#you let him finish the thought and then suddenly it's John running the club

[theinfinitedivides]

a list of personally notable things from the nearly 8 and a half minute-long interview with SRK that YRF put out on their official YouTube channel while i cry over the just announced OTT date of April 25th, exactly three months after the original release:

him. obviously. we love to see it

the cargo pants. with the pockets. all of the pockets

the black sunglasses. immediate Kala Chashma war flashbacks (slightly tempered by the dance cover by The Quick Style which f*cks severely, i should add—pls watch the entire thing here, you will not regret it)

the jewelry (there are at least five or six bracelets/bangles on his right hand alone + his wedding ring + a watch on his left. we are keeping with the silver accessorization theme. sadly no earrings tho)

the way he really said he came to the industry 32 years ago to be an action hero, missed the boat, became the romance hero, got back on the boat, is currently giving us Pathaan

intentionally fighting to change the choreo for JJP bc he said the danceability factor gave off Chaiyya Chaiyya energy after listening to it through his car speakers

'(talking about John agreeing to sign onto the film after his previous "good" roles) ... in the Hindi film scenario, heroes don't play bad guys. i'd love to play bad guys'

John being quiet and shy when working with him bc irl he's just a Soft and Tender Boi ™

"'you are a national treasure, i will not hurt you, i can't' ... and i had to do a lot of convincing to tell him 'no, it's OK, you can punch me, i won't get hurt'" / John correcting his posture during filming (so. SRK x John boxing club meet-cute AU when, exactly)

manifesting that the most liked character in the film is, in fact, John's and not his (enemies-to-lovers pipeline endorsement. i'm taking this at face value)

Deepika being the morally ambiguous character (!!!) who looks better throwing a man over her shoulder than he does

the obligatory self-deprecating box office history joke

"a kid shouldn't be disappointed in his father to say 'baba, you told me this was your favorite star and he didn't even say hello.' ... (slight paraphrasing) when they say 'apna Shah Rukh' i want to show them that that is not untrue. i am theirs" / basically just SRK explaining why he is the decent human being he is and greets his fans. there's a Delhi reference in there somewhere

[sweetestcaptainhughes]

my lil' jealous boy - John Marino

Word Count - 3k

Requested - Yes by a lovely anon who asked "John Marino smut please where he gets jealous when his new teammates flirts with his girlfriend because they don’t know who she is yet 🥹🫶🏻" and another lovely anon sent this in "John Marino smut please where he just ignores when girls flirt at him but when y/n gets flirted by other guys he gets so protective and angry 🥹"

Summary - Deciding to meet John at the bar as he's coming from the rink because it was easier. But what happens when one of his new teammates decides to flirt you not knowing that you were John's girl.

Warnings - dominate boy/ submissive girl , jealous boyfriend, semi public sex

Author's Note - Thank you to both of you nonnies for requesting. I hope it's everything you thought it would be. 🫶🏻🫶🏻

Masterlist

Since John’s new team, the Utah Hockey Club had so many new players this year. The franchise decided to do a family skate to kick off the new year today. Afterwards, the players and wags were planning on going to a bar to kick off the new season. Normally, you would go to all the family skates of Johnny’s past teams - New Jersey Devils and Penguins. But since you both just officially moved to Utah a little over a week ago, your new apartment was an actual disaster of boxes from Jersey, Michigan and new amazon packages. Mentally you couldn’t spend another day walking through an apartment that was half unpacked, so you and Johnny both agreed that you would just meet everyone at the bar after. 

John helped you tackle unpacking the kitchen so that it was functional before he left for the family skate. Spending the rest of the day jumping from the kitchen to the guest bedroom, the living room, the master bathroom. Although you didn’t finish everything you felt much better by the time 7 rolled around and you needed to start getting ready to go out. Taking a much needed shower and then deciding to wear a simple floral dress and some white high top vans and some light make-up knowing that everyone else would be dressed casual as well since coming from family-skate. As you were leaving your apartment you felt your phone buzz as you were locking the door, assuming it was the uber you ordered you looked down surprised to see a text from Johnny. 

my johnny 💞

Hi baby, the family skate ran late so you might get there before me.

Walking outside you wait until you get into your uber to answer Johnny, telling him that it was okay and you weren’t even there yet. After a quick 20 minute uber ride you arrived at the bar, walking in you survey the crowded bar to make sure that Johnny wasn’t here already. Deciding to just order yourself a drink after the long day of unpacking the new place. Opening your phone you send John a quick text to let him know that you’ll be waiting for him at the bar when he arrives. Once you get your favorite drink and open a tab for yourself you open Instagram and start mindlessly scrolling while waiting for Johnny to come. 

Getting lost in scrolling your feed, not sure how much time has passed. Suddenly feeling a body close to yours at first you assumed it was just someone trying to order a drink in the busy bar, but then you felt them pressed a little too close to comfort forcing yourself to look up. But before you can tell them to kindly back off they start talking to you. 

“Whoa, you're even more beautiful than I imagined.” the guy says. 

“Thanks.” trying to make your face look the most uncomfortable as possible, wishing that Johnny didn’t run late and he was here so this dude wouldn’t feel the need to hit on you. 

“What’s a pretty girl like you doing here by yourself.” he asks with a grin, but you can see his eyes traveling down the v-line in your dress and suddenly you regret wearing this dress.

“Just waiting for my boyfriend actually.” you mumble, looking at the door hoping that he walks in soon because sadly you don’t see this guy leaving you alone soon. 

“Oh he must not be very smart to leave you alone in a bar full of professional athletes like myself. “ he smirks like the fact is supposed to impress you and you have to resist the urge to not roll your eyes. 

Suddenly you feel someone's presence behind you and you relax when you hear John’s familiar soothing voice. “What was that about me not being smart Douglas?” his jaw setting, and you were grateful his aggravated tone that was directed at his new teammate wasn’t directed at you. One of his arms went to wrap around your waist, stepping behind you and pushing you back so your back was flushed with his chest. Taking his other hand that wasn’t wrapped around your waist bringing it to your chin, slowly turning your head so he could greet you. 

“Hi handsome.” you softly say to greet him as he closes to the distance for what you assumed was a quick peak but quickly turned heated as he bit your bottom lip silently to enter his tongue in your mouth. Sadly it ended as quickly as it began as you were reminded where you were standing when you heard someone clear their throat in front of you. Although you pulled away, your cheeks a slightly flushed from the kiss and someone interrupting you both. John didn’t seem bothered at all and didn’t even glance at his teammate trying to get both your attention. 

“Hi baby.” he says a little louder than needed, obviously wanting his teammate to hear him. “Sorry I’m so late, parking was an absolute nightmare.” he mumbles as he turns back to his teammate, squinting his eyes in what could only be described as annoyance. 

His teammate who you recently learned was named Douglas was nervously stumbling out an apology, tripping over his words. “Sorry Mariano I wa- wou - would've never if I knew she was your” but before he could finish his apology John cut him off. 

“I know. But word of advice kid.” he says, as he steps to your side his hand is still wrapped around your waist, his hand never even attempting to leave your hip. “Next time a girl tells you she has a girlfriend whether you think she’s lying or not.” He steps closer to the blonde haired boy although he was taller than John you could tell Douglas was nervous. “Don’t respond that you're a professional athlete Curtis, you sound like a dick and also chances are if she is lying about having a boyfriend it’s because she isn’t interested. And do you really want someone who’s only with you cause you play in the NHL.” As he finishes his words he steps back to fully embrace you and you hear Curtis say something else before he hurries off to the rest of the team that has taken residence in the back corner of the busy bar. 

“Well I haven’t seen you act like that before.” you tease John, seeing how far you can push his buttons before he pulls you away for being a brat. 

“Shut up.” he mumbles he doesn’t even look at you flagging the bartender down to order himself a beer and you another drink. Looking down he notices that you already had a drink and suddenly he had bitterness in his voice as he asked, “please don’t tell me he brought that for you?” His usual bright brown eyes now dark with a new maddening look and it made you clench your thighs as you leaned over to him. 

“It’s not, but what would you do if it was?” you whisper a coy smile on your lips as you watch John take a deep breath trying to control his breathing. Deciding to push your luck even further you jump off the bar stool. “Come on Johnny dance with me.” you say as you walk backwards to the makeshift dance floor swaying your hips to the beat of music, stretching one arm out to Johnny as your other goes to play with your hair. John knew what you were doing, you wanted a reaction out of him and he was putty in your hands as he took your seat and watched you dance by yourself for a little. He was enchanted by you, a smile on his face as he sank into the bar stool that you were sitting in moments ago. His eyes followed every little move as you got lost to the music, lost in your own little world. Until he noticed the wandering eyes around you and how the men around you were trying to undress you with their eyes and then he was even more bitter than when his teammate tried to hit on you. Abonading both your drinks at the bar, deciding he can buy new ones late, he walks up to you pulling you by the hips into his embrace. 

“I hate this.” he whispers in your ear. Not noticing the eyes following you around the dance floor yet, you give John a confused look. “I hate how everyone is trying to undress you with their eyes, including fucking Douglas” Bending closer to your ear, you can feel his hot breath breath of the top of your ear as he says “your mine.” Gently going below your ear to the sensitive spot on your neck teasingly biting it. Closing your eyes immediately to the feeling and moving your neck slightly to give John more access as your breath quickens at the sudden movement. He starts to leave wet kisses down your neck as you continue to dance against him. 

“Ahh John.” you lightly moan just loud enough for him to hear, encouraging him to pull you closer kneading your ass as he continues your attack.

“Your so fucking beautiful” as he leaves another small nip down your back. “And sexy.” moving further down your neck, his mouth now where your collarbone and neck meet. “Look at you gasping for air and all I’ve done is kiss your neck. You think they can do that to ya?” His words spitting out of his like venom as he contonies “Think they make you feel this good.” Before you can even answer he bites hard on where your neck and shoulder meet and it takes everything in you not to cry out in pleasure in this bar. 

“No only you.” you gasp and he rewards you by pulling you into a deep kiss, fighting for dominance, your tongues battling before he slips his tongue in your mouth and lets out a light moan. The kiss only gets more heated, both of you forgetting that you’re in the middle of the dance floor. Finally pulling away for air, John’s leans his forehead against yours and closes his eyes. As you both take a few deep breaths, you can tell that John is trying to control himself and not sneak you away to the nearest bathroom or out to his car. But you decide to push him further to his limit by teasing him even more. “Johnny” you whine, he snaps his eyes open at the sound of you calling his name standing up on your toes so you can whisper in his ear easily slipping into your submissive roll when you whisper. “ Please make me feel good.” 

“Fuck” he goans as his pupils became blown with lust. He closes his eyes for a second and you can tell he’s having an internal battle of what to do. Next thing you know he grabs your hand dragging you to the back hallway. He quickly pulls you into the single stall bathroom and locks the door behind you. Quickly moving his way to your neck leaving open mouth kisses all the way down all the way to the deep v cut of your dress. “God you’re so beautiful” dragging his teeth across the part of your boob that’s exposed causing you to moan in response. 

“Please Johnny do something.” needing to feel him do something to help the arch between your legs. 

He pulls his head back with a smirk on his face as he says in a cocky voice “Uh uh you said make you feel good you didn’t say when.” A full on shit-eating grin on his face now as he watches your face scrunch as if you're in pain as you process his words. 

“Johnny.” you beg, you know your next words will cause you get to punished for being a brat but at this point you can’t seem to care, as you say “do something or do I need to go get one of your teammates.” 

“You fucking wouldn’t” he spits his words his jealously from earlier consuming his body again. 

“Try me.” Now it was your turn to smirk. 

Grabbing you by your wrists he pulls you the sink “God your such a fucking brat” as he turns you so your hands grasp the sick, making you bend over so that your ass is slightly sticking up your underwear on display due to the shortness of your dress. “I should just leave you like this” Slapping your ass hard enough to leave a handprint.  “Make you sit in your own wetness all night” slap “cause of your own goddamn mouth.” slap. Each slap slap of your ass causing you to push your ass up further moaning for more. “Is that what you want, princess?” He only calls you princess when you're being a brat and it makes you try to clench your thighs at the nickname.  “should that be your punishment?” slap. 

“N- no.” you stumble out. “Please, I just need you.” you whimper making eye-contact with John through the mirror. 

“Ya think you can be quiet.” he asks as he brings you up so your back is flesh with his chest as he starts to suck on lightly on the back of your exposed shoulder,”I don’t want anyone else hearing your pretty little moans.” nodding your head yes at his words. “Naw naw you know the rule, gotta hear you say it princess.” 

“Yes Johnny I- I’ll be quiet whatever you want.” you stutter out.

“Good girl.” he rewards you by pulling your underwear down, his finger teasing your entrance. “Shit your soaking baby.” he exclaims, not sure if he’s talking to you or just making a statement. But you don’t care biting your lip at the feeling of him finally touching you. Closing your eyes focusing on the feeling of his finger at your entrance trying to push back to feel his finger more. “Naw naw I'm in control.” he says darkly as you feel his finger disappear whimpering in response, biting on your bottom lip to try and stay quiet. Suddenly you hear him undo the belt of his jeans and your clench around nothing in anticipation for what’s to come. 

“Look at you such a slut for my cock your already clenching baby.” John teases you as he brings his dick to your core slowly pushing himself into you, barely giving you time to adjust before he’s pulling out to thrust back into finding a steady space. “God your fucking wet. Who made you this way huh princess.” he grunts out as he takes one of his hands and moves it to your neck lightly pulling your hair back forcing you to make eye contact with him in the mirror.

“Ya’ you- Johnny only ya- you.” you moan. 

“That’s right.” grunting his teeth as he answers you. Taking his hand that was squeezing your hip, pulling it around to draw circles on your throbbing clit. Between his hand pulling your hair, his other rubbing fast circles on your clit and the hard steady thrusts of his dick into your core you're a moaning mess. Your hands sliding forward giving John a new angle letting him abuse your g-spot over and over. 

“Joh - Johnny I’m close.” you whimper looking at him in the mirror, tears almost in your eyes from all the teasing before and the need to cum. Your words cause John to quicken his speed, his balls hitting the curve of your ass with each thrust causing both of you to moan louder. 

“Fuck. Me to baby.” he moans. “You gotta wait just a little longer princess.” he grunts. 

Not knowing if you're gonna be able to restrict yourself from cumming you feel yourself tear up. “Please Johnny. I - I -” you beg your eyes threatening to cry. “Please please can I cum?” you beg. 

One look at you, almost in tears and for the first time all night for a second you swear you see his eyes soften to his normal soft brown color. “Okay baby let go it’s okay.” he grunts and with that you feel every muscle in your body tighten as you throw your head back on John’s shoulder as you moan letting yourself finally released for the first time tonight. John continues his assault on your clit but moves the hand from your hair to squeezing your right boob playing with the nipple. Continuing to thrust in and out of you at a hard and fast pace hitting your g-spot with every thrust helping you work through your orgasm. 

“Johnny fuck right there da - don’t stop.” you moan completely lost in pleasure, your moaning triggering his own orgasm as he shoots his cum into you. Slowing down his thrusts slightly as he works through his orgasm finally completely coming to a stop. John lets go of you bringing both his hands to hold your waist much more gently than before his forehead resting on your shoulder as you both try to bring your breathing back to normal.

A small chuckle leaves your lips as your head is still resting on his shoulder. He lifts his head up a wide smile on his lips. “What?” he asks.

“It’s just all this because you got jealous that some new teammate offered to buy me a shot.” you tease him another chuckle leaving your lips. 

“Shut up, you loved it.” he teases back at you, slightly squeezing your hips as he pulls out of you, grabbing some toilet paper to clean you.

“Oh I’m not saying I didn’t.” Smirking as you reach for your underwear, pulling it back up as you turn around, as John throws the toilet paper away. Putting your hands on his chest you lean up to him, peaking his lips quickly “I actually find it adorable when you become my lil’ jealous boy.” you tease. 

“Hahaha very funny. I'm gonna remember this next time a girl tries to flirt with me and you get jealous.” Grabbing your hand making your way to the door to unlock it. 

“Alright whatever you say babe.” continuing your light teasing as you exit the bathroom rejoining his new team for a round of drinks. 

[mrshesh]

omg can you write how the 141 would react to fem reader (who never wears makeup or dresses up) who has to dress up for a mission at the club? AHGFJ i cant get this out of my head bro im weeping gaz would go RED

"how do i look?" - task force 141 x reader

overview: task force 141 reacting to you getting dolled up for a mission

pairing: task force 141 x fem reader, romantic

genre: fluff, spice

a/n: hi anon! YOU'RE SO RIGHT ABOUT GAZ 😭 i loooove this scenario a lot. thanks for the request! i hope you love it teehee :) (and omg johnny's eyes i'm giggling)

x simon "ghost" riley

When Simon’s assigned to go on this mission with you, he’s already cursing under his breath. Clubs have never been his forte–the loud music and crowded, drug and alcohol-filled atmosphere isn’t exactly something he’s comfortable with. 

And the fact that you’re supposed to go as his date isn’t helping his case either. 

Simon has always had a thing for you. He loves many things about you, but he adores that you stay true to yourself most of all. You always do what you want, never putting in unnecessary energy to please others. He can relate to that–it feels nice to have someone who understands. 

And that is one of the reasons why you never wear makeup or dress up. You don’t feel like you have to–not for yourself, not for anyone else. 

So he doesn’t know what to expect when he’s standing outside, waiting for you to finish getting ready so you can head out with him. 

He’s waiting anxiously, standing with his hands in the pocket of his black hoodie. He finds you beautiful either way, of course. You could be in the most ridiculous outfit known to man, and he’d still be completely enamored by you. But it’s only natural for him to get a reaction to you being all dolled up, right? Anyhow, he’s hoping that he won’t. 

“Sorry, I took so long!” You exclaim, running out to him after a few minutes, snapping him out of his thoughts. 

The second Simon looks up to meet your eyes, his eyes widen. You look so pretty, so new and confident. He has never seen you this dressed up before, so it’s still kind of weird to him, but you look so gorgeous he can’t take his eyes off you. 

“How do I look?” You ask, smiling at him and giving him a spin. 

He’s so grateful he’s wearing his mask, or else you would be able to see the intense blush he has on his face. 

“Good. Let’s go.” He simply says, looking you up and down before he walks to the driver's seat, trying so hard not to make his attraction to you obvious.

“Just good?” You keep poking at him, smirking as you pick up on his lingering gaze. It’s so undeniable that he’s checking you out. “I spent an hour on my makeup, Lt. I’d appreciate a compliment.” “Jesus Christ, Y/N.” He sighs, turning to you with his piercing cold gaze. But his look doesn’t make your body erupt in goosebumps like it usually would. His eyes are soft even though he’s glaring daggers at you. “You look beautiful. Now let’s go, soldier. We don’t have all day.” “Thank you, Lt.” 

Even though he looks fine on the outside, he’s screaming inside. He nearly ran over the curb on the way to the club–that’s how much his mind wandered. 

He’s suddenly very protective over you, as well. He knows you can handle your own, but if any man looks at you too long in the club, he’s looming behind you like your shadow, standing close to you as you walk through the crowd. 

He checks in on you constantly during the mission. “Anyone annoying you?” “You comfortable?” “Do you need help?” It’s not out of the ordinary for him to check in now and then during missions, but this? It’s almost getting excessive. 

After the mission, he’s much calmer and softer. He’s much like his usual self around you, yet he has an element of shyness weighing down on him. He almost seems flustered. That aura will never leave him as long as he has the image of your outfit in his head.

x john "soap" mactavish

When Johnny’s assigned to go on this mission with you, saying he’s excited is an understatement. 

He’s going to get to go on a mission with you? And you’re going to be all dolled up? It’s like a dream. 

You’re always beautiful to him - like you got sculpted with such care and thought you could present as the main attraction at a museum. He’s always been a gawker, staring at you whenever he can, just drinking your features and imagining what it would be like to hold you. 

He will stare no matter what - you’re that stunning to him, and no tactical gear or scrubs could ever deduct from your beauty. But he has never seen you in clubbing attire before. It’s always refreshing to see you in different styles of clothes and disguises. It humanizes you. 

So, best believe he’s thrilled that he will see you with a flattering outfit and cute makeup. 

He’s standing outside of your door as you get ready. He’s waiting for you so you can go to the mission briefing together. Unbeknownst to him, Johnny won’t be able to focus on the briefing with you next to him. 

“You done yet, lass?” He taps his foot on the ground, grumbling as he leans against the wall by your door. “Yeah, give me a minute. They provided me with fuckin’ donut-scented perfume.” You sigh, making Johnny laugh a little. “Donuts smell good, though.” He shrugs. “Luckily…” 

“Okay, I’m ready.” You eventually step out, catching Johnny by complete surprise. He hoped he’d get a warning, a minute to prepare himself. 

And my God, he needs it. 

His jaw instantly drops at the sight of you. It’s safe to say you’ve left him speechless. You look so perfect, unlike anything he has ever seen. It almost feels corny to him–how starstruck you’ve got him.

After what feels like an eternity, he steps closer to you and gently holds your waist, his cheeks turning into a deep crimson color. 

“You look amazin’, lass.” He softly says, his rough hands feeling you up gently. “So beautiful.” He just can’t stop looking at you, his jaw still touching the floor as his eyes scan your flustered frame and face. “Thank you, John.” 

“I don’t even wanna go on the mission anymore. I just wanna look at you.” He purrs, his soft blue eyes meeting yours. “God, I wish.” You snicker, punching his shoulder playfully. “We’re already late to the briefing as is. We gotta move, Sergeant.” “Unfortunately.” 

There’s something so different about Johnny on this mission. The way he is with you is worlds apart from his attitude to everyone else. He’s as soft as a koala with you, clinging to you as you navigate around the booming club. He’s constantly whispering sweet nothings into your ear, praising you for doing the bare minimum. “You’re doin’ great, bonnie.” “Look at you… stunning.” “Aren’t you lookin’ pretty?” “Good job, beautiful.” 

But if only you can see how he’s glaring daggers at everyone else. Any man who steps too close for comfort to you needs to go through Johhny first. Nobody messes with you on his watch. He’s acting like your fucking guard dog–that’s how bad it is. 

After the mission… Good God, you’re in for it. 

Clingy™️. You thought he was clingy in the club? It is nothing compared to how much of a lost puppy he is around you now. He just wants to be around you and nobody else. 

x kyle "gaz" garrick

Kyle isn’t surprised John assigned him to go on this mission with you. You’re both young, efficient, and skillful. What better candidates are there for this?

He is, however, overjoyed. Going on missions alone with you will always be one of Kyle’s favorite things, the intimacy and romance of it all making his heart burst. But this? It is on a whole other level of romance to Kyle. Even if clubs aren’t fairytale-like, the context matters to him. He’s going to the club with you, as your date. How is that not romantic?

He has always loved your look. Not only is it sexy to him how authentic you look, but it has a level of vulnerability to it, which he adores. But he can’t help but wonder–how would you look glammed up? How would you look with a full face and a cute outfit? 

Well, he doesn’t have to wonder anymore. The time has come. 

“Hurry up, Kyle.” You grumble as you stand outside his room, continuously knocking on his door. Surprisingly, he’s putting a lot of effort into his appearance, so much so that he’s taking longer than you did to dress up. “Captain’s gonna come for our asses.” “You excited to see me, is that it?” “Shut up.” 

It takes him a few minutes to finally walk out, and as much as you are mesmerized by his appearance, it is nothing compared to his reaction to your new look. He is RED.

“Wow… you look good, Sergeant.” You give him a nod of approval, a cheeky smile painted on your face. Kyle’s sudden silence makes your eyes flicker to his own, only to be met by his awed expression. 

He takes all of you in, drinking in your appearance before his eyes meet yours. “Damn, soldier.” He whistles, stepping closer to you and giving you a twirl, erupting a hearty laugh from you. “You look great.” Even though his words are simple, they carry a palpable weight. “Thanks, Kyle. Now let’s go.” 

You instantly notice how handsy Kyle is, all of a sudden. He keeps his hand on the small of your back during the whole mission, his touch sending waves of warmth throughout your body. Your outfit hugs your curves perfectly, making it impossible for him to keep his hands away from you. You look stunning.

He even drags you onto the club’s dance floor, resting his hands on your hips and bringing you closer to him, your bodies swaying to the music. He insists it’s for blending into the crowd, but everybody knows he’s spewing complete bullshit. But you don’t mind. 

However, you two finished the mission with flying colors, your teamwork proving to be excellent once more. (Kyle is sure it’s because of the dancing.)

He has never put such thought and care into a mission report in his life. He’s secretly hoping John will assign him and you on more of these missions together. He just can’t get enough of this new look of yours. 

He still adores your usual air. Your laidback and natural beauty makes his heart skip a beat every time. But damn, your confidence in that club makes him lose his mind. 

He craves more of it.

x john price

John knows better than anyone how capable you are. How strong and essential you are to the team. He immediately assigns you to go on this mission because of your ability to complete your tasks flawlessly and smoothly. And who better to go on this mission with you than him?

He knows he’s doing this for the mission’s sake but still gets this unwavering guilt as he waits for you outside by the car. You’ve got this unique aura everyone’s drawn to, even if you aren’t everyone's taste. You’re so courageous and likable, so unapologetically yourself. There’s just something about you. He can’t help but like you. And he feels like he’s solely going on this mission with you because of his biased feelings–because he chose you two to go together. It’s so shameful. He’s your Captain, for fuck’s sake. 

“What’s got you stressing, Cap?” You break him out of his storm of thoughts when you walk towards him, looking more alluring than ever. He could look at you for hours. Your outfit hugs your curves perfectly, your makeup extenuates your features, and your scent makes you smell like you came straight from heaven. You look like a literal angel. There’s no denying that.

“Well, don’t you look breathtaking?” He gives you a soft smile, stepping closer to you and taking all of you in. “Ready to go?” He can’t let himself get too distracted. You’ve still got a mission to complete. It is proving to be more difficult than usual, though–not because of the objective itself but because of you. 

“Thanks, Captain.” You chuckle, nodding. “Yep. All ready.” 

Focusing on the road is rougher than it seems. With you sitting next to John, he can’t look anywhere but you. The mere sight of you is just killing him. 

Focusing on the mission isn’t as hard, but it’s still bothersome when he could be holding you in his arms, admiring your newfound beauty and look. He’s trying his hardest not to act possessive. To not be closer than he needs to be. Again–he has a job to get done.

But at the end of the day, unlike everyone else, he knows how to control himself and finish the mission quickly and efficiently. 

After the mission, however, you’re not off the hook. 

Since he’s your Captain, he needs to keep himself in check. Having a relationship with you is dangerous for you both, which is why he’s discreet with his favoritism and feelings. 

Now all of a sudden, he’s assigning you on far too many disguise missions, the ones that require you to get dolled up. Of course, he’s still so smitten by default. Like Johnny, he feels that no amount of imperfections can take away from your beauty. But seeing you in those dresses… that makeup… it does something to John. He can’t get enough of it. 

And obviously, he’s going with you on those missions. 

And suddenly, it’s not about the missions anymore but about you. John’s not doing this because you’re skilled–John’s doing this because it’s the closest he’ll ever get to being with you. 

[johnslittlespoon]

hi sorry i can't stop thinking about your leaving!bikeriders au aaaaaa

big tough intimidating gale and his sweet little puppy boyfriend is just *chefs kiss*

but also just the potential for the future of these two is driving me crazy

john's always been a little smaller than gale, or just the fact that he's so pretty thin and lanky makes him seem smaller in comparison

but the years go by and suddenly he's got a couple inches on gale and he's beefy as all hell

gales loves it

gale gushing to his biker buddies about his baby bucky and then this brick wall of a man walks up and theyre all like holy shit

and bucky never loses his puppy tendancies, he just kinda becomes like a big dog that doesn't know his size, draping himself all over gale and almost crushing him in the process

and also gale with a little white in his beard im going insane

au post | STOP IT THIS MADE ME SO <33 i loooove this (also it won't let me add a 'read more' without messing up the images so forgive this wall of text lol)

just the thought of them growing so close and their lives intertwining over the years, sorting through their issues, getting over every hurdle and going through so much together. gale in a suit bringing flowers to john's college graduation, john getting a part time job despite gale's protests because he wants to help out but also so they can take a celebratory vacation together when he finishes his exams :((

they meet when john looks like this sweet little thing in his second year of college, early 20s, shy and still growing into gangly limbs:

and then suddenly a couple years have passed and he's graduating and he looks like this twunky frat boy (gale realizes somewhere in the first few months of living together that john's vision is absolute dogshit and john's just been writing it off as a lack of focus lmfao so he forces him to an eye doctor):

and part of gale feels a little bit sad when john doesn't have to tilt his chin up to kiss him properly anymore because yk it's like watching a puppy grow up lol but mostly he's just. insane. about his boy. he's in love with his brain, and getting to see him grow confidence and become at peace with himself over the years only makes him more infatuated (and he'll be damned if he doesn't go a little crazy at the feeling of muscular thighs beneath his hands when he's got john pinned down) <3

gale's friends going a good chunk of time without seeing john during his last year of college because john's so busy juggling part time and cramming for his final exams, and when he finally does show up at the pub or biker club or whatever just before summer, there's jokes about "what the hell have you been feeding him, buck?" because that is not the lanky awkward pretty boy that had been hanging off of gale's arm the summer before. although john's absolutely still the same personality–wise, still crawling into gale's lap whenever he can, making gale carry him to bed, loving to sit on the floor by the couch between gale's legs so gale has to lean down to kiss him. :')

maybe john gets an internship after graduating and ends up working part time at the mechanic shop instead of his old part time since gale can give him whatever hours he needs to balance the internship and income (i'm pretty sure that's what i'll have gale's job be, running a car and bike shop, because yk it just checks out). john does a lot of heavy lifting and physical activity working there and bulks tf up and it makes him feel so much more confident in himself and gale would lose his mind at the way john's work shirts stretch across his broad shoulders hsdgdskhj !?!

and oh my god yes salt and pepper beard gale. john would go fucking feral over him, catching himself staring all the time, as if he doesn't already do that enough. they both become more and more attracted to each other as time goes on, like they keep waiting for the 'honeymoon' phase to end but it just doesn't, even through whatever conflicts and fights they go through, even once they fall into routine and domesticity– they're just as crazy about each other sigh.

thx. these two are gonna live rent free in my head forever. i love them so much and i haven't even written them yet fml. ALSO THANK U FOR UR OTHER ASK WITH ALL THE BIKER INFO!!! i will absolutely msg u if i have questions ur a life saverrrr omg. i screenshot and saved that ask to my drafting doc bc god knows i'm gonna need it SJKDJG ur awesome <33

[runningfrom2am]

the sea around us; chapter seventeen

In which Rafe Cameron has to choose between his dad and a pogue who's changing his outlook on life more and more every day.

(rafe cameron x f!oc)

(eventual!jj maybank x f!oc)

warnings/tags: violence, drug/alcohol use, smoking, sexual content (if you squint), slowburn, older brother’s best friend, (these tags are obv not exhaustive but regardless it’s pretty PG13)

wc: 1.7k

my masterlist

series masterlist

*:･ﾟ✧*:･

~Rafe's POV~

I haven't heard from Snowy since we came in from the pool together. Pretty much she's been fully occupied with the Pogues ever since. I wonder what they're doing, if she's safe. That's a stupid thought, so I brush it quickly out of my mind. What I can't seem to keep out of my mind is how amazing it felt to kiss her. Everything about her is so soft- her lips are no different. Fully sober and I think it gave me butterflies, I haven't kissed someone like that since I was fifteen. It's almost refreshing.

I try not to think about Snowy for long enough to get in a quick bump. I'm hardly successful. Then I grab my golf club and get ready to line up my shot, but I'm distracted by my friends laughing and talking. "Hey, uh, can you guys shut up, for like three seconds?" I ask, turning back to Topper, Kegs, and Kelce. "We've got to hurry if we want to finish this hole- the sun is setting," I say.

"Yeah, yeah of course." Kelce says, raising his hands.

They're ridiculously quiet at this point, definitely just making fun of me. I line myself up again, take the swing, and fluke it right as I hear one of their phones rings.

"Bro, are you fucking kidding me right now?"

"Hey, man, sorry, how was I supposed to know?" Kegs says, digging his phone out of his pocket.

I roll my eyes and walk back to the cart, throwing my club in as he answers it.

"Hey, Snowy." Instantly he's got my attention, and I turn to watch. He looks confused.

"Snowy? You there?" He asks again, I'm guessing he got no response. "If this is some stupid prank call it's not funny." He pulls it from his ear and puts it on speaker since we're all listening now.

We hear some static, and then some whispers as we look around at each other, confused. "Leon... it's late. I've been waiting for you.."

"What the fuck?" Topper laughs.

"Hey, shh." I shush him as the whispers continue.

"Guys, oh my god what do we do?" It's Snowy, I'd recognize her voice anywhere.

"Snowy?" I ask, but again, no response.

"We have to get down there, like, right now." And Sarah?

Suddenly, we hear some screaming, then the sound of something getting smashed, and then it cuts out.

I feel myself start shaking instantly, and I start pacing back and forth, running my hand through my hair. "Rafe, man, it's fine. They're just pranking Kegs, probably high out of their minds or something." Kelce says and I shake my head.

"Dude, no- you don't understand, you don't know-" I start but I'm cut off.

"I love you, dude, but you're absolutely pussy-whipped." He jokes and I shove him back into the golf cart.

"You don't know shit!" I hear myself shouting.

"Rafe, buddy, calm down, hey.." Kegs says, pulling me off of Kelce and wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I feel sick- I feel sick and I wish no one was touching me. Then I shove him off too.

"No, no... You guys don't know what those pogues have roped her into, I don't even really know but last week she was getting shot at because of that punk JJ, apparently, who's pulled them into some drug debts or some shit-" I try to explain.

"Rafe, they're fine. They're fine but let's just head back to the club, and we can go to John B's to check on them, alright?" Topper says and Kegs shakes his head in confusion.

"Wait, did you say drugs?" He asks and I nod. "Not like weed, right, you mean like hard shit?"

"I don't know, man. She just said "drugs", okay?" I sigh.

"Fuck- dude..." Kegs says, taking his hat off and rubbing his forehead. "What do we do? I've done everything I possibly can to keep her out of that and it's just not enough, apparently."

"Look, maybe it's just Barry and we can talk to him?" I suggest hopefully, not that I fully believe it.  "I- uh... I could get some money from my dad, I know how to get into the safe, and we could pay him out."

"He definitely would have said something to us if my sister and your.. I don't know, friend, as well as your sister and Topper's girl all were involved with him. No way he wouldn't say something." Kegs says, and I know he's right. "And you know we already owe him so we probably shouldn't poke the bear man."

"I... Okay, uh..." I try to think of a plan of action and calm down at the same time. I'm no help to her if I'm panicking. "Let's just get out of here, okay? We'll call Snowy when we get back to the club, and we'll try and find her." I insist, getting in the golf cart and my friends climb in.

The whole drive back I can feel myself shaking, I'm bouncing my leg and just trying to focus on finishing the drink Topper gave me to try and calm me down. It's far from working. I'm literally hearing that screaming in my head over and over again. It just won't stop. We eventually make it back, after the longest drive of my life. As soon as we get to the parking lot I'm on my phone, waiting for Snowy to pick up as I pace next to my car. It rings out until I hear her voice on the machine, I have to try again. I hangup and try again. This time, she answers.

I immediately hear laughter in the background. "Hi Rafe!" She sounds so happy- sloshed, too, probably. I furrow my brows. I assume she leaves, because the background noise slows to a stop.

"Snowy? What happened? Are you okay?" I fire off.

"I- yeah. I'm great. I'm great." She giggles. "What's up with you?"

"No, no, no, no don't do this to me." I sigh, walking away out of earshot of my nosey friends.

"What's wrong?" She asks.

"You don't know? Do you remember when you called Kegs, about twenty minutes ago, screaming, and- and, and I heard this banging sound like someone was bashing you with a crowbar?" I say.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I must have butt-dialled him." She responds casually. I ball up my fist.

"Okay but you're not telling me what happened, here. You're not answering me."

"Nothing happened, Rafe. Everything is fine. We're safe. You don't need to worry." She says, that reassuring tone of hers taking over.

"No, I do, tell me."

"There's nothing to tell, even if there was, I don't know how it's your business anyhow." She slurs. Yeah, definitely drunk.

"If it's you, if it's your safety, it's my business. You are my business, Snowy." I say frustratedly, looking back at my friends as I talk, seeing they're still listening and having a laugh at me.

"Rafe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to freak you out, okay? I shouldn't have said that. But I promise you right now, we are fine. I am safe- okay?"

I sigh and rub my head as she continues. "We were watching a movie at The Chat, now we're just hanging out, having some bevies, hotboxing the Twinkie..." She laughs a little. I can't focus with those screams echoing in the back of my head, her screams. And she's trying to gaslight me right now.

"I know what I heard." I say slowly.

"No, I know, I believe you." Her voice is so soft- I can almost taste the sweetness of it in my state. "I just, we were watching a scary movie, and I am high off my ass. I don't know what I said or did, but I'm sorry I scared you."

"It's okay, Snow." I sigh, shaking my hand to loosen up my muscles after I had my fist clenched for so long. I don't want to believe she's lying to me. I mean, clearly she is fine. She's alive, and she sounds like she's having fun. "I just- it's so hard to predict what kind of shit you're getting into when you're with them and it's hard for me to keep track of that and make sure that you're good. Like it would be nice to have a heads up if you're going to be in danger- which seems pretty common for you-"

"Hey, I'm good." Snowy cuts me off, curbing my rant that even I knew wasn't going anywhere. "I get it, you're just like... a proactive type of person. You like to have a hold on things before they go wrong and that's great, I really appreciate you looking out for me."

I nod a little bit and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding with my panic. "Yeah... I guess so. I just like to be prepared, you know?" I agree.

"Totally, and that makes you really smart because a lot of guys around our age can't think ten minutes into the future." I can hear the smile in her tone, she's being so genuine. "That being said, Rafe, I'm okay. Despite what you think, my friends wouldn't let anything happen to me."

I smile a little to myself at that. She thinks I'm smart- this inflates my ego more than I know it probably should. When I don't respond because I'm processing what she said, she speaks again. "Hey, why don't you come over, and we'll take out the boat, just the two of us..." She says, trailing off.

I look back at her brother, already feeling his eyes on me. I know he can't hear her, but I can, and that is too much already.

"I would love to, you know I'd love to, but.. I just can't. I'm busy I can't." I shake my head, more trying to convince myself.

"Aw, okay.." She replies. If I don't hangup right now I'll fold. I just know it. Besides, I have to figure out how to pay Barry so I can get my bike back, like as soon as possible.

"Bye, Snowy. I'll talk to you later." I say before quickly hanging up. I shove my phone into my pocket and walk back over to my friends.

"They're fine." I tell Kegs, getting in my car and driving off before he can say anything.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･

A/N; Another short one today sorryyyyy -R

taglist: @boo22sstuff@madelynie (message me if you want to be added!!)

[georgesburger]

Story of the photos from Pat Kinzer Mancuso’s book Do You Want to Know a Secret?:

August 6, 1968: Esher, Surrey

Dressed in our best traveling clothes, we headed over to George’s house about 1 pm. This time when we rang the doorbell, Margaret answered the door, and said “Pat? George will be out in a few minutes, he’s getting dressed.” I loved these people – they made me feel almost like family. About 10 minutes later, George came out dressed in an orange shirt, orange and green striped slacks, and gold shoes with big brass buckles. We all just stood there looking at each other and not saying anything. Finally George, obviously used to dealing with nervous fans, broke the ice by saying “Well, uh, hello!” We said hello back, but continued to just stand there. Finally George said “Do you want me to pose for photos or something?” We all thought this was a wonderful idea since we didn’t have to talk to take pictures, and we all started snapping away.

All of a sudden we were all talking and joking like we knew each other for years. Pat took my picture with George, but when she snapped it I was laughing, and I said “Hey, that’s not fair, I had my mouth open”, and George whispered down to me “Well, she can take another one can’t she?” I asked George if he was immune to flash bulbs yet, and he “blinkingly” looked at me and said “no, not really.” “Do you have anything you’d like me to sign then?” he asked. It was good he kept reminding us of these little things, because we all seemed to be in a state of shock. We then bombarded him with things to sign. About this time, Margaret appeared in the doorway and told George he had a phone call. He excused himself and left for a couple minutes, and then came back to continue signing our stuff.

Sandy said “I’ll bet you’re sorry you mentioned this”, and he said “No, I’m not! It’s the least I can do since you came all this distance to see me. I’ll sign everything you’ve got!” Resisting the urge to have him sign the clothes on our backs, we continued to hand him all sorts of bits of paper, pictures, postcards, just about anything but toilet paper. Everyone was standing in an orderly line for him to sign things - everyone except me. I was running around snapping photos of everything in sight. I later sold these photos in my fan club newsletter, labeling them with things like “George with pen in hand”, “George scratching head”, etc.

After we wore out his hand, we just talked and talked. He asked us where we were all from, and when I started to say “Colleg…”, he finished it for me “Collegeville”, right? He knew the name of the hotel where we were staying, and asked us how we liked it. He remembered everything I told him in that registered letter I sent, and even things I didn’t mention in the letter. (I had a strong suspicion his mother told him a lot about me).

He brought his cat, Josstick, out so we could play with it - Sandy brought a toy mouse for the cat. I couldn’t believe that I was suddenly so relaxed, and sat on the steps at the feet of The Great George Harrison, and played with his cat. He was very friendly with us - telling us what John and Ringo were doing today, telling us that Pattie was inside curling her hair, and he even let us go around back and take some water out of his swimming pool. (I kept my bottle of pool water in my refrigerator until sometime in the 1990’s when the last drop evaporated).

Finally, he said he had to go inside and eat breakfast because he had to go out in half an hour, and wished us a good trip and good weather. He could not have been nicer. Our visit with George was the highlight of the trip and for a very long time, the highlight of my life.

George photographed by a fan for the Official George Harrison Fanclub (1968)

[urlexaprohoe]

My Atlantis - Part 1

Sherlock takes his tasks as the best man pretty seriously. So he (drunkenly) teaches John how the perfect wedding kiss has to be like.

Warnings: Swearing

Part 2

1458 words

This part is set during the events told by Sherlock in the episode “The Sign Of Three”

“Let me go! Do you even know who I am? I’m Sherlock Holmes, I am smarter than you and your two coworkers combined!” 

John sat on the stairs in front of the club and put his face in his hands, both because of nausea and because he didn’t want to see his friend beaten up by security. They wouldn’t let them in, no wonder, they were totally wasted. Sherlock had the perfect idea of getting John drunk to test his limits for the upcoming wedding. The wedding had been the only thing on his mind in the past few weeks, it nearly took up all space in his mind palace. 

Finally, Sherlock decided to drop down next to his friend, looking at him with a slight grin. “That’s not gonna work.” John waved off and got up. “It doesn’t matter, let’s keep going. I don’t want these guys changing their minds in terms of beating you up.” Sherlock joined in his step. “They wouldn’t beat me up, they would risk losing their jobs since I’m drunk enough to fall in a deadly way.” John grinned a little bit. “Or maybe they just don’t want to waste their time with you any longer than they have to.” 

The doctor watched Sherlock nearly running through the streets, a bit ahead of him. He was checking out every single detail, searching for something interesting to show John. Sherlock turned into even more of a know-it-all when he was drunk, but John found it pretty amusing. He loved watching his friend interact with other people, it always fascinated him how Sherlock never realized how annoying other people found him. Sometimes, he felt bad for him. John was Sherlock’s only real friend, aside from Mycroft and Greg. And Mrs. Hudson, of course. 

He wondered if Sherlock could keep on like usual when he would be away more often now. John had to admit, that he almost felt a little insulted when he noticed that Sherlock seemingly had no problem with going on without John always by his side. But he knew that his friend was pretty good at acting and he didn’t want Sherlock doing some stupid things that would get him in trouble again, or worse, killed…again. 

“Let’s sit down over here.” Sherlock suddenly stopped in the middle of his step and turned around, pointing at a bench on the side of the street. “The sky looks exceptionally great tonight, we should grasp it.” John raised an eyebrow at his friend’s unusual wording, but he agreed to sit down either way. 

It didn’t take long for Sherlock to interrupt the “grasping” with another dialogue with himself. John had no chance to respond since Sherlock always seemed to answer himself faster than John could. The only unusual thing was that he started to giggle in the middle of his sentences every now and then. John had to admit that he found it pretty cute. Sherlock turned into a teenager when he was drunk, interesting. “Do you feel ready for your wedding day?” John looked over at his friend. “Well, can one really feel ready for a day like that?” “Well-” “Aside from you.” John laughed. A few seconds of uncomfortable silence followed. 

“What about the kiss?” Sherlock grinned. “What do you mean?” Their eyes met. 

“Well, you have to kiss Mary in front of all these people. Nobody would want the kiss to be imperfect in any way. Too long, too short, too intense…” John rolled his eyes. “I have no idea what you mean.” 

“Yeah, I thought so. That’s why I’m gonna show you.” “What do you-” Before John could finish his sentence, their lips connected and he felt the adrenaline rushing through his body. He felt like riding the fastest rollercoaster known to mankind. A few moments later, Sherlock slowly pulled away. 

“This was the perfect length. Do you know what I mean?” John sat there with an open mouth, staring at his friend in disbelief before grabbing his cheeks. He didn’t think twice before kissing him once again, pressing his lips against Sherlock’s this time. His friend made no effort to pull away. The both of them remained like this for the next few minutes. There he was. Making out with his best man. 

Shit, Mary. The wedding. He should stop, he was engaged. And being drunk wasn’t an excuse for the feeling between his legs. But nothing seemed to matter right now. The only thing on his mind was Sherlock. This perfect man, the most fascinating human being John had ever seen. And he was kissing him, pulling him closer by the second, his hands all over his body. John started to notice the people staring at them while walking by and he slowly pulled away, not really wanting to destroy this moment. He felt his cheeks heating up and struggled to maintain eye contact with his friend. Sherlock, for the first time in forever, said nothing. He just seemed to stare into John’s soul with no expression on his face whatsoever. Suddenly, he started to laugh and John nervously joined in. “I didn’t know that you needed this much practice!” “What? Why? Was I that bad?” Sherlock laughed even more and shook his head. The tension seemed to loosen a little bit. 

“Do you see this bow on the ground? I am almost sure that it comes from…” Sherlock’s words drifted in and out of John’s mind. He couldn’t concentrate on his surroundings anymore, the man was still stuck in the recent situation. “...and that’s why the bow is the last memory from a date gone wrong.” Sherlock stopped his walk with the end of his story. They both stood in front of Sherlock’s flat now and one exchange of looks confirmed that both of them needed some rest now. Sherlock made some space for John to walk in and as soon as he did, he felt a force pushing him to the wall. His friend stood a few inches in front of him, pinning him against the wall in between his legs. John could feel the both of them trembling as Sherlock pressed his upper body against him. “What are you doing…” John only mumbled since Mrs. Hudson was asleep and he most certainly didn’t want the poor woman to wake up to…this. 

Honestly, he didn’t want to know what he did,  he wanted to know why he didn’t do it sooner. Alcohol seemed to turn people into different versions of themselves, especially Sherlock. John had never seen him laugh this much. And there it was again, this grin on his face right before he connected their lips to a passionate kiss once again. John’s heart threatened to explode if this was gonna go on any longer. He had never felt this much adrenaline, excitement and confusion, all at once. But even though he was drowing in ecstasy, the rush had a bitter taste to it. Sherlock most certainly wasn’t himself right now, he was completely wasted. And for a second, John wished that his friend would be sober. But he didn’t pull back and they were making out once again, in the stairway of what once was both their home. So many memories were made in this house and if John would have a choice to change something, he wouldn’t. Every single second that he had spent with Sherlock in the last few years was absolutely beautiful, no matter how exhausting it could get. He would never admit it, but Mary couldn’t keep up with the man in his arms. She was smart, beautiful and a great girlfriend, but nevertheless, sometimes John would lay awake at night, thinking about his consulting detective. The strange man with the even stranger habits that he grew to love so much that he risked his marriage right now. 

And god, he did risk his marriage. 

A chuckle pulled the both of them out of their moment back into reality. John glanced to the side and looked into the warm face of Mrs. Hudson. She was smiling while putting her hands together as if she had been waiting for this moment for years. “Mrs. Hudson, I’m so sorry for waking you up. We were just…” She shut him up with a little wave. “No need to apologize, John. It is nice to see you again.” Sherlock didn’t waste any more time on this uncomfortable moment, he grabbed his friend’s hand and pulled him upstairs. As he was stumbling up the stairway, John looked back at his old housekeeper once again. She winked. 

“See you soon, John. I’m looking forward to the wedding!”

[peakyblindersxx]

whiskey business - john shelby x reader (part 6 of ?)

gif by my queen @michaelgreys, i'm basically her fanblog now but im not mad about it :) i mean just look at him!!1! i almost fainted

a/n: first of all, if you stuck around to this point, tysm for reading!!! this has been one of the most amazing fics ive ever been a part of and it's all thanks to the gorgeous @stxdyblr-2k, who generously took control of the next few parts. her brain is beautiful and we all owe her flowers or something. when i read what she sent me i couldn't bring myself to change much except for some small edits, so pls give her lots of love if you like it!!!! i'm still working on requests as well :)

love, abi xxx

read part one two three four five | my masterlist

tagging: @datewithgianni, @mayaslifeinabox, @deepdonutkid, @springsoulofengland, @lilymurphy03

prompt: nothing this good can last forever. john doesn't know how to feel, and neither do you.

warnings: nsfw! a teensy bit of smut, angsty as fuck prepare yourselves accordingly, a lil fluff if u squint, yeah this fucked me up

Obviously, it wasn't the last time.

Over the coming months you had many last times; his mouth pressed against your neck said as much. As his responsibility at work increased, you'd find yourself heading to his office after your lectures and night classes more often, perched on his lap, smoking, while he finished up his numbers under your critical gaze.

Thomas was more than aware; his snarky comments made it obvious he had his ways of monitoring your actions. You'd seen the dark car lurking outside your rallies and lectures, and no matter how you'd try to throw him off, not even telling Ada where you were going and even, in a moment of desperation, through your neighbours back window, somehow, his silent shadow was still looming. He was practically begging you to make a mistake, to give everyone an easy out. You just couldn't give him the satisfaction. You knew Tommy saw the world as a chess board, always several moves ahead of his opponent. Even when you played him in chess club all those years ago, you could outflank him if you thought on your feet and kept him thinking he was winning until you obliterated him in the end game. It was brutal, sure. But as he told you, there were bigger games at play. You had your own. Thomas could read your mail, intercept your phone calls and have you followed, but he couldn't hear what you said out of earshot. Your lot could smell an interceptor in your ranks, so spying at that close of a proximity was out of the question.

That's why he'd decided to let you have John. You knew his silent approval and his constant management of the narrative meant he saw a tactical gain. There was only so much information he could get from Ada, but John? He just had to agitate him in the right way and all your secrets would come tumbling out. It was difficult hiding your world from John; of what he knew of, he was supportive, quizzing you over current affairs and political discourse, listening intently. Yet, you had to watch your mouth. You had to keep a barrier up and you knew John sensed the distance. Fundamentally, there was nothing either of you could do.

So here you were, in a comfortable limbo. Your days were filled with work, evenings were for lectures and reading groups at the city's university, Ada and you often stopped for a drink or three; you'd go by your flat to freshen up, and then to John's office. Sometimes, you wouldn't visit for a week or so when the guilt sent you over the edge, it was draining to be living so many lives and knowing you were betraying the person you loved most on earth. Ada was oblivious, taking you on her nightly adventures filled with men, dancing and waiting while she was busy kissing in dark corners. Sometimes a young blinder would ask if you wanted to be walked home. The first occurrence you thought was sweet, but as the nights it occurred coincided with nights John seemed extra pent up, you'd decided to ask. The boy, who couldn't be older than twelve but who you knew was trained in using firearms and had a revolver pinned to his hip and a razor in his cap, looked confused.

"Mate, it's not a tough question. Why do you come and ask?"

"There's a phone call." He shrugs, "Isaiah or Michael tells us to go and get you."

Isaiah and Michael were somewhat aware? Fucking hell. Your fling was basically a military campaign at this point, so many of your friends were complicit. The little lads who ran as messengers around Birmingham were complicit. You had to just end it.

But when you sat on his thigh, his chin hooked over your shoulder, it felt so worth it. He never turned you away when you came crawling back. He never mentioned it until after you were finished, hooked under his arm.

"Fucking missed you, gorgeous."

Sometimes he'd remind you not to be a stranger with a wink, but you could tell it was tearing him apart too. He never once came to you. That's how he could justify it in his mind; obviously, the bare minimum was not having sex with his sister's best friend, but in failing that, waiting for you to initiate it was somewhat better. He barely talked to Ada now, citing work as an excuse, but truly the guilt sickened him. He couldn't believe he was prepared to continuously hurt his little sister and betray her. But every time you turned up at his door, he couldn't find it in himself to turn you away. In his mind, every single time you came to visit him was the last time he'd let it happen, yet he was always waiting for you to come back, his blind closed to signal he was prepared. He never would call, it had to be your choice.

You'd been off and on for over five months now. It was so difficult to hide in plain sight, but you just couldn't stop yourself. Neither of you purposefully meant for this to be happen but fuck, was it fun.

For your birthday he'd gifted you a fur coat from the same shop his sister, aunt and the fashionable crowd of Birmingham had purchased theirs. He joked that you looked like a "proper razor chaser", kissing you when you pouted at his teasing, begging you to wear only the coat when you fucked him next. It was a practice for blinders to buy a coat for their wives and girlfriends as a status symbol. You were neither, but John claimed that being his "favourite lass" also counted.

John was a laugh, but you knew at any time he could close his door to you. Until he decided he couldn't be bothered with you, you weren't going to get caught. You just had to be careful until he got bored.

***

You did end up putting a foot wrong. It was a Thursday night; you were sitting on the edge of John's desk while he was ridding you of your blouse. It was past midnight, Birmingham was asleep. You almost didn't bother coming out tonight, but you knew John had lost a deal and you wanted to be there for him. Your skirt and stockings were strewn across the desk with his shirt, vest and waistcoat, muddled into the files and papers which were once neatly stacked.

His fingers were pumping in and out of you, his mouth lapping at your breast, your head tipped back in euphoria, groaning. The stress made him more affectionate and tender with you, and it was nights like these that made you wonder. Wonder if this could ever be something more, something real.

John's body suddenly pulled away from yours, quickly turning the light off.

"John, what-" You were cut off by John’s hand over your mouth, muffling your words.

"Shut up and get behind the desk." He hissed. "Someone's coming upstairs."

You quickly grabbed your clothes from the shiny oak surface and crouched, hiding yourself from view, quickly making yourself decent. You weren't going to get shot through the head with your tits out. You listened to the stairs creek, and it sounded like a group. You two were easily outnumbered. They were talking, but the thick panels of wood muffled their voices.

As your eyes adjusted to the darkness, the cracks in the door giving the room a dulled glow, you could make out the figure of John. He was free of his shirt, toned body on display, standing with his back flat to the wall, revolver produced from a discreet notch in the door frame, gaze fixed on where they'd enter. He was tense, ready. The door was unlocked from the outside, the door handle twisting.

John's lip shifted in confusion yet still he kept his trigger finger ready, not a single shake from your general.

The light flicked on and a shriek rang out. It was blinding, and you stood up slightly dazed. Finn was in the doorway, John next to him clutching his chest, panting and lowering the gun.

"Jesus Christ, Finn, can't you knock like a normal person? Scared the shit out of us." John bellowed, shaking as the adrenaline coursed through his body, resting his hands on the edge of the desk as he regained his breath.

"You're the one who pointed a gun at me! I didn't even know you were in 'ere!" Finn yelped.

The commotion had attracted the attention of Ada and Isaiah, who had come running and stopped in their tracks upon seeing you standing behind John's desk in the middle of the night. They weren't stupid. John was topless, your clothes obviously rumpled, both with matching tousled hair and practically stinking of guilt. You'd been caught red handed. Ada's eyes flicked between both you and John, and you could practically see the pieces of the puzzle clicking together in her mind, all the moments she found questionable since you'd returned suddenly making sense, realising she had been deceived by the two people who she was meant to trust most in life. Finn looked absolutely crushed, he'd never been able to conceal his emotions as well as his older brothers and sister, linking his fingers through Ada's, squeezing her hand.

"I forgot to drop this off earlier." Finn stated, holding up a money box, "Ada had keys so we thought we'd sneak in so I wouldn't get done by Tommy. We did call round yours, Y/N. We thought you were in bed."

"I'm sorry." You said. It was not enough but you just didn't know what else to say. You couldn't make it right, you'd really fucked up this time. Tears pricked at your eyes, as Ada examined you in silence.

John stepped in front of you defensively. "Look, Ada-"

"How long has this been going on?" She asked, her voice shaking with rage. You and John exchanged a glance. "I said, how fucking long?"

"Five months, six in a fortnight." He answered.

Isaiah whistled lowly. "That's fucked. I thought it was only a few times, that it'd finished."

"Never really over when it's John is it." Finn interjects, you glance to him, were you just one in a long string? You shouldn't be surprised but it was easy to pretend he may actually care about you.

"You've been fucking around for six months behind my back?" Ada yelped, Finn trying to comfort her but she pulled away from him. "And you fucking knew Iz."

"I'd expect this from you, yeah? Wouldn't put anything past you these days.." she sneered at John, "But you? You?! You're meant to be my best mate, but here you are sneaking about fucking my brother?"

"Ada-" you began, eyes welling with tears.

"I thought I could trust you. You're just another fucking razor chaser, aren't you?" She spits. "That's why you came back."

"No it wasn't, Ada-"

Her eyes flashed with anger, but this time John was on the receiving end. "You bought her that fucking coat ,didn't you? The fur one. You did! Fuck's sake!" Her fists were clenched, shoulders squared. For the first time in your life, you understood why crowds parted for Ada Shelby. Understood all the free drinks and cab rides, the nervous serving staff declaring your meal on the house (always acknowledged by Ada with a hefty tip), understood why the men of Birmingham didn't last long with her.

"Did it feel good to swan about town in that fucking coat, while acting as though you cared about me? It's so fucking embarrassing. All trussed up because my knobhead big brother makes you feel special? Thanks for rubbing it in my face."

"Ada, I love you. I never meant to hurt you, I got caught up and that's on me. It's my fault."

"You're not acting like you love me. This isn’t what love is, Y/N." She retorted.

You couldn’t do anything but nod. She was right.

John opened his mouth to speak, Ada silencing him, a scowl darkening her features.

"I don't care what you have to say. Any of you. Who else knows?"

"Thomas, Michael, Arthur-" John listed off slowly, each name prompting Ada to break down a little bit more in front of you.

"I didn't know Arthur knew." You said pointedly, John sending you an exasperated glance. He was planning on dealing with that later, but right now was about his sister. Fuck him if he thought you were going to stick around much longer. You didn't want to hear him justify everyone else knowing about your fling with your best friend being left completely in the dark.

"That all you have to say for yourself?" Ada snaps at you.

"I have fucking no defense, do I Ada? I should've walked away." You pushed your hair back, frustrated at yourself, tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. You begged yourself not to cry. Tears wouldn't help anything.

"Why didn't you?"

You didn't know. Your silence only riled her up.

"Why didn't you fucking walk away?" Ada yelled, slamming her hands on the desk.

You felt hot tears run down your face, quickly moving your hands to dab at your tears.

"Don't you dare fucking cry. After all you've done, you don't get to cry in front of me." Ada growled at you, John going to shush her, obviously wanting to comfort you. "You can all fuck off. You've all lied to me and gone behind my back. Fuck’s sake, you could've just told me. You could've just told me."

"We didn't want to hurt you." John said, reaching out to squeeze her shoulder but she flinches away.

"This hurts so much more. You get that you all lying to me is so much worse, don't you?"

"We weren't thinking."

"You really fucking weren't." Ada laughs bitterly, shaking her head, blinking away tears. "Fuck you lot."

She stormed out, tailed by Finn, begging her to slow down and talk to him, protesting his innocence in the situation. Isaiah hesitated in the doorway, his eyes flickering between you and John.

"I had no idea you two've been at it for so long."

"Iz, fuck off yeah? I've had enough today." John shot back, sliding across the desk towards you. "You alright, lass?"

"We're done here, John."

He slid off the table, his hand cupping your face, "Hey, gorgeous, I get it but don't go breaking my heart tonight. Can we just leave this for tomorrow? Sleep on it."

The idea of getting any sleep at all tonight was laughable, you'd be up all night replaying these moments and torturing yourself. Tonight couldn't get any worse so you had to finally end it. Now was the right time.

"John, it should've never happened."

"But it did."

"I don't want to talk about this anymore. It's over."

"Y/N. You know for me it was never just about-"

"You're making it difficult. Stop making it difficult. Whatever you say isn't going to change that right now we have to do the right thing."

"I know you're right, but I don't want to let go. Is it so wrong to want you? I adore you, you know that."

You wouldn't meet his eyes. Sighing, John pressed his forehead to the side of your head, chin brushing your shoulder, eyes closing. He was begging you to stay with him. There had to be a solution, you'd figure it out together. His voice was cracking, eyes glassy. He looked so much younger when he was pleading. The tall bloke who terrorised the Midlands with his razor rimmed cap, a revolver in his hand, and a ruthless trigger finger had vanished. You wanted to stay, burning to curl up with him and for him to kiss it better.

"I should go." You told him. He rested his forehead on your shoulder, letting out a shaky sigh before pulling away, nodding.

"I'd drive you home but obviously-"

"Obviously."

John suddenly turned from you, eyes narrowing at Isaiah who was still hovering at the door. "Thought I told you to fuck off. Make yourself useful and get Y/N home safely." His tone was ice cold once again.

Isaiah nodded, offering his arm to you. You reached the door and instinctively looked back at John. His eyes met yours, staring at you from his desk, just as you knew he would. He prepared himself to watch you leave every night, but this time was different. That was it with you two.

Isaiah strode down the street with you in silence. You were tucked into his side as was customary with the upcoming blinders who were particularly ambitious, but there was no relaxed chat.

"Isaiah. What’re you thinking?" You asked, voice tinged with nervousness.

He sighed, running his free hand across his jaw, "That was intense in there."

"Just how he is." You shrugged.

"Does he love you or sommet?"

"Fuck knows… does it matter?"

"Of course it does. Do you love him?"

"Drop it. None of that matters, it shouldn't have happened in the first place so it can’t," You snapped, the anger at the situation you'd created suddenly overwhelming.

Isaiah whistled, raising his brow at your obvious turmoil. "You're in fucking deeper than you want to admit."

He walked you up your path, watching you turn the key to the side door leading to your bedsit. You paused, turning to him.

"Iz… I don't know what to do next."

It was so dark, you could see his face only by the lit cigarette burning to embers between his fingers. He inhaled deeply, pausing before delivering his carefully laid out plan of avoidance. Obviously the event of him crossing the Shelbys and losing their good graces weighed heavily on his mind. You nodded, listening intently, noting his ideas of relocation but he explained they were a final resort. The best thing to do was try to regain their trust; in the long run, he had calculated, it was the only option that didn't result in your life being haunted by the Shelbys. Even if they left you alone, their enemies would make a point to go after you, seeing you as an easy target. The other option was to leave the country.

"Good luck, Y/N. I mean it." He muttered as you turned the handle to the temporary safety of your home. You nodded, offering you cheek for the polite good night kiss you'd become accustomed to. He rolled his eyes and obliged, pressing an affectionate kiss to your cheek and ruffling your hair. "I'm serious. Watch your back."

***

John broke down when he finally heard the lock click shut. His eyes had been prickling with boiling tears, his jaw tensed to hold them back. He yelled out in anger, flipping his desk with force, a loud crash as the wood splintered against the stone flooring, glass shattering from the photo frames. His hands went to his head, unable to stop the gasping breaths escaping from his trembling lips, his face reddening.

"Fuck’s sake." He growled. He'd fucked everything up. He had nothing, just as he'd told you the first night you returned. The consequence was no surprise, he'd anticipated the fall out for a while, but he couldn't resist you. He was completely guilty and had no defense; his only justification being that you made him think with his cock, not his brain.

Fuck’s sake. Polly was going to murder him. She'd always had a soft spot for Ada, as the only girl in the family, and was no stranger to lecturing him over his flirtatious behaviour around Ada's friends. She'd murder him. He had a half mind to never go home. He rubbed at his eyes with his knuckles. Polly had no use for tears. That's what she'd tell him when he was a boy coming home with a skinned knee. This was far worse.

He was also sure that he was a worse brother than Tommy, perhaps the worst in the world. His baby sister, who he'd helped to toddle, carry proudly on his shoulders after school and race with her on his back through the fields on the outskirts of Small Heath, had walked in on him obviously in the midst of fucking her best mate. If he had swallowed his pride and actually talked to her, he wouldn't be in this mess. He could've told her that things changed, that for the same reasons Ada loved Y/N he had fallen for her, that he was truly sorry but she had to know before it got too far and someone got hurt. He couldn't go back.

He should've never approached you that night.

He should never approach you again.

He looked over the mess of his office, the splintered wood and shards of glass, a confetti of paperwork. Now nothing mattered. None of this mattered. He'd lost everything and he had only himself to blame.

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

Drinking Buddies

Masterlist

--- If Jason ends up going home with someone, call me and I’ll come pick you up.

Y/N read the text from her boyfriend with a smirk. He’d sent it 20 minutes ago, but she was just now seeing it.

It was the only message Dick had sent her all night, always trying to give her the independence and space she needed.

Dick was always amused by Y/N and Jason’s little “club.” It even became an ongoing joke within the family. But Dick also knew that there was something sincere underneath it, as well.

Dick realized early in their relationship that there were some things in Y/N’s past he could never fully understand or help her with. Yes, he had his own trauma. But it didn’t involve abuse. His parents had died, but there wasn’t a day before that when Dick felt unloved by them.

Jason and Y/N had parallel childhoods: abusive parents, fighting to survive on the streets of Gotham, robbed of a happy and sheltered adolescence. Unfortunately, they were both victims of the darkness that Gotham held. The same darkness that drove both of them to risk their lives to stop it from continuing.

Outsiders probably thought it was weird for a man to let his girlfriend go out with his younger brother alone. Especially when said brother was as tall and handsome and broody as Jason Todd. But Dick felt more comfortable doing that than when Y/N had girls’ nights. At least with Jason, Dick knew that Y/N would be safe.

But Dick also knew Jason needed a friend just as much as Y/N did.

--- I doubt that will happen. But I promise I’ll call you if it does. 

Y/N typed back.

--- You’re a freakishly good wing woman. Don’t underestimate yourself. 

Dick texted back instantly. 

--- Have fun. Be safe. I love you.

He double texted.

--- I love you, too. 

Y/N answered before slipping her phone back into her small purse.

“He’s so obsessed with you,” Jason commented without needing to ask who had her smiling down at her phone.

But Y/N wasn’t taking the bait that easily. “Good thing I’m obsessed with him, too.”

“He’s probably sitting at home and crying because he misses you so much.”

Y/N punched Jason in the arm. And it felt like punching a wall rather than a human being with skin, muscle, and fat. “Stop being mean. I didn’t come out with you to listen to Dick get ripped on.”

Jason gave her a crooked smirk. “You’re right. I wanted a drinking buddy.”

“Yes,” she agreed. But then she narrowed her eyes. “But you always wanted to talk to me about a woman.”

“I never said that.”

Y/N rolled her eyes. “I have female intuition.” But her amusement and teasing faded. “Is it Artemis?”

Jason’s body tensed and gulped down the rest of his whiskey. 

“That obvious, huh?” He asked slowly, his embarrassment was easily caught.

“No, it’s not, actually. I’ve just been paying attention.”

“I told you I hated her and that she drives me to insanity,” Jason scoffed.

“Yeah, and I knew that was your sexual tension speaking,” Y/N teased with a tilt of her head and a smirk before taking a sip of her drink.

Jason chuckled at that. “You’re not wrong…”

“So,” Y/N leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms with interest. “Tell me about her.”

“She’s an Amazon. And a badass. She’s tall – taller than me, actually. Red hair. Doesn’t take anyone’s shit. Loves to pick a fight. Loves to get her way even more.” Jason sighed. “And…she’s beautiful,” he finished with. “Absolutely fucking beautiful.”

“OK. Now that you’ve basically given me her dating app bio,” Y/N ridiculed. “Get to the good shit.”

Jason glared at her.

But he took in a deep breath. “We’ve been…” he didn’t know how to put it politely.

“Fucking?” Y/N offered.

“Fine! Yes, alright?” He growled. “It was just casual at first. Friends with benefits – or whatever.”

Y/N couldn’t stop her laugh from escaping. 

“Jason, even though you try really hard to pretend to be a heartless hard-ass, you and I both know that you’re actually a hopeless romantic. So why you thought you were capable of having a fuck buddy, without falling in love with them, is beyond me.”

Jason rubbed his face in frustration. “I know. I fucking know, OK?”

Y/N finally decided to have some sympathy and gripped his shoulder. “You’re gonna be fine, bud.”

“Am I? I hate this. I feel like such an idiot. I don’t want to mess this up. But I also don’t want to keep pretending like I’m not in love with her.”

It was moments like these where Y/N truly forgot that Jason was also the Red Hood, one of Gotham’s most feared vigilantes. He was also a murderer, if she was being transparent. But right now, he just seemed like a lost young man, terrified of his own feelings.

“Why don’t you get us another round and I’ll put some music on the jukebox? And then we’ll figure out your shit,” she offered.

Jason smiled. “Deal.”

There were at one of the roughest dive bars in Gotham.

Jason was a regular – as was almost everyone else that was there.

He already made his reputation known. 

And even though on the outside he looked like a helpless pretty boy, the bar patrons learned rather quickly not to pick a fight with Jason Todd. Not that most of them wanted to, he was a perfectly polite guy and tipped far too nicely for the shit service he got there.

Y/N made her way to the vintage jukebox and started scrolling through her options.

“What are you picking? Justin Bieber?” A froggish voice said to her right.

Y/N paused to give him a glare. “Is that because I’m a woman?”

This was negging. And Y/N hated this pick up tactic more than any cheesy line.

The man shrugged. “Just wanted to make sure you put on something good.”

“Oh, I will,” Y/N snapped before turning her attention back to the songs.

“How about I help you DJ and then you let me buy you a drink?” He muttered far too closely to her ear.

It made a chill go up her spine and she suddenly felt ill.

“No thanks.”

“Come on. One drink,” he grabbed her wrist.

Y/N whipped her attention back to him and tried to tug her wrist away. “Don’t fucking touch me,” she growled.

But his grip tightened.

“Get your hands off her,” Jason barked suddenly from behind her.

Jason had at least 5 inches on the guy and was probably twice his weight.

It was enough to make the man immediately drop Y/N’s wrist. “Maybe don’t leave your girl alone…”

“She’s not ‘my girl.’ She’s my brother’s girlfriend,” Jason corrected with a glare.

He wanted to say more, but he could tell by Y/N’s body language that she didn’t want to start a scene, hating all the eyes that were already on them.

The man had given up. 

But not before both of them heard him mutter, “Fuckin’ whore.”

Without missing a beat, Jason punched him in the face.

The hit knocked the guy off his feet and possibly knocked out a few teeth. 

So much for not causing a scene…

“Say another word about her and I won’t use my hands next time,” Jason practically spit down to him. 

Then he slyly opened up his jacket to show that he had a gun on him.

The guy didn’t need to hear anything else. He jumped to his feet and tried not to run out of the place.

A beat passed before Y/N erupted into laughter.

“Oh, Jason! Oh, my knight in shining armor! You saved me!” Y/N put the back of her hand to her forehead dramatically as she mocked him.

“I should’ve let him grope you,” Jason mumbled as he led them back to their seats.

They both knew he didn’t mean it.

“Dick’s been showing me some self defense, you know.” Y/N beamed proudly as she took a sip of her new drink.

The bartender came over and silently offered them a free round of shots, proving that he’d seen the exchange. And this was his way of apologizing for their troubles.

Jason nodded his head in thanks before handing one of them to Y/N.

“Yeah?” He played dumb.

She nodded excitedly.

They clinked their shot glasses together before throwing them back.

“You know Dick would have my ass if I hadn’t intervened, right?” He asked her.

She sighed. “Yeah, I know. He’s overprotective like that.”

“I’d be the same way,” Jason agreed.

“Even if it was with an Amazon, who was bigger and stronger and had lived for hundreds of years?” Y/N teased, reminding him that she wasn’t done talking about his love life.

“Even then,” he smirked.

The night went on as normal. 

Y/N asked Jason a million questions about Artemis. 

And together, they came up with a game plan.

————————————

Dick was working on his computer.

Gray sweatpants on. No shirt. A couple of empty beer bottles on the coffee table where his feet were propped up.

He wanted to lie to himself and believe he was waiting up for Y/N to make sure she got home safe. But he knew Jason would die before he left anything happen to her – especially on his watch.

No, Dick didn’t bother trying to go to sleep because he basically couldn’t when Y/N was gone. 

Even if he was in bed and she was still up working or walking around the apartment, it was like Dick could feel her presence and that was enough. He needed her to sleep, even if she wasn’t right next to him.

Dick smiled when he heard the loud clattering of keys failing to match with the slot of the lock.

Finally the apartment door opened.

“Special delivery for Richard John Grayson!” Y/N screamed in a slur before he even could see her.

“Shh!” Jason hushed quickly. “He’s probably sleeping.”

But when they rounded the corner, Jason relaxed at the sight of Dick being wide awake.

Y/N was piggybacking Jason with a drunk smile.

“Looks like you two had fun,” Dick commented with a laugh.

“So much fun,” Y/N agreed.

But then she was squirming and Jason realized she wanted off. He released his protective grip on the back of her thighs and carefully dropped her to her feet.

Y/N sprinted to her boyfriend and tackled him into a hug on the couch.

Thankfully Dick saw this coming and had quickly moved the laptop off his lap before she crushed it.

“Well hello to you too,” Dick chuckled as she wrapped her body on top of his like a koala bear.

He kissed her forehead and ran his fingers through her hair.

“I’m very tired. And Jason wouldn’t get me Taco Bell,” she whined.

Jason looked offended and held his hands up in surrender. “I did try to get you Taco Bell, but it was closed.”

“He’s lying,” Y/N whispered.

“OK,” Dick managed to suppress his laughter. “How about we get you into bed and maybe chug some water?” Dick asked her softly.

She just nodded into his neck.

“Alright. Here we go,” Dick warned her before he managed to lift both of them off of the couch and carry her to their bedroom.

He helped her out of her clothes and then got her into one of his big t-shirts, not bothering with shorts or pants. He managed to convince her to take out her contacts before he handed her a makeup removal wipe. Then he very nicely asked her to drink some water for him.

“I’m gonna go say bye to Jason and then I’ll be right back,” he whispered as he tucked her into bed.  

Y/N sleepily nodded. “Jason punched a creepy dude for me. So be extra nice to him, K?”

Dick sighed.

Of course Jason did.

When Dick walked out of the bedroom, his younger brother was chugging a glass of water in their kitchen.

“You punched a dude?” Dick asked as he crossed his arms and gave him a suspicious look.

Jason shrugged. “Just another asshole who didn’t know the word no.”

“Thanks. For always looking out for her, I mean.”  

Jason nodded.

“You spending the night?” Dick asked.

They purposely rented a place that had a guest bedroom. It was rather common for someone from his family to crash. A lot of the time it was someone hiding from Bruce out of spite and needed some space from the manor.

“Nah. I just wanted to make sure she got home. I’m walking back to my place.”

Dick nodded, expecting that to be his response.

But Jason seemed to be lingering for some reason.

“You OK?” Dick asked him after a few moments.

“Yeah! Yeah, I just…Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“How do you make sure you don’t fuck it up?”

Jason didn’t need to clarify that ‘it’ was Dick’s relationship with Y/N.

Dick scratched the back of his head. This wasn’t a usual subject for him and Jason. They almost never talked about women with each other.

“I guess I just…” he thought about it for a moment. “I’m honest with her. So she never questions where we’re at. She always knows how I feel. And then it’s never scary for her.”

Jason nodded his head, clearly deep in thought as he mulled over Dick’s answer.

“I’ll see you guys later,” he finally said his goodbyes.

“Get home safe, yeah?”

Jason scoffed. “Always do.”

Dick locked the door behind his brother.

When he made his way back to the bedroom, Y/N appeared to be passed out.

But when Dick crawled into the other side, she instantly moved to him and placed a kiss on his bare chest.

“Hi,” she sighed sleepily.

“Hi,” he kissed the top of her head as he wrapped his arms around her. “What’s up with Jason?”

She smiled with her eyes closed. “Can’t tell you. It’s club business.”

Dick rolled his eyes and shook his head.

He tickled her sides. 

“Noooo,” Y/N whined as she buried her face into his chest.

Dick only stopped because her reaction was so adorable.

“I’m kidding,” she breathed her surrender. “Your brother…is in love.”

“In love, huh?” Dick said in awe, processing the idea. 

“And what advice did you give him?” He asked.

But when he looked down, he realized Y/N was now actually asleep.

Dick kissed her cheek and mentally reminded himself to run to the store early tomorrow so he could make them a greasy breakfast. He could only assume Y/N was going to need it with the inevitable hangover from a night drinking with Jason Todd.

------------------

Guess I wasn’t finished with them yet 😏

Let me know what you think. And I’ll see if I want to keep doing these. 

ALL BONUS CONTENT CAN BE FOUND: HERE

[wicked-mind]

The King and Queen: Chapter Five

Summary: Y/N is the Queen of Guns and James ‘Bucky’ Barnes is the King of New York City. She wants him as a buyer, but Bucky wants her to be his queen. After all, every King needs a Queen.

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: +18 only, AU, Mafia!Bucky, Dark!Bucky, sexual content, drugs and guns mentioned, swearing, heart problems, pregnancy, lots of torture ( I put anything in that could be considered a trigger warning. If I missed any, let me know )

Series Masterlist

All Writings List

Chapter five - The Uncooperative Queen

Natasha and Steve watched Bucky go on a rampage through the new club with the wooden bat, smashing anything he could. Steve had never seen Bucky in such a rage to the point of destroying something he worked so hard for, “What are we going to do, Nat?” He asks softly to the redhead.

Natasha watched Bucky closely, the phone with the live stream of Y/N still in her hand, “You are going to take James home.” She said as she looked up to Steve, “You’re going to try and calm him down so he doesn’t destroy everything in his path.”

Steve’s nodded at her words, wondering how she could be so calm in a situation like this, “What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to do my job. I have to call the IRA Kings and the cartel to let them know what happened.” Natasha told Steve, passing him the phone, “Find a charger for that, don’t let it die. Try not to let him watch, but keep a close eye on it. She may try to give us some hints.” She finished before walking out the doors of the club.

Steve looked at the phone for a moment at the unconscious Y/N, before putting it in his pocket. He approached Bucky carefully, not wanting to be on the wrong side of the bat he carried, “Buck,” He said, “Let’s go home, see what we can figure out.”

Bucky turned to Steve, angry veins pulsing from his neck. He gripped the bat before swinging at glasses that were on the bar, “They fucking took her, Steve!” He yelled, “I let her get taken! I should’ve taken her to the hospital myself! Dammit!” He took another swing at a mirror on the wall, shattering it.

Steve stood in his spot, watching Bucky swing the bat, “Look, Buck,” He began, “Nobody’s home to feed Alpine. You should go feed the cat, for Y/N, right?” He asks, hoping to center his friend back from the rage that had built up.

Bucky looked at Steve at he spoke, nodding slowly at the mention of feeding Y/N’s cat. He drops the bat on the floor, “Right, Alpine.” He muttered out, at least there was something he could do for Y/N even it was just making sure her cat was taken care of. He followed Steve out of the club, getting in the car.

The ride home was silent, Bucky just staring out the window as he processed what was happening. Y/N was somewhere, probably freezing and being tortured. He couldn’t get the images of her out of his brain. He needed her back with him. How is a king supposed to function without his queen? When they got back to Bucky’s home, he walked inside in silence, immediately finding Alpine and scooping the cat up into his arms and walking over to the food bowl. He fed Alpine, stroking the white fur softly as he was lost in his own thoughts. Steve watched Bucky closely, wondering when the rage would hit him again. Natasha walked in a few moments later, clearing her throat to grab their attention, “There’s some things we need to talk about, James.” She said, keeping her face straight and emotionless.

Bucky and Steve both looked to Natasha as she spoke, curious what information was about to come out from the redhead. Bucky walked towards her, tucking his hands in his pocket as he narrowed his eyes, “What do you know, Natasha?”

Natasha watched Bucky carefully as he approached, “What do you know about the cartel deal that Y/N has?” She asks.

Bucky’s face twisted into confusion at the question, thinking he knew everything about Y/N’s business but now feeling unsure on how Nat’s question was presented, “I think the better question is what don’t I know?” He asks through his teeth.

Natasha let out small sigh, looking around the room as she thought about the information she was about to divulge before her eyes landed back to Bucky, “The cartel. Did Y/N ever tell you how she got the deal with them?”

Bucky kept his narrowed eyes on Natasha’s face, pulling a hand out of his pocket to run through his dark hair, “Her second husband wanted out of the deal, she didn’t. They decided to keep the deal going with her instead.” 

Natasha bit her lip at his words before speaking again, “That’s technically true.” She said, “But what she couldn’t tell you is that when her second husband wanted out from dealing guns to the cartel, Y/N was approached by two deep undercover CIA agents in the cartel. Even the United States Government has a side in the cartel war. They told her if she didn’t keep the pipeline to guns open as the new boss, they’d ruin everything for her. Throw her and every affiliate of her’s in jail for the rest of their lives. So they offered her a deal- keep the pipeline open as well as keeping the secret of the CIA agents and she would be considered untouchable by any law enforcement agency unless there was indisputable footage of her committing crimes. Why do you think no agency has investigated or came after you two since you’ve met? Y/N was going to have you meet the two CIA agents in a few weeks during a gun exchange, sort things out with them.”

Bucky’s nostrils flared in anger at the new information, he had no idea. He thought it was odd nobody ever asked questions when Y/N and himself committed their ruthless crimes and now he knew why, “She’s been working hand in hand with the CIA and hasn’t told me?!” He suddenly yelled at Natasha, his hands gripping into fists.

Natasha stayed calm at Bucky’s anger, “She was going to tell you. Nobody knows except Y/N, myself, and now you and Steve.” She told him, her voice even, “I’ve informed them what happened. The CIA agents are doing everything in their power to try and figure out where the stream is coming from so we can find Y/N but it is bouncing through different VPNs all over the world.”

Bucky brought his hand to his face, taking deep breath. This information was a lot to process with everything going on. Y/N, his wife, was pregnant, kidnapped, being tortured, and was working with agents of the CIA. He could feel the rage slipping in, but didn’t want to disturb Alpine from eating the food. He points his finger suddenly at Natasha, “You will tell me immediately if the CIA come up with any information.” He hissed out at her. He walks over to Steve, holding out his hand for the phone with the live stream of Y/N on it. Steve handed it over willingly, not wanting to be on the other end of Bucky’s rage if he denied giving it to him, “I’ll be in my office.” He muttered out, opening the phone to see Y/N still sitting in the chair unconscious and alone. Bucky walks to his office, shutting the door behind him and sitting in his chair. He propped the phone up on his desk and sat back in his chair, staring at the live stream.

——

Y/N opened her eyes slowly, lifting her head as she looked around the room. Her cheek stung, figuring the blow to her face had opened up a small cut on her cheek bone. She looked around in the darkness, the only light in the room from the blinking red light on camera in front of her. Y/N stared into the lens of the camera, wondering who was watching. Her eyes flickered down to the tight ropes around her wrists, trying to pull her hand to get the ropes to give any leeway with no avail. She clenched her teeth as she took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. Y/N closed her eyes as she focused on her breathing, plans plotting her her head for the next time Walker would come in.

——

Bucky didn’t sleep, instead watching Y/N all night on the phone. He had gotten a charger for it so it didn’t die. He sipped on a glass of whiskey as he watched her breathe, knowing she was trying to stay calm and keep her heart rate down. He wished he could help calm her down, know she was going to be okay. But Y/N was out of his grasp and all he could do was watch and hope she knew he was there watching over her.

Natasha and Steve came into Bucky’s office in the morning. Steve sat in a chair across from Bucky, trying to get a read on how he was holding up. Natasha walked around to stand by Bucky to look at the phone, just in time to see John Walker approaching what looked like an unconscious Y/N, “As long as she doesn’t piss him off, he won’t hurt her too bad. He has to keep her alive for the red room.”

Steve almost scoffed at Natasha’s words but held it back, “Have you met her? She specializes in pissing people off.” 

——

Y/N heard the steel door start to open, slumping her head down and holding her breath. She relaxed her body, making it look like she wasn’t breathing and she was lifeless.

“Shit, get the doctor.” Walker spat out thinking Y/N may have had a heart attack. He walked over and pulled Y/N’s hair to prop her head up to see if she was awake. He leans his head down, his ear by her mouth to listen for any breathing.

Y/N opened her eyes when she felt him close to her face, leaning her head forward and biting down hard on Walker’s ear before pulling her head back. She heard him scream and pull away, causing the ear to tear from his head. She spit his ear onto the floor, then spit again to get the blood out of her mouth, “Sorry not sorry.” She hissed out at him.

Walker brought his hand up to feel his ear which was now missing, looking at it on the floor, “You fucking cunt.” He screamed at Y/N, moving toward her and kicked her in the chest, causing Y/N and the chair to fall backwards. He was on her in seconds, throwing punches to her face. He was eventually pulled back by another man.

Bucky tensed at the sight of Y/N getting punched out of his view. He couldn’t see where Walker was punching her but prayed it wasn’t the stomach. Steve had stood and moved around the desk to watch also, his lips parted in shock at the sight. Bucky grips the glass of whiskey hard enough that the glass started to crack in his hands. He listened intently to the sound, hoping for any sign Y/N was alright. He felt a little relief when he saw a doctor enter the view of the camera.

A doctor came into the steel container, “Oh my god.” He gasped as he saw Walker without an ear and Y/N tipped over. This was the same doctor that had told Y/N she was pregnant the day before, he had been taken due to him knowing about Y/N’s heart condition and was tasked with keeping her alive, “If you get the dismembered ear on ice, I can stitch it back.” He told Walker, who picked up his ear and exited the container followed by the rest of his team. The doctor walked over to Y/N, “Hey, hey Y/N. It’s me, Doctor Avery.” He told her as she looked at the ceiling. Y/N’s face was all red, her eyebrow bleeding, her lip split, as well as a blood vessel popped in her right eye. Doctor Avery could tell that she had a broken nose, and knew that she was going to have large bruises and black eyes all along her face based on the fact that her face was already red and turning deeper shades of purple already, “Let’s sit you back up.” He told Y/N, pulling the chair up to the sitting position again. He noticed some blood on the back of her head and a laceration caused when she fell backwards and hit her head on the steel floor.

As soon as Bucky saw Y/N’s face, the glass in his hand cracked apart in his hard grasp. He wanted to throw everything off his desk at the wall, but contained the anger as he had to see if Y/N was okay. Natasha leaned forward to get a better look at Y/N’s injuries on the screen of the phone. Steve was promptly handing Bucky a towel for the mess of whiskey from the shattered glass.

Y/N let out a deep breath as Doctor Avery sat her back up, looking over at him, “I know you said no strenuous activities, but I just couldn’t help myself.” She breathed out with a small smile towards him, slightly wheezing as the air passed her lips.

Doctor Avery couldn’t help but smile a slight bit at her comment. At least she was awake and responsive which was a good sign. He walks over to the bag he brought with him, pulling out a machine to monitor her heart rate, oxygen, and blood pressure. He connects it to her finger and watches the stats go up on the screen. Her blood pressure was a little high, but her heart rate and oxygen were low which was of some concern, “Well, not great but alright given the situation we are in. Your oxygen and wheezing are concerning, could’ve punctured a lung when he kicked your chest.” He told her, hearing her wheeze with every breath and looking at the forming bruise of a footprint on Y/N’s chest.

Y/N blinked tiredly, her vision having  black spots from the beating she just took to her face. She looked at the doors to see if anybody was coming before leaning as close to the doctor as she could, “You brought an emergency medical bag, “ She breathed out towards him quietly, not loud enough for the speakers on the camera to pick up, “I’ve stolen enough of those I know there’s some sort of phone in there, probably satellite for emergencies.” She swallowed hard, it felt hard to breathe and some pain filled her chest with each breath, “You weren’t blindfolded when you came in, you know where we are which means they’ll kill you when you aren’t useful anymore.” She informed him, her voice still low, “I need you to make a call.”

The doctor promptly dialed the number on the phone in the bag Y/N had told him, quickly putting it in his pocket without letting the camera see. He left the line open and went back to treating Y/N, cleaning up the gash on the back of her head so he could apply some stitches.

“What are they saying? I can’t hear them!” Bucky hollered as he watched Y/N talk to the doctor and then fumbling in his bad. Natasha’s brow furrowed as her phone started ringing, looking at the screen. She didn’t recognize the number, but answered. She held the speaker to her ear, hearing Y/N’s and the doctors voice. She quickly put it on speaker and pressed the mute button so nobody would hear her voice on the other side of the line, “It’s Y/N. The doctor must’ve had a phone in his bag.” She informed Bucky and Steve, placing the phone onto the desk. They could hear Y/N wheezing with every breath, listening intently on what she and the doctor were saying.

Y/N kept blinking hard to keep her eyes open, the spots in her sight growing in size. She took deep breathes, each hitched with a soft wheeze, “Where are we besides in a shipping container?” She asked the doctor in a hushed tone so the camera audio wouldn’t pick it up but only the phone would, wanting to get information out of him and hoping that someone on the other end of the line was listening. 

The doctor cleared his throat, trying to sound as normal as possible to not give any Hydra men outside the container suspicion, “The Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.” He answered softly so the camera didn’t hear but hoped the phone would, slowly stitching up the laceration on her skull.

Bucky stood immediately as he heard the location, “Let’s go.” He demanded. Natasha shook her head as she heard the steel doors opening, “No wait, look, somebody’s coming in."

Y/N snapped her eyes open when she heard the steel door open, looking wide awake as Walker walked in. She sat herself up not wanting to show any weakness to her captor. Her eyes narrowed to look like she was glaring but she was really just trying to focus her vision. Her heart rate jumped a little bit on the monitor, causing it to beep quickly, “What? One bite out of you wasn’t enough?” She hissed out at Walker coldly, trying to hold back the soft wheezes.

Walker glared at her. He had a large gauze bandage where his right ear should be, “You’ll pay for that, bitch.” He warned lowly as he walked towards the table which had various tools and knives placed on it. He picked up a black knife slowly, admiring it, “Zemo wants to know where your gun warehouse is. But more importantly, he wants to know where Barnes keeps his drug supply.”

Y/N rolled her eyes and laughed a little, “Is that the demands? You want to steal our supply?.” She said shaking her head at him, “I’m not telling you shit. I won’t be commanded or controlled by some man who has to tie down a woman just to get her in her underwear.”

Walker walked up to her, wrapping his hand around her throat roughly and glaring at her, “I know that you know everything. Kings tell their whores every detail.” He growled out at her, running the knife along the inside of her bare thigh with just enough pressure to draw blood in small lines, “Now tell me.”

Y/N winced slightly at the feeling of her thigh being sliced, but kept a glare on her face to the man who held her throat in his hand. It was already hard to breathe and this wasn’t helping, “Fine, fine.” She managed to hiss out at him, causing him to remove his hand from her throat. 

Bucky frowned slightly, wondering what Y/N was going to say. Whatever information she was about to give, he would have to prepare to take care of and switch around as to not let Hydra get their supply.

Y/N took in a deep breath before speaking again, “You want information on James? Fine… If you….” She breathed out softly, her head down. A slow smile painted across her lips as she continued, “If you call him ‘daddy’ he’ll make sure you have an extra orgasm.” She giggled softly.

Bucky almost smiled at her reply. That was Y/N, quick with the comebacks and a sharp, savage tongue. But his expression quickly turned to rage again.

Walker smiled darkly as if this was the reaction he was hoping for, an extra reason to cause Y/N pain. He forcefully stabbed the knife into Y/N’s left thigh, twisting it a little. He watched Y/N scream at the pain as the blade twisted in her leg. The heart rate monitor started beeping rapidly as she screamed, her heart rate jumping into the hundreds in a split second.

“You better just kill me.” Y/N growled out, “Because when I get out of here, and I will, I am going to lock you up in my basement!” Y/N screamed at Walker, “I’m going to keep you alive for weeks. I’m going to burn all the skin off of your body slowly, pull out your eyes with a grapefruit spoon, and feed them to my cat.”

Bucky looked at Natasha, “We are leaving. Now!” He yelled at her, not wanting to see Y/N be put through anymore than she already had. He didn’t know how much more her heart could take, not to mention the possibility of harm to his unborn child.

Natasha looked at him, putting our her hand on his chest to stop him, “No, you aren’t going in there. You will be killed on sight and with the state you’re in, you won’t be stealthy about it. The CIA agents have arrived in the state. The two of them and I will take care of this. You can wait in the car or meet us at the hospital.” She told him sternly. This was the best option to keep everybody alive. They couldn’t go in there guns blazing in a situation like this. Walker could kill Y/N as soon as he heard a commotion. 

Bucky glared at her command, “Are you fucking kidding me?! Wait in the car?! Do I look like someone you can boss around?!” He screamed at her, pushing Natasha’s hand away from him aggressively. He was ready to force her out of his way when Steve got between them.

Steve got in between the two, facing Bucky, “Go Nat, I’ll keep him here.” He said, knowing this was the best option. Steve was going to have to do everything he could to keep Bucky out of this situation for his own safety and Y/N’s, “Sorry Buck, it’s for your family’s own good.”

____________________________________________________________________________________

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[perseabethj]

i don't really have an explanation (ii.)

One might argue that Percy was not a very bright student; he could only get As in Latin, about which, for some unknown reason, he was extremely passionate, telling his friends that he had chosen Latin over German or Spanish because it was a family thing. However, nobody could say that he didn’t try hard. Whenever he had a free period, he could be found in the library studying, and he always told his friends that he had readings to catch up with during the weekends when they tried to make plans (he couldn’t really tell them that, most of the time, he had to go to a magical camp that they wouldn’t be able to see because more claimed children were showing up everyday and he had to make sure everything was in order). Not only did he try hard with school, but with everything in his life. He knew his school record had to be good to get into New Rome University, and he also did not want to be kicked out of the swim club. He liked his new friends and his new school where no monsters were trying to kill him, but his favourite thing was having a place to swim and forget about his problems for a little bit. His friends knew how much he liked the swim club and how much he trained, which is why they were excited to attend his first meet.

Percy had told them to meet him at the door before the meet, since his coach was giving the team a few minutes to say hi to family and friends before the first meet of the season and, when they arrived, they found him with his face being held by his girlfriend.

"Remember, breathe and get wet," they heard Annabeth say. "Don’t be an asshole and show off or your dad will show up and nobody wants that."

His friends saw him laugh softly and remove Annabeth’s hands from his face before quickly pecking her lips. They hadn’t seen Annabeth since the homecoming game at the beginning of September, more than a month ago, and they were still trying to get used to to the idea of secretive Percy having an even more secretive girlfriend.

"Hey, man," Louis said before Percy had a chance to say something to Annabeth.

Percy’s eyes lighted up as he took in his friends, grinning widely.

"You made it!" Percy exclaimed. "My mum and my stepdad are already inside saving seats for all of you. Annabeth can take you."

"Hey," Annabeth greeted softly, one of her hands still holding Percy’s.

Just as Percy was about to say something else, his coach called him from behind the closed doors.

"Jackson, time to warm up!"

Percy kissed Annabeth’s forehead quickly and smiled at his friends before waving and running into the building, trying to take off his sweatshirt at the same time but not quite managing.

"Let’s go," Annabeth said, rolling her eyes fondly at the scene in front of her. ‘’Percy’s mum will be glad to know her son died because he didn’t know how to take off his clothes.’’

Even though Matthew, Kayla and Louis asked Annabeth all sorts of questions about her life, they could tell that she was only telling them what she wanted them to know -she hadn’t been to many schools, since she had been homeschooled most of her life, she met Percy when they were twelve, which his friends already knew, she was one of the kids that were kidnapped alongside Percy when he was twelve (they had looked up the story online and, when they saw a picture, had placed bets on whether that was Annabeth or somebody who really looked like her), and her family lived in San Francisco. By the time they reached Percy’s mum and stepdad, she was more of an enigma than she had been before.

"Hi, honey!" Percy’s mum said to Annabeth when she sat down next to her. She then leaned forward a little bit -as much as her pregnant stomach would allow-, and smiled at the others. "You must be Percy’s friends! He’s told me a lot about you. I’m Sally and this is Paul, my husband."

A man sitting next to her smiled and waved, and they waved back at him.

"Is everything alright?" he asked Annabeth. Percy’s friends then looked at her, noticing that she was sporting a serious expression and her grey eyes seemed stormy as she looked around the gym.

"Yes," she said softly. "Don’t worry."

"Are you sure?" Sally asked.

"I just have a bad feeling, but don’t worry about it," she told her. "Besides, you know about yesterday, so I doubt we’ll see any more of them in a few days."

Percy’s friends didn’t understand what she meant, but Percy’s mother seemed more alert after Annabeth finished speaking. Before they could ask, however, an almost naked Percy ran up to them and threw his jeans in Annabeth’s face.

"Hey!" she exclaimed.

"Sorry," he said sheepishly, but he didn’t look sorry at all. "Will you keep my jeans in handy? I have a bad feeling and I don’t want to leave them in the locker room."

Annabeth straightened up at this but, before she could say anything, Percy turned around and ran towards the pool, ignoring the glances some of the girls and boys were sending his way.

"I feel really weird about people ogling my son," Sally said.

"If it makes you feel any better," Annabeth told her, "he’s probably way too stupid to realise and let it get to his head."

Sally laughed at this and took Percy’s jeans from Annabeth’s hands, carefully folding them before placing them on her lap.

"Why does he have so many scars?" Kayla suddenly asked. She hadn’t meant to be so loud -she only wanted Louis and Matthew to hear, but Paul and Sally’s gaze moved to her and Annabeth ’s body visibly tensed before she turned around to look at her.

"Our summer camp is a little bit ruthless," she told her.

Kayla wanted to ask more, but knew better and simply looked back at the pool, where Percy was with the rest of his team. She knew she was probably not the only person to wonder; Percy did, undeniably, have a nice body, but scars plagued his chest and back. They were not very dark, which meant that they were probably old, but they also didn’t look like the kind of scars you got when you fell off your bike. Kayla also noted the way Annabeth crossed her arms and let herself be pulled into Sally’s side-hug, but she knew it would make the blonde uncomfortable if she asked. Louis and Matthew, however, looked at her questioningly; they also wanted to know, but they, too, knew better than to ask somebody who clearly didn’t want to talk about it. When they looked back at Percy again, he was talking to another guy. They appeared to be arguing, and Percy looked cross. His face was, for once, serious, and his eyes seemed to scream "danger".

"Who is that?" Annabeth asked them.

"John Robinson," Louis told her. "He was the star of the team until Percy showed up, and he is quite resentful. Since this is a friendly meet, it’s going to be relay races, so I’m guessing he’s trying to rile Percy up so Percy gets a worse time."

"That won’t work," Annabeth told them, her eyes scanning John. "Percy always works best under pressure, and even more so in the water."

As if hearing his name, Percy looked at Annabeth from afar, who smiled and waved at him. John saw this interaction, smirking before saying something to Percy that made his face go serious again. Before Kayla could let Annabeth know how much of an asshole John was, the water in the pool suddenly overflowed, wetting the ground all around the pool where the teams were standing. Annabeth quickly rose up and moved towards Percy, ignoring his friends’ questioning glances. While the cleaners took care of the water, Annabeth whispered something to Percy, who quickly answered with an annoyed look in his face. Although Annabeth’s back was the only thing they could see, Matthew, Louis and Kayla noticed her turning towards John and saying something that made the other boy lose his smirk, slowly walking away from the couple and making Percy grin in the process. He stopped grinning, however, when Annabeth turned towards him again, but he started smiling again the moment she turned around and started walking to her seat.

"He’s a seaweed brain," she softly mumbled when Sally looked at her. "Two months reminding him to be careful and he practically blows it today. If his dad shows up, it’s definitely going to be his fault."

"I truly doubt Poseidon will show up to his swim meet," Paul meekly said.

"With our luck, the whole family will show up, and then both of us will have to do something and leave another school year unfinished," Annabeth huffed.

"Enough is enough", Matthew thought, finally building up his courage to ask what the hell they were talking about. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, the meet started, taking away his chance to understand what Annabeth and Percy’s parents meant.

Percy’s friends had never seen him swim; they never went to see him during training, because they just didn’t care about swimming that much, so they were surprised when they saw him relay John and make a record time for his school with enough time to spare. He didn’t look human when he swam -his body moved fluidly, and the water seemed to move with him, gently pushing him forward but embracing him at the same time. If they didn’t know that it was impossible to cheat in swimming (excluding the use of drugs), they would have deemed him a cheater.

"He’s cheating," Annabeth told Sally, as if reading their thoughts.

"Is he?" Sally asked critically.

"I’ve timed him during regular training, and he’s definitely cheating. He just wants to make that John guy mad," she said.

His friends didn’t even bother questioning her; they had already accepted that, if they wanted to understand what the hell Annabeth was talking about, they would probably have to ask Percy. By the time the meet was over, however, they were told by Sally that it would be better if they waited for him outside. Annabeth seemed to be looking at somebody sitting on the other side of the gym, her hand resting on her bag.

"Sally, give me Percy’s jeans," she said. "We’ll meet you outside."

Sally nervously looked around, but nodded as Paul rested his hand on the small of her back and led her and the other teenagers outside. They didn’t really know why she’d need Percy’s jeans so urgently, but they, once again, let it go.

"He’s a great swimmer," Louis politely told Sally, trying to make small talk. "Does he get that from you?"

Sally laughed loudly and rested one hand on her stomach as she dried a few tears from her eyes with the other hand.

"Definitely not," she said. "It’s all his father."

"Poseidon, right?" Matthew asked.

"Yes," she said, surprised. "Has Percy told you about him?"

"No, not at all," Matthew told her. "I overheard you say his name before. Percy doesn’t really talk about him."

Sally nodded sadly and looked at Paul, who looked a little bit uncomfortable.

"They don’t see each other much, but Percy tries not to blame him. He knows it’s not his dad’s fault, but their relationship is difficult, to say the least."

"Why did Percy and Annabeth not want him to come to the meet?" Kayla asked, receiving a slight push from Louis. It was not her fault that she was curious, but Louis did not seem to appreciate it.

"I wouldn’t say they didn’t want him to come," Sally slowly said. "It’s just… Percy doesn’t see him often, so, when he does, he likes for it to be private. He’s not really comfortable introducing him to others, and Annabeth is a little bit protective over Percy. They’ve been through a lot together, and they always want to make sure the other is alright."

A silence followed this declaration, and Kayla, Louis and Matthew stood as they let Sally and Paul sit in a bench in front of the gym, waiting for Percy and Annabeth to get out. Once both teams were out, but there was no sign of neither of them, they started to worry.

"Should we go look for them?" Louis asked Sally.

"No!" Paul quickly said. "They’ll be out shortly, I’m sure. Percy has probably misplaced his shoes."

Sally seemed uneasy about this, but didn’t say anything. Louis didn’t want to pressure her, so he simply looked at his friends and shrugged, dropping the topic. A few minutes later, however, Annabeth and Percy finally exited the gym. Just as his friends were about to congratulate him, they noticed scratches on both their faces and a bleeding cut on Annabeth’s hand.

"Is everything alright?" Sally quickly asked.

"Yes, Sally, don’t worry," Annabeth told her, smiling softly.

"Dude, what happened?" Matthew asked Percy, looking at Annabeth’s bleeding hand.

Percy looked at him like a deer caught in headlights, and Matthew could tell he was not going to get an answer from him.

"We were kissing next to the pool, but it was slippery and we tripped. Turns out he’s only good with water when he’s inside the pool. Right, Seaweed Brain?"

Percy smiled at his girlfriend and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, not at all embarrassed about the fact that his mum had heard that explanation (he knew she knew that was not what happened, so he didn’t feel the need to blush), and kissed Annabeth’s hair.

"What can I say, Wise Girl," he told her. "You make me nervous."

[emwritesfootball]

Her Majesty's Men 7 | Mason Mount

Word Count: 1,415

Warnings: declan being an ass, more stripping, more mason/reader sexual tension xx

- - -

Her Majesty’s Men take off after that.

Victoria makes one Instagram post about her night spent at the club, and suddenly, everyone is showing up. Women come from all over England just to see them perform. Suddenly, money is coming from all directions. Stonesy is able to hire a PR team and an agency that starts talking about the tour.

It all gets so big so fast.

Money Mase and Dangerous Deccers start making house calls to bring in extra press. It’s exhausting but the money can sometimes be even better than a weeknight at the club, and now they need the money because Stonesy thought they should only do Thursday-through-Sunday shows.

They knock on the door of the mansion in front of them, the music blaring even behind the closed door. The two of them are dressed up like the City of London Police, looking intimidating when a woman answers. “Hello, Officers. Can I help you?”

“D’You live here, Ma’am?”

“Well, uh, no, but I-”

“That’s fine,” Mason says, pushing past her and stepping inside. “We’ve been getting complaints of noise and underage drinking here. Is everyone over age?”

The room is full of women well over-eighteen and they all nod. “Well, we’re gonna have to see some ID all the same,” Mason continues, pointing in the direction of the room filled with women. “Can you accompany me in here, please. When’s your birthday, Ma’am?”

“Uh, M-May,” she stutters, so flustered by this intrusion she forgets her own birthday.

“You are definitely not eighteen. I’m gonna need you to place your hands on the wall; spread your legs. Everybody sit down - we’re gonna be here a while. Now, do you have anything sharp on you that I could stick myself with?”

“N-no, Sir.”

“Good. Because I do.” That was the cue for Mason to rip off the tear-away pants, leaving him in briefs with the toolbelt still around his waist. Declan turned up the music as the women started to cheer. He spotted Victoria in the crowd, giving her a wink and a nod before he turned back to her friend and finished up the lapdance.

The two men worked the room, money flying everywhere as they thrust their hips and flexed their muscles. Victoria was the last woman left, spreading her legs eagerly as Declan sauntered over to her. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he started the lapdance, rutting against his barely-covered cock-

“What the HELL is going on?!” Came David Beckham’s voice.

The music shut off, everyone suddenly freezing where they stood. Time stopped.

“David, I-”

“No! I don’t wanna hear it!” David was furious, the centre of his rage focused solely on Victoria and Declan. “You told me it was one time, Victoria! You told me I’d never have to see this… this boy again, yet here he is in MY HOUSE!” David stormed towards Declan, shoving him. “Get the fuck off my wife!”

“Whoa whoa whoa, what’s going on?” Mason cut in, throwing himself between Declan and the football legend. “We just got a call to come to this house party, and-”

“What you ‘got’ was a call from my wife to get her little boy-toy over here so she can have an excuse to fuck him in our bed. I want him out of my house!” David roared, advancing on Mason now.

“O-Okay,” Mason said, holding his hands up in surrender. “We’re leaving right now. Dec? C’mon.”

“No.” Declan’s face was hard, defiant as he stepped towards David. “Victoria told me you were okay with this. I don’t know what she told you, but that’s what she told me.” Declan got in David’s face. “I’ll leave, but you haven’t seen the last of me.”

Declan let Mason drag him out by the arm, the adrenaline racing through both of them.

“What the hell was that, Dec?!” Mason shouted as the two of them drove back to Declan’s place. “Victoria Beckham?! Really?! How long has this been going on?!”

“Since the fundraiser. She seduced me.”

“And you let it happen? Fuck, Dec, I thought you knew better than that!”

“I thought I did, too, mate, but she… god, she really knows her way around a man’s cock. Stonesy was right: this investment was a great idea.”

“No, Dec! No, it wasn’t! God, don’t you see what Stonesy has turned you into?”

“Yes, I have, Mase! He’s made me a goddamn star! I thought I’d never get to hear crowds of people chanting and screaming my name again, but here we are! They. Love. Me. Me, Mase! I didn’t think that was gonna be possible again after I lost football, but John’s done it.”

“John?! Since when do we call him anything but Stonesy?! Fuck, Dec. You might know who you are now, but I sure as hell don’t.”

The rest of the drive was spent in tense silence, both men fuming at the other. Mason pulled into the drive, cutting the engine. He banged on the door of your place, breathing a sigh of relief when you answered. “I’ve got your brother.”

“What happened?” Concern instantly makes its way onto your face. You want to reach out and comfort Mason, but you don’t. The two of you have barely interacted since your almost-kiss, but something about his demeanor tells you that he needs you.

“I don’t know the full story, but we’ve just come from the Beckhams’ and-”

“Wait. As in ‘David and Victoria Beckham’ the Beckhams’?”

“Uh, yeah. And, apparently, your brother has been shagging Victoria for the last few I-don’t-know-how-many months.”

“He’s what?!”

“Yeah.” Mason gave you a wide-eyed look. “Things got a bit heated tonight. I tried to talk to him on the drive, but he’s so far gone on Stonesy’s little fucked-up plan to take us out of London that I don’t-”

“Wow. It’s really gonna be like that, eh?” Declan glared at Mason and then turned his attention to you. “Money Mase has you so wrapped around his finger, doesn’t he? Is this all part of your plan to turn everyone against me? God, mate, my own sister?! You think me screwing Vic is bad but you’re shagging my sister?! That’s low, even for you.”

“Mason’s not shagging me, Dec! And really? Victoria Beckham?! Look at yourself! I thought this was going to be a bridge from football onto your next thing. I wasn’t expecting this.”

“Expecting what? Me to be a star?! Well, wake the fuck up, bitch! I’m a star! Dangerous Deccers is a goddamn star! The women scream for me, they cheer for me! And Victoria Beckham is shagging me over her goddamn husband! So, who’s the real winner here, ‘cause it certainly doesn’t seem like it’s either of you two.” Declan growled, pushing past you and into the house.

“Wow!” You whispered, sharing a look with Mason.

“Yeah…” Mason trailed off, letting out a sigh as he scrubbed a hand over his face. “I’m sorry he called you a bitch.”

“It’s not your fault, but thanks. I doubt he’ll apologize in the morning, anyway. When he gets like this, he-” you paused, shaking your head. “Well, anyway. Thanks.” Without thinking, you hugged him, wrapping your arms around his waist. “Thanks for bringing him here and just for… everything, really.”

“My pleasure,” he replied, running a soothing hand up your back. “I was just looking out for Dec. I didn’t expect it to turn out like this.”

“I know you didn’t. It’s okay, Mase. Really.” You looked up at him, taking his face in your hands. Your eyes searched his face before you pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Good night.”

“Can we go out sometime? A proper date. I wanna take you out.”

“Mason,” you sighed, releasing him as you stepped back. “You know we can’t. I’m me and you’re-”

“A stripper? You can say it, ya know. It’s not a bad thing. I told you once before, it’s how I pay the bills; it’s not who I am.”

“I know. But you’re also Dec’s best friend.”

“Forget about all that. If I was just some random guy you met and you didn’t know who I was and I wasn’t your brother’s best friend, would you go out with me?”

You bit down on your bottom lip. “Yes. I would.”

Mason smiled wide and your stomach dipped. “Give me a month, and just promise me that when I show up here again, you’ll say yes to a date?”

<< >>

[elivanah-writes]

Wired

pairing: Juice Ortiz x reader

sum: coming back home after a long time away brings it’s challenges, specially if you’re the daughter of Gemma and Clay. what if she sees someone she tought she’d never see again?

warnings: fluff, implied smut and a small bit of angst

A/n: this was actually a requested by someon on my main blog @evanstanwrites​ but sadly I can’t remember who did and I can’t find the original message with the request.

It felt amazing to y/n to finally pass the sign that stated “Welcome to charming”, for her it was more of a welcome home. y/n had previously studied and worked a few years in New York, at first she was happy to get away from home, away from the always busy place full of bikers. Then she met a certain brown eyed Puerto Rican from Queens, they fell in love, hard and fast. Time spent together was heavenly and she couldn’t get enough of him, he even promised her to marry her one day. God, they were young and stupid. They were together for most of her college time but then one day a few weeks before she graduated she got a panicked phone call from her boyfriend, he’d done something very stupid and now people were after him. He told her he’d ran but couldn’t take her with him. So they broke up, still loving each other. She could have gone home after she graduated, it would have been easy to just get in that car with her mom but she didn’t want to face everyone and their questions. She had told her mom she was seeing someone, that they’d get married someday and her mom in time told everyone back home. It was already hard enough how she had to deal with the phone call from her father when he had heard, man was he pissed that his little girl found a guy he didn’t approve of beforehand. Her father finally made peace with it as long as the guy treated her right. How the hell was she gonna face him after her heart was broken, he’d look for him and kill him himself.

So instead of going home, she found herself a job that paid pretty well and tried to build herself a new life, after some time her father did found out that she and her guy broke up. Her new life only lasted for a few years tho. She kept worrying, thinking back to her brown eyed man, she hadn’t heard from him anymore and she felt so lonely in New York. So when she got the chance to be transferred to a place of choice she took that chance with both hands and went home. She didn’t tell anyone she was going back home so nobody was expecting her and no welcome back party would be waiting for her, She hated surprise parties but she loved to surprise people.

It wasn’t long before she reached the long driveway of the Teller-Morrow garage, as she drove up the driveway and parked her car. A few guys were hanging around on the benches in front of the clubhouse, only a few of their faces seemed familiar to her others were completely new to her. One of the familiar faces was Jax Teller, her half brother. Jax sat on the bench smoking a cigarette talking to who she remembered as Chibs and Tig and a few new faces. None of the guys had seemed to notice her yet, maybe they just thought she was just another customer of the garage and didn’t paid mind to her. But even if they did saw her she wasn’t so sure they’d even recognize her, over the last few years she changed so much. She didn’t look like that little cute girl that left this place to go to college, now she was a fully grown up woman and not so little anymore. It was only when she got out of her car and shut her door that the group of men looked up to her and just like she thought it seemed like they didn’t know who she was. Jax did hold a look of recognition in his eyes but also seemed to be unsure.

She just winked at the group of men with a small smirk and turned her back to them and started to walk in the direction of the small office of Teller-Morrow just as she heard one of the guys whistle at her. Not even a second later she could hear the sound of a punch being thrown, a curse, and then the voice of Jax calling out to her.

“Y/N!” 

So he finally did recognize her, his baby sister. With a wide smile, she turned back around seeing Jax throwing away his cigarette and running at her. 

“Hey Jax,”

And then next thing she knew she was wrapped up in Jax’s arms as he lifted her into the air just like he’d always do with her back in the day when they were younger.

“What are you doing here, I thought you’d made a new life back in New York?” Jax asked when he placed her back on her feet.

“Nice to know I’m welcome back here,” she joked

“This is your home y/n/n, you’re always welcome here. We just weren’t expecting you. You’re here on holiday?” he chuckled 

It seemed that their reunion had drawn quite the attention, as she saw people spill out of the clubhouse.

“That’s the point of a surprise brother, and no I’m not here on a holiday”

She just finished talking when she heard the voice of her mother calling for her and not a minute later she appeared next to Jax together with my father at her side.

“Babygirl, my babygirl is home.”

And jet again I was wrapped up in a pair of arms.

“Hey mama, hey daddy,” I said once she released me from her hold and I could give my father a hug too. 

“Hi princess, you’re home for good?” was the first thing that left Clay Morrow’s lips as he held his daughter close.

“Yes daddy, I’m here to stay”

It didn’t take long before they had lead her inside the clubhouse and started up an impromptu welcome home party. For most of the night, she sat with Jax, a few of the other guys, and her father. Her mother went home early so she could make her room ready for when she’d come home.

It was a quiet night up until the door of the clubhouse opened and 3 club members walked in, two of them she remembered as bobby Munson and Opie Winston but what shocked her was the third person that walked in behind the two: Juan Carlos Ortiz, her Puerto Rican ex boyfriend.

She was so shocked to see him there that she forgot all about who sat with her and stood up and walked towards him calling out his name.

“Juice? What are you doing here?”

it seemed like Juice was just as shocked as her when he heard his name being called and saw her stand there in the middle of the clubhouse.

“Y/N? I could ask you the same thing” he said surprised not noticing all the eyes on them.

But y/n did so she grabbed him by the arm and led him back out the door and went to sit on one of the benches.

“So, you ran off to Charming?” y/n started as she looked at the man standing before her wearing a kutte with the sons patch. 

“Yeah, I drove around a lot. Jax found me, that’s how I got here,” he explained before taking a seat next to her.

“Did you knew that Clay’s my father?”

“Not at first, but then I noticed pictures of you on the walls, they talked about you. But then I heard Clay and Jax talking about you, about how there had been a guy you were seeing and that he’d broken your heart,” He said taking a breath before leaning his elbows onto his knees.

“I knew I was that guy, I broke your heart. I can never forgive myself for that but I also knew it was better if they didn’t know”

“Well, I bet they figured that part out just now,” y/n sighed before continuing

“You may have broken my heart in leaving Juice, but I knew it was for the best. You don’t need forgiveness because there’s nothing to forgive, I knew you still loved me when you left. It’s not like you wanted it to happen like that” She finished and she softly bumped her shoulder into his.

“The kutte suits you,”

“Thanks, I like it here. Got a new family now” he smiled

He’s seeing someone? She wasn’t prepared to hear him say that, she still loved him, she didn’t know if she could see him with another woman. Unconsciously she scooted away a bit from him which of course he noticed right away why.

“I meant the club you know, I’m not seeing someone. I haven’t since I came here, since you,” he pointed out.

“Why?”

“Because, because I still love you y/n,”

And before she knew it they were making out and dry humping with her in his lap like two horny teenagers.

“This can’t be serious, tell me this isn’t what it looks like!” Clay yells filled the almost empty house. Only he and Gemma were home while y/n was at work the following day. It wasn’t a secret that the two of them had been fighting for days so it wasn’t a big surprise that they were at it again. 

“Calm down Clay, they’re two grown up people,”

“I won’t calm down Gemma! Juice has his filthy hands all over my little girl, and to top it all off he broke her heart before he came here! I should have never let him patch in!” Clay went on in fury.

“Let them be, they love each other”

“That’s not love! Nobody touches my little girl!”

“She’s not your little girl!” suddenly Gemma screamed back at her

“what? What the fuck did you say?”

“She’s not your daughter Clay, I lied, she’s John’s daughter. I was already pregnant when he died”

“I can’t fucking believe it! I rased her, I am her father. Did you tell her that bullshit?”

“Of course not”

“I can’t fucking believe you woman”

Clay was more than furious, y/n was his daughter, he was sure of it. And then seeing the hands of Juice all over his daughter only added to his anger. He was so angry that he had threatened Juice to cut off his dick if he even saw one hair out of line on his daughter or a tear on her face. But then sometime later he had what he thought the best idea, he was going to bribe Juice into getting the information he needed from y/n, he needed to know if Gemma had told y/n he wasn’t her real father. So he made Juice a deal if Juice asked if she knew anything about john Teller and if he had another kid with Gemma, then he’d make peace with the fact that he was dating his daughter. Of course, Juice jumped at the chance of getting Clay’s approval so he agreed. Clay seemed happy with his answer and hugged Juice goodbye. But what nobody had seen was that during the hug Clay had dropped a small device into his pocket.

“Okay, where were we baby?” Juice smirked as he closed the door of his dorm room behind him. 

“What did my dad want?” y/n asked as she got up from his bed in nothing but her underwear.

“Just some club business, nothing to worry about. now let’s get back to where we left off,” Juice said while removing his kutte and walking to her.

“You gonna make me feel good, Juicy?” she blushed as she helped him remove his shirt.

“Even better, baby, I’m gonna make you scream my name,” he growled before he connected his lips to her neck making her moan at the feeling as she ran her hands over his defined chest.

“God, you got even more handsome with time”

“Thanks, babe, I always thought you’re the most gorgeous woman I ever saw, you still are. now lay back on the bed and give me a taste of that sweet pussy of yours”

Clay was cooking in anger, he wanted nothing more than to march op to the dorms, kick in that door, and fucking kill Juice. But then again this was his own fault, he could have known this would happen when he wired Juice. He didn’t even think about the fact that he may hear the two of them going at it like rabbits. He wanted to be able to unhear the moans of his precious little girl that was clearly not so little anymore.

Clay sat at his table alone in chappel growling things to himself when suddenly the doors to the room closed with a bang. When he looked up he saw y/n standing there with her arms crossed looking straight at him but surprisingly not in anger.

“You could have just asked me, dad. I would have truthfully answered you,” she said as she walked closer until she was right next to him and placed the wiring device on the table in front of him.

“I’m not gonna say I’m sorry kid”

“I know, but you didn’t need to wire him. He’s loyal to the club and he loves me, treats me right, what more do you want dad? Did you just wanted to test his trust now you know we’re together?”

Clay took a deep breath, normally he wouldn’t discuss these kinds of things with someone who wasn’t a member.

“No princess, I wasn’t testing him, it was a good bonus, I’ll give you that. But I just wanted to know if your mother told you that I wasn’t your father, I didn’t want to lose you,”

“Oh daddy, It doesn’t matter if John Teller is my biological father, to me you’ll always be my dad. Hell who thought me to notice when someone was wired, who thought me to fight, to stick up for myself, and many more things? You did, now be a man and make things right with mom” y/n chuckled before giving her father a kiss on his cheek and made her way out of the room.

“Who taught you to be this vivacious?” He called out after his daughter with a laugh.

“You and mom did!” she responded before she joined Juice who was waiting for her at the bar.

[free-pancakes]

Kiss the Drummer

Summary: a LeviHan Jazz!AU

Levi, a talented trumpet player famous in the jazz clubs of New York, is struggling with his instrument and feels burnt out—he wonders if he chose the right path in life.

The bassist of his quintet, an old friend named Erwin, invites a quirky new drummer to play with them, who brings a new spark into Levi’s life.

Notes:  Drum "chops” describe a drummer's technical ability, including a large vocabulary of licks, and how freely they express themselves on the instrument. BPM = beats per minute Songs: Giant Steps - John Coltrane

sorry this AU fic is pure self-indulgence and has become much longer than originally intended lol

crossposted to AO3

CHAPTER 1

He licked his lips and pushed them readily against the smooth, silver mouthpiece, ready to hit the first note of the song, Giant Steps. He suppressed his desire to grumble at yet another fast swing tune.

He stared out into the audience, peering at the people sitting around the tables of the club. Their faces were slightly lit from the reflection of the stage lights, wearing expressions of both excitement and anticipation. “Just another night of the same old thing,” Levi thought to himself, letting out a soft, exasperated sigh, one only he could hear. His stance conveyed confidence, but his eyes spelled apathy.

He heard snaps on 2 and 4 marking their starting tempo at 289 bpm and Levi quickly puffed warm air into his trumpet.

“One… two… one two three four—“

——

Levi wiped down his trumpet, carefully cleaning the beautiful brass after yet another great performance. He gently placed it in his case, and looked up at himself in the dressing room mirror. He stared blankly at his reflection, noting the tinge of purple beneath his eyes—he knew his body was aching for sleep. It had been restless upon restless night for the past year or so, and he wasn’t completely sure why. He looked down at his trumpet case with both affection and disdain. Maybe... he just wasn’t meant to do this for this long.

He didn’t hate playing, but the truth was, he had simply been good at it all of his life. Quite gifted at it, one would say, and thus he passively let it lead him to success. It was just what it was. He was good at jazz, he was good at trumpet. Naturally he studied it at a top university for jazz performance and joined this famous quintet, and naturally he worked hard to improve his skills. But as any routine would, practice and rehearsals became monotonous, grunt work.

While lost in thought, his eyes trailed over to his small, neat pile of math textbooks at the edge of the dresser.

If anything, he did enjoy jazz theory. It was just math, anyway—circle of fifths, cadence patterns, fancy scales—it all just added up and broke down for any message or feeling you wanted to convey with a melody for your solo, and those tools were simply available in your brain to make it happen—tools to play some straight dirty solos that make you smirk satisfactorily when listening. To Levi, it just made sense, to a lot of other people, he was called “genius”. But after years and years of this, he was burning out and he was quite aware of that. He felt like he was losing his edge, and he was just a machine clunking out music most nights of the week. Again he thought, maybe he just wasn’t meant to do this forever. But what else would pay the bills?

Shaking his head, he let his jumbled thoughts fall away momentarily. He picked up a textbook, and leafed through the pages. He clicked open a ballpoint pen and began adding to his lesson plan for one of his students, a young girl named Sasha. Honestly, she seemed utterly hopeless with math at times, but he was determined to help her at least pass her algebra class. Her little friend Connie on the other hand…well that’s a story for another day, he thought, and chuckled softly to himself. If anything, he did enjoy his side job as a math tutor for the local school system. He didn’t really need the extra pocket money, but something compelled him to keep up with it.

As he jotted down notes, muffled noise of cheering and commotion rocked against the door. Tonight’s gig was Nile’s last performance with them, as he was moving out to the west coast to play with another group and accept a teaching position somewhere out there. Levi didn’t care much for his drumming or his personality for that matter, so he wasn’t particularly sad to see him go, nor was he keen on joining the celebration out in the bar. He yawned and continued finish up writing his lesson plan, as he knew he’d probably have to drive his drunk colleagues home.

——

“Levi! I’m gonna miss you buddy!” Nile exclaimed as he aggressively ruffled Levi’s hair, causing the cowlick he spent every morning trying to gel down to stick straight up embarrassingly at the top of his head. “Yeah, yeah, yeah… good luck Nile.” He shoved him and Mike into a cab, as they lived in the same apartment complex. He turned back into the bar to Erwin smiling drunkenly and Nanaba knocked out cold, sleeping soundly as she sat with her head down on a table. Levi grumbled and picked up Nanaba’s saxophone case to haul into the trunk of his car. He returned to pick up Nanaba and carried her on his back, and Erwin walked with them to Levi’s car.

“Hey Levi, Our new drummer is flying in tomorrow. I told her I’d come and pick her up from the airport at 7am.”

Levi looked Erwin up and down with a look of disgust. “In that sorry state, Eyebrows? Tch, go sleep off the hangover tonight, I can go to the airport. What’s her name and what does she look like?”

“Her name’s Hange. She has messy brown hair usually worn up in a ponytail, wears tortoise clubmaster glasses and well… honestly you can’t miss her, I’m sure you’ll find her right away.”

“Okay. So why’d we need to bring in a completely new drummer anyway? Couldn’t we have just brought in Moblit?”

“Ah you know his style doesn’t fit ours as well, plus he’s doing well with his band right now. Don’t worry, Hange and I played together all 4 years of college together, she’s got chops. Plus, I think Hange will probably bring in the change we need. Your playing’s gone a bit stale... hasn’t it, Levi?”

“Stale?! Pfft you’re just drunk,” Levi muttered, irritated as Erwin raised his eyebrows at him. They arrived at their apartment complex and Levi begrudgingly unlocked the car doors, gently woke Nanaba, and the three of them walked up to their floor. Erwin fumbled with his keys, and Levi snatched it out of his hands, frustrated at how long it was taking him. Erwin chuckled, and Levi scrunched up his nose at the stench of alcohol in his breath. As soon as the door opened, Nanaba immediately ran to the bathroom, retching into the toilet.

“I got her,” Erwin laughed. “Go to bed, Levi, you’re the one getting up early. Flight info’s next to the door.”

Levi nodded, turned into his room, and plopped down on the bed. He stared at the ceiling, and wondered how much longer he’d keep playing, or more like, how soon he’d quit. If this Hange person was as annoying as Nile, well… he probably wouldn’t hold out much longer.

——

Levi stood with his hands in his pockets, eyes peeled for this Hange person. He looked at his watch—“Maybe she was still waiting on her luggage,” he thought. He walked over to the small cafe to his left, and waited in line, squinting for any decent teas on the menu. Before he could decide, he suddenly heard a small yelp, and something shoved right into his chest, feeling piping hot coffee running down his white, longsleeve shirt. Before he could yell obscenities at the moron who just ruined one of his favorite shirts, he was met with frantic apologizes.

“I’m so so sorry! Oh my goodness it was a complete accident, can I get you a drink to make up for it? Man I am so clumsy...oh! Maybe you can wear one of my shirts I have here, free of charge! Or I could just—“

He looked up in the middle of incessant rambling to see the culprit—a tall brunette, hair messily tied up in a bun, wearing tortoise clubmaster glasses, and a bright yellow coat.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Levi thought to himself. He looked down to see a large black cymbal case and a stick bag with yarn mallets and drumsticks poking out of it.

—I could just buy you a new shirt! Oh, how bout—“

Levi was livid—this clown was potentially going to be playing gigs with them over the next year? The coffee stained fabric was sticking uncomfortably to his skin and he felt the biggest headache coming on—all this pain just from one person. He reached up and gently placed his hand over her mouth to physically stop her chattering.

“Is your name, Hange?”

She nodded, Levi’s hand still covering her mouth.

“You’re Erwin’s friend?”

She nodded again, her eyes lighting up at the name, Levi feeling her lips forming a smile under his palm.

“Okay, I’m taking you back to our apartment.”

Levi reached for her bags to carry them, but was interrupted.

“Wait—the least I can do is give you the extra shirt I have in my backpack so you can change out of your soiled one,” she said softly. She reached in her bag, and pulled out the shirt and Levi felt his eye twitch in annoyance at the words printed on its front. He sighed, and debated sitting in his wet shirt, but it seemed like he didn’t have much choice—he’d have to wear it.

——

Levi blinked his eyes open. He felt oddly rested, but one thing was strange—he was sitting up, and he felt something unusually heavy on his shoulder.

“What the—“

He looked to the side and saw a mess of brown hair immediately to his right, heard the soft sound of snoring, and felt… something wet on his arm? He looked down and grimaced. “Drool. She’s drooling. On my goddamn arm.”

He looked around for some kind of napkin. He didn’t remember falling asleep, let alone letting this absolute stranger curl up against him. How in the world did he let his guard down this far?

He stared blankly at Hange and thought, “What a mess—what was Erwin thinking? We’ve known each other for less than 5 hours, and she seems to have already made herself right at home. I haven’t even confirmed whether she was good enough to play with us, yet.” He tried to shift out from underneath Hange, but before he could wriggle is way out—

“Kiss the drummer?”

Erwin and Nanaba stood before Levi, both with hair in a complete mess, having just woken up from sleeping off their hangovers. Smirking and holding back laughter, they stared at the scene—Levi wearing an oversized t-shirt with the words “Kiss the Drummer” in bold letters plastered across his chest, along with Hange sleeping quite cozily on his shoulder, her glasses held gently between his fingers. Levi tried covering up the words and scowled at his two friends.

“Laugh it up,” he muttered. “What is this, Erwin? She’s clearly made herself at home already—and we haven’t even gotten to play together yet.”

“Relax, Levi, she’s a great musician. And look, she likes you!”

Levi grimaced at Hange draped over his shoulder.

“Hmph, I still have to hear her play and have my opinion considered. We all get a vote yknow…”

Over their hushed voices, Hange shifted groggily towards all of them and rubbed her eyes. “Erwin?”

Hange’s eyes lit up immediately in recognition, shoving Levi back further into the couch as she jumped up to wrap Erwin in her embrace, excited to finally be reunited with her friend after so many years.

After a few minutes of catching up, Erwin smiled brightly. “Yes, we can take you around the city a bit. Rehearsal’s not til this evening anyway—we did have a gig lined up last minute for the middle of this week if you were comfortable with that, Hange.”

“Of course I’d be down to do that! I—“

“Oi. Like I said, we still vote if you get to play with our group officially. Don’t be late to rehearsal tonight.” Levi then slowly stood up and walked quietly towards his room.

“Don’t mind him, he’s just being strict about our technical audition policy,’ Erwin reassured. He and Nanaba quickly darted for their rooms to ready themselves to take Hange sightseeing for a little while and introduce her to the city, leaving her standing alone in the middle of their living room. Her eyes trailed after Levi, curious about his calm yet sad energy. She felt that she saw through that aura, noticing every little kind gesture he made towards her from the time they met at the airport to the moment they fell asleep on the couch. Hange was determined to get him to show that side of himself a little more. As he turned to grab the door behind him, she smiled at him, and was quickly met with a scowl and the slam of his bedroom door in her face. Seemed it might take some more effort to get through to him than she originally thought.

[maybebanks]

Where Did You Get That?

JJ Maybank x reader , rafe x platonic reader

pretty long - ur in for angst, fluff, and more!

⚠️:light sexual assault

“Rafe? I really don’t think we should be here,” you told him, reaching out to hold his hand.

“Relax, Y/n, we’ll be in and out fast. And I’m doing all the talking,” Rafe ensures.

He held your hand without intertwining your fingers, it wasn’t necessarily a gesture of affection, you just wanted him close in this environment.

You looked at the overgrown grass surrounding the populated shack-like home. There was a trailer to the left of it. Just low class homes you were not very used to seeing on the Eight.

You’d like to consider yourself half a pogue. But the fact that this was a drug dealer’s home gave you the heebejeebies.

When you arrived at the door, Rafe entered first. At the same time an older man walked out.

“You should pop that collar, bro,” said the husky man. He then turned to you, eying you up and down hungerly. You gulped visibly, making him smirk.

Rafe pulled you inside, there were couches with people you didn’t recognize either popping pills or drinking cheap beer.

Your nose scrunched at the unpleasant scent filling your nose.

Rafe looked around, nodding at a few people, leading you to a back room.

“Hey Barry, what’s up my man?”

“What’s good, country club!” Barry responded loudly.

“Shoulda worn my wife beater,” Rafe told Barry.

Barry chuckled, “you couldn’t beat nobody, Rafe,” he paused, and moved to look around Rafe, you were standing behind him, trying to be as small as possible.

“Who’s this?” He smiled, locking eyes with you. You tried to look away, but you didn’t want to be rude.

“Oh her? No one,” Rafe said bluntly.

“What’s your name, babydoll?” Barry asked you.

Before you could answer, Rafe begin talking.

“Just leave her alone. You got something for me right?” Rafe said.

“C’mon,” Barry said gesturing for you both to follow him farther, you walked closely behind Rafe. Everyone judging you as you walked past.

“A’ight, a’ight, a’ight. Let’s see what we got here,” Barry added. Reaching his bedroom and pulling out a duffel bag.

You involuntarily took in a deep breath. You grabbed the side of Rafe’s shirt, trying to tell him with your eyes that you were uncomfortable and wanted to leave.

“Shut up,” Rafe shrugged you off, causing you to fold your arms and retreat back.

“We got a problem or somethin’?” Barry looked at you with an eyebrow raised.

“Um..no-“ you answered.

“She’s fine, just ignore her,” Rafe tried.

“Nah..I can’t ignore a beauty like that. Get outta here and let the big boys talk, huh?” Barry said to you, jerking his head outwards.

You looked at Rafe for approval, “just wait right outside okay? You’ll only be alone for like 5 seconds,” he assured.

You looked down, feeling the nerves, “you don’t wanna be alone? I got someone for ya...Luke! Come here and keep this girl company!” Barry shouts, nearly making you flinch.

Rafe attempted to speak for you again, “Nah man, she’s okay-“

“It’s my place, bro, my rules,” Barry responded, shutting Rafe down.

You slowly walked out the door and down the hallway, running into an older man with nearly grey hair, his breath smelled like alcohol and he had a long chain around his neck with blue keys.

“Excuse me,” you said, trying to pass him.

“Come on with me, darlin’,” he ordered. He must be Luke. The one Barry was calling.

You followed him out to the couches, you didn’t want to deny him or else he might try something, so when he sat down, manspreading, you carefully followed.

“You look familiar! Have I seen you ‘round before?” Luke asks you, moving closer as he talks.

“I don’t..I don’t think so,” you answered softly.

Suddenly, he placed a calloused hand on your thigh, “you shouldn’t be in a place like this. But now that you are, I think it’s best we make it worth it,” he whispered.

“Um..” you immediately stood up, his hand falling from its position, “sorry! I just...I need to go...”

He stood up too, his key necklace jingling.

“You think you’re too good for me? What? Huh?” He shouted defensively, scaring you.

“No Sir...” you whimpered, too frozen to step away.

Saved just in time, you saw Rafe’s orange polo in the corner of your eye.

He grabbed your wrist and pulled you towards him, he caught you off guard so you stumbled into his chest.

“Let’s go, Y/n,” Rafe said shortly, holding a bag of coke in his hand.

You frowned, and bit your lip as you followed him out.

—

Like you said before, half a pogue.

Currently, you were sitting in a hammock with Kie. Who was droning on about how both of you need to start a club at kook academy next year.

John B was on an upside down garbage can fumbling with his dads compass. And JJ was trying to teach Pope how to hackey-sack.

“Pope no! You just need to have and eye-foot connection...”

“Do you mean coordination?”

“Yeah that,” JJ rolled his eyes. Making you laugh. It was the first time you laughed today. Maybe it was because after that man at Barry’s you were on edge.

“JJ...I have a question for you,” you began.

“Why not me? I’m better at answering questions,” Pope asked.

“Shut up Pope. She doesn’t need google, she needs JJ-google...wait...” JJ was trying to finish his insult, but then he couldn’t decide. Causing Pope to throw an empty plastic waterbottle in his face.

“Pope, really?” Kie scolded.

“What he was being an idiot,” Pope shrugged.

“Not that...the fact that it’s plastic!” Kie exclaimed, they went on bantering and JJ approached you. He sat down carefully in the hammock you were in, careful not to flip you out of it.

“What’s up?” He asks. Brushing some hair off his forehead.

“I just wanted to know how to take the edge off...you know like..rhetorically...if I was on edge,” you explained.

“Uh...well I mean drugs work for me,” JJ blurted, you stiffened, remembering what drugs indirectly put you through today.

JJ noticed you tense, so he responded, “not like drugs drugs...just like a blunt or two. Never take pills...I know I never will,”

“I know. I was thinking more like...surfing or something. Would you go with me?” You asked, pulling your legs into your chest.

JJ’s hand involuntarily touched his rib, remembering a bruise he got from pissing off his Dad. He hasn’t been able to have proper range of motion the whole day.

“Uhh I’m not really feeling up to it today, sorry Y/n,” he denies.

You look at his gesture, and concerned, you gently grab his shirt and lift it up to see his torso, a soft purple and blue bruise decorated there.

“Geez...” you sighed.

He didn’t want you to know. He barely ever mentioned his dad to you, so he let you assume differently.

“If you keep getting into these fights with kooks I’m going to have to confine you to The Cut,” you ordered.

“But then I won’t be able to see you? That’s the only reason I’m even on The Eight,” JJ noted.

He moved closer as if to tease you. And that’s when a wave of discomfort passed through you. It was just JJ, but that didn’t change it. You clenched your fist and looked away from him. Trying to ignore your uneven breathing.

JJ pulled back, starting to stand and lean against the tree, “What’s got you on edge, someone I need to take care of?”

“No...no. I said it was rhetorical!” You argued.

“Yeah but your super fidgety. Something happened today didn’t it?” JJ looked at you, his manner no longer joking.

You didn’t answer, just looked at Kie and the rest of the group. Finally winding down.

John B said, “So...you guys all understand the plan for tomorrow? Pope?”

Pope nodded, “yup my dads letting me use his boat,”

“I’m gonna get the Hms pogue. JJ you think you could get the Phantom?” John B asked.

John B was organizing a group boating thing. You didn’t really know much about boats so you didn’t really understand.

JJ nodded, “got the keys from my dad,” he answered. Now happily lounging in the hammock.

You were sharing it with him, his legs at your side and yours at his.

He nudged you, smirking and making a few jokes.

You kept a straight face. And he took this as a challenge.

“Don’t smile! Don’t smile!” He demanded.

“Don’t try to work your reverse physiology on me, mr,” you said, fighting the urge to mirror his cheery nature.

He continued and your lips curled up into a smile, to which he cheered. “yes!! I win!”

“Yeah... maybe you won this one but...” you trailed off, your eyes staring at his chest. You could practically feel the fear running through your veins when you saw what was around his neck.

“She loss for words!” JJ joked, telling the rest of the group he could make you happy even though you were very down.

“JJ...” you breathed, staring at the chain around his neck, it was long and had a blue key at the end.

“What?” He asked dumbfoundedly, maybe thinking you were worried about his bruise again.

Your eyes remained locked on the key as flashbacks went through your mind.

The man you saw today wearing it. What that man did to you.

“JJ...what...how do you have that?” You studdered, using your eyes to point to it.

JJ looked down at his chest and fondled the key in his hand, “this?” JJ asked.

You didn’t want to think, if you thought you would find a connection between JJ and that man Luke.

You decided to get up, maybe retreat to inside the Chateau.

“These are the keys to the Phantom...are you okay?” JJ asked, seeing you flustered.

“Uh I’m gonna head out...I just forgot I have to go meet Rafe somewhere,” you came up with an excuse.

“Uh hold up! You’re not getting away from me that easy,” JJ smirked pulling your waist into him.

You lost balance and fell into JJ’s chest. Your head was near his shoulder, and you looked up at him with frustration.

“Augh!” He grunted, “should’ve thought that through,” he said, you landed right on his bruise.

“Yeah...can um you let me go. Please?” You remembered you were still freaked out on why he had that key.

“Fine. But tell Rafe he can go fuck himself,” JJ shrugged.

After what he put you through today, gladly.

—

You felt surprisingly guilty for lying to the pogues. But that coupled with the nerves and discomfort you were feeling was nothing.

When you entered your house you went straight you your room. Collapsing on your bed.

—

“Wait why did she leave?” John B asked.

“What did you do to her, JJ?” Kie accused.

JJ didn’t know the answer to that either, “Nothing! I don’t know! She just freaked when she saw this,” JJ grabbed the key around his neck and held it up for the pogues.

“Why? It’s just a key. You think she’s seen it before?” Kie suggests, taking a hold of it and inspecting it.

JJ frowned, “the only way she would’ve seen it before is if...uh if she’s seen it on my dad. No...theres no way,” JJ doubted, but really he was just hoping.

“It’s possible...she had a negative connotation...” Pope trailed off. Watching JJ pace back and forth.

“Fuck...” JJ sighed, “you really think she...oh my god,”

“It’s okay JJ, you don’t need to protect her all the time-“ John B tried.

“From my dad I thought I could! She’s gonna hate me!”

“JJ, calm down. Y/n adores you,”

“You didn’t see her face, man! She was scared...and they way she looked at me...” JJ didn’t finish his sentence, he just grabbed his bag and headed to leave.

“Where are you going?!” John B called after JJ.

“I’m gonna go see her!” JJ answered, hopping into the van.

“Wait! Hey! What if she doesn’t want to see you!?” Pope called, but JJ wasn’t going to let anyone talk him out of it. He had to see you.

—

You heard a knock at your door. To which you ignored.

“Come on y/n I know you’re in there,” you heard a male voice muffled through the door.

You pulled a pillow over your head. Mumbling, “go away,”

“I just want to talk,” the voice began, you couldn’t quite hear him, so you accepted, opening the door slowly for him.

It was Rafe, his eyes were glossy and he was sniffing rapidly. He wasn’t about to cry infront of you, he just had been in a bad place.

“About what? I have nothing to say to you,” you said, adjusting the straps on your tank top nervously.

“Really? Me neither,”

“Then why did you come here,” you spit, anger only growing.

“Are you seriously mad at me?” Rafe accuses.

“Yes! Your coke addiction is ruining your life! And now mine,” you told him, frustrated.

“Don’t be so dramatic Y/n! You offered to come!” Rafe argued.

“Only because I was scared to say no!” You defended.

“Bullshit. I don’t even understand why your mad, it was barely a 10 minute trip!” he shouted.

“A lot can fucking happen in 10 minutes,” you blurted, your eyes starting to water.

He took notice and his expression fell, to which you responded, “fuck,”

“What are you talking about? What happened? Something when you were alone?” Rafe pressed, stepping closer.

“Look, just back off, okay? I don’t need..I don’t need this,”

“Tell me,” he demanded.

“No,” you answered.

He scoffed, “whatever Y/n. Maybe I could fucking help you-“

“Help me? Since when would you ever consider that?! You took me there Rafe! God I can’t even tell you what you did wrong because your so blinded by the drugs!”

“I’m not gonna quit coke...not for you, not for anyone,”

You felt a tear spill out, you couldn’t help but care about your oldest family friend, “Fuck. You.”

“Maybe you should!” He challenged, grabbing you shoulders. You emotions flipped like a switch. From mad to frightened.

He pushed you into your bed, you quickly sat upright.

“What the hell?” You asked softly.

He leaned closer, his hands on your legs and leaning over you, “coke makes me better baby...I feel better,”

You tried your best to shove him off and get up, but your arms were weaker.

He smiled, then got up, chuckling, “call me when your ready to talk,”

He gave you one last look before leaving your bedroom, closing the door behind him.

When he left, you started hyperventilating, gasping for air at the thought of what Rafe could have done, what Luke had done. How violated you felt. We’re you just a toy to everyone?

—

JJ stood outside her house, he was waiting near the bench on the side for about ten minutes. Trying to figure out what you already knew, and what to say.

You knew his dad, you met him. And he hurt you.

JJ’s head fell in his hands, he sighed. Wishing he could have chosen better parents.

Instantly, your front door creaked open and quickly slammed. JJ his behind the bench and watched Rafe Cameron walk out of your house.

His kook buddies pulled up in a black Jeep, shouting profanities at him.

“YO! You fuck her yet!!” They screamed. Clapping.

“Nah! Shut up bro! She’s right inside! She’s just a friend tho,” Rafe answered, hopping in the backseat.

“Yeah but we see that boner, you wanna pound her-“

“Kelce chill man, don’t talk about women like that,” Topper tried.

“Toppers becoming a feminist,”

“Just treat her right.”

“Yeah man she’s a bitch though, mad at me about something that happened today. Blaming ME! Like yo...it’s not my fault you’re hot!” Rafe added.

JJ didn’t hear anything after that. They drove away.

When they were out of sight, JJ opened your door and entered your house. You told him he was always welcome, so he decided to take you up on that.

He shifted nervously before knocking on your door. A gentle knock, unlike Rafe’s.

He heard you inside, you took a minute to open the door, expecting Rafe.

When you opened it, JJ could tell you were stressed, your eyes were slightly red from crying and your cheeks flushed.

“JJ? What...I- now isn’t a good time,” she said, still keeping him outside her room.

“I’m really sorry Y/n. I just want you to know that. Okay?” JJ blurted. He wasn’t the best at apologies.

“For what?” Deep down you knew why.

JJ brought his hands to his chest, where the key had been last time you saw him, “those keys...belong to my Dad. I never wanted you to meet him. That’s why I lied,” he admitted.

You opened the door a little wider, “JJ I’m fine,” you mustered.

“He’s on drugs, and uh...we don’t get along...that’s why I stay at John B’s so much. Look, just know you don’t have to talk about it. But it will help you forget,” JJ continued.

You almost cried, but you held it in for a moment longer, “JJ? Do you know?” You said each word slowly.

“I just assumed you met him. How you reacted when you saw his keys,” JJ answered.

You looked down at your hands, they were shaking.

“It’s not a big deal...” you tried to lie to yourself.

JJ looked at you, his heart dropped, he so badly wanted to know what his father did to you so he could help, JJ grabbed your hands and held them in his, “please know I’m not like him. I’ll never hurt you. Never ever.”

“JJ you shouldn’t have to know, you should just go,” she whispered. Almost pulling her hands away from JJ’s warm touch.

“No. I’m not going to leave you. I’ll be here for you to talk to me okay? Tell me why he did,” JJ’s jaw clenched at the thought.

You gasped one last time before you collapsed, you hand going over your mouth as your eyes quickly blurred with tears.

JJ’s eyes softened and he reached out to pull you in, you cried into his chest, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat.

“I can’t go back,” you mumbled, gripping a portion of his shirt into a fist.

His hands moved up and down your back. As he muttered sweet nothings to calm you down.

“Don’t stay...don’t stay...” you cried, he shouldn’t have to see you as the mess you were.

“What did he do?, princess,” JJ asked, when you first met, he called you that because you were a kook. He meant it with as much love as he could.

You sniffled, then looked up at JJ, the blue in his eyes hard to see because his pupils were so dialated, “he mad a pass at me,” you whispered, I guess that sounds not as bad as it feels, but JJ knows it affected you.

His, high aggressive Dad, hits on a young girl like Y/n, what might she think of him?

“I’m not like that? Please know that,” JJ’s voice cracked. Your hand wrapped around his torso, pulling him closer.

“I know JJ.”

[moosoobi]

Revelation

In the night: Chapter 1

T.Jeffy- Hamilton: the musical

Thomas’s interest in Y/N pulls him into a position he was previously blind to. They say every girl’s another mystery, but definitely not like this. Buckle your seatbelt Tommy, you’re in for a ride

Finally finished the first part of ITN (which is ironic since the moment I wrote this message I still haven’t finished it). I really hope I’m able to bring this story to life the way I want to and I hope y’all enjoy 😔💕. Here’s some stuff to expect:

Told from Thomas’s POV

Modern Au

College talk even though I’m literally in my second year of high school (so please bear with me) 

Ruh roh moments

Sorta weird POV/storytelling (I’m new to writing fics and stuff so this is definitely a learning opportunity) Also excuse my English errors: Though this is my only language, my school system seemed to fail in teaching me how to write

Word count: 6.7k (including separators) 

2 DISCLAIMERS:

TW: itty bitty angst, themes of injury/blood, etc. 

I’m not the best story writer, so after reading this chapter you may have many questions. Please keep in mind that this is one chapter out of (about) 10. Things that you may not understand in this chapter will most likely be explained in future chapters.

-Now Playing: In The Night by The Weeknd-

My God, she’s perfect 

     The way the sunlight reflects off of her glass skin. The sincerity in every word, every letter that she writes with her only pencil. To be that flawless, it’s a mystery to me. She takes a glance at me. Did she feel me staring? I duck down my head in embarrassment. 

“Jefferson, you oughta put that scholarship to good use”

     Professor Washington boomed to the entire class. I hear a fragment of her giggle. Her laugh is soft and naïve. I couldn't help but smile at the sound of her happiness.

     Washington is right, though. It's my first semester after I came back from my student exchange program over in France and I can already feel my sanity slipping. France was a beauty to visit, so many customs and cultures I wish I could be flourished in right now. 

     But there was one thing great about going to school in New York: I get to sit in a classroom with Y/N L/N. 

     I’ve never talked to her formally, at least not yet. She’s always sitting alone, never answers any questions, but Professor Washington makes the class acknowledge her perfect test scores and fascinating interpretations 

     As the bell rings I watch her stand swiftly. Is she in a rush? I can't help but watch as her hair is flung over her shoulder. She stuffs her notebooks and singular pencil into her burgundy-magenta backpack. Hey, at least she has good taste in color. 

I don’t think you understand

     She sits alone everyday during lunch, yet she never looks bothered. Her energy is so compelling to me. A feeling about her that I cannot comprehend, something that feels greater than my existence. I just got to know. 

“Thomas, you gotta work on staring at people less noticeable” James catches my attention by pointing his fork a little too close to my face. 

      I was staring? Again?

     I shake my head to snap back to reality

“The great Thomas Jefferson is interested in someone for longer than 30 seconds. I gonna be honest with you Thom, that’s impressing”

     I hear James laugh as he violently stabs a few pieces of pasta onto his fork. 

     James has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. We went to the same middle and high school down in Virginia, and just coincidentally ended up going to the same college in New York. 

     We’re always there for each other. I remember cheering for him at a high school assembly after he won a story writing challenge, he’s such a nerd. Then again, he had to drive me home a couple of times after I failed multiple driving tests.

     Back in high school, James was the Chess Club Champion, a title he always shoved down my throat. It’s no secret why, though. He’s really good at thinking things through, While I on the other hand tend to dive headfirst into the abyss.

“Shut it James” I sarcastically retort, taking a sip of the expensive chocolate milk which my scholarship supposedly pays for 

Hey, can I sit here?

     I talked to her during class. Her voice is angelic: Now, I’m not one to be religious and all, but that voice could get me on my knees praying for forgiveness. My ego couldn’t get me anywhere at all, as if she already knew my tactics, she knew my flirts, and how? I guess it just adds to her mystery.

“C'mon! that one works every time!” I whine

“Don't be so full of yourself Jefferson, I’ve heard them all before” A smile danced across her face

     She did, however, laugh at some of my remarks. It's good to know that she has a sense of humor. My jokes of Professor Washington’s shiny, bald head. The jokes of Professor Washington’s assistant, John Adams, who’s suspiciously absent considering he signed up for this job.

     Heck, I would even make fun of myself if it meant I got to hear that graceful laugh one more time- actually, that might be a little too far.

     Many days of giggling in class came after that day. I can see her starting to open up to my friends and I, like she’s spreading her wings and showing us the greatness that lies behind the social wall that she put up years ago. Even when we got in trouble for a little too much giggling in the back of the class, I sacrificed my own pride so she didn’t have to. Yes, I, Thee Thomas Jefferson, did that. 

---

     Even though I could see the social wall she put up, I knew one day Y/n would fall for my charming pick up lines, or maybe I just happened to have a lucky day:

“Y/N I need some a some help with my math homework” 

     Y/N glances over to me in concern. I fake a scared expression.

“Quick!” I swiftly grab her shoulder and shake her “What’s your phone number?”

     She playfully smacks my arm

---

     Obtaining her number felt like a rite of passage, like I’m important to her, like she wants me in her life. I couldn’t stop smiling that day, and of course James just had to make a comment on it. 

“Thomas, if you keep smiling like that I’m going to start thinking that your sick or something”

      James said as he shut my laptop, tired of waiting for me to pack my things.

“Now that's REAL ironic coming from you, James” 

      I raised an eyebrow as my laugh begins to come up my throat. I take my closed laptop and shove it somewhere into my backpack.

“Okay, leaving for a month in sophomore year just because of a little fever doesn’t make ‘being sick’ as part of my trade mark” 

     James playfully smacked the back of my head. Thankfully, my curls serve as protection, not just to make me sinfully handsome. James and I walk out of the freezing lecture hall and were hit with the crisp-coldness of New York.

     To the right of me I catch a glimpse of that eye catching burgundy-magenta backpack as it’s thrown into the trunk of a shiny, expensive car. My feet keep its motion as my head turns to see Y/N standing at the door of the car. 

“Yo, is that Y/N?” I hear James whisper behind me “and who’s that?” 

     My attention is suddenly drawn to the tall man walking around the car to open her door. His curly hair is pulled into a small bun and the smile he had on his face broke apart the stubble on his jaw. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion. 

“I’m just as clueless as you are”

     Keeping my glance on Y/N and the man, I watch as the man opens the door for her. My stomach turns as I watch Y/N smile back at him as she sits in the car. 

     For a split second, I swear I saw her shoot a soft glance at me. My feet almost stop in their tracks before I feel James’ hand yank me onto another pathway. 

“I’m all for you being head over heels, but we’re gonna be late to our study session with Angie” 

     Reality starts to set back into my head. 

“Right, lets dip.” 

---

“So little Tommy is Infatuated with this woman?”

     Angie’s eyes are piercing, and her luscious hair frames her face in a saintly manner. She slips off her baby pink coat to ease into her library seat. Her eyebrow raises as she takes a sip of her steaming coffee

     Of course James wouldn’t shut his mouth, especially around the notorious Angelica Schuyler.

     Angie’s pretty popular here, I find myself wondering why she has so many connections, yet it’s not just any reason(s) why she seems to be in the spotlight.

     1: She’s the oldest Schuyler. Her last name definitely got her places, not like I’m one to talk. Everyone seems to know her, not just at school, but all around New York City, and with her 5,000 Instagram followers, her first name’s starting to catch up with her last name in popularity

     2: Angie’s Daddy has money money. And that’s no secret when she decides to walk around campus with her designer handbags and shoes. I tend to think she always gets what she wants, but I know deep down, she’s never gonna be satisfied. Maybe it’s just a side effect of growing up with a silver spoon in your mouth

     And finally,

     3: Miss Schuyler here is Bold. She’s never afraid to put both me and James in our place. It’s almost as if she can’t be touched by anyone’s thoughts of her, then again the gossip in NYC is terribly insidious. With such grace and respect, Angelica is not afraid to throw your opinion into the ground.

“Yeah I swear, Jefferson would’ve gotten run over if I didn’t pull him onto the pathway” James attempted to tone down his laugh so the librarian wouldn’t stab him with those old, sharp eyes

“She-...”

For the first time, I didn’t know how to recoil

 “..Just caught me off guard.”. In an attempt to change the topic, I flipped through the pages of his textbook. 

Angelica and James shared an astonished glance at Thomas before looking at each other. I could hear James shrug and flipping open his textbook. I lift my head as I hear Angelica dig through her bag

“Alright let’s get started” Angie claps her hands together with determination

—-

     It’s been 2 hours of studying in the ghostly library. Unfortunately, I can’t avoid the talk forever.

“Hey Thomas, why don’t you invite her to our next study session?”

     Angelica smirked as she rudely shut my laptop. I desperately imagine the day where both James and Angelica leave me alone. I angrily glare up at her, but she has a good idea

“Actually, that’s not to bad of an idea” I ponder for a moment before retrieving my phone from my pocket

Thomas: Hey Y/N, u free this week?

     Hmm. Is this okay? Nah it’s too straight forward. I sigh as I deleted and retyped the message

Thomas: Greetings Ms. L/N, this is Mr. Jefferson from class. Would you delight me by partaking in a study session? 

What the heck Jefferson? I began to get frustrated from this nonsense. It’s just a text, why am I getting so anal over it?

Thomas: Hey Y/N, ds@insdas/19z7dnesdc-

     Angelica, who was watching me the entire time, snatched the phone from my hands. I attempted to protest, yet Angelica Schuyler knows how to hold her ground.

“Angie wh-” 

“I’ll do you a favor, Jefferson.” She said sternly. There was no way I was getting that phone back, heck, I would be lucky if I got it back in one piece

“Aaaaand sent!” I heard her squeal 

     Angelica suddenly tossed the phone to me and I fumbled it between my hands before I held it stably. I check to see the text that Angelica sent from my phone

Thomas: Hey this is Thomas from class, wanna come study with us at the library sometime?

Oh. It was that easy.

“Thanks Angie”

I shove my phone back in my pocket. Part of me was excited to have an excuse to text Y/N, yet I do wonder how awkward it would be if she rejected the offer. I mean, she already has the perfect grades, why would she need the extra help?

I start to rethink my decision.

���-

     It wasn’t until 11 pm at night until I got a reply from Y/N. Beforehand, I arrived at my apartment around 8 pm. As soon as my door shut, the room was filled with growls indicating my current problem: hunger. That could only be solved with one solution: microwavable mac and cheese. 

     My phone dinged while I was laying motionless on my bed. My apartment was right next to the street, and all I could hear was the busy streets of New York City.

     My eyes opened as I turned to my charging phone. 

Y/N: yeah I’m down :) just send a time and place and I’ll be on my way

     I was filled with joy, so much that I couldn’t wait another second to reply. 

Thomas: Alright, we meet at the library after our class. Can you make it? 

     Seeing the three dots jump melodically made my stomach feel as if two fairies were dancing throughout my body. Any second now, any second. ding!

Y/N: sounds good!

     I guess it’s settled, I get to hang out with the puzzling Y/N L/N, and maybe I’ll get to learn a bit more about her. But just because it’s a study session doesn’t mean I can’t show her what a southern gentleman looks like, and for the first time, I’m so excited to study

---

     James, Y/N, and I walk out of professor Washington’s class, laughing our asses off over some stupid joke. Everyone around us appears to be annoyed, especially with having to sit through almost two hours of my friends and I laughing in the back of the class, but it’s not like I care.

     Once we’re hit by the bitter cold of New York, my eyes are immediately drawn to that expensive car. So familiar and so faint in head, the memory of Y/N smiling as she hopped into his car replays in my brain.

“I’ll be back guys”

     Y/N excuses herself from the group before lightly jogging to the car. Her hair was graceful in the wind, and her burgundy-magenta backpack didn’t seem to weigh her down at all. For a split second, my brain acknowledges that mysterious man in the driver’s seat. There was a moment of awkward eye contact with him, his cold eyes pierced through me before my attention was drawn back to Y/N. She fixes her hair and jacket.

That was cute.

What?

     James and I watch Y/N before turning to each other. I suggest to James that we wait for her, show a little southern hospitality. Even though Y/N seems to be fond of this man, he gives off a mysterious vibe similar to Y/N’s, but I do not want to unravel that mystery at all.

     Seeing him throw a smirk at Y/N causes discomfort in my stomach. 

     Y/N comes prancing back to us, an embarrassed smile on her face. Behind her, that shiny, expensive car begins to drive away.

“My bad, I forgot to tell my roommate that I would be out late”

“That’s your roommate?” James asks, attempting to hide his curiosity and shock

“and he takes you home after class?” I interrupt briefly

Y/N nervously laughs before nodding “something like that, he just..”

     That pause was a little too long

“..doesn’t like me out of the house too late so he volunteers to drive me home all the time”

     I shrug it off before jumping at the feeling of James’ warm hands pulling Y/N and I to the direction of the library. Y/N and I look at him with confusion

“What? Angie doesn’t like when we’re late, remember?” James says, practically dragging us to the Library

—-

“Nice to meet you”

     Angelica and Y/N got along pretty well. I can tell Angie was happy to finally have a girl to hangout with rather than having to deal with me and James only. She’s already starting to resemble a sisterly figure to Y/N, then again, growing up with two sisters must’ve prepared Angie for this moment.

     I don’t hear much about the other Schuylers, but I am familiar with them. Angelica is the oldest, as we know. Her first sister, Eliza Sch- I’m pretty sure she got married, is the nicest person you’ll meet. Whoever won her surely must be worthy, because we all know people like me wouldn’t get anywhere near Eliza thanks to her older sister. Her youngest sister, Margarita Peggy Schuyler, is just like Angelica.

     Stubborn. As. Fuck.

     I’m confident that Angelica has taught her that philosophy since she was born. Anyway, Peggy is currently living her dreams in Southern California. Not sure what she does, but I’m sure she’s financially stable, she is a Schuyler after all.

     All of us struggle to not annoy the librarian, let alone the entire library. I watch as Y/N opens up, just a little more, to Angelica, James, and I.

     Hours pass as we clown around in the library. From actually completing class work to a small drawing competition between James and I, I was certainly having a good time, and so was everyone else.

     It was pleasing to see Y/N more laid back rather than how she acts in class. In front of Professor Washington she’s so ‘put together’ and organized, but surrounded by her friends she’s such an amazing person, her range in professionalism and humor is astounding.

     I can’t seem to ignore the fact that Angelica notices the way I look at Y/N. It’s definitely not in my strong suit to be ‘low key’, I’m known for dramatic entrances and stealing the spotlight. She smiles when I make eye contact with her, and I’m pretty sure it’s just her way of annoying me, but I can’t help the way I look at Y/N. She really is an angel sent down from heaven, disguised as a college student, and I’m just lucky enough to be her friend.

     I’m blind to her flaws. When I see her, I feel like a tourist glancing at the Mona Lisa, memorizing every curve of her face, the way her hair falls around her shoulders, and the way the library lighting reflects off of her glowing skin.

     What felt like a sledgehammer breaking a slab of fragile glass, I see Y/N’s phone light up. Even across the table I can read the word “Lafayette” off of her phone. I can’t lie, it surely sounds familiar.

     When she finally noticed her phone flash on, I feel her ease turn into worry, and it definitely didn’t go unnoticed by James, Angie, and I. She starts to pack away her books

“My bad guys, I really gotta go”

     Y/N said notably panicking. Her phone flashes once again, yet the only thing that seems to catch my eyes is the bold “7:30” spread across the top of her phone.

“Are you okay by yourself?” I asked, trying my best not to pry into her business

“Yeah, my roommates here to pick me up, I don’t want to make him wait” she tried to play it off, but I’m learning to see right through her

“Alright, see you next time Y/N” I shrug it off

     She sends my friends and I a quick smile before replying

“for sure”

     Angelica and James got back to work without saying a word, and I could tell they were waiting until she was gone to start teasing me. I eased back into my chair before flipping the pages of my notebook

     I watched as she shoved open the library door and disappeared into the darkness. She’s such a mystery, when I feel like she’s opening up, she just shuts the door and we’re back at square one. Though I do claim to love a good challenge, Y/N L/N, I will never understand you.

—-

     And that’s when it started. It wasn’t just one time where 7:30 was Y/N magic number, oh no, it was oddly consistent. I’m convinced that Y/N is some variation of Cinderella; her polite attitude and the beautiful little things she does without acknowledging it all vanish when the clock strikes 8:00, but that’s just one of many theories made by James.

     Another study session with James and Angelica, and Y/N’s flashing screen still compelled Y/N to leave the library without a trace. On some occasions we don’t even notice her escape, we just turn to see her seat empty and feel the faint wind from outside as the library door slowly closes.

     One day Angie bought us all tickets to see the preview to the newest, scariest movie I’ve ever watched. I was accompanied by Y/N, James, and Angie, yet their presences made it worse. Halfway through the bucket of popcorn and the movie, Y/N suddenly stood up and left after saying those 5 words. Before she left, I felt the warmth of her hands leave the place on my arm.

I never knew how addicting her warmth would be until it was already gone.

“Sorry guys, I gotta go” The weak smile on her face instantly resonated feelings of sympathy and understanding.

     From then on, Y/N and I grew closer as friends. We’d fool around at a local park before heading to campus, obviously sparking a few observations and remarks from James. I’d invite her to fancy dinners, or maybe even a small festival down the road from my apartment, yet her response would always be proven false at the moment she’d leave me and my thoughts at 7:30.

     But that hasn’t stopped me from attempting to hang out with her. Even on the days I wouldn’t have class with her we’d go out and get ice cream, study at the park, I guess you can say we’ve gone on a few ‘dates’ since our initial study session.

     Whenever we’re apart, I can feel every second expanding to its maximum capacity of time. I wouldn’t see her for a day and it will already feel like years since I’ve seen her. The days I do see her, time seems to maneuver a little too fast. When I recall hanging out with Y/N, all I can imagine is the feeling of floating above the clouds every time she and I made physical contact. Like a rock being dropped into still water, ever touch ripples throughout my body, sending shivers down my spine.

Truly incredible.

—-

     She doesn’t like to talk about her personal life, and I find that quite odd. I’m usually one to continue rambling every detail of every trait of mine, yet I find myself yearning to learn more about her. 

     We text every now and then when we’re outside of class, a little more to be considered ‘just friends’. There’s always a story which unravels just a little more of Y/N’s past, and she’s left me on my own to connect the dots. I must say, she’s definitely an interesting gal, but I know there’s more to discover. 

     She’s a native New Yorker, born and raised, surviving by splitting an intense rent with her mysterious room mate. Y/N doesn’t talk much of her family, other than faint memories of her mother single handedly raising her and her little brother, who I’m fairly unaware of.

     Going into college undecided, Y/N describes her want to learn more about herself before she’s able to make any life determining choices. I’ve noticed that her schedule seems like a labyrinth avoiding life problems and obstacles, so perhaps being placed in the same class coincidentally was just fate playing its part.

     Y/N loves to explain her dream for workless weekends, moments in the week where she just gets to sit back, close her eyes, and breathe a little. With finals starting to appear from thin air, I can’t blame her for a dream so far from reality.

     Even with the knowledge I hold of her, something never seems to change: her disappearances at 7:30.

It’s always that damn 7:30.

     7:30--the cliffhanger your favorite show leaves you desiring for more

     the end of a fun night of laughter and glee, wishing it lasted just a little longer 

     the off-set energy in a room when those around you know something you don’t. 

     As days, weeks, and months pass since my first text proposal to hang out at the library, Y/N and I become a little closer than just friends. It’s been obvious, especially to James and Angie, that Y/N is more than capable of holding my attention.

     Though James is worried that Y/N will just become ‘another girl’ to me, concerning my tomcat nature in the past, he can see the potential I see in her. I find myself wishing I did spend more time with her, maybe I just need to make a better effort.

     I’ll prove James and Angie wrong. 

     Filled with determination and confidence, in the midst of my silent room, I whip out my phone and direct my attention towards forming a text message for Y/N

Thomas: let’s get coffee sometime?

     Jefferson charm, don’t fail me now.

---

     Before I knew it, Y/N and I were feasting on exotic cheeses and aged wine in my New York apartment. I hit play on a random romcom which helps to fill the emptiness in my apartment and ironically the thin space between Y/N and I. 

     I have no idea how to make my move. Though I’m not aware of my competition, I imagine if Y/N could attract someone of My caliber, I should be well aware of the things she’s capable of. Originally I planned to court her-- I know, I know, I’m a man of tradition--yet after James caught on to my recognizable frustration, He suggested I go for it. 

     This is surprising on multiple occasions, especially since James possesses the ‘brains’ between the both of us. Being the chess club champion, ‘talk’ won’t aid you when you're struggling in a chess match. Just like how he meticulously plays chess, he examines my situation and provides his Virginian insight, or so he prefers to call it, and they always proceed the way his scheme describes. 

     I’ve adhered his advice to my life ever since we were kids, and when I didn’t, he’d simply reply with: 

“I told you so” 

     His smug smirk accompanied with a finger pointing to his temple would soon transform from clever to annoying. 

     I feel a vibration come from my pocket. Well, of course it’s not Y/N texting so must I really answer it? I pull out my phone despite my doubts and I can’t help but roll my eyes.

James: 👍

Speak of the Devil.

     But enough about James. I understand that both Y/N and I are mature college students, yet I still fear the disruption in our friendship I can provoke just by making my move. I’ve gotten this far; If she wasn’t interesting I’m sure she would’ve rejected me sooner. 

     She’s different, she’s unique, something about her that I just can’t place, but also something missing. Anyway, this is probably my best chance at shooting my shot at Y/N, and it’s too late now to back down. 

     As my lips part in an attempt to speak and make a move, Y/N’s motionless phone (currently laying undisturbed on my coffee table) suddenly brightens with the most obnoxious ringtone I’ve ever heard. The words “It’s 7:30!” flash on her screen, almost as if it was warning her rather than reminding her. 

“Y/N—” my eyes follow her body as she swiftly stands up

“I gotta g—” I watch as she attempts to grab her purse, yet her body is limited when I firmly grab her arm. She looks back to me with tiredness in her eyes.

     Part of me thought maybe, just maybe, Cinderella here wouldn’t have a curfew. That I somehow would be the exemption to this consistent confusion . But you can only daydream so far into the day until you’re pulled back into your reality

     Her entire demeanor seems like it was reconstructed after her alarm went off. Moments ago she was just enjoying tasty cheese and cheesy movies, and the worst part is, I have no idea why.

“Let me speak, darlin’”

     I stand up to avoid the way her eyes look down on me. I can’t stand that pitiful glare; she looks at me as if I’m a child incapable of understanding her situation, but she’s too stubborn to let me know. I’d be wise to use this time to make a move on different circumstances.

“Now, you’re always leaving at seven thirty..”

     Her sigh is almost enough to interrupt me

“..why’s that? Talk to me.”

     I maintain my eye contact before it’s abruptly broken. She looks everywhere but my eyes, and I wonder where in my apartment she would find an excuse, yet still manages to dodge the question.

“..you wouldn’t understand..” she scoffs almost intentionally, honestly scratching a part of my ego. I hate to admit she’s right, I really don’t understand what’s going on.

     I cock my head to the side. Where’s this coming from?

“Darlin’, I’m sure I’m a very understanding person—”

“—I need to leave”

     I could tell by the look of her face that she wasn’t trying to argue, but it’s inevitable.

“Why can’t you just tell me?..” I put my hands up as a sign of defeat, but I’m not giving up yet. “We’ve been friends for a while and you’re always leavin’ at seven—”

“I know! I know..” she removes my hand from her arm, clearly refusing to look up at me.

“Let’s just say..I got a job..?”

     Oh. That’s what this is all about? A job? She couldn’t spare at least an explanation for a part time gig?

“See? That wasn’t so hard”

“It’s..really embarrassing..” The glance she takes around the room makes me wonder if she’s really telling the truth. it’s not really my place to speculate, there’s no going back from this.

“It’s alright, it’s just a job after all” I claim, trying to get this conversation back on track

“This is exactly what I meant but ‘you wouldn’t understand’”

Huh?

“You don’t know what it feels like to have your life rely on minimum wage—” she sounds like she’s holding something back.

“Y/N wher—”

“A-and here you are makin’ me late for work” her eyes appear on the verge of crying.

“darlin’ look..”

“God, you’ve never had to work for anything in your life!”

Silence.

     Both of us refuse to speak. Y/N phone, still on the table, chimes again. “7:35” it said on its bright screen.

“Is that really how you feel?..” I take a step back to give her space. She still refuses to look at me.

     There’s no way she’d cause all this chaos just because of a job. And even if she believes I’ve piggy backed off of my name for my entire life, why would it matter to her?

“I..I should leave” before I could process what just happened, she swiftly tosses her phone into her bag and heads for the door.

“Y’know, I had a nice time..” was all I heard before the harsh shutting of my apartment door.

     And that was the end of it.

     My first thought after the door shut wasn’t to whip out my phone and attempt to text her, it certainly wasn’t to call James and inform him of his miscalculation, but instead to attend to the matter at hand. This cheese and wine won’t clean itself.

     And the night continued normally, as if nothing had ever taken place. I couldn’t help but microwave another cup of Mac and cheese to cope with what Y/N said. Nothin’ like a good meal to divert your attention away from your problems. But even a good cup of cheese and pasta can’t stop me from thinking’: 

Is that all I am to her?

A southern snob incapable of functioning without their father’s last name?

     After an introspective shower, and a few episodes of a random Netflix show, I’m finally alone with my thoughts and feelings. I lie in darkness, tussling and turning at every occasion, unable to extract her words from my mind. 

     If there’s someone whose opinion I care about the most, it’s Y/N L/N. I consider texting her at this very moment, yet I’m sure that I’m the last person she wants to talk to. The weight of my actions falls heavily onto my shoulders every minute, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

Give her space, Jefferson, and maybe you’ll be able to fix this tragedy. 

---

Knock! Knock! Knock!

     The knocks on my apartment door were enough to jerk my body back to consciousness. Sadly pulled from the warmth of my dreams, I’m hit with the cold, noisy reality of an average night here in New York.

Can my day get any worse?

     Coming straight from the depths of slumber, I take a few minutes to process reality. Maybe the knocks were in my head. Did I dream about someone knocking on my door? Perhaps it’s

The sun’s still not up yet, why am I?

     Groggily sitting up, I decide to check the time, yet it takes me multiple attempts to grab my phone in the dark before I catch a sight of the time.

2 am?!

     Who is so out of their minds so show up to my apartment at this time? Who do I know that would show up at this time?

James is too sensible for that,

Angie would never waste her time on me, for whatever reason,

And Y/N—

well.

I don’t know our circumstances right now.

     I debate whether or not I should answer the door. Perhaps it’s just rock that happened to hit the door of my apartment, and even if it is a person, I’m not aware of anyone so mad to show up in the middle of the night. it’s not worth my time.  

...

...

Knock! Knock! Knock!

     So much for ‘Not worth my time’. A groan is all my body can respond with while I gradually stand from the comfort of my bed. I grab the nearest shirt, which was draped over my desk chair, and scramble to put it on. Passing my cramped kitchen, my hands subconsciously flip on the nearest light switches, while my eyes struggle to comprehend the sudden light. 

     Before I reach the door, I couldn’t help but attempt to fix my hair. Just because someone happens to show up outside unannounced doesn’t mean I can’t present my best rendition of a southern gentleman. 

     And finally, through my fatigue and irritation, I’m finally urged to grab the doorknob and twist it open in one motion. 

“Uh, it’s two a.m. so I hope--” 

     I nervously scratch the back of my head, attempting to add spice to this awkward encounter. It wasn’t until my eyes caught sight of the blood dripping down her glass skin and the meeting of our eyes did I have any words

“Y/N?!?”  

     Her cold, pale, and hurt body would’ve hit the concrete floor if I had answered the door any later.

--- 

     And there she layed half colorless on my bed. Her smile was full of embarrassment and gratitude as I sat beside her, tending to the evident cuts and Injured areas of her body. “I hope I’m being a great house guest” she joked, causing her to laugh, yet hurting herself in the process. 

“Hey, Hey, Take it easy..” Y/N’s presence usually fills me with carefreeness, or perhaps stability, but for the first time I can’t help but react seriously. Her demeanor changed as she saw my retaliation to her joke. 

“I guess…” she looked down to her fragile body, a sigh released, seeming to be an attempt to calm down. “...I owe you an explanation for earlier. And especially for showing up at your place at 2 in the damn morning. ” 

     Thomas’ hands, full of wipes and hydrogen peroxide soaked cotton balls, froze in their tracks before he looked up at her, eager to listen and visibly confused. Y/N visibly winced as the cotton balls stuck to her cuts for longer than they should’ve, yet with Thomas’ reflexes at their all-time-max, he pulled them away with a worried expression.

“Explanation? You said you got a job, and I’m sorry for not respecting it..” I continued to clean her up, consensually of course, how could I call myself a gentleman if I were to act upon improper motives? 

“Again..” I utter quietly “..I didn’t know you felt that way, and I’m ashamed you feel that way” 

     I attach an ivory-colored band aid to her glass skin, careful not to damage it any further. I look up to her watching, pitiful eyes. “You were saying?” I reciprocate the attention to her, awaiting a so-called answer to come out of her mouth 

“I didn’t know where else to run to..” she attempted to sit up, lifting her weight off of my satin-covered sheets, yet quickly stopped when being hit with a wave of pain from her right shoulder 

     Though my first thought would’ve been ‘Damn it, my darn sheets are ruined’, it was quickly drawn to Y/N and her current problem 

“Y’know, I think an apology and explanation can wait, Y/N. you need a little sleep, it’s already three in the mornin’ for god’s sake” a small laugh erupts from her

    I sent her an assuring smile, trying to remind her that everything is always going to be okay in a Jefferson household. And surprisingly I received a smile in return, a smile of trust and security that I’ve never felt so glad to see. Of course, I wish I could’ve seen that smile under different circumstances, but I’ll work with what I got. 

     I stood from my beautiful satin sheets and reached for a hoodie on my swivel chair. (everything but your closet is a closet, change my mind) I braced for a cold night on my apartment couch while Y/N enjoys the warmth of my bed, but Y/N had other plans. 

“Wait- Thomas.” She said firmly 

     I turned tiredly to her direction, my arm already extended for the door, yet frozen in place as I awaited a response 

“Can you just..” she scoot herself over, as much as possible with her frail body “..hold me?” She watches me anxiously 

“I mean— you don’t have to b—” I didn’t hesitate at all to gently slide under the sheets of the bed. As soon as I turn to her direction, I can’t help but feel scared to touch her in fear of hurting her; my hands don’t know where to reside. “Where do I..” I’m truly perplexed 

     She giggled at my confusion and shyly grabbed my hand “I’m not so fragile you know” 

     She brought my hand up to the side of her head, and all I could process was the texture of the bandages under my fingertips. I don’t know what's going on, but I couldn’t just leave her out there. 

“..Right..” I wait for her eyes to close before I can even think about closing mine, and soon the texture of the bandages seem to melt onto my fingertips as I’m finally able to return to my slumber. 

“See you in the mornin’..” 

---

     I didn’t wake up until I felt the sun rays kissing my back through my so-called ‘blackout curtains’. Such a scam. The room seemed a little too quiet; I gently turned onto my other side just to find an empty bed. I consider the possibility of last night’s encounter with Y/N was all just some messed up dream, but when I saw the faint stains of blood on my sheets, I knew I was far from dreaming. 

     My body doesn’t want to move, and I’m stuck sitting up in my bed for another ten minutes. What the heck is going on? One minute she yells at me, then next thing I know she’s outside my apartment at 2 am. 

And that explanation. 

     I guess I was such a fool to think she wouldn’t continue to run away from this matter. My thoughts are interrupted by my buzzing phone. I know for sure that it’s not Y/N hittin up my phone right about now. 

James: Let’s try that new coffee place a few blocks from your apartment? 

     He really read my mind, or maybe it’s a response made from calculating my failure yesterday. But a distraction sounds tremendous. 

Thomas: bet. 

     I throw on a cleaner, more professional jacket, if such a thing exists, and swiftly get my feet out the door. Everything seems the same, as if nothing had taken place last night. The world still spins and I’m expected to spin with it. 

I don’t think I’m anywhere near capable of unraveling your mystery. 

Y/N L/N, I will never understand you.