#and then we immediately started getting customers and it’s just been busy and I’m tired and just don’t feel good bc of my period | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

steddiehyperfixation · 5 months

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don't you forget about me (part six)

(part one)(part two)(part three)(part four)(part five)

Steve allows himself a brief mental breakdown in the shower when he gets home. He lets the water mix with his tears as he curls his arms around himself and wishes with everything he is that they were Eddie’s. There’s nothing he wouldn’t give right now just to be held by him again, just to feel Eddie’s arms around him one more time. All it took was a tiny kiss on the back of his hand for Steve’s skin to remember just how much it missed that feeling. Now Steve’s entire body craves Eddie’s touch, and he shakes in its absence like an addict in withdrawal.

Then he puts himself back together, gets dressed and styles his hair and heads off to work.

They’d defeated Vecna before he could split the world into pieces or whatever his diabolical plan had been. So while Steve’s whole world may have been torn apart, while Steve’s whole world lays bruised and bandaged and amnesic in a hospital bed, the rest of the world carries on none the wiser. The rest of the world still rents VHS tapes and has movie nights and date nights and no fucking clue that they were seconds away from being dragged down into a hell dimension a couple weeks ago, so Family Video is still open for them. Fuck that.

“You’ve gotta handle the customers today because if someone starts asking me stupid questions I can’t promise I won’t snap at them,” Steve tells Robin as he drives them to their shift.

“Aw, but it’s so funny when you snap at them,” Robin quips.

“Robin.” He gives her his best I’m so fucking serious look.

Her humor dries up immediately and she nods solemnly. “Alright, yeah. I got it.”

Steve sighs, pulling into the parking lot. “Thank you.”

He busies himself with cataloging and reshelving and rewinding returns while Robin takes over the customer service part of the job. It’s mindless - mind-numbing - the monotony of the tasks exactly what Steve needs to dull out the thoughts in his brain and distract himself from the way the back of his hand still tingles from Eddie’s kiss.

When the afternoon rush dies down after a few hours and the store is all but empty, Robin sidles up next to him where he’s putting away a stack of fantasy films. “Hey.”

Her voice cuts through his focus and nearly startles Steve out of his skin. “Jesus! Don’t sneak up on me like that.”

“Sorry.” She grabs half the stack of tapes and starts helping him shelve. “Just wanted to check in with you, we haven’t gotten much of a chance to talk today. How are things going with Eddie?”

“It’s fine. He’s fine,” Steve grumbles, glaring down at the tape in his hands. It’s got a dragon on the cover. He thinks Eddie would probably like it. “He still doesn’t remember me, but he’s starting to see me as a friend now at least, so.” Steve shoves the movie into its spot on the shelf. “That’s something, right?”

Robin raises her eyebrows at the sharp bitterness in his tone and how forcefully he put the tape away. “Okay. Yeah. So I see we’re in the anger stage of grief now,” she comments.

Steve scoffs. If this is a stage of grief, he thinks he’s been going through them in the wrong order, or maybe all at once - a neverending ebb and flow of denial and anger and depression all swirled together into one fucked up cocktail of grief. “I’m not angry,” he says, rubbing his hands over his face. “I’m just tired- emotionally burnt out, I don’t know. I just miss him and it’s not fair and I’m so fucking sick of feeling like this.”

“Yeah, that’s anger, Steve,” Robin says, infuriatingly blunt. She slides the last tape in her stack into its place and then leans against the shelf. “Did something else happen to set this off, or are you just generally overwhelmed?”

Steve sags against the shelf beside her. “Both. I don’t know. It’s stupid, it’s so fucking stupid. He just- he kissed my hand this morning, that’s it, and it wrecked me.”

“He what?” Robin questions, curiosity widening her eyes.

“He kissed my hand,” Steve repeats. He sighs and adds context, gives her a full recount of the events of that morning.

“Oh my god?!” Robin practically squawks as she backhands Steve’s arm, which is definitely not the comforting words or touch he needs from her right now.

“Ow!” he yelps, rubbing his arm. “What the hell was that for?”

“Dude. He was flirting with you,” she tells him, eyes even wider now like she’s trying to explain to him something obvious.

“What? No.” Steve shakes his head, looking at her like she’s crazy. “He definitely wasn’t.”

“Ughhh,” Robin lets out a long, dramatic groan, dragging her hands down her cheeks and pulling down her eyes. “I cannot do this with you two again. He totally was.” She drops her hands from her face so she can use them to illustrate her point as she starts to lists off, “First of all, he literally called you daddy-”

“As a joke,” Steve interrupts to protest.

“Yeah, a flirtatious one,” Robin retorts. She continues, “Then he said you have a magic touch, and then his heart literally started racing for no reason-”

“Because I was stressing him out!”

“Only after his heart rate went up in the first place, which, as I was saying, was for no reason other than the fact that you were smiling at him and holding his hand-”

“That literally doesn’t-”

“And then, he kissed your hand - pressed his lips to your skin - and told you that you were his good luck charm,” Robin finishes, looking smug like she’s said something novel and not just completely reiterated exactly what Steve had just told her only with more emphasis.

He sighs wearily. “Your point?”

“He likes you, dingus,” she says, whacking his arm again. “Don’t you get it? His mind may not remember still, but his heart is starting to.”

Steve doesn’t know what to do with that. A lump rises in his throat, a rush of jumbled emotions chafing against his already frayed edges. “Don’t say that. You don’t know that.”

“I think you should tell him what you were to each other,” Robin suggests.

“Right, yeah, okay, sure,” Steve scoffs, somewhere between sarcastic and hysterical. “And while we’re at it, I think you should tell Vickie that you like her. Because telling people things like that is so easy, isn’t it?”

Robin gives him a withering stare. “That is not the same thing at all, and you know it.”

“No, yeah, you’re right,” he agrees. “Because I know Eddie, and he would not take that news well. He already gets a little weird whenever I seem to know too much about him - if I tell him I know him biblically too-”

“Ew, don’t tell him like that!”

“Doesn’t matter if I tell him like that; I say we’ve been together for 9 months, he’s going to assume we’ve-”

“God, okay, I get it!”

“See? It would freak him out,” Steve concludes, crossing his arms. “Even if he does…like me again or whatever, he definitely wouldn’t anymore and it would just generally make him uncomfortable. So I can’t tell him. I just have to keep waiting for him to remember on his own, even though it’s fucking killing me,” he says, his voice harsh as he tries to keep it from breaking. “It’s what’s best for Eddie.”

“Steve-” Robin starts, frowning like she’s only just beginning to realize she may have pushed him too far, but whatever it is she was going to say is cut off by the ringing of the bell that announces the front door being open.

“Customers.” Steve points his chin towards the couple who just walked in, a bitter jealousy boiling in his stomach as he watches them walk hand in hand towards the romance aisle. It’s not fucking fair. He shoves himself away from the shelves and mutters, “I’m taking my break.”

He stalks to the breakroom, closes the door, and sinks to the floor with his back against it. The tears in his eyes feel like they’re made of acid, like they would carve tracks into his skin if they were to spill down his cheeks. He wraps his arms around himself again. The thoughts in his head are made of acid too, bitter and burning and cursing everyone who gets to enjoy their lover's touch while he suffers without his.

Steve’s brain feels corroded, corrupted. “He likes you,” Robin’s words echo there too, “his mind may not remember still, but his heart is starting to.” Would Eddie touch him now if he asked? Would he trace his fingers across Steve’s skin, kiss more than just the back of his hand? Steve digs his own fingers into his sides. He feels gross, he feels rotten. It wouldn’t be right to ask that of Eddie without him knowing the truth, to take advantage of him like that. It wouldn’t be the same, anyways. The superficial touch of a boy with the beginnings of a crush is not the tender lover’s caress that Steve craves.

That is if Robin is even right about Eddie redeveloping feelings. Which she probably isn’t.

Steve’s just being stupid and selfish again. He wants to remove his brain from his skull so he can stop thinking, tear his heart from his chest so he can stop feeling; both so burned and decayed he thinks if he held them in his hands they would dissolve and crumble to dust and ash and sludge between his fingers.

Fifteen minutes pass, and Steve forces himself to be fine. He peels himself off the breakroom floor and returns to work, continues the tedious tasks that he hopes will numb him out again.

Robin catches his eye from across the room where she’s sorting a customer’s cash at the register. I’m sorry, her expression says, I didn’t mean to make you upset.

Steve gives a tiny shake of his head and a small smile. It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault, his own expression reassures her. You meant well. I’m not mad at you.

They don’t talk about Eddie again that day. The next time there’s a lull in customers and they’re able to chat again, Steve tells Robin he honestly just needs a distraction right now, and he lets her ramble on about Vickie and band and school and her impending graduation and the movie she watched last night and whatever other random thoughts are bouncing around that hyperactive head of hers. Her voice fills in the cracks in Steve’s brain, keeps it from falling apart completely. She’s always been good at that, and he’s grateful for it.

Then he drops Robin off after work and he drives away alone in silence because all the songs on the radio are love songs, and he drives back to the hospital - back to the source of his grief again and again like some sort of fucking masochist - because Eddie needs him. Because Steve loves him.

Eddie cannot help the way his face all but beams the second Steve walks back into his room that evening. “There you are, Stevie! How was work?”

Steve returns the smile, genuine, but there’s a tiredness to it. “It was alright. Bit boring, really, uneventful. How are you doing?”

“I’m good,” Eddie says, adding with a jaunty grin, “All the better now that you’re back.”

It comes out a bit more flirtatious than he intended, but thankfully Steve just laughs it off. “Alright, smoothtalker,” he scoffs through a chuckle as he takes his usual seat by the bed. “It’s nice to see you again too.”

“Oh, the actual doctor came in to talk to me today. Good news, don’t worry,” Eddie tells him, the last bit tacked on quickly before that concerned crease can appear between Steve’s brows. “She says I’m healing up nicely, and I might be able to be discharged soon. A few more days’ observation and then they're gonna see how well I can actually move since, you know, the bats chewed through half the muscles in one of my legs. But, yeah, I could be out of here by the end of next week.”

“That’s great, Eddie!” Steve brightens.

“Yeah.” Eddie smiles. “I can’t wait to be somewhere familiar, feel normal again. Or, well,” he amends, smile falling a little as he realizes, “as normal as I can feel given that I’ll probably be walking with a limp for the rest of my life and be covered in nasty scars all over.”

A strange expression crosses Steve’s face then, something happy and sad and sympathetic all at once, and his voice is soft as he says, “We’ll match.”

Eddie blinks at him. “What?”

“The scars,” Steve clarifies. “The bats got me too, you know. I was lucky, it wasn’t as bad for me as it was for you, but, uh- yeah, we’ll match. See?” He stands and pulls his shirt up a bit.

Eddie’s heart rate immediately kicks up again, blood growing warm, as his eyes snap to Steve’s stomach, to skin and muscle and body hair and- oh. Two giant, jagged red scabs cover Steve’s sides, the edges fading into skin bumpy and pink and white with the beginnings of scarring. The bite on Eddie’s own side twinges in sympathy. “That’s-” He swallows back the word hot, and breathes out instead, “Holy shit.” Without really thinking, he finds himself reaching out to skim his fingers over the ridges of Steve’s scars.

Steve gasps - full body shudders - at the touch, and Eddie instantly pulls his hand back, afraid he’s hurt him. “Sorry,” he mutters.

“No, it’s fine,” Steve manages, though it sounds a bit shaky. “You didn’t hurt me, I just- I wasn’t expecting it.”

Eddie tentatively starts to reach back out; Steve nods. He slowly traces the outline of the wound again, every uneven edge, feeling the evidence of hurt and the evidence of healing and the ripple of each breath Steve takes - breaths that echo in the quiet that falls between them. Eddie doesn’t realize just how intimate this silence has become as he runs his hands across Steve’s skin, until he glances up to find Steve just…watching him. It’s impossible to tell exactly what emotion is behind his eyes, but it’s intense and it’s devastating, and Eddie suddenly feels like he can’t breathe.

“Uh-” A nervous laugh stutters out of him. He rescinds his touch. “Twin scars, huh?” he remarks, cracking a crooked smile and attempting to change this strange, suffocating energy with a joke. “Hell of a matching tattoo. Next time let’s just exchange friendship bracelets like normal people do, yeah?”

Steve huffs, a short burst of laughter that escapes from his chest like it’s been punched out of him. “Since when have you ever done anything like a normal person?” he teases in return as he pulls his shirt back down.

Just like that, blown away by Steve’s playful smile, the weird tension lifts. Eddie grins back. “Alright, fair point.” He adds, “Those are gonna be some pretty metal scars, Stevie.”

“Not as metal as yours,” Steve says warmly, settling back in his chair and kicking one leg over the other. “You’re the one that literally survived death, Ed. It doesn’t get any more metal than that.”

“Now who’s the smoothtalker?” Eddie smirks, and he hopes he isn’t blushing. Steve Harrington calling him metal with so much pride and affection in his voice is doing numbers on his heart. Curse this stupid fucking crush.

Steve eyes divert briefly to the heart monitor, which has not once calmed down since the second he’d lifted up his shirt, and Eddie is so sure that he knows then, that he’s finally made the connection between what’s got Eddie’s heart racing, but he doesn’t say anything, just laughs it off again, smiling like everything’s completely normal as he looks back at Eddie and rolls his eyes and mutters in return, “Shut up.”

“Make me,” Eddie mumbles, not quick enough to bite back the words before they fall from his mouth, only managing to lower his voice enough that maybe Steve didn’t hear him.

“What?”

“TV?” Eddie grabs the remote, pretends like that’s what he’d said in the first place. Real smooth.

“Oh, sure.” Steve shrugs. If he noticed Eddie’s slip, he gives no indication of it.

Eddie turns on the TV and they spend the next hour or so laughing and making fun of the bad acting on the show that’s playing. Easy, normal, platonic. Eddie’s heart rate stabilizes, remaining even so long as he doesn’t look too long at Steve’s smile.

When sleep starts lapping at Eddie’s consciousness, he doesn’t fear it anymore. Silently, he holds out his hand, and Steve takes it, wrapping him in the warmth and protection that allows Eddie to let himself drift off undaunted.

And in his dreams his hands skate across Steve’s skin again.

(part seven)

taglist (CLOSED): @romanticdestruction @daydreamsandcrashingwaves @paintsplatteredandimperfect @hallucinatedjosten @mugloversonly @estrellami-1 @alongcomesaspider @thatonebadideapanda @tell-me-a-secret-a-nice-one @dragonmama76 @wxrmland @nuggies4life @sirsnacksalot @myguiltyartpleasure @lolawonsstuff @marklee-blackmore @vinteraltus @sebastiansstanswhore @0happyeverafter0 @scarlet-malfoy @hotluncheddie @xxfiction-is-my-realityxx @emsgoodthinkin @alyelf @warlordess @stevesbipanic @lil-gremlin-things @rockandrolodex @badcaseofcasey @bat-outta-hel @fandomcartographer @manda-panda-monium @littlewildflowerkitten @giopandaonice @mightbeasleep @queenie-ofthe-void @krazyperson @worldofshea @marvel-ous-m @tartarusknight @a-little-unsteddie @xenon-demon @goodolefashionedloverboi @xxsky-shockxx @mc-i-r @bookbinderbitch @aspenshade88 @slowandsteddie @thedragonsaunt @daydreaming-mood @space-invading-pigeon @irregular-child @a-lovely-craziness (taglist continued in replies; please lmk if you'd like to be removed from this list. if you didn't make the taglist but still wanna follow along, you can follow the tag #dyfamsteddiefic to keep up with new updates!)

#giving steve mental breakdowns is my favorite hobby actually can you tell #one or two more parts i think i can't decide #should i resolve it in the next part or drag it out an extra chapter and write out some more of eddie's dream memories???#steddie #steddie angst #steddie fic #steddie fanfic #steddie fanfiction #steve harrington #eddie munson #stranger things #fanfic #mine #dyfamsteddiefic

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s0lam33y · 5 months

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when i come around

A/n: no Bc i had no idea where this story was going but it’s a cute little oneshot. Lmk what y’all think!

Riri is capable of so many things, she can create suits from metal scraps and fix cars at the speed of light. She’s fit, so much so that she always grabs you to move you instead of speaking. She’s a great cook, an outstanding mother but you don’t seem to be the only one impressed with her abilities.

You don’t know how to manage being a hero, a mother, and working as a mechanic. But you do your best to help and to do so, you always try to drop Riri off some lunch at her garage. Once you do get there, you can tell she’s been busy.

You watch Riri lean back against the detailed Honda Accord, you can tell by the grease on her overalls and the towel over her shoulder that she just finished it up. She’s chatting up a customer with a look that you’re trying to put your finger on. She’s never been flirtatious and you can tell by the genuine smile on her face that she’s interested in the topic of the conversation.

You feel a tug at the sleeve of your hoodie rather, Riri’s MIT hoodie on you before looking down.

“Who’s that mama?” Amira questions, big wide eyes meeting yours. You look back at the woman your wife is speaking to, she’s dressed in a black pencil skirt and a blouse, and all you can see is long black hair cascading down her back.

“Ion know, a customer.” You shrug. It’s been a long day and you wanted to see Riri since you were bored at home today.

You watch her stretch mid-convo, revealing a strip of her toned abdomen. Oh, she doesn’t put in any effort to be a flirt but she somehow does anyway.

As you get closer you hear more of their conversation.

“Yeah no, this was lightweight, she’s as good as new.” Riri compliments, smoothing a hand over the top of the car.

Her and her detailing.

“Thank you, I’ll definitely be here more often.” The woman’s voice is sultry and her vowels drag out for longer than they should.

“Right.” Riri mumbles, the smile slowly fading off her face as she turns around to begin working on another car. You watch the woman call her again and slip a card in her hand, Riri begins squinting at her and the corner of her lip curls up in irritation.

“I’m cool, I’m married.” She shrugs, her voice monotone as she hands the card back.

You don’t want to admit it but it gives you the ego boost of a fucking lifetime. That doesn’t stop the woman though and you watch her reach for Riri’s shoulder all for your wife to clutch her wrist.

“I said I’m cool, I have a wife…You ain’t welcome here anymore, aight? Get in your car,” She orders. You can’t see the woman’s face at all but she slips into her car quickly and drives off.

You watch Riri sigh in irritation and roll her eyes before turning back around and working on the car she was working on before being interrupted. While she’s underneath it, Amira’s little red crocs catch her eye and she slides out with a tired smile on her face and immediately greets your daughter.

“Hi, Mira baby.” She smiles as she lifts Amira up into a hug. She spends some time asking about your daughter about her day which makes Amira begin to babble and go from one subject to another. While your daughter is off talking about school, Riri sneaks in a kiss on your cheek.

“Good day?” You question as she holds Amira in one arm and uses the other to squeeze your hand.

You ponder on bringing up the previous client. You’re nowhere near bothered by it, if anything you’re amused. But you can’t possibly ruin the moment when Riri’s watching Amira so attentively.

“Yeah, great day.” You smile. You watch Riri put your daughter down.

“Get started on your math work, so we can knock it out before your mom gets on you.” She says as Amira aims for the corner of the garage. It used to belong to you, at first I was just a hangout spot for you and Riri when you first became a couple. It had a simple carpet, a grey but large beanbag, and a mini fridge. Then you added more of your own stuff to pass time with Riri while she worked on her suit. You added posters of your favorite bands and artists, a small table, and a couple of books.

Over time, it’s transformed and the space went from what it previously was to two pink beanbags since they were Amira’s favorite color, the smallest mini fridge so she can reach it, and a table full of toys for her to play with.

“What’s up with you?” Riri questions, noticing that you’ve zoned out. You look into big curious eyes that happen to match your daughters.

“Nothing’s up,” You shrug still holding onto her food in one hand. She puts a hand on your waist beneath her hoodie to pull you in for a kiss to the jaw.

“Girl, you told me you don’t steal my clothes.” She murmurs, mocking your words from earlier this week.

“I lied.” You admit. Despite her smelling like motor oil and her body being slick with the sheer heat of being beneath a car, you wrap your arms around her broad shoulders.

“I missed you today.” She confesses as she kisses your jaw again.

“Yeah, I did too.” You pull up the container of food you’ve brought for her. The mere thought of food makes her lick her lips.

“I need to eat-“ She begins.

“Mama, does six plus five equal twelve?” Amira hollers from her corner of the garage. Riri turns around, doing her best not to laugh at her daughter’s genuine frustration before looking back at you.

“It’s fine, I didn’t know that shit till I was like five.” Riri shrugs, kissing your lips and tending to your daughter. You watch Riri lift her up into her lap and gently kiss her temple to aid in calming her frustration.

“Listen, baby. Count with your fingers when you’re stuck, you’re real smart but don’t try to do it in your head.” Riri suggests. She’s always been so good at calming a person down, whether it’s you, her mother, or your daughter.

“Or, we can do the tally marks like your mom taught you. She’s real smart too.” Riri continues, briefly looking up only to find that you’ve been gazing at her this whole time.

“I wanna do the tally marks.” Amira sighs. She looks just like you when she huffs like that.

“Yeah, that’s a good pick. Put five down and then do another six.”

You walk over to the plushy pink beanbag that’s across from them and continue to watch them. Her food will be cold by the time she’s done but it’s worth it.

@xchoxix @pvnks0ul

#riri williams #black panther #riri x reader #riri williams x you #riri williams x reader

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trick-r-treat421 · 2 months

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Chapter 1

Riley’s POV:

I was in a surprisingly peaceful sleep when I felt soft fur against my face then the gentle nudge and lick. It’s the morning ritual I’ve grown accustomed to. “Good morning, Hades.” I groggily say to my three-year-old black German Shepherd who has oh so rudely decided it’s time to get up.

I roll over rubbing the sleep from my eyes to see the soft glow of the morning light filtering in through my window. Picking my phone up from the nightstand it reads 7:26 am October 13th. Sighing, I swing my feet to the edge of my bed and proceed to start our normal morning routines.

A short time later I step out onto my back deck to let Hades do his business, my hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee. I’m immediately hit with a warm breeze and realize just how comfortable it feels. Pulling my phone from the pocket of my pajama pants, I check the weather app where it predicts it to be an exceptionally warm day. Luckily, it’s one of my days off from my boring, dead-end customer service job. It’s been a major stressor for me lately and I’m ecstatic to avoid that hell hole even if just for today.

I mindlessly scroll random apps as I sip my coffee, enjoying the sun’s rays on my pale skin as my boy gets all his overnight zoomies out. Just as I sip the last of the coffee from my mug, he comes running back up sitting beside me, tongue out, panting. “Hey, handsome boy of mine. I know we usually take walks around the neighborhood on my days off but how’d you like to go to the park instead?” I ask, scratching behind his ear, getting only a gruff woof and tail wag in agreement. “Perfect!” I exclaim before we walk back inside.

I spend a few hours working around the house tidying a bit and starting some laundry while singing (ok more like screaming) and dancing around the cozy bungalow I call my home, all while the songs boom through the Bluetooth speakers. Hades tilted his head or huffed at me occasionally from his oversized dog bed in the living room. “You know you love it!” I tease as I pass by, stopping to give him a few good belly scratches.

I quickly shower before stepping out into the steamy bathroom, grabbing one of my oversized towels from the rack and wrapping it around my small frame. I pull my paddle brush through the tangles that are my shoulder-length black hair, then twist another towel around it, pushing it onto the top of my head and retreating to my room. I fall back onto my queen bed, my arms spreading as I lean back, and stay that way for a while, closing my eyes and preparing myself to venture out.

Eventually, I push myself up and go over to my dresser. I pull out a black thong and lace bralette then a pair of black leggings and my go-to comfy, faded, grey Guns N’ Roses shirt I’ve cut into a crop top. After getting dressed, I return to the bathroom to pull my hair into a low loose ponytail, leaving a few strands out to frame my face. I stare at myself in the mirror above my sink, sighing at the sight but I don’t bother putting on makeup. I’m too tired to care and it’s not like I’m out to impress anyone. Dropping my gaze, I push myself away from the counter and head back towards the kitchen to prepare everything Hades and I will need for the park.

Half an hour later we’re pulling into my favorite park. I reach back to clip on Hades’ leash, grab my crossbody bag from the passenger floorboard, and then exit the SUV. We stop to grab the blanket from the back hatch of my grey 2010 Nissan Xterra before making our way down the sidewalk.

As expected, the park was alive with the sounds of nature and people out enjoying the weather. It took us a few minutes, but we managed to find a nice shady spot under a tall oak tree that’s adjacent to the large field where people lounge and play. I release Hades and tell him to stay as I work to spread out my black and white buffalo plaid blanket and begin unpacking for a relaxing afternoon.

It didn’t take long before we got comfortable. I lay on my stomach, my legs bent at the knee, casually swinging back and forth through the air. I’ve got my sticker-covered tumbler and a Tupperware full of fresh-cut fruit (ok mostly strawberries) on one side of me. A book was spread in front of me, my eyes skimming over the pages from behind my oversized sunglasses. Hades had posted up near the edge of the blanket on my other side as he went to town on his large red Kong toy, his travel bowl full of water next to him.

I’d lost track of time, completely caught up in my reading, most of my fruit picked over and eaten. Hades had long given up on his toy and was almost asleep when suddenly he perked up giving a slight huff. Figuring he saw a squirrel or something, I failed to see the large shadow pass over me as a sudden pain shoots into the left side of my ribs and something heavy fell over top of me, Hades darting away from his position. Whatever it is landed with a thud in front of Hades, water splashing everywhere in the process. I quickly began to shake the water from the pages of my book before any damage could be done.

“Ouch! What the fu…” I begin to exclaim, but my words come up short as my eyes fall onto this dazed, dark-haired man lying across me and my blanket.

He slowly pushes himself up onto his elbows, putting his shirtless and heavily tattooed chest on full display, droplets of water sliding down and glistening in the afternoon light. I thank God for these sunglasses hiding my eyes as I gawk at this stranger’s toned body. I shake my head and slowly take in the scene, realizing his long legs are still stretched across my back and one of his elbows rests halfway in Hades’ water bowl.

Eventually, my eyes make it back to his face where I’m greeted with a strong, sharp jawline peppered with the beginnings of some facial hair and mesmerizing deep chocolate-brown eyes. I’m brought back to reality when Hades is suddenly at the man’s side dropping a frisbee I hadn’t even noticed onto his lap. I can’t help but let out a laugh at the situation and the fact I was letting myself get lost in this stranger’s looks, no matter how handsome he may be. “I think Hades is returning your frisbee to you.” I state matter of factly. Despite his size and intimidating looks, he was quite a gentle giant. Thanks a lot bud, so much for protecting me.

Noah’s POV:

I have no idea what happened, but one second I was running full speed and the next I found myself lying flat on my back staring at the brightly colored tree canopy above me.

I let out a groan and begin to push myself up onto my elbows. Feeling something wet on one of my arms, I look over to see my elbow in a water bowl. I begin taking in the rest of my surroundings and find I’m on someone’s picnic blanket. Just then I see something dark in my peripheral vision and the frisbee I’d been running to catch drops in my lap.

I hear a feminine laugh as my eyes dart up, noticing my legs are laid across the back of a petite raven-haired woman who had been stretched out on said blanket. I hear her words as I look down to the frisbee in my lap, then to the big furry black mass standing to my right. That must be whose water bowl my elbow is resting in.

I hurriedly remove my legs and scramble to my knees, the frisbee falling from my lap while putting my hands up in case this dog decides to attack. Again, I hear the sound of her laughter drawing my eyes to her full, slightly red tinted lips. Slowly she sits up crisscrossing her legs in front of her, her crop top riding up a little to reveal a tattoo on her side as she rubs at her ribs. A few more are sprinkled on her arms.

“Don’t worry, he may look ferocious, but he’s really a big baby.” With the motion of her free hand I watch as the large dog returns to the girl’s side and lays against her, eyes closing, tongue out as he soaks up her head pats.

I breathe out a sigh of relief as I sit back on my heels and brush my hands down my star covered sweat shorts nervously and let out a slight chuckle. “Good to know, cause I was about to high tail it out of here and hope—Hades was it?—didn’t catch me!” I respond. “Hey, sorry about all of this, though.” I start as I wave my hand around us.

She lifts her sunglasses revealing stunning icy blue/grey almond-shaped eyes as she takes in the now wet and twisted blanket. Sucking in a breath I try to offer, “My buddies and I were just tossing the frisbee around and I guess I let my competitive nature get the best of me. I wasn’t paying attention, and you see where that got me.”

As if on cue my friends, Jolly and Nick, come jogging over taking in the scene and thankfully ending my nervous rant. “What you mean on the ground beside a pretty lady?” Nick waggles his eyebrows as he smirks before asking, “Are you two good?”

Jolly jumped in with, “That looked like quite a fall, man.”

I chuckle lightly before I answer, “Yeah I’m good, but I’ll probably feel it in the morning.” I clear my throat a little remembering the stunning girl and her dog sitting across from me. “Umm are you okay…?” I ask, pausing since I don’t know her name.

Picking up on the pause she answers, “Riley. Yeah, I think I’ll be okay. Might have a bruise in the next couple of days but I’ll deal.”

A pang of guilt washes over me for hurting her but I give a crooked smile. “I’m Noah, these are my friends Jolly and Folio,” I say pointing to each of the guys.

She nods her head slightly at each of the guys, giving a polite smile and wave. It suddenly becomes abundantly clear we are invading her space, as the awkward silence grows between us all. I move to stand tucking the frisbee under my arm and giving the guys a nod, each taking a few steps back in understanding, Jolly looking over his shoulder to find where our roommates dog, Harper, is playing. “We should probably leave you be, you seemed to have been enjoying your reading when I tripped over you.” I say as I glance down at the abandoned book laid out on the blanket.

Shrugging, she responds with, “I was but I’d lost track of time, and we actually need to be heading out.” With that she stands, Hades whining slightly, and begins picking up her belongings and packing them back into her bag.

I look down at the mess I’ve made of her space, everything scattered about, so I quickly lean down, picking up her book. I offer it to her as I ask “Are you sure you’re alright? Can I help you carry anything?”

She takes the book, my eyes drawn to where she chews on her lip, thinking it over. After some hesitation Riley nods. “You really don’t have to, but I might need a hand with the blanket. I can never get them folded up easily on my own, and I’ve got to be able to hold his leash as we walk.” She motions over to Hades who tilts his head sideways at the mention of leash.

With a small chuckle I call out a “heads up!” to Folio, who’s now walking away with Jolly before tossing him the frisbee and reaching to pick up the blanket. I shake it out then do my best to fold it before draping it over my arm as she picks up her remaining belongings.

After a moment and her commands to Hades, we walk back towards the parking lot in another slightly awkward silence. Coming to a stop at the back of an Xterra, she starts digging for her keys and unlocks the doors. She takes Hades to the back passenger door allowing him to jump inside before unhooking his leash and telling him to stay then returning to the back where I stand.

“Thank you for helping with that and walking me back.” She says, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and staring down at the asphalt before taking the blanket and placing it in the back hatch.

“No problem. It was the least I could do after crashing into you like I did.” I shrug, earning a small, cute giggle from her.

After another moment of silence she shifts on her feet, bringing her eyes up to meet mine and extending her hand before saying with a playful tone, “Well, it was nice to meet you Noah, wish I could say it was under better circumstances though.”

I take her hand, noticing just how small it feels in mine before lightly shaking it and saying, “You too Riley.” With that I drop her hand and move to the sidewalk as she walks to her driver’s door. Turning back, I give a salute as she starts the SUV and I head back to the guys.

The moment I walk up, Folio raises his eyebrow asking, “What was that all about Casanova?”

I shrug running my hand through my shoulder-length hair. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” They both let out a laugh.

It’s Jolly’s turn to pipe up now, his slight Swedish accent coming through. “Bullshit Noah, you’ve still got a goofy grin plastered on your face and the way you were looking at her… it’s obvious you thought she was attractive.”

Folio chimes in again, “Tell us you at least got her number…”

I don’t bother responding before grabbing the frisbee out of his hands and jogging away. I silently kick myself for not thinking about that. We stay for another hour or so before leaving, my mind wandering to Riley quite often through the night.

P.S. I don't own the rights to any of these photos, they were all found on Pinterest or a Google image search.

I hope you enjoyed this. It's been quite a while since I even tried writing something for others to read so sorry if it's not up to your standards. It may start out slow but I promise there's some good things to come.

Huge shout out to @crimson-calligraphyx for encouraging and helping me with this.

#fanfic #fan fiction #The Worst in Me #noah sebastian #bad omens #nick folio #jolly karlsson #strangers to lovers #slow burn

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nine-of-words · 2 months

Text

Something Borrowed (Part Ten)

M Gargoyle x M Reader

PREVIOUS || STORY TAG

Wordcount: 5127

Content Warnings: Discussion of a Breakup

The horrors have been numerous and persistent for me lately, so this part took its sweet time getting written. Not much else to say about this chapter, other than I’m very excited to write the next one!!

It seems that things are determined to go sideways today.

“Sorry to drop all of this on ya so early, but I knew you’d be awake.” Your sister’s voice comes through the speaker of your device.

You are indeed awake. You haven’t been sleeping well lately, despite it feeling like what you do the most these days- no idea why that would be- so you were already up and slowly trudging through your morning routine. But now you’re distracted with the call, going through making yourself a desperately needed cup of coffee mostly by feel in your dimly lit apartment kitchen.

“It’s okay- So, how exactly did this happen?”

“She took a wee tumble down the stairs. Got up in the middle of the night to get water, fell ass over kettle.”

“Oh, spirits. But you said it wasn’t serious, right?”

“Eh. Fractured her wrist, or so the doctor says. Right, Ma?” You hear a bit of noise in the background that sounds remarkably like your mother being quietly muttering in a displeased manner. “She’ll be right as rain soon enough. But she’s going to be in the cast for a tick.”

“Do I need to book a flight?”

“Hmm. You know we love to see ya- but nah. It's really not all that dire. Think she's tired of all the fuss by now, really.” She explains, before immediately switching into compulsory older sibling teasing. “Plus won't your new fella miss you? Unless you want to bring him along to meet what he's got to look forward to joining up with.”

“Haha… Yeah, you’re right. I suppose you’ll just have to wait…” You haven’t told them he’s not exactly your fella at the moment. What would you even say?

After a bit more conversation, Emer puts your mother on, and you speak to her for a short while. It assuages your worry a little, but not nearly enough to take the edge off. Though she's adamant you don't let her little mishap scare you into making sudden travel plans, you can't help but let it add to your ratings worries.

Maybe… you should go home?

You hang up your voci and look down at the brewed coffee that’s just started to drip through the filter. In your absent minded state, you’ve managed to put the exact mug you’ve been avoiding into the machine.

But there it is, the pink and white curves of ceramic reminding you of everything you're trying to push out of your mind.

You let out a long, frustrated sigh, pausing to stare vacantly at the mug.

Maybe putting an ocean between you and here will help you forget what you could have right now instead, if you weren't cursed.

You have all day to sit on it, you suppose, and can make a decision later. But you do have a business to run in the meantime, so you return to the process of adding your usual milk and sugar.

It doesn’t help the bitter taste at all today.

Things don’t really go much better for you the longer the day progresses.

“This is too sweet,” The older woman across the counter says, brandishing the mostly eaten cupcake in its paper lining. “I want a refund.”

“Well, it's a cupcake, m’am. It is mostly sugar…” You don’t even have the energy to muster your usual level of pleasantness. You barely keep from grimacing as you ring up the refund, just to get this person out of your hair.

Your customers are usually not this problematic, but you’re beginning to think that no one is having a good day today. You can deal with grumpy or picky people, but usually they’re not quite so many of them in a concentrated blast. Every little interaction is finding its way under your skin, and that’s not even taking into account how hard it is to concentrate and get any meaningful progress done.

Though, this is a task you’ve been pointedly avoiding that you’ll have to start sooner or later, today.

You’ve got to finish putting together Devin and Trevor’s cake- if you want it to be solid enough to put flowers in before delivery tomorrow night, which is rapidly approaching the longer you dawdle.

As in, nearly can be measured in hours instead of days soon.

It was different when it was just… anonymous cake layers you were cutting out and leveling. That could’ve been for anyone’s cake! But the more personality that goes into it, the more the subtle, nagging grief makes it difficult to work on.

You sigh and glob a stabilizing dollop of the vanilla buttercream- Trevor's choice- onto the base with your offset spatula.

It’s not as if you’re jealous that your ex is getting married at this point. You’re far past the stage of wanting him back by now. It just… all seems so unfair. Hopeless. He was able to wound you so deeply when he left- and just when you thought you had healed and moved on, carved out some new happiness for yourself- that got taken away, too.

Why should he get to be happy when you’re on the short end of the stick again?

You center a cake layer, then slather some more buttercream, spreading it out to make a glue for the next layer to adhere onto.

You’ll just have to think about it as Devin’s cake. It’s for your friend. That’s how you’ll get through this. You’ll do a good job, for your friend. Even if she’s marrying your ex, she should still get the best cake you can make for her, like you’d do for any other client.

Another layer of cake. A layer of elven berry compote that you made fresh yesterday- also Trevor’s choice, naturally. Another layer of cake. Then, repeat it all again.

As much as you try to rationalize that to yourself as you work through applying the crumb coat, you can’t help but realize you’ve been white-knuckling the spatula handle by time you’ve finished applying the buttercream.

Eventually, you have all of the crumb coated tiers ready on cake boards, to be given another coat and assembled after they’ve firmed up for a bit.

You mercifully shut the disassembled cake in the cooler, relieved that you don’t have to look at it for another few hours. Though, you have to hand it to yourself, even when your life is falling apart, you can make a bang-up gorgeous cake.

The demands of your business don’t stop just because you’re having a bad day and have other things to do, unfortunately. You’re not sure what portal to Hell has opened nearby, but it seems like all of the most awful customers have all decided to come to your shop today to take out their anger on you.

“No, we don’t do tiered pies here. I don’t even know if you’d be able to do that without making a mes- Well, okay. Have a nice day-” You say, though the person on the other end of the line has already hung up on you.

You turn to face the customer waiting at the counter, but before you can even greet them, they interrupt you with a snapping of their fingers.

“Where’s our waiter? I put our order into the kiosk twenty minutes ago and no one has even been by to so much as pour our water!”

“Oh, well, you can eat-in here, that’s what the seating is for, but we’re not a full service-”

“Ugh, fine! Just get me my order already, then.” The customer barks and you have to bite your tongue to restrain yourself from snapping back.

By time you reach another lull in activity and get back to work on Devin’s cake, your jaw and shoulders are fully tensed.

Since it’s slow, you take out the gumpaste. You have another tray of roses to sculpt so they can dry on time to place them tomorrow, so you might as well knock it out sooner than later.

Maybe none of this would be getting to you so much, but the full weight of the wedding being tomorrow is bearing down on you. The one saving grace is that Kirby will be there to distract you- at least you won’t be alone. You’ll deliver the cake, you’ll get through the ceremony, you’ll stay for a brief yet socially acceptable amount of time at the reception, and then you’ll go home and this whole excruciating ordeal will be over.

You just have to finish this cake and get through tonight first.

Only a few more hours until close.

You can do this.

You make it another hour, rolling thinned pieces of sugary paste into delicate petals, before the bell door rings, and the person you see walk through the door gives you pause.

It’s not Carlyle, as you’ve been hoping it was every single time you hear the shop bell jingle since the last time you saw him. But it certainly looks like him, in everything but personal styling, and of course, the shape of the quartzose horns protruding from his brow.

Today it seems he’s left his body glitter at home, however. He’s dressed in relatively casual clothing; a hoodie (midriff still intact), untied slim joggers, immaculately clean sneakers. The difference is so staggering you might not have even recognized him as the same person, compared to his last visit, if he didn’t have Carlyle’s face; which you can now see clearly underneath his loose brown curls, this time not covered by the shadow of his hood.

“Hey.”

He gives you a tilt of his chin in acknowledgement and smiles an uncannily similar, fanged smile to the one you’ve grown accustomed to seeing. It’s a stab of pain, how sorely you miss it right now, and seeing it again, but just different enough to not be it.

“Uh. Hi, Marcus?” You say in a stilted manner, not really sure how to proceed. “You are… looking less gilded today than last time.”

“Hahahah, yeah. I didn’t have work last night, dude. No hangover!”

“Hah. Right…”

“But good to see you again, man! …I was wonderin-”

“Listen, if you’re here to deliver a message or something, I really can’t do this right now.” You cut him off, begging more than anything at this point to not have another thing go wrong or a twist of the knife today. You scrub at your face with your forearm to keep your hands sanitary, the deep pit of frustration starting to bubble out of you unintentionally. “And he knows to not-”

“Hey, no man, listen! It’s nothing like that.” He pats his curls down, the same way that his brother occasionally does with his dreadlocks when he’s smoothing out a misunderstanding. “He’d be PISSED if I knew he was here, hahah. He told me never to come here on my own after last time!”

“Well, maybe you should follow his instruction on that matter.” You say dryly and continue to roll the soft substance in silent judgement. “He usually knows what he’s talking about.”

Marcus seems to take this as a bad sign, his face twisting into a look of exasperation.

“Fine! Gimme a dozen cupcakes then. Fuck, make it any flavor, dude, I don’t even care.” He starts rifling through his pants pockets, finally pulling out his wallet, and then a card that he puts on the counter. It’s got his name printed on it, rather than Carlyle’s, so you suppose he’s gotten it replaced since the last time. “You’ve gotta talk to me if I’m a customer ‘n shit, right?”

“You know I do have the right to refuse service to you…?”

“Yeah man, but I don’t think you’re gonna! You’re too nice, from what I’ve heard.” Marcus says with the sort of shit-eating grin on his face that absolutely makes you want to refuse service to him, but with a vengeance.

“Well if you’re not here on your brother’s behalf…” You sigh in your own matching exasperated look and set down your gumpaste project to start boxing a dozen cupcakes. “Why are you here, then?”

“I’m gonna be totally honest with you, dude. He didn’t send me, but it is about him. I’m like, super worried about him.”

“Oh…” You can’t help yourself, you have to ask. “Is he alright…?”

“Hell no! He’s all fucked up, man! The other night, I left at 8pm and he was still in the same spot at 11am when I got back in. Same book, same fit, same stale cup of coffee. He had sat still in the same place reading whatever nerd shit he was reading for so long that he deadass went half solid.”

You can’t find the words to respond to that. The guilt gnaws at you like you gnaw at your bottom lip, but in a strange way, you feel validated that he’s still as messed up about things as you are.

“Look, whatever he did, it can’t be that bad, right? It’s Lyle!! He like, never fucks up like that.” He leans over the counter, talking with his hands in another show of familiar, yet foreign-in-this-context expression. He taps his chest with the fingertips of a spread hand for emphasis. “And I would know, ‘cuz I’M the family fuck up here. So, maybe you could like, just forgive him and junk? Make up or whatever?”

“It’s not…” You take a second to steady your breath. You’ve been trying to suppress these feelings for weeks, and now they’re getting dragged up so suddenly. “It’s not something he did. It’s… outside circumstances…”

You hesitate for a brief moment before you pick out the last of the random assortment; an orange and mixed spice flavor you found yourself trying out.

“That’s it? There’s no gettin’ around it, huh?”

“No. I'm sorry. It's complicated. I just can't.” You say with weakened conviction as you tape the box up, and then hoping to persuade yourself once again, add; “It’s better this way.”

“Right-” Marcus straightens up and rocks back and forth on his feet, his sneakers squeaking slightly against the tile with the motion. “Sorry if pushing was out of line, dude.”

“Don't worry about it- honestly, I'm sort of glad you showed up.” You smile, bittersweet. “It’s good that he has someone looking out for him.”

“Yeah.” Marcus smiles a conflicted smile back, then takes his cupcakes to go. “See you ‘round, dude.”

You find yourself having a silent argument with yourself as you finish the rest of the roses.

There’s the guilt, of course. Are you a bad person if you know that this separation is hurting you both, and yet you’re continuing to enforce it? Maybe you should have just let Marcus convince you to reach out?

Seeing someone with such familiar features has only made your heart ache that much more for what you’re missing.

Perhaps it’s for the best that you don’t have any customers in the shop at the moment, because they’d be able to clearly see you sneering at empty air and grumbling to yourself.

By the time you finish the last petal on the last rose of the tray, you’re no closer to having resolved your internal disagreement.

You put the roses away, and pull out your fully set, crumb-coated cake. Now just to put the final layer of frosting on, and then you’ll be done for the night.

As you set the tray down on the counter, your voci starts ringing in your pocket. You remove your gloves and answer the call, seeing that it’s Kirby. They’ve been checking in on you a lot more often lately, like you’re a sickly pet needing constant supervision. They're not entirely wrong.

You greet them as you put them on speaker. Then you wash up, and reglove as their voice comes through on the other end.

“So! How is your day going so far?”

“Oh, you know. Typical weekend customers. Ma broke her wrist.” You say flatly, smoothing out the buttercream on the top of the lowest cake tier with a spin of the stand with well-practiced motions.

“Oh no! That’s terrible! Is she okay??”

“She’s fine, but it’s still stressful that I can’t be there to help out.”

Once you’re finished getting a perfectly even, level surface on the lowest tier, you begin the process again on a slightly smaller scale on the next largest cake tier.

“Mmm. Yeah, it must be, being so far away.”

“And Carlyle’s brother came into the shop earlier.” You continue, now lathing more buttercream onto the sides.

“Whaaaat??? No!! Glitter Boy?! Oh my SPIRITS you’ve gotta tell me all the details right now!”

“There’s not a lot to say, really. Told me Carlyle’s not taking it well either, and now I feel like a villain.”

“You’re not a villain,” Kirby sighs. “Sometimes things are just. Y’know. Messy.”

You continue to make your way through doing the final coat on the cake tiers, each one going progressively faster as they diminish in size.

“Oh, and how could I forget- I’m making a cake for my ex’s wedding that social pressure is forcing me to attend. So you know. The usual.”

“Hahah- Ooh, bummer. Well, when you put it like that, it does sound like, toooootally miserable! You’re having a pretty horrible day, and I’m… definitely not about to make it worse, hahah!!”

“Oh no.” You hiss through gritted teeth. “Something’s wrong, then?”

They laugh nervously, a little giggle-whimper that you can’t possibly be irritated with.

You’re silent as you begin to fill a piping bag with buttercream, waiting for Kirby to divulge their information.

“I MAY have some bad news.”

“Oh. Lovely. Just grand! More bad news is exactly what I need at this current moment.” You say, dripping with sarcasm.

“I know!!! Believe me, I know! But I wanted to tell you as soon as I found out.” Kirby sighs. “I just got out of a meeting with my boss and they’re sending me out of town on a case. I have to get on a red eye in a few hours.”

“But… the wedding is tomorrow…”

“Yeah, that would be the problem! But I can’t exactly tell my boss to fuck off and still have a job, y’know??? Soooooo. We are in. damage. control. mode!”

“It’s okay.” You say, it not really being okay at all, but not wanting to lash out at your friend who’s only ever tried to help you in any given situation. You’re simply too stunned to even start to panic.

“Nope! It’s ABSOLUTELY not! But I’ll be there in like, an hour!! I’ll bring dinner and we can totally figure out a plan B, okay? Or I guess plan C or D by now- But bestie, I don’t care if I have to HIRE an escort to take you to that wedding, you’re not going alone! Especially not because of stupid work interference!!”

“Hah- A-Alright.” You laugh weakly and speak through a sharp intake of air, but manage to not sound like you’re about to burst into tears, even though you desperately want to. “See you soon.”

The call ends, but you continue working, despite the rapidly expanding pit of terror in your gut and the sting at the back of your eyes.

This news, surprisingly, does not help your ability to finish this cake.

You keep going, but not without roadblocks. Your eyes screw closed in frustration and pain. Your teeth grit. Your hand clenches around the bag, nearly squeezing the frosting out of the back end of it.

As a small mercy, closing time finally comes and you turn off the light, though you leave the door unlocked, given you’re expecting Kirby sometime in the next hour or so.

You need to move on to piping some of the finer details- But you can't even think about piping an even line right now, not with the way your hand is trembling.

Still, you persist, pushing the bag back taut and re-twisting the open end.

“Stop. Shaking.” You hiss out loud at yourself, your body refusing to obey even your own verbal instructions.

You just need to get this cake done. Is that so much to ask?

Kirby is coming over and you’ll find a solution for the wedding. You won’t have to go to your ex's wedding alone. It will be fine.

The tremor in your hand nearly causes you to stab through the layer you’re working on with the piping tip, so you take a moment to straighten up your posture and try to loosen your locking muscles. You take a few calming breaths, then go back in and manage to finish the last few filigree details on the tier you're working on.

Your hand is already shaking again. You ignore it. You’ll get through this. You have to.

But every time you regain focus, the thought of Carlyle as a miserable and inert statue keeps creeping back unbidden into your mind.

It’s all too much. Too much. Too much.

The lights above you flicker. A buzz of energy ripples through the room.

The pressure on your chest is unbearable now. Blood rushes in your ears.

You can’t deal with this anymore.

You can’t even think-!

POP-

In an instant, something cold and cloying splatters across the side of your face and the bridge of your nose, the front of your shirt, your clenched hands and outstretched forearms.

You bring a hand to your face in shock, blindly testing the sudden change in texture.

Your fingertips come away coated in sticky, sugary goop, and bits of shredded vanilla sponge cake.

And where the cake tiers were sitting on the counter, there’s a conspicuous absence of a cake, only the sparse large chunk of shrapnel- a bloodless crime scene, the mostly empty, frosting smeared cakeboards evoking the essence of a chalk body outline.

Well. You’ll be damned.

The cake exploded.

Hoarse, incredulous laughter escapes your throat- first in disbelief, then in bitter resignation. No other reaction really seems to suit this situation more.

Because your life is a joke. A bad joke.

Your laughs thin out, turning into choked sobs. You sink down until you’re sitting on your cold shop floor with your back against a cabinet, and bring the lower clean edge of the apron up to cry into.

Eventually, the unrestrained weeping quiets into silent tears Time has passed, as evidenced by the sky beginning to darken outside.

“Heeeeellooooo~! I’m heee-” You hear a familiar voice call out and then equally familiar hoof falls on the tile. There’s a rapid change in their tone, making a 180° turn into hushed concern. “Oh. Well fuck, that doesn’t look good-”

After a few moments, Kirby rounds the counter, an inquisitive look on their face.

You can’t even muster the embarrassment to be seen like this, too tired and emotionally drained and just simply done with it all.

You expect a look of pity or maybe some awkward fussing, but instead, Kirby simply gives you a knowing smile.

“What a mess!!” Kirby shakes their head, curls tumbling as they assess the damage. “You’re not hurt, are you, honey?”

You shake your head weakly, rubbing at your eye with your inner wrist.

“Good! Well then, let’s get this all cleaned up!” They chirp and reach out their hand, palm up.

After the moment it takes to recognize the gesture, you take their hand. Kirby’s grip is surprisingly strong for being such a petite faun, and they easily manage to help you to your feet.

“You don’t have to-”

“Well I’m NOT going to let you sit here and cry covered in frosting all night.” Kirby laughs, beginning to roll up the sleeves of their work shirt. “So. Yes I do~”

“...Thank you.” You sniffle.

“Don’t mention it!!” They laugh. “You go get cleaned up and I’ll start tackling this absolute disaster zone!”

You trudge upstairs and debate on the benefits of a full shower before deciding that it’s worth it, even if ten more cakes explode. You’re uncomfortably sticky down your neck and arms.

Maybe you can wash this day away, while you’re at it…

Before long you’re redressed and coming back downstairs- if not feeling completely refreshed, you at least now have it in you to face the (suddenly much longer) list of tasks ahead. Kirby has gotten most of the cake into a trash bag, and is wiping down the counter.

“There, you look much better! Now, come tell me what was happening when this happened, will you?”

You join them, grabbing a sanitizer rag and beginning to help wipe down the closest surface. You describe as best you can exactly what you were doing, feeling, and thinking about when the cake exploded, just as you’ve explained to them about the previous incidents that you weren’t physically present for.

“Hmm.” Kirby hums quizzically. “Well, the good news is I’ve got a potential solution for the wedding dilemma.”

“Oh?” You’d be lying if you said that the promise of a stressor being removed didn’t sound divine.

“Actually, I’ve already convinced Rosario to go with you, if you want, while I was on the way over. Did you know that she’s surprisingly easy to bribe?!” Kirby giggles. “But to be honest- I didn’t even need to bribe her!! She agreed before I offered anything in return. Apparently wedding cake and an open bar is enough reason for her to turn up, or so she said. But I think it’s because she likes you.”

“That’s… very kind of her.” She wouldn’t be the worst companion for the event- you’ve grown quite fond of her presence in your shop, prickly attitude and all.

“Yeah! She’ll easily make your ex just as uncomfortable as I was planning to, all on her own merit, hehe!! BUUUUUT, I think you know what I’m about to say-”

“Don’t…”

“You should call him!” Kirby says in the most obnoxiously sing-song sweet tone they can, and you wince hard.

“I can’t-”

“But you can~!!”

“But I don’t think I should-”

“Well, maybe you should think again, sweetie!! You absoluuuuutely should! Because if this-” Kirby motions to the partially cleaned up buttercream splatter still coating the vicinity. “Isn’t proof enough that it’s not a him problem, I don’t know what would be!!”

You drag a palm across your face, overwhelmed, and heave a sigh.

“At the end of the day it’s your choice! I can’t make you call him. But you miss him, and he misses you! I know this for a fact! And SPIRITS is he being SO insufferable about it!! And so are you!!!! And it’s just a BIT silly to keep drawing this out like this.”

“But… I don’t want him to get hurt…”

“Listen. We know there’s something attached to you- Rosario’s exorcism attempt confirmed that much. But there’s no like, actual indication that any of that is related to what’s happening with the curse. It’s just not how this kind of magic works. We’re almost certain we’re dealing with two unconnected, non-standard issues complicating each other at this point- some sort of spirit attached to you, and some sort of ley-based magical compulsion in play- but we don’t know the source of where either of those things are coming from. Yet.”

“Right.” You say, pausing your cleaning work to take in the new information.

“Though, someone has some very promising ideas about the later being some sort of messed up geas, and Rosario seems like she has a hunch on what is in the shop.”

“But… it just feels like it’s getting worse. Not that I don’t appreciate your efforts, of course…”

“I know it feels that way. But I am good at my job! And I’ve been keeping track of the numbers this whole time, y’know?? I’ve got the DATA. Do you know what I’ve noticed the most as a trend over the time I've been working your case?”

You simply shake your head to give them time to build dramatic tension before they continue.

“The cakes explode more when you’re upset!! Like, a whole, whole lot more! And quite frankly at this point, in my professional opinion, you being separated from him is making it WORSE!!”

“...You really think it’d be okay to ask him-” To go back to how it was before, to be with me again; you want to say, but end up continuing instead; “to come with me to the wedding?”

You have the feeling Kirby understands what you wanted to say, anyway, based on their pleased expression, like they’re finally getting the message through to you.

“You’re my friend!! And as your friend, I am HEREBY giving you the permission that you’re not giving yourself! I wouldn’t be suggesting this to you if I didn’t think it was safe.” Kirby squarely lays their hands on you on the shoulders, though they need to reach up slightly to do it. “If anything, having him there might keep you from getting bent out of shape at your ex and blowing up the second cake, like, at the actual wedding.”

“That would be horrible.” You rasp and find yourself genuinely smiling for the first time all day, trying to blink back the sting of more tears threatening to spill, though this time more out of a sense of appreciation than despair.

“It. Would. Be. HILARIOUS.” Kirby says with a mischievous grin, patting your shoulders with each word for emphasis. “And if it were to happen, I would hope you were recording it. Y’know, for data collection purposes, hehehe!! But it would also be, let’s say: bad for business.”

You manage to finish getting things looking clean, as if nothing bad had happened at all, Kirby has called their ride to the airport.

“Now, I have to go or I’m going to miss my flight and my boss will probably-actually-literally murder me.”

“And I have a cake to remake.” You quietly lament. “If you want, I can get on the plane and you can make the cake…”

Kirby lets out a string of giggles, picking their carry-on bag off the seat at the counter they stashed it on..

“Hahah- No thanks!! But- Call him.” Kirby repeats as they give you a squeezing hug goodbye. “Or Rosario, if you must. But don’t make yourself go alone. And keep me updated!! All of the juicy wedding gossip, please. I’m definitely going to be bored out of my mind otherwise, hehe!!”

Then they release you from their grip to head out the door with one last wave and a jingle of the shop bell.

You, on the other hand, let out a long, withering sigh and pull out another set of white cake layers from the cooler.

…It’s going to be a long night.

>> ✨ MASTERLIST >> ☕ KO-FI

#exophilia #monster lover #monster romance #monster x human #monster x reader #gargoyle x reader #gargoyle #male x male #mlm #mxm #male monster #male reader #series: something borrowed #oc: carlyle #oc: declan #nine of words

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bradshawsbaby · 1 year

Note

Either "Surprise Hug" or "Broken" with the Bradshaw's! I hope you're having a great January! :)

I know it’s no longer January, but I have a few more January OTP Prompts left that I want to try to get done!

I hope you had a wonderful January, love! I tried to include both prompts in this one, and I set it in the early days of the Bradshaws’ relationship, when they just started dating ☺️

There was rarely a time when The Hard Deck wasn’t packed with eager patrons, but today felt especially crazy. Since you and Penny had opened up the bar earlier that afternoon, you hadn’t had a single moment to yourself. Between running drinks to all the tables and hurrying food orders to and from the kitchen, your feet were aching by the time the sun finally set. And your shift wasn’t over for hours yet.

Leaning against the bar, waiting for Jimmy to finish pouring the drinks for one of the tables you were waiting on in the back, you leaned against the polished wood and let out a heavy sigh, wiping a tired hand down your face.

“How you doing, sweetie?” Penny’s motherly voice suddenly filled your ears, a comforting hand coming to rest on your back as she stepped up beside you.

“Oh, I’m alright,” you told her, trying to perk yourself up immediately. Penny was such a wonderful boss and friend, and you were happy to see her business thriving, so you didn’t want to let on how exhausted you were and have her worrying about you. Not when she had so many other things to concern herself with.

“You look dead on your feet, hon,” she laughed, her blue-green eyes sparkling with amusement. “Why don’t you take a break?”

“No, no, I’m okay. Really,” you insisted, shaking your head. “I have a few tables who are still waiting on their drinks, so I want to get those over to them.” At Penny’s pointed look, you smiled sheepishly and added, “After that, I’ll take a little break.”

Penny grinned in response, nodding in approval. “Where are Rooster and the others? I figured they’d be here tonight,” she said, brushing her dark hair out of her face.

“They had a special training today, so I’m not sure if they’re going to make it tonight. They’re probably even more dead on their feet than we are,” you laughed, smiling appreciatively when Jimmy set a cluster of beers down on your tray.

“Hmm, in that case, I’m sure Rooster’s going to be very mad at me that I’m making you work the late shift instead of sending you home to take care of him,” she teased with a wink.

Your cheeks grew warm at her words and you fidgeted with the tray in your hands. You and Bradley had only been dating for a couple months, but apparently it was evident to everyone how head over heels you were for him. “I should go drop off these drinks,” you stammered, not missing Penny’s knowing grin as you moved past her.

On your return to the bar, a customer suddenly grabbed your attention, waving her hand in the air. “Uh, you work here, right? Can you help us? I think the jukebox is broken,” she explained, indicating the vintage jukebox that was a central amenity in The Hard Deck.

“Oh, let me take a look,” you nodded, frowning in concern. You hoped nothing was wrong. You didn’t want to stress Penny out.

It looked, however, like you might have to. No matter how many times you tried to plug and unplug the jukebox, fiddling with quarters and pressing various buttons, nothing seemed to want to play. Your frown deepened as your concern grew, and you smacked your palms against the machine in frustration.

“Now what did that jukebox ever do to you, honey?” a deep voice hummed in your ear, the familiar tickle of your boyfriend’s mustache brushing against your skin as Bradley threw his arms around you from behind in a surprise hug.

“Bradley!” you gasped in shock, spinning around in his embrace so that you could throw your arms around him. But before you could try to defend your acts of violence against the jukebox, he was silencing you with a kiss, his fingers burying themselves in your hair as he held you close.

“What are you doing here?” you laughed when the two of you finally broke apart. “I thought you’d be home and in bed after that training today.”

Bradley shrugged nonchalantly, a grin splitting his face as he gazed down at you. “I couldn’t go home without seeing my best girl,” he murmured, brushing another kiss against your lips.

You still got butterflies whenever he called you that.

“So what seems to be the problem, honey?” he asked, resting his hands on your hips as he gazed behind you at the finicky jukebox.

“I don’t know. The jukebox is broken or something. No matter what I do, it doesn’t want to play,” you sighed. “But I hate to bother Penny about it. She has so many other things going on right now.”

“Sounds like you’re in need of some musical assistance, baby,” Bradley smirked, waggling his eyebrows mischievously.

You grinned in return, resting a hand on his chest. “I am, as a matter of fact. Know anyone?”

“I might know a guy,” he nodded, winking at you. “Just show me the way to the nearest piano,” he told you with a laugh.

Giggling, you took his hand and led him through the crowd to the piano where he’d first caught your eye months ago. “My hero.”

#bradshaw drabble #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster x reader #rooster x future wife!reader #mr. & mrs. bradshaw #top gun: maverick #miles teller #january writing prompts

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stuckintwistedwonderland · 2 years

Text

Vice dorm leaders receiving a massage

Versión en español ¡Ya disponible!: LINK

We all know that the vice leaders of Twisted Wonderland work a lot and today was no exception, I think it's time to reward them for their efforts, don't you think?

Warnings: S/o gender neutral, Platonic relationship with Ortho, Text in second person, Long text

TREY

He's been cooking all day for a non-birthday party. Today was a special occasion so he had to prepare an absurd amount of desserts

Even with all the help of various members of Heartslabyul. It was still ridiculously stressful.

When the party finished Trey went to his room and just lay down on the bed wanting to rest, but he couldn't disconnect from work

You saw him walking into his room, although he didn't express it you could see that he was exhausted both physically and mentally

So you knocked on his door and walked in, you were worried about him and you ask him if you could do something for him.

"Heh, if you could just take the stress off my shoulders." He said jokingly still laying down, but he didn't expect you to sit on his bed and ask him to get up and sit.

He was more surprised when you started to massage his shoulders and later his entire back. Without realizing it he had begun to relax

After a while you could hear a sigh of relief, it seemed as if he had released the last trace of stress that he had.

When you finished with the massage. Trey turned around and lay with you on the bed with a calm smile.

He just sighed a "Thank you" before finally falling asleep.

RUGGIE

You don't understand how Ruggie endures on to Leona in the first place, but you know Leona has been more demanding than usual today

Wash his clothes for the week, get the dishes of the day for him (Or even cook for him), do all Leona homework plus his own homework

If you didn't confront the dorm leader earlier, it's because you found Ruggie exhausted and on the verge to collapse. You will may be mad with the lion, but the hyena was more important

Before Ruggie could continue on his way, you drag him into his room and ask him to lie face down on the bed.

“Hey S/o you know I'm busy I still have to-” He sighed a little but when you gave him a firm, concerned look he relented. The hyena let you take off his jacket and he lay down on his bed

At first he seemed a bit reluctant when you started touching his back. He was tense and couldn't help but remember a certain hunter

But you finally get him to relax and forget what he was doing.

You can also see how his tail wags slightly, his ears droop and you could swear hear a little purr from him

You can see how Ruggie's phone starts to vibrate in his jacket: It was Leona, you immediately hung up on him and turned off the phone

JADE

The Monstro Lounge was busier than usual, on the one hand, you were happy because the business was good, but on the other hand, you were worried about the work that was going to accumulate

It was hard to tell when Jade was exhausted, he always kept that smile and that perfect butler facade. There was no doubt that he was a professional

However, when a troublesome customer started getting on his nerves, he heaved an exhausted sigh. You already realized that you needed to take him out for a moment

Azul was outside his office and you took the opportunity to ask him if he could let Jade go with you since he seemed a bit tired. Azul seems surprised that you saw it

"How do you know?" "Ah... Well I..." "No, I mean, I trust in you, but-" "So can I take Jade for a moment?" Azul knew you were going to keep insisting so he gave in "... 20 minutes"

Saying this, you did not hesitate to take Jade to Octavinelle's main room and unlike the lounge the receiver was empty

"I appreciate you worrying for me, but I'm perfectly fine, I didn't need to-" You cut him off when you looked into his eyes, that defiant look made the eel smile "Okay, okay, so what do you want me to do?"

You sat on the sofa and told him to do it too, but with his back to you. Jade knew exactly what you wanted to do to her and she played along.

You started massaging his shoulders and I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. You and the eel can feel how he relaxing while you doing it. He had heard how relaxing they were, but it was better than he expected.

The 20 minutes passed quickly and they both knew that he had to go back to work... "Little fish, we'll resume the massage when the night is over, right?"

JAMIL

It wasn't new to you that Jamil was been busy tending to Kalim plus all the parties going on in Scarabia.

But today he was particularly grumpy. Possibly because of all the accumulated stress

You couldn't tell him to absent because after all it was his job to take care of Kalim and it was difficult to convince the leader not to have any parties because well, makes (almost) everyone happy... But then you had an idea

You asked Kalim if they could 'have a calm afternoon' in Scarabia today. He seemed a little discouraged at first, but when you mentioned going to the oasis and his smile lit up.

It was the perfect place. A day at the oasis where Jamil can keep an eye on Kalim but also relax. So all of Scarabia went on an excursion to the oasis

Jamil seemed happy that he didn't have to work so much that day. So you took the young man to bathe with you. He would normally refuse, but he didn't seem put up much resistance today.

The boy was still alert and in fact when you touched his back he stiffened from your touch. You asked him to relax and reluctantly he remained at your disposal

With a bit of hesitation he let you touch and massage his back. Oh god, he didn't know what was in store for him when you started squeezing his most sore spots.

He was in glory. He was the one who normally gave the massages and this was the first time he was given this same treatment. Add the fact that you were there spending time with him (which was already something scarce) in addition to how refreshing the water was, He was in paradise!

Jamil may suggest going to the oasis more often. Especially if you are there

ROOK

It was strange that our hunter was tired or stressed, he has the same beauty and care sessions as the queen so, unlike the rest of the vice leaders, he's normally in a better mood

That does not prevent you from wanting to have a nice detail with him, Rook was always aware of your well-being so you also wanted to return that treatment

You were in the forest of Pomefiore, it was a particularly good day so it was ideal for a picnic

So when both of them were resting lying next to each other, you suggest giving him a massage. Of course Rook will be delighted with this "gesture of love"

He took off his jacket and then sat with his back to you, he was at your full disposal. You followed him by getting on your knees behind him

You started massaging his back, his shoulders and his collarbone, you noticed that he was a bit tense at first, but he quickly relaxed at your touch.

You could hear a humming from him and before you could check his condition, he laid his head on your lap.

You were surprised see him for the first time with a slight blush and a genuine smile. He was really happy that you did this for him

Rook looked at you, took one of your hands and put it on his cheek, sighing at your touch.

"Mon Amour, let me return the favor, you have alleviated all my concerns with your hands, this is the least I can do" Rook kisses the palm of your hand waiting for your answer

ORTHO

Literally incapable of feeling stress, Iida made sure his brother didn't go through those kinds of feelings.

BUT Ortho can detect the stress of others especially his brother and wanted to help him in some way. Iida didn't seem willing to ask for help so he went looking for you for advice.

You tell your experience and suggest many ways to help relax that he can use with Iida and the others, but Ortho drew his attention to one in particular: massages.

You explain a bit how it works, but he needs a practical example so he turns his back. You didn't know exactly how to massage him considering his metallic body, but suddenly, the boy commented:

“Oh! I have sensors to detect your touches, don't worry!” Then you touch his back and I actually detect your movements

You show him with light touches on his shoulders, back and part of the spine points where they can help de-stress the body. He records everything and seems to understand how it works

Ortho asks if he can apply what he learned on you and you offers your back to him.

He was a bit rough at first, but with patience, he learned quite quickly and why not say it, the massage was quite pleasing.

He is a good robo-child, but he is aware that he has a lot of strength and can inadvertently hurt you, so he asks you a lot if he does it well.

He will not hesitate in apply all this to Iida once he returns to his room.

LILIA

Lilia does not usually get stressed, but he does get tired and you can tell when he is weary. Especially when he’s being the 'father' of 3 teenagers

Today was one of those long days where he was effectively exhausted, seeing you waiting for him in the main hall made he smile and hugged you

Seeing that he didn't surprise you like he normally would made you suspicious of his condition and you asked him

"Yes... I'm just glad to see you" The bat whispered, you kissed his cheek and looked into his eyes for a moment. You asked if you could do something for him

Lilia smiles at you and affirms that only being here is sufficient but that response it didn't satisfy you and he realized "Well, if you really want... You could give me a massage" he suggests and you seemed more pleased

They both sit on the sofa and he turns his back, as you massage him he also tells you where to touch and it feels great

Lilia is the one who usually takes care of others, so seeing how you take care of him makes him feel loved.

After a while he tells you it's enough for today, at first you thought he had done something wrong, but suddenly he turned around and hugged you again.

Slowly leaned towards you causing you both to lie on the sofa, Lilia being on top of you resting his head on your chest and suspire at the peace he felt.

He was going to suggest that you give these massages to Malleus, Silver or Sebek… But he prefers to be egoistic and have these moments only for himself

~ Mod Azuln’t

#twisted wonderland #twst #twst headcanons #twst vice dorm leaders #english #trey clover #ruggie bucchi #jade leech #Jamil Viper #rook Hunt #ortho shroud #Lilia Vanrouge #Mod Azuln't

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nessiesspeakeasy · 7 months

Text

Kinktober Day 03: Hate Sex

Bess and Oukraz have been neighbors and rivals for six years. Finally one night, everything comes to a head.

Rating: Mature. Hate sex, rivals.

You can read this on my AO3.

“Hey, boss, we got several one star reviews and they all seem to say the same thing.”

Oukraz frowned and maneuvered his large, manticore body through his bakery to his employee. He stared at the phone, glaring and scrolling down.” He breathed heavily through his nose. “That… competitive…” He growled quietly and made sure his wings would not move in an erratic way. He did not want his customers to hear or see. He nodded. “I will get this sorted.”

He didn’t know how it began, but a rivalry had started between his bakery and the cafe next door. Him and the owner had gone at each other for years. He was getting tired of it. When he closed the store, he went next door, where the coffee shop was. He’d offered to provide food for her once, but that had spiraled into their first argument. He took a deep breath and walked in, spotting the redhead immediately.

Bess was sweeping. She’d had an incredibly long day. They’d had to ban someone from her cafe and it had chased away customers. She’d bought this shop on a whim when her son had moved out, but now, she was tired of the customers. She didn’t know if this flash of independence was worth it anymore. She’d been at it for ten years and, forty-six, while still young, was starting to show the softer sides that chafed against being a business owner. She’d worked two jobs while she’d raised her son, so she was used to the work, but being a business owner needed one to be invested all the time and it was hard to do when there was just her.

When the door chimed, she turned to say they were closing, but the overshadowing stature of Oukraz was there. He turned her sign to closing before facing her fully. Her chest fell as he did so. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with him. “I don’t want to talk,” was all she could muster to say.

He snarled. “I know we’ve had our rivalry, but you’ve sunk low this time, Bess.”

She rolled her eyes. “What nonsense are you on now? What other random act of violence have I done this time?”

He stood over her, glaring, wings flapping open as his anger grew. His tail swished back and forth in agitation. “Don’t act like you don’t know! How did you find the time!?”

“Oh for goodness sake, Oukraz, out with it, I’m not in the mood for your riddles.”

“I’m not a sphinx!”

“I didn’t say you were!” She glared, setting the mop down. “Sphinxes aren’t the only beings that can speak in riddles! Jeez, you’re sensitive tonight!” She had the shortest temper with him and it surprised her, even tonight when she was supposedly too tired to argue.

“SENSITIVE!? I wonder why!” He thrust a phone at her.

She looked at it. “Wow, your bakery’s not doing good.”

He pulled the phone back. “My bakery’s fine! But these are going to tank it! Why’d you write them!?”

She scoffed, too surprised to really react. “What do you mean!?” She glared at him, but more than anything, she felt strangely hurt. “You think I would do something like that?”

“Did you!?”

She scoffed again. “Oh, now you ask? I’m not going to answer you when you come in throwing accusations around without any evidence! Or asking!”

He growled. “You stubborn woman! Just tell me the truth and then you can make it up to me!”

“You are so dumb sometimes!” Her heart rate was rising and she was going to lose control, but after the day she had, having to keep it all in, Oukraz was providing a nice outlet. She moved within reach of him. “Sometimes you make me want to-” She screeched angrily.

“What? You want to hit me?” He leaned down to her height. “Do it. Hit me.”

She didn’t hit him. She had never been one for violence. Instead, she pulled him into a kiss. She didn’t know why when she’d finally exploded it was with a kiss, but there she was, kissing someone for the first time in twenty-eight years.

Without hesitation, Oukraz grabbed her and lifted her up, kissing her back. His kisses were incredible and out did hers by miles. He moved them through the cafe to her back office, slamming the door closed. The room was small, but he had enough room to reach around her and push papers out of the way on her desk.

Bess clumsily undid her pants and tugged them off. He yanked them all the way off, throwing them across the room. He shoved his down to his knees. She got only a glance of his cock before he was against her again and rubbing her pussy with it. It seemed to move on its own as he ground against her.

They had been quiet the whole time, but now she moaned. He rested his hand on the wall above her head, caging her in as he rubbed her to an orgasm. It surprised her how fast he’d gotten her to cum. He slipped his cock in now that she was wet enough. He was large and stretched her some, but it made them both sigh in pleasure.

He pressed his hand on her back so when he fucked her, she didn’t move. She rested on a hand behind her while the other gripped his shirt, stretching it in her fist. Her forehead pressed against his chest, his head ducked down over hers, breath hot on the back of her neck.

It was hard, rough and made her orgasm twice more before he growled loudly and his tail pierced the wall loudly with a loud thud! He pulled out to cum on her thigh.

Oukraz breathed heavily, watching the thick stream of his cum lace over her soft thigh. This was not where he’d expected things to go. He hadn’t thought she’d kiss him in a million years and even more shocking was that he’d kissed her back. His frustration at the woman manifested again as he watched his cum begin to drip down her thigh. He put his cock away and zipped his pants back up and growled at her, annoyed at she’d gotten to feel anything towards her. He slammed her office door, leaving her alone in the cafe.

He spent the rest of the night making loaves of bread. Beating the dough, his mind churning their encounter over. He could still feel her head pressed against him and how she’d tugged on his shirt. He stared down at it. She’d balled it in a tight fist and he could still see the impressions of her fingers.

He slammed the dough on his counter, anger coursing through him. He was furious that she’d manipulated him into sex just to avoid talking about the reviews. He was furious at the reviews. He was furious he hadn’t spent more time with her. That last one was hard for him to handle. That he wanted more of Bess. So, he took it out on his dough and ignored it.

Bess blinked as Oukraz slammed her office door. Her body tingled and then started to ache. She stared up at the wall where his tail had punched through it. She was going to have to hide that. She looked at all the papers on the floor under her clothes. She sighed and slid off the desk and found something to wipe herself off. She felt more relaxed than she had in years, but she also felt tired. If this is what things had become, she was going to sell her cafe. She gathered the papers to organize at home.

It had taken no time to put everything back in order. Which was not what she’d wanted. She showered and made dinner with a glass of wine. She scrolled through her phone at the reviews. She hadn’t written them, but as she stared at the usernames, they became familiar.

“Shit.”

She called her son. He answered in his normally warm tone. “Hey, Mom!”

“Please tell me you did not spam Oukraz’s bakery with negative reviews. I recognize these from when you lived at home.” When there was silence she dropped her head onto the counter. “Vergil!”

“I’m sorry! I just got sick of how he treated you!”

“We’ve treated each other with the same amount of distaste! And as sweet as it is that you were trying to protect me, my personal issues with him have nothing to do with his business.”

“But if he’s crap to you, then he’s crap to others!”

“We don’t know that. I’m crap to him and am I crap to others?”

There was a long sigh. “Alright, what do you want me to do?”

“I want you to take all of them down right now.”

“Fine.”

“And I expect you to apologize to him. Tomorrow.”

“What!?”

“In person.”

Virgil relented. Once she hung up, she created a profile for her cafe and wrote a five-star review, going into detail about all the pastries and the employees and the owner and how it had been such a pleasure to work next door to him for six years. It had been hard, but not as hard as she’d have thought.

Writing out everything made her realize just how right it was. He was an incredibly good boss and just as good of a baker. And how many times had she found herself pausing as she walked by to watch him work? She smiled at she submitted the review with a plan to try to find some reconciliation between them.

The next day, as they were closing, Bess slipped into the bakery with a tray of different drinks. Her chest tightened when Oukraz saw her and frowned. He was on the other side of the counter, body stiff, wings tucked as close to his body as possible. She wondered if things had finally gone too far and he wanted nothing to do with her now.

“Uhm…” She spoke cautiously, trying to smile politely. “I just wanted to give these as an apology. I don’t know if I can ever make up for what my son did, but-”

“I didn’t know you had a son,” he said.

“Oh… Yes,” she laughed nervously. “My one and only. I didn’t know how protective he was. I’m really sorry-”

“You must have had him when you were young.”

She faltered, unsure what he was getting at. Was he winding up for a hard blow.

He shrugged at her silence and took his apron off. “Something he said made it seem like that.”

“Oh. I didn't think he'd say that much. He told you that?”

Oukraz hummed. He was not looking at her. She didn’t like how quiet he was being.

She nodded and spoke to cover the silence. “I had him when I was eighteen. His father was a piece of shit and left the moment I told him I was pregnant.” After a long pause, she continued, “Well, I hope these are good enough, I don’t know what you or your employees drink, but they should keep until tomorrow. Again, I’m so-”

“That must have been hard.” He came out from behind the counter and sat in the chair closest to her.

She frowned. “What?”

“Raising him on your own. Working two jobs.”

She blinked and frowned. “What did you two talk about? Did he tell you our life’s story?”

He shrugged. “Mainly that my behavior wasn’t okay.”

She scoffed. “I talked with him about that. I’m just as much to blame. My temper has always gotten the better of me.” She set the drinks on a table. “I’m sorry if he lectured you. Anyway, I’ll… Get out of your hair.”

“I hate fighting.”

She stopped and sighed. “Honestly, I do too.”

“I used to fight in the manticore wars. After all that, settling down to the quiet life started to kill my sanity. The bakery helped fill the day with something to do. I had been a baker before the wars so it came naturally.”

She nodded. “I opened the cafe to assert freedom and independence. You did it for mental health and to reclaim what you’d lost.” She smiled. “Thank you for sharing that with me.” She hesitated. “I hope… We can start mending this feud between us…”

He tapped the lid on one of the drinks. “What are each of these?”

She quickly told him.

He took the sweetest one and sipped it. “This is really good. They’re going to be jealous I had a fresh one.”

She waved his comment away. “No, I’m sure my cafe isn’t nearly that good, but you and your employees are welcome to a discount if you ever decide to get anything from there.”

“I’m sorry.”

Bess fell silent. She nodded.

“Your review has brought in a lot of customers.”

“I thought it was the least I could do, I’m glad it’s already helped.” When he fell silent again, she couldn’t help herself any longer. “Are you alright? I’ve only known you yelling, I don’t know if this is your actual norm or if something else is bothering you.”

He finally looked at her. “Bess…”

The tension turning her insides to knots was too much for her. It booked over and she kissed him. Immediately, she pulled away. “I’m so sorry!” Her cheeks grew hot. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me! It's been so long since I've been intimate with anyone, it's like I forgot all decency. You just looked so serious and forlorn…”

He stared at her. “Do you regret what we did last night?”

She shook her head. “No. I mean, I’d have preferred it to be more meaningful, but we both seemed to need to blow off some steam. I had to ban a customer and threaten to call the authorities and I’m sure those reviews were devastating to see.”

He nodded.

She sighed. “What’s really going on? What do you really want to say?”

When he looked away, returning to a passive, unsure version of himself. She frowned, her frustration getting the better of her. She snatched his drink from his hands and held it behind her back. “Tell me and you’ll get this back.”

He finally looked at her and frowned, reaching around her back to grab it. He pushed his arm against her back, making her step closer, his tail wrapping around her legs . “I want to get to know you more. I’ve been next door to you for six years and never knew you had a kid.”

His arm was strong and warm on her back. She’d forgotten what it had felt like to be held. “What do you mean by get to know? What exactly do you want?” Her grip on the drink tightened.

He sighed. “I want to go on a date. See if we have more in common than just arguing.”

She let go of the drink and he removed his arm, taking a drink.

“I like that idea.” She smiled.

For the first time, he smiled at her. “Yeah?”

She nodded.

“Good, I thought we’d go to the park.”

“No nice dinner?”

He stared at her. “I think we both know we’re too picky to go to dinner.”

She laughed.

He smiled again. “That’s the first time I’ve ever heard you laugh.”

She rested her hand on his arm. “I like when you make me laugh. I hope you do it more.”

#kinktober 2023 #kinktober #monsters #rated mature #f human #m manticore #f human/ m manticore #hate sex #rivals #Fluff ending

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sweetwolfcupcake · 2 years

Text

The Forest: Charmed

The Forest: The Beginning

****

Warning- None. The mind plays its games

“One butter croissant, please.”

(Y/N)’s head snapped up at the dulcet voice. Kim Namjoon stood in front of her, even though a counter stood firmly between them, he seemed to tower over her.

“Uh- sure.”

“No greetings?” he asked as she typed his order and let the kitchen staff know.

There was a teasing edge to his voice. And even though his eyes danced with lighthearted amusement, she felt tense. Memories of what had happened in the lift rushed back and invaded her mind.

“Eh, Hi?” Namjoon smiled at her dry reply.

“Did you sleep well?” she froze at his question, his voice was now laced with concern and was heavier. “I mean, you seemed tense after what had happened in the elevator.”

(Y/N) licked her drying lips, as much as she would hate to admit it, she knew that she was in need of concern, she had missed Cindy last night. Her roommate would have made her the best and the most comforting cup of hot chocolate and she might have slept well. But Cindy had a night shift last and she was left all alone in the apartment.

“I’m fine, I am sorry if I worried you. I think I just panicked at the moment. The-the lights just burst and…”

“Yes, I know, I was pretty concerned myself. I wanted to check up on you, but I did not even have your number.”

“Oh-well, yeah…” she trailed off, not knowing how to evade the situation.

Namjoon stood there with a raised eyebrow. “We are neighbours, (Y/N), I think it is past time that we have each others’ phone numbers.”

“Yes, right, what is your number?”

She knew that there was nothing to evade, Namjoon had been nothing but a kind neighbour to her, a gentleman, but the nagging at the back of her mind refused to quieten.

And yet, she found herself blurting her number to Namjoon and saving his in her phone. She could not avoid that, even if she wanted.

“See you on Saturday then.” he gave her another of his dimpled, charming smile before moving up towards the cashier, leaving her to deal with an annoyed customer who had been waiting for too long.

How did he even manage to make her tune out the world around every time he was in front of her?

-----

When she returned home, Cindy was busy stacking the fridge. Turned out, that she had already done the remaining grocery shopping.

“You are saved from another grocery run, rejoice.” she rose her hands in the air in exaggeration, moving back towards the fridge after opening the door for (Y/N).

“Glad, because I am so damn tired. I just want to sleep till next year.”

“And the next year’s a few months away, patience. Okay, I was thinking of steak- medium rare with Bernese sauce.

“Woh, Cindy, so innovative, never heard of the dish.”

“You have a better idea? Miss?”

(Y/N) shrugged and shook her head, she was worn out, weekend dinner was the last thing in her mind.

“Let’s just have some chicken alfredo, sauteed veggies and…”

“And?”

“Why? Why should I do all the thinking? You can do better than me Cindy, you’ll come up with something better. Besides, I need some sleep, and don’t wake me up tomorrow.”

“It’s Friday tomorrow, you won’t go to Uni?” Cindy asked, the playfulness had begun to fade from her tone.

(Y/N) shook her head “I need some rest, Cindy. I could not sleep last night.”

“What happened, another nightmare? Why didn’t you tell me before?” Cindy was by her side immediately, her brows furrowed and voice laced with concern.

“It was different this time…Worse. It was worse than the usual.”

“You should rest (Y/N), seriously. Skip work too, you are worn out, look at you.”

“I found out a few interesting tales associated with Deorc Holt today, Cindy.”

“That’s…That’s the woodland’s name, right?”

(Y/N) nodded in response.

“Hey, we will talk about this later, okay? First, you need to sleep. Freshen up, I have already started with supper preparations. It will be ready when you get back. Okay?”

(Y/N) could only nod, not wanting to speak. There was more than just a lack of sleep. She felt lost and clueless. Every time she thought that she was close enough to the answers, there would be another knot of mystery presented in front of her to untangle.

Sleep, maybe sleep was what she needed.

+---+

She was there again, in the lukewarm spring that had faint steams raising from the surface. The water felt perfect against her skin. This time, however, it was oddly still- no birds chirping, no squirrels- nothing. Only silence, a kind of static stillness that seemed to charge the atmosphere. But she was not alone, there was someone in the spring with her, someone stood right behind her, breathing down on her neck.

It was a man, she knew that by his phantom touches. And when his hand settled on the crook of her neck, she was left with no more doubts. It was a man with her in the hot spring, pressing against her back, his hand sliding down the crook of her neck. The hand was warm, so, so warm and large. It slid around and held her neck in place, before jerking her closer.

The steam rising from the water matched the heat spreading in her stomach. There was a strange kind of comfort in the embrace, even though the tinge of danger lingered still.

She stilled when a pair of lips touched the nape of her neck, sucking softly, they were warm and moist, settling tenderly on her skin as if she were of glass. And perhaps at the moment, she was- at least she felt so- she felt so fuzzy and soft all over. But she could not put her guards down.

He whispered something into her ear, it was breathy and deep, but she could not catch it. His lips slid down her neck, placing passionate, deep kisses on her skin, making the heat rise in her body. Her form seemed to be engulfed in warmth. It was not the same as that of the hot spring. It felt to be emitting from the man pressing himself against her.

But it made her feel so safe, so tempted.

+---+

Saturday evening arrived with lots of mess in the kitchen, a nervous and excited Cindy and an unamused (Y/N). She could not stand messy places.

They had stuck to simple dishes- roasted meat with creamy mashed potato and chicken alfredo pasta. Of course, lemon cake for dessert and some wine by the side.

“Everything is set? Right, here.” Cindy seemed to be a bit nervous about the dinner.

(Y/N) understood that her roommate had developed a liking for Namjoon’s roommate. But for a woman like Cindy who had always been so certain about herself, she was surprisingly nervous. It was like a new side of her best friend emerging.

“Everything is set, they would be here soon, Cindy, you can just sit down and relax.” (Y/N) tugged her towards the couch and made her sit there.

“I just hope they like it.” Cindy sighed out, looking abnormally stiff.

“You don’t need to be nervous Cindy, it’s not like they are your boss or something. Besides, I am sure you can charm the guy– wait, what is his name?”

“Jin, Kim Seokjin, dummy.” she chuckled out.

Finally!

Their moment of relief, however, did not last long.

The doorbell rang. Cindy stood up and brushed the pleats of her skirt. It was a flattering shade of pink, suiting her perfectly with a beige blouse. Cindy had put up her hair into a messy bun.

For the first time in two years of living with her, (Y/N) saw her roommate putting effort to look good for a man. And she was left strangely confused.

She should be happy for her friend- and she was- yet it was slightly odd to see Cindy putting down her guards so soon for a man she had met only a few days ago. It worried her for some reason.

Cindy had always had her walls up, she had always been the more cautious one out of the two, the better at reading people, better at analysing body language and situations. Seeing her like that concerned (Y/N) slightly.

Especially when she had not even met Seokjin, especially when she knew nothing about him other than his name and the fact that he indeed was a very charming man. He had Cindy smitten with him. (Y/N) knew that her suspicions were unfounded. So, she did not want to think much about it, she did not want to surmise things about anyone.

The door opened to two gorgeous men- Kim Namjoon with his colleague and roommate, Kim Seokjin standing outside with a bouquet. (Y/N) immediately plastered a welcoming smile on her face.

It was not all pretence though, Namjoon had been so pleasant to them so far, added to it was his gorgeous friend- the wide-shouldered man- she realised, had seen him in the Bistro before, with Namjoon.

Seokjin, or Jin, as Cindy called him was indeed gorgeous.

While Namjoon had glowing, cinnamon skin, gorgeous with a certain sharpness to him- it was his eyes, they seemed to stare deep into her soul. Every time she looked into his eyes, it was as if she was stuck, she could not look away, even if she wanted to.

Jin, on the other hand, she had noticed, had a certain gentleness to him, even though he looked just as sharp, his smooth honey skin and mirthful eyes were a perfect magnet for people. She had begun to understand why her roommate was so drawn toward the man. He was gorgeous, but not unapproachable.

While Namjoon’s gentleness of appearance was not obvious most of the time, Jin seemed of welcoming and kind disposition. The type of person anyone would let their guards down to.

“You look gorgeous, Cindy.” Jin’s voice was pleasant, warm and mellifluous.

He presented Cindy with a bouquet of white and coral roses as soon as she opened the door.

“Oh, that was not necessary at all, the roses are lovely though, I must admit.” even she could see Cindy’s reddened cheeks, no doubt Jin had taken notice.

“Not as lovely as the hostess.” there was a teasing edge to his voice and it made (Y/N)’s smile wider.

“Oh, you must be (Y/N), Namjoon has been speaking of you so often.” Jin greeted her as soon as his eyes fell on her as he stepped inside the apartment, followed by Namjoon.

(Y/N) could not help slight heat spreading on her cheeks at his words, especially when she could already feel Namjoon’s eyes on her.

“Yes, I am delighted to finally meet you, Cindy has all sorts of pleasant encounters with you to tell.”

He laughed at that but said nothing more.

“Hello, (Y/N).” Namjoon’s baritone voice made her smile falter slightly. He walked up to her and presented a wrapped in a pastel gift wrap “This is for you. You both”

“That is so sweet of you, but, really, there was no need to be so formal.” she found her grip back sooner than it had faltered.

There was something about Namjoon that drew her in, it seemed impossible to look away from his gaze. His eyes were warm chocolate, dark- as if an endless pit holding depths and secrets yet to be unfurled- and yet, under the sunlight, they would often seem a bit lighter.

Those were the moments when she found herself stuck in an inner battle- whether to take a cautious step back or a tempted step closer.

Kim Seokjin had a welcoming, warm aura around him, that would easily make anyone gravitate towards him, the warmth and sense of security he exuded. His tone had been light so far and it was clear who out of the two seemed to be easier to approach.

With Kim Namjoon though, (Y/N) was still unsure, even after their numerous encounters. His voice had an inviting warmth in it, and his eyes had always seemed gentle and friendly. But sometimes, she had seen a strange spark dancing in them, and it was not something as lighthearted as Seokjin.

Namjoon’s held himself high, his charisma seemed often intimidating to her- he was magnetic, but the way her would tower over people, and the way his lips would now and then curve into a smile that seemed to convey more than his words- he often appeared daunting to her, but with a subtleness. The grace with which he carried himself stood out. His gaze felt unlike any other man (Y/N) had met before. There was something that always seemed to linger behind his dark eyes. Like he was…Dangerous.

But of course, that was all unfounded suspicions. Perhaps caused due to the walls built so high over the years that even the thought of letting them down tensed her.

In a while, everybody had settled on the couch and bean bags. The evening rolled on with (Y/N) getting to know Seokjin and the usual friendly chatter.

While Cindy had been so immersed in a discussion with Jin regarding the rights and wrongs of school education systems, (Y/N) excused herself into the kitchen, wanting to make sure that nothing was out of place.

Everything was indeed, maybe the pasta needed to be heated before serving and—

The deliberate clearing of the throat successfully caught her attention. She had somehow already guessed who it was, on turning her head, she was proven correct by the sight of Namjoon hovering over the door of the kitchen.

“Need any help?” he offered politely, an empty coffee cup in his hold.

“Oh no, no, you are our guest, please make yourself comfortable and give that to me—” she laughed it off as she tried to take the cup from his hand, but his hold remained firm.

“Have I ever offended you or something?”

Now, that caught her off guard.

“Eh–no–why would you think that?”

Namjoon only shrugged, and entered the kitchen, proceeding to put the cup near the sink himself, all the while backing her up inside the kitchen as well. That was not intended, she knew, it was only her being so nervous and startled by his sudden question.

Had she been too obvious?

“You just seem distant, that’s why.”

“I…I am sorry if it seemed directed, but my guards are always up outside my circle.” (Y/N) kept her tone light, trying her best not to sound rude.

Namjoon was the last person she would want to offend, something in her kept the bells ringing, and this time, she listened without thinking twice. It was difficult to trust her gut though, especially when the man in front of her had been nothing but polite and helpful. He was the kind of neighbour a person with family would want. He was a high school teacher after all. He never appeared threatening towards her or Cindy- anybody for that matter- it was difficult to see him or Jin as anything but nice guys living next door.

Yet, there was always an air of caution surrounding her whenever she ran into him. Sometimes she even struggled to keep eye contact with them. His eyes seemed to be peering right into her deepest, darkest parts.

“Oh, I see. I was afraid that I had offended you or something. That’s a relief.”

Now she felt bad, even though Namjoon smiled at her. He was a fine man, she noted once more. She had unknowingly been unwelcoming to him. He clearly did not deserve such an approach from her side.

“I’m so sorry if I seemed rude or something. We met as strangers and I just had my guards up but—”

(Y/N) shut up midway, realising that she was babbling like a schoolgirl in front of the popular boy.

This time Namjoon’s smile widened, turning into a grin, his eyes twinkled and she found herself wanting to gulp. He was just standing there, at a respectable distance. Why was she turning squeamish then?

“Then let’s get to know each other.” he spoke

“Huh?” she could not assess what he meant, too caught up in the way his voice dropped an octave.

Or was it all in her head?

“Let’s get to know each other. I want this awkwardness to vanish, you know? Since we are neighbours, it is only expected of us to be good friends as well.” his tone was friendly and warm, as they always had been.

But his eyes. Perhaps it was the lighting, perhaps it was the fact that she had not had proper sleep for days. His eyes, the usual hue of warm cocoa seemed a bit lighter. Almost like the day he was sitting in her apartment, it was the sunlight last time. It had to do something with the lighting.

Yes, the lighting can be too bright and intense.

What’s gotten into me?

She blinked and nodded in a dazed state. There was a strange static around her. The silence felt heavy. So heavy that (Y/N) wanted to get out of the kitchen as soon as possible.

She needed to get decent hours of sleep.

“That’s good. Are you free tomorrow, at noon?”

“Y–yes, yes, I am.” she found herself struggling to keep her thoughts together.

His grin reduced to a gentle smile, simple yet it made her cheeks heat up.

“Okay, let’s go to the park. The on the other side of the road?”

(Y/N) felt a shiver run down her spine at his words. She did not wish to go to that park. Anywhere but the park. She licked her lips.

“Uh, can we go somewhere else?”

“Why? You don’t like the park? I heard it covers a few good acres. Wanted to explore with someone.” he looked at her expectantly.

But her throat began to dry.

“Well…”

“Hey (Y/N), let’s start with the appetizers!” Cindy called from the living room.

“Yes, they’re ready.” (Y/N) responded as she hurriedly began to plate the appetizers, while Namjoon’s presence hovered close.

“Let me help you with that.” he offered, kind as ever, and did not wait for her obvious response, only got to work.

He almost broke two ceramic plates though, causing her to keep him away from them. He would look way better while plating, she would carry the plates.

It was for the first time that Kim Namjoon did not appear all too perfect and graceful.

He had flaws, he was slightly clumsy, and that only made him more human.

(Y/N) sighed internally, she had been so tense lately, putting her suspicions on the wrong people. Must have been so awkward for him.

And as she entered the living room, followed by Namjoon, she was greeted by a laughing Cindy, flushed and heart-eyed as Seokjin narrated the doings of high school kids.

“Appetizers are ready!” she successfully caught their attention.

Cindy had never smiled so much, so genuinely with another man. So this was new. But the more time (Y/N) spent with Kim Namjoon and Seokjin, she realised that Cindy dating Seokjin did not sound as alarming as before.

And she found herself laughing along with the wide-shouldered man’s dad jokes. They were not as bad as Namjoon made them sound.

****

@angryperfectionpersona @apriljoon

#yandere bts #bts yandere #yandere namjoon #namjoon x reader #bts x reader #yandere namjoon smut #yandere creature #yandere male #the forest #the beginning #yandere rm #yandere rm x reader

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dc418writes · 2 years

Text

•Little Red•

✨Pairing✨: biker!Curtis Everettxblack!Reader

Summary🪄: You have a run in with one of the town’s most infamous

⚠️: a jerk of a boyfriend, creepy men, an appearance from a famous killer/hitman/psycho, gets fluffy towards the end

A/N🎙: Hi guys, it’s my first Curtis fic🤗! So I watched the new season of Stranger Things and liked Chrissy and Eddie’s dynamic (i.e bad boy and good girl), especially their convo in the woods (iykyk, not trying to give spoilers), thus leading to this idea! Hope you guys like what I came up with☺️. Also the collage at the top was made by me (trying something different don’t know if it’ll stay) however pictures ARE NOT mine and I DO NOT claim any ownership as they were all found on Pinterest

Sighing, you twirl the small straw around your glass making the melting ice inside spin along with the green liquid itself. This was your second cocktail and fifth bar following behind your boyfriend and his friends who insisted on participating in the town’s annual Crawl From Dusk Til Dawn. You all got off to a late start from your respective class schedules, so naturally they were trying to catch up to those around drunkenly giggling and swaying as they tried to stand.

You on the other hand were tired, just wanting to go home and sleep in bed. Your social battery continued to dwindle with each additional beer or shot your boyfriend, his frat brothers, and their girlfriends took. Plus you weren’t really fond of being surrounded by obnoxious drunk people all night.

“Alright, what’s next?!,” you hear above the older rock song playing overhead and collection of voices making you internally groan. You didn’t need to turn around to know the face matching the voice having been around him enough times. He was the ringleader of sorts for the night knowing which bars had the best drinks and tended to turn a blind eye for anything “under the table” happening literally or figuratively in their place of business.

“Cmon, we’re about to head out,” Isaac gently grips your elbow leaning close to your ear.

“Home?”

“No,” he grins pecking your temple, “We don’t go home until every bar closes or the sun comes. Whichever comes later.”

“Joy,” you mumble to yourself finishing your drink.

“What’s with you huh? Been mopey since we got here.”

“Nothing, I’m just tired and think I’m gonna head home.” His scoff and look of irritation catches you off guard making you furrow your brows. “What?”

“Why’d you even come if you were gonna do this?!”

Now was your turn to scoff turning on your barstool to be face to face with his hazy eyes no longer white, but a light red. “I didn’t think this was what you wanted to do literally all day. You know I’m not really a drinker-”

“Whatever, see you at the house.”

“Wait. Can you stand with me outside?,” you ask holding him in place by his veiny forearm. Looking over your shoulder he sighs rubbing his eyes with his thumb and middle finger. You guessed his high and the alcohol were beginning to fade.

“Its people out there. You’ll be aight.” He doesn’t see the disappointed drop of your face, immediately turning to rejoin his friends. Were you really being so difficult? You didn’t think so.

Lifting your hand, you happen to catch the bartender just as she’s passing by to pay for your drink. Luckily it didn’t take long for her to come back smiling as she handed you your card and wishing you a good night before moving onto the next customer.

“Hey! We’re headed out as soon as they figure out who’s paying, which will probably take a while knowing Joe,” Jane giggles brushing her honey brown hair out of her face. She was your closest friend out of all the girlfriends—well those that were permanent. Also getting her Masters in Education, you had some classes together and tended to use each other’s notes while studying. She was sweet and one of the few people you felt you could go to for anything.

“Yea I’m uh actually heading back home. Not really feeling it anymore.”

“Oh, you okay? Want me to ride back with you, or call an Uber?”

“Yea I’m just tired,” you softly smile, “and no, I don’t wanna ruin your night or anything.”

“What? You could never! Honestly the break would probably be good for me,” she giggles making your own appear soon after.

“It’s okay, I’ll be fine. With everybody out I’m sure there’s a ride waiting nearby.”

“You sure? I don’t know about leaving you by yourself,” she states.

“Yea, you go ahead and enjoy your night. Just please nobody get arrested,” you both laugh as she gives you a hug.

“Well it’s not me you have to worry about with that one.” Watching her go back to her boyfriend, Dex, you see her snuggle into his side as he wraps a tattooed arm around her shoulders sweetly kissing the top of her head. And although a nice moment, your heart aches remembering how Isaac treated you.

And seeing that he was currently talking to some curvy redhead who couldn’t seem to keep her hands to herself didn’t ease that ache.

Outside, the strip is just as busy as the bars from the amount of people trying to walk by or waiting for their rides. Like you expected, there were plenty of Ubers in the area waiting for their next fare so it took mere seconds for you to pick and confirm your ride. “Hello?,” you ask answering your phone vibrating with a call from an unknown number. If this was him already he definitely earned those five stars.

“I’m sorry? H-Hold on I can barely hear you.” Your heels click against the concrete dodging those on the sidewalk as you follow the streetlights until you’re able to hear clearly. “Okay, say again please?”

“The road’s blocked off near your requested pick up. Is there anyway you can meet me at the corner of Hixon and Broadway?” That was about four blocks away. It shouldn’t be that bad right?

“Um…y-yea sure that’s fine. I’ll head there now.”

It’s a bit more empty the further you walk towards your destination. Clearly this part of town wasn’t a hotspot for college kids. The couple bars you did see looked long closed, and mostly that remained were a few restaurants and a couple pool halls. Some were still open for the night, their overhead, fluorescent lights shining brightly and showcasing the few people sitting and talking inside.

“Well, lookie here boys. A little kitten that looks lost,” a gruff voice states startling you as soon as you pass by the opening to an alley.

Don’t stop and you’ll be fine

Soon there’s thudding footsteps behind you causing your heartbeat to quicken. “Never seen you around here before. Where ya headed too?”

Keep going, you’re almost there

“Cmon kitten, I know you hear me. Promise I don’t bite.” The pace of the footsteps speeds up along with yours. You thought about running into the nearest open door, but who’s to say they wouldn’t follow? Who’s to say whoever owned the building you ran into would even care enough to help?

Against your better judgement, you turn to see three men. Two in the back, each with short, nearly black hair standing on either side of who you assumed was the leader with his long, dark strands that fell like string past his collarbones and alongside his thin glasses. His hands were stuffed in his coat pockets and a sinister smirk rested on his lips just as it did the others. The man on the right even licked his lips as if you were prey and he would finally be able to eat after days of hunger.

“A cute one isn’t she boys?”

You’re more than convinced you’ll be on the next flyers passed around from your family as they search for your missing body. Your picture flashed across every television screen as the local news anchors describe your final whereabouts and further broadcast your family’s plea of your safe return.

The ding of a bell brings your vision forward, making you halt any further steps unsure of what would happen next. A little over six foot, the stranger’s blue eyes seemed to bore into your soul from their intensity. But there was a touch of softness as well the longer you held his stare. Ash gray beanie in his tattooed hand, his gaze drifts back and forth between you and the men frozen behind you who stopped as well confused as to what was happening.

“You alright?,” he gruffly asks to which you simply stand there. Your throat suddenly dry afraid to say anything and cause an even worse situation. He could read your body though, how your arms securely crossed in front of your chest that thudded from your rapid heartbeat. The way your eyes were on the verge of tears although you were trying to hold yourself together.

“Listen, this is none of your business,” the leader speaks stepping closer to you and causing a light whimper to escape your plump lips. “Me and my girl here just had a little disagreement.”

Again there’s silence as he looks from you to the men before moving to the side just enough so only you could enter the brightly lit coffee shop. “Inside.”

You’d never met this man in your life, but you immediately followed his orders rushing past to the safety of the nearly empty room. The door slamming behind you makes you jump, clutching yourself even tighter and turning to see the helpful stranger walking towards the men. The leader seeming nonchalant while his backup were ready at his side.

“Hi honey, you okay?” Circular, tortoise shell frames over her brown eyes, the older woman carefully approaches you with a sympathetic smile and a glass of water along with a chocolate chip muffin. Possibly in her 50s from what you assumed, the oversized sweater covering her arms and shoulders highlights her slender frame. You’d hardly call the crinkles by her eyes wrinkles how well she looked for her age. “I’m Mabel by the way. Owner of this old thing.”

“Y/N, and y-yea just kinda shaken up.” Taking one of the open seats at the counter, she peaks out the window—you guessed to check on whatever his name was—before sitting next to you.

“I bet. Do you need to call anyone?”

“No, my Uber’s on the way. That’s why I was out walking trying to meet them in a couple blocks.”

“Well you’re welcome to stay here until they come or as long as you need,” she smiles. The door opening then quickly shutting with the click of a lock has you both looking towards the front to find the man who saved you un-phased as if he just went for a stroll. His long legs striding closer towards the both of you, you finally see the cuts and bruises already forming under spots of dried blood along his knuckles.

You even notice the cut hidden just under his beanie that would probably need stitches. Mabel either didn’t see it, or might not have been surprised as she handed him a napkin. “You okay?”

He simply nodded before turning towards you, his gaze filling you with a mix of intimidation and something else you couldn’t quite place yet.

Fascination maybe?

“They touch you?”

“N-No,” you embarrassingly stutter answering probably too quickly.

“Good, you don’t have to worry about them again. Neither of you.”

“You really think Pronge and his little groupies will stay away?,” Mabel asks sitting her purse higher on her shoulder.

“Unless they have a death wish they will.”

You probably should’ve been nervous hearing that. Hurriedly trying to get away from whoever this man was not knowing if he was just as dangerous as the men he saved you from. Possibly even worse.

Instead though, you felt this sense of comfort.

Maybe it was from your near assault and now heightened vulnerability, but you didn’t want to cower or run from him. You felt safe. In his presence as well as with Mabel and her kind smile reminiscent of your mother’s.

Your phone vibrating with a random number can’t be anyone but your Uber finally arrived and now looking for you. Did you even want to try walking the rest of the way after what you just experienced? Who knows who else could be waiting in the shadows?

“Hey I-I hate to ask, but would either one of you mind giving me a ride? I’m not really sure about meeting my Uber after…well you know.” Your thumbs nervously twirl around themselves in your lap as you take turns meeting both of their eyes. “I-I promise I don’t live too far from here, but I understand if you say no. You’ve already done enough, which I’m so grateful for really! P-Plus you don’t really know me, I just met you-,”

“Curtis,” Mabel interrupts your rambling with a hand on Curtis’ bicep. The look in his cyan eyes seemed to try and convey for her not to say whatever she was about to, but she simply ignored it fluttering her mascara covered lashes. “You’re going back towards town. Care to take this lovely young lady for a ride?”

The mischievous gleam in her eyes told Curtis what she was trying to do, but he wasn’t in the mood for her games tonight. Especially not when it came to you.

He knew nothing about you—well, other than how beautiful you were, and he loved the way the color red sat against your skin—but he could practically smell your innocence. And no matter how much he wanted to, he knew he didn’t need any part of him or his life bleeding onto you.

But what was he supposed to do? Say no and have you stuck on your own fending yourself?

Sighing, he digs his keys out of his pocket shooting his friend one last glare before turning his attention towards you. “Sure, I’ll take you.”

“It’s okay if you say no or don’t want to, honestly.”

“I said I’ll take you,” he repeats holding the front door open for you. Whether he liked it or not, the moment he locked with your shining, deep brown eyes no wasn’t an option.

Shutting off his all black Indian Scout, Curtis chuckles to himself feeling your arms still wrapped tightly around his middle. Your body slightly trembling as he could feel your heart racing in your chest against his back.

“W-We stopped?!,” you shouted loud enough for him to hear through the covered helmet protecting your head.

“We’re here.” Your arms slowly sliding against his abdomen leave a tingling sensation in their wake he couldn’t ignore if he tried. Helping you take off his helmet, he already misses how your body felt against his. Warming his skin without even having to physically make contact with it.

His stoic features nearly falter watching you fix your dress on shaky legs before reaching up to smooth your hair. He should feel guilty how his mind immediately goes to other ways he could make your legs shake and have to fix yourself.

And he does…briefly.

“Um thanks for getting me home,” you softly smile before reaching in your purse trying to find that 20 you know was in there somewhere. His hand on your forearm immediately makes your head rise.

“No charge.”

“But gas-“

“I’m not gonna repeat myself Red.” His mouth twitches into a tilted smirk and you feel your legs quiver again, but not from the vibrations of the bike residing in your muscles.

“Red?”

“Well, I don’t know your name so,” he explains pointing to your red dress with white feathers, “next best thing right?”

“Y/N,” you introduce holding out your hand for him to shake. God you were too adorable he thought.

The softness of your palm contrasting the cracks and couple small blisters in his makes him never want to let go. It reminds him of something he hasn’t felt since he was a child, and it truthfully scares him.

“Thanks again for everything Curtis. I feel like I owe you my life,” you nervously chuckle.

“No thanks needed, Y/N.” Giving him a small wave, he makes sure you get in your building safely before starting the engine, no doubt waking someone from the quiet community.

“Have a goodnight Red,” he speaks to himself before speeding away. Or maybe it was to the ghost of you swirling around him that refused to follow you upstairs.

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klugami · 6 months

Text

Amitie the idol?! New conflict. I’m done. Anyways I wish I had a boyfriend but more Klugami soon. Or not. It took like half a year for this one hehe

Isolation.

For a city with such a colorful cast, everyone blurs into the same shade of brown. Browns, purples, reds. No matter what you do, you’re just another hat in a crowd. Embracing yourself might be fun, but in the end, you’re still a nobody. Faceless, perhaps. Why pretend you exist? Occupy your niche, pretend it’s all fine. Aren’t you happier like this?

Why do you want to be unique so badly? Is it truly unique, or do you just want to feel loved? Do you even want to be loved, or are you so desperate to have acknowledgment? To be something more than one brick in the Great Wall of society.

Perhaps.

Sig looked at the window, from behind the counter. Orange lights, a sight that he’s grown tired of. In the past few weeks, or maybe it was months, it feels like he’s seen Klug less and less. Raffina told him that this was normal, but… no, it’s probably fine.

Besides him, Raffina and Lidelle seemed to be more consistent customers. They’d chat about the happenings, usually that nothing new happened. Amitie was usually there too, but today she was not. Sig never talked to any of them outside of orders, anyway.

He still comes by, every now and again, though he’s grown a bit stranger over time. Now, Sig always felt that Klug was kind of the hiding type, but it feels like whatever Klug was hiding got bigger. But at the same time, he smiles more. Was it genuine or not? Sig didn’t know.

As the door chimed, Sig immediately looked to see who came in. Disappointingly, it was not one of his friends, but rather a papergirl. This is odd, Sig thinks, as usually letters are delivered straight to his home. “Is it urgent?” He asked, now looking at the bread he had for sale.

“No, no!” Ally tried to explain. “I’m not here to deliver anything. Ooh, but your bread looks super good! I insist, Mister Sig! I want to make a purchase!” She looks at many loaves of bread, pointing out each one’s qualities to her like “oh! It’s so cute!” Or “I really like that bug!”

Ally fawned over all the bread, before lightly smacking herself to remain focused. “Ok! I’ll have.. whatever’s cheapest!” She decides.

Sig looked behind him, then grabbed a loaf of bread. The plainest one he had, as per Ally’s request for something cheap. At least he wasn’t parting with something more extravagant.

“Here it is. 5 silver coins.” He recites, putting the bread in Ally’s hands. “I thought you had letters to deliver?” Sig said, offhandedly, as he went to go bake a replacement loaf.

“There’s no need to worry! I’m off today!” Ally said, as she sat herself down to eat her bread. Though before she could even get started, the door swung open again, seeming out of breath

“Puff… Baker! Baker! I’ll have the usual!”

Amitie waved from the door, upon seeing everyone present. “Oh! Raffina, and Lidelle! The whole gang’s here!” She grinned, as she scuttled to the front. “Y’know, I didn’t expect everyone here! Usually we’re all too busy to meet up!”

Lidelle turned over, excited to hear Amitie’s voice. “Oh! Ami! I-It’s been a while since we’ve talked… you’re alone this time. W-What happened to Klug?” She asked.

As Amitie waited at the counter for her usual order, she contemplated what she was going to see. “Well uh— how do I put it.. I haven’t the foggiest clue what happened to him!”

“He’s dead?!” Lidelle gasped.

“What? No, of course not!” Amitie reassured her. “But like… he’s been all cooped up in his house, and he won’t answer the door. I don’t think he’s left it since we talked about the thing..”

“The thing?” Raffina asked, now also invested in the conversation. “Amitie, what on Earth is the ‘thing?’”

Since she was going to be here awhile, Amitie sat down near Lidelle and Raffina. “So, like, the short of it is that we were at his place talking but all of a sudden, he got mopey. And then he told me I should leave and that we—“

“But why were you hanging out together? No, why were you at his house? What happened before this?” Raffina interrupts, suspicious. “What was so important that you had to tell him something at his place?”

“Well, I should probably explain the rest of what happened before. Okay?” Amitie said, as she leaned back on her chair, nearly falling, but that’s per usual with Amitie.

…

So like, before we talked about it, it was actually really normal! I had actually gotten a meeting with a company! Like, a real idol company! The actual meeting was super nerve-wracking though, because there was this tall mysterious type!

I remember giving them a demo of one of my songs, and some long questions, but only one I really remember! “Why do you sing?” He asked me, his aura actually freaking me out. “What inspires you to perform?” Well, that question was the most important to me.

Really, I knew this answer already! But it was the only answer that I knew! From the get-go! “I perform to make people happy! To make the world I live in better, even if it’s just one person who smiles!” I told him, pep and all! And I think this was the ticket, because I got a card after!

The interviewer even seemed to be smiling, but I couldn’t tell. “We’ll arrange for an audition. We can talk further on the phone.”

I was stoked! It was absolutely incredible that I could have a chance! And of course, the first thing I had to do was tell Klug about it. But as I got up to leave, they told me something else.

A few things, actually, but most important was that they’d end up… taking me to another city. One that was far, like, somewhere I don’t know the name of.

It’s scary, right? I think it is…

But, this is something important, still, so I had to tell Klug! After all, he’s my closest friend—

…

“Aren’t you two..?” Lidelle interrupted. “I-I thought you guys were.. and… did you two…?”

“Well, yeah, we are dating, but that doesn’t make him not my friend! This story isn’t about us splitting!…I hope.” Amitie explained, before returning to the story.

…

After all, he’s my closest friend, and I can’t just leave him in the dark of such an important decision! Now, I know his schedule like the back of my hand, so that day, at that time, he’d be at the top of the hill that overlooks the clo—

…

“Clock? Klug? The same Klug who adores exhaust pipes?” Raffina interrupted immediately after.

Amitie frowned, but ignored that entirely.

…

The Hill that overlooks the clock tower! It’s actually a really nice place! That’s where we hung out and made advertisements. And he was still there, probably drawing the same clock tower again. I could probably look at him draw for a while, super mesmerizing!

Well, I wasn’t there to go just admire, I was there to talk! So I tapped him on the shoulder, which surely got his attention. “Hey, Klug! I’ve got the best news of my life today! I need to tell you!” I told him, loud and clear.

“Is it something that you have to spend money on?” Klug retorted, as per usual. Sometimes we end up spending a bit of money on shopping, but I don’t know why he said that like I do it DAILY! It’s kind of rude of him to speak like I do it often.

Well, anyway, I tell him “What makes you think that? What I’ve got to tell you is something so important that…” And then, I had the perfect idea! “Oh! Actually, let’s go somewhere!” I said, as I grabbed both of his hands, which is probably why he was in a sour mood later, as it ruined his canvas or whatever.

I mean… maybe if I told him then… then he wouldn’t be so…

Whatever! That’s not the point right now, right now I’m just telling what happened, and what happened was that I took him all around the Primp District! I took him to the train station, then I took him to the restaurant we ate at, even this very bakery! It was like.. like hitting him with all the good memories so that I could soften the blow!

Because, like… well!

What was I talking about? Oh, right! So, it was at one of these places that I decided to tell him about what happened! I forgot where exactly, but I basically just told him something like “I have wonderful news!! I’m going to be a real singer! For real!”

And he wasn’t shocked or anything. If anything, he seemed happy for me! “That’s… that’s really great, Amitie!” He said. “Your dream is coming true before your eyes. That’s amazing!”

“Yeah! Yeah it’s all great! I’m thinking about packing soon, cuz there’s gonna be a LOT of train rides! That’s traveling! Isn’t that exciting?” I said, and it was then that his happiness got kind of … sad.

He didn’t say anything that seemed envious or anything. He just went “Oh. Well then, if that’s what you must do for your dream, then you should go for it.” And “But if it’s hell, it’s what you wanted after all.” Actually, maybe that last one was a bit envious. Whatever he felt, he left for a bit. I didn’t see him until—

….

“Your order’s ready” Sig called out, and Amitie stopped her story.

“Ooh! Delish!” She chirped, as she took a large bite out of one of the loaves given to her. It seemed whatever sadness she had reminiscing was going to be buried under delicious bread.

Raffina watched as Amitie had stuffed herself full of bread. That story seemed kind of…unfinished. “None of this mentions the…‘thing’ you two talked about though…” Raffina thought aloud.

“Well— uhm—“ Amitie stammered, but swallowed her words. “It’s actually—“

“And if there’s no mention of the ‘thing’…” Ally finished her plain loaf, adjusted her bag strap, and clapped her hands together. “Which means that we should go and ask for the other half of the story!” She chimed in, happily. “These two happy lovey-dovey friends…we have to fix this!”

Raffina didn’t share the sentiment, but it.. was sort of her job to keep peace. This sort of falls under that. Technically. Maybe it’s a thinly veiled excuse to verbally attack Klug. “Well… if it’ll help us figure out what’s wrong with that guy...” She reluctantly agreed, to Ally’s cheer.

“Wonderful! This story is so exciting, my heart may burst!” Ally cheered, as she went to the door with Raffina. “Miss Amitie! We’ll be off! We’re going to find out what exactly happened”

“U..uhm… Good Luck, Guys!” Amitie wasn’t too sure why they were talking about this. But if it meant things’ll get better, then it was fine. Right?

The most obvious place to look would be his house, of course. Ally knocked on it, but there was no answer at all. She knocked again, but no answer. “Phew.. there’s no response. He really is cooped there, how lonely…” Ally lamented with a frown.

But while Ally was knocking, Raffina had managed to open a window.. Well, it wasn’t really that hard. Especially for someone like Raffina. “Don’t give up so quickly, look! Damn it, a door lock isn’t going to stop anyone if you leave your windows open. Come on, we have a talk to have.”

The two girls climbed into the house through the window, only to find Klug was sitting there, idly, almost lost in thought. Ally tiptoed over, and waved her hand in front of his face. As expected, he made no comment nor even reaction.

“…it’s so scary..” Ally whispered, as she retracted her hand. “It’s like he’s devoid of anything…Mister Klug, can you even hear us?” She asked, tilting her head slightly. “You’re ok, right? …Right…?”

Klug blinked, then looked straight at Ally, then Raffina, then at the open door. “…Ah. Salutations, Raffina, Orange Hair Girl.” He mumbled. “You broke into my house… Is there an evacuation notice?”

“Of course there is no- have you really sunk so low as to be unaware of what’s outside?” Raffina gasped, in disbelief. “No, we’re here on the grounds of where in the hell were you for the past few weeks! Locking yourself in your home is a safety hazard, as well!”

He sighed, now falling onto the ground. “You worry too much. I suppose Amitie sent you on this little quest. I’d tell you to tell her I’m alright, but it wouldn’t matter.” Klug said, his voice with a pinch of regret.

Struggling, Ally tried to pull him upright, but this only resulted in her dropping him on the ground a few times, so she left him as is. “Amitie actually told us you were locked here, but she never sent us on a fetch quest. We actually came here to find out why you’re so sad and lonely!”

Hearing that, Klug stood up, and tried to walk elsewhere, but Ally stopped him. “No! You can’t keep hiding, we’re here to help you! It’s for love’s sake!” She assured, almost shaking him.

“If I tell you what happened will you two leave me alone?” Klug asked, to the two of them nodding yes, almost rhythmically. It wasn’t the answer Klug wanted, but he wasn’t a guy who’d go against word. “..Alright, alright, so.” He sat down.

…

This couldn’t have been any more than a few weeks or a month ago, so it’s still fresh in my mind. Amitie must’ve told you that she had landed some sort of acting gig, and that’s true.

I don’t actually mind her pursuing her career, but her immediately saying that she was leaving town did make me feel sad. If it was Raffina, I wouldn’t really care that much, but having to say goodbye to Amitie for a bit was actually disheartening, to say the least.

After the conversation ended, I chose to mull it over, maybe pick up something to make it easier on me. So, I chose to take to what made me the most clear minded— painting.

You surely must know that I enjoy putting what’s in my thoughts and in my eyes onto a canvas, and that’s precisely what would save me from mental confusion! I sat down, propped my canvas against myself, and took to still life drawing.

And it was while illustrating one of the most beautiful lamps I’ve laid eyes on that I was finally thinking— Why should I have to say goodbye to Amitie? Surely, someone as simple-minded as her would likely realize that leaving Primp won’t be as cracked up as she thought! Hm.. that sounds more like something you’d say, Raffina.

Regardless, the gentle orange glow that the light gave off was just enough for me to get my thoughts in order. At first, I thought of going with her, though if I left Primp District, who would be here to preserve its rich culture? I couldn’t do that. So I thought about keeping Amitie here, though I couldn’t go out and just marry her. Thus! I settled on the idea of convincing her.

With what money I had, I knew I’d be able to give her some sort of big reason to stay. I even planned out a day and everything! No, it was a week! A week that I’d finish off with a grand hot air balloon ride, a so perfectly Amitie-like activity!

…

“Ahh! A week of just the two of you!” Ally gushed, her eyes practically full of hearts. “That’s so romantic!”

Klug froze in his storytelling, and held his head down, as if disappointed, or even upset. “… … I guess it was romantic.” He finally continued. “But you came here to figure out why I’m ’sad and lonely’, correct? Let’s skip ahead.”

…

The sixth day is when things went downhill. I decided to close the day off with a sleepover, something that Amitie and I haven’t done in a while. That, and it would have been a good way to wake her up early for the balloon trip. Getting her to agree to staying over was easy, no surprise there.

Of course, now you two are here, and if you glance at the couch, you’ll notice I even moved the cushions around. Yes, Amitie was to sleep there, but she never did, because we never got to sleep in the first place.

In fact, we spent almost all night just.. talking. I was hoping she’d try to practice her dancing — preferably, not around any of my valuables. But within an hour, she was seemingly already tired, and she mumbled about how she was excited about her new “totally-amazing extra-wicked new life” or whatnot.

Yes, it was then I decided to reveal my plan, and so I got up and told her that she should come with me to the living area. And it was… THERE, that everything was to fall apart! Oh, the minute I started talking about how much I would miss her… the girl would interrupt. I remember it well. Saying things like “Ooh, but imagine how many people I’d meet outta town!” And the like..

Eventually, she told me the worst of it— it wasn’t simply leaving for a bit, but that she might never see Primp District again. She’d never be back.

“But, But Amitie! To leave Primp District forever?! Doesn’t that sound hasty?” I cried out, now in a desperate plea to change her mind. “I only just finally got to see you again, and you’re going to leave me and the others…”

“I’m not a kid! I want to go after my dream, I can’t standby.. I can’t just say no! I wish I could be here forever!” Amitie yelled. Her yelling was so.. abnormal. She almost never did that. “But I wanted this for years! I can’t back out now!”

It was a whole thing. It felt like a betrayal, even.

I think she knew I was upset, and she tried to comfort me. She gave me a hug. She held my hands. She left a kiss on my left cheek. She apologized about having the outburst. “I didn’t mean to hurt you” and “I could’ve said it better!” But if she was so worried about me, why was she willing to leave so suddenly?

I couldn’t convince her to stay, I realized, and so it was pointless to continue! “No, it’s nothing for you to be concerned about!” I told her, regaining my composure! “Well, I doubt you have time for tomorrow, so how about you go home?”

And she stammered! Amitie stammered, like she usually does, but it wasn’t her usual tripping over her own words— she sounded kind of.. shocked. And that was strange. She babbled about something, but I can’t recall. And after that, I told her again to leave, and she did.

Hm.. come to think of it. I wished she’d stay. But, as she so clearly has her life figured out, I can’t hold her back! But.. but I..

…

“Alright, alright! Hold it.” Raffina interrupts, though this wasn’t so much an interruption and more an after-examination. “You’re saying that.. the reason you’re upset.. is because Amitie’s successful? That’s a pathetic reason, isn’t it? Do you really want her to stay or do you just want someone to like you!” She crossed her arms, as if restraining herself.

Klug stared upwards, the faint light reflecting off of his glasses. He didn’t have an answer, nor did he want to know the answer. “I wish she’d stay. Or at least, I’d wish—“

His line of thought was interrupted as Raffina (now free of her self imposed restraints) picked him up off the floor and held him up as if he was an easily throwable plush doll.

“Kch. You’re so annoying, sometimes! You wouldn’t be here, and you would’ve been happy, if you just.. spoke up!! You’re the furthest thing from perfect I know, stop trying to be that, because it’s PISSING me off!” Raffina shouted, before running out of steam. She dropped him, took a breath, and simply unlocked the door, and left.

Ally, meanwhile, stayed a little longer. She dusted off her dress, went towards the door, but paused. Looking back at Klug, even if he’s dazed, he really does look pathetic. Not even in a sad way. He just looks so lonely. “…I promise you that we’ll fix everything! For the sake of love.” She told him, under her breath.

Ally went scrambling back to the bakery, Raffina’s (unwilling) hand in tow, and bursted the doors open. “Alright, Baker! Miss Lidelle! Miss Amitie! I have a—“ She stopped midway, upon realizing that Amitie is missing. “Ah. Miss Lidelle, any idea where Amitie is?” She asked.

Lidelle turned her head towards the door, then back to Ally. “Uhm.. Ami said she had to catch a train tomorrow, so she, uhm, she went to her house…” She answered. “Do you want her for anything? It’s really late..”

Ally then grabbed Lidelle’s sleeve, pulled her out of her chair, and bolted out the door again. “Alright, alright! Let’s go after her then!” She announced, now with a party of 3 (and Sig, who followed after.)

The 3+1 of them had scrambled to Amitie’s house, though none of them really knew what Ally was planning. Ally knocked on the door with a simplistic rhythm, and a mere two seconds after, the door opened.

“Oh! Raffina, Lidelle, and Sig! What’re you guys doing here!… and uh— what’s your name again? I forgot..” Amitie chirped, with a wide grin. Her smile faded as she saw the determined face Ally was making.

“Miss Amitie, I have a plan to get Klug out of the house! It’s going to need you, so forgive me for bothering you, but come with us!” Ally told her, extending her hand for Amitie to take.

Seeing as Amitie valued her friends, it was an easy choice. She took Ally’s hand, and gave an affirming nod. “Alright! Let’s do it, then!” She agreed.

The 5 of them, now complete, had begun the march to Klug’s house again, though none of them knew the plan at all. In fact, when they arrived, Raffina nearly opened the first floor window again, before Ally stopped her.

“We can’t break and enter again! That’ll just make him worse!” Ally scolded, before she turned to Amitie. “Miss Amitie, which window would he be near at this time?” She asked.

“How would I know that! He could be anywhere! Uhm.. it’s uh.. it’s night right now, so he might be going to sleep, which would be…” Amitie looked around the outside of the house, before pointing at a higher window. “That one!” She exclaimed.

The five of them looked at the general height of the window. It’s not exactly too high, but it wasn’t gonna be reachable with just a short hop.

But Ally had a look in her eye, as if she expected it. “Perfect-o… so! Here’s my plan. We all stack up on top of each-other, having Miss Amitie knock on the window as if she’s an angel from heaven.. surely, this’ll allow them to reconcile..”

Sig kept looking at the window. “…and if Glasses doesn’t open the window?” He mentions, taking a bite out of snack food he brought.

“Then we’ll try a different window! And again. And again! That’s the power of Love, Mister Sig!” Ally assured, with a wink. “Miss Raffina, I want you to pick me up, as high as you can! After I pick up Miss Amitie!”

“Doesn’t this idea sound a bit foolish?! Ally, you can’t possibly be serious— we have better hopes of having Amitie just knock on the door!” Raffina argued, as she effortlessly lifted Ally upwards (who was, herself, struggling with Amitie)

But Ally just giggled at the retort. “That’s why Miss Lidelle and Mister Sig will be on standby, in case something happens. Like a human ladder!” She explained, as she wobbled slightly. “Ok.. Miss Amitie, can you reach the window?”

Amitie reached her hands to the windowsill, grasping on for dear life, and pushed her face against the window to make a knock. “I’ve knocked on the window, but I can hardly hold on!” She exclaimed, her hands trembling.

She peered through the window, and while Klug was there, he seemed out of it. Just sitting in the middle of the room. Not sleeping. Just.. nothing. Was it a depressive spiral? She knew he got mopey sometimes. But that just meant she had to try harder.

Trying her hardest to still her movements, she knocked on the window again, and again. And again. But it felt like he couldn’t hear her. If a knock wasn’t going to do it, she had to try something else.

“… Everyone, time and time again, can feel that they’re all sad and hopeless.” She sang, trying to project her voice as loud as she could. Amitie wasn’t really the best singer, but she knew that he couldn’t ignore it.

Seeing as Klug perked his head up to the window, it just meant Amitie had to keep going. ��It’ll be fine! Let’s cheer ourselves up!” She continued, now smiling. Even if she wasn’t believing in her smile, it’s what a true idol would do.

And it’s a true idol’s job to make others smile, too.

Klug looked out the window, and was somewhat shocked to see that Amitie was literally right there. “How on.. How on Earth are.. Amitie, get down from there, you’ll fall.” He told her, pointing downwards.

“Let me inside! I want to talk with you! About— uhm.. What was the plan, Ally?” Amitie asked, looking at Ally. As the window was opened (nearly smacking Amitie in the face), Amitie never got a response from Ally, who simply just smiled.

Just the two of them now, Amitie thought. She.. didn’t actually know what to say. The few times she was at his house, she had friends with her. And the time she was alone, it only resulted in her getting kicked out.

“So, why are you here? Don’t you have a magical fantastical job to do?” Klug remarked, moving stuff around to appear tidier. “I thought you had to leave. I thought you were gone, even.”

Amitie gulped in nervousness. She was trying to think of what to say. “Uhm.. uh.. I leave tomorrow, actually.. but— but that’s why I’m here today! I’m here to— I’m here to at least see you one last time for a long time!” She finally decided, trying her best to remain positive and chipper.

Throwing away empty paint bottles, Klug tried not to look at Amitie. “You know, I’d rather you have not come back here. It hurts me too much to look at you.” He told her, now walking away. “I’ll let you out the house, just—“

“But— but I don’t want to leave!” Amitie called out, freezing Klug’s movement. “Believe me, I wish— I wish I could see you and follow my dream.. but— but I’m not…”

She stopped talking. She said something like this last time. That resulted in a fight.

“I really wish I could see you when I leave. I wish you and Raffina and Sig and Lidelle would all follow me.. but, you guys also have dreams.” She explained, starting to cry. “And.. and that means I gotta go places. And I gotta say goodbyes… but that just means you can focus on your dream too, Right?”

Sniffling turned to sobbing, to Amitie loudly crying. She was the emotional type, still, even now. “I’m.. I’m sorry! I’m so.. I’m so sorry!” She kept repeating. “I’d miss you, and everyone, and Primp… but.. but..”

At this point, Klug turned around. Watching and listening to Amitie wailing was hurting him. Hearing her say what she was saying was breaking him. He still, of course, was her friend. And the best thing he could do as her friend was to give her a hug, like last time.

The simple act of a warm embrace wouldn’t make Amitie stop crying, but the acceptance of her speech was comfort, too.

“If it’s your dream, you should go for it. Don’t.. don’t worry about me or the others.” Klug told her. “I don’t want you to worry, and I’m sure we can still keep in touch. I’m pretty sure a mailwoman even visited my house earlier, we can send eachother mail. Weekly.”

A loud sniffle, and Amitie stopped crying as much. “Re-really? Would you promise every week?” She asked.

“I promise.” Klug affirmed, wiping away one of Amitie’s tears with a swipe of a finger. “So you leave tomorrow, huh… you better get to sleep then. Do you want to— uhm, stay over? I live closer to the train station anyway.” He offered.

Amitie flushed red, but she tried to steady herself to be calm. “I’d.. I’d like that, I think. We never finished the last one… but I’m tired already.. I’ll see myself downstairs.”

“No, no, you need to rest easy, you can just take the bed here. I’ll sleep on the couch.” Klug insisted, pointing. “You could- er.. you could borrow a shirt from the dresser, so you don’t mess up your own clothes! I’ll get out now, even.”

Closing the door behind him, Klug went downstairs, and simply sat on the floor. He still kind of wanted Amitie to stay forever, but just knowing she’ll speak to him every week is fine enough.

He wanted to go back and tell her something else, but he couldn’t bring himself to go upstairs. Not right now anyway. He stared upwards at the ceiling, thinking about the time he had spent outside, not just with Amitie, but with the others.

Wanting to thank her, Klug went upstairs, and gently opened the room door, cracking it open to make sure Amitie wasn’t busy. Turns out she already was out like a light. Delicate and smiling, as she usually is when awake.

“Ah, Amitie… Thank you, for everything. I love you.” Klug told her. Gently brushing her bangs out of her way, he lightly kissed her on the forehead. It was the least he could do. The littlest of a last memory before she went on to the rest of her life.

The smell of baked goods filled the air, and the world was still as bland as ever. But this time in the bakery, it was lively. Raffina and Lidelle were here, of course, and just a few minutes ago, Klug came by for an order.

“You know why I need plain bread! I can’t use a loafy bug as my model!” Klug argued, frustrated. “Sig, I’ll pay you extra, I just need a standard loaf!”

Sig blinked flatly. “There’s only bugs here. If you want bread, you go somewhere else.” He answered, tired. “Do you ever even eat the bread you order? Food waste.”

Slamming his hands onto the counter, Klug gave up. “Damn! You’re so difficult, refusing the customer won’t give you any money!” He told Sig, before his frustration melted away. “…but, I guess I’ll have the one that looks like a ladybird.”

“Coming up.” Sig said, leaving for his work. Mild banter like that was usual, and while it did annoy the customers, Sig didn’t really mind that much. Klug’s his friend, and he’s just ok with the fact that he’s actually here.

And then, suddenly, the door opened with the chime of a bell. Curly haired and red all over, it was an exhausted paperwoman. “Excuse me, excuse me!” Ally called out. “Is this a Mister Klug here?”

Klug turned around, his eyes lighting up. “Oh. Letter. It must be from Amitie.” He remarked, as Ally handed the letter over. “..She sure writes fast. I wonder if it’ll even be legible. Raffina, Lidelle, you should come listen too.”

Confirming his hypothesis, the words themselves were scratchy, but at the very least, they were readable.

“ ‘Hello from the distant land of Lyla! It’s Amitie! It’s really great here, though there’s not a lot of people. I’ve been kind of busy preparing for the audition. It actually went super well! I got to write a contract and everything♥︎ I’m gonna try my best on my first album, and I’ll invite you live to my first concert! Isn’t that exciting? Best wishes, Amitie!’ “

“It seems like Ami’s got her life together…” Lidelle commented, in awe. “We should go see her soon, maybe we can surprise her..!”

Klug put the letter down, and shook his head. “I want her to focus on her career right now. We’ve still got lives too, Lidelle.” He said. “I’ll write her back after I finish my next masterpiece, I’ll even invite her back here for when she’s free! We can even pay for her train ticket.”

Sig came back, ladybird bread in hand. ”Alright. Got your ladybird. 7 bronze coins.” He informed Klug, who paid nearly immediately. “Oh. Ami sent you a letter, huh? Is she doing ok?”

“…Yeah. She’s doing alright.” Klug nodded. “I think that her dream is finally coming true.”

#klug puyo puyo #puyo puyo #amitie puyo puyo #クルアミ #24manzaishipping #klugami #kuruami writing #ok #raffina puyo puyo #ally puyo puyo #the others aren’t important but Lidelle and Sig are here #puyo puyo steam city

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harringtonspolaroids · 2 years

Text

𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐭. 𝟐 | 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞

a/n: idk abt you guys but i'm living for this series right now. its giving me very much dancing with our hands tied and im obsessed.

words: 3049

warnings: once again so many innuendos; a lot of cursing; heavy underage drinking (its a halloween party what did you expect); smoking; some fighting between steve and jonathan and reader; horrible writing

read: part 1 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6

Everyone knew that before the fall break there was at least one single more important event, Halloween. Tina was the designated one in charge of Halloween as she had been since middle school. You had thought of throwing it at your house but after much consideration, you figured the neanderthals at school would destroy it, so you went against it.

You sat on the hood of your car, finishing a math assignment that you may have forgotten about through the whirlwinds of yesterday's events. Billy was taking up much more space in your mind than what you would’ve wanted. A part of you was desperate to know how he would be like with you, whether it be emotionally or physically. You let your thoughts linger at the thought of him in those ridiculously tight jeans and those shirts he wore, the ones where he was practically shirtless.

“Y/N!” Tina’s voice took you out of the fantasy you were indulging in at the moment and brought you right back to earth. The place where he and you would never happen.

“Whatcha planning on wearing for my bash?”

“I don’t know, probably something custom De La Renta” you replied mindlessly. Halloween was the least of your issues now.

“I love that! Speaking of designers, I was wondering if you could let me borrow your heels for tomorrow night”

You looked up from your notes. Now you were paying attention.

“Which ones?”

“Um, I don’t really mind which ones, I just need some black ones for my uh, madonna costume.” Tina looked embarrassed, clearly worried if she was going to be reprimanded for asking. The rest of the girls around her were avoiding your gaze.

You sighed, “I’ll find an old pair.”

Tina was practically grinning ear to ear. She looked like she was about to hug you. “Thank you so much! You’re so generous I swear!” You flashed a quick smile back, knowing that half of the compliments she gave you were meaningless.

You slid off your car.

“Did you guys actually find anything about him, or were you too busy being useless?”

The girls looked at each other knowing exactly who you were referring to by “him”. Carol was the first to speak up. “Tina invited Billy.”

“So I want to hook up with him. Sue me,” Tina shrugged.

“Ugh, gag me with a spoon.” You spat, trying to ignore the feeling of jealousy flowing through your veins at the thought of Billy with some bitch you didn’t even like. “Let’s just- go inside, it’s 7 am and I’m fucking tired. The girls followed you inside, eventually splitting up to go their separate ways.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

At your locker, you started getting out some papers you had to turn in. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Steve and Nancy exit the library. You felt your chest tightening.

You had moved to Hawkins in your Sophmore year, immediately getting close to Nancy. You guys had even become what you’d consider best friends. Soon after, you fell in love with Steve, the two of you going out. Then 5 weeks ago, you found out that they had been sleeping with each other for 2 months now, it had been an understatement to say you were pissed. You still had slight feelings for Steve, itd be stupid to deny it, but you still hated him for what he did.

You slammed your locker shut. Billy right there behind it, with a stupid smile on his face.

“Your ass looks nice in that skirt.”

You rolled your eyes at his twisted version of a compliment. You were wearing a leather miniskirt that matched your boots along with a red turtleneck sweater. If you were honest you had been hoping it attracted some form of attention from the guy.

“What do you want, Hargrove?”

“Nothing. Can’t we just talk?”

“When it comes to you I’m sure you want to do more than talk.”

“You’re not wrong there princess.”

You walked away from him, planning to bump into some of your so-called friends as a way to avoid having to deal with him. Billy followed right after you.

“You going to that chick’s Halloween party tomorrow?”

“Who isn’t?” At saying this you saw Nancy and Jonathan pass by you, both pretending like you don’t exist. “Well, I know some people who aren’t,” you laughed.

“You got a grudge against those two?”

“I have a grudge against everyone here.”

“And here I thought you were so nice”

You fake pouted at his comment “How dare you! I’m the sweetest girl alive.”

Billy chuckled, “My point is, you wanna go to the party with me?”

“No.”

“It’ll be fun.”

“Wouldn’t you rather go with one of your groupies?”

“Not if it means I get to go with you.”

“I can’t. I’m planning on meeting up with some of the girls beforehand.”

“Guess I’ll just have to wait until the day you’re free.”

“You’ll be waiting for a long time then B”

“I can take it.”

And with his signature wink, Billy turned and left, Tommy and his group of friends going straight to him. Billy was starting to get less annoying as the seconds went on, it appeared. You didn’t like it.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Tina’s bedroom was cramped. At least that's what it seemed like compared to yours. Carol was drinking some cheap beer laying on a chair while fixing her sweatshirt that was part of her flashdance costume. Two other girls were sprawled on the floor while Tina admired her new pair of YSL heels. You on the other hand were staring out the window, watching the people arrive.

“I thought this party was supposed to be a hit. Why are there like only two cars parked out there?” You were annoyed. You wanted this hellhole of party to just finish already and you couldn’t do that when it hadn’t even started yet.

“What?” Tina walked over to the window. “It's fine, everythings fine, just give them like 20 minutes to show up. No good party starts until later right?”

“Whatever, I’m getting a drink” You stood up from the bay window and headed downstairs. You had chosen to go as Elvira Hancock from ‘Scarface’. You never watched the movie and didn’t plan on doing it. All you knew was that Michelle Phieffer looked hot and that was good enough for you. You opened Tina’s liquor cabinet.

“Ew”, you muttered under your breath.

Most of the stuff was in plastic bottles and looked watered down and cheap. At least once you got some of the shittier bottles out of the way you found a decent wine cooler. This was gonna be a long night.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

The party was now in full swing. It was about 8:30 pm, which meant that it was just the beginning of an eventful night. You made your way through the crowds of screaming teenagers, the overbearingly loud music giving you a headache already. You took another sip of the now warm, cooler you had been drinking for god knows how long already. You made your way outside where most of the people seemed to be.

Oh.

So that's why everyone was here. You watched Billy do a keg stand as the groups of people yelled on counting all the way to 42. He got off the keg shouting, cheers erupting from the crowd. He noticed you and went straight towards you, sucking on a cigarette Tommy had been holding for him.

“Enjoying the show sweetheart?”

“Well, I can’t deny it, you’re very entertaining.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, especially coming from you.”

“Don’t get too much of a big head now.”

Billy laughed and moved inside, his new “friends” following after him. You observed him and followed him. You saw him walk up to Steve. The rest of his groupies clearly trying to start shit. You shook your head and went to get another drink.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

You found that the idiots you surrounded yourself with clearly weren’t so stupid as they’d managed to get some marschino cherries. You were also able to get a glass and vodka, so you made a crappier version of a vodka soda. You played with the sweet cherry between your teeth, as you propped yourself up on a counter. You had now been at this shitty party for an hour. The most interesting thing to see happen was Nancy trying to get drunk. It had been fun for a minute but you got annoyed with her innocent act real quick. You were thinking of ditching but you knew the streets would be busy with annoying trick or treaters slowing down traffic. You never had gotten the hype for Halloween. You only really found it as a holiday to dress sluttier than usual and get shitfaced. And you could do that whenever you wanted. You saw Nancy dancing with Steve. You grabbed the vodka you had just been pouring and drank it straight out of a bottle, regret filling you moments later. God who in their right mind had made such a disgusting drink? Your eyes scanned the room until you saw him. Bingo.

You jumped off the counter knocking the bottle off the ledge and watching it smash on the floor. Oops. You lifted your dress to avoid stepping on the shards and walked straight to Billy. He was talking to some girl. You didn’t really care who she was. Some Motley Crue song was playing in the background as you reached Billy. You draped an arm over his shoulder, your hand placed on his chest.

“Could I steal him for a moment?”

The girl stared at you for a bit before nodding and walking away.

“Thought you wanted me to leave you alone,” Billy said with his eyebrow raised.

“Can’t a girl change her mind?”

You grabbed his hand and dragged him to the center of the chaotic dance floor. It may or may not have also been right in front of Steve and Nancy’s view.

“Dance with me pretty boy.”

Billy smiled and his hands immediately found a place around your waist as he spinned you around leaving you with your back pressed against his chest. He got close to your ear and bit it, whispering, “Are you gonna tell me what you really wanted to do?”

“Maybe I just wanted to make a scene with you” you were getting a bit breathless, the feeling of him being so close making you feel insane.

He grabbed your hand that had been resting against your waist and squeezed it. “Is this because of him? I overheard some of the guys say he was your ex.”

“I don’t want to talk about it. All I want is to have fun.”

“I can do that.”

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

The rest of the time you spent with him was enjoyable to say the least. He was as good as the other girls had said he was. After about twenty minutes with him you went to grab another drink, which is when it happened. Steve had spilled his drink over Nancy’s sweater, leaving the poor girl looking like she was about to cry. Nancy dropped her red solo cup on the oak floors and ran up the stairs into Tina’s bathroom. Steve was turning redder by the second, embarrassment flooding his cheeks as he rushed after Nancy.

“Is it wrong of me to say that was really funny?” You looked at Billy smiling.

“Damn, I didn’t know you were that cruel dollface.”

“I’m not. I just like seeing people get what they deserve. I’m going to go see what happened. I’ll be right back.”

Billy nodded and walked back over to his gaggle of idiots.

You made your way past the crowd that had once again gotten right back together, and headed straight up the stairs until you bumped into someone.

“Watch where you're going dumbass. I almost spilled my drink on my heels.” You looked up to see who had the misfortune of being in your way.

“Oh fuck me gently with a chainsaw,” you spat out.

Jonathan Byers. You were never a fan of him. Not when he’d taken a picture of Nancy, back when you were still friends and you had no clue who was the guy she’d been hooking up with, not when he ratted you out about cheating on a test, not when you overheard him tell Nancy he thought you were a “stuck up pretentious bitch”, and not when he’d almost gotten Steve arrested. The most you had ever tolerated him was when he didn’t let that monstrous thing or whatever it was that was in his house get you. But still, your loathing for him didn’t cease to exist.

“Can’t you watch where you step? Or are you too busy looking for someone else's future to ruin?”

“Suck my dick Byers.”

Jonathan rolled his eyes at your comment. “Whatever you're planning on doing to Nancy, don't.”

“God, don’t worry I’m not going after your two timing cheater of a girlfriend.

“She's not my-”

“Not everything revolves around the two of you. Just stay out of my way.”

“Gladly.”

You made sure to shove him as hard as you could to the side, knocking him into some random guy as you crept up the stairs. By the time you reached the top you could hear Steve and Nancy yelling at each other through the bathroom door. Apart from Nancy’s speech impediment and the borderline aggravating use of “bullshit” you couldn’t make out much of what was going on. It wasn't until the door slammed open and Steve burst out looking… sad?

“Awww trouble in paradise, Stevie?”

“I really don’t want to do this right now Y/N.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“Yes you are!” Steve walks back up the stairs and looks you straight in the eye. “You’re doing that thing where you- you try to make me feel like I’m the one who was wrong in everything and like you’re the one whos right, its fucked!”

“Jesus Christ, Steve, calm down! You’re just mad that you delude yourself into thinking you're above it all when really, you’re the jerk! This is probably why every girl ditches your ass and leaves you for someone better.”

“You’re dating someone else now?”

“No!”

“Then why’d you mention dating?”

“Because- it doesn’t matter. The point is your so-called girlfriend is constantly messing around with Byers and you rather pretend it's not real just to feel a little bit better. I’m glad she dumped you. Even if she’s a bitch, she deserves better than your pathetic dick.”

“You know what, this is why you don’t have any real friends. Because you're a bitch. No one likes you and you know that too. That’s why you act the way you do it’s all because you’re a fake-”

You threw your drink in Steve’s face.

“Even if we were together, it didn’t mean you knew me. You have no clue who I am, Harrington. If I see you around, you’re dead.” You push Steve to the side and walk back down the stairs heading straight out. You hear the bathroom door open again, imagining that it's probably Nancy, but you don’t turn around.

As you exited the door you heard footsteps following you out into the dark street. A tear fell down your face. God you hated how emotional you sometimes got over things. Though it probably wasn’t your fault as much as it was the alcohol’s. Or well maybe it was your fault considering you drank god knows how much booze in one night.

“I don’t want to talk!” you yell out, hoping that whoever it was leaves you alone.

“What happened?”

You pause on the corner of Oak Street and turn around. It was Billy.

“Were you crying?”

“What? No? I wasn’t- I don’t- I don’t cry.” You wipe your face as quickly as you can.

“Then why’d you leave? Was Harrington being an ass? I swear to god when I see him-” Billy looked fuming mad.

“I can handle my own battles, Hargrove. You don’t need to get involved, it’s fine. I’m just gonna go home and… sleep it off.”

“Are you serious? You can’t go walking around alone at this time. I’m driving you home.”

“I don’t need a ride.”

“Yes you do. C’mon. I’ll give you a smoke. My treat.” Billy reached into his pocket and took out a pack of red Malbaro’s.”

You give a weak smile. “I don’t have a lighter.”

Billy smiles back and hands you the cigarette, and takes out a lighter from another pocket. “I do.”

You place the cigarette in your mouth and Billy gets close to you as he lights it, his hand underneath your chin as he does. You take a breath and feel the nicotine invade your lungs.

“Let’s go.” Billy takes off his leather jacket and places it around your shoulders.

You cough as you take a quick break for air. “Won’t you be cold?”

“Nah. I can handle it next to you.”

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Billy’s hand is on your thigh the whole time on the drive home. You flick your cigarette out the windows, seeing the last pieces of its ash blow into the wind. Finally, the road starts to get more familiar as the houses on the street get fancier and you reach the gates of your beloved home.

“We’re here.”

You turned to look at Billy. God, he looked like an angel in the pale moon's lighting.

“Thank you. I really appreciate it. It was… nice of you to say the least.” You smile at him, looking deep into his ocean blue eyes.

“Like I said, ‘s not a big deal.”

“I know” you whisper, leaning closer into him.

Before you realize what you’re doing, you kiss him. It was messy and very irresponsible of you but it was passionate and just what you needed. You knew you’d regret this when the inevitable happened and he left you. You knew that this was just another evening to him that wouldn’t last long and now that he finally got you, the fun was over and he’d go looking for another girl he deemed more interesting. But you didn’t care. All you knew in this moment was that you wanted him.

#billy hargrove x reader #billy hargrove imagines #billy hargrove x y/n #partners by blairwritesthings

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fueledbyapplepi · 3 years

Note

Hii I was wondering if I could rq Mikey, Baji and Mitsuya with a gn! s/o who is the sole provider in their household? and the guys only find out because they saw their s/o while they were at work? but they didn't know they even had a job bc they kept it a secret? it's perfectly okay if you aren't up for this rq! I hope you have a good day/night!!

Given it All | Mikey, Baji, and Mitsuya

- The boys with an s/o who's a breadwinner of the family.

warnings: mentions of family problems

genre: fluff, angst

A/N: Writing this made me kind of emotional because I have friends who are the main providers for their family and I see them work very hard. This one's for all the independent and hardworking people out there <3

Mikey (Sano Manjiro)

Another day. Another one.

Mikey loves feeling your hands. They're soft and smooth against his calloused fingers. He'll feel the palms in your hands every moment he gets. He always felt like a baby being caressed by your soft hands.

But there seems to be a detail in your hands that he can't miss. Every time you two see each other, Mikey would notice the burns and red marks on your hands.

"Y/N, what happened to this?" he asked.

"Oh, it just got itchy again. You know, the usual," you replied, trying to brush off the topic.

It has always been like that. Each time that Mikey points it out, you always try to avoid the topic or reason out that it's just a scratch. And it's not like he's saying that you're a liar, he just knows that there's more to that than just a mere scratch.

Which is true.

You didn't really want to lie to your boyfriend. It's just that, it's something that it's hard for you to open up and talk about.

At a young age, you were forced to live by yourself. Your mother died at a young age, while your father was a drunkard - eventually getting out of the picture.

In order to provide for yourself, pay for rent and other fees necessary to make a living, you worked hard. Currently, you're working full-time at a family restaurant where you're assigned at cooking. Although this was a daily task for you, you never fail to get yourself burned from the boiling oil.

It wasn't an easy life especially living alone. But at least, you have your boyfriend by your side to get by.

Now that you're shift has finished, you were tasked to throw out the trash at the back before you leave.

As you were about to walk away from that alleyway, you heard a familiar voice.

"Y/N?"

Looking at the source, it was your beloved boyfriend with a questioning look on his face.

"Mikey? What are you doing here?" you asked, anxious about how you'll explain this to your boyfriend.

"I just finished beating up some guy," Mikey said as he pointed out to a dude who passed out on the further part of the alley. "How about you?", he continued as he looked at your uniform and an obvious face that's waiting for an answer.

You knew this day would come. You just didn't expect that it would be today.

Sighing, and taking deep breaths, you explained to Mikey your story and why you work here.

"Y/N, why didn't you tell me?" Mikey asked as he caressed your cheek.

"It's hard for me to talk about it. I'm sorry for not telling you," you said as you looked down.

"Hey, it's okay," Mikey said. "I have a better idea,"

"What?" you asked

"Why don't you just sell Dorayaki and I'll buy all of them every day. Then you'll be rich," Mikey said jokingly.

You looked at him with a deadpan expression.

"But seriously, live with us!" Mikey said with such a happy look on his face.

"Eh?" you asked confused.

"Live with me, Emma, and gramps! I'm sure they'll be happy to take you in, you're my s/o after all," Mikey said, "Plus, you wouldn't have to work this hard if you don't have to pay for rent," he continued.

Your heart felt like it's floating in the air. How can you have such an adorable and loving boyfriend?

"I love you, you know that?" you said.

"Thank you so much, Mikey,"

"It's nothing," your boyfriend said as he kissed your hands. "You're like family to them after all,"

Maybe, the true family you've been looking for was always been by your side.

Keisuke Baji

You sleep early but the bags under your eyes were noticeable for your boyfriend.

Baji always thought that it was weird that the eyebags under your eyes were evident. Not like it's a bad thing though. You're still beautiful as ever in his eyes.

It's just that you always tell him that you sleep at 8 in the evening. Yet here you are, looking like you pull an all-nighter every day.

Maybe it takes you hours before you actually go to sleep? That's possible. But what if you just don't want to spend the rest of the night with him? Is it possible that you're getting tired of him?

It's only been months since you've started dating, but Baji couldn't blame you if you get tired of him.

But it's not like you don't want to hang out with your boyfriend. Hell, who doesn't want to hang out with theirs and experience late-night dates and night rides right? Especially if it's with Baji.

It's just that, you don't have the luxury of spending the night with your boyfriend. Being the eldest of a family of four, you have to work and provide for the needs of your mother and your two younger siblings.

To help your family, you work two part-time jobs every night. One is being an employee at your local convenience store and the other is being a kitchen staff at a local pub. Two jobs might be heavy, and tiring for you, but it's what helps you and your family to get by.

Your boyfriend knew nothing of this. You know that Baji's a great guy, but you're afraid of embarrassing the 1st Division Captain of Toman, so you just try to hide it and make lame excuses.

Tonight's the usual night. Same excuse. Same job.

Currently, you're responsible for the counter at the store. It's past midnight, and you wish you can catch up to some sleep. But you know you can't since you'll be unable to get your minimum wage.

As you're looking at the countertop, someone suddenly handed Peyoung yakisoba.

"Baji's favorite" you smiled as you thought to yourself. Oh, how you miss your boyfriend.

"And that'll be 145 yen," you said as you look up at the customer.

Well, that was unexpected.

"Baji?" you said, seeing your boyfriend's face.

"Y/N? You work here," Baji said, with a confused look on his face.

"Sadly, yes," you said.

"Well, care to share this with me?" Baji said as he pointed out the Yakisoba.

"I have a 15-minute break. Sure," you agreed. Thinking now's the time to explain.

As you and Baji met at the small parking lot, you immediately explained.

"Look, Baji. I'm sorry for hiding this. I want you to know that I'm the breadwinner of the family that's why I can't hang out at night with you. I didn't tell you because I don't want to embarrass you," you rambled as you look anywhere but Baji.

"Embarrass me?" Baji said, walking closer to you.

"Y/N, I'll never be embarrassed at you. I'm proud of you, okay?" your boyfriend said, reassuring you. "I just wished you trusted me more,"

"I'm sorry, Baji," you whispered as you hug him. "I love you."

"Text me okay? I'll pick you up so that you won't have to walk," Baji said as he smiled at you.

"Thank you," you said, with tears threatening to fall.

"You're welcome," Baji said as he kissed your forehead, "Now, let's eat okay?" your boyfriend said, excitement laced in his voice as he opened the Peyoung yakisoba.

Mitsuya Takashi

You're a busy bee. That's for sure.

Whenever Mitsuya invites you on dates on the weekends, you weren't available because you're busy.

When he invites you to have dates after school, you always have to decline because again, you're busy.

He understands it though. Mitsuya knows that you have to study hard for your siblings and that you have to take care of them as well. As someone who always looks out for his younger sisters, Mitsuya knew that it can be hectic sometimes.

What he doesn't understand though is the fact that it's evident that you're trying to hide something from him. He's not that oblivious when it comes to you. Especially after dating you for months.

You're bothered with it too. As much as you love your boyfriend, you're embarrassed about the job you have. But it's not like you have any choice. The job pays well and is enough to make a living for you and your two younger brothers.

After school and on the weekends, it is true that you're busy. Busy with the maid and butler café that you work on.

It's embarrassing enough to be dressed like this. But being seen by the love of your life? That's a different level of shame.

Now that you finished with your shift, you felt the exhaustion on your body. Standing and serving customers isn't a joke anyway. You didn't even bother to change out of your uniform. You just wore a hoodie over it, not caring about the frills of the clothes peaking underneath.

As you were walking home, you heard the familiar sound of an engine. Turning around, you saw a familiar face.

"Ehhh? Y/N?" Mitsuya said, stopping his motor beside you.

"What are you doing?" he continued, eyeing your clothes and looking at you as if he's waiting for an explanation.

"Mitsuya, I can explain," you said as your face reddened from embarrassment.

"Hmmm, I'm listening," your boyfriend said with an unreadable expression.

"Well, uhm, you see, I work at this café that requires us to dress like this," you said as you pointed out to your clothes, "But I don't do anything bad though! It's just we dress like this," you further explained, waving your hands.

"You look cute," Mitsuya smiled "I kind of hoped you just told me sooner. I would've made you some clothes,"

"Huh? You're not mad?" you said, surprised.

"How could I be? My s/o's working hard. Plus, I get to see you in cute clothes. What's there to be mad of?" Mitsuya said as he smiled at you.

"Baby, I love you," you said as you looked at your boyfriend with adoration.

"I love you too. But take me there someday okay?" Mitsuya replied grinning.

You just nodded and blushed at the idea.

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