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tiredlilguy · 8 months

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The Mafioso's Runaway [2023]|Ch.1|Whiskey

i forgot to post ch.1 officially on here... this is on A03 as well >:D enjoy! [pt.2] Reader's Ability: Silent Ocean - the ability to manipulate water of any form/temperature (from freezing to boiling), so long as a water source is nearby - user can manipulate their own tears if a water source is not available, can lead to exhaustion

I’m tired…

I just want whiskey to wash away today. That’d be nice.

Maybe a cigarette too, if I feel like it.

Oda turned the corner to an alleyway, his footsteps taking him to a small side door with a neon sign over it:

LUPIN

It was labeled underneath with a smirking western-looking man, wearing a top hat and a monocle. The mustache on the character’s face is slightly tilted up to follow the smirk on his face. Oda looked up at the sign for a second, before sighing. He ran a calloused hand through his hair, opening the door.

Behind this door was an underground bar, one that wasn’t very popular. It was the kind of place where the only noise you could hear was the barkeep tidying around, light jazz in the background, and on occasion the small conversation in one of the booths. To put it simply: it was the perfect place for Oda on the nights that he felt like he couldn’t find himself going home just yet. He’d sit there, either alone or with a fellow bandaged friend alongside him just to drink away his worries.

As he placed his coat on one of the side hooks, he walked down the stairs to be met with a familiar face: one that he thought wouldn’t be behind the bar.

“ You’re not the same barkeep from before,” Oda said simply, plopping himself down on a chair.

Behind the bar counter was (Y/N) (L/N), a fellow low-level handyman just like him. They were wearing a white button-up with a couple of buttons open at the top, high-waisted pants with a thick waistband that was buttoned at their stomach, and lastly, white gloves to keep their hands clean.

(Y/N) had been in the Mafia for just a year, doing easy work and keeping low. Oda would normally question it, but everyone had their reasons for joining the Mafia: getting certain people off your back, money, protection… so on. They’d met each other in passing, sometimes drinking at this very bar, or having a job together. (Y/N) was a close friend, and someone that Oda knew he could rely on if he needed, so seeing them was a pleasant surprise.

(Y/N) was standing behind the bar with the whiskey bottle already open, as they were preparing his glass. It seems as though they’d already known he was coming.

“ Old barkeep died,” they shrugged,” The Mafia bought out the bar, and they needed someone to manage it, so I got transferred here.”

“ That’s unfortunate. Say, how did you know I was going to be here?” Oda put his elbow on the counter, leaning on his hand. (Y/N) slid a glass of whiskey with a ball of ice in it.

“ I didn’t actually,” they shrugged, walking over to him,” I just noticed your footsteps, so I already got the whiskey out… I also had a feeling that you’d meet me here eventually. Sorry if the drinks won’t be tasting the same.”

“ Whiskey’s just a hard liquor,” the redhead looked down at the glass,” Don’t sweat it. I doubt pouring whiskey in a glass is hard.”

(Y/N) scoffed,” Beats me, it could taste like shit just because I poured it wrong. Just… don’t ask me to mix anything.”

“ You shouldn’t have given me the idea. Maybe I will, just to throw you off,” he put his lips to the brim of the glass.

(Y/N) frowned in response, before rolling their eyes and bottling up the whiskey bottle. They’d placed it down on one of the shelves behind them, but as they pulled away they felt a mat of dust brush their gloved finger. They scrunched their eyebrows together in a pout as they realized that they probably had to clean the shelves as well.

Ignoring that thought, they turned around again, taking a stool that was folding up on the side, and unfolding it. They sat facing Oda, crossing their hands together to place their head over their hands.

“ Anyways, what brings you here?” they asked.

“ Just wanted a drink, I guess,” Oda answered looking over at them,” Though, I have a feeling I’ll meet someone here?”

“ Oh?,” (Y/N) smirked,” So it’s not just me you’re gonna see tonight.”

“ I got some unusual friends. You’ve probably heard of this guy before. He’s an exec.”

“ Wow, Oda Sakunosuke… friends with an executive,” they tilted their head and shrugged,” Why am I not surprised that you have such unusual friends, for an unusual person just like yourself?”

“ Probably because you’re just as unusual. I mean, after all, you’re from-,” (Y/N) held up a hand interrupting him.

“ Let’s not get into that today…,” they gently pleaded.

“ Sorry,” he dipped his head in a light apology.

“ Don’t worry about it,” feeling the awkward tension, they broke the silence,” Hm… let me guess which executives and I get three tries. If I get it right, you gotta buy me a drink.”

Oda took another sip of his drink before nodding,” Alright, hit me.”

“ Alright then! My first guess: Chuuya, the gravity manipulator. He’s pretty friendly.”

“ Nope.”

“ Damn… would’ve thought it was him, but now that I think about it, you don’t seem like the type to attract people like him. Ok… let me think.”

(Y/N) leaned back, putting a hand on their chin as they thought for a second… It wouldn’t be a woman because Oda said ‘he’…

… and Oda wouldn’t be the one to attract flashy types. They widened their eyes.

“ No way…”

“ Did you come to a conclusion,” Oda raised a brow, knowing that they probably found out the answer.

“ You’re friends with Mori’s kid?!,” They slammed their hands on the side of the counter, standing up in shock.

“Mori’s kid” was a term that a lot of the lower ranks used when referring to Dazai Osamu, the youngest executive in Port Mafia’s history, not to mention the “Demon Prodigy". People knew that they weren’t related in any way, but many had given him the nickname due to him being so close to the boss. A lot had assumed that Dazai never knew of that nickname, but he definitely did, and Oda knew that it was a name that Dazai disliked rather heavily.

“ Jeez… I really hate that title, you know,” a voice and a pair of footsteps interrupted the conversation. There was Dazai, in the flesh, walking down the stairs with his hands in his pocket. His long black coat was hung up on one of the hooks near the door.

(Y/N) felt themselves tense up, as they had just flat-out disrespected an executive, though, not with any malicious intent. Quickly, before they felt like their life was about to end, they smacked their head into the bar counter in a bow,” Sorry sir…! I didn’t mean to disrespect you like that, I apologize.”

Dazai took his seat next to Oda,” Don’t worry about it. We’re off duty, so I don’t really care too much, but just call me Dazai.”

(Y/N) stood back up straight, forehead now having a small red mark. They slightly rubbed it before introducing themselves,” Apologies. I’m (Y/N), nice to meet you.” The brunette nodded in response before greeting Oda. He didn’t want to admit it, Dazai felt his chest tighten as he witnessed their face: they were strangely… beautiful. Maybe it was the way that they looked slightly disheveled and laid-back due to the relaxed nature of the bar… or maybe it was just that they looked nice in their current outfit. Either way, Dazai couldn’t help but let himself speak aloud without thinking.

“ You’re really pretty…,” he mumbled under his breath, but still loud enough for them to hear.

“ Huh…?,” (Y/N) raised a brow, adjusting their collar, as it got messed up when they were bowing.

“ I’ll have whiskey,” Dazai pretended like he was repeating himself, confusing (Y/N) even more. Oda watched silently as they tried to think to themselves whether they heard wrong or if they were just becoming hard of hearing. He gently kicked the boy in the shin, making Dazai wince slightly and frown at the redhead. They shook their head and nodded, taking a glass out from a cupboard below the counter. However, this time, instead of walking back and forth to grab the whiskey and bring it back to the shelf, they snapped their fingers.

Dazai watched as a portion of the whiskey pushed the cork out of the bottle. The cork gently popped and fell onto the shelf. The whiskey balled itself together before moving over to (Y/N)’s side. (Y/N) twirled one of their fingers in the air, making the ball circle around itself before it started to split into somewhat of a donut shape. Their other hand pulled out a square ice cube from a freezer underneath. They snapped again, and the cube seemed to shape itself into a dimensional circle.

The brunette looked over to Oda, seeing if the man reacted. However, to no avail, not only because he usually never showed much expression on his face, but also because he was familiar with their ability. (Y/N) motioned the whiskey over the glass as it started to pour itself. Dazai’s eyes seemed interested, as he watched in silence.

Soon enough, another pair of footsteps were heard.

“ Neat party, trick, huh?”

It was Ango, he was wearing his usual suit and had a bag slung over his shoulder. He took his seat on the other side of Dazai and placed the bag on his side.

“ Oh, Ango!,” (Y/N) smiled, gently sliding the glass over to Dazai, who didn’t actually catch it, as he was too enamored by their grace. Oda compensated for him, stopping the glass and pushing it in front of the brunette.

“ Heard through the grapevine that the bar got bought out by the Mafia. I just wanted to see if it changed, if so it would’ve been a shame, but I’m glad to see that you’re managing it. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to try and find another quiet bar,” Ango smiled up at them gently,” I’ll get whiskey too.”

(Y/N) continued to prepare another glass, and for the first time since he’d gotten there, Dazai finally blinked,” Wait… Do you know them too?”

“ Yup,” Ango got comfortable in his seat, slightly shuffling,” (Y/N) protected me one time by coincidence. I ended up being caught in the crossfire of a shootout, and they so happened to be nearby and protected me with their ability. I almost got shot in the head, I’m grateful to them for saving my life.”

They blushed, looking off to the side, letting the glass fill up with whiskey,” Oh, shut up. You make me sound like such a hero.”

“ Ah, I get it now!,” Dazai nodded, proud of himself,” Water manipulation, right?”

(Y/N) nodded, putting the glass on the counter and sliding it to Ango this time,” Indeed. I just happened to get lazy because I just put the whiskey bottle on the shelf, so I just used my ability.”

“ I’d say you were just bragging,” Oda spoke up, taking another sip before pulling away from his glass. Dazai went silent again, as he watched the other three talk amongst themselves.

They rolled their eyes with a smile,” You’re being such a tease today, Oda. I wonder what caused this. I missed the sweet tired man who just takes care of orphans.”

He tilted his head,” I’m always like this.”

“ Really…? Show me your agitated face then, will you?” Ango looked past Dazai with a curious gaze.

The four fell silent for a moment as they watched Oda. He looked just the same. Same old tired, deadpan expression.

“ Eh…?,” (Y/N) frowned,” What’s that?”

“ I’m doing it right now.”

They chuckled in response,” You’re funny.”

“ What do you mean, I’m doing what you asked me to.”

“ See, this is why no one takes you seriously,” Ango frowned from the other side,” You only keep one expression and tone, so nobody actually knows what you’re thinking.”

“ I agree, but to be honest, Oda wouldn’t be Oda if he was full of expression,” (Y/N) replied.

“ I guess you’re right,” the man in glasses shrugged, finally taking a sip of his glass.

It went quiet again, up until a familiar calico cat purred, hopping onto a corner stool and meowing. “ Oh,” (Y/N)’s attention was on the cat now,” I gotta go feed the cat. I’ll be back.” They walked to the side, opening a door that read “Staff Only”.

“ Say, Oda,” Dazai finally spoke up, turning over to the redhead,” How do you know, (Y/N)?”

“ We were coworkers,” he answered,” Worked a couple of jobs together… we’ve gone drinking at this bar too before it got bought out, just like how I started taking you here.”

“Low-level runt work for such a hardy ability,” Dazai smirked,” That’s quite interesting… Usually, people like that would go up the ranks. I wonder where they came from.” Oda only shrugged. He knew of their past, as he’d gotten close to them, but he knew it was a secret that they only shared with certain people. Even Ango didn’t know where they came from.

Dazai crossed his arms,” Anyways, I’m a little bit disappointed that you didn’t introduce them to me sooner. They’re really attractive, I would’ve loved to commit a lovely double suicide with someone like that.”

Not knowing what to say, Oda could only say something that sounded entirely wrong,” As determined as ever.”

Dazai smiled, raising his glass in his hand,” You know me.”

“ Don’t let him stay stuff like that, Odasaku…,” Ango cringed a little bit.

Soon enough, (Y/N) popped back out with an open dish with cat food in it. They placed the dish again in front of the cat, and it looked over at the food before taking a bite. Their other hand had a tin can in it with a crab logo: one that Dazai was familiar with.

“ Hey, you have canned crab,” Dazai questioned, peering over to see if his vision was right.

“ I do,” they answered,” You must like crab, don’t you, Dazai?”

“ What makes you say that?”

“ You’re practically leaned over the counter…,” they giggled, making Dazai blush,” Don’t worry, I’ll go get you one. I don’t feed it to the cat because I know it’s not really good for him, but every now and then I leave a piece in his bowl.”

Dazai smiled, sitting back down in his seat, now kicking his feet. He felt something bump within his chest as he spoke to them. “ You’re painfully obvious,” Ango dismissed Dazai.

“ Is there anything wrong with that?,” Dazai shrugged,” Just seems like life is getting a little bit more interesting for me.”

Ango only hummed in response, as (Y/N) came back in the room, with a can, putting it in front of Dazai. He silently thanked them, once again, getting stiff in the back. From Ango’s eyes, he’s never seen him sit so nicely, as Dazai was always hunched over.

“ Hey, Oda,” the redhead looked up at them with a hum. (Y/N) smiled,” I’d say I’ve won my drink now. You, gonna buy it for me?” Oda placed down a note on the table, and they grabbed it with a smile before making themselves a glass.

“ Here, cheers,” they raised their glass to Dazai and Ango, Oda soon followed.

“ For what now, exactly,” Ango asked, Dazai still hadn’t moved.

“ Hm…,” (Y/N) tilted their head before raising the glass high,” To anything really. Like that time I saved Ango, maybe to me getting transferred here…”

Dazai listened to them ramble. It sounded like a random bunch of gibberish, but strangely nice to his ears. He didn’t feel bored anymore. Though, yes, being around his friends made him feel less bored, he felt… more… excited. As if being here at this bar was some sort of epiphany.

“ Dazai? What’s up?” they snapped him out of his thoughts. He shook his head before clearing his throat.

He’s deep in it now, Ango thought from the side.

“ How about that the four of us are here at this moment in time?,” he asked,” You know, I don’t get to see any of you like this at all. You don’t get to enjoy moments like these quite often in the Mafia. Not to mention, it’s my first time meeting you, (Y/N) so that in itself could be a toast too.”

“ So a toast to a coincidence?” Oda asked. Dazai raised his glass, and so did Ango.

“ Yeah, I guess so,” he shrugged.

Dazai raised his glass higher, as the four of them clinked theirs together. The noise of the glass was rather satisfying until it went silent once again.

A cheers to a coincidence.

#the mafioso's runaway #bsd x reader #bungou stray dogs x reader #bungo stray dogs x reader #dazai x reader #dazai osamu x reader #mono writes

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misteria247 · 7 months

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He's always staring at him for some reason. He could never figure out why, but it seemed that no matter what he was doing his eyes would always drift towards the stranger who persisted him endlessly.

He could never seem to take his eyes off of Lupin III.

Zenigata for the life of him couldn't explain why he was always looking at Lupin. As far as he was concerned, the thief was a stranger. A crook who stole and who seemed hellbent on interacting with him of all people. The handyman of his small town. Zenigata knew that he shouldn't be thinking about this man so much, yet whenever he came within view he was drawn to looking at him. Taking in the little things about the thief that seemed miniscule in the long run. The way he walked, the way he talked, the way he moved his hands in flourishing ways. All smiles and gentlemanly charms. Lupin was an enigma, a shining star in a vast dark sky that enchanted everything and everyone within distance of him.

Maybe that was why Zenigata felt so drawn to him. It was just the magnetic pull that drew him into the being known as Lupin III. Yet deep down, there was another reason why he was so inclined to keep Lupin within his sights. Despite the man being a mere stranger to the handyman, Zenigata noticed how......saddened the thief looked. Behind the smiles and charms and innuendos that Lupin threw his way, there was a hint of sadness within his grey hues. A look of loss and despair that sat beneath the bravo. It was a look that made Zenigata's heart twist in his chest, a look that wasn't suitable for someone like Lupin.

The older man had no idea how he knew this, but he did. It was something that happened a lot whenever Lupin popped up around him. A sense of knowing and somewhat familiarity that was foreign to Zenigata. It was a paradox of annoyance and fascination, a mystery that just begged to be solved.

'Why are you so familiar yet unfamiliar? Why can't I stop looking at you whenever you're nearby? I don't know you.......yet.......'

Zenigata didn't know exactly why he always kept his gaze on Arsene Lupin III, didn't know why despite the other man's criminal record couldn't seem to keep his distance. Didn't know why this stranger, full of different faces and emotions caught his attention so quickly. But if there was one thing he did know it was that he'd get to the bottom of it. After all, he hadn't been the best of the best back in the day for no reason. And if perhaps.......seeing Lupin smile genuinely made Zenigata's chest feel warm then well.......

No one needed to know.

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mable-stitchpunk · 8 months

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its just my personal headcanon that Home Ennard and MXES would just…. be friends. I don't know why, I mean we don't really see much personality from MXES beyond 'haha BOO!' and 'PLEASE GOD DON'T PUT ME IN THE BOX!' but i just. i dunno. i just think Ennard would manage to get himself uploaded into the V.A.N.N.I system and meet chad chin bunny boy and immediately just say something dumb and corny like 'wow… a rabbit with no feet? you must have the worst luck ever' and MXES would just scream laugh at that and fire back with some equally dumb and corny comment like 'wow you've gotta be pretty WIRED to make jokes that bad!' and they both scream laugh while anyone nearby looks at Ennard like hes insane because it probably looks like hes talking and reacting to thin air.

You know, I could see that too! Mxes strikes me as being more of the cheeky type when it comes to jokes, but then the two actually hitting it off over bad puns- I could see it. XD Ennard's got a knack for getting buddy-buddy with handyman security guards too, so he's got that going for him. Maybe they'll get Michael in on it and become an unstoppable trio. 🤡🐰🐰

#Mxes #The Entity #Ennard #Home!Ennard #Home Series #Michael Afton #Fnaf

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brighteyedbushybrowed · 2 years

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𝐎𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐲 𝐎𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 (Eddie x Male!Reader) You didn’t expect when your childhood best friend Robin invited you on a camping trip to find yourself so attracted to and interested in her friend Eddie. Safe to say, the confined space of a tent escalates things.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 Smut (18+ only, MINORS DNI istg man I will actually scream if you violate my boundary like that, don’t be that twat who disregards boundaries), mlm sex, riding, oral (m receiving), reader is a top and Eddie is a bottom, reader is a gay man in this fic, shameless flirting, dirty talk, some fluff at the end. Barely proof-read.

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 Been meaning to write some Eddie x Male!Reader for a while now and now it’s finally here! I think this might actually be one of my favourites that I’ve written so far. Man, I wanna write more of this kind of stuff, this is great.

One thing people had to understand about you was that you weren’t a big fan of camping. Once a year, every year until you turned fifteen, your family would pack up the tents and sleeping bags and various other camping equipment and then drive down to a nearby campsite where you’d all spend the next seven days ‘bonding with nature’. Being rained down in a thin, shitty tent with little warmth wasn’t your idea of a fun holiday. Your mom had given you food poisoning one year because she didn’t cook the chicken through properly. From that moment onwards, your dad had been in charge of preparing food and making dinner. The only redeeming feature of these camping holidays was the friend you’d made on your camping trip when you were seven years old: Robin Buckley.

It was because of Robin that you were standing out on the pavement with a duffel bag slung over your battle vest clad shoulder, a battered old baseball cap keeping the sun out of your eyes and your cargo shorts sticking to your thighs. When she’d originally proposed the idea of you going camping with her and some friends, you had said no outright. It had taken a lot of grovelling and a simple promise to convince you to tag along.

Eddie Munson would be there.

You and Eddie had never met, but you’d heard a lot about him from Robin and her friend Steve Harrington when they explained to you why the hell Hawkins had been split into four sections by an ‘earthquake’, the teenage girl with super mind powers being the evidence they gave that everything they’d told you was true. Eddie had apparently played a big role in helping them defeat Vecna, but his life had almost been the price to pay for victory. They’d found him just in time and helped get him to hospital where he was given blood transfusions and monitored until he was well enough to be discharged and move into a new trailer with his uncle, Wayne. All of the super weird supernatural shit as well as the government’s intervention meant that Eddie’s innocence was proven and now he worked as a local handyman and mechanic, though you’d never had the pleasure of actually meeting him. It was that, as well as how similar he apparently was to you, that had encouraged you to give in and agree to go camping with Robin and her other friends.

After another five minutes of waiting, sweat dripping down your brow, you released a sigh of relief as Steve’s car pulled up in front of you. You were quick to dump your duffel in the trunk then jumped into the backseat behind Robin, the two of you high fiving before you buckled your seatbelt into place.

Steve glanced at you through the rear-view mirror. “Hey man, nice to see you again. We’ve just got one last stop to make before we hit the road again. You good back there? Need any snacks?”

You waved your hand dismissively as you relaxed into the seat. “Nah, I’m all good. I’d kill for some gum, though.”

A packet of spearmint flavoured chewing gum was tossed back to you by Robin as Steve slowly pulled away from the sidewalk outside your house. You eagerly placed a piece in your mouth and chewed it as Girls On Film softly played in the tape deck. You smiled to yourself as your friends in the front seats sang along. Duran Duran wasn’t really your kind of music, but you could appreciate that Robin and Steve seemed to like them enough to belt their hearts out to the song. Their off-key, almost shouting singing was entertaining enough that you didn’t register where you were until the car stopped outside one of the homes at the trailer park.

Before you could question why Steve had stopped there, the door to the trailer slammed open as a flurry of brown curls practically sprinted down the steps and round to the rear of the car. The trunk opened and shut swiftly before you were joined by the guy from the trailer. The door slammed shut as he rushed to put on his seatbelt, only noticing you were there once it had clicked into place.

“Eddie! This is Y/N. He’s the guy I told you about, remember?” Robin said, her body twisted so she could face you both.

The guy – Eddie – offered you his hand to shake with a face-splitting grin. “Well, hey there. Buckley never mentioned we’d be camping with the hottest guy in Hawkins. You smoke?”

Choking on your gum, you took a swig from the bottle of water you’d brought with you. “Mom’s trying to get me to quit but yeah. Can I bum some cigs off you at the campsite?”

“I can do you one better, big boy.” He pulled out a box of cigarettes and a ready-rolled joint of weed.

“Damn,” you replied, “you’re really spoiling me. How ever will I choose?”

He smirked as he put both items back into the pocket of his own battle vest. “What can I say? I’m a giver.”

Steve made an exaggerated gagging noise from the driver’s seat as he began to pull out of the trailer park. “I’ll have no flirting and sexual innuendo in the back of this car, thank you. I will turn this thing around and make you stay home.”

Eddie nudged you with his elbow and leaned in to speak into your ear. “If he kicks us out, we can just take my van.”

You giggled while Steve groaned. It was going to be a long trip.

***

After what had felt like a lifetime for Steve but only a few minutes to you and Eddie, the car finally pulled up at the campsite. Jonathan and Nancy were already waiting for you, the former counting the tents and other camping equipment they’d brought along while the latter ticked them off on her checklist. You made your way round to the trunk to take out the rest of the items, listening with a smile as Robin began rambling to Nancy about something – probably band. You felt a presence and expected it to be Steve coming to assist you in unloading the car, but you were pleasantly surprised to find Eddie beside you instead.

“Need a hand? Harrington and Buckley are gonna set up the tents while Byers and Wheeler set up the coolers and shit,” he said, nodding his head in the direction of the rest of the group.

“I’d appreciate that actually, yeah,” you replied and passed him his bag. “Can you take everyone’s bags over to where the tents are?”

He nodded his head and took two more bags off you before he headed over to the rest of the group. You lifted your own out of the trunk and then started unloading the bags of food and drinks, both alcoholic and normal, while your thoughts lingered on the other metalhead.

Throughout the whole car journey, Eddie had been cracking jokes and talking about music with you. His favourite bands, new releases he was looking forward to, bands he wanted to see most live, and of course his own band Corroded Coffin. You hadn’t been to any of their concerts, but you’d heard about them from Robin a few times in the past. After hearing him talk so passionately about them and each member during the drive to the camp site, you’d silently promised yourself that you were going to attend their next concert and support Eddie. It definitely wasn’t so that you could see his fingers in action after he’d joked about how good he was with them due to being the lead guitarist. No, it definitely wasn’t that.

Eddie’s swift return to take the last bag and the food brought you back to the then and there, picking up the drinks and carrying them over to the coolers with him right next to you.

“So,” Eddie started, “how do you know everyone else? I know you and Robin became friends through camping trips as a kid, but how’d you meet the others?”

You gave him a causal shrug. “Steve I met through Robin because of them both working together at Scoops Ahoy and now Family Video. I had a few classes with Jonathan during senior year and had to work on a group science project with him. And then I met Nancy through him. Of course, I then met you through Robin convincing me to tag along on this little trip of hers. You met everyone because of that shit with Vecna, right?”

He laughed. “Oh yeah. Nothing brings people together like one person being accused of murder and the others coming to your rescue, all of you getting traumatised physically and mentally in the process. I didn’t meet Jonathan until after the ‘earthquake’ though. But yeah, it turns out me almost dying did wonders to strengthen my relationships with everyone.”

“Well, I guess I’ve got you to thank for everyone here being alive right now.”

“Huh? What makes you say that?” Eddie was frowning at you, the two of you putting everything down at your feet once you reached the group. Everyone was still talking amongst themselves, giving you the opportunity to respond.

“Rob told me about how you drew those demobat things away from the Creel house for them to be able to get in and burn his body to a crisp. And about you going back to buy them all more time, even if it nearly got you killed in the process. You could’ve come back to our world with Dustin, but instead you went back because you didn’t want anyone else to die. It was reckless, and stupid, but it also probably did buy them more time and saved them getting killed. You’re a hero.”

Eddie was speechless as he stared at you. You weren’t sure what the expression on his face was, but his lack of verbal response made you panic.

“Shit, sorry dude, I didn’t mean to upset you or anything. I should’ve thought before saying it, especially when it’s not even really been that long since it happened and –”

His voice cut you off as he waved his hands. “Oh, no, it’s okay. I’m not really used to anyone saying that kind of stuff to me apart from m uncle and Dustin. Everyone else in Hawkins still thinks I’m a satanic cult leader and that it’s my fault everything happened, even after I was proven innocent. It’s nice knowing that there are people who don’t see me as a piece of shit, so I appreciate it.”

Before you could say anything more or acknowledge the fluttering in your stomach at the way he was now smiling at you, Nancy approached you both.

“Eddie, you’re on firewood duty so I need you to go into the woods just behind the campsite and gather some stuff to burn. Y/N, you’re going with him because I don’t trust him to not get lost or bring back some wild animal with him,” she said, completely oblivious to the conversation you’d been having.

You nodded in agreement as you started putting the food and drinks into the coolers. “How many tents do we have with us? If there’s more people than tents, then we might need to discuss who’s sharing and who’s getting a tent to themselves.”

She pointed over to Robin and Steve with her pen. “We’ve got three tents, so that makes it two people per tent. I’m staying in a tent with Robin and Jonathan’s staying with Steve, so you and Eddie will have to share.”

You felt your face heat up at the prospect of being in such a small, enclosed space with him. The expression on your face must have changed because she smiled at you sympathetically.

“If you’d rather share with someone you’re more familiar with I’m sure Steve or Jonathan wouldn’t mind swapping with you.”

You quickly shook your head and held up your hands. “Nope! I’m okay with Eddie, thanks. No offence, but Steve snores like a bear and I’d rather not submit myself or Eddie to that torture.”

The two of you laughed when Steve let out an indignant ‘hey!’ before Nancy moved over to the others to assign them roles. You glanced over at Eddie and shrugged at him. He smiled as he bit his lip, rubbing the back of his head. It took everything in you to force yourself to look away and not picture other times he could be making that face. You didn’t usually think of guys in that way so soon after meeting them and you weren’t sure why Eddie was the exception. Maybe it was the excitement of meeting someone so similar to you and getting to spend a few days in close proximity with him unsupervised. That, and his comment in the car about you being the ‘hottest guy in Hawkins’ was branded into your brain permanently.

Once the three tents were set up and all the food and drinks were neatly put away in the coolers, you and Eddie made your way into the woods to start collecting firewood. You were more than happy to get away from the group after having to hear Robin and Steve arguing about what pole went where combined with Eddie saying rather loudly ‘I’m an expert and handling poles, I can handle yours if you like, big boy’. That last part had led to an entertaining five minutes of Steve chasing him around the camp, wielding one of the tent poles like a deadly weapon with Eddie laughing maniacally the entire time.

There was a comfortable silence that had settled between you and the other metalhead, both of you inspecting logs and twigs on the ground and picking up the ones you deemed to be good enough kindling and fuel for the campfire. Every so often, you would glance over at him and take in his appearance, his tank top revealing his biceps and his denim shorts exposing his hair legs to you. His battle vest had been left back at the camp with his bag. He said it was because he didn’t want to get it all sweaty and keeping it off for the time being didn’t make him feel like he was about to overheat. Unfortunately, this just meant your attention was drawn to his body, particularly his arms and legs and his skinny waist and you wondered what it would be like to hold onto those hips and what his skin felt like and –

“You doing alright there, Y/N? While I do appreciate being admired, it does feel a little weird being stared at after a while.”

Spluttering, you frantically looked away from him. “Staring? I’m not staring at anyone. You’re imagining things.”

Yeah, that was the least convincing lie you’d ever told.

Eddie seemed to think so too. “Do you wanna try that again and attempt to make it sound like it’s not an outright lie?”

You sighed. “I wasn’t trying to make you feel uncomfortable or anything. You’re just… pretty and nice to look at.”

“Oh, so I’m pretty now, am I?” He wiggled his brows at you, drawing a laugh from you.

“Don’t pretend like you don’t know it. I’d pick you over Steve Harrington any day of the week.”

You stooped down to pick up a log, inspecting it to make sure it would work as firewood. Once you were satisfied, you added it to the small pile you’d gathered under your arm. The hand that appeared on your lower back startled you and you turned to find yourself nose to nose with Eddie. His round, deep brown eyes stared back into yours as he smirked.

“Is that the real reason you chose to stay in a tent with me?”

A shaky breath hissed past your lips. “Maybe that’s part of it, although Steve really does snore really loudly. I’d rather neither of us had to put up with that up close.”

He chuckled and ran his thumb over your bottom lip. “Then I suppose I’m happy to be sharing my tent with such a gentleman.”

“And if I don’t want to be a gentleman?”

A gasp caught itself in your throat as he leaned in to murmur into your ear. “I’ll be counting on it, big boy.”

The metalhead moved away from you and resumed the search for firewood, leaving you standing there in shock and trying not to freak out over the fact he’d flirted with you again. Despite knowing him less than twelve hours, he already had you hooked on him. There was something in the way he spoke to you and seemed so unaffected by being in such close proximity with each other that left you wanting more.

However, despite his blatant interest in you, you couldn’t help worrying that maybe he wasn’t attracted to men and was just doing it to get a reaction out of you. Gay and bisexual men were few and far between in a place like Hawkins, especially when everyone in the town were incredibly religious and allowed hate to cloud their minds and judge when it wasn’t their place to do so. What if Eddie was just another overly friendly man who was just joking around and trying to have some fun?

At the sound of him calling your name, you pushed your concerns to the back of your mind and joined him in collecting wood for the campfire.

***

Getting settled in your tent that night had been awkward to say the least. You and Eddie hadn’t mentioned your earlier conversation in the woods and instead changed into your pyjamas in silence. Now, you were both laying in your sleeping bags with your backs facing each other. The darkness of the tent made the space feel even more enclosed than it already was, and you heaved out a sigh, trying to not be as acutely aware of how little space there was between the two of you as you already were.

“Alright.” You heard Eddie roll over to face you. “Clearly there’s an elephant in the room here we need to address.”

Reluctantly, you turned over as well. You could vaguely make out his facial features as he looked at you.

“Did I make you uncomfortable before? I know not every guy likes to be flirted with, especially by another man, so if you need me to back off just tell me.”

You shook your head. “I promise you didn’t make me uncomfortable. I’m not really used to flirting with other guys, or them flirting back. Funnily enough, being gay in a town like Hawkins means you don’t actually get to meet other gay guys because those so few of us and the town is so religious that they have permanent residence up God’s sodding ass cheeks.”

He laughed as he flicked the lamp on, bathing the inside of your shared tent in light so you could see him better. “Thank fuck for that. You have no idea how worried I was that I’d messed everything up and chased you away.”

“Honestly, I was kind of worried about the same thing. I thought you were maybe one of those guys that’s just overly friendly and likes to flirt with everyone but is very much straight.”

Eddie wiggled in his sleeping bag so that you were both closing together. “Well, I’m not straight that’s for sure. I don’t really have a name for what I am. Labels are just another form of forced conformity, right? As long as I’m happy and not hurting anyone, why do I have to give a name to what I am and the people I fall in love with? I just like what I like and love who I love.”

You allowed his words to sink in, thinking over them for a moment. You’d never given much thought to the people out there that just didn’t need or want a label and he was right: he didn’t need to name and identify himself in that way. There was some freedom in that, you thought. In that sense, he was more of a free spirit than anyone else you’d ever met.

Feeling bold, you lifted a hand to cup his face. “So, the flirting… you’re definitely interested in me? You’re not just joking around?”

The soft laugh that left his lips vibrated against your hand as he turned his head to kiss the palm. “I’m incredibly interested in you. Like I said when I got in Harrington’s car, hottest guy in Hawkins. I’d be an idiot if I didn’t at least try and woo you. There aren’t many guys in Hawkins that are interested in other men and also metalheads like me. Out of anyone Buckley could’ve invited along on this trip, I’m glad it was you and not another Steve Harrington.”

“Good. Because…” You leaned in so that your lips hovered millimetres away from his. “…I’m incredibly interested in you too. Would be a waste if I didn’t take the chance to kiss you while I can.”

“Then what are you waiting for, pretty boy? Kiss me already.”

You didn’t need anymore prompting from him, pressing your lips against his and groaning when he almost immediately pushed his tongue into your mouth. You kicked your sleeping bag off and moved so that you were on top of him, your legs on either side of his thighs caging him in beneath you. Your fingers crept into his curls and tugged lightly, a smirk pulling at your lips when he whimpered. He still tasted of the smores you’d shared around the campfire, beer, and the cigarettes you’d smoked together just half an hour before everyone had retreated to their tents for the night. The warmth of the summer night brought a light sheen of sweat to his skin and yours, a droplet trickling down the side of your face that you quickly swiped away.

Eddie pushed you away for a moment to remove himself from the confines of his own sleeping bag, revealing him in just a t-shirt and his boxers. He was already half-hard, just as you were, and he made you sit up before climbing into your lap. Both of his hands grabbed your face and dragged you back into another searing kiss, soft moans filling the tent as he rocked his hips down against yours and his tongue flicked against yours. One of your arms wound around his lower back to push his body up against yours as much as possible while your other gripped onto the back of his shoulder. You both tilted your heads in opposite directions, desperate to deepen the kiss, and you hummed into his mouth contently. Despite wanting to feel more of him, wanting to touch more of his body, you were also perfectly happy with just kissing if that was what he preferred.

You jumped slightly when the fingers of one hand dipped under your shirt to play with one of your hardened nipples. He rolled it between his thumb and pointer and pinched, eliciting a moan from you that tumbled out of your lips when you broke the kiss.

“Someone’s getting a little excited,” you said, teasing him at the sight of his dazed expression and kiss-swollen lips, his cheeks flushed and his bangs sticking to his forehead.

“You’re one to talk,” he retorted, grinding against you to prove his point.

You playfully swatted his ass. “Naughty boy. Did I say you could do that? Bad boys don’t get rewarded if they misbehave, do they?”

Something behind his eyes changed at your words and he shook his head. “Sorry. I’ll be a good boy, I swear. I wanna be a good boy.”

Smirking, you grazed your teeth along his jaw. “Let’s see how much of a good boy you can be for me then.” You tapped his thigh and gently removed him from your lap. “Take off your clothes and kneel for me. Let me see how hard you are for me.”

Almost instantly, he yanked his shirt off his torso and threw it behind him. His boxers joined it soon after and then he was kneeling obediently for you, his fully hard cock slapping against his stomach and the tip red and leaking already. His eyes remained trained on your face as you drank in the way he knelt before you, eager to please and be rewarded.

“That’s better. You like being told what to do, hm? You like being a good, obedient boy?”

Eddie nodded, licking his lips. “Just for you, Y/N. I wanna be your good boy.”

You chuckled as you removed your own pyjamas, doing it slowly to torture him instead of touching him like you knew he wanted you to so badly. He bit his lip and watched you stroke yourself once, twice, as you stood over him.

“Let me see how much of a good boy you are then. Suck my cock like a good little slut and maybe I’ll let you bounce on it for a bit. How does that sound?”

Your words encouraged a groan out of him, his hand wrapping around your length and pumping it a few times before he took the tip into his mouth. He gradually sank his head down your hardness as he bobbed his head, taking a little more each time as he sucked. You sighed as his tongue swirled around your dick, his deep brown eyes blinking up at you. What he couldn’t reach with his mouth, he wrapped his hand around and stroked in time with his movements. Your hand found itself burying into his hair to guide him, making him pick up his pace a little. When he hollowed out his cheeks, you choked out a moan and felt him hum against you.

“Jesus, Eddie, that’s it. You’re doing so well,” you told him, praising him and brushing his bangs out of his face so you could see more of him.

He removed his mouth from your cock, a string of saliva connecting the two. “Can I make you cum in my mouth?”

Were it any other time you gladly would have said yes. However, you had something else in mind for the two of you.

“Maybe another time, sweet thing. For now, I want to give you your reward for behaving for me. Would you like that?” you replied, chuckling when he nodded enthusiastically and let go of your dick.

You knelt down in front of him and spat onto your fingers, motioning for him to come closer. He hovered over your thighs, and you brushed your lips against his chest as you reached around to press a finger against his pucker gently.

Your eyes searched his face. “Is this okay, Eddie?”

The metalhead nodded. “Please put it in me. I’ve been a good boy.”

“Mm, you have indeed.”

You slowly thrusted your middle finger in and out of him, gauging his reaction by watching his face. The way he clenched around you, playing with his own nipples as he tossed his head back, was an experience you were unlikely to ever forget. You teasingly brushed your teeth over the skin of his torso, making him arch into you as you prepped him for you at a leisurely pace. He let out a sinful sound when you added a second finger, his moan coming out as a pleasured sob. He began to fuck himself on your two digits, rocking back against them to try and push them deeper. Your free hand reached between the two of you and pumped his cock with a featherlight touch.

“Oh please, please, please…” he chanted, not caring about how loud he was being or who would be able to hear him.

“Please, please, please,” you repeated in a mocking tone. “Please what, sweet thing? What do you want me to do, hm?”

Your fingers brushed against something inside him, making him fuck himself on your fingers harder.

“Please let me bounce on your pretty cock. Wanna cum with you inside me, filling me up, making me your cum dumpster. I need it so bad,” he pleaded, his voice high and needy.

Unable to hold back any longer, you pulled your fingers out of his behind and spat on your hand again, spreading it up and down your cock. Had you even thought you’d be fucking Eddie on this trip you would’ve bought lube with you. Unfortunately, the possibility hadn’t even crossed your mind so you’d have to make do until you could go down to the nearest pharmacy and buy some.

At Eddie’s signal, you gently lowered him down onto you, pausing for a moment once the tip was in so he could get used to the feeling. His face scrunched up in discomfort and you stroked his face.

“I’m sorry if it hurts. I didn’t think I’d need any lube on this trip,” you apologised, relief flooding through you when he laughed.

“Maybe we’ll need to sneak away from camp tomorrow to buy some. Not complaining though; it’s not every day that I get to ride a hot metalhead’s big cock.”

You mewled. “Shit, Eds, you can’t say stuff like that to me. I’ll end up cumming way too soon.”

When he looked straight into your eyes, lowering himself a little more on your dick, you could’ve burst there and then.

“That’s the great thing about sex,” he said. “The goal is to cum, and you can go as many rounds as you want.”

Eddie took the rest of your cock in, fully sheathing you within his tight heat, and your eyes rolled into the back of your head. While you hadn’t had lots of sexual partners, you could say without a doubt that Eddie would probably be the best you’d ever had. He gyrated his hips as he remained fully impaled on you, one of his hands cupping the back of your head. He waited a moment before he lifted his hips then slammed himself back down again. The impact and the feeling of him moving up and down on your dick as he started to bounce had you gripping his hips with both hands, fingers digging in harshly.

“You fill me up so good, big boy,” Eddie huffed out as he rode you at a steady pace. Each time all of you was inside him, he rotated his hips and tried to push you in as deep as you could go.

You started to jerk him off in time with his movements, your thumb running over his dripping tip and giving his cock a gentle squeeze. A familiar heat began to build up down below and you quickened your hand, trying to get him to cum at the same time as you. He seemingly noticed this and started to fuck himself on you faster. Filthy moans left his mouth as he leaned back slightly, changing the angle of you inside him.

“Fuckfuckfuck, I’m gonna cum so fucking hard for you, baby. Your cock feels so good. Can’t get enough.”

A whine left your lips and you felt yourself getting closer and closer to your climax. “Look at me when you cum. Wanna see how much you love having my dick inside you”

His eyes landed on yours and his mouth fell open, a string of expletives and your name chanted in a litany as he came, his spend spilling over your hand and some of it landing on your stomach. A few more bounces on your cock and you held him down, your seed painting his inner walls as you groaned out his name.

It took a minute or two for both of you to calm down. Eddie gently pulled himself off you and dropped onto his discarded sleeping bag on his stomach with a fucked out smile on his face, your cum leaking out of him. You smirked and pushed some of it back inside him with your thumb, laughing when he grumbled and smacked your hand away.

“Meanie. Got me all full of cum and won’t even let me rest.” The pout he shot you over his shoulder was far too adorable and cute for what had just occurred between you.

After wiping him down with your discarded shirt, you put the sleeping bags back into their normal, organised positions and lay inside yours with him cuddled up to you. It was a tight squeeze zipping it up with the two of you inside but having him close to you with his arm over your stomach and his head next to yours was worth it.

As you turned the lamp off and felt yourself begin to succumb to sleep, you were jolted fully awake by Eddie nipping at your neck.

“What was that for? I was about to have a very nice dream about the amazing sex we just had,” you joked, giving him a gentle squeeze.

“I just wanted to make sure before we go to sleep that… that you’re still into me. And that this wasn’t just a one time thing for you. If that’s all this was then that’s okay. I just wanna hear you say it so I don’t get my hopes up.”

Your fingers delicately trailed up and down the arm he had draped over you. “I’m not a fuck and go kind of guy, Eddie. Of course I’m still into you. I wouldn’t mind exploring what we have going on here and seeing where it leads if that’s what you want too.”

You felt him smile against your skin. “Me too. I’m not usually this attracted to someone after one day, so I wanna see where things take us. I’m not letting go of you just yet.”

Sleep finally beginning to take over you, you pulled him as closely to you as you could. “I’m not letting go of you either.”

#spicy content #stranger things #eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x male!reader #eddie munson smut #smut #fanfic #my fanfic #mine

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princess-josephina · 1 year

Text

Fruity Four Advent Calendar 1-12: Christmas lights

Thought I'd jump straight (HAHA) onto the first wagon of @unclewaynemunson 's Fruity Four Advent Calendar train. Hope it's ok this one's just Steddie, I couldn't fit in the girls without making it ridiculously long and chaotic.

UPD: now also on AO3.

"Steve? What the hell are you doing?"

Eddie's back from the grocery store with some food and finds Steve back on the roof, taking down the enormously long lights string they'd just spent 2 hours putting up (a little too close to potentially breaking their necks several times). Steve turns to look down at him and wobbles for a second, giving Eddie a mini heart attack before he catches his balance again.

"It's broken!" He shouts, sounding frustrated. "It's not lighting up. Guess it might have died, from like, lack of use? We hadn't used this one in years."

"Oh my god, Steve, are you serious?!" Eddie yells back at him. "Leave that and get back down here."

Eddie grabs the cable, sighs with relief when Steve's safely reached the bottom of the ladder, and then follows the cable's length until he reaches the end, lying on the garage floor by the power socket. He crouches next to it. Steve leans over his shoulder to see what he's doing.

"Did you check that the socket's working?" Eddie inquires, and Steve rolls his eyes.

"Ugh… Yes?" He gestures at a small lamp on the counter nearby. "Tried with a lamp. It worked, so the socket's fine." He crosses his arms on his chest, defensive. "I'm not an idiot, Eddie."

"Never said you were, Stevie," Eddie glances at him and replies in that strange, patient tone Steve's never sure what to do with. "Just making sure." He fiddles with the plug in his hand. "Probably just blown fuses. These things die all the time. You got tools here?"

"Like what?" Steve asks, and feels foolish when he understands, a moment later, what Eddie meant.

"I need something small. Like a tiny flathead? Tweezers would work too."

Miraculously, Steve actually produces a dusty toolbox from somewhere in the back of the garage and hands it over to Eddie, who quickly rummages through it and then works to open up the lights plug, sticking out his tongue in concentration as he always does. Steve doesn't ask questions, figuring he shouldn't distract Eddie, but Eddie motions for him to come closer anyway and starts talking.

"See these two tiny things?" He says, and Steve has to lean over to see, resting his hand on Eddie's shoulder for support. Eddie keeps explaining, simple stuff that sounds obvious, really, but no judgement or condescension in his tone. "Those are electrical fuses. They're like… safety measures, to protect the whole cable from overcurrent, you know, so your house doesn't burn down. And yeah," Eddie holds the tiny thing between the fingers and raises it closer to his face. "See how it's all brown inside? Yeah, this baby's dead, rest in peace." Eddie quickly extracts the other fuse, too, and shoves them both in his jeans pocket. "I'm gonna drive to the hardware store and get the replacements." He grins, holding his arm out to Steve from the floor, and Steve grabs it to pull him up to his feet.

"So that's gonna… fix the lights?"

"Well yeah, if it's just the fuses, if that doesn't work then the problem's somewhere in the cable itself, I'd need to borrow a voltage tester from Wayne and…" Eddie stops talking, because Steve is giving him a strange, open-mouthed, awestruck look. "What?"

Steve looks away, shakes his head and laughs.

"Nothing. That's just… awesome. That you know all that. I thought we'd have to buy new lights."

"Jesus, rich people." Eddie rolls his eyes and then narrows them at Steve, his expression somewhere between exasperated and amused. "Do you really just buy new shit every time the old one breaks?"

"Yes?" Steve shrugs and rubs his chin, at least having the decency to look sheepish. "I mean, unless it's big stuff like a fridge or a TV, then my father gets a handyman to have a look…"

"…Who spends 15 minutes intensely looking at its insides and then tells you some super complicated detail needs replacing and it will cost you 80 bucks, when ninety percent of the time it just needs a new power cable?" Eddie grins. "Wayne worked as a handyman for some time, I know the drill. You know, if the rich people of Hawkins were to willingly let the town's satanic freak into their homes, I might consider a career change. Easiest money in the world, apparently."

It's just a short drive to the hardware store and back, and 30 minutes later Eddie's replacing the fuses while Steve sits right by him on the garage floor and watches his hands work, fascinated. As if Eddie was casting some high level wizarding spell, not doing basic household repairs every kid of Eddie's income level learned when they were 10 years old.

"Okay, fingers crossed, Stevie. Here we go."

Eddie plugs the cable into the socket and they glance at each other briefly before jumping up at the same time and racing outside, Eddie slipping on some ice by the garage entrance and Steve catching him, and they both laugh, arms still around each other, as they look up to see Steve's house all brightly illuminated with multicolor lights in the winter dusk.

"You did it!" Steve shouts, shaking Eddie's shoulders and grinning at him, delighted and overjoyed in a way that makes Eddie's stupid heart melt with fondness. "You saved Christmas, Eddie!"

"Uh. I just fixed some stupid lights. No biggie," Eddie flushes, not knowing what to do with himself when Steve looks at him like that. He glances back up at the lights and twirls Steve's scarf between his fingers because he needs to keep his hands busy with something, so they don't do something stupid. Like grab Steve's cheeks, all bright rosy from the cold.

"That's just it", Steve's voice is quieter now, and he keeps looking at Eddie intently. "You always make everything better and act like it's no big deal."

What the hell is Eddie supposed to say to that? Before his brain can even comprehend the words, suddenly it's Steve's hands bracketing his own head, fingers warm against his freezing ears; shit, Eddie might never get to see the best Christmas he'd probably have had in his entire life, because he'll be dead of a heart attack. "You're fucking amazing, Eds, you gotta know that." And then Steve's staring at his lips, and hey, maybe Eddie doesn't need to die.

Feeling stupidly brave, Eddie tugs on Steve's scarf, and Steve moves easily, no resistance. Two clouds of breath mingle into one in the cold air between them. "Stevie. Sweetheart," he murmurs; Steve bites his lip and ducks his head at the endearment, god yes, please let him be right about this. Eddie leans in, heart thundering in his chest.

Steve's lips are cold, but the inside of his mouth is deliciously warm, tastes like cigarettes and mulled wine they'd shared earlier. Eddie shivers and swallows back an embarrassing moan, and thinks fuck, maybe Jesus doesn't actually hate the gays, because Steve is kissing him back, and if that's not an early Christmas miracle, Eddie doesn't know what is. And goddamn, that boy knows how to kiss. Eddie's blood feels like an electric current, and he's all weak in the knees and wobbly, all that stuff straight out of romance novels he never thought was real.

It's almost dark outside, but the Christmas lights are so bright they are both in plain view here, in Steve's front yard, and yet it seems like Steve doesn't even care, doesn't stop kissing him and doesn't hurry at all when he walks them backwards into the garage, until Eddie's back hits the wall; that makes Eddie jump in surprise, and they finally break apart.

Steve looks at him with the brightest smile Eddie's ever seen, all pure wonder and fondness, and Eddie's glad to have the wall for support. He's literally swooning, dammit.

"Just so you know…" Eddie giggles, knuckles brushing Steve's cheek, no longer cold to the touch. "You're fucking amazing too, Stevie. Just a different... area of expertise, so to speak."

#StrangerThingsFestiveFun #eddie munson #steve harrington #steddie #stranger things fic #steddie fic #disclaimer: i know absolutely nada of electrical work but thank god for youtube tutorials #this fed so well into my competence kink and obsession with the whole 'you know how to hotwire a car?' scene #but also Eddie being patient and kind with Steve not knowing shit #damn POV is all over the place but can't be bothered to fix it #misha-bawlins fanfic

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twinkleallnight · 1 year

Note

Hey there! In honor of Thanksgiving in the states, can you tell us three things your MC is grateful for this year? What about their LI?

And if you want to tell us three things you are thankful for too, go for it!

I know I am pretty late but I didn't want to let this one be in my WIP till next year...

Thank you @jerzwriter for this ask. I have taken the liberty to write for my OTP whom I consider my MC and their LI. Here it goes....

Book: TRR AU

Pairing: Drake x Olivia.

Word count: 1,177

Disclaimer: All characters belong to pixelberry.

Rating: teens

Warning: fluff

Prompt: prompt 7 by

@choicesdecemberchallenge2022 @peonierose

I am thankful for...

Drake parked his truck and moved out. He pulled on his jacket a bit more tightly as he felt the Lythikan chill. He took a moment to look at the serene white mountains around him. A smile played on his lips, unknowingly. ‘How did he get here? Loving the snow and falling in love with the snow queen.’

A soft breeze kissed his cheeks. ‘Just like her red lips do.’ He blushed at her thought. His life had taken a new turn when she expressed herself. ‘Olivia? Lady Olivia Nevrakis loves me?’ He had questioned himself aloud.

He shook his head and turned to walk into the Nevrakis chateau. Surprisingly, it was very quiet.

‘May be Olivia sent away the staff to spend a quiet evening with me.’ He chuckled at the thought and pushed at the main entrance. The heavy ornate doors opened with a slight creek.

‘This one needs some grease.’ He made a mental note. Olivia’s house had become his home away from home and he enjoyed being her handyman even when she had an army of men to work for her.

As soon as he stepped in, he covered his nose. ‘What an awful smell! Burnt meat.’ He assessed. The hall stood still and so did the staircase, the parlour, the library. He went to the kitchen, where the waft came from. The scene was a mess. Flour on the island and on the floor, the oven was all black and simmering though switched off. But no one in sight.

Drake’s brows furrowed. He called out with a worried note, “Livy?”

No response.

“Livy...” he raised his voice.

Still nothing. He hurried through the back exit. “Olivia?” he yelled into the backyard. He scurried to the left and then to the right side. He slowed down when he finally saw her crouched down on a rock. She had her knees to her chest, her arms curled around and head hung low on her hands.

He trudged slowly, “Livy?”

She raised her head and looked at him, her eyes red and welled up. Her cheeks showed stains of the dried-up tears. She was wearing just a sleeveless frock. He quickly removed his jacket to cover her bare arms. “How long have you been here like this?” He cradled her in his arms in an attempt to give her some warmth.

She rested her cheek on his arm as a silent sob escaped her lips. He patted on her red head wondering what went wrong. “Let’s get you in, first.” He pulled her up and they walked back into the kitchen.

He helped her settle down in a chair. She looked at Drake and then her eyes fell on something behind him. She winced at the sight.

He got up to check out where her gaze had rested. That’s when he noticed all the food spread out on the kitchen island, platform and table.

He snickered, trying to control his laughter, now that realisation hit him of hat brought the meltdown to his headstrong girl. He moved the ladle into a bowlful of gooey mix. He dipped his finger in and licked it.

“Why does this taste like salted syrup?”

Olivia covered her face with her hands in embarrassment. He heard her muffled reply, “I was trying to make pie.”

“And you mixed up between salt and sugar.” He stated. His eyes fell on the baking tray nearby. “Ah! you made the crust as well.” He tried to take a piece off the baked crust of pie but he couldn’t break it. “Hey Livy, this crust is as tough as you.”

Olivia gave out a wailing cry, still hiding her face. Drake was smiling. He knew he was on the right track and he moved to where the burnt turkey laid. “Oh boy! It seems this turkey couldn’t tolerate the Nevrakis cooking. Look he committed suicide.”

Olivia peeped through her fingers and saw Drake standing there and guffawing at her. She ran to him and playfully pounded on his chest. He encircled his arms and embraced her, now laughing out loudly and soon she joined in.

She relaxed in his arms. He knew how to diffuse the situation. He knew how to make her smile through tears. As she calmed down, he placed a kiss on her head, “Why did you put yourself through all this?” he asked.

Her lips thinned out in a line, “I wanted to do something from your tradition for you.”

“Hmm, well that can be managed.”

“How?” she fanned out her hand at all the wasted food.

He beamed at her, “Come with me.” He held her hand and walked her out to his truck. He uncovered the cargo bed to reveal the large vessel full of food.

Olivia gasped. “What? You made all of this?”

He nodded bemused with her reaction.

“Why?” she looked at him confused.

“Because I wanted to share my tradition with you.”

She gave him a side hug and he took the opportunity to leave a peck on her temple. “Now, where do you want me to put this so that we can enjoy a happy meal?”

“Anywhere but my kitchen.” She scrunched her nose at the thought of the mess she had left behind.

“Okay, as you say. We can deal with your kitchen later.”

Drake carried the food as she guided him to the terrace. They ate and sat their, enjoying the view of the mountains around.

After a scrumptious meal, the duo headed to her room to catch up on their favourite show. Olivia sat on the couch and Drake made himself comfortable laying down, resting his head in her lap. He loved the feel of her fingers raking through his chestnut hair. He had closed his eyes, relaxing, when she asked him, “Drake?”

“Hmm?”

“What are you grateful for?”

He opened his eyes and gave her a puzzled look. “Where does this come from now?”

“Isn’t this what is supposed to be said after the meals on Thanksgiving?” she questioned back.

“Sort of...” he shrugged.

“So, what is your answer?

He started counting on his fingers, “The first thing I am grateful for is having Liam in my life.”

“And?”

“Having a loving nephew.”

“And?”

“Being able to survive amongst the pretentious nobles.”

“And?”

He deliberately kept avoiding what she wanted to hear.

“I thank God that I know how to cook food without burning it to ashes.” He said teasing her.

She slapped him on his shoulder. He doubled up in exaggeration. “Ouch, ouch, ouch! That hurt.”

She tried to push him away when he turned and held her by her arms. His brown eyes steadily gazing into her green ones. “You. Your love. That is the best thing I could ask for. I am grateful to God for giving me these moments that I get to share with you, the happiness that you bring to me, the way you take away all my worries and pain, the fact that you love me... I am grateful that I get to love you, Olivia.”

And he sealed it with a kiss.

Tags: @3pawandme @alj4890 @angelasscribbles @bascmve01 @bebepac @busywoman @dcbbw @gkittylove99 @harleybeaumont @iaminlovewithtrr @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @neotericthemis @mom2000aggie @phoenixrising308 @princess-geek @riseandshinelittleblossom @secretaryunpaid @sfb123 @sillydg @tessa-liam @tinkie1973 @txemrn @walkerdrakewalker @choicesficwriterscreations @yourmajesty09 @flowerpowell (if u r interested in a Drake fic) @lovealexhunt (for the photo edit)

#choices monthly challenge #choices fic writers creations #playchoices #drake walker #olivia nevrakis #twinkleallnight #pixelberry #the royal romance #trr #trr fandom

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ask-icancraft-it · 4 months

Text

Getting Cozy

((Getting into the wintertime mood with a bit more Hero's Cuties NSFW, please enjoy the cozy vibes!))

----

Tamora turned off the gas stovetop as the garage door creaked open. Felix stood in the doorframe, turning around to remove his snow-covered boots before stepping inside. Closing the door behind him, he let out a small groan.

“This winter is something else,” he shook his head, having just completed shoveling snow from their driveway for the nth time. He peeled off his gloves, surprised when a warm mug was brought toward his chilled fingers.

“Here,” Tamora smiled. “I think I got it just right this time.”

The smell of fresh hot cocoa wafted through the air, delighting the handyman’s olfactory. Graciously, he accepted, taking a careful sip from the steaming cup.

“Oh Tammy,” Felix said after savoring its sweet taste. “You nailed it.”

She did a little fist pump, making her beau laugh. Stepping forward, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.

“Thank you, ladylove!” he grinned, placing a kiss on her cheek and nuzzling her face.

The moist cold from his jacket, plus the icy temp of his cheeks and nose made the sergeant yelp, leaning away as his head dipped towards her neck.

“You’re freezing!” she laughed, breaking loose from his grasp as he skilfully kept his mug upright.

“And you’re so warm—” Felix rebutted, setting his cocoa down for a two-armed approach. Tamora gasped as she was lifted up and set down on the edge of the kitchen counter. “I need more.”

She obliged him with a kiss, cupping his cold, red face in her palms. Loosening their grip on the sergeant’s thighs, Felix’s hands began to wander, his frigid knuckles sending goosebumps along her skin when he explored underneath her sweater. Delighted to discover she hadn’t put on her bra, he brushed his fingers along her bare breasts.

A satisfying shiver shot up Tamora’s spine as he toyed with her, thawing himself in the process. With a bit more necking, Felix was sufficiently warmed up and then some. Unzipping his heavy jacket, he peeled it off and let it pool on the floor to quickly return to pleasing his lady.

“Hey,” she said in a tone that gave him pause. Looking up at her, she pointed to the abandoned mug sitting nearby. “I worked hard on that; drink it while it's hot.”

He reached for the handle and brought it over.

“Yes ma’am,” he smiled, taking generous gulp after generous gulp as she watched.

“You were kind of hot in that jacket,” Tamora commented, nearly making him spit up his drink.

“I sure was!’” he joked. “I’ll melt if I put it back on.”

“Fine,” she huffed, eyeing him as he polished off his coca, still able to admire how good he looked in his blue flannel and dark jeans. “But don’t take anything else off.”

Felix shook his head, amused by his lady’s request. But if that’s what was getting her going, how could he possibly decline? With a grin, he picked her up from the counter, knowing just how to enhance her cozy wintertime fantasy. Placing her in the living room, he tended to the fire he’d built to warm up the house early in the morning. Satisfied with the flames, he reached for the blankets on the couch, laying them on the floor beside the fireplace along with some pillows.

Flipping off the lights, the handyman dove onto the makeshift pad, getting into a stereotypical “sexy” pose before patting the space next to him.

Tamora laughed, rolling her eyes as she knelt on the soft fabric. At first, she thought it was over the top, but as Felix began to caress her as she lay beside him, her core lit up like the embers dancing in the hearth.

The handyman picked up on her heavy-lidded look, taking charge as he moved on top of her. Fingers intertwining, they picked up where they’d left off in the kitchen. Felix’s lips wandered, grazing her neck and teasing her collarbone, which peeked from just under her sweater.

Tamora wiggled her hands free, surprising her beau when she quickly removed her top. He had only assumed that if he was keeping his clothes on, so was she.

“Interesting…” Felix remarked with a quirk of his brow. “You can take yours off, but I can’t?”

“Affirmative,” she deadpanned. He shook his head again, unsure what she was getting out of all this.

“You’re the boss,” he shrugged, unbuttoning her bottoms and peeling them off her long legs, underwear following suit. Felix took a moment to marvel at the way her skin glowed in the firelight, ghosting his fingers back up past her knees and along her thighs toward her center. Gently, he explored her folds; she was moist, but not quite ready yet.

An easy fix.

Propping her hips with a pillow, the handyman ducked between her legs. He felt his lady shiver with each kiss as he peppered them along her inner thigh, building the anticipation before finally running his tongue along her labia and upwards to circle her clit.

“Felix…” Tamora moaned, grasping at the blankets as she was lapped in pleasure. He smiled, his soft laugh making her jump.

“You taste so sweet,” he hummed, wanting for more.

“You sure it’s not the cocoa?” she teased, its chocolatey notes drifting from the kitchen to the rest of the home. No doubt it was playing tricks on his senses.

“No, it’s you,” Felix seemed sure as he licked his lips. “Definitely you.”

Grasping her hips to pull her closer, he ramped up the intensity with some light suckling followed by quick flicks of the tongue. This drove his lady wild, her legs tensing around his head as she squirmed. The handyman eased off, letting her relax before ramping up again, repeating those steps until he knew she was close. Eager to put her over the edge, he dipped two fingers into her folds as his tongue focused on her clit.

Curling his digits upwards, he paid close attention to Tamora’s reactions, knowing he’d found the sweet spot when her back arched off of the floor. Stimulating her from both sides, he kept a steady rhythm as his lady’s needy noises grew louder and more frequent. Her legs trembled as they tensed around him once more, letting out one last desperate cry as she climaxed. He moved with her as she writhed, wanting to give her every bit of pleasure that he could.

It took some time to come back from her high, but when she did, Felix was right there, pecking her cheek softly and stroking her curves as he lay beside her.

“Damn,” Tamora couldn’t help but laugh at how much of a mess she was, skin glistening with sweat in the golden light washing over them both. She could only imagine how enticing she looked to the handyman next to her, and yet he’d put his desires aside to make sure she was cared for. He smiled at her warmly as she turned on her side, and responding with a smile of her own, she reached for his belt.

Felix sighed when the front of his jeans was released. It had gotten mighty tight behind the thick denim. Another pulse of desire overtook Tamora when she pulled his erection free, seeing how hard he’d gotten.

“Oh, Tammy…” he shuddered as she stroked him, the quivering of his voice giving away just how badly he needed her.

Hooking a leg to his hip, she brought herself closer, grinding the tip of his penis in a circular motion. Felix let out a huff of air, making small adjustments until he was able to push himself inside. His thrusts were shallow, but still wholly satisfying as the pair writhed in a tangle of limbs over the blankets.

The handyman’s hold became more desperate as they went on, moving from her shoulder, down to her rear as he groped with just the right amount of pressure. Tamora moaned into his mouth as he fine-tuned his position, slightly leaning over her to penetrate more deeply.

Both of them nearing release, the sweet mushing of their bodies turned frantic, each holding the other in place to keep their connection as intimate as possible. Felix felt her walls pulsing around him as she let out another loud cry, helping greatly in his race toward his own orgasm.

Burying his head into his lady’s shoulder, he shuddered as he came, pushing into her in sync with the beats of pleasure that followed. Both out of breath, they continued to hold each other close as they came down from their bliss.

“From shoveling snow to that—” Felix let out a soft whistle. “Don’t mind me if I just lie here the rest of today.”

“I chose one of the laziest positions,” Tamora chuckled. “I can’t help if you overachieve.”

“It’s what I do.”

“Mhmm,” Tamora nodded, pulling on one of his shirt buttons. “Give me.”

“I’ve been sweatin’ in this thing,” Felix gave her an incredulous look.

“So? I’m sweaty too.”

He had so many questions but thought better and let them slide. Unbuttoning, he let her have his flannel. Slipping her arms into the sleeves, Tamora skipped most of the buttons before standing up. As she stretched her back, Felix was beginning to understand; it was a very attractive shirt.

The sergeant disappeared down the hallway to clean herself up, smiling when she returned.

“You’re still here?” she said, tapping her foot against the lump lying in the middle of the floor.

“You thought I was joking?” he grinned, eyes closed. He flinched as a fresh wet cloth was dropped onto his stomach. “Thank you.”

“I’m pouring myself some coca, want more?”

“Yes please.”

“Are you even going to be awake?”

“Mhmm…”

It took some time to warm the pot from earlier, but soon enough Tamora returned to the living room with two steaming mugs of cocoa. A quiet laugh escaped her rosy lips as Felix was right where she’d left him, fast asleep.

#wreck it ralph #fix it felix #sergeant calhoun #crafty writes #hero's cuties #she drank her cocoa and promptly curled up beside him

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vahalia-cress-ffxiv · 6 months

Text

Of Gift and Gossip

It was new to see the old Slater estate as it was now, parts of it missing and being rebuilt. The piled lumber and brick within the courtyard was enough to keep Vahalia on her toes and ensure she wasn't skirting into a mess of materials. She would have much rather keep it where it was than tracking more back to the Cress estate with her.

Osric had been gone when she arrived back to the house earlier that day and she knew there was one place he was destined to be.

Back to his roots. This…house.

She felt no true distaste for it and the sentiment was never mirrored from her Husband but she was well aware in how these walls had been much like a prison for him. To her, it was just another house built up with stone and bricks.

Soon to be a repurposed and suitable lodging for others.

Through the clangor of chisels and hammering nearby, she ventured into the core of the building itself. It was chilly but far better than being outside in the elements.

"There you are." Her voice purred out, a song through the still of the abode, "I was beginning to wonder if you had changed your mind about being a Cress with how much time you spend here." She teased.

There was something oddly satisfying at being responsible for tearing down the place that held so many negative memories.

A few steps away, Osric stood, a small group of workers standing nearby as he slammed the sledgehammer in his hands into the nearby wall before glancing over his shoulder at his wife’s voice. “Vahalia?” He was confused for a moment before he scoffed, reaching a hand up to brush some of the dust from his hair as the other hand pulled the hammer from the wall, handing it off to one of the nearby workers.

“Hardly - simply making sure the work gets done,” he turned, eyes narrowing at the group - who were slowly gathering their equipment, “-correctly. This wall is supposed to come down. Will I need to speak with your supervisor a second time, gentlemen?” He barely waited for the response before wandering over to her - sleeves rolled up, a bit disheveled, it seemed he’d been working as much as the workers.

"A handyman now, are we?" She japed.

“Something like that. Just needed to make a point - putting the hole in the wall was the fastest way to make it happen.” He shrugged easily, offering her a small smile.

The parasol in Vahalia’s hand lowered and closed, handed off to rest along a nearby wall, "Are you well today?"

He gave a quick nod as he dusted the rest of his clothes off. “Well enough. I’m quickly finding that keeping our..construction workers on task is a full time job in and of itself, but everything remains on schedule, so all is well. And you, this afternoon?” He pressed a light kiss to her forehead- mindful not to get any dust on her. “What brings you to this…particular zone of chaos?”

The kiss to her head had given her pause, a small twitch of the corner of her lips at the gesture – his fondness and adoration but a foreign concept even to her and thus she merely allowed him to express it despite her distaste, “I’ve come to see how you’ve been. Also bearing a bit of a gift.” a gloved hand reached within the confines of her cloak pulling out a folded piece of paper and handing it towards Osric.

The paper was gently taken from her as he opened it and read the contents carefully, his eyebrows raising slightly as his eyes scanned the paper.

“I have eight Dravanian hatchlings arriving in the coming days and they will be transported to the keep in Coerthas that I’ve rented out for their keep and training until you have somewhere more suitable for them.” A hand motioned to the paper he held, “All the information should be there, time and date, pedigrees of each. Whistles and barding for them can be discussed at a later time but I’ve also gone ahead and ensured enough greens to outfit the Keep for the rest of the winter and the deliveries should be made weekly.”

“Vahalia…a bit of a gift is an understatement. Chocobos of this pedigree - one or two alone would be a gift. This many of this quality is exceptional.” There was a brief moment where he shook his head before reading over the paper a second time. Convinced that he wasn’t misreading the information he moved around her to the plans for the renovation of the grounds that were laid out on a table nearby.

“There had already been plans to renovate what stables were present here…but I believe we can expedite those plans, and expand on the plans some to accommodate additional birds, especially birds of that quality…” His hands smoothed over the plans as he leaned against the table, his gaze looking across to meet hers for a moment, “Where on earth did you find someone who has hatchlings like these?”

A finely sculpted brow rose as she had watched Osric move about the blueprints, “I’ve come across two different people willing to work with my desires. They were costly but I believe raising them from infancy would be monumental and this was their final flock for the season. Especially if we wish to see them bred for those under our banner. We can rear them, care for them and then when they are able, breed them as we need considering they’re from about three different flocks. I know little of Chocobo’s and ranching or breeding but I know some people that do and Valeria has it on good authority that Lord Gray is familiar with avians. Hire breeders to handle the business in-house and we’ll be helping to promote more jobs within the city.”

A thoughtful hum resonated from him as he quickly jotted something down on a small sheet of paper, tucking it into his pocket before glancing up. “I know a bit about them, but certainly not enough to feel comfortable being responsible for them - certainly a stable master as well as those you listed - breeders and the like - would be necessary for a flock to thrive the way we would want and need.”

Vahalia loomed inward along the table to get a better look at Osric, “I believe it would be a good token of our welcoming and gratitude if we were to offer one to Ser Taka for his commitment. Good will, have the hatchling imprint with him and be raised as his. For the time being however, they will be well cared for in Coerthas.”

Another nod as his gaze met hers, his fingers drumming against the table. “A sound plan - I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with him yet about residing at the estate or here at the barracks once they’re complete, but between living arrangements and offering such a quality companion I do think we’re showing that we are as committed to him as he is to us and our cause.”

He paused for a moment as if a thought had just struck him, head tilting ever so slightly, “Lord Gray is familiar with chocobos?”

"Quite. As Valeria had put it some time ago, he enjoys seeing them race. He has even recently gifted she and I falcons, I always assume there is knowledge where there is a passion."

“It seems the interest extends beyond just chocobos then.” His brow furrowed for a moment as he straightened, idly brushing off the front of his shirt. “He enjoys seeing them race…have we any knowledge as to whether the man oversees breeding of racing chocobos, or is he ‘watching’ in terms of betting on the races?”

A quick shake of his head and he looked up with a small smile, “Not that it matters, the birds we would require would be of a different stock than those needed for racing. And every individual has their vices - but I suppose good to know the habits of potential business partners, or those Valeria is spending time with.”

"Was." She promptly corrected him before continuing, “I’m not sure if he knows anything about breeding, but like I said, there is typical knowledge in a person so long as they have a passion for something. It seems to me, that in general, Damien has a passion for chocobos and just birds all around. It wouldn’t be amiss to speak with him on habits, feeding, care and the like to incorporate along with what a typical Keeper might suggest or do.” there was a skeptical and almost judgmental gaze cast over her shoulder to the wall behind her that the few had been working on. With each smash of the hammers came more and more of the stone that gave way. Surely a very hefty wall, thick and almost unmoveable given how large the stone slaves had been. The Houses in Ishgard made of said stone were practically fortresses. And yet, here Osric was, assisting with it though he had little know-how of carpentry and construction but he had a passion in his project to see it through.

With a swift blink, honey-colored eyes averted back to Osric. There was a small silence that followed in the wake of her stare, perhaps a lingering slew of doubt and questions but she had kept those to herself. She could have discussed more and further touched on things the pair likely needed to speak about but….perhaps it was best left for another time. That wheelhouse of hers was never at rest.

Being able to read her had always been a struggle - and today was no exception. Osric watched her gaze shift from the wall back to him and couldn’t help but wonder what thoughts laid behind those gold eyes. He cleared his throat gently. “I’ll have to make a point of speaking with the man - there was some belief on his part that we’ve some shared interests, it would give me an opportunity to see if that’s true and see who he knows in the field of Chocobo care as well…”

A small step was taken back from the table and he motioned for her to follow. “Walk with me a ways? They’ve been working on this part of the building fairly extensively, but there are other areas that are a bit more private, we can talk without dust and falling stone everywhere, and without the constant hammering.”

Casually her eyes looked him over when he stepped back and Vahalia motioned a hand towards him as she would follow in tow, “At your leisure.” she offered.

The Slater estate was looking a little more empty than she remembered it being – some bits of decor still remained which painted remnants of how she remembered it. It wasn’t all that long ago that she had been within the halls but the amount of times she had ventured into his estate was very few compared to the times he had spent within the Cress Household.

A low hum escaped her as she followed after Osric, “Did you have anything further you wanted to discuss and go over?” He did have a point, in the open and the hammering of mallets and chisels wasn’t exactly a cozy welcome to any conversation.

“Just a question that I felt was more suited to a bit more privacy. I’ve gotten quite used to the noise and the chaos, but I realize that it can be quite abrasive, not at all suited for calm conversation.” He nudged a door open with his shoulder, leading the pair into a small empty room.

He waited for her to pass before closing the door behind her. “What’s your honest opinion of Lord Gray, Vahalia? Outside of his supposed passion for birds, what your sister has told you or what anyone else has told you. The only impression I have of the man is the commentary between himself and Lady Gray at dinner several weeks ago and well, it left something to be desired. That being said, I’m willing to give the man the opportunity to prove me wrong and realize that you certainly have more business sense than I do…”

For a brief moment, the Cress woman looked confused, almost insulted as she watched Osric close the door and pose the question that he did. One hand had been at work of removing her gloves as she pinned her attention dangerously to her husband, “I know very little of the man aside from his passions but if your sister is anything to go off of, I am keenly aware how some people present themselves isn’t how they are on the inside or in private. He’s cordial with me and I with him. I respect him and Cordelia until they give me a reason not to. I’ve warned Valeria about getting too far on the inside while there is a rift between Damien and Cordelia and that we, as in House Cress, cannot afford to be caught in the middle of it with the Court of Sanguine so fresh.”

Vahalia layered her gloves, holding them within the crook of her thumb and palm, “I’m not sure what you’re implying or why you’re asking as if though there is some underlying, alternative motive. There isn’t one. I don’t sway one way or another with him or Cordelia but first and foremost I protect my own. All others can be left to their own devices and I intend for business to carry on as normal.”

“I’m not implying anything, I was simply seeking to hear your assessment of the man. You’ve spent more time with him than I have. There’s no ulterior motive.” He ran a hand over his face before slipping both hands into his pockets, meeting her gaze. “And I don’t think that you have some hidden agenda. I value your opinion and your judgment, Vahalia. That being said, I also recognize the precariousness of our position and how whatever ongoing spat is happening within House Gray could impact us. We’ve discussed that - I understand that.”

“I’ve spoken with him once outside of the dinner that one evening. Aside from that, that has been it.” she looked at him, taking note of the pointed tone he held at the end before he seemingly continued.

He exhaled slowly, “Before I consider approaching the man for a discussion, I’m trying to consider the parameters, that’s all. If there were some details to be considered that I had not thought of. I know people can be duplicitous. I realize they’re out for their own interests - the Grays are no different. You don’t need me to tell you you’re an intelligent woman, Vahalia - is it truly so surprising that I’d want to hear your view on individuals or matters?”

“There are no parameters, you’re certainly free to draw your own conclusions about him. I certainly implore it as you are your own man and Lord of a noble House. Some proactive approach is appreciated.” her brow twitched slightly as her attention drew over his mien.

He appeared frustrated - not with her, but with himself, perhaps - or maybe the situation. “I’m trying to figure out how best to be useful beyond just knocking down walls, or not even that, just overseeing the knocking down of walls.”

“In truth, I’d rather you do what you feel you need to or would like to. As stated, be proactive which I feel you have been when it comes to…” she motioned to the door, “ – knocking down walls. I cannot tell you how to be useful or coddle you. I’m assuming you don’t expect that anyway. I’d rather us discuss more meaningful things than have you close me in a room and needle me about a man you can learn about if you just went and met him yourself. I needn’t guide you or hand-hold you down that path. However; I do appreciate your willingness to learn but one best learns when they put oneself into the thick of something and draws from one's own experience and not from others. Maybe then when you’ve come to your own conclusions, we can revisit this.”

Vahalia’s shoulders came to square and the grip along her gloves tightened, “I understand you mean well, do not mistake me for misreading as I haven’t been blind to your attempts. I’ve been patient and even still – I understand. New way of adjusting to new things around you, finding your footing..” she waved her hand slightly as she spoke, “It’s all new and as I said before, you’ll get the hang of it soon enough. I’m certainly not chiding you for anything.”

Attempts. Something about the word sat heavy in his chest and the irony of having the conversation in the room where he’d spent much of his youth was not lost on him. But it was information that mattered little to the conversation at hand.

“My intent was only to move away from the gaggle of workers who have a habit of gossiping more than some of the groups that gather around the Cozier on warmer afternoons - not to needle you, or for you to feel closed in in any way. I simply - “ He cut himself off, feeling the rambling beginning. It didn’t matter that he wanted to present a united front, or that her perspective on the man was important because he had found the man’s behavior at the dinner to be…difficult - in his opinion private matters needed to remain private, rather than being aired in front of possible business partners. But saying it didn’t matter.

He simply needed to do better.

There was a momentary pause as he gathered his thoughts. “I realize you’ve been patient. And you shouldn’t need to be - not in this.” Osric swallowed roughly ignoring the ache around his scar as he met her gaze once more. “I feel that I have, whether inadvertently or not, taken up more of your time than intended with issues that are not pressing. Was there anything else you wanted to discuss this afternoon?”

Half there, half elsewhere, Vahalia’s attention drifted between Osric when he spoke and the door, a warm swell had been in the center of her chest almost angry and frantic, exhausted and irritated and she wasn’t sure why. It consumed her thoughts for a brief moment, the sensation had only mounted since she had been in the room, the door closed and the pair exchanging words. A look of confusion washed over her and she held her gloves tighter in hand trying to dispel any discomfort. Pinned attention had been caught to Osric’s mien. She heard his words clearly but it was almost like a buzz within her ears, “What? Oh. – either way you spin it, we’re gossiping now are we not in regards to Damien and this unintentional judgment of him?” she tried to set herself in the right frame of mind and stay on track, “I can only offer you what I have already suggested and to simply seek him out and speak with him to draw your own conclusions. I’m sure you might enjoy his company and that you two might find something in common. You would do well to find suitable folk with some like-minded tendencies and partake in something other than dealing with a constant slew of people or workers that grate on you.”

His brow furrowed, her confused look catching him off guard and it appeared, for a moment, as though he might start to speak, but stopped himself - instead moving to the door and pulling it open. “We’re not anymore.” The concern was clear on his face - but he had been the one to suggest they move to this isolated room, he had been the one to begin the frivolous discussion - had he left well enough alone she likely would have been well on her way to her next task at this moment - he didn’t press. “Your suggestion is duly noted, both in regards to Lord Gray in other like-minded individuals - and I’ll try to speak to the man when time allows.”

Osric had been in Ishgard a majority of his life - like-minded individuals were few and far between, work was far easier to focus on and left him with far fewer headaches. But there was nothing to be gained in arguing the point, especially not when she seemed…confused. “We can head back, if you like…I didn’t mean to derail things today.”

His dismissal of the subject and her, by extension was all that she needed and she moved for the door, her hand dropping to her side. There was a brief pause as she stopped just short of the door and in front of Osric, no words were shared but golden eyes met deep blue for a stint and she finally pulled away to be on her way.

‘We’re not anymore’. Solidified. ‘Duly noted.’ Yes. ‘When time allows.’ Sure.

Her scent lingered in the air long after her departure from the stuffy room and towards the stairs, Vahalia not missing a beat in grabbing her parasol on the way out, frame and all deadset on making her exit almost as swiftly as she had arrived without so much as a goodbye to the workers who spared a moment to watch her be on her way. She worried less about the conversation they had coming to an abrupt halt with Osric’s trademark discharging knowing full well how the short response was often his go-to, and more about the knot in her chest and the sizeable panic she had been feeling while in the room that she was slowly subsiding.

The chill of Ishgard was a welcome reprieve from the boil she felt in her veins.

Collab with: @osric-cress-ffxiv Mention(s): @promethea-silk - @damien-gray-ffxiv

#Stories #Blurbs #Collab writing #{ of ravens and lances }

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