#girl help I can’t stop majoring this English | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

starswguru · 1 month

Text

❝ message in a bottle ; 마크이

𖥻 pairing: college!mark lee x female reader

𖥻 contains: college!au, fluff, slight angst, second chance romance

𖥻 warnings: swearing, marijuana & alcohol consumption / english is not my first language and this is my first work ever on tumblr so i am sorry if there are any grammar mistakes or misspellings

word count — 4.06k

synopsis — you and mark were in a situationship for a few months before things ended poorly when you got too scared of your feelings and he had to leave the country for an exchange program in london. now, six months later, you were at a party with your friends and discovered mark was back in town.

🎀

AND just like that, your whole world stopped spinning for a long and torturous minute. in the blink of an eye, you went from being over-the-moon excited — and slightly intoxicated — with the idea of partying with your friends during the first summer night before heading to your hometown in the next couple of days to being paralyzed, feeling all your blood get drained far away from where it should be in your body. in the blink of an eye, you went from being a happy girl with the arrival of the last member of your friend group to someone terrified with the sight of a ghost from the past. a quick glance, unintended by all means, in mark’s direction was all it took for the memories from that previous year to come flooding back to hit you like a lost train.

“hey, princess,” he said. his cheeks burning in a shade of shameful red, but something stronger than him was preventing his stare from going anywhere else other than your eyes. there was a blunt hanging between his teeth. “how you doing?”

“that’s it, guys; i’m done with this. i’m just gonna change my major or something like that! everything’s going terribly wrong, and i can’t keep torturing myself by studying this shit.”

you dropped your head and rested your forehead on your arm that lay on top of the desk in front of you right as the confession slipped from your lips like a dangerous poison that you should not have taken. it was the first time you’d ever said it out loud to someone else to hear — other than the mischievous voice inside your head — how you truly felt about the english major you were pursuing. the fear of judgment and of being too hasty about this decision was corroding every last bit of your emotional health, and because of it, you could sense that a storm was coming. what if you did change majors and ended up not adapting? how would you find a job, or better yet: how would you support living all by yourself if you couldn’t even pick an undergraduate academic path? time was running out, and the unbearable clock inside your mind wouldn’t give you a break. the tick-tacking of the goddamn thing was going to drive you to insanity at any point soon.

“hey, chill for once, okay? it’s normal to feel like that and to want something new. hell, i know i had to change my major twice before finding out what i actually wanted to do. jae did the same thing. you’re not alone.” jeno offered you a small yet reassuring smile or someone who didn’t quite know what to say but still wanted to see his friend more relaxed.

“exactly! take a deep breath and think things through with an easy heart. if you need help, we’re here to help you." swallowing the last bite of the sandwich he had bought earlier, renjun tapped the notebook in front of him. “how’s that linguistics project going?”

as you raised your head, you shook your head in a negative sign. “i mean, it’s good. too good, actually… and that’s sort of the problem. like, the dude i’m working with is super sweet and really fucking good at this class and so he’s kind of doing the whole thing by himself and dragging me along with it ever since we started. i feel terrible, even if he says it’s all good and stuff, but it is what it is, i guess.”

before either of the guys could express any opinion about what was just said, a guy with freshly cut black hair — it was even possible to see the drawing of a spiderweb on the left side of his undercut —, earphones in and a large yankees shirt approached the desk, more specifically you, and offered a genuine smile that wasn’t common to see between two colleagues who were only working on a school project together at you. the unknown man squatted so he could be at your height and unlocked his ipad’s screen to the word document the two of you were using to write notes together, or at least that was the initial idea because the reality was that mark was doing all of it alone, proudly.

“oh, hi, y/n, you good? just wanted to ask you a quick question… have you taken a look at this topic right here? i know we’re only supposed to work on it in two weeks but i was wondering if maybe you’ve come up with the same conclusion as me.”

feeling a thousand times more embarrassed than if a professor asked you to present a thirty-minute seminar alone in front of the whole class, you felt the tip of your fingers getting cold and a thin droplet of sweat rolling down your temple. “uhm, hey, mark. yeah, about that… look, i didn’t really have a chance to look at that yet, i’m sorry. i can barely manage this week’s assignments, let alone two weeks from now. i- i’ll text you when i read it, okay?”

you didn’t know it at the time — or if you did, you had an enviable ability of discretion — but every single time mark heard his name escape from your heavenly drawn lips, his heart would skip a beat or two and he felt like he was about to combust at any second. it was the first time in his whole life that he had ever felt that way about someone and dealing with feelings of that magnitude was both weird and extraordinary, which meant that the ravenette wasn’t completely aware of how to process them. mark’s solution for his overwhelming thoughts whenever you were around was to take charge of everything he could in that project, to make you feel relaxed about that one particular class. the canadian was terrible at linguistics, for his skills were much more reliable during literature classes: he could interpret and internalize poetry from the eighteenth century like it was nothing, and plays written in latin during the roman empire were of natural understanding for him; and yet, ever since the first day of that semester in which it was requested that both of you joined efforts to build the complicated assignment, it was impossible for mark to not pull all-nighters reading texts and more texts, watching one video class after another that broke down the subject of that class just so he could give his absolute best when the time came to work alongside you and you didn’t find him an idiot, as most people in that university usually did after meeting him for the first time.

mark just wanted to impress you and the last thing he could be worried about was doing all that alone, as long as it meant that he could still have the minimum interaction with you.

“yeah, sure, that’s cool. if you need anything let me know, alright?”

you were still in a state of complete shock. no words would come out of your mouth, making it impossible to answer properly the question directed at you by the boy that a year before was the reason for many sleepless nights and therapy sessions, through no fault of his, which was even worse, because mark was perfect and you hated yourself for how everything ended.

a cold breeze, too cold for a summer night, hit the both of you with enough strength to make you shiver and it was only then that you realized that none of your friends were around anymore. you were alone again with mark for what had felt like a lifetime since he left the country for an exchange program in london and with enough unspoken words to make the whole situation a million times more uncomfortable than it needed to be. what were you supposed to say right now? “oh, hi, mark, long time no see! listen, i’m really sorry for being horrible to you last year, i’ve spent the last six months torturing myself because i only woke up to the fact that i had let the perfect guy for me get away too late to try and fix everything”? you ran your fingers through your hair, knowing that there were no words of your knowledge that could make it easier, that could put together again the pieces of what had once been something magical that the two of them were building.

you couldn’t care less about all those times your therapist tried to be kinder to your heart than you had ever been, or how your friends always tried to distract your mind from the constant haunt of self-collection and, to be honest, didn’t really mind that yes, after all the effort and studying, you had managed to change your major to something you actually enjoyed if the price for it was to drop the perfect crystal piece that was mark’s precious heart. there were no words that could take that back, and going against every piece of advice that was given to you, you had imagined more times than you’d like to admit how this encounter would play out: what you would do, what you would say or not say, how it’d feel… but none of those scenarios inside your mind was anywhere near to the real sensation of being in front of him again.

mark looked taller — or maybe it was just the feeling of missing him crushing your soul and clouding your judgment —, the slim body now gave way to the body of a man who went to the gym and tried to truly take care of his health, his hair that previously used to be as dark as the t-shirts he used to enjoy wearing was now covered in a shade of red so bright that it reminded you of his favorite superhero’s suit. even still, the one thing that caught your attention the most were his eyes. before mark left, before the whole chaos, they were always big and full of life, like those of a curious cub and you could always feel a cozy warmth travel across your body when mark looked at you with such brightness; however, it seemed that ever since the canadian got back in town, they were opaque, closed off to the outer world as if his eyes were now carrying some kind of intense melancholy behind them. the familiar redness in his sclerae, months ago, used to always be accompanied by an excited and smiling version of mark lee, but that night the only thing apparent to you was that lee was holding on to weed like some kind of way to numb the break-up pain.

the redhead had lived a thousand different lives during his exchange: saw and learned things that he knew he would never have achieved if he hadn't accepted the opportunity to go to england and yet, his mind couldn’t recall any of those experiences with the genuine happiness he should’ve felt like any other normal and grateful person would if they were on his shoes; to mark, ever since you left him all alone, he had turned into nothing but an empty shell of what should’ve been the real mark lee. what were his experiences, his learnings, his funny stories if, at any moment, he was allowed to at least call the person he loved and share all of that with her?

“yeah, i guess i’m okay.” you answered, holding back a cry that was stuck in your throat before looking away. “you?”

a shiver went down the english student as he waited for his project partner to arrive at the coffee shop you two had agreed to meet at to finish for good the agonizing linguistics document. it didn’t even seem real that you were finally concluding the most stressful and endless project of your university career until that moment and despite the sweet taste of reaching the finish line, mark had on his lips a bitter one, because he knew that the very instant you pressed “send” on the body of that e-mail to your professor, all of his excuses to talk to you would come to an end. it was only the beginning of november, you should spend at least a few more weeks studying together if said professor were to follow a normal academic calendar like the rest of his fellow colleagues of the department.

mark would only have one last chance of making this work out and that chance was right there and then. anxiety and fear were destroying the boy with more strength than he himself was biting through his nails waiting for you to arrive.

“gosh, mark, i’m so sorry!” you said in a panting tone when you finally managed to get to the coffee shop and met the guy that, by that point, had already become your friend. “the bus took forever to get to the stop i needed and then the subway was also chaotic… anyways, i’m sorry that i’m late.”

the both of you stayed a long time in that coffee shop, not only finishing the assignment but also laughing together and watching a few episodes of modern family on his computer as a way to relax after all the constant flow of negative emotions the both of you were facing during that semester due to not only that particular class but also all the other ones with their enormous reading load. by the time you had indeed finished what you were supposed to do, you were feeling so comfortable in mark’s presence that you didn’t even notice when you heart started to race faster and faster before the mundane things the lee did: the way he smiled from ear to ear, or how kind he was to everyone around him. you were starting to fall in love with how mark explained all the different concepts he used to build his arguments across the paper like someone would explain the most basic things to a child, and you thought it was sweet the way he would say “dude” and “no way” every couple of sentences that fell from his lips. but, above all, unconsciously, the way mark seemed to glow every time he looked at you was ethereal to your eyes.

as soon as you sent the hated file, it started to rain on the outside of the coffee shop, but contrary to the ideal scenario, you couldn’t stay in there just waiting until the climate conditions became more favorable because the two of you had places to be at, on opposite directions. there would be no other alternative but to run to the nearest subway station, or in the brunette’s case, the bus stop.

mark immediately took off his hoodie to shield you as best as he could from the rain, in exchange for you protecting his backpack that contained his computer as if your life depended on it, the moment you two stepped outside the establishment and something of a thunderstorm was taking over the avenue. mark couldn’t help it and ended up laughing at the situation you two had found yourselves in, thinking about how he wished he was a little less broke and had a car to take the girl of his dreams back to her place without having to worry about the rain, or how he wished he was stronger to pick you up and carry you to the subway station and, with that, spare your shoes from coming in contact with the soaked surface of the sidewalk. before you could notice, you were right in front of the stairs that led to the station.

“bye, i think.” you said, giggling along with him while you tried to fix your hair that, despite mark’s hoodie’s protection, still got wet from the rain.

the lee was going to answer you like a decent and proper person, he really was, but in that very moment, a raindrop fell from the marquee above you and somehow managed to hit you right on the forehead, which made you close your eyes, but mark kept his wide open. with an automatic reaction of his body, almost like an involuntary movement that he was incapable of controlling — such as the beats of his accelerated heart — his left hand traveled to your neck while his right thumb was busy drying the solitary raindrop slowly, to give his mind time to analyze every little inch of your face so close to his. mark tried to respond with words to your farewell, but his impulse to kiss you was far stronger than any cohesive phrase that his brain could formulate in that moment.

the literature student, now in his final semester, nodded as he bit his lower lip and those opaque eyes fell to the floor beneath his feet after stepping on the remaining of his blunt. mark didn’t even know why he started that conversation in the first place, it was obvious that it was impossible for him to stand close to you without it affecting some part of him — whether for good or for bad — and even still, there he was, not managing to say a single word to you, nor being able to get closer, just feeding that giant gray and terrifying cloud that grew over both of your heads due to the impasse of what this was and what it should have been.

unlike his mind, that was only able to repeat tirelessly the day he finally built the confidence to kiss you, yours was in a hurricane of terrible memories that involved the brief, yet intense, relationship you two shared — or whatever the hell one could call it. how was it even possible that something that lasted only four months could leave such deep scars?

if mark was trying to hold back a smile remembering how it felt to have your lips on top of his, you were only torturing yourself with the replayed image of mark being crushed in front of you, by no fault other than your own. it was your fault that fear was allowed to consume every single good thing that the lee had ever given you; it was your fault that you’d thought that whole thing was a sick and sadistic joke from the universe and that, in reality, there was no way someone like him could've ever fallen in love with you. in the deepest, darkest, cruelest part of your soul, you were convinced that everything was your fault and not your mind trying to destroy you before something so pure and happy.

you were a sinking ship, navigating towards a port with not a single sight of a lighthouse’s spark to help you, not knowing how to reach the treasure that awaited your arrival because other people had already destroyed the lighthouse. the ability to grope around, trying to find yourself in the darkness you’d placed yourself, was stripped away from you the second you gave in to the bruises that were caused by third parties, and mark knew it wasn't your fault, although it was still difficult to try and be the guide to someone that wouldn't allow them to have access to the heat and light from the fire he tried to offer.

without even realizing it, the silenced cry stuck in your throat for months on end started to escape, not giving you any power to control it. you felt anger, sadness, frustration and you were missing mark… all at the very same time, in an endless swirl triggered by the mere vision of having mark back into your reality.

just like the first time you kissed, the unconscious answer of mark lee’s body to the sound of you crying after such a long time being away from you was to wrap his arms around your body without allowing himself to give too much thought to the action that just took place. if it was even possible, noticing you needing him in any way, shape or form was a true calling for him and it didn't matter how much time could've gone by, the lee couldn't ignore it. to love you and protect you was just as natural as breathing.

between the supplications for your tears to stop and hair strokes, mark then began to feel something that he thought was dead coming back to life inside the hollow box that was his chest. for months now, the redhead just knew that his heart was no longer there. instead, it must've been put inside a bottle and thrown away into the ocean that separated his emotions from his rational mind, as if he wasn't even the owner of his own feelings.

“please, princess, don't cry. i’m begging you.”

the cruelty of your mind wouldn't give you a break for not even a single second ever since the last time you've heart mark’s melodious voice so close to your ear, and the fact that it carried the same heavy tone of request didn't help with your genuine desire to stop your sobbings as your face was pressed against his chest. in that moment, the last thing on your mind were the looks that other people could be directing at the two of you; you could only see the desperation all over the face of the only man you've ever truly loved. he was in such pain that day — the day you told him you didn't want to see him anymore. soon, though, that image was replaced with the memory of the gut-wrenching feeling of chronic emptiness that filled your chest the following week and you came to your senses that you had make a mistake, but that it was also too late: mark was in another country, it was far too late to ask for forgiveness.

“i know you probably hate me right now. i shouldn't have done that, i shouldn't have said that, i was such an idiot, stupid… i'm sorry, mark, i don't know what was going on in my mind to treat like that, i-”

that sobbing wouldn't allow you to form coherent sentences properly and the way you were crying so helplessly was becoming melancholic instead of just sad to the man holding you. if only mark could get into your merciless head just how he would never be able to hate you, not in a million years, not when there was so much love, desire and adoration intrinsic to the image he had of you, then maybe that big gray cloud would disappear forever and the two of you could just live like he hoped for. all mark wanted was to have the privilege of loving you again.

“y/n, look at me” mark held the red and tear wet face of his beloved girl with kindness while his tone of voice was filled with all the firmness the moment could ask for. “for christ’s sake, y/n, i love you. i could never hate you. dude, really, for once just keep your head out of this and focus on what i’m telling you right now. i love you and this whole time i was thinking of you. only you.”

even if he knew you wouldn't answer anything for a few seconds, or maybe even minutes, mark just allowed a sweet smile to appear on his lips while he delighted himself with the feeling of being allowed to hold your face once again, to stroke your cheeks and to place small, delicate kisses all over your beautiful face — which he knew would force your breathing to slow down, giving you the chance to calm down again. the canadian was smelling like the combination of weed and beer, but somehow, your body knew how to identify the familiar and characteristic smell of his cologne; the same smell your searched for and ached for during the coldest nights, when missing him was too overwhelming it almost felt like a hole was being digged up in your chest. that familiarity was the reason for the shy smile that took over your lips, that opened a breach for light and happiness after all those tears while mark traced your lips with his thumb, admiring you like you were some kind of artwork created just for him.

“i was made to stay just like this with you, princess. and i’m not leaving this time.”

#— ⟡ 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐥𝐞𝐞 !#— ⟡ 𝐤𝐩𝐨𝐩 !#— ⟡ 𝐧𝐜𝐭 !#mark lee #mark lee x reader #mark lee x y/n #mark lee x you #mark lee angst #mark lee fluff #mark lee sfw #nct 127 #nct u #nct dream #nct #nct dream drabbles #mark lee drabbles

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zeruby16 · 4 months

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extra credit- kim jiwoong

18+ MDNI

genre: smut, fluff, romance

summary: when you're in dire need of extra credit after butchering your classical literature paper, you ask your class ta, jiwoong, for help.

word count: 3.3 k

warnings: afab! reader, dom jiwoong; usage of pet names (sweetheart, angel, good girl); cursing; oral sex (giving); fingering; penetration; protected sex (always use protection); slightest degradation kink; slight sir kink; slight exhibitionism; please let me know if i missed any!

notes: um..hey y'all so i'm back. trust me when i say this took me like three months to write because being in school made me so uninspired😭 i had major writers block and still do, but my bestie motivated me to finish this. anyways, i have not grammer checked this at all, so please spare me. i hope you all enjoy and i'll try to write more if i can!

REMINDER: 18+ MDNI

you hated the word validation, yet it’s all you’ve ever wanted.

in school, at home, with your friends, you craved hearing people compliment your hard work.

it made you feel like you were in ecstasy.

so you’d be damned if you got a b in classical literature. it would ruin your perfect gpa, your reputation with your experienced professors, and your sanity.

you needed an a. you were going to get that a.

your main obstacle was an analysis paper on pride and prejudice.

pride and prejudice for god’s sake.

everything would’ve been fine if jane austen wrote in understandable sentences, but here you were struggling to comprehend how the hell elizabeth fell for mr. darcy.

the paper was due today and you submitted whatever you could online, but you remembered your professor’s words.

“every project will be graded by me, every paper will be graded by your teacher’s assistant, kim jiwoong.”

kim jiwoong was well-known throughout your university. he was a graduate student who helped out all of his previous professors. it was very noble of him.

he was also the most beautiful man to exist. any girl dropped at his sight, including you.

you were already familiar with jiwoong.

since his previous professors were in the same major as yours, you already had him as a ta for another class.

the other class, the english renaissance, was the worst class you’ve taken.

you had done perfectly well on every assignment, but then your final happened to be cumulative and you could not remember an ounce of anything pertaining to shakespeare.

you caved and confided in jiwoong as you always struggled with cumulative finals. then, you scored a 96 on the final.

half of it was on shakespeare. you should’ve failed, but you always got an a.

you knocked on the door twice before waiting for his response.

“come in!”

once you opened the door, you were met with his focused eyes.

jiwoong was one of the nicest people you knew. he helped anyone who struggled left and right. he even offered tutoring to the students who couldn’t comprehend what went on in lecture.

you had no doubt that he was probably reviewing someone’s paper right now, so they could submit a better product.

“what can i do for you y/n?” you noticed the slight change in his posture, he had to have a clue as to what you were planning.

“i submitted my analysis paper, but i wanted to stop by and mention how i didn’t comprehend anything from the book,” your eyes contained a hint of dejection.

“i can’t do anything about it, you already submitted it,” he sternly said, you could see his hand gripping the pen he was using harder.

“i know, but i wanted to apologize beforehand. austen’s works are complex and i read the book three times, but i couldn’t conjure anything in the paper,”

“i tried jiwoong, for weeks, but nothing.”

he sighed while leaning back on his chair. it was working.

“you never struggle with papers,” he mentioned suspiciously.

“sometimes i do, it’s rare though. i’ve only ever struggled once throughout college,” you emphasized.

“what are you trying at y/n?”

“i was just wondering if there was an opportunity for extra credit,” you innocently asked. you wanted him to give in. you needed him to give in.

he pushes back his hair in distress, while staring you up and down. he may have only dealt with you once, but he knew your ruse.

“you know how wrong this is,”

“jiwoong, i am an adult, you’re an adult. there is absolutely nothing stopping us,” you moved closer to his desk, leaning on it while placing your arms down.

“my integrity will,” you chuckled.

you neared his face as you whispered in his ear, “it hasn’t stopped you before.”

“god the things you make me feel,” he muttered under his breath. you moved away from him, enjoying the teasing.

you walked backward toward the door silently begging for him to stand up. to come rush by your side and help you.

you were in dire need of his assistance.

“do you know how hard it is to see you in class?” he started, standing slowly from his chair.

“to see you laughing with those idiotic boys? to see them staring at you like they have a chance?”

jiwoong makes his way towards you, backing you into the door.

“i’m only having fun,”

“they can’t handle you y/n. you’re the smartest one in your batch and your beauty is unmatched. they don’t stand a chance,”

“and you do?” you taunted, finding his eyes and then his lips.

his hands made their way to your waist, pinning it against the door. you couldn’t help but let out a small grin at your silent victory.

“of course i do sweetheart, i’m the only one who’s made you scream,” you felt your legs give up on you as his words went straight to your core.

“i’m the only one who’s heard your beautiful moans and small whimpers while you lose yourself on my cock,” his fingers graced your breasts under your shirt.

his touch was cool, but all it made you do was burn.

you closed your eyes in delight. you forgot how deliberating jiwoong made you feel. it was why you longed for him so much after he helped you the first time.

“what happened? cat caught your tongue?” he smirked seeing you shiver under his touch.

“you act all high and mighty when we both know how easily i can change that.”

“prove it then,” you blurted, wanting to feel his everything and needing him desperately.

“i need you to say it louder sweetheart,” he caressed your face, pulling you closer to him.

“prove it,” you spoke and his lips took yours. he kissed you like you had been apart from years.

his hands bunched up the skirt you were wearing and he slightly lifted, pausing the kiss to see the view before meeting your lips again.

“you got soaked at the thought of you taking me?” he teased, your face flushed red, avoiding his eyes.

“look at me princess,” his hand forced you to meet his eyes. he was anticipating your answer.

“did you? did you fantasize about me?”

you whimpered under his touch, feeling utterly embarrassed at his words, yet you wanted more.

“yes sir, i thought of you,”

“no wonder you couldn’t write your damn paper, you were too busy thinking about getting fucked.”

jiwoong tightened the hold on your waist and guided you towards his desk, stopping when you sat yourself on top of it.

he pulled away from your lips as he quickly discarded your shirt somewhere in the office. you tossed your bra somewhere, signaling how you wanted his kiss everywhere.

he proceeded to ravish your chest, bruising you as much as he could. it was as if he wanted to prove to others how he was the only one who deserved you.

you started to feel his body under his shirt, while pulling on his hair every so often, earning grunts from him.

annoyed by his shirt, jiwoong lifts it off of himself and leans further towards you, deepening the kiss.

your hands started to reach for his cock, caressing it over his pants. you needed him more than ever.

his brows furrowed at your movements and you unzipped his pants, feeling him closer. he lets you do as you please as you pull down his pants, his boxers joining them.

seeing the hardened member, you immediately stroke it a few times before coating your hand in spit and proceeding to repeat your motions.

“god how are you so good at this?” jiwoong grunted while placing his forehead on yours.

you let go of his member and stood up, grabbing his arms in place and sitting him down on the desk instead. your knees met the carpet and you took him into mouth.

you stopped for a moment to respond to him, “i’m a hands-on learner.”

he lightly moans at your words, recalling how the last time you two were in this position he was guiding you.

in satisfaction, you continued bobbing your mouth up and down his hard-on. you took the time to tease his slit that was already coated with precum and use your hands, slightly squeezing his member.

he grabbed your hair, somewhat forcing you to quicken your pace. drool had started to spill from your mouth and you looked up at jiwoong, seeing him in absolute bliss.

“my good girl, you’re doing so well,” he cooed.

his words went straight to your core and you felt the need to please him more.

once you felt his hold on your tighten, you knew he was close to cumming. you quickened your pace while his cock started to hit the back of your throat.

his grunts were more vocal and he moaned as his cum spilled into your mouth.

you took everything into your mouth and finished off with a ‘pop’ once you were finished, smiling at him afterwards.

“you’ll be the death of me,” he commented before lifting your body up and holding it as your legs felt like jelly.

“did i do good?” you asked expectantly, jiwoong released a sigh before taking your lips.

“you did amazing, sweetheart, but i think i need a little more for you to get an a,” he chuckled.

“i’m all yours jiwoong, take me.”

he smirked at your words and made his way back to his chair. once he sat, he patted his legs.

“come here sweetheart, we’re going to grade your paper together,” your eyes sparkled at the thought and you walked and sat yourself on his lap, facing the computer.

you shivered as you felt his warm member under you, but he stayed still. once he found your paper among many of the others, he clicked on it and placed his hands on your thighs.

the paper came up and you reread the words, remembering every line that you wrote. you were so focused on reanalysing your paper, that you failed to realize how jiwoong was starting to tease your bundle of nerves.

you let out a small gasp as his finger grazed your core, teasing you every now and then as you grabbed the desk for support.

“let’s see how you did angel,” he says into your ear as he inserts a finger inside of you.

you placed your head on his shoulder for support and he fastens the pace, while reading your paper.

“eyes on the screen, i already found a mistake,” he forces you to look at your paper highlighting the mistakes. meanwhile, he plunges another finger inside of you.

“you contradicted yourself here, how can darcy be chivalrous once sentence and then an ass in the next,”

you left his question unanswered, letting the ecstasy you were feeling sink in until his fingers stopped.

“i asked you a question,”

“uhm,” you swallowed, “i don’t know.”

jiwoong chuckled, “you don’t know? this is your paper sweetheart, minus two points.”

you quipped your heads towards him, realizing how he was genuinely grading your paper and begging for him to take it back.

“you want extra credit you have to deserve it, you’re going to explain each mistake you made for me,”

“but-”

“no buts, you asked for this. now, why did you contradict yourself?”

you sighed, silently admitting defeat.

“darcy did everything the way he was suppose to, making himself a perfect suitor in a way, but he completely disregarded elizabeth’s feelings the entire time and decided to act purely for his own interests,”

you could feel jiwoong’s smile as his fingers started to continuously pleasure you. you moaned in relief as jiwoong continued to read the paper.

he tsked, but his fingers maintained their pace.

“and here, you really think elizabeth revealed jane’s and bingley’s possible engagement out of jealousy?”

you shut your eyes slightly annoyed, but answered nonetheless wanting his fingers to fill you.

“not out of jealousy-” you whimpered as he fastened the pace of his fingers, teasing you endlessly.

“out of spite, she only mentioned the couple because she knew it would garner a reaction from darcy,” you somehow let out.

with a hum of satisfaction you assume, jiwoong places his eyes on your paper once again. you rejoice looking at the screen because the paper was nearly done being read.

jiwoong takes his time using his fingers to tease you mercilessly, all while forcing you to maintain your composure.

you begin to feel a haze as you feel a knot in your stomach.

“jiwoong-”

“not yet angel, i’m not done grading.”

your moans grew louder, feeling your climax closer and closer. your eyes looked at his concentrated face as he read and read.

it felt like a decade and you couldn’t handle it.

“jiwoong please,” you begged, not caring about your shame anymore.

you came here for him, the a was just an excuse.

“why do you think elizabeth accepted darcy’s proposal?”

“are you serious?”

“why?”

“she was desperate for marriage,” you rushed out, starting to lose any complete thought.

“do you think she was as desperate as you are right now?” he said lowly, never wavering the pace of his fingers and reaching your spot.

“i don’t know,” you whimpered.

“what was that?”

“i don’t know!”

“but you know everything sweetheart don’t you? that’s why you think you deserve an a,”

“jiwoong, i’m so close,” you completely pressed your body towards his desk, trying to restrain yourself from touching him.

“i know, which is why i’m not allowing you to cum,” he announced.

you turned to him astonished as he took his fingers out of you and innocently licked your juices from them.

“the paper could’ve been better, i thought you read the book three times?”

“i did,” you nearly sobbed.

“well that didn’t reflect in the paper, so now you have to earn your grade and your right to cum,”

“how?” you immediately quipped, willing to do anything for the man.

“you can start by placing yourself on the desk, ass up,” your body immediately follows through and you stand up with your hands on the desk while facing the door.

you hear rustling of the cabinets behind you as jiwoong finds a condom and he grabs a hold of your waist.

“remember angel, try not to be too loud. everyone is grading,” you nodded understandingly, whimpering as you felt jiwoong slowly entering you.

“god princess, it was like you were waiting for me,” he groaned, waiting for your signal to go as your walls clenched around him.

when you placed your elbows on the desk, positioning yourself in a more pleasurable way, jiwoong took it as a sign to go on.

his pace started slowly, while you moaned under your breath feeling him everywhere.

“jiwoong,” you moaned while he quickened his pace. although he tried to conceal them, his groans were slowly becoming louder.

“yes sweetheart?”

“more,” you begged, wanting more pleasure, more of his touch, and more of his everything.

“your wish is my command,” he said, bucking his hips towards yours rapidly while using one of the hands that was on your waist to tease your clit.

you let out a moan as he continuously hit your pleasure spot with a steady face. with his other free hand, he grabbed your hair loosely, pulling you closer towards him.

all you could let out was his name in whimpers.

“you’re so good for me y/n,” the praise went straight to your core as he knew what you wanted to hear.

“such a good girl, you take my cock so well,”

“only for you,” you let out between the whimpers and moans, as jiwoong shows no signs of stopping.

“you wanted this didn’t you? you didn’t even need help, you just wanted to lose yourself on my cock,”

“not…true,” you lied.

you loathed pride and prejudice, but papers were your forte and if you really tried, you knew you could’ve done fine without help.

jiwoong was just amazing at validating you and fucking you beautifully, so you couldn’t help but beg for his assistance.

he slapped your ass in response, “don’t lie to me,” he warned.

“i promise sir,” you nearly yelled, forgetting any sense of being quiet. jiwoong placed a hand on your mouth, muffling any sound.

“you promised last time how this would never happen again didn’t you? look at you now,” he whispered in your ear.

you closed your eyes in ecstasy as you felt the knot in your stomach growing once again.

jiwoong kept on giving and giving, while you just took everything he gave.

“please, ” you begged into his palms, clenching around him while he hit your spot over and over again.

“just a little longer princess, i’m almost there,” jiwoong somehow got faster, ramming into you repeatedly all while you moaned into his hands.

“god, you’re perfect,” he mumbled.

suddenly, it all felt like too much. you closed your eyes in bliss while screaming out jiwoong’s name as you came. your head fell onto his shoulders as he lightly kissed your chin, chasing his release as well.

once his groans grew louder, you felt the warmth of the cum he spilled into the condom as his pace became sloppy.

he slowly pulled out of you as you stood breathlessly in between his arms, beads of sweat slowly falling down your face.

he disposed of the filled condom into the trash under the desk and turned you around to face him.

his goofy smile made you chuckle on the spot as you realized the other reason you wanted to visit jiwoong.

you genuinely enjoyed his presence. he made you feel safe and seen when everyone else had expectations for you. he looked at you as if you were the most important thing in the world at that moment.

desires aside, jiwoong was someone you could love and you were willing to give it a shot.

if he didn’t show how much he cared with words, he certainly did with actions as he showed when he started to clean you up with tissues.

you couldn’t help but laugh.

“what’s so funny?” he quizzically asked.

“you’re using tissues?” he rolled his eyes as he threw them in the trash and lifted your body to sit on the desk.

“well if someone didn’t need help so much, i could’ve prepared with time to bring something more premium,” he joked as you caressed the hairs behind his neck lightly.

“i’m sorry, the pent up stress from finals got to me. you don’t have to do anything with the grade,”

“nonsense y/n, your paper was exceptional either way. you didn’t need extra credit at all. you doubt yourself too much,” he complimented.

“does that mean i get an a?” you excitedly let out, not being able to contain yourself. jiwoong smiled at the gesture.

“yes, but you should probably stop relying on me for them because i am no help,”

“i guess it’s a good thing i graduate this semester then,” you mentioned and his eyebrows perked up.

“you graduate this semester? how come i didn’t know?”

“i wanted you to think i would taunt you for a long amount of time,” he slightly smirked at your confession.

“as if you didn’t have me wrapped around your fingers. speaking of, since you're graduating, when can i take you out on a date?”

“whenever you grow the balls to ask,” you joked as he looked down and up to meet your eyes again.

“maybe when we’re not naked?”

“probably.”

a/n: hope you all enjoyed whatever the hell this was😭 like i mentioned i'll try to write more but this writers block has stumped me. i appreciate you all and thank you for taking the time to read my works! :)

@zeruby16 on tumblr | est. 2023

#kim jiwoong #zb1 smut #zb1 hard hours #kim jiwoong smut #kim jiwoong x reader

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footprintsinthesxnd · 3 months

Text

Chapter 1: Welcome to Thorpe Abbott

Gale Cleven x Hope Armstrong (ofc)

Series Masterlist

This story is based on on the fictional portrayal of these men from the MOTA to series.

Summary: When their plane is diverted to Thorpe Abbott airfield Hope and Ruth’s lives change forever. These two brave nurses must face the trials and tribulations of war, as well as suffering the heartache that war inevitable brings with it.

Collab: A Pair of Silver Wings by @major-mads

The hum of the engine was the only sound in the C47 as it soared over the English countryside. The patients had finally settled, the morphine taking effect and bringing them some sense of relief. Hope slumped back into her seat with a sigh, smiling over at Ruth who looked as exhausted as she was.

“You looked tired,” Hope smiled at her friend who just sighed.

“It’s been a long day. I can’t wait to get back to base,” Ruth pushed her blonde hair out of her eyes, sighing again.

Hope nodded in agreement, peeling her sweaty green overalls away from her neck. “Hey Frank, how much longer have we got?” Hope called to one of the pilots.

“We’ve had to make a detour, Love. We’re heading to Thorpe Abbot airfield and we’ll evacuate the wounded to Thorpe St Andrews hospital. It’s not far now.”

Hope felt her heart flutter, her throat going dry as she slouched back against her seat.

“Hey Hope, what’s wrong?” Ruth leant forward, gripping Hope’s hand and squeezing it, her large blue eyes watching her curiously.

“It’s Hugh,” Hope muttered, her eyes a little teary but a smile on her lips. “My brother is stationed at Thorpe Abbott with the 100th Bomb Group. I haven’t seen him in so long.”

Ruth grinned at her, “so I’m finally going to meet this Hugh I’ve heard so much about.”

Hope laughed, patting her friend on the back, “you will but don’t get any ideas.”

The aircraft soared towards its destination, the occasional jolting and shaking on the metal bird bringing no fear to the flight nurses anymore. Once the ratting metal coffin struck the fear of God into them but now this was a peaceful ride.

Hope watched out the window as the lush, green countryside grew closer and closer.

“Hey Frank! Stop hugging the hedgerows for crying out loud. Don’t let the girl down before we’ve reached the field,” Hope called, grimacing as the trees seemed to grow ever closer.

“Who’s flying this bird, Armstrong? You or me?” Frank retorted, not looking away from the cockpit.

“Well maybe you could use some lessons in keeping the old girl airborne then. We’ll beat up the airfield at this rate.”

Ruth laughed, watching Hope argue with the pilot once more, “You know Hope, maybe you should have got your wings. Then you could be flying us instead of Frank.”

“You’ve got a good point there Ruth. Ya hear that Frank, Ruth wants me flying instead of you.” Frank’s reply was a muffled curse and both girls found themselves giggling in response. The plane tooled along for a while longer until it began to descend, rattling as it lost altitude and shaking its victims vigorously. The wheels touching down on the tarmac filled everyone with great relief.

“Well that was one ropey landing Frank, maybe I could give ya a few lessons?” Hope asked politely, battering her eyelashes at the pilot who just huffed.

“Shove off, Hope. Now get to it, your blood wagons are waiting.”

Hope cringed at the nickname the ambulances had been given, they were lifesaving vehicles transporting sick men, why make it sound so ominous?

Hope hopped down from the plane, instructing the stretcher bearers on which soldiers were in the worst condition. Between them, Hope and Ruth helped carry three wounded men to the ambulances when an obnoxiously loud voice called, “Well I’ll be damned!”

Hope spun round, her boots scuffing at the earth.

“HUGH!” Her brother laughed jovially, jogging over to them.

“Christ, I’ve missed you, Little Bird,” Hugh threw his arms around Hope’s shoulders, nestling his head into her neck as he always did. Hope couldn’t comprehend what was happening. She was finally in her brother's arms, finally reunited with him after so long. She gripped tightly onto the back of his uniform, burying her face in his chest. He smelt of smoke and engine oil just like he always did.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she murmured, just loud enough for Hugh to hear and he tightened his grip on her further. She could feel Ruth hovering awkwardly behind her and she turned to greet her friend, pulling out of her brother's arms.

“Ruth, this is my brother, Hugh. Hugh, this is my friend, Ruth.”

Ruth smiled sweetly, sticking out her hand to shake Hugh’s but instead he pulled her into a bear hug.

“Any friend of Hope’s is a friend of mine,” he assured Ruth and she smiled, her cheeks turning a deep red at the embarrassment of the situation.

“Hugh, put her down. Look you're making the poor girl blush,” Hope laughed, which only caused Ruth to blush harder.

“My apologies Ruthie, where are my manners,” he bowed down, taking her hand and placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Ruth stumbled over her words, quickly excusing herself and hurrying back towards their plane.

“You’re a real pain in the ass, you know that?” Hope groaned, shoving her brother playfully in the ribs.

“I don’t know, I’ve always considered myself to be rather charming,” Hugh protested, puffing out his chest in pride. “Come on I’ve got some friends I’d like you to meet.”

Hope nodded, spinning around to call Ruth to join. The blonde soon was walking back toward the group, clad in her fleece aviation jacket, and to her relief, without a rosy dusting on her cheeks.

“I still can’t believe all the airfields in England, you managed to land at this one,” Hugh laughed, throwing an arm around both girls' shoulders. “You two are in for a real treat.”

As they walked through the base, Hugh pointed out the various hard stands.

“See, right there,” he pointed at a few heavies. “That’s ‘Just-a-Snappin’, ‘Our Baby’, and ‘the M’lle Zig Zig’.”

“Where do you guys get these names, Hugh?” Hope laughed, her eyes trailing over each one’s elaborate nose art, along with some very proud-looking engineers and artists who had clearly put so much love into the bombers.

Shrugging his shoulders, Hugh sighed, shaking his head. “I couldn’t tell ya. What’s your plane’s name?”

“Just ‘The Angel of Death’,” Hope chirped.

Hugh stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. “Always with the dark humor, aren’t you, Hope.”

After hearing so much about the man from Hope, Ruth felt as if she’d known Hugh for years when in reality she’d only known him for a few minutes. She knew the stories of how the siblings played in the woods of Columbia, Missouri, exploring the famous rock bridge that brought hikers and tourists into the town. She knew of his love for the St. Louis Cardinals, and how he wore his battered and dirty Dizzy Dean jersey for a week straight after they won the World Series in ‘31 and ‘34. Maybe he’d heard so much about Ruth from Hope that he felt the same way.

Before they knew it, the trio reached their destination: his officer Nissen hut. They were long semi-circular metal huts, not known for their warmth or comfortability, but they were a soft place to land at the end of the day…which is a lot more than most young men of the time could say.

“Welcome to my humble abode, ladies,” he announced as they neared the building, holding out his arms in a ‘ta-da’ motion. “She’s not much, but she’s home.”

He began to open the door for them, but a voice in the distance stopped him.

“Charlie! No girls in the huts,” the voice called. “I told you that a few weeks ago.”

Turning toward the voice, Hope did a double take when she saw who its owner was. Approaching them was a tall, tanned blond, who wore a bomber jacket with his hair messily combed to the side. He walked with a swagger that instantly put a bad taste in Hope’s mouth.

She sighed to herself, thinking, ‘Why do all the cute ones have to be cocky?’

Hugh groaned, pointing at Hope. “Buck, come on, this is my-”

The man finally reached them, and Hope stopped herself from being captivated by his blue-green eyes.

“I don’t care who she is. You know the rules,” he interrupted, turning to the girls. “Sorry girls, but I think it’s time for you to go.”

Ruth cringed and side-eyed Hope, already expecting a snarky response to his comment.

“Well,” she paused, checking her watch for effect. “Seeing as we have patients in the infirmary, it actually isn’t time for us to go.”

It was then that he looked down at her upper arm, taking in the bright red and white medic band that adorned her uniform. Ruth could see the slightest show of remorse in his expression as his eyes rose back up to Hope’s.

“My apologies, ma’am. I didn’t know-”

Hope didn’t let him finish, cutting him off. “Maybe you should know all the facts before you make an assumption, Buck.”

“Hope!” Ruth hissed, trying to placate her friend, but the woman ignored her.

“See, other than my brother, this is why I can’t stand airmen. They’re cocky-”

Realizing the flaw in Hope’s argument, Ruth ran a hand down her face, secondhand embarrassment filling her. Just when she was about to interject, Buck beat her to it.

“Now hold on. Maybe you should know all the facts before you make an assumption, sweetheart.”

Hope’s mind ran rampant with frustration, and she stared up at him with contempt as he smiled cheekily at her. His eyes were locked on hers as they had a stare-down, neither wanting to be the first to give in.

“So,” Hugh cleared his throat in an attempt to break their silent battle. “Let me introduce you guys. Ladies, this is my squadron commander, Major Buck Cleven.”

Buck tilted his head slightly, not breaking eye contact with Hope. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” she replied dryly.

Ruth shook her head and sighed, amazed at her fellow nurse’s childlike stubbornness.

“And Buck, this is my sister, Hope, and her friend Ruth. They’re flight nurses with the 806th MAETS.”

Ruth raised a hand and waved with a quiet, “Hello,” and Hope felt a little satisfaction when the man’s eyes widened at the word sister.

Buck’s eyes left Hope for a moment to acknowledge Ruth, who stood beside her, with a nod and a smile. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“You, too, Major,” she responded with a small grin. He then turned back to Hope.

“So, you’re the infamous little sister we’ve all heard about?” Buck chuckled, placing his hands on his hips.

The woman glanced over at Hugh, who wore a guilty expression. “All good things, I hope.”

“For the most part,” Buck chimed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means I know about your little escapade to Kansas City, and how–”

Hope’s eyes widened in disbelief that her brother had divulged her most embarrassing moment. “Hugh!!” she cried, smacking his chest. “You lying piece of crap! You promised!”

“It’s not like I thought you’d ever meet anyone here, Hope!”

Composing herself, she took a deep breath and sent Buck a tight-lipped smile. “It looks like you know a lot more about me than I do about you, Major.”

“It would seem so, Nurse Armstrong.”

Hope trying to change the subject to avoid further embarrassment pointed towards the line of B17s. “Which plane is yours then, Buck?” She raised her eyebrow as if she was trying to challenge him but Buck just seemed amused by the situation and laughed.

“That beauty on the end, Our Baby,” he smiled fondly at it and Hope wrinkled her nose at the ridiculous name. How could grown men go to war in a plane called ‘Our Baby’.

“Well that's stupid,” she blurted out before her brain could catch up with her mouth and she slapped her hand over it with a gasp. She could feel Ruth begging for the ground to open up so she could disappear from the situation, and on the other side of her Hugh just groaned. Buck, on the other hand, just shook his head with a smile.

“Suit yourself. She's a good girl. Never caused any trouble yet.” Hope just wanted the conversation to be over, she and her big mouth had often caused a lot of trouble and just like in Kansas City, she didn't know when to stop.

“Well, I think I'll stick to ‘The Angel of Death’ thank you very much.”

Buck snorted loudly, finding the whole situation rather humorous, including the look on Hope’s face.

“You're C47 is called ‘The Angel of Death’ and yet ‘Our Baby’ is funny,” he cocked his eyebrow, looking at her as though she was a small child who had just told him something unbelievable.

“Yes, she is actually. What's so funny about that?” Hope crossed her arms, glaring at him defensively. This cocky pilot wasn't about to insult their plane and get away with it.

Trying to contain his laughter Buck continued, “Well it's not like you're raining death down on the enemy from that thing, are you? At most, it's a troop carrier.”

Hope opened her mouth in horror, stepping forward, ready to defend their plane's honour at all costs. Buck stepped forward to meet her, their chests almost touching and he leant forward, his breath fanning over her face as he spoke. Hope wasn't sure if her heart rate had increased because of her anger or Buck’s proximity. Hope went to open her mouth again but Buck placed a finger to her lips, silencing her in an instant. His finger remained on her lip for a few more seconds before he remembered himself and stepped back, straining his jacket.

“All I'm saying is your plane isn't exactly an instrument of war. I can't imagine going up without weapons onboard. We’ve got thirteen 50-cal brownings and sometimes I feel that's not enough.”

This time Hope didn't feel the need to comment, still somewhat stunned by Buck’s previous action and why her heart was pounding in her chest.

“Well Buck, congratulations. You're the first man to render my sister speechless,” Hugh laughed, groaning as soon as Hope’s elbow connected with his stomach.

“And my face will be the last one you see if you don't shut up, Hugh,” Hope threatened her brother before smiling sweetly at Buck, who just grinned back at her, enjoying the sibling comradery.

“I could happily live without this idiot but Ruth on the other hand keeps me sane when we're in the air,” Hope ignored her brother's protest and gently elbowed her friend who was unusually quiet behind her.

“What?” The blonde asked, looking over at her like a deer in headlights.

“I said that we would go insane without each other up there.”

“Oh,” she sighed with a small smile. “You would probably kill Frank if I weren’t there.”

The group broke out in laughter and Hope was left wishing that Buck didn’t think she was so violent but he didn't seem phased by the comment.

“No, I can understand that. You need someone you trust when you're up there. That's how I feel about my co-pilot Bucky,” Buck gestured to the sky, a solemn look crossing his face for a moment before it was broken by Hope’s laugh.

“So you're Buck and he's Bucky. Wow you guys really are original,” Hope snorted, normally she would have been embarrassed by the noise leaving her mouth but when Buck joined in laughing, it only caused Hope to laugh harder.

“Don't you start. I get that enough from everyone else,” Buck scolded but the smile on his lips told her he wasn't really upset. Suddenly, Hope noticed the tall dark-haired man had appeared next to Buck, how long he had been lingering there she wasn't sure and it seemed that Buck hadn't noticed him either.

“Speak of the devil. When did you sneak up on me?” Buck questioned, patting the other pilot on the back.

The dark-haired man smiled, his moustache twitching at the corners, “Oh, I've been here the whole time.”

Buck seemed content with his answer and turned back to the group, “Everyone meet John Egan or as he is more commonly known, Bucky.” Hope smiled at him, trying to make a better first impression with this pilot than the previous one.

“Hope Armstrong, it's nice to meet you,” Johnny took her hand and shook it slowly, seemingly preoccupied by something over Hope’s shoulder.

“The pleasure is mine,” Johnny replied, releasing Hope’s hand. Hope thought she noticed Buck tense a little at the interaction but that could have just been wishful thinking.

Hope turned to look over at Ruth. She took in her friend’s shy smile and blush, then followed her gaze to the airman across the circle. Realizing what was happening, she nudged Ruth lightly, a teasing eyebrow raised.

“What?” Ruth grumbled under her breath, leaning closer to her friend’s ear as the guys carried on the group’s conversation.

“You like him.”

The blonde’s smile fell and heat rushed up her neck. “Who?”

Hope tilted her head incredulously, rolling her eyes. “You know who.”

“No, I don’t,” she defended,

“He’s staring,” Hope grinned, nodding his direction subtly and Ruth’s eyes rose to look at him again. Hope watched as the pair made eye contact and Johnny smiled at Ruth, causing a deep red hue to spread across her pale cheeks.

“Uh, I need to go check on the patients,” Ruth sputtered, pointing her fingers in the direction of the infirmary and quickly excusing herself from the group, hurrying towards the infirmary, her blonde curls bouncing with each step. A few seconds later, she spun to face the group and called, “But it was…uh…nice to meet y’all.”

Hugh didn’t miss a beat and hollered back his reply. “You, too, Ruthie!” He then paused until she was out of earshot. “She alright?”

“She’s fine,” Hope sighed, used to her friend’s more timid personality. She had hoped that over time, her extroversion would rub off on the nurse, but so far, she had no such luck. Ruth was more of a one-on-one person, not one for groups of people unless she knew them pretty well. It seemed the smaller the group got, the more Ruth seemed to come alive. It was like pulling teeth to get Ruth to agree to go out with the other girls of the unit, but when she did, she usually had a decent time filled with friends, fellas, and amazing big band music.

Ruth’s admirer joined the conversation, and Hope smirked, watching his eyes follow her friend. “And how far away is your base?”

“We’re in Berkshire, so by car, it’s about three hours, but by plane, probably 45 minutes.”

“So not too far,” he chimed, raising his eyebrows and nodding to himself. Before anyone else could comment, he spoke again.

“I’ll see you boys later,” he said absentmindedly, clapping Buck’s shoulder before disappearing in the direction Ruth had gone. Three confused faces watched as he retreated around the corner. Hope pursed her lips at the new development, unsure of the man following Ruth. “Should I be worried?”

“Yep,” Hugh confirmed with a curt nod.

Buck hit him on the chest, chuckling under his breath. “No, Johnny’s as responsible as they come, darlin’.”

Hugh suppressed a snort, thinking of the commander’s wild habits.

“Anyways, back wh-”

And just like that, the conversation continued, and Hope had a strange feeling of contentment being on base. Finally being with family again.

The conversation flowed easily and it felt as though she and Hugh had known Buck their whole lives. She was about to tell Buck the story of how Hugh had gotten on the wrong train and ended up heading to California when a loud shout came from behind them.

A dark-haired pilot, also sporting a moustache, was waving at them, “COME ON CHARLIE!” He hollered, waving at Hugh.

“Jeez, sorry Hope, I've got to run, I promised Curt I'd help him with something. Buck will look after you though, won’t ya, Buck?”

Hope glared harshly at her brother. He knew better than anyone that she didn't need some man looking after her. She was about to protest when Buck spoke up.

“Absolutely. I’ll give her the grand tour, treat her like royalty,” Buck grinned at her, clearly turning on the charm now and Hope sighed.

“Excellent,” Hugh bundled Hope into a quick hug, “It was good to see you again Little Bird. Keep out of trouble okay?”

Hope hugged him back and nodded but stayed silent. It had been so long since they'd been together and now their reunion was so brief. She watched as her brother rushed away towards his fellow pilot, joining instantly in whatever conversation they were having.

“He’s a good man, your brother,” Buck interrupted Hope’s thoughts and this time she couldn't think of a witty reply.

“Yes, he is,” Hope smiled thoughtfully before turning back to Buck, “Did he just call that man Rosie?”

Buck quickly placed his arm around her shoulder, leading her quickly towards a parked jeep, “Again that is a story for another time.”

Hope had to try and control her breathing as the warmth from Buck’s side seeped into her. She hadn't noticed how cold she had gotten standing still and tried to suppress the silver that ran down her spine. Buck looked down at her worriedly, quickly shrugging off his jacket and wrapping her tightly in it, this time his hand coming to rest on her hip, “There we go, can't have you getting sick now can we, Nurse Armstrong.”

As they drove around the base and Buck pointed out all the highlights, Hope decided that there was definitely something appealing about the cocky blond pilot. Despite his apparent big-headedness at first, he was genuinely very sweet. Hope found herself drawn in by his stories of home and his adventures in England, and she found herself wishing that the drive would never end, that maybe they could even drive off the base and escape together. Alas, she knew they couldn't leave their duty and took comfort in knowing that he was only a three-hour drive away, only forty minutes if they flew. She’d have to let Frank divert more often.

Buck pulled into a layby beneath a few trees that lined the road, cutting out the engine of the jeep. Hope looked at him curiously, waiting as though he was going to say something profound.

“Well, what do you think?” He grinned at her, a crooked grin that didn’t show all his teeth but instantly made you smile back.

“Of the base or of you?” Hope retorted and Buck laughed once more.

“You are quite the character, Miss Armstrong, you know that?”

“It may have been mentioned once or twice.”

Buck nodded, clearly enjoying her no-nonsense attitude that often sent men running for the hills.

“Both? Or neither?”

“Are you asking me to hurt your feelings?” Hope laughed, watching as Buck’s eyebrows creased for a second before his face became expressionless once more.

“Well, when you put it like that…”

“HOPE! There you are, I've been looking everywhere. Franks fueled up the plane. We have to go,” Ruth huffed, clearly out of breath from running but her flushed cheeks Hope thought told a different story.

“Okay, I'll be over in five minutes,” Hope promised but Ruth didn't look convinced.

“Your five minutes or an actual five minutes,” the glare Hope sent her way had Ruth turning around and heading back in the direction she’d come. “Okay, but I'll be timing you.”

“I guess this is goodbye,” Buck smiled sadly but Hope just shook her head.

“It doesn't have to be goodbye.” Buck raised his eyebrows, unsure if she was joking or being serious.

“I don't want it to be goodbye,” she added, giving him the most genuine smile he'd ever seen. “Our base isn't too far away and if you want you can write to me. Hugh has my address.” She added curtly as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Alright, I will.”

Seemingly pleased by this response, Hope leaned forward and placed her lips against his cheek. Despite the slight layer of stubble, his skin was soft and it had Hope wondering what his lips felt like.

“Goodbye, for now then, Major Cleven.” Hope hopped out of the truck, saluting the pilot.

“Goodbye, for now, Nurse Armstrong.”

Buck watched as Hope hurried across the field after her friend, her hips swaying as she walked, and although Buck appreciated the view he didn't like watching her walk away from him, but he supposed if she never walked away, he’d never see her walking back towards him.

Tags: @georgieluz @malarkgirlypop @docroesmorphine @major-mads @violetdaze25 @bcofl0ve @precious-little-scoundrel @kmc1989

#on a wing and a prayer #a pair of silver wings #masters of the air #gale cleven #Gale Cleven x oc #hope armstrong

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justmeinadaze · 7 months

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Take It Out On Me Part 21 (Steddie X Plus Size Reader)

A/N: Ok so I wanted to do kinda like a Scream like thing but didn't realize until I started writing this out that I'm limited by the technology of the 80s lol But I made it work with what I had lol I hope you enjoy.

There is a 2 year time jump from the last chapter.

Warnings: Daddy Steve/ Sir Eddie & Sub Fem Plus Size Reader; SMUT, of the rougher variety, they are roleplaying and she asks them to be this way and scare her, spitting, choking, slapping, spanking, threatening, brief knife play (they tear off her dress), public play (in the school after hours), handcuffs, FLUFF near the beginning and very end (aftercare is given of course <3 ), ANGST, this is a role-play and everyone has given consent especially the reader, I WOULD NEVER WRITE A VERSION OF THESE TWO THAT WOULDNT STOP IF SHE SAID THE SAFE WORD!, they do call her and threaten her over the phone, she's chased down a hallway, lots of intimidation.

Word Count: 4198

Two years had passed since the incident with Eddie’s mom and he seemed to be doing so much better. He had really been focusing in on his music and Corroded Coffin spent every other night practicing and doing whatever they could to save money for some studio time.

Steve still worked at Family Video with Robin but he had been looking into other alternatives like opening his own business. His friend and her current girlfriend had suggested the three of them start a non-profit to help kids who were kicked out of their homes or on the run due to unfortunate circumstances. You three understand that better than most and that was one of her greatest fears when it came to telling her family about her sexuality.

You were on your senior year at college and ready to graduate. Taking Steve’s advice (and Eddie’s adamant approval of the idea), you majored in teaching with a minor in English hoping to teach high school kids in the future. Your courses required an internship and one teacher at Hawkins High was more than accommodating.

“Y/N! Always good to see you. How are the other troublemakers?”

“They’re good, Mr. C. I do have a favor to ask if that’s alright.”, you giggle.

As soon as Eddie found out, he was so overjoyed like a kid in a candy store.

“Mr. C! How’s my favorite teacher?!”

“Jesus Christ. Hello, Mr. Munson. How can we help you today?”, he sighed.

He always acted annoyed but you knew he cared about the metalhead like he did all his other students.

“Oh, I’m just here to have lunch with the love of my life. Sweetheart, get out so you don’t get too jealous.”

You laugh at his antics as the teacher rolls his eyes.

“It’s been 5 years.”, you announce as Steve steps into the living area, drying his hair.

“Uh, I’ve been in the shower for like 15minutes but okay.”

“No, you goof. It’s been 5 years since we got together. Well, I mean, since you cornered me in a classroom.”, you giggle.

“And fucked you till your eyes rolled. You’re welcome.”, Eddie sasses from his spot by the window.

“Is there a particular reason you wanted us to know that? Did you want to do something, honey?”, the other man asks as he leans against the counter. “We didn’t have something planned already because I thought we decided our official anniversary was when we officially got together a year after.”

“I know, Daddy. I just…it’s 5 years. I feel we should do something to commemorate it right?”

The metalhead tosses out his cigarette and closes the window before coming over to sit beside you on the couch.

“What did you have in mind?”

Biting your bottom lip, you head for the case of movies and grab a couple before handing them to Eddie.

“These are all scary movies. Well except this one about the girl stalking the guy.”

“Yeeeeah. I, um, I was thinking we could try that…like role play.” Both men exchange a look you can’t read and you immediately feel yourself get self-conscious. “I was just thinking you know? Those first few times when we were together like that first night or even the night you two snuck into my room the end of junior year. That was so hot. Not to say, what we do now isn’t hot. Just that—”

A palm comes up from behind you to cover your mouth and you lean back into Steve’s warm chest.

“You’re over thinking again.”, he grins. “I mean, we can try it. Do you want us to go that far?”, he asks pointing towards the movies in his friend’s hand. “How far is too far?”

“Don’t hurt, hurt me. No like punching or cutting my skin or anything. When I think about it, you guys doing this to me, more than anything…I want you to scare me.”

Eddie’s head ticks to the side at your statement. “Why? No. Why?”, he repeats when you shrug.

“It’s a different level of control, I guess. That first night, I wasn’t scared of you. I was scared of how you made me feel but I’ve never been afraid of you.” You smile when Steve softly kisses your cheek.

“If we do this, I think we should set some ground rules now. We already have one which is no punching or cutting. Of course, we would never do that, sweetheart.” The long-haired boy flashes you a comforting grin before he continues. “If we’re dropping into this headspace, Y/N, that means we probably won’t be asking you for a color but that doesn’t mean you can’t say them or the safe word. Promise us if at any point you feel uncomfortable you’ll use it.”

“I promise, Sir. 100%.”

“What about you, Stevie? Anything you can think of?”

“Not that I can think of.”

Eddie nods in agreement.

“Alright, baby. Your wish is our command.”

###############

For the next week, you let your imagination run wild with what they could be planning. Everything ran like normal and nothing they did stood out to you to trigger the notion for you that the game was about to begin. You gave them free reign to choose the time and date but the anticipation was killing you.

That following Friday, you had called to tell them you would be staying late at the school to work on some stuff for Mr. C who had to leave earlier that day to take care of his sick wife. Wearing your Walkman and listening to the mix tape Eddie had made you for your birthday awhile back, you hummed as you graded papers.

The phone on the desk ringing abruptly startles you as you grab your chest and yank off your headphones. Thinking it may be one of the boys, you answer without hesitation.

“Hello? Mr. Castillo’s classroom.”

“Hello there. Well, don’t you sound sweet. Is he available?”, a deep voice you didn’t recognize asked.

“I’m sorry. He’s out for the evening. Can I take a message?”

“Oh, honey. No need to worry. I can just try again later.”

“Alright. Well, have a good night.”

“Wait a minute. If he’s gone why are you there?”

“I’m Mr. Castillo’s teaching intern but he had a family emergency so I’m just helping him get things done. Are you sure I can’t take a message or something?”

“No. I can deliver it myself. I’d rather talk to you.”

“Look, if this isn’t school related and you don’t want to leave a message I’m going to have to hang up.”

“Ooo so sassy. I love it. Sounds like you need someone to teach you, Miss Teacher. Give you a lesson on respect.”

“I don’t respect assholes. I’m ending this conversation. Don’t call again or else.”

“Or else what?”, he chuckled causing a chill to run down your spine.

“Fuck off.” You slammed down the phone but you still felt uneasy. Dialing the apartment, you prayed one of them was home but to your dismay no one picked up. As soon as you placed the receiver back on its dock, it rung again. “H-Hello?”

“Don’t ever hang up on me again, Y/N.”, the voice growled and you quickly rose to your feet in panic at the sound of your name.

“I-I just called my boyfriend’s. They are on their way right now so you should j-just leave.”

“Aw, sweetheart. You think Eddie and Steve can save you? That’s so cute.”

“Don’t mock me. They take care of me!” You try to control the tears of fear that threaten to fall as you remain as confident sounding as possible.

“Oh, little one. Trust me. Your Master and Daddy can’t protect you from us.”

“Fuck you!”

“That’s the plan, pretty girl, and with that sexy ass dress you have on, it won’t be hard.”

You dropped the phone and ran out of the classroom towards the front door of the school. Tugging on it aggressively, you whined when it wouldn’t budge. The phone in the front office blared loudly making you scream. Shakily, you headed towards it, sobbing as you put the speaking to your ear.

“Where do you think you’re going, little girl? It’s just us three tonight, baby. NO ONE is coming to save you.”

“Please…” The voice snickers at your pleading.

“Let’s play a game, Y/N. Run and hide but if we catch you we fuck you.”

“W-W-Why? If you can see me, just fucking get it over with!”

“I like the idea of you thinking there’s hope when there isn’t.”

He laughs again, making you angry.

“No. I won’t play your game. F-Fuck you.”

The growl that flowed through had your knees weaken as panic once again flowed through you.

“Run. Now.”

“NO!”

The line disconnected and you stifled your sobs as you slowly tiptoed back out into the hallway. A throat clearing startled you as you turned to see a tall figure dressed from head to toe in all black, his face except for his eyes and mouth were covered. A sinister smile spread as he pulled a knife from his pocket and flashed it in your direction, taunting you as he wiggled it between his fingers.

The man bolted forward and you ran in the opposite direction like you had never run before. Yanking open the auditoriums doors, your goal was to hide in the sound booth and lock yourself in but as soon as you ran across the stage, however, you were met with another figure dressed the same way as the other sitting haphazardly in one of the auditorium seats.

His legs were crossed as his arms hung over the backs of the chairs with a smug grin on his face. It was almost like he was expecting you to come this way.

Long arms tackle you from behind and you fight back as the other man wrestles you to the floor of the stage. While he tries to pin your arms down, you get in one good smack across his slightly more protected cheek before he responds by doing the same. Dizzy by the force, you allow him to get the upper hand as he turns you on to your tummy and pressed his knee into your back as he moves around behind you.

You whimper as your arms are tugged behind your back and you hear the clinking metal before leather is wrapped around both your wrists handcuffing you in place.

The figure in front of you all too casually stands up and walks up to the stage, kneeling down slightly so his face was level with yours.

“Boo.”, he teases, laughing when you cringe away. Sighing, he reaches for his mask and pulls it off his face, exhaling in pleasure at the cool air.

Your eyes quickly took note of Eddie’s features. His own eyes were dark like they normally where when you played rough but there was a coldness behind them that made the little girl inside you tremble.

“Jesus. Do you know how long it takes for people to fully empty this building? I thought we were never going to be alone.”

You feel movement behind you again and right as you glance behind you Steve pulls off his mask as well.

“Yeah, man, but we have her now.”

Wiggling underneath his hold, he turns you on to your back and straddles his legs over your waist.

“STOP moving, God damn it. We gave you a chance to run and hide but you didn’t want to play.”, he growled as he pointed a finger in your face. Like with Eddie, Steve’s eyes were different; darker. They both exuded a new type of confidence that had your pussy clenching between your thighs. “Nothing to say now that we’re in front of you, huh, little girl? Where did all that sass go?”

“Hm. I don’t think she’s there yet, Steven.”

“What do you mean?”

“Little girl here seems to think she’s still in some kind of control. Don’t you, babe?”, Eddie mocks making you cringe. “See. That right there.” His head tilts as his palm reaches out to grab your throat. “That little face she made. I don’t know what your boyfriends have been letting you get away with but it won’t happen here. Do you understand me?”

“Yes.”

You gasped as his hand tightened its grip.

“Yes what?”

“Yes, I understand.”, you choke out as he releases you.

They both chuckle as the man above you manhandles you back onto your stomach and tugs on your hair as he guides you to your knees. With one hand, Steve fumbles with his belt buckle and hastily unzips his pants before pulling out his cock that was now level with your face.

“Open.” You shook your head at his command, wincing when he pulled back on your hair. “I wasn’t asking. Open your mouth.”

Eddie slides onto his knees beside you, reaching under the bottom of your dress, and runs his fingers through your folds.

“Little slut is so wet but won’t do as she’s told.”, he sighs with a condescending tone. “Open your mouth.” You don’t move or say anything even when the metalhead shoves two of his digits into your entrance. Steve’s angry eyes remain locked on yours, smirking when he sees them flutter as you try to do everything you can to keep your moans from escaping out of your mouth.

“Open, Y/N.”

When you don’t respond, he thrusts into you faster and you feel your body quickly running towards that ledge. Just as you were about to fall, however, he stopped his movements making you whine in your throat.

“Ready to behave?”

You did something then that you would never do with Eddie and Steve under any normal circumstances. In a defiant gesture, you spit in the long-haired boys face. After wiping it with his hand, he shifts his gaze back to you and flashed you smile that made your blood run cold (and your pussy drench around his still fingers).

“Oh we’re going to have so much fun with you, little girl.”

Eddie pumped his fingers again at a fast pace as you struggled to catch your breath. Right now, you were breathing mostly through your nose but it wasn’t enough with how he was building you up. When he stopped again, tears ran down your cheeks. Once he felt like your pending orgasm had fully dissipated, he started over but this time his thumb reached up to message your clit.

You couldn’t stop it from happening. Your mouth opened as you let out a loud moan and Steve took the opportunity to guide his cock into your mouth. Eddie removed his fingers, making you jump as he lightly smacked you between your legs.

Trying to move your head back, the metalhead held you in place as the other boy began thrusting his hips.

“Fuck me. Her mouth feels so good. Hold her still.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not letting her go anywhere.”

“Shit. How do you think I-I should take her, man? I’m just dying to feel that pussy.”

“It’s up to you, dude. She’s our toy to use how we please. Little whore can handle anything, can’t you, babe?”

Drool dribbled down your chin as the boy continued to fuck your face making him groan at the sight.

“Fuck, I need her now.” After pulling out his cock, you were pushed back down onto the stage, freezing when you felt steel touch you skin. “Don’t move.”

You heard the sound of tearing fabric and shivered when the cold air caressed your skin as your now cut apart dress was tossed aside. Grabbing your hips, you were tugged backwards towards Steve who was now on his knees as well.

Lining himself up, he roughly pushed his cock into your dripping cunt and you both mewled as he held you tightly against him.

Hearing the clinking of another belt buckle grabbed your attention as you lifted your head to see Eddie sauntering towards you.

“If you cum, when it’s my turn, I’m going to make sure that you’re sore between your legs for the next month. Do I make myself clear?”

“J-Jesus. She fucking liked that.”

His head slanted as he waited for your answer. Eddie knew you believed he was telling the truth because he saw the one thing you asked for push through your gaze; fear.

“Yes, Sir. I understand.”

“I’m going to help keep your mind distracted.” His pants fell to his ankles as he stroked his cock a few times in front of your face. “Open.”

This time you didn’t argue or protest as you opened your mouth wide and encased your lips around him. The metalhead’s ringed hand rested behind your head as it bobbed along his length.

“Come on, little girl. You can do better than that.” Suddenly, you felt another palm land on your hair and forcibly moved your head for you, making you gag as his cock hit the back of your throat. “You can take it all. We know you can.”

You tried keeping up with the pace they set for you but every time your head didn’t go low enough, Steve pushed you into the other boy’s lap causing you to drool and spit all over him.

“You love this don’t you, you little whore. You like to spit.”, Eddie sneered, licking his lips while you whimpered around him.

Steve’s thrusts started to falter, giving you sense of pride knowing he was about to cum and you hadn’t yet but your relief was short lived when he reached around and rubbed your clit with his fingers. You pushed back against their hands as your head hung in front of you.

“No! I’m…I’m not supposed to cum. Please!”

The man ignored you as he continued till he grunted and coated your walls with his release. As he aggressively pounded into till he was empty, your own body trembled in his hold as the coil broke and you came.

Calloused fingers lifted your face from under your chin to meet Eddie’s oddly calm features.

“Did you just cum even though I said you couldn’t?”

“I-I-I’m sorry. I tried. I tried so hard. Please.”, you cried.

Steve backed away as Eddie leaned over you to unhook your handcuffs. You took the opportunity to your advantage, resting your head in the nook between his neck and shoulder as you sobbed while continuing to apologize.

“You wanna help me, man?”

Taking hold of your hair, the metalhead walked towards the front of the stage before letting you go to jump down. Something grabbed your shoulder and your body was slammed down flat onto your back as Steve grabbed your wrists, bringing your arms above your head so he could restrain you with the handcuffs once again.

Eddie hovered over you, eyes scanning your sweaty features.

“Open your mouth and stick out your tongue.” After doing what he commands, you watch with wide eyes as he spits between your lips. “Since you love spit so much, hang onto that for me. If you can keep it in there till I say, I may actually let you cum.”

Standing to his full height, he lifts one of your legs over his shoulder and you whine as he guides himself into you entrance.

True to his word, his hips slam into yours with rough abandon, your eyes squeezing shut as you focus on not swallowing the nicotine flavored salvia that currently rests on you tongue. Steve’s palms slide down your arms to your breasts eliciting a soft moan as his fingers graze your nipples.

Eddie’s tip abuses your g-spot, overwhelming you with a feeling of euphoria that has tears falling down your face.

"Fuck! Your pussy feels too good.”, he groans as he spanks your ass, slowing his pace. “Look at me, little girl.” When you don’t move, he leans over you and lightly slaps your cheek. “Look at me.”

Your eyes flutter open and they both can’t help but smirk at your fucked out, glassy eyed expression.

“Swallow.”

Nodding, you do it and open your mouth for him to show you listened.

“Good girl. You wanna cum?”, Eddie coos as his nose softly caress your own.

“Please.”

“That’s it, baby. Beg me. Beg me to make you cum.”

“Mmm—please. I need you to make me cum again. I want to cum so bad, Sir, please.”

The metalhead’s mouth fell open as he thrust into you with purpose while his thumb came down to play with your clit.

“Shit. Cum with me, Y/N. I want to—mmm— fill you up as your tight little pussy clings to me.”

When you nod you head, his thumb moves faster against your nub and after a few more aggressive thrusts, you stumble over the edge right as rope after rope of his seed warms your insides.

The room goes quiet and all that can be heard is the two of you panting for air.

“Baby girl.”, Steve whispers above you in a much softer tone than before. “Can you open your eyes for me, honey?”

When you do what he asks, you are meet with his gentle and love filled face.

“There she is. Are you ok? Do you need anything?”

“C-Can you free my hands, Daddy?”

“Shit. Yeah, of course. I’m sorry.”

While he removed your restraints, Eddie grabbed a bag that was in one of the auditorium chairs and jumped up beside you onto the stage.

“Drink this, sweetheart.”

“Can you help me, Sir? My arms kinda hurt.”

“Yeah, pretty girl. I can help you.”

Placing the water bottle by your lips, he guides your head back as you chug down the liquid.

“Now, did you want to shower here or at home? We can head towards the gym or—”

“I’d like to go home please. I’m sleepy.”

“I can imagine. Do you think you can walk?”

“I can carry her. Just run to the classroom real quick and grab her stuff. We’ll meet you at the van.”

#############

A small smile remained painted across your lips while the three of you sat in the bathtub as they cleaned you.

“I don’t think she’ll be coming down from cloud 9 anytime soon.”, Eddie chuckled. “I assume we did good?”

“Very good.”

“Nothing felt over the line?”, Steve asked.

“No. It may be too rough for an everyday thing but…for special occasions…”, you giggle. “Did I cross a line?”

“No, honey. What would make you think you might of?”

When you and Eddie exchange a look, his grin grows as he bends forward to kiss your lips.

“You didn’t bother me, princess. It’s not like you normally go around spitting in my face. It was kind of hot if I’m being honest.”

“I just hope you know I wouldn’t normally disrespect you like that.”

“We know.”

After comforting touches and delicate kisses, they help you out of the water and get you in comfortable pajamas before leading you to the bed. Climbing in beside you, Eddie wraps his arms around your waist as you lay your head on Steve’s chest.

“Y/N, can I ask you something?”

“Of course, Daddy.”

“What we did tonight…that’s not how you viewed us that first night 5 years ago, is it?”

“No, baby. Not even close. You were rough with me but you didn’t scare me like that. I’ve always felt safe with you…even when I thought you two were assholes. Can I ask you both something?”

“Always, sweetheart.”, Eddie soothed as he tenderly kissed your shoulder.

“What made you two decide to make a move that night? How did you know I’d respond to you the way I did?”

“Short answer? Hope.”

Steve smiled when you giggled at his response.

“There were so many times you could have said something to rat us out but you never did. When I first spoke to you in detention or when Stevie threatened to spank you, you didn’t tell Mr. C at all. We…we’ve never told you this but we watched you when he asked you to stay behind to put everything away.”, the metalhead elaborated.

“You had this extremely adorable, concentrated look on your face until you came back to get your things. As you walked off the stage, you were smirking. We selfishly thought maybe it was because of us so we took a short cut to a classroom and the rest is history.”

Keening into his chest, you placed a soft kiss on his skin before lifting Eddie’s hand that was intertwined with yours to your lips so you could do the same. Steve rolled onto his side, gently moving your hair and petting your head as he watched you gradually fall asleep.

“Hey, Munson?”

“Harrington?”

“Do you have any plans this weekend?”

“Not that I know of besides work. Why?”

“I was thinking, maybe, you and I can go look at houses. See how much they cost so we can start saving and surprise Baby Girl here. She deserves a house.”

Eddie grinned as he reached over and patted his friend’s shoulder.

“Sounds like a plan, man.”

############

@manda-panda-monium @sherrylyn628 @eddiesguitarskills

@needylilgal022 @local-stoner-bitch @katethetank @strangerfreak

@sidthedollface2 @justanotheryn @pedropascalslilbaby

@marsupiooo @mandyjo8719 @bexreadstoomuch

@chelebelletx @perdopascalslilbaby @shayeddie @anaibis

@wroteclassicaly @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes

@siriuslysmoking @raptorbait529 @miarosso @micheledawn1975

@paleidiot @mrsjellymunson @dashingdeb16

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cannonball5 · 2 years

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My head canons for the Girls post graduation:

Spoilers Obviously

First James and Erin were dating in 3x07 and no one can convince me otherwise. Erin and James dated until the end of summer. They were each other’s firsts for a lot of things. Their first “I love you” happens in the middle of their first real fight as a couple. They were each other’s first time which happened about 5 minutes after their first fight. They both got into different Universities and so agreed to break up before leaving for school so they don’t strain their relationships with their friends since they won’t see them as much now (I imagine a last kiss at the train station as one of them boards).

Erin goes to school and studies English and Literature. She gets a job at a publishing house after graduating from University and continues her writing (she will often try to slip her manuscripts to her bosses). She started to focus on YA fantasy when Harry Potter blew up and Erin frequently calls J.K. Rowling her “Nemesis.”

James goes to school in London for University but also because he finds out his mom’s pregnant by her new husband (James didn’t even know she remarried). He decides to be close by to give his new sibling at least a partially stable “Parental Figure.” He decides to Major in Film but also takes a minor in business. Not long after graduating he goes over to his mom’s to find out she’s packed and gone on a vacation with her new boyfriend and that she’ll be “back in a month, tops.” James realizes almost immediately she’s packed all her stuff and probably isn’t coming back anytime soon. Knowing he can’t care for both himself and his little sister (plot twist his mom’s horrible) James moves back to Derry. When he moves back he buys one of Dennis’s old shops and makes it into a nerd paraphernalia store. It does well even before the Doctor Who revival because it hosts regular movie nights showing films sooner than even theaters thanks to some old film school friends.

Orla decides to travel after graduating. She packs a bag (of mostly sweets) and over the next 5 years travels the world. She steps foot on every continent (when she visited Antarctica she had to be stopped from smuggling penguins in her bags), she learned self defense fighting from multiple sources, discovered she’s a prodigy in Yoga, met Kamal when she was in Africa, fought in underground fight clubs, accidentally started a cult, and at one point assisted MI6 with an operation (she may or may not be an inspiration for a Bond Girl). After getting back home she told her stories to Erin who used them as inspiration for a moderately successful YA series. Also Orla is never hurting for money as she apparently partially owns the rights to several international hit songs and movies. She currently owns a Yoga studio with an Ice Cream/Sweets shop attached.

Clare after being in therapy to help with her grief and anxiety she became fascinated by the human mind and started studying psychology. She eventually becomes a therapist and opens a practice back home. While she deals in all matters of mental health she specializes mostly in anxiety. A few years after opening her practice she also starts a Help Line for LGBTQ+ kids and teens (it’s her proudest accomplishment). Clare also starts dating the manager she hired to run the help line. They’ve been living together since 2011 and were engaged in 2012. They adopted 3 kids (2 girls and a boy) as well as 2 cats before they officially got married in 2020.

Michelle lost focus a bit after graduating. With her friends gone she didn’t know what to do. She became a bartender and was actually pretty good at it (she also likes to joke she’s doing what Clare wants to do without the fancy degree and she gets to drink when she does it). After a few years slinging drinks she realizes she wants more out of life. After spending time with her brother Michelle decides to get involved with the Justice system. She starts taking night classes studying pre-law and while she is struggling to find a law school she has a chat with her mom and decides to change course. Her mom asks her how she wants to help people and tells Michelle that while she doesn’t have a medical degree she believes she makes more of an impact in people’s lives than the doctors. After that Michelle joins Law Enforcement to not only help her community and people but also to hold her fellow officers to a higher standard. Michelle now is a Chief Inspector. She also is divorced and shares custody of her twins with her Ex.

Also Erin and James did eventually get back together. They did date other people (James dated Jenny Joyce for about 2 months, a secret he plans to take to his grave), but they started dating again in 2007, exactly 10 years to the day of their first kiss. They got married on the 10 year anniversary of there breakup (Erin liked the full circle feel of it). They got pregnant about 6 months after their wedding and have a daughter, Josephine Deirdre Maguire (they call her Joey).

Sorry it’s so long. If you made it this far kudos to you.

#derry girls #jerin #james x erin #erin x james #erin quinn #james maguire #michelle mallon #clare devlin #orla mccool

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ecargmura · 4 months

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The Apothecary Diaries Episode 2 Review - The Poison Tester

Before I start the review, I want to make a little apology. In my review of the first episode, I said that Gyokuyou is voiced by Yoko Hikasa; she’s not. She’s actually voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki, who also voices Frieren from Frieren Beyond Journey’s End and Anya from Spy x Family. Yoko Hikasa voiced her in the drama CD. Sorry for the error. Now that I got that out of the way, onto the review.

I did have a feeling that this show would be an episodic one where it all revolves around Maomao utilizing her apothecary capabilities to help the palace. You know what? I like that. Usually, the eastern fantasy stories I’m familiar with are about political dramas or a forbidden love story between a higher class and lower class. It’s nice to see more of the different occupations of fantasy worlds be utilized more.

Maomao gets a promotion and now works under Lady Gyokuyou, as ordered by Jinshi. Her main task is to be a poison tester. I think my favorite aspect of Maomao is that she’s smart and observant. She knows her craft and does it well. I like that a lot. I love smart characters, so seeing Maomao do her magic is seriously entertaining to watch. She knows that poison is easily detectable when using metal bowls, but ceramic ones were given to her on purpose. Because she has been experimenting with many types of poison, she’s almost immune to a majority of them. Because of that, this can be both a good thing and a bad thing because her desensitization towards poison could be a plot point used later on. Despite that, I LOVED Maomao’s reaction to learning she can make drugs. Look at her when she is at the medicine room. She was dancing about.

More new characters are introduced in the form of Gyokuyou’s employees. There are the three servant girls and Hongniang, another lady-in-waiting and the leader of the servant girls in a way. She’s quite the interesting character as she’s strict but means well. She is also cunning in a way. When she learns that Maomao was paid less than her actual worth as she feigned being illiterate so her abductors get paid less, she breaks a pot on purpose and charges the money to her kidnappers so that they can be in debt while Maomao gets money to herself. She’s also prone to scolding the younger girls a lot as she yells at the servant girls to stop dawdling and even punishes Maomao for making the aphrodisiacs that the they ate.

Jinshi is still cemented as the most desirable man in the story and he is pretty. He is really pretty, but I still can’t help but to feel suspicious of him. What is this true goal? However, I did like learning a few things about him. He ultimately has a humiliation kink. He found Maomao’s icy glare charming and I was like “Oh gosh, he’s a masochist.” I also am convinced the anime staff has a thing for him because they drew him in a rather seductive pose, when Maomao was imagining him drugged due to aphrodisiacs. That’s when you know he’s the fan service character. Also, Takeo Otsuka is doing a great job with Jinshi, but the way he’s voicing him makes him sound a bit too similar to Takahiro Sakurai, who was the voice actor for Jinshi in the drama CD. I guess he was casted due to the similar ranges?

Gaoshun seems like a logical man. He’s very capable and reliable, unlike Jinshi. I’d like to learn more about him, honestly. Who was he before he met Jinshi? Why does he serve Jinshi? I also love that he goes away when Jinshi made a funny face after thinking about Maomao glaring at him. He knows his boss is kooky as heck.

Also, I seem to have noticed that there is a lot historical inaccuracies regarding the time period this story is set in. I’m not too familiar with Chinese history, but I know for a fact that they’re not too proficient with using English words, yet Maomao’s father called her a mad scientist in English. How do you know English, sir? I also read somewhere that cacao was introduced in an era much later than whatever era this story takes place in, so there’s that too. While it’s not too jarring, it does make it seem like the author didn’t do proper research before creating the story.

All in all, I can’t wait to see what sort of trials and tribulations Maomao will go through. It does make me wonder what the end goal will be. I’ll be watching the third episode soon. I hope you enjoyed my review of the second episode and let me know your thoughts!

#the apothecary diaries #kusuriya no hitorigoto #review #anime #anime review #maomao #jinshi #gyokuyou #hongniang #gaoshun #ecargmura #arum journal

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imnotoverlyobsessive · 6 months

Text

Moodboard by @softhecreator

Don’t Blame My English Blood For This American Heartache

Chapter Five: Don’t Stop Me Now

AO3 info prologue one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve

All my work is 18+.

I feel I’m watered down whenever he’s around. I put on the crown of clowns and melt slowly to the ground.- MARINA, Hermit the Frog

Mid August, 1984

Diagon Alley

London, England

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Sera admitted, looking at the wand a very old man named Ollivander was offering her in his wand store.

“Nonsense, Miss Malfoy,” the old man assured her. “The wand chooses the witch.”

“I’ve never used a wand before,” she explained. “I learned magic without one.”

“You can’t go to Hogwarts without a wand,” Yarrow told her, fanning herself with a painted fan that looked like it had been made for Queen Victoria herself.

“Indeed, Miss Rosier,” Mr. Ollivander confirmed.

Hesitantly, Sera took the wand in hand.

“Now then,” Mr. Ollivander said pleasantly, “just give it a wave, if you please. Or, if you’d like, perform a simple spell.”

Sera waved the wand, imagining a small ball of harmless light emerging from the tip.

A ball of light did emerge from the tip. But it was not small, nor was it harmless.

It caused a moderately-sized explosion.

With a wave of his own wand, Mr. Ollivander cleaned up his store and offered Sera a second wand to try.

She did the same thing with the same results six times. It seemed that every wand Mr. Ollivander had made disliked Sera a great deal. It took awhile, but eventually, one of the wands she tried didn’t produce an explosion, but rather a large ball of light that closely resembled the sun. She had instinctively waved her free hand and put the light out, of course, but the three of them were momentarily blinded anyway.

“Well,” Yarrow said, mildly amused, “I suspect that’s as good as it’s going to get.”

“Perhaps we should try—“

“Thank you, Mr. Ollivander,” Sera cut him off with a polite smile. “I’ll take this one, if you don’t mind.”

“Yes, of course.” He seemed reluctant, but he did as she’d asked.

Sera figured she wouldn’t be using the wand, anyway.

What she was excited for was the cat she was allowed to bring to school with her, were she to be accepted. She’d found a tiny black kitten by the side of the road. She figured that since he was an orphan she found in Europe, she’d name him Beowulf, Beo for short.

“What on earth do you mean you don’t need a trunk?” Aunt Ursa asked, astonished.

“Well,” Sera said slowly, idly petting Beo, was perched on her shoulder at the moment, “we don’t have the money to buy one, and my suitcase will do just fine.”

“But everyone has a trunk.”

Sera shrugged, jostling Beo, who let out a small meow of protest. “Everyone enrolled as a first year, too. I’m enrolling as a seventh year.”

Aunt Ursa pursed her lips. “Very well, dear. As you please.”

Sera smiled. Her aunt had been very kind and accommodating. “I’m very grateful to you for all you’ve done for me, Aunt Ursa. Truly.”

Her aunt smiled back at her. “Of course, dear girl. Now come, we must get you to Hogwarts for the placement examinations.”

The tests were beyond exhausting.

It certainly didn’t help that Sera hadn’t bothered to attend in the Hogwarts uniform everyone else was wearing. That was probably why people were staring so much, actually: she wore a black and red plaid skirt with suspenders that went over the black Lick It Up sleeveless shirt she’d bought at a KISS concert when she was fifteen and the beat-up combat boots she’d had since she stopped growing at thirteen.

She didn’t always dress like a punk, but she had a few friends who were in college back at UCSC who were really into that kinda thing. Okay, so Doug was more the sort to wear jeans and plain t-shirts, but his girlfriend liked to drop acid at the Boardwalk, and his best friends consisted of a dude majoring in astrophysics and another dude who’d founded UCSC’s gay and lesbian organization, which Ta attended the meetings of despite not even being enrolled yet. In any case, some of her friends back home dressed the way she did, and she kept forgetting that nobody in the Wizarding World did.

Mid August, 1984

Hogwarts

Scotland

“I really think I should try it without a wand, ma’am,” Sera attempted to tell the transfiguration professor, whose name was McGonagall. Transfiguration was her first test with a practical section, and Sera knew it was essential she display her abilities there because Aunt Ursa’s explanations of English-style magic may not have been entirely adequate to get her a passing grade on their own, comprehensive though they were.

The older woman—who Sera thought she might like, actually; she was terribly excited to get to know other witches, especially teachers—pursed her lips. “We will try with a wand first, and then without a wand.”

Sera nodded, and was then presented with some sort of ball.

“Turn this into a balloon, if you please,” Ms. McGonagall said politely. “With your wand.”

Sera nodded, and, picturing the ball turning into a balloon, she flicked her wand at it.

The ball transformed into a balloon, which promptly exploded.

Ms. McGonagall blinked at the scorch marks on the stone floor, then looked up at Sera. “Let’s try without your wand, then.”

Sera put her wand down on the table carefully, as if it might bite her, which she half-thought was a possibility.

“Should I make a new ball?” she asked.

Ms. McGonagall raised her eyebrows. “Can you do it without making it explode?”

Sera grimaced, but nodded. “Yes.”

“Very well, then.” With that, the teacher stood back, presumably to avoid potential injury if another explosion were to occur.

Sera flicked her hand, and a ball identical to the one before popped into being.

Ms. McGonagall stared at her. “Wandless and nonverbal,” she observed quietly, taking notes on a pad of some sort. “The balloon, if you would.”

Sera nodded and flicked her hand again, and the ball became a balloon.

Ms. McGonagall pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Are you capable of human transfiguration?”

Sera nodded, sitting down at a desk chair. “I used to do this at the beach with a friend of mine,” she admitted a bit bashfully. The teacher raised her eyebrows expectantly, and then Sera gestured to her legs. Her pale skin became opalescent scales, and her legs merged into a tail.

“You can transform yourself into a mermaid,” the teacher observed dryly.

“Yes,” Sera confirmed, tapping her tail idly to turn it back into legs. “I can’t breathe underwater or anything, though.”

Ms. McGonagall’s lips twitched, and Sera thought she might’ve been trying not to smile. “Miss Malfoy, what happened when you used your wand, does that always happen?”

Sera shrugged. “I never used one before I came to Europe. I learned without one.”

“You learned magic without a wand?”

Sera nodded. “The people who taught me don’t use them, either. I didn’t know witches used wands until recently.”

Ms. McGonagall nodded once, scribbling down something on her notepad.

She had to do several other transfigurations before the practical was over, and the teacher was a very stoic woman, but Sera hoped she was at least a little bit impressed.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” Sera addressed her, a bit nervous. Ms. McGonagall looked down at her, as expressionless as always. “Do you think… that is to say, do I have a chance? At— at getting in, I mean.”

The older woman looked at Sera consideringly. “I think, Miss Malfoy,” she said slowly, “that if you show the skill in your other examinations as you did in this one, I will be very pleased to have you in my class.”

Mid August, 1984

Malfoy Manor

Wiltshire, England

Upon her return to Malfoy Manor, she was most displeased to discover none other than Regulus Black waiting there for her.

“Eugh,” she said by way of greeting, curling her lip at him. “Go away. I am so not in the mood.” It was true; she was exhausted. Hours of testing made one very tired, and she was very interested in going to bed, despite the fact that it was barely past six and she hadn’t even had dinner.

Regulus smiled in a way that made him look deceptively good-natured. “I know you had your placement examinations today, and I thought you’d fancy could use a bit of a breather afterwards.”

“Yes, I would could,” she agreed immediately. “Which is why you should leave. I’m not in one of your fancy hundred-year-old dresses, anyway.”

He looked down at her outfit, his eyes widening as if he hadn’t noticed it before. “What on earth are you wearing?”

“Clothes,” she informed him flatly.

“Is… is that how Muggles dress?”

She put a hand on her hip. “People who can’t use magic, you mean? Yes, they sometimes dress like me.”

He licked his lips, his eyes fixed on her bare legs. “You… you wear this kind of thing oftena lot?”

“Sometimes.” She wanted to smack him until he actually left. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

His gaze flicked back up to her face. “I’d like it to be.”

Sera fixed him with a glare. “What I wear is never going to be any of your business.”

With that, she moved around him to the main hallway and made a right in the direction of the spiral staircase that led to the third floor she occupied.

“Where are you going?” Regulus asked, sounding like he was hurrying after her.

“My room. Not that that’s any of your business, either.” She turned into the tiny room with the staircase, hoping very much he would take the hint and leave her be.

“I thought we could have a cup of tea,” he told her.

“I’m American,” she snapped impatiently. “I don’t drink tea to wind down. I watch things, listen to music, and take naps.”

“Oh.” She rolled her eyes at his ridiculousness and didn’t respond, but he followed after her anyway.

“I might decide to turn the stairs into a slide,” she warned as she began to go up them.

“No, you won’t,” he deduced easily. “I remember those exams, and they’re an absolute nightmare. You won’t want to do magic like that for another few hours at least.”

She pursed her lips, annoyed. Especially about the fact that he was right.

“Why won’t you go away and leave me alone?” she demanded in exasperation as they reached the top of the stairs on the third floor.

“Because if I leave you alone, you��ll never fancy me, and that won’t do.”

“That won’t do,” she mimicked, dropping her voice down low in and faking a British accent in what she considered to be a spot-on impression of the dickhead. “I’ll never ‘fancy’ you either way, fancy boy.”

She strolled into her TV room, plopping down on the couch and grabbing the remote off the coffee table. “I’m confident you will, but— what’s that?” He pointed at the TV.

“It’s a TV,” she said flatly, clicking the power button. She had MASH queued up in the VCR already, so Hawkeye’s dreamy face immediately appeared onscreen.

Regulus flinched. “What on earth—“

“It plays videos,” she explained impatiently. “Recordings. Like a play you can watch. See?” She pressed play, and Hawkeye resumed badgering Frank Burns, the way he’d been doing when she’d turned it off last.

Regulus stepped closer to the TV as if it would bite him.

“Ugh,” she groaned when he stepped in front of the screen. “If you’re not gonna leave, at least get out of the way. Sit down or something.”

He did so wordlessly, watching the screen with wide, fascinated eyes. “This really happened?”

Sera grimaced. “Well… yes and no.” He looked at her in askance, and she paused it with a sigh. “The people, they’re actors. The characters aren’t real. But the place they’re in, Korea, is obviously real.” He nodded his understanding, and she continued, “And Americans really did send troops over there.”

“They’re not fighting anyone,” Regulus pointed out.

“That’s because they’re a MASH unit,” she said. At his blank face, she added, “Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. They’re doctors—healers, whatever—and they treat people who were wounded in the war.”

“Why would anyone choose to do that?” he asked, bewildered.

She snorted. “Oh, they didn’t choose it, most of them. They got drafted.” He looked confused again, so she elaborated, “You know, conscription? Picking random citizens to go fight?”

“That’s barbaric!” Regulus declared, horrified.

“No shit,” she said dryly. “Now shut up; Hawk takes his shirt off in this one and I don’t want you distracting me from his hotness.”

“You— you find this man attractive?” he demanded, looking astonished.

Sera rolled her eyes. “Duh, look at him.”

“He’s got dark hair and light eyes,” Regulus observed. “He’s tall and rather thin— I am your type, then.” He settled back against the couch cushions, satisfied. “Lovely.”

“You are so not my type,” she said, like a liar.

After that, Regulus spent a great deal of time at Malfoy Manor bothering Sera.

She could admit to herself, however begrudgingly, that he was occasionally interesting to be around. He was intelligent and well-spoken, and he seemed to genuinely want to hear her thoughts on things.

Not that she’d ever tell him that, of course.

“We should go out to dinner,” he decided one afternoon.

Sera scowled at him from her place on the couch as she pet Beo, who was asleep in her lap. “Absolutely not.”

He frowned. “It’s a grand idea.”

“It most certainly is not a grand idea,” she said, mimicking his stupid fancy boy accent.

“Very well, then,” he acquiesced, plopping down next to her on the couch, far too close for her liking. “We can stay here.”

She scowled again. “Or, fun alternative,” she said slowly, “you could leave.”

“No,” he hummed thoughtfully. “No, I don’t think I will. Your family likes me.”

“They like you because you’re rich.”

Regulus shrugged. “The end result remains the same.”

“Whatever,” she scoffed.

It wasn’t until several hours later, when she fell asleep on his shoulder, that he carried her to bed; Beo trotting after them.

Very softly, he said something to her, and whatever it was made her smile and nuzzle into her pillow, but she drifted off before his words could register.

September, 1984

Hogwarts

Scotland

Before Sera knew it, she got her acceptance letter and was off to Hogwarts.

Everything happened so fast that it felt like a whirlwind; she was sorted into Ravenclaw with Yarrow, and they were to share a dorm room. Yarrow didn’t even mind that Sera had a kitten and wanted to put up a mezuzah on their door frame.

She was honestly very excited for almost all of her classes: Transfiguration, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, History of Magic, and—tragically—Potions. She was also taking two elective courses in Ancient Studies and Magical Theory, both of which sounded fascinating.

“Really, Miss Malfoy,” her Head of House, Mr. Flitwick, was saying, “Llumos Solem solem is not a terribly complex spell for a witch of your level. I trust that you will be able to perfect it with ease, based on your examination scores.”

“I can, yeah,” Sera agreed immediately. “The issue isn’t the spell or how difficult it is, sir, it’s the fact that me using a wand doesn’t go well.”

“I’m sure you’ll do just fine,” the teacher assured her.

Sera winced, glancing back at Yarrow, who was looking on with raised eyebrows and pursed lips.

“Remember, Miss Malfoy,” her teacher said, watching the way she held her wand closely, “lumos solem.”

Sera nodded, furrowing her brow in concentration and trying her damnedest to not put too much power behind the spell. Very softly, her voice almost a murmur, she said, “Lumos solem.”

A ball of light emerged from her wand, and it rather closely resembled the sun. It was hot, as if she were in an inferno, and the force of it knocked her onto her ass before she could put it out, but Mr. Flitwick quickly waved his own wand to disperse the bright, burning light.

“I think, Miss Malfoy,” Mr. Flitwick said after a tense moment of silence, “perhaps it would be best if you didn’t use a wand.”

She didn’t notice when several weeks had passed.

She did notice when an unfamiliar owl dropped a letter in her lap at breakfast one morning.

She looked at the front; the envelope was sealed in green wax, a weird, morbid-looking crest on the front. If she looked very closely, she could see that it had three ravens on it, a hand holding a dagger, what appeared to be a skull, and some French written on a weird scroll at the bottom. Bizarre.

She frowned, opened it curiously, and began to read.

Miss Malfoy,

I hope you’re settling in well. Your aunt tells me that you were Sorted into Ravenclaw. I must admit I’m disappointed you weren’t put in my own House, though I don’t doubt that you deserve a spot in the House of wit.

I would very much like to see you, perhaps during a Hogsmeade weekend. I assure you I am privy to all the best places to go and things to do in the village, so your time will be well-spent, even if you do not particularly enjoy my company just yet. Please let me know when would be best.

Yours,

R. A. Black

“Who’s that from?” Yarrow wanted to know, looking up from her vegetarian omelet.

“Lord Black,” Sera said mockingly. “He ‘would very much like to see me’, as he put it.” She made air quotes and rolled her eyes.

Yarrow’s eyes widened. “He really fancies you, doesn’t he?”

Sera scowled. “I hope not. He’s a jackass.”

Yarrow bit back a smile. “Is he now?”

“Don’t look at me like that!” Sera groaned miserably. “Just ‘cause he’s hot doesn’t mean I—“

“Oh, so he’s hot now, is he?” her friend tittered. “I thought he was a jackarse.”

“He is,” Sera insisted. “He’s just a very sexy jackass.”

Yarrow grinned. “You must write him back.”

Sera recoiled so much she damn near fell off the bench. “I’ll do no such thing!”

“Oh, honestly.” Her friend rolled her eyes. “He’s the most eligible bachelor in the country. I find him repulsive physically and even I’d marry him!”

“Dunno how you can find him repulsive,” Sera grumbled into her oatmeal. “Either way, he’s trying to ‘court’ me or whatever, and I’m not having it. No thank you to that.”

Yarrow dropped her fork, and it clattered onto her plate. “He wants to what?”

“Court me,” Sera said dully, taking a bite of her food. “Or so he says.”

“And you said no?”

“Doesn’t seem to have deterred him.” She shrugged. “Maybe my lack of response will do the trick.”

Her lack of response did not, in fact, deter Regulus. He sent her letters fairly regularly, and she always said she wouldn’t read them, but she ended up caving every time.

The letters usually contained things like him bemoaning the fact that she wouldn’t respond to him, stories about his life and schooling, things he wanted to know about her, and—more than a few times—how ‘utterly enchanting’ he found her. His words.

She would be nineteen at the end of October, on the 29th, which was a Monday. However, the following Wednesday was Halloween, and they were permitted to visit a nearby village called Hogsmeade starting after classes let out.

The morning of her birthday, yet another letter arrived from Regulus, except this one was… heavier than normal. She opened it and pulled the paper out, beginning to read.

Miss Malfoy,

I hope your birthday is as lovely as you are. Please accept this small token of my admiration. Your aunt has accepted an invitation to my family’s annual Christmas ball on your behalf, and I ask that you wear this gift for it.

I hope to see you soon.

Yours,

R. A. Black

Yarrow, who had snatched the envelope, pulled a necklace out. Sera’s mouth fell open when she saw it.

The necklace was a woven platinum snake with tiny emeralds amongst the diamonds covering the entire thing, and, astonishingly, a large emerald hanging from the mouth of the snake, as well as three more on either side of it, all the size of her thumb.

Sera could do nothing but stare.

Yarrow, however, laughed outright as she pulled out the pair of matching earrings. “Oh, this is just—“ She cut herself off, collapsing into giggles.

Sera took the necklace from her friend to inspect it, turning it over in her hands.

The emeralds had to be fake, right? They just had to be.

Apparently, she’d said that out loud, because Yarrow fought down more giggles and said, “Oh, no. Those aren’t fake. Emeralds and diamonds. Check the back of the center gemstone.”

Sera blinked in confusion but did as she’d been told.

To her absolute horror, the Black family crest was engraved into the setting.

“Their crest is there, then?” When Sera could only nod, speechless, Yarrow snorted in a rare moment of minor inelegance. “I thought as much. It’s called the Ophiuchus. He gave you a family heirloom, darling. Bloke must be hard as a rock for you.”

“What am I gonna do?” Sera breathed, dejected and at a loss.

Yarrow shrugged. “Marry him, of course.”

“I can’t do that!”

“You could do a hell of a lot worse.”

Sera wasn’t sure that that was true. Hopefully, she’d never have to find out.

Regulus is so fun to write lol

Big thanks, as always, to the lovely @lilmaymayy for betaing this for me 💗 and of course Sof’s fucking phenomenal moodboard, as per usual

Tag list:

@ellamaianderson @shika1200 @blackqueenstarseed1 @gatoenlaciudad @esmaada @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @softhecreator @timolaurence @timmymyluv @oddlyenoughiamweird @leecrunchybones @s-we-e-t-t-ea @almostg @leespparker @bubblebuttwade @glizzymcguirex @starberry-cake @camille-1019 @lixzey @shycreationdreamland

To be added, please ask 💗

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killiansprincss · 10 months

Text

When Emma Falls in Love

SUMMARY: When Emma falls in love, it's all on her face. Hangs in the air like stars in outer space. Emma Nolan falls in love three times in her life. After experiencing heartbreak Emma is more wary of love, but when she moves across the hall to Killian Jones, an asshole she knew in college, things start to change and Emma begins to falls in love in a very different way than she did before.

Link to AO3

In honour of me getting Eras tour tickets for August 2024 I thought I would post this because if like me you’re obsessed with Captain Swan and Taylor Swift then this song has been on your mind since last week

When Emma falls in love, she paces the floor Closes the blinds and locks the door When Emma falls in love, she calls up her mom Jokes about the ways that this one could go wrong She waits and takes her time 'Cause Little Miss Sunshine always thinks it's gonna rain

Emma Nolan was 16 when she first fell in love. When she was young, her parents would read her a fairytale to get her to go to sleep, and when she started reading herself, it was always stories about princesses and dragons. So I guess you could say she was a hopeless romantic. Neal Gold was in her High School English class, and they would share notes and he would smile at her and Emma felt butterflies in her chest whenever he did. She would dream about him at night and hope that tomorrow would be the day he finally asked her out,

When he eventually asked her to Prom after months and months of wishing and waiting, she would tell her mom she was in love. Her mother would smile and listen to her daughter, hoping this boy would treat her right and love her the way she deserved to. She and her mother went dress shopping and Emma was sure it would be perfect, he would kiss her and they would start to date before going off to college together. He brings her a corsage that matches her dress, shakes hands with her father and promises to be home by midnight.

Prom night is as magical as Emma hopes it is. They dance, they laugh and she gets her very first kiss that night. Emma can’t help but feel like a Princess. He asks her to be his girlfriend and Emma feels like she is living her fairytale life. This was her prince charming, and she was going to live happily ever after.

“I can’t do this anymore.” He tells her 6 months later. He’s leaving for college early, and didn’t want to be tied down with a girl back home. So he leaves for the big city, away from their small town and she never sees him again. She can’t help but hope she might see him for the holidays, but that never happened. He was a ghost and that was when Emma experienced heartbreak for the first time. It was then that she grew up and stopped believing in fairytales.

___________

When Emma leaves for college, she kisses her mother and father goodbye and promises to come home for Christmas. College is the next place that Emma falls in love. Graham. She’s invited to her roommates party one night and he’s there and Emma swears she feels her heart flutter. They get talking and realise they have a lot in common, they both come from a small town and want to go to Law School and are majoring in English. Of course that means she sees him in her classes, and she makes a point of sitting next to him as much as she can.

They’re at another party and Emma isn’t sure if she was feeling brave or it was the liquid courage doing that, but she grabs his face and kisses him. His lips tasted of whisky and her heart did the butterfly thing again. She didn’t want to fall in love again, but oh was she falling.

“There's a guy.” She tells her mother when she calls. Her mother was her best friend, she wanted to tell her everything about college (well maybe not everything, but a new guy she was falling for was top of her list)

“What’s his name? Where is he from? Have you kissed him yet?” She asks eagerly, her mother lost her own mother when she was ten, so she made a real effort in the years she was lucky to have with her daughter,

“His name is Graham, I met him at a party and we have a lot of classes together. Don’t get your hopes up though mom, who knows how it’s going to end.” Since getting her heart broken, she had a new perspective on life. Didn’t want to fall in love if it only ended in heartbreak.

“Don’t rain too hard on the sun.” Is her mother’s advice. Forever the optimist.

But she takes her advice still, and pursues a relationship with Graham. And it’s amazing. She was a lot more mature now, they would debate about things and they would ask each other about the future. She knew this love was different to the one she had with Neal. He’s on the soccer team and she gets to watch his games and be his cheerleader. He blows her a kiss when he sees her in the crowd and her heart is wild. She’s invited to all the after parties, and most of his team are nice, she becomes fast friends with Ruby, one of the other players' girlfriends. It’s also where she meets the most arrogant and aggravating man ever. Killian Jones. Captain of the soccer team, a total asshole. Thought everyone should worship the ground he walked on. “He’s a bloody bastard.” Graham tells her, “gets angry and takes it out on us. Gives me especially a hard time considering we're both from the same bloody country.”

When Emma falls apart, it's when she's alone She takes on the pain and bears it on her own ‘Cause when Emma falls in love, she's in it for keeps She won't walk away unless she knows she absolutely has to leave

Emma has one more year left of college. Boston has been great but she does miss her small town and its quirks. She brings home Graham to meet her family and they love him. Her mother gives him extra potatoes and stuffing at Thanksgiving and tells him he’s welcome at Christmas. He appreciates the offer but has to decline as he has a paper he hasn’t even started yet. Emma knew family was a difficult thing for him as he was raised by foster families, so she understands why he isn’t jumping at the chance to spend time with his girlfriend's family.

In between Christmas and New Years Emma decides to go back to campus early and surprise him. Which is when Emma experiences heartbreak for a second time. She walks into their shared apartment expecting to find her boyfriend surrounded by books and coffee as he works on his paper, not in their bed with a naked brunette.

“Emma, this isn’t what it looks like.” He tells her as she grabs her stuff, if this is how he treated a three year relationship then she was very wrong about him.

“Oh please enlighten me on how your dick fell onto Regina,” She trusted him, told him her fears and how she was terrified of getting her heart broken again. She let him into her home, he ate with her family. She had visions of them moving in together for real after college, imagining starting a life with him. Three years of love down the drain. And Emma reminded herself trusting men was a bad idea and falling in love was a trap.

She avoids Graham as much as she can when they have an almost identical class schedule. But somehow she fights through it and graduates with honours. But no job prospects unfortunately. So unable to afford rent in the city she grew to love, she moves back home to her parents house. Her dad is sheriff of their small town and she helps out when she can, whether it be filing paperwork or trying desperately to update their ancient computers.

The only perk of living in a small town was the dating scene was practically non-existent. Everyone knew everyone, she knew who dated who in high school and who to avoid. Being back here felt like she was in high school, broken hearted after a boy she trusted and loved broke everything in her. Emma didn’t cry much, never in front of other people, she thought it made her look weak. But when she’s alone, she lets it all out, cries herself to sleep because what was the point of love if it only brought torment and heartbreak.

Emma met a boy with eyes like a man Turns out her heart fits right in the palm of his hand Now he'll be her shelter when it rains Little does he know, his whole world's about to change

Finding a dream job is hard, just because you graduated college didn’t mean employers were lining up to employ her. She had failed interviews and was questioned why she didn’t take certain lectures or why she didn’t land an internship when she was already up to her limits in work. It was rough as hell. But eventually she finds success. Bail bonds. Not her first choice in careers, but she was desperate to get out of her small town.

Her apartment in Boston is a shithole. There is no other way to describe a studio apartment on the outskirts of the city centre. It’s small and dingy and the previous owners must have eaten fish every single night as that scent clung to the wallpaper, forcing her to open the tiny window to breathe fresh air. But it was all she could afford on her crappy salary. Her job also doesn’t consist of much other than coffee runs for the first year. She felt like an overpaid intern. But she works hard, she stays late to research the assholes and what could be used to bring them down, and it helps out. When she’s assigned her first case, she kicks ass. Brings the guy down and she earns respect from her colleagues. She realises she doesn’t hate bail bonds as much as she thought, she originally wanted to study law to help people but realised quickly into her second year she didn’t want to be a lawyer. But this was still helping people and as her paycheck got bigger and bigger each month she was able to move out of her crappy studio apartment and into a one bed apartment in a nicer area of the city.

She has a neighbour across the hall. She sees the back of his head occasionally but has never had a conversation with him but he doesn’t make much noise or hold late night parties so she’s happy with that.

The one night she does meet him, everything changes from that point.

She’s carrying two paper bags from the grocery store, she had a craving for pasta and realised she had no marinara sauce, and going to the grocery store when you were hungry was always a bad idea. So here she was, two brown bags covering her face whilst struggling to get her key in the door.

“Here let me help you.” A stranger's voice says, reliving her struggle and taking one of the bags so she can open her door.

“Thank you.” And that’s when she gets a proper look at the stranger, who she presumes is her neighbour. “Killian Jones?

“Emma. Emma Nolan”

Killian Jones, captain of the soccer team. Total asshole and Graham's friend. Great. This was fucking perfect.

“Small world huh.” He comments and Emma wanted to roll her eyes at how small it fucking was. She hadn’t seen him in years, since she ended things with Graham, she stopped going to his games or parties with his friends. Of all the people to end up living next to.

“How long have you lived here? Do you live with your girlfriend?” She briefly remembers Killian having a girlfriend, dark curly hair.

He cringes at the mention of a girlfriend, clearly a touchy subject. “No uh, it’s just me. Been here around a year now.”

They make polite conversation about what they were doing in the city, and he lets her get back to unpacking her groceries, but at the door he turns and says, “I wanted to tell you Graham was a complete dickhead, you were too good for him anyway.”

She doesn’t know why he says it, but she’s grateful anyway.

The next few months pass in a blur, she sees Killian in the corridor in the mornings and says hello, she holds the apartment building door open for him when he's coming back from a run. One night though Emma decides to impulsively start baking brownies because she was bored and craving something sweet. So after googling a recipe she gets her ingredients and mixing bowl out, and begins the messy process of combining flour, eggs and chocolate. It’s only when the mix is ready to be put into a dish does Emma realise she has nothing to add the mixture to. And only after rifling through her cupboards does she knock on her neighbours door. Hair up in a messy ponytail, no makeup and possibly flour on her face. Great.

He opens the door looking almost as dishevelled as she was, grey sweatpants and a loosely fitted white t-shirt, which is where she also notices something she didn’t before. A stump in place of his left hand. She rattles her brain trying to think of when it could’ve happened, he had to have two hands in college-right? “I’m sorry, this is so random but do you happen to have a baking pan I could borrow? I had a craving to make them and I realise now that I don’t have anything to bake them with.”

The corners of his mouth turn upright as he smiles at her, and that goodman smile made Emma's stomach flutter again, she didn’t deny she found him attractive but she wouldn’t go there. “Say I do have one, do I get to try the brownies once they’re done?”

“Well that depends on how good your brownie dish is. Every good baker knows it's the tools that make them delicious.” There was no harm in flirting a little, he was her type too-dark hair, light eyes and an accent that made her weak at the knees.

This makes him laugh as he goes into his apartment which is an identical layout to Emmas, to grab his brownie dish. “I expect great things from this.”

She walks back into her apartment with a giddy smile on her face. This man across the hall from her was different to the boy she thought she knew in college. So maybe she adds extra chocolate to the brownies to make them extra fudgy and then tops them with extra chocolate chips and brings them over to his apartment and waits eagerly for him to open the door.

“These are easily the best brownies I have tasted in my life.” Emma doesn’t know if he means it or if he's just saying it to be nice, but either way she can’t help the smile on her face growing as he takes a bite.

Emma sits in his apartment for hours that night. They chat about college and how it felt like a lifetime ago yet also not that long ago. They speak about their lives now and she learns Killian is a high school teacher, a History teacher specifically, she learns he has a passion for mythology, and Cleopatra is his favourite story. And she tells him about how she fell into bail bonds but actually enjoys it. She learns that he moved from London when he was 17 and misses very few things about his home, “except for tea, you bloody Americans put shame on the drink.”

“You can ask about it, I won’t get offended.” He says, referencing his hand which she now sees is a prosthetic.

“When did it happen? Am I a bad person for not realising in college?” She asks, hoping he won’t be pissed off.

He just shakes his head, “don’t worry, it happened just a few months before graduation. It was a terrible storm and me and my ex-girlfriend had just had a huge fight and I wasn’t in the right headspace so I was driving alone and out of nowhere a truck hit me and my car spun and spun. I’m lucky to be alive considering I was in hospital for 3 months, the doctors tried to save my hand but it got stuck in the steering wheel and it could’ve led to a bad infection so now I have to wear a prosthetic.” He says unclipping his hand and re-clipping it in. He then goes on to explain that he ended up graduating later than planned as he missed a semester due to hospital and rehabilitation.

When Emma is back in her apartment that night, she feels like something has changed. There was something about her that made her want to keep getting to know him and tell him everything about her. Whenever they see one another in the hall now, they chat about their plans for the day and he lets her vent when she’s had a stressful day or no luck catching a perp. She makes sure to buy more baking pans so she can keep bringing him baked goods when he’s working late grading homework. She isn’t sure what they are exactly, there has been flirting but nothing more, she knows he doesn't have a girlfriend and he knows she hasn’t dated anyone since Graham.

So she decides to be bold, to take charge. She knocks on his apartment door and almost as soon as he opens his door, she pounces and kisses him. She thinks she’s made a huge mistake but then she feels his hand push the back of her head forward as he engages in the kiss and deepens it. His lips taste of rum and salt, and the kiss feels right , and it was so different to how she felt when she kissed Graham or even Neal. Things escalate pretty quickly, and one moment she’s up against the wall on the inside of his apartment with her legs around his waist as he places kisses down the side of her neck causing a moan to escape her lips. Clothes are being torn off and scattered across the apartment as they make their way to his bedroom. Every touch was hungry, wanting to taste more of one another, scratchings of pleasure and wanting to make sure this was actually happening. The sex was something else, it was energetic and the way he made her feel felt like fireworks were going off in her head. His touches were soft when they needed to be, and rough and fast when she asked. Their bodies were like two puzzle pieces that had finally fit together.

That night was a catalyst for everything good that happened. The very next night he takes her out to dinner, a small Italian restaurant which did the best pasta. They walk hand in hand and they’re both happy. They talk about life, they tell each other things they wouldn’t tell anyone else. Emma tells him her fears of being left alone and how she used to dream of a fairytale but grew out of it when she got older, to which Killian tells her his mother used to read him fairytales as a bedtime story and they always remind him of her.

“Whose Liam?” She asks one night. They were lying in bed together and she notices there is a tattoo on his chest, of that name surrounded by a wave. He had a few tattoos but this one was different, hidden, tucked away, sentimental. She had noticed it a few times but felt like it was never the right time.

“He was my brother.” Was . Oh. Shit. “He died about ten years ago.”

“Will you tell me about him?” They had been together almost every day, and she loved learning all she could about him, she knew little about his family, just that his mom died and his dad was an alcoholic and he didn’t have a relationship with him.

“Liam was my best friend. He practically raised me after our mother died and our fathers drinking got worse. He wasn't the best in school so he dropped out early and joined the Royal Navy. He wanted to rise up through the ranks and make a name for himself. There were a lot of people who didn’t agree with the royals and the money being spent on the Navy, he got into quite a few bar fights when those kinds of people liked to pick fights. He’d come out battered and bruised, but one night he got into a fight with a big bloke who hit with-That he didn’t-the force that Liam got hit with.” This was the first time she had seen him get emotional and flustered, and she could figure out the end of that story, so she laces her fingers with his and let him recover. “It's why I came to the states rather than pick a uni closer to home, I had to get away, I wanted a fresh start where I wasn’t constantly reminded of him.”

She understood why he was the way he was in college, his pain was fresh and he didn’t know how to control his emotions so he likely lashed out when he got angry, Graham probably reminded him of his brother which explains why he always complained about him giving him a worse time than the others. She wanted to be there for him as much as she could, help him heal.

This was the third time Emma had fallen in love, and she wasn’t afraid anymore. Her feelings were developing faster and she found herself looking at the sun rather than waiting for the rain. Killian felt like home. Her mother of course is thrilled and asks when she can meet him, to which she tells her soon. And when they do make the trip to her small town, he is the perfect gentleman, bringing flowers to her mother and a British beer that her dad loves. They welcome him with open arms, and despite not having any family left, Killian had found one in the woman he loved.

Her family loves him. Which is when years pass and he is asking for their blessing they give it to him with no doubt or hesitation.

“Emma. When I first met you I didn’t know how important you would become in my life. These past few years have been the happiest I have felt in a long time, and I would be a bloody idiot if I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Emma cries. She loved Killian with all of her heart. She used to dream of a fairytale when she was younger, and as cliche as it sounded, she just had to kiss a few frogs before finally finding her Prince Charming. And when she takes her fathers arm as she walks down the aisle, dressed in white, she has to force herself not to cry so she doesn’t ruin her makeup. But it's his wedding vows that end up making her cry the most.

“Loving you Emma was the best thing to happen to me. You’re like a book I can’t put down, you make me excited every single day and I love talking about you to people. I swear you have the power to change a bad boy and a broken thing who didn’t know he was capable of love into a good man who loves with every fibre of his being. With this ring I am also giving you my heart, and a promise of a life together filled with light and love.”

When Emma falls in love, she falls hard and she dreams of a fairytale come true, with Killian she felt just that and more.

#captain swan #captain swan fanfic #cs ff #cs fic rec #My writing #taylor swift #when emma falls in love

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starshine-hockey-girl · 2 years

Text

Star Crossed- Miro Heiskanen fic

Here is my very late summer fic exchange story written for @selfindulgentpoorlywritten who requested Reader Insert, fluff, smut (18+ only), angst - with a happy ending. It's my first time writing for Miro. I hope that you enjoy it.

@antoineroussel @fallinallincurls @princessphilly

Word Count- 7.6K

Author's Notes- I do play a little fast and loose with factual details and the realities of Covid

Warnings- alcohol use; some light verbal abuse; an abundance of fluff

Sunday-September 16th- 2018

Aurora looked down at her phone and saw a text message from her father, Jere Lehtinen. She sighed and walked away from the group. She, her boyfriend Brayden and their friends had gone to Top Golf for his birthday. Her father had been away at the Dallas Stars training camp for the past week.

Brayden dropped her back at her large house in Preston Hollow. “I’ll call you later,” she said as she kissed him on the cheek. Brayden and Rory had been dating for almost a year and Rory was ridiculously in love. They were the prototype of high school sweethearts who began dating their senior year of high school. Originally, Rory had planned on attending the University of Texas to major in Sports Management in pursuit of her dream job in the NHL. However, when Brayden had been waitlisted at UT, she changed her plans and went with her second choice of Southern Methodist University. He started at community college at Brookhaven. The change of plans had come as a huge disappointment to her father who did not want to see his precious baby girl change her dreams for a boy-particularly that boy.

Rory walked into the house and called, “Papa- I am home.”

Jere called from the kitchen, “In here, Pupu(bunny).” She walked into the large kitchen to give her father a hug. He squeezed her tight, “How was your night? How was Bray?” The disdain dripped from his voice.

“Papa, you know that it is BrayDEN,” she corrected as she eyed the young man standing at the end of the island. The tall brunette looked at the bubbly, young blonde, blushed and looked down again. Rory looked at her father and spoke in Finnish, “Who’s the boy?”

Jere looked at Miro then back at his daughter and replied in Finnish, “That’s Miro. I told you about him. He’s starting with the Stars and will be living with us until he gets settled into Dallas life.”

Rory looked back and forth between the two and spoke in English, “Staying here? In our house?”

“Yes and I want you to show him the ropes,” her father replied.

“What ropes?” she stared at her father in disbelief, “Is this the favor you wanted to ask me? Aren’t there some Finns on the team to show him the ropes?” she asked incredulously.

“Pupu,” he father replied with a sweet smile, “He needs someone his own age to show him the town. He can’t go hang out in bars with the other guys. Do your papa this favor.” Miro stared at the ground and listened into the conversation. He could understand the general idea of it even if the finer points were lost in him. He wasn't sure what the ropes were and why he would need to see them.

Rory rolled her eyes, “Fine, but he has to fit into my schedule- not the other way around.”

"Pupu," he chided his youngest daughter, "You know he will not have flexibility in his schedule. Why are you not willing to help him out?"

"I think you know why. Brayden won't like it if he is always hanging around. Also I am not wasting my time with some rookie that might be sent down to Austin within two weeks." Jere gave her the "look". "Papa, I have a life," she pleaded, "Okay, I will schedule something for next weekend."

“Thank you,” her father kissed her cheek, “Now, can you show Miro to the guest bedroom?”

Rory waited for Miro to join and spoke in Finnish, "I will show you the room and then we will come get your bags." They passed through the family room. Miro stopped and stared at the three Selke trophies prominently displayed in the built-in. Mementos of Jere’s impressive Stars and Team Finland career were scattered around the room. Rory moved to stand next to him as he looked at each item. She looked at the trophy then at Miro and spoke again in Finnish, "So you must be good if Papa is so invested in you.

"Yeah," he blushed and replied back in Finnish, “I think I have a shot.” He looked at the framed photo of Rory sitting in the bowl of the Stanley Cup at the tender age of six months. "Is that you?"

She smiled and continued in Finnish, "Yeah, I have hockey in my blood. Brayden hates it though."

They walked slowly to the guest bedroom. Miro turned at the door and smiled. "Is Brayden boyfriend? He should like things you like," he said in English. Rory's mouth dropped. "I speak English. Not much, but enough," he smiled, "I won't waste your time, bunny" Rory blushed and rushed to her room just in time for her nightly call from Brayden.

October 2021

“But why does he have to go?” Brayden whined to Rory. She adjusted her short sleeved Longhorn t-shirt and cut-off shorts.

“Because there isn’t anything more quintessential Texan than the State Fair and Texas/OU football game,” she replied. “You know, you could be a little more understanding about the situation,” she sighed, “Imagine that you were across the world from your friends and family- in a brand new city. Wouldn’t you want someone to show you around?”

Brayden walked up to her and lifted her up. He smiled, “Well, I don’t ever plan on leaving Texas so it will never be an issue for me.” She ran her hand over his broad chest and matching Longhorn shirt and pressed her lips together.

“You mean to live? You never want to live anywhere other than Texas?” she asked.

“To live and to be. I have everything I want and need here,” he joked as he kissed her cheek. He sat her down and playfully swatted her bottom.

“Not even to travel? Explore the world and see what else there is to see?” she scoffed.

“I mean, I’d go to Mexico or some place for our honeymoon, but that’s just about it.” he answered emphatically. Jere’s career had afforded Rory opportunities to travel the world much more than the average person her age. Between the annual trips in the summer to Finland and the international hockey tournaments, she had traveled extensively. She tried to imagine living a life that did not continue that sort of travel. It felt small-minded and unappealing, but Rory tried to dismiss the feeling. Brayden was her boyfriend and she loved him. She stared at his tall and muscular body. He was every bit of the stereotypical Texan that she was conditioned to want by her environment. She tried to shake the feeling that she wanted something more. Rory left him in the living room and walked to the bottom of the stairs. “Jäbä, are you ready to leave?”

Miro came bounding down the stairs with a smile, “Yes, Aurora” He spoke her name in an exaggerated drawl playfully, “I am ready to go to the great State Fair of Texas.” She rolled her eyes and poked him in the middle of the chest. She had spent the previous week explaining the fair and its intricacies to a very confused Miro. “So it’s a carnival?” he would ask in Finnish. She would shake her head emphatically and describe its wonders. Again he would tease, “So it’s a really BIG carnival?”

Brayden cleared his throat to get Rory’s attention. “We need to go if we want to do any sort of tailgating,” he explained.

Rory’s facial expression changed slightly and Miro noticed. “What’s tailgating?” he tentatively asked in English.

Rory answered back in Finnish, “It’s where people get drunk before a sporting event. In this case, because he is too young to legally drink inside the fair, he will start before the game.”

Miro looked from Rory to Brayden and asked in Finnish, “And this is not good? You don’t like it?”

Rory spit out in English, “No, I don’t like it. I don’t like it all.”

Three hours later-Cotton Bowl Stadium

Miro looked over at Rory and sighed. She was trying to put on a brave face, but he could tell that she was upset. Brayden and his friends had imbibed before the game and were now making fools of themselves at the game. After taking a commanding lead through the third quarter, the UT Longhorns were now seeing that lead decimated by a fourth quarter OU Sooner comeback led by Kyler Murray. When OU scored the tying touchdown with two minutes left in the game, Brayden and his friends effectively lost-their-shit. A tirade of cuss words flowed from their mouths. Despite himself, Miro laughed. Rory shared a glance with him before breaking out in giggles as well.

“What the fuck are the two of you laughing at, huh?” Brayden demanded and stomped his feet.

This caused Rory’s giggles to erupt even louder. “Look at yourself. It’s a FOOTBALL game- not the end of the world,” she said between laughs. Brayden looked back and forth between the two friends and felt his blood pressure rise. He got the sense that they were mocking him and he detested being mocked.

“Hey Finn boy,” he growled, “I don’t know what you are laughing at. You can barely speak English.”

“Hey,” Rory chided him, “If you are mad at me for laughing, then be mad at me. Don’t take it out on Jäbä.”

“Jäbä, Jäbä, Jäbä,” Brayden mocked, “What the fuck does that even mean?”

“Dude,” Miro interjected quickly.

“Don’t dude me,” Brayden replied, “We are NOT friends.”

Miro laughed, “No, it literally means ‘Dude’.” He turned to Rory and asked in Finnish, “How do you say nickname?”

“The word is nickname,” Rory answered in Finnish.

Miro turned around, “It’s nickname she have for me. You no like?”

“No, I don’t like it. I don’t like anything about you. You stupid foreign asshole,” Brayden countered, “You can’t even speak basic English.”

Miro took a step toward Brayden. “I can speak English.” Brayden took a step back. He had not anticipated Miro standing up to him. Just then the Longhorns ran the ball down to the twenty four yard line. Brayden turned his attention back to the game. Miro turned to face Rory with a question in his eyes. She softly shook her head no and looked down. “Aurora,” he said softly, “Don’t be sad. He’s drunk. No big deal.” Internally, Rory knew that it was a big deal. She knew that his temper was out of control and she was embarrassed that Miro felt the brunt of it. “Aurora,” he said again, “It’s not your fault.” They shared a tender look and she sighed before giving him a soft smile.

The stadium erupted in cheers as the Longhorns kicked a field goal to retake the lead. Brayden picked up Rory and squeezed her in a tight hug then placed a forceful kiss on her mouth. Miro watched in stunned silence. His heart raced and he felt an uncomfortable emotion pulsing through his body. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he knew that it was an immediate response to Brayden kissing Rory. Miro turned to observe half the crowd erupting in cheers while the other half looked dejected. “I’ll never understand football,” he thought to himself.

After the game, the group made their way to the Midway for rides and carnival games. Brayden, Jayden and Caden bribed another fairgoer into purchasing large beers for them so their buzz would keep going. Miro walked behind Brayden and Rory as Brayden led her through the crowd with a tight grip on her waist. A carnival barker called out to the group from the Rope Ladder Climb. “Hey Bro, win your girl a prize,” he called out to Brayden, “All you have to do is climb this rope and ring the bell. It’s as easy as pie.”

Brayden took a look at Rory and then looked back at Miro. “Yeah, I’ll do it,” he said as he pulled out his wallet. How much?” The barker informed him that it was ten dollars. “Hey Rory, can you spot me? I used the last of my cash for the beers.” She looked at him in disbelief.

Miro stepped forward and handed the barker a crispy twenty. Brayden looked up in surprise. “Him first and then me,” Miro said, “We see who wins prize.”

Brayden mounted the rope ladder and tried to balance his weight. He moved his right foot to the next rung and the ladder wobbled. He took another step and it wobbled again. His friends shouted suggestions to him- “Go faster, Tighten your grip, Go slower!” Beads of sweat covered Brayden’s forehead and palms. He began to lose his grip and with a final movement fell off of the ladder. He hit the inflatable with the palm of his hand and cussed, “Damn it, it’s rigged. It’s fucking rigged.”

Miro walked up to the ladder as Brayden exited and looked back at Rory. He gave her a sly smile and she giggled. “I go now?” he asked as he balanced on the ladder. The barker gave him the go signal and Miro took off. He nimbly climbed, moving his opposite limbs in a fluid motion- left, right left, right. Brayden stood in stunned silence as Miro reached the top within seconds and rang the bell in victory. Miro jumped off the ladder and slid down the inflatable. He flashed Rory another smile as he said to the barker, “You right- easy as cake”

Rory laughed, “Jäbä, pie- the phrase is easy as pie.”

Miro simply shrugged his shoulders, “I was close.”

The barker instructed Miro to pick from the top row of prizes. Miro laughed as he pointed to the prize he wanted. The barker pulled down the large stuffed animal and handed it to the Finn. Miro took the prize and placed it in Rory’s hands with a flourish. “Pupu pupulleni,” he said gallantly in Finnish. Rory hugged the prize and hid her face to hide her blush.

“What the fuck did you say?” Brayden demanded to know.

“A bunny for my bunny,” Miro replied in English. He turned to Rory, “You like, Aurora?”

Brayden tried to rip the bunny from Rory’s arms, “You are not taking that from him. You are not.” He screamed in her face, “You are MY girlfriend- not his fucking bunny. Give it back to him.”

Miro stepped in between the two, “Back off.”

“Oh, look at who is back to his broken English again,” Brayden mocked.

Rory yelled, “Stop it- stop it Brayden”

“Give her the bunny back and walk away Brayden. Don’t ever scream at her like that again,” Miro said firmly while he stared into the Texan’s eyes, “Is that English good enough for you?” He turned to Rory in Finnish, “Aurora, I think it’s time for us to go home. Do you want me to get an Uber to take us?”

Rory looked back and forth between Brayden and Miro. She was going to disappoint one with any decision made. She thought quickly and blurted out, “Miro is going to take me home. You're drunk and if my dad sees it, he is going to be furious. Call me tomorrow when you are sober. We can talk then.” She looked at Miro and spoke in Finnish, “Get me out of here and away from him, Jäbä. I just want to go home.”

Miro nodded and grabbed her hand before he responded in Finnish, “Yes, my bunny.”

December 31st, 2018

Three hours later, Miro called from the party at Tyler Seguin's house.

Miro: Aurora- are you coming?

Rory: No Jäbä- I am not.

Miro: Why not? What happened?

Rory took a deep breath: Brayden broke up with me

Miro: He what?

Rory: He broke up with me- via text

Miro: Where are you?

Rory: Home

Miro: I am coming to you.

Miro hung up the phone before she could protest. He left the party without telling anyone and made it to the Lehtinen home in less than fifteen minutes. He unlocked the front door and walked into the house, “Aurora, it’s me Jäbä. I am home.”

Rory called from the kitchen, "I am in here." He followed the sound of her voice and found her sitting at the island. A bottle of vodka sat in front of her. He glanced at her as she opened it and poured herself a drink. "Want one?" she asked dejectedly.

“When will your parents be home?” he asked quietly.

“It will be late. They are at the Morrow’s New Year’s Eve party,” she said quietly.

“Only one drink,” he cautioned, “Tell me what happened.”

She slid her phone across the counter to him, “Read for yourself.”

“He cheating on you? With Maddie?” he looked up in surprise.

“Yep,” she said sardonically, “My guess is that it’s been going for a while now. Lots of stuff makes sense now.”

Miro studied her face. Her usual bubbly demeanor had been replaced with sadness. She took a long swig of her drink. Tears fell from her eyes as she spoke softly, “Papa was right about him. He was right all along.” Miro took a step toward her and she backed away. “I wanted so much to make it work. He was perfect from the outside.”

“Not perfect for you,” he tried to comfort her, “He treated you bad.”

“My stupid stubborness got me into this mess,” she cried, “I wanted to prove everyone wrong. I wanted to prove my papa wrong. I wanted to prove you wrong. I gave up my dream for someone who never really loved me- at least not in the way I loved him.”

Miro reached over and took the glass from her hand. He walked over to the sink and poured the contents out. She watched him silently and without opposition. “Have you eaten?” he asked. She shook her head no. He nodded his head, “We order pizza and talk” Rory walked away as Miro used his phone to order pizza. He found her seating on the large sectional in the family room. She eyed him with curiosity as he sat on the opposite end.

“Why are you here, Jäbä?” she finally asked, “Isn’t there a party at Seggy’s tonight?”

“You need a friend tonight,” he answered quickly.

“Oh,” she replied, “Why do you want to be my friend, Jäbä? Why are being so nice to me?”

He looked up in surprise, “I am nice to you because you were nice to me. You help me learn English. Show me ropes.”

“Is it bad that I don’t feel sad about Brayden? Maybe that’s a sign, right?” she asked.

“Good sign,” he answered, “Tell me about dream you gave up for him.”

“I was supposed to go to UT because their program for Sports Management is better than SMU. When he got waitlisted, I switched to stay with him,” she explained. “At UT, I could study abroad. I might even be able to study in Finland and work with Team Finland,” she smiled at the thought, “I know a couple of guys that would have put in a good word for me.”

“It’s not too late,” Miro suggested, “You could still have your dream.”

Rory stared at him for a moment and considered the possibility. She felt a sense of excitement. She mentally went over what she would have to do to procure a transfer. Miro studied her as a smile spread across her face. “You’re right. I could still have my dream,” she said. She stood up and paced as she let her mind embrace the possibilities that awaited her. Suddenly she rushed over to Miro and squeezed him a tight hug. “Thank you Jäbä,” she whispered in his ear, “Thank you for being my friend.”

“Thank you, Aurora, for being my friend,” he squeezed her back.

March 2019

Rory stood in the kitchen and studied her phone. There was an email from the University of Texas admissions office. She tried to will herself open it. She had jumped through hoops to meet the deadlines for transfer. Now she awaited the answer and it sat in her email inbox. Miro walked into the house from the garage. She looked up at him with expectant eyes and he blinked back. Mentally he calculated the date and remembered that the answer should be arriving today. “Good answer?” he asked. He had a front row seat to all of the work that she had put into the transfer. Not only that, the hard work that she continued to do to maintain her 4.0 GPA at SMU.

“It’s here, but I am afraid to open it,” she whispered. He walked over to look over her shoulder at her phone.

“Open it, Aurora. I bet it is good news,” he encouraged.

“I am scared, Jäbä,” she whined, “You do it.”

“You know my English shaky,” he joked as he took the phone.

“You can read the important parts. Tell me,” she pleaded.

He opened the email and skimmed the contents before a smile spread across his face.

“Yes?” she asked quickly.

He nodded his head emphatically, “Yes! You start this fall.”

Rory jumped up and down, “I got in? Jäbä, I really got in?”

“You got in, Aurora,” he cheered. Suddenly Rory threw herself into his arms and he squeezed her tight. They spun around as they both reveled in her joy. He set her back down and she stared up into his eyes. Their hearts raced and they struggled to catch their breath. Rory felt herself drawn to him and before she knew it, they kissed. His hand cradled the back of her head as their mouths opened to each other and he tasted the flavor of her Burt’s Bee vanilla bean lip balm. He groaned softly as his tongue slid across her lips to taste her better. It was delicious and exhilarating at the same time. They were lost in the unexpected thrill of the kiss and didn’t hear her parents arrive home. Jere cleared his throat loudly. Rory and Miro pushed apart quickly. Rory looked from her father to Miro and back again. Her father stared at Miro who looked down in a combination of fear and embarrassment. An uncomfortable silence loomed in the air before Miro spoke. “Rory has news for you,” he said quickly. Rory stared at him for a moment. He never called her Rory. It was always Aurora. Her face pinched in surprise. He turned and walked out of the kitchen.

She looked at her parents who studied her closely, “Ummm, I got into UT. I just got the news today. Jäbä read it to me.” Her father held out his arms and she ran into them. “Papa, are you happy?” she whispered, “Are you proud of me?”

“Always” he said proudly. He let her go so she could hug her mother, Jana. Afterward, they stood in awkward silence. “We should go out and celebrate. I will take you to your favorite restaurant,” her father suggested. “Go invite, Miro. He should come,” he added.

Inside of his bedroom, Miro paced while his mind raced. He drifted back to the memory of their kiss. It felt right and natural although completely unexpected. He was unsure what it meant if anything. “She got in,” he said to himself. It’s not as if he expected her not to get in, but he had never considered the reality of when she got into UT. It was March now. At the latest the Stars season would conclude in June. That is only if they made the Stanley Cup Finals. After that, he would go back home to Finland. She would be in Austin when he returned. He thought of Brayden and how she had given up her dream for him. Would she do the same for him? Could he allow her to do the same?

He was absorbed in thought when Rory knocked softly on Miro’s door, “Jäbä? Can I come in?” The door opened and he stood to the side. Her eyes searched for any sign of how Miro felt about the kiss, but his face revealed nothing. “My parents are taking me to dinner to celebrate. Do you want to come?” she asked tentatively.

“No, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he replied, “I think it should just be your family.”

She inhaled sharply, “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” he answered, “I won’t be home when you get back. I am going to go hang out with Big Rig.” He made a mental note to send a SOS text when Rory left.

“Oh okay,” she mumbled and turned to go.

“Aurora,” he called as she walked down the hall. She turned to look at him. “I am proud for you.

“Thanks,” she responded quietly.

Later that night

Miro entered the house quietly. The Lehtinens didn’t have very many rules for the young defenseman while he stayed in their house, but coming in at two AM would certainly be frowned upon. He had just returned from hanging out at Big Rig’s apartment where they had played video games for a few hours. He walked through the house and stopped suddenly when he saw Rory sitting at the bottom of the stairs. “Hey,” he said, “why are you up?”

“I wanted to talk to you,” she said quietly, “about earlier.”

“Oh,” he replied, “You mean the kiss?”

“Yeah,” she answered in Finnish, “Do you regret it?”

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Regret? No, I don’t regret it,” he answered back in Finnish. He sat next to her on the stairs. She looked at him with questions in her eyes. He looked down and took a deep breath. He had been thinking all night of how to discuss what had happened. Even though he though he had a prepared answer, when he looked at her pretty face so full of hope and promise, all the words escaped him. There was the answer he WANTED to say and the answer he NEEDED to say. “Aurora, the kiss was amazing. I don’t regret it, but I don’t think it should happen again,” he said gently. The disappointment was written all over her face. “You gave up your dream for Brayden once. I can’t let you give your dream for me. I don’t think that we can work as anything other than friends. It’s not right,” he explained in Finnish.

The pain of rejection stung Rory and she spit out quickly in Finnish, “Presumptuous of you to think I would give up my dream over a single kiss. You’re right. We are better off as friends. I am glad that we cleared that up.” She got up and started up the stairs.

“Aurora,” he called quietly.

She turned, “It’s fine, Miro. We’re friends. It’s all fine.” It was his turn to flinch at the sound of his name. Rory stormed up the stairs and slammed her door before throwing herself on the bed. Miro got up slowly and climbed the stairs. He paused outside of her door. The sound of her crying was barely audible and it killed him. “I’m sorry, Aurora, '' he whispered before returning to his room.

May 7th, 2021- St. Louis

Rory stood in the hotel lobby waiting for the Stars players to return from the Enterprise Center. The Stars had been knocked out of the playoffs in a devastating loss in double overtime. She texted her father who confirmed that the team would return to the hotel that night instead of flying back to Dallas. Rory and Miro had seemingly recovered from the awkwardness of their kiss and his subsequent rejection of her. She focused on school and he focused on his play and the playoffs. There were still occasional hang-outs but the laughter didn’t flow as freely. Their shared times together were punctuated by awkward times of silence. Still she cared deeply for him and it had nearly broken her heart to watch him in the handshake line.

There was a subtle buzz in the air when the team started walking into the lobby. Various Stars fans cheered while a group of Blues fans jeered. “Jäbä,” she called to Miro as passed her. He looked over and she gave a bright smile. He reluctantly walked to her and allowed her to hug him. She felt the tension in his body and released the hug. “You played so well,” she said enthusiastically.

“We lost,” he said bluntly.

“I know. I am just trying to cheer you up, Jäbä” she replied.

“Maybe I don’t want to be cheered up,” he chided.

“Are you mad at me? What have I done?” she said in surprise.

“No, I just don’t want to be cheered. I want to be alone,” he blurted out.

“Okay, Jäbä,” she said meekly, “I will see you tomorrow.”

He nodded and turned to the elevator. He made the long walk to his room and replayed the conversation in his mind. He had been exceptionally curt and rude to her attempt at support. “Stupid,” he thought, “She was just trying to be a good friend.” Miro walked into his room and stared at the bed. “Dammit,” he thought, “I don’t want to leave it like this.” He turned around and left the room. When he turned the corner to walk down the hall to Rorys’ room, he did a double take. Big Rig stood behind Rory as she opened her door. His hand was on the small of her back. When the door opened, Rory turned around and hugged him tightly. Miro blinked and turned and walked away.

The next morning Miro ate his breakfast in silence next to Esa Lindell. Oleksiak walked into the room with a swagger that did not fit the mood of the rest of the team. Seggy looked up and joked, “Big Rig- why are you so happy? You know that we lost, right?”

Oleksiak joked back, “We may have lost but I found someone to ease the pain.” Miro stopped mid-bite and stared at Big Rig. “Gotta love those blondes,” he joked, “They make everything better.”

Esa Lindell glanced over at Miro, “You okay?”

Miro swallowed the bitterness and bile that rose in his throat, “Yeah, never better.”

January 2021

Jere signaled the DJ to lower the music. The Lehtinen family hosted an annual party at the beginning of the season which because of Covid had been delayed to January. Tonight's party served also as a quasi celebration for Rory who graduated in December. She was set to start her dream job in the Stars organization the next week.

Jere spoke into the microphone, “Hello. I want to take a moment to be a proud papa. Pupu, where are you? Come to me.” Rory groaned and sheepishly walked to her father. “Our Aurora completed her degree in Sports Management at the best school in the world. She finished her study abroad with Team Finland and will now start her new job working back at home. Her mother and I could not be more proud. Raise your glass and toast the smartest and most beautiful girl in the room.” She felt her cheeks flush with heat as the guests toasted her. She resisted the urge to look around for Miro to see his response. She was sure that she would find him standing next to a buxom blonde wearing next to nothing.

If she had looked up, she would have seen him standing in the corner by himself, staring at her with a mix of regret and pride. He could not be more proud of the woman that she had grown into. She radiated intelligence and kindness. All of the things that drew him to her when they first became friends. He continued to stare in the hopes that she would make eye contact, but it didn’t happen. Instead his eyes fell upon the tall frame of Oleksiak and he remembered that night in St. Louis. It was the last night he had seen Rory face to face.

After that night, he returned to the Lehtinen house, packed his things and took the first flight available back to Finland. Rory had texted and called several times, but he did return them. For all intents and purposes, he ghosted her. During the past two years, he had kept track of her activities via social media. There had been no serious boyfriends and she appeared to be thriving in Austin. He was unaware that she was doing the same. The multiple pictures of Miro with scantily clad women hanging all over him was a disappointment.

Rory circled the room and made all the appropriate small talk. Her stomach churned with the thought of running into Miro. They had not spoken in years, other than a brief "Good Luck" text exchange during the Stanley Cup Finals. A full year had passed since then and the confusion and rejection still felt as real and raw as that summer of 2019. After getting roped into a dreadful conversation with Tyler Seguin and his girlfriend, Rory went outside to get some fresh air.

Despite it being January, the weather was mild and Rory took a deep breath. The familiar scent of Miro's cologne hit her nostrils and she spun around to see him leaning against the pergola. He laughed at her surprise and she shrieked in Finnish "What are you doing here?"

"I was invited by your father," he replied in perfect English. Miro scoffed, “I am surprised that you aren't huddled up to Big Rig.”

Rory eyed him suspiciously, “And why would I do that?”

Miro looked down as the memory of Rory hugging Big Rig flashed in his mind’s eye. The accompanying pang in his heart and stomach felt entirely too familiar. “You did have that one night thing in St. Louis,” he whispered, “I figured that you kept in touch with him.”

Rory’s head twisted around, “We had what?”

“I saw him at your hotel room in St. Louis, Rory,” Miro said quietly.

“And?” she questioned, “Do you know why he was at my hotel room? What do you think happened, Jäbä?” Miro’s head popped at the word Jäbä. She hadn’t called him that since they stopped talking in 2019. She stared into his green eyes and saw the pain. She bit her lip and contemplated the cause of it. “Jäbä, tell me what you think happened.”

“You slept with him. That’s what I think happened,” he bluntly answered.

Rory gasped deeply, “Wait, is that why you started ignoring me? You pushed me away because you thought I slept with Big Rig?” He nodded his head and walked away. He stood on the edge of the pergola and looked over the manicured backyard. “I didn’t, by the way,” she added, “Even if I had, why didn’t you talk to me about it? You just quit talking to me based on an assumption. I was that disposable to you?”

He turned and looked over his shoulder, “What was I supposed to say, Rory?” he said with disgust, “Did you sleep with my liney? After everything we went through, you slept with him?”

Rory stared at him and tried to process what was happening. A feeling of disbelief started which quickly transformed to anger. “Why would it matter if I slept with him, which I did not. We were friends. You threw away our friendship over an assumption?”

“It wasn’t an assumption! I saw what I saw,” Miro asserted before he realized that it, indeed, could have been an assumption. He flashed back and replayed the memory. Big Rig stood behind Rory as she opened her hotel room door, she turned around, they hugged and then he had turned away in disgust. He assumed that Big Rig had gone into the room based on his behavior the next morning. He could have been wrong is the thought that hit him like a two by four in the chest. “What was the reality then? Tell me what happened,” he inquired.

Rory walked over and stood next to him. “You left me in the lobby after the game. I tried to talk to you about the game and you blew me off,” she started to explain. Miro grimaced at the reminder of his childish behavior. “Pretty soon I got surrounded by a group of drunk Blues fans who taunted me about the game,” she continued, “They yelled at me and one of them poured a can of beer on me.” His eyes flashed up at her revelation. “The next thing I remember is the sound of Big Rig’s voice booming ‘Get away from her. Move away from her.’ He grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the group. He led me to the elevator bank and made sure I was physically unharmed. He asked if I wanted him to do something about it, but I told him no. I just wanted to get to my room so that’s what he did. Nothing else happened.” She turned and he turned to face her. “I texted you when I got into my room but you never responded. I tried calling and texting but you disappeared into thin air. I needed my friend and you vanished like a ghost.” They stared at each other and reality began to sink into their minds. Rory waited for a response from Miro and was met with stunned silence. "Guess that English isn't so good after all," she sighed. She turned to walk away, “Have a nice life jäbä.”

He watched her walk away with a grimace on his face while he cursed himself in Finnish. Rory put her head down and walked toward the back set of stairs. She dwilled her eyes to contain the tears that threatened to overflow. Where had the sweet boy from Espoo gone? Where had her friend gone? “Hey-heads up Rory,“ she heard Oleksiak joke as he passed her in the hall. She looked up and was reminded of the stupid misunderstanding with Miro and the tenously grasp she had on her emotions released. Tears escaped from their containment and rolled down her face. “Hey, hey, hey- why are you crying, Rory?” Oleksiak asked softly, “This is your party too. What’s wrong?”

She shook her head, “He thinks we slept together. He thinks we had a one night stand in Nashville,” she cried.

“What?” Oleksiak gasped, “Who thinks that?”

“Miro- Miro thinks that,” she sobbed, “That’s why he pushed me away. That’s why he ghosted me.” Oleksiak stared at shoulders that shook with sadness and paused. His mind raced. To be honest, he hadn’t given much thought to why the pretty blonde had been missing from Dallas Stars events. He just assumed that she had been consumed by college life and the natural progression of distancing from her parents and their interests. He assumed that the relationship between the two had fizzled from the distance. His eyebrows furrowed. The news that he had somehow been involved surprised and troubled him. “You told him the truth, right?” Oleksiak asked gently.

Rory nodded her head, “I told him but I am not sure that he believes me.”

“I’ll go talk to him. I will straighten it out, Rory,” he assured her.

“Thanks, but I am not sure that there is a point. The Miro that I loved doesn’t exist anymore, I guess.” she said softly. Her eyes widened at the realization of what she had just admitted. Oleksiak pulled her into a tight side hug and she relaxed into his body.

“Oh he exists, Rory. He puts on an act around a lot of people, but he still exists in there,” he reasoned. He released her from the side hug and bent down to look her in the eyes. “Don’t think that your relationship can’t be repaired,” he implored, “I think it can.”

Rory nodded her head and then gave a soft smile, “Thanks, Big Rig.” She turned and made her way upstairs to her bedroom.

Oleksiak turned and returned to the party. He yelled, “Anyone seen Miro?” There was a collective no response. He turned and made his way outside. He found Heiskanen sitting on a bench under the pergola, staring at the ground. “Hey dude, I hear you might have some questions for me,” he stated bluntly. Miro looked up at the tall specimen of a man in confusion. “Something about a one night stand?” Oleksiak prodded. Miro groaned out loud. “What the hell, Miro?” Oleksiak asked, “You really thought I would make a move on your girl?”

Miro pressed his lips together, “You slept with someone that night. You bragged about it the next morning.”

“Not sure if I would call it bragging, but fair point,” Big Rig.

“So if it wasn’t Rory, who was it?” Miro asked.

“Does it ever matter? It wasn’t your girl. That’s all you need to know,” he answered, “I have too much respect for Rory to refer to her a blonde. Come on, Miro.”

“She’s not my girl. She has never been my girl,” Miro protested.

“Anyone with eyes can see how you feel about her or at least how you FELT about her,” the Canadian scolded the Finn. “We all saw how you were together. Considering that you are sitting here with your head hung down, I think that those feelings haven’t changed,” he continued.

“It won’t work. She doesn’t like me like that,” Miro spoke softly, “At least not anymore. I managed to fuck that up.”

Oleksiak reached over and smacked Miro in the back of his head, “You’re an idiot if you can’t tell that she likes you as more than a friend.”

“Owwwww,” Miro exclaimed, “You didn’t have to hit me.”

“Somebody needs to knock some sense into you,” Oleksiak spoke firmly, “She’s right. You have changed. You are trying to pretend to be someone that you’re not.”

“What do you mean?” Miro asked.

“Look-I like Seggy and Chubbs, but you are not like them. You trying to be this “I don’t give a fuck” player off the ice and it just isn’t you.” Oleksiak answered directly. “Stop pretending to be someone that you are not. You play with all of these puckbunnies when you know in your heart that you are in love with Rory.”

Miro tried to protest and thought about Rory. The pain that he felt when he saw the hug could not be attributed to friendship. The constant longing to see her was unexplainable. It had been years since they had spent time together but he couldn’t get the sound of her laughter out of his head. He smiled when he thought about her smile and the funny jokes she told him.

“What do I do?” Miro asked.

“Go tell her. Go tell her the truth,” Oleksiak spoke bluntly.

“Just like that?” Miro questioned.

“Just like that or I am going to kick your ass in training camp,” Oleksiak joked. Miro got up and punched Big Rig in the arm. “Hey-watch the violence,’ he explained.

“Payback is a bitch, huh?” Miro said as he walked away.

Miro walked up the backstairs and down the hall to Rory’s room. He knocked softly, “Aurora, it’s me-Jäbä.” He got no response, “Can I come in?”

The door suddenly opened and she stood in front of him. “What do you want, Miro?” she sighed.

“I want to explain. I want to tell you what happened,” he answered.

She stood to the side and let him enter. He turned to her and she eyed him warily, “So talk.”

He looked at her and paused. Her physical beauty took his breath away. She was no longer the teenager that he fell in love with. She had grown and matured. Though he would have sworn it would be impossible, she had become even more beautiful. “Ummmm,” he stammered, “Ummmm, first I should say I am sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” she challenged him.

“Sorry for ghosting you,” he replied meekly, “I didn’t know what else to do.” She raised an eyebrow and he continued in Finnish, “I saw you in the hall at the hotel. You’re right. I made an assumption- a wrong assumption. I was just so- I don’t know- when I saw you with him.”

“You were what?” she prodded.

“Jealous!” he spoke quickly in Finnish. “I was out of my mind with jealousy. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t admit it after telling you what we should be friends. I couldn’t admit the the truth.”

“What was the truth, Jäbä,” she yelped.

“The truth was,” he paused and continued in Finnish, “The truth is that I love you and the thought of you being with him drove me crazy. I should have said something. I should have told you, but I was afraid. I was afraid I had blown it after our kiss.”

Rory’s jaw dropped, “What did you say?”

Miro looked her into her eyes, “I said that I love you, Aurora.”

Her eyes filled with tears, “When- then or now?”

He stepped towards her and grabbed her hand. He intertwined his fingers into hers, “Both. I loved you from that moment in the kitchen. I loved you every moment that we spent together. I loved you then and I love you now.”

“Really?” she blushed but pulled his body to hers, “All that time?”

Miro slid his arms around her waist, “All that time.”

“That’s good,” she spoke as her lips ghosted over his. “Because I love you too.”

He brought her mouth to his and kissed her with passion. Rory spoke breathlessly, “Say it again.”

“I love you my bunny,” he moaned as he kissed her.

“I love you my Jäbä,” she moaned in return.

#miro heiskanen imagine #miro heiskanen fic #nhl fiction #nhl fic #nhl imagine #dallas stars imagine #dallas stars fanfiction #dallas stars fic #the summer fic exchange 2k22 #hwncloud #hwn cloud

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peakyoak · 2 years

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This Dark Disposition: Chapter 1 - Birmingham

Chapter 1 - Birmingham

1919 - London

Danielle stepped off the train, suitcase in hand. She felt a strong brush of wind pushing her long light brown hair back over her shoulders. The platform was busy, full of soldiers, nurses, women, and children. People were crying, some were screaming, and almost everyone was embracing loved ones who, against all odds, had returned home.

Including Danielle, who, since the age of 21, had been working as a nurse for the British Army. Now 25, Danielle had spent the majority of her adult life in France. Though most wartime nurses worked on English soil, a select few worked across the channel behind the front lines trying to save as many lives as possible, and honoring fallen soldiers when not. Though not directly involved in conflict, Danielle had been exposed to a plethora of horrors: injuries, amputations, death, and even the occasional attack. Yet somehow, Danielle had survived.

Her father, however, had not. And so, as Danielle made eye contact with her mother through the crowd, it was evident that there was a part of her family that was missing. Danielle quickly embraced her youngest sibling, Jasper.

“Danny, I’m so happy you’re home!” Jasper exclaimed.

“I’m happy to be home” Danielle stated, embarrassing her two other siblings. “I have missed you all dearly” she stated.

“Mum, it is good to see you” said Danielle, a little more seriously.

“Oh my darling girl” her mother exclaimed, embarrassing her quickly, “I’m so happy you’re safe” she stated.

Danielle looked at her siblings, and then at her mother. Though they had never lived frugal or indulgent lives, it was clear to Danielle that her father’s war pension was not enough to support her mother and her three siblings. Danielle noticed their worn and somewhat ratted clothing. Danielle knew that this made sense. With no one else around to take care of her three siblings, her mother’s only source of income was her father’s war pension.

Danielle made a mental note that she would need to find a job as soon as possible.

Later that night - Manchester

Danielle woke up in the middle of the night panting, and covered in cold sweat. It was clear to her that she had a nightmare again. Danielle had hoped to leave those behind in France. Luckily, she had not woken her little sister, who she shared her childhood bedroom with.

Getting out of bed, Danielle walked downstairs to find her mother, passed out of the sofa. Not from alcohol, or any other substance, but simply from exhaustion, and the despair of losing her father.

Danielle started to make herself a cup of tea, when her mother awoke. Coming into the kitchen to see what the noise was, her mother found Danielle.

“Would you like some tea, mum?” Danielle asked.

“Yes, thank you Danny” she responded.

“Why are you not sleeping in your own bed mum?” Danielle proded.

“I can’t, not since..” and Danielle knew not to change the subject further.

“Mom, there is something I need to tell you. I am going to find a job as soon as I can. That way I should be able to help support you all, the kids need to stay in school” Danielle said. Education was important to Danielle. Before the war started and Danielle began training as a nurse, Danielle had trained as a teacher. “But, I’m not going to be doing it here. I need to have a life of my own. And we both know that there are no jobs in Manchester, and there is no room in this house for me to stay” Danielle continued, “I’m going to find work in Birmingham. That way I can send money back and still be close to you all”

For the last five years, it was as if Danielle’s life had stopped. The war controlled every aspect of her life, and the lives of so many people. And now, with the hope of moving to a new city, and finding a new job, Danielle felt as though she was in control, and like a record spins around and around on a gramophone, Danielle was ready to restart her life.

Little did she know what, or more specifically, who, was waiting for her in Birmingham.

#tommyshelbyxreader #peaky blinders #thomas shelby #thomas shelby x reader #tommy shelby x oc #arthur shelby #peaky blinder fanfic

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glowstar826 · 6 months

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20 Questions for Fic Writers!

Let’s get this baby started! Thanks for the inspo @gracelesslady23!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

60 (blame my HP and AoUAD obsession lmao).

2. What is your total AO3 word count?

471,017. That’s…insane.

3. What fandoms do you write for?

At the moment, mostly for All of Us Are Dead. But of course, I can’t forget the whopping majority of HP fics I have! They really defined the beginning of my fanfic-writing journey.

4. Top 5 fics by kudos?

The Filthy Half-Blood Spy (777)

A Meaningful Sacrifice (490)

Albus Potter and the Journey Through Time (481)

The Bravest Man I Ever Knew (277)

My Old Friend, Minerva (267)

As you can see, I really love HP. The second one is AoUAD.

5. Do you respond to comments?

Of course I do! I appreciate everyone who takes the time to leave them.

6. What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Oh, I’ll take a quiet life for sure. It’s a canon divergence of A Meaningful Sacrifice, and hoooo boy, that’s probably the single most saddest thing I have ever written in my life. (Never again, Glow. Never again.)

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Pretty much all of them have happy endings, so if I were to pick a few, then they would probably be The Bravest Man I Ever Knew, A Miracle in the Midst of September, and Come Back to Me.

The second fic is Downton Abbey while the third is AoUAD.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Not really, but when I was writing A Meaningful Sacrifice, I got a lot of spam.

9. Do you write smut?

Not explicitly, no. There was one fic I posted (that I since deleted) which features non-graphic smut between Snape and Lupin. (I deleted it because it was too embarrassing to keep on my profile.)

10. Do you write crossovers?

I have one, Finding My Way Back to You (Again)! It’s a crossover where Oh Joonyeong of AoUAD is a doctor in the 20th Century Girl universe who helps Poong Woonho overcome amnesia sustained in a plane crash.

Other than that, I prefer writing AUs where I put characters from one show into another show’s universe. My Duty After School AU with AoUAD characters, Reluctant Duty, is a great example of this.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Thankfully, I have not.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yup! Albus Potter and the Journey Through Time in Portuguese on Wattpad (which is unfinished, unfortunately).

13. Have you ever co-written a fic?

I have! Of Apologies and Food Fights: A Glimpse Into the Afterlife was an awesome collab with the amazing @glitterfairy-21225!

14. What’s your all-time favorite ship?

Oh Joonyeong/Jang Woojin, for sure. Since February 2022, these boys have been living in my head rent-free. Honorable mentions include Lee Cheongsan/Nam Onjo, Yang Daesu/Seo Hyoryung, and Lee Junho/Woo Youngwoo. The first four ships are from AoUAD, and the fifth is from Extraordinary Attorney Woo.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you will?

Probably Albus Potter and the Journey Through Time, even though it won’t take much longer to finish it. Every time I go back to it, I immediately feel discouraged from writing it because it suddenly seems like too big of an undertaking. However, I will never stop trying!

16. What are your writing strengths?

Dialogue, descriptions, and AU ideas (God knows how many are floating around in my head right now 😭).

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Having too many ideas. I swear, if I could just commit to finishing one project, then I would have way more completed fics.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language?

It would be all fine and dandy if it uses the Roman alphabet (think French, Spanish, German), but if it was a language like Korean or Chinese, then I’d rather write the transliteration since my writing would be targeted towards English readers/speakers. But obviously, I’d try my best to write other cultures authentically.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Though they’re all deleted, I first wrote for Detroit: Become Human. That was what got me into fanfic in the first place because I reasoned that, since the game had 99+ endings, fanfiction was fair game (I really hated fanfic at the time).

20. Favorite fic you’ve ever written?

A Meaningful Sacrifice, hands down. That was probably my single best piece of writing in terms of characterization, setting, worldbuilding, and cohesiveness with the original show. Additionally, I ended up creating two very important OCs which had significant influence in the main character’s life.

Writing that fic inspired a whole lore which is present in my other AoUAD fics like Washed Down the Drain, Us, Withering Under the Sun, and Reluctant Duty. I also gained an awesome friend from it in @glitterfairy-21225, so yeah. One of my best fanfic-writing experiences to date.

On that final note, here’s your tag to do this, @glitterfairy-21225! <3

#all of us are dead #harry potter #extraordinary attorney woo #downton abbey #fic writer questions #long post

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vyn-ugh · 2 years

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“Should I even pick one?”

charachters: artem wing, marius von hagen, vyn richter, luke pearce, celestine and kiki

words count: 1273

warnings: mention of alcohol, a little swearing, not proofread

little note: hi! this is my first time posting anything in years! especially it’s the fisrt time publishing something in english and about the ToT boys. I don’t know if this is the start of a little fanfic, something I want to carry on or what. I just wanted to share something in a while. polyam is gonna be the main theme, since it’s something I’ve struggled with in a bit to let people around me accept me for this. so I want to put out how it really hurts and it’s not all about fun. it’s still love in the end, which involves different people so yey more hurting. anyway I hope you’ll like it! there’s gonna be at least a second part for this. ily all!

Celestine and Kiki have invited you to drink something after work, to celebrate a hard case you were able to close after months of working on it. You received a little help from Artem, but the majority of the credit was yours to take. You were already wasted, when the two girls decided to have a little fun with you. “Vyn” you say, without hesitation. “Sorry, I mean, “dr. Richter”” you mimic the quotation marks with your fingers. The two girls look at each other confused, while you take another drink in your hands. They study your face, not able to comprehend what you just stated.

“Wait” Celestine finally speaks “so, from all the boys, you’d go out with dr. Richter? Without giving it a second thought?” she asks. You’re the one confused now, what’s happening? I mean, it’s not like you can really hide when you like someone. “Have you seen me around him or what?” you point out. “Yes, but I’ve also seen you around Mr. Wing!” she exclaims, throwing her hands in the air. “What?!” shouts Kiki this time, smacking her friend’s arm. “I thought you were thinking about Mr. Von Hagen!”

Your eyes wide shut, trying to hide from the conversation behind a glass of wine. You wished you could have blamed the redness in your cheeks to what you were drinking, but it was clear to the girls in front of you something was off. Celestine snatches the glass from your hands: “Look me in the eyes, now”. You’ve never seen her frowning at any of you girls in all your days at the firm, so you just choose to listen to her. “Are you sure about dr. Richter, miss?”.

You take a deep breath. “Well, it is hard” you murmur, supporting your head between your hands trying like this to cool off your cheeks. “They’re all nice…” you start, “and smart, charming, handsome” your brain continues lost in thoughts. But you can’t really say it out loud. The point is: you really like them all, it’s so obvious, but it’s not fair to like them all. “I mean, one day you’ll have to choose!” Celestine voices your thoughts.

“Do I?”

“You can’t just go out with all of them, you know that right?”

You feel a little glimpse of sadness in your chest gripping into your heart. “Can’t I?” you ask yourself, this time. “It’s not like any of them asked me out yet, so there’s nothing to choose between. That’s what I meant, Celestine”. You looked at each other, your believes clashing in a series of glances across the table. Kiki felt your anger growing, and decided to put an end to the discussion: “We still have all night ahead, why don’t we move to the karaoke?”.

You take the last sip of wine from the glass Celestine took away, without moving your gaze from her hard eyes.

“Why don’t you think about your love life, instead of mine?” Kiki moves between you two, glaring at you:

“Hey, you need to watch your words”.

Celestine doesn’t say a thing, and just walks away after getting her purse and jacket from the chair next to yours. “To think I was helping Artem getting you, it was a big ass mistake”. What?

Stumbling on your feet, trying to get balanced on your heels, you reach for her hand stopping her from moving forward. “You’re helping Artem doing what?”. She moves her arms away from your reach: “I don’t owe you any further explanation”.

The Uber you called drove you safely at the karaoke. You and Celestine kindly agreed to Kiki’s wish to end the discussion at the bar, in order to keep the night alive. When out of the car, you look at the sign of the building: it was the same karaoke where Luke took you and the NXX team for a night out. In a flash, you check all the cars parked down the sidewalk and you seem to have spotted one familiar, when Kiki drags you inside. “Come on, no more drinking for you” she exhales, giving you another small push to make you enter the building.

The line is still long, but many are there just for a drink and not to get a table and a chance to get to sing. Celestine is whispering something to your ear, when you can’t actually listen to her: you’ve eyed a table, in the corner of the karaoke bar, where four well-known faces are seated. “They’re all here” you say, without asking your friend what she was trying to say. You haven’t moved your eyes from them, looking all happy together, drinking something; that’s when the two girls next to you follow the line of your glance, and both murmur unhesitatingly and unreservedly: “Shit”.

“We can go away” Kiki offers, walking away from the queue.

“We definitely have to” you say.

Celestine and Kiki have already moved from where you were all standing, but your eyes can’t stay away from them. “Why would they go out without me?” you whisper, a little offended. Your impulsive anger drives your feet along the floor, pointing at them: they’re all sitting there, and you’re missing, why is that? Did you do something to make them angry at you? Or maybe it’s just a boy’s night out. No, they’re not even that close. You stop in front of the table, without knowing what to say anymore; there could be many reasons they’re out without you, and you confronting them about it could be a little weird.

“Hey!” Luke is the first one to see you, and all the heads move in your direction. Your heart jumps in your chest, looking at him walking up to you. “We thought you were out with the girls, we’re all here to…bond”

“Like real men do” Marius adds, after saluting you with a beer in his hand.

“Yeah…”

Everything looks so uncomfortable right now, to the way they’re talking to each other, to the way they’re staring at you in complete silence. You look at every single one of them, in some kind of greeting, but you’re too confused to speak. “Where are Kiki and Celestine?” Artem asks, pushing away his drink to walk to you. Luke holds your arm, supporting what he’s saying “Yea, where are your friends? Am I wrong or I’ve seen them walking out?”

“I don’t know” you whisper.

You put yourself in this tragic position, yet you want to run away from it. Bits of your latest conversation with Celestine come up into your mind, making you feel flushed: with them right in front of you, you know you would never be able to choose. But is it really that bad? Many people have fun without committing, why should it be any different for you? Then you remember what Celestine said was doing with and for Artem, and you feel crumble at his touch.

“Do you want me to bring you home?”

Yes, that was it, that was his car. “What about us?” Marius whines, jokingly. You look at him with half a smile on your face, when he invites you to sit next to him dragging a chair from an empty table behind him. “I should see where my friends went” you start explaining, trying to get yourself out of this situation. Shivers on your body from the touch of both Artem and Luke’s hands. Vyn finally speaks up, shaking his head “I’ll do that for you, take a seat” he offers again the same spot Marius was pointing at.

“Alright” you say, surrendering to their sweet help.

second part here!

#artem wing #artem wing x reader #vyn richter #vyn richter x reader #marius von hagen #marius von hagen x reader #luke pearce #luke pearce x reader #tears of themis #tot boys #tot x reader

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cha0ticspacebi · 1 year

Text

The King of the Hellfire Club: Chapter 13

Your dad promised this was the last move until after you graduate. You see Eddie Munson outside Nancy's house shortly after your arrival in Hawkins. Everyone tells you to stay away but you're sure there's more to him than he lets on. Now it's the day before spring break and you just have to work up the nerve to actually talk to him before you lose your chance.

Tags: 18+ MDNI,falling in love, full of cheesy cliche high school romance tropes, dungeon master Eddie, dom Eddie, rockstar Eddie, hurt/comfort, getting together, fluff/smut

dividers by firefly-graphics

Chapter 13/13 ☆ Previous chapter

☆ You can find me over on A03 as Cha0ticBi ☆ Master list link! ☆

5 years later. March 1991

“I don’t know Robin, are you sure?” you pressed the phone in between your shoulder and ear as you grabbed some clothes and tossed them in a bag.

“Yes girl! I’m telling you I saw him shopping with Steve and they were definitely leaving the jewelry store! He’s got something planned.”

You shake your head even though she can’t see you, “I thought for sure when I drove up for the holiday break that he would do it… honestly I’ve thought that the last few times I visited but nothing. Just marathon sex and then he plays guitar while I work on my homework. Which let’s be clear I am NOT complaining about but still.”

“I’ve got a good feeling about it this time! Did your mom tell you the submission letter came? She won’t let any of us open it until you get here.”

“She called me the second the mailman handed it to her! Ahhhh, I’m so nervous!”

“Hurry up and get here then so we can open it!” she yelled in your ear.

“I’d love to Robin! Stop talking to me and let me pack and maybe I’ll be there sooner,” your voice sped up as you continued haphazardly throwing things, “Eddie thinks I’m leaving tomorrow but I skipped my class this afternoon to leave today.”

“Tsk tsk, Munson really corrupted you. Skipping class? Who are you!”

“A girl who’s really horny and wants to see her boyfriend! Now I’m hanging up.” click

You ran down the stairs from your dorm room and all the way into the parking lot, tossing your bag in the backseat. The mixtape Eddie made for you blasting as always from your speakers. You ran both hands through your hair, shook your head out, and eyed Eddie’s guitar pick chain hanging from your neck in the rearview mirror before pulling out and making the familiar drive back up to Hawkins.

College. As fast as it started, it was coming to an end. These five years have flown by in a tornado of sleepless nights, endless shifts at the coffee shop to pay tuition, tests, so many tests and long drives just to kiss your boyfriend when you were homesick. Long distance sucked but you and Eddie were making it work. You were busy at ISU majoring in English, working tirelessly on a fantasy novel. Eddie’s original campaign stories made great inspiration. Your hope was to find a company willing to look at your manuscript right after graduation and become a published author! Eddie had been busy back home too. Working as a mechanic he helped Uncle Wayne whenever he wasn’t playing shows. Corroded Coffin had made quite a name for themselves since winning that contest. They got offers to play all sorts of different places and they wouldn’t turn anything down. In the last few years they’ve even begun getting offers from all over the Midwest to play shows as far away as Detroit. You made it to as many as you could but whenever you couldn’t make it Dustin, who graduated high school already, and the former hellfire kids went to support them. You still couldn’t wrap your mind around how he and Mike had were graduated! After making the decision to stay in Indiana, you’ve never once regretted it.

Your first night away from home was rough and dorm life has been hard. You would lie there awake every night and miss your family, friends, and of course that lovable metalhead, who on more than one occasion would sneak away from work and drive up to see you. You smile at a memory as you pull your car onto the freeway.

You had just left class after receiving a low score on a test. Your mood was in the dumpster as you walked across campus, the sky darkened and it started raining. Perfect. You didn’t even bother trying to run, you just let the rain soak through your clothes and right to your bones. You were just about to start walking up the steps into your building when you heard loud wet footsteps behind you.

“Hey sweetheart,” Eddie smiled at you, curls flat and wet, “Come here often?”

Words caught in your throat, unable to speak you just started sobbing. Your tears blended with raindrops as you fell into his arms. Your breathing quickened as you cried harder into his already soaked shirt.

“Hey, hey you ok?” he did his best to wipe your face, “I’m hoping those tears aren’t because I’m here.”

“No!” you cried out, burying deeper into his warm chest, “No no of course not Eddie.”

He pulled off his jacket and covered your head, “Come on love, let’s get you dry.”

The two of you went to your dorm room and you offered him a towel. Once you had finally dried off you showed him the wrinkly, smudged test.

He chuckled softly under his breath, “My sweet thing, you know you don’t have to be perfect ALL the time right? You’re allowed to make mistakes.”

It was really hard to remember that sometimes, but Eddie made it easier. You wiped your face again, eyes threatening to spill over once more, “I’m really glad you’re here.”

“Me too love, me too.”

And then there was the time you got Corroded Coffin a chance to play at the school of music and threater’s festival. Eddie packed up all their gear in his van and drove down to play. Everyone loved them and playing away from Hawkins really helped them build a reputation but after the show you got your first taste of what dating Eddie might be like in the future.

You went to meet them after their set and Eddie was talking to a girl. You knew you could trust him but that wouldn’t stop the green eyed monster. You watched as he laughed at something she said and she touched his arm. You walked up listening to what she was saying.

“I bet you need some serious muscles to play guitar.”

Eddie rubbed the back of his head and laughed, “Yeah I guess. If you want to talk muscles though, Gareth, our drummer’s biceps are way bigger than mine. Seriously, that guy is ripped!”

You walked right up to Eddie and wrapped your arm around his waist, ignoring everything else around as you kissed him, “Great job as always my love.”

The girl gave you a look that could kill and walked away without another word.

Eddie called out after her, “I’m glad you liked the show!” He didn’t get a response.

“She definitely wanted to sleep with you,” you say flatly.

He looked puzzled, “Are you sure? She was asking a lot of weird things.”

“Definitely,” you pulled him by the vest closer, “You’re very good looking darling. I bet all these girls would sleep with you if they had the chance.”

Eddie grinned playing with your hair, “Do I detect a hint of jealousy my queen?”

Your cheeks flushed, lips curling into a pout, “No.”

“I don’t believe that for a second,” he laughed, “Listen to me princess, you are the only girl for me. There’s nothing for you to be jealous over. Even when I’m a world famous rockstar with millions of fans, tell me, who’s still gonna be my girl?”

You fight back a smile, still attempting to look upset, “Me. I’m your girl.”

“That’s right sweetheart! You,” he pulled you against him, “Don’t you doubt for even a second that my feelings will ever change. You’re my girl and I’m your guy.”

“Prove it!” You grab him by the hand and drag him all the way back to your dorm room.

You open the door and make sure you are alone before locking the door. Eddie looks around, smiling at the Corroded Coffin poster hanging by your bed. You surprise him by pushing him playfully onto the bed.

“Oh, careful love, I have no problem spanking that ass even if your roommate comes in.”

“She won’t be here anytime soon. She’s always out until at least 1 on the weekends. We have the place to ourselves. Now,” you got serious and crawled on top of him, “I said prove it! Prove you’re my guy.”

“What’d you have in mind?” He looked intrigued.

“Do you remember that time you told me I should have tied you down? Well,” you pull his bandana off his head and wave it in his face, “I think I need to remind you that if I’m yours, you’re mine. This works two ways master,” You wrap the bandana around his wrists and kiss his cheek.

He smirked, letting you continue, “Wow that girl really got to you didn’t she?”

“You’re incredibly sexual Eddie. You’re basically a walking wet dream,” you ran your fingers through his hair and kissed him some more, “As you get more well known more people are going to want to get their hands on you, but I don’t like to share.” You put his hands up above his head as you pushed him flat on his back. Sliding your hands down his chest you pull his zipper down and easily take him in your mouth. He brings his hands back up into your hair. You stop.

“Leave your hands up, I’m going to take what’s mine.”

You rolled the window down in your car as you tried to cool yourself off as you relived the memory of the one and only time Eddie let you take control. Driving back to Hawkins had become your time to destress and think. It was nice. Except times like this when you got yourself all worked up thinking about Eddie, you press harder on the gas.

This trip was especially exciting because of the letter waiting for you at home. You pulled off at the Hawkins exit and drove the last stretch of the drive with the top down.

Mom and dad were both home when you pulled in, you grabbed your bag and ran inside, “I’m home!”

You hear a bowl clatter to the floor, “Oh shit!” Mom’s voice echoes from the kitchen. You hear her pick up the bowl and come running into the living room to give you a big hug.

“I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow!”

“I wasn’t but I was too excited to open that letter that I skipped my afternoon class today to get here tonight,” you set your bag down and hug dad who joined you.

“I’m pretty sure Robin tried to sneak in here one night and open this without us. I had to lock it up,” she goes to their room as she talks and returns quickly with an envelope.

You fidget with it in your fingers, “I can’t open this yet. I want everyone else here.” As if on cue a knock is heard from the front door. Steve, Robin, Mike, Dustin, Gareth, and Jeff were all standing on your doorstep.

“Were you all just waiting outside for me to get home?” you laugh.

Robin snatched the letter from you, “I’ve wanted to open this thing since it got here last week! Come on, we have time for hugs and all that shit later!” Even Steve looked excited to open this letter. Dustin, Mike, Gareth, and Jeff were praying, hands clasped in front of their faces.

You grabbed the letter back from her and took a deep breath, “Here we go!” You pulled a paper out, letting the envelope fall to the floor. Thank you for your submission. We are thrilled at your interest and we are pleased to offer… You finished reading and before anyone could react you grabbed your keys and ran back to your car.

Your heart was racing the whole way to Eddie’s. Your nerves were literally causing your whole body to shake with excitement. You found yourself laughing there in the car alone as you drove. Smacking the steering wheel to help expel this extra energy coursing its way through you right now. Eyes glazed over as you fought back tears. You whipped the car into the empty space next to Eddie’s van and didn’t even bother closing your door as you ran at top speeds into the trailer. Eddie’s eyes shot up as you didn’t even knock.

He was sitting in the living room reading on the couch drinking a beer, it spilled a bit as you startled him, “What the hell are you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow.” He got up to hug you, “Are you alright, you’re shaking? You look like you took something, hah, college that rough?”

Your legs bounced as you held the letter in your hand, “So I’m sure you heard that Metallica is going on tour again in the fall right?”

He nodded, his voice sounded shy, “Yeah I actually thought we could go together when they came here.”

You grabbed his bicep and shook, smacking the leather covering his arm, adding to his confusion, “I’ve got a better idea!” You hand him the letter to read. He looks quizzically at you but begins to read out loud.

Thank you for your submission. We are thrilled at your interest and we are pleased to offer Corroded Coffin the opportunity to be featured as one of our rising metal stars… Eddie’s voice trailed off as he struggled to believe what he was hearing. Despite having come from his own lips. You held his waist and kept reading for him . Based on the details of your submission we’d like Corroded Coffin to be the opening act for our Indianapolis show. More details will follow. Thank you again for your submission and we look forward to working with you.

You screamed jumping up and down, “Eddie this it! This is your big break!”

Eddie’s body quivered in your arms. At first he was speechless but you felt his control melting away as his breathing changed and his shoulders jostled up and down. His voice breaking into just a crackle of a laugh. You held him in your arms as he cried into your shoulder. His hair pressed up against your skin as he lowered his head. His hands gripping his own forearm from around your head. You’d never seen Eddie cry like this, not once in the five years you’ve been together has he ever shown you this side of himself. You rubbed his back as he continued to cry, you felt your shirt getting wet but you didn’t care.

You whispered to him as you continued to hold him, “Before they officially announced their tour they put out a contest looking for local metal bands. Afterwards, they confirmed that the contest was to look for up and coming groups to be featured at some of their concerts. As soon as I read about the contest I sent in a tape of one of your shows.” He lifted his head. You smiled at his puffy red eyes and wet cheeks. He wiped his eyes with the heels of his palms, sucking in a deep breath of air, exhaling sharply.

“When will you cease to surprise me, my fair maiden. This. This means the world to me. More than I can even explain with words. I saw that contest but I never even dreamed that we would be good enough for it so I didn’t bother.”

“You need to believe in yourself like I believe in you Eddie.” You nuzzled your head into his chest.

“Fuck, you’ve out done me again, I had a big plan tomorrow - ” you cut him off with a kiss.

“I have been thinking about that delicious cock of yours all day and I’m so horny I can’t stand it anymore. I held it together long enough to give you the good news, but I’m gonna need you to fuck me like now. Or I might die.” you pretend to faint but he catches you before you fall.

He bites at your neck in between laughs, “As you wish fair maiden.” He scooped you up into his arms and carried you to his room where he proceeded to toss you onto his bed and shut the door.

“You’ve got my blood pumping already love, I don’t think I’ll be able to hold back,” he pulled his shirt over his head and you shuddered at the sight of his perfect chest with those fucking tattoos that drive you crazy.

You begin unbuttoning your blouse, “Don’t hold back then. I know our safe word and I trust you to stop. Give me all your love Eddie.” You pulled your shirt off, the red of his guitar pick shining against your skin. You lowered yourself down back against his headboard, taunting him as you raised your hands above your head clawing at the edge. Chewing on your lip, you rubbed your legs together in want. Your mind was clouded with desire. You and Eddie were no strangers to being together but for some reason this time felt different, being with Eddie was easier than breathing. He knew your body and every little thing he did that drove you crazy. He worshiped your body, leaving love bites everywhere he went as he finished the task of getting you naked.

“I love you so much, I’ve loved you since the first moment I laid eyes on you. I want to be with you every day and night for the rest of my life.” His hands caressing your breasts, teasing your nipples with the tips of his fingers. He hovered over you, knowing that he drives you wild when his hair falls in just the right way and tickles your skin. His lips took your nipple into his mouth and he smiled around you as your body arched, moans escaping your mouth. You encouraged his work as your moans got sharper and less controlled. Your eyes closed, allowing him to slowly unravel you. Methodically taking you apart one touch at a time. Keeping his mouth busy he reaches down between your legs and teases your entrance. He swirls his fingers around getting his hand covered in your mess before bringing those fingers to your lips and biting down as you suck your wetness from his fingers. Your tongue feels between every space, licking them clean.

“You’re such a good girl. Although,” his brows twisted, “I know you had a class today that you must have skipped in order to be here right now. Do you think you need a punishment?” You groan out of frustration as he purposely avoids your pussy with his touches.

“I don’t know how much I can take master, I need you!”

“I believe in you sweetheart,” he sits up and looks down at you as he pulls his handcuffs from his back packet, “Be a good girl and put those wrists together.” He cuffs you and then makes his way down, lower and lower, his breaths ghosting over your cunt. He pushes your legs back.

“Keep those legs back sweetheart. I don’t want you to hold back either, you come as many times as you need to,” his long tongue licks up your entire surface, moving in every possible direction as he eats you out. His hair touching the soft skin of your inner thigh is almost as enjoyable as his mouth sucking your clit. You cry out over and over again, your voice getting louder and louder. His strong hands leave marks as he grips your legs tighter and tighter. You beg for release as you get closer. Screaming as it finally comes but he doesn’t stop. He is merciless as he works you over, drawing every ounce of pleasure he can from your weak body. Your fingers dig into the pillows above your head, straining for any sort of sensation. He doesn’t stop no matter how loud and pained your cries get. Your sex pulsates and overflows, squirting all over his face. His hand presses under your ass and feels the soaked sheet.

His head lifts up, extremely pleased with himself, “You’re gonna stain my mattress love. Look at you, you’re such a mess,” he admires your form before going to grab a condom.

“Eddie?” you somehow manage to whisper, you cuffed hands grabbing at him in protest, “I want to feel you…all of you.”

“Are you sure princess? You’re so fucking wet I don’t think I’ll be able to stop and pull out.”

“Then don’t”

His gaze is downright sadistic. His hand wipes his mouth and jawline, as he hastily works to get out of his jeans, “Beg pretty thing.”

“Eddie please come inside me, cover my insides with your mark,” you never look away from his big brown eyes, “Please, I need you so badly. Wanted you every day since I left last time.”

He brought his mouth to yours and you tasted yourself on his tongue, “More. Convince me. How badly do you want this sweetheart?”

You squirmed beneath him, lips crashing against his, “So badly Eddie. I want you to be my first like this. I would think about this moment everyday in high school even before we got together. I used to wonder what kind of lover you’d be, when I’d touch myself you were all I’d ever think about. Please Eddie, let me feel you.”

He bit your lip, “Eddie’s not here love, who am I?”

“Master! Master please,” he sucked your neck, toying with the line between pain and pleasure as he left his mark, “I want your cock master! Fuck my pussy, use me to come!”

Without missing a beat he bit your neck and slammed his bare cock into your dripping cunt. Your cries and pleads turn to mindless words of affirmation. Eddie’s hips bucking deeper and deeper into you he groans and moans into your skin. His voice breaking as he fucks into you harder than ever before. His hand nearly breaks the headboard as you hear the wood splinter and crack under his hand. He whines that he’s close.

“I’m gonna come, ahh-” he barely finishes warning you before you feel his come rush into you. It feels warm and full. Oh shit I could get used to this. You think to yourself as he collapses on top of you, cock still inside you. You lay under him savoring the sensation of his sweaty skin on yours. You’ve never felt this close to anyone. Eddie was truly your everything in all aspects of your life. You felt your emotions rising as you looked at the ceiling of his room, briefly recalling the first night you spent together. Tears drip from your eyes as you blink. He brings such joy to your life and you can’t imagine a life without him. Whether he’s a famous rock star or you both end up working shitty jobs just to pay the bills, he’s the one you want. Whatever this life has in store you want him there with you, for all time.

He manages to lift himself up, his bangs curling wildly from the sweat on his forehead, “That was amazing love. You ok if I pull out?” You nod with an overstimulated smile. Even if you had the energy to move, there is nothing in heaven or earth that could get you to move. He reaches up and uncuffs your hands. Laying kisses on the red skin along your wrists. He kisses your forehead as he pushes himself up and returns with lotion for your sore wrists and arms. This was your favorite part of being with Eddie. Even after the most intense sessions, where he helps you explore even your most depraved fantasies, no matter how tired he might be he always takes such good care of you after. Warm baths, kisses, cuddles, massages whatever you need, he provides it.

“Talk to me princess, what do you need right now? You want me to run you a bath?”

You smile and nod, “Please. I’m kinda gross right now.”

He lifts you into his arms, “You’ve never looked more beautiful.” He sets you in the warm water and sits on the floor next to the tub, “I’ll never be able to say it enough but I love you…so much.” He grabs a cloth and washes you gently.

Once you are clean he helps you up and brings you one of his clean band shirts and a fresh pair of panties. You sit up on his bed as he brings you a beer. You lean your head on his shoulder as you drink slowly. You look up at him, he looks lost in thought.

“Hey handsome,” you nudge him with your shoulder, “What’s going on in that cute head?”

“I just still can’t believe it. It doesn’t feel real,” he said while taking a drink, “This really is my chance. Ever since I can remember I've wanted to play music, now I get the chance of a lifetime and I owe it all to you. Without you, hell I might be dead.”

“You earned his Eddie. You work so hard, every performance gets your all. Whether it’s a huge crowd or just 5 drunks…you bring all your passion into everything you do.” You feel your eyes get heavy as you yawn, “And in a few months you get to share that passion with the world.”

At some point Eddie pulled the covers over you and watched as you fell asleep. Longing covering his face as he watched you. He went out to the living room and grabbed the letter that had been discarded to the floor. He took it in his hand and grabbed his jacket before going outside. Shaking his head with a smile as he noticed your door still open. He carefully closed it for you, knowing that even after all this time your car was still your baby. Sitting on his stoop he pulled out a joint and reread the letter over and over again until the joint had nearly burnt out. With the last hit he pressed it into the ground and reached into his jacket pocket pulling out a small velvet box.

8 months later. November 22, 1991

“Holy fuck I’m so nervous!” Eddie jumped up and down backstage as his guitar bounced against his back.

You have been with him every step of the way in this exciting process! From meeting the crew, practicing, sound checks, and of course the headliner? A jam session with the legends themselves. Everything came down to this moment. You and Dustin were with him and the band as they got ready. You could hear the crowd even from back here and even though you weren’t the one about to perform for thousands of people you felt just as nervous.

“You’ll be amazing Eddie! Go show everyone who Eddie Munson really is, one hell of a performer!” You squeezed him tightly as the crew gave the signal for them to begin.

“5 minutes!” one of them shouted. Eddie pulled a pick from his pocket and adjusted his guitar.

Reluctantly, you lifted your hair and removed the chain from your neck where it has sat almost every minute of every day since the spring of ‘86, “Use this Eddie.”

He grinned, taking it in his hands. You and Dustin watched from the side lines as the three friends set up and took their places on the stage. Eddie’s signature look still managed to give you butterflies. His bandana wrapped around his head, that puffy green vest, and fuck those boots. Focus! Your brain reminded you.

“60 seconds people!” the crew manager yelled.

“Hey Henderson?” Eddie called from center stage, “Are you ready for the most metal concert in the history of the world?”

“Is that a rhetorical question?”

You hear the crowd get hyped up as the lighting changes. The black curtain rises and you scream for him! He looks just off stage at you and lights up. He steps up to the microphone and goes right into their first song. His voice, the voice that made you melt from the moment you heard it was now being heard by the world. You cried as you and Dustin sang along with him. The song continued, your chest warmed as you peaked out and saw people that didn’t even know him cheering for him. The first song came to an ending, Eddie grabbed the microphone from its stand and spoke to the crowd.

“Hell yeah Indianapolis! Thank you so much for that warm welcome, we are Corroded Coffin. Local outcasts from the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. You all ready for a night of metal?”

The crowd screamed, Eddie’s nerves were gone. He was in his element. He ran back to the mic stand and started their next song. You and Dustin held each other jumping up and down screaming for them. Your mind is overwhelmed with a mix of emotions as your life so far with Eddie replayed like a movie in your head. Every moment from the good times to the bad. Every struggle and every triumph you faced together. Every argument or disagreement, utterly insignificant at this moment. Even in the changing stage lights, you can still see those beautiful brown eyes so full of life. They continue to play and engage the crowd. Before you know it their set is coming to an end.

“You’ve been one hell of an audience! This is our last song and it’s a song I wrote for my beautiful girlfriend so I hope you enjoy it.” He started playing a song you’ve never heard before. Your mind racing because you had helped him decide which songs to play and this wasn’t supposed to be the ending. Dustin grinned as he watched knowingly. Your eyes cried listening to the words Eddie was singing about you. You cried harder into your hand, one of the crew gave you some tissues with a smile. He looked away from the crowd and towards backstage at you. You tried to regain your composure. Cheering for him as you wiped your eyes. Gareth’s drumbeats changed and the song came to a faded end. The crowd erupted into cheers. Eddie wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“I’m sure you all are ready for the main event but, if I could have your attention for just another moment there’s something I need to do. We are only here because my incredible girlfriend believed in me. She gives me strength to keep going every day and there’s something I need to ask her. Would you guys like to meet her?” They cheered.

Your heart stopped. His eyes met yours. Your body felt paralyzed as Dustin pushed you towards him. Eddie’s hand beckoning you to join him on stage. Dustin shoved you out into the spotlight. Eddie grabbed the microphone and walked over to you with his guitar on his back.

“My beautiful hellfire queen, the love of my life,” he bent down to one knee, the crowd gasping as he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket, “Sweetheart? Will you marry me?”

If you weren’t so fucking happy you’d be mad at him for making you cry in front of so many people. You looked deep into those chocolate brown eyes and your head moved first before you could speak, “Yes Eddie! Of course I’ll marry you!” The crowd celebrated for you as he hugged you. He took the mic up again.

“Thank you Indianapolis! Are you guys ready for Metallica?”

Every voice in the building echoed YES!

You walked off stage with Eddie’s arm around your shoulder, his ring around your finger, and his mark forever on your heart.

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