#yay we did it it's the ten names in the tags yay (clapping)

[immoralimmortals]

A Song With Ten Names

Chapter 54: Night & Light

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Chapter Summary: There’s a reason everyone hails a “true meaning of Christmas”, but the truth is that it’s a lot of things, different for everyone who chooses to celebrate. The Akatsuki in their first Christmastide each have their own theme on their mind as they experience something new with a stranger they dearly love.

Author's Note:

This may very well be the longest chapter in the fic. Holy shit lmao. The song for this chapter is Night & Light by Tally Hall. For some reason it's not on spotify under the actual band?? So the version linked in the fic playlist is a repost labeled as a podcast episode, but it will play just like a regular song.

Content warning: Itachi's section mentions psychological self harm, forcing yourself to see things you don't want to.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

We ought to leave a light on, leave a light on

Underneath the moon

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Maybe Christmas isn’t so bad after all.

She rubs her eyes and apologizes, after a long, long time. Some Akatsuki left before the lady reached this breakthrough, either in impatience or to give her privacy. Deidara, Hidan, and Sasori are of the former; the latter include Kakuzu, Itachi, and Kisame (at Itachi’s behest). The ones remaining are, in their own different ways, the leaders of the Akatsuki.

“I think since Konan was the one who pulled this all together,” Tobi half lies, “She should be the first to give you her gift!”

Konan doesn't speak, dipping her head down a touch, eyes narrowing just a bit. She has, at most, been offered food as a child and offerings for an angel as an adult. It has always been out of pity or veneration, detached either way as she is a representation rather than her own entity. It was a massive undertaking to make this...festival happen. Not because of the dozens— if not hundreds— of origami angels that dangle even still on the ceiling, but emotionally. Each fold of the paper was purposeful, intentful, none any less bent and forged with her heart than the other. The time, just...sitting there, creating...it was meditative. Konan had sat...felt...and thought, something she hasn't had time for in maybe years. So in the end, she decided that she and the stranger are still not even; the girl had given her another gift, after all.

“Come on, Konan!” Tobi encourages, giving her a nudge. “She’ll love it! Won’t you, Takara-chan?”

The named woman jumps to attention, ogling those wide eyes at the sight in front of her. Orange orbs down, a slight frown with her mouth...really?! Is the blue-haired lady...being shy? “Konan...I—...didn’t expect anything in the first place! Whatever you’ve done...it’ll be wonderful. Even if you don’t think so.”

…

The angel seems to steady herself after a small, barely noticeable breath. “If you say so.”

Her arm is raised, and then square by square, it oh so magically forms a bouquet of roses. The gift isn’t just that; it is the show, the spectacle. She wants the girl to feel the slow intent, the same as when Konan sat on her own and thought about the possibility of making her smile again.

“Since you liked my rose, I figure...more would be sufficient. I...apologize if this is uncreative.”

The traveler’s eyes disagree. She holds the origami in such a way that from Konan’s view it frames her face, cradles it like the most gentle of petaled hands. Something in the angel’s chest feels heavy and light all at once.

“Konan..." the cherub murmurs, stars in her eyes. "...I…”

And that's about as much as the ame-nin can withstand. An “I wish you well,” and has to leave. Is such innocence real, as this girl hides her face among the roses? Konan is so mature yet still has no idea she’s much the same way...pure-hearted, pure in intent.

“Th...thank you,” the older woman hears just as she slips away. It feels like a finishing blow as it falls from the singer's lips.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Sitting in the sight of every eye

I believe in you

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“I’ve been told we’ll converge again later,” Itachi says, assuring. The woman is grateful to see him, though, and treasure this time alone. She’s been seated at the piano, playing just for the two of them and whomever else is in the halls to appreciate the notes. Ding...ding...ding... It’s soft, sweet, and it reminds him of when she played for him the first time. What a strange time they've had... and yet how far they've come. The man acknowledges the simplicity of this melody, the rumination on the note just for its own sake, nothing yet quite a song unless she decided that to be the case.

...He remembers, too, the darkness he first glimpsed then and confirmed later. His throat swallows as he tries to forget. “Your playing is incredible,” he says, and she’s aware he wouldn’t speak like this if they weren’t alone. It makes her heart flutter, and the girl with bright smile gives him a small giggle to match.

“You...flatter me." Her eyes are closed with joy, but one cracks open to glance aside. "But...you don’t usually compliment for its own sake.”

He blinks; the oh so slightest of smirks graces the corner of his mouth. “What if that’s changed?”

“Then you’ve changed,” she says without thinking. “I...sorry. I was trying to be witty. I didn't mean it.”

...But he chuckles. She never thought about it before, but she’s never heard him laugh. It's their favorite word...incredible. “No...you’re right. I have changed.”

A strange quiet follows, just them and the keys. She isn’t sure what to say to that, but eventually the musician gives in to ask the obvious: “Are you...implying that it’s because…?” But even in trying, she can't manage to spit it out. Itachi finishes the thought for her:

“...I am, Takara-chan. It's because of you.”

She flushes. The crow's hair drifts past his face as he tilts his head, looks at her like she's a dream.

“...May I tell you how?”

As if she could say no to that. “...Yeah.”

“You’re sweet,” he says. “Sweet as that cotton candy you mentioned. And you are...in spite of…”

…

“Everything?” And just like that, his smile fades. All the whimsy, lightheartedness...gone. He can't run away from what he saw, not any more than she can.

“...Takara-chan," he says seriously, to redirect. "You know things. You know things you shouldn’t. And I'm saying that in spite of it, you're still how you are.” But the Uchiha can't just gloss over a statement like that with more compliments.

“...I know what? You mean like...about the Akatsuki?”

“No.”

And yet he adds nothing more. What the hell is going on?

“Itachi…? You’re scaring me...”

“Sorry. I...just…”

…

“Forgive me," Itachi says, but this isn’t the end of the conversation, as she suspected, but the beginning. “I’ve...seen it in your mind. The last time you let me in…”

A sickly darkness washes over his expression.

“The things you’ve seen… Even the most hardened, trained assassins wouldn’t be ready for it. I—”

…

...She starts to catch on.

“You want to know how I know those things.”

Black eyes close, brow pinching in stress. “...I wouldn’t dare ask you to relive it.”

“Don’t worry, Itachi." Voice still bright. How? How is it still so mirthful? "The answer is...unfortunately easy.” …She waits until tired eyes under a scratched headband open once again. “You remember the...unlimited knowledge I mentioned...right?”

Silence is his response as the dots begin to connect.

“Sometimes you see things you wish you didn’t. And if you’re like me…” A woman in trouble swallows back the sickness in her stomach, much like Itachi has night after night. “...You see it on purpose.”

“Why?!”

It takes her aback, really. The sharpness in his gaze...he almost looks angry. Angry at what? It reminds her of her father. The disappointment he had in her. She has nothing to say but grin back and explain. “Looking at death made me feel like I was learning something. It made me feel like...I should be grateful I didn’t die.”

The fire behind his eyes wavers. “...That’s not how it works.”

“Yeah,” she agrees, calm as ever, knowing the truth. She did die, after all, in the end. “I know. I know now, anyway.”

...

...

Bit by bit, the tired man relaxes. Things make too much sense, and such a fate is hard to accept. But she has. She has for a long time. "...How terrible."

Gently, an arm loops around his, and the pianist sits just a little bit closer.

“I’m sorry you saw it,” she says, “If it’s really that bad. I never meant that to affect anyone accept me."

“I’ll be fine,” he lies. “But are you?”

...

“What if I say I’m not?” a curious woman suggests.

Something flips in the Uchiha’s chest, a flame lit that few are fortunate to find. “Then I’ll be here. I’ll find out how to give you peace.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Ding...Ding...Ding.

A tap on her shoulder to get her to stop. Itachi reaches into his pocket and hands her...something wrapped in tissue paper. Wait a second...!

“Itachi!" the performer gasps. "You didn’t have to…!”

“I wanted to.”

Some shuffling later and cupped in her palms is a little mug, glazed orange and with two triangles molded on top. A ginger cat! “W-wow! Itachi...that’s…”

He waits, heart having stopped. She's stopped talking. What if it’s too childish? What if it isn’t personal enough? What if…?

“You...remembered! You remembered I like cats! And that orange is my favorite!”

She throws her arms around him, Itachi catching the mug in the process as she recklessly leaps into his chest. After settling, he eases around her more properly and sighs in her ear. He should have never had doubts.

The challenge of world peace is one thing. It’s hard, but feasible. To give this woman peace before he dies is another entirely. Perhaps he can do it after all. No matter the gore, blood, death she forced herself to endure as if it would cleanse her sins, as if it could prove something, she’s still just a soul as lost as he is.

Maybe they can find a path together. Maybe even he can have his own personal form of peace, despite the the road ahead.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Open your window, look out and see me

Slow I am coming a long way to be

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Oi, angel! You good?!”

The woman leans over from her seat next to Itachi, waving her arm as she sees Hidan poke his head into the entryway. He has a pout on his face, as he often does when he’s not entirely sure of himself. Don’t mistake that for a lack of confidence, though.

With a shaming "tsk" on his lips, the Jashinist shuts his eyes with disdain as he walks up. “You better be,” he grumbles. “Awfully rude of ya, you know, just buckling down and cryin’ like that? If I didn’t know better, I’d think this whole holiday of yours makes you—”

“Hidan.” Only the weirdest girl in town would perk up at the sound of that voice. “Shut. Up.”

“Kakuzu, this is all about a RELIGIOUS event that I have no interest in! I’m not required to like it.”

“No..." he drawls. "But you did choose to participate.”

“That’s because— well—” Hidan blushes and glances up to the ceiling. Itachi smiles underneath the cover of his high-necked cloak.

“I don’t get it either,” Kakuzu says, reaching into his pocket, “But let’s get it over with.”

The performer blinks, attention directoed towards the masked man in wonder—

“Hey! Me first!”

“I thought you didn’t care.”

“Shut up, old man." Finally, Hidan opens his eyes and gestures towards the lady at the piano bench. "Takara, come ‘ere.”

With two other wary men watching over, the silver haired demon folds his arms as the woman abides, hands behind her back and eyes so big, innocent and barely patient. He gets the look back on his face— the pensive frown and shut eyes yet again as she's too damn distracting to look at right now. His brow furrows...furrows...until it begins to twitch.

But no matter how much he thinks, he doesn’t know what to say. He gives up.

“Here.”

A long, thin container is pulled out of a pocket by a hand with green nails. Her head comes closer, leaning towards his waist to investigate; it looks like...—

“A jewelry box…?"

...He smirks.

“Almost, angel. Take it and open up.”

He hands it to her, and she does.  The reaction he gets makes all the nonsense worth it. “Oh...oh.”

She glances up to his chest to make sure he didn’t take the sigil of Jashin from around his own neck. ...No, it’s still there. Sitting in this box is one of her own. Momentarily, he holds the silver over his fingertips almost in show— demonstration— before tugging the string wide and looping it over head. The shape of the triangle reflects on her pupils as she stares down at her own chest. One question is on her mind before any others:

“...Where did you get this?”

“Been meaning to for a while, so don’t think too much of it, alright?” And yet, he still beams with pride, stepping back to get a good look at his girl Hidan will certainly be thinking a lot of it, enough for them both. “That’s better...now you won’t need me to pray for you. You can do it herself!"

“I— Oh. Thank you.”

...Something’s wrong.

“What? You’re getting quiet. Talk to me, angel.”

“I just...I like it when you pray for me. I have no excuses anymore.”

That's about the fastest Kakuzu has ever seen his partner's skin change shade.

“Never said I’d STOP! Don’t be ridiculous! But still! You gotta be more independent. You know that, right?” Hidan quickly side-eyes the other two Akatsuki there, as if they might get in the way. “Got it?”

And while the performer would not call herself a devout Jashinist— in fact hasn’t considered herself religious for a while— she begins to understand again how people could believe in a god. Something tickles her heart, and the best name for it is “faith.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

An accidental light on

Such as I am, by the lonely sun

Ever is the light on, is the light on

Ever meant to run

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Kakuzu next, then. He sighs, and once again reaches into his pocket. Even though he has a large palm— at least if not comparing to Kisame— it’s still surprising when a closed fist pulls out; whatever the gift is, it fits entirely in his hand. Hidan “tsks” again, though in a more sincerely unhappy way than when he did it minutes ago at his timid friend.

“Can’t fuckin’ believe it,” he mutters under his breath, though with no intent to hide it. He continues as Kakuzu walks the distance of the room to approach her as well. “Of course you’re a fucking miser about this. Fits in your damn side pocket…!”

Here’s the thing about Kakuzu and gifts: Gifts are...hard. Gifts cost money. Gifts have only existed in his long life as an equivalent exchange: momentos of allies; representations of power to give in turn; symbols of submission. The social nature of gifts is another form of monetization. That means that Kakuzu hasn’t had a real, honest to god free and selfless gift in a long, long time. Maybe one or two, earlier on in the days of being on the lam, but he can’t even remember specifics.

All this is to say...for what Kakuzu lacks in decorum, he more than makes up for in purpose.

He didn’t ask her to, but the woman still closes her eyes as the rag doll holds her palm open and places the thing upon it. A few seconds after pulling away, she decides she gets to finally see.

“Oh! It’s a coin!”

Held up to the light, it's a clearly aged gilded circle with a near unrecognizable face on it. Kakuzu grips her shoulder and leans in close.

“This is a gold coin from the elder days, obtained from a battlefield during the first great ninja war. This is for emergencies. Understand? You take this to a pawn shop to sell and you barter. It is worth at minimum 400,000 ryo. Ask for 500,000 ryo first and barter down if necessary. But NO LOWER than 400,000 or I will come up from whatever grave I’m in and kill you. Understand?!”

What the fuck...? “I— are you SURE—?! That sounds really valuable to you!” And way too valuable to entrust to the likes of her.

But “Yes,” he says, serious as death.

And though she carries it warily between her fingers now...it glistens so beautifully held up to the light. That's how the performer regains her blessed smile.

Kakuzu savors both the joy on her face— her understanding of this sacrifice, an object both personally dear to him as well as financially— and the look Hidan gives from behind her shoulder, mouth agape in shock.

The selfish bastard can be selfless, after all.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Cold but I'm outside and waiting to see

Blowing the snow coming closer to me

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Kisame enters the scene some time later, exhausted, having come from a long, long journey in a span others would find unfeasably short for the distance. But he’s the tailless beast for a reason. If those massive chakra reserves can’t help him with this, he’d consider the power useless.

The journey there is as important as the the actual giving of the gift itself. Here’s how it happened:

.

.

.

A florist, weary from a full day’s work, wipes her forehead after finishing sweeping. It’s been a blessing and a curse, moving away to work with the friend of a friend in the business. Seasons are upturned on its head; what is cold down home is warm up here. A task to learn the upkeep of flowers in this different atmosphere, lower-elevated and somewhat more humid.

But it’s been good. She needed the space, anyway.

The bell of the store’s door chimes and every thought is thrown out the window.

“Did I arrive after closing?” a tall, blue man grins, dipping his head through the entry. He usually doesn’t need to remind people who he is, being...you know...but he starts to wonder after the lady in front of the counter stares at him until she may become blue, too from holding her breath. Eventually, a finger raises. The point is accusatory, he thinks.

“You,” she says, emotion devoid from her voice as the gears turn. “You... What... Are…?”

Sheepishly, the walking talking shark shows more teeth as if it'll put her at ease. “Tracked you down,” he admits with a shrug. More bells as the door shuts behind him; the ceiling barely fits over his head of hair. Why does such a huge guy spike it up to be even taller...?! “But don’t worry— it isn’t quite as creepy as it sounds.”

The florist squints. Hard. “What the heck?! You— you came all the way UP here—?!”

“I need your help."

...

Her eyes go wide and she grips the broom like a weapon.

“What happened?!”

Somehow the way she looks at him NOW is even worse, like she’s accusing him with just her glare of failing their mutual friend. He rubs the back of his head. “Oh, it’s not quite as bad as you think, before you get carried away! Takara’s health is good. It’s…”

…

She hums curiously, hunched shoulders easing up a little, stick of the broom lowering down to the ground. Kisame’s pin-eyes somehow can carry such emotion in them, even with such little space; he glances to the floor as to try to hide them, and now she’s doubly grateful she cleaned up.

“...We’ve discovered a reason for her dismay, this winter,” he explains. “A holiday of some sort from home… Apparently it’s important.” And his eyes now raise to her, though he’s so fucking tall that it’s hard to tell from her height that they moved at all. “I need to give her a gift.”

She blinks. Okay, Kisame thinks, she's listening. That's good.

“She loves flowers.” Purple tinges his cheeks and she wonders if he’s blushing. “All the flowers are dead where you left us at, of course. But all the same...I want to bring some to her.”

...

The broom is dropped entirely to clamber to her feet.

“...You tracked me down all for that?!”

“It being you is a bit coincidental,” the missing-nin tries to assure, lest she find herself at risk. “I just had a lead on where you were and it’s the best option in such short notice.” ...Maybe he shouldn’t have put it that way; she begins to nearly look wounded she wasn’t naturally just first choice. “But I figure...if someone can help me, it’s you. You succeeded before, after all. That thing you made, had me give...it was something that she treasures to this day.” he adds, growing quiet in a way that doesn’t seem to suit him. Perhaps he’s never usually this vulnerable. “I need that sort of gift now. Something that’ll show she’s not in this world alone.”

…

The florist exhales. “I can’t say no to a request like that, history or no.”

Kisame is patient as he sits at a table much too small and much too dainty for the likes of him. The top of his knees bang the underneath and the chair is going to bruise his sides. It reminds the man of her— that is, the “her” this is all for, and so he reminds himself that he's endured far worse for much less than she. Every so often, the florist asks a question or two— never looking right at him but rather poking and prodding the arrangement she’s making.

“You want to show you’re strong? Protective? Take care of her? Or is it more of an equality situation?”

“Would you consider yourself her friend...or her BEST friend?”

“Okay, so like, do you like her, or do you LOVE her?”

The shark leans his head against his palm, small eyes narrowing despite his boredom. “These questions sure are damn personal.”

“So is this! Do you want my help or not?!”

“No, no. Not protesting. Just commenting.”

…

“You still haven’t answered me.”

…

…

…

“Buddy?" she pokes. "You still with me?”

It’s hard to decide if you should choose your words carefully or if you bestow the full weight they really bear upon your soul. This florist...she’s one of the only friends the traveler has outside of the Akatsuki, and he’s aware they don’t really give the best impressions to civilians as it is. Kisame looks inside, past the monster inside him, beyond the hunger for flowing blood and constant war, and he asks himself what the performer would like to hear.

“...I love her,” he says. Again, in that tone so quiet it’s almost like he’s not himself. “She knows I love her. But…”

Now THAT has her full attention. “But…? But what? She doesn’t love you, too?”

“She does.”

“So am I just imagining how sad you sound about it?”

“You have a lot of nerve towards your customers, you know."

“Hey, I don’t take my job lightly. Flowers mean things, you know. It’s a whole art. I try to take what’s on someone’s mind and in their heart and make it tangible. If you don’t give me everything, she won’t get everything.” She decides to put the ultimatum more simply: “I can only give what you want to give. So what is it?”

…

…

“Is there any way to use those flowers to...tell her something in specific?”

The florist looks at him...and beams. These are words every flower arranger dreams of. “Depends on what that is.”

.

.

.

He ran and ran and ran, all just to keep those silly flowers from dying before she even got to see. When it’s his turn, he greets her with a gentle ruffle of hair atop her head, still afraid to fully hold and touch her after everything that’s been in his dreams and happened between her and him. The warmth is still there, though, and that's what matters. The way she looks at him so adoringly...he has no idea that he’s just mirroring it like a big dope.

Well, he knows how stupid in love he is, anyway. Why else would he do all this?

“Close your eyes for me, princess.”

She does.

Two hands reach down to guide her by the shoulders, and they walk...walk...walk. Eventually, she recognizes the floor feels different; they must be in the kitchen.

“Open.”

And as soon as her hands are off her eyes, they’re thrown over her mouth. She buckles at the knees.

“Kisame—!” she gasps. “How did you—?!”

Fresh flowers, right on the window sill. The same place they really, truly met for the first time, him with a hammer in his hand and the shark’s heart cradled in hers. The woman has little idea of the symbolism of flowers, outside of “roses are red, violets are blue”, but she doesn’t need to in order to understand he really, really had to do something special to get real, living blossoms all the way to her in the middle of winter. Just for her?! Just for her.

She cries his name and runs into him like it'll save her life. Despite himself— despite it all— he holds her back without holding back.

“Don’t accuse me of being cheesy as the artists, but the real gift is you, princess.”

Despite herself, Konan finds herself too nosy to ignore the scene as she passes by. She looks over the man, leaning down to hold the performer. Orange eyes glance to the vase. Then to him. Then to the vase. Then to the girl. Then to him.

It’s going to haunt her forever, wondering if Kisame knows he’s metaphorically kneeling at the traveler’s feet. What an elaborate and pointless prank, or a terrible misunderstanding. Those choices would be too romantic for even a royal wedding.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Tonight I'm arriving alive and alight

Tonight all the black, and the gray and the white

And I want to be like you are the one light

I want to see your eyes looking back and into mine

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer,” the woman sings, clacking along on the piano, perhaps the most apt of instruments for the Christmas season, “You’ll go down in history!”

The white half of Zetsu’s face smiles. “Well, that was cute!” Black answers: “And pointless.”

The performer, however, doesn’t seem to take too much offense; she just shrugs. “Lots of carols are like that, to be honest. Tell you stories. Try to describe the...like…” Her fingers raise their index and middle finger, curling them back and forth. Zetsu doesn’t know what quotation marks are, but he understands the tone is supposed to be mocking. “True meaning of Christmas.”

“So that’s what it’s called.”

“Huh? Did I forget to say so?”

“You did,” the deeper voice says.

“Oh. Uh. Oops.”

A pause. Zetsu doesn’t really feel the awkwardness himself, but he does look in curiosity as she does, the way the musical traveler squirms and looks away like his eyes burn into her skin. Perhaps now is a good time.

“I have a gift for you.” And though everyone does, she’s been told, it’s still a surprise from the likes of him. Her head jolts up.

“W-what? For me? Really?”

“What makes you think we wouldn’t...?” the white voice whines. The way she sputters is absolutely, utterly delicious.

“I—oh, I just— I forgot, is all. But still! That’s...really nice of you.”

The plant allows a few seconds before pulling the rug from her feet.

“...You haven’t seen it yet,” the dark voice reminds. And now the girl's as red as that misfit deer’s nose. Once she gets over herself, she bites his bait:

“Okay, uh... What is it?”

“It’s not a what,” Black Zetsu continues. “It’s a where.”

She blinks, and suddenly he seems so much taller, walking up to her. His shadow looms, and it makes her feel small.

“May I take you there?” the softer one requests.

“Uh. Yeah! Sure!”

He steps closer.

...

...

...Um...

“H-...how do we get there?”

And somehow, some way, even the featureless side of his face seems to grin.

“Close your eyes.”

And it’s to keep more than just the gift a secret. A moment of thought, weighing her options, and she finally does, bracing herself in spite of memories of Zetsu’s previous threats. But no amount of consideration could have prepared her for this. There is no description apt enough to describe the sensation of someone wrapping not just their arms but all of themselves around her and sinking into the ground itself. To make an attempt, she could describe it as suffocating— tight, neither warm nor cold. Somehow she’s stiff as wood and flows like water. Eventually, perhaps at most a minute, maybe not even that, and she feels the wind begin to play with her hair.

One eye opens back up. The sky is bright and blue, the green attachments to Zetsu’s body stark in shape against that backdrop. He’s looking down at her, even as he still holds her to his chest, and he smiles. It takes a few attempts to move before the woman is finally released to see what this "where" is.

It's entirely, utterly, impossible. Step, step back, back again until she’s twirled in a circle. A clearing of some kind, in the middle of the forest, no home in sight— wait.

Is it...the forest? Or another?

The grass beneath her feet is alive, wet among melting snow. She could use a coat, but not so badly as usual.

“Where…are we?”

“A secret place,” the right half of Zetsu answers, cryptic as ever. “Where you can go if you ever so much as ask.”

...He can tell from that blank expression that she doesn’t quite get it yet. Oh, what a cute thing the little ghost can be, testing their patience.

“To be warm,” the left one explains. “To be safe.” And the present smile widens, pinching up his visible eye. “And maybe you can tell me more than you would, knowing no one else is there. Right?”

…

Oh.

“Do you remember your promise?” he asks. “To dance? Sing?”

Oh.

“You really want to..." she ventures, carefully, "That bad?” The amalgamate doesn't seem to take too well to her second guessing.

“I can leave you here, you know,” the dark one threatens, “If you don’t appreciate it after all.”

Nervous, loud laughter erupts as she tries to recover. “Oh, oh no! Not necessary! I’m just...I didn’t…”

…

“Expect someone like us? To do something like this?” It sounds so rude of her when he puts it that way. ...But...

“...Yeah,” she admits, guilt weighing her low. But she doesn't squirm away as the Akatsuki spy approaches again, letting the fly trap on his shoulders cover her in refreshing shade.

“Monsters are capable of more than you realize, ghost.”

...Oh.

She gets smaller where she stands, holding the side of her arm and turning away. “I’m...sorry for calling you that before.”

“You’re not even wrong,” the dark voice says, in such a way she doesn't need to be touched to turn back; she simply does. The lighter adds: “Just don’t exclude the possibility. Monsters can be people, too, Miss Takara.” Though he will never admit he didn’t consider himself the latter before he met her.

“Zetsu?”

The yellow iris widens as she raises her hand in offering to his. It’s more of a shock when it isn’t overtly coerced. Dumbly, the dual man takes it, and in this wonderland all their own, maybe even halfway across this world, she leads him in this dance. The air tastes sweet, bees already around to make honey and spread the pollen. The flowers even start to bloom here, it seems, as she begins to notice color splotching the snow between their spins. Is that coincidence, the woman wonders, or does he really have that kind of power over the earth? A ghost and a fairy, the stars and the dirt...what a strange, inevitable pair they are.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Better when the light comes in the night-time

Opening the door

Hoping to be right, it's open every night

So whatcha waiting for?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Pain's event turns out to be supper. This is the first— perhaps only time that everyone (even those who don't eat) sits at the dinner table together, the size of which once seemed unnecessary and extravagant but now hardly seats every Akatsuki member and their favorite girl without bumping elbows. She said any food was fine— just so long as it was nice and warm— and so the scent of soup and fresh bread wafts around the room, provided somehow via the courtesy of lord Pain in such quantity and in such short notice. But appetites at this moment are appeased, and realizing awkwardly that everyone else was waiting for her, the lady stands up and pushes in her chair to signify the meal is done.

“I’ll go ahead and do the dishes. Thank you, everyone, for today—”

“Uh," the blonde interrupts, "Takara?”

As Deidara speaks, it’s only now that she realizes that Pain’s chair is empty. She turns around to investigate—

“Miss Takara," another man says, directly in to her ear.

"JESUS FUCK!"

She jumps where she stands, Pain directly behind and somehow having no reaction to being walked into. Sasori without expression catches the bowl that flies from her hands, as such clumsiness is predictable.

“I—” she stammers, attempting to recover. “Sorry! I didn’t see you get up! Holy shit—!” she can’t help but say. Was he even at the table in the first place?! “How’d you do that!?”

“My mistake," the leader glosses over masterfully, avoiding the question. "I suppose I’m unused to being around civilians.”

Deidara bites his tongue about how he’s never seen shinobi sneak up like that, ever, off the job. Drama is fun but not when he’s half asleep on vegetable broth.

“Perhaps we shall pick another time for my gift, then.”

She perks up quickly. “What?! I thought— I thought this was your gift!” He shakes his head.

“No. I have something...else for you.”

“Oh?”

He slowly raises his hand to the side...and something gravitates straight into it like a magnet. He hands the box to the girl, all eyes watching. What could someone like their stoic, impersonal leader could have in his possesion? What would he deem important enough to bestow upon the physical manifestation of hopes, dreams, and possibilities?

She pulls the top off, but it raises more questions than answers. That is, to everyone except her.

“Oh wow…” And she holds it up so everyone can see. “It’s a ribbon!”

A hair ribbon, to be precise. The Akatsuki watch as the most elusive, mysterious, deadly criminal in the known ninja world abides as she turns around and ties pink silk around her head in a big girly bow.

No way a guy like him gave HER a gift like THAT. ...But the way she holds her arms and spins around tells it all: this was a wise choice.

“It’s simple,” he reasons aloud, more for them than for the recipient, perhaps. “I’m of the understanding she used to have a hat. I wanted to replace it, but remove the possibility of it flying with the breeze.”

Konan is the only one who nods as if this is normal.

“Leader, that’s...Wow! That’s so thoughtful! May I— may I give you...a hug?”

There’s a lengthy pause, as if he’s deliberating the decorum of doing such a thing in front of his underlings, if it demeans him in this moment in particular. But, ultimately, a leader should lead by example. “You may.”

And everyone agrees they’ve experienced a group hallucination. Even her, turns out, as when she next spins her skirt she realizes there’s a weight in her pocket. Just as Pain leaves, she finds out someone has slipped her a key. But to what?

She’ll know in due time, a time where she can learn to trust him just as much as Nagato trusts in his plan.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Open your window, look out and see me

Slow I am coming a long way to be

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The next gift is a long time coming, really.

“But perfection takes patience!” Deidara explains, finger pointed in the air as he justifies a mode of creation he’s so unused to— that is, making something to last. Perhaps he’s learned something from Sasori after all. The woman meanwhile holds the tiny sculpture of the sculptor in her hands, delicately turning it around and observing all the bits and bobs that make him him. It’s so smooth... He really did this without any tools besides his weird tongues? All the sharp edges are as straight as a ruler; all the curves have nary a bump, like it was made with a mold…

She can’t help but sigh a “wow,” even as she's exhausted that word to death today, and it snaps the artist back to reality. Sighing himself, he decides that he can get back to the finer details later. Only makes sense that she’s mesmerized, after all. Let's get to the point...

“So?” the artist nudges both intellectually and physically. “Does it live up to your expectations, un?” She nods of course, over and over enthusiastically. “Oh? But it isn’t even complete!”

The confusion flushing her face is oh so savory as he takes his creation back and pulls the companion piece from his pocket. A chibi him and a chibi her...modified, that is.

A click and it returns to her custody twofold.

“See?” he guides. “We have each other’s backs!”

That they do, the figurines having been attached to one another back to back. Finally, she gets it.

“Deidara…”

She doesn’t need too say another word. It’s all on her face. However, that doesn’t mean she lacks any surprises.

“Let’s go outside.”

“Huh? Oh? Alright, Takara-chan.”

They stand on the front porch. It’s twilight, the sun having only just fallen and still tinting the edge of the horizon orange. Once more, as she has done every time, she gives Deidara back his creation.

“W—wha? Takara, what’s wrong with it?” But she’s smiling; that isn’t what’s up.

“I can feel it,” she says. “The clay is warm and tingles in my hands. Did you really make it to last forever?”

“I— Well— Y-yeah!”

“Then why’d you put your chakra in it?”

“B-because—”

Her smile widens as he blinks at her, staggered. “It’s okay," the performer tells him, unbelievably, "I want you to blow it up. I got my eyeful. I’m ready to let go.”

...She’s passed a test he wasn’t even consciously giving, letting her choose the fate of this creation. He regains himself and nods in agreement; Deidara is ready, too, and has been since the day they met. With a grunt, he throws the representation of their relationship into the air, and soon enough fireworks light up their faces in splashes of red, blue, green. She leans into him, a head on his shoulder.

The woman has demonstrated she understands who he is, what he does, and what he loves. How do you end up giving someone a gift and they give it right back with so much more? Deidara has never felt more known in his life, and that is both terrifying and wonderful.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Tonight I'm arriving alive and alight

Tonight all the black and the gray and the white

And I want to be like you are the one light

I want to see your eyes looking back and into mine

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

As if she could go the day continuing to ignore him.

Before the woman knows it, Sasori has draped her cape once again around her neck in one swift motion, the rose broach clasping it shut. She furrows her brow and looks down. Should she even try to pretend she can tell the difference? Her fingertips move up to investigate, as perhaps it's varied more by touch than sight—

“Don’t you dare.”

Sasori has stopped her, holding her hand in his, the strange, rubbery plushness oh so familiar. She looks up to him, but as ever, his face holds no expression to read.

“I’ve imbued that gem with my chakra,” he explains. Ah, she jinxed herself by saying that word today, ‘chakra.’ “If you feel unsafe, pinch the broach on its sides. That will summon one of my creations, and it will protect you.”

Okay, there’s no way she can respond properly to that. Sasori...protecting her? After everything she’s done and said? Everything HE has done and said?! Her mouth opens but her tongue is dumb. As if to take advantage of that, the redhead cups her cheek. The way her lip trembles— so feeble, slight shine in the moonlight— it’s beautiful. He wants to keep that memory forever; the puppet sealed in pink glass is halfway to that, at least.

“Don’t test it,” he whispers. “I want my art to be a surprise.”

And with that, Sasori pulls away, getting a full view of his remastered piece upon his new, favorite model.

…

…

“You’re disappointed,” he accuses, though the woman quickly shakes her head. Dammit, she's been quiet too long...!

“No! I just. I’ve never. Gotten anything like this before.” But a scorpion still scoffs.

“It isn’t worth lying over. Of course you don’t comprehend the depth of what I’ve bestowed to you.”

“Sasori—”

“That’s why I have another gift, something your cotton-stuffed brain might understand.”

Stammering, the performer watches hands with a purple ring on the thumb holds an object in front of him. “A...shoebox?” How is it that the only time he emotes it’s to show his displeasure?

“I’m starting to think you’re trying to insult me. No.” He takes the lid off himself, and she peers close at what’s inside. This sort of thing, too, is familiar, even if different in color.

The fabric is delicately taken into her hands and pulled up, her eyes popping wide. “Wait—”

“I don’t know the sort of nonsense you’re used to wherever you’re from,” Sasori says, “But it’s custom everywhere else for girls to wear kimonos at a festival.”

Kimono...kimono...! She repeats the word under her breath, awed. “A kimono…! I’ve...I’ve never had one…!”

“You should have told me, you know,” he continues, soft brown eyes watching over her without a single blink. “I would have had time to make your gift instead of buy it.”

“You?!” Horrible girl, dropping the kimono low enough to touch the ground. Seeing her mistake, she hurriedly bundles it up, making it wrinkle instead. “You...bought this?!” She looks at it again. It’s fucking silk. Silk. Impeccable, perfect weavings of the night sky, sparkling stars and smokey clouds. It's like a hand-done fucking painting, and it was made for someone to wear.

“Look at you… In disbelief when I make your clothes, in disbelief when I don’t. I wonder why I bother."

And then he gives her the third, final present, and it’s harder to believe than anything else. The performer sees her puppeteer smile.

“It’s too late to wear it today,” the artist whispers, so unfathomably smooth and coy, and all of a sudden his cavalier tone makes so much more sense. “Next time, I’ll have to dress you myself. It’s a difficult piece to put on all alone.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Something is real

Maybe not

Something is gone

Something is here

Only thought

All that you want

Everything else will follow

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Deidara is really, very not good at his job of keeping people from messing with the performer while she’s asleep. That's a good thing.

Gloved hands carry out what a hungry heart has ached for for a long time, picking the woman up and spiriting her away from her makeshift bed. It isn’t until cold winter air hits her face that she begins to wake up.

Everything about her even down to the way she stirs to consciousness is wonderful. The small twitches of her face eventually scrunching up, the way her lashes flutter and begin to take in her reality, the fact she is outside and held over his lap. Eventually, that perfect veneer of a human being looks right up to his orange mask with her big starry eyes.

“Tobi…?" she mutters through the sifting spell of the sandman. "What…?”

He tilts his neck, either unable to speak or choosing not to for the moment. Everything washes over his soul right now. He has so much hate. Hate for her suffering. Hate for his. Rin’s. Maybe even Kakashi’s. Hate for the abyss of death that awaits them all. So many members of the Akatsuki search for immortality, but what does it matter if the world they emerge into is beyond saving?

“Tobi?” she asks again, and he begins to act once more.

“Do you want to see my gift, Takara-chan?” He isn’t normally as quiet as this, and she grunts in confusion. One arm removes itself from her and calmly— far too calmly— uses its full length to point forward and up. He’s glad it doesn’t take a sleepy girl long to catch up. It shines down like a spotlight, the porch and its steps the stage for two performers equally matched.

“The...moon?”

“That’s right.”

…

That precious smile of hers eventually comes to be again. “That’s really sweet, Tobi.”

“I mean it, Takara-chan. It’s all yours.”

“It is?” she plays along.

“I would never lie to you,” he lies and she knows it. But that’s not the point. His arm returns and holds her just a little bit closer.

“I do love the night sky here,” the traveler whispers back. “I don’t know if I told you—” She’s told him many a time. “—But I never got to really see it. Not without—”

“—The light of humanity covering it up,” he speaks in cadence with her well worn tale. It makes her cheeks hot yet another time these past 24 hours. But all it takes is a chuckle and she's back on her metaphorical feet.

“...Thank you for reminding me of it.”

“If the world was just like you and me,” the masked man says out of no where, “It’d be perfect. You know that, right?”

...Well that's certainly a change of tone for the conversation. “...What do you mean?”

“I have another gift, Takara-chan. Let me give you...a dream.”

She abruptly remembers that his swirl hides a powerful red eye. It’s gone from looking to the sky to gleaming right down at her.

“Just one,” he softly begs. “I want to show you.”

This is a lot to take in at roughly 12am in the morning. There’s recollection of the argument between the two Uchiha a season ago, the way Itachi mourned altering her mind and the manner in which Tobi beseeched them to do it again. What did he mean by that…? What does it mean, to give someone a dream?

She asks aloud, but the answer is obvious:

“There’s only one way to find out.” The ceramic of his mask gently taps into hers, forehead to forehead. There’s longing in that single eye she gets to see. “So? Will you let me?”

Curiosity insatiable...she does.

In the material, tangible world, she is immediately limp in his arms, a hypnotist putting his subject to sleep. But “reality” exists in his genjutsu tonight. No matter what he says or does, the mask he hides behind, his love is real, and he’s always been watching her. Everything she is— she sees it as the Akatsuki does, as Obito does when he observes the way these coldhearted killers warm up and accept her into their lives. They all are here, to hold, cradle, amuse, to be bewitched:

A white ring carries purity.

Crimson holds peace.

Rust, passion— faith.

Turquoise is selfless.

The yellow gem is for dedication.

And green whispers whimsy.

Gray is for trust.

Blue gives connection.

And finally, purple will forever protect.

The hands from her dreams on the beach return, though this isn't the world of her dreams. It's out of darkness, like shadow itself is the water instead. The Akatsuki surround the woman and give her a sensation she’s never had and will never have again. It isn’t explainable in words, just like Tobi said. The one thing that’s clear...is love. This whole thing was his gift, after all; not just the holiday but her life. She loves, and in demonstrating her love, she earns it back.

She never knew someone could love her this much, and it’s so overwhelming that she may forget when the morning comes, dismiss it all as but a dream.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Tonight I'm arriving alive and alight

Tonight all the black and the gray and the white

And I want to be like you are the one light

I want to see your eyes looking back and into

Mine

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

[littlepadika]

it’s the steve anon hehe!!!! ahh that sounds so nice 🥺 i’m not really fussy. maybe like a colombian summery sundress kind of vibe? i like the legal!! age gap stuff, innocent reader who is such a juxtaposition to the stuff he sees at work... that kind of thing :) but no pressure ofc just a suggestion 💗

Darling, you are not annoying me!!! I love getting messages 🥰 Would you like an anon name or just "steve anon"??

My savior complex is awakening🌅. YES INDEED we love dark characters getting attracted to innocent reader! To your second point, Connie was a nurse and i could definitely see (imagine Steve is single) that he would be attracted to a nurse reader who is always patching him up. I read a lot of Steve fics for inspo and I had a hard time choosing which idea to go with but here it is... I hope you likie😘

Warnings: fem!reader, legal age gap, neighbor!steve, Steve is single in this, fluffy, meet cute

"What the hell do we do with it?"

"I don't know... just let it go? There are tons of strays in the city."

"No, man, we can't." Steve frowned looking down at the helpless creature. It was cowering in the house Javier and Steve just raided. It seemed to be abandoned, the poor thing. It was on the mutt, maybe only 30 pounds. It looked up at them both with big sad eyes. Steve picked it up without much of a fuss. It seemed to relax in his arms, licking his hand. "I'll bring it home and see if I can find someone to take it."

"I think it's a female." Javi bent over to inspect.

"You would know." Steve rolled his eyes.

"Shut up." Javier gave his partner a playful shove. "You owe me ten dollars if you end up keeping her."

"I won't. Just until I find a good home." Steve gave the dog a scratch.

He spent a whole afternoon taking photos and scanning them onto the advertisement. Javier teased that Steve should have gone into the arts. He posted the signs around his apartment complex and his office building.

About a week later he got a call.

"Hello?" He answered.

"Mr. Murphy?" Your light voice answered. "I saw your ad. I'm interested in the dog."

"Oh great!" He looked down at her, curled up on the rug by the sofa. "Um..." He tried to think of how one goes about giving a dog away. "If it's alright I'd like to ask you some questions, you know, see if it's a good fit."

"Sure. I live in the apartment building. One floor down. Is it okay if I just come by later today?"

"Yeah sure."

Steve couldn't help but feel a little sad at the prospect of not seeing the sweet girl again. She was well behaved, though a little skittish.

You arrived an hour later. You had seen Steve around the building. He stood out with his blonde hair and blue eyes. People whispered that he was an American spy like James Bond. He certainly looked the part in your opinion. You'd be lying if you said you were only interested in his dog.

"Come on in." Steve let in. "I'm Steve Murphy."

"Pleasure." You shook his hand and introduced yourself. He was much taller than you thought he would be. You had to crane your neck to look up at him. His blue eyes were piercing, shinning from some internal source. You blinked rapidly under their brightness.

"And this is... the dog!" Steve went over and picked her up.

"Does she have a name?" You asked, finding it odd Steve was just referring to her as a dog.

"No. I found her a few weeks ago. There was no tag or anything."

"Poor baby." You cooed, letting her sniff your hand before petting her.

"Yeah. She's trained and all that. Really quiet most of the time. She gets scared at night if there's a loud noise or something."

"I can't imagine what she's been through out there all alone. Until one day the nice man rescued you, right?" You used an infantile voice reflexively when speaking to the dog. You didn't see the way Steve swallowed harshly when you referred to him as a nice man. He wanted to hold onto that as long as he could.

"Can I hold her?" You asked holding out your arms.

"Oh right. Sure." Steve let you take over. He felt his heart melt watching you nuzzle the little dog whispering endearment into its fur. It had been so long since he'd seen decency let alone innocence like you. You would be the perfect owner for the dog.

"You're right she's so quiet." You set her on the ground watching her go back to her favorite spot by the sofa.

"So you live in the building?" Steve asked trying to make small talk, trying in vain not to admire you in your pretty dress. The way your tits were accentuated by the sweetheart neckline. He tried to remember the last time he’s spoken to a woman without an ulterior motive. "I haven't seen you around."

"Yeah. I'm working most nights at the hospital so... that's probably why."

"Well stay safe out there. It's dangerous." He warned, his eyes darkening as he thought of the attacks around the city. He would be devastated if you were caught up in those. His shift in demeanor was not missed on you. You wanted to run your hands over his face until it softened. You wanted to ease whatever pain was going on behind those cerulean eyes. He was staring at the ground with his jaw clenched. You tentatively placed a hand on his bicep, feeling it tense under your touch.

"I'm always careful, Mr. Murphy" You blushed a little when he turned his intense gaze on you. "It's good though..." You withdrew your hand reluctantly "for the dog because I can spend all day with her. She can sleep while I'm gone."

"Right." Steve nodded trying to get back to the matter at hand. He definitely did not think about pulling your warm body against him. "Well, I think you're great for her. So... you can have her."

"Yay!" You clapped your hands together bouncing on the balls of your feet. He laughed softly at your little happy dance. "How much?"

"Nah it's a good fit. It's free."

"Are you sure, Mr. Murphy?"

"Steve." He corrected you.

"Steve." You repeated with a grin.

"I have dog food and everything. I'll just give it to you." Steve opened a cupboard and you frowned when you saw it was practically empty. He's out being a hero and not eating anything! That just didn't sit right with you.

"Can I at least make you dinner or something?"

"I wouldn't say no to that. I'm a terrible cook." Steve rubbed his mustache absentmindedly.

"You're really busy so it's understandable." You come to his defense. "We can head to mine and I'll make something real fast?"

"Sounds great. I'll bring the beer." He grinned boyishly. "Do you like beer?"

"Love it." You assured him.

"Come on, girl." Steve patted his thigh calling to the dog on the floor. She perked up trotting over to you both. "Ready to see your new home?"

The dog became your connection. Steve would check on her while you were at work. He would accompany you on walks to the dog park when he had the time. He started having dinner with you most nights, offering to drive you to the night shift. When you inevitably kissed him on your sofa, the dog lying on the floor between your feet, he kissed you back. Domesticity became a habit and for once he didn't let his fear talk himself out of it. You named the dog Angelita. You explained it meant "heavenly messenger". Steve thought this was fitting because Angelita brought him to his heaven, to you.

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

My masterlist

Permanent Taglist: @ajeff855 @what-iwish-you-knew @kirsteng42 @fan-of-encouragement @sleep-tight1 @pascalisfairyy @ceniington, @prettypedros 🧁, @pascal-rascal424 @axshadows @prideandpascal @frenchyjuju

[pascalpanic]

Caffeine Rush: Chapter One / Americano

Javier Peña x f!Reader

Summary: Working a dull December morning shift, you meet a seemingly disgraced DEA agent by the name of Javier Peña.

Warnings: Language, talk of death and canon-typical Narcos violence

W/C: 2.3k

A/N: YOU GUYS i am so excited to share this story with you all!! i fuckin love Javi and coffee so this features my two favorite things! big thanks as always to my beta readers for helping me out- especially with chapter 2 (which i was stuck on for 3 weeks lol). I hope you guys enjoy! this story has some twists I don’t think y’all are gonna see coming ;) I’m planning to update this fic once a week! I just wanted to get chapter one out there :)

previous chapter || next chapter || masterlist

Americano: espresso and hot water; has a similar taste to a brewed coffee, but still darker and more caffeinated thanks to the espresso. 

Work is blissfully slow on weekdays, allowing you to putz along at your own speed. Today, however, is boring as hell. You’d had approximately seven customers since the morning rush, meaning about seven drinks to make. There weren’t even tables to clean, no customers having sat in the cozy coffeeshop. You and your coworker had joked around, swept and mopped, and cleaned the espresso machines twice each. 

At this point, with nothing else to do, you sipped your third peppermint mocha while perched atop two stacked milk crates, leafing through your worn copy of The Great Gatsby. It was a common occurrence when evening rolled around, but rarely so early in the day. Since you were the one on barista duty, Mandy kept watch for customers and allowed you to relax with your book. It was routine for the two of you. She mindlessly fusses with the product wall and the coffee grinder, cleaning everything for the third time.

The door opens and you pop up from your makeshift chair excitedly. The weather is blustery and cold, with heavy snowflakes starting to fall outside the large windows, and the man who enters is pulling his jacket tight around himself. He looks up and you quickly dodge behind the espresso machines before you can make eye contact. It’s instinctual, and you’re unsure why until your brain reminds you of the man’s face. He’s handsome, even though you got maybe a second’s look at him. Dark brown hair and a neatly trimmed mustache, eyes an even darker shade to complement his tanned skin. 

You bite your lip and grab a large ceramic mug, bringing it to the espresso machine. No one would be crazy enough to order a cold drink in this weather. Mandy takes his order and a few seconds later, his receipt pops up through the printer at your end of the shop:

Ticket 114 - 12/3/93

Name: Javier

LG-Redeye

!memo: darkroast

Javier. The name suits the man, you think to yourself and smile as you begin prepping the espresso for his drink. As you walk to Mandy’s station to fill the mug with drip coffee, she smiles and nudges your side. “Isn’t he cute?” She murmurs. You look at the printed ticket then at the coffee warmers: there’s no dark roast. 

“Very,” you giggle a little and fill the mug with light instead. He’s seated in the corner. “I call dibs,” you tease, and Mandy shakes his head. She’s married, but she knows your type, and it’s exactly the man sitting there, staring at a newspaper.

“Yeah, okay,” she shakes her head but smiles at you. “No wedding ring either. I think you should bring his drink to him instead of calling out the order.”

Staring down at the filling mug, you shake your head. “We’ll see,” you chuckle softly and return down to your end of the bar, pouring the two shots of espresso. “Javier?” You call in your barista voice, and the man lifts his head and walks to the bar.

“That’s me,” he says, a small begrudging smile on his face.

“Hi,” you chuckle and hold up the mug. “We’re out of dark roast right now, so I had to use light. Could I put some flavoring or cream or sugar in there for you?” You offer. “Otherwise, I can most definitely make you something else. An americano maybe?”

He pauses for a second. “Yeah, an americano would be great,” he nods. “What kind of flavors… are there?” he asks. 

“Oh, we have a ton,” you say enthusiastically, grabbing the syrup rack and pulling it your way. “Any of these. Hazelnut, vanilla, raspberry,” you smile, rattling off the flavors, “otherwise we also have caramel and any flavor of chocolate.”

Javier raises an eyebrow as he looks at the small display. “Never been somewhere with so many options. Could I do dark chocolate and cream?” He asks, and you nod.

“Of course,” you tell him, dumping the previous mug and grabbing another. “I’ll have that right up for you. You can head back to where you were sitting,” you inform him.

He shakes his head. “I can wait here. Save us both a trip.”

You nod. “Sure,” you say with a smile, prepping more espresso. “The redeye and americano are pretty different in caffeine though, the americano is going to have more since there’s more espresso.”

“I just need as much caffeine as I can get. Tough day ahead,” he nods. 

“I’ve been told bartenders and baristas are wonderful ears to listen,” you offer, a sweet smile on your face.

His guard has fallen like a wrecking ball through a house of cards at the way you smile. “Well, I’m with the DEA.” It feels strange, openly admitting that around here. Colombians weren’t exactly welcoming to American agents, but it felt like citizens around here saw them as some kind of superhero. 

Your eyes light. “Shouldn’t it be a fantastic day for you then?” you ask. “I mean, it’s all over the news. Escobar. Do you know the guys in the photo?” You ask with excitement in your voice.

He nods. Escobar was killed yesterday, and it’s all over the news, including the paper back at his table. “Yeah. The blonde guy in the red shirt is actually my work partner. It’s a tough day because I didn’t get to be there when it happened. I’ve been down in Colombia for years now, and they catch Escobar two days after I leave.”

The smile on your face turns to a frown. “That’s… awful,” you nod, eyes full of sadness for him. “I’m so sorry. At least it must be nice to be home?” you ask, tilting your head slightly and pouring the espresso shots into the mug.

He shakes his head. “D.C. isn’t home. I’m from Texas,” he admits, and the way he speaks finally registers as a slightly slowed speech pattern from the area. “I’m happy for Steve though. The blonde one, my partner. He deserves it. We’ve been down there for… Jesus,” he sighs and looks at the ceiling as he counts the years, “well, a while now. Couple of years. I fucked up, bad. Honestly, I think I’m up here to get fired.” 

You frown slightly as you pump the chocolate into the hot espresso and water, swirling it around with a spoon. “You worked on Escobar for years?” you ask, and Javier nods. “Well, then I personally doubt you’d be getting fired. You guys just caught him, everyone must be in a good mood. I guess it depends on how bad you fucked up,” you shrug as you tap the spoon into the sink and bend down to grab the cream.

“I… do you know who Los Pepes are?” he asks. You shake your head as you stand, pouring some cream into the steaming drink. “Well, they’re a radical group who did some crazy shit to try to weaken Escobar, and I got involved with them. I have a meeting today with the review board.”

You finally make eye contact with him, wincing for him. “Yeah, that doesn’t sound great,” you admit with a chuckle, putting the cream back in the little refrigerator beneath you. 

“It’s not.”

“It’s not necessarily why you got called up here,” you shrug and grab a saucer, putting the mug on top of it and on the bar for him to take.

“Well, I don’t know, I suppose,” he agrees and takes the drink from you.

You shrug. “Best of luck, Javier,” you tell him with a genuine smile of encouragement.

He nods, looking at your name tag attached to your apron. He murmurs your name before looking back up at your face and into your eyes. “Thank you.” He takes his drink and returns to his table, and you sigh and return to your makeshift chair in the corner. 

Mandy pulls up two crates next to you, sitting down across from you with gleaming eyes. “Did it go well? You two talked for a while,” she asks, raising her eyebrows and encouraging you to tell her more.

“A little, but just… how I would with anyone, I guess,” you shrug as you sip your mocha for a moment, drinking the last of the warm coffee. “Not like I got his number or anything.”

“He’s sitting down to drink his coffee. Go offer him a refill when he’s done.”

“That would require me to stare at him, Mandy, and I think he’d notice that,” you shake your head as you stand to make yourself a new drink. 

She stands with you, pushing the crates out of the way. “I’ll keep an eye on him for you. I’ll signal to you when he’s done or getting low on coffee, and you can bring him a refill. How does that sound?” she asks you.

You nod with a sigh. “Since you’re apparently not going to let this go, fine. I will.” 

Mandy claps her hands together excitedly. “Yay!” She sings. “Oh, will you make me a drink while you’re at it? I’ll have a-”

“Skim hazelnut latte with no foam and light whip,” you recite before she can finish her order.

“You’re a babe,” she sings and heads over to clean the tables that haven’t even been touched since she wiped them an hour ago. 

You make her drink and set it aside, then work on your own, fourth coffee. The peppermint and the coffee swirl together deliciously in the air, fitting the weather and the time of year. It’s December, and the snow outside and the warm feeling from the man across the coffee shop contrast in your heart. You sneak glances at him a couple of times, biting your lip to hold back a smile as you admire the handsome face peeking above the newspaper he reads. 

About ten minutes later, you look up from cleaning the machines to see Mandy tucked behind a wall where he can’t see her. She’s frantically waving at you, pointing towards Javier once she catches your attention. Go, she mouths excitedly, beaming at you. 

You wipe your hands on your apron and walk to where she stands. “Fine, I will, but you’re making the drinks if anyone else comes in.”

“Oh no, how will I handle it?” She asks in a deadpan, eyeing the shop that’s empty except for the two of you and Javier. “Go,” she says, giving you a light shove and giggling.

You shake your head but walk over, placing a hand lightly on the table. “Coffee’s looking low. Could I get you a refill?” you offer.

Javier looks up at you, and you feel like turning to jelly as you look into his big brown eyes, filled with confusion but also admiration. He furrows his brow, creating small creases between his eyebrows. “Uh… sure. How much is it?” he asks, reaching for his wallet and setting down the newspaper.

You put a hand on his arm, giving a gentle smile. “You need it. It’s on the shop,” you tell him.

“No, seriously, what, like $5?” he asks, but you put a hand over his. 

“No, Javier,” you chuckle lightly. “Don’t worry about it. Another americano with chocolate and cream?” you ask.

“Uh… make me whatever you like best. And bring one for yourself too.” He says, well, really asks, nodding to the empty chair across from him. “It’s not too busy to talk, is it?”

You swallow hard before you break into a grin. “No, not at all. Uh… do you like peppermint?” you ask. 

“Peppermint is good,” he says, giving you a small smile.

“Perfect,” you smile softly at him, picking up his empty mug and saucer. “We have a peppermint mocha, it’s seasonal. It’s my favorite, I’ll be right back with them,” you say, giggling softly and biting your lip as you turn and walk back to the bar. 

You’re hidden behind the espresso machines as you finally grin and giggle, and Mandy rushes to your side. “Oh my God,” she laughs happily. “He’s so hot. What were you guys talking about?”

“He asked me to sit with him,” you giggle excitedly, preparing four espresso shots. 

She nearly squeals with excitement, grabbing your arm closest to her. You scoop some chocolate chips and pour milk into a pitcher, putting it under the steam wand. “Holy shit. What has he told you so far? What’s his story?”

“Well, he said he’s a DEA agent. He’s on leave from work right now, but the guy in the red shirt in that picture of Escobar after they killed him? That’s his partner,” you tell her, letting the excitement speed your words up. “He’s been in Colombia for a couple of years working on it. Isn’t that cool?” You laugh. 

“So cool,” she nods in agreement. “And he’s so fucking cute. Girl, you need to get your ass back there before I steal him myself.”

You laugh as you pour the shots and then the steamed milk into the mugs. “I’m trying, but you holding onto one of my arms is holding me back, love,” you tease her and she breaks away. You top both mugs with a perfectly peaked whipped cream layer, then sprinkle candy cane pieces and chocolate chips on top. “Wish me luck,” you practically sing as you walk back with a mug for each of you.

Javier’s holding back a grin himself as you make the drinks. He can see your head bobbing along behind the bar, the other woman chatting with you. He’s more transfixed than you than he should allow himself to be, but all fears fade as he sees you approaching with a grin and two large, whipped cream-topped drinks.

You set the drink down in front of him and he smiles at you. “Wow. This…” he looks down at it and smiles a little. “Well, it looks sweet.”

“I have a sweet tooth,” you admit with a soft laugh and sit down, taking a sip and sighing softly. “It tastes like winter. I love it.” He nods and takes a sip too. It’s sweet, but not as bad as he expected. “I added extra espresso to yours,” you tell him, a shy smile on your face. 

“A woman after my own heart,” he chuckles and sets it down, licking the foam off of his mustache. 

You smile a little wider at that and hold back a laugh. “Did you want to talk about the meeting?” you ask him, tilting your head, your expression softening.

Javier’s already falling, and he curses himself as he looks at you. Not a thought except him. He’s already thinking of a sly way to get your number. “No, not really. I just spilled basically my entire life story to you.”

“Then you’ve had a very short and boring life. That was hardly anything. I’ve had customers come in and cry over divorces or lost family members; the whole job situation was mild,” you chuckle and admit, tracing the rim of the mug with your fingertips and staring down at the steaming drink.

“Really? You seem like a therapist and a barista in one,” he teases lightly.

“Well, I did just graduate with a Masters in psychology,” you shrug. “I just graduated with it from Georgetown. That’s why I’m here,” you tell him and look up. “Working here part-time while I decide what I want to do.”

“No shit. I did my undergrad in psych and sociology,” Javier says with a small smile, making your smile grow too. “Texas A&M though. Nothing as prestigious as Georgetown.”

“A&M isn’t anything to sneeze at,” you chuckle as you look over at him. His eyes are deep-set, deeper than they probably normally are. They’re bloodshot and hold bags beneath them. After a breath, you bite your lip and look him in the eye. “You look tired. I don’t know you normally, I understand. Maybe you shouldn’t finish this,” you tell him with a concerned smile, scooting his mug towards you. “Too much caffeine.”

“No, I need it, please,” he says, tugging it back and sipping at it again. “Just… until after this meeting. Then I’ll know what my future holds, then I can rest.”

“What time is it at?”

“5:00.”

There’s a beat of silence. “I don’t have any plans tonight,” you say gently, looking at him with a question in your eyes. “Would you like to get dinner? Talk things out, once you know what your future holds?” You offer, a soft smile and hopeful eyes. “I already know enough about you. This could be practice therapy for me,” you tease softly.

Javier thinks for a second, though he knows what the answer will be. At least pretends to think, surprised that you could hear all he had said about Los Pepes and working in Colombia and that you still offered. “I’d like that,” he nods, his voice soft when he looks at you. “I don’t know the area well. You’ll have to tell me where.”

“Do you have a car up here?” You ask him, and he shakes his head. “I can pick you up,” you offer. “Where are you staying?”

He grabs a napkin and pats his pockets for a pen. You hand him the paint pen tucked on your apron and he quickly thanks you before writing down the address to the hotel. You take the napkin and the pen and grab another napkin. “And this…” you say and write down your phone number, sliding it to him, “is where you’ll call me when you’re ready for me to come get you. Okay?” You ask.

Your voice is so soothing, Javier thinks. More than sleep or reassurance or even a hit of Escobar’s private stash or really anything could be to him right now, it’s a comfort. You must be a miracle, he thinks, some kind of blessing for something he isn’t quite sure of, but he must have done something right in the eyes of the Almighty to be here, right now, talking with you. “You know, I was raised Catholic,” he tells you and leans in a little. “I don’t know that I am anymore. But still… I think you might be an angel in disguise.”

Biting your lip, you giggle and look down. “I don’t know about that,” you chuckle as you look up at him again. “Just… right place, right time, maybe. I’ll see you tonight, okay?” you ask him, placing your hand over his and standing.

Javier nods as he looks up at you. “How should I dress?” he asks and tilts his head. His eyes are so expressive, you notice and smile a bit. They betray exactly what he’s thinking.

“Um… what you’re wearing now would be fine. A button down and jeans would work,” you tell him with a nod, patting his hand and picking up your mug. “I’ll see you then. Good luck,” you tell him with a sweet smile and retreat to the back. Javier can’t say anything in return, just sips his peppermint mocha.

Three minutes later, you return with a muffin. “Eat this. You can’t have all that caffeine and no food.”

“Thanks,” he chuckles and looks down at it. You’re gone when he looks back up, and he breaks off a piece. What a weird day. It’s only about to get weirder.

-

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[levi-lover]

New Light Part: 2

College Levi x Reader(Modern AU)

W/C: 5.2k 

T/W: None

A/N: Levi is a moody English major who spends his free time reading at the local cafe. I’m having a lot of fun writing this ! (pic from pinterest)

I’ve put all the parts in one list here:  New Light Masterlist

Levi’s POV

Levi and Erwin sat in silence on their drive home. The blinker would occasionally fill the car with a strong click. Levi counted the lit up rooms in the passing apartments. Five, Six, Seven… He wanted to keep his mind off of you, the way your hair framed your face, your hand caressing the mug, the way you pressed your lips together when you listened someone speak. 

“So, how long have you known (Y/N)?” Erwin asked as if he knew Levi was thinking about you.

“A couple of months,” he responded. 

“Do you like her?” Erwin prodded. 

“She’s nice,” Levi said. 

Erwin nodded, he knew better than to ask further. 

This was how their conversions normally went, Erwin would begin with a blunt statement and Levi would respond in a short manner. From an outsider’s perspective, it might have seemed like the two men weren’t friends but this dynamic worked for them. Erwin was straightforward with what he wanted and Levi didn’t like talking about personal subjects, even with one of his closest friends. 

When they arrived to their shared apartment, they said their goodnights and went into their rooms. Erwin had to be up early tomorrow for a debate meeting and Levi wanted to be alone. After they moved out of the dorms they decided to keep living together because it was the most cost effective option and plus Levi liked that Erwin was as neat as him, almost as neat. They lived in an old, walk-up apartment ten minutes away from Wall Rose University in a quiet neighborhood. They’ve been living there for three years now and had no plans to move out anytime soon. 

Levi opened the window slightly to let the cool air in, raindrops fell from the gutter and filled the dark bedroom with gentle taps.. He laid down on the bed and breathed in the smell of the city and old books in his room. He closed his eyes and let his body melt into the bedsheets, he used the same lavender fabric softener his mom loved. Mmm, I should give her a call tomorrow, he thought. He felt his thoughts bounce around in his head but he was too tired to unravel them. Levi focused on his breathing and eventually his thoughts subdued into lenient bystanders. 

There was silence around him when suddenly, you popped up in his thoughts. Levi let out a small sigh. Fuck, what are the odds of her knowing Hange. Hange of all people,the one person who doesn’t know how to shut up, Levi thought. Frustration began to fill his chest. He wanted you to meet his friends and he wanted to know more about you but he didn’t want it to happen like this. Levi wanted to do it right with you. He knew wasn’t the most charismatic or hospitable person and romance wasn’t his forte. Romance, Levi thought and chuckled. He remembered Erwin’s earlier question. Do I like her? 

He sat up and pinched the bridge of his nose with his index and forefinger. He didn’t have a ton of experience with romance. His only relationship with Petra ended in a disaster, she broke up with him after feeling neglected for months. That was never Levi’s intent, he loved her but he didn’t know how to express it. Whenever he saw her on campus she would always give him a smile and wave which Levi would reciprocate. He regretted the way everything ended but he was thankful she didn’t hold a vengeance against him. He was 18 and foolish but he was older now and slightly less foolish. 

Levi looked out the window and started to form a plan in his head. It was evident he had some sort of feelings for you, you were funny, pretty, easy to talk to and you cared about what he had to say. He smiled as he remembered how earnestly you looked at him while he explained the latest book he was reading, he started reading books he thought you might like. Shitballs, maybe I do like her. There was nothing he could do now, he didn’t want to do anything until he had a better understanding about what you were thinking. He nodded his head, proud of his plan. 

The hardwood floor creaked as Erwin walked over to the bathroom. Outside of the window, the sky was beginning to glow with a soft orange hue. Levi closed the curtain, pulled off his clothes and tucked himself into bed. He curled his body around a pillow and slowly began to drift off, eager to wake up to begin his plan. 

The crisp autumn hit your face as you opened the doors to the lecture hall. You felt light and airy after finishing your genetics midterm. It was one of the hardest tests you’ve taken but you felt okay about it. Hange had helped you study for the past week and their enthusiasm and studying techniques helped you out immensely. I owe them big time, you thought. Your phone buzzed in your pocket, it was Hange.

Hange: U FREAKING DID IT!!! IM SO PROUD XD

You: thank uuu, i feel good about it! 

Hange: YAY! We’re out in the park blocks! Join us!

You: ok !

You stared at the screen and re-read the conversation. Join us...they must mean Levi and Erwin. You scoffed the tip of your boot into the pavement, the familiar feeling of nerves began to dance in your stomach. Slowly, you made your way to the park blocks, the on-campus park where students would have picnics and study sessions. Students began to pour out of lecture halls and other buildings, eager to celebrate the end of midterms week. There was an undeniable feeling of excitement as they cheered and laughed. 

You stood at the edge of the park looking for the trio. Levi waved his hand from a picnic bench and smiled at you. Your heart momentarily stopped and you realized you’ve never seen him outside of the cafe. He was wearing a hunter green sweater and his black overcoat. The wind feebly moved through his hair but even from farway you could see the deep circles around his eyes. You made your way to the trio and gave out a half-hearted hello.

“(Y/N)! How do you feel?!” Hange shouted.

“Fucking relieved,” You said. Levi smiled. 

“I’m proud of you, (Y/N). Hange told us about all the hours you studied for the exam.” Erwin gave you a thumbs up. 

“Thanks, dude. How were your midterms?” You asked as you sat down next to Erwin. 

“They went well! I think I got an A on my Political Theory exam but we’ll find out soon enough.” 

“Erwin, you clown, you know you aced that test.” Hange rolled their eyes. “But thanks to the lovely Levi, I know I got an A on my essay.”

Levi frowned. “Tsk, I was surprised you even knew how to spell.”

Hange hit Levi’s shoulders and he swiped back. 

“Hey, stop it you two,” Erwin scolded. “I swear, they’re like children.” 

You laughed and nodded. The Levi you knew was always stoic and calm but Hange brought out a different side of him. He looked happier even when he was annoyed. You grabbed a dead leaf from the table and started to pull it apart, rubbing the dead plant bits between your fingers. 

“Are you good?” Levi’s voice broke your concentration. You looked up and met his gray-blue eyes.

“Yep, all good here.” You smiled at him and he returned one back. 

“That’s fantastic! So tonight. Ymir’s Bar at eight. Got it?” Hange ordered. 

Erwin and Levi nodded in response and looked at you. Your eyes darted between the three of them.

“Uh, I would love but I’m hanging out with a few people tonight.”

“Please, join us! Your friends are more than welcome to come, the more the merrier,” Hange begged.

“I beg to differ…” Levi mumbled.

“Shut up, grumps.” Hange elbowed Levi and returned their gaze back to you. “It’ll be fun, I’ll buy you a shot.”

You rolled your eyes, “fine, but I’m buying you a shot. I owe you, Hange.”

Hange squealed and clapped their hands. “Yay! My friend, Moblit will tag along too. You haven’t met him yet but he’s great and such a talented artist. You’ll love him.”

“Sweet, I’m excited, can you send me the address?” You responded. Hange nodded. 

“Who are you hanging out with?” Erwin asked.

“Oh, uh. My boyfriend and some of our friends,” You muttered. 

“I didn’t know you had a boyfriend. (Y/N) why didn’t you tell me?” Hange asked, heartbroken. 

Erwin glanced at Levi. He was looking at the grains in the table, his heart sank but he knew better than to let his friends know. 

“I don’t know. It didn’t seem like the most important thing to talk about during our study sessions.” You were unsure why but you felt defensive over Hange’s comment. 

Hange looked hurt at your response, you felt a pang of regret. You didn’t mean to keep your relationship a secret but your life didn’t revolve around your relationship so it felt pointless to bring him up. The air around the table was tense and cold. The sun was setting and the four of you were on the brink of being enveloped by the shadow of a large lecture hall. 

“Regardless, I’m eager to meet your boyfriend and friends,” Erwin said in a strained voice. 

“Yeah, I’m excited for all of you to meet. I think I’m going to go home and get ready.” 

“Of course, we’ll see you soon,” Erwin said in a quiet tone. 

You waved goodbye to all of them, the trio waved back and you made your way to the bus station. As you waited for the bus, you sent your boyfriend a message to meet your new friends at Ymir’s. He sent back a simple thumbs up emoji as a response. You pulled out a pair of headphones and blasted music to drown out your thoughts. Yet Levi’s face kept on appearing in your head, the way the sunlight caressed the hard lines of his face, his honest smile when he was with his friends, the way his eyes lost their glow when you announced you had a boyfriend. We never did anything. Hell, I didn’t even know his name until last week so why should I care what he thinks. We’re just coffee shop friends, that’s it. The bus pulled to the stop, you waited for everyone to exit before entering and made your way to the back window seat. The glass was cold on your forehead but it felt nice. You sighed, preparing yourself for a night out with your new friends and your boyfriend.

Levi’s POV

After you left, Hange and Erwin looked at Levi with concern in their eyes. Levi noticed their stares and glanced up at them.

“The fuck you looking at,” he growled.

“Levi, I’m sorry,” Hange whispered.

“About what?” He scoffed.

Erwin was about to speak but Levi abruptly got up and buttoned his coat. “I’m going home. I’ll see you both at Ymir’s.”

Erwin and Hange exchanged a look and nodded. When Levi made up his mind there was no stopping him. They watched him walk away, his head was slightly lower than usual. Levi walked over to the bike rack and unhooked his black low handle bicycle. In one smooth motion, he drapped his leg over the seat and began to peddle home. The wind hurt his face and burned his lungs but he pushed harder and harder on the pedals. Crouching down on the seat as he biked up the hills, hoping to ride away from the bench to run away from his disillusion that you could love him.

A few hours later, Erwin, Hange and Moblit entered the apartment. Hange called out to Levi.

“Hey, Mr. Grumps! We have something for yoooou!!” They called out.

Levi moaned and rolled out of bed, his bare feet hit the cold ground as he dragged himself to the living.

“What is it, Four Eyes? Hey, take off your disgusting shoes,” he scolded. “Oh, hey, Moblit.”

Moblit raised his head slightly as a hello. He wasn’t a man of many words. Hange held up a bottle of whiskey and grinned. “So we could pre-game. Take this as a thank you present for helping me write my essay.”

Levi rolled his eyes and smiled. He was touched by Hange’s generosity but he would never dare show it to them.

“I’ll grab us some mugs,” Erwin said and began to walk towards the kitchen.

“No, Erwin! Tonight’s a shot type of night,” Hange said deviously.

The three men looked at them and hesitantly nodded. They wanted to relax and unwind but a  night out led by Hange always ended up with someone’s head in the toilet. Still, they each filled a shot glass, cheered and downed the alcohol. They drank for a while, everyone’s faces were glowing. Hange was blasting music and dancing. Moblit watched them with admiration. Erwin and Levi were giggling over something stupid Erwin said.

Erwin looked at the clock, it was closing in on 8. “Shit, we should get going.”

“Hey, man watch your mouth. And maybe we should stay in. It’s cheaper,” Levi said.

“Levi, noooo. We can’t do that. We told (Y/N)  that we would meet her at Ymir’s!” The alcohol was already getting to Hange.

“Who’s (Y/N)?” Mobit asked.

“My friend from genetics! And Levi’s too,” Hange proclaimed.

Levi rolled his eyes. “Tsk, she’s not my friend. I hardly know her.”

“Mmm, if you say so.”

“Whatever, let’s go,” Levi said curtly.

The four of them grabbed their coats and headed to Ymir’s. It was only a ten minute walk from their place. Hange let everyone know that you had already arrived and saved a table on the back patio. As they walked, they talked about their finals and plans for the upcoming break.  When they arrived at Ymir’s, they pushed open the door and entered the humid room. The bar was full of people celebrating the weekend, a couple was making out in one of the booths and people were lined around the bar. They ordered their drinks and walked through the back doors.

Levi’s hands began to sweat and he felt a lump in his throat when he saw you. You looked beautiful under the glow of the patio lights, you were smiling and had a beer glass on your lips and you were laughing. Erwin stood in place and Hange stopped their chatter.

“Oh, so that’s what they’re doing now,” Hange spouted.

They were referring to Zeke who had their arm around you and to Porco and Pieck who were sitting across from you and your boyfriend.

You saw the group at the back entrance and waved. Your nerves from earlier were completely forgotten after your second beer. Zeke rubbed his thumb against your shoulder and you smiled out of habit. You made eye contact with Levi and gave him a toothy grin, his eyes darted away. Your friends looked at the party headed towards them and stopped talking but you didn’t notice.

“Hey, I was wondering if y’all forgot where the bar is,” you joked but no one laughed.

“Erwin. Levi. It’s been a while,” Zeke stated.

You looked at him confused. “What? You know them?”

Zeke chuckled, “yeah, I guess I do.”

“Zeke, it’s nice to see you again. Same to you Porco and Pieck,” Erwin stated.

Porco and Pieck looked at each other and smiled. “It’s nice to see you too, Erwin,” Pieck said in a sweet voice.

Levi glared at the way Zeke’s arm was draped across your shoulder. He gritted his teeth. Hange noticed how tense he was getting and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“What a small world! I’m glad everyone knows each other. Guys, sit down!” You motioned at the empty seats at the table, completely misreading the space.

Hange was the first to sit and the rest followed. The table was quiet for a few minutes, everyone sipped on their drinks.

“Levi, I like your scarf,” You pointed to the black scarf draped across his body.

“Thanks.”

“Yeah, it’s such a nice scarf,” Zeke repeated.

Levi gave Zeke a dirty look. Hange looked at him nervously and Moblit put a hand on their knee to calm them. You took another sip of your beer.

“Yeah, Zeke, it is a nice scarf. That’s why I complimented it. Anyways, how do you all know each other?” Confidence surged through your veins thanks to the alcohol.

“We were floormates freshman year,” Levi’s dry voice said.

“Wait-oh, I see,” You said.

Erwin began to make casual conversation with everyone while Levi stared at the bottom of his glass. Hange and Moblit joined Erwin and conversed with the other two at the table. Wait, is Zeke the one that called Erwin’s kickback lame? That’s the only possibility, right? Your head was dizzy from the alcohol but the puzzle pieces were starting to fall into place.

“Hey, (Y/N),” Porco called out.

“Huh?”

“You good? It looks like we lost you there for a second.”

“Yeah, Porco. I’m fine,” You said sarcastically.

“Zeke, you and (Y/N) make a good couple,” Erwin said.

Zeke chuckled and squeezed you closer to his toned body, “I know but thank you.”

You kept your head down unsure about what to do. It was evident that Zeke had an issue with Erwin and Levi but you didn’t fully understand why. From what you heard, Zeke was the one who was mean to the other two but Zeke was your boyfriend so you should be on his side, right? You took another swig of your beer.

“Levi, are you still with Petra?” Pieck asked.

Petra? Who the fuck is that, you thought, anger coursed through your veins.

“No,” Levi said.

“Oh, that’s too bad. She was such a lovely girl,” Pieck sighed.

“Who’s Petra?” You asked.

No one answered your question. You looked at Pieck but she kept her eyes down. What the fuck is up?

“She’s a girl I dated freshman year,” Levi explained.

“Oh.”

Hange broke the tension by shouting, “(Y/N), I promised you a shot! Who else wants one?”

Pieck, Moblit and Erwin raised their hands. Hange called over a server and asked for a round of shots for everyone. A few minutes later, they brought tequila shots for the table. Everyone grabbed their lime and raised their glass.

“To finishing finals!” Hange exclaimed.

The table repeated what Hange said and took their shot. You and Porco laughed at Pieck’s face and she stuck her tongue out at you. Zeke kissed your cheek and you leaned into his warm body. For a second, it felt like it did at the beginning of your relationship. You felt safe and hopeful but those feelings disappeared when you caught Levi looking at you and Zeke. Immediately, you pulled away and Zeke frowned. You weren’t one for PDA but after a few drinks you didn’t mind showing your man some love but under Levi’s eye it felt wrong.

“Let’s do another shot!” Hange shouted.

“Hange!! Let me buy you a shot!!” You shouted back.

“(Y/N), you’re the best!!” Hange exclaimed, their cheeks glowing under the lights.

Everyone took another shot and the mood around the table began to lighten as everyone got drunker. Porco made a few jokes that made Erwin laugh. Zeke talked to Hange about their senior thesis. Everything seemed to be falling into place except for Levi. He didn’t make an effort to hold a conversation with anyone. He stared at the empty shot glasses and occasionally smiled at whatever Erwin said.

The patio lights shadows made Levi look heavenly, the soft glow bounced off his pale skin and you tried not to stare but you couldn’t, he looked so pretty.

Zeke could sense that your thoughts were taking you elsewhere so he gave you a kiss on the check. You gave him a smile in return.

The bar was packed and everyone at the table was talking after a new round of drinks. It should be a perfect night, all of your friends seemed to be getting alone but something didn’t feel right. In that moment, you wished it could have been Levi holding your body. Stop, Levi is just a friend, that’s it. I love Zeke. You repeated in your head over and over.

As the night dragged on, you slowly began to lose touch with reality, everything became a happy, surreal blur. Throughout the night, Zeke kept his hands on your body. Before that would have kept you grounded but now it felt off, you weren’t sure if it was the alcohol but you didn’t want him to touch you. You kept on smiling and talking to everyone until the bartender called for final orders.

“This was nice but I think we should get going now,” Erwin declared.

“Yeah, I think you’re right,” Pieck said.

Everyone gathered their belongings and started to walk towards the front door. Zeke walked ahead with Porco and Pieck but you stayed behind with the others. Erwin, Hange and Moblit left you and Levi together alone. Hange’s arm was wrapped around Moblit’s shoulder. They leaned against their body and continued talking.  

“Hey, I had a good time tonight,” You said to Levi who barely acknowledged your existence.

“It was okay,” He stated.

The two of you followed the others.

“But what are the odds of us forming a friendship in this way, right?” You said.

“Tsk, a friendship? We hardly know each other, I wouldn't push it,” Levi responded.

“I guess you’re right,” You muttered.

Levi felt bad about his harsh tone but he didn’t know what to do. He still had the same warm feeling in his chest from before but watching Zeke touch you hurt him. All of you had exited the bar and you walked over to Zeke and he placed his jacket over your shoulders.

“Well, it was, uh, nice to catch up with all of you. Hange thank you for helping my girl study. Get home safe,” Zeke said. You smiled and everyone and waved.

“Zeke, the same to you too. Glad to know you’re doing well. (Y/N) congrats on finishing midterms. See you later,” Erwin said.

“I love yoouuu! I love all of you!” Hange shouted. Moblit still had his arm around Hange to stabilize them.

“Love you too, Hange!” You blew them a kiss.

They all turned and began to walk home. Porco and Pieck had already left in their Uber. You looked at Zeke and he gave you a smile and you smiled back out of habit.

Zeke made conversation on your way back to his place. You wrapped your arms around your body and counted the steps in between each street light. The air around you was dry and your breath fell to the ground in a transparent cloud. Eventually, you made it to Zeke’s apartment, it was highrise close to downtown. When you entered the apartment your attention immediately went to the large windows. They faced the city skyline and the lights poured into the living room and gently outlined the minimal furniture in the room. Zeke led you to the bedroom and began to kiss the back of your neck. His beard tickled your neck and left goosebumps on your skin. You rolled your shoulders and stepped away.

“Come on,” Zeke groaned.

“No, not tonight. I’m really tired,” You said.

You made your way to the bathroom and turned on the harsh lights. The lights bounced off the white tiles and highlighted the bags under your eyes. You stared at yourself for a while, the longer you stared, the faster your thoughts swirled in your head. Is Levi made at me? You splashed cold water on your face and tried to wash off the awkwardness from tonight but no matter how hard you scrubbed, you couldn’t get the image of Levi staring at the empty glasses out of your head.

When you walked back into the bedroom you saw Zeke passed on the bed. You smiled at him and placed a blanket over his body and brushed his hair away from his forehead. You curled up on the opposite side of the bed and wrapped a blanket around yourself. Zeke’s soft snores filled the room, normally that was enough to lull you to sleep but lately it was becoming more of a nuisance. Why am I feeling like this? I love Zeke and he loves me back, that should be enough. So why do I feel so unsure? Zeke wasn’t your first partner but he was your first proper love. Everything beforehand had felt like practice for this.

The two of you had met in the spring term of sophomore year. The sun was shining and you we’re sitting on a blanket with Rico bouncing off ideas for research projects. You kept an eye on the baseball team who were practicing near the two of you. Rico was in the middle of explaining her ideas when a baseball flew in your direction.

“Heads up!” shouted a deep voice.

Both of you covered your heads as the ball flew over your blanket. The footsteps of one of the players was nearing your spot.

“Hey, I’m sorry about that.”

You tried to look up but the sun was blinding your eyes. You were able to make out the outline of a tall, man with broad shoulders and wavy blonde hair. He flashed a charismatic smile and said,“the name’s Jaeger. Zeke Jaeger.”

You introduced yourself and Zeke knelt down so his head was at your level.

“Nice to meet you. I feel about almost hitting you. Not sure what happened, normally I have perfect aim.” He winked at you. “Let me make it up by taking you out for a drink, your friend is more than welcomed to come.”

You blushed and thanked him and began to decline your offer when Rico interrupted you.

“She, I mean, we would love that. Here’s her number and mine, too.”

“Thanks, I’ll shoot y’all a text.”

Zeke stood up, grabbed the ball and gave you a wave before running back to his team. From that point on, the two of you had been inseparable.

You drifted off thinking about those first memories, the sweetness of his touch, the excitement of loving Zeke, the hopefulness you had. If you kept on thinking about those moments then maybe they would manifest back into your life. You wanted back that stability in your love so much it hurt your chest.

The next day you rolled over to an empty bed. Your hand traced the cold sheets and you kept your hands in the sunlight, the warmth felt good compared to the draft in Zeke’s bedroom. He preferred a colder bedroom, he said it was better for the body. The front door opened and you pretended to be asleep. Zeke’s footsteps got closer to the bed and you felt him press a kiss to your cheek, he smelled of sweat and musk. Who goes on a run after a night out? You thought. The showerhead turned on and you heard Zeke sing.

You got up and rummaged through Zeke’s drawer and pulled out a navy cardigan. You wrapped the fabric over your body and padded your way to the kitchen. The kitchen was colder than the bedroom.

“Fuck, who lives like this?”

You poured yourself water and stared at the tiles on the walls. Re-playing Levi’s comment in your head. Tsk, a friendship? We hardly know each other, I wouldn't push it. You didn’t blame Levi for his harshness but his comment hurt. There was no denying that you two shared a kinship that was a bit deeper than friendship. Romance wasn’t the word for it either. The relationship you had formed with him felt safe, you felt understood and respected in a way you haven’t really before. Your concentration was broken when you heard Zeke enter the kitchen.

“Hey, babe. Good morning.” He pressed a kiss to your temple. “I bought you a smoothie.”

“Thanks, Zeke,” you responded.

He grabbed the smoothie from the fridge and smiled at you. You sat on the counter and began to sip on the drink. Zeke hummed to himself and began to pull out a pan from the cupboard.

“Whatcha thinking about?” you asked.

“Life.”

“Like, the gameboard?” You joked.

He rolled his eyes. “Honestly, I’m thinking about last night. I never thought I was going to see those guys ever again.”

“Mmm, why did something happen?” You said nonchalantly.

Zeke chuckled, “stupid freshman things. We were all young and dumb.”

He stayed silent afterwards as he went on to fry some eggs. The eggs sizzled in the pan and he whistled quietly. You knew him well enough to know he wanted to say something else.

“I mean, I did dumb stuff when I was freshman so how bad can it actually be?” You prodded.

Zeke stared at you with a series expression. “Look (Y/N), I don’t really want to hash out what happened but-” he hesitated as he looked for the right words to say, “-be careful around Levi. There’s something off about that guy.”

“Oh,” you muttered.

You continued drinking the smoothie, the smell of the egg was making you nauseous and you started to feel the hanging over. You went back into the bedroom and laid down. Your phone buzzed and saw a text from Hange.

Hange: OMG i’m so hungover, i don’t remember getting home

You: Hange, WTF that’s not good lol but I know you were in good hands ;)

Hange: wut does that mean??

You: Moblit lol he was so nice and caring

Hange: … no comment but what are you doing

You: nothing really, why?

Hange: do you want to get brunch?

Hange: it’ll just be the two of us :)

You: yeah, i would love that, send me the address !

The smell of egg had entered the bedroom and you gagged. You hated the smell but Zeke insisted that it was the best way to get protein in the morning. You grabbed your belongings and walked to the kitchen again. Zeke was sitting at the counter eating the eggs and drinking his smoothie while reading the paper.

“Hey, I think I’m gonna head out!”

“Really? I thought we could spend the day together before I leave,” Zeke responded.

“You’re leaving?” You paused while putting on your shoes.

“I thought I told you. My internship is taking me on a trip for the next three days and then I’m heading home for the break,” Zeke said in between bites of food.

“Shit. You didn’t tell me. How about we hang out later today?”

“Yeah, I guess that sounds good to me. I’ll see you later,” he said.

“See ya.”

You went back to your apartment to freshen up and hurried to the diner Hange was it. You stepped through the doors and immediately saw Hange’s smiling face. They were waving you to their table. You greeted them with equal excitement and walked to them. For the past few weeks, some of your favorite moments have been hanging out with them. They always brightened your mood with their cheerful banter and love for life. You were excited to eat brunch with them and question them more about the history between the trio and your boyfriend.

[imaginexwwe]

Reunion 1 (SHIELD)

All love and thanks to @xsimplynaex for coming up with this idea ❣

_________

A 16yr old Brielle stumbles upon her adoption papers from years before and decides to confront her birth dad: FLUFF

_________

Warnings: NONE

_________

“Mom, dad…” Brielle said as she walked into her parents bedroom. “Care to explain these adoption papers?”

She glanced at her parents one by one, as they glanced at each other as if mentally trying to figure the best way to ease into this.

“I um…” Her mom sighed. “How did you even find those?” She asked, questioning Bri back.

Bri groaned looking up at the ceiling then back. “You know I was looking for stuff to finish my family tree project, now please…” She explained then pleaded. “If dad’s not…” She bit her lip unsure how to finish that sentence.

She just didn’t want to hurt Roman, or her dad, by saying the wrong thing.

Obviously he’s the one who helped raise her but now she had this paper in her hands that was quickly changing the life she knew.

She heard her dad, Roman, sigh. “…His name’s Dean Ambrose. An old friend of mines.” He spoke up.

“Can I met him?”

_________

Brielle took a deep breath as she heard the door unlock from the inside.

She looked back at her dad, who was waiting in the car after dropping her off.

Bri knows this had to be hard for him but he wanted to give her the answers she now desperately needed.

The door finally opened, making Bri tear her attention from one important man, to focus on another one.

Her eyes focused on another pair that was identical to hers. “D..Dean?” She stuttered out, her emotions starting to get the best of her.

“Brielle…?” Dean gasped completely shocked.

_________

“I can’t believe you’re really here.” Dean said. “How did you even find me?”

Brielle smiled.

He has questions just like me, she thought.

“Me and my dad, flew out on a whim.” She began explaining. “We didn’t even know if you’d still be here but we took that chance. He says you two were old friends.”

Dean nodded his eyes still locked on her. “Yeah we were, we used to be like brothers a long time ago.” He said in a reminiscing tone. “Before–”

“Me?”

Her birth dad chuckled a little. “I was gonna say before I was stupid.”

Bri giggled a little from his chuckle.

“Oh.” She replied.

________

“…I’m actually captain of the cheer team at my school. And oh.” She exclaimed. “I almost made straight A’s on this semester’s report card.”

Dean narrowed his eyes plaufully. “Almost? Why almost?”

He watched as his daughter shyly shrugged. “I got a D in P.E.”

Before he could prevent it another chuckle, the fifth one in the span of an hour as it seemed, came from his mouth. “How does one get a D in P.E.?” He asked.

Bri let out a dramatic sigh. “Okay so, I’m not really into the physical stuff. I don’t know, maybe I just didn’t get that gene from you.” She smiled looking around at pictures and things from his WWE career.

“Okay let me see if I’m following you.” Dean said. “You’re captain of the cheer team, which involves physical activity. Yet you’re not really into the physical stuff. You’re crazy.” He said playfully.

“Oh you’re one to talk, Mr. Lunatic Fringe.” Bri said poking her tongue out at him.

Dean couldn’t help but smile wider than before, if that was possible at her calling him by his nickname he gained through his WWE years.

“You know that?” He asked sorta surprised.

Bri nodded. “I kinda did some research on the plane and the car ride here…” She trailed off before whispering. “I wanted to be prepared.”

Dean copied her nod, as the room fell silent for a minute.

When he woke up this morning, he didn’t once think that the little girl, well now young lady, that he hasn’t saw since that night in in the parking lot sleeping in Roman’s arms, would track him down and fly all the way to Vegas just to meet him.

A sinking feeling made it’s say through his body.

Man, the thought. I wish I would be done things differently, ten years ago.

A gasp filled the silence, causing both Dean and Bri to look up.

“Is this who i think it is?” He heard his wife, Renee ask, smiling at Brielle.

Dean cleared his throat, standing up. “Bri, this is Renee.” He smiled from his daughter to his wife. “My wife.”

Brielle stood up also, awkwardly extending her hand, but got pulled into a hug.

“You are so beautiful.” Renee gushed making Bri blush. “I bet guys fight over you.” She giggled.

“Just one.” Bri replied her cheeks still tinted red.

But Dean wasn’t amused. His over protective dad ways kicking in.

“Renee…” He said letting out a breath.

Renee playfully rolled her eyes. “Okay okay. Sorry about bringing up boys.” She said to him, then turned to Bri. “It was nice finally getting to see you.” She said before exciting the room.

“I’m sorry about her.” Dean apologized.

Brielle shook her head with a giggle. “It’s okay.”

They continued their conversation back up, for a little while longer before it started getting late.

_________

A car horn sounded from outside.

Bri frowned a bit before sighing. “I guess dad’s back.”

Dean nodded, a frown from him coming into play also. “Thank you for this, Brielle.” He said as they both stood up one again.

“Thank you too.” She said walking to the door. “Oh wait, I almost forgot.” She said, digging through her purse. “I brought these for you…”

She handed Dean a nice box wirh stack of pictures inside.

“…They’re pictures of me through the years. And my number’s in there somewhere.” She smiled. “I wasn’t sure if–”

Dean quickly interrupted her. “I love ‘em.” He said, swallowing hard and tears stinging his eyes.

He wasn’t one to cry but this was bottled up emotions starting to overflow.

“You didn’t even look at them yet.”

“If they’re pictures of you, I love them.” He replied a few tears falling.

Bri smiled lunging herself at him, her arms wrapping around his larger frame. “And I love you too, daddy number two.” She said giggling, while also getting emotional.

“I love you to Brielle.” Dean smiled back, encasing her smaller frame in his arms. “Oh and happy early birthday.”

________

Brielle pulled from the hug, slightly surprised. “You know my birthday’s coming up?”

She didn’t know he would even keep up with that, considering they weren’t in each other’s lives before this morning.

Dean nodded. “Next week on the 12th.”

“In that case.” Bri started. “Me and my parents are celebrating, with some of my friend’s and our family.” She bit her lip. “You’re welcome to come, of you’re not busy.”

She searched his eyes, trying to get any hint of what he would say.

“I…” He said hesitant. “I don’t know if your parents would want that. With everything that’s happened–”

She groaned, kinda frustrated.

“Whatever happened, it happened ten years ago. That’s a whole decade to get over things. It’s my party and I want you there.” She pouted. “I’ll even tell dad about it and deal with mom, when I get back to Florida.”

Dean looked at her.

How could he at her down again, after she’s cone all this way. He couldn’t.

“Is that boyfriend of yours going to be there? Cause I don’t want to have to hurt him.”

Brielle laughed. “If you come, I don’t care what you do to him. Just not too much, he’s already had one dad of mines to face.”

“It’s a deal.” Dean agreed.

Brielle clapped happily. “Yay!” She said just as happily before giving him a quick kiss on his cheek. “Tell Renee, she’s invited too.”

_________

“I will.” Dean said to her as she ran to Roman’s car.

Before he knew what his arm was doing, he was waving to his former brother.

He got a couple of honks from Roman in response before he went back into his house, a huge smile on his face.

_________

Brielle, leaned over giving Roman a kiss on his cheek just like she’d done with Dean, daddy number two, then sat back in her seat, pulling the seatbelt across her body.

“I’m guessing from how happy you look, it went well.” Roman said smiling.

Brielle giggled. “It did, daddy.” She nodded. “And I even invited him to celebrate my 17th birthday with us.”

________

Should I try to stretch this out into 5 parts like Support or leave it as is?

________

Tag List: @littleprincess1621 @princesstoniii @eshia16 @panic-angel3314 @wwe-rollins-lover @zappyzoodle @purple–nebula @spontaneousspitfire @kenyadakblalock @whatsupitsmk @bethany99stuff-blog @kelly27crickett @xfirespritex @xsimplynaex @wweimaginesandoneshotsthings @calwitch @mononchrome-decadance

[just-jordie-things]

Like She’s Mine (part eleven) - Stiles Stilinski

this is a mini part really, as an apologize for not posting part 10 yesterday

this part is for jackee bc i’ve been tagging the wrong url for her and im forever sorry honey :(

In case you were wondering, yes I tossed and turned all night.  I thought of every possibility.  Maybe my macaroni was old and I was having troubles with reality.  Maybe I took bad medication and I had an acid dream.

Yeah… an acid dream makes sense.  Why else would Stiles Stilinski bust into my apartment and kiss me like he's wanted to for years? It wasn't real.  It couldn't have happened.  Surely I was dreaming.

But when I touched my lips, they still felt tender.  Freshly made out with.

That morning I'd run into the bathroom, and sure enough, they were pink and somewhat swollen.  This only made me smile.  

So it was real.  Stiles really did come here last night all beaten and bruised.  He really did come running back into the room like every cliche rom com moment, and he really did kiss me.  Multiple times actually.  He kissed me, I kissed him, he promised to come back in the morning… it was all real.  The thought made my stomach fill with butterflies and my head stir with thoughts I thought I'd long buried.  I couldn't believe it.  I couldn't believe it.

I danced and squealed as I went into Madi's room.  She was already awake, playing quietly and contently in her crib.

“Mama!” She exclaimed in delight upon seeing me.

“Madison!” I mimicked, and scooped her up in my arms.  I held an arm against her back, pushing her into me and I held her hand in my empty one.  I continued dancing around the room while holding her which made her giggle and her eyes crinkle with happiness.  “Today's a lovely day!” I sang as I lept on the tips of my toes all over the living room.  She just continued giggling, shoving her fingers in her mouth.  It was how she showed her happiness.

Eventually after I grew tired I set her on her blanket with her toys.

“Time for breakfast!” I said, clapping my hands together.  I went into a frenzy, and I don’t know where my sudden ability to make french toast came from but I did it.  I had just walked out to the living room, setting the plate on the table when there were knocks on the door.  What is it with always having company over when I was trying to eat?

Not that I was about to complain.  In fact it was difficult to not skip to the door.  Or keep a straight face.  As soon as I opened it I leaned in.

“I missed you”

“If you’re gonna kiss me, I’ll tell Scott” I retracted fast upon hearing Allison’s voice.  “Because that’s what friends do, they TELL EACH OTHER WHEN THEY START MAKING OUT WITH PEOPLE!”

“So you hear-”

“I had to hear from Scott.  Why did you not tell me!? Did you bang-”

“Madi” I said with raised brows, and pointing towards my daughter.  But she was too invested in ramming a toy train into one of her stuffed animals.

“Okay but still.  Why.  Didn’t.  You.  Tell.  Me!” Allison whacked my arm between each word.

“I was going to! I was but last night just….” A lazy smile spread on my lips and I held my hands against my chest.  “He’s coming over sometime this morning, I thought you were him”

“Clearly.  Ya puckered up before the door was all the way open” I rolled my eyes, and strolled back into the living room.

“I made french toast, you want breakfast?” I asked.

“That’s okay I ate earlier” She said.  I was still beaming as I began to eat my food.

“You are ten feet off the ground” Allison giggled, setting her bag on the sofa, then squatting to the ground by Madi.  She instantly began to goo goo talk with her, playing with her toys and earning the girl’s affection.

“Alli!”

“Did you hear that? Did you hear what she said?” The brunette looked at me with such an excitement on her face my heart swelled for her.

“I did” I said with my own grin, shoving in another forkful of food.

“That’s right, it’s Alli” Allison tickled at Madi’s sides

“Alli Alli!” Madison continued to squeal cheerfully.  I watched them play and laugh until I finished eating, then made my way to the kitchen.

“Hey, you guys know it’s not really safe to just leave this open right?” I had just set my plate into the sink when I heard Stiles’ voice.

“Stiles?” I walked back into the open area, seeing him close the door.

“Hey” He smiled at me, and ran his tongue over his scabbed bottom lip.  He still had prominent marks, but they didn’t look as bad as last night.

“Hi Stiles- woah who’d you beat up?” Allison’s eyes widened when she turned around.

“Theo” Stiles and I answered at the same time.

“Oh… so that’s how you ended up making out” Stiles looked surprised and confused.  “Let me guess, you beat up Theo, came here, y/n fixed you up and didn’t like the fight but just couldn’t stay mad at you, and on an impulse you kissed her and realized she liked it?”

“Yeah… yeah that’s sorta how it went” Stiles said sheepishly, and I giggled.

“Come on, I’ll get you your sweatshirt” I said, and Stiles followed me.

“Also Madi said my name before yours!” Allison called.  “I do believe you owe me ten dollars�� Stiles groaned as we entered my room.

“I don’t see-”

“It’s not even in here” I said, turning and standing on my tippy toes to kiss him.  Stiles smiled instantly, his hands coming around the back of my head and tangling in my hair.

“You’re a good liar y/n” He chuckled, kissing me again.

“Hmm so you told Scott?” I asked, and he flushed.

“Yeah maybe sorta” I giggled and shook my head, splaying my hands across his mole scattered cheeks.  “He was eager to know what happened, he said, spare no detail” I gave him a chaste kiss.

“Oh? So you knew when you came over that that’s what was going to happen?” Stiles scoffed.

“Yeah of course confidence is key- no.  Not at all I did not” I laughed as he pulled me closer to him.  Both of my feet in between his and our chests pressed together.  “But if it weren’t for Scott telling me to be honest with you, I probably wouldn’t have either.  It felt wrong just walking out that door” He sighed, and I smiled softly at him.

“Well then it’s a good thing you have your own key, so you can come whenever you want” I said, and pecked his nose.

“Mm it’s almost like I have a boyfriend status” I raised an eyebrow.

“Let’s see… good hair, check.  Intelligent...eh… half check”

“Hey-”

“Cocky, double check for sure.  Dreamy eyes… check.  Sweet but salty personality check.  Loves me-”

Stiles leaned down and captured my lips in a soft kiss before I could finish.  I hummed against his mouth, sliding my hands from his jaw to the back of his neck.

“Check” He whispered, and I took his parted lips as an opportunity to trace his bottom lip with my tongue.

“Does this still hurt?” I whispered, gently caressing the cut on the pink flesh with the pad of my thumb.  Stiles smiled and shook his head.

“Not at all”

“Okay good” I said smiling a little before pulling him down for another kiss.  He smirked into it, and I breathed out heavily when we parted.  “What, Stiles” I knew he was thinking something.

“Something tells me you really dig me” He sing songed, and I rolled my eyes.

“Alright buddy” I patted his chest, and walked past him.

“Wait wait” I spun on my heel, walking backwards out the door.

“Sorry Stiles, I’ve got a daughter to go check on” I said and almost turned around but his hand snatched my wrist.

“Hold on a sec” He murmured, and his nose bumped mine accidentally.  “You haven’t told me yet if I was boyfriend material” I snickered a little.

“Oh I’m sorry” I said, feigning care.  I kissed him sweetly, putting my hand on his cheek.  When  I pulled back, I smirked, and patted his cheek twice.  The spun around, and sashayed out of the room.

I made a mental note to text Lydia and tell her I’d mastered her technique.

The morning was spent dodging Stiles’ questions, heavily focusing on trying to get Madi to swallow down her food.  It took a lot of faces and airplanes for her to eat, but I finally did it.

“Thank god” I muttered as I fed her the last spoonful of that ghastly baby food jar.  “Another year Madi and we can feed you real people food!” I clapped excitedly, and put the spoon in the sink, and the jar into the trash.

“Y-yay!” She said while clapping.  But it was her wrists that hit together rather her palms.  I just giggled, and walked over to her high chair.

“Okay sweetie, let’s go get you dressed for the day” I said, lifting her up and peppering her cheeks with kisses.  I walked past Allison and Stiles who were sat comfortably on the couch, Allison doing her nails, and Stiles watching television.  He caught my eye, and stood up quickly, following me into her room.

“Sooo” Stiles held his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels.

“So?” I gave him a side glance then set Madi on the changing table while I went through her drawers.

“So.. am I boyfriend material?”  I didn’t look at him this time as I removed Madi’s pajamas.  “Oh come on y/n” He walked up behind me.  “Please just tell me”

“Stiles” I warned as his arms encircled around my stomach from behind.  It was as lame as empty threats come.

“Come on, please?” He whispered, setting his chin on your shoulder.  I tried my best to not react to him.  Just put all of my focus on putting Madi in her cute little blue jeans and a pink sweater with a rainbow stitched into it.  Baby clothes were just the cutest.

“Stiles I’m busy” I said, and Maddie giggled as I helped her stand up.  He turned his neck, pressin his lips against my neck.  My heart skipped a beat.

“Too busy for me?”

“Mama!” Madi threw her arms and I was about to move away from him but his grip stayed firm.

“Stiles, you’ll upset Madi.  Do it now and she’ll never say your name” He sighed, and I took her back to the living room, and letting her play with her toys again.

“Look Mama!” She held up her train again.

“Oh good for you baby-”

“y/n” I sighed as Stiles’ hands grabbed onto mine, and pulled me as he walked backwards.

“Stiles, as nice as it is, I have things to do, I can’t make out with you all day” I said.

“I got it!” Allison called.  I rolled my eyes but was already halfway leaning before he sealed the kiss.

“Stilinski you will be the death of me” I muttered, pushing him back to my room.  When I kicked the door shut he gave me an amused look before wrapping his hands under my thighs, and lifting me up.  I gasped in surprise and smiled down at him.  “But I’ll day with a boyfriend”

I wondered then if I’d wake up later with bruises from being pushed down onto the bed so hard.

sorry it’s short, it’s just a little mini reader x stiles thingy for in between chapters :) have a good night everybody

tagged: @morganschiebel @celestial-writing @johnsonxstilinski @dreamshadedpeter @peter-andhislostgirls @almondmilkislove @imissyoualittlemoreeveryday @kindoflower @spinjitsu-percy-horan

xoxo ~ jordie