I think i do wanna go on t

Darling, I need some Dom!Jasper smut asap pls. 😉

(A/n: Order up!)

(A/n: Special thanks to @pawspurpaw for taking on the challenge of being my Twilight beta reader😘😂)

Word Count: 3,200

Summary- Just another case of the swing dancing to fucking pipeline

Warnings: strangers to lovers/semi one night stand-ish, unprotected sex, cunnilingus, blowjob, cream pie, kinda Major! Jasper

Age Rating: 18+ Minors DNI

Jasper Whitlock x Fem! Reader: Swing

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“What’s a lady like you doin’ all by herself, darlin’?” A smooth drawl comes from behind you, his voice sending a shiver down your spine.

You turn to look at your sudden companion.

Wavy blonde hair that stops just short of his jaw, strong eyebrows, thin lips quirked up on one side in a slight smirk. But the thing that catches your attention the most is his eyes - soft gold - almost glowing in the dim light of the bar.

He wears a white tee with dark-wash blue jeans and cowboy boots. Simple, but by god, attractive.

After taking a second to admire the man in front of you, you nod in answer towards your friend, still dancing with the guy who had swept her away almost an hour ago. She’s got a bright smile on her face as she sways against her companion, and it makes you smile as well. You had brought her out to forget about her lousy ex, and you have to say: you’re glad to see it's worked.

“Mission: Rebound was a success,” you verbally answer as well.

The stranger tilts his chin up in understanding.

“I’m sure she won’t mind if I steal you away for a couple of minutes, then?” He holds his hand out to you with a playful grin and a quirked eyebrow.

You can't help but return his smile. Sure, you're here to cheer her up, but who says you can't have some fun, too?

"I'm sure she won't~" you drawl back in an awful attempt at a texan accent. Placing your hand in his, you're shocked by the temperature difference between you.

Probably poor circulation, you think.

Brushing it off, you say, "Hope you don't mind the possibility of you getting stepped on."

He chuckles as he pulls you to the dance floor. "Not at all, Ma'am~"

He places a hand on your hip just as a new, higher energy song begins. "Just relax, I'll guide you- and I've been told I'm an excellent lead~"

And, boy, is he ever-

He twirls you around the floor, the hollow sound of the floor boards with each of your heeled foot falls joins that of the other patrons' steps, adding that much more to the country song blasting through the bar.

Letting your mind shut down and allowing your body to take over, you manage to avoid stomping on his boots and even throw in a couple impromtu hip sways and hair flips into the mix.

He swiftly dips you down, and you make upside down eye contact with your friend. She gives you a playful wink before being spun away herself.

He pulls you back up and into a twirl, holding your back against his chest before spinning you back out and under his arm.

You exchange a back and forth of steps, laughing as you back him up with a hand to the chest.

"Thought you said you couldn't dance, darlin?'" He smirks down at you as he pulls you into a side dip.

"Guess you are a good lead, after all~" you twirl into him before falling back into a fall through dip.

"That-" he says as his spins you out again. "-or you just sold yourself short, sweetheart."

"Maybe..."

The song ends with you held against him, hands pinned against his chest as he smiles down at you.

"The name's Jasper, Jasper Whitlock, darlin'." He releases you but keeps the proximity. "And what do I have the pleasure of callin' you?"

"You can call me yours if you keep saying "darling" like that." You can't help but laugh out.

Jasper shakes his head with a chuckle as you compose yourself.

"Y/n," you say. My name's Y/n L/n."

Jasper takes your hand and brings it up to press a kiss to your knuckles. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Miss Y/n; it was an even greater pleasure to dance with you~"

Your cheeks burn as you stare into his golden eyes, almost enraptured.

Clearing your throat, you open your mouth to respond only for your friend to cut you off.

"Y/n!" You turn to see her latched onto her new guy friend. Her cheeks are flushed as she stifles a laugh at something he says. "I'm gonna go with Colt, I'll see you tomorrow."

It's then that she seems to notice the lack of space between you and Jasper.

"Or... not~" she smirks before starting to drag the guy - Colt - towards the exit. "Have funnnn~~"

You hear a snort and turn back to Jasper. "Sorry about her, she's... her." You chuckle.

"Not at all," he slings an arm over your shoulder, leading you off the dance floor as another song starts. "What do you say to getting out of here darlin'?"

"That's the best idea you've had all night," you tease.

.

You finally break apart as Jasper kicks the door shut behind him. His eyes are dark with lust as he stalks toward you, ever the predator hunting his prey.

Falling perfectly into your role, you start to back up slowly, making your way towards your living room.

In a couple of long strides, Jasper closes the distance between you, grabbing your jaw in his large hand. He forces you to watch as he slowly rakes his eyes down your figure.

You can feel your heart pick up as his free hand comes up to tease along the hem of your shirt.

"Take it off." His voice leaves no room for question as he drops his arms, moving to undo his belt buckle. His slender fingers distract you as they unclip the hunk of metal and start their work on his button and zipper.

He stops when he notices you not moving.

"Take it off, or I'll change my mind about shoving these inside you later." He flexes his hand for emphasis.

His threat has you snapping into action, sliding off your top, and kicking your shoes and pants off. Thank god you decided to wear your best set, you think as you stand in just your undergarments.

"Good girl, darlin'."

He finishes undoing his jeans and shucks them down just enough to free his length. Your eyes widen slightly as you take him in. Even at half mast, he's still insanely long and thick.

It makes your mouthwater.

As if reading your mind, Jasper gestures for you to come closer. You take the couple steps forward, hips swaying a bit as you do. Once directly in front of him, he speaks.

"On your knees. I want to see that pretty mouth of yours around my cock."

Swallowing in anticipation, you sink down until you're eye level with his crotch. Keeping eye contact, you reach up to stroke him, running your palm down his shaft and rubbing his tip into your palm.

A low rumble sounds from his chest as his eyes narrow.

Slowly, you lean forward to kitten lick at his slit before kissing your way down to his base.

"Don't -" You cut him off with a long lick back up to his tip.

"Don't what?" You smirk before pushing him fully into your mouth.

"Fuck..."

His eyes look almost black in this lighting as he stares down at you with lidded eyes.

As you pull back off, you press your tongue into a thick vein you feel on the underside of his girth. His hand shoots up to grip your hair at the feeling, pulling you off completely with the harse tug.

The sting pulls a moan from you as your eyes roll back.

Jasper's brow quirks up. "You like that?" He tugs harder, dragging yet another noise from you. "You like being roughed up, huh?"

He lines his cock back up with your mouth, smearing the spit-soaked tip across your bottom lip, before shoving back in. The sudden pressure in your throat makes you gag a bit, but you couldn't care less if it means he'll keep pulling your hair like that.

"I'll show you rough, darlin'."

His cock slams into the depths of your throat, uncaring as you gag around him.

Tears gather at the corner of your eyes from the treatment. Jaspers hand is still grpping your hair, keeping you from pulling off when he pushes in as much as he can, holding himself there for a second before fucking into your mouth again.

The grunts and strings of curses that leave his lips with each thrust makes your pussy clench. Slick gushes out to soak your panties as he lets out an almost feral growl.

"You fucking love this, dont you? Love being treated like a toy?"

A strangle moan claws its way up your throat at his words, the vibrations shooting up his cock making his head toss back with a loud 'Fuck!'

All of a sudden, he's pulling out of your mouth and practically tearing the rest of his clothes off. "Get on the couch."

You barely have time to get up before he is pulling you up and backing you up to said furniture. You briefly feel the fabric of it brush your calf before he grabs your thighs and pulls your legs from under you. You yelp as your back hits the cushion.

Jasper crawls on top of you, shoving your panties down to your ankles and shoving two fingers into your pulsing cunt before you can even bother voicing any complaint.

"Oh~" you breathe as he sinks his fingers into you. The wet slide of his digits is all you can focus on - oh fuck -

A noise just short of pornographic leaves you.

- especially when he curls his fingers like that.

You turn your head to bury it in the back of the couch as the heel of his hand brushes against your clit. The addicting friction making your hips buck as it rubs against you over and over.

"Look at you." Jasper shifts his hand to dig his thumb into your clit. "Falling apart on my fingers. Makes me wonder how you'll look once I have you on my cock."

Your pussy clenches. Whether it's at the thought or the delicious way his fingers keep brushing your cervix, you're not sure but you are sure that, right now, you'd give anything to properly fuck the man above you.

He already has you teetering dangerously close to climax from just his fingers, you're going to finding out what he can do with those hips if it's the last thing you do.

"I can feel you squeezin' my fingers, doll; are you that desperate for a cock?" Jasper dips down to press a harsh kiss to your lips.

"Been a while since you've been fucked right?" He trails down towards your neck, nose brushing across your jaw and skimming your neck as he breathes you in. He places a barely there peck to your collarbone before sitting back up.

His intense gaze mixes with the way his fingers curl just right and you're gone. One hand buries itself in your hair as you cry out while the other fists into the cushion.

"Jasper~" you moan, wave after wave of aftershock pulsing through you.

Jasper keeps working at you. Your vision dances with black spots as you ride out your orgasm , hips pushing up to meet his fingers with every curl.

Mind empty, all you can think about is getting this man's dick inside you. Discretion be damned at this point.

As the brain fog clears, his fingers start to slow before pulling out completely.

"Please," you gasp. "Please let me ride you~" Fuck being embarrassed.

The smile that he gives you is absolutely wolfish.

"Pretty girl wants to ride the cowboy? Well... Who am I to decline such a darlin' little lady?"

Before you can process his words, Jasper has you pulled up and manhandled into his lap.

He rests his arms across the back of the couch as he smirks down at you. "Ride away, sweetheart."

His legs spread, forcing your own apart and giving him the perfect view of his cock now resting against your stomach.

His stare has your thighs quivering as you lift up. You take his cock in your hands, lining him up before sinking back down. Your head drops forward as his thickness starts to stretch you out. Fucking finally.

"Atta girl, darlin'," he sighs out, head tilting back. With his neck on full display, you can't help but to lean forward and press a couple kisses up towards his ear.

"Let's see if you fuck as well as you dance~" You taunt, teeth nipping at his earlobe before you pull away.

You start to roll your hips against his, lifting up before grinding yourself back down.

"Careful." Jasper warns with a sharp thrust up. It makes your knees buckle, dropping you back onto him. His cock slams into you and forces a curse from your lips.

"Watch that mouth, sugar."

Huffing out a breath, you grip his shoulders before rocking your hips again.

You set a faster pace, practically slaming your body weight down again and again. Each ministration has your pussy clenching around him.

"Make me."

With those two words, you might as well have taped the box and shipped it yourself with how much you just sealed your fate.

Before you can blink, you're off his lap and on all fours. Jasper grips your hair, yanking your head back so he can whisper in your ear.

"Big mistake, darlin'~"

Without warning, Jasper shoves back in and sets a brutal pace. His cock slams into you at an animalistic pace. His arm slips under you to lift your hips, forcing him mind meltingly deeper.

Each slam of his hips against your thighs sends jolt after jolt of electricity running through your body. Every time his pelvis brushes against your clit, you can't help the twitch: your knee jerking to the side, your hips bucking...

It's overwhelming yet not enough.

You can feel your climax ebbing ever closer, but it teases you, staying just out of reach, as you grasp at anything you can get your hands on - you're gonna have to apologize for how hard your nails are digging into Jasper's forearms later. You might have to apologize to your neighbors as well. The thin walls of your apartment no doubt doing very little to obscure the obscene squelching and slapping echoing through your living room.

"You feel so good, doll," Jasper growls above you. His jaw is set as he watches you, eyes scanning each of your minuscule reactions.

Your pussy clenches at the praise, forcing him to slow do a grind as he lets loose a deep groan.

The sudden change of pace has your head falling back with a sigh; his cock presses firmly against your cervix, threatening to push impossibly further. "Fucking hell... Jasper~"

His fingers dips just the slightest deeper into your hips as he pulls your hips tighter against him. "Atta girl... Squeezing me so good~ You gonna milk this cock for all it's worth, sugar'?"

Jasper pulls his hand away from your iron-clad grip in favor of toying with your clit, hips still grinding against you.

The added stimulation makes your body scream out for him. For him to stay buried in your cunt, for him to keep touching you like that - oh~

You feel like an exposed wired, dangerous yet electrifying. You can't remember the last time someone fucked you this good. If ever.

The added friction is just enough to shove you over the edge; cumming so hard your vision goes black and you can barely hear it as you all but scream out Jasper's name.

Definitely gonna have to apologize to your neighbors.

"Fuck, darlin'," Jasper gasps out as your walls clamp down on him, hips stuttering as it forces him to spill his seed in you. The cum that paints your walls is cold, shocking you but not entirely unpleasant.

He ducks down to capture your lips in another kiss as he starts to grind into you again, riding out both of your highs.

You reach up to tangle your fingers in his soft locks as you kiss, soft sighs and moans breaking the kiss ever now and then. Jasper drops your hips in favor of almost tenderly gripping your jaw. He uses his grip to force you to open your mouth. The kiss becomes less of a kiss and more of a clash of teeth and tongue as he pulls you closer.

"Wanna taste you." He mumbles against your lips before pulling away.

Jasper slides down, pressing kisses and the occasional nibble to your skin.

Once between your legs, he licks a heavy strip up your folds as he keeps your gaze. Your breath stutters from the unexpected intensity of the action. "Open up wider for me, doll." He breathes against your skin.

Swallowing, you spread your thighs.

"There's my girl..."

"Oh fuck-" You let out a breathy chuckle. These nicknames and praise are gonna be the end of you.

You feel more than see his smirk. God damn it. This man is going to ruin all other guys for you...

Icy hands grip under your knees, pushing one of them towards your chest. "Hold this for me, doll."

As soon as you hook your forearm under your knee, Jasper is diving in like a man starved.

The way he licks and sucks at your clit sends your mind reeling. Is this what heaven is like? Nah, this man is definitely a work of Himeros himself.

You can't help the way your hand tries to shove his face closer as you grind up desperately.

"Taste so fucking good," your cheeks heat up as a sharp *slurp* seems to punctuate his words. "Guess callin' you 'sugar' wasn't too far off..."

You can do little but watch as he smirks up at you before plunging his tongue inside your slick and cum soaked cunt.

You can feel another orgasm working its way up. Still sensitive from the first one, it's hard to hold it back. especially with how his darkened eyes stare up at you, keeping you from looking away.

The sudden sting of his teeth grazing your clit is the beginning of your end.

"Oh god!" Your head throws back as your nails dig into his scalp. The harsh scratch of your fingers causes him to let out a warning growl, the vibrations shooting through you and yanking you fully back into ecstasy once more. Your legs clamp around his head as you cum. The way he sucks and licks you through it not helping the "you suffocating him" situation. Not that he seems to mind with how tight he's still holding you against him.

"Knew you had one more for me, darlin'," Jaspers gloats as he finally pulls back, wiping the mixture of cum from his chin.

He pauses before saying, "We're definitely going to have to apologize for the noise, though~" He smirks down at you as he pulls you into his cold chest

All you can do is stare up at the ceiling as a breathless laugh rips its way from your chest.

The Outliers - A Guildwars Love Story

This story is dedicated to my wife.

Chapter 1

So many of my comrades had perished at the paws of those savage beasts! He had mused to himself.   "Father, I'm here.  Are you okay?" The old man looked at his son with a somewhat surprised look then handed him the lantern.   "I'm fine.  It's nothin'.  Just help me get these fence posts back in their notches so we can tie 'em off."   Kaleb swung the lantern around searching for one of the fallen fence railings. Once he had located the post both he and his father worked in unison to get them reset. "Have you checked to see if Gerty decided to make a bolt for it?"  Kaleb asked.   His father laughed. "That ole' girl wouldn't move if she were being attacked by an army of ettins.  She's right where she's always been... face firmly planted in the feeding trough." In spite of the misery of the cold rain, both father and son managed to mend the damaged fence well before sunrise.  After their tasked had been completed, they promptly headed towards the back kitchen door. "Not one step further you two." Shirley Grimwald, or "Mamma" Shirley as her husband liked to call her, raised her hand in a gesture for both men to stop.  She pointed towards the floor as a signal to remind them to take off their wet boots and parkas before entering the house.   "Yes ma'am.  I guess the rain chased me in and I lost my head for a bit," the elder Grimwald chuckled.   "It's okay, dear. The next time, I'll chase you out sans overcoat and muddy boots." She smiled in return.

"Once the two of you are dried - I left some fresh towels at the edge of the table right next to the door - you can have some hot coffee and cakes." Mamma Grimwald was slight in build but strong in her faith.  As a devoted follower of the Six, she piously offered prayers whenever a situation demanded them.  With the serving of food came the traditional supplication to their god, Dwayna, for blessings upon their family.   Kaleb tried his best to dry out the locks of his dark shoulder-length hair.  But even with his judicious efforts, his head still looked like a frazzled soppy wet mess.  The chair he sat on felt small and rickety under the weight of his broad, six-foot, four-inch frame.  Being mindful of the damp towel, he discreetly folded it into a compact square then placed it upon his lap.  

"Thank you, boys, for fixing that fence.  It seems every time there's a puff of wind, that thing keeps getting blown down," Shirley said as she poured both men some coffee.   "Are the girls still asleep?  That thunder makes enough racket to wake the dead." Kaleb looked at his father and said with a laugh.  "C'mon, father.  Katie can sleep through a volcano eruption.  And Rachel is probably hiding under the pillow crying like a newborn with her butt stuck in the air." "Liar!" Came a shout from the other side of the door adjoining the kitchen and hallway.  Rachel leaned out from the door frame just enough so her green eyes and auburn hair was visible.

"And miss snoop gets foiled again.  Yer way too predictable, sis.  Now go to bed!" "Why should I?  I can't even sleep and Katie snores like a cave troll." "If the big bad thunderstorm is too much for you, then you can always sleep in my closet." "Oh, just shut up Kal!   I hope you catch pneumonia and die so then I can have the best room in the house." "Rachel Grimwald!  I will hear no further talk like that from you young lady. Since you can't seem sleep during foul weather or be nice to anyone... I guess you'll just have to sleep in our room... on the floor!" Rachel said nothing as Kaleb gave her a wide-eared grin. "Fine! I'm going back to bed... in my room!" Rachel said as she stomped off making every attempt to make her footsteps as loud as possible. Kaleb then turned to his parents and commented.  "Yanno.  I would sure feel sorry for the unlucky soul who has dubious honor of wanting to marry her."

"She's just going through that phase, son.  Girls eventually get over it and blossom into beautiful women," Daniel said while taking an extra sip of his coffee. "Speaking of marriage.  How are things going between you and Trish?  You haven't talked about her much for awhile."  Mrs. Grimwald asked her son.   Kaleb averted his gaze for a moment before responding.  "She's been really busy trying to earn some brownie points with the nobles and such.  We really don't get to see each other that much anymore." "She would make a fine wife for you, son.  I know her family is well connected.  Shoot, if you ever had to serve on a battlefront, I'm sure her folks would find a way of having you stationed in a place that far from any fighting," his mother said with a smile. "Shirley.  That's not how the Seraph operates.  Only the spoiled rich brats get to serve far from the front lines.  Us common folks, on the other hand, aren't as lucky."   The elder Grimwald then looked at his son and asked, "speaking of the Seraph, when are you supposed to report for duty?" "I'm to report in within three days.  According to my commanding officer, I am to be stationed not too far from Claypool." Father Grimwald poured himself another cup of coffee then began arranging the pieces of silverware in a triangle pattern.  

"So, after your stint in the army, what are your plans then?" Kaleb knew where the conversation was going.  "Honestly, I'm not really sure.  Maybe I'll go to Divinity's Reach and join the carnival.  I heard they are always having openings.  I think part of that comes from the fact that some of the performers wind up getting eaten by the ferocious animals they train." "You're like the pot that keeps callin' the kettle black, son.  You are much worse than your sister as far as that smart mouth of yers goes and if I were a woman I would have smacked ya upside the head, silly," Daniel said tersely.   "Then I guess I'm lucky in that there's no woman who's got a witty mouth quite like mine.  Not that I'm thinking too highly of myself or anything, mind you... just stating the obvious, that's all."

His father stood up from the kitchen table then spoke to Kaleb in a passive-aggressive tone.  "Well, sooner or later you will have to face the facts.  As the elder son of this family, the burden will fall to you when the time comes to take over the business.  If I had my way, I would rather you remain here than be sent off to fight in some godsforsaken far off piece of Tyria." "Hey. I'm not keen on dying either, father.  But since the treaty, Kryta is no longer under threat and even your outfit, the Ebonguard, has had to pull back from charr-held lands.  And who knows?  If I'm lucky, I may even get into the hobby of mounting centaur heads in my trophy room,"  Kaleb said with a half-smile. His mother also rose up from the table to give her son a hug.  "Well, I for one am proud that you are serving in the queen's army.  Your father had a distinguished career as a soldier and I have no doubt that you will as well.  Of course I'll be worried sick about you, but at least you are making yourself part of a noble cause." "Ha! Mamma, there's one skill you've taught me that I can utilize while being a soldier - and that is being an excellent cook.  After all, an army moves on its stomach and whenever I'm around I'll make sure my comrades enjoy feasts that are worthy of norn legends." Daniel shook his head.  "War is nothing to get excited over.  Anyway, do you honestly believe this treaty will even hold?  The ink is not even dry yet and our people are already fighting along side those brutes."   "It doesn't matter.  Besides, the chances of me encountering a charr are about as likely as someone being killed by a ghost," Kaleb quipped as he helped his parents clean off the table.  "Speaking of non-human peoples... I still gotta say my farewells to Ulfgar.  That old norn would never let me hear the end of it if I just up and left without saying goodbye." "Dodging the question again, son?  No matter.  Sooner or later you will have to come to a decision on whether or not you want to take over the family business.  I'm getting too old to be lifting things I shouldn't be lifting and managing things I should no longer be managing; at some point that responsibility will have to fall upon someone else.  Namely, my son." His father angled his reply just as he started heading towards the hallway.  

"Love ya, father.  Try not to let the coffee keep you and ma up too long."

Shirley gave her son another hug before heading out of the kitchen and to her bedroom.  As she passed her husband, his father turned back towards Kaleb and commented.  "No worries, son.  Coffee is more like a sedative to me anymore."

"Oh. And one other thing..." Kaleb looked up waiting for his father to finish his response. "I have seen people killed by ghosts back when I fought in Ascalon."

A Flower For Your Hat

This is a commission written for my lovely friend @natasha-baggins! She wanted a story where the girls (Tilly, Mary-Beth, and Karen) find and read Arthur’s journal. They find that he’s written quite extensively about you and it goes on from there.

The title was inspired by art I commissioned from the amazingly talented @bintangy.

The sun was setting as you rode back into camp to the sound of drunk singing and giggling. The women had probably found a way to entertain themselves as the men sang vulgar songs with one another.

You hitched your horse and made your way over to Tilly, Karen, and Mary-Beth to find out just what was so damn funny. Karen saw you first and cleared her throat to warn the other women of your approach. They all quickly stopped laughing and Mary-Beth held her hands behind her back.

“What's goin' on over here?” you asked and Tilly giggled again before Karen nudged her.

“Nothin',” Karen lied. Mary-Beth wouldn’t even look at you.

“What you hidin' behind your back there?” She lifted her head slightly then looked away again. “Mary-Beth…”

“Okay fine! We been readin' Arthur's journal,” she blurted.

“You what?!” They all shushed you then pulled you a little further away from the rest of the camp. “That ain’t right y'all,” you whispered angrily.

“Keep your voice down. We don’t wanna get caught,” Tilly said, looking around.

“Y'all deserve to get caught if you ask me. I want no part of this,” you said before turning to walk away.

“Oh really? Even if he has a few things about you in here?” Karen teased, taking the book from Mary-Beth and waving it in front of you.

You stopped and shook your head. “Don’t be stupid. Why would Arthur ever write about me?” You tried to sound as disinterested as possible but you turned back to them anyway.

“’Cause he likes you!” Karen said as if it was supposed to be obvious to you. You looked at her, dumbfounded, and she scoffed. “You tellin' me you never noticed the way he gets all flustered and nervous ‘round you?”

“N-no.” You stared at the journal in her hand then looked at her. “Y'all are just teasin'. There ain’t nothin' about me in there.”

“Wanna see for yourself?” Karen held the book out to you and you eyed it. Your brain was telling you to take it but your heart knew it wasn’t right. If you had a journal, you damn well wouldn’t want anyone reading whatever you wrote, not that it would be much.

“Nah, I’m gonna get ready for bed. And for God's sake put that back ‘fore Arthur catches you!” You walked back to your tent and sat on your cot. Truth be told, your interest was piqued but not enough to go through something so personal of Arthur's. Though now you were afraid you would be watching the way he acted when he was around you. “Flustered…Arthur don’t get flustered…” you whispered to yourself. Or did he and you were just that oblivious?

“So you made it back all right,” Arthur said, making you gasp and put a hand over your heart. “Didn't mean to scare ya. You didn’t hear me callin' you?” He leaned against one of the posts holding up your tent.

“No…I was in another world I guess.” You smiled and looked down at his hands. “Sorry ‘bout that.” You stood and he cleared his throat, looking down at your shirt. “Oh my…shit…” You must have started unbuttoning it before you started daydreaming or whatever it is you were doing.

“I-I shoulda made sure you were decent before I barged in like that.” He turned away while you buttoned your shirt again.

“You didn’t barge in. I just wasn’t payin' attention. You can turn around now.” You sat on your bed again and he turned slowly, finding it hard to look at you. “What did you get up to today?”

“Just ridin' around tryin' to get more information about this place. Got a few tips for places to rob and whatnot.” He trailed off, looking at you then at the pictures on your little table.

“My brother,” you told him. “That there's my mama.”

“You miss ‘em?” he asked and you nodded. “Well, I hope you can see us as your family now. I know we'll never replace your real family but we're here for you.”

“Thanks Arthur.” You both fell into an awkward silence before you spoke up again. “What do you write about?” you asked without thinking. “I just always see you writin' and I kinda wanna know what’s goin' on in that head of yours.”

He chuckled. “I ain’t sure you really wanna know.” He walked into your tent a little more and shrugged. “I write about my days mostly…and people. I draw a little too…if I can’t find the words.”

‘Do you write about me?’ you wanted to ask but that was a little too forward. “A writer and an artist, well Mr. Morgan, you do take me by surprise.”

In the firelight it looked as though he was blushing. “In a good way I hope.”

“In the best way,” you said quietly. He looked as if he was fighting to say something, his mouth opening and closing before he finally just shook his head. You reached out and touched his hand. “You feelin’ okay?”

“Yeah, don’t you worry about me. I should go and let you get ready for bed.”

“Goodnight Arthur.”

“Goodnight ma'am.” He tipped his hat and walked out of your tent, leaving you with a smile on your face and even more questions. You had also realized that you weren’t paying attention to whether or not he got flustered around you. It was no matter. You would put it out of your mind and never think about it again.

The girls had other plans though.

The next morning, you woke up early to go fishing and came back just in time to see an angry, red-faced Arthur storming away from the same group of women you talked to last night. You could only imagine what happened.

Arthur brushed past you as you walked towards them. “Arthur…”

“Not now,” he mumbled and continued to walk away.

You walked up to the women who definitely didn’t look as chipper as they did last night. “He found out, didn’t he? I warned y'all.”

“Not exactly,” Tilly started. “Karen here thought it would be a good idea to tell him that he should tell you how he felt.”

“Well, why shouldn’t he? God knows the man needs some kinda happiness in his life, if you know what I mean,” she said suggestively.

“Jesus Karen!” You rolled your eyes and looked in the direction that Arthur walked in. “He ain’t never gonna talk to any of us again.”

“I'm sure he'll talk to you. He can’t help himself. He wants you bad. Wants to ‘feel your soft skin and kiss your soft lips',” she said dramatically. “His words not mine.”

“Would you stop?” Arthur looked your way and you turned around quickly. “I definitely can’t say nothin' to him now, can I? I told you no good would come of readin' his personal journal.”

“No good? You sure about that?” Karen asked and the other women giggled. You glared at them and they tried their best to get serious again but were soon all doubled over in laughter.

“Goodbye.” You walked away to the sound of their laughter and hid away for most of the day. Mary-Beth was the first one to come to you to make sure you were okay.

“Hey,” she said quietly before walking into your tent. “I hope you know that none of this was my idea.”

“You ain’t do much to stop it either,” you told her and she blushed.

“Well, I can’t help it if I find it a bit excitin'. It’s almost like a romance novel. Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy. Both have no clue…”

“Whoa, Mary-Beth...I'm gonna stop you right there. This ain’t a book and there ain’t no…love,” you whispered it as though it was a scandalous word.

“You tellin' me you ain’t got no feelings for Arthur?” she asked. You hesitated to answer and the smile on her face grew. “I knew it! He’s just about crazy for you and I could tell even before readin' his journal.”

“You…really?” She nodded and you moved closer to her. “How can you tell? I mean…I ain’t good at this kinda stuff.”

“You never been in love before?” She looked at you in disbelief.

“’Course I have…its just been awhile and I don’t know what kinda signs to look for especially with Arthur.” Or you did but you just refused to acknowledge it. There had been a few times when you were sure you caught him staring at you now that you think about it. Did that mean he had drawings of you in that journal of his? According to Tilly, Mary-Beth, and Karen he had written about you plenty.

“I think you two need to spend some time together. Alone,” she emphasized.

“I don’t think so. That ain’t a good idea.” You were afraid. This could change things between the two of you and that was the last thing you wanted. “We're fine…as friends. That’s it.”

“No. That ain’t it.”

“Mary-Beth…it has to be. I don't wanna mess things up. Just leave it, okay?” She nodded sadly and you lowered your head. “I’m sorry I can’t make this like one of your books.”

“Anything can happen,” she said before leaving you alone.

You avoided Arthur as much as you could for the rest of the day, finding little things to do here and there.

You walked down one of your favorite paths to pick a few flowers that grew there. The wind blew and you closed your eyes as you knelt to smell the flowers. You sang to yourself as you picked and had no idea someone was approaching.

“Uh…what you doin’ there?” Arthur asked. You stood quickly, dropping all the flowers you had collected. “Aw, damn…I’m sorry.” He bent to help you pick them up and you tried to ignore that he smelled as though he had just taken a bath. When you looked at him, you noticed that he seemed to put a little more effort into his appearance. You would love to tell him that he didn’t have to change a thing about himself but that was out of line. “I always seem to sneak up on ya.”

“It’s fine. I should pay more attention.” You both reached for the same flower and when his fingers touch yours, you stiffen. “Sorry!” You snatched your hand away and turn to pick up the rest.

“You mind if I keep a few of these?” he asked, taking you by surprise.

“’Course you can.”

He smelled one of the flowers then lifted it to you. “Thank you kindly.”

“Anytime,” you murmured as he walked away.

Later that day, you found Arthur laying on his bed, hat over his face.  The flowers he had taken from you earlier were sitting on a small table by his bed.

“Arthur,” you called quietly.

“What?” he said groggily, pulling the hat off his face. You waved awkwardly and he sat up quickly, clearing his throat and apologizing. “Shit…I mean…excuse me, ma'am.”

“I wish you'd use my name, Arthur. You ain’t gotta call me ma'am.”

“Right. What can I do for you?”

What did you come here for?

“I, uh, I…can’t remember. Sorry for botherin' you.” You turned but Arthur grabbed your wrist gently and you sighed before looking back at him.

“They told you didn't they… ‘bout what’s in my journal?” Your eyes widened but you tried to change your face before he noticed. “That why you won’t look at me like you used to?”

“Arthur…they told me but I didn’t believe ‘em for a second. I swear.” You shook your head and he still held onto your wrist.

“You didn’t believe ‘em? Well, why not?” He finally let go of you but the feeling of his fingers lingered even as you rubbed at your wrist.

“I don’t know. I thought they were just teasin'. Ain’t no point of livin' on false hope.” Shit. “I mean...is it true, Arthur? Did you really write those things about me?” you asked.

“I did. I know it ain’t right or proper but I couldn’t rightly tell you face-to-face.”

“Why couldn't you?” You hadn’t realized how close you were to him now.

“This is gonna make me sound like a damn fool but…I was afraid. Hell, I still am.” He picked up his journal and held it up in front of him. “I know they told you that I wrote about you. What they probably didn’t tell was that I also wrote about someone else…someone I loved.”

“I understand.” You were certain he was telling you that he was in love with someone else and he could never love you the way he loved that person.

“I like you…a lot and that scares me, okay? I ain’t been treated so good in the past. Everybody looks at me and thinks I can’t be hurt but I got feelings just like anyone else.”

“You…like me?” Without answering, he opened his journal and began flipping through pages then held it open to you. There were sketches of you smiling and laughing even one with a little heart next to it. “Oh…” You took the journal from him and flipped through the next few pages. You hid your smile from his view, your eyes filling with happy tears. You handed the journal back to him and he gauged your reaction.

“You gonna say somethin'? I didn’t offend you did I?” He threw his journal onto his bed and sat down with a huff.

“I’m not offended at all. Surprised, yes, but far from offended. I’m…honored. No ones ever drawn me before.” You giggled and he looked up at you from where he sat. “I like you too, Arthur. Quite a bit actually.”

“That so?” he asked, surprised. “I woulda never guessed it.”

“That’s kinda the point,” you teased. “I ain’t gonna be gettin' all shy and giggly around you. Trippin' over my own two feet and whatnot…I ain’t that kinda girl.” You weren’t going to tell him about the many times you dreamed about him or watched him chop wood.

“No, you ain’t. You’re different and I think that’s what I like so much about you.”

“What was…she like? The woman you loved?” You hoped you hadn’t opened a can of worms. He sighed and lowered his head, his hat concealing most of his face. “You ain’t gotta say…”

“She wanted somethin' I couldn’t give her. She wanted a life I couldn’t give her. I guess no one ever really plans on marryin' and actually bein' happy with an outlaw.” He shrugged and you sat beside him. “I’m tryin' to change but I guess it wasn’t fast enough or good enough for her.”

“I see…”

“I told myself I would never let my heart get broken again…that it ain’t worth it but then you came along and, well, my heart felt healed again.” He shook his head and covered his face. “I sound like a damn fool.”

“I don’t think you sound like a fool. I think it's sweet. No one has ever said somethin' that nice about me before.” You placed your hand over his and squeezed. “I think you’re fine just the way you are, by the way. Even if you are a little grumpy sometimes.”

“I ain’t grumpy. I’m just…just…”

“Real grumpy?” You laughed when he looked at you and grumbled. “See!” Your laughter made him laugh and soon you both were out of breath. Arthur watched you even when you weren’t looking at him. The smile on your face had made him feel something he hadn't felt in a very long time: true happiness. Deep down, it was something that he never thought he deserved. It was something reserved for the good men of the world but maybe since you thought he was good, he believed it.

“I hope this ain’t too forward but can I kiss you? I'd feel like even more of a fool if I let you walk outta here without askin'. You can turn me down. I’ll just--" You cut him off with a kiss, a chaste one, but a kiss all the same.

“Was that bad? I'm sorry. It's been awhile since I kissed someone.

He touched one of your cheeks softly. “Been awhile for me too. Maybe we can…” He kissed you this time and right away it was more passionate than anything you had ever experienced. Every time he pulled away, you followed and he chuckled between kisses. You were both almost laying down by the time he stopped kissing you.

“Maybe we can what?” you asked breathlessly.

“I…” He furrowed his brow then looked you right in the eye. “I have no idea.” He still held you close and ran his hand up and down your back. “I should probably let you go now.”

“You ain’t gotta.” He sat up straight again anyway and his hands fell away from your back but he immediately grabbed your hands. “Well…”

“Your hands are just as soft as I thought they would be. Lips too.” He brought one of your hands to his lips and kissed it. “Why you keep lookin' at me like that?” he asked, his cheeks getting pinker with every minute that went by.

“Well, I can't draw like you so I’m tryin' to remember everything I can about your face. You also have the prettiest eyes I ever seen.”

“Hush now…”

“I mean it. You’re a handsome fella. You need to be told that more often.” You waited for him to smile and when he did you were sure your heart was about to burst. “Gimme your hat.”

“What for?”

“Just give it to me, please.” You held your hand out and he placed it in your hand. “Now give me one of those flowers.” He looked at you suspiciously but passed you a flower anyway. He watched closely as you tucked the flower into the braided rope on his hat. You put the hat back on his head and straightened the flower a little. “There.”

“I best go do somethin’ before I end up kissin' you all day.”

“What's so wrong with that?” You giggled and he gave you a quick kiss before standing and grabbing his journal. While you sat there, he wrote something, then looked at you. “I sure hope you wrote somethin' nice about me.”

“This good enough?” He turned the book to you so you could read it. ‘My heart is whole again when I never thought it could be,’ it read. Your eyes filled with tears and you shook your head. “I’ll draw somethin’ a little later…”

“Look, I’m sorry you were kinda forced to tell me those things. If it was up to me, I woulda let you do it in your own time.”

“Who knows how long that woulda took me? I should be thankin' those women but I’m gonna make ‘em wait for it.” He winked then pulled you close. “Think we should let ‘em know about…us?”

“Hmm…nah. Let's make ‘em wait for that too.”

“Might be kinda hard for me seein' as how I don’t wanna stop touchin’ you now.” He tried to kiss you again but you backed away. “Don’t be like that now. Just one more and I’ll behave.”

“Fine. Hurry up.” Just as Arthur pulled you to him and kissed you again, someone called for him. He pulled away with a growl and fixed his hat. “You better go,” you said.

“Guess so.” He walked past you, grabbing your hand and not letting go until he couldn’t hold on anymore. “What the hell do you want, Marston?” he shouted and you laughed quietly.

“What you got a flower in your hat for?” you heard John ask and you winced. You forgot about the damn flower.

“’Cause I want it there. You got a problem with that?” His voice drifted off until you couldn’t hear it anymore.

You waited a little longer before leaving his tent but before you did, you took one of the flowers, kissed it, then put it on his pillow. His journal was on his bed, opened to the last page he showed you. ‘My heart is whole again…’ You reached out and closed the book with a smile.

Various Tim Burton films sentence starter meme:

Nightmare Before Christmas: “Since I am dead I can take off my head to recite Shakespearean quotations.” “For it is plain as anyone can see, we’re simply meant to be.” “Nice work, bone daddy.” “You’re jokin’, you’re jokin’!” “Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it!” “Haven’t you heard of peace on earth and goodwill toward men?” “We’ve got to find ___! There’s only ___ days left until next Halloween!” “___! You came back.” “There’s children throwing snowballs.” “Whatever you say, ___.” “Perfect! Open it up. Quickly!”

Edward Scissorhands: “Hold me.” “I can’t.” “I am not complete.” “Goodbye.” “I love you.” “The light concealing cream goes on first. Then you blend, and blend, and blend. Blending is the secret.” “I didn’t mean to cut your face.” “Never let anyone tell you you’re handicapped. You’re…. special.” “No matter what, ___ will always be special.” “Where is everyone?” “___. The guys and I were talking, we’d like want to invite you to our card game on Friday night. Would you like that? Only thing is, you can’t cut!” “Forget about holding her hand, man. Think about the damage he could do to other places.”

Beetlejuice: “What are your qualifications?” “I’ve seen the EXORCIST ABOUT A HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVEN TIMES, AND IT KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER EVERY SINGLE TIME I SEE IT… NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT YOU’RE TALKING TO A DEAD GUY… NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK?” “Of course I can see you.” “Well, I’ve read through that handbook for the recently deceased. It says: ‘live people ignore the strange and unusual". I myself am strange and unusual.” “You look like a regular girl to me.” “Because if I tell you, you’ll tell your friends, your friends are callin’ me on the horn all the time, I gotta show up at shopping centers for openings and sign autographs and shit like that and it makes my life a hell. Okay? A living hell.” “What’s wrong?” “We’re very unhappy.” “What did you expect? You’re dead!”

Dark Shadows: “Are you stoned or something?” “When did they start allowing women of the night on the estate grounds?” “What if I made you?” “I must admit, those have not aged a day…” “I don’t feel comfortable discussing this with you.” “Fifteen and no husband. You must put those birthing hips to good use at once lest your womb shrivel up and die.” “You’re weird.” “I am a lover and I am a sinner.” “Enchanted. But I shall call you ___, a name so wonderful to me that I could not stand to lose a single syllable of it.” “What sorcery is this?” “I have to hand it to you. This is a happening. I guess the only thing missing is Alice Cooper.” “ …ugliest woman I’ve ever seen .” “ It is said that blood is thicker than water. It is what joins us, binds us… curses us. My name is ___, and my curse has finally been broken.”

Sleepy Hollow: “Villainy wears many masks, none so dangerous as the mask of virtue.” “Is he dead?” “That’s the problem. He was dead to begin with.” “We haven’t heard your name yet, friend.” “I have not said it.” “It is truth, but truth is not always appearance.” “I have shed my tears for ___… and yet my heart is not broken. Do you think me wicked?” “No… but perhaps there is a little bit of witch in you, ___.” “Why do you say that?” “Because you have bewitched me.” “Watch your heads.” “No. No, not nothing.” “A kiss, from a lovely young woman, before she saw my face or knew my name.” “Good-bye, ___ ___. I curse the day you came to ___.” “___, why are you in my room?” “Because it is yours.” “I have not.”

9: “We had such potential. Such promise. But we squandered our gifts, our intelligence. Our blind pursuit of technology only sped us quicker to our doom. Our world is ending. But life must go on.” “What happens next?” “A group must have a leader.” “You’re nothing but a coward.” “You are a blind man, guided by fear.” “Sometimes one must be sacrificed.” “He was old! He was WEAK!” “NO! Stop! You mustn’t destroy it! Don’t destroy it. They’re Trapped! They’re inside! They’re INSIDE!” “We… awakened something.” “But where did it come from? Why is it hunting us?” “When we awoke in this world, it was chaos.” “I don’t believe it!” “The source! The source! Go back… to the source.”

Sweeny Todd: “Noooooo! Would no one have mercy on her?” “I can guarantee the closest shave you’ll ever know.” “They all deserve to die.” “There are two kinds of men and only two.” “___, you didn’t!” “Ugh! All that blood!” “You’re barking mad! Killing a man what done ya no harm!” “A pleasure, ma'am.” “___… you have to help me!” “Out.” “___, please, I…” “OUT!” “All this running and shouting, wot’s going on?” “I had him! His throat was bare, beneath my hand!” “There, there, dear, calm down…” “NO!” “Is everything alright, ___?” “I beg your indulgence, Anthony. My mind is far from easy. In these once familiar streets I feel shadows… everywhere…” “…Ghosts.” “Foolishness.”

Released(20 pt1)

Chris

After my talk with Carlton I feel like I could take some of my own advice. Camila and I are in a good place but I feel left out my kids lives. Hell I don't even know if any of them are passing or failing classes. Well I know Stanley is good she our little genius. I sat tellin my best friend what to do giving him personally advice and I'm only doing half the shit I said. That needs to be fixed.

Pulling up to the elementary school locking my car I walk up into the building. As I knock on the front desk the older rep jumped a little. "Oh you scared me."

"I'm sorry miss Clam you looking nice today." She's worked at this school starting when Mona and Stanley got here.

"Thank you Mr.Washington. What can I do for you?"

"First you can just call me Chris and second call my son for early dismissal."

Grabbing the needed papers she came back. "So what's getting him out hopefully something important."

"Yes ma'am always." I smirk winking sliding back the papers.

She giggled blushing waving me off. I sat waiting for Maurice to come down. Seeing me he smiled ran into my arms.

"Dad what am I doing out of school early?"

Riffing his hair putting him in a headlock I walk us out the school. "We gonna go chill." As we reach the doors a group of little girls called out to him waving. "What's that your fan club?"

"Something like that. A lot of girls like me dad they keep saying Im cute."

"I guess you ok I look way better tho." I let him go.

Before we get in he begged me to take a picture of him.

"Yeah this about to get me hella likes. One time this girl sent me a picture of her in a bra." He snickered as I pull out into the street.

"What how old was she?"

"Sixteen I think but I clowned her called her a pedophile."

See I didn't know this. I gotta step up my parenting now.

"So look I just wanted to spend some time with you I know your mom and I slipped and slowed down on time we spend with you guys and I wanna fix that."

"Is this because uncle Carlton and aunt becca getting a divorce?"

"Nah who said that?"

"Elias told me how they always fighting and his dad don't be home all the time anymore."

I guess these kids are more involved than I thought. Sometimes we adults get so into whatever we got going on we don't bother to check with the kids. If they remain clueless that's great but if they happen to hear something or see something we gotta deal with that. We never really pay attention that these situations could in the long run have an affect on these kids and do some fucked your shit to them mentally or emotionally.

I don't want to be part of my kids having a down fall. As the parent I want them to come to me about any and everything. I was like that with my dad before losing him I told him everything and we were super close because of that. His death had a big toll on me I was so focused on supporting my mom and new sister to deal with my own problems. Eventually I broke down to my mom.

"Don't worry about that no one is getting divorced. They are working on their problem. You wanna get some food or go somewhere?"

"Uh we can go to the academy and play some ball. I gotta show you this one move...drives the girls crazy."

He is my son that shit is clear as day. Going with his idea I take the route to the academy. On the way he plugged in his phone to the AUX turns out he had a lot of music I fucks with. He recorded us rapping to songs and everything. My phone rang through the Bluetooth in the car with my wife calling.

"Hey mom!"

"Im beatin both y'all ass when y'all get home!"

Damn. "Why baby?"

"Don't baby me Christopher why did you take Maurice out of school early!?"

"I wanted to spend time with my son is that so wrong?" He snickered at us recording on his phone.

"It is wrong when you taking him out of school you could've waited until after."

"I know baby you right. But don't be callin acting like a psycho all on my phone woman."

"Nigga shut up you better take care of my son or you gonna deal with me."

Smirking I chuckled. "Why you acting out mama? You need me to-"

"Ah ah don't be nasty go back to your little father son thing. I love you pumpkin!"

He laughed. "Love you to mom!"

"What about daddy?"

She laughed. "I'll call my dad later...be home before dinner."

With that she hung up. "Your mom stay trippin."

"Yeah I know she stay treating me like a baby still."

"Cause you are baby son. She'll lighten up tho don't worry."

We walk into the academy heading straight for the gym. Instead of playing a real one in one game we just shy around. I remember doing this with my old man. He had skills.

"So catch me up on what you got going on." I shot hearing that sweet sound of success.

"Just school...you know I only hang with my family."

"Such a loner why don't you make friends at school?"

"They fake. Everyone either wants to show me some talent they got to get to you or asking for my sisters or mom number. It's annoying so I don't bother being around them anymore than needed." He shot gaining a swish after rolling around the ring.

"Does it bother you that me and your mom are famous?"

"Eh not really except when we go out and those camera people be following us around."

"Ok that's good. Since you a loner I guess that means no girlfriend or anything huh?"

I smirk passing the ball to him after I missed my last shot. He chuckled doing a lay up. "Not really some of the girls be the most fake. I do like this one girl but I don't think she even knows I exist."

"Really? What's her name?"

"Angel...looks like one to. She's got dark chocolate skin and long hair really pretty eyes and on the spelling team."

He done ran down her whole information pack to me. Must be a real special girl. "Well imma give you this little bit of girl advice. If you feel like she don't notice you make yourself known but slightly. Start by saying hi to her when you see her nothing over the top then just gently move into the friend zone get to know her and everything else will fall into place as it should."

"Ok I can do that. I just wanna get a girl like mom so we can be happy like you guys.

Mona

"Oh look at this one....I swear she think she cute." Scroll through Stanley secret musically I chuckled looking for the right now.

We are eating at Olive Garden and I wanted to make everyone laugh. What's funnier than this shit!?

"What the hell was that hair thing? Oh my god I swear she so full of herself." Clare mugged the video until it ends.

"Ay why are we watching her stuff if it's secret for a reason." One of the girls questioned interrupting me and Clare laughs.

"To expose her. Look at this she only made it private so no one can see that I'm so shy so sweet so innocent BS is just a act. She just as much a hoe as any other girl."

They all looked at me shocked.

"Wow Mona."

"What is up with you...that's your sister. You being a sneaking bitch behind her back like y'all ain't grow up together."

"First for the millionth time she is not nor has she ever been my sister-"

"But she your parents daughter tho."

"Bitch only on paper! Everyone so stuck up her ass I swear. Y'all act like she all that but if it wasn't for my parents she'd probably be either in a stank foster home or  laid out on her back somewhere." Clare laughed while the others stared at me.

"Girl ain't nobody stuck up her ass it's called being a friend."

See what I'm talking about! Everyone lately is just flipping sides on me choose this...orphan over me! I remember a time where the world revolved around me. It all came tumbling down after the twins came and miss kiss ass started doing just that. While I enjoy my young life she's making bottles, changing diapers, babysitting without pay and a whole bunch other extra shit.

My actual blood birth parents started treating me like a outsider. Stanley gets special treatments for simple everyday thing you suppose to do. I got A's and B's and get a purse while she got straight A's and got a trip to universal! How does that add up it's not fair. I'm being treated like the extra load when really it's her. She's the intruder the outsider the ugly duckling.

"Whatever I'm done talking about that hoe what's the plans for the weekend?" Clare asked.

The other gave bland answers back. "Well we are going to a party...a college party."

They all looked at each other then us.

"You know what I'm out I can't do this anymore. Y'all bitches got problems."

One by one they left leaving just me and Clare. I should probably mention how we started hanging out again. The day Julian caught me and Sam and I told off his little girlfriend Clare over heard and came to my aid. She is the only person who honestly understands how I'm feeling. I know we caught a while back but that's the past and we just moving on working on building our friendship again. This time I won't allow myself to get dragged into Stanley trap.

"Forget them we are gonna have so much fun! You and your older boo then imma get me a little baby. They just jealous."

We paid the rest of the bill of our food and left out. Clare drives even though she's not legally suppose to. I walked into the house and maliki ran up to me.

"Hey stink!"

"Hi! You want cookie Mo?" He waved a Oreo in my face.

"Sure...thank you. Hey momma." Purposely ignoring the other body I hug her.

"Look! They just sent me the cover for IT magazine we're on."

Look at my parents slayin shutting all these other couples down! "Y'all look great."

"Yeah you look beautiful mom."

Cringing I roll my eyes handing back the phone. "Hey mom I got a question just random out the blue here."

"What's up?" She hops onto the counter still looking at her phone.

"Why do you and dad let Stanley address you as parents?"

I notice the other being look my way but just like earlier I ignored her.

"Um what do you mean? She's not gonna call us by our first names that's not how a child addresses their parent."

"That's the thing she's not your actual daughter. I think she should call you Mr and Mrs." I shrug as she frowns at me.

"Mona what the hell is wrong with you?"

"She's what's wrong with me...her being here irks me and I think her time is up."

"Mona! You have no type of authority in this house to say who's time is up."

She scowled me. Seeing how upset she is over some words is crazy! I speak nothing but truth and she's over there ready to have a heart attack.

"I'm uh...gonna go up to my room." She got her things together jogging up the stairs not to long after closing a door.

Chuckling I stopped seeing my Mona still glaring at me. "What?"

"Why would you say some shit like that? Stanley is as much our daughter as you are."

"I really hate when you guys say that. I actually am a mixture of you both I came out of you. She's not your daughter just the charity case you guys took in."

"How can you say something like that? Stanley has been apart of our family long before we adopted her. You two use to be at the hip 24/7 she had your back and you had hers. What's changed since then?"

"I found out who she really is. Her innocence isn't real...bet you didn't know she has a secret triller account."

"Actually I know all about it she shows me a few here and there but I see what this is. So what is it a boy or Clare again?"

"Huh?"

"I went through this had someone new come into my life and change my view in things on people. I was so blind to the truth I let myself hurt people I love. Those who only want the best for me....I'll tell you this now whatever or whoever it is clearly is no good if Stanley is doing whatever she is to make you turn on her like this. Mona I don't want you to make the mistakes I did as a mother my job is to guide you in the right direction and just hope and prey you don't have to experience the feelings I went through."

Coming up she hugs me kissing my cheek. It's been a while since I've felt this type of affection from my mom. If she's not working or busy with the twins I'm pushing her away. I guess I'm just drifting into that part of my teenage years where I feel I'm more independent than I really am.

"Mom I just....I missed this. Lately I feel like the adopted kid."

"I know I'm sorry me and your father have been slacking with the time we spend with you guys. I promise I'm gonna get back on things...in fact why don't we go out this weekend spend some mom daughter time."

Damn now I have to choose between my boyfriend and partying or quality time with my mom.

Into The Deep End - Chapter 44

Sasha has always tried to play it safe, to keep her life as simple and risk-free as possible. Things change, however, when she garners the interest of a handsome, charming, younger man from a completely different world than hers. As she starts to question her own rules, is she ready to take the biggest chance of them all? Will she let herself take that dive? Roman Reigns/OC.

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CHAPTER 43

WARNING: Mature scenes.

A lazy yawn slipped from between Joe's lips as he turned away from yet another Joffrey Baratheon rant on the TV screen to glance towards the kitchen. "Nani, what are you up to?"

Sasha was settled at the kitchen island with her back to the living room, Joe's MacBook in front of her. "Checking out the Grill's new website," she replied. "Why? You lonely over there, baby?"

"Kinda. And them tiny-ass booty shorts are callin' my name."

Sasha laughed and took a drink out of her carrot juice, one of the few healthy drinks Joe had introduced her to in the course of their relationship. They were back in Tampa and things had returned to normal between them. Today she kept him company at his home while he rested after another grueling morning of rehab. "Gimme a minute. I'll be right there."

"Or I could come over there." He got up from his recliner and strolled over to her, stealing a sip of her drink as he looked at the laptop screen. "You took these?" he asked, gently rubbing her shoulders.

Sasha nodded, scrolling down the web page. "Yeah. We set up a lot of displays and I took shots of all of them and put the best ones up on the site. It was tough trying to narrow a hundred shots down to thirty though."

"They're nice. You're quite good, you know. Josh and Jon's pops really liked the photos you took of him and baby Brandon at Reggie's party," Joe said, bringing a grin to his girlfriend's face.

"Tell him I said he's welcome." She leaned back and moaned softly at he continued to massage her shoulders. He was amazing with his hands. "Mm. Don't stop doing that."

He kissed her cheek and whispered, "I prefer hearing those words from that pretty little mouth of yours when you're naked."

Laughing, she tipped her head back to glare at him upside down. "You turn every innocent conversation into something else, perv!"

Joe chuckled and pecked her lips in the upside down position, his right hand slipping slowly down her body. "You like me that way."

"That's because you've corrupted me," she said, casting her eyes down to watch his fingers slide down the front of her shorts. She tried to finish her thought. "You're a bad influence, Leati."

With a satisfied smirk, Joe rubbed his palm over her panties, relishing the feeling of her wet heat against the cotton fabric. "You make my name sound so sexy."

"Yeah?" she breathed, stopping cold when he slipped a digit inside her. "Oh shit," she gasped, throwing her head back against him. Licking her lips, she moaned and then grunted as he crooked his finger back and forth inside her, stroking her like he was dipping into frosting. "Ahh..."

He pursed his lips against her throat, her heavy breathing music to his ears. "You like that, baby? Does that feel good?"

She started to respond only for her words to dissolve in a gasp as another finger plunged inside her. She spread her legs wider, planting one on top of another chair, then grabbed his wrist with both hands to guide his hand at the pace she wanted. There was little time for intimacy lately because he was busy with rehab, and Sasha hoped they could make up for lost time tonight since she was sleeping over at his, albeit with the kids as well. Joe's low, lustful growl rumbled against her neck, and she sighed once more, her body awash with heat as his fingers gently probed her while he worshipped her neck, and soon her lips, with his mouth. God, his tongue felt so good.

The jarring sound of her phone ringing broke through the mounting haze of passion. "Don't answer it," Joe murmured against her lips.

She didn't want to, but the ringing became persistent, and eventually she was forced to break the kiss with an annoyed sigh. "It could be important," she reasoned, reluctantly removing his hand and sitting up to grab her phone. "Shit, it's Mia's school calling." Instantly worried, she placed the phone to her ear. "Hello?"

"Hi, Sasha? It's Juliet. I was wondering if you were on your way to pick up Mia. Pam hasn't shown up yet so I figured one of you is running late?"

Sasha expelled the breath she'd been holding. No one was injured. Good. But she inwardly smacked herself for completely forgetting that Pam and T.K. had hectic afternoons so neither could get Mia. "Pam can't make it today. I'll be there soon to pick her up."

"Okay. If you could hurry that would be great. Everyone leaves school in half an hour," Juliet said.

"Alright. Thanks Juliet." She hung up and smacked her forehead. "That was the secretary at Mia's school. Shit, I completely forgot about Pam's appointments! T.K. has practice and now Mia's stuck in school. What's wrong with me?"

"I can go get her," Joe offered.

"Really?"

"Sure." He was already picking up his car keys. "I know where the school is. Mason Hill Elementary, right? It's no big deal. I can get T.K. too if you want."

Sasha shook her head. "No need. He won't be done for another two hours. But he knows his way here so it won't be a problem."

"Cool. I'll go pick up Mia then."

"She'll be in the Principal's office when you get there. Just tell Juliet that you're from me. By the way, please make Mia sit in the backseat. You know how she is. She'll hustle for the front and I never like it when she sits in front. She's so small and it doesn't feel safe for her to sit there. And make her buckle her seat belt, please."

"Yes ma'am," he smirked.

Sasha smacked his arm. "Do not call me ma'am. Ever."

Joe laughed and tossed the car keys in the air. "Call the school back and tell them I'm coming for Mia. I'll pick up pizza and wings for dinner."

"Okay." She smiled as he bent down and gave her a kiss, the kind that made her toes curl and made her feel feminine and beautiful and loved. He pulled away and winked. "I love you. See you in a bit."

"I love you too." It was hard not to worry, but she forced herself to relax. She was the one who handled everything, so seeing him step in to help willingly was, though a little strange, very heart-warming.

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Joe drove down the road, glad that Sasha had allowed him to do this. He knew it was never easy for her, giving up control, but she was proving her trust in him, which made him all sorts of happy.

It was odd walking into an elementary school for the first time in twenty years, bringing back memories he would rather do without. He had only been an average student, quiet and shy. No fangirls had been digging on him in the fourth grade, and he recalled a painfully unrequited crush on a girl named Cara. But that was a story for another day.

Joe pushed open the office door and found Mia sitting on a chair talking to a blonde woman in her twenties with a tag dangling from her neck that indicated she was a staff member. Giving him a wave, Mia picked up her backpack and went over to him. "Hi Joe!"

"Hi, little lady," said Joe, their fists meeting for their special handshake. "How was school today?"

"Good. Where's Mama?" Mia inquired.

"She's at mine, sweetheart. She's busy at the moment so she asked me to come get you."

"Okay. We're staying over at your house, right? Can I go swimming in your pool?"

"Of course you can. I bought the Mario Kart game so we can all race each other on the Wii. All after you finish your homework, of course," he quickly added, figuring it was something Sasha would say.

"Cool. We made friendship bracelets in Arts and Crafts class today with wood beads and elastic." She wiggled her right arm adorned with a number of beaded bracelets. "I made one for Mama and T.K. and you too."

Joe blinked slowly. "Me?"

"Yeah. Here." She pulled one off her skinny hand and rolled the black beads onto his bigger wrist. "I used dark beads for yours and T.K.'s so they won't look girly."

He didn't know what to say. "Wow, little lady...this is awesome."

Mia smiled, then smacked her forehead. "Aaaand I forgot the rest of my Art project in my class. I'll be right back."

As she dashed off, Joe stared at the new piece of jewelry on his right wrist. It wasn't the most masterfully crafted piece of work he'd ever seen, but the fact that she'd taken the time and effort to make one for him made it more precious than any expensive trinket he would ever own. He was never going to take it off.

"That's really sweet."

Joe turned to the woman with the name tag who was watching him intently. Perhaps she was a fan and recognized him. He cleared his throat. "Yeah. Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Joe and I'm here on Sasha Morgan's behalf. Do I need to do anything or can I just grab Mia and go?"

"No, it's perfectly fine. Miss Morgan gave us a call." She smiled brightly. "I'm Whitney Clark. Nice to meet you."

"Likewise." Joe eyed Whitney Clark, noticing how she smiled and flipped her blonde hair back.

"The handshake thing was really cute too. Is she your niece?" she asked, an obvious attempt at small talk.

"No." Joe kept his answer short and to the point without sounding rude. "You're one of her teachers?"

"I'm the school's assistant Secretary." Another smile, and this time she leaned closer to him. She zoned in on his bare ring finger. "You're a big guy. Are you a pro athlete or something?"

Not a fan, then. "Yeah. I'm a wrestler."

"Oh. That WWE stuff, right? Interesting."

Yeah, definitely not a fan. He looked around, wondering what was taking Mia so long. He was getting the "come hither" bedroom eyes from Whitney and he wanted no part of it. She was uncomfortably close now, and her smile grew even sweeter. "So, just out of curiosity..." she went on, "Are you seeing anyone?"

"He's my mom's boyfriend." Mia materialized out of nowhere, not-so-subtly inserting herself between the two adults, and Joe saw the little girl give Whitney a stank eye that had her aunt Pam written all over it. "We're staying over at his house tonight and we're gonna go swimming in his pool and play Mario Kart. Right Joe?"

Joe grinned, liking the way the kid thought. Mia was obviously feeling territorial and that pleased him a lot. "Right," he said to both Mia and Whitney.

"Oh. That's nice." Whitney faked a smile.

Mia looked at Joe. "I'm ready now. Bye, Miss Clark." Without waiting for the woman's response, she slipped her arm around Joe's much bigger one and led him out of the building. She proceeded to talk about her day at school, her tone cool and casual as though she hadn't just called out a woman thrice her age. But to do what she did, to mark her mother's territory on her behalf, left Joe with a very satisfying feeling and a fresh wave of affection for the little girl he'd fast become attached to.

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Dinner was an interesting spectacle. After an enjoyable round of swimming – in which Sasha refused to participate and ended up getting splashed mercilessly for her troubles – the four of them feasted on pizza and wings on the living room floor. T.K. and Joe exchanged cynical glances as Sasha and Mia debated over who was the better boyband between the Backstreet Boys and One Direction. Joe complained as Sasha kicked his ass at pool like she always did, but he got his revenge by beating her at Mario Kart. It was a fun evening overall; that seemed to be the running theme whenever the four of them spent time together.

"What time is it?" Sasha yawned, meeting Joe in the kitchen island after the kids had gone to bed in the guest room downstairs.

"Little after midnight," Joe said, switching off the lights and plunging the entire house into darkness, save for the lights underneath the kitchen cabinets. He drew his girlfriend into his arms, dipping his nose in her coconut-scented hair as she wrapped her arms around his waist. They stood in the middle of the kitchen, enjoying the silence together. "Today was nice," said Joe, his voice muffled in her hair.

Sasha nodded. "Yeah, it was," she replied, looking up at him. "You cheated at Mario Kart, but it was great."

"You're such a hater," Joe taunted. "I beat your ass fair and square every time."

"Yeah right. You kept distracting me! Either nudging my arm or killing me with that stupid blue shell!"

Joe tsked. "Excuses, excuses. Just admit I'm a better racer than you."

Sasha rolled her eyes and grinned, watching him look at his new bracelet with a smile on his face. "So Mia made this for me," he announced, flicking his wrist.

The pride in his voice made her heart swell. "She did," she said, tracing her boyfriend's goatee with her finger. "She cares about you. Talks about you a lot."

"I care about her too," Joe replied, pressing a quick kiss to her nose. "And her brother. And her mother."

"We know," she smiled, the hairs on the back of her neck standing at his suddenly intense stare. "What?"

"Nothing, just thinking," he began, his voice much huskier than a second ago, "About finishing what we started this afternoon." His hands slid from her back to her backside, and the mother of two felt a sudden spike in her body temperature. "Here? But what about the kids?" she said.

"They're fast asleep. The house is big enough. There's little chance of us being heard or interrupted." He gently backed her up against the counter, and Sasha felt her loins moisten when his tongue swished hungrily over his lips, his ash eyes dark and deep and filled with tantalizing promise. She caressed his huge bulging biceps which taunted her, begged her to lick each of them. She wondered if it was natural to be this sexually attracted to one man, but she couldn't help herself. He was so hot, so sexy and so good at making her feel good. He was in an adventurous mood and honestly the idea of doing it out here in the open, was exciting. The thought made her chew on her bottom lip.

Uttering a low growl, Joe grabbed her chin between his fingers. "You keep doing that and I'm gonna bite off your lip," he warned.

Well damn, he was using that commanding, dominant tone of his again. "You don't know what you do to me when you talk like that," she said, right as their mouths collided in an urgent kiss, tongues clashing aggressively, hands grasping eagerly. Sasha scavenged his mouth with hers, demanding more of his addictive taste. His soft lips were a drug that she could never resist. A sharp gasp escaped her as he made good on his threat, nipping her lower lip hard with his teeth. The small of her back dug into the edge of the kitchen counter, but the pain was wiped away by his body smothering hers, the sensation of his hot mouth roaming her mouth, jawline and neck. He dropped to his knees, pushing her t-shirt up to lay soft kisses on her abdomen. His tongue laved the new piercing on her belly button. "This is so hot, baby girl. I love that you got it," he commented.

"Thanks," she said shyly, watching him hook his fingers over the top of her shorts and pull it down along with her underwear. With effortless swiftness, he propped her right leg over his shoulder, pushed his face against her center and penetrated her with his tongue. Crying out in pleasure, she quickly bit her lip to suppress any more sounds. She could be loud sometimes and the last thing she wanted was to wake the kids up. But man, was it difficult with the havoc currently being wreaked on her body. As the pressure from Joe's mouth increased, his huge hand molded her ass, his warm breath fanned her inner thigh, his tongue finding every crevice of her core and every drop of her essence. Then his long fingers invaded and the sensations nearly destroyed her. "Fuck!" Sasha's jaw dropped, tossing her head back and lowering it again. "Jesus, Joe, you're really fuckin' great at this."

He simply hummed in response. The Samoan was ruthless and yet generous at the same time. He kissed her folds the way he would kiss her mouth with his thick, luscious lips, then alternated with long licks and quick laps of his talented tongue. Sasha was gasping, her hands desperately gripping the counter behind her. Her eyes squeezed shut as she tried to fight for control but Joe was having none of it. "Look at me," he instructed gruffly.

"Baby..."

"Look at me Sasha, or I'll stop."

"No!" Her head snapped forwards, locking eyes with him, and the knowing, mischievous look in his ash-colored irises spread another wave of desire through her like wildfire.

Joe smirked. "Good girl." And from there, holding her gaze, he started doing the most delicious things to her, seducing her juices out of her pussy lips with his fingers and tongue. Slow, then fast, until she lost the ability to speak or think or do anything other than moan in encouragement. She grabbed the back of his head, holding him firmly in place as her hips began to roll, grinding into his face with desperation, not stopping until she reached her orgasm. And man, was it good. Good and long and hot and intense, made even more incredible by his warm, persistent tongue lapping up her essence. "Oh, my...fuck."

"Mmm, my tasty pussy," Joe whispered, giving her one last lick. "So sweet every time."

Sasha slumped against the counter after he was done cleaning her up, weak-kneed and struggling to catch her breath. "Please tell me you got a condom with you," she panted.

"You know I'm always prepared, beautiful." He pushed her legs apart to expose her to him, and the vision before him made his groin ache. It amazed him every time how much he wanted this woman. Standing back upright, he pulled off his pants, then stroked inside her again. Sasha watched him spread her essence over his length with pure exhilaration in her eyes. "Yeah, lube that big dick with my pussy juice, babe."

An amused smile tugged his lips. "You got a dirty little mouth, don't you, baby?"

"Well, like Tyson said," she shrugged one shoulder, "I got a slutty side to me."

The Samoan groaned. "Now why you gotta bring that fool up when we about to fuck."

"Sorry."

"Nah, be sorry for him. Talking like he know what's up. He clueless as a motherfucker. When he knocked you up, he got lucky. He don't know what to do with a woman like you. I do, and in case you've forgot, I'm gonna give you a little reminder."

Ooh, she'd inadvertently fired him up. That was good. For her. Sasha made a show of rubbing her temples. "I think I have amnesia, baby. I don't remember a thing. Please remind me."

His grin widened. "With pleasure. Turn around and spread those legs for me, baby." His hands met her waist to encourage the movement. Sasha didn't hesitate, turning and placing her hands on the cool, black marble surface. The sound of a condom packet being ripped open caused her delicate loins to clench in expectation. Joe licked his lips as he traced the softness of her thighs, her rounded hips and supple backside, all inviting and mouth-watering as she bent over. He grasped his cock and slapped her naked ass with it, and Sasha moaned in response, her entire body alight with heat and longing.

"This fat ass, shakin' in my face all night, teasing me." His voice was rough and hungry. "You think I didn't notice? I notice everything about you too, nani." He dick-slapped her ass again and rubbed the stiff aching length in between her plump cheeks, bending down to nip her earlobe. "And you are my slut. No one else's." He knew how good she was at playing a slut, but it was all an act, an act just for him. That was the difference and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Coming from Tyson, the word had made her feel dirty and disgusting. From Joe, it sounded like the most amazing compliment ever. "Yes. Your slut." She thrust her butt impatiently against him. "Now quit fuckin' around and put that dick in me."

Ah, she was just as riled up as he was. This was going to be fun. "Since you asked so nicely..." Positioning himself at her entrance, he entered her in one smooth stroke. Sasha moaned and her entire body quivered. He thrust good and deep, liking the way his abs bumped against her ass, enjoying her little whimpers as his thickness stretched the moist heat of her walls. "Damn babe, your pussy is so fuckin' wet," he stated and bent down to suckle her neck, reaching inside her T-shirt to cup her breasts. He caught a glimpse of her face; her eyes were closed, her kiss-swollen lips parted as she enjoyed him inside her. He knew he hit her spot whenever her eyelashes fluttered and her heavy breathing actually stopped, her mouth open in a silent cry. "Uhhh," she said when she remembered how to breathe, "Fuck, babe."

"That's right slut, take my big dick in your tight cunt." Joe rumbled fiercely in her ear, his long fingers twisting her nipples, his hips pumping pleasure through their half-naked bodies.

Sasha twisted her upper body to stare down her lover. "Spank me."

His eyes lit up. "You want it rough, baby?"

"Hell yeah. Smack my ass like the dirty little slut I am," she said gruffly, grinding said body part against him. She wasn't sure where her depraved behavior was coming from but she was so turned on she could barely think straight. She needed him, badly, and could only function after she got what she needed.

Grey eyes glazed with excitement, Joe brought his right hand down on her ass cheek. The sound echoed in the darkness, her supple skin bouncing from the impact. She purred with satisfaction and circled her hips again. "Fuck. Do it again," she ordered.

Man, it was so fucking sexy when her voice got all breathy like that. He smacked the other side and pressed, groaning when her pussy clenched his length hard in reaction. "You like that, you slut? Like me smackin' that fat ass?" Another spank, and her walls squeezed him again. The fact that she enjoyed a bit of pain and aggressiveness with her pleasure was a big turn-on for him. It kept him on his toes when they made love and he liked that very much. His large hand closed around her neck, and Sasha whimpered as he tightened his hold a little, hot, delicious sensation stirring in her lower belly. "Yeah big boy, fuckin' choke me," she said, her hand spanning over his. "Choke your slut."

Smirking at the euphoric expression on his woman's face, his tongue darted out provocatively over the seam of her parted lips. "Such a filthy little mouth. I love my dirty MILF."

"Love you too, baby. Now shut up and make me come," she whispered back, hushing him by shoving her own tongue into his mouth.

Moaning, harsh breathing and naked flesh meeting naked flesh resonated around the open space. The prospect of getting caught perversely added to the thrill of their escapade. Joe decided to switch things up, lifting Sasha's left knee and placing it on the countertop, opening her wider to him. Pressing her body down against the cool surface, he shifted his hips to thrust into her from a different angle, and was rewarded with an expulsion of air followed by, "Fuck yeah! Right there, right there." She was trapped between the hard surface of the countertop and his big body, his hand in her hair and the other one squeezing her ass cheek; both her feet off the floor, unable to do anything except endure every inch of his deep, surging thrusts. She tried not to scream outright as he seemingly lost all control of his hips, drilling her throbbing pussy with reckless abandon. "Shit! Yes yes yes Joe, fuck me!"

Driven mad with need, Joe rode Sasha hard, fast, a husky groan slipping from his lips as each wave of ecstasy grew more incredible than the last. Sasha couldn't hold back any longer, crying out with pleasure as she constricted almost painfully around him. It was one curse after the other from her as he rammed into her pussy from behind, the friction between them growing more slippery from her gathering moistness. Joe knew that she was close just like he was close. "Come on this dick," he said roughly, tightening his grip on her hair. "I want that pussy cum all over my dick. Do it."

His deep voice was an irresistible caress she felt all the way to her toes, a command her body could never disobey. She screamed as the orgasm ripped her apart, rendering her weak and helpless and a trembling mess on the countertop. Behind her his movements intensified, his moaning culminated in an animalistic grunt as he pushed into Sasha one last time, pulsing balls-deep inside her. "Fuck, nani." Spent, he fell on her back, leaning heavily on her and breathing hard into her hair. Sasha wriggled underneath him, forcing his numb self to move to avoid squashing her with his weight. Sasha was sad when he withdrew from her, instantly missing his heat. Gingerly – and surprised that she could move at all – she sat upright on the counter and buried her face in his chest, planting a kiss on the broad expanse as he caressed the back of her head. "God that was risky," she said, a tinge of terror laced in her sultry little giggle. "You think we woke 'em up?"

"Nope. Stop panicking." He pressed his lips to her forehead, then carefully dispensed with the used condom and gathered their pants and underwear on the floor. Sasha put on her shorts and grabbed her boyfriend before he could walk off. Her lips wrapped around his resolutely, her tongue darting out to taste his. Lust, awe and adoration clouded her eyes as she caressed his face.

"You are definitely the best dick I've ever had," she whispered.

Joe grinned and kissed her again. Hard. "Ya damn right. Now come on, let's disinfect this table."

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I'm a pervert, aren't I? Lord help me, lol.

By the way, relating toSasha and Mia's little debate, One Direction are not fit to even tune Backstreet's microphones. Pfft. No brainer. #BSBGroupie4Life

CHAPTER 45

Title: Let Him Hear Character: Henry Delarue Movie: The Salvation Warnings: SMUT! Photo/GIF credits go to the original maker/owner Birthday gift for @magikat409 Ashley Collins was the woman Henry Delarue was destined to be with, but some just didn't seem to understand that. He wasn't one to get overly jealous, but when another man couldn't take the hint; well, that just fried his eggs and bacon. Jotting down a quick note, he whistled at one of the kids that was playing outside. The little boy ran up to him, "Mr. Delarue!" "Shhh," Henry handed the boy the note, "Now, I want you to take this to Miss Ashley, but don't tell her it was from me, okay?" The little boy nodded, taking the paper and running off. Delarue slowly walked to the barn that was across the way from the school. °°°°°° "Miss Ashley! Miss Ashley!" The little boy shouted. Ashley needed the distraction, ready to get away from the young Mr. Jansen. "Mr. Jansen-" "Kyle," he interupted, a smile on his face. Ohhh boy, this man must've had a death wish. "Kyle- I need to get back to my students, please excuse me," He bowed his head, "Yes. See you around Miss Collins." Ashley sighed when he left, shuddering at the thought of him. The Jansen's were well known trouble makers in town. So much trouble, that even Henry, Ashley's fiancée, had problems keeping them in line. "Clancy, what's the matter?" Ashley asked the child. "This is for you! Bye!" "Um, alright then." Ashley opened the letter, scanning over it. She giggled, folding the paper back up, "Delarue, you Ox." With only an hour left class, Ashley found herself anxious, continuously looking out the window while trying to catch a glimpse of her fiancée. The kids wrote their ABC's and drew in relative silence. Finally, it was time to send the children on their way. Everyone hugged Miss Ashley and ran to their homes. Once everything was cleaned up, Ashley went out to the barn. "Henry?" She called out, letting the door shut behind her. The hissing strike of a match made her jump. Spinning around, she watched as Henry lit his cigar, the tip of it burning as he took a long drag from it. "Why are you hiding in the dark Henry?" Ashley asked, laughter in her voice. Delarue stayed in the shadows, knowing that making her wait and listen to his voice was bound to soak her knickers. He exhaled, sending a cloud of smoke from his lungs, "Kyle Jansen called on you," he stated. Ashley crossed her arms underneath her breasts. 'Well played', Delarue thought. She knew that her bosom was a turn on for him. "Yes, and I sent him on his way." Henry took another pull of his cigar. "Are you jealous because there's no need to be, Henry." He crept from the shadows, stubbing out his cigar and lighting a lantern. The soft amber glow from the flame added just enough light. "I've been watching him; the way he looks at you." Henry circled Ashley, running the pads of his fingers across the back of her neck. The stray curls that fell from her loose bun tickled, making her gasp, "Henry, honestly." "Who do you belong to, baby girl?" He whispered in her ear. Ashley gasped, biting her lip, "You, Henry." "I believe you, Darlin', but I think we need to explore some diffrent methods. When another man comes callin', despite knowin' that you're mine," Henry paused, unbuttoning the back of Ashley's dress, "I want you to think about how well I take care of you," Ashley stood still, too in the moment to even bat an eye, "Because I take damn good care of you, don't I baby girl?" The feel of his mustache and lips against her ear made her gulp. Taking his fingers, he ran them down her spine, stopping at the waist of her dress, "You can speak, Darlin'. No need to be afraid." A shiver ran through her, "N-not afraid. I just..." Henry kissed the base of her neck, "Just what Ashley?" "I just don't want you to stop," He chuckled, the puff of air smelling like the sweet scented cigar, "No intentions of that happening, baby girl... None at all." Henry gently pushed the top of Ashley's dress down, her bare breasts freed from the confinement of the suffocating cloth. She couldn't help the sigh of relief that left her, "Thank you," He chuckled, pulling her back against his chest, "You're welcome Darlin'." Carefully, Henry ran the palm of his hands over her sensitive nipples, the firm peeks hot to the touch. Ashley always frowned upon her breasts, claiming that they were too small, but they were more than enough for him. His fingers kneeded the soft flesh, making her back arch and an arm reach back and around his neck as she moaned softly. As she played with the fine hairs at the nape of Henry's neck, he laid soft, wet kisses to her pulse. Giving her a firm nip, he turned her around to face him. As usual, she bit her lip, wanting to hide her breasts. "Don't Darlin'. You know better." His voice was low and deep. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her to him, kissing her so sensually that she could have came right then. Henry walked her backwards, the bottom of her voluptuous ass hitting a table. With the aid of her fiancée's skilled hands, he hoisted her up, her body still flush with his. Henry pecked her lips, giving little licks between his words, "I'm goin' to taste you, Sweetheart." Ashley froze for a moment. They'd had sex before, yes, but oral sex was not something they'd had time for. "Oh, okay." She stuttered. Henry started leaving a wet, kissing trail down her chest, lifting a breast and twirling his tounge around her nipple. She moaned, holding his head and watching him as he looked up at her. He switched between firm, slow licks to fast, hard sucks. "Oh my god," Ashley gasped. He felt her rub her thighs together and was more than willing to remedy her. Switching to her unattended breast, he gave sharp nips and soothing licks while running a hand up her smooth leg. Carefully, he spread her legs, opening her up to him. Immediately the fresh scent of her womanhood filled his senses as her dress was dragged up to her thighs. Henry's eyes rolled, his fingers quickly dipping in between her swollen lower lips. Ashley slammed her hands against the table, her mouth agape with a gasp. Henry growled, her nipple slipping from his lips. "Henry," Ashley moaned, the need clear in her voice. She leaned back as he bent at the waist, spreading her with his index and middle finger. Her thighs quivered with anticipation; her eyes wild as she watched his tounge sneak out from mustache covered mouth. Ashley found herself completely enthralled as Henry lapped at her wetness. With each pass of his tounge over her budded clit, her tummy spasmed, her moans almost to the point of whining. Henry pulled her bottom closer to the edge and took off his hat. He wanted her to watch and he wanted to see the look of bliss on her face. He knelt before her, his grin knowing. "What are you- Ohmygod!" Ashley's eyes rolled into the back of her head when Henry's tounge entered her entrance. He curved his tounge inside of her, then licked up her slit, lightly sucking on her clit. With her legs over his shoulders, he held her ass in a firm grip as he went back to her entrance. Straightening his tounge to tighten the muscle, he bobbed his head slowly between her legs, imitating what he planned on doing to her with his hard length. He felt her toes curl against her back as she rolled her hips against his mouth. "Hen- Henry, please!" She begged, needing him deep inside of her. Slowly, he left wet, tounge-filled kisses on her wetness, giving her clit one last suck before moving up her body. Her chest was heaving, a slight sheen from sweat coating her. Ashley's bottom was placed back on the table, though Henry made sure to leave her legs spread. "Touch yourself," he growled, starting to undo the buttons of his britches. With hesitant fingers, Ashley dipped them into herself, putting her head back as she drew them out of her entrance and over her slit, making sure that she was primed for her fiancée. Finally, Henry's hardness sprang from his long John underwear. He stroked himself, watching Ashley's fingers circle her clit. Not able to take it anymore, he approached her, coating the head of his shaft with her slickness. She removed her hand, holding on to the table. Henry teased her entrance, the head of him enveloped in her wet heat before he slowly pulled out and repeated the action over and over. Ashley licked her lips, watching his shaft as he finally sunk into her, "God, yes." She moaned. "Yes Ma'am," Henry growled. He held her hips, moving in and out of her at a steady pace. It wasn't taking them long to come, Henry's teasing having them at the brink already. "Ashley! Miss Collins!" It was Kyle Jansen. Henry's growl was low and one of warning. Ashley brought his ear to her mouth, her moans and gasping out of control, "Don't you fucking stop Delarue." Henry thrusted, his own moan loud. Ashley continued, "You make me scream your name," she whimpered at the firm stroke of his hardness, "You make sure he hears me come for you," At that, Henry lost all sense of control. Gripping her breast firmly, he held on, his hips snapping against hers as he fucked her with near brute force. She wanted to scream? Oh she was going to. That mother fucker would know who she belonged to. He spoke dirty, his mouth so filthy that Ashley didn't know what to make of it. "This pussy is mine, baby girl, you hear me?" She bit her lip, loving this side of him. "I want to hear you say it. Who's pussy is this baby girl?" "Your's," Ashley was too quiet for his liking. He pulled out, pushing in and hitting her spot, "Who's?" "Ahhh, your's!" She cried out. He repeated the same action, his strokes long and hard, "Again!" "Fu- your's Henry, your's!" His hand snaked over her thigh, rubbing her clit as he made his thrusts fast but gentle. "Ohhh, god... don- don't stop!" She mewled, her back arching. "Henry!" Her scream sent him over the edge, spilling his seed as his thrusts lost rhythm. He groaned, looking up at Kyle Jansen who stared wide eyed at the scene. With a quickness that Kyle didn't know that Henry had, he watched as Henry still fucked his fiancée. It was the cocking of the gun that he didn't register. "What are you lookin' at boy?" Delarue asked, his hips stilling. Ashley lay in heap, her arm covering her breasts as she continued to orgasm around Henry, voyeurs be damned. "You best get boy and never say a word!" Henry warned. Kyle held his hands up as Henry resumed thrusting in and out of Ashley. "Now get the hell out!" Kyle spun around, running off into the night. The sounds of Ashley and Henry coming again echoed throughout the barn and even over the fields. It was one hell of a night. Tagging: @thedeadmost @krissy25 @fancybubble @superprincesspea @cherieann-2001 @darshaya @ladylorelitany @ali-pennell @wadeyourebarelyalive @fangirlindenial @negans-dirty-girl @smuttwd @justacaliforniandreamer @piilow-talk @pan-and-proud-writes @memphisgirl1977 @5sos1dsex @deviousginga @strangersangel9 @mogaruke @crzcorgi @siobhan-elizabeth @thecynicalnerd @cookiemunster10 @laureng-99 @danleto97 @miss-nori85 @rhysiecupcakes @texasgal2222 @magikat409 @jmackie1983 @sweatersandcaffeine @andillica @brandivstheworld @persephinii666 @jasoncrouse @rushernparadise @ferpyferp @catleesi-xo @lynnliciousadnan @astrangegirlsmind @kitcat44 @unicorn-blood-splatter @warriorqueen1991 @kellyn1604 @raspberrypuddle @zombeeegurl

Two for the Show...

Finally wrote up how my Cathar cutie Nya and @shimmer-like-agirl‘s sassy smuggler Shawnni met and became friends. Takes place before the girls and their fellas cemented their romances, and based on the ‘Fall of the Locust’ heroic on Taris where the girls really did meet and team up for the first time. Settle in, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride >~,^<

Nya knew Jorgan wasn't happy - that was par for the course - but he was going to start driving her crazy if he didn't stop tapping impatiently on his rifle. “They're helping us whether you like it or not Jorgan,” she informed him.

“Civilians. We're being assisted by civilians.”

He acted like Nya had told him to go lick a bantha's behind, the way he spat out the word, and she was tempted to if he didn't lose the attitude. “From what the captain tells me they're used to this kinda thing. In fact Devane said the last job she had...”

“Job?” Disgust was replaced by shock, “Don't tell me you hired mercs.”

“They're mercs, but I didn't hire them.” Didn't need to, Nya thought, Governor Saresh had already taken care of that.

Turns out the local Governor was so desperate to retrieve her missing security agent that she'd asked for assistance from anybody; now the standard extraction mission was open to any laser-brain with a blaster. So when Nya was in the cantina and overheard the smuggler mention 'the Locust', her instincts insisted she suggest teaming up. The sooner they got the agent out of there, the less civilians would be tempted to jump in half-cocked.

“This one might be a challenge, even for us. And better to have freelancers,” she assured him. “The less officers involved, the less chance of people finding out what happened with Tavus.”

“Still don't like it Blaze.”

“Not asking you to like it Jorgan,” she grumbled. “Just follow orders.”

“But asking civilians for help? Either they're going to get shot or get us shot.”

Nya puffed an exasperated breath upwards, raking her claws through her auburn mane. “You know, Dorne would probably be just fine with this. I can comm her to help. Meanwhile Spitfire's latrine could always use a good scrubbing.”

“Dorne?” He looked appalled, but she had a feeling it had more to do with the threat of latrine duty than the suggestion that she pull their new squad-mate for this task.

“Sure. I don't think she'd argue with me this much.”

He folded his arms and sighed. “In that case I'd better accompany you for this mission. I'm more familiar with your... tactics.”

“Ya know, the way you two bicker you sound like some ol' married couple.”

The playful words had the quarreling Cathar whipping around and Nya's rebuttal died on her lips when she saw a raven-haired woman closely followed by a taller man with tied-back dreadlocks. She could feel disapproval radiating from Aric, with a flowing red trench-coat and superior expression the smuggler looked the very embodiment of devil-may-care.

“Glad to see you could join the party Devane,” she said as she walked forward to shake the woman's hand.

“Glad to be invited,” the woman replied, “And didn't I tell ya to call me Shawnni?”

“Didn't I say be here twenty minutes ago?” Nya teased and both ladies laughed.

“Well I would've if Corso could'a picked a blaster sooner. Think he settled on Sgt. Boom-Boom.”

“Sgt. Boom-Boom? Seriously?” Nya clasped one hand over her mouth to muffle her laughter, while Shawnni's companion gave her an irritated look.

“Yup, he's got the all the muscle we need.” He patted the hefty looking blaster proudly, “Now this here is R-406 Heavy Sonic Disrupter. All original 'cept for a couple'a my own modifications.”

Nya caught Shawnni rolling her eyes and wondered how many times the captain had heard all about Sgt. Boom-Boom. Then the man looked down at the cannon in Nya's arms and whistled appreciatively. “Say now, she's a beaut. That one of the GT series?”

“You know your gear,” she replied, impressed that he recognized it. “GT-27, with a custom crystal.”

“Don't that affect the suspension field?”

“Had it reinforced, alusteel instead of trimantium.” She grinned as she stroked the cannon's stock. “I call her Big Mama.”

He let out another whistle and returned her grin. “Damn Captain, think I'm gonna like this one.” Thrusting out his hand he took hers and shook vigorously, “Sorry 'bout my lack of manners Ma'am, we ain't been properly introduced. Corso Riggs, pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise Riggs. First-Lieutenant Lanz,” She nodded at the reluctant Cathar behind her, “Speaking of manners, come meet our new partners Jorgan.”

“Temporary partners,” he muttered then stepped forward. “Sergeant Jorgan, Havoc Squad.” He gave Shawnni and Riggs a level look as he stood beside Nya. “Just so you know, I don't approve of civilians on missions like these. In my experience they tend to be more underfoot than useful.”

Corso bristled at the blunt words, but Shawnni just raised an eyebrow at the broad-shouldered Cathar. “Appreciate your candor Sergeant, but sounds like Red here is callin' the shots.” A slow smirk curved her full mouth, “'Course, there's always latrine duty if you don't wanna come.”

Nya heard Aric growl quietly and glided between him and the smuggler. “Save it people. There's better targets than each other, right?” She laid a warning hand on Aric's chestplate, “Right, Jorgan?”

He let out a small huff and nodded. Meanwhile it didn't escape Nya that Corso had stepped close to Shawnni.

“You know Captain, you don't need to go pickin' fights with the angriest lookin' thing you see.”

“Aww, no worries Farmboy. I got a feeling Red keeps him in line.” The brunette gave him a sultry smile, “'Sides, I betcha you could take him.”

To Nya's surprise Corso ducked his head and his cheeks flushed. “'Preciate the vote of confidence, but I'd rather not have to.”

“Fair enough,” she said lightly, then straightened her coat. “Well, that agent ain't gonna rescue herself. Whatcha say we get a move on?”

“I have a bad feeling about this,” grumbled Aric as they headed to the speeders and Nya patted his arm.

“Don't worry Jorgan. We've got this.”

____________________________________________

Getting to the compound wasn't too rough, Shawnni had enlisted some sort of stealth generator to skulk past the Locust's camp with Corso while Nya and Aric relied on their more mundane trooper training. Turned out the real fight was in the compound. The twisting tunnels were crawling with scavengers, and the Locust had prepared his men with turret blasters and a small brigade's worth of arms. Nya was thankful again that she'd enlisted the extra help as they powered through, and reminded herself that she'd owed Aric a big, fat 'I told you so'.

“On your right Devane,” Nya hollered as another scavenger rushed the smuggler.

The woman lashed out a blaster, firing in rapid succession, but the cutthroat's armor deflected the shots. She held her ground as he hurtled towards her and Nya was tempted to shoot the attacker. Suddenly Shawnni's boot flew forward, catching the scavenger square in the groin.

A groan from Aric vibrated Nya's earpiece as the assailant keeled over and Shawnni popped two quick shots into his skull. “And I thought your tactics were unconventional,” he muttered and Nya chuckled.

“See, I'm not that bad to deal with after all.” Ducking beneath the rounds, she dove behind the small energy shield Shawnni had created while Aric stayed back, protected by a stack of crates. “Alright, buddy moving. Cover me Jorgan.”

“Dammit Blaze there has to be a dozen of them.”

“So kill 'em for me Jorgan,” Nya chuckled again. “What are you good for?”

She heard another low grumble, but one, two, then three scavengers fell, picked off by Aric's rifle. The diversion allowed Nya to pull free a cryo grenade and lob it at the remaining cutthroats. It sent a spray of supercooled chemicals over the scavengers, freezing them in place, and she looked at Shawnni who gave her a quick grin.

“Gotcha one better,” she said, then tossed a grenade of her own. It detonated almost as soon as it touched ground, sending out a concussive wave that shattered the iced scavengers.

“Nice touch,” said Nya. “Any chance I can get a few of those?”

“We'll negotiate a trade when we wrap this up,” replied Shawnni, then she looked around. “Now where the blazes is...?”

A rowdy whoop filled the air and Nya raised her head in time to see Corso barreling up to one of the turrets. “Your man's gonna get himself killed,” she chuckled and Shawnni shook her head.

“Not if I can help it.”

The smuggler sprang up, unloading her blasters on the same turret, but the shielding seemed too resilient. Nya swung Big Mama free, shouting “Duck!”.

As soon as Shawnni yanked Corso to the ground Nya unleashed several plasma rounds into the turret. The base exploded in a hail of shrapnel as it collapsed on itself, the scavenger manning it hanging limp in his seat. With the sounds of battle silenced she turned around to check if there were any more scavengers. It seemed like they'd cleared the way, for now.

“You two okay?” she asked, slinging Big Mama back over her shoulder as the couple stood and brushed the dirt from their clothes.

“Now why'd ya have to go and do that?” Shawnni pouted at the Cathar, “Me and Farmboy had it.”

“It almost had you,” Nya gave her a toothy grin. “But next time I'll let you prove me wrong.”

“Good,” said Shawnni, then she pointed behind Nya. “Look out!”

A heavy hand landed on Nya's shoulder and she spun away, raising her blaster, then sighed when she saw Jorgan scowling at Shawnni. “Trying to get me shot Devane,” he grumbled while the smuggler smirked at him.

“Sorry, just in the habit of shooting anything that looks big and scary, and you...”

Her words were cut off as Corso placed his hand tactfully over her mouth and chuckled, “Sorry Jorgan.”

Aric acknowledged the apology with a shrug, then examined Nya with a critical eye. “Good show out there, Hotshot,” he murmured. “You holding up?”

“Nothing Havoc can't handle Big Guy. Looks like we've cleared a path, let's keep moving.”

“Roger Hotshot, just watch your step.”

Nya slipped her blaster back in its holster and readied Big Mama in case there were more surprises up ahead. She lifted her chin at Shawnni who nodded, but looked over at the larger Cathar curiously. Stepping forward, Nya noticed Corso took point with her, but oddly enough Shawnni fell in step with Aric.

“Got a soft spot for Red?” The smuggler asked, then snickered, “Or is that a hard spot.”

“It's not... I'm not...” he muttered, then let out a frustrated noise. “She's my CO, I'm supposed to watch her back.”

“Maybe,” she allowed. “But I'm wondering if it's 'cause you like the view.” Nya heard another groan from Aric and shook her head.

She quickened her pace and Corso sped up too, swiveling Sgt. Boom-Boom from side to side expertly. “What branch?” she asked quietly and he looked confused for a minute, then shrugged.

“Peace Brigade.”

Nya nodded, familiar with the civilian armed force. “Ever think of joining the real military?”

“Not for me Ma'am,” he quirked a quick smile at her, “Done enough fighting for others.”

“So what do you fight for now?”

His tanned cheeks flushed bright pink and when he shot an involuntary glance back Nya knew what fueled his battles. She smiled gently, pressing her finger to her mouth and he smiled back gratefully. Suddenly the sound of voices had Nya's ears perking up.

“Look lively people,” she murmured just loud enough to resonate through her mouthpiece.

Her movements grew more deliberate and Corso slowed to match her. Leaning in he whispered, “Don't hear nothin'.”

“'Cause you don't have these,” she chuckled, tracing the edge of her larger, pointed ear and he chuckled back.

“Got me there.”

The murmurs grew louder and Nya moved to the wall, sidling along it until she could peek around the corner. She was surprised to see a computer terminal filling one wall, guarded by a massive Trandoshan, and several cells nearby sealed off by force-fields. “Betcha that terminal controls the fields,” she whispered to Corso. “Just gotta get past big scaly.”

“Leave it ta me,” he replied, and before she could stop him he ran out from behind the corner yelling, “Hey Ugly!” The large lizard turned and started shooting at Corso, who hooted and dove behind a pile of sandbags. Popping up for an instant, he fired rapidly until Sgt. Boom-Boom made a loud 'CLICK!' and went silent.

Misfire! thought Nya, and she dashed from behind her cover into view of the Trandoshan. Letting out a shrill whistle, she drew its attention then ducked back, listening to blasts strike the wall close to her.

As soon as they paused she peeked out again, and saw the Trandoshan swinging its blaster from the sand-bags to her corner as if unsure where to concentrate its fire. Approaching bootsteps had her glancing back, then sighing when she saw it was just Shawnni and Aric catching up.

“Cover me!” she barked.

Sprinting out, she kept her blaster trained on the Trandoshan, laying down a suppressive fire. Her sudden aggressiveness had it focusing on her, but two quick tuck-and-rolls had her almost at its feet, closed enough to hear rifle rounds ricocheting off of its heavy armor. A sharp bounce up and she was able to knock the blaster from its claw with a kick, then it jerked back, a hole appearing between its eyes.

“We got 'em!” Shawnni shouted as the Trandoshan crumpled to the ground and Aric huffed.

“I got him,” the Cathar corrected. “That's my round in his brain.”

The smuggler gave him a cross look, seeming ready to deliver a stinging barb, but a groan from Corso had her mouth snapping shut as she rushed to him. “You alright Farmboy?”

“Eh, he winged me is all,” Corso groaned again as he lifted himself and Shawnni's hands fluttered over his shoulder where blood seeped from between his armor plates.

“This should help.”

Nya snatched a kolto pack from her belt and was about to administer it when Shawnni's rich blue eyes met hers, filled with concern. She handed over the pack letting the smuggler administer the cool green gel, and relief flashed across the smuggler's face as she teased him, “Can't be leavin' me yet Farmboy. Ain't caught that varmint Skavak.”

“Don't you worry Captain. I ain't goin' nowhere.”

While Shawnni tended to Corso Nya walked to the terminal. It didn't take long to find the sequence that disabled the force-field, which dropped with a loud hum. The source of the voices she'd heard earlier became clear when she spotted people occupying the bunk-beds in the cell. Still wary, she headed into the cell, then recognized Amillie from the holos preparing her for the mission as blue female twi'lek stood to greet her.

“You aren't a guard,” she said in Huttese, then looked past Nya to the body of the Trandoshan and nodded. “I wasn't sure my message got out... this is perfect. We have to finish the mission. We have to capture the Locust alive.”

Alive?! That was news to Nya. “Republic Specforce, ma'am. Slow down and start over.”

“We came here to capture the Locust – probably the galaxy's biggest scavenger. He uses a legion of droids to strip whole planets clean.” She started pacing, her lekku shaking in agitation. “Stopping the scumbag is important, but the real goal is to get control of those droids. 'Advanced' doesn't even start to describe them. The Republic could repurpose those droids for something useful – maybe even use them to help here on Taris. But only if we can convince the Locust to hand over control.”

“What's your plan for making that happen?” asked Shawnni and Amillie smiled.

“Judging by the explosions, you've made sure the Locust won't be leaving us – all we have to do is find him.”

Artillery boomed down the corridors and Amillie darted to a large conex just outside of the cell, glancing around the the corner. Nya and Shawnni exchanged a look, acknowledging that their presence hadn't gone unnoticed. “Guess we found him,” Shawnni muttered, and Nya nodded in agreement as Amillie ran back.

“Blast! All right, new plan: we make a diversion, you go for the Locust. He won't go down easy, but if anyone can take him, it's you.”

Leaving Nya no time to object Amillie signaled for her men to follow her and they ran to the other side of the conex, sliding through a gap between it and the wall. Shawnni drew her blasters looking all business as she gave Corso a solid nod.

“Stay with Amillie,” she ordered. “Who knows what kinda hornet's nest they're gonna pull down on themselves.”

He appeared reluctant, but nodded back before following the twi'lek. Aric tilted his head at Corso then glanced at Nya and she nodded as well. “Go, cover them. They may need help.”

“I should go with you,” he objected as he took a step towards her, but she held up her hand.

“They don't have any weapons, I do. 'Sides I'm trained for this, right.” She gave him a reassuring smile, but he still didn't seem convinced. “Look, civilians first. Once they're clear come back me up.”

“I should... just...” Disapproval still furrowed his brow, but instead of protesting further he groaned and he rubbed his hand down his face. “Just watch yourself, alright Hotshot?”

“Always do Big Guy.”

With time of the essence she sprinted to Shawnni who raised her eyebrows at the Cathar, and as Nya neared the metal container, she could feel the smuggler's eyes bearing down on her.

“You and Sergeant Grumpy, something there?”

Nya glanced back, tempted to fob off the smuggler. But her gut told her that'd only make the woman more persistent so she shrugged, “Ancient history.”

She wasn't sure what the smuggler saw, but something resembling sympathy flashed in the dark blue eyes. Still, she didn't push the issue, simply shrugging back as they both crept to the edge of the conex. Weapons at the ready, Nya heard Shawnni grumble, “Man's an idiot.”

She half-turned, her lip twitching as she peered at the woman, “I know that, but what makes you say it?”

“Anyone can see you're a catch Red,” Shawnni chuckled and Nya chuckled back.

“You too Devane.” They shared a smile before the stomping of boots drew their attention back to the corridor, then the grins vanished as if wiped clean.

Nya kept her breathing slow and steady, closing her eyes and listening. A whole squad of them, she thought, listening to the rustling bodies and thudding steps. No jostling, spread out for maximum coverage, these guys were pros. The steps grew closer, slower, more careful, the scavengers no doubt aware that something was amiss.

Suddenly there was loud scurrying and clapping. “Hey! We're over here, you junk-eating sons of slugs!” shouted Amillie. There were more rapid footsteps, this time moving away from Nya and Shawnni's position, and the ladies emerged from around the corner ready to fight.

A few guards remained behind, along with a towering Gen'dai and Nya rushed in, firing on them. Her shots rebounded off their heavier armor, but heavier armor meant less maneuverability, so she concentrated on diving between the men, yanking or pushing them off-balance. In the confusion their return fire was erratic, at times grazing each other.

Shouts and shots bounced off the stone walls, adding to the chaos, and Nya smiled as she managed to shove one guard into another, letting them knock themselves to the ground. Shawnni jumped into the fray, picking up on Nya's tactics with lightning speed. The smuggler definitely knew her way around a fight, her strikes short and to the point, her shots fast but methodical.

The Gen'dai stood back, watching his men getting attacked, but Nya wasn't surprised that he let his men take the brunt of the assault. Raising her blaster she aimed at him, and one of the guards lifted his rifle, thwacking her hand. The sudden throb in her wrist had her eyes watering as her weapon skittered across the floor, but she whirled around, anger fueling her movement as she rammed her other fist into the bridge of his nose, dropping him like a rock.

“Duck Red!” Shawnni called out and Nya crouched as something whooshed over her head. Staying low she slashed out with her claws, shredding the pants and shin of the guard who'd swung at her. His howl of pain rang through the air but he didn't fall, and when Nya looked up he was pointing his blaster at her.

“Ah don't think so!” The enthusiastic cry came only a split-second before a blur of armor and dread-locks crashed into the guard flattening him; back-up had arrived. Apparently Corso's injury didn't hinder him too much as he body-checked another guard who'd taken aim at Shawnni, and the smuggler graced him with a quick smile.

“Taking the shot!” The low bellow had Nya freezing in place as a rifle round pierced the throat of a nearby guard, and he collapsed in a heap.

Nya dove for her blaster, scooping it up and surveyed the scene as she stood. The guards were decimated while the Locust seemed amused, appraising the bodies scattered across the floor. Corso had moved over to Shawnni, staying close as the smuggler sauntered up to the Gen'dai.

“You know how you get a picture of someone in your head,” she quipped. “Never matches up when you meet them, does it?”

A low growl came from the tall alien as he raised his blaster, but it fell suddenly and he bellowed in pain. Grasping his side, Nya could see blood dripping down his armor and heard the familiar steps of Aric striding up beside her, his rifle trained on the Locust. “Target neutralized,” he stated, no small measure of pride in his voice.

“No, I do not die here,” the Locust's gravely voice rasped. “Not like this.”

“We're here to arrest, not execute,” Amillie spoke up. “And if you're willing to cooperate, we can offer a lot more than just a jail cell. The Republic wants to put your droids to work developing settlements, instead of tearing them down. Make it happen, and you'll get full profit sharing and a reduced sentence.”

Profit sharing? Reduced sentence? The whole thing sounded too bureaucratic to Nya. Her eyes wandered to Shawnni, noting the smuggler looked as skeptical as she felt. It seemed like a sinking situation, especially when the Locust glared at Amillie, his amber eyes gleaming balefully.

“This 'offer' is gilded chains. I am the Locust.”

Amillie looked back at her men, then Nya. There was a desperation in the twi'lek's eyes, and Nya sighed in resignation, knowing how she could help.

She turned her thoughts inward, looking for a part of herself she seldom sought out, a part she usually denied she had. Once she found it she concentrated on it, then sent out a silent call directed at the Locust. His gaze turned to her, the amber depths uncertain then glazing slightly as she mentally nudged him. “You could become a powerful and respected ally of the Republic, instead of a hated pirate,” she said, trying to sound as compelling as possible.

“Besides, we can protect you from the relatives of the people you enslaved,” said Amillie and he finally nodded.

“Fine. Shall be your 'ally'. But to get my men under control... much time. Fighting may take long to stop.” His words were stilted, then he shook his head and his eyes cleared as they narrowed at Nya. “You were worthy opponents. I fail, but remain strong.”

“Whatever floats your speeder,” snarked Shawnni. He shot her a quick scowl, then allowed himself to be led off by Amillie's men.

“Taris is saved. A galaxy-wide threat ended for good. None of it would have been possible with out you,” said Amillie, as she approached Nya and Shawnni. “I'll make sure the bounty on the Locust gets sent your way – plus a little extra from me and my team. We owe you our lives.”

The twi'lek let out a huge sigh, relief pouring from her, “Now, it's time we escorted our new 'ally' back to civilization. Thanks again – take care.”

As Amillie walked off, Corso clasped Shawnni by the shoulder and gave her a friendly shake. “Hear that Captain, we ended another 'galaxy-wide threat'.”

“Keep this up and we might have to raise our rates,” she chortled.

“So this is a regular thing for you two?” Aric's voice dripped sarcasm and Shawnni snorted.

“Nah, just in the habit of being in the wrong place at the right time... hey Red, you okay?”

Nya picked through the debris of the battle, shaking her head at the waste of life, and cradling her injured wrist to her chest. With her adrenaline waning she ready to find a med-droid and a stiff drink. “Yeah, Devane,” she grimaced, hearing the pain in her voice and cleared her throat. “Yeah, I'm fine.”

“Stubborn does not equal fine,” grumbled Aric. He strode to her, reaching out expectantly, and with a sigh she placed her wrist in his waiting hand. His thumb gently palpated the swollen area, and she bit back a hiss of pain as he clucked his tongue. “Not broken, but definitely took a beating,” he murmured, then gave her a teasing smile. “Didn't I say something about watching yourself?”

“I watched it get hit,” she chuckled weakly and he shook his head.

“If that were true, you'd have avoided it better.”

Out of habit he pulled loose a plate on her upper arm, injecting a pain stim, and she glanced at Shawnni. The smuggler's eyes flashed with glee and Nya shot her a withering look.

“So,” Shawnni sauntered over to the Cathar pair and draped her arm over Nya's shoulder. “Dunno 'bout you guys but after a job like that we usually catch a drink at the closest cantina. Whatcha say Red? Maybe even treat me and Farmboy to a round since we were so helpful?”

Despite the pain in her wrist and the disparaging eyeroll from Aric, Nya found herself nodding at Shawnni, “Sounds alright Devane.” She gave Aric a pointed look, “Hey, admit it. They were helpful, weren't they?”

“Fine, they were helpful,” he conceded. “Still think you should visit the med-bay before gallivanting off...”

“Oh lighten up Fuzzy, let the woman unwind,” chided Shawnni as she led Nya away with a wink. The larger Cathar's eyes widened and he groaned, then turned to Corso who gave him a empathetic shrug and smile.

“So Red, you know any cantinas 'round here that aren't total testicle festivals?”

“Gotcha covered Devane,” Nya laughed. “Lil' spot I found with strong drinks and constant huttball coverage.”

“Hutball? Never was a fan,” snorted Shawnni and Nya shook her head.

“Sacrilege, anyone can enjoy huttball. Just need some cold drinks, hot grub, and the ability to yell obscenities at a holo.”

“That I can do.”

The ladies chuckled together, strolling through the corridors, and Shawnni gave Nya an affectionate jostle. “Ya know Red, smooth as this went, think we should do it again sometime.”

Nya bumped her back with a smile. “You read my mind Devane.”

“Didn’t Know it was Love” -Survivor

“Didn’t Know it was Love” -Survivor

Author: Kennedy

Characters: Fem!Reader and Steve Rogers/Captain America with Sam Wilson/Falcon

Story: Steve realises his feelings for the reader as it’s too late

Rated PG: light language and kissing

“Didn't know it was love. Didn't know it was fate. Didn't know it was destiny callin'. Tell me it's never too late”

“Alright, take five!” Steve called to the men, who let out a collective sigh of relief the moment her turned his back again.

Sam jogged up, sweating and panting, and asked, “What’s going on, Cap?”

“What?” Steve frowned to himself but didn’t look up from what he was doing.

“You’re working the troops pretty hard today. Kind of makes me think your mind is elsewhere.”

“Nope,” Steve straightened and smiled stiffly. “Just trying to get everyone back in shape.”

“These are some of the most highly trained agents out there. They’re always in shape and combat ready, I guarantee.”

“We don’t know what’s gonna come after us out there, Sam,” Steve said as he began walking back to the office. “With everything going on we have to be ready for anything.”

Sam followed him and closed the door; “There hasn’t been a peep out of anyone in months.”

“Exactly. A storm is coming.”

“Bullshit.”

Steve looked up, surprised.

“Bullshit,” Sam repeated boldly. “What’s on your mind?”

Steve looked at Sam’s crossed arms and expectant look. He felt his resolve slipping, and knew that even is Sam let it go now, he would still suspect deep down that something was up.

“(Y/N) left this morning.”

“Wasn't blind to the magic, you think I'm so tough. Turning back on the thunder just ain't good enough”

(Y/N) dragged her suitcase over the curb and swore quietly as the crooked wheel once again caught in the cracked pavement. The Uber driver had already pulled back into the carpool lane, leaving her to pull the crappy luggage up to the desk to check into her flight. The man at the counter hardly even noticed her beyond checking her passport and pointing her to the escalator. The closer she got to actually leaving, the more unceremonious and wrong the whole trip felt.

(Y/N) had been a part of an internship with her brother’s old business associate, Tony Stark, for the past two years. It wasn’t an official program, actually; more of a favor from her brother. And (Y/N) couldn’t turn down a chance to be in New York! Stark had set her up in a fancy apartment within walking distance of the Avengers headquarters where she had done all her work. She had met the whole team and became fast friends with quite a few of them. She and Wanda spent all their free time together, she had coffee with Clint at least once a week, Sam became her greatest confidant, and Steve…

She stopped at the coffee shop near her gate and got into line, shaking herself lightly to erase the tightness that crept into her chest.

“Was I too blind to see, when push came to shove. You were all that I needed, didn't know it was love”

Sam took a seat across from Steve, his expression shifting from concern to clarity.

“Did you say goodbye?”

Steve shrugged.

Sam had to bite the insides of his cheek to keep from sounding too harsh; “You didn’t even say goodbye?”

“In light of recent events, I thought it would be wise to keep things professional. I said goodbye when the rest of you did.”

Sam considered him thoughtfully. He was at a loss for what to say. It was too late now to fix everything that had occurred between his friends. (Y/N) had recounted the events over coffee one day after work.

It had been obvious to her from the first time they met that she was madly in love with Steve Rogers. How could someone not be? It wasn’t the most convenient thing, as she kind of worked for him and he spent so much of his life stoically stashing his emotions. But it was how she felt from day one. She did a surprisingly good job of hiding though. From everyone but Sam, that is.

When he confronted her the first time, she immediately came clean about everything. From there it was a little easier to go through the days with that secret. Eventually, of course, Sam started to notice Steve had changed too. He trusted (Y/N), was more himself when she was around. He made more of an effort to be gentlemanly and stayed late from training to talk with everyone when (Y/N) stopped by after finishing up her work for the day. But something was holding him back.

It took (Y/N) until about a month ago to even confront her feelings and confess them. It was after an evening of training and she and Steve had been the only ones left in the tower. Even Tony had gone home that night. Up on the balcony, in the lights of the city, it was Steve who had realized his sudden change of heart. It had been the first time he’d felt this way about anyone since Peggy. In a moment of weakness he had leaned in and almost let himself kiss her, then at the last second come up with an excuse and left without an explanation. After that it was all business.

“What are you doing?” Sam broke the silence. “That girl is getting on a plane. She is leaving.”

“I know.”

“Do you…?”

“Sam, she’s-” he gestured vaguely. “And I’m-”

More gesturing.

“An idiot?”

Steve shot him a look; “I couldn’t be the reason she left.”

“You were the reason she stayed, Steve.”

“I was lookin' for trouble and the thrill of the chase. Love was lookin' at me eye to eye, face to face”

After a long struggle with crowds and the broken wheel and a ticket snafu and a delayed boarding time, (Y/N) was finally on the plane, wedged tightly between a sweaty business man and a woman with a very irritable infant. With her elbows pinned to her sides, (Y/N) pulled her phone up and typed a quick text to her brother to let him know she was on. Then she let out a sigh.

It felt strange to be going home. New York had come to feel like home during her time there. But her work with Stark had come to a turning point, and she had the choice to either take a permanent position or end her time there. She had gone up to the roof to think about all this the night that Steve had stayed late to train, and the two of them had ended up alone together late that night. Mostly they had talked about the usual spectrum of things, but somewhere between the pressure of her big decision and the way the city lights highlighted Steve’s handsome features, (Y/N) had found herself leaning in to kiss him, not even thinking about the consequences or how he might react. As it was, he had reacted badly. He immediately dodged the kiss and left her alone, feeling stupid and humiliated. And after that he hardly spoke to her outside the usual office chat.

The woman next to her shifted the baby so that he was pressed against (Y/N)’s arm, while the mother bent down to rummage through the diaper bag under her seat. The baby’s unhappy whining pierced (Y/N)’s ears like needles but she attempted to smile at him. The man on her other side turned the page of his magazine and in the motion, elbowed her arm farther off the shared armrest.

“(Y/F/N) (Y/L/N)?”

She glanced up miserably at the source of the voice; a uniformed military officer.

“That’s me?”

“Come with me, ma'am.”

“Um, is everything okay?”

“Just come with me, please.”

(Y/N)’s pulse quickened as she stood. As she reached up into the overhead for her bag, she missed the momentary flash of the SHIELD badge under the officer’s jacket.

“One touch should've told me, try and understand. Love was always a long shot to a gambling man. With a roll of the dice, girl I threw it away. Now I'm thinkin' 'bout you day and night, night and day”

“What?”

“Her internship was only for six months. She chose to stay because she was in love with you,” Sam said matter of factly.

“Where are you getting this…?”

Sam looked at him flatly; “It’s obvious.”

Steve stood up from his chair and started to pace. Outside, the troops were starting to wonder what had happened to their afternoon of training.

“Okay. So you misread the situation,” Sam continued.

“Misread the sit- Sam, I let her go!”

Sam stood too; “Okay.”

Grabbing his jacket, Steve said, “Tell everyone to go home.”

“Where are you going?” Sam jogged after him past the bewildered crowd of agents.

“To the airport.”

“Those crazy nights on the borderline. Did my best to cut myself free. Stood alone, just a prisoner. Never knew you were holdin' the key”

(Y/N) walked between the two officers through the airport with her heart in her throat. Neither had taken a moment to explain what was going on and people were throwing nervous glances her way as they passed. It felt like forever before they finally stopped, leading her through the gate and out into the departure area where the arriving flight passengers were greeting their loved ones.

The man on her left had been carrying her suitcase, but he set it down here and said, “Wait here.”

Then they left.

“(Y/N).”

She turned back to face the doors, eyes widening at the sight of Steve standing with his hands fiddling nervously with the edge of his coat.

“Steve? What… why are you… who-” she pointed between him, the doors, and the receding figures of the two officers.

“Don’t go.”

(Y/N) looked at him, totally bewildered.

“Don’t leave New York.”

“Um,” she cleared her throat. “My internship is up.”

“I know. But it has been for a year and a half.”

“How did you-” she frowned. “Dammit Sam.”

“(Y/N), why are you leaving?”

She searched his expression, trying to funnel all her thoughts into a coherent statement; “There’s nothing left for me here.”

“There’s the job. Your friends. Your apartment,” Steve took a breath. “Me?”

“You?”

Steve stepped in a little closer and nodded; “That night, on the roof? I started to kiss you, and it-”

“Hold on,” she held up a hand to silence him. “You kissed me?”

He looked lost; “What do you mean?”

“I tried to kiss you. That’s why you left. I overstepped the boundary and it made you uncomfortable. Right...?”

“No.”

And that was all he said before closing the space to take her face in between his strong hands and kiss her, amidst all the reunited lovers and families in the airport. The kiss was lasting, a surprising move for the modest super soldier. But it was perfect.

When he finally found the willpower to pull away, he quietly repeated, “Don’t go.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” she breathed.

“Didn't know it was love. Didn't know it was fate. Didn't know it was destiny callin”