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#the other fight club pop up he’s genuinely confused as to how in the hell he found the time

gennyanydots · 1 year

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This is love I just can’t live without Ch. 7

Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x if!Kazansky!reader (affectionately often called “Baby Ice”)

“This is love I just can’t live without” masterlist

Biker!au

Chapter summary: Bradley’s tastes have clearly gone downhill…

Chapter trigger warnings: cat fight. Swearing. Sexual relations mentioned.

Chapter 7 “Howl at the moon” Baby Ice

“You know he doesn’t want you here right?” a voice you don’t recognize says as a girl approaches your general area with her arms crossed.

You’re just patiently waiting to get one of the prospect’s attention to get a drink. She can’t be talking to you. You have no idea who she is. Definitely not a face you recognize. You don’t turn towards her assuming whoever she’s actually talking to will acknowledge her.

“I’m talking to you, bitch,” she says taking a step closer to you to get further into your personal bubble.

“I’m sorry, are you talking to me?” you ask, genuinely confused. Who the hell is this girl? Did you go to high school with her? You don’t remember her face. Maybe she was in a grade or two below you. Or someone’s sibling maybe?

“Of course I am. You see anyone else here that doesn’t belong?” she asks while raising an eyebrow and looking at you with a disgusted look on her face.

“Who said I don’t belong?” you ask furrowing your own eyebrows. Seriously. Who the hell is this girl? Does she even know you? And if anyone doesn’t belong it’s probably her. Does she know this is a biker club and not a dance club? The amount of glittery highlight on her face begs to differ.

She scoffs and rolls her eyes then gestures to the entire room, “Everyone. Duh. Why do you have to try and come back here to ruin his life? You broke up with him. He doesn’t need to be reminded of how cruel you are!”

You stare at the girl like she didn’t just gesture to a room with not only your uncles in it but also your father. Who the fuck does this girl think she is? She clearly has zero idea who you are besides Bradley’s ex girlfriend. If she did she’d watch what she was saying but a part of you really wants to see how this plays out. You’ve been needing an outlet for some of this stress you’ve been dealing with. Maybe she’s your perfect outlet.

“Plus, Rooster has been doing great since you left. He’s my man now so you need to run back to whatever hole you crawled out of if you know what’s good for you,” she says matter of factly and sneers at you while popping her hip out to the side.

You see movement off to your side and notice Nat taking a few steps towards you but you quickly shake your head at her then briefly hold up a hand to stop her. You don’t need help. You got this.

“Rooster?” You ask and tilt your head to the side as if you’re confused. You know Bradley’s road name. You’re not dumb. Just because you weren’t around when he officially patched in doesn’t mean you hadn’t heard it thrown around. Add that to being the son of Goose and there’s really no question who ‘Rooster’ could be in the club.

The girl scoffs again, “Are you really that dumb? Bradley. Bradley Bradshaw. The guy you left behind. Ring any bells? I doubt Rooster would date you if you were actually that stupid but maybe I was just an upgrade.” She pops a shoulder up sassily.

Upgrade? Yeah right. Your lips quirk up into a closed mouth grin and you raise an eyebrow. Fights on, sweetheart.

“Ohhhhh Bradley. Bradley Bradshaw. Mhm yeah I know him. Who are you to him again?” you ask. You swear the girl is close to stamping her foot at you and throwing a temper tantrum. “I’ve never heard anyone from the club mention you before. Is this a new thing?”

She sneers at you again and huffs, “I’m Missy. His girlfriend, you idiot, and you better remember that because he’s mine and there’s nothing you can do about it. Got it?”

You chuckle, “Yeah I got it. Bradley’s yours.” You take a step closer to Missy, crowding into her space. “But since we’re on the subject of ‘things the other can do nothing about’ just wanted to let you know that I have quite a few of those myself. I’ll just go ahead and let you know what those are. I hold all of his firsts. First kiss. First make out session. First fuck. And there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. Not one thing. I was his first in everything so any time you two might do anything together you should really think to yourself ‘Is he comparing me to her?’ because I would put money down on the fact that he is. Comparing every single second of whatever mediocre sex you’re having with him to every time he and I fucked or made love. Anything he does in the bedroom is because he and I spent hours exploring everything together. Learning exactly how to drive the other crazy. So, why don’t you go ahead and remember that because there’s nothing you can do about it. All his firsts are mine whether you like it or not.”

“You’re such a bitch!” the girl says and brings her hand up to slap you, however, you anticipated it and grab her arm and twist it behind her back as you shove her chest against the bar. Missy winces and cries out.

You push your weight against her, “Don’t start something you can’t handle. You’ll lose every time.” You yank her off the bar and push her away from you. “Also I’m pretty sure you’re the one unwanted by the club.”

You watch the girl look around at everyone staring at her, “They’re only looking at us because you just admitted to being a whore and then assaulted me.”

You laugh, “Oh sweetheart, you really shouldn’t start something against the club president’s daughter. Also, if I wanted to assault you I’d do something like this...” You pull your fist back and punch her directly in the nose, the crunch upon impact undeniable. Poor thing is going to need a hospital trip now. “But technically that’s considered battery but who’s to say?”

Missy’s hands fly up protectively around her nose, “You psycho! You’ll pay for this!”

“Oh will I? I’m not the one bleeding all over,” you go to lunge at her, thinking you might as well take out the ‘threat’ now since she’s down already but two arms snake around your middle to stop you then lift you up as you start to yell and wiggle to get out of the strong arms holding you against a hard chest.

You watch as the girl scurries out of the clubhouse even as you continue to wiggle in the arms holding you, “Yeah, you better run!”

“What did I tell you about fighting, honey?” a deep voice says in your ear as you’re carried into the kitchen.

You huff. Of course he’s the one who pulled you from the fight. He’s always ruining your fun. Has been for five years. You mumble an answer as you’re set on the kitchen counter like a child.

“What was that? Couldn’t hear you. Speak up, honey,” Bradley said as he grabbed an ice pack out of the freezer and wrapped it in a clean, dry wash rag before walking back over to you, taking your throbbing hand in his carefully, and gently pressing the ice pack against your bruised knuckles.

You watch him closely but don’t reply. You wince when he sets the ice down on your tender hand. He looks older now. Definitely not the same boy you ran from five years ago. Lost the last bit of baby fat he had clinging on. He’s all sharp angles now. Strong. You notice the signature Bradshaw mustache gracing his top lip. Goose would be so happy to see it passed down.

Bradley shakes his head at you and tsks his tongue as if to scold you like you’re a child who just broke a rule, “You gonna answer my question?”

“No,” you mutter and turn your head away from him. You hate this. You hate how easily you could slip right back into how you used to act together. You hate how right this feels. The past five years without him have been some of the hardest of your life. You were so far away from your family. You were so far away from your girl best friend. And you were so far away from him. Your head is screaming at you to leave but your heart won’t let you. Being this close to him feels too much like home in a time where you need that feeling more than anything.

You don’t even notice the tears streaming down your face until calloused hands cup your face and brush the tears from your cheeks.

A sob leaves your mouth and you’re being pulled against that hard chest again immediately following it. Arms wrap around you to hold you steady. You bury your face against him and wrap your arms around his middle holding you tightly against him.

You feel his lips brushing against your hair in what you assume are supposed to be comforting words but you can’t seem to make out any words over the sound of your own sobbing.

#bradley bradshaw x female reader #bradley rooster bradshaw x female reader #rooster x f!reader #top gun biker!au #this is love i just can’t live without

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bootlegdeanslist · 3 years

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AOT MINI HEADCANNON: THEY WATCH BAD GIRLS CLUB WITH YOU

Notes: I just finished season 9 of BGC and it stressed me the fuck ouuutttt. Then this idea popped into my head, and I figured I’d do a little modern au about it. This is the first thing I’ve ever written and posted on Tumblr, enjoy? I also haven’t proofread this so beware.

TW: Fighting, cursing, slight talks of manipulation, and Season 9 spoilers for BGC

Porco, Jean, Armin and Levi

Porco

Porco brain rot is CONSTANT ‘round these parks!

When you originally picked it out while y’all were sitting on the couch he rolled his eyes. BUT NOW? He’s hooked. He’s around nothing but strong-willed women, so he doesn’t think twice about the fighting. It’s the verbal assaults they send to eachother that shock him the most.

I genuinely think Porco is messy as fuck. There is something about that man that just makes me think he would LIVE for the drama.

He indulges in the fighting and ALWAYS has something to say.

“DID YOU SEE THAT? SHE TOOK TWO OF THEM AT THE SAME DAMN TIME! AND THEY BOTH STILL GOT THEY ASSES WHOOPED”

MEHGAN SUPREMACY on this side and was genuinely sad to see her go.

“Great now we have to watch the rest of the rejects. They’re all bark and no bite. Except Rima...she’s all bite.” She really didn’t have to do that to Jersey’s leg y’all

Brings great observations to the mix and he’s honestly just happy to spend time with you.

Jean

This man just is shocked no matter what. Everything surprises him about their interactions.

“Wait, I’m confused…. why are they bullying Rima again?”

You have to do a lot of explaining because he refused to sit down and truly watch it with you until he heard the fight between Christina and Julie while in a different room

Sits there with his head in your lap, furrow in his brow because he just can’t believe what is going on

His commentary almost makes y’all get into an argument lmao

Jean is all for the tired ass underdog story line they always do and you’re trying to explain the shady shit that be happening in confessionals and why some people DO in fact need their ass beat.

You two never seem to see eye to eye BUT it’s fun conversation.

Will binge watch the whole season with you in one sitting and that’s the only season he’s watching.

Armin

Armin is secretly messy and very opinionated. His messiness is tactical and subdued.

You asked him if he wanted to watch with you and he obliged. Once he realized how the show operated, he was like “what the hell”

He is team Julie and thinks the shit is funny with how the girls got easily manipulated.

I’m going to say he also loved Ashley’s arc because “she finally stood up for herself and gained her own voice”. I think it’s just because she was blonde but whatever

He’ll give a few gasps or head shakes throughout the show, but he’ll wait until the commercials so you two can talk about the current situation and how it’s going to play out

“Yeah, but I just feel like Julie isn’t going to be able to get Erika to come to her side”

“No, watch Erika is going to switch sides. Rima has been a baby that she’s had to watch for a majority of this episode. Julie told her that and now she’s going to think…how dare she bite the hand that was trying to feed her.”

I think watching anything with Armin is always going to turn into a deeper conversation. You might be talking about the shit on BGC right now but by the end of it you’ll be discussing the strife women go through in society and how they’re always pitted against each other.

Levi

Jokes on you he’s not watching this shit!

Didn’t want to watch it, but you came in the living room while he was laid out on the couch and turned the tv on.

For the most part he isn’t paying attention, but at some point he got distracted and is now interested in the “trash tv” you’re watching.

Is quiet during the whole episode except for his side comments that are all more or less different variations of “this is the shit you watch?”

Eventually gets up because he can’t take the constant shouting coming from the tv

Later on when you’re just lounging around, the show already forgotten about…he decided to bring it up LMAO

“So, what were they so upset about?”

Listens intently to your recount of the story and gives his own opinions with a grimace and irritation

“why didn’t she just bring a night light with her instead of getting mad?”

“I literally couldn’t even tell you. I’ve never seen someone so upset about being afraid of the dark! Anyway, you want to watch the next episode with me?”

“No”

Won’t sit down and watch it with you but will pass through the room or listen closely from another one. Will just ask you about that show you’re watching so he can keep up without having to actually put the effort in.

#armin x reader #jean x reader #porco x reader #levi x reader #armin arlert #porco galliard #levi ackerman #jean kirschstein #armin arlert x reader #porco galliard x reader #levi ackerman x reader #aot headcanons #snk headcanons #aot x reader #snk x reader #aot funny

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elizabeethan · 3 years

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Watch the Sunlight Fade: 14 / 17

Emma Swan finds out that her boyfriend has been hiding something from her: he’s in a gang and trying to get out. Reluctantly, she decides to support him, sticking it out with him until they have enough money to flee to Florida. All she has to do is wait and ignore that feeling in her gut that something is seriously wrong. With the help of a kind and handsome stranger, she just might make it out alive.

Or, alternate summary: I’m horrible at summaries, please just read it.

Something of a cross between a What Still Remains AU and a Sons of Anarchy AU.

A/N: Here comes the whump!! There's a good amount of violence in this chapter (well, not really, but it's more than I've ever written). As always, if you need more details you can message me!

Rated M

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~~~~

“Hello, hard worker,” she hears from the door as it creeps open. Looking up from the blank screen, she smiles at Tink.

“Hi,” she greets in return. “How are you?”

Tink gives her a smirk and chuckles. “Probably not as good as you are.” Emma’s eyes widen and her cheeks turn hot at the implication. She doesn’t even know what Tink is implying, but she does know that she’s pretty experienced in all things related to sex, so her assumtion probably has some backing. “I’m not gonna say anything,” she finally consoles.

“You know?”

She moves into the room, the door already shut as she makes her way for the chair Killian usually sits in. “He didn’t tell me, if that’s what you’re worried about. But when he mentioned leaving, and when he mentioned getting you out, specifically… It was obvious.”

“Oh,” Emma nods, biting her bottom lip into her mouth. It’s sweet that the way he talks about her gives him away, but she can’t help but feel nervous about it. Could he be giving himself away to just anyone?

“It’s also obvious that he loves you, just so you know. But only because we’ve been friends for so long.”

She takes her words as consolation. They’ve been each other’s only friend for years, learning each other emotionally and physically, so it makes sense that Tink would figure it out before anyone else does. “Thanks,” she says with a smile.

“And I don’t want you to worry. He ended things with me the night you came here. He and I are friends before anything else; I’m just happy that he’s so happy.”

“I wasn’t worried,” Emma says truthfully. “I trust him. And… and you.”

“Good,” she says pleasantly, her smile meaningful as she seems to understand Emma’s sentiment; her implication that they’ve become friends, too. “So I guess you’re just sitting here and wasting time until we can go, huh?”

“Yeah,” she laughs. She enjoys Tink’s company. It’s easy to laugh with her, her lightheartedness contagious despite them both knowing the danger they're in. Killian has been quietly planning their escape, and it’s almost time to go, so the danger is getting more and more real as the minutes tick on.

They sit for a while, joking and laughing together, and Emma reflects silently on how nice it is to have a friend. Killian’s been her friend from the moment they met, but she hasn’t felt this close to another girl in all of her life. She hasn’t felt supported and genuinely liked by another girl since she was a kid, before the runaways and the homelessness left her completely and utterly alone.

“You seem happier,” Tink reflects with a soft smile. “The first time we met… Just-- I’m sorry, Emma. I should have been nicer to you. I’m just glad things are starting to look up for you now.”

“Thank you,” she smiles. “It’s nice having a friend.”

“Yeah,” she laughs. “Elsa’s nice but… I don’t know.”

The conversation takes an unexpected turn, guiding Emma down a path she didn’t know was there. The inclusion of Elsa in their discussion of friendship should seem natural enough, but Tink’s suggestion is that she isn’t as good a friend as either of them are to each other.

“What?” she asks, easily letting her confusion be known.

“Something about her,” she answers with a shrug. “I never trusted her. Killian does, though.”

“Well, she’s almost like his sister-in-law, right?”

She rolls her eyes, shaking her head. “Yeah, I guess. Not like that seems to mean much to her. Her loyalty lies with her family.”

Emma’s eyes narrow suspiciously, wondering what on earth Tink is talking about, where she’s gotten this idea, and what she could possibly know that Killian doesn’t. Killian is Elsa's family. “What are you--”

“Hi,” Killian says as he pushes the door open. She bites down against the smile teasing at her lips.

“Hi,” she whispers back. “Everything okay?”

She wasn’t expecting to see him today, not in the middle of the day, at least. But his arrival is nothing short of a pleasant surprise. It’s not entirely unusual for him to pop in during the day and see how things are going for her, but they should be lying low to avoid stirring suspicion, especially after their risky meetup in the bathroom last night.

“Aye, just checking in,” he answers as he bends to plant a kiss to her forehead. “Morning, love,” he says to Tink.

“Good morning, fearless leader. Everything all set for today?”

“Yes, indeed,” he answers playfully. She hasn’t ever seen him this light and happy outside of his bed when they share it together. The prospect of finally, finally leaving is a weight lifted off of all of their shoulders, and it’s clear that his spirits are lifting the closer they get to implementing their escape. “Just taking care of some last minute details.”

Tink nods knowingly, and Emma immediately wonders what he’s talking about. Without her having to ask, she turns to Emma and explains, “convincing Elsa to go will take a certain level of… finesse.”

“Not to worry,” Killian consoles gently, placing his hand on hers and giving her a soft and loving smile. It’s the one she knows he saves just for her-- the one she never saw until they started to get close. “I’ll take care of it. I’m about to go and talk to her now, I just couldn’t resist giving my lady love a kiss before I went.”

She giggles like someone who has never felt pain before and he bends towards her, planting a soft, slow kiss to her lips that leaves her craving more. She’ll always crave more. And soon, she won’t have to deny herself the pleasure of being with him

~~~~

They’re almost ready. Robin and Killian just need a few more things, some food and clothes and weapons with which to defend themselves, before they're ready to depart. Emma has already shaken enough from Neal’s safe to last them, and she’s certain that he hasn’t noticed and likely won’t until long after they’re gone. The availability of Gold’s yacht is certainly convenient as well, but they must be careful to load their supplies at the last minute, just before they're ready to leave, to avoid being caught.

Really, all that’s left is to round each of them up. Tink is more than ready, the two of them dreaming of fleeing for years and finally ready to take action. Robin has been silently wishing his life to be different since he was born into the club. The only person he truly worries about is Elsa, because she’s been gaslighted and unfortunately hasn’t been able to see past their tactics. She spent most of her life here, her mother bringing her and her sister into this lifestyle when they were just children. Now, he has to go against decades of brainwashing to convince her that it’s dangerous here-- that it’s not worth the risk that comes with staying.

He’s just stepping out of his apartment, having just dropped off some groceries, when it happens. He doesn't even see who does it. He isn’t sure who hits him and with what. But in the blink of an eye, his hopes are dashed as his world goes dark.

~~~~

The blackness fades slowly, the buzzing around the edges of his vision dissolving as he comes to. He moves to scrub his hand over his eyes, but it doesn’t move, prevented by the rough material around his wrist. His other stays put as well, the same material keeping him still.

Of course, he thinks in the darkness of the muggy, dank room. Of course this is happening. They were so happy-- they were so close. Of course they’re found out just before they planned to leave.

“Ah, he lives. Glad you didn’t knock him out too hard, Neal.”

“I want him to suffer some more before I do.”

He wants to roll his eyes, but when he tries, he’s met with innumerable pain. Neal must have done a number on him, his eye swollen and painful. With each breath, his ribs sting and he hisses. He mumbles, “Bloody hell,” but it’s probably a bad idea.

Another fist strikes the left side of his face, further damaging his skin and the bone and tissue underneath and making him cry out. “You’re in for it now, Hook,” Neal hisses. “Elsa told Peter what you did, and I'm gonna make you suffer for it.”

He lets out a pained groan, blood trickling from his cheek. He tries again to wipe it away, but the ropes stop him, burning the tender skin of his wrist. “Elsa?” he asks in confusion, still fighting against the haze that’s perpetuated by another strike, this time to his right cheek. His neck cracks in such a way that can’t be good news as his head is whipped to the side.

“That’s right. Did you expect loyalty from your family? Good luck with that. Unlike you, she understands that we are her family.”

Something hard whacks against his shin, making him cry in pain again. It’s not a fist; more likely to be a metal rod or perhaps a plank of wood. “That’s right, Neal,” Peter praises. “We’re all family. Elsa doesn’t have loyalty to only one.”

“Because you’ve brainwashed her,” he argues, met with another strike against his already stinging ribs.

“We’ve enlightened her. She’s dedicated to her family.” He isn’t even sure which one of them speaks as Neal delivers another sharp blow to his chin.

His ears ring as Neal’s open palms meet them, clapping both sides of his head at once and making his eyes grow wide in breathless agony. He can barely make a sound in response, his jaw dropping but any noise in protest stuck in his throat.

As the fog in his brain clears after a few moments, Neal allowing him to recover slightly before continuing his torture, he finally speaks again. “She also told us how she found out. She overheard you in the bathroom. During Rufio’s funeral. You sick bastard.”

His hand finds Killian’s throat, squeezing firmly until one eye starts twitching and his lips begin to go numb. Then he squeezes harder.

“Tell him what she heard, Neal.”

“You murdered Rufio,” he accuses knowingly, and Killian realizes that any sense of privacy that he and Emma thought they had was false, even with the door locked. Elsa must’ve gone to use the bathroom they commandeered, and she must’ve been forced to tell Peter and Neal what she overheard when she was caught, too.

“And what else?”

“She heard you attacking my girlfriend,” he hisses, throwing Killian back until his throat is released, although it’s at the expense of his back as the chair tips and he lands solidly against the concrete ground. “She heard you trying to take advantage of her!”

He lets out a rasped, choking sound as Neal’s boot pushes against his throat, barely giving him time to recover from his last assault. He can’t breathe, the muscles in his neck protesting against the firm weight pressed to him. He isn’t sure if the back of his head hit the floor when he collided with it, but he knows that would be bad.

“You fucking bastard!” Neal screams, clearly not worried about their location or activities being given away by an excessive noise level. “You tried to ruin her? Why?!”

Neal’s question needs to be answered with finesse. He can’t say anything that will imply that Emma was in any way a willing participant in their activities. He can’t let Neal find out that their affair is two-sided-- that they love each other. That they plan to run away together.

Of course, the possibility of their plan actually going off at this point is slim. Honestly, Neal might kill him tonight, his derangement making it impossible for him to see that Emma wants out just as badly as he does.

“Answer me!” he finally screams again, removing his boot and driving it forcefully into Killian's ribs. He can’t even double over, or roll onto his side to ease the pain, because he’s still bound to his chair. “Did that whore let you soil her? Or did you force yourself on her?”

“She had noth-- nothing to do with it,” he gasps, barely able to speak, barely able to breathe. “It meant nothing; she means nothing to me. I just did it to piss you off.”

Neal kicks his broken ribs again and Killian sees white. His vision blurs in response to his torment, but he hopes he doesn’t pass out because he knows he might not wake up if he does. It would be so easy to give into the blackness that clouds the outer rim of his sight, but he can’t.

“You took advantage of her. She’s weak, she can’t defend herself. She doesn't know what’s best for her. How dare you?”

“Aye,” he agrees painfully. It hurts to admit this in falsity almost as much as it hurts when Neal’s heel drives into his stomach.

He hears Peter say something, but his voice is tinny in his ears and he can’t make out his words. He’s slipping under the blanket of unconsciousness, the numbness taking over far too intriguing as he lets his eyes fall shut and his mind go black.

~~~~

“Bring him out,” Peter commands, his violent voice making Emma jump in her seat. She can’t help but notice that her chair has been placed suspiciously closer to Neal’s than it usually is. He sits beside her, his body still and rigid and his eyes staring straight ahead. His face is threatening and tense, his jaw locked. “I need everyone to see what happens when you betray this family.”

A family meeting was called unexpectedly, interrupting Emma's sham of dedication to her research. She and Tink stared at each other, terror written across both of their faces as they stood and followed the small crowd to the intimidating room, met with Peter looking absolutely irate at the head of the table. Neal’s knuckles are bruised and bloodied, she’s realized.

The door opens slowly, two men dragging along a limp and seemingly lifeless form before throwing him into a chair and laughing when he groans.

Killian.

Emma stiffens, her eyes stinging and filling with tears that she immediately works to blink away. She bites the inside of her cheek until she tastes blood. She can’t let anyone see her reaction to seeing him like this, but the fact is, she thinks she might be dying on the inside.

He’s so broken, so mutilated. The bruises on his face make him almost unrecognizable, the swelling of his eyes and chin and cheeks distorting his beautiful features painfully. He’s holding his arm over his middle, likely suffering from some injuries to his ribs. He looks like he can barely breathe. There are deep purple bruises painted around his neck, taking on the shape of someone’s angry fingers.

The same angry fingers grab for hers, and she knows immediately that Neal has done this to him. He’s hurt her endlessly, but now he’s battered the man she loves, and this cannot stand.

“Tell the men what you’ve done, Hook,” Peter insists. One of the men holding him upright in his chair, Walsh, snickers madly.

“I--” he starts, his voice rough and tattered. Walsh laughs as he pushes his hand against one of his bruises for sport, causing Killian to wince. “I killed Rufio.”

The men around the table gasp, each of them straightening and making as though they’re about to stand and hurt him even more.

“And what else?”

“I tried to damage Neal’s property. I manipulated her; I told her lies to make her believe that I felt something for her.”

The words are rehearsed. They trained him in exactly what to say. But still, she feels a stab in her heart at him announcing that she means nothing to him. “And tell them why.”

“Because I’m mad. I wanted to cause Neal pain. And I--” he cries out again as Walsh pushes his finger against another angry bruise, laughing at his response. “I want to cause the club to suffer.”

“He wants the club to suffer, and he’s succeeded. I want everyone to take a long, hard look at the man who used to be our brother. Killian Jones is a dead man. He’ll die at sunrise, but for now, he’s to act as a symbol to anyone considering betraying the club. We’re a family, and we will not be trifled with.”

The crowd around the table cheers loudly in agreement, each of them getting riled up in response to Peter’s ostentatious speech. He continues, “As for the Kings of Elsinore, we’ll continue our plans of attack. I don’t know about you lot, but I’ve about had enough of people who want to see us suffer. No one messes with the Lost Boys and lives to tell the tale!” The men cheer, fists banging against the table and making Emma jump. “They Kings will be a symbol for any other club thinking of going up against us. We are the rulers here! Prepare for battle, men. At dawn, we raid the Kings’ clubhouse!”

She’s silent as the room empties slowly, everyone who walks past Killian giving him some form of further physical punishment as they make their way out the door. Soon, it’s just Robin who remains, staring angrily at Killian, and Neal by her side.

“Ems,” Neal says darkly, and her blood runs cold in sudden fear. She’s been so consumed with worry and anger for Killian that she hasn’t even considered the repercussions from Neal at them being discovered.

She turns to face him nervously, her fingers shaking as she grips the arms of the chair. “Yeah?” she nearly whispers.

He gives her a soft, if not terrifying smile that she thinks is an attempt at being comforting. “I forgive you.”

Her brows raise on her head, almost meeting her hairline, and she asks, “You… what?”

“I know this bastard manipulated you. I know you’re not… Well, I know you're naive and desperate for attention wherever you can get it. Hook trying to seduce you isn’t your fault. I forgive you.”

She nods weakly, feeling as though she's in a trance. In a moment of clarity and brilliance, she decides to go along with his thoughts and says, “Can I have a minute with him? I need to look into the eyes of the man who… who tried to hurt us.” She chooses her words carefully, saying exactly what she knows will coerce him into giving her what she truly wants.

“I don’t know, baby,” he shakes his head, taking her hand and roughly dragging it towards his mouth. “That’s not your brightest idea.”

“Robin’s here,” she reasons. “Look at him-- he’s just as mad as we are that his friend betrayed our family. He’ll keep me safe.”

He gives her another leering smile that she’s sure he thinks is sweet and winks. “I guess you’re not so useless up here after all,” he concedes, tapping his finger against her temple. She forces herself not to flinch away. “Rob,” he barks as he stands, “keep her safe from this asshole.”

“‘Course, mate,” Robin answers, taking Neal’s hand and shaking it. “I’ll watch him like a hawk.”

Neal is out the door in an instant, not bothering to say anything more to Emma in favor of shoving against Killian’s shoulder on his way out.

She's still for a moment, taking in the grievous sight of him and barely able to move. It takes her just a second after he lets his eyes fall shut and a weak breath fall from his lips to hurry to him and take his hands. “Killian,” she pleads in a whisper.

His brows screw together in pain and she pulls back, but his grip on her hand tightens. “I’m sorry,” he struggles.

“No,” she cries, pressing her lips firmly to the top of his hand, the one part of him that hasn’t been battered violently. “Don’t say that, baby. It’s okay. You’re gonna be fine.”

“I didn’t mean it.” He opens his eyes, or tries to, one of them almost completely swollen shut. She’s met with his genuineness, and it breaks her heart.

“I know that,” she promises. “You didn’t have to take all of this punishment just to keep me safe.”

“They’ll never hurt you,” he vows, and it’s like he's promising himself, too. She stands, bending at her knees so that she can look at him head on. His bottom lip is swollen and bloody, but she plants a kiss there anyway.

“I love you,” she tells him seriously. “I’m so sorry.”

He doesn’t respond-- she doesn’t think he can-- but she does feel him squeezing her hand once more and bumping his likely broken nose against hers.

This is her fault. He wouldn’t be here if not for her. If not for her making stupid mistakes and getting caught up in ridiculously dangerous situations, she wouldn’t be here and he would be okay. He wouldn’t be bleeding and bruised and have cracked ribs, and she wouldn’t be worried about his lungs being punctured or his skull being fractured. She would be alone, she would be lost without ever knowing him, but at least he would be okay.

“We have to get him out,” she says to Rob after a few moments of thick and desperate silence. “He needs help; he needs a doctor.”

“I know,” he nods in agreement.

“No,” Killian begs weakly. “Just go. Leave me, please. Don’t risk getting caught--” he cuts himself off, gasping in pain as he tries to move in his chair. “Please.”

“Killian, no offense, but shut up,” Robin says. “We’re all planning to flee. There’s not a chance in hell we let you die while we walk free.”

“Right,” Emma breathes, relieved to hear that his friend feels the same as she does. “It’s almost dark. Do you think anyone will be here much longer? Can we sneak him out?”

“Rob,” he practically whimpers, letting his head drop back as his breath catches against the pain in his throat. “Please. Don’t put her in any more danger. Please.”

The room falls silent again as Robin considers his friend’s pleas, looking between the two of them pensively. Honestly, she doesn't care how it’s done. She just needs to make sure that Killian is out of here and away from danger as soon as possible so that they can follow through with their plan.

“Alright,” Robin concedes. “Emma, you should go back with Neal. We still don’t want to tip anyone off to our plans. I’ll get him out since I’m supposed to be keeping watch anyway. But at that point, we’ll both be wanted by the club. Round up Tink and Elsa and meet us. You talked to them both, right?” he asks Killian.

He shakes his head. “You have to check on Elsa first,” he insists. “Leave me and make sure she’s alright. She told them--” He gasps again, and Emma rubs her thumbs over the tops of his hands. When he looks into her eyes, he says, “She’s how they found out.”

“What-- she what?”

Emma’s dumbfounded, shaking her head in thought, unable to wrap her mind around the betrayal. It isn’t until her conversation with Tink makes itself known in her memory that she realizes what she meant.

Elsa’s loyalty lies with her family.

“Emma, please, check on her. They probably tortured it out of her.”

She nods, if only so that she doesn’t cause him any further distress as she figures out the truth. There isn’t much about this lifestyle that makes sense to her, but one thing that seems abundantly clear is the fact that Elsa has never been as loyal to her brother-in-law as he has to her. Emma doubts very much that Elsa was tortured at all, much more likely to have given up the information freely.

“I will,” she promises, kissing the top of his left hand. “I’ll meet you soon. I love you.”

“I love you,” he whispers, letting his eyes fall shut.

When she stands, she makes anxious eye contact with Robin and says, “Get him out of here. He needs to see a doctor.”

“I will. Grab Tink and Elsa and meet me at the docks when you can. I’ll wait a few hours before I start looking for you.”

She nods, making her way towards the door and making a silent vow to herself. She’ll grab Tink, and she’ll prove her own hunch about what Elsa has done to Killian.

~~~~

Robin has just gotten to the docks, tucking his friend away safely on the boat they’ve pilfered, when he hears the footsteps. He got Killian to the bed, cleaned his wounds-- although he didn’t look much better when he was done with him-- and gave him some rum to help him sleep before he heard someone rustling above deck. Only it’s too soon for Emma to be back. As he steps out of the cabin, he sees a shadowy figure on the dock.

“You,” the figure calls, making their way towards their stolen boat. Robin nervously reaches for his gun and points it at the shadow. They reach for something as well, holding it up before themselves, and Robin cocks his gun in response.

“I’m armed,” he warns.

“FBI.”

~~~~

Tagging: @courtorderedcake @kmomof4 @stahlop @klynn-stormz @laschatzi @emelizabeth88 @lfh1226-linda @kday426 @elisethewritingbeast @timeless-love-story @captain-emmajones @gingerpolyglot @ebcaver @ilovemesomekillianjones @teamhook @superchocovian @itsfabianadocarmo @tiganasummertree @gingerchangeling @jrob64 @onceratheart18 @xhookswenchx @winterbaby89 @swampmedusa @ultraluckycatnd @dancingnancyy @love-with-you-i-have-everything @shireness-says @snowbellewells @hollyethecurious @ouatpost @daxx04 @the-darkdragonfly @donteattheappleshook @therooksshiningknight @eeteeaytay @xsajx @itsfridaysomewhere @alexa-fangirl-forever @jonesfandomfanatic @wefoundloveunderthelight @qualitycoffeethings @rapunzelsghosts @spaceconveyor @badcats-andmice @batana54 @sailtoafarawayland @deckerstarblanche @zaharadessert @xarandomdreamx @hookedmom @pirateprincessofpizza

#Watch the Sunlight Fade #captain swan #captain swan fanfic #cs ff #sunlight ff #captain swan au #killian jones #whump #killian jones whump #captain swan angst #once upon a time #ouat ff

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tobiosmilktea · 4 years

Text

the love club — miya atsumu

ten: eye for an eye

masterlist | prev. | next

a/n: i haven’t written anything in ages so my writing is trash rn, but hopefully atsumu and y/n being cute will make up for not updating two days ago 👉🏻👈🏻

you could’ve sworn you had told atsumu to come exactly at 6:30 pm, sharp. any later, you would’ve left the cafe the moment your shift ended without a single text to inform him that your patience was waning. you figured that was most likely going to happen considering a little birdy told you that inarizaki’s volleyball team was going through their hell week as nationals was just around the corner.

at least, that’s what you thought was going to happen.

if anything, miya atsumu himself arrived thirty minutes before the time given to him. it was enough to cease your stirring suspicions of him being late and a good enough excuse not to see his smug face, but the unfortunate tides have come across and drenched you in ill-fate—all gross and a bit powdery too at this point.

“there’s a handsome boy waiting outside for you, (y/n).” matsui-sensei, the owner and head baker of pink elephant cafe, not to mention your boss announced as he barged into the kitchen, all loud and boisterous.

despite being nearing his thirties, your boss still acted childish from time to time as there was an notion of implicate suspicions in his tone with that smirk he wore on his lips, his imagination running wild as a boy never really asked for one of his best bakers (not to mention the prettiest) attention before.

you swiftly hid your phone in the back pocket of your jeans as you let out a sigh, “tell him i’m not here.”

“it’s a bit too late for that,” says matsui, adjusting the red bandanna tied around his forehead to pull back his growing black curls and to catch his sweat. “he told me that your meeting with him was important so i said him that i’m letting you off your shift early.”

“why the hell would you do that?” your voice raised a few octaves, but hopefully not enough to travel through the kitchen doors and into the bakery.

matsui held his hands up in defensive and he throw you a playful smile, “listen, i think i’m doing you a favor, kid, considering that i’m pretty sure you haven’t even had a boyfriend yet.”

your eyebrows furrow in annoyance as you threw the rag you were using to clean the tables at your boss, yet he caught it before it could slap him straight on the face. “what makes you think this guy’s gonna ask me out, we’re literally just working on a project together.”

“trust me, (y/n), my intuition’s ringing.”

“unbelievable,” you scoff and you roll your eyes again.

“seriously though,” he continues as you make your way towards one of the blast ovens. the sweet aroma of blueberry muffins swiftly greeted your senses as you pulled it out with your mitted-hand, “you literally run a love advice hotline and never been in a relationship. don’t you think that’s a bit weird?”

you let the question simmer a bit as you didn’t bother to let the tray of muffins cool the full five minutes and you immediately attempted to pull them out of their metal molds. “not as weird as a grown ass man asking a couple of teenagers love advice.” you shot back, recalling how just over a year ago matsui had found out your other job.

the story was quite the funny one, actually, but long story short—you had forgotten to turn off the love club notifications during work and being the nosy boss he was, he ended up seeing his instagram handle right on your phone screen. there was certainly no way of excusing yourself from it as you ended up telling him everything. in the end, he didn’t mind as he was now engaged.

“hey!” his exclaimed, distracting you from carefully pulling out the muffins as you hissed out in pain. the tips of your fingers burned from the scorching heat of the freshly baked tray, appearing crimson and sore to the touch. matsui was too caught up in making a snarky comeback to even notice your quiet yelp of pain. “we don’t allow slander in this establishment, kid, now go before i fire you.”

you snort playfully at his words and you untied your flour-coated apron, hanging it up on one of the hooks near the doors before leaving the kitchen and into the bakery.

a deep sigh left your lips as you gently apologized for almost bumping into one of your coworkers who was making their way to get a customers order. the cafe wasn’t too busy, but was lively enough to certainly keep the employees on their toes. you almost felt bad for leaving your shift so early.

your eyes scanned the array of tables and chairs with slight fatigue before they landed on a familiar boy’s obnoxious blonde.

his broad back was towards you as he was slightly hunched over, probably from texting. you made your way over to him as you spoke over his shoulder, “you’re here early.” your tone was flat and uninterested as you watched his eyes widened the moment he met your gaze.

“hi,” was all he could say as you sat across from him.

you let out a huff as there was a stupid look on his face to which filled you with the urge to just deck him right on the nose to wipe that expression off his face, and yet, the feeling was suddenly replaced with a feeling too foreign for you to identify as he smiled a toothy grin at you.

oh god, help me now.

in the end, you and atsumu had actually gotten a lot of work done in two hours. considering that you were just a conclusion away from finishing, you were genuinely surprised you only had three urges to fight this man the entire time.

you supposed it was the way atsumu almost seemed like he was in a rush, a mere kick in his step as he started typing away at his document in speed. it almost left your mouth gaping and your eyebrows furrowing in confusion how well this man multi-tasked from doing his work while maintaining a conversation with you. granted, they were quite the strange topics from who would die in a zombie apocalypse first (to which you said that you’d feed atsumu to the zombies in a heart beat) then jumping straight into both of your plans in the future after graduation.

as you two took in each other’s entertaining quips of stories and random tidbits that for once, you found yourself enjoying atsumu’s company rather than hating each waking moment of it.

but, you were obviously known for not being the most talkative in terms of your lack of wanting to overshare information about yourself that would most likely turn into some kind of self-imposed altercation. you simply sat there, adding small grunts of agreements, surprised gestures, and the occasional witty retort to match atsumu’s playful behavior.

some time along those two hours, matsui came by and dropped off a bowl of berries by your table that atsumu liked to steal. he would think that his quick hands would go unnoticed as he swiftly snatched at your snacks, but unfortunately for him, it’s as if he hadn’t known that you did in fact notice.

there was only two berries left in the bowl and knowing atsumu’s greedy ass, you gently placed your hand to rest on the brim of the bowl, waiting a few beats to past for atsumu to reach his hand out again only for you reach out at the same time.

“dude!” the setter exclaimed as you grabbed the last ones, “not fair, (y/n).”

you could only hold yourself back from a melting smirk as you only popped one of them in your mouth, “stealing the majority of the food is rude, miya.”

“as if getting them before i could is any better,” he retaliated.

a breathy chuckle had escaped your lips as you held out to last berry for him to take. it was the one time you were actually going to be nice to this guy and yet he hesitated to even take it the moment his gaze fell upon your extended hand.

“are you gonna take it or not?” you say with a bit more authority.

however, you were immediately taken aback and atsumu grabbed your wrist and pulled it closer. the berry in the palm of your hand had fallen back into the bowl below as the boy before you looked at your red fingers. “did you burn yourself?” he asked gently, slight worry washing over his eyes as his gaze flickered back towards you.

you snatched your hand back from him as you shook your head, “it’s nothing.” you answer, taking your attention back towards the project in attempt to ignore the fact that your heart was suddenly racing much faster than before. you literally refused to meet atsumu’s eyes as you could feel the heat rushing towards your cheeks. having him see your slightly burned fingers was already embarrassing enough, seeing your tinted red cheeks wouldn’t have helped either.

your gaze that was locked onto your assignment swiftly flickered back towards him as you heard atsumu shuffle through his backpack to pull out a couple bandages. “i know it’s not much to help burns, but these bandages should at least protect them for the time being.”

three strips were slipped towards you as his a saccharine-sweet smile melted upon his visage. taking his offer, you took and placed one bandage at a time, slightly struggling with each finger until atsumu took the pleasure of helping you on the last one.

you felt your breath hitch in your throat as you noticed how his hands were great in size compared to yours. and despite being a volleyball player and assuming his hands would be rough and a bit calloused, they were much softer than you could’ve imagined.

perhaps you hated the way your urge to punch the living daylights out of atsumu suddenly morphed into a heart beat punching the living daylights out of your ribcage.

“thanks for the last berry, (y/n).” he muttered as his hands left yours and popped the last piece of fruit in his mouth.

oh god, please help me now.

fun facts! —

matsui is a family friend so he had known y/n since she was a kid. he ended up hiring her the moment she turned 15 (they even have a handshake cause they’re homies)

akaashi, kenma, and tanaka have never actually been to pink elephant cafe and they’ve been trying to visit for the longest time

taglist: (closed)

@kitsunetea @bftsukki @gyubit17 @ushijimasbb @alyssasteaparty @angsty-microwave @pleasemelafook-outta-ere @katsuhoee @dinonerdsimp @kenchiko @sakusakymi @deimmortales99 @nerumiz @evphology @of-heroes-and-dreams @noeminemi @chaelysian @lunebiscuit @hanbinplanet @it-me-720 @differentballooncollection @iwaizluv @90s-belladonna @terushimasbitch @apollochjld @shephard17895 @tremendousglitterthing @kara-grayson04 @clowninfortodoroki @gra-hamcrackers @bloomkings @highlyanxiousintroverted @verymuchbabey @miyaosamoo @achly @randomidksomeone @newborn-weeb @mx-minxx @callums-keith @lumiriai @unstableye @lovedanii @kritiiiii @ushisama @kitakure @gaychemicalwater @akakuzumo @noiramor @tsumu-core @stardustanni @ikemenweebo (continued in the commented)

#haikyuu!!#haikyuu #haikyuu imagines #haikyuu scenarios #haikyuu smau #haikyuu x reader #atsumu miya #atsumu x reader #hq atsumu #atsumu smau #atsumu headcanons #atsumu scenarios #atsumu imagines #miya atsumu #atsumu fluff

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rivetgoth · 3 years

Text

My most prominent & beloved OC ship/couple are EC and Eris. I talk about them occasionally but I wish I talked about them more cuz they are very dear to my heart. They are members of my fictional goth band KV7 who I have spoken of a bit in the past.

In short E.C., full name Eric Christian, is a synth player who was born and raised in a small town in Georgia. He was a punky troublemaker growing up. He is very very very quiet and likes to mostly keep to himself and be left alone. He has a tendency to kinda look at things in little pieces instead of ever considering the bigger picture, which makes him very good at experimental music and very bad at social interaction. He likes collecting lost trinkets and making weird artsy collages with them. He loves psychedelics and he can be a dick to people who try to talk to him if he’s just not in the mood. People often mistake him for being shy because of how quiet he is but he is genuinely just sort of an ass and a mega introvert and he just does not like to be bothered or like people that much lol.

Eris’ real name is Eric Sinclair. He’s a singer and bass player and is very outspoken and loud and friendly. He was born in Los Angeles but his family moved to Georgia when he was a still a kid. He never stopped missing the city. He was a choir boy in the local church and people always told him he had such a beautiful voice. His parents put him through hell as ultra conservative Christians due to his being very obviously effeminate even as a kid and as he got older he eventually ran away from home to get away from his family. He took on odd jobs and couch surfed in strangers’ homes while honing a drag persona called Eros and performing bad 80s pop music in clubs. Eventually he kinda moved on from Eros and changed his name to Eris as he became more invested in goth and industrial music. He is very warm and extroverted, although he is generally masking a lot of trauma.

Eris and EC met in high school. EC partly picked up his nickname to avoid confusion because of the fact that they were both named Eric. Back then the two really never interacted, Eris was still a little Christian choir boy and EC was getting suspended for smoking beneath the bleachers during PE so they had very little in common. Plus Eris was a year older than EC so they were in different grades. It wasn’t until they were both older that they met for a second time — EC was in college and working a part time job at a record store in the city, Eris had already run away and came in to shop — and recognized each other and began talking. They grew close really fast.

EC really likes Eris. He finds him really charismatic and intriguing but he’s not very good at voicing that. He admires how extroverted he is and feels more keen on trying to interact and talk when he’s around Eris (he is one of the few people who can convince EC to smile or talk for more than a few sentences at most lol). Eris likewise finds EC charming and kind of projects this romantic allure onto him due to his quiet/mysterious nature. Plus Eris is very talkative in nature and likes to be generally dominant in most situations so he’s happy to just talk at EC, who often enjoys just listening to him. They really really enjoy doing drugs and listening to music together.

Still, since they are both passionate artsy people with very different personalities they fight a LOT too. Their relationship is very turbulent and during their time in KV7 together they aren’t ever “officially” in a relationship, they both just like each other a lot and hook up really often, but at other times they’re not even on speaking terms. Still, that says a lot about how intense their relationship is, because again, EC is not even keen on speaking to most people, let alone yelling at the top of his lungs.

When KV7 disbands it’s due to EC finally making the call. Things go really sour after the band relocates to Chicago so that Ramses, the third (and founding) member, can work with his new partner Sugar. I have posted about him before. Things get more and more tense, Eris starts doing more and more drugs and becomes increasingly unstable. Sugar drives a really bad wedge between Ramses and his bandmates and kinda fucks with both Eris and EC’s insecurities as well. In the end EC is the one who ups and leaves and announces from a hotel room phone that he’s quitting the band and things really spiral for Eris.

That is NOT the end of their story… but it’s all I want to share here right now. One of my future writing projects is going to tell a lot of their story in-depth. EC and Eris both are very special important OCs to me and I adore them very much.

Here are the moodboards I made for the two of them. EC on the left, Eris on the right.

Some songs I associate with them as a couple are Chemlab’s Pyromance (Eris POV) and Queen of Despair (EC POV), Depeche Mode’s Shake the Disease (EC POV) and Strangelove (Eris POV), Lana Del Rey’s Fuck It I Love You and Mariner’s Apartment Complex (both Eris POV), and Duran Duran’s Last Chance on the Stairway (EC POV). There are others but that seems like a good collection to give some ideas.

They also have tags on my OC blog. Here is EC, and here is Eris. 🖤

#OCs

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rosyluv · 4 years

Text

—Chapter Two: It’s That Stupid Dinosaur Costume Running Like A Madman.

A/n: me and my sister wrote this at 4am so it’s v chaotic and weird, also i have a Spotify playlist for the series “avengers assemble: avenge club.” Enjoy!

Warning: none. Rlly bad comedy and minor bullying if you will.

——

“What new girl?’’

Is the first thing that Bruce says after five or so minutes. Carol, the new girl, is looking in between them, confused and waiting for someone to de-freeze --and for the love of god could they stop gawking at her like she’s some god-forsaken alien, who shoots fire out of her fists. (She starts to think that being new in this academy is like a rare disease) Is this how they greeted all the new kids? Because if so then she’s going to have a blast the next years sitting alone at lunch, thank you.

“I just transferred here,’’ she says slowly for their equally slow brains to understand.

“No new kid transferred here since like ... five years ago.’’ Rhodey says. “Why did you do that to yourself?’’ he asks, genuinely confused and equally upset.

She gave a look at the fighting and arguing in the hallway. “I can see why you’d ask that.’’

Right then, they hear the hallway mic screech, turning on annoyingly loudly, and they hear Nick’s voice: “All students head to the gymnasium, this is nothing but a mild inconvenience. If I see one student in the hallway in ten seconds, you’ll earn yourself detention for the rest. Of. The. School year.’’ He says, his voice authoritative and final over the mic.

Then after – miraculously—all the students stop the arguing and fighting to head to the direction of the gym like Nick ordered. “Where’s Nick?’’ Carol asks, when the hallway is almost empty.

“Nick?’’ they all say in unison, confused and frowning in disbelief. She called him Nick.

She looks frustrated. “The headmaster, the guy who was just talking?’’

“It’s Mr. fury.’’ Nick climbs the stairs and stands Infront of Carol, ignoring the others and glaring at her. Carol smiles, unaffected by his monotone, attitude or dark clothes, almost like she is familiar with him.

“Yeah, whatever.’’

“You’re late, two classes behind.’’ He sternly says.

“Well, There’re no teachers and i don’t have my timetable yet.’’ He glares and she smiles innocently and half raises her head cheekily, ’whatcha gonna do?’ expression. Same expression Clint does- same expression they all do. Like that time, they broke the fire alarm, because Clint wanted to know what would happen if you lit a watermelon on fire. ‘’It has 92 percent water in it Nat; nothing bad will happen.’’ Turns out sticking ‘those fire emergency stick thingys in the school buses’ in 3 watermelons wasn’t the bad Clint was talking about, but it was a profound -watermelon explode- disaster and ‘burned watermelon smells like burned water.’ Followed by ‘how the hell do you possibly know what burned water smells like, Barton?’

Fury hands Carol a piece of paper, she scrunches up her nose when she takes a look at it, visibly disliking it, (it would be weirder if she did like it), and AP chemistry after lunch was much to dislike. Maybe she’ll skip it and-

“Don’t think of skipping AP chemistry.’’

Her eyes narrow and she almost defends herself.

“Or AP math.’’ He says in finality and she pops her mouth shut.

Nick just now looks at the – still – confused others in the back, and tiredly rolls his eyes.

“This is Carol, she just transferred here from up-state.’’ Nick seems frustrated and tired. “Can someone please show her around school?’’ but it’s not really a “can you please?” question, it’s more of a “who of you?” Question. No one volunteers still, because all experiences with kids from academies up-state is that they are a teeny, tiny a lot arrogant and self-centered. Like Thor who used to live in western Australia up-state, because he just won’t stop talking about it. ‘schools in Australia where I lived were way less incompetent.’

Now it was 10 seconds, (not like Nick counted it) and they were still ignoring him. Val makes a sound in the back of her throat like a groan, “Fine, I’ll do it.’’ Then she walks away with Carol trailing behind.

“Clint, Nat, go look for the teachers again, make sure you find them this time, while I contain the damage in the gymnasium. This is still a school day.’’ He sharply orders and they take in the serious tone, because they nod once and walk the opposite direction Carol and Val went.

Nick steps forward and heads quietly to the gym, they – of course – follow behind, until they’re in-front of the two large doors filled with chatter inside that’s somehow not fighting. Pietro, Thor and Wanda who came back from where they were, join the others now. There’s no more arguing and ‘hallway disturbance and breakage and wrecking of things in the hallways, it’s calm, not clean, but at least calm and quiet and only chairs scraping at the floor, and that old closet filled with aging silver trophies’ rusted doors getting swayed by the wind is heard. Unlike it was two minutes ago.

Nick turns to them and sighs. “This is exactly what I was saying, the whole school is reckless and divided, and the kids never agree on anything and they don’t help each other like they should. Now I knew I would never understand what you kids want and how you perceive socialism in your own way these days. And if I put an action or a plan to handle these things, and how the school should work; they were going to be my way, which of course you would’ve immediately hated and disagreed with. That’s why I invested my trust in the responsibility I offered you, so you could be able to do that instead of me. You would understand what this school needs to be like. Unlike the other students. Just the thirteen of you are the ones who showed any concern for the bad things happening.’’ Nick says.

Sam actually regrets not being the one guiding Carol around school right now, so he wouldn’t be feeling guilty about letting Nick down, but well this is how all of them were feeling like. Even Tony, who a second later adjusts his bag on his shoulder, and says. “Well, you may consider other people,’’

Then he walks away and doesn’t enter the gymnasium, Nick doesn’t seem to care. Pepper and Rhodey following after mumbling a soft ‘sorry Nick’, Thor is the next to leave saying, ‘I’ll go find Loki.’ And Bruce offering to help him. Pietro and Wanda give a small nod and then leave, also. Sam pats Nicks back then stands away. Steve doesn’t leave, he stands stubbornly still in front of Nick, who’s holding the gymnasium door open, waiting for Steve, Bucky and Sam to leave.

Bucky standing close behind, puts a hand on Steve’s shoulder, “c’mon Steve.’’ he shifts on his feet and then finally gives up and leaves with Bucky and Sam.

---

The school isn’t even circle shaped, or round, but Clint keeps saying -- every five seconds -- ‘we’re running in round shapes’ or more like whines the wrong metaphor out. In return Nat calmly says. ‘the school isn’t round Clint.’ So, she’s probably trying to occupy his mind, because she’s done with him and the whole day and everyone, and it’s not even the afternoon yet (and the academy is weirdly big and filled with classrooms and hallways like a maze.) And that would suck because it’s not even 10am and Clint haven’t showed her that funny frog video-

“Wait, I remember it!’’ he half yells. “It’s ‘running in circles’ People say it as a metaphor.’’ He says. “I swear I’m not high! it’s just 9am and a school day and I didn’t get any sleep last night.’’ He mumbles.

“Wow, so you did read our English novel.’’ She says and she’s supposed to sound amused by the context of what she’s saying, Clint thinks. She isn’t though. Just a dull face, and him trying to read her; well that’s just Natasha and Clint anyway.

“No. Why would I? There’s no pictures!’’

She ignores him and keeps looking in classes for the teachers. “We looked everywhere, so it’s either someone told them today is officially labeled Labor Day or Loki killed them, and buried them somewhere.’’

“You think he can actually kill someone?’’

“You think he actually hasn’t killed someone.’’ And then Clint’s face falls and Nat snorts. “I’m kidding, gee you’re never bad with gore.’’ They opened and closed some more classroom doors, really any doors in their way. The hallways were quieter now, so that’s a relief for Natasha’s headache anyway.

She glances at Clint over her shoulder. “What’s wrong with you today?’’

“Huh?’’

“You’re weird today.’’

“I’m always weird, you say that every day-’’

“No, I mean weird, weird. Like your anxious and jumpy and more self-aware of how you hate yourself.’’ She opens an empty classroom, mumbling something like, ‘where did he put them?’

“I may have not told you everything that happened about ... ‘’ He motions to his blackeye. “This.’’

She so slowly narrows her eyes and studies him. “You said some guy who doesn’t go here punched you because you annoyed him.’’

“Yeah- ‘’

“Which actually sounds so stupid when I say it out loud, now.’’ She frowns. “How did I believe that- ‘’

“I stole Brock Rumlow’s jacket.’’ She focuses on him and he realizes the context of what he said.

He stutters, widening his eyes. “Well no I didn’t -- at least not anything I remember, but he thinks I stole it at Saturdays party.’’

She glares, but stays calm. For now. “I told you not to go to that party, we don’t hang out with that crowd, and of course you went and ended up accused of stealing Brock fucking Rumlow’s varsity jacket.’’ She says, slightly gritty. and she has the ‘you screwed up and i will kill you after this is over myself’ face.

“I didn’t though!’’ He exclaims.

“I know dumbass.” She raises her voice a little. “He’s a psychopath, he accuses people of things they didn’t do because he likes that it amuses him, he beats people up and does shit like that all the time for fun. Now you actually screwed him over.” She grittes out. “Did he see you? Maybe someone who looked like you?’’ She thinks more to herself. Which gives him time to contaminate telling her what he’s about to tell her, or run away instead. Because if going to Brock’s party isn’t what’s going to kill him then this will. Or at least he thinks.

“Loki told him he saw me take it and leave- ‘’ she groans.

“Of course, he did.’’

“He says if I don’t get it by tomorrows basketball practice, he’ll report me.’’ And he’s panicking now. “Shit! What am I gonna do- ‘’ he says, like he just now felt the weight of the situation and trouble he’s in, Nat scoffs at that.

“Listen, we’ll find the teachers then find the boys and figure this out, Just don’t panic alright?’’ She reassures, then she takes a look at him. “You already are, aren’t you?’’

“No! no, it’s fine, this is fine, I’m O-K. It’s alright, it’s fin-’’ His voice gets higher at the end.

“We need to find the teachers because your having a panic attack, I think I know where they are. Come on.’’ She says, all serious now, going the opposite direction, towards the field.

Thor and Bruce, who had been also going through the school hallway and looking through classrooms searching for Loki came up with nothing, and it’s been five minutes now. They didn’t even run into Nat and Clint. Maybe that’s just how big the academy is, or maybe they’re horrible at searching for people.

Or maybe not so bad since they spotted Loki getting out of a classroom, holding onto something behind his back.

Thor yells his name, catching his attention and runs his direction, Bruce sighs and follows.

“Why the hell would you screw with the report cards?’’ Thor yells frustrated.

“I can explain, just ...’’ he hands Bruce the varsity jacket that he was holding behind his back. “Hold this for a second. I’ll be right back.’’ He motions for Thor to wait with his hands. And calmly walks away into a different hallway.

Thor waits after 5 seconds. “He’s not coming back.’’

“Nope.’’

Then Thor curses under his breath and runs in the direction Loki walked in. Bruce deciding this is just family problem and he’s already having a much anxious day for a family confrontation, stays behind and turns around to walk the other way, although he hits something and his coffee spills on said something. The liquid spills on the jersey in his hand, (with the weird symbol on the back that doesn’t look like the school logo.) the coffee cup neglected now on the floor, Bruce turns to look at who he spilt his coffee on and —of course— its high school douchebag Brock Rumlow. Of course, his luck is just like that, and of course he’s with his other douchebag friends. He recognizes them well. On Brock’s left, Aldrich Killian, blonde hair, thats neatly slicked back, (and Bruce wants to tell him ‘we’re not in the 80s’ man), blue eyes, sharp jaw, and an almost no-fucks given face with tinted glasses lowered to the bridge of his nose, looking unbothered, finishes the look nicely. He takes a minute to remember that he knows about him not from his excellency in everything the school does, and how his name is always on top of school charts. (Although not essentially as Tony’s) but from Tony, he always rivaled him, and Tony always hated him, saying how full he was of himself which was a little hypocrite for Tony to say since he wasn’t much different, ‘at least I know how science actually works, unlike him.’

On his right, Hela, Thor and Loki’s big sister who’s blowing a bubblegum and holding her phone with long, green manicured nails and her scary piercing cat-like green eyes, an almost white sheet skin tone, and the dark eye make-up magnifying ‘the whole vampire look she got going on,’ like Loki would say. And next to her is, Erik Killmonger. Glasses, perfect lean broad athlete body, dark smooth skin, his hair in a half small dreadlock bun, wearing a denim jacket, over his designed uniform. He doesn’t know him much as much as he’s recognized with the other three, from his friends past experiences with them. Actually no one really knows anything about Erik, now that he does think about it.

Bruce finally breaks his ogling and stutters: “I - I’m so- I’m so sorry- oh god- ‘’

Brock stops glaring at Bruce’s face and his eyes waver to what he’s holding, “Is- Is that my jacket.’’ His face reddens and a vein displays in his forehead. And Bruce just notices, Brock isn’t wearing the jacket he’s always seen wearing. Just a white t-shirt that’s stained with coffee now.

Bruce begins to explain, but ends stammering. ‘’No, no, no.’’

“You spilt coffee on me and you have my fucking jacket,’’ he says, voice chillingly slow and calm.

Bruce does the one thing that pops in his mind, and ‘Loki would be proud’ he thinks In pity, “I can explain.’’ He says slowly before he bolts the other way.

Brock isn’t wasting time either, running after him full speed. Erik and Aldrich follow after and Hela who stays behind, opens her camera phone, “this should be fun.’’

Bruce who’s running, hallway to hallway, having a full-on panic attack, runs into the academy’s band changing room and see’s that giant big green monster costume, that looks like a dinosaur, hanged carefully next to the marching band costumes. He Hears foot steps outside the room and — this was predictable — quickly fumbles through the dinosaur costume and changes into it.

Now he is in the costume, putting the head on and he looks stupid wearing it at day with no football ... well, anything. More or so he’s feeling his anxiety grow bigger which is probably not a good sign too. He goes out of the back door and sees Rumlow and Erik at the end of the hallway, they see him, but don’t seem to really care or give attention to the weird kid in a green dinosaur costume and keep looking for ‘Bruce’

Almost satisfied that his plan worked he turns around and sighs— but he’s not met with the school main exist, Hela is in front of him, with towering frame and a smirk on her lips, she so slowly turns to Brock’s direction still looking at Bruce and ignoring his whispering pleas to stop.

“He’s here!’’

“Shit.’’ He curses under his breath, as he— instead of exiting school like he planned, runs to his left, he goes through another hallway and runs because he can hear running behind him and at this point, he’s hating this day and wishes he stayed at the gym and didn’t help Thor look for Loki. He takes another left. Hopefully they lose his tail and then he’s again stumbling into someone and he can’t see who because, curse how big this thing’s head is. He raises it to the side and looks.

He sees who he stumbled on, “Loki?’’ then he realizes who he stumbled upon. “Loki!’’ he hisses and begins to demand an explanation for the jacket, but then Loki’s face whitens turning to look at the costume with disgust before he’s running the other way, and Bruce remembers him saying how much that big costume freaked him out. “It’s an ugly shade of green and the head isn’t even attached to the body, it’s horrible.”

Thor just now appears from where Loki came from and heaves a breath, then takes a good look at his friend in that ridiculous costume and frowns. “What Happened? I left you for five. Fucking. Minutes.’’

Bruce struggles to answer, “did you see where Loki went to?’’ and Bruce points at the direction he ran off to. But before Thor can run first, they hear shouting from behind and now Bruce is the one running first and Thor who doesn’t exactly have a grasp on what’s happening follows behind Bruce, to find Loki.

And then it’s Brock and his friends running after Thor who’s running after Bruce running after Loki, and it’s a mess and Bruce feels like he could vomit, but he can’t get beaten up for something he didn’t do, let alone understand why, at 9am. So maybe he’ll run till lunch break instead.

---

Steve hasn’t spoken a word since they left the gymnasium. And Sam and Bucky know why, but they’re hoping they’re wrong. Then Steve speaks.

“Nick’s right.”

They both roll their eyes and Sam shakes his head.

“We’re gonna do the club.”

Sam faces him. “Even if we Join you, No one is going to agree to that.”

“They will, eventually.”

“I know where this is going.” Bucky whispers to himself.

“I have a plan.”

Bucky winces, closing his eyes. “No.’’ he whispers.

Sam shakes his head. “Yeah, of course you do.”

Bucky opens his eyes. “Steve, noO-’’ but he’s already running the other direction.

“Let’s go!’’ he heads for the school back exist, he doesn’t get the chance to open it, because he reaches for the door handle and it’s already opening and then Nat steps inside and they both frown at eachother. Clint, who’s behind Nat, catches up now.

“What are you doing?’’

“Looking for you.’’ Nat narrows her eyes. “What are you doing?’’

He points at her. “Looking for you.’’ She nods. “Did you find the teachers?”

“Yes. We did.’’ Nat goes back outside and starts walking, they mostly follow her, but they already know where she’s going anyway.

Then cold, heavy wind makes Steve’s nose scrunch up, because it’s the end of September and it’s chilly and the air is damp and foggy and feels more like November. He puts his hand in his pockets and folds into himself so at least his jacket provides some warmth. Then he remembers Bucky hates winter and cold weather, more than him, ‘yes, spending half your summer breaks in Siberia can do that, Steve,’ and it’s true because he looks colder than Steve. Opposite to Nat who favors winter and Sam who’s too warm for his own good, then Clint who’s too fidgety but Steve thinks it’s not because of the weather.

“Where did you find them?’’ Sam asks curiously, when they reach ‘their place’ as Clint calls it. It’s really not, it’s a place that no one in school pays attention to, mostly because it’s hidden in the back of the academy, on the left, deep in tall trees. Clint found it when he got, ‘secretly’ drunk at a football game two years ago and woke up on the ground, surrounded by grass and tall, Doric columns, separated by a few centimeters and Clint had claimed it theirs. ‘It’s like I was supposed to be there, it’s crazy! We should make it our place.’ Which after a lot of persuading on Bucky’s side, to sit outside the warm academy on cold Doric walls instead; they agreed to make it their special hang out place. They sit there, sometimes do late unfinished homework before school starts or just sit and talk about anything and everything, or just do nothing at all sometimes.

Nat sat between two columns, and rested her legs up on the column in front of her, still used to her ballet classes, Clint thinks. “Remember that room at the end of the football yard, where they used to put away broken equipment or trash old files.’’ She says and continues when they nod. “Loki sent someone panicking telling some teachers that two students were killing eachother in that room and then to other teachers that a group of students were doing— or high on crack. He even told a teacher he saw a wolf in there.’’

“That explains why animal control was here,’’ Sam points his thumb at two men getting into a large van with, ‘animal control’ printed on it. One of the men faintly heard from where they are, says: “false call’’

“What kind of sociopath-- ‘’

“Yeah, we don’t have time to discuss Loki’s concerning behavior.’’ She pauses, “or actually, no, we do, since this concerns him.’’

Steve straightens his posture. “What happened?’’

Natasha takes a deep breath. “Rumlow thinks Clint stole his jacket because Loki said he saw him take it.’’

“He did what?’’

“You went to Brock’s party?’’ Are both said in unison to Clint after Nat finishes talking.

They all look disappointed at Clint. He sighs slowly and looks down, “was it worth it? No. Am i gonna do it again? Probably.”

Nat turns to him. “Am i surprised? No. Am I Disappointed? Yeah.” She nods at Clint and fake smiles and he sarcastically copies her expression.

Steve looks between Nat and Clint, tiredly. “Well, Thor said he’s going to look for Loki so if we find him, we’ll probably find Loki.’’

“And do what?’’ Nat asks.

“Well if Brock doesn’t have his jacket then Loki probably knows where it is or maybe he has it, so we’ll talk to him, see what he wants.’’ He explains to, Clint who’s leaning against the wall, and tapping his foot anxiously, biting at his nails. Bucky sitting next to Nat and Sam who’s standing beside him.

“And if he doesn’t reason, beat him up.’’ Nat declares. Nodding, like she 100% thinks that’s the right strategy.

Steve scoffs at her logic. “No! no one is beating anyone up.’’ He states. She dramatically rolls her eyes.

“What if we don’t find him?’’ Sam asks, more of questioning Nat and he looks like he’s scared of the answer.

Nat waits a second, “Brock said he’ll report Clint if he doesn’t get his jacket back by tomorrows basketball practice.’’

“That dick!’’ Bucky, who was quiet for the most part, says, his voice shaky and his teeth shattering. Steve should really tell him that he brought a spare jacket for him in his locker, because Steve saw the weather forecast and they said it would be cold, unlike Bucky who goes by how the weather should be according to the month, ‘they’re never right, why bother.’ Although Bucky is traditional like that and he hates to admit that this city is bipolar when it comes to weather.

“Okay, well, we should find Thor, now. The earlier the better.’’ Sam says.

“I texted Thor, he’s not answering.’’ Nat says, and puts her phone down.

“Okay, then let’s go look for him, maybe he’s back in the gymnasium.’’ Steve suggests as he heads outside the bushes.

Bucky shakes his head. “No! wait! We have classes!’’ However, they already left and are too far to hear him. He huffs grumpily and mumbles, “what is wrong with today?’’ then gets up after his —too energetic—friends.

Bucky steps outside, ‘their place.’ and he notices they’re all standing still, frozen and stunned, their jaws dropped and eyes narrowed slightly. Nat’s eyebrows knitted together. They look like they’re trying to comprehend something that’s happening in front of them. He doesn’t see what is happening though, until he steps beside them and it’s his time to get stunned. “What is that ...’’ He trails with a low voice.

It’s that stupid green dinosaur costume running like a mad man after a seemingly terrified Loki, a confused Thor shortly following behind and Erik and Aldrich and Brock (a very angry Brock) running and yelling something, Hela also behind, only she’s not running, just walking and it looks like she’s filming the obscene tragedy that is —whatever this is, with her phone.

“Is that ...’’ Clint whispers slowly, completely confused, his finger trailing the dinosaur that falls on it’s big head and Loki laughs at it like the evil has been defeated, then flinches like a scared cat when it moves and gets up.

The dinosaur doesn’t get fully up though, because a second later Brock grabs at his feet and the poor dinosaur falls back on it’s face and Loki is laughing so hard at whoever is in the costume, he almost falls on his face himself. Hela is still filming, and Thor tries to claw Brock away from the dinosaur—

“This such a weird day.’’ They hear beside them, when they look to see who said that, they find Tony, wearing sunglasses and drinking a capri sun.

“Where did you come from?’’ Sam asks.

Tony frowns, “What do you mean? I was here the whole time.’’ Then he goes back inside the building.

Sam huffs dramatically, “can someone explain what the fuck is going on today?!’’

——

✗ Brock Rumlow.

❂ Hela Odinson.

𓃠 Erik “killmonger” Stevens.

⌀ Aldrich “Al” Killian.

14 notes · View notes

sakurasangcl · 4 years

Text

Come Back

Pairing: werewolf!Jaehyun x reader

Word Count: 2.3k

Warning: sexual harassment, possible rape (didn’t happen: Y/N wakes up in Jaehyun’s shirt in his bed)

Moonlight Symphony Masterlist

On the Friday after your 21st birthday, you and your friends went out to celebrate. You went to a dancing club to drink and have fun. Unfortunately for you, hindsight is 20/20. You should have eaten more and better food, as well as made sure to keep a (sober) friend with you at all times. Regretting things can't change the past, and you know this well.

After one drink, you were a little tipsy. After two, you were drunk. Your vision wasn't too blurry, but everything was hilarious. A few drinks later and you couldn't quite walk straight and your words were a little slurred.

"Hey," you tell your nearest friend. "I'm gonna go outside for some fresh air."

And you do just that. Your heels click on the scuffed up wooden floor as you opened the door and took in the night breeze.

You didn't notice the men who followed you outside until the spoke up.

"Hey girl, what's your name?" One of them asked.

"Y/n," you absentmindedly say.

"That's a sexy name. Did you come here by yourself?" A different one spoke.

"Nope." You respond, popping the ‘p.’

If you weren't so drunk, you would have noticed the anxious looks they tossed around.

"Do you want to come home with me?" One of them boldly asked, resting his hand on your hip. "I doubt who you came with would mind. I'll treat you well."

"Any of us-" the second guy started.

"Or all of us," someone else interrupted.

"Would treat you well," He finished.

You weakly shake your head no and turn to head inside. However, the one gripping your waist held you still.

"Come on baby, why so prude, hmm? I'll make you feel real good, promise." He says, rubbing circles with his thumbs.

Suddenly a rather muscular, attractive man appears. He growls and pulls you into him, and you swear he calls you his girlfriend. But before you can figure anything out, you pass out.

When you wake up in the morning, the night before is a blur. You immediately notice that you're not in your own room, nor in that if a friend's. You look around and see the most attractive man in bed next to you. He's deeply asleep, and has the body of Michelangelo's statue of David, but better.

A thrill of fear runs through you as you sit up to get out of bed and you're wearing just a shirt that definitely wasn't yours, considering that it was too big on you.

Did we have sex last night? You cant… you cant properly consent when you're drunk… Did we at least use a condom? Shouldn't I be a little sore?

You had many unanswered questions as you quietly gather your things, hoping not to disturb the sleeping man. You quickly change back into your clothes, leaving his shirt on the floor.

When you leave his room, you find yourself in a house full of boys. You turn red and keep your head down, feeling horrid. They look at you, surprised. One of them tries to say something to you, but you quickly leave before the chance is given.

It makes sense why they're called the walk of shame…

You make it outside and find out that you really aren't in the city anymore. So, you call an uber and make it home.

You don't talk to any of your friends about what happened… nor does it really seem like they know or remember themselves. Of course, most of them drank a lot, thought someone else took you home, or thought you went home with someone. One of your friends saw you leave with a hot, muscular guy.

You didn't say much to anyone after that, and the same friend that saw you leave with the guy you woke up with, Yeri, was afraid that you were falling into a depressive episode. Because of who she was, you couldn't avoid her forever.

Yeri ended up showing up at your work right when you were leaving. She grabbed your arm with her surprisingly strong grip, and starts guiding you to a nearby coffee shop.

"I know you're stressed and going through a lot, so we are getting coffee and talking. And I know you have some extra spending cash because you house sat the other week." Yeri began, guiding you to the line.

The intoxicating smell of coffee calms you for the time being, letting you relax a little.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" She softly asks you, moving up in line.

"I know," you murmur, looking up at the menu. "But I just don't always know the words for what I need to say." It was then that you notice one of the baristas is extremely familiar. Your eyes widen in surprise and you look away blushing. It was the hot guy you woke up next to.

"Earth to y/n, earth to y/n. Is everything okay?" Yeri asks, concerned.

You gulp and nod as you realize your next in line, and he is the one taking orders.

You shyly step up and order a green tea latte, not meeting his eyes. "What's your name?" He asks, and it sounds more like him being genuine than just needing to write it down on the cup.

"Y/n," you tell him, glancing up at his handsome face.

He then asks you to spell your name and you do, glancing at his nametag that said 'Jaehyun.' He smiles brightly, dimples showing. "Alright. Thank you y/n. I can help who is next in line."

You stay rooted in your spot, your eyebrows knitting together. You hadn't paid for your drinks. You were about to say something when he adds, "Don't worry about it. It's my treat, okay?"

You mutely nod and go wait for your drink and Yeri, dazed.

A younger man calls your name, and he smiles at you as you take your drink. On it is numbers you make it out to be a phone number. You look quizzically at the guy who gave you your drink, and he grins and points to the mysterious hottie, Jaehyun. You nod slightly and head to Yeri's side, going and sitting at a table.

You two start conversing, and she pries you and gets you talking some. Eventually, she brought up the inevitable.

"So the barista. The one who wrote their number on your cup. He's the one you went home with." Yeri says, looking at him suspiciously.

"Yeah, apparently…" you admit, not denying what must have happened.

"Do you not remember?" She asks, suddenly worried. "If he drugged you I don't care how big he is. I will fight him."

You shake your head no. "I was just drunk. Besides, I'm sure plenty of girls are head over heels for him and he's super hot. He could easily get laid if he wanted to."

"You're not wrong. But still, you did end up with him. That's suspicious."

"I suppose he must have just changed me… that's why I thought we did something. My period came and went, so everything is fine that way. But I really don't know…"

"Wait, like he changed your clothes?"

"Well, yeah…"

"What the fuck?! No. So not okay," she says, standing up and about to march over to yell at him.

"Please don't, Yeri. I'm as confused as you," You softly beg.

"Fine, but I'm asking Joohyun if she knows him. But judging by his age.. I'll ask Sooyoung instead. If anyone knows anything, its her," Yeri derisively responds. She then sends a quick text before giving you her full attention. "Do you want to go over what you remember? I'm pretty sure Soyeon said she saw you leave with a guy… that's why I wasn't worried. But honestly, knowing you, I should have been. I feel bad I wasn't more cautious over you. I was too busy being the mom friend for everyone else. I hate being the mom friend," Yeri grumbles.

You can't help but laugh at her rant, as it was true. No one liked taking the role of the mom friend when everyone was drinking. Yeri was just stuck with it as the designated driver.

"I just… the last thing I remember was going outside for air. My head got clouded and there were some guys… then one guy, probably…" you gesture to Jaehyun, "since I woke up in his bed… called me his girlfriend. That's all I remember besides waking up. I made the walk of shame! I hated it!" You admit, glancing around to make sure no one heard you.

When Yeri's phone buzzes, she reads the notification. "Sooyoung says he's a good guy, and really not interested in most girls... Maybe you're his perfect type? Okay, she said he isn't a player and is both overly confident and awkward as hell around girls. It varies. She also says he's not the kind to do the deed when drunk."

"Did you tell her what I said?" You demand of your best friend, upset and turning red.

"Kind of? I asked about him and if he was a player especially around drunk people. She's not that thick headed to not know what happened at the party," Yeri explains.

Your shoulders slump in defeat and you nod, knowing Yeri was right. However, Sooyoung's response left you with more questions than before.

"I can't- I don't know-" you try to let Yeri understand your frustration. You want to know the answers as to what happened, but at the same time, you're afraid of what they could be. You let out a heavy sigh as you formulate a proper sentence. "I want to know but I'm also afraid to find the truth," you tell her, fear clawing at your stomach.

"I totally understand that. But wouldn't it be nice if nothing happened and it's just a misunderstanding?" Yeri suggests gently. "I mean, there's no harm in at least texting him. He obviously remembers you. Maybe he just wants to clear the air."

You know Yeri doesn't mean to pressure you in a negative way, and she always seems to have your best interest in mind. This time… well, it feels different. You're torn between giving this man a bit of trust or doing your best to never see him again. You can't differentiate what your stomach is telling you or your head. You were completely conflicted.

You start to feel overwhelmed, and your brain goes to autopilot. You listen to what Yeri said and type out a message to Jaehyun, that read:

Hi. This is Y/N.

You know he wont reply right away since he is working, but you try to ignore the impulsivity of what you did and do your best not to regret it.

"Well there's that…" you mumble, setting your phone on the table.

Less than a minute later, your phone buzzes anyways.

Hey Y/N! Sorry, my coworker put my number on your cup… My name is Jaehyun, by the way. I’m sorry things ended up like this.

Would you maybe like to meet sometime so I can try to explain?

“What do you think I should do, Yeri?” you ask, showing her your phone and trying not to cry.

“Give it to me. I’ll have Seulgi go with you. Does that sound good? You know how intimidating she can be when she wants, you know?” Yeri gently says, typing a response. “I have your back. We all do.”

You nod and help Yeri figure out the logistics. Jaehyun isn’t even bothered by you asking to bring a friend.

When you finally did agree to meet Jaehyun in person, you wore simple clothes. You had Yeri with you, and she was being very protective and careful with you.

Jaehyun felt a pang in his heart, because he knew he messed up. He should have left you in his bed without him, but he couldn’t leave you. Not when you smelt like them. Looking at you with Yeri by your side, he could scent your fear and unease. He smiled sweetly at the two of you, and greeted you both. You were outside on campus, sitting at one of the tables outside.

“Y/N, there’s a lot I need to explain to you,” he gently begins, glancing at Yeri.

She smiled slightly, because she knew something you didn’t.

“Okay?” you respond, looking to Yeri. She nods, so you look back at Jaehyun.

He smiles once more, and it’s contagious. You stop yourself from smiling, only because you were too anxious.

“So,” Jaehyung begins. “First and foremost. You passed out drunk and I didn’t know what to do. So I took you home because I didn’t want those pervs touching you. My friend’s mate-uh, girlfriend, changed you into my shirt when she saw you, as she figured it wouldn’t have been comfortable. I stayed with you because I didn’t want you getting sick and throwing up and choking. I slept shirtless, but I was wearing pants. I swear. And you were the one who cuddled up to me in your sleep, so that just kind of happened on its own.”

You stare at him blankly, taking in his words and judging the honesty behind them.

“So you didn’t rape her?” Yeri asks for you, gently giving your hand a squeeze.

If it weren’t crazy, you would have sworn his eyes flashed red.

“I didn’t lay a finger on her like that. I would never harm her.” Jaehyun says, and you feel the sincerity in his words. “I’d rather hurt myself.”

You give him a sideways glance, confused as to why he felt so strongly for you. He was being extremely altruistic, and it surprises you.

“Do you say that to every girl?” you ask.

He shakes his head, looking away bashfully. “No,” he admits. “But, if you don’t mind, I’d really like to start over with you. You’re… well, you’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever laid eyes on. And you must be a wonderful person since you willingly met with me after that misunderstanding.”

Before Yeri can stop you, or before you can even fully process what you say, you respond. “Yes, I’d like that.”

#ncitynetwork #jaehyun fic #jaehyun fanfic #nct fanfic #werewolf nct #nct 127 fanfic #nct u fanfic #nct #nct 127 #nct u #jung jaehyun #jung jaehyung fanfic #moonlight symphony #come back #jaehyun angst #nct angst #werewolf!jaehyun #werewolf!nct

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nad-zeta · 4 years

Text

Matchup ☀

Hey there darling! I’ve been reading through all your match ups and there are so amazing!! 😣💖😖 can please i request a match up for ikesen and ikevamp too?

I’m a female libra who’s 5'2, i’ve brown eyes and caramel brown hair, i’m singaporean and i really love food, especially sweets. I’m also a hopeless romantic and i really love shooting alot (I’m part of the air rifle club in school). I used to be pretty athletic, i still am, but to a lesser extend now, because i injured my left knee playing volleyball in the past. It’s on it’s road to recovery, hut it still hurts quite badly when i overexert myself. I can be really enthusiastic about stuff I’m really interested in, such as history (especially world war history), sciences and anime (I’m a closet nerd hehe) . I’m a Slytherin, and i can be really ambitious and competitive, especially for my grades as i’m in a pretty good school so everyone is smart too. This drive to be better than the rest of peers always leaves me really tired and stressed out, but i try to not be so competitive nowsadays. I’m quite an open book to all my close friends and i also tend to be really possessive and stubborn at times. I can be really awkward around people i don’t click with, but around people i click with, i can be pretty wild and will be able to hold conversations with. I tend to procrastinate a lot, and people say i look intimidating but i don’t feel like I’m intimidating . I can be really sensitive to other’s emotions and i tend to put others before me. My love languages are physical touch and quality time, and i can’t stand people who are attention seekers or just aim to be public nuisances as i feel that they’re just really irritating and it gets on my nerves as i have quite a few of these types of people in my class and it really does make learning less condusive. I listen to a lot of different genres of music, but i especially love j-pop, classics and pop. I can really insecure at times, because i always feel thatevery other girl out there is better than me and i’m just trash :(

Thank you darling! I really love your work so keep being amazing 🥰🤩

Hey there love! thank you so much for your kind words and the request! You are such a sweetie pie!<3 Sorry for making you wait soooooo long for your matchup lol I hope you enjoy and have a fantastic day today!

So I match you with……………….. Mitsuhide

The first time Mitsuhide sees you, he is Hella intrigued by this little mouse with the most intimidating face. He can’t help but wonder what kind of other expressions that beautiful face of yours can make. He also can’t help but instantly be attracted to you. He could absolutely get lost in those beautiful brown eyes. Not just that, but he has never seen a woman so well built before, you definitely look like you can hold your own. The others might be a little suspicious of your athletic build, but not Mitsuhide; he is absolutely living for it. The first conversation between you two is basically him teasing you while twirling your silky soft hair between his fingers. He enjoys the witty, intellectual conversation between the two of you. He is also slightly shook by your vast knowledge of war and history—such a smart little mouse. Actually, the two of you seemed to click instantly, and you showed him your more wild, loud side. And much to your surprise, he invited you over for tea and chats every now and then which you really enjoyed. The two of you would just sip on tea and chat for hours.

You work like crazy. You are a VERY competitive person and this doesn’t just count for academics but everything that you are involved in. You want to give and do your best no matter what. This can-do attitude has earned you the trust and respect of the Oda forces. You like to make a competition out of everything you do. If one maid is known to clean the floor super fast and thoroughly, Challenge accepted. If there were a prize for best Chatelaine, you would most definitely win it! Although this doesn’t come without consequence as you were starting to overexert yourself. Mitsuhide was looking around for his little mouse. He wanted to chat with you and tease you as per usual before the war council. Finally, he had spotted you, he stood by the doorway for a few seconds and watched you work. You looked like you were in quite a bit of pain, not to mention the extremely stressed expression on your face. He sneaked up behind you unnoticed and gave you a little fight. You swear, this man will be the death of you. The two of you chated for a few minutes, and then you told him you had to get back to work.

After the evening war council, Mitsuhide visited you in your room. He was greeted by your forced smile and pained expression. He narrowed his eyes at you, saying, “You are in pain, little mouse.” Of course, you tried to deny it and offered tea as a distraction. He simply shook his head, picked you up on plonked you down on your futon. “Don’t try and lie to me, little one.” He bent down and caressed your face while tucking some stray hair behind your ear. His golden eyes peered into your as if coaxing out the answer. Finally, you signed and told him about your old injury and competitive nature. And how sometimes it puts a massive strain on your body’s physical and emotional state

He simply gave you his trademark smirk and pulled some salve out of his sleeve. He had noticed your knee had been giving you some trouble as of late and decided to pester Ieyasu into making him some medicine for you. He then took your leg and started rubbing it in lol. This man has no boundaries, plus he was enjoying the blush spread across your face at his sudden contact. You were amazed it seemed to have taken away all the pain and discomfort. Mitsuhide then made the two of you some tea and gave you some herbs that would help with the pain if it ever got too much. You were genuinely touched by his kind gesture. Although it didn’t come without masses of teasing.

The next day Nobunaga announced that you were to help Mitsuhide on a secret mission and that you were to depart immediately. You were shook at this sudden trip being sprung on you. You had no time to protest as before you knew it, your bags were packed by mother dearest, and you were sitting on a horse with Mitsuhide ready to go. Mitsuhide gently held you him his arms, and once the two of you had said your goodbyes to the Oda forces, Mitushide kicked the horse into a gentle gallop. He stopped every so often to let you stretch your legs and water the horse. This man was impossible; he legit refused to give you any details of the trip. All he would tell you that you were almost there. Even though you had no clue as to where you were going or what you were supposed to do, you enjoyed the trip. Mitsuhide made sure the horse was going at a comfortable pace, and he would ask you ever so often if you were doing okay. The trip itself with Mitsuhide was pleasant as the two of you joked and chatted the whole way there. You enjoyed this side of Mitsuhide. He didn’t have to wear his usual devious villain mask around you, which he appreciated.

“We have arrived, little one.” You were super confused about what kind of mission would take place at a hot spring. Mitsuhide just grinned at you and dragged you into the changing area. Once you were changed, you walked into the washroom to see Mitshide sitting on a stool waiting for you. In front of him was another stool, and beside him was an array of oils and hair care products. He urged you to sit in front of him, you eyed him with suspicion but did as he asked. He then proceeded to wet and wash your hair. And hells the way he massaged your scalp made you feel like you had died and gone to heaven. He then proceeded to rinse your hair and massage some oils into it. He then left you to finish washing up. Once you were done, you made your way to the hot springs and got in. As you eased yourself in the water, all the stress and exhaustion left your body. Nothing soothes the body quite like the soothing waters of the healing waters of the spring. Once you were done relaxing, you made your way back to your room. Once again, you were greeted by the sight of Mitsuhide sitting outside your shared balcony. He turned, smiled at you, and offered you a cup of sake. The two of you sat there and watched the moon until you couldn’t keep your eyes open anymore. Today had been the most relaxing day of your life.

Mitsuhide was midway through a tease when he felt a sudden weight resting on his shoulder. He looked down to see the sweet little mouse sound asleep on his shoulder. “Such a naïve little mouse letting her guard down around such a dangerous kitsune. You truly are a silly creature.” He looked at your sleeping face wearing the softest expression, just when did he grow so attached to you. He carefully picked you up and carried you to your room. He then tucked you into your futon and gave your forehead a whisper of a kiss.

The next day you woke up at noon, you were feeling so relaxed. You couldn’t remember the last time you had slept in so late; you also couldn’t remember the last time you felt your leg feel so pain and discomfort free. Mitsuhide knocked on your door and came in bearing breakfast/lunch. He told you that once you were done eating and dressed that the two of you would make your way back to the palace. You gave Mitsuhide the biggest brightest smile when you realized that this supposed mission was just his way of getting you to relax and take a break. You made a mental note to thank Hideyoshi and Nobunaga as well. Despite what people say about this silver kitsune, he truly is a sweetie pie. After breakfast, you deadpan looked at him, walked over to him and gave him the biggest hug as a thank you for all that he has done.

Cue error.mitsu.stopped.working.

The two of you made your way back chatting merrily when all of a sudden, some random assassin jumped out of nowhere and started attacking the two of you. You had found out that they were keen on killing Mitsuhide and kidnapping you to use later against Nobunaga. Mitsuhide drew his sword and took a stance ready to protect you. You spotted his rifle in the saddlebag. It took you a few minutes to figure out the exact mechanics of such an old rifle, but luckily your vast experience with guns helped you in that department. You took aim and fired a warning shot at one of the assassin’s feet. Mitsuhide looed back at you with the biggest shocked expression. You then stepped forward to stand beside him, spitting out your own threat to the assassins.

Of course, one of then just had to be a dumb ass and try something stupid. Before Mitsuhide could even move, you shot him in the leg, warning that the next shot would be between his eyes if he didn’t stay put. Mitsu managed to capture the assassins as you held them under gunpoint. The two of you made quite the team. On your way home, Mitsuhide couldn’t help but smile and tease the feisty mouse that saved his life, so to speak. He also couldn’t hold back his feeling for you any longers, so as you entered the town, he leaned down and whispered a confession of love in your ear. Your eyes went wide. Then you simply turned back to look at him wearing the most dazzling smile and kissed his nose. Once at the gates, your friends wondered why the two of you were wearing such big smiles.

Mitsuhide loved to take you with him on some of his missions. He was happy that he didn’t have to worry too much about you because of your excellent knowledge of guns. He would take you on those missions, which required him to dress up and perform. Once his performance was over, he would lead you to a fluffy blanket and picnic that he set up just for the two of you. Both of you would spend the rest of the day listening to various music performances. You loved this, of course, cause not only could you hear different music genres. But also the fact that it was the most peaceful, relaxed concert you had ever been to, no big crowds, no annoyingly loud people, no people trampling over your belongings and no screaming girls screeching in your ears. Just some good music and gentle cuddles.

Since being in a relationship with the sneaky snek, you have become very possessive over him. You will legit give all the women around you death glares, especially those who think they can steal your man during banquets. It gets especially annoying while you are chatting with your oda friends; they will try and swoop in and get his attention by pouring a drink for him. Luckily the only one who will ever capture his heart is you. He will see you feeling a bit jealous and will call you over, pull you into his lap, and give you the deepest, most passionate kiss in front of all them high court ladies. When he pulls away, he will tuck a loose strand of hair behind your ear while proclaiming his undying love for you.

Luckily for you, Mitsu’s love language is also physical touch and quality time. He loves giving you little kisses all over your face. He loves to caress your face and hair. And boy does he love to have you snuggled up in his arms nuzzling into his neck. He will spend as much time as humanly possible with you showering you with his love. Loves giving you little touches and sweet caresses. When you are insecure, the kitsune will be especially soft and kind. He will pull you to sit in his lap, pull his fingers through your beautifully soft silky hair and whispers sweet nothing in your ears. There might be a few neck kisses and ear nibbles as well. Mitsuhide’s ultimate favorite is to just sit with you in his arms while he spends hours and hours playing with your hair and chatting about anything and everything.

Other potential matches……………Masamune

Ikevamp matchup............................Napoleon

I hope you enjoyed it, dear! And I hope you are staying safe and well @nxh-special-here-just-lia ! ^0^ Also sorry i didn't add an ikevamp description but i dont know the characters as well lol but i can do an ikevamp selfie matchup for you ^_^

#akechi mitsuhide #ikesen mitsuhide #ikemen sengoku mitsuhide #mitsuhide akechi #matchups #ikesen matchup #match ups #mitsuhide matchup #submission

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grownups-are-the-real-monsters · 4 years

Text

C'est La Vie

Summary: “Riding around with the car top down and the radio on. Nobody looked any finer or was more of a hit at the Parkway Diner. We never knew we could want more than that out of life. Surely Richie and Eddie would always know how to survive…” Glimpses into Richie & Eddie’s lives.

Summary is lyrics adapted from: ‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant’ ~ Billy Joel. Title from ‘C’est La Vie’ by Bob Seger…

Words: 18,691

Ship: Reddie

{October, Senior Year}

School was in session. Leaves were falling from the trees, Freshman were trying to get high under the bleachers and the air was beginning to crisp like maple fucking bacon…Richie was having the time of his life. He sniffled because of course, he was already getting his yearly cold…at the start of October.

“The bleachers are freezing my ass, Eds.” He whined loudly but his little partner only chuckled, still scribbling his pen across the notebooks in his lap.

A breeze passed over them and carried a few pages of Skippy Larson’s chemistry homework across the field just in front of them. The kid darted after them with impressive speed but-‘oh, too much confidence on the catching skills. He misses by a long-shot and falls face first onto the grass!’

Richie chuckled and habitually scooped Eddie’s free-hand up to cradle it into his lap. “In a few short months…we won’t even have to worry about…-” He paused to wave his hands around and audibly scoff “-AP Lit homework and shit.” He flicked Eddie’s pen. “Can you believe that, man?”

Eddie laid his pen down and decided to give his partner the full attention Richie so obviously wanted and in Eddie’s opinion…deserved. “No. I really don’t wanna think about it either, Rich.”

His sniffles were much cuter than any human beings should be. His nose scrunched up and his eyes got all squinty. Eddie didn’t care much for cold season but it drove Richie crazy.

“Why not? I’m so fucking excited!”

“Rich, I’m way too fucking nervous to talk about it. Probably way more nervous than you are excited.” He scoffed, already beginning to shove his books into his backpack.

“Really? Cause I’m so excited that I can hardly breathe!” He smacked Eddie’s hand gently.

With humor suddenly just as dry as Richie’s toast had been that morning, Eddie slowly and obnoxiously reached into his bag for the inhaler and shot himself up to space. His lips were still recovering from the lovely ‘O’ shape he’d had to make but he managed a wide smirk when his chin tilted back down.

“Funny, babe.” Richie rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but giggle a bit. His eyes drifted to the homework tornado again as a sigh built up in his throat. It wasn’t as if he wasn’t going to miss high school. Because in some ways, he would. Lots of great things happened either in that building or because of it.

Richie got to film the best student movie in the history of TV Pro which turned out to be collected found footage of the Losers in their natural habitat. Bill managed to write one killer story after another and really started pursuing his passion. Ben and Bev had their first kiss in Mr. Walker’s Algebra class and made history. The day Stan made the fucking baseball team had been one of Richie’s favorite freakin’ days of all time. And Mike organizing a completely made-up 'cinema’ club just to get the library all to themselves with the coolest teacher ever was a close second.

But the best thing that ever happened within those school walls was during the start of Freshman Year when Richie finally got the guts to ask Eddie out properly.

They’d basically been dating since they were kids. Hell, their first kiss was in a blanket fort in Bill’s basement when they were like nine. Eddie didn’t like to count that but Richie held it close to his heart because it was funny as shit.

Sixth grade had been a big year. Richie would carry Eddie’s books home for him and would stick by him even when the path became out of his way. They took the path that would lead them past the Neibolt Street Church so Eddie could hear a bit of that music he liked so much.

But it wasn’t until Freshman year when the true magic happened. The fact that Eddie agreed to the proposed date nearly killed Richie on the spot that day.

Richie smiled to himself before glancing at his partner who was now following the wind of paper from Skippy Larson too. His eyes were speeding fast to follow every moment of the twirling disaster.

They’d gone to that drive-in root-beer place that Richie had always been dying to try. It was across the street from the now abandoned 7/11 that used to be a CVS where no one had ever shopped. He’d ordered a hot-dog and Root-beer Float that became hard to keep down when all his nerves started shaking him. He remembered being scared that he was going to waste the date just worrying he might blow chunks onto the bright orange vinyl chair. “Honestly Eddie, why did you give me a second date? I mean that first one was so…I mean, you watched me dip my hot-dog into my Root-beer Float.” Richie chuckled, legs jittering up and down.

Eddie quirked his brow and paused. “Yeah and you watched me nearly fight that worker for dropping that order of fries and trying to shove them back on the tray before anyone noticed.”

“Yeah but that was hot.” Richie smirked

“Well, maybe I thought the hot-dog thing was hot…” Eddie shoved some of his papers away and finally gave his boyfriend full attention.

“I’m sure the puke was hot when you slipped on my chunks in the parking lot, ��member?” Richie smirked and Eddie gagged at the memory.

“Never bring that up again, asshole.”

The two of them playfully smacked each-other around for a couple minutes before a peaceful silence fell over again. From his place above, Richie saw Skippy pick up his remaining papers and high-tail it outta the football field before any players decided practice started early. The question from before still bounced in Richie’s mind like those boxes never quite hitting the corner in those DVD wait screens. ‘Honestly Eddie, why did you give me a second date?’

“What’s your mom making for dinner?” Eddie laid his chin on his palm and smiled in that soft, genuine way that poked at Richie’s heart. In some ways, he felt they were like an old married couple. And he wasn’t using that term to excuse any nasty bickering like some other high-school phase couples. No.

It was just…-He and Eddie knew each other. They were so familiar and extremely comfortable with everything they did. “Mmmmm, Chicken Parmesan.”

They smiled at each other, just thinking about the calm rest of the day ahead of them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eddie followed Richie inside the Tozier household, taking his shoes off at the door and setting them next to the others as Richie breezed past it, forgetting like usual. Eddie grinned to himself, shaking his head. The home was nothing special, sort of small but fleshed out. Photos on the wall in frames that were carefully thought out as they were purchased at some home goods store. It still put a smile on Eddie’s face to see that he was featured in some of those pictures.

He briefly passed by his favorite that was in the blue frame, the one that was chipped in the corner from when Richie dropped it. It was taken sometime during last Christmas, Richie and himself were having some sort of conversation that must’ve been highly amusing, what is was about Eddie doesn’t remember, but they’re laughing hard enough that Richie is falling forward onto his shoulder, The Tozier parents were actually looking at the camera with grins. Eddie smiled to himself as he glanced at it.

Mrs. Tozier was pouring a few drinks as they entered the kitchen, a warm grin on her face.

“Hello boys.” She smiled sweetly and handed them each a glass of water as she slid a cup of coffee to Mr. Tozier as he came in the room with a smile.

“How’s my favorite son?” He asked in that dad tone of voice that Eddie had only come accustomed to through him.

Richie swallowed a large slurp of the water and set it back on the table, the sweat dripping onto his hand. “I’m your only son…” He tilted his head with a confused but amused expression.

Wentworth blew down into the mug, the steam rising and spreading. “I was talking to Eddie.” He looked up just in time to catch Richie’s gasp of offense. He chuckled, picking up his mug and patting Eddie on the back as he passed him. “Which reminds me Eddie, I’m working on the garage again, can I count on your help-?”

“While I am flattered that you complimented me to butter me up before you asked but-” Eddie smiled, hand over his chest. “I can’t.”

“Ed’s and I are have a special date night tonight, pops.” Richie slapped Eddie’s back gently and stirred his water glass like it was a proper drink.

“Oooh, yeah.” Wentworth shared a small grin with his son and took down some more of his steaming hot drink. “You two kids have a great time. I’ll be all by my lonesome down there and I’ll probably break that damn car…” He pointed towards the garage door with exaggerated glum. “Unless one, Mrs. Tozier would come visit me, later?” He bumped Maggie’s elbow and she chuckled.

“I’ll bring you some dinner later. Make sure you take the laundry basket up to my room before you go off.” Maggie gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before he left that Richie mimicked on Eddie for chucks. It always made his mother giggle, anyway.

“Ok, so Chicken Parmesan for dinner….” Maggie gestured to the oven and smiled. “I’ll let you know when it’s done but for now…” She paused and picked up a dirty old box from the floor behind the counter. “I have some Halloween Decorations, would you boys help an ol’ mother out?”

“Sure thing, Mrs. Tozier!” Eddie stood on the tips of his toes to peek inside while Richie took the ghost string lights out and threw them around his neck like a scarf. With a salute, Richie took off with the box and Eddie darted after him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mrs. Tozier, Maggie, rooted her hands through the sock draw and occasionally pulled out a few pairs and folded them together. Her nails caught on the thread every few minutes, she’d pull and pull until the thin string would just snap. But on the eighth time she grew a little bit restless and snapped the string but quickly shut the drawer afterwards. “Wentworth?”

She turned to her husband, who was still lazing around with his coffee and blowing on it as if it was still hot. She gave him a small smile and walked towards him, putting her hand on his back. He looked up at her, waiting for her to speak what was on her mind. “Do you think-” She paused for a second before shaking her head. “Never mind, it’s stupid.”

Wentworth smiled up at his wife and chuckled, swallowing his first tedious sip of coffee. “I say a lot of stupid things, I won’t mind.”

Maggie gave him a look a lot of wives give their husbands. One of amusement and familiarity. “Well, I was just wondering…” She began again, going back over to the drawers to root around for something to wear to work the next day. “Do you think the boys are starting to get serious?” She asked, a little unsure of herself.

Wentworth cocked his head to the side and looked lost. “Like how?” He asked, swirling his coffee in his hand. Maggie sighed and leaned back on the drawers behind her. Clasping her hands together, she spoke again.

“I don’t know really.” She frowned and folded an old t-shirt from Richie’s younger days…her eyes got a sad little glaze. “They seem….-they remind me of us in our good ol’ days, huh? When we were about to leave home, so in love…” There was a small hole in the shoulder of the yellow dinosaur shirt.

Her husband turned the soap opera off the box TV and crawled closer to where she stood at the edge of the bed, taking her hands. “Richie’s getting older, honey-”

Maggie surprised the both of them by bursting out with a small sob. In embarrassment, she stole a hand back to cover her mouth. “I feel like every-time I-” She broke again and Wentworth rubbed her skin softly.

She collected herself, tilting her chin to the ceiling fan and letting the loose tears fall. “I know that…when we planned this, I had the idea of a girl, you know?”

Wentworth nodded. That was a topic they never truly discussed but for a long while, they were both well aware of in those early days.

“But…He’s my boy. That kid…” She looked towards the door. “He’s what I had been waiting for and I didn’t even realize it. And now it feels like our time together is winding down with his high-school days close to over and Wentworth, I’m not ready to let him go.” Her lips trembled.

He gently shook her arms and rubbed up and down her skin until she grinned through the tears. “He’s still a teenager, sweet-heart. We got time left yet, huh?” He laughed which she returned. “Side-note, we are definitely still in our good ol’ days. As long as I’m with you.”

He stood up, putting his coffee on the old dried up water ring mark on the dresser. Maggie smiled at the back of his head, her hand on her heart as she sighed with pleasure before she stood to walk him to the garage.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Richie still had the ghosts tied around his neck except now they were plugged into the wall behind him and slightly burning his neck. Eddie was digging through the box and pulling out all kinds of Halloween decor that Richie admired as a personal collection of his childhood…their childhood even. Eddie had just as much a right to claim memories to this shit as Richie. The other losers as well with how much time they spent at his home.

“How come people don’t send out Halloween cards…Y’know like Christmas Cards?” Richie pursed his lips and flipped the switch on an old light up haunted house.

Eddie shrugged. “People don’t really do Christmas cards anymore either…” He drifted off in thought. “We should though. It’d be really fucking idiotic.” He giggled and Richie smiled.

The two of them openly discussed their future together many times. It was just always part of their relationship and had never phased them. Maybe some thought of that as childish considering they were still high-schoolers but…it never seemed that way to them.

“Yeah. We’ll send it to all five of our friends.” Richie chuckled.

Eddie handed over some stuffed pumpkins and let his hands rub down his jeans as he sighed. “I can’t wait to annoy you in our own house one day.” He pinched Richie’s arm and handed over the hand-made paper Bat.

His boyfriends heart melted at that, his eyes absolutely worshiping the sight of Eddie. “Shit, Ed’s. Me too.”

Usually there’d be more said between them in moments like this. Maybe a discussion about what their house would end up looking like. But this time they just reached out for each others hands and gently swung them a little with soft smiles. “One of us has to learn to cook.”

“God, yes.” Richie nodded. “I love it but I can’t live off McDonald’s for long. Maybe my mom can teach me some shit. I can’t imagine it’s too hard.” He shrugged, letting their hands fall apart again to get rid of his ghost necklace. Their was a tiny burn mark on the side of his neck that made Eddie chuckle. Richie slapped the spot he was staring at with mock insecurity and a dazzling smirk.

The boy opened his mouth only to be interrupted his mother who came strolling in with a dish towel over her shoulder. Richie let his hand fall from his neck without thinking what that spot might suggest with Eddie sitting so close to him. Maggie raised a brow-

“It’s not what you think, Mrs. Tozier. Richie just burned his neck on the ghosts.” Eddie laughed and leaned over to hold the string-lights up again.

“Yeah, I can buy that.” Maggie rolled her eyes and laughed. “Can I borrow you for a minute, Rich?”

Richie nodded, hopping up and exaggerating a little spill from tripping on Eddie’s legs. He ruffled a hand through Eddie’s hair and followed after his mother.

Maggie messed with some dishes as she waited for her son to trail in and hoped her eyes weren’t still red. But as little Richie (called little Richard affectionately by his father for years) stopped in front of her, she found herself getting choked up again which was just silly. “You alright ma’? You seem like you might pass out or something.” He giggled and took a grape from the bowl on the counter to stuff into his mouth.

“Would you two be ok if your father and I went out tonight?-”

“Hot date?” He laughed and Maggie felt her heart tug.

“Yeah, sure.” She shook her head. “Hot date. Anyway, foods in the oven and should be done soon enough.” She rubbed the pad of her thumb against her nose. “You can make cookies for dessert, you know the number to call if you should accidentally start the house ablaze, do you love your father more than me? And we’ll be gone a few hours.” Maggie rushed her speaking and cringed. She was about to escape the room when Richie realized what she’d snuck in there.

“Wow, you pulled a real Richie Tozier with that ramble, ma. You know I’m the champion at those.” He started with an awkward laugh before raising his brows. “But um, you don’t really think that..do you?”

Maggie felt ashamed for bleeding this insecurity on her son but she sighed. “No. It’s just-…sometimes I worry that our relationship is a little rocky sometimes. I shouldn’t have…” She gestured to the garage door where her husband was and then to the living room where Eddie sat. “Bad timing.” She laughed.

“Ma…..” Richie had never been known to handle serious things very well was panicking a little. “That’s not-…”

“I just let so much precious time go by…not really understanding you quite like your dad does. I’m sure you must have felt it and I hate to think about it.” Maggie frowned, running the towel through her fingers.

Richie looked to the floor and rolled his lips together which was confirmation enough.

“Never-mind this, Rich. Go on back, ok?” Maggie attempted to laugh the conversation off like any good ol’ Tozier knew how. “We should be back later tonight.” With that, she pressed a kiss to his temple and sent him back to the living room.

Richie walked off with a dazed expression and tried to shake his mothers words but found them to be burying deep into his mind anyway.

His eyes met Eddie’s. His boyfriend was just sitting on the old plaid couch, the one where tiny-tot Richie had once fallen from and knocked his front teeth out, and a rush of love went through his body at once. It didn’t cover up the memory of that conversation but it relieved Richie of the guilty feeling some.

So he did what any sane person in love would do, throw his entire body atop Eddie’s. One of them let out a shocked sigh and their voices were too molded together to pin it. “Get off me, asshole!”

Eddie folded his body in such a way that it knocked Richie off him and onto the carpet below the plush couch. He peeked at him from the edge and giggled.

Richie ended up laying there for quite some time after his parents left, playing with Eddie’s legs as they hung over him and occasionally rubbing the soft skin of his ankles. Though he’d realized almost as soon as he started that it was sort of a trap. Every-time he’d take his hand away, Eddie would wiggle his feet again just urging Richie to start on again. And if he refused, he’d make that soft little whine. How could he say no to that?

It lead him to memories of being that tiny-tot version of himself again. On movie nights when Richie would glance through the corner of his eye, away from the show of ‘Aladdin’ to his parents to make sure they were watching. Maggie Tozier’s feet would always be shoved into his old man’s lap and she’d be insisting that he rub them. Though he’d complain, Wentworth always did it.

Richie rubbed another circle against Eddie’s skin and leaned his head against his jean covered leg. When his partners hand came down to run his fingers through his hair, Richie was in such bliss that he missed the first ten beeps of the oven timer.

“Rich, one of us has to get the dinner.”

“Set up the dishes?” Richie tilted his chin up, getting a bit of a static shock from Eddie’s jeans. The boy nodded and they went off.

This was a familiar routine that they had come to know for some time now. Since the beginning of the romantic side of their relationship, Eddie came over for dinner often. The Tozier’s were happy to have the company.

Richie plated their feast once the table was set and they took their favorite chairs across from each other. It was during these little dinners that Richie finally understood the no TV at the dinner table rule. There was no need for a distraction.

“How did none of your mothers cooking talent bleed into you growing up?” Eddie hummed happily as he slid his fork out from his lips.

“You’ve basically known me my whole life, Eds. You know I don’t have the attention span to learn.”

Eddie rolled his eyes and Richie poked his hand with the back-side of his silverware. “How are things with my dads car?”

Eddie hummed again. He’d taken up fixing up the thing with Mr. Tozier some weeks ago as a little hobby. He’d always had a fondness for fixing shit up like that and Wentworth had been thrilled to have a good hand around to help him because after all, Richie was not the best at that. “Good. I mean, I’m not car-genius but…I think we’re getting somewhere. Your dad seems excited but then again…he’s a lot like you.” Eddie giggled.

“What does that mean, Kaspbrak?” Richie reached over to pinch at him.

“Just that he’s excitable-”

“It’s a cuter look for me, right?” Richie teased and Eddie smacked his hands away. They went at it for a solid five minutes before settling back into their dinners.

Silence fell over them, all except the sounds of their dishes. “Hey, Ed’s?”

The boy glanced up, some strands of hair falling over his eyes as he hovered his fork just under his chin. A stray scent of the purple glue they used in their shared second grade class flew past Richie’s nose as their eyes met. “What’s say you & me go on a little road-trip right after graduation? Like the minute it’s done?”

“Little early to plan that. Just you and me? What about-?”

“I’d love to go on a big Losers Club trip but I have this idea…for just the two of us, right? Could be cool.” He waved is fork around and it kept catching the orange light of the hanging lamp above them.

“What kind of idea?”

“Well…hold on to your seat, baby. This might be too big of a kicker.” Richie giggled but it was soaked with nerves. Eddie rolled his eyes and made an exaggerated play of holding onto the chair with a wide smirk. They giggled together. “I was thinking that you and I could drive up to Castle Rock-”

“Ahhh the spot of romance.” Eddie let go of his chair to take another bite of chicken.

“There’s some cute tourist-y trap shops…” Richie started and he’d kinda been hoping for another interruption but Eddie just kept on looking at him. “But there’s also a cute little Chapel…?”

There was a small clink as Eddie dropped his fork onto his plate.

“Ed’s, baby. You’re…” He paused when his stomach turned painfully with nerves. He glanced down at the food. “You’re the guy I gotta be spending the rest of my life with. I can’t imagine a future without you in it and I think that’s reason enough to cut to the chase and get hitched sooner rather than later.“

Richie was expecting one of his partners famous ‘fast talking rambles’ but Eddie stayed silent and instead picked at the chicken on his rose colored plate.

“I mean the backseat of my car is no honeymoon suite but I’m sure it’ll be nice to us, you know? After all, we’ll still be running on our Wedding High.” Richie laughed but it was oh so painful to get out when Eddie wasn’t even humoring him. “Sorry. Fuck. I don’t know what I was thinking. It was a stupid thing to pitch-”

“Let’s do it.”

Richie hiccuped and choked on the forkful of food he’d just shoved in his mouth to keep quite. “What-?”

“I said, let’s do it asshole. I wanna marry you.” Eddie smiled, wide and genuine. Richie would never openly pursue this dream if it were anything but. He knew all of Eddie’s smiles and this one…oh it was his favorite.

“Holy fuck.” Richie let out a long breath and giggled. “Shit, I-…Ed’s-” The boy couldn’t find the right words so he just shoved his way off his chair and rushed to his boy.

Before Eddie could fully process it, Richie lifted him into his arms and he had to wrap his legs around his waist to keep balanced. “Everyone’s gonna say we’re idiots, you know?” Richie mumbled into his neck.

“I don’t care.” Eddie decided. Because for once in his life, he was 100% sure that this was something he wanted. He’d fight for it with no problem if it meant keeping the Loser in his life forever. He’d fight for it just like he’d always fought for his friends. “We don’t have to tell anyone.”

Richie nodded. “Just between us. Our little secret.”

They agreed to that knowing it would truly be a hard task. They told their fellow Losers everything and how could they not share something like this? Something so amazing? But they knew it had to stay a secret until the actual day was done.

A laugh bubbled in his throat and a comment escaped his lips without flickering thought. “I’m so glad I met you, Richie.”

“Me too.” Richie’s voice was a little too soft to not be emotional so Eddie kissed his hair. “If I call you tomorrow and ask…are we still gonna be engaged?”

Eddie pulled his chin back and nuzzled his nose into Richie’s curls. “We’re still gonna be engaged, Rich. All up until Gradation, like ya said.” He could feel the blush dusting his cheeks and the sense of pure joy was just too intoxicating.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{December, Senior Year}

Richie and Eddie didn’t really bring up their engagement again until the fall leaves started turning to winter snow.

Richie shut his front door behind him as he stepped outside, glancing down at his shoes as they walked down his broken concrete steps. He hopped down the last stair, the one with the chip that was just waiting to become an avalanche of rock. He pulled aimlessly at his jacket when he felt the sudden jolt of the wind being knocked out of him and legs wrapping around his waist. He didn’t need to look to know who it was.

"Ed’s, you can’t just jump on a guys back without warning.” Richie tried to glance up, as best he could as Eddie shifted around and looped his arms around his neck.

“As the shorter friend, I reserve the right to get piggy back rides whenever I want.” He heard Eddie laugh against his ear, his feet wiggling.

“Eddie, You’re such an asshole.” He shook his head and tried to hike his boyfriend up so he wouldn’t slip off.

“Your point?” Eddie hummed. “So…you’re walking to my house, what for?” Eddie smiled and Richie rolled his eyes fondly.

“To bother you…which by the way, where were you coming from?” Richie glanced his eyes up. Usually whenever Eddie left his home, one of the Losers was with him so he was more than curious.

“I was beating up Bill in the park.” He felt the boy shrug. -”And before you ask, he deserved it and he’s fine.” Eddie laughed again and Richie could see the incident now. Bill loved to mess with Eddie like he wasn’t aware what the little asshole was capable of.

Bill would make his fun and let Eddie charge him for a round of play-fighting like a couple of brothers in the living room of their childhood home. Man, did it make Bill happy. He’d light up like a damn Christmas tree. They all knew why and they never mentioned it. Georgie had passed away some time ago, an out of the blue accident. Such a shitty world sometimes.

“I was going to visit your mom, anyway-OW!” Richie felt Eddie pinch his neck. He chuckled. “Jealousy is not a flattering color for you.”

Eddie hopped off his back and started to walk on Richie’s left side. It was a habit from their younger days that just never faded. Little Richie used to wander towards the street from the sidewalk because his strut was for some reason…a little tilted. Not so much anymore. But Eddie, Bill and Stan still planted themselves to his left like the memory was still taking place. Richie thank God that Ben, Mike and Bev didn’t have to remember how dumb he was back then…just how dumb he was now. He laughed to himself.

“I was walking over to pick you up. Us Losers are taking a holiday trip to Mike’s place. I wanted to give you your gift before we see our favorite people.” Richie tapped his pocket and Eddie nodded. “Hey, now that I’m looking at your face…” Richie made a show of tilting his head and waving a hand in front of Eddie’s crinkled nose. He got his hand slapped away.

“You look a little glum, baby.”

“That’s a stupid word-”

“Melancholy? Sulky? Morose! You look a little morose, baby.” Richie pulled at Eddie’s arm and wasn’t pushed away this time so he rubbed up and down the boys jacket sleeve.

“You look like a moron, baby.” Eddie mocked and Richie giggled. “Sorry, I’m pissy today.”

“I got that, Ed’s. But why?”

Richie got another light shove. “I couldn’t sleep last night. Felt like I couldn’t breath and…” Eddie tapped his own pocket where his inhaler was once again. “Shit, Rich. I know it’s all in my head but…that doesn’t stop me from re-creating that feeling whenever I get the slightest bit of anxiety about something.”

Eddie sighed, sounding like a tired man some years their elder. “It scares the shit outta me that I just subconsciously do this to myself. How do you stop a thing like that?”

“I don’t know.” Richie shrugged with an honest tone and wrapped an arm around his partner. “But, I know that you’ll get there. Maybe not today…maybe not tomorrow but soon, baby.”

Eddie nodded but didn’t seem to believe him. Man, Richie really hated Sonia Kaspbrak for the shit she had pulled all throughout this poor kids childhood. “I got your back through and through, Eddie my love.” He shook him playfully and pulled back to get the small gift-box from his jacket pocket.

Eddie stopped in front of him and sniffled cutely. “I feel bad. I should get your gift from my house before you-”

“Nah, Eddie. I really wanna do this now.” Richie smiled and handed over a small box. It was wrapped in brown paper covered in mini-vintage Santa faces. There was an obnoxiously large ribbon atop it that he knew Eddie would keep for some odd reason. It was just one of those things he did.

As he tore into the package, Richie nervously rolled his lips together.

Inside was a velvet box that when tilted open, allowed a small silvery band to come into view. It glittered in the winter air and Richie got down on his knobby knee like a true gentleman and smiled up at his man. “I thought I should get you a little ring for our engagement, you remember right?” He teased but surely meant the question at least a little bit.

“Rich-”

“My mom helped me. And don’t worry you’re pretty little head, I told her I was getting ya a promise ring.” He waved his hands a little. “So it’s not a true engagement ring, per se but-”

“I love it.” Eddie slipped it on and slowly kneeled down to help Richie off the icy ground. “Get up and hug me, asshole.”

Richie happily obliged.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{May, Senior Year}

From then on, Richie and Eddie kept on like normal but there was some kind of glowing secret between them. The Losers noticed something, as well they would because they knew their friends too well. But none of them could quite put a finger on what was so different between them.

Eddie was perched on Richie’s desk in Honors Lit. witch was about the only class that every Losers Club member had together. It was the last normal day of school before Graduation Day so the Senior class was basically free to do whatever.

Eddie was whispering things that Richie would seem to consider before writing down on his pad of paper in a list or something. Ben watched them with a curious smile but didn’t ask.

“I say we all drive to Graduation together so we can drive up to the Haunted K-Mart in the town over afterwards.” Bev smiled from her seat.

“Why t-t-there?” Bill asked.

“This might be our last chance to catch a spirit there!” She gestured her hands like that might impress them. “And there’s a Steak ‘N Shake right across the street.”

“Ahhh, the real reason she makes such requests.” Richie snapped his fingers and Bev shrugged.

“Any takers?”

Richie and Eddie shared a private worried glance. They both knew now that if the group agreed to go with this plan, they’d say yes too. They loved their friends too much to avoid plans with them for a big secret wedding they didn’t even know about. Especially considering Graduation night was sorta a big deal for them because soon enough, they’d separate.

It wasn’t so bad. Eddie, Richie and Bill were all headed to the University of Maine campus. Mike, Ben and Bev were all going to another 4-year just around twenty minutes away. But….Stan….he was shipping out to one in Vermont which was a cool, crisp…4 hour drive.

But they still had a whole summer to look forward too. At least that was something.

“Sorry, I can’t. My dad and Grandpa have been planning a dinner celebration at home.” Mike smiled sweetly as he thought about it and gave Bev a small shrug.

“Me t-t-too. My parents want me home.” Bill frowned and they weren’t too sure ol’ Bill was going to have such a great time.

Beverly sighed and turned to Stan who gave her a soft no for just about the same reasons.

“And count us out! Eddie and I will be feasting at the Tozier’s.” Richie slapped Eddie’s nervous hand and they both felt swept under the instant relief.

“My mom would love to have you over for dinner, Bev. She’s been keen on it for sometime.” Ben smiled again and a soft blush took over his cheeks just the same as it did on Beverly’s when she accepted this offer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{May, Graduation Day}

“Eddie, don’t be alarmed but…there’s an old man sitting in the passenger seat of my car.”

Richie narrowed his eyes and shook his head so the tassel on his cap would get out of his eyes. The sun was shining down onto the crisp green summer grass and had provided them comfortable Graduation weather all the day.

The ceremony had been a mess of Losers Club tears and a solid thirty minutes spent afterwards just hanging out in the field in front of the building. They talked to each others families, hung-out and maybe he and Bev smoked a little. There was also the moment where Richie hugged Stan and proceeded to refuse to let go when he had to go with his parents. It took the Losers a good five minutes to get Richie off. Stan pretended he wasn’t having fun and saluted Richie with a middle finger and spun off to his parents car. And soon after, all their best friends had gone off with their families.

The Toziers came for the ceremony but allowed Richie and Eddie some extended time for a ‘date’.

Eddie quirked his brow and crossed his arms. “No…are we sure that’s your car?” He saw the old man but it was still quite far from where they stood. Maybe it was just a similar-

“No, there’s the ‘Honk if you love Bruce Springsteen’ bumper sticker.” He pointed with his spindly finger and Eddie stepped back with confusion.

There was in fact, an old man chilling in the passengers seat of their ‘Honeymoon Chariot’ as Richie had been calling it the past few hours. “Oh, Richie…maybe he’s just confused?” Eddie frowned, eyebrows knitting together in concern. With that, he started walking over to the vehicle. Richie hung back because he wasn’t very good at confrontation or conversation with older people.

Eddie paused a bit in front of the passenger door and smiled. “Excuse me, sir?”

The man was small, wrinkly and kind-looking. He had a baseball cap atop his surprisingly thick curly gray. “Oh…is there a problem? Should we not be parked here?”

Richie stepped a little closer while Eddie dealt with the situation like a pro.

“Oh no, nothing like that.” Eddie inched closer and gave the man his warmest smile as the sunshine cupped his face. “I think maybe you’ve confused this car with your own…?” He made a salute motion to block the harsh sunlight and to maybe to offer a warm look in his eyes that the old man could relate to. Eddie had this kind, sweet nature to him when he wasn’t truly thinking about it. It was a gift blessed onto Mike and Ben too, though Eddie’s wasn’t anywhere near the level of those two.

“Oh…is this your-? I’m so sorry, my…I’m getting pretty forgetful, aren’t I?” The man made for the door and Eddie backed up and grabbed onto it when it opened to make sure there was no swing back. “It looks so much like my wife’s car.” He laughed, an old worn kind that Richie loved.

“Understandable. Once, I was visiting my aunts place right? And I went out for a smoke. When I went back inside…” Richie chuckled, hand on his stomach “It was the wrong house. Boy, were those people freaked out to see this gangly teenager walk into their home flicking a lighter.”

Richie enjoyed the familiar way Eddie smiled at him under the sunshine, he’d heard that story a few times himself. The older gentleman also seemed rightly amused. He took off his baseball cap and waved it as he laughed.

“That sure kicks me out of lonesome town, huh?” He wiped under his eyes which Richie might’ve been ashamed to admit made him feel really good. Not many people laughed that hard at his shit. “Good to know I’m not the only guy making himself a fool, son.”

Eddie happily grinned towards the man as he reached out to shake Richie’s hand. “So where’s the lucky gal who loves you, ol’ buddy?”

The man lit up, smile widening. “Should be on her way to wherever the hell it was we parked. Had a few words left yet to say to our grand-boy.” He stood on his tip-toes to catch a peek of the crowd.

“What’s say we walk you over? A car that looks like mine…should be easy to find, huh?” Richie tipped his chin to Eddie who nodded. So Richie offered his arm.

“What’s your name, sir?” Eddie asked, strolling over to catch up.

“Oliver…” He grinned. “The wife, she’s called Michelle…like that Beatles tune, I always say.” He chuckled. Richie and Eddie leaned a little forward to steal grins from each other. “She’s a real funny gal that kid.”

“Gotta love the funny ones, huh?” Richie bumped him gently and Eddie shook his head, most likely pairing it with a roll of the ol’ eyes. “We sure can make it hard, sometimes.” He laughed again and Eddie carefully reached over to smack the back of his head.

Oliver must have thought that was hysterical because he started joyfully laughing again. It warmed the boys hearts. “Sure can. Michelle…she does this little bit where she takes the quarters outta my ear…magic and all that.” Oliver rolled his eyes but not with annoyance but fond and genuine love. It was a look that Eddie knew oh so well. “Then she turns a whole bouquet of flowers out from her sleeve….” He paused. “No one else for me in the world except Michelle.”

Richie felt himself blush at the mere thought of how he felt just the same about Eddie, who was walking peacefully in the grass with the tassel hanging over his eyes.

“Oh! There’s the ol’ girl now.” Oliver let go of Richie’s arm and started to happily stroll over to the car that did look pretty similar to Richie’s. “Thank you, boys! Been too kind!” He waved and looked like he was far too excited to get back to his lady to stay any longer.

The sky was gold and a breeze was passing through the remaining crowd of graduates. Red gowns blew in the wind and families huddled together for pictures.

Richie leaned closer to his boyfriend. “Remember that old videotape we found in your room? The one from our dumb classroom Thanksgiving play?”

Eddie blinked at the abrupt memory but nodded. That seemed like a million years ago yet didn’t feel very far from them at all. The years bled together these days but that had been the age where the town of Derry felt like the whole world (and what a shitty world). Eddie could still hear the sound of Bill’s father coming home at 6:00 in his head, plastered there from all their sleepovers. Richie turned to fully face Eddie and kicked his leg gently so he’d turn too.

“I’ve been feeling for you, what he described with his wife since about then.”

Eddie felt his heart melt. “Rich, we were like six or seven. There’s no way-”

The man’s eyes were swelled with tears like a gutter full of rain which made Eddie stop in his tracks. Of course, Richie meant that sentiment. He was always so painfully genuine. “Please, kiss me and then drive me to our damn wedding. I’m so ready to be your husband.”

Richie didn’t need to be told twice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{May, Castle Rock’s finest Chapel}

“At least if your face turns blue, we can check ‘something blue’ off the wedding list-”

Eddie lowered his inhaler and smacked Richie playfully on the arm but soon pulled it back to wrap around his body. The summer breeze seemed somehow colder in Castle Rock. They had both paused on the steps of the Chapel, knowing they were feeling the empty spaces of their friends. They should be here but…they weren’t. Because at the time of planning, it seemed to be for the best. But they missed them.

Richie glanced down at his boy. “You ok?”

Eddie clutched his inhaler once more for something like comfort and shoved it back into his pocket. “I’m peachy.” He smiled.

The sun was near setting behind their heads and draped a rose colored light over their bodies. “We can back-out, you know? Just because we said we would, doesn’t mean we have to follow through on anything, Eds. If you want to go home just tell me.” He pulled him closer and laid his chin atop Eddie’s hair.

Eddie pulled off of him, kissed his cheek and took his hand.

They ran into the Chapel and lived a moment they’d hold close to their hearts forever. A private kind of memory. Just for the two of them to share.

Some ways away in Derry, in a car that looked an awful lot like Richie’s, a radio played ‘Michelle’…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{June, Derry. A week later}

The young lovers had been planning to share their news since the big day last week but each time a chance was gifted to them…they both backed out. They were classic chickens.

This night brought all the Losers together and stuffed them into Bill’s car, fresh from a fun little time drinking in his basement. They were all a little buzzed apart from Stan and Richie, who didn’t drink a sip.

Eddie was practically vibrating in his seat yet his eyes kept drifting shut. He usually got sleepy in cars, Richie pulled him closer and asked for the radio to be turned up.

It was getting late and they all seemed a bit restless. Beverly and Mike were having a hushed conversation about a deer they’d just seen on the side of the road and Ben mindlessly caressed Beverly’s hand. “Shit, I’ve been meaning to ask-” Bill started.

“I went over to your house after my dinner on Graduation, Rich. Your parents said you and Eddie weren’t around-?”

Richie glanced up at Bill’s eyes in the mirror and rolled his lips together. It wasn’t hard to just make shit up but he did not want to lie-

“Richie and I drove up to Castle Rock and got married.” Eddie mumbled, his voice in sing-song and his forehead pressed against the window.

“WHAT!?”

The whole car screamed and Bill accidentally hit the brake much harder than he intended to at the stop sign. The group all flew a bit forward from their seats and caused a chorus of restrained choking coughs when the seat-belts pulled. Richie tried to collect himself before Eddie but failed.

“We’ve been engaged-” He hiccuped and pulled out the ring he’d been hiding in his pocket. “Since October.”

Bill drove on, foot hitting the gas pedal with much more grace than before. The car fell silent until Beverly turned from the front seat…a most awful look of confusion on her face. “Eddie, tell me that Richie has just rubbed off on you and that’s a very weird joke.”

Richie scowled. “It’s not a joke. We got married at the Chapel in Castle Rock just like he said.”

Again, the car was full of tense silence apart from the sound of the wheels on the street. “Engaged….since October and you didn’t tell us?” Bill asked from the drivers seat, glancing at them in the mirror every once in a while.

Eddie fell against Richie’s shoulder like he was about to drift off into sleep again so Richie slowly wrapped his arm around him and ran his hands through his hair when he began to speak. “We thought you guys would talk us out of it-”

“Rightly so.” Stan spoke up and Richie snapped his head over to look at him. “Engaged? Married? You guys are eighteen years old.” He shook his head. “And before you go for a low blow, you know everyone in this car agrees that you two are meant to be together but…” Stan paused to find his wording but Richie wanted to jump down his throat.

“But what exactly?” He covered Eddie’s ears accidentally on purpose when he shifted but he figured the boy needed some sleep.

“Jumping into marriage that young is not going to work out. It could very well hurt you two.” Stan’s voice lowered into soft concern but Richie was heated up.

“And you got married.” Beverly turned in her seat again, this time with a nervous cigarette in her hand. “Without us.”

Richie’s stomach turned as a fresh wave of horrible guilt hit him. He really had nothing to respond to that with so he shrank back into his seat. The radio blanketed the riders with a loud distraction.

‘Heard it from a friend who Heard it from a friend who Heard it from another you been messin’ around…’

“All I’m trying to say here, Rich, is that getting married that early on can cause strain on a relationship.” Stan looked down at his hands but it only steamed Richie back up once again.

“You don’t know that, Stanley. You said it yourself, Eddie and I are supposed to be together-”

“Fate doesn’t matter if you make a bad decision, Richie. It’s only plain logic. You two barely know what you’re going to be doing in the very near future! Eddie, you told me back in September that you weren’t even sure you wanted to go to the University of Maine. What happened there? Any of that get resolved before this wedding?” Stan reached out his hand to gesture to Eddie but the boy was looking much paler and more and more like he might break into a sweat. Mike kept a close eye on the kid while the others kept with their noise and the radio grew more intense.

Richie glanced at Eddie and frowned. “You don’t know shit about our relationship-”

Stan looked offended. “Shit, Richie, everyone in this car knows your relationship almost as well as the parties involved.” He flicked his fingers at the happy couple. “You know that. The Losers, man. We’re in this life together, asshole.” He narrowed his eyes. “I’m trying to help you. I don’t wanna see you-”

“Too late, Stan! We’re already married.” Richie laughed, full of pain.

“And happily too, it sounds.” Stan rolled his eyes.

“Hey Fuckhead! We were happy before we told you-!”

“You didn’t even tell us, your best friends, until after the fact. PLUS, Eddie only broke it out cause he’s drunk!” Bill suddenly piped up from the front seat. The screaming match suddenly involved everyone in the car. Though Mike and Ben were trying more so to calm everyone than yelling.

Eddie felt his chest pounding with anxiety, the familiar sensation of a lack of air built up. “Stop the car.” He mumbled, covering his mouth. No one seemed to hear. “Stop the car!” He tried once more with a hiccup of leftover alcohol bubbling from his throat.

Mike glanced over and finally, someone noticed.

“Stop the car! I’m going to throw the fuck up!” Eddie screamed at the same time that Mike shouted a strong ‘STOP THE CAR!’

Bill hit the brakes extremely hard again though the yelling continued even as Eddie opened the car door and hopped onto the curb. He kneeled over himself, palms pressed onto his knees as he dry-heaved. He glanced back into the car at all his friends screaming and bit into his lip…

The sound of loud feet hitting the pavement broke the screaming. The Losers all looked up just in time to see Eddie quite literally take off like a rocket. Richie could almost hear the gun blast signaling a race because the kid was sprinting faster than a speeding bullet. “Holy shit.” Beverly tried to open her car door.

The six of them all hopped out once Bill actually parked on the curb and started off after him. But the thing about Eddie was…he was fucking fast. Richie had a lot of energy but was no sport champion. He so desperately tried to push himself that he almost felt fire coming off his feet.

Mike seemed to be the one outta the group to get the closest but he turned the corner and skidded to a stop. It was so sudden that they almost all crashed together. “He’s gone.” Mike sighed, hand to his forehead.

They all started attempting to catch their breath, hands either over their chests or pressed to their knees like Eddie’s had been.

Richie stumbled and landed his ass on the middle of the street. “Fuck.” he spoke to the sky in his horrible exhaust. A hand hovered above him which turned out to be Stan’s. There was a bit of hesitance but Richie accepted the help up. “Let’s split up. Cover more ground. Our Ed’s is a speedy Bastard.”

Beverly played with her hands which meant she was either nervous or scared. Maybe both. But she nodded like this was the most import mission in her life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ben happened across Eddie first. His friend was sitting on a bench in front of the Gazebo in the park. Ben’s heart melted at the sight of the poor, tired and drunk kid.

“Hey, Eddie.” Ben gently approached like he was a skittish dog or something but Eddie didn’t seem to mind. He just scooted over to make some room on the tiny bench. “I know things got…pretty intense in the car-”

Eddie rolled his eyes. “Yeah. I shouldn’t have opened my mouth. I just…-yeah, I’m buzzed but I’m excited, Ben. So fucking excited about this and I just wanted to tell you guys.” He sniffled and Ben scooted closer. “We really didn’t mean to be such shitty friends. You guys always want whats best for us…so we knew you’d try to talk us out of it.” Eddie glanced up with wide, innocent eyes. Ben opened his mouth.

“So yeah, I admit that we knew it was kind of a dumb enough idea because we made that decision to keep it from you. We had to be aware enough to do that.” Eddie shrugged, his jacket now pooling at his elbows. He wasn’t completely sure that he was making any sense. “But it made us really happy, Ben. I love him…so much.”

Ben threw his arm around Eddie and sighed. “I know, Eddie. Trust me on that word. I do.” He rubbed his arm slowly and felt Eddie nod.

“And I feel his love for me every fucking day. Richie loves with his whole being, Ben.” Eddie giggled like the thought of it was enough to send him into a blush. “No one is gonna be in love with me the way that he is. So what’s the point in waiting?”

Ben went quiet because the sentiment was so genuinely lovely that it became hard for him to argue…

The two of them sat on the park bench, not knowing how to move on from the moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{October, Freshman Year of College}

There was nothing even close to a falling out between the Losers Club after that horrible night. That was just the kind of magic that came with their relationship. Far too much love to ever let them drift away. Though besides the screaming, the other thing to be forgotten after that night was Stan’s statement about Eddie confessing he might’ve been unsure about the University of Maine…

Tension rose on occasion but the happy couple seemed satisfied enough. The Losers were happy, as long as they were.

The Toziers were still not aware that their son had gotten hitched but Richie intended to tell them after completing at least one year of school. Sonia Kaspbrak….well she tried so desperately to keep Eddie right at home and to dig into his personal life. Eddie wanted nothing to do with that. So she also had no clue, Eddie would be lying if he didn’t say it was empowering.

The beginning of the school year had been extremely hard because Stan was ‘leaving’ them but 4-hours felt like forever. There’d been a lot of crying and hugs to go around when it came time for him to leave and boy did he wait until the last possible minute to go.

Richie basically cried his eyes out. Stan took him aside for a few minutes just to reassure him that this made no difference. The seven of them were forever tied together. He even gave him a nice framed photo of the whole group for the dorm Richie and Eddie had applied for together. “Call it a late engagement gift.” He added with a crinkle of his eyes, reminding Richie of an old man. Though there was a still a bit of tension on that subject, he knew Stan might still believe the marriage to have been a bad idea. Richie gladly accepted it anyway because it was a gift filled with genuine love.

They were all a good month or so into their Freshman years and already developed their routines.

And at the University of Maine, Richie and Eddie had already become something of a cool topic. Mr. and Mr. Tozier. The married couple in dorm 24. They would be lying if they didn’t say they enjoyed the attention. They were a couple of losers after all.

“What does he have that I don’t?” Eddie frowned and pushed at Richie’s shoulders.

“Don’t be jealous, baby.” Richie turned back and smirked. “It’s not a flattering color.” He giggled when Eddie tackled him on the bed, the one to the left of them was almost never used. The Bruce Springsteen poster Richie had been admiring watched over them as they fell into a make-out session.

The sloppier kisser between them pulled back and licked grotesquely up from the base of Eddie’s neck to his ear. From the new spot, Richie began whispering which he knew drove Eddie mad because it was a ticklish feeling.

“I got a bad desire. Oh-oh-oh, I’m on fire…” Richie mumbled and Eddie tried to kick him off the bed.

“Don’t sing me the lyrics of the man you’re cheating on me with! You cruel, cruel idiot!” Eddie giggled with insane love and new switched to trying to knee him in the stomach. Finally, Richie rolled off the bed and onto the floor with a loud thud.

“Oh, you are so juvenile, Eddie my dear.” Richie stayed there on the floor with a smirk.

“Me? You licked my ear, which is disgusting, and tried to serenade me with Springsteen.” Eddie fell comfortably on the bed, chin just on the edge so that he could look down at his…husband. Which was still odd to hear when it came rolling off their tongues.

They shared fond looks and Eddie turned to lay back on the bed but let his arm hang over the side so Richie could play with his fingers. “By the way-” Eddie turned his head though he was way above his partner. “Did you fill the gas tank in our car after class last night?”

Richie sighed. “Our car? I’ll have you know that ‘James Taylor’ has been mine since I was sixteen, Eds.” The smirk was present in his tone and Eddie rolled his eyes.

“Whatever, did you fill it or what? It was really low and I need it for my Physics class this afternoon.” Eddie felt Richie pause from petting his palm.

“No, I forgot. Can’t you fill it before class?” Richie pleaded and Eddie ripped his hand away in annoyance.

“Oh so I can’t call it ‘our’ car but I get to pay for the gas almost every time it needs to be filled. Just cause you don’t like getting out of the damn car because ‘it ruins the mood of your drives.’” Eddie scowled.

Richie sat up and scooted so that his back would lean against the bedside drawer. “You’re borrowing my car, Eds. It’s only fair for you to fill it when you run the gas.” He shrugged and watched as Eddie hopped off the bed and started getting his things together for his class even though he had plenty of time.

“You’re parents are the ones who bought it for you. And now I’m paying for gas nearly every-time…so what, pray tell, makes it so wrong for me to refer to ‘James Taylor’-” He paused to roll his eyes “As ours?”

Richie looked up with a bit of a heated expression and sighed with frustration.

“Look Rich, if it bothers you so much, I can try and save up for my own car. I wasn’t lucky enough to get one when we were younger cause…well, you know my mother.” Eddie shuddered and threw his bag aside. “She’d never give me a gift that would only be a gateway for my moving on.” He scowled, completely irritated at her yet feeling guilty as she was not there to defend herself. Richie knew that look all too well and tried to convince his husband that it was ok for it to blossom. It was more than ok to be mad at Sonia. But…how do you make someone understand that their mother deserves hatred? Because no matter what, a mother is a mother in the mind of young Eddie. There would always be a shred of Eddie that would try to defend her because of that ‘A mother & her boy’ complex she had pounded in him.

The air in the room seemed to lose some of the tension and Richie took that as a good sign as he heaved his body off the floor. “No, I’m sorry. You’re right. ‘James Taylor’ is ours.” Richie sat on the other bed and took Eddie’s smaller hand in his own, pulled it with soft shyness and his husband leaned down so he could press a kiss to his temple. “We’re on for dinner right?”

Eddie nodded and rubbed the pad of his finger into the corner of his eye. “Yeah. We can probably splurge on that cool Shawarma place you like so much tonight, if you’d like?”

Richie lit up at that possibility and smiled. “Sounds peachy, Eddie my love.” He reached up to steal a quick kiss and twirled off the bed to see his love out the door if he was going to leave so early.

Richie didn’t have any classes today and thought he’d enjoy such a treasure by calling up Mike because he missed his voice even though they weren’t even that far away. Though, Richie hadn’t seen much of anyone in a while. He and Eddie spent much of their free time trying to get their schedules aligned and making sure they had dinner together in the spots between work and school. The pair of husbands hadn’t had much in the company department apart from…well, each other.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{December, Freshman Year of College}

Bill tightened his grip around Eddie’s body and attempted to tackle him into the snow but the little demon managed to turn the tables and get the advantage on him. He did not let him fall onto the cold snow but was trying to make sure Bill knew who had one this little play-fight. “Alright, I g-g-give!” He chuckled and Eddie backed off with a skip in his step.

“Ben and Bev s-seemed to have found their ideal apartment!-”

“So I’ve heard.” Eddie smiled and wiggled his cold toes in his shoes. “I talked to Ben on the phone for like two hours last night. Told me all about their plan.” He rolled his lips together and felt the bit of winter at the tips of his ears. “They got their apartment to dwell in for the next three years-”

“And than off to Chicago after graduation!” Bill chuckled, so excited for their best friends.

Eddie nodded but fell silent as they stepped into the same pace, walking through campus without a true destination. “How’s the search goin’ for you two?” Bill asked the question he’d been dreading to answer.

“Mmmm-” Eddie hummed and looked off to the side. “It’s going, alright. we’d like to have something to move into by the start of Sophomore year cause the dorm is way too tight. But it’s gotta be in our price range…” Eddie shrugged. The two of them had been doing fairly ok for a couple of college kids. He’d been balancing school and his job at the shop in town. But Richie-

“Man, I’m so fucking proud of Richie, Bill.” Eddie giggled happily at the thought as Bill threaded their arms together so neither of them slipped on any ice. “He’s somehow balancing classes, his job down at the restaurant and he’s doing the radio shows here…” Eddie glanced up at the school.

Bill shook their grip a little and his smile could’ve blinded. “I’m s-s-so happy for you two. Things seem t-t-to be going pretty smoothly.”

Eddie nodded, mind going back to the night he and Richie lingered in the radio broadcasting room after his show. It’d been snowing extremely hard that night and neither one of them had been eager to run on back to ‘James Taylor’ when the weather would surely bite and they’d have to wait forever for the car to warm itself up. So they stalled for as long as they could.

He blushed at the memory.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{May, just before Sophomore Year of College}

The apartment hunt worked it’s magic and the happy couple had been to find themselves a warm building. It was fairly cheap so it wasn’t what one would call paradise but it was miles better then their tiny dorm room.

Their first year of school had passed them by and gifted them a better perspective on their wants & needs, whether they voiced them to each other was a whole separate issue. They moved in towards the end of June and Eddie had been prescribed his anxiety medication a short four days later.

Richie had noticed his husbands anxiety starting to come up on a rise the past few months. Eddie got sick quite a bit more often and seemed to hopelessly latch onto it. Making himself believe it’s still plaguing him when it’s more or less been gone. There’d been an incident some weeks ago where his husband got to his tipping point. He’d stayed up all night feeling phantom nausea because of a simple test. It’d never been so bad for him before.

So Richie held his hand through and through, making an appointment with the doctor who talked with his husband for a long while. And Eddie left with a piece of paper telling him a low-dose of medication to try out would be waiting for him at their local Walgreens.

“I miss the ol’ gang, we need to get everyone together soon.” Richie sighed and poured Eddie some of the red wine he liked so much, which in moderation was good for the heart, he’d always say. The shorter man took his glass and cuddled up against Richie’s chest and nodded.

They were preparing for a nice and calm movie night even though they should’ve been spending their time unpacking. The boxes were taking up a lot of floor space but with the messes that they could be sometimes, they didn’t really mind.

Two paintings from Sears, three from the local thrift store, a funky chair from Ben’s childhood-home basement and a plaid couch from Bill’s were some of their new ‘purchases’. But the apartment was already starting to feel like home, as long as they had each other anyway.

“Stan passed that exam he was so worried about, I damn well told him that would happen.” Richie chuckled into his own glass and fogged it up while the TV menu appeared.

“We all told him.” Eddie teasingly tipped Richie’s glass with the tip of his finger when he went for another sip. This was rewarded with a sloppy, wet red-wine kiss being pressed against his cheek. Eddie giggled and tried to shove his husband off. “I love you so much, asshole. You know that?”

Richie blushed like a lovesick kid and rubbed his nose into Eddie’s hair as he shook his head. “Not as much as I love you.” He spoke genuinely that Eddie felt that familiar melting sensation. So he reached his hand back to pet the man’s cheek and feel his heat.

“I don’t want to fight on our wedding anniversary but you’re wrong. I love you so much more-!” Eddie was interrupted by Richie shoving his tongue into his ear and his gasp of disgust mixed with laughter he couldn’t help.

The idiots began shoving and tickling each other without a care in the world, balancing their wine glasses because they were too focused to put them back on the table. They’d just have to risk spilling.

They might not have been rolling in the money but they had this. And that was all that mattered. It reminded Richie of a song, so he started mumbling the words into the crook of his love’s neck.

“-And even though we ain’t got money I’m so in love with you honey And everything will bring a chain of love And in the mornin’ when I rise Bring a tear of joy to my eyes And tell me everything is gonna be alright…”

Eddie couldn’t help but sing along with him, eyes glazed over with admiration and true, fine love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{July , Sophomore Year of College}

The sun was always very fond of Richie, at least Eddie always thought so. The light was consistently complimentary to the man and had this way of making him look like the picture of the sunny 70′s.

“What are you doing?” Richie squinted as he walked briskly to the front of the apartment building where Eddie was sat, hands shoved in his pockets. He’d been gone for a while now and the pair may or may not have left on bad terms…fresh from an argument about something stupid.

“I went out after you left….-” He pointed his thumb at the door behind him. “Got locked out.”

Richie rolled his eyes fondly and got his own key from his pocket as Eddie stood and followed behind him. “Where’s your key? And where did you go?”

The man behind him went quiet again in that eerie way could really freak Richie out sometimes. “Forgot it here. And I um…-I went to Marty’s.” He shrugged like it was no big deal but he knew for certain that it was an explosion waiting to happen. Richie looked at him with fury as they got to his door.

“You went to the bar to look for me?” He glared and it felt as if Eddie’s stomach was suddenly tied in a huge knot.

“You can’t blame me!” He went straight into defense and followed the guy into their lonesome apartment. The air grew with tension as his partner chose not to speak and instead went about the place doing small clean-ups. This only made Eddie feel even more angry. “You honestly can’t blame me. You’ve been known to go there a lot, Rich.”

“I’m not some sorry man that you need to look out for, Ed’s. I know I can…drink a bit more than planned but…” He suddenly turned from his position at the sink. “I don’t just go out drinking because we had a fight. The place had an opening for it’s open mic night and I thought I might try to get a spot for my comedy, you know?” He threw down a dish-towel and Eddie swallowed a lump in his throat.

“I feel like the asshole of the year” He ran his hand through his hair and sat down on the couch, hoping that the ‘fight’ would ease up. “I just thought…you were so upset when you left and it reminded me of the night I had to pick you up-”

“I’m sorry about that, Eddie. I…-losing the restaurant job got me all wigged out. I know that’s no excuse to drink myself sick but…it wasn’t that often and that shit is over now.” Richie grabbed Eddie’s hands and kissed him softly.

“This is not a good period for us, Richie.” Eddie got the hint that the fight had basically run it’s course and they sat down on their couch.

Richie opened and closed his mouth, deciding to just tilt his head back and sigh. There was nothing more for them to say. So they just allowed themselves to enjoy being with the one they loved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{September, Sophomore Year of College}

Richie felt a growing pain in his head. It flared every few minutes and he could almost smell the scent of something burning each time it hit him. The quick intensity was becoming harder and harder to ignore considering Eddie pitter-patting the length of their kitchen. There would be a few minutes of soothing silence and he’d think he was safe…just the distant and quiet hum of the television-*Slam* another clatter from the cold cracking dishes. His ache would start from the base of his back, travel up his spine in the form of a chill and then burst into his temples.

“What are you doing in there?” Richie finally broke their record-breaking twenty minute silence. It had been strange and he was glad the opportunity to speak came up. He turned and due to the small space, he could stare right at the other man in the dining-kitchen area.

“The dishes. Y’know. You eat off of them, I clean them. Ever heard of it?” Eddie remarked with snark. That would have usually launched them into a round of their usual playful bickering but for some odd reason, maybe the headache, it just irritated Richie to hear it.

“I do my part around here.” He scowled and spoke harshly, rolling his eyes. Turning back a little away from.

They’d made it through another week and were back at the beginning of another weekend, magically. Richie and Eddie had attempted many times in the past week or so to plan some kind of exciting date night. But the more time went on, they just seemed to forget or become far too busy. It was agonizing and isolating. Sure they had each other but it just wasn’t…fully satisfying?

Richie felt his lunch launch back up his throat, he harshly swallowed it and let himself feel sick to his stomach. And suddenly, he had a burning question in the back of his mind. It had lingered there for the past few nights but he’d been too…well himself to ask it. But it suddenly pained him not to. He turned again, leaning his arm on the back of the couch. “You’re not…mad at me, are you?” He played with his fingers.

Eddie looked up with a confused expression. “Your tone was hardly nice but I’m not mad-”

“No, not because of that, Spaghetti man.” Richie couldn’t help but grin a little. Eddie smiled right back and it was a nice moment. He bathed in it for a few minutes before deciding to explain himself. “I know I’ve been a piece of work lately…”

Neither had spoken that to light but it may have been true. Richie being fired from the restaurant job he loved which had been a whole event had cause some issues. The need for a job search was sudden and a little difficult. And he may have been a little on edge lately waiting for the bar with the open mic night opening to call him back. But Eddie knew the strain was only because Richie was concerned for their life together. In fact, Eddie was more disappointed that Richie couldn’t focus on the radio show at school that he loved so much.

Eddie thought about making another joke but decided against. Rather, he put his dishes to the side and strolled over and slowly sat beside his boy. Instinctively, he reached over to brush his hair back and lingered his hand there.

“And I don’t admit to that…like ever. So, take it while you can.” Richie stole a joke and laughed lightly. But both of them knew he was not too happy and both of them were worried.

“It’s not comforting when you talk like you despise yourself, y’know?” Eddie blinked. That comment hadn’t been one of Richie’s worst in the last week but it sure wasn’t warm. It was hard to ignore the man’s self-deprecating attitude as of late. And Eddie would never want to just ignore it. In all honesty, it was deeply unsettling but not uncommon to hear the other man talk like that.

As long as he’d known him, Richie put on a front that he was some confident, funny man entertainer. It was so smooth and effortless that it was entirely convincing. Hearing him crack jokes and smirk at his own reckless and daring behavior gave the illusion that it wasn’t stemming from insecurity. Eddie quickly saw through the facade after truly getting to know Richie.

“I’m sorry, Eds.”

“Don’t apologize, Rich.” Eddie kissed the top of his head and then trailed down to his temple. Not for the first time, Eddie felt a rush of guilt. Part of him felt responsible for the fact that Richie was stuck at the University of Maine instead somewhere like…California. Maybe if he hadn’t just pushed away that conversation with Stan all that time ago. Maybe if he’d voiced his confusion back then…

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Richie sighed into Eddie’s grip.

“Me too, Rich.” Eddie hugged him as tight as he could and dreaded the moment he’d have to let him go.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{November, Sophomore Year of College}

Party streamers were burrowed into the carpeting of the apartment, pounded there from all the dancing. From the neat little window where the tiny balcony sat, the low-hanging sun scattered the room in gold flecks of light. The trees were changing for the upcoming season, Richie’s favorite holiday coming with it. The town was soon to be rid of the deep reds and beautiful oranges. Eddie had a fleeting moment of joy when he thought about the smiles Richie would soon get when observing the scenery. It lasted for a second or two.

The Losers Club had been fully reunited for the best Birthday Party one could imagine. Richie had spent ages organizing everyone’s return for Eddie’s special day. Stanley Uris had got past his 4-hour drive with a smile on his face because seeing all his best friends worth it.

But now came the end of the night, where the decorations hung with a lonesome kind of drowsiness. The apartment had once been tuned to an exciting F.M. but when the last guest left, the dial turned to the A.M. radio. Not literally, but that’s just how Richie felt about it…hard to explain the shit his mind compared things to.

It reminded him of the Christmas parties hosted by his aunt that he’d been taken to as a little tot. The holly-jolly music carried all the guests and filled them with their take of Holiday joy. But on the way home, Richie would be long tired and ready to sleep. As he would dowse, his parents played the A.M. stations. It signaled to him the end of fun and that was the energy in their apartment now.

Eddie started whistling a tune as he dug through their bin of CD’s, eyes never leaving his partners which only made Richie hide his blush behind the large wine glass he’d stolen.

‘You know I can’t smile without you I can’t smile without you I can’t laugh and I can’t sing I’m finding it hard to do anything…’

Richie faked like he was tired of this song but truly he was on cloud 9. “My lovely Ed’s loves his Barry Manilow.” He smirked and held out his hand so the exhausted love of his life could dance with him. “And please, don’t give me the excuse that it’s only cause it’s what you grew up listening to. You love him, Eds.”

Eddie pursed his lips and shrugged, accepting Richie’s hand and twirling himself to Richie’s chest. “This song reminds me of you…” He hummed when Richie ran his hand down his cheek. The dying evening sun cascaded in through the window and bathed their bodies in bittersweet tangerine light. They swirled about their living area carpet in the vacuum of dry and unforgiving air because their heater was on the fritz.

“You requested off work for Christmas, right?” Richie asked and Eddie sighed.

“No, sorry. I forgot.” He spun under Richie’s arm and allowed himself to be pulled right back. Richie softly slapped his shoulder and nodded. They were due back to the Tozier’s household soon. After Richie had told them about that runaway wedding and teen engagement…they’d been fairly pissed. But things were better now.

“S’fine, baby.” Richie mumbled into his hair as they swayed together.

“Richie?” Eddie sucked in some air and thought it to be a now or never kind of situation. His man looked down at him with wide, loving eyes and gave Eddie hope that everything would work out. They stayed dancing. “Do you remember the night we all fought in the car after we told everyone we got married…when I ran off?”

Richie nodded, opening his mouth.

“-Remember when Stan said something about my being confused about wanting to go to the University of Maine?”

“Yeah….why-ummm, why are we bringing this up now?” Richie pulled back a little but they kept swaying as the song went on and on. “Has something changed?”

Eddie bit hard into his lip. “I’ve been thinking about us lately.”

Richie was especially good at making himself look smaller. Sometimes, when Eddie looked at him it was hard not to just take the man into his arms. When Richie was upset, he felt it deep within himself just the same. One of the worst parts of this whole mess was having to witness such emotions from the man he loved. Richie was leaning with his back against the couch to better feel the warmth from the sun-spot coming through the window and it was a breathtaking image. Golden sun-rays threaded through his hair and glazed his entire body and there was a peace there that was soothing. As he admired all that it was and all that he would miss, it occurred to him that maybe the man needed to actually hear some of that love that was on his mind.“Richie?”

The man dropped their hands and nodded. “Sorry, sorry. What have you been thinking about, Eddie?”

Eddie swung his arms around nervously and sighed. “Sometimes I wonder if our friends were right…about our marriage.”

Richie felt his heart completely shatter. “Eddie, I-”

“Wait, just hear me out.” Eddie held up his hand to gently pause the man he loved so, so much. “I am so in love with you, Richie. I love being your husband.” He saw a quick picture of the face that old man, Oliver, had made when talking about his wife all that time ago. “It’s just…I think our relationship and later…our marriage kept you from going to California like you always wanted to.”

“Eddie, that’s ridiculous-”

“Is it though? The reason you applied University of Maine was because you wanted to be with me. The reason you ended up actually going was a commitment to our marriage…” Eddie sniffled back some tears and tried not to drown in the guilt. “And the reason I applied was because….I was scared to be far from my mom, not because I wanted to go.”

Eddie admitted that to his shoes and let out a horrible sob. Richie came over to pull the boy into his arms. “Hey, hey, hey…Shhhh, Ed’s. Take a breath.” He ran his hands through the boys hair and they went quiet so Eddie could collect himself. And when he did, Richie stepped back again.

“I love you but I feel like our marriage is holding us back, baby.” Eddie cringed when Richie let out his own sob. “I’m so so so scared that I’m gonna need someone to take care of me for my whole life…” Eddie went on and Richie tried very hard to listen. “I’m such a dependent person sometimes and…I-I don’t think jumping from a dependent relationship with my mother to a committed marriage was a great thing for me…no matter how much I love you.”

Richie’s heart shattered. “Eddie…but I’m not like your mother. I’m not gonna smother you or-”

“I know that.” Eddie frowned. “Damn sure of that. But the problem is me, Richie.” He shook his head and sort of hated himself. “This situation that my mother created for me has made me too comfortable with always having someone take care of me. I let it fucking happen because I’ve been forced to be dependent my whole childhood…my whole life.”

“And I don’t wanna live like that.” Eddie broke into a full sub and fell to his knees on the carpet, smashing more dead party streamers. Richie fell down in front of him and hopelessly pulled him in for a hug.

“Eddie…-”

“I don’t wanna hold you back anymore, Richie. And I gotta…” He hiccuped into Richie’s chest. “I have to get some perspective on life and shit. Be independent for once in my damn life.”

“Eddie, why didn’t you talk to me-?”

“I didn’t really realize this shit until a few days ago, Richie. And I was scared you’d think it was because I didn’t love you. Which is Bullshit. I love you more than anything. You’re the one I’m supposed to be with just…not like this. Not in this situation, right now.” Eddie pulled back, a little bit more relaxed and grabbed Richie’s hands. “So I think I should go. We should take a break. I don’t know for how long-”

“Eddie. We can work this out.” He pathetically begged and tugged his husband’s arms.

“We can.” Eddie agreed. “Just by ourselves first. Separated.”

Richie hiccuped himself and shook his head. “No, Eddie. We need to be together..I-.” He frowned. “If you walk out that door, that’s it. Not a break. We’ll be broken up. That’s it.” Richie stood up and looked down at the love of his life hoping to anything that would listen that Eddie might change his mind because of his juvenile threat.

Eddie looked up with wide, watery eyes. “This is something I have to do, Richie. Something you have to do too. I want the best life for you so if you’re gonna damn threaten me than I’ll have to take it. If being broken up means that you’ll get the life you deserve, well that’s the path we’ll take.” Eddie hopped up and ran to the bedroom, starting to get his shit together in a suitcase.

Richie felt the wind get knocked out of him as he chased Eddie around the apartment, slowly falling apart with everything he threw in the suitcase. “Eddie. Please slow down. Stop-”

“I’m going to Bill’s.” Eddie made it to the front door with a suitcase full of random clothes that he hoped would get him through at least a week. He hovered his hand on the doorknob.

“I mean it, Eddie. You leave and that’s it.” Richie sobbed. Eddie looked at him with all the love in his soul….

He turned the knob and left Richie to crumble onto his carpet and cry his eyes out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{A week later….}

The night was a trying one for Richie. The apartment was practically dead apart from the terribly busy sounding quick taps of a keyboard. And though he was the one making that sound, it didn’t stop it from slowly driving him insane. His stomach turned from the mixture of anger and nerves that were boiling inside. So instead of slamming his head into his palms and letting out the emotions, he composed himself. He sat straight and tall, threading his slim fingers together. He copycatted those relaxing breaths Mike had once taught him.

He was attempting to get some homework done and treated himself to glass of chocolate milk like he was a child. Just as the last drop splashed in the glass, his phone began ringing.

“Eddie’s coming over there in like twenty minutes.” Bill’s cool voice spoke from over the phone and Richie’s hopes climbed so high. “Don’t get t-t-too excited. He just wants to p-pick up some more clothes and his medication.”

Richie nodded and sighed. By now, the news must have traveled to every member of The Losers Club and for once in his life, Richie was glad Stan was far away. He couldn’t face him knowing his best friend had been right the entire time and he had to learn it the hard way instead of hearing him out all that time ago. He’d rather be in his father’s dentist chair than face Stan anytime soon.

“You ok, Rich?”

Richie shrugged even though Bill couldn’t see. “Try absolutely heart-broken, Billiam.”

Bill’s end went quiet until he let out a sigh. “I know this is hard on you guys but Richie, try to understand that this is really i-i-important to Eddie.” Bill echoed Eddie’s sentiment and Richie felt a tear try to escape. He was right. He’d been as jerk to refuse the break Eddie had offered. Living independently seemed like something that meant a lot to his…-to Eddie.

He hated to admit it but he waited around for Eddie pathetically for the whole twenty-five minutes it took for him to arrive. What really put the nail in the coffin was the fact that Eddie buzzed. As permission to enter the apartment building they were supposed to be living in together. He insisted that Eddie not knock once upstairs, just walk in the damn room.

The front door closed alarmingly soft but Richie picked it up nonetheless and his head snapped up. The sight he took in was to be expected but still extremely painful no matter what. Eddie seemed unable to let go of the doorknob, eyes watered to the point of boiling over. He slowly raised himself off the couch and made his way over. He gently reached out and unclasped Eddie’s hand for him which shocked the smaller man. “Let’s talk? Before you go.” He soothed. He then guided him inside.

The pair made themselves comfortable at the kitchen counter and stood their in silence for a few seconds. Eddie’s eyes dragged over the homework scattered around and couldn’t help but smile at the glass of Chocolate milk. It made Richie blush.

“I just want to say that I’m sorry for being such an ass.” Richie swallowed under Eddie’s watchful, wide and watery eyes. “You…you were trying to be honest with me and I-….”

Eddie shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize. I sprung this all on you and just expected you to….-Well, I don’t really know what I expected.” His shrug rolled flawlessly off his shoulders and they both let out a long sigh.

“Ed’s, I don’t want our life together to start out like this-” Richie gestured between them, thinking of the strain lingering there for some time now. “So if this is what you want…-Something we need then it has to happen.”

Eddie licked his lips and looked away briefly. “You should get out of Maine, Rich. You belong somewhere…big in personality.” He chuckled a little.

“Correct you are, Eddie my boy-” Richie habitually grinned before letting it fall off his face. “This place…this school-” He gestured to the homework “They’re not where I should be…where we should be.”

Richie and Eddie’s eyes met once more but both seemed far too nervous to keep the contact. Both opting to stare off somewhere else. “I was selfish to ask this to be a break-to ask you to wait for me…”

Richie stood up straighter and frowned. “Ed’s no-…I was stupid for threatening a breakup…”

The two of them stared each other down again, both barely holding it together. It was pathetic really-the two of them standing in the crappy kitchen with tears just streaming down their faces. “I want you to live, Rich. That good, fast life that’s meant for you. I don’t want you to be waiting for me-”

Richie remembered some Billy Joel song, it played far off in his head. ‘You’re only standing there 'cause somebody once did somebody wrong. But you’ll be sleeping with the television on…’

“I don’t know what to say…for the first time in my life, huh?” Richie pathetically giggled but choked it down when Eddie grew even more concerned. “So, we thinking a divorce…or…?” Richie tried to be falsely cheer but it only seemed to break him in the last possible way. He hiccuped and bent forward as a sob wrecked his body. Eddie ran to him, he always did so.

And the two men stood in a shitty apartment kitchen and gripped tightly onto each other. Crying into Eddie’s shoulder or Richie’s chest. Whichever, didn’t really matter because soon that great option would be gone and anymore tears they shed would be coddled alone.

~~~~~~~

After Eddie left the place, Richie completely broke down in his living room in a mirrored way to Eddie’s breakdown in Bill’s apartment…though it took them both around an hour to truly let it flow…at almost the exact same time…they broke…

A small glass of perfume sat on a dresser in the guest room housing Eddie. It was the small and delicate glass with a large daisy stopper blocking any leakage.

It sat there, absolutely still, as a pair of hands quickly picked and pulled from the array of products sat around it. But with that speed came clumsiness and the hands just darted to fast on the pull-back of some papers and down came the bottle. Knocking it off the counter and revealing the ring of dust that had been living underneath it.

Eddie paused for a moment before peeking over the lip of the dresser to find the tiny bottle. The rounded broken piece was rolling just the slightest bit while the rest of the tiny shards bathed in the small puddle of the scent leaking out.

That perfume had once belonged to his mother, her favorite scent. He’d taken it with him upon leaving for school that first time because…it was a sort of comforting smell. Call it pathetic aromatherapy? It gave him a sense of her old coddling. Kneeling down, he intended to start cleaning the mess up but he hesitated. The tip of his finger laid frozen in the burgundy puddle as a wave of emotion fell upon him. He’d been holding back on truly coming to terms with what his mind and body ached for. But looking at the old shattered tie to his smothering mother on Bill’s hardwood floor…the gate was opened without his permission.

A flood of tears finally broke past his eyes again and rolled down his cheeks, the heat from his previous restrain could almost burn his skin. In an instant he was near hysterical. His breathing was rapid and short as it became harder for him to push-back the devastation. More then anything in his life he wanted to call Richie…he wanted him with him. But at the same time he was desperate to shove him away entirely and gain some damn independence…let Richie breathe.

The palm of his hand curled over his mouth in an attempt to block some of the sound from breaching the thin walls of Bill’s home. He did not want Bill to hear any bit of this breakdown, he didn’t need to see him so…sad. He was already taking him in until he got back on his feet and he didn’t need anymore stress so he just needed to be strong, he was usually extremely good at that. It was enough that he’d broken down when facing the love of his life. There’d be nothing more now.

A deep breath or two and he was off the floor and on his way to collect a dust-pan and broom.

But as always, Bill Denbrough seemed to sense the trouble and came to Eddie.

‘Fuck’ that broke Eddie again. Bill took his second ‘little’ brother into his arms and they both swayed. Bill, who wasn’t scared of anything at all in the eyes of his best friends…feared for these two. He looked up, some of Eddie’s hair catching his eyes, and he hoped to anything that would listen that Richie and Eddie will work it out. The Losers Club had always just assumed they’d be together forever since they were little…just the same as they assumed it for Ben and Beverly when they found each other.

Richie and Eddie were far too young to be going through a divorce.

~~~~~~~

Richie curled up on his couch, going from mindlessly watching the Food Network to sleeping to the sound of ‘Friends’. His eyes burned from all the shitty crying and staring at his laptop screen. He’d even managed to get that homework done. But now he was at a loss.

Part of him ached to call his parents. They’d know what to say but it gave him the same dread that calling up Stan would.

If he came to them crying, it only further hammered in the point that they’d been right all along. Marrying your sweetheart in High School was a bad idea. Who knew?

Richie was awakened by the sound of the buzzer. He shuffled out of bed and let whoever it was come up, hoping it was Mike. He was the best of em’ and he always had something kind to say even if you’d been in the wrong…Mike was always on your side.

When the knocking came, Richie eagerly walked to the door and…

“Hey.”

Stanley Uris hiked up a bag slung over his shoulder and smiled gently. Richie kinda wanted to throw up just the same as he wanted to hug him. “Big Bill told everyone, right?” Richie smirked and nodded to himself, bouncing on his feet. “Come to tell me how right you were-? Tell me that if i’d only listened to you this never would’ve happened-”

Stan took the bag of his shoulder and set it near Richie’s feet. “You know me better than that, asshole.” He frowned but opened his arms wide. It was a sight that drove Richie back into his fucking tears. He fell into the arms of his friend and sobbed again and again until it was time to breathe.

Stan rubbed a hand through his hair and tried to calm him. “You’re gonna be ok, Rich.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So life went on the way it always does for The Losers Club. Best friends. Before the start of his Junior year, Richie decided to take a good ol’ road-trip down to California for a small summer taste of it all. With him, he took Michael Hanlon who desperately needed the break.

But as life would have it, Mike returned to Maine alone. Richie’s summer taste turned into a full-on love affair that lead him to start the hectic process of transferring schools.

Ben and Beverly waited until graduation but left for Chicago the instant it was over. Both of them had worked internships at offices for their respective career choices and earned themselves singing recommendations.

Stanley Uris finished up in Vermont, meeting the loveliest girl in the process, Patty. And the two of them flooded off to Georgia where Stan was eerily 100% sure was the right place. And almost instantly, they seemed to fall into the dreamiest of job situations.

Michael went off to Florida. The place which had been calling him since he was young and became a full-time librarian at one of the finest library’s he’d ever set foot in.

Bill continued with his writing and traveled to New York in the middle of his junior year which funnily enough was where Eddie had been drawn too as well. From there, Bill met and fell for a girl called Audra.

As Eddie started work at a nice office for Risk Analysis, Richie got his dream job at a California Radio Station.

There were plenty of visits, phone-calls and group-chats to keep the love flowing. Because after all, Losers stick together…

Even if a once couple…married couple…seemed to drift away from each other. After the divorce papers were signed…Richie&Eddie became Richie and Eddie.

In desperate fear, they became the most distant of the bunch. Not with the others. No. Just each other. Which was truly devastating when everyone knew how much they loved each other.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{December, Ten years later}

“-And a real famous cat all dressed up in red. And he spends the whole year workin’ out on his sled. It’s the little Saint Nick. Ooooo, little Saint Nick!”

Richie Tozier turned right down the next small street and seemed to forget to use his blinker. He tapped his hands against the wheel as if it were his very own drum-set and chuckled to himself. Being back in Derry was certainly a trip.

But with the Holiday’s, it came time for Ol’ Richie to visit the parents who were still cuddled up in their tiny-town home. Part of him was kind of excited to see the little stop-and-shop piece of shit town again. It’d been a solid couple of years since the last time he’d set foot on Derry’s fine streets.

“She’s candy-apple red with a ski for a wheel. And when Santa hits the gas, man, just watch her peel-”

Richie hit the brake far harder than intended but the minor choking from the seat-belt was worth it. Right in perfect view was…damn Eddie Kaspbrak walking down the side-walk, hands shoved into his jacket pockets. The night air was a bitter kind of chill and snow was beginning to fall. Richie bit hard into the smirk now coming over his face.

He pulled the car close to the curb and rolled the window down. Sticking his head out, he did his best cat-call whistle (not that he did that kinda thing-ha ha). Eddie did not spare a glance, just walked a little faster so-

“HEY ASSHOLE!!” Richie laughed wildly, still cruising slowly.

Eddie stopped in his tracks and snapped his head to the right, eyes widening almost instantly. “Dick! That you? Didn’t recognize you in that…” He glanced over the supremely nice car with something of wonder…wanting to get his hands all over it. “Sweet car, man.” Eddie strolled forward, Richie felt his chest tighten with joy. “What happened to ‘James Taylor’?” he pouted his lips and rested his hands on the open ledge of the window.

“Ah, Ed’s my boy. You see….-” Richie tapped the mirror with charm and tried to hide his blush. “When you’re a successful as I am-”

Eddie hunched over slightly in laughter, bringing their faces much closer together. So close that Richie thought he might lose what little cool he had. “Good to know you stayed just as humble as you used to be.”

They chuckled together before Richie found himself astoundingly nervous again. “Your mom drag you back here for the Holiday’s?”

Eddie licked his lips and nodded. “Something like that-” He rubbed his finger into the corner of his eyes. “My mom died, actually. I’m in town for the um-funeral arrangements and all that jazz, baby.” He pathetically waved his hands in a mock dance. It struck Richie as odd, it seemed like more of something that he’d do.

“I’m sorry, Eddie.” He hoped to sound genuine which in part, he was. But there was that large part of distaste and hatred in his soul for Sonia that only had grown larger over the years.

“Yeah, it’s fine.” He looked away and shivered a little in the night air. “I was just taking a walk to clear my head.”

“Wanna clear it in here?” Richie gestured to the empty passengers seat which was far from the picture of calm. The vehicle was decorated very closely to the way one’s home would be for the holidays. String lights around the ceiling and a Little Tree Freshener spun in fake toy-dollhouse lights hung over the rear-view mirror. It made Eddie unbelievably giddy. Such a Richie thing to do.

“Oh definitely.” Good to know that they were still just as good at ignoring the issues in favor of the natural chemistry they had together. It was a charm that got them into a lot of trouble in the past. But Eddie didn’t mind, he walked around and hopped inside with excitement.

Richie pulled off the curb and leaned over dangerously to open the glovebox where two Santa hats laid. “Wanna be go for matching?”

“Oh, hell yeah. Obviously” Eddie shrugged with his toothy grin that Richie had always adored. So they sat in their seats…in red & white holiday hats…like a pair idiots. But Eddie just had to admire this long lost love of his.

“I’m so proud of you, Rich.” Eddie let that comment slip and Richie blushed. “I watched that comedy special you did-”

“We did the right thing.” Richie interrupted Eddie no matter how hard it was to stop such a delightful giggle. His ex fell silent and time was passed in the company of the sound of the Christmas tunes and rolling tires on loud streets.

“Hey-”

Eddie blinked up to find Richie pulling closer to the curb again and pointing. “That’s the um-that’s that bench where Bill totally flipped over on his bike. Remember? He was distracted-”

“By you and your impression of that cop. I remember.” Eddie giggled again and the tension was lifted once more. “If you go up the street a little…yeah-”

Eddie snapped his fingers as Richie followed his direction, the bell at the end of his hat jingled. “That’s where I ran off to that night I pretended that I had to puke…”

The park looked a little deserted and Richie had to laugh at the picture of his once boyfriend sprinting down the sidewalk, so tipsy.

“Ben came and got me…” He looked towards the gazebo with love in his eyes. “He was really there for me that night.” He nodded and Richie decided to move on with this fun tour of Derry’s hot-spots.

The two of them cruised past so many of the Losers Club’s old favorite places and shared everything attached to them again.

They pulled down a lonesome street and found the sight of the drive-in root-beer place. It was still across the street from the abandoned 7/11 that used to be a CVS where no one had ever shopped. Except now, it was an open Walgreens. Both of them stared down the Drive-in….

“Still open…impressive.” Richie pulled onto the curb a bit and parked. He glanced at his friend who was now opening the car door and climbing out. “Oh, we’re going inside?”

“Hell yeah.” Eddie leaned back down into the window, eyes wide and hoping. Richie was overcome with a great sense of joy. He shut the car off and followed the man of his dreams into the restaurant that held all their first date memories.

~~~~~~~

“Would it impress you to see me eat AND keep down my hot-dog dipped in the Root-Beer Float?” Richie asked, swirling his airborne dog in the open air over the sweet drink.

Eddie giggled. “That’s disgusting. Please don’t do that for the sake of my entertainment.”

Richie set down his dog and leaned back on the orange vinyl, thinking of Skip Larson’s flying homework assignments again. “Why did you give me that second date, Ed’s?” He asked, looking away and at his meal.

Eddie slurped down some of his drink and grinned. “Easy. I was in love with you. No amount of vomit could change that.”

Richie covered his grin with his cupped hand. “Thank you for doing what you did, Eddie-”

“I don’t know that I’ll ever feel good about hurting you like that, Richie. For us drifting apart like that. That shit keeps me up at night.” Eddie shook his head and Richie sighed because ‘yeah, that shit sucked’. He set his napkin down and strolled over to Eddie’s side of the booth.

“The marriage was a mistake…” He nodded. “But you were never the mistake, Eddie.” He stared into his eyes with direct contact for the first time in a long while. It threw them both for a wild shake. “If we didn’t stop it when we did…” He shrugged. “We would have gotten too comfortable with the settling we were doing in Maine. It wouldn’t have worked out.”

“I still feel like shit-”

“Ok so, you feel like shit. But look at you, living a damn good life. You’re successful. You like your job-”

“Love my job.” Eddie added because it was true. It was something he was heavily invested in.

“Love your job. Got to New York, where you were meant to be…your soul place, I think. And hell, Eddie you’re so fucking independent. The guys talk about how proud they are all the time. I’m proud as shit too. A nice fuck you to Sonia Kaspbrak-” Richie paused, realizing how inappropriate that was considering. But Eddie only nodded in agreement.

“A nice fuck you.” He repeated in confirmation. There was still some kind of love and there always would be but…he didn’t have to like her to love her. Maybe that was sad.

“And I-…well, I got my radio show in California and it means so much to me, baby. We never…ever would have got that shit on the path we were stuck on. So yeah, we’ll feel like shit for losing these years but it’s better than the place we were all those years ago.” Richie threw his arm around Eddie and the smaller of the two sighed into it. “Now, I didn’t miss ya much myself-” Richie exaggerated his hand gestures. “BUT My parents, for one, missed you like crazy.”

Eddie giggled. “How are the Toziers?” he asked, a new fry hanging slightly from his mouth.

“Oh, my favorite old people are living it up. My mother and I have never had a better relationship, I swear on it. I talk to em’ like every other day. Just can’t get rid of them! Wentworth asks about you a lot if he’s not distracted by the other Losers which the ol’ Toziers begged me to ask them over for the Holiday’s last week.” Richie shrugged and Eddie realized just how much he missed Richie’s folks too.

“I’m still so crazy about you.” Eddie spoke in soft wonderment and bit hard into his lip.

“We’re in the same boat, babe.” Richie grinned.

“Could you give me another chance, you think?” Eddie asked, still believing he deserved for Richie to be mad. “Forgive me?” He added, looking unbelievably nervous.

Richie dunked the Hot-Dog in the float and grinned. “Eddie, my love, don’t ask such dumb questions.” He took a large chunk of the food and swallowed it down with his happy smile. “I said it before and I’ll say it forever, you’ve got nothing to apologize for. Now please, come make-out with me in the bathroom?”

Richie held out his hand which Eddie gladly accepted. They’d finally found their way back to each other and they couldn’t wait to share the news with their best friends.

#this fic is weird and kinda sad at points #hope you like it??#reddie #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #my fanfiction #it chapter 2 #it chapter two #i dont know #it's weird #please tell me how you feel #christmas #holiday fic

36 notes · View notes

bumblesimagines · 4 years

Text

Rewatching Eclipse

Thoughts and shit

"Marry me" "No bitch"

Bell clearly doesn't/isn't ready to get married

"It's called a compromise" stfu

"Knocked up" oof

Ew I'm skipping cuz this cutesy shit ain't for me

Stop being a bitch to Charlie

"Edward is in my life" i think your seventeen and you're an idiot. He's a guy.

Jake wasn't a dick when Bell was in her time of need

He really broke something from her truck to stop her from seeing a friend what a piece of shit

Love that Mike/Ned/Nate

Jasper got a new haircut

"That's what you said last time" ouch, he's right there Bell

With each passing movie, everyone gets prettier

How come they don't bother with contacts? Golden eyes aren't normal

"Super. That makes me super happy." poor Charlie

Why was she staring out into the water like that??

Her mom's cool

She looks fifteen with the sunglasses

TELL HER MAMA

Cool gift. She's not gonna need it lmao

STAY HUMAN YOU'LL FINE BETTER DICK SOMEWHERE ELSE

Y'all look like a cult standing like that

Why'd they change the actress for Victoria? It's so obvious lmao

Wolves

Half of the movies is just running

Rosalie looking out for her man

Emmett and Paul should've been friends

Wtf is that intro song for Jake?? Lmao

Bella and Jake always have angsty moments in bad weather

Stfu Ed

She deserves to know

MiSuNdErStAnDiNg

Jake lmao

He's always lying to you Bells

Jake looked really confused when Bell said she called him

I like the boots Jake

Soundtrack *chefs kiss*

All of them rushing out is so cute awe

Monologue

I love them

L E A H

I love HER

Emily owo

The boys really are like children

Jake don't be a dick Leah's cool

Sam and Leah should've talked

Imprinting is brought up. Finally.

Her her her her what about the gays, Jake?

Wait... I thought Jake did imprint but it was somehow... Not really

A MONTH???

He has a point. She hasn't even lived.

Jake is a dick but he has some fair points.

PRETTY BOY finn? Or was his name Riley?

Leave pops alone pretty boy

His eyes?? IM SO LOST

Rosalie is so 💕💕💕

She has Jake

Aye ya girl was right

You need them Ed

Same here Bella. Both of them are annoying

Monologue

Emmett and Alice look so dumb standing there lmao

Flexing on these hoes

Oof he kisses her just to piss him off

"Hey beautiful" stOP

BONFIRE

Council meeting? Oh oof

History to make her not trust vamps lmao

SETHSETHSETHSETH

OwO i love Seth. His voiceeeeee

Your as cold as ice

Nice shift there buddy.

Screaming match

She couldn't have cut her palm or some shit? But whatever! Love the story

Way to guilt trip Jake lmao

Finn/Riley looks so disgusted but he's so attractive 💕

Emmett has so much chaotic energy i love it

So his name IS Riley aight super cute

Charlie is such a good dad

you're already selfish for constantly lying to her Ed

OOH IS THIS THE SCENE WHERE SHE PUNCHES JAKE AND BREAKS HER HAND??

Mkay truth. Options.

In love or did you imprint?

She just rejected you wHAT DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND

Lmao ain't for long

She wants to change. Ask Ed lmao

Bell is so uncomfortable poor girl

LMAO THE SOUND WHEN HER FIST CONNECTED TO HIS CHEEK JUST *thump*

The way Jake explained it is so funny

Oop Rosalie 💕

Bonding time

I AM TEAM ROSALIE fuck Ed and Jake

FUCK ROYCE

Rosalie deserved better

ROSALIE IS MY QUEEN

Jesus so silent and then just screaming lmao

Riley uwu

Alec and Jane 💕

Damn his back must hurt like a bitch

Jane's voice is so soft

Jessica's speech is *chefs kiss*

Nice party outfit Bell

I wonder if anyone stole anything lmao

Right hook lmao

Highly doubt he made anything

Did they kick everyone out??

RILEY

Oh no nvm

Yeah no shit they're after her

They were made for fighting Bell

Ooh the training scene

You've never met a newborn Bell lmao

Jake you ass

The whole ride there and he didn't notice the bracelet??

WOLVES

They look so soft

Sam noted Carlisle's words lmao

Mr. Jasper Hale

Musiccc

How come the wolves didn't train? Like with each other?

They look so soft

She's bait good to know

Jaspers backstory is so... Oof

He suddenly got an accent

Ma'am

My apologizes ma'am

As a spanish speaker, hearing that over and over again was uncomfortable

Rileyyyy

Why is he so pretty????

Ooof Victoria

as bAIT

Bella looks kind of like Elena lmao

Jake tried to be funny but got pissed off

Stinks

Jasper tried to be nice with the scent comment

"Since I let Sam"

Thanks for mentioning it Bell

But uh, Sam would beat Jacob's ass

It's called a poly relationship, Jake

She broke her hand, If I were her I'd be nervous too

Alice and Charlie.. It's uncomfy

"Like.. Alone?" you're not getting any dick Bell

Charlie said Alice x Bella rights

"wat"

Charlies attempt at the 'talk'

Old school sounds... Terrible

"I'm a virgin!" "aosjaiauha glad we covered that" "Me too!"

Just say you got jelly and go Ed

Pretty bed

She thinks she's gonna get some

"Anything you want is yours" "yoUR DICK"

Ed is a good Christian boy

Bell is super thirsty holy shit

Ed is saving it til marriage good for him

Courted you ugh

That is one ugly- Oh it's your mother's? Wow it's so cute

R I L E Y

So she's lying to him

The talon clan was what I heard lmao

She's pretty too

Put a bandaid on it sweets

What she's trying to say is "it's an ugly ass ring"

They can feel the weather??? Huh??

"Same old same old" you don't even knOW

Aaljaiaha i can imagine them fucking power walking underwater

"What can I do?" stay the hell away

I wanna know what Jake was thinking lmao

"She's in love with me too. She just won't admit it to herself" no Jacob, you're supposed to be her bestie

They're bondingggg

Jake ruined it

Ed seems really sweet and genuine in this scene

THEY 👏 SHOULD'VE 👏 BEEN 👏 A 👏 POLY 👏 COUPLE

The shared smilesss

THEY 👏 SHOULD'VE 👏 BEEN 👏 A 👏 POLY 👏 COUPLE

A flannel in the snow. Lit.

SETH

Oop-

He did deserve to know. He's not fighting lmao

"Maybe I'll get myself killed and make it simple" Go ahead and jump off that cliff/mountain your on Jake

"That's not good enough" bitch-

Jacob your a little bitch for actually kissing her

She's engaged oml lmao

PushhimoffBell

He was gonna go anyways-

More like heard

He's her best friend dude

Does nobody understand platonic love???

We love a good power couple

EMMETT AND PAUL SHOULD'VE BEEN BROS

Seth is babey

Poor Riley he's babey

SETH

Victoria is a good villian. She had a good reason to attack the Cullens.

Riley should've been adopted and become best buds with Seth

You could've just pricked your finger Bell lmao

Her eyes were open in one shot and closed in the next

Only you can prevent forest fires

Lowkey ship Jake and Leah

We can see your faces, no need to take off the hoods lmao

Billy, Carlisle, Charlie, and Sam should've started a 'Done with my children' club

Lmao Jake says Ed isn't as bad as he thought and then said he wasn't as perfect as she thought what??

Give. It. Up. Jake.

The romance field is back. Sigh.

THEY 👏 SHOULD'VE 👏 BEEN 👏 A 👏 POLY 👏 COUPLE

"Like literally stumbling through my life" lmao meee

At least she didn't say I'm not like other girls

Ugly ass ring won. Yay.

#bumbletalks

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southsideprince · 4 years

Text

airing the grievances - a sweet pea and jughead para (discord)

Sweet Pea was sat in the snake ground, a pack of six and a carton of cigarettes. For once it was empty, either people were working or at home and Sweet Pea was enjoying the silence it brought. Raising the bottle to his lips, he took a deep mouthful of the beer. The funeral had been and gone, an emotional day but it was needed to start the process of moving on. Upon hearing footsteps approaching, he looked up, distracted from his inner musings to see Jughead standing there. “Can I help you?”

Jughead had been looking for Sweet Pea, it had been a few days since the funeral and only a couple since the announcement of his father being let go from the police department. Overall, Jughead was feeling down. But he also needed to make things right, if anything it had shown that he and Sweet Pea could find a middle ground and maybe begin working together to get things sorted. After asking around, someone had mentioned seeing him heading for the snake ground and with beer and chips in hand, he made his way over. As he approached, he saw Sweet Pea lookup. At his question, he simply held up the beer and chips with a small shrug. “Thought we could chat?”

He let out a snort, but indicated to the space next to him. “Do what you wish, Jones.” he replied, moving his feet to the ground to make room. “But if this is going to lead to us braiding each others hair and painting nails I’m walking away” he added, raising a brow as he took another sip of his beer.

A smirk graced his lips as he took the offered seat, curling one leg underneath him he turned his body to face Sweet Pea as he cracked open one of the beers. “I’m not down for the nails, but I think you’d suit some pretty little plaits with bows.” he commented, opening the bag of chips and popping one into his mouth.

Sweet Pea shot him a look before taking another sip. “Watch it Jones, or I’ll shave that mop you call hair.” he warned, leaning over to help himself to chips. “But what did you want to talk about?” he asked, curious as to why he’d approached him. He must have made an effort to find him.

Jughead looked affronted and touched his beanie protectively. “You touch my hair and I’ll burn your trailer to the ground.” he threatened, patting it gently. As Sweet Pea helped himself to chips without even a please, Jughead rolled his eyes. “I wanted to thank you for....well for the other day. Stepping up, helping me. It meant a lot.” his voice was less teasing, more sombre as he tried to express his sincerity. It had been tough, preparing it all and getting everything ready. Sweet Pea knew more, knew what had to happen and had guided him through it. Had put aside the differences to help lead and step up when Jughead felt he was floundering.

Sweet Pea focused his gaze on Jughead as he spoke, disregarding the threat- banter could come later. The tone had taken on a serious one and he simply sipped at his beer as he spoke. When Jughead had finished, he remained quiet for a few seconds before taking a large breath and a long sigh. “It was an important event...I wanted to make sure it went correctly because I thought you’d fuck it up. Couldn’t trust you to do it right.” he replied, chewing on his lower lip for a few seconds. Until he ran a hand across his eyes. “But you did good, okay? You took charge, you injected hope and faith and the speech was incredibly fitting- and tell anyone I said this, I’ll knock you sideways but I was proud, okay?” he added, voice quieter as he focused on the grass, not able to meet his gaze as he spoke.

Jughead felt his heart sink at Sweet Pea’s words, not expecting him to be so brutal. It was hard for both of them, but to hear he didn’t have faith in him? He was about to interject until Sweet Pea spoke up once more, only this time it sounded less hostile and more....open. Jughead took a small sip of his beer before clearing his throat. “That means a lot, Sweet Pea. Thank you.” he said, sitting up a little straighter in his seat. “I won’t tell a soul that you actually said a good word about me- jesus, new love must be doing you good?” he added with a small smirk.

Sweet Pea was still staring at the ground, that was until Jughead spoke and thanked him and he managed to look up and meet his gaze once more. It was strange, he didn’t even feel hatred anymore- he could barely remember why he had such resentment for Jughead. It didn’t even seem important anymore, as sad as it was to think, if they hadn’t died would they still be at each other’s throats? He felt a grin stretch across his face, the insinuation of Jughead about him and Reggie made him weak all over. “You really asking me about my love life, Jones? But if you must know, he makes me happy. It’s strange how we just went from enemies to...this. I guess I just got bored punching his face and instead I wanted to kiss it. Funny how the world works.” he said, a genuine smile on his lips. “But it means one war is behind us, there’s still a lot to do and a lot to happen until things are set rightfully but I don’t know, I consider this a good step for us as a family- and with you and Archie as well, I think its the beginning of a new era-”

Jughead wasn’t one to get in the way of romance. It blossomed in strange and weird ways and crept up when least expected. Was it a surprise to him still? Yes. Did he wonder if both had ulterior motives? Of course. And as much as Jughead had his own issues in the past with Reggie it seemed both of them being together was bringing out the better sides of them. “I feel awful now that I kissed him but it makes a hell of a lot of sense on why you looked like you were going to strangle me in my seat. Maybe this is what it took, not just me and Archie being friends but you and Reggie or any other serpent/bulldog/vixen pairing. With everything that has happened it sure helps in getting the town all on the same side. Let’s just hope everyone is on board and can put differences aside.” he replied with a sigh.

Sweet Pea let out a snort, remembering the night of the lock-in and the amount of rage he was holding that night. “I think I was more pissed at our argument earlier that night and it kind of just took the piss with you kissing my sister and my non-boyfriend at the time. Man, fate really had it out for you that night. But I see you got some kisses in yourself loverboy....” he teased, grabbing another beer and tossing his empty to the ground. “Reggie made a public announcement, so here’s hoping it subsides but if you and I and Archie and Reggie are working together it should stop any future bloodshed.” he mused.

Jughead remembered the argument, it was heated and hate-fuelled and nearly ended in them tearing each other to shreds. But Jughead didn’t want to admit that maybe it was some home truths he had been denying. “I’m sorry I went for you about being on the football team, it was petty and stupid. Toni went to the vixens are you’re right, I was being two-faced about it. I guess fate if you want to call it that, decided I had to go through the wringer that night. Or maybe it was bad karma, I don’t know. I may have got kisses, but none of them holds a candle to someone- well that’s not important. It’s complicated.” he murmured, finishing off his beer with a big gulp. “But you were on point with my father and at the time I didn’t want to listen, but with what happened the other day I can’t help but feel something isn’t right. He still isn’t saying anything about why he didn’t help us or give us a heads up and it’s so frustrating!” he grabbed another beer, popping the cap off with ease and drank deeply. It was bothering Jug more than he let on. He just didn’t understand.

Sweet Pea shrugged, already sort of over it. “It’s okay and believe me when I say that. I was harsh and angry and spoke out of anger. At the end of the day, he is your father and I guess I was putting across my own issues onto you and that wasn’t fair. I have no idea why FP is being how he is and I just don’t get it- he was our King before. Loyal, faultless and everything else and it just seems so against him not to give us a heads up. It’s all fucked, I can’t help but feel this is just another way of pushing us to the side and not getting justice for Peaches and Joaquin...” it unnerved him, just how everything was going down. It felt like a move against them. That they still didn't matter despite it being another two dead teenagers.

Jughead could only agree. It was mighty suspicious at best. “I think we’ve both had a misunderstanding of each other, I don’t know much about your past but I’ve picked up enough and the way you care about this club, this family is admirable and I can see how I may have confused that with you being jealous of not being the leader. I didn’t even ask for this, it was just handed to me without consultation and I guess I just wanted to prove myself to him that I didn’t think of the repercussions. You’re a decent guy, Sweet Pea and I admire you and the way you just put everyone first.” it felt like history was being made right now. The way they were speaking, the walls were finally crumbling down and he felt they were getting a clearer view of each other. “I don’t know if was a move to push us further aside but I can assure you, I will not stop until we find out who did this and why. But I can’t do it alone....”

Sweet Pea had held resentment for a while, he had felt it was his right to lead. The things he did, the things he still did to this day just to make sure everyone had at least food on the table and a place to feel safe. But he also realised Jughead was right and neither of them had given the other the chance. Maybe he was getting softer, or maybe he was just done with fighting everything and everyone. “I’ve been more than tough on you, maybe most of it was unneeded. You’ve stepped up every time we've needed you- even if you didn’t ask for it. You’re a good King, I see that now and so does everyone else. You can take this club further and from now on..-” he leant over towards Jughead, holding out his hand. “-you won’t be doing this alone. I got your back. I swear on my life.” he said, finally ready to bury this hatchet and work together. It had all been put into perspective and he didn’t want to lose anyone else.

And there it was. The moment. He didn’t realise how much he needed to hear it and somehow it meant a lot more coming from Sweet Pea than anyone else. Jughead took Sweet Pea’s hand in his, both of them shaking hard. “And I have yours. from this day until my dying day. Let’s nail this fucker to the wall.”

Hands were shaken, bottles were clinked together. That evening the beginning of something new had blossomed and may God have mercy on any soul who tried to get in the way of it.

@jonesingforaburger

#sweet pea #jughead jones #sweet pea solo #//co written by cari and lola

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primedirection · 5 years

Text

Petty

Y/N calls out someone else's name during sex

Warning: Angst & Smut

(AN: Randomly inspired by Battlefield by Jordin Sparks -Actor!Harry& Writer Y/N)

You could say Harry had a sixth sense for it, knowing when you are upset. Especially when he's the one at fault. And although you tried to hide it this time was no different.

Over the past few months his schedule had been a nightmare. Late nights and early mornings attached to movie sets. He knew he left you alone more than the actual time he spent with you. Made countless promises to redeem himself and failed to every single time. It ate at him way more than he let on.

You were growing apart, further and further every day. There was no pleading for attention or arguments over the lack thereof. Only the sweetest sugar coated lies of everything being fine, because you found it easier not to put up a fight anymore.

But he'd be damned if he'd let you go without a fight.

Knowing that all you ever really wanted was his time, he'd start there. Harry would give you all he was able to now that he was in a position to do so. The moment his shooting wrapped he made a beeline for your place. He called within a couples minutes notice before actually showing up on your doorstep, too afraid you'd turn him down if you had time to think about it. Right away he practically felt your hesitance and he hated himself for it.

"Filming wrapped today so I thought I'd come spend some much needed time with yeh. Know I've been shit keepin' track," he rushes out nervously in greeting.

The smile you return makes his stomach churn in slight agony because it's painfully forced with a muttered, "You didn't have to do that."

He wants to fix it so bad, to make everything to go back to what it once was. Harry finds himself encasing you in his arms and to his chest. Hoping that you'd feel his genuine sincerity, "I missed yeh, pet."

His heart swells with relief upon feeling you melt into his hold with a squeeze in return just as tight. But he couldn't allow himself to fully enjoy it. Because even after a few moments like that, of just holding each other and finally releasing you he could still feel it. Reluctance, maybe even animosity he couldn't quite place. He realized then that he'd have to tread lightly. At least until you are ready to properly accept an apology.

From then on the energy between you is off.

What Harry didn't know was that you were just about over it. Not only of the excuses but of the lies. Often he claimed that you were the love of his life and yet when it came to you he always chose everything else. This time in particular another woman.

Pictures of them were everywhere. Together on and off set, in night clubs, on off days with his friends, in restaurants, or shopping like it wasn't a secret. You confronted him about it twice over the phone only to be rudely dismissed and snapped at for 'overreacting' because she 'was his costar' and 'they were just friends!!' After that you never brought it up again and the once so effortless synergy between you was ruined.

If he didn't want to talk about it then you didn't want to talk to him. Like at all. So the calls you shared were short and scarce. Especially due to your new preference of texting. It was so much better than hearing his voice and having to bite your tongue when yet another headline took the world by storm. Nonetheless fighting the urge to ask questions when she pops into the frame while in the midst of having a face time call. He'd hurriedly rush off then and that hurt more than words could explain.

It was exhausting trying to keep the ship afloat on your own. So much to the point you're left feeling dejected. After all what was the point in trying when he wasn't. He clearly only came out of guilt.

You'd never thought things between you and Harry would get so rocky that he'd cheat.

Yet here you are. Putting band aids over bullet wounds in attempt to move forward. If that. Since arriving, you've pointedly kept your distance. Frustratedly waiting for him to address the enormous elephant in the room. But he doesn't. Instead he makes more of an effort to sit closer to you on the sofa. Inching bit by bit pretending to pay attention to the Game of Thrones marathon you had playing in the background.

It's during a particular sex scene that he finds it appropriate to make a move. Leaning in to kiss the corner of your jaw gently and trailing more when you don't immediately pull away. You let it go on for awhile but when he starts marking you and getting grabby at your breast and hips. Clearly making it a point that he wants you. Resentment takes ahold of your better judgment, plaguing your thoughts.

Did he honestly think that sex was going to solve everything? Or is this the only reason he keeps you around? To screw around? Maybe you should screw with him for once? Show him how it feels...

You decide to play along. Kissing him back like you would if nothing were wrong. Deep, fervered, and desperate cradling his cheeks and even straddling his lap. It's no surprise when things escalate once he gets hard. Harry easily picks you up and leads you to your bedroom, peeling off and shedding your clothes on the way.

Centering you on your back on the bed, Harry hovers over you this time. Kissing, suckling, and licking to coax moans out of you that couldn't be faked even if you wanted. His tongue swirling around and sucking at each of your nipples as if it's the most decadent dessert he's ever had. Leaving you writhing and squirming in anticipation as that familiar heat pools between your legs. Burning even hotter as he descends tortuously slow.

The kisses he places are strategically teasing, making it almost impossible to stay focused. Harry knew exactly what to do to get you on the verge of a frenzy. Even when upset he still knows your body like the back of his hand.

While spreading your legs open wider to accommodate himself it's like something snaps inside him. His lids lower in determination as he takes you in. And then he's nuzzling into your mound as if he can't take the separation anymore, licking into you with a broad warm stroke of his heavy tongue.

Helplessly you moan and arch from the mattress chasing the sensation. How could it be that you've only started and you're already falling apart at the seams.

Harry moans along with you mouthing without bothering to separate, "Always taste so fucking good,"

His hands hook around your thighs and settle them over his shoulders just so that he could delve deeper. Trailing to and dipping inside your opening briefly and replacing the muscle with two of his digits. Causing your breath to catch in a gasp but it never gets to properly builld. Before you know it Harry kisses over your clit and holds the hood back with his other hand. Licking and flicking his tongue directly over it mercilessly. Making your entire form jolt and quake.

Your room is filled with noises of pure filth coming from the both of you. Its hard to tell who exactly was in control but your vote went to Harry. Seeing as he's got your hands locked in his hair desperately bucking against his mouth for more. You could come just like this and he'd probably be more than happy to help you do so but it wasn't enough. You wanted him equally out of his mind.

Crying out, "Fuck fuck fuck! More- I need more- want you!"

Harry is slightly disoriented when you rush to roll him over onto his back. Grabbing his hard length and pumping a couple times before easing down slowly on his generous cock. It's been awhile so you struggle on your own to accommodate all of him, but Harry easily obliges with a steady raise of his hips and deep groan in his chest. Mouth hanging open and head tossed back in pure ecstasy.

You've missed this, being connected. Even if it only lasted for a handful of minutes, the true aftermath lingered for days— weeks even. The butterflies from the ghost of his touch, the intense flush all over from seeing one of his marks finally disappearing, and more importantly the immense tightening in your chest at the memory of his mouth molding to yours.

Harry's kisses were your favorite thing in the world. The thought of losing them, or nonetheless him giving them to someone else. Makes tears sting the back of your eyes on the spot.

God, how could he just give up what you had so easily? You had loved him with everything you had why wasn't it enough? What if the roles were reversed what would he do?

At that thought you decide to find out.

Focusing back on the pleasure that Harry was helping to create. Stoking that all consuming fire, approaching faster than you expected.

Harry's got you slightly angled over his shoulder, nipple in his mouth, massive hands gripping ravenously at your ass as he fucks up into you. Hitting deep and hard, yet in a tedious way to reach every one of your toe curling spots. Intensifying your orgasm.

All the while he only makes sweet praises of encouragement. You almost back out but at the last moment you barely let it slip past your lips before the euphoric wave came crashing over.

"Oh fuck, Keith!"

Though when it hits it's blinding to all your senses. You don't feel the studdering of his hips as he forces himself to stop thrusting abruptly, and you surely don't see him remove himself. Growing softer and softer by the second.

"Wh- what, what did yeh jus' say?" He pants out chest heaving from his previous exertion, hands finding a new home stiffly on your hips.

"Mmmm," Due to rolling onto your back beside him, coming down from your high with your eyes closed. You miss the initial look of confusion on his face. But now when you open them he looks completely affronted, "Hm?"

Face pulled in tight and eyes narrowed. Propped up by his elbow on his side Harry quietly demands, "What did you just say?"

The name was all too familar to be a coincidence. Hell he only knew one person named Keith and you both just met him at an industry party right before he started filming. The only Keith he saw chatting you up from across the room, for too long that he selfishly felt the need to intervene. It wasn't lost upon him that the bloke was tall, charming, and really fucking good looking. A model turned actor or summat.

"I don't know, why?" You catch your breath feigning innocence, but you knew exactly what you said. The slight anger in his tone was all the more satisfying to the stroke of your bruised ego.

Harry usually wasn't the jealous type but right now he couldn't properly wrap his head around it any other way. "Yeh were thinking about someone else the whole time?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Keith, y'said Keith when yeh came!" He snapped sitting up and pulling the blanket up over his waist to cover himself, "There something yeh need to tell me?"

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean? If you're trying to accuse me of something then just say it." You demand waiting for the familiarity of the situation to come dawning on him.

Harry is officially angry now deadpanning, "Did you fuck him?"

"Are you serious right now?" You retort annoyed, downplaying his feelings like you felt he did to you.

"Answer the question, yes or no!" Harry suddenly barks. His pulse was rapidly thrumming in his ears again but not in the way it was before. He was enveloped by negative emotions, a mix between flat out anger and out right fear. For he knew for a fact that he'd never be able to recover if his worst thoughts had been confirmed.

The seconds you took to answer felt like hours. "Well now you know how I've felt over the past three months." Still he waited with baited breath while you merely adjusted comfortably on the pillows behind you, crossing your arms over your sheet clad chest. "It's a shitty feeling isn't it? Like you're not the only one? But to answer your question, no. I'd never do that to you."

Although relieved he doesn't feel better, springing onto his feet as if being so close to you had burned him. "Wow, yeh got me!" Harry makes an over dramatic show of clapping, "And guess wha' yeh did it for nothing because I've never fucking cheated on yeh' either! For fucks sake, since when is it a crime to have friends of the opposite sex?" He angrily pulls on his boxers before stepping back into his jeans. Wobbling around a bit as he shimmies them on.

You knew that he'd do this, turn the tables back on you. And because you expected it your temper flares. "When you start blowing me off for that said friend and spending all your time with that friend how the hell else am I supposed to feel, Harry! Am I supposed to be glad that some random bitch is getting the best side of you while I have to settle for the half assed scraps?"

"Tha' gives yeh the right to intentionally hurt me?" Harry pauses to stare at you furious, expecting an answer though when you roll your eyes stubbornly instead he opts to roughly snatch his shirt off the floor, "Jesus Christ. M'sorry Y/N! I am so bloody sorry if I hurt yeh or made yeh feel a certain way when there was absolutely nothing going on. I genuinely didn't mean to and I apologize."

There is a beat of silence as he wrestles his shirt back on. A silence that gives you too long to think rationally. Honestly, his sudden apology makes you waiver. Your original plan was to yell and scream at him some more but that was kind of difficult when the anger was being sucked out of you and replaced with guilt.

You reason, "Okay. I just don't see why you didn't say that when I asked you before. Dodging me only made it worse.”

It surprises you at first when Harry sits back down on the bed, but soon realize it's only to put his shoes on. "Because I didn't wan' to waste time arguing with yeh! You of all people are supposed to know better, know how the media paints things— paints me. Shouldn't have to defend myself all the fucking time. Bloody sick of it!"

At the sound of his voice cracking your eyes dart up to find his. Rimmed red and swelling with tears. It absolutely broke your heart. "Harry..."

How could you have been so stupid, so mean?

He sniffles, "Yeh know, I've had people mad at me before who wrote songs, made up awful stories to sell to the tabloids, and actually cheated on me. But this, this is really fucked up." He laughs bitterly cold, "No one has ever hurt me like this. Congratulations Y/N." With that he walks out the door and to add insult to injury he doesn't even slam it.

AN: What have you done?!?! Lmao! I think about this one a lot, because to be quite honest I'm this petty. Are you?

#Harry styles angst #Harry styles imagines #Harry x reader #Harry styles #one direction imagines #Harry Styles one shot #One direction one shot #harry styles drabble #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fanfiction

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theimaginesyouneveraskedfor · 5 years

Text

Not Him (3)

I keep saying this won’t be a long series but as it goes, I’m not really sure because it’s kind of carrying on beyond my intentions. Anyhow, I’m still thinking at maximum, it will be as long as Off Duty (Provocateur series) which was like nine parts. Be that as it may, feedback would help a lot, as this fic keeps twisting and turning in my head and it would for sure help me determine where the hell it’s all going. So thank you for reading, thank you for any and all comments, and enjoy!

Part 1 Part 2

You spent the next week hiding from Loki, not that you ran into him all that often anyhow. You stayed in the lab or even worked in your room to avoid him. You hadn’t told anyone of his trick, and why would you? It was utterly humiliating. It had just proved to you that you were foolish to have developed a crush on Bucky. There were so many reasons it would never happen.

As you read through Stark’s latest schematics, you leaned back and spun in your chair, keeping your eyes on the paper. It was only early afternoon but you had only an hour before Tony started quizzing you on the documents. Your eyes were drawn by movement through the window. You audibly gasped as you saw a trio talking in the hallway.

Bucky, Steve, and Nat were all disheveled and seemingly exhausted, but it didn’t keep them from chattering outside the lab. They must have finally returned. Your chest seized and you dropped the booklet, scrambling to catch it before it hit the floor. When it did, your fight or flight kicked in and you thought of hiding beneath the table but tangled up in panic, you fell forward, taking the chair with you as you landed in a loud crash.

You were about to start crying again as you laid face down, praying you hadn’t been observed in your disaster. The door assured you otherwise and the three pairs of footsteps that surrounded you sealed your fate. “Y/N?” Bucky said, “Are you okay?” You felt a tug on both arms as each super soldier took you by your elbows and helped you back to your feet.

“Fine,” Your face was on fire, “Just clumsy is all. I--I dropped my papers and well, it just happened so fast.”

“So it did,” Nat smiled and you bit your lip in shame.

“Heh, yeah, well I should get back to work and you guys should probably get some rest,” You slipped away from Steve and Bucky to pick up your booklet.

“We probably should. Buck, get that arm looked at first,” Steve ordered; his title as Captain was well-earned.

“Yes, sir,” Bucky saluted playfully and Steve punched his right shoulder.

“The two of you,” Nat shook her head, “I’m definitely glad to be home.”

Natasha wasted no time in leaving and Steve yawned and followed lazily, though Bucky made no move to go. He instead pulled up a chair and sat in his usual spot. You noticed their was black liquid seeping from his metal bicep and you reluctantly rolled your own chair over to him. You tossed aside the booklet and sat down, reaching for your kit.

“What did I tell you before you left?” You said with exasperation. “I really don’t have time for this.”

“Grumpy, are we?” He rebuffed, “Did you miss me that much?”

You looked up from your kit and eyed him closely. Was it really Bucky? Yet another charade staged by Loki? You swallowed as you examined Bucky’s features, trying to stare through him. He squirmed and brushed his hair behind his ear, his eyes searching with confusion.

“Gee, Y/N, are you okay?” He asked, “It was only a joke, you know?”

“Yeah, yeah,” You backed off and took out your calibration meter, “I’m...fine. Sorry, I’m just a bit stressed out.” He raised his hand, knowing the usual steps to your evaluation. You scanned each finger and worked your way up his arm. “So how was your mission?”

“Long,” He grumbled. You could feel him watching you and you avoided returning his gaze. “Were you still interested in spending some time together? Movie night?”

“You sure you’re up for it?” You asked as you looked to your screen, swiping through his results, “You seem tired.”

“So do you,” He remarked, “But I don’t mind falling asleep on you if you don’t.”

You scrunched up your lips as you thought. This seemed like the real Bucky and Steve and Nat hadn’t shown any suspicious behaviour. If this was Loki, this time you’d just give him the smack he deserved. Besides, you couldn’t let him win so easily.

“Sure, I think maybe that’s just what I need. “ You relented, “I have some stuff to finish first, not least of all this arm, and then I should be free.”

“Gives me time to get cleaned up,” He smiled. No one could fake that smile. “How about the lounge at eight?”

“I can do eight,” You smiled back and began wiping the grime from his arm so that you could work. You knew it was metal but you always tried to be gentle with him. It was, after all, a part of him. “Now, let’s get this thing working before sparks start flying.”

You were confident that you had made a date with the real Bucky but you were determined not to make the same mistake again. Viewing the movie in the lounge was best. Your bedroom still felt tainted. Even when you were alone, you felt as if you were being watched; stalked, even. Loki had ruined it all for you, even the rush of your long-awaited date as all you felt was a shudder of nausea as you readied yourself for the night.

Nothing special: a change of clothes, a brush through your hair, a little mascara, some lip gloss. Subtle enough to seem casual, noticeable enough to boost your spirits. This was it! Was it? You stared in the mirror, your hand frozen in midair as you stopped twisting the lid of the tube of gloss. You dreaded another trick but your hour of working on Bucky’s arm was enough proof that it was genuine.

Ugh, Loki had ruined it all. He had made you paranoid; scared even. The burn of humiliation returned to your cheeks and you tossed the gloss onto the side table. Don’t be stupid, be cool. Why were you so goddamn anxious? It truly was Bucky and you were just watching a movie. Don’t force it like last time--Last time! Oh, god. Your stomach roiled and you turned away from the mirror before you could cringe at yourself.

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” You assured yourself, taking a deep breath as you slid your feet into a pair of flats. “Forget about him.”

You pulled open the door before you could talk yourself into making an excuse and flaking on the whole date. You clutched your phone in one hand as you walked. You would make some popcorn first and tidy up the shared space to calm your nerves. The lounge was always such a mess as these Avengers came and went without so much as tossing out their trash.

The lounge door was open as it usually was and you swept in, grumbling at the candy wrappers and empty can beside the sofa. You stomped across the room and set down your phone, gathering up the garbage. You heard a stifled gasp and a subsequent shatter of glass across the tile of the small kitchenette on the opposite wall. You turned, having not noticed the other occupant as you were so set on creating the perfect, or at least, tidy atmosphere.

Loki paled, somehow more than his usual alabaster. He visibly gulped as his eyes met yours and widened in surprise. You weren’t sure who had scared the other more. He looked down at the cup of tea he had dropped, spatters of it up the leg of his pants and the toe of his right boot.

“Gods,” He uttered and waved his hand, the spill mopping itself up and the mug reassembling into its former structure. He bent and picked it up, rinsing it in the sink as he forced his back to you. His shoulders were set with a tension so taut, you were surprised his head didn’t pop off. He placed the mug in the dish rack with a sigh.

“S-sorry, I’m so careless.” He said as he began towards the door. He stopped himself, turning with visible strain on his heel. He raised his hand, a finger in the air as his thoughts swirled behind his green eyes. “Y/N, I really am--”

“Woah!” The exclamation silenced Loki and he was nearly bowled over by another. A metal hand caught his upper arm as he awkwardly struggled to keep his balance and Bucky chuckled. “Sorry,” He chimed, “I didn’t expect you to be standing there. You okay?”

Loki shrugged off his hand as he turned to Bucky. Even from his backside, you could tell the Asgardian was looking down his long nose at the super soldier. “Not at all,” He slithered with distaste, “I was just leaving.”

“Right, well,” Bucky stepped aside to let Loki through, “Have a good one.”

Loki grunted in response and rushed from the room darkly. Bucky watched him with raised brows before turning back to the room, stepping back inside and nearly tripping as he spotted you. “You’re here!”

“I am,” You smiled, realizing you were still holding a clutter of trash, “I figured I’d clean up before you got here.”

“Ha, I was planning on the same thing,” He chuckled, “Here,” He crossed to you and took the garbage from your hands, “Why don’t you get the movie going and I’ll tidy and make some popcorn.”

“Uh, okay,” You smiled like a dope as you watched him cross to the kitchenette and dump the wrappers and can into the bin. You turned on the television and opened Netflix on your phone, syncing them as you listened to the microwave door shut.

“Which button is it?” Bucky asked after a moment of silence.

You stood and neared him, pointing to the pre-programmed popcorn button. He shook his head and pressed it, leaning on the counter as he turned to you. “So what are we watching?”

“I was just going to ask you that,” You nearly sang. The crawling of your skin had turned to butterflies and you were almost light-headed standing so close to him. “I was debating if I should go for a movie you would know or something in colour.”

“Hey,” He squinted at you playfully, “We had technicolour…”

“I know,” You teased, “Well, how about...The Breakfast Club! Oh, it’s a classic and I’m fairly certain you won’t have seen it.”

“Is it about breakfast or something?” He tilted his head.

“Not exactly,” You cast the movie to the television and paused, “But it’s fun.”

“Alright, I trust your judgment,” The microwave beeped and he took out the bag with his metal hand, unfazed by the hot paper bag. You grabbed a bowl and held it out as he opened the popcorn and poured it in. He waved you ahead of him and you led him to the couch, sitting beside you as you settled in. You hit play and watched the credits, desperate not to let the beating of your heart get the best of you.

You were so worked up, you only had a handful of kernels and Bucky had easily eaten most of the rest. You set aside the bowl as you focused on the screen. You weren’t really hearing the dialogue but you had seen the movie so many times, you could have recited the lines yourself. You felt movement beside you as Bucky shifted closer. You let him, trying not to think of the last time you had been in such a position. When it hadn’t really been him.

Your mind cleared for a moment as you watched the screen, chuckling at the corny 80s teenage angst. You felt a heat radiating from beside you and looked up into Bucky’s shining blue eyes. “You should smile more,” He said.

“What? I smile,” You protested.

“Not enough. You always look so angry when you’re working on my arm,” He mused.

“Well, that’s because you never listen when I tell you not to break it,” You chided, your cheeks hurt for the smile you couldn’t hold back.

“Hmm,” He chuckled, bringing his hand up to touch your cheek, tracing the line of your jaw, “You’re funny...and cute.”

“Uh…” You giggled like a schoolgirl, realizing all too late that he was leaning in.

His lips met yours and a burst of tingling erupted from within you. You kissed him back, his hand cradling your face as he drew you closer. The real thing was even better than that nasty trick Loki had pulled on you. The thought of which turned your stomach once more into a pit. You tried to enjoy the embrace of Bucky’s warmth but it was too hot, you could feel the sweat along your neck. Your hands were trembling against your will and your eyes shot open.

You pulled back, nearly falling off the couch. Bucky gaped at you, guilt twisting his features. He was still Bucky, it wasn’t Loki, you assured yourself. You touched your chest, fighting to calm yourself. “I’m so sorry, Y/N,” He said, “I didn’t--”

“No, no,” You reached over and touched his hand, “It’s not you...I just. I’m sorry, I don’t know what that was.”

“Are you okay?” He turned his hand and squeezed yours gently. “You’re shaking.”

“Yeah, yeah,” You assured him, “I--I’m fine.”

“Look, let’s slow it down,” He offered, pulling you closer, “We’ll just watch the movie.”

“Okay,” You squeaked, nestling closer into his side as his arm fell around you, “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” He hugged you tighter, “I understand. This is the first date I’ve had in over seventy years.”

You smiled and laughed quietly at his joke, your heart calming to a bearable rate. “Thank you,” You said quietly and he caressed your arm comfortingly.

“Hey, watching a movie with a pretty gal isn’t so bad,” He teased, “Not bad at all.”

You brought your hands up and held your cheeks, trying to focus on the movie and the man beside you. You were so embarrassed and so angry. Loki had gotten in your head and you had almost spoiled it all. You cursed him in your head, hiding the wince which rose within you, keeping your eyes to the screen.

That damned trickster!

#loki #bucky barnes #fic #series #mcu #marvel #not him #part 3

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wakandascrystal · 6 years

Text

Imagine this….Part 2

“…so if I fuck some guy here……..you won’t care?”

He flexed his jaw and his eyes flinched. You could see it would obliviously bother him but he swayed his head signaling a no.

“Its your pussy mah do what you have to do.“

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5

“You should have fucked somebody at that damn club...maybe a white boy with red hair just to rub it in. If Malik tried that shit with me it would have been over.“ Tinah said boldly

“You mean your relationship?” You asked softly.

Your hoarse voice clearly giving away how much crying you had done the night before.

“Nah I mean his life.” Usually, you would have laughed at a funny remark like that but not today all you could put together ways a weak smile and a deep sigh.

In dead silence, Tinah and yourself laid in your warm bed watching reruns of Insecure. As you both sluggishly took popcorn from the bag you witnessed how Lawrence was trying to handle Issa cheating on him. The awkward moments, the silent conversations, the friends picking sides just the whole mess.

You were Lawrence! Maybe not totally Lawrence but you related to him a bit.

You didn't want to put the friend group you and Erik had in a position where they had to pick and choose. This was between you and him. Surely he thought the same right?

And that's why you slipped out of bed made your way to the bathroom and called him. Your hands were sweaty and your heart beating craze, even more then the time Erik was randomly being searched for drugs by some Cops. You remember telling him in a whisper to give you anything he had on him because if he got arrested he would lose his Scholarship, his job, life. Basically everything.

You washed your face with cold water and made the phone call.

Ring... Ring. . . Ring. . . The person you are trying to reach isn't accepting calls at this time.

“Come on Erik don’t do this to me”

You said under your breath. You tried again another 5 times and he still didn't pick up. You couldn't make any more excuses for him. You knew how organized that man was. His phone was always charged and on him. He damn near owned 3 power banks to your knowledge. This was the first time he had left you on voicemail and you were not pleased.

A notification popped up. The split second of hope that maybe he was getting back to you died.

@ErikKillmonger66 just posted.

You clicked on it to find the shook of your life. The sweet picture he took of you at the museum he had taken you to a couple of weeks back, where your highlighter and hair looked bomb had been deleted. Now replaced with a picture of some girl with neon green on his lap.

That’s when you knew he was really trying you. It was really over now. Him putting that picture up meant to you and the thousands of followers he had that you were no longer his girl.

No longer Erik’s Girl.

Anger surged through your veins. Storming into your room Tinah was half asleep.

“TINAH!“ You normal voice was slowly coming back to you.

“What in the hell is going on.” You held the picture to her face and watched how her expression changed.

“Is this Erik ?...with...with Cassie“

“Who the fuck is Cassie ??“ You were sure the people up and down stairs could hear you but you really didn't care

“Look..... don’t worry about her, she steals everybody's man. Who you need to worry about is Erik and his head-ass.“ All you wanted to do was to rip that Shrek looking wig of her head hoping its glued down so her edges would be fucked up too.

“I hate him. I hate him so much. After everything Tinah! Everything....I've been loyal to him. AHH ........fuck what if he's been fooling around with other girls since the beginning and I didn't know. I must have been some stupid idiot to him...I was a just good pussy that had a place to crash and free food.“ You paced up and down your room. You didn't know if Tinah was even listening to you but you didn't mind, you just needed to vent.

Tinah made a face as she secretly scrolling through your DM’s

“umm, good pussy?? ...your pussy fucken fantastic bitch. Don’t downplay yourself like that.“ Tinah’s attempt to gassing you up was slowly working.

“Your ass is in MIT with no kids and no ex’s that would start shit with him. You beautiful. You play fucking sports and cook like a certified chef and he acts like that. CUT! HIM! OFF! (Y/N)“

Even thought Tinah tried to get you to leave him for 7 days now, deep down she knew you wouldn't. You seriously loved Erik. She saw the way you looked at him and how you touched him in public. Griping on his thick bicep, hugging his waist or placing your hand on his thigh when he drove you around, just little sweet physically reminders that told him you were there for him.

Tinah noticed how you would go out of your way to make him happy. She didn't think it was unhealthy at all. Erik had never asked for anything drastic or selfish and you would never do anything you were not comfortable with. Tinah deeply appreciated that equilibrium. So much so that she would compare her relationship with Malik to your own relationship with Erik. She would never admit it to anyone but she really didn't have any positive relationships to look up to growing up. It was either Mr. and Mrs. Huxtable or Beyonce and Jay Z.

But now it was you. If she was having problems with Malik. She would think

“What would Erik and (Y/N) do? ”

“How would Erik and (Y/N) solve this? “

“How would Erik and (Y/N) go forward from here? “

The whole situation obviously didn’t hurt her as much as it did to you but she felt some type of way about it.

“.....You know what? You right...”

She looked up at you still in your oversize pajama top, hair all over the place.

“What?“

“You are absolutely right. I should get over his ass. I put some much time, love and effort into him and look at me.....“

“ so what’s about happen now...“ Tinah asked carefully

“Am about to get in the shower while you make me a tinder profile and find me, good-looking men, to mess with....“

Tinah erupted in laughter.

“Yes. yes, Bitch... am here for you. This is why am here....Get your sticking ass you there and clean up while I look for some Nubian dick.“

“Hey. Ill take Colonizer dick too!“ you shouted back to her, scrubs, oils and towel in hand as you head to the bathroom.

Water cascaded down your form. Fulling up the room with steam. You were nervous but you didn't want it to show. You were a little confused as to why you felt guilty. You hadn't even done anything yet and you felt bad until you had the flashback to Erik looking down at you, face filled with tears and he did nothing but disown you. That’s when your fire reignited again and hell...it didn't help that Tinah was blasting Beyonce’s Sorry from your laptop.

It was about 7:45 PM and you noticed Tinah was getting ready with you.

“T, where is your ass going? You cant go thoting with me.....You still have a man.“

She helped you clip in your wig and iron it down.

“Please... Malik knows I won't do anything crazy.He worries but he doesn't care.“

“Well, it's either your a changed women or he doesn't know about your past...“

“listen to me (Y/N) there is something called Trust okay...It's something I want but doesn’t give out“ You laughed, Fully this time. A genuine laugh that tickled your tummy.

“You mean head??“ Clapped her hands.

“....I suck my man's dick for my-“ You quickly covers her mouth with your hand but careful not to mess up her stunning makeup.

“No!!“

You enjoyed this atmosphere. Just you and your friend having a laugh. The smell of hairspray and perfume. Getting ready to slay with Beyonce playing in the background, what more could you have wanted. For a brief moment, you forgot about the whole Erik mess and just watching Tinah happily picking out an outfit from your closet and trying on your clothes.

After 2 hours you finally ready to leave. Tinah had found 17 guys who were ready to meet you. You knew 5 from school, 3 were Erik’s friends and the rest were good-looking strangers.

“I like this one.“ you pointed at the profile of some guy from school who took some classes with you and Erik. You had hit the jackpot. You going to make Erik eat his words.

Making your way to the front entrance of dorm building you see the UBER Tinah had called for but right next to it parked the Jeep you knew too well. Erik was leaning on his black Jeep with his phone in hand. You froze and both Erik and Tinah looked at you. She followed your eyes and saw Erik walking towards you.

“Where you going dressed like that. Does Malik know you here.“ You knew he shouldn't have said that.

“Nigga keep my man's name out you dirty mouth...You hear me?!“ She pulled you towards the UBER while she warned him.

“Look I don’t wanna fight with you... I need to talk to (Y/N)“

“No, what you NEED to do is take your little as car and go to your Quinceañeras bitch and leave (Y/N) alone “

during the back and fourth Tinah and Erik were having you noticed how tired he looked. Red eyes and how messy his dreads were. All you wanted to do was to run and hold him. Place his head in the croak on your neck but he hurt you. He didn't have that privilege anymore.

Tinah had pulled you to the UBER but your feet stopped walking when you heard him say the words you had been imagining him saying all week.

“Baby am sorry.“

It was like a tug or war and you were the rope. Tinah physically pulling you to one side and Erik pulling you with his words.

“Why should I believe you? You insulted me Erik and left me hanging. Am sorry baby is noting going to cut it! “

“You right ...I messed up ...big time. Am just dealing with some issues I -“ You cut him off

“Issues?! You had me out there looking like a fucking fool because you had issues?? Nigga, I have issues too. Big ones but you don’t see me playing around with what we have.....what we had... You clowned me and that’s okay. I fell for it just like all the hoes you been with.‘‘

You could see that angered him.

“You know that's not true. You not like them hoes.“

“Is that why you couldn’t pick up my calls this morning?”

“Bicth you called him...For what?” You ignored her question waiting to see what would respond with.

“Let’s forget about this confused Nigga and go!“ Tinah stated pulling you to the UBER again

“Okay ama say it -“ You paused and turned again to face him

”- I love you. I don't like you..... or I don't kinder feel you, Nah. Not all of that. I absolutely love you and am scared as shit ...that I will lose you just like I did my dad..my mama. I figured if you hated me and you didn't want anything to do with me It would be easier to part ways. I rather have a heartbreak now then later. I won't lie..... I stayed cause you were a good fuck but then you started talking. Making me food and shit. Taking me on cute little-unplanned dates like I was 14 or something. No one in my life has ever given a shit about me the way you did. I mean ...no one! I didn't even know how to receive that kind of treatment.....All I kept thinking was shes just doing this for something in return, that’s how the world works right. Give and take. nah not you. You didn't even tell people we were smashing...that shit blew me away. You helped me figure out a lot of things about myself without judging or looking down at me. If I told a bitch why I got these scars they would....they would run and never look back but you believed me when I said that lifestyle was over and that am here to start afresh...That shit I said at the club was bullshit and am sorry that I hurt you...I don’t wanna to hurt. You're my princess..... why the fuck I wanna see you cry. That shit al almost killed me. I also have to say sorry you to Tinah. Am sure I put you in a weird position with Malik being my Boy and all. Thank you for being by her side.”

Erik’s apology was so deep and sweet even the UBER driver had been sitting and listing from his car.

“I know I messed up but please just give me one more time ....the both of you. Baby (Y/N) I’ll be a better boyfriend, Tinah I’ll be a better friend. Y’all can think about it.“

What would you do ???.

tag list:

@theunsweetenedtruth @myboyfriendgiriboy @sweetsexysavagery @ @lewatigress @thebeautysurrounds

@hearteyes-for-killmonger @drsunshine97 @amyhennessyhouse

@forbeautyforlife @imaginewhoever @james-heaven-barnes @halfrican-heat

#erik x reader #Erik Killmonger #Erik Stevens #Erik killmonger x Reader #black panther #mbaku #tchalla #okoye #mit

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filmfanatic82 · 5 years

Photo

AO3 Link (HERE)

Chapter 6: O (II)

Fuck.

It’s Friday. The third Friday of the month. How could she forget? She’s got it marked down on every single device she owns.

Hell, she even set a reminder on Clarke’s phone just in case…

Fuck.

Octavia lets out a deep breath of air, she didn’t even realize she’s been holding onto as her eyes settle upon the row of gym lockers beyond her. She shifts from foot to foot, adjusting and re-adjusts her beat up backpack as she does.

“Five more minutes, ladies! If you aren’t changed, and in the water by the time I come back out of my office, you can guarantee that you’ll be swimming at least 10 additional laps.” The voice booms across the length of the locker room, causing Octavia to shudder with the added reminder of what’s to come.

She forgot. And now…

And now there’s no way out of it. No note. No excuse as to why she can’t participate.

Octavia hasn’t been in this situation since the that first special Friday of her freshman year. The one where she found herself in the midst of an unexplainable, full blown panic attack after attempting to change into her standard issued school swimsuit and managed to blackout.

That incident had led to Octavia waking up in the school infirmary to the ever so comforting smile of her dad. He had swooped in and rescued her that day, taking her home, but not before making a quick stop for a pint of her favorite ice cream first. Cause, as he put it, rocky road and bad 80’s slasher flicks solves all problems.

And that’s what Octavia loves most about the man that she has come to call her dad. Jake just gets her. With no need for extensive questions or lengthy conversations as her mother Abby is notorious for. He never pushes or prods too much. He just knows how to be there. Like an indestructible safety net. There to always catch her when she stumbles.

Jake had started writing notes for Octavia to get out of swimming ever since that day. They never really talked about it, nor mentioned it to the rest of the family. All Octavia would have to do was mention that “the Friday” was coming up and a day before, a note would be tucked away within her backpack.

But she had forgotten to say something before Jake had left for his business trip and now…

And now, Octavia is stuck.

If she skips and gets caught, then they’ll call her mom. They always do. And that will just lead to another hour-long lecture about how she’s wasting away her potential followed by the standard two weeks without any form of entertainment whatsoever.

But if she stays…

“Fuck it,” Octavia mutters under her breath with a sudden newfound resolution.

Without another moment’s hesitation, Octavia swaps her backpack onto the opposite shoulder and takes off out of the locker room.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Ten minutes later and Octavia finds herself crossing the football field, heading straight towards one of the few true hidden sanctuaries that their high school had to offer.

The space under the stadium bleachers had been the first spot Octavia had discovered last year during her hellish first month as a freshman. At first, it had been purely by accident, having stumbled upon it while trying to escape a mandatory all-school pep rally. But soon it became her go-to place whenever she needed a breather from the social gauntlet known as high school.

Octavia gives a quick, precautionary glance around for any possible onlookers and then slips under the bleachers. She drops her bag, closes her eyes, and breathes a deep sigh of relief. The familiar ambient sounds of the surrounding track and field wash over her, bringing a momentary sense of calmness with it.

Octavia knows that this is only a band-aid. A brief respite from the unnamed feeling that loves to wreak havoc just beneath the surface of her skin. This won’t won’t stop it from flaring up again.

Suddenly, the distinct sound of a food wrapper crinkling cuts through the stillness, grabbing Octavia’s attention. Her eyes pop back open and scan the shadowy length of the space.

Nothing… Nothing… Nothing…

“Rae?” Octavia blurts out in confusion as she spots the what looks to be the older latina in the near distance. “What are you doing under here?”

“Just thought I’d take a page from your book today,” Raven responds.

“Funny.” Octavia closes the gap between the two of them, and unceremoniously plops herself down next to Raven, giving her a once over as she does. There’s an odd puffiness to her rich chocolate eyes. Something that Octavia has never seen before. Almost as if it’s the remanence of recently cried tears. But it couldn’t be…

Raven doesn’t cry.

“Oh, I’m fucking hysterical, Blake. Don’t you know that?” Raven gives Octavia a playful nudge with her shoulder and offers her the remaining half of the Twinkie she’s eating. “You want?”

A hint of a smile spreads across Octavia’s face as she snatches up the Twinkie from Raven and a bite. “I don’t get it. Why do you always have these things?”

“Twinkies?”

“Yeah.”

“Simple. Twinkies are the most superior food ever invented.”

Octavia’s eyebrows shoot up into her hairline. “Seriously?”

“Dead serious.”

“They’re not even a food.”

Raven grabs the crumpled up wrapper out of her jean pocket, flips it over to the ingredients and smooths it out for Octavia to see. “Says who? A serving of Twinkies has the perfect ratio of fats, carbs, and sodium needed to sustain the average human body for at least 4.5 hours. And they are virtually indestructible. These bad boys can even survive a nuclear fallout.”

“So can roaches.”

“But are they cream-filled?” Raven responds with her trademark smirk.

“Ewww.”

A comfortable silence falls between the two of them as Raven shifts her position, leaning back a bit to open up a space on her lap. No explanations are needed. Octavia automatically adjusts her own body accordingly, laying her head down within the open space as she has done so many times before. She lets out a deep sigh of content as she feels the all too familiar sensation of Raven’s fingers lightly scratching their way through her hair.

And suddenly…

It’s gone.

Or at least It’s temporarily crawled back into the deep, dark recesses of Octavia’s core until It randomly decides to re-emerge once again and wreak havoc on every inch of her very being.

She can breathe.

How does Raven do it? One simple motion. A feather-light touch of her fingers and presto. Octavia finds herself drenched in a tidal wave of complete and utter comfort.

There’s no other word for it.

Comfort.

That’s always been the single sensation that Raven-- and Raven alone-- evokes in her.

Octavia can’t pinpoint when this became a regular thing between the two of them, but she does remember the first time.

God, does she remember.

It had been the summer before Octavia’s freshman year. Bellamy had just left for college and Clarke, having finally woken up to her blatantly obvious feelings for Lexa, was in Vancouver vacationing with the Woods family at their cottage. This left Octavia genuinely alone for the first time ever. Sure, her mom and dad were around at night and during the weekends, but otherwise… Otherwise, it had just been her.

And that’s when It had begun. Too much time. Time alone. No distractions. Just Octavia and her thoughts. Too many thoughts. Thoughts that made her skin crawl with an unscratchable itch.

Something wasn’t right with her.

But then, one day -- the day that Octavia thought she’s couldn’t take another single second more of It-- Raven showed up. No explanation nor reason. Just waltzed right through the back door, grabbed a slice of leftover pizza from the fridge, and made herself at home.

They had spent that day in the confines of the basement, binging on junk food and old 80s movies. Breakfast Club. Sixteen Candles. And of course, Raven’s all-favorite, Weird Science.

It wasn’t until they reached Just One of the Guys, though, did Octavia notice the shift between the two of them. At first, it was beyond subtle. Somehow Raven had mysteriously moved closer on the couch, closing the gap. Not close enough that they were touching but still...

Still, it was different.

“You could pull that off.” The comment came so seamlessly out of Raven’s mouth that, as first, Octavia almost missed it. Just another throwaway comment of mindless commentary.

But it wasn’t.

Raven’s fingers casually made their around a loose lock of Octavia’s jet black hair, twirling it in a slow, rhythmic pattern. “Ripped jeans, button-down shirt, skinny black tie. Yeah. You could definitely pull that off, Blake.”

“You think?”

“Oh, I know. But you’d have to cut this off.” Raven, then switched to lightly scratching her fingers through Octavia’s hair and like clockwork, Octavia found herself hit with the sudden overwhelming urge to lay down in Raven’s lap. She attempted to fight it for a brief moment, slightly terrified of the unspoken boundary she would be crossing by doing so, but then swallowed down her fears and just let go.

And to Octavia’s surprise, it was met with nothing but warmth. Raven shifted her body, welcoming Octavia’s head in her lap and continued to run her fingers through the younger girl’s hair.

“Eh. I dunno Rae.”

“You should do it. You’d look freakin’ hot.”

A hint of a smile spread across Octavia’s face and for the first time in forever, she felt completely and utterly comfortable. She felt at home.

“I’ll think about it.”

After that day, Raven seemed to always be around the Grifin house. More than she usually was. And Octavia couldn’t help but love it. There was a natural ease between the two of them. A rhythm of sorts. As if…

As if life was merely meant to be this way.

The two of them.

“So you coming to Murphy’s tonight?” Raven’s voice snaps Octavia out of her thoughts and back into the moment.

“Clarke mentioned it, but I--”

“But what? Got somewhere better to be?”

“No,” Octavia quietly replies with a bit of a defensive bite to her voice.

“Come.”

“Rae…”

“Seriously. Come with me. We can be each other’s dates.”

A small laugh slips from Octavia’s lips. “Oh yeah. Finn would love that.”

“I don’t give a fuck about Finn,” Raven responds in no more than a whisper.

Octavia jerks her head upwards in surprise, catching Raven’s chocolate brown eyes and searches for an explanation -- any explanation -- as to the sudden change in mood towards Finn. But there’s nothing there. At least nothing that Raven is willing to offer up at the moment.

“Okay. I’ll go.”

“Of course you will, Blake. Don’t you know I’m the best date ever?”

Octavia gives a slight shake of her head in amused disbelief and then re-shifts her body, curling herself up even more into Raven. “Whatever, Rae.”

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“Check again.”

“Ma’am, I’ve already told you--”

“Check. Again,” Lexa says punctuating each syllable, hammering home her point. She stares at the attending nurse behind the reception desk with a cold, penetrating gaze that signifies one thing and one thing only… She isn’t going to back down.

“As I told you already, she’s not in our system,” the nurse responds with an underlying tone of frustration.

“But she will be, right? Once they bring her here,” Clarke chimes in, moving closer to Lexa as she does.

“Yes. The ambulance radioed in ten minutes ago. They’re bringing everyone here.”

“Everyone?” A look of confusion sweeps across Clarke’s face at these words.

“One DOA. A critical. And one stable.”

“DOA? Who’s the DOA?” Lexa's voice starts to break ever so slightly, causing Clarke to instantly move closer, but not too close. Just enough.

“I’m not at liberty to--”

“It’s my sister!”

“Lex.” Clarke crosses the line and places her hand down gently on Lexa’s forearm. The small but noticeable touch does the trick, momentarily grabbing Lexa’s attention. “Let’s go find my mom, okay? If she’s not here, then we can track down Jackson. One of them will be able to tell us what’s going on.”

Lexa doesn’t respond, but instead, sinks into Clarke’s touch, as her stoic rage quickly dissipates. She willing lets Clarke lead her away from the reception desk and towards a set of doors on the other side of the waiting room.

O watches the entire scene unfold before their eyes, tucked away in an isolated corner of the room, like an all too eerie case of deja vu.

Surreal.

It’s the only word that comes to mind. And even then it doesn’t feel quite adequate enough to describe what’s transpiring right in front of them.

Lexa.

Clarke’s Lexa. The one that all but left their sister a broken mess of a human without even a note saying goodbye.

The one that O has grown to loathe over the years as they were subjected to helplessly watch as their sister transformed into nothing more than a ghost of what she once was.

No. Surreal isn’t the right word. But O can’t seem to think of any others at the moment.

Clarke glances over her shoulder, catching O by the eyes and mouths “be right back,” before disappearing with Lexa through the set of doors.

O takes a moment, letting go of a breath of air they didn’t realize they had been holding in and runs their hands over their topknot. They aren’t exactly sure what do with themselves. O parks their body in a free chair and immediately their legs start bouncing at a frenetic pace, fueled by nothing but nerves and caffeine.

They hate hospitals.

The greenish, sickly hue that all of the lights seem to cast upon every single object and person they touch. The constant chorus of machines beeping in the background. The cafeteria food that makes ramen noodle look like a gourmet meal. And the waiting…

God, the endless amounts of waiting. Unsure of what’s to come next. If--

Suddenly, the all too familiar sounds of the emergency bay doors bursting open cut through the silence of the room, fully grabbing hold of O’s attention. They watch as a chaotic blur of paramedics race a gurney across the room toward the emergency unit while desperately trying to keep the mangled mess of a human being before them alive.

“Move! Carter! Get the cart ready. She crashed two times already on the ride here. Multiple compound fractures collapsed lung on the left side, and possible internal bleeding,” one of the paramedics calls out as they hit the button for the emergency unit doors.

“Where’s the stable?” The nurse from behind the reception desk responds, quickly jumping to her feet to help clear a pathway.

“Right behind us. Broken collarbone and few deep lacerations.”

“Got it.”

Then, O spots it.

The tattered sleeve of a red bomber jacket with a faded Nasa patch. It dangles off the edge of the gurney, having been haphazardly cut from whoever was wearing it, but never entirely removed.

And suddenly…

O’s world comes to a crashing halt. Their lungs claw for air, and their vision starts to blur.

It can’t be.

But it can.

It can because it makes logical sense.

Lexa received a call saying that Anya had been in an accident and Anya is in a relationship with…

“Raven.” The words slip out from O’s mouth as they helplessly watch the gurney disappear behind the emergency unit doors. They can’t seem to move, let alone blink as the realization fully sinks in.

It’s Raven.

Their Raven.

All O can do is stand there and stare.

#clexa #clexa fanfic #octaven #clarke griffin #clarke x lexa #lexa #raven reyes #octavia blake #anya #the 100 #wlw #ao3

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