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house-of-lovin · 11 months

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legally binded - 7

Jenna Ortega x F!Reader

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Chapter 7: The Afterparty

Summary: After getting caught in some hot waters with the press, you are forced into an unexpected agreement with America's sweetheart, Jenna Ortega to save your career.

Warnings/Tags: dual!pov, famous!reader, actress!reader, mentions of substances, intoxication, mature language, real people. (do not read if any of these make you uncomfortable)

(this is all fiction!)

Note: so... lovely weather we're having. 🙂

Word Count: 4k+

“Where’s Y/N?” Enrique asked as the door of the van shuts closed, for a moment, the incessant sounds of camera shutters and the crowd shouting her name become muffled.

And in that same moment, Jenna feels like she can finally breathe properly through her own lungs.

“Upstairs,” Jenna mumbled, leaning her expertly pinned hair against the headrest, and closing her eyes.

“I take it things didn’t go well?” He fiddled with his cap, frowning as he watched the young actress’ exhausted features.

Jenna hummed in confirmation but said nothing else, looking out the tinted window as the van started driving slowly.

Staring up at the hotel, she scanned the various, nearly identical windows for your hotel room. Jenna didn’t even know if your room was facing this direction but she looked anyway, a wishful part of herself hoped to catch a glance of you.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be okay. You two will be okay.”

Jenna snorted, shooting her stylist an incredulous look. “I thought you were mad at her?”

“I’m mad at her for being stupid and for hurting you… even if she is a cutie.” He rolled his eyes, getting comfortable in his seat.

The actress laughed. “Don’t let her hear you say that, you know she has a massive ego.”

Enrique joined in on the laughter before his tone dropped, “You know Sarah and Liv are going to find out that the two of you didn't go to the same party…”

Right now, Jenna could care less about whatever kind of consequence she may get. The embers from her argument with you are still burning bright.

“That’s an issue for later.”

***

Jenna tried to make the best of a bad situation.

She really did.

Even though this wasn’t how she expected to spend the rest of her night — she somehow found a way to let loose. Maybe after she found a few familiar faces that pulled her in to dance, tipped back a few drinks and sang along as Janelle Monae performed for her after-party.

But even still, under the guise of alcohol and a good time. There was an unpleasant churn in her stomach whenever she allowed her mind to drift off to you.

“I’m gonna go to the washroom!” Jenna yelled through the music. Enrique nodded, continuing to cheer Janelle Monae on stage.

Laughing, she walked away while shaking her head; amused at her friend. Glad that he’s having a good time. One of them deserves to be having fun, at least.

As Jenna pushed through the heavy-panelled door of the powder room, she sat on the couch and placed her purse down. Grateful to be stretching her aching legs.

She takes a second to breathe and in that moment, allowed herself to think about you; wondering which party you went to and who you were surrounded by.

And for a split second, that unpleasant churn in her stomach reemerged as her mind drifted to all the worst possible outcomes of what you could be doing tonight.

Are you safe?

Is someone looking out for you?

Jenna’s decided not to ask Link about you this time, deciding that you two do, in fact, need space for the time being.

She knows she should apologize for the way she acted all day, even all week. Jenna knows she was just projecting her unresolved feelings about you from Coachella and instead of just telling you that she’s been worried and just wants you to talk to her, to let her in.

She decided to be petty and give into the heat of the moment, instead..

Jenna hopes the two of you can talk about it later tonight. But then she remembers the fact that you’re probably drinking, partying and doing god knows what else so that conversation and apology would probably have to wait until you’ve sobered up.

Standing, Jenna's decided she's had enough of wallowing in her own misery and walked over to the sink to wash her hands.

“Oh, hi!” A sweet-sounding higher pitched voice greeted her from behind after the sound of a door opening and heels clinking.

Immediately, she linked gazes with a certain Hailee Steinfeld through the mirror.

Jenna tried hard to school the surprise on her face.

“Hello…” Jenna smiled politely and glanced away, continuing to wash her hands.

“I’m Hailee…” The other woman greeted, sliding into the sink beside her, a pearly white smile on her full-pink lips.

“I’m Jenna, I would shake your hand but…” She gestured down to the running sink.

Hailee shook her head and laughed. “It’s okay, I’m glad to finally meet you! Can I just say how gorgeous you look! I thought your carpet look was amazing but this — you look stunning!”

“Oh! Uh— Thanks?” This time her surprise is hard to subdue. Feeling flushed under the weight of the other woman’s compliments.

She's never been great at accepting them.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you embarrassed,” Hailee smiled sheepishly. Her thick brows furrowing in her own embarrassment.

The heat begins to crawl up her neck. “It’s okay! I— I appreciate it. You look gorgeous as well.”

Taking the time to scan her, the younger actress has to crane her neck up to see Hailee’s face — it’s no wonder you ended up dating her. The woman is gorgeous.

She tries to stave the green-eyed monster clawing at her chest at the thought of you two together because the woman standing across from her has been surprisingly pleasant.

“Please!” Hailee waves off, smiling softly, turning to wash her own hands.

Jenna allows the silence to take over the room, unsure of what to say next. After washing her hands, she turned off the sink and walked over to grab paper towels.

Hailee cuts in before she can think about it too hard.

“Hey,” The singer called out as Jenna was about to pick up her purse, “thank you... for looking out for her.”

“What?” Jenna turned, raising her brows in question.

Hailee sighed, leaning against the counter to face Jenna.

“I know Y/N’s not the… easiest. She tends to push people away. I think it’s just the way she’s always been. I’m not really sure. With the whole Vegas situation and these rumours going around about a possible arrest — which, you know, is bullshit, Y/N doesn’t do drugs — her first instinct would’ve been to run and push people away. But you’re still here… so something tells me you’re special.”

Jenna feels her heart drop at the other woman’s words.

“Y/N can be reckless and cold at times, but I think it’s just an act," She continued; smile contorting sadly, “so she doesn’t actually have to open up to people… I’ve—uh, tried, so I kinda know.”

Jenna was stunned, unsure of what to say to that. Hailee made it sound like you were the one that got away or something. She also caught the openness that accompanied her tone, like the other woman had accepted the circumstances of the situation.

Like she just... let it be.

There wasn’t a lot of things Jenna was certain about but she knew she didn't want to feel that way about you, to just accept your coldness and inability to let people in.

“Anyways, she said you’ve kept her standing on her feet these last few months.” Hailee smiled softly, sincerity burning bright in her eyes. “So thank you, 'cause she deserves someone patient like you.”

“Thank you…” Jenna finally managed to say despite the barbed wire feeling around her throat.

You really said that? Did you mean it?

If you did then she feels terrible.

“No, thank you, I was scared Link and Y/N were gonna grow old and still be living together. They’re weirdly co-dependent.” Hailee jokes, breaking the heaviness in the room.

Jenna couldn’t help the snort that leaves her mouth.

And just like that, it felt like two friends enjoying an inside joke.

Jenna's laughter trails off before it turns to a heavy sigh as she grabs her purse. “So I should probably apologize to her, huh?”

The corner of Hailee's mouth tugs a small smug smile. “Depends on what she did… maybe let her sweat it out for a bit more then apologize.”

Jenna chuckled before nodding. “Noted… thank you, Hailee.”

Hailee nods, smiling softly as Jenna turned to walk out of the bathroom.

A surprisingly pleasant feeling appeared in her chest the farther she walked away.

She felt a bit lighter after that conversation, which is a shock considering she just talked to your ex-girlfriend. For a moment, Jenna felt guilty for her earlier reservations about the other woman. Not wanting to admit that she had let her jealousy cloud her judgment of character.

Hailee had nothing but great things to say about her — and you for that matter. A testament to how, despite your hot and cold demeanour, there’s someone worth knowing underneath.

Ugh. She hated it when she was wrong.

But there was also that nagging echo in her head that had to admit that she was glad she was wrong about you.

I’m sorry for what I said. Can I come see you? Are you still at the other after-party?

Swallowing her pride, she hit send then walked back to the party to find Enrique, hoping she can distract herself as she waits for your reply.

20 minutes go by without a response and Jenna doesn’t know if she should start feeling annoyed or worried; the line between the two is thinning by the second, she concluded. She decided she leaned more on the latter and stepped away from the party once again. Roaming the halls before stepping out onto a secluded balcony; grateful for the warm night in the early May month.

Pulling out her phone from her clutch, she called Link immediately, knowing that if anyone knew your whereabouts it’d be him.

“Hello?” Link answered breathlessly and in the background, the actress can hear sounds of traffic and people talking over one another.

“Link? Can you hear me?” Jenna spoke into the lonely night air.

“Yeah— yeah, sorry.” It sounded like Link walked away from the noise because when he spoke again, it sounded much clearer. But she immediately noted the urgency in his voice. “Hey.”

“Hey, I texted Y/N 20 minutes ago but she didn’t respond, is everything okay?” Jenna got to the point, chewing her lip.

“Shit—“ Link cursed. “Uh, about that.”

“Link, what does that mean?” Jenna felt every muscle in her body tense at his words, like before a big drop on a rollercoaster.

“We can’t find her.” Link confessed.

Jenna’s stomach dropped. Yeah, except that rollercoaster has just derailed.

“What do you mean you can’t find her?”

“We lost her. She said she was going to the bathroom but she never came back.” He recounted nervously.

“What—“ Jenna was dumbfounded, mind on overdrive as a sudden wave of coldness washed over her body as she processes what she’s just been told.

You're missing.

No one knows where you are.

“Are you looking for her now?” Jenna manages to ask, gripping the balcony railing for support. She thinks she feels a little light-headed but she pushes that thought away because you are more important, right now.

“Yes, of course. We checked everywhere. But uh—it’s been almost two hours since anyone’s seen her…” Link hesitated before confessing.

The last thing they need is for Jenna to start freaking out too.

Jenna’s stomach dropped again. This time she feels like she’s been launched off the rollercoaster entirely and is free-falling mid-air.

“Hey, hey, it’ll be okay. She does this, it’s kinda her thing. We’ll find her soon. Don’t worry.” Link reassured after Jenna doesn’t respond.

“When was the last time that she did this, Link?” Jenna asked shakily.

A beat passed before the man answered. “Vegas…”

“Shit…” They said in unison.

“What—what do we do?” Jenna asked.

“Just keep texting and calling her. I’m out looking for her right now, I have her entire security team with me.” He reassured her once again but she can still hear the trepidation in his tone.

“Okay…” Jenna trails off, not really sure if she’s actually listening at this point.

“Jenna— we’ll find her, don’t worry.” Link said with certainty but it didn’t ease the anxiety in her chest.

“I know…” Jenna mumbled, grasping her phone with a mighty grip and forced herself to take a calming breath. “Okay, okay. I’ll start calling her. Maybe I should go back to her room, in case she comes back?”

“Yeah, that’s a great idea, keep me updated Jen.”

“I will.”

The line goes dead as Link hangs up.

“Shit.” Even with Jenna’s trembling fingers, she contacted your number with haste.

But the call never even rang.

***

It’s past 2 AM and no one has still heard from you.

She had left you a total of 26 missed calls and almost 50 text messages. That’s not even counting the ones she’s sent you through Enrique’s phone.

At this point, Jenna was ready to go to the police but Link advised her that they wouldn’t be able to do anything because it hasn’t been 24 hours yet. Your closest confidant also warned her of adding fuel to the fire with the press if headlines that you're missing are released.

The actress feels an excruciatingly sharp pain forming in between her brows; the early stages of a migraine, the longer she paced around your room.

“Where is she, Link?” She chewed on the bottom lip, anxiously. “What if something bad happened? She doesn’t have security with her...”

“Her whole team has been driving around the city looking for her but we already checked the other after-parties and she wasn’t there. I hate to say it, Jenna, but if Y/N doesn’t want to be found, you won’t.” Link sat down on the couch in the living room.

The wrinkled exhaustion and worry were clear as day on his face. Jenna sighed, sitting down beside him. “I know you tried your best. Thank you for looking…”

“Yeah… of course. How are you though?” He turned, scanning her equally exhausted features.

“I feel terrible if I had just tabled it like she said–”

“Hey–” Link cuts in, shaking his head. “Don’t. Y/N’s gonna do whatever she wants, you can’t put this one on you.”

Jenna nods unconvincingly, slumping against her seat. “What about you? How are you?”

He stared off, deep in thought. “She’s like my sister, you know. We didn’t have it easy growing up. I know she’s— stand-offish and hard to get along with at times…”

Jenna turned to face him at his sudden confession, deciding to stay silent.

“You can’t even imagine how many times I’ve tried to quit being her assistant.” Link chuckled, looking up at the ceiling. “But I could never really do it. ‘Cause even though she has these massive walls around herself and that annoying-ass nonchalant attitude. I know sometimes this job is a lot… even for her.”

Jenna huffed, slouching back into the soft couch, trying to be understanding. “I know… trust me I know the job, we all do–”

Link shakes his head. “You don’t. Not her story at least…”

Snapping her head to the side, she watches the assistant’s side profile, noting the deep wrinkle on his forehead. “What does that mean?”

She couldn’t help but ask.

He sighed, “It’s not my place to say but Y/N's been through some stuff. Stuff that you wouldn't wish on anyone.”

“What?”

He sighed again, debating if he should open the can of worms. “At the time, I was living with my grandmother. She’s the only family I have left, it’s probably why I can’t let go of Y/N too. The money I make from working with her, I send to take care of my nan… But even with all that, Y/N was dealing with her mom.”

“She told me she was controlling or something — wanted more money?” Jenna scrunched her nose in disgust at how someone can treat their own flesh and blood like that.

“She wasn’t just controlling, Jenna… she tried to sue Y/N over it. She tried to take away her right to make decisions over her own career and when that didn’t work she tried to get her to quit the industry."

Jenna’s stomach dropped. “What?”

Linked nodded, watching Jenna’s stunned reaction. “Yeah… Jake and Liv fought against it. It never turned into a legal case, thank god. The judge dismissed her claims but it really fucked with her head you know. That her own mother could do that to her."

Jenna stared off into nothing as she processed his words.

No wonder you’re so closed off and scared to let people in. She felt sick to her stomach thinking about what you’ve gone through and how, even despite all of that, you still managed to stay standing on your own two feet and carry on as if nothing happened.

She wonders how long it’s been since you’ve really let anyone in.

“I knew she’d been dealing with things… these last few months. She had a packed year last year and her schedule was only getting busier. She never outwardly said it was becoming too much but I could see it. It started small; missing texts, calls, alarms… then she wouldn’t come home cause she was partying all night… it got too much. I think that singer and his friends were taking advantage of her fame but she always brushed me off whenever I said something. We even got into a big fight before Vegas so I stayed with a friend for a couple of days to cool off.”

“Link…” Jenna trailed off, she heard the guilty tone accompanied by his words. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“No… I know. Y/N’s going to do what she wants, I’ve learned to accept it. It still doesn’t make me feel any better that she’s in this situation and that I could’ve done something to prevent it.”

Link cleared his throat, sitting up a bit. “Just saying… from Y/N’s person to the other – I get what you’re feeling. She’s definitely not the easiest but I don’t know… when she shows she cares, you know she means it.”

“You think I’m Y/N’s person?” Jenna asked shocked. “We barely know each other.”

Link rolled his eyes, sending her a flat look. “Yeah ‘cause you two communicate through silent looks and then don’t talk about your feelings. If you guys fix your shit then maybe you can be her person too.”

Jenna opened her mouth for a rebuttal but the sound of something smacking against the wall interrupted her.

Immediately, the assistant and actress spring up, walking spritely to the foyer. When they round the corner, Jenna is torn between feeling relieved or furious.

They spot you, slumped against the wall nearly slipping on your own two feet, piss-fucking-drunk as you dropped the keycard to the floor.

“Are you fucking serious right now?” Link scoffed but briskly walked over to help you up, throwing your arm over his shoulder. "What the hell happened to you?"

“Sorry for being a disappointment, Dad.” You mumbled as Link dragged you down the hallway. Eyes barely opened and even then, Jenna can see the alcohol-muddled haze through your slow blinks.

“What the fuck, Y/N?” Jenna echoed as she watched how you had to be carried, too drunk to do it yourself.

It scared her, this was not a version of you that she liked.

She doesn’t want to listen to that small voice in her head again, the one that’s saying you’re bad news. You’re a party animal, this is what you do. You’re reckless. But the other part of her wants to give you a chance to explain yourself, especially after what Link just told her – it’s hard to keep that sentiment when you act like this though.

“Oh hey, Jenna.” You waved as if nothing is wrong, toothy smile on your lips. “I tried looking for you at the party… then I realized we fought and that’s why you weren’t with me. Are you still mad at me?”

Jenna didn’t know what to say so she kept quiet and followed Link as he lead you to the bedroom, nearly throwing you onto the mattress.

“Fuck, Y/N. You can’t keep doing this.” Link sighed out, taking a few steps back from the bed to scan you.

“Who’s gonna stop me?” You snorted, sitting up to tug your shoes off, chucking them without care.

“Dude, for real? We spent nearly four hours looking for your ass. Do you realize what kind of trouble you could’ve gotten into if–”

“–yeah, yeah,” You wave off and Jenna can see Link’s eye twitching and jaw clenching in anger. He knew better than to fight with a drunk person. Especially if that person is you.

He lets out a deep breath, then turned to younger actress, “I can’t be around her right now. I’m sorry.”

Then he walked away, slamming the door loudly behind him making Jenna flinch. A few seconds of silence pass without a single movement.

“What are you still doing here?” You asked in a snipped tone, breaking the quietude. Jenna doesn’t know if she should feel offended.

Crossing her arms, she scans your dishevelled attire. Your tie is loose, buttons are undone, and dress shirt is half-tucked – in short, you looked like a hot mess. “I’ve been calling you all night, where have you been?”

“Phone died.” You yanked your blazer off, throwing it on the floor, “and out… drinking.”

“With who? By yourself or with someone?” Jenna asked, walking closer, and helping you take off your tie.

“Doesn’t matter..” You grumbled as she helped you, looking at a spot on the wall and Jenna clenched her jaw cause you were closing up again.

“Well, it matters to me,” She yanked the tie off your neck.

“Why?” You looked up at her.

“What?”

“Why do you care so much? I thought this was all just for the press?” You pushed off the bed, wobbling on your feet. Jenna took a few steps back but kept close, in case you needed help but you shrugged her attempts away.

She tried not to take it personally.

Jenna called after you but you ignored her and just stumbled to the bathroom. She trails behind, still keeping a close eye.

“No, seriously. You kiss me and let me stay with your family and then you shut me down? What kind of fucked up shit is that?” You spoke up, venom laced in your words.

Jenna knows it’s the alcohol talking. But drunk words, sober thoughts?

“Well guess what? Fuck that. I may be closed off but at least I don’t lead people on.” You seethe, stopping in your tracks to spin around and face her.

The anger in your eyes is not an emotion she had seen before. This was different than your other petty disputes and arguments. You meant it.

Jenna blinked, shaking her head furiously, “What? No! That’s not what I’m doing.”

“I don’t care! I’m over it. If you wanna believe the press over me like everyone else, go ahead. I’m fucking used to it.” You grumbled, turning away to keep walking but this time Jenna grabbed your elbow, stopping you.

“Can you just stop for a second and let me explain!” But you yanked back like you’ve been burned and Jenna thinks she can physically feel her heart splitting down the middle.

“No, fuck that!” You yelled before taking a deep breath, using Jenna's stunned silence as a chance to keep talking. You looked deeply into her eyes and said the next words with pure conviction. ”I’m sick of trusting people and letting them in just to be fucking burned over and over again — After the Met Gala, I’ll go to Jake and Liv and tell them this is over. Next week, it’ll be three months anyway. Then, we’ll never have to see each other again.”

There was no slurring in your voice or wobble in your stance as you said those words.

Jenna blinked back the tears forming in her eyes, clenching her jaw. Not recognizing this version of you standing across from her.

This isn’t the same person that treated her family kindly and won over their hearts.

This isn’t the same person that won over her heart.

So, she listened.

“Okay….” Jenna nodded weakly, then turned walking out of your room not being able to look into your eyes.

She missed the instant regret in them as you tracked her disappearing figure.

***

i told y’all this slow burn would be slowwwww.

***

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***

#legally binded #jenna ortega #jenna ortega x reader #jenna ortega x fem!reader #jenna ortega x you #wednesday netflix

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darkeralmond · 10 months

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Bathing Suit

Luca Fantilli x Reader

synopsis: you bought a new bathing suit before your spring break trip and luca can’t keep his eyes off you

warnings: fluff, maybe suggestive idk

word count: 1.1k

a/n: this is based off a shifting scenario i had for one of my drs and i thought it was a cute lil idea ALSO SPEAK NOW TV AHHH

The afternoon sun blazed against your body, causing you to sizzle under the rays of light. Mixing that heat with the cool ocean breeze created the perfect spring temperature.

You laid on your stomach on top of your rainbow beach towel, resting the side of your head on your folded arms. You were at Panama City Beach for spring break with your friends. It was the first day of vacation and you honestly felt like just relaxing after the long flight.

You were focused on getting a tan while the rest of your friends played volleyball on the sand. Your friend group consisted of Adam, Seamus, Johnny, Luca, and one of your roommate/friend.

You were close with everyone in the group, but not as much as you were with the Fantilli brothers. You and Adam have been inseparable since the beginning of freshman year. Being the media team for the hockey team really had its perks.

You found yourself falling head over heels for his older brother, Luca. He was very well aware of that. Matter of fact, he predicted it. It was at a party where he introduced you two making sure to say, “You two are going to love each other… Like you’re going to fall in love.”

Adam rested on his back, soaking up the sun just like you were. Even though he had his sunglasses over his eyes, you could tell they were closed. “Did you hear that Janelle from the softball team is pregnant?” Adam the sentence flowed out of Adam’s mouth. If we weren’t laying out relaxing on the beach, he would’ve been more animated.

You didn’t react the same way though. Your head perked up as your mouth hung open with shock. “Janelle Reid?!” you gasped. She was always so against sex before marriage, it was like her whole personality trait. “Who’s the baby daddy?”

He sat up and took a sip of his Corona which was wedged into the sand. “Well, no one really knows, but people have their theories.” He took another long sip burying the can back in the sand. “Some people say it’s Weston… but some people think it’s her cousin.”

“No fucking way!” you yelled out loud while laughing. “Holy shit!” You grabbed your White Claw from out of the sand and took a sip as well.

Luca’s eyes pulled away from the game at the loud sound of your laughing. It sounded sweet and beautiful, how could he focus at a time like this? He looked over at you, completely ignoring the ball in his presence.

“Luca, dude!” Seamus yelled, causing you to look back at the group playing. “You’re selling the game!” You made eye contact with Luca for a split second before he looked back at Seamus.

He laughed it off and said, “My bad, bro!” He then grabbed the volleyball from the sand next to him and set the ball, hitting it over the net to your friend and Johnny.

You flipped onto your back so you could watch Luca play volleyball while he glistened with both sweat and sunscreen. His sun-kissed abs along with his little happy trail made your head feel dizzy. You were stuck in a trance staring at his beautiful smile. Thank God for your sunglasses to hide the fact you were staring directly at his body.

“Luca was checking you out,” Adam spoke up. You snapped your attention away from him and focused it onto his brother. He had a playful grin on his face, his head cocked to the side as he looked at you.

You rolled your eyes and scoffed. “Shut up, no he wasn’t.” Even when denying the fact, your cheeks couldn’t help but turn bright red at the comment. Maybe you could pass it off as a simple sunburn.

Adam always doubted that you wanted him to shut up when it came to his brother, and in any instance, he was right. You wanted to know more about why he thought that. Maybe he was feeding into your delusions, but he knows his brother best. There were the whole wavelength things with where they know how they’re feeling.

“You know what I think it is?” Adam took another sip of his Corona, leaving you on the edge of your seat curiosity. “I think it’s that new bathing suit you got.”

You lifted your sunglasses and placed them on the top of your head. “What do you mean?” You knew exactly what he meant, it’s why you bought the damn thing.

A week before you all left for Florida, you and your roommate went to get some things for the beach. “Maybe you should get a new bathing suit,” they suggested as you strolled through the mall.

“What? Why?” you asked while chewing on the plastic straw of your drink.

They rolled their eyes with a playful smile on their face. “Because bathing suits are a guy’s weakness.” You knew who they were talking about, so you agreed.

You went inside PINK and found the perfect bathing suit. It was your favorite color and it fit your body type perfectly. Plus it exposed your body enough to still feel comfortable.

Adam rolled his eyes since you obviously knew what he meant, but he didn’t hesitate to lay it out for you. “The bathing suit is hot, Y/N,” he said. “You look hot. You know it, Luca knows it. You might as well act on it.”

His blunt statement caught you off guard causing you to stare at him bug-eyed. The more you thought about it, the more it made sense. You looked back at Luca again, feeling his eyes sinking into your body.

When you made eye contact with him again, Luca’s face instantly flushed red. He was embarrassed that you caught him staring at you. “Luca, your head is not in the game!” Seamus complained again.

“Yeah, yeah! I’m sorry!” he apologized, attempting to keep his eyes off you, but you were irresistible to him. “Uh, Y/N! Could you get me a beer?”

“Dude the last thing you need is beer,” Seamus muttered.

“Shut up,” he whispered back, nudging the guy.

“Yeah, of course!” You got up from your spot and walked over to him with his beer. He nodded his head and smiled, his eyes sneaking a peak at your glistening body again.

“Thanks,” he said, cracking it open and pulling his eyes away. He cleared his throat, his cheeks super red.

“Of course!” You walked back over to Adam where he was already staring at you with his eyebrows raised and a smug smirk on his face. “Holy shit,” you whispered to him. It finally sunk into your mind that he was actually checking you out.

“Mhm.” Adam nodded his head slowly. “Like I said, act on it.”

#luca fantilli x y/n #luca fantilli x reader #luca fantilli #umich hockey x reader #umich hockey

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whatdoeseverybodywant · 8 months

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All I Want Is You- Part 3 (Final Part)

Jey Uso x Ex-Girlfriend Reader

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS

Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated ❤

Janelle is played by Justine Skye

Taglist: @christinabae @southerngirl41 @reci24 @jeyusos-girl @jeyusosgirl @melaninsugababy @baconeggndcheez @bemybabiibish @jstarr86 @nbanenefrmdao @purplehairgawdess @arination99

Part 1 Part 2

AUGUST 8TH

“So what are you cooking?” Janelle asked as she sat on one of the stools at the kitchen island.

“I’m not cooking nothin’.” Josh said as he walked over to a drawer and pulled out take-out menus. He placed them on the counter and looked at her. “You pick.”

“Are you actually going to let me pick or are you going to-” She stopped talking when he pushed the menu from the pizza place that he wanted to eat from in front of her. “Why do you always do that?” She asked, rolling her eyes and picking up the menu.

“Cause I know it irks you.” She rolled her eyes again and set the menu down.

“Are you not tired of eating from this place? Don��t you want to try new things?” She asked reaching for the other menus, but he picked them up and put them back in the drawer.

“Nah, I know what I like.” He said, keeping his eyes on her. She held his gaze before looking back down at the menu scoffing when he laughed at her.

“I’m gonna go order the pizza.” She said getting up from her chair and walking into the living room.

“Don’t forget the wings! And the ranch!” He called out after her. He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding when she left the kitchen. He sighed and scrubbed his hand over his face. “Fuck” he whispered. Honestly, before he saw her again at Smackdown he never thought about getting back together with her. She left him not the other way around. Sure he wanted to know why she left but that was it. But having her here in the house they used to share changed things.

“I ordered it. They said 30 minutes. I’m gonna time them” Janelle said as she put the timer on her phone. “What’s wrong?” She asked, seeing the look on his face.

“What are we doin’” He asked, walking closer to her.

“What do you mean?” She asked, feeling her throat start to dry. Now was not the time for this conversation.

“Us. Me, You.” He said motioning between the two of them. “What are we doin’? You wanna come back into Xavier’s life that's fine. But what about us?” Janelle stood there staring at him. She didn’t know what to say honestly. She opened her mouth but nothing came out.

“Josh.” Was all she could say. She still loved him and had feelings for him. But like she told him earlier, she didn’t want to wake up one day and hate him. He shouldn’t have to go through her issues with her. He should be with someone that could love him unconditionally.

“Janelle,” He said, looking into her eyes. “Do you want to be with me?” He wanted to be with her and he knew, just off the fact that she was still here, in their house- that she wanted to be with him. She still didn’t say anything. “Do you still love me?” He whispered softly.

“Josh, you know I still love you. And of course I wanna be with you” She finally said. He cupped her jaw in his hand.

“So come back home Nelle.” He furrowed his eyebrows when she shook her head.

“It’s not that simple Josh.”

“What’s not?” Josh asked and Janelle took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

“I can’t just come home, Josh. I hurt you and Xavier by leaving. I can’t just come back and expect everything to be the same.”

“I already said I forgive you. You told me your reason for leaving and I forgive you. Xavier is definitely going to forgive you. We just want you home.” She squeezed her eyes shut as her tears started to pour.

“I wish I never left.” She whispered and Josh nodded his head, using the hand that wasn’t cupping her face to wipe her tears away.

“I wish you would’ve stayed too. But we can’t change the past, Nelle.”

“I know that but imma feel bad about it forever.” Josh sighed.

“You wanna make it up to me then?” She nodded and he smiled.

“Move back in.” She laughed.

“Josh - “ He cut her off.

“We can eat dinner, go rent a uhaul and move you back in tonight.” She bit her lip and nodded. “Yeah, that’s what you want?” When she nodded again he smiled and pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss, wrapping his arms around her waist. She moaned into the kiss and pulled back before it could go too far. Pecking his lips a couple more times until the timer on her phone went off.

“They’re late.” She whispered, causing him to laugh and release her. Just then a knock sounded at the door. “Damn, they lucky.” She said, grabbing money out of her wallet and running towards the door.

Josh smiled as he watched her run towards the front door. He dreamed of this moment for months, having Janelle back and the three of them being a family again. He rushed over to her when she came back into the kitchen holding the pizza and wings.

“Damn, 3 pizzas?” Janelle just stared at him.

“You can eat a whole one by yourself. And you said Xavi was with Kishi.”

“Good point.” He said as he put the pizza’s on the counter. He watched as she busied herself around the kitchen, getting the plates so that she could set the table. He went to help but the sound of Xavier calling his name stopped him.

“DADDY! Pop-pop said a bad word.” Josh laughed and went into the foyer, where his dad was helping Xavier take off his shoes.

“You know the rules dad. Gotta put a dollar in the jar.” Rikishi rolled his eyes before grabbing a dollar bill out of his wallet and handing it to Xavier who smiled and rushed into the living room to put the dollar in the jar.

“NELLY!” Xavier screamed when he saw her in the dining room. He ran towards her when she opened her arms. “What you doing here.” He said, his voice muffled because he had his face pressed into her neck.

“I thought it would be fun to eat dinner together.” She laughed when he squealed and hugged her tighter. “Alright, let's go wash our hands.” She led him to the downstairs bathroom, stopping to give Rikishi a hug when she walked past him.

When Xavier and Janelle came back into the dining room. Josh and his dad were already seated. She helped Xavier into his seat before getting him and herself a slice of pizza. The four of them ate and let Xavier do most of the talking, which he didn’t mind.

After dinner, Janelle told them to go into the living room and she would clean up. She needed the alone time to process what had happened. Her and Josh kissed. She agreed to move back in. She groaned at the thought of breaking her lease.

“You alright in here.” Janelle turned around and smiled at Kishi.

“Yeah I’m okay.” She said as she finished rinsing off the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

“So, you and Joshua are back together?.” He asked, leaning against the island that was across from the sink. She looked up at him and nodded.

“I think we are.” He smiled at her.

“Good. I’m happy yall were able to figure out whatever yall were going through.” He said as walked around the counter and held his arms out for a hug. She smiled and gave him a hug.

After Kishi left, the three three of them settled into the living room, getting ready to watch a movie. Janelle smiled and patted the spot next to her when Xavier came back downstairs after getting into his night clothes and brushing his teeth.

“I wanna talk to you for a bit.” Janelle said as Xavier plopped down next to her. He looked up at her and nodded his head. “Remember when I left a couple of months ago.” She felt her heartbreak when he looked down at his spiderman pants and nodded.

“You're not leaving again are you?” He asked sadly and Janelle quickly shook her head ‘no’ even though he couldn’t see her.

“No, bud. I wanted to apologize for leaving you. I know I hurt your feelings by leaving and I promise to never do it again.” Janelle was crying now. Having to stop a couple to gather herself.

“You promise?” He asked, his voice so small and innocent sounding. It made her feel even worse.

“I promise Xavier. I will never leave you again.” She let out a sob/laugh when he threw himself into her arms, giving her a tight hug, tighter than the one he gave her at Smackdown.

“Can we watch Sing now? She laughed and nodded her head. “DAD! Come on!.”

Once again Xavier was asleep 15 minutes into the movie. Janelle giggled when his little body let out a snore.

“I’ll take him upstairs.” She whispered to Josh, who nodded his head and shut the tv off when she picked Xavier up and walked up the steps. Josh made sure their house was locked up before setting the alarm and walking up the steps.

Janelle tucked Xavier into his bed and kissed him on the forehead. “Good night bubba.” She whispered, before turning on his nightlight and leaving the room, making sure to leave the door cracked - Xavier hated sleeping with the doors closed all the way.

She gulped as she made her way down the hall to her and Josh's old room. Well not old anymore since she agreed to move back in.

They made eye contact when she came into the room and stopped by the entrance.

“I got you a shirt.” He said pointing to the t-shirt he had laid out on the bed for her. She smiled and thanked him before walking into the bathroom to shower and change.

“Josh I need a shower cap- “ She stopped when he held her butterfly shower cap in his hand. “ I was looking for that.” He shrugged.

“You left it here and I couldn’t throw it out.” She took it from him with a smile and walked back into the bathroom.

Janelle sighed as she came out of the bathroom, only wearing Josh’s shirt. “My skin is gonna be so dry in the morning.” She said as she crawled into bed next to him. He jumped when she pressed her feet against his leg, making her laugh.

“Jesus what the fuck. Did you use any hot water!” She cackled when he grabbed her other leg so she wouldn’t touch him with it. “Put something on the t.v” He said tossing the remote to her before walking into the bathroom.

She looked up when he came out with one of her bottles of lotion that she left. When she raised an eyebrow at him he just shrugged. “Couldn’t throw it out”. He said before looking at the t.v and groaning.

“Nah i’m not watching Grey’s again.” Rolling his eyes when she pouted at him.

“Come on J. McSteamy is about to make his first appearance.” She said as she started to lotion up her skin.

“Nell i’ve seen this one episode with you at least 10 times.” He groaned and flopped on the bed when she pouted again. “Fine!” He mumbled chuckling when she happily pressed play.

She made it halfway through the episode before falling asleep on his chest. He watched her sleep, his chest filling up with nothing but love. For the past 4 months he felt empty. Like a shell of himself. But now, he felt whole again, he felt happy. He felt content.

Reaching over into the drawer of his nightstand he pulled out the blue tiffany box and opened it. He took the ring out and grabbed Janelle’s left hand that was placed on his stomach and slipped the ring on her ring finger.

“Hopefully you don't slap the shit outta me in the morning.” He whispered kissing her hand before settling down and falling asleep.

Janelle woke up the next morning before everyone else. She sighed when she realized she didn’t even have a tooth brush yet. She checked in on Xavier, smiling at his sleeping form before going downstairs to get breakfast started.

She reached up into the cabinet to grab the pancake mix, her eyes widening at the diamond ring on her ring. She stared at it before screaming.

Josh smiled to himself, having woken up as soon as she left the bed. He rushed down the steps and put on a fake worried face.

“What! What happened!” He yelled rushing into the kitchen. She was standing by the refrigerator, staring down at the ring. She tried to talk but all that came out was a choked sob.

“You wanna marry me?” She whispered after, calming down.” He nodded his head.

“Hell yes. I want to marry you.” That was all she needed to hear before jumping into his arms.

“I wanna marry you too.” She said before crashing her lips onto his.

liked by trinity_fatu, uceyjucey, carmellawwe, kaylabraxtonwwe, and 841,425 others

Janelle Porter: “I thought we were apart for a good reason, but then I suddenly realized there was no reason good enough to keep me from spending the rest of my life with you.”

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Thank you guys for reading this. Hope you all enjoyed all 3 parts. I got the social media part from @raya-hunter01' s story Light, Camera, Action! If you haven't read it. I suggest you do! ❤️

#wwe #jey uso imagine #jey uso x black reader #main event jey uso #jey uso #whatdoeseverybodywant writes #jey uso smut #jey uso x reader #jey uso fic #jey uso fanfiction #the bloodline #jey uso angst #wwe fanfiction #wwe x black reader #wwe x reader #wwe x oc #all i want is you #black reader

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breezybangtanbebe · 2 months

Text

3D: JJK💋 Part One

A/N: Jungkook is in a closed triad with Janelle, the bubbly brown skinned bookworm with alluring eyes and luscious hips, and Katya , the semi alt bartending vixen with copper toned curls and a silver tongue.

Tags: jungkookxOC’s in closed traid/polyamorous relationship. Sex (raw and protected), oral (female and male recieving), threesome. Some fluff and mild plot because theyre loveds afater all 😌✨

4k words

The smell of cherry bomb body oil, weed and sex coated the air. Notably Jungkook's favorite combo, and he was a coni'sour of scents.

Incense.

OG Kush.

Shea Butter.

Pussy.

ESPECIALLY, Pussy.

Every woman was different based on various factors of diet and hygiene of course but there was a distinct musk that Jungkook found intoxicating. So much so, that his tongue licked at the air before curling over his top lip, his eyes rolling back as he savored everything.

Katya's pussy bloomed like the flower it smelled like, sucking his length in loudly as he drove himself deeper.

"Ah..ah..ah..shit..." she huffed against the bed, her gold ringed fingers fisting the crumpled sheets. From behind her, a tatted hand comes over her tawny waistline to squeeze her flesh, pulling her back to bounce against his dick.

"Oh fuck —- like that. Just like that.." she cried, Jungkook chuckling sharply through his nose.

"Hmm? like this Kitty?" He rasps, his eyes dropping to the silver piercings denting her dimples of Venus. He snaps his hips a bit harder, forcing gusts of air to jut from Kat's lungs.

"Look at you gripping my dick like you love it..My pussy? hmm? This is mine?" He taunts her with a heckling grin in his voice.

Normally, Katya would resist his need to dominate and make him really work for it. She'd deny his claims and make him prove it, ultimately ending in a mess of both of them. But today she didnt have the fight in her. She just wanted to cum again and again so she'd have an excuse to binge eat whatever was in the snack cabinet.

Sex burns hella calories after all.

"Shut up and just fuck me.." she muttered into the sheets. Jungkook grunts at her brash response, only happy to oblige as he lifted one leg up and planted his foot for balance, commencing to plow into her even harder and faster.

"Yes..yes...yesss.." she mewls, tearful eyes rolling back. Jungkook grunts as he kicked up his rhythm , his jaw slack and his brow crinkled as Katya tried to lift her head from the bed.

"Oh fuck yes..dont stop!"

"Uh uhn..down.." Jungkook shakes his head and he further enforces the demand by getting hold of her by her hair, a wavy knot of copper tangled in his fingers, pinning her head down to the mattress.

The pounding continues for another minute straight, Kat's inevitable undoing on loud and messy loop as Jungkook sought out to prove his point repeatedly.

The loud and messy sex is muffled effectively behind the door, far off at the end of the hall on the east side of the apartment.

Janelle is blissfully unaware as her key turns the front door's lock and she enters on tired feet, grimacing as she crossed the threshold.

Today was shit.

Everyone was rude.

Minor inconveniences felt monumental.

And her uterus felt like it had been doused in gasoline and tossed in a dumpster fire.

And her air pods just fucking died on her!

The telltale downward beeps further dampening her mood and muting the lofi she'd been on the whole walk home.

Today was shit, as previously stated, and it seemed to only get shittier.

"Fuck!"

Jungkook's voice is heard from the end of the hallway and based on his tone, Janelle assumed he was gaming or something. Her tummu fluttered at the sound since it confirmed he was home.

She just wanted to curl up under her man, sniff his neck while he rolled her a blunt and forget about the day she'd endured.

That was exactly what she needed.

Setting her keys and bag on the kitchen counter, Janelle shook her week old silk press out from its messy bun on her way towards the growing sound of her partner's voice ready to dump her troubles on him.

When she opened the door however, she's pinned by two sets of wide and surprised eyes at her sudden appearance in the doorway..

Her boyfriend of a few years, Jungkook. The tall and pretty idiot with dream boat hair, fuck boy tatts, abs for days and a toothy smile.

Although he wasn't smiling now..

"Nell.." he stammers, frozen where he was looming over the freckle faced ginger whose head was hanging off the side of his bed.

"Youre home early." He states the obvious , furrowing his brow as he's still nestled deep inside of Kat, both of them regarding Janelle with equal concern while not separating.

"Hey Jelly Belly.." Kat , her girlfriend of less than a year , greets her with a smile as sweet at the nickname spoken and Janelle mustered a weak smile in return.

"Hey Kat. Hey babe...I didnt mean to interrupt.." she begins, already about to close the door and leave them to it.

"Its fine/You didnt.." both canoodlers chime in tandem, shooting eachother a scorned look before putting the spotlight on the woman simpering in the doorway.

"Did you have good day at least? You look sad.." Jungkook goes on to ask and from the way Janelle's bottom lip trembles and her hesitance to answer, it was clear.

"Aww Belly.." Kat sits up on her elbows, pushing Jungkook back so that he has no choice but to pull out. His dick sheathed in cream-covered latex drooped under its weight, and he immediately begins pulling the condom off.

"Did you wanna talk about it?" he lifts his brows earnestly.

Watching the two of them scrambling to get away from eachother as if they weren't just engaged in what she knew was very intense sex, Janelle's blank expression gave little away as she shook her head.

"Naw. Im just gonna go lay down. Yall carry on..." she says.

There wasn't any room for a response since she hurried from the room, closing the door behind her to leave a half dressed Jungkook with a semi poking at his boxers and a topless and messy-headed Kat exchanging dubious and guilty looks.

Nearly a year ago...

"So who's in charge here? You or her.." Katya pointed her half eaten french fry between the couple sitting across from her in the booth.

The post rush buzz in the old-school-themed burger joint was supposed gave the three of them the space and comfort to have conversations such as this. Katya was fresh off from work with aching ankles from bartending all night. A gig she found to be her niche after her meager attempts at typical 9 to 5's flopping. It wasnt odd for her to get offers out for a late dinner and night cap post shift, with these two specifically, but tonight's meeting was different than the others for many reasons.

Janelle takes a sip from her soda through a straw, her pretty eyes lifting through her ebony bangs at the copper-headed redbone across from her. Beside her, Jungkook chewed lazily with his arm stretched over the back of the red tufted booth behind his girl's head. He glances at Janelle expectedly as he rached for one of her fries, the two of them smirking knowingly. She gives him a little nod and he returns it before speaking.

"No one's in charge of anyone." Jungkook muffles over his food, adding the stolen fry to the pile in his mouth. Janelle nods in agreement, swallowing her sip of soda and pushing her cup aside.

"Yeah, come on Kat. You know us. Theres no heirarchy here. He's with me and Im with him." she insists. Katya narrows here eyes at them both, still using her fry as a stylus drawing an accusatory figure eight between the two of them.

And she did know them. Mostly in passing at first. Jungkook frequented the outside of her bar with his gorgeously loud group of friends on their bikes with their tattoos and growling engines like mating calls on a Saturday night. She rarely paid them much mind.

At least until he brought those tattoos inside, flashing her with that stupid pierced smile before asking for a drink. Through small talk they became mildly aquainted, nothing unusal or overly flirtatious. Something Katya found intriguing until it became clear to her that Jungkook was taken.

Janelle was nothing like who Katya imagined Jungkook would date. With the sweet and innocent face of a baby doll but the body that most women show to the doctor as an example of what they want, Jungkook's girlfriend was opposite of him in almost every way. Flawless brown skin and shoulder length yaki textured tresses that swayed as she moved. Minimal make up apart from her NYX lip liner and Fenty Gloss Bomb'd lips that caught Kat's eye immediately.

No tatts. No piercings other than in her ears. Dressing in shades Kat never observed her man donning. Bright and bubbly and way out of his league if you asked her.

She stuck out among the grunge when she entered the bar behind Jungkook the first night she saw her, intriguing her even more...

"Mmhmm...So now yall want to add me to the mix, right? Not just on some 'one night' basis.." Kat finishes what she assumed Janelle was going to say, popping the pointer fry in her mouth.

Kat normally wasnt this straightforward on her dates, despite being a naturally shrewd individual, but this date felt like more like an interview from the way Jungkook and Janelle sat across from her with open eyes and ears for any questions she may have.

Proposing for someone to be a part of a nontraditional polyamorous relationship wasnt as uncommon as people liked to think. And it surely wasn't Kat's first offer.

She just didnt expect it from them.

"This was your idea wasnt it?" Kat adverts her glare to Jungkook now, making him choke on his drink mid sip.

"What? Why would you assume that?" he coughs humorously and Kat shrugs with ber elbow on the table.

"Iont know. Because its always the mans idea. You know how many bitches fake being gay just to appease their dude or keep them from cheating? How should I know this isnt that?"

"Because it isn't." Jungkook grunts, not showing anything other than amusement at Kat's demeanor. Janelle seems taken aback by the the statement however, her soft eyes widening.

"No one is faking anything, first of all.." she shakes her head, her pout pulling Kat's attention back to her. She lifts her brows at the implication, looking Janelle up and down with even more interest and a smirk.

"Oh?" she mirths.

"And I'd never cheat on Nell. This is something she suggested..." Jungkook cuts in, Kat's eyes jumping back to him.

"Hmmph..I have a hard time believing that but ok.." the ginger shrugs, leaning back on her side of the booth. Finding the skepticism a little vexing, Janelle scoots closer to the table to assume the position Kat had just been in with her elbows and forearms resting on the table.

"Its true. And the part about it being my idea is too. Look, Jungkook and I have been together a while. We get eachother. Likes and dislikes. Bad habits and pet peeves. Fantasies and ambitions. He's legit my best friend."

Janelle pauses to look over at her boyfriend, who just gives her a smile that told Kat the feeling was mutual.

"I know it's probably hard to explain but...I brought up the idea of opening our relationship up a little and Jungkook was hesitant because he never considered being with anyone else. And neither did I but, I dont want one of our needs for something different to seperate us when we could experience it together. Or at least with some level of understanding between eachother."

"So is this about sex or..." Kat cuts in, still wanting to get to the root of the situation. Janelle grimaces lightly in thought, her eyes lifting towards the ceiling breifly.

"Eh..yes and no. The companionship aspect is relevent here too. We're not just looking for someone else to have sex with. Sexually, we have zero complaints when it comes to eachother, but that's not to say theres things we're not open to try..."

Kat sits with both of her arms resting on the back of the booth, her short legs tucked underneath her comfortably. Her hard expression softens the longer she listened to Janelle.

She had a nice voice. Soft and slightly raspy. Easily the most placating tone Kat had ever heard. She'd listen to her read a grocery list and be this invested.

"...Point is..We know you and you know us. We both find you attractive and Im comfortable with coming to you with this. But Kat, if youre not interested, that's fine. And Im sorry if this makes you uncomf..." Janelle pauses when Kat shushes her, one black coffin nail lifted.

"Hush babe. Im interested for sure. In you more than him..." the nail tilts in Jungkook's direction.

And that was saying something because he was most definitely her type. From the charcoal tinted tattoos, broad shoulders and chest, height, and urban style of dress. But something about his girl made her tongue water in ways she didnt want to say out loud just yet.

"Youre cute though , so No offense." she adds.

"None taken." Jungkook smirks and she continues.

"I just wanna make sure this is a legit arrangement where all parties are on board and participating on their own free will. I dont want you feeling weird or imposed upon by my presence. Because Im not sure if you knew but Im alot to handle."

"Im not worried. Are you babe?" Janelle smiles over at her partner with expectant eyes, and its too damn sweet and enthusiastic for the context of their conversation.

Even Jungkook's eyebrows go up in surprise at his girlfriend's bold response.

He picks up his drink again, smirking around his straw as he shakes his head in amazement and disbelief. He takes a quick draining sip that gurgles the ice cubes,setting it back down.

"Yeah..Im not worried at all either, Kitty Kat."

The unsolicited nickname makes Kat's eye twitch, and something else deep between her legs. She hated it and could already see that Jungkook was going to be an issue. Unlike Janelle, who seemed to be the more accommodating of the two despite her calling the shots.

She regards him with a lifted brow and Jungkook mereley smirks back at her with a challenge in his eyes that made her want to come across the table.

Kat mirrors his expression, licking her top teeth sexily before lifting her chin.

"Ok. Im in."

A few knocks at the bathroom door were followed by its creaking hinges and Janelle opens her eyes just as two guility faces peaked through the steam.

Feeling rather sticky from being outside all day, Janelle decided to soak her stress away in a steaming bath of essential oils and relaxing fragrance. Her face had been scrubbed of her make up and outside exposure, her straightened hair pulled up into a knot on top of her head. She knew the sweat from her scalp would have her roots reverting but she didnt care.

The sharp pains in her pelvis had just began to subside, but she knew this was just the beginning considering her cycles in the past.

She says nothing as her partners approached, her expression tired and stoic as she turned her head to face them.

"You alright?" Jungkook is first to speak, stepping ahead of Kat to sit on the toilet lid. He was fully dressed now, the only evidence of his activies being the way his messy hair.

Kat stands near the sink, leaning her hop against the counter in her crumpled gym shorts and bralette.

The bubbled water ripples gently at Janelle's slow nod, a weak smile gracing nude lips.

"Yeah..just tired. And sore."

"Period?" Kat scrunches her nose in disdain, folding her arms over her chest. Janelle nods again.

"I think so. Im not bleeding but the cramps are just over the top today. I popped two pain pills an hour ago and its barely taking off the edge."

"So thats why you left work early? Damn...Why didn't you call me? I could have came to get you." Jungkook scolds her, knowing the distance bewteen her job and their apartment wasnt small. He was generally the one taking her on the back of his bike when he was available.

Janelle gives him a weak smirk.

"Well I called but..." her eyes go to Kat breifly before continuing.

"I think you were busy." she cringes, sinking lower into the water as realization slaps them both in the face.

Yeah, they were busy.

Busy fucking.

All while their sweet little succulent was in need, calling both of their phones before ultimately deciding to hoof it 5 blocks before her manager changed his mind about letting her leave early.

Jungkook's head dropped, smacking his face into his palm.

"Shit..Im sorry babe...really." he mutters, guilt-eating him from the inside out. Kat steps towards the tub, dropping to her knees to come closer to Janelle's level.

"Yeah sorry Belly. Our phones must have been on vibrate or something.." she pouts guiltily. Jungkook shakes his head in disagreement.

"Even then, we should have been more aware. What if it was an emergency?" he directs his fussing at Kat, who turns to him sharply.

"No shit Sherlock. You were the one who could have been the most aware considering the fact that it's your responsibility to pick her up. So dont blame me.."

"Im not blaming you." Jungkook rolls his eyes.

"Sounds like you are.." Kat seethes and Jungkook is ready to continue arguing when Janelle slaps the water in frustration.

"Stop fighting! Damn..Its fine. Im not dead. It not the first time Ive had to walk somewhere in my life and it wont be the last. Plus it was early...You could have just as well been asleep and missed my calls so..its no big deal. Shut it.."

In the way she always did, Janelle effectively ends the bickering between her overprotective boyfriend and her vigilant girlfriend with the simplest reasoning.

They still glowered at eachother resentfully, as it they werent just doing loud and raunchy sex with eachother 30 minutes ago.

Jungkook sticks his tongue out st Kat childishly before dismissing her presence, returning his full attention to Janelle.

"Ok but Im still sorry. It wont happen again, I promise." he assures her. The stress melts from her face at his unnecessary apology.

"I know babe. It's ok, foreal. Im just glad I'm not at work anymore. Everybody was unusually more rude and aggravating today than normal. I think im just gonna stay in this weekend. I know yall wanted to go out tonight but I dont think im gonna make it. It hurts to walk. Hurts to stand..." she trails off.

Kat reaches over and dips her arm into the water to rub Janelle's thigh in empathetically, resting her chin on the edge of the tub.

"Awww Belly. I hate seeing you like this. Makes me sad.." she pouts.

"Same. Yeah we're definitely not going anywhere tonight. I'll just tell Tae to sell those tickets he copped for us. There was a show I wanted to take yall to but fuck it." he shrugs casually. Kat looks at him over her shoulder, her normal frown nonexistent at the knowledge of his plans.

"You got tickets to see Bad Omen's?" her voice is small, most likely her attempt at not seeming too excited. Knowing her favorite band was in town for one night with no available tickets had her in her feelings all week, and learning that Jungkook got the hook up on tickets anyway made her wish she'd been a little nicer to him.

Just a little.

Janelle looks to Kat's hopefull face and wilts with guilt.

"Awww no. Kat was so sad she couldnt get those tickets. You guys should just go. I'll be ok.." she insists, resting her hand on Kat's under the water. Both Jungkook's and Kat's snap towards Janelle.

"What? No..." Kat begins.

"Yeah, that wouldnt be right. You wanted to see them too." Jungkook adds.

Janelle shrugs her shoulder.

"Only because of you and Kat. I know like..one song. That was yalls thing. I wouldn't be upset if you went." she locks eyes with both of them.

Theres a moment a silence in the bathroom as Kat and Jungkook considered her words, neither of them feeling comfortable with her suggestion to leave her behind.

"Nell.." Jungkook frowns, his eyes forlorn and in avid disagreement. Janelle just shakes her head.

"Just go. Both of you. I'll be fine, I promise. Tell me all about it. Kat, record if they do my song, record some for me?" she squeezes Kat's hand with the gentle ask and Kat's pouted lips twisted in conflict.

"Please?" she lifts her brows, giving the world's most irresistible set of puppy eyes anyone had ever seen.

With s reluctant smile of her own, Kat nods slowly.

"Of course Belly. I'll record the whole thing." she ensures her.

Feeling satisfied with the agreement, Janelle smiles tiredly at Kat before releasing her hand.

"Good. Its settled then. Now if y'all don't mind, talking is starting to make my head hurt and I want to soak a little bit longer.."

"Say less.." Jungkook is first to stand, gesturing for Kat to follow him with a irrefutable look in his eye. For once, Kat doesnt protest and she nods before leaning to kiss Janelle's wet temple.

"Let us know if you need anything, Ok?"

Janelle nods, beaming weakly at Kat's show of affection before speaking.

"I will. Now get out." she smiles and the two do just that, Jungkook following behind Kat. He gives Janelle one last look with fondness as well as melancholy in his gaze before shutting her back in her steamy candle lit oasis.

In the hallway, Kat taps Jungkook on his chest with the back of her hand to get his attention.

"Hey..Are we seriously gonna go to that show and leave her here in pain?" she whispers roughly so Janelle had no chance of hearing them.

Jungkook kisses his teeth, glancing at the door breifly before shaking his head.

"Fuck no...I just wasnt about to argue with her. I might go to the store though. Get her some shit to help her feel better.."

"Ok good because I was gonna say..."

"Hell naw." he chuckles.

Jungkook's about to walk away when Kat stops him again. He lifts his brow curiously at her soft grip on his forearm.

"Why didnt you tell me you got those tickets? You knew I was trying to get them.." Kat says lowly, not quite in a whisper.

Jungkook smirks at the question.

"I know. I was planning to surprise you with em. You know Tae works security at that venue sometimes so he pulled some syrungs for me." he shrugs nonchalantly.

Kat's peircing eyes thaw instantly, the corners of her mouth perking up in a smile.

"You asshole..I could kiss you. I didnt know you liked me that much." she perts her lips, nudging Jungkook's pec with her fist. His nose crinkles with his smile, feeling a tiny bit of satisfaction at effectimg Kat this way. He reaches up to pinch her chin between his thumb and index finger affectionately.

"Aww. Come on now. You know me better than that Kitty Kat.." he teases.

At the sound of the dreaded pet name, Kat's smile vanishes and she snatches her chin from his hold.

"aand you just had to ruin it.." she grimaces but Jungkook merely grins as he leaned in for a chaste kiss, pecking Kat's pout loudly.

"You'll be ok." He slides in cheekily, giving her ass a smack and squeeze before they go their separate ways towards their respective quarters.

#jungkook ambw #jungkook fanfic #jungkook smut #jungkook #jungkook bts #ambw kpop #kpop imagines #kpop fanfic #kpop smut #bts ambw #bts smut #bts fanfic #polyamory

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zukkacore · 2 months

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I feel like there’s a lot of lip service in NATLA paid to the idea that the NATLA versions of the female characters are more emancipated in a way that actively makes their characterization and the worldbuilding more confusing. For some reason the NWT is sexist in one very specific way (women can’t do combat) but all the ways the NWT customs are stifling & patriarchal to Yue in particular don’t exist anymore b/c they want to be explicitly clear that Yue does in fact have agency in this version! The characterization of NWT culture was very confusing, as was Yue’s free spirit thing. The idea that Yue has “always done what she wanted” is so fucking busted b/c it complete robs her of her arc & comes into contradiction with the core value at Yue’s whole personality which is duty. If she was going to do what she wanted the whole time, what was the point of her time w Sokka?

And Yue physically preventing Sokka from stopping her weakens the scene. Yes, the emphasis is placed on Yue’s choice but it robs Sokka of his autonomy & undermines the strength of their relationship. When Yue freezes him, the subtext of that choice is that she doesn’t trust him nor does she see him as the kind of person who respects her decisions. Yes, OG Sokka protested, he loved her, and he genuinely internalized his duty to protect her, but if he truly prioritized his duty over her personhood, he definitely could have done a lot more to stop her. But when Yue lets go of his hand, he lets her. I think that’s a much more powerful choice & a much clearer display of their relationship.

For some reason, the decision was made to remove the unlearning sexism arc from new Sokka & the defense was that stuff was “iffy and outdated” but it’s like. The original Sokka went through something called a character arc. & even after Kyoshi Island, his baggage about being a warrior is undoubtedly tied into his relationship with patriarchy, no doubt, but that Sokka learned a lot & that’s part of why Yue likes him. The original Sokka would not have needed to be restrained, nor would the original Yue have ever felt compelled to do so. As much as Sokka blames himself for what happened, he respected Yue. And her sacrifice deserves more respect than this lip service girlboss moment. It’s both brave AND tragic. Yue’s sacrifice is multifaceted in that it’s both the ultimate fulfillment to her duty to others but also the ultimate and final expression of autonomy. And that is why it rules

#natla spoilers #natla #yue #Sokka #atla #shut up janelle #natla liveblogging #I did NOT vibe w this adaptations version of Yue n Sokka I’m sorry #and they’re my fav canon ship

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finch-kid · 27 days

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how have i been allowed to sleep on olivia's music for this long

#honestly i think her recent work is rlly interesting pop #i mean she's not janelle monae but she's a promising young pop artist #i can't wait to see how her art matures as time passes #olivia rodrigo #the bird man cant shut up #Spotify

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hypocriticaltypwriter · 2 months

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My Mary-Ace Merrill propaganda is working~💗💖💗💖

GOD PLEASE IF YOU EVER WANNA TALK MORE ABOUT THE GIRLIES BEING FRIENDS PLEAAAASE!! I love genderfluid Ace and it's something so strangely personal to me and so sweet and he's sooo fruity and I'm sure Nancy would adore her very strange, literal queer, of a boyfriend-girlfriend.🥺🥺

Ace: Shut up Nancy! Go water the garden with your cloudy eyes why don't you! Rain floods pouring in from NANCY!!"

Mary: Ohhh shh, shh!! It's Okey! I-i used to cry a lot to when I was little! I was real bad about biting my cheeks so I didn't make sounds...bleed right in my mouth! ....oh Nancy, Nancy, it's Okey dear, come on, shh...

Ace: ....Nancy, look...go...just...Nancy go away.

Mary: Oh Nancy, ma..maybe not today i-im sick with a cold- NO! ahah, n-no don't come over I don't need soup, spring floral cold is all...

Ace: here, don't, I repeat. Don't. You. Dare. Say a word miss water works, could power so much with your damn eyes...

Mary: ...Nancy? Can...here, for, being so...sweet and friendly to me all the time, you make me feel like a real girl! -o-oh you know, somtimes a girl just doesn't feel herself is all!!

Ace: fine you can come over but do NOT go into my bedroom, or the guest room, and if you do, ask me, and do NOT open the clothes hampers or my closet understand!?

Mary: Ace isn't home! Oh yeah, I take over the guest room! But he let's me keep stuff in his room too! Awwee he, he canceled date night? Ohh...oh- OH! i-i-i can call him! He didn't Janelle he just isn't here, oh i-im sorry I'm sure he forget, Ace is forgetful...why don't I take you out! I-im no, boy or Ace, but a girls dated i-i mean a a....well why not a show and soda?

Ace: .....Nancy, I....I'm gonna go out today, but... you can...wander around today if you'd like, the house, its...free now, do your girlie snooping.

Ace: .....Surprise?? ...i..got flowers incase you hate me- you don't? ....wlel kf xource I thought you'd hate me, I'm some queer fairy playing dress up! - YOU KNEW?! oh..date..night, y-yeah guess..and the fact you don't see us together, man your really smart remind me to never skip our anniversary or try and cheat on you💖💗💖 little miss garden detective...why that? Well...you cry and flowers need water, and flowers are jn gardens, and well...your like a detective with...connecting dots- it's bad I'm sorry...

Mary: ....morning pretty girl~ wanna go to the candy shop and swim later? Hmmm?? Yesss, this is the infamous routine I do as Mary~ yes of cource it's a wig I can't grow my hair out Nancy are you crazy!? ....now come on I need help with my zipper please.

YOU HAVE TO STOP ME!!!

I WILL DEADASS DO NOTHING TO STOP YOU KEEP IT COMIN

What if I just dreamt about them all night last night guys how deep am I in oh Lord-

All these scenarios made get on my floor in a fetal position crying HELPPPPP?? AUGHHH

Richard and Nancy would do anything for their gal in making her feel safe and happy- Nancy being sweet and hanging out with her and Eyeball literally ready to throw fists at any comment or catcall thrown Mary's way.

"remind me to never skip our anniversary or try and cheat on you💖💗💖" THE WAY I CACKLEDDD

The way Ace slowly starts letting his guard down around Nancy and getting more comfortable with her learning about when she's Mary just made me... JUST PLUCK AT MY HEARTSTRINGS LIKE A HARP WILL YOU 😫

Im not normal about this anymore and it's plaguing my mind 👁👁

#cherry rambles #cherry answers #ask #stand by me #mary merrill #stand by me 1986 #ace merrill #🎀CobraBaby🎀#stand by me ace #stand by me nancy sullivan

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4townie · 3 months

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Road to 4☆TOWN

part 21 | part 22 | part 23

Marcel started giving his dad grabby hands.

“What?” Jesse looked at him in curiosity. “What is it?”

Marcel’s only answer was more grabby hands.

“Wait a second, you’re not going for my hair again, are you?” Jesse asked nervously.

Marcel shook his head and continued. Jesse gave in and leaned towards him, and Marcel grabbed his face and kissed him.

Jesse paused, his entire face now flushed. “EEEEEEEEEE!”

Selina opened the bathroom door. “Is everything alright in here, babe?”

“HE KISSED ME!” Jesse said with an extremely giddy grin.

“Hasn’t he done that before?” Selina smiled a bit.

“Well, yeah, but it was so cute!” Jesse squealed in an octave way above his normal voice. “Can Daddy have another kiss?”

Marcel obliged.

“OH MY GOD I THINK I’M GONNA DIE!”

“Marcel, quit being so cute. You’re going to give Daddy a heart attack.” Selina chuckled. She turned when she heard a knock on the door. “I’ll get that. You get him dry.”

“If it’s your brother, just shout the code word and I won’t come out.” Jesse said as he grabbed Marcel’s dinosaur towel. “I can’t handle scary older brother glares today.”

Selina giggled. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ve got your back.” She said before heading to the front door. She opened it and frowned. “You.”

“Hey, Lina.” Robaire waved awkwardly. “Long time no see.”

“I thought your new girl had you on a leash.” Selina crossed her arms. “Did you escape through the doggy door?”

Robaire hesitated. “I wanna say you’re being dramatic, but I did literally sneak out before she woke up this morning.”

“You also haven’t called me in weeks even though last time we spoke, you said you’d call me tomorrow.” Selina shot daggers at him. “Well, that was a lot of yesterdays ago, mister.”

Robaire hesitated nervously. “Jesse, please help!”

Jesse came out of the bathroom with Marcel (who had the cutest little towel hood uwu) and stood behind Selina. “Okay so helping you out would honor the bro code, but if I side with her, she’ll let me actually sleep in her bed tonight. And yes, it’s her bed, not our bed.”

“Oh c’mon.” Robaire groaned. “I came over today, didn’t I? Isn’t that enough?”

All three of them stared back at him, expressionless.

“Yeah, I’m gonna finish up with Squishy and probably put on a dry shirt. You two can sort this out on your own” Jesse removed himself from the situation. “Although I do suggest letting him in. The draft he’s bringing in is giving the baby goosebumps.”

“How am I letting in the draft?!” Robaire yelled.

“Oh so now all this is my fault?” Selina raised an eyebrow. “Good to know.” She tried shutting the door in his face.

“Wait, wait, wait.” Robaire pushed the door back and stepped inside. “Listen, I’m sorry I haven’t been around lately, but I’m really dedicated to Janelle right now. She gets a little jealous when I hang out with other people and I don’t wanna mess this up.”

“That sounds…odd.” Selina furrowed her brow. “Maybe she needs to be a little more secure and trust the relationship.”

“Well, it’s not her fault.” Robaire assured her. “Her last boyfriend used to lie and say he was going out with his guy friends, but he was really sleeping with a bunch of other girls behind her back. He really broke her heart.”

Selina sighed. “I think it’s sweet that you want to help her heal, but that’s her problem. She can’t seriously just expect you to cut off all contact with your friends as if she’s the only person in your life.”

“But I like to make her feel that way.” Robaire shrugged it off with a smile. “That’s why I made her coffee and breakfast before snuck out. I didn’t want her to think I was just running away.”

“Yeah but you—” Selina paused. “Oh honey…you can’t cook. Are you sure you didn’t accidentally poison her?”

Robaire was quiet for a moment. “Okay, well I didn’t actually make her breakfast, I ordered it from the diner around the corner, but that’ll be good enough, right?” He nodded.

“Aww, Baby Bear.” Selina looked him up and down. “It was nice knowing you.”

Robaire stared at her. “W-What?”

#4town headcanons #4town fanfic #4town jesse #4town robaire #4town z #4town aaron t #4town taeyoung #turning red #turning red 4town #4town #4townie

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cloveroctobers · 10 months

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MARI — summer prompts 🍋

A/N: I’m not gonna hold you…I was not fw her at the beginning of the series but she definitely grew on me! The little ✨ in me wanted me to write for Miss. Mari with a hint of enemies to lovers so here goes nothing. Please don’t let me flop, or I’ll completely remove myself from the fandom lmao jk.

PROMPTS from this list: 1.) setting up a slip and slide in their backyard + 2.) bonfire on the beach.

WARNINGS: probably language, guns, high schoolers being catty? + slow-burn?

༄ ೋ ༄ ೋ ༄ ೋ ༄ ༄ ೋ ༄ ༄ ೋ ༄

[July, 1995]

“Who the fuck invited her?” Mari glowers over her shoulder, after approaching her friends and teammates—well the teammates that she considered her friends anyways.

It’s Gen and Melissa who immediately follow Mari’s trail of eyesight to see the fresh meat on the team, Akilah and their ex-teammate, Cosima Chandoo stepping onto the patio.

Gen snickers, “she’s obviously Akilah’s plus one because we sure as hell didn’t invite that traitor.”

Melissa shrugged her shoulders, red cup in her hand as she took a sip and then swallowed, “wasn’t me. Word travels fast.”

Which was true, what was supposed to be a simple yellowjackets team only exclusive party, turned into maybe forty or more people in this open backyard.

“It was probably whacky misty,” Gen adds, lifting her chin towards the curly blonde who sat, awkwardly nodding her head along, as if she was in on the conversation between Lottie and Taissa.

Mari deeply exhaled as her eyes briefly close shut. The mere presence of Cosima being here, at her house on this humid day in July honestly frustrated her. She wasn’t allowed to be here.

“You could always kick her out,” Melissa suggested, “it is your house after all.”

“Which was actually supposed to be at yours.” Mari snapped at the blonde who raised her hands In defense.

Melissa frowned, “Hey, how was I supposed to know my aunt and perv uncle were coming up for a surprise pit stop?”

“Who the fuck makes a pit stop in New Jersey?” Gen comments.

“Clearly they do!”

“Where are they from again?”

“Pennsylvania.”

“…that makes sense. How sad.” Gen mockingly placed her hand on Melissa’s shoulder who snorted and playfully shrugged her hand away from her.

Mari was already stomping away from their conversation, face not only warm from the sun rays but also from the sight of Cosima who seemed to be all smiles with Laura Lee and Akilah.

“Oh hey, Mari!” Akilah waves as Mari pushes a smile onto her lips.

Her eyes flicker between the group of girls for a moment, between Laura Lee twirling her signature cross necklace, to Akilah’s chipper smile but still unease in her posture trying to figure Mari out, and finally Cosima’s comfortability in showing her face.

“Cosima was just telling us there’s a bonfire down at Huntingney Grounds,” Laura Lee tells the dark haired girl who kept her heated stare on the heart-shaped afro-picked girl, “I probably won’t be attending after this since I have a curfew but it’s a cool idea to end the day.”

No, the cool idea was having everyone here at her house enjoying the slip and slide she spent a good chunk of time putting together this morning by herself, while Gen and Melissa ate away the snacks they were supposed to set up.

Mari swallowed her irritation, “I know about the bonfire already.”

“Right because Danny was blabbing about it down at Wawa’s?” Cosima finally spoke, her usual hoarse tone made Mari’s eardrums itch.

Mari pushed her tongue into her cheek at this, “why would I know about Danny’s whereabouts?”

Cosima blinked, “Are you not dating?”

“We broke up. Weeks ago…and you would know that if you were still part of this team, which you’re not so.” Mari was smug as she said this.

Akilah tried to ease the tension, “well I invited Cosima since I didn’t want to show up alone. Is it just me or do you hate entering spaces by yourself? It’s just super awkward. I thought it would be okay?”

“Why? You’re her replacement.” Mari gritted, confused at Akilah’s thinking as the brown-skinned girl appeared almost like a gapping fish; while she looked at Cosima and Laura Lee for some sort of help.

Cosima smiled sweetly at Mari, hands clasped in front of her, “And you’re still a bitch.”

Laura Lee cleared her throat then, “Girls…let’s just continue enjoying this lovely day without the foul language please! Must this truly be a debate when we’re all on the same team?”

“But we’re not,” she interrupted with a point between herself and Cosima, “not anymore.” Mari was quick to continue jabbing at Cosima who simply sighed, “This is a team members event only and Cosima here quit on us a long time ago.”

“Yeah because I wanted to break three bones in my leg, which caused me to further suffer from a severed artery that also left me with a permanent limp. Do you hear yourself Maribela?”

“Don’t call me that!” Mari hissed while Cosima scoffed.

Cosima knew how much Mari hated going by her full government name, since “Mari” sounded so much better and it was short, simple, and cute. Sure it sounded different coming from Cosima’s lips, compared to her veteran father who commonly barked her name and gave—some might say, cruel orders around the house.

Cosima knew bits of this and still insisted doing so, just to get underneath her skin. Just like Mari knew quitting the team wasn’t something Cosima really wanted to do. Who really wanted to suffer a injury so bad in front of the entire school? Which allowed further permanent damage to be placed on not only your body but mentally? Yet here Mari was throwing old salt in Cosima’s wounds and she really wished she could help it.

Wished she didn’t have so much hate building in her heart but…majority of the time the words were flying out of her mouth before Mari can even process them.

No the two girls weren’t the stars of the team but the extracurricular activity was a bonding moment. They weren’t the best of friends before the team or even on the team but they were nowhere near as bad as they are now.

What changed you might ask?

Oh you know…A shared kiss in Cosima’s bedroom, had Mari’s mind all scrambled. (yes she was still very much with Danny at the time this transpired unfortunately!) Just to break apart right before Cosima’s mother came to the door, completely oblivious and informing Mari that her father was here to take her home. They never got the chance to talk about what happened that night because Mari decided to avoid Cosima like the plague in the hallways. She fought even harder on the soccer field and she only allowed herself to really feel crappy about it after seeing Cosima in shriveled up pain during the last two minutes of the game; when a thunderstorm rained havoc on them all.

It’s not like Mari didn’t feel like shit right after it happened in the first place! She couldn’t find the words to say as she collected her things, mustering up a half-assed wave as she quickly fled Cosima’s bedroom. She was completely confused because she’s only liked boys like Danny—and that wasn’t much to go off of. What was she supposed to do about her pretty teammate with a puff of tied back hair that floated behind her just from her simply standing? What was she supposed to do when she started to like the crooked smile that sat on the corner of her bow-shaped lips that tasted like figs? What was she supposed to do when she felt her intense stare from behind her in trigonometry?

What was Mari supposed to do about the girl that threw her for a loop? She remembers watching Cosima in pain and wanting to hold her hand but there were a lot of people crowding her and a lot of blood she couldn’t stomach. However that didn’t stop Mari from shoving some teammates out of her way so that she could keep her eyes on Cosima, hoping that her stare this time could provide some comfort.

She wasn’t sure if it ever did.

Then came the requests during English to make your own personalized cards for Cosima’s heavy healing journey and Mari knew she wouldn’t write something so basic. So lame. She had to do something better than anyone in their year, a huge card made from purple construction paper where she swirled and curled out Cosima’s name on the front of the page. While the inside she filled with lots of glitter and wrote her message in a pink gel pen.

That didn’t exactly feel like enough so with some of the money from Mari’s piggy bank, she went down to the crafts store to make a small goody bag. She grabbed some things she had a feeling Cosima would like, like shiny stickers—she originally wanted to get her a TLC poster but it wasn’t in the budget, bubbalicious gum, fun-dip, a piña colada lip smacker, a neon translucent phone enamel pin, a bouncy eye-ball she could throw at her wall, a feather pen, and a mini beanie baby that she could add to her collection on her bookshelves.

Mari paid attention to Cosima’s bedroom and that night they shared, so she hoped her goody bag made her feel somewhat better. Like maybe she could make up for running away with trying to ease Cosima’s painful moments.

“Okay…then stop talking shit about me and the team and we’ll all have a good time, got it?” Cosima stated, arms crossed as she stared down at Mari who trailed her wide-set eyes from Cosima’s glowing copper muscular arms to meet her stare.

Mari dipped her head, finding herself, as corny as it sounds, suddenly lost in the hues of Cosima’s eyes—which was better than staring at her lips of course! It seemed as if she was tongue tied as Cosima gave a tight-smile before glancing back at Akilah who was still shocked this was happening.

The slightly taller girl with a head full of hair, walked by Mari who allowed it for a couple of seconds, before she also turned to Cosima’s retreating form, “yeah, I’ll fall back…as soon as you leave my house so I won’t have to see your face anymore, traitor.”

“Mari!” Laura Lee exclaimed but Mari held up a hand to silence the blonde.

Cosima stood with her back to Mari and let out a humorless laugh. It was the same cycle over and over between the two and frankly, she was getting tired of this.

“Hey everybody! There’s a bonfire down at Huntingney Grounds if you’re interested.” Cosima called out to everyone, gaining their attention over some pop track.

The sun was just beginning to burn a deep orange, fading below the blue skies, which means the air would start to cool soon. It took about thirty minutes to get out to the park and longer by foot or moped, like the purple one Cosima commonly drove.

This new information got everyone talking which made Cosima shrug at Mari over her shoulder. Soon she brushed by Mari and whispered, “I’ll see myself out now. Later.”

Mari wasn’t sure if she wanted to mess Cosima up or kiss her in that moment. Maybe both.

Mari can see from the corner of her eye, some of her classmates and even the yellowjackets began to collect their things!

“Whoa! The best time to do a slip and slide is when the night falls. You guys don’t have to leave yet.” Mari spoke to a classmate who simply shrugged and carried on.

Shauna answered, “The mosquitoes also get bad when the sunsets and I’m allergic so, I pick the bonfire one hundred percent but…this was fun so thanks.”

Mark scoffed at the brunette before her eyes settled on someone else, “Jackie, not you too.”

“Jeff’s gonna be there and I heard Danny too.” The large eyed leader winks at Mari who can’t help but to scrunch up her nose.

“I don’t care about Danny!”

Lottie mutters as she makes her way by, “Why because he’s banging Stephanie now?”

Nat snickers, joint pressed in between her lips as she simply shrugs at the glare Mari’s sending her way, smoothing her damp fried bleach blonde hair back as she also makes her exit.

“Okay you know what, all of you can get out then. See if I care!”

“I’ll stay and help you clean up.” Misty offered, making Mari’s icy stare turn to the glasses wearing teen.

“Ohh no, especially you. Get the hell outta here!” Mari pointed at the front as Misty flinched and began to speed walk away.

“You’ve got a nice way of treating your teammates Mari, really! Keep up the superb job and you may just be our new captain soon.” Vanessa’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she made her way by with a laughing Taissa.

Who also sent double thumbs at Mari.

Which earned both girls a nice middle finger.

She couldn’t believe everyone just decided to bail on her right now! All thanks to Cosima.

That bitch.

“Uh Mari?! Your dad’s back.” Melissa informed, now standing by the patio, hand scooping up another cheese doodle.

Mari’s eyes increased in size, bigger than Jackie’s as she began waving her hands around at the remaining guest. “Everybody out! Run!”

“Run? Can’t we just powerwalk our escape?” Taissa asked, arms crossed behind her head.

Gen immediately shook her head, tossing the red cup to the side, “you haven’t met Mari’s dad, he’s crazy! You better run.”

The way she was whispering was almost as if Mari wasn’t in ear-shot. The panic on her face was evident but Gen was definitely not the person to go to as a source of comfort as she fled the scene.

As the older man approached the screen door, Melissa let out a scream as she took off running around the side of the house, orange puff long forgotten in the grass. Mari felt her heartbeat in her ears, her breathing halting, the sun still warm on her skin. Her dark eyes settled on her dad, yanking the door to the side, shotgun in one hand as he stepped out onto the patio, surveying his sorta trashed backyard.

“Holy shit! Is he gonna shoot us?” Vanessa’s eyes were now wide as well.

Mari swallows the lump in her throat as she almost waits for her dad’s eyes to find her’s.

Taissa shoved Mari forward to lead the way as she mumbles, “We’re not sticking around to find out. Go.”

She stumbles a bit, being pulled from her trance as she focuses on getting her legs to operate correctly, stepping into a light jog with the two girls that followed after her, eyes occasionally glancing at the wild man at the door.

“Maribela! I see you! Get your ass over here, now.”

With tears burning her eyes, Mari dares a glance at the man—almost stopping but it’s Vanessa’s turn to grip her wrist and drag her along.

“Maribela!” The man continues to yell, gun aiming and ready to shoot.

And so he does, directly at the neighbors trashcan, by the girls ankles; setting off the neighbor dogs to bark at the noise.

“We can run now.” Taissa yelled, now leading the way as the three girls ran at full speed to the front of the ranch styled home and to her pale gray Nissan stanza.

Vanessa shouts, “Open it!”

“I’m trying!” Taissa shrills, finally getting her key into the door before she flings the door open to mash on some buttons, “It’s open!”

Which is enough for Mari and Vanessa to pull on the doors and hop in. It’s seconds before Taissa starts the car and pulling away from the curb and far from Mari’s household.

She looks back, seeing her father standing in the middle of the street as she retreats and she knows that this is only temporary.

“So are we gonna talk about what just happened or?” Vanessa pries as she peeks at Taissa and then stares hard at Mari, who just hopes she doesn’t start bawling in the backseat.

Taissa can see Mari has her attention on the moving scenery of the city and the way the palm of her hand is pressing into her mouth while the other is clenched is enough for the situation be dropped. Although it seems like Vanessa isn’t ready to let it go, saying this exactly to the driving long haired curly teen, the look Taissa sends the redhead is abundant for Vanessa to take the hint as it dawns on her that this is Mari’s normal.

The drive to the park is tense and the radio, which Vanessa has taken complete control over, only seems to be talking, which the girls were not! instead of playing music. She begins to search Taissa’s car for CD’s and at least some cassette tapes but comes up short much to her disappointment.

The girls at the front of the car have a bit of a bicker at that but eventually quit down to either listen to radio hosts or static. The static ended up being more soothing to Mari than the voices, believe it or not.

By the time the girls pull up to the park, the sky bled navy and the fireflies flickered yellow. The air smelled like fresh grass and burning wood as a slight breeze picks up now.

Mari’s holding the sleeves of her golden mustard yellowjackets hoodie, almost peering around to make sure her father didn’t trail after them in his pickup truck. Vanessa lightly nudged her with her shoulder, making Mari take a sharp inhale.

“Hey…let’s go.” Vanessa gently suggests as they circled around the car to where Taissa stands.

Taissa is eyeing Mari and Mari almost wants to snap something at her but the look in Taissa’s brown eyes is not judgment. Vanessa leaves the two behind as she almost prays there’s more booze at the bonfire after what they just witnessed.

Taissa falls into step with Mari, heading up the incline on the sidewalk to down the hills where the bonfire sat.

“…thanks for getting me out of there.” Mari says quietly, “and…I’m sorry he shot at us.”

Taissa nodded at the younger girl, “Don’t mention it.”

And Mari waits for Taissa to fill the air with questions such as, “Is he always like that?” “How can you live with someone like that?” “Has he ever actually hurt you?”

But they don’t come as Taissa only offers a small smile in understanding. She knows that if Mari wanted to speak further on it, she would. It was clear she was holding onto a lot and maybe she wasn’t the person she needed to talk to about this and that was okay too.

Taissa’s just glad no one died tonight.

Mari finds a empty spot on a log, pressing her elbows into her bare thighs as she looks around the park. Everyone is mostly spread out, a few faces she recognizes from school and her slip and slide and others that probably went to the community college here. She sees Jackie sneaking off with Jeff hand in hand, Gen seems to be dancing away with some guy she’ll ask her about later, Melissa is laid out on the floor in front of a log with her trucker hat covering her face, Shauna is seated on that log behind her almost glaring at the fire—probably pissed Jackie just ditched her, and lastly Mari sees Danny with his hand resting on Stephanie’s hip by a tree as she’s all cuddled up to him.

It makes Mari want to vomit at the sight. She thought she was in love with Danny but honestly he was just there to pass the time outside of school and soccer. There wasn’t much of connection there in the first place, he was just this goofy kid that was good at Math and had beautiful teeth.

There was no spark when they kissed but it felt nice to have him hold her and just to say that she had a boyfriend. That was about it to be honest.

She turns to her left then, spotting Cosima staring right at her. Mari rolls her eyes then, turning her attention back to the fire, assuming she probably looked like Shauna right about now.

A wave of something floral but citrusy hints her nostrils as someone sits down next to her.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Mari frowns as Cosima plops down beside her.

Cosima doesn’t answer right away but when she does, it doesn’t ease Mari’s irritation, “just sitting and enjoying the fire, what does it look like?”

“Yeah okay but you can go back and do that over there,” Mari huffs, sneaking glances at Cosima who was finally able to hold her stare.

“Nah, I think I like this spot much better.”

“Because you’re pissing me off?”

“A little bit,” Cosima smirks while Mari can’t help but to breath out a laugh of her own, “it’s kinda fun.”

“I’m sure it is for you,” Mari responds, “Ruining my party just to come to this…snooze fest instead.”

Cosima tilts her head to the side eyeing Mari’s semi-dry hair that waved at the ends due to the sprinklers, “your party was dying down anyway and Akilah and I saw your dad earlier before we got to your place.”

“What? Did he say something to you two?” Mari rushed out, suddenly worried.

Cosima shook her head, “No he didn’t see us. I knew he would be heading back home soon.”

Mari listened to what Cosima was saying to her just then. It sounded like she actually looked out for her in a sense and Mari wasn’t sure how she should feel about that. So she broke eye contact to stare back at the swirling flames.

The teen felt something placed on her kneecap while she dazed off into the flames. Blinking she glanced down to see a cube of something in a wrapper. Mari was hit with the sweet smell of strawberries as she brought it up to her eye sight before she looked over at Cosima who winked.

“Bubbalicious?”

“Uh huh.”

“Watermelon is obviously better.” Mari comments but that doesn’t stop her from unraveling the pink gum to toss into her mouth.

Cosima snorts, “you would say that.”

The small laughter lines appear by Mari’s lips then as she chewed and Cosima can’t help but to focus on them. How they curve into their own miniature smiley faces by the sides of her lips and her little mole on the left. She almost wants to place her fingertips on them, liking that there was a smile on Mari’s face for once tonight. But she doesn’t. She doesn’t want to be further rejected.

“Well you try and enjoy your evening, Mari.” Cosima pushes herself up from the log.

Standing, Cosima briefly stares at the fire for a moment but also wants to enjoy the company of Mari for a few seconds more—no matter how much they clashed.

Just as Cosima turns to begin limping away, Mari lightly reaches a hand out to press her clammy fingertips against Cosima’s warm ones. The touch is short but enough for Mari to feel Cosima begin to squeeze her fingertips back.

Cosima stared down at Mari, awaiting for what she says next.

“I’ll try my best,” Mari whispers, dark eyes almost shining as they look up at Cosima, “…You have a better one.”

“We both know I will.” Cosima teases while Mari rolls her eyes and let’s her hand rest back in her lap.

And with that it’s Mari’s turn to watch her old teammate walk away.

Once seated, Mari can’t help but to keep her eyes on Cosima, ember flames illuminating her skin as she chats away with a smiling Akilah, who notices Mari’s stare. When Cosima turns to catch Mari’s eyes again, she can’t help but to ponder if they could be something better…together.

༄ ೋ ༄ ೋ ༄ ೋ ༄ ༄ ೋ ༄ ༄ ೋ ༄

Continue along with my summer anthology prompts here.

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therealdisneyfan2319 · 1 year

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One Special Night | Wanda Maximoff

Summary: A blizzard leaves you and a stranger stranded on Thanksgiving

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Male Reader

Warnings: Language, angsty fluff? fluffy angst?, death

Word Count: 6.9K

Masterlist

A/N: This was requested by @joewatt111 on Wattpad. It’s based on the movie One Special Night starring Julie Andrews and James Garner (it’s one of my favorite Christmas movies!)

So sorry for the delay in getting requests out. I’ve been struggling through some writer’s block ever since I finished writing “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” But I’m working through it and I’m hoping to get caught up before the holidays.

Thanksgiving, 5:03 PM

“Any plans for Thanksgiving, Doc?”

“Oh you know, the usual,” you replied. “Get togethers with family you don’t really like, avoiding conversations that’ll spark arguments, and eating too many casseroles of who knows what.” You didn’t really like Thanksgiving. It held too many memories you’d rather forget: the years of being shuffled from house to house to spend time with your divorced parents, the subsequent arguments that you’d hear between your drunk father and sobbing mother as you buried your head under the covers in a feeble attempt to drown out the screams, endless holiday dinners ruined by shifts in the emergency room treating deep fryer burn victims, people slicing their hands while attempting to carve a turkey, and sprains, bumps, and bruises from people slipping on ice or grease, and, of course, the one Thanksgiving where your fiance dumped you before the heavy cream could even be whipped. Needless to say it wasn’t your favorite day of the year. So instead of subjecting yourself to the horrors of dinner conversation, you volunteered to work the holiday, collect the overtime, and treat yourself to your favorite Chinese takeout and watch whatever football game was on. Most people didn’t understand your disinterest in the holiday, so you fibbed and said you had plans. It’s not like anyone would figure it out anyways.

“But that’s the fun isn’t it? It only comes around once a year,” the tech posed.

You shook your head as you pulled on your coat. “Yeah, fun. There are lots of things you can classify as fun. I’m not sure this is one of them.” Slamming your locker shut, you grabbed your bag and headed for the door of the locker room.

“I don’t think it’s that bad,” the younger man responded. “But anyways, get home safe, Doc. The news was saying that we’re supposed to get one heluva of a storm today.”

“All the more reason to not go out,” you winked. You pushed the door open and trudged down the hall, backpack slung over one shoulder as you ambled down the corridor and towards the main entrance of the hospital.

“Dr. L/N?” you heard a voice call from behind you as you passed the emergency room’s front desk. You turned around to see who the voice belonged to and found Janelle, your intern, running towards you.

“Yeah?” you answered, cocking an eyebrow.

“You forgot to sign off on the papers for Mrs. Levin.” She handed you a clipboard with a pen clipped to it. You took it from her, scribbled on the appropriate line, and handed it back to her without much thought to what you were doing. “Thank you, doctor. And Happy Thanksgiving.”

“Yeah, same,” you responded. All you could think about after your ten hour shift was your steamed dumplings and lo mein, not some last-minute paperwork. But as you passed by the desk again something out of the corner of your eye caught your attention.

“You’ve got to be kidding me, right? What do you mean there’s no tow trucks available?” You saw a fiery redhead who was red in more than just her hair. She was leaning up against the front desk, yelling into her cellphone, a backpack sitting by her side. You watched as she rolled her eyes at whatever response she was receiving. “Well fine, I’ll just call a cab if you-what do you MEAN they aren’t running the cabs? How the hell am I supposed to get home?”

You eavesdropped on her conversation as you walked by, trying to make sure it wasn’t apparent that you were listening in.“Please, isn’t there something you can do? I’ve been at the hospital with my father all day and I need to get home.” You could hear the desperation in her voice as she pleaded with the voice on the other end. You felt bad for the stranger, but it wasn’t your responsibility to make sure she got home. You had no obligation whatsoever to be her taxi driver. But as you neared the door you felt a nagging in the pit of your stomach telling you to do something.

No, don’t get involved, you told yourself. You don’t want to do this. But you felt yourself turning around before you got to the front door, your legs carrying yourself over to the frustrated woman who had been placed on hold by the towing company.

“Excuse me,” you interrupted. She ignored you as she continued to tap her foot impatiently as she waited to be taken off hold. “Excuse me,” you tried again. Still nothing. She looked even more impatient as you attempted to interrupt her again. “Hey!” you yelled a tad more aggressively than you’d anticipated. She shot daggers through you as she glared into your soul.

“What?” she snapped, pulling the phone down to her chest.

“Do you want a ride?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Do you want a ride home? Look, the weather is shitty, it’ll be difficult trying to find a cab, and good luck trying to find an uber on Thanksgiving. I’ve got a truck with all wheel drive, I can get you back to wherever you need to be.” You had no idea why you were offering this complete stranger a ride back to wherever she came from. Maybe it was the spirit of the season warming your heart. “It’s okay, I’m a doctor here,” you added quickly, flashing your ID.

She looked at you with a combination of relief and apprehension. You were a complete stranger offering her a ride in the middle of a snowstorm out of the emergency room. “You’re offering me a ride?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“Wow, okay then,” she said, hanging up her phone and grabbing her backpack. She followed you down the hallway. You could see the blizzard raging outside illuminated by the parking lot floodlights. It was going to be a challenge to drive in these conditions.

“It’s that one,” you said, pointing to the red truck parked down near the end of the lot. You zipped your coat up a little higher as you struggled across the uncleared sidewalk, grabbing your keys and unlocking the door so the two of you could hop right in.You pulled off your snow covered hat as soon as you sat in the driver’s seat after cleaning off the front of your car. The redhead was on her phone furiously texting someone. “Where do you live?” you asked.

“159 Collard Road,” she replied without looking up from her phone. You groaned to yourself; it was the completely opposite side of town, basically out in the sticks. It took you twenty minutes to drive out that way in good weather so you knew you were in for a long drive.

“Alright. Let me know when we’re getting close.” You started the car and looked over your shoulder as you carefully backed out of your spot. The radio kicked on, your favorite local Y/F/M station coming on as you turned left out of the parking lot.

“Y/F/M?” she scoffed, shooting you a look.“Is there a problem?” you asked. You should’ve left her at the hospital.“No, it’s your car, you control the radio.”“And what do you prefer?” You couldn’t hide the sarcasm oozing from your voice.

“Y/L/F/M.” You nodded, gripping onto the wheel tightly. There was no way in hell you were going to change the station for her, so you decided to turn it off. The two of you sat in silence as you continued to drive. The roads were absolutely awful. You were used to driving in nasty weather, but this was particularly bad. It was night, too, and you were having to drive without using your brights because of the reflection of the snow.

Halfway there, you thought to yourself. Just a little while longer and I can go back home. Why am I even doing this in the first pl-

Your internal musings were interrupted by a patch of black ice. The truck fishtailed into the oncoming lane as you pumped the brakes. Hard as you tried to correct the slippage, you ended up overcorrecting and swerving the other way right into a snowbank on the side of the road.

5:48 PM

“What the hell was that?” the redhead shouted. You threw the truck in reverse and tried to back out of the bank but it was no use: you were stuck.

“Black ice. We’re stuck. Damn it!” You slammed on the steering wheel, angry at yourself for getting distracted. It was not a good situation: you were stranded in a snowbank in the middle of nowhere on Thanksgiving night in a blizzard with a complete stranger who was getting angrier at you by the second.

“Great,” she sighed, pulling out her phone. “No service.” She slammed the phone on her bag, visibly frustrated at the situation as well.

You pulled out your phone, hoping you might be able to call your insurance company to come tow you out. Much to your dismay you didn’t have a signal. “Damnit,” you whispered.

“I literally just said there’s no service,” she huffed.

“Alright then, do you have a better idea? Because that’s all I’ve got.”

“I’m going to go look for help. There’s a gas station about two miles away from here.” She pushed the door open into the bank, the wind howling against the door as snow blew inside.

“Are you kidding? You’ll freeze to death out there. It’s pitch black, we are in the middle of nowhere, and you want to go outside?!” She must be crazy, that’s the only explanation you could think of.

“And what’s the alternative then, stay here all night?” she snapped back. “Yes! We stay here, run the heater periodically, and wait until either the snow stops or it’s daylight and then we should be able to either get out of here or get someone to come tow us out!” You were exasperated. Sure, spending all night cooped up in your truck with this crazy woman wasn’t the way you wanted to spend Thanksgiving, but it was better than becoming a human popsicle on this stretch of country backroad.

“Right, mmhmm, good idea there, doc. You stay here and do that, I’ll go and look for a way home.” She jumped down from the truck, sinking into the deep drift. You watched as she pulled one leg from the drift, trudging her way back to the road. You groaned, frustrated at the fact this woman was about to wander about in the middle of the night and that you were probably going to have to follow her against your better judgment.

“Hey wait! Wait a minute!” You unbuckled your seatbelt, sighing as you opened the door. Wind whipped against your face as snow fell through the air. It was an absolutely miserable night made worse by your miserable disposition. The stranger looked back at you. Her small figure looked even smaller as she hugged her coat against her chest. The snow was falling hard enough that it was difficult to make her out against her phone’s flashlight.

“Are you coming?” she shouted.“Only because I’m not going to let you wander around the woods in the middle of the night.” The wind was rushing against your ears, freezing your words as they left your mouth.

“I don’t need you to protect me if that’s what you’re thinking.” The look on her face, from what you could see, was one of disgust.

“Oh, I don’t care about protecting you. I’m only here to-” Before you could get your next thought out you found yourself flat on your face in the snow. The cold seeped through your clothes and chilled you to the bone. As you pushed yourself up and sputtered the powder out of your mouth, you heard a slight giggle coming from ahead of you. You looked up to see the redhead turning away from you. “Is there something you want to share with the rest of the class?” the sarcasm dripped from your mouth.

“Not at the moment, but I’ll let you know.” Her hidden glance revealed a smirk forming over her lips as she pressed on, not letting you see how amused she was by your current predicament.

Groaning, you attempted to jog through the knee deep drift to keep up with her. She had made her way over to the side of the road and was walking in what she hoped was the direction of the gas station. You fought the blizzard every step of the way, trudging through molasses as your eyes strained to follow the dim light. Your frustration built in your chest, causing one singular thought to race through your mind:

If we make it through this alive, I’m going to kill her.

6:11 PM

“Look, a mailbox!” The flashlight illuminated a snow-covered mailbox a few feet ahead of you.

“Let’s go ask for help.” The storm had intensified dramatically in the short time the two of you had been walking. The biting wind nipped at your red hands and ears. In that time you made a mental note to never leave home without a hat and gloves again. You scoured the area in front of you for a sign of a driveway, but any indication of one had been blocked by thigh-high drifts.

You watched the redhead struggle to carve a path through the snow only to befall the same fate you had earlier when you left your truck. As she face-planted into the mound in front of her, you let out a small chuckle. It was a sight to see: she flapped and struggled her way up like a goose in a most ungraceful fashion. A part of you thought you should make sure she was okay. “Are you okay?” you asked as you managed to push yourself over the drift.

“I’m perfectly capable, thank you.” She flipped her scarf around her neck as she pushed herself to her feet in the ankle deep snow that covered the long driveway. “I’m sure you are,” you mumbled under your breath. You followed her straight into the snow-covered woods, spotting what looked to be a small cabin nestled beneath a group of tall pine trees.

“It doesn’t look like anyone’s home,” she said.

“I’ll go take a look,” you shrugged as you eyed the enclosed porch.

“Wait!” You turned to see the woman clutching at her chest. “My necklace! I have to go back and find it!”

“You can come back after the spring thaw and look for it then. There’s no way you’ll find it now.” You couldn’t believe the ignorance of this woman…first getting out of your warm truck and now this. You turned back, reaching for the rickety screen door.

“It was a gift from my dad. I have to have it!” She walked like a goblin, crouching in an unflattering position as she combed the ground for a glimmer of the silver chain.

“Well I’m sure he can buy you another one. Come on, I’m going inside.”

She stood quickly, tilting her head as she stared at you angrily. “He’s dying,” she stated matter-of-factly. You fidgeted in place as she stared at you, eyes boring into your soul as she huffed by. Her frustration played out as she rattled the knob on the front door, slamming it down in dismay as it refused to open. “It’s locked.”

Your eyes wandered around the small room, scanning the dark corners for something to break you in. A pile of bricks caught your attention. You picked one up, feeling its cold weight in your hand as you turned toward the door. “Stand back,” you told her, pushing her back with your free arm.

“Oh you’ve got to be kidding me. You’re going to-”

Crash! The window cracked as glass tinkled to the floor. You reached in, feeling your way down the door to unlock it and push it open. “After you,” you bowed mockingly, extending your hand. She rolled her eyes, pulling off her hat as she stepped inside the dark foyer.

You felt up the wall for a light switch, flicking it on but the room remained dark. “Power’s out. Storm must’ve knocked it out.” A sharp crack and a small flicker of light lit up the table in front of you. The stranger found a pair of candles on the sole kitchen table. Her face was illuminated by their dim glow as you watched her emerald eyes take in her new surroundings.

“There’s a fireplace right there. I think I saw a pile of logs outside the cabin. Why don’t you go get some and I’ll look for more candles?” She rubbed her hands together over the small flame.

You managed to find some snow covered cords stacked against the side of the cabin and subsequently slipped on the ice covering the gravel drive. Rubbing the bruise on your hip, you regathered the logs and cursed the woman inside as you stumbled through the door. You were hit with an immediate warmth upon entering, the smell of smoke and crackling of fire creating an indelible sense of home. The redhead was crouched by the fireplace, a metal poker in her hand. You cocked your head at her quizzically. “How’d you get that started?” Grinning smugly she reached to the side to reveal a cabinet loaded with logs. “A heads up would’ve been nice.”

“What, and deny you the chance to prove your manhood?”

“Touché,” you nodded as you set the wood down. As you removed your sopping outerwear, you took a moment to take in your new surroundings. The cabin was small, only one main room. On one side was a small kitchen complete with an oven, sink, and refrigerator. A round table sat in the middle of the room, a chair placed on opposite sides. There was a sofa directly in front of the fireplace. Two end tables sat on either side, and a coffee table sat directly in front. There were two doors on either side of the fireplace: one led to the bedroom and the other to the bathroom. A chill ran down your spine as you blew into your hands. “Alrighty then, how about I try to find something to eat? You should go see if they have any clothes for you to borrow, you’re absolutely soaked. Maybe jump in the shower, too”

“Right, a cold shower and a stranger’s clothes. That’s the way I want to spend my Thanksgiving,” she rolled her eyes at your remark.

“It’s gas, the water should be hot.”

“Really?” Her eyes widened at the revelation.

“Mmhmm,” you nodded. “And if we’re going to be sleeping together tonight, I should probably introduce myself. I’m Y/N.”

“Wanda,” she replied as she opened the bathroom door.

“Did you ever watch the movie Psycho?” you posed.

“Yeah. Why?”

“No reason,” you grinned. The door slammed shut.

7:20 PM

“Hi,” a quiet voice said. It was Wanda. She was wrapped in a fluffy red plaid housecoat, her damp hair hanging limply behind her. “What’d you find?”

“You’re in luck. They happened to have half a box of spaghetti and a jar of sauce in the cupboard.” You weren’t a cook by any stretch of the imagination, but pasta was manageable. “And there’s a bottle of wine on the table.”

“And you managed to set the table. I’m impressed,” she joked as she observed your feeble attempt at making the sparse setting look nice.

“I am a man of many talents.” You carried the pot over to your table, spooning some pasta onto both of your plates as Wanda sat down.

“Well, it is edible. Barely,” Wanda informed you as she took a bite. “Please tell me you have someone else who cooks for you because otherwise this is just sad.”

“I eat out a lot,” you laughed. “That’s the whole reason I became a doctor…it’s easier than trying to learn how to cook.”

“So you work in the emergency room then?” She took a sip of the red wine she had poured for the two of you. You nodded, your mouth full of the overcooked spaghetti.

“Yeah. It’s crazy, but you’re always on your toes. That’s why I like it. You’ll never have the same day twice. There’s always something new, you’re constantly calling on everything you learned in med school, and I like the adrenaline rush.” She looked at you curiously. You couldn’t tell what exactly she was thinking or what she wanted to say.

“I don’t ever want to spend time in an emergency room again. I don’t know how you can do it day after day.” Her voice softened as her head dropped down to stare at the pasta she spun on her fork.

“You were in there with your dad, right?”

She sniffled, rubbing her nose with the sleeve of her housecoat. “Yeah. He’s got cancer. Stage four. I’ve been taking care of him for the last few weeks. But today he had a stroke. So they admitted him and told me that he doesn’t have much time left. The doctor said she’d be surprised if he made it through tonight. So I was trying to get home to get him the picture of our family that sits by his bed, but my car wouldn’t start. I tried to get a tow truck but all of them were busy with the storm.”

You felt your heart sink. “I’m sorry,” you murmured.

“I just don’t know what I’m going to do when he goes,” she sighed. “He’s all I have left. My mom died ten years ago and my brother was killed in a car accident last spring. I quit my job and gave up my apartment to move out here to take care of him. When he’s gone…” Her eyes filled with tears as she trailed off, staring across the room to the window on the other side. “Sorry, I don’t even know why I’m telling you any of this.” She shook her head, immediately redirecting her attention to her dinner.

“No, it’s okay. It sucks, cancer sucks, and I’m sorry that this is what you’re dealing with right now. I see it every day and it doesn’t get easier, believe me.” Images of your worst trauma cases flashed through your mind. You physically recoiled at the gruesome scenes. “Look, I promise that once we get out of this mess I will get you back to that hospital as fast as I can so you can be with him, okay? And I’ll make sure to come up and check in on him, too.” You reached out to grab her hand. Her skin was soft and warm. You felt your heart skip a beat as you grasped it, which surprised you. A soft smile spread over her face as she felt your hand in hers.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

10:43 PM

“And that is check, I believe,” Wanda boasted as her rook took your knight.

“Again?! Are you kidding me? What the hell, Wanda?” You threw your hands in the air. This was the fourth game she was beating you at. You weren’t a chess champion by any means but Wanda was on a completely different level.

“It’s just check, Y/N. You can still win,” she giggled.

“Yeah, right. Why don’t I just hand the game to you now and we’ll call it a night?”

“Oh you’re no fun,” she pouted, putting away the pieces. After dinner, she had found the cabinet where the owners hid their collection of board games. The two of you had finally settled on chess. It was one of her favorite games. Her father had taught it to her and her brother, who you learned was named Pietro, when they were kids. She had played on the chess team in high school, which you thought made her a bigger nerd than you and your middle school quiz bowl team.

“I know, I’m a party pooper.” You stood up and yawned, stretching your stiff limbs. “I don’t know about you but I’m ready for bed. You go take the bedroom, I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“No, I’ll take the couch, it’s okay.”

“Wanda, I’m a doctor. I’ve slept on countless gurneys and on-call beds before. I’m used to it. Take the bed.” She didn’t move, curling herself into a tighter ball where she sat instead.

“Fine. Give me a minute. I’m just resting my eyes,” she mumbled. She shut her eyes as she crossed her arms and snuggled into the back of the couch. You chuckled, pulling the blanket off your lap and placing it over her. As she drifted off to sleep her light snores echoed through the small room. You positioned yourself on the other side of the couch, watching as her breathing slowed and her face relaxed. Hopefully sleep would be kind to her, relieving her of the horrible reality she would face in the waking world.

Friday, 7:03 AM

You woke to the peculiar sensation of being squeezed. Looking down, you noticed that Wanda had made her way to your side of the couch and had wrapped her arms around your chest, resting her head in the crook of your shoulder. The sight startled you at first, but you quickly found it endearing. You were holding her with one arm wrapped around her. Your other hand was running your fingers through her soft red hair, teasing each strand as you traversed its length. Her eyes fluttered open at the tickling sensation, which quickly turned into a look of horror.

“Oh god I’m sorry.” She recoiled as soon as she released the compromising position she was in.

“It’s okay, I don’t mind,” you reassured. The truth was you really hadn’t minded it. You liked the feeling of comfort her body provided as it wrapped around yours.

She sat back on her knees, looking out the window. “Looks like the storm stopped,” she noted as the sun streaked through the window.

“I’ll try calling a tow truck again, see if they can get us out of here.”

An hour later the two of you were in the cab of a tow truck headed back into town. You’d left a note and some money for the owners to explain why you broke into their apartment and ate their food. Once you got your truck back, you dropped Wanda off at the hospital before driving back to your apartment to grab a quick shower before heading back for your own shift. While holidays were normally busy in the ER, you were hoping that today might be relatively quiet. It wasn’t so much about not having to rush from bay to bay dealing with patients as much as it was being able to slip away to check on Wanda and her father. Your palms began to sweat as you gripped the steering wheel, pulse quickening at the thought of seeing Wanda later in the day. You shook your head to clear the images of the redhead from your mind. After all, you were only concerned about how her father was doing, right?

6:22 PM

You collapsed onto a gurney in the trauma bay, groaning as you rubbed your throbbing temples. All you wanted was a beer and the chance to rip your shoes off. You hadn’t stopped moving since you stepped foot in the hospital almost ten hours ago, even forgoing your lunch to help the ortho attending reset an elderly lady’s dislocated hip. It was also the first time all day you’d allowed your mind to wander back onto the woman who was in the forefront of your mind. Glancing at your phone, you panicked slightly as you jumped off the gurney and raced to the elevator. Your heart was pounding with anticipation as you pushed the down arrow. You bounced your knee up and down in the agonizing moments it took for the elevator to pull up to your floor. When the doors opened you rushed in and pressed the button for the ICU.

“Come on, come on,” you muttered, slamming the button as fast as you could. The doors didn’t close quick enough for your liking, and you spent the entire ride pacing around. You were on a tear down the hall as soon as the doors opened, vaguely remembering a conversation you and Wanda had earlier in the day about the room her father was in. You mumbled numbers to yourself as you jogged down the hall until you found the right one a few yards ahead of you. Slowing down to a walk, you tugged on the lapels of your white coat and attempted to smooth out your scrubs before you turned into the room.

It was empty.

Your heart sank as you realized what it meant: he was gone and Wanda was all alone. The cold emptiness of the room enveloped you, creeping into your very soul as an overwhelming sense of sorrow invaded your heart. You felt a lump in your throat as you thought of her alone, trying to pick up the pieces of her life. You threw your hands in your pocket, shuffling out of the room as you wondered how helpless she must feel. All you wanted to do was find her and hold her until she realized that you weren’t going to let her world end. But you had no idea where she even was. Besides, why would she want to see you at the worst moment of her life?

Sunday, 11:19 AM

Taking a bite out of your bagel, you thumbed through the pages of the local Sunday Times. You scoured the headlines for the one you were looking for: obituaries. It had already been two days since Wanda’s father had passed, more than enough time to write a simple summary of his life. More than once you’d wondered whether or not you should drive to her father’s house to check in on her, but your nerves got the better of you. As you sipped your coffee, your eyes settled on the word you’d been looking for: Wanda. You quickly skimmed the obit, looking for the information you wanted.

There will be no services as per the deceased’s wishes.

You sighed, throwing the paper down. The funeral would’ve been the perfect excuse for you to check in on her. Your stomach churned with feeling that you should’ve been there for her that day. You paced around the room furiously, mind racing a thousand miles a minute with different ideas, excuses to see her and make sure she was okay. But the more you thought about it, the more you realized that the only real option you had was to go and see her.

2:49 PM

Carrying a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a bag of Chinese takeout in the other, you shifted your weight from one foot to the other as you stood outside the front door. The way your stomach twisted up in knots surprised you. You could stay completely calm in the most stressful of work situations, but the thought of facing her again made you want to run away screaming. The deep breaths you took did little to quell the churning feeling growing inside you as you raised a shaky hand to knock on the frosted window.

The moments between you rapping on the door and Wanda answering felt like eternity. Time came to a screeching halt as your mind raced through different what if scenarios. The bag started to slip from your grasp as your palms moistened with anticipation. It was far too late to turn around by now.

The door opened slightly at first, a single eye peering out from the crack. You gave a halfhearted smile as you saw the outline of Wanda’s face in the dark room. Her eye widened as she realized it was you, opening the door fully as she stared at you in amazement.

“Y/N?” she asked incredulously. In a moment her world turned upside down again. A small part of her hoped that you would show up at the hospital before her father died and she was hurt when you hadn’t.

“Hey,” you said weakly. When she opened the door fully you saw how much of a mess she was. Her eyes were sunken and hollow, highlighted by deep bags. Her hair was falling out of a messy bun on top of her head. She wore pajama pants and an oversized hoodie, both of them wrinkled by hours spent curled on the couch. “I, umm…can I come in?” She nodded as she stepped back to give you space to come in.

Wanda shut the door behind you as you stepped in, slipping off your sneakers and placing them off to the side. The house was chaotic. Boxes and garbage bags were piled all around, the remnants of a life complete tossed carelessly inside. Unopened cards were scattered around the table between drying bouquets of flowers. Dirty pots and plates were stacked high in the sink while a half-empty pizza box sat on the counter.

“What are you doing here?” Her meek voice broke your train of thought. The redhead stood before you, looking like a shell of the woman she was three days ago.

“Well, for starters I brought Chinese food to make up for that pitiful Thanksgiving dinner I made the other night,” you stated while holding up the bag. “Orange chicken, steamed dumplings, and veggie fried rice.” Wanda stared at the bag. You couldn’t read the vacant expression on her face that made her very soul look hollow. “And I wanted to express my condolences about your father.”

A spark brightened her eyes as you handed her the flowers. She grabbed them from your outstretched hands, holding them tenderly and examining them carefully as if she’d never seen something so beautiful before. She inhaled deeply, basking in their sweet scent as she pulled them to her chest. “Thank you,” she murmured. She didn’t make eye contact with you as she spoke.

“Do you want to eat?” She nodded. “I’ll go grab some bowls.”

“No it’s okay. I’ve got it. Why don’t you go sit in the living room?”

You wandered your way through the darkened house, the living room illuminated by the glow of the TV. You cleared some papers from the couch, stacking them off on the coffee table as Wanda rejoined you with two bowls and two sodas. The two of you sat in silence as you watched her scoop some rice into her bowl with her chopsticks. Her eyes were glued to the television as you ate. You sensed she wanted to avoid conversation as the energy of the room shifted. She became cold and withdrawn, oblivious to the world outside of the flickering screen. But you didn’t want to interrupt her. If she wanted to drown her grief in old sitcom reruns then so be it.

You watched The Dick Van Dyke Show for a couple hours, her occasionally chuckles interrupting the program. As much as you wanted to talk you didn’t mind just existing in the same room as her. It was comfortable and familiar. But after five or so episodes, Wanda was the one to break the silence.

“I hoped you’d come up to see him before he died.”

You sat in stunned silence, unsure of how to respond to her confession. Friday night was still eating away at you, the fact you hadn’t been able to make it up to the ICU in time.

“I tried to. I saw patients for over ten hours straight that day and I didn’t have the chance to sneak away all day” It felt like a pathetic excuse, but it was the truth.

“I understand.” She turned her head away from you slightly. It did nothing to hide her sniffles as she started to cry again.

“But the first chance I had I ran up there as fast as I could. He was already gone by then.”

Wanda turned back to you, her face streaked with fresh tears. “I waited all day for you, you know? I kept hoping and praying that maybe, just maybe, you’d show up. It was stupid of me to think this random guy I just met would show up for my dying dad. Because you didn’t show up so now on top of being sad that my dad just died I’m upset that a complete stranger wasn’t there, too.” She wiped her face with her sleeve as she choked out her words through strangled sobs.

“Oh Wanda,” you sighed. “Come here.” You opened your arms and reached out for her. She crawled into your chest as you pulled her close, her chest heaving as she sobbed into your shirt. You wrapped your arms tightly around her. Her cries were muffled against your body. You traced your fingers up and down her back as you held her, rocking ever so slightly back and forth in an attempt to soothe her. All you wanted to do was take her pain away. It was odd how much you found yourself caring for this stranger. In that moment she was the most important thing in your life. That terrified you. “I’ve got you,” you soothed, drawing your hand up her back and pulling her head closer to her chest, as if your enveloping touch would heal her wounds.

“I miss him so much,” she gasped between sobs.

“I know.”

“They’re all gone. My entire family is gone and I don’t know what to do,” she sniffled. She was living her own worst nightmare, completely alone for the rest of her life. No parents to bring a boyfriend home to, no brother to help take care of aging parents, no core group to celebrate the small things with. She had friends, of course, but that didn’t erase the trauma of losing one’s entire family at such a young age.

You wracked your brain trying to find the right thing to say. Wanda was deep in the throes of grief and you wanted to help steady her. But what could you say? You’d never lost a parent before. “Wanda I- '' You swallowed the lump in your throat, leaning your head down to rest next to hers. The world stood still as your heart pounded in your ears. “You’re not alone,” you whispered in her ear.

She pulled away from you, her bloodshot eyes widening as she studied your face. They darted back and forth searching for anything that might reveal the hidden secret of your words.

“The truth is I don’t want to leave,” you sighed. “I can’t stop thinking about Friday and I’m so, so sorry I wasn’t there for you. I wanted to come see you sooner, but I didn’t think you’d want to see me.”

“Why would you think I wouldn’t want to see you?” She grabbed your face and pulled you in until your lips were millimeters apart.

“I don’t know. I guess I kept trying to tell myself that you didn’t want to see me so I could convince myself that I didn’t want to see you,” you admitted. It was hard to swallow your pride in front of her, but you couldn’t deny how she’d absolutely captivated you in the short time you’d known each other. “I’m sorry, Wanda. I should’ve been there sooner.”

No sooner had the words left your mouth did Wanda close the gap between the two of you. The tender brush of her lips against yours was absolute bliss. They were soft as you kissed her back, losing yourself in the remnants of her cherry chapstick. You felt your heart pounding as her hands started to tangle in your hair, causing you to smile against her lips. You felt her smile back when you hugged her closer to you.

She was the one to break away from the kiss first. You watched as her face lit up for the first time all day. All of her worries had seemingly melted away. “And here I was thinking that what happened between us was just one special night,” she smiled. It made your heart skip a beat.

“As much as I enjoyed it, Wanda, I could do without the whole getting stranded in a blizzard thing again,” you joked. Wanda giggled as she rubbed the back of your neck, her touch sending shivers up your spine.

“Why don’t you stay tonight so we can try again?” she teased.“Are you sure?” You brushed your thumb over her chin as you looked at her with concern.

“Please. Stay with me.”

You sighed as you looked into her eyes. They were pleading with you to stay. Your brain was telling you that staying might not be the best idea, but your heart wouldn’t let you leave. You had to stay with her: there was no other option. So you wrapped her close again, pulling her close enough that she could feel the way she made your heart pound against the confines of your chest. “Okay, I’ll stay,” you murmured against her head, giving her a quick peck as the two of you sat on the couch. “We’ll get you through this, I promise.”

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