#yeah the sunglasses are pineapples and so is her shirt- I just thought she would like pinapples- she's a pinapple on pizza guy by they way

[askblueandviolet]

hi im back from reading....with a couple minutes lf trying to reconnect to my wifi (cus it disconnected right after i was goign to make an ask,and wont..connect after)

ahEM!! BAI HE IS WITHHER PARENTS NOW?? AWWW, HOW DOES SHE LIKE THE HELMET⁉️⁉️

anyway, real, hershey is such s good dogn:3 pat pats for her yuhuh

ALSOALSOSOSLSLSLSKSDDM XIUYING RAAAHHH, HOWS BRO DOING⁉️⁉️ totally shoukd vidit the philippines soon hshhshs 😋😋😋

RAAAHHH IT WAS AMAZING READING THIS CHAPTERRR 😭😭 BRAVO, BRAVO,, so sorry if thid is somewhat long omg

throws another silly rock at macaculator

EEEEE HAGE A GREAT DAY‼️‼️🫶 OR EVENING IDK MAN

MASTER POST

Asks Start 💙💜

Previous 💙💜

Next 💙💜

[bluejayblueskies]

storge

n. familial love, born out of familiarity or dependence; a natural, unforced, instinctual love

Words: 3.3k

Fandom: The Magnus Archives

Relationships: Danny Stoker & Tim Stoker, Sasha James & Tim Stoker (background)

Characters: Tim Stoker, Danny Stoker, Sasha James, Minor OCs

Additional Tags: AU - No Supernatural, AU - Everyone Lives/No One Dies, Internalized Acephobia/Arophobia, Implied/Referenced Arophobia (minor), Aromantic Character, Asexual Character

Summary:

Danny finished the last slice of the pizza they’d ordered, stared at the credits scrolling across Tim’s television screen from the cheesy Valentine’s Day rom-com they’d just finished watching, and said with feigned casualness, “I don’t think that’s for me.”

Tim, who had wanted that last slice of pizza, thank you very much, rolled his eyes and said, “Well, then I’m picking the pizza toppings next time. Maybe then we won’t have a pizza that only tastes like jalapeños.”

“Oh, absolutely not. Last time you put pineapple and pepperoni on it, which is grounds for termination from topping-decisions for life.” Danny paused, and then he took his eyes away from the television, looked at Tim, and said, with distinctly less casualness, “I meant the movie. Um. The romance part, specifically.”

Read on Ao3

Or, read below (additional warnings below the cut):

Additional warnings: - character forcing himself to stay in a romantic situation even after he becomes uncomfortable - character mentioning the possibility of forcing himself to have sex with someone (doesn’t actually occur)

.

.

.

So here’s the thing: Tim is terrible at giving gifts. It doesn’t matter how long he’s known someone or how many of their favorites he can list off the top of his head—he still always ends up getting them something so incredibly, horribly generic because he just can’t do it. Sasha’s never going to let him live down the time he got her the exact same mug she keeps in the archives because he panicked, okay? And it was the only thing he could think of that wasn’t just candles or soap.

 (“I honestly would have preferred soap,” Sasha said as she covered her mouth with one hand to stifle her laugher, the other still grasping the mug. Tim was significantly less amused.)

 The one silver lining to the whole thing is that it’s never been a problem with Danny. Not because Tim is necessarily any better at getting gifts for him, but because Danny treats each and every gift from Tim like it’s something incredibly special and unique. Once, Tim got him a six-pack of plain black socks—just to test his theory that Danny was just being nice, or maybe just as a joke (or possibly both)—and Danny said, with a million-dollar smile, “You know, I was just thinking the other day how cool it would look to pair a patterned sock with a black one. This is great, Tim!”

 Yeah, Tim’s pretty sure that Danny’s just fucking with him at this point. But honestly, Tim doesn’t really mind. It takes a lot of pressure off him during any of the traditional gift-giving seasons because he knows that whatever he gets Danny, Danny will just smile and thank him like it was what he’d always wanted.

 Maybe that’s why Danny does it, Tim thinks as he stares at the dozens of tabs open on his computer, each for a different online retailer. To relieve the pressure.

 If so, then Tim’s really ruining the whole thing now, isn’t he? Because instead of doing that follow-up Jon requested two days ago, Tim’s been agonizing over whether to get a mug or a shirt or a pin, or maybe something more personal like those sunglasses he’d seen the other day, or—

 Or maybe something from the million other terrible ideas Tim’s had. With a long, drawn-out groan, he pushes back from his desk, stands with a too-loud pop of his back that has Sasha glancing up from her paperwork with a grimace, and makes his way to the breakroom.

 He needs coffee.

 As he waits for the pot to brew—because he’s the only one who drinks coffee in the archives (and yes, Sasha’s intricately named espresso beverages are technically coffee, but he doesn’t deign to count them)—he closes his eyes and tries to convince himself, yet again, that there’s a good reason he’s putting himself through this, and that no, it is not a stupid idea that has a ninety-nine percent chance of backfiring horribly.

 It had gone like this:

 Four months ago, Danny had finished the last slice of the pizza they’d ordered, stared at the credits scrolling across Tim’s television screen from the cheesy Valentine’s Day rom-com they’d just finished watching, and said with feigned casualness, “I don’t think that’s for me.”

 Tim, who had wanted that last slice of pizza, thank you very much, rolled his eyes and said, “Well, then I’m picking the pizza toppings next time. Maybe then we won’t have a pizza that only tastes like jalapeños.”

 “Oh, absolutely not. Last time you put pineapple and pepperoni on it, which is grounds for termination from topping-decisions for life.” Danny paused, and then he took his eyes away from the television, looked at Tim, and said, with distinctly less casualness, “I meant the movie. Um. The romance part, specifically.” Then, with a disarming smile: “I’ve got the comedy more than covered, after all. I told you I got that wedding gig, right? Maybe I can try some of my jokes on you.”

 Danny opened his mouth again, clearly ready to launch into a demonstration of his latest vocational pursuit, but Tim’s brain had finally parsed Danny’s words enough to say, maybe a bit too abruptly, “Hold on, hold on. Let’s go back to the romance bit, yeah?”

 He really, really hoped the statement had come off less accusatory and more encouraging. It must have worked because Danny’s smile faded into an expression that didn’t look afraid, only nervous. Still, Tim felt the need to add, with the edges of his words sanded down into something softer, “Obviously, you don’t have to tell me anything you aren’t comfortable with. But I’m all ears.”

 “Mm, they are pretty big,” Danny quipped. “Only going to get bigger, too.”

 Tim just sat back on the couch, crossed his arms, and waited. The credits on the screen continued to roll, the peppy pop music that accompanied them disrupting what might have, in any other situation, been an awkward silence. It still felt like an awkward something.

 Then, Danny sucked his bottom lip between his teeth, worried it for a few seconds, and said, “Okay, so- you remember telling me about when you figured out you were ace, right?”

 “Right,” Tim said.

 “Right,” Danny echoed. He fiddled with the silver ring on his left thumb absently, like he always did when he was nervous or when he had a million things racing through his head and he was trying to decide which thread to pull that would make them all come together into a neatly-stitched pattern. “Well, I guess all the stuff you said about liking sex but not wanting it with anyone in particular got me thinking about things that I like. And, uh. Things that I don’t.”

 There was another pause. The television screen had gone dark and the silence that stretched over them didn’t feel awkward anymore. Just heavy. Danny gave the ring on his finger another twist and said, “It had never really occurred to me that I could like to do something but not with anyone in particular, you know? Like- okay, so I enjoy flirting. I think all those stupid, cheesy pickup lines are hilarious, and seeing how people react to them is really fun. I mean, sometimes people laugh, sometimes people get annoyed, and sometimes people blush. But I never want anything out of it, you know?”

 Danny stared at the blank screen; the profile of his face showed a smile, but the lines of his forehead and the creases around his eyes were tight. Wordlessly, Tim moved closer so that his shoulder pressed against Danny’s, light enough that it wasn’t oppressive but a grounding presence all the same. From the way that Danny relaxed slightly at the touch, Tim decided that it was a good move.

 “One time, actually, someone offered to buy me a drink. You would have liked him, Tim—he had this really strong jawline, little bit of a five o’clock shadow, bright red hair. So I got the drink, and we talked, and even though he was funny and I had to stop sipping my drink because I kept choking on it when he would tell another joke, I just had this itching underneath my skin, like I just couldn’t get comfortable. But,” Danny said with a tight smile, “I ignored it. I told myself, You flirted with him first, Danny Stoker, and this is what happens when you flirt with people. Sometimes, they flirt back. So I had my drink. And then another, you know, because drinks are like potato chips, you can’t have just one.

 “He didn’t ask me to- to come back to his place or whatever, which was- god, I don’t know what I would have done.” Danny bit his lip, leaned more heavily into Tim’s shoulder. “Probably would have said yes? And I don’t need you to tell me that that would have been stupid. I know.

 “Instead, he gave me his number on one of those fancy business cards—I don’t really remember for what company, I threw it away as soon as I got home—and told me to call him. And I knew, as soon as he said that, that I wasn’t going to. That it- it wasn’t fun anymore, because there was this expectation to deliver.” Danny’s forehead creased, and he shook his head slowly. “No, that’s- that’s not quite right. An expectation to reciprocate, maybe?

 “The thing is, the idea of romance and dating and all of that sounds interesting in theory, and sometimes I can even imagine myself doing it—albeit not with anyone in particular, just like as a thought exercise I guess. I tried, a few times, to put a specific face to whoever I was going on lovely Italian wine tours with or- or hand-feeding grapes to on a bed on some island. Tim, don’t make that face, wine tours and grape feeding are peak romance. Uh, I think.

 “Anyway, anytime I tried to imagine dating someone instead of just dating, I got that same itching feeling under my skin. And I thought, well, I’m just not picking the right people. It’s got to be someone I really like, you know, someone I care about. Clearly, red-haired guy had not been the one.

 “And then… I found someone. Her name was Ash and she was just everything I ever could have wanted. She was funny and brave and did this little thing with her nose when she laughed that made me laugh, and she was a much better rock climber than me but I was better at rappelling because she could never trust herself to lean back unless someone guided her down, and I really, really thought that it could be her, you know? I knew that I loved her, and even though most of my standard lines bounced right off her, a few stuck. If I tried, really tried, I even thought I could picture it: every single corny, cheesy date I’d ever imagined, with her face cut and pasted into the image. It was a bit like a bad Photoshop edit, you know, where the edges clearly didn’t fit? But I ignored it because it fit well enough, and she made me happy.”

 Danny took a long breath and let it out just as slowly. Tim thought of a million things to say, a million reassurances, that he eventually let sink to the back of his mind and dissipate. Instead, he fought back against the instinct to break the silence with a laugh or a word or just a noise and instead leaned further back against the couch. Patience was not his strong suit, but he could do it for Danny.

 Finally, Danny continued, “And then one day, she… she asked me out. I guess I must have looked pretty shocked because she laughed and said that she’d been flirting with me for weeks, just like I’d been with her, and so there was no need to look so surprised. The thing is, I hadn’t even noticed. Every time she’d made some joke and I’d laughed, I’d thought that was just normal. Being friends, you know? Maybe that’s stupid, given that I’d been flirting with her too. Maybe not. I don’t know.

 “I said yes. And spent the next four days regretting it. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. We were planning on going out to dinner that Friday, and the entire night before I got maybe an hour of sleep? I just kept thinking, you know, is she going to want to hold hands? Is she going to want to kiss me? Is she going to want to do more than kiss? What about other things, the wine and the grapes and rings and weddings and kids and—”

 Danny cut off with a sigh, pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes. “Yeah, so I called her an hour before I was supposed to meet her at the restaurant and said that something had come up and I couldn’t make it. Which was a lie of course, and I’m pretty sure she could tell because instead of asking what was wrong or what had come up, she just said okay. In a voice that sounded like it very much wasn’t okay. And when she hung up, I realized we hadn’t scheduled a new date. And it filled me with so much relief that I just felt guilty, because I still loved her, you know? And I just couldn’t understand what I was doing wrong, why I liked to flirt but felt so uncomfortable when it actually worked, why the idea of dating didn’t bother me until it became a reality, why every single ‘crush’ I had just felt so forced even if I cared about the person so much it hurt.

 “And then you told me that you were ace, and you talked about how it felt to be ace, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about Ash. I didn’t think that your situation was the same as mine, but it just—it felt close? So I finally thought to look up how I felt. And I’m still not one-hundred percent sure what label fits or whatever, but just knowing that there’s labels at all, that there are people out there who feel the way that I feel and that I’m not just- just doing it wrong—god, it was just this huge weight lifted off my shoulders.”

 Danny laughed, a bit harshly, born more of a release of nerves than of humor. “Is it a bit weird that I still really like to flirt? Maybe I should give a disclaimer before every pickup line: Hello, I’m Danny Stoker, I’m some flavor of aromantic and asexual, this flirting is purely platonic. Hmm, that’s a bit wordy.”

 Then, a smile cracked Danny’s face in two, tinged with more than a hint of devilish teasing. “Maybe I’ll make a business card.”

 Finally, Tim broke his vow of silence with a snort. He nudged Danny’s side with his elbow and said, “It can be a family venture. Stoker and Stoker, aspec brothers in crime.”

 Danny’s smile softened into something subtler, and he said, with an unusual amount of sincerity in his voice, “Thanks, Tim. I… I mean, I didn’t think you would react badly, but still. Thanks.”

 And Tim’s heart broke just a little, and he pulled Danny to his side and wrapped his arms around him tightly. “Never,” he said firmly. “I’m really glad you told me, Danny. Really, really glad.”

 So yeah. Tim can’t mess this gift up, because Danny had trusted him with this part of himself, and Tim really, really wants to support him in every possible way. Even if that way involves cheesy novelty mugs striped with the colors of the aromantic flag.

 Ugh.

 Tim grabs his distinctly not cheesy plain black mug of coffee and makes his way back to his desk, entirely absorbed in a swirling mess of thoughts filled with blacks and greens and whites and purples. Which is why he doesn’t notice Sasha sitting at his desk until he nearly sits on top of her.

 “Christ,” Tim says, jumping back so quickly he nearly spills his coffee. Sasha barely acknowledges him; she’s too busy typing away at something on his computer, and when Tim looks over her shoulder, he realizes with a sickening horror that she’s closed all but a few tabs on his computer. Tabs that he’d carefully curated. Tabs that he needs.

 (Tabs full of indecision and terrible, terrible ideas. But he needs them all the same.)

 “I hope,” Tim says with a voice that’s only slightly on the saner side of panic, “that there’s a perfectly good reason why you’ve thrown a wrench the size of a small house into my gift planning process? Because otherwise, I am three seconds away from freaking out.”

 Sasha waves a hand at him, still not looking away from the screen. “All your gifts suck, Tim.”

 “Hey!”

 This time, Sasha does look at him, something apologetic in her eyes. “Sorry. But they do.”

 Sullenly, Tim says, “Danny doesn’t think my gifts suck.”

 Sasha sighs and turns back to the computer. “Danny loves you a lot more than he loves your gifts. But that’s not the point.” She types something on the keyboard, navigates through a few windows without even taking the time to look at their contents. “You’ve been scowling at your screen all day, Tim. And I know it’s not because of that Remmier case that Jon assigned because I finished that yesterday.”

 “Oh. Thank you?”

 “Yup. You owe me coffee.” Sasha types a few more things, squints at the screen, then makes a noise of triumph. “There. Get him that and thank me later.”

 Then, Sasha’s out of his chair and back at her own desk, leaving behind only a warmth that Tim can feel as he takes his own seat and finally gets a good look at what’s on the screen.

 Huh.

 Tim orders it. And a few days before Danny’s birthday, he has an idea. Maybe the only good gift-giving idea he’s ever had.

 So the next time he’s at the shop, he picks up some supplies. And for someone who majored in anthropology and doesn’t know the first thing about graphic design, he’s quite happy with the final product.

 And when Danny unwraps the box on his birthday, sat on Tim’s couch with empty boxes of Thai takeout in front of them, the first thing he sees are the cards, set right on the top. It’s a silly little design, a set of two mountains striped with the aromantic and asexual colors, and next to them:

 Stoker & Stoker, Inc.

Aspec brothers in crime

Where the flirting is platonic, NOT erotic!

 Underneath the cards, there’s a new climbing rope, striped with greens and whites and greys and blacks, and a matching set of metallic purple carabiners, something that Tim absolutely never would have thought of but that’s perfect nonetheless. Danny takes a card in one hand, runs the thumb of the other over the edge of the climbing rope, and looks at Tim.

 And Tim thinks he gets it, then. Why people put so much time and effort into giving people thoughtful, meaningful gifts. Because Danny’s expression isn’t fucking with him or relieving the pressure or just being nice or even this was what I’d always wanted. It’s something truer, something softer, something that sits in the pit of Tim’s stomach and burns softly, warming him gently from the inside out

 Yeah, Tim’s never going to be able to go back to generic gifts after this. He’s going to need a much larger coffee budget.

 (This conviction lasts, at least, until later in the evening, when Tim confesses that Sasha helped him with the gift and Danny laughs and says I figured, before saying in a quieter voice that the climbing equipment is great but the cards were Tim. That the black socks and novelty mugs and vanilla candles were generic but that they were Tim as well and that Danny had made it a game to try and guess what Tim was going to get him that year, keeping a bet with Sasha on how long it would take Tim to accidentally give him the same gift twice.

 Hey, Tim says, but his mouth is twisted into a smile. He ruffles Danny’s hair in that way he hates and says that he’ll stick to the basics from now on, then, and they put on some shitty comedy that Danny insists on watching and eat ice cream until their stomachs hurt.

 And if Tim sees Danny glancing at the business card every so often, wearing a smile so soft it’s almost melting, he certainly isn’t going to mention it.)

[havethetimeofyourstyles]

part two is here! enjoy <3

wc: 3.8k

taglist | story masterlist

WARNINGS: mentions of death, anxiety, angst

part one

͙⁺˚*･༓☾　　☽༓･*˚⁺‧

Day two of the anniversary trip, and it’s the first full day. 

Dan and Lina had planned for everyone to enjoy the water and sun while they made lunch. You and Minny were sitting on the lawn chairs while Harry laid a towel out on the shore, laying on his stomach to get a tan in. Meanwhile, Jackson was floating in the water, letting the cool water relax him. It was a nice and peaceful day, you would say. The sun doing her thing as it shines, giving everyone some good ole Vitamin D. The sky was bright and blue, and you were thinking that it’ll be so hard to leave it. 

You were wearing a flowy and floral dress while your black two-piece bikini was under it, and you had sunglasses on your face. With packing so late, you weren’t really sure what you brought since you practically threw everything in your luggage. 

“I’m going in for a dip.” Minny says, and she gets up and strips her dress and walks over to the water. As she walks away, you admire your best friend’s body and you can’t help but think how envious you are of her. Growing up with her, you had always compared yourself to her because relatively, you thought she was prettier than you. She had always dated throughout school while you barely could get a guy to ask you to officially be his girlfriend. It was definitely a struggle for you, but that is up until you met Harry. 

You felt so loved and cared for when you were together; the ultimate power couple, you would always say, and he would agree. You wanted everything with him. But your dreams ripped from your hands the night he left. 

“Fruit, my dear?” Lina comes from right next to you and offers you a fruit bowl of strawberries, berries, and pineapples. 

“Thank, Lina.” You say as you take the bowl from her hands, and she walks over to Harry and offers him one. You see him pert up from his lying position and take it as well before he gets up fully and starts walking towards the house, towards you. 

“Mind if I sit here?” You shake your head and he takes a seat. It was silent with you two for a few minutes, but you figured, what’s new at this point with him. It’s always silent and awkward and you’re wondering if it’ll always be like this, or if you’ll actually be friends with him because afterall, you had mutual friends, practically family. 

But you knew that you were the only one stopping from the two of you from having a genuine friendship again, but it was hard enough to be around him, let alone be friends with him. 

“How’s your mom?” You ask, breaking the silence as you both chew down the delicious fruit. 

“She’s doing good, yeah. Misses you.” Harry hesitates on the last part, not knowing if he was pushing it. 

“I’m excited to see her this week. Gem as well.” You say honestly. You really had missed his family. Apart from your own and Minny’s family, Harry has been the third family you can go to, and talk to them like they’re your own. You had been pretty close with Gemma and Anne; always hanging out even without Harry, and you thought that was the best friendship; to have a relationship outside of your romantic one. 

“And yours? How is your mom? I miss her.” 

“She misses you too, but she’s okay, hanging in there. She wanted to come to this trip so badly, but her friend Lindsey, already booked the cruise and couldn’t get a refund so she had to go.” 

“The yearly cruise for…” Harry trailed off. 

“Yeah.” 

Your mom had taken a trip with your dad every year around this time, and it usually involved a cruise with their friends. Around this time 35 years ago, they had gotten together as a couple, so they always celebrate it. Ever since you and Minny met, your parents would call it ‘vacation month’ because they would go on a trip on their own, and then Lina and Dan would have their anniversary trip too, so it was a double vacation for them. 

“Here, let me get these out of the way.” Harry says as he stands up, collecting his and your bowls before going inside to wash them. 

You sit there, watching Minny and Jackson splash each other with water violently, left alone in your thoughts, and it seems like you’ve always been thinking way too hard. 

͙⁺˚*･༓☾　　☽༓･*˚⁺‧

Day three and four had consisted of going out for a boat ride. 

It was actually really fun. Dan was driving the boat while Harry and Jackson decided to go wakeboarding, and it ended up with Jackson wiping out pretty badly and Harry raising his arms up like it was a competition. 

“Ha! I won!” Harry says as the boys were getting back on the boat. 

“It wasn’t a competition, asshole.” Minny says and rolls her eyes, helping Jackson safely get on the boat. 

“Well, where’s the fun in that?” Harry pouts. Jackson sits down, still trying to catch his breath, and Harry sits next to him, putting an arm around his shoulder. 

You take a seat next to Jackson and pat his leg. “Are you good, Jack?” You say softly, so softly that Harry barely heard anything. You wanted to be as soft because the wipe out was pretty bad, and he could’ve seriously gotten hurt. But luckily, he was just winded and nothing else. 

“Yeah, thanks.” Jackson pats your legs back and smiles. 

You two were talking about how he got wiped out, and Jackson started explaining what had happened up until the moment he felt his grip let go of the handle because he blanked out after that. 

To the two of you, it was an innocent interaction between two friends, that are practically siblings, looking out for one another. But to the outside, meaning Harry who was the only one paying attention to you, he felt jealousy boil through his veins by how you’re looking at Jackson and being all secretive and soft with him. Talking to him so no one can hear you. His eyes turned dark, but you were too busy to notice, all your attention was on Jackson, so he got up and sat on the other side of the boat, turning away from you both. 

Dan steered the boat back to the dock as the sun was setting, so everyone could wash up and enjoy a relaxing dinner. 

You had a lot of fun. Just being by the water and on a boat with your favorite people was all you could really ask for. In times like these, you needed a reminder to surround yourself with the people you love, and you’re grateful it’s the people that are present with you at the moment. 

After the sky was getting darker, you all gathered around the table again to eat dinner. Minny made her famous lasagna and Lina baked garlic bread that no one could get enough of; it’s just that delicious. 

The seating arrangements were the same, and you were slowly getting comfortable with Harry being there. You weren’t sure if that was a good or bad thing, considering you were still iffy about him. But it didn’t stop you from being scared because you’re starting to get comfortable. You really wanted to let your guard down again, but anxiety runs through your head thinking he’ll break your heart again, even if you’re just friends with him. 

Harry wants nothing more than for you to be in his life again. He’d missed you to the fullest, and he’s bummed out that he can’t hug you whenever he wants. But although he was still a little annoyed with the moment you and Jackson had earlier (obviously not knowing what you two were talking about), he was glad you haven’t pushed him away just yet. Maybe after all, you’ll get along nicely with him after the trip. 

͙⁺˚*･༓☾　　☽༓･*˚⁺‧

Day five was the day Gemma and Anne were coming, and you couldn’t be more excited. 

You had missed them dearly, and you couldn’t wait to catch up with them. You couldn’t recall the last time you hung out with them; probably when you and Harry were still together. Although, they had told you to call them if you needed anything, even after you and Harry parted ways, you still thought it was a bit awkward to find comfort in your ex’s family. There were tiny conversations that happened on text, but nothing major where you called to see them in person. 

The night before, Lina had confirmed with Harry during dinner that Anne and Gems were coming and he confirmed yes, and that they were coming in the morning. The confirmation had sent your body into nerves but excitement. It’s been so long, and you were counting down the hours where you were reunited with them. 

Waking up was easy for you. You woke up at 6 a.m, not exactly sure when they were arriving, but you wanted to prepare breakfast for them when they were coming so they could refuel from the long trip. 

You prepared enough food for the whole group. Instead of a charcuterie board, you made a breakfast board. Mini pancakes were spread around a jar of syrup, bacon placed in the corner, scrambled eggs right next to the folded ham, sausage links in the middle, and various fruits spread across the board, adding a perfect color to your presentation. 

By the time you were finished, it was hitting 8 a.m, and you were glad that you hadn't woken anyone up. The silence helped and it didn’t overwhelm your social level. Being on a trip for one week out of two had left you going to bed with anxiety because of how overwhelmed you sometimes get. 

You spoke too soon as you see Harry putting on a shirt as he walked down the stairs. You get a peek of his tanned and tattooed torso, and you turn your flustered face away from him, wondering why you’re getting hot when you’ve seen him shirtless countless of times and many times on the trip. 

“It’s dangerous to put on a shirt when you’re going down the stairs.” You say and he tiredly smiles. His morning smile made your stomach do backflips. 

“Well, I’m sorry. I’ll try to be careful next time. Was just in a hurry because I heard you in the kitchen and knew you were making breakfast.” 

“How’d you know it was me?” You tilt your head. 

“Cause Gem and Mom are coming. You always go all out when they visit.” That was very true. You sometimes go way out of hand with decorations if there was a party or cook more food than usual when they visit. It wasn’t like you were trying to kiss their ass and impress them, you just didn’t want to have to worry about anything. They were your family and you wanted to just take care of them like what a family does. “You couldn’t contain your excitement last night when I confirmed they were coming.” Busted. 

“Checking me out, Styles?” You tease. 

“Oh, you’d know.” An amused smirk fell onto his face, and you couldn’t help but blush, and also roll your eyes to contain your blush. “Excited to see them?” He changes the subject. 

“Super excited. Haven’t seen them in-” The knock on the door interrupted you, but you could care less because they were finally here. You took off your apron and Harry best you to the door, figuring you would just stay in the kitchen until he was done with his greetings. 

“Alright, where is she?” You hear Anne say and you smile so big that you might actually cry. You walk out of the kitchen and towards the yellow door. “Oh, there you are, sweetheart! Come here.” Anne greets you with open arms and a big hug. A hug you have missed and was deprived from. 

“Hey, you!” Gemma says once you’ve let go of Anne, and gives the same hug. 

“I’ve missed you both so much.” 

“Us as well, my love.” Anne kisses your cheeks, and in this moment, you could have possibly regretted not hanging out with them after the breakup. And you’re so incredibly happy that they’re on this trip, even if it’s just for 3 days. 

Harry takes in the sight of seeing his ex and his family get along so well. It’s a sight that can possibly make him cry. No one he’s ever dated had got along so well, that they’re practically family, better than you. You’ve always been the one. Always. 

Everyone eventually woke up once they heard commotion that was coming from the lower level, and excitedly said their hellos and greeted them with hugs. The group thanked you for the beautiful and delicious breakfast, and you smiled, knowing everyone was happy and full. 

“Hey.” Gemma sneaked up on Harry as he was standing outside under the hot sun. 

“Hi, Gems.” 

“You okay?” She asks in a concerning tone. 

“Yeah, why do you ask?” 

“I mean you’ve been here a week and not to mention, with your ex girlfriend.” Gemma gets straight to the point. She was worried for her baby brother. He’s gotten hurt plenty in the past, and although she knows that the situation with you is practically his fault, she hates seeing him confused and down. 

“It’s fine, honestly. It doesn’t seem like she hates me that bad right now, so it’s all good.” He says honestly. 

“You two okay?” 

“Yeah, I think so.” Gemma nods, leaving him to think to himself in silence. 

The rest of the day was peaceful as Anne had a deep catch up with Lina about what’s been going on. Gemma, Harry, and Jackson went for a swim as you and Minny sat back talking about everything and anything. 

The day had gone by smoothly and too fast for your liking as it was already nighttime and the whole group gathered around the fire pit on the patio. Blankets were draped around everyone’s legs as they watched the flames of the fire grow bigger. 

“This was probably my favorite day.” Dan says, breaking the silence from everyone’s thoughts. Everyone agrees. 

“All we’re missing is your family, love.” Lina says to you, and you only nod in agreement. “Your mom is missing and your father is dearly missed by all of us.” 

You don’t say anything, not like you want to. Your father had passed away almost a year ago from a car accident, and things haven’t been the same since. It was so sudden that obviously no one had expected it, and it shook everyone’s worlds. Things had definitely been hard for you and your mother. All you wanted was for her to be here with you, with everyone. But she was on a cruise with her friends, probably wanting to be with you as well. 

No one had said anything and it was quiet. Everyone was thinking about their own memories they had with your father, and reminiscing on the good times. 

“I always remembered when you guys would come over on Fridays,” Dan starts, “you and Minny were at school, and we would agree to pick you up all together, and then come back and have dinner. But Lina and her were always so deep in conversation that they would lose track of time. And we would always hear Jenny saying ‘go get the kids from school!’” Everyone smiled and some laughed, knowing it was a very Jenny thing to do. “Your father wouldn’t complain though; always so calm and always played his guitar. Rightful pro, I would say.” You nodded your head in agreement and smiled softly as tears have made their way known. 

The crackles of the fire were the only thing that was heard between the circle of your family. The silence and stories about your family had gotten to you, and your tears made its way down your face. No one noticed as you wiped them away. But any second, you’re going to burst into sobs and that’ll just be embarrassing, so you get up and walk inside, not telling anyone that you were leaving. You walk towards the kitchen, in case you needed an excuse as to why you left. 

“Hey, hey, hey. Why are you crying?” Harry says as he enters the kitchen. 

“I’m not.” You deny instantly and your hand wipes away your tears quickly. You grab a cup and fill it up with water. 

“Come on, talk to me.” You take a deep breath and a sip of water before admitting your feelings.

“I’m just feeling lonely.” You mumble low enough, hoping Harry wouldn’t hear, but he did. 

“Lonely? How so?” 

“I mean, I’m the one here alone.” 

“No you’re not. You have Minny’s family and my family’s here as well, so you’re definitely not alone.” He tries to lighten up the situation. 

“Yeah, but where is my family? I’m the only one here who doesn’t have my family with me. You all are surrounded by people who love you and no one-”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence. You are loved by so many. You have Minny, her family, my family, me.” 

“Oh, really? You?” It was like your sadness had subsided with anger in seconds, and Harry is clueless as to what is coming for him. 

“Yes, me. Why wouldn’t I be here for you?” Harry’s brows furrowed and his mind was confused as to why your mood had switched up so quickly. 

“Because you left me!” You blurt out. “You left me out in the cold, so don’t tell me you’re here for me when you weren’t a year ago. And now I’m fucking lonely!” More tears had slid down your face, and you couldn’t control it. 

“Stop. Please. I can’t handle your hatred towards me.” He looks down in guilt and tries to reach for your hand. 

“Yeah, well, you should’ve thought about that a year ago.” You push him away and back away from him. 

“You can’t possibly hold what I did a year ago against me.” 

“Oh, but I am. It doesn’t go away that quickly.” You say sarcastically, knowing Harry hates your sarcastic voice. 

“Okay, I get it, yeah. But you’re here to have fun, alright? You’ve been sitting everywhere, wallowing in your own thoughts instead of trying to move on. Stop holding grudges for once! You’re at a place where you're surrounded by nature, something you admire, and you can’t even take a moment to look up and appreciate what’s right in front of you?” You know he’s right. Everyone with two eyes and ears knows he’s right. You’ve been so angry for so long that you want to move on, but it’s hard to. “Please. We only have a week left, so please, just stop hating me for the rest of this trip, and let’s just have some fun?” 

You sigh, shaking your head a little, completely baffled by what he’s saying. For a minute you do take it into consideration, wanting to let go of the stress and anger that has been holding you back from truly enjoying yourself. 

“Please. Let go of whatever anger you have of me and let’s have a good time here? For the remainder of the trip, let’s be friends, and you can decide if you still want me to be a part of your life after we leave here. It’s been a while since we’ve had some fun.” He says like he’s reading your mind. You’re also not sure if his last statement was meant to also be sexual, but you try not to overthink it. 

You needed to let go, you easily knew that. Everyone knew that, so you answer him, hoping you won’t regret your answer. 

“Okay.” You say with a sigh, finally giving him his wish. 

“Yeah?” He smiles, and you nod. In a second, he’s wrapping his arms around you and spinning you. You yelp as you swing your legs, telling him to put you down, and he obeys. He looks at you like he wants to say something, but instead he engulfs you in a hug again without lifting you off the ground. “Thank you.” He says softly in your ear, and you nearly have shivers down your spine, honestly missing his voice in your ear; for only you to hear. 

“Everything okay here?” Anne pops out of nowhere, and you and Harry separate from the hug, to which he frowned at. 

“Yup. Everything is good, mom.” Anne looks at you, making sure if he was telling the truth, and you nod. She smiles and grabs a cup of water, and Harry feels a bit awkward, so he smiles in your direction and you smile back before he leaves the kitchen, and gets back to the patio. 

“I’m so glad you’re here.” You say. Anne shows off her loving and contagious smile that you’ve loved the day you first met her. 

“Me too, sweetheart. Too bad we can’t stay for the remainder of the trip.” She pours slightly, resembling the same pout Harry has. It’s something you’ve always noticed, and it makes you so much more fond of her. 

“We can always plan another one. One in advance so everyone has time to take off from work.” She agreed quickly, and you both discussed some locations; talking about what certain ones are known for and when the best time to go. 

You’ve truly missed talks with Anne. She kept you so entertained by making jokes and rambling on different and random things. She was good at comforting, making you laugh if you needed it. 

“Sweetheart,” she says, once the traveling subject had died down, “I just want to say I’m proud of you. You’ve been so strong for the entirety of our friendship, and I admire that about you.” She places her hand on top of yours that is resting on the granite countertop. 

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.” 

“And just know that so many people love you. No matter what your situation is with my son, I will always love you like you’re my own. I really cherish our friendship.” A new set of tears have come to your attention, and you close your eyes, trying to calm yourself down. 

Anne takes your silence as an appreciative agreement, one where you don’t have to say words because you ultimately do agree. She steps forward and pulls you in for a hug. It’s one that you needed in times like these. Times where you were really having a rough day or week, missing your dad, and needing a warm hug from a parent. One that understands you and is always reminding you that they’re there for you. A hug that takes all your worries and insecurities away even if it’s just for a quick second. And you feel all of her love pouring into your heart as she embraces you because all you really needed was a hug. 

As she holds you tight, you’re reminded that you are so loved. 

feedback pls! 

taglist : @pradaxstyles​ @iconicharry​

[kittymsmithwritesstuff]

Short Oneshot: A smol friend

Fandom: Apex Legends

Characters: Wattson, Mirage, Rampart

Tags: humor, friendship, casual. Slice of life?

Words: 949

Summary:  Natalie is just trying to run an errend when she runs into Mirage and Rampart at the least opportune moment.

I do commissions: link

My ao3: link

---

She felt like one of the secret agents in the old movies her papa used to watch. Dressed in dark clothes with those sunglasses too big for their faces, all serious with their guns and for some reason it was always raining when they ran after the bad guy. She wasn’t running after anyone, or from anyone, but she was running, and she was in dark clothes and carrying a secret and it was raining so…close enough.

She paused under an awning that had a pool of water weighing down, pouring off in a single steady stream. She panted, re-tucking her jacket into her pants. She had to pause for a minute to make sure it was evenly tucked in all around before she could stand to move on; she still had three blocks to go.

“Nat? Oh, wow, hey, hi!”

Her head shot up; eyes wide. Mirage in a frighteningly yellow jacket, Rampart speed-walking alongside him with her hands in the pockets of a pink coat Natalie could have sworn belonged to Ajay. Oh, no, nonono-

“Hello,” she said.

“I thought you hated storms? Oh, wait, you got your headphones on, my bad-oh, they have those Tesla, uh, thingies! On the side! That’s cool.”

She forced a smile. “Ah, yeah. Coils.”

“Whaddya’ doin’ out in the rain, mate?” Rampart asked. She really didn’t like Rampart, at all, but outside of the ring she was far more bearable. Except right now. Right now, she was twice as unbearable. She had to remind herself now was not the time to be blunt, Mirage was her friend and Rampart was his, so it was the time to try and remember the polite social outs from the communications book Crypto had loaned her.

“Walking,” she said.

“In…the rain?”

“Y…Yes. What are, what are you two doing?” Why did I ask a question-oh why, why, why?

“Getting pizza! Well, I’m getting pizza, Witt’s getting a crime against nature.”

“It’s just pineapple, Rams.”

“It’s the pepperoncini.”

“Pepperoncini are great!”

“Not on pizza.”

“You like anchovies and if that is not a crime, I’ll-I’ll…I’ll cut my hair!”

“You’d bet on that?”

Natalie slowly stepped away, glancing behind her as she approached the edge. Just a little closer, she could get in the rain and then to the alleyway a few feet from them. She’d get soaked but she could go through, come out the other side and take the next three blocks to the store and-

“H-hey, wait, Nat, is that, your, uh, is your shirt, jacket-“

“You got a xenomorph in there?” Rampart raised an eyebrow.

Natalie stopped, looking down and realizing it all too late. Before she could run, or scream or cry or something, his little head popped out of the top of her jacket.

“Kitty!” Mirage and Rampart exclaimed with squeals that almost made her wince.

Nikola, with his little soft brown seal-point tips and white fluffy fur all a mess from being in her jacket, let out a meow that could probably be heard all through Solace City. He stopped squirming and instead attempted to stretch while Mirage and Rampart crowded in, then quickly tried to not crowd while coping with their enthusiasm at the mere sight of a feline.

“He doesn’t like to be alone in storms!” She whined, before processing that they weren’t even amused, just excited.

“Can we pet him?!” Rampart was literally bouncing. She did that a lot anyway, but these bounces were concentrated at a source instead of just…being.

It took her a moment to process that too, but she recovered rather quickly. “Uh, sure! His name is Nikola.” She unzipped her jacket just a bit so he could stick his front paws out, he liked to rest them on the rims of things. Nikola was very happy to receive the love touches and cheek rubs. His purring against her belly felt like the hum of the tesla coils she had in her lab.

Mirage went full baby talk to the point of near incomprehensibility, and Rampart called him “pretty boy” ten times in three seconds.

Nikola reveled in it.

“He’s so pretty, pwetty little boy-I never got to see him before!” Mirage was grinning. It made her feel better about everything, and wonder what on Solace possessed her to think the reaction to her carrying her kitty around would be anything but utter joy.

“He’s a homebody,” she said, gently petting the top of his head with one finger. He meowed.

“I wonder if they make earplugs for cats?” Rampart looked at Natalie. “Y’know, cause storms.”

“They do, but he doesn’t like them.” She shrugged, smiling. “He just hates being alone.”

“Well he’s cool.”

“He’s just chillin’ in your jacket. Sweet little dude,” Mirage nodded. She smiled, her nerves having dissipated.

“I just was getting food,” she admitted. A rumble of thunder made her jump and prompted Nikola to pull his head in. “They don’t deliver on Sunday’s.”

The pair glanced between themselves. “You wanna get pizza with us?” Rampart smiled. “I’ll even share my anchovies with fuzzybutt.”

“Meow,” Nikola said, in a tone which Natalie knew meant stark agreement.

Though she wasn’t one for spontaneity, she had nothing else going on… “If I can get pepperoni,” she said, and began walking with them as they continued from the awning. The pizzeria was at the end of the street.

“Hell yeah, maybe I can get Renee to come over. She’ll just roll a whole pizza up and eat it like a burrito,” Mirage said while opening the door, shuffling in behind the two women.

“I’d like that,” Natalie said, finding herself smiling.

Nikola meowed softly from her jacket. Yes, it all sounded very nice.

[descendantofthesparrow]

Encore - Harry Hook x reader - Part 10 -  A day out

you all can thank @musicarose​ for commissioning me to help continue this series! for the next 9 parts! enjoy!

=

It was your first anniversary in two days and you decided to gift Harry with a day, a day at Disneyland. This was going to be awesome. You had purchased the tickets about a month ago, and were excited to show harry one of your favorite places in the world.

“harry” you cooed, patting his chest “wake up” he snorted in his sleep and turned over, tossing his arm over your waist and pulling himself closer.

You pouted and grabbed your pillow, smacking him in the face. He jolted up with a laugh. “im up, im up! Now, what do yeh want woman?” you hit him again “hey!”

“get breakfast then get dressed, we’re going to Disneyland!” harry looked at you confused, sleep still clinging to him.

“wha’s a Disneyland?” he asked, tilting his head in that cute puppy way. You grinned and ruffled his hair.

“one of my childhood loves” he gave you an odd look but got out of your bed anyway.

“Alright, lemme get dressed” you hummed, smirking as he fixed his boxers.

“yer staring~k” he teased, and you just shrugged, leaning as he disappeared into the bathroom.

“not my fault you got a good butt!” you called back as he closed the bathroom door. You snickered and stood up from your bed, walking over to your dresser and taking out your clothes for the next day (or a couple of days, depending on how far Disneyland is for you)

You laid them out on your bed, grabbing Harry's hat and sunglasses from the top of the dresser.

“hey harry!” you yelled out, harry cracked open the bathroom door, toothbrush hanging from his mouth.

“aye?”

“bring that shirt Thomas got you kay?” harry paused and smirked, laughing as he slinked back into the bathroom.

“Alright, that'll be funny”

--

Harry watched as you bounced in place as you waited for your tickets to be scanned “yeh really like it here don’t yeh lass?” he chuckled, you looked to him and beamed.

“yees! I loved coming here has a kid, but my family had to stop coming because it got too expensive” you ended with a sad tone, but a bright smile still on your face.

“well” harry leaned down, pressing a kiss to your cheek “ill be happy to experience this world with yeh~” you laughed and kissed the corner of his mouth.

“dork, now come on, we're almost up”

--

Harry downed his soda, licking his lips as he looked around the main square “this is quite beautiful lass, I can get why yeh like it so much” you snicked, tightening your grip on his hand and leading him through the road.

“This is just the opening view Harry, wait till you see the rest!”

---

You were kneeling on the ground, unable to breathe as a little kid  pestered harry, the parent, trying to gently pull them away “come on sweetie, hes probably on vacation and is spending time with his friend”

“harry hook!” the little girl screamed, waving around her little d3 uma doll. harry sighed, taking off his hat and glasses, handing them to you and kneeling in front of the girl, turning on that hook charm.

“Hello little lassie, what's yer name?” the mom's jaw dropped, she had thought harry was just someone who looked kinda like Thomas and her kid had thought Harry really was…well, Harry (which he was but the mom didn’t need to know that).

The little girl beamed and held the uma doll to her chest “sam!”

“well sam, im harry” he held out his hand, engulfing sams little hand in his larger one “and that’s a little uma yeh got there?” sam nodded, holding out the doll, Harry grinned and tapped the teal boot.

“looks jus’ like her, she yer favorite?” sam nodded again, reaching out her hand, leading Harry to grab it again, giving her a head tilt and smile.

“well Sammy,” sam giggled at the name “im on a date with this beautiful lass over there” he pointed over to you, sam waved at you enthusiastically, you smiled and waved back “and it was awesome meeting yeh, but I would love to get back to being with ‘er, is tha’ alright?”

Sam nodded, releasing Harry's hand and pushing at his shoulders “go go! Have fun! Tank cho!” sam ran back to her mother, waving goodbye to harry and you.

Harry sighed, standing and cracking his neck, waking back over to you, raising his brow as you grinned at him “wha’?”

“I just hope your as good with our kids as you were with her” you teased, Harry's face turned red as he grabbed his hat and sunglass from you and shoved them on.

“well I know yeh will be an awesome mom” he muttered back, wrapping his arm around your shoulders, letting you lead the way to Matterhorn bobsleds.

---

You sighed as you looked behind you for the third time, seeing a group of girls giggling to themselves and taking pictures of you and Harry. “the girls again” harry muttered, pulling you closer to him.

“Yeah, they’re back” you growled, watching as Harry turned and they scuttled off, hiding behind a corner and peering at you.

“little runts” harry snarled, eyes scanning the area and landing on the tiki room. “let's just go in there yeh said it had really good pineapple stuff right?”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea, it’s a nice place to chill as well”

As you entered the tiki room waiting area, you heard the girls enter behind you, and whisper among each other.

“harry” you whispered, he turned to you and leaned down “if they come up to you and ask about Thomas, just say you have no clue who he is, and if they ask about the shirt just ell them your girlfriend got annoyed with the same question about Thomas and got you the shirt, got it?”

“aye” Harry chuckled “I got it”

As you stood in line, waiting to order, you saw the group of girls walk over to harry, who was just chilling on his phone waiting for you.

He looked up as they started to speak, and he made an angry confused face, you chucked as you could tell he said ‘who the hell is Thomas Doherty’

The girls backed up a little and pointed at his shirt, he looked down and shrugged, gesturing over to you before turning back to them.

The girls looked at you, looked back at Harry, and apologized, backing away into a random corner and waiting for the tiki room to begin.

You held in your laughter, smiling as you ordered two dole whips and paid.

A minute later you grabbed your treats and thanked the workers, walking back over to harry and sitting down next to him.

“well done harry” you giggled, leaning on his shoulder and licking at the mountain of pineapple whip “outstanding performance”

Harry laughed with you, nodding his head ina mock bow “I do try lass” he shoved a spoonful of the whip in his mouth, his eyes fluttering shut as the taste hit his tongue.

“oh, darling where have yeh been all my life” you snorted, burying your face in his shoulder.

“what about me” you giggled, he shushed, you, cradling the fruit treat to his chest.

“shhh, your irrelevant now darling”

You let out a silent scream and further burying yourself into him.

---

You stared at a pair of mickey ears, the silver cursive words staring back.

Captain hook.

You looked back at Harry, who was across the street at the candy store, and you quickly went inside, picking up a blank pair of the red, black, and silver ears, gasping as you spotted a (favorite color) pair with (favorite flower) for the ears.

“ooh I need it!” you whispered excitedly, grabbing that as well and going to purchase them and jumping on your toes as the words were embroidered into the bands.

You thanked the girl as she handed them to you and started to walk out the store, letting out a squeal as you bumped into a body.

You looked up, smiling as your eyes locked Harry's ocean blue. “hey lass, what yeh got there?”

“take off your hat” he looked confused but obeyed, eyes following your hands as you slid the ears onto his head. “…you’re adorable”

“an’ so are yeh, but why am I more adorable righ’ now?” he reached up and touched the ears, furrowing his brows as he felt the velvet of the ears.

“Mickey ears!” you cheered, putting on your own, giggling as harry smiled and touch the flowers.

“I love yers darling, wha does tha’ say?” he pointed at the golden cursive words on your band.

“quartermaster (y/n)” you grinned “my position on the revenge” you pointed at his set of ears, “yours says first mate Hook~”

He smiled and touched his ears again “thank yeh lass, I love em”

“and I love you!” you cheered, pulling on his shirt and kissing his cheek.

“love yeh too my bonnie lass”

---

“that’s it, pirates of the Caribbean is my favorite ride, everythin’ else is dumb” you burst out laughing as you exited the ride with harry.

“so even better than space mountain?” Harry paused for a moment then shrugged.

“it’s a tie between those two, but pirates is…yeh know?” you nodded and swung your hands between the two of you.

Oyu heard music sound from the castle and you started to run to thunder mountain “lassie what's up!” “fireworks! They look awesome when you’re riding thunder mountain!” harry caught up to you and nodded. “then let's go!”

=

You sighed as you tossed your bag and ears on the chair next to the hotel bed, flopping face first as you hit your knees on the frame.

“That was amazing, thank you my love” harry kiss your slightly hidden cheek, stepping into the hotel bathroom to shower.

“your welcome harry” you muttered, scooting up on the bed and laying down properly.

Soon you git the stage of being asleep but still able to hear and feel the world around you.

Harry exited the bathroom, smiling and picking up your sleeping form, taking off your shoes and jacket, and helping you slip under the covers.

“goodnight lassie,” he slipped in next to you, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you into his chest “ill see yeh in the morning” he whispered, kissing your forehead and shutting off the lights.

--end of part 10--

pertaglist

@queer-cosette​

@sephiralorange​

@lunanight2012​

@random-thoughts-003​

@daughter-of-the-stars11​

@amorathegamingkitsune​

[haloshornsinkstains]

Spirit Week - Tuesday: Hawaiian

In which there are garish shirts and Diavolo tried his best

Hawaiian theme, Kore decided staring down at the obnoxiously patterned shirt on her bed, was her second least favourite theme. Still better than Thursday’s, by miles. Throwing her hair up into a loose ponytail she pulled on the shirt over her usual dark clothes. There were little pineapples everywhere, it was kinda cute all things considered. With one last check in the mirror she headed downstairs to breakfast, lad to find she wasn’t the last one there. She was greeted by two surprised faces, and one frowning Mammon. “Yeah, I know, I look ridiculous.” She laughed, taking a seat. “But so will half the rest of the student body.” “I thought you were supposed to wear that skirt thing?” Her eyes flicked to Mammon and she smirked, sometimes he made it way too easy. “Disappointed?” He flushed a brilliant shade of red and looked away. “No. Why would I be? Just think you’re gonna make an idiot of yourself when you’re the only one not dressed properly.” Kore laughed. “I think I’m fine. Besides, it wouldn’t be right for me to wear a hula outfit.” “Hmm? Why not?” Lucifer was leant forwards slightly, frowning. “It’s… hmm.” She paused, trying to think how best to explain the concept of cultural appropriation to a group of demons. “It’s a human thing, some of us think it’s inappropriate to use something important to a culture as a costume.” “Yet I’ve heard you still dress as demons and angels?” Lucifer’s frown deepened and Kore found herself blushing, she had dressed as a demon last Halloween. “Well, I won’t be now I know better!” She shrugged. “The human realm mostly thinks you’re… fictional? We’re kinda dumb like that I guess.” Lucifer laughed and shook his head. “Of course. Though, I wonder if the angels know about that. The chihuahua’s reaction would be amusing.” Offering him a bashful smile she returned back to her breakfast, shooting another sideways glance at Mammon, in his own garish yellow hawaiian shirt. “Still think you look stupid like that.” Oh, well that was a challenge if she ever heard one. Quick as a flash she reached out and grabbed his sunglasses, settling them carefully on top of her head with a broad grin.  “Better?” “Oi! Give ‘em back!”  She leaned back, just a hair out of reach of his grasping hands. As he looked ready to pounce on her to retrieve his sunglasses Lucifer cleared his throat pointedly. “Mammon.”  The second eldest froze, glancing over to where Lucifer sat frowning at them.  “Both of you, at least wait until breakfast is over.” Kore nodded, swallowing down the smile as she handed the sunglasses back to Mammon and went back to eating, hoping to get her portion finished before Beel arrived and gave her those puppy eyes.

 The rest of breakfast went by without much trouble. Beel stole half her breakfast, as was expected, Asmo was late and looking more extra than the day before, and Levi only made a flying visit to grab some food before returning to his room, though Kore was glad to see her appearance got a small laugh out of him. All too soon it was time to head to school. Just as they were stepping out of the door Mammon grabbed Kore’s wrist, tugging her back from the other brothers. She stopped, arching an eyebrow at him with a small frown. Refusing to look her in the face he took his glasses off and shoved them on her head. “There.” She reached up to touch them, gently readjusting them on top of her head. “Thank you.” “Yeah, I’m just feelin’ generous is all. You can owe me later.” She laughed in response, shaking her head. “Of course. Thank you Mammon, you’re sweet.” “Shurrup.” Grinning and blushing furiously in turn the two headed for the Academy.

 The day passed with none of the drama of the previous day, Kore had bumped into one of the women from the other day but she’d shied away from her, almost scared. She muttered some apology about the dress as she darted away, leaving Kore frowning in the corridor. “What in the hell…?” She muttered, watching the disappearing form. “Sorry about the dress? Oh lords above, Asmo.” Sighing and shaking her head she headed for lunch. Finding the menu included a few almost tropical options, including drinks in pineapples and as the human delicacy of the day “hawaiian pizza”.  Kore laughed. “Oh Diavolo, you tried.” Of course she ordered it, and a delicious fruity drink in a pineapple of course, swiftly grabbing her meal and heading to the table where Beel and Mammon were sat, Solomon and Asmo joining them shortly after. “That is… a shirt.” Solomon laughed. Kore grinned, sticking her tongue out. “It’s as authentically Hawaiian as the pizza.” Beel, who had ordered something undoubtedly much more familiar, started eyeing her pizza hungrily. Rolling her eyes affectionately she handed him half. A whole pizza was always going to be too much for her. She passed a slice to Mammon as well, before he started pouting. “Are those… pineapples?” Asmodeus asked, voice filled with doubt.  “On the pizza or holding my drink? Because the answer is yes.” “How… unusual.” Kore shrugged, taking a bite from her slice with a pleased hum.  “It’s good.” Beel added, already having finished his half. “It’s not awful.” Swallowing Kore laughed. “And we have a consensus, the pizza is good. All this tropicana is making me excited for Friday.” “That’s cause Beach theme is the best theme.” Mammon elbowed her lightly.  “I still think tomorrow is the best, no effort.” “As long as you’re all wearing pants.” “But where’s the fun in that?” Asmo whined. “Everyone knows I sleep au naturale.” Both Kore and Solomon levelled looks of exasperation at him. “Not everyone wants to see that.” “Oh, don’t worry your pretty heads, I have the cutest outfit planned.” Before they knew it the bell had rung and it was time to head back to class, all things considered and ridiculous attire aside, it was a pretty good day.

[midnightartemis]

~Chapter Five~

READ ME HERE

TW: Violence, Abuse, Drugs

He returned to the loft after debating with himself if he should go into the pawnshop and convince her to come with him. He had sat outside of the shop for twenty minutes, watching as a garbage can of a human being lumbered out the door and across the street to the rundown gas station. He wouldn’t be able to convince her anyway.

The loft was quiet when he got back. The projector had been turned off and the twins were supposedly cleaning up the wreckage of the night. Ben poured himself a cup of coffee as AP emerged from the back rooms through the hole in the wall with the medkit in his hands.

Ben spared it a side glance. “How is he?”

“Hungover and being a little bitch about his face.” AP set the kit down on the counter. “He’ll survive. How about you?”

“Not bothering me.” Ben shrugged. He hadn’t even looked in a mirror yet today. The cut burned every time he opened his mouth.

Ben took a sip of lukewarm coffee. AP stared him down. “Wanna tell me why the fuck Rey came out of your room with you?”

“I didn’t touch her.” Ben found AP’s gaze and held it. “I didn’t do anything that she said I couldn’t.”

AP narrowed his eyes.

“She had a nightmare and I woke her up and that was going to be it. I was going to sleep on the couch but she asked me to stay. So I did.”

AP said nothing.

“And then she was late to work so I gave her a ride. That’s it.” That’s it. Besides the lasting ghost of a memory of having her in his arms. He wasn’t sure if it was real. He hoped that she wasn’t lying about work. That she hadn’t woken up and freaked out and tried to run away.

“She never sleeps late.” That was the only thing AP said on the topic. It left Ben with more questions than answers. “We’ve got bigger problems now.”

“What do you mean?”

“I told you things weren’t the same, Ben.”

Ben rolled his eyes. “Will you quit it with the bullshit?”

Instead of replying, AP tossed the medkit on to the couch and grabbed his black backpack off the floor. From the front pocket, he pulled a small baggie filled with something blue inside. AP lobbed the baggie at Ben and he caught it, nearly sloshing his coffee over himself.

Inside the baggie was a small blue lump of crystals. To anyone else, it might have looked like rock candy.

“Why the fuck do you have spice on you?”

AP’s eyes drifted to the hole in the wall. “Kuruk made some deals with the new dealer in town. Feds came in a few months after you left. Took down the Hutts. Next thing we know, there’s dudes at the door. Called themselves the First Order. Run by some ginger dude named Hux. Kuruk made a deal to distribute to the Southside without a vote. Cardo and Vic got pissed and left. They were only at the party because they wanted to see Kuruk get his head bashed in.”

Ben gripped his mug so hard it threatened to crack. He set it down slowly to grip the edge of the counter and stare at the little baggie in front of him. “Did he tell you not to tell me?”

“Would it have changed anything if I had?”

No. Ben took a deep breath through his nose, trying to calm the raging anger beneath his skin. Kuruk had already paid.

You shouldn’t have stopped .

“Are you the one running it?”

“Yeah.”AP ran his fingers over his face. It took everything in Ben not to destroy the kitchen and beat the rest of the life out of Kuruk. Spice had taken everything AP had. “I pick it up from the dry cleaners on 16th St. About $2000 every week, but they’ve been sending more recently.”

“I’ll handle it.”

AP nodded, not pressing further. Ben had no clue how he was going to handle it, and AP knew it. He needed to know what Kuruk’s deals were. Who this Hux guy was. Most importantly, he needed to keep Rey far, far, far away from it. News of the change in leadership would have made its way to this Hux guy by now, or at least one of his lackeys. Someone would come knocking at the door soon. He just hoped it was later rather than sooner.

“I’ve got a few deliveries to make today. With the party and everything we’re almost out so someone needs to make a trip to Coruscant.”

Ben nodded. “I’ll go tomorrow. Give Kuruk some of the pineapple so he stops being a little bitch.”

“Will do, Supreme leader.” AP turned away with a little salute. Ben sighs. The trip back to Coruscant would keep his mind off of her. If just for a little bit.

When she didn’t show up to the park or the loft that night he tried not to let it bother him. Tried not to look too desperate. Tried to shrug it off when AP tells him that she shows up when she shows up and to not expect her.

He goes to Coruscant and comes back and doesn’t miss her.

He doesn’t.

She’s gone for nearly two weeks.

Just when he gives up hope on ever seeing her again, he spots her sitting on the lip of the bowl with a red and blue slushie in hand. She’s in a ripped black t-shirt and shorts and vans. Her hair is up in those three buns and she’s got dark aviators over her eyes. Ben forgets he’s on his board until his shins connect with a low rail and he goes crashing to the ground. There’s a distant howl of laughter and Ben pushes himself off the ground and tries to ignore the shooting pain in his leg. He glanced at Rey to see a smirk on her lips. She takes a long sip of her slushie and leans back to soak in the last of the sun.

He fought against the urge to run right over to her. His heart pounded with some foreign boyish joy. Ben dragged himself over to sit by AP and pick gravel out of the scrapes on his palms. His knuckles and face had scabbed over from the fight. Now there were just dark bruises and aching.

AP sighed. “Jesus fuck, man. Just go talk to her.”

“I don’t want to talk to her.”

“You’re a fucking shit liar, you know that?”

Ben rolled his eyes and tossed a bit of gravel away. “I don’t even know what to say to her.”

“I’m pretty sure it starts with ‘ hey what’s up’,” AP lowered his voice in a horrible imitation of Ben.

“And if she’s not interested?”

“Then she’ll fucking tell you. Jesus Christ. I’m not your fucking baby sitter and you’re not a middle school virgin anymore.” AP picked up his board and fell into the pit and out of the conversation. Ben glanced over at her.

She stayed as the sun sank lower into the sky and the park emptied out. She got up when they went to leave, walking closely with them through the streets. Ben found himself mute. Was this how it had been since he left? The group staying the same and Rey seamlessly blending in with it?

There was something off, though. He could feel it, see it, almost, if he watched close enough. A stiffness as she walked, like each step was a little bit painful. He cast a worried glance at AP and his grim but uncertain face said he saw it too.

They tumbled into the loft and Rey didn’t even complain when the twins took over the projector and started playing Mortal Kombat. Rey curled up on the end of the couch and took a joint from AP. Ben stood in the kitchen and mixed two drinks. One amber. One pink.

“Where’s Kuruk?”

It was the first thing she had said all night and it was directed at no one in particular.

AP shrugged. “Off pouting somewhere I guess.”

Rey nodded slowly and lit her joint. Ben watched as she took a long draw and exhaled slowly. No smoke rings. He picked up the glasses and brought them to her. She didn’t even look up at him.

“Trade?”

Rey took the pink drink from his hand and handed him the joint. Ben held it between his fingers but didn’t bring it to his lips. Something was wrong. AP shook his head– Leave it .

He couldn’t leave it. He couldn’t– Rey brought the drink to her lips and the light shifted enough to show five bruise marks on her wrist in the shape of fingers. They were mostly hidden by makeup.

“Rey, look at me.” Ben’s voice came out calmer than he thought it could. He hadn’t seen a clear view of her face all night. She’d been wearing those sunglasses earlier and hadn’t taken them off until it was nearly pitch blackout.

She didn’t lookup. “Are you going to smoke that or not? Cause I really don’t like wasting things.”

“Please. Look at me.”

She didn’t move and Ben dropped down to her eye level. She turned her head sharply.

“Just leave it. It’s nothing.”

“Who.” Who do I have to find? Who did this to you? Who do I have to kill?

“Ben,” AP warned but Ben ignored it.

Ben slowly raised his hand to touch her jawline. She stilled under his gentle touch but let him turn her back to face him. Shimmering tears filled her eyes as she looked at him. Underneath her makeup, he could see a fading black eye, a split lip, a cut across her cheek. Five more finger-shaped bruises around her neck.

“Who did this Rey?” The rest of the room fell away until he saw and heard nothing but her.

“Why the fuck do you care?” Rey spat. Ben pulled back his hand. “I’m nothing. I’m no one.”

“No, you’re not. Not to me.”

Rey laughed bitterly. Tears raced down her cheeks, washing away the makeup covering the bruises. “I was fifteen fucking minutes late. I was fifteen minutes late because I woke up in your bed and I didn’t want to leave.”

Ben stumbled back a step. She may as well have stabbed him in the gut. She was late because of him. This happened because of him. Ben felt the call of the dark thing inside of him and began running for it. He was halfway out the door when two tiny hands shoved him against the brick of the hallway.

“Just stop– Stop!” Rey stepped in front of him as he tried to stalk towards the exit. “You do not get to be pissed on my behalf. You do not get to go out and play hero or revenge or whatever fucked up thing you think of.

Yes. Yes, he did. Plutt was going to pay. Plutt would never see the light of day again. “Move.”

“No.”

“Move!”

“No! This is not a choice you get to make.”

“He touched you. He hit you. He deserves to die.”

“Don’t you think I know that? Don’t you think I haven’t thought up a million ways to kill the bastard myself? I don’t need your help. I don’t want your help. I don’t want to fucking talk to you behind a glass wall for the rest of my life.”

Rey’s hands fell on his heaving chest and thumping heart. The change was almost instantaneous in him. His hands unclenched. His heart slowed. His breathing evened. He kept his arms at his sides, not wanting to scare her.

“I’m not going back, Ben.”

“You’re not?” He choked on his words.

Rey shook her head. “No.”

Her eyes peered up at him through dark lashes. They dropped to his lips and lingered there for a long moment before brushing back up to his eyes. He slowly raised his hands, paying close attention to how she reacted as he pulled her closer with one hand and brushed his thumb over her lips with the other. She sighed into him. He dipped his head close enough that she could reach his lips if she wanted to.

“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to.” Ben breathed. A promise. A plea for her to meet him on her terms.

“I know.” Rey’s lips pressed against his.

She tasted sweet and a little salty. Her hands curled into fists in his shirt and Ben let her tug him down, pulling him deeper into the kiss. He carefully dragged his tongue across her lower lip, avoiding the still healing split.

“Fucking hell, get a room.”

Ben snapped away from her, his eyes zeroing in on a very grumpy, piss drunk Kuruk. The guy's face was still covered in cuts and bruises.

“Fuck off, Kuruk.”

Kuruk shot him the bird and stumbled into the loft. Rey watched him go before she looked back up at Ben, a smile on her lips. “Do you wanna go to McDonald’s with me?”

Ben chuckled. “Yeah, I’ll take you to McDonald's.”

“I’ll just get my money from the safe.”

“I can pay for you.”

Rey’s face fell. “You don’t have to pay for me. I have my own money.”

“I know- I- I just wanted to.” Please let me. Please just let me take care of you.

He watches her face drift from anger to confusion to an unsteady understanding. “Like a date?”

Ben grins. “Yeah, like a date.”

She still goes back into the loft and he follows after her, pulled along in her wake. Trudge and Ushar have already gone back to playing Mortal Kombat, if they weren’t even interrupted by him and Rey at all. There was a time when their oblivious nature had annoyed the hell out of him. Now, he envied them sometimes. AP was nowhere to be found.

His attentions turned back to Rey as she deftly spun the dial and opened up the safe. The safe had been leftover from the loft’s days as a factory. The space had originally been the main office space, which was why it was about the only finished apartment in the building. She fished out a single bill from the envelope labeled ‘R’. He knew what was in it. Knew that there was nearly five hundred dollars of unspent money in that envelope. Money to run. Escape. Start over. He hoped she never had to use it. He hoped he could let her see that.

Small steps.

He followed her out the door and down to the parking lot. Rey waited patiently at the passenger's side for him to slide in and open the door from the inside. He’d have to fix that, though if his dad hadn’t managed to fix it, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to either.

Rey slid into the passenger’s seat. Ben turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life. He shifted into reverse and backed up before shifting to first and pulling out of the lot onto the broken streets of Corellia’s southside.

She watched curiously as he shifted between gears and kept his eyes on the road. It was miles away from him racing to…

Anger flared through him again and he gripped the shift stick till his knuckles were white. It was taking everything for him to not do something. Something poked his side and Ben looked over at her.

“What?”

“Are you always this serious and grumpy?” Rey gave him a little teasing smile.

Ben didn’t reply. He had a reason to be grumpy. That reason faded to the back of his mind as Rey scooted across the bench seating until he had to rest her arm across her thigh to use the shifter. The feeling of her bare thigh against his forearm was enough to drive him crazy with thoughts of pulling those thighs around his waist. Of kissing down them and biting gently until she was begging him to touch her.

Ben hit the breaks as he almost missed a stop sign. His arm unconsciously whipped out across Rey’s chest to keep her from flying forward. The car died as he frantically tried to get back into the right gear. He took a deep breath and turned the car back on. “Put your seatbelt on.”

Rey huffed. “Okay, dad.”

Ben narrowed his eyes as he looked at her.

“I watch tv. I can make a fucking dad joke. Don’t look at me like that.”

Ben raised an eyebrow and went through the stop. That little smile still hadn’t left her lips. He could live with that. That was enough.

Rey fiddled with the radio until classic rock came pouring out. She tried to turn the tuner dial, which spun freely but the analog marker stayed stubbornly stuck on that channel. It had been broken since 1977.

She let it be as they pulled into the McDonald’s drive-through. This late at night there wasn’t much of a wait. Ben rolled down the manual window and glanced at Rey as the universal scent of McDonald’s filled the car. “What would you like?”

Rey’s stomach chose that moment to give an ear-splitting howl. She blushed sheepishly. “Just a cheeseburger.”

The cheapest, least filling meal on the menu. Ben frowned. “Do you like Big Macs?”

Rey shifts uncomfortably. “I can pay you back.”

“You don’t have to. I don’t want you to.”

Rey nods slowly. “I like Big Macs.”

Ben turned back to the speaker. “Hey, we’ll get two Big Mac meals. Large. Ah…”

“Dr. Pepper.” Rey supplies.

“Two Dr. Peppers. And I’ll have a chicken nugget happy meal, too. Mt. Dew.”

“That’s two Big Mac meals. A nugget happy meal. Two Dr. Peppers and a Mt. Dew. 19.55. Second window.”

Ben kept the window down as he pulled forward. Beside him, Rey hummed along happily to Def Leppard. Was this what life was supposed to feel like?

Ben paid and handed off the food and drinks to Rey. The only cup holder had been broken since before Ben had been born, so Rey held on to the two Dr. Peppers while he attempted to drive with the Mt. Dew and steering wheel in one hand. Rey stared hungrily at the giant bag of food beside her. Her stomach rumbled again.

“We’re almost there.” Ben turned off on a dirt side road that led up into the foothills over Corellia.

“If you’re going to murder me, at least let me eat first. It’s customary to give someone a last meal.”

Ben smirked as he wound up the familiar dirt road. “No murdering anyone tonight.”

Not tonight.

Ben turned the car into a small makeshift outlook. Beneath them, the lights of Corellia spread out across the low Californian hills.

Rey’s eyes went wide at the sight. “It’s beautiful.”

You’re beautiful. Ben thought as he watched her drink in the sight. He reached over the seat and grabbed a ratty old blanket from the back. “Come on.”

He grabbed the bag of food from her and got out of the car. Ben laid the blanket on the hood of the car and set the food down on top of it. Rey climbed onto the hood and he followed hoping the old hood would hold under his weight. Rey tore into the bag.

“Don’t touch my chickie nugs.”

Rey giggled as she pulled out the happy meal and handed it to him. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Ben broke into the box and had barely set up his nuggets and sauce before Rey had already gotten through most of her Big Mac. She groaned into it and fuck if that didn’t send his blood rushing.

She caught him staring and blushed against the dim light, pulling the burger away from her lips. “Sorry.”

How long had it been since her last meal? How long had that bastard been hurting her?

Ben pushed that rage away, saving it for the day he could let it consume him. “I don’t mind.”

“Do you bring all your dates here?”

Ben looked out over the lights of the city. “No. Just you.”

“Do you tell them that, too?” Bitterness cut through her words.

“No,” Ben said quietly over the sound of the breeze through dead grass and the hum of crickets. “You’re the first person I’ve ever brought up here.”

“Oh.” She took a long sip of her drink and looked out over the city with those lonely eyes. Why me? She didn’t want to ask.

“My dad used to bring me up here all the time and we’d eat McDonald’s and see how far we could throw rocks. It was stupid. But it’s about the only good memory I have of him.”

“Where’s he now?”

“He died. Aneurysm. Day after graduation. One day he was there and the next day he was gone.” Ben shrugged and leaned back across the windshield as he ate. He could watch her from here. Her baby hairs caught the distant light from the city forming a softly glowing halo against her skin.

“Have you ever heard of the Convent of St. Agnes?” Rey peered back to see him shake his head. She took a deep breath and focused on picking at her fries. “They were a group of British religious fanatics that came to America in the 1970s after their leader got into a bit of trouble with the British government. They set up shop in Jakku in the middle of the desert where no one would bother them. And people came to join them from all over. Mostly young women who got pregnant and had nowhere else to go. They believed that there was some sort of doomsday. And the leader, this dude named Palpatine, claimed to be the only one who could offer them redemption. Classic cult shit.”

Ben dared not move as Rey let her pieces fall into place.

“The feds raided it when I was maybe six and half the convent locked themselves in the church and killed themselves. I don’t remember much of it. Only that the nuns hated children. That we were the personification of the sins of our mothers.”

“Did your mom…”

Rey shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not. They raised us communally. No one knew who their parents were. No one ever claimed me and they didn’t keep any records. That’s why I don’t know how old I am.”

Ben fought against the urge to reach out and pull her close. To offer whatever protection against the world he could for her. “That’s fucked up.”

Rey snorted. “Yeah, just a little bit.”

“Do you tell all the guys you date that?”

He could see her eyes roll and smirk even in the dim light. “No. Just you. I wasn’t aware we were dating.”

Ben shrugged. “We’re on a date. That means we are currently date- ing.”

“That’s not what that means.”

“Still. You didn’t have to tell me that.”

Rey finished off her fries. “Secret for a secret.”

“Sometimes I purposefully crop dust and blame it on Trudge.”

Rey choked as she took a sip of her drink. “Oh fuck! It went up my nose. Fuck. How does that even work? Trudge is never quiet when he farts.”

“I think it just confuses him.” Ben chuckled and pulled out his happy meal fries. He ate them all in about two bites. “Come on. Secret for a secret.”

Rey giggled and laid back against the windshield. Her eyes took in the bright half-moon and clear night sky. His eyes take in her. “I always chose Daisy in Mario Kart cause it’s my favorite flower. And her bike is one of the fastest in the game. And no one ever picks her.”

This isn't violence this is just a war in my head I give it time but it never seems to end I feel a fire in the back of my throat So let's get covered in flames and play some games with the smoke

- Smoke, PVRIS

[headoverhiddles]

Werewolf Floaties - John 5/John Lowery x Reader [Fluff]

Synopsis: After years of dancing around each other, both of you idiots wonder if the other is pining just as hard.Solution? Pool party. (Good thinking Ginger.)

Notes: No smut in this cause as I was writing, it became apparent that I can't think of John that way. Don’t know what it is, I feel like he's bff material. Oops. Accidentally friend zoned. Oh well, he's got Rita irl and they're endgame❤️

John strums an E minor on his guitar, staring up at his living room ceiling.

"I mean... does she think of me as a brother?"

Ginger shakes his head adamantly, shoving four doritos into his mouth. "No. Definitely not. No way, man."

"The more you say it, the more it sounds like bullshit," Piggy hisses. Ginger looks over to the bassist, genuinely bewildered.

"I've seen (y/n) look at John before... I don't think that's brotherly love. Or, y'know, maybe sorta like Game of Thrones, but-- she could have just been looking over his shoulder at something..."

"You're really cheering me up, here. Thanks guys." John sighs.

"Not a problemo," Ginger sets aside his empty chip bag. Piggy cuddles one of John's cats. Rob comes sauntering out of the kitchen, shaking a green, slimy looking power shake.

"Who needs some fucking cheering up, man?!" he asks, bouncing himself onto the couch beside John.

"John thinks (y/n) doesn't want his dick," Piggy supplies. Rob gives John his Disappointed Father™ look.

"That's not the only reason," John clarifies, starting to play a melancholy riff on his guitar as he speaks. "I don't think she's interested in me, outside of being a friend."

"Mm." Rob hopes that sounded sympathetic.

"--It's cause I'm so damn nice. If I told her I thought she was beautiful she'd just go, "Awww! Jooohn!" and move on."

“Wow, you sounded just like her,” Ginger murmured. 

"Just let your inner asshole out, ladies love that," Piggy suggests, "She asks for a drink or something? Tell her get it herself! Be the rock star that you are, man!"

"Ooh, refusing to get a woman a drink," Rob says, "Look out, we've got a real badass over here."

"Anyway Matt, if you did that, you'd probably cry all night and apologize," John says, rolling his eyes at the bassist. Piggy looks down.

"Most likely."

"Ask her out to a movie. Ask her out to Three From Hell, that's a great date night movie," Rob nods.

"That's not even out yet," John sighs.

"There're two prequels. Just throwing that out there."

"Pool party," Ginger suddenly blurts.

"Not now," John mutters.

"No, I think you should have a pool party, John. One, (y/n) would be in a... in a swimsuit that'll probably look very very, uh, pleasing, and two-- you could find out definitively if she likes you or not."

Piggy starts to nod, pointing. "You may be onto something, Kenny."

"I love pool parties," Rob pitches in, "Not. Hot fuckin weather. Stupid looking swim trunks. Stupid little cocktails in stupid little pineapples."

"A limitless poolside bar," Piggy grins.

"Unicorn floaties!" Everyone looks over at Ginger. "Or... werewolf floaties?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Yep."

"Totally."

John begins to play the tune to 'Everybody Hurts' on his guitar, so Rob concedes. "Sheri and I'll come. If only to show a little solidarity. I remember being back in the dating game." He shakes his head. "Fucking glad I'm married, man."

"I'm gonna pick up, like, four babes who are big into vampires," Piggy says, "Keep a room open for me John, I'm gonna need it."

"I'm not just inviting random girls," John protests.

"Can I bring my rottweilers?" Ginger smiles.

"No, your psycho rottweilers tried to eat one of my cats last time," John says.

"They'll be tethered!"

"...Fine."

---

The late summer heat beats down as your phone rings. You smile to yourself as you read the caller ID.

"John?"

"(y/n)! Hey! I'm having this... thing, like a... like a pool type thing... not the game pool, the... water."

"Oh," you say, "You're having a pool party?"

"Yeah! That's... yeah."

You're smiling like an idiot, thinking of the handsome blonde. "I'd love to come."

"Cool! Yeah, um... it's tomorrow. Everyone's gonna be there."

"Sounds good."

"Alright."

"Alright!"

You bite your lip, waiting to see if he'd say anything else.

"See ya tomorrow! I'll be on the lookout for... boys!"

You drop the phone as it goes dead, sighing to yourself. You're excited, but you wish John saw you as more than a little sister.

"What the fuck does that mean?" Rob immediately asks him. John looks around at all his band mates huddled around the phone.

"I'll be on the lookout for boys?" Piggy frowns, "Great, man. Now she thinks you're gay."

"John and I experimented during our days on tour with Manson," Ginger smiles proudly.

"To be fair, his touring environment would allow for it," Rob mumbles.

"That's not helpful Ginger, everybody does that," Piggy whispers.

"I don't!" Rob scoffs. John cuts into their little argument.

"HEY. I just meant I would be looking out for boys, like, protective wise! I'd be making sure none of them would... bother her?"

"Maybe that's why she thinks of you as a big brother," Ginger grimaces. John glares at everyone.

"What should I have said, "Hi, (y/n). Can't wait to see your tits bounce in your bikini tomorrow?""

"That would've worked," Rob nods.

"Wouldn't have been a lie, either," Piggy elbows him.

"Maybe say boobs instead of tits though," Ginger comments.

"Leave the flirting to me, and just help me get my pool ready," John says, turning. Ginger is already in the kitchen. He plops two pineapples on the cutting board and picks up a butcher knife, grinning.

"Everyone back away from the crazy drummer with the knife," Rob says.

 You tie the bikini top behind you, and check yourself in the mirror. You look great, and you know John loves boobs. If he didn't notice you (and your boobs) today, he never would.

"Hey," you smile at the mirror. "Hey, John!" you try again. "Hey, baby," you say sultrily, then groan in frustration. Faced with him opening the door for you, all you'll be able to do is abrasively grunt anyway.

Exiting your beachside apartment, you hop into your convertible, toss on some Sabbath from your Bluetooth, and start off toward the Lowrey mansion.

 John looks at himself in the mirror. "She likes you," he pep talks himself. "If she didn't like you, she wouldn't talk to you. Simple as that. She wouldn't even be coming to this party if she hated you!" He frowns. "Why would she hate you?" That was a bad question to ask himself. As a billion possible answers to that flooded his brain, he heard a very loud, very vicious barking from downstairs, and the hybrid of a scream and a hiss from one of his cats.

"Ginger's dogs must be here," John smiles tightly.

Downstairs, Piggy is gelling and combing his hair for the tenth time, and watching the mirror.

"Ging! Fangs, or no fangs?" he asks, trying on the prosthetics. One of John's cats jumps onto Piggy's shoulder.

"What?" Ginger asks, trying to corral his rottweilers as they gnaw on John's couch.

"You're right," Piggy grins, "Always fangs."

Outside, Rob and Sheri are chilling under an umbrella by the large pool. The hedges are all perfectly trimmed, and the backyard fountains look great. Music is already playing, and everyone is set to have a good time.

"Come in with me, sweetie," Sheri pouts, stripping down to her purple bikini, "I'm sure the water's just fine."

"Go for it."

"Come on!"

"I don't do swimming," Rob mutters, hiding behind his beanie and sunglasses. Sheri frowns.

"Stop being such a grump and come in." Rob cautiously takes off his Svengoolie shirt, crossing his arms.

"My dreads take forever to dry."

"That's okay."

"I'm too hot."

"Your wet dreads will cool you off."

"I'll get sunburned."

"I'll protect you," Sheri giggles, jumping on his back. Rob can't help but laugh too as she kicks him forward to jump in.

 You get out of your car at John's. You see a bunch of cars already there, and take a deep breath. You'd been here a hundred times before, but it was different this time. This time you'd do something about your crush.

Now or never.

"A daiquiri, my lady?" Ginger asks you, surprising you with a banana cocktail right in front of your face.

"Don't call her 'my lady' Kenny, Jesus Christ," Piggy hisses, "It's creepy!"

"Well geez, I was just being nice..."

"Hey! You're creepy, you fanged asshole," you shoot back, and Piggy grins, jogging over and fist bumping you. You give Ginger a big tight hug, and accept the drink graciously. Daiquiris might not be your drink of choice, but you'll take anything right now to ease your nerves.

"So John's upstairs getting ready," Ginger tells you, slapping his thighs excitably, "Uhhh, probably talking to himself in the mirror and stuff, telling himself you--"

Piggy hits him. "Eh, you know how John is with his hair and stuff." You raise an eyebrow at Piggy's own overly-styled hair, but smile.

"Sure. I gotta get to the pool, man, I'm hot as fuck."

"That you are," Piggy grins, and you give him the finger.

"(y/n)!" Sheri shrieks, and gets out of the pool to run over.

"No, don't leave me!" Rob calls. You strip down to your bathing suit, tossing your clothes, and hug Sheri.

"I feel like it's been forever!" you say.

"I know! I've been so busy with Rob and Three From Hell, I haven't had any time to see my friends. I'm so glad you made it. I know John's excited to have you here."

"That's an understatement," Rob muttered, floating just above the surface like a lake monster. Sheri turns to him, her look saying 'I will drown you'. Rob takes the hint, and shuts up.

"Hey stranger," you get into the pool, and swim over to Rob.

"Hey you," Rob smirks, "How you been?"

"Keeping busy." You grab a Mummy floatie, "How was the tour?"

"Oh, it rocked. Yeah, no rifts with Manson this time, which was nice."

As you three chat in the pool, John comes downstairs in his Frankenstein swim trunks. He takes his T-shirt off, and Piggy pretends to faint into Ginger's arms. Ginger, bless his heart, actually thinks he's fainted.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, yes, just..."

"Oh god. She's in the pool," John says, and Ginger frowns.

"Yeah. Is that an issue, man?" Piggy stifles laughter. John ducks his head in laughter.

"No, Kenny. I'm just... flustered. A little."

"Hey. Hey, it's gonna be okay," Ginger slaps a hand on his shoulder. "Man, I spent your player years on tour as your wingman. I know you've got the moves."

"Care to describe these moves, Kenny?" Piggy asks.

"Oh, well he's got this thing that he does where he looks at you with those eyes and just--"

"I love you but I'm leaving. Bye," John smirks, pushes through them, and walks toward the pool. He clears his throat, and tries to come off casual.

"Hey, (y/n)."

You look up, regarding John. He looks amazing-- shoulder length blonde hair swept by the wind, beard trimmed, sexy eyes squinting in the sun. All the gorgeous tattoos on his chest are such a turn on, too. He's been your friend for ages, and though you've always harbored a crush, you never remember him being this hot. You try to remember words.

"John! Hey, come on in."

"Yeah! Totally. Good idea." John gets in, and Sheri shoots Rob a look. Rob shrugs.

"I'm in now, I'm not getting out."

Sheri intensifies her look. Rob glances down at a non existent watch.

"Ohh, look at the time, I think it's--"

"Vegan lemon drops o'clock!" Sheri giggles, and Rob closes his mouth.

"Uh, sure. That, mmm. Woah!" She yanks him out of the pool, and the two head over to the bar in search of more cocktails. This leaves you and John alone.

"God damn, this freezing pool is making my balls shrivel up," John mentions, and you laugh.

"Fortunately, I don't have that problem."

"Nah, you've just got..." John glances down at where your nipples are starting to peak, and you see him bite his lip ever so slightly before looking away. Bingo.

"You like my bathing suit? It's new," you tell him.

"Very becoming of you," he nods. "Really, I love it."

"You don't look so bad yourself."

"Yeah?" He swims a little closer to you. "I'm actually hating this water. Wanna check out the hot tub? I've got it at a real nice setting."

"Let's do it," you say, and take his hand, swimming to the shallow end with him. John takes a deep breath as you get out of the pool in front of him, watching as the water drips from the swimsuit clinging to your body. You turn, and walk with him to the hot tub surrounded by fountains.

"Look at them," Piggy says, "They're finally cozying up!"

"Leave them alone," Rob mutters, "They need to put up a curtain or something."

"Hey, we like (y/n), we want John to get with her so she can come on tour with us," Ginger points out.

"So. This is so strange for me to be in here without a guitar," John laughs, putting his arm around you. Your eyes widen a little, and you freeze. Is he doing that to be friendly?

"You play guitar in the hot tub?"

"Oh, yeah. It's a good way to get electrocuted, but it's also a good spot to practice. And hey, if you're not risking electrocution while playing, are you really metal?"

You grin. "When aren't you playing guitar?"

"When I'm talking to you," John admits, turning fully toward you. "You require my full attention. (y/n), there's something I gotta tell you."

"Yeah?" You bite your lip.

Just then, the patio door opens.

"I am fashionably late but HERE!"

Everyone turns to find Manson standing there. All at once, John regrets inviting him.

"Awww, look at you two!" Marilyn calls over to the hot tub, "Kissy kissy kissy sex time! Hey (y/n)!" You wave to him.

"Manson? Get over here," Rob practically drags the new guest over to the bar, knowing that is where he can keep him best distracted.

John turns back to you.

"Well. That was--"

"Before you tell me what you were going to tell me. Do you think of me as a sister?"

You blurt out the question, dying to definitively know the answer so you could stop second guessing yourself.

"A sister?" John laughs a little. "I think of you as my best friend!"

Your face falls, and you feel like such an idiot for falling into this whole thing head over heels. Of course he doesn't like you like that. You're just reading too far into it, as usual.

"--a best friend who I wish was more than a best friend." You hesitate, and look up at him as he second guesses himself. "D...Do you think of me as a brother?"

"N-No!"

He sighs. "(y/n), I've felt this way for years, but it never seemed like the right time to tell you. I think you're really cute. And, sexy. Really sexy. Like... I can't stop thinking about you."

"I..." you shake your head, "John, I..."

He swallows. "Okay, now you're making me nervous. Thumbs up, or down?" He gives a shaky laugh.

You straddle him underwater, sitting on his lap and cupping his cheeks.

"John Lowery. I've wanted to be your monster girl since the day you asked me what my favourite Karloff movie was." He smiles. "Be the Lily to my Hermann?"

"If you'll be the Gomez to my Morticia."

You press your lips to his again, and as he wraps one arm around you, he uses the other to pull a success fist.

Hollering erupts from the bar, and you two turn to see everyone clapping, pumping their fists, and celebrating.

"Wooooh, John and (y/n) are finally gonna fuck, cocaine for everyone!" Marilyn calls.

"Manson, no."

"But Robert!"

"No."

You and John giggle, turning to each other again in your own little world. John plays with your hair, looking down to admire how you look in your swimsuit.

"I think you're perfect. Like... Paul Stanley's guitar perfect."

You draw back, putting a playfully shocked hand on your chest. "To receive a compliment like that... overwhelming!"

He swims over to catch you again, and kisses your cheek, chasing you as you dip underwater.

"Ah! Help, lifeguard!" you shout, laughing, and oh no-- here comes Ginger to save the day.

[kumkaniudaku]

Earned It

Word Count: 4,212

Warnings: Sexual Content (18+)

Written By: @justanotherloveaffair

ANYWHERE MASTER POST

Recommended Listening: Earned It x The Weekend

“Whatever you’re thinking about, I want in.”

Chadwick’s intrigue into whatever had his wife’s eyes so unfocused and far away turned into exasperation at her distraction and one-word answers since they sat down to another honeymoon breakfast.  

“Co.”

Fingers snapped in front of her face.

“Tasha.”

“Hm?”

Her haste to prove herself present and in the moment made her fumble lowering her fork, causing it to clatter down on her breakfast plate instead. The harsh sound of steel on porcelain only heightened the awkward silence.

Something was distracting her. Since the second she opened her eyes and discovered the rapid heartbeat in her ribcage, her own slick juices leaking onto her bare thigh, and her hips rocking slightly into the mattress while Chadwick slept unaware. Her mind was foggy and blank with confusion until slowly, her dream drifted back in snippets.

The visuals came second to the feeling she remembered experiencing, a feeling of debased, filthy, animalistic desire. Of using and being used. Of opening up to the deepest parts of her cravings, the darkest part of her mind for Chadwick to plunder. She had little sense of the details, only the impression of them and it was enough to make her pull the edge of a pillow between her legs and get off as quickly as possible.

She glanced at Chadwick, still waiting for an explanation, then took a breath and looked her husband unflinchingly in the eyes.

“What’s the dirtiest thing you’ve ever imagined doing to me?”

Chadwick chewed his bacon and quickly swallowed, while CoCo maintained eye contact over the top of her coffee mug as she took a sip.

“Damn Co, you ain’t playin’ this morning. Lemme think about it. Shit.”

A smile curved her lips while she went for another sip of coffee, enjoying the uncomfortable state she’d put him in. One glance downwards at his growing, visible bulge gave away the filthy visuals he was likely having, making a current of excitement go through her like a shot.

He shifted himself in his shorts, visibly awkward and the arousal CoCo had woken up with only intensified.

“Come on.” She whined.

“You’re puttin me on the spot.”

“Quit stalling.”

They were smiling at each other as CoCo considered him with curious eyes, wondering at what deviousness Chadwick was hiding with his shy glances.

“Alright, don’t hold this against me if it turns you off.”

The anticipation made her want to scream. “Okay,” she nodded quickly, eyes brightly following his.

“Men’s locker room. You’re wearing thigh high socks, with the stripes at the top. I am pounding the shit out of you. In every hole. Multiple times.” He took a breath. “While other guys watch.”

CoCo’s coffee mug slowly lowered to the table. “Damn. That’s … wow. Specific,” she nodded slowly, looking simultaneously impressed and distracted by the image.  

“Yeah. Not realistic though. Obviously.”

“I could get some thigh highs when we get back… we could pretend,” she offered, lifting her brows as Chadwick’s hand lowered to his crotch and he groaned in response.

“Really?”

She nodded, popping a slice of pineapple in her mouth, watching him savor the image with his eyes closed.

Chadwick pushed back from the table a little, crumbling his napkin over his now empty plate and peered at her. “I think I know your answer.”

CoCo stiffened with nervous anticipation as the subject came up.

She analyzed his body language, tone, and facial expression, hoping to find a crack in the armor she could chip her way into with her next words. She chose them carefully.

“It’s nothing more than a kink, Aaron. It’s about belonging to you, not being inferior to you. It’s about not being a mother or a wife for a minute and just being your fuck toy instead. I want you to use me not because it’s what you want, but because it’s what I want.”

Her words became passionate as she spoke, surprising even herself at how strongly she felt about it. Her decoding of Chadwick’s face gave her a rush of hope at how closely he was listening, and when she was done, instead of immediately dismissing her, he looked thoughtful, though still skeptical.

“I would just never do anything to make you feel … worthless.”

CoCo reached across the table, holding her hand palm-up and wiggling her fingers until he clasped his hand over hers.

They both smiled when their eyes connected.

“I know, baby.”

Sensing she had said the last word on the subject, she let out a breath and let her eyes wander out over the ocean as they sat in companionable silence, while CoCo’s inner world overflowed with thoughts she couldn’t voice out loud.

After breakfast, a moody silence settled over Chadwick that followed him from the table to the sunbed next to the pool, where he stretched out wearing sunglasses that kept hidden the most expressive and revealing window into his thoughts.

Watching him settle into a quiet and solitary bubble, a little stubborn twinge made CoCo reach for her own sunglasses, thinking, Well, two can play at this game.

She swapped her t-shirt for a white bikini that made Chadwick’s head turn when she wandered past him. She made every step count, rolling her hips and butt in a slow-motion runway walk.

With nothing but her private thoughts keeping her company, she waded in the water that was just cool enough to lower her overheated body temperature. Every so often she would turn and glimpse at him, and for the first time in a long time, she had no idea what he was thinking. His expression was unreadable. Was he watching her? Sleeping?

She imagined herself as nothing more than Chadwick’s viewing entertainment, and for the next hour, let that guide her graceful, seductive movements in and around the pool. After a while, she was sure his eyes were on her. She didn’t have to see them to know they were zeroed in on her tits, and how the wet fabric clung to them, whenever she faced his way. Turning around to look over the ocean, she perched like a mermaid, propped up on her palms, envisioning Chadwick ogling the bikini bottoms stretched over the globes of her ass. The more she performed for him, like a stranger whose attention she was fighting to attain, the more it excited her.

And still, he remained there, laying in the shade. Just watching.

After a while, CoCo climbed out, rivulets of water dripping down her brown skin. In her periphery, she saw his head turn, following her to a sunning chair draped with a big white towel, ready to absorb the pool water. She stretched out over it, gradually straightening the exaggerated arch of her back, and hid a little smile as she glimpsed Chadwick’s throat bobbing with his swallow.

She lifted one leg and stroked her hand over it for no other reason than to titillate. The skin was already dry and hot to the touch. CoCo remembered the bottle of shea and cocoa butter lotion she’d placed nearby the day before and reached for it, while Chadwick’s back straightened a little. Oh, this he was going to enjoy. She would make sure of it.

She spread the lotion liberally onto each hand, smoothing it out over her right thigh first. To get to her lower half, CoCo sat up and not-so-innocently let a bikini strap slip down her shoulder. The back and forth motion of moisturizing her shin and calves caused exposure of everything but her left nipple. Without fixing it, she pumped out more lotion and covered her left leg from foot to hip, rubbing in slow strokes. Now she could see Chadwick’s chest moving with his breathing.

Her stomach was next. The tips of her fingers teased inside the top of her mound, under the bikini and her legs were parted to straddle the chair for maximum impact. CoCo’s fantasies were running wild. She was at a resort with a gorgeous man she’d never seen before, and this was her one shot to entice him. Every movement counted.

After her stomach were her arms. CoCo was saving the best for last. Finally, with a generous amount of lotion she knew would take some time to work in, her hands came to her breasts. By now, the bikini top was hanging half off. She untied it from her neck and let the straps fall.

Both breasts were treated to a luxurious, slow massage. Her mounting excitement made her grind her crotch slightly against the chair, searching for pressure. Every sense was on overload. The scent of the lotion, the touch of her fingers, the heat from the sun. She even forgot Chadwick for a moment in her self-body worship. She felt beautiful, relaxed and without a care in the world.

Finally, across from her: movement. He stood up, slowly, and CoCo saw just what she had done to him through his shorts. A wave of excitement went through her wondering just how he intended to use it. Would he make her beg? Flip her on her knees and plunge inside? Or tap it against her clit and tease her?

For the past hour she had been the one in control as she strutted and teased in front of his eyes. Now, as he began prowling over to her, that control was slipping away. Each step he took dripped with dominance. His face was a blank mask, still half hidden with his glasses and no trace of a smile she could see.

It was natural for CoCo to reach out for him when he got near, and she got a quick, efficient lesson on the nature of this encounter when he pushed her hand off of his leg and scolded her with a stern,

“Uh uh.”

Her fingers curled next to her leg and she bit her lip in response. It was like a different man was standing in front of her.

“Take those glasses off. I wanna see those pretty eyes when I slide my cock down your throat.”

A gasp left her lips as Chadwick slowly peeled the band of his shorts down, making his swollen, massive dick bob in front of her eyes.

She pulled the sunglasses from her face and looked up, the thundering of her heartbeat pumping in her ears as she tried to connect with him, seeing only the reflection of her topless body and innocent expression in his black glasses.

She must have taken far too long because he impatiently took himself in his hand and stepped forward, so he was inches from her lips.

“Well? This is what you wanted, isn’t it, slut? Suck.”

Chills went through her at that word. Slut. She was still reeling from hearing it as her focus suddenly shifted to taking him into her mouth.

Already her excitement was getting the better of her. CoCo’s fingers pressed inside her panties while the other gripped the bottom of Chadwick’s shaft.

“No hands. Only touch me with your mouth… that’s it baby,” he praised as she dropped her hand, knowing he wanted her to work him in as deep as she could without any help.

She couldn’t keep still as her mouth took more and more of him inside, and soon her fingers were squeezing his thigh and then gripping his hip.

This time, they were pulled off with an angry twist, while his other hand forced her mouth off him.

“What part of no hands don’t you understand?”

Peering up at him with tears in her eyes from choking him down her throat, and her left hand buried in her underwear, a guilty look crossed her face and she felt oddly ashamed.

“I’m sorry,” she slowly pulled her fingers out.

“Uh huh,” he growled.

It happened in a flash. CoCo found herself suddenly bound as Chadwick leaned down, ripped the string bikini top right off her body, and captured both her wrists behind her, tying them in a tight knot so fast she could do nothing but stare in shock.  

“You wanna use your hands, you have to earn it.”

She nodded absently, everything becoming a blur as hot fire spread in her belly. The thought once again crossed her mind that he was like a stranger, despite the fact they’d been making love for two days straight. Somehow, a flip had been switched.

He nudged against her mouth and this time CoCo’s eyes were on his face as she took him in, stretching her lips and forcing him past the point she was comfortable just to see him lose just a tiny bit of control. Just as she felt him at the back of her throat, he let out a strangled groan and a surge of pride went through her. Tears stinging, fluids everywhere and dripping down into her lap, CoCo didn’t care. She began sucking him for all he was worth. This was how she would break him down.

His grunts and moans of satisfaction were more frequent as she got sloppier and took him deeper. Now she felt his hand at the back of her head, pushing her forward. She called on all of her experience to stay focused and avoid panicking when he went a little too far. The sounds coming from him became louder and more frequent. His dick was twitching in her mouth, wanting to flood her throat. She wanted it too. Her eyes were streaming with tears as he fucked her mouth. She wasn’t going to stop. Not unless….

“Oh no, don’t you fucking do it… god dammit.”

He pried himself away, breaking the string of spit connecting them.

CoCo was heaving, her face a filthy mess of fluid, feeling delighted at his disarray as she stared up into the slight hint of a grin on his face. “You wanted me to bust down your throat, didn’t you?”

His tone was accusatory but light and she didn’t hold back her smile.

“You’re not getting off that easy… if I let you get off at all.”

Suddenly his presence joined her kneeling body on the chair and there were two fingers pressed inside her walls. She stuttered, moaning and fell towards his body, gasping his name.

The next thing he said made her blood run cold and hot at the same time.

“Who the fuck is Chadwick?”

For a second, CoCo’s soul nearly flew out of her body. She froze, nearly convinced in a moment of total disassociation that she wasn’t who she thought she was, or where she thought she was.

This could be anywhere, he could be anyone. There was no limit but her mind.

“I’ve been watching you,” he continued, voice deep, dark, dangerous in her ear. Close enough she could hear him over her own cries as his fingers plunged inside her heat. “I know you were hoping I’d come fuck you, isn’t that right?”

“Yes,” she cried. Whatever he was doing, he had taken her far beyond any excitement she’d ever felt.   “Teasing me with that body. You knew what you were doing.” He drew out his fingers, displaying them between both of their watching eyes. He rubbed his thumb over his other fingers, showing her the cream covering them. “My little slut is so wet for me,” he breathed slowly in her ear, the low grumble going through her whole body. “Want me to put them back in?”

“Yes,” she sobbed, and hurriedly added in a small voice, “Please.”

CoCo’s body was on fire in every sense of the word. She craved his touch as if she’d never felt it before, especially not as often as she had in the past few days. She would have crossed a river of coals on her hands and knees to have him touching her again.

Even though she was rocking her hips against air, searching for him while her hands tugged against the bikini knot, he lowered his lips to her ear and whispered, “I don’t think you want it enough yet.”

CoCo made a sound of distress somewhere between a cry and a moan, then spat, “Fuck you!”

He laughed a cruel laugh without mirth, the sound shocking her. It was not one she’d ever heard before in all their years together. Looking down at her, he took her chin in his fingers, the same ones that were covered in her juices. CoCo wriggled and struggled with frustration.

“There are so many ways I could punish you for that, but I feel like you’d enjoy them all,” his smile and tone was wry and condescending. CoCo didn’t know who he was anymore. All she knew was she wanted him to fuck the shit out of her or at the very least, touch her right now. She didn’t care how or where, just that his hands and gorgeous mouth were satisfying her in any way he pleased. Every second that went on without it was torture.

“Maybe…” the fingers of his other hand traced down the small of her back, over the swell of her behind. “Maybe I’ll bend you over this chair and fuck you in the ass. Would you like that?”

A shudder of shock went through her and she unintentionally whimpered.

“Nah, maybe not,” he chuckled, his hand still stroking her. “I don’t think you could take me.”

Just when CoCo felt reality slipping away from her, he lifted the sunglasses off of his face. She almost cried at the sight of her husband’s soft brown, beautiful eyes. He didn’t let her enjoy it for too long, immediately gripping her jaw and pulling her against his lips for a punishing, bruising kiss, using more tongue than she was used to from him. CoCo responded like a touch-starved beast.

In the middle of their kiss, his fingers slipped back inside her bikini bottoms and CoCo felt faint with relief as they pushed into her again. She knew she was at his mercy for whatever pleasure he was willing to give her, so she enjoyed every second of it, moaning and rocking her hips with his pace. His hand and her thighs were soaking, she couldn’t remember ever being so wet. He even broke the kiss and swore at how lustily and excitedly she took the stroking of his fingers.

“Look at you, you horny little whore. God damn you’re beautiful baby.”

Caught up in ecstasy, she made a happy sound at his words and he smiled. “I’m gonna untie you and lay you down. You gonna be a good girl for me and stay still?”

CoCo’s heart soared and she nodded quickly, ready and excited for whatever was coming next. She could barely wipe the smile off of her face as both his arms came around her to undo the strings at her wrists, Chadwick’s lips settling over hers for a sweet kiss that made her heart hammer in her chest.

The ties undone, her hands finally had their freedom but she kept them at her side. She wasn’t going to risk anything that would put a stop to the generous mood he was in.

With just a slight nudge of guidance CoCo was on her back, looking up at the body she loved with all of its gifts she hoped to receive. He kneeled at her side and guided her thighs apart, while she looked adoringly up at him.

“Have you ever squirted before?”

It was CoCo’s turn to be shocked again.

“No…” she knew he knew damn well she never had, and she’d never told him she’d been curious about it. Her eyes went up to his for reassurance as his fingers played with her pussy, inside, outside, rubbing her all over.

“Relax for me,” she heard him say and concentrated on his touch, forcing herself to do as he said. He kept teasing her, slowly stroking in and out.

“Relax and don’t fight it.” “Okay,” CoCo’s hand couldn’t help crawling into his lap, gripping his thigh as she anticipated whatever was coming next.

She tensed as his fingers suddenly began fucking her deep, pounding her with precise movements and a feeling began building in her that seemed overwhelming. All the muscles in her body tightened and she cried out.

He stopped, pulling his fingers out to stroke her on the outside.

“You have to relax baby, or it won’t happen. Don’t fight.” His voice was soothing and immediately put her at ease. She tried to calm the hammering in her chest and regain her focus, nodding when she was ready.

He slipped back inside and after a breath, began fucking his fingers right into her g-spot at a maddening, intense, almost painful motion that had her tensing again, but she remembered his instruction and forced herself to be calm, needing almost superhuman mental power to do so when all her body wanted to do was fight it.

All through it, he kept going, and her focus was soon rewarded.

An overwhelming feeling, the likes of which she’d never known made CoCo scream to the skies with unimaginable pleasure. An eruption happened in her body and she vaguely heard Chadwick praising her as she screamed so much her voice went hoarse. Sensing something was happening, she opened her eyes and looked down to see Chadwick’s hand covered in her clear come, and underneath her, as she moved her hips, she felt dampness everywhere.

“Did I just….”

“You squirted,” Chadwick grinned with pride. “Absolutely everywhere.”

CoCo’s jaw was hanging open, her mind numb with surprise. “I …. I didn’t even know I could do that. How….” Her words trailed off as her hand touched the soaked bed in disbelief. “Where the hell did you learn to do that and why haven’t we done that before?”

“I have no idea who you are, remember?” Chadwick murmured with half-hearted conviction as they both smiled at each other, neither able to continue the charade.

“You’re fucking unbelievable,” CoCo’s eyes shone with awe.

“C’mere,” Chadwick held out his hands, pulling her off of the thin mattress and easily hoisted her up into his arms. Their gazes glowed with affection for the short walk over to the bed, out of the hot sun.

Chadwick set her down on the cool sheets and the moment he crawled on the bed, CoCo was in his lap, ready to slide onto him right then and there.

“Wait, wait,” he laughed, holding her off until he was in a better position, with his back supported by the pillows and headboard.

She could barely wait and made her frustration known with a whine until he was finally in place.

Not a moment later, he was buried deep inside her, with CoCo gripping the headboard behind him in satisfaction at the perfect feeling. Her heart was so full from everything he’d just given her and she poured herself out into giving it back to him. Even though she was spent and exhausted, she reached deep for that last spark of energy so she could ride him for everything she had.

Her hips bounced up and down, slamming onto him repeatedly while he held on and through it all, their eyes never broke contact. The depth of their connection felt surreal. She slowed down to grind him deep, moving in his lap until his eyes rolled back and he swore.

“I fucking love you Tasha, god damn,” he grinded up into her, circling his hips. “You’re an incredible woman.”

CoCo could do nothing but smile, a sheen of sweat covering her hard-working body.

Suddenly she felt the sheets against her back as he flipped her over. Her arms and legs crossed over his body, pulling him down into her and she sighed welcoming his weight. She knew he was close. He slammed in and out of her soaked pussy, his groans becoming whimpers, his thrusts getting faster and faster. CoCo’s hands were everywhere, her words filthy and encouraging in his ear until his body stuttered and slowed as he gripped her, animal-like groans shaking the air as he shook with pleasure. Her hands soothed up and down his back as the final shivers left him.

CoCo thought to herself that no matter what, for as long as she lived, she would never run out of love or desire for this man.

He fell, drained and weak to her side, and though CoCo was exhausted too, she sprang up at his side almost shaking with excitement like a kid on Christmas morning.

“I can’t believe you made me squirt!”

“I know, I can’t believe it either,” the proud smile returned, lighting up his tired face. “Been wanting to try that for a while.”

CoCo shivered at the thought of him fantasizing about it, wanting to try it and never mentioning it. She was sad it had taken this long, and felt determined to make sure he was never denied anything he wanted again.

She rolled onto him, her eyes as bright and passionate as her words.

“Let’s make a pact. Right here and now. The next time you want something, tell me and let’s do it. We’ll find a way.”

Chadwick’s hand came to CoCo’s cheek, stroking it back and forth as love and adoration bubbled between them.

“Deal.”

                                   ___________

TAGS:

@k-michaelis

@wakandanmoonchild

@idilly

@texasbama

@afraiddreamingandloving

@inxan-ity

@daytimeheroicsonly

@onyour-right

@sisterwifeudaku

@killmongerdispussy

@90sinspiredgirl

@willowtree77785901

@maynardqueen101

@heyauntieeee

@halfrican-heat

@purple-apricots

@lalapalooza718

@blue-ishx

@profilia

@ljstraightnochaser

@girl-wtf-lmao

@oceanscorazon

@royallyprincesslilly

@melaninmarvel

@thiccdaddy-mbaku

@lavitabella87

@purplehairgawdess

@unholyxcumbucket

@airis-paris14

@uhlxisback

@oshasimone

@maliadestiny

@drsunshine97

@zxddy-panther

@queentearra

@skysynclair19

@retro-melanin

@mermaidchansons

@misspooh

@melanisticroyalty

@babygirlofwakanda

@wakanda-4evr

@sarahboseman

@karensraisns

@wakandankings

@kaykay4454fan

@ororowrites

@awkwardlyabstract

@mixedmelanin

@brownsugarcocoabutterwildflowers

@cosmicmelaninflower

@justanotherloveaffair

@jaeee-http

@iliketowrite1996

@blackpantherismyish

@soldierandawar

@msincognito67

@reignsxjackson

@yaachtynoboat711

@syreanne

@minim236

@yoyolovesbucky

[omgericzimmermann]

Queer Eye for the Recently Out NHL Player

hi, I’m back.

You can also read this on AO3

Jack regretted agreeing to this the moment his doorbell rang. He shoved Puck behind his knees and opened the door to a crowd of five men – four of whom would be good on defence – and a handful of cameras.

“Hi Jack!” the small, adorable blond said, grabbing his hand and forcing him to shake it. Jack shook it and tried to shoo Puck back into the apartment, since she was trying to get out into the hall to sniff all the guys and the camera men. “And who’s this?”

“Um, this is Puck,” Jack said, letting go of the unfairly cute one’s hand and stooping to wrap his arms around Puck’s legs. He hoisted her off the ground and stepped back to let them all into the apartment. Puck wagged her tail happily. “She’s a rescue.”

“She’s got just the prettiest eyes,” the cute one said, continuing to stroke Puck’s head and getting a tongue to the face for his efforts. To Jack’s relief, he laughed.

“This is – this is how you live?” the redhead asked, scanning the apartment. When Jack answered in the affirmative, he turned and immediately started petting Puck as well rather than look at Jack’s apartment. It wasn’t that he was a slob – Jack knew he wasn’t a slob – but…

Well, it had been five years and he hadn’t unpacked.

“Okay, Bitty, Dex, can I borrow Jack for a tour of his closet?”

Justin. His name was Justin. Jack had learned their names – had been conclusively lectured on their names and their personalities and their skillsets by Tater – but they’d vanished from his head the second the Fab Five walked in the door.

Bitty – who was, unfairly, cuter in person than on TV – stepped back from Puck and ducked into the kitchen with one of the cameras following him. Dex turned to look at the living room like it was causing him personal distress. Jack followed Justin down the hall.

“I don’t think we need Puck for this part of the tour,” Justin said, gently.

Jack looked down and realised he was still carrying his dog. Suddenly very aware there were cameras on him, he set her down and followed Justin into the bedroom. He heard the tell-tale tacking of Puck’s claws on the wood floor while she sought out her favourite toy to show to the new people in the house.

“Okay, so we know from all your interviews and post-game videos that you know how to dress yourself for formal events,” Justin said, gesturing at the suits that lined half of Jack’s closet. “So we know there’s the potential for greatness somewhere in there. What we’ve got to deal with is the every day.”

His eyes flicked over Jack’s outfit and Jack felt like shrinking.

“Is this what you wear when you’re going out?” Justin asked, gesturing at all of Jack.

He correctly interpreted Jack’s silence as confirmation.

“So, babe, you look like you’re dressed to rob a Burger King,” Justin told him gently, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “And now, I know it’s hard, I really do, my husband spent half his childhood in Iowa. It can be a hard habit to break, but if I can break him, you can believe I’m going to break you.”

Jack stared at him, and then nodded slowly.

“Tell us Jack, what do you do for fun?” Adam asked, flipping through the stack of coffee table books Dex had unearthed somewhere in one of Jack’s boxes. “Because we watched a lot of your interviews in preparation for this episode, and you don’t give the fans a lot to work with.”

“I keep pretty private,” Jack said.

“Sure,” Adam said. “But the thing is, according to your teammates who put you up for this, you keep pretty private from them too, and you’re supposed to be friends. How do you spend a Saturday night?”

“Usually at a game,” Jack said.

“If you don’t have a game,” Adam prompted. “Okay, maybe not at night. What do you do with a day off?”

“Go to the park with Puck,” Jack said. At her name, she came trotting up and leaned against his leg, presenting her head for scratches. Jack obliged.

“And you run, and throw the frisbee,” Adam supplied. “Anything else?”

“Look at birds,” Jack heard himself say. “I did some photography in college.”

Adam smiled and adjusted his glasses. “See? Now we’re getting somewhere.”

To Jack’s dismay, he walked into the kitchen in time to see Bitty open the pantry, stare at the mostly barren shelves in complete silence for the count of five, and then close the doors. He shook his head like a doctor declaring a patient dead, and then turned around. When he saw Jack standing there, he jumped and pressed a hand to his chest over his pineapple printed shirt.

“Lord, you gave me a fright there, Mr Zimmermann. I didn’t hear you come in,” Bitty said.

“Is my pantry that bad?” Jack asked.

“Honey, the only thing you’ve got in there is protein powder,” Bitty said, not unkindly, but like he was going to cry. Jack, stricken, tried to apologise. “No, sweet pea, you don’t need to apologise. It’s not your fault you’ve been an athlete all your life. We’re just gonna have to go grocery shopping. Get all the basics in place, and then I can teach you some nice, easy recipes to mix in with your chicken and broccoli. How’s that sound?”

Jack thought it sounded boring, but fine. He left out the boring comment.

“How do you spend your time at home?” Dex asked, although he wasn’t looking at Jack. He had a measuring tape out and was taking down the dimensions of the sunken living space. With his plain – although Jack felt sure they were designer – jeans, white t-shirt, and the pencil behind his ear, Dex seemed like he was the most straight-laced in every sense of the word. The only outward indication that he belonged in the crew of a show called Queer Eye was the fact that instead of a belt, his jeans were held up with rainbow suspenders, and he’d cuffed the sleeves of his shirt.

“Reading or watching Netflix,” Jack said, and wondered if that made him incredibly boring.

“Sounds like me,” Dex said. He stood and slid his tape measure into his pocket. “Quick question though. Did you buy all six pieces of furniture you own at Ikea?”

Jack was evicted from his apartment by Justin and Derek at the crack of dawn on day two.

“Tell me about the look, Jack,” Derek requested. “Because it almost looks like you just haven’t cut it from playoffs yet, but you’ve clearly shaved so…”

Jack awkwardly ran a hand through his hair. It was fluffy, and had always been fluffy. The only time it did anything useful was when it was wet.

“Oh, um,” Jack said. “I just never really know what to do with it.”

“Right,” Derek said. “And this week, we’ve all agreed, is about helping you feel comfortable enough and settled enough to make a connection with the place you live, and the people you spend time with. But you also need to work on making a connection with yourself, right? It’s okay to look in the mirror and think you look good.”

Jack squirmed. “Mostly I look in the mirror and think I look like my dad.”

“Nah, you’re way hotter than your dad ever was,” Justin said from the driver’s seat.

Jack snorted.

“Was that a laugh?” Justin asked, delighted.

“Bro, I think it totally was,” Derek said. “Okay. Let’s fix your hair, man.”

After he finished getting his haircut, and listening to Derek’s lectures on his personal grooming routines and the importance of moisturiser, and after he’d finished clothes shopping with Justin – which was a harrowing experience – he was passed off to Adam.

“So Jack,” Adam said, taking him on a walk through the park near his house. Adam had collected Puck - or the film crew had, Jack didn’t know and didn’t ask - and Jack’s camera and although Jack didn’t normally take pictures when other people were around, he experimented with the idea of feeling comfortable enough to loop Puck’s leash around his wrist and snap a few photos of the sunlight filtering through the leaves, and of a small child attempting to clean melted ice cream off her wrist.

“You’re not big on being in front of a camera,” Adam said.

“I’ve been in front of a camera my whole life,” Jack replied.

“Right,” Adam agreed. “I know. I’ve been a huge hockey fan since I was a kid. I even played in juniors, believe it or not.”

“Really?” Jack asked. “When and where?”

“I was in the USHL, Waterloo, Iowa. We would’ve never met,” Adam said. “But I knew who you were. Everyone did. Is that why you did it?”

Jack shrugged. He’d never answered directly the question of why.

“I guess,” Jack said. “It was...I guess I figured there was a chance it might carry more weight if it was me who went first.”

Adam nodded like this made sense and Jack raised his camera to take another picture. By the end of the trail, Bitty was lounging in the sun, letting the rays soak into his golden skin and his near glowing hair, his chin tipped back to get even more sun directly on his face, although his eyes were hidden behind sunglasses Jack felt sure were designer. Jack snapped the picture.

“And that’s why you decided to be on our show?” Adam asked.

“I figured as the first openly LGBTQ+ male hockey player, I owed it to my community to represent,” Jack said, deadpan. There was a beat, and then Adam burst out laughing. “Also because Tater and Thirdy more or less made me.”

Adam clapped him on the shoulder. “It seems to me - if I may - that you’ve been on a bit of a quest to be authentically yourself for a few years, probably since you started planning your coming out. And that’s what we want to do with you this week. We want to help you get to the point where you can really be yourself with your teammates. We’ve figured that maybe you could have some of them over for dinner on Saturday as your final event. Does that sound reasonable?”

Jack had been over to Tater’s apartment a lot, and to Thirdy and Marty’s houses, and most of them had been over to his apartment once or twice, but usually just to stop by and pick him up for something else. Having them in his apartment for a whole dinner seemed like a lot, and also like it was probably a good goal. To be himself, genuinely, with the teammates he was closest to, in a space that he intended to settle into.

“Yeah,” he said. “That sounds good.”

Adam nodded and clapped him on the shoulder again, before depositing him in front of Bitty.

“So, mister, are you ready to go grocery shopping?” Bitty asked, springing to his feet with a sunny grin aimed in Jack’s direction.

to be continued

[jlynnhiddles-blog]

Chapter Three: Her Whole Heart

Set in the present, this is a fairytale about a girl making her own way in the world whose work leads her to the man she’d cast as her Prince Charming. Will she try on those glass slippers or will she find out she’s met The Beast? Can two people from different realms risk everything to make it across The Bifrost? Can endings ever be happy? Join me on this adventure, send me a message or a poisoned apple and enjoy!

Jamie excused herself to wash her face. Her cats peered at her, then went to greet the stranger in their home. When she came out, he stood from the lone barstool, petting one cat. His jacket was hung neatly over the back of the stool.

“I told them who I am, so we're friends now. They were just surprised.”

“That makes three of us.”

“Four, actually. I certainly didn't plan to impose in your home. And I just realized that I don't know if your boyfriend or husband lives here and what trouble my being here will cause you.”

She smiled at him. “Just me and the cats. I'm officially a crazy cat lady at 33.”

“You’re lovely. I'm sure there's someone.”

“No. I'm not great at relationships. I have my own space and I do what I want. Like a certain Frost Giant.”

“You should know better than anyone that Loki didn't want to be alone and that was one of his biggest lies,” he said pointedly.

“Well, Loki didn't have two needy cats.” The smaller one was now circling between his long legs. “Bobby is going to know you were stepping out on him.” She paused. “I'm sorry that I recognized your dog. I know that's part of your personal life that you try to keep private.”

“Bobby has cat friends at my sister’s house where he stays sometimes. He'll be jealous he didn't get to come over as well. And thank you for the apology. The information is out there. It's part of life, good and bad. Assuming that you didn't overhear me yell it at the dog park because you were hiding in the bushes, you're forgiven. So. Pizza?”

Jamie pulled out her phone, scrolled a bit and handed it to him.

“Russell's. They're in the shops right behind us. They'll make something fast for me. Just pick out what you want.”

“Whatever you normally get is good,” he said, handing her phone back to her.

“Ham and pineapple, then!”

He wrinkled his nose.

“Please tell me that you know that I don't like pineapple on pizza.”

“Yes, I know. How about pepperoni and mushrooms?”

“Yes, perfect.”

Jamie dialed from her contacts.

“Russell! It's Jamie. Yes, I know I usually have ordered by now on Friday. No, not Hawaiian tonight. Can I get a large pepperoni and mushrooms? And a large Greek salad.” She paused, listening. “Did your wife make them? Okay, we'll take brownies. Can I walk by in like…twenty minutes?”

She looked at Tom, who shook his head and mouthed ‘Bruce’ and pointed downstairs.

“Actually, my friend Bruce will come get it. Now, listen Rus, don't give him any grief. You know my heart belongs to you. He'll bring my card to sign.”

She started getting it out of her wallet but Tom stopped her, raising his eyebrows.

“Heck, I'll make Bruce pay. Yeah, about twenty minutes. You're a dream.” She hung up.

“It's nice that you have somewhere close by,” he said, giving the larger cat a belly rub.

“Yeah, makes it feel like a neighborhood. Do you want me to walk down and tell Bruce where to go?”

“I'll text him in a few minutes.” He looked at her, appreciating how she was relaxing around him. “So. Do you want to geek out?”

“Ah, I'm not sure you're ready for that,” she said playfully, shoving his wide shoulder.

“You saw the pictures from last weekend. The artwork and the costumes people make and the things they say and write. It is amazing how talented people are and how they express that through Loki.”

“Alexa, please resume the previous playlist.”

Tom heard his own voice singing through the speaker, as Hank Williams.

“Not just Loki,” she said, shaking her head. She sat on the stool. “I mean don't get me wrong. I love Loki. He’s my king, the true king of Asgard and Jotunheim. We're not even going to talk about Infinity War. Ever. But I love your Hank Williams and your King Henry and your voice lent to Bond. You've learned combat and horseback riding and sorcery and giant gorilla fighting. And you've done it all happily. With passion. With a smile and a feminist attitude. I geek out to your geeking out at your whole beautiful life. It's something I struggle with naturally. Just being excited about my life, even the best parts of it.”

He wasn't sure why he did it. She'd looked happy talking about him but now sadness clouded into the corners of her eyes, talking about herself. Slowly, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. She softly touched his chest and closed her eyes.

“You are so real and so clever and you have a tremendous brightness to you. Maybe you can't see it and maybe others can't either, but I can. I see you.” He said it low, still leaning over her.

She took a deep breath. “Thank you. Now, text Bruce. I have some beer in the fridge. I'm not sure what you drink. I have plenty of soda and juice. There's a drugstore on the corner if we need anything else.”

Tom stepped back, feeling her need for space. He pretended not to see her wipe her eyes with the back of her hand. He'd been here less than an hour and made her cry twice. He dutifully walked to the fridge and opened it.

“You're well stocked for someone who lives alone,” he said, pulling out a beer. “What can I get you?”

“Diet Coke and can you grab the rum from above the fridge, please. It's almost too high for me.”

He did as she asked and then pulled his phone out of his front pocket to text Bruce.

“Any other instructions for Bruce or anything we need while he's out?”

Jamie did a quick inventory in her head of the apartment.

“Nope, just the food.” She rattled off the directions and Tom sent the message. He then walked to her and handed her a drink.

“Rum and Diet, with ice and a straw, darling.”

“How the heck did you do that so fast? And how did you make it how I like it?”

“Sorcery.” He winked. Swigging his own beer, he motioned to the couch.

“Shall we sit while we wait for the food?”

Calling it a couch was generous. It was barely a love seat. She only had that, a papasan chair and the barstool.

“Yeah, sure. Actually, do you mind if I change clothes? Scrubs just feel like work clothes.”

“Of course. Take your time.”

“Make yourself comfortable. Take off your shoes if you want.” He’d already taken off his hat and it sat with his sunglasses and wallet on the small table next to her door.

She closed her bedroom door and took a deep breath. This was going okay! Yes, she’d cried twice. But he was being so sweet. Could he actually maybe like her? She shook her head. She didn’t know why he was here, but it wasn’t for that. He was just stir crazy in the hotel. This was just killing time for him. She stripped off her scrubs and surveyed her closet. Nodding to herself, she dressed quickly and went back to him.

He stood from the couch as she came around the corner. Did he alway stand when she entered the room? He smiled, and she recognized it as the smile he usually gave when he was caught off guard.

“You look beautiful.” She’d chosen a loose cotton t-shirt dress in pale gold and paired it with black leggings and bare feet. She nodded.

“Just something comfortable.”

He’d taken off his shoes and his sweater was over his jacket on the barstool, leaving him in just his dark jeans and thin t shirt.

She sat with one leg under her to put slightly more space between them. He casually rested his long arm behind her on the top of the couch.

“So, what would you normally be doing tonight if I wasn't here?” he asked, consciously having to stop himself from running his fingers along the edge of her ear.

She pressed her lips together as she thought.

“Hmm well it’s Friday. So I usually get a ham and pineapple calzone from Russel’s and pick it up on the way home. It’s the first Friday of the month, so usually Chris Evans comes over and brings his Captain America costume. I texted him during the drive back and cancelled. He sent like a hundred sad face emojis. Then a bunch of dick pics. Pretty embarrassing, really.”

His eyes sharpened in unmistakable jealousy but he quickly covered it with a smirk.

She sipped her drink.

“You made this strong. Are you sure it isn’t that thousand year old Asgardian liquor Thor brings sometimes?”

He began to lean towards her like a sleek predator.

“I’m kidding. There were no dick pics.”

“Don’t make me text Chris and tell him to treat you like a lady,” Tom growled, his hand now firmly gripping her shoulder.

“Please. That’s the last thing I want to be treated like.”

The short knock at the door broke their loaded stare. A nervous giggle burst out of Jamie and Tom hopped up and peeped through the peephole.

“Is it okay if Bruce comes in?” he asked her.

She nodded and Tom opened the door. Bruce walked in with a big, square box and a couple of bags.

Jamie asked him to set them on the stove and started pulling down plates and napkins.

“Bruce, what are you drinking?” she asked him.

“I’m fine, Miss Birch.”

She looked at Tom.

“You’d better do what she says, Bruce.” Tom said. “She’s pretty bossy.”

“Do you have regular Coke?”

She pulled a bottle from the door and handed it to him, with a plate.

“I’m not hungry.”

She glared at him.

“I’ll take a couple of slices. And did I hear about brownies?”

“I only have two dining chairs, so I’ll use the barstool since I’ll still be shorter than the two of you,” she said, gesturing at her tiny dining table.

Bruce glanced at Tom and an unspoken cue passed between them.

“You know what? It’s a beautiful night. I think I’ll eat this on the porch.”

“Fine. But don’t give the cats any pepperoni. They get heartburn.”

She gave him a napkin and the cats followed him onto the screened porch.

Tom had fixed his own plate, as well as hers, while she was ordering Bruce around.

“I’m not really bossy. I just like things a certain way,” she said as they sat down. He’d gotten their drinks from the coffee table as well. “And just because he’s just a driver doesn’t mean he can’t eat with us.”

Tom rolled his eyes. “Bruce isn’t just my driver. He’s my copper. Transplanted from Atlanta to England. He usually travels with me if I leave London. He has a bedroom in my house. His kids call me Uncle. I thought you’d bloody recognize him too. He’s making himself scarce because, well, he likes you and, well, you know.” Slight embarrassment played over his face.

She raised her eyebrows in question. “Do you guys have this routine in every town?” she asked, only half joking.

“Certainly. I pretend to chip my tooth and request the most lovely dental laboratory technician in all the land to come tend to me. Then, I seduce them, murder them and Bruce gets rid of the body. It’s quite efficient.”

“Do all the victims--I mean dates--offer Bruce pizza?”

He laughed loudly.

“No, actually you’re the first. He liked you at once. He’d texted ahead to tell Luke that you were friendly and he was confident you’d be fine.”

“To murder?”

“Well, first to do the dental work without fangirl hysterics. Then murder.”

“Ah well at least I’m a professional. How’s the pizza?” “Really, really good.”

They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Tom got up and got another beer and made her another drink.

“Hiddleston, you’re not trying to get me drunk, are you?” she asked, looking up at him. “Your buddy Cumberbatch brought me a very nice tequila when he visited last and all he got was a handy.”

“A ‘handy’?” Tom asked, eyebrows raised.

Jamie mimed giving a hand job.

“Ohhh. Well, the way he tells it, you went all the way,” he replied with a laugh.

“Course he does. Boys always brag.”

Tom cleared the plates from the table, rinsing them in the sink despite her protest. He put two brownies on a plate and carried their drinks back to the couch.

“Will you show me the rest of the apartment?” he asked.

“Well, you saw the porch and the kitchen and the dining room and the living room.”

He’d spied snapshots and ticket stubs displayed on open wire frames. She turned on the hall light. There were a couple of him, making silly faces, some with what must be her family that he recognized from her office, including a small baby and a few pets. Stubs from concerts and museums showed her classical and pop tastes.

“There’s a bathroom here. Litter box in the tub so please don’t shower in it. My guest bedroom is mostly storage and crafts.”

She flicked on the lamp on the desk. Lots of totes and assorted crafting materials were spread around. Clearly, this was a work space. There was also a twin bed pushed up against the window.

“I make my lovers sleep in here after I’m done with them.”

“Ah yes, Ben and Chris did mention that.”

At the end of the hall was her bedroom. It was large and open, her queen bed centered under the window. She had white wood furniture and lots of books. One wall next to her bed had two posters. The small one had his face in black and white, grinning widely and looking off camera. The other said “Love your life because your life is what you have to give.” -Tom Hiddleston. The opposite wall had a small green and white framed print that said “Keep calm and kneel” with a silhouette of Loki’s helmet.

“See? No nude portraits! And I just renovated your shrine back into a closet. I needed the space. Sorry.”

A walk in closet and another small bathroom completed the room.

“It’s a great apartment,” he said, smiling at her. “I like that picture of me. I don’t remember what was so funny, but I was definitely amused.” “I can usually tell a fake smile from a real one. Sometimes your eyes are sad.”

He brushed back a piece of hair that had come loose from her braid.

“Are they sad now?” he murmured, putting his large hands on her hips and pulling her closer.

She shook her head slightly, knowing her voice would be useless.

Slowly, painfully slowly, he put his thumb under her chin, gazing into her eyes.

He kept his eyes on hers until their lips met. She stood up on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck, opening her mouth and inviting his tongue to explore. He slid his other hand to her butt, keeping her tight up against him. After what felt like a lifetime of slow kisses, she gently pulled away.

“I’m gonna need to get working on that shrine again,” she murmured into his chest.

She felt the deepness of his chuckle.

“How about those brownies?” he asked, taking her hand and walking her to the living room.

They sat back down on the couch and shared the plate. They stole glances at each other and tried not to giggle.

“Well, it’s getting late. I had my promised pizza. I should get going.”

“Oh. Yeah. Of course,” she replied, not able to hide her disappointment.

Neither of them moved. “See, here’s the thing.” He rubbed his hands on his jeans. “I don’t fuck around. I don’t fuck girls that I don’t plan on seeing further.  I mean, I have given in to the occasional temptation. I’m not perfect. There are an abundance of letters and tweets suggesting doing things to me that I would have to Google how to do. I didn’t come here to fuck you. I didn’t come here because you know my publicist and my dog and you smell like vanilla cookies and Valhalla.”

“Then why did you?” The tightness in her throat betrayed the longing in the question.

“Because this whole day you’ve treated me like a regular guy. Once you got over your initial surprise, you’ve sort of been giving me crap. You climbed in my lap, opened my car door and told me about getting stung by jellyfish in the bay. You tried to pay for dinner and you fed Bruce. You've been bossy and teasing and stubborn. You haven’t asked how I became injured or why I’m clean shaven. You haven’t taken a photograph, except of the inside of my mouth. You handed me your unlocked mobile without a second thought. You said that you’re no good at relationships but you’ve trusted me and not because of the guy you see at the cinema. I came here because I wanted--I needed to find out if I was right.”

“Right about what?” she whispered.

“Right about my gut. About needing to get to know you better. There’s no way for me to meet someone in a conventional way. I’m here to find out if I’m right about trying to take a risk.”

“You think this isn’t risky for me?” she fired back. “This is my whole fucking heart. For all of my bossy bitch attitude, you’re literally the guy of my dreams. I don’t win here. Either I say goodnight and hate myself for not taking the risk or I fuck you and it’s amazing and I spend the rest of my life missing that. There’s no throne. There’s no version of this where I come out on top.”

With tremendous ease, he pulled her into his lap.

“I think,” he said, gently kissing her neck, “That you’d made up your mind before we’d left the hotel. You’re smart and strong and decisive as hell. Your whole heart is exactly what you’re willing to risk because it’s what you have to give. There’s an option that has you winning. Both of us winning. And taking turns on top.”

[whertetrbs]

Scrap

Today was a silly day, Jerry knew that much. First of all, because he wore his formally inappropriate Hawaii Shirt with a pineapple motif, a fisher hat, which would match his red hair, sandals, shorts and sunglasses, which where shaped like the year 2609. The glasses were a thing he had on him when he died, so it held a special place in his no longer beating heart. Number 6 and 0 were once the containers for the dark screened windows but now they were filled with nothing except air and occasionally, the eyes of Jerry. Sometimes Jerry had to pop those suckers back in, he didn't mind that though. For a Zombie, he had it good.  The return of the dead was already a few weeks old and everyone and their mother were still talking about the weird ways some people (and animals) came back. Jerry pitied the ghosts that returned, being noiseless and invisible at a distance seemed downright annoying to him. Ironically,a transparent ghostly woman, dressed in a white business suit scared the hell out of him. Jerry jumped in surprise and let a ton of metal trash down on her by accident. “Oh shit!”, Jerry exclaimed and raced out of the crane's operator cab to the garbage hill that the women was buried under. “Hello? Maam? Are you ok?”, he shouted while looking around the pile. “Yeah, I'm fine, sorry that I spooked you.”, a soft female voice replied. Shortly after that the spectre of the woman came through the trash pile, unharmed.

“I still have to get used to being like... this.”

“What are you doing here? This isn't a safe area.”, Jerry asked.

“It's not like anything could happen to me anyway.”, she said and looked to the ground. Jerry repeated his question: “What is it that you want?”

“I've been in a crash last month, I'm looking for the car I was in.”, she explained.

“Really? Why's that? Did you leave something in there?”

“Well, you could say it that way. Anyway, I tracked it down to this junk yard. Perhaps you know where it is?”, the woman asked.  

“I'm afraid that I pressed your car into a compact cube. It's destroyed, sorry”, he apologized.

“It doesn't matter what form it is in,”, and Jerry saw hope sparkling in her eyes,

”do you still have it?”

“Umm, not really, It's with the other scrapped cars which got picked up by the garbage truck. Sorry-”

“Where did the truck go?”, she asked while grabbing Jerry's collar.

“Hey, you're not actually planning to go after them, right?! What's with the car anyway?!”, he retorted and freed himself from her grasp.

“I just have to get there. Where did it go?”, she requested once more.

“Ok, I get it. The disposal facility is in the other end of this city, can't miss it.”, he answered irritated, turned around and walked to the crane to proceed with his job.

“Thanks, but how do I get there?” Jerry looked at her again and said: “Hell if I know. Take a bus or something. Walk. Go nuts.” The woman replied:

“I don't have money. And if I go by foot, they'll have melted it already. I don't wanna ask-”

“Then don't.”

“Could you drive me there?”, she pleaded.

“No.”, he responded and headed towards his crane again.

“You have to help me, that's all-” Jerry interrupted:

“No, I don't HAVE to help you. I can't abandon everything, only to get you to your wrecked ride.” He said this as he got into the operator cab. Nevertheless that didn't stop the woman.

“Please, everything I have left is that compressed junk. Why won't you help me?”

“Cause I have a job to do.”, he answered and closed the door. The ghost cared little about physical barriers and put her head right through it. “Please help me... or else!”

“Or else? Ghosts don't have much control over matter. Make me!”, he gave back and went on to his job. Suddenly the woman screamed in the highest pitch imaginable, Jerry flinched and covered his ears, but she just kept screaming and screaming. “STOP IT!”, he shouted desperately. “So, will you drive me now?”, she asked with a triumphant smile. She looked quite pretty, with her blue eyes, reminiscent of blue quartz, her short, golden hair and just a hint of red on her lips.

“Fucking fine.”, Jerry accepted and went into his front office. He informed his partner, John, who now noticed the ghostly woman. “Uh, Jerry, who is she?”

“You don't wanna know. I'm gonna drive her to the disposal facility or Miss Banshee will make my eardrums explode!”, Jerry explained.

“It's Miss Alexandra Falker to you!”, the woman explained

“Ok. So, Jerry, you're taking a, er, earlier lunch break?”, John asked and looked towards Jerry.

“Yes, you can put it that way. Keep the suits out for me, ok?”, he answered and grabbed his keys.

“Will do, partner.”

“Good, see you later.” Jerry left for his car. It was an old Toyota AE86. “Do you like my car?”, he asked Alexandra jokingly. She was not amused. Jerry unlocked his vehicle and got in, while Alexandra just glided through the door, onto the seat. Jerry shook his head and put his seatbelt on. Jerry started the engine and drove onto the road. He switched on the radio and Jerry started to sing along. He noticed that Alexandra was not a fan of his performance. She had screamed right in his ear, he felt like he deserved to annoy her just a little. That was the moment when she started her banshee scream again. “Fuck, fine I won't sing, Jesus...”, Jerry promised. Alexandra was ticked off by the last uttered word:

“Hmph, Jesus. That basta... that man is responsible for this whole mess.”

“Well, I personally liked the resurrection, why are you so upset?”

She didn't answer. After a few minutes of silence, Jerry tried again: “Why do you hate him?”

“Him?”

“Jesus.”

“Do you really wanna know?”, she asked with a raised eyebrow. Jerry nodded and Alexandra took a deep breath before she explained: “In the car crash that killed me... I wasn't alone. My daughter was on the back seat. Of course, I don't know what happened to her, I just woke up right where I had the accident. First, I went home, but she wasn't there, then I checked if she was at her school, next I looked by our old home, still nothing. The only place that's left is the car. She must be there. And Jesus couldn't possibly have a good reason to do this to us, could he?”

“First of all, I'm sorry for that, I couldn't imagine what I would do if one of my kids...

I'm sure of one thing though: you two will meet again.”, Jerry answered after digesting everything Alexandra had thrown at him.

“You are a believer?”, she asked him with a cold gaze in her eyes and a hint of disdain in her voice.

“Do you despise them that much?”

“Let's just say that I had my share of troubles with them.”

“No doubt about that, we do have some fuckers in our midst”, he admitted, ”that's not all of us though. Give me a chance, will ya?”

“I did, but you said: 'I don't have to help you.'”, she replied coldly.

“The reason for that is that junk yard of mine could be taken away soon. .You see, when I died, my sons took over and they weren't experienced business people, and they wound up knee deep in debt. Now I'm back and I can't afford to play the chauffeur for every worried ghost I come across. Although, you do have a point. Perhaps I should have helped you nonetheless. Sometimes the right thing to do and what you actually need to do, can be miles apart.”, he said after being quiet for a while.

“Maybe so.”, Alexandra commented, as she was looking outside through the window.

Opposed to Jerry, who felt confident that Alexandra's daughter was waiting at the trashed car, she thought: “He's wrong. That's the last place where she could be. She wasn't anywhere up to this point, why would she appear now?” As she was thinking that, Jerry had found a spot near the disposal facility and he informed Alexandra: “Time for a family reunion, right?” To his surprise, Alexandra wasn't listening, she was absorbed in her thoughts. “Umm... Miss Falker?”

She suddenly awoke from her world of thought: “What?”

“Come on, let's save your car and get your daughter back to you.”, he explained with energy radiating from his eyes.

“Ok, sure. Let's go.”, she said and slid right on through the car. As Jerry exited on his side and locked the car, Alexandra mentioned: “By the way, don't call me 'Miss' anything. I'm Alex.” Jerry nodded and returned the favor: “Hi, I'm Jerry.” The undead duo made its way into the garbage destroyer. It's rustyness and old towers were already unpleasant to look at, the smell was not very welcoming either and the front office worker seemed to have absorbed both properties. He said:

“State your business.”

“Well, where do you melt the cars?”, Jerry asked nonchalantly.

“Firstly, tell me your name. Secondly, state your intentions. Then I can-”

“Listen, I just want to get to the leftovers of my car, is that impossible?”, Alex interrupted.

“Did you think you could waltz in here and do whatever you want, like the other undead fuckers?”, he responded and frowned.

“Screw this and you.”, Alex insulted the worker and squeezed right through the locked metal doors to the right of the office. “You know what? Knock yourself out, I don't care at this point!”, the front desk worker shouted. All of the sudden the giant doors opened. Jerry wondered what had happened, only for the doors to slowly reveal Alex, who was pressing a button on the inside that on the wall next to the doors.

“Get in!”, she called out. Jerry hurried as fast as his half decomposed legs would allow.

On the outside, the office worker was sitting on his chair again, reading a newspaper. He mumbled: “Undead people again, breaking in here in search of some old cursed crap. Fourth fucking time this week. And it's fucking Tuesday. I won't put up with this any more.”

In the meantime, Alex and Jerry made their way deeper into the facility. Alex asked: “How will we find the right trash cube? It's no different from any other cube except it's blue color and-”

In that very moment they came across a small pile of trash cubes. At the foot of that garbage pile, there was a sign that said: “Cursed Rubbish”

“What the hell...”, Jerry mumbled and examined the mountain from top to bottom.

“I think I see my car. It must be!”, Alex exclaimed and tried to grip a blue cube on the left of the pile. Jerry quickly went and helped her. At last they had arrived where they wanted to be. The cube stood freely before them now. Alex kneeled next to it and started talking: “Ella, can you hear me? Are you there? Please answer. Please be there.” Her voice started breaking up. She put her arms around the cube that used to be her car. “Come on, sweetie. Don't do this to me.” Alex tried to be strong but tears started running over her face. Out of nowhere the voice of a girl reverberated through the air: “I'm sorry that you had to suffer.” Jerry and Alex looked around but the source of the voice was nowhere to be seen. Then out of the top of the cube pile, a girl ghost slid out. Alex couldn't take her eyes off of her.

“Sorry, I'm not the one you're searching for. I was waiting here for quite some time. Many people came here in search of their loved ones, I'm the last one left. Not everyone found them.

The one you call Ella was never here.”

With that information, both undead left the place. When they were getting out of the doors, the desk worker said: “Hmph. Fucking dead people.”

Jerry snapped back: “You're the one to talk, you work an office job.” Jerry tried everything to comfort Alex, to no avail. When they made their way back to Jerry's car, he proposed something: “How about I show you one of my favourite places here in Los San Chicagos? You'll like it,

I promise.” Alex did not object, in fact, she didn't say a word at all. Soon after they arrived at a promenade, where a few people were taking a walk. Jerry took his lunch box with him and encouraged Alex to come with him. Not knowing any better, she followed him. From the promenade, she could see almost the entire city. The sun was already setting bathing the skyline of Los San Chicagos in an sanguine orange light. Jerry had his arms resting on the balustrade and he took a good look at the panorama. “Tell me about Ella. What was she like?”, he started.

Alexandra hesitated but after a while, she told Jerry everything surrounding her beloved offspring, her face and eyes lit up and radiated and aura of energy. “...and when she was seven years old, all the other girls in her class were swooning over that one boy, I can't remember the name, but she clearly said to me: 'Boys are icky, there's no way I'll like them, never ever!'. As a matter of fact, she never did like boys, she came out to me last year. At first I thought it was a phase but Ella always insisted that it was a part of her that would never go away. Well, it took me more time to accept that than I care to admit but I never treated her any different, I never stopped loving her...” Stopping at that point, Alex expression changed from the happy energetic aura to the silent sadness she had since they were at the disposal facility. “Do you think that's the reason she didn't come back? Because she was...” Jerry quickly stopped her: “No, that wouldn't make any sense: if that were true I wouldn't be standing here!”

“So you are...”, she asked timidly.

“Let's just say that love can go lots of different ways. Ella is fine, I'm sure of it. She's in a better place now, I know it.”

“You mean you believe, right?”

“No, I know.”, he reassured and winked at her.