuckin’ poetic. What did you do, buy the wrong flowers? The wrong chocolates?”

“No, I… Didn’t get her flowers.” you mumble, hoping he didn’t hear you. 

“Okay, so no flowers. Did you take her out to dinner or something?” he asks, tilting his head.

“No, I mean, well, kind of.” you mumble again. “Didn’t really think about it.”

“Where did you take her Josh.” he demands, crossing his arms again. 

“We went to Phil’s…And got…To-go…” you answer, realizing again as you say it out loud how bad it sounds. 

“The fucking sandwich place Josh, you’re kidding me…” he spits, starting to pace around the room. 

“Don’t act all high and mighty Jacob, you sat home alone...” you retort, knowing this isn’t helping your case.

He lifts his finger to you, pointing at you with a scowl, “Fuck you. Also, it sounds like she was justified. Didn’t she take you to the doctor yesterday? Hasn’t she been catering to your ass since we’ve been back?”

“Yeah.” you answer. 

“And you didn’t plan a single thing at all…” he confirms. 

“Correct.” you say, over enunciating the ‘T’.

“Asshole.”

“Okay, so you agree, I fucked up and need to fix this.” you say, gesturing with your hands. “So go to the event tonight in my place and let me smooth things over with Y/N tonight.”

“Sorry, but I can’t. I have plans.” he answers, shrugging his shoulders. 

“Plans?! With who? You don’t leave your house!” you shout, seeing a blur of black fur and claws tear across the living room. “Jesus, I always forget you have that thing.”

“Yeah, I’m not keeping it.” he says, shaking his head. “And it’s none of your business. You’re going to that event. The label doesn’t care if you’re in a fight with your girlfriend. They are expecting you, and you are who they’re gonna get. Plus, Sam will be there so you don’t have to do all the talking. Take her with you, lay it on thick, and take her home. Things will blow over like they always do and you’ll be back to your 2AM facetime gushy bullshit in no time.”

“Fuck…” you sigh, laying down across his couch. “I just don’t think it’s gonna go that way. This was a bigger fight than usual.” you say, feeling your phone vibrating in your pocket. You pull it out to see your timer flashing, indicating it is time for your next dose of antibiotics. 

You reach into your other pocket, pulling out the loose pill, and grabbing the glass of water you assume to be Jake’s from the coffee table. You swallow down the pill as he watches in contempt, checking the time on his phone. 

“Do you need anything else?” he asks, pacing around his living room. 

“No. Guess fuckin’ not. What are you getting into today?” you ask, relaxing back into the cushions. 

“I have… some errands to run. And a few other things.” he says, dismissively. 

“Errands and a few other things? Who the fuck are you…” you ask, stretching your legs out on to the coffee table.

“I was about to take a shower, are you staying or going?” he asks, and as you lay your head back on the couch your eyes start to feel heavy.

“Just gonna rest my eyes for a minute.” you answer, getting more comfortable. 

“Goddamnit, Josh… Okay, but you’re leaving when I do.”

—

The sound of the front door closing is what wakes you, and as you come to you see Jake standing in front of you with grocery bags, clearly back from his errands. 

“Well, good morning.” he says, his tone a little snipped. 

“Shit, what time is it?” you ask, pulling your phone from your pocket and checking the time. Fuck. 

“Yeah, time for you to go the fuck home and get ready.” he says, making his way into the kitchen. 

“Alright, I’m outta here, good luck with your… plans…” you smirk, making your way to the door. 

“Don’t need luck, but sounds like you do. Fix it, Josh.” he says, pushing you out the front door and slamming it behind you. 

—

HER POV

As you leave the house, you think back on how many hours it’s been since you spoke to Josh. He popped into the bedroom when he got home and let you know that you had to leave by 6 to get to the event on time, but you don’t really count that as a conversation. You hadn’t actually exchanged words since your argument before bed. 

The two of you sit in complete silence as he drives, the radio turned down so low it’s barely audible. You hold your jacket close around you, unable to shake the chill from the awful cold snap plaguing Nashville. 

As you arrive, Josh quickly gets out of his Jeep, jogging around to your door to open it and offer you a hand to step out. You accept it, begrudgingly, and steady yourself on the asphalt. You opted for smaller heels tonight, a little scorned from the night before. You look at him and see his slightly forced smile under the streetlight. He’s in his favorite brown suit, his hair in perfect curls, three tiny, metallic dots painted on the apples of his cheeks. He looks sinfully good, and if you weren’t so upset with him, you’d kiss him square on the lips.

“I know you don’t want to be here. Just… at least try to smile in the pictures, okay?” He says, a hopeful lilt to his voice. 

You give him a little side-eye before starting to walk towards the front doors of the venue. He catches up with you after locking the car, his hand landing on your upper back as he ushers you into the front door he’s holding open for you.

The two of you wait in line for the coat check, your eyes scanning the lobby for anyone you may know. You don’t recognize anyone, so you shuffle ahead in line and keep your coat pulled tight around you. Once you’re a bit further up in line, almost to the front, you hear a familiar voice. 

“Heeeeey guys!” 

Sam’s arms wrap around both of you from behind, pulling you into a forced group hug. He unintentionally cuts the entire coat check line to stand with you and Josh.

“Hi Sammy,” you mumble, giving him a halfhearted smile. He looks to Josh, who forces a grin, his nose scrunching up in a way that makes it clear to Sam that the two of you aren’t getting along. It’s nothing new to Sam, so he shrugs it off. 

The line moves again and you’re finally at the front. A friendly young girl is standing behind the podium at the entry to the closet, a few guys running back and forth to take coats and put them in their assigned spots. She offers the three of you a smile as she looks down and tears a tab in half. 

“Can I take your coat, sir?” she asks Josh as you start to shrug your own off your shoulders.

“Ohoho, trying to get me out of my clothes, young lady? I just walked in the door!” he says, like he’s some sort of comedian. You roll your eyes so hard you think they may fall out of your head and fold your coat over your arm. She laughs, her cheeks turning pink as she accepts your coat instead. She dutifully hands the coat to the boy behind her, then offers the other half of the ticket up, between you and Josh for either to grab it.

“And now you’re trying to give me your number?” he jokes with a charismatic grin, seeing the number 107 on your ticket. She lets out a shameless giggle at that one and you can’t help but shake your head and walk away, uninterested in hearing any more of his god awful jokes. You arrived in a terrible mood and he’s already managed to make your night worse.

Passing through the entrance to the cocktail hour, you grab a glass of champagne and thank the server. Taking a big sip, you look behind you and see Sam and Josh approaching, Josh talking animatedly with his hands to Sam, but Sam is looking straight ahead. At you. 

His eyes scan over your figure- you’re in a champagne satin mini-dress. The cowl neckline is loose, but the waist pulls in due to the lace-up back. The shimmery color is brought to life under the light right above where you’re standing. Sam isn’t listening to a single word Josh is saying, just nodding and staring at you from a distance as his steps slow. 

It’s then that you cook up a terrible idea, if not the worst you’ve ever had. If Josh wants to treat you like he doesn’t care about you and put more romantic energy into the coat check girl than he’s shown you in days, you may as well give him a taste of his own medicine. Right?

Sam eventually pulls his eyes away from your body, nodding cluelessly at Josh. He can’t help it and looks back at you again, but this time, Josh’s gaze follows his. You sip your champagne, ignoring the way Josh’s eyebrows raise in surprise as his neck cranes forward slightly. You can read his lips as he says, “Jesus Christ.” and look away without giving him a reaction. 

The two of them make their way over to the high top cocktail table you’ve claimed as your own. Josh clears his throat and musters up the courage to speak to you. His voice sounds like it might crack. 

“I’ve never seen that dress. Where’d you get it?” he asks, giving you another once-over now that he’s closer.

“You sent it to me while you were in Paris for my birthday.” you answer dryly. “Or was that your assistant too?” 

He closes his eyes and lets out a sigh, realizing he’s just dug himself a little bit deeper. 

“Come to think of it, Josh, have you ever bought me a gift yourself? Or do you just send the people that work for you on errands to ship me fancy baubles to keep me quiet and occupied while you’re away?” 

He steps a little closer to you, lowering his voice. 

“Do we have to do this here?” he pleads. “I’m sorry I didn’t remember. You look beautiful. Okay? Let me go get you a drink. What do you want?” 

You cut your eyes to Sam, who seems to be trying to occupy himself by staring up at the ceiling. Letting out a big sigh, you mumble back a tired, “Champagne,” to Josh. 

He nods and walks off, heading for the bar. In the meantime, you look at Sam, who’s giving you a nervous smile. 

“Sorry. It’s been… a rough few days.” You confess. “This ear thing has turned him into a jackass.” 

“Oh, yeah. He complained the whole way home.” Sam says, commiserating. 

“So it’s not just me?!” You laugh, Sam joining you. 

“No no. Not just you.”

You notice Josh is on his way back and decide to test the waters. Reaching forward, you step closer to Sam and adjust the collar of his shirt under his suit jacket, your touch lingering as you let your hand brush down the front of his chest before tugging his jacket into place and pulling your hands back to yourself. You’re in close proximity, so you look up at him with a little bat of your eyelashes. 

“Oh. Thank you!” He says, a little caught off guard, but he’s Sam, and he’s friendly, and you know he’s going to let you get away with it. 

Josh appears and somehow squeezes his arm between you and Sam, placing your champagne on the table. He’s noticed the mischievous glint in your eye and it’s game on. 

The event starts to pick up, more and more people roping Josh into conversations. It’s obvious that he’s the more recognizable of the two brothers there tonight, so you find yourself left standing with Sam on more than a few occasions. 

“Did you trim your hair?” You ask him, reaching out to twirl the end of his shiny brown locks around your finger. He chuckles softly, feeling a little bashful. Josh is at your side but deep in conversation with a man you’ve never seen in your life.

“Yeeaaaaah, I did, it was getting a little unruly. Just trying to keep it healthy. I’m surprised you noticed.” 

“Of course I noticed, Sammy. Some people may not notice you. But I always do.” Your voice is syrupy sweet. You feel a nudge from the other side of you and Josh is clearly eavesdropping, his brain working overtime as he nods at the gentleman talking his ear off while also listening to you and Sam. Sam doesn’t notice and gives you a soft laugh, shrugging. His cheeks are tinted a little pink. He’s too easy. 

“Why don’t we go find our table for dinner, hm?” Josh suggests, cutting his conversation short, which is just not in his character. You finish your last sip of champagne and leave your glass on the table. 

“You heard him. C’mon, Sammy boy.” 

You reach for his arm, linking it with yours. Josh gives you a look, but you usher him forward with a dismissive gesture. He glowers at you before walking toward the seating chart to see that the three of you are at table six. Sam follows along, his hand in his pocket as you hold on to his forearm. 

You settle into the chair between Sam and Josh. You opt for the chicken when the caterers come around, and both Sam and Josh go for the fish. There are a few speeches that go on before your plates arrive, so you sit politely and listen, Josh’s back to you as the speakers present. Since Sam is behind you, there are a few points where you turn around to laugh with him about something the presenter says. Josh stays facing forward, effectively blocking the two of you out. 

As your plates are delivered, everyone starts to eat, the table occasionally chattering, but it’s mostly quiet as some music plays. 

“How’s the chicken?” Josh asks, trying to make small talk. You take a bite, nodding. 

“Really good. And the fish?” You ask politely, but you don’t really care. 

“Delicious. Do you want a bite?” He asks, gesturing to his plate with his utensils. 

“Oh, no. No thanks.” You reply, turning away. He shrugs and goes back to eating his dinner, sipping his water.

“Do you wanna try a bite of the chicken, Sammy?” You ask, raising your eyebrows. You give him a soft smile as he nods, swallowing his bite.

Cutting a piece, you lift your fork towards Sam and he instinctively opens his mouth. Your other hand comes up under his chin to make sure he doesn’t get any sauce on his jacket. He accepts the bite from your fork and chews, nodding. 

“Oh, that’s really good. I should have gotten that.” He says, talking with his mouth full. It’s then that the stranger next to Sam interjects. 

“How long have you two been together?” She says, a nosey but well meaning woman. Josh nearly chokes on his dinner, pulling his cloth napkin up to his mouth as he coughs. It’s such a distraction that you don’t hear what Sam says to her. 

Once Josh stops coughing, he looks at you with a subtle anger behind his eyes. 

“Can you stop? I get it. You made your point.” Josh grumbles through gritted teeth. You feign innocence, blinking at him with bullshit doe eyes. 

“What point, Josh?” 

“You’re flirting with my brother so blatantly that strangers think you’re dating. What the fuck am I supposed to do, just sit here and let it happen?” 

Sam, realizing tensions are high, starts to stand up. 

“I’m gonna go get some air…” he says, departing from the table like it’s on fire. 

“I’m not flirting with him. I’m just being nice to him. You remember what that is, right? Being nice?” You say with an attitude, tilting your head as you wait for an answer. 

“Cut it out.” He tenses his jaw and his mouth barely moves as he scolds you like you’re some kind of dog. 

“Fuck you, Josh.” You’re not putting up with it for another second, so you push away from the table, grab your drink, and head in the direction Sam went. 

As you sneak through the crowds and the bar lines, you check to see if Josh is following you, but he’s still seated at the table. You see Sam through the glass doors, standing under a tent that’s doing little to nothing to stop the wind, smoking a cigarette. Gently pressing against the push bar, you slip outside and approach him tentatively. 

It’s quiet between the two of you as he gives you a smile that’s more of a grimace, though you know him and know that it’s not his intention. 

“Two wrongs don’t make a right, you know that, right?” He says, giving you a knowing smirk as he exhales some smoke. You sigh, kicking at a pebble beneath your feet. You hold your glass of champagne with both hands, your thumb nervously running along the side of it. 

“I feel like I do. But sometimes I can’t help myself.” You peer up at him, a coy smile spreading across your face. He lets out a laugh, shaking his head. 

“You two are a match made in hell,” he starts, bringing the cigarette back to his lips. “But I can’t imagine him with anyone else.” 

You roll your eyes. Lately you’ve been feeling like Josh doesn’t even want to be with you anymore, but it’s not like you would have time to even discuss splitting up in person, since he’s hardly around long enough. Instead of divulging any of that to Sam, you lift your head and step closer. 

“Can I have a drag of that?” You ask, giving him a mischievous smirk. 

“Oh, I don’t know about that. You know how he is.” Sam says, well aware that the only thing Josh thinks it’s okay to smoke is not cigarettes. 

“Just one.” You bargain, looking out at the parking lot for a moment, then up at him with doe eyes. He can’t help but smile at you in return. 

“Don’t even touch it. He’ll smell it on your hands.” He jokes, turning it around in his fingers and holding it towards you. You tilt up your chin, smiling sweetly before he moves it closer to your pouty, glossy lips. Your eyes close gently and you start to inhale. 

Within seconds, it’s pulled from your lips, and all you hear is Sam’s thick Michigan accent as he whines, “OWWWW!” your eyes shooting open. 

“I will break every bone in your fuckin’ hand if you don’t get the fuck out of here right now, Samuel.” Josh threatens, suddenly outside with the two of you on the patio. Sam grabs the cigarette from his restrained hand with his free one, dropping it to the ground and stepping on it with wide eyes. 

Josh pushes his arm towards him as he lets it go and Sam nearly trips over himself, mumbling a startled, “Jesus Christ.” before adjusting his suit jacket and heading for the door.  

“And you.” Josh is positively seething, as he steps up to you. “What am I going to do with you, hm?”

You nervously step backwards, leaning onto the railing behind you as he cages you in. “Josh, I’m–”

“Oh, it’s a little late for that, don't you think? I fucking warned you, Y/N.” His hand grips into your elbow, yanking your forward and dragging you behind him as you make your way back inside the building. “Get your fucking coat and meet me at the front door.” he says, releasing you as you enter back into the large crowd. 

You walk back over to your table, collecting your bag and your champagne before rushing over towards the coat check. You hand the same girl your ticket stub, and you anxiously sip your champagne as you wait. You may have pushed him too far this time. Seconds later she returns with your coat, and you take it with a smile, pulling it over your arms and making your way to the front door. 

Josh is waiting, chewing a piece of gum a little harsher than necessary. His jaw is hard set and his cheeks are pink and you know this does not bode well for you. As you approach him he offers a small wave and a smile to someone behind you, before letting his eyes drift back to yours, full of fury, the tension returning to his body. 

“Oh, so you can listen.” he says, yanking the large glass door open, both of you being hit with the cold outside air. You step out the door and begin the walk to the car, clutching your jacket close to your body. Your teeth chatter as the wind hits you, your whole body shivering. 

“What, are you cold in that slutty little dress?” he asks, walking a little too quickly for you to keep up with him. “Seemed just fine on the patio with Sam. Suck it up and keep walking.”

He turns his head looking back at you as you try to drink down the rest of your champagne. He reaches for the glass, ripping it from your hand and tossing it into the bushes. You hear the glass shatter and you’re a little taken aback. You’ve never seen him this mad before, and you hate that you kinda like it. 

“Josh!” you shout, you cheeks heating at his aggressiveness, and you think the alcohol in your system is to blame for that. 

“What has gotten into you, Y/N?! You think– You think you can just go around acting like a little slut at my work events? With my fucking brother? Do you know how that looks!?” he shouts, as you round the corner, steadily approaching the car. He is still chewing the gum too hard, hoping it will relieve some of the tension pulsing through his body.  

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Josh, I think the pain meds are making you crazy.” you scoff, completely brushing off his accusations, even though he is completely right. 

“Oh, fuck offff…It’s not the pain meds, it’s you! You’re making me fucking crazy! Running around like a little trollop just to make me irate for sport!” he yells, his midwestern accent peeking out in his anger. 

He reaches for the door handle, yanking it open to let you step in, regardless of how angry he currently is. As you position yourself in the seat you turn to look at him, ready to deliver another snarky comment but as you open your mouth he cuts his eyes and slams the car door closed. You huff and fasten your seatbelt as he joins you on the other side. 

He starts the car and peels out of the parking spot, spinning the tires as he pulls out onto the main road. Your hands grasp at the door handle for stability, his expression unwavering as he continues to blow down the backstreets of downtown Nashville. 

“Josh, I–”

“No. Silence. Don’t say another fucking word until I speak to you first. Got it?” he snaps, the fury is thick in his voice. 

You cross your arms over your chest, debating whether or not to taunt him further. As if he can hear your thoughts he turns to you, speaking through clenched teeth. 

“Not. A. Fucking. Word.”

The rest of the drive home was spent in silence, and you could tell he was compiling his list of your transgressions. You knew that the second the front door shut behind you he was going to unleash every bit of it on you, and to be quite honest, you couldn’t wait.

Once he tears recklessly up the driveway, he kills the engine and the headlights. Throwing open the door, he slams it behind him and makes his way around to the passenger side. Despite his burning anger, he’s still insistent on opening your door for you. He offers you a hand and when you take it, you feel how warm he is to the touch. Hopping down to the ground, he lets you steady yourself, then tugs your hand so you’re forced to walk in front of him. He lets go once he knows you’ve gotten the hint and start off wobbling through the gravel in your heels like a baby deer as he locks the car. 

You wait next to the front door, knowing Josh has his keys and you opted to leave yours at home to save space in your clutch. He ignores you, his jaw still working overtime on the probably stale gum in his mouth, turning the key in the lock and pushing into the house. He leaves the door open for you to follow him in, so you do, shutting it gently as you slip off your heels. 

He tosses his keys onto the dining table and you watch as they slide to a halt as he rids himself of his suit coat, tossing it over the back of a chair. You make a move towards the closet, ready to hang your own coat but as you walk he steps in front of you, snatching the thick black fabric from your hands to throw it over the same chair. He stares at you with a hardened jaw, his face and ears red as he prepares for his onslaught, and as a small grin turns up the corner of your lips you see his anger tip the scales to catastrophic. 

“I don’t know why you’re so worked up, Josh. If I didn’t know any better I would say you’re acting a bit jealous. Or threatened, maybe?” you pause, tapping your finger to your chin. “Yeah, I think threatened is the right word. Are you nervous little Sammy is gonna steal your spotlight and your girl?”

“Steal my spotlight?” he responds, scoffing. It’s clear you hit a nerve there. “You need to learn when to keep your mouth shut. Especially when it comes to things you know nothing about.”

“I know how many people were bumping elbows with him tonight, talking about his upcoming projects, barely even asking about the album. He’s got his own career now.” you double down, narrowing your eyes at him, twisting the knife. He steps closer to you, his nostrils flaring as he takes a deep breath. You know he’s about to lay into you for that.

“You should be grateful I even let you tag along to these fucking things.” he snaps, his voice raising. “You know, there’s a hell of a lot you should be grateful for, now that I think of it. Do you know how easy it would be for me to find a nice, quiet girl who waits patiently for me to come home and doesn’t spend every waking moment reminding me of my shortcomings?” 

You don’t like the direction he’s taking this, and you’re realizing you may have pushed him a little too far. 

“I could go down the line and pick any one I wanted, but I still come home to you. And this is what I have to put up with?” 

“So do it then! Go ahead and take your pick!” you shout, throwing your hands in the air. His cheeks grow red, and his eyes narrow. 

“But you won’t, will you Josh... Because you know that not a single one of them will stick around once they find out how you really are. When they find themselves home alone night after night. When you don’t speak to them for days at a time when you’re writing or on the road. When you miss their birthday… and every major holiday for that matter. When they find out that your idea of love and romance is having your assistant buy hush gifts you can’t be bothered to choose yourself. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s the one texting me from your phone, too!”

He slams his fist down on the dining table, his keys rattling against the wood. “That is not true, and you know it!”

“But it is, and you know who puts up with it? Me, because I love you. And I can promise that you’ll be hard pressed to find someone else who is willing to deal with all of that.”

“Dare me?” he challenges, wincing slightly as the pressure builds in his ear. 

“I don’t know Josh, is that what you want? Wouldn’t say I’d be surprised with how you’ve been acting lately.” you say, pushing away from the kitchen table and walking further into the house. 

“How I’ve been acting lately?” he scoffs, following after you, hot on your heels.

“Yeah! Like I’m such a burden to bear. Like you’d rather I wasn’t here. I’m practically your glorified assistant, or arm candy when you feel like dragging me along.”

You start to climb the stairs toward your bedroom, needing to get out of your dress and away from him. Unfortunately, Josh isn’t one to ever let you have the last word, and he starts bounding up the staircase after you.

“Is that what this is about? You’re still mad you had to bring me to the doctor? God forbid I ask you to do something besides complain and spend my money. I needed your help, because if you haven’t noticed, something pretty serious happened to me, but for some reason you won’t stop giving me a hard fucking time about it!” That comment about the money stops you in your tracks, leaving you glaring down at him on the step below you. 

“It’s not about your money and it’s not about me having to help you. It’s about you not giving a shit about how I feel and blowing me off when I try to tell you. All I want is for you to care! Have we grown so far apart that seeing me upset doesn’t even phase you anymore?”

Josh runs his tongue over his teeth as he tries to conjure up a response. He steps up so he’s on the landing with you, a little bit of silence settling over you both.

“And you thought…” he starts, looking out the window behind you for a moment, then back to your eyes. “You thought the way to get me to care… was to behave like a little slut?”

The energy suddenly shifts between you. You know that in the silence, he must have had a realization that he’s not meeting your needs. You feel your mouth go a little dry and you take a step backwards, reaching to hold on to the railing. 

“I–”

“You know what I think…” he says, moving closer, caging you in with his arms. “I think that I’ve been gone too long…” his breath is hot on your cheeks. “I think you’re due for an attitude adjustment.”

Your breath catches in your throat as you grip into the bannister. You swallow nervously, as his hand moves to meet your satin covered waist. “Yeah, I think I need to remind you just how good you have it, don’t I sweetheart?”

The words are there, swirling through your head but as his eyes peer into yours, nothing seems to come out. 

“S’matter, baby? Nothin’ to say suddenly? No smart ass remarks? I’m right, aren’t I? You need me to fuck some sense into you?” he growls, his fingers gripping into the curve of your waist. He nods his head in the direction of your bedroom, a crooked smirk on his face. 

“Go ahead and take off your earrings, baby. Get out of that unbecoming little dress and wait for me on the bed.” he says softly, rubbing a thumb over the apple of your cheek before walking off and locking himself in the bathroom. 

The cocktail of emotions your brain is floating in has you dizzy. You want to be angry at him, but you’re starting to feel a little embarrassed as you think back on how you acted at dinner. Part of you wants to cry, his harsh words hitting you where he knew it would hurt, but another is so turned on by the way he just flipped the switch on the entire emotionally charged exchange.

You shuffle into your shared bedroom, sitting gingerly at your vanity and taking off all of your jewelry. As you take off your rings, you stare at the earrings and necklace in your porcelain dish, remembering when he had gifted each piece to you. Maybe it’s not that he doesn’t care how long or how often he’s away…he just doesn’t know how to make it better. So he sends you trinkets from wherever he visits, reminding you that you’re on his mind. Your heart lurches as you realize that maybe all he wanted while he was away from home was a quiet dinner with you, his love, at Phil’s, and that’s why he didn’t take you out to an expensive steakhouse where you would undoubtedly sit awkwardly across from each other and make conversation. He wanted comfort. He wanted what he knows no other woman can give him. 

You hear the water start to run, which zaps you back into the moment. Standing from the velvet upholstered stool, you head for the walk-in closet and try to reach for the zipper on your dress. You can’t exactly get to it, stretching to try and pinch the zipper between your fingers. The bathroom door opens and you whip your head around, knowing he’s going to come looking for you. 

It’s only seconds before you feel his warm hands gliding across your hips, no doubt knowing you need his help with the zipper. Perhaps that’s why he purchased the dress to begin with. Knowing he would be the one to help you take it off. He moves your hair, laying it all to one side of your neck before pressing his lips to your skin. His fingers pinch the small zipper as he slides it down, letting the silk dress flutter down around your ankles. 

“Tell me you know that I love you.” he breathes, his lips brushing against your neck.

“I know you love me.” you answer, breathless as your chest heaves. 

His hands slide around to your bare stomach, pulling your body back until you’re flush with his own. “Now, tell me you’ll remember that.”

“I’ll remember.” you whisper, feeling him long and hard as he rests against your back. 

He grabs your hips and spins you around to face him, cupping your cheeks in his hands. “Good, because I’m about to fuck you like I don’t.”

A gasp leaves your chest as your eyes meet his, dark and blown out. He drags his thumb over your lips, smearing the remnants of your pink lipstick across your chin. “Now get on the bed like I told you the first time.”

Reluctantly pulling away from him, you make your way back into the bedroom, kneeling on the bed, sitting on your heels. You nervously cover your chest with your hands, the room feeling a little cold all of the sudden. He steps into the room, his hand lingering on the doorframe. 

“Move your hands,” he says, his voice quiet but stern. “You wanted the entire dinner table to see them. Why can’t I?”

Your cheeks burn red as you lower your hands to your lap. He approaches, his eyes scanning every inch of you like he’s appraising you.

“He didn’t touch you, did he?” he asks, pushing your hair behind your ear. “My brother?” 

You quickly start to shake your head. Maybe a little too quickly. You watch him with careful eyes as he lets his hand gently graze your throat, then move further down, the gears in his head turning.

“I bet you wanted him to, though…” he adds, pinching at your nipple teasingly, wanting a reaction. You take in a sharp breath between your teeth.

“No.” you say defensively.

“You like Sam because he’s so sweet. He cares. That’s what you want, right? Someone to wipe away your tears when you cry about meaningless shit? You know that’s his specialty.” 

“I don’t like Sam. I just wanted–”

“Save it.” Josh snaps, grabbing harshly at your cheeks to shut you up. He stares at you for a moment before placing a gentle kiss to your squished lips. He pulls away quickly, but doesn’t release his grip on your cheeks.

“If you want to act like a little whore, I’m going to treat you like one. If I want to hear you speak, I’ll tell you.”

He pushes you backwards as he releases his hand, landing you in the pile of soft feather pillows behind you. He stands up from the bed, shimmying off his boxers before crawling back onto the bed in front of you. His eyes meet yours and for a second there is a softness there, almost as if he is asking if you’re okay with this. You offer him a subtle nod before he lowers his head and begins to drag his nose up the length of your leg.

“Did you have fun tonight, flitting around the place, drink in hand, practically begging to be fucked in the bathroom? Hm? Is that what you wanted?” he asks, pressing a hot kiss to the inside of your thigh. 

You squirm beneath him as the filthy words leave his angelic lips. “Did you want him to take you away and fuck your stupid little brains out? Answer me.”

“No.” you reply, desperate to feel his lips on your body. “I… I wanted…” you stammer, your bravery leaving you with every shaky breath. He places an open mouthed kiss to your mound, but freezes once your words trail off.

“You never stop talking, but now you’re at a loss for words? Fucking say it, Y/N.” 

“I wanted you!” you cry out, your head falling back onto your pillow, a heavy sigh leaving your chest. He squeezes the softness of your thigh before he speaks.

“And you really thought that would work?” he asks, nipping at your soft skin, chuckling quietly. “You’re dumber than I thought.”  

You feel your skin grow hot at his words, your hips jerking upwards on their own accord.

“You like that, don’t you? You like it when I call you my stupid little girl?” he asks, sucking a mark into your thigh. “My dumb little brat?”

A whine leaves your chest as you feel his tongue slowly start to slide through your folds. 

He pulls away from you, “Ah, ah… Be quiet, remember? I know it’s hard for you to do as you’re told, but if I have to remind you again you aren’t going to like what happens.”

You stifle your moan and move your hips as his hands hold you in place, his tongue reconnecting with your core as he makes slow, languid laps against you. “Did I leave this pretty pussy too long? Does she miss me and need my attention?” 

He moves his hands to let his thumbs spread you further, swirling his tongue over your clit. “I think she misses me so bad that it’s got you acting crazy, my love.” His lips suction against you, sucking you into his mouth with a lewd slurp. His hands slide up to your hips, pulling you closer to his face. His tongue grazes your entrance, dipping in just long enough to tease you. He presses a kiss to your clit before pulling away again. 

“You must be crazy if you think my brother could do even half of what I do to you. No one, no one, treats this pussy like I do. Worships this pussy like I do.”

“Josh…” you whine, the word leaving your lips before you could stop it. 

You feel a sharp flick to your clit and you cry out, your body jumping in response.

“I told you that you wouldn’t like it.” he says, pressing a kiss to your sensitive clit, as if to soothe the pain he inflicted. You feel a rush of warmth at your core, your body responding positively to his actions. 

“Oh, baby, fuck…” he groans, sliding his fingers thorough the wetness. “But you do like it. You love it.” He pauses, locking eyes with you. “Answer me.”

“I–Yes…” you breathe, feeling his smile against your core. 

“My dirty, sweet, baby likes a little pain with her pleasure.” he growls, sliding a finger inside of you. You clench around it, desperate for more. “Yeah? More? You want two or three?” he asks, his eyes flicking to yours. 

“T-Three.” you beg, breathless as you feel him slide in two more. 

His lips find your clit again, suckling the sensitive nub into his mouth, rolling his tongue over it again and again as his fingers work you from the inside. The pressure is growing and you know you’re close. He must feel you fluttering around him, so he pulls his fingers and mouth away from you quicker than you can blink. 

“Nu-uh. Not until I say so, and I do believe I’d like to get mine first tonight... You know, for my troubles.”

A huff leaves your chest as you look at him, sitting back up to rest on his heels. 

“You know baby, I think I’m feelin’ a little reckless tonight...I’m thinkin’ maybe we skip the condom, what do you say?”

Your eyes widen in surprise, Josh always having been completely adamant that you use protection. Always. Despite being on birth control. You can count the number of times you’ve gone without a condom on one hand over the three years you’ve been together. 

“Are–Are you sure?” you ask.

“Yeah, I think you need the full effect… need to really feel me so you can remember your place. Remember why you count down the days until I come home.” he says, fisting his base. 

“Although,” he says thoughtfully before pausing. “… if I’m going to fuck you like a whore, I’m gonna have to wear one. Standard procedure, you understand…” he mumbles, reaching over to his nightstand and pulling a silver foil package from the drawer. You feel your heart drop as he rips it out of the package and effectively rips the opportunity away from you. A quiet, disappointed whine leaves your throat.

He clicks his tongue as he watches your face drop, “Aw, what is it? Did you want my cock?” he asks, a smug grin on his face. “If you behaved yourself I probably would have given you what you wanted. It’s a shame, really.”

“Please…” you whine, hoping he doesn’t notice the tears in the corners of your eyes. 

“Oh she’s begging for it. God, you really are so sweet when you want to be.” he says, rolling the condom over his cock. 

“Josh come on, please!” it’s a pathetic whine as it leaves your mouth, but you don’t care.

His hand collides with the side of your hip, a loud smack ringing through the room. “Don’t be a little brat. You’ll take what you’re given.”

A whimper leaves your lips as the sting sets in. “That hu—”

“What? Hurt? That’s typically the point, love.” Your hips jerk up towards him, his abs peeking through as he leans towards you. “Now, do you understand?”

You nod your head as he lowers his, pressing his lips to yours. His perfect heart shaped lips capture yours, his tongue pressing into your mouth with fervor. Your hands come up to wrap around his waist, his skin soft and smooth beneath your hands. You feel his muscles tense under your touch as he ruts his hips, dragging himself against you, the sound of the latex audible as you try to angle yourself so he’ll slip inside you.

“So impatient…” he chides, sucking his teeth as he hovers his lips just above yours. He decides to take mercy on you, letting himself start to slide inside with ease. You cup his cheek, kissing him tenderly, a silent thank you. You feel the heat building in your abdomen again, half the battle won after the way he edged you previously. 

“Does that feel good, sweet thing?” he asks, pushing in to the hilt before slowly pulling out again. “You gonna settle down now that you’re feeling nice and full?” he asks, and you respond with a shake of your head. “No?” he questions, surprised. He fucks into you slowly, deeply. You feel every inch of him that you’ve missed… but it’s not the same.

“No…I wanted you to take it off…” you whine. He shakes his head, a little chuckle leaving him.

“You’re in no place to make demands. I’m gonna get mine, toss it in the trash, and leave you wishing it was dripping down your thigh. And if you’re smart, you’ll say thank you.”

You feel yourself clench around him at his cruel words, making him smirk. So he carries on, picking up his pace as he grips into the softness of your thighs.

“But you’re not, are you?” he taunts, lowering his head to kiss and suck at your collarbone. “Can’t be if you pretended to be interested in my idiot brother. You’re mine. What do I have to do to get it to stick in that little brain of yours?” 

You whisper his name, closing your eyes as your cheeks turn pink, his insults both embarrassing you and bringing you closer and closer to the edge. 

“I told you I’m getting mine first. Don’t make me tell you again,” he warns, his palm landing on the pillow next to your head as he rests his weight and increases his range of motion. As he moves faster, his thrusts become more brutal as he starts to knock the wind out of you. It’s getting harder to keep yourself from losing it, your thighs starting to quiver.

He feels it, because he always does, but you can tell by the look on his face he doesn’t want to stop. He curses breathlessly and pulls out, his hand leaving your hip and moving down to stroke himself, but he lets out a grunt and pushes up to sit on his heels, looking down at himself.

“...Fuck.”

He wraps his arm under your thigh and tugs you closer, urgently, and sheathes himself inside so quickly you cry out.

“Oh, baby. You feel like fucking velvet.” he moans, his head falling back, his moans bouncing off the ceiling. When he pulls back, something feels… different. “Looks like you got what you wanted after all…”

He sits back again and pulls out of you, resting his hands on his thighs as he takes a deep breath like he needs to get himself under control. Sitting up on your elbows, you look down at him between your thighs to see the condom has not just broken, but torn. It’s more than halfway down his shaft, which explains why he felt so slick and warm inside you.

“Oh…” you say softly, your lips parting. You stare at him above you, his chest rising and falling, his eyes heavy as they lock onto yours. He lifts one hand, motioning you forward with two fingers, and you know exactly what he wants. 

“On your knees.”

You don’t hesitate to roll onto your side and stand from the bed, dropping to your knees with your hands in your lap. He watches as you go, waiting until you’re in position to stand himself and approach, raking his hand through your hair almost affectionately. You keep your eyes on him, the way he’s hard and straining against the useless condom.

“Does being on your knees hurt, little slut? Or is that right where you belong?” he asks, resting the tip of his cock against your lips. “Open.” 

You stick out your tongue, dragging it against the bottom of his tip.

“More.” he demands, pushing his hips forward. You open your mouth wider as you move to reach up and touch him, but he immediately tells you, “No.”

Your eyes look up at him, brows furrowing in curiosity as you question silently whether or not he’s going to take the condom off.

It’s sudden and shocking when he answers your question, grabbing the back of your head and shoving himself in deep. You feel him against your tongue, tasting the lube and feeling the latex on the front end of your tongue. 

He starts to thrust so quickly, you reach for his thighs to try and push him back. He doesn’t seem to care, almost relishing in your struggle, his fist tightening in your hair. As a gag works its way up your throat, he pulls you off of him, gasping for air, saliva dripping down your chin and neck. 

“How’s it taste, baby?” he asks, tugging your hair, making you look up at him through bleary eyes, trying to catch your breath. As you open your mouth to answer, he fists himself, shoving himself back into your mouth. You gag immediately and he pulls out, your mouth open as you try to breathe. He doesn’t let you, though, grabbing your jaw and spitting directly into your open mouth. 

“You better think twice before you complain.” 

You snap your jaw shut, swallowing thickly, your eyes popping back open to look up at him in shock. He gives you a crooked smile, pleased with the way he’s managed to throw you off. It only encourages him as you look up at him with wide eyes and try to catch your breath. He quirks a single brow, then runs his tongue over his teeth. 

“Nothing to say?” he asks, challenging you. You shake your head once.

He pushes the head of himself back inside your mouth, then spits again, making you flinch as it lands on your cheek. You squeeze your eyes closed, intending to hollow out your cheeks and suck, but he pulls himself out with a pop and drags his cock through the spit on your face, chuckling. 

“You’re starting to smarten up.” he mumbles. “Little brat.”

He taps the tip of his cock harshly against your lips and you can see the wheels spinning in his head as he plans his next move. “Back on the bed, all fours.” he says, snapping his fingers and pointing to the center of the bed.

You immediately pull yourself from your aching knees and scramble onto the bed, positioning yourself on all fours, just as instructed. You feel the bed dip behind you and you turn your head, seeing the remnants of the condom still intact around him. He makes no effort to remove it, wearing it like a trophy as his hands find your hips. His left hand slides up the curve of your back before pressing a palm to your spine, a silent order to arch a little further. 

“You’re trembling. You want it so bad don’t you…” he growls, his tip brushing against your entrance. “Want to feel my nice warm cock inside you…Nothing but me and you…You’d like that wouldn’t you, baby…”

“Yes.” you breathe, almost a whisper.

“I shouldn’t…I should put a new one on right now.” he says, the clench of his jaw audible. 

He thrusts himself inside of you, the barrier of latex gone between the two of you, letting you feel every ripple and vein of his perfect cock inside of you. It nearly takes your breath away as his hips slam into you. A groan leaves his chest as his hands grip into your hips, and you can feel his hot breath on your back.

His hips crash violently into yours, his pillow soft tip grazing your cervix with every stroke. He’s struggling to keep his composure, it's evident with his erratic breathing and the stuttering of his hips. 

You clench around him, a whimper falling from his lips in response, briefly breaking the facade he’s chosen for the evening. “Fuck, Y/N… I– I fucking hate you. You drive me fucking crazy, you know that?”

A pang shoots through your chest, you feel the tension in your stomach start to build as you flutter around him. “I hate that I can’t live without you. I hate how much I love you. You–I can’t deny you anything…Not ever…” he pauses, his chest heaving. “Can’t you see that?”

“Josh…” you beg through panting breaths. 

“Not yet, you’re gonna wait. Wait until I say, yeah? Can you wait like my good girl?” he says, struggling to stave off his own release. 

“I– I can’t…” you whine. 

“You will.” he demands, punctuating his sentence with his hips. “Fuck, you feel so good, swear to god I’m gonna– fuck…”

“Josh please, please!” you beg, tears threatening to spill from your eyes. 

“My little slut begging to cum, oh you’re a fucking vision… My angel…” he pauses, sliding his hand around your waist and pinching your nipple between his fingers. You tighten around him and you hear him hiss in response. “Oh goddamn, you’re not a fucking angel though, are you… You’re straight from hell.”

His hips start to falter, and you can tell he’s close. You turn your head to look at him, his hair wild and sweaty against his temples, his jaw hanging slack as he watches himself fuck you. His eyes flick up to meet yours, they are dark and his pupils are wide as a slight smile turns his lips. 

“I know I said I was going to get mine first, but you’ve been such a good girl for me. Go on, cum baby. Cum right on my cock, wanna feel you give yourself to me.” he says, nodding his head. 

His permission throws you right up into the sky, your release washing over you so forcefully that your arms give out below you, sending you tumbling into the sheets. His hands hold you up as he continues to fuck you through it, curses and praise falling from his swollen pink lips. 

As if your bliss fueled his own, you feel him pull your hips back firmly against him, a groan exploding from his chest once he can’t hold on any longer. You feel his cock twitching, his release beginning to spill inside of you as your name falls from his lips. You clench around him and he rapidly pulls out of you, fisting his cock as his cum continues to spill, painting hot white streams across your back. 

The room is quiet, just the sounds of the two of you attempting to catch your breath. His hand slides up over the curve of your ass, his fingertips catching a drip of his cum before it falls to the sheets below you. His hand reaches around smearing his fingers across your lips, and you can hear him snickering as he leaves his release behind. “A much better shade on you, darling.”

With a smack of your ass you feel him step off of the bed, padding towards the bathroom. “Stay there, don’t move. I don’t want a mess on the sheets.”

You stay put, frozen as you lean down on your elbows and rest your chin in your palm. He comes back out of the bathroom a moment later in his robe and saunters to the stairs. You hear his footsteps slowly descending the steps, the occasional squeak indicating how far away he is. 

You figure he’s heading to get you a towel from the dryer, so you just sigh and bide your time, feeling the wetness on your back start to get a little cold as the air moves through the room. In the silence, you hear a cabinet opening… then a cup being placed on the counter. Your lips part in shock as you realize he’s downstairs making a drink while he leaves you here, messy and exposed. The cherry on top of the punishment he’s dealt you this evening.

It’s a good, long while before he comes back up the stairs, again, at a leisurely pace. He softly pads across the room, then steps into your line of sight, putting a mug down on the nightstand. He made himself a cup of tea? 

You sigh, looking at him flatly, a little tired of the game at this point. He steps into the bathroom again, this time reemerging with a warm, wet towel. He approaches the bed and kneels over you, gently wiping you clean as silence settles over you both.

“I made you some tea. In case I was a little rough on your throat.” he says quietly. “I figured I owe you a drink after throwing yours into the bushes.” His tone conveys that he’s remorseful, his voice back to its unique, charming timbre. “Listen, I didn’t mean to get so… worked up. You were right when you said I was threatened by Sam, and I just kind of lost control.” 

You hum softly, resting your head on the pillow and looking at him over your shoulder, your eyes soft and tired.

“I’m sorry I pushed you that far…” you say quietly, your voice hoarse. He tosses the towel towards the hamper, standing from the bed. He leans down and places a kiss to your temple as you lay all the way down, just as your back starts to hurt.

You hear him opening your dresser drawer and soon enough he’s back at your side, placing a set of silky, cream colored pajamas and a pair of underwear near your head. He kneels at your bedside, resting his head on the bed to look at you where you lay.

“I picked these out for you when we were in Glasgow. There was this little boutique near the hotel that caught my eye. It was after dinner one night and I tried to call you but the time difference was making a mess of things…I couldn’t get ahold of you and I was just feeling lonely… so I took a walk and decided to pop in. I saw them and thought of you immediately. Thought of how they’d feel when I got back home and in bed with you.” he confesses, petting your hair the whole time he speaks. There’s almost a sadness to this story that makes guilt bubble up in your chest. You accused him of never calling, rarely thinking of you, and sending his assistant off to buy you meaningless gifts. The thought of him hand picking it for you while he was feeling lonely thousands of miles away breaks your heart.  

“I’m sorry I said all that stuff. About the gifts. That was admittedly pretty awful of me.” you squeak out, feeling ashamed of the way you acted and who you painted him to be. “I’ve been really hard on you.”

“Hard on me?” he asks, a breathy laugh rumbling through him.

“I just… I haven’t been really considerate about your ear and the stress you’re under and I think I’ve been feeling neglected in a way, so instead of trying to fix it, it was just easier to put all of the blame on you and lose sight of the sacrifices you make for me every day. For us.” 

He shakes his head, unwilling to let you accept all the blame. “I haven’t exactly made things easy on you…” he says, his voice a little small. “I think–no, I know I can do more. I will do more. I fucked up yesterday baby, and I’m sorry. I should have planned something nice. You deserve that. And I’m sorry about tonight, fuck, I’m just sorry for all of it. I love you and I need you and I’m just really, really sorry.”

He stands from his place on the side of the bed, watching you as you slide into your silky pajamas. He tosses his robe to your vanity chair and joins you on the other side of the bed, pulling back the linen sheets and sliding in next to you. 

“I’m sorry too. I’m sorry I was a brat, and I’m sorry I used Sam to get under your skin. I just– I wanted your attention…and I know it was stupid and immature… I just needed to know you still cared, even just a little bit. I wanted to see it.” you pause, looking into his dark brown eyes. 

“And last night, you just wanted a night in and I was…less than agreeable. I wish we could do it over. You just wanted your comfort food and your favorite movie, home alone with me…but I couldn’t see that. I know you’re hurting. I know you’re doing your best and I’m sorry I was ungrateful. I’m happy that you were even home. I’m happy I can take care of you while you’re here.” you say, moving closer to him in the middle of the bed. “I missed you last night…”

He props himself up on his elbow, his cheeks still a little pink from earlier, and in the dim light of the lamp he is glowing. “I missed you too baby, I knew I fucked up before I even got out of the room. I should have never said that to you. Not ever. Can you forgive me?” he asks, letting his free hand slide across the sheets and grab yours. 

“Can you forgive me?” you ask, letting your glassy eyes meet his.

“Baby…” the word is a breath from his lips. You reach for him as he wraps his arms around you. You cradle his head in the crook of your neck as he breathes you in and you know all is forgiven between the two of you. You scratch his scalp and pet his velvety shaved sides, holding him close enough that you can feel his heart beating. 

“Can I make you that soup you like tomorrow? With the kale and the carrots…” you ask, a whisper against his temple. You feel him nod, a small hum leaving his chest. 

“And I still have that sourdough starter that Jake gave us… I can make some bread with it? Does that sound good?” you ask, feeling his grip on you tighten. 

“Oh my god, that starter. Have you been feeding it like he said!? I completely forgot!” he gasps.

You laugh hard enough that it shakes your chest, “Of course I have. He would be so sad if I let it die.”

You feel his body relax against you again, “Do you know how much I love you?” he asks, turning his head to face you. 

You feel your skin blush as he looks at you, his eyes full of adoration. “A lot?”

“More than that.” he smiles, his cheek dimple peeking out just a touch. You can hardly stop yourself from pressing your lips to it, your favorite thing. 

“I love you, alot.” you reply, peppering his face with kisses. 

“But there is something that I want to talk to you about…” he says, his voice growing a little more serious. 

“W-what?” you ask nervously, pulling away just a little. 

“I know you’ve been so excited about coming to Spain in a few weeks…And I’ve really been looking forward to it too…” he starts, and you feel your heart drop. Is it canceled? Does he not want you to come?

“Yeah…” you breathe, anxious to hear what he’s about to say.

“So, you know it’s been a long time since we’ve toured over there, and our normal coordinator isn’t able to make it, so we are using a secondary coordinator…It really throws a wrench into everything. Things are going to be really shaky those first few days with the jet lag and all of that. I just– I know that it’s gonna be super crazy, and I feel like we probably won’t be able to spend much time together while we get the tour stuff sorted out.” he pauses, and you feel your eyes well with tears. “I just don’t want you to come and feel ignored...”

“So I’m not–” 

His face softens as he brings his hand up to cup your cheek, “So, I went ahead and booked us flights to go a whole week early, just me and you. Found us a quiet little place on the water right outside of Barcelona. It has a big open porch and a giant bed. It’s so beautiful and I know you’re going to love it. We can do whatever you want, just you and I.” He kisses your forehead before he continues. 

“And before you ask, yes, your boss already knows. I wanted to surprise you when we left, but I figured you would be suspicious that the rest of the guys wouldn’t be with us in the airport. I was planning to tell you tonight when we got home, but we saw what happened…” he smiles, his eyes positively sparkling. “So, how does that sound, my love? Will you come with me?”

Tears rush to your eyes. You were so prepared to be disappointed again that they were already on their way and this sealed the deal.

“That sounds so perfect,” you manage to squeak out as he wipes away an errant tear sliding down towards your pillow. When he pulls you in for a tender kiss, you can feel him smiling against your lips. “My coworkers are going to kill me for going on a two week vacation during tax season…”

“I’m sure they’ll be okay.” he says, brushing it off with a soft laugh. “They probably ate your strawberries yesterday, so you can call it even.” You suck your teeth at that, lips parting in shock.

“They better not have! I’m out for one day and the wolves descend?”

“I’m sure they’ll be there waiting for you Monday.” He soothes, pulling the sheets and comforter up higher over the both of you, pulling you in close as his little spoon. “But just in case… Maybe we can get some melting chocolate at the store tomorrow and make our own for dessert?” he mumbles softly. 

“Oh, I’d love that…” you say, pleasantly surprised at his effort already. He holds you tight, nuzzling into your hair. His hands are soft and warm as they sneak up under the silky pajamas, a comforting touch after so many nights spent in this bed alone.

“It’s a date, my love.” 

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[angelslittlewritingcorner]

DESIRE

(Adam x Lute x Reader)

Synopsis: Y/N just wanted to spend some wholesome time with her lovers but they had other plans.

Part 1 (of 3)

Warnings: Smut, Language

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

Y/N couldn't find her two partners all day. She had looked everywhere for them. On the promenade, in the park and on the training ground. No sign of her two lovers. But today was a very special day. The three of them were celebrating their first anniversary and had planned to go out for dinner together. Lute had insisted on spoiling her two babies and had chosen the best restaurant in heaven. They wanted to get ready together beforehand but Y/N couldn't find them for hours. Frustrated, she went back to the flat the three of them shared in the sky complex. If they didn't want to spend the day with her, she would just have a nice evening herself. In the bathroom, she ran a bath and lit a few candles. She looked for her clothes and laid them out.

Slowly, she slipped the clothes off her body and let herself slide into the bath. The warm water lapped around her body and made her body relax. The scented oils helped a lot and she sank deeper into the water. She closed her eyes with pleasure and thought of the two angels who made her life more beautiful. Her thoughts wandered to scenarios that she actually wanted to avoid because she was still angry with them. Soon one of her hands wandered down between her thighs.

She carefully let her fingers circle and pushed them inside her. In her mind's eye, she saw Adam licking his lips and watching her as he had done many times before. Y/N whimpered and one of her hands closed around one of her nipples. She squeezed, wishing it was Lute's fingers. While she was pleasuring herself, she didn't even realise that her two lovers had re-entered their shared flat.

"Fuck," Y/N whimpered and pushed harder against her hand. She could no longer control herself and came against her fingers. She leant back against the edge of the bath and slowly opened her eyes. Startled, she pulled her arms up and covered herself "Adam what the fuck are you doing here?"

Adam just wanted to go to the toilet quickly before getting ready for their date. However, the sight that presented itself to him was much more pleasant than what he had in mind. Y/N hadn't noticed him and he leant quietly against the doorframe, watching her. His eyes followed her fingers as they skilfully moved between her legs again and again. He couldn't stop his lower region from reacting as well. Patience. He would have to be patient before he could pleasure himself with her. He had promised Lute that they would carry out the plan together.

He grinned at her with his typical grin. "Actually, I wanted to use the bathroom but you've put on a very interesting show for me here" Y/N blushed and sank even deeper into the water.

"Where have you two been all day?" she asked, quickly changing the subject. Adam took a few steps across the room and stood in front of the toilet. Y/N saw him lift his robe and relieve himself. As he did so he said "Oh we were just running some errands princess"

Errands…..Aha….Today? Y/N rolled her eyes. "Can you leave when you're done then please?" "Oh why is that? I'd like to join your little bath" "Adam" Lute's voice sounded warningly behind him and he winced slightly "Yeah yeah I know I know" Annoyed he walked out of the bathroom again and Y/N wondered why Lute hadn't even come to say hello to her.

Y/N climbed out of the bath and started to get ready for the evening. Adam and Lute didn't seem to want to come to her. She heard them lock the door in the bedroom. Somehow she felt a pang that her lovers wanted nothing to do with her today. Secretly, she hoped that they would prepare something. After all, that's what she had done.

She really hoped that they would be happy with the surprise.

Y/N did her hair and put on some make-up. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she could already see the result. She was very curious to see what the other two would wear. She had seen that Lute had bought a new dress. She would certainly look stunning in it. With Adam, the two ladies would be lucky if his clothes were clean.

"Y/N are you coming?" Lute knocked gently on the door and waited for her to answer.

[sossolei]

my hero academia uni reality ⋆. 𐙚 ˚

⋆˚࿔ ❛ 僕のヒーローアカデミア ❜ ━━━━ boku no hero academia 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

est. 01.14.25

⎯꯭ׁ⎯꯭⎯꯭ׁTHE VIOLET FILES

birth name …… SÓLAIRE MAI HAGIWARA , ソレール 萩原舞

nicknames …… SOL, MAI, CHIBI

birthday …… MAY 1

hero name …… ULTRAVIOLET

ethnicity …… HISPANIC

height …… 160.2CM

gender …… FEMALE

pronouns …… SHE/HER/HERS

hair color …… ORANGE

eye color …… AMBER

class ……. 1A

languages…… ENGLISH , SPANISH , JAPANESE

⎯꯭ׁ⎯꯭⎯꯭ׁQUIRK INFO

quirk name …… DREAMSCAPE

quirk description …… This quirk allows the user to bring anything from their dreams and imagination into reality. Everything the user creates will exist in reality as long as the user remembers, or doesn’t fall asleep. This does not apply to any living things. When the user sleeps, things they dream of may appear in real life, the same thing goes for nightmares.

cannot …… With this quirk, the user cannot cause something to happening somebody else, nor make them act in any sort of way.

drawbacks …… Simply having this quirk makes the user sleepy, requiring an optimal nights sleep and a nap during the afternoon. Over-exhausting this quirk will lead to the user growing more tired the more it is used, until they eventually pass out from exhaustion. Passing out from exhaustion will result in all creations disappearing, however, passing out causes chronic nightmares, which may still manifest in real life. These nightmare creations cannot be controlled by the user until they wake up.

example …… The user of “ dreamscape ” can imagine laser beams from their hands/eyes, explosions from their hands, turning solids into liquid, or a Godzilla like creature roaming the Earth, and it will all effect reality. They cannot imagine somebody’s stomach exploding and having that appear in reality, but they can imagine their arm with a strong level of power as they go for a punch, and that will then happen.

timeline …… My quirk manifested when I was 4 after I accidentally walked in on my cousins watching “Godzilla” and was so scared that I had a nightmare about it during the night. I woke up to my mother frantically waking me up and getting my family out of the house because of the attack of a villain. When we went outside to look, I saw an enormous Godzilla stomping through a park as people screamed and ran. I cried and told my parents that it was all my fault, they tried consoling me but the more scared I became of the beast, the more powerful he grew. Even All Might showed up, but it was no use. Eventually my parents got ahold of someone to tell them that they believe my quirk had manifested early and it was what was causing all of this. Everyone tried to tell me that it wasn’t real but nothing worked. One man dressed in all black showed up, bent down to my height, and flashed red eyes at me. And suddenly everything stopped. The monster was gone and everybody clapped at the victory. My parents took me to the quirk doctor the second the sun rose again.

ultimate moves ……

𖦹 ELEMENTAL , transforms any element into whatever the user wishes. from solid ground to water, or a glass building into feathers. especially useful during civilian rescue as the user can turn thrown cars or buildings into cushioning for falling civilians.

𖦹 MIMICK , user can mimick anyone’s quirk and not sustain the same damage because they’re not copying the quirk, but mimicking it.

𖦹 PUMP IT UP , the name of a drink formulated specifically for Sólaire, but is now distributed to other quirk users with fatigue drawbacks. functions similar to coffee or a 5-hour energy in the sense that it boots the energy and adrenaline levels of users. if taken by a non fatigued quirk user, it wouldn’t do anything.

𖦹 INFINITY , originally developed after the godzilla incident, it is an invisible barrier between the user and everything else. when this is activated ( which is almost always ) nothing can touch the user and they can’t touch anything either. feet don’t touch the ground etc. this manifested as a defense mechanism at first but now has become second nature and requires more thought to turn it off rather than keep it off.

𖦹 PORTAL , user can create a portal to anywhere they can imagine clearly, even if they haven’t been there before.

hero suit …… N/A

⎯꯭ׁ⎯꯭⎯꯭ׁPERSONAL LIFE

friends ……

𖦹 MINA ASHIDO , met during the entrance exams and quickly hit it off due to our similar gyaru style. sunshine x sunshine. gay x gayer. had a crush on me when we first met but it slowly disappeared after we got closer. our parents met and absolutely love each other. we begged aizawa, present mic, AND all might to let us dorm next to each other. i do her nails, she does my hair and makeup, it’s a give and take relationship.

𖦹 EIJIRO KIRIMISHA , met on the first day of class when I accidentally tripped him and he apologized??? I reassured him but who knows if it worked lmao. he also had a crush on my for a while because I really hyped up his very cool, very manly quirk ( it’s very manly btw ). that crush also faded after a while and now we’re super cool. younger sister x older brother. sun x stars.

ꨄ︎ KATSUKI BAKUGOU , met during the entrance exams and he absolutely hated me at first because I mimicked his quirk in a moment of panic. I was basically already in his friend group so we naturally grew closer. veryyyy slow burn but everybody saw it coming. he hates when I mimick his quirk and says “you can’t beat the original” ( sassy ) yapper gf x listening but pretends he’s not bf. says he hates my gyal music but he be bopping his head I see it. fire x earth. izuku and mina ship 110% and they actually became closer friends because of it.

𖦹 HANTA SERO , met through my friendship with mina and eijiro. he’s obviously Mexican in this reality so we are always cooking together and showing each other new recipes. we whisper Hispanic horror stories into denki and mienta’s ear to scare them. partners in crime.

𖦹 IZUKU MIDORIYA , met after the entrance exams because he kept yapping about my quirk. he couldn’t put his finger on it and he wanted to ask me more about it. i didn’t tell him jack shit about my quirk cause I saw that lil notebook and I knew he’d absolutely cook me if he knew anything else. the true nature of my quirk was actually a big mystery in class that I didn’t tell anyone because it was still earlier on in the semester when aizawa would make us fight each other. izuku figured it out (kind of) before anyone else and we spent literally all night talking about our quirks (he got in trouble for keeping me awake lmao).

𖦹 ANATCHAYA SUPUTTIPONG ( NATTY ) , bestest friend ever omg. yes her faceclaim is natty from kiss of life, sue me. she’s in class 1-B and she joined the same time and the same way and shinso. her quirk is “ cursed speech ” , basically she can make anyone do anything with just a word which means she has to be careful with what she says ( similar to inumaki in jjk ). her words have to have powerful intention behind them to work and it’s not like shinso’s where they need to respond to her, it works on everyone. the drawback is that it causes her mouth to bleed, the more it bleeds, the less she can talk. she’s thai and whenever she comes to the 1-A dorms, her spicy food puts katsuki’s to SHAME, but he lovessss her food trust. certified hot girl. her parents are supperrrr rich and she is actually childhood friends with yayorozu.

family …… my family is the same as my family in this reality. my mom’s quirk is prophecy, when she sleeps, she gets very vivid and prophetic dreams of the future but not any future in specific so it’s kind of a pain. she’s helped many hero’s in the past and is very well known in government spaces, but because she can’t pin point every dream, she doesn’t technically work for them. my fathers quirk is bringing words into reality. he can’t make someone do something but, for example, if he says “giant sword” then a giant sword will appear. he was once a pro hero but has since retired. I also have two sisters.

style …… i am a agejo gyaru and that is reflected in the way I speak, as well as my hero costume ( that I have yet to design lol ).

꯭ׁ⎯꯭⎯꯭ׁSTORYTIMES

storytime #1

storytime #2

storytime #3

THAT IS ALL, TY FOR READING AND HAPPY SHIFTING EVERYONE <33

[targaryenmarvel]

Fallin' All In You - Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Summary: An eventful evening in the park changes your life for the better after meeting the Maximoff twins.

Warnings: None

Word count: 1,262

Hey guys! I've been too busy with work to finish the next part, but I didn't want to leave you without anything. Hopefully, now that things have slowed down, I can finish writing and post soon. Anyways, enjoy!

///////////////////////////////////////////////

The breeze blew past your face, tousling your hair as you purposefully moved back and forth on the swings. Besides you, the other kids did the same, swinging ferociously to reach the highest peak, a competition among you all. Though the rest of the kids were older, you were never one to back away from a challenge.

From a bench not too far sat your teenage babysitter, Leah, flirting with a boy while occasionally looking in your direction. You didn't mind; it gave you the liberty to do as you wished.

A grin adorned your face, exhilarated with adrenaline as you went higher, and you felt invincible being on top. From there, you could see a couple of kids racing, others climbing the dome, a mother tending to her crying child, and a lone girl in the sandbox clad in a pink Lilo & Stitch shirt with matching shorts. 

The girl skillfully pressed on the dry sand, molding it into a tower shape, and then added water from a bucket to set the structure. You noticed the top of the tower. She proceeded to make another tower before working on creating a wall. You saw one of the towers become lopsided and internally screamed, waiting for it to topple over, but before it could fall, the girl expertly used her hands to stabilize the structure. 

Suddenly, the swings seemed less fun. The excitement redirected at the prospect of joining the girl in her project. 

A boy on the seesaw thought the same as he slid down with a devilish smirk, suddenly interested in the sandbox. That's when you noticed him, striding with a wicked intent toward the lone girl. You immediately recognized him as John Walker, a red-faced blonde boy who terrorized the other kids. Occasionally, he even stole your toys and went scot-free, his coddling mother dismissively saying, "Oh, they're just kids." 

You were tired of him pushing everyone around; you wouldn't allow it this time. With resolve, you break your steady swing to slow down enough to jump off. When you did, you landed on all fours, and from a distance, you could hear Leah telling you to be careful. You ignored her as you ran to the sandbox, where the boy was already lifting his foot to knock the castle down. You could see the girl staring at him, startled, like she had just seen a ghost. You saw the tears welling in her eyes as his foot made contact with the castle. Red covered your vision as you lifted your hands and pushed his chest with all your force, and he tumbled down.

"Leave her alone." You kicked at the sand, sending it flying atop the boy. "I'm tired of you picking on us. Someone has to teach you a lesson."

You raised your fist, ready to pummel the boy, recalling the karate lessons you'd begged your mother to let you take. Before your fist could connect with his face, a cold hand held your wrist, stopping your attack. "Y/N, what are you doing?" asked Leah.

You smiled at her coyly, "Nothing. We were playing, right?" You excused, using the same line he used when adults caught him. He mirrored his victim's assertions, nodding, dazzled, and dumbfounded by your confrontation. "See, I was just teachin' him a few karate moves. We weren't actually fighting."

Leah looked at you two suspiciously before releasing your hand. "You shouldn't be playing like that. You could get hurt. No more, okay?" 

"Okay, I promise," you said innocently, crossing your fingers behind your back. The teenage girl, eager to return to the boy, left without another word. 

You watched her leave, only addressing the boy when she was out of earshot. "Go," you command, and he scampered away. Only then did you turn to face the round cheek, freckled, brunette girl. She looked at you, her eyes sparkling in awe.

"Are you okay?"

The girl remained quiet, mouth agape and gaze unwavering. You considered calling Leah over, concerned for the girl. Maybe she was in shock; you remember hearing the term in your favorite cartoon. Before you could, another figure stopped before you, bending towards the girl.

"Wanda, what happened? Are you okay?" asked the boy, winded from running.

"Pietro," she whined lowly, embarrassed by the boy. "I'm fine."

You stood there observing the interaction, intrigued by the bickering. When he finally acknowledged your presence, you were met with a blue-eyed boy with similar features to the girl.

The boy looked you up and down, flashing your crooked smile.

"Hi, I'm Pietro," he motioned to the girl, "This is my sister Wanda. You are?"

You glanced between the two, settling on the beaming boy, as the girl shied away from the conversation by busying herself with the sand. Odd girl, you thought.

"Y/N. Nice to meet you." You returned the smile, taking in the charismatic boy. 

The boy-Pietro took your hand, bringing it to his lips, smirking goofily, and said, "Thank you for protecting my sister."

You suppressed the giggle, begging to erupt from your lips at his ridiculousness. Something told you the two of you would get along perfectly. Still, you fixed Pietro with a scowl, retrieving your hand to your side. You couldn't make it easy for him.

"Do you need help?" you asked Wanda, ignoring the boy as you focused on the girl rebuilding her castle. Wanda abruptly stopped, caught off guard by your interest. Most kids usually overlooked her presence the second they met Pietro, the more social twin.

Wanda flushed at the sudden attention, eyes bouncing between you two. Her mind screamed, "Yes," she would love to spend time with you, the girl who had bravely defended her. Her hero, you could say. But alas, she could not voice her thoughts, petrified with shyness.

Pietro's twin intuition flared, sensing his sister's distress at the offer. However, he wrongly assumed the reason for her state to be his sister's antisocial persona and not her newly found admiration for you.

The boy took it upon himself to relieve the forming awkwardness at Wanda's speechlessness. He searched until his eyes landed on a tall tree with a red ball stuck on the branches, and an idea formed.

"Let's leave Wanda to her sand castle. You can come and watch me climb that tree?"

"Huh?" You frowned at the boy, bewildered by the suggestion.

Pietro grinned, pointing to the upper branches. "Yeah, to get that ball. Then, we can play kickball with the other kids."

You craned your neck and glanced upwards, feeling your eyes bulge in surprise at the great height. "That's very high," you mused, and Pietro snorted.

"No, you're just a scaredy cat."

You jerked your head towards him, pride wounded by his implication of your character. You weren't a scaredy cat, and you would prove it. You glanced at Leah, still in her world. Oh, she was so getting fired, you thought. You returned your gaze to Pietro, fixing him with a glare.

"I am not, and I can climb farther than you!" You challenged, sprinting to the tree, and Pietro trailed behind. Wanda watched wary, glancing at their father, who was engaged in an intense phone conversation from afar.

Evidently, it wasn't the brightest idea for two kids to race up a tree without care. While an incredible runner, Pietro lacked agility and tripped on a branch, bringing you down with him. His foot landed at an awkward angle as he tumbled down, and you landed face-first on his elbow. Your mother, of course, fired Leah afterward. 

[justlemmeadoreyou]

Vexed

Summary:(this ask) Hey, I absolutely adore your work. Could you write about like a burned out reader who doesn't feel like doing her work and needs encouragement? Been having a bad few months lately. <3

Word Count: 1.3k

Summary: mentions of crying, tooth rotting fluff

masterlist | ask box(requests are open!)

“Fuck!” you wanted to yell that, but ended up saying it with a gritted face. Your co-worker Theo was passing by, and seemed vaguely interested in your misery.

“What’s wrong, Y/N? You look…tired?” he remarked.

“I am tired. So fucking tired” you slumped down in your seat, slowly sliding down more and more into it.

“You could take a break”

“Break? That’s what you’re suggesting? You know how many deadlines and pile-ups we have, right?” you raised your eyebrows, too annoyed at him already.

“I know that Y/n. I’m quite burnt out myself. But if you take a break, things will be a bit better.”

“I don’t have time for a fucking break, Theo” you put your right palm on your head, which was throbbing from stress.

"Look, I get that you're stressed, but you don't have to take it out on me. Maybe if you focused on the work instead of yelling at everyone, you wouldn't be in this mess."

“Oh thank you, Theo! I was so desperately in need of a lecture from you, aren’t I? Just go away!” you yelled again, and he got pissed off, and left.

You couldn’t stand being there anymore. The atmosphere was so frustrating. Everyone clammed up in a small space, running around, doing their work. It shouldn’t be frustrating per-se, but you were. You had been working without rest for the past 40 hours, and there were so many projects and reports lined up, you wanted to scream. And cry too, maybe?

Gathering up your stuff from your table, some files, your laptop and stationary, you decided you would do this at home. After you had had “a break”.

Driving to your house was miserable too, every signal seemed so much longer than it actually was. Every speeding car that made you slam your brakes hard made you want to get out of the car and yell and curse them. It was so vexing.

Pulling up to your house, you parked the car in the garage, and got out. You left your stuff in your car, deciding to take it out later when you actually felt like working.

You lived with your boyfriend, Harry. You had been in a relationship for more than a year, and had just moved in a few months ago.

Everything about him was great. He was so loving, you loved him so much. He took care of you, you cooked and baked together. After a long day of work for the both of you, he would be there for you, holding you and comforting you, telling you that everything will be alright.

You missed him so much. You wished he would come home early.

As soon as you entered, the dark house resembled the state of your mind, all blank and foggy, unclear with no idea where to go. You decided to take a shower and cry.

You walked to your shared  bedroom, stripping off your clothes one by one. As soon as you entered your bathroom, you threw everything away, opened your hair and turned the water on, standing below it.

As the water cascaded down, you couldn't hold back the tears any longer. The day's challenges, the pressure, the relentless tide of responsibilities—it all spilled out in the form of silent sobs. Alone in the shower, you let the water wash away the stress, if only for a moment.

Tears streamed down your face, flowing away with the water into the drain. It all felt so meaningless in the moment. Your job, the never-ending work, the deadlines, the piled up spreadsheets, the tension, the stress. It was eating you alive.

Little did you know, Harry had come back soon too. He parked his range rover, and saw your car too. He became happy that you were home soon, and you would get to spend some more time together.

As soon as he reached the door, he found out that it wasn’t locked. He panicked, thinking that someone must have barged in.

“Y/N?” he screamed at the top of his voice, opening the door and locking it. Inside, all the lights were out, and it got more and more mysterious.

He yelled your name, searching for you in the kitchen, in the living room, in the backyard, everywhere. Finally, he climbed up the stairs and went to your bedroom.

There, he saw some of your clothes lying on the floor, and heard the shower. He quickly jogged, and barged in.

He saw you standing under the shower, cold water pouring down. Your back was turned to him, shoulders quivering with each silent sob.

You had had a bad day.

You turned around to look at him, and just stared at him for a second. You turned back around, trying to stop your crying.

“Lovie, you okay?” he asked in a very soft voice, already inside the shower and closing the door behind him.

You sniffled, trying to compose yourself. "Yeah, just needed a moment. It's been a day."

“Sure, love. Mind if I join?”

You nodded silently. You both knew how much you needed his presence, him, in this moment.

He quietly stripped down behind you, and walked in, closing the shower curtain.

As soon as he was near, you quickly turned around, hugging him. Your sobs and tears flew freely, without a care in the world. Harry held you tightly, rubbing your back, trying to calm you down.

"It's okay, lovie. It's all okay. Shh," he reassured, gently patting your back, allowing you to cry as much as needed. He was present now, and he wouldn't let you go through this alone.

After a few moments, your tears had stopped, and there were only sobs coming out of your mouth. You pulled yourself from his embrace, looking into his bright green eyes with swollen ones.

“I’m sorry, I’m too much sometimes” you tried to pull off of him, wanting to give him space if he wanted.

“No, please don’t say that. You’re never too much.”

“It’s just that-there’s so so much work, Harry. So much workload piled up, and I don’t want to do anything. I just want to burn everything away and sleep. “

“It’s okay. You’ll be okay. Understand? There’s no need to blame yourselves. You’re so good at your job. You’ll figure it out. I know you will.” He kissed your forehead gently, and you sheepishly smiled.

“Thank you, Harry. I love you so much.”

“I love you too, love. Now, how long have you been standing under this ice-cold water?”

“Long enough”

“Alright, let’s get out before we get sick”

He walked across the shower and brought you a warm, fluffy towel, softly wrapping it around you. You were shivering now, and he looked at you with disbelief.

“I’m sorry! I just wanted to cool off.” You pouted cutely, and his frown immediately went away.

“Can’t get angry at my cute bunny, can I?”

You smiled, and you both walked out of the shower. He dried you off outside, picking up fresh pajamas to wear.

“Tell you what. I’ll bake you some cookies. With that new frosting we bought. And some coffee too?”

“No. Hot chocolate”

“Sure, love. You can find a movie for us to watch till I make you food.”

“But I want to be with you” you walked over to him, clinging to his body like a koala bear.

“Okay, love. You can sit on the island and I’ll feed you cookie dough.”

“And chocolates”

“And chocolates.”

“And kisses too?”

“So many kisses for you, my love”

a/n: to the anon who requested this, i hope you liked it. sorry for the daly, and i really hop you're alright, love! you can talk to me whenever you want

lovely divider by @cafekitsune

i hope you like this! please don't hate me

here's my ko-fi if you feel generous

requests and feedback is welcome and much appreciated!!

>>>

general taglist:

@freedomfireflies @gurugirl @thechaoticjoy @styleslover-1994 @gem1712 @ellaorchard @bxbyysstuff @opheliaofficial07 @rafaaoli @tchlamqtsgf @the-mouse27 @indierockgirrl @vrittivsanghavi @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @drewrry @babyiamperfectforyou @me-undiscovered @tbsloneely @whoreonmondays @kathb59 @avalentina @kittenhere @speedywritingharrystylesjudge @mypolicemanharryyy @theendx888

let me know if you want to be added, removed

.

[mrsjobarnes]

Not the Only Cowboy - Chapter 6

Summary: Jake had never been the type of guy to fall first, maybe you’ll be the one to change that. 

A/N~  Ahhhh! The end! Thank you for going on this crazy journey with me! Also a huge Thank you to @angel-0f-verdun for helping me with this!

Jake Sersin x Nurse!reader 

Word count: 1,500

Warning: Abuse, Angst, Violence and Death

Likes & comments are welcome! 

Please do not steal my work! 

Masterlist | Previous Chapter |

No one likes being vulnerable, it's in our nature. Yet here you sit in a room full of men, men who are your superiors. Who will never know the feeling of being chased, feeling like prey. The feeling of falling in love and then slowly watching that love turn into abuse, it’s something so painful you wouldn't wish it on anyone. Raising your shoulders you begin to tell the most shameful part of your past. The part of you that you wish could be buried at the bottom of the ocean. 

Jake held your hand through it all offering an anchor in the worst storm of your life. Even when the tears began to fall and breathing became too hard, he was there keeping your head above water. To your surprise, the men in the room listened, really listened, and wanted to do everything to help. Never in your life had you been validated by your male superiors. After a plan was made you were released and given extended leave till this was handled.

“When's the last time you had a real meal?” Jake asks, walking you towards the parking lot. You don’t give him an answer, fearing the lecture you knew you’d get. “Why don’t we go get burgers, sound good?” he asked. Smiling at him you gently nod your head yes. 

As Jake drove you stared out the window utterly exhausted from life, exhausted from the fear of seeing him again. As you dozed off, into the possibility of a life of constantly looking over your shoulder, you didn’t even notice that Jake had already gotten the food and driven you to Phoenix’s house. 

—

It's been 2 years since you last saw Blake, 2 years of rebuilding who you are, of redefining what love is and how it feels, of learning how to trust and build roots. Of Jake being your anchor in the storm. It took a long time for him to gain your trust in the relationship, If you asked him, you're worth every late night argument and anything else, because to him you are the oxygen in his lungs, His love is as eternal as the sun and moon's relationship, you’re his reason to keep coming home. He would stop the world if you asked. Everything you perceived as a flaw he can list 10 reasons why he loves that facet of you. 

“Hey honey, do you want cheddar or pepper jack on your burger” Jake yells from the patio while you cut up a tomato.

“He does know he could just walk in right?” Phoenix says sipping on her beer, you giggle and yell back. It was Jake's idea to host a barbeque to celebrate your promotion at work, if it was up to you y’all would be at the hard deck with tequila shots but Jake said you deserve more than that. Once all of the food is made the gang gathers around the kitchen and begins to chow down, that’s when the doorbell rings. Jake starts to stand when you tell him that you've got it. Upon opening the door you’re met with 2 CACO officers. 

“Hello, are you Miss Y/L/N?” the officer said, shaking your head yes. “May we come inside, we have some information we wish to share” he says, you open the door further you show them to the living room. At this point you’ve gained the attention of the group. 

“Is everything okay honey” Jake asks as he walks towards you. 

“I don’t know, they said that they needed to talk to me” you say.

“Yes, we have some important information for Miss Y/L/N. I regret to inform you that Lieutenant Blake Marsh was killed during a mission on Sunday. The Navy is saddened by this loss and offers its services to help you during this difficult time.” The officer says, grabbing Jake's hand you cover your mouth not out of sadness but out of relief. You don’t really hear what happens next but someone shows the officers out and begins clearing out of the house to give the two of you space. 

“Y/N” Jake says, putting both hands on your shoulders trying to gain  your attention, when you burst out into laughter. Giving you a concerned look. 

“Man, I'm a shity person, I can't stop laughing.” you say as Jake begins to laugh along with you. “I'm finally free” you say as your laughter turns into tears. Jake holds you as you switch between laughing and crying. 

The next day you call Blake's family to give your condolences. Trying to be as polite as possible you let his mother know you will not be attending his funeral, secretly you think she knows why, but have no intention of telling her the horrors her son made you endure. 

In the days to come you make sure to occupy your time, because if you're busy you have no time to dwell on his death and how that makes you feel.  Although Jake says you need to bring it up to your therapist you argue in favor of not bringing it as to not rehash things. Days turn into weeks and finally you decide to bring it up to your therapist and she gives you the reassurance that it's okay to feel happy, it's okay to be filled with joy and not to feel guilty. After all he put you through your allowed to feel happiness now that you're free from his torture. 

—

Jake has been planning to marry you for about a year now but he wanted to wait till life settled down, if you were to ask him he’d tell you that he’d wait till the world stops spinning if that's what you needed. However it's been 6 months since Blake died, and you seem relieved, happier. He’s decided that tomorrow is the day! He had planned a huge date night with a walk along the beach where he would get down on one knee and ask you to marry him, but you've been acting weird all day and he was  growing concerned about why you’re being so secretive. Have you found his secret? When he returned home he found you in his favorite dress standing in front of the table that was filled with his favorite dinner. 

“What's going on honey?” he asks, setting his stuff down, walking towards you with the biggest smile on his face. 

“I just thought it would be nice to make you a home cooked meal after a long day of work” you say smiling. 

“You don't have to ask me twice,” he says, kissing your forehead and pulling you out of your chair for dinner. The two of you talk about the day and its events, you hope and pray he doesn't pick up on your nervousness, but being the amazing man he is, he asks if you're doing okay. Dismissing him you ask about if Rooster is still seeing that one girl, knowing that Jake is one of the biggest gossips around. As Jake continues to gossip, you get lost in his eyes and decide now is the time. 

Grabbing jakes had “Jake, you’ve been my rock since I met you. You’ve taught me how to love and helped heal me inside and out. I have fallen so deep in love. Your humor and wit has saved me in my darkest days” standing up you grab the box hiding in the junk drawer. “Jake, will you please spend the rest of our lives with me?” you ask with tears swelling in your eyes opening the box to reveal a textured gold band. Suddenly Jake gets up and runs to the garage, opens his truck and races back into the kitchen to see you standing there puzzled. 

“Y/N I’ve been waiting to ask you, but was nervous of your answer” Getting down on one knee, he opens the box to reveal a gorgeous sparkly thin vintage sapphire ring. “Y/n would you do me the honor of marrying me? This is the happiest I've been in my entire life, I can’t imagine my life without you” he says. Finally letting the tears fall you leap into Jake's arms. 

“Yes, a thousand times” you say, getting lost in his forever blue eyes, finally you feel complete and like you're in control. Jake has given you the life you always dreamed about. One with unconditional love, a home filled with compassion, hope and safety.  

– 

 It's been 2 years since you got engaged, 365 days since you set a date and finalized all of the plans, 300 days since your engagement party and 5 days since phoenix went all out for a bachelorette party. You don’t even want to know what Rooster did for Jake, you saw the aftermath and that was enough. It is now 5 minutes until you walk down the aisle and get to marry the love of your life. You can’t wait to start life with Jake, maybe you'll get a cat against his will or finally drag him to your home team's football games. It honestly did matter what you did as long as you were with him, that's all that matters. 

The end 

Taglist 

@alana4610

@taytaylala12

@lonelywitchv2

@junegrey2

@novagreen04

@pookie-cleary

@emma8895eb

@littlebadariell

@djs8891

@loving-and-dreaming

[halimpark7]

I want to touch you

Hold your sweet face

Let you rest your eyelids

Lightly kiss them.

Pet your beard.

With my cheeks.

Slow dance with you.

Rest my head

On your chest.

---------

Will you help me heal

Everything I've been through?

---------

When I was 12

I went to April's house

And her brother 19

He would wrestle with me.

----------

He would open my legs

Press his body

Into me.

And shove his fist

And blade of his hand

Into my jeans.

Pushing up into me.

----------

Grind me into the ground

Into submission

Wrestling.

And his sister

Would watch us

Talk to us. Watching.

as he would dry rub

Grinding

manhandling

me.

-----------

I would get

So aroused.

-----------

This happened for 1 month?

I don't remember.

I just was so horny.

From all the

Pressure.

---------

I wanted to know

How to get more.

---------

This feeling has to go

Somewhere

Better. How do I do it?

---------

April was in 8th grade

I was in 7th.

We were in the same youth group

My father changed churches and communities often.

Running away from fucking his best friend's wife

Running away from breaking up a marriage. Korean people don't divorce. They just suffer.

So like a town change, I was in a new church.

---------

April and I were fast friends.

---------

We would go to the mall, to look around and meet hot guys.

We would find the them. 17year old what's his name in a new Jaguar.

Hot guys.

Hanging out at the corners. Standing out

But blending in.

---------

We were lucky one weekend

and we found best friends.

---------

I was fooling around at church on the weekends, too. My dad wasn't the only one. I was 11 turning 12. I spent every chance I could with a boy, Kevin. Korean Colorado family summer retreat giving handjobs and blow jobs in the back of the van to and from Iowa, while everyone was sleeping. On the way to Colorado and on the way back to Iowa.

I saw my first exorcism during that retreat. My mom followed me around taking me away from my friends. We went white water rafting. I don't remember anything but the exorcism and the boys I was flirting with.

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

Kevin let me touch his dick. I thought I could massage it by squeezing it up and down like it was a massage... It was big in my hands.

My dad's eyes silently, angrily watching from the driver's rearview. Everyone else was sleeping.

We would find each other at our makeshift church. An apartment complex seeking to raise funds to rent a building. I would take all the money I had and donate 10% every week, from my savings, all in cash. I didn't understand you just donated 10% from your earnings, not continuously from what you currently had... My dad just let me. While he took my money folded it up and put it in the pastor's pockets.

The same pastor that thought I was spoiled. Who didn't care my father was abusive to his family. The children were the problem.

---------

My dad and other high donaters got their checks held up and congratulated by the pastor and congregation, checks held up. One by one, they all got a very loud "A-Men" and small applause.

But I gave my cash to my father as he was the youth minister. And he just gave it to the pockets of the "church" no glory for his baby girlfriend.

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

Looking back I wish I wasn't so horny.

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

Everyone at church thought I was the problem, they didn't care my father was beating me. Stealing from me. The money I had to manipulate out of my parents stingy fists and fingers.

I was just "spoiled". The slutty girl who wore too much eyeliner

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

TBC.

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[minamorris1857]

I wish we’d gotten more Jill and Lucy interaction in The Last Battle. Lucy and Susan were so close and when Susan steps away from Narnia, Lucy suddenly has this sister shaped hole in her life. I like to imagine that Eustace writes a letter to Lucy and says “help I went to Narnia with this girl from my school and she’s asking all these questions and I don’t know how to answer” and Lucy is like “Peter, Ed, we need a support group”. So Peter asks Professor and Polly and they all go to Polly’s house for tea and Eustace arrives with this sweet girl with dark hair and bright eyes and Lucy’s just immediately “mine and y’all can back off”. They’re pen pals and phone buddies and talk about every thing, from clothes to books to art to movies to Narnia and Jill is at the Pevensie house almost as much as she’s at the Scrubb house. I imagine that Jill is really good at sewing and manages to make Narnian dresses for her and Lucy and they’ll have picnics in secluded corners of parks in their not-quite Narnian dresses because British fabric will never compare to Narnian fabric but it feels almost real if they take their shoes off and drink water from the springs and eat apples and fish and bread with thick, salty butter with their fingers. Lucy uses her drawing skills to record what Jill and Eustace saw in the Silver Chair and Jill has drawings of Aslan and Cair Paravel tucked in her school books. Susan never quite understands how Lucy became so close to Jill but they always ask her to join in, and Jill shows Lucy how to make a dress for Susan, who leaves it hanging in her closet for years after they’re gone. Lucy and Jill are sisters in the same way that Eustace and Caspian and Edmund are brothers and they’re never found far from each other. Lucy loves her brothers (Eustace included) but I think there’s something special about the relationship between the two younger daughters of Narnia and I really wish we could have seen that in the series.

[doctorgirlsblog]

Merz Prinzessin vs. Dutch Lion (series)

Part 4: You, I want you

Warnings: this whole thing is just a red flag 🥱🚩

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

"So, it seems I won the bet," she said, smirking at him and looking over at his car parked in second place; Lando's podium long forgotten.

"Well, go on. What do you want, then?" asked an annoyed Max.

Helmet. I want your helmet, Löwe.

"What?"

"Easy Max. You agreed, remember? Anything I want if I win." She smiled at him.

"But why my helmet? What'd you do with it?" He looked her up and down, clueless. What could she possibly want with his helmet? Not like she'd wear it. Or maybe it's some PR stunt.

"Aria, not here, not in front of cameras. The media would have a blast with this."

"I'll stop by tonight then. Promise is a promise. And you do love promising things to me, Maxie." He almost choked on his water, remembering promises he indeed made to her while being drunk, promising sex and hotel rooms.

The podium was no better, with her only focusing on spraying Lando with champagne and vice versa. Max just wanted the day to end.

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

Back at the hotel, he showered, styled his hair, and changed his shirt twice. It was already 11 p.m., and still no sign of Aria. No text, no call, nothing. Maybe she just wanted to get in his head again. Until now, it had worked perfectly. Still, he looked over at his bed, where his helmet was placed neatly, waiting to be claimed.

Knock on the door brought his back from his thoughts.

He hurried over to the door, checking himself over in the mirror one more time. As he opened the door, ready to face German devil, he was met with Kelly's green eyes.

"Kelly?! I..what? You?" He couldn't believe it. Kelly was standing at his door. What if Aria saw her coming in? What if she saw Aria on her way here?

"Hello Max. Sorry, I know it's late, but it's important. Can I come in?"

-"Um, yeah. Sure. Sorry, come in."

She turned to him as soon as she stepped in.

"Listen Max, I won't be long. But we need to talk. I'm still angry and I didn't forgive you for what you did, but you deserve to know the truth. I'm pregnant. We'll have a baby."

Max froze. Kelly was pregnant. He will be a dad.

He stepped forward towards her, eyes on her belly, his voice breaking: "I'm gonna be a dad?"

"Yes Max. You will be a dad." And then he hugged her, wrapping his hands around her belly carefully, forgetting everything that happened in last couple of days. He will be a dad. He needs to get his shit together.

"I want to try Kelly. I promise, I will do right by you this time. I want to be there for you both."

What he didn't see, was a new message on his phone.

Aria: "I changed my mind Maxie. I don't want your helmet anymore. I want you."

Turns our, Aria might have celebrated her win a little bit too hard, drunkly texting the Dutchman as she stumbled back into her hotel room

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

She groaned as she woke up to the annoying sound of her phone, answering the call without even looking at the caller.

"What?!" She snapped.

"Well, aren't you a sunshine when you wake up?" Lando's voice chirped from the other side.

"Lan? Why the fuck did you wake me up, du Arschloch?"

-"Yeah, yeah, whatever you just said. Did you hear the news?"

"What news?"

-"Max and Kelly are back together it seems. She's pregnant."

Aria suddenly sobered up.

"WHAT?!"

-"Ouch. My ear. Easy Ari."

"Come over Lan. Now." He didn't manage to get another word out, because she hanged up already.

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

Max was already long awake, coffee beside him cold and untouched, as he sat still and starred at Aria's message.

"I want you."

Why now? The moment he decided to give up on her, she came offering herself on silver platter. Fate was having a good laugh with him.

Another message popped up at that moment.

Aria: "Herzliche Glückwünsch, Max. Lando and I wish the future parents all the best."

Fuck.

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

Sorry guys, this part is extra short, but i'm terribly busy with work rn and i needed this part just as an plot twist for the parts to come. Share your thoughts with me! 💙👀🙈

[wordingg]

Revenge Is Cold Comfort

Dead Boy Ween Day Two ~ Prompt: Comfort

Summary: Charles and Edwin go to a park to see some ducks and Charles gets into a fight.

AN: check the tags on this one, just in case. there is comfort, but you gotta make it to the end!

It was a rare day that saw Charles and Edwin spending time together without Crystal about. But, as she had so firmly told them "these curls don't maintain themselves" and had warned them in no uncertain terms not to bother her while she was at the salon or she would "punt them directly into the sun" they decided to honor her wishes and give her a day to herself.

So, Charles and Edwin found themselves with a whole day to fill, with no pressing cases to work on and no Crystal to bother.

After a few minutes of the both of them puttering around the office uselessly, Charles said, "We haven't had a day out ourselves in, God..." Charles looked up at the ceiling like it would have his answer.

"Not since April," Edwin helpfully supplied. That day had been quite lovely. Charles and Edwin had attended a performance of Shakespeare in the park and then spent the afternoon in a nearby combination coffee shop / bookstore where Edwin was able to peruse both the interesting people and the new releases just put on the shelves.

"Right. That's way too long, probably," Charles said with a wrinkle of his nose. "Let's go out!" he said, clapping his hands and grinning at Edwin devilishly. Edwin firmly told his heart to go back where it belonged and stop trying to climb up his throat. Charles looked quite devious, but he often did. It didn't require that kind of reaction from him of all people.

Swallowing, Edwin turned on his heel to grab his coat and shrugged it on. "Capital idea, Charles. Lead the way."

They ended up in a park a bit farther away from the office than Edwin had expected. "I want to see the ducks!" Charles had insisted when Edwin asked why he had picked that particular park. He supposed that was as good a reason as any. Ducks were perfectly pleasant to look at.

It was a clear and warm autumn day, the strong buttery sunshine chasing off most of the chill. That being the case, the park was full of people, despite it being the middle of a weekday. True to his word, Charles went straight for the duck pond, crouching down at the edge and gazing intently at the ducks swimming in lazy curves along the flat mirror like surface of the water.

"D'you ever think it's odd that only cats can talk?" Charles asked idly as he frowned at a particularly round mallard duck that looped around to point one beady dark eye at him suspiciously. "I feel that if cats of all creature can talk, surely ducks can too."

Edwin frowned down at Charles. He looked again at the especially rotund duck who was apparently engaged in a serious staring competition with Charles. Sometimes, even after thirty-eight years of living together, Edwin still had no idea what went on inside Charles' head. When Charles wasn't speculating about the communication abilities of aquatic birds, Edwin could appreciate Charles' unique way of thinking as an asset to the agency and something to be admired. It was hard to remember that while he was staring down a duck.

"I'm certain I have no idea," Edwin muttered, despairing at the thought of what the rest of the day had in store for him. Hopefully not more ducks.

Whatever Charles was about to say in response was cut off by the sound of a loud smack just behind them. Before Edwin had even fully turned around, Charles was on his feet and walking fast.

Only a dozen feet away was the apparent source of the sound. A large man holding a now crying little girl by her upper arm and whispering fiercely at her. His free hand was still raised threateningly and she was holding her steadily reddening cheek in one little hand, her big brown eyes welling over with shining tears. It didn't take a detective to put the sound and the scene together and realize what had happened.

"Oi!" Charles shouted, still stalking toward the scene.

"Charles," Edwin called, hurrying after them. "They can't hear you," he said, already knowing that it didn't matter.

Charles got right up into the man's face, squaring up like he was ready for a fight. "Oi, you wanna do that again, mate?" he spat.

The man didn't react, of course. He couldn't see them. But, the little girls' eyes got even bigger as they focused on Charles and the way he had pushed himself between her and the man.

"Are you listening to me, you little brat?" the man shouted, giving the girl a hard shake.

"Get your FUCKING hands off her!" Charles shouted, giving the man a hard shove. The man went flying backward, his eyes now almost as big as the little girl.

When the girl stumbled, Edwin stepped in smartly to catch and right her before she could fall. She gasped at his touch and he took his hands away quickly. He understood that touching a ghost could be quite unpleasant for the living, but he didn't want to let the little girl fall either.

She turned her big wet brown eyes up at Edwin and he felt his heart melt a little despite himself. Her tears had stopped, but her cheek was already starting to swell, the poor thing. He tried his best to give her a reassuring smile and held his index finger up in front of his mouth.

"Oh," she said faintly and then nodded. She shuffled a little closer to him and Edwin tried not coo at her.

Just a few feet away, the man was shouting and cussing up a storm as Charles kicked his feet out from under him every time he tried to stand up. A small knot of people had gathered around to watch, a few of them with their smartphones out to record what to them likely looked like a man flailing about wildly and somehow failing over and over to gain his feet.

After almost a full two minutes of that, someone finally noticed the little girl standing back with a swollen red cheek and tear tracks on her face. A kind looking middle aged woman who had been watching the man in concern glanced over, her eyebrows shooting up her forehead as she saw the girl. She hurried over and physically put herself between the man and the girl, which Edwin approved of.

"Hello, dearie," she said as she knelt down to the little girl's level. She had a bit of a northern accent and she smiled kindly at the little girl. Edwin watched her closely, cataloging her appearance and temperament (the woman was wearing a cardigan, she had a purse and sensible shoes, she was wearing a wedding ring on her left hand third finger, the edge of a tattoo peaked out from beneath her collar) and found nothing to raise his concern. "How did you get hurt? Are you all right? Are your parents here somewhere?" the woman asked.

Behind them, Charles had stopped tripping the man and a few good samaritans had stepped forward to ask if he was having a seizure or a stroke and if they should call the paramedics. The man seemed shaken and confused and was having trouble answering.

The little girl looked up at Edwin questioningly. "I think you can trust her," Edwin said quietly. "Tell her the truth."

The little girl nodded seriously and then turned back to the woman. She was looking up at Edwin with a frown, but obviously couldn't see him. Her attention went right back to the girl when she looked at her.

"That's my uncle, Samuel," the girl said very clearly, pointing over the woman's shoulder at the man still slumped on the ground. "He smacked me for getting my dress dirty," she said sadly, fingering a little spot of mud on the end of her skirt.

"Wanker," Charles spat, stepping up behind Edwin. The girl's eyes flew to Charles and his own widened in surprise. "Oh! Uh, I mean. What a meanie?" Charles looked desperate to Edwin for help.

Edwin gave Charles an unimpressed look. "Really, Charles."

"Right. Sorry," Charles winced in apology. He turned back to the little girl to give her a big warm smile, the kind of smile that Edwin sometimes felt might be burnt onto the back of his eyelids because it was so bright and unforgettable. "Don't you worry about him, love. He won't be bothering you anymore, I don't think."

The woman, unaware of this little exchange, was already on her cellular device talking to emergency services. She had her arm tucked around the little girl's waist and was shooting nervous glances at the man who still seemed not to remember to look for his niece. Edwin thought this was quite right. It was gratifying to know that there were still good people in the world who would step in to do the right thing, whether he and Charles were there or not.

"Are you fairies?" the little girl asked Charles with her big shining eyes focused entirely on him.

"What?" the woman asked, a little shocked. She looked toward where Charles and Edwin were standing with concern and then demanded into her small rectangular telephone "Please hurry! She's in shock, the poor thing."

Edwin wrinkled his nose at the implication that he and Charles might be fey. "Absolutely not," he declared. "If you ever see a real fairy, do not speak to them. They are quite insufferable," Edwin informed her seriously. He and Charles had more than a few run in with fairies over the years of working cases and every one down the last was the most awful bit of nonsense he had ever had the misfortune of coming across.

"We're ghosts. Ghost detectives, actually," Charles explained. He then elbowed Edwin, which Edwin felt was quite uncalled for. "Give her our card, mate," he said with a smile.

Huffing, Edwin pulled one of their enchanted business cards from the inside pocket of his coat and offered it to the little girl. She took it very carefully, looking down at it like it was magic, which Edwin supposed it was. Luckily the woman had been too busy watching two police officers approach at a fast walk to notice the card appearing in the little girl's hand.

"You can tuck that business card into an envelope with a letter and then put it under your bed and it will be delivered to us," Edwin informed her.

"Or you can call the number on there," Charles said, pointing to the phone number printed neatly under their address. "We have one now. Right handy, it is," he said with a smile.

Edwin looked up at the clear blue sky and took a deep breath. A phone number just didn't have the same gravitas as a magical business card that could summon the dead postman who delivered their mail, but he couldn't begrudge Charles anything. Even ruining a good moment.

"Yes, or you can use the telephone number," Edwin sighed.

"Thank you," the little girl whispered, before the two police approached her and the woman and they were both pulled into a serious conversation about what had just happened.

Charles and Edwin stayed in the park for a long time. They watched the police talk to the little girl, and then more police arrived to speak to her uncle, and then more police arrived to put her uncle in the back of a vehicle in handcuffs, and finally the girl's mother, still dressed in an apron and non-slip shoes, ran crying through the park to scoop her daughter up in her arms. The nice older woman also stayed the whole time. Edwin had privately begun to think of the three of them as the little girl's volunteer security team. She certainly looked at all three of them like she trusted them to keep her safe. That was a feeling that Edwin would cherish for a long time.

The sun was setting by the time that the last of the police and the crowd of onlookers finally dispersed. The ducks, who had been avoiding the side of the duck pond that had been host to so much chaos, finally returned to swimming lazy half circles in the water near the edge.

Charles sat in the short brown grass watching them. Edwin wanted to scold him for sitting on the bank that was surely more duck feces than it was grass, but knew that it didn't really matter. It wasn't as if Charles' clothing could get dirty from something as mundane as duck poop.

After a long time spent with the two of them staring morosely at the ducks, Charles said, "Sorry for losing it there for a bit."

"Quite understandable," Edwin assured him quietly. He peaked at Charles from the corner of his eye. He was frowning at the shining surface of the pond, his eyes not tracking any of the ducks, his hands fisted in the material of his pants.

"It's not," he bit out. "If I was smart, I would have looked out for the little girl instead of just-" Charles bit off whatever he meant to say. Edwin actually heard his teeth click together as he did it. "You had your priorities straight. You kept her safe," Charles said, finally turning to look at Edwin. His eyes shined too much in the warm orange light of the sunset, betraying the tears swimming at the edges of his dark curling eyelashes.

Warning lights were going off in Edwin's head. This subject was a minefield and Edwin was uniquely unqualified to navigate it. He never knew what the right thing to say was, when emotions were involved. He barely knew the right thing to say when they weren't.

But, Charles looked so beautiful and tragic in the fading light of autumn, that Edwin knew he must try, come what may.

Hesitantly, Edwin reached out and placed his hand over Charles'. He carefully pulled the hand loose from his pants and weaved his fingers between his friend's. He looked down at their fingers twined together, because he felt if he looked at Charles' face he would never be able to put his thoughts together.

"Perhaps I stayed with the girl, but the only reason I could do that was because I knew I could trust you to keep that man away from her," Edwin said.

Charles made a strange sound and Edwin looked up at him. The tears had escaped and were running down Charles' cheeks, spectral fluid glowing a pale blue in the fading sunlight.

"Charles, you are kind, and strong, and most of all compassionate. I would never disparage you for being yourself, because I love the person that you are," Edwin said firmly.

And then he wrapped his arms around his best friend in the world and let him cry onto his shoulder as the sun sank below the horizon and the ducks finally left the pond to find their own place to roost.