#me just cracking up anytime there is a out of car driving shot and it is like THE STRIP or FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE

[all-risejd]

A New Judgment Chapter 12: A DDT and a Request (Poly Judgment Day)

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7. Part 8. Part 9. Part 10. Part 11.

The rest of the week leading up to Smackdown was much the same. Finn and Nessa building Legos for stress relief, the boys doing interviews online, training almost every day to take bumps and maybe eventually fight and Rhea calling when she can with the time difference, Nessa secretly staying up to never miss the calls.

Early Friday morning Nessa gets one of these. Thankfully she was in Dominiks kitchen cleaning, unable to sleep so she snuck out to grab a snack then clean. She answers the phone.

"Hey Dems, any news?' Nessa asks quietly leaning on the counter and she hears Rhea whimper on the other line.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry Demi, what do you need?" Nessa asks grabbing a bag of marshmallows out of Dominik's cupboard and popping one in her mouth.

"I just need to talk to you, the boys will try to fix things you will just let me feel," Rhea answers and sniffles again trying to not sob into the phone.

"Of course mamela, do you want to tell me how you feel or just tell me about your Nonna? Whatever you need babe" Nessa offers and sits on the ground eating another marshmallow.

"My Nonna would have loved you. She always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to unapologetically be me..." Rheas voice cracks.

"I would have loved to have met her Dems. You are amazing and kind and sweet and an inspiration to many. Your Nonna was an incredible woman to be such an inspiration to you." Nessa praises leaning her head against the counter. "Would you like me to tell the boys?" Nessa asks knowing this isn't an easy topic to talk about. Rhea is silent on the other end for a moment.

"No, I think I need to call and tell them. I just can't at the moment it's like admitting it makes it too real.. You already know how to read me so well... I don't have to actually say the words..." Rhea trails off and Nessa's heart breaks for the woman.

"Of course, anytime you need anything I'm here Dems. I know what that is like..." Nessa yawns.

"Oh Bunny I'm sorry for keeping you up it must be 3 am there" Rhea apologizes, sadness still thick in her voice.

"No Dem's it's fine, I told you I'd be here for you and I will be for as long as you need me..." Nessa tries to reassure Rhea.

"Ok, Bunny. Thank you for everything." Rhea softly thanks Nessa.

"I haven't done anything, Darling." Nessa shakes her head even though Rhea can't see it.

"Bunny you have done so much without even realizing it, you have been so good and I don't know how I could handle this without you," Rhea praises making Nessa blush.

"Look, when you get back and we are at your house I am cooking for you. I am going to show you how I learned how to grieve and we will see if it helps you yeah?" Nessa offers wanting to help not fix.

"Yeah, that sounds nice. I'm going to let you sleep I have to go, I'm getting on a plane so I can be at Smackdown tonight. Goodnight Bunny, see you soon." Rhea says goodbye and Nessa does as well and they hang up.

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Flying out the morning of Smackdown Nessa clearly tired, the atmosphere sad in the car as they drive to the venue. Rhea had called and told the boys the news. They get there 30 minutes before filming starts, The cameras already filming their first promo which is just them entering, Damien escorting Nessa with her holding his elbow as she did in previous shows since he is rolling in both their bags, security opening the doors for them. Dominik and Finn trailing close behind. Damien pauses and leans down to talk to Nessa his face close to hers, cameras catching every moment. Dom and Finn are behind the cameras, letting this Promo be shot.

"Mamita it has been such a pleasure getting to know you better." Nessa twirls her hair and giggles,

"It really has been great, especially the other night" Nessa strokes her finger up and down Damiens's chest, looking up at him even though he is leaning down to be closer to her.

"Well Hermosa, we can have a repeat tonight if you want" His voice deepens and Nessa wraps her arms around his neck and plays with his hair,

"I would like that very much" She answers and he wraps his arms around her waist. The cameraman raises his hand to signal the end of filming and Nessa breaks the embrace resuming the previous position where she grabs his elbow and they all walk to their assigned locker room. Nessa leaning more on Damien than before.

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Once in the locker room, Nessa takes a seat on Damien's lap on the bench, this being a less cozy room than previous shows. She feels that he is still apprehensive about touching her since the signing but not all the time and she is so confused.

"Luis, have I done something wrong?" She asks her voice sounding soft and little. Damien glances down to Nessa and sighs wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Of course not Mariposa. I'm just trying to learn when certain touches are ok with you I can tell when you are starting to get uncomfortable like now... and you are forcing it. Don't force something that doesn't feel ok." Damien rests his chin on her shoulder and she leans into the embrace.

"Im just trying to work through touch aversion. You are safe, I know that. Finn is safe, I know that too. It's just sometimes it gets scrambled and I don't know how to stop it. I don't want you to feel like you messed up so I try to power through it." She bites her lip and Damien sighs again,

"Nessa, you powering through it makes it seem worse. Remember to communicate I need to know what is and isn't ok this isn't just about me." He tells her seriously and she deflates.

"I'm sorry, I just want to prove you didn't, and don't go too far because you assume you do. Just trust that I'll tell you when you do ok?" Nessa asks tapping her fingers on Damiens's arms.

"Ok, ill work on that and you promise to communicate when the touch is too much. Are you ok with this?" Damien asks and Nessa closes her eyes and nods her head. His hand travels up and grabs her chin turning her head to look at him.

"Words Nessa, I need words." Damien orders.

"Yes, I am ok with this. I promise I will tell you when it is too much" Nessa promises and Damien smiles in relief and tightens his arms around her, Dominik glancing over and smiling at them while Finn is stretching preparing for his match. Nessa pats Damiens's hands and he releases her and she gets off his lap and stretches. Damien reaches out and tickles her exposed stomach, her shirt riding up as she stretched. Nessa giggles and jumps back.

"I'm going to change and since there is no privacy in here I'm going into the bathroom." Nessa grabs her bag and enters the bathroom quickly changing and doing her makeup, going with a purple lipstick to better match the colors of the Judgment day. She walks out of the bathroom to see Rhea standing there already in her makeup and just needing to change her clothes. Nessa runs over and wraps her arms around Rhea's waist. Nessa doesn't say anything, just squeezes tighter as Rhea wraps her arms around Nessa's shoulders, the boys joining the hug and squashing Nessa between them.

"Help me" She squeeks almost unable to breathe making Rhea laugh and the boys break the embrace.

"I'm gonna change and get ready we have a promo in a bit" Rhea announces, just grabbing her clothes and starting to change in front of everyone.

"Woah, Woah, Woah..." Damien holds out his hands to stop her.

"Is Nessa ok with this? Have you asked her if she is comfortable with this she just went in the bathroom to change" He starts to fret glancing between Nessa and Rhea. Nessa shrugs and plops down on the bench.

"I have no issue with her changing in front of me, that is her choice if she is comfortable. We talked about it when we shared our hotel room this week." Nessa crosses her arms and smiles as Rhea finishes getting in her ring gear.

"You look good Mami" Nessa calls out and Rhea blushes doing a little turn just for Nessa's amusement, grateful she is trying to act normal and not treat her with kid gloves like the rest of the locker room and her partners. Rhea was annoyed at being stopped every 5 seconds by people apologizing for her loss but she is thankful they care for her.

Rhea holds out her hand for Nessa to grab and pulls her into another hug and places a quick kiss on her lips muttering thanks before breaking the hug and grabbing her title belt and Dom's hand. Nessa grabs Damiens's elbow and follows them out to go meet Kayla at Gorilla for their Interview. They all smirk as Kayla introduces them. Damien throwing his arm over Nessa's shoulders and pulls her close to him to the point where she braces her hand on his chest.

"Now, Damien, Dom last week you picked up a victory over Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar... Despite Zelina Kind of embarrassing you, Nessa and Rhea..." Kayla starts and Rhea leans over and interrupts Kayla who puts the microphone in front of Rhea's face to capture what she is saying,

"Excuse me, Kayla! Embarrassed are you kidding me right now? She attacked our Nessa really!" Rhea rants and Kayla tries to say something but Dominik interrupts her as well.

"Kayla, just stop ok...You don't wanna make Mami mad. She is a little protective of our Nessa" Dom smirks and winks at Nessa. Damien speaks up, Kayla putting the Mic towards him careful not to bonk Nessa in the head.

"Kayla look, here's the deal. Santos Escobar, we all know he can go. What he can't do is pick friends. Rey Mysterio, The LWO, They shouldn't be getting involved in our business" He waves around the hand he isn't holding her with and Nessa bites her lower lip enjoying his accent that comes through when pronouncing their names and stares up at him as he continues talking, "And I know you are going to ask me about Bad Bunny, but I'm going to address that in the ring." He says and The Judgement Day's entrance music starts and he turns towards the curtain, Nessa still under his arm. Rhea and Dom following close behind after glaring down Kayla. Nessa steps out from under his arm once on the top of the ramp and stands between Rhea and Damien, her thumbs through her belt loop as the pyro goes off and they make their way down the ramp their names being announced and Damien doing his normal entrance moves. They reach the bottom of the ramp and he bumps forearms with Rhea before holding out his arm for Nessa again and strutting around the ring to the backside, Damien holds Nessa's hand as she climbs the steps before he joins her on the apron. This time stepping on the bottom rope and pulling up the middle rope to make it easier for her to get in since she struggled the last few times. This elicits cheers from the crowd. Once all four of them are in the ring the other three do their signature poses where Nessa does the belt loop thing similar to when Dom crosses his arms in front of himself before pyro. Damien goes to grab a mic and starts pacing around the ring, raising the mic to his lips, Nessa stepping back with Dominik and Rhea.

"Backlash is in San Juan Puerto Rico" Damien almost growls into the mic making Nessa shiver and smirk at Damien as he continues, " And the host, my friend Bad Bunny " Damien steps forward and grabs the top rope for a moment. "Now Bunny you wanna attend the show, sit in the front row again thats fine, have a great time. But if you put your hands on my family again" Rhea pats Doms shoulder and Nessa nods her head approvingly at Damiens Message as he continues "I mean we all know what can happen" Damien gestures to the Titantron. They all turn to watch the replay. Nessa and Dom clap watching Bunny go back through the table Rhea smiles in glee at what she saw and laughing doing a little jump in the ring as Damien lifts the mic to his lips again.

"I know that was bad" Nessa wipes away fake tears, "But I need you all to watch that again, can you play it in slow motion please" Damien asks gesturing to the Titantron again. Rhea laughs hard telling Damien, "that was amazing" And Nessa nods in agreement and claps again thanking Damien for defend Dom and her since Bunny wanted to mention her to goad Dom.

The LWO's entrance music comes on and Zelina comes out, Damien unzips his trenchcoat and takes it off, Rhea steps out of the ring onto the apron as Zelina waves a chancla and Rhea jumps down, Nessa leans on the ropes facing them. She jumps as Damien and Dominik fall to her feet having been attacked by other members of the LWO who after the one hit slid back out of the ring celebrating getting the jump on them. Damien whips around and glares them down, Dom doing the same as Rhea slides back into the ring to check on Nessa before also glaring.

Damien holds open the ropes where Nessa stands for her to get out, Dom does the same for Rhea and the three of them get out of the ring so the match can start between Damien and Santos.

Nessa claps and jumps up and down as Damien punches Santos after he tried to jump on Damien from the apron, Rhea calling out "You look like an idiot Santos." Before Damien throws Santos back in the ring and gets back in there as well. Damien gets a pin on Santos who kicks out at 2 and Rhea yells at the ref to learn how to count and Nessa yells out her agreement Dominik smiles like an idiot at the both of them. Nessa winces as Santos turns the match around and drop-kicks Damien.

"Come on Damien," Nessa yells out smacking the apron frustrated. Glad when Damien kicks out. Nessa cheers as Damien powers out of the corner and superkicks Santos out of the ring.

"That's right babe, Show him who is boss!"

Damien smiles at the encouragement and gets out of the ring and runs about delivering another hit to Santos that knocks him down and dazes him. Once back in the ring, Damien gets another pin on Santos who kicks out again causing Nessa and Damien to growl in frustration. Dominik whispers something in Rhea's ear that makes her laugh. Dominik stands on the steps raising his arms and Rhea and Nessa cheer as Damien stomps down on Santos maintaining control of the match and pulls Santos onto the lower rope from the apron. Santos gains control and lands a hurricanrana leaving Damien seemingly out in the middle of the ring.

"Damien" Nessa Calls out jumping on the apron only for Rhea to pull her off.

"Don't get ejected Bunny" Rhea whispers in Nessa's ear who relaxes in the hold so Rhea lets go. All three of them looking worried. Santos goes for the pin and Nessa sighs out in relief when Damien kicks out, Rhea on her knees looking relieved. Rhea gets up and the three of them bang on the apron trying to boost Damien and will him to regain control. Santos and Damien begin exchanging blows, Santos getting control, and ending in another pin which Damien kicks out of.

Santos picks up Damien who holds the top rope, Rhea pats Nessa's shoulder telling her it's time. Nessa and Dominik head over to that side of the ring while Rhea jumps up on the apron distracting the ref, Nessa and Dominik get on the apron, Nessa scratching Santos's thigh while Dominik hits his back causing Santos to Drop Damien and stumble into the ring gripping at both areas that were attacked. Nessa and Dominik dropping back off the apron, Nessa putting on her best innocent face as Damien hits the clothesline. Nessa gets pulled behind Dominik as the other two men from the LWO run toward them and start attacking Dominik. Nessa runs to Rhea to get to relative safety, eyeing where Zelina is. Rhea and Nessa look on concerned, thankful Damien hops out of the ring to save Dominik. Nessa throws up her arms as Santos dives out the ring shoving Damien onto the announce table and goes to grip her back which is still a little sore from her mishap.

Santos throws Damien back in the ring. Santos goes to the corner and Rhea grabs his ankle to stop whatever move he was going to do. Nessa backs up as Zelina slinks over knowing she isn't supposed to be physical this match. Rhea is prepared for this and turns int to it getting flung headfirst into the barricade. Nessa runs to check on Rhea seeing that Dominik is already back to his feet. Rhea is still on the ground gripping her head. Nessa grabs her face and looks into her eyes checking her pupils seeing they are the correct size and reactive. Once satisfied there is not a major head injury she kneels next to Rhea as Damien's entrance music plays signaling his win. Damien isn't finished punishing Santos yet, he throws Santos out of the ring and then Jumps out himself and goes over to the announce table. He rips everything off the table and gets ready to put Santos through the table as he did Bad Bunny but stops when Rey Mysterios music comes on.

Nessa and Dom turn to look at the Entrance ramp, Dom on one side of the ring and Nessa still kneeling next to Rhea who is clutching her head. Rhea powers through it to move in front of Nessa as Rey jumps over the barricade and attacks Damien and Dominik slides into the ring. Rey sets his sights on Dominik and gets in the ring. Nessa tries to move from behind Rhea only for Rhea to stop her until Rey throws the first punch, Dom fighting back, eventually Rey setting up the 619. Rhea and Nessa run around the ring to where Damien pulled Dom down out of the way and out of the ring, Nessa standing in front of them squaring her shoulders as the LWO start rolling into the ring, Rhea grabs her arm and switches places, putting Nessa under Damiens arm and then clutching her head as they back up the ramp, Damiens other arm over Doms shoulders. The two groups taunt each other Nessa holds up her hand to her hip taunting how short Zelina is even compared to her. Zelina sees and points to her,

"I'm coming for you again!" And Nessa Rolls her eyes and fakes scared again before waving off the threat as they disappear behind the curtain. Thankful they don't have to do anymore camera work they sigh in relief and Rhea stops clutching her head.

"Zelina is going to make me pay for that short joke next time we train together" Nessa groans leaning more into Damien and Rhea laughs.

"Hey Bunny if she goes too far let me know I'll take care of it" Rhea grabs Nessa's hand and they walk back to their locker room getting curious glances from a few people along the way. Nessa sees AJ sneer and she sneers back. Damien glances over and pulls Nessa closer.

"Ignore him Mariposa, he has a problem with anyone openly not straight." Damien whispers in her ear not knowing how angry that would make Nessa. Nessa spins out from under Damiens arm and Dominik is quick to grab her having heard what Damien said to her.

"Reinita it's not worth it, he's not worth it." Dominik struggles as she flails trying to kick out of his grip on her. Damien sighs and takes her from Dominik and throws her over his shoulder. She deflates knowing she isn't getting out of that and points to her eyes then towards AJ who just scoffs and rolls his eyes turning away from them. Nessa rests her elbows on Damiens's back and her chin on her hands just bouncing about as they walk back some other wrestlers laughing at the scene others waving at Nessa. Asuka waves joyfully at her, Nessa waves back and holds her hands in a praying position making Asuka laugh and shake her head, and Nessa pouts. Once they are in the locker room Damien puts her down and she huffs.

"I know Mamita but we can't go attacking people with different views from ours" Damien rolls his eyes.

"The difference of views is one thing but when he treats others differently and would celebrate and fight for the loss of our rights is another." Nessa grumbles adding on "may someone name a child after him and soon" She switches to yiddish she is so angry, "Lign in drerd un bakn beygl!"

"Uh what is that Mariposa?" Damien asks a little apprehensive seeing her so angry and pacing about the room.

"Basically wishing he would drop dead and burn in hell. The literal translation is may you lay in the ground and bake bagels" Dominik shrugs and laughs knowing she will burn through it soon enough. Nessa stops pacing about the room when there is a sharp knock on the door. Damien opens it and Zelina pushes in and heads straight to Nessa Rhea jumping in between them.

"It's ok Rhea, I got this" Nessa gently puts her hand on Rhea's arm and pushes so Rhea gets out of the way.

"Sorry, Thea got carried away out there. I know it is a sore subject." Nessa apologizes scratching her head.

"No that's fine the crowd loved it but now Vince is fighting with Paul about you wrestling me" Zelina warns and the rest of the people in the room start flipping out. The blood drains from Nessa's face.

"Hey no remember contractually that can't happen unless you agree." Dominik comes over and rubs Nessa's lower back trying to keep her calm.

"No, but he can try to punish you if I don't agree," Nessa says to the room and looks at Zelina who smiles sadly.

"Nooo Thea what did you do..." Nessa trails off.

"I told him I wouldn't do it you aren't ready and it is too dangerous. Little stunts here and there are fine because we practice those and you are learning the basics. You barely know how to take a bump let alone a match. So Paul and Vince are having it out about that too. I just wanted to warn you. And Jefe wants to talk to you." Zelina warns and Dominik violently shakes his head.

"Hell no, after last week he can't even come near her I won't allow it." He states as a matter of fact. Zelina and Nessa move in unison, leaning back and looking at him like "is he serious".

"While I agree I don't even want to see him right now you don't get to dictate what I do and do not do." Nessa pokes Dominik's chest who holds his hands up in surrender. "Thea thank you for looking after me and helping train me. You don't have to I know how you felt about mine and Doms relationship." Nessa genuinely thanks Zelina who glares at Dominik.

"You told her! Eres un comemierda!" She shoves him back. Nessa steps between them, knowing she can't win against Zelina but wanting to protect him nonetheless.

"Of course, he told me. What you said hurt him and he needed comfort." Nessa holds out her arm creating space between them.

"Wait and you aren't upset?" Zelina asks shocked and glances between the two of them.

"No, it is how you feel and you are allowed to feel that. You didn't try to break us up or come between us. You just stated your opinion and left it at that. It doesn't make you a bad person. You decided to take your own time to train me, you didn't have to do that." Nessa explains like it is the most obvious thing in the world. "Though I know Jefe probably asked you to train me" Nessa adds on knowing she is right. Rhea, Damien, Dominik and Finn smile at Nessa, at how kind and forgiving she truly is.

"Wow... Uh... Thank you. Just so you know I have no problem with you or people dating outside of their culture in general, It is just when those they date appropriate the culture and act like it is theirs. You are unapologetically you and you honor their culture while honoring your own and don't claim it as your own." Zelina steps forward placing a hand on Nessa's shoulder and continues "And this dynamic is weird, I don't understand it but I don't think any less of any of you because of it like some others. You be you" Zelina finishes, Nessa nods in thanks. Zelina takes that as her moment to leave.

Once Zelina is gone Nessa throws her head back and groans,

"I'm going to have to up the training, maybe Asuka will help me.."

"You know we can help you too? We are right here Luv?" Finn asks, partially offended.

"No I know but I am small and you guys are tall and can powerhouse. I'm not that strong or at least as strong as you guys but I can move. Their styles are more likely to work for me. I just don't want you guys to think I am trying to be too clingy with you all by spending all that time with you." Nessa fidgets with her fingers.

"We will help train you too if that is what you want Bunny, as will Asuka if you ask her. We want each other to be safe out there... for the most part..." Rhea explains and Finn looks happier with her response.

"Luv we have got to work on your self-esteem don't we." Finn shakes his head and goes to grab Nessa's bag so she can actually hold Damien's hand when they leave.

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They return to the hotel that night, Rhea is quiet unsurprisingly with what she is dealing with. They are in the hallway, their rooms across from each other again, Rhea's hand in Nessa's. Rhea squeezes Nessa's hand before speaking up.

"I want us all to sleep together tonight, please." Rhea looks to Nessa her eyes pleading.

"Yeah of course, I've been sleeping in a room with them all week for the most part...." Nessa admits as they all pile into the boy's room.

"What is for the most part?" Rhea asks plopping on the bed and spreading out. Nessa doesn't answer she just joins her on the bed laying her head on Rhea's shoulder not realizing how much she had been missing Rhea's cuddles.

"We found Nessa on the kitchen floor this morning asleep with a bag of marshmallows in her hand." Dominik snickers stripping down to his boxers and jumping on the bed, ignoring the completely empty bed. Damien stands at the edge of the bed and crosses his arms.

"If we are all going to cuddle Rhea then we need to be on the floor or have Paul start booking us a king-size bed again" He starts stripping the covers and pillows off the other bed and tossing them on the floor. "Ooh" Nessa exclaims and jumps out of the bed and grabs her key card and disappears for a few minutes leaving the door open. She comes back with a bunch of pillows and blankets in her arms, piled high above her head and kicks the door closed.

"Hey can one of you macho men help me please I can't see where I am going" She calls out to the room causing Rhea to laugh and Nessa sighs in relief as the pillows and blankets get taken of of her. They make what can only be described as a nest of pillows and blankets on the floor. Nessa is the first to plop down and calls out to Rhea holding out her hand. Rhea smiles and joins Nessa, laying down and pulling Nessa onto her chest again. The rest of the group joining the cuddle pile.

The next morning they catch their flight to Arkansas for Raw the following day

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All members of the Judgement Day are in their locker room getting ready for that nights Raw which starts airing soon. Nessa was quieter than usual and sitting off by herself after asking for a bit of personal space. The other members glance at her with concern, the young woman having been quieter than usual and just seeming off. Nessa looks around at them and sees their looks of concern.

"I just have a lot on my mind I am trying to sort through I promise it is nothing bad." Nessa gives a soft smile to the group who finishes getting ready, Rhea putting on leather pants which makes Nessa pout.

"I know Bunny, but I'm not wrestling tonight so there is no need for my ring gear" Rhea laughs and shakes her head at Nessa pouting, that pout changing when she sees Damien come out of the bathroom in a suit. He does a little twirl.

"Like what you see Mariposa" She nods and he chuckles as he walks over and kisses her forehead before continuing to let her have her space.

"All right looks like we are all ready and the dark match is over and the show is about to start. We need to head to Gorilla" Finn announces to the room gesturing to the door. Nessa gets up and grabs Damiens's arm, wearing one of Dom's flannels over her Judgement day shirt that is tied in the back to expose a sliver of skin and her shorts over ripped-up fishnets like Rhea normally wears.

"I wanted us to match Mami" Nessa pouts as they make their way to Gorilla, getting there just as the bloodline head out to their music.

"We can match next week Bunny. God I can't wait to be home and see my puppies." Rhea groans leaning against Nessa and Damien.

"I can't wait to meet them and make you some Kugel and Challah." Nessa momentarily grabs Rhea's hand.

"You don't have to do that Nes, I'm ok really." Rhea feels bad about how much Nessa has been doing for her so she tries to make her relax.

"I know I don't have to but I want to. It helps me so please" Nessa asks, fluttering her eyelashes so Rhea agrees.

"I thought Ojitos don't work on you Mami" Dominik pouts gesturing between Nessa and Rhea.

"Normally they don't, but who can deny this pretty face" Rhea coos while grabbing Nessa's chin making the people backstage laugh at them used to their antics and not at all surprised at the new member fitting in so well.

"Yeah yeah, let's not bruise that pretty face, right Hermosa" Damien gently pries Rhea's hand off Nessa's face as their music starts and he grabs a mic with his free hand.

"Yeah bruises are meant for below the chin" Nessa announces as they walk out smirking to herself knowing they have to control their reaction to what she said. They make their way down the ramp to cheers from the crowd, goosebumps rising up Nessa's spine. They reach the front of the ring and the other four just step up on the apron, Damien grabbing her hand and pulling her up to stand next to him. The other three get in the ring and face off against the bloodline while Damien sits on the ropes to give Nessa easier access to the ring. Once she is in she stands on the edge of the line Next to Damien so they are all staring down a member of the Bloodline except her. They stand like that for a minute, Jimmy pacing back and forth until Damien raises the mic to his lips.

"Paul." Damien turns to look at Paul before stepping in front of his partners and standing in front of Solo staring him down, Paul putting a hand on Solos chest trying to calm him down. The crowd chanting you suck. Paul holds out his hand to Damien,

"Mr Priest" He smiles his smarmy smile. Damien smirks and shakes his hand as Paul continues speaking, Damien resuming his position Next to Nessa

"Sir, an honor. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's a very good day to be a very bad buy. If there is a heaven none of us are getting into it except maybe Nessa and that is iff at best. A short-term deal engineered by the tribal chief Roman Reigns." Jey takes the mic from Paul,

"Hey OG we don't know anything about what you are talking about". He states and Paul takes the Mic back as Jey continues on about Roman not texting or calling him to tell him.

"I know, your tribal chief didn't want anyone on our side... well except for Solo" Paul explains and continues "You know because there aren't any raised voices or sudden moves from Solo because the tribal chief wanted his Usos to almost be caught off guard by the enormity of this short term deal. You see, Even mister Balor isn't that happy about this because mr Balor has deep-seated anger issues. Mr Balor is going to put aside his deep personal feelings about us aside in the name of good short-term villainy. Speaking of which the Judgment day has a concern a bunny concern a bad bunny concern and Solo is an expert in assuaging concerns." Paul praises Solo as Rhea just glares Solo down and he returns the glare. Paul noticing the tension asks Jey to switch with Solo and they do, but Rhea switches with Finn to stay in front of Solo.

"Is uh... is everything ok here?" Paul leans between them asking and Rhea leans forward to answer,

"For now" and Paul sighs,

"Let me get to this before this whole situation goes the wrong way. The Judgment day needs something taken care of that is the name of Bad Bunny, Solo will handle that before your concerns become a problem because we in the bloodline have problems, we have a Kevin Owens problem a Sami Zayn problem, we have a Riddle to solve. We all know at backlash a first-ever 6 man tag team match...." Nessa zones out getting annoyed at how long-winded this man is. She zooms back in when she hears the Judgment day but rolls her eyes when he just keeps talking. She has to bite her cheek to keep from laughing when Paul grabs Dom's wrist apologizing that he has to see Rey up close again and nods towards Nessa as Rey's music starts. Damien guides Nessa to the ropes and holds them open for her to step out which she does and stands there as he does the same. He jumps down and grabs her hips and picks her up off the apron and lowers her to the ground before offering his elbow again, their partners right beside them as they leave while Rey gets in the ring.

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They go back to the next area they are supposed to be in for their next segment after the next 2 matches and just relaxing. Damien is leaning up against the wall Nessa leaning up against his chest, his arms wrapped around her. Dom and Rhea sitting in the two chairs provided, Finn lounging on their laps.

"What was that before we went out there Princesa" Damien whispers in her ear tightening his grip on her, and Nessa lets out a little embarrassed whine. Dominik glanced over and smirking not going to explain this one that has to be on Nessa.

"Sometimes, I like to... with... when...." Nessa struggles to form a coherent sentence and Damien kisses the top of her head. Nessa pauses and takes a deep breath steadying herself.

"Once I am more comfortable... I like to be handled a little roughly sometimes. sometimes I like the bruises because I can control when, where and who they came from..." Nessa blushes and turns to hide her face in Damiens's chest. He pats her head trying and failing to not laugh because if he did what he was thinking he would cross a line.

"Is that what has been on your mind all day." Rhea asks from her seat and Nessa groans and shakes her head no, careful to not rub her makeup off on Damiens's suit jacket.

"Then what is Mariposa?" Damien places his finger under Nessa's chin making her look up at him and she licks her lips trying to regain the moisture her anxiety has zapped from her.

"Can we table that until we are in Florida, I want to talk to you all together in private?" Nessa asks her voice cracking from the nerves.

"Why can't you when we get back to the hotel tonight?" Finn asks curiously.

"Oh,... I see," Rhea says out loud after seeing Nessa's expression.

"What?! What do you see?" Dominik asks, freaking out that he might have missed something when normally he is the one able to read Nessa.

"She has made her decision and wants us in a place familiar to us so we are more comfortable which will make her more comfortable" Rhea explains and Nessa looks at her grateful.

"Oh,..." Dominik softly responds, tension and worry filling his body.

"Oh calm down Dom Dom, I'm sure it is good news and she just wants to discuss some more boundaries with it" Rhea grabs Dom's thigh, Finn having hopped off previously to pace about the room. Nessa fights every muscle in her body to not nod and agree, wanting to discuss everything at once and not have to field a bunch of questions for the rest of the night.

"Ok the conversation is tabled as Mamita asked, don't pester her about it. Let her bring it up when she is ready" Damien announces to the group. He releases Nessa and pushes off the wall as the Cameraman enters signaling their segment is about to start. Nessa leans up against Dominik, Rhea looking at her nails and smirking before resting her hand back on Dominiks thigh.. Damien starts talking as the cameraman signals the start of the promo, Finn slapping Doms shoulders and squeezing them a maniacle smile on his face.

"Isn't that something huh guys? Bad Bunny returning to Raw next week. As long as he returns with a different attitude though..."

"Thats true" Finn agrees, the rest of them nodding along and Damien continues,

" For one he knows what can happen" Nessa cocks her head and raises her eyebrows like she is impressed looking Damien up and down. "And I'll just stop being his friend" Damien shruggs and Dominik scoffs and speaks up.

"Priest, You don't need to be Bad Bunnys friend, Just like I don't need Rey Mysterio to be my father." Finn puts one hand on Rheas shoulder keeping the other on Doms as he continues speaking, " But watching Solo rip piece by piece until there isn't any Rey mysterio left..." He trails off as they see Paul walk in.

Paul eyes them all, Nodding to Nessa who just maintains her stare.

"Satisfied?" He asks his phone in his hand. Damien turns to Finn and aks, "Finn what do you think?" Most of the members of the Judgement still looking at Paul who is smiling smugly. Rhea keeping her eyes on Dom and glancing to Nessa.

"Ehh" Finn answers crinkling up his nose and the smile falls off of Pauls face,

"Ehh?" Paul mimics back shocked and Nessa responds.

"Yeah Ehh", Paul rubs his palm on his chest thinking of how to respond,

"Allright I'll live with Eh, but now it is your turn to do Ehh, But do Ehh to Kevin Owens, Sammy Zayne and Matt Riddle tonight so you don't fall in to debt with your tibal chief." Paul explains and Nessah sighs in annoyance.

"In debt, no that sounds like an issue between Roman and the Usos, As far as the Judgement day goes we handle our business" Damien answers as he grabs Nessas hand and pulls her closer to him.

"The Tribal Cheif would also like to have a meeting with Miss Nessa, there is some business he wishes to discuss with her that is not for your ears." Paul announces. Damien tightens his grip on her and Rhea stands up blocking Nessa from Pauls view and gets in his face.

"Bye Paul" She nearly growls, getting protective of their newest member. Paul begins to side step away telling his phone to call Roman Reigns. They hear him explain what they said and that there is going to be a problem getting a meeting with Nessa. The camerman signals that the camera is off.

"Come on lets get ready for our match." Damien orders this time which surprises Nessa as it is normally Finn who keeps them moving. They all return to their locker room quickly only to be stopped before they enter it. Hunter leaning up against the door to the locker room.

"Ah Nessa perfect, I need to speak to you privately please. He pushes off of where he was leaning and gestures down the hallway. Damien gives her hand a squeeze for encouragement before letting go, Nessa following him down the hallway.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Nessa comes back about 15 minutes later, paler than before and knowing the news isn't going to go over well with the group who is already overprotective of her. She just walks in the locker room knowing they are already changed.

"Finally Mamita... Mariposa what's wrong" Damien gets up from where he was stretching and gently grabs Nessa's hand.

"Uh, please promise you won't get upset and you will not try to interfere with the decision." Nessa announces to the room but stays looking into Damiens eyes. Damien clenches his jaw but nods in agreement.

"Next week Bunny is going to come out with a kendo stick and attack you which you know,... I am to take a hit or two ." Nessa squeezes Damiens hand as he pops his neck clearly trying to control his temper, his jaw so taut she is afraid he is going to break some teeth.

"There is something else Princesa what is it?" Dominik asks coming over, Rhea and Finn doing the same. Nessa stares at the ground as she answers Dominik,

"There is going to be a fight ringside between me and Zelina instead of Zelina and Rhea. Rhea is going to get ejected because I won't do a match yet so I have to get physical. Vince is having a dick measuring contest with Hunter right now so if I play along nicely there may be more title opportunities, If I don't the draft may not go our way..."

"Nessa, I need to go for a quick walk, I am not upset with you but I need to calm down before our match so I don't go too far and hurt someone." Damien informs Nessa before storming out the room, the door slamming behind him making Nessa jump. Rhea grabs Nessas hand comfortingly. Nessa stands up on her toes to place a kiss on Rheas cheek.

"I think we are going to have to meet him at Gorilla because he will not be calmed down enough until then" Nessa says more so to herself than to the others but they hear and make varying noises of agreement.

"Nessa are you ok Luv?" Finn asks, remembering the last time Damien got that angry.

"Hmm... oh yeah, I was expecting and ready for that. I'm not as fragile as I seem not everything is going to trigger me. So please don't act like it. I will tell you or signal in some way if I am." Nessa sits down on Rheas lap as Finn and Dominik return to stretching and warming up.

"Thats fair Luv. When we get to Florida would you like to help me with some of the sets I have at Rheas place?" Finn asks trying to steer the conversation to something they have in common. Nessa's eyes light up at the invitation and she eagerly nods her head.

Eventually they get a knock on the door signalling it is time for them to head to Gorilla and as Nessa said Damien was there waiting for them. Clearly still upset but it is not radiating off of him as much. He relaxes more as he sees his partners and Nessa who bounces over to him and grabs his hand and tugging down making him bend over for her. She steals a quick peck on the lips before their music starts and they go out onto the top of the ramp, lights low and smoke billowing out at their feet. As the music swells Rhea lifts her title and Damien does his normal entrance moves before grabbing Nessas waist and pulling her close to him possesively as they reach the bottom of the ramp.

Rhea and Dom split to one side of the Ring, Finn goes to the immediate corner opposite and Damien and Nessa go to the far corner. Damien holds Nessa's hand as she walks up the steps then ascends them as well holding up the edge of his coat so he doesn't trip. Damien and Finn on the same side of the apron sit on the middle rope for Nessa who still has to hop over a little and is glad she doesn't stumble. Finn and Damien quickly join her in the ring and cross it so they can pose behind Dom and Rhea. Nessa standing between Finn and Damien holding the top rope and smirking glancing up at Damien and biting her lower lip appreciating how his arms flex and move when he bounces on the ropes and does his poses. Nessa and Rhea get out of the ring, Rhea tossing her arm around Nessas shoulders to keep her close and to drive home the point that Nessa is a full member of the Judgement day. Nessa and Rhea cheer on their men as the match continues on, Rhea and Nessa standing at the corner with Rhea as Finn kicks Kevin repeatedly until he rolls out of the ring.

"Oooooooh" Nessa giggles and jumps up and down as Rhea looks at him predatorially and drops her title as he rolls out on to his feet. She runs over and clotheslines him making him nearly do a flip. She keeps moving over to the barricade and sits against it smiling maniacally. Finn gets out of the ring and throws Kevin back in. Rhea gets back up once she is sure she isn't going to be ejected. Rhea struts back over to Nessa and pulls her in to her side and does her little running and jumping thing.

The match continues on with people getting tagged in and out leading to Sammy being the legal man with Dominik in the ring, Sammy getting on the top rope and Rhea jumping up and pulling his leg making him rack himself on the top rope and fall to the mat. Kevin seeing this picks up a shirt and throws it at Rhea.

"Hey don't you throw stuff at Mami!" Nessa yells at him as Dominik lands the frog splash and pins Sammy only for Kevin to slide in the ring and break up the pin. Finn gets in and drop kicks Kevin and Riddle gets in and knees Finn, only for Damien to get in the ring and hit the elevated flat liner. Sammy gets up and clotheslines Damien out of the ring. Sammy goes to slingshot off the ropes but Rhea grabs his leg and the ref sees ejecting her.

Nessa wants to plead Rheas case but Rhea is Yelling at the ref. Rhea storms out. Nessa tries to keep her hands from shaking knowing no matter how the match ends what comes after. Nessa groans as Kevin, Sammy and Riddle get the win. The Usos come out and before long there is an all out brawl with the LWO joining Zelina running straight to Nessa. Nessa is able to block a few hits and actually land a punch on Zelina who pauses shocked for a moment before preceding to land hit after hit on Nessa before landing a DDT leaving Nessa writhing on the ground in pain grasping her neck and head.

Finally the attacks end and the filming is over. Nessa knows she still has to sell the attack so she stays down on the ground, Damien and Dom helping her up, them also limping and selling their injuries. Damien picking her up holding her in both arms Nessa throwing her arms around Damiens neck and laying her head on his shoulder closing her eyes as they go up the ramp and backstage. Once they are safely backstage Damien gently sets Nessa down, Rhea already there waiting starts checking her over for injuries.

"Guys, i'm fine I landed right and she took care of me" Nessa tries to shrug off their hands and stretching to help with the tension she gained from the physical altercation.

She isn't shocked when Hunter comes up to them looking proud.

"Hey Nessa, you did great out there. He shouldn't be a problem going forward there have been some things brought to light again to the powers that be. That being said great job out there with having so little training you have a natural tallent for selling and potentially holding your own. In light of recent events I am cancelling your live events this week, you guys only have to do a few online interviews. So go enjoy a few days off and Rhea we are sorry for your loss. Take the time you need, we appreciate you coming back so fast after what happened." He shakes all of their hands individually before turning to walk away.

"Sir" Nessa calls out. He turns and she pops her neck before speaking.

"I need serious training, not just for bumps but for a potential future match that doesnt end with me getting my ass beat. I jumped in to this full time no training no clue what I am doing. I am a nurse not a fighter not a wrestler. If I am going to be expected to do these things to protect them then I need a new trainer. The current trainer is great but I Need more serious training than what he can offer. The judgement day will help but I need you to pair me with someone as well. I trust your judgement on that."

"I think I can swing that Miss Klein. After that excellent show you put on out there yeah we can swing that. I'll be in touch or Adam will be in touch if not me" Hunter smiles almost gleefully as he walks away.

"Come on the show is over lets pack up and head out so we can go get some sleep and be up early for our flight to florida tomorrow morning" Finn tries to herd the group who grumbles but follows along.

#judgment day x reader #rhea ripley x reader #damian priest fanfic #finn balor fanfiction #dominik mysterio x reader #the judgment day fanfic

[verai-marcel]

Not What He Seems (RDR2 Fanfic, Arthur x F!Reader, Modern AU, 18+, Chapter 2 of 2)

Part 1 is here, with all the tags and notes.

@red-dead-reader Here's part 2, sorry it took so long!

AO3 Link is here, sweetheart.

Word Count: 4875

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

Chapter 2 - High Honor

“C’mon Arthur, just give me your phone.”

Tilly leveled her world-class sass straight at Arthur, and he knew he wouldn’t win this fight. If he didn’t give in today, Tilly would bring in the other ladies, and soon all of them would be nagging him.

Sullen and silent, Arthur pulled out his phone and dropped it into Tilly’s outstretched hand.

“You’ve made a good decision today,” she said with a knowing smile as she installed the dating app and started working on his profile.

He leaned back in his seat at the diner, the vinyl faded on his side of the booth. The sun had clearly done a number on the color of the material long before the owner had decided to install a sunscreen.

“It’s nice out today, why don’t we take your profile picture with you leaning against your pick up?”

Arthur sighed. “Do I have to?”

“Yes, you do.”

They paid their bill and went outside. Tilly positioned Arthur in just the right pose, at just the right angle before standing back.

“Remember the time John found that family of possums in the back of his truck?” Tilly idly asked while she was framing the shot.

Arthur cracked a smile. “Yeah, I remember. He came rushin’ back into the office lookin’ for a broom!” 

Tilly quickly took a few shots before rapidly fiddling with his phone.

Arthur watched her thumbs and fingers flying across his screen as he walked over to take a look. He was a little surprised by the image she had finally chosen and was now editing with lighting speed. She uploaded the image and showed him how to use the app.

“You just swipe left if you’re not interested, and swipe right if you are,” Tilly instructed. “If they swipe right on you too, then the app will put you two in contact.” She handed him the phone and grinned. “Good luck! I’m sure you’ll find a lucky lady who will appreciate you the way you deserve.”

Arthur shrugged. “I guess.” When Tilly began to glare at him, he held his hands up in surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll try to be positive.” He took a breath, willing some positivity into himself before looking back up at his friend. “Thank you Tilly,” he said sincerely.

She patted his arm before squeezing it amicably. “Anytime, Arthur. We just want to see you happy, and that starts by moving forward.”

He smiled. He knew the ladies at the company he worked for truly cared for him, so he would try his best not to let their efforts go to waste.

She gave him an encouraging hug before leaving for her own car. Arthur watched Tilly drive away, giving her one last wave as she pulled out of the diner parking lot.

Looking back down at his phone, he let out a heavy sigh before finally getting into his truck and driving home. 

Ain’t no one gonna swipe right on me. 

***

You had been striking out lately, going on quick dates nearly twice a week, trying to find the right spark. So far, all of the guys you met had either been complete lies or too damn sweet for you. You needed a bit of an edge, a bit of roughness. At least in bed. 

Glancing at the office calendar, you saw that most of your colleagues would be in meetings for the next hour, so you sat back, pulled out your phone, and did a little more swiping in the hopes of finding some fun for tonight. It was your Friday, even though it wasn’t actually Friday, and you just wanted to get railed. Or at least go out for a good meal. 

After fifteen minutes of mostly swiping left, you were about to give up. But one last profile popped up and you paused. You saw the white T-shirt that seemed one size too small and the hands tucked into his jeans, the profile pic cropped right below what seemed to be a sizable package. But what really drew you was his face. He had a natural smile, as if he was sharing a funny story with someone close. The mirth actually reached his eyes, a strange greenish-blue that really stood out against the dark blue truck he was leaning against. He was clean shaven, with medium length hair that fluttered around the shell of his ears, and though his expression seemed friendly, you had a gut feeling that he could be more than that. The scar on his chin and his nose that appeared like it had healed crookedly made you think he’d seen his share of fights.

Doing a quick estimate of his size based on the truck window, you felt a slight shiver of pleasure go down your spine. He could probably pick you up, no problem. The sleeves of his shirt stretched around his biceps oh so temptingly.

He looked like one of your wet dreams walked out and made a profile. In other words, too good to be true. You scrolled down to read his description.

Wanting to meet someone new, hoping to start something wonderful. Or at least have a good time.

Short, honest, and to the point. You liked it.

You swiped right.

***

hi Arthur!<

>hey there

i really liked your profile. i happen to be free tonight, if you are?<

>i am. where do you want to go?

Mel’s over in downtown? 6pm?<

>works for me. see you then.

***

You showed up a little late, having taken just a little long to pick out an outfit. You had opted for something cute but still easy to remove. A deep red, sleeveless snap button blouse and a medium length grey linen skirt with a side slit hid your cute pink lace bra and matching panties. Plain beige flats completed your outfit; you hated heels and refused to wear them out, even if they made your legs look killer.

Even under normal circumstances when you would power walk to your destination and ignore everything in your peripheral vision, you would not have been able to ignore this man. Arthur leaned casually against the wall, looking around him as if he was surveying his kingdom. His dark colored polo shirt stretched across his muscular chest, and all of the buttons were loosened, revealing a bit of chest hair. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his jeans, and you couldn’t stop yourself from sneaking a glance between his legs. 

Oh yes, you saw what you wanted and hummed approvingly. Looking back up at his face, he had a neutral expression, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. In the dim evening light, he looked almost dangerous with his five o’clock shadow and large body, but you had the feeling that he wasn’t a threat unless someone pushed their luck. You also had a hunch that if someone started a fight with him, he would most certainly end it. His confident posture was woven together with a down to earth vibe, and it made for a heady mixture. 

When he turned his eyes on you, your heart nearly stopped. His gaze was intense, like he was looking into your soul. Pushing off the wall, he took a couple steps towards you.

“Hey there,” he said, a smile transforming his face into something much more dangerous: a devilishly handsome man, with a boyish, sincere charm. The sheer novelty of that dichotomy pulled at your heart even harder. Your brain was shooting off sirens, robotic screams of oh no he’s cute sounding off in your head, and all you could do in your lust-induced inebriated state was smile back.

He took a couple more steps around you, but stopped short of crowding you. Using his body to shield you from the clusters of the other waiting customers, he held out his hand. “Let’s go inside,” he said, not demanding, but not exactly giving you an option, either.

Following his soft command, you took his hand. Arthur held your hand softly, daintily, as if you would break with even the slightest mishandling of your person. Leading you inside, he was the perfect gentleman, almost anachronistic in his actions as he opened the door for you and led you by your elbow instead of the small of your back. He even pulled out the chair for you.

“Definitely getting points for being a gentleman,” you commented.

He grinned. “There’s a scorecard for this date?”

“There is, and you’re currently doing very well.”

“That’s good to hear.” He placed his forearm on the table and leaned in conspiratorially. Picking up on his cue, you leaned in closer as well. A sly smile appeared on his face. “So what happens if I get a perfect score?” he asked, his voice lowered to a rumble.

Feeling bold and horny, you coyly said, “You get a prize.”

“My choice?”

“Your choice.”

Arthur’s eyes flashed with intense desire. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said, his words sounding like a dark promise. Then he pulled away, his expression lightening back to innocent charm. You wondered for a moment if you had just imagined it all.

As the night progressed, you realized that you would probably have to hold up your end of the bargain, because you could find nothing wrong with the date. He was kind, charming, humble to the point of being self-deprecating, and most importantly to you, he was funny. His wry commentary was just the perfect thing to make your day, especially as you told him stories from work. He naturally took your side, and made you feel supported and seen.

As dinner wound down, you were starting to feel a little tired, much to your chagrin. You ordered a small cappuccino as dessert and sipped it while you listened to him tell you about how his profile pic came to be.

“Tilly wouldn’t let up. Fer weeks she was on me about tryin’ the app.” He reached out and touched your hand. “Glad I finally did, though.”

His smile softened your heart and you couldn’t stop the goofy grin forming on your face. “Alright, you win,” you said. “Perfect score.”

“Oh? I weren’t even tryin’,” he said sheepishly.

“Seriously?”

“Seriously. I just wanted to have a good time with ya.”

You bit your bottom lip, thinking about your next move. He was truly a nice guy. He was hot. But would he give you what you needed in bed? He had been awfully gentle with you, not doing anything too forward at this stage. Hell, he hadn’t touched anything other than your arms, and not even past your elbow. A true gentleman, in the 1800s definition. You wondered if he’d be tame in bed as well.

But then you recalled the way he had replied about getting a prize and the way his gaze had suddenly felt like a sultry pressure on your soul. Maybe there was something more feral within him, a beast to unleash. You already planned to invite him home, but now you hoped that he’d give you what you wanted, no, needed.

Arthur’s gaze stayed on your lips for a moment before coming back up to observe your unsure expression. “Do I still get a prize? Or are ya too tired?”

You lifted your mug. “I got a cappuccino for a reason,” you said, winking at him. “But to claim your prize, you have to follow me home.”

Arthur clutched his non-existent pearls. “Oh my, followin’ a stranger home, what will people think of me.”

You broke out in a very loud guffaw, not at all lady-like. “Oh yes, your dainty reputation,” you said between gasps of laughter.

He laughed with you as he got up and escorted you to the register, paid for dinner without letting you even attempt to pay for your own meal, and followed you home.

***

It was almost like having to invite a very polite, very old school vampire into your home. He insisted that you tell someone you knew that you had someone over.

“Alright, alright,” you said as you texted your friend. When she texted back with a “pics or it didn’t happen”, you just sent her a snarky emoji and put your phone on silent.

You looked up to see Arthur looking around your shit hole of an apartment.

“Nice li’l place.”

You looked at him as if he were blind. “Thanks, I guess?”

He chuckled. “Darlin’, believe me, I truly think it’s nice.”

You smiled and led him to the couch and nearly pushed him down before straddling his legs. He seemed pleasantly surprised, as if he didn’t know where this night was going.

Did he know where this night was going? Did he think you were just going to make out with him and let him go?

Oh no. Not this hunk of man meat. No, you weren’t letting him go until you felt his cock deep inside of you.

Carding his hair with both hands, you leaned in and kissed his waiting lips, pressing your whole body against him. He let out a soft moan and wrapped his arms around you, his hands gliding along your body until he was gripping your hip and your neck. Holding you firmly in place, he began to take the lead, kissing you until you broke for air. He buried his fingers into your hair and pulled your head back gently to reveal the column of your neck. Immediately peppering your skin with hungry kisses, he let out a low rumble, almost like a purr.

You had successfully baited the beast. Now all you needed to do was convince him to go all the way. Widening your legs a little more, you gyrated your hips and grinded against him, feeling the bulge in his jeans grow harder.

Arthur suddenly pulled back, using his grip to angle your head so he could look directly at you. “Darlin’, you keep doin’ that, and I may lose control.”

“What if I want you to,” you teased.

He leaned forward and buried his face in the crook of your neck. You could feel his lips moving against your skin as he spoke. “I can be a li’l rough in bed.” He hugged you a little tighter. “I don’t want to scare you off.”

That was it? You were made of tougher stuff, and besides, this was exactly what you wanted. You tried, again and again, to tell him so, using everything you had to convince him, to break his resolve. After grinding on him and giving him heated kisses wherever you could along his neck and face, he finally relented.

“You sure?” he asked, staring at you intently.

“I’m sure,” you nearly whined, humping his lap like a wanton junkie looking for a fix. “You can manhandle me, spank me, hold me by the neck, just fuck me.”

Arthur’s eyes suddenly grew a shade darker as he stared at you, his lip curling, his nostrils flaring. A deep rumble emanated from his throat and for a moment you believed you had summoned a devil.

His light grip on your hips tightened as he pulled you closer. One hand slowly traveled up your body, over your belly, pausing at one of your breasts to give it a light squeeze before caressing your chest and then wrapping slowly around your neck. His grip was solid, but gentle. He didn’t squeeze, only held you in place.

“Take off yer shirt,” he ordered in a deep voice.

With his hand around your neck, you unbuttoned your blouse and flung it aside, pushing out your breasts, covered in your pink lace bra. He let go of your neck and hip to cup your breasts, pinching your nipples under the fabric. You leaned into his touch, moaning and writhing on his lap.

“Needy girl,” he murmured before pulling down the cups of your bra to reveal your bare skin. He leaned down and took one of your nipples into his mouth, sucking and licking with a ravenous passion. One of his hands snaked down between you two, lifting up your skirt so he could graze his fingers along your slit. You whimpered, wanting to feel his finger against you directly without the damn fabric in the way. But when you moved one hand down, intending on moving your panties aside, he grabbed your wrist.

“Patience, sweetheart,” he growled.

You swallowed as you nodded, letting him put your hand back up on his shoulder. Then he pressed two fingers against your clit and you gasped at the zing of pleasure that zipped through your body. He rubbed you slowly, teasing you until you whimpered again, begging him with a look. His smile was wicked as he leaned forward and nipped your lower lip.

“Alright, I’ll give you what you need,” he rumbled. Slipping past the fabric, he began to stroke you directly.

“Oh my god,” you breathed, your hips moving against his fingers.

Arthur kissed you again, invading your mouth with his tongue, laying claim with a guttural moan. He removed his hand from your core and gripped your hips. With hardly any effort, he lifted you off his lap and stood you up before him.

“Strip.” A terse command, growled low.

You immediately obeyed, reaching behind yourself to unhook your bra. You started to turn around to tease him, but his legs trapped yours, preventing you from moving.

“Stay right there,” he rumbled, his hands on his belt. You completely forgot to continue stripping as you watched him unbuckle his belt. He slowly slid it out, lifting his hips casually as he pulled it away and tossed it aside. With his gaze completely locked onto yours, he unbuttoned his fly and unzipped oh so slowly, smirking at your unabashed attention. When he pulled out his cock, you nearly drooled.

“Want this, sweetheart?” He took himself in his hand and slowly stroked, up and down, the motion strangely hypnotic.

You nodded vigorously. Oh god, did you want it so badly.

He nodded towards your skirt. “Keep goin’ then.”

You fumbled with your skirt buttons, now so desperate to get your clothes off. You flung it aside and moved to drop your panties, but Arthur suddenly sat up and held your hands at your waist. 

“Lemme look at ya first,” he said, widening his legs and turning you around. His hands glided from your waist to your rear, giving them a playful squeeze before he spanked you.

“Oh!”

“You like that?”

”Yes, sir.”

He hummed approvingly. “Well, ain’tchu a good girl.” His fingers hooked onto the waistline of your panties and slid them down, casually taking his time to kiss a line along the curve of your backside as he went. When they were low enough for you to step out of them, he turned you around again and looked you up and down. After he looked his fill, he sat back and began to lazily stroke his cock again. He lifted his other hand and crooked his fingers in a ‘come here’ motion.

You fell to your knees, ready and willing to please him. When he smiled at you, you felt far more elation than what would be sane, but you didn’t care. He reached down and tipped up your chin, his thumb grazing along your lower lip.

“Been dreamin’ about yer pretty lips wrapped around my cock,” he whispered. “Ever since I saw yer profile.”

You felt incredibly happy hearing this from him. Leaning forward, you kissed the head of his shaft before taking it into your mouth, lifting your gaze to him as you did. His mouth was slightly open as he let out a shaky breath. 

Then you started sucking on him.

Arthur’s moans were like ambrosia to your ears. You just wanted to hear more and more of his pleasure, to know that he was enjoying what you were giving him. His hands tangled in your hair, holding it out of the way as you took in more and more of him with each bob of your head.

“I ain’t gonna last much longer,” he gritted out, his hips jerking slightly at your last attempt at a deep throat.

You gave one last long suck, finally letting him go with a soft pop from your lips. “Wouldn’t want the night to end so quickly, right?” you teased.

Arthur’s grin was dangerous. “Bedroom.”

You stood up to guide him to your bed, but he picked you up instead, lifting you over his shoulder like a caveman. There were only two other doors, and they were both open, so it didn’t take long for him to figure out where your bed was. He dropped you gently onto your mattress, giving you a fierce kiss before backing away to stand at the foot of your bed.

You watched as he dropped his pants, then his boxers, and then he pulled off his shirt. He had the muscles of a man who worked hard; his biceps were thick, his pectorals were nicely filled out, and though he didn’t have washboard abs, you could tell he had beastly strength. He had picked you up with ease; there was no way the man had a single weak muscle on his body.

Arthur crawled onto the bed, prowling towards you. Once he straddled your legs, he flipped you over and grabbed your arms. Maneuvering them to either side of you, elbows bent and your hands next to your face, he held you down by your wrists. He lowered himself down to nibble on the shell of your ear.

“You keep yer arms right there, alright?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good girl.”

He let go of your wrists, but his hands stayed on you as he caressed up your arms, over the blades of your shoulders, down your back, and finally to the curve of your rear. With his big hands, he spread your slit open with his thumbs.

“So wet,” he said, running one of his thumbs along your folds. “You on the pill?”

“Yes,” you immediately answered. Of course you were; normally at this point you’d tell a man to put a condom on, but before you could even think to ask, he laid his cock along the curve of your ass. You felt how hot his flesh is, how big he is, how thick. You felt him lean down, his chest pressing against your back, his breath on your ear.

“Can I take you… just like this?”

When you hesitated, he added, “I’m clean. Been a long while since I’ve been with anyone, and I got myself checked after the last time.”

Meanwhile, his cock was pulsing against your skin. Your lust won; you wanted to feel that hard shaft railing you with nothing in between.

“Yes, please fuck me now!”

“Oh yes, princess,” Arthur murmured softly before pulling back, no longer pressing you against the mattress. He shifted his hips and angled himself before he pushed inside. He was slow at first, his breaths harsh as he controlled himself from just falling completely into you. 

You squirmed underneath him, lifting your hips in a silent plea for him to take you faster. He was being too damn gentle.

“Give it to me,” you whined.

Arthur leaned forward and wrapped a hand around your mouth. “Lemme enjoy this,” he growled as he continued his slow descent. “You want my cock that badly?”

You nodded, unable to speak.

“You want to be my li’l slut?”

You moaned hard. Yes, this is what you wanted. You lifted your hips, pushing back towards him. He slipped one hand underneath you to rub your clit, and you moaned louder.

“So fuckin’ wet… You really want it, don’tchu?”

“Mmm-hmmm!”

His control snapped completely from your insistent and muffled assent. He leaned back, grabbed your hips, and plunged himself inside of you with reckless abandon, fucking you into your bed until it creaked constantly in protest.

“You like it rough, princess? You like being used by me?”

“Yes, yes!” you cried. You reached back, wanting to touch him, to hold onto him.

Instead, he grabbed your arms and, using them like reins, pulled you back, arching your body. Taking your forearms behind your back, he gripped your wrists in one hand and reached out with the other to hold onto your neck.

“That’s it, moan fer me, darlin’.”

You let out one lewd moan after another, not caring that your neighbor was probably getting an earful tonight. 

“Good girl, my sweet li’l slut,” he purred. “Takin’ me so good.” He let go of your arms and neck to grip your hips. “Come fer me, I wanna feel it.”

You immediately reached down to stroke yourself, and it wasn’t even two seconds before you let out a ragged cry, your climax crashing over you so quickly that you forgot how to breathe. His dirty talk and the possessive way he was handling you was so hot, so naughty, so perfect.

Arthur thrust in and stayed still, letting you ride out your climax on his shaft, spasming around him. He held you close while you writhed below him until you nearly collapsed.

So, feeling as boneless as you did, he picked you up, his cock still inside of you, and took you over to the window. The curtains were closed, but they were thin, threadbare things, so when he pushed you up against the window, you could feel the cold glass beneath the fabric.

“A-Arthur?” you asked, dazed.

Without a word, he pumped his hips again, fucking you against the hard surface. With every movement, the curtains shifted, the slit between them shifting. At the right moment, someone could see in and see you getting railed from behind.

Your pussy clenched at the thought.

“That’s right, take my cock, show everyone that you’re mine, mine to use, mine to fuck.”

“Oh, oh, oh my god,” you gasped, your body heating up, the coil of desire tightening up so dizzyingly quick. You had no idea you had a slight exhibition fetish, but here you were, getting fucked against a window. 

Arthur reached around you to stroke your clit, and suddenly you were gone. Ecstasy flooded your senses and blocked out everything except for the sensation of Arthur possessing you, his thrusts strong and deep. His hands were warm where he held you, his finger deftly wringing out the most pleasure from your body that you had ever felt in your life.

As your climax ebbed and you began to slump over, Arthur gave you a gentle kiss on the cheek. He pulled gently out of you and guided you backwards, away from the cold window. Laying you back down on the bed, the soft mattress creaked as he got on top of you, caging you with his arms. His hands held your head, his thumbs softly caressing your cheeks.

“That’s my girl. So good, comin’ fer me twice.”

Then his kind demeanor melted away and the beast returned. He sat up and spread your legs before entering you. You squirmed, your body oversensitive from your two consecutive climaxes, but Arthur held you down. His thrusts grew more intense, his hips moving faster.

“Yer so damn sexy, I wanna see you covered in my cum, darlin’, all yer holes filled with me.”

“Yes, yes!” you moaned, suddenly wanting that too. A desire, so dirty, so salacious, that you had never voiced or even formed into coherent thought, and now you knew exactly what you wanted.

Mark me as yours.

It was primal, raw, and you needed it so badly that you nearly cried from want.

“Arthur, please, cum all over me!”

“Fuck, darlin’!” He pulled out of you and gripped his cock, pumping twice before shooting his load all over your stomach and breasts. After a moment of catching his breath, he clambered up to straddle your torso, his cock near your face, his seed dripping from the tip.

“Taste it,” he commanded. Without hesitation you took him into your mouth and cleaned him up, lapping at his shaft until he pulled away with a moan.

“Good girl,” he said, running his clean hand through your hair. 

After tumbling over next to you, the two of you fell into a deep sleep, overwhelmed by how incredible this night had been.

***

You woke up, for the second time, in the late morning, sticky and sore. The first time you had woken up, it was dawn and Arthur had been rubbing his cock between your thighs while half-asleep. Once you had let him know you were awake, he rolled you on top of him and fucked you until he spilled inside of your pussy.

You didn’t regret a damn thing.

You felt Arthur caressing the curve of your rear and turned your head to look at him. He was lying on his side, his gaze on your ass.

“Next time, darlin’,” he promised as he patted your rear. “Yer comin’ to my place and I’ll fuck this hole too.” Without waiting for you to respond, he gave you a sweet kiss on the cheek. “You’ll like it, I guarantee, princess.” 

You just nodded. Now that you’ve had a taste of him, you know you’ll do whatever he wants.

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

End Notes: Holy shit, it’s been a while, eh? Hopefully y’all enjoy this, it’s a bit of a bait and switch, but let’s be real; any Arthur is a good Arthur in my book.

#rdr2 fanfic #arthur x fem!reader #arthur morgan #rdr2 #fanfic #writing #nsft #modern au #tumblr request #lemon fanfic

[zipzin]

The Law of Entropy (or Wynonna Earp is Trying to Ruin my Life) - Also on AO3

Chapters: 1/6 Fandom: Wynonna Earp (TV) Rating: Teen Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Waverly Earp/Nicole Haught, Rosita Bustillos/Wynonna Earp, Rosita Bustillos & Waverly Earp, Rosita Bustillos & Jeremy Chetri Characters: Rosita Bustillos, Waverly Earp, Wynonna Earp, Nicole Haught, Jeremy Chetri Additional Tags: Crack, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Alternate Universe - No Supernatural, this is overly complicated and ridiculous, rosita just wants to be a good coworker, wynonna wants to join in on the fun, and they were ROOMMATES, extraordinary bad communication by everyon Summary: Rosita honestly had no clue that taking a bartending job at Shorty’s would have her way too invested in her coworker’s nonexistent relationship with her roommate and get embroiled in a scheme that is so stupid but just might work. And that wasn’t even mentioning the hot sister. She just wanted to get through grad school with less debt and entertain herself in this town that is way too small to have enough prospects to even warrant a Tinder.

“Your hot roommate is here.” Rosita said, delighting in the way that Waverly’s eyes narrowed.

“It’s Haught.” Waverly muttered.

Rosita waggled her eyebrows, “I know.”

Waverly rolled her eyes as she walked over to Nicole, who by the looks of it, had just finished a shift. They did this every night that Waverly worked late, where despite the fact Purgatory was smaller than some rest stops, Nicole would double check if she should swing by later and drive Waverly home to their shared apartment. It was cute, if not mind-numbingly nauseating when they stared at each other like they found the meaning of life. 

Rosita watched as Nicole gave Waverly an actual goddamn kiss onto her cheek and walked out the door.

Oh my god.

Waverly bounced back to the bar and Rosita asked, “Is your girlfriend coming back tonight?”

Waverly sputtered and her cheeks turned red, “She’s not my girlfriend!”

Rosita raised an eyebrow, “Are you ever going to ask her out?”

“Of course not! She’s my roommate!”

Rosita rolled her eyes, “So, that just means one of your bedrooms can be converted to an office or something. Extra space for free.”

“That is not how it works!” Waverly's voice grew higher in pitch, “It means it’s messy, especially since she doesn’t like me back.”

Even Jimmy, their most regular regular, chuckled at that. Rosita shot a look at Doc, but he just hid his eyes behind his hat. The coward. “Waverly, anyone can see that she likes you back. Except you.”

“She does not! I would know.”

“Would you? Do you even know what she does when she’s jealous?”

“Why would I know that?”

“Because she does it around you all the time! She tries to hide it, but it’s so obvious.”

“It isn’t! And she doesn’t do it around me!”

Yes,” Rosita sighed, “Basically anytime you get close to a person.” Rosita took a step forward, “She gets all frozen and clenches her fists until her knuckles are white, and only relaxes when you smile at her.”

“No she doesn’t!”

“She really does.” Jimmy piped up from his seat. Waverly glared at him and he held his hands up in mock surrender. “Nevermind.”

Rosita shot him a grateful look.

She had moved to Purgatory at the start of the semester, when her third sublease had been up and she knew she needed to actually find a place to live. Her last place had the worst pink and green decor that made Rosita want to puke every time she saw it. Waverly, one of her few friends at Ghost River University, had mentioned that the rent was cheap in Purgatory and that Rosita could probably get a job at the bar she worked. She had needed something since her position as a TA ended, and she was not doing that again.

Her only real possession was her car, so she had looked at the prices and couldn’t bother to look anywhere else in the city. Was the commute annoying? Yes. The bus that ran from the city and Purgatory never on time? Yes. Did everyone know each other, and the dating pool so small that Rosita had already slept with the one tolerable man? Yes.

But she was saving so much money on rent. And as a grad student in a field destined for research, she took all the savings she could. Plus, working as a bartender made way more than a TA could dream of even with the tuition reimbursements and she didn’t have to grade annoying undergrad’s shitty homework.

The people of Purgatory were certainly an acquired taste, but Rosita found herself enjoying them more every day. And for such a small town, there was a lot of drama. Not that there was anything as interesting as the absolute hopelessness of Waverly and Nicole. It had been funny at first, watching them flit around each other, and allowed her to get to know Waverly’s sister Wynonna, but now it was pathetic. And she couldn’t even imagine how the people who’d watched this from the beginning felt.

She had three more semesters at Ghost River University, and if Waverly and Nicole hadn’t talked about their feelings by then, she’d consider that a worse failure than flunking out of her degree. She didn’t think she was much of a matchmaker, and her subtle prodding hadn’t revealed any results but her mom had always said to leave things better than she’d found them.

Rosita let out a long breath as the last patron left and gave Waverly a weak smile.  Thank god that shift was over, she was pretty sure she was going to keel over and die. The only saving grace was that she didn’t have class tomorrow. Rosita looked at the front door and frowned, “Is Nicole coming back tonight?”

“No,” Waverly said quickly. Too quickly.

“Waverly,” Rosita said, “Why isn’t she coming? She always picks you up on Fridays. And she was smiling when she left.”

Waverly hid her head below the counter. “Why would that matter?”

Rosita sighed, “Waverly, for all the teasing I do I’m not going to tell her.”

“I know.” Waverly whined, “I just, I couldn’t.”

“Couldn’t?” Rosita frowned, “Couldn’t what?”

“Ask her out!”

Rosita blinked a couple times. “I wasn’t going to force you to ask her out. I mean I’d like to know when you will, just for my own peace. And the rest of Purgatory’s.”

“We’re roommates.” Waverly stressed every syllable.

“Again, so? She likes you.”

“And if she doesn’t?” Waverly’s voice was nearing hysterical, “What, she’ll avoid me? Not reup the lease when it expires?”

“Waverly-”

But Waverly was on a roll, “I don’t want her to avoid me for a few weeks. I want her to never avoid me!”

“Nicole wouldn’t do that.”

“You don’t know that.” Waverly finally looked at Rosita, “It’s not worth the risk.”

Rosita shook her head and began to stack chairs, “Just think, you could have it all, dates, hand-holding, probably mind-blowing sex.” She glanced up to see Waverly began to blush, “You guys would probably get married, have bunch of tiny red-heads running around frockling as you look at each other completely lovesick. Wynonna would be a great aunt-”

“Stop.” Waverly’s face could only be described as wistful.

“Is it worth living with that kind of regret?”

The chairs were stacked and Waverly took the broom out, “Fine, does that sound perfect? Yes!” Rosita gave herself a mental high-five, “But she’s not interested in me.”

Rosita couldn’t help it, she snorted. “Okay, here’s where you’re completely delusional.”

“How could you know?” Waverly demanded, “You’ve talked to her maybe three times.”

“I knew in the first minute.”

The first minute had been particularly memorable, it was one of her first days on the job, and Waverly had been tasked with showing her the ropes. It had gone well, until the beer tap had erupted all over Waverly’s shirt and Nicole, who had just come in, had knocked three bar stools down.

Rosita had just taken a step back and watched the two with unbelieving eyes, and later, when she finally met Wynonna, had inquired what was up.

Wynonna had set down her whiskey and sighed, “When your best friend is in need of a roommate and you recommend your sister, you don’t think they are going to fall in love with each other. Hell, I didn’t even notice until Doc asked me how long they had been dating, and at first I was a little pissed. But then, they do this shit,” She waved to where the two were playing an abysmal round of pool, “And their sexual tension makes me horny.”

“How long has this been happening?”

“Two very long years.” Wynonna sat her glass down with a thud.

“And no one’s?”

“Of course we’ve all tried! They’re the two most stubborn people I’ve ever met, Waverly won’t admit anything’s there and Nicole just stares off into space when it’s mentioned as if she’s gone deaf.” Wynonna leaned in and whispered, “We looked them in a closet one time, you know, to make them fess up, and they managed to get out of it. I still don’t know how.”

Waverly snorted, “It’s not like I haven’t tried to see if she was, you know, I live with her.”

“Okay.” Rosita, “Sure, I know you know like, 5 languages, but I’m pretty sure body isn’t one of them.”

Waverly’s mouth dropped open. “I’ll have you know that I was Head Cheerleader.”

Rosita frowned, not sure how that was relevant, and continued on her point, “I mean, what have you done besides make the poor officer all hot and bothered.”

Waverly stomped her foot like a toddler, “I’ve you know, I’ve-”

“Every time you so much as look at anyone else she gets jealous.” That wasn’t strictly true, probably wasn’t at all, but the reaction was priceless. 

Waverly sputtered, and almost knocked over the stack of chairs, “She doesn’t.”

“Yes.”

“No!”

“Waverly!”

“I’ll prove it to you.” Waverly’s eyes gleamed and Rosita swallowed, feeling like she’d stepped on a landmine.

“Yeah?” Her dad always said she never knew when to stop.

“Date me.”

“Uh, what?” Rosita blinked and looked around. The voice had not come from somewhere else.

“You say that Nicole gets jealous, pretend to date me.”

“Um.”

“And if she does, I’ll know, and I’ll ask her out.”

“Okay, that is an insane plan,” Rosita said, “And then what, tell her our relationship is just a joke? How would that go over well?”

“Well, no.” Waverly frowned. “We’ll just break up.”

“After a day?”

“Yes?”

Rosita sighed as she walked over to Waverly and put her hands on her shoulders. “Waverly, I love you, but I’m not letting anyone think I had a relationship for a day. That’s like a one night stand where the sex is almost good enough you’ll ignore how everything else is horrible.”

“Fine, then we’ll do it for a month.”

“A month?” Rosita choked.

“Are you in?”

Rosita felt frozen as Waverly looked sadly at the bar. She remembered Wynonna’s words, “Two very long years.” If this was going to be the thing to get them together, well.

“And at the end, when Nicole is obviously not heartbroken, you have to drop this. Forever!” Waverly added.

Rosita stared, “Fine, but I get to decide if she’s not heartbroken. You have to actually listen to me about it. Not brush it off like you usually do.”

“Fine.” Waverly grit out.

“And I get to choose my shifts for the next month.”

Waverly narrowed her eyes. “Fine.” She gritted out.

“Perfect.” Rosita grinned. “See you around, darling.”

It was a stupid plan. A horrible one. But if it meant Waverly was doing something about her feelings, then it was better than her lusting and mopeing around.

Right?

Rosita awoke to a loud banging on her door and rolled over in bed with a moan. It was Saturday. Her clock flashed 8:12 AM. She didn’t have classes today and her shift didn’t start until the evening, so why was someone interrupting the only time she got to sleep in?  

She padded out of bed as the banging grew faster, and swung open the door, not even caring that she wasn’t wearing pants, “WHAT!”

She wasn’t sure if she was more surprised that Wynonna Earp was up this early or that she was at her apartment. How did Wynonna even get this address? They’d talked like five times, not counting when Wynonna ordered drinks.

“You bitch!” Wynonna took a step forward and the next thing Rosita knew her face hurt. 

She staggered back. “What. The. Fuck.” 

“You’re dating Waverly?!”

“What?” Rosita asked, “God my coffee maker isn’t even on yet.” She whined as she rubbed her face. She couldn’t believe that Wynonna had punched her.

“Talk!” Wynonna growled, “I wake up to nine messages this morning. Nine!”

Wynonna shoved her phone in Rosita’s chest. Rosita barely caught it and she stared at the blank screen. “It’s off.” Wynonna grabbed the phone back and unlocked it and shoved it into Rosita’s face, her hand vibrating.

Rosita blinked a couple times before she could focus on the screen.

Haughtstuff (2:45am): Wynonna?

Haughtstuff (2:45am): Are you up?

Haughtstuff (2:45am): Plzzzzz

Haughtstuff (2:45am): Ok

Haughtstuff (2:45am): You’re not

Haughtstuff (2:45am): Your sister just told me she’s dating Rosita

Haughtstuff (2:45am): The other bartender

Haughtstuff (2:45am): Why didn’t you warn me!!!!

Haughtstuff (2:45am): What the hell dude

Wynonna (7:53am): wut the fuck?

Wynonna (7:53am): she didnt tell me that

“Umm,” Rosita blinked several more times and read the messages again until it faded to black.

“You know. You know that they are in love with each other.”

“Yes.”

Wynonna’s jaw dropped, “And what? You think you’ll date Waverly? What kind of masochist are you! Are you just playing with my sister!”

“SHUT UP!” Rosita massaged her temples, “WE AREN’T DATING!”

“What?”

Rosita sighed and gestured Wynonna inside, “I was baiting Waverly.”

“As we all do.”

“And she was all like Nicole’s never jealous.”

“Maybe she needs glasses?”

“So we’re arguing and she says she’s going to have to prove me wrong. And if Nicole’s jealous, then she’ll ask her out.”

“How are you going to prove it?” Wynonna demanded.

“We’re going to pretend to date,” The answer hung between them. 

“Fuck.” Wynonna said and sat down on a nearby chair. “I should probably get you some ice.”

Rosita’s glare hardened. “Yes, the kitchen’s that way.”

“She swore that she would do something about it then?”

“Yes.”

There was just the sound of the freezer being opened. “Really. Huh.”

Wynonna returned and tossed a bag of frozen peas at Rosita. “I’m just kind of amazed.”

“Well, she did. So, now we just have to show Waverly these texts.”

“No.” Wynonna said and then frowned sadly. “I wish, but Nicole would kill me, and I already know that Waverly would say some shit like,” Wynonna flung some hair over her shoulder and made her voice higher, “She was just so surprised and wants to know in case I bring Rosita over.” 

Rosita sighed, “Sounds like Waverly.”

They settled into silence until Wynonna cleared her throat and Rosita looked up to see Wynonna staring at her bare legs.

Rosita stood, “Now leave, next time you’re over here it better be with coffee and donuts.”

“As you wish.” Wynonna mocked. “And sorry, about punching you, I just.”

“Hey,” Rosita smiled, “It would be crazy if Waverly and I started dating. And a little insane. I may deserve a punch for that.”

Wynonna nodded and headed towards her door, “Didn’t think you were the type to sleep in negligee but if you have the assets you should flaunt them.”

The door shut before Rosita could find something suitable to throw.

“What happened to your face?”

Waverly’s exclamation easily cuts over the din of Shorty’s and Rosita blinks for a second before remembering that Wynonna’s punch had left a slowly growing bruise.

Several regulars looked on and Jimmy let out a whistle, “Got you good too.”

Rosita rolled her eyes, “Caught the bad end of a punch.” She answered.

Waverly looked like she was about to ask more questions, but Rosita gave her a pointed glare and she returned to stacking glasses. Rosita shrugged off her coat and stepped behind the bar.

“So?”

“So?” Waverly questioned.

Rosita rolled her eyes. How was she a graduate student? “So, how did telling Nicole go?”

“Oh.” Waverly’s voice was flatter than the guitar one of Rosita’s ex’s had left three years ago.

“Oh?”

“She, well, she just said congratulations and then she went to her room.”

“Okay!” Rosita said. “She probably went to cry or something.”

“What?! No she didn’t. She didn’t care at all.”

Rosita sighed. “Remember when I said you’d have to listen to me? To at least acknowledge what I said?” 

Waverly just crossed her arms, “How many times have you even talked to Nicole?”

Rosita sighed, “Fine, whatever,  have you thought about how we’re going to sell this?”

A look passed on Waverly’s face, but Rosita had no idea how to read it. “We can figure that out later, it’s not like we’re going to have to face her together yet.”

The door slammed open, “Hellloooo!” Wynonna called with a grin. Behind her a slumping Nicole walked in.

“Hi.” Waverly said faintly.

Rosita rolled her eyes and then kissed Waverly’s forehead and turned to greet the duo. Wynonna was grinning like a mad woman and Nicole just had a faint frown etched onto her face. “What can I get you two?”

“Whiskey.” Wynonna smiled. “Doubles.”

“Wynonna.” Nicole said warningly.

“Oh, Haughtshot wants triples.”

“Do not Rosita,” Nicole sighed as she looked at Wynonna’s face, “We’ll have doubles.” She mumbled out.

“And this is why you’re my best friend.” Wynonna said. “I’m telling you, the only way is to drink away the sorrows.”

“Sorrows?” Rosita said as she gave them their drinks, curling her toes to keep from laughing at Wynonna’s exaggerated wink.

“Um, it was a hard, a really hard day at work.” Nicole mumbled out and then drank half the glass in one go.

Rosita and Wynonna shared a look that had Rosita turning away before Nicole saw her grin. “Hey, Waverly.” Rosita called, “Keep an eye on Nicole and Wynonna.”

Waverly frowned at her, but wandered over. “Fine.”

As she passed, Rosita whispered in her ear, “Nicole’s having a bad day.”

Waverly transformed instantly and booked it towards the pair.

Hopeless. The pair of them. 

Why did she even try? How could Waverly not see the longing in Nicole’s eyes? Or how she looked torn between punching Rosita or crying? Or the sheer happenstance that her bad day is the day that Waverly is suddenly not single?

“Hi.” Nicole said faintly. “So that’s Rosita.”

“You remember her. You see her all the time when you pick me up.” Waverly said and pushed Nicole’s shoulder carefully.

Rosita turned around and saw Nicole looking down her body and then immediately shifting back to Rosita’s eyes, swallowing nervously. Waverly was on the side, watching Nicole carefully, while Wynonna was chuckling.

Nicole’s eyes lingered on the bruise adorning Rosita’s face, but she didn’t say anything, just took another long sip. “I’m not cleaning up after you.” Wynonna said, staring at Nicole pointedly, “You have to hold your liquor just fine.”

Rosita watched for a moment until Jimmy waved for another beer and left to the other end of the bar. They’d be fine. Probably.

Throughout the night, Rosita watched Nicole and Waverly carefully. Waverly was a little jumpy, nervous enough that she spilled a tray of drinks. Luckily, onto the floor and not someone else, but it was still ridiculous. Rosita wasn’t sure if she’d ever see Waverly spill a whole tray before. Even when she was bumped around at the height of hockey season. 

Nicole kept up at a rate faster than Wynonna, and alternated between studying Rosita and staring forlornly at Waverly. Rosita began to give Waverly little touches, a caress of her arm, brushing her hair behind her ear, and silently thanked god that they were at work and nothing more would be acceptable. Waverly seemed too skittish to even notice it was happening. Nicole stared until she was far past buzzed and then started talking loudly to Wynonna. Who was much too amused by the whole thing. 

“I’ll have another.” Nicole slurred leaning over the bar, “Actually, no I can get it myself.”

“I’m cutting you off.” Rosita said and batted away Nicole’s arms.

“Noooo.” Nicole whined. “Wynonna tell her no.”

Wynonna waved her arms, “You can trust us. I mean her. She’s the responsible one.”

“Don’t you have work tomorrow?” Rosita hoped.

“No. I’ll just be sad and hungover.”

Rosita looked around, but Waverly was on the other side of the room getting people’s orders. “Well, no more for you.”

“Rosita, you’re beautiful you know that?” Nicole said. “So damn beautiful.”

Rosita hesitated, “Um thanks.”

“You better.” Nicole waved a finger in the air, “You better treat Waverly right, okay?” Rosita nodded. “Good. Man, I wish I could hate you.” Nicole mumbled.

Rosita glared at Wynonna who wasn’t even hiding the fact that she was laughing.

“At least you’re beautiful though.” Nicole said. “Waverly!” Nicole brightened. “I was just saying that Rosita’s hot.” Nicole frowned at herself.

Rosita pointed to Wynonna, “Get her out.” And Wynonna didn’t hesitate, leaning Nicole’s arm on her shoulder and practically carrying her on the bar.

Waverly sat down on the sink, the fact that her pants were getting wet not even registering, “She likes you.”

“No,” Rosita said, “you should have heard what she said beforehand.”

“This is over.” Waverly said. “I figured it out.” Her eyes were filled with tears.

“No.” Rosita said desperately, “no.”

“You heard her!” A tear ran down her face.

“She was saying that because she felt she can’t compete.”

“Stop it!” Waverly almost shouted and Rosita was grateful that there were enough people that it was loud enough to bury their voices. “Don’t try to make me feel better.”

Rosita grabbed Waverly’s arm to prevent her from turning away. “Waverly, tell me that you aren’t this stupid.”

“I’m, I’m, not.” Waverly stuttered.

“Give this more time. She was drunk and heartbroken.”

“Yeah, for you.” Waverly’s lip trembled.

“I’ll prove that she doesn’t like me.” Rosita said, “I swear it.”

Waverly wrapped her arms around her and nodded, “Please.”

“I know when a woman is flirting with me, and that was not it.”

Waverly gave a watery chuckle, “Ok.”

“You understand, Nicole’s a lesbian, just because she’s in love with you doesn’t mean she’s blind.”

Waverly lifted her head up and stepped back, her arms dropping. “You’re sure?”

“Yes,” Rosita put her arms on either shoulder. “Now, are you ready to ask her out?”

“What?” Waverly said, “No.”

“Waverly, she got drunk, she obviously isn’t thrilled about the development. How often does she get drunk?”

Waverly ignored her question, “I’m sure she’s just worried how intrusive we’ll be and doesn’t want to worry about feeling unwelcome at her apartment.”

“Oh my god,” Rosita said, “You’re hopeless.”

“What!” Waverly cried.

“She’s obviously completely gone for you.”

“No,” Waverly straightened her spine. “It wouldn’t make sense for her to be calling you hot if I was the one she was interested in.”

“Waverly.”

“So, no, I’m definitely not asking her out.”

“You can’t quit now.”

Waverly hesitated, and then spotted someone, “We are at work, we need to work.”

Rosita watched her walk away and bit down a groan. Next to her Jimmy raised his hand, eyes sparkling with amusement, “I could use another glass.”

Rosita filled it and pushed it down with more force than strictly necessary. She crossed her arms as she waited for Waverly to return. But Waverly ignored her and started to organize glasses.

Rosita marched over, “We are not ending this on the first night, okay. This is going to work.”

“Nicole isn’t interested, we found out, it’s over.”

“No, I know that Nicole is, you’re just too blind to see it, and some little comment when she’s drunk and heartbroken means nothing.”

“She isn’t heartbroken.”

“God, how did you graduate college?”

“With honors!”

“We aren’t ending this.”

“Fine.”

“She loves you.”

“She really doesn’t.”

“Wanna bet?”

Waverly stopped and blinked a couple times. “What?”

“I can’t have you skipping out because Nicole isn’t pulling out a sword and dueling for your hand.”

“Nicole would never do that.” Waverly scoffed and Rosita raised an eyebrow.

“So, $100 that she’ll tell you to break up with me by the end of the month.”

“$100!” Waverly gaped.

“It has to be worth it.” Rosita shrugged.

“Fine.” Waverly said. “This will be the saddest $100 I’ve ever made.”

“I’ll put $15 in that she does something by the end of the week,” Jimmy called.

“Shut up Jimmy!” They both yelled, still staring at each other. Rosita held out her hand and Waverly furiously shook it.

“It’s a deal,” Waverly said.

“I can’t wait.” Rosita flounced away, “$100 and my friend’s undying happiness.”

“Ughh,” Waverly groaned, “I wish.”

“This is going to be the happiest $100 you give away.” Rosita reminded and then turned to some customers. This was going to work. It had too. She could barely deal with fifteen minutes of sad Waverly.

#wayhaught #rosita/wynonna #wynonna earp #my writing: wayhaught #my writing: rosita/wynonna #my writing: wynonna earp #my writing #mine

[dadbodfanatic-x]

Paper rings; part 8

Jim Hopper x original female character

A/N: typical stranger things warnings, death and grief and talk of funerals. Violence and cussing.

The scene outside The Byers house was one of any parents worst nightmare, multiple officers and flashing lights blaring and Joyce stood in front of a cruiser wrapped around what they believe now is her only living son. When Hopper told Joyce what was just discovered she collapsed into his arms and so you stepped forward to embrace Jonathan. You had analyzed blood smears of known criminals, collected DNA of murders and somehow standing in front of a family you truly came to love was the scene that you believed would keep you up at night.

The scene inside the Byers house was one of a pained mother, the morning prior you had been there when Joyce explained the lights but while you hoped she slept you could tell she was busy stringing up Christmas lights and writing on her wall. Your heart had truly been shattered that day, a boy you loved to create gaming strategy with drug out from the water lifeless, a teenager you hoped so badly to help trying to hold together the family he has left and a mother clung on the hope of her boy talking to her through lights. A family you loved, shattered.

You had listened to Hopper tell Joyce about Will and you were going to listen to Joyce tell you about talking to her boy. You pulled Jonathan away and held him while he was bargaining with his mom to please understand and you listened to Hopper talk about Sara, about how he saw her and heard her in everything he did.

“I’m not crazy, Hop I know what I saw…”

“I’m not saying you’re crazy…” he was pleading with her and in that moment you were shot back to 15 years ago when no one would listen to you

“Joyce…” you spoke quietly and both her and Hopper looked at you

“No one listened to me when I tried to tell them about my dad, they tried to tell me that he committed suicide but I knew my dad, just like you know your son” you sat down beside her and pulled her close “I promise I’m listening to you, I believe you okay? Tomorrow I’m going to go down to the morgue and I’m going to do my job. I’m going to be thorough and I’m going to figure out if it’s Will okay? You can come with me and show me things only you would know about Will. I believe you and I am asking you to believe me when I tell you I will figure this out” you squeezed her so tight

Hopper was still in front of you both “if you can, get some sleep..” and he stood up to walk out.

You stood to follow him out and you pulled Jonathan in close “you call me anytime if you need me” and you walked out, leaving the Byers family to grieve.

When you got in the passenger side of Hoppers car you could see it when he started the car, you heard the loud huff and then he put the car back in park and sat “you’re gonna stay aren’t you?” He just looked at you before he tightened his hands around the wheel “yeah, I know they don’t feel safe, I’ll take you home first and come back” you laughed, it was an awkward time but it’s like Jim Hopper didn’t t know you at all. “I’m not leaving you either” and you reclined the passenger seat and reached out for his hand bringing it to your lap before you let the days exhaustion take you over.

When the sun finally started to peak its head out the next morning you heard Hopper groan beside you and when you began to stir you realized his hand was still in yours and right on que with you realizing that, he pulled your hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of it “thank you…” you smiled at him a soft morning groggy smile and pulled his hand right back to kiss the back of his “I know you do everything you can for this town but you never have to do it alone again and you never have to thank me for it either, I’d do anything for you honey” and he cracked a half smile at you before sitting his seat up and releasing your hand to put his car in drive and head down to the coroners office.

After what felt like hours of waiting Hopper finally grew impatient and stood up to question the clerk on what was taking so long, you must have zoned out because when he came back he tapped your leg to gain your attention

“Nora…” he must have said your name before because he looked like he was trying to pull you out of your thoughts “she just told me that some men from the state came in to do Wills autopsy last night” you were confused beyond all belief

“Why would the state come in to do an autopsy on a missing small town kid?” And right around that time you saw Jonathan run out you stood quickly and rubbed his back while he threw up in a nearby trashcan.

You sat him down on the row of seats with Hopper and moved to sit in front of them both. Hopper questioned him about how Joyce was and the lights and you could see the uneasy roll off them both

“She’ll be okay…we’ll be okay, ya know my mom. She’s tough” Jonathan nodded with a slight smirk to Hopper

“You’re tough too you know? I’m really proud of you kid” you motioned toward him. You’ve never seen a teenage take on as much as this kid has. Joyce busted out of the door and told the coroner that wasn’t her son. Hopper was trying to get her attention but she just ran, he looked back at you and Jonathan

“Hey it’s okay, I got her. Come on kid”

Jonathan drove beside his mom while he was trying to reason with her to get in the car, you motioned up ahead for him to pull over. “Joyce come on” as soon as Jonathan puts the car in park he’s out and chasing after her so you have to run to catch up “we have to plan the funeral!”

“A funeral? For what? For that thing back there!” She yells at him, you try your best to step in between them as Jonathan raises his voice “wills in the lights and monsters in the walls, DO YOU HEAR YOURSELF?” You’re trying your best to keep them separated and calm “come on Jonathan”

Joyce takes off walking “I know I sound crazy, you think I don’t know that?!” As she storms off and you think about which one you should stay with Jonathan yells “I’m not letting him sit in that freezer another day!” you turn back to him and you notice the crowd of people and you get angry “shows over people! Move on!!”

You chase Joyce down “hey! Come on Joyce” she turned around abruptly and you almost ran her right over

“Nora! I don’t have time for this! I have to get home!”

“I’ll walk with you then” and you could see the annoyance in her face but you didn’t care.

“You know you promised you would help me?” She says and you shrink a little

“And I plan too, I just wasn’t expecting some things today. I just need to regroup with Hop” she groaned at the mention of his name

“Joyce I’m sorry I haven’t been able to help you yet but I am going to okay? And give Jonathan a break. He’s worried about his mom…” she just shook her head and took off again and you knew you needed to find Hopper.

Walking into the station felt weird at this point, it had been so long since you hadn’t been out in the town but you needed Flo to contact Hop for you. when you entered into his office he was already there deep in thought.

“Are you gonna come with me tonight?” You asked him as you sat in the chair in front of him. He looked up confused “to the coroner, I need answers. Answers these state people aren’t going to hand me” he actually let out a low chuckle which had you raising your brows.

“I’ve been sitting here for 20 minutes finding out how I’m gonna get in…”

“Well, WE’RE gonna get in by saying I need to collect evidence. I’ll even bring my fancy crime scene analyst badge and a white coat and if that doesn’t work maybe you just punch someone?” And while you’re totally hoping for no violence you wouldn’t mind hopper punching someone

“I think we should start by talking to Gary…” and you agreed with him, talking to the normal town coroner about why the state took over an autopsy on a small town missing child would hopefully give you a start. so he gave him a call and had him come over

Gary gave you all the details about how he had never seen so many troopers with a body before and said they claimed jurisdiction and took over the autopsy. The whole thing felt off, you knew Brenner was in on this somehow.

“Nora you have a call, it’s Jonathan Byers” you looked at Hop and motioned towards his office and he shook his head. You picked up the phone in Jim’s office and took a large breath. Hoping nothing else was happening to this poor child.

“Hey Jonathan, what’s going on?” And you heard him let out a big sigh before he told you.

“I have to go talk to a funeral place today and uhh I just really don’t want to go alone” shattered. Your heart shattered for this boy.

“Of course, I’ll be right there with you okay? Just meet me there” he thanked you as you both said goodbye and you looked up to meet Hoppers eyes.

“I’m gonna go meet Jonathan at the funeral home, he didn’t want to be alone…” and you could feel the bile rise in your throat. You hadn’t stepped foot in a funeral home since your dads passing but you needed to be strong. As you walked around the desk towards the door Jim pulled you into his chest and kissed the top of your head and before he let you go you muttered a small thank you into his chest and grabbed him tighter. “I needed that”

While the director was going over all the options and prices you watched Jonathan’s face turn down, you knew no teenager should have to worry about paying for this and you knew he was thinking about how he couldn’t ask his mom because it would be another fight. Out of the corner of your eye you saw Nancy Wheeler walk in and Jonathan quickly dismissed himself so he could go to her. They were too far away for you to hear anything but you did smile at the fact that Jonathan might actually have someone else in his corner, and Nancy wheeler always seemed like a nice girl. When they stepped out into the hall you let the director know you would handle any expenses and to please not mention price again to Jonathan or mention that you were paying.

You must have walked out during a tense moment, Nancy was standing near the door but both her and Jonathan looked startled. “Hey is everything okay?” You looked at both of them and they both just stared at each other. “Ooooookay, I’m gonna head out if you’re okay?” You motioned toward Jonathan and he nodded “tell your mom everything is taken care of in there and that I’ll call her later tonight okay?” Another nod from Jonathan had you ready to leave. Fucking teenagers.

“Good to see you Nancy” you patted her on the shoulder as you left. You were driving down town back to the station when you saw Hopper on the side of the bar so you decided to swing in and then you saw it. He took off running and drew his gun and you slammed on the breaks and jumped out of the car

“What the fuck is going on?!” He turned around quickly.

“Get in the car!” He yelled, he sounded concerned but also a little panicked so you listened and when he got in the passenger side he just said “drive” and you took off.

You pulled one of his hands into your lap and you saw the streaks of blood and his battered knuckles “what happened hopper? Talk to me”

“I had to get some information from the guy that found Wills body” you just nodded, you understood now what happened.

“And what did you find out?” You ran your thumb over the bruises starting to form

“Someone told him to be out there on patrol, they told him not to let anyone too close to the body” at the mention of that you squealed your tires in the direction of the coroners office and once you were on the right side of the road and headed that way you pulled his hand up to your mouth and kissed his knuckles “I hope you kicked his ass baby”

Getting past the receptionist at the morgue was easy, Jim just played up his usual charm and she let you both right through to “look for his hat” and Hopper was practically sprinting towards the back. Unlucky for him a small security guard was waiting at the entrance of the door and when a few little white lies didn’t work Jim just looked at you and shrugged before he knocked him out.

Entering into the room was a little slower than everything that had happened before, you both began opening up the units until Hopper finally found a body. When he pulled back the sheet to reveal Will Byers face it made your stomach turn and clearly Jim felt the same way because he quickly turned around and began pacing.

“It’s okay, I got it” you pulled back the sheet further to reveal an unmarked chest, odd you thought for someone who should have had an autopsy today. You reached your hand out to touch his face and when you did you were confident this was not Will Byers, you looked around quickly trying to find a scalpel to no avail and then Jim reached into his pocket and pulled out his knife. You took a large breath before you took the knife from his hands and placed the blade against the stomach below you and when you finally pushed in the resistance was not that which you were familiar with so you kept cutting and when a hole was finally made you stuck your hand inside and found nothing. You pulled stuffing out of a fake body. “What the fuck is going on?!” You said out loud to no one in particular.

In one swift motion you grabbed hoppers hand and made a beeline for the door, you shoved him towards the passenger side and jumped in to drive. “We’re going to Joyce’s right now!” You yelled but he put his hand over yours on the wheel and told you that you both needed to stop somewhere first. The drive was quick and quiet, the only sounds coming from you both were ragged breaths as you tried to process what the actual fuck was happening around you.

Outside of Hawkins lab you pulled the car over onto the side of the road before you both got out, as you began the slow walk to the fence you could feel Hoppers eyes on you like a hawk. You turned quickly to meet him “I’m sorry I’m dragging you in to all of this…” he let out a breath and you could see the guilt radiating off him. You took a few steps forward and placed your hands over his “I told you Jim, I’m not leaving you alone” and you took the wire cutters out of his hand before you turned and started snipping away parts of the Hawkins lab fence.

#jim hopper x original female character #jim hopper x reader #Jim hopper #stranger things #chief hopper fanfic #chief hopper #paper rings #part 8

[stormcrow513]

You know the thing that any of you who've had good dealings with doctors,

Is that you are not in the majority there,

Like I am white, I am decently attractive and only about 20ish pounds overweight,

I have never gotten any help from a doctor for almost any of the horrific shit that's happened and happening to me,

Like they gave me shots, they gave me a cast for a broken arm, and medicine when I came down with pneumonia when I was 10,

Also when I needed the most help was like 3 to 13 was when most severe shit happened to me,

And listen this isn't me tryna brag, I was a really fucking cute kid, like I was cooed over a lot,

The doctors themselves would coo over me, they still didn't do anything for me,

I got rolled by a horse at 4 years old the horse was at a good fucking speed too, and he ran me over, I was knocked unconscious, I remember this really good actually like surprising so, cause I remember like all the details I do remember right,

So ma first gets me inside clothes off and in the tub to both warm me and acess the damage, then she calls the hospital she needs to know what to do, and how to get me safely to the hospital,

They tell her to wait and see if I wake up, if I don't wake up, then bring me in, if I do wake up, then I'm fine don't worry about it, and don't bring me in,

My friends I just realized the night before that this little divot in my skull is not in fact a normal everyone has, skulls are werid feeling,

Nope dear me that is not normal threrd likely be a similar thing above or other brow, cause the body's decently symmetrical, see it's above my brow in my hairline, I've been rubbing that thing my whole, though this time I saw it for what it was, as I mapped a line a crack coming from that divot to my brow,

It's damage,

I had already concluded that the now chronic pain that I am in, in my left ribcage, is from that hit,

That my jaw being just slightly off, on the left side is from that hit,

Now seeing this left side head divot, and my memory of turning to look over my right shoulder to see the horse soming at from that side,

I got slammed hard, onto the Rocky ground, by a horse,

And the hospital told my ma not to bring me in,

And before anyone yells at my ma, the reason she listened and didn't bring me in is because they have turned her away before sent her right back out the door, 'you didn't need to come in/bring your kid in for that'

Repeatedly,

For various including very serious need of medical help,

So why pack my injured little body into a car drive me down the dirt road and into the city, only to be turned away and then I would of had to make the return trip with no help,

In fact her not putting my cracked skull through that likely saved my life,

That was when I was 4,

Also I've heard head injury can cause you to lose the ability to thermoregulate, I can't thermoregulate well even now, and ma kept asking them why, why doesn't she feel the cold?

And they said 'she'll grow out of it'

I did not, though it's changed some, so maybe my brained healed some during my mid twenties,

When I was seven I was 'sick' a lot,

I was pretending to be sick because I was being constantly bullied by my teacher,

I couldn't read like, at all, at that age, I'd ask for help she'd yell at me,

I'm not reading the whole thing to you, sound it out!'

This one boy kept trying to help me, he'd read the question and the answers out and let me picked the answer then helped me write it down,

She separated us when she caught on, and would yell at him anytime he slipped over to help me anyway,

So I well hell I was sick, she made me so scared I think it caused me to throw up one mourning while getting ready for school,

So the school said if I was this sickly then my parents needed to take me to the doctor for tests, if they didn't take me the school was going to send child services at us,

So my packed me and my sister the cause of all of this head trouble, down to the hospital,

Where they needed to get my blood, I was scared enough that as she sat down I dissociated so hard I blacked out,

Ma after I explained how I had no idea what happened, that one moment I'm next to her on a bench nurse sitting down and picking up the needle, next I'm screaming and there's these woman above me holding me down passing a needle around, and jamming it in this arm then over to the next arm while clipping my flailing knee with it, then to my wrist the finally I'm let up, and I go limp,

I don't know where I am or how I got here or why these women had just hurt me,

Ma tells me the first nurse tried to use adult sized needle on me, then after not being able to get blood from me after ya know doing it wrong, they sent us a floor up, ma tells me she had no clue that I was blacked out at that point cause I had docilely walked into the elevator and up to the doctor,

At that point the needles came out and I guess even fuge state me was like oh hell no, enough of this crap, and went off,

Took three nurses to hold me down at 7 when I was still really tiny, (I did grow into that strength throughout my teens)

I'm a little proud of that,

They acted like me having pneumonia at 10 wasn't a big deal, I now know that apparently really big deal actually,

Last time I went was before my ma's work would no longer cover my insurance at 26, I gave it one last go, as I knew I likely wouldn't be back to a doctor in a long time as I'm 31 now and still uninsured I'd say I was right,

Still expaing all this the doctor was like hmm, that's werid they should have done more, and then she did nothing herself,

If this is how doctors treat me a white cis woman, whose not noticably queer, and is pretty, and not overly fat

Then how do you think they treat people who aren't those things

[blizabrth]

got to episode 7 of hacks tonight yes i am obsessed with these crazy bitches just tearing into each other as a thinly veiled form of deep emotional intimacy and i will drive off this cliff with this ship thanks 😎

#jay watches hacks #hacks hbo #starts tracking the hacks tag #i need to find a way to totally legally obtain the footage of this show #not just for gif making purposes #but because i need to scream about the vegas shots #like how ava and george were downtown on fremont and then suddenly back on the strip #me just cracking up anytime there is a out of car driving shot and it is like THE STRIP or FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE #the only 2 streets in the city of las vegas

[mymoonagedaydream]

ps, idk what the biker/college bucky story will include but i can throw out the idea of doing the modern day army veteran Bucky as a one shot or something? or whatever you don't include in the series lol

Recluse

Summary: You barely even expected to get a conversation out of Steve’s reclusive roommate, never mind anything more than that.

Pairing: Modern Veteran!Bucky x y/n

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: Language, smut references, references to military service

Author’s Note: You bet your butt I can do that for you anon. This one really got out of hand idk what happened man I couldn’t stop.

---

You’d been living with your friend Sharon for a couple of years now, and it was still going pretty well.

Your ground-floor apartment was very compact, but she was so considerate and easy to get on with, you barely even noticed the lack of space. She cooked for you occasionally, always paid rent on time, even did your laundry without being asked.

You just couldn’t help thinking that things were much more fun when you were both single.

Nothing much had changed in your life, you were still a lone wolf, but she’d been with Steve for almost six months now and you barely ever saw her anymore. 

Most nights you were just left to your own devices, clattering around the apartment like some sad old spinster.

It got to the point where, one Friday when you got home from work, you heard Steve and Sharon talking in the kitchen and got excited at the prospect of just having some company for the evening.

Sharon almost jumped on you as soon as you walked in. ‘Y/n! Are you free tonight?’

‘Yeah, totally, completely. You guys sticking around?’

‘You think he’d ever agree to that?.’

‘We were actually thinking of going out for some drinks. You in?’ You contemplated for a second, not wanting to come across too eager, then gave her an enthusiastic nod.

As she grinned back at you, you saw an idea dawn on her. ‘Steve, you should totally bring Bucky.’

Sharon frowned in resignation. You had no idea who they were talking about, their conversation going completely over your head.

Steve went home to change, leaving you and Sharon with a couple hours to get ready before heading out, so you thought you might as well try to probe a little deeper.

‘Who’s Bucky?’ You asked casually, sitting on her bed, watching her hold dress after dress up to herself in the mirror.  

‘Steve’s roommate.’

‘I didn’t know Steve had a roommate?’

‘I’d be more surprised if you did.’ She turned towards you. ‘In six months I’ve only met him twice.’

Your eyebrows darted up. She spent so much time at Steve’s place, that made no sense at all. 

‘What? Why?’

‘I’m pretty sure he makes a point to avoid people generally.’ She flopped herself down next to you on the bed, her tone lowering to one of deep sincerity. ‘He was in the army with Steve. Apparently he just really struggled to adapt when they got back, collapsed in on himself for a while. I think he’s a mechanic now but Steve is still the only person he really speaks to.’

‘Shit, that’s awful.’

She gave a grim nod and shrugged slightly, before standing back up and starting to get changed. 

You figured you should do the same, shuffling back to your room and finally taking off your work clothes, relieved at the thought of getting out of the apartment for the evening.

Just as you were about to leave, Sharon’s phone pinged.

‘Holy shit.’

‘What?’ You’d never seen her look so shocked. She put her index finger up at you while quickly typing something back. ‘You’re killing me here Sharon, what the hell is going on?’

‘Bucky’s coming.’

---

You managed to find a cramped table in the back of the bar. Sharon made you wait for Steve to arrive before ordering drinks, because for some reason he always insisted on buying the first round.

About ten minutes after you arrived, she glanced over to the door, grinned and waved her hand above her head. Following her gaze, you saw Steve pushing through the crowd, followed closely by a statuesque, tower of a man.

Studying him intently as he approached, you noticed how visibly uncomfortable he was, his jaw clenched tight and his hands folded into slowly whitening fists. You let your eyes dance over his huge shoulders and wide chest, feeling your stomach flip a little as he got closer.

‘Hey guys. Sharon, you remember Buck?’ Steve gave his friend a proud pat on the shoulder. Sharon nodded and grinned at Bucky, getting only a short, tight smile in return. ‘And this is y/n.’

Looking up to his face, his sharp blue eyes briefly met yours, prompting you to quickly avert your gaze. He looked tense enough without you gawping at him.

‘Nice to meet you.’ You adopted the friendliest tone possible, doing your best to put him at ease.

Steve went to grab some drinks and Sharon volunteered to help him, leaving you at the table with Bucky, bracing yourself for some intensely awkward small talk.

‘So, you’re a mechanic?’ He nodded. ‘Do you enjoy it?’ Another nod.

Alright, he obviously wasn’t in the mood for chatting. 

Christ. If you didn’t break free from this spinster shit soon, that’s exactly where you’d end up.

You didn’t want to force it if he wasn’t comfortable, you could happily sit in silence if that’s what he’d prefer.

You moved your eyes to scan the room, eventually landing on an older woman propping herself up at the bar, downing martinis, eyeing up young men and wobbling on her insanely high heels.

‘What do you do?’

It was barely a mumble, you hardly heard it over the bar’s background music. 

Your eyes returned to Bucky’s face, meeting his hesitant gaze.

‘I work in HR, so boring admin stuff mainly.’ He nodded slightly, his eyes flicking nervously between the table and your face. ‘But occasionally I get to use the shredder, which is pretty rad.’

He cracked a brief smile, the sight of it giving you a wave of goosebumps. ‘Sounds thrilling.’

‘I’ve never been here before, have you?’ You were determined to keep this conversation going, especially if there was a chance that you’d be able to make him smile again.

‘No. I haven’t been to any bars recently.’

‘You’ve got quite a bit of catching up to do then.’

Resting your head on your hand, you gave him a mischievous smirk, and felt a little smug as you noticed his shoulders relax slightly and the corners of his mouth curl upwards.

Hours passed, the bar called last orders, and the four of you traipsed out to begin walking home.

Then Steve and Sharon came back with the drinks, pretty effectively ruining the moment you’d been setting up.

Bucky went quiet again, keeping to himself for most of the evening, only speaking when spoken to. You felt his gaze fall on you occasionally, but each time you tried to meet his eyes they were quickly averted.

‘Oh hey, I forgot to ask.’ Steve gestured towards you. ‘Sharon said you went to visit your parents last weekend? How was that?’

‘I couldn’t go in the end, my car's fucked. It’s my own fault, everyday there was a new rattling sound but just ignored it.’

‘I’ll take a look at it.’ Your eyes snapped over to Bucky, a little shocked at how enthusiastically he’d come out with that. ‘If you want.’

You gave him a wide smile. ‘Wow, yeah, that’d be amazing. Thank you.’

---

A few days later, you were faced with another evening alone while Sharon was at Steve’s.

You unenthusiastically pulled a ready meal out of the fridge and poked some holes in the plastic, shoving it in the microwave and reaching for the half-empty bottle of wine on the counter.

‘Hi. Sorry. I was coming this way and Sharon said you’d be in, I thought I could take a look at your car?’

Just as you went to grab a glass out of the cupboard, you were stopped by a faint knock at the front door.

Shuffling over and yanking it open, you saw Bucky standing on your doorstep, looking just as uncomfortable as he did walking into that bar.

You were a little embarrassed that he’d caught in your pyjamas at 6:30, but that feeling was hugely outweighed with how pleased you were to see him.

‘Yeah, great.’ You gave him a warm smile. ‘I’ll just grab my keys.’

You found your gaze pretty quickly drawn to his arms, propping him up as he leant over the machinery like thick, hefty tree trunks. It was amazing how entranced you were by them, but considering how long it’d been since you’d even brushed past an attractive male, it made sense. God the things you’d let him do, if he-

You slipped on your shoes and led him over to the rustbucket, badly parked on the street outside. He flicked open the bonnet and immediately started tinkering.

You had less than no idea what was happening, but it looked very impressive.

‘Could you start it up?’ His deep voice pulled you out of your hazy fantasies.

‘Hmm? Oh, yeah.’

You tried your best to hide how flustered you were as you climbed into the driver's seat and turned the key. An intense rattling started, which he listened to for a second before signalling for you to turn it off and closing the bonnet.

‘You were right, it needs a lot of work. It’s definitely not safe to drive.’

‘Shit, stuck with the bus then.’ You sighed and climbed out, slamming the door behind you. ‘Thank you so much, you really didn’t have to do this. I appreciate it.’

‘Anytime.’ He smiled politely, taking a couple steps backwards before turning, dropping his head and starting to walk away.

‘You can come in for a drink if you want?’ You called after him, a little shocked at your boldness but not at all mad about it. He spun round. ‘It’s the least I can do.’

He took a sip and turned himself slightly to face you. ‘Look, if you bring your car to the shop where I work, I can probably keep the price down.’

His polite smile evolved into a wide grin as he nodded, following you inside.

You grabbed him a beer from the fridge and gestured for him to join you on the couch, smiling to yourself at how nervous he seemed as he balanced himself right on the edge of the seat.

‘Are you sure?’ He nodded. ‘That's so nice, you barely even know me.’

He looked a little sheepish at that, scurrying around for his words. ‘Sharon was pretty keen for me to come take a look, it’s probably best to keep Steve’s girlfriend on side, y’know.’

‘Oh I do know, Sharon can be terrifying.’ You both chuckled as Bucky edged back, settling himself into the couch a little more. ‘So you and Steve met in the army?’

‘We’ve been friends since we were kids, we signed up together.’

‘That’s nice.’ You tilted your head at him, deciding to take a slight gamble on your next question. ‘Do you miss it?’

He fixed his eyes on the ground and faintly shook his head, nervously starting to pick at the label on his bottle.

Shit, you really didn’t mean to make him uncomfortable, you were just curious.

A swift subject change remedied the situation somewhat, and after a while you sensed him beginning to relax again.

You finished off your glass of wine and checked your phone, your hand shooting up to your forehead in shock when you saw that it was close to midnight.

Over the next couple hours he slowly came out of his shell even further, eventually chatting and laughing with you like you were his good friend. The two of you unconsciously edged towards each other throughout the evening, ending up face to face with legs folded up on the couch, as close as you could get without touching.

‘Shit, I have work tomorrow.’

‘I’m really sorry.’ He put his bottle on the coffee table and stood up quickly. ‘I didn’t mean to keep you up.’

‘Oh you don’t have to apologise, it’s not your fault. I had a really nice evening.’

‘Me too.’ He smiled and buried his hands in his pockets, following you to the front door. ‘I’m working every day this week, you can come in whenever.’

‘Friday would be great? I have the day off.’

‘See you then.’

You watched him disappear down the street, feeling your limbs tingle with excitement at the prospect of seeing him again so soon.

---

You usually used your days off to sleep in till midday, but on Friday the tow truck showed up at 7am to take your car to the shop. You didn’t even get up that early on workdays. A pint of coffee was barely enough to keep you from passing out on the ride there.

He eventually noticed you stood there, staring, and your face immediately heated up as he approached.

You hurried inside the garage, scanning the room and eventually spotting Bucky underneath a hoisted truck, reaching up to work on it. His arms were glistening with oil and sweat and his shirt was riding up, exposing the faint trail of hair starting underneath his bellybutton.

Lord in heaven, what a view.

‘Sorry, didn’t want to interrupt.’

‘That’s alright.’ He pulled a dirty rag out of his pocket and roughly wiped his hands. ‘Did you bring the deathtrap?’

‘Yep, just outside.’

‘It’s gonna be a while. I finish at four, d’you wanna come back then?’

‘Sure.’

You walked up the driveway ten minutes early, which you thought was reasonable, and asked the very intimidating guy out front for Bucky. He just eyed you up and down and gestured vaguely to the side of the building.

On the way home you kept accidentally walking into roads, your mind completely occupied with Bucky’s midriff.

The whole day dragged. In your boredom you ended up leaving for the garage about an hour too early, meaning you had to loiter in an off-license, probably looking like you were shoplifting.

Turning the corner, you were met with a pretty impressive, cinematic wide shot of Bucky’s arse as he was leaning over the inside of your bonnet.

You should probably say something. Tell him you were there. Say hello.

Yeah, probably should.

Yeaaah.

You sighed and reluctantly shuffled towards the car.

‘How’s it-’ Bucky jumped and whacked his head against the propped-up bonnet. ‘Fuck! I’m so sorry, are you alright?’

He smiled at you, standing up and rubbing the back of his head. ‘Yeah, all good. Happens all the time.’

‘Oh, really? In that case you might want to consider a career change, could end up with some permanent damage.’ Chuckling, he reached up and slammed the bonnet with one powerful movement. ‘How’s it looking?’

‘Not bad. Want to take it for a spin?’

‘Sure.’ He held up the keys and you grabbed them out of his hand, excitedly hopping in the driver’s seat while he walked around and got in the passenger side. ‘You coming?’

‘Can’t just let you drive off without paying, you might never come back.’

You shot him a wide smile as you fired up the engine, amazed at how smooth it sounded, and pulled away from the garage.

‘I can’t believe it, it didn’t even run this good when I first got it.’ He smirked a little and nodded. ‘Thank you, Buck.’

You were already in the outskirts of the city, so you decided to drive out into the sticks a little, eventually pulling up into a dusty layby on a narrow side road.

Glancing to your side, you saw that Bucky was struggling not to look very pleased with himself.

As he began stroking his thumb along your knuckles, he cautiously pulled his gaze up to your face, looking at you like you’d just told him he’d won the lottery.

His hands were resting on his thighs and, almost unconsciously, you reached out to grab the one closest to you and squeeze it lightly.

He stared down at it for a few seconds, eventually turning his hand over and squeezing back.

You could barely even remember what happened next. You remember the back of your neck tingling, your stomach tightening almost to the point of becoming painful, the feeling of Bucky’s rough, calloused hand against your cheek and the way your heart jumped when he leaned towards you and pressed his mouth against yours.

Eventually pulling away, he buried his face in your neck, planting short kisses along your jawline between laboured breaths. You pushed his head back against the seat and pressed your forehead to his, closing your eyes and letting your hands dance down his chest.

It was slow and tender at first, but it quickly picked up, becoming feverish and passionate.

He threw his arms around your waist and roughly pulled you over onto his lap, holding you so tight to his chest that you couldn’t tell whose heart you could feel thumping like a steam engine.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve done that.’ He sighed, bringing a hand up to bury itself in your hair.

‘Me too.’ Your mouth curled into a smile. ‘It’s been even longer for other stuff.’

Melting into each other in a cacophony of limbs and flesh and tearing clothes, both of you eventually found the release you so desperately needed. 

There was a loaded silence, you opened your eyes to see Bucky staring at you intently, wearing an expression that made your toes curl.

You dived clumsily into the backseat and pulled him after you, giggling as you both adjusted yourselves, trying to get even slightly comfortable in such a tight space.

And both of you did all you could to savour the feeling of finally having someone to hold close.

---

#bucky #bucky x reader #bucky x you #bucky x y/n #bucky fanfic #bucky fic #bucky fanfiction #bucky fluff #bucky imagine #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes fic #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes imagine #veteran!bucky #veteran bucky

[peachys-archived-posts]

Drop Back By

Summary: A magnet for trouble in the state of Jersey plans to steal something from a big event, Lupin and his gang have already began to steal it, and Jigen doesn't plan on letting you get in his way or hurt.

Warning: minor violence

My AO3

You were a local thief in the state of Jersey, you'd never been caught before but you sure had close encounters with other thieves. Getting out of trouble unscathed was rare, they were brutal, all of them. Tonight would be different this time, you would make sure it was, yet a feeling of unease settled in when the party was really about to get started.

The host spoke over the microphone, everyone around you smiling, clapping, hooting, and hollering, and over all of the commotion, your attention was focused on the itch between your shoulder blades. You looked around in search of any peering eyes from the neighboring tables, yet, you saw no one.

Trying to ignore the feeling, you listened in on the speech, and cheered along with everyone else.

Jigen leaned against the wall, a hand in his pocket and the other raising the cold bourbon to his lips, watching you closely. He noticed you glancing around, obvious discomfort on your face, you never seemed to spot him though. This didn't surprise him as you were no expert of course.

The piece in his ear crackled to life, snapping him from his daze.

"Do you have a clear visual?" Lupin asked.

"Yeah-" Jigen froze, his eyes scanning the table you had just been at, he moved closer. The white fabric is stained with the wine offered at the bar, his head snapped in the direction of muffled cries.

Your hands pulled and scraped at the hand around your mouth, the firm arm around your waist preventing you from making a move to escape. You struggled against them, your muffled screams seeming to have caught the attention of one specific person.

Jigen grabbed his gun from it's holster, firing at your captor. A few shots in and they fall to the ground, scrambling away from where they dropped you.

Screams rang out and the power cut, it was hectic trying to even stand. You couldn't see the hundreds of feet thundering by, leaving you stranded on the floor, you weren't even sure how visible you were to anyone else.

Jigen's vision adjusted, allowing him to have a clear run at you. Running to you, he linked his arm under yours and pulled you up to your feet.

"Are you okay?!" He yelled over the shouting. The piece in his ear made it even harder to hear what you were saying, frustration began to rise. "I'm okay, thank you!" You yelled back.

Jigen's hand slid from your bicep to the palm of your hand, tugging you towards Lupin. He snatched out the earpiece and threw it to the ground.

He butted open a door and pulled you close behind him and you ran. Black figures further down the hallway blocked your way, "Get down!" Jigen yelled at you.

Letting your hand slip from his, you tumbled and rolled out of range of the other thieves. Jigen wasted no time in dropping them one by one, right after the other. As you watched from the sidelines in awe, you were grasped harshly around the arm.

Panicked, you pulled your pistol from it's holster and slammed it against your "to be" captors head. Groaning in pain they released your arm to clutch their head.

"C'mon, there's more coming!" Jigen warned, offering you a hand. Gladly taking it, he heaved you up and the two of you set back off down the hallway. Men shouted from behind as you ran, having to slow down at the next turn so as to not bust your ass.

The door at the end of the hallway was thrown open by a gentleman in a red jacket, he ushered both you and Jigen in. Turning on his heel, Jigen fired the last few shots towards the rest of them, Lupin rushing to slam the door shut tight.

Running over to behind him you grabbed the back of the bookshelves.

"Move!" You ordered.

Jigen and Lupin obeyed, watched you throw the book case down, blocking the door. Your chest heaved, the faint ache in your legs just telling you how much more you needed to do. This job was nothing for the lazy, but in fact the opposite.

"You guys okay?" Lupin asked. You turned to face him, he stood beside Jigen with a concerned look on his face. "Yeah, I'm okay." You responded. Jigen nodded, "Out of breath,"

Lupin nodded, turning towards a locker in the corner of the room, he pulled a duffle full of stuff out and zipped it up.

"Lupin, are you fine here by yourself?" Jigen asked his partner. Lupin looked at him with a cocky grin. "Of course,"

Jigen turned to you. "C'mon, I'll take you home." He offered.

Jigen opened the exit to the back of the building, stepping to the side to allow you to leave first. Nodding your head, you thanked him quietly. The door clicked shut behind you and he took the lead, tugging keys out of his pocket as he walked. He stopped at a yellow soft-top Mercedes, climbing into the passenger seat, you laid your head back, taking in a shaky breath.

The engine rumbled to life, Jigen reached over, shuting his door. Reaching up and adjusting the rear view, he also reaches towards the dash and presses a button. The soft-top slowly raised above your head, clicking into place.

"Pass me a cigarette will you?" Jigen outstretched his hand for you to pass him a cig. You reached forward and grabbed one from the pile on the dash. "Thank you," He grabbed it from your hand, bringing it to his lips and lighting it.

You couldn't help but stare out the window in thought, the night started out just fine and then it went to shit. The fact that it all happened so fast still shocked you.

"What's your name?" You asked.

Jigen looked over at you, his hat covering his eyes. "Jigen."

Putting the car in drive, he looked at you. "What's your address?" He asked.

You gave him your address and silence filtered over the two of you. There were questions left unanswered that you wanted to know.

"Why?" You pondered aloud. "Why did you do what you did, Jigen?" You asked.

Jigen took the cigarette from his mouth, flicking the ash out the cracked window. "Because, you have a reputation for attracting trouble, and we didn't plan on letting that intervene." He said.

Harsh, but at least it wasn't a lie.

"What about those other guys? Do you know why they were after me?" You asked.

Jigen hummed. "No, I figured you already knew." He explained.

"Oh,"

Looking away from him and out the window you leaned against the glass, closing your eyes. It wasn't long before Jigen was nudging you to conscience. "We're here."

You lifted your head from the window, a light blush spreading across your cheeks. You must have fallen asleep on the way here without realizing. Gathering whatever stuff you may have laid about, you opened the car door and closed it behind you. As you walked to his door, Jigen rolled the window down.

"I just wanted to say, thank you for tonight. If not for you, I wouldn't be coming home at all."

Jigen smiled, lowering the brim of his hat to cover his smile.

"You're welcome, it was no trouble at all." Jigen admitted.

A quiet beat skipped by, you spoke again. "If you're ever coming back through Jersey anytime soon please, feel free to drop by, my door is always open to you and your friends."

Jigen lowered his hat even more. "Of course, I'll let Lupin know if we ever decide to drop back by."

You smiled gently, reaching in and grabbing his hand, you encased it with your own.

"Stay safe,"

You let go of his hand before standing up and giving him a wave from your porch. Waving, Jigen honked the horn and just like that he was gone. Even though your mission was unsuccessful, you were glad that you made it home okay. You could probably learn a couple things from their group if they ever actually did come by.

#lupin the third #jigen daisuke #lupin iii #lupin the third x reader #jigen daisuke x reader #goemon ishikawa xiii #lupin iii x reader

[yikesharringrove]

Steveikes to think he can hold his own in the bedroom with billy but as soon as Billy’s starts with his particularly nasty brand of dirty talk, calling his ass a pussy and a cunt, talking about how he wants to keep Steve in his bed open and ready for him 24/7, how he wants to fuck him over the hood of the camaro or have Steve ride him while he’s speeding down the highways,,, yeah Steve goes dumb with it, eyes rolling to the back of his head as he lets out a long and loud groan, mind racing with all the filthy shit billy keeps feeding him with

Steve’s never had any complaints.

The people he’s slept with have always been well and truly sated.

He likes taking care of his partners, making sure they finished, that they felt good and comfortable.

He loves pleasuring his partners, sucking dick or eating pussy, making them feel good.

So it’s not that he thinks he’s some sex god or something like that, but he’d definitely say he’s not bad.

And he figures going into it with Billy, he’d stand a chance. Get to share in the give and take that Steve’s sex life almost always is.

And that holds up the first few times they have sex. When kinks haven’t really come out to play yet.

Billy’s good. His stroke came is not to be doubted, and his cock is nice, thick and heavy. Makes Steve feel so good.

Plus, like, he’s really great to look at.

So yeah, Steve’s having a good time. Participating fully in sex.

Until one night.

After a party at Stacey Adams’ house.

They’re both a little crossed, and Steve feels loose, feels good, Billy on top of him, lazily kissing his neck.

He’s coherent, and in his body.

Until Billy takes his wrists, presses them in one hand to the pillow above Steve’s head.

And pins him down, using all that bulky muscle to keep Steve just where he wants him.

And Steve’s not a small guy.

But he’s never felt more little, more meek and overpowered as he felt in that moment.

And Billy leaned forward, biting harshly on his neck before muttering in his ear, his breath hot against Steve’s skin.

“Can’t wait to get into that little cunt ‘a yours. Gonna destroy that pussy and make you beg for more.”

And Steve has never moaned so fucking loud before.

His eyes practically rolled back, his body arching closer to Billy’s, his shoulders straining from where his hands are still pinned above his head.

Because fuck. That’s new.

The dirty talk, the cunt mention, the begging.

And Steve wants it. He wants Billy to take him as hard as he can, to make him feel full and fucking good, to open up his hole and tell him what a nice pussy he has.

He just has the overwhelming urge to make Billy feel good.

Not in the way he usually does, to carefully and expertly pleasure his partner.

He wants Billy to use his body anyway he wants to get off. He wants him to take and take and take, to make Steve oversensitive and incoherent. He wants Billy to call the shots. To take control.

Fuck, he wants to be dominated.

Billy had one hand holding both of Steve’s wrists above his head, the other hand was sloppily pouring lube between Steve’s spread legs, making it drip coldly down his balls, run along his crack.

It was sloppy, and Billy grinned when he tossed the lube away, pressing one hand down to feel over Steve’s hole, purring in his ear.

“You’re so wet for me. This get you goin’? When I hold you down like a bitch? That what makes your cunt drip?”

It was gross, and so very hot.

Steve doesn’t think he’s ever spoken to a girl like this. He’s pretty sure this is demeaning. And maybe that’s what makes it so good, the pure humiliation of it all.

“Tell me what you want, Sugar. Beg for it.”

Steve didn’t even have to think, Billy’s fingers gently circling his rim making him crazy and needy.

“Want you to finger me open, get me loose enough for your cock. Want you to fuck me hard. Fuck m-my, my pussy.”

His face burned, and his cock kicked, spitting precum over his stomach. Billy grinned. He pushed one thick finger forward, and Steve moaned loudly at the intrusion, the sweet pressure as he opened up for Billy.

“God, you’re so easy. Such a fucking slut. Don’t know how your pussy stays so tight, the way you gag for cock. Maybe I should just keep you nice and open then, what do you think? Tie you up in this bed, keep you plugged up and loose for me to use anytime I want. Nothing but a cocksleeve for me.”

“Yes, Billy, fuck. I want that. I want you to use me.”

Billy drew his finger out, pressing two in at once, pushing them in and spreading them open, making Steve’s toes curl.

“What will you let me do, Stevie? Let me fuck you in public? Bend you right over my car and take you in front of the whole fuckin’ town?”

“God, yeah. Show everyone what a whore I am for you.”

It was making Steve so goddamn hard, calling himself a whore. Being taken by one by now three of Billy’s fingers. Picturing himself being claimed, being fucked, in broad fucking daylight.

And then Billy’s fingers were gone, and Steve actually fucking whined.

“Really, Baby? You want my cock that bad?”

All Steve could muster was a pathetic little mmn-hmmn in confirmation.

Billy reached down to slick up his cock, sliding it along the excess lube all over Steve.

One little adjustment, and the blunt head of his dick was pushing against Steve’s hole, just teasing him, barely even breaching his rim.

Billy leaned forward over him, and Steve thought he was going in for a kiss, let his eyes flutter closed.

And something wet hit his cheek as Billy thrust forward, ramming his cock inside Steve the exact same moment he spat on him.

Steve cried out, his mind going blank as he writhed, back arching off the bed, shoulders flexing as Billy still held his arms over his head.

Billy was fucking him brutally, knocking the wind out of Steve with every buck of his hips.

It felt like Billy was everywhere, and Steve was just a drooling fucking mess, barely even registering the words coming out of Billy’s mouth.

“-filthy fucking slut. Just a wet hole for me to use. Don’t even give a fuck if you finish, just gonna fill your cunt with my cum, watch it drip outta you like some brain dead little bitch.”

It was so hot.

“B-Billy, feels so fu-ucking good,” Steve could barely get the words out as Billy rammed his cock in and out of him, stretching him so wide it was bordering on painful.

“Your little pussy’s so tight for me. So fucking wet, you’re makin’ a mess of the fucking bed. What’s Stacey gonna think? When she comes in here after the party and finds the sheets ruined. You think she’s gonna know? Know that it was King Steve who got sloppy enough to leave a goddamn puddle? Know that it was me who got you on your back? Stuffed my cock so far up your sweet cunt you won’t be able to sit tomorrow?”

“I-I want her to know. Want everyone to know.”

“To know what?”

“That I’m, you make me-I’m your slut. Want everyone to know how, how good you fuck me. And how w-wet my pussy gets for you,” Steve stuttered out, his cheeks burning.

And then the pressure on his wrists were gone, and all of a sudden Billy’s fist was closing tightly around Steve’s cock, stroking him in time with his rough thrusts.

“Should drive through town with you squirming on my cock.  Roll down the windows, blast the radio, and let everyone see what a mess you turn into for my dick inside you.”

Billy gave one final tug, and Steve nearly screamed, his entire body going tight as he came all over them, covering himself and Billy with his cum.

He felt exhausted after, boneless and absolutely fucking ruined.

But Billy kept going, still fucking into Steve just as rough, just as brutal, getting himself off.

“That’s right, Sugar. Just lie back and let me take care of myself. Just use your fuckhole to finish off and leave you so sloppy and wet.”

And he did just that, bucking a few more times against Steve, sucking a punishing hickey onto Steve’s neck, no doubt leaving a huge mark Steve would probably whine about tomorrow.

He pulled out of Steve, sitting back on his heels to watch as his own spunk dripping slowly and beautifully out of Steve’s hole, puffy and pink and abused.

He pressed a kiss to the inside of Steve’s knee, the music from the party thumping away through the walls of the random bedroom.

Billy helped Steve stand up, pulling his underwear and jeans up and on for him, even buckling his belt, planting another kiss to Steve’s belly.

Steve felt loose, felt tired and fucked out. He felt fucking amazing.

“How was that?” Billy felt more on the nervous side.

Steve had gone along with everything Billy was talking about, had even cum harder than Billy’s ever seen, but he’s not sure.

“So fucking good, Bill. Gonna make you do that again someday soon.

Billy grinned at him as he zipped up his fly, pulling his shirt back on over his shoulders.

“‘Course, Baby. Gotta treat my princess right.”

Steve smiled at him softly, and they leaned in together for one last kiss before finding their ways out of the bedroom, leaving at different times, hoping not to draw any suspicious attention to themselves.

Steve caught Billy’s eye from across the living room several minutes later, raising one eyebrow and jerking his head towards the front door. Billy nodded once, their signal for leaving the party and heading back to Steve’s for the night.

Billy got in his car, following Steve home from a distance, hoping with his whole heart that Steve still had some of his cum left in him, some that Billy could use his fingers to fuck in and out of Steve before only adding to the load.

#yikes writes #lemons #steve harrington #billy hargrove #harringrove

[deanstead]

I’ll Always Find You

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Warnings: mention of injury, mention of blood, slight swearing

*gif not mine*

A/N: In the middle of exams, but I had this in drafts for a week so I’m just gonna post it, sorry for any mistakes.... but i hope you guys like it!

-------

I looked around the forest, my ears pricked for any sound that might signal another presence, human or otherwise.

Somehow, I had gotten separated from both Sam and Dean, in the middle of the night, in the middle of a forest, with at least one werewolf on the loose. Great. I was also pretty sure I was lost. Double great.

I bit my tongue, trying to stop myself from instinctively calling out their names. I needed to be as inconspicuous as possible and hopefully catch the werewolf by surprise, rather than the other way around.

I stumbled through the forest, gripping my gun tightly when I heard a rustling to my right. Without hesitating, I sprinted in the opposite direction, trying to make as little sound as possible, sidestepping a bear trap and rolling myself behind a tree.

My back against the tree, I pulled myself to a standing position and held my breath as the footsteps came closer, closer…

I pulled out my gun, cocking it and pushed it into the face of…

“Dean?”

I quickly retracted my gun as he let out a sigh of relief. “Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes scanning my body for any visible injuries.

“Yeah, I didn’t meet any…thing. Where’s Sam?”

Before Dean could answer me, we heard a growl and turned around, scanning the area around us. It was impossible to ascertain where the growl had come from as our eyes darted back and forth.

He jumped out straight at Dean.

“Dean!” I shouted, pushing him aside, the werewolf narrowly missing his neck but earning me a gash on my cheek. Before I could react, another werewolf pounced out of the darkness, pushing me against the ground. I groaned as my head hit the forest floor and stars danced in front of my eyes. I could feel its rancid breath on my face as it bared its teeth in my face.

“Y/N!” I heard Dean shout but I couldn’t tell if he had the upper hand on the second werewolf that he was now wrestling with.

The werewolf pressed harder on my shoulder and I heard a sickening crack before I felt it, crying out in pain. Garnering as much strength as I could from my weakened arm, I positioned my gun upwards and pressed the trigger, the silver bullet shooting into his abdomen. He recoiled in pain before I raised my head off the ground and pressed the trigger again, the bullet shooting straight into his heart.

“Dean!” Sam’s voice rang out as I heard two gunshots go off.

I fell back to the ground, pretty sure my shoulder was dislocated, if not broken.

“About time, Sam.” I groaned.

Dean pushed the dead werewolf off him, his eyes darting to me as he scrambled upwards. Probably taking advantage of the fact I was still on the ground, another werewolf then leaped out of the darkness. We barely had time to register its presence before his claws closed around my neck, a look of rage on his face.

At this rate, he was going to crush my windpipe.

“Hey, asshole!” Dean’s voice rang out. The werewolf swung his head around as Dean fired his gun straight at its head.

The werewolf collapsed on top of me. By now, my whole body felt like I had been rammed by a truck.

“Y/N!” Dean was by my side in an instant, pushing the werewolf off me and trying to assess my injuries.

“Let’s get out of here first.” Sam lowered his voice, in case there were anymore of the pack lurking around.

“Come on.” Dean helped me up and I winced, biting my lower lip so as not to cry out. Dean glanced at me, it was almost as if he could tell how much pain I was really in.

“You okay?” he asked, his eyes scanning my face.

I smiled back at him. “I’ll live.”

“Not funny.” Dean shot back as his arm snaked around my waist pulling me closer to support me as we found our way back to the Impala.

We were closer to the Impala than I had imagined and I sighed with relief as Sam opened the back door and Dean gently helped me in.

“Let’s just get back to the motel, yeah?” Dean’s eyes looked me over with concern. I smiled and nodded, leaning my head back against the leather seat as they clambered into the car and we took off away from the forest.

The drive back to the motel seemed longer than it was on the drive here. The road wasn’t smooth either and I winced every time the Impala went over a bump. I tried not to make any sound so that they wouldn’t know how much pain I was really in but I didn’t manage to hold back a whimper when the Impala went over a particularly large one. Dean’s eyes flicked to me in his rearview mirror.

“Sorry sweetheart, we’re almost there.”

I nodded back at him, forcing a smile. “I’m fine.” I muttered, trying not to move at all. The gash on my face was starting to throb.

I closed my eyes and the next thing I knew Dean was coaxing me out of the fog in my brain.

“Y/N? We’re here.”

I groggily opened my eyes to meet Dean’s green ones. “Heya sweetheart.” He smiled at me. “Can you get up?”

I frowned as my head throbbed. “Dean…”

“It’s okay, I got you.” He whispered, scooping me up easily in his arms. I let out another involuntary whimper as he jostled my shoulder. “Sorry.”

I smiled. “I’m fine, you and Sam just need to fix me up.”

Sam pushed open the motel door as Dean carried me in sitting me gently on the bed. “Dean, honestly, I didn’t even hurt my leg. I could have walked.”

Dean rolled his eyes, pulling a chair closer so that he could look at the gash on my face and examine my shoulder. Sam looked uncertainly at me.

“Dean, I can pop your shoulder back anytime but…”

I rolled my eyes. “I’ll be fine Sam. Let’s just get it over with.”

Dean looked worried but came to face me, unclenching my fist and putting my hand in his. “Just focus on me, sweetheart.” He whispered and I trained my gaze on his bright green ones, gritting my teeth. In a sudden motion, Sam pushed, popping my shoulder back in place. I let out an involuntary cry, my hand squeezing Dean’s, glad that he was already holding mine.

“Sorry.”

I flashed a smile at him. “Thanks Sam.”

“You okay?” I nodded and Dean moved back to where Sam had been, grabbing the medical kit. “Let me just dress this wound okay?”

I gritted my teeth and Dean managed to clean my wound up without me squirming too much. I sighed when he finally finished. “You feeling okay?” he asked me, pushing my hair gently out of my face.

I nodded, “I just need to get some sleep.”

When we were finally ready to get some rest after the exhausting hunt, I cuddled closer to Dean, making sure not to lie on my wound. “Thanks Dean.” I whispered.

Dean pulled me even closer, running his fingers through my hair, “For what?”

“Finding me.” I whispered back. Dean glanced down at me. I smiled. “It’s a bit embarrassing…” I paused and Dean put a finger under my chin and angled my face up towards him.

“I was… kind of scared before… when I was separated from you guys… If the werewolves had found me before you showed up…”

Placing a gentle kiss on my forehead, he sighed. “I’ll always find you, no matter what but…” he paused. “Don’t make disappearing on me a habit.”

I chuckled and moved in even closer, laying my head on his chest.

“Sleep, sweetheart. It’s been a long day.”

I smiled against him and fell asleep in the safest place I could ever be.  

 ------

Dean Tag List:

@akshi8278​

#fanfiction #fanfic #oneshot #drabble #supernatural #spn #supernatural fanfiction #spn fanfiction #supernatural fanfic #spn fanfic #dean x reader #dean x you #dean x y/n #dean winchester x reader #dean winchester x you #dean winchester x y/n

[foggynelsonsblog]

Comfort

Ralvez one shot, tw ptss mention, fireworks, fourth of july, anxiety (ps i dont have ptss so im sorry if I’m not good at writing this part of Luke)

This time of year was always hard for Luke, ever since he left the rangers fireworks would always make him anxious, he hated how loud they were, and to make matters worse Roxy was just as scared of them, she would always hide under the bed.

Luke looked over at the clock on the counter. 8:00 the fireworks would be starting soon. With a sigh he sat down on the couch Roxy whined and sat between his legs, her head on his knee. “I know girl, its okay.” Luke thought over the people he could call, reminding himself that he had the bau team now, he wasn’t alone. He remembered that the girls were all going out to drink, Rossi was going to be with his family and Matt would be doing the same. That left..Spencer. Spencer was probably doing something interesting or already out, but after thinking about it more he realized the fireworks probably bothered him just as much..should he call the younger? No, if the fireworks did bother Spencer as well the genius probably had a plan to deal with them, he didn’t want to interrupt that. When the first loud firework went off Roxy went running, skidding into the bedroom and hiding under the bed. Luke sighed and soon followed he grabbed some headphones and laid down on his bed, but they weren’t the noise canceling ones like he had gotten for Spencer a few weeks ago. As they got louder Luke began to sweat, his heart beat faster in his chest and he felt sick. An hour passed and his condition only got worse, it was way darker now so the fireworks lit up the sky even better, loud music blasted from neighboring buildings, he was about to head to the bathroom to try and calm himself with a warm bath when he heard a rather rapid knocking at the door.

Spencer had been struggling himself, usually he would’ve gone to Morgan’s and they would’ve watched a movie, but he had a family now, and while he did get an invitation to the party, he knew he couldn’t go, it would only stress him out more. He also knew the girls were going out for the night so he couldn’t bother them, Even though Hotch wasn’t still in witsec, he deserved time with Jack. Matt and Rossi were with their families, the only person he was unsure of was Luke. Luke had always been kind to him, protecting him against unwanted glances when people would try and stare at him while he stimmed, Garcia was convinced Luke had a crush on him but Spencer wasn’t so sure. Though, he did seem to give a lot of unprompted gifts, not that he was complaining, they all helped a lot. His favorite was a weighted blanket, that he admittedly hasn’t washed since he got it..since it still smelled like Luke from the time they shared it on the jet. It was 10 pm now and the fireworks weren’t coming to an end anytime soon, he had tried to cure his anxiety by hiding himself under the weight blanket but it only made him all hot and sweaty. After a long moment of contemplation he decided to give Luke a visit. ((Of course taking a shower first.)) Once he was all clean and dressed he packed up his headphones, a few stim toys, a book or two and of course his weighted blanket. If Luke wasn’t home he could drive out somewhere far away and not have to worry about the noises. But, to Spencer’s surprise the door opened, and Luke looked just about as disheveled as Spencer had before he took a shower, they both stared at each other with a silent understanding. “I-I um, I was thinking of driving out to the country side..you wanna come?” Spencer asked hesitantly.

When Luke saw who was at his door he breathed a sigh of relief and opened it, immediately understanding what the younger was going through. Though before he could say anything Spencer offered him an idea, they both desperately needed. “Yeah- yeah definitely just let me get Roxy.” Luke gave a stiff nod. It took a bit of convincing with a treat but Luke got Roxy to come out, he wrapped his arms around her and carried her down to his car, since it was more fit for a dog. Spencer got into the passenger’s seat and looked over at Luke, he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words, so after a little bit of thinking he laid his head in Lukes lap, hoping the weight would calm him. Luke was a bit surprised by the gesture, but it warmed his heart nonetheless, he always wanted an excuse to play with Spencer’s hair and now he had one. God, Spencer’s hair was even softer than Luke thought possible, it greatly calmed him as they drove, enough though his free hand was gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

It took them about forty five minutes to reach a nice quiet open field, neither of them had spoken throughout the drive, instead focusing on their own anxieties and trying not to freak out on the other. When Luke parked Spencer sat up and reached into his bag. Luke watched him curiously then understood when Spencer pulled out a blanket and some stim toys. “Do you want to sit ontop of the car?” Spencer asked and Luke nodded with a smile, the two got out and with a little boost from Luke Spencer got up and spread the blanket out. “Do..you want to talk about it?” Spencer asked hesitantly though he figured it was from the rangers, so he wasn’t surprised when Luke shook his head, however what did surprise him was how Luke pulled him closer, wrapping his strong protective arms around Spencer’s frame. “Is this okay?” Luke asked in that quiet husky voice that made Spencer want to squirm. “Y-Yeah!” His voice cracked. Of course it did. However Luke didn’t comment on it, he didn’t even tease him, that made Spencer feel considerably safer. “Did you know about 1.5 billion is spent on fireworks each year?” Spencer looked up at Luke who was staring at the empty sky, obviously happy to get away from them. “That’s interesting Genio.” Luke looked down at him and their eyes met. Spencer suddenly felt very unsure of himself, but he wanted to test the waters. “Do you know how many germs are passed with handshakes? Its actually safer to ki-“ Luke stopped him, getting incredibly close to his face. “Let’s test that out then Genio,” he leaned in and connected their lips, smiling when he felt Spencer melt in his touch. Now, they both had a new fourth of July tradition.

#criminal minds #spencer reid #ralvez #luke alvez #cm #cm oneshot #criminal minds reid #gay !!! #spenceshot

[impalas-r-important]

Love of my Life - (2) New Guy

Summary: Bobby brings home an injured hunter. Dean's not so fond of him.

Warnings: None that I can think of.

Word Count: 3429

Series Masterlist

_____________________________________________________________

“Hello?” You could hear Sam answer his phone from the living room. You were in the kitchen cleaning up. You, Sam and Bobby had a deal that whoever didn’t cook meals had to clean up after. Sam had made the both of you grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for a warm lunch on a chilly January afternoon. “Oh, hey Bobby, how did your hunt go?” A few seconds passed and then you heard Sam mutter, “Yeah, sure. We’ll be ready when you get here. How far away are you?” He walked into the kitchen, still on the phone, with a concerned look on his face. You gave him the what’s going on look and he held up his finger and said his goodbyes to Bobby.

“What happened, is Bobby okay?” You pressed.

“Yeah, he’s fine. He said that he met another hunter who was working the case, so they teamed up. I guess the new guy saved Bobby’s bacon and got pretty beat up. Bobby’s bringing him back here to get him all healed up. He said it was the least he could do. He asked if we could get the spare room cleaned out and ready.”

After days of researching for Bobby’s case, you had discovered it was yet another Greek god with another vendetta or unfinished business or whatever. Blah, blah, blah. It was getting repetitive at this point, but gods were always tricky to deal with. You were just glad to hear Bobby was okay and that someone was there to help him out.

“What happened? Do we know if he’s badly hurt?” You wondered.

“All Bobby said was that he doctored him up as much as he could. They aren’t far from here now.”

“Okay, I’ll go get the room ready.” You wiped your hands off on a dish towel and headed upstairs. You stripped the sheets off the bed and threw them in the washer, putting a set of new ones on. The room hadn’t been used in a long time. You and Sam were crashing there in 2 of the other spare bedrooms, but this one was pretty dusty from sitting idle all this time. After clearing out boxes of old books from the closet, you grabbed a duster and went over everything.

“They’re here!” Sam yelled from downstairs. “I’m gonna go help him inside.”

You ungracefully shoved your cleaning stuff into a bucket, then quickly sprayed a little air freshener to try and mask the smell you could only describe as “old”. You could hear voices coming closer down the hall. You grabbed your supplies and walked them to the bathroom to put them away. Their conversation was easily heard through the thin walls.

“Alright, here’s where you can crash.” Sam said as he helped the new guy into the room and sat him down on a chair in the corner. “You really took a beating, huh?” Sam gave him a sympathetic smile. “I don’t think I caught your name, by the way.”

“I’m Nick.” He reached his hand out to shake Sam’s but didn’t make it all the way before he winced and grabbed his ribs.

“Well Nick, thanks for saving Bobby back there. He said he wouldn’t have made it out of that one if it weren’t for you. I’m Sam.”

“Sam, like as in Sam Winchester?” Nick raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, you’ve heard of me?”

“Buddy, I wasn’t born yesterday. Every hunter who knows what they’re doing has heard of you and your brother.” You heard Nick say as you walked into the room and leaned against the door frame. He turned to look at you and straightened his posture in the chair as much as he could. He gave you a little half smile and blinked a few times as he managed to say, “Wow, uh, hey, hi…”

His stammering made you laugh a little. “I overheard you boys talking. You’re Nick, right?” He nodded. “Well, anyone who saves Bobby Singer is a friend of ours. I’m Y/N.”

“Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.” Nick winked and gave you a cheeky grin which quickly turned into a grimace. He was definitely in pain. He was covered in mud stains and blood. His ankle was bent the wrong way and he had bloodied bandages wrapped around his bicep and thigh. But through all that, you couldn’t help but notice that he was surprisingly handsome. He had sandy blonde hair and striking blue eyes. Most of the hunters you met looked like truckers or smelled like dumpsters.

“Don’t even try man, she could kick your ass 3 different ways before you knew what hit you.” Sam joked. “I’m going to let Y/N take it from here. She’s better at the doctor thing than I am. I’ll go grab your bags and bring them up.”

“Why don’t we see what we can do about some of that bleeding.” You grabbed the first aid kit from on top of the dresser and walked over to him. “Can I?” You motioned to the bandage on his arm, and he nodded. You peeled away the layers to find a nasty looking gash. “Geez…” You whispered. “So, I can stitch you up, but it’s going to hurt pretty bad.”

“I’m no wussy. Do what you gotta do.” Nick looked up at you and for half a second you caught yourself studying his ocean eyes, but you looked away quickly and grabbed the sanitizing alcohol. “This will probably hurt the most. Sorry.” You dumped some on his wound and he clenched in pain and closed his eyes, letting a big exhale escape through his nose. You threaded your needle and began to stitch his cut closed. You had done this many times before and with Sam and Dean and liked to think you were decent. But you knew the key was distraction.

“So, where are you from?” You asked.

“Not really from anywhere. I grew up like a lot of hunters did. On the road with my dad and uncle, learning tricks of the trade as we went. What about you?”

“Well, I was born in Arizona, but my family was killed when I was six. I spent my life bouncing between hunters until I could drive. Then I went out on my own.”

“I’m sorry about your family.” His sympathy caught you off guard. Most hunters couldn’t care less about others.

“Thank you, but we all have our sob story. No one chooses to be a hunter just for kicks and giggles”

“Man, I’ve heard some crazy stories about those Winchester brothers.” Nick gave a small laugh. “It’s weird to actually meet one of them in person. What happened to Dean? I thought he and Sam were inseparable.”

You sighed and your heart dropped like it always did when his name was mentioned. “He actually got out of the hunting life. He lives close to here, stops by to check on us every once in a while.”

“I’d love to meet him. All I’ve heard is how badass he is. Like the ultimate hunting machine.”

“Well, you call him badass, I call him dumbass.”

“Hah! You guys close?”

“Not as close as we used to be. Sam and I try to keep him out of the hunting life as much as we can. He helps with research every now and then but hasn’t been out on a case in a while.” You finished your last stitch. “Your arm is all done but looks like we need to take care of this one as well.” You pointed down to his leg. “Do you care if I just cut your pant leg off? This pair looks like a goner anyway.”

“You can take my pants off anytime you want.” Nick smirked at you.

“I’m going to chalk that up to the loss of blood and pretend you didn’t say that. Keep in mind, I’m the one with the needle here.” You held up the long needle as you threaded it with a clean suture and gave him your best don’t go there face.

Nick reminded you a strange amount of the Dean of old. Handsome, but in a different way, snarky, and seemed like the kind of guy who flirted with any and every girl he could find. You couldn’t lie to yourself and say you didn’t like the attention he was giving you. Part of you still wished it were Dean giving you that attention though.

You finished up and started to pick up the bloody bandages off the floor. “I’m going to go get Sam and he can help you get into the shower. I think we need to take you to the doctor for your ankle though. Looks broken to me.”

“Damn, I was hoping to avoid the hospital. I don’t suppose you know how to set a broken ankle?” He looked at you hopefully.

“You’re outta luck, sorry.” You shrugged and began to head out the door.

“Y/N?” Nick stopped you before you left, and you turned to face him. “Thank you.” You shot him a smile and a nod before heading downstairs to find Sam.

After Sam had helped Nick wash all the blood off of himself, you two had taken him to the hospital where they set his ankle and gave him some pain killers for the broken ribs. Sam had gotten him upstairs and into bed and you brought some food up for him.

“Here you go, a Singer specialty.” You placed a tray with Bobby’s chili on his lap and handed him the remote to the ancient box tv.

“What makes it so special?” Nick asked, stirring the chili skeptically.

“If you ask Bobby, he’ll say it’s a secret family recipe, but I’ve been around long enough to know that the real magic happens when he dumps it from the can into the pot.” Nick laughs as you get his food situated so it won’t spill. “I brought you in some movies if you want to watch them. Mostly Dean’s old western tapes. We’re in short supply of variety.”

“Thank you. But I do have to say, I feel a little uncomfortable having you guys help me this much. I’m usually a strictly independent person…”

“We all need a little help sometimes.” You were actually glad that Nick was here. It gave you something to keep your mind off of Dean. “I’m in the room next to yours, just bang on the wall if you need anything.”

“Goodnight, Y/N. I owe you one.” He flashed his tired smile at you, and you returned the gesture.

“Night, Nick.”

You woke the next morning to find Sam’s car gone. You figured he was at the gym or swung by Dean’s house for something. You headed into the kitchen and started on making breakfast. The cupboards were pretty empty, but you knew there was always pancake mix around somewhere. You whipped up a few cakes with a side of scrambled eggs. When you were done, you headed up to Nick’s room to see how he was doing. You knocked softly, careful not to wake him if he was still sleeping. A few seconds passed with no response, so you cracked the door open and saw him dead asleep with the half-eaten bowl of chili still on his lap and the tv crackling with black and white static. This made you chuckle a little. You tiptoed over to him and gently lifted the tray off his lap to take with you downstairs and turned off the television.

The rest of the morning was spent looking for cases in the papers and online, but you didn’t have much luck. You gave up after a while when you heard a boot clomping down the stairs, letting you know that Nick was on his way.

“Morning, sunshine!” Nick pronounced and winked at you as he walked in the room.

“It’s 2 in the afternoon, lazy bones.” He laughed a little and sat down in the chair across from you. “How are you feeling?”

“Better than I was yesterday, that’s for sure.”

“I bet you’re hungry.”

“Starved, actually.” He placed a hand on his stomach.

“Do you feel up for going out and grabbing a bite? We’re short on supplies here, but I know a great little diner just a few miles into town. Mel’s.”

“That sounds amazing! I could really go for a great big cheeseburger right now.” Look at that, yet another similarity to Dean. You could swear this was the universe playing a cruel joke on you.

“Sam’s not here and Bobby’s holed up in his room, so it’s just you and me. Hope that’s ok.”

“More than fine with me.” He flirted. “Our first date!”

“Whatever. Come on, gimpy.” You helped him up out of the chair and led him out the door and towards your car.

You had actually really enjoyed your late lunch with Nick. It was nice to get to know someone new and you were surprised at how well the two of you got along. You usually butted heads with other hunters, but Nick was pretty easy going and had a good sense of humor.

A little while later, you pulled back into the driveway of Bobby’s house to see both Sam and Dean’s cars in the driveway.

“Wow, that’s a beauty of a car.” Nick remarked as the two of you walked past the Impala.

“Don’t touch it. That’s Dean’s baby. He’ll kill you if you scratch it.” You warned as you walked into the house.

Dean quickly rushed at you as soon as you opened the door and pulled you into a bear hug. “Y/N where the hell have you been?! I’ve been calling you over and over! No one knew where you were! Don’t scare me like that!”

“What? We were just in town. We haven’t even been gone 2 hours…” You pulled out your phone to check for his missed calls but found it to be dead.

“We?” Dean interrogated. Nick walked in a few steps behind you and Dean glared at him. “Who the hell are you?” He instinctively pulled you behind him.

"Whoa, whoa easy there tiger." You put your hand on Dean's arm and he looked at you, with questioning eyes. "That's Nick. Didn’t Sam tell you? He saved Bobby's ass on their last hunt and got pretty beat up in the process. Bobby brought him back here to heal up a bit."

"And you're what, just hanging out with some hunter you barely know? He could be a psychopath! You know better than this!"

You couldn't help but roll your eyes and feel annoyed at Dean’s over-protectiveness. "He's got a broken ankle, bruised ribs, and massive gashes on his arm and leg. You really think I couldn't handle him if I needed to?"

Dean kept his eyes on Nick the whole time, looking him up and down, trying to get a read on him. Bobby slammed the door of his room and walked out to the commotion. "Would you idjits keep it down out here? I could hear every word of this stupid conversation!" Bobby looked to Dean who was clearly still in defense mode. "Oh, pull the stick out, Dean. The kid literally saved my life. He's harmless."

It took Nick a few seconds to process the situation. He walked over to Dean and reached his hand out. "It's an honor to meet you, Dean. I look up to you a lot. You’ve got some great people here; they’ve been nothing but nice to me and I’d never do anything to hurt them.”

Dean was clearly expecting him to say anything but that, and reluctantly shook his hand. You wished you had a camera to take a picture of look on Dean's face. Priceless.

"I hate to break up the fan fest, but what are you doing here, boy?" Bobby questioned Dean. "Not that I ain't happy to see you, but you haven't been around here much lately."

“I, uh, was going to see if Y/N wanted to hit up Mel’s. I’m starved.” Dean looked at you for an answer.

“Nick and I were actually just there…” You felt a bit guilty, but you didn’t know that Dean was even planning on coming over today. “I’m sure Sam would go with you. I haven’t seen him yet today, but it sounds like he’s up in his room.”

“Oh, okay.” Dean looked dejected but nodded and headed towards the staircase.

Dean kind of knocked on Sam’s door as he walked in.

“Uh, sure, come on in.” Sam gave Dean a glare as he folded clothes and organized them neatly on his bed.

“I knocked. You want to go grab some food, Sammy?”

“Yeah, sure. I’m almost done here.”

Dean walked further inside and over to the dresser to fiddle with some things sitting on top of it. “Why didn’t you tell me about the new guy?”

“I doubt he’s sticking around. I didn’t think there was anything to tell.” Sam shrugged.

“Yeah, but you shouldn’t let Y/N just hang around some stranger all day. We don’t know anything about him.”

“Dean, he seems like a teddy bear. We’ve been doing this for long enough to know when someone is a piece of crap. Nick seems genuine.” Sam let out a small laugh. “You know, he’s actually a lot like you. I think you’d really get along with him if you were still hunting.”

“Yeah whatever.” Dean grumbled as he played with a knife he had picked up.

“What crawled up your butt?” Sam shot him a sideways glace. Dean didn’t respond. “Oh, I see. You just don’t like him hanging around Y/N.”

Dean clenched his jaw. “Well, I’m so sorry if I just want to make sure she’s safe. I didn’t realize I wasn’t allowed to look out for her. Someone’s gotta do it if you aren’t.”

Sam scoffed. “Hey, I am looking out for her, Dean. But she doesn’t need me to. She is way more than capable of handling herself and honestly, it’s none of your business who she decides to spend her time with. She’s not your girl anymore.” Sam knew it was a touchy subject, but he didn’t care. He hated to see how much Y/N was hurting because of Dean.

Dean slammed the knife into the top of the dresser. He shook his head and turned to leave. “I’m outta here.” He walked down the hall but stopped at the top of the stairs as he watched you grab a soda from the fridge and a bottle of pain pills which you then took over to Nick. He hated the way that Nick looked at you. He hated that you sat down next to him and smiled your perfect smile at someone other than himself. Dean ran his hand along the railing and subconsciously made his way back to his brother’s room.

“Does she like him?” Dean asked in a broken voice as he leaned against the doorframe, looking at the ground.

“I don’t know.” Sam could easily see that his brother was genuinely hurting. “But I meant what I said, Dean. She’s not your girl anymore. You chose Lisa over her.”

Dean didn’t have words to describe the heartache he was feeling. “I didn’t… I… I don’t know…” Was all he managed to get out.

“Dean, Y/N is still like a sister to me even though you two aren’t together anymore. We’ve gotten a lot closer since we both died and came back, and honestly, I’m happy to see that a guy is making her smile. She was really heartbroken over you. She still is. So maybe it sucks for you to see her with a guy that’s not you, but now you know how she feels every time she sees you with Lisa.”

Dean slid down the wall until he was sitting on the ground, with his head hanging in his lap and his hands on the back of his neck. Sam sat down next to him.

“Dean, I’m not trying to be harsh on you.”

“I know. You’re right though.”

“Maybe it’s none of my business, but why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did you move in with Lisa so soon after we died?”

Dean cleared his throat. “I don’t know Sam. I guess, she was there, and Y/N wasn’t. There’s just a lot to it and I don’t expect you to understand.” Dean got up, regained his composure and left swiftly. Making sure Y/N and Nick were out of sight before he left.

Chapter 3

#dean winchester #dean x reader #dean x y/n #spn

[dancingthesambaa]

The Smell of Plum Blossom Tea Ch 6

Summary: Just like a butterfly wing, a single act of kindness can change the course of the future, it certainly did for MK as a black-furred monkey put out a hand towards him.

Rating: Teen and up

Chapter 6: And So It Begins

“I’m back,” MK tiredly said as he dragged his form out of the blazing sun and into the cool restaurant, “orders delivered, traffic long and people angry, but food is delivered.”

“Great, but you still have another delivery,” Pigsy replied as his back was turned.

“Just one,” he grinned, “compared to the other ten this will be a piece-,”

He slammed down 30 orders down in front of him on the already bustling counter.

“Of cake,” he deflated as he saw the monumental amount of food. “What the-Are we feeding an entire town?!”

“Close. Party, though I should have charged their ungrateful asses extra for the rush order,” he growled out, “who gives an hour warning Huh?!”

“Apparently them,” he groaned as he picked up and carried the whole load into the car.

“And when you get back, there are a dozen more orders to take care of,” Pigsy called out.

“Got it bossman,” he yelled out, then he slammed the door closed and he sat up straight with a grin, “alright this won’t be so bad.”

“BEEF? BEEF?!! I WANTED MISO! GET IT RIGHT YOU STUPID DRIVER! The voice yelled out at MK as the two stood at the doorway.

“I’m sorry but-,” he winced as he was cut off by the rude woman screech.

“You better be sorry! I could have your job for this big of a screw up! You are nothing!”

“Technically I just delivered your food,” he whispered to himself.

“What did you just say?”

“Nothing!” He put on his best service smile, “I’m very sorry about this, how about I take your food back so that I can-.”

Splat

MK watched as the woman threw down her food in a fit of rage.

“There’s your damn food, now pick it up and get me a new one,” she spat out.

MK looked down at the pile of food that Pigsy put his sweat and blood into slowly dripping off the stone stairs. He took a deep breath as he put his hand in his pocket to subtly squeeze the stress ball and looked at the woman.

“I’m not cleaning that up,” he deadpans and walks back to the car.

“What?!”

“Also,” he rolled down his window when he got in the car, “if you would like to order for a party, next time call ahead of time.” He then quickly drove off until he could no longer hear the yells of the angry woman.

He rode until he reached the grocery store, parked at the edges of the lot where there were barely any cars, unbuckled his seat belt, and laid his head on top of the wheel.

“I. Hate. People. Sometimes.” He lightly banged his head with each word then he leaned back and took out the ball and squeezed it a few times. “I really do.”

He likes to think of himself as a pretty optimistic person, after having his whole life turned around and learning things can get better, he likes to think that the world can be good. But days like these, people like those, make him really put that side of him to the test and today he very much failed that. He should be glad that he didn’t go off on her, like what Pigsy did when some dude tried to scam him or Mei when she is feeling very competitive over some a-holes, but at the same time that sounds amazing.

He squeezed the ball a little tighter.

“I really want to see Dad right now,” he muttered to himself. It would be so easy, just one yell to him and he would be over in less than a second. “I really want him right now…but I made a promise to myself that I would do this without him.”

So he took a deep breath, lifted his head, put on his music, put away his rainbow stress ball, and slowly began his drive back to Pigsy restaurant.

It was during that drive back that he got a call, “Hello?”

“Hey MK, it’s me,” he stopped as he heard Pigsy's voice, he had a feeling he knows what this is about.

“Heyyy Pigsy, I’m almost at the store,” he tried and failed, to sound casual.

“I just got off a call with a very rude customer who said that you threw down her food when she was being oh so kind,” he bluntly said, “even mentioned about assaulting her.”

“That is so not how any of that went down!” He immediately said, “she yelled at me for saying that I made her food wrong and I told her that it can be redone, but she decided to instead throw down all of that food herself and told me to clean it up! Who does that?! And all of this was after she put her hand all through that food, which is so gross by the way, I mean other people are eating that, cause I know she ain’t-,” he was cut off by Pigsy chuckles.

“You don’t need to explain anything, I know you for far too long to even think that you would put too much salt in someone's food let alone throwing it down on the ground.”

“Oh,” he calmed down as he released the tension from the wheel, “that’s good.”

“Yeah, I told it to her straight just exactly how I felt about her being an utter ass to not only myself but my employees. Let’s just say that she was not happy about that and threaten to sue,” he could almost hear him shrug.

“What no!” He tried to stand up, only to realize he was still in the car and he was still buckled up. “I am so sorry!”

“Don’t be, cause jokes on her the world we live in has become pretty up to date with security and, more importantly, security cameras,” he said with a grin, “I don’t think she’s gonna get a single cent when everything that went down was all on video.”

MK let a smile spread across his face, bless technology and all its glory. “That’s good.”

“It sure is. Do you want to take a breather when you come back? I know that woman was more than a handful that what you're used to,” he asked in concern.

“Nope,” he cheerfully said, “I am A-Ok! Just get those next orders ready for me so I can deliver!”

“Well if you're certain, get your ass back here on the double,” he said, but the teenager could tell it was more playful, “we got orders waiting to be delivered.”

“On my way!” He saluted to no one and hung up. “Alright! Let’s get a move on!”

‘Make sure to add the cohesive before the mixing,’ the voice silently thought to himself.

“It would be so easy just to make that jump, hell my youngest kit sister can make that and she’s not even a month old,” a voice bragged.

‘Combine the Feins roots with the Elia petals first to dilute the solution.’

“All I’m saying is that if you try to jump off the cliff of perils then I sure as hell am not catching you,” another voice deadpanned.

“Nahhh I would be fine.”

‘…dice the Oran berries and Pecha then add when the next stage is ready.’

“If you count being splattered into tiny little pieces fine, then, by all means, go ahead,” another voice sighed.

‘Make sure that the color is a deep orange hue and not dark yellow, that can-,’

“Ye o little faith.”

“No, you are of little sanity. Even my younger gremlins know better,” she shot back.

‘That can easily violate the substance,’

“But they don’t have the certain skills like I do,” they bragged.

‘…leading to a-,’

“It still wouldn’t be a wise thing to do,” a deep voice pointed out.

‘Leads to a-,’ his vial cracked in his hands as he was once again interrupted.

“No, but it would be fun-.”

“I swear,” everyone turned to face the irritated monkey, “to all things good in this world and the next, if you dumbasses don’t shut the fuck up in the next five seconds I will make the Piñata fiasco at the Boiling Isles look like a god damn nap compared to what I’m gonna do to you.”

“Sorry, were we disturbing you,” Yanyu cheekily said.

“You little-”

“Awwww I’m soo sorry,” Daiyu mocked.

“I swear-”

“We didn’t mean to interrupt your monologue,” Minsheng smirked, “you know it kinda reminds me of Flicker when you do that.”

“That’s it!” He slammed down his ingredients, opened his drawers, and took out a roll of duct tape, “come here you little bastards!” He yelled out as he began to chase down the three annoyances.

“Same as usual,” Bohai sighed as he drank his tea.

“One would think not to mess with Mac when he’s like this,” Ahmed commented.

“Especially when he’s in his mood.”

“Especially that.”

“Now shut it,” he proudly said as he sat on top of his third victim.

“Hey hey!” Daiyu struggled to break free, “we were trying to lighten your mood fuzzball.”

“By annoying the shit out of me,” he growled as he taped her beak shut. “Fat chance, anyone else,” he looks over to his other two remaking friends.

“I say nothing,” the jellyfish put his tentacles up in surrender.

“While they may have been a bit well-,”

“Fucking annoying,” the monkey bluntly said.

“Yes that, they did have a purpose to their madness,” the lion pointed out.

“What? What could they possibly want badly enough to annoy the absolute fuck out of me?!”

“You have empty bird nest syndrome.”

“…what?”

“I said-”

“I heard you the first time!” Macaque interrupted, “I do not have that! I am use to MK not being home day to day, so why the hell would you thi-,”

“For days,” Yanyu said once she ripped the tape off her mouth, “but not for longer than a week.”

“Same difference!”

“Nah pal it ain’t,” the bunny demon said as they chewed on their own tape, “I can see it as bright as day, you have been extra moody and hella sad these past couple of days. It’s just like mum, whenever one decides to leave the warren, she gets all glum and broody for days.”

“I am not broody!” His tail swished violently.

“But you do miss him,” Ahmed stated.

“I don’t-”

“And it’s okay if you do.”

“I don’t miss him, I can visit anytime,” he stated.

“You still miss him being there, being next to you,” the lone human gave his ponytail a playful tug and sat next to Mac, who was still sitting on top of the tied-up vulture. “Take it from a big sister, when Shu moved out to live in the dorms I was so happy for him, but as time went on I noticed that I didn’t hear his off pitch singing in the afternoon nor did I hear his voice amongst my gremlins over who gets the last brownie. I didn’t miss him, hell I could video chat with him anytime, but I missed his presence, you know.”

Macaque just gave her a hard look before sighing, “He used to hum to himself whenever he was bored,” he admitted as he got off his friend and slumped down next to her.

Yanyu just patted his shoulder as he continued.

“I know I can just visit him, but my kid is growing up, he’s learning to stand on his own and he should have his own life separate from me.”

“Yeah imma stop you there,” Sheng rolled his eyes, “you are being one over dramatic monkey right now if you think that just because he’s doing his own thing, doesn’t mean that he doesn't have time for you. Hell, you are the one demon he will always have time for no matter what.”

“But-”

“Ain’t no buts about it fuzzbrain,” Daiyu squawked out once she feared the tape off, “your hatching adores the shit out of you and if you don’t think he won’t spend time with you then you are dead wrong.”

“He should have that time to himself, he is just starting out all on his own…without me…,” he slumped in depression, but quickly shot up due to a shocking touch, “OW! FUCKING WHY BOHAI!”

“You're being an idiot,” he smugly said as he lowered his tendril.

“Thanks,” Yanyu nodded to him, “and he’s right. I know that this whole thing won’t end with this so here’s what we’re gonna do. The six of us are going to go to Qián city.”

“…why the fuck are we going to the underwater city of Shanghai?” He incredulously looked at her.

“Cause you seriously need to relax.”

“I don’t-”

“You spent most of your time in the garden or prepping medicine that you don’t need,” Ahmed calmly said as he cleaned up the mess that Mac made.

“…you may have a point, but I don’t really feel like I should leave, what if MK or Mei happens to call?” He said.

“Well one, I know damn well that your hearing exceeds that city's borders,” Sheng points out.

“Okay true.”

“And second, we have the beauty of phones, which allows people to fall from far away,” Yanyu slowly told him as if he was a child, “I taught you this in one of our first lessons.”

“Don’t patronize me,” he muttered, “but I don’t-”

“You either go willingly or Kit Kat over here is going to drag you,” she pointed to Ahmed.

“He wouldn’t-”

“I really would,” he had to stop a smile at the utter betrayal in the monkey's face.

“I could beat your ass again,” he grumbled.

“You very well could,” he agreed, “but then you would also have to go against everyone else and they will happily drag both you and me off.”

“Fine!” He throws his hand in the air.

“Got ‘em!” Sheng high-fived Yanyu.

“Told you he would cave in eventually,” the vulture grinned.

“But we are going there to strictly relax, that means no explosions, arsons, paralyzing, hacking, or prison riots.”

“What about stealing and graffitiing,” the bluenette raised her hand.

“If there assholes, be my fucking guest, but your ass better not get caught.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be more stealthy than sneaking into the police hub to get rid of the evidence,” she cockily stated.

“What?”

“What.”

“…you know what the less I know the better.”

“Good choice, so let’s get packing!” She excitedly said as she, Daiyu, Minsheng, and Bohai exited the infirmary.

“So are you gonna tell them that the game dealers there are more than likely to scam them before or after they get robbed?” Ahmed curiously asked.

“After, they need a lesson on not annoying the fuck out of me when I’m working,” he gave a mischievous grin.

“Quite rude of you,” he grinned.

“But you're smiling too.”

Ahmed chuckled lightly as the two left the infirmary.

It was a quiet day at the restaurant, the dinner rush had just ended and all that was really left to do was wait for the store to close and clean up what’s left. The only customers inside were Mei and Tang, both of whom have long since finished eating and are currently just chatting, or laying down, with MK over the counter.

“So how’re your online classes treating you?” Mei asked.

“Great!” He perked up as he took his eyes off the creepy butterfly in the corner of the restaurant, “I’m just about finished with my general study.”

“Ooo, does that mean you finally have a major in mind,” Mei leaned in.

“No I do not.” He cheerfully stated.

All of them, including Pigsy who was listening in, facepalmed.

“Mkkk,” the nineteen year old groaned.

“I knowww,” he slumped down, “but it’s hard deciding what to do for the rest of your life.”

“Well that is okay,” the historian softly said, “you're still young, you have your whole life ahead of you. Besides, college is not for everyone.”

“Yeahhh, so how’re your classes going Mei Mei?” MK turned to his friend, “I know you been taking some of the engineering courses.”

“Ugghhh, don’t get me started,” she slumped down in her seat, “I love it, but that is seriously kicking my ass right now. If I didn’t like to make sweet ass rides then I would have totally just dropped it.”

“Let me guess, for racing,” MK said as he sprayed down the counter.

“Duh, I’m gonna be so fast that when they're only halfway, I've already passed that finish line baby!” Mei screamed.

“Shhhhh,” Tang hushed as he held his head against the cool counter, “not so loud please.”

“You okay there Tang?” Pigsy asked as he moved closer to his friend, “you’ve been like that ever since you got in.”

“Yeah, it’s just this headache has been killing me and my usual medicine isn’t doing a thing,” sighed as he leaned into the warm hand touching his head.

“Doesn’t seem like you have a fever at least,” the pig mutters.

“Do you have any coughing, sneezing, nausea, or any other symptoms?” MK curiously asked as he sat up.

“I have been feeling a bit nauseous,” he murmured.

“Sharp ringing in your ears on and off?”

“Yesss,” he groaned out.

“Hmm hold on,” MK quickly went upstairs, everyone heard faint shuffling noises before he came back down as fast as he was carrying a small baggie, “Can I use your stove and teapot?”

“Go right ahead,” Pigsy agreed.

MK gave a quick smile and they all watched him make a pot of tea, but instead of teabags, he added some of the plants that were inside the bag.

“Here you go,” MK presented the tea to the historian once it was done.

Tang hesitated for a moment before accepting the cup, “…what is it?”

“Medicine. Drink,” he gave him a wide-eyed look.

“...alright,” he shrugged his shoulders and joked, “if this kills me, just burn my corpse.”

“Drink,” MK commanded once more.

Tang drank his tea instead of retorting back and his eyes widen at the taste of it.

“Are ya dead?” Mei asked.

“Feel the poison seeping in,” the pig demon joked.

“This is really good,” he complimented MK and he began to drink more.

“Thanks, it’s Dad’s special recipe diluted when it comes to dealing with migraines,” he happily announced.

“Diluted? I can already feel my migraine already going away, how bad is his if this is diluted?” Tang asked with much concern.

MK grimace as he shared a look with Mei. He can’t help the memories all filtering in of his father lying in bed clutching onto the headphones as it tightly covered all six of his ears. There is never a pattern to when this happens, but he knew to keep a pot of tea hot and a bowl of mango or other non-citrusy fruit available on those days.

“It’s pretty bad,” was all he said.

“Oh,” both adults shared a look before Tang put on a grin as he slurped down his tea, “well this really works, what in it?”

“It’s Feverfew Tea with some Pika berries,” said MK.

“I’ve heard of Feverfew, but I don’t think Pika rings a bell,” Pigsy hummed totally missing Mei’s shocked face.

“Why I never-,”

“No, it’s not pokemon,” MK quickly shut that down before she got to her rant.

‘’Awww,” she deflated.

“It’s from Kunlun peak.”

Tang immediately choked on his tea, “AK! Did you just say Kunlun peak!”

“Yep!”

“What’s so special about that,” she glumly asks.

“Mount Kunlun is known to be a mythical mountain that hikers and historians have been searching for centuries,” Tang began, “It’s said to hold both mythical animals and plants, each having extraordinary potential within them as even the Gods from above go down there for certain herbs and items needed for their potions. It just lays there on top of the highest peak, but no person nor demon has ever had a straight map leading there and you’re telling me your Dad, Macaque, went there?!”

“He goes there a few times a year,” the teenager proudly says.

He looks down at his tea with sparkles in his eyes, “I’m drinking magic tea made from the legendary mountain,” he gave a big slurp as he inhaled it and stood up.

Pigsy eyed the drink, neither teenager knew if it was in envy or jealousy.

“But I’m impressed MK,” Mei playfully punched his shoulder, “look at you being all smart about medicine.”

“Well I hear Dad mutter on and on about different types of herbs and their properties on a day to day basis, that it eventually gets stuck in my head you know,” he joked then he paused as an interesting thought occurred to him, “wait a moment.”

They all watch MK have a silent conversation to himself, complete with waving hands, multiple facial expressions, draw a few sketches on his notepad, and finish with a final glow of his eyes as he leaped up in the air.

“That’s it!”

“What’s it?” The owner said.

“Why didn’t I think of this before!”

“Think of what before?” The historian asked.

“It was seriously in front of me this entire time!”

“MK, I swear if you don’t tell us what’s up right now I am not liable to my next actions,” Mei threatened.

“I can be a Doctor!” He leaned forward in excitement, “or at least something along those lines!”

“You can be pop’s assistant!” Mei started to get excited alongside him, “how the hell did I not think of it either?!”

“I don’t know!”

“It does suit you,” the demon agreed. He knows the kid is smart, he has seen his grades, so it’s not far fetched to assume that he can do this rigorous task. “Hope you have good study habits, I know mines was absolute garbage back in school.”

“With notecards and all,” MK hates studying, his brain goes brrr during those times, but he can’t thank Yanyu and Bohai enough for teaching him different tricks to help keep focus. “Now I’m thinking maybe of being a pharmacist, cause I don’t think I do well with surgery.”

“There are also the ones who diagnose the disease using the X-ray thingie,” she snapped her finger as she tried to remember.

“Radiologist,” Tang called out.

“Yeah that!” She pointed to him.

“Ooo that also sounds interesting,” MK and Mei continued their animated talk as both adults watched.

“It’s nice to see them so happy,” the noodle lover let out a content smile as he drank some more of his tea.

“I hear that,” Pigsy then looked at the man cup in confusion, “by the way you’ve been drinking, I thought you would have already been finished by now.”

“With my first cup yes, I’m on my third one now.”

“How in the-I didn’t even see you leave this area!”

“Magic tea is magic,” was all Tang said.

Pigsy exploded, “That doesn’t explain shit!”

“Well too bad,” he gave a loud slurp once more.

SLURPPP

“You know what, two can play that game,” the human was confused when the pig demon got up and left the room. He was no longer confused as he came back with a cup of tea in hand.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Tang threatened the pig.

The pig looked him straight in the eye and, with a sly smirk, drank down the tea.

SLURRPP

“You heathen!” He shrieked as he banged his hands on the counter and stood up, “how dare you drink my magic tea!”

“Well next time don’t be rude as fuck!” He shot back and got in his face as well.

“That’s rich coming from you!”

“Says the freeloader!”

“Oh here we go again! You know, if you wanted some tea you could have asked!”

“My stove, my cups, my pot, mine.”

“But it was made for me!”

“Yeah well-wait hold up, you feel better right,” Pigsy dropped his screaming as he softly asked his friend, “no drill pounding in your head?”

“Yeah I’m fine now, it really does work miracles,” Tang also lowered his voice.

“That’s good.”

“…they really do act like an old married couple,” Mei announces, MK facepalmed as both adults separated from each other and yelled.

“WE ARE NOT!”

“I’m really sorry about such short notice,” the panda bear demon on call apologized once more to Macaque as he was quickly gathering his ingredients.

“Don’t apologize, shit like this happens,” he waved him off, “I’ll take me a couple of days, a week at max, but I’ll be there before the poison reaches its peak.”

“Thank you,” the panda bowed to him.

“Make sure to store away any semblance of caffeine, alcohol, or anything high in potassium, those are the fastest ways to speed up the process,” he instructed him.

“I’ve been meaning to take away Mink coffee stash, now I have a reason,” he chuckled, “I’ll see you soon.”

“Will do bossman,” he hung up the call and called another number as he continued to pack. Once it picked up he put a smile on his face, “Hey Comet, how’s it going?”

“Good!” The twenty year old happily responded. “You wouldn’t believe it, but the classes are actually kinda easy to understand. They’re still tricky, especially the tests, but Yanyu was right about you teaching this. It made almost all my classes so much easier thanks to you.”

“Aww, that’s another one for my ego,” he joked then he put on a more serious tone, “but I didn’t just call you here for a chat kiddo.”

“Why what’s up? Is there something wrong?” MK suddenly asked as he leaned in, “Do I have to get Mei here and help kick some asses?!”

“Snrk, no nothing like that,” he let out a snort, “you know Po right?”

“Yeah, he’s the panda demon who comes in to get pain relief, muscle relaxants, and other types of medicine for his students? Does this have something to do with him?”

“Close, his disciples messed up big time and accidentally inhaled a bunch of toxic fog when they faced off against an elephant demon.”

“How can an elephant make poison?” MK questioned.

“Magic can do the weirdest of things, I mean I’m a monkey that can do shadow magic,” he pointed out.

“True, okay so he’s gonna come over to pick up the antidote? I don’t see what’s the big problem?”

“Here’s the bad part, Po can’t make a round trip, cause the time he gets back, all of his students…might not be alive,” he gently told him.

“…oh, so what’s gonna happen?”

“Well, I’m going to have to make a house call, which means I'm gonna have to go away for a bit and it’s pretty far, so I won’t be able to hear you.”

“…okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay!” MK gave a big grin to him, “Don’t you worry bout a thing! I’m an adult now Dad, I will be just fine!”

“You have grown up,” he gave a gentle smile, “I’m glad to hear that, but remember to call if there’s any trouble. I may be far, but I will come running if you need it.”

“I will! Now finish packing and save some lives!”

“I will, I’ll see you in two weeks shooting star.”

“See ya later old man!”

Macaque hung up the call with a smile as he resumed his packing. He wished he could have hugged his kid goodbye, but he was in a time crunch as he zipped everything up and quickly jumped out of the treehouse and began to move within the shadows of the trees.

He really does love his shadow powers during these times.

“Duh du Duh,” MK hummed out as he danced his way over to the food delivery destination with the headphones blaring in his ears. He then lifted it to call out the order name when he heard a silky voice interrupt.

“It feels like I waited for an eternity for this moment, is everything in order?”

“Just making the final adjustment mother,” another voice replied and this is when he opened his eyes to see that this was no ordinary food order as an ominous group stood before him.

“Nope,” he immediately whispered as he silently jetted off to hide behind a pile of rocks, but he peaked his head carefully out to see and his eyes widened.

“Finally after all this time,” the woman continued.

‘No way.’

“We have the means to lift Monkey King staff.”

‘It is!’

Standing before them all, wrapped in vibrant viridian vines and burrowed underneath a garden left untouched by the destruction laid around it, was the legendary Monkey King staff.

Things were about to get interesting.

No joke, the delivery scene with the lady is something I had to experience before. There are people who truly treat food workers lower than dirt, which is stupid to me cause why would you disrespect the people making your food? It’s like insulting the people who manage your money.

#lego monkie kid #monkie kid #mk #six eared macaque #macaque #PlumTeaAU

[destiniesfic]

i hate everybody (but maybe i don’t) 1/3

This is my @jurdannet​ & @jurdannetrevels​​ Secret Snusband gift for @sevenfreckles-for-sevenloves​​! You tapped into a story I’d been wanting to write for ages, so you get three parts and three POVs (Vivi, Cardan, and Jude). Happy Holidays, I hope you like it. ♥ Thanks to @xdarkofthemoon​ for betaing!

This fic is rated E. Content warnings this chapter for excessive alcohol consumption, references to alcoholism, and (prescribed) antidepressant use.

Read on AO3 or read below:

Bars in Barcelona are not especially different from bars in the US. It’s a discovery Vivi has made over the course of her study abroad tenure: everything is different on the outside, but on the inside, not so much. She does like the outsides, though. She likes the tidy streets, the way the buildings don’t rise to blot out the sun as they have a habit of doing in American downtowns. She likes the cozy sameness of the facades, broken by the whimsical surprise of the odd Gaudí contribution. Like a lot of the European cities she’s visited there seems to be some unifying design principle, some common understanding. At home it’s anyone’s guess what the next office building or apartment complex might look like, a mishmash of styles as the cities clamor to reinvent themselves, modernist or postmodernist or deconstructionist or whatever.

Heather could name them all, if Heather were here.

But Heather isn’t here. Tonight, Vivi is out on the town with her two younger half-sisters, Jude and Taryn. Her twin baby sisters, although they hate it when she calls them that. The twins’ spring breaks overlapped by happy accident, so their adoptive dad, Vivi’s biological father, had sent them off on an all-expenses-paid Barcelona trip for a mini family reunion.

Taryn had been thrilled to go out. “I’m so excited that we can drink here,” she’d exclaimed, as she touched up her makeup in the AirBnB’s living room mirror. It’s a two-bed, two-bath apartment with an updated kitchen and certainly beats the dorms. Vivi was forced to give a silent, resentful thanks, Dad, but not out loud.

“You drink at home,” Jude reminded her from the bathroom, where she was trying to wrangle her hair into some style Taryn had sent her from Pinterest. “We have fake IDs.”

“It’s not the same,” Taryn had huffed, applying another coat of mascara. Vivi got that. It had not been the same when they came to Europe before, either, because they had been with Madoc, Oriana, and little Oak. Somehow parents at the table makes the glass of wine with dinner much less daring.

Jude had eventually settled on a high ponytail, and off they went.

Now they’re out at a bar not far from the AirBnB, with each of the twins perched on stools and Vivi leaning against the bar between them. Maybe it’s because she hasn’t seen them for so long except over FaceTime, but Vivi is shocked to notice that her little sisters aren’t kids anymore. They haven’t been little for a while, not since they overtook Vivi in height when they were twelve, but it’s one thing to not be little and another to be an adult. Taryn, who’s been yearning for adulthood since her tweens, finally looks more at home in the role. And Vivi doesn’t know how Taryn got Jude into that dark purple halter dress, which dips low in the front and lower in the back, but the way she wears that and her lipstick is a stark reminder that Vivi’s sisters are in fact nineteen, and no longer chubby, soft-faced children. It’s weird, and Vivi doesn’t like it.

Vivi gets hit on sometimes—with her undercut and piercings, mostly by “alternative” men and curious women—but the novelty of good-looking twins means Jude and Taryn shouldn’t need to pay for their own drinks. And they wouldn’t, except anytime a guy gets too close to Jude or Taryn, Jude adopts a laser-eyed glare and says, “No,” which is thankfully the same in both languages. Otherwise she might start speaking with fists.

“I don’t know why you won’t let us get free drinks,” Taryn pouts.

“The drinks are on Madoc,” Jude points out, nodding to the credit card Vivi puts back in her pocket. “They’re basically free.”

Taryn mutters, “It’s the principle of the thing.”

“You guys are such sisters,” Vivi says, taking a swig of beer.

“What does that mean?” they demand in unison.

Vivi grins and closes her eyes, shaking her head. For a second she just stands there, between the twins, and lets everything wash over her: the sibling bickering, the pungent smell of beer and whatever syrup is in Jude’s cocktail, and the music. Music is a strange experience in bars here. First there’s a Spanish song Vivi’s never heard, and then there’s Halsey, crooning over a Chainsmokers beat, and then back to Spanish with perennial favorite “Despacito.” It’s total whiplash. Vivi loves it.

It’s only because she’s listening so hard that she hears Taryn give a tiny gasp.

Vivi opens her eyes. Jude has gone very, very still. Her shoulders, which had been hunched up around her ears as she leaned over the bar, roll down her back, and the muscles there tense. Vivi is not sure Jude is remembering to breathe. She and Taryn are both staring at some fixed point across the bar, so Vivi looks too.

“Oh, hell,” she says.

On the other side of the bar—of the small space they are all crammed into—are four familiar figures. Three boys, one girl. Vivi has to blink to place them, because it seems absurd that four kids they went to high school with would show up in Spain while they, the Duarte sisters, are also in Spain, and also because they weren’t in Vivi’s grade. She knows them, though. Everyone knows Cardan Greenbriar and his trio of hot, mean friends, but Vivi knows them particularly well because of how her sisters have tangled with them over the years.

Taryn whispers, “What are they doing here?”

“I can go ask,” Vivi sighs. That group of kids has no quarrel with her. She and Cardan were friendly back in the day, meaning “ten years ago when Vivi would go hang out with Cardan’s older sister.”

“No,” Jude says, voice firm. Without taking her eyes off the interlopers, she picks up her cocktail and downs the rest of it.

Vivi doesn’t know exactly what happened, but Jude shed her fight-or-flight response sometime in high school. Now, she only has a fight response. Maybe Vivi took her flight response, because it was Vivi who was the terror until she turned eighteen, when she got the hell out of dodge. Taryn has always been in the middle, trying to keep the peace.

“We can go somewhere else,” Taryn suggests.

“No,” Jude repeats, setting her glass down on the bar a little too hard. “I’m not going to let those jerks keep me from having a good time.”

“Which I respect, and more power to you, but also, like, there are plenty of bars in Barcelona,” Vivi points out.

Jude glares. “I’m fine.” And then she holds up one finger in the bartender’s direction.

“You know those are really alcoholic, right?” Taryn says. Worry begins to seep into her voice like melting snow through cracks in a sidewalk.

“I know my limits.”

Vivi and Taryn exchange a wary glance. Jude might know her limits, but she has no problem blowing past them. Jude may not think Vivi remembers the tae kwon do tournament she sat through when Jude was eleven and Vivi was thirteen, but oh, Vivi does. Vivi remembers how her sister volunteered to spar until she had tired herself out to the point where she could no longer stand. Vivi also remembers Jude driving to school on a single hour of sleep after staying up to finish an extra credit essay in a class where she already had an A. Jude somehow didn’t crash her car, but she had been unbearable the entire day. Jude is a danger to herself and very occasionally a menace to society.

But Jude is also an adult and it’s not Vivi’s business.

“Suit yourself,” Vivi says, with a shrug. “It’s dear old Dad’s money.”

A few minutes later, Jude is nursing her second cocktail, and Vivi and Taryn are trying to carry on a conversation as though everything is fine. Any normal person would be well loosened up by now, but Jude retains that unnatural stillness like a dog who’s noticed a squirrel on the other side of a yard. Or, more accurately, maybe like a deer who’s spotted a human hunter approaching over the ridge.

Jude is no defenseless herbivore, but Vivi knows half a lifetime of being bullied has made her feel like a target.

“Hey,” Vivi says, jostling Jude with her elbow.

“What?”

“Tell me about your freshman year misadventures. Taryn won’t open up.”

Jude snorts. “What misadventures?”

“You have to have a few,” Vivi says. “I didn’t raise my sisters to be boring.”

“You didn’t raise us at all,” Jude mutters at her cocktail.

Vivi has never seen her sister anywhere near drunk before and is not sure she likes her like this. “What about boys?” she asks, gently elbowing Jude again. Then she raises her eyebrows. “Girls?”

“No. Nobody.” Jude finishes her second drink and, glaring across the bar, apparently makes the decision to switch to shots. “Vivi, is vodka still ‘vodka’ in Spanish?”

“I’m not answering that.” Vivi sighs. “What about you, Taryn? Anybody?”

“Huh? Um, no.” Taryn had been looking at their erstwhile schoolmates too. One of the boys, the redhead, is looking back. Locke. Vivi exhales. Bad news. There’s history there, the kind of history that shouldn’t repeat.

“Reeeeally?” she asks. “Nobody? Not one boy?”

Taryn blinks back to herself. “Vivi, I go to school for fashion design. They’re all gay.”

“Well, that can be fun.” Vivi gestures at herself. God, she wishes her sisters had brought Heather along. The hot lady bartender with the gorgeous tattoo sleeve keeps trying to catch her eye, and Vivi and Heather had established a “what happens in Barcelona stays in Barcelona” policy before she left, but Vivi doesn’t want a hot lady bartender. She wants her girlfriend.

“Yeah, they’re cool.” Taryn glances back across the bar. Now the blue-haired girl—Nicasia, Vivi recalls—is looking back, along with Locke. Not good.

Since Jude is negotiating for a shot of vodka with hot lady bartender in competent enough Spanish, Vivi lowers her voice and asks Taryn, “Are you feeling especially homesick?”

“We’ve kept in touch.” Taryn doesn’t meet her eyes.

Vivi would hold more of a grudge if someone had tried to sleep with her and her sister, but that’s very much not her circus or her monkeys. She asks, “Did you know he’d be here?”

Taryn shakes her head. “He said they were doing a European tour for spring break, but, like, it’s a big continent.”

“Good news,” says Jude, holding up a shot glass. “It’s vodka in both languages. Cheers.”

“You are going to be sick,” Taryn says.

Jude gives her a sarcastic shrug and then downs the shot. She coughs a little, which somewhat ruins the impression she’s trying to make, but swallows it all down.

“Jude,” Vivi says, beginning to worry, “we really can just leave.”

But Jude is looking at her old high school nemeses again. Cardan had been a particular thorn in her side, or he in hers; Vivi never made sense of that conflict, of who had started what. What she does know is that they’ve definitely been spotted now. The blond boy—Vivi doesn’t quite remember his name—seems to make a move to walk over to them, but Cardan reaches out and grabs his arm, shaking his head. Valentine? Valentino? looks sour, but doesn’t approach. Jude stares them both down.

“I have to use the bathroom,” Taryn announces. “El baño.” Taryn had taken French in high school.

“But—” Vivi begins.

Taryn has already vanished into the crowd. Vivi puts her elbows on the bar and cradles her head in her hands. “This is all going great.”

“Not how you pictured our night out on the town?” asks Jude, who has obtained another shot of vodka from God knows where.

“Yeah, not really.”

“Well, I can fix it.” Jude drinks her second shot and does not cough this time. “I’m going to go talk to them.”

Vivi picks up her head. “That’s a terrible idea.”

“So what?”

“Dad’s going to hold me responsible if anything happens to you.”

Jude fixes a level stare on her. “Dad never holds you responsible for anything,” she says. She slips a little when she gets up off her stool. Vivi wonders if she’s really thinking about fighting someone in those heels.

“You’re mean drunk,” Vivi tells her, trying to grab her arm. “Don’t go.”

“I’m mean sober, but nobody notices,” says Jude, which doesn’t make any sense. She shakes Vivi off. “Besides, I have a few things I want to say.”

And for the second time that night, Vivi watches as one of her sisters pushes her way into the crowd of people, unsure if she should follow or not. Maybe it’ll be good for Jude, in the end, to get some of this out of her system.

The guys across the room are watching Jude approach. Cardan especially. The blond guy is sneering, but Cardan watches Jude with the same strange stillness with which she’d watched him. Like he’s holding his breath until she gets there. Unlike Jude, he doesn’t seem that drunk at all, which Vivi notices because, well, it’s a rare day that Cardan Greenbriar isn’t drunk.

But he is too busy watching her and not his blond friend, who decides that he’s going to intercept Jude before she can even reach Cardan. He pushes over to her first and bars her way, and although Vivi is too far away to hear what’s said between them, she notices the squaring of Jude’s shoulders and the widening of the blond guy’s sneer. Because she is watching closely, she sees that Valerian is the one who shoves Jude first.

Valerian. That’s his name.

It clicks right before Jude punches him in the face.

The bar erupts. Cardan springs to his feet and tries to pull his friend away from Jude. A couple of nearby patrons try to save Jude from herself—Vivi could have told them it was a fool’s errand—by holding her back, not knowing Jude has sharp elbows. Valerian struggles hard and manages to break away from Cardan, only to find himself being grabbed by more pairs of hands. There is shouting in Spanish. Even the hot lady bartender is drawn away, trying to signal her coworkers.

The most Vivi-like thing to do would be to leave Jude to it and keep her nose clean. But Vivi remembers asking Madoc on the day of that fateful tae kwon do tournament, while they revived Jude with sips of Gatorade, why Madoc hadn’t stopped Jude when it became clear she was flagging. “Your sister needs to learn for herself when to stop fighting,” he’d said. “If I make those calls for her, she never will.”

Vivi has a lot of qualms with Madoc’s parenting style, and Taryn is nowhere to be found.

“Oh, hell,” Vivi says again, and she dives into the knot of drunk brawlers to pull her sister from the fray.

---

“I can’t believe you got us kicked out,” Vivi says.

Jude, drunk, hapless Jude, is sitting on the curb with her head between her knees, presumably trying not to barf. There’s still enough anger left in her to flip Vivi off.

“Unbelievable.” Vivi folds her arms and looks left, then right. It seems like a good quarter of the bar spilled out onto the sidewalk with them, a crowd of people chattering about what just happened. Forget kicked out, Jude’s lucky she wasn’t arrested. “Do you see Taryn anywhere?”

“What do you think?”

Vivi pinches the bridge of her nose. Taryn will be fine. She has the AirBnB address and a phone she can use on WiFi. Besides, as far as Vivi knows, she ran off with Locke. Vivi hasn’t seen the two of them come out of the bar yet, and she would not be surprised. She knows a bad decision when she sees one.

“You keep sitting down,” Vivi tells Jude. “I’m going to figure out a ride home.”

“Your face should keep sitting down,” Jude mumbles spitefully.

“Hey, guys? Vivi?”

Vivi cringes as soon as she hears the voice, because she knows the voice, and because in this situation the owner of that voice will only make things worse. Vivi doesn’t have any personal grudge against Cardan Greenbriar—they’ve even sometimes been friends—except for how her sister feels about him. Taryn’s always said he was kind of a dick, but Taryn doesn’t hate him like Jude does. Nobody hates anybody the way Jude hates Cardan. Vivi wonders if Jude has something to prove.

Sure enough, Jude’s head swivels at the sound of his voice like the kid’s head turning around in The Exorcist. “You,” she snarls, and then stumbles to her feet.

“Jude,” Vivi says, trying to catch her sister’s dress to pull her back, but Jude is already out of reach. With another sigh, Vivi stands too.

“What are you doing here?” Jude demands of Cardan, openly hostile. It would be funny, because Jude is a full head shorter than him, if Jude was anybody else’s sister. “We were all having a great time until you showed up.”

“It’s anybody’s city,” Cardan says, but he doesn’t seem to be mocking her. He holds up his hands to show her they are empty.

“Go the fuck home!” Jude yells, and shoves him, sending him back a couple of steps.

Vivi shouts, “Woah!”

“It’s okay,” Cardan tells Vivi over Jude’s head. “She’s not hurting me. Let her get it out.”

With a little cry, Jude pushes him again, and this time he only stumbles back a half-step, but he keeps his hands up and his stance somewhat grounded. The next time Jude shoves him he doesn’t budge at all, and Jude lets out a grunt of frustration, fisting her hands in his jacket.

And then she bursts into tears.

“Oh,” says Vivi, but Cardan doesn’t seem that surprised. She wonders if he’s used to people behaving badly while drunk or just being drunk himself.

“You’re so a-awful,” Jude says between sobs. “Everything’s awful all the time.”

“I know, Jude,” Cardan replies. He gently pries the jacket out of her fists so he can remove it and drape it over her bare shoulders. Jude grabs onto his shirt instead.

“Why do you hate me so much?” she asks, with a small hiccup.

“I don’t,” Cardan replies. His hand rubs circles between his shoulder blades. “But I hope you’re too drunk to remember that.” He looks up at Vivi, and Vivi feels a brief flash of embarrassment, like she’s intruded on something intimate, before she remembers that they’re in public and, also, she has no shame. “Were you going to get a taxi? I can keep an eye on her while you do. I don’t think she should walk back.”

“Oh.” Vivi blinks. “Yeah. I’ve got it. Where’s your ‘friend?’”

“Sent him packing. He’s back at the hotel, or he should be.”

“Well… good.”

But Cardan isn’t listening. He’s already looking down at Jude again.

It turns out Vivi has, carelessly, let her phone die. She isn’t anal about things like that. Taryn’s the one who keeps a charger in her purse at all times, but Taryn has vanished, and Jude’s phone only works on WiFi outside of the States.

So they hail one of Barcelona's bumblebee-like taxis the old-fashioned way, and Vivi is the one who climbs into the passenger’s seat and tells the driver where to go in Spanish that’s fluent, if definitely not Spain-Spanish. It is deeply ironic that Vivi, the only sister without a drop of Duarte blood in her veins, is the one who speaks Spanish the best. But Jude and Taryn were only seven when their parents died. Vivi had been nine. Two years makes a big difference with these things, especially because memories are shaping and re-shaping themselves in the minds of children that young. As far as the twins’ brains are concerned, they only had their parents for a short time.

Vivi remembers more. She remembers sitting on the counter in the old kitchen, legs swinging, as her dad cooked on Fridays—the special day, the end of the week day—and pointing at things in the kitchen so Justin could tell her their names in Spanish and she could echo them back. Cebolla, onion. Queso, cheese, of course. Cuchara, spoon. The words had a favor of their own, different from the English words she learned in kindergarten. She remembers the smell of toasting coriander seeds, the bright songs her dad would hum, the vibrant melodies bursting from the CD player Vivi leaned her elbow on. When she got far enough along in school, she threw herself into Spanish, hoping the words would pave a road that would lead her back to the man who shaped her.

Sometimes Jude gets in a sulk about their awful twist of fate, or Taryn gets weepy, and Vivi just wants to yell Justin Duarte was my dad, too! She feels like her throat is raw from screaming it her entire adolescence. It was easier in the end to just move away for college.

She ended up in Spain because Madoc and Oriana weren’t keen on her going to Mexico. Oh, sure, they’d been before on vacation no problemo, but as soon as Vivi wanted to go alone it was game over. No matter how much Vivi told them it was very racist of them and a total double standard. Apparently Oriana didn’t want her getting kidnapped. Vivi, who has in fact seen the movie Taken, knows she can get kidnapped in Europe just as easily, thanks very much. That had not been a persuasive argument with Madoc.

So here she is, in Barcelona, where familiar words can have entirely different flavors, and that’s even before getting to Catalan, which she can now speak a little but not well. Most of the time, she’ll be honest, she does love it here. At this moment she’s not feeling charitable toward anything.

Cardan helps load Jude into the backseat of the taxi. The driver, looking in the rearview mirror, asks, “¿Su novio?”

“¿Qué?” Vivi asks reflexively. She cranes her head around to see Cardan sliding in next to Jude, his arm around her shoulder. She switches to English. “What the hell, dude?”

“She won’t let go,” Cardan says simply. It’s true; Jude is clinging to him like a very weepy barnacle, her shoulders still shaking.

“Alright, well.” Vivi turns back around. It’s good to have the extra pair of hands. She wishes again that Heather was here. “You’re the official Jude wrangler now.”

“Copy that. I just—” He sighs, and in the rearview, Vivi sees him rub his face with his free hand. “It’s my fault.”

“Sure is.” The taxi begins to pull away from the curb, and Vivi checks her anger. She amends, “Actually, no, it’s not your fault that my sister’s a lightweight and an angry drunk. But from what I hear, the years of prior psychological damage are totally your fault. So, credit where credit is due.”

Cardan nods. Jude sniffles forlornly. Vivi is intrigued by how gentle he’s being with her, how tolerant. His shirt looks like a regular cotton tee, but knowing him it probably costs about the same as a single night in their very nice AirBnB. He doesn’t seem to mind that Jude’s getting snot and tears all over it.

“Hate you,” Jude mutters, pressing her face into his shoulder. “Hate this.”

“I know.” He pushes a lock of hair that’s escaped from her ponytail. “What are you on?”

“Huh?” There’s a pause. Vivi is watching the road now, but she can imagine Jude’s confused blinking. “I don’t… drugs.”

“Meds.”

“Oh, um, fuck.” Another pause. “Zoloft. I switched this year.”

“You’re not supposed to drink on that stuff,” Cardan says, but it almost sounds like he’s teasing. “It messes you up. I thought you were supposed to be the smart one.”

Jude sniffs. “It’s not like I’m operating heavy machinery,” she says, slurring slightly.

Cardan chuckles. “I did the Zoloft thing, too. I’m not on it anymore, though.”

“‘Cause you couldn’t drink?”

“Like anything would stop me.” He pauses, and Vivi looks into the rearview mirror to find him biting his lower lip in an exaggerated way, so drunk Jude is sure to get the joke. “No, there were... personal reasons.”

Jude is utterly nonplussed. “What?”

“Ah, you know…” He leans over and whispers something to her. Her eyes widen, and then she lets out a small, nervous chuckle. “Oh.”

“Yeah, I was like ‘If I can’t have sex, won’t that just make me more depressed?’”

To Vivi’s great surprise, Jude giggles. A totally surreal sound. She hasn’t giggled like that in years, if ever.

“There we go,” says Cardan, weirdly indulgent. “No more crying. Or, well—oh, okay,” he adds, as Jude turns her head and begins quietly sobbing into the sleeve of his shirt. “I guess some more crying.”

“You seem very sober,” Vivi remarks.

“Yeah, I’m trying it on. Just club soda for me tonight.” He leans over to rest his head on top of Jude’s. “It, cómo se dice, sucks.”

“Like your accent.”

“So I’ve heard.”

Vivi is beginning to get vaguely suspicious. She says, “But you are handling this well. Just used to dealing with a lot of drunks?”

“Huh? Oh.” Cardan’s dark eyes flick up to meet Vivi’s in the mirror. “This isn’t the first time. Jude got wasted at prom, after the stuff with Locke and Taryn came to light. Completely trashed.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“You were finishing up sophomore year, right? In like, Massachusetts? And it’s not like she would have told you. If she’s lucky, she doesn’t remember it. I loaded her into the Uber that took her home.”

Vivi’s stomach twists, but she channels the newfound sister guilt into suspicion and narrows her eyes. “Decent of you.”

“Yeah, I was trying that out, too. Got puked on for the trouble.” Cardan leans his head back against the headrest now. Jude’s sobs have quieted down. “But I still remember the Four Phases of Drunk Jude Duarte.”

“I’m glad somebody does,” Vivi admits. “What are they?”

“Angry, weepy, horny, sick.”

She snorts. “Basically Snow White’s shittiest dwarves.”

“Basically,” Cardan agrees. “But you’re not in danger of her getting sick yet, because we haven’t hit—ah. Um. Well.” He clears his throat. “Never mind.”

Vivi looks up into the mirror again to see Cardan plucking Jude’s hand off of him and returning it to her. “Did we just hit horny?”

“We just hit horny,” he says, his voice strained. Jude has her face buried in his neck again, but this time for entirely different reasons. The hand he had returned to Jude is already sliding back down his shirt. “Okay, hands above the waist. No, above—”

“Oh my God.” Vivi covers her mouth to stifle her laughter.

“Great. Very helpful, Vivienne,” Cardan says, grabbing Jude’s wrist and holding it still. It speaks to their relationship as nearly family friends that he can use her full name without invoking her wrath. “Your sister is outright molesting me and you can’t even tell her to knock it off?”

He doesn’t sound totally panicked, though. “I think you might want my sister to molest you,” Vivi guesses, turning around in her seat to look at him. Somehow, Jude has managed to thoroughly drape herself across him, but Cardan is showing admirable and frankly uncharacteristic self-restraint by keeping her from doing anything that can’t be undone. “Just a little.”

“When she’s sober. Jude, don’t bite my ear. Jude—”

Vivi snickers. The rest of the short ride passes like that, with Cardan deflecting Jude’s advances and Vivi deflecting the taxi driver’s questions about what exactly is happening back there and whether Jude is going to be sick all over his floor mats. They are lucky enough to not hit “sick” until Jude is out of the car and walking up the five stairs to the door of the apartment building. With Cardan’s warning in mind, Vivi is able to jump back in time.

Cardan, who is nearer to Jude, is not so lucky. She leans against the railing and doubles over it, but his shoes and the bottoms of his jeans are still caught in the splash zone. “Okay, great,” he says, gathering her back up. He does not sound entirely tolerant now, but he also doesn’t sound as angry as Vivi might expect. “That’s over. Feel any better?”

“No,” Jude mutters.

“You might in the morning.” He moves them both so Vivi can pass and open the door. “Man, is this really only the second time this has ever happened to you? I have to say, I’m jealous. Not of you in this moment, of course. Just in general.”

“We can’t all be charming teenage alcoholics,” Vivi says, propping the door open so Cardan can help her through.

“You hear that, Jude?” Cardan asks. “Your sister thinks I’m charming.”

“Uh-huh,” says Jude.

“Don’t let it go to your head,” Vivi warns. “She’s almost out. Let’s get her upstairs.”

Jude doesn’t make it into the bedroom she and Taryn are sharing. They put her to bed on the couch, on her side, with Cardan’s jacket draped over her. There’s no laundry machine in the AirBnB, but Vivi finds some detergent in the cabinet and they fill the bathroom sink with lukewarm water so Cardan can wash his jeans. Vivi is not sure the right time for the conversation she should have is now, when Cardan is standing in his boxer briefs and Jude is passed out in the next room, but on the bright side, there probably isn’t a worse time.

“You know, I didn’t think we had this level of friendship,” Cardan remarks, dunking his jeans in the sudsy water. “Dealing with your sister must really be a bonding experience. You always liked Rhyia best.”

“Well, Rhyia’s cool.” Vivi folds her arms and leans in the doorway. She kicked off her boots when they got in the door, so Cardan now looks even taller, although certainly not very intimidating in his underwear. “Calvin Klein. Nice. You always struck me as more of a boxers guy, I have to say.”

“Sometimes. These jeans are pretty tight, though.” He looks over at her. “Do you need something?”

She shakes her head. “Oh, nothing. I just can’t believe you’re trying to fuck my sister.”

“I’m not trying to fuck your sister,” Cardan says, massaging his jeans in the sink in such a way that Vivi is forced to wonder whether he’s ever done his own laundry. “She’s wasted. And she hates me.”

Vivi frowns deeply.

Cardan asks, “What?”

“Nothing.”

“Vivienne Leigh—”

“Don’t you pull out my full name for this. You’re playing some game here and I will figure out what it—oh.”

“What now?”

Vivi squints at him. “Are you in love with my sister?”

Cardan lets out an exhausted sigh. “Taryn isn’t really my type.”

They both know they aren’t talking about Taryn. “What the fuck. How long?”

“Like a year. Or maybe my whole life. I’m not sure.”

“Does she know?”

“I really hope not.” Cardan grimaces at his reflection in the mirror, and then looks past himself to see where Jude sleeps on the couch. “She’d never let me live it down.”

“Okay, well…” Vivi pauses. This is more older sibling responsibility than she signed up for. “What are your… intentions?”

“I don’t have any.” Vivi purses her lips, and he adds, “I really don’t. I wasn’t expecting to see her tonight. I kind of thought I’d never see her again after we graduated.” He pauses and looks down at the sink. “I think, someday, I’d like to be a person she likes. That she’s capable of liking.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“Huh.” He has it really, really bad. Vivi can’t imagine what Jude said or did to make him feel that way about her. Maybe it was her total lack of regard for him? “Is this why you bullied her for years?”

“I hope not!” Cardan exclaims, in a way that suggests this thought has occurred to him before, and moreover, that it actually bothers him. “I don’t know! I don’t want to be that fucking cliché, Vivi.”

“We’re all cliché in our own special ways,” Vivi says, glancing back at Jude. A vague plot is beginning to take shape in her brain. Jude is the plotter, Taryn the planner—there is a difference—and Vivi the pantser, normally. But there is something here that she thinks she can exploit. “Seeing as you have no pants, you should probably stay over. I don’t think any of our clothes will fit you.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously. You can have one of the twin beds.” After a beat, she adds, “I’m not telling you which one is Jude’s.”

“Darn,” Cardan deadpans. “Now I don’t know which one to jerk off in.”

Vivi pulls a face. “That’s the idea.” And then, because Cardan is hopeless, she reaches forward and yanks the plug from the drain. “Rinse off your jeans in clean water. Otherwise they’ll dry all stiff and soapy.”

“Thank you for the advice, oh wise one.”

She rolls her eyes and leaves him to it. After checking on Jude, whose coloring and breathing are both normal, she heads back to her room and looks at her phone. Nothing from Taryn, even though it’s later than Vivi thought, but Vivi isn’t worried. Taryn’s kind of like a cat in that, somehow, she always manages to land on her feet. Vivi fires off a quick text to her, then stares at the glowing screen, thinking about the way Cardan had rested his head on top of Jude’s in the back of the taxi.

She texts Heather: sisters are a lot of work

And:

i wish you were here

It’s much earlier in New England. When the three dots pop up to indicate that Heather is typing a reply, Vivi smiles.

#jurdan #judecardan #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #jurdannet #jurdan fanfic #the folk of the air #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #the cruel prince #mine: fic #fic: i hate everybody

[thehatter-ismadder]

Boomriddle? please gimmie. please it sounds so crazy, new 52 pls

Teamhurt

A/n: I apologize for it not being as crazy as you hoped

Description: finding themselves in the middle of a riot, Ed choosing two heads are better than one teams up with Digger

Tw: fighting, swearing, blood, guns

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

"Don't look so glum Digger" Ed smiles as he taps away on a keypad "Oi, don't tell me what to do nerdageddon" Digger got into a fighting stance needing to protect Ed against guards and inmates alike. Cracking his knuckles Digger was ready, for the most part.

"Anytime now" Digger was now fighting a few guards, mostly doing well but catch his fair punches to the face. "Please, you cannot rush genius George" Ed wiggles a finger in Digger's direction a grin widening on his face. The door clicked open and Ed left a satisfied sigh out before feeling himself be hoisted into the air. "Excuse me, this is barbaric, George! Put me down" "I put ya down mate, ya die" Digger replies trying to make a break for it as they were being shot at. Doing his best to dodge without dropping Ed proved to be difficult. "Your not leaving me to die?" Ed looks up watching Digger's back, as he was thrown over Digger's shoulder it was all he could do. "No, why would I? Your helping me get hell out of here" Digger replies setting Ed down "I-, mhm why are you putting me down?" "I need a second..." Digger put his hands on his knees for some reason running proved to be a little bit of a problem at the moment. "I just need a breather" "We're right there" suddenly Ed had an idea "If you don't start running, I'll start riddling" he him hiding behind a piller as not to get shot. Digger exhaled but it accompanying with a wheeze "Alright! Alright!" He calls out, looking at Ed "On three" "On three or after three?" Digger questions confused "Like, one two three or one two three go?" He clarified "On three George means on three, now let's go before we're swiss cheese" Ed pokes his head out from behind the piller and quick pulled it back into cover. "One....two...three"

They both bolted toward the door "Head for that car" Ed points taking a bullet through his hand "Get in, I'll drive" Digger says quickly picking up a stray pistol and prepared to turn around and fire. "I'll meet you at the car" Digger spun on his heels and started firing quickly catching a bullet in his shoulder now figuring he'd better get his ass to the car. He booked it holding his shoulder wincing but he was still going to drive. Getting into the drive seat he looked at Ed "You still have the screwdriver? The flat head" he groans holding his hand out feeling the heavy screwdriver be put into his hand. He used it to turn on the car and he took off like a bat out of hell. "Your bleeding" "So are you" Digger shoots back as he kept his eyes on the road. "I have a hidden apartment, south of Gotham, it would be best to lay low" Ed ripped the sleeve of his jumpsuit and wrapped his hand. "When we get there I'll have one of my goons take care of the car" he continues as he fixes his hand for a bit longer. "And I'll fix your shoulder too" he finishes but not getting anything from Digger. Listening to Ed's directions Digger parked and turned the car off before passing out his head hitting Ed's lap making Ed squeak.

Time passed and Ed was pacing waiting for Digger to wake up. Mumbling to himself Ed was getting antsy it had been about two hours since Digger had passed out. "Your dumb but resilient, please use some of that resilience now George" he mutter sitting on the coffee table. He wanted Digger to live, unsure why but he really didn't want Digger to die. You could say he cares about Digger, but he'd never admit that no. "You lied" Digger grumbles slowly sitting up leaning against the couch "Did I?" Ed looked confused tilting his head "You...said it would be easy" Digger rolls his eyes "Come now, I just misinformed you" Ed chuckles softly "Hold a tick, you were worried" "I did not need a dead body on my couch" Ed said defensively crossing his arms the best he could with a wounded hand. "Oh? Is that why I'm all cleaned up....and having new pants on" Digger had a soft smirk on his face "It was a smart choice to get rid of the jumpsuits" "But you didn't need to give me pants" Digger giggles and then groans closing his eyes "It was nice working with you Eddie. I hope to do it again...I hope not to get shot next time but still solid 9/10" "Only a 9/10?" Ed grumbles wondering why he didn't get a perfect score, sure they were both wounded and sure it was spur of the moment working together but it was fun and their alive.

"Tck, 10/10 okay we're alive, safe and out of harms way...for now" Digger opens his eyes "If your ever in Central City drop me a line, we'll bother the flash okay" he slowly stood up getting a bit dizzy "I appreciate the gesture but George you need time to heal" Ed helped Digger sit back down "Thanks, for everything" "No problem"

"You still lied"

"Misinformed"

#boomriddle #captain boomerang #the riddler #teaming up #my boys #hatter answers #would digger say nerdageddon probably #y'all give me a minute it's hard to jump back into writing after not for so long

[artificialqueens]

Level Up, Chapter Eleven (Branjie) - Holtzmanns

“I don’t think I could come up with anything negative about you.”

Brooke’s eyes are sincere as she says it, and Vanessa’s heart starts to beat just a little bit faster. Vanessa’s a person who’s always on the go, not one to slow down if she doesn’t have to but Brooke has the ability to make her world pause for just a second. Brooke changes Vanessa’s focus from what’s in front of her to solely her, and Vanessa almost wishes she could keep it there forever.

It’s never that hard for Vanessa to come up with words to reply with, especially not towards Brooke, but her brain feels like it has shuddered to a stop, pressing on the brakes because the small smile on Brooke’s face is more important to focus on. She could say something stupid, something funny, maybe return the sentiment but she doesn’t get a chance to decide on what to do before Yvie lets out a scoff.

“Except for your dislike of Chicken Little. That’s a negative if I’ve ever seen one.”

AN: Hi, I'm still alive, I promise. Popping back into this lovely fic nearly eight months later (a new job, a new apartment, a new city, and a new cat later too) and I love it just as much as I did in January. Eight months is good for plot to marinate and develop and I'm excited to get back to writing this fic again. If you're still around for this journey, thank you and know I'm so grateful for it. Please do tell me your thoughts if you read! Thank you writ for betaing ily <3

“So you have that interview with Glamour, I’ll set it up for some time this week, and Teen Vogue wants to do something on their Youtube channel. Who knew that was a thing? I’m working on Adidas’ rep to finagle a sponsorship outta them, and Under Armour on the backburner just in case-”

Vanessa bursts through the doors of the gym while Detox continues talking in her ear, not at all apologetic about the way that she has to interrupt her as she ambles towards Brooke’s office. “Just reached the gym. We’ll have to continue this later, ‘cause training waits for no one, right?”

“I see exactly what you’re doing, but I’m not mad at it. Go work on building those boxing skills that’ll keep lining your pockets for years. Toodles!”

Vanessa lets out a snort when Detox hangs up the phone. “Toodles? Who the hell says that?”

“Detox?” Brooke looks up from her book, an amused smile on her face. “I know that trick.”

“What trick?” Vanessa squints her eyes as she sits down, trying to read the cover of Brooke’s paperback. “Are you reading Chicken Soup for the Soul? ”

Brooke waves a hand. “Doesn’t matter. And the trick of dipping out of Detox’s phone calls. Why else would you get to the gym so early?”

“Oh, come on. I’m early sometimes. Occasionally,” Vanessa grins, and Brooke doesn’t buy it in the least from the way she raises an eyebrow. “Okay, maybe not. I like Detox, I really do, don’t get me wrong. She’s hysterical and good at her job, real good at it, but damn.”

“Detox works hard,” Brooke nods, understanding in her eyes. “It’s a lot to handle sometimes.”

“She cranks up the exposure by a million and targets it in specific places and it works, ‘cause I have a lot of followers and deals now but…”

“But what?”

Brooke leans forward, pushing her book to the side as she looks earnestly at Vanessa. It’s striking, sometimes, how Brooke gives her full attention. How much she cares sometimes.

It’s nice.

“It feels real wild, y’know? Like all I did was become a meme, and now my face is going to be in a Spotify commercial. How does that jump happen?” Vanessa shifts in her chair, letting out a sigh. “It’s only been a few weeks.”

It’s as if Vanessa is riding in a car that’s only getting faster and faster, not quite in control of the steering wheel or knowing when she’s going to be able to stop. Sure, the ride is fun, but it also feels like she’s driving without a license, as if she’s skipped the learner’s permit stage and hit the highway instead.

“She wants to capitalize on it as much as possible. Keep you in the spotlight even after the next big meme rolls around,” Brooke shrugs, before pausing for a second, a look of concern in her eyes. “It’s not too much, is it? I can always talk to Detox with you if you feel like it’s overwhelming-”

“Nah, I’ll survive,” Vanessa shrugs, giving her best reassuring smile to Brooke. “Lush sent me some free shit the other day. I like goodie bags.”

Brooke snorts. “Fair enough. Bath bombs are a reason to keep going.”

“Want some? I got enough for a month's worth of spa days.” Vanessa makes a mental note to bring some of the freebies for Brooke on their next practice. She’s earned half of everything, at least.

“You have any of the sakura ones?” Brooke is tentative with her question, and Vanessa nods enthusiastically.

“You’re getting all of ‘em.”

“Now, hold on a second-”

“It’s six. Don’t we have practice to start?” Vanessa’s up and out of the office before Brooke can protest any further. “I’m gonna go change.”

Practice is nice. Practice feels familiar amongst all the new chaos in Vanessa’s life. It lets her turn her brain off and get away from the people that recognize her out in public, the way her Instagram is now solely for sponsored posts. The way she feels like a caricature of herself, almost, because others have an opinion of who she is based on a ten second video clip.

But practice isn’t like that. In the gym, Brooke is the same as ever, pushing and pushing her until sweat is drenching her back and her mind is spinning and she feels more alive than she ever has. When Brooke throws moves at Vanessa that she has to work in overdrive to block and counter with some of her own, it’s familiar. Even though she’s tired and gasping for breath, it’s what she knows how to do, and in an environment that isn’t unsettling or foreign.

The best part about it? Vanessa can still feel herself learning. Growing. Stepping up to the challenges that Brooke throws at her. Sure, she’s not aching to get back into the competition ring anytime soon, but the approving smiles from Brooke when she gets in a good hit or when she avoids a shot that would previously knock her on the ground gives her a thrill every time.

The end of practice leaves Vanessa with a new sense of longing that’s only been present the last few weeks, since this whole meme mess has started. Leaving the gym is hard, because it means Vanessa has to go outside again, pull her hat down when passerby on the sidewalk give her a second look. She has to unlock her phone and pretend to be busy, but then she’s faced with comments pouring in on every social media account that she opens. She can text one of her friends but it’s hard to continue a conversation, really, after it starts with a rousing Miss Vanjie, no matter how much in jest.

Being outside the gym means that she’s reminded of her new loss of normalcy.

She takes her time switching back into her sweats after she showers, dragging her feet as she leaves the change room with her gym bag slung over her shoulder. When she squints her eyes she can see Brooke at the far end of the gym, teetering on a stool as she repositions one of the crooked banners. Brooke turns around almost as if she can tell Vanessa is there, a good natured smile and an easy wave following immediately.

“See you tomorrow.”

“Need any help?” Vanessa’s stalling a bit by asking, but maybe Brooke really could use a hand with the banners, or at least an extra set of eyes to make sure that they’re nice and straight.

She’s just helpful, that’s all.

Brooke, to her credit, doesn’t call Vanessa out for it as she squints, admiring her handiwork. “I think they’re as aligned as they’re ever going to be. I’m going to get ready to leave for the night, too.”

“Oh,” Vanessa doesn’t mean to sound a little disappointed as Brooke jumps off the stool, fiddling with the jacket that’s slung across her arm. “Already?”

“It’s almost eight thirty,” Brooke points out, padding past Vanessa towards her office door and grabbing her coat off of the hook. “You’re not tired and ready to go home yet?”

“I just…”

Vanessa trails off, looking down at the ground. She’s not sure what to say, really. All that’s waiting for her is her apartment, but she can’t mindlessly scroll Twitter or Instagram before bed without seeing her face again. She needs to reply to her friends’ texts, but the notifications are piling up on top of one another like a mountain that she’s not really sure how she’s going to climb.

Vanessa just wants to avoid it all.

Brooke pauses, and each second that passes makes Vanessa’s heart constrict because maybe she should just try to explain, but she doesn’t know how to and it feels like too much-

“C’mon. My roommate and I are having a late dinner and rewatching Chicken Little. Are you in for a nacho night?”

Brooke’s looking at her expectantly and Vanessa wants to say yes, but what pops out of her mouth is what’s pressing on her even more. “Did you say rewatching Chicken Little?”

“It’s a good movie!” Brooke’s defensiveness makes Vanessa crack a smile despite how restless she feels, how much she’s fidgeting while standing in place. “Come over and you’ll see.”

“Y’know, we haven’t talked about movies before, but this recommendation is making me question what your taste is like,” Vanessa lets out a giggle, when Brooke’s mock offense takes over her face as she puts a hand to her heart.

“The disrespect. You’re not getting nachos with those kinds of statements,” Brooke grabs Vanessa’s gym bag, slinging it over her shoulder as she holds the door open. “Now c’mon.”

Brooke’s apartment is not what Vanessa expects - there are colours and tapestries lining the walls and even one on the ceiling, and she’s pretty sure she sees a bong on top of the refrigerator. It’s pretty, though, with the art splashed across every free surface and the shelves filled with books upon books, piles of even more on the actual floor. Vanessa has to resist the urge to go and sit down on the wicker chair in front of the television that’s suspended from the ceiling.

“Yvie’s the one behind the decor.” Brooke has a knowing smile on her face and Vanessa can feel her cheeks heat up, from how easily Brooke can read her mind. “Moved in a few years ago after she broke up with a long term partner. Never really got around to adding things of my own to the walls.”

Vanessa snickers before she can even get her joke out properly. “What would you add? A Chicken Little poster?”

Brooke, for her part, doesn’t miss a beat. “Nah. A poster of your meme.”

“Wow-”

“I know we were thinking nachos, but picture this. Chicken nuggets while we watch Chicken Little.” A girl with bright green hair pops her head out from behind a door, waving at the two of them.

Vanessa waves back, her eyebrows lifting higher and higher on her forehead when she realizes how tall the girl is as she walks closer. Even Brooke has to look up at her which is a strange sight on its own, considering how much Brooke towers over Vanessa.

Then again, Vanessa’s used to being the short one.

“Vanessa here is doubting the movie’s genius,” Brooke raises an eyebrow, and the girl lets out a fake gasp.

“Um, not a movie. Chicken Little is a film. An artistic masterpiece.”

“Are you two the presidents of the Chicken Little fan club?” Vanessa asks, as Brooke sticks her tongue out at her.

“Yes. And no, you can’t join.”

It’s interesting how Brooke’s work demeanor has dropped now that she’s in her own apartment, her normally squared shoulders a little more relaxed. It reminds Vanessa of when they went roller skating, seeing how much fun Brooke had while pulling her around the rink.

Vanessa wants to see more of it.

Brooke points at her roommate as the girl sticks out a hand. “Ness, this is Yvie. Yvie, Vanessa. I’m coaching her.”

“You’re introducing her as if I haven’t heard you talk about her every single day for the last however many months,” Yvie drawls and Brooke’s sputter is immediate, making Vanessa’s breath hitch a little in her throat.

Brooke talks about her?

Yvie pats Brooke on the back as if she’s choking on her water rather than on some words, sticking her other hand out for Vanessa to shake. “You’re Brooke’s favourite student. Also her only student, technically, but still a favourite nonetheless.”

Brooke’s cheeks are bright pink and Vanessa can’t deny that the sight is adorable, seeing her flustered for once. Still. Brooke probably recaps their training sessions and nothing more.

“As long as it’s mostly positive,” Vanessa shrugs, and the way Brooke emphatically nods makes her feel better than she wants to admit.

“I don’t think I could come up with anything negative about you.”

Brooke’s eyes are sincere as she says it, and Vanessa’s heart starts to beat just a little bit faster. Vanessa’s a person who’s always on the go, not one to slow down if she doesn’t have to but Brooke has the ability to make her world pause for just a second. Brooke changes Vanessa’s focus from what’s in front of her to solely her, and Vanessa almost wishes she could keep it there forever.

It’s never that hard for Vanessa to come up with words to reply with, especially not towards Brooke, but her brain feels like it has shuddered to a stop, pressing on the brakes because the small smile on Brooke’s face is more important to focus on. She could say something stupid, something funny, maybe return the sentiment but she doesn’t get a chance to decide on what to do before Yvie lets out a scoff.

“Except for your dislike of Chicken Little. That’s a negative if I’ve ever seen one.”

The platter of chicken nuggets that Yvie places on the coffee table with a flourish is impressive, to say the least. There’s a little bowl of ketchup on the side, along with sweet and sour sauce and something that looks to be...ranch?

Whatever it is, Vanessa’s nose wrinkles at the sight. “Which one of you eats ranch with chicken nuggets? Is that legal?”

Yvie’s cackle and Brooke’s flushed cheeks tell Vanessa all she needs to know as she plops down beside Brooke on the couch, nudging her side. “Really?”

“The flavour combination is great!” Brooke mutters, grabbing a chicken nugget and dipping it in the ranch for posterity, holding it up close to Vanessa’s face. “Try it.”

Vanessa scooches herself towards the edge of the couch, away from the chicken nugget and the ranch that’s slowly dripping down like a melting ice cream. “Absolutely not.”

“It’s delicious-”

“It’s cursed-”

“More for me, then,” Brooke tosses the chicken nugget into her mouth, and Vanessa’s not sure, really, how she’s handling the flavours together without puking. “You’re missing out.”

“Very happy to miss out on that, thank you very much. I’ll take the ketchup.”

It turns out that Chicken Little isn’t so bad with Yvie and Brooke peppering in commentary as they watch, and Vanessa finds herself getting swept into the plot, as ridiculous as it is. The glass of cider that Yvie’s brought for each of them is making Vanessa feel a little more relaxed, her shoulders not as stiff anymore as she leans against the back of the couch. It’s fun to watch Brooke’s face, really, and the way she lights up while quoting the movie as it plays.

Vanessa makes a mental note to invite Brooke over to watch more movies. Better movies. Expand her palate. Chicken Little cannot be at the top of Brooke’s movie pyramid, not when there are better choices available, like Pretty Woman. Sure, Vanessa’s not exactly a film connoisseur herself, but still. Anything beats Chicken Little, right?

Maybe it’s just the cider settling in, maybe it’s the full stomach of chicken nuggets, but...it’s nice. Comfortable. Vanessa pulls her feet up behind her on the couch before grabbing a throw pillow to hug on her lap, and really, she could fall asleep right where she’s sitting, even to the dulcet tones of the main chicken character screaming about an alien invasion. Brooke looks over as Vanessa settles herself more into the couch, her expression unreadable but then she reaches over the back of the couch, grabbing the throw blanket behind them.

“Wanna share? It’s kinda cold.”

It’s not cold and Vanessa knows it, she knows that Brooke does too, but Brooke’s face is soft and tentative and adorable and sharing a blanket with her would make the couch situation even more cozy.

Plus, she can cuddle with Brooke, because Brooke is tall and thus is a tall, comfortable cushion to lean against.

Brooke throws the blanket across both of them and Vanessa scoots closer to her so that their laps are covered, the fabric fuzzy and warm. The side of Vanessa’s upper thigh leans against Brooke’s and she’s not sure why she’s so hyper aware of the fact, or why Brooke’s arm across the back of the couch makes her want to snuggle in even closer.

It’s just Brooke, after all. Brooke, who’s seen her when she’s all sweaty and about to collapse on the gym floor. Brooke, who had been there at her worst after the last tournament and still wants to coach her and spend time with her. Brooke, whose secret love for Twilight will never fail to make Vanessa laugh.

If it’s just Brooke, then why is Vanessa’s heart taking flight in her chest when Brooke starts to absentmindedly trace patterns on her palm? She doesn’t know why Brooke’s touch is lighting up a pattern of sparks on her skin either, or why Brooke’s side is so comfortable to lean against. Why Vanessa almost wishes that the movie could go on forever, so that she can stay warm and safe under Brooke’s arm that’s now draped across her shoulders.

Maybe Vanessa doesn’t need answers for all of those questions, not yet, not if finding out the answers would mean disrupting the delicate balance that hangs in the air between them. Brooke shuffles a little bit and when Vanessa’s head ends up against her chest, she can feel the way Brooke’s heart is beating, surely faster than any heart should. It’s a contrast from how seemingly relaxed the rest of Brooke’s body is, how her arms around Vanessa aren’t tense, restricting, but rather grounding, pulling her down.

Leaning back against Brooke is warm, familiar. It’s a feeling of home in a situation so novel, so different from how they usually are, like pulling on a sweater that Vanessa’s not sure how she’s ever lived without. Maybe, just maybe, Vanessa doesn’t ever have to take it off.

Vanessa doesn’t realize that the credits start rolling on the screen until Yvie rolls off of the lilac armchair, reaching for the remote on the coffee table. She lets out a yawn, stretching her arms up high before shutting off the TV. “I, for one, am exhausted. And as fun as this was, it’s my bedtime.”

Brooke snickers, and Vanessa can feel the way her chest reverberates underneath her. “You and I both know you’re about to go Facetime Scarlet.”

“That’s what bedtime means,” Yvie wiggles her eyebrows, and Brooke’s noise of disgust is immediate.

“Horrifying. You two better keep it down this time. My ears still haven’t recovered from overhearing you both last week,” Brooke shudders as Yvie cackles, shutting the door to her bedroom with a click.

Vanessa turns in Brooke’s grip, shooting a questioning look. Surely Yvie can’t be louder than the average person on Facetime. “Overhearing what?”

Brooke makes a face, the haunted look in her eyes almost comedic from the way that she sighs. “Let me put it this way. Yvie and her girlfriend are in a long distance relationship, which is hard on them for a multitude of reasons. One of them being their libidos.”

“Their libidos…” Vanessa trails off, her face falling when she realizes what Brooke means. “Oh no. Not that. Tell me not that.”

“Exactly that. They’re quieter over Facetime than they are when Scarlet visits, at least. That’s a blessing.”

Vanessa shudders. Sure, she’s not exactly quiet in bed either, but the thought of people on the other side of the wall being able to hear everything is horrifying, especially because of the fact that she lives with Alexis. Her sister does not need to know details about her sex life, that’s for sure.

Still, Vanessa wonders how loud Yvie must be. “How do they even make so much noise with phone sex, anyway? Yodel?”

“Mating calls that would fit in perfectly in a National Geographic documentary,” Brooke lets out a snicker, her hand clapping over her mouth when Yvie lets out an ‘I heard that!’ from behind her bedroom door. “Still, glad I’m not about to suffer through overhearing it alone. You’ve saved my evening.”

Vanessa snorts, pulling back from Brooke’s embrace to face her, leaning against the back of the couch. “Glad to be of service.”

Brooke is softness and kindness and contentment all at once, and the easy smile on her face is one that Vanessa feels so lucky to see the longer and longer that she knows her. It’s moments like these that Vanessa wants to hold on to forever - when Brooke’s guard is down, when her posture is relaxed and she’s looking over with eyes that Vanessa could drown in. She wants to package up this version of Brooke that isn’t tethered by reminders of her past, or with upholding a legacy that defines her whether she likes it or not. At times like this, Brooke isn’t a boxer with her father’s last name, or Vanessa’s coach responsible for facilitating her success. She’s just Brooke, a girl whose gaze is so mesmerizing that makes Vanessa’s breathing hitch in her throat without even realizing it.

Brooke holds out a hand and it’s almost second nature for Vanessa to link her fingers with hers, their hands fitting together in a way that doesn’t make sense, not when Vanessa’s hands are so much smaller. But Brooke’s grip is an anchor that keeps her from floating away, one that centers her and lets her focus on the upward curve of Brooke’s lips, the softness of her eyes when she smiles.

Except then Brooke’s brow is furrowing, a hint of concern in her eyes that Vanessa wants to brush away for her. “You okay? You’re quieter than usual.”

Vanessa can feel her face heating up as she stutters, pulling her eyes away from Brooke’s face to focus on the stitching along the couch cushions. “I’m fine. I...nothing.”

She can’t exactly go out and tell Brooke, someone who’s a coach and also a friend for that matter, that she’s just a little bit mesmerized by her face. Not something that’s likely to go over well.

Vanessa’s past relationships have been nothing short of peacocking, making herself known to those she’s had an interest in because they’d inevitably chase her right back. She knows her worth, knows how to go after what she wants, but…

What does she even want, now?

She doesn’t want Brooke, she can’t, not when Brooke is her coach and someone who’s becoming more and more important towards every aspect of her life, someone who she texts when she wakes up in the morning and who she’s messaging as she’s falling asleep.

Brooke’s not the type of person that Vanessa can parade around and go on a few dates with while drinking the cheapest wine on the menu for shits and giggles. She’s not someone that Vanessa can let go of easily, the way she’s had to with previous relationships that didn’t work out. Brooke is different from them.

She’s not disposable, not someone that Vanessa wants to let go of from her life. She isn’t someone that Vanessa can let go of at this point, because the thought of not seeing her amused expressions in the gym or the pride on her face while they’re training is too much to deal with. Vanessa’s only beginning to read through Brooke’s pages to learn more about her, and finding out little details that make her want to melt and pull Brooke just a little closer to her heart.

Brooke is too important.

Sure, Vanessa’s breath hitches in her chest whenever Brooke pulls her closer, and maybe Brooke’s smile is enough to drown out any background noise buzzing around them, but Vanessa also knows that she falls hard. And fast. She’s impulsive, following what her heart tells her to do and most of the time, she can deal with the consequences because she knows she’ll be able to get back up again.

But if this is a miscalculation? If saying something means that they’ll end up in pieces that neither of them will be able to put back together?

It’s too big of a risk. At least, for now.

Vanessa can’t be the one to take the jump off the cliff, not yet.

So she smiles, puts on the most reassuring expression that she can, hoping that it’s enough to soothe the concern that splays itself across Brooke’s features. “Really, I am. Just thinking about all the press shenanigans that Detox has lined up for me tomorrow.”

It’s enough for Brooke’s features to relax just a little bit, the smile on her face almost nostalgic. “I’m glad it’s you now, and not me, on Detox’s receiving end. She’s ruthless in the best way.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

There’s a sinking feeling in Vanessa’s chest by going for the cop out, but...she has no other choice. It’s not the way she normally handles situations like this, a fact made clear by how much she has to push down the butterflies in her stomach, and hide them behind a door so that they don’t escape and ruin stakes that feel too high, too much of a risk.

Still, Vanessa’s a bit of a sucker for punishment, and so when Brooke pulls her closer into a hug, it’s as easy as breathing to snuggle into her and rest her head against her chest, because Brooke’s arms are warm and safe and manage to slow her thinking down just a bit.

Part of Vanessa feels like she can handle it and hold herself back from doing anything stupid, if only to not mess everything up. She can be this close to Brooke and not have her chest split in two and maybe it’s a blessing, and something that she has to hold on to. Except that by leaning against Brooke, she can feel how fast Brooke’s heart is beating, threatening to escape from her chest before she can possibly stop it. It’s a contrast from the gentle way that Brooke’s fingers run through her hair, betraying the calmness on the outside that she’s trying so hard to convey.

Maybe Vanessa’s not the only one holding back. Maybe Brooke also feels it, maybe she’s also teetering on the bridge that Vanessa’s trying her best not to lose her footing on, and the thought gives Vanessa pause for a second, because maybe the risk is one they can manage, something they can work with...

No. No.

They can’t.

Not if it would lead to everything falling to pieces around them, not if it would mean no more training and no more Brooke in general. Because that’s how relationships always seem to end, don’t they?

As much as Vanessa has always wanted the romantic movie ending and a kiss in the rain, it hasn’t happened to her yet, much to her teenage self’s disappointment. There’s too much on the line to see if Brooke will be the one to veer her onto a different path and change the outcome.

So, Vanessa has to be happy with what she’s getting now, this friendship with Brooke and the coaching and accept it for all that it’s worth. Because Brooke’s important, maybe the most important person in Vanessa’s life and she has to take what she gets.

She’s lucky enough to have it in the first place, after all.

#rpdr fanfiction #vanessa vanjie mateo #brooke lynn hytes #branjie #lesbian au #boxing au #boxer au #level up #holtzmanns