#saw this sign at the restaurant my brother bartends at | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jenonctcity · 4 years

Text

My Beginning - Part 1

Differences – Lee Jeno

Part of the Bad Boy Series.

Badboy!Au, Streetfighter!Au

Warnings: Mentions of past abuse, talk of drugs, aggression, mention of mental health, mention of blood/violence.

Word Count: 5.9k

(I recommend reading Haechan’s part first to understand this part more clearly.)

Jeno had a rough start to life. He was raised in a poor family with an abusive father and depressed mother. To let off some steam and make some money to support himself, he took up underground street fights at the age of 15. And he was really fucking good at it. Finally his father pushed him too far one night and at the age of 18 Jeno did what he’d wanted to do since before he could even remember, and he beat up his dad until his face was almost unrecognisable. He was sentenced to a year in prison for his crime, but he thought it was worth it and doesn’t regret it. Now fresh out of prison, he’s back in the underground fighting scene and adjusting to life on the outside without having to worry about his father for the first time in his life. He meets someone who mixes up his life once more, and she wants to change him for the better. Does he change for the women he sees in his future or is he too far gone?

“You need some pussy.” Chenle’s words caused Jeno to choke on the beer he was in the middle of swallowing. He winced and gulped the beer down after he’d finished coughing into his hand, giving Chenle a wide-eyed look and holding his hand up in question.

“Chenle…what the fuck?” He gulped down the rest of his beer and set the bottle down on the bar. Chenle sniggered, looking oddly proud of himself for what he’d said to his older friend.

“Well you’ve been a right grumpy bastard the past few months, and it’s starting to ruin my vibe.” Chenle sounded as if he was dead serious as he flagged the bartender down to order more beers.

“Sorry that I fell in love with someone who didn’t love me back Chenle, I didn’t mean to ruin your ‘vibe’.” He deadpanned but mocked Chenle’s voice as he said the word ‘vibe’.

“You’re forgiven.” Chenle’s neck was starting to look very inviting to Jeno. Inviting to wrap his hands around and strangle the cheeky fucker. “So anyway, I did you a favour!” This made Jeno’s eyebrows raise, as he knew Chenle doing someone a favour, usually worked out to be a devastation only for Chenle’s amusement. Jeno put his head in his hands and groaned.

“I swear to god if you have hired a fucking prostitute or some shit Chenle I wi-”

“No!” Chenle furrowed his eyebrows and let out a laugh. “You really think I’d spend that much money on getting a prostitute for you? Pfft, you’re my buddy but you’re not that special Jen.” The one thing Jeno loved but hated at the same time about Chenle was that he had absolutely no filter whatsoever.

“Thanks.” Jeno rolled his eyes and sighed. “So what is this favour?”

“I’ve set you up a blind date.” Chenle grinned at Jeno, clearly proud of what he’d done. Jeno felt his stomach drop, he sighed and shook his head as he looked at Chenle.

“I’m not ready.” He mumbled, looking down at his hands.

“It’s been what? Seven months?” Chenle furrowed his eyebrows, confused at Jeno’s reaction.

“Four months…you have no sense of time at all.” Jeno frowned in shock at his friend’s awareness of time. “Do you not realise that I still have feelings for her? She pretty much lives at the apartment and her and Haechan are all over each other.” He didn’t want to sound soft, so he neglected to tell Chenle that it felt like a knife was being stabbed through his heart every time he saw them hold hands, or their lips briefly touch. He wasn’t stupid, he knew they kept their pda to a minimum around him, and he knows they look at him with pity in their eyes, which isn’t what Jeno wants.

“Get over it my guy.” Chenle shrugs and slaps Jeno on the shoulder. He’s clearly never had his heartbroken, but Jeno can’t really blame him for his ignorance to heart break, he’s still young. “Look, she’s a really nice girl, and she’s beautiful. She’s my friend’s sister and he thinks she needs some company.”

“And she hasn’t got feelings for anyone else?” Jeno couldn’t hide the sarcasm in his voice as he stared Chenle in the eye.

“Not that I’m aware of. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was secretly in love with me though, I am one hell of a catch.” He winked at Jeno and took a large mouthful of beer, taking took much in and dribbling some of the liquid down his chin.

“Yes…quite the bachelor.”

“I’ll text you the details once I’ve sorted things out with her.”

“I don’t know whether to thank you or not, so I’m going to wait and see how this turns out.” Jeno rolled his eyes and sipped on his own beer.

“So you’ll actually go on the date?!”

“Yes, if it shuts you up about my personal life.”

“Deal!”

---

Jeno felt like he was suffocating as he tugged at the collar of his white button up shirt. It wasn’t often he wore a shirt considered ‘formal’, as he didn’t really go anywhere fancy enough to deem wearing a shirt that fell into the category. But since it was a first date and Chenle told him not to dress like a ‘homeless rat’, he decided to buy a decent shirt to wear with his black skinny jeans. The cool night air was at least doing somewhat of a decent job in calming him down, but the longer he stood beside Chenle as he waited for you to arrive, the more anxious he got. He wasn’t nervous to meet you, he was simply feeling anxious because he did not want to be going on a date, but he knew Chenle wouldn’t shut up about it until he agreed.

“Why doesn’t Jaemin ever have to deal with this shit?” He mumbled to himself, his fingers itching to grab at the packet of cigarettes in his leather jacket. He only smoked when he was feeling stressed, and he knew he’d get stressed, so he came prepared. Even though he mumbled the words, Chenle apparently had super sonic hearing.

“Because Jaemin has severe depression and I’m not willing to fuck with that.” Chenle shrugged. “She’s here!” He smiled widely as you got out of the taxi. You nearly climbed back in though because of how nervous you felt about going on a date. This was your first ever date, and you didn’t know how to feel about Chenle being the person to set it up for you. You also didn’t know what to wear, so you hoped that your little black dress with matching heels would be an okay option. You had straightened your hair and had made a decent effort with your makeup, hoping it would help mask how worried you were feeling. You turned around, looking to see the blond annoyance you knew too well, smiling when you caught sight of him. You felt your stomach fall straight through to the core of the earth when you laid eyes on the tall man next to him. He looked like he could snap you in half if he wanted to, not to mention, he was also the best-looking man you’d seen in a long, long, long time. Your palms started to sweat but you didn’t let your smile falter as you hurried over to them both.

“(Y/N)! Hi, this is Jeno, Jeno this is (Y/N). I’m going to shoot now; the reservations are made under your name Jeno. Bye!” Before either of you could utter a word to him, he had basically sprinted off down the road.

“I hate him so much.” You heard Jeno mutter, causing a soft, nervous laugh to fall from your lips. He turned towards you and gave you a lopsided smile. “Shall we?” He motioned towards the restaurant that you were stood in front of. You nodded and followed him inside, thanking him as he held the door open for you. The host hastily showed you to your seats and you slid into the booth, still holding the soft smile on your face. Jeno shrugged off his jacket and you couldn’t help but look at his arms as the shirt he was wearing moulded to the fabric snuggly. You didn’t really know what to say to him and let out a quick sigh as your eyes scanned the restaurant. It was starting to get painfully awkward, which was a bad sign for you, because you knew how you handled awkward situations. Jeno kept letting his eyes fall on your as he glanced at his menu, his bottom lip tucked between teeth as he mulled over the silence between you. You looked at the menu for a minute before deciding to try and start a conversation with him.

“So, how do you know Chenle?” You asked, letting your eyes meet his. For someone with very strong facial features, his eyes were very soft, the deep brown pools almost sucking you in. like a riptide in the ocean.

“Satan’s child?” This caused you to laugh abruptly, not having expected him to say such a thing. “I don’t actually remember, I’m pretty sure one of my friends just found him and adopted him into our group, then we haven’t been able to get rid of him since.” You smiled and nodded along to his words. “He said you’re his friends sister?”

“Yeah, he spends a lot of time eating my brothers food and giving him tattoos of random things.” Jeno smiled in amusement and turned his attention to the waiter as he came over. You both ordered your food and drinks and then you saw as he let out a small sigh, trying to avoid making eye contact with you. It baffled you as to why he agreed to go on a date with you when he clearly didn’t want to. ‘Maybe he doesn’t think I’m attractive…’ you couldn’t help but think to yourself as you let your mind wonder. You couldn’t stand the horrid silence, so you did what you did best in awkward situations. Talk. You didn’t mean to, but it always happened subconsciously as your battle against the quiet. You found yourself talking about the most random things, asking him questions that you only got brief answers to. You told him all about your life, how you were a student at a nearby university studying something you found boring but essential to the job you wanted. You also told him that you were in the middle of learning how to drive, but it was a slow process because you were busy with university. Until your food came and you suddenly realised just how long you’d been talking for. “I’ve been talking so much, I’m sorry I haven’t given you any chance to speak!” You could feel your cheeks heat up as embarrassment set in. Jeno gave you a gentle smile and sipped at his drink.

“I’m enjoying listening to you, I haven’t got much to tell you about my own life so I’m happy to listen to you about yours.” He sounded genuine, which made you let out a short sigh of relief. He chuckled when he saw you sigh. “You’re very sweet, much different to the people I spend my time with, so I’m enjoying your company. Please don’t think that because I don’t talk much that I’m not interested.” He started to eat his food at the same time you started your own. You smiled, happy that he was interested in what you had to say, but you couldn’t help but wonder why he said he hadn’t got much to tell you about his life. The rest of the date flew by pretty much the same. You would talk about anything you could think of whilst Jeno just nodded along and interjected his thoughts when he saw fit. You had managed to find out a little about his life, that he doesn’t see his parents often, he spends most of his free time working out because he only works part time at his friends uncle’s mechanic shop, and he bleaches his hair because he hates his natural hair colour.

The two of you left the restaurant after he paid the bill, which you had tried to pay half of, but he hadn’t let you. “You can pay for ice cream on our next date.” He’s mumbled with red cheeks as he held the door open for you on your way out.

“Ooooh what’s your favourite ice cream flavour?” You smiled widely, having completely missed that he’d shown interest in a second date with you. He looked down at you and couldn’t help the way his cheeks tugged his own lips into a smile.

“Vanilla.”

“Boring!”

“It’s not! What’s your favourite flavour then?” He shoved his hands in his jacket pocket as he watched you.

“Vanilla.” You giggled as his mouth popped open. He looked scandalised at your words and his eyebrows furrowed.

“You just accused vanilla of being boring!”

“But I never said that I wasn’t boring too.” You shrugged. His face fell and he shook his head as he looked down at you.

“I don’t think that you’re boring…hey can I get your number? So we can arrange our next date.” He looked down at his feet, a slight nervous fire burning in his stomach at the thought of you turning him down. Your whole face lit up and you nodded eagerly, quickly taking his phone from him to put your number in when he held it out to you. “Can I give you a ride home?” You felt your phone buzz and looked down to see an unknown number, the message being a simple ‘Hi it’s Jeno’. You saved his number and smiled up at him.

“If it’s okay? I don’t want you to go out of your way.” You felt your stomach do a little flip when he let out a soft laugh and a shrug.

“It’s cool, come on.” He placed his hand on your lower back and guided you to the car park. He took you over to a sporty black car and opened the door for you, you slipped in the car and thanked him, looking at the sleek interior as you waited for him to get in beside you. You briefly wondered how he could afford a car this nice when he had told you that he was currently not working. “Where do you live?”

“Do you know the apartment buildings near the water tower?” He nodded in response, a gasp leaving his mouth.

“Wait you live there? I live there too, in the red bricked building!”

“No freaking way! I live in the white bricked building!” You both had surprised looks on your faces as you both found out that you live in the apartment buildings opposite each other.

“What are the chances?” He laughed, starting to drive towards the apartment buildings. You didn’t have much more to say, so you stared out of the window into the darkness of the night as the radio hummed a slow song throughout the atmosphere of the car. You mulled over the whole night in your head, unable to get rid the smile that sat contently on your face at the thought of your date. Jeno drummed his fingers gently against the steering wheel as he drove, his eyes darting over to you every now and then to check up on you. He stopped on the side of the road that his apartment building was on, hurrying to get out and rushing around the car to open the door for you. You felt butterflies in your stomach at the small gesture, thanking him as you climbed out of the car. “I’ll walk you to your building.”

“Thanks.” You walked with him across the road and suddenly feel a nervousness in your stomach. “I had fun.” You blurt out, rocking back and forth on your feet as he watched you stood by the door. He had a small smile on his face, and he nodded, mumbling a soft ‘me too’. You cleared your throat and turned to unlocked the door to your apartment building when you felt his hand gently tug on your own, the one that wasn’t busy unlocking the door. Your stomach dropped, thoughts running through your mind at what he might want from you. Did he expect you to have sex on the first date?!

“Hey,” When you turned around, he stepped closer, ducking down and planting a soft kiss to your cheek which felt like it was about to combust in flames from how hot it felt. He smiled wider when he saw your bashful smile, with your eyes darting around to look anywhere but at him. He could see that you were quite a shy person, and it made him feel something in his stomach that he couldn’t quite identify. “See ya.” He turned around and walked across the street as you opened your door and let yourself in. Once you were behind walking up the stairs to your apartment you let out a little squeal of excitement.

“Oh my gosh!” You jumped up and down like an exciting schoolgirl fawning over their crush. You couldn’t believe that your first date with a man who was as good looking as that went so well. Jeno seemed kind of rough around the edges in appearance, but his personality was the complete opposite, obviously you knew that he hadn’t shown you all of him yet, but your first impressions were very good. Still, you felt yourself getting sucked into his dark brown eyes whenever he talked, which wasn’t often, but it was enough. Needless to say, you went to sleep that night with a huge smile on your face, anticipating what’s to come.

---

“How did the date go?” Was the first thing Jeno heard when he walked through the door of the apartment after dropping you off at your own apartment. He headed into the living room and saw that Renjun had 1 year old Jiyeon sitting on his lap with kids cartoons playing on the television, Jaemin had a family sized packet of doritos laying on his stomach as he slouched beside Renjun, passing a chip to Jiyeon before shovelling loads into his own mouth, and Haechan had his girlfriend snuggled into his chest on the other sofa. Jeno’s heart sunk through his stomach as he saw his ex-girlfriend looking at his best friend with so much love in her eyes, a look she never gave him when they were together. It felt to him as though all of the happiness he’d built up from his date was flushed down the toilet as he tore his eyes away from the couple. It was very apparent to him in that moment that he wasn’t over her, and his feelings for her hadn’t gone away at all.

“Good, really good. I got her number.” He gulped before mumbling, awkwardly scratching his head and sighing as he took off his jacket. She pulled her head away from Haechan’s chest and gave him an awkward smile.

“You went on a date?” She asked softly.

“Mhm.” He didn’t trust his voice, so he just hummed and nodded.

“I’m happy for you Jen.” The whole room felt like it was suffocating him as all eyes turned to look at him. It felt very much like pity to Jeno, causing heat to rush to his cheeks and a slight resentment and anger to boil inside of him. Ever since they’d ended things, his anger issues had spiked, and he found it hard to control his temper. The only time he’d ever been as angry was before he’d went to prison. He was like a ticking time bomb, or a bottle of soda that had been shook and ready to pop at any minute.

“Whatever.” He grunted, sinking on the sofa on the other side of Renjun and ignoring the way she cowered to his voice, settling her head back on Haechan’s chest as he scowled at Jeno. He didn’t mean to be cruel to her, he wanted nothing more than to be the one she was cuddling up to, but the resentment for her loving Haechan when she was supposed to love him still sat heavy inside of him.

“Jennie!” Jiyeon chirped, wiggling her way off of her father’s lap to sit on her uncle’s lap. She smiled at him and laid herself against his chest.

“Hi cupcake.” He ran his hand through her jet-black hair, wrapping his arms around her tiny frame and sighing as he cuddled her for comfort. “She’s starting to look more like you Renjun.” He commented, trying to change the tone in the room so it was less about him and more about the toddler cuddling him.

“She’s blessed then because I’m-”

“Ugly as fuck.” Jaemin mumbled, cutting Renjun off before he could finish and shovelling more chips into his mouth as he watched the kid cartoons. Renjun frowned, slamming his fist down on Jaemin’s packet of doritos and smirking when the sound of them crushing into small pieces sounded throughout the room. Jiyeon laughed loudly as she watched the interaction between them, the sound of her sweet laughter calming Jeno down completely.

---

The cool air in the bar kept your cheeks from blazing in heat every time Jeno looked you in the eye. The bar wasn’t very busy, making it feel more intimate as you didn’t have to compete with other voices to allow Jeno’s ears to hear your voice. It was dark in the bar, the cover of night making visibility poor despite how the artificial lights in the bar tried their hardest to lit the place up with mood lighting. His blond hair was pushed back off of his forehead, and small smudges of black eyeliner around his beautiful eyes. His black button up shirt had the first two buttons undone, and he had a pair of black skinny jeans on, his hair being the only contrast to his entirely black outfit. You wore a simple dress and flats, keeping close to him in the busy bar as to not have random people bump into you. He had his hand pressed to your lower back and he kept his eyes on the people around you both. You took a mouthful of your drink and looked up at Jeno, completely in awe of his handsome looks. He had his eyes trained on someone behind you and he didn’t seem to be tearing his eyes away from them. You didn’t want to turn around, just in case he was staring at another woman. You didn’t think you’d be able to handle that well if that was the case. It was your second date, a week from your first date, so you hoped that he at least had some affection towards you despite the fact the two of you hadn’t actually made your relationship official.

“So…” You racked your brain to quickly think of something you could say to him that would bring his attention back to you. “I…er…I had another driving lesson today, it went well!” You smiled up at him, but he still continued to stare over the top of your head, completely ignoring you. You felt dejected, letting out a soft sigh and looking down at your feet. You felt as though he wasn’t interest in you at all. You’d hardly gotten anything out of him the entire time you’d been stood beside him at the bar, and you felt as though a brick wall would be more interested in you. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed that the hand he had set on the side of the bar curled into a fist, and his body visibly tensed up.

“Hey!” He snapped, causing you to flinch and look up at him with worry in your eyes, expecting that he was going to be looking at you, ready to have a go at you, you didn’t know why though, you didn’t think you’d done anything wrong. “Stop staring at my girlfriend.” He growled; his eyes still trained over the top of your head. Your eyes widened and you turned around, noticing a middle-aged man stood a few metres away from you with his eyes stuck on you. Your mouth dropped open as you realised Jeno had been staring out the creepy looking guy, being protective over you. Your heart flipped and you felt silly for having thought he was eyeing up another woman. A wave of heat rushed through you as you realised Jeno must have been interested in you to get so worked up over another man staring at you, also he referred to you as his girlfriend, which caught you off guard but made a flower of happiness blossom inside of you.

“What are you going to do about it?” The man smirked, clearly not caring that he was antagonising Jeno. Jeno’s face hardened more and he pulled you quickly so that you were behind him, not having any worry in approaching the man and getting close to him.

“Do you really want to find out?” He said lowly, his tone dripping in threat as both of his fists clenched up, his shoulders tensing too and becoming broader as he squared up to the man. The man smirked and stood up straighter, about the same height as Jeno and ready to fight him. You gasped, gently laying a hand on Jeno’s shoulder.

“Jeno come on, lets just go.” You spoke softly, feeling the muscle underneath your hand relax momentarily.

“She’s too good for you. She needs a man, not a boy.” The man laughed, glancing past Jeno to wink at you. Jeno shoved him so hard that he tripped over the bar stool behind him and fell on his ass. The man had a face of complete shock, clearly not having expected the ‘boy’ to be that strong and gutsy enough to actually put him on his ass.

“One more word and you won’t be feeling like a man for a long time.” Jeno snapped, standing over the man and giving him a look that could probably petrify someone. You knew Jeno was rough around the edges, but you never would have thought he could do something like that. It shocked you and you felt yourself taking a few steps back from him, not knowing him well enough to know what he was going to do next. After silence fell between them both, Jeno turned around, snatching your hand into his own and pulling you firmly out of the bar. You had to jog to keep up with his fast strides. He didn’t let go of your hand, and pulled you down the street, his shoulders still tense and his breathing heavy. The grip he had on your hand was starting to hurt more from how hard he was squeezing your hand, which was considerably smaller than his own.

“Jeno…you’re hurting me.” You said quietly, but he heard you. Stopping almost immediately he turned to look at you, letting go of your hand and gulping. He looked down once before looking back up, giving you direct eye contact that almost made you have a heart attack.

“I’m sorry…are you okay?” He looked worried, all of his pent-up anger washing away after hearing your fragile tone. You nodded, flexing your fingers out and rubbing your hand with your other hand.

“Are you okay?” You asked, concerned about him for how he acted in that situation.

“I’m fine. I’m sorry you had to see me like that…we need to talk.” His gave you a weak smile, almost like he was giving you pity, which made your stomach fall to the floor as you thought he was about to end things with you.

“O-oh…okay.” He got out his car keys and you followed him to his car. He unlocked it and motioned with his head for you to climb in. You both got in, but he made no effort in turning on the car, and instead put his keys in the cupholder before turning to him.

“I lied to you about my job. I don’t help out at the mechanic shop. I fight, illegally.” His words had your eyebrows raising in surprise, many of questions sitting on the tip of your tongue, but left unsaid as you had a feeling he was about to go into more detail anyway. “It’s called underground street fighting, and it’s not legal in the slightest. It’s dangerous, and I’ve been injured more times than I care to admit, and I’ve also inflicted life changing injuries on other men. I’ve seen people black out and never wake up again. It’s tough but…it’s really good money, and it’s a way that I can let go of all of my anger. I have a lot of anger problems, I won’t lie to you about it, it’s bad, and honestly I’m surprised that I managed to walk away from that asshole without punching him in the face.” He let out a very gently laugh that was humourless, his eyes searching your face for your reaction. You just nodded, biting you bottom lip as it occurred to you that you were dating a very dangerous man.

“Why?” You asked, causing his head to tilt in question.

“Why what?”

“Why are you so angry?” Your voice was quiet and soft but held no judgement towards him. You really liked him, and this was the furthest you’d ever gotten with a guy, so you didn’t want to throw it all away just because he was a little bit different from everyone else. He took a deep breath and looked away from you for a moment, before dragging his eyes back to look at you. It was dark in the car, the only light coming from the streetlight above his car, but you could still see the painful look in his eyes as he opened his mouth to speak to you.

“I grew up in a very poor family with a father who abused my mum and me. It caused my mum to have very bad depression, which had an effect on me. I let the abuse happen for too long, and then when I was 15 I got introduced into the street fighting. I finally felt like I had some power, and it earnt me a lot of money, which I’d never had before. Even though I was fighting out of the house, at home I was still being beaten, and one night when I as 17, my dad hit my mum so hard that the force of her hitting the wall left a dent in it.” He paused, squeezing his eyes shut as he remembered the memory. You reached out and took his hand in both of yours, showing him that you were listening and not judging him. “I saw red, I just remember pulling my dad away from her. I don’t remember much of what happened, because I was in a frenzy. But the next thing I remember is my mum trying to pull me off of my dad. He was underneath me on the floor and his face was…unrecognisable. There was so much blood…” He remembered how his hands were shaking and covered in blood, a mixture of his fathers’ blood and his own blood from how his fists had pummelled into his fathers’ face. His face was wet with tears and blood that had spurted from his life givers face, and he remembered how his own mother cowered away from him like he was the one who had been inflicting pain on her for the past 17 years of his life. “She called for an ambulance whilst I sat on the floor covered in blood. The police came as well, and I got arrested. I went to prison for a year because I was still a minor and they classed it as self-defence. My mother visited me once, and I don’t see her often because she says its hard for her to look at me after what I did. But she isn’t with my father anymore, so I can live with that.” You could tell from the tone of his voice that even though he said he could live with it, that it was hard for him to live with it. It suddenly occurred to you that he wasn’t different from other people. He was simply a broken person trying their best to live in a world where he’d been dealt shit cards from the start.

“Is your dad…?” You couldn’t bring yourself to finish your sentence, but he knew what you were asking.

“No. He’s alive. I don’t know where he is or what he’s doing. Hell I don’t even know if he looks the same as what he used to. I did a lot of damage to his face so…” He shrugged, his hand holding onto yours firmly. “After I came out of prison, I continued street fighting and moved in with my friends. They had all gotten a place together and left a room free for me when I got out. They’re my family now.”

“I’m glad you have people you can rely on; they sound like great people.” He laughed at your words.

“A teen dad, a drug dealer, and an illegal street racer. They’re great, but not morally.” He chuckled at your shocked expression, using his free hand to reach out and cup your cheek. “They’re harmless to people that don’t get on their bad side.” He stroked his thumb over your hot skin and smiled at you. He felt affection bloom in his stomach when he saw that you accepted him for who he was. It was different with his ex, she was used to the lifestyle he lived like, but he knew from your stories that you were raised in a respectable household and you’d never done anything bad in your entire life. You were complete polar opposites, and for the first time in months he could think about his ex-girlfriend and not feel a pull towards her like her had before. Instead he was being pulled towards you like a magnet. You were the positive side, and he was the negative side, and you fit together so perfectly.

“I hope they’ll like me.” You admitted, leaning your head into his touch to show you were enjoying it.

“They will.” He smiled, neglecting to tell you that one of his best friends was dating his ex-girlfriend, but he could only pile so much information on you at a time without overwhelming you.

“I actually have a small confession to make too.” You plucked up the courage despite the pang of anxiety you felt in your stomach.

“Oh god, you’re not a crazy axe murderer, are you?” He was clearly joking, his eye dropping into a wink as he pretending to be shocked.

“No!” You giggled, his hand dropping to your hands. “I’ve never dated anybody before, and I’ve never had a boyfriend…or had sex. I have been kissed though!” His smile never faltered and if anything, he felt even more drawn towards you, liking that you were pure for him. it drove him crazy to even think about another man having his hands on you. “So this is all new to me, and I’m super nervous but trying to play it cool so that you didn’t think I was strange or anything, and I really like you and I don’t care about your job and-” You were cut off by his lips pressing to your own, your eyes shutting as you melted into the kiss. It was short and sweet, but his lips did linger and place another peck to your lips.

“I guess I should do this properly then.” He smiled, kissing you once more and smiling into the kiss. “(Y/N), do you want to be my girlfriend?” He pulled away from you and stared into your eyes. You felt your cheeks almost burning up, the car feeling suddenly stuffy as you looked at him.

“Yes.” You nodded quickly, letting your eyes slowly shut as his hands cupped your face, drawing his lips to yours once more in a slower, more passionate kiss.

---

Hey! Thank you for reading! Did you like it? What do you think so far? What do you think is going to happen? Let me know!

1K notes · View notes

marauder-exe · 4 years

Text

AU list!

hi! These are a bunch of Au’s that i could write,and you could request! (reposting because it didnt work the first time)

General

Fake dating (My personal favourite)

Soulmates

Coffee shop

Modern Royalty

Rockstar

Running From The Police

Rebel Against The Goverment

High School

University

Law school

Delayed-Flights-And-Were-Stuck-In-The-Airport-And-Its-Like-2Am

Roommates

Road Trip

Arranged Marriage

Im-Arranged-To-Marry-Your-Brother-But-Were-In-Love

Amnesia

Tattoo-Artist-And-Coffee-Shop-Worker

Loved-Since-Childhood

Professor-Student (of age)

Met-On-Holiday

More detailed

21.You were singing/playing guitar/etc. in the park to protest the war and a policeman tried to dismiss you for 'disturbing the peace' but you argued that you were promoting peace and things got heated and next thing you know you're being arrested for assaulting an officer. You intrigue me, so I'm here to bail you out and maybe take you on a date?

22.the nice one who everybody loves with the grumpy and strict one that the students hate and the students wonder?????????how what the fuck

23.we just had a one-night stand but a massive storm hit so now we’re snowed in, hello awkward

24. i sit at the rental booth at our local ice rink and watch you teach children how to skate

25. alternatively, i watch kids teach you how to skate because you’re a terrible skater

26. i’m running late to an important interview/meeting and you accidentally spill your hot cocoa all over my outfit

27. you’re my hot ski instructor and i’m failing the bunny hill

28. i slip on some ice and you’re the stranger who catches me

29. i gave my winter coat to a homeless person and come into your store to warm up

30. our friends rent a cabin to go skiing and we’re the only ones who stay inside

31. you’re the asshole of our group and we don’t get along, but then i find out you make soup for the local shelter

32.we’re waiting in line for the club when you complain that your roommate stole your gloves so let me warm your hands up with mine

33.my family invites you to join our holiday meal as an obvious setup and i’m so sorry

34.the power goes out in our apartment building, but i’m not prepared for this, and you come to check on me

35.i’m having a snowball fight with my friend in the park and i hit you instead

36.a storm is delaying our flight home and i’m afraid of thunder, please talk to me while we wait

37. we’re both in small claims court and i got into a huge fight with the person suing me but you stepped in to hold me back before security got there

38. i drove two hours to the closest video rental store that’s still operating and you were checking out the only copy of the movie i was after

39. i hit you with my car but luckily you’re okay, but we should still exchange information i guess

40. i was worried about buying something off of someone creepy from craigslist but oh no you’re hot

41. my friend talked me into playing a drunken game of spin the bottle even though we’re all adults and now we have to make out

42. we both decided to take a [yoga/fencing/cooking etc] class and we’re the only two assholes not taking it seriously and everyone else is giving us dirty looks but we keep grinning over at each other

43. my date just made a scene in public and got arrested and now i’m stranded in a city without a ride home

44. sharing a cab together

45. you’re trying to get me to sign a petition and i have no idea what you’re talking about

46. you’re drunk at this festival and dancing on the table and when you eventually fell i caught you

47. we both play this stupid game online and you keep beating me every single goddamn time so i called you out and you are pretty cute but can you not

48. im a bartender and you just came in here without shoes sat down and ordered a chocolate volcano and idk what the fuck that is and im scared to ask

49. we are neighbours and every night at 3:14 am you start yodeling for no fucking reason??? why???? is that you yodeling??? its been 2 months???

50.im a pizza delivery person and i just delivered a pizza to someone in the middle of a satanic ritual and they gave me their number???

51. i woke up this morning to find you sitting in my living room with a goat in a poncho??? who are you??? why is the goat wearing a poncho??? how did you get the goat in here i live on the 12th floor???

52. we work out at the same gym and you always look super legit but i know you sing hannah montana in the shower and you know i know

53. im a cashier and i saw you stuffing you pants full of potatoes and i would stop you but you already have 27 and i want to see how many you can fit

54. its 4 am and im drunk as fuck in a mcdonalds and you have been watching my trying to eat this burger for 30 minutes

55. i was playing beer pong with a coin and i accidentally threw it right into your eye at a party

56. i’m at the beach and some kids thought it was funny to bury me in the sand when i dozed off can you please dig me out

57. it’s unbearably hot and we’re both fighting over the last handheld electrical fan at the shop at the amusement park

58. hey i just met you, and this is crazy, but i get sunburned really easily so can you please help me put sunscreen on my back?

59. thunderstorm after a menacing heatwave and we’re both getting weird looks for dancing in the rain

60.i have no idea who you are but you just fainted right in front of me holy shit dude you need to drink more in this heat

61. we both chased after the leaving ice cream van like ten-year-olds and now we’re both out of breath and a bit embarrassed

62.i clearly reserved this deck chair by putting a towel on it why on earth are you lying on it who the fuck do you think you are

63. My friends bet I wouldn’t buy these three weird and questionable items and you’re my cashier.

64.Once a week I go visit the pet store just to stare at the cute kittens and puppies and you’re the nice employee who always lets me hold them and wait I think I’m going to cry hold on.

65.You’re the DJ of the University’s radio station and every time you give an opinion on a current event I have to call and argue with you because could you seriously be anymore wrong?

66.We both wait tables at the same restaurant and you’re always mad at me by the end of the night because I make more in tips

67.We have the same class and once a week you wear this graphic shirt I don’t understand and I really want to ask you about it.

68.We both work at the same craft store that literally has no customers so we have nothing to do and I’m always reading at the register but you always have to criticize my book choice what the hell?

69.I’m working the concession stand for this week’s home game and this is the fifth time you’ve come back for snacks wait are you flirting with me?

70. we’re at a bookstore and you and I seem to have similar taste in books have you read this one? How about this one?

71. you look like you need help and I’m a professional roller/ice skater but I don’t want you to feel bad about how much you suck but wow you suck

72. You ordered your food before me and they gave you a drink you didn’t want so you gave it to me

73. We’re sitting at adjacent computers in the library and I’m taking extra care not to look at your screen out of respect but what the fuck do you keep laughing at

74. as a joke I yelled out “happy birthday to someone!” in this store and you called back “thank you!” who are you

75. You heard me talking about a TV show in class the other day and now you’re passionately yelling at me about how good it is we’ve never actually spoken before

76. It’s 10:30 at night and I left my glasses at home so I can’t read any of these labels and you’re one of the only people in the grocery store and GODDAMMIT DO YOU HAVE ANY TOMATO SAUCE WITHOUT CHUNKS

77. We go to the same support group; I have social anxiety and you’re a kleptomaniac who sorta stole my heart

78. You thought you were alone at the bus stop so early in the morning so you started passionately singing Fall Out Boy but your Patrick Stump impression could use some work and I’m not really afraid to point that out

79. I’m an artist and you have a really nice face so would you mind if I drew you?

80. We’re rival up-and-coming singers and every time one of us releases a new single the other does a cover to try to make it better; we’re always trying to top each other and out-cute each other, but half our fans aggressively ship us; our agents use this to their advantage and decide we should do a duet because it’ll be popular; unfortunately now that we’re in the same studio and I’ve seen what you’re like I really wanna know what your lips feel like

81.PLEASE I REALLY CANNOT FIND MY CAT AND I KNOW IT’S THREE A.M. BUT NEIL CATRICK HARRIS AND I WOULD BOTH APPRECIATE THE HELP

82. We were both stood up for dates at the same nice restaurant so we decide to eat together and split the check but I dunno you’re pretty interesting aside from your distractingly enormous eyebrows

83. We met at a mutual friend’s cheesy masquerade party and we agree that the only good thing about this party is the masks so you can’t judge a book by its cover only now that we’ve been talking I want to see your face but I don’t know how to ask

84. You used to date my friend who absolutely hates your guts after a messy breakup and now you’re flirting with me and I really shouldn’t be so interested in you but I am

85.We pass each other every day while we’re biking on the same path so we’ve started smiling at each other and one day you’re stopped because you’re having an asthma attack so I offer you my extra water bottle and now we’re talking and now I’M the one who’s breathless

86.I lost my little sibling in IKEA and I need your help finding them

87.I'm a private detective hired to follow you, but you're endearingly boring and mostly I just like watching you and oops, I sort of find you adorable.

88. You've been sketching me for half an hour now, and just shuffled up to hand me the finished product and it's TERRIBLE but you just wanted an excuse to talk to me.

89. I'm at an art exhibit and I just badmouthed the art, because I don't get it, okay? And it turns out you're the artist. I'm so sorry, maybe I could get you coffee and you could explain what it was supposed to be?

90. We're the only two people who turned up to an underground gig and it should be awkward, but the band is amazing and you asked me to dance and hey, there's nobody watching but us.

91. You live in the apartment next to me. We're not supposed to have pets, but I KNOW you have a cat. I'll make you a deal, I won't tell, if you let me pet it.

92. I punched you because I thought you were insulting my friend, but it turns out you know each other and it was an inside joke and I'm so sorry, let me drive you to the hospital?

93. We both wanted to rent a bike for an hour but the only one they have is a tandem bike

94. I’m on a terrible date and you’re my waitor please help me

95.Our dick landlord just evicted us both

96.I’m your neighbor and I can hear you fucking someone who shares my name

97. You’re sort of famous and we vaguely know each other through bumping into each other all the time but the media thinks we’re dating

98. Your roommate cheated on me and I just threw your laptop out the window thinking it was his

99. It’s 2am on the night of my 21st birthday and we gotta fix this fucking mess by morning or else we’re fucked

100.Fuck you and your bee farm I’ve had enough

Feel free to use any of these as your own! If you wanna request you could drop an inbox saying ‘ could you do ____ AU with this character’!

#remus lupin x reader #sirius black x reader #james potter x reader #lily evans x reader #cedric diggory x reader #regulus black x reader #fred weasley x reader #george weasley x reader #hermione granger x reader

186 notes · View notes

pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles · 4 years

Text

Wicked Game

Another round of the 5sos fic writing collab brought to you by @maluminspace and @h0tsos. There are so many amazing writers involved and I highly recommend checking out the event master list linked below. Thank you to the Sagittarius sorceress @sexgodashton for being very caring, patient, and kind while helping me tame this monster. Massive shout out to @ghostofmashton for the photo edits, especially Ashton’s eye. that’s my favorite. You’re a rock star. Texas girls forever, love you to bits!

Event Master List

Prompt: Chef AU with Cashton

Dialogue Prompt: “Kissing you is all I’ve thought about since the moment we met” First person to spot it in the fic and send me a screenshot gets a personalized blurb request.

Word Count: 20K+ Team Long Winded Bitch strikes again, this will be posted in multiple parts over the next couple of days. This first part is about 5K

Rating: 18+ Slash fic Strong language, alcohol and drug use, and a misogynistic and racist comment. Sexual scenes including masturbation, toys, voyeurism, oral, and anal sex.

Summary: Ashton is ready to move on with his life after his painful divorce from Luke and the demise of the restaurant they’d built together. With the help of his protegee and sous chef Hima Singh, Ashton is ready to take on opening weekend of his new restaurant Anne-Marie’s. Calum is a reporter filling in on an assignment and is surprised when his past comes back to haunt him. Hima arranges an interview that takes an unexpected turn between the two men.

Part 1

"Great job, guys, we couldn't have had a better opening weekend. Thank you so much for making it happen," Ashton told the two staff members in the kitchen who'd closed as he unlocked the back door.

"No problem boss, glad to be here. We made money this weekend. See ya tomorrow," DeSean told him as he left.

Ashton locked the door behind them and walked out into the empty dining room, his steel-toed boots echoing heavily on the distressed blonde faux hardwood floors. He stopped to adjust a few tables, double-checking sightlines and looking over the layout of the tables. The upside-down chair legs cast long shadows in the soft pink neon glow.

He looked up at the sign above the bar that read "Anne-Marie's." He smiled, not caring if anyone thought it was cheesy to name his restaurant after his mother. His mom had always been his lucky star, and he couldn't have gotten through the last couple of years without her.

"You look so serious,' a voice behind him startled him out of his thoughts.

"What the fuck Hima," Ashton yelped, clutching his chest dramatically. "I thought you were still in the kitchen."

"The guys didn't leave me anything to do so I decided to change and have a drink with you before my brother gets here," she tossed her bag and chef's coat onto a stool grinning at Ashton. She hopped up to sit on the bar before swinging her legs around as she pushed off. Landing without a wobble she reached under the bar and grabbed a bottle of black label Bushmill's Irish Whiskey and two short glasses.

"Straight for the good stuff, I like the way you think," Ashton smirked, taking a seat at the bar.

"To simply mark the occasion, of course" she poured them each a shot before adding a splash of water. She raised her glass, "Cheers to you, Boss, and to Anne-Marie's."

They clinked glasses. "Couldn't have done it without you," he replied before taking a sip.

"Awwwwww thanks Ashtton, " she grinned at him. "Damn that's good, the whiskey makes me forgive the Irish for how dreadful Guinness is. Did you see Kevin Mackie snuck in last night? I expect a write up in the Metro on Tuesday and I know you saw Patricia Bennett," she rolled her eyes at the name.

"She makes herself hard to miss," he snorted. "I missed Mackie though. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because we were busy and I didn't have time for you to get all giggly and nervous. He got the crab puffs and the Mac and Brie and inhaled them. You were right about the nutmeg; I thought he was going to lick the plate." She opened two bottles of beer before hopping back over the bar and taking a seat next to Ashton.

"How did this weekend compare to the opening of ‘Lune Rouge’? Was it as good as the first time?" Hima finished her whiskey before shaking a pack of Camel Crush cigarettes out of her bag.

"If you get ashes on the bar Paloma will flip her shit," Ashton warned.

"I'm not afraid of her," Hima snipped, but she made sure to be careful. No sense in antagonizing their temperamental main bartender.

"This opening was definitely smoother than the first one. We didn't know what the hell we were doing. The first night we ran out of duck fat and gorgonzola before the dinner rush was over. My sous chef's sister had to run to Whole Foods for emergency supplies. We got lucky the press ignored us for a couple weeks until we got a little buzz going. This time I knew what to expect but there was also more pressure," he paused, taking a pull on the bottle of beer. "This time I expected to succeed right out of the gate."

"You succeeded there," Hima stubbed her cigarette out in her empty glass. "I really need to quit."

"You could get a puff bar and start vaping," he teased.

"I'm not a fucking junior varsity cheerleader. I can take my cancer like a big girl." She checked her phone. "Ugh it's almost nine, and it's gonna take me at least thirty minutes to get home. You're closing tomorrow with me right?"

"Yeah, I'll be in around 11 all this week. Rafi is handling brunch with Gloria but I want to be here," Ashton double-checked his phone. "Tuesday I have that interview with Men's Life and they just emailed me."

Hima saw his nose scrunch up as he read. "What's wrong?"

"I thought they were sending Taj, but instead of rescheduling the interview, they're sending Calum Hood," Ashton sneered.

"Chill dude, it's not that bad," Hima was confused by the venom in his voice. "Yeah he's a bit of a goof, but he's hot and not a pretentious dickhead. They could've sent Felipe."

"True, true," he grumbled as he saw a black Honda pull up outside. "Kabir is here."

"Shit, ok see you tomorrow, Boss," she grabbed her stuff, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and ran out the door, locking it behind her.

Ashton walked through once again. He made sure the lights were off in the employee lounge. Since many of his staff members used public transport or worked two jobs, Rafi had convinced Ashton to provide his staff with a decent place to take a break and get ready before or after work. He built a small shower stall, lockers, and provided clean towels, and as his new kitchen manager, Rafi took responsibility for maintaining the space. Ashton took a last look at the bar, double-checking for any stray ashes Hima might have missed before setting the alarm, locking up, and heading home.

Calum opened the email from his editor and swore loud enough to wake the scruffy brown terrier mix snoozing at his feet.

Hey Cal,

Sorry it's such short notice but Taj's mom had an emergency and I need you to cover for him. He's interviewing Ashton Irwin, remember him? He had the Lune Rouge a few years ago. Well, he's got a new place, diverse staff and we're doing a feature. Maybe even the cover if he's really pretty. Tuesday at 2 pm I'll send you the address and details after I talk to Taj. Oh, and my friend Nick is coming into town and I told him you'd show him around. It's been a while since you had a date but you'll like him. He's kinda short, but he's got big muscles, huge dick, perfect credit. You could do a lot worse.

Call me tomorrow

Sham

This isn't good, this isn't good. Calum's mind was racing. He rubbed his temples trying to think. Taj was notoriously reliable and responsible, so if he was taking off on short notice, it must be serious. It was just his bad luck it was Ashton Irwin.

He usually covered travel and sports for Men's Life while Taj handled food and fashion. Calum didn't mind taking back food and dining for the time being. He'd started in that industry, working as a line cook while he went to school for journalism. He'd quit both when a flirty, older professor recommended him for an internship at California Culture and he managed to land a real job. Professor Davis had been highly disappointed to lose him as a student and catch him making out with her son who went to the same college. He'd found a tiny shitty apartment, spent his life on the road for work, and sent every penny he didn't need to live on to his family. He didn't even date for the longest time until he met a handsome blonde with sharp features and a sharper tongue.

He couldn't remember if it was four years ago or five, but he clearly recalled his review of Lune Rouge had not been nice. Calum was in a toxic relationship with the restaurant's sous chef at the time. He'd let his personal life spill over into his work for the first and only time. It wasn't something Calum was proud of and while he felt he owed Ashton an apology, the right time and place hadn't presented itself yet. He'd run into Ashton twice since then. The first time he was with his husband, and Calum wasn't about to humble himself in front of Luke. The second encounter came not long after their marriage broke up. Calum was dating a photographer at the time, when Ashton came to the photographer’s art show. They were briefly introduced but Ashton's chilly demeanor discouraged any further conversation, so Calum avoided him the rest of the evening. He remembered being unable to stop staring at the handsome chef with the sad eyes. He'd always hoped they'd bump into each other under better circumstances. I guess an interview will have to do.

********

Ashton sat out on his condo balcony overlooking Echo Park, taking in the night air and enjoying a second bottle of IPA. Hima was right, the opening had been a smash. Anne-Marie's had the best staff he'd ever had the pleasure of working with, and aside from a small mix up between gruyere and Havarti cheese, the opening had been smooth. The alcohol hummed in his veins as he allowed his mind to wander back five years.

Lune Rouge's opening had been a chaotic mess of brilliance, balls, and blind luck. He was a year out of culinary school, newly married, and ecstatically in love with his husband. Luke was a trust fund baby; his dad ran a major studio. He put up the funding for their restaurant which procured a prime spot in trendy West Hollywood. Ashton had the idea of taking traditional French cuisine and turning it into "pub grub." Luke created a kitschy tacky cool interior with the ambiance of fairy light curtains, vintage 90's movie posters, an eye-popping pink and aqua come scheme. Featuring a bartender who doubled as a DJ, the restaurant became an immediate hot spot.

The culinary press treated them like rock stars and it went to their head. Ashton was portrayed as the mysterious boy genius, boisterous and foul-mouthed, he ran the back of the house, oversaw the business and created the menu. Luke, who's blonde-haired blue-eyed good looks were regularly described as "angelic", was the frontman, often schmoozing in the dining room, taking song requests, or slinging drinks behind the bar. They worked so well together until they didn't.

Ashton shook his head, not allowing himself to linger on negative thoughts, not when he'd fought to regain balance. He'd spent the last year freeing himself from the wreckage of his partnership with Luke. Still, tonight after the opening, alone and overlooking the city lights, his mind kept going back to the exhilaration of that first opening night. After they stayed late with the crew for a drink to celebrate, Luke's hand wandered up Ashton's thigh causing him to almost choke on his tequila. Soon Luke started whining about all the paperwork he had to do before they could go home. The crew quickly bagged it out of there, not wanting to get roped into more work.

Ashton swallowed at the memory before glancing around at the other balconies. It was late enough most of his neighbors should be asleep. Already hard, he reached down and squeezed his bulge through the thin fabric of his pajama pants.

After letting everyone else out of Lune Rouge that first night he'd been puzzled to find Luke no longer at the bar. He heard noises coming from the office. When he opened the door, he found his husband, shirtless, and waiting for him.

Ashton slid his hand into his pants swiping his thumb across the leaking tip. He heard a sliding glass door open and froze in place until he realized it was his neighbor below him chatting on the phone. He stroked himself and let his mind wander back to Luke. It had been too long since Ashton got laid, and Luke was still the best sex he'd ever had. He shuddered and bit his lip thinking about the way Luke grinned at him as he opened the office door. Before Ashton could say a word, Luke was sinking to his knees. A bit awkward given his long legs, but it didn't take long before he was letting Ashton fuck his throat. The thought of those blue eyes looking up at him as Ash's hands tangled in those blonde curls caused a moan to slip out, and his neighbor stopped talking at the sound.

"I think somebody is having sex," he heard her whisper. He almost laughed.

His dick was twitching flat against his stomach as he ducked back inside his bedroom, kicked off his pants, and grabbed a small tube of lube. Ashton shut off the light and stepped back outside.

The breeze cooled his fevered skin as he stood there looking out at the city and stroking his dick. The idea that he could possibly be seen turned him on almost as much as his trip down memory lane. He swallowed another moan thinking about how Luke's lips felt against his, their tongues tangled until he pulled back looking at Ashton with mischief and love before giving him a wink and turning around.

Ashton's breath caught in his throat as he worked his cock thinking about it. The red and white striped pants his husband pranced around in that night had been blissful torment working him up until the moment he slid those pants down and bent over the desk.

"Come take what's yours, my love, I've been wanting you all night," he cooed, wiggling his hips.

Luke was a whiny boy when he was getting pounded, and the memory sent Ashton closer to the edge. He felt his knees tremble as he increased his speed, the city lights becoming starbursts in his vision as he edged himself closer. At the moment of release, he swore he could feel Luke pushing back against him taking him in as deep as he could go.

When Ashton opened his eyes, he found himself sweaty and streaked with his own seed. He was amazed he'd managed to stay quiet, but his neighbor was chatting away obliviously. He went back inside, cracked another beer, and took it with him into the shower, trying to focus on his day tomorrow.

It was after midnight by the time he went to bed. His body was exhausted but the adrenaline from the opening weekend hadn't quite worn off. He found himself still restless and playing on his phone. After scrolling through Instagram, he found himself looking at the page belonging to the Galway Grill-- Ashton cringed at the name-- an Irish pub and microbrewery very recently opened by Luke and his boyfriend Finn.

Ashton simmered with resentment perusing the menu; they'd recycled at least half of the Lune Rouge recipes, his creations. He'd heard they'd rushed their opening to launch the week before Anne-Marie's, and even with Daddy's deep pockets the decor looked slapped together, all flash no class. He came to a picture of the happy couple and couldn't help but notice how thin and tired Luke looked despite his huge smile. He felt a twinge of concern for his ex before pushing his phone away in disgust. Rolling out of bed, he headed to the bathroom and fished an orange prescription bottle out of the cabinet. He broke a valium in half and swallowed the smaller piece with a gulp of water straight from the faucet. He scrolled through different sounds on his phone before settling on crashing waves. He spent the next ten minutes stretching and practicing deep breathing to push out any lingering negativity and troubling thoughts. It was too late to drag up the past and there was nothing to be gained. Ashton crawled back under the duvet and sank into a deep sleep dreaming of blue eyes.

*********

Hima rolled into work a little after one, pleased to see a decent lunch crowd and multiple delivery orders going out. She ordered a chicken mojito wrap for her lunch and headed back to the office to find Ashton. She found him in his chair with his laptop open on his desk, a notebook in his lap while scrolling through his phone.

"So what's the Monday morning report, Boss?" She asked, taking a seat across from him.

Ashton was beaming as he spun the laptop around to show her. "We made 30% over our projected sales. We came in right at payroll, actually a little under if you can believe that."

"I've checked the reservation book," she responded, flashing her phone. "We're booked solid for dinner Friday and Saturday and will call is 3 pm-7 pm. We're probably going to have to do that all week."

"Whatever you need. This weekend is going to be bonkers. If you have any suggestions, I'd like to do something for the staff. That reminds me, I've got to talk to Maisie." He scribbled down a quick note.

"She's already on it," Hima laughed. "The servers who struggled are coming in for extra training with her and Dakota. I have no doubt she'll straighten them up or ship them out."

Ashton nodded as Daniel knocked on the office door to bring their lunch.

"How's it going out there? Let us know if you need anything," Ashton told him.

"We've got this, Boss, enjoy your lunch," Daniel closed the door behind him.

"He's Rafi's brother?" Hima asked before taking a big bite.

"Cousin, Gloria is his sister," Ashton replied tucking into his roasted corn and quinoa salad with queso fresco.

"Are you ready for this interview tomorrow? You look tired," Hima looked concerned.

"I am tired," he shrugged. "I just wanna get this over with. I'm thrilled we're doing so well, but that's not what the press wants to talk about."

"Don't think about it like that. Anne-Marie's will stand on her own. You've just gotta get through this week. I know it's a lot," her words were half-muffled by a napkin.

"Tomorrow is the worst of it. Mackie called and is available Tuesday at one or Thursday for dinner around four. Since he's already been here for dinner, I thought I'd let Rafi wow him this time," he told her.

"Good idea, try to keep it short because if he drinks he gets super chatty. He gave a lecture at school and came to the bar afterward; he would not shut up," she warned.

"Chatty bastard, got it," he replied and they both laughed.

Anne-Marie's was his restaurant, but he couldn't have done it without Hima. She was fresh out of culinary school working as a line cook at the Hilton when he'd discovered her a little over a year ago. Ashton only lasted four months before chafing under the corporate yoke and deciding to strike out on his own. She'd been the first person he'd hired for the restaurant, guaranteeing her first year's salary out of his own pocket. Rafi and DeSean were excellent managers for the kitchen, but Hima was a coach: she understood the business as a whole. He'd let her handle most of the press and promotion, and she'd scored two big interviews.

Gourmet Table had interviewed him last Thursday The piece wouldn't be that in-depth, but they'd spent three hours photographing food. He expected the Men's Life article to focus more on him and his personal life. Calum Hood was known for his sharp pen and take-no-prisoners style. He'd given Lune Rouge two stars and a biting review during a brief stint at California Culture before he'd become known. It was five years ago, but Ashton still had the clipping somewhere. Calum had branded Lune's food as tasty and imaginative but thought the presentation was lacking in creativity. He'd ripped into the decor, calling it "somewhere between art house and frat house," and labeled Luke and Ashton "spoiled pretty boys pretending to be chefs." Luke had brushed it off with a laugh, but it still bothered Ashton.

Unlike the Hemmings’, Ashton’s family didn't have money to throw around. He'd started at sixteen, washing dishes and peeling vegetables for Chef François at Bordeaux on Hollywood. He'd taken culinary classes after high school while working full time. Sadly, Chef François had a heart attack and retired around the time he met Luke.

"You're not listening again," Hima complained, licking her fingers. "Rafi killed it with this wrap. The chicken is amazing, but the cucumber-mint salad and the tamarind chili mayo are next fucking level."

"You're right, I'm not. Sorry about that," he pushed his plate aside.

"Ok, what's got you so rattled? You've handled the press like a champ up until now. Is it Mackie or Hood? Who needs to catch these hands?" Hima stood and assumed a fighter's stance, bouncing on her toes.

"Easy there killer, I can defend my own honor. Mackie is an irritating little mosquito. He just wants gossip, but he's got enough readers so we all have to kiss his ass. Hood gave me one of the few bad reviews we got at Lune, and it stuck. He called us frat boys and said we were trying too hard," Ashton rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed by saying it out loud.

Hima raised her eyebrows and smirked, "I love it when you're petty. You're always so perfect and Zen, it's annoying."

"My therapist would disagree. Oh shit, that reminds me," he straightened up in his chair and grabbed his phone. "I've got an appointment at 2:30. I'll be back before 4," he dropped his eyes to the floor.

"Ashton," her voice was soft but commanding, and he looked up. "I don't know what's going on, and if you don't want to tell me that's fine. I want you to take care of yourself, whatever that takes. Ok?" He nodded and she smiled, "You can tell Dr. Claire that I've confirmed her for 8 pm Saturday, and you're going to personally cook her dinner. We've got the 50th anniversary that night so maybe you could flex and make your Pavlova's? I'll get the berries myself."

"It's a deal; we can comp them champagne, too. I'd better get going before I get yelled at. She's a stickler for punctuality, I think it's a British thing."

"I'll hold things down until you get back," Hima gathered up the dishes and headed out with Ashton right behind her.

*********

Ashton drew a deep breath and exhaled through his nose as the reporter settled in the chair across from him. Kevin Mackie's column in L.A. Metro was the definitive opinion for restaurants on the West Coast. His readers loved the snarky tone, celeb sightings, and bitchy gossip that peppered his column. His reviews could make or break new restaurants.

"Let me start off by saying I love the decor of this place. It's rustic, but not in that played out, hipster-in-the-woods nonsense," he leaned in and lowered his voice towards the end of the comment with a coy smirk.

"You'll find no Mason jars here," Ashton replied, taking the bait. Kevin liked people who liked him, and his most recent column was a snarky takedown of "Pinterest style interiors." Ashton found the article tedious and uninspired, but there was no need to be antagonistic right out of the gate.

Ashton watched as the reporter ordered his lunch from their server Zia. He guessed Kevin to be in his forties, and he thought he could see fresh hair plugs, bleached blonde, and a bit of Botox. Rumor had it, he'd recently split with his long-time girlfriend over a fling with a much younger waiter. Ashton tried not to pay attention to industry gossip. However, his personal problems made their way into the column more than once, and he couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit of satisfaction at the other man's problems.

After they'd both ordered, Kevin sat back and took a sip of his Pellegrino water and smacked his lips. "I was here the other night and I have to admit I was prepared to be underwhelmed. A menu based on sandwiches and comfort food sounded like an upscale Applebee's, but I really liked it despite myself. I was surprised to see your main girl was on the mature side, but she's efficient as hell so I get the trade-off."

Ashton's body tensed at the insult to Maisie, and he took a deep breath. Exhaling through his nose he forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes. Kevin was prattling on with some bit of gossip as Ashton sipped on his iced coffee.

"So let's start with something simple and ease our way into the rough stuff," Kevin set his voice recorder on the table between them. "Tell me how you formulated your top-secret house coffee blend."

Ashton broke into a wide grin as he described taking two months to travel and sample different beans, learn more about the roasting and blending process. Kevin sipped his coffee and nodded as if deep in thought, but his eyes kept wandering to Ashton's biceps. He'd been baking this morning so he smelled of cinnamon, his black t-shirt damp and clingy from sweating under his chef coat.

"So we sell the house blend all year, but we have single-source coffee that's seasonal, all of it fair trade," Ashton finished proudly.

"Coffee has always been your thing if I remember correctly," Kevin said.

"True, true, and once I started roasting my own beans it became a true obsession."

Kevin followed it up with a couple more softball questions about menu details and sandwiches. Ashton expounded on his love of food. "Cooking for someone is a simple way to show care, to be enjoyed almost as much as dining should be. Food is caring and comfort; it sustains us. It brings people together in a shared experience."

"Ooh that's a nice pull quote," Mackie chuckled. "I love when y'all have media training. It makes the bullshit flow much smoother.

Ashton seethed but said nothing. He'd watched this man's pettiness wreck a good opening, and Ashton couldn't do that to his crew. Zia brought their lunch. Ashton noticed Kevin had also ordered the chicken mojito wrap.

"This looks delicious. I think it's a nice touch that you've got so much, let's say diversity, in your restaurant. That you're actually letting them make their own food makes your menu more interesting. Not all restaurants get it. Please tell me you've seen how horribly Finn ripped you off for that tacky Irish pub," Kevin glanced up at him a tiny smirk playing on

"I haven't paid any attention to that," Ashton wanted to end the interview right there.

"Oh come on, you've had to see how much he's trying to recreate the magic you and Luke once had. The menu is tired, I don't give a fuck if he is Irish. Finn has no imagination yet fancies himself an impresario. Luke's still got it though. He even asked when I was coming here. I didn't tell him of course, I'm a professional after all."

"Of course," Ashton nodded checking out of the conversation. The reporter talked as he ate which given the wrap he was eating proved especially messy and little flecks of food kept flying his way. Ashton watched the door, nodding at customers, silently willing someone to come and save him. Kevin was still talking about himself when Hima and Zia came out of the kitchen. Ashton tried to catch their eye when he felt a hand on his arm.

"I wanna ask you about that one," Kevin leaned in so he could almost whisper.

"Who? Hima? What about her?" Ashton was pretty sure he wasn't going to like the answer.

"What's the deal? I've only ever seen you with Luke. Did your palette change that much? India must've been a real spiritual awakening for you huh?" Kevin winked at him, thinking he was clever.

Ashton controlled his breathing trying to keep his temper in check. He looked over at the reporter who kept talking oblivious to the situation.

"Who doesn't like trying something exotic. She seems like a smart cookie. She's darker than most Indian girls you see, like a rich brown butter sauce. I bet she tastes like tumeric though."

"Get out of my restaurant" Ashton hissed, his hands gripping the table to restrain himself from physical violence. "You are not going to insult my staff, my friends, in their restaurant."

Kevin started to speak but Ashton cut him off.

"Not another fucking word" he kept his voice at a low growl so as not to cause a scene. He noticed a couple of the closest tables were already watching them. "You've said enough and I'm barely holding back as it is. Get out of my restaurant, don't ever come back, don't ever speak to me again, and if you trash me in this review I promise you I will find you and fuck you up personally." Ashton stood up and Kevin flinched, the sight would have made him laugh if he hadn't been so furious. He stepped back and the reporter scrambled out of his seat leaving his lunch unfinished. Ashton walked back into the kitchen, Hima fast on his heels. He kicked the door open to the break room and headed for the speed bag hanging in the corner. He'd learned the hard way punching walls usually resulted in the wall winning the fight so he'd given himself something easier on his hands.

Hima watched him from the door, his back and biceps rippling as he went two minutes at full speed. When he finally turned around she could see the anger had cooled somewhat. She hated that her boss looked incredibly sexy when he was angry.

"Are you gonna tell me what happened?" She asked when he turned back around.

"Nope, it'll just piss me off all over again, and I gotta get ready for another fucking interview. With a guy who already doesn't like me," Ashton put this coat back on and headed into the line to check on Rafi.

At least the second interview can't be worse, she thought, wishing she believed it.

*********

Calum eased his beat up Range Rover into the parking lot of Anne-Marie's amongst the Mercedes, Audi's, and Teslas. He cursed the traffic when he checked the time. He was late, and they were busy. Not a good look he thought, grabbing his bag.

He smiled at the ladies waiting for a table before introducing himself to the impossibly serene hostess. He was quickly led to a table in an alcove not far from the kitchen. As he pulled out his voice recorder and notebook, he noticed a young woman heading his way. Her black hair was knotted tightly in a bun on top of her head, and her chef's coat had a large streak of what might be hollandaise sauce. He remembered his editor, Jacqueline, telling him Anne-Marie's had a female sous chef. He checked the notes she'd given him quickly as she was stopped by a server. Hima, Culinary Institute of America graduate, 23, Indian maybe?

"Hello I'm Hima Singh, you must be Calum Hood," she greeted him. From up close, he noticed that her eyes were a rich golden brown and that her smile didn't reach her eyes. He chalked it up to her youth; his editor said she was 23 but she looked like a teenager. He mentally stopped himself there. He'd become jaded by one too many husband/wife teams in recent years trying to rebrand a post-divorce startup as a "new adventure." While the divorce was true, Calum knew Ashton's history.

"Yup that's me, it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Hima," he shook her hand, relieved to see her relax a bit.

"Chef Irwin will be out shortly. He's helping with a problem in the back" she glanced towards the kitchen, and Calum had a feeling she was lying.

"Can I get you something while you wait? Do you like coffee? We have a house blend cold brew Chef Irwin selected himself that we roast and grind on-site," she asked motioning towards the sign listing the daily selection of teas and coffee.

"Thanks, but maybe not coffee. I'm nervous enough without more caffeine," he admitted, "but the lavender and blackberry infused lemonade sounds amazing." He smiled and her face softened.

"Absolutely," she signaled to Zia who brought Calum his drink and a basket of warm, fluffy yeast rolls with Anne Marie's cinnamon honey butter. The smell reminded Calum he'd skipped breakfast as his stomach began to rumble.

"So you're Chef Irwin's sous chef? I heard a rumor you were a partner as well," he asked, almost drooling as he tore into the soft bread, watching the steam escape.

"Yes sir," Hima's smile finally reached her eyes, and she sat down across from him. "When he got his core team together for Anne Marie's, there's three of us total. Desean and Rafi are his kitchen managers, and he gave us the opportunity to buy in as minority investors, no pun intended."

"These rolls are incredible. Please take one before I finish this whole basket and ruin my lunch. How long have the three of you worked for Ashton, excuse me, Chef Irwin?" He asked.

"Desean and Rafi were part of his Lune Rouge crew. They go way back, but he met me fresh out of school and took me under his wing," she told him.

"Did you go to CIA?" Calum was jotting down notes, getting a feel for the story.

"I wish, it's so pretty up there. My twin brother attended Brown, and I went to Johnson and Wales so we could stay close."

"You're a twin? Is he a chef as well?" Calum asked.

"Are you kidding? He's a lawyer, of course, my parents had to have one in the family," Hima laughed.

Zia appeared beside their table. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but Rafi is looking for you, Hima."

A worried frown replaced her warm smile and Calum felt his nerves bubbling back up. He glanced around and caught sight of Ashton, flushed and sweaty from the heat of the kitchen, poking his head around the corner. Their eyes met, and Calum felt like he'd been hit by lightning.

Hima saw his reaction and whipped around to see what Calum was looking at. Spotting her boss she quickly excused herself and hurried to the back.

Zia cleared her throat and Calum realized she was still standing next to his table.

"Would you like to try Rafi's plantain skewers while you wait? It's my favorite thing here, and it'll leave room for whatever these geniuses cook up," she asked with a smile and a wink.

He nodded and she headed to the server station to put the order in. Calum looked around and started taking notes. The most striking thing about the decor was how they'd used diffused skylights for soft lighting to accent the Nakashima-style crafted wooden furniture. Thanks to his Mom’s love of Antiques Roadshow when he was younger Calum discovered his preference for natural grain wood and bespoke pieces. He liked the use of pastel neon signs to complement the muted green and blue tones of the mosaic tile floors and he thought the framed pictures of what he assumed were family photos of the staff provided a really nice personal touch. The largest photo was in the bar of Ashton and his mother, the restaurant's namesake, Anne Marie.

Zia set a plate down in front of him. "The boss will be out in a minute., Let me get you some more tea," she told him.

The skewers consisted of chunks of pineapple, plantain, red onion, and sweet potato grilled and dusted with chili powder and brown sugar served with a yogurt sauce for dipping.

Calum was almost finished with the first one when Ashton came out of the back, making his way towards him. The chef stopped to talk to several customers, the hostess, and Zia before he made it to Calum's table. Cal licked his fingers, wiping his hands clean with a Sani-wipe before standing up and offering a handshake.

Ashton took his hand and Calum wasn't expecting it to feel so soft. Caught off guard Calum stammered out an introduction as he sat, but he noticed Ashton just nodded, barely listening.

"If today isn't a good day we can reschedule," Calum sipped his tea, his throat suddenly dry.

"I'm here aren't I?" Ashton snapped. He folded his arms across his chest, his hazel eyes narrowing at Calum. "I still remember your first review you know."

Calum's pulse was racing. He hated confrontation, and he hadn't expected Ashton to kick off right away. He knew he'd better suck it up and apologize if this wasn't going to go completely off the rails.

"Listen, I wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have been such a dickhead." As he spoke Ashton scoffed at him and Calum felt his cheeks get warm. "I was young and stupid. I let something personal affect that review. I'm sorry."

"Personal? With Luke? What do you mean by that?" Ashton went from annoyed to hostile.

Calum realized he'd said something wrong but wasn't sure what exactly. He was floundering trying to think of what to say next.

"Nothing with Luke, no no no. I was involved with Finn and we weren't getting along. It's so stupid I know, but I think you're a great chef. The new place looks incredible, and Hima is a delight."

The anger drained from Ashton's face, leaving him looking empty and sad. His head dropped to his chest, and Calum held his breath waiting for him to speak.

"I'm really sorry, it's not you, but I can't do this right now. Maybe we can reschedule or something. My apologies, but I have to get back to work," Ashton mumbled, standing up.

Calum spotted Hima watching them from the podium, chewing on her lip, her black eyes wide with concern as Ashton hurried back to the kitchen. Calum started to get up but she was too quick for him.

"Well, aren't you lucky. I'm going on my lunch and I hate to eat alone," she slid back into the seat across from him. "Please forgive my boss. He's had a rough day, but I'm better company anyway." She waved to Zia who headed their way. "You gotta try the toasted gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce if you like cheese, but if you want something lighter the apple carrot kale wrap is excellent too," she smiled at him, and to her relief he smiled back, both of them realizing the situation might be salvageable after all.

(A/N: y’all my tag list, much like my life, is a hot mess. I know some of what I write isn’t for everyone. If you want tagged in part 2 of this fic or my upcoming smuts, pink kink series, or dad!calum series please let me know. I apologize for my previous mistake)

@sublimehood @tea4sykes @be-ready-when-i-say-go @scribblesos @kiiiimberlyriiiicker1995 @wildmichaelflower @castaway-cashton @damselindistressanu @notinthesameguey @cashtonasfuck @irwinkitten @mermaidcashton @malumsmermaid

#calum hood #ashton irwin #5sos writing collab #cashton smut #cashton slash #Calum Hood smut #ashton irwin smut #cashton #calum 5sos #ashton fanfic #ashton 5sos #5sos

80 notes · View notes

puckmeupfam · 4 years

Text

Consigliere | Kevin Hayes

Word Count: 3175 Note: The Mafia!Kevin Hayes AU that no one asked for. I’ve never seen the Godfather or any mob movies. It’s more lighthearted than it sounds, I swear. Brief mentions of past violence and mafia stuff so please don’t read if that will affect you.

Okay, so Kevin Hayes is kind of a screw-up. His father, Frank, had been mob boss ever since his father before him had died. And he was good at it. He knew when deals were being done. He knew when someone was thinking about snitching. He knew how to handle his allies. He knew how much money it took to get in the police chief’s blind spot. The Hayes family had been leading the mob before Prohibition even began which meant that Kevin had a heavy-weight on his shoulders ever since he could remember. Kevin was just four years old when his father started bringing him along to inner circle meetings. It was in the basement of a restaurant that seemed to always be closed at random times yet somehow still in business. The lights were low and cast large, ghostly shadows on the wall. The point was to get him to start seeing the guys as family. To see how his father commanded the room with his booming voice and wide shoulders. His father would speak confidently with a cigar placed casually in his mouth while the guys studiously listened. They knew to obey him because he had a habit of being… harsh. Kevin’s father wouldn’t take anyone’s shit. Kevin was in the fourth grade when he went along on his first “check-in” to one of the mobsters who wanted out. The guy was pretty high up in the hierarchy which made Kevin’s dad want to make the trip himself. There was nothing he hated more than a buddy who cried about wanting to stop for his “wife and newborn daughter,” to Kevin’s dad you were either in or six feet under.

Which is why it was always a bit of a sore spot that his heir was Kevin. Kevin whose voice was loud in an obnoxious way rather than a threatening way. Kevin who would much rather play street hockey than take a guy out in the street. Kevin who asked if he could “just have one of your fries” while his father was presenting his game plan. Kevin who tried to sneak his Nintendo on a stakeout.

Kevin’s mother, Jeannie, and his father had a significant age difference. When he was born his mom was twenty-six while his father was forty-one. Most women involved within the mob didn’t even have a high school diploma, but his mom was just three semesters short of a bachelor’s degree. Her father, Al Rogers, was a made man and an advisor to the boss. Frank had too much power to have friends, but he protected his mafia as if they were his own brothers. Which is why when a lower gang showed up at the Rogers home one fateful night as a very aggressive hint to Frank, he brought Jeannie back from college and hid her in his house until he could make the other gang scarce. Call it love or call it Stockholm Syndrome, but Frank and Jeannie got married just two years later. Kevin was born first and was followed by three younger sisters. Leaving Frank with no other choices but Kevin.

But it was when Frank Hayes died suddenly of a heart attack that Kevin’s life was officially fucked. He was now the leader, the boss, the king and that meant something to these people. It meant that he had to step his shit up which was a lot harder said than done. At his first meeting since his father’s death, he sat with his eyes glazed over for about forty-five minutes before someone jolted him out of his thoughts. “Sir, are you going to give your speech now,” a man he only knew as Buddy asked him in hushed tones. Kevin stood, drawing everyone’s attention. When the boss speaks you listen.

“Uh, yeah,” Kevin began, “um, go kill those guys I guess.”

This was… not the right thing to say. He was met with wide, dumbfounded eyes. Kevin honestly couldn’t tell you who he just told everyone to kill and he definitely wasn’t using the imposing form or gruff vocabulary that his father had.

Kevin honestly felt hopeless about his life and his new position. Until he met you. He was sitting in a bar that he knew no mafia members would go to. He ordered a piña colada, he had one once at a luau-themed high school party. His father was away on a mission leaving him with just his mother and the two mob members guarding his house to sneak past. In all likelihood, the security knew he was going probably even followed him to the party. But the point was that he got to enjoy himself. Got to wear a trashy Hawaiian shirt. Got to do a keg stand. Got to be a trashy kid instead of a mafia prince. And that’s where you came in.

You had gone with your friends for a night out, you were wearing shorts and a sparkly sequined shirt with black boots. It was entirely inappropriate for the Boston weather, but that didn’t stop you from drinking tequila shots and dancing in the middle of what seemed to be one of the quietest bars in the city. Your friends had left already, but you weren’t ready to go home. You always claimed that you weren’t a fan of going out and would much rather stay home, but once you got out of the house you couldn’t turn yourself off as easily as they could. Which left you alone sipping a vodka tonic at the bar while lip-synching to the song playing overhead.

The floor was sticky with spilled beer and the vinyl of the booths were tearing, leaving the foam and stuffing inside exposed. There happened to be a female bartender there tonight which allowed you to chat and laugh openly without worrying about giving the wrong signals. Kevin quickly spotted you across the room. With the bar being sparsely filled with drunks it wasn’t hard to miss you. But for Kevin is felt like a bit more than that. Like there was a ring of light surrounding you. Like a magnet pulling his gaze. Your mouth was wide in an uninhibited laugh, your sparkly pink lipgloss was smeared a bit, and you had a twinkle in your eyes. A sign of joy and happiness that Kevin envied.

There were some calls from a corner booth of inebriated men which lead the bartender to give you a reluctant smile before going to bring them more pitchers. Now, bored without stimuli, you spun your barstool around. That was when you spotted him staring at you. He looked sad and oafish and non-threatening with his head in his hand and his fruity drink at his side, twirling the little umbrella between his fingers. You felt pity and curiosity when you saw him and walked to his table as if a magnet were pulling your belly.

You sat on the other chair at his table without waiting for an acknowledgment or invitation. His back straightened as he gawked at you.

“I’m (Y/N),” you said reaching your hand out. He absently noted that you had a strong handshake as his hand flopped in yours. “Kevin,” he hollowly responded. “Kevin,” you repeated back to him with a smile, “what’s got you so down in the dumps?” It took him a second to realize two things 1.) he was just kind of staring at you without actually speaking like a normal human person and 2.) his hand was still robotically shaking yours even though you had stopped squeezing. “Oh, just troubles with…” he hesitated, he knew all the codewords that everyone else used, but for some reason none of them really made sense. “Work,” Kevin finally said. You hummed in response.

“What do you do,” you asked.

“What?”

“What do you do?” you repeated.

“I- I work in, like, the family business, I guess… taking over from my dad,” that made as much sense as anything else to him and it wasn’t technically a lie. But it made you smirk and lean back a little.

“That’s very one percent of you,” was your response. Kevin barked out a laugh. “I mean, it’s more shitty than fancy but I get what you mean,” he told you with a chuckle and shake of his head. Kevin wasn’t entirely sure how much money the mafia brought in for profit. They had to live under the radar to avoid suspicious so his house was never very grande. A lot of the money went as bribes, but there was surely some kind of underground stash.

“What do you do,” Kevin asked you once he snapped himself out of his thoughts. He came here to wallow, but focusing on his fucking mob when there was a gorgeous girl sitting right in front of him was a different level of buffoonery. His question elicited a very tired sigh from you that Kevin felt in his bones. “I’m in fucking law school,” you said as if it was stricken upon you rather than something that you chose for yourself. It was Kevin’s turn to lean back from the table and he observed you with wide eyes, impressed. He knew that even if he weren’t an actual mob boss, he wasn’t the type of person to have a big fancy office with framed degrees on the wall.

“Yeah…” you trailed off in response to his shocked face. Kevin didn’t respond and you had a habit of uncontrollably filling the silence. “I interned on a political campaign as an underclassman and I just realized that I wanted to, like, make the world a better place which is so cheesy, I know. And to do stuff like that… you know, stuff that actually matters and changes peoples and even attempt to make everything less terrible you have to-” he cut you off by lunging across the table and slamming your lips together.

You made a surprised sound but quickly leaned into the kiss. He was warm and his lips were surprisingly soft and he tasted like fruity cocktails. It felt like warming your body by the fireplace on a snowy night. While it wasn’t a habit of yours to make out with strangers, there was just something about this guy that made you an absolute fool. After what could have been ten seconds or ten minutes he pulled away. You were left hazy and stunned while he looked at you apologetically.

“I’m sorry about that,” he said quietly, avoiding your eyes.

“I’m not,” you replied without hesitation. Kevin’s eyes flickered back to yours. To show him that you were serious you reached across the table and grabbed his hand in yours, intertwining your fingers with his larger ones. Your mischievous grin grows once his bright smile begins.

The two of you talk until the bar shuts down. Not about anything in particular. Just movies he likes and the asshole in your Philosophy of Law class who always tries to correct you. When the two of you stumble out, not drunk just dizzy on the night. He reluctantly starts to say goodbye to you when you stop him.

“Not so fast,” you start with a toothy smile. Kevin’s eyebrow quirks in a silent question. “I have coffee at my apartment,” you tell him. This brings the grin back to his face so you tangle your fingers together over the gloves you haphazardly shoved onto your hands. Kevin came with a coat, a wallet, and nothing else while you brought gloves, a hat, a scarf, and your heavy winter coat to cover your outfit that had zero protection against the chill.

The two of you are mostly silent as you trek to your building. It was about a ten-minute walk and it hadn’t occurred to either of you that there were options other than walking. Kevin held the door open for you and you felt warmer as soon as you stepped into the lobby. You pushed the buttons on the elevator to bring you both to your apartment. This was another thing that you didn’t do often. Even though you didn’t plan to have sex tonight, it was almost dawn. Inviting some guy you just met into your apartment in the middle of the night went against everything Law & Order SVU had taught you.

You told Kevin to make himself at home while you got the mugs of steaming coffee ready. He noticed that your apartment, while small, was homey with framed pictures of your friends and your graduation. There were scented candles on the shelf and flowers on the table. You came back to sit next to him on the couch, handing him his drink. Your boots were unzipped but you were too lazy to take them all the way off.

“I can’t do this,” he announced suddenly standing up with a panicked expression. Your eyes bugged and your coffee splashed a bit with his sudden movement. “What,” you asked, confused. “I’m not fucking like you, (Y/N),” he said with a dramatic wave of his arms. “You’re actually a good fucking person and you have your shit together and you’ve accomplished things,” when he said this you stood and moved to hold him in place. “No, no, no, Kev, you’re amazing and I don’t have it all together. I mean, I have like tons of student loans and the other day all I had to eat were Doritos,” you were trying to calm him down, taking deep breaths hoping that he would follow your lead.

This only seemed to agitate him more. “Shit, (Y/N), I’m in the mob,” he finally said. This made you still. “Exactly,” he said and moved to grab his coat from the back of a chair. “No, don’t go,” you whimpered, suddenly jumping to follow him. “I just told you that I’m in the mob! Kick me out of your house, call the cops, don’t be an idiot,” he snapped. He knew he was being self-destructive, but he also knew that doing anything else was stupid. And the prospect of being killed or captured by the police didn’t scare him at this point. He was living through hell every day. Okay, he was a little bit scared of what kind of weird mob torture might come over him, but he couldn’t live like this anymore. Kevin knew he would be unhappy until he died so why not speed up the process. Maybe he would even turn himself in and just get it over with.

“Just sit for a sec, hold on,” you told him. While he didn’t sit as you asked, he did stop moving. “What do you mean,” you asked stupidly. Kevin groaned in response. “What it means is that my dad died and now I am the boss of a mafia. A mafia! And I’m shit at it and I hate it and my dad knew that I hated it, but this is just how it works because it’s the mob,” he said gesticulating wildly.

“But why did you tell me? I’m not a real lawyer yet or anything,” you responded calmly, but with a questioning tone. “I’m telling you because I fooled myself into thinking I was a nobody for the evening and I can’t do that to you,” Kevin responded. Your mind was going a mile a minute trying to understand everything he was telling you. “Wait… you hate it,” you asked, picking that statement over everything else.

“Of course I hate it, do I look like someone who would want to be a mob boss? I’m not even a little bit hardcore,” he said, “I can’t even get my blood drawn at the doctor’s office.” This made you giggle which lightened the mood a bit.

“So this is like a High School Musical situation,” you guessed. He looked back at you dumbly, obviously the connection between the mafia and a children’s movie didn’t make much sense to him. “Yeah, like, your dad pushed you to take on this whole operation,” you explain, “and then you’re like “no dad that’s your dream, not mine.”” You used an overly exaggerated voice to be Kevin and you weren’t sure if it was that or the analogy, but both of you erupted into laughter. This went on for a minute before you sobered and brought yourself back to reality. You had to figure this out, you had to decide what the two of you were doing.

“Are you asking me to get you out,” you asked in a whisper. He sighed and looked at his feet. “There is no way out for me, (Y/N), I either end up dead or in prison,” he confessed. You moved your hand to bring his chin up to make eye contact. “And I know it will be one of those two because I’m not good enough to keep everything afloat,” he finished.

“Well you should have said something, this could actually be a fun project for me,” you said with a tiny grin.

“Don’t be an idiot,” he started. You abruptly slapped him. “What the fuck was that for,” he shouted, clutching his cheek. You hadn’t hit him that hard, but it came as a major surprise for him.

“First of all, don’t call me an idiot,” you commanded, “and second, I’m studying to work in politics so don’t act like it’s not something I could help with.” He looked at you dumbly as you grinned. What kind of future-lawyer-slash-political-mastermind would you be if you couldn’t hold your own? From the beginning, you were aware that you had the ability to command a room. You had always demanded everyone’s focus and attention. It was easy for you to act naive and charming and then make a complete one-eighty and start telling people exactly what you wanted them to do. You were always branded as “manipulative” or “domineering,” and you were well aware that your personality in someone like Kevin would be unstoppable.

“Not to mention, I want to be a campaign manager so it might be good practice to puppeteer an idiot into an icon,” you looked devilish. It was an inescapable fact that this experience could allow you to be the most you that you’d ever been. Calculating and alluring and full of moxie. Kevin knew he should be offended by your honesty and crassness. But there was something about you, something about this night, that made everything coming out of your mouth sound completely rational.

“You know, in the mafia we would call that a consigliere,” he told you, reaching to extend his hand. His voice was raspy and his chin scruffy, though you were aware that you very likely had eyeliner and mascara under your eyes and a rats nest on your head. But you shook his hand. You shook his hand because you felt sympathy for his. You shook because there was just something about Kevin Hayes that intoxicated you. You shook it knowing that this whirlwind night was just the beginning.

#kevin hayes #kevin hayes imagine #nhl imagines #nhl imagine #hockey imagine #Hockey Fanfiction #k.hayes #consigliere fic

94 notes · View notes

madpanda75 · 4 years

Text

“Taking Chances Part Two: The Kiss”

Rafael realizes who the reader is related to and emotions are acted on 😱! Check out Part One on my Masterlist.

Thanks for all the amazing feedback. You guys are the best! ❤️

Rafael sat in his usual seat at Forlini’s bar, drinking a glass of scotch. It had been three weeks since he had first met you. Since then Rafael had visited the gallery almost on a daily basis, always under the facade of looking at a new piece of art when in reality it was to see you. The only problem was Rafael had seen every piece of art several times and he was beginning to run out of excuses to stop by the gallery after work or during lunch.

But did he really need an excuse? Judging by the way your cheeks turned bright pink and the coy smile you gave him when he walked through the door, Rafael suspected the feelings he had for you were mutual. Except what did he know? He had been out of the loop when it came to flirting, relationships, and dating for far too long. Maybe you always behaved that way with clients when you wanted to make a sale, laying on the charm with older men. Still there was something about you that was genuine. Being with you, Rafael didn’t feel the need to have his guard up. He felt safe.

Finishing up the rest of his drink, Rafael ordered another all while racking his brain for a reason to visit you. Perhaps he left a glove at the gallery? That was when he heard your voice calling his name. He turned his head to find you standing at the bar with those pink cheeks and a smile that made his pulse quicken.

*****

You leapt across a patch of black ice, nearly falling in the middle of the bustling street. The weather man had predicted snow that day. A throng of people surrounded you, anxious to get home and away from the cold. You shivered within your coat, quickening your steps. Forlini’s was just on the next block. You had promised to meet your brother, Sonny, there after work and as usual you were late. While stopped at the crosswalk, you felt your phone buzzing in your coat pocket.

You answered it, already knowing who it was. “Hey, Sonny. I’m sorry. I know I’m late but I swear this time it wasn’t my fault. My boss made me stay past closing to make sure the new art installation was set up.”

“Actually, Y/N. I called to tell you I can’t make it,” Sonny sheepishly replied. He hated letting you down.

“Dominick Carisi Jr., I just walked 15 blocks in the freezing cold because you insisted on meeting tonight and now you’re ditching me!?” You exclaimed.

“I’m sorry. I was busy working on a case and I completely forgot this term paper I have to write tonight on capital punishment.”

“Cheerful topic,” you dryly said, now standing outside Forlini’s. “You owe me. How about basketball this Saturday at the park near my place. Loser has to buy the winner a box of cannolis from Antonio’s.”

“Unbelievable, it’s snowing and you still want to play basketball!?”

“A little snow is not gonna stop me from beating you. So what do you say? 10 at the basketball court?”

“Fine, I’ll bring coffee,” Sonny grumbled, knowing he would give into your every whim. You had your brother wrapped around your little finger.

“Did I ever tell you that you're my favorite big brother?” You teased.

Sonny laughed. “I’m your only big brother. Love ya’, sis.”

“Love you too.” You hung up the phone and went into the restaurant. You were already there might as well have a drink and warm up.

Walking over to the bar, you froze in your tracks. There was Rafael. Immediately butterflies began fluttering in your stomach. His back was to you, nursing a drink, occasionally glancing up at the TV screen behind the bar. The man hadn’t even glanced your way and already you were a wreck.

It had been a while since you had felt this way about anyone. 18 months to be exact when you came home early to find your fiancé in bed with another woman. After that you had sworn off love. You were devastated, your heart all but ripped out of your chest and thrown into a blender. Being alone was easier and less painful but meeting Rafael changed that. There was something about him that made you come alive again. That made you believe that not every man was a misogynist, cheating pig.

So rather than run out, pretending you never saw him, you cleared your throat and stepped closer. “Rafael?” Rafael set down his drink and whipped his head around, meeting your gaze. Those green eyes seemed to pierce right through your soul. You were beginning to experience borderline dangerous heart palpitations. “Mind if I sit here?”

“No, please,” he replied, motioning to the chair next to him. You shrugged off your coat and sat down, ordering a glass of merlot from the bartender. “So what brings you here? Kind of out of the way from your gallery.”

“I was supposed to meet my brother but he ditched me. I can’t really blame him. He’s a detective with the NYPD and going to school at the same time.” You shrugged and took a sip of your wine. “He’s pretty busy these days.”

“That is a lot to take on.” Rafael said, eying you almost suspiciously. Your brother sounded a lot like a certain gangly, obnoxious, blue-eyed detective he knew. But there was no way you were related to Sonny. The NYPD was one of the largest police departments in the country. Surely there were other detectives who happened to be attending school at the same time. It was just a strange coincidence. “I’m an Assistant District Attorney with Special Victims Unit so I work a lot with the NYPD.”

“Then you must know my brother! Dominick Carisi, but everyone calls him Sonny.”

Rafael choked on his scotch, his worst thoughts now confirmed. “Carisi is your brother?”

You arched a brow, watching Rafael cough and sputter for several seconds. “I take it you know him.”

“You could say that.” Rafael’s eyes widened. Amazing. Out of all the people to have a crush on he had to pick a Carisi. There was no way he could pursue you now. He downed his drink and quickly ordered another. Studying your face for a moment, he tried to find any family resemblance. Perhaps there was a faint trace of a Staten Island accent when you spoke but that was it. “I’m sorry. I just didn’t expect you to say Carisi was your brother. You two don’t look anything alike.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” you teased, but your heart fell. You liked Rafael and the last thing you needed was your big brother getting in the way. “Can we change the subject? I’m sitting at a swanky bar next to a handsome man and the last thing I want to talk about is my brother.”

A smile tugged at Rafael’s lips. “You think I’m handsome.”

“Actually I was talking about the other guy,” you said, motioning to the man sitting next to you on your left side. Rafael peered over your shoulder to see Judge Nelson, drinking a beer and munching on pretzels while watching a basketball game on the TV. Bits of crumbs flying over the counter as he called out the coach for pulling a player. Judge Nelson also bore a striking resemblance to the crypt keeper.

Rafael snorted a laugh, starting to feel a little more at ease now that the initial shock was wearing off.

“Okay, Rafael. You know where I work and who my family is, so now I want to know about you.” You giggled and set your drink down, turning your chair to give him your full attention. “Tell me everything.”

*****

Now knowing who you were related to Rafael tried to resist temptation, quickly realizing it was a losing battle. You were his version of kryptonite, glancing up at him from beneath your lashes while innocently biting your bottom lip, your leg brushing up against his. A man could only take so much. It didn’t take long before Rafael found himself flirting right back.

You completely lost track of time talking to Rafael. The conversation flowed between you both. You told him how after your father’s heart attack, you realized that life was too short and decided to switch from a business administration major to an art history degree. He told you that he briefly considered a career in theater before ultimately deciding that the law was his passion.

The hours flew by and before long the bar was closing. “I can’t believe it’s so late,” you said, hopping off the chair. “Thanks for keeping me company.”

“My pleasure. I had fun tonight.” Rafael held out your coat for you to put on. You silently cursed the cold, wishing you didn’t have on so many layers so you could feel the warmth of his bare hands on your body.

By the time you left, snow was beginning to cover the streets and sidewalks, showing no signs of stopping. “Which way are you going?” You asked.

“Uptown. You?”

“Same. I was gonna take the subway home.”

Rafael rocked back on his heels. “Well since we’re going the same direction. We could split an Uber or a taxi or something,” he suggested.

“Sure. As long as it’s not too much trouble.”

“Not at all,” Rafael replied, taking out his phone to get an Uber. He wasn’t quite ready to say good night to you just yet, even if it was just a 15 minute car ride home.

*****

The drive uptown was mostly in silence. Rafael glanced down at your hands resting in the middle seat between you both, inches away from each other. He slowly moved his hand closer, his pinky finger barely brushing up against yours. Turning from the window, you locked eyes with him, a soft smile on your lips as you placed your hand in his.

Suddenly the driver came to an abrupt stop, pulling up to the front of your apartment building. Rafael stepped out of the car, insisting on walking you to your door. “Wait for me, please. I‘ll be right back,” he told the Uber driver. The man nodded his head, grumbling that the wait time would be added to the fare.

The heavy wet snow made the sidewalks slick. One misstep on an icy patch and you were about to make a slapstick tumble. Rafael was quick to react, catching you in his arms before you hit the ground.

You looked up into the eyes of your rescuer and blushed. Rafael’s pulse was racing. His face so close to yours, he could count the snowflakes landing on your cheeks. Once you found your footing, he reluctantly let you go. “Are you ok?”

“I’m fine. Nice catch,” you said but your feet had other plans. You tried to take another step and ended up sliding even closer to Rafael, gripping onto the lapels of his jacket to steady yourself.

The heady scent of his cologne stirred your senses. He smelled like citrus and spice, woodsy and crisp. Like the type of man who would read Tolstoy to you and then later fuck you up against his cedar desk. He electrified you. Reaching up with one hand, you cupped his cheek before placing a soft tentative kiss on his lips. You pulled away a fraction of an inch, gauging his reaction.

Rafael stared at you with lust-filled eyes. Your warm breath mingling with his in the frosty air. His nose nuzzling yours. “Oh God, what was he doing,” he thought. “This is Carisi’s sister. Don’t do this. You can’t do this.”

“Rafael,” you breathed, wrapping your arms around his neck, your fingers running through his hair.

“Fuck it,” he said in a husky voice, pulling you into a searing hot kiss. Rafael’s mouth moved fervently over yours, his tongue gently parting the seam of your lips. You tasted better than he could ever imagine, sweet and tart. You let out a soft, pleasure-filled moan, returning the kiss with vigor, sliding your tongue over his. Rafael ran his hands up and down your back, holding you close. Despite the frigid temperature, a warmth spread throughout your body, radiating through every vein. Your lungs were burning. It felt like you were going to explode.

Needing to catch your breath, you eventually broke the kiss. Slowly you opened your eyes, meeting Rafael’s gaze, both of you panting hard. He smiled at you, running his thumb over your bottom lip. “Would you like to have to have dinner with me sometime?”

You leaned forward, kissing him one more time, your forehead pressed against his. “Yes,” you softly replied.

@glimmerglittergirl @southern-magnolia @sweetcannolicarisi @delia26 @obfuscateyummy @sass-and-suspenders @eclecticminded @thatesqcrush @katmstanton @amirightcounsellor @beltzboys2015-blog @letty-o @sonnysdoll @lyssa1385 @sweetsummertime99 @burningsorr0ws @gibbs274 @izzythefanfreak @riodallas @babypink224221 @livxrafa @esparza-army @obsessionprofessional @ottosuricato @melsquared79 @dreila03 @frenchiefoxy @tropes-and-tales @thecraziestcrayon @goodluckfindingone @graniairish @lolacolaempath @ashley-chi @imjustreallynosy

#rafael barba #rafael barba imagine #rafael barba fanfic #rafael barba fic #barba #rafael barba x reader #barba fic #barba imagine #law and order svu imagine #barba x reader #law and order svu fic

210 notes · View notes

suitofvibraniumarmor · 4 years

Text

Boston Boys [Part Eleven]

Summary: John tells his brother about his relationship with Aurelie; Chris discusses Elsa’s shop visit with his sister. Pairing: Chris Evans x OFC, John Krasinski x OFC Word Count: 1919 Chapter Warnings: Angst? Square Filled: The entire series (well, bits and pieces of it) will fill my Crossover square for @marvelfluffbingo. A/N: This story contains a character who lost her hearing as she got older. I do work closely and regularly with the D/deaf community (I’m a sign language interpreter), but my own hearing problems do not involve significant hearing loss. It is not my intention to offend anyone, only to bring in a character with a quality I don’t see often in other fics. If you have questions about her, feel free to ask :)

Boston Boys Masterlist

Glancing at his watch, John winced. If he didn’t leave soon, he was going to miss his appointment. The bar was starting to pick up, but a close friend was coming to cover for him, and he had his two best bartenders working the counter. Along with some seasoned waitresses, he was sure that everything was going to run smooth, even in his absence.

Jenna Fischer, a longtime friend he had known since grade school, knocked on the doorframe of the office before hurriedly shedding her jacket. “Hey, sorry I’m cutting it close! The babysitter was late.”

“No worries,” John assured, “I really appreciate you being here. Cash for the sitter is in an envelope in the desk, as promised. Ed and Rainn are at the bar, Kate and Mindy are waitressing. You should be covered with the five of you, but if you hit an emergency, let me know, I’ll come back.”

Jenna finished hanging up her coat and purse. “We’re gonna be fine, John. You’ve got important things to do.”

“Yeah, they are important,” John agreed. He kissed her cheek, then rushed out to meet his brother.

Paul was already waiting in front of the jewelry store. John yelled his name and waved, jogging to catch up to where his brother was standing.

“Sorry, Jenna was running behind.”

“Don’t worry about it, I got here only a couple seconds ago. You gonna tell me why we’re here?”

John nodded. “Yeah, over dinner. Let’s go inside here, first.”

Paul shrugged and followed his brother into the store. They browsed over necklaces and earrings, the usual diamond solitaire engagement rings.

“Is that what you’re looking for?” Paul asked, surprised that his brother hadn’t even told him much about this girl, let alone that he was thinking about getting married.

“Something like it,” John said, taking in a deep breath. “It’s complicated, but I want to make a lot of promises to this girl. Big promises.”

“Who is this girl, Johnny?”

John pursed his lips. “Her name is Aurelie. She’s a trauma doctor at MassGen. She’s amazing. She’s deaf, but we communicate fine -- her cochlear implant works well, I’m learning to sign. She has a little hearing in one ear. Most importantly, though, when I’m with her, none of the family shit matters.”

“She sounds like a winner,” Paul congratulated, clapping his brother on the back. “So, let’s find her something she really deserves.”

John smiled. He was going to enjoy his brother’s happiness for him while he could. It took another forty-five minutes, but he spotted exactly what he was looking for. After making his purchase, he and Paul headed to a restaurant for dinner.

“All right,” Paul prompted after they had their beers and were waiting on their food. “Tell me what’s so complicated with the doc.”

John licked his lips. “Her family doesn’t exactly approve of our relationship, I guess you could say.”

“Why not? There’s no reason not to like you, brother.”

“It’s not me, exactly,” John sighed, “but our whole family.”

“They’ve never met us.”

Running a hand through his hair, John leaned forward on the table. “Paul, you really gonna make me come out and say it?”

Paul raised his brow and shrugged.

“All right then.” John chugged down half his beer, then set the glass back down and leaned forward again. “Her mom was married to Robbie Evans.”

The information took several seconds for Paul to process. About the time the realization sunk in, their food came. Paul was silent while the waiter set the plates in front of them. He looked anywhere but at his brother. Once the waiter was out of earshot, Paul leaned forward, too.

“I know you’ve always wanted out, but this isn’t the way to do it, you know. Let the Evans family find out. Let Downey find out. You’re done for, Johnny.”

John shook his head. “It’s been going on for months and no one knows -- Jenna knows. That’s it. And it isn’t about getting out, P. I wanted her before I realized who her family is -- she knows who my family is, of course. It doesn’t matter, to either of us. I want as much of a life with her as I can have. She’s distanced from them pretty well, which makes it that much easier.”

“I’m glad you’re happy,” Paul ceded, “but you know Chris is gonna kill you when he finds out.”

John snorted. “Yeah, I’m aware of that.”

“Listen. You give her that ring, you better make sure you’re ready for the commitment you’re asking her to make, and for the risk you’re both taking. I’m happy for you. I am. You tell Kev when you’re ready, and Ma. Just make sure that you’re sure she’s worth it.”

Finally, John had a reason in the conversation to smile. “She’s worth it. She’s more than worth it.”

Paul smiled, too. The brothers dug into their meals and put the serious conversation behind them.

Her lunch break couldn’t come fast enough today. Aurelie could feel that summer virus sneaking up on her, and she was trying to work as many hours as possible before she had to start giving up shifts. Chris had messaged earlier that he wanted to talk, so when she got the chance, she headed to meet him in the cafeteria.

“Scarlett knows.”

Aurelie frowned and her heart stopped. “Knows what?”

“About Elsa.” A breath of relief. “She surprised me at the shop. None of the others remember her, but Scarlett of course remembers her. Warned me that Elsa’s gonna find out sooner or later.”

“She’s not wrong.”

Chris pursed his lips. “Thanks for the encouragement.”

“When have I ever sugar-coated things for you? I told you from the time I saw you two together in Attleboro that you’re taking a risk. I know that you love her, Chris, but you hurt her before you really met her.”

“I’m gonna tell her.”

“How? When?” Aurelie looked to the ceiling before looking back at her brother. “You’ve set yourself up in a bad situation. You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t. I know this all sounds negative, but I don’t want you to be heartbroken in the middle of all of this, too.”

Chris frowned and reached out for his sister’s hand. “Hey, hey. Why’re you crying? You never cry. I don’t remember the last time I saw you cry.”

Aurelie swiped at the traitorous tears with her free hand. “You don’t understand how important you are to me. You’re putting yourself in the middle of one hell of a mess. You’re putting your entire life at risk.”

“I get that.” He let go of her hand. “After my birthday, I’m going to meet Elsa’s family in New York. She’s already there. After a few days with her family, we’re going to spend a week in Maine. Before we come home, I’m gonna tell her. I don’t know how yet, but I don’t want to hide this from her. I’m falling for her, and I can’t tell her I love her if it’s not clean.”

“Well, I’m proud of you for that, anyway.”

They talked for a while longer, while Aurelie finished her food. She had a feeling it wasn’t going to settle well, but she didn’t know if that was because of the virus, or the overwhelming guilt at telling Chris to be honest when she was still hiding secrets from him.

Happy birthday, big brother. Don’t have too much fun tonight.

Aurelie sent the text, then put her phone back in her bag. She was in the passenger seat of John’s car, heading toward the diner in Attleboro. They had gone out together several times in Boston, without incident, but the fear of someone from either of their families finding them together was too much to allow them to enjoy their time together. From then on, they had agreed to only go out together in Attleboro, and otherwise spend their time together at one house or the other.

Thanks, sis. I’ll be careful. Talk soon.

The text message reply from Chris pulled Aurelie back to the present. With a deep breath and a long exhale, she smiled at John.

“It’s Chris’s birthday. They’re having a big thing over at Stan’s Pub.”

John took her hand. “Do you wish you were there?”

Aurelie thought about that carefully before she answered. She squeezed his hand and assured, “Nah. I’m right where I wanna be.”

John smiled back at her and continued on the drive. By the time they arrived in Attleboro, Aurelie was quiet and her thoughts far away again. John helped her out of the car; Aurelie frowned.

“Are they open?”

“Yeah, they’re open.” He tossed his head in the direction of the diner. “C’mon.”

Lacing her fingers through his, Aurelie followed behind John into the place. It was mostly empty, and the lights were dimmed. The same table where they had sat for their first date here was set with candles and short-stem roses in the center. Aurelie’s thoughts came back down to earth, and she grinned.

“Is it just us?” she asked.

“It’s just us,” John confirmed.

He motioned for her to sit across from him in the booth, and the waitress brought them water glasses right away, followed by two glass flutes and a bottle of champagne. John popped the cork and poured some for both of them. The waitress took their orders, then left them to their private conversation.

“I’m sorry to ask so many questions,” Aurelie began, “but are we celebrating something I’m not aware of?”

John chuckled. “Just celebrating us. There’s a lot we still have to overcome if we want to move forward, but I want to do that with you. I want to move forward with you.”

Aurelie took another deep breath; it was all she could do in the moment to keep breathing. “I want to move forward with you, too.”

“That’s the best thing you could say,” he said, nodding. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a jewelry box; when he opened it, Aurelie was taken with the pretty ring seated inside. “I’m not -- this is not what you might think it is. I mean, it is, but not in the traditional sense. I’m not just proposing marriage, I’m proposing a future. Being together wherever we want. Moving in together. Getting married and having kids, eventually. I’m promising you, Aurelie, that I’m here for you, for the future. Whatever it may bring. I love you, kid.”

Aurelie wiped a tear from her eye. She was doing far too much crying lately, but her heart was hanging on every word John said -- and living by the parts that he had picked up enough vocabulary to sign. “I love you, too, Johnny.”

John’s smile was the stuff of pure happiness. He took her hand and pushed the ring onto the appropriate finger. Aurelie smiled down at the ring, staring at it for so long, she didn’t even notice the waitress delivering their food to the table. Her thoughts were reeling and by the time she could tear her eyes from the ring, she knew that she had to be honest with John.

“Are you happy?” John asked.

Aurelie nodded. “Indescribably happy. But, John, before we get too far into tonight, there’s something I have to tell you.”

His smile began to fade as he nodded and dragged his hand over his face. “Yeah. I’ve got something to tell you, too.”

AlloftheThings: @captain-s-rogers @star-spangled-man-with-a-plan@letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked @hurricanerin@horsesandbandsforlife @im-not-an-armrest-im-short @captain-rogers-beard @shynara51 @sea040561 @pinknerdpanda @xtina2191 @jackryanplz @beakami @heartsaved@fullprunerebelstatesman @blackwidowismyhomegirl

Boston Boys: @the-murder-strut-murdered-me @becs-bunker @shield-agent78 @patzammit @crazyandanonymous4u@ntlmundy @jennmurawski13 @okay-maybe-i-like-marvel-too

#marvelfluffbingo2020 #chris evans #john krasinski #fanfiction #crossover #criminal!au

14 notes · View notes

olicitysecretsanta · 4 years

Text

Once Upon a Valentine's

For Cheryl ( @cherchersketch ):

I hope you enjoy this strange mix of fluffy angst as much as I enjoy your fanart :)

- Jesse ( @spaztronautwriter )

###

Felicity sat, legs spread out before her, in an empty aisle at the back of the convenience store, a heart shaped box of chocolate open in her lap.

She took a bite of a buttercream, savoring the cloyingly sweet taste and trying not to think about how miserable her night had been. At least it was almost midnight. Then this awful—like, truly horrendous—Valentine’s Day would be over.

A bell chimed near the front of the store, and then voices rang out, indicating that she was no longer alone with just her chocolate and the unsuspecting cashier. Somehow she couldn’t bring herself to get up, though. As pathetic as she no doubt looked, she still couldn’t bring herself to do anything other than take another bite of buttercream. So what if some strangers saw her going full crazy in the candy aisle? It wasn’t like she’d ever see them again. She didn’t know anybody in Starling City and just the idea of having to go out and meet new people, to make friends again… She picked up a strawberry cream and popped it in her mouth whole.

“Hang on, I want to get one of those chocolate boxes for Thea,” someone said.

“Aww, what a good big brother,” someone else—a woman—teased.

A booted foot appeared in her peripheral vision as she chewed her candy, and then, “Um… Are you okay?”

Felicity nodded, shuffling through her box, looking for a caramel. “Physically, at least.”

There was an awkward silence and some shuffling. Probably the guy trying to decide whether or not he needed to call for help.

“This kind is pretty good,” she said, lifting the box in her lap. “In case you were looking for suggestions.”

She figured he’d grab his candy quickly and leave, going back to his friends who were laughing somewhere near the front of the store. Instead he stepped closer, shifting to sit across from her on the cold tiles. Felicity looked up, confused and a little flustered, to see probably the most attractive man she’d ever seen in real life pulling his knees up so he could fit comfortably in the cramped aisle.

“Bad Valentine’s Day?” he asked with a sympathetic smile.

It took Felicity a moment to stop choking on her tongue long enough to speak. “Something like that.”

He nodded, his gaze knowing and constant. His blue eyes dragged her in, making it hard to look away, and her cheeks heated in embarrassment. It was a testament to his hotness, really. Before she’d made eye contact, she honestly couldn’t have cared less if this stranger saw her having a pity party. But now…

“I don’t normally do this,” she started, flustered and tripping over her words. “Eat candy on the floor of a convenience store. That’s not normal behavior for me. But I was supposed to have dinner with my boyfriend… My now ex-boyfriend.” A bolt of hurt—or maybe it was panic—shot through her chest at the thought. “And I haven’t eaten, but I also don’t really want to eat anything. I just want to… I want to…”

She shrugged, helplessly, unsure of what she was even getting at. When she glanced back up at him her eyelashes were wet with tears.

The man’s brow furrowed over those stunning blue eyes, his lips parting in a question. “Your boyfriend dumped you on Valentine’s Day?”

She didn’t answer. Instead she reached down, plucking up another chocolate at random. The texture told her it was one of those crunch bars. Bleh.

“Ollie, man, come on!” another of his friends shouted from the front, but the guy didn’t seem too worried.

“Do you want to get out of here?” he asked tentatively, then seemed to realize how that sounded, because he rolled his eyes and shot her a smile. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant… my friends and I are going to Poison.”

“To poison what?”

Her confusion seemed to amuse him, because his smile widened and he shook his head. “It’s a nightclub. A few blocks over. You’re not from Starling are you?”

She shook her head. “I only moved here a month ago.”

“Well, I’m Oliver. And if you want to go drink this night away, you are more than welcome to come with me and my friends.”

Felicity bit her lip, weighing the pros and cons of his offer. Pro: alcohol. Obviously pro. Con: having to get up and face people.

“I’m paying,” Oliver offered, sweetening the pot.

“Ollie, let’s go! You’re picking out candy for your sister, not trying to impress a—Oh.”

Felicity glanced up to see another man, also very attractive, round the aisle cap. He had black hair, and, to his credit, his smile only wavered for a second when he saw her sitting on the ground.

“Tommy, this is…”

“Felicity.”

Oliver smiled. “This is Felicity. Felicity, this is my good friend Tommy Merlyn.”

“Best friend,” Tommy interjected with a charming grin.

“Come to Poison,” Oliver offered again. “Make some new friends, forget about your ex.”

Felicity huffed a laugh. “Is that their slogan? It’s catchy.”

Oliver smiled again, the gesture making his eyes crinkle. “So you’ll come?”

For the first time since Cooper walked out of the restaurant earlier that night, Felicity smiled. “Okay.”

With that, Oliver pulled himself to his feet and grabbed a box of chocolates off the shelf at random. Felicity, feeling equal parts embarrassed and shameless, closed up her own chocolate box and followed him to the register. There were two women with them, apparently, both wearing dresses you’d expect to see in a bar. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she was interrupting a double date, but then Oliver reached out, grabbing the box of candies she was clutching to put it beside his on the counter.

“Oh, you don’t have to—“

“Felicity,” he said, turning to her with a soft look. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

She snorted and shook her head, but let him buy her the half-eaten box of chocolates.

###

They walked the two blocks to Poison.

Helena and Carrie—those were the girls with Oliver and Tommy—initially made nice once Oliver told them Felicity would be accompanying them to Poison, but by the time they’d made it twenty feet from the convenience store both girls had gone back to talking amongst themselves, occasionally trying to drag the guys into their conversation. Gossiping about some friend or other who they secretly thought was a bitch.

Oliver hung back mostly, walking by Felicity’s side.

Felicity really wasn’t sure what to make of him. He didn’t seem pushy or creepy or like he was trying to get in her pants. Maybe, somehow, she’d actually managed to meet a stand up guy who just didn’t want her to be alone on Valentine’s. She snuck a glance to her right, catching him unawares as he listened to whatever Helena and Tommy were talking about. He certainly was pretty, whatever his deal was.

Felicity had always found Cooper attractive, but Oliver… Oliver was, like, ruggedly handsome in a way she’d never seen outside of magazines and movies. She hadn’t asked him about his career, but if the answer was male model she wouldn’t be surprised. Tommy was also handsome, in a more refined way. And Helena and Carrie were gorgeous. So gorgeous, in fact, that Felicity felt a bit frumpy beside them, even though she had dressed up for dinner.

Up ahead she noticed a line of people outside a nondescript brick building. It had no windows, but there was a sleek neon sign above the door that read Poison in fancy—almost illegibly fancy—script.

Tommy led them right up to the door, skipping the line completely. The bouncer merely smiled and let them through.

“VIP treatment, huh?,” she said, as they stepped into the darkened entryway.

“We know the owner,” Oliver said, leaning down to whisper yell into her ear. The music was already so loud she could barely hear him.

“Oh.”

Oliver smiled, nodding for her to go ahead of him.

The club was crowded, bodies taking up nearly every square inch of space. A DJ booth sat atop a dais in the far corner, directly across from the bar.

The bar—the only thing Felicity was interested in—took up an entire wall of the club. It was a gleaming neon blue monstrosity, but it suited the strobe lights and lasers blinking across the dance floor. And it was the only place Felicity wanted to be.

She made a beeline for it, Oliver keeping pace even in the crowd. He touched her wrist as they got closer, then wrapped his finger gently around hers and led her to a couple of vacant seats near the back of the room.

“So what do you think?” he asked, leaning in close so she could hear him.

She glanced back, taking in the room, the darkness shattered by strobing lights and dancing laser beams. “I think it’s a headache waiting to happen.”

Oliver barked a laugh, leaning back in his chair. “That’s what I said. It does make for a good distraction though.”

Felicity shrugged, watching as one of the bartenders, a short brunette who barely looked old enough to drink, made her way over to them. She smiled wide at Oliver, skipping to a stop in front of him.

“Speedy.” He grinned, reaching into the plastic bag from the convenience store and pulling out the unopened box of chocolates. He placed them before her like an offering. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Her smile turned a little mischievous. “Aw, Ollie, did you get me cheap Valentine’s chocolate to make up for forgetting my birthday?”

He huffed. “I didn’t forget your birthday. I told you, there was a problem with the shipping.”

“Mmhmm,” the girl said, clearly teasing. When she noticed Felicity sitting awkwardly beside him, she gave her a quick once over before turning back to Oliver. “So who’s your friend? I thought you were coming with the Bimbo twins?”

Oliver gave her an exasperated look, but seemed at least partially amused be her assessment of his friends. “Thea, this is Felicity. Felicity, this is my little sister, Thea. She owns this place.”

“Are you even old enough to drink?” Felicity’s eyes went wide as she realized what she’d just said. “I mean—“

But Thea only laughed. “Surprisingly, you don’t need to be able to get into a bar to own one.”

“Thea,” Oliver said, taking pity on her. “Felicity has had a terrible night so far and I told her I’d make it up to her with free drinks. Think you can hook us up?”

She narrowed her eyes, then looked at Felicity. “What’d he do?”

“Oh, no! We only just met, like, twenty minutes ago. He hasn’t done anything.” She gulped, twisting her hands together on the glowing bar top. “It was… My boyfriend broke up with me earlier and I…”

She trailed off with a shrug, bracing herself for the inevitable “Your boyfriend dumped you on Valentine’s Day!?!?” followed by platitudes and pity. At this point she just wanted to get as drunk as possible and not have to think about it anymore. And by some miracle, Thea seemed to realize that, because there was no shocked exclamation or cooing over her like she was the most pitiful thing in the world. Thea just bent down, grabbed a bottle and a glass, and poured Felicity a straight shot of tequila.

“This’ll help,” she said knowingly, sliding the glass across the bar. “On the house.”

Smiling gratefully, Felicity grabbed the glass, throwing it back in one gulp. Tequila wasn’t exactly Felicity’s thing, she was more of a red wine kind of girl, but the warmth of the alcohol making its way through her system was a welcome feeling all the same.

Thea poured out another glass, then moved to get Oliver a glass of whiskey without him having to ask. She left the bottles before excusing herself to take care of some customers at the other end of the bar.

Felicity threw back a second glass and poured herself a third.

“Hey, if you want anything else let me know, okay? Beer, wine, water. Whatever you need.”

“Thank you.”

She appreciated how kind Oliver was being though it wasn’t something she was completely used to. She wondered again if maybe he was just trying to get into her pants—rebounding with him certainly wouldn’t be a hardship on her part—but no, she just wasn’t getting those vibes. And with how nice his sister seemed to be… maybe they’re parents just raised thoughtful children.

“Looks like someone’s getting the party started without me!” Tommy squeezed between her and Oliver at the bar, throwing his hand up. “Speedy! Round of shots when you get a chance.”

Thea waved him off, mixing drinks for a couple of college aged kids.

“So, Felicity,” he drawled, glancing down at her with a smirk. “This boyfriend? What’s the story?”

“Tommy,” Oliver warned. “Leave her alone.”

“No, it’s fine. He… It’s a long story, but I moved out here for a job and he wasn’t exactly happy about it. I thought he was just being stubborn, that he’d come around eventually, but I guess I was wrong.”

“How long were you together?” That was Oliver.

“Since freshman year of college. I thought… hmph.” She shook her head, then took a sip of her drink.

“And he just dumped you? Tonight? Because he didn’t want to do long distance?”

“Tommy!” Oliver snapped.

“Sorry, sorry. But he seems like a douche and you’re probably better off.”

She huffed. It wasn’t so much a laugh, but there was a certain sort of morbid humor to the whole situation. Felicity had really thought Cooper was it. That he was the one. And now, here she was, all alone in a strange city, single, and throwing back tequila shots with a couple of guys she just met.

“Tommy!” a girl yelled from behind them. Felicity didn’t look, but she was pretty sure it was Helena. Or maybe Carrie. Or, who knows, maybe it was someone else. Tommy excused himself and ran off to whoever it was.

She sat there, spinning her shot glass in circles for a moment before Oliver spoke.

“I’m sorry about Tommy.” He tapped his own glass once against the bar. “He isn’t really a relationship kind of guy, so he doesn’t really get it.”

“Are you?”

“What?” Oliver looked at her, slightly puzzled.

“A relationship type of guy?”

Oliver glanced away, down at his drink. He lifted the glass, taking a long gulp, before refilling it.

“I was in a relationship for awhile,” he said quietly. “Unfortunately, I was the douchebag, though. I… I hurt her, and…” He took another drink, then glanced over at her. “Tommy was right. You probably are better off without your boyfriend. I know my ex is better off without me.”

Felicity studied him for a moment, taking in the way guilt turned the corners of his mouth down. “I’m sure that’s not true.”

He huffed a laugh. “As much as your boyfriend’s timing sucks, he at least had the guts to end things when he realized it wasn’t going to work. I cheated on her.”

“Oh.”

He looked down at his drink. “With her sister.”

Oh.

Yeah, okay. As angry as she was with Cooper right now, at least he hadn’t cheated.

“I haven’t been a relationship since.”

He pushed his glass away, then turned slightly in his seat so he could look out over the dance floor. She followed his gaze, finding Tommy and Carrie dancing and laughing.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

He spun back to her. “No, no. It’s not you. I always feel guilty about it.”

“Do you…” She reached for the bottle of tequila again. “Do you regret it?”

“Cheating?” He smiled this self-deprecating little smile that Felicity found far too charming on him. “Yeah. But it wasn’t working with us. She wanted things I couldn’t give her. I wish I hadn’t hurt her the way I did, but I don’t want her back, if that’s what you mean.”

“He was the only guy I’ve ever really been with.” At Oliver’s surprised look, she blushed. “I don’t mean like that. I had a couple of boyfriends before him, but he was… I thought it was real with us. We were together for almost five years.”

Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Thea carrying over a tray of glowing blue glasses, smoke trailing off of them.

“What are those?” she asked as the girl set the tray down between them.

“House special.” Thea winked.

“A couple of those,” Oliver said, “and you’ll know how this place got its name.”

That didn’t sound especially appetizing, especially considering how the tequila was already starting to affect her, so she politely declined, asking for a bottle of water instead. Tommy and Carrie didn’t seem to have the same qualms. Thea waved them over and between the two of them they wiped out half the tray. Oliver just shook his head, watching them as he nursed his glass of whiskey.

Eventually, Tommy and Carrie made their way back to the dance floor, leaving her and Oliver alone. Well, as alone as they could get in a crowded bar.

“I’m sorry,” she said after a few minutes. “I’m probably ruining your whole night.”

At that, Oliver laughed. “Actually I’m probably having a better time here with you than I would have otherwise.”

Felicity gaped at him. “You can’t be serious. We’ve been talking about our exes. On Valentine’s Day. Not exactly the making of a great night.”

“We could find a better topic, yeah. But I like talking to you.” He leaned in, conspiratorially. “Besides, it beats having to fend of Helena from trying to drag me onto the dance floor, which is what I’d be doing if you weren’t here.”

Felicity giggled. “Then I’m glad I could help.”

Oliver smiled at her for a long moment, before leaning back. “Are you hungry?”

“Um…” She hadn’t been feeling up to eating when they got here, but now that the tequila was loosening her up a bit… “Yeah, I could eat.”

He grinned. “Great. There’s a Big Belly a couple blocks down.”

“Big Belly?”

He had been getting off his chair to put his jacket back on, but froze to turn back to her. “You’ve never had Big Belly Burger?”

“Um… no?” She shrugged. “New in town, remember?”

“Oh, I’m about to change your life.”

###

“This…” She swallowed down a bite of burger, following it up with a sip of her soda. “This is the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”

Oliver made a grunting sound across from her and she glanced up to see him watching her, a fry halfway to his mouth. She would have blushed at the way his eyes had darkened at her words, but honestly? She just didn’t care. She was feeling loose and happy, and the food was just too good to worry about her innuendo. And, secretly, she kind of liked that Oliver seemed to be attracted to her.

It was nice to know she could push things in that direction if she wanted to. That he wouldn’t reject her the way… the way Cooper had.

No. No, she wasn’t going to go there. She was pleasantly buzzed and enjoying greasy fast food with the most attractive—and kind—man she had ever met. She wasn’t going to let thoughts of her ex ruin it.

They’d talked a bit, about non-ex things, as they walked over to Big Belly Burger and currently they were discussing work. Or, she was discussing work. Oliver hadn’t had a chance to get a word in edgewise, but that was only because Felicity was so excited about her new job.

“I’m the youngest person in the whole department, but my supervisor is actually kind of great? She actually respects my ideas and has let me take the lead on this new project we’re working on. We’re rewriting the code for the Palmer Tech’s security systems and it’s a huge deal.”

“It’s great you like your job so much. I’m currently training under my dad to take over his company and I wish I enjoyed it half as much as you seem to.”

“Oh? What do you do?”

He leaned forward, tilting his head slightly so he could see out of the window beside them. “You see that building?” he asked, pointing at one of the skyscrapers in the distance.

“Queen Consolidated?” she asked, following his gaze. “Your dad owns Queen Consolidated?”

She turned back to see him watching her with a gleam in his eye.

“Oliver Queen.” He stretched a hand across the table for her to shake.

She wiped her own hands clean before taking his, a mischievous smirk on her face. “Does that make us rivals then?”

“I hope not.”

The soft, earnest way he said it nearly caught Felicity’s breath. She pulled back, fixing her attention on her burger. They talked some more, finishing up their meals, before Felicity sighed. It was getting late and she really needed to get home.

“Oh,” she said out loud, as something occurred to her. “I really hope Cooper had the forethought to get a hotel room. Or a plane ticket.”

“You think he might be at your place?” Oliver asked, crumpling up his wrappers and cleaning up their napkins.

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “Coop is… not always the most emotionally intelligent guy. And I’m not sure he was actually planning to break up with me in the middle of dinner, so…” She huffed. “I really hope he isn’t there. I don’t know if I could deal with that tonight.”

Oliver nodded, then picked up her garbage and took it over to the trash can near the door. When he came back he helped her slide out of the booth and put her coat on.

“I can come with you.” He said it tentatively, as if he was afraid she might take it the wrong way. “If you want. Make sure he’s not there, or make sure he leaves if he is.”

It probably wasn’t necessary. Cooper was a jerk, but he was a harmless jerk. If she asked him to leave he would. But there was a part of her, a part she hadn’t known existed until this very moment, that wanted Cooper to see her with Oliver. She wanted him to know that she would be okay without him. More than okay.

Feeling just the tiniest bit guilty about that, she nodded at Oliver. “That would be nice, thank you.”

###

For the first time since she’d met Oliver, an awkward silence settled over them as they drove to her townhouse.

Oliver had ordered a car and they were both sitting in the back, but neither said much. She was nervous about maybe seeing Cooper and Oliver… He was rubbing his fingers together nervously, though what he had to be nervous about, she didn’t know.

She watched out the window as they pulled up in front of her house. The lights were out and she was pretty sure no one was inside.

Something gave way in her chest at that. Something heavy that had been there since Cooper walked away at the restaurant earlier that night. It was really over with him. He was gone.

She was sure she’d have a really long cry about it once she was alone, but for right now she was… okay. Not good, but okay.

Oliver got out of the car and together they walked to her front door. She opened it, flipping on the lights and calling out just to make sure no one was inside. When no one answered she turned back to Oliver.

“Guess he didn’t feel like sticking around.”

“I’m sorry, Felicity.” And the thing was, he really did look sorry. “Did you want him to be here?”

She shrugged. “No. Not really. Though I wouldn’t have minded rubbing you in his face a little.”

He chuckled at that.

“Sorry.” She shook her head sheepishly. “You’ve been so nice and here I am, a total stranger, taking advantage of your time to get back at my boyfriend.”

He shot her a small smile. “It’s worth it to make a new friend.”

“Just a friend?”

She wasn’t sure where that question came from. And the way she said it, all breathy… What was she doing?

Oliver blinked a little, exhaled deeply as if steadying himself, then reached out to twine his fingers between hers.

“For now.”

He smiled kindly at her, squeezed her fingers once, then let go. He stepped back, pushing his hands in his pockets.

Oh.

“I thought you didn’t do relationships.” She said it teasingly, trying to alleviate some of the intensity that had settled over them. The intensity she’d created when she’d asked that stupid question.

He shrugged. “Maybe I just haven’t found someone worth trying with.”

Something about the way he said it, his unwavering gaze… Tears started to fork in the corners of her eyes.

“I can’t right now.” She sniffled slightly. “I just… I…”

“I know.” He nodded seriously. “I’m not asking for anything, Felicity. But I like you. And I’d like to get to know you better, even if that’s just as friends.”

She nodded, wiping at her eyes. “Friends. I can do friends.”

He grinned and finally some of the tension evaporated. They exchanged numbers and promises of getting coffee over the weekend. There was something there between them, she knew, and maybe someday they could explore that, but for right now she was grateful he was willing to give her that time.

“I’m really glad I met you, Oliver.”

He smiled, his eyes crinkling prettily. “Goodnight, Felicity.”

Then he leaned in, pressing a kiss on her cheek, close enough to the corner of her mouth that it wasn’t strictly platonic, but Felicity found she didn’t mind.

“Goodnight,” she whispered, stepping back into her apartment.

He waited for her to close the door before going back to the car, and she immediately ran over to the window to watch as he got in and drove off.

Somehow on one of the worst nights of her life he’d given her something to… hope for. And, yeah, she probably had a hard couple of weeks in her future. She could feel the tears swelling in her already now that she was alone, but she could also still feel Oliver’s lips against the corner of her mouth. Still picture his incredibly blue eyes and kind smile.

She changed out of her dress and heels and into her favorite comfy sweatpants, crawled into bed, and cried for the man and the relationship she’d spent years believing in. But in the morning, when she picked up her phone to find a text from Oliver, just a simple good morning, she found that she could breathe a little easier.

And, years from now, when she looked into Oliver’s eyes as they exchanged their vows, or as she squeezed his hand while giving birth to their daughter, she’d remember that night. Remember the kindness in his eyes when he found her, a complete mess eating chocolate on the floor of a convenience store, and every time she did, she’d fall a little bit more in love with him.

#arrow #olicity #olicity secret santa #goodbye olicity #submission

80 notes · View notes

taexual · 5 years

Text

HOLIC - 40 | jb x reader

pairing: Im Jaebum x Reader

genre: enemies to lovers au | roommate au

warnings: angst

words: 5.2k

disclaimer: i do not own the gif, please let me know if it belongs to you, so i can give proper credit

prev / next

The leisurely contract did entail a couple of rules – that Jiho was kind enough to point out before you added your signature – such as not attending any public events with anyone other than him during the “PR process” as he’d dramatically called it. To be fair, you didn’t understand that part – if making a name for yourself meant causing unnecessary rumors, then wouldn’t this whole process go much faster if you were seen with not one, but multiple people at photography events? But this was probably where the loyalty – mentioned in the contract a couple of dozen times – came in. They’d probably be okay if you went out with some of the other staff members from the gallery as long as they weren’t complete outsiders.

In the end, the few rules weren’t enough for you to call the police instead of signing the contract, and, another moment later, Jiho was already ordering champagne -- which you refused even if a few glasses would have surely helped you get through the rest of your day.

Your head hurt when you left the restaurant and returned to your own gallery to get back to work. You always dreaded the end of lunch break – it was probably natural for humans to hate having to go back to work – but this time, as you tip-toed on the edge of a new life, going back to work—returning to your old routine—was something you welcomed and even looked forward to.

Avoiding a group of children on tour with their teacher, you popped into the staff room for a moment to grab your electronics and take your jacket off, and then replied to Jaebum’s text that was inquiring about your plans tonight. You had none. You just wanted to sleep until you were miraculously hosting your exhibition while Jaebum’s album played in the background and all was well.

Deep inside, though, you were hoping Jaebum was going to say something that would make you forget your wish to hibernate for the rest of your life. He wanted to say something like that, too – and if he’d known how you were feeling, he would have – but he had a different obligation now; an obligation that he apologized for – because he couldn’t invite you with him, – but an obligation nonetheless.

The agency he’d just signed with had invited him and Jackson out for dinner and celebratory drinks later. Even if you wanted to, you couldn’t have asked him not to go there. This dinner was probably as important as the first meeting itself; Jaebum was given even more chances to impress his new employers. It was good. It would make sure that his road towards success wasn’t just a sandy path, but rather a solid highway that was able to endure any storm and hurricane that might threaten it.

With a heavy sigh, you turned around to return to work but not before checking in with your friends. It was unfair of you to rely on Jaebum so much, anyway, so, to avoid truly locking yourself up in your room for the foreseeable future, you were going to need someone to keep you company and, perhaps, tell you if the decision you’d made—the contract you’ve signed—was a mistake or not.

You’d texted your friends’ groupchat, looking for company but, as always, May – the youngest – was the only one who was free to get drunk on a Tuesday night. And, as if she had some magical telepathic powers, she immediately offered her listening services. Although, to be fair, the number of crying emojis you’d used when texting her might have been a huge hint.

Smiling at May’s eager approval to meet up tonight, you took a mental note to be a better friend to your friends – you suddenly weren’t sure if they were so independent that they just never needed your help, or if you just weren’t there for them, – and headed back out into the gallery, ready to spend the rest of the day focusing on crowds of children, high university students, and snobby customers. Somehow, all of that still put you in a better mood than the lunch you’ve had with Jiho earlier.

For the first time since Jaebum introduced you to Mark, you managed to show up to his bar when he wasn’t working. You shot him a quick text while you waited for May to show up and learned that he was going to work today, after all, but his shift wouldn’t start until nine. That left you plenty of time to get drunk before he got here.

Somehow, even though you knew Mark much shorter than you knew the rest of your friends, he had become one of the most reliable people in your life – but, then again, perhaps, being reliable was one of the traits every bartender had to have. Still aware of Jaebum’s strong reaction about your and Mark’s friendship back in the day – even if Jaebum did change his mind later on – you weren’t brave enough to openly address the bartender as your friend but, in spite of everything, he still felt like one.

“Hey, I’m here!” May’s rushed voice was suddenly by your ear as your friend leaned in for a quick hug and sat down on the stool next to yours. “I might have just escaped a serial killer on my way over here.”

You never knew with May – she tended to exaggerate – but your eyes still widened in surprise. “What do you mean?”

“I called a cab,” she began to explain after making eye contact with the bartender-on-duty and earning a nod from him, “and the driver turned out to be the creepiest man I’ve ever seen. I swear, he’s Freddy Krueger’s long-lost brother. Even looked a little like him. He asked me when I was going to go home and if he should pick me up as if that’s something that normal taxi drivers do.”

“Shit, I hope he’s not waiting for you outside of the bar.”

“No, no, I waited until he drove away,” May said, still breathing heavily. She looked like she’d sprinted over here. “Otherwise, I would have called the police.”

“You need to get a license,” you reprimanded her for the umpteenth time.

“I do,” she admitted like she always did. “But, then again, what would I do with it? I’d only use it to drive to class and back.”

“Hey, I only use mine to drive to work,” you replied. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Yeah, but, hey, speaking of driving,” May smiled and then was forced to pause when the bartender came over to take your orders and make you your drinks. “You’ve got yourself a chauffeur for a boyfriend. That’s cute.”

“He’s not my chauffeur,” you shook your head, having nothing against the particular occupation and yet feeling as if calling Jaebum your chauffeur was offensive. You didn’t really pay him for his services—although…—so it sounded like you were using him.

“I want to ask how the roadtrip went,” she stopped to take a sip of her martini. Her love for gin was unrivaled. “But, since we’re drinking tonight, I guess, it didn’t go that well.”

You sighed, toying with the slice of lemon on the side of your cocktail glass. “No, it went well. Really well, actually. It’s… it’s what happened after that’s forcing me to turn to alcohol.”

“Did you fight again?”

“No. But that’s in the future, I’m sure.”

And then you told her about everything that happened after you opened the door of that damn gallery – a true devil’s lair protected by the remarkably pleasant administrators – starting from the surprise you felt when you saw that Jiho was the one who’d made sure you got the interview, and finishing with the meeting you’ve had to endure earlier today.

Of course, as you spoke, you ended up having to take detours from the main story and introduce May to Jiho – since, by a weird coincidence, she wasn’t aware of what had gone down between you two – but you felt like you’ve lost twenty kilograms of weight off your shoulders when you finished talking.

May listened patiently, not moving at all – aside from tipping her head back to finish her drink in one big gulp as soon as you wrapped the story up.

“That’s one big load of information,” she admitted, her head bursting with so many new facts. “That was extremely unlucky. I’m sorry. Did a black cat cross your road every morning for the past week?”

You scoffed. “No. That’s what I get for daring to consider myself blessed to get that interview with the gallery in the first place. There’s no such thing as—”

“No, that was blessed,” May said. “Even if it’s Jiho who sought you out. I mean… I don’t know. I don’t like the guy, either. Anyone who doesn’t mind the negative image of themselves in the media is suspicious to me but maybe getting some exposure won’t be that bad.”

“But unlike him, I do care about my image,” you continued pointlessly.

The contract was signed, there wasn’t really a way to back out now. And yet you kept on talking as if hoping to hear comforting words. As if hoping to hear May tell you that you hadn’t just made the biggest mistake of your life.

“I get that,” she said. “It’s why you’ve hesitated before signing the contract, isn’t it? Because this sounds ideal. I know I’m supposed to become an architect after I graduate but, hell, if I got an offer like that, I’d agree to switch to photography.”

You have her a sarcastic look. “Want to trade places?”

May scoffed. “As if you’d ever allow that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You didn’t really agree to do this for yourself,” she concluded. “You mostly agreed for Jaebum.”

“What?” you frowned, feigning confusion even though your heart had picked up speed, catching on faster than your mind did. “I don’t understand—”

“You understand very well,” she cut you off with a shake of her head. “I can see right through you, you know.”

You knew. Of course, you knew. Even strangers would have been able to tell what you were feeling but May was one of your closest friends – not to mention, she was the kind of person that would have been able to crack the toughest spine of the most complicated book. If she was the one who’d moved in with Jaebum, she’d have gotten him to open up in just a few days, guaranteed.

“You signed the contract because he signed his,” May concluded. “Isn’t that right?”

“Well…” you looked away, swallowing. “It may have encouraged me. But I’m not doing this for him. I’m doing this for myself.”

“No, but you mean photography,” she said. “You’re doing photography for yourself. You’re thinking of hosting an exhibition for yourself. But you’re agreeing to work with Jiho for Jaebum. Because this isn’t something that you’d do. You’re going to have to pretend to be Jiho’s friend, his colleague, and whatever the hell the media assumes you are – and pretending to be someone you’re not is not something you’d do voluntarily. You’re just not good at that.”

“Thanks,” you said dryly.

May gave you a kind smile in return. “You’re good at being yourself, sweetheart.”

Somehow, even though she was younger than you, the endearing term softened your heart. It also made you feel like you were the younger one but that wasn’t a new feeling. If you caught May at the right moment – that is, a glass of martini in hand and a suffering friend by her side – she was wise beyond her years.

“Everything is going so well for him,” you couldn’t help but say, the words pouring out of your chest faster than you could learn how to stop them. They sounded stupid when said aloud and yet you still said them because that was what you were feeling and feelings didn’t always make sense. “I don’t want him to feel like he’s leaving me behind when he starts to make it and I’m still stuck in the same place.”

May nodded – that was what she’d suspected all along – and, after ordering another round of drinks – even if you were still only halfway done with yours – she placed a reassuring arm around your shoulders, leaning over the bartop to be closer to you.

“There will be other opportunities in the future if you’d prefer to wait,” she said softly. “You’re talented.”

“Yeah, but there are lots of talented people,” you replied. “I’m nothing special.”

“You—”

“Oh, May, it’s your job to call me special,” you interrupted before she could say anything, “you’re my friend.”

May retreated, smiling playfully. “I wasn’t going to call you special.”

“Oh,” you looked at her, surprise and embarrassed anger mixing in your blood. “Well, you should have. That’s the nice thing to do.”

“Yeah, but you wouldn’t be listening to me if I’d come here to tell you nice things,” she pointed out.

She was right but you still sighed, “I’m not sure I prefer the cold hard truth right now, to be honest.”

“You’re just going to have to deal with it,” she decided and then proceeded to tell you all that you needed to hear and more, “your own attitude towards this is exactly what’s the problem. You don’t think you’re special and that’s why you’re agreeing to do this. You need to sit down, convince yourself that you’re the most extraordinary person in this whole world and any gallery would be lucky to have you. You don’t have to do it this way. And then, once you’ve managed to convince yourself, you can drop Jiho, forget all about him and his half-assed attempts to get you both popularity, and go home to make love to your singer boyfriend.”

You shuddered, giving her the most disgusted expression you could muster even though your chest was full of nothing but gratitude.

“I was going to say you should be a motivational speaker,” you said, the first traces of a smile appearing on your face, “but I’m afraid you just made me cringe into the next year.”

“Come on, I’m serious,” May continued but she was beginning to smile, too. “Have a little more faith in yourself. I know it’s easier said than done but if you’re not going to work on your confidence, then you might as well just go through with this whole ordeal. Maybe having your first exhibition – under whatever circumstances – will open your eyes so you can see how wonderful of an artist you are.”

Her words got you to quit playing with the sad slice of lemon on your drink and finish the cocktail inside of the glass instead.

“I thought you weren’t going to be nice and would hit me with the cold truth,” you told your friend then.

“I am hitting you with the cold truth,” May replied. “You’re a good person and a great photographer. Do whatever it takes to prove that to yourself.”

She was right, of course. Before you proved your worth to everyone else, you needed to prove it to yourself. You’ve helped Jaebum out of his seemingly bottomless pit of insecurities about his music, but you were drowning in a similar pit yourself. You weren’t alone, though. You had your friends who were there to throw you a rope in case the deep water of your anxiety threatened to swallow you whole and, if you’d just told Jaebum about this, you knew he’d be here for you, too.

But he had so much going on already. He’d just released his first song. Just signed his first contract. Just went to his first formal dinner with his new employers. He was already riding on the highway to his future while you hitchhiked, hoping that a passing car would pick you up and help you follow after him. You didn’t like this way – you didn’t want to depend on anyone on your way to your dreams – but, right now, this seemed to be the only way to get to your destination at the same time as Jaebum got to his. Not years – or, worse, decades – later.

You’d just have to find a way to believe in yourself while you tore out a few pieces of your soul to be able to follow Jiho around without killing him on sight.

“Will you have my back if everything backfires and all that I’ve worked for explodes in my face?” you asked May then.

“No,” she replied, “because I don’t want to get burnt, too.”

You rolled your eyes just as the bartender brought you a new round of drinks. “A true friend you are.”

“I will visit you in the hospital, though,” May promised. “I’ll bring flowers.”

You laughed. For the first time since you’ve left the house today, you genuinely laughed. And you were suddenly overwhelmed with affection for your friend because, for the first time since that visit to the gallery, now you felt like you weren’t committing a huge, horrible crime. Perhaps you just needed to talk to someone and, having May listen to you and reassure you in the most realistic words she could manage to find, worked as a medicine of sorts.

You still felt a thick heaviness inside of your chest – you didn’t need just anyone to talk to; really, you needed Jaebum – but it didn’t feel so suffocating anymore. Maybe, as long as your mind remained on this moment, you’d survive this.

“You look like you’re going to start crying,” May observed, breaking you out of your thoughts. “Should I be worried about something else?”

“No,” you shook your head, inhaling deeply and then giving her a smile. “I’m just glad you’re here. Tell me how school is going. Fewer asshole professors this semester, I hope?”

“Oh, boy,” May rolled her eyes before finishing her cocktail and breaking into a story about her day-to-day life, never once abandoning her sense of humor as she complained about her deadlines.

You listened, nodding along and smiling whenever it was appropriate, because listening to her talk wasn’t just a wonderful distraction. It was also something you truly wanted to do.

A couple of hours later, both you and May were already preparing to head out but then you saw Mark arrive. Deciding to stay back for a few moments to help him get started on his shift – he asked you to, claiming that the biggest bartender superstition was that, if no one ordered a drink within ten minutes of the start of their shift, the night wasn’t going to go well – you waved May goodbye and then walked her out to wait for the cab with her so the creepy driver from before wouldn’t show up again.

Once you went back inside, however, Mark was already pouring a drink for someone else.

“Looks like you don’t need me, after all,” you joked, sitting down in your old spot.

“No, but it looks like you need me,” he countered. “How long have you been here?”

“A few hours. Why?”

“You don’t look drunk in the slightest,” he said. “The only people who stay at a bar for this long and don’t get drunk are either psychopaths or people who are suffering from something that’s way beyond the superficial level. I’d say you’re sane enough, so which kind of existential crisis are we dealing with tonight?”

“Bartender sociology 101, huh?” you teased but after Mark showed no signs of playing along – he genuinely wanted to know what was going on with you – you ended up having to find a way to tell him all that you’ve just told May.

Except, Mark was Jaebum’s friend. You felt bad telling his friend about Jiho before you told him, but you’ve stumbled into a situation where the opposite wasn’t possible, considering that you didn’t have enough courage to run away from the bar and find Jaebum right this moment, and Mark obviously wasn’t going to let you leave unless you told him what was up first.

“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” you admitted, still hesitant. “Because I haven’t talked to Jaebum about it.”

“I’m a bartender,” Mark said. “No one keeps secrets as well as I do.”

“No, of course, but—”

“Are you pregnant?”

You paused. “No.”

“Then we have no problem with you telling me first,” he shrugged. “Especially if it’s a loaded conversation that you’re not prepared to have with him yet.”

“It is,” you confirmed. “A-and, actually, maybe you could help me find a way to tell him about this.”

Mark wasn’t sure he would – apparently, he struggled with talking to Jaebum as much as you did sometimes – but he allowed you to open up anyway. He did have to ask you to pause for a moment while he poured drinks for the other customers, but, other than that, he listened to the story of your trip to Jiho’s gallery with great interest. A concerned expression remained on his face all throughout your monologue.

Once you’d finished, you expected Mark to give you a lecture – the look on his face was indecipherable by the time you mentioned signing the contract – but, instead, he just sighed, finished wiping the bartop, and leaned on it on his elbows.

“I don’t think you’re doing anything that’s inherently wrong,” he spoke but the slight shake in his voice was a subtle indication that he didn’t think he should have been saying that. “It’s just a somewhat conflicting way to start off your career, but, look – at least, you’re not sleeping with anyone.”

“I’d never do that,” you shook your head. “I have my limits.”

“Well, see? Then I don’t think it’s that bad,” he said, pulling away. “You only have to show up at a few events and then you can host your exhibition. That’s what you’ve been working for and that’s what you will get to do.”

“Yes, but it’s Jiho I’m supposed to show up to those events with.”

Mark considered this.

“Don’t think of it like that,” he said after a moment. “I mean, you and him are both photographers, right? So, even if you weren’t going to go out with him in public, you would probably still run into him at some event sooner or later. And, since you know each other, chances are, he would come over to talk to you. You would have to be civil since you’re both in a public place. And maybe reporters would catch you two talking. Maybe one particularly shitty journalist would even snap a picture and write an article about a-a ‘budding love affair’ between two aspiring photographers. These type of things happen without your consent all the time.”

He had a good point that left you hesitating for so long, Mark ended up having to leave you alone for another moment so he could serve a new customer.

“This feels different, though,” you said once he was back, “because now I’m purposefully waiting for that shitty journalist to do just that.”

“It’s for the greater good,” Mark said. “Or, rather, for a greater future.”

You chewed on your lip. “You really think so?”

For the first time since you’ve finished your story, Mark was the one hesitating before replying. Your stomach sunk lower and lower with every second that passed before he spoke again.

“Not really,” he admitted finally, lifting his apologetic gaze from the floor to look at you, “but that’s not what you want to hear.”

“No, no, don’t tell me what I want to hear,” you asked as a typhoon of anxiety washed over your insides. “Tell me what you really think.”

“I think you should talk to Jaebum.”

You should have seen it coming.

“Yeah?” you asked awkwardly.

“Mmhmm,” Mark nodded. “Because I don’t think that this way of getting your name out there is bad in itself. The bad thing is you keeping this a secret from Jaebum. That makes this into a bigger deal than it really is.”

That was true. If things hadn’t escalated so badly – if you hadn’t reached a point where Jaebum seemed to hate Jiho with a burning passion – he might have even supported you through this. Perhaps he wouldn’t approve – he did showcase some relatively possessive tendencies, although they never bordered on the extreme – but he wouldn’t dismiss just the very thought of you doing this.

“He would never agree to it,” you decided miserably. “He’d never let me do it.”

Mark seemed surprised to hear this. “Does he control you?”

“W-well, no. Of course not,” you said, unsure how to explain what you meant. “I-I… I just—I care about him a lot and I don’t want to fight with him.”

“If this is something that’s going to start a fight,” he said, “then maybe there’s something wrong.”

You didn’t understand what he meant. “With… with us?”

Mark shrugged his shoulders. “You tell me.”

You looked down. Deep down, you knew what he meant. In any hypothetical situation, if there was something that one person wanted to keep from another, it was likely that this thing – this secret – involved the first person doing something that wasn’t right. Wasn’t appropriate. Something that would damage their relationship.

Your head was suddenly as heavy as your heart was.

“I can’t tell you anything,” you answered. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“You signed the contract, didn’t you?” Mark asked, his voice more sympathetic when he noticed how dull your normally bright eyes looked. “Just try to go through with it. Like Jiho had said, it’s a business relationship and you have the legal papers to prove that if you should ever need to.”

You looked up at him. “You mean… prove that to Jaebum?”

“I mean, if you’re not going to tell him, and you’re hoping that this will just pass quietly—”

“I’m not sure it will. We’re talking about the media, after all—”

“Oh, love, don’t get offended,” Mark shook his head, not letting you finish, “but I don’t know a single person who would be interested in news about photographers aside from other photographers. I couldn’t care less about who Tyler Mitchell is dating or what he does in his free time – I only care about the pictures of Beyonce that he took – but Jackson was here the other day, trying to get me interested in that photographer-related gossip because he’d met Mitchell while traveling and the guy was, apparently, holding hands with someone.”

You felt your own interest in this conversation increase tenfold at the mention of the photographer’s name but Mark was obviously not going to elaborate – he nearly yawned just as he was giving you the abbreviated version – so you just nodded instead.

“You have a point,” you said, suddenly feeling the first bits of relief. “News like that probably wouldn’t even reach Jaebum.”

The bartender narrowed his eyes, asking slowly, “are you considering not telling him at all?”

Honesty was painful now as you replied, “I don’t know.”

“Okay, good,” he said, his voice rushed as if he was afraid you’d continue talking before he finished. “Don’t tell me what you decide then. I’ve already gotten more involved than I’m comfortable. I can’t support your decision not to tell him because he’s one of my closest friends, but, at the same time, this isn’t my story to tell. I’ll be quiet about this but... I don’t think you should be.”

“Yeah, I understand,” you said, awkward now that you’ve realized you’ve stepped over the line. “I’m sorry I’m putting you in this position.”

“It’s fine, I don’t mind listening to you,” Mark said. “Sorry I couldn’t help you with much, though. I’m afraid this is something that you have to do on your own. If you find the right words to explain what you’re doing, Jaebum will understand. You just have to believe in yourself and stop looking like you’ve killed three people on your way home to talk to him. Have more confidence.”

“More confidence,” you repeated, almost scoffing. “That’s what I keep hearing.”

“It’s the truth,” he said. “Jaebum always talks about how talented you are. And he recognizes art, he’s not saying that just because he’s into you.”

Your heart banged against your ribcage, reminding you yet again about how much you cared about Jaebum. About how special it made you feel to know that he was talking about you to his friends.

“I hope you get to host your own exhibition,” Mark added before you could stand up and dial Jaebum’s phone number. “I really do.”

Hearing that meant a lot and you felt your lips stretch into a smile. “So, you don’t think I’m selling my soul to the devil by trying to get it this way?”

“No,” Mark laughed. “I just think you’re very dedicated since you’re willing to give up so much for your goal.”

You couldn’t help but find his words ambiguous. You feared to think of what else – aside from your dignity – you were unconsciously willing to give up for your ambition, but you didn’t ask him to explain what he’d meant. You didn’t dare.

“You know, it’s extremely refreshing to talk to someone who doesn’t immediately assume the worst of me,” you said instead.

“Who immediately assumes the worst of you?” Mark asked.

“Me.”

“Ah,” he nodded with a chuckle and then clocked a group of customers that had just arrived. “Hold on for just a moment.”

You nodded, using this time to check your phone. The screen was decorated with multiple texts from Jaebum – most of them seemed excited as he told you about the divine food that the agency dinner had served – but it also showed that it was nearly ten o’clock already. You hadn’t planned to stay here for this long; you still had to work tomorrow, not to mention the mess of thoughts inside of your mind you’d have to deal with even before your alarm rang the next morning.

“Thinking of leaving?” Mark asked when he returned and caught you putting your jacket on.

“Yeah,” you said. “I’ve stayed far longer than I should have. Thank you for listening to me and for being so open-minded. You’re a great person, Mark.”

He laughed, the comment clearly flustering him. “Must be the reason why I’m single.”

“Oh, you’re going to make a great partner for someone one day,” you said, your mind flashing back to him and Kiera. You were suddenly glad you weren’t drunk or you would have brought your friend up and you didn’t think you were in the right position to talk about them together. “Anyone would be lucky to have someone like you. It’s just me who’s stupid; apparently, I like my men complicated.

“Men?” Mark cocked an eyebrow.

You smiled at this. “You’re right. It’s just him.”

Mark stopped cleaning the glass he was holding to give you a serious look. “You like him a lot, don’t you?”

“I…”

You couldn’t finish the sentence and Mark was quick to notice that as a big smile spread from one of his ears to the other.

“What?” he asked, his tone teasing. “Is that not the right word anymore?”

“Oh, shut up,” you got up from your stool, looking down to avoid having him see your embarrassed face.

Mark laughed again, recalling the same exact words that Jaebum had said to him when he asked him the same thing.

“It’s okay,” he said, sending a mischievous wink your way when you looked at him again. “I happen to know that he feels the same way about you.”

chapter directory

#got7 #got7 fanfiction #got7 fanfic #got7 reactions #got7 imagines #got7 scenarios #got7 angst #jaebum #holic #got7 au #got7 x reader #roommate au #enemies to lovers au #got7 enemies to lovers au #got7 roommate au #got7 e2l au #e2l #e2l au

302 notes · View notes

lullabieswrappedinlies · 4 years

Text

Boston Boys [Part Eleven]

Boston Boys Masterlist

Jenna finished hanging up her coat and purse. “We’re gonna be fine, John. You’ve got important things to do.”

“Yeah, they are important,” John agreed. He kissed her cheek, then rushed out to meet his brother.

Paul was already waiting in front of the jewelry store. John yelled his name and waved, jogging to catch up to where his brother was standing.

“Sorry, Jenna was running behind.”

“Don’t worry about it, I got here only a couple seconds ago. You gonna tell me why we’re here?”

John nodded. “Yeah, over dinner. Let’s go inside here, first.”

Paul shrugged and followed his brother into the store. They browsed over necklaces and earrings, the usual diamond solitaire engagement rings.

“Is that what you’re looking for?” Paul asked, surprised that his brother hadn’t even told him much about this girl, let alone that he was thinking about getting married.

“Something like it,” John said, taking in a deep breath. “It’s complicated, but I want to make a lot of promises to this girl. Big promises.”

“Who is this girl, Johnny?”

“She sounds like a winner,” Paul congratulated, clapping his brother on the back. “So, let’s find her something she really deserves.”

“All right,” Paul prompted after they had their beers and were waiting on their food. “Tell me what’s so complicated with the doc.”

John licked his lips. “Her family doesn’t exactly approve of our relationship, I guess you could say.”

“Why not? There’s no reason not to like you, brother.”

“It’s not me, exactly,” John sighed, “but our whole family.”

“They’ve never met us.”

Running a hand through his hair, John leaned forward on the table. “Paul, you really gonna make me come out and say it?”

Paul raised his brow and shrugged.

“All right then.” John chugged down half his beer, then set the glass back down and leaned forward again. “Her mom was married to Robbie Evans.”

“I know you’ve always wanted out, but this isn’t the way to do it, you know. Let the Evans family find out. Let Downey find out. You’re done for, Johnny.”

“I’m glad you’re happy,” Paul ceded, “but you know Chris is gonna kill you when he finds out.”

John snorted. “Yeah, I’m aware of that.”

Finally, John had a reason in the conversation to smile. “She’s worth it. She’s more than worth it.”

Paul smiled, too. The brothers dug into their meals and put the serious conversation behind them.

“Scarlett knows.”

Aurelie frowned and her heart stopped. “Knows what?”

“She’s not wrong.”

Chris pursed his lips. “Thanks for the encouragement.”

“I’m gonna tell her.”

Chris frowned and reached out for his sister’s hand. “Hey, hey. Why’re you crying? You never cry. I don’t remember the last time I saw you cry.”

“Well, I’m proud of you for that, anyway.”

Happy birthday, big brother. Don’t have too much fun tonight.

Thanks, sis. I’ll be careful. Talk soon.

The text message reply from Chris pulled Aurelie back to the present. With a deep breath and a long exhale, she smiled at John.

“It’s Chris’s birthday. They’re having a big thing over at Stan’s Pub.”

John took her hand. “Do you wish you were there?”

Aurelie thought about that carefully before she answered. She squeezed his hand and assured, “Nah. I’m right where I wanna be.”

John smiled back at her and continued on the drive. By the time they arrived in Attleboro, Aurelie was quiet and her thoughts far away again. John helped her out of the car; Aurelie frowned.

“Are they open?”

“Yeah, they’re open.” He tossed his head in the direction of the diner. “C’mon.”

“Is it just us?” she asked.

“It’s just us,” John confirmed.

“I’m sorry to ask so many questions,” Aurelie began, “but are we celebrating something I’m not aware of?”

John chuckled. “Just celebrating us. There’s a lot we still have to overcome if we want to move forward, but I want to do that with you. I want to move forward with you.”

Aurelie took another deep breath; it was all she could do in the moment to keep breathing. “I want to move forward with you, too.”

“Are you happy?” John asked.

Aurelie nodded. “Indescribably happy. But, John, before we get too far into tonight, there’s something I have to tell you.”

His smile began to fade as he nodded and dragged his hand over his face. “Yeah. I’ve got something to tell you, too.”

Tags: @themtbmbgirl @keithseabrook27 @ulovemelightsout @rosie2801 @professorkrasinski

#john krasinski #chris evans #fanfiction #crossover #criminal!au

3 notes · View notes

charlybradburry · 4 years

Text

The Taco Bell Fiasco

Theme: Crack

Characters: Dean; Myin (jupp that’s that awesome girl that helps me when I can’t find the strength to write; you can find her here: @myinconnelly1) and Josy (oofc; aka me)

Writing Prompt: Are you banned from all Taco Bells, or just that Taco Bell?

Summary: Dean picked up two hunters. When he wants to stop at a Taco Bell he gets a story to hear.

Warnings: Mentions of nudity, alcohol consume, unbetaed

Wordcount: ~1,600

Dean had never had that many ladies in the Impala until today. Of course there had been great sex on the back seat but this time it was two giggling women inside and he had to admit it…it was fucking annoying. But he still enjoyed the laughs that filled the little cabin. Next to him there was Myin, the older one but also the “little” one, hell if he had to decide which one he should call “kid” it would definitely be her, she barely reached his armpit even when her fluffy brown hair was in this floppy messy bun of hers. She had a cheerful, friendly attitude towards him the moment he had entered their case. Josephine…well she preferred to be called Josy – on the other hand had been pretty gruff towards him. Telling him to get lost the second he set foot inside the police department, somehow immediately being able to tell he was just like them and having this intimidating look on her face. The redhead was rough around the edges, with 6’0 foot almost as tall as him and the younger one of the two. But she was slowly thawing now that they were sitting in his car after their car had broken down on their way out of the city.

“So Winchester! We already know a lot about you and your brother, even though I thought you would be taller, but is there anything you wanna know about us?” Myin flashed him this open mouthed smile that hadn’t left her face since she sat down on the front seat. Josy in the background knitted her eyebrows and shook her head slightly at her friend. He huffed a little and then saw the sign. “Well there’s a lot I wanna ask you two, like hell of a lot. So why not stop here and discuss this over lunch?” Heck it might be taco bell and that wasn`t anywhere close to a great bacon cheese burger but he was hungry and it would do the job. He pulled over and drove onto the parking lot. The girls just gave each other a look. “Oh you better believe he’ll ask the question. It always comes up” Josy had a half smirk on her lips the slight accent he couldn’t put his finger on just now making it sound somehow even more sarcastic.

“Ask what exactly?” Dean asked a brow lifted while killing the engine. The youngster got an evil smile on her lips looking at her friend. “Yeah Myin? Ask what exactly? Or you wanna dive right in?” Myin started to play with her hand the second she had heard Deans offer. “I…well actualy Josy, both of us can’t enter that restaurant really…” “Hey! I was just stuck with you! It wasn’t exactly my fault! What funsize is trying to explain to you, Winchester is, we might be banned from Taco Bell.” He blinked multiple times and shook his head multiple times, before asking the real question: “But…how?!”

A short sigh left Myins lips and she removed her seatbelt and opened the door, the other one following her quickly. Dean left behind in the car, still somehow in shock about the new piece of information he had gathered. The girls were talking about something, the redhead laughing at the smaller one, before pulling her into a big bear hug. That’s when Dean decided to leave baby as well and join the girls on the other side of her. “Sooo…what’s all the fuss about, ladies?” “Well buckle up Winchester, because this is gonna be a very freaky and funny story. Josy? Still carrying that travel Whiskey set of yours with you?” Said just rolled her eyes and opened the trunk. “Holy Crap, Winchester! How cool is your car?! Does it ever stop?! Myin! You gotta check this out!” “Later! We got a story to tell! And now get that booze!” the brunette rolled her eyes and gave Dean some sort of apologetic look. “Sorry, she gets distracted very easily. And after a hunt like this everything will be interesting to her brain.” She chuckled a little and Dean joined her. “No worries, I have a younger brother that I helped raising. I can tell you, she is harmless.” With that Josy joined them again, handing them both a glass filled with an amber liquid. “Here is to new friends!” she raised her own glass before drowning it and handing it empty to her friend. “You take care of that and I get the bottle.” She came back a moment later with a bottle of Jack and refilled her glass. Dean took a sip of his glass, as did Myin, before asking again: “So how does a girl like you get banned from Taco Bell? Must be a pretty good story to get banned from a fast food chain…” “Oh, but as she said, it’s not just her who is banned, I’m as well….gurl…that was a heck of a night!” Deans eyes went wide, “Not what you think, pervert! But my lovely friend just tells the story better than I do. Would you do me the honor my friend?”

Myin nodded and leaned against Deans precious car. “First of all, it did not happen as long ago, as you would think from what, lady longlegs said. Actually…I think it happened shortly after we started hunting together, right”- she got a quick reassuring nod – “well we went to a karaoke night together, we had fun, danced, sang…Just had a great time! Well sometime after two in the morning the bartender kicked us out because…well I still don’t really know why he kicked us out. Well one thing lead to another and we ended up at Taco Bell, it was the closest junk food store we could get to by foot.” The other girl cleared her throat, giving her a look. “Ok, not entirely true. But there’s nothing worse, than a Mc something Burger after a whole night of heavy drinking.” She took another sip of her Whiskey and held the now empty glass towards her friend who immediately filled it up again.

“Well where did we stop? Yeah, like I said, we ended up a Taco Bell, and we kept singing and sit dancing in our little place and yeah…one thing ended in another and we started a round of truth or dare.” Dean wiggled his eyebrows and emptied his glass as well taking the bottle from Josy to get a refill. “Still not what you think, stupid”, she rolled her eyes taking a little sip of her drink. Dean gave her his best flirty grin but she just gave him a slap on the back of his head. “Keep going, I love this story.” “Well, we stopped at the truth or dare. It all started very harmless. Flirt with that guy, how was your first time…stuff like that. Over time we got a bit bolder. Nothing too crazy still. Grab that girls ass, touch this guys lips…And them the fucking booze seemed to kick us pretty hard.” “Wouldn’t have to tell me to flirt with that greasy old dude, though…” Josy shuddered and drowned her whiskey. “As I said”, Myin gave her friend a dirty look and mover a hand through her brown waves, “We grew bolder and well at one point there was this song playing on the radio. And the youngster here thought daring me to strip would be a good idea, because I would never do it.”

Deans eyes grew big as plates and he licked his lips at the thought. “Well…it was ‘Cherry Pie’ and as I said the booze had a hold of me.” Dean just lifted an eyebrow. “That everything sweetheart?” His intense green eyes drilling into her and Myin could swear he already knew the answer to his question. “Not exactly…” “God damn it, Myin! You’re my friend and I love you! But the story isn’t as terrible as you always think! And if you don’t tell him, I’ll definitely do it!” Josy threatened and nudged her against the shoulder. Sending the tiny girl a step back with the force behind the punch. “Just to clarify!” Dean quickly interrupted and looked back and forth between the friends, “You two went drinking, had great fun singing terrible karaoke and then you went on to playing truth or dare at a Taco Bell, kiddo here had to flirt with an old man, you told each other funny stories and somehow everything escalated to gorgeous over there stripping in the same fast food restaurant? Where come the fun in?!” The red head shot him a death glare. “Let her tell the story or I’m gonna lock you in the trunk and drive the rest of the route myself!” “She’s right Dean, you don’t really think it would stop just here?”, Myins curly hair flying around her head as she shook it. “Well, technically it also wasn’t just me who stripped. This giant here, thought it would be a great idea to join me. Buuuut….” “I was wearing underwear that day.” Josephine flashed him a big toothy grin and wrapped an arm around her friend. “Or wasn’t I? I mean, you definitely weren’t.” “Panties. You were wearing panties…What’s left to say is, that the employees weren’t as cheerful as you are about the story. That’s it, that’s the story about how we got banned from Taco Bell. Also your panties weren’t that nice, Josy!” “Hey! It was wash day! And I didn’t plan on taking a guy back to the motel!” “Green boxers with turtles on them…”

“Uhm…but may I ask the most important question? Are you banned from all Taco Bells, or just that Taco Bell?”

#deanwinchester #oofc #crackfic #spn #supernatural #supernatural fic #myins 700 follower challenge #writting is more fun with booze #actually it's redwine #and pretzelbites #Josy babbles

11 notes · View notes

talltalesandbedtimestories · 4 years

Text

A View To A Winchester (Part 12)

Series Page

Summary: Julie’s starting a new life after divorce in a home with a very nice view.

A Dean X OFC story. I got this idea staring out the view of my home office window and thinking how nice it would be to have Dean Winchester to ogle.

Section Word Count: 4,300

Section Content: angst, R-rated language, show level violence

~~~~~

“Welcome to Makenzie’s.” The same chipmunk-cheeked twenty-something from last night smiled at Dean when he approached the hostess stand. Her smile extended a bit wider in recognition. “Winchester, right?”

He flashed his best smile back. “Devin, right?”

She nodded with exuberance. “What can I do for you?”

“Some information would be great, Devin.”

“Sure, just a sec.” Devin handed the waitress standing next to her a few menus and chatted. The obvious flaws in Dean’s original plan smacked him in the face. I’m just going to get escorted out if I try the FBI approach at a place I’ve already been to. Badge says Barrow. Dean canvassed the dining area with his eyes. There was no sign of the woman he was trying to track. The smell of charred flesh made his stomach grumble. He realized he hadn’t eaten anything since lunch, a couple cold pieces of pizza at Cas’s.

“Actually, if it’s alright, I’m just going to head to the bar?”

“Absolutely. Tables are all booked up for a good two hours, at least.”

He nodded and beelined to the bar.

~~~~~

Dean left the bar fifteen minutes later when he got what he needed from the chatty male bartender. Picking up on the gay vibes immediately, Dean turned up the flirting and got Chad to overpour two bourbon shots along with the information. A healthy tip accompanied the cash for a half-eaten plate of onion rings and the liquor. Dean had the first number on speed dial ringing with a flippant push on the exit door.

“Dean?”

“Hey, Sammy. I need your nerdiness.”

Sam huffed. “My computer skills, you mean?”

“Sure. If that makes you feel better.”

“What’s up?”

Dean eased into the driver’s seat and loosened his tie. “I’m not sure, yet. It’s one of my neighbors. She’s gone missing today.”

“Missing?”

“Yeah. I’ve got the name of one of the last people who saw her. Think you can get me an address?”

“I’ll try. Who am I looking up?”

“Ina Rever.”

“I-N-A? Rever, like lever?” Sam confirmed.

“Yep. See if anything comes up in Delaware.”

“Alright, gonna take a little time.”

“I’ll wait.”

Sam sighed.

“Unless I’m interrupting something?”

“No. Well, I was studying. I could actually use the break. Eileen’s out, getting groceries.”

“I thought you two just foraged around in fields for your food.”

“Funny. I can’t get Eileen to eat healthy for shit. Maybe now with a baby on the way...”

“I still can’t believe you’re going to be a dad,” Dean interrupted. “Poor kid.”

“Jerk.”

“Bitch.”

“So, who went missing?”

“Neighbor. Name’s Julie Felton.”

“Wait. Julie? The Julie?”

Dean sifted through his spotty memory rolodex. He was pretty sure he hadn’t mentioned Julie to Sam in any recent conversation. They’d only spoken a handful of times over the past couple months. “What do you mean ‘The Julie’?”

“Cas called this morning and told me all about her… and your date last night.”

Of course he did. “Nothing much to tell, Sammy. It’s just important that I find her.”

“Right, right, of course.” Sam shifted to consoling mode. “You can tell me all about her after you find her. Okay, I’ve got an address for Ina.”

“Great. Text it to me.”

“Yeah, Dean, already done.”

Dean’s phone buzzed at the text from his brother.

“Do you need me to see if I can track Julie’s phone?”

“If you can. But, I checked her mom’s phone - they have one of those family apps that share location - and, it looks like it last shows her at the house this morning. Called up my connection at the police station to see what he could find. Her car turned up in a parking lot at a shopping center, not far from the house. Cop’s goin’ store to store.”

“You called Marty? How’s he doing?”

“I didn’t get a chance to ask.” Dean had mentioned the detective to Sam a few times, being one of the handful of people he could call a friend. “Just sent her number to you.”

“Maybe I can get something else from the cell towers. Finding a car out in the open is pretty good news, Dean. It might all be nothing and she’s safe and sound. You know, a big misunderstanding. Wait, though.” He hummed. “Weird.”

“What?” Dean plugged the address into his phone’s GPS and started the engine as the route calculated.

He switched Sam to speaker. His voice wielded priority over the robotic female starting to spout directions. “Well, I’m not finding anything else on this Ina Rever. No history. Nothing before her poofing into thin air in Delaware.” Dean could hear computer keys tapping. He shifted into drive and rolled out of the parking spot. “Let me just…”

“I’ve got ten minutes before I get to this place, Sammy. Whatever you can find, find it quick.”

“I ran the photo from the driver’s license through a bunch of databases. Got facial matches, all under different names, all over the country… over the past five decades it looks like.”

“Five decades? Woman’s maybe in her thirties.”

“Her Delaware license says she’s 33. Dean…”

“Shit.” No. Julie.

“Something supernatural.” Sam finished.

“What the hell? I got nothing to go on here! No idea what I’m walking into! Vamp nest? Werewolf pack?” Dean yelled at the phone.

“Calm down, Dean. Let me dig into some of the places where this woman’s been. Do you know anything about her?”

“Julie can’t spare a minute for a trip down memory lane.”

“She can if it helps find her. And, you’ve got eight minutes before you get there.”

Dean split his focus between the GPS directions and anything he could remember that Ina mentioned over the dinner table last night. “She’s a waitress at a restaurant. Sounded like she just moved to Delaware a couple months ago.”

“Okay. Whatever it is, if it’s got a routine or needs to…” Sam cleared his throat. Dean knew Sam stopped himself from saying “feed”. “Some weird stuff might have happened a couple months after she moved into these other places. “Missing persons, maybe?”

Dean clenched his jaw, not wanting to speak the next request. “Look for missing persons that turned up dead.” Keyboard clicks went on for a while. “Five minutes, Sammy,” Dean reminded.

“Not helping, dude.” More agonizing seconds ticked by. “Got something. One of the missing persons was found a week after they disappeared.”

“Alive or dead?” Dean took the ramp off the highway, staring out at the business and industrial section of New Castle to his right.

Sam sighed. “Dead.”

Dean kept his focus on the job at hand and took a deep breath. “Where’d they find the body?”

“Looks like it was in an abandoned warehouse.”

“Fuck me!” Dean barked.

“What?”

“This thing’s place of residence is like a minute away from warehouse central! Miles of it.”

“Stick to the plan, Dean. Check out the house first.”

Dean nodded with intent even though Sam couldn’t see him.

“Oh.” Sam mumbled.

“What?”

“The cause of death was exsanguination.”

“Vampire?”

“Maybe. But, I got into the police records. Does this sound familiar? Body was found hanging by its wrists, trussed up. The reporting officer said it looked like a blood bank in there. Needles, tubes, collection vials. Like the person was being drained. Slow.”

Hope sprung back into Dean’s mind. “A Jinn? With an MO like the one that was feeding off me for days? That means there’s time to find her.”

“Maybe. But, it could still be a vamp or some other bloodsucking variation.”

“But if it’s a Jinn, she’s got a shot.” Run down houses lined the blocks of the neighborhood he rolled through. Parked cars squeezed into every inch of available space along the narrow streets. Soft, setting rays angled onto the cheap, dirty vinyl siding on the house that matched the address. “I’m losing sun, Sam. What kind of car does this thing drive?” He parallel parked Baby into a tight spot and shut off the engine, glancing around the street.

“Green, Honda Civic.”

“Great. Nondescript and basic. Like every other car. But… I don’t see one here.”

A barking dog barreled towards Dean’s car in the unkempt yard of the house. It stopped feet short of the chain link fence, whining, as the long leash went taut.

“Son of a bitch. Cocoa’s home.” Dean mumbled.

“What?” Sam asked, confused.

“Nothing.” The car door squeaked. He hurried to the back. A swerve of his head noted no one out on the nearby street or sidewalk. No one hung out in the vehicle behind him, either. He popped the Impala’s hood and readied to hang up. “Let me get in there.”

“Dean?”

“What?” The phone pressed to his ear, pinched between his shoulder and cheek. He lifted the false bottom of the trunk up for peek, reached for his Colt where it always was, and checked the cartridge had silver bullets. They’d been the standard go to for years now. His backup monster insurance. Fresh out of lamb’s blood to dip a silver knife in. Plan B - Bash the thing’s head to chili if it is a Jinn.

“Keep me on the line. You know, in case something happens. I might be able to help.”

The hood clicked close. Dean sighed. “Alright. The phone in the pocket, camera thing?”

“Yeah, that works.”

Sam requested a FaceTime connection. Dean squinted at the screen, walking and talking on the path toward the front porch. “Dude, you look like you’re auditioning for the lead in a Jesus musical... ‘Go Tell It On The Mountain” or some other hippie shit. Your hair. And again with that fucking beard.” Cocoa kept up on the other side of the fence, no longer barking. It didn’t look out of the ordinary. Tail wagging, begging for attention.

Dean could barely make out Sam’s bitchface under all the hair. “Shut up. Remember…”

“Switch the camera angle. Put yourself on mute, would ya?” The phone slid into the jacket’s chest pocket.

“I will.” Sam’s voice was muffled. “That’s perfect. Be careful. Going radio silent.”

Geek.

Dean knocked, surveyed anything he could of the small cottage house through the window panes. “Hello?” He called out and knocked again. The knob rattled under his grip, locked. Flimsy ass door. He looked around to ensure no one was passing by or in his sightline. Dean stepped back and kicked the door dead center. The weight and force behind the sole of his dress shoes propelled it open on its hinges. It swung back almost to the original closed position.

Sam’s probably busting a blood vessel right about now. He tapped the door with his foot to get a lay of the land. “Hello?” Strolling in, he called out. “Door was open.” His hand reached around to his back under the jacket, ready to pull out his gun if needed. “Ina Rever?”

The inside of the house was neat, tidy, and what he thought would be called shabby chic or some shit. It smelled of incense.

“Fuck this.” He mumbled and pulled out his gun. Around every corner, he rounded with an unflinching focus on the front sight and the view just beyond. His feet were quick, two stepping all throughout. His breathing steadied to control his grip and aim. Every closet and room searched, including the basement. The backyard was empty. Nothing.

Dean slipped the gun back under his jacket before stepping onto the porch, shutting the door with the mangled lock best he could. “Still there, Sammy?” He could hear the irritation in his own voice.

It took a couple seconds for his brother to respond. “Yeah.”

“Anything on Julie’s cell?” He rushed to the car, phone in hand and glanced at his brother’s face.

“Nothing.”

He shook his head and stared out at the countless warehouses on the horizon. “If the car’s not here…”

“She probably drove to where she’s got Julie. I was searching near your location while you broke into the house.”

The undertone of disapproval from his little brother was obvious. He placed Sam on Baby’s hood and removed his jacket and tie, tossing them in the back seat. “And?”

“Three abandoned warehouses.”

“Let’s go.”

~~~~~

“So, this girl?” Sam glanced at Dean from the phone’s screen, mounted on the dash. He was giving Dean directions, using his location tracker to monitor his movement. A clear blue sky framed Sam, sitting out in his backyard. It was still sunny and 6:00 pm in California. The sun, however, had set on the east coast. The road in front of Dean was dark, lit up golden by Baby’s headlights.

Dean knew what Sam was up to. His way to distract his older brother from spiraling. Act first, think later was never Sam’s approach. And, almost always his.

“She’s not a girl, Sammy. Every ounce of her is all woman.”

“Yeah.” Sam cleared his throat. “I checked out her social media accounts. Very nice, Dean. Another two miles. Make a right at the next crossroads. It’ll be a half a mile on your right.”

Dean closed his eyes as he drove the straight patch of road to the second warehouse on the list. No way my luck would have had her at our first stop. Images from last night flashed in his mind. Julie staring down into his eyes with those big brown ones while he worshipped her. Gorgeous, thick, wavy brown locks of her hair tickling the tips of his fingers kneading her ample chest. Her plump lips parting in arousal and want. The curve of her breast dipping over and above his mouth as he suckled. He could almost taste the slight sweat and salt. The way her hard yet pliable nipple rolled against and pushed into his tongue. She struggled to moan his name. It was the sexiest thing he’d heard in forever.

A truck coming at him on the two lane road blared his horn. Dean jolted and steered back into his lane. Dammit.

“You okay?” Sam’s forehead wrinkled like the skin folds of a Shar Pei puppy.

“Yeah.”

“Cas said you were pretty wound up last night, about Julie. Really upset that you had to cut the date short.”

“Are you really talking to me about this? Now?”

“I can never keep you on the phone for more than five minutes, Dean. Captive audience right now.”

“And you think I stick my foot in my mouth?”

“Sorry. It’s just… you like her. A lot. Yeah, saving people, it’s ingrained in us, part of our DNA. But you wouldn’t knock a door down the way you did for just anybody.”

Dean drove way over the speed limit.

“When we find her, safe, you’re going to tell me all about her.”

Dean refused to reply, to reveal the thoughts tripping over each other, as he continued down the road. He didn’t speak again until Baby’s headlights washed over the back bumper of a Green Honda Civic parked around the corner of a two story warehouse by a large dumpster. He slowed down and killed the engine, rolling to a quiet stop.

“Looks like the jackpot is behind door number two.”

Sam’s face lit up. “Let’s get in there.”

Dean shook his head. “No. This is what I need you to do. I’m texting you Marty’s number. If you don’t hear back from me in ten minutes, you call him. Tell him who you are, where I am, and what we think we’ve been tracking. He’ll take it from there.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. I got this, Sammy.”

He nodded. “Be careful.”

Dean gave him a small smile and ended the call. He texted Sam the number, made sure he got a response back that Sam had it, and set his phone to Do Not Disturb. He rummaged through the glove box and found his pocket knife. A small flashlight gripped tight in his fist as he left the safety of the car.

Gravel crunched under his feet, eventually merging into a blacktop near three loading bay doors. The roll-up of the center door was not flush to the ground; left open enough for someone to slide under. Here we go.

Dean wasted no time and scooted on his chest into the building, no longer concerned about the condition of his dress shirt and pants. He jumped to his feet in the pitch black of the warehouse. Breathing slowed. Eyes adjusted while he refrained from using the flashlight. He always wondered how good a Jinn’s eyesight was in the dark. Ceiling high racks and shelves of steel framework came into slight focus. They created three long rows in front of him.

A lingering smell of sawdust filled his nose. He afforded seconds to close his eyes, tilting his head like a satellite dish to zero in on the slightest noise. Aside from the ramping of his heartbeat, there was nothing to hint of occupants other than Dean. Might as well make my presence known. She has to be here. He swallowed, pulled out his gun and turned on the flashlight. His body steeled into a military stance. Grounded, steady steps marched forward. A path down the center aisle would give him the best view of the massive warehouse floor. The flashlight above his gun lit the way, sweeping back and forth along the concrete.

“Julie!” His voice boomed, echoed back. Empty cardboard boxes, pilfered through by vagrants or scavengers, lay along the floor with packing material. Dean zigzagged through the maze. Bubble wrap popped under one foot. He froze, waiting for the sound to subside. “Julie!” He called out again. Not sure if it was his eyes playing tricks on him, he thought he saw a shadow flicker farther down the dead end he was headed straight toward. Movement got his attention along his right in the other aisle. God, I hope it’s just one of ‘em.

More boxes came into focus. But these were neatly stacked, forming a partition and one narrow entrance Dean would be forced to take. He made certain no one was behind him. He inhaled and exhaled slow, then rounded the corner and inventoried the space.

It was a bare bones phlebotomy lab. Three rolling carts had needles, tubes, IV bags, and other random medical equipment atop them. He opened a cooler with the tip of his shoe and noted two filled blood bags atop ice cubes not even melted. Definitely still here.

His eyes were drawn to translucent sheeting hung from steel shelving in the back corner. The halo of light revealed a silhouette behind the milky colored plastic. He straightened, cocked his shoulders back, and approached with his gun aimed, ready to fire if necessary. One of his hands reached for the side of the plastic and ripped it away, hard.

Material swooshed. Clips clanged onto the floor. “Julie.” Dean whispered.

Julie’s wrists were bound in thick twists of rope. Her body hung from the shackling. Dean’s eyes widened at her disrobed state. She’d been left in only a tank top and panties. The toes of her bare feet were the only part touching the floor. A needle had been inserted into her inner thigh. Julie’s blood traveled through the tubing, filling another bag by her feet. Femoral artery. Quick drain.

His neck craned from one side to the other. He peered into the adjacent aisle to see if they had company. When he was certain there was no one, his mind assessed the situation. He holstered the gun behind his back into the waistband. Placing the flashlight on the closest cart illuminated Julie’s grim and dire state. Gotta get her down, at least slow the blood flow.

The pocket knife sprung open in one hand. His heart ached as he stepped toward Julie. He stared down at the disheveled hair falling in front of her slumped figure. “Julie?” He whispered. Two of his fingers went to the side of her neck. Hope sprung back when he felt the faint pulse. “Can you hear me? It’s Dean. Gonna get you out of here, okay.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and held her in a vice, pressing his body to hers for support. Her body lifted off the ground an inch or two. The rope went a bit slack. The knife’s blade pushed taut against the give and sawed.

Julie’s head lolled back between the arms still tied above her. Her hair parted to display the face he’d grown fond of staring at. She looked peaceful, with closed eyes and the hint of the tiniest smile. Dean knew from his own run in with a Jinn that there was a good chance she was in some idyllic dream state. Hopefully not the nightmare kind. “Gonna be okay.” He murmured more to ease his own thoughts. “Come on.” He voiced his impatience at the rope.

He grunted when the frayed rope released its hold. Julie’s arms tumbled to her sides. He let the knife fall to the ground and embraced her tight with both arms, cradling the back of her head with the palm of one hand. “Gotcha.” He whispered and brought her to the floor, resting her gently on the concrete.

Dean rose. Gotta get her help. Before he could search for the phone in his pocket, something barreled from behind right into his lower back. He arched backward at the force and slammed into the side of one of the medical carts and finally into the wall of cardboard boxes. His mind at work the entire time, he righted himself in an instant. A quick hop to his feet and he pulled out his gun, aiming where the attack originated.

All five feet of the petite Jinn, using the name Ina Rever, stood between him and Julie’s slumbering frame. Her blue eyes shone in the shadows. He could make out the intricate tattoos forming on the surface of its skin. She’s charging up her poison. Can’t let those hands touch my skin. Dean closed the distance between them. She knelt to the ground.

Shit. If he took a shot at her now, he risked hitting Julie. The Jinn rotated and spun, extended a leg outward, connecting into Dean’s shins. He dropped to the right. The gun flew out of his hand and he landed face forward onto his chest. Shit.

A tiny elbow with concentrated energy rammed into the center of his spine. He groaned. Fast little fucker. She sprung back up, stepped back, and landed on top of him again, elbow in between his shoulder blades.

She stood up and sounded out of breath. Dean could only see her sneakers shuffling from side to side like a boxer. Julie lay behind her, dead to the world. Dean’s eyes lit up at the pocket knife a couple feet behind the Jinn as well.

“This one wasn’t much of a challenge. Dangle a lost dog in front of her and she willingly offers to drive me back to my car at the shopping center and hand out flyers. Of course, if it wasn’t for naive, helpful people like Julie, I might starve.” Ina’s perky little voice wafted down to Dean. The pain in his back radiated into his limbs. “I didn’t think she’d be missed so soon, though. But, I should have known it would have probably been you, after seeing you both at dinner last night.” He hooked his fingers into a deep grout line on the concrete floor and pulled his body a few inches. Ina kicked him in the stomach, which only helped spur Dean closer to the knife. “She’s got it bad for you. When I fed off her just a little while ago, straight from the tap, I got a glimpse at her happy place. She is all about the happy endings with you. Dean, right?”

“What can I say,” he groaned. “I have that kind of effect on women.” Keep monologuing, bitch. I just need to get a little closer.

“I guess her occupation with you is another reason her guard was down. So, thank you for that.”

“Don’t mention it.” He slammed his hand onto the pocket knife and then catapulted up, plunging the blade into Ina’s thigh. She screeched. He held on with everything he could and forced the knife through the muscle like a lever. Crimson splattered and flowed down Dean’s arm and white dress shirt.

She collapsed to the floor, clutching at her leg. He was on her in a flash and captured her between his kneeling frame. A slash of the blade along her neck sputtered blood. Then, he pummeled at her face over and over again until the body stilled.

Dean was pretty sure she was dead. He slammed her head a few times into the concrete for good measure. He huffed, rose to his feet and closed the pocket knife. He caught sight of his gun on the floor, grabbed it, and slipped it into his pants. When he pulled out the phone he saw Sam had tried to call him numerous times. He called him back.

“Dean? What’s going on?”

Dean kneeled next to Julie. He swept her hair away and checked for a pulse again. “I found her. She’s alright, I hope. But she’s in one of those fairy tale comas, I think.”

“So, it was a Jinn?”

“‘Was’ being the key word.”

Sam huffed. “Well, I hope Marty is as good of a guy as you say he is. He’s on his way there.”

“How long ago did you call him?”

“I called him as soon as I hung up with you. Maybe twenty minutes.”

He smiled against the phone as he heard the bay door roll up. “Dean!” Marty called out.

“Thanks for not following my directions, Sammy.”

“Anytime, Dean.”

Part 13

Series Page

#dean winchester fanfiction #spn fanfic #spnfanficpond #spn fanfic series #dean x ofc

2 notes · View notes

standbyphoenix · 5 years

Text

Movie star River Phoenix left musical mark in Alabama by Matt Wake

Outside record producer Rick Rubin’s Hollywood Hills home, drummer Josh Greenbaum sat in a silver Volvo with his friend and bandmate River Phoenix, the film actor.

The rock-star Lenny Kravitz was with them.

On the car’s stereo, Kravitz played Phoenix and Greenbaum a recording of a new song he’d written called “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” This was 1992, before that explosive tune would become the title track to Kravitz’s third album and era-defining music.

At the moment, Kravitz needed a drummer. He’d recently told mononymous Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea he was frustrated trying to find the right fit. Flea later told Phoenix about Kravitz’s predicament, while Flea was having lunch with Phoenix. Upon hearing about the opportunity, Phoenix promptly hooked-up the drummer of his own band, Aleka’s Attic, with an audition with Kravitz - a much bigger gig.

“And that’s how much River loved me as a brother as a friend,” Greenbaum says. “He was like, ‘I don’t want to hold you back from potential success, and if I can hook you up with this audition then I’m going to do it.’ River was incredibly gracious and generous. He wanted to see the people he cared about thriving.”

The South Florida native wasn’t the only drummer auditioning that day at Rubin’s house. There were 25 or so “L.A. rocker dudes” at the “cattle call” that day “decked-out in leather, nose rings and tattoos.” In sneakers, jeans, sweatshirt and short haircut, Greenbaum looked more college-kid than arena-ready. In the end, the gig didn’t go to a dude at all. Cindy Blackman, a virtuosic jazz musician who happens to be female, deservedly became Kravitz’s next drummer. Still, Greenbaum says he got two callbacks to jam with Kravitz over the course of a week.

River Phoenix was a gifted, charismatic movie star so physically attractive he seemed to defy science.

His nuanced performances lit up such films as "Stand By Me," "My Own Private Idaho" and "Running On Empty."

But Phoenix told Greenbaum more than once, “music was his first love and film was his day-job.”

While some actors’ musical projects can be of dubious quality, Phoenix had legitimate singer/songwriter talent. “Music was a need of his,” Greenbaum says. “That’s why he put so much effort into a band, trying to make it in the music business, which of course would’ve come easier for him than anyone else that wasn’t famous already.”

Phoenix’s other passions included environmentalism, humanitarianism and animal-rights. He was one of the most visibly philanthropic young stars of the early ’90s.

Phoenix was the reason Seventeen subscribers knew what “vegan” meant. “He had a heart of gold and was an extremely hyper-sensitive, emotional person,” Greenbaum says. “And that’s why he wound up helping a lot of people.”

The Gainesville, Fla.-based band’s tours brought them through Alabama, including circa - 1991 shows at Huntsville’s Tip Top Café and Tuscaloosa’s Ivory Tusk. Greenbaum recalls Aleka’s Attic performing in Auburn, possibly at the War Eagle Supper Club there, and maybe Birmingham too.

“We had some successful tours,” says Greenbaum, who’s resided in Maui for more than 20 years. “People showed up because they wanted to hear what River’s band was like, but once they got there they were like, ‘Damn this really is a good band,’ and we had some real authentic fans of the music, for the music, not just because it was River.”

Back before social-media and celeb clickbait, Aleka’s Attic tours also gave fans a rare chance to see a massively famous actor in-person, in the wilds of local rock-bars.

Back then, Sandee Curry was attending Lee High School and delivering pizzas part-time. She was also "obsessed with anything Hollywood-related." When she and friend Michelle Woodson heard about Phoenix's band's upcoming Tip Top Café show, they resolved to attend. "River Phoenix is coming to Huntsville, my hometown? This doesn't happen," Curry says. As many people who lived in Huntsville then are aware, in addition to hosting touring and local bands, Tip Top was known for being extremely easy to get into under-age, so she'd been to shows there before.

Curry brought her snapshot camera to the show. The camera was freshly loaded with black and white film, and she took photos of Aleka’s Attic that night. When she got the film developed later, mixed in with random friend pics were onstage shots of Phoenix, singer Rain Phoenix (River’s sister), bassist Josh McKay, violist Tim Hankins and drummer Greenbaum.

At the Tip Top that night, River Phoenix played a Stratocaster guitar and sported facial scruff, a white T-shirt and camouflage pants. Curry recalls the famous actor being somewhat withdrawn onstage. “If I’m remembering correctly, he was mostly doing backing vocals,” she says. “The bassist and Rain were doing a lot of the singing.” Although Greenbaum says River Phoenix was the songwriter and lead singer on most Aleka’s Attic’s material, fans interviewed for this story recall Rain Phoenix being the focal point onstage during the band’s Alabama shows.

Curry classifies the band’s live sound as “psychedelic ’90s alternative-rock.” She adds, “It was a fun show.”

She remembers enjoying the song “Too Many Colors” and McKay’s tune “Blue Period.”

At the Tip Top, Curry purchased one of the cassette tapes Aleka's Attic was selling at the time. "I listened to that tape a lot and it turned me into a fan" of the band, Curry says. She considered herself "a hippie" and her listening tastes also included The Doors. Curry kept her Aleka's Attic tape until about 10 years ago when she gave it to a friend's young sister who was fascinated with Phoenix: "She was really impressed by this cassette."

Christopher Brown was one of several audio engineers who ran live sound regularly at the Tip Top. On the night of Aleka's Attic he was off-work but there hanging out.

“They were a little more artsy than the typical stuff that we had at the time,” says Brown, who works at a local brewery now. “I remember being pretty impressed by them.” Looking for a more-mainstream, stylistically similar act, I mention Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, known for 1988 patchouli-pop hit “What I Am,” to which Brown, replies, “That’s not a bad comparison.”

The Aleka's Attic show had been the talk of the bar for weeks. Vira Ceci was bartending that night at Tip Top. She recalls Phoenix being "so nice" when she asked him to autograph a cocktail napkin for her cousin, and says the actor was "easily the most accessible member of the band." Ceci, currently employed as a technical writer, recalls the Aleka's Attic show being "pretty busy for a weeknight" and thinks the bar probably charged their typical, $5 cover that night.

Lance Church owned, ran and booked the Tip Top during its prime. He remembers the motor-home Aleka's Attic toured in arriving early in the afternoon and parked in the gravel lot across the street. There was some advance promotion and local press coverage and Church recalls "parents were bringing kids over to sign their movie posters."

Church thinks Aleka’s Attic’s guarantee was “maybe a couple hundred dollars.”

In 1991 and several years into his acting career, Phoenix was just 21 years old. Church still keeps a photo of he and Phoenix shaking hands inside the Tip Top. "He seemed like a really good kid to me," says Church, now a manager at a chain restaurant. "He was polite. He didn't come in there like he was too good for the place or nothing. He was humble, a very likeable guy. He was giggly - he was just a kid."

Church says there'd been many phone calls in to the Tip Top in the week leading up to the Aleka's Attic gig, people asking about start time and such. In the end, he thinks about 100 people attended the show, inside the cinderblock building's mechanics-garage-sized interior. The Billiter sisters were among those attendees: Grace, then 18, Becca, 16, and Jo, 14 - all students at Westminster Christian Academy. (Again, the Tip Top was way easy to get into.) That night, Grace drove them to the Aleka's Attic show in her classic pink Volkswagen Beetle. Back at their family's northside Huntsville home, the sisters displayed River Phoenix photos on their bedroom walls, along with images with other hotties of the day, including Mel Gibson and Billy Idol. Other bands back then the sisters liked included INXS.

Expecting to see Phoenix as he'd appeared as a svelte longhaired Indiana Jones in the latest "Raiders of the Lost Ark" sequel, the Billiters were surprised to see him onstage with a haircut Becca remembers as "choppy and punky." Jo says Phoenix's singing voice "sounded good, a little gravely" and had "nice harmony with his sister." But what's really seared into Jo's hippocampus is she was in the same room with "hands-down my favorite movie star." When the band was on break, the sisters got to meet their idol. Phoenix even briefly, sweetly put his arm around Jo. "I think my heart stopped for a couple beats," she recalls. Looking back, Becca says, "I love that it was the three sisters" that got to share resulting, VW-wide smiles that night.

James Dixon, a University of Alabama student then, attended Aleka's Attic's Ivory Tusk show. On the sidewalk out front of the Tusk, he saw Phoenix leaning up against a nearby light-pole, smoking a cigarette. "That was the days before selfies and things like that," recalls Dixon, who works in financial services in Birmingham. "People would say, 'Hey, River,' and the coeds were swooning over him, but he wasn't being hassled. He seemed laid-back."

Inside, the Ivory Tusk was packed. Earlier that day, Kelli Staggs and friend Lori Watts were playing pinball on a machine inside the bar while the band was doing their soundcheck. One Aleka's Attic musician came over and said hello, then Phoenix, recalls Staggs, who now works in Huntsville as a defense contract specialist. Later that night, Staggs says Aleka's Attic performed, in addition to their material, a version of far-out Jimi Hendrix tune "Third Stone from the Sun." After they played their Hendrix cover, the band asked the crowd if they knew that song. "It was like they were trying to weed out who was there for the music, and who was just there to see him because he was famous," Staggs says. Staggs was an art major at University of Alabama, where she'd seen alternative bands like 10,000 Maniacs perform at local venues.

Aleka's Attic drummer Josh Greenbaum recalls the band enjoying their Alabama shows. "I remember good energy, a good crowd. I remember getting treated pretty well." (Greenbaum has a random memory of one or more of these Alabama venues having troughs instead of urinals in the men's room.) He recalls Tip Top as "a dive, and we loved it for that reason. It was very endearing." In Tuscaloosa, he met a friend named Nancy Romine he's stayed in touch with. "During the same Southeast run, Greenbaum says Aleka's Attic did a show in Knoxville, Tenn. that was multitrack recorded and broadcast. In this era, "Lost in Motion," "What We've Done" and "Dog God" went over particularly well live, he says. Greenbaum recalls Phoenix, "loved the creative process of recording. If he had a preference I would say the studio was, probably, because he was a little bit shy and didn't like being in public places so much. But I know he loved playing live too and he did enjoy the touring. He was happy doing both."

Greenbaum was born 13 days before Phoenix. They were just 16 the first time they met, their families were friends. Greenbaum drove his dad's 1977 Chevy van to Phoenix's aunt's house, Phoenix walked out to meet him, then they went inside where Phoenix played him a demo tape of his song "Heart to Get." "It was a cool song," Greenbaum says. "The last of the commercial music that he wrote, as far as I'm concerned." The two teenagers hung out for about an hour then Greenbaum drove back home. A few months later Phoenix called Greenbaum and said he'd met Island Records founder Chris Blackwell backstage at a U2 concert and Blackwell wanted to sign Phoenix to a development deal. Phoenix asked Greenbaum to move to Gainesville - the famously progressive Phoenix family were living in nearby Micanopy - and start a band. He'd get him money each month to help "develop a band, make records and tour." Greenbaum moved to Gainesville in April 1988. He also spent time with Phoenix in Southern California, getting to know each other."

We were sort of like non-blood cousins," Greenbaum says. "River could trust me, A, because he knew each other through family and he knew I wasn't going to just be some starstruck idiot; and, B, because I'm a great musician. And he valued me as a human being and as a musician, highly. And that proof of his commitment to music, that he was willing to support a brother, to have my talents."

At the time, Greenbaum had been playing “Aerosmith-y, commercial blues-influenced metal” in a local group called Toy Soldier, that eventually became semi-famous ’80s rockers Saigon Kick. At one point, Phoenix traveled to South Florida to visit with Greenbaum on a weekend when Toy Soldier was performing. “River had just gotten into (1984 mockumentary film ‘This is) Spinal Tap’ really heavily, and he did a ‘Spinal Tap’-esque video of that weekend, of that gig and the next morning,” Greenbaum says. “It was pretty funny, actually.”

Greenbaum was influenced by populist bands like Van Halen, Bee Gees and Queen. Phoenix introduced him to more quirkier acts like XTC, Roxy Music and Squeeze. As time went on, Phoenix's music became increasingly experimental. "It was deep, for sure," Greenbaum says of his friend's songwriting. "He had a commitment to crafting a masterpiece every time he wrote a song. And it drove me nuts. He was an eccentric person and his method of communication was such he didn't speak in technical music terms. He would speak artistically and metaphorically. He would say things like, 'I want it to sound like a ship on the ocean with the waves crashing up against the hull and birds flying over' or whatever. I would be like, 'OK, can we break that into sixteenth-notes?'"

Aleka's Attic's label, Island Records, was trying to figure out what to do with this music too. Island asked Phoenix to record two new demos to determine if they'd continue backing the project. He was going to be in the Los Angeles area filming the movie "Sneakers" and brought Greenbaum out to help demo songs. The drummer was able to hang on the "Sneakers" set, where he met his friend's costars, including Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier and Dan Aykroyd. After Phoenix turned in the new demos to Island, the label deemed the music unmarketable. Aleka's Attic was dropped.

At a certain point, McKay, who’d “butted heads musically and personally” with Phoenix for a while, Greenbaum says, parted ways with the band. Phoenix put together another band called Blacksmith Configuration, that featured Greenbaum and some new musicians, including bassist Sasa Raphael.

Phoenix was big on palindromes, Greenbaum says. Their song titles “Dog God” and “ Senile Felines” were palindromes and they were working on an album to be titled “Never Odd or Even,” another example.

On the night before Halloween 1993, Greenbaum went out partying with local musicians, “an intense night, for whatever reason.” Early the next morning, he crashed on the couch at a friend’s downtown Gainesville apartment. A few hours later, Greenbaum woke still buzzed to one of his musician pals from night prior knocking on the front door. When the friend entered, he looked pale and sweaty. He told Greenbaum he’d heard on the radio Phoenix had died. “I was in shock, but it just made sense and I knew it was true,” Greenbaum says. “In some way it didn’t surprise me. I didn’t see it coming - I can’t say that - but what I did see in River was his tendency for being extreme.”

In the wee hours of Oct. 31, Phoenix had collapsed and died on the sidewalk outside West Hollywood, Calif. nightclub The Viper Room, then co-owned by fellow actor/musician Johnny Depp. An autopsy determined cause of death to be “acute multiple drug intoxication.” Cocaine and morphine. Jo Billiter, the young fan who watched Aleka’s Attic’s 1991 show in Huntsville, cried when she heard the news her favorite actor died. “It broke my heart.”

Several fans interviewed for this story said Phoenix seemed a little bleary to clearly buzzed when they’d seen his band perform. Asked if he ever saw Phoenix’s partying on tour reach scary levels, Greenbaum says, “It was a typical rock & roll level. Nothing out of the ordinary. It was a bunch of guys in their young 20s playing gigs and having fun, just like any other band.”

When he was off working on films, Phoenix would check in every few weeks with Greenbaum, the drummer says. Phoenix called him from Utah, where he was filming the thriller “Dark Blood.” His next role was slated to be the interviewer in “Interview with a Vampire.”

When Phoenix called Greenbaum from Utah, “that was the most lucid, sane, grounded, understandable, discernible I had ever experienced him sounding. (In the past) there were times when I just couldn’t follow what he was talking about. He was kind of cryptic. And on that phone call he was like completely calm and sounded really together and we had a great conversation, a great connection and it wound up being our last phone call.”

In 2019, Aleka’s Attic music is back in the news. Two of the band’s songs “Where I’d Gone” and “Scales & Fishnails” were released along with a Rain collaboration with R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe (a friend of River’s) on a three-song collection called “Time Gone.” The record’s cover art features a photo of Rain and River, young and beautiful enjoying a sibling hug amid a verdant scene. A prior posthumous push to officially release Phoenix’s music hit snags getting musicians involved to sign off. “At that time, I was just like, 'Yeah, Rain, just get River’s music out to the world,’” Greenbaum says of that earlier effort. “That’s why he signed a record deal in the first place, to share his music with the world.”

As of the reporting of this story, Greenbaum says he hasn’t been contacted about usage of Aleka’s Attic music on “Time Gone.” The drummer found out about the release via messages from Facebook “friends” who are River Phoenix fans. “Rain didn’t consult us, she didn’t inform us, nothing,” Greenbaum says.

At one point during this interview, Greenbaum says he needs to call me back, so he can count out change to pay for groceries. He says he still plays drums with different local Maui cover bands as well as a blues-rock trio and by-day works construction and maintenance jobs.

Kro Records, the label that released “Time Gone,” didn’t respond to an email inquiry to interview Rain Phoenix and/or a label rep for this story.

Regular financial support and fast-tracking the Lenny Kravitz audition weren’t the only times Phoenix helped Greenbaum. He also bought him an electric-blue DW drumkit, among other instances. Outside of playing music, Phoenix and Greenbaum would throw the frisbee together or jump on the Phoenix family trampoline. They liked going to Falafel King and eating tabbouleh salad and humus. The famous actor would often come over for coffee to the mobile home Greenbaum and Greenbaum’s father lived in, on the Phoenixes’ Micanopy property.

These days, sometime random things will make Greenbaum think of River Phoenix. Sometimes it’s something more direct, like playing a gig will make him think of a certain onstage moment with his late friend.

After counting out coins in the checkout line, Greenbaum calls back. I ask if he thinks pressures of growing up famous led to what happened to Phoenix. “I wouldn’t doubt it,” he replies. “I definitely see how fame messed with his head, his heart. I think fame has that effect on everybody, which is why everybody wants to be famous, but you hear about all these famous people dropping dead and they’re unhappy, depressed and have drug and alcohol problems. Because fame is unnatural.”

— via AL.com, Feb 19, 2019.

#river phoenix #river #phoenix #josh greenbaum #rain phoenix #alekas attic

92 notes · View notes

rivjudephoenix · 5 years

Photo

New Photo and Article: “Movie star River Phoenix left musical mark in Alabama” on al.com

Outside record producer Rick Rubin’s Hollywood Hills home, drummer Josh Greenbaum sat in a silver Volvo with his friend and bandmate River Phoenix, the film actor. The rock-star Lenny Kravitz was with them. On the car’s stereo, Kravitz played Phoenix and Greenbaum a recording of a new song he’d written called “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” This was 1992, before that explosive tune would become the title track to Kravitz’s third album and era-defining music. At the moment, Kravitz needed a drummer. He’d recently told mononymous Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea he was frustrated trying to find the right fit.

Flea later told Phoenix about Kravitz’s predicament, while Flea was having lunch with Phoenix. Upon hearing about the opportunity, Phoenix promptly hooked-up the drummer of his own band, Aleka’s Attic, with an audition with Kravitz - a much bigger gig. “And that’s how much River loved me as a brother as a friend,” Greenbaum says. “He was like, ‘I don’t want to hold you back from potential success, and if I can hook you up with this audition then I’m going to do it.’ River was incredibly gracious and generous. He wanted to see the people he cared about thriving”

River Phoenix was a gifted, charismatic movie star so physically attractive he seemed to defy science. His nuanced performances lit up such films as "Stand By Me," "My Own Private Idaho" and "Running On Empty." But Phoenix told Greenbaum more than once, “music was his first love and film was his day-job.”

Phoenix’s other passions included environmentalism, humanitarianism and animal-rights. He was one of the most visibly philanthropic young stars of the early ’90s. Phoenix was the reason Seventeen subscribers knew what “vegan” meant. “He had a heart of gold and was an extremely hyper-sensitive, emotional person,” Greenbaum says. “And that’s why he wound up helping a lot of people.”

Phoenix formed in Aleka’s Attic in 1987. The Gainesville, Fla.-based band’s tours brought them through Alabama, including circa-1991 shows at Huntsville’s Tip Top Café and Tuscaloosa’s Ivory Tusk. Greenbaum recalls Aleka’s Attic performing in Auburn, possibly at the War Eagle Supper Club there, and maybe Birmingham too.

Back before social-media and celeb clickbait, Aleka’s Attic tours also gave fans a rare chance to see a massively famous actor in-person, in the wilds of local rock-bars.

Curry classifies the band’s live sound as “psychedelic ’90s alternative-rock.” She adds, “It was a fun show.” She remembers enjoying the song “Too Many Colors” and McKay’s tune “Blue Period.”

Christopher Brown was one of several audio engineers who ran live sound regularly at the Tip Top. On the night of Aleka's Attic he was off-work but there hanging out. “They were a little more artsy than the typical stuff that we had at the time,” says Brown, who works at a local brewery now. “I remember being pretty impressed by them.” Looking for a more-mainstream, stylistically similar act, I mention Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, known for 1988 patchouli-pop hit “What I Am,” to which Brown, replies, “That’s not a bad comparison.”

Church thinks Aleka’s Attic’s guarantee was “maybe a couple hundred dollars.”

"We were sort of like non-blood cousins," Greenbaum says. "River could trust me, A, because he knew each other through family and he knew I wasn't going to just be some starstruck idiot; and, B, because I'm a great musician. And he valued me as a human being and as a musician, highly. And that proof of his commitment to music, that he was willing to support a brother, to have my talents."

Phoenix was big on palindromes, Greenbaum says. Their song titles "Dog God" and " Senile Felines" were palindromes and they were working on an album to be titled "Never Odd or Even," another example.

On the night before Halloween 1993, Greenbaum went out partying with local musicians, "an intense night, for whatever reason." Early the next morning, he crashed on the couch at a friend's downtown Gainesville apartment. A few hours later, Greenbaum woke still buzzed to one of his musician pals from night prior knocking on the front door. When the friend entered, he looked pale and sweaty. He told Greenbaum he'd heard on the radio Phoenix had died. "I was in shock, but it just made sense and I knew it was true," Greenbaum says. "In some way it didn't surprise me. I didn't see it coming - I can't say that - but what I did see in River was his tendency for being extreme."

When he was off working on films, Phoenix would check in every few weeks with Greenbaum, the drummer says. Phoenix called him from Utah, where he was filming the thriller "Dark Blood." His next role was slated to be the interviewer in "Interview with a Vampire."

When Phoenix called Greenbaum from Utah, "that was the most lucid, sane, grounded, understandable, discernible I had ever experienced him sounding. (In the past) there were times when I just couldn't follow what he was talking about. He was kind of cryptic. And on that phone call he was like completely calm and sounded really together and we had a great conversation, a great connection and it wound up being our last phone call."

In 2019, Aleka's Attic music is back in the news. Two of the band's songs "Where I'd Gone" and "Scales & Fishnails" were released along with a Rain collaboration with R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe (a friend of River's) on a three-song collection called "Time Gone." The record's cover art features a photo of Rain and River, young and beautiful enjoying a sibling hug amid a verdant scene. A prior posthumous push to officially release Phoenix's music hit snags getting musicians involved to sign off. "At that time, I was just like, 'Yeah, Rain, just get River's music out to the world,'" Greenbaum says of that earlier effort. "That's why he signed a record deal in the first place, to share his music with the world."

Kro Records, the label that released "Time Gone," didn't respond to an email inquiry to interview Rain Phoenix and/or a label rep for this story.

Regular financial support and fast-tracking the Lenny Kravitz audition weren't the only times Phoenix helped Greenbaum. He also bought him an electric-blue DW drumkit, among other instances. Outside of playing music, Phoenix and Greenbaum would throw the frisbee together or jump on the Phoenix family trampoline. They liked going to Falafel King and eating tabbouleh salad and humus. The famous actor would often come over for coffee to the mobile home Greenbaum and Greenbaum's father lived in, on the Phoenixes' Micanopy property.

These days, sometime random things will make Greenbaum think of River Phoenix. Sometimes it's something more direct, like playing a gig will make him think of a certain onstage moment with his late friend.

#river phoenix #music #aleka's attic #josh greenbaum #lenny kravitz #flea #red hot chili peppers #rain phoenix #josh mckay #rick rubin

82 notes · View notes

braincoins · 5 years

Note

Thor and Loki go to Cheesecake Factory

((I’m going to make a little tweak to this because I haven’t been to Cheesecake Factory very often. My most recent visit was last year, and the visit before that... was many years prior. Also, I don’t like cheesecake? So, basically, I don’t know enough about this restaurant (or its signature food) to write it. So I chose another popular restaurant chain... and I feel I might owe you an apology for the one I chose, Pix. >_>))

“It’s not much of a garden, despite the bad paintings of fruit,” Loki muttered, eyeing the small bar area and the bland decor.

His brother was signing autographs, and Loki sighed heavily and wondered if he’d be allowed to get a glass of wine at the bar or if they’d scream at the mere sight of him. But, so far, no one seemed to be paying him any attention, so distracted were they by Thor’s mere presence. Some things never change. He walked over to the bar.

The woman behind the bar smiled politely at him. “Yes, sir, what ca-...?”

“Something old, red, and dry.”

She paused and looked at him. “Well, we have a lot of those. But first I’m going to need to see ID.”

He blinked at her. “Eye Dee?”

“Identification. We have to card anyone who looks like they’re under 40, so...”

“You require me to identify myself before you will serve me?” He tossed his hair back. “And if I were to say ‘Loki of Asgard’?” He’d actually take some frightened screaming at this point, if for no other reason than that it meant he’d been recognized... even if that recognition wasn’t all that good a thing anymore.

The bartender chuckled. “Yeah, okay, great, Mr. Asgard, but I still need to see your ID.”

His brow furrowed. “I don’t think I understa-...”

“Brother, there you are!” Thor’s hand fell to his shoulder. “Come, they’re showing us to our table.”

“OH, you’re with Thor?” The bartender’s smile brightened.

“Yes. Does that mean I can get a drink?”

“Not without ID, no, but that’s SUPER cool.”

He sighed. “Okay,” he said to his brother, “let’s get to our table.”

They were shown to a table at the back and assured they’d have privacy and a personal server.

“Can we have wine with our meals?” Loki asked the Midgardian.

“Of course! You’re over 21, right?”

He regarded the human man and replied dryly, “A bit, yes.”

“Do you have beer?” Thor asked.

“The drinks list is right there,” the man said, nodding at a small book, “along with appetizers and desserts. Your server will be with you momentarily.”

Thor reached for the book, but Loki snatched it before he had a chance. “I’ve been trying to order a drink longer than you have.”

“Midgard does have some strange rules,” Thor agreed. “But see, no one’s even blinked an eye at you so far. It’s not that bad.”

“This isn’t New York.”

“Exactly. That’s why we’re here. Well, that and the endless breadsticks.”

Loki looked up from the list of wines. “Endless?”

Thor grinned and grabbed the book away from him. “So they claim.”

“I get the feeling we’re going to put that to the test.”

And they did. They very much did. Breadsticks, soup, and salad were all supposed to be endless, and they each ordered some pasta to go with it. Loki took a single bite of his “portobello ravioli” and shoved it away in disgust, declaring that entrails would taste better than this, but Thor shoveled fettuccine alfredo into his mouth until it was gone.

He’d had better salad, for that matter, but the zuppa toscana and breadsticks were actually quite good (if a bit salty). The fresh cheese on both salad and soup helped quite a lot, and he did enjoy the lemon cream cake he got a slice of. Thor ordered the zeppoli and made quite a mess of powdered sugar and chocolate sauce and still they both demanded more breadsticks.

They were there for hours, eating, drinking, reminiscing over the old days together, when they were still friends and brothers and there was still some sort of trust between them - a trust they were working hard to rebuild now.

Finally, it came down to a single breadstick in the basket between them. Thor eyed it and looked over to him. “You should eat it.”

“I can’t,” Loki groaned. “If I have another bite, I will explode like a fire giant shoved a sword in me.”

“Brother.”

“Too soon?”

“A bit. Anyway, I can’t eat it.”

“YOU can’t eat it? You, the Mighty Thor? I once saw you eat nearly half the royal livestock.”

“I did not!” he laughed.

“It seemed like it at the time!” he shot back with another chuckle. “And I absolutely cannot eat that breadstick.”

“We have to eat it or they won’t bring us more.”

“Why would we want more when we can’t even eat this last breadstick?!”

“Because we’re testing their ‘endless’ claim!”

“You dated a scientist for too long,” Loki told him.

“You were all for this experiment.”

He shook his head. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes there is nothing to be gained from reckless challenges.”

“I have yet to back down from any challenge!” Thor declared.

Their debate was interrupted by their server, who cleared her throat uncertainly. “I’m sorry, but we are going to need to close soon...”

“Oh, I’m sorry. When does this garden of olives close?” Loki asked.

“Uh... it’s just Olive Garden and technically? Three hours ago.”

“Oh.” Thor cleared his throat. “Well then, we shall trouble you no more.” He stood and pulled out a stack of small green papers. “Midgardian currency.” He pushed half the stack at the server. “Is this sufficient?”

Her eyes went wide. “Uhh...”

“What am I saying? We kept you so late. Here.” He gave her the rest of the stack as well. “Come, brother. Honor demands we stop here.”

“Oh, yes, honor.” He stood with a groan. “Not because we’re full.”

“No, of course not. I could eat another dozen breadsticks at least!”

“I could eat two dozen. If we could stay.”

“Of course. But we can’t.”

“No, it’s rude now. Let’s just go.” He stopped and smiled at the server. “Thank you for your service.”

“You’re... welcome.” She blinked at them both.

They headed to the front and Loki waited until the doors closed - and locked - behind him before he said, quietly, “I feel like I’ll never eat again.”

“Race you to the bathroom?” And Thor took off.

“NO FAIR WHEN YOU CAN FLY!”

#mcu #marvel #Thor and Loki being bros #post-Ragnarok but IW didn't happen #sorry Pix hope this is okay xD #materassassino

9 notes · View notes

velasnyx · 5 years

Text

Welcome to the Pack Ch.8

I was about to leave for work when my doorbell rang. Who could that be at this time? I opened the door, revealing Mia.

“Hey”. How the hell did she find out where I live? “Hi. How did you find my apartment?” I asked. “I called the station and a guy told me your address,” she answered. I sighed. She must be talking about Gumshoe. I’ll have to tell him not to give my address to strangers over the phone.

“Alright. Did you need something?” I asked. She dug into her coat and handed me a gun. I looked at her confused. “It’s a replacement for the one I broke. Consider it a welcome to the pack gift,” she explained. That’s right. She crushed my gun to bits last night. It was the same model too. “How’d you get a gun like this?” I aaled. “Let’s just say I know a guy”.

I raised a brow. “I’m not too sure you should be telling a cop that”. She laughed. “Well, I couldn’t let you walk around without one. And I was the one who broke your other one. It’s only fair that I’d be the one responsible for a replacement,” Mia said. I chuckled. “Yeah, I guess so. Thanks, Mia”. She patted my shoulder. “Don’t mention it. Pass by the temple tonight. We’re gonna start your training”. I was a bit shocked.

“So soon?” I asked. She gave me a look. “Listen, you’re gonna want to get this down as soon as possible.The full moon won’t wait for you,” she replied. I nodded. She’s right. If I want to make sure I’m not a threat to other people, I have to devote time to the training. “I’ll be there tonight”.

“Skye, I got a new case for you and Dick. Missing persons,” the Captain said, dropping a file on my desk. I looked through it. “They last saw her at the Borscht Bowl Club, where she works,” the Captain added. Natalia Volkov. 22 years old. Works as a bartender at the Borscht Bowl Club where was she last seen.

“I’ll get right on it, Captain,” I said. The Captain nodded and walked into their office. I searched for Natalia in the system. She doesn’t have a record so it’s unlikely she has any enemies that would want to get back at her. Looks like it might just be the usual. Some sick fuck wants a young pretty girl. How does the world and up with people like this? “Gumshoe, let’s go to the Borscht Bowl and see what we can find out. Maybe we’ll get lucky,” I said.

We got to the club. It wasn’t very busy. They must’ve just opened. “Table for two?” a woman with blonde hair asked. “No. We’re Detectives, here to investigate the disappearance of Natalia Volkov,” I answered.

The blonde woman’s demeanor changed. She seemed bothered by something. Either about her co-worker going missing or us being here to investigate. I wasn’t sure which one it was though.

“Do you mind if we ask some questions?”. She nodded. Gumshoe took out a notepad and pencil. “Did anything seem off with Natalia the day of her disappearance?” I asked. She shook her head. “She wasn’t nervous about anything?”. “No. Natalia’s not one to get nervous. She usually pretty level headed,” the woman responded. “And she never expressed a want to runaway?” Gumshoe asked. “Not a chance. Her and her brother came here from Russia with nothing. They spent fifteen years trying to earn a decent living. There’s no way she’d want to turn her back on that,” she replied. I nodded. I can relate to that.

If Natalia is as level headed as this lady says she is then it might end up being a kidnapping. “So, Natalia was last seen here. So do you, by any chance, have an idea of where she could’ve gone after work?” I asked. “Well, she didn’t disappear after her shift. She went to take a break in the alley behind the building. That was the last time I saw her,” the woman responded. “I’ll check out the alley. You keep asking her questions,” I told Gumshoe.

Maybe they left some clues. “We usually leave through the back door for a smoke break. It’s past the kitchen, first door on your left,” the waitress said. “Thanks”.

I looked around the back of the restaurant. I noticed marks on the wall. They looked as if knives carved through it. Or…claws. I kept looking around. I started to smell blood. I followed the scent and found it on the floor a few feet away. Something happened between her and another person. There definitely was a struggle. But nobody heard anything?

I smelt something else. It was sweet. Almost like a vanilla scent. I followed it to a strange purple powder. I’ve never seen anything like this.

I had to think for a couple minutes. Had to piece this together. Those scratches on the wall… they have to be claw marks. That leaves the possibility that Natalia is a werewolf. Whatever this powder is, it was used against her. I don’t know what it is but maybe Mia will.

I pulled out a plastic bag and scooped some of the powder in. I didn’t take too much. Don’t want to make it seem like I’m tampering with the crime scene.

Gumshoe came out and I quickly put the bag in my coat. “Find anything?” he asked. I nodded. “Yeah. There was blood over there along with signs of struggle by the door and an unknown substance in the floor,” I replied. “So, it’s settled. She was definitely kidnapped”. I nodded in agreement. “We’ll have to get forensics here. Make sure every inch of this place is searched,” I said.

Looking up, I noticed a camera. I hope that thing works. It could blow this case wide open. “Did that waitress say anything about the camera?” I asked. Gumshoe shook his head.

We walked back in. The waitress was nowhere to be found. Instead, we were accosted by a man. “You are the detectives?” he asked. “Uh… yes,” I answered. “Where did that blonde lady g-,” the man cut Gumshoe off. “I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” he said. Well, this came out it if left field. Gumshoe and I looked at each other.

“Sir, we think there might be more clues that can point us in the right direction,” I explained. He shook his head. “I don’t care. If you want to continue searching then you’ll have to get a warrant”. I sighed. “Listen… you know what? Fine. We’ll leave,” I said. “Ema!” Gumshoe said, shocked. “Lets go, Gumshoe”. I started walking away. “But Ema!”. “Don’t worry about it. There’s nothing more to be done here,” I said.

I think it’s best for me to have Mia get involved rather than the police. She’ll know more about this. This is all too new for me so I can’t do it by myself. And to be honest, I don’t know what to do. It this girl is a werewolf then the people who took her had some kind of advantage over her. It could be the hunters that were chasing Mia that night.

“Maybe we could talk to her brother. That waitress gave me his address,” Gumshoe said. “You think he could have some new information on this?”. Gumshoe shrugged. “We don’t have a lot to go on. I think we should take any chance we got. Maybe we’ll get lucky,” he said.

I guess he’s right. At least it could give me an opportunity to talk to her brother. Maybe he has an idea of who took her.

We arrived at the apartment. Gumshoe knocked on the door. We didn’t wait long for it to open. A man, who I could only assume was her brother, stood in the doorway.

“May I help you?” he asked. “Good afternoon, I’m Detective Skye. This is my partner Detective Gumshoe. We’re investigating your sister’s disappearance? We were wondering if maybe you had any clues as to where she could’ve gone or what could’ve happened,” I said. “I wish I knew. If I had any clues, I would’ve gone after her a long time ago,” he said.

I heard a faint thumping. It was fast paced. I looked around but didn’t see anything that could have been making the noise. I tried to ignore it. “You don’t have an idea if someone was targeting her or wanted to hurt her?” Gumshoe asked. The thumping got louder and faster. Her brother shook his head.

That thumping was coming from him. It was his heartbeat. I could hear his heartbeat! “We know that the last time she was seen was at work. She went out for a smoke break and never came back. You don’t have any information we could add to that?” Gumshoe said. “Unfortunately, no,” the brother answered. Gumshoe nodded.

Her brother gave me a weird look. I must’ve been staring at him. I looked away. “Thank you for your time. If anything comes up, you can call us,” Gumshoe said, handing over a business card. “Get the car started. I’ll be right behind you,” I told Gumshoe. “Uh… okay, pal”.

I was left with Natalia’s brother. I looked around, making sure no one was around. “I know what your sister is,” I said. He became bothered. His heartbeat was going crazy. He was scared. “I know someone who can help,” I said. I gave him my card. “Call me directly if anything,” I said. He nodded. He still seemed scared. “Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me”.

I sat at a table with a couple of friends from work. We had won a big case and came to the bar just outside of town, to celebrate. “Wow, look at her,” one of my friends said. I followed their gaze to a woman across the bar. She learned back, resting her elbows on the bar top.

She was stunning. “So, who’s gotta go up and get her number?”. Not this again. They’re always playing this stupid game. “Lana seems mighty interested,” Jake said. I rolled my eyes. “She probably doesn’t want to be bothered,” I said. He shrugged. “Probably. You won’t know until you find out. All you gotta do is go up and take your shot. If she’s not interested then you just drop it and walk away. No harm, no foul, bambina”. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes again. Especially, which his whole cowboy façade. The guy’s from Sacramento for Christ sake. Doesn’t get less old western than that.

“Fine. But this is the only time I’m ever doing this,” I said. “Good luck”. I started walking over. This is so stupid. I can’t believe I’m doing this. Screw it. I should turn back now. I’ll only make a fool out of myself. I don’t even know how to talk to girls. I’m not flirtatious. I’ve got the personality of a lightly salted piece of cardboard, how am I going to be appealing? Maybe I can use one of those pick up lines Ema taught me. How did it go again?

Next thing I knew, I was in front of her. She turned her head to me. “Hello,” she said in a friendly and somewhat silky tone. I tensed up. How do I speak English again? How do I used my vocal chords to make sounds? “Hi,” I said. That it. Is that all you’re going to say? She raised a brow. Abort. Abort. “I’m sorry but my friends made me come up here so I could get your number. I’m sorry I bothered you,” I said. I quickly turned and began to walk away. “Hold on!”. I turned to her again. She smiled at me. My heart was practically beating out of my chest. She’s even more beautiful when up close. Especially with a smile like that.

“You have a pen?” she asked. A pen, a pen. I patted my pockets. I had one in my coat but it’s back at the table. Damn! She chuckled. “Don’t worry about it, hun. Hey, Diego you got a pen?”. A man walked over. My stomach dropped when I saw him. Damn it. Now I really feel stupid.

She handed me her number written on a napkin. She wrote “call me” with a heart next to it. “Thanks,” I said. “I’ll see you around?” she asked. “Yeah, hopefully”. “I look forward it”.

I started to walk away. “We should get going. She’s probably already at the temple,” she said to the main. “Yeah. Hey, can I drive?” he said. “Haha, very funny". I got some sympathetic looks from my friends.

I got to the temple. “You’re a little late,” Diego said. “Yeah, work was really busy today. I’m working a case that I think is gonna need some help from you guys,” I said. He raised his brows at me. “From us? Must be a special case then”. Diego unlocked the hidden passageway and we made our way down.

Mia was waiting for us. With her back turned to us, I noticed she had a massive tattoo on her back and arms. “I hope you’re ready,” she said. “I’m ready for anything. But first, I have something to tell you,” I replied. Mia turned to me. She had a scar that ran down the left side of her face. She was blind in her left eye. I was taken aback by how different she looked from when I saw her yesterday.

“Woah, what happened?” I asked. “Oh, this old thing? Long story,” she said. “Okay… well, this girl, Natalia Volkov, was kidnapped from her job the other day. When I looked in the alley where she was having her break, I found claw marks, blood, and this powder,” I said. I held up the bag of that purple powder I had collected. “Hm. So, you think she’s a werewolf?” Mia asked. I nodded. “Well, you’d be right. That powder is wolfsbane. Odds are she was taken by hunters”. Hunters? God, if she was taken by hunters then what are the odds she’s still alive? What am I supposed to tell her brother? Now I’m nervous. I gave him the idea that I could help him and his sister. I’m not so sure.

“You think she's…”. I didn’t want to say it. Mia sighed. “I’ll check out the crime scene. Maybe I can find something,” she said. I nodded. “Diego will train you. If I find anything, I’ll call you”. Diego? But isn’t he… “He’ll teach you how to control the first form which will be easy. Then he’ll teach you how to fight,” Mia said. What? I looked over at Diego. He didn’t seem fazed. “I think I know how to fight,” I said. “Like a human. This is different. You need to learn how to fight like an animal. You fight like a human against another werewolf, you’re dead. You’ll figure that out how much of a disadvantage you’re at when you fight Diego,” Mia said.

You gotta be kidding me. “You’re gonna have me fight him?”. She can’t be for real. Mia nodded. “No. No way. I’m not gonna beat up a blind guy. The fuck, Mia?” I said. She laughed. “Ema, you really shouldn’t underestimate him. He’s one the strongest werewolves in the L.A. packs,” she said. “Was. You’re the strongest, Mia,” Diego said. Mia rolled her eyes. “Don’t hold back with him. You’ll regret it. See ya”. She walked out, leaving me with him.

I still don’t like this. Fighting a blind guy? That just sounds wrong.

#ace attorney au #emaziska au #ema skye #emaziska #lanamia werewolf au #lanamia au #mia fey #chihiro ayasato #ace attorney werewolf au #lana skye

5 notes · View notes