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wardenparker · 7 months

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Vampire Waltz - ch 3

Max Phillips x female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst

A mysterious inheritance, sprawling mansion, eccentric roommates, friendly bat, and coven of New England witches are the newest chapter of your life after being unceremoniously dumped and kicked out by your boyfriend. For Max, the biggest change in his life is you, and what exactly he's going to do about the fact that he is stuck living with you as long as his sire continues to punish him for that incident at his last office...

Rating: Mature, but this blog is always 18+ Word Count: 12k Warnings: *Blanket warnings for this series: deceased parents, cursing, food, blood and blood drinking, depictions and references to abusive relationships.* Wicca, anxiety (making friends takes spoons), self-doubt, lots of secrets being kept, Bat Max comes with his own warning. Summary: Making new friends isn't always easy, but when those new friends are the local coven sometimes it's a lot easier than you think! Notes: The portrayal of Wiccan characters in this story is based on my own experience and the experiences of people I know personally. It's very safe to say that almost all practitioners have their own special way of doing things and each coven is a little different, so we're just going with what we know. 🧡🧹🍁 A little insight into Dolly's mansion: this chapter image is the fireplace in the morning room at the real life Chateau-sur-Mer!

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2

Waking up to no alarm, no banging or crashing around the house, and no feeling of terror at being late for work is a very strange sort of miracle. The sun is up and the clock on the mantle reads eight o’clock, but the house is silent. That in and of itself is odd, but what is stranger is that you don’t remember getting into bed last night. Popping up from the plush pillows, you find yourself covered with your own comforter and still in your clothes from yesterday, but your book is sitting neatly on the chaise and the window is shut. Did you just have the weirdest ass dream in the world about petting a bat and reading to it? You must have. Right? There is no way that actually happened…

There’s a soft knock on the door. Hearing you stir slightly has Renee waiting for you to give permission to enter before she turns the handle and smiles as she walks in. “Good morning, Dolly.” She murmurs softly. “Would you like a breakfast tray here or would you prefer to eat in the dining room?” Learning your preferences is key and since Mrs. Taylor is handling the blood from the blood bank in the kitchen right now, she doesn’t want you wandering in.

“Morning Renee.” A little groggy from the confusion of how you woke up, you dig the palm of your hand into your eye and smother a yawn. “I’ll come downstairs, you don’t have to bring a tray all the way up.” You’re more than capable of going downstairs, of course. And if your roommates are downstairs you don’t want to seem rude or standoffish.

“It’s no problem.” Renee protests. “Max and Eddie have already eaten, having early morning schedules.”

Somehow you didn’t figure Max for an early riser, but you shrug off that detail and offer her a smile. “I’ll still come down,” you decide. “Maybe a trip into town would be good today? Just to check things out and get to know the area.” It’s Mabon, but you don’t know if anyone else in the house is pagan or Wiccan or would be offended by having witchy holidays brought up, so you don’t say anything. Instead you’ll just quietly get a few fall-themed things for your room and not bother anyone else with it.

“It is the beginning of the autumn equinox, so perhaps it would be good for you to tour around.” Renee nods. “Mrs. Taylor and I will be setting the house up and Mr. Taylor will be decorating.”

“How did you—?” It’s like she was reading your mind, and you tilt your head slightly in curiosity. “I don’t suppose Newport has an autumn festival or a farmer’s market this weekend?” It’s too much to ask that there might be a community of witches nearby, but your parents’ Wiccan upbringing has seeped into your bones and happily stuck there.

The younger housekeeper nods with a small chuckle. “Of course there is. We are only two hours from Salem.” She explains. “This is a magical time of year where traditions outweigh conservatism.”

“Then I think I’ll head into town after breakfast.” The idea of fresh air and maybe hearing someone wish others a Blessed Mabon again gives you a comfort you didn’t know you needed.

“If you need any directions or would like to be driven around, just let me know.” Renee tells you before she hums. “Oh, would you like to drive the Volvo or the Corvette?” She asks. “Mr. Taylor was in the process of giving the Volvo a tune up, but he can have it available for you whenever you need.”

“I don’t want to bother or interrupt anyone.” You insist right away, sitting up and moving to the edge of your bed. “I guess…I’ll drive the Corvette? It’s…that is okay, right?”

“Of course.” She gives you a smile, having already concluded that you will be asking permission for things rather than just doing. Perhaps in time it will change, but she will just roll with it for now.

“Okay.” Adjusting to the idea that these things are yours to do with as you please is going to take a long time, but you nod. “I’ll be down in a few minutes, then.”

“Of course.” She repeats, nodding respectfully and turning to slip out of the room. She will let Mr. Taylor know to pull the corvette out of the carriage house and tell Mrs. Taylor that you are ready for breakfast.

******

It seems like Newport has two parts. There is the ritzy, expensive, even touristy part of town — and then there is the old New England side of things. The locals are a little crotchety but ultimately nice enough, and one even pointed out his favourite coffeeshop to you when you finally ambled your way into the farmer’s market nearby. There are farm stands and crafts people, handmade goods and stalls from small businesses selling everything from soap and tea to jewelry and housewares. It’s an autumn festival minus the feast, but with all the food for sale it won’t be hard to make a feast of your own.

“Miss?” The vendor for the Say Cheese! booth, a gourmet, small batch cheese producer, tries to catch your attention. “Would you like to try some of our caramelized onion and thyme goat cheese?” She asks, offering a tray of the creamy spread that has been smeared on crackers. “Or we have honey and fig if onions aren’t you’re thing.”

You almost want to ask if it’s okay to try both, but that seems greedy until you turn and find a girl about your age with a shiny ’She/Her’ pronoun pin affixed to her apron alongside a name tag that reads ‘Allison’ in curving, cheery lettering. A foam witch’s hat is stuck to the corner and covered in purple glitter, making it extra chipper. “That sounds wonderful,” you say instead, nodding and stepping closer to the booth.

“It is.” She insists. “Although the pumpkin spiced brie can be a little…targeted.” She laughs and shrugs. “But it’s actually pretty good.”

“I’m a big fan of pumpkin spice.” The little witch hat makes you smile and you shrug. “Don’t they say that clove, cinnamon, and ginger keep evil away in folklore? That’s most of what pumpkin spice is.”

“To be honest?” She grins conspiratorially. “Most in my coven are thrilled that it’s become so popular. Protection while not even being aware.”

“You have a—?” You nearly freeze when she says out so freely - so openly - and blow out a happy breath. Happy is an odd feeling. “Blessed Mabon.”

“Blessed Mabon.” Her smile deepens and her eyes light up with delight. “May your harvest be bountiful and your light bright.”

“May the equinox bring you abundance and joy.” That was always your mother’s favourite way to return a Mabon blessing, and you had adopted it over the years. Not that you had had anyone to celebrate with in years, but that’s different. “I—I’m so glad to meet you.” Despite Renee assuring you that there are plenty of pagans, Wiccans, and witches in Newport, you hadn’t just expected to run into one first thing.

“I don’t know if I’ve seen you here before.” Allison comments as she starts to load up a small taster plate with an assortment of cheeses for you to try. “Are you just visiting or new to the area?”

“I just moved.” Though you’re wary of giving more detail than that, this woman is beaming and friendly. “Just trying to get out and see the town a little this morning and you’re the first person I’ve actually met.”

“Then that means we are connected.” Allison beams, reaching behind her neck and removes the smoky quartz crystal that is hanging on a delicate chain. “Here. A welcoming gift for you. It had been blessed during Beltane.”

She does not mean to be anything but kind and perhaps generous, but the gesture of a gift almost has you in tears as she presses the crystal into you stunned, frozen palm. It’s such a small gesture to her, no doubt, but any kind of gift nearly has you in tears that you have to wave off quickly. “Everyone has been so kind since I got here,” you explain quickly. Everyone but Max, you think just as quickly, but she doesn’t need to know your saga. Especially when your other hand has the sample plate in it now and you can’t even recall her putting it there. “It’s overwhelming. In a good way.”

“Our community can be very friendly.” She chatters happily. “Perhaps a bit odd, but that always comes with the supernatural, right?”

"Usually." You smile a little, eventually closing your fingers around the crystal and nodding gratefully. "Thank you...Allison." Her nametag is just out there shining in the sun and you gesture toward it before you introduce yourself.

“You are most welcomed.” She hands you the plate with a slight flourish. “Please let me know what you like out of these cheeses.” She tells you. “And, if you are interested, we have the harvest bonfire tonight.”

"Really?" Again your head shoots up in surprise, and the question is muffled around a bite of the pumpkin spice brie that makes you groan immediately in delight.

“Absolutely.” She winks at you and grins at the absolute bliss on your face. “It’s the first night of the spooky season. We have an eclectic group that comes together. Maybe you would like to meet some spiritual sisters?”

"My roommates were talking about decorating the house." It's still odd to think of having roommates - of living with anyone besides Derek - but remembering the little bat from your dream does make you smile. "I haven't had a coven since college. It...would be really nice to have a community again."

“We are welcoming to all.” She promises and pulls out a little card that has the information on it. “We start a little before sundown, socialize and relax.” She tells you. “Please come. It��s always fun.”

"Thank you." Your quiet murmur is full of gratitude, and moments later when the samples are gone from the little plate, you are buying all three flavours of cheese and whatever else Allison recommends from the stand she is working at. With the ability to actually spend money comes the desire to make sure that it goes to people who will actually benefit directly from your purchases - it's going to be a lot of farmers markets for you in the future and not so much time spent in big chain grocery stores.

Once the transaction is completed, Allison smiles at you. “I hope to see you later?” She asks questioningly.

"I think so." There is always a chance you'll get too anxious and freak yourself out a bit, but you nod. You want to have the emotional energy to make new friends tonight. Maybe you'll cut your outing short earlier in the day so that you don't run out of steam. It's been a long time since you had something you actually wanted to do like this. "Is--can I bring anything?" Always taught never to show up empty handed, you'll surely end up bringing something no matter what the answer is.

“An opened mind and heart.” Allison shakes her head. “Our guests are never required to bring anything more. It will be our pleasure to host you this evening.”

"I'll see you tonight." You will make it work. And besides -- the trip out this morning will have to be quick. You've got precious cheese to get back home.

******

“I hope that she is okay.” Mrs. Taylor glances out the window with a frown on her face. “She seems like such a timid thing. So surprising about that, considering.”

“We don’t know what she’s been through,” Renee reminds the older woman, methodically working her way through folding the last of your laundry. There was a lot of it that seemed barely touched — fun things like dresses and logo tees or more fitted things — and looser, more office work clothing and jeans that are surely baggy on you, that look far more worn. “A lot’s happened in her life. Or at least…a lot could have happened.”

“It makes me want to protect her.” Mrs. Taylor admits quietly. She’s never had children of her own, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have a motherly instinct. “No wonder he wanted her brought here.”

“He should have been able to protect her before now.” Renee tuts, carefully folding a sweater depicting a black cat perched like they’re in a windowsill. “But that’s none of our business, of course.”

“There were reasons.” She’s not sure what those reasons are, but there’s very little he does that doesn’t have reasoning behind it.

“I’m sure.” She isn’t, not really, but Renee has never been the one to make the decisions. She prefers it that way. “At least we can do our part in taking care of her now.”

“Of course we can. It’s why he had her brought here.” She’s incredibly proud of her role in taking care of Cookie and there is a lot of trust that was placed in her hands to do that. Renee hasn’t been with the family quite as long, so she doesn’t understand that quite yet. “Perhaps we can put together a lovely tea time when she gets back.”

“I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t come back with a few things from the farmer’s market.” The thought of you settling in makes the younger woman smile and she sets the stacks of your folded clothes into the dresser beside her. “We can make a tray with some of what she finds?” As if on cue, the front door opens and closes, the sound reverberating through the house despite being gentle. “Hopefully that’s her,” Renee hums, quickly depositing the last of your clean things in the bureau and heading for the stairs.

Nodding, Mrs. Taylor quickly follows the younger housekeeper out of the bedroom to see who has come inside. Mr. Taylor is finishing up with the car out in the carriage house but he would come in the back door.

“Good afternoon, ma’am.” Renee is the first to spot you, looking a little more relaxed than when you left this morning and caring many more bags. “Please, allow me.”

“Oh, it’s okay, Renee.” The fresh air has you feeling better, after having spent hours at the farmer’s market and debating whether or not to take a walk around the nearest bakery or florist shop, only to end up overwhelmed by the change in the people in those places. They were tourists - obviously wealthy and snobbish - and not nearly as friendly as the people you’d met at the market. “Only…” You separate out the bag that has your precious cheeses in it. “I wonder if you wouldn’t mind putting these in the refrigerator for me? The farmer’s market had amazing things.”

“Absolutely.” She beams, happy that you had found things that you wanted at the market. “Mrs. Taylor was just suggesting putting together a tea tray for you. Would you like anything from here on it?” She asks, wanting you to have some input.

“There is a spiced plum tea and some goat cheese with fig that—” As soon as the thought begins, you frown and shake your head, becoming tight and self-conscious again. “You don’t have to trouble yourselves. I can take care of it. I—don’t want to give either of you more work than you already have.”

"Of course." She nods, but she has no intention of listening to you. There is plum tea and fig goat cheese that you have fallen in love with, so that will be added to the tray along with the tea sandwiches that Mrs. Taylor has no doubt already started making in the kitchen.

“I’ll just go and put these things upstairs first.” Crystals, candles, some waxed flowers, and cute little needlepointed pillow with a bat in a pile of leaves have all come home with you and they’re going to help your space feel a little more personal instantly.

"I'll bring the tray up in just a moment," Renee turns. "Unless you would like to have tea in the morning room?" The light is bright and airy in there and it's a lovely space for a tea service.

“You don’t have to—” Her face makes it abundantly clear that there will be a tea tray and the only conversation she’s willing to entertain about it is the location in which you will be receiving it. “The morning room would…it sounds very nice,” you admit after a breath. “Thank you, Renee.”

"There was a book on your bedside table this morning." She mentions quietly. "Would you like me to bring it down so you can read, or is that an evening book?"

“That’s an old favorite.” The hundred-year-old copy of Jane Eyre has even seeped its way into your dreams, but you enjoyed it thoroughly. “I’ll pick something else from the shelves for day reading.” It’s such a luxury, and it’s hard to process that that is your life now. Luxury. Doing whatever you want. No one is going to stop you.

"Of course." This time the nod is accompanied by a small smile before the assistant housekeeper rushes off to make sure that your tea tray includes the small little treats you had brought back from your first trip to the town.

The small bags with goodies in them are easily deposited in your room, where you notice that your childhood throw blanket with ballet slippers prominently featured has been folded and left at the bottom of your chaise, and your bed has been made again. It’s not bad, it’s just…odd. Something your great-aunt was so used to and maybe occasionally even took for granted…that you will have to remind yourself is perfectly reasonable. Refocusing yourself, you put down your bags and take the little throw pillow out, deciding to bring it down to the morning room window seat with you. It will be a sweet little thing to have with you, and you can bring it upstairs again afterward so that you don’t get in anyone’s way.

******

"She has been to the farmer's market and would like to use the plum tea and the fig goat cheese." Renee hums happily as she sweeps into the kitchen with the bag you had given her. As she had expected, the little three tiered display is already layered with little sandwiches on the bottom. She's sure some are cucumber and others are the curry chicken salad she had been experimenting with.

“I’m sure she insisted she would do it herself, and that we shouldn’t trouble ourselves?” Mrs. Taylor raises one eyebrow but continues her work on the tea server, adding orange flavored Madeline cakes to the top tier.

"You know she did." Renee tuts and rolls her eyes, although she's not bad mouthing you. "I will start to brew the tea."

“Did it seem she enjoyed herself at least?” The two women are very coordinated in the kitchen and move gracefully around each other as Renee starts the kettle and Mrs. Taylor puts the other cheeses away. There are some lovely crackers in the pantry that she can include to go with the cheese you particularly wanted to enjoy today.

"There was light in her eyes that was not there yesterday." Renee confirms as she brings out the silver teapot to set on the tray. Ms. Brown's favorite tea set is already laid out and tomorrow, Renee will suggest rotating the sets until they are certain of which ones that you prefer. She pulls out the canister with the sugar cubes to put into the small dish. "I would say that she enjoyed herself very much."

“We can finish decorating for the autumn this afternoon.” Mrs. Taylor decides, working quickly to make sure the tea service is just so. “Mr. Taylor brought the rest of the decorations down from the attic for us and Mr. Finchley suggested adding some garlands to the outer gates.”

“That sounds good.” Renee agrees. “I think that it will be good to have a sense of ‘life’ back in the mansion.”

“As it were.” Mrs. Taylor chuckles as she arranges the seeded crackers on the tea stand. “With so many undead about, it seems an ironic choice.”

“I honestly wonder if there doesn’t need to be a human in the house.” Renee muses. “When it was just us, there was something missing. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who felt it.”

After a moment, the younger woman hums again. “There does seem to be an extra element of activity with a human around.” For Renee, it is treasured. She was turned hundreds of years ago but she is still pulled toward humanity for so many reasons other than their blood. “Do you think…perhaps Eddie has taken a shine to her already?”

“He has.” Mrs. Taylor looks up from arranging the crackers with just the perfect amount of cheese with a hopeful smile. “I’m not sure if it’s brotherly or romantic yet, but our dear Eddie so needs another tender heart around.”

“Wonderful.” Renee sighs. “It would most wonderful for everyone to be happy.” But after a moment more of consideration, she chews on her lip and turns her head back to the older vampire. “Is Max trying to irritate Dolly?” She asks warily.

“He might be.” And it bothers the housekeeper to no end, knowing how timid you are. “He doesn’t know…” she shakes her head, carefully cutting coins of the goat cheese you found today. “If he did, he would leave well enough alone.”

“Or he would be trying to smooze her.” Renee snorts. “Which might be even worse than irritating her. If he touches her, he might stake him and not bring him back again.”

“We would be getting a surprise visit immediately if Max decided to do that.” Considering the way their boss had behaved when suitors arrived for the other young lady of the house so long ago.

Renee winces and shakes her head. “He will stay away if he knows what’s good for him.” She huffs with a smirk, knowing Max Phillips is nothing if not egotistical enough to try to play some game with you.

“But he doesn’t,” Mrs. Taylor reminds Renee as she puts the finishing touches on the food our your tea tray. “That’s how he ended up here in the first place.”

“I remember.” Renee snorts. “I had to take care of him when he was first brought back and his new skin was raw.”

“I still don’t understand why he felt strongly enough to bring Max back.” It was a mystery that Mrs. Taylor had not quite parceled out yet, but she certainly spent more time thinking about it than she let on.

“Of all the vampires he could have brought back.” Renee hums, shaking her head. “Max Phillips is the one he chose.”

“He will have had his reason.” Although what it is, Mrs. Taylor has yet to figure out. Instead she sets silverware and a cloth napkin on the service cart with the tiered server and dishes. The only thing missing now is the tea, and that should be ready momentarily.

As soon as the teapot starts to whistle, Renee pulls it off the heat and flips open the lid to the serving teapot, pouring the hot water in to infuse with the tea leaves you had brought home. Closing the lid with a satisfied smile. “There. Now I will deliver this to Dolly.”

“Will you let her know that dinner can be served wherever she likes tonight?” Mrs. Taylor wipes her hands and begins to pick up the counter right away. “Eddie and Max will both be out. I didn’t ask why, but it will be good for her to be able to relax.”

“Yes ma’am.” Renee wheels the cart out of the kitchen towards the elevator.

******

Upstairs, you have unearthed a first edition copy of Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle and settled back in the window seat with your little pillow and the muted afternoon sun. Every window in the house seems to be coated with something that tints the light the barest shade of yellow and you wonder vaguely if it was some Victorian architecture fad. Or if architecture even has things like fads.

Wheeling the cart into the ‘secret’ room, Renee finds you already settled into the window seat and smiles. “Tea is served.” She announces, happy to see that you do not startle when she comes in. Yesterday you looked like you would jump out of your skin, but something about the new day seems to have settled you.

"You really didn't have to." Although you had a feeling that she might. Mrs. Taylor is the type to do things properly or not at all, and Renee is her dutiful second in command. "Thank you, of course." Grateful as you are, you put your book aside as Renee sets the cart beside you by the window.

“My pleasure.” She nods respectfully and steps back. “Mrs. Taylor and I are going to finish decorating this afternoon, but we will be available anytime you need us.”

"Thank you," you murmur again, catching a whiff of the spiced tea that you brought home and rolling over in your mind whether you want to venture out of the house tonight. Allison was so friendly, but you're nervous. "Renee...can I ask you something?"

“Anything.” Her job is to take care of the house and you are now a part of that. Anything you need, any questions you have, she will help as much as she can.

"I was invited to an event tonight." As silly as you feel about asking a virtual stranger for her opinion, Renee has been so kind to you at every turn. So you pull the little card that Allison gave you out of your pocket and hand it to the young woman. "A local coven is having a Mabon bonfire. I only..." you frown slightly, feeling small as you shrink against the wall. "I don't know if I ought to go? Or if that would be imposing too much."

There was a time that vampires and witches were enemies. At that time, she would have encouraged you to keep your distance. That had changed over the millennia and they had joined forces to keep the secrets of the world away from the humans, except for rare exceptions. “Allison?” She smiles as she looks down a the card. “You should go. I was supposed to tell you that dinner will be served wherever you wish tonight, but I think you will be out during the dinner hour.”

"I haven't had a coven in so long." When Renee hands the card back to you, it ends up cradled in your hands like precious cargo. "And she was so terribly nice."

“I know her vaguely. She’s extremely nice.” She agrees. “She would come to visit Ms. Brown sometimes.”

"Was...Ms. Brown...?" Somehow the image of this ninety-one-year-old woman that you had in your head with the first phone call from the lawyer's office has already changed twice over in the very little time you've been here, but you still hadn't expected this find out she was Wiccan.

“A witch?” Her brow arches up and she purses her lips in amusement that you cannot quite come out with the questions you need answered. “Oh yes. Probably the greatest witch in Newport, perhaps the East Coast. She oversaw the coven for years until….” She shakes her head. “Until her heart was no longer in it. Then she allowed others to take over.”

"Do you mind if I ask you what changed?" You could understand if age or infirmity had kept her from being as active in her coven, but this is not what it sounds like Renee is saying.

“She….lost someone close to her.” Renee knows she is not permitted to tell you the truth, that would have to come from him, at his discretion. However, acknowledging some of the reasoning behind Cookie’s change of heart cannot be too bad. “Very dear to her.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that.” It feels like intruding to ask more, so you only nod your understanding and leave the topic alone for now. “Well…thank you, Renee. Again. I think I will go out tonight after all.” It feels heavier now, somehow. More important. And there is a thought in the back of your mind that getting to know this relative you had never met by accepting the invitation of someone she knew is the best possible way to spend your night.

She bites her lip and then nods, as if making up her mind, which she has. “If the tea can hold for a few minutes, perhaps you will allow me to show you something?”

“Of course.” There’s nothing wrong with letting a teapot steep, and you set your book and pillow aside immediately.

“Follow me.” She asks, turning to leave the morning room through the bookcase door.

Through the hidden door in the wall and through to the library, you’re surprised when Renee crosses the room toward the marble hall and pulls open an even more hidden door in the window nook. This one has no visible knob but is activated with the pull of a false book exactly like a spooky story or horror film. A room no bigger than a closet houses an elaborate spiral staircase that seems to crawl up toward the sky and Renee beckons for you to follow. Up and up and up, the ornately carved wooden staircase just keeps going until you’re sure there can’t possibly be any house left, because you’ve counted to four floors and you were certain the place only had three.

When the stairs run out, they deliver you into the most incredible open room covered in overlapping rugs and thick, heavy, blue velvet curtains. The ceiling is painted like the night sky — blue-black with silver and gold stars and an immense chandelier that hangs high in the middle of the room. Renee has moved to the wall quickly, pressing a button that turns on the electric lights in the chandelier and lights up the room. The shape of the sloping gold and purple-fabric covered walls and ceiling tell you that you’re in the top of the East tower on the left of the house, but the point is driven home when you can see out the tinted window to the front yard. In front of the window, though, is a sizable altar all decorated in candles and a myriad of different size bowls of many materials. To the left is a bronze statue of a goddess and to the right in a black marble statue of a god - the two images presiding over the rest of the altar like the dutiful deities they are.

“This was her ‘spell room’ as Cookie liked to call it.” Renee tells you fondly. Even though they had believed that the room might never be used again, it is meticulously dusted. A labor of love to the woman who had used it before you. Now, Renee was proud to believe that the tradition of a witch in Chateau-sur-Mer would continue.

“I guess it really does run in the family…” Carefully stepping up to the altar, you hum with satisfaction to see that the goddess statue depicts Persephone and the god is Hades — favorite deities of yours, as well. “My parents were witches, too. Our altar at home had statues of Artemis and Apollo. My mother loved the idea of the balance between moon and sun.”

Renee nods, keeping her face neutral. “Another good set of deities.” She agrees.

“This is amazing…” There are elements of old traditions and new all over the room. A hand sewn broom leans against a case of carefully crafted poppets. An enormous collector cabinet dominates the far wall with labels for every herb and potion ingredient you can think of, and a circular scrying table stands ready in the middle of the room. Gothic style chairs surround it, suggesting it was used for much more than just scrying. “I never would have guessed,” you admit, looking back at Renee in wonder. “Not in a thousand years.”

“That is a good thing.” She tells you with a grin. “It’s supposed to be a secret.”

“Then it will stay a secret.” You make a motion out zipping up your lips, locking them, and throwing away the key. “Is it…a secret from other people in the house?” Noticing other doors off of the room, you curiously poke your head over to see if any of the doors are open. Most are open archways, but one door is firmly shut.

“No. The - they know of it.” It was never a secret here what Cookie was, not when this was her refuge.

“Okay.” Nodding, you look back at the door and then to Renee. “Is there a key for this door?” The handle hadn’t budged when you tried it, and fortunately you hadn’t seen the maid flinch, either.

“There is a key.” She bites her lip and wonders if you want it bad enough to go in there.

“One I would assume Mrs. Taylor has?” The blinding fear of curiosity in your chest is a little nerve wracking, and you try to push it aside even though it has your blood beating in your ears. Forcing yourself to smile and step away from the door that has all of your focus narrowed on it, you swallow and feel the tingles of nerves all through your veins. “Tea will be cold if we stay up here much longer,” you decide, steadily trying to ignore the door that seems to call your name personally.

“Of course, Dolly.” She tilts her head, wondering if she had imagined the shiver that rolls through your body. She focuses on your heartbeat and finds it slightly faster than normal, which is already ticking at a nervous beat.

When you all but flee back downstairs, Renee is at your heels but leaves you to go through to the morning room alone. Or— you thought you would be alone. But when you walk in, Max is sitting in the window seat wrinkling his nose at your tea tray.

Max looks up from the tray that includes nothing bloody and the clove from the tea is nearly overwhelming. Grinning, he thinks about how you had stroked a bat who was sitting in your lap last night. “Hey Dolly.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks on his heels. “Looks like you’ve settled right in. Cozy little tea?”

“Renee— a-and Mrs. Taylor…they—” There is judgement in his voice. An accusation. And instantly you are petrified of what he might think of you. “I didn’t ask for it,” you insist, hands shoved into your pockets instantly as your posture shrinks.

Your reaction is completely off kilter for his good-natured teasing. “Of course you didn’t.” He tuts. “You wouldn’t ask boo from a ghost.”

"I just went to the farmer's market and they were nice enough to make a tray for me." With your eyes trained on the rug, you shrug your shoulders and let your weight shift from one foot to the other awkwardly.

“What smells?” He asks you, moving over to the teapot. “It’s like a batch of potpourri. Very…spicy.”

“Clove and cinnamon. And I think some ginger, too.” The three ingredients remind you of what you and Allison had observed about pumpkin spice and you almost manage a smile. “It’s Plum Spice black tea.”

"It's....pungent." He comments, picking it up and lifting the lid, curling his nose up at the strong scent. Still, he pours the purplish tea into the dainty flowered cup sitting on the small plate. He picks it up and shrugs, "Whadya take in this? Flowers?'

“Flowers can be delicious,” you protest softly, but motion to the tray again. “Sugar or honey, or whatever sweetener you like. I guess you could do cream if you wanted but fruit tea never seemed like a good choice for cream to me.”

Max frowns slightly and adds one sugar cube to the tea and stirs it, before adding a drizzle of honey. Tilting his head and biting his lip as if he were performing delicate surgery before handing it to you.

“I—um…thank you…” You had fully expected him to drink it himself, and when you take the cup from him it’s like you’ve forgotten what to do with it for a second. “Would you, um …want to sit with me?“ Even the most awkward of moments deserve kindness, don’t they?

“Sure.” Max shoots you a grin and sets himself down on the other side of the window seat and uses a small pair of tongs to poke around the three tiered tray. Not even a rare roast beef finger sandwich. He huffs slightly and picks up a cream cake. “So…how did you like the town?” He asks with a smirk to hide the grimace as he takes a bite of the cake. It’s no blood pudding, that’s for sure.

“It’s beautiful.” The turning leaves and picturesque streets that you saw while driving around today were lovely. Perfect for a gorgeous fall day. “And bigger than I thought it would be. I’m pretty sure I saw a cruise ship in the harbor.”

“It’s okay.” Max shrugs as he takes another bite of the cake. “Very slow kind of life here. Am I right?”

“That’s not always bad.” You would take slow and steady over the chaos of uncertainty any day of the week, but Max seems like the kind of person who likes to stay busy.

“Maybe.” It still irks him that Evan got the best of him. Him and that little doormat girlfriend of his. Zara Beth was more to his taste, she had teeth. “Must have been a good night though? Didn’t hear any screams of terror.”

“No, no nightmares or anything like that.” In fact, you’d slept remarkably well considering it was your first night in a new place. The anxiety of uncertainty hadn’t been a problem. And you’d had lovely dreams to boot. “Do you mind if I ask you how long you’ve lived here?”

“Four years.” That admission comes with a distinct grumble.

“And you don’t like it?” You guess, from the way he seems to begrudge that little piece of information.

“It’s not bad.” He huffs. “But it’s more that I’m a --" he stops, shrugging slightly since he has no real reason to grumble besides being told to stay put.

“Maybe you just haven’t found the thing that makes it enjoyable yet.” Everything has a silver lining, you have told yourself many times. Right now your silver lining is that your tea is perfect. Who knew sugar and honey was the way to go?

Max chuckles, knowing that despite not knowing you well, a comment about orgies leaving him unfulfilled wouldn’t go over well. “Maybe. Could always get a pet.”

“That would be sweet.” All of the snacks that were put out for you amount to a sizable lunch, and it isn’t until you start eating Mrs. Taylor’s amazing food that you realize how hungry you were. “What sort of pet?”

“A fox.” Max hums, smirking slightly. “Or a bat. That would be cool.”

“Bats are sweet.” Or, at least, the one you had a dream about last night was adorable. “They get a bad reputation.”

His brow lifts and he settles back against the fluffy, embroidered pillows. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.” You agree, taking another sip of your tea. “They’re cute. I mean cats and dogs and stuff are cute too, obviously.”

“A pet bat, huh?” Max hums, wondering if you will admit to your experience last night. “Dogs don’t like me.” It’s a natural reaction, smelling that they aren’t the top of the food chain when he’s around. “Cats just…don’t listen.” He can admire that, but as a moody creature himself, he doesn’t want that reflected in his pet.

“So you’d go for a bat instead?” It actually makes you smile, which might be the first time that you’ve ever smiled at him. It’s half from him and half remembering your extremely vivid dream. “I’ve always wondered if they like to be pet,” you admit after a second.

“They do.” Max can attest to that, but he gives you a shrug. “Watched some bat thing on NatGeo.” He explains. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“Good to know.” It somehow makes the dream you had sweeter, and you smile a little wider at the knowledge. The mood between you and Max is calmer now, as if you’ve found a little common ground, as you’re silent for a moment before asking another innocuous question. “Did you have a good morning? Renee said you and Eddie left the house early.”

“Early bird gets the worm.” Max quotes with a grin. “I had some business meetings that I wanted to get out of the way before the sunset tonight.” He hums. “Too many witches out and about.”

The thought that you don’t know any places that do business meetings on Saturdays is walked away instantly by dread. “Do you…” Appetite suddenly gone, you set your teacup on its saucer. “Do you not like witches?” You can’t figure out why you should even care because you don’t much like Max, but somehow it still stings.

“Nah. They’re okay.” He watches you closely. “But I’d rather be socializing tonight than working.” He winks at you and grins.

“I mean it might not be an out-and-out party like Beltane can be, but I would hardly call celebrating Mabon work.” Just like flipping a switch in your mind, the defense that rolls off your tongue is completely automatic. Having spent many years feeling like you either shouldn’t speak about your faith at all or having to defend it when you do, you can’t help yourself — but you clamp your mouth shut immediately when you realize Max is smirking even more widely now.

“Well, well, well.” Despite your fiery outburst, which has a sensation similar to butterflies fluttering in Max’s stomach, he’s nothing short of amused. “Blessed Mabon, Dolly.” He chortles. “The witch of Newport is here to claim her throne.”

“I don’t know anything about a throne…” That definitely should have been mentioned by now if it was literal but you just can’t imagine it would be at all. “But…thank you. A blessed Mabon to you, as well.”

“So do you have plans for the night?” He waggles his brows. “We could dance naked around a fire in the garden.” He suggests playfully.

“I was invited to a bonfire.” You tell him, though it still feels odd to have been invited anywhere at all. “I met someone from the local coven while I was out today.”

“Ah.” He picks up a cracker and small medallion of cheese. “I see. You met…was it Allison or Tracy today?” He asks curiously. The witches are friendly to him, but he’s never taken it beyond flirting.

“Allison.” It takes a second to remember that Renee said that Allison had been around the house when Ms. Brown was alive, so that accounts easily for how Max knows her. “She was working at the Farmer’s Market.”

“So you’re going to the pot luck?” He asks, trying the cheese and finding it to be slightly better than the cake.

“I was planning on it.” Despite knowing he doesn’t technically have a say in what you do, you’re prepared for him to tell you no. To tell you to stay home or give you a reason not to go and meet the rest of the coven. Years upon years of experience have conditioned you to expect a ‘no’ and now you don’t even realize you’re bracing for it.

Max purses his lips and looks out the window. “A good night for it.” He agrees. “Take a sweater, Dolly.” The night can get a little cool after the sun goes down with the wind coming off the water. “It can get brisk after dark and you call if you have too much of the festive punch.” He teases with a smirk.

"I don't drink." The words are quiet but firm, and you pick up a cracker topped with a perfectly round slice of goat cheese. "But I'll bring a sweater." The obediance is automatic, but you dont know if he's giving orders on purpose. Or if he's just trying to give a kind suggestion and your mind has been actively rewired to perceive it as an order.

“So why don’t you drink?” Max asks, keeping his tone conversational for once instead of slightly mocking. You’re still young, and it’s not a religious thing.

"Ex-boyfriend was an alcoholic." It's only just starting to feel real, the 'ex' part, but you shrug. "I know not everyone who drinks overdoes it, but I just...don't like it anymore. Not when I've seen what it can do to someone." Someone I love is the end of that thought, but surely alcohol has fucked up a whole lot of lives that you personally had nothing to do with.

Max’s eyes narrow, his hands - idly playing with the edge of a pillow braid curls into a tight fist - entire body tensing as he sense that there is a lot more to that statement. “Really?” For all his cocksure bravado, Max had manners instilled into him by his own father. And suddenly the actions that seemed bashful when he first met you are making more sense. “Did he drink himself to death?”

"No." When you shake your head, your eyes are back down on the rug immediately. "He drank himself into debt, into irresponsibility, and into anger." Violence would be a more accurate word, but you're not ready to talk about that yet. Not at all. "It--it's lucky that I had this house to come to. That's all."

It’s a good thing that you are looking away from him at the moment, because Max’s eyes flash a deep and unnatural yellow before shifting back into their normal brown as he forces himself to relax. You aren’t his to protect and he doesn’t know why he wants to protect you. He doesn’t know you. “Then it’s good Cookie gave it to you.” He tells you simply, truthfully. He clears his throat and stands up, brushing his tweed pants off and adjusting the cufflinks that are too formal for a Saturday afternoon. “Well….I have some calls to make.” He tells you awkwardly. “I’ll leave you to your tea. Enjoy your Mabon, Dolly.”

"Thank you, Max." It has been unexpected to have so many people around you be supportive about your faith, but what is on your mind more is now that you worry you've said too much. You can't tell if he's affected by your reason for not drinking or simply finds you dull or even prim for the decision, but at least he didn't tease you. That counts for a lot.

Max stares at you for a moment before he nods, turning around and walking out of the main door of the morning room, the sound of his dress shoes quickly fading inside the house.

******

It takes an hour standing in front of the armoire in your room before you finally pull out a dress and tights that are great fall colors. Grabbing a sweater is almost an afterthought, but you did make a promise. And promises are meant to be kept, so you shrug a cardigan on over your shoulders and pull on a pair of boots before going into your dressing room. Renee has set up your few pieces of jewelry and grand total of two purses here along with all of the makeup that Derek used to insist that you wear to look ‘normal’. Ultimately you leave the house in minimal makeup with the sweater you promised you would wear, and the warming container full of stew that Mrs. Taylor had brought upstairs to send with you to the potluck. Apparently it had been a favourite when Ms. Brown used to host the coven at Chateau-sur-Mer.

“While Dolly is out, you can have your ‘wine’.” Mrs. Taylor is almost snickering as she sets a goblet of deep red blood in front of Max when he comes strolling into the kitchen. “I keep telling you that one of those tumbler things with a straw would be less conspicuous, but you like to be dramatic.”

“He calls it a bottle,” Eddie rolls his eyes in amusement as he accepts his favourite coffee mug from Mrs. Taylor, also full of blood. “But I think that’s pretty appropriate since he’s being a big baby about it.”

“It’s Gothically classy.” Max huffs, picking up the wine glass and taking a large gulp of the warmed blood. “Besides, someone would end up putting ice in it, ruining it.”

“No one would touch your drink, dear.” Mrs. Taylor assures him without doubt. “But enjoy your Gothically classy wine glass. I don’t expect Dolly will be home very early.”

“No, she’s going to the coven’s thing.” Max shoots the old housekeeper a smirk. “Did you make her the same thing that Cookie would take?”

“Of course I did.” Mrs. Taylor answers, huffing slightly like she’s offended he would even ask. Her homemade sausage and lentil stew was a favourite of the coven’s and she would never have sent anything else. “So you two will have blood sausage with dinner tomorrow.”

“Thank fuck.” Max rolls his eyes happily as he licks his blood red lips. “That will be delicious.”

“Just because a few things will change around here doesn’t mean we aren’t going to take care of you.” Even if that was the kind of women she and Renee were, Mrs. Taylor knows that he wouldn’t stand for it.

“Has anyone heard from the big guy?” Max asks as he looks around the room. “Figured he’d be here today of all days.”

“He was detained on business.” Mrs. Taylor reports, lying very smoothly through her teeth. The one man that everyone in this house reports to had arrived when the rest of the household was otherwise distracted. “I’m sure that when he decides when to reveal himself, we will all be made very aware.”

If Max thought he was dramatic, he had nothing on the man who had sired him. Rolling his eyes, he shrugs. It’s not like the man had come back to magically release him from this house arrest. “I just assumed he would be back here. Since his soulmate loved Mabon.”

“She certainly did.” Wiping her hands on a dishcloth, Mrs. Taylor turns around to face the two men. “And it seems as though not so much will have changed in this house.”

“Talk about weird.” Max snorts. “Wonder why it’s this witch.”

“I’m sure Ms. Brown had her reasons.” Mrs. Taylor’s own penchant for the enigmatic is as well documented as any other member of the family, and Eddie chuckles when the housekeeper simply smiles and moves on to the next chore.

“Alright then,” he huffs in amusement. “Keep your secrets. We’ll find out eventually.”

“Anyway.” Max shakes his head, “I’m going to go get ready.” He tells the group, draining the last of his blood. “See if I can’t go seduce one of the pretty witches who are feeling spunky tonight.” He smirks, winking at Eddie and sailing out of the room whistling the theme song of The Craft movie, Love Spit Love.

******

The warmth from the sun is starting to dissipate by the time you arrive at the sweet little Dutch colonial that Allison shares with her sisters Tracy and Kristin. The family home had been the center of a farm a few hundred years ago, according to what Allison had told you earlier today, but now what they had left was their farmhouse and its small backyard, and they were perfectly happy with that. A half dozen cars are already outside when you park the Corvette, feeling conspicuous but grateful that Mrs. Taylor had sent you with a dish. Alison gave you no hint that it was a potluck.

"You came!" Before you are already out of the car, Allison has opened the door. Greeting you like a dear friend. "Oh - you are our guest," she tuts when she sees you grab the dish out of the passenger seat. "I didn't want you to feel obligated to bring something."

“I couldn’t possibly come empty-handed.” Even though it almost happened, you would have been extremely embarrassed if it had. As it is, you are happy to hand over the dish that Mrs. Taylor so lovingly crafted and packed. “I’m…I’m told it’s an old favourite of the coven,” you murmur, not having told her who you are or where you live when you met earlier today. Why would you? But now it seems essential.

"Oh?" Her curiosity is peaked for all of three seconds until she smells the casserole from the edges of the top. "Oh my god!" She cries. "Is that- that's the sausage and lentils that Cookie Brown would bring?" Her eyes widen and she looks at you with a sense of gratefulness and surprise. "How did you--"

“I—I didn’t know Ms. Brown,” you preface your explanation immediately. “But it seems we were related. And she left me her estate in her will. Mrs. Taylor…she’s amazing. And wouldn’t let me come without bringing this for all of you.”

“Ohhhh bless you both.” She tilts her head in curiosity, wanting to ask if you know about the residents of the mansion, Ms. Brown had confided in the coven about them, but she doesn’t ask you. Figuring she didn’t want to open that can of worms if you didn’t.

“I understand Cookie used to hold events for the coven fairly frequently?” It’s no wonder, being only one person - or three, with Max and Eddie there - and having all that space. “I would be happy to do the same. And I know Mrs. Taylor would be, too.”

She's startled for a moment, amazed that you would offer the space back to the coven if you aren't practicing. "That is very kind." She smiles. "We will have to see about showing you what some of the events at the manor would look like." She giggles. "We had talked for years about having a ball."

“I guess she used to have them all the time. You know…when she was younger?” Following Allison into the farmhouse, the sense of calm and scent of spice in the air reminds you distinctly of the Mabons of your childhood. “My roommates and I…well, they were encouraging me…we were talking yesterday about maybe having a masquerade.”

"That would be a wonderful thing." Allison sets the dish down amongst the others on the table and guides you towards the drink table. "I can imagine it would be a beautiful thing. If you do decide to hold one, please let me know what I could do to help."

“I would love the help, honestly. I have no idea what I’m doing but it sounds so nice.” A large slow cooker of warm, spiced apple cider stands at the ready and you defer to that happily when offered a drink. “But thank you for inviting me tonight. I really…I had no idea there would be witches here when I moved.”

"Our coven isn't quite as publicized as the ones near Salem, but we are well known on the eastern seaboard." She boasts, proud of that fact. "But it's more of a myth than anything else."

“A myth?” People are milling around greeting each other with enthusiastic hugs, so you get the feeling that you might be the only ‘guest’ here tonight. It gives you a slight feeling of needing to cling to Allison, and you eagerly ask for the story if she’s willing to tell it instead of daring to meet more new people just yet.

She smiles softly, her expression turning slightly dreamy. "It's one that you might not believe." She cautions. "But back nearly two hundred years ago, the head of our coven was soulmates with a vampire. Their love changing magic and this area forever."

“But…” Your brow furrows immediately, confusion and incredulity more than anything else — but you also don’t want to sound rude. “Vampires…they don’t exist?”

She tilts her head, shrugging slightly. "Hence why it's a myth." She won't correct you, since you obviously don't know about the residents and staff that are near you every day. "But it's said that the vampire who was her mate was incredibly devoted to her. Not caring that they were historical enemies and proving his love for her was real. His marks matching hers and his heart jumping to life when she was near. Feeding her some of his blood to prolong her life well beyond a mere mortal's existence until she was ready to shuck her mortal coil."

“It sounds terribly romantic.” The spice of the cider in your cup is a welcome sip, making you almost hum in pleasure. “A soulmate to help you live forever sounds…daunting, though. I suppose happiness makes it worthwhile.” Not that you can particularly relate on that front, but you can dream. An eternity with Derek might have been what killed you, not kept you alive.

"It would." Allison agrees, her own cup of cider is curled up to her lips. "I hope that one day I find my soulmate and he's that devoted to me."

“I don’t see how he couldn’t be,” you promise her with a wistful smile. “You’re too sweet to have anything else.”

She hums happily and shrugs. "I don't know, might be horrible to live with." She winks and reaches forward to curl her arm through yours.

Allison leads you out the back door of the kitchen to the small patio just outside where a dozen or so other women have now congregated with their drinks. They have all noticed you at this point but no one has questioned your appearance at all. Allison has a bit of a history of picking up interesting strays and bringing them home.

"So we don't have many male members of the coven." Allison admits. "Few want to admit that they practice, so it's just going to be us ladies tonight."

"The only man I've ever known in a coven was my father." You tell her with a small shrug. "It's a shame that it's still rare."

"Being Wiccan or having a coven is still one of those things that is viewed as feminine in a lot of mindsets." She huffs. "Although Ms. Brown's soulmate always came with her when he was available, even if he wasn't practicing."

"I know it's just because I miss her." A short woman with bright orange, curly hair and wide glasses comes out of the house behind where you and Allison are standing with a confused expression on her face. "But I could have sworn I smelled Cookie's lentil stew coming through the kitchen. Wishful thinking, I guess."

"Actually..." Allison smiles. "Candice....our guest here brought Cookie's lentil stew. She's related to our gal and inherited her house."

"No!" Candice gasps, but her face lights up with excitement. "That's so fantastic! I mean we all miss Cookie so much but I'm so glad to know that her legacy is continuing on."

"She seems like she was a very special woman." There is anxiety in the way you shift your feet, but you smile. "Unfortunately, I didn't know her at all."

“I’m so sorry.” Candice frowns and reaches out to touch your arm. “She was well respected and loved in the coven. If you want us to tell you about her, just ask.”

"I would really like that, actually. My roommates have only told me a little bit so far." Granted it has only been two days, but it's almost like Mrs. Taylor and Renee are afraid to say too much. And if that's true, you have to wonder what they're so afraid of.

“I’ve told her about our coven legend.” Allison tells Candice, knowing the chatty witch would spread the word. “About the witch and the vampire soulmates? She likes the story.”

“I know everybody thinks vampires are folklore,” Candice laughs, waving it off like it’s the silliest thing in the world. “But those are the same people who think magic isn’t real. So I guess ignorance is bliss.”

Allison smiles blandly, eyeing her fellow witch. “Of course.” She hums. “Come on.” She tells you. “Let’s go get you settled.”

The introductions seem endless. Every one is very nice and very glad to hear of the relationship you apparently hold to their old friend. It’s only when Allison’s sisters are giving you a little tour of the house and refreshing your drink that Candice pulls Allison aside. “She doesn’t know, does she?” The older woman asks, chewing on her lip with nerves.

"Not a clue." Allison keeps her eyes on the stairs, making sure that you aren't coming downstairs. "I'm not sure what is going on, but it seems like she has no idea that her 'roommates' are vampires. Or that our legend is real and was her relative."

“Gods.” Candice exhales deeply and shakes her head. “That’s a hell of a secret to keep while she’s in that house.”

"I'm sure there is a reason that it's being kept from her." She murmurs softy. "We just need to make sure that we aren't the ones to tell her."

“We zip our lips and throw away the key,” Candice agrees. “He was always nice enough to us when we met him, but the last thing I want to to make him upset.”

Allison snorts at the understatement of the year. "He did manage to steal from the devil after all." She reminds Candice with a knowing look. "I wouldn't want to upset him either."

“Never.” With another shake of her head, Candice huffs a laugh. “But I like her. She seems sweet.”

"She seems...." Allison flounders for a better word than what springs to mind, but none come to mind. "Broken." She voices, her tone concerned and sad. "Like maybe Newport is a haven for her."

“I would’ve said skittish,” Candice admits, but she smiles softly. “Fate had you stumble into each other’s paths this morning. Now it’s up to us to offer her family. Who knows what’s happened? The best we can do is offer her open arms.” It’s what Cookie would have done, and they all know it. So for her, they will make sure you are safe here.

"We will protect her." Allison agrees. "I will visit Mrs. Taylor tomorrow to see what the plan is for having her in their household."

“Tell her we said hello.” The whole coven loves Cookie’s vampiric housekeeper, but Candice in particular loved all of Mrs. Taylor’s stories about the ‘good old days’ of pre-plague England.

"Of course I will." Allison knows that Mrs. Taylor will insist on sending back some cookies or a cake to the coven of witches who had been regular visitors to the mansion while Cookie had been alive.

“Good.” Candice told her head slightly when she catches sight of you coming downstairs with Tracy. “Lets start the fire up and sit down to eat. This night just got a lot more important.”

The fire is crackling, lighting up the back yard and the logs that have been situated around them in a generous circle. Providing seating that is inviting and natural. All of you drifting out to gather around it after filling your bellies with the food, the lentil stew completely demolished with appreciative groans of happiness.

Prayers and wishes of plenty are shared for the equinox. An opportunity to cleanse before the new year starts is always appreciated, and bay leaves with refreshing wishes written on them are dropped one by one into the fire until everyone sits back again and begins to chat amongst themselves. The night is beautiful, and you hug your sweater around yourself — glad for just a moment that Max had suggested it. The temperature has dropped sharply tonight and you have to wonder if it’s due to being so close to the ocean.

At first, the bat isn’t noticed, sitting on the branch of a tree just outside of the dancing light from the fire. Black, beady eyes taking in the ground and then flapping his wings to take flight, honing in on one particular witch.

Allison had been asking you something animated about living in Nashville when you caught the movement out of the corner of your eye. Black wings blend into the darkness easily, but as the little figure gets closer to the fire you can make it out perfectly. “Gods!” You almost startled but the gasping sound you make it delighted. “You’re real!”

Max squawks as the bat, circling your head twice as the entire coven watches with various expressions of bewilderment at the appearance of the vampire. Everyone knows you don’t know about the feeding habits of your roommates, so why are you familiar with the bat form of one of them? He lands on your shoulder again and ruffles his wings as he folds them up, his face turned towards you expectantly.

“Hey cutie,” you greet the little creature the same way you did last night, deciding to grapple with the fact that you obviously didn’t dream the entire thing later. For now you put you hand up gently and pet the bat’s little head with two fingers. “How’d you find me so far from home, huh?”

Max chirps indignantly and flaps his wings at you. Insulted by the idea that this was far from home.

“Alright, so you’re a very crafty bat, then. I’ll give you that.” Your fingers pet the little creature’s head gently and you smile, instantly more relaxed. “Could’ve sworn bats were supposed to be blind, though. I feel like you’re looking right at me.”

He would roll his eyes at you, but he just nuzzles into your hand and hops up closer to your neck. Feeling the warmth from your body and sensing your pulse. Craving the closeness tonight.

“This little guy flew in my window last night,” you explain to Allison and several other nearby witches who look nothing short of shocked. “I could have sworn I dreamt the whole thing, but look at this. He found me again.”

“That bat?” Allison asks, watching as the larger than normal bat turns his head and she swears he winks at her before nuzzling you.

“Yeah.” The feeling of having the little guy nuzzle into your neck makes you laugh. “Weird, right? I always thought bats stayed away from humans.”

“Some of them are apparently friendly.” Candice snorts, watching as a vampire stake his claim on you. That’s the only thing that it could be. While he had come to plenty of ceremonies, never had he been in any form but his normal self. Where this had to be Max. Cookie had said he was a black bat.

“He let me read to him.” Knowing that it actually happened and wasn’t just a cute little dream basically lights you up inside like a little goth Disney Princess. “Cutest thing in the world.”

The little bat preens, as if he understands what’s being said about him, because he does. Max chirps and stomps his little bat feet on your shoulder.

“You don’t…mind him, right?” Just because you think he’s cute as all hell doesn’t mean the other coven members will, and you raise your eyes to Allison with concern and care. “I wouldn’t bring him in your house. I promise.”

“I think that he will go where he wants.” She tells you diplomatically with a small smile on her face.

“Maybe.” Bats are wild animals, after all. Even as cute as this one is, that doesn’t make it a pet. “I just think he’s sweet.”

The other witches giggle and ‘awww’ over the sight of the bat on your shoulder, all of them aware of his true nature. “Bats are sweet.” Allison agrees with a grin.

“Who knew?” Candice all but giggles. “I always thought bats were a little dickish. Like little winged misogynists.”

Max ruffles his wings, glowering at the witch and huffing, the sound coming out as little squeaks.

“Aww, it’s okay cutie.” The chattering by your ear makes you laugh softly and you pet him again. “You’re just a softie.”

He settles to your touch, cuddling against your hand and deciding that he’s not close enough. The next time you move your hand to pet him, he jumps into your palm.

It earns a wistful sighing noise from a few surprised witches nearby and a giggle from you. “You want cuddles again, don’t you?” Looking back at Allison and Candice, you shrug a little as you cuddle the bat to your chest. “Last night I made him a little nest to sit in my lap while I read.”

Max grins as he burrows into your chest. Unhappy that he’s not skin-to-fur, but at least he’s getting to cuddle into your breasts. Not that he’s trying to be creepy, but you are snuggling him to his favorite part on a woman and you are gorgeous to him.

“That’s super cute.” Candice can barely contain her laughter with the image in front of her, but she sips her cider and smirks. “So how are you getting along with your roommates?” She prompts, keeping her tone light and airy.

“Oh! Um…Okay, I think?” Really, everything about having this little bat with you is oddly comforting, but you do get a faint whiff of something weird like…sunscreen? Maybe? Which is weird but not off putting. You had just never heard that bats smell like sunscreen. “Eddie is really nice. And I don’t…I don’t know Max very well yet.”

Max the bat, coos at you in soft protest. He’s the one that’s spent the most time with out of all of them. Even putting you to bed last night after you had fallen asleep reading to him.

If you had known it was him — had any idea whatsoever — you might have laughed. A stifled giggle if nothing else. But since you have no idea, you just pet the little creature and shrug as Candice asks, “Max hasn’t been nice?”

“I think I’m not what he expected,” you admit with a small frown, thinking of his behavior at dinner the night before. “But he was very nice today. Mrs. Taylor made a beautiful tea tray with some of the cheese I got from Allison today and Max and I shared it.”

“Max shared tea with you?” Candice raises her brow. “It’s rare that Max really socializes. So if he’s spending any time with you, I bet you he’s finding you interesting.”

“Oh…I don’t know about that.” Despite sitting here at a coven gathering with a snuggly bat in your palm and the keys to a mysteriously inherited mansion in your purse, you shrug. “I’m not particularly interesting.”

Max flaps his wings, fluttering and against your chest again. Snuggling his head into your skin against your heartbeat.

“Maybe he thinks you are?” Candice offers, trying very hard not to giggle and give the apparently secret identity of your little friend away.

He doesn’t know why the witches are giggling, no one knows it’s him. Perfectly disguised for the evening to watch over you, since he’s felt the need to see what you are up to.

“Maybe.” Though you shrug, you can’t think why someone as sophisticated and obviously worldly as Max would care. “I suppose new things are interesting for a time.”

Max frowns, unsure why someone as pretty as you would have such a negative outlook. You should be flaunting your health and beauty.

“Sometimes new things stay interesting for a long time,” Allison smiles kindly and pats your knee. “You never know which new things can become old habit.”

______

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#Pedro Pascal #Pedro Pascal character fanfiction #Pedro Pascal fanfic #Max Phillips #Max Phillips x you #Max Phillips x reader #Max Phillips x female reader #Max Phillips x f!reader #Eddie BtVS #Bloodsucking Bastards #soulmate au #a mysterious inheritance #wiccan reader #Bat Max

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ellies-star · 1 year

Text

something about july. pt 1

pairing. outdoors staff! ellie williams x pool staff f! reader.

synopsis. ellie has been working at this summer camp for the last 5 years, and when she spots you for the first time blowing up pool floats with Dina, she knows she's in trouble. ellie and reader find themselves flirting every chance they get, pulling pranks and having a sweet summer fling. warnings. right now it's just fluff and wholesome, use of y/n, friends to lovers trope but eventual 18+. eventual mention and usage of substances, drunk/high kissing, and makeout woot woot.

an. lol so this is my first time writing a fic in a while. wanted smthn that would make you wanna kick your feet and giggle, so i present to you part one of summer camp ellie and reader <3 p.s. apologies in advance, editing as I go lol.

It's 9:00 am on a Saturday in July, and Ellie pulls up to the campground that's already buzzing with excitement and chatter. Dust flies behind her truck as she drives along the dirt road and gravel through the camp. Window down, the summer breeze and smell of pine fills her car bringing a smile to her lips. Damn I missed this, she thinks.

She immediately recognizes her friends and fellow staff among the small crowd, they work hard to move tables and haul in groceries for this weeks meals, others are organizing gear and supplies for hikes– which she should be doing at this moment.

"You're late Williams!" Ellie looks to her left to find the source of the oh so familiar playful chide. The camp director approaches her car with a grin on her face. She slows down to pull up next to the woman, leaning her left arm out the window.

"Morning Maggie, beautiful start to the week, huh?" She looks at the older woman, salt and pepper hair in a wild bun, navy blue t-shirt with the camp's logo written across the front and back in a faded white. Her busy clipboard propped against her hip cladded in worn-out denim jeans. She embodies camp mom in every single way, and Ellie missed her like no other.

"It would be, if all of my staff got here on time!" She smacks Ellie's arm playfully with her hand. "We got new staff this year, and the boys are already tormenting them!" She turns around to point to Joel and Tommy under the roof of the mess hall on the left. The brothers laughing as they already finish tying one of the new outdoors crew members' shoes to the beam.

Ellie sticks her head out the window to shout to them. "Better hide the ladder once you're done!"

"Don't worry, already on it!" Tommy turns around almost falling off the thing, but shouts back with a grin.

"How could I forget, you're just as bad as they are." Maggie rolls her eyes. Ellie laughs at her response, getting more excited for what's in store. Joel looks passed Tommy, using his hand to shade his eyes.

"Get your ass over here Williams, these boxes ain't gonna move themselves!"

"I'm coming, hold your horses old man!" Ellie shouts back. She shakes her head and diverts her attention back to the lady with places to be.

"Hurry up now, and be nice to the boys! God knows those two won't. See you later chickadee." Maggie pats her car door to send Ellie off, before giving her a wink.

Ellie drives off to park her truck by the pool and other cars shaded beneath the line of ponderosa pine. It's still pretty early, but the sun's hot beams are brutal right now. Stepping out of the truck, she takes off her green flannel and tosses it onto her tattered passenger seat. Seconds after the slam of her truck door, she is greeted by a warm breeze and another friendly face.

"Ellie! You're here!" She turns around to see Dina peering over the wooden pool fence to say hello. Ellie instantly walks to the gate door to meet Dina for a sweaty hug.

"It's good to see ya D!" Ellie laughs squeezing her tight and taking in the smell of her freshly applied sunscreen. She pulls back, and Dina comments like everyone else she’s seen.

"You're like an hour late." Ellie scoffs.

"I know! Don't blame me, blame Florence." Ellie groans pointing to her overheated white 1999 Ford Ranger. Dina rolls her eyes in response, but gets a burst of excitement. She almost forgot what made her so giddy in the first place. She grabs Ellie's shoulders with force and locks eyes. There’s a shift in the air between them with a sense of seriousness. Ellie doesn't know what to think, but stands confused and leaning back slightly. "What is it Dina..."

"Ellie, we got new swim staff."

"I know, I met them at the last meeting?"

"No Ellie, you didn't meet this one." Ellie quirks a brow looking at Dina with a puzzled eye.

"Dina what are you talking about–"

"Ellie she's cute, and gay." Dina emphasizes, cutting her off to nod her chin to hint what's behind her– or more importantly who.

"Again, what are you talking about?" Dina turns around and pulls Ellie to her side to reveal the sight by the other end of the pool.

As a few other new staff members begin to move away from the shed, behold there you are barely out of reach of the pool structures shade, glistening in the sun. Your skin tanned and kissed by freckles, and exposed in your yellow bikini top and denim shorts. Your hair tied up in messy ponytail, loose pieces stick to your back from sunscreen and sweat.

"oh, that's what you're talking about..." Ellie's eyes widen. Dina looks at Ellie and giggles like a school girl.

It's funny, while Ellie gawks at you, you look quite silly bent over struggling to blow up pool floaties alongside Jesse. She can hear you arguing with him over how many blow up balls versus rings you need.

Dina knows what she's doing, and already feels the need to play matchmaker.

Grabbing Ellies hand and giving her a devilish grin, she begins to pull her along the edge of the pool towards the two of you. "Jesse look whose here!" Dina announces giggling.

Ellie's heart quickens, her nerves sinking in. The thing is, she hasn't talked to a pretty gay girl in, let's be honest, a while. And on top of that, she's also an over thinker. So she has indeed already exhausted every encounter or issue that could errupt after talking to you.

"What are you doing?!" Ellie whisper panics trying to pull away without looking too suspicious, Dina just snickers in response as they both now stand in front of the two pool staff attempting to blow up a giant turtle floaty.

You hardly notice the two girls that come up, you are too caught up in your mission to find the other air pump in the ridiculous wooden chest of a mess overflowing with pool toys and goggles.

Jesse looks up before his face falls into a big smile. "Aye you finally made it!" He beams while standing up. Ellie tries to focus on giving him a hug, but all she can think about is who this mysterious girl in a small yellow bikini is.

Your back was to the three of them before you turn around. You briefly scan the over the two girls before locking eyes with the one you've never seen before. You first notice her tank top, Patagonia baggies and dirty blue vans. Her shoulder length auburn hair was tied half up half down, but a few pieces escaped framing her face. Freckles sprayed across her nose and cheeks, and her green eyes never left yours.

Everything about her screamed gay, and hot.

Dina and Jesse watch as the two of you stare blankly at one another, unsure what to say– Ellie is afraid to take a breath from the looks of it, her cheeks are showing the slightest shade of pink.

"Y/N this is Ellie! We grew up going to camp together with Jesse, and now she's been working in outdoors for about 5 years now!" Dina grins after her introduction, nudging Ellie's arm with her elbow to say hello.

But all she could think was holy shit, cute girl cute girl cute girl...

"Uh, hi yeah I'm Ellie, nice to meet you." She sticks her hand out, showing off her right forearm; covered in the most gorgeous tattoo you've ever seen.

"Hi Ellie, i'm Y/N." You smile, shaking her hand– it's a little sweaty which you blame on the heat, but she blames on you. Your eyes flicker back to her arm. "I really like your tattoo! It's really pretty." You beam as you let her hand go.

You're really pretty. She makes a note to herself to never wear a long sleeve around you ever.

"Oh thanks, I got it a few years ago." She replies, unsure of what to add. God why do pretty girls make my brain go dumb?

Just as Dina was about to intervene, Tommy calls for Ellie over the fence. "Ellie, Joel needs your help planning the first 3 day hikes, Mia can't go!" He shouts before walking back towards the outdoors tent.

She turns her head back and shouts that she's coming before turning back to look at you, a small smile forms on her lips. "I gotta go before Joel kills me, but uh– it was nice meeting you."

You offer a smile and a "you too" in return as she heads back towards the pool gate. She looks back one last time and you give a little wave.

Of course this small interaction made her chest flutter, and knees weak. She fought every fibre in her body to not look back at you. As she walked towards the group of boys all she could think to herself was: I'm in trouble for sure.

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ametistacollinsworld · 1 year

Text

♚ N x Non Binary! Reader ♛

My third request! Hope you like ;3

✥---------------✥---------------✥

You was part of the Disassembly Drone squadron, being the 4th addition to the group and also responsible for their "medical care".

N and you had a special bond, spending most of yours times together, whether they are: hunting, talking or simply spending some quality time together. You always thought N was cute and funny in his own way, making you laugh and smile every time you were around him, and you loved him for it.

The only problem, or rather the only two problems were: J and V.

Even though they were from the same squadron as N, the two drones never seemed to mind hurting the sweet drone, both be being physically and emotionally, which drove you crazy.

So, another beautiful night of hunting began. Where you were currently alone with your random thoughts, having to go hunting alone this time at J's request… You suspected that she had sent you out alone on purpose, as she didn't seem to like your "too friendly bond" with N. She was a spoiled bitchy company narcissist in your opinion, but you didn't want to say it to her face for fear of having to have an argument with the drone in question.

You stop your thoughts as soon as you land near the base, hearing a scream?.. And it seemed to be from N!

You run to the entrance in the dome of worker drones bodies, quickly looking for where N was, finally finding him on the ground with V and J around him… what did they think they were doing with him?!

N appeared to be moaning in pain on the ground, looking like he got some kind of kick in the stomach, while this V and J laughed at his poor misery. You were totally enraged by this scene, feeling your hands quickly turn into sharp blades, thus running towards the three, knocking V and J to the ground in the process.

'' Hey! That hurt! '' V complained getting up from the floor glaring at you with eyes that could kill. You snorted, feeling your angry face tighten quickly locking eyes with J who had also gotten up and was cleaning her clothes.

'' You- Tsk! You're lucky I'm in a good mood (Y/n)! If not, the company would definitely know about it! '' J made an annoyed face at you, she sure wasn't in a good mood. You couldn't care less…

'' It would be really nice if you didn't touch my boyfriend J! You too V! I wouldn't mind having to make 2 sacrifices that were 'irreversible' on behalf of the company..after all this isn't my job?~ I need to take care of what's most important.. and in this case N is more important… you want to die forever this time?~ '' You said in a dark but malicious voice, giving a smile full of teeth that shed saliva, now having your eyes replaced by a big illuminated X. J and V retreated in genuine fear, not expecting such a threat from you.

'' F-fine! But you two sleep outside tonight! Come V! Let's leave them alone.. '' J said entering the spaceship, soon being followed by a silent V who was now looking at the ground.

You snorted, still irritated, but soon retracting your claws and reverting to your worried expression, quickly looking over at the disassembly drone that had been silently gazing at you in admiration.

'' O-oh- I'm fine (Y-Y/n), don't worry seriously! J and V are so strong haha- '' N spoke in a clumsy way, embarrassed for looking so silly in front of you. You sighed, giving the drone an affectionate hug, which he returned with flushed cheeks.

'' Please promise me that you'll try not to get hurt ever again? Please? I.. really can't think about losing you N..'' You said softly resting your head on his shoulder, which he reacted by softening his expression and giving a small reassuring little smile.

'' I promise-… but only if you're by my side the whole time! '' N said in a happy voice, which you just rolled your eyes, then giving a teasing smile. '' You goofy ass would never survive without me! So for sure '' You say with a playful tone soon hearing N's happy giggle.

'' Hehe! I love you so much (Y/n)! Thank you for always being here for me… '' N said in a caring tone looking into your eyes, feeling his cheeks flush as you looked into his face. You smiled softly seeing his cheeks, cupping N's face with both your hands carefully.

" I love your goofy ass too! Now come here! " You declared with an amused smile, not leaving time for N to react pulling him to kiss your lips, thus starting a sweet and slow kiss, which scared N at first, but quickly recovered from the shock, returning the kiss with affection, feeling his cheeks burn.

You were happy together, and nothing or no one was going to break the bond you had.

#md n #murder drones n #murder drones #murder drones x reader #murder drones n x reader #md n x reader

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callsignmercy · 1 year

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I'm sorry - Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin.

Prompt: Rivals to friends to enemies to friends to lovers in 8.5k words. That’s it. That’s the entire fic.

Words: ~8.5k

Warning: near-death experience, Jake being a dick. Rooster being the best friend we deserve. Phoenix being extra supportive and ready to kick Jake’s ass any moment. Language. Happy ending. Lots of hate before that. Idk anymore.

Note: found a tweet that said « enemies to lovers isn’t enough. I need rivals to friends to enemies to friends again to lovers. » So here’s the whole experience in a Hangman fic for you. I’m currently writing three (3) other fics about Rooster, Iceman and Bob but decided to write an entirely different and super long one about hangman because HANGMAN. but anyway here it is people. This is highly unedited. please don’t copy, repost or translate my work. English is not my first language so apologies for the easy vocabulary and bad grammar. Enjoy!

Y/C/S: Your callsign.

————————————————————————

To say Jake Seresin was getting on your nerves was a euphemism. He was infuriating. Always had to be the best at anything and everything. Being the best in the air wasn’t sufficient for him. Oh no, on the contrary. He had to be the best in class, in the air, even at darts and pool and even had to be the one that drank the most without being actually drunk. What the hell is wrong with him?

You were rivals at Top Gun. Being in the same class as him had its ups and downs. You could actually thank him for being so stubborn and competitive as it gave you will to be better at what you do. And yet he was always better than you. But you didn’t abandon the fight. You didn’t really mind in the end. Being at Top Gun already was an achievement. Even if it meant coming up second in the end.

The thirteen weeks of the program were almost coming to an end and you doubted you could top Hangman before the end but it wasn’t really a big deal for you. Even though it was for him.

“Guess I’ll be winning this after all Y/C/S! Don’t get mad though you did well honey.” He said with a smirk. “Why thanks darling, I’ll be sure to kiss your ass on the way out.” You replied sarcastically. He smiled brightly and you rolled your eyes at him.

You all headed to The Hard Deck at the end of the day to get some fun time together.

You were nursing your beer at the bar, talking with Penny, as you usually did. “So, almost done with Top Gun then?” She asked. “Yup, only one week left and I’m out. I don’t know if I’ll get a new assignment at the end of this though. I kinda want to go back to the warriors, I really liked it back there. Had friends and everything.” “You didn’t make any friends those past twelve weeks?” “Why do you think I’m here every Friday night sitting at the bar and talking to you?” “Ouch.” She replied. “That’s not what I meant, you know it.” You smiled. “I know but come on, none of them are your friends now?” “They’re rivals mostly. Hangman still gives me a run for my money every time we’re in the air.” “You should stop considering them rivals and become a little more friendly, some of them might become more than that?” “If you’re talking about getting in a relationship that’s a hard pass. I’m not jeopardising my future and my potential second place for any of those men. What I am saying, men, they’re still boys. Immature ones on top of that.” “Yeah well Jake’s looking at you.” She smirked.

Your head shoots up meeting the eyes of Hangman, smiling at you.

He puts down his beer and comes over to you.

“Why is he coming here?” You ask Penny, starting to panic. “I don’t know, but you’ll find out.” She smirks.

“Alright Y/C/S, I’m tired of seeing you all alone every Friday night when we come here. Come play darts with me and Coyote.” He says and offers you his hand. “We’re rivals Hangman, why do you care?” You ask, suspicious, narrowing your eyes. “Alright, how about we call a truce. We can be friends from now on and still fight each other up in the air. But you seem like a good person and I wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to be friends with a nice and outgoing person like you.” You seem genuinely surprised by his words and think for a few seconds before taking his hand and smiling. “Alright Hangman, lead the way. Maybe I’ll finally beat you at something.” You smirk. He lets out a loud laugh before replying. “In your dreams.” You roll your eyes and follow him to the dart board where Coyote was waiting for you both.

“Ever played darts?” Jake asks. “Of course I have, who do you take me for?” “Okay then, you start.” He replies.

After a few games that all ended in exactly the same way, meaning Jake came first, you second and Coyote third, you gave up and went to the bar to get yourself and the guys another round of drinks. “Looks like It’s always gonna be this way uh? Me first and you second.” He smirks as he comes up to you at the bar. “Alright Hangman I get it, you’re the best in everything that exists. Happy?” You reply sarcastically. “Very.” He gives you a bright smile in response. You hand him his beer and go back to the back of the bar to give Coyote his. “Okay, how about a game of pool?” He ask. “So you can win and rub it in my face? Pass.” You reply, rolling your eyes.

“What if I let you win?” “It’s not fair, I want to win the normal way, just by being better than you.” “Oh come on, I just want to have friendly activities, I don’t want you moping around on your own like the other friday nights.” He whines. “I was not moping around, I was talking with Penny. She happens to be very interesting and very interested in what I have to say. Thank you very much.” “Alright, I’m sorry, I just want to be your friend. What do you want to do then?” “It’s okay we can play pool if you want, but I don’t want you to let me win.” “Deal.” He replies with a bright smile.

The night ended in yet another second place on your part and a first place on Jake’s but you didn’t really mind. Jake was nice to you and he offered to be your friend which was a nice change in your life. Even though you were still rivals at Top Gun, you were friends on land and that’s all that mattered.

The week went by pretty rapidly and you were sad when you woke up that Friday morning. You knew it was your last day being with all of them and you were not ready to let them all go. That last class taught by Warlock, that last dogfight up in the air, those last risky manoeuvres, all of those you’ll deeply miss at the end of that day and could only hope you’ll be back one day.

Before you went up in the air that last afternoon, walking side by side with Jake and Javy, you thought about all the memories you would bring back with you. You stopped by your jets and looked at them. “Well, last flight together boys. Try not to kill me. I’ll see you on the ground.” You smiled. “Try to make this one count guys.” Javy answered. “May the best fighter pilot win.” Jake winked at you and you rolled your eyes as per usual. “You know you should really stop doing that, one day you’ll get stuck with your eyes back there.” Jake grinned. You chuckled and rolled your eyes again before turning back and walking to your jet to check it before take-off.

Dogfighting was thrilling as usual and even though you gave it all, Jake managed to win the fight yet again. Leaving you in second place, not without a smile on your face.

The party that followed the last class was nice and seeing everyone happy made you incredibly emotional. After getting your diplomas and taking the class photos Jake came up to you and gave you a hug, congratulating you for those thirteen weeks spent being rivals with you.

“You really gave me a run for my money and I really appreciate the fact that you accepted to be friends in the end. I’m really proud of you and I hope we can see more of each other in the future.” He says with a genuine smile. “Thank you for all of this, and for being my friend. Did you get your assignment yet?” “Yeah, I’m going back to Lemoore and the vigilantes. What about you?” “Well looks like we’re going to see each other a lot more than you think.” “You’re coming to Lemoore too?” Yup, same squadron as you pal.” You smile. “Really?” He asks, hopeful, and you nod. “They want me in the vigilantes.” Jake isn’t able to contain his happiness and engulfs you in a tight hug. “Oh God, I’m so happy! You can’t imagine how sad I was to be letting a friend like you go back to Virginia while I was on the other side of the country.” “Easy Cowboy!” You laugh as he still wasn’t letting you get out of his arms.

The party came to an end and you were all headed to The Hard Deck for a last night together before going back to your assigned squadrons. You played a few games of darts and pool with Jake and Javy before eclipsing yourself to go sit on the beach. You looked at the stars and thought about those thirteen weeks and the people you’ll be leaving behind. You were happy to be stationed with Jake and Javy at Lemoore and even more to be on Jake’s squadron. You knew you’d make a great duo together.

“Thought I’d find you here.” You heard the familiar voice of your future wingman coming toward you and you smiled to yourself.

“Why are you here on your own?” He asks. “Just getting some fresh air. Thinking about it all.” You reply with an absent-minded smile on your face. “You know we’re not leaving each other right? You’ll still see my incredibly handsome physique everyday from now on.” You chuckled and nudged his side playfully. “Alright come here.” He said and offered you his chest to rest on. “I got a question.” He asks and you hum in response. “Last week you said that Penny listened to whatever you had to say to her, how come since last week you never said anything to me since? Like nothing really personal that you might have said to Penny.” He asks, concerned. “Because I don’t trust you to keep my secrets.” You smile.

“Oh wow okay, very nice.” He rolls his eyes. “No you don’t understand. We’ve been rivals for thirteen weeks, Penny and I were just casually chatting on Friday nights, I’m not going to see her again before a long time, probably ever. I trust her not to divulge anything I said to her and even if she did, who would know me? You, I still had a week left being your friend slash rival and I didn’t know if I could really trust you with my secrets. Let’s be honest you could have been making fun of me and repeating them to everyone just to ruin my reputation or jeopardise my second place.” You explain.

“Alright, you’re probably right. I shouldn’t force you to say anything to me but know that if you need, I’ll always be there to listen and help if I can.” “Thanks Jake, that’s very nice of you. I appreciate the gesture.” “You’re welcome Y/C/S.”

A few days later you landed in Lemoore with Jake and Javy and a few others of your Top Gun class.

“Well boys. Here we are. Back at it again.” “Well, I’ll see you soon guys. Please don’t die and good luck with whatever comes your way I guess.” Javy bid you goodbye before heading to his own squadron. “You too buddy.” Jake replies.

“Well here we go, Y/C/S. Ready?” “Ready as I’ll ever be Hangman. Show me the way.”

A few months passed since the end of Top Gun and you and Hangman were by far the best wingmen in the squadron. Being Top Gun graduates gave you the skills and aptitudes to be the winning team every time.

Most of your jobs consisted in flying and keeping track of enemy aircrafts and carriers. Yet after many months flying side by side together you were called on an important mission.

The mission wasn’t difficult as much as it was important. You were to collect data on enemy carriers who were seemingly too close from the Californian coast.

You went up in the air with Jake and headed toward the sea in a few minutes only.

“Do you see it Hangman?” “Yes I do. What do you think it’s doing here?” “No idea. Wait I got two aircrafts on my radar. Control, are they with us?” “Negative Y/C/S, no other F-18 are flying near your position.” “You think they’re enemy aircrafts? What would they be doing here? Do they want to cause a war or something?” You say to Jake. “No idea Y/C/S. Stay alert.”

Suddenly the enemy aircrafts came flying your way and passed very close to your own jets. “Jesus fuck. What the hell? Control, what do we do?” “They are not with us, I repeat they are not Americans. You can counter if anything happens.” “Copy control.” You reply. “Hangman you with me?” “Affirmative Y/C/S.” “Alright let’s see what they want. I’m going to try and get close to one of them.” “Be careful Y/C/S.”

You approached one of their jets and started signing to ask them who they were and why they were here but they ignored you. Jake was right behind you as the other aircraft dropped behind Jake. “Y/C/S, they’re getting into fight positions.” “yeah I saw that, break left on three. One, two, three.” You and Jake break left and the enemy aircrafts follow your paths.

The dogfight starts as you try to get them off you but they don’t seem to budge. “Control, we’re probably going to need some help here.” “We’re sending you backups, they should be here in a few minutes, hold tight.” You started panicking when you saw the two aircrafts behind you seemingly trying to shoot you down and asked Jake for help. “Hangman, they’re on my tail, get them off me.” You tried several manoeuvres, trying to get the jets off you but you received no answer from your wingman.

“Hangman, where are you?” Still no response. With an agile manoeuvre you managed to get behind one of them and shoot him down but the other didn’t seem to be as easy to get off you. “Hangman!” You screamed as you heard the tone and froze from the realisation that your time had probably come but you managed to pull the ejection handle and shot through the sky.

The panic attack started as you were actively trying to search for another aircraft in the sky, Jake’s jet, but could only see one, the one that just shot you down. “Control to Y/C/S are you okay? I repeat, are you okay?” “Yes control, I’m alright. Can you come pick me up?” “They’re already on their way, hold tight Y/C/S.”

It wasn’t long before you hit the ground and you barely had enough time to pack up your parachute before the medical team came to get you back to base. But what you could only think about was where the hell was your wingman. Had he been shot down? Was he dead?

You landed on base and walked up the take-off and landing runway up to the hospital to get checked out. Suddenly you stopped dead in your tracks as you read the name of Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin on his aircraft. The jet was here, and in perfect condition. So he wasn’t dead. He left you on your own up there. He left you there to die.

You went to get checked out and got out after a couple hours and headed to your admiral’s office to give him a report on what you saw and what happened.

“Lieutenant Y/L/N, come in.” You entered and saluted the admiral. “I’m here to give you my report on the mission and its outcome Admiral.” “Go on.” “At 10:00 Lieutenant Seresin and I went up to get information on the position of the enemy carrier near our coast and noticed two enemy aircrafts on our territory. I contacted the tower to get information on those jets and after getting confirmation that they were not American I tried to get in contact with them but was left with no response on their part. We noticed with Lieutenant Seresin that they were getting into fighting position and after getting cleared by control we tried to fight them back. At that point I lost communication with Lieutenant Seresin. I managed to shoot down one of them but was left alone and the other jet caught me and shot me down. I had to eject and called control for immediate assistance to which they replied and came to get me back to base. I got cleared by the medical staff and came straight to you sir.”

“Thank you Lieutenant. You may go.” “Sir, can I ask, where is Lieutenant Seresin?” “He came back before you were shot down, he might be somewhere on base.” “Thank you Sir.” You replied with a salute before leaving his office.

You went down to the changing room to get a quick shower and get changed before getting into a fresh flight suit as yours was drenched in sweat from your rocky beginning of the day.

A few minutes later, you went to the mess to get some lunch. It wasn’t before you got back to the tarmac that you saw Jake, doing the last checks before getting back on his jet. You approach him with a death glare.

“Were you going to come check on me?” You ask bitterly. He didn’t reply. His expression seemed to be a mix of sadness and terror. “I only have one question Jake. Why?” He tried to speak, he tried to say sorry but no sound came out of his mouth as tears pooled in his eyes. “You left me on purpose up there? If I didn’t ask you before, now I know why your callsign is Hangman. Leaving people out to dry. At the mercy of heartless people up there. I knew I couldn’t trust you with my secrets. Now I know I can’t trust you with my life. From now on I never want to see you again.”

Tears made their way up to your eyes but you turned around before Jake could see them. You went back to the Admiral’s office and knocked on his door.

“Come in.” You entered and saluted. “What can I do for you Lieutenant Y/L/N?” “If it’s not too much trouble I would like to get my old post back at the Golden Warriors in Virginia, Sir.” “What guided your decision?”

“I came to the realisation that California might not be made for me after all.” “Are you sure?” “I am Sir.” “Alright. I’ll make some calls and get you back to Virginia. We’ll miss you here Lieutenant, you were a great asset to this squadron.” “Thank you Sir, for everything.” You saluted and left the admiral’s office.

You went back to your quarters to pack your belongings. After an hour, the Admiral called you back into his office. “Lieutenant, I hope your bag is ready, you’re leaving with a fret in ten minutes.” “I’m ready Sir. Thank you for everything.”

You were boarding the fret plane that was about to get you to Virginia when you saw him. Jake, a few metres away from your plane, looking at you with sadness. You looked at him and shook your head before climbing up on the plane, never to see him again.

Being back to the warriors was a joy. You met up with your old friends and comrade whom you left when leaving for Top Gun. They were so happy to see you again and so happy to find out that you came second in your Top Gun class. They knew you were posted with the vigilantes for a few months, you didn’t, however, tell them about the reason you came back to them.

“So does this mean I’m getting my best wingwoman back?” You turn to meet the voice that said this with a bright smile on your face. “Oh my God, Hi Rooster! I’m so happy to see you again!” “You too Y/C/S, it’s been too long. You’re finally back with us? Did they mistreat you or something?” He asks, furrowing his eyebrows. “It’s complicated. You give him a small smile with your answer. “Alright, we’ll talk about it later.”

As it was friday evening when you came back, you comrades and you were headed to the bar as usual. “Hi Y/N, it’s been so long! Where have you been?” Lila, the bartender asks you. “Hi Lila, I was stationed in California but I’m back for good now.” You smile at her. “Good to know, the usual for you guys?” Everybody agrees and Lila gets to work as you head toward the pool table with the rest of the guys.

“So tell me all about what happened. There has to be an excellent reason for you to be back otherwise you would have stayed back in Lemoore.” Rooster asks you as he takes the pool sticks and hands one to you. “Alright, alright, I almost died.” You reply, sighing. “What?” Rooster says, shocked.

“Yeah, my wingman left me with two enemy aircrafts and I had to eject after getting toned. I almost died this morning.” “This morning?” “Yeah it happened at 10 o’clock I got back and asked Hangman for explanations which he couldn’t give me so I went to see the Admiral and asked to come back to my old squadron and he accepted.”

“Wait, Hangman left you up there?” “Yeah you know him?” “Who do you think gave him the callsign? I was with him at the navy academy.” “Yeah well, I thought he was my friend, turns out I was wrong. I told him I never wanted to see him again.” “You did good, and I’m so glad you’re here Y/C/S, I missed you.” He gives you a genuine smile and you start your game as the beers arrive at your tables.

Going back to the Golden Warriors was the best decision you took in a while. You truly felt at home there. You knew you could count on your comrades and they could count on you.

The year after, Rooster went to Top Gun too and decided to be assigned back to the warriors which felt like a relief to you as he was your closest friend there. Following Bradley’s return, you and Rooster were stationed abroad for a few years as wingmen.

“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Y/C/S! Happy birthday to you.” Your whole squadron sang in unison in honour of your thirtieth birthday and you smiled brightly at them.

“So how is it being thirty?” Rooster asks you. “Well not a great change if you ask me. I’m still surrounded by the best people there are. Even six years later I’m still not tired of hanging out with you guys. As Rooster was about to reply both of your phones rang.

“Hello?” “Lieutenant Y/L/N, this is Vice Admiral Simpson. You’ve been called back to Top Gun for a top secret mission. You are to be on base at 0900 in two days.” “Copy Sir.”

You hung up the phone at the same time as Rooster and turned to face him. “I’ve been called back to Top Gun, I have to leave tomorrow.” He says. “Do you really think you’re going alone?” You smirk and he gives you a bright smile in response.

The next day you pack your bags and go to the airport to get on a plane for Miramar. “Hey you!” You exclaim when you see Bradley coming up to you. “How you doing Y/N?” “I’m good, I can’t wait to go back there, it’s been so long.” “What do you think we’re gonna do there?” “I don’t know but I intend to find out and I’m not going back to Virginia before we succeed on this top secret mission.”

“Make it two.” “Who do you think will join us there? This can’t possibly be just the two of us.” “Well I think there’s a girl that I was at Top Gun with that’ll join us, her name’s Phoenix. And well, maybe you know who else.” “Yeah don’t tell me about it.” You reply, losing your smile.

“It’s been six years Y/C/S, maybe he’s changed.” “Or maybe he’s still the exact same Roo.” He gives you a sad smile when the voice calls for your flight to board.

“There’s no comparison, I really prefer to be the one flying, this thing was way too long.” You exclaim arching your back to try and relieve the pain that developed during the hours you sat on the uncomfortable plane seat. “I agree, Y/C/S.” “Why couldn’t we take a fret to fightertown uh?” “Because it’s a top secret mission Y/C/S, people can’t know where we’re going, remember?” “Ah yeah, right. Well how about we go to The Hard Deck to end the day before tomorrow uh?” “Let’s go!” Rooster replies.

“Bradshaw! Is that you?” A woman’s voice exclaimed. “Ah that should be Phoenix, the girl I told you about.” “This is how I find out you’re stateside?” “Yeah I just thought I’d surprise you.” “Uhm.” Phoenix uhmed as she took her shot at pool and struck Bradley in the stomach with her pool stick. “I guess I surprised you back.” “It’s good to see you.” “Good to see you too.”

“Y/C/S this is Phoenix, Phe this is Y/C/S. We’re together at the warriors.” “Nice to meet you Phoenix.” You smile, giving her your hand to shake. She shook your hand with a smile. “You too.” “I hope Rooster’s not giving you too much trouble back there.” “He’s alright, I have to shake him up from time to time, you know.” “Oh believe me I know. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have won Top Gun right, Bradshaw?” She grinned and you chuckled.

“Bradshaw. As I live and breathe.” Oh you knew that voice alright. The smug voice of your once best-friend, Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin. You rolled your eyes and kept on discussing with Phoenix, hidden behind her figure. Jake hadn’t seen you yet, too focused on messing with your wingman. “Hangman.” Rooster deadpanned. “You look… good.” “Well I am good Rooster. I am very good. In fact I am too good to be true.” He said with a smirk and everybody shook their heads and rolled their eyes in response.

“So…” Payback intervened to ease up the tension. “Anybody know what this uh- special detachment is all about?” “Well, mission's a mission.” Jake answered. “They don’t confront me. What I wanna know… who’s gonna be team leader. And which one of y’all has what it takes to follow me.” “Hangman, the only place you’ll lead anyone is an early grave.” Rooster replied, not missing a beat. Your heart dropped, hearing the word come out of Rooster’s mouth, making you relive the moment once again. At that point Phoenix had moved and you were in full view of Jake but when he saw you, his expression didn’t change one bit. Some of them knew what he had done which made the moment uncomfortable for everyone but nobody said anything.

Fanboy, who wasn’t aware of your past with Jake oohed in the background, making everybody stop on their track but Jake’s smirk remained on his face nonetheless. “Well anyone who follows you is just gonna run out of fuel. But that’s just you ain’t it Rooster? You’re snug on that perch waiting for just the right moment… that never comes.” Jake replied, not to appear weak after Rooster’s comment. Rooster knew better but to reply to Jake after that and held his tongue. “I love this song.” Jake said and moved from the table.

You and Phoenix approach Rooster, still looking at Jake. “Well he hasn’t changed.” Phoenix says. “Nope. Sure hasn’t.” Rooster replies, looking back at you, making sure you were alright after their exchange.

After that, Rooster headed toward the jukebox to unplug it and piss off Jake for not listening to his favourite song and sat down at the piano. “I hope you’re okay. Rooster told me what happened to you with Jake when we were at Top Gun together.” Phoenix says to you. “I’m alright. But trust me, I won’t let him be team leader if that’s the last thing I ever do.” “I’ll help you, we can’t follow someone like that.”

“Hi Y/C/S.” Coyote came up to greet you with a small smile on his lips. “Hi Javy, how are you doing?” “Well, I’m alright, I’m glad to see you again after so long, I’m sad you didn’t come say goodbye when you left.” “Yeah well, you know, life happened.” His expression saddened but you gave him a soft smile and a hug. “I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye, Javy, I took a quick decision and didn’t look back before I left.” “It’s alright, I understand.” He replied.

Rooster began to play the keys to Great Balls of Fire and Phoenix beckoned you all to go join Rooster.

The next morning at 9am you were all on base as asked by the vice admiral. Jake hadn’t talked to you at The Hard Deck last night and hasn’t laid eyes on you ever since you all arrived this morning. You didn’t know how to feel. You were torn between sadness of seeing your old friend not wanting to talk nor apologise to you but you were also relieved that he didn’t because you wouldn’t know how to react and you were scared to fall down in tears in front of him.

But in the end all you wanted was to know why you weren’t important enough for him to let alone to die.

—

“I’m dead, dickhead!” Phoenix said. You had to admit, seeing Hangman leave Phoenix and Bob on their own during dogfighting had a bitter taste and reminded you of your near death experience. You still couldn’t figure out why he would leave people out to dry like that all the time, why he had this need to escape danger and then save the day in the end just to appear like the hero of the day when all he did was flee.

You were about to go up for dogfighting with Payback and Fanboy when you heard Phoenix shout after Hangman. “You gonna do that everytime? Risk everyone’s life like that just to protect yourself? We’re a team up there Bagman. I know you almost killed Y/C/S six years ago and I won’t let you pull that stuff again with another one of us.I’m going to protect them by not letting you be team leader, believe me on that.” She pointed a finger at him during her speech and he didn’t say a word in return. She walked away as soon as she ended her rant and headed back to the rec room to meet the others.

You went up and waited for Maverick to show up with the guys. “Guys, you see him?” “Negative Y/C/S.” Suddenly you see Maverick drop down right in front of you, your jet facing his, coming at you. You wanted to take a shot but you also wanted to avoid getting toned so you dropped down to escape.

“Guys I need you on my right for this, I’ve got an idea.” You say to your wingmen. After turning around and getting chased by Maverick for a few minutes you managed to slow down and invert your plane so that you could get behind him and take your shot while Payback and Fanboy shot up in front of his jet to surprise him.

“That’s a kill Mav!” You exclaim out of breath. You heard Payback and Fanboy screaming of joy in their jet and couldn’t help but laugh. You were ordered to go back to base and turn your jet around, back to the tarmac. You saw Phoenix and Rooster running up to you to congratulate you as you were the first to shoot Maverick down all day. Even Jake couldn’t manage it.

After a few days, Jake still hadn’t said a word to you nor looked at you and you started to feel sad that he lied to you about being important to him. You thought that if you were that important he would have explained why he left you on your own that day. But he still hadn’t dared approach you.

“You alright Y/C/S?” Rooster asked you at the end of the first week, as you were all headed to The Hard Deck for a few drinks. “Not sure.” “Is this about Hangman?” You nodded and he pursed his lips. “You know, in my opinion you should either forget about it all and move on or face the problem head on and go talk to Hangman to get answers because it seems like he won’t be the one willing to give them to you.”

“I think I just need closure. I need him to explain why he did it, that's it. After that I’ll leave him alone if that’s what he wants but I just need to know.” “Then you should go see him and get your answers because otherwise you’ll never get ‘em.” “Yeah you’re probably right.” You sighed.

“Hi Penny, how you doing?” “I’m great, I’m so glad you’re all back here. Has your week been okay?” “It has, thanks.” “What can I get you?” “I’ll take 6 beers please.” “Comin’ up.” While Penny was getting your order you took a look around the bar to see if you recognized any familiar faces in the lot, only to be met by Jake’s eyes, staring at you with sadness while holding a conversation with Coyote.

You turned back to Penny and she put down the six beers you ordered in front of you. “Open a tab for me please.” You say as you handed her your card. You headed back to the table where you sat with Rooster, Phoenix, Payback, Fanboy and Bob and gave them their beers not looking back at Jake once.

As the night went on you forced yourself not to think about him but you could feel his eyes on your back and it made you uncomfortable. You excused yourself to go to the bathroom and walked out of the bar to get fresh air. “It’s alright.” You thought to yourself. “It’s alright.I’m alright.” You breathed. You walked up to the beach and sat down on the sand.

You felt someone come up to you and sit down in the sand next to you. You didn’t need to turn your head to see who it was, you could smell the cologne a mile away.

“I’m sorry.” He said in a whisper. “What for?” You asked not nearly louder. “Almost killing you.” “Why did you do it?” “I don’t know.” “Well you must know something.” “I saw my life flashing before my eyes up there, I thought I was going to die and I left you when they were chasing you because it was my only chance to escape. I’m sorry.”

“I thought I was your friend.” Tears made their way up to your eyes. “I thought you were my wingman and I thought I was important enough for you to not let me die. I was right, I can’t trust you up there.” “I’m sorry.” He repeated. “It’s gonna take a whole lot more than that, trust me.” You stated as you got up and went back inside.

“Y/C/S, I’m appointing you team leader.” Maverick said the next wednesday. “Thank you sir.” You replied, not feeling entirely ready for the task, but proud that he believed in you nonetheless. You finished training a week early as the mission had been updated and left that morning to get on the carrier that would bring you close enough to enemy coastlines.

“Y/C/S, your two fox-trot teams?” Cyclone asked. “Payback and Fanboy, Phoenix and Bob.” They looked at you with an expression of surprise mixed with anxiousness and fear. “And your wingman?” You looked at them all. “Rooster.” He knew you would pick him as you made a great team back with the warriors.

You all got ready to get in your jets. “Don’t leave me alone up there alright?” You asked Rooster. “I promise you I won’t.” “Alright, let’s go light up some things.”

“Dagger one is hit! I repeat dagger one is hit!” You heard Phoenix shout through your com as you ejected from your superhornet after almost getting hit by enemy fire. You landed on the ground and quickly tried to pack up your parachute when another enemy aircraft noticed you and tried to kill you.

You ran away as fast as you could but knew your life was almost to an end when you heard a loud explosion behind you. You turned your head around, still running when you saw the enemy crashing down and saw Rooster flying away mere seconds before getting shot down. You froze on the spot, not believing what you saw and hoped Rooster wasn’t dead when you saw his seat eject from his jet and his parachute open.

You let out a sigh of relief before running up to where Rooster was going to land. You ran up to him and tackled him to the ground in a tight hug. Rooster let out a loud oof before returning the hug. “Thank you for coming to save me.” “I would never let you die Y/C/S.”

“You’ve got to be shitting me.” Rooster whispers as you were looking at the last enemy aircraft left intact. “Yeah well, that’s the only solution we’ve got isn’t it? Nobody can come get us and if we get caught we die. So…” You walked quickly to the F-14 in the makeshift hanger and looked at the panel next to it. “Alright let me remember this.” You say, closing your eyes.

“You know how to pilot this?” “Yeah well, I got bored reading my F-18 NATOPS, so I got back to the old ones.” You shrugged. “Jesus Christ.” “Okay.” You started lighting up buttons and opened the canopy. “Once I give you the signal for the air, you’re gonna flip this switch until the needle gets to 120. When the engine starts you’re gonna pull out the pins and disconnect everything. You understand?” You ask seriously. “Yeah.” He replies.

You flip the switch and air starts running through the pipes. “Yes!” You exclaim. “Once I’m up, store the ladder.” You say as you put your helmet back on and climb into the two-seater.

“Okay.” You say to yourself. “I hope I remember this correctly.” You add, flipping some switches and giving Bradley the signal. He does as asked and removes the pins before climbing up into the plane. “Oh my God, this thing’s so old!” He exclaims. “Alright.” You push down the stick and the plane starts moving. You get in place on the cratered runway and hope to God this will work.

“Runway’s cratered. How are we gonna get this museum piece in the air?” “I got an idea.” You reply and deploy the wings. “Why are the wings coming out Y/C/S?” You ignore him and keep pulling buttons. “Y/C/S this is a taxiway, not a runway. This is a very short taxiway Y/C/S.” You keep ignoring him and push down the stick. “You just hang on.” You say and let go of the pedal and the jet starts moving quickly. “Holy shit!” “Come on, come on, come on.” You pray to no one in particular and the plane starts going up.

As you made your way back to the carrier Bradley turned on his geolocation for the carrier to track him. “Y/C/S tally two, five o’clock low.” Bradley says to you. “What do we do?” “Okay look, be cool. If they knew who we were we’d be dead already.” You both put on your masks and tried to act normal as the enemy aircrafts got closer to you.

You kept fighting the two aircrafts and managed to shoot one down and make the other crash into a mountain below. “You alright Y/C/S?” Rooster asks. “I’m out of breath, this shit’s so hard to pilot. I’ll be glad to get an F-18 back when all this is over.” “I bet you do! Not sure they’ll be happy we crashed two multi-million dollar planes though.” He says and you chuckle in response.

You were finally flying above the ocean, only miles away from the carrier and you gave a sigh of relief to know this will finally be over. Only to be met with a ringing sound in the plane, warning you that an enemy plane was near you again. “Oh my God.” You whispered and looked everywhere. “Where the hell is this guy?” “He’s on our nose.” You deadpan.

You try to shoot him but nothing comes out. “Dammit! We’re out of ammo.” You say as you see a missile coming out of the enemy plane and coming straight at you. “Smoke in the air! Rooster flares!” You shout and break left. Rooster pushes the button that would eject the last flares of the plane and confuse the missile. “We’re out of flares Y/C/S!” He shouts. “Shit he’s already on us!”

You get attacked by the enemy as he tries to shoot you down with his guns. “Aaah this is not good!” Bradley screams. You do whatever is in your power to avoid enemy fire but you’re exhausted. “We took another hit!” “No no no no!” You exclaim. “We can’t take much more of this!” Rooster says after you get hit again. “We can’t outrun this guy, we gotta eject!” “What?” “We need altitude. Pull the ejection handles the second I tell you.” “Y/C/S wait !”

“Rooster, there's no other way!” You shout as you pull the stick as hard as you can and your plane shoots up almost vertically. “Eject! Eject! Eject!” Rooster tries to pull the handles but nothing happens. “Rooster pull the handle! Eject!” “It’s not working!” “Y/C/S!” He shouts.

“I’m sorry.” You kept going, slowly coming to the realisation that you were going to die. You didn’t want to eject either because you didn’t want to be responsible for Rooster’s death.

So you stayed like that. Awaiting your fate. You closed your eyes and prayed silently.

You awaited the missile that would finally kill you, saying sorry to Rooster. When you suddenly heard a loud explosion behind you. You turned your head along with Rooster to check out what just happened.

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen! This is your saviour speaking. Please fasten your seatbelts, return your tray tables to their locked and upright positions and prepare for landing.” You heard the smug voice of Jake Seresin through your intercom and tears made their way up in your eyes. You didn’t dare look at him because you wouldn’t know what to do.

“Hey Hangman! You look good!” “I am good, Rooster! I’m very good. I’ll see you back on deck.” He says before heading back to the carrier as you followed.

When you crash-landed on the carrier you finally let yourself cry a little before getting out of your plane.

“Was this the kind of sorry you’re willing to accept from me?” Jake shouts through the noise as he approaches you after getting out of his plane. “Thank you.” You tell him with tears in your eyes. He hesitates but finally engulfs you in a tight hug which you reciprocate. “I’ve missed you those last six years. I’m so sorry for what I did. You can’t imagine how sorry I am and how terrified I was that you almost died.” You could feel his tears crashing on your flight suit as you hug him tighter. “I want my friend back.” He says in a whisper but you heard him nonetheless. “You got her Jake.”

You spend the two days it took you to go back stateside reminiscing with Jake about your lost six years.

That afternoon when you landed, you all headed to The Hard Deck to get a few drink to celebrate.

“Who are you looking at like that?” Phoenix asks you that evening. “Uhm?” You turn your head to her. “You look lovesick. Who are you looking at?” She grins. “No one.” You state. “Is it Hangman?” She smirks. “No.” Your eyes go wide at her words. “Oh my God, you have a crush on Jake!” She exclaims, excited.

“Shhh! Don’t tell anyone okay? I thought we were just friends but turns out I might have harboured a tiny crush on him since Top Gun…” “Why didn’t you tell him?” “Because I’m obviously just his friend and I spent the last six years being mad at him?” “Well I think you should tell him.”

“We’ll be leaving each other tomorrow anyway. What change does it make?” “Well you obviously could be happier with him than you are right now and who knows, maybe he’ll stop trying to kill you when you’re in danger.” “I’ll be going back abroad with Bradley anyway, I won’t see him for another ten years probably, so no, I’m not going to tell him how I feel.”

“Tell who how you feel?” Rooster interrupted. “Nothi-” “Y/C/S has a crush on Hangman but won’t tell him because she says it’s pointless and she won’t be seeing him for years after tomorrow.” Phoenix replied, cutting your answer short. You sighed and looked down, nursing your beer. “Well Hangman just happened to tell me the exact same thing! How crazy?” Rooster grins.

Your head shoots up to meet Rooster’s face, looking for a lie in his eyes but nothing. “What are you talking about?”

“Jake’s been in love with you since Top Gun apparently. He wanted to tell you but he didn’t, don’t ask me why, and that day up in the sky he got so scared of possibly seeing you die that he just left. And he’s held himself accountable for that for six years and now he’s just too scared to tell you so he said he’d rather be friends with you if it just kept you near him.” “God you’re both so stubborn.” Phoenix slaps her forehead.

“There’s no point, Rooster and I are leaving tomorrow, we’ll be going back to Italy or probably be posted in Guam or Hawaii or something. I won’t be seeing him for years probably. I won’t make myself sad by him rejecting me or even worse, by him saying he loves me back and me leaving him like that.” You shake your head.

“Well I hate to break it to you Y/C/S but you’ve been asked to go back to the vigilantes. It’s up to you whether you want to go back with me or you want to have a future with Hangman.” Rooster shrugs. “I- what?” You furrow your brows. “Yeah, Cyclone told me when we landed. He’s going to call you tomorrow to get your answer. You should really think about it.” Rooster grins.

“I-uh I don’t know, guys. The decision was easy before. What do I do now?” You start panicking. “Well you go get yourself another drink and tell Jake you’re in love with him. Simple as that.” Phoenix nudges you towards the bar and inevitably, toward Jake.

You take small steps toward the bar and order yourself another beer. “Go tell her!” You hear Coyote whisper to Jake behind you. “No dude I can’t, she’s leaving tomorrow I won’t see her again, what’s the point?” “I’m telling you she looks at you like you hung the moon, go tell her you feel the same or I swear I’ll do it for you.” Javy urges.

Penny hands you your beer and you turn around, facing Jake, whom Javy had pushed toward you in a desperate attempt to make him talk to you.

“Oh sorry!” You say, almost hitting Jake when you turned around. “It’s alright, can-uh can we go talk outside?” “Uh yeah, let’s go.” You start panicking.

“Y/N I-uh. I need to tell you something. I believe it’s pointless because you’ll be going back to Virginia or wherever tomorrow and I’ll go back to Lemoore but Javy believes I should tell you so…” He starts playing with his fingers, not sure what to say now. “I-uh. I like you.” He says looking up at you.

“I like you a lot. I’ve like you since Top Gun and I never told you and I regretted it for the last six years but here I am, being the better man and telling you how I feel.” Your heart is racing and tears make their way to your eyes. You don’t know what to say, you didn’t know you would ever hear him say those words to you. “Please say something.” He begs.

“I like you too Jake. I’ve liked you since Top Gun, even though I spent the last six years hating you I feel like I’ve never stopped loving you. And I also believed it was pointless to tell you but now I’m not so sure anymore.” “We’re gonna figure out a way to see each other, don't worry. I’m not letting you go again, I promise.” “It’s alright Jake, I already have a solution.” You give him a watery grin.

“You do?” “I’ve been asked to go back to the vigilantes.” “Oh God I could kiss you right now.” He smiles widely. “Yeah I wonder why you still haven’t actually.” You shrug. He looks at you with nothing but love and cups your cheeks before putting his lips on yours.

Inside, Javy, Natasha and Bradley are high-fiving and cheering seeing you two finally admitting your love to each other.

“Please, don’t ever leave me up there on my own again.” “I won’t baby, I promise.” You grin before kissing him again.

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birdwonder · 1 year

Note

hi, i saw that you want requests! are you willing to write for female characters? if so, could you write something domestic and sweet with poison ivy? you can choose the specifics, i just love ivy and it's hard to find content for her!

domestic bliss | poison ivy

【 ♥ 】 ⸻ i 100% write for all genders ! whether its the s/o or the canon. poison ivy the beloved . . . <3

Nothing could beat this. Pefectly manicured nails dragged along whatever parts of your scalp could be reached, itching an non-existent scratch that would have you purring if you were a cat. Both seated on the couch, your head rested on Ivy's lap while the both of you stared at the TV screen before you. A man was yelling passionately about the news but you could hardly pay attention when all you could focus on was the woman giving you her time right now.

A cup of coffee was in Ivy's other hand, the actual cup green with ceramic vines covering it. You had found it at a charity shop and promptly gifted it to your girlfriend the next time you saw her, which earned a kiss on the cheek and praise for shopping sustainably. Who knew someone so dangerous could be so eco-friendly ? You suppoused that's what you loved about her. " You're kidding me, " Ivy hissed through her teeth, eyes narrowing at the image of a new industrial plant on the screen. You had heard something about coal or whatever and how they'd be taking down a part of a forest to make it. " Do those idiots ever learn ? Again and again I tell them to leave Mother Nature alone, and what do they do ? " " The opposite, " you chimed in, shifting so you could look up at her from her lap. A frown fell onto your lips when you saw her angered expression, wishing you could singlehandedly stop the industrial plant from being built. Ivy took a sip of her coffee while the hand that was once petting you curled into an angry fist. " Like hell I'd let them build that wasteland. First thing tomorrow, I'll make sure it never gets built. " The worst thing about not have kick-ass superpowers was that you had no real way of helping your girlfriend who did. Sure you could live a greener life and support her choices, but when it came to actually getting your hands dirty there was only so much you could do. Not to mention Ivy would never let you go with her, she said you were too soft and breakable but you knew she just didn't want to see you get hurt. Sitting up, you then moved yourself so that you were now sitting on her lap, which didn't bother her at all. Even with her powers, she still knew how to fight without them and in turn, her legs were strong enough to hold you. In fact she loved you sitting so close to her, the cup of coffee placed to the side so her arms could wrap around your waist. " You know I'll always support you babe, but what if you get hurt ? " The worry was plastered all over your face but it only made Ivy's perfectly red lips pull into a smile. You still can't believe you're dating someone as gorgeous as her. Ivy planted a kiss on your head, laughing softly, " trust me, I won't honey. I'll make sure I don't do enough to signal the big bad bat and I'll just scare them all into reconsidering. That's all. " You found that hard to believe, furrowing your brows a little but you knew nothing you could possibly say would deter her right now. So instead you lifted your head to plant a kiss onto her lips. It was meant to be short and sweet but that changed when she placed a hand onto the back of your head, deepending the kiss and even nipping your bottom lip. When you pulled away, you placed a hand on her cheek. " Just don't get thrown into Arkham, ok ? " " Mmh, as if I'd let them, " she hummed smoothly, already bending down to snag another kiss. She wasn't the only one with intoxicating kisses. Your arms wrapped around her neck as you both let the TV run and her coffee go cold.

#poison ivy #poison ivy x reader #ivy x reader #xreader #dc comics #dc x reader #request #more requests pls and thank u hehe #this was so cute n fun to write

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end-orfino · 8 months

Note

Talk more about Otto, what do you think of him? Is he just desperate to find Cici or could he have ulterior motives? Do you think he is a bad person?

Alrighty then, I'll try to put all I think about him into words! Thanks for the questions, they do narrow my thoughts into more easily comprehendable boxes, although I can't promise I won't go on a ramble still.

I don't think that he has ulterior motives specifically, no. We still don't know (unless I missed something?) What happened to Cici exactly, we only know it happened a long time ago and had to do with her dreams and the Ferryman. She definitely meant a lot to Otto, so he might try to either find her, understand what even happened to her, or something similar. For now, I think he's being faced with a situation he doesn't entirely understand, either, and it's resurfacing things from his own past that he wants to understand more and more desperately while also still not fully willing to believe some possible explanations, such as what his old professor said.

And, this might come back to kick me in the ass, but I don't think he's a bad person, at least not intentionally. He was kind of suspicious from the start with how friendly he was towards Noone, especially since - as far as I know, at least - you shouldn't be this friendly towards your patients in these kinds of settings. However, I don't think he's trying to manipulate her, or anything of this sort. I think his slight rule-bending (not calling her by a number, allowing her to hold a mirror) and other ways in which he tries to befriend her are unprofessional, but genuine attempts at trying to get her to open up and feel more comfortable - they started before he heard of the Candleman and it's definitely not some fake attitude he uses to make himself seem friendlier, as even when he was alone he critisized "calling children by numbers."

I *do* think he's messing up, like, a lot, of course, but I don't think he would want anything bad to happen to Noone or anyone else in this situation. That's not his goal, it's a side effect. He's becoming more and more desperate to find out what this whole thing with the Candleman is about, and in turn, he does hurt Noone by focusing on him during their sessions instead of on her wellbeing, which results in [vaguely gestures] everything else.

So, TL;DR: Otto seems to be a generally well-intentioned person that is put into a situation that he doesn't understand, but is becoming more and more obsessed with finding an explanation to, also because of its personal ties to him. Because of this, he neglects things he should be prioritizing, namely Noone's wellbeing as his patient, in order to get closer to possible explanations of who the Candleman is, how it relates to Cici, etcetera. If Noone wasn't tangled into this, I think his major mistakes would stop at using unprofessional tactics in order to get his patients to open up more.

But again, we're only 3 chapters in, so I might be incorrect about him.

#the sounds of nightmares #little nightmares #ask #tson otto #tson noone

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schrijverr · 2 years

Text

Solar System

Harvey notices that Mike is well liked throughout the entirety of Pearson Hardman, because he is friendly and helpful to everyone. He reflects on his own connections and friendships, contemplating where he wants to be in life.

@ the anon who requested it, sorry it took so long, hopefully you like it <3

On AO3.

Ships: none

Warnings: Harvey's abandonment issues

~~~~~~~~~~

Mike knows what it’s like to be the lowest on the ladder. Hell, he knows what it’s like to not even be on the ladder. So, he also knows that one should always be kind to the people below them (which should just be basic fucking decency, but apparently it is not).

The point it, Mike is polite and kind to everyone. His main motivation to become a lawyer is to help people and giving someone a nice interaction is one of the easier ways to help them, whether it’s to brighten a shitty day or give them something to think about when life gets hard.

This has all lead to the fact that Mike is incredibly well known and well liked to the staff of Pearson Hardman that no one thinks about.

Because these people aren’t thought of within Pearson Hardman, the fact that Mike is well liked is unknown to most of his other colleagues.

The paralegals sometimes comment their thanks that he doesn’t treat them like servants like so many other associates, but even they don’t always realize how far down it goes.

The cleaning personnel for the floors he mostly frequents (the one with Harvey’s office and the cubicles for the associates) are called Janice, Carl, Naomi and Daisy. As well as, Herman and Mary, who are there for the mornings. He made an effort to learn them because Grammy was a cleaning lady and ‘not one of those bastards knew my name after twenty years of working there, not even the dick that hired me.’

Janice and Carl together are a hoot. They clean the associate floor and have been for years, like before Harvey worked there years. The two banter like the best of them and Mike has choked on laughter from time to time at their comments about the mess the other leave.

On top of that, they slip him extra’s like hand sanitizer for on his desk when the soap dispenser broke or cleaning supplies for at home when he complained about them being expensive. Now he cleans on Pearson Hardman’s dime. Not to mention the tips for when he can’t get a stain out.

It is truly miraculous what a well intended and polite introduction can do for a person, or a helping hand when you see someone struggling.

He of course also has his contacts in IT, with him having an actual friendship with Benjamin. It might have started out a bit strained, but Benjamin is a genuinely nice person and Mike likes listening to him when they’re having lunch. His rambles are always well informed and on a range of topics that have even proven to be useful at times. (Having IT knowledge when working for IT companies helps, who would have thought?)

Next to that, he has lesser contact (though still good contact) with the mail room. He used to be a delivery boy, alright, he knows how much it sucks to have someone be an asshole about something you had no control over.

Jose Morales works as the doorman working the night shift. He’s a bit of a serious guy (which is great for security), so it took a while before he warmed up to Mike. However, pleasant greetings and polite questions do wonders and now Mike gets a smile when he leaves at an hour that should be unreasonable, but is par of the course for a prominent law firm.

Amanda Brown works the day shifts. She is much more approachable than Jose and Mike has struck up quite a work friendship with her. Her dog is adorable and she could kick his ass twenty ways into next Sunday. She also lets him get away with some things that technically aren’t not allowed, but frowned upon. He adores Amanda.

Next to all of them, Mike is polite and understanding to the receptionists and secretaries if he needs something from them and ensures that he always greets them when he passes. Though most people are nice to them, since they fall under Donna’s network and no one wants the wrath of her to befall them.

If Mike is honest, he is nothing more than polite and respectful towards all the workers at Pearson Hardman. Something that shouldn’t give him as much appreciation in turn as it does, since again, just basic human decency.

However, he was them and he knows that decency can be hard to come by in firms like this. People yell for no reason, always ready to shit on the person under them.

It can suck.

So, Mike is polite because he can and is well liked for it. Not that he noticed it much. He is just kind and kindness gets kindness back. It’s just a two way street that not enough people walk on, thinking their position is enough to earn it.

But, as stated before, this is relatively unknown to his more direct colleagues within Pearson Hardman, who have never bothered to interact much with the people Mike is popular under. So, it takes a while before Harvey catches on.

Now Harvey prides himself on being observant and a people reader. He likes knowing people’s business and has made it into a career, which if he may be less than humble, is doing more than amazing.

Therefore, he hates it when he realizes something slipped by him. And once he does notice, he must pull the thread until it unravels and he knows exactly what is going on.

It starts when he overhears Donna talking to Mike. He is coming up to ask Donna about some files when he hears Mike say: “Yeah, she’s taking time off because her wife is pregnant. I’m really happy for her, but I am going to miss her when she’s gone.”

“Really?” Donna asks. “And who’s replacing her? Jose?”

“I don’t think Jose wants Amanda’s shift,” Mike replies. “He likes that he can sleep when the kids are at school and spend time with them in the afternoon. Apparently he is ‘made for the night shift’ or so he says.”

“Who are we talking about?” Harvey interrupts not used to hearing unfamiliar names from Donna or Mike.

“The doormen. Well, the doorman and doorwoman,” Mike answers. “Amanda is leaving to help with the baby and I wondered if Donna knew more about who is taking her place in the meantime, but she didn’t so we’re speculating.”

“You don’t know?” he asks Donna, unable to hide the surprise.

“I can’t know everything,” she rolls her eyes. “Mike is part of my network. I hear things from him too. I didn’t even know Amanda’s wife was pregnant, not to mention the fact that she was taking some time.”

“She doesn’t like discussing her private life,” Mike shrugs. “Unless it’s about her dog.”

They both giggle and Harvey frowns, processing the information. He is not in the know about something. Hell, Donna didn’t know something. It’s more the latter mixed with the irritation of the former that sets him off. Donna never doesn’t know something. So why does Mike when she doesn’t?

The whole thing bugs him and while he puts it off for the moment in favor of asking what he was coming over to ask, the thought doesn’t leave him alone.

Harvey has never paid much attention to Mike’s comings and goings and who he talks to. Unless it was Louis or Jessica. Or clients. He’s mostly concerned about whether Mike does his work. And he does. Well.

However, now he tries to keep an eye out.

He notes how Mike does indeed smile at the buff lady manning the front desk, who later is a younger man that Mike also seems to know. He witnesses paralegals and delivery personnel give Mike an acknowledging smile that he returns whenever they’re dropping something of for cases they’re working on. And he sees him talking to a woman with a broom once that he has faintly seen before.

But it takes a few weeks before he gets a moment to witness Mike’s friendliness.

They’re working on a case for a company that got hacked and blackmailed by said hacker. It’s a messy situation and all the technical terms are dizzying. The whole thing isn’t legally complicated necessarily, just computer-y.

Harvey himself isn’t the best technology-wise and while Mike is intelligent and up to date enough on most digital things, this goes beyond him as well. So, they’re scratching their heads together when he offers: “I can ask Benjamin if he could explain.”

“Benjamin?” Harvey repeats, not familiar with the name.

“Yeah, he works in IT. I won a laptop from him once, didn’t appreciate that. But he’s a great guy, practically runs the department himself,” Mike explains. “If anyone can explain what the hell is going on here, it’s him.”

Confused yet intrigued and beyond desperation, Harvey agrees.

Mike lights up and is out of his chair in seconds, saying: “I’ll go get him real quick. I’ve been dying to stretch my legs.”

“You just want to get out of here,” Harvey accuses him, a bit playfully. “Leave me with all the paperwork.”

“Sue me,” Mike grins as he disappears out the door.

Harvey shakes his head to the empty room. Then he tries to pretend he’s reading over words that have long since stopped making sense to him. In the back of his mind, he is curious about this Benjamin guy, though he doesn’t examine the feeling closely.

They get there moments later. Benjamin is smiling, looking like a guy who doesn’t talk much, but doesn’t mind the fact that Mike is rambling.

When they get closer, Harvey hears Mike say: “So, I looked into that game you recommended. I don’t know how you got past level nine. I’m seriously stuck.”

“Ah, yeah, it’s a bit tricky,” Benjamin replies with a soft nod. “You got to find the right fight combo and repeat it until the boss dies. It’s a rhythm. I can send you the combo if you want.”

“Nah, I think I can figure it out, but, uh, I’m keeping that in mind,” Mike laughs.

“Alright, but you know where to reach me,” Benjamin tells him, before they round the corner.

Harvey looks up again as if he hasn’t been listening. And gives Benjamin a curt hand, greeting him with: “So you’re the Benjamin who can make sense of this?”

“Of course, I am,” Benjamin replies confidently. “Someone here has to stay up to date with the technological developments so we don’t slide back to the dark ages. Nowadays everything is outdated within five years.”

He raises a brows a bit at the blunt confidence, but Harvey can appreciate a man who knows what he’s about and does it well. So, he just gestures to the mess before them and says: “Well, then, explain away.”

Now, Harvey has to admit he hates having to ask for help. The condescending smugness of whoever is explaining always sets his teeth on edge and he likes his independence too much to ever suggest he needs someone.

But Mike knows that. Mike is a bit the same. However, he listens eagerly and quietly to Benjamin, who is – if Harvey is honest – bearable when it comes to explaining.

Benjamin is confident and cocky in what he does, something that should irk Harvey. However, it makes that he explains as if it’s natural that only he, with his vast IT experience, can understand it like this. It makes the whole thing less about Harvey’s incompetence and more about how great Benjamin is. Especially when he ends with: “This can be explained so much easier, it’s like their whole point is to confuse you.”

“I wouldn’t put it past them,” Mike says thoughtfully.

“It’s a smart strategy,” Harvey agrees. Confusing opponents is not only a good strategy, it also makes him feel better about himself.

“Thanks so much, Benjamin,” Mike smiles, shaking Benjamin’s hand as he leads him to the door. “I will come back if we still don’t get it, you’re the best. If I can ever help you, just come by my cubicle.”

“I will, Mike,” Benjamin returns the smile. “It’s no problem at all, though. I still owe you for that letter to my landlord. The elevator works again and you are worth you weight in gold for that. I hate stairs.”

Mike laughs at that, assures Benjamin that it was nothing, then bids him farewell, telling him he’ll see him at lunch Wednesday. After that he returns to the desk and gets back to work, like it is all nothing out of the ordinary.

It hits Harvey that this might indeed be nothing out of the ordinary for Mike and he files the information away with a frown. He’s not again Mike making friends and being nice. It has proven helpful now, even if the kid’s big heart can be annoying during pro-bono cases. It just doesn’t feel like lawyer behavior. Corporate lawyer, that is.

However, he tries to put it out of his mind now. They’re in the middle of a case and he has more important things to worry about than Mike’s friends.

Still, he never lets pieces of information like this go about others. So, he realizes that Mike likely bumped into the door(wo)man enough times to strike up conversation and befriended Benjamin after needing something in IT.

Mike is a practically a puppy, friendly and eager in interactions, likable overall. It’s not odd that he will have some friendships and that Donna can use him in her network of intelligence.

And the curious itch that he scratched here, should have been the end of that. It’s Mike’s stupid bleeding heart that he can’t seem to rid himself off. Of course it is.

Mystery solved.

But now that he’s aware of it, he can’t stop noticing it. It’s like a part of his hearing is unlocked and he’s hearing unfamiliar names everywhere.

They’re working on a case which goes deep into the finance district and Harvey refuses to let Louis near it however direct or indirect. So, Mike suggest: “We should ask Stacy to find precedents. Her father works in the business and she hates how he does it, so she spend years trying to find loopholes to sue him one day.”

“That doesn’t sound healthy,” Harvey raises a brow. “And who is Stacy?”

“She’s a paralegal,” Mike explains then shrugs: “And not exactly, but it is useful and she has a reason. I think. She mentioned a boyfriend in relation to it once. I don’t know.”

“Well, go ask Stacy then,” Harvey rolls his eyes. He’s just glad Mike isn’t suggesting Rachel. He likes the paralegal as much as anyone he doesn’t have a negative opinion about, but she’s too close to Louis for his taste and Mike gets distracted with her around and he can’t use that right now.

Stacy is a nice girl, who Harvey barely interacts with. She does her work and he only sees her when looking for Mike, who has taken up doing research with her in the library.

Harvey knows that Mike hates working in the library, since Louis shuts the associates in there from time to time and he has memorized it anyway, so why surround himself with more people who can distract him? Thus it is odd that he would willingly spend time there.

For a moment, Harvey contemplates Mike liking Stacy, but quickly discards the thought. If Mike were to go after anyone, it will be Rachel. The kid’s crush on her is embarrassing at this point.

So, in a bid to figure out why, he casually comments: “You and Stacy are getting chummy in the library,” as they’re walking away from said library and towards a meeting. He doesn’t think it’s that, but it is funny to watch Mike gape, a bit flustered.

Then of course, he indignantly protests: “I’m not trying to get in her pants. I’m just being nice, people do that sometimes, Harvey.”

“Does she not function without company?” Harvey raises a brow, already convinced but playing with Mike.

“Of course she does, she is studying to become a lawyer and wanted to ask questions about what we found while we worked,” Mike pouts. “Seeing that I am supposed to be the actual lawyer there, I thought I’d help out. I passed the bar, remember? A lot.”

“Yeah, yeah, you’re very smart,” Harvey rolls his eyes, his curiosity satisfied and Mike properly bullied, which is less fun to continue when the kid gets smart and cocky with him.

So, he lets that moment go. Only to be faced with a different name the moment they leave the building when Mike says: “Wait a sec, I have to ask Adam something.”

“Adam?” Harvey repeats, but Mike is already walking away.

Harvey watches him smile at the new guy he noticed at the front desk through observing Mike. He greets Mike, who greets him back with a grin, asking if got in.

“I did,” Adam, apparently, says. “The test went way better with your study and test tips, I even helped another girl trying to get in. I can start next semester. You’re the best, thanks so much.”

“It was nothing,” Mike smiles. “Glad I could help. And congratulations!”

“Thank you,” Adam returns the smile, puffing his chest proudly.

Harvey raises a brow as he listens. They have been drowning in the finance case, yet Mike has managed to help two separate people study. How – and more importantly, why – he found the time, Harvey doesn’t know.

“Really, it was all you,” Mike tells him. “Oh, and I meant to ask, we’re on the way to a meeting right now, but while we’re there a package for me is coming in. It’s a part of boat I need for a pro-bono. I know it’s going to be held up to check, which sucks, because I need it this afternoon.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Adam leans in a bit as he tells Mike that. “I’ll funnel it through.”

“Thank you, Adam,” Mike says sincerely. “You rock.”

“Good luck at your meeting, Mike,” Adam bids him farewell.

“I’ll kick their asses,” Mike promises with a grin as he joins Harvey again as they’re walking outside.

“You actually ordered a boat part for that pro-bono I shoved on you?” Harvey asks curiously, trying not to be impressed at how Mike uses his friendship to get things moved along. Harvey usually uses manipulation and power, but this works nicely too.

“I subpoenaed parts of the boat, yeah,” Mike shrugs. “They’re faulty and they know it. All I have to do is prove it.”

Harvey smirks at Mike’s cockiness that he helped create, but rolls his eyes too. Can’t have Mike thinking he cares about his development. So, instead he says: “You and your bleeding heart.”

“There’s nothing wrong with helping people,” Mike says. “Besides, I’m winning cases, you love winning cases.”

“So you don’t have a bleeding heart after all, interesting,” Harvey comments idly with a grin that gives away he is teasing Mike. “You just pretend for your own gain, so you can feel better about yourself.”

“Uhm, no,” Mike protests. “There is nothing wrong with feeling happy about yourself after helping someone. Everyone likes helping someone. Feeling useful. Even those who don’t think they do, secretly do. It’s human.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Harvey says, walking away with a sulking Mike trailing behind him as he ignores what Mike replies to that.

However the words lodge into Harvey’s brain in an irritating way. He hates how easily Mike has taken up space there, makes him curious, makes him break routines that have worked just fine for years.

It’s annoying and he hates it.

First, he had to notice how Mike knows everyone in Pearson Hardman and now he is forced to notice how friendly and helpful he is to all of them.

He comes to get Mike from the cube farm for an impromptu expedition/meeting to find him leaning over the desk of a blond associate. He is pointing at something and saying something that Harvey can’t hear, but when he gets closer he hears the blond say: “Ah, I get it now. Thanks, Mike.”

In one of his breaks he walks by that paralegal’s, Rachel, office and sees him with flash cards quizzing her. There is a thick book on his lap and he’s nodding encouragingly at her, cheering when she says something that is apparently right.

Later he runs into Mike when delivering something to the mail room, where Mike is helping a girl lift a heavy box onto a cart. “I got it Gina, don’t worry,” he tells her when she asks if he’s sure he can lift it.

Now Harvey has seen Mike struggle with these type of boxes and his noodle arms. So, he watches for a moment, waiting for it to turn sour on Mike as he assures her again: “No, really, don’t worry. It’s fine.”

And to everyone’s surprise, he does lift it. Up it goes and before he can ploink it down, the cart starts to roll away. Gina jumps and gets it, both making weird exclamations until the box is finally set down.

Once it’s in place, Mike cheers, pumping his fist, while Gina giggles and accepts his high five. They have their little celebratory moment and Harvey can’t help but smile at the scene.

When they’re done, Gina gets a package down for Mike, smiling at handing it to him as he asks after her kitten she has apparently named Snowball. She shows him a few pictures and Mike gushes over the kitten, neither of them noticing Harvey.

He watches them and a weird feeling gets over him.

It takes him a moment to realize what he’s feeling. At first he thinks he’s jealous, which he throws away as absurd, because he’s Harvey Specter and he’s not jealous of his associate watching cat pictures.

Then it hits him that the strange hollowness in his chest is loneliness, but there is also nostalgia mixed in there.

Like he said, he is Harvey Specter. He has a respectability that he didn’t have when working in the mail room himself. He has built himself up, but now doesn’t have those casual interactions that Mike has anymore.

This is confirmed again when Gina spots him and gasps, quickly putting away her phone as she says: “I’m so sorry, Mr. Specter. I didn’t see you. Is there a package not delivered?”

“No, I came to hand this over,” he tells her, holding out the package he has with him.

“What is it?” Mike asks as Gina takes it, looking curiously as he attempts to read the label. “What do you need to send to Mr. Colson? I didn’t know we had a case for him.”

“We don’t,” Harvey tells him, quickly saying to Gina: “I’d prefer if this gets send out as soon as possible.” She nods, getting to it, and Harvey returns his focus to Mike. “He asked me something about records of a while ago. He wants to check something, before thinking about a deal. Maybe if he goes through we have a case, but nothing for now.”

“Ahw,” Mike pouts. “I was hoping we finally had something interesting.”

“Is my paperwork not good enough?” Harvey asks jokingly.

“Never,” Mike grins.

Harvey smiles back fondly, the strange feeling from earlier forgotten as he banters with Mike, one of the few people who has no problem in ribbing him, calling him out on his shit or just generally discarding what he says. Which he reminds him to ask: “What are you even doing here?”

“Oh, yeah, I’m picking up something for Jenny,” Mike tells him. “She couldn’t leave her desk today, but she really needed it, so I offered to get it.”

“Jenny?” Harvey repeats the name, not sure if he is irritated with this new unknown person Mike is doing something nice for, or just tired of it.

“She’s Porter’s secretary,” Mike says.

The name Porter vaguely rings a bell with Harvey. One of the senior partners, if he’s right, (which he always is). He is on one of the lower floors and not someone Harvey cares about, so he just nods and lets it be, leaving in a fouler mood than he came in with.

Harvey doesn’t like this feeling he recognized in that mail room. He is happy where he is and the distance he keeps from people is a necessity, besides he gets enough closeness from the ladies that share his bed. He doesn’t like thinking that he has a defect. That he isn’t completely perfect and composed at all times.

It’s annoying and he hates it. A familiar feeling.

A feeling that isn’t helped with Mike being Mike. The kid is everywhere. Now, Harvey would never stoop so low as to avoid someone, but he is running into Mike outside their standard interactions more than he would like. And always the kid is being nice.

He comes in to see Mike handing Donna her morning coffee, he is giving a stack of paperwork he got from the printer to Rachel, he holds the door for one of the cleaners that he greets by name and at one point Harvey even finds him at the reception answering the phone, later explaining to Harvey that he was watching it since the receptionist, who manned the lines during the lunch break needed to pee and he was walking by.

Mike is like an irritating and continuous confrontation that Harvey does not have many friends. Hardly any, in fact. He can only count Donna, Jessica, Ray and Mike among his friends, Louis if he wants to vomit a bit in his mouth.

Sure, he can say he is friends with a lot of clients, but not in the way he is with the ones on that list. His clients always need him. He has to answer to their call, solve their problems. They pay him. There is just a distance.

So, the weeks go by and Harvey gets more and more annoyed with Mike, who is confused about the sudden change in treatment. Hell, even Donna starts raising her brows at him whenever Mike leaves his office after he snapped at him again.

And Harvey can’t really explain to her why pushing Mike away is easier than confronting all he represents. That would be too emotional and he tries to stay away from that as much as possible whenever he can.

However, his behavior is not something that he can sustain and Mike’s sad confused eyes each time he sends him away are starting to get to him. Something he also finds annoying. Yet he can’t help, but feel bad and a part of him knows that it’s going to coalesce into something soon.

He is proven correct about a month into his shift when Mike comes in unannounced, looking like a man on a mission.

“What have I done to you now?” he starts by asking that loudly. He is frowning and obviously worked up, making Harvey feel a bit bad.

But Harvey doesn’t do feeling bad for someone, so he raises a brow and plays dumb. “I have no idea what you think I’m doing now, but I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Really?” Mike’s upset is making place for righteous disbelief and anger. “I know you’re always a dick, but you’ve been upping you game and I have no clue why your angry at me now, because I have been nothing but helpful.”

Harvey nearly tells him that that’s exactly it. However, he restrains himself and just gives Mike an unimpressed look, before asking: “You done?”

“Seriously?” Mike says. “I can’t believe you.”

“Congratulations?” Harvey tells him, playing confused.

Mike takes a deep breath to calm his anger, before turning around and walking away. When he’s at the door and turns back to Harvey. He says: “I am walking away, so I don’t punch you, but don’t think this conversation is done.”

If Harvey is honest, he feels like he is being threatened by a puppy and lets Mike know that, but at the same time a heavy weight settles more in his chest. He watches Mike stomp away, Donna’s judgmental face in his periphery, and feels like he has made a mistake that he is going to feel.

“What the hell was that,” Donna comes bursting in when Mike has disappeared.

“You too?” he shoots back, playing cool.

“You know that you’ve been curt and stand offish to Mike,” Donna says. “You’ve been an asshole to him and he’s right to call you out, just because you can’t handle criticism.”

“Hey, I can handle criticism,” Harvey protests, knowing that Donna is a bit correct.

Donna levels him a look that would usually have him buying her a bag in an attempt to get that look off her face, though today his internal feelings are enough of a mess that he doubles down. He crosses his arms and looks right back.

“God, I can’t believe you,” she huffs, returning to her desk and leaving Harvey to wonder how he managed to piss off his two closest friends in a day.

He sits at his desk, trying to forget about it as he does his paperwork. It’s harder than he expected and he can’t help but go over the conversation and how he could have gone about it differently, something he never does about his conversations ever.

It’s all confusing and he hates the uncertainty. He hates that he is being put of balance by someone he thought would be no more than an associate he could push his pro-bonos and boring paperwork on.

But now he’s in his office struggling with emotions he thought he shut down ages ago, because the kid that has become his friend is kind to people. He nearly stays late to finish his work, but then decides he’s done with the whole day and just goes home early, not feeling up to going out and staying in alone, trying not to feel bad about himself.

What has his life come to?

Meanwhile, Mike is confused. He thought he and Harvey were friends, but then suddenly he is getting shut out and when he confronted Harvey about he’s just getting shut out more, even mocked for being upset.

He’s angry at Harvey, at himself, also a bit sad and confused. He sits at his desk, staring at his work, not really finishing it, but mostly flipping through it without taking it in.

Soon it’s late and he is one of the few people left in the office. When Janice and Carl come bustling in, he’s snapped out of his thoughts, smiling at them as he hears their argument about who’s turn it is to clean out Harold’s trashcan.

They spot him and greet him jovially and though he tries to return the same energy, it falls a bit flat and he sees it in Janice’s face, which shifts as she asks in a concerned voice: “What happened, dear? Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” he tells her unconvincingly.

She gives him another look and Carl joins her and says: “You should know her well enough by now that that’s not gonna fly, Mike.”

That gets a real chuckle out of him. Then he sighs when remembering that afternoon. He contemplates not telling them, but he’s been dying to just get it off his chest and they’re offering to listen, so he says: “I got mad at Harvey and he dismissed me entirely.”

“You finally confronted him about the ignoring?” Janice asks, having heard Mike’s confused rants earlier in the month.

“Yeah,” Mike confirms sadly.

“Well, he is a dick,” Carl says. “Everyone knows that. It was just a matter of time, before he turned it on you as well. I’ve told you.”

“I know, Carl,” Mike replies, “but I swear I thought he wouldn’t be like that to me. We’re friends.”

“That man has no friends,” Janice bristles.

“I’m his friend,” Mike says.

“Not if he’s mad at you for it,” Janice tells him.

Mike thinks about the words. Part of him knows that what Harvey is doing isn’t okay, but something keeps tugging on him anyway. A flash in Harvey’s eyes, a small turn in his mouth or an expression flitting across his features, like there is something more there, like there is something he’s not saying.

Still, it’s not really an excuse, so he nods: “You’re right, I just don’t know what to do. I thought telling him might work, but it obviously hasn’t, so what now?”

“Be petty,” Carl suggests.

“Yes!” Janice immediately agrees. “He doesn’t appreciate you as a friend, so stop being a friend. He will know what he did.”

“But he’s my boss,” Mike protests. “I can’t just not do stuff for him.”

Both of them level a look at him and Mike shifts in his seat a bit, unsure of what he has said now. At that point Janice rolls her eyes and says: “Boy, we both know you do more than you need. You don’t have to do all that.”

“Maybe,” Mike says after a moment.

Janice looks like she’s about to argue again, but Carl cuts her off before she can begin with: “You know that’s the best we’re getting out of this idiot.”

“Hey!” Mike exclaims as Janice shrugs in agreement. The two laugh at him for it, then turn back to their work, going over all the office gossip while they clean.

As they talk, Mike thinks over what they said in the back of his mind. He knows that they have a point and by the time he leaves work he is convinced it’s the best way to keep working, but also let Harvey know he’s not happy with how he was treated. Having a plan gives him peace of mind and he gets a good nights rest.

Over the course of the next weeks, Harvey realizes he was right about that conversation coming back for him in a bad way.

The day after the confrontation had gone down was mostly the same, however, Harvey didn’t see Mike much that day. It is only later that he realizes that he has fucked up and Mike is showing his upset by… Well, by not being his friend.

Suddenly Harvey is confronted by all the little moments in a day where he and Mike have friendly interactions that boost his mood and make him smile. It is such a cliché that he only notices them after they’re gone.

When Mike comes in to hand him stuff there is no more banter, he doesn’t grin and ramble his findings, just reports them in an even voice. He doesn’t stop for hotdogs. He doesn’t hold doors or waits at the car. And he doesn’t come into Harvey’s office to complain about Louis, bringing his work to finish it there.

Mike is just like any other employee.

And he is not the only one who notices. Donna hasn’t commented yet, but she gives him apologetic eyes through the glass when Mike brings her her morning coffee without acknowledging Harvey. Or when he leaves after reporting what he found in a matter-of-fact way.

The whole experience is soul crushing and Harvey has no clue what the hell he is going to do about it, since it is so far out of his comfort zone that he never prepared a contingency for it.

So, he sits in his office watching Mike walk away over and over again unable to do anything. The great Harvey Specter doesn’t know insecurity like this. But then again, the great Harvey Specter has always been an armor for plain old Harvey, who is human like everyone else.

It frustrates him to the point of self reflection, a place he tries to avoid, because if he’s honest he has made enough mistakes that he doesn’t want to confront himself with.

However, after weeks of suffering a corporately polite cold shoulder he is quite done with it all. He is upset and frustrated, an emotion mostly aimed at himself, and desperate for a solution to get one of the positive interactions in his life back. He hates the gray feeling, like a cloudy sky when there was a bright sun predicted.

Most of all, he is lonely.

Now, Harvey has been lonely for years. Law school should be the place to make friends, but being older than the others with a set of trust issues that would make any interaction difficult, the sneaking world of lawyer backstabbing wasn’t the place for him to make friends. And that had just never stopped.

The only person he had let his guard down to before now was Donna. She is his rock and has been so for years. But she has had to win his trust, proven herself over and over again. She’s not like Mike.

Mike, who came crashing into his life and made himself at home there even if he had no business doing so. Mike, who he gave a way to ruin his career and trusts not to use it. Mike, who had him opening up like he’s known him for much longer. Mike, who is the first person he has ever had such a click with. Mike, who he lost because he’s too stubborn.

Fucking hell.

He is out of his chair before he knows it, replying to Donna’s inquiry of where the hell he’s going with a noncommittal grunt.

Over the past week Mike has been able to ignore him better, since Louis has a big case and thus has locked all the associates and paralegals alike in the library again. It’s a guarantee that Mike will be there and while Harvey hasn’t thought out all the details of the confrontation, he knows he has to act if he wants to end this misery.

So, he walks through the hall, determined to pull Mike out of there and say… Well, say something. He’ll figure it out.

However, when he gets to the library there is a slight delay in his plans as his eyes fall on Mike. He has to take a moment to look at his associate, who is sitting on a table with a few people surrounding him while they’re taking a break of some sort. (The fact that Louis is nowhere to be seen the obvious reason there even if a break).

Harvey isn’t focused on why there is a break, though. He is looking at Mike sitting om that table, elevated above the others a bit as he talks, likely telling a story of sorts.

Sitting at his feet are Rachel, Stacy, the blond associate guy and a few others Harvey doesn’t recognize. Mike is sitting at a side of the room, but it still feels like all movement is orbiting him and when he lands the punchline, Harvey sees not only his immediate surroundings laugh, but others, who are more far off, smile as well.

Everyone in that room is touched by Mike. Whether directly or indirectly, he is affecting the mood inside. He is a beacon of hope in Louis’ hellscape. And no one is being jealous like Harvey was, they accept his presence and bask in how he lightens the mood.

Mike is a sun, his light and warmth reaching everyone, Harvey realizes. Mike is the sun in a solar system and Harvey can be a planet without loosing light to the others. Mike isn’t dimmer for Harvey just because his light reaches more people and it is stupid to think like that.

He can also be part of the group Mike cares for, he just has to not be an ass about it. Something akin to a plan is forming as he watches Mike listen intently to something the blond associate is telling him, nodding along.

The peace is broken by the arrival of Louis, spotted by an associate, who whistles as everyone scrambles back to their place.

Mike looks up in his scramble, meeting Harvey’s eyes, while his own widen. He is surprised by his presence there and Harvey knows this is the moment to start making it up to him, so when it becomes clear not everyone is getting back to their chair in time, Harvey turns to Louis, who is coming closer by the second and calls out: “Louis, hey!”

Louis immediately whirls to him, eyes narrowing in suspicion. He walks up to Harvey, chest puffed up, blind to all else, and asks: “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Checking up on you,” Harvey replies with a shit eating grin, knowing that comment is going to push all of Louis’ buttons.

“You? You are checking up on me?” Louis asks indignantly. “It’s none of your business how my case is going. I don’t need you to check my work. But if you must know it’s going great, I’m getting a settlement so big my father is finally going to be proud of me.”

In the background, Harvey can see the last people pretend to have been working the entire time, so he shrugs: “That’s cool, Louis,” in a bored tone. “I was actually here to get Mike.”

It takes Louis a moment to re-calibrate to the new conversation topic and tone. When he does, he is right back on his indignant train. “You can’t have him! I am in charge of the associates as you so often seem to forget and your little golden boy is still also an associate. I need him on this project and you’re not getting him.”

“Louis,” Harvey says, his tone serious and he hates that he is semi-sucking up to Louis, but this is important. “I get that you have to deliver right now and Mike is your associate too. However, Mike is my only associate and I need him real quick.”

Again Louis’ eyes narrow as he asks: “How quick?” because of course that tactic would work.

“Just have to discuss something with him,” Harvey answers.

Louis thinks about it for a second, enjoying the smidgen of power he has in this conversation, though Harvey knows he could just pull Mike out without asking. The only reason he’s even bothering is to help the associates and paralegals inside, why he doesn’t know, but it feels nice to do something.

‘Everyone likes helping someone. Feeling useful. Even those who don’t think they do, secretly do. It’s human.’

Mike’s words echo around his brain and a weird repulsion of his good feeling goes through him that he suppresses. He is here to make it up to Mike, not discover that he has even more squishy emotions than he’s prepared to admit to today.

While he’s going to a vast range of emotions in a short time, Louis is thinking. Harvey’s thoughts are cut off by Louis saying: “Okay. Ten minutes. And that’s all you’re getting, not a second longer.”

“Alright, Louis,” Harvey says, sidestepping Louis to look back into the library and calling out: “Mike!”

Mike looks up, raising a brow, almost reluctant to make contact with Harvey. Harvey tries to ignore that as he waves him over. Luckily Mike is professional to come without making a scene and together they step out of the library.

The hallway is deserted, everyone knows to avoid Louis and his mania. And for a moment Harvey and Mike face each other. Then Mike, ever the professional, asks: “Is there something you needed me for?”

“Uhm, well, yeah,” Harvey says scratching his eyebrow, suddenly unsure of what to say when faced with Mike.

Of course Mike catches on to his nervousness (and god does he hate that he even is nervous), because Harvey can see him wanting to ask what’s wrong and physically stop himself by biting his lip.

“I have been a dick. To you,” he starts out, just biting the bullet since he sees no other way he is getting this out. “And I’m sorry for that. These weeks have sucked. You did nothing but be nice and I was an asshole for no reason. So, uhm, can we be friends? Again? Please.”

The fact that Mike’s mouth opens in surprise says a lot about the whole situation. Once he has picked up his jaw, however, Mike says: “Oh, uhm, wow, I didn’t expect that. Are you going to keep being a dick?”

“What?”

“I mean, probably not, since you’re apologizing, but I don’t know, maybe you just realized it, but you don’t know how to stop yourself from doing it again and then in a few months we’ll be right back here and that will suck even more, so-”

“Mike.” Harvey decides to put an end to the rambling. “I am going to try to not be a dick. Be nicer and shit. Is that good enough?”

That earns him a scrutinizing look, before Mike nods and smiles: “Yeah, course,” because of course Mike is forgiving like that as well.

“Good,” Harvey nods, feeling awkward now that the conversation is done.

“Kind of how you just helped out with Louis,” Mike says, either not noticing or caring about the weird silence that fell. “That was nice of you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Harvey denies it immediately.

For a second he thinks that he fucked up again, but then Mike grins mischievously. “Whatever helps you sleep at night,” he shrugs, before whispering: “I know you caaaare.”

“Shut up,” Harvey rolls his eyes, grinning as well.

“Alright, alright,” Mike lets it go. Then looks back to the library, before asking: “How did you convince Louis to let me go anyway?”

“I told him we had a discussion and you’d be back in a few minutes,” Harvey shrugs.

“You’re sending me back there?” Mike asks.

“Well,” Harvey says, like he’s contemplating it. Then he breaks by smiling: “Of course not, I’m breaking you out.”

“Hell yeah!” Mike pumps his fists and the two quickly leave, giggling like school kids, who just pulled a prank.

Donna looks relieved when they return together, bantering like they’ve always done. She meets Harvey’s eyes for a moment and he has to look away to not get uncomfortable at how proud she looks of him.

Mike hides in his office for the rest of the day and the next day he has coffee for Donna and Harvey, just barging into his office, already talking.

The clouds have pulled away and the sun is peeking out again. There is a bit of tranquility that has returned, a sense of stability.

And if Harvey holds doors more often and greets people he doesn’t have to, well, then that’s his own business. There’s nothing wrong with building his own little solar system.

A/N:

I’ve just re-watched Heartstopper before writing parts of this and I feel you can see my sponge tendencies in some parts lmao, sorry

Also, Harvey is a deeply repressed person with very unhealthy coping mechanisms and I attempted to highlight that a bit here (he needed the therapy)

#RR writing #tw: abandonment issues #suits tv show #suits fanfic #suits tv #suits #harvey and mike #mike ross #harvey specter #donna paulsen #louis litt #original characters #OCs #request

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palemoonskin · 2 years

Text

Fried eggs in the morning

smut, praise kink, fem reader, fingering, petnames, fluff

My first English smut, lol. Eh... Chubby! Black! Reader with self esteem issues gets eaten out by her bf Peter Parker. That's it. That's the story. And she plays animal crossing. My English sucks, I'm sowwy <3

4k words

The delicious smell of fried eggs fills the room and because your kitchen isn't really separated from your sleeping room, that is also your living room, you are sure he can smell it, too. Even if he sleeps. Your Apartment isn't really big, yet still better than what other people have to call their homes in New York. A big one room apartment, but luckily you don't have that many friends and you also don't get visitors often and therefore it doesn't matter that you sleep in your living room. A big, comfy bed, on the opposite of it a not so big flat-screen you had to get on a sale and the rest of the month you were only able to mostly eat white bread with… well, whatever you could find.

But for you it's enough.

For him, too.

Peter Parker whose knocking took you out of your bed last night. He does that frequently, does it to be able to spend at least a bit of his busy schedule with you, after his patrol. Yesterday though, it seemed to last a little longer than usual. His excuse, or explanation, maybe, for waking you up in the middle of the night was that he missed you. And didn't want to wake up aunt May.

She was worried enough already about the way things were. You also love May. She's sweet and friendly, courteous and whenever you visit her, she shines like the sun, so, so happy. She's so happy about her dear baby having found someone who loves him, cherishes him.

And how much you do.

That's why the shock of finding out what your boyfriend does in his free time was so big. Webbing through the city, kicking delinquents asses, helping nice, old women to cross the street and show off to his fans with his occasional backflip.

When you met him, he was more on the quiet and shy side. At least, the outside seemed like it. It didn't take you two long to get to know each other better and Peter started warming up around you. Around this time, when you started spending more time with him, you noticed something different. A warm feeling in your stomach, how it felt like twisting around, squirming, whenever he looked at you with these big, hazel eyes. You started searching, and succeeding, for more and more reasons to touch him, be close to him. And it felt like a dream, still does, sometimes. You never even dared to think that someone like him, someone so handsome, smart, thoughtful and sweet would ever show any kind of interest in you.

You yourself are a shy girl; nondescript, being able to blend in with those around you perfectly. Not very popular and used to getting bullied because of your body. You're chubby. While your parents always told you that you're fine, you were never really able to believe it. All you've seen were these beautiful, skinny girls with pale skin and long, straight, silky hair and everyone seemed to love them. Whenever they stepped into a room, all eyes were on them. Or their pretty outfits you would never dare to wear, their hairstyles you would never be able to do because your hair doesn't work like straight hair, their shiny, blue eyes, the way they —

„Ow!"

Getting caught up in your daydreams all the time has a price. You burned your finger, yet again. You take it into your wet mouth, blow against it before you start shaking it a bit and hold it under cold water, trying to make the burning pain go away. Another trait of yours you deeply dislike. Not like the Spiderling who still sleeps in your bed, looking like he doesn't even know the words worry, stress or anger.

He loved it. He loved you.

The way your nose crunches whenever you laugh, the way your hair never seems to completely listen to you nor do what you want, the way your eyes lighten up whenever you see a cute animal, how he would sometimes wake up to 10+ new messages of you, just of memes. Everything others have ever criticized about you, your loud, hearty laugh, how you wear your heart on your sleeve — people often calling you too sensitive — apparently was one more reason for him to love you.

You turn the hotplate off, stir the fried eggs again which started to gain more and more similarity with scrambled eggs than with actual fried ones. You put it on the side, set the lid on it and wash your hands, before you take the chance to take another look behind you, on the bed. He's still lying there and you start to, yet again, wonder why, of all people, he chose you. Not just for the fact that you two are in a relationship, absolutely happy, no. He even entrusted you with his biggest secret.

The corners of your mouth pull slightly up at the thought and on your tiptoes you approach the sleeping hero. The way he lies there it's hard to believe that he regularly beats up things that could kill you with a single hit. In a red-blue costume.

You do your best to be as quiet as possible as you get next to him, but the bed still creaks underneath you. In less than a second your gaze focuses on him again but luckily everything you see is his relaxed, sleeping face, a soft snore from time to time.

How adorable.

Peter looks so pretty and cute and most of all innocent. Hard to believe he's Spider-Man. Smoothly your fingers go nearer and nearer his face, brushing a few brown hair strands away. And his eyelids twitch. Your hand pulls away fastly but is stopped by his fingers, wrapping around your wrist. He draws them in front of his face. Still sleepy and with closed eyes his lips come nearer, softly kissing the pads of your fingers, so gentle as if you were made out of glass. As if you could break at the simple touch of him. Your heart skips a beat and you truly feel like he could break you. In the most beautiful, artistic way. You would let him.

He puts your hand on his cheek and you're not able to look away from him. He is so warm and soft, a little stubble that feels so, so good on your skin. So right. Like his skin was made to be touched by your fingers.

„… G-Good morning!", you stutter, obvious embarrassment in your voice.

„Mornin'.", he smirks, using his free hand to rub his sleepy eyes.

Your breath stops for a moment

„Thanks for taking care of me last night.", his fingers run through his hair and he slowly opens his eyes, looking through long, thick lashes, still with this damn smirk on his face.

„My Love."

„… No problem…", comes out in a quiet mutter, your fingers touching the bed underneath you, trying to distract you, to find something that takes the embarrassment out of you.

„I've made breakfast."

You hear a gentle yawn, as he looks at you, the smirk turning into a big grin.

And you can hear yourself gulp again.

„You're too good to me."

He stands up, making his way into the kitchen. The sheets fall down and you get a good look at his body; his defined abs, his muscular legs, his so, so strong arms which often held you, safe and secure, letting you forget about all the worries in your life. At least for a brief moment.

You blink a few times, trying to get back into reality and your eyes locking the bed underneath you yet again.

There's a rustle, soft scratching from metal on metal and a quiet but still absolute lovely humming. It makes you feel warm on the inside and your lips form a firm smile.

You love this dude so much.

„ You ate already?"

Your body does a little jump at the sudden question. Why were you so nervous all the time?

„No… Not hungry."

He opens the fridge and your fingers claw into your thighs, eyes piercing them. Don't look, don't look, don't -

As if he could read minds.

„You can look at me.", the door closes and he holds a bag of milk in his hands, „I'm your boyfriend, after all."

He takes a big sip, right out of the box and if you weren't so love struck, on cloud 9 and tense, you would have scolded him.

But not now.

He puts the milk away, starts eating. At least it looks like it from behind. You finally manage to lift your gaze, look at his backside.

You had no idea a simple, muscular back could make you feel like this.

„You should eat something.", he says between bites, „My Love."

Starting an argument is useless, you know that. That's why you don't say anything. You watch him in silence, how he stands in the kitchen, slowly rocking left to right, while putting the fork to his mouth and before you know it, he's done, plate empty. He looks over his shoulder, right into your eyes.

For a moment, he just stands there and you feel a light shudder running through your whole body. A smile appears on his pretty, so kissable lips, inch by inch and your heart is beating like crazy, you feel like you can hear it ring in your ears. Like it is telling you it wants to jump out, right into his hands.

But it already belongs to him.

He runs his fingers through his hair again before he disappears into the bathroom and for the first time in what feels like weeks for you, you can breathe.

You can hear the water running and your mind automatically does the rest. Imaging his toned body, his abs, his strong arms, getting all wet.

Stop, stop, stop.

Another breath, way louder and deeper than before and you let yourself fall onto your bed again. The mattress squeaks, you run your fingers over your sheets, feeling the cold surface of your switch. You grab it and turn it on, playing animal crossing. The happy music tootles in your ears, you lay on your stomach and your legs bob up and down. You hum to the music while you're trying your best to get a villager you really don't like to move out and you're so focused, so in your game, that you don't realise that he's already back in the room. You only react when the mattress goes down a bit and in the blink of an eye you're sitting straight on the bed.

He's sitting in front of you, hair still damp. He changed his shorts, drying himself with a white, very soft towel. A few drops fall off his hair onto his chest, sliding down the rest of his body.

And you swallow.

He notices, smiles at you and leans into your direction. Your cheeks flush pink as you look into his face.

„You're so cute.," soft voice, lovey-dovey, „When you're focused, I mean. How you were humming the music of your game."

He leans nearer until his head rests on your shoulder and you instinctively brush through his hair. He closes his eyes and for a moment, you both are silent.

„… What kind of game is it?"

„Uh… huh?"

„That game.", he taps on your switch display once, „I often see you play it. What's it about?"

„O-Oh. Uhm… you wouldn't care, it's dumb."

He looks up at you, into your eyes, deep, so deep as if he could see right into your soul.

„No.", he breathes against your skin, making you shudder, „It makes you happy. I don't think it's dumb."

He leans closer to your face until you can feel his warmth on your lips, „Tell me about it.," he mumbles against them, „My Love."

But you don't want to talk about your game. You want to bury your fingers in his brown, soft hair, deep and tight, want to feel his soft lips on yours, his strong hands on your body, inhaling his scent, just be with him. Be with him the way no one else is allowed to.

Regardless, you do as he wants. You talk about it.

„Well, basically… it's a game where you have your own island you can decorate however you want and there are these animal villagers and you're the only human…"

He puts his head on your lap while you keep on petting his hair.

„You can fish and catch bugs and sell them to get money for buying cool stuff like clothes or furniture…"

You flinch as you feel his warm lips on your skin, your thighs. You're only wearing a grey shirt you got from him and pink panties. Not even a bra.

Other girls would look so cute in their boyfriends clothes. They sink into them because pretty girls are small and petite and you're not. You're not and will never be and —

„Keep on talking, Princess."

You take in a sharp breath at his words and again as he starts to suck softly on your skin.

„Y-You can get a bigger house… a-and you can… you…"

He looks up to you and you see a grin.

Enough to get tingles on your skin, a warm feeling deep inside your stomach.

He laughs. Softly, low and the tingle of your skin gets worse, spreading through your whole body, your chest, your arms, your legs…

Your center.

„W-What's so funny?" you manage to ask him and he shakes his head.

„Nothing."

Oh,okay .

„You're just so pretty and cute and I love you." he says suddenly, he's fast, getting up again, his face right in front of you.

And you stop breathing.

Peter's lips kiss your cheek, your nose, find their way to your ear and you need to hold onto something. Your arms lay around him, grab him.

„I want to eat you out."

These words make your wetness clench around nothing. You try to get away but he holds you still, softly sucking on your earlobe before he keeps sweet talking. You shudder and can hear yourself whimper.

„Wanna make you feel good. Wanna hear you moan my name.", he kisses his way down your neck, his hands on the hem of your, his, shirt, slowly, so so slowly and gently pulling it up.

„P-Peter…"

And he stops, looks at you with worry in his eyes.

„Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you?"

He's so considerate, nice, cute.

„Do you want me to stop?"

„No!"

You want him to keep going. But you're scared. So scared of the possibility that he could be disgusted by you. That he could be disgusted by what he sees, by the things he has already seen dozens of times.

There has never been a single moment in the whole relationship with the Spiderling, in which you felt ugly. In which you felt undesirable, disgusting, or like he didn't want you.

He always made you feel loved. Made you feel good. Took his time to make you feel even better.

„I just…"

And he gets it. Like he always does. Like he was meant to meet you.

„Babe, I love you. So much. So fucking much."

You know.

„Nothing makes me happier than you. Nothing makes me happier than seeing you happy."

Your head turns away and your cheeks turn into a deep red. His lips part, ready to speak again.

„You can keep going.", you hear your own voice say.

And he closes them, lips turning into a smirk.

Peter nods.

„My pleasure.", he murmurs as his mouth caresses your shoulders, his hands pulling the shirt up again, baring your stomach.

You can feel his fingers putting weight onto you, pushing you into the mattress and your first instinct is to cover your now exposed tummy. It's not flat like the ones of the pretty girls in school. Not trained like the ones of the girls you see regularly in TV, magazines. Everywhere.

It's soft and has stretch marks. It wiggles a bit when he moves you and you hate it.

But he doesn't let you.

„Stop hiding yourself."

Peter holds your wrists into one of his hands, puts them over your head as he looks at you. Looks at you like you were the one who put the stars into the sky.

And you feel yourself getting even wetter.

„You're so pretty.", comes gently from him as he buries his face in the soft skin of your tummy, placing what feels like a thousand kisses on it.

„Mhn. P-Peter…"

„I'm gonna make you feel s'good.", mumbling against your warm, trembling skin.

„So, so good, " he repeats, like a mantra, „Until you love yourself as much as I do."

You breathe in sharply, his kisses going higher, his hands caressing your waist while he pulls his shirt up even higher.

And you hate your chest.

You wish you had perky, small breasts. Perfectly standing, not even a bit saggy. Small, pink nipples.

But you didn't. And you hated it.

„Peter…"

His chin rests right under your tits as he looks at you and you swallow. He's so pretty, so gorgeous, so handsome. And he wants you, wants to kiss you, loves you, wants to eat you out. This perfect face wants to be buried between your thighs, pressed against your wetness —

Your cunt clenches once again and you can hear yourself holding back a moan.

„Can I?"

A moment of silence, a nod follows and he doesn't need to be told twice.

„Thank you, Princess." barely more than a moan as he continues to expose the rest of your body. Your tanned, soft skin that felt like silk under his fingers.

„Thank you so much."

And he pulls it up, over your head and you lay bare. You want to hide, hide your whole body. Your weird face, your fat tummy, your ugly breasts, your —

And he looks at you in a way that could make you cry. Like you were the most precious thing he has ever put his eyes upon.

„So. Goddamn. Pretty.", his eyes hover over your body, stop at your panties. You want to press your legs together, but Peter holds them, looks between them and grins.

„Gonna take care of that real soon. Don't worry about it."

And your cunt clenches again as you feel yourself getting even wetter.

He lets your legs be as he buries his face into your breast, sucking on your nipple, making you moan lightly. He takes his time, his hands drawing circles and hearts and shapes on your skin, occasionally touching your sides, your thighs just the right way. Just hard enough, grabbing you, showing how much he loves your body.

„So… hot ….", you hear him mumble and you almost let another moan escape.

Peter parts himself from your now hard nipple, looking at it. He breathes against it and makes you squirm at the sudden cold. Shortly after, another grin on his lips appears, his gaze searching for yours.

„Gonna make you scream."

His hands bury deeper into the soft, sun kissed skin on your hips.

„Gonna make you lose your mind."

His hands travel to your back.

„Gonna make you feel like you're in heaven."

His fingers bury deep, deep into the skin of your ass.

„Let me.", a kiss placed on your stomach, „Let me eat that pretty pussy of yours."

His hands travel to your thighs, grabbing them, holding them apart. His nose is rubbing against the thin layer of fabric against your pussy.

„Let me taste it."

You can't hold back anymore as you squirm even more, moan slightly and with trembling hands you do your best to push your panties away, down your legs, throwing it somewhere in the room. Doesn't matter where.

He looks at your wetness, licking his lips.

„So needy."

„Peter, please -"

„ Shush ."

A kiss on your thigh follows, before you feel a finger on your mid, going up and pushing between the puffy folds, into your wetness, spreading it around your hole, your clit, making you moan.

„ God , babe. You're so wet for me.", he laughs lowly and you can hear, almost feel, the admiration in his voice.

With his other hand, he spreads your lips, looking at your wet center thoroughly. It makes you turn your head away, close your eyes.

So embarrassing.

Then he pushes a finger inside and your month goes agape.

„Fuck.," he curses under his breath, „So tight."

Another digit follows, spreading you wide open and you can slowly feel the pleasure eating you up. The warm feeling inside you. You can't hold yourself as you start to moan louder, your fingers grabbing into the sheets.

And it rips as Peter starts sucking your swollen bundle of nerves. A low laugh vibrates through it, he has probably noticed it, heard it. The ripping. Oh, what he does to you.

He sucks on your clit, moaning at your taste, brows frowning, cheeks turning red and his fingers starting to fuck you.

More, more, more.

Your hands travel down the sheets, stopping at his hair. Your fingers bury into the brown locks and your back arches. His tongue on your clit, exactly knowing what to do, the way you liked it, loved it, the way it drove you crazy.

Your thighs tremble, push together, press his head even more into yourself. Into your hot wetness.

„Fuck! Peter!"

You feel him moan against your clit again and he adds a third finger, knuckles deep into your pussy, making obscene, wet sounds and you pull on his hair, pushing your cunt harder onto his face, slowly losing yourself.

Peter, Peter, Peter.

Fucking God.

His hands grab onto your thighs, opening them a bit and you hear him take in a few breathes of fresh air.

„I'm… Sorry."

He immediately shakes his head, not looking away from your wet, trembling pussy.

„Don't be. Its good."

He licks your juices from his lips, looks at you now. You swallow, want to look away.

„Please don't.", you hear him beg with pleading eyes and you clench around his fingers again.

A smirk.

„You look so hot. So pretty."

And you get even tighter.

„I wish I could stay here forever. Making you feel good all day, all night."

You moan.

„Next time, sit on my face, Princess. I want you to use me."

An even louder moan. With every thrust, your juice leaks out of you, wetting his hand, the inside of your thighs, the bed underneath you.

“I-I'm gonna -"

He comes up again, face to face, but before you can look away, you feel his hand on your jaw. Warm and strong and another moan escapes.

„Look at me."

He thrusts harder.

„I want to see your face when you come for me."

And you do.

You moan his name, almost scream and you know your neighbors are gonna talk to you about it tomorrow. Again. But you don't care.

You only care about his fingers fucking you, his pretty brown eyes devouring you, your hands in his hair.

„Come for me, princess."

His mouth moves to your ear.

„Let go. For me, pretty girl."

And you go tight, so, so tight around his fingers, his words driving you crazy as your whole body twitches, your eyes roll back in your head, back arching again as your high eats you up.

„Such a good girl. Good, good girl.", mumbling in your ear, „Coming for me. So loud. So wet."

You fall back into the mattress, he pulls his fingers out and puts them into his mouth.

All while he looks at you.

You hear yourself swallow and you turn your head away.

Embarrassing…

Peter lets out a quiet, low laugh. So full of love, admiration.

„I love you."

If you like this, please consider liking or even reblogging it! It would mean the world to me <3

#peter parker x reader #tasm fanfiction #tasm peter x reader #tasm!peter x you #peter parker x reader smut

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