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crystlizabeth · 9 months

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Daddy’s girl ‧₊˚

Phillip Graves x black!Sheperd!femreader

Warnings: suggestive, smut, age gap(reader is 23, Graves is 34), curssing, use of daddy(towards her father and graves), not proofread, spanking, slight degrading, hair pulling.

Summary: when stopping by your fathers work place you just happen to run into your lil situationship while at it turns out he works for your daddy, imagine that.

While even being a Daddy’s girl she always found herself in the arms of an older man. Her friends always thought it was maybe because her dad wasn’t around alot when she was growing up, but no Shepherds daughter had always been his princess. She knew better than to bring these guys home or even around her father so her relationship where always on the down low.

Now, she was in the bed of her situationship you could say, kinda boyfriend but never really committed. Though it was just you two no openness to the said relationship just them, his hands traced circles on her back as they laid together in his bed. The early morning having to start soon, “ya know sweetheart imma have to get up soon.” He spoke his morning voice causing goosebumps. She feel the sunlight breaking through the window hitting her back.

A small groan came from her lips before she asked “you have too..?” She looked up her head laying on his chest batting her lashes softly.

He hummed kissing her forehead before unraveling himself from her hold, his back facing her as he rubbed his face preparing to get up. She let her french tipped coffin nails run over the marks she left lightly. She sat up on her stomach watching the man walk around the room gathering the girl’s undergarments.

“I like this..” he spoke inspecting her white bra with little flowers on it “looks good on ya darlin’.” He grinned handing her the bra and pink laced panties to her.

“You kicking me out?” She asked giving him a teasing smile taking the undergarments from Graves.

“Your welcome to stay as long and you feel, just remember to let the dogs out and close the gate.” He said cupping her face kissing her toned lips.

“Of course daddy.” She spoke through the kiss her hands placed on the side of his neck.

“Mmm, carful sweetheart..” he warned his tone low. His hand held her face tightly pulling it back from his.

“Why..” her voice innocently asked, she knew why. Her hand falling down to the hem of his briefs.

He looked down at her as he looked through her lashes at him. He took a deep breath before pushing her head back lightly causing the girl to laugh.

“I cant be late today..” he spoke looking at her, “ill have to deal with you later tonight.”

He looked back again watch a fat grin spread across her face, the morning sun casting a beautiful light on her brown skin.

She soon walked in the bathroom with her little toiletrie bag pulling out her toothbrush. She started cleaning herself up as Phillip walked in and out getting ready for work, he came up behind her as she finished up her make up his arms wrapping around her kiss her neck.

“Ill see you tonight yeah?” You asked lightly.

“Mmhm I have plans for us.” He spoke between kisses.

“Cant wait..” she smiled at him through the mirror, her body turning to face him pulling him down by his collar giving him a kiss her glossy lips leaving traces of her behind.

“Bye sweetheart remember-” he began, “make sure Cutter and Bailey are outside and close the gate on my way out. Bye baby ill see ya later.” She said blowing him a kiss.

With that he left leaving her to head out herself to run some erens. While getting into her vehicle her phone rang a call from her mother coming through.

“Hi mama, whats up?” She said.

“Baby I need you to do me a favor and take your daddy some lunch, he left his in the fridge you think you can get it to him?” Her mom asked through the phone her tone irritated probably for the fact her husband forgot his lunch again.

She let out a small laugh “yeah mama no problem, can you send me the address of his facility.”

The woman on the other side of the phone gave her daughter the address, “alright mama ill stop by.”

“Thank you baby, by the way I heard your seeing someone.” Mama spoke.

“Where did you hear that?” She asked acting clueless.

“The girls at the salon in downtown said the saw you with someone, tall, white, blonde.” Her mother began describing Phillip.

“No mama that was a a guy helping me with my car” she lied.

“Mmhm what wrong with your car?” She asked knowing danm well better, because her husband would have gotten a call that her car was acting up.

“Just needed help stating it back up.” You continue.

“Mm alright, ill talk to ya later baby.”

“Bye mama.” She finished ending the call.

The woman let out a groan knowing damn well her mother could hear straight through her lie, “imma get my ass in trouble.”

After running errands and doing a few things for work she stoped by her parents house, who knew you grew up in a house just like her current flings home. Nice farm house with good amount of land secluded from everyone else. Getting out she was greeted by her parents shepherd molly who stay out side when nobodys home.

Running into the house she went straight to the fridge grabbing her father lunch bad and a water bottle. Before leaving she noticed the two French door to her fathers study were open, if she wasn’t nosy she would have close the doors and continue on but she didn’t. Walking in she noticed paperwork spread out in his desk she sat the food down gently stacking the papers setting them to the side she looked up noticing new photos on his desk. She noticed the ones of her and her mother some of her siblings also but one stood out a framed picture that was work related and she just happened to recognize one of the other men in the frame.

“Oh shit..”

Graves stood there in the picture an arm around your father as the both smiled. He looked a bit younger in this picture which means he’s know her dad for a long fucking while.

“At least they get along..”she mumble staring at the photo.

The sound of her phone ringing making her head snap over putting the photo down carefully, ‘Lip💋’ the screen showed.

“Hello..” she spoke answering the phone.

“Well hello darlin’ you alright? Ya sound a bit i don’t know..” he asked.

She hummed “yeah im alright baby just havin to run an errand.”

“Alrighty, I was wondering you wanna meet for dinner tonight nothing fancy something with a bar?” He asked she could hear voices around him like he was outside.

“Yeah sounds nice, i gotta run my daddy his lunch slash dinner considering it’s almost 4.” She laughed lightly.

He hummed “okay Darlin’ just let me know when you’re done, im off at 6.” He spoke she could hear his smirk through the phone.

“What?” She said.

“Hm?” He hummed.

“Whats got you all smilin’ i can feel it through the phone Graves.” She sassed.

“Oh nothin’ darlin’, just you still call your father daddy still.” He spoke “and you where callin me that all of last night.” He teased.

“Shut the fuck up, oh my lord.” She groaned, hearing the man on the other side irrupt with laughter.

“Its not funny its gross when you put it that way!”

“Common darlin’ with the way it just slips from your lips i would assume you have some personal issues with your father.” He spoke continuing to laugh.

“We for your information, i have a wonderful relationship with my father!”

“Mm you must be a daddys girl huh, how am I supposed to share that title with your father?” He spoke amused with himself.

“You’re an asshole.”

“Yet you still love it especially when I’m inside you, ain’t that right babydoll?” He asked expecting an answer.

“Mmhm yes sir, i do.” She spoke antagonizing him.

“Atta girl, alrighty doll ill talk to you later gotta let you ho before my guys get back.” He said, his accent making all the right words sound just right to make her eyes roll.

“Okay bye baby.” Her voice hummed. A smile lingering on her lips god he was gonna be the death of her.

She quickly grabbed her dads stuff going out to her vehicle getting ready to take it to him.

‘Hey daddy! Mama told me to stop by and give you your lunch sorry im running a bit late love you!💗’ she text her father getting a quick response

Daddy!!🦅:

‘Okay princess see you soon❤️’

Pulling up to the gate she showed them her id before going in, she parked quickly walking in the realization that she could very well run in to Phillip slight panic washed through her body as she thought more about it. Walking up to the desk she smiled at the woman behind it “hi Monie here to see my Dad.” She spoke.

The woman returning the smile telling her to that she was clear to walk into his office. “Thank you ma’am”

As she did she saw a few of his blinds closed so she knocked lightly before entering. “Hi daddy monie said i was free to walk in.” She spoke her breath hitching as she noticed the man standing in-front of her father’s desk. ‘Oh fuck..’ she thought her stomach dropping when he turned around to look at her. Phillips eyes widened as he made eye contact for a moment before hearing shepherd speak.

“Hi sweetie, you’re alright just finishing up somethings.” He smiled hugging you.

“Thats good, wish I could stay but i have plans tonight.” She spoke lightly looking over at Graves.

Shepherd looked up from his lunch bag back to noticing the glance you gave Phillip.

“Now where are my manners, (name) this is Commander Graves, Graves this is my youngest Daughter (name).” Shepherd said introducing the two both.

Phillip reading the room sticks out his hand offering to shake her hand, she accepted “Phillip Nice to meet you ma’am” he spoke formally. She internally screamed hearing ‘ma’am’ roll off of his tongue like that.

“Nice you meet you too phillip.” her eyes scanning his expression noticing the friendly smile he gave her like when the first met.

Soon after that phillip excused himself saying ‘I gotta go have a date tonight.’ While stealing a glance at the younger woman. Her eventually excusing herself aswell leaving her father with a kiss and a quick goodbye.

While walking out she noticed Phillip out by his truck she quickly walked over to the driver’s side tapping on the window he looked over rolling dow the window. “Please dont be mad at me, I didn’t know you worked for my father.” She said quickly her brows frowned.

His expression softened at her panic “oh doll im not upset, just definitely was not expecting that. Plus i could have never know nor could you.” He said his hand pushing her pressed hair our of her face.

Be took a deep breath “but how do you think he’ll react knowing im dating his daughter, mind you thats about ten years younger than me.”

He spoke, she pressed her lip together “he’ll probably hurt you not enough to kill you be i take it your one of his best but he’ll hurt you..” she spoke her voice filled with nothing but truth.

“Hey darlin’ look at me im not to worried, but im willin’ to fight for ya.” He spoke

“Now lets go to dinner.”

So they did the dropped of her car and continued the night as planned.

But before getting up the the restaurant he pulled her over the center console on to his lap, “lip not here people can see.” She spoke he hands placed on his chest.

He simply shook his head “its dark enough outside my tent is dark, only ill be able to see you” his words hushed as he kissed down her neck. His large hands traveling under her top.

A soft moan left her lips as Phillp sucked on her neck. That motivating him to pull the top off and mess with her skirt pulled it up more and over her ass. “Just a quickie love you seem like you need it, practically undressed me with those pretty little eyes if your in front of your father.” He growled against her neck he could feel her hips moving against him wanting friction.

“Then fuck me lip.” She spoke, he quickly grabbed the back of her hair disconnected her lips from his, “nuh uh you know my name and where are your manners.” He said his eyes squinting. A quick slap to the ass making her yelp “fuck, please Daddy please fuck me.” She begged.

“Yeah, what good little slut common you got more than that.” He encouraged.

“Please daddy fuck me, fill me up i wanna have your cum dripping down my legs.” She moaned feeling Phillip release himself from his wranglers.

“Is that how you want it baby?” He asked teasing her entrance. Her head nodded frequently, “use your words.”

“Yes thats how i want it.”

He let go oh her hair pushing her down on him not giving her a moment to spare to adjust to him. His hips fucked her quickly her nails digging into her shoulders as her face laid in the nape of his neck trying to keep somewhat of quiet.

“Please daddy, oh fuck~ please don’t stop.” She begged her voice shaky.

Another slap landed on her ass his hand staying down to massage it after “thats right common take that shit, just like that.” He moaned in her ear.

“Fuckin look at me.” He said forcing her head up feeling her wall’s tighten around him.

Her brows frowned, god didn’t he love how pathetic she looked every time she took him so well she looked on the verge of tears. “Oh baby dont go runing your make up” he spoke amused looking at her.

“Go on touch yourself, lets see how shaky we can get your pretty self.” He watched her hand reach down to her clit starting to rub circles her voice cracking at the touch of her sensitive nub. His tongue started to play with her nipples a loud moan coming from her.

“Im gonna cum, please daddy let me come all over your dick.” She begged.

“Go on then.” He grunted feeling himself about to finish aswell.

“Common sweetheart dont stop.” He spoke his arms wrapping around her waist as he pumped in her the felling of his balls tightening and her walls clamping around him, both of them in a sense of euphoria.

She could feel his load inside her moving her hips a little more before dismounting him.

They quickly cleaned themselves up enough anyway, he looked over at her reapplying her gloss he pulled her over to him. He kissed her deeply, savoring her in this moment. After pulling away she smiled wiping the gloss off his lips “its not really your color.” She joked.

Earning a laugh from him. “I dont know if you heard what i said earlier but i meant it. Us dating.” He clarified”

She smiled her head tilting to the side innocently. “I know i just wanted you to confirm it.”

He raised an eyebrow “well sorry i didn’t get you flowers but, will you be my girlfriend?”

“Well obviously. You though fucking me came without a cost?” She smirked kissing him again.

“Oh i know, and now imma feed you, though your already stuffed.” He winked exiting the truck.

A/n: WOW OKAY i know this isn’t a Ghost work and never did i think i would write for graves but holy shit did i had fun writing this I literally wrote this in a 3 hour time span so i hope yall like it!

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televisionboy · 4 years

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ok so i finished the pacific today and i am feverently ordering some cute sid phillips headcanons, when he's with mary in the last episode i just 🥰 ty xx

YES OFC, this deleted when i tried to post it but it’s here! With help from @we-always-hit-our-ass !!

Tag list: @alienoresimagines @adamantiumdragonfly @a-beautiful-struggle-of-life @baberoeeee @baberoes @fromtheoldtimes @gottapenny @3milesup@georgeluzwarmhugs @itstheheebiejeebies @contrabandhothead @band-of-bitches@sodapop182@hihosilvers @justthinkingofwaystoavoidbusses @murphyismybae@noneofurbusinez@lovingunderratedcharacters @luzofmylife @meteora-fc @melancholiaprincess @punkgeekchic @softlieb @storiesbymads @sunnyshifty @hbowarthings @raven-has-no-gender2272@gorygoryhbowar @wexhappyxfew @we-always-hit-our-ass @starryrevelations

So when you first met Sidney, you met him through a friend

guess which friend?

yep, Eugene Sledge set you both up

He was definitely in the back of the restaurant holding up a heart poster

speaking of dates, his favorite one to go on with you is taking you to see the sunset

you both sit on the hood of his car with his arm around you as you lean into him

he also takes you to dates at night to look at the stars, he’ll park next to a lake and you lay on the hood of his car while him softly talking to you

he loves cuddling ahh

Gene is over at your house a l o t

like Joey in FRIENDS he steals a lot of food from your fridge

To me, he holds a summer vibe so you travel a lot during the summer

You also love going to the farmers markets on Saturdays, his favorite foods are strawberries and candy but you can only get the first thing at the farmers market. That, or i’ve been going to the wrong farmers markets

When he first met you he was a blushing, stammering mess

and he still is, but he’s grown more comfortable.. like i mean pranking you

he loves seeing you in dresses, very feminine like

but don’t get him wrong! he’s always 100% ready to play sports with you too, you just might beat him

he likes to talk about your future with you, he’s always wanted to have a wife and at least 2 children with a big house. The american dream

You have a vegetable garden and every once in a while, you make a salad out of some of the stuff you grow

he brings home flowers all the time

like when he’s coming home from work, or even in your backyard. Next to the vegetable garden, there’s a flower garden

he started it in private to surprise you, we all don’t know how in the world that would work

he started planting daisies and tulips and then petunias and marigolds

when you’re asleep, from time to time he goes to the backyard and picks the flowers out and puts them in a vase on a tray with other food he’s made for you

He also thinks you’re so freaking beautiful

he cannot CANNOT control instant heart eyes around you, i mean who can?

when you’re putting on makeup, he’s so confused and amazed “woah! what’s that? fake eyelashes? but you already have them why do you need more?”

it’s like explaining makeup to an 8 year old boy

he may be confused about makeup but he buys you a lot. He does know that you look best with pink lipstick and it’s his favorite on you

he’s incredibly supportive even if he’s quiet and doesn’t show it sometimes

he talks about you so much to Eugene, all the time, I think it scared him away and you don’t know whether to miss him or be thankful

Sidney’s mama makes the best food and she invites you over every Sunday evening for dinner. She makes sure you’re full and then brings out dessert (it’s always cake!)

your favorite thing to do with Sid, is when he takes you on picnics

he packs a whole ass cherry pie. yes you heard me right, a PIE. He also makes sandwiches and he calls his mom on how to make her famous sweet tea

your sweet beagle runs around while he tells you funny stories, sometimes it’s about Leckie and Hoosier and sometimes it’s about just stuff that happened at his work

Your beagle was a birthday present, after a few months of dating Sidney, your birthday rolled around

She’s a ball of energy! You’ve rarely see her relax

he’s such a sweetie i love him so much

#the pacific #sidney phillips #sidney phillips headcanons #sidney phillips x reader #sidney phillips imagine #sid phillips #sid phillips imagine #sid phillips headcanons #sid phillips x reader

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inglourious-imagines · 4 years

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Glances (Bill "Hoosier" Smith)

Summary: On a ship heading to the Pacific, Bill Hoosier gives you long loving looks until Leckie sees it and decides to make a comment.

Author's Note: A bit shorter one for a nice weekend! Let me know if you wanna be tagged in these.

Taglist: @alienoresimagines @floydtab @kyra3155 @real-fans @meteora-fc @not-john-watsons-blog @band-of-brothers-cz @tealaquinn @ok-roemanov

"Whatever makes you feel the sun from the inside out, chase that." - g.t.

"Hey boys!" Sid caught his friends' attention with his shout, "I want you to introduce to the first female Marine in the whole fucking world! Y/N Y/L/N!"

Whistles, shouts and simple "hellos" were leaving every soldier's lips who were near while patting her shoulder.

Chuckler immediately freed up space for her to sit down and offered her a piece of his orange. "Thansks, Lew." Y/N winked at him and sat on the bench next to Runner.

"Nice to meet y'all, guys!" she tried to shout over the loud mess, "Sid already told me all about you!"

"Only good stuff I hope." Hoosier laughed blowing out the cigatette smoke.

"I'm not so sure about you, Bill. He said you can be an sarcastic asshole."

The group burst into hearty laugh at her comment and Hoosier's cheeks went heavily red. Y/N high-fived Leckie across the table and gave Bill a cheeky grin.

•••

The conversation slowly advanced but Leckie couldn't not see the long loving looks Hoosier had been giving their new friend since she pulled out the joke on him. Bob inconspicuously nugged his side, "Say something. I'm getting sick from your behaviour."

"What the hell," Bill frowned and indicated to Leckie to talk more quiet.

"All of us can see those goddamn heart eyes. Just say a joke or something with a hint."

"Jesus, I just met her! And I'm not looking at anyone in that sort of way you just described."

"You so are."

"No, I'm freaking not! Now shut the fuck up before someone notices."

"You are."

"No!"

The last word was probably too loud and the conversation stopped. All eyes were on Hoosier. "Why so aggressive? You might scare off our new pretty friend." Chuckler lauged and winked at Y/N.

"Oh, you shut up too." Hoosier hissed lighting a new cigarette. She frowned at the man in front of him. He caught her attention from the first moment but this wasn't what she expected, at all.

"Seems like Sid was right about you." Y/N cracked a fake smile with a little bit of disappointment.

"Don't misunderstand, ma'am. He's just distracted." Leckie laughed and threw his arm around Hoosier's shoulders, "Don't look so surprised, darling! You're the reason."

This time, both of them, Y/N and Hoosier were blushing like two teenagers freshly in love.

"Seems like he's not the only one!" Sid pointed out gesturing to her red cheeks, "I consider my mission accomplished."

"Shut up!" both of them exclaimed at the same time and quicky looking away after. They just confirmed their theories even more.

"Good, so now there are two of them. Isn't that just dandy?" Runner joked taking a puff from his cigarette.

And at that moment, Hoosier and Y/N looked at each other so dearly and deeply - their hearts were long-term friends even though they met, in a person, just a few minutes before.

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tropes-and-tales · 3 years

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Fearless

Day 21: Orgasm denial (Max Phillips x F!Reader)

(For the 2021 Kinktober event offered by @beeschaos and @withlove-sid. The original post and calendar/list can be found here.)

CW: Smut (PiV; unprotected; monster-f*cking); 18+ only.

Word Count: 3909

AN: This is very late - apologies! My real life has been completely inconsiderate with my kinktober schedule.

The nice thing about being a vampire was how heightened the senses are.

Max Phillips found that he no longer needed to rely on puny human sensory experiences. He could hear, for example, someone’s heartbeat quickening. He could see the almost-microscopic changes in a person’s pupils reacting to light or fear. He could smell all sorts of hormones or pheromones or whatever – could tell when someone was afraid or horny or similar.

You, for example. When the big reveal came (vampires are running this company), Max practically gagged against the sudden burst of fear-sweat produced by the humans in the room. Not from you, though.

You had been shockingly…not shocked. Not surprised or aghast. You had only tucked yourself away into a corner in the ensuing panic, then sighed heavily afterwards as you looked at Max.

“Can you just kill me instead of turning me into a vampire?” you asked, and you sounded like some world-weary, cursed creature instead of the cute IT support analyst. It made Max smile.

“Why?” he asked.

You sighed again and gestured helplessly at the cubicle farm in front of you. “An eternity in this beige hellscape of a job? Sounds like damnation to me. Best just to kill me.”

Cool under pressure – a point in your favor. Not exactly a team player – half a point deducted. Something to consider in your annual review, perhaps.

Still, Max was charmed by your cynicism and your boldness at making demands of a vampire, so he let you live…as a human.

For now.

-----

Max let you live then, and he found out other things about you.

He broke something on his computer about once a week, just to get you into his office. Sometimes he uninstalled drivers, because that took forever for you to troubleshoot and fix. Once, he unplugged a cord and enjoyed watching you on your hands and knees, untangling the wires and plugging it back in.

Just as often that he wandered over to your corner of the cubicle farm, sometimes when you weren’t even there. A person could tell a lot from another person’s desk. No framed photos for you. There was your coffee mug – from “Pulp Fiction” with the legend “This is some serious gourmet shit.” There was a little plastic figurine of some superhero. A neat stack of papers, a stapler. Not much intel there, Max guessed, other than a slight love of pop culture.

You weren’t easily hypnotized. He could hypnotize you, but it took a lot of effort. He managed it once, but he was so fucking exhausted afterwards that he didn’t do anything with your pliable mind.

Easier just to wheedle you down with his charm.

That’s how he got you to agree to a date. Didn’t hypnotize you. Just asked a billion times before you heaved that world-weary sigh of yours and said, “fine.”

-----

The first date at a trendy bar. You make the effort and dress up, and you look fucking stunning. You are cute in your jeans and IT-sanctioned polo shirt at work, but out on a date, in a dress? Gorgeous.

Gorgeous, and just as cynical. And not an ounce of fear to be on a date with a monster. Max takes an unsubtle sniff near you and he doesn’t smell any fear whatsoever. And since you also aren’t simpering at his overt charisma, he decides to drop the charm offensive and just talk to you.

“Why aren’t you afraid of me?” he asks.

You shrug, take a sip of your drink – some fruity concoction in a glass as big as your head. “I figure if you’re going to kill me, I can’t really stop you, so why worry about it?”

“You aren’t afraid of death?”

“Sure, but there’s no sense in worrying about it. I know I’m gonna die. Why rage against the dying of the light and all that?”

“Dylan Thomas,” Max says. “Nice.”

That makes you arch a curious eyebrow at him. “You know poetry?��

“There was a class in college,” he tells you. “Poetry of the British Isles. Total pussy-fest.”

And that makes you roll your eyes, but you laugh too. It startles him – he’s never heard you laugh in earnest before. You mostly have a dry, sarcastic, fully-enunciated ha-ha that you do.

In one respect, the date is a fucking waste – he doesn’t score that night, and it’s just like everything else. A ton of fucking effort. But on the other hand, he makes you laugh. Max would bet that no one has made you genuinely laugh in quite a while.

-----

Second date, out to a fancy restaurant. As a vampire, Max can eat human food – it just isn’t very tasty. He orders a thick steak, ultra-rare, and it’s good enough.

You fuss over the menu, your eyes widening at the prices. You try to order the cheapest thing on the menu – a house salad – and it charms Max for some reason. He doesn’t worry about money, but it’s cute, how you try to be a considerate date.

He orders for you. Orders you the filet mignon and crab cakes, and wine for the table, and sides and dessert too. He loves how it makes you squirm a little in your seat. You’re so rarely discomforted at work, so it is interesting, watching you simmer in your uneasiness.

That night, at least he gets a kiss.

-----

It’s hard to tell how you feel. You always accept his offers to go out with him, but you never seem enthused. You have such a poker face, and no obvious tells. Nothing to give you away.

Except one thing: Max has a superhuman nose now, and he can detect the subtlest shifts in hormones or pheromones or the like.

You can hide behind your neutral face or your sarcastic little ha-ha laugh or your blasé attitude about death, but you can’t hide the arousal that blooms in you when Max is around. It’s so fucking subtle, but it’s there. Max can smell it, can sniff it out like a bloodhound. Which he is, kind of.

Sometime between your third and fifth date, you start to be attracted to Max, and he can tell.

It’s faint, though, so he tests his theory. He waits for you to go into the server room for maintenance, and he follows you. Doesn’t stand too close. Doesn’t say anything overtly sexy. Only talks boring shop-talk.

Sure enough, there it is. You gaze back at him, completely unperturbed on the surface – but he can tell, thanks to his vampiric abilities.

You’re turned on by him.

Nothing to do but make a date with you. And it’s cute, how you shrug and act as if you could take it or leave it, another date with him.

-----

This date…this date is at Max’s place. It’s a swanky condo in the heart of the city, but it’s really just a place to store his shit. He doesn’t cook in the kitchen. He doesn’t really sleep in the bedroom.

Still, he has all the trendy shit that marks him as a successful businessman. Mid-century modern furniture. State of the art sound system and a huge shelf of vinyl’s, many still in their original shrink wrap. It’s what you gravitate to when you shrug out of your coat, while you’re waiting for the takeout to arrive.

“You have a varied collection, Max,” you tell him. “Do you actually like all of these, or is it just for show?”

“I like most of it,” he replies, a little defensively.

“Is the Barry White part of your college pussy-fest?” you tease, and that’s new too – you teasing.

Dinner arrives, and the two of you eat – you eat, and Max mostly watches you. Afterwards, you return to his music collection, rifling through the records. He uses his stealthy-sneaky speed to stand behind you, and you give a little gasp of surprise when you turn around and find him right there. Inches away from you.

He lays his arms on your shoulders. Gentle. That close, he can sense all the ways he’s affecting you: the subtle dilation of your pupils, the soft thundering of your heart picking up tempo. And yes – he can smell your arousal, growing by the moment.

Not a single bit of fear though. Not now, not when he bends his head to kiss you, and not when he takes you to his bedroom and spends long, long hours there with you.

-----

Over time, you become Max’s favorite plaything.

He calls you his plaything because he cannot – will not – admit that he has feelings for you. That the woman with the cynical armor somehow wriggled her way into his cold, dead heart. Max was a bastard when he was a human, and being a vampire hasn’t improved that aspect of him – but you spark some feeling in him that he hasn’t felt before.

He enjoys embarrassing you at work. Calling you into his office under the guise of needing some IT support, then seducing you loud enough behind the closed door for everyone to hear. Seducing you – or trying to. You have a remarkable iron will and never give in during work hours, leaving his office flustered and bathed in an arousal so sharp that Max stays hard for the rest of the day.

No matter – he takes you home and fucks you there, and the anticipation makes it that much sweeter.

But he enjoys you best like you are right now: naked on his bed, panting and weeping in frustration. If he were human, he’d have you tied down, but he’s not. He’s preternaturally strong and fast, so it’s easy to pin your wrists above your head as he stills his pistoning hips.

“Please, Max,” you beg. He loves when you beg – it’s so unlike you. The neutral mask you wear falls away, and he’s left with the real you. A wanton, unrestrained creature who chases pleasure with reckless abandon. A woman who doesn’t really fear death and who wants to wring every bit of pleasure out of life before death comes for her.

“Please,” you repeat. “Please let me come.”

This is where he leans into his cruelty, just a little. Torturing you. It’s his favorite game because of how riled you get. How it sparks against all of his supernatural senses. Your arousal, stronger because of how frustrated you get, fills his head and settles in like a drug. Your heartbeat, a staccato that speeds up when you get close and then calms as your orgasm retreats. Your pupils blown so wide that your eyes glitter black in your face. Your cunt – swollen and sensitive and positively drenched from his ministrations – first his hands, then his tongue, now his cock. As a vampire, he doesn’t need to breathe – rarely tires, so he can spend hours at this. Pushing you to your limit. Pulling you back. Pushing you to the edge. Pulling you back.

Turning you into a whining, pleading little mess beneath him. His mess.

“Why would I let you come?” he growls against the side of your neck. His words make you shiver, and he smiles against your warm skin.

You don’t have an answer for him. You tried, early on, to guess at the right answer, but you never came close to it. Why would he let you come? Why does he finally let you come, after so much teasing?

Well, because he loves you. He may be an irredeemable bastard, but it turns out he still has the capacity to love. He never used it when he was alive, so maybe it’s a benefit of being a vampire. Super-speed. Super-strength. The ability to love.

Max can’t guess at how you feel, but even if you don’t love him, you trust him. And more than that – you trust him with your life. Because tonight…

Max lets his fangs out, just a little. Just enough for him to press them lightly to the side of your neck, making you shiver again.

Making you arch underneath his body, and it grants him another inch into your unbearably hot, unbearably wet depths. He groans against you, bites down a little, but doesn’t break the skin. He can taste the salt on your skin, but that close to your jugular, Max can smell your blood. Hot, rich – laced through with whatever chemicals he’s coaxed from you in the past hour. Oxytocin or whatever.

“Please, Max,” you whisper, and it’s a harsh, punched-out sound.

“Please what.” It’s a taunt, his words a cruel lilt against your ear. “Please fuck you? Please let you come? Or please bite you?”

You struggle against his hold on your wrists, and it makes him groan again, you wriggling like that.

Max has never bitten you before. He’s had a taste of your blood just once, when you cut your finger at work. The smell had pulled him out of his office, slavering at the unique scent of you, and before you could even say a word, he had your finger in his mouth. Just a tiny taste, but it was like something in your blood altered him that day. Thawed out his cold heart just a little.

It’s something he’s played at before. Scraping his teeth along the side of your neck, noticing the subtle way you bend your head to give him better access. Sometimes he sucks a mark onto your neck, relishing the way blood floods to the bruise, close enough that he can almost taste it.

“Please what?” he repeats, and you shake your head in frustration.

“Anything,” you cry out. “Anything you want. Just…please, Max. Do something.”

He pulls nearly the entire way out of you until just the tip of him is at your entrance – and then he presses forward in one strong move, hilting himself in your depths.

“Like that?” he asks, and you squirm underneath him again. You try to gain some friction against him, but he’s too strong.

“Look at you,” he continues. “So needy. Such a whining little mess.”

“Max, please.” Your eyes are unfocused, but you struggle to catch his eye. You shake your head a little.

“Maybe I’d rather bite you.” He pushes a fraction deeper into you, can feel the crown of his cock hitting the end of you, and it makes you whimper.

“You can. I couldn’t stop you if you did.” It comes out breathless. Hardly even a whisper.

“Might not be able to stop,” he warns you. “Might go too far.”

He can smell it, the thin tendril of fear that spikes in you underneath the arousal. Underneath the frustration. It’s barely there, but it’s the first time he smells fear on you.

“I trust you.”

Max shakes his head. “You shouldn’t. I’m a monster.”

There’s a little fear on Max’s side too. He’s never bitten a human that he hasn’t killed. To be fair, he’s never bitten a human with any other intent than to feed and kill. A handful of human dates, one-time things, that he fucked them and then drank from them – but never a woman like you. Never one he’d want to let live.

But you do seem to trust him. Or, despite your fear, you recognize the inevitability of your own death if he wills it. You can’t move much – pinned underneath his body, your wrists stretched out and held over your head.

But you can tilt your head. You do tilt your head. Stretch out the long, lovely line of your neck, and Max can see and hear and smell – your pounding heart, your jugular right near the surface. Just aching for his teeth to tear it open and drink –

He fucks you harder. He snarls like a beast as he sets a punishing pace. No more teasing. No more pushing you to the edge and pulling back. Your cunt is so swollen and hot from his teasing, it’s nearly unbearable to fuck you. Pushes him right to the edge too.

He almost misses your words. Over the sound of your panting, over the sound of your thundering heart and his own growls, he almost misses your quiet whisper.

“You can bite me, Max. You c-can feed from me.”

He too fucking close to argue. Your words hit him like a punch, and it sets off the feral, monstrous side of him. He can feel his face transform into his craggy, gargoyle face – and his teeth descend.

And he buries his face into the side of your neck and bites you with a roar.

It makes you both come. Max releases your wrists and thrusts hard into you, stilling deep in your molten cunt as he feeds. The blood floods every sense he has – it’s rich and hot and he can hear your heart struggling against his assault. It’s the very essence of you, and it fills him.

He can hear you cry out at the pain, but when he releases your wrists, you don’t try to push him away. No, you wrap one arm around his broad shoulders, and the other hand threads through his hair. Holds him to your neck as you wail out his name, wail out a cry so primal it makes him shiver. The pain of his mouth tearing you open, the pleasure of his cock buried inside you. You come hard, and Max can taste the flood of whatever chemical is triggered by your orgasm. You arch against him, hold him tight to you, and it’s too much for him. Your blood flooding his mouth, your slick wash of come coating his cock as he spills inside of you.

Max doesn’t realize what he’s done until it’s almost too late. He feels the rush of your blood abating – there’s not enough for your heart to pump anymore. And your hands loosen their grip on him. It’s enough to shake him out of his blood-induced frenzy, and your heartbeat is so faint that even with his supernatural hearing, he has to strain to hear it.

*****

When you wake up, you aren’t quite sure where you are. There’s a moment of panic, waking up in a strange room. It’s dark, with only a bit of light creeping in around the edges of the blackout curtains.

That gives it away – the curtains. You’re in Max’s bedroom. And it’s daytime.

You don’t remember falling asleep. You don’t know how long you’ve slept. However long it was, it wasn’t enough – you still feel exhausted. Tired down to the very core of your being. You haven’t felt like this in…well, in forever. Not since you were putting yourself through college with two jobs, running on fumes and caffeine.

“You’re awake.” You turn your head on the pillow and glance over to see Max. Not lying beside you as he normally did, drawn to your human warmth like a lizard to a sun-drenched rock. No, he’s sitting in a chair beside the bed, and the expression on his face is indescribable. He looks rough. Exhausted. Strange, for a creature that is indefatigable.

Looking at him, you can see the rest of the scene. The IV stand beside the bed, the plastic tubing running into your arm. One clear, one red. Saline…and blood.

“What happened?” you ask, and your voice is a dry croak in your throat.

Max doesn’t answer you right away. He leaves the room, comes back a moment later with a glass of water. He lays one cool hand under the back of your head and helps you drink, and the expression on his face never changes from his somber frown. You’ve never seen him look so serious. You figured vampirism caused eternal smirking.

He doesn’t answer until he sets the half-empty glass down. He sits back down in the chair and fixes you with an inscrutable look before he finally speaks.

“We went too far. I went too far. I nearly killed you.”

You remember, faintly. You remember the pain and the pleasure of that moment, woven together. You remember the feel of his fangs in your neck, the feel of his mouth latched onto you. The feeling of being drained, of growing sleepy and heavy in his arms.

As far as death went, it would have been a pretty easy way to go. Falling asleep in Max’s arms, never waking up…

“Why didn’t you? Kill me, I mean. You told me once that you’ve never fed without killing…”

“It was different,” he mutters, and he can’t quite meet your gaze. “We never talked about what would happen if…if I went too far.” His eyes shift to look at you, and for the first time since you’ve met him, you can see some emotion there.

“I could have let you die,” he continues. “Or I could have…turned you. But we never talked about it, and both options are permanent. So I called…let’s call it a specialty service. Emergency line for vampires.”

You laugh weakly and shift on the bed. “Patch up service for human pets. Like an on-call vet who makes house calls.”

“Yeah, they gave you your rabies shot while you were under too,” he tries to joke, but there’s no humor in his voice. No smarm, no drollness.

If you didn’t know better, you’d guess that Max is having a crisis of conscience. That he can even feel guilty is a revelation – you know he enjoys fucking you, playing around with you like a cat may play with a mouse. But you also know that he’ll eventually grow bored of you, and like a cat with a mouse, he’ll eventually eat you.

“I wouldn’t haunt you if you killed me,” you try to joke back, but Max winces at that. Fixes his eyes on some spot on the wall across from you.

“Just wasn’t ready for this to end.” His words are quiet, and you have to strain to pick them up. You are still tired, and you can feel your eyelids growing heavy.

“Not bored with me yet?”

He shakes his head but doesn’t reply. He stands up and walks around to the other side of the bed, opposite of the IV lines and stand. He hesitates for a moment – that’s new too, Max hesitating – but then he climbs into bed with you. Another beat, then he’s pulling you gently into his arms.

He probably just wants your human warmth. Or maybe he’s just unwilling to find a new plaything. Or maybe he wants to see if he can control his hunger better, feed off of you regularly. Who knows what goes through his mind, this cold-blooded killer?

Maybe it doesn’t mean anything, but as you fall asleep against his broad chest, you don’t feel a single bit of fear. You had, in that moment before he bit you – just a little fear. Maybe just fear of the unknown, but not of him. Not then, and not now. You’re a cynic, but there’s a hopefulness in your beating heart now. Max could have killed you, but he stopped before it was too late. He got help. He saved you.

It has to mean something. Maybe you don’t fear death, not really – but maybe you have a reason to live. If Max didn’t care, he wouldn’t have bothered to keep you in the realm of the living.

You wonder, as you fall deeper into sleep, as you feel the cool press of his lips against your forehead – maybe you could see yourself living like this. By Max’s side, maybe for an eternity.

~~~Tag List~~~ @bananas-pajamas @rachelxwayne @stardust-fray @massivecolorspygiant @imspillingcoffee @amneris21 @paintballkid711 @mad-girl-without-a-box @bestattempt @rosiefridayrogersunday @strawberrydragon @hoeforthefictional @greeneyedblondie44 @leannawithacapitala @stardust-galaxies @isvvc-pvscvl @mrschiltoncat @danniburgh @stillshelbs @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @tobealostwanderer @nuvoleincielo @knivesareout @frankie-catfish-morales @prostitute-robot-from-the-future

#max phillips #max phillips x reader #max phillips imagine #bloodsucking bastards #kinktober2021

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ghostcaterwaul-old · 3 years

Text

If you write fanfic/imagines for any of the following fandoms/characters/ships, interact with this post! I want to find more fanfic writers to support! I'm open to reading reader inserts and OC fics in addition to the ships listed below. I'm also open to reading any genre! I prefer one-shots but I'm open to multi-chaptered fics as well!

The 100

Characters I'm interested in fanfic about: Murphy, Emori, Jasper, Luna, Octavia, Finn

Ships I’m interested fanfic about: Memori, Murphamy

Z Nation

Characters I'm interested in fanfic about: 10k, Addy, Citizen Z, Sarge, or George

Ships I’m interested fanfic about: I’d be interested to read some 10k x Sarge!

Shameless US

Characters I'm interested in fanfic about: Ian, Lip, Mickey, Mandy, Fiona

Ships I’m interested fanfic about: Gallavich, Lip x Mandy

Skins UK

Characters I'm interested in fanfic about: Sid, Tony, Chris, Cassie, Effy, JJ, Cook, Thomas, Rich.

Ships I’m interested fanfic about: Sid x Tony, Sid x Cassie, Cook x Freddie, Rich x Grace.

Versailles

Characters I'm interested in fanfic about: Phillipe, Chevalier, Liselotte

Ships I’m interested fanfic about: Monchevy, Monchevy x Liselotte (I don't know if there's a ship name for the three of them or not)

Black Sails

Characters I'm interested in fanfic about: Charles Vane, Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny, Max

Ships I’m interested fanfic about: Vane x Rackham, Vane x Rackham x Anne, Anne x Max, Rackham x Anne x Max

The Vampire Diaries/The Originals

Characters I'm interested in fanfic about: Damon, Jeremy, Enzo, Klaus, Marcel, Camille, Freya

Ships I’m interested fanfic about: Damon x Enzo, Damon x Klaus, Klaus x Camille, Freya x Keelin

Arrowverse

Characters I'm interested in fanfic about: Oliver, Barry, Snart, Rory, Alex, Rip, Sara, Charlie, Zari, Behrad, Constantine

Ships I’m interested fanfic about: Oliver x Barry, Sara x Alex, Sara x Ava, Sara x Constantine, possibly others!

Outer Banks

Characters I'm interested in fanfic about: JJ, Kiara, Sarah, Rafe

Ships I’m interested fanfic about: Mayward, Kiara x Sarah.

#the 100 #z nation #shameless #skins uk #versailles #black sails #the vampire diaries #the originals #arrowverse #outer banks

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alienoresimagines · 4 years

Text

I'm too tired to be tough (Just wanna be loved by you) | Bill "Hoosier" Smith x Sidney Phillips

A/N : Happy birthday @murphyism, I love you so damn much🥺❤ I hope you’ll enjoy this one and have an amazing birthday!! This was supposed to be fluffy but actually isn’t, it’s more of a character study. I’m not entirely satisfied with it but eh, I hope u’ll like it :) Again thank you @punkgeekchic for being my beta reader and taking the time to correct all my mistakes💙

Taglist : @murphyism @mavysnavy @speirs-sexy-ass @order-of-river-phoenix @inglourious-imagines @liebegott @tvserie-s-world @stressedinadress @warrior-healer

Posted : 24/09/2020

Masterlist Prompts Taglists

Hoosier loved winters. True winters, with snow and cold, where you’re sick with the flu and not with some illness mosquitoes gave you.

It was the time of the year where he could just lay on whatever surface he found as long as he was wrapped in his blankets.

When he was a kid, he always loved and expected Christmas. His mother’s kind eyes at the end of the stairs near the Christmas tree, waiting for him was the first thing he thought about when asked about home. It was probably the only day he would’ve consider waking up early willingly. Now, he held Christmas and snow even closer to his heart as it was the only things not tainted by the war.

It was the first time he’d celebrate it since he was back. Sidney had invited him to spend it with him, his parents and sister being away somewhere in Chicago. Hoosier refused to think about why he had accepted.

“Are you going to be laid under your blankets all day?”

Sid sat down on the space left of the couch, two cups of coffee in his hands as he handed one to Bill who nodded his thanks while taking the warm cup in his cold hands.

“Why would you want me to do anything else?” He looked up from his blanket, brought the mug to his lips and took a sip, all while carefully studying the younger man who was watching him with something that looked like softness in his kind blue eyes. Hoosier refused to linger on it, but he craved something that he knew only the man beside him could offer. The warmth that was radiating off Sidney only made it to harder to not reach out to grab him by the collar and cuddle to his side. He didn’t even know why he was fighting that instinct, that need.

The source of all his internal conflicts was neatly clothed, Bill noticed. His blonde, slightly curly hair was arranged perfectly to fit his face, his white shirt straight and clean. No matter how much he denied it, Sid always put time into his appearance. There were times Hoosier feared it was to impress him.

Though there was no need, the only thing between them two being Hoosier himself. And for once he was ready to give in. Ready to give him more than a few kisses when the war came too close from knocking at his heart’s door, more than lingering touches he couldn’t hold back, to give him the person he was, but most importantly the person he wasn’t anymore.

“Fair point.” Sidney’s gentle voice brought him back to reality, making him painfully realize how dry his throat was. As if he was back on the damned last island, with dust and blood everywhere he looked. It was easier when they were fighting a war. Then Hoosier could act as he wanted, although chained by fear, he was allowed to joke around and in a rush of fondness give a present and celebrating someone’s birthday. Even if the present was a mere grenade, in a battle it could save his life. But Hoosier hadn’t think about that aspect, it was simply the first thing he laid the hand on. After all, they were in a war, he could have died at any moment, leaving and forgetting everything behind. Past loves and future sorrows.

Hoosier took another sip of his too hot coffee without breaking the eye contact, feeling the warmth deep within his chest again and butterflies in his stomach. Maybe this time, Sid wouldn’t be disappointed and Hoosier’s heart wouldn’t be crushed.

The ringing of the phone in the hallway pierced his ears but he did not flinch and instead rolled his eyes and reluctantly started to move out of his comfortable spot.

“I’ll take that one, Bill.” Sid was off before Hoosier could say a thing but he heard how the younger one’s voice was shaking. His fists clenched as guilt washed over him but he couldn’t let his fences down, no matter how much he tried. Hoosier felt like the bad boy in high school who’d bring girl’s hopes up just to let them know he was in fact interested in their best friend. His mother didn’t raise him like such, the twist in his stomach let him know.

It most probably wasn’t what Sid had in mind as company for Christmas. Hoosier threw his head back and closed his eyes, praying to a god he stopped believing in.

Sidney’s youthful faith appeared in the doorway, a fake smile on his face and Hoosier’s silent prayers turned into curses.

“Eugene wants to know if we’re down for a walk.” He was tired, Hoosier finally realized.

Tired of loving someone who didn’t allow himself to give it back.

Tired of trying and trying for what seemed to be nothing.

Bill was tired too.

“When?”

“Why would that matter, do you have something planned in the near future?” That stung, and Bill flinched. He deserved it though, but what hurt even more was the look of guilt on Sid’s features. People like Sid shouldn’t have to be sad or feel any kind of negative emotions.

“Yes, for ya to sit down here and cuddle me, ’m cold.” Sid watched him with wide eyes, surely repeating what he just said in his head over and over to be sure it was real. Bill watched as Sid’s blue eyes sparkled and he bit his lips, trying so hard not to smile but failing miserably.

That sight was worth fighting every evil in the world.

“I..I’m sure Gene won’t take that against you.” No, that he wouldn’t. But Bill knew that Sledge fella had some unpleasant but deserved words for him. Bill smiled at Sid, truly and with every emotions he could muster. It seemed to be enough for Sid as he left, lighter than before.

Somehow, it hurt even more.

When Sid returned, after muffled whispers of bliss and hushed confessions to his best friend, the smile hadn’t left his face, even if Bill could say he was trying to tone it down.

His own face was softened, lips forming a lazy smile as he observed Sid with a raised eyebrow.

“What?” He asked while making place for him.

“Are you alright? I mean.. I don’t want to force you in anything you don’t want.. I-” Sidney spoke fast his doubts but his eyes didn’t lie. Oh, what did Bill do? What was he even doing?

Nothing good could ever come out of it, his brain whispered.

He’s scarred and so are you. Right now doesn’t have to be good as long as he makes you feel a better man, his heart chimed in.

Bill’s face darkened for a second before he looked at Sid’s face again. He made eye contact with him for several seconds, corners of the lips twitching slightly.

“Sid. Stop thinking and come cuddle with me.” Sid laughed in relief, still a bit stiff but making his way over. They struggled a bit at first with all the fluffy blankets but they managed, and the younger one settled on his side, head layed on Bill’s shoulder and slowly intertwining their fingers, his own shaking.

Hesitating, not sure of the moves he was allowed to do without making Bill walk away.

For the first time in days, Bill’s love for Sid won against his hatred, and he firmly but tenderly squeezed Sid’s hand.

#hoosid #hoosier x sidney #hoosid fanfic #the pacific fanfic #my writing

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mirkwoodshewolf · 4 years

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My sweet buttercup; Eugene Sledge x reader

*Author’s note*

Hey guys well this only took me a couple days to write this little genius but now I’ve got it done and ready for you all to enjoy. Now I really wanted to try something different with this Eugene fic, I really wanted to DIVE right and get to the heart and root of the blossoming relationship b/t Eugene and the reader in this fic. So more n the lines of what they were like as kids together, early teen years, basically a Pre-WW2 fic mostly before the ending.

Warnings: Fluff, bit of angst, family disownment, mentions of PTSD, forbidden love.

But I hope you all enjoy this fic so much and until next time ;)

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@psychosupernatural

@ixchel-9275

@simonedk

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@dancingcoolcat

@queensdivas

@geek-and-proud

@queendeakyy

@kairosfreddie

___________________________________________________________

*June 14th, 1928*

It was a warm summer day in Mobile, Alabama. In the center of town stood a farmer’s market shop run by Sheldon (L/n). Sheldon (L/n) was once part of the 1st Marine division back during the Great War. After the war he settled back home in Mobile to run himself a farm where he was known for growing the brightest, freshest, most delectable apples in the whole state of Alabama.

Why if you asked people where the stores got their apples from, nine times out of ten they would tell you they came from (L/n) farm. Sheldon while having his shell shock moments from the war, still managed to have the American dream.

He married his high school sweetheart Marianne Lewis and they lived a good life together and had a beautiful baby girl they named (y/n) (l/n).

Sadly though, when little (y/n) was just a year old, her mom died of breast cancer. Sheldon was devastated but he tried to keep trudging on by being both hard working man, and loving father to his little girl.

Walking through the town was Dr. Edward Sledge, his wife Mary Frank and their two sons, Edward Jr. Sledge and Eugene Sledge. Eugene was five years old, going on six come the fall.

His bright auburn hair bounced off the summer sun and as they came right towards Sheldon’s shop, Edward stopped his family in their tracks.

“Maybe we best find another way around.” Suggested Edward warily.

“Edward, it was five years ago, can’t you learn to let it go?” Mary Frank told her husband.

“I have, but Sheldon on the other hand…..that man’s as stubborn as an ox.” It was then Sheldon came out with some crates of food ready to be shipped off to the stores.

As soon as he saw Dr. Sledge, a gruesome scowl came across the farmer’s face.

“Just what do you think you are doing here Sledge?!”

“Now Sheldon calm down, we were only passing by.”

“If you think I’m gonna do any type of business with you, think again! After what you had done…..”

“Sheldon there was nothing my husband could do to help Marianne.”

“Mary Frank you keep out of this.” Her husband warned her cautiously.

“You best listen to him Mary Anne. This is no concern of yours. Now get yourselves as well as those little monsters of yours away from my shop!” he spat down at the ground in disgust before slamming the door of his shop closed.

“Why does Mr. (L/n) hate us so badly mama?” asked Edward Jr.

“Oh never you mind that Edward. It’s just grown up business.” Mary Frank assured her eldest son.

“Come along boys, we’re gonna head back towards the barbershop and go through the back alley there to get to the fair.” The two boys groaned.

“But that’ll take longer!” whined Edward Jr.

“Why do we have to go back!?” groaned Eugene.

“Now boys don’t argue with your father. Now come along, or else we can just head right back home and forget about the fair till next year.” Their mother scolded them. That immediately got them to stop whining and soon they turned back around and went the long way to the fair.

They barely got a block away from Sheldon’s market shop when Eugene heard someone calling out to them. It was a faint psst sound so he stopped right by a flower cart and soon peaking out from it was a young girl around his age.

She had curly (h/c) hair and bright (e/c) eyes that sparkled like the stars at night. Eugene knew this girl very well, it was his best friend (well secret best friend) (Y/n) (l/n).

Yep. Even though Sheldon has repeatedly drilled into his daughter’s mind to never, ever, ever under any circumstances go anywhere near the Sledge family. But due to the fact that the two kids were in the same class as one another, they just—clicked immediately.

Her, Eugene, and Sydney Phillips were like the three Musketeers. But Eugene and (y/n) well—they had a special bond with each other. They were just like peas and carrots. Different in every way but somehow they managed to click with each other.

“Eugene, over here!” he smiled before turning to see his parents and older brother who hadn’t noticed he wasn’t with them anymore. He smiled and ran up to (y/n) who had a basket filled with wildflowers in them.

“Hey (y/n). Mrs. Mulley said you were sick last week and that’s why you weren’t at Sunday school, what did you have?”

“Just a bad tummy ache. But I’m all better and I’ll be back in Sunday school tomorrow.”

“That’s good. What did you find?” he said gesturing to her basket. Sometimes, if they could manage it, Eugene and (y/n) could be seen going out to the fields picking wild flowers together. They would even have contests to see who could pick the most flowers in a certain amount of time.

“Mostly pink and blue flowers. But check this out,” she then held up a yellow buttercup flower.

“That’s a buttercup flower. My mama sometimes grows those in our garden.” Eugene said.

“Buttercup huh? I like it, it suits it.”

“You know my mama says that if you hold a buttercup under your chin, it’ll make it glow. I tried it once but it didn’t work.” (y/n) looked at it with curiosity before putting it under her chin.

“Does it work for me?” and well and behold, her chin was glowing right over the buttercup flower.

Even at the tender age of five, Eugen B. Sledge always knew he held more than a friendship feeling for (Y/n). Whenever she’d laugh, his heart would beat faster and it felt like he was being tickled by a billion butterflies in his tummy.

His face would go red every time they would pick wild flowers together, and his heart ached every time she had to mention that her daddy didn’t want her talking to him.

“It sure does buttercup.” He said softly.

“Did you just call me a—”

“(Y/N)! Oh now where is that girl at? (Y/n)!” her father’s voice soon called out from the market. He whistled for her like she were a dog and that’s when she turned to Eugene and whispered.

“I gotta go, see you at church Eugene, bye!” she quickly ran off with her flower basket towards her daddy. As Eugene watched her father kneel down in front of her giving her a soft but firm lecture about running off, Eugene couldn’t help but feel those butterflies again.

“Eugene! Eugene!?” at the sound of his brother’s voice, he snapped out of his daze and quickly ran off before Mr. (L/n) could take notice of a Sledge boy staring at the two of them.

*September 17th, 1938*

It was a hard time in America. For five years now, the whole country was under a Great Depression. Every American was affected and of course that didn’t exclude the Sledge’s or the (L/n)’s. Without enough payment for the extra help, it was all up to Sheldon and (Y/n) to work the farm.

And in order to help bring extra money and food on the table, the Sledge siblings both got jobs helping their dad out with his physician at home job.

Right now Sydney and Eugene were walking along the outskirts of Mobile. Along for the ride was Eugene’s new little pup, Deacon. He had gotten Deacon as a ‘job well done’ gift from his dad. A client of his had a dog that recently had a litter of pups but times were tough and if they didn’t get the pups adopted soon they’d be taken to the shelter.

So Edward being the kind hearted gentleman that he was known for, got the dog and decided the pup would be a good gift for his son Eugene, as a token for being such a big help through these uncertain times.

As the two boys walked over the tall hill, they soon came upon the (L/n) farm. Sydney and Eugene were both shocked to see just how much the Depression had affected the farm.

The soil that they remember being a rich stretch of fresh soil was now dried up and cracking. Weeds were growing up in almost every spot imaginable. Without the extra help, it was almost impossible to keep the weeds in check.

And of course there was hardly anymore livestock anymore. Save for the horse, 2 cows, and the chickens. All the other animals the (L/n)’s once had, had to be sold off in order to get the money they needed to survive.

“Man, I heard (y/n) was struggling but—never did I think it was this badly.” Sydney said with a solemn shake of his head.

“No wonder why she said she had to quit school and be with her dad.”

“Are you sure it ain’t for another reason why you miss her?” teased Sydney. At that moment (y/n) had came out of the chicken coop with a bunch of eggs in a crate and the two of them watched her enter back into her family home.

“You wish you were right Sid.”

“Oh I know I’m right. I’m always right when it comes to you two. Don’t think I didn’t know about the time in 3rd grade when you offered to do her side of the book report when she broke her leg and had to stay at the hospital.”

“I was being polite and didn’t want her getting held back.” As the two of them bickered back and forth, the 10 month old pup had raced down the hill catching scent of the chickens and crept towards the chicken coop.

Deacon slowly stalked towards the door before entering inside of it. The young pup stared at the chickens before one of them caught sight of the unfamiliar creature that stood in their coop.

The pup then let out a series of barks which sent the chickens running mad with fear. From up on the hill, Eugene looked down to see Deacon was gone and from the barks that came down below, he immediately put two and two together.

“DEACON NO STOP!”

“Eugene wait you can’t go down there!” Sydney raced after him.

At that moment, Deacon came out of the coop chasing after the flock of chickens who were racing around frantically trying to escape this wolf-like creature.

(Y/n) immediately peeked out from her bedroom window and was shocked to see what was going on. The chickens being chased by the dog, the dog being chased by Eugene, and Gene being chased by Sid.

“Oh hey (y/n).” Sid stopped by her bedroom window.

“Sid what in the samhell is going on out here!?”

“Funny you should ask, but uhh—mind helping us out?” she quickly got on her shoes and crawled out of her window before running beside Sydney to try and round up the chickens.

Running around like—well chickens with no heads, Eugene, (Y/n) and Sydney all tried to calm the situation down before he father would return home.

“WHAT’S GOING ON OUT THERE!?!?” at hearing that thunderous voice. (Y/n) stopped running as she held a chicken in her arms and froze in fear.

“You guys need to get out of here, now!” she urged Eugene and Sydney on. Eugene who had finally gotten hold of Deacon turned towards (Y/n) but before he could say a word, a gunshot was heard and the shot landed just a few inches away from his foot.

“C’mon Eugene lets go!” Sydney pleaded and soon the two men took off running for the hills. The backdoor slammed open and there stood Sheldon with his shotgun in hand and his jaw dropped at the sight before him.

All the chickens out of their coop, now finally calm, the chicken coop now lay there in rubble (when (y/n) and Gene tried to wrangle Deacon and a few chickens that had gotten back into the coop, the sudden jostling and heavy weight of both humans trying to calm the situation down, forced the coop to collapse under their weight).

“What-gup—what happened here!? (Y/n) (m/n) (l/n). You were supposed to be gathering the chicken eggs!!”

“I know daddy.”

“Then why the hell are they out and about!? How did the coop get destroyed!? JUST WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU DOING GIRL!?!?”

From up on the hill, Eugene’s heart broke at hearing (y/n) getting yelled at by her own father. She had nothing to do with this. So getting the courage, he held Deacon once more and walked down the hill back towards the farm.

“Eugene, Gene don’t you dare! He’ll kill you if you go over there. Eugene!” Sydney hissed out quietly but Gene refused to listen to his best friend.

“I—” (Y/n) began to respond till Eugene’s voice called out.

“She didn’t do it sir.” The two of them turned around. Gripping his gun tighter, Sheldon stood in front of his daughter and said lowly.

“What was that boy?”

“The chicken coop. And the reason why the chickens got out. It was my fault. (Y/n) had nothing to do with it. You see my dog—”

“Great, the Sledge’s have a dog. One more thing to worry about.” Sheldon muttered angrily to himself.

“Please Mr. (L/n), don’t blame (y/n) for this. She was doing her job just like you told her to do. If anyone’s the blame, it’s me. And I’ll do anything to make it up to you.” Hearing Eugene confess, it made (y/n)’s heart flutter and place her hand over her heart.

“Oh you can be damned well sure you will boy. As much as I hate to say this. You’ll be helping me out for the rest of the Harvest season, as well as repairing the chicken coop! And you young lady, come with me.”

He dragged his daughter back to the house as he whispered harshly to her.

“Throughout the time he’s here repairing and helping out, I don’t want you anywhere near him. No daughter of mine is gonna be seen with a Sledge.” As her father continue to rant out his hatred towards the Sledges, (Y/n) turned back towards Eugene and softly smiled at him and mouthed out a thank you.

Eugene smiled softly and seeing her smile it was like cupid’s arrow had struck him as he made goo-goo eyes at her. Even as Sydney snapped his fingers in Gene’s face to get him to snap out of it, Gene was stuck under the love spell he was on.

As agreed; Eugene worked with his father helping him run the at home physician and on his breaks, he’d ride his bike over to (Y/n)’s place to repair the chicken coop, as well as pull out the weeds.

Of course that didn’t stop Eugene and (Y/n) from sneaking puppy love eyes at each other as the two teens were put to work. Throughout the harvest season, it only allowed Eugene and (Y/n) to grow closer than they ever were before.

*June 14th, 1941*

Eugene and (Y/n). Never has there been a couple more meant for each other. Sid always referred to them as childhood sweethearts, and now for these past several years, they’ve really seemed to just hit it off. And with him being the only real person who knew of their ‘more than friendship’ relationship, he kept that to himself.

Of course Eugene’s parents never turned (y/n) away. From the early days when they were kids, they welcomed her with open arms. What they didn’t know was their blossoming relationship. Neither of their parents knew of their courting with each other, and they wanted to keep it that way for just a little while longer.

The two of them were at their favorite hillside where they once picked wildflowers when they were kids. Splayed out along a blanket cuddled close together watching the summer sunset. Eugene lying on his back with (y/n) lying her head against his chest, their hands intertwined with each other’s and their thumbs stroking the back of each other’s hands.

“Happy Anniversary my love.”

“What do you mean Gene?” she looked up at him.

“You heard me, happy 131, 456 hour anniversary.” Eugene said with a small grin as he picked up a buttercup flower and tucked it behind her ear.

“What? That’s way longer than when we first met.”

“I know. But it’s the anniversary of the day I first called you my buttercup.” He said as he cupped her face. Inside (y/n) felt warm and fuzzy remembering that day by the flower cart when Eugene had called her buttercup after finding out one glow underneath her chin. “But it’s fine if you forgot and didn’t get me anything.” Teased Eugene as he sat up trying to hide a grin. She rolled her eyes at Eugene’s teasing.

“Actually I did.” She crawled towards a log and pulled out a guitar case. Eugene’s eyes widened and as she opened the case up he said.

“Oh darlin you shouldn’t have but uhh—I don’t really know how to play.”

“Quiet you.” she teased back as she took the guitar (which was actually hers) and she began playing a soft tune. After letting the soft tune play for a bit she opened her mouth and began to sing.

As she sang; she began to remember all the times she and Eugene had together. From sharing secret letters/drawings with each other (with Deacon being the messenger dog), nature walks together, or secretly waving at each other from her father’s shop.

Their times doing out to the soda shops every Saturday night to go dancing. Always dancing together

We're far apart in every way

But you're the best part of my day

And sure as I breathe the air

I know we are the perfect pair

On a prickly path that goes on for miles

But it's worth it just to see you smile

And I cannot be pulled apart

From the hold you have on my heart

And even if the world tells us it's wrong

You're in my head like a catchy song

“I’ve always loved hearing you sing.” Sighed Eugene lovingly.

“The song’s not too gushy is it? Be honest now.”

“It’s everything but gushy, please sing more for me.” He said as he laid his head close to her thigh. (Y/n) continued to sing while Eugene just stared at her with loving eyes.

More memories came to both of them from their nature walks through any type of weather whenever they had free time. The stargazing’s they’ve done, and even one time when (Y/n) was struggling with the farm one spring that she ended up working till nightfall.

When morning came that morning, she found herself being covered with Eugene’s jacket and just a couple feet away from her, laid an exhausted Gene. He had actually came by and done the rest of the work for her so that she could get some sleep. As he slept, she had sat down beside Eugene and stroked through his auburn hair.

The seasons change and leaves may fall

But I'll be with you through them all

And rain or shine, you'll always be mine

On a prickly path that goes on for miles

You're the only one who makes it all worthwhile

And you should not blame me, too

If I can't help fallin' in love with you...

At the last verse, the two of them went red. While they have called each other their love or life, and while they were technically courting, neither of them has actually those three binding words. (Y/n) covered her mouth with her hand and looked down shyly as her face went red.

“Well that’s unfair. I was gonna tell you that first.”

“Yeah right.”

“I’m serious, I was gonna pull you up,” he stood up and helped her stand up. “Cover your eyes,” he covered her eyes. “Lead you over here.” He then guided her as he kept his hands over her eyes towards the wooded area of the fields. “And say surprise!” he uncovered her eyes and (Y/n) saw the sweetest thing she would ever see.

There along the willow tree they used to climb when they were kids, was a heart engraved at the center of the trunk and written in that heart were their initials. E.B.S + (F/I). (M/I). (L/I). She walked up towards their willow tree and placed her hand over the engravement.

“And then you’d say ‘Oh Genie. It’s—it’s so beautiful. I love it’.” He said imitating her Southern bell voice. “And then I’d say, ‘well, not as much as I love you’.”

“Guess I’m glad I beat you to it then.” She teased as she playfully bumped into him.

“I can accept that.” He said with a proud grin as he wrapped his arms around her waist while she wrapped her around his neck before the two of them finally kissed each other.

It was the kind of kiss that wasn’t deeply passionate that you couldn’t breathe. It was the kind of kiss that just felt like you found your missing half. Gene and (Y/n) were meant to be together and right as they kissed, it felt like it was right.

They were right for each other. And they began to dream of their bright future together. But of course no happiness lasts forever.

After returning from the fields later that evening, she came home to see her home filled to the rim with boxes. She asked her father what was going on and that’s when her father told her the grim truth.

They were moving to North Dakota.

Her father explained to her that the property here was just too dry to farm at anymore. Ever since the Depression decade the land hasn’t been the same. So he hired a contractor to tear the family home and the farm down, he had sold off the rest of the animals, and in two days they were gonna get a fresh start in a new land, with new people, and most important for him it would get them away from the Sledges.

(Y/n) was devastated. Two days and she’d never get to see Sydney Phillips, or Eugene ever again.

When she broke the news to Eugene the next day at the Willow tree, Eugene couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He held onto his weeping girl waiting for her to calm down before he finally spoke to her.

“But you’re practically an adult now (y/n). He can’t control you anymore.”

“What do you want me to say Eugene? I love you, I really do but—he’s the only family I got. And I—I have to stay with my family. I’m sorry!” with that she took off crying, heartbroken and alone.

Eugene looked towards the carving that he had done with his father’s old doctoring knife he used in the Great war. He placed his finger’s over (y/n)’s initials and knew what he had to do, but he knew he didn’t have much time so immediately he got on his bike and pedaled off as fast as he could into town.

By nightfall as (y/n) was solemnly packing up her stuff, Eugene came knocking at her window and he told her to come with him. He made up a story that Deacon wasn’t feeling to good and he needed his ‘mama’. Knowing how much she loved that dog, Eugene and her rode off on his bike.

They soon arrived at the church garden, which was an odd place that Eugene would bring Deacon at, but when she saw the candles all lit up and a beautiful flower archway standing near the back entrance of the church.

Wide eyed in awe, (Y/n) couldn’t believe what she was seeing. When she felt Eugene take her hand he got down on one knee and said to her.

“I don’t ever want to be apart from you. I don’t know what’ll happen in the future but—all I know is now. And I know that I love you so much that I’d marry you today. If you’ll have me that is?” tears of happiness filled her eyes as she said to Eugene.

“I’d like that too.” Eugene smiled and stood up as he embraced his fiancée and spun her around, the two of them cheering and laughing with glee.

After settling down, the two of them walked arm-in-arm with each other towards the pastor (who was actually their own Sunday school teacher who had since went up the ranks and was now one of the head pastor of their church). With Sydney Phillips as their witness and Eugene’s best man, the ceremony began.

The two young teens shared their vows together before the house of God and proclaimed their loyalty and love to each other.

“Then by the name of our Holy Father and in the eyes of the law; I now pronounce you—”

“Pastor Jacob! Pastor Jacob! Please can you help us our son is—Eugene? (Y/n)?” coming behind Sydney were Eugene’s parents.

“What is going on here?” asked Eugene’s father.

“(Y/n)!? Where are you girl you’re supposed to be packing!” soon coming up behind (y/n) from the bushes was her father. As soon as he saw his daughter with the Sledge’s he sneered out, “What are you two doing?” As both families came closer to see just what was going on, that’s when Eugene spoke up as he wrapped his arm around his future wife.

“Mother, father, Mr. (L/n). (Y/n) and I are getting married.”

“What!?” all three parents shouted in shock.

“That’s right. And we’ll officially be married as soon as Pastor Jacob says…..” (y/n) said firmly as she looked back at the pastor.

“Oh right, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” He stepped aside as he closed his Bible.

“Mrs. (Y/n) Sledge, has a nice ring to it don’t you think?” Eugene said as he cupped his wife’s face.

“Indeed.” The two of them kissed each other finally sealing the deal.

“What are you talking about married!? You both are too young to be married!” Mary Frank scolded as she came between them and pushed Eugene aside.

“Finally something we can agree on.” Sheldon spoke as he now stood beside his daughter. “(Y/n) (m/n) (l/n) you listen to me and you listen good, girl. We’re moving and that’s final. And you have got to stick with your family! So enough of this foolish teenage fantasy and come home!” he grabbed her wrist and began to drag her away.

Finally having enough of her father’s grudge against the Sledges, she broke free of his grip and proclaimed.

“No daddy!”

“No?” her father asked as if he had been punched in the face.

“The Sledges are my family now too. In the eyes of God and the law as Pastor Jacob has said.” Eugene brushed past his mother and stood beside his wife to give her backup.

“You can’t be serious. Are you really choosing to be family with the ones responsible for your mother’s death over your own flesh and blood?!”

“Are you making me choose?” she spoke with a trembled lip as tears filled her eyes.

Her father stood there in shock and everyone around them grew tense. Could a father really force his daughter to choose who she sides with?

“Yes. I am.” Her father demanded. Finally hearing that answer broke (y/n)’s heart but she stood her ground as she spoke in a broken voice.

“Then yeah. I guess I am.” Her father’s face showed absolutely betrayal before his eyes grew red and he snapped at her.

“Then I guess I have no daughter anymore.” Without another word he stormed away from the church.

Heartbroken by her father’s words, (y/n) wept out a river of tears. Eugene held his new wife close to him trying to comfort her, meanwhile Dr. Sledge walked up to the young newlyweds and placed a comforting hand to his new daughter in law’s shoulder. She looked up at the old physician and he told her.

“You’ve always been like family to us (Y/n). You’ve always had love here with us. Right Mary Frank?” after witnessing what she had seen, she couldn’t deny the fact that ever since they were kids, her son and this young girl were just destined to be together.

“Even though I don’t condone you both being married so young while you’re still in school Eugene, there’s—I cannot stop the bond that it is you both share with each other.” Hearing those words coming from her new mother and father, it repaired some of the damage that (y/n)’s heart had taken.

“Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Sledge.” She thanked them.

“Oh sweet pea, call me mama.” Mary Frank said as she came up and cupped (y/n)’s face.

“And whenever you feel like it, you can call me dad.” Dr. Sledge said with a warm smile. (Y/n) never felt so grateful to the Sledges, she continued to weep as she now hugged her new parents and they warmly embraced her back. Welcoming her to the family officially.

*August 29th, 1945 1st Person POV*

I lot has happened in the past few years. Six months after Eugene and I got married, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and America was officially in the war with the Axis Powers.

Eugene wanted to enlist so badly but dad said that his heart murmur prevented him from enlisting, they knew with that he would never get it. So he always begged his father for frequent checkups every day until one day it was gone. That was the day my life changed forever.

I begged and pleaded with Genie to not go but he kept saying he had to do this. He’d feel like a failure if he were stuck doing bond trades or collecting scrap metal, while so many men including our dear friend Sid are fighting out in the front lines.

At that point I knew I couldn’t argue with him anymore and so he enlisted. Of course the night before he left, we made sure to make that night extra special because we both didn’t know if this would be the last time we’d see each other. We memorized each other’s kiss, scent, and touch (and I knew Eugene was trying much harder than I was since I knew he’d suffer the worse).

I went back to school, got my high school diploma and I’m currently now working as a teacher’s work assistant as well as a part-time librarian at the local library. I had remained with mom and dad taking care of house as well as Deacon (God rest his little soul) just trying to distract myself from missing Eugene.

It was (for once this past few weeks) a cool Summer’s day. I was tending to the garden outside planting a few roses, daffodils and of course buttercup flowers but I didn’t expect to suddenly get jumped by two little body masses.

Soon enough I was in the dirt and two 3 year old kids were piled on top of me. One was a little boy who looked so much like his daddy when I first met him, except he had my hair and eye color, and the other was a girl with the same curly hair I once had as a kid and her daddy’s auburn hair and brown eyes but the rest were my looks.

“We gotcha mommy now say you surrender!” my son proclaimed as he held up his toy gun at me, while my daughter had a couple of sticks, pretending they were a bow and arrow.

“I surrender, you both got me.” I held my arms up in surrender. They cheered as they got off of me but that’s when I tackled them both to the ground and began tickling them both.

The two of them laughed as they tried to escape my clutches but soon our moment was interrupted by one of the servants, Octavia.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Sledge?” I stopped playing with the kids and the look on her face was—unreadable.

“What is it Octavia?”

“Just come inside (y/n) dear, there’s—someone who you need to see.” Oh god please don’t tell me. Not when the war was finally over do I get the news.

“Mommy, what is it?” asked my son.

“Gene, you and your sister stay with Octavia okay?” I told him as I stood up and brushed the dirt off my dress as best as I could.

Slowly I walked through the back entrance towards the dining room where I knew mom was at stacking the dishes. I almost didn’t even want to turn the corner to see an officer in uniform telling us now that Eugene was dead. Finally I worked up the courage to turn the corner and there my heart stopped.

Standing right there by his mother and father in full Marine uniform, was my Genie.

He slowly walked towards me and I him until we finally met in the middle. For years I’ve dreamed of this day to come that—now it feels like it is a dream. He raised his hand to my face and the moment I felt his touch, I knew this couldn’t be a dream.

“You—you’re as beautiful as the day I left buttercup.” At that moment, the tears poured down my face as I felt myself collapsing against him. Eugene kept me steady as his head rested against mine and he rocked me back and forth.

“You’re back! You came back…..” I wept into his uniform.

“I told you I would.” He whispered to me.

“Mama?” Eugene and I separated from each other to see Octavia bringing in the kids. “Why are you crying?” asked my baby girl. When I looked up at Eugene, his eyes were wide and his body fell tense.

“Genie, I—I didn’t want to share this with you through letter. But—I’d like you to meet two very special people of mine. Kids come here.” Shyly they walked from Octavia up to me and Eugene as we now knelt down to their height.

Our kids soon came up and our daughter hid behind my back while our son fiddled with the ends of my dress as he curled himself around my arm.

“Eugene, these are our kids. The oldest of the twins is our son, Eugene B. Sledge Jr. and our baby girl, Daphne Eliza Sledge. Kids—this……is your daddy. He’s come home to us.” My son looked up at me hesitantly and I nodded to him telling him it was okay to go see him.

Little Gene walked up to his daddy and just stared up at him in both awe but a hint of fear.

“Little Gene, suits him. Guess you managed to convince Sid to not let us name our first boy after him.” Eugene teased at me as he gently ruffled his son’s hair. Knowing that this strange man in uniform wasn’t going to hurt him, little Gene smiled and immediately embraced his daddy.

Eugene embraced his son and kissed the top of his head and it just made my heart soar at seeing both my boys finally meeting each other and already loving each other. After giving his son some of his love, he looked behind me to our baby girl who was still shyly trying to hide from him.

“It’s okay sweetie bell. He won’t hurt you.” I assured her. Slowly but surely, she came out till she stood by my arm and clung onto it just like her brother.

“My, my, my. You—you look exactly like your mother when I first met her. Guess now I’ve got two buttercups.”

“How did you know my name?” Eugene looked at me confused so I explained to him.

“She likes to be called buttercup. Says it sounds more prettier than her real name.”

“Well whatever name you prefer darling, it sounds beautiful. Just like your mother, and just like you.” he gently booped his daughter’s button nose which made her giggle and finally loosen up around her daddy. Before long she too cuddled into her daddy’s chest and he gave her the same love and affection he gave his son.

Seeing him hold our two kids just—finally felt right. I always knew Gene would be a natural dad, and even now after being through such hell for the past 3 years, he can finally have some peace knowing his family has now grown.

The rest of the day it was just the four of us bonding and getting to know each other.

Of course I knew life wouldn’t be the same as it was before. For example the nightmares. Every night Eugene would suffer terrible and horrifying nightmares. Some nights I ended up staying awake all night just to make sure he didn’t suffer alone.

There wasn’t much I could do except to just assure him that he wasn’t there anymore and that he was home. Sometimes the kids would ask him why they would hear their daddy scream and cry but I told them to not ask him such questions yet.

After Eugene had returned with his dad from the dove hunting, I could see from the tearstains on his face and the slight red in his eyes that it didn’t go so well and that he had suffered flashbacks (I still remember when—well my old father still suffered from them night after night).

So Eugene and I, along with the kids decided to head out to Genie and is old favorite spot out in the fields. He and I were lying on our backs cuddled close to each other while the kids went off to pick wildflowers.

“How long till you found out about them?” he asked me. I looked up at him before turning towards our kids.

“A couple weeks after you left for bootcamp. I just felt so sick till dad checked me out and that’s when it was confirmed that I was pregnant. I would’ve mentioned it but—something like that can’t be said through letters.”

“They’re beautiful though. Just like you.” he said as I felt his nose bury itself into my neck.

“And you.”

“Mama! Daddy!” soon our kids came running up to us and Buttercup held up a buttercup flower. “Look what I found!”

“Yes sweetheart, you found the flower you’re named after. Did you know of a legend that goes with this flower?” she shook her head no. I took hold of the buttercup and told her, “If you hold a buttercup under your chin, it’ll make it glow. See how it works on me?” both my children looked at me in pure awe.

“Let me try! Let me try!” Little Gene called out as he reached out to take the flower. He took it and held it under his chin asking repeatedly if it was working. When Buttercup shook her head, Little Gene pouted, god he really was just like his daddy.

“No worries little Gene. It never worked on me either when I was your age, see?” his daddy said as he held the flower under his chin.

“Can I try it next daddy?” asked Buttercup. Gene nodded and held the flower under his daughter’s chin and low and behold, it worked on her. He smiled as he shook his head softly scoffing.

“Does it work?” she asked him.

“It sure does Buttercup. Apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, huh (n/n)?” I smiled as he picked up his daughter and began kissing her all over her cheek making her giggle.

“Mommy can you sing for us?” asked little Gene as he crawled his way into my lap.

“What would you like me to sing?”

“The catchy song!” The kids both proclaimed. I smiled and said.

“Okay. But you both know I don’t have the guitar with me to play it.”

“Please mommy!” they both gave me the puppy dog eyes they inherited from their father.

“I swear Eugene this trick came from you.”

“Uhh excuse me? You’ve done the puppy dog eye trick on me way longer than I have. Don’t you put this on just me.” Eugene said trying to point the blame on me. I scoffed that’s when Little Gene said.

“Mommy sing for us now!”

“Now, now Little Gene, that’s not the way to get something from your mother or from anyone. If you want something you ask politely.” Eugene gently scolded his son. Little Gene nodded and apologized to me. I told him it was fine and that’s when I began singing the song that I had made for Eugene what felt like an eternity ago, which now became the kids’ favorite song.

Eugene set our baby girl down and laid his head across my lap while I stroked through his auburn hair as well as down his face. And every time my fingers came close to his lips, he would pucker them out and give each of my fingers or the back of my hand a kiss. The kids all lay down close to us with my boy laying his head near my knee while our baby girl cuddled herself tight against her daddy’s side, like a little kitten.

After I finished the song, Eugene and I thought it best to head back home and put these kids down for their nap. I grabbed our son while Eugene held our baby girl, both our kids clung onto us once they knew we had hold of them. Eugene and I looked at each other before leaning in and giving each other a soft kiss before heading back to the house.

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letmeletmetrashyourlove · 5 years

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Shell Shock

Author’s Note: I DID IT I FINISHED IT!!!!! I’ve read it so many times I can’t tell if I like it anymore so I figured it was time to quit wokring on it and post it. Pairing: Eugene Sledge x reader. Word Count: 10.1k Summary: Y/N Phillips deals with scars the war left on her brother and her best friend. MASTERLIST

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“Sidney!” I screeched over the crowd when I spotted his mop of blonde hair, “Sidney Phillips, get your scrawny ass over here!”

As soon as he spotted me, he came pushing through the crowd to get to me. I let out an excited squeal when he got close enough for me to throw my arms around his neck. He immediately hoisted me up off the ground in a bone-crushing hug.

“ God, you smell!” I winced as he pulled me in closer, “More than usual.”

“Hi big brother, I missed you, glad you’re okay.” He mocked in a high pitch voice as he jostled me about.

“Just wanted to make sure you knew that nothin’ around here changed without you, that’s all.” I grinned as he set me back on the ground. I smoothed my hands over his jacket before patting him on the chest,

“All in one piece?”

He nodded. Though I could see a bruise poking out from behind the few strands of hair that flopped in front of his face. My lips pursed as I brushed the hair away, fingertips ghosting over the bruise. He let out a hiss,

“What happened there?”

“I uh…” He paused, trying to disguise the grin that was tugging at the corners of his lips, “Had too much to drink on the train, fell and bashed my head.”

“Sidney.” I scolded, shaking my head at him, “Survive the war just to crack your head open the day you get home?”

He shrugged.

“How’s Eugene?” I asked, my gaze shifting to my feet.

Eugene, Sid, and I had all grown up together, getting into all kinds of trouble, lying about being at each other’s houses while we played in the woods together, coming home covered in mud and bruises.

“He just left and you’re already worried ‘bout that boy?”

“It’s Eugene. Of course I’m worried ‘bout him.”

Sid rolled his eyes at me,

“He’s a clutz, Sid. He’s gonna… I don’t know… Fall on his own grenade or something.”

Sidney threw back his head and laughed,

“Totally not worried ‘bout him ‘cause you’ve been chasin’ after him since you were 12.”

I scoffed, elbowing him in the stomach. He chuckled, looping his arm through mine and leading me out of the crowd.

“Oh please, if anythin’ he’s be chasin’ me.” I retorted, “Besides,I’ll have you know that I have a boyfriend now.”

“I’m gonna go kick his ass.”

“You don’t even know who it is.” I laughed.

He shook his head, reaching into his pocket for his lighter and a lone cigarette. He popped it between his lips as he flipped the lighter open,

“Don’t have to know who it is to want to kick his ass.” He replied, turning the wheel on the lighter a few times before it finally sparked a flame, “Who's the unlucky fella?”

I shot him a glare,

“It’s Jimmy,” I told him, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Jimmy Amos? From down the street? That Jimmy?”

I nodded,

“That guys a creep.”

“Sidney, he’s nice.”

He scrunched up his nose and shook his head, poking his tongue out for dramatic effect.

“You’re my brother, you’re not supposed to like my boyfriends.” I retorted.

“There’s only one boy you could date that I would be okay-”

“I’m not goin’out with Eugene!”

“You just wait n see, the Marines’ll get him in tip top shape, and you’ll be all over him when he comes home.”

I scoffed, pulling him away from the route we would usually take to walk home to the lot where I parked the car.

“Don’t tell me you’re drivin’ now.” He beamed at me as I pulled the car keys from my pocket, “I’ve avoided getting killed for a whole fuckin’ year and you’re gonna kill me before I even set foot in my own house.”

He held out his hand for the keys,

“I’ll have you know I’m an excellent driver, Sidney.” I retorted as I threw the keys to him.

Our papa had passed before Sidney was deployed and it sent our mama into such a state that we couldn't take care of her ourselves anymore. She lived in a home not far outside of town where she would have constant care and watch. When Sidney left, she became completely despondent, refusing to eat for days on end, refusing to even talk. My visits only seemed to distress her more, according to the staff. They even suggested that I stop coming because her hunger strikes always came after I left. The house was empty without her and though Sidney coming home should’ve made it feel less lonely, it somehow amplified how quiet the place was. Usually, when Sidney and I got home from school, mama would already be cooking away, the sounds of a knife on a cutting board or the water on to boil would echo from the kitchen. But now the only sound was Sidney’s duffel hitting the hardwood floor with a thunk.

“How is mama?” He asked, taking off his jacket and folding it neatly over his arm.

I let out a sigh, setting my purse down on the counter and slipping off my shoes,

“She got worse when you left, but I reckon she’ll perk right up when she sees you.”

“She got worse? Why didn’t you tell me?” He questioned.

“And then what, Sidney? Have you stuck over there worryin’ ‘bout her and not bein’ able to do anythin’ ‘bout it?”

He opened his mouth to protest but quickly shook his head. He draped his jacket over the back of a dining room chair before wandering into the kitchen and opening the fridge. He pulled out a beer and popped the cap off with his teeth, making me wince.

“That can’t be good for you.”

He shrugged, spitting the cap onto the counter before sipping on the beer and making his way to the bathroom. He closed the door behind him and the telltale squeak of the shower turning on made me laugh and shake my head.

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The first time I heard Sid have a nightmare, it gave me such a fright that I rolled out of my bed and onto the floor. Though luckily, the sound of my bones bruising on the hardwood and the endless string of cursing that flew from my mouth pulled him from his nightmare and into my room. Despite the darkness of the room, I could tell his blue eyes were wide and frantic as he scrambled over to me, kneeling beside me on the floor,

“You alright?” He asked.

“You’re askin’ me?” I winced as I sat up, the pain in my arm shooting up to my shoulder.

“Yeah! You were shoutin’ words mama would have you wash out your mouth with soap if she could hear you,” He replied.

“Sidney. You were screamin’, christ, I thought somebody had broken in or somethin’!” I replied, holding onto my bicep as the pain got worse.

��It’s just… nightmare… that’s all.” He murmured, reaching to rest his hand on my arm, making me yelp in pain.

He reached up onto my bedside table to flick on the lamp. His eyes were bloodshot and his hair stood on end from all the tossing and turning he had been doing.

“Sidney… maybe it’s… what’re they callin’ it now? The thing daddy had for a while....”

He sighed, crossing his legs as he settled himself on the floor beside me.

“It’s not... it’s not shell shock.” He muttered, running a hand over his wild hair.

“They don’t call it that anymore Sid, they call it somethin’ else.”

He stared at me for a moment before taking a look at my arm that was already starting to bruise,

“Come on, let’s get you some ice.”

He helped me off the floor and led me into the kitchen, taking a tea towel and filling it with ice cubes. I hopped up to sit on the counter, holding the ice to my arm. He turned away from me, leaning on the counter and staring out the window above the kitchen sink. The wind blew the windchimes mama collected against the side of the house, making Sidney jump.

“Sid, there’s nothin’ to be ashamed of if-”

“Y/N. I told you. It’s not shell shock. My dream wasn’t even ‘bout that.” He shouted as he spun around to face me.

I could tell he was lying, he always pursed his lips and rubbed the back of his neck when he lied, and that’s exactly what he was doing now.

“Sid. You’ve had plenty of nightmares as a kid, came to sleep in my bed a few times, that wasn’t like any nightmare you’ve had before.” I murmured.

“Just drop it. I’m fine!” He barked.

The words echoed through the empty house, sending a pang of pain through my heart. The sudden hostility in his tone made me wince and shy away from him. I slid off the counter, dumping the remainder of the ice cubes into the sink before going to bed. All I wanted to do was help him and he wanted to be difficult. Though that was the story of Sidney’s life.

The next nightmare I heard, I was out of my bed in a flash,

“Sidney! Sidney! Wake up!” I shouted as I sprinted down the hall and into his bedroom.

Once I reached his door, I yanked it open and scrabbled to his bedside, grabbing him by the arm. He yanked his arm away hard enough to throw me off balance before throwing a fist into my nose. I staggered backward, holding onto my now bleeding nose while Sidney continued his nightmare.

He was screaming ‘no’ over and over again, asking for more ammo, asking for the corman over and over and over and over again.

“Sidney!” I hollered, my voice nasally as my nose was still pouring blood, “Sid!”

He seemed to snap out of it after I hollered at him,

“Sid it’s okay, you’re safe. Just lay down.”

To my surprise, he followed my order, laying back down and clutching his pillow to his chest.

I let out a sigh as I collected myself off the floor, retreating to the bathroom to shove a hunk of toilet paper up my nose until the bleeding stopped. The blood had dripped down onto my nightdress, staining the ivory fabric. I groaned, slipping it off my head and running the stains under water until they had mostly disappeared. I draped the fabric over the shower curtain to let it dry while I shuffled back to bed.

The next morning I was sat at the dining room table with a cup of coffee when Sid emerged from his bedroom.

“Christ! What the hell happened to you!?” Sidney exclaimed when he caught a look at my face. I hadn’t bothered to look in the mirror yet that morning, knowing that it would look just as horrible as it felt. The whole center of my face was throbbing,

“Nothin’, Sid. Don’t worry about it.” I muttered against the edge of my coffee cup. I knew he wouldn’t accept this answer, but also knew telling him what happened would only make him feel guilty.

“Who the hell did this to you? Was it that pervert down the street? I told you he was bad news, I swear to God I’m gonna…” He trailed off, rolling up the sleeve of his shirt and retrieving his gun from its holster that hung on the coat rack.

“Christ, Sidney! Put the gun away, what the hell are you doin!?” I hollered, a wave of shock crashing over me. Sidney before the war was prickly, sure, but he certainly wouldn’t go marching over there with a gun. He checked the clip of the gun before reaching for the doorknob.

“Sidney!” I hollered, “Sid! It wasn’t Jimmy.”

I strode towards him, placing my hand on top of his right hand, the one that held the gun.

“Then who the hell was it!? I’m gonna go give them a piece of my mind.” He growled, “And don’t tell me some dumb shit like you fell. Mama used to fall all the time.”

Our father had served in World War I. According to mama, something in him broke when he was over there that never quite mended itself. More than once as I kid I could remember a screaming match punctuated by a thud of a body hitting a wall or a piece of furniture only for us to find our mother covered in bruises the next morning. Sidney wasn’t denying shell shock because he didn’t want to be seen as weak, he was denying it because he didn’t want to be compared in any way to the man that hurt his mother over and over again.

“Sid, it was you,” I admitted, getting the gun in my grasp and pulling it away from him gently. I emptied the clip before tucking it back into the holster.

His brows furrowed as he stared down at me,

“I… when?”

“You were having a nightmare and I was tryna wake you up and…”

He shook his head, placing it in his hands before rubbing them through his hair,

“Sidney, it’s alright, you didn’t mean to.” I soothed, placing a hand on his shoulder only for him to wince away from my touch, “Sid.”

He cleared his throat in an attempt to hide the tears that were brimming in his eyes,

“I gotta… uh… I’m… I’m gonna go…”

“Sidney.”

He left in a hurry, jumping to the car and speeding off down the driveway before I could talk any sense into him. I went to bed that night before he had returned, though the worry kept me awake until his headlights flashed across the wall in my bedroom.

The whimpering started not long after the screen door to the porch slammed shut. I crept out of my room and down the hall towards his. His bedroom reeked of alcohol and I silently cursed him for being stupid enough to drive home drunk. But the anger subsided as I saw him writhing around in the bed, his brows knit together, fists clenching the sheets.

“Sidney.” I breathed, sitting down on the edge of his bed.

The mattress springs creaked under my weight, making me wince,

“Sidney. It’s me. It’s your sister.” I murmured, not daring to touch him this time for fear of taking another fist to the nose, “Sidney… it’s Y/N.”

My name fell from his lips softly in a tone of confusion,

“Yeah, Sid. It’s me. Sidney, you’re at home. You’re in your room in Mobile. You’re home. You’re safe.”

His breathing seemed to slow the more I talked to him,

“You’re in your own bed, still got all the baseball posters up in your room, the one of Joe DiMaggio, we always joke that his face is like he just smelled a real bad fart, remember?” I giggled to myself at the memory. It was in fact Eugene that had pointed it out in the first place, so now whenever I saw a picture of Joe DiMaggio, that’s all I could think of.

Sidney finally settled in bed, sinking back into the mattress and letting out a sigh. I too let a sigh fall from my lips as I cautiously stood up and tiptoed back to my own room.

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The day Eugene arrived home, I hadn’t even noticed him walking in behind Sidney. He said he was making a run for a few groceries so I asked him for some ingredients for dinner.

“Did you get the parsley and the butter?” I hollered, not bothering to look up from the book I was reading.

“They were all out so I got you something better,” Sid replied.

I furrowed my brows in confusion as I looked up at him. Behind him stood Eugene in his uniform. When my eyes met his, he removed his hat and offered me a grin. I all but threw my book into the air as I sprinted towards him and threw my arms around his neck. He staggered back a few steps as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“You’re choking me, darlin’.” He chuckled as he tried to pull away.

“That’s what you get for surprisin’ me like this!” I scolded as I pulled away to study his expression. He had a spattering of facial hair now, it suited him surprisingly well despite his otherwise babyish face.

“You’re…” He began only to pause with his mouth hanging open, eyes scanning over my face.

“I’m…?” I prodded, raising an eyebrow at him.

A flush grew across his cheeks,

“A sight for sore eyes,” He settled, letting his hands drop from my back to rest on my waist. I rested my hands on his shoulders, smoothing them over the lapels of his jacket. The look he was giving me was far more tender than one would use to greet a friend, but Sidney interjected, ruining the moment.

“Get a room.” Sidney scoffed, taking the case of beer and grocery bag he held and plopping them on the counter, “Beer?”

Eugene relinquished his grip on my hips, stepping aside to take the bottle his friend was offering him, though his shoulder still brushed with mine, the both of us leaning back against the counter.

“Eugene agreed to be my best man.” Sidney beamed.

“Gene, you don’t wanna touch this wedding, trust me. Mary’s been draggin’ me all over town lookin’ at dresses and cakes and flowers and venues and shoes and salons and more dresses.” I rambled, taking Sidney’s beer from his hand and taking a swig.

He let out a whine,

“Thought you didn’t want one?”

“Thinkin’ ‘bout you gettin’ married is enough to make a girl need a drink.” I punctuated this statement by taking another sip of his beer. He rolled his eyes, making his way into the kitchen to grab another beer to replace the one I stole.

Eugene let out a breathy chuckle, beer bottle against his lips.

“He told me he’s marryin’ Mary Houston, is that true?” Eugene asked.

“Somehow.” I retorted.

“Must’ve really lowered her standards,” Eugene smirked.

I nodded in agreement, clinking our beer bottles together,

“That’s what I’m sayin’. I keep trying to talk her out of it, but she’s beyond reason at this point.”

“Sidney’s brainwashed her.” Eugene joked, taking another swig from his beer.

“There’s really no other explanation.”

Sidney opened his mouth to reply but instead shook his head.

“I’ve forgotten how mean you two are when you get together.” He motioned between us with his beer, “Downright vicious.”

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The first time I heard Eugene have a nightmare, he had passed out on my couch after spending too much time drinking with Sid. Mary and I were at the kitchen table, laughing about how dorky the two of them were in high school. Sidney had long since excused himself to go up to bed, leaving the two of us in the dining room to chat.

It started as faint whimpers, short gasps, and shallow breaths. Mary and I both perked up at the noise, the two of us accustomed to dealing with Sidney. It soon became clear that the ragged breaths weren’t coming from their bedroom. She nodded towards the living room, silently telling me to go investigate.

“Gene?” I murmured as I stepped into the living room.

He was writhing on the couch, his forehead slickened with sweat. His teeth were clenched so tight that I could see the muscles in his jaw bulging despite how much he was wiggling around. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, gripping onto his wrinkled shirt with white knuckles.

I eased myself onto the couch beside him, resting my hand gently on his shoulder,

“Gene.” I repeated, just as soft as the first time, “Genie.”

He woke with a start and a gasp, grabbing onto my forearm with an iron grasp.

“Gene.” I repeated, “Gene it’s me, it’s Y/N. Your best friend Sidney’s little sister.”

His eyes scanned my face rapidly, as if he was trying to figure out if I was real.

“Gene, you’re hurtin’ my arm.”

I grazed my hand over his wrist, making him ease his grip, though he still clung onto me,

“Gene.” I repeated, resting my hand on his knee, “Gene you’re home. You’re at Sidney and Mary’s house.”

“Sidney…” He breathed, “Y/N and Sidney.”

I nodded, offering him a faint smile. He let out a breath, letting go of my wrist and sitting up. He readjusted to sit with his elbows on his knees, head in his hands. In the dim light, I could see how much he truly changed while he was away. His shirts used to consume his body, his slight frame getting lost in the fabric. He was still thin as a rail, though his arms now filled out the sleeves which were pushed up over his elbows, revealing new scars that littered his fair skin.

I scooted closer to him, enough so that our knees bumped into each other. I wrapped my arm around his shoulders, rubbing them reassuringly,

“Why don’t I walk you home, Eugene?” I offered, “Get you in your own bed?”

He rubbed his eyes softly before standing up off the couch. I followed behind him, slipping my shoes back on before heading to the front door, giving Mary a wave over my shoulder.

I hooked my arm through Eugene’s as we stepped out onto the porch. The cool fall breeze struck us, making us both wince momentarily as a slew of leaves swirled around our feet.

His cheeks took up an unmissable red tone as he led the way down the steps. I hopped off the next to last one like we used to do when we were kids, making him grin as my heels roughly hit the pavement with a clack.

For the first couple moments of our stroll down the driveway, the only sound was the crunch of our feet in the leaves and the click of my heels on the pavement.

“I thought ‘bout you a lot.” He broke the silence.

“Yeah?”

He hummed in acknowledgment, tucking his hands into his pockets.

“What ‘bout me?” I pressed, studying his expression.

He pursed his lips together for a moment, brows knit together as he pondered the question.

“Just… you…”

“That really clears things up for me, thanks, Genie.” I grinned, bumping my shoulder with his playfully.

“Well… I don’t… I don’t know just…” He stammered, “Thinkin’ ‘bout you… Gave me a reason to want to come home, is all.”

The words sent a pang of pain through my heart. I pressed my shoulder tighter against his.

“Sorry I didn’t write you more, just… everything I did write got all wet from the rain. Figured you wouldn’t want a muddy letter with smeared writin’.”

“Rather that than not hearin’ from you for months on end.” I murmured.

The silence returned after that, a little more stiff as we made our way down the block. My gaze was held firmly ahead of me, though Eugene’s scanned everywhere around us. The sudden yap of a dog made us both jump.

“Mr. Wellman still live in that house?” He asked.

“Yeah, don’t think you’d be able to convince him to leave, not even in his coffin.”

“And that damn dog of his is still alive?” He quipped.

“It’s got to be older than us at this point.” I retorted.

The barking faded the further we tread past Mr.Wellman’s house, the atmosphere filling with silence once more. The closer we got to home, though, the slower we seemed to walk. We eventually made it to my driveway, signifying that Eugene’s was just two houses down. I intended to keep on walking, only to be yanked back when he stopped in front of my drive.

“Gene, thought I was walkin’ you home, not the other way ‘round.”

“Can’t have you makin’ the trip back from my house to here by yourself, not at this time of night.”

“It’s just two driveways over, silly.” I grinned.

He shook his head, giving me a firm tug back towards my own driveway.

“It’s a shame you’ve got this place all to yourself now.”

The house was way more than I needed, especially now that Sidney had moved out. I had considered selling the place, but the house was left to Mama after dad died, and there was no way in hell she was going to agree to sell the house Sidney and I grew up in.

“It gets a little lonely,” I admitted, “But I brought in one of those stray cats mama would never let me keep.”

“The gray stripey one or the orange fluffy one?” He asked, making me flash him a toothy grin.

“Why’re you lookin’ at me like that?”

“I just… the fact that you remember all the strays I told you about.” I let out a breathy laugh, shaking my head, “The orange fluffy one. Reminds me of my favorite ginger. His name is Rivers.”

He shook his head as we made our way up the front steps of the house. As I dug in my purse for the keys, he had already reached on top of the doorframe for the spare and unlocked it for me. He opened the door for me, allowing me to step in first before setting the key back in its not so secret hiding spot.

I flipped on the entryway light before shrugging off my jacket, draping it on the back of one of the dining room chairs. Eugene hovered behind me, watching as I slipped off my shoes and tucked them into the closet, grabbing a hanger for my coat before putting it away as well.

He was glancing between me and the door, rocking awkwardly on his heels.

“I bet your mama wants you home,” I commented.

He nodded, wringing his hands awkwardly and scuffling his boots across the floor. Something was bothering him about being home, but I didn’t want to press him on it.

“If you want, Gene, you can crash in Sid’s room. Gotta put the sheets on the bed bu-”

“Oh, no, no it’s fine. I don’t want to be a bother I ca-”

“Eugene. You’re not a bother.” I insisted, grabbing his wrist and leading him down the hall towards Sid’s room, stopping by the linen closet for a fresh set of sheets along the way. I went to unfold them, but he stopped me,

“The least I can do is make my own bed.” He said, taking the sheets from me.

I gave him a nod, wandering into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth while he got his bed set. When I was finished, he had stripped down to his undershirt and boxers and was crawling into bed. Rivers was sat at the foot of the bed, purring and kneading at the blankets while Eugene slid under them.

“I guess he likes you.” I smiled, watching as Rivers pawed at Eugene’s feet through the blanket. Eugene wiggled his toes, making Rivers pounce on his feet. I smiled at the two of them, leaning against the doorframe.

“Night, Y/N.” Eugene smiled.

I woke the next morning to find Sidney’s room empty, besides Rivers who sat perfectly in the center of the neatly made bed. Eugene’s shoes and jacket were gone, he must’ve left before I woke up. I wandered into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee to see that there was already a freshly made pot sitting on the heated plate. A mug sat beside it with two spoonfuls of sugar in the bottom, just the way I like my coffee. I poured myself a mug and made my way to the front porch to grab the paper and relax in the early morning sun. Before I could reach to unlock the front door, there was a knock. I jumped back slightly before peering through the peephole.

Jimmy was standing on the other side of the door, fists clenched and jaw tense. I furrowed my brows as I unlocked the door and pulled it open.

“Everything alr-”

“I saw you and Eugene on a little stroll last night. Saw him leave early this mornin’.” He snarled, fire behind his usually soft gaze.

“Yeah he stayed over last night-” I began, initially confused at his hostility as I looked him up at down. I had never seen this level of rage out of him. It was then that I realized the implications of the situation. Eugene and I walking home arm in arm last night, him staying the night and leaving as early as possible in the morning.

“You’re not even gonna deny it?”

“What’s there to deny?” I scoffed, spinning on my heels and heading into the house, leaving the door open for him to follow me inside, not wanting to air our dirty laundry to the entire neighborhood.

“Did you give him a welcome home celebration?” He interrogated, slamming the front door behind him, making me jump and sending coffee sloshing over the sides of my mug. I hissed as the liquid burned my hand. I made my way to the dining room to set the hot mug on the table.

“Jesus Christ, Ji-” I began only for him to grab my wrist and spin me around to face him.

He towered over me, chest puffed out. I found myself subconsciously backing away. He continued to stalk toward me until my back hit the dining room hutch, sending the dishes rattling.

“Well, did you?”

“Why’s it any of your concern if I did?” I hollered, “Jealousy doesn’t look good on you, James.”

He slammed his hands onto the hutch, making me wince and the dishes rattle once more. With the hutch behind me, he had me trapped against it with his arms. His chest heaved with every breath, the occasional low grumble coming from his throat while he considered what to say.

“Are you implying that I’m jealous of that pansy?” He asked with a menacing chuckle.

“He’s a better man than you’ll ever be.” I retorted, straightening my back so I was eye to eye with him. I tested his indignation, trying to push his arm away so I could step around him. He grabbed me by the hip and forced my back against the hutch. I planted my hands on his shoulders to push him away, but he grabbed me by the cheeks with one hand, his fingers digging into my skin.

“You belong to me, understand?”

The screen door slammed shut, followed by Sidney hollering for me to get out of bed. Jimmy thought fast, keeping his grip on my face as he leaned in to kiss me. His hips met mine roughly, his free hand coming to push up the hem of my nightgown. He knew that if Sidney found him hovering over me as aggressively as he was, Sid would have a bullet in his back before he could think. Better him to find us tangled in an awkward kiss, at least then he’d get the hell out of here as soon as possible.

“Jesus!” Sidney hollered as he rounded the corner, “In the dining room, really!?”

I couldn’t see him around Jimmy, but I could imagine him with his hands over his eyes, cheeks bright red.

I planted my hands on Jimmy’s chest to shove him away, but he still held my face in an uncomfortable grip as he continued to kiss me. I bit down on his tongue, making him let out a cry of pain. It distracted him long enough for me to shove him away. He staggered back into one of the dining room chairs.

“Get the fuck out of here, James.” I spat, hastily pulling my nightgown back into place.

“Oh, come on, sweetheart, don’t be like that,” Jimmy smirked, taking a step towards me with his arm outstretched. I quickly slapped it away.

“What’s goin’ on?” Sidney asked, studying my face for any clue as to what he had just witnessed.

“Don’t worry ab-” Jimmy began.

“I’m not askin’ you.” Sidney snapped, shooting a Jimmy a glare before his gaze fell back on me.

“James is no longer welcome here.” I spat, crossing my arms over my chest.

Sidney nodded, grabbing Jimmy by the shoulder of his shirt and dragging him towards the front door. I turned to face the hutch, placing my hands on it so I could catch my breath. My heart was beating out of my chest, thinking of all the possible things that could’ve happened had Sidney not walked in. Sidney’s soft threats couldn’t quite meet my ears, but the way the door slammed told me that Jimmy probably got the gist. Sidney was back in the dining room in an instant,

“What the hell was that?” He asked, “You alright?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.” I sighed, turning around to face him.

He knew me well enough to know that I wasn’t. He strode towards me, pulling me into a tight hug. I settled my head against his shoulder,

“I told you he was a creep.” He murmured, rubbing my back reassuringly.

“The last thing I need to hear right now is ‘I told you so’, Sid.” I breathed.

“Sorry.” He murmured, “Wanna talk about it?”

“He’s a jealous, controlling, bastard,” I replied.

“Well, I could’ve told you that.”

That earned him a punch to the chest,

“Ow! Okay, sorry, sorry.”

I held onto him a little while longer, feeling more grounded when I finally pulled away to look at him.

“What brings you over so early?” I asked.

“Mary needs last-minute wedding help.”

I let out an annoyed huff. The wedding was in two days and she was bustling around like crazy trying to get things in order.

“With what?”

He scoffed and shrugged,

“Wont tell me.”

“Probably her dress then.” I breathed, stepping past him, “I’ll get some clothes on.”

Sidney watched me as I made my way towards the bedroom.

“If you’re...uh… not up to it… I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“A distraction will do me good,” I replied.

He offered a sad smile, tucking his hands into his pockets.

✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧* ✧*

I met Eugene at the door just outside the church, the tulle from my dress ruffling with every step I took. I was the first of the bridesmaids to escape the dressing room, growing tired of my hair getting tugged on and dress being adjusted.

“Wow… You uh… you look…” Eugene began, looking me up and down as he tucked his hands into his pockets.

“Like a clown?” I interjected, tugging on the overly poofy sleeve of the silky blue dress.

“The prettiest clown I’ve ever seen,” Sidney announced as he came around the corner in his tux while he tucked his cufflinks into place.

“I love your bride dearly, but as soon as this wedding is over, I’m burning this dress.” Sidney laughed as he adjusted his tie.

The ceremony went off without a hitch, though I’m sure I only survived the drawn-out process by making goofy faces back and forth with Eugene. Afterward, the wedding party and guests went to Sidney and Mary’s house for the reception. I escaped into the backyard to avoid any more questions from family about when I was finally going to tie the knot. I let out a sigh as I sank down onto the bench on the patio, my dress letting out a puff of air as I did so. The crash of the screen door slamming shut alerted me to Eugene’s presence. He pulled his pipe from his pocket as he meandered over to me and plopped down beside me.

“Hidin’ from Aunt Martha?” He asked, “Ran out here pretty quick once you got away from her.”

“I love her dearly, but I swear to god if she asks me one more time about gettin’ married I’m gonna knock her teeth out.” I groaned, throwing my head back to rest it on the back of the bench.

“Sid told me you’ve got new beau,” Gene muttered around his pipe, taking in a puff of smoke.

“Jimmy?” I questioned. Sidney must not have told Eugene about the day he had to throw Jimmy out of my house. I was grateful for that, though, having both him and Eugene mad about it was just asking for trouble.

He nodded,

“Boy who used to pull your pigtails in kindergarten.” He mumbled, his lips forming a tight line.

“And you’d always straighten ‘em for me.” I laughed under my breath at the memory. Once I got Jimmy to let go, Eugene would come up behind me and tighten the ribbons that held my hair atop my head.

“Haven’t seen Jimmy in a couple weeks. Don’t think I’ll be seein’ him again.” I sighed.

“Yeah? Why not?”

“He just… really got shoutin’ at me and scared me half to death.” I admitted, staring at my hands that were neatly folded in my lap.

“What happened?”

“He just… I don’t know… I… I guess I… I…” I stammered, shaking my head, “It’s nothin’ Genie, don’t worry ‘bout it.”

“Said he scared you half to death, think I ought to be worried.” He insisted, leaning forward in an attempt to catch my gaze, but it stayed fixed on my lap.

“He… he said somethin’ ‘bout you… he’s jealous. Got in my face, shoutin’ at me, backed me into a corner and… I thought to God he was gonna hit me.” I breathed.

Eugene tucked his pipe into the front pocket of his shirt, letting out a sigh as he scooted closer to me on the bench. He threw an arm around my shoulder, pulling me against his side. I grabbed his hand where it rested on my shoulder, toying with the ring on his finger.

“We were never goin’ steady or anythin’ so I’m not that upset about breakin’ it off but… Just scared me, is all.”

I stared at his hand for a moment, noticing the scars and calluses that now littered them. I found myself running my fingers over them softly. It used to be that the only scrapes on his hands were from tumbles he took off of his bike, blisters from playing too much baseball with Sidney, rope burns from the tire swing in the back yard. But these cuts were deeper and more sinister. I turned back towards him, realizing how close we truly were. My nose almost ran into his as my gaze flitted up to meet his.

I nudged my nose closer, bumping into his on purpose this time. His breath fanned across my face as he closed the gap between us. The kiss was chaste, innocent, and sweet, though it lingered a moment longer than it probably should have. I would’ve followed his lips as he pulled away if it weren’t for the figure standing just behind the screen door.

“Please tell me I just saw what I think I just saw.” Sidney sounded, holding a couple of glasses of champagne. Mary was behind him, laughing behind her hand at the situation.

If this had happened years ago, Eugene would’ve scrambled away from me like his life depended on it. But now, he held his position, arm tightly wrapped around my shoulder. The burn in my cheeks was nearly unbearable as Sidney sauntered over to us, handing the both of us a drink. He let a scowl linger on his friend for a moment before a smirk grew across his face,

“‘Bout damn time, dumbass.” He quipped, ruffling Eugene’s hair, “But uh, hey, don’t let the guests see ya, can’t take any attention away from this one.” He pointed over his shoulder, “She’ll get cranky.”

“Even more cranky if you don’t come dance with me, Sidney!” She scolded, dragging him back inside.

Once they were out of sight, Eugene’s eyes met mine, leaning in for another, less chaste kiss. He nipped at my bottom lip, hand resting on my cheek to hold me in place. I pulled away, feeling a burn creep onto my cheeks. I studied his face for a moment, noting the red smudge that he had across his upper lip. A smile tugged at my lips as I licked the pad of my thumb and ran it across his skin.

“I got lipstick on you.”

As I continued to swipe at the stain, he pressed a kiss to my thumb before taking my hand in his, peppering kisses across my finger. My heart flipped over in my chest as I watched him carefully press a kiss to each finger before pressing one to the back of my hand. He brought my hand to rest in his lap as he stared at me.

“What did I do to deserve that?” I breathed.

“I’ve been in love with you since we were 12, think it’s about time I showed it.”

Nearly every night for the next few weeks, Eugene spent at my house. Every night he tried to convince me to let him sleep in Sid’s room, and every night I told him to get his ass into bed. At first, I assumed it was just him attempting to be chivalrous, not invade my space too much. But I soon came to learn that he had some form of nightmare every night. For his sake, I tried to pretend that they didn’t wake me up. But when he came out of his dreams crying and shaking, I couldn’t help but roll over and wrap my arms around him, ruining the facade.

One morning we woke up with far fewer clothes on than we went to bed with. The night before was agonizingly slow, not with the purpose to tease, but rather from hesitation. Every move of the hand was accompanied with “is this okay?” every touch of lips to skin was followed by “are you sure?”

Though the answer was always yes, he kept asking anyway. It was one of the rare nights he didn’t have a nightmare, though I was convinced that was because he was up half the night watching me sleep.

I awoke to the morning sunrise showing through the sheer curtains and lit a strip across Eugene as he slept. I laid on my back, his body partially draped over mine, arm across my chest protectively. His hair that was usually neatly swept to the side now stuck to his face in small clumps, poking up at odd angles. I let out a sigh, reaching for his hand and toying with his glass ring until he started to stir. He let out a soft huff, nuzzling deeper into my side before letting out a groan.

“Good morning.” I breathed, pressing a kiss to his temple.

“Coffee?” He mumbled, tucking his nose into my neck and pressing a kiss there.

“You have to let me get up before I can make coffee.”

Another groan fell from his lips as he somehow made his body heavier against mine. The remainder of the morning was spent giving lazy kisses, fingertips ghosting over each other’s skin as we both faded in and out of sleep.

Once he had his coffee, though, he was endearingly bashful the rest of the day, his cheeks going red at the slightest touch. I let my hand linger on his when I passed him his coffee, turning his cheeks as red as his hair.

That night was the first night I didn’t have to coax him to sleep in the same bed as me. Instead, he fell in behind me, draping a hand over my waist. I grabbed it, squeezing it before moving it to rest on my chest.

The next few weeks we spent glued at the hip, much to the annoyance of those around us. We wandered to the farmers market together, strolling hand and hand past all of the booths, occasionally getting stopped by parents of our childhood friends.

“Is that Eugene Sledge and Y/N Phillips?” They’d gasp, fawning over us for a few minutes before we’d manage to escape only to be stopped a few booths down.

Some nights were better, some were worse. When the summer’s stormy season rolled through, there would be several nights in a row where the crashing thunder would wake him with a jolt. This night was different though. The crack of thunder woke me, but the creak of bedsprings kept me from drifting back to sleep. It was then that I realized Eugene wasn’t pressed to my side like he normally was. I rolled over to see him sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Eugene, sweetheart.” I soothed, cautiously running my hand over his taut shoulders.

I crawled up to sit behind him, legs on either side of his body as I pressed my chest to his back, wrapping my arms around his chest. I pressed a kiss to his shoulder blade before resting my cheek against it. He stood up out of my touch, striding out the bedroom door and closing it behind him without a word. I cautiously got out of bed, silently opening the door and watching him as he wandered down the hall and into Sidney’s old bedroom. I padded after him, stopping at the doorway when I noticed him climbing into the twin sized bed.

“What’re you doing?” I asked as he pulled the blankets up to his chin.

“It’s happened four nights in a row. You’re exhausted, I don’t want to keep waking you. Go back to bed.” He replied flatly, rolling over so his back was to the door.

I let out a sigh as I entered the room, the hardwood floor cold against my feet. I peeled the blankets away from his face,

“Scoot over.” I murmured, giving his back a gentle tap.

“What’re you doing?”

“Going back to bed. Like you told me to.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know.”

He made a sound of protest but scooted over anyway, allowing me climb in bed and press myself against his back. I wrapped a protective arm around his chest, smiling to myself when he grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze.

“I love you, Eugene.” I murmured, pressing my lips to his back.

“I love you too.” He breathed.

Through the summer we found the best way for him to get some sleep was under the tree in the backyard, head resting in my lap. It wasn’t exactly the most comfortable position for me, back against the tree, roots digging into the backs of my thighs, but anything that allowed him to get uninterrupted shut-eye was worth it.

I tried to hide how uncomfortable it was for as long as I could. It lasted about a week until he noticed the awkward limp I was doing as I made my way to bed. Sitting in such an uncomfortable position for so long had given me a pinch in the back.

“You ‘right, baby?” He asked, coming up behind me as I waddled down the hallway.

“Yeah, yeah… just… A little stiff is all.” I fibbed, letting out a gasp when I leaned over to pick up a pair of shoes I had left in the middle of the floor, having been too sore to put them away earlier.

“I got ‘em, I got ‘em. Go lay down.” He ordered, shooing me off into the bedroom while he took care of the shoes. I let out a groan as I sank into the bed, rolling over onto my stomach as a shudder went through my spine. Eugene returned a moment later, sinking down onto the mattress beside me and placing a hand on my back.

“Backs sore from sittin’ with me, isn’t it?” He asked, his tone laced with guilt as he rubbed circles on the small of my back.

“N-”

“Yes it is.” He sighed, climbing up onto the bed and straddling my legs, letting his weight rest against the back of my thighs while he pulled my blouse untucked from my skirt.

His warm hands smoothed over my back, making me let out a sigh. He worked his calloused hands over the muscles before letting his fingers run over the zipper of my skirt,

“May I?”

“Depends on what your intentions are, corporal,” I replied, craning my neck to look over my shoulder at him.

“Backrub only, darlin’, I swear.” He said, a grin playing on his lips as he crossed his index finger over his heart like we used to do when we were kids.

“Go ahead.”

He tugged the zipper down, siding the garment down a little ways so he could more easily reach my lower back, the part that was zapping me with pain nearly every step.

He rubbed it softly, testing the waters before he dug his hand in deeper, earning a groan as I felt the tension slip away.

“There?” He asked, repeating the motion he had just done, earning yet another groan.

He chuckled to himself as he continued to rub my back, the taught muscle slowly relaxing with each pass of his hand. I felt my eyes flutter shut, exhaustion creeping up on me.

“You fallin’ asleep on me?” He asked, rubbing the back of my thighs.

“No.” I yawned, lifting my shins of the bed to give him a nudge in the back.

He sighed, pulling my skirt the rest of the way off before taking off my shoes and stockings. He cautiously climbed off me, kneeling beside the head of the bed and running his hand over my cheek. I leaned into his touch, making him smile softly,

“Get some sleep, I’ll be in in a few.”

I hadn’t noticed that he’d come to bed until he sat up with a start, blindly grasping for my hand. When he found it, he squeezed it tight enough to make me wince. My mind was cloudy with sleep as I glanced over at the clock. It was hardly midnight, much earlier than he normally woke up like this. It wasn’t until there was a clap of thunder that I understood what was going on.

I slowly sat up beside him,

“Hey, you’re okay, you’re home. Just thunder...” I murmured, running my hand through his hair and pressing a kiss to the back of his hand.

His panic quickly turned to tears which he tried to wipe away before I could notice.

“It’s okay, Genie. You can cry.” I reassured, running my thumb over his cheek.

He shook his head, sniffling,

“I- I’m alright.”

“Genie-”

“I’m alright!” He exclaimed, swinging his legs off the edge of the bed. I could tell by the way his shoulders shook that he was trying to conceal his tears and that he wouldn’t be able to much longer.

I let out a sigh, pulling myself out from under the covers to sit beside him, bumping his knee with mine. I grabbed his hand from where it rested in his lap and brought it over to mine, grasping it with both hands.

“I don’t know why you even want me.” He whimpered, tears streaming down his face and dripping off the end of his nose.

“Genie-”

“I finally got the girl I’ve been thinkin’ bout all these years and I’m gon’ scare her away ‘cause I can’t even fuckin’ sleep right. You’d deserve somebody better than me I should just-” He lurched forward in an attempt to get out of bed.

“Eugene.” I grabbed both of his hands in mine, “Eugene Sledge, look at me.”

His gaze shifted from the floor to meet mine,

“You stop that, right now.” I asserted, “There is nobody better than you, Eugene. There’s no place I’d rather be than right here with you, do you understand me?”

He shook his head, letting his chin drop to his chest before letting out a sniffle,

“Eugene.” I snapped, reaching under his chin and making him look at me, “I’m not goin’ anywhere. And I’m certainly not letting you walk out that door right now.”

I shifted my grasp on him to hold his face with both hands, swiping my thumbs over his cheeks to dry his tears.

“You’re alright, you’re safe here with me, okay?”

He nodded, letting his head drop to my chest. I cradled him with both arms as he tried to slow his breathing. I let one hand card through his hair, the other smoothing across his shoulders,

“You’re alright.” I repeated.

When he finally calmed down enough to sit up, I pressed a kiss to his cheek, the salt from his tears evident on my lips afterward.

He sniffled, picking up my hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it.

“You notice how… my nose is a little crooked now?” I questioned, intertwining my fingers with Eugene’s. He studied my face a for a moment,

“Looks perfectly fine to me.” He replied, poking the end of it.

“No, Genie. It’s crooked.” I insisted, running my finger over the newly formed bump on the bridge of it, “Sid was having a nightmare, and I went to wake him up. Socked me right in the nose, in his sleep. Didn’t even remember it the next mornin’.”

“Christ.”

“As long as you don’t sock me in the nose, none of your nightmares are ever gonna bother me or scare me away, alright?”

He nodded,

“And even if you do punch me in the nose, it might straighten it out…”

He repeated the action I had done earlier, running his finger from where my eyebrows met down to the tip of my nose before giving it one last poke,

“I like it, even if it is crooked.”

I smiled at him, grabbing him by the cheeks and pressing a quick kiss to his lips,

“Try to get some rest, baby.” I murmured, pulling him in for one last kiss before lying down.

He cuddled up beside me, resting his head on my chest and wrapping his arms around my middle.

The nightmares gradually tapered off towards the end of storm season, usually he could wake himself up before he got too entranced by whatever was going on in his subconscious. His dad and I had convinced him to take up some new hobbies. I had got him a bird feeder for his birthday and he spent lots of time watching the birds, with the help of Rivers. The two of them had the occasional argument. Every once in a while Rivers would jump at the window, scaring away the bird they had been watching.

“Rivers! That was a Bachman sparrow! They’re endangered, you can’t scare ‘em like that, you’ll give ‘em a heart attack!” Eugene scolded, glaring at the cat while he paced back in forth in front of the window, tail thrashing with annoyance.

Along with birdwatching, I got him a nice moleskine journal for him to write his experiences in. I bought it after a near argument where I pleaded with him to talk to somebody about what happened to him, seeing how it weighed on his shoulders. Some days the load was lighter than others, but it was wearing him down. I opened the first page and jotted down,

If you don’t want to talk about it, write about it. Love, me.

I wasn’t sure how the gift was going to be received, but when I handed it to him, he grinned around his pipe, giving me a soft thank you. I found him writing in it later that night and came up behind him, pressing a kiss to the top of his head before leaving him to continue his work.

We fell into the routine we used to have when we were kids, going to Mel’s Diner every Friday night for burgers and a milkshake. I always slid into the booth first, Eugene following a moment later, the two of us sitting on the same side of the table so I could tuck myself under his arm. We looked alot like the younger couples that were there. Faces inches from each others while we shared a milkshake and giggles, things we should’ve been able to do when we were young that had to be put on hold while Eugene was away.

Before I had quite finished my milkshake, Eugene slid out of the booth. I didn’t think much of it, figuring he was just going to the bathroom. That was until he dropped down onto one knee. My mind started to reel. Was I seeing this right? Maybe he just dropped something? Maybe he needed to tie his shoe?

“Genie, what the hell are you doin’?” I sputtered, nearly choking on the last sip I had taken of my milkshake.

“What does it look like I’m doin’?” He asked as he dug into his pocket, a lopsided grin on his face.

“Looks like you’re proposin’!”

“Maybe I am.” He replied, still fumbling with his jacket pocket.

“I swear to god, Eugene, if people start starin’ I’m gonna-”

It was then that he pulled the ring from his pocket, still in the box. He popped it open to reveal a modest ring, but one that was still far more than he could afford.

“Eugene Sledge how the hell did you pay f-”

“Would you stop yellin’ at me for one second so I can ask you to marry me!?” He retorted, a grin growing on his lips.

“Fine.” I let out the breath I had been holding, tears welling up in my eyes.

“Will you marry me?” He asked.

I smiled, nodding my head as I stared down at him.

“Of course I will.”

I didn’t have a chance to launch myself into his arms the way I wanted to, because he had already swept me up off my feet. He pressed his lips to mine, both of our lips tasted like strawberry milkshake. When we finally parted, I rested my forehead against his. It was then that I realized those around us were cheering, making me suddenly self conscious. Eugene somehow managed to wrap himself around me entirely.

“Are you just gonna leave it in the box?” He asked, waving it in front of my face.

I shook my head, taking it from the box and slipping it on my ring finger before pressing another kiss to his lips.

“Pay the bill so we can get the hell out of here.” I laughed, my cheeks burning from all the eyes on us. He nodded, grabbing a wad of cash from his pocket and tossing it on the counter. We walked home hand in hand, sharing the occasional kiss along the way,

“How did you afford this?” I asked, holding my left hand out in front of my face to admire the ring. It had a simple gold band with a round diamond with two smaller round diamonds on each side.

“Sold my soul to the devil.” He replied, a smirk playing on his lips.

I shook my head,

“Really, Eugene.”

“It was my grandmother’s engagement ring.” He said, grabbing my hand and twisting the ring off my finger, pointing to the inscription of initials on the inside, “My brother got to give his wife the wedding band. Left me with this.”

He carefully put the ring back on my finger, pressing a kiss to my knuckles as we continued to walk home. When we reached the driveway, we both noticed Sidney’s car was there. We exchanged a confused glance as we made our way up onto the porch.

“Why the hell didn’t you tell me!?” Sidney shouted as we came into his sight.

“Tell you what?!” Eugene replied.

“That you’re marryin’ my sister!” Sidney hollered, grabbing onto my hand.

“He didn’t know you were proposin’?” I questioned, wiggling my fingers as Sidney admired the ring.

“Hell no, he can’t keep his yap shut!” Eugene retorted, “How the hell did you find out before we even made it home?”

“One of Mary’s friends works at the diner, called her about it.”

He tugged on my hand to pull me into a tight hug, shaking me back and forth rough enough to make me stagger.

“Don’t break my fiance!” Eugene hollered, peeling Sidney from me.

Sidney spun around to clap Eugene on the shoulder. The two of them stared at each other with goofy grins before Sidney wrapped him in a hug as well,

“Do I get to be the best man?” Sidney asked.

“I was thinking Rivers could be my best man, actually.” Eugene joked.

“The cat?” Sidney gasped.