#the only time i start slipping is when customers are rude but luckily the jobs ive had so far kind of let me get away with that | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

milkybonya · 3 years

Text

Butterfly

order 015, anon: large banana milk tea with lychee jelly and pudding for Asahi

Warnings: some angst (injuries, crying mentions) and food mentions

Summary: a coffee shop! enemies to lovers! soulmate!au all in one where Asahi, an expert barista and newbie!y/n's supervisor is easily angered by small mistakes, but ends up falling for his new employee as they begin to hone their craft, and even more so when he discovers the butterfly birthmark at the nape of their neck which matches his own.

*disclaimer! i'm not a barista but am writing using the minimal experience i have acquired after working in a place that makes coffee but isn't as artsy as a coffee shop,, so please forgive any inaccuracies!

[a/n] Alex if u see this LOOK IT'S A COFFEE SHOP AU HHH

After being lucky enough to get hired on the spot at your city's most famous coffee shop, you walk in on your first day, excited to make coffee and serve customers. The day does not greet you well, though, as your already nervous state is worsened when your supervisor and coworker, a dashing young man with black hair parted around his face, gives you a hard time.

Asahi is extremely cold and quiet, only yelling when he speaks to tell the employees to do their job right. He yells at you twice: once for forgetting to clean the steamed milk frother, and another time for when you serve the customers coffee that isn't fresh.

It leaves you feeling jittery to a point where you continue to make mistakes.

"[y/n], finish that order and meet me in the back," Asahi tells you, his voice completely emotionless.

Once you join him in the back, you find him sweeping, his hair falling in his eyes and prickling his nose. As soon as he notices you're there, he puts the broom away, pushing the hair out of his eyes before he turns to face you.

"[y/n], I realize that it's your first day, but you're doing an absolutely terrible job," he says.

"Our work here is more fast paced than you think, and if you can't handle it and keep getting nervous and slipping up, then I don't think we can keep you here."

Your bottom lip begins to tremble hearing the harsh criticism on what is only your first day, but luckily, a coworker who overheard everything steps in.

"Hey, Asahi! Big boss man, calm down. It's only their first day... stop being so hard on them," your coworker says, placing an arm around you.

When you look to see who it was, you discover that it's Junkyu, your bright and happy coworker who always does his job with a smile. Even just seeing him makes you smile, and he smiles back at you, patting your head.

"[y/n] is doing just great, so you can shut up!" Junkyu huffs, dragging you out and back onto the floor.

You may wonder why Junkyu was being so rude to his boss, but Asahi and Junkyu are actually close friends, so it's okay for them to get mad at each other like this.

"Don't listen to Asahi. He's like an old man sometimes," Junkyu says.

"And it's okay to get nervous! I was spilling so many things everywhere on my first day. Just take your time..." Junkyu explains, showing you how to do all the things that you messed up on before.

Asahi watches from the other side of the shop, feeling angry at the sight of Junkyu being so close to you, for some reason. He also thinks... he sees something on the back of your neck that matches his own birthmark, but he shrugs it off, telling himself he's just seeing things.

With the worst luck, you continue making mistakes every time Asahi shows up, and he scolds you for it in front of your coworkers and the customers each time. Sometimes, you have to rush to the break room to catch your breath and even cry it out, stare yourself down in the mirror and tell yourself that you're doing a great job.

"You're doing great, [y/n]! Don't worry about Asahi... you're doing great," you say.

Asahi, who is in the back of the shop in search of coffee grinds, overhears your pep talk and smiles to himself, immediately frowning as soon as you step out of the break room and face him, though.

"What are you doing? Get back out there!" he says.

You leave quickly and don't notice Asahi smiling at the way you waddle towards the front.

Despite being nervous at the beginning, your barista skills improve rapidly. You're able to master latte art after only a week and a half, creating pretty designs that are different for each customer. Your designs gain popularity and the shop grows busier with people waiting for you to hand them a pretty latte that you've designed.

Asahi still doesn't seem to want to give you praise of any sort, though, as he constantly points out your mistakes.

"It looks good, but does it taste good? You clearly went too heavy on the milk."

Even his your coworkers grow tired of Asahi, and everyone starts calling him angry bird Asahi behind his back with the way his eyebrows are pointed in a frown each time he comes to scold you.

For you, though, it doesn't matter anymore. You've found something you love and are improving in it rapidly, so Asahi's bitter attitude can't harm you anymore.

One short-staffed day, you're alone, closing the shop alongside Asahi. The two of you clean up in silence, save for Asahi's hushed hums as he sweeps.

Not noticing a paper bag on the ground, you trip on it and fall on your knees and hands.

Your yelp leaves Asahi rushing over, even though you thought he would just ignore your pain.

"[y/n], what happened?! Are you okay?" he asks, leaning down.

He pauses midway, staring at the back of your exposed neck. His fingers reach out in disbelief to touch what he sees, but he doesn't want to make you uncomfortable and stops himself.

A butterfly birthmark, just like the one on the back of his own neck. A shared butterfly birthmark in the same location: a sign of soulmates.

"I'm okay, I'm okay. I just tripped.

"Y-you're not bleeding or anything, right?" Asahi asks, suddenly breathless.

"Nope, all good!" you say, standing up and feeling confused at Asahi's flustered state.

"Are you okay? Why do you seem so panicked?" you ask.

"I'm... I was just worried that's all," he quickly says, returning to where he was sweeping.

He really found his soulmate despite not believing in the butterfly soulmate thing anyway....

Asahi is really weird around you for the next week, not scolding you anymore but just being super quiet and seemingly cautious around you. Everyone is confused as to what happened to angry bird Asahi, and feeling a little worried yourself, you approach him in his office on your break one day.

"Is everything okay, Asahi?"

"Hm? Yeah... why wouldn't it be?"

"I don't know... you just seem more quiet than usual."

Asahi stares at the ground, wondering if he should tell you about your shared birthmarks.

Ah heck, let's just go for it, he thinks to himself.

He swivels around in his hair, turning his back to you and holding up his hair at the back of his head.

"Does this look familiar to you?" he asks, pointing to the birthmark at the nape of his neck.

You gasp, feeling the back of your own neck.

The birthmark looks exactly the same...

"Wha-?"

"I don't know what to do. Because frankly, I don't believe in any of this soulmate crap, but we're really soulmates..." Asahi says.

Your eyes, on the other hand, are sparkling. You've believed in soulmates since the beginning and always wondered who would have the same birthmark as you. It's weird to think that angry bird Asahi is your soulmate, but you don't want to lose this chance.

"What else do we do but go on a date!" you say, hugging his arm out of excitement.

Asahi glares at you and you pull away, clearing your throat.

"Friday after work! Wait for me and we'll go somewhere," you say, excitedly leaving Asahi's office.

He places a hand on his heart, feeling it beat a little faster than usual.

Friday, you notice Asahi's hair is looking a little different - all straightened, neat and tidy. Asahi also doesn't fail to notice that you're looking a little fancier than your usual self. Even Junkyu bothers you about it, asking why you look really prim and proper today.

When Asahi's shift ends, he has an hour to kill until yours does, so he spends that time in his office at the back, watching you make pretty drinks with you latte art through the security cameras. He has a full view of your butterfly birthmark and suddenly wonders what it would be like if he was able to kiss it.

Finally as soon as your shift ends, you rush out, forgetting to say goodbye to everyone unlike you usually do, but also forgetting to punch out. Asahi reminds you to do that as soon as you step into his office. The way he smiles when you swing open the door, his teeth peeking out while his eyes hide away, makes you feel like he's happy to see you... though he's just giggling at your mistake.

Once you're punched out and ready to leave, you step out of there and take the bus to an art gallery that you've always wanted to explore. You notice Asahi staring down into your lap as you ride the bus, shyly looking at your hands, fidgeting his own and then looking away. You become the brave one for the both of you and take his hand in yours, smiling at the window when he looks at you.

You take your time looking at the artwork, both of you quietly walking while holding hands. You only talk to ask each other if you're ready to move on to the next piece.

After some time, though, Asahi speaks up and asks you if he can take a photo of you standing in front of a butterfly painting.

"Just keep looking at it and I'll take a photo from the back."

Once he stands behind you, you feel awkward and stiff in front of the camera, and it probably shows, as Asahi asks you to relax.

"Just be like you usually would!"

You try your best and Asahi eventually takes the photo.

"Can I see?" you ask him.

"Later," he says, smiling down at his phone.

On the floor below the gallery, there's a place to grab food and the two of you do just that, gushing about how cool the art in the gallery was and what your favourite pieces were. Asahi tries to imitate this robot statue you saw made of metal, and it makes you laugh so hard that you almost get kicked out.

"Asahi, I never thought you would be this fun," you say.

"Well, at work I do have to be somewhat professional," he says, smiling at you.

"At work you're just a jerk," you mumble, thinking Asahi can't hear you, even though he does.

He decides to stop being so hard on you at work, and actually follows through. Work becomes more enjoyable without angry bird Asahi and with all of the dates you go one with Asahi after work. Eventually, the two of you start to officially date, and Junkyu is shocked to his core.

"H-how did this happen...? And why did no one tell me!" he screeches when he finds out.

Asahi presses his lips to the back of your neck in the dark of the room, his lips curving into a smile when he hears your giggle.

"What are you doing, Sahi?"

"Something I've always wanted to do," he says, burying his face into your chest.

It's his turn to giggle as you run your fingers through his hair, tracing his butterfly birthmark with your finger.

138 notes · View notes

writing-in-april · 3 years

Text

A hair’s breadth

Javier Peña x Female Reader

Summary: Javier and Reader can’t help but be at each others throats. Javier gets fed up with the teasing one night.

A/N: Hey everyone! Here’s my nineteenth fic for my 30 fics in 30 days!!! Sorry this is out late- I had a job interview!! (I got the job! 🥳) This is based off of this and this request! There’s not as much Spanish in this one- though one day soon I want to try to write all the dialogue for Javier in Spanish- (I am trying to learn how to be better at it im just very nervous I’ll get it all wrong 🙃) Please feel free to drop me a message in my inbox here (I promise I don’t bite) Thank you for reading and hope y’all enjoy!

Warnings: 18+, Smut, Protected Sex (wrap it up especially with Javier lol), Fingering, Hate fucking, Public sex (who’s surprised), Hair pulling, Choking, Mirror sex

Main Masterlist Word Count: 1.9k

“Do that again I dare you.” Javier had you pushed up against the wall of his apartment, with his hand around your throat. How you had gotten in this position was as a result of one of your regular fights you often had with him.

This time it had been over something even more petty than the last time. You honestly couldn’t remember exactly what had started it. It had been something to do with some obscure line in the paperwork you were filling out while over at his apartment late at night past embassy hours. What had been a small issue then turned into a full blown argument, snapping and yelling at each other until it reached its peak.

Javier knew that he shouldn’t have said that just by the look on his face while he had a hand around your throat. You had slapped him after a misogynistic comment, which then had him slamming you up against the wall.

“Fuck you!” You yelled, but did not move to get out of his grip. He was about to respond with probably another biting comment when you were both interrupted.

You both looked over to his front door when there was incessant knocking, which was probably only from one person. “Hey Javi! Do you or Y/N want to go out for a drink tonight?” Steve’s voice being shouted through the walls confirmed the source of the knocks. You were glad his door was closed, otherwise this would've been an awkward situation to explain to your coworker.

Javier looked back at you one last time with a hard look on his face; it was a normal occurrence for you to receive that type of look from him. You smiled despite his hand around your throat as you had gotten what you had wanted, you had succeeded in riling him up.

Steve knocked again, this time a little harsher. He didn’t look away this time, eyes narrowing in on you further, like he was trying to decide if he should release you from his clutches. Though, it wasn’t that you were completely helpless, you could force him off of you if you wanted. But, you wanted to see what he would do.

“Are you going to answer him?” You goaded, biting your lip when you finished speaking, eagerly waiting for his response. No verbal comment came from him, instead he released the hold he had on your neck. You slumped a little, not out of pain as his hold hadn’t been that tight, you had just been surprised when he released you so quickly.

“Lo siento…” Was mumbled under Javier’s breath. You wondered if he meant for you to hear it or if he said it only to ease his conscience.

Javier walked over to the door to swing it open with you in tow, luckily already recovered somewhat from his hand around your throat. Steve jumped slightly when Javier opened it forcefully, then smiling when you both responded to his question, albeit gruffly, “Yeah, sure.”

—-

Javier clenched his fist hard while you took a drink, smirking into the glass was the only indication that you knew exactly what you were doing. You had spruced yourself up a bit to go to the bar, slipping on a dress you had just bought recently and putting on a pair of high heels. As soon as you had appeared back downstairs where Steve and Javier had been waiting for you his jaw had clenched hard, just like his fist was doing right now.

You were sat at the edge of the booth you had all congregated in, Javier was right across from me and Steve was by the window absentmindedly drinking a beer. He didn’t notice how you were sat slightly to the side, inching the dress you wore higher just to see Javier’s fist clench more.

“I’m surprised you guys were actually working together without me there.” Steve scratched at his jaw. We both pretended to partially focus back on him for a moment, Javier’s fist dropped much to my disappointment.

You glanced over at him then giving him one of the biggest lies you’ve ever told, “We’ve found a way to- resolve our differences.”

Javier took an angry gulp of whiskey, somehow it was possible that he was now even more pissed off at you then before. He opened his mouth to probably say something backhanded as usual, but Steve steamrolled him unintentionally, “Well- I’m glad, the office is kinda painful to be in when y’all are having one of your arguments.”

“Well hopefully we won’t bother you anymore.” Javier finally got a word in and it was just as snippy as expected.

You then downed the rest of your drink in one gulp, a little tipsy now from the few drinks you’d had so far. A dull thud from you setting the glass down on the table was swallowed by the noises of the other customers and employees around you. You got up, fed up with getting only little responses from him, “I’m going to the bathroom.”

—-

“Javier what are you doing?” You asked incredulously when he entered the women’s restroom, but weren’t given an answer. You didn’t pull away when he pulled you close, dipping his head to suck a hickey on the underside of your jaw. You only keened into his touch, you may have hated him, but it did feel amazing. Your teasing had worked

“I told Steve I was going to the bathroom too.” Giving a quick summary before continuing his assault on your skin, “You drive me absolutely crazy.” He spitefully said into your skin in between sucking and biting your collarbone. You didn’t care enough to respond, he knew you felt the same. In a flash he pulled your dress off of your head, exposing all of you except what was covered by your bra and underwear.

When he then gripped his fingers around the fabric of your panties and ripped them off, you gasped in anger. He then ran his fingers through your folds, stopping at your clit to run small circles into it. You were still angry about the ruined panties on the floor, and the fact that with just a few touches he was proving why everyone fell at his feet after they slept with them. “I liked those!”

“You seem to like this too.” His fingers sped up their movements, alternating between hard and light pressure. Your orgasm was building embarrassingly quickly, you almost wanted to hold it back so Javier didn’t get a big head. It felt too good though, and you didn’t have a lot of time.

You were both a hair’s breadth away from getting caught, Javier’s fingers continued their movements with no thought. Steve was drunk, he might even be asleep right now. But, one wrong move and he’d hear Javier fucking you in the bathroom.

“Javier!” You shouted, not thinking about the volume, when he pulled his fingers away from you just as you were about to fall off the edge. He then brought his wet fingers to his lips, sucking off any evidence of your arousal. It was hard to be mad when he looked so hot doing that, even though your clit was throbbing now.

“Need to fuck you now- this’ll take too long if we wait for you.” You wanted to snap at him again, his comment flippant and somewhat rude. That was until he pulled his cock out of his pants, already hard just for you. Your mind switched gears after that.

“Condom?” He grunted in response to your question, then pulled one out of his wallet. You were about to ask how long it had been in there, but with the rate he fucks, you doubted it had been there for long.

Once he slipped it on he commanded, “Bend over.” You scoffed, about to retort that you’d never bend over for him. But, Javier beat you to the punch, “I won’t ask again, I’ll leave you here naked and dripping.” You shuddered at that, your arousal was too much to ignore. So, you let him have one victory, hopping off the counter to bend over.

You caught sight of your disheveled state in the mirror, your legs buckling a little because of it. You already looked completely ruined by him, and he hadn’t done much besides fingering you. Javier must have caught you staring at yourself, and him if you were being honest, wrapping his hand around your hair to push you closer to the mirror. “¿Que? You like watching yourself? You like getting fucked while Steve and everybody else could hear you?”

You tried to nod your head, but with his firm grip on your hair while he began to sink into you, all you could do was moan. Once you realized that you were most definitely being too loud you stopped yourself making any noise by biting your lip hard. When the front of Javier’s thighs hit the back of yours he leaned forward to whisper angrily in your ear, “Yeah- you do like this.”

His pace was rough, but not sloppy, quick thrusts that had your ass rippling from the force. This was going to be a quick and dirty fuck, Steve would soon come looking for us if we didn’t get our orgasms over and done with. Besides, all you were looking for was a release, being with Javier for more time than was necessary just sounded like a punishment. Despite the pace he was keeping up, he still managed to keep your head right where he wanted it, looking directly in the mirror.

Your orgasm was building up again, even faster than before since you were already sensitive. At one point when your eyes began to roll back as you got closer Javier snapped that you should keep your eyes open.

“Come on, cum.” He growled out once he noticed how close you were, “Cum while Steve is out there- wondering where we went.”

Your eyes rolled into the back of your head at that, your orgasm crashing over you. Javier reached his own peak while you were riding out your own, filling the condom, gripping your hair and hip hard as he did.

Once your highs had abated he pulled out of you with a groan, quickly tying off the condom while you were still bent over and recovering with gasped breaths.

“Hey Javier?” You asked right as he began to turn around to go, letting you put your clothes back on and clean up in peace.

“¿Sì?” He turned around to face you again, looking much more put back together than you were with your makeup still smudged. You had the remnants of the panties he had ripped off of you dangling on your finger.

You wrapped your other hand around his belt he put back on, pulling him back closer to you so you were both chest to chest. You then stuffed the scrap of torn fabric into the front pocket of his jeans until they were completely hidden.

“Now you get to sit right next to Steve while they’re in your pocket.” He gulped a little and you gave one last remark before turning back to clean up your makeup, “And, you’ve got to pay for a new pair, I liked those.”

Though he boiled your blood as you walked back to the table where he had joined Steve back at you realized you were only a hairs breadth away from not hating him.

Ask Me Anything

—-

Tag lists (fill out this form to join):

Strike through means tumblr won’t let me tag you (check your settings to see if you’re unsearchable)

All Works: @shotarosleftpinky @90spumkin @kyra-morningstar @spenxerslut @boxofsparklingmuses @katexrichardson @takeyourleap-of-faith

Javier Peña/Narcos: @pascalesque

#javier peña #javier peña smut #javier peña x reader #narcos #javier peña fanfic #pedro pascal x reader #narcos x reader #pedro pascal #pedro pascal smut #30 fics in 30 days

196 notes · View notes

amazingmaeve · 3 years

Text

Tolerate it ↠ Fred Weasley

Fred Weasley Masterlist // Harry Potter Masterlist

Fred Weasley x Fem!Reader

Summary: Y/N and Fred had an amazing love story throughout Hogwarts. But things start to go sour after the 2nd wizarding war.

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Swearing, Pregnancy, Mentions of sex, panic attacks

AN: Hope this works out ok!

While at Hogwarts Y/N and Fred’s relationship was better than ever. They did everything together. Well not everything since George was with Fred as well.

Y/N would help him and George with their pranks and all of them would serve detention together as well.

Even though they hung around George a lot he had a life of his own which gave Y/N and Fred to spend sometime alone together. Which the two lovers appreciated.

Y/N and Fred got together in their 4th year when Fred finally gained the confidence to ask Y/N out. The three of them have been best friends ever since their 1st year when she got put her into Gryffindor.

Then when the Yule ball came around a couple years later Fred made a big deal on how he asked her out. There were fireworks that spelled out ‘Will you go to the ball with’.

As the words painted the sky Y/N accepted with tears in the corner in her eyes and then went to hug Fred.

In their 7th year Umbridge came to the school to ruin there lives.

Fred and Y/N couldn’t even hug without Umbridge splitting the two up. When they got the detentions Y/N would comfort Fred laying down with his head in the crook of her neck.

Y/N would stroke his back comforting him.

When Y/N got her first detention with the blood quil Y/N had avoided Fred not wanting him to be angry. He already cut her out of pranks not wanting her to get hurt.

Then Y/N finally decided to talk to Fred and he was livid when he found out. But with Y/N crying on the couch in the common room he pushed his anger aside to hug her trying to get he sobs to calm down.

Y/N eventually fell asleep on his chest and Fred took her to her dorm room and laid the girl down who was fast asleep.

Y/N had always supported the twins and their joke shop.

She told him “follow your dreams Fred,” which he did.

When Fred and George decided to leave Y/N was the first one to know. She offered to go with them but Fred knew how much her education meant to her and decided against.

Y/N was angry at first but slowly came around. There wasn’t that much of school left so she would be leaving soon.

The night before Fred and George left Y/N finally gained enough confidence to tell Fred she loved him. It was the first time she has ever said that to him.

Fred immediately kissed her and after he told her he loved her as well. That was the night the two lost their virginity’s.

Then the school year was over in what a felt like a whole year to Y/N.

For the next full year Y/N moved in with Fred and George and started working with them. Their relationship was growing stronger and stronger everyday.

“I love you,” Y/N whispered one night to Fred whole they were in bed. Her head was laid on his shoulder. The two loved birds were just finished from the 2nd time they’ve had sex that night. The two were extremely tired.

“Love you too darling,” Fred kissed her forehead and brushed some of her hair out of her face. “Will always love you forever,” He promised.

“Forever,” Y/N repeated nuzzling her head into his chest started to feel that tiredness come back. “Good night love,” she whispered.

“Good night darling,” Y/N could hear Fred just before she slipped into deep sleep.

Fred could feel a smirk on his face as he heard her snoring slightly. Fred knew this was the woman he was going to get married have kids. Fred couldn’t wait for the day.

Whenever they did something lovey dovey George would gag at his brother and girlfriend in a jokingly manor. The truth was that George loved having his best friend around and that his best friend and brother were hopelessly in love.

The whole year was like a fairytale for the both of them.

But sometimes fairytales don’t have good endings, and the 2nd wizarding war was going to be come crashing in on their little bubble they loved so much.

The wizarding war was the hardest things Y/N had to go through. With the fighting and death and the worst part was that Fred almost died.

Luckily he didn’t but it was a close call.

Y/N was the first one to find him passed out on the ground rubble all around him. Y/N immediately ran towards him grabbing his face while tears rolled down her cheeks.

“No no no,” Y/N whispered as she put her fingers on his neck to see if he had a pulse.

Y/N let out a sigh of relief when he did have and when he suddenly woke up.

“What happened why’re you crying love,” Fred groaned as he tried to get up and when he did Y/N wrapped her arms around him violently sobbing into his chest.

“I thought you were dead,” Y/N’s voice was muffled as she pressed her face into his chest not wanting to let him go.

“Can’t get rid of me love,” Fred jokes pulling Y/N up to stand. He wrapped his arms around the girl who’s sobs were dying down.

“Don’t joke around about this,” Y/N sniffed finally removing herself from his chest looking up at the red head who gave her a sad smile.

“Sorry but I’m right here and I’m fine,” Fred reassured Y/N wiping the tears from under her eyes.

Y/N didn’t know weather to believe him or not but right Fred was okay and that’s all that matters. He wrapped his arms around her once more and kissed the top of her head in a comforting manor.

In that moment nothing mattered Fred was alive and that’s everything.

Y/N and Fred were taking a few days off from work and she didn’t want to get special treatment and Fred thought the same. So she got a job at a book store.

For the next few everything was ok. Y/N and Fred got a flat for themselves and everything was settling in.

Fred was a little off though. Just little things at the time. He wouldn’t ask her about her day, he wouldn’t tell her he loved her before he left for work.

Y/N didn’t mention it to him thinking it was her just being clingy. And plus she didn’t want to add to his plate since the war just ended.

And he was getting nightmares to the point where he woke up screaming. On those nights Y/ would have get him out of sleep and let him sob into her chest as Y/N strokes the back of his neck comforting him.

Y/N’s tried bringing it up but he avoided the conversation. She just wanted to know what was going on in his head.

She didn’t bring it up because Y/N didn’t want to make things worse for him.

They talked less and less each day and Y/N thought Fred was like this all the time. That was until she went to go and visit him and saw him laughs with George.

Her heart swelled knowing he’s happy but her brain wondered why he wasn’t doing that with her. Y/N shook her head trying to get rid of the thoughts and was just happy he was happy.

The days went on and Y/N could feel her heart break and break even more. Fred barely smiled when he was at the flat.

At first Y/N thought Fred just needed space from her and she didn’t blame him for that. In relationships sometimes the two people needed to talk and be around friends, family.

Y/N felt like she couldn’t even feel his love and he was just tolerating hers.

But this has been going on for a couple months and Y/N could feel herself start to feel like she had no one to talk to. George was always around Fred and would feel bad if he knew she was talking to his brothers/family.

Like with her job Y/N’s boss was being a bit rude and she didn’t know who talk too.

Sometimes the loneliness got hard. With the effects of the war Y/N often get panic attacks where Y/N could feel the walls close in on her. She could feel her breathing start her faster and faster.

Then Y/N found a place where she could calm down. A beach where she would just listen to waves crashing and the animals making there noises.

But it didn’t solve her problems with Fred.

At the 3 month mark Y/N kept throwing up in the morning for 2 weeks straight. It was easy to hide it from Fred since the two barely talked and he left from work early.

Then she noticed she missed her period. Y/N and Fred rarely have sex since the war but one drunk night they had together must of been it.

Y/N wanted to be sure so she got a test from the wizarding world that would tell her if she was pregnant 100%.

As Y/N paced in her and Fred’s shared bathroom she began to think about how Fred was gonna take it. Fred always told Y/N he wanted kids but now she doesn’t know.

Would bringing a baby into the mix make things worse? Would Fred be mad at her?

When it was time to look at the test Y/N took a deep breath before picking up the test and let out a sad sigh.

Positive.

Y/N put her hand on her belly and smiled. She was already love her/him. This was something her and Fred created together.

Maybe this will help Y/N’s and Fred’s relationship.

Y/N looked at the time and noticed it was only 1. It was her day off. Y/N wanted to tell Fred immediately.

Y/N grabbed her coat with bubbling excitement as she strolled to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes with a smile on her face. Even though the past months haven’t been good for her this was a good thing to happen to Y/N.

The shop was filled with loads and loads of customers when Y/N entered the shop. As her eyes roamed the store Y/N could see Fred talking with someone with a smile on his face.

Angelina Johnson.

Y/N didn’t hate the girl they were friends in school. But when Fred and Y/N were just friends he told her he had a crush on Angelina which made Y/N jealous.

But she could never hate Angelina. She was so sweet and Angelina even reassured Y/N that she didn’t like Fred.

But now Y/N could feel her stomach turn as Fred laughed at something Angelina said. Did he still have feelings for her? Is that why he was around as much?

Y/N felt tears brim her eyes as Fred looked so happy. And it hurt her so much to see that he wasn’t happy with her.

She bit her lip to stop herself from sobbing and breaking down.

Y/N rushed out of the shop with tears staining her cheeks as she ran home getting looks from strangers.

Once Y/N reached the flat Y/N took her jacket off and let out a sob as she laid down her and Fred’s bed.

Y/N curled up into a ball trying to get herself to calm down. She didn’t understand why Fred was treating herself this way.

Y/N thought she would be happy with him.

Y/N put her hand on her stomach where there would be a bump in months. She didn’t know what to do now.

Y/N must’ve cried for hours when she heard Fred yell “I’m home.”

Y/N looked at the clock and noticed it was 5 with a surprised look on her face. Y/N could hear Fred enter the bed room with a confused look on his face.

“What’s wrong love,” Fred asked and he sounded concerned. This was the first time she heard Fred sound like he cared for her in a while.

“Nothing,” Y/N scoffed rolling her eyes at the red haired boy.

“Odiously something’s,” Fred sat down on the foot of the bed by the side of the bed she was. He put his hand on her leg and gave it a squeeze to get her attention.

“What,” Y/N snapped sitting up to look up at him.

“Why’re you crying love,” Fred asked concern lacing his words as he cupped Y/N’s cheek wiping the tears away.

“Why do you care,” Y/N could feel more tears coming and with her being pregnant didn’t help her.

“Because you’re my girlfriend and I love you,” Fred softly replied.

“Why now?” Y/N questioned as he gave her a confused look. “Huh. For the last few months you have been avoiding me not talking to me and now you want to know how I feel,” She could feel anger fume in her as Fred looked at her.

“I don’t know what your talking about,” Fred avoided eye contact.

“Just stop lying you’re happy with everyone but me. Hell you’re even more happy with other girls than me,” Y/N huffed looking at the boy.

“I haven’t been talking to other girls,” Fred snapped.

“I saw you with Angelina laughing and smiling and talking,” Y/N whispered angrily.

“We were just talking and why were you at the shop,” Fred asked annoyance in his eyes.

He knows he’s being unreasonable and he knows he’s been distance. Fred didn’t mean to be but when other people asked how he was he could lie but not to Y/N.

“I wanted to tell you I was pregnant but you looked pretty busy,” Y/N had irritation in her voice as she shouted.

“What,” Fred asked flabbergasted with his eyes wide and his face full of shock.

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Y/N huffed and went to lay down even thought it’s only 5:20.

But Fred doesn’t let her as he grabs her hand to pull her up into a hug. He hides his face in the crook of her neck missing the smell of her shampoo.

“I can’t believe it,” Fred smiled.

“Fred we’ve barely talked the last months and now you just won’t leave me alone,” Y/N snapped pushing him away.

“I’m so sorry love,” Fred looked at Y/N with tears coating his eyes.

“I just want to know why,” Y/N desperately asked feeling out of ideas.

“I couldn’t lie to you,” Fred blurted out.

“What,” Y/N asked as she scrunched her face up with confusion.

“When you ask me if I was fine I can’t say yes like with everyone else,” Fred whispered. Y/N looks up at him with sorrow in her eyes. “Ever since the war it feels like I can’t breathe sometimes and I wake up with nightmares bothering you.”

“Fred,” Y/N whispered reaching towards to touch his face. “You could’ve just talked to me,” She smiles at him.

“I didn’t want to bother you,” Fred rolled his eyes at himself feeling horrible for the way he treated the love of his life.

“You could never bother me with your problems,” Y/N removed her hand from his face grabbing his hand.

“Will you forgive me,” Fred asked hoping he could get another chance.

“Yes,” Y/N sighed and she loved the way his eyes brightened. “But we have to talk more often please,” She pleaded.

“Of course of course,” Fred rushed out and grabbed Y/N’s face to kiss her.

“I love you so much darling.”

“I love you too Freddie.”

#fred weasley series #fred weasley one shot #fred weasley smut #fred weasley headcanons #fred weasley imagine #fred weasley x oc #fred weasley fic #fred weasley x reader #fred weasley #harry potter x you #harry potter headcanon #harry potter blurb #harry potter oneshot #harry potter x oc #harry potter imagine #harry potter smut #harry potter x reader #harry potter #fred weasley blurb

331 notes · View notes

mrvltwimagines · 3 years

Text

Just Another Day

PLATONIC-ISH COWORKER!SEBASTIAN STAN x READER x (TINY BIT OF) PLATONIC COWORKER!MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER

SUMMARY: You had gotten too comfortable at your old job where no one noticed anything about you and didn’t think about how hard it would be to hide your ongoing secrets from your new coworkers.

WARNINGS: Domestic Abuse, Mentions of Anxiety

WORD COUNT: 4.4k (whew another long one, oopsies!)

You knew with starting a new job that some of your secrets would shine through eventually. You were beyond grateful to have gotten this job, even if it was just retail. You had been struggling financially which had taken a toll on your mental health, so working again and knowing you have consistent paychecks coming your way was relieving.

Compared to your previous job, it only took the first day working at this new company to realize how bad you previously had it and how lucky you were to have landed this one. Your coworkers were all so nice, and while the customers you dealt with continuously acted like they were above you, that was just a part of working in retail.

Your anxiety was heightened during the first few days. You didn’t know anyone and you had to go through the constant motions of introducing yourself to anyone and everyone even though the very last thing you wanted to do was draw attention to yourself. The assistant store manager, Sebastian, was always checking in on you, even going as far as to ask how you were feeling mentally being thrown into such a large environment as the new person. You always responded that you were doing fine, but your anxiety was always creeping around the corner. You struggled with controlling your emotions at your previous job, always feeling so unprofessional and naive to cry or get upset when things got too much so you felt as if you needed to make a pact with yourself to not show as much emotion at this new job.

You had noticed the pattern of male dominance throughout your new job. A lot of the women worked around the front end, leaving you to be one of the few working the floor with mainly men. You tried not to let your nerves show through each time you had to converse with some of the guys. You knew everyone here was going to be professional, but your guard was still up that one of them could act out.

The feeling of your phone continuously vibrating broke you out of your thoughts as you worked on the task at hand. You knew exactly who it was and fought the urge to roll your eyes, but even when you weren’t with him you didn’t do anything that would get you in trouble if you were in his eyesight. Taking a peek around you, you slyly pulled your phone out of your pocket, reading the texts from your boyfriend, most of them not being important but you knew the rule on texting back. Typing out a quick response with little commentary and answers to each of the texts, you slipped your phone back into your work vest.

“You doing alright over here?” you couldn’t help the small jump your body did out of habit while turning around with your hand over your chest. A small chuckle left Sebastian's mouth as he apologized for sneaking up on you. You could feel the heat rising to your face and neck, embarrassed at the thought of what he just witnessed.

“It’s fine, i’m doing fine,” you replied, nodding your head a bit towards what you were working on as if to prove that you were actually doing something productive, “I should easily be able to finish this all before i’m off today.”

“Oh good, thank you,” he smiled, “Just let me or Matthew know if you’re ever getting too overwhelmed and we’ll back off on giving you so many projects.”

“Oh trust me, compared to what i did at my last job, i am completely happy and not overwhelmed here, but thank you anyways.”

Your conversation lasted a few minutes longer before he had to run off to help out in another part of the store leaving you to get back to your task.

The day flew by and before you knew it, it was the end of your last shift of your first week. You were overall ecstatic about working again and having such an easy going manager. The entire week went by so fast and luckily hasn’t added any more stress to your already stressful life.

Waving goodbye to a few of your coworkers, you peeked into Sebastian’s office to see him and Matthew having a conversation. You were about to duck back out, but made eye contact with Matthew and he was quick to halt their conversation, waving you in.

“You heading out for the day?” he asked, a small smile gracing his face.

Sebastian was the one who initially interviewed you for your job. He brought a comforting presence and was a huge reason why you felt it was a no brainer for you to take the job offer. Everyone else you talked to during the hiring process had nothing but kind things to say about him, and within the past week you understood and agreed with all the compliments that were laid upon him. Matthew was a manager you had met on your first day. You didn’t know what to expect out of him, other than the fact that Sebastian had referred to him as the peace making string bean. You initially laughed at that but upon meeting him, it was an incredibly fitting description. You felt no awkwardness or uncomfortableness around him, and thoroughly enjoyed the times you’ve gotten to work with him over the past week.

“Yeah, i’m sorry, i don’t mean to interrupt, i just wanted to wish you both a good weekend,” you retorted. You hadn’t felt much fear while working around all the men you do, but the possibility that either of them could be annoyed or upset that you just interrupted their conversation stuck in your head.

“No need to apologize, thank you, y/n,” Sebastian cut in, “You go have a great weekend, and we’ll see you bright and early on Monday, yeah?” You nodded, sending one last small wave before heading out of the office and the entire building altogether.

Your smile faded and your nerves began to pick up on your drive home. You knew better than to talk about your new coworkers with your boyfriend, in fear that he’ll get upset that you spend so much time working with mainly other men. You used to find his jealousy endearing, thinking he was just worried to lose you, but it quickly grew tiring and left you feeling guilty and scared.

Your boyfriend had the tendency to not be able to control his anger. You’d been together for close to four years now, and about halfway through that something snapped in him and changed him for the worst. Any little thing could set him off, and while throwing verbal insults at you was his main technique, he has put his hands on you more than you’d like to admit. You felt so trapped and stupid for still being in love with him. You wanted to blame this all on a rough patch and that he was just stressed out, but it’s been a few years now and you’re worried that this is how it’ll always be. You didn’t have anyone else to turn to, and if you two broke up you didn’t know where you’d even go considering there’s no way you could afford to live on your own.

As you approached and parked near your apartment building, you quickly regain your composure and gave yourself a quick pep talk. You’ve got this, just put a smile on your face and hope he’s in a good mood. This weekend doesn’t have to be horrible.

* * *

By time Monday morning came around, more than half of your body was bruised and your confidence was at an all time low. The words your boyfriend yelled at you swam around in your brain, and the pain of the punches, slaps, and kicks he planted on you were felt over your entire body. He’d never been so ruthless when it came to his beatings before and you knew it was because you didn’t shut up about work and he had figured out about how much you work with other men. You just wanted to share how good things were going, but you should’ve known how fast doing that had the potential to upset him.

He had usually been careful to avoid your face, but this time there was a prominent black eye forming and no amount of makeup would cover it so you made sure you had an excuse to give to anyone who asks what happened. You dreaded the conversations that were bound to happen as you walked into work, your anxiety at an all time high at the thought of facing both Sebastian and Matthew.

The day started off as good as it was going to get. Every time you bent over or extended your body too far you were reminded of every hit your body took. You felt your anger rising every time you winced or had to deeply exhale. Every time something like this happened you always questioned why you put yourself through it but always come back to the two answers: as horrible as it was, you still loved him. You had such good times together and sometimes he just got angry, and most of the time you could find the blame in yourself for making him angry. Also, you were stuck. Even if you didn’t love him anymore and were actively looking for an escape, you wouldn’t be able to afford anything on your own and you would have nowhere to go.

“Y/n?” You winced at Matthew’s voice behind you. You didn’t want to turn around, but you also knew that you would come off as rude and the last thing you wanted to do was make someone else mad.

“Goodmorning Matthew,” you offered back, slowly turning around to face him. You cringed at the look on his face and quickly avoided eye contact.

“I had a couple people inform me that you had a black eye so I wanted to check for myself and lo and behold you do. Are you okay?” He asks. You wanted to laugh at the question, but instinctually nodded.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you quickly answered, “I was cleaning this weekend and slipped while mopping the kitchen. Fell right onto the corner of my counter,” you chuckled, hoping your lie sounded realistic. He eyed you for a second longer, not seeming to buy your excuse. You could feel your heart rate spike and habitually began playing with your nails. He looked down towards your movements before looking back up to make eye contact with you which you held for a few seconds before choosing to look anywhere but his eyes. You cursed at yourself for being so obvious, but you didn’t know how else to act in this situation.

“It looks like it hurts, do you need anything?” He continued. You shook your head no, already knowing you’ve taken enough ibuprofen for the day and even that wasn’t helping too much so you just have to work through the pain.

“I’m fine, promise.”

You could tell by his expression that he was uncomfortable with the conversation and that it clearly wasn’t going the way he wanted it too, but he seemed to let it go for now with a simple “let me know if you need anything, mine and sebastian’s doors are always open” to which you thanked him and turned back around to your task. You could feel his eyes linger on you for a second longer before he walked away. You let out a deep breath, leaning your forehead against the shelf in front of you. You knew you were a horrible liar. You had even practiced for conversations exactly like that and still you sucked at lying. It’s like you couldn’t do anything right.

With one last deep sigh you attempted to get back to work, but your mind wouldn’t stop replaying the conversation over in your head. You thought of all the ways it could’ve gone, and all the other things you could’ve said to seem less suspicious. You cursed at yourself for fucking up yet another thing.

You avoided eye contact with any other coworkers, and customers after that. Keeping your head down was your best option to not bring any more attention to yourself. Your entire body ached, including the splitting headache that was starting to form from either thinking too hard, or the throbbing that was going on around your eye. Potentially both things at the same time.

You jumped a bit at the sound of your work walkie talkie going off in your pocket.

“Hey y/n, can you come to my office when you get a chance?” The familiar sound of Sebastian's voice rang through the area you stood in. Your heart dropped, the idea of being in a small room with a man not seeming like the best idea, but he was also your boss and you couldn’t just say no.

“Yeah, i’ll be there in just a minute,” you responded, quickly starting to clean up the little mess you had created in your work area before taking your sweet time walking to Sebastian’s office. You know it was ridiculous to even think that he was going to hurt you, but after the weekend you had it was going to take a bit of time to not be uncomfortable around anyone and everyone.

The sound of both Matthew and Sebastian’s voice rang in your ears as you approached the office. You heard the last bit of what Matthew was saying and instantly had the urge to just run out of the building altogether.

“I’m telling you Seb, this isn’t a slip-in-the-kitchen black eye, this is a black eye you get when someone punches you. I’m surprised her nose isn’t broken or something.”

You squeezed your eyes shut, willing yourself not to cry. You tried to build yourself up, thinking of every excuse you could and practicing every reassuring sentence you could think of that might get them off your back. It wasn’t their business after all, right?

With one last deep breath, you knocked on the cracked open door and slowly stepped through it. Your eyes were instantly drawn to Sebastian and the stern face he held. His eyes scanned your face before unintentionally running down your body as if to look for any other exposed bruises. His face loosened up upon returning back to your frightened gaze.

“Everything okay? Am i in trouble or something?” you asked, looking in between the two men. Your body felt like it was on fire from both the bruises covering it, and the intense gaze you were receiving from both of them. Their gazes softened a bit more at your question as they both shook their heads, shutting down the idea that i was in trouble.

“No, no y/n, you’ve done nothing wrong. I just wanted to check in on you, with this black eye and all. I know Matthew’s already checked in on you, but i just wanted to see how you are doing,” Sebastian spoke up. You looked between the both of them and felt a bit of anger rise at the uncomfortable situation you’ve been put into. You told Matthew you were fine, why couldn’t he have just kept to himself?

“Like i told Matthew earlier, i’m fine, just fell is all,” you retorted, sending a small glance at Matthew hoping he would get the hint that you weren’t too happy about this conversation.

“Looks like more than a fall,” Sebastian continued to say while standing up to lean against his desk. You unintentionally moved back a bit, not taking much notice of your own actions over your heartbeat being the only thing you could currently hear. Sebastian and Matthew shared a look before Sebastian took a step away from his desk, approaching you a bit more. You flinched and took another step back, accidentally backing right into the doorknob hitting a big bruise that covered your lower back. You couldn’t help the gasp that escaped your lips as you brought a hand back to cover the spot you had just bumped trying to release some of the pain by rubbing it.

Sebastian was quick to retreat as he watched you fully flinch away from him. He was more than four feet away from you even when he did take a few steps towards you, but your reaction was enough for him to confirm some of his suspicions.

“Hey Matthew, do you think we could have the room?” Sebastian asked, getting a curt nod from Matthew as he looked back towards you and offered you a sympathetic smile. Honestly you didn’t want that. You didn’t want anyone's sympathetic or pitiful looks. You deserved everything that happened to you. You could feel tears forming in your eyes and instantly felt shameful. You made a pact with yourself to not show weakness and it’s only taken you a week or so and your emotions are already coming through.

You continuously blinked, willing your tears to go away as you scooted away from the door allowing Matthew to leave the room. Sebastian gestured at a chair near him and you hesitated to take it. You knew it would hurt to sit down and that there was no hiding the grimaces, but the look in Sebastian's eyes let you know that he’s already caught on to a lot of what's going on.

You approached the chair and slowly sat down, trying to hold back how much pain you felt from putting pressure on the bruise on your tailbone and the one on the back of your left thigh.

“Are you safe?” was the first question he asked you, and before you could even think you habitually nodded. You knew it was a lie, and deep down you knew things were just going to get worse. You’d never seen your boyfriend as mad as he was over the weekend. It was like a constant where he’d just see you and see red. You walked on eggshells all weekend, and even before you left for work today you felt as if you weren’t allowed to take up any space. You were the furthest thing from safe. You looked up and made eye contact with Sebastian and instantly regretted it. The tears that you had managed to push back made their way to your eyes quicker than ever and fell before you had the chance to hide them.

“I’m sorry,” you whimpered out, covering your face. You were humiliated that all of this was going on. You had gotten away with covering bruises and hiding emotions from all your coworkers at your previous job. The attention you were receiving now made you think maybe everyone you previously worked with were just assholes, but also that you would rather be ignored than be seen how you are right now.

“y/n... why are you apologizing?” he breathed out, scooting his chair a bit closer to yours.

“I made a pact not to cry and here i am a week in and already crying in front of you.”

“Well you’re clearly crying about something important so why don’t you tell me about that,” you shook your head, looking up at him for the first time since you started crying. You could feel a sob escaping your mouth before you could push it back down while shaking your head back and forth.

“I can’t tell you,” you sobbed out.

“Listen, I know your outside life isn’t any of my business, but I also care about every employee in this building and seeing you come in with a black eye and clearly other bruises on your body, I’m just worried.”

You sat there for a second contemplating all of your choices. You could continue to lie and push everything back stating that he was indeed right, your outside life was none of his business, or you could tell him the truth and let him in on one of your deepest secrets. You could feel your head pounding, and you could hear your heartbeat grow erratic. Your tears had momentarily stopped but now your entire body was in panic mode. You couldn’t continue to make eye contact with him and instead chose to look down at your hands in your lap.

“I’ll lose everything. It’s either this or nothing, Sebastian. I’m fine, i’ve been fine,” you offered up. You weren’t lying, but even what you said felt wrong coming out. how did you end up like this? How stupid are you to let yourself get this deep in the abuse and the relationship altogether?

“Hey, please look at me,” he scooted even closer, his knees nearly touching your own. His voice was soft, almost pleading so you gave in and lifted your head. You weren’t used to being talked so gently to, “Is your partner the one doing this to you?” he grimaced a bit at the question, almost like he felt bad even suggesting that incase he was wrong, but the way his body tensed up at your eyes quickly averting away from him you knew he got his answer.

“He loves me. I just do and say things that he doesn’t like,” you shrugged as if what you just said wasn’t a major problem. Your eyes began to fill with tears again and you let out an annoyed huff, “I’m sorry Sebastian, i really shouldn’t be telling you any of this. There’s nothing you can do to help me. I’ve grown used to the fact that i am stuck in my relationship.”

“y/n please look at me,” he asked again, seemingly satisfied when you complied, “just that sentence alone is enough to scare me. A grown man, hell even a child knows not to hit other people. There’s nothing normal about this situation and you need to get out of it. I’m not going to sit here and say it’ll be smooth sailing and that you’ll instantly be happy once it’s over, but for your own safety and livelihood i need you to know that it’s not your fault that he’s hurting you. There’s nothing you could do or say to justify the pain you’re in right now.”

You wanted to fight him on that but the look on his face told you to not even try. He seemed genuinely upset, distraught even.

“What am i supposed to do?” you ask, throwing your hands up to gesture your frustration.

“Do you have anyone else you can stay with?” you shook your head no, informing him that the only reason you moved up here was so your boyfriend could get you away from your loved ones. He grunted at that, rolling his chair back so he was back near his desk. He started to search something on his computer and the looks of a hotel made your eyes go wide.

“I can’t put anything like that on my card. He’ll see it and freak.”

“I wasn’t expecting you to pay for this. I’ll pay for it so it’ll have no trace to your name. So there’s your living situation for a while until we can get you something better. I will also happily help you with getting any of your belongings out of your current place. My close buddy is a police here in town and can also accompany us to ensure your absolute safety because there’s no guarantee without him that i wouldn’t beat the shit out of your boyfriend,” he talked so casually like what he was saying wasn’t changing your entire life. You shook your head not being able to wrap your mind around this true chance to get away from your boyfriend. There’s so many things that could go wrong, would all of this be worth it when there’s always that possibility that your boyfriend could absolutely lose it and want to actually kill you? There’s so many stories out there of partners exactly like your boyfriend that won’t take a break up seriously and come back to stalk, hurt and kill their exes. would you end up just another one of those damaged ex girlfriends?

The two of you sat in silence for a minute before he finally looked away from his computer screen and looked at your frightened face. He would never understand how your mind works through this terrible situation but he so badly wanted to help.

“Why are you willing to help me so much?” You manage to ask. You look up at him and see something flash over his expression before it goes back to being soft.

“You’re worth more than you think. You’re sure as hell worth more than being beaten down by scum. I care, i know matthew cares, even the others who brought up your black eye to both of us care. You just haven't been shown affection like that in who knows how long and think i’m doing something crazy here when really i just want you to be safe and happy. it’s what any decent human wants for everyone else.”

For the first time in years you had the urge to hug. You wanted to throw your arms around Sebastian and say a million thank yous, but you didn’t want to overstep.

“Sebastian i just - i don’t know what to say,” you chuckled out through the few tears that slipped out.

“You don’t have to say anything, let’s just talk over this a bit, i’ll give my friend a call and we’ll get a plan set up.” you nodded as you both stood up. Your legs felt weak and the pain of standing straight up was overwhelming but you sufficed through.

He watched how you moved and a deep frown covered his face. Your previous thoughts of overstepped evacuated your mind and without thinking you couldn’t stop yourself from throwing your arms around him. It took a second for him to register what was going on, but he was gentle to wrap his arms around your back. You felt tense, but the second he reciprocated the hug your body loosened up and a small sense of happiness floated throughout your entire being. Everything was going to change. You were actually going to do this. There was so much that was going to happen, but for the first time in forever you felt relieved so for now, you were just going to embrace that.

A/N - please let me know if i should do another part to this! I do have more ideas for the storyline that would involve more of a relationship between the reader and sebastian, but i don’t want to do it if no one else wants that hahah

#sebastian stan x reader #bucky barnes x reader #sebastian stan x reader angst #matthew gray gubler x reader #matthew gray gubler x reader angst #spencer reid x reader angst #sebastian stan angst #sebastian stan #mgg x reader #mgg angst

125 notes · View notes

etherrealoblivion · 4 years

Text

Chapter Five: The Something In His Eyes

Table Of Contents

Fic summary: Owning a bookstore in downtown D.C. came with its fair share of downsides. You never thought that being the target of a serial killer would be one of them. Luckily, a nice FBI agent by the name of Spencer Reid is assigned to watch over you. What's the worst that could happen?

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Reader

Words: 1,963

MASTERLIST

Over the next few days, you fell into a rhythm. You’d work on schoolwork remotely from your room. It was pretty easy to keep up with all the free time you had.

So, obviously, the remaining time off was spent getting to know the enigma of a man

that was Spencer Reid. You formed a rather strange acquaintanceship with him, not quite friends but more than a protector and protectee. The real question was who was protecting who?

You discovered many things about him, some quite apparent, others not. For example, you assumed he was very into technology as most nerdy types were. In fact, it was quite the opposite. He despised all things electronic, from e-books to computers themselves.

“Do you even own a cell phone?”

“Yes!” he insisted, driving you to work for the third day in a row. “Sure, it’s not a fancy smartphone, but I can dial numbers so much easier, anyway.” He handed you his old-school flip-phone.

“How do you text people on this thing?”

He laughed politely.

“I don’t.”

You took the time to interrogate him on the nuances of text language, something he lovingly referred to as ‘dreadfully impractical’.

Maybe this wouldn’t be too bad.

Being constantly watched wasn’t as disconcerting as you’d expected. Well, being watched by Spencer wasn’t. You pretended you didn’t notice the dark blue honda with the tinted windows following you all the way to work and parking nearby. Strange that the FBI seems to need lessons in being covert.

Fortunately, rude customers and the smell of books managed to take your mind off your current situation.

What didn’t help was having to constantly stop Spencer from rearranging all the books in the shop.

“They’re categorized by the Dewey Decimal System,” he said, disgust in his tone making you stifle a giggle. “What? Everyone knows that the Library of Congress Classification System is far superior.”

“Maybe, but my workers have memorized the Dewey Decimal System. It’s easier.”

“But it’s too vague! When you’re categorizing books you need to work from all sorts of classifications. For example . . .”

It was amazing to see how passionate he was about sorting books. You’d never met a man that didn’t just throw a novel (or, more realistically, a comic book) back anywhere on the shelf when he’d finished it. Spencer treated each book like a separate piece of artwork, carefully placing them back in the correct spot without fail. He’d run his hands over the leather bound covers, caressing them as delicately as possible. You couldn’t help but notice the swiftness and gracefulness at which his hands moved.

“You okay?” you snapped out of your stupor and found him standing much closer, a gentle hand on your shoulder.

You took a step back and cleared your throat.

“Yes, ahem, sorry. I need to get back to work.”

Quickly, you walked back over to the front desk, starting to update the book index.

Maybe I should have requested Emily as my protector, you thought to yourself, dusting off a returned copy of Fahrenheit 451. Spencer was super nice and a huge dork. Maybe that was the problem. It was easy to start to think of him as a friend rather than someone just doing his job. Maybe if you’d met under different circumstances you might have been . . . friends.

But that wasn’t the case. Spencer was there to protect you. Any teasing or joking around was just a formality. But why did he have to be so damn enticing?

Around nine o’clock, customers started to peter out. Soon, the only people left in the shop were you, Caleb, your co-worker, and Spencer, who’d been sitting on the window sill reading book after book.

“Hey, I’m gonna clock out,” Caleb said, stripping out of his work shirt. God, that man took any excuse to take his shirt off. You didn’t blame him all that much. D.C, even in the dead of winter, was hot as hell. And when you had a chest like that, one couldn’t be blamed for showing it off.

“Okay, be in tomorrow at ten. I don’t trust Claire to come in on time.”

“No prob,” he waltzed out the front door into the illuminated street, the bell tinkling lightly.

You stood and stretched, glancing over to the windowsill Spencer had been sitting in.

Shocked, you saw Spencer exactly where he’d been about an hour ago, slumped up on the windowsill, fast asleep, using a book as a pillow.

Strange, though it was, that this man was an FBI agent, you couldn’t help giggling at the sight of him sacked out like a toddler.

“Spencer?” you hated to disturb him but you knew that he’d want you to wake him up. “Spencer, wake up.”

He moaned uncomfortably and stretched, jumper lifting up slightly to expose his lean stomach. It took all the self control you had not to stare.

“Whasitgonon?” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes and sitting up.

“You fell asleep,” you walked over to the loveseat in the center of the store and plopped down, sighing.

“Oh god. Sorry,” he stood, shaking himself awake and walking over to you, staring at the pile of books he’d devoured. “I guess I over-exerted myself.”

You scoffed.

“Oh, come on. I thought you were a genius,” you teased, tossing a pillow at him.

With a little fumble, he caught it and sat down next to you, smiling.

“Yeah, but after a night of restlessness, anyone’s an idiot.”

He said it with a sad smile, looking straight ahead. You decided not to ask about the restlessness.

“‘Care keeps his watch in every old man’s eye, and where care lodges—“

“—sleep will never lie,’” Spencer finished the quote for you. “Shakespeare.”

Without thinking, you looked at him, shocked to find he was already looking at you. There was something behind his eyes that made you freeze. Something curious.

And suddenly, in that moment, that split second, something shifted. You knew it and Spencer did too. You could tell by the sudden dilation of his eyes and the sharp intake of breath he let slip.

He recognized his mistake and broke eye contact, glancing away and clearing his throat.

“What, uh, what time is it?” he said, looking for a clock while nonchalantly moving farther away on the loveseat.

“Nearly eleven,” you said, glancing at the grandfather clock, smiling at the fact he didn’t wear a watch. Why is that so endearing? “We can leave now if you like?” You grabbed your purse and started locking up.

“Isn’t it closing time?”

“Well, usually customers stop coming in at around ten, but we close officially at eleven.”

“Then why stay? Why not just leave at ten?”

“I guess I like to think that if someone has a book emergency, it’s comforting to know that I’m here.”

You blushed. You’d never really told anyone that. Claire and Caleb probably had no idea that you stayed as late as you did. What was it that made you tell Spencer?

He hadn’t said anything so you looked at him.

The darkness of the shop made it so you could only see his silhouette. A tall figure against the light of the street lamps, he was poised and solid, staring out into the empty street.

“Spencer?”

“Get behind me,” his tone scared you. He spoke with urgency and you could see his hand on his hip where he’d concealed his gun.

Without hesitation, you stepped behind a bookshelf, slightly peeking around it so you could see what he was doing.

He moved like a shadow, slipping out of the shop and moving onto the street, towards the dark blue honda down the road.

Why is he sneaking up on the undercover car?

There was a screech and the car zoomed off and Spencer leaped into a sprint, running after it.

It finally clicked in your brain and you scolded yourself for not realizing it earlier.

That wasn’t an FBI car.

Becoming quickly aware of the danger you were in, you moved from behind the bookshelf to behind the loveseat, crouching as low as you could and trying to slow your breathing.

Your breath froze in your lungs as the soft sound of the bell by the door tinkled, alerting you that someone had entered the store. You snapped your hand over your mouth.

Praying it was Spencer but not actively believing it was, you stayed silent, waiting for the person to make themselves known.

“Y/N, it’s me. Are you here?”

It was Spencer.

You stood up from behind the sofa and ran to him, throwing your arms around him, hugging him tight and finally letting the tears fall from your eyes.

Feeling Spencer tense against you wasn’t the best feeling, but it was worth it for the way he melted into you after a moment, sliding his hands around your waist.

Breathing in deeply against his chest, you started to relax. His chest was harder than you’d thought. There were definitely some muscles he was keeping hidden.

Before you could enjoy the embrace too much, Spencer pulled back and looked at you.

There was a flicker of something in his eyes when you separated, but it was gone before you could analyze it, turning back to his professional demeanor.

“M-nine-L-D-G-seven,” he said robotically.

“What?” you said, removing your arms from around his neck and wiped the tears from your eyes, worrying that your brain had just short circuited.

“I got the plate but i’m sure he’ll replace it. It’s unlikely he’ll use that car again but I still need to report it.”

“I should have said something,” you murmured to yourself.

“What do you mean?” he said, whipping out his phone and typing rapidly.

“I saw the car following us earlier today. I assumed it was the protective detail.” Then, upon seeing the shocked look on his face: “I’m sorry, Spencer, I should have—“

His phone started to buzz and he answered it.

“Hotch? . . . Yeah just now. . . . Okay, I'll bring her in. . . . Yep, see you soon.”

He hung up and looked at you, a guilty expression on his face.

“I have to take you back to Quantico — uh — headquarters.”

“Okay.”

You stayed quiet the whole car ride. Spencer kept looking over at you, trying to be casual. Nothing felt casual. The way he held you in the bookstore wasn’t casual. The way he ran after a speeding car to protect you wasn’t casual. The way he’d stared into your eyes not long ago was . . . well, something, but not casual. You weren’t quite ready to explore that something yet.

The ride up in the elevator to the BAU was dead silent. Another instance where elevator music would come in handy.

Your reflection in the elevator doors was strange. Alien. It wasn’t you. It was as though a ghost was in your body, keeping you upright as you watched from behind your eyes, unable to do anything. It was terrifying.

Then, warmth flooded your hand, Spencer’s fingers intertwined with yours, squeezing gently.

Without turning your head, you glanced at his reflection. He was staring straight ahead, no expression, but his thumb was drawing soft circles on the back of your hand.

Before the doors opened and Spencer’s hand slipped out of yours, you caught a glimpse of yourself again in the reflection, only for a split second. It was still not a you that you’d ever seen before, but for an entirely different reason. There wasn’t fear or worry in your eyes, but something more. The same something you’d seen earlier in the bookstore in Spencer’s.

Stepping out of the elevator and into the bullpen, you found yourself wondering when this would all be over with.

And definitely, totally, not wishing it might never end.

Taglist: @aperrywilliams @mjloveskids666 @dolanfivsosxox @criesinreid @fanficsrmylife @racerparker @sammypotato67 @lukeskisses @reidcrimes @you-had-me-at-hello-dear @l0ve-0f-my-life @thatsonezesty13 @yourmisosoup

#spencer reid x reader #spencer reid #spencer reid fic #fluff #fanfiction #fanfic #mgg #matthew gray gubler #criminal minds

256 notes · View notes

abreathofthewild · 4 years

Text

And They Were Roommates, Chapter 2/?

Summary: After the events of Endgame, the Avengers try to regain a semblance of normalcy. Steve Rogers decides to move to a small town, get a regular job and a regular roommate…

Word Count: 3709

Warnings: mentions of alcohol. aftermath of a break-in. mentions of blood (small amount!). suggestiveness. eventual warnings for traumatic flashbacks and ptsd. eventual warnings for smut.

Notes: Hello friends! As promised, Chapter 2 of And They Were Roommates is here. I had a ton of help from @gothiclocalcryptid who went above and beyond proofreading and editing with me so HUGE shoutout to her <3. It was so much fun writing this chapter, especially since I got the inspiration to somehow double the word count?! My essays could never. Thanks for reading and I hope y’all enjoy!

Links: Chapter 1

The physical act of getting out of bed two hours later was nearly impossible. You could care less if you fell into a hole and never came back out. Even the sun rising, soft and golden over the skyline, and the smell of freshly ground coffee beans serenading your senses didn’t really improve your mood.

“Not to be rude, but you look like death warmed over.” The second opening barista, Vanessa, almost never minced words. This morning was no exception. You shot her a playful glare as you followed her to the back, throwing your bag and jean jacket into your locker as she placed another tray of crescents in the oven. “Long night?” The question was followed by her handing you an iced coffee with heavy cream, just the way you liked it.

“How’d you guess?” Your question and expression dripped with sarcasm. “Steve--”

“Steve. Steve! If I hear this story I know I’m going to feel like kicking his ass.”

You gathered your hair into a ponytail and sighed, taking another long sip of your drink. At 6:30, customers were starting to file in, but the early birds were sporadic; it wouldn’t get really busy until about 9 or so. Your face lit up as you greeted the older woman who had walked up to the counter, and she frowned as she heard the tail end of Vanessa’s sentence. After making her latte with no foam, you proceeded to set up extra pastries in the display case and wipe down the countertops.

“Look. He pays half the rent, and we never specified we couldn’t bring people to the house. But sometimes, he decides that 2 AM is a good time to bring home… guests.” You didn’t need to bring other people down to get your point across. But... there was an underlying feeling there you didn’t want to acknowledge. Sure, these girls were gorgeous, but they seemed so… fake. Maybe they didn’t seem fake, so much as not right for Steve. Vanessa saw the excuse me expression manifest on your face as you warred with the thought. You proceeded to tell her how the rest of the young woman’s visit had gone. “...And now he’s picking me up when I get off.” You decided to leave out the part where you walked in and he had watched you watch him. The part where your heart had stuttered so hard in your chest you knew the super soldier could hear it. The part where his mouth so close to your ear had sent a shiver tripping down your spine.

“Earth. To. Y/n.” Vanessa’s mouth was agape as she waved her hand in front of your face. “Girl, where the hell did you go just then? Is there something you’re not telling me? I mean, what could be better than finding out that Captain America is taking my favorite coworker on a date?!”

“It’s not a da--”

“Ah! Ah! Don’t interrupt me! What could be better than finding that out? You’ve despised his cocky attitude. He brings random girls home all the time. It’s not very considerate. He knows he’s too beautiful for his own good and he shows it. Yet, despite being woken up like two hours before you had to get ready for work, you’ve gotten surprisingly peppy the longer you’ve been here. Could it be… No.” Vanessa gasped as a huge shit-eating grin plastered itself on her face. You eyed her warily while the sudden feeling of being totally exposed washed over you. “Could it be you like him?” You shook your head vigorously. Nope. No way.

“Um, no? You just gave me a bullet list of all the things to dislike. I’m sure he was different… before… We all were. He is a hero. Always will be. But he’s at a different point in his life now. I haven’t seen the good guy side of him in person.” Your mind skipped over his smile in the photo on the mantle. “He’s a cad!” You said in your best British accent. Vanessa glared at you in playful disbelief.

“Sure. Okay. I’ll play along. Do you even know where you’re going? Do you have anything to change into?” She emphasized the last question like it was the most important thing in the world. You shrugged your shoulders. In all honesty, the only thing you could focus on that morning was to throw some makeup staples in your bag as you had stumbled out the door. She closed her eyes and let out a quiet sigh. “It’s all good. I’ve got something. I always keep a dress in my car, just in case.”

“Vanessa, you’re too much,” you giggled. “I don’t really wear dresses. He sees me like this every day. It’s not a date. He’s taking me out as an apology. If he can’t deal with me in jeans and a t-shirt, that’s his problem, not mine.”

“You’re with me for another six hours, and I can be very convincing.”

Sure enough, 12:45 rolled around--the two mid-shifters taking over for you two having already clocked in--and Vanessa was pushing you into the employee bathroom to change. You applied some mascara, tinted chapstick, and slipped into the dress. The white cotton felt like heaven, and the v-neck did everything for your curves. You made a mental note to attempt to get something for her that could pay her back. After you let your hair down from the ponytail that was starting to give you a slight headache, you stepped out and grabbed your bag. When you came around front, Vanessa stopped dead in her tracks.

“Ay, Dios mio! You’re gonna make me regret wearing that dress after you, ‘cause I know it won’t look that good on me.” She hooked her arm in yours as the two of you meandered to the front of the coffee shop. “Are you nervous?”

You turned your head sharply in her direction. Were you nervous?

“No, why would I be?”

Vanessa rolled her eyes. “I am still 100 percent convinced this is a date. I would be nervous. What time is it?” You glanced at your phone screen. The numbers read 1:06. A slight flutter of uncertainty pinged around your chest. That first thought of this is stupid… I’m stupid. You shook your head to clear it.

“Let’s go outside and wait. It’s so pretty out today!” It was. There were exactly five tables and chairs outside, and luckily, the one that sat under the dogwood tree was free. It was tucked farther in the back, closer to the building, with an unobstructed view of the street. These factors all made for good people watching. One considerably long conversation later, which had been punctuated by periodic glances at your phone under the guise of checking the time, Vanessa finally hopped up from her seat, planting her hands firmly on her hips as she leveled a stern look at you.

“Uh-uh, we’re not doing this. He proved whatever point needed to be proved. You’ve got better things to do with your time. There’s a new little Mexican-Korean fusion place down the street that I’ve been dying to try. We could drive there faster than you can walk home!” She held her hand out to you, and amidst the usual ‘I’m sure something came up’ excuses you were making for him (making excuses for him--what even was that thought process), you decided to take her lead on things. It wasn’t exactly like you were surprised but it still felt like a rock had been dropped in the pit of your stomach. The afternoon sun was now beating down on the two of you, and an air-conditioned building sounded so good.

“I do have to go home at some point though,” you intoned on a sigh. “It’s gonna be awkward. Probably. Maybe I’ll get lucky and he’ll act like nothing happened.”

Vanessa scoffed. “Unlikely, but some good food and a couple of margaritas will be sure to help that anxiety float away.”

“Nessa! Day drinking? I’m simply scandalized.” But once again, Vanessa was right, and after a Korean Lime Margarita and some excellent Kimchi street tacos, you were in high spirits and ready to take on whatever awaited you back at the house. Vanessa offered to give you a ride home, but you opted for the fresh air and the walk since you were about twenty minutes away. It would give you time to clear your head.

The sun was still out in full force, but a lively breeze had come about so that by the time you turned off of Main Street onto Pine Street, you felt as if you were walking on clouds. Steve had better things to do with his time than to make sure your feelings weren’t hurt. You were a grown woman and he had apologized last night. And if he had been rude today by not shooting you a text letting you know he couldn’t make it… well, it wasn’t unexpected coming from the Steve you knew.

You were so engrossed in giving yourself a pep talk that you got up to your front door, key in hand, without noticing that the door was in fact already open. Immediately the hairs went up on your neck. Something was off. Your breathing came out a little bit fast and shallow. Where was Steve? It was the first thought you could latch on to. He wouldn’t be home. Right? If somebody had broken in he would have made fast work of them. Maybe you were being silly. Should you call out for him? Should you even go inside?

You stood frozen on the doorstep, keys in hand as a makeshift weapon, until you heard noise coming from inside. It sounded like someone was sweeping up broken glass. A sigh of relief escaped your lungs when you finally stepped over the threshold and made your way past the living room and into the kitchen. There was Steve, the door to the backyard open and letting in the breeze. The first thing to catch your eye was the cabinet door hanging on one hinge. The second was all the broken glass. There was so much of it, probably from the dishes that had fallen out of the broken cabinet. Steve was sweeping it into the dustpan. The third thing you noticed was when he finally realized you were there, and he turned to you on a dime. You took in his face; it was flushed, and a nasty open gash was slowly bleeding down the left side of his face.

Time stopped for a moment as the two of you watched each other. The light coming through the west-facing kitchen window was golden, slanting in such a way that it hit Steve’s hair just right, setting it alight. At first, his expression was uncertain. Then his eyes widened, almost imperceptibly, as he realized what he had missed. He turned and threw the debris into the trash can he had dragged to the middle of the floor. His movements were slow, deliberate. You set your bag on the hook next to the open door and walked over to the sink, grabbing a cloth and wetting it down.

“What happened?” You heard him take a deep breath behind you. “Steve, sit down. Let’s take care of that cut.” It was surprising that he did as he was told, the second-hand oak chair creaking under the size of him. You moved slowly as you walked towards him, sensing that whatever had happened was a big deal; the normally-outspoken super soldier seemed at a loss for words.

When he was sitting, it gave you the once-in-a-lifetime chance to be looking down at him. He was still tall, only a few inches shorter in this position, but it was a different perspective nonetheless. The clean washcloth you had wet down felt cool in your hands. The sensation was the only thing keeping you grounded when you stopped in front of him, stepping between his knees to get a closer look at the wound. You bit your lip as you concentrated, softening the dabbing motions when Steve hissed at the contact.

“This should be healing, shouldn’t it?” Your voice was much quieter than you intended it to be. “Do we need to contact S.H.I.E.L.D?” He shook his head and closed his eyes; you had full opportunity to study his face. The beard had been a nice addition, you thought absently. His eyelashes were fanned out across his cheeks. Who had eyelashes that long? It was a bit ridiculous. His lips were pursed and quite involuntarily you wondered what it would be like to kiss them. A lock of hair had fallen into his face, and as you brushed it back, carding your fingers through the dark golden crown, his hands flew up to grasp your hips.

The motion startled you, but you were rooted to the spot. His hands were big, and the gentle motion of his thumbs made your breathing hitch. This was dangerous territory that definitely felt like it was coming out of nowhere. You weren’t equipped to deal with something like this. The heart behind your ribcage was thundering, thumping so hard you were sure it was going to give you away, betray you, and the emotions suddenly washing over you.

“I don’t need to contact them. Just a break-in that I wasn’t expecting. I chased him off. Normal life’s left me soft,” he finally gritted out in a quiet baritone. His hands were still splayed on your hips, and it took everything in you not to lean into the touch. “Guess I have to figure out some other way to say sorry.” You watched as his eyes fluttered open and a sheepish grin painted itself across his face. Was there an invitation there?

A shaky sigh escaped your mouth as you reluctantly extracted your hands from his hair and stepped back; you rolled your eyes, and just like that the old magic of the moment was broken. Still, something skipped in the air around you.

“You hardly have to worry about missing today when you were fighting an intruder, Steve. Don’t be ridiculous. Whaddya say to just whipping something up here and watching a movie? That’s my kind of apology anyway.” You dropped the cloth in the sink and turned around, crossing your arms and leaning back to look at him again. The physical distance had allowed the fog in your brain to clear just a little bit, until you saw the way he was watching you. Lazy, but focused at the same time. “What?” Your skin felt warm under his gaze.

“Nothing. You just look nice is all. Was that dress for me?” If anyone had looked at you right now, you were sure you would have looked like a deer in headlights. You weren’t sure whether to answer or not. His voice had gone all low, and now he was standing, making his way over to you with sure, slow steps. The floor creaked slightly under his weight. Oh, definitely not good. Steve reached forward once more, correcting the strap that had fallen down your shoulder. Goosebumps raced over your flesh. “I like the idea of staying here better too,” he rumbled. You pursed your lips and nodded, taking another huge breath.

“All right then. Um, I guess we should fix that cabinet door first?” Steve’s eyes searched yours for a moment before smiling and ducking his head.

“Yeah, I’ll grab the toolbox from the garage. I’ll take care of that if you can finish cleaning the mess off the counter?” Another nod.

“I’ll check the fridge too, I’m pretty sure we have all the ingredients for pizza.” You took a moment to watch his face; his eyes were distant. It took everything in you to tamp down the urge to reach out and touch him. “Steve, are you good?”

He stuck both thumbs in the air as he headed past you to the garage. Something in the set of his shoulders and the way he quickly avoided your gaze said otherwise, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it. The idea that this had just been a normal break-in seemed unlikely. Even if Steve hadn’t been interacting with S.H.I.E.L.D outside of occasional check-ins, there was no way Steve would have been caught off guard by a normal human being. Still, it didn’t feel like the right time to question him about it.

The two of you made quick work of the mess. After a small disagreement on whether pineapple actually belongs on pizza, with a compromise of half with pineapple, half without, the two of you finally settled on the couch to watch the movie. It was some secret agent rom-com you’d seen a few times before, but that always fit the bill for a chill night at the house. Steve, on the other hand, had not seen it and felt obligated to point out all the flaws in the action scenes. It made you smirk and elbow him more than once. After a while, though, you began to feel the tell-tale signs of sleep, your eyes drooping and your breath slowing.

It didn’t take him very long to notice.“Wanna head to bed, sleepyhead?”

You turned to him, your gaze briefly unfocused, and poked his arm.“I wouldn’t be tired at only eight pm if I hadn’t been woken up two hours before my four am alarm,” you replied with a smirk. Despite yourself, however, a yawn escaped your mouth. “I’ll take care of the dishes, it will help me wake up enough to finish the movie. You need to take a shower or anything after fighting the big bad wolf?”

Steve crossed his arms and let out a snort. You nudged his arm again with your elbow. “All jokes aside, thanks for keeping our house safe.” He stilled next to you but finally nodded.

“Yeah. Yeah, you’re welcome. Uh, yeah, I’ll go take a shower. You sure you don’t want any help?” Again, had he always been this nice?

“You’re fine. Go on.” If you had been able to read his mind, you would have known that to hear you say “our house” lit a fire in his veins. You wandered into the kitchen, noting how every detail seemed in focus; the night sounds coming in the open window, the smells of the breeze, the way the tile felt cool under your bare feet. The air felt charged with… what? You noted the gradual switch in your brain. Just this morning, you had been able to rattle off in your head all the reasons you hated living with Steve. You had even contemplated looking for someone else to room with. And now… now, after a brief conversation and some wound care, you really couldn’t figure out why you had decided to hate him. Hate was a pretty strong word.

Two plates and some intense daydreaming later, you wandered back into the living room just as Steve came back down the hallway, adjusting his shirt over the lower half of his stomach.

You were glad the lighting was low, because you were sure he would have seen the flush creep into your cheeks at the glimpse of bare skin across his abdomen. Absolutely ridiculous. Finish the movie. Go to bed. It was very simple. Or better yet, fake a headache? Could Captain America tell when someone was lying? Would you be surprised if he could? No. You sneaked a sideways glance at him as you sat down again. He smelled fresh and like a hint of Old Spice. His hair was combed back but still wet; little water droplets clung to the ends. Without a second thought, you reached out and turned his face to look at you.

“How’s that cut,” you murmured, suddenly quiet. The wound that just hours before had looked like it would need stitches now looked like a thin pink line. Oh god, his face was so close. You could close the space easily. There, there was that look again. Steve was not one to shy away from looking someone in the eyes, and every time he had looked at you in the last twenty-four hours had left you feeling weak and heavy, but in the best sort of way. Your phone buzzed from its place on the coffee table in front of you, the name “VANESSA” emblazoned on the front. You released a breath you hadn’t released you were holding and snatched the phone up. Steve cleared his throat and sat back.

“Hey, Nessa, what’s up?” What was up was that the opener for tomorrow morning had called out, and you were the most reliable on short notice. You agreed to cover the shift and let out a groan of disappointment when she told you she was working the night shift, so you wouldn’t even get to see her. Steve guessed what had happened from the conversation he could hear on his end (actually, he could easily hear both ends of the conversation, but that point was moot) so he locked up while you were getting last minute details.

“It’s all good,” he laughed when you tried to apologize. “We can finish the movie some other time. I had fun tonight. Oh, and, uh, thanks for the medical care.” He had shoved his hands in his sweatpants pockets and was rocking back on his heels. He looked every bit like someone who was definitely planning out his next move. He looked nervous, and somehow you couldn’t wrap your brain around that.

“Was the least I could do. I’ll see ya tomorrow?” Steve ducked his head with a smile. A smile that could stop traffic. A smile that had been burned into the mind of every US citizen as the poster boy for America. But to you, it was a smile that was warm. Familiar. And somehow now a smile that was starting to whisper home.

“Yeah, see you tomorrow.” Was there a promise there? You kept the shower water cold that night, trying to focus on something other than Steve Rogers.

#and were live #and they were roommates #inthorantine writes #steve rogers x reader #captain america x reader #steve rogers #captain america #guys im so hype #i cant believe i drilled out #close to 4k words #let me know what yall think

69 notes · View notes

superpaperclip · 4 years

Text

Fuck it here’s the start of a Javid fake dating AU.

Ch. 2 | Read on AO3

***

David had been sitting at the dining room table when it started. Sarah sat down across from him with a grin on her face, which David knew meant trouble. He tried unsuccessfully to ignore his sister and focus on his work for about five minutes, during which she didn’t move, before giving up.

“What do you want now and why can’t it wait until I’m done with this paper?” David asked with a huff, lowering the computer screen slightly so he could stare at his sister. Sarah just smiled wider.

“Well, it can’t wait because I know you, and you’ll just start another paper after you’re done with this one. Now as to what I want, I’m telling you you’re coming to a party this weekend. No arguments. The only things you do are go to class and do your work. College is supposed to be fun. You’re supposed to meet people. You haven’t gone on a single date since the semester began. You’re going to this party and I won’t take no for an answer. Besides, it’s hosted by one of Katherine’s friends, Bill. He’s rich, so all the important students will be there.”

Months, and even years, later, when David thought back on that moment, the two of them staring at each other across the dining room table, he had no clue why he said his next words. Maybe some spirit or supernatural entity possessed him, or he momentarily lost his mind. Indeed, he didn’t register what he had said until the words were out of his mouth.

“I already met someone.” Fuck, he’s in trouble. Now Sarah will never let this go. He’s too focused on trying to come up with a believable lie to register Sarah’s questions, which were undoubtedly along the lines of who the hell is he and why didn’t he tell her sooner and when does she get to meet him.

“Uhm, well, he… works at… that coffee shop right by campus. And his name is… uh…“ David desperately tries to think of a common name. “Jack! His name is Jack. And that’s all you’re getting from me. Now go away so I can finish this paper.” David resolutely stared at the computer, but Sarah unsurprisingly didn’t put up a fight, opting to leave the table instead. David’s gut told him this was going to backfire and blow up in his face, but he ignored it. Surely nothing too bad could happen, right?

Jack was fed up with his job at the coffee shop. More specifically, he was fed up with the customers. He was fed up with having to put on a fake smile every day and deal with rude, disrespectful, and downright mean customers, which seemed to be in abundance lately. Jack was counting down the minutes to the end of his shift when a girl burst through the doors, an annoyed look in her eyes. Jack internally sighed, then plastered his awkward-winning Customer Service Smile on his face, preparing to be berated again. Before he could launch into the standard greeting, the girl spoke.

“This is the fifth coffee shop I’ve been to today. Please tell me there’s someone named Jack working here, for my brother’s sake.” Jack’s mask slipped, his confusion evident on his face. He didn’t know who this girl was or why her brother’s… health?... rested on his existence.

“Uh, I’m Jack. Can I help you?” Belatedly, he wondered if he should’ve lied or used a fake name. At hearing his name, the girl’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands.

“Are you the guy who’s been dating Dave? God, I’m gonna kill him. He said your coffee shop was close to campus! I’ve been walking around all afternoon looking for you.” Jack was even more confused by the sudden shift in her mood, and her apparent belief that he was dating someone named Dave.

“Wait, what?” The girl gave him a puzzled look, as if he was an idiot and she hadn’t come barging into his shop claiming he was dating some guy with absolute certainty. When he didn’t show any sign of recognition as to what she was talking about, she huffed and launched into an explanation.

“I’m Sarah. Jacobs, I mean. Sister of David Jacobs. He told me you two were dating, and that you worked here, though he underestimated the distance from campus.” Ah. Her brother- David- must have told her to get her off his back. Jack had enough experience with pushy people to do what he would’ve wanted any of his fake boyfriends to do- lie. Jack just hoped he could be convincing enough.

“Oh, yeah, Davey! He’s told me about you, I just didn’t recognize you. Wait, he… he said we were dating? Really? I didn’t… well, it’s only been a few dates, and I didn’t want to put a label on it, but… he really said we were dating?” Jack hoped his performance was convincing enough, and would give him some leeway to not know anything much about David. He gave Sarah a half-smile and rubbed the back of his neck, pretending to be bashful. Sarah, on the other hand, seemed to buy it. She was almost giddy with joy, and something that seemed like pride.

“My brother has finally met someone! Oh, by the way, are you coming to Bill’s party this weekend?” Jack fought to keep his face neutral. Going to a party with someone he hadn’t known existed five minutes ago? No way. But still, he decided to let Sarah down easy. She seemed like a nice girl. Let this brother of hers deal with the blowback.

“Well, Davey didn’t say anything. And depending on when it is, I may not be able to go. I have some things to do this evening. But I’ll see if I can.” That seemed to satisfy her. She thanked Jack for his time, told him she hoped to see him at the party, and left. As Jack finally clocked out and walked home, he thought back on what was probably the weirdest interaction he’d had at his job, and hoped it wouldn’t come back to bite him in the ass.

David was once again being stared at by his sister from across the dining room table while trying to do his work, and once again, ignoring her wasn't working. Sighing, he closed the textbook and stared back at his sister, who had a smug smile on her face.

“You never told me how cute he was. And you greatly underestimated the distance.” Now David was confused. HIs eyebrow furrowed as he tried to make sense of what she said, having already forgotten their earlier conversation. Sarah threw her hands up when it became evident he didn’t know what she was talking about and muttered something under her breath, probably about how clueless he could be.

“Your boyfriend, Jack! Average height, cute, works at Universal Grind Coffee Bar- which, by the way, is not ‘right by campus’. I stopped in to meet him. And I invited him to Bill’s party this weekend. Don’t think you’re getting out of that just because you have a date.” David went pale, his eyes wide. Sarah had actually tracked down some poor guy named Jack who worked at a coffee shop near campus? He needed to apologize, and apparently thank him for playing along.

“Uhm, I gotta… go… do… something.” He stuttered out an excuse as he shot up from his seat and out the door. Jumping in his car, he punched the name of the shop into his GPS, hoping there was only one. Luckily, there was. When he got there, he rushed inside, desperate to apologize. He went up to the nearest employee.

“Excuse me, is Jack here? I really need to talk to him. My name is David.” The employee looked him up and down, confused.

“I’m his coworker, Spot. His shift just ended. Why? Who are you? What do you need to say to him?” David ignored the questions.

“When’s his next shift? Please, it’s important.” Spot regarded him again.

“He’s working tomorrow. His shift starts at noon.” After thanking Spot, David left the coffee shop and got back in his car, opting to just sit in the parking lot. What had he gotten himself into?

Jack was feeling good when he walked into work the next day. That changed very quickly. As soon as he got in the door, he took stock of the customers already there. His gaze stopped on one particular guy sitting at the counter. His leg was bouncing and he kept fidgeting with a straw, twisting it around his fingers. He looked familiar, Jack thought. Maybe they had a class together.

Jack was trying to figure out why he recognized this guy as he put on his apron and planted himself by the register when the guy came over.

“I’m sorry, are you Jack?” Was he someone else who was sent by the David guy? Seriously, what were the odds of two attractive strangers asking for him by name two days in a row? He internally grimaced.

“Yeah, I’m Jack. Who’re you?” Jack immediately regretted how sharp his tone was when he saw the guy wince.

“Um, I’m David Jacobs. My sister, Sarah, told me she came to see you yesterday and I wanted to say that I’m sorry. I made up a fake boyfriend with a fake name. I never imagined she would actually go looking for you. Uh, him. But thank you for playing along. Oh, she also said she invited you to a party. Please don’t feel obligated to go. I really don’t want to inconvenience you any more than I already have. Again, I’m sorry.” Honestly, Jack was starting to feel bad for the guy. So he motioned for David to follow him to the back of the shop. Jack sat in a booth that was tucked into the corner, and gestured for David to sit across from him. When he did, Jack asked the question that had been bugging him.

“Why?” David looked to Jack in surprise, obviously not expecting the question.

“Why what?”

“Why did you make up a boyfriend?” At the look on David’s face, Jack worried he crossed a line, but David launched into an explanation.

“Sarah’s always been on my case to get out of the house more, even while we were in high school. One of the ways she tried to do that was by setting me up with different people, hoping I would date someone. After the hundredth girl, I told her I’m gay, but she just started setting me up with boys. The last straw was the party she told you about. I don’t know what came over me, I just blurted out that I was seeing someone. She pressed me for details, and I panicked and said he worked in a coffee shop by campus and his name was Jack. I never meant for you to get caught up in this. I’m so sorry.” Jack thought for a minute before responding.

“Maybe this unfortunate situation can be beneficial for both of us.” He had a mischievous glint in his eye.

“What do you mean?

“Well, my friends are always teasing me about my lack of a partner. So whaddya say we get back at everyone? Your sister and my friends. Here’s what we do: we go to this party, pretend to date for a few months, then have a horrible breakup. That’ll get them off our backs.”

David sat there, contemplating Jack's offer. Jack could almost see the gears turning in his head. Eventually, he stuck his hand out to shake.

“Deal.”

***

#meg writes #im in the middle of a second chapter but i have no motivation #maybe this will give me some #newsies #newsies fic #jack kelly #david jacobs #sarah jacobs #javid #jack x david #jack x davey #fake dating au #jack newsies #david newsies #davey jacobs #I Never Planned (on someone like you)

53 notes · View notes

thran-duils · 4 years

Text

Haunted House

Summary: For @sherrybaby14 ‘s Halloween challenge. My prompt was the quote, “That costume is becoming on you. Of course, if I were on you I’d be cumming too.” I mean the plot is that an Omega gives into her nature to two hot Alphas. Oh, and the house may or may not be haunted. :D Pairing: Omega!Fem Reader x Alpha!Tony x Alpha!Steve Rating: Explicit Words: 2,698 Warnings (for the whole fic): Smut, ABO dynamics, dub-con, some horror

Masterpost

You walked up the stone staircase to the house, eyes flittering over all the windows. The house loomed, as if it could see through your very being. It was gorgeous in architecture, weaving stone and stained-glass windows. But, you knew there were stories about it being haunted. It excited you that you were going to be able to stay the night here.

Heels clicking on the stairs, you adjusted your bag, clearing your throat. You had been invited to come here by your employer, Tommy. He said the owner had requested you specifically and you had not asked questions when you saw the first part of the payment. It was lofty and you needed the money.

All that had been required was you to come with a bottle of alcohol, two days’ worth of clothes – although you were not required to stay for the two days –, and a risqué Halloween costume. A sexy, maid is what you had gone for; it seemed appropriate in this house. All lace with a nice black bow at the small of your back.

Suitcase at your side, you threw your coat off, hanging it on the coatrack by the door. You were getting overwhelmed as your eyes traveled the ceiling and walls of the mansion.

“Welcome.”

You knew that voice all too well and crossed your arms when you turned around, facing the billionaire pouring you a drink. He was dressed suave as always, even in joggers and a sweater. He was always effortlessly attractive.

How could your employer not have told you who had requested you specifically?

Smirking at you, he sauntered over, holding out one of the drinks to you. “Serving others seems to be your niche. That costume is becoming on you. Of course, if I were on you I’d be cumming too.”

No matter how much you found him attractive, you were not going to let him forget last time. You could not forget last time… mainly how you had had a hard time with not liking how he had handled you before. Even now, you felt a pull towards him… desire blossoming.

“Really? Again, Mr. Stark?”

“Please, Tony. But, at least you can remember some manners,” Tony stated, stalking closer. You stiffened and he smirked at you, holding the glass out. “Babydoll, come on. I’m sorry I got handsy last time.”

“Handsy?” you scoffed. He had handcuffed you to the bed and fucked you relentlessly.

“You’re too tempting for me,” Tony stated. “I was in a bit of a rut and you drive me a little insane. And I’m always a little rougher when I’ve imbibed too much. And I had that night. I’m sorry. Really. I wanna make it up to you.”

Narrowing your eyes at him, you asked, “By inviting me to a creepy mansion?”

Tony cocked his head and said, “Come now. It’s not that creepy. Sure, some people have died in here but you’re gonna find that in most houses older than 1900.” You did not look amused and he said, “Yes, yes. There are stories about it being haunted. People have seen stuff they’ve said. But, really. It’ll be fun. Just you, me, and Cap.”

You rose your brows in surprise. “Cap?”

“He’s aching for some companionship.”

Taking a long sip of your drink, you turned from Tony to examine the room a little bit further. “Didn’t think poster boy for American family values would be going after a prostitute.”

“I don’t want you to be a prostitute.”

“What do you want me to play as then?” you asked coyly.

“Mine.”

“Okay,” you sighed, turning to face him again.

Tony was at your side suddenly and you leaned away from him, unsettled by the fire burning in his eyes. He pinned you up against the counter, his breath hot on your ear.

“All mine. Omega,” he breathed.

You froze, staring at him as he pulled away, a self-satisfied smile playing on his lips. How did he know? You were on suppressants. Always had been when you had been around him.

Trying to play it off, you forced yourself to shake your head. “You want me to be an Omega? Bit of an odd roleplay. But I guess…” You reached out to touch his shirt, but he stopped your movement with a tight grip on your wrist. Wincing, you said, “Tony, what—”

“We both know you don’t have to pretend with that one.” He leaned in and inhaled deeply against your neck. “I know you’ve felt that ache.’ His lips gently brushed your skin and you shivered underneath his kiss. “I can taste it.” Involuntarily, you leaned towards him and he smiled against your neck. “Placebos. The last two weeks.”

Your blood ran cold. You knew something had been off about the way you felt. You had felt more desire for your customers than normal.

No no no no.

You tried to jerk away but he held tight.

“It was easy to pay Tommy to switch them out. You know having you employed is a risk for him. Even with the suppressants, you still smell and taste that much different than others. Probably why he only usually lets you take high end jobs. Worth the risk if the price is right. Doesn’t want you getting hurt for a small pile of change.”

How could Tommy have agreed to that? Your mouth was dry. There was a reason Tony was getting under your skin as much as he was now… any Alpha like him. And with Cap in the house too… it was no surprise you would react.

“I think this will be a more exciting experience if we turn this into a game. You like games, don’t you, Y/N?”

Breathing erratically, you decided on a whim to try to play his game. He was in charge after all… an Alpha. He was riled up; you felt his erection against you. Wanting to please him, you got out, “Depends on the game.”

“You run. We seek you out.”

You had not even seen Steve yet.

“You’re joking, right?” you asked him, holding your glass tighter to your chest.

“Do I sound like I’m joking?”

He came closer again and laid a gentle hand on your waist. “You’ll be perfect at it.” He leaned in, pecking your cheek. Subtly, you leaned towards him, your mouth open slightly. His eyes were darker now, no doubt him arousing himself thinking of the hunt. His hand slipped beneath your skirt, cupping your ass. This time he gently kissed you, reaching up to you take your glass from you. “Won’t you, babydoll?”

Averting your gaze from his, you nodded. Heart hammering, you were wildly thinking about what you should do? Play his game? Try to hide for the night? Try to scale the fence outside? No. That would be rude.

He drew you from your thoughts, cupping both sides of your face, his thumbs caressing your cheeks. “Steve’s ready. Been more than ready to hold you and fuck you right.” Tony drew in his bottom lip slightly, his eyes raking over you. “As have I.”

Thumb tracing your lip, you shivered as he said, “I know you’re not in heat. But, you like my attention, don’t you? Want me to hold you tight? I didn’t think you’d look and smell so fucking good but I’m not complaining.”

You did not trust yourself to speak, starting to feel frightened about how you were reacting to him scenting you all over your skin, wishing for more. You had not reacted to an Alpha for more than a year since you had started your suppressants. Losing control was scary.

His lips pressed firmly against yours and you responded in like.

“Figure the kitchen table is as good as any place. But I think you’ll be more comfortable on a bed.”

Your breath froze instinctively again as he leaned in. His lips brushed your ear as he whispered, “This is the part where you run.”

Your footsteps pounded in your ears as you ran down the hallway. You did not know where you were heading and you panicked, knowing damn well Tony knew the layout of this house and he had probably told Steve as well.

The halls were winding. You knew going up only trapped you, but you would not go up to the top floor. You would find a place on the third. If only the wood floors were not so goddamn creaky! You would be able to conceal yourself easier.

Any bedroom was as good as any and you bolted into one and into its bathroom.

Breathing shakily, you crouched in the tub, holding your knees close to your body. The curtain was mostly closed but there was still visibility. Luckily, the window was over the sink and the light from the moon would not cause your silhouette on the curtain.

The house was quiet.

Besides your breath as you tried to calm from the running.

It was too quiet.

Until you heard a squeak on the floor below it sounded like. They were circling in. Excitement was coursing through you, your mind running through the possibilities of what they would do to you when they found you. And worried too. If you had been off your suppressants for two weeks…

Suddenly, a shadow moved across the wall near the tub and you gasped, your hand coming to your mouth. There had not been any noise, no sound of anyone even entering the bedroom. You were unsure if anyone was actually in there with you.

You kept your eyes trained on the wall where the shadow was – not a solid figure but an outline, nonetheless. Perhaps there was something outside the window… but you were three floors up.

Moving cautiously, you pulled the shower curtain back further.

Revealing an empty, dark bathroom. Your eyes scanned the room frightened.

A new shape caught your eye in the corner.

Maybe you were playing tricks on yourself. This was because tony had frightened you with telling you people had died in here.

Then the shape flexed in size.

A scream erupted and you bolted out of the tub.

Running blind, you escaped the bedroom heading for the stairs.

Strong hands gripped you around your waist, yanking you to the side.

You cried out and grasped at the door frame. Your hands were ripped away and you were at the mercy of the grasp on your waist.

“Shh,” a voice whispered in your ear as they drug you back further into the room. “No need to be afraid.”

The hair on the back of your neck rose, scenting the Alpha holding you close. Especially him, without his shirt, his bare skin touching you. You mewled involuntarily.

“That’s it, darling,” he husked, turning you around to face him, keeping a tight grasp on you.

Steve had to help! The three of you needed to get out of this house.

“There was a ghost! A demon!” you gasped out, trying to look over your shoulder but he forced you to look at him again.

“No, no,” Steve purred, burying his nose into your neck. “You’re safe, Omega.”

Your breath hitched at the title and you relented for just a moment, forgetting why you were afraid. You were safe of course. Steve could protect you.

Snapping out of your haze, you shook your head.

“No,” you protested, your fingers digging into his arms. “You don’t understand. Upstairs –”

Steve nipped at your ear and pressed you against the wall. “Come now, I can calm you down, darling.” You tried to argue but he kissed you deeply, cutting off whatever you were going to say. You began falling into it, following his lead. Against your lips, he praised, “Good girl. You’re so riled up. Let me take care of you.”

You were falling victim to your hormones. You had to stay above water.

Again, you tried, “Steve, I swear –”

He hushed you again, his hands at the bow at your back. “Quiet, Omega. I promise we’ll protect you.” He untied the bow, moving his hands to the straps at your shoulders. “You’re so beautiful. Soft. Perfect.”

You melted under his words.

“Put her on the bed, Steve,” you heard Tony state from the doorway.

Steve chuckled against your lips and said, “You really don’t like foreplay, do you Tony?”

“I like foreplay plenty. I just know how to get the girl wet.”

Steve picked you up suddenly drawing a gasp out of you. As soon as you were on the bed, Tony flipped you onto your stomach, his hand pressing down on your back to hold you in place.

You felt the fabric at your pussy rip, leaving you exposed.

A rapt smack on your ass caused you to yelp. His fingers delved between your lips and you gasped.

“Let’s present ourselves nicely, Y/N. You have such a tight, welcoming cunt. Let’s not give Cap here the wrong idea.”

Tony added another finger and your own dug into the comforter, biting your bottom lip. His thumb worked your clit and you keened, grinding gently.

SMACK.

You whined when another blow landed, grinding harder.

“Steve, you like what you see? She’s well behaved, isn’t she? Fucking perfect.”

You were empty and you looked over your shoulder, seeing Tony licking his fingers.

Steve’s fingers traced your hips, a soft exhale leaving his mouth. You mewled when his fingers brushed your pussy, playing with your wetness.

Tony cupped your chin and he cooed, “Look at that. How wanton you are, darling. I gotta say, I’ve been wanting to fill you for a while.” His thumb entered your mouth and you sucked earnestly. His pupils were blown wide, looking hungry. “You can take as many suppressants as you want but kitten, I could see right through you and your need to be fucked and taken care of was glaring.” He kissed you, his tongue slipping past your lips. Groaning, he promised, “And you’re going to get it.”

Suddenly, Steve hiked your hips up and he entered swiftly.

You cried out as he pounded, feeling his cock hit your core.

“So fucking tight,” Steve grunted, his fingers digging into your hips.

Over the noise, you heard Tony let out a laugh. “I knew she could get you to drop an f bomb, Cap.”

Turning your head, you saw Tony pleasuring himself, watching the two of you. You could not wait for him to take you too.

Your head was swimming with arousal, wanting Steve to finish inside you. You needed to make him happy, allow him pleasure. His thrusts grew ever more sporadic, his pants becoming shorter.

“Alpha,” you whined.

That was enough to send him over the edge, coating you.

Tony’s arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you up. He crawled onto the bed with you, holding you close. You gasped when his finger found your clit, stimulating you.

“Let’s get you off again, baby. Make you that much wetter for me.”

He had you crying out, his arms holding you tight as you saw stars.

Tony filled you and you cried out at the intrusion when you were still so sensitive.

“You’re going to be amazing,” he husked against your ear. “I’m going to keep you all for us. You’ll never have to work outside this house again.”

Driving himself up into you, his hand closed around your neck. You groaned against the sensation, drowning in your pleasure. Your skin was on fire, electricity shooting through you.

“Alpha. Please,” you begged.

“Beautiful, Omega,” Tony moaned, his thrusts becoming faster.

When the two of you came tumbling down again, you all but collapsed in his arms.

His hands were gentle as they repositioned you, laying you softly onto the bed. Coming down beside you on one side, Steve on the other, Tony pulled the blanket over you all.

“We have all night, babydoll.” He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on your forehead. whispered in your ear, “You’re gonna love it here with us.”

You snuggled in closer to them, knowing they were going to protect you. You did not ever have to worry about being safe again.

#sherrysfallintoyouchallenge #my shit #stony x reader #steve x tony x reader #tony x steve x reader #abo marvel

607 notes · View notes

ericsonclan · 3 years

Text

One Last Con

Summary: Aasim and Prisha go to the port town of Whisperwind for information and find a connection to Aasim's past that leads them on an unforgettable adventure.

Word Count: 3356

Read on AO3:

Aasim walked down the sandy beach, his boots slipping and trying to find a secure center to walk on as he strolled alongside Prisha. The cartographer glanced over his friend’s way, studying her face for a moment before Prisha’s eyes caught his.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stare. I guess I was just lost in thought for a moment,” Aasim nearly stumbled in the sand before he reached the sturdy stones of the port town.

“It's quite alright,” Prisha accepted Aasim’s hand up as she reached the end of the beach.

“I was just thinking how pleasant it is to go on outings and such with you. It’s only been a few months since you joined the Ericson Pirates, but I find you to be an easy person to get along with. Unlike some of the other pirates on the ship,” Aasim huffed and readjusted his cravat.

“I enjoy your company as well. It’s always a pleasure to go out and get errands done with a friend like you,” Prisha smiled warmly. Her attention quickly turned to the bustling square of the port town.

Kids ran this way and that through the crowd, playing with sticks and chasing one another. Shopkeepers worked to try to get customers to come in and check their wares, promising the best prices in all the Seven Seas while sellers on the street tried to persuade them that they had better prices. The two pirates walked together through the square in serene silence, their swords gently whacking against their hips as they ventured forth.

A small laugh escaped Aasim’s lips as a look of pride appeared on his face.

“What's got you in such a good mood?” Prisha’s question made the cartographer glance over.

“Oh, just old memories. I pulled my greatest con right here in the port town of Whisperwind.” Aasim saw curiosity dance in his friend’s eyes. “It took months of planning, many well thought out acts of deception and a bottle of expensive wine but I did it. I stole the Sapphire of the Sea.”

Prisha’s eyes grew large. “You were able to con a sapphire,” She smiled, clearly impressed.

“Indeed. It was my crowning achievement. A true testimony to my genius!” Aasim threw up his arms for a moment, nearly knocking over a basket of eggs.

“Hey! Watch it!” The egg seller snapped and glared at Aasim.

“Oh, I am so sorry,” Aasim gave an apologetic look and soon continued forward.

“So what did you use the ducats on? Surely there was an enormous amount of coin you got from such a jewel.” Prisha sidestepped a citizen then looked over at Aasim.

“...I lost it. When I was making my escape it slipped out of my pocket and I don’t know where it ended up.” Aasim’s face fell.

“That truly is unfortunate,” Prisha placed a hand on Aasim’s shoulder. “Although it does weaken the validity of your tale.”

“How so?” Aasim shot a look at the pirate.

“Without proof that you did it or any items that you bought with the money it would simply sound like a tall tale to most.” “Yeah, knowing Louis and Mitch they would both tease me over this. Accuse me of making it all up.” Aasim gave an annoyed sigh.

“True, but luckily you are off on an errand and simply with me.” Prisha smiled.

“True. Speaking of which, we should really find the tavern. It shouldn’t take the others long to sail Ol’ Kickass towards the next port town to drop off that load of mangos before they go bad.”

“Right. Who knows how much useful information we’ll find in that place though.” Prisha scanned the area and soon found a tavern by the name of the Salty Siren. “There it is.”

Aasim nodded and the two weaved their way through the crowd towards the tavern.

“At the very least we can gather information unlike the last stop where Louis found none and bought three sea shanties instead.” Aasim shook his head in disapproval as he held open the door to the tavern for Prisha.

“Those sea shanties do seem to keep the crew sane during the long voyages on the seas though,”

Aasim was about to add to the discussion when the black-haired barkeeper slammed a tankard of rum onto the counter and slid it over to a customer who was missing more than a few digits. The two pirates looked the customer’s way before quickly averting their gaze when he felt their eyes upon them. The customer soon returned to his rum and downed it in seconds.

“Did you hear the news?” A pair of bandits talked in the corner of the tavern. “Supposedly an underground group is slowly taking over the old rundown area outside Whisperwind. And that's not all-” The pair soon paused when they saw that Prisha and Aasim were listening in. “Hey, how's about you mind your own business and don’t be listening in on ours!” one of the bandits sneered at Aasim.

“Sorry, sorry, it won’t happen again,” Aasim took a seat on a stool and Prisha took the one beside him.

After a minute or two of silence the bandits began to talk once more in hushed whispers. “So, what can I get for ya?” The barkeep’s voice made the two pirates look her way.

“We’re hoping for information in regards to jobs on the sea and good trading ports,” Aasim leaned forward on his elbows.

“I supposed that was the case with you two being pirates. Fine looking pirates at that,” The barkeeper smiled playfully at the two of them.

“I’m flattered but I’m taken and very happy,” Aasim looked down and began to rummage around for some ducats.

“And what's your tale? Care to share a tankard and take a walk together?” The barkeeper looked Prisha’s way.

“I have someone I’m interested in so I will politely decline but thank you,” Prisha’s attention was pulled away when she heard Aasim’s coin purse drop.

“Shit,” Aasim leaned over and picked up the purse. “Prisha, you never told me you were interested in someone. Who is it?”

Prisha immediately became overwhelmed and glanced away. “That is irrelevant. We came here for information.”

“Is it Brody?” Aasim asked with a small smile. “That would make Mitch heartbroken since he clearly likes her but he’s too much of a dumbass to even notice.”

“It's not Brody. Can we please drop this?” Prisha looked Aasim in the eyes. After a moment he let the subject go and returned to the task at hand.

“Anyways, information - what kind do you have?” Aasim held a few coins up and began to move them in between his fingers.

The barkeeper followed the coins as they traveled from one side of Aasim’s hand to the other. “Well, let’s see. I have a few low paying jobs. I heard of one that involved catching some runaways who stole some silverware.”

Aasim and Prisha looked at each other and shook their heads. They’d pass on that one.

“Besides that I have information on a port town known for its fresh produce and spices as well as the rumored location of the Sapphire of the Sea that used to belong to the nobleman of this town.”

Aasim dropped the ducat in his hand, causing it to fall into a tankard of rum.

“We’ll take the information on those last two,” Prisha jumped into the conversation. The barkeeper gave a smile and took the coins, pocketing them before taking out a map. Leaning particularly close to the pair of pirates, she pointed out the port town. “Right here past the Sealogged Serpent cavern.”

Aasim took out his own copy of the map and made note of that.

“As for the sapphire, rumor has it that the group that those two in the corner were speaking of has it. It's hidden deep underneath the clothes of the leader, right by his heart. Supposedly the group plans to sell the sapphire and use the funds to start some shady underground shit. That's all I have.”

Aasim and Prisha sat in silence for a moment before Prisha spoke up. “Thank you for your information and time,” She rose from her stool.

“Anytime. If either of your relationships fail, you know where to find me,” The barkeep gave a wink then returned to her task of serving the other customers.

Aasim frowned at those words while he turned. His relationship with Ruby would last just fine. Prisha could sense her friend’s frustrations and followed him outside the tavern. “That was rude. Assuming that my relationship would fail!” Aasim ran a hand through his hair in an effort to calm down.

“Are you alright? Do you need another minute?” Prisha placed a hand on Aasim’s back.

“I’m fine. Just didn’t care for the way she spoke towards the end. But that doesn’t matter right now. The barkeep spoke of how the group may have evil intentions with that jewel and I can’t help but feel partly responsible.” Aasim’s eyes held guilt within them.

“There’s nothing that can be done at the moment. The crew should be back by now. Besides, a hard truth you must learn is that not all mistakes or unfortunate outcomes to our actions can be changed.” Prisha’s statement sunk into Aasim’s mind and he gave a nod.

Soon the pair of pirates were off and made their way to the docks. When they arrived, however, Ol’ Kickass was nowhere to be seen nor the lovable group of pirates that came with it. Prisha and Aasim wandered around the docks in search of any sign of their friends when they overheard a conversation. A group of sailors spoke of how a storm had been a brewing nearby the port town that the rest of the Ericson Pirates were heading towards. It seemed it would take a whole week for the storm to clear and the sea be safe enough to travel. Hearing this news, the two pirates made their way back to the town square.

“So what should we do?” Prisha asked as a pair of kids ran past her.

“I suppose we should get a room at an inn but the only one in town is atop the tavern,” Aasim grumbled and tilted back his head.

“Well, before then would you like to check out the underground group?”

Prisha’s question made Aasim move his head to look over at her. He could see the excitement sparkling in her eyes. Leave it to her curiosity to get Prisha to agree to something she had earlier disagreed on. “Alright, let's head out.” Aasim led the way down the path that stretched to the rundown area outside of Whisperwind.

The pair was cautious as they approached the area, composed only of a few crumbled blue buildings and a weathered chapel. Their footsteps were silent as they kicked up the dirt around them.

“Prisha,” Aasim whispered and motioned over to a door with an odd sign on it.

They were about to enter it when a man dressed in muted tones emerged from behind it. He caught sight of the two of them. “Are you here to join?”

The question made the pirates freeze. “We have yet to decide. Excuse us for a moment,” Aasim was genuinely surprised when the man let them step to the side.

“Should we back out now? We could just return to the tavern,” Aasim offered and Prisha placed a hand on her chin, her mind in deep thought.

“We could, but we also have a chance to make sure your con in the past doesn’t lead to harm to others in the present.”

“Alright, then we can pull off a con. I had sworn them off since I was nearly executed for the last one but I can make an exception here. So, let's start my very final con.” Aasim saw Prisha’s eyes dance with hidden excitement at his declaration. Having decided to go for it, the two pirates walked back. “We will join.”

“Good, I’m sure the leader will be pleased. He’s been looking for new blood,” The man pulled open the door and started to lead the pair through a maze-like series of hallways before stopping in a large room. Prisha and Aasim peeked their heads in, their eyes growing large with disbelief at the sight before them.

In the left corner of the room was a girl who was busy mastering knife tricks for some sort of entertainment purposes. To the right of her was a man who was training a large black cat to do certain tasks while a couple beside him was working on a joint act that involved a series of complicated acrobatics. It soon became clear that this wasn’t some hardened, cutthroat group set to use the jewel to gain power or money and cause harm. Rather it was a troupe of performers who wanted to put on the ultimate show. Aasim glanced back and noticed the door they had come in through was also the only exit.

“Well, hi there!” The leader walked forward. He had extravagant clothes on as well as a bright grin. “Come to listen to your heart’s secret desire to be a performer?”

“That's right,” Aasim’s composure returned and he put a charismatic smile on his face. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Aces and this is my sister, Prism.”

“Siblings?!?! That's great! I’m the leader here but you can call me Rings!” he beamed. “So, what act do you have?” “An act?” Aasim’s mind was suddenly blanking.

“That’s right. What's your talent?”

“I sing and he does elaborate dances to them!” Prisha blurted and caught sight of Aasim’s eyes. The two had a silent argument before Rings gasped in excitement.

“Really? Show me! Show me!” Rings clapped his hands. “Oh! Knives, Shadow, you should watch too!” he called out to the knife performer and animal tamer. The two nodded and silently walked forward. Shadow gave a soft smile to Rings before turning his attention back to the potential new recruits.

Aasim silently argued with Prisha some more before she began to sing. Aasim immediately started to dance, his mind spinning as he tried to come up with cool dance moves to go with the song. It was a lively, joyful tune and so he did a very happy, bubbly dance. The other performers watched in awe as the two pirates pulled a performance out of thin air.

After a few minutes the song was done and Rings clapped while laughing gleefully. “Oh, you must join! You must!”

Aasim and Prisha shared a secret smile. They had conned their way in.

Soon they were introduced to the other performers and lived their lives as Aces and Prism. Time flew by quickly as both Aasim and Prisha seemed to be having a lot of fun with this con. Prisha enjoyed any opportunity to sing and get praise for it while Aasim got competitive in finding interesting new dance moves and lived for the affirmation of the performers he had met not long ago.

“Aces! You ready?” Prisha held out her hand and Aasim strode forward.

“Ready as always, Prism!” He smiled back at Prisha. Soon Prisha’s warm, alto voice filled the room while Aasim danced to the beat, adding flair here and there. He had gotten so caught up in the dance that he’d grabbed some flames and incorporated them into his dance as Prisha’s voice rang out with the energetic song.

The pirates had gotten too swept up in their con though and soon realized that they had run out of time. The week flew by in no time.

“Do we still even need to steal the jewel, Aces?” Prisha whispered to Aasim.

“I’m not sure. They don’t seem to have bad intentions with it but is it wise to just leave it here?” Aasim could feel his suppressed panic rising. Should they still try to steal the jewel? But what good would come from that?

“The others will be worried about us if we aren’t there when they return. What if they think we’ve been imprisoned or sold or-”

“Prish- Prism! Just let me think for a minute!” Aasim snapped his friend. He would come to a conclusion on whether they would still steal the sapphire or not. But he soon realized he couldn’t decide. His mind was completely panicked. It was do or die at this point. Just then Rings walked into the room, the perfect opportunity for theft presenting itself while Aasim had no plan at all in play.

“Hey there, Aces.” Rings smiled.

Aasim was silent as his eyes looked at the bump over Ring’s heart where the sapphire should be. “Aces?”

Aasim reached out his hand and touched Ring’s chest where the jewel lay.

“That's, umm... forward. Listen, Aces, I think you’re cool and all but I’m with Shadow,” Rings shyly smiled.

“What, no! I’m not putting the moves on you. I.. I’m happily taken!” Aasim declared loudly.

“As am I, so why is your hand still on me?” Rings asked with confusion. Aasim knew his cover was about to be blown but he would get the sapphire. Reaching into Ring’s shirt, he pulled out the large blue sapphire and let out a victorious cry.

Rings clutched his chest in horror. “Thief! Aces is a thief!”

Knives ran forward and threw a knife towards the pirate. Prisha deflected it, sheathed her cutlass then grabbed Aasim’s hand.

“Time to escape,” Prisha ran forward and she and Aasim began to dodge more knives. Soon Shadow had sent out his wildcat who suddenly seemed not nearly as friendly as when Prisha and Aasim had given it pats the other day.

“Bad kitty! Bad kitty!” Aasim sprinted away with the creature right behind him and Prisha. They ran all the way up the road and back into the town of Whisperwind. The pair of pirates sprinted through the crowd towards the docks, hoping and praying that they would see Ol’ Kickass once they reached them.

“There they are!” Aasim crowed as he saw the Ericson Pirates.

“Lift up anchor! We must leave at once!” Prisha called out to her captain who was happily waving at his friends.

“Oh shit!” Louis’ eyes grew large when he saw the small gang coming after Prisha and Aasim. “Get ready to leave!” Within minutes the ship was slowly leaving the docks. With a mighty cry Aasim ran to the edge of the dock and leaped out to Ol’ Kickass. The sapphire slipped out of his pocket and fell into the ocean with a small plinking sound.

His pants were quickly grabbed by Ruby and with a strong pull she got him onto the deck, giving him a few quick kisses before wrapping him in a tight hug. “Caught ya just in time, Pookie,” Ruby smiled up at her love.

“You did. Thank you, my treasure,” Aasim softly kissed one of her hands.

“Shit, will Prisha make it?” Mitch watched in curiosity as he saw the pirate sprinting forward with all her might. She stumbled a few times here and there, nearly falling into the ocean.

“I’ll make it!” Prisha yelled and leaped into the air. She desperately reached out her hand which Violet caught to pull her up. Prisha stumbled up on deck and due to a rather bumpy wave fell forward, slamming her hand against the mast right by Violet’s face. The two pirates got extremely overwhelmed by the position they were in and Prisha moved away. “My apologies,”

“It's okay. Glad you made it.” Violet gave a small smile Prisha’s way then looked back at the deck.

“As am I,” Prisha returned the smile.

“You must have some story to tell us,” Brody looked out towards the docks where the small group of performers was angrily yelling at the departed ship.

Prisha and Aasim shared a look. They certainly had a tale to share but they weren’t sure how much of it the crew would believe. Whatever the case, tonight’s dinner was sure to be an interesting one.

#twdg #twdg aasim #twdg prisha #twdg violet #twdg ruby #twdg privet #rusim #prisha aasim brotp #fanfic #a pirate's life for me au

2 notes · View notes

mariamermaid · 4 years

Text

Unexpected Kindness

Rafe Cameron x fem Reader

Summary: After his dads kicks him out, Rafe has no idea where do go and as he wanders across the island and finds himself in your care…

Words: 1.5k

For you, it had been just another day at work. The Royal Lagoon, a 24/7 opened bar with all kinds of drinks and delicious snacks to offer, mostly served either kooks or some tourists, who had gotten lost. You were a born pogue and it had taken you all kinds of efforts to get a job, but this one was actually kind of decent. You were hard-working and always wore a smile on your lips, they paid you well. In the beginning you had to listen to some rather ugly comments, but you stayed professional and no matter who came in, you all handled everybody the same polite way. Maybe that was the reason why both sides of the island tolerated you, maybe it was your honest way of being polite and making small jokes with customers. It didn´t matter to you really, all that mattered was that you had a job.

Within the past weeks, you noticed Rafe Cameron coming in more often. Usually with friends like Topper, but then alone. Once he made a comment how cute you looked in the waitress uniform, but you had brushed it off as a joke between him and his friends. This day, you welcomed him with a warm smile, but he was lost in his thoughts. Just when you cleared your throat again, he looked up startled. You chuckled. “Sorry, didn´t mean to scare you. Know what to order?” You saw how tensed he was and his eyes flickered. He even seemed lost, not really knowing what he was actually doing in the Lagoon. His cheeks were blushed and strands of his hair fell down from his otherwise chic look. “Ehm… Water.” “You came to order water?”

It was after the rush hour in the afternoon and the next crowd wouldn´t be coming for an hour or two. You sat down across from him. “Are you okay?” With his hand, he brushed through his hair, while avoiding you glance. His eyes set on the ocean, just when you called out his name again, he looked at you. His features softened. “Rafe?”

“Hm?” He let out a nervous chuckle, trying to correct his behavior. “Sorry, ehm… Trouble from home.”

You nodded slowly, not being entirely sure how to handle him. “Just call me when you need something, I´ll get you your water.” You walked behind the bar and started filling up a glass with ice and water. Last but not least you added a lemon slice and fresh leaves of mint, exactly how it was usually served in the Royal Lagoon. But when you came back to the table outside, where Rafe had sat, he was gone. You sighed while starring at the now empty spot. Even though you wouldn´t admit it, you were a little sad that he didn´t even say goodbye. But after your little chatting break, work was pilling up and you went back. You spent the next hours working, which kept your mind off Rafe and when you finished your shift at 9 p.m., you had almost forgotten about the encounter.

You didn´t own a car, due to your living circumstances it wasn´t in your budget right now. You took the bicycle to work each day, which was convenient, since it only took 15 minutes. Moving out from your parents’ home at eighteen had been hard on you, but the relationship never had been easy. It was the best choice you ever made. You lived now on a houseboat which laid on a dock outside of figure eight. It wasn´t ready to just sail around, you had to do lots of remodeling still, but it was a home. Your very own home.

The sun was already settling, and you hummed to yourself, remembering how you had leftovers in the fridge. When turning a corner, you caught eye of a silhouette very last second and hit the brakes hard, avoiding to run the person over. He seemed male by his build and his tall figure, but you didn´t immediately make out who it was. “For God´s sake, can´t you watch where you walk?”

You sighed, the person had been wandering on the street, normally pedestrians didn´t walk there. “Sorry.” It was only mumbled, but you looked up to find Rafe in front of you.

By the look of him, you guessed that he had wandered around the island since his leaving from the Lagoon. He looked rosy from the heavy afternoon sun, maybe dehydrated. His clothes slightly stained from dirt and sweat. He was still not the Rafe you knew and you carefully grabbed his arm. “Rafe? Are you okay?”

He probably was dehydrated and when he starred at you, you saw that he was at the verge of tears. “He kicked me out.” Your hand slipped down from his arm and your mouth opened, but no words escaped. He didn´t need to say more, you already understood. His father kicked him out.

You heard the rumors, but it wasn´t like you were no angel as well. Just before you had moved out, you had similar problems; toxic group of friends, alcohol and drugs…

You knew how it felt, when everybody left you alone. When nobody believed in you.

“C´mon.” It was all that left your lips and not being able to completely function, Rafe stumbled after you. The last five minutes before arriving at Dreamcatcher, your beloved houseboat, you spent in silence. Rafe didn´t even question, where you led him. When you finally arrived at the dock, where you left your bike and climbed onto Dreamcatcher, Rafe remained on the land. He was clearly unsure. It was kinda cute; strong, confident Rafe Cameron being insecure. “Do you know where to stay tonight?” You asked rather obvious and he shook his head, just realizing that you were offering him a bed to stay. “Well, let me show you my home”, you added with a slight tone of sarcasm and he finally came aboard. He followed you into the inside, having to slightly bend down in order to go through the front door. You entered through a small welcoming area, where you had hung up a few clothes, which then led into the kitchen. Everything was in a light wooden tone with a few plants hanging from the ceiling. The kitchen had white tiles and you threw a water bottle at Rafe, who caught it while still eyeing the inside of your houseboat. “I know it´s probably not what you´re used to”, you added quietly and picked up some things laying around to tidy up a little. After the kitchen followed a area which you used for multiple things; to eat, to work, to chill or watch Netflix. It was made out of a couch and an adjustable coffee table. You could use the table to eat while watching Netflix, adjust it higher to work at your laptop or put it close to the couch to reform a second bed. It was very bright area with a large window opening to the seaside. The bathroom was the only closed room, a few steps leading down and above it, was the loft with your bed.

You cleared your throat, blushing at the thought of Rafe Cameron crashing on your couch. You didn´t even know what drew you to help him. “You can stay on the couch, there´s food left in the fridge, I´ll go grocery shopping tomorrow anyway.” He nodded and you both stood awkward in the middle of the room. “I´m gonna get ready for bed, I have an early shift tomorrow and you know how the tourists are with the breakfast buffet.” You explained and for the first time, he let out a laugh. You wanted to go into the bathroom to change, but Rafe suddenly grabbed your wrist.

“Thanks, Y/n.” You saw a genuine shimmer in his striking eyes.

“I thought I had to sleep on the street tonight”, he admitted further, not letting you go yet.

“Don´t worry about it, just don´t bring trouble here.”

About half an hour later you laid in your bed. A curtain was separating the loft from the rest of the boat. Rafe had showered, after you had finished your bed routine and then laid down in his bed as well. You wondered if he was still awake, you could hear his slight, but steady breathing.

“Y/n, are you awake?” He suddenly asked quietly and you heard how he probably turned in the sheets. “Yeah.”

“Do you remember in third grade when I cut your pigtails with scissors?” You chuckled.

“I was in my first school year and had to run around with that terrible haircut, just because of you.”

“I´m sorry.”

“We were children.” You sighed, but Rafe continued.

“I´m sorry if I ever was rude to you, then or now. It wasn´t fair. You were always kind to me.”

You pulled the curtain back from where you laid, Rafe was starring up your loft and you saw his figure from the light from the window. “I´ll make up for it, I promise.”

You could tell he was telling the truth and smiled slightly. “I think we´d be pretty good friends.”

“Since you started working at the Lagoon, I wondered if we could be more than friends.”

A statement you hadn´t seen coming and luckily, Rafe didn´t see you blushing.

“Maybe… For now it´s one day at time.”

#rafe cameron #rafe cameron imagine #rafe cameron x reader #drew starkey #obx #outerbanks #mariamermaidimagine

23 notes · View notes

musedblues · 4 years

Text

Always Something There To Remind Me [Part: 4]

summary: Home is where the heart is. You’re working on finding yours. After a handful of misfortunes, your old friend Joe helps to unravel life’s greatest mystery while adding a bit of extra grief to the mix.

warnings: Some fun, a little angst, and a whole lot of mixed feeling!

w/c: 6k

a/n: We’ve reached the halfway mark of this story! I hope you enjoy this update. Let me know what you think, lovies!

taglist: @im-an-adult-ish @mrsmazzello @lettinggosthehardestpart @the-moving-finger-writes @imtheinvisiblequeen

Part 5

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

The spring was blossoming to life and after your fair share of sulking, you went on the hunt for a job. Funeral expenses and travel had cleaned out your account, and you needed income. In the local mall, you scored part-time at a tiny flower shop. A lovely couple of old men owned the place and handled deliveries, insisting your only job was to sit behind the register and wait for customers to buy something.

There were plenty of shoppers, but even more spare time to listen to podcasts and text Tegan. You were in the middle of sending your friend photos of the floral arrangement one of your bosses let you mess around with over lunch break, when a familiar voice floated past your counter.

“Oh my God!”

Lacy Duval was standing in front of you with a strangely excitable grin and a perfect ponytail flowing from underneath a Yankees ballcap. Oh my God was right.

“Hello, Lacy.” You gave her a cagey smile. There was no reason not to be polite, but something about the girl really got under your skin.

“I saw you here on my way to Urban Outfitters and I couldn’t not say hello.” The girl was pretty. It almost blinded you to look right at her. But she’d taken to leaning against the counter to shove her smile in your face.

“Well, hello.” You offered once more. “Please, don’t let me get in the way of your shopping.” You nearly plead, glancing past her, willing another customer to show up.

“Oh, no I work at Urban. I totally don’t mind clocking in a few minutes late.” Lacy giggled like this was some kind of big, secret, inside joke. You only let out a very nervous chuckle, afraid if you opened your mouth again you would be a little too rude. Lacy leaned against your register for five solid minutes, gabbing on about the mall and the people she worked with and how she’d never see you here before. All while looking over her shoulder and around yours, like she had somewhere better to be. That’s what stopped you from dropping your guard and actually listening to what Lacy had to drone on about.

She left with a reluctant sigh and you wondered how she justified talking to you for so long with absolutely nothing to say. You shook it off in a hurry, going back to your texts with Tegan and selling a few promposal bouquets near the end of your shift.

Except after then, something horrific happened. For the next two weeks, Lacy kept coming in to say hello. Every. Single. Day. She even learned your schedule and made a habit of stopping in to greet you before her shifts across the mall started. And for a while, you didn’t totally mind the tradition. She kept it up so long, with a pleasant smile. She must have really wanted to talk to you, right? But by her fifth visit, her all too obvious intentions were finally brought to light.

“So how’s Joe, then?” Lacy kept her smile wide and her eyes glued on yours.

“Oh, you know, some kind of superstar.” You half-joked, almost through your teeth. Joe was off with his castmates, winning awards and attending red carpet parties. You couldn’t have been happier for him. He deserved a bit of fun after the winter was so cruel. You just didn’t like that Lacy was asking.

“He’s always been popular but he’s properly famous now, isn’t he?” Lacy pointed out, giddy. “Every time I post a photo with him I swear I gain at least a hundred more followers!” She practically swooned.

It took every ounce of your strength not to throw your head back and groan out loud. Yeah, he was an actor. Yeah, he was good- and recognized for it. You’d had this conversation more times with more people than you ever really realized was possible. And if ever he dared mention your old pal, Kris always referred to Joe as “that famous friend of yours.” Was Joe’s celebrity really all that mattered to anyone? What about his favorite Chinese food, or his theory about the end of Easy Rider? He was a motherfucking person.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get much worse, it got so much worse.

You had just closed up shop, paying no mind to the last-minute mall rats who still bustled around the other open storefronts. Before you could make your way too far past the flower shop, someone tapped you on the shoulder.

It was Joe, who proceeded to wrap you in a big hug the moment you registered his surprise presence.

He was gone for what felt like longer than ever before, but he looked way more happy to see you now, than the last time you reunited. You threw your arms around his shoulders and he lifted you off the ground for a moment, exchanging merry hello’s.

“Alright, alright! We have a guest.” Joe set you back on your feet, gesturing to a very tall and happy looking fellow you recognized from many photos.

“Gwilym.” You proudly smiled up to him, confirming you knew of him well enough to be happy to see him here now.

“Y/n!” He pointed at you, as if this meeting were a long time coming.

Joe went on to explain how Gwilym had been staying with him the past couple of days after all the press tours and premiers were over. And how they drove all the way back here to Joe’s measly hometown because his mother insisted they both stop over for brunch, so she could get the chance to see Joe’s friend. Apparently, she adored Gwilym. You could see why, even just having met the guy, he oozed a certain gentle charm.

Joe knew to find you here at the mall, because you’d kept up your promise of sending the occasional text message update when something more than mundane happened in each of your lives. You listened to him and Gwilym yammer on about how exciting the past couple of months had been for them, taking a beat to notice how good Joe looked. There was a light in his eyes you hadn’t seen since you’d been back in the states.

And then you saw her. Lacy was leaving her shift down the way. You watched her realize just exactly who was talking to you, stop, and turn in a very big hurry in your direction.

“Joey!” She shrieked, rushing up to your best friend. Gwilym was practically shoved aside by the girl on her mission to invade Joe’s personal space. What was even more unsettling was how Joe seemed glad to see her. He pulled her into a friendly embrace that she squealed during. Even though you and Gwilym had just met, the two of you shared a befuddled expression trying to reason why you’d both been left on the sidelines all of a sudden.

Even when Joe pointed to Gwilym, introducing the strangers to each other, Lacey didn’t dare turn her gaze from Joe. She didn’t miss a beat as she went on saying;

“I’m so glad you’re here! So listen, my sisters are throwing this big party and I promised them I’d get you to come. I wanna show you off!” Lacy swayed in place, looking up to Joe through her fake lashes.

“Oh, wow uh sure, when is it?” Joe smiled, pulling his phone from his pocket as you crossed your arms, realizing you were invisible to her now. Lacy gave Joe the details and had the nerve to sweep her eyes over you as she skipped away. What the fuck? She’d spent all month popping in to “say hello” to little old you, but now that Joe was around you’d become irrelevant. She was only trying to get to Joe and you knew it all along, but you were still fuming at her disregard for you during the past couple minutes.

“That was weird.” Joe realized with a shrug, watching Lacy walk away. You knew if you responded you’d only blow a gasket, and luckily Joe was interested in moving on. Gwilym stood watching on in near comical horror as Joe snapped everyone back to business.

“Alright, listen this is very important.” Joe grabbed your shoulders, wearing another hopeful grin. “I want you to come back and stay with us, this weekend. But the thing is you need to say yes right now, cause we’ve got to leave right now.” Joe nodded. You realized he was serious or he wouldn’t have tracked you down at the mall, with the excitable, dashing Gwilym in tow.

///

Gwilym was put to work charming the socks off your mother as Joe raced you up the stairs to help pack your bags. He was desperate to make it to some very specific pizza place before it closed for the night. You just laughed as he threw your clothes into an old JanSport, before stealing it from his grasp to finish packing your thing; full of mostly new clothes you splurged on with your first big paycheck. As you packed them to wear, you felt strangely like life was finally taking a turn for the better.

When you scurried back down the stairs, Gwilym had managed to make a cup of tea and was busy trading some recipe with your mother who was sad to see him go. Joe rushed the pair of you out the door and off onto an adventure.

Gwilym insisted you take the passenger seat on the way to the city and begged you to expose the depths of your Spotify playlist, from the back. The car ride was spent laughing about the musical phases you’d all gone through, and rocking out to the classics everyone loved.

“Hey, this is fun.” It hit you as you gazed at the cars zooming past the speed limit on either side of the freeway, and you didn’t feel usually dreadful. You let the comment slip out without thinking about it, without thinking of Gwilym in the back who might have wondered why you’d be shocked to find a road trip suddenly appealing.

But Joe knew, and he smiled as if to disguise a frown. He seemed to get this same strange look on his face when you even slightly alluded to your recent past.

“John told me what happened, why didn’t you?” Joe asked, quietly, worriedly.

Oh, yeah. Your car slid off the road last month.

“I didn’t want to make a big deal about it.” You shrugged, almost too much like a little kid. But you caught a glimpse of Gwilym in the back, pretending not to notice the shift in conversation. So you reached to turn the music up, and Joe reached for your hand.

Then you all declared this weekend was to be dedicated to nothing but having fun.

///

You made it to the city in time to hurry into Joe’s favorite pizza place an hour before closing, where you and Gwilym played the basic twenty questions of getting to know each other. And there was no stopping the way you each roasted Joe into oblivion, making him laugh all the while.

Joe’s apartment looked different than it had in all the photos you’d seen. The walls were decorated in old family photos and there were plenty of knickknacks you recognized from the years gone by, and some you didn’t. Stepping foot into his home felt strangely invasive, and you felt funny for wishing you’d been here more times than just this once.

You thought it was only natural that Gwilym took the only guest bedroom. The guy was one hundred feet tall, and you had no business taking up Joes spare California King. But Gwilym insisted the couch was just fine by him, and it was a big sofa after all. All of his bags seemed to be resting in an armchair nearby, anyhow. You couldn’t justify arguing, and soon you were shutting yourself into the spare room with sleep on your mind.

That was until rain pelted against the sealed window next to you, and you swore you saw a draft blew the blinds back. You cursed your hasty packing. You’d only grabbed an oversized tshirt instead of a sweater. After a moment of bringing your bare knees to your chest to get warm, desperate times called for desperate measures.

The apartment was dark, and Gwilym was peacefully sleeping on the L shaped sofa, borrowed knitted throw blankets decorated across his form. The glow from the streetlamp outside the kitchen window provided enough light for you to tiptoe toward Joe’s room, where soft yellow light seeped through the bottom of the door. Was he still up, too?

You knocked softly, in case he was asleep and your silly request wasn’t meant to matter. But you heard a shuffled from close beyond the door, and soon it creaked open.

“What’s up?” Joe asked, seemingly a little surprised to see you, but it was hard to read his face in the dim doorway.

“I just forgot a sweatshirt. Could I borrow one?” You asked sheepishly, folding your arms out of shyness and a bit of a chill.

“Yeah of course.” Joe breathed in sharply, turning on his feet toward his closet. The door creaked open further and you noticed Joe rub his eyes, before reaching to grab an old college sweatshirt. What was up with him tonight?

“Hey…” You cautiously began, slipping into the room and clicking the door shut. “Are you alright?” You padded toward your friend as he barely turned toward the sound of your voice.

“Uh,” Joe seemed to decide as he gently shoved his sweatshirt toward your grasp. You instinctively held it to your chest but dropped it the moment Joe turned away and started drifting toward his bed. Before he could totally answer your question he started to cry. The second you registered his snivels you darted toward where Joe stood quickly falling to piece. Then he began to explain himself.

“We said our goodbyes and everything, I shouldn’t still be so sad.” Joe croaked, covering his face with his hands so you couldn’t see his broken expression. But you felt the weight of his sadness stomp your heart out.

“You just miss him, Joe. It’s okay to miss him.” You missed his dad too, but saying so seemed selfish. Joe was still catching his breath under his hands as you pulled him toward his bed where the covers were already turned down.

You laid him down and wasted no time curling up next to him, pulling his head toward your shoulder. Joe sheepishly latched onto you while he steadied his breathing, and neither of you spoke. You just smoothed down his hair while he grabbed onto you. Joe was stronger than before.

“You are cold.” Joe noticed, chucking a little into your hair. But you sort of forgot your reason for coming in his room or the goosebumps that decorated your bare legs. You were completely comfortable in his arms. His embrace made you warmer than any sweatshirt ever could. You felt attached to him, but simultaneously cautious of the affection, you didn’t deserve this kind of all-encompassing comfort. Why was Joe’s embrace so much more multiplexed than it had been some odd years ago?

Joe was quiet, but the silence was heavy with whatever was on his mind. You could tell he wanted to say something more, but he never did. You lay together in understanding silence, trying to unravel your tangled thoughts about it all. But the effort made you tired and you drifted off there with Joe.

You woke up later, completely unsure of the time, but noticing the sun had yet to rise. Joe was still lying against you, now in peaceful sleep. You almost felt bad for squirming out from under him. You would hate to disrupt him, and his body was warm against yours. But you knew you couldn’t stay. Tiptoeing toward his door, you scooped up the previously abandoned college sweatshirt, squeezed through the door and back down the hall to the guest room. It was still cold, maybe even colder now.

///

Later that morning you awoke to a clattering from the kitchen. You slid some short on under Joe’s sweatshirt and ran your fingers through your hair before padding out of the guest room to discover what was happening.

Joe and Gwil were dressed for the day, drifting around the kitchen, arguing over something like an old married couple.

“Good morning mom and dad.” You snickered, grabbing your bottle of water from the night before, and watching Joe and his friend point to the oven. Joe shot you a look but turned his gaze back to Gwilym to finish the argument.

“If the fork comes out clean, it’s ready!” Joe pointed to the oven.

“Yeah, but you stuck it in the side, not the middle! You gotta go for the middle!” Gwilym argued. You took a sip of water and watched on in amusement. Had they really woken up and headed straight into baking something?

Joe turned to you, making some kind of whine as if pleading for you to help him prove his point. But Gwilym was right.

“He’s right.” You pointed your bottle toward Gwil who proudly sauntered behind the island to join you there.

“Ha!” Gwilym boasted.

“Ha? That’s the best you’ve got?” Joe playfully jabbed.

“It’s Welsh for ‘fuck off I’m right.’” Gwilym falsely reported, trying to save his comeback. Hey, that was good. You might steal that one. Joe laughed but looked at you with that same funny little micro-expression like he couldn’t choose between horror or sadness. But you couldn’t help go on smiling.

“You’re from there, right? Wales?” You moved your eyes toward Gwilym, who leaned against the counter toward you.

“Well no. Me mum is. I’m a fraud.” Gwil rose a brow and made you chuckle.

“Well, that’s a shame. We could have had our own secret language.” You gently admitted. Gwil kept a curious eye on you as he moved to sit next to you.

“You speak Welsh?” He asked, reaching for his cup of coffee across the island.

“I lived there for a while.” You shrugged.

“What the hell! Joe’s talked for ages about you but never mentioned that.” Gwilym cast a befuddled glance to Joe across the room. Joe talked about you back when you weren’t talking to each other? He was occupying himself with putting a couple of dishes away. You couldn’t read his face when he stepped closer toward the opposite side of the island. Joe responded by lifting his phone in the air and snapping a photo of you and Gwilym in the middle of the morning lit kitchen.

“What was that for?” Gwilym laughed.

“Something to remember you by when the oven catches on fire because we left this damn dessert in too long.” Joe fanned his hands around. You laughed out loud, utterly delighted to be amidst the chaos. You’d missed this side of Joe. His wit and spunk had sort of all but fizzled out through the winter. It was nice to see he hadn’t lost his touch.

The photo he took was accidentally wonderful. The bright kitchen looked like heaven around you and Gwilym, sleepily leaning on the counter.

“I’ve got to post this! Or do you want too?” Gwilym asked, pointing to the picture on your phone. You had an Instagram but scarcely used the platform outside of admiring other people’s posts. Something about how excited Gwilym became and how pretty the picture was made you excited to open the old dusty application. You sent the photo to yourself and posted it to your Instagram without hesitation. It looked like the start of something new. The bright white photo stood out among the rest of your grainy theme, mostly filled with photos of you and Tegan from the pub in Wales. You tagged Gwilym and Joe.

///

That day became a game of sneaking candid photos of each other. You snuck up on each other as you strolled through the city streets and snapped shots of one another buying ice creams and looking in storefronts. But the game got out of hand. Gwilym took one photo of Joe when he was least expecting it, as he was standing on his tiptoes to reach for something in a candy store you’d fallen into the trap of. Gwilym decided it was blackmail, and then the game was on. You got a photo of Gwilym taking a massive bite of lunch and Joe got one of you making some dumb face as you had to wait in line to use the restroom.

All the while, you felt hyper aware of your surroundings and started to take more photos of stickers on light poles and titles of books that were far too expensive but probably cheaper on resale somewhere. You watched Joe open a picture book of old school baseball players. You couldn’t help but snap a shot of the way he held the book open upon the stack of others. His long fingers ghosting over the pages like a treasure. The sun casting patterns across the scene.

“What is happening to you?” Joe laughed at your newfound hobby.

“We’re having fun, remember? I am anyway.” You chuckled, raising your camera inches from his face to snap a photo and giving him a mischievous grin before you scurried away. Joe’s laughter followed you out of the shop and all around the city.

That night Joe hyped you and Gwilym up into getting a little dressed up and going to a bar after dinner. Luckily the newer purchases you packed included a nice enough dress. Then you ended up at a piano bar. Something stuttered in your heart when you noticed the excitement in Joe’s eye’s as they peered into yours. You hadn’t played the piano since you sold your keyboard a couple of years ago. You barely even thought of playing, actually. But Joe clearly had picked this place for a reason, with the knowledge that it had always been your dream.

The piano bar was complete with green naugahyde and mahogany wood, totally stuck out of time but still classy somehow. The crowd varied in age, and you were charmed to find a girl younger than you playing the baby grand on the risen velvet stage.

You, Joe and Gwil sat in the middle of the room, at a cozy table. You ordered dark drinks and listened to each other’s stories while other peoples chatter blurred into the background. Joe ordered something fruity with a straw and held it in front of you, insisting you try it. You took a sip and looked to your friend with wide eyes to confirm it was super good. Gwilym snapped a photo of the two of you then.

“Awe, see, that’s the opposite of blackmail!” You chuckled.

“Or is it?” Gwilym shot you a menacing grin as he stood to order a new drink at the bar. Before you could decode his secret message, a voice caught your attention.

A nice looking gentleman with a German accent tapped on the microphone at the front of the stage as your friend walked away.

“Tonight we are inviting you lovely crowd to come up and play if you know how, or even just want to. Don’t be shy, but do take turns!” The man encouraged, slinking off stage while waving for the crowd to get up and muck about.

“You should.” Joe leaned forward, speaking quietly just to you. His soft gaze made your heart crack a little. You weren’t about to do that. But you almost wanted to, just because of how excited he looked. Had he known this was going to happen? Or was he just dazzled by the hands of fate opening this random door?

“Oh, I don’t know.” You shrugged sitting up a little. Joe did the same, following your gaze. “I haven’t played uh… for a while.”

“Oh, really?” Joe frowned. You didn’t want to disappoint him. You knew he chose this place just for you. But you couldn’t lie.

“I sold my keyboard years ago.” You sorrily shrugged, recalling the time you had no other choice to pay rent. And realizing now that you never told Joe out of some kind of shame. You’d moved overseas with big plans to play, and they all crumbled around you.

“Oh…” Joe bit his lip and got that look in his eye that you realized he always got at the mention of Wales.

“Okay listen.” You turned to Joe, gently demanding his attention. You’d had enough wine to delve into this conversation. And you had finally become fed up with how Joe always seemed more upset that you at the mention of your past.

“Kris and I were like… broken up or something for like, months near the end. Things weren’t good. All I’m saying is that things with him were over before they ended for real. And I don’t miss him. I don’t. I know I should. That’s what keeps me up at night. But I don’t miss him. So please don’t look at me like I’ve lost everything.” You spoke, reaching out touch Joe’s arm. He uncrossed them and turned to face you then with an answer.

“What happened to your 'it’s okay to be sad’ speech from last night?” Joe furrowed his brow, speaking a little louder than you had been to get his point across. But you didn’t feel better for talking about this, like you thought you might.

“This-” You sighed a groan, wanting to suddenly move far away from this topic. “This is different. My life in Wales died when Kris did, okay?” You decided, getting a little angry at the end of your sentence. You wanted to move on. That’s when Gwilym reappeared, a new drink in hand.

“Should we… maybe call it a night?” The lean Brit suggested, glancing between you and Joe. Your friend looked like he had more to say, but you couldn’t go on talking about it all tonight.

“No!” You demanded. “Sit down right now so we can have fun!” You’d gotten your first taste of good times after fearing they’d never come again, and you weren’t ready to give them up.

“This place is beautiful and I’m glad you picked it out, Joe.” You looked to him sincerely and his once-troubled expression softened. You hadn’t realized you left your hand on his knee until his fingers rested on top of yours.

///

After a few rounds of drinks and jokes about things you missed laughing about, you found yourself locked away in Joe’s guest room for the second night in a row; comfy in the sweatshirt you once asked to borrow (now sort of taken hostage.) Your phone rang as you turned down the bed, and you answered right away.

“Helllooo!” Tegan chirped from the other line right away, like she’d been waiting on to hear from you for weeks on end.

“What have I missed this time?” You laughed, snuggling against a heap of pillows.

“Me! You’ve missed me. Actually, I suddenly feel like I’m the one missing out.” Tegan playfully scoffed on the other line.

“Well, of course, I miss you but what are you talking about?” You wondered. Tegan knew the only activities that filled your days were sleeping, working and occasionally seeing Joe.

“I’m talking about the dreamboat in your Instagram post! What kind of bender are you on? Does he have a hot brother or would he be interested in-”

“Oh, God.” You cut her off with a laugh, afraid of what she might say next. “He’s Joe’s friend from the movie. And that’s all.”

“So he’s single and ready to dial my number then?”

“Well, he is Welsh.” You chided.

“I know, I stalked his profile long before this interrogation.”

“So then what’s with the twenty questions?” You laughed. Tegan never failed to keep you guessing.

“I was trying to get you to admit you miss me and this place so much that you’d found a tall handsome fellow to bring you back round.”

“No, no I’ll come back on my own someday, dear.”

“I know.” Tegan lowered her voice as if someone else might have been listening.

“I’ve got to find my sea legs though, yeah? I haven’t had a nightmare in a couple of weeks.” You proudly state, tossing the covers over your legs.

“That’s because you’re living the dream, honey,” Tegan stated, as if she really meant it, as if it wasn’t a joke.

After chatting a while longer about how she’d been managing the pub without you and filling you in on the happenings about the quaint little Welsh town, you had to call it a night when your eyes could hardly stay open.

After you hung up, your phone buzzed a few times in a row. Who could possibly try to be getting ahold of you now? You checked to find a notification from Instagram, about a new follower. Assuming Gwilym had just finally got around to liking the photo you posted featuring him, you went to go admire it one last time. But before your eyes focused on the photo in question, a shocking number arose from your notification button.

You had hundreds more followers and more than a thousand likes on your newest photograph. below hundreds of comments.

y'all are so CUTE!

Why is Joe tagged?

Is that his sister?

Where is Joe?

Oh shit, you thought. These boys really mattered to people who didn’t know them. They found you all because you’d tagged Gwilym and Joe. They wanted to know why Joe was tagged. They cared. The astounding influx of followers and likes alarmed you for a few seconds, as you stared at your profile, wondering if you should delete everything. But why? You were proud to finally have something to post about that wasn’t old a grey.

Just as you thought of closing out the app, another notification popped up, unlike all the rest. Joe had tagged you in a photo. He’d just posted the picture of the two of you that Gwilym had taken at the piano bar. The one of you drinking from the glass Joe is holding while you’re looking at each other. In his caption, only a couple of music note emojis.

///

Gwilym left the next afternoon, with a long face and a suitcase full of New York souvenirs. You hugged him for a long time at the loading gates of the airport and laughed when he lifted Joe off the ground for a hug of his own. You weren’t sure if you’d ever see Gwil again, because that’s how life worked. But instead of worrying over it, you felt happy to have gotten to know him.

Joe started the long drive back to your hometown. He blabbered on about how he needed to help his mom with something anyway so he was glad you came along in the first place, just so he could drop you back off again. But you started to feel bad about how long you’d spent mucking about Joe’s flat and wasting his newly valuable time.

“I can drive a little, if you want.” You nervously offered to spare him a little while of responsibility.

“Do you want to?” Joe shot a curious glance your way as he drove out of the city.

“I don’t mind.” Because, no you didn’t really want to. But you would.

“It’s okay,” Joe assured, settling back against his seat, both hands on the wheel.

“Well, then I can give you gas money, yeah?” You thought. You were suddenly desperate to pay him back somehow for the weekend.

“No,” Joe laughed unbelievably. “Why are you being weird?” He was still chuckling.

“Because! This weekend you’ve been absolutely way too generous. So let me do something for you! Are you hungry? I’ll get us dinner.” You waved your hands to make your point and turned to face Joe from the passenger seat.

“I guess I could eat, yeah.” Joe smiled, nodding his head toward the road as he drove. You were a couple of hours away from home, and thirty minutes from a few good stops.

“Alright! Cheesecake Factory. No buts! Step on it!”

“Do you have Stockholm Syndrome?” Joe outlandishly quizzed. You laughed. “Do I have Stockholm Syndrome?”

Joe continued to imagine insane scenarios all the way to the Cheesecake Factory. You skipped inside together and put your name in at the desk. There were three other families ahead of you in line, and a big party that had followed in just behind you and Joe. You didn’t mind the wait, and leaned against the wall next to Joe, clutching the restaurant buzzer in your fist.

“We’re going to tell them it’s your birthday, so get ready.” You smiled as if you were kidding, but you weren’t. There was a deep desperation in you that demanded you shower Joe with the kind of attention he’d shown you this weekend, and always now that you thought about it. You were tired of sulking. You were ready to get back to the way things should have always been.

“Why can’t we tell them it’s yours?” Joe jabbed your side, his sparkling eyes looking into yours with a question.

“Because tonight is very special all about you night.” You reminded as if this had always been clear.

“Alright well, I want to tell them it’s your birthday.” Joe decided, imitating a snotty brat, sticking his nose in the air as if to make his decision final. Just as you started to laugh and curse at him, someone snaked their way through the waiting area packed with people and stopped in front of you.

“You two!” A voice rang. You were looking at Joe when you heard it, and watched his eyes turn in recognition. A girl with mousy brown hair dyed blue at the tips stood in front of you, and she looked the same as she had in high school.

“Keeley!” You practically shrieked, pushing yourself from the wall to wrap her in a hug. Keeley was one of your closest friends from high school. She would invite you over to play guitar hero and help you cheat on homework. When you weren’t riding bikes around town with Keeley, you were usually with Joe, but on many treasured occasions you could be found at the baseball diamond as a trio, when her little brother was on the same team as Joe’s brother.

“I didn’t realize you were back in town.” Joe hugged the girl after you had your turn. She went to Chicago after graduating and you slowly stopped texting each other long-winded updates over the years, even forgoing checking in on social media. But there didn’t seem to be any hard feelings.

“I didn’t realize either of you were back in the country!” Keeley laughed, looking between you and Joe.

“Oh, God I’m sorry, babe-” Keeley turned around and wrapped her fingers around someone’s wrist. “This is my fiance Rebeca.” Keeley beamed a smile at a woman with big brown eyes and a timid smile.

“This is Y/N, who I will always be indebted to for getting kicked off the volleyball team when she took the blame for the time I slashed the principal’s tires.” Keeley fawned over you as you shook your head in remembrance.

“And this is Joe, our resident movie star and the only person who has ever beaten me at Scrabble.” Keeley gestured to Joe as her fiance cocked her head. You knew that look. Joe did too.

“Hey- weren’t you in that Queen movie?” Rebeca pointed up to Joe with a smirk. He let himself smile and started to give a coy nod as he turned his eyes toward you, for some reason.

“That’s why you were so excited to see it, huh?” Rebeca turned to Keeley and your old high school friend started to laugh.

“I’ll always go see your movies, Maz. I’ll even sit through shitty cop shows just to see that cute face of yours. You’re really good, ya know that?” Keeley gave Joe a playful punch in the arm when your buzzer started to go off.

“I’m still much better at Scrabble than anything else.” He smiled.

“Man, we’re being summoned.” You frowned, holding the timer in view.

“Call next time you’re in town!” Joe demanded toward the girls, preparing to follow you toward the desk. You reached out to give Keeley a quick hug. You waved to Rebeca and assured it was nice to meet her as the ladies turned to leave.

“Come on, birthday boy.” You grinned, looping your arm through Joes and foiling his plans to foil yours.

“It’s your birthday? Happy birthday!” Rebeca called over her shoulder.

“Thank you.” Joe sighed through his teeth, dragged you away giving you a look that made you laugh out loud. You totally won whatever game you were playing tonight.

But just nanoseconds before Keeley and Rebeca were out of earshot, you heard your friend’s fiance gush “They were so cute together!”

But you were too distracted by a friendly hostess to let the distant comment sink in.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

#joe mazzello #joe mazello x reader #joe mazzello fanfic #joe mazzello imagine

41 notes · View notes

writingfromkitchenator · 3 years

Text

Not So Secret Kisses

Christmas fic

Masterlist

Based on an imagine found here by @thefandomimagine

Bones x OFC

Words: 1,974

Warnings: “Secret” dating, minor talks of an injury, mistletoe, getting caught, fluff

It wasn’t unusual for Star Fleet ships to be away from home for any sort of holiday, but after the year it had been, after everything that had happened, it was hitting the crew of the Enterprise harder than normal.

Senior staff had quickly discussed doing something to keep moral up, less they have anything short of a mutiny on their hands, so it seemed, almost overnight that the ship became decorated with all sort of bits and baubles from varying traditions.

The effect was immediately, laughter filling the corridors, some people exchanging quiet gifts, and everyone began to relax.

No one dared comment on it, but even Bones was feeling it. Some of the nurses often broke into giggles when they saw him smile at some comment or another, or he even cracked a joke or two, that would have other roaring with laughter. His best mood though, was when Blaire happened to appear from engineering.

Everyone knew that the two of them were a couple, but everyone also kept it closely under wraps so as not to alert her older brother. No one wanted to think about what would happen to their head doctor if Scotty found out.

Blaire was always unworried though, something that Bones appreciated greatly about her. No matter how bad things seemed, Blaire was always there to shrug it off and help them move on. She was the only one that could make him smile after a too long day.

“Doctor McCoy, you have a visitor.” One of the nurses said, smirking as she walked past, causing Bones to look up and instantly smile.

“Don’t let me distract you,” Blaire said as she strides in, grinning at him. “I’d hate to think that a doctor isn’t getting his work done.”

Bones chuckles. “In this case, the work can wait. Unless you know of an imminent disaster approaching?”

Blaire seems to think as she sits on the edge of his desk, before shaking her head. “Nope, sorry, I’ve got nothing. I can ask Jim if you’re that desperate?”

“No, thank you,” Bones laughs. “I’m quite content with this peace for the moment. If only you engineers would stop burning or hurting yourselves in some way or another, we’d be empty.”

“Risks of the job,” Blaire grins, looking at her own hand, which was currently wrapped tight after a rather serious burn a few days before. “Luckily, we have good doctors on board.”

“That is a good thing,” Bones stands and carefully takes her hand. “How is it healing?”

Blaire shrugs. “It’s okay, honestly I was more worried about Monty, I thought he was going to pass out on me when he saw it.”

Bones shakes his head as he unwraps it, giving a small smile. “I thought Scotty would’ve seen more than enough by now to not react so badly. I thought he was going to start yelling when we took a little too long to start treating it.”

The wound was healing quickly, something both Blaire and Bones were happy to see, and even though it was still very raw, she wasn’t going to lose any use of her hand.

A fresh does of cream and some clean bandages later, Blaire tugged Bones down to her.

“Thank you Doctor,” Blaire said softly, earning a smirk from Bones. “You’re going to have to let me repay you somehow.”

Bones chuckles and closes the distance between the two of them, sharing a brief but passionate kiss. “You can repay me by not getting hurt again.”

“No promises,” She grins. “I could also repay you by inviting you to mine for dinner tonight, and who knows? You might get extra lucky.”

He captures her lips again, unable to help himself, at least until a nurse coughed a little awkwardly from the doorway.

“Apologies Doctor McCoy, we have someone that needs your attention.”

“I’ll be there in a moment,” Bones said, the nurse nodding and moving away, before his gaze found Blaire’s again. “I’ll be there. What time?”

“Seven.” Blaire said with a smile, kissing his cheek as she slid off the desk. “Don’t be late Bones, it would be rude this time of year.”

He watches her go, a smile on his lips as he shakes his head. As far as he was concerned, the night couldn’t come soon enough. It wasn’t often that he could escape away for something like this, but with everyone put at ease, celebrating in their own way with their own customs, it meant everyone had a bit more time.

The two of them hadn’t talked about exchanging gifts, but Bones had found one anyway, now tucked safely under his arm as he headed to her quarters. He liked Christmas, although he very rarely celebrated it now, and so he wasn’t about to pass up an opportunity to get Blaire something extra nice, even though she always told him that she was just happy with him.

Her door was answered within seconds of him buzzing, and he couldn’t help but let out a low whistle as she beamed at him from the doorway. “Damn darling, is that all for me?”

Blaire does a small turn for him in the dress she wore, floral but light, it exposed just enough to let the eyes wonder and the imagination take hold. “Do you like it?”

“It’s beautiful, much like the lovely woman wearing it.” Bones grins, stepping just into the doorway as she stepped in close again.

She giggles, her hands brushing over his shirt. “Doctor McCoy, you have a wonderful way with words, have I ever told you that?”

“All the time,” He said, his voice dropping a little, just in case anyone was walking behind him. “I could give you a few examples if you like?”

Blaire laughs, burying against his chest for a moment, still keeping him in the doorway. “That is a rather tempting thought, but I’m sure it can wait till after we’ve eaten. I’m starving.”

“Then let’s get us some food then,” Bones said, not taking note of the mischievous look in her eyes as she looks back up at him. “And maybe I’ll even let you open your present early.”

He holds the gift out to her, and she beams, taking it. “Thank you Bones, you really didn’t have to.”

His fingers brush over her cheek. “Of course I did, you’re very special to me Blaire, and I’m going to use every opportunity to say that in any way I can.”

Blaire giggles, putting the present safely on the table next to the door before wrapping her arms around his neck. “You’re very special to me too Leonard, it’s almost a shame that we can’t do this more often.”

Bones nudges her nose gently with his. “Then why don’t you let me through the door so we can eat and do whatever else that comes to mind.”

“Because,” She smiles at him. “If I let you in without committing a certain tradition, then we’re both going to be very unlucky.”

It takes Bones a moment before his gaze travels upwards, and he can’t hep but chuckle when he sees the sprig of mistletoe above the doorway, the two of them standing directly underneath it. “Have you put one over every doorway?”

“Maybe.” Blaire laughs. “Guess you’ll just have to find out.”

Bones laughs and shakes his head for a moment before sweeping her into a kiss. Their lips melded and danced easily with each other, the kiss slow and delicate but steadily getting away from them. A small moan from her and Bones presses her into the doorway, craving closeness, his hands trailing over her exposed skin, her hands burying into his hair.

In that moment, they both completely forgot that they were out in the open and still very much exposed.

“What the bloody hell is going on here?”

The furious, stunned voice, broke them out of the kiss, both of them looking at Scotty, who had frozen, down the hall, a dangerous glint quickly forming in his eyes.

“Shit.” Blaire muttered and quickly stepped in front of Bones, who cleared his throat. “Monty, this is not what it looks like.”

“Oh, I think it’s exactly what it looks like,” Scotty snapped, finally marching forward. “Or are you really going to try and tell me that he’s standing in your doorway, under mistletoe, for fun?”

“Um,” Blaire licks her lips. “Yes?”

Scotty’s glare focuses on Bones. “Fine, then I’ll ask you. What the bloody hell is going on?”

Blaire sighs. “Monty…”

“I want to hear it from him Bee.” Scotty said firmly.

“Oh, because it completely just his fault.” She huffed under her breath.

Bones raises an eyebrow. “Blaire and I have been seeing each other for a while now. Do you have a problem with that?”

Blaire watches as Scotty takes note of this, mulls the words over quickly, his eyes darting between the two of them before she sighs and takes a step back. “Well, I’m okay with that I guess.”

She stares at him. “Are you serious?”

Scotty lets a smile slip through. “Shouldn’t I be? He looks like he’s looking after you, and now I also understand why you’re getting the best medical treatment there is. I knew no one could be that lucky in getting Bones all the time.”

Blaire flushes. “Oh? And so the threats that I’ve put up with all my life? Of ensuring that everyone I’ve been in a relationship with has been chased away?”

He shrugs. “I knew they weren’t right for you.”

“Monty, you threatened to kill the Captain for just flirting with me!”

“Because that’s Jim,” Scotty said as Bones begins to laugh. “And Jim has a reputation that I didn’t want you involved with. I think, for once, you’ve finally chosen well.”

Blaire pursed her lips. “Oh, you are so dead.”

Bones catches her around the waist before she can leap at Scotty, who was laughing too, making her huff.

“We can discuss that later,” Scotty said, smiling. “I can see you two already have a night planned, so I’ll leave you be.” He looks back at Bones. “There’s still limits though.”

Bones smirks. “I think I can handle myself.”

Scotty nods and waves back at them as he continues his way down the hall, Blaire letting out an angry, frustrated huff. “Unbelievable.”

Laughing, Bones pulls her back into the doorway. “Would you like me to chase away that memory?”

Blaire looks at him and then back at the mistletoe, that she’d stepped out from and now he’d pulled her back under, a smile breaking through the anger. “A quick kiss then, lest someone else awkwardly catch us in the doorway.”

Bones pecks her lips softly and pulls her inside, finally letting the door close behind them. “There is a bright side to this, you know? Now that he knows, we don’t have to be so discreet.”

She stops mid step on the way to the kitchen and looks back at him, it slowly dawning on her what he was insinuating, a smile creeping to her lips. “I like the way you think. Maybe I’ll have to ensure that you can visit engineering more often. I know of a few spots that are discreet enough.”

He chuckles. “Why do I have a feeling that Scotty isn’t going to know what hit to him?”

“Because he won’t,” Blair said flatly, still thinking it over. “After all the years of over protection he’s put me through, then this is going to be only fair.”

Bones laughs and pulls her into his arms again, making her grin wickedly.

“You really did put mistletoe above every doorway, didn’t you?” He asked, not needing to look up this time.”

“What can I say?” She teased, holding him close. “I like kissing my doctor.”

#christmas fics #star trek #bones #bones x ofc #original female character #shorts #drabbles

2 notes · View notes

darkficsyouneveraskedfor · 5 years

Text

Witness : 3

Reminders

moodboard created by @chuuulip

Character(s): dark!Bucky, later dark!Steve, too

Warnings: this is a dark!fic, it contains non/dubious-consent elements. Some violence as well at the beginning. It goes without (and with) that this is 18+.

Summary: The reader builds a false sense of comfort. What will happen when it all comes crashing down?

Notes: I am reposting this fic here. It was originally on ao3 but now it’s on tumblr too! If you read, I love feedback and would love any comments you have. And if you can, please share! Anyhow, enjoy :)

It was easy enough to fall into the pattern of working in Stark Tower. It was probably the best job you had taken throughout your temp work. Free parking, free lunches, and a rather cushy chair. It was Wednesday and you were already mourning the end of this position. It had been much simpler than expected to forget about your paranoia and as you hadn’t even seen Tony Stark himself, you were content that you would not meet anyone of consequence by week’s end.

You had started your day like the two previous. Wake up, eat, drive to work, grab a coffee at the kiosk just outside, scan your clearance, settle in, and wait. The occasional visitor came to ask for directions or a question, but you found most patrons of Stark Tower knew where they were going and what they were doing. In fact, you were almost done the daily crossword.

You took a sip of your coffee, well on its way to disgustingly lukewarm, and leaned back in your chair. You nearly sputtered as you spotted a familiar head of dirty blond hair. Steve Rogers, no longer the clean-shaven First Avenger, was walking through the foyer. Since he had grown out his hair and added a thick beard, he looked much more sinister than his previous golden boy image. You guessed one’s outside matched their inside.

You quickly swivelled away from him, though he wasn’t even remotely close to your desk. In your distraction, you had drawn a line through the crossword in thick black pen. Goddamnit. You’d have to work around it. Your hand was shaking and you let go of the pen, letting it fall with a plastic bounce. It was nothing. You were fine. You looked at your watch and hissed. Still too early for a lunch. Maybe this was a sign that you should look like you’re doing actual work. You turned to your computer and clicked through your emails. Next week’s assignment would be in a call center. Luckily, you wouldn’t be a caller, you’d simply be the receptionist. Well, you may as well enjoy the luxury office chair while you can.

You sensed a shadow over you, not hearing the visitor as they had walked up on you. You looked up with smile which quickly froze halfway. It was the other man you had dreaded seeing. Thankfully he wasn’t looking at you. Instead, his metal hand was rested on your desk, fingers tapping upon its surface as he looked around the busy foyer. You stared at his artificial digits; how easy it would be for him reach over and crush your skull. You swivelled around and grabbed your coffee, drowning your nerves with caffeine, though you knew in the end that would only make it worse.

“Shit,” You heard Bucky rasp and you nearly choked. You wiped your lip with your sleeve, trying to act distracted by the papers in front of you. “Excuse me.” You could feel him leaning over the desk, “Sorry, I don’t mean to bother.”

“N-no, that’s what I’m here for,” You tried to put on your best customer service voice. “What can I h-help you with?” You cringed as your words were strangled by your rising fear.

“Have you seen a man around here? Dark blond hair, beard,” His real hand motioned to his own thick facial hair, “You might know him as Steve Rogers.”

“No,” You answered abruptly, “I haven’t seen him. Sorry.”

You turned back to your screen and re-read your next assignment. He hadn’t been rude in any way but he wasn’t supposed to be nice. He was a murderer. You felt him staring at you, just for a moment, before he turned away and sighed. “Well, I guess I’ll go find him.” He left you, his steps deafening even through the crowd of dozens of others. You glanced over to where his hand had been; it was as if you could still hear his finger tapping, crawling forward to choke the life from you. Fuck, you needed more coffee, you swore to yourself as you reached for you cold cup. You needed sleep.

You didn’t see them again. The last two days you spent with your head down, yawning into your collar as your nights were spent restless. Something about them being so close had rattled you. Yet, Bucky hadn’t seemed to recognize you. He had been completely careless outside of looking for his accomplice. Surely, it was all in your head, but you just couldn’t believe that.

You bid farewell to the comfy Stark office chair and handed in your credentials. You left the parking garage with a sense of freedom and longed for home. Perhaps tonight you would sleep. Knowing that you wouldn’t have to return and risk another close encounter with murderers. Another week down. Time made it a little more distant, a little easier to bear.

Yet sleep was not to come. That night or the next. Tossing and turning, little spurts of slumber, but nothing lasted more than an hour. You awoke endlessly in a start, cold sweat all over you, heart racing. The dark closed in until you were forced to switch on the lamp and try to doze in its glow. That didn’t work either.

Monday arrived and you ate your breakfast without tasting it. It would be nice to work in the call center, detached from the nucleus of the city; far from Stark Tower. You paranoia receded and you focused on the task ahead. You rinsed your dishes and dressed quickly. You locked your door and raced down the stairs, hopping in your car as your anxiety got the best of you. You were always nervous the first day of a placement. Traffic was frustrating and by the time you reached the call center, you were overtired and overwrought.

You were greeted by a manager as you emerged on the tenth floor and she showed you to your desk. It was placed in a small box with an open window through which you were to speak to potential employees arriving for their interviews and other visitors. As usual, your instructions awaited and a computer sat to your left. This one was much slower than that in Stark Tower, taking a whole twenty minutes to boot. It was all good and well as you flipped through the tabloid you found nestled in the drawer of the desk.

This job was less lively but you were afforded a Keurig drink whenever you wished and you were hidden enough to finish endless sudoku’s from the little book you stowed away in your work bag. Time passed like sand in a glass and when the end of the day came, you felt as if you had been there a week. The next day similarly bent the rules of time and by Wednesday, you were ready to be done with this placement. There was not enough to keep you busy. At times, you caught yourself staring through the window of your little booth, thinking about the puddle of blood, the body laying in it, the two figures with guns cocked and ready. This time, you caught the tear as it rolled down your nose. You hadn’t even known you had been crying.

You rushed to the washroom and locked yourself in, rinsing your face over the sink. Cold water would keep your eyes from getting puffy. You gripped the side of the sink and looked into the mirror. One moment, you would forget and be fine and then the next, it was as if it just happened. You wish you could talk to someone; anyone, but that would only ensure your own death. You couldn’t even tell Allie; you couldn’t put her in danger and you knew she wouldn’t believe you. She was your closest friend but she wasn’t the type to understand.

You glanced at your watch. Fifteen minutes left. Fifteen long minutes. You returned to your desk and focused on your breathing. Counted the minutes. When at last you were free, you packed up your bag and left without another look back. You needed something to help you sleep.

You pulled in at a liquor store a block before your apartment. Whiskey always made you sleepy. You would call the temp service tonight and tell them to find someone else for Thursday. You were going to drink until your eyes shut. You slipped the bottle wrapped in a paper bag inside your bigger leather one and started your car back up. It hesitated but it eventually kicked into gear.

As you climbed your apartment stairs, you clung to the railing. Your body was exhausted, but your mind refused to let it rest. You unlocked your door, kicking off your shoes in the dark as you passed into the main room; an open concept room which adjoined living room, dining room, and kitchen. An island separated the last from the other and you set down your bag on the counter. You flicked on the switch and turned to the fridge, searching for something to water down the alcohol.

“Trying to drink away the memory?” You stood upright as the voice stabbed into you. That you recognized it was even more frightening than the fact that there was someone else in your apartment. Your lip began to tremble but you quickly stopped it, letting the fridge door close as you turned back to peer into the living room where the lone figure sat. How long had he been waiting for you?

You couldn’t find your voice for all the questions racing through your mind and the fear which had formed a lump at the back of your throat. You merely stared in fright as Bucky Barnes sat in your armchair, legs spread confidently, a gun leaned upon the arm and aimed it at you. Your eyes focused on the barrel, waiting for it to spark.

“Go on. Pour one for both of us.” He instructed, the gun twitched as he gestured to the bottle neck sticking out of your bag.

You inhaled deeply, slowly reaching for the bottle. You took it out and removed the paper bag, setting it down with a clank on the countertop. Silence surrounded you, thick and dangerous. You turned and opened the cupboard, pulling forth two small glasses. At this point, it was better to drink it straight. You turned back and placed the glasses beside the bottle, shakily uncorking it and pouring a portion of whiskey in each. You cursed yourself for your transparent nerves. You replaced the lid and set the bottle back, daring to look up at Bucky.

“Well,” He nodded towards the glass. You lifted both of them and carefully rounded the counter, nearing him as you held one out. He took it with his free hand and sniffed at it. “Strong,” He commented, “Come on, sit.”

He stared at you as you hesitated. You pulled out a stool from the island and sat across from him. He raised his glass as if to toast you and he drank, letting out a hiss as he retired his glass on the table beside him. Your hand was shaking as you raised your own glass, draining it slowly as you let it burn your throat, tears rising to your eyes.

He leaned on the arm which held the gun and reached into his pocket, pulling forth a cell phone and fiddled with the screen. He offered it to you, waiting for you to set aside your glass and step down off the stool to take it. You climbed back up on the stool and hit the triangle which initiated the clip. “Let’s not start by pretending we don’t know why I’m here,” He said as you watched the black and white footage.

The camera angle clearly showed the scene you had witnessed between him, Steve, and the dealer they had murdered. After the gunshot went off, the camera switched and showed you, only minutes later, fleeing from behind the pillar. You cringed and dropped the phone.

“If I were not so diligent in reviewing the footage, I would never have known. Of course, no one else has seen this; its mysteriously been corrupted and all that,” He smirked, “Please, try to keep breathing. I’m not finished with you yet.” You let out the breath you had been subconsciously holding. Your face must have been changing colour. “Your license plate was easy enough to track but I never expected you to stumble right into Stark Tower. That was a pleasant surprise. Admittedly, I should have killed you then. Right after work on the way to your car. Almost a poetic end. Ironic, if anything.”

“So, you are going to kill me?” You forced out, “Because I’d rather you just got it over with. I’ve suffered long enough.” He smiled as you spoke, as if amused that you had a voice.

“I weighed the option. Admittedly, it was my first thought, but if I’d settled on that, you’d not have made it past your kitchen.” You stared at him; somehow even more frightened as he confessed that he did not intend to kill you. Yet. “Come here,” He gestured the gun before him, “Just here. In front of me.” You slowly slipped from the stool, nearing him, ready for him to shoot you at any moment. You couldn’t be sure he wasn’t playing for you. “Right there.” He stopped you from coming closer, “Turn around. Let me have a look.”

You felt flames licking at you flesh, your eyes nearly popping out as you stared back at him. You willed yourself to obey, the movement jagged and difficult. “Mmm.” The sound was that of appraisal. As you came back to face him, he smirked again. “I live a life of practicality. Utilitarian, if you would. Everything, and everyone, has their use. If they do not, then why keep them around?” You stepped back, unsettled by the spark in his eye. “You see, I realized over these last weeks, that you may just be useful. That being the reason you're still alive.”

You were in disbelief. You understood his meaning, but you didn’t. Surely, he couldn’t be serious. He was a murderer, sure, but something about his inference was so outlandish. It was disgusting; vile; a fate almost as bad as death. Almost. Because deep down you knew you were so afraid of him firing that gun that you would accept it. Whatever it was he was saying. Whatever it was you were trying to deny.

“Do you understand me, Y/N?” He asked. Your name on his lips terrified you.

“I--I think,” You rasped. You were out of breath as if he had struck you in the chest.

“And you don’t want to die, right? So I would guess that you won’t resist me? Or try anything?” You were certain you were going to faint. You stumbled back and braced the stool for support. You nodded, unable to make your tongue work.

“Alright,” He rose and holstered his gun. He neared and bent to retrieve the phone you had dropped on the floor. He inspected it and slipped it into his pocket. “Unfortunately, I do have other plans tonight, but I expect that you will be ready for my next visit. You will have come to accept this arrangement.” He reached inside his jacket and took out an envelope, “You will keep your mouth shut and do as I say.” He held out the envelope but you only stared. He reached down and took your hand, pressing the thick packet into it. “You will not try anything stupid, because I will know and you may not be so useful to me anymore.” He released your hand and grinned, reaching out to brush a stray lock from your face. “I’ll be seeing you soon.” He promised before backing away. You watched him as he disappeared down the hallway and the door open and closed in his stead.

You looked to the envelope in your hand and turned back to the counter. You opened the flap cautiously and took out the stack of photos within. You spread out each along the counter; each one was a frame of you; going to work, grocery shopping, getting coffee...a rare moment of sleep in your bed. The last made your heart seize. You stepped away, gripping your head as you walked in circles. You were shaking and you wanted to scream. You neared the counter and swept the photos onto the floor with a yell. You took the whiskey and poured another glass for yourself. You lifted the glass to the light, examining the brown liquid as it refracted within. You inhaled and braced yourself for the fiery alcohol; the third and fourth glasses following much easier.

#dark!Bucky #dark!bucky barnes #bucky barnes #dark bucky #dark bucky barnes #bucky x reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fic #fic #dark!fic #mcu #marvel #au #darkvers #witness #series

629 notes · View notes

aweirdkindofyellow · 4 years

Text

The Royal Invitation, Pt.3

Aerowyn Matilde George Rothchester might seem like a very long name, but it definitely is not for a royal in the Kingdom of Dalewin.

After her grandfather, the beloved king, passed away, Aerowyn (also known as Winny) is called back from her art school in New York. She’s thrown back into her royal duties, expected to know what to do.

But with the Royal advisor on tour with the new king, Winny is left to figure things out with his stepson. The only problem, he has no idea what he’s doing, after all he’s only the lead singer in a band.

Co-written story with @scream-tears.

Chapter 3

Winny’s POV:

I was stood beside my father. Together, we were looking out over the sea of people in the ballroom. It felt exceptionally strange standing there in an area usually used for celebration with a funeral coming up so soon. But we had to accommodate all our guests in some way or another. At least everybody was acting different to usual. There wasn’t any loud music playing and people weren’t dancing. This was just a reception before dinner. Anybody who was relevant or important was here now. It was custom here for a royal death to be a large long event.

The dress I was wearing had been made in quite a hurry. Usually they’d take a few weeks or even months to get me fitted before a big event, but once again this time it was different. I had only arrived a few days ago and they had started on my mom first. Honestly, I would have just pulled out a dress from my closet, but I couldn’t even try that anymore. Eyes were on me. I might not have been on the throne, but people were now watching closely for the future.

I couldn’t really complain though. I got clothes designed and made especially for me. What person didn’t like that? The black dress cinched at the right height and the right tightness around my waist. Further down, the hem of the flowing skirt stopped just above the ground, measured and cut precisely. And then the lace short sleeves didn’t even look bunched up either. Not even I could buy something like this in a store.

My dad raised up his glass just the slightest bit, grabbing the small spoon from the polished silver tray a servant was holding. The clinking sound of metal hitting crystal glass rang through the entire room, silencing everything and everyone. All attention was turned to my dad, meaning I was in complete view. Luckily all I had to do that day was stand there for support.

“Now that we are all here,” my father started, his voice somehow reaching the furthest corners of the hall, which was something I had yet to learn, “I would like to thank you all for being here. Although our king, my father, had been ill for a while, his passing still came as a shock. I will forever be grateful to every one of you.”

As he held up his glass everybody with a drink did so back. Most took a sip and then went back to their previous conversations.

The speech might have seemed so short and insignificant, a nuisance if anything. But that wasn’t the case at all. This was exactly how things were done. It was some left over thing back from centuries ago. Alliances, partnerships, and deals were all tense and at risk of crumbling when the king died. It was up to the next king to keep them going. Nobels from around the country and continent would come out for the funeral. The new king would have to show his loyalty without seeming vulnerable and easy to manipulate. It was an art, really. How do you show loyalty and grief without seeming weak?

It was custom for the king not to have to move to talk to people at events like these. Everybody who wanted to speak to him came up to him. It meant that constant conversations were held. I was there at his side the entire time. Technically, I didn’t have to, but it looked the best. Standing with him meant that I got to listen in on everything and so understood the politics for in the future. But showing constant interest would eventually get tiring especially since I didn’t really get much of a say. The occasional people who did include me were refreshing and definitely got a stamp of approval in my dad’s book.

Eventually a man just a few years older than my dad and a guy around my age came up to us. I had seen the man before, but never this person with him. I could only assume it was his son. They both had a very similar bone structure, deep set eyes and a slightly sloped nose. Their suits had a few medals which I once used to know all the meanings of but not anymore.

“Your Royal Highness, your Majesty.” They both bowed.

“Larnamont!” My dad greeted back as I did a subtle curtsy, holding his arms out to show he was literally welcoming them with open arms.

“I wanted to introduce my eldest son, Lysander,” Larnamont gestured towards the boy, smiling proudly and with some sort of expectancy.

My dad gave a small nod while I held out my hand and waited for Lysander to shake it.

“Nice to meet you.” I smiled brightly as he took it. As I went to look into his eyes, my gaze flickered past Alex in the background.

He was standing there taking a glass of some sort of brown-toned liquor from one of the waitresses. Coincidentally, he was already looking right back at me. Rather than immediately breaking away his gaze, like I did, he continued to stare and took a sip from his drink. He was one strange man. Luckily, over my time as a princess, I had had to deal with many different types of people. There was nothing I couldn’t ignore.

Larnamont really did come over to us just to introduce Lysander. There wasn’t really any other small talk, but it also wasn’t necessary. Now wasn’t exactly the right time for that. People just paid respects, any more could only be considered rude. So, Larnamont and Lysander left us soon after. However, I knew I would have to find them later. An introduction was made after all.

Luckily, the next person who came up to us wasn’t as much of a stranger. It meant I could relax a little bit and not have to worry as much about my duties and composure. This man had taught me a lot and continued to do so. He was more like an uncle figure who still needed to be treated a bit more officially. He was the one and only Garry.

“Your Royal Highness, your Majesty,” he greeted and bowed just like everybody else.

“Garry!” I grinned and leaned forward to give him a half hug and a respectful kiss on the cheek. Strangers were either greeted by handshake or curtsey, friends were greeted in a more intimate way.

“So how have you been holding up?” He asked with a sympathetic tone. I hadn’t seen him yet since I came in from New York.

I looked up at my dad for him to answer. I could only imagine what it must have been like to suddenly become a ruler. The pressure must have been immense and all the jobs overbearing. One day I was going to have to do the same, but for now my dad was going through it.

“He’s asking you,” my dad looked down at me with a paternal smile.

“Well, you know how I always have to acclimatise myself again when I come back,” I responded, my answer directed at Garry. I knew he was asking about my grandfather’s death, but I could hardly show my feelings about that right now. “It’s great to see you again.”

“Likewise.” He gave me a slow single courtly nod. “Unfortunately I don’t think we’ll be seeing each other for very long. I’ll be going with your dad on his tour.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“I’ll be leaving somebody who I trust dearly to take over and help: my step son. He should be around here somewhere,” Garry started to look around him, but only briefly as to not attract attention.

“I’ve met Alex,” I told him, causing a smile to form on his lips.

“Really! I hope he has been behaving.”

I started nodding, but then my eyes fell on Alex now all over the waitress from before. He was standing super close to her, his arm at her waist, his nose in her hair as she giggled. I immediately stopped my nodding and directed my eyes at Garry again, deciding not to tattletale.

“He has,” I calmed his worry before my shock became too apparent,” although I must say he’s one peculiar fellow. He did help me with an art piece I was working on.”

“Well, you guys must get along just fine then. He’s quite the artsy type himself. He’s a musician actually.”

“That explains a lot,” I laughed. Not only did it explain his, what seemed like, his strange talent for posing in front of a camera, but it also explained his tendency to be a flirt.

Right at that moment my mom walked up to us and stood at my dad’s other side. Her dress was also black to represent the mourning, only her was a lot tighter and more formal. She was older and the queen now after all.

“If you won’t mind, I’ll go mingle with some of the guests now,” I announced as I looked at both my mom and dad. Now that she was here I was no longer obliged to stay at the king’s side.

“You go do that.” My dad winked and dismissed that.

I didn’t know exactly who I was going to go to, but it soon became clear that Alex wasn’t even an option. He was still all over that waitress and she was still under his spell. Only, this time, they decided to make it a bit more private. I saw Alex take lead and slip out of the room, holding the waitress’ hand and pulling her along. If I had been back in New York or not in public, I would have definitely rolled my eyes.

The next familiar face I looked for was my brother. He was somewhere further in the back speaking to my cousins. They were all younger than me, so they always got a long together a little better. It also didn’t help that I usually was in the study with private tutors and teachers getting a special education to prepare me for my inevitable future job.

Lucky for me, just as I was making my way over to them, I noticed Lysander standing by himself trying to catch my attention. He already had a drink in one hand and picked up another as he gestured that it was for me. So, I smiled politely and slowly floated over to him so nobody would mistake my actions as eager.

“Thank you very much.” I gently took the glass of wine from him, careful not to let the fragile material shatter.

“It’s been a real honour being allowed to join on such an occasion.” He did the traditional thing of being grateful and loyal, but it made for a very difficult conversation.

I didn’t know how to respond other than to accept what he said. There was nothing in particular he was beneficial for either except for the fact that he was the heir in the Larnamont family. A good connection to keep, but I had nothing to thank him directly for. He was still learning the ropes of his family. As was I, of course, but it was still different.

Fortunately, Lysander wasn’t as strict in traditions and rules as his father. He could also clearly sense that this silence was just a second away from turning really awkward.

“You know, my father has told me many stories about this castle,” he confessed. “Ever since I was a little boy, I tried to imagine what it was like. But it’s even more spectacular than I imagined.”

“It has been quite a nice place to grow up in.” I smiled softly, remembering all the good times I had with my brother when we were much younger. I had to remind myself not to take it for granted. As much as I longed for the simple life in New York, I was very lucky.

“There’s so much history here, it’s fascinating.” He looked up at the ceiling and took some time to admire the paintings and gold leaf.

“This room was only built in the 17th century, but there are parts left over from the original 11th-century castle.”

He looked at me with wide eyes. “Only 17th century! Eleventh– I can’t even imagine that amount of time. Wow.”

“I actually have a whole collection of books all about the history of the castle, all the way from the beginning. I could lend you a couple.”

“You would do that?”

I chuckled quietly and nodded. “I rarely meet anybody with such interest. Who would I be to withhold all that information from you.”

“Thank you so much.”

“Let me go get them now before other duties sweep me away.”

I excused myself and slipped through the door Alex had sneaked out just shortly before. Although the castle was quite large, luckily my library wasn’t too far away. The grand staircase was just through the short corridor with two other doors. My heels clicked loudly on the steps, echoing off the walls with paintings.

The corridors felt even more empty than usual knowing that everybody was collected in the ballroom.

After just three minutes, my hand was grazing the gold-toned handle on the old wooden door again. I could still remember how I could barely open it as a kid; I always had to lean against it or pull with all my weight, it was that heavy. But it was also secure. Now I could open that door in one swift movement.

Although I wished I couldn’t. I wished I could have opened it slowly to shield myself from what was inside.

There were already people in my library. But they weren’t there reminiscing about good times with my grandpa or enjoying a good book. The two bodies were completely naked and intertwined on the custom desk my grandpa had gotten made.

“Oh my god!” I screamed, not bothering to close the door behind myself like I usually would. “What the actual fuck is this?!”

“Oh, shit,” Alex gasped as he looked over his shoulder and made eye contact with me.

“Are you fucking shitting me!”

Alex immediately removed himself from the girl he had swooned downstairs. He stood there frozen while the girl tried to grab all her clothes as quickly as possible while simultaneously hiding her face.

“Oh, come on, Elsie,” I scoffed, feeling the rage now course through my blood like fire. “I fucking know who you are. I saw you all over each other downstairs.”

“I-I’m so s-sorry,” she stammered, sounding like she was on the verge of tears, “p-please don’t fire me.”

I didn’t say a word in response to her plea. Although I had the authority to fire any of the help, I had never actually done so before. I was seriously considering it. She was supposed to be downstairs doing her job. But I couldn’t risk it. I’d have to explain my grounds and it would ruin Garry.

I just waited until she scurried away with all her clothes clutched to her chest. With her now gone, I tried my best to walk past Alex calmly and collected as I refused to even look in his direction. There was somewhere I actually had to be, and I wasn’t going to get distracted any further from my goal. That didn’t mean I was actually okay now, though.

“You, umm, you look good,” Alex told me awkwardly as he scratched the back of his head. “I didn’t get to tell you earlier.”

“Fuck off,” I seethed and pushed away the rolling ladder to have access to the first book.

“Oh, umm–”

“No.” I stopped him as I pulled out the book and spun around to look at him. “Shut up.”

I was planning to walk out of these without looking back, but when I walked past Alex for the second time that day, I changed my mind. I wasn’t done. He didn’t get to walk away unscathed.

“My grandfather fucking dies and breaks breaks this stupid shithole of a tradition. I get to inherit one thing. He fucking leaves me behind this library. And now you have to come and ruin it. Go suck a dick,” I spat and continued my path, the sound of the heavy door shutting rushing down the hallways.

#all time low #all time low fanfiction #Alex gaskarth #Alex Gaskarth fanfiction #all time low imagine #fanfiction #the royal invitation

5 notes · View notes

asofterfan · 5 years

Text

Winter Winds

Chapter 1: Hot Mess

Previous ~ Next

Summary: Six years later...

Warnings: alcoholism, transphobia, enbyphobia, nbphobia, self esteem issues

No matter what ringtone they chose for their alarm, Remy would always hate it within two days.

Blindly reaching out to turn off the tortuous chimes that indicated it was time to wake the fuck up, Remy sighed heavily. Sitting up, they were faced with the familiar pounding in their skull. The glass next to their mattress was empty, so either they’d have to get up to get water, or not get water. They flopped back onto the mattress.

But within a few minutes their second alarm was chiming, drawing out a long groan as they slapped at their phone again. Fine. Time to get up apparently.

Remy sat up and stretched, scratching at the leftover body glitter on their shoulder from the night before. As they stood they gently kicked a few empty bottles out of their way.

The apartment looked different, but in reality it hadn’t changed much in the past six years. The same mattress sat in the same corner, the same old crate as a side table, the same thrift store rug and old loveseat. They never bothered to get a dresser when their suitcase worked just fine, and there were a few boxes that they had never bothered to fully unpack. Their life was layered on top in the form of posters and ticket stubs and Christmas lights and trash shoved into corners. Sketchbooks lay piled in a corner, and dirty clothes were shoved into a laundry bag, ready for whenever they worked up the motivation to go to the laundromat.

Opening a cabinet in the kitchen, Remy grabbed one of three glasses they owned, filling it with tap water and chugging it. Leaning against the kitchen counter, they fiddled with the ends of their hair. It was mid-back, the pink underside slightly faded. They’d have to re-dye it soon. The ends were dry, and split, but Remy was confident they were hot enough that no one paid attention to their neglected hair.

A third alarm started ringing from their phone. What a bitch. Groaning, Remy stalked over to their bed, snatching their phone and silencing the alarm, quickly going through and turning off all the upcoming alarms as well. They awake enough, they didn’t need an alarm every five minutes today.

Quickly swiping through their phone, Remy hit shuffle on itunes, turning the volume all the way up before tossing it on the couch. The mirror above the bathroom sink showed them the smudged remains of their makeup from the night before. Sighing, they got to work washing it off, nodding their head to the beat of the music.

Once that was finished, they halfheartedly brushed their hair before throwing it into a ponytail, and brushed their teeth. Picking up the mouthwash, they found it was empty, groaning in frustration as they remembered using the last of it the morning before. Rubbing at their eyes, still tired, Remy wandered back into the kitchen, only to return to the bathroom a moment later with a bottle of vodka. Same thing, right? Taking a swig straight from the bottle, Remy swished it around in their mouth, grimacing before spitting it into the sink. Good enough.

Remy was pretty sure they didn’t own any clothing that didn’t have holes in it, or was too small, or both, but there were still a few shirts in the ‘clean’ pile so at least they didn’t have to worry about laundry just yet. Cass once told them their style was “homeless punk”, which like…. Rude, but not inaccurate.

Pulling on their tattered boots, held together by duck tape and spite, Remy finally turned off their music. Their leather jacket was hanging next to the door, and as they slipped it on they made sure they had all the essentials- wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses, headphones, and pronoun necklace with the charm flipped to “THEY/THEM”.

Checking the time, they knew they’d have to skip their Starbucks run if they wanted to be on time to work. Luckily, Remy didn’t give a fuck about being on time.

Caffeine before capitalism, bitches.

“What is UP motherfuckers I am so tired.”

“You’re also late,” a tall woman, only slightly shorter than Remy, with light blue hair crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow at them.

“Oh come on, Ali,” A petite brunette piped in from where she was disinfecting her station, “You say that like he’s not late everyday!”

“They’re not late everyday, Cass” Remy insisted, tapping at their necklace as they sauntered over to their own station beside the shorter woman’s, “Some days I’m not scheduled,” they winked.

“Sleeeeeeeep,” Ali sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose and drawing the artist’s attention again. “I get that being late is like, your trademark, but what kind of boss would I be if I just kept letting you get away with it?”

“A great one,” Remy replied without hesitation. Putting their stuff down, Remy took a long sip of coffee before continuing, “Ali, I know you’ve been stressed since you officially took over for Rachel-”

“Rest in peace,” Cass interrupted solemnly.

“Stop telling people I’m dead!” Huffing indignantly, a heavily pregnant woman appeared in the lobby, carrying a box full of beat up sketchbooks.

“Rache!” Remy exclaimed, “Tell Ali I can do whatever I want!”

“You most certainly can NOT,” Rachel asserted, moving to brace the box on her hip as she stared down her former employees, “Remy, try to bring your asshole level down to maybe 75 percent. Ali, somehow Remy has managed to keep a good string of clientele and positive reviews. Pick your battles. Cass, stop sending my wife ‘your condolences’.”

“Fiiiiiiine.”

“If you say so.”

“Killjoy.”

Rachel shook her head fondly, “Don’t destroy my shop, bitches. I’ll be back eventually.” With that, she headed to her car, leaving the others grumbling behind her. The day continued, each going about their own business, working on designs for upcoming clients, answering emails about appointments. Remy’s phone buzzed beside them, but they ignored it.

About two hours later, a man looking to be in his mid thirties with a few tattoos on his arms already came in without an appointment.

“You guys take walk ins?” He asked gruffly.

“Yeah, what were you looking to get?”

Remy sighed from their station. Brett and Rafa weren’t scheduled to come in for another hour, and Cass was in the middle of a tattoo, which meant the walk in was definitely going to be Remy’s problem.

Sure enough, Ali called them over, “Remy, I got a client for you.”

Plastering on their best customer service smile, Remy sauntered over, “Excellent, what do I have the honor of immortalizing today?”

Dear God, the man was unironically getting a Fight Club quote tattooed on his forearm. Remy almost quit then and there. Ali glared, shaking her head minutely from behind the man, her eyes promising pain if Remy was anything less than cordial. Killjoy.

Gritting their teeth, Remy smiled, “Alright, come take a look at some fonts and I’ll get you set up.”

Remy wasn’t sure if the barely legible cursive font the man chose made the quote better or worse. They decided not to dwell on it. It didn’t take long to print the transfer and get their station set up, adjusting the seat in the center for a right forearm tattoo session. The client was mostly silent as Remy lightly shaved his forearm and wiped the disinfectant over it. Once the transfer the placed, the man nodded, offering a gruff “looks good”.

“Sweet, just hold tight for one more sec, hon.”

Swiveling their stool to face the steel table beside them, Remy got to work setting up their ink, along with paper towels and bottles of water and disinfectant; gauze set to the side for when they were finished.

As they worked, the man looked Remy up and down, “So, what are you?” he asked bluntly.

It hadn’t been loud before, but an uncomfortable silence seemed to settle on the whole shop, Ali glancing over from the front desk in disbelief. But Remy was unfazed. They looked up from their equipment and raised an eyebrow, “I'm a tattoo artist, duh.”

The man rolled his eyes condescendingly, “I mean, are you a man or a woman?”

Clenching their teeth, Remy took a deep breath, “Depends on the day, but today the answer is no,” they tapped on their necklace, the purple charm with a clear “THEY/THEM” on it.

“But what are you really?”

There was a pause, the tension thick as even Cass paused her work to look over incredulously. Remy wasn’t known for their patience though. They sent the man a cold smile, leaning forward to get just a little too close, “I'm the person who's about to spend the next hour injecting ink under your skin. Really.”

Stuttering, the man’s face turned a shade of red, from anger or embarrassment Remy couldn't tell, “Are you threatening me??”

“Of course not,” Remy purred, “That would be unprofessional. But maybe you should be quiet now. So I don't… lose focus.” They buzzed the tattoo gun on and off menacingly. Some of the blood drained from the man’s face. He still looked angry, like he had a lot he wanted to say very loudly right now. But he bit the words back and nodded shortly, Remy grinning wider.

“Good boy,” the man flinched as Remy placed a hand gently on his arm, situating themselves to begin working, “Now, let’s get this party started, shall we?” There is no response. Just the buzz of the tattoo gun as Remy did their job, even when they didn’t want to.

“Well,” Cass drawled as the door closed behind Remy’s client, “he’s not gonna be leaving any shining reviews.”

“Worth it~,” Remy sang cheerily. Hey, they did the tattoo and they did it well. It was the man’s own fault he got a side of attitude and malice with his tattoo.

Cass rolled her eyes, returning her attention to the design she was working on in her sketchbook. But Ali frowned, coming to stand by the opening to Remy’s cubical. She spoke softly, her words just for Remy, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize he’d be a dick.”

“That’s life, hon,” Remy smirked. Ali didn’t know anyone else who could sound so cheery and so cold at the same time, “Assholes look like everyone else. They don’t wear signs. That’s why it’s best to just assume everyone is terrible until proven otherwise.”

“Well that’s a depressing way to live.”

Remy shrugged, “It’s worked well enough for me.”

Ali isn’t sure she actually believes that, but Remy turns their back to her, continuing to break down their station, everything about them communicating that the conversation was over.

There was a buzz from Remy’s phone. They ignored it.

“Remy, tell Logan he’s overreacting!”

“FALSEHOOD!”

“You’re not helping your case there, sexy specs.”

Remy turned away from their computer, resting their chin on their hand as they took in the two bickering teenagers who had just arrived.

Virgil cut off Logan’s argument, still glaring at him even as he spoke to Remy, “Look, let me explain, Logan’s all in a huff just cause-”

“Nope,” Remy interrupted, holding a hand up with an expressionless gaze, “Don’t wanna hear it. I do not need unnecessary details in order to know with absolute certainty that you,” he pointed at Logan, “are overreacting-”

“HAH!”

“-and you,” Virgil’s victory was short lived as Remy’s finger shifted to point at him, “are underreacting.”

Virgil gasped indignantly as Logan started an angry “how DARE you-” rant. Remy sipped their tea and slowly swiveled their chair around until the teens were left arguing with their back. After a few minutes, Ali finally intervened and at least got them to argue more quietly until they finally let whateverthefuck they were going on about go and finally turned their attention back to Remy.

“Any new projects?” Virgil questioned as Logan draped himself across the tattoo chair in the center of Remy’s cubicle.

Remy hummed, “Not really. But I have a few consultations coming up, so maybe soon,” they tapped away at their computer, answering emails to confirm appointments and give price estimates.

Groaning, Virgil pouted, “So nothing for me?”

“Not today, gurl.”

“Uuuuuuuuugh…” he flopped dramatically on top of Logan, “now what?”

“I dunno,” Remy turned to raise an eyebrow at the pile of punks on his chair, “you’re teenage troublemakers. Go make trouble. Somewhere. Else.”

“Meh,” Logan replied, “We’ll just do homework here. We haven’t seen you in like a week.”

“Lucky you,” Remy replied without missing a beat.

“Remy nooooo,” Brett glanced up from the front desk, wide puppy eyes staring at the taller artist.

Cass’ voice was heard from the other side of the divider, “Aw great, now you’ve gone and summoned one of Brett’s positivity rants!”

“Why does no one follow the shop guidelines?” Brett asked, lip trembling as he held up the framed sign that lived on the front desk and pointed to item number four: “No Self Deprecation Allowed”

“It’s cute you think I follow rules.”

Remy continued going through their email, occasionally making notes in their calendar or sketchbook, ignoring Brett’s lecture or the giggling high schoolers behind them.

Things quieted down eventually, with the punks doing some homework assignments while the artists did their work. Remy waved casually when Logan and Virgil finally departed. Rafa emerged from the staff break room, sipping a soda and smiling as the door shut behind the high schoolers.

“Damn. Those kids really like you, Rems,” he commented fondly.

But Remy only shrugged, sipping their tea nonchalantly, “I was in the right place at the right time and they imprinted on me like baby ducklings.”

“Punklings,” Cass’ giggled from her station.

Remy snorted, but turned back to Rafa, “If you had been working that day then they’d be your ‘best friends’.”

Rafa exchanged a look with Brett before shaking his head sadly, “Eh. Agree to disagree.”

Despite Remy constantly being late, they also had a tendency of staying late as well. Once they got caught up in a project they were loath to leave until it was finished. Plus, if they stayed late enough they could go straight from work to one of their favorite clubs.

As the artists finished closing up the shop, Remy sighed as their phone buzzed again. Reluctantly, they pulled the device from their pocket to glance at the messages. There were two missed calls and a text.

PopPicani: Hey kiddo! Sorry I keep missing you. You want to come over for dinner tomorrow? It’s been way too long! <3

“We’re grabbing some drinks from The Dubliner, you wanna come?”

Remy blinked in surprise as they were pulled from their thoughts. They weren’t sure why the group still asked. Every time their coworkers went out they invited Remy, and every time Remy answered the same way.

“Nah, I’m doing my own thing,” They adjusted their bag on their shoulder as they exited the building, raising a hand in farewell, “See you tomorrow.”

“Don’t forget, you have a consultation appointment in the morning!” Ali called after them, “10:30am! Don’t make them wait!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Remy responded nonchalantly, tapping away at their phone.

Sleepyhead: Sorry, been super busy lately. Maybe another time though. :)

Pocketing the device, Remy pulled their sunglasses over their eyes, making their way into the nightlife. Alone as usual.

Just the way they liked it.

#punk au #my writing #winter winds #punk sleep #transphobia tw #transphobia #enbyphobia #nbphobia #exorsexism

383 notes · View notes