fine dining.

warnings: suggestive talk, other than that nothing! - mentions of food. [Drew Starkey x Female reader.]

part 3 of a series in which Y/N is Drew’s co-star

Drew chuckles at Y/N’s response. “So Dinner and Wine.. Fine Dining if you ask me. There’s an Italian near mine i’ve been meaning to show you.” He smiles at her, “We can just walk in, booking a table might attract paparazzi.” Drew knows it’s the best option for them.

Drew holds the heavy door open to the restaurant on his street, “After you.” Y/N giggled as he playfully remarked , holding the door for her. He converses with the hostess, asking for a table for two.

Y/N and Drew are seated at a table in the corner of the establishment, which is a perfectly fine and private spot. “This is a good spot, we aren’t in the limelight.” He winked at Y/N, pulling out her chair for her politely before taking his own seat opposite her. Y/N

smiles and rests her hands on the menu softly on the wooden table before her, before asking Drew.

“What do you usually get from here?”

“They usually have amazing pasta, which i usually get with a wine. What about you what are you thinking?” Drew smiles at Y/N.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

Greeting the host who comes over to the table, Drew orders their drinks and food before leaving. He looked at Y/N before leaning over so nobody can hear their conversation. “So how did you find today? Do you think it went okay? With the Interview.” He quietly asked, a big soft golden retriever smile plastered across his gorgeous face. Y/N smiles back softly, “I think it went great. From the hears of that reporter i’m sure the Outer Banks fans are loving it.” She finishes with a soft laugh, her strong scent of cherry lipgloss travelling, empowering Drew’s focus on her. Drew listened attentively as she talked, she just always managed to know how to make him feel so comfortable, her laugh a delightful blessing to him. “I’m sure you’ll get lots of support, you definitely deserve it Y/N.”

Y/N felt flattered, blushing before leaning back slightly. She couldn’t really handle being that close to Drew without getting flustered. Good friends. She quickly changes topic. “Nice shirt by the way.” Nodding at his tight fitting tee, but really just checking out his muscular structure and arms. Drew looked down at his shirt and smiled, loving how flustered Y/N looked. “It’s just a simple shirt but thanks Y/N.” He is so proud of how weak he made her, proud of his body and her reaction, before smirking slightly. “Do you like the way i dress?” Coating the realistic meaning behind those words, Y/N was caught off guard immediately. Hoping their drinks would arrive soon so they could drop the whole checking Drew out moment. “Uh.. yeah, yeah you have good- good style.” Drew smiles now. “Thanks, that’s a golden compliment from a stylish woman such as yourself.” He hopes this compliment distracts her, worried he said something he shouldn’t have. He didn’t want to offend her or ruin anything about their little evening by being helplessly flirtatious.

Y/N nodded and thanked Drew before their wine finally came to the table. Drew is slightly nervous as he remembers the last time the two of them had wine they ended up hooking up. He feels his heart racing and speaks to calm his nerves. “So, how have you been? Sorry if i haven’t had much of a chance to speak to you. I’ve had a packed dining schedule recently, then this interview of course.”

Y/N understands and nods, taking a sip of her wine. “I’ve been just fine, how about you though? Not overworking yourself are you?”

Drew leans in, “well you know i like overworking myself.” He commented with a wink, “But seriously, I need some rest. It’s like I never stop working but i just love it so much.. i’ll probably take a break pretty soon.. then i could see you more often.”

Y/N’s eyes widened. Did he really want that? “Sure.. we can hang out.” Mentally reminding herself he was just being kind, and being a good friend.. Taking a long sip of wine as their food is placed before them and they both thank the staff. Drew hopefully smiled.. trying not to seem to excited. “That sounds great. We can get to know each-other more and i even take you up to the beach to teach you how to surf.. if you didn’t know already.” He hopes Y/N would like that, he loved the ocean and hoped it would be exciting if she accepted the surfing date he had in mind. “You surf?” She smiled widely, mentally noting. No wonder he’s so muscular. Taking another bite into their meals. Drew playfully replied “Yup, you don’t? I love it.. it’s super easy once you get the hang of it.. we can have a beach trip or something.” He nervously suggested, still leaning close to her so their conversation was between them. Once Y/N had finished her current portion she softly smiled as she sipped her wine. “That sounds great Drew.. I’d love to.” Drew had a large smile on his face, excitement clear in his tone. “When will you want to go surfing?” He asked, wondering when they could book it in and what date because he really is looking forward to it now they’re talking about it. “Oh, well I’m free this weekend?” Y/N spoke as she neatly placed her cutlery down. “My agent’s on vacation so i don’t really have anything booked.”

The two finish their meal, arranging to meet on Saturday, as the waitress brings the bill soon after clearing their plates. “Shall we go then?” Drew suggested as he pulled out his Waller and counted a few notes to be able to pay the bill. After placing the money on the table he looked at Y/N with a smile, before she protested. “Oh, Drew i can split the bill.” She grabbed her bag from the floor mentally cursing herself for not offering earlier, she was so zoned out in thought she hadn’t even noticed, how shitty of her. “No, I’m paying for it.” Drew smiled kindly, he didn’t mind paying for the bill and he always liked paying for dates, Y/N knows how much he will go out of his way to make the people he loves feel special, he feels kind of bad now and thinks maybe he isn’t making her feel special or doing enough for her, he’ll pay no matter what. “Are you sure? I have money.?” She slightly hesitated, unsure if it was fair. Plus, they were just friends right? “Course.” He gave her a kind gaze, hopping she noticed, wanting her to feel well treated just as if she were a princess, which she was in his eyes . “I should pay for it, don’t even worry about it doll.”

As they leave the restaurant, Y/N tries her best to not let his charming ways get to her so personally as he held the door. “That was nice, it’s really cosy in there.” Dew smiled, it warmed his heart to see her so happy. “I know right? I fucking love this place, I’ll call you a cab to your place.” Y/N smiled. “I can book myself a cab, no worries. But thank you.” She found his thoughtful nature so attractive, whoever ever ended up dating Drew would be a lucky woman. Although she loved being his friend and loved their beneficial occasional, she often wished it was more. But she couldn’t allow herself to think like that, she pulled out her phone to book a cab.

Drew feels content right now, his effect on Y/N was evident as her smile radiated happiness and he was so glad. “Of course, I’m always happy to offer to take care of you.” Y/N felt her cheeks glow pink. “Says it’ll be here any second.. so Saturday right? Beach dat- day.” Correcting herself before she got ahead of her own thoughts. “Yeah Saturday will be great, looking forward to teaching you.. I’ll pick you up around 10?” Y/N agreed before rushing to her taxi door as Drew stood beautifully with his hands in pocket and watched.

The ____ date of my life - Chapter 4

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Warning: Just Sova having smut thoughts about Sage. Like, yeah, who nevers? So little NSFW. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Ice Cream

Recommended Music: Ice Cream – BLACKPINK ft. Selena Gomez

While Sage was recovering from the shock of being in a car accident, Sova tried to calm the other driver, an old man who was yelling at him with a strong Chinese accent. When the blonde was almost in despair, Sage emerged as an angel, calming the other their own language.

She charmed the man, allowing Sova to sneak out to call the tow truck. He stood against a wall of one of the shops next to the street, watching Sage, who had her back to him. He hadn't seen her on her back with that outfit yet, and with her tight skirt on, it was a beautiful view. He let his head tip to the side, wandering the look from her butt to her heels. He liked how the boots made her legs attractive but her preferred an open heel, which would show them more. Sova imagined himself taking off her boots, the tights, the skirt... She leaned forward a little and he opened his lips, enjoying the privileged view of her ass.

Sage turned to Sova, smiling amusingly, pulling her hair out of her face. The Russian imagined her giving that smile as he kissed her legs. Or between them, it would also be a great option. Then she began to walk towards him, faster than he expected.

Sova woke up from the daydreams, turning his head to the side and passing his hand through his mouth, disguising the fact that he was drooling. He almost went into despair when his bionic eye continued the simulations of what he had imagined, advancing the scenario using Sage's behavioral analysis. For a speculative scenario, the simulations of Sage's probably reactions were very realistic. He could almost hear what was shown to him. Sova touched his temple, discarding the additional automatic functions of his cybernetic eye. It was strange to be without the analyses, notifications, simulations, and information made available by his eye, however, it was a sacrifice he had to make.

Sova turned to Sage as she approached, making an innocent face.

- Well?

The Chinese popped her tongue.

- You have to pay some money, hunter. - She crossed her arms. - And even your tenth generation has just been cursed.

- Predictable. - He imitated her gesture, looking her.

- But Lu Hao liked me. So... - Sage leaned against the wall next to Sova, watching the street. - If you take me when you pay the debt, he might soften the curse and only throw it to your ninth generation. If I talk to his son, oct. Agreeing to leave you and go out with the boy, seventh.

Sova raised his eyebrows, outraged.  

- I feel sorry for my great-great-grandchildren.

Sage smiled a little.

- These curses are frightening, you know? Like, eternal doom, ugliness... These things.

- Again, I feel sorry for my great-great-grandchildren. - Sova made a face of disdain, passing his arm protectively around Sage's shoulders, putting her close to him. He narrowed his eyes at the man, who was leaning against his own car and saying something on the phone.

She let out a slight laugh, passing her arms around Sova's body, snuggling into him. She liked how he made the move without fear, in a natural way, as her did it too. It seemed logical hugging him.

- You're too calm for someone who just crash a car. – She looked at the hood of the crumpled car, supporting her cheek on Sova's pectoral. "How muscular" she thought, feeling him close.

Sova sighed and Sage's head rise up and went down with his breath.

- It's not the first time and probably isn’t the last. - He shrugged and the woman walked away a little from him, looking at him in a questionable way. - But at least it was the first time this year. - Sova gave a satisfied smile, to which Sage raised her eyebrows.

- How many times have you crash a car, Sova?

- Well... - The Russian made a thoughtful face. - I stopped counting after the sixth time. But I think last year was only three times. - He looked at Sage like that was a big breakthrough.

Sage opened her mouth in a perfect "O", nodding after this.

- Remind me to never get in a car with you as a driver again.

- At least I know how to drive. - He touched the tip on her nose with the tip of his finger, giving her a convinced smile.

- You think it's a win to hit the car "only" one time this year. - Sage gave a fun smile, raising her eyebrow in disdain. - I don't know if that indicates you know how to drive.

Sova laughed lightly, putting a strand of hair behind his ear.

-Okay, okay. You're right. - He nodded, looking away. - I'd offer to teach you how to drive, but as you can see, I'm a...

- Questionable driver. - She returns to support her cheek on his chest, resting her head there. – Questionable as your musical taste...

Sova rolled his eyes with a smile.

- Yes. But I've never hit any drone... Or a jet... Or a bicycle.

- Thank heavens? - Sage wide opened her eyes, thinking about the kinds of accidents Sova could get into.

- I can teach you these ones. - He observed her, caressing her arm with his thumb. He didn't know he'd like to see her in that angle next to him so much.

- No jets, thank you. I don't think I fit in a drone. - Sage smiled as she heard Sova's laugh, feeling it on his chest next to her face. - Where would you take me to ride a bike?

Sova thought for a moment, leaning his chin on Sage's beret. He took one of her hands and pointed it along with his to a building.

- In that direction, after traveling for a long time, has an environmental reserve. The trails go through open camps, hills and even pass through a waterfall. It is silent, except for the singing birds, and has several species of trees and flowers. I think it's a good place to learn how to ride a bike. - Sova smiled, thinking about the place. - I'd like it to snow here, it'd be much more beautiful. - He turned to the sky, looking at the clouds that covered it. - It would look like where I lived in Russia. If we were there now, we could see the stars. Hopefully, an aurora. Have you ever seen it? - Sage denied it with her head, lifting her gaze to look at Sova as he spoke. - Glorious is a poor compliment to describe.

The blonde lowered his head to look at Sage, meeting her face next to his. He felt her warm breath warming his face and got lost in the light of those black eyes like the vastness of space. She watched him with so much fascination that he thought he would melt right there, in the warmth of those arms and that beautiful gaze.

- You can show me one day... - She whispered, slowly approaching him.

Sova opened his lips to respond, approaching to her too. Their noses touched, being cold by the weather. The Russian lost the words he would say, with his thoughts getting cloudy but for the woman in front of him. Sage closed her eyes, feeling an electricity pass through her body before Sova even kissed her.

But, like everything in that day, something had to happen.

The old man, Lu Hao, went to them, saying something directly to Sage and ignoring the existence of Sova. He didn't care at all if he was being inconvenient.

The couple sighed in sync, disappointed. Sage turned to the man, giving an affected smile, and speaking to him in Chinese. Sova practically shot the other with his gaze, to which he was reciprocated with mere disdain. The blonde turned his head to the street, analyzing the traffic. The tow truck wouldn't arrive soon, apparently.

Sage walked away from Sova, for the displeasure of both. She hugged herself, scratching her shin with the tip of her boot. Being away from him was strangely cold. Like something was wrong.

- I forgot my handbag in the car, can you give me the keys? - She gestured with her lips to him: "I'm going to get a way on him."

Sova looked at her and nodded, giving her the car keys. He wet his lips as she walked away, thinking he should have taken the chance to kiss her. Still, the Russian smiled at himself, glad he had the simple opportunity to almost kiss Sage.

She returned a few minutes later, alone, playing with the keys with her fingers, with her bag on her shoulder. Sova was fixing his hair bun with the help of his reflection in a store window. Sage stopped by him, watching him through the reflection.

- Tell me the tow truck will be here soon. - She spoke grumpy, stopping to play with the key. She watched Sova and slightly widened her eyes, seeing makeup marks on his white blazer. It should have been stained when she hugged him. She was hoping he wouldn't notice.

- If a lie will comfort you, it's going to come right now. - Sova replied, turning to Sage.

She sighed. She was more annoyed that she has being interrupted at the best part of her night than by all the problems of the day. She was ready to push Sova against the store window and kiss him right there, no matter who could be seeing they, until she saw something that would calm her down enough not to throw herself at the blonde. Kissing him for the first time in a angry mood was not something she wanted.

- Where… - Sage didn't notice that Sova had approached her, wanting to retake where they stopped, so she cut him off unintentionally.

- Do you want some ice cream? - She looked at the ice cream shop not far from them. Her eyes were shining.

- I don't eat ice cream. - He spoke with fun, turning his head from one side to another, trying to find a good position to kiss Sage.

She turned to him and frowned.

- What do you mean you don't eat ice cream? - She tilted her head back, looking at him in questioning.

Sova looked at her face and sighed, moving away from her. He really should have taken the chance when he had it

- Diet. - He shrugged. - I've been doing it since I was 18. No sugar.

Sage got shocked.

- You haven't eaten ice cream in over ten years? - Sova nodded, not so surprised by her reaction. - How can you be happy?

"I'd be happier if you'd let me kiss you already." he thought, looking at Sage.

- Actually, my mood got better after the diet. - He crossed his arms.

- I can't believe it. - She blinked a few times, still processing the information.

Sova smiled, even more willing to kiss Sage for the expressions she made.

- Can nuns eat ice cream? You seem pretty attached to this material thing to be so surprised by my detachment.

That question got Sage. She scratched her throat, throwing her hair over her shoulder.

- Look, material detachment is a long process, and I don't have even one percent of the spiritual maturity that people think I have. Besides, there’s no problem to enjoy foods like ice cream. Especially considering it is a vegetarian food.

Sova raised his eyebrows, having fun with Sage trying to defend herself.

- Not all ice cream is vegetarian. - If the option to take involuntary photos of Sova's eye was on, he would have taken one of Sage's bashful, like that. That was a moment he would love to see again.

- Sorbets and Gelatos are vegetarian.

- Sorbet is not ice cream.

- It's cold and you can put in balls in a cone.

- That doesn't automatically turn something into ice cream.

- It's a main feature!

- If I make a snowball and...

- Sova. - She cut him, raising her eyebrows and crossing her arms. For heaven's sake, she has the most beautiful annoyed face. - Are you going to buy me some ice cream or not?

- Ice cream, Sorbet or Gelato? It's very different. - Sova gave her a provocative smile, leaning forward, approaching to her.

- Oh, whatever. - She made a gesture of dismay with her hand, making an indignant face.

- Don't you rather eat real food? - Suddenly, Sova remembered he hadn't even had lunch. And he was starving.

- Ice cream is real food.

- It isn’t. - The Russian wrinkled his nose. - And you still call yourself a doctor?

- Sovaaaaaaa! - She whimpered. - I just want to have an ice cream with you. Is that too much to ask?

She had no idea that if she asked, he'd give her the entire ice cream shop.

- Okay, okay! - He raised his hands in a sign of surrender, looking at her with amusement. - But we must pay attention if the tow truck arrives.

- Great. You can see it from the inside! - She held his hand, pulling him to the ice cream shop. - This is one of those that has a free sample. - She smiled excitedly. - We're going to party!

Sova looked at Sage, raising an eyebrow.

- You're not going to do what I think you're going to do, are you?

- Of course, I will. - She looked at the window of the ice cream shop, her eyes shining like a child. - All right, here are the rules. - Sage turned to Sova, holding both of his hands. - Each of us will try eight flavors. You pick two, I pick three for you and the other three will be chosen in luck. And vice versa. Unless you want it more. - She shrugged, looking at the ice cream by the window.

Sova thought, looking through the window the various flavors of ice cream.

- Why don't I pick four and you pick four?

- No. Not four. - Sage denied it with her head.

- Why?

- Sova… - She spoke in a tone of warning, with no openness to discussion.

The Russian nodded, not quite understanding what was happening.

- Okay. But I'm still going to buy at least one ice cream. - He grimaced. - We're not just going to get the free samples.

- I don't see any problem. - She smiled, pulling him into the ice cream shop with her. - If it's free, I'm going to take it.

Sova looked over his shoulder, seeing traffic through the store window, being able to see his car. He turned to Sage, who looked lively at the flavors of ice cream. The Russian smiled, noting the brilliance of her look and how she appeared to be so happy for something so simple. He hugged her from behind with awe, supporting his chin on the top of her head. He observed the ice cream flavors with disinterest. He no longer missed the industrialized food that his restricted diet dismissed. He was enjoying much more the fact that he could be hugging Sage in a cozy place that the ice cream shop was.

Sage hoped her sweater had disguised how much she got chilled with Sova's hug. He was bigger than her, involving her easily. Sage swore that she could live in that warm embrace.

- Umm... - She held one of her hands in Sova's arms, looking at the flavors. - You're out of your diet today! Two samples of this one, please! - Sage smiled at the attendant, pointing to a white ice cream. She took the ice cream spoons, giving one to Sova. She tilted her head back, watching him. - You first.

Sova sighed, taking the little spoon and leading to his lips, disheartened. As soon as the ice cream flooded his mouth, he widened his eyes. It had the citrus and refreshing taste of lemon, with a sweet touch of honey. The texture was light and smooth, the kind that tainted with grace in the mouth. Sova sighed with pleasure, letting the already liquid ice cream stay as long as possible in his mouth. He forgot how good ice cream was.

- Tasty, right? - Sage nodded to Sova, pointing to another flavor of ice cream. - Two samples of that too, please. - She took the two spoons, with the one from the previous ice cream still resting on her mouth.

Sova took the spoon with the new ice cream, hoping it would not spoil all the yummy flavor of the previous one. The Russian took the spoon to his lips and received a new burst of flavor. This one was sweeter, caramel and banana flavor, and had velvety texture. Sova looked at Sage, who was enjoying her ice cream with a smile of contentment.

- I'm going to need more than eight samples. - He mumbled to her, trying to maintain the flavor as much as possible in his mouth.

- Predictable. - Sage whispered back to him. – Have fun. It's free. - She smiled, looking at him.

Sova had a lot of fun.

He had lost any shame of ordering free samples, trying multiple flavors of ice cream, and tasting as if it were the first time. Sage found lovely every expression of pleasure he made and how excited he was at every new flavor. She realized that she was witnessing a much more relaxed Sova than the focused one she only had met on missions. She was happy to know that side of him. She wanted to see more of him, discover more nuances. Sage wished that night would never end, to be more and more surprised in every moment.

Sova was delighting in another taste of ice cream, tutti-frutti flavor. He wondered how he spent so much of his life without taking those desserts and got sad when he remembered that he would soon have to get back to his restricted diet. He let the ice cream melt in his mouth, almost wanting to find a way to use all his five senses to enjoy it. It was such a good experience there. Sova thought it's been a long time since he enjoyed the moment like that. Just threw the responsibilities away and have fun. He swallowed the ice cream and looked at Sage, who was going to choose her own new flavor, ignoring the reproachful look of the attendant and the other customers. He'd probably never live that if it wasn't for her. The Russian smiled at himself, convinced that he was dating an amazing woman. He observed her smile as she took another spoon of ice cream and was surprised to realize that since he was with Sage, he could worry so little about everything else and relax with her. With Sage there, everything was fine.

Until the responsibilities returned to him in the form of a horn, cutting off all his momentary contemplation.

The blonde looked back, seeing that the tow truck had reached his car. He sighed, sad about having to solve adult things and went to Sage.

- The tow truck's here. - He looked at the ice cream as if he already missed their taste. - You can choose whatever you want, I'm going to paid, okay?

- Oh… - Sage looked at the flavors, sad to leave them too. - Well... Which one do you want? - She looked at Sova, playing with the handle of her bag.

- Surprise me. - He smiled amusingly, going to the cashier. The attendant muttered a "finally" and Sova replied to it with a smile that made her strive not to roll her eyes. - I'll leave everything paid for her. Here’s the tip. - He touched his temple, reconnecting some functions of his eye to make the transaction through him. Sova turned his head vaguely to Sage, letting his eye do an analysis of her. Her behavioral pattern indicated that she was feeling glad. Sova smiled slightly, also feeling glad.

The Russian soon left the ice cream shop and Sage looked at the flavors. Although Sova invested in various types of ice cream, Sage did not see him tasting some of them. She chose for herself a bittersweet chocolate in a pot and for him a flavor of dulce de leche with nuts in a cone. The Chinese passed by the cashier, who was smiling at the generous tip and because the couple would finally get out of there. Sage left the shop, searching for Sova with her eyes. It was colder outside the ice cream shop, so Sage was fearful by her throat. She'd probably wake up hoarse in the next day. However, that didn't stop her from having some of her ice cream, licking it while watching Sova near the cars. She waited for him to return, changing the weight of her body from one leg to another, distracted.

Sova watched the car being towed, getting stuck in traffic as it was before. At least he wouldn't have to deal with that stress. But, if he had Sage, he'd probably be having fun. He hadn't even seen time go by when he was in the car with her. He wishes he hadn't crashed so he could extend that moment as long as the traffic lasted, which would probably be many hours.

He turned around, thinking of creating other moments like that between them. He approached Sage, looking curiously at the ice cream she had in hand.

- What is this flavor? - He took the cone she offered him, spinning it on his fingers.

- It’s a surprise! - The Chinese woman smiled, with the spoon of her ice cream in her mouth.

Sova looked at her with a lightly smile and took the ice cream to his lips, going to prove it.

However, a little girl ran out of the ice cream shop laughing, without looking forward and hit him. Sova almost dropped his cone, but the child's ice cream fell on him, dirtying his blazer.

- Oh no... - He looked at the little one, whose eyes were beginning to fill with tears.

- Oh, sorry, sir! - A boy, a little older than the girl, left the shop, pulling the girl close by her shoulder. – Look what you did, dummy! I told you not to run!

- My ice cream... - The girl looked at her pink ice cream ball in Sova's blazer, with tears running down her eyes.

- I'm sorry about her. She got distracted easily. - The boy turned to the man and blinked, looking at his face. - A cyborg... - He mumbled.

Sova looked at the children and sighed, lowering to be at their height.

- Hey. Don't cry. - Sova smiled gently. - It's all right. Accidents happen. - He made a peck, looking at her ice cream on the floor. - This is a very sad accident. - The Russian sighed. - It would be nice if you had another ice cream, right? - He turned his ice cream in his hand, looking at the girl through the corner of his eyes.

The little girl nodded, sniffing and turning to the boy.

- I want another. - She cried.

The boy took about three seconds to answer her, still analyzing Sova's face with astonishment and fascination.

- No… No way! - He took his ice cream near him. - That's what you had! Only one chance!

The Russian shook his head, giving a smile. "Children..."

- Here, you can have mine. I haven't tasted it yet, but it must be delicious! - He extended his ice cream to the little girl, who looked from him to the dessert with suspicion and desire. - It's free. - The girl continued to look at him with apprehension and he thought for a moment, making a peck. - You know, like he said - He gestured to the boy, who had pulled the girl closer to him, holding her by the arm. - I'm really a cyborg. - He whispered this part, as if to tell them a secret. – So, I'm half robot. This ice cream is for my human part, but if I take it, it's going to do a lot of damage to my gears. - Sova pointed at Sage discreetly, giving a conspiratorial smile to the children. - This engineer still doesn’t know how to take care of me. She doesn’t know that ice cream is bad for me.

The children looked at each other, having an internal conversation between them. Sova waited patiently, while Sage watched them without fully understanding what was happening.

- How do we know you're not lying? - The little girl spoke at last, her eyes already dry, looking the other with curiosity.

- Just ask me to tell an obvious lie. - Sova smiled with the joke, looking at them both.

- It's like that website stuff. - The boy nodded to the girl, turning to Sova with a victorious smile. – Say that you're not a robot, mister cyborg!

- I'm not... I'm not... - He blinked a few times, making his eye to increase and lower his glare. – I… I-I-I-I… - Sova looked Sage over his shoulder, wanting her to help him. She winked, not knowing what he expected her to do. - Error. Error. Error. - He made a robotic voice, turning his head from side to side in a mechanical motion.

- You broke him! - The little girl pushed the boy, angrily.

- Oh, no! - Sage tried to get into Sova's show, acting like him. It wasn't so good. - You guys... Ahw... Broken him! - She looked at the children with wide eyes and Sova struggled not to laugh, continuing in the role of robot with defect.

The boy opened his mouth, watching Sova's eye flash in its glare.

- And how do you solve it? - The little girl looked from Sage to Sova. She approached him, touching his shoulder. - It was a joke! You don't have to broke!

- Ahw... - Sage looked at Sova, thinking. – He must restart now! - She slapped Sova in the back of the head, much stronger than she'd like, and then touched Sova's temple, where she had seen him touch so many times. There were little buttons there and she pressed one of them, hoping it wasn't anything important.

Her slap hurts and she also really restarted his eye. Sova took advantage of that for the show became more realistic to stand still like a statue, while the children saw his eye turn off and light up again. He pretended to tremble, turning to the children with his bright cybernetic eye.

- What did I miss? - He made a confused face.

- He broke you! - The little girl pointed at the boy.

- I broke nothing! - The boy looked at her with an indignant face.

- Ouh... - Sova made a thoughtful face, smirking. - I think I'm going to need some repair after this. - He looked at Sage over his shoulder, sending her a wink. - You want my ice cream while she fixes me? - Sova again extended the ice cream to the girl, giving her a smile. The little girl took the ice cream, looking at Sage.

- Take care of him! - The little one practically ordered, to which Sage nodded.

- Hey, where are your parents? - Sage questioned, crossing her arms to the two of them as Sova got up again.

- At home. They let us buy the ice cream and come back. - The boy pointed to a building across the street, opening his mouth when he realized how big Sova was compared to him. - I met a cyborg... - He mumbled, blinking.

- Better be back soon, they must be worried. - Sage spoke, watching them with attention.

- Okay, miss! - The little girl licked some of her ice cream, giving a lively smile. She turned to the boy, taking a leap. - Let's tell Dad! C’mon!

- Umm... - The boy looked at the little one and made a grimace. – Where are your manners, dummy?

- Oh yes. - She turned to Sova, smiling. - Thanks for the ice cream, mister cyborg.

Sova smiled and made an exaggerated reverence.

- My pleasure. - He winked at her, increasing the luminosity of his eye when he was her at height.

The little girl lost her breath, pulling the boy.

- Are you a prince too, mister cyborg? You're beautiful as one!

- What? - The boy looked at the little one. – Where did this come from, girl?

Sova pressed his lips, containing a laugh. He shrugged, rising again.

- I might be.

The little girl smiled excitedly, taking a leap.

- I met a cyborg prince!

- Let’s go. - The boy rolled his eyes, holding the other's hand and waving at the two of them with his head. – Thanks!

- See ya! - The little girl smiled at Sova, licking her ice cream.

Sova and Sage stood next to each other, watching the children cross the street. When they arrived on the other side, the little girl turned to Sova, waving at him as she entered her building. The Russian also waved, sighing afterwards.

- I’m without my ice cream… - He made a peck that Sage thought it was the most beautiful thing in the world.

>>> Next Chapter

Did you see my Peter Parker request bestie of you coming through peters window and him helping you patch your wounds like you have done for him in the past. He was the only place you could think of with as much pain you were in on little to no time you almost faint when you get through his window. And he might kiss some of your wounds because he’s not really sure what else he can do to make you feel better ? 🥺👉🏻👈🏻🥰🥺🥺🥺🥺

ring pop | peter parker

pairing: peter parker x avenger!reader

warning: angst, mention of blood, fluff

a/n: writing headcanons for so long has literally butchered my ability to string proper sentences together so this is rough lol, but i loved this request! listen to “ring pop” by jax if you want the full fluff experience. enjoy x

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Before you say anything—” You held up your palms as Peter’s eyes widened in the dark, taking in your battered form from where he lied on his bed. A chill creeped through the opened window, making you shiver and grit your teeth. “I just want to let you know that if I don’t make it tonight, you have full permission to use my eulogy as a posthumous lecture.”

“A posthumous—” Peter cast his notebook to the side and got to his feet. “Y/N, you’re bleeding. What happened?”

“Is May home?” You asked quickly, ignoring his question.

“May?” Peter repeated, staring at you like he had never heard of that woman.

“Your aunt?” Your vision started to get patchy.

“My—” He shook his head. “May isn’t home, it’s just us. But you know that, it’s Wednesday, she always works late on Wednesdays.”

Peter was rambling now, talking to you like you weren’t dripping blood on the pillow on his floor. Or maybe he wasn’t, you couldn’t tell. All you knew was the stabbing pain on your left shoulder, piercing into your arm like lightning.

At once, Peter stopped talking. “You’re not okay,” he pointed out, though he had said it to no one in particular.

“What gave it away?” You retorted half-heartedly. Narrowing his eyes at you, he stepped forward. Before you could protest, Peter was already in front of you, lifting your arms carefully as he raked your body.

You winced as his hand bumped into your waist and he immediately let go, flashing you an apologetic look. His voice was laced with concern. “What happened to you?”

Your neck ached a little from a muscular knot you’d hardly noticed before. It throbbed now with discomfort and strain. You offered him a crooked smile. “I slipped.”

“You did not slip,” Peter scoffed, ever the realist, and took your hand, lacing it with yours while guiding you to sit down on his bed. “You’re one sneeze away from death, Y/N. Tell me what happened.”

Peter kneeled on the carpet floor and retrieved the first aid kit from under his bed. It was covered in glow-in-the-dark cars stickers, which you recognised from a fair that you had once went to together. It was the only thing you had won that night and Peter had smiled so brightly when you gave them to him, but somehow, you still found yourself surprised to see them in his possession.

“I fell off a roof,” you said, tracing the lining of his blanket as Peter popped the lid open. His eyes flicked to yours before he went back to taking out some cotton balls. He stepped into the space framed by your knees and peeled off the remnants of your suit, rolling it to rest at your waist. A deep punctured wound glared at him.

“Did you fall into a thorn bush?” Peter asked drily. “Or was there a spear on the sidewalk that impaled you?”

You winced as he tapped the soaked cotton balls on your skin, the alcohol burning in a way that you weren’t used to. He was gentle and froze whenever you flinched before continuing, but you knew by his flat gaze that he wanted the real answer or nothing. You cleared your throat and fixed your eyes on his dishevelled curls. “Fine,” you murmured. “Someone pushed me off the roof.”

Peter glanced at you. Without saying a word, he pressed the bottle of rubbing alcohol into your hands. You watched as he picked up some gauze and signalled for you to lift your left arm. Cautiously, he draped the clean piece of cloth around your forearm. His knuckles brushed against your skin. You took a breath. “There were four guys trying to break into the flower shop across Delmar’s. One of them got ahold of my sheath and things got ugly. But I swear I’m fine,” you added as Peter worked on your other arm.

He tied the ends into a knot and nodded to the bandage that he had just secured on your left arm. “You’re already bleeding through your bandages. I wouldn’t call that fine.”

You glanced down. A faint red blossom of blood had spread on the bandage. You tugged awkwardly at the strip of gauze. “Subjectively fine,” you amended before looking up, turning your narrowed gaze to his. “This isn’t fair. I don’t see why you’re making a big deal out of this when you slip into my room nearly every night while bleeding to death.”

Peter looked affronted at that. “It’s not the same.”

“How is that not the same?” You asked incredulously.

“Because it’s me,” Peter snapped. “I’m the one bleeding. Not you. That’s what makes this not fine.”

“Oh, please.” Scorn dripped off your lips. “Don’t pull that white knight bullshit on me. I’m perfectly capable of doing this myself.”

You snatched the gauze out of his hands and fiddled with it. The next bandage had to be wrapped under your arm and around your shoulder. You knew how to take care of wounds—the task had become a vital skill in not only your life—but this was more challenging than you would ever admit. You simply couldn’t reach that way. Your limbs were still aching and you felt the beginning of an awful headache coming. Having Peter watch you intensely didn’t help your case either, especially when annoyance and pity flashed in those brown eyes that you normally sought out for comfort. There was no comfort in this.

But you weren’t going to be the one to ask for help, and Peter knew that. He loosened a breath and held out his open palm to you, waiting patiently for you to relent. You stared at his hand for a moment and dropped the gauze roll into it. Silently, Peter worked on your arm, leaning in to loop the bandage behind you. You were both aware of how close he was. His warm breath fanned over the shell of your ear.

Peter wrapped the strip around your arm twice and tied it near the joint. You expected him to step back, facing you with an expression that was most likely regret or spite or both. But he didn’t budge. Both of you had gone utterly still.

Your pulse picked up. You knew that Peter could hear it, probably see it too. You wondered if it matched his own beat. But before you even knew what his intentions were, Peter lowered his head.

His lips hovered just above the warm juncture between your shoulder and the column of your neck—a spot that Peter always seemed to gravitate to. You drew in a sharp breath. The barest movement and his lips brushed your skin. Desire and a sense of familiarity coursed through you.

“I don’t want to fight,” he mumbled. “I just…I don’t know what else to do.” He left a trail of warm, soft kisses down your slender neck. You exhaled slowly and let Peter say what he needed to say without uttering a single word. He pressed a kiss to the end of your jawline and moved smoothly up to your ear. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

Then he stepped back and looked you in the eyes. “It’s fine,” you said, the beginning of a smile forming on your lips. “Just don’t give me a hard time when it’s uncalled for. You patched up my wounds. That is enough.”

Peter didn’t look convinced. He lifted an eyebrow as you pulled him forward, pushing him into the mattress so you were lying side by side. Comfortable silence fell. Your eyelids felt heavier with each second, memories of vivid city lights blurred inside your head as you slipped in and out of consciousness. You knew you had to change out of your suit, but the softness of his duvet was too alluring. Too peaceful.

You felt warm breath fanning over your arm, followed by the soft press of familiar lips.

“What are you doing?” You asked, opening your eyes and pushing Peter’s face gently away. His curls fell carelessly onto your cheek as he looked up at you with raised brows. You caught a whiff of his shampoo. You loved that smell.

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m kissing your boo-boos better.” He made to lower his head again, and you laughed.

“Don’t call them boo-boos. I was literally stabbed with a knife.”

He growled against your collarbone. “Don’t remind me.” Again, those lips on your skin.

If you had thought that peace was the cosiness of Peter’s bed, then you stood corrected. You found peace in the careful and tender kisses Peter left on your skin. You found it in the way his thumb rubbed mindless circles into your waist—careful not to touch any bruises. Even the citrus smell of his shampoo, surrounding you like a daydream felt like peace to you.

Everything about Peter Parker brought you peace and comfort.

“I have something for you,” Peter said, grinning excitedly.

“Oh?”

You watched as Peter rose to his feet, almost tripping over the notebook he had tossed to the ground after you had climbed through his window. He stumbled to the desk and shuffled through his papers until he found what he was looking for and let out a pleased hum. He lied back down beside you, propping himself on his elbow before presenting you a small object.

“A ring pop?” You asked, amused. Peace, peace, peace.

Peter shrugged, eyes cast downward. “Yeah, is that okay?” He said. “I know it’s not enough but—”

“It’s perfect,” you cut in, the corners of your mouth began to hurt from how broadly you smiled.

“I…” Peter blinked at you. “You’re sure?”

You nodded and your mouth quirked to the side. “As long as this is not my engagement ring, it’s more than enough.”

Chuckling, Peter slipped the ring pop on your finger and gave the back of your hand a kiss. He then twisted and grabbed the water bottle standing on his night stand. He unscrewed the cap and took off the plastic ring that sat at the neck of the bottle, offering it to you.

“It’s just a promise,” he explained before shooting you a toothy grin. “So we can both be each other’s annoying white knights.”

“I like that,” you responded, mirroring his grin. You slipped the plastic ring on his finger and frowned. It was hardly big enough and sat awkwardly at his knuckle.

“It doesn’t fit,” you said uselessly, and Peter waved you off.

“Don’t worry. We’ll get me a ring pop when your organs work again.” He shot you a wink. “Everyone deserves an edible promise ring, don’t you think?”

You laughed.

Peace, peace, peace.

* * *

stay hydrated pals

Haikyuu Boys Comforting You After Watching A Horror Movie

GN!Reader | Fluff | Warnings: None

Characters: Atsumu, Suna

A/n: I might do a part two of this, so if there’s any recommendations for who to add send in an ask!

ATSUMU

“I’m not sure a horror movie before bed is a good idea, y/n.” The cautionary words of your loving boyfriend play on loop as you sit on the couch, alone, finding safety in the blanket you’d wrapped tightly around your figure. Only a small part of your face was left exposed as you scanned the dark for any possible dangers waiting to jump out at you. Turning off all the lights seemed like a good idea when you settled down, wanting that perfect movie watching experience. Again, your boyfriend questioned it, but you had assured him it wouldn’t be an issue.

It was most certainly an issue.

Carefully, you free one of your arms from the blanket’s confines and quickly try to feel around for your discarded phone. You were certain that you’d thrown it off to the side before starting the movie. This was just like a scene out of a real horror movie, you thought.

You see something move from the corner of your eye, making you freeze. There’s a very likely possibility you’re simply seeing things, your mind deciding to play a cruel trick on you. Regardless, you couldn’t take that chance as you abandoned the search for your phone and burrowed back into the blankets. The childlike belief that a simple piece of fabric holds the magical power to keep monsters at bay was comforting. Now, if only you could make yourself move off the couch, down the even darker hallway, and throw yourself into the room you share with your boyfriend.

In one swift motion, you push yourself up off the couch and step forward, immediately hitting your leg against the small table coffee table. You let out a loud string of cures, falling back on the couch in defeat. How you managed to forget about the piece of furniture that had been there for the entire last six months since the two of you moved in was beyond you.

Suddenly, the lights clicked on, causing you to throw an arm across your eyes that had been adjusted to the dark for the last two hours. 

“Stop, stop, stop,” you whined, fear and adrenaline running through your body as you tensed, prepared to be gobbled down by the monster from the movie you very much regretted watching.

“Didn’t I say this was going to happen?” Atsumu laughs. At the sound of your boyfriend’s voice, your face drops and you move your arm to the side in order to glare at him.

“I hate you,” you state, pushing yourself off the couch, more aware of your surroundings this time, and turning away from him.

“Aww, baby,” he coos, walking up behind you. His hands fall gently to your side, moving them over your waist until they’re clasped in front of you. The gesture alone is enough to release the tension you’d been holding in your body. His chest presses against your back as he pulls you in closer, placing soft kisses on your exposed shoulders. 

“You scared me, Tsumu,” you groan, turning around so you can wrap your arms around his exposed torso. You feel his chest rise and fall as he chuckles.

“It was purely good intentioned, I was just coming out to check on you,” he explains, beginning to run his hand up and down over your back. “And it seems like it’s a good thing I did. Would you have made it off the couch?” You remained silent, knowing that more than likely you would’ve sat there until you gathered enough courage to sprint to the room or grown so tired you passed out.

“Let’s just go to bed,” you grumble, grabbing his hands and dragging him down the hallway with you. He turns the lights off behind the two of you, laughing at the way you leap on the bed to avoid having your feet exposed to any lurking monsters.

Perhaps you should watch horror movies more, Atsumu thinks as you snuggle into him under the covers, wanting to be as close to him as possible. He couldn’t deny the overwhelming benefits in his favor.

SUNA

It was your turn to choose what you and Suna watched for movie night and decided to step out of your comfort zone by searching the horror tab for something interesting. You eventually settled on a classic plot where the new family looking for a fresh start buys a ridiculous cheap house with a horrible, hidden, haunted past. It really hadn’t seemed that scary when you read through the short synopsis.

You had to admit, though, the graphics and make-up were extremely realistic and whoever was in charge of choosing the suspenseful music should win several awards because you felt thoroughly terrified. Your boyfriend, on the other hand, seemed completely unaffected as he laughed every now and then, pointing out how predictable the scares were. And it only made him laugh harder when you jumped at every single one.

The popcorn had been long forgotten as you no longer felt any desire to snack on the buttery deliciousness, instead opting to bury your face in the hoodie your boyfriend was wearing. At one point he asked if you wanted to stop the movie, worried that you might be genuinely scared. You didn’t respond, just shaking your head as your eyes stayed glued to the screen. Not only did you feel an obligation to finish the movie you’d picked due to pure stubbornness, but you were actually interested to see what happened next.

“Do the neighbors not hear them like...screaming?” you mumble, beginning to pick apart the more questionable bits of the movie. “I wonder if homeowners insurance covers damages by ghost.” It made it much less frightening to make fun of the movie as it played, but you tried to keep your comments to a minimum as to not annoy Suna, understanding how irritating it can be to have somebody talk while you’re trying to actually watch.

“This kid is probably going to need so much therapy,” he chimes in. “And they won’t even be able to afford it because they sunk all their money into this dump of a house!” You smiled at his added commentary, the two of you beginning to play off each other. Only when it got to the final, drawn out twenty minutes did you grow quiet again.

Suna turned away from the TV to look down at you curled against his chest. He felt an overwhelming urge to lean down and kiss you, but didn’t want to scare you. Instead, he opted to rubbing small circles on your back, enjoying the way you relaxed against his touch.

When the final scene played where the family dramatically drove away from the house while somber music played, leaving the upset spirit to sulk alone in the house, came and went you finally tore your eyes away from the screen. 

“Are you going to be able to sleep?” Suna jokes, enjoying how cute you looked when you sat there pouting at his assumption. You felt confident that though you were scared in the moment, there would be no lasting effects when you settled down to sleep. You stood by that thought as you changed into a comfy pair of pajamas, completed your skin care routine, laid down next to your boyfriend who was already half asleep.

But after a few moments of silence in the pitch dark room, you could feel the fear creeping through your body. Scenes of the movie played on your closed eyelids as you began scooting closer and closer to the other side of the bed.

You move to rest your head on Suna’s chest, focusing on the way it rises and falls and how you can hear his heart beating rhythmically.

“If we were stuck in a creepy house with a scary ghost would you protect me?” you whisper, making out the silhouette of his face in the dark.

“Yes,” he sighs, almost completely asleep.

“Okay,” you respond, satisfied with his answer. “Just making sure.” You feel him shift to lay on his side so your head is now resting on his bicep and his free arm is slung across your waist. Yeah, there was no way any stupid spirit could get to you while you wrapped within Suna’s muscular arms.

Too Sexy For My Shirt (I Wanna Love You)

Wreck the Bard

Rated: M

Prompt: lingerie/taking off clothes

Relationship: Geralt/Jaskier

Words: 1062

Jaskier had thought Geralt understood it was a date. He had said, when he asked, ‘come to the dinner as my date’. He had brought flowers when he picked him up (sunflowers because of their mild, pleasant scent and how they reminded him of Geralt’s eyes. And because he figured they probably wouldn’t wilt if Geralt didn’t get them in water until after he got home). He had been so bold as to kiss the back of Geralt’s hand when they announced his up-and-comer award. He had even, on the way home, played Geralt the first song he’d written for the album and said it was inspired by how he makes Jaskier feel.

But here he is, almost a week later, picking Geralt up from work for their usual pizza night, and from the other room he overhears Geralt dejectedly explaining to one of his coworkers that it’s not like that; the album Jaskier was getting recognized for was full of gay love songs so he HAD to bring a man as a date and Jaskier is not currently seeing anyone.

No shit Jaskier’s not dating anyone - he wants to date Geralt! He gave up on having other romantic relationships a decade ago because everyone paled in comparison to his best friend, and he had had to put a stop to his casual hook-ups a few years ago too (he had accidentally moaned Geralt’s name while the last fellow was sucking him off, and the man had immediately stopped and told him it was rude to call out the wrong name during sex, and positively cruel to say it with the kind of tenderness Jaskier just did when he couldn’t drum up a tenth of that enthusiasm for the person actually in front of him. It was an impressively eloquent speech, and all the more impactful because the fellow had delivered entirely from his knees.)

Later that night he asked Geralt, casually (as casual as a sequined ball gown), whether he was seeing anyone. Jaskier had fantasized that Geralt would lean forward and flirtatiously purr that he was planning on seeing Jaskier in his bed that night. Realistically, he hoped that Geralt would raise an eyebrow and state that the two of them were dating. What actually happened was that Geralt stared intently at his current pizza slice and said “No.”

This would not do! He had gotten up the courage to ask! He had taken Geralt on a date! During which Geralt had smiled repeatedly! Geralt was not allowed to not realize it had happened!

Jaskier came up with a new plan and worked the whole next week to get it ready.

He invited Geralt over to his apartment. He told him they could probably go to the rock climbing gym after, but that he was working on something that he really wanted to show Geralt first and get his input. When his friend accepted, Jaskier had to hold in a victory dance. He’d secured the whole afternoon for if it went well, and they really could spend the afternoon rock climbing if it didn’t.

Everything was ready when Geralt arrived. Jaskier was wearing a ruffled tuxedo shirt and soft lounge pants. The pants weren’t actually his first choice, he’d been hoping to wear some obscenely tight jeans to emphasize his assets, but he needed to be able to MOVE.

With the rest of the furniture pushed against the wall, he directed Geralt to the chair he’d moved to the middle of the room.

“Why does it matter where I sit to hear a song?”

“Well it’s, there’s a dance. You’re not just listening, you’re watching the dance, and I need you in the right part of the room for when I do it or it won’t be right.”

Geralt grumbled but sat.

Jaskier queued up the remix he’d made. This was it, the moment of truth. He stood with his back to Geralt, one hand behind his head, the other arm straight up in the air. The music opened with the yowl of an electric guitar, he started bouncing his hip to the beat.

Da dudum! Da dudum! Da dudum! Da dudum!

I’m-

He spun around

Too sexy for my shirt

And started unbuttoning as he walked toward Geralt

Too sexy for my shirt,

So sexy it hurts

Pelvic thrusts!

I’m too sexy for Milan

He had reached Geralt- turn and circle the hips!

Too sexy for Milan, New York and Japan

Ok, now swing the leg over - good! Lap successfully straddled!

I hear you calling and it’s needles and pins (and pins)

Jaskier runs his hands up his chest while writhing.

I wanna kiss you but my senses tell me to stop!

And throw off the shirt!

I wanna taste you but your

Too sexy for my love

He backed up, inching his pants down as he went.

Too sexy for my love love

Hip pop! Hip pop!

Your mouth, so hot, your web, I’m caught

Kick off the pants!

Your skin, so wet, black lace, on sweat

Turn and show the thong!

Yeah on the catwalk, yeah, on the catwalk, yeah

I shake my little tush on the catwalk.

Shake the butt!

Well I don’t wanna break these chains

Back up toward Geralt again.

Burning deep inside my veins

Turn and throw the leg over

I wanna kiss you but your

Lean in towards his lips,

Too sexy for this song!

and FREEZE!

The music had ended. He was straddling Geralt’s thighs, dressed only in a sturdy black thong. Their lips were all of an inch apart. Neither moved.

He waited, hoping Geralt had finally understood, but his best friend was just staring at him, motionless.

Jaskier, panting slightly from the dance, asked, “What do you think?” trying not to act like the answer could destroy him.

“It’s…” Geralt rasped, his voice dry and husky, “not your usual thing. I don’t think the audience will expect it.”

“You are the audience,” Jaskier breathed, “The dance is for you.”

Geralt stared at him, slowly placing his hands on Jaskier’s bare, muscular thighs. “For me?”

Jaskier nodded. Geralt kissed him. Jaskier wrapped his arms around the other man’s neck while Geralt slid his hands up to his hips and guided him onto his lap.

It was, Jaskier would conclude when they finally came up for air, a very successful plan.

@whataboutthebard

Never let me go - Tanaka Ryuunosuke x Reader

Warnings: FLUFF!!! it's so cute omg. friends to lovers (my favorite troupe!!!) kinda n*fw cause like dry humping but it's really not that intense. i love Tanaka with all of my soul and I'm really proud of this so please hype it up for me. 💞💞

A/n: I'm so soft for Tanaka. Oh my god.

You and Tanaka Ryuunosuke were glued at the hip. It was to be expected, considering you'd both been friends since you were born. Your closeness was envied by lots of people- especially Saeko who claimed he loved you more than her. No matter what, you two were inseparable.

Every Friday night, Tanaka would come over to your house- or vice versa- to watch some sort of absolutely terrible movie. Low-budget action, disgusting romance, and sometimes even crazy conspiracy movies. It was a tradition the two of you had gotten used to, and it was always a perfect way to end your week. No amount of schoolwork, bullying or long practice hours could be worried about when the two of you were together, watching junk movies and eating equally junky food. You always made sure to keep your Friday nights going- unless one of you was out of town or he was at training camp. Not that either of those things would really stop you, because FaceTime was a thing and you two used it far more than you'd both like to admit. You were practically addicted to each other. Always talking, always texting, and more than often, always touching.

Recently though, the touches had gotten more intense. Holding hands while you walked home, long hugs every morning and night, and surprisingly intimate cuddles every Friday. The movies had changed, too. Instead of watching the action ones, like Tanaka usually preferred, you had started watching more and more romance ones. All terrible, mind you. But you felt like it was doing something to you. Of course, you'd always been slightly attracted to your tall and muscular friend, I mean who wouldn't be? Something about watching all the romance movies was really doing something to you, though. You tried to convince yourself that it was just the movies, that you weren't falling for your best friend. You were not going to be one of those girls, who falls for their best friend and has to watch them grow up and fall in love with another woman. That thought was the only thing that kept you sane, and you're pretty sure if you weren't so afraid of losing Tanaka, you would've just confessed to him already. Wait confessed? You don't even like him. You jump in shock, startling yourself out of your thoughts.

"Woah, you okay there?" Tanaka's voice makes you jump again, causing you to suddenly remember where you were- in your crushes lap! You flush a deep red and thank God for the dim lights. "I- uh, yes, I'm fine," you sputter out. "You sure about that? You're looking a little flustered," he says in a teasing voice. "I mean, c'mon it's not even that realistic. Cocking your head at him, you turn your head back to the TV. You regret doing so, your entire body going rigid. You're pretty sure you forgot how to breathe, because there, on the TV, was one of the steamiest sex scenes you've ever seen in your life. "Oh! Oh, my god, I didn't even see that!" You immediately turn back around and bury your head in Tanaka's shoulder, blushing furiously. His laugh rings out, partially tuning out the rather lewd moans. "You sure, princess?" You heat up even further, because there's that nickname again.

It happened sometime around the beginning of high school, after he saw you in a princess dress. To be fair, it was a Friday night, and you should have expected him to come over, but you were so engrossed in playing princess with your little cousin, you completely forgot. So the nickname stuck. And god, it did things to you. Your face never failed to flush when you heard it, and you cursed yourself for letting it get to you so easily. His arms running up and down yours sides bring you out of your thoughts, and voice calms you down even further. "Hey, let's turn it off, okay? We can watch something else, no problem." Reaching for the remote, he turns the movie off, beginning to browse for something else. You're straddling him now, and you begin to feel the exhaustion set into your body. Being so close to him made you feel so safe, and so, so sleepy. "Can we just sleep? I don't wanna watch anything else," you say, slowly beginning to slur your words. He smiles at you, god, he's so in love with you. "Whatever you want, princess."

There was no doubt, he knew what that nickname did to you, which is why he always used it. There was nothing sweeter in the world to him than your blush. No candy, not even pure sugar. Yes, Tanaka was in love with his best friend, that much was clear. It wasn't until Nishinoya caught on and forced him to act on his feelings that he actually fully came to terms with it. The team assured him that you were just as much in love with him as he was you- even Tsukishima gave a surprisingly convincing nod. That alone would have been enough to convince him. So he did. Romantic movies, nearly excessive skinship, meaningful glances and of course the use of his favorite nickname. He wasn't sure it was working, but then again, here he was, with you in his arms. Looking down at you, he stills when he realizes you're sleeping, careful not to disturb you. He figures now is a better time than any to tell you how he feels, so kissing your head, he takes a deep breath.

"I love you. I love you so, so much. I've loved you for so long it just feels like second nature at this point. I can't imagine a life without loving you." Pausing, he chuckles. "And I don't mean platonic love. No, I Tanaka Ryuunosuke have fallen head over heels in love with my best friend. It's nearly embarrassing- not that you're embarrassing, not at all. I just didn't expect to be one of those people to fit into such a stereotypical troupe, y'know? That's the embarassing part. Oh, and before you even think about it, yes, I'm going to be one of those self-sacrificial guys, the ones that are like 'I just want to see you happy.' If you don't return my feelings, of course. If you do feel the same though, I'll promise you this- I'm never letting you go." Tears are streaming down his face now, but he doesn't care. Nor does he make any move to wipe them off- no- he's not letting you go, not while he still has you.

Caught up in his confession, he doesn't feel you freeze. You were never asleep to begin with, just too shocked to move. Your heart is beating a million miles an hour, the love of your life just poured his heart out, never expecting you to hear any of what he said. You take a couple deep breaths to calm your racing heart. You know exactly what to do. Leaning up and grabbing his face, you say with as much conviction in your voice as possible: "Tanaka Ryuunosuke, don't you dare let me go."

And with that, you bring your lips to his. You've never felt anything more passionate in your life, you're absolutely certain you're going to faint. It's a perfect harmony, lips on lips. It's everything you've ever wanted, and little do you know he feels the exact same. He pulls you closer in an attempt to close the already practically non-existent gap between you, successfully grinding your hips together. The whine you let out is nothing short of sinful and he knows he has to hear more. With one hand on your face and the other on you hip, he helps you grind against him. When you break the kiss only to bring your lips down his jaw, he absolutely short-circuits. He lets out a breathy moan which only spurs you on further, kissing farther down his neck and lightly sucking a mark into his skin. Both lf his hands are on your waist now, grinding you down with much more fevor and desperation. It's practically heavenly. Sure, you've been aroused before, but it's never been like this, you feel like you're on fire.

You know you could continue like this forever, or at least until one of you came in your pants, but you stop him. It's only because you've realized it's probably not appropriate to be dry humping your childhood friend and longtime crush in his living room, especially not when his parents and sister were home. But of course, it's far too late for that, because Saeko has already walked in on the two of you locking lips.

"FUCK YEAH!" She screams. "I fucking called it! Mom! Dad! They finally fucking got together! It's only been like 8 years since you've been in love with her, right? It's about fucking time! Wait, you're together right? Ryuunosuke, I swear if you don't make her your girlfriend I will make your life a living hell." The two of you practically jump apart, shocked and thoroughly embarrassed. All you can do is stare at him in awe. "Eight years? You've been in love with me for eight years?" Your voice is barely a whisper, but you know he can hear it. He looks right into your eyes, and you're overwhelmed by the sheer amount of love in his gaze.

"Yes. Best eight years of my life."

Please reblog if you enjoyed.

Hawkins High would have this reunion thing like all the kids who went there at the time would come like after 5 or 10 years to meet each other. So, what if Steve and Billy had something going on during highschool, but then Billy just left without saying a word to California, leaving Steve behind. They would meet each other there and Billy’s like more muscular and has a short beard. It gets Steve all hot just by looking at Billy, so they end up having sex 👀 (+ some angst too pls)

There’s smut

-

Steve tucked his shirt into his jeans.

He stared at himself in the mirror, sighing as he untucked it again.

He had gone through his whole suitcase at this point, trying to find something somewhat okay to wear.

He huffed as he took off his shirt.

“Can you chill?” Robin was sitting on her bed on the hotel. He had begged her to come with him, even though she had no interest in going to the reunion. “It’s not like anyone that matters will be there.”

“Really? You’re not hoping to see,” he put on a dreamy breathy voice. “Tammy Thompson?”

She threw a pillow at him.

“Guarantee you Tammy Thompson is doing better things than going to the fucking Hawkins High School reunion.”

“Well, whatever those better things are, it certainly isn’t fucking country music.” She threw another pillow at him. He tugged on a new shirt.

This one was nicer, fit a little better. He nodded once.

“Are you finally ready? It’s been hours Steve. The reunion’s probably over.” Steve threw the pillows back at her.

-

They checked in at the front table, getting their name tags and proceeding into the gym.

Steve made a beeline for the bar, getting two shots to loosen himself up. He got himself and Robin some drinks, and mingled.

He and Tommy had reconnected a few years ago, met up for coffee when Tommy was in Chicago one day.

He clapped Steve on the back when they hugged.

“You look good, man.”

“Hey, you too. Where’s Carol tonight?”

“Oh, she’s all sick.” Steve stared at him. He grinned. “She’s knocked up! We’re having a fucking baby. Can you believe that?” Steve hugged him again. “So, when are you two gettin’ hitched?”

Steve looked at Robin, and they both burst out laughing.

“Oh, we are not together!” Tommy furrowed his brows.

“Haven’t you two lived together since fucking high school?”

“I mean, on and off, mostly. But we’re, uh, not compatible.”

They had each moved in with significant others through the years, but when everything got messy, they ended up right back together.

-

The evening ended up being, pretty alright.

Robin rolled her eyes when Steve said that, but she didn’t complain, so Steve called it a win.

They were out on the dance floor, tearing it up like it was still ‘85.

Steve was laughing with some asshole he used to be on the swim team with when his locked on the gym doors.

His mouth went fucking dry.

Billy Hargrove was standing there, looking cool as ever, and hot as all fuck in a tight henley.

His hair was short, and he had a fucking beard.

Steve turned around, ordering himself two more shots.

Last time he saw Billy he was tugging on his jeans, was kissing Steve on the forehead and was tiptoeing downstairs, boots in his hand.

He left the next day.

Steve did not want to deal with this right now.

It had taken him years to move on from Billy, taken him fucking years of crying into his pillow and letting beefy blond guys fuck him in dirty bar bathrooms.

Four STD scares and a lot of wine later,he was over Billy. Completely and totally over him.

And here he was, looking at Steve and biting his bottom lip, and Steve was totally not over him.

Billy swaggered up to him, leaning against the bar, his shirt pulling across him pecs.

He was fucking jacked. Definitely bigger than he had been in high school.

He tossed a leather jacket down, ordering a scotch for himself.

“Long time no see, Stevie.” Steve slammed both his shots.

“Yeah. ‘Bout ten years, Hargrove.” He pushed off the bar.

He was itching for a smoke. Had quit about four years ago, but something about Billy brought back all those cravings, all those memories of sitting in bed, sharing a Marlboro even though Steve hated them, their fingers brushing on each pass.

He pushed out of the gym, leaning against the brick wall outside.

He scoffed at the alleyway where Nancy shattered his already broken heart.

“Steve,” Billy’s voice was soft.

“I don’t wanna hear it.” He refused to look at him.

“I just wanna talk.”

“Oh, so you finally learned how.” Billy huffed.

“I should’ve told you I was leaving.” Steve made a face at him.

“Oh, you should’ve?”

“Look, I’m sorry.”

“Great. Thanks.” He tapped his foot. “Jesus, you have a cigarette?” Billy rifled through his pockets.

And pulled out a pack of teal American Spirits.

“God. You’ve gone soft.” Billy shook his head, lighting two in his mouth, passing one to Steve. He had several piercings in each ear now.

“Trying to cut back.” Steve took the cigarette.

“I quit years ago.”

“Well, sorry to break your streak.”

“Something about you makes me need a fuckin’ cigarette.” He took a long drag. “You and smoking just go together in my brain I guess.”

“I was hittin’ it hard back then. Probably always just smelled like smoke.”

“I always liked the way you smelled.”

And maybe it was the shots Steve had knocked back, or the way Billy’s earrings glinting in the light, but Steve leaned in, taking a strong whiff of his collar.

“Still like it?” Billy was smirking at him.

“Liked it better with the Marbs.”

“Well, two packs a day was probably gonna make me keel over soon.” He smiled when Steve huffed a laugh. “So, how are you? What have you been up to?”

“Jesus, we really doin’ this?” Billy shrugged at him. “I’m good. I’m in Chicago now. I’m an E.R. nurse.” Billy smiled at him.

“Good for you.”

“What are you doing? Since we’re making weird small talk now.”

“Been here and there. Worked in garage for a while, waited tables. Stripped too. I’m an English teacher now, if you can believe it.”

“Oh, come on. You act like I don’t know you. I mean, fuck, how many times were you my own personal English teacher?” Billy looked down, ashing his cigarette.

“You’re actually why I decided to study it. I’m in a high school now.”

“Bet you’re the teacher everyone gets crushes on. Get love notes on your desk, and all that.” Billy laughed, rolling his eyes.

“Nah. I’m a little more tough lovin’ than that. Don’t take any shit.”

“You’re too soft for that. Don’t front.” Billy smiled, looking down at his feet.

“One a’ my kids has pretty bad dyslexia. Parents won’t do shit about it. Makes me think a’ you.”

“Shoulda seen me when I got to college. Diagnosed myself.”

“Nurse Harrington for the win, then.” Steve laughed, smoke pouring outta his mouth. He stubbed out his cigarette.

“Where are you living now?”

“Santa Monica.”

“Explains the tan.”

“C’mon, Baby. I’m always this golden.” He smirked, waggling his tongue at Steve.

And it was like being back in high school, with Billy teasing him on the basketball court.

And Steve didn’t think, just grabbed the lapels of his jacket, smashing their mouths together.

Billy leaned into it, holding Steve’s face between his palms, pushing him with his body against the wall.

His beard scratched against Steve’s skin, lit a fire in his gut.

“Where you stayin’ in town?”

“Shitty motel.”

“Take me.” Billy’s eyes were wide in the dark. He nodded vigorously.

Billy pulled him by the wrist to the parking lot, dragging him to his car.

The same car he had in high school.

The blue Camaro still smelled the same, and when Steve turned around, the backseat was still sporting that stain, a little white smudge of Billy’s cum that had dripped out of Steve.

He smiled to himself as Billy started the car.

He put one hand on Steve’s thigh as they roared through town, heading down the service road.

Billy pulled into the motel. Was back on Steve in a second.

Steve danced out of reach, slipping out of the car with a coy smile.

Billy shook his head as he unlocked the door.

He pushed Steve onto the bed, climbing on top of him.

They wasted no time, tearing at one another’s clothes.

Billy pulled off his shirt, and Steve stared, brushing his fingers over his chest piece, a deer with white roses tangled in it’s antlers.

“Pretty.” Billy smiled down at him as he traced it. It was black and white, hyper realistic.

Billy leaned over him, kissing at his neck, trailing down his collar bone.

“You think ahead? Condoms? Lube?” Billy looked up at him.

“Who do you think I am? Was fuckin’ praying you’d be at that thing.” He kissed down his body.

Steve worked one hand into his hair, holding on while Billy swallowed up his cock.

“Holy shit.” He tossed his head back, one of Billy’s hands coming up to hold his own.

It was so easy, falling back into their old ways.

Billy knew just how to play his body. He got him hard and leaking in a second, moved his tongue so well, sucking Steve down.

“So good at this. ‘d forgotten.” He hadn’t forgotten how good Billy made him feel, doesn’t think he ever could. Just tried to push that shit away until he didn’t spend all of his waking hours thinking about him.

Billy mouthed down his dick, moving to suck lightly on his balls, spreading Steve’s legs open, and licking over his hole.

He pushed his tongue inside of him, sucking on his rim.

His beard was rough against Steve;s inner thighs, but he kinda loved it. Didn’t even mind the lame little pornstache Billy had grown in the summer.

Steve squirmed.

He hadn’t been with anyone in a while, didn’t get a lot of time off from work to date and fuck.

“Billy, just fuck me.”

“Haven’t tasted your sweet little ass in years, Pretty Boy.“

“Yeah? And who’s fault is that.” Billy sat up, looking at Steve as sincerely as he could with spit down his chin.

“You know, I really am sorry about that.”

“Billy, let’s just, talk about this later, okay?” Billy chewed on his bottom lip. Steve pushed his head back down.

He didn’t want to think for a moment, didn’t want to think about benders and crying at Robin while he threw up tequila and rainbow pills.

He let Billy work him open with his tongue and two of his fingers, let him dig into his prostate and bring Steve right to the edge.

Billy pulled off him, digging in a suitcase for a stack of condoms, a few little packets of lube.

He crawled back on top of Steve, rolling on a condom.

Steve spread his legs, rubbing the side of his knee against Billy’s torso.

Billy lined up, and pushed inside.

They both moaned as he bottomed out, his hips pressing flush to Steve’s ass.

He pulled out, his cock heavy, stretching Steve wide.

He rolled his hips, propping himself up with both hands on either side of Steve’s head.

Steve wrapped his legs around his waist, so much thicker than he was in high school. He felt up Billy’s body, feeling hard muscle before wrapping his arms around his shoulders.

“Missed your pretty sounds.” He was back on Steve’s neck, sucking bruises into the skin. “No one has ever made me feel as fucking crazy as you.” And he began fucking into him faster, harder. “Can you still cum with nothin’ but a cock in your ass?”

“Yeah. Been a minute, but if you-” he cut himself off with a moan, back arching as Billy shifted, hitting that perfect little spot.

He was all breathy, his voice high in his throat, eyes wide.

Billy was smirking at him, had doubled down, started going harder, rougher.

“I’m gonna-” He didn’t finish his sentence before he was cumming, his whole body going tight.

It seemed like he was cumming for fuckin’ hours, eyes squeezing shut as he made a mess of himself.

Billy was painting when he floated back into his body, had spilled out into the condom.

He kissed Steve’s temple.

“Fuckin’ beautiful.”

Steve closed his eyes, pretended for a minute that Billy had never left.

“Why did you leave?”

Billy was quiet. Steve still had his eyes closed.

Billy warmth was gone, and Steve cracked one eye enough to see Billy’s retreating back. He went to the bathroom, and Steve could hear the faucett.

He came back, the condom disposed of, and a towel warm and wet for Steve.

He cleaned him up, just like he used to.

“My dad kicked me out. Didn’t have a whole lotta choice in the matter.”

They had been planning a summer together. Were planning on hanging out at the mall and going to the drive in, and being stupid dumb kids.

“You could’ve called.” or asked me to come with you.

“Figured it’d be best if we just went our separate ways. Clean break.” Steve went still.

He was up in a second, shoving his clothes back on.

“Hey, you okay?”

“Fuck you, Hargrove.” He didn’t look at Billy.

“Steve-”

“No. It was not a clean break. It was messy and shitty, and I was over you. It took me fucking years, but I did it.” He wiped at his eyes. “Can’t believe I was so stupid, let you back into my life. What the fuck was I thinking?”

He jammed his shoes on, marching to the door.

Billy hadn’t moved from his spot on the bed.

“Have a nice life, or whatever.”

He slammed the door behind him.

It took him seven minutes of walking, and eighteen minutes of sitting next to the road crying his eyes out before he shoved a few quarters into a payphone.

Robin was back at their hotel room. He knew she was mad at him for ditching her, but when she heard the tightness in his throat, she softened, agreeing to pick him up.

“I fucking hate myself.”

Steve had his head pressed against the window.

“Steve, it’s okay-”

“No, it’s not. It took me so long to move on, and now, now I’m right back at square one.”

“This isn’t square one. You’ve done this before, you can get through it again.”

“But at what cost? I should’ve told him to fuck off. Not given him the time of day.”

“You’d feel just as shitty if you had done that.”

And he knew she was right.

She was always right.

He settled lower into his seat, let her take him back to their hotel, to his neatly packed suitcase and plane tickets for the morning.

He tried pushing Billy out of his mind.

Already had plenty of practice.

And all he wanted was blue eyes and a cigarette.

I Like You A Lot

WARNINGS: cursing & angst

Pairings: Chloe Frazer x Nadine Ross, Sam Drake x OC

Tags: @desertvvitch, @courtenbae, @ammaliatrici

A/N: I will fix the read now later today

Chapter 18

Sam’s POV

I sighed as the wind pushed back my hair, air drying myself and my clothes a bit. Also it was hot as hell. So this nice breeze was doing me a great service. I wiped the shmutz off the tinted glass of a pair of aviators I happened to find in the back seat. “These are nice, heh?” I said, examining the quality and putting them on my face before turning to Sunny with a rather charming smile (if I do say so myself). She didn’t even move. She stayed with her chin resting in her hand as she leaned on the side of the car; Staring at the Indian wilderness as it passed by, wind pushing at her curls. I huffed and shook my head, noticing Chloe glancing at us from the rear view mirror. She frowned a bit and then returned her eyes to the rocky path before us.

“Look! Railroad tracks!” Nadine pointed out. Sunny’s head shot right up as she moved to the middle seat to lean forward for a better look. Right ahead in the distance was a bunch of abandoned cars on the tracks.

“We’ll stop here, then.” Chloe said, pulling on the hand brake and the car skidded in the mud for a second. All of us hopped out of the 4x4, our boots landing on the ground heavily. We all groaned. I was sure all of our bodies were aching— I, myself, was tired and sweaty. My hands were dirty and bruised (much like the rest of me) with a few cuts that had yet to be looked at. And I mean the way my knees felt after that simple jump… but it was better than being left to drown in a flooded chamber, I’ll tell you that. Luckily, my cigarettes had dried so immediately I pulled one and lit it. I needed one. With the way Sunny was acting and how this job was going, I needed a bit of nicotine in my system to help me along.

“Asav will definitely have lookouts throughout the area.” Nadine told us.

“Best be careful then, huh?” Sunny commented, adjusting her jeans.

“Right, right, right… And then we lose the tusk.” I added sarcastically. Sunny made a face. One I knew all too well. One she tended to make when she was done with whatever “pessimistic” outlook I tended to have on things.

“Jesus Christ, Sam—” Sunny groaned, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

“Ay— I’m just bein’ realistic here!” I retorted. Nadine chimed in as well, also rather fed up with me.

“You’re welcome to stay behind if you’d like.” She said. I made a sarcastic expression, mocking her.

Chloe calmly hushed us up, shaking her head, tired of the ongoing arguments and petty comebacks between us all.

“All right, all right… Less talking, more walking.” She said before hopping off the cliff. Sunny looked at me in disbelief and forced out a rather derisive laugh.

“Sounds good to me.” She said, following Chloe off the cliff. I groaned stressfully; letting smoke fill my lungs and exit my nostrils as I watched her walk away, dropping down to the next level. I picked up my pride and began to follow them as well.

“So all that time with Asav and you couldn’t get any intel on the buyers?” Nadine asked me.

“He’s uh…. he’s a cagey one, Asav is. Never talked shop in front of me really.” I answered, adjusting my newfound sunglasses in the sunlight.

“Gee, I wonder why not…” I heard Sunny comment sardonically ahead of us.

“Sunny, you’re being very puerile right now.” I said to her.

“Ooo, look at the ex con using his big boy words.” She replied with a rapid fire tongue. I rolled my eyes and took another drag. I decided I’d be the grown up here and ignore it… Sort of.

“Hey, he believed me long enough to think I was an expert in all this Hoy-sah-la crap.” I said rather pigheadedly.

“It’s Hoysa-lah. Not Hoy- sah-la.” Sunny corrected me.

“All right, Hermione.” I shrugged, trying my best not to let her get to me. But, boy, she was really working on my nerves.

“Thanks for keeping him busy for us.” Chloe said suddenly, taking me out of my thoughts and smiling at me as she looked at me with those stunning blue eyes. It was clear to see why I slept with her to begin with. There was a calm about her that tended to ease even the most chaotic of souls. I wanted to be calmed too. I wanted to be near that energy for just a moment. But in retrospect, it wasn’t worth it. Not to have Sunny this upset with me. I’d take it back if I could… I ran my fingers through my hair nervously and nodded, feigning a confidence that wasn’t really there to begin with.

“Yeah, I mean, I knew everything would work out…. I just wanted to buy you guys some time…. in case you were coming to get me.” I said, looking over the edge of the next cliff. She placed a gentle roughed up hand on my arm and squeezed it.

“Of course we were!” She grinned. Her energy brought a faint smile to my face and I forced a laugh, leaning towards her.

“Seriously, though. Thanks. I thought I was a goner.” I whispered to her.

“I wouldn’t let that happen. Sunny wouldn’t let that happen.” She said, nodding in her direction. I sighed. Even being upset with me, she once again saved my ass. “And your brother would never let me hear the end of it.” She added. I burst into laughter as I followed her across the cliff. Sunny and Nadine both looked back at me. Neither was very happy with me. They seemed to be talking amongst themselves. I could only imagine what about.

We walked along the green grass, looking out at the tracks that hovered above a misty and grassy wetland. It was rather nice if I was being honest. India had spectacular views and I was glad I got to see it all. That Sunny got to see it all. She deserved to see the world more than anybody. I finished my cigarette and tossed the filter over the edge as we came upon a waterfalled cave. Looking in, there was a mudslide inside. “Let’s find out where this goes.” Chloe said before jumping in and sliding away. I stepped aside and gestured to the cave.

“Ladies first.” I sighed. Nadine glared at me, bumping her muscular shoulder into me as she passed, knocking me off balance.

“Very mature.” I grumbled as she slid down after Chloe. Sunny just walked by and slid down without even really looking at me. I took a deep breath and slid down after her.

“I found the train tracks! Sort of….” I heard Chloe say as I approached the bottom. Sitting at the door of the hill were a bunch of broken slabs of wood. The cave probably was once part of a train route from what I gathered. As we came out onto the sunlit cliff, we could see more tracks in the distance.

“It’s weird to see everythin’ sorta go back to normal… After bein’ around Hoysala ruins all day. More modern structures are showin’ up now.” Sunny said as she looked around. I took the opportunity to attempt a conversation again.

“Well it’s either British or Portuguese. So not quite modern. Probably around 18— aaand you don’t care…” I said, biting my lip. Sunny grunted as she dropped to the ground to follow Chloe. I threw my head back in discouragement. Nadine shrugged as she looked at me and began to go behind them. Then she stopped in her tracks and turned to look at me, her bright brown eyes narrowed.

“You did a stupid thing, Drake. She’s hurt.” She told me. I blinked at her a couple times. It seemed like she was maybe trying to…..help me. I wrinkled my bushy brows as I continued to listen to her. “I don’t know why but… she loves you. And she won’t say it. Not to your face. But I know she does care a great deal about you. Just give her some time.” She said. I was surprised. When did she start to care about how Sunny was feeling? Regardless, I took the advice and pushed on. Just as I jumped down, I watched Sunny be the first to cross a wooden beam. Immediately, that familiar niggling feeling kicked in.

“Sunny, what the hell?! Is that thing even stable?!” I yelled. She just kept going until she got to the other side.

“It’s fine. Hurry up and cross it before it’s not. Your luck, it’ll break in half.” She retorted, climbing a wall and crawling into a tight space. As she disappeared, I couldn’t help but to be surprised. Heights weren’t her thing. Now all of a sudden it’s “Balls to the Wall”, “No Guts, No Glory”? Maybe the job had cured her of her acrophobia. Or maybe I pissed her off that much…

I followed the girls across the beam and through the crawl space (And no. It didn’t break). Above us, the sound of a chopper could be heard. The winds from its propellers pushing the treetops about, shaking loose leaves to the ground. As long as we stayed in the shadows and tree lines, I knew we’d be fine. “Asav thinks we’re all dead. Let’s keep it that way.” Nadine said, before heading up more rocks. It was interesting seeing her on the other side of enemy lines. And even better, without a gun to my head. Or a knife to my throat. Maybe if I asked the right questions, I could find a glimpse of a person inside that walking dead shell.

“So, Nadine—” I began but she growled and folded her strong arms across her chest.

“We are not on a first name basis.” She said. I chuckled.

“Okay, fine… I heard you worked for Asav, too?” I asked, carefully.

“What about it?” She grunted, narrowing her eyes and cocking a thin brow.

“I mean… How did you deal with the torture?” I asked.

“Wha… Did he torture you??”

“Oh yeah...” I groaned in all seriousness. He didn’t torture me physically but he might as well have. “Wouldn’t stop talkin’ about himself or his cause. Like, I get it, man. You don’t gotta sell me on it— I’m just lookin’ to make some scratch, y’know?” I chuckled lightly. Chloe shook her head and groaned.

“I can’t stand when people prattle on incessantly.” She said, climbing the next short cliff ahead.

“God, me either.” I agreed. Then Sunny walked by making some odd noise of disgust.

“Wow, you have so much in common.” She said, staley before climbing the cliff behind Chloe. I took a deep breath to calm myself. At this point, she was really just irking me. I’m not exactly what you would call a patient man. But I was enjoying the job, to be honest. And I damn sure wasn’t gonna let her ruin it.

We followed Chloe up the inside of a waterfall’s cave and out through thick vines. “If I had known, I would’ve packed my machete.” She said simply, herself and Nadine pushing the vines apart. The way Sunny’s face lit up when she said that, almost made me forget I was in hot water for a moment. Her big brown eyes, widening and practically shimmering as her freckled cheeks fattened up when she gave that dazzling smile. I could feel my ears burning up and I turned away to light myself a cigarette. Chloe gave her a doting smile as she passed between the vines.

“You have a machete?” She asked, softly.

“Tell you what. We make it out of this alive? I’ll mail it to you.” Chloe grunted as she struggled to keep the vines apart. She nodded to Nadine to go next but just to be an ass, I slid in at the last second.

“Thank you, good gentlewomen.” I grumbled as I weaved my slender limbs through to the other side. Sunny just crossed her arms and scoffed at me. I huffed, dropping my shoulders and gesturing to the vines. “They’re gonna need someone to hold open the other end!” I said, trying to cover myself. But truthfully, I wasn’t a total ass. “Come grab the other side.” I told her as I let my cigarette hang loosely between my lips. I grabbed a vine towards the middle and began to pull.

She stared at me a moment and groaned lightly as she came to grab the other vine. She grunted as she began to pull as well, her muscles taut and flexing as she did as much as she could. Just then Nadine had come out, then Chloe. Soon as they were fine, the path was pretty clear. Even for Sunny, who had already run and jumped across the rushing ravine and was starting to climb up the seeable handholds. I rushed across after her just to make sure she’d be okay. She made it up and over the cliff with no problems. I was impressed. It was like for the first time, I was seeing Treasure Hunter Sunny Spurrs. She didn’t need me. She was excellent all on her own. Which in a way made me feel stupid for thinking my selfish thoughts before. I climbed over the cliff and Sunny reached out a hand to help me up. Just then, I could hear rocks crumbling below us. I looked down to see Chloe falling into the ravine and sliding down off a cliff. All I could hear was her screaming. The both of us (and I’m sure Nadine) gasped, calling out her name.

“Shit!” I exclaimed. But Nadine raised her hand to us a moment and listened closely. I guess she could hear something we couldn’t.

“She’s okay!” She yelled to us. “I’m gonna follow her! You two stay close! We’ll meet up!” She said before jumping into the ravine and down the mudslide, after Chloe. I could hear Sunny groan and swear loud as hell like she couldn’t stand to be with me or something. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. We didn’t have time for this.

“Alright, ENOUGH!” I barked, tossing my cigarette off the edge, forcing out the excess smoke from my lungs through my nostrils in an ire manner. I stood up and turned to look at her with a screwed up expression. Sunny looked at me like I had lost my mind. And maybe I had… I wasn’t so sure. “You’re gonna have to talk to me sometime...” I told her. Begged her, really. She shook her head, chuckling at me. She placed her hands on her hips and bit her lip, standing her ground.

“You really wanna do this now?” Sunny asked me, raising her voice as she approached me slowly. I nodded. I was amped up and tired of the third degree.

“When the hell else are we gonna be able to do it, Sunny?! Yeah! Yeah, I wanna do this now. Right now!” I said in an authoritative voice, puffing my chest out a little. A snarl curled at her lips as she boldly looked me in the eyes.

“Alright then, let’s fuckin’ get to it!!” She shrilled, angrily. Last time she yelled at me like this, I had left for Libertalia without her and we both thought Nathan had gotten hurt. She was just as scary as I remembered. Maybe I shouldn’t have picked this fight so soon. But it had to happen. We needed it out of the way so we could work without distractions. Most of all…. I just wanted my girl back. For real this time. Sunny looked up at me, her eyes never leaving mine, nostrils flaring like an angry bull and her lips pursed; possibly biting her tongue from starting off with the hard hitting questions right away. But this is Sunny we’re talking about. She couldn’t help it. It just wasn’t in her nature to be subtle or tactical in any way. She had to attack it head on.

“Chloe? Really, bro? No offense to Chloe at all, but how desperate are you?!” She exclaimed. I had to laugh. Never in my life had I been before called….

“Desperate?! No, sweetheart. I ain’t desperate—” I chuckled, raising my voice in irritation, both of us beginning to lose our temper.

“So then what the hell, Sam?!” She shouted, furrowing her brow at me. That wasn’t fair. She’d been holding onto this anger about me and Chloe for so long. Yet she hadn’t brought a word about herself to the table.

“What about you?! Huh?!” I shouted, opening my arms to her, welcoming any excuses she could give me. I might be a hardass but I do have my feelings, too. “You don’t get to yell at me about sleepin’ with other people, Sunny!”

“And why the fuck not?!” She yelled. Since we were putting it all out there, I didn’t think it’d hurt if I begged the question.

“How long you been sleepin’ with him?” I asked in a tone so calm, it even scared myself. I stared her in her eyes, waiting for an answer I thought already knew. Her expression never faltered though.

“Who?” She asked, playing dumb. But she knew exactly who I was talking about.

“Erik.” I said, firmly. After I brought it up, my heart began to speed. To be honest, I was a little scared to know. But I could see she really thought I was oblivious to it all.

“Sam—” she began.

“Do I look stupid to you?! Eh, do I?!” I interrupted. “D-Did ya think I didn’t notice? That I didn’t see it? All those little looks he gave you? And still gives you! The way he hugs and kisses all over you? ‘My little Sunflower’?!” I bombarded her with information and evidence that didn’t take me long to pick up during my week of being in San Francisco. She and everyone around her was an open book. The look on Erik’s face when he looked at her like she was the last source of water on earth. Like he was absolutely infatuated— no. In love with this woman. I knew it well. It was the face I made at her quite often.

“Sam, I told you he’s my best frie—” she started but I didn’t want excuses.

“Just answer the goddamn question!” I snapped. She was talking around in circles and I didn’t have time for it. We didn’t have time for it.

“Since long before I met you.” She growled, staring me deep into my eyes. I stared her down and she looked right back. I wasn’t intimidating her for anything. Why I thought I could for a moment, I didn’t know. Nobody scared Sunny Spurrs. Something about knowing officially that she slept with Erik… It hurt more than I thought. And suddenly, I began to understand how she must’ve been feeling. On the other hand though, I couldn’t help but wonder… I winced before bringing up my next question. This one I hoped wasn’t true.

“So you’ve been leading him on? Have you been leading me on?” I asked. I couldn’t be lead on. I didn’t have time for it. I was a grown man with grown man shit to do, treasures to discover. Putting energy into something that wasn’t going anywhere was the last thing I wanted to do.

“Sam, you fucked several girls in several countries. And you fucked Chloe! You don’t get to be pissed over the one guy I fucked, out of your seven! Did it really take so many girls to realize I was waitin’ on you?!” She exploded, throwing her arms about. Her brows knitted together and her lips curled into a snarl. I was shocked…. but she was right. As I looked into her now watering eyes, I lit myself another cigarette and shook my head. She continued on. “All summer…. I did nothin’ but think about you and your sorry ass!” Tears began spilling past her cheeks as she spoke. Here we go: I’d done it.

“Yes. I did fuck Erik. I fucked him as soon as we got back from Libertalia. One time! It was routine. He was safe, he was my friend. And I love him so much but… I’m not in love with him. After the one time we slept together, I called it off. I couldn’t do it anymore…. I just kept thinkin’ about you. So what’s your excuse asshole?!” Her lips trembled and she crossed her arms over her chest protectively, running her hands down her arms to calm her raging nerves.

I really didn’t know what to say… I began wrestling with my feelings, tapping the ashes off of my cigarette. If I kept her around, that was bye bye freedom. If I didn’t tell her how I felt, I’d lose her forever… Once I weighed these options, I knew then what I had to do. “You have no idea… how hard I tried to forget you.” was what came out. For some reason, when I argued with Sunny, things tended to come out far different than intended. In all actuality, she was the intimidating one. She made a face at my sudden comment. And I knew how it sounded already, so I took the time to get ahead of it.

“I tried... so very hard to get over you. I didn’t want that attachment— I didn’t need it. Not when I’d just gotten my life back! Not when there was still so much to do... Selfish thinking: I thought you’d only slow me down.” She looked hurt. But I had a point to all of this. I just had to get it together. “As cheesy as it sounds…… ugh…. my heart had other plans for me. I always thought the guys in the movies were overdoin’ the whole ‘missing you’ thing but…. Every time I turned around, you were there. In a beer, in a song, in some crappy silver diner menu… some stupid bracelet...” I began, chuckling nervously as I gestured to the jewelry on her arm. She didn’t laugh but a twitch came about the corner of her full lips. She looked down at her wrist and touched the bracelet a moment as if she’d forgotten it had been there all along. I didn’t know if anything I was saying was getting through to her, but I continued anyway, just bearing my feelings to her.

“Some girl tried talking to me once… All I could see in her eyes were yours. It annoyed me to shit, so I fucked her. Hoping that just maybe… I’d stop thinkin’ about you. And it worked… Not for long though. It wasn’t until I called someone else your name that I—”

“Wow, Sam. Is that supposed to make me feel better? That you called some other girl my name—” she said, starting to storm off but I grabbed her by the arm and ran in front of her to keep her from going anywhere.

“Sunny, let me finish!” I snapped. I didn’t mean to be so aggressive about it. In all honesty, it was the nerves. I couldn’t fuck this part up. I couldn’t afford to. I couldn’t afford to lose her on behalf of my stupidity. This was the important part and I needed to say it. I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest. Her expression was as still as stone but she stayed quiet and let me continue as I struggled to make sense of things.

“Chloe was like a wake up call for me. And I realized…. when it didn’t feel right… that I only wanted you. I didn’t care how— I just wanted you. And then back there, I thought you were gone…. I’d never been so worried to lose someone…. Y’know, it’s been a while since I’ve dated anyone and I was scared.” I said.

“Scared of what?” She asked.

“To feel…” I answered rather quickly. I hated to do it but if there was ever a time that I needed to be vulnerable, it was now. “I was scared to care… I didn’t wanna face the inevitable that I would hurt you somehow… Or that I wouldn’t be able to care for you like you’d want… I might’ve gotten what you wanted a little confused. But I think I get it now...” Her expression softened a little and I approached her, linking my large pinky with her small first finger, gently swinging out hands between us. I chewed on my lip and looked off a moment before staring into her hypnotizing brown eyes. It was time that I owned up to my mistakes…

“I shouldn’t have expected you to wait for me… I guess I just thought that maybe when I was done with my foolishness that you’d still be there. Which was stupid of me— gorgeous as you are.” I babbled. I stared at her beautiful face and began to let the apologies pour. I’d lay it as thick as I need to. I just wanted my girl back. “I screwed up, Sun. I know that. And I know… I haven’t exactly been the best character in your life… But every second I spend with you means more to me than you even know and I can’t lose th—” Before I could even finish, Sunny placed her hands on either side of my face and brought me down to kiss her warm lips. I could feel a faint smile on her as she kissed me. I seemed to melt into her as my hands circled her waist, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. I rested my forehead against hers, parting our lips to give us a moment to breath.

“I wanted you from the moment I laid eyes on you. Whether I liked it or not. Although, you kinda didn’t give me a choice so...” I laughed and a small giggle sprung from her lips. One that sounded like music to my ears. It made me smile. A bout of seriousness came around as I spoke. “I need you, Sunny. And I was wrong. You don’t slow me down or hold me back. You’re in this with me. And you can hold your own. I won’t doubt you again, sweetheart.” I told her. I could see her eyes dart over every feature of my face as her thumbs stroked at my cheekbones.

“I forgive you…. and I’m sorry—”

“No, no, baby— don’t be sorry. I understand why… I really do.” I cooed, caressing her cheek and staring into her eyes. “Hey… let’s table this for later, eh? Catch up with the girls, go make some money? Maybe stop an arms deal or somethin’?” I asked, running my hands down her arms. She gave the airiest giggle. Boy, it was much better to be on her good side than bad. The whole silent treatment/ cold shoulder shit? Brutal.

“Sounds like a plan.” She said as I threw an arm around her. Suddenly, she shoved me and leaned back away.

“What?” I asked in confusion. She tuned up her face and covered her nose with her hand.

“Ross was right. You smell like ass.” She croaked our. I burst into laughter.

“Oh fuck off, loser!” I grinned, flipping her off. She just interlocked her fingers with mine and kissed my cheek.

“Let’s go do work.” She said with a smirk. And with that, we were off to finish the job.

Read More on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26555698

your trans Richie hcs are pure 24k gold!!! do you have any hcs on how he came out to the losers?

thank you love!!! and fuck yeah i do!!!

so it goes one of two ways:

1. they’re all hanging out together and he just blurts it out because he made the decision to tell them that day and once he did he had really bad anxiety about it so he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep it a secret or do it in any sort of organized way

or 2. he tells them all separately but in a short period of time for the same reason

and if that’s the case then this is how he does it!

stan

he comes out to stan first because he knows stan won’t judge him or make fun of him. not that any of them would and realistically he knows that but he’s still terrified and he trusts stan to react calmly to it

so he goes over to stans house and knocks on the door and then just walks in because that’s the kind of friends they are

stan will still knock and wait outside for someone to come to the door because he’s polite but richie knows stan and his parents don’t care if he just comes in so he gives no warning and just shows up whenever he wants

stan’s upstairs so he waves hello to stan’s parents and goes into his room and is just kind of awkwardly like “hey stan the man what’s crackalackin”

and stan just gives him a glance at first because he’s used to that kind of stuff from richie but then he takes in how he’s biting his lip and his fingers are touching themselves shakily to his thumbs and he knows something’s up

so he takes off his headphones and sits up straight and pats the bed next to him and just says “tell me what’s wrong, [deadname]” in that special tone he reserves just for richie when he gets like this and people may think it’s condescending but it’s not and richie knows it

but richie winces at the sound of his deadname—he hasn’t chosen a new name yet because he can’t find anything that fits but he just knows that that one’s wrong—and stan immediately frowns and there’s a glimmer of something in his eyes but he doesn’t quite get it yet

and richie looks down at his fidgeting hands, his leg jiggling like mad and just really quietly whispers “i’m trans” and his heart is beating like crazy but it feels like there’s a sudden weight off his chest because he’s never said it out loud before

and stan’s eyebrows raise just slightly and he puts his hand in between them, palm up, because richie doesn’t like to be touched all the time, but richie immediately grabs onto stan’s hand and squeezes like it’s the only thing keeping him on the ground

and very slowly his eyes raise to meet stan’s—or not quite meet, but close—and stan just smiles at him and whispers “okay” back and then richie grins and squeezes stan’s hand harder

and they stay like that for a little until richie gets fidgety again and pulls away, wiping his hand on his jeans, and then stan asks if richie wants him to use he/him for him and richie nods

“thank you for sharing that with me,” stan says softly, and even though they’re both young richie knows that he just gets it. “mom’s making chili if you wanna stay for dinner.” and that’s that.

richie does stay for dinner that night

bill

the next person he tells is bill because even though this isn’t what young teen richie is thinking is the reason he knows that bill knows what it’s like to feel completely alone in a crowd of people

they’re playing call of duty together on bill’s new ps4 because bill’s parents replace parenting with material things

and while that’s not what bill needs he has to admit it can be nice when he gets new video games

and he likes that richie���s “not like other girls” in that he likes playing video games with bill instead of playing with makeup

so anyway they’re playing call of duty and richie dies but instead of throwing the controller down and making frustrated noises like he usually does he just sets it down gently and turns to bill, pulling his knees up to his chest

and bill doesn’t pay much attention to it at first because while he’s very attuned to people’s feelings, he’s pretty focused on this game

so it’s not until he dies himself that he turns to richie and cocks his head and richie just blurts it out because sometimes bill stares at him in this way that makes him feel like he already knows the truth

but bill’s open mouth and raised eyebrows show that he had no idea, he just thought richie was a boyish girl

but richie squeezes his eyes shut and shakes his head, kind of like he’s trying to avoid looking at his friend’s reaction because he’s expecting it to be followed by him being told to leave

and bill starts, “h-h-hey, no, d-don’t w-w-worry—” and he’s about to say richie’s deadname when he realizes that’s probably not what he needs and it’s a good thing for once he stuttered before he could get it all out

and he’s a little more curious than stan was, at least outwardly, or at first, but he has more questions and richie doesn’t quite know how to answer all of them but he tries and it’s a little awkward but finally bill cracks a smile and turns back to the video game

and richie smiles shyly to himself before picking the controller back up and leaning into bill as they continue playing

mike

mike finds out because one day richie visits him at the farm, biked all the way out there, and he normally never does that unless there rest of them are with him

he doesn’t actually know richie’s there until he goes out to milk the cows, because richie’s standing in the middle of the field with his arms around one of the big cows and his face pressed into her neck

and mike is a little confused at first but then he grins and goes over to them, setting down his milk pail and the stool

and he greets richie happily and doesn’t notice how richie’s hands bunch in the cow’s fur

“teach me how to do farm work.”

it’s muffled, and mike frowns and has to ask him to repeat himself a couple times because richie doesn’t move his face from the cow’s neck, but then his eyes light up

“sure! dad would love to have some more help around the farm. is it just ‘cause you’re bored, or...?”

‘cause he knows richie needs more stimulation than he gets sometimes but conversely he needs less stimulation than he gets sometimes and the farm is perfect for both situations

but richie shakes his head and then slowly moves so that his cheek is pressed against the cow instead of his whole face

“i wanna get big like you. muscly.”

and mike’s never thought of himself as particularly muscular before so he blushes as he asks, “can i ask why?”

“so i look like a guy.”

and it takes some back and forth before mike finally understands that richie is transgender

and richie’s not stupid. he knows that not everything on the farm will get him muscular and that it takes a lot of work. he gets that part but he still wants to do it

so while mike stumbles sometimes because richie still doesn’t know his name so he’s not sure what to call him they start working together on the farm on weekends and richie has the fucking time of his life

ben

richie finds ben in the library after school one day while he’s waiting for maggie to come pick him up and he decides that now is a good time to tell him

so he plops himself down in front of ben and it takes him a while to notice that he’s even there because he’s so invested in his walt whitman book

and richie’s fidgety, fingers touching each other and shoulders up to his ears, but ben doesn’t notice for what seems like forever

it’s only three minutes

but when ben finally does he’s got the brightest smile on his face

richie secretly thinks that ben forgets he has friends sometimes which is why he’s always so happy to see them, ‘cause it’s a reminder that they haven’t left him

but he doesn’t say that

instead he loudly asks, “can i tell you something?” because volume control? never heard of her

and he’s immediately shushed by the librarian and he winces, but ben, who’s used to this, just smiles and leads richie out of the library so they can talk

richie paces as he tries to find the words to say what he wants to say and he thought it would be easier after the first three times but it’s not

he ends up talking about maggie picking him up instead of being trans for much longer but finally he tells him “and she said she’d be here at 3:30 exactly and now it’s 3:34 and she hasn’t texted me i haven’t told her i’m transgender yet but she’ll be here soon”

and it takes ben even longer to process and he’s way beyond the topic by the time he does and then he doesn’t quite stop him but he manages to get in a soft little comment of “that’s really cool! also i hope she picks you up soon”

he got picked up two minutes later and didn’t mention being trans again once

ben later brings it up to mike because he’s not entirely sure if he heard him right but it turns out he did! and he wants to support him but he’s not quite sure how

and mike just tells him to give it time because he doesn’t know if he’s told everyone yet

brady

richie’s kind of nervous to tell brady and he’s not sure why

probably because he’s way too cool for him and he’s scared he’s gonna judge him

he actually really hates the smell of smoke but it’s the only time brady’s ever by himself

so when brady sees richie making his way over to him he stubs out the cig and gives him a crooked smile

and richie’s intimidated as fuck because being the only girl in a group of guys is scary but brady’s the scariest guy of them all

brady doesn’t rush him, though, even though he knows there’s something up, and when richie eventually spills, he grins and just says, “cool. me too.”

and thats how richie finds out brady is bev

she tells him she’s known for a long time but she didn’t know how they’d take it, but now that richie’s come out she feels much more comfortable with it

she offers to give him some of her clothes that’ll probably be a little too big but in exchange she’ll take his dresses and flowy shirts

and even though richie knows that all his friends will support him he’s elated to have a trans friend because he didn’t know any other trans person and now not only does he, she’s one of his best friends

eddie

richie’s the most scared to come out to eddie

it’s no secret that he’s sheltered, in every sense of the word

and he’s terrified that eddie won’t want to be his friend anymore when he finds out

he walks him home from school because he doesn’t know how else to get to him

sonia won’t let eddie hang out with him because she thinks he’ll corrupt him or something, eddie’s never been really clear about it but all richie knows is that he’s not allowed over

but they walk home together, richie’s hands clenching and unclenching rapidly and eddie running his fingers along the soft lining of his coat

they’re both nervous, richie for obvious reasons and eddie because he doesn’t know why richie’s walking him home

even as eddie’s going on about some car that richie knows nothing about but is still eager to listen to, he’s wondering what’s going on and if something bad happened because he’s usually only alone with one of them if something bad happened like when bill told him georgie died

and richie’s hands clench faster and faster until they can’t hold back the words he’s trying to hold back and he blurts out, “i’m a transgender boy and i hope you still wanna be my friend because we’re best friends and i don’t want your mom to find out and take you away from me.”

and eddie’s so taken aback he stops in his tracks, his mind still racing with thoughts about the car but now occupied with this new information

and at first richie’s right. he’s a little scared. because he’s never known any transgender person and his mom has always told him that gay and transgender people were bad

but then he realizes that this is richie, this is his best friend, and if they were best friends one minute ago there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be best friends now

so he smiles and nods and asks him a couple questions because he’s barely even heard of being transgender and richie isn’t much better equipped to answer them any more than he was when bill asked them but he leans into eddie as they walk home and eddie leans into him back and it’s really okay

and once all the losers know, they get together at the quarry and have a little coming out party where bev also comes out and that raises the question of what richie’s name is going to be

and it takes some debating but when richie comes up with his name he knows in that moment nothing will ever feel more right than being richie, surrounded by all his friends who accept him for exactly who he is and never expect anything from him like other people do. he’s richie fucking tozier, and he’s never been more proud to be him.

Stolen Moments - Part Three

A/N: A little miniseries that I’ve been working on. Not gonna lie, this is probably the hardest I have ever fluffed. It is also my very first at Sebastian Stan fanfiction, so go easy on me alright? Feedback is GOLDEN, and the fastest way to my heart. Thanks to @superapplepie​ for letting me test my fluff on her, and to @thorne93​ for correcting all my spelling, you guys are the best.

Pairing: Sebastian x Reader

Warnings: Implied smut

Wordcount: 1802

MASTERLIST

Breakfast turned into lunch and before either of them realized it was already late afternoon. The two of them had wandered the city for hours without any other purpose than to be together, to get to know each other better. Yes they had been talking on the phone a lot, but it was always trivial things like how their days had been and what their plans were for the next day, it didn't go much deeper than that. Of course they had a pretty good grasp of each others personalities, sense of humor, and that kind of thing, but as the day grew later they were both realizing how little they knew about the other. That was changing though. 

It was five pm when they parted ways, but it was only for a couple of hours and then they would meet back up for dinner. Sebastian had insisted that he would come pick her up at her hotel room, saying something about being a real gentleman, so now she was standing in front of the floor length mirror, assessing her outfit as she waited for him to knock on her door. 

A navy colored dress hugged her forms nicely, accessorized with teal colored pumps and a statement necklace to match. It wasn't often that she had a reason to dress up like this, so she really went all out tonight, hair, makeup, heels… the whole nine.  

Sebastian took a deep breath to steady himself before he knocked on her door. This was insane. He had spent the entire day with her, so why was he so nervous now all of a sudden? Bringing his hand up to the door, he knocked softly, his heart racing in his chest as he waited for her too open up. 

The door opened slowly and all of a sudden Seb’s racing heart stopped in his chest. “Wow… you look… wow,” he stuttered as he took her in. She dipped her head down and hoped that all the makeup she had put on would hide the blush that now burned in her cheeks. “You look beautiful,” he said after he had collected himself a little. 

“Thank you,” she said kindly. “You look very handsome yourself,” she complimented. Seb was wearing a simple, grey suit and a white buttoned down shirt. He had left the top three buttons open to give himself a more casual look, but he still looked gorgeous. 

He could feel himself blushing at her compliment, but he tried to shrug it off. “You ready to go?” 

“I need to gather my things. Just give me a minute?” she asked and he nodded. He followed her into the room as he waited. It was a nice room, he thought to himself as he tried very hard not to take notice of how her hips swayed in that dress. 

***

(YN) didn't care about the Empire State Building, or Times Square, or The Statue Of Liberty, or any of the other things she had wanted to see when she visited New York. Those things were the furthest from her mind as she laid on her hotel bed, Sebastian on top of her as they moved together to chase their releases. 

The coil tightened in her stomach and Sebastian’s name fell from her lips like a curse as the orgasm raced through her, his own release following soon after. How they ended up in her bed, clothes scattered all over the floor and limbs intertwined, she had no idea, but it didn't matter either, 

For a while they just lay there in silence, her head resting on his chest as she drew lazy patterns on his stomach, enjoying the weight of his arm that was wrapped around her waist. 

“I think this was a much better idea than dinner,” he spoke softly, his voice sending vibrations through his chest. 

She tilted her head a little so that she could look at him. His hair was messy from her fingers tangling in it, his lips slightly swollen from the passionate kisses, and a soft, content smile rested on his mouth. “I agree,” she said, smiling back at him. “But I am starving,” she added. 

“Roomservice?” he asked as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and let his thumb ghost over her cheekbone. God she was beautiful, he thought to himself as he took her in. Even now, with her hair messy and her makeup slightly smudged, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. And that smile that she flashed him, that would definitely be the death of him one day. 

She pushed herself off of him and wrapped the bed sheet around her body before she got to her feet and padded over to get the hotel menu from the desk. “They have a little bit of everything in here it looks like,” she said, her eyes fixed on the menu as she sat back on the bed. 

Sebastian hoisted himself up so that he was leaning against the headboard, the sheet that covered him pooling around his hips. “What are you in the mood for?” he asked. 

She let her eyes travel his muscular body, a dreamy expression on her face as she bit at her lower lip, smiling as their eyes met. “I want a big, fat, greasy burger,” she said as she handed the menu over to him. 

“That sounds like heaven,” he agreed, not even looking at what else they had before he discarded the booklet to his nightstand. 

“Do you mind ordering?” she asked. “I want to go freshen up a bit.” 

“Of course,” he said. 

He watched her as she padded into the bathroom and waited until she closed the door behind her before he made the call down to the kitchen. Once the order was placed he climbed out of bed in search of his boxers, putting them on as soon as he found them. He was so unsure of what was going to happen next. Would she want him to spend the night? He certainly wanted to. He wanted to spend every moment with her from now and until she got back on that plane on Monday. 

The sound of the bathroom door opening pulled him from his current train of thought. (YN) had washed the makeup from her face and put her hair up in a messy bun, and a white robe had replaced the sheet she had been wearing before. “Here.” She held out an identical robe for him, which he took and wrapped around himself. 

“Food will be here in about half an hour,” he informed her as he closed the gap between them and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close before he dipped his head down to capture her lips with his. 

She hummed in content. “You know, I almost cancelled this trip,” she said softly, her fingers playing with his hair as she looked into his beautiful eyes. 

“I'm glad you didn't.” 

“Me too,” she agreed, raising up on her toes to kiss him again. “Spend the night with me?” she asked into his lips. There was something so safe about being in his arms and she wanted to make absolutely sure that she remembered what that felt like when she went home. The realist in her was screaming at her to not get in to deep with this man, that there was no way that a relationship between them could work, but the romantic in her just wanted to stay here and kiss him forever. 

***

(YN) secured the ‘do not disturb’ sign to the doorknob as she put the leftovers from their room service out in the corridor, making sure the chain on the door was in place before she went back to Sebastian. 

He was propped up against the headboard, one arm behind his head and his eyes trained on her. This evening didn't go as he planned at all. He was going to take her out to a nice dinner, maybe a few drinks, and he was going to walk her back to her hotel, kiss her goodnight and then head home. He wanted to do right by her, and not rush into anything, but here they were. This was better in a way, not because of the sex - though he weren't complaining about that either, but because he got her all to himself and he didn't have to worry about sneaky photos being taken of them. 

She climbed back into bed and mirrored his position, half sitting against the headboard. Seb’s hand found hers and he laced their fingers together as he looked at her with a warm expression on his face. She wanted to say something to him, something that let him know that this wasn't just about sex for her, that she didn't call him up just so she'd have someone to hang out with while she was here, that she felt a connection with him that she hadn't felt with anyone in a long time, but the words were lost to her. Instead she brought his hand up to her lips and pressed a soft kiss to the back of his hand. “I know this wasn't what we planned tonight, but I still had a really good time with you,” she spoke softly, letting her eyes find his again. 

“I did too,” he agreed. “Sex and burgers are two of my favorite things,” he joked, smiling as his ears filled with the sound of her laughter.

She playfully swatted at his shoulder. “I was thinking about a good meal and fun conversation, but alright,” she teased. 

“Oh yeah… that too,” he agreed, leaning into kiss her. 

“I guess the gorgeous, naked man in my bed isn't too shabby either,” she admitted in between kisses. 

He couldn't help but blush at her comment, like he always did when someone complimented him, but hopefully she didn't notice in the dim light. The kiss they shared deepened and she threw one of her legs over him, moving so that she was straddling him and his hands instinctively found her thighs, his fingers dipping under the edge of her robe. 

She pushed herself up and sat back on his lap, her nimble fingers working to untie the knot on his robe, wanting to feel his skin against her again. 

“You're beautiful, you know that?” he said softly as he looked up at her. 

She didn't answer him, but a soft smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she finally untied his robe and let it fall to his sides and onto the bed. He sat up to get closer to her, his hands traveling further up her thighs until they landed on her hips and his mouth found hers again. 

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Tags: @maggotzombie​

Survey #292

“dear god, let’s make this fucking clear: dear god, there’s nothing that i fear”

What internet browser do you use? Chrome. What brand water do you drink? (Smart Water, Dasani, etc) Mom just grabs the Great Value jugs. Do you have a job? No. Are you full-time or part-time? N/A Are you watching TV right now? No. Or are you listening to music? Yeah, "Mr. Crowley" by Ozzy. Such a great song. Would you go to jail for 3 years for $1,000,000? No. I would NOT survive in jail. When's your birthday? February 5th. I cannot fucking believe I'm almost 25. Thoughts on kids? Too impressionable for me. Even with my niece and nephew, I feel like every single word I say just like... stamps into their brains, and what if I say something that negatively affects them? I feel like it's my responsibility as an aunt to be a fountain of wisdom when I'm definitely not. I just get nervous around kids. Worst punishment you've ever received by your parents? I wouldn't call it a "punishment," but when I skinned the everliving fuck out of my knees and Mom was patching me up while I was just sobbing away, my dad literally roared "SHUT UP!" from my parents' bedroom, and it's stuck with me forever. Honestly, I think it may be a root in my extreme fear of men yelling. Worst punishment from Mom, probably this time where she smacked the shit outta my arm as a kid and left a clear handprint for a while. Are you the type who is completely against abortion? Why? No, I am firmly pro-choice, despite being pro-life most of my life. I don't feel like writing a moral essay, but basically, I absolutely cannot agree with forcing a woman to carry a human they don't want for whatever reason for nine fucking months, endure one of the most traumatically painful things known to man, and then properly and adequately care for that child. That is such a huge fucking responsibility that should be forced upon *nobody*. "But adoption!" Yeah, go tell that to the thousands of children waiting on you. This is leaning on exactly what I said I wouldn't do, so moving along. Have you ever read a book that actually changed your outlook on life? "I’ve read some books that were phenomenal, but I wouldn’t necessarily go so far as to say that they 'changed my outlook on life'." <<<< This was Johnny Got His Gun for me. Does your favorite flower hold any meaning to you? No. What would you do if your favorite animal became endangered? I would fucking freak. Have you ever owned an expensive eyeshadow palette? No, but I honestly do want at least one, primarily with a deep black and then some nice grays and neutral colors. Do you own a tripod for your camera? Yes. Are your nails always painted? Quite the opposite. What's one thing you've had a toxic reaction to? A breakup. Which holiday is your favorite to decorate for? I honestly don't really decorate because I just don't have the motivation, but Halloween is the best. Were you popular in school? Nope. Are there any foods that often give you heartburn or indigestion? BANANAS, dark sodas (like Coke or Dr. Pepper), peanut butter can... It's hard for me to tell much now because I have chronic heartburn and am medicated for it. Works great, so I don't experience this much. Is there something you intend to buy in the near future? Yes. Once my tattoo is done (I'm setting the appointment the next time we leave the house, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH), what I have left is going towards Venus' new terrarium. She really needs a 40 gallon. Is anyone in your family artistically talented? What about musically? I was the art kid, and family still insist I should be an artist. What cute behaviors or characteristics does/do your pet(s) have? Omg, Roman has so many. He nuzzles me all the time, will collapse into my hand to pet him, he insists on being the little spoon at bedtime (no, really), he literally tries to groom me with his teeth, licks my face... He is just a doll. My little buddy for sure. Now onto Venus. She loves to chill next to me in bed or find a cozy place under the covers, and omgggg does she love to slither around the bed doing the periscope thing. So curious. What's the screensaver on your computer? I don't have one. What’s the sexiest thing about a guy? I am WEAK for nice shoulderblades/muscular shoulders ok. What’s the sexiest thing about a girl? I am an ass bitch and I will not hesitate to admit it ayyyyyeeeee. Who were you with at midnight on January 1, 2021? Nobody. Who was the last person to send you a message on social media? My sister Misty. She's planning to surprise Mom (her stepmom, anyway) by showing up in a few weeks with her fiance and all her kids she's never met but desperately wants to. My mom is the only "real mom" she's ever had, and she just feels so bad that she has a by now teenage daughter (among three other younger ones) that has never met her "grandmother." It's just an expensive and long trip, but Misty's finally called it enough and is just driving down here with everyone. Mom is going to fucking sob. ^ What qualities does this person have, that you appreciate? Nice timing for this, since her fiercely anti-mask bullshit is all I can focus on about her lately... but there are good things about her. She truly is a very loving, passionate woman that, just like me, feels deeply and expresses it. What was the last thing that caused you to scowl, or frown? Does grimacing count from a sudden bodily pain? Have you smiled at any point during the last hour? Yeah. I'm watching the VOD of Arin Hanson playing Kingdom Hearts 2 for charity, and he went on a total fucking laughing fit. His laugh is so precious, so I just couldn't stop grinning. What was the last thing you consulted Google for? Ensuring "grimace" was the right word for my former expression, even though I was pretty positive it was correct... I don't know if anyone's noticed, but my English skills are degrading, particularly in spelling. It's concerning me. I was an English whiz my whole life up to now. My only guess is it's related to how godawful my memory is also declining. So, did anyone send you a "Happy New Year" message when midnight hit? No. When was the last time you were on a carousel? Probably not since I was a teenager being goofy with Jason or somebody. What is the closest you have ever been to an elephant? I have a picture on my dA of a beautiful elephant walking RIGHT by its fence at the zoo. It was pretty amazing, considering just how incredibly immense their enclosure is. Have you ever played Halo? No, it's not my kinda game. Have you ever read a National Geographic magazine? Oh, I'm positive I've read sections while in waiting rooms of various places. When was the last time you had a pillow fight? I have no idea. Realistically it was probably w/ Jason since that sounds like some cute playfighting thing we'd do, but I don't remember a particular instance. Name somebody who you think deserves more respect: "Retail works. The horror stories my mom has on the daily is absolutely ridiculous. People can be so incredibly rude." <<<< I absolutely agree with this; what friends and strangers alike rant about is just depressing. Nobody, especially those working through a goddamn pandemic that's killing thousands, deserves the disrespect that comes their way. Have some goddamn decency and know half the issues you bring up to retail workers isn't even their damn fault. Ohhhh, I could rant about this. In your own words, define what the word sexy means. So you mean like, what I think is considered sexy, not just the general definition? If that's the case, uhhh. Self-confidence (but absolutely not arrogance) is very attractive to me as a bitch who lacks it entirely, as well as good manners, being outgoing, and just... charm. I don't quite know how to describe that "charm" other than I'm really drawn to people who are unique and happy with it and just seem to have an aura about them that feels good to be in. What is the most popular tourist attraction where you live? I'm going to look at this question as if you're asking about my state and not general location because 1.) there ain't shit here and 2.) I'd prefer to keep relatively where I live quiet on the Internet. Looked it up and apparently NC's biggest tourist bait is the Biltmore Estate. Never been there myself, but it'd be pretty dope. Without looking - do you know what brand your underwear is? I'm in my own home and pjs, who the fuck wears underwear with that criteria lmao. Are you any good at volleyball? NOOOOOOOOO. I went to a volleyball camp thing once when I was younger and that shit hurts the hell outta your hands. I didn't stay long. Have you ever had a water balloon fight? Why of course. Do you think some babies are ugly? Quite honestly, probably most, especially newborns. Don’t you miss Chuck E. Cheese? I do; going there was one of the most exciting possible things to me as a kiddo. Do you think Fall Out Boy is gonna be a classic band, like Queen or AC/DC? Possibly. I mean they sure are pretty successful and well-known. Do you love stuff-crusted pizza? Eh, it's not my preference, but I'll eat it. Do you apply lotion after you bathe? No, but I really should, given how dry my skin is. What’s your favorite color? Pastel pink. Who did you have your most amazing kiss with? I'd like to not think about this. Has a YouTube video of yours ever gotten over 10,000 views? Lol definitely not. I think at least one on my older channel hit 1k somehow???? It was a birthday gift I made for someone. Would you ever get a tattoo on your collar bone? lol I already have one there. At some point I'm getting it covered, though. Do you like Robert Frost poems? I do! Do you go to church every Sunday? I never do. Have you ever been in a relationship on-and-off for more than a year? No, I don't play that game. You want me or you don't, so I'm not wasting my time on your uncertainty or just our lack of stability for whatever reason. If you had to get famous for one of the following, which would you choose: music, acting, writing, modeling? Absolutely writing. What do you think of girls with huge boobs that don’t wear bras in public? ?????????????????? i don't?????????????? care???????????????? they're not my tits??????????????? What is the last thing you tried on in a store? I don't know. I avoid trying shit on like the plague. And then it ends up being too big/small. I wonder why. Is sleeping naked more comfortable than in clothes? I've only ever fallen asleep naked once, and accidentally at that, so I really don't remember how I felt about it? Consciously though, I would feel very, very vulnerable so don't have plans to when I have my own place. Have you ever had a dream in which you were making out, or more, with someone? HAHAHA Y'AAAAAALLLLLLL THIS WAS DEADASS THE ONLY LUCID DREAM I'VE EVER HAD LMAOOOOO Do you feel as though you have a good memory, or are you forgetful at times? Do you feel that your short-term memory or long-term memory is better? My short-term memory is absolutely atrocious, like to the point it seriously affects my ability to get shit done. You can give me something that needs to be done and I will forget in a heartbeat. Now, my long-term memory is astonishing. I can remember many things from my childhood in incredible detail. Have you ever had a concussion or some other sort of brain injury before? Did you need to have surgery for it? I've had a concussion or two. I can't remember which. I didn't need surgery. Do you have any sort of mental illnesses or disorders? What do they involve? Yeah: chronic depression, crippling social anxiety, generalized anxiety, avoidant personality disorder (AvPD), obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD, bipolar II, and I think that's it. My head's a mess and a half. What’s the longest that your hair has ever been? How about the shortest? When is the last time that you got it cut? About to the small of my back; how it is now, which is pretty much shaved on the left and fades to near my chin on the right. I actually got it cut last month; we've gone to a family friend for years whose shop is just an extra building by her house and very rarely has more than two clients in it. We had masks on, of course. At what age did you start getting gray hairs, if you happen to have any? I don't have any. Somehow, given my stress level at all times, haha. What are some ways that you style your hair? Do you use any sorts of products in it? It's too short to style. I don't use any products in it but obviously shampoo. Who was the last person to truly get on your nerves? What do you think caused you to feel that way? Probably my mom. I think she was in a rotten mood for one reason or another and just being snappy and generally rude. Do you recycle? Is this through choice or do you live somewhere where it’s compulsory? We do; it's by choice, and it'd be immensely ignorant not to where we live considering it literally gets picked up with the other garbage. Do you prefer plain, carbonated, or flavored water? Do you think you drink enough water throughout the day? I've never tried carbonated water, and flavored water rarely works for me due to artificial sweeteners giving me beastly headaches. So I'll just take really cold, filtered water. Have you ever needed to call the police, ambulance, or fire department? I had to call the ambulance for my mom right before her cancer was discovered because she was literally immobile and in ungodly pain. When was the last time you visited the library? What was the purpose of your visit? At my old college, as the newspaper photographer, I took some artsy pics up there. I will probably forever worry that leaving school resulted in the biggest career opportunity slipping through my fingers through that newspaper. Do you see a lot of wild animals where you live? Are any of them dangerous? I guess about the normal amount you'd see in the country. Some dangerous animals live here, sure, that's probably everywhere, but you very rarely see any. Aside from when you were born, have you ever had to stay the night in the hospital? For suicidal thoughts and one attempt, yes. Have you ever experienced a panic attack? Ahhhh, do I know those well. Thankfully, it's been a long time since I had an all-out panic attack. Would you ever want to go into the medical profession? Was your answer different pre-COVID? Nope. Well, besides being a vet, which I haven't wanted to be since I was a kid. Where you live, are people paying attention to whatever restrictions are in place to help control COVID? Many? No. Because it's apparently a fuckin hoax or not as bad as the government wants us to think. Fucking cretins. Do you get a real or artificial Christmas tree? Artificial. Real ones aren't worth the money nor mess. What’s your favourite type/flavor of popcorn? Caramel corn. Do you drink oat milk? No, but I'm interested in at least trying it. The dairy industry is absolutely repulsive if you look into it, and I'd love to do what I can to take as little part in it as possible... even though I am a dairy fiend. I seriously wish I could go vegan, I am just WAY too picky for it. Do you love thrifting? Oh fuck yes. I've been very few times in my life, but I'mm all about it. Do you consider using only lowercase letters your aesthetic? I do find it visually appealing; I like the flow of similar letter height. I never do it for "serious" things, but on places where it's "for the aesthetic," it's likely that's how I'll write something. Do you say “mood?” Way too much lmao. Do you own fairy lights? No, though I would like them if it wouldn't look stupid in my room. Do you own glass straws because the metal ones kind of gross you out because you can’t tell if they are clean or not? ... I didn't know glass straws were a thing. I have a handful of metal ones though, but I always forget I have one in my purse when I go out... Have you made a TikTok? No. Do you own airpods? No. Are you afraid of Mercury in retrograde? I don't believe in a planet's position or whatever having any effect on people. Do you make life choices based on astrology? Definitely not, considering I don't believe in it to begin with. How many pairs of converse shoes do you own? Maybe like, five? Number of jeans in your closet: Zero. What accent do you have? Not really any, but sometimes I sound kinda southern with specific words. Do you have a big butt? Yo I got a Hank Hill ass, so no. Do you count how long you and your gf/bf have been together? In my past relationships, yes, I assigned our anniversary to memory. I don't really... know why, like it doesn't really matter how long you've been together, I just do. Have you graduated? From HS, yes. I dropped out of college three times lmao. Rihanna or Lady GaGa? Ohhh, not sure. Maybe GaGa, but both ladies have songs I love. "Disturbia" doess beat all of her songs, tho. The fuckin BEAT. Do you use fake eyelashes? Never tried 'em. Which was the last book that really captivated you? The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. What makeup brands do you use? I'm not loyal to any, really. I would be if I could afford expensive shit, but yeah, that ain't my life.

Should I Walk By Again A hockey game, a slowly-failing business, talks of skin care, and a mutual crush.  Rated E  3.2k AO3

+ + +

David only comes to these stupid hockey games for Alexis. She’s been to almost every single game since she and Ted started dating, and once they got engaged she started inviting David. He’s really not into sports at all and doesn’t understand how anyone can find that much physical endurance fun. This is only his fifth week coming, wrapped in his warm sweater as he sits on the cold bleachers, hot chocolate warming his hands. 

“Remind me again why I’m here?” David huffs, glaring at Alexis, who’s got Ted's other jersey on. She looks cute, he has to admit, wearing her fiancés too-big jersey in support, her blond hair curled and falling down past her shoulders. 

“Uhm, because David, I told you- Ted told me he wished you’d come because then it could be a family thing,” she looks at him with her eyebrows raised. “He’s told me like twenty times the past month how hes always excited to see you here. You’re going to be brother in laws soon, he just wants to be part of the family.” 

“Right,” David frowns. “But couldn't we do something else together? Like...I bet he’d like manicures! Or I could shop with him for new clothes?” 

“Da-vid!” 

“Fine! I’ve been here the past month haven’t I? I even watched that one guy break his arm? That was traumatizing Alexis!” 

Alexis rolls her eyes. “Whatever David. Just…” her expression softens a little, going kind of shy. “I just want him to feel like there’s more than one person rooting for him in the family. I know Mom and Dad like him, but I also know Mom will never come to a game, and Dad’s so busy with the motel…” she trails off, eyes darting all over the large ice house. 

“I suppose,” David sighs, looking like he’s about to regret his next words. “I suppose that there could be worse things to be doing. We’re at least in the city, and there’s food here, so…” 

“Thank you David,” Alexis brightens up, watching the game. He grumbles about being hungry and gets up to go find a pretzel. He’s not been paying attention to the game, too busy texting Stevie and browsing Instagram. Looking at the scoreboard, he sees their team is up four points to Lancaster. That’s good right? Promising? Maybe? He stands in line, deciding next time he’s inviting Stevie too. After getting his pretzel and making it back to the stands, he tries to actually watch the game, begrudgingly letting Alexis take a pinch of the pretzel, too. 

Because they’re in Elm Glenn (which is where Ted and Jake both play, because it’s the closest minor league hockey team), their team is in their home jerseys, dark blue. David watches most of the team start going towards the opposite goal, Lancaster in all white jerseys. Ted, number 12, is speeding down the rink along side another guy, who hits the puck into the goal, completely missing the goalie, going straight into the net on the upper right corner. 

“...and newcomer Brewer makes the shot! The Guardian’s win!!” The commentator says into the mic. Everyone on their side of the rink yells and claps and hollers. David claps a little, but not too much, because that would mean possibly dropping his pretzel, and that’s absolutely not happening. Alexis is bouncing up and down on her heels, grinning widely. Ted is good for her, David thinks. He’s known this for a long time, but it’s reaffirmed now, seeing how happy she is. He tries not to think about his own love life, or lack thereof, and takes another bite. 

A good twenty minutes later, Ted is walking up to them, sweaty and red faced, but happy. He’s got shoes on now, instead of his skates. “You did so good, babe! Like...so good!” 

“Yeah...you did great,” David offers, wishing half heartedly that he knew more about hockey so he could at least seem like he knew what he was talking about. 

Ted leans in close to Alexis for a quick kiss and then beams at David. 

“Thanks bud! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Oh, hey, hold on…” Ted walks a few paces over to where a guy that looks a little out of place is standing. He has on an Elm Glenn jersey too, but David’s not sure he’s ever seen him before. True, he rarely pays attention to the players, but this man is beautiful, he knows he would have noticed him before.

“Guys, this is Patrick. He’s been on the team since Tuesday, since Mark broke his arm. He was great though wasn’t he? That last shot was golden!” 

Alexis shakes his hand and compliments him, but David’s barely aware of it all, as he stares at the guy- Patrick. As he stares at Patrick. He’s smaller than Ted, but still muscular, his brown hair wavy, like maybe if he grew it out, he’d have curls. His eyes are a warm brown, and when David meets them he has to look away, the intensity too much. 

“Hi, I’m David...Alexis’s brother,” David is suddenly very aware of the older Givenchy sweater he’s wearing, sure he probably looks more dingy than he’d like. “You uhm...you played great!” Played great? Come on Rose. Jesus. 

“David...nice to meet you,” Patrick’s smile is more of a smirk, kind of cocky. “Thank you. I was nervous to start on the team, but everyone’s been great. I live in Schitt’s Creek too, just moved here. Ted and Jake have been great.” 

“Oh! You should totally come have dinner with us then,” Alexis pipes up, looking at David with a knowing smile. “We’d love to get to talk more, wouldn't we David?” 

David shoots her a withering glare. “Yeah. You should come.” 

“Oh, I don’t want to intr-“ 

“It’s a tradition! Seriously, it’ll be fun. I insist,” Ted speaks up, his golden retriever attitude coming out. David snorts as Patrick looks a little overwhelmed. 

“Sure, I’ll come.” 

“Great!! We’ll meet you at the cafe?” Alexis wraps an arm around Ted. After a nod from Patrick, both men go back to the locker room to change. 

“What the fuck, Alexis?” 

Alexis has the audacity to just shrug. David is going to kill her, and her weird ability to seem to be able to read his mind. 

“Look, Ted told me he’s single, just broke up with his like...high school on again off again girlfriend or something. And he’s super nice, and kind of hot, in a weird, cute way. All I’m saying, is it might be good for you to put yourself out there.” 

David rolls his eyes, fighting the urge to shake her. “One problem- you said girlfriend. Clearly he’s not into guys.” 

“Wow, okay, you of all people should know not to judge. From what Ted’s told me, he’s bi. They were talking about celebrity crushes or something while practicing and Patrick said he’d die to kiss Sebastian Stan, sooo….” 

At least his taste in celebrities isn’t awful, David thinks. “He’s not going to be into me. I’m like, the furthest thing away from Sebastian Stan. But whatever. We’re getting dinner with him. Let’s go.” 

The forty five minute drive is filled with 90’s pop music and Alexis talking about Jared Leto’s apparent new yacht. They get to the cafe and sit in their usual booth, but when Twyla sits the usual three menus down, Alexis grins. “Actually, Twy, we need another tonight. One of Ted’s teammates is coming too.” 

“Oh! Okay! That’s really nice of you guys, I know when Jake tried to-“ 

“Jake’s different from this guy, we have a...history,” David grimaces, trying to push the weird thruple memory out of his head. A few moments after Twyla’s put the other menu down and headed back to the kitchen, Ted walks in, followed shortly after by Patrick, and oh...okay. Wow. Patrick looks amazing in his deep blue sweater and khakis. Usually not the type of thing David’s into (he tried dating that one jcrew model back in his early twenties but…), but it suits Patrick, and he looks especially...cozy. 

Alexis kisses Ted’s cheek when he sits, and David scoots down on his side to let Patrick have room. He smells like cedar, citrus and...oak moss, maybe? David’s mind flashes to one of the Burberry colognes he’d sampled a while back while at the mall with Stevie. 

“When did you move here?” Alexis asks Patrick, as they all browse over the menu. He looks up and smiles. 

“Two weeks ago.” 

“Oh wow, so you’re like...really new,” she laughs a little.

“Yeah, uhm,” Patrick clears his throat. “I uh...needed a change. So I came here. I work for Ray Butani?” 

Both Alexis and David groan, making Patrick and Ted laugh. 

“He’s not that bad,” Patrick tries to defend his boss. “I mean...he’s a talker, that’s for sure, but...what do you guys do?” 

Alexis starts rambling about Interflix and her PR stuff, and David tunes her out, thinking about what she’d said earlier about Patrick being single. He’s pulled out of his thoughts when a hand touches his shoulder. Patrick’s looking at him, a mix of amusement and worry on his face

“What?”

“I asked what you did,” he laughs a little, lips quirking up. David blushes and sees Alexis talking to Ted. 

“Oh...oh, uhm. I own Rose Apothecary, across the street.” 

Patrick’s eyebrows raise. “Wow, that’s...amazing. I haven’t been in yet, but I’ve walked by, it seems really nice. I’ll have to stop in,” he assures, and David feels his heart stutter. 

“Oh..you don’t...you don’t have to. It’s a lot of face care and candles and…” he trails off, thinking Patrick wouldn’t be interested in anything his store has to offer. 

“And what makes you think I’m not into that kind of stuff? I mean...I know my skin could use some work but...maybe you could recommend some stuff…” Patrick looks hesitant. 

“Your skin is good, especially if you don’t do anything to it,” David frowns. “But...yes, I’d be happy to help. Your t-zone could use work.” He watches pink blossom on Patrick’s neck and cheeks. Cute. 

“You should stop in before it’s closed,” Alexis pipes in, and David kicks her under the table, glaring. “What? I’m being realistic David. I don’t want it to close either, but..” 

Patrick is looking at him, frowning. “Why would it be closing?” 

“Uhm….well...I don’t,” David groans, wishing he could smack Alexis. Of course he now has to explain to this cute stranger why his business is failing. “I’m not great with numbers? And my dad...he’s trying to help. He co-owns the motel with my best friend Stevie. But…” he trails off, feeling his whole face heat up. 

“Oh,” Patrick suddenly looks much more worried. “I went to school for business...I’m really good at forecasting numbers, I can take a look if you want?”

David isn’t sure whether to be amazed or insulted or embarrassed. He’s maybe all three. “As nice as that is, I think I can handle it on my own, but thank you,” he clears his throat, then gives Patrick a small smile, hoping he’s not offended him. 

“Of course David, sorry for overstepping.” 

At that moment, they’re interrupted by Twyla, who takes their orders. David expects Patrick to order a beer, but is surprised to hear him order mint tea. It’s a pleasant change from every other guy he’s met here. The dinner is easy with Patrick there, the dynamic hasn’t changed. If anything, now David has someone to talk to while Alexis and Ted have little private moments. It’s nice. By the time they’re all outside in the cool autumn air, David’s surprised to find he doesn’t really want the night to end, happy that the slight awkwardness about his business hasn’t actually deterred the nice company. 

“It was great meeting you,” Patrick looks at the Rose’s, then turns to look at just David. “I might stop in soon, see about some new face care,” he winks, and David tries to stop from smiling. After saying by to Ted, Patrick gets in his silver Kia and drives off. Tonight has been a surprisingly good one, and with that, David goes to text Stevie. 

++++

“So, Alexis just told this guy all about your business having issues?” Stevie’s eyebrows are knitted together, eyes a little wide. “I mean...I knew she was stupid, but-“ 

“She just fucking trashed my whole store. In front of him!” 

“And what did he say?” Stevie leans over the front desk, watching As David paces around the small check in. He feels antsy, like if he doesn’t keep moving he’s going to fall into the pit of despair he always falls into when something isn’t going the way he’s planned. 

“He offered to help? Which, who does that?! Who offers to help a complete and total stranger with their financial issues? It was mortifying,” he huffs, shaking his head. “He works for Ray, apparently. Just moved here two weeks ago,” David adds, chewing on his lip. 

“Well...I don’t know David. I know it’s a little sketchy, but. If your dads not even having luck, maybe it couldn’t hurt? You said he went to school for business?” 

David widens his eyes, mouth open. “Are you siding with him?!” His hands fly upwards. 

“No! No...I just,” Stevie looks away. “You’ve worked so hard, and the store is amazing. I don’t want to see you fail.” 

Feeling a lump in his throat, David blinks rapidly, then rubs his eyes. “...I guess it couldn’t hurt...to at least see what he has to say,” he decides. “Thank you...for believing in me.” 

“Of course, I’m your best friend. What else am I going to do? You need to talk to him,” Stevie gives him another small smile. “Okay, too much emotion. Go work.” 

“Thanks Stevie,” David calls as he leaves and heads over to the Apothecary for another day of what he’s sure will be slow business. He has to tamper down the smallest bit of hope that maybe, Patrick Brewer can help him. 

++++

As expected, business is slow, but not slower than normal. There’s been the few stragglers, but also a handful of people buying body milk or new candles. The bell chimes while David is eating a sandwich, and it takes a moment for him to swallow and go out. If it’s Jocelyn, he swears he’s going to tell her they’re closed. Stepping out from behind the curtain, he freezes. Patrick is standing at the middle table, a bottle of the body milk in his hand, reading the label. 

“What can I help you with?” David walks over, smiling. Patrick’s eyes find his own, the man's face lighting up. He’s wearing Levi jeans and a light blue sweater today, and while usually that kind of mid range denim and sweater would make him cringe, seeing it on Patrick isn’t bad- it suits him. 

“David! It’s so different from what I pictured, but better,” Patrick assures. “It’s calming...an oasis in the desert of Schitt’s Creek.” 

“How philosophical of you,” David shakes his head a little. “But thank you, it...it’s something that helps living here, I guess,” he shrugs. Patrick nods, then looks around. 

“So...are you still willing to show me the skin care products you were raving about?” 

David nods and flits around, in his element now. He’s happy Patrick’s going to see him here, instead of a hockey game. He picks up a couple different glass jars and a tube. He can tell, as he shows everything to Patrick, that he’s out of his element, so David takes a breath and starts again. 

“This,” he holds up the first bottle. “This is for washing your face. It’s like the baseline of good skin care. Literally just use it twice a day, it’s easy, I promise. You can’t go wrong.” Patrick nods, which makes David laugh. “I know it’s overwhelming, but it gets easier.” 

“Next is your toner. All you have to do is put some on a cotton ball and swipe it all over your face. There’s a spray too, but the cotton ball lets you make sure you get it evenly everywhere. It takes off any left over face wash, balances oils, and evens skin tone. Lastly,” David holds up the little tube. “This is moisturizer. This one specifically is good for combination skin types. You probably get oily on your t-zone but dry out everywhere else. It’s also got spf 50 sunscreen in it, which will help protect your pale skin.” 

Patrick seems to actually be understanding this time, smiling along. “So face wash, toner, moisturizer. Got it. That’s pretty easy,” he says, and David nods. 

“Just remember not to wipe your face like...ever. Pat it dry. That’ll help not clog your pores. And cold water to rinse the face wash off.” David puts the three items up on the counter, watching as Patrick continues to look around. He stops at the scarves hanging on the back wall, touching the black one. 

“This is soft.” 

“100 percent cat hair,” David admits, making Patrick instantly drop it. “Allergic?” 

“Yeah, don’t really feel like going into a Benadryl induced coma right now,” Patrick laughs, scrunching his nose up. It should be illegal to be as cute as he is. 

“So, uhm,” David wrings his hands together as Patrick turns to look at him. His eyes are trained on David, making him feel exposed. “After talking with Stevie...I think...does your offer still stand on looking at some of the store’s numbers?” He’s nervous and embarrassed, staring at the floor, and then Patrick’s closer. 

“Of course, David. I’d be happy to. Just let me know a good time that works for you, and I’ll come over. It can be whenever, during store hours or not, I’d just be in the back anyway.” 

David lets out a sigh of relief. “I uhm...We could do Thursday, if you’re free?” He needs some time to tell his dad that he’s found someone to help, so he’s not blindsided and offended. 

“Sounds perfect to me,” Patrick looks at the tea at the front of the middle table and grabs a bag of the mint, setting it on the counter too. 

“Good choice. It’s popular,” David nods at the paper bag with the loose leaves in it. 

“Have you not had it?” 

“I am...not a fan of tea, I’d rather have coffee, like, injected into my blood,” David talks as he rings the items up. He glares a little at the laugh that comes from the other man's mouth. “Coffee is an essential way of getting my energy, I’ll have you know.” 

“Of course, David,” Patrick smirks, and okay, it should be illegal to be that cute, especially when he’s in a boring button down and Levi’s. “Thank you for the lesson on skin care, and I guess I’ll see you Thursday?” He looks like he wants to say something else but stops himself at the last second. Watching him walk out the door, and down the sidewalk, his breath catches when Patrick stops mid step, turn around, then pause. As if he’s talking to himself, Patrick bites his lip and then turns back around, decidedly walking away this time. David can’t help but let his mind wander to all the possibilities of what Patrick might have said, or why he would have come back, for the rest of the day. 

Vigilante

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Request: Steve reacts to his girlfriend getting violently mugged. 

Word Count: 3,200 - One Shot

Once again, special thanks to @kquel12 and @alexabarnes for letting me pick their brain.

Bucky and Steve walked side-by-side off the quinjet.

The team had just gotten back from a grueling mission and they had a few important meetings in the city this week. So they decided to stay at the old tower instead of returning to the compound upstate.

They mostly used it as their own hotel. There wasn’t much left there since Tony had Happy clean everything out. But there were enough guest rooms for all the Avengers to sleep there comfortably.

“Y/N gonna come by?” Bucky asked his best friend.

He tried not to laugh at how Steve lit up from someone simply saying her name.

“Yeah, she just texted me saying she’d be over here in a bit.”

Bucky nodded, hiding his smirk. “When you two gonna stop playing around and just move in together? This long distance stuff has to be getting annoying.”

Y/N lived on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Steve was luckily able to visit more frequently than someone who had a normal 9-to-5 job. But Manhattan was still a couple hour drive from the compound. Even less when Steve was able to “borrow” a helicopter or quinjet.

“Kind of a big step,” Steve answered evenly.

Bucky chuckled, “Please, you’re hopelessly in love, punk. You’d go to the courthouse with Y/N tonight and get married if that’s what Y/N wanted.”

Steve finally looked at his friend and his face dropped. “I don’t want to push her too hard, too quickly.”

Bucky shook his head at the ridiculousness. “If you don’t realize that girl loves you just as much, than you’re a bigger idiot than I ever realized.”

Steve had the audacity to blush and look at the ground as he shifted his weight.

“I’m gonna jump in the shower before Y/N gets here,” he finally managed to say before walking away without giving Bucky a chance to say any more.

———

Steve walked into the kitchen, hair still damp from his shower, and found a few members of the team eating whatever food they could in the fridge. They were talking amongst themselves loudly. It was their way of decompressing after missions. 

“I ordered a pizza. Fridge hasn’t been filled in awhile,” Tony announced to the group as he too walked in.

“Captain Rogers,” FRIDAY interrupted the fun and familial atmosphere. 

Despite being an AI, there was evident worry in her voice. “You’re needed at the lobby elevators immediately. Y/N is on her way up right now.”

Steve tensed and his heart instantly started racing. He quickly went to the elevators that the system spoke of, “FRIDAY, what’s happened?”

He ignored the sound of the team following closely behind him.

“I’m-I’m not sure, Captain Rogers,” FRIDAY admitted, sounding more human than usual.

When the elevators opened, Steve was met with Y/N leaning her weight on the security guard that Steve recognized from the first floor entrance.

Y/N held a tissue to her nose, but Steve could still see that half of it was already stained bright red with blood. There were tried tears soaking her cheek, black smudge was left behind from the mascara and eyeliner they took with them.

Steve rushed forward after barely a second passed of him taking in the sight and gasped, “Jesus Christ! Y/N!”

He took her weakened body out of the grasp of the security guard, but somehow still managed to give him a thankful look.

“I just wanted to make sure she got up here okay,” the security guard said carefully before backing up into the elevator again.

Steve grasped her face, pushing hair out of her face so he could look into her eyes without any obstruction. “Y/N, what happened?”

“Ummm…I got mugged,” Y/N mumbled. She tried to act like it was no big deal. Like it was something that happened all the time.

Hell, she was at the Avengers Tower. This was nothing than what they’d all survived.

Y/N’s entire body was shaking. And Steve had never heard her voice so quiet and meek. It broke his heart.

“FRIDAY, alert the police,” Tony called out behind them. Then he and Natasha slowly walked toward Y/N.

For some reason, Steve felt the need to hold her closer to his body as they approached. He pulled her frame securely to his muscular chest.  

“They have your phone?” Nat asked Y/N softly.

She nodded.

“Your debit and credit cards?” She nodded again.

“FRIDAY track the spending of Y/N’s cards. And connect to Y/N’s cellphone.” Tony added to his system.

“They probably already t-turned o-off my phone,” Y/N stuttered quietly.

“As if that’ll save ‘em. Don’t insult my abilities, Y/N,” the AI tried to joke.

Tony smirked.

The group started talking amongst themselves hurriedly, making a plan on how to handle the situation. Everyone was very calm and collected. It gave Steve a moment somewhat alone with his girlfriend.

“You okay?” He whispered.

Steve knew not to baby her. Because when he was the little guy, that’s what he hated the most. She’s just been assaulted, violated. The last thing she wanted was to continue to be treated less than a full-fledged and independent adult.

Her eyes flickered around at their audience.

Steve realized she was trying to keep it together for their sakes. She didn’t want to embarrass herself in front of his teammates.

“Come on. Let’s get you cleaned up,” he told her softly, starting to guide her to his guest bedroom.

But when they took a step, Y/N limped and hissed, stumbling slightly. “Sorry,” she muttered with shame.

She’d twisted her ankle as she’d tried to run after her assailants.

Steve gave her a look of anguish. But, without hesitating, he scooped her up in his arms and hurried out of the room before anyone else could watch her any longer.

Once he got to his bedroom, he carefully placed Y/N onto the toilet seat. There was an extensive first aid kit under every bathroom sink at the tower. He shuffled around until he found it and pulled it onto the counter.

He grabbed a new tissue and placed it under her nose. “Lean forward and hold that for me. Don’t lean your head back,” he instructed softly.

Y/N did as she was told.

“Can you tell me what happened? Bit by bit?” He asked her gently.

She was quiet for a moment. Whether it was to remember every detail or to give herself the strength to tell it, he didn’t know.

“I-I was taking the subway here. The car was empty. Then these two guys got on. Th-They tried to mug me, grabbed for my purse. B-But I shoved them away. So they hit me. They made a break for it once the doors opened – with my purse. I tried to run after them, but I had rolled my ankle when they’d shoved me.”

Steve was getting worked up as she spoke. But he couldn’t freak out right now. She needed him. This wasn’t about his anger. It was about her being safe and – now – cared for.

He took in a deep breath as he cleaned her split lip, “Y/N, you shouldn’t have picked a fight with them. You should’ve just let them have your purse.”

“That purse basically had my life in it, Steve.”

“Well, your actual life is what I’m worried about,” he snapped back accidentally.

Y/N narrowed her eyes almost playfully. “That’s real rich coming from you, Steven Grant Rogers. As if you’ve ever run away from a fight in your god damn life.”

Steve shook his head, refusing to give in to her teasing. This was serious.

“We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about you, Y/N.” His voice was stern. “They couldn’t had knives – or worse, guns.”

Y/N was quiet.

“I can buy you a new cellphone. We can replace all your cards,” he added.

Her head hung low now and she refused to meet his gaze. “I couldn’t let them get away with it.”

“They won’t,” Steve said firmly.

Then he noticed that she was still shaking. He went to his closet and grabbed one of his heavy sweatshirts and baggy pair of sweatpants. When he returned to the bathroom, he carefully helped her into both.

Steve pulled the hood up over her face, smirking at how adorable she looked. She had a habit of always doing that when they were lounging around. He was trying to make her feel more like herself.

“You’re okay, doll.” He whispered to her before kissing her forehead.

She nodded, knowing that she’d always be safe when she was with Steve.

There was a knock on his door suddenly.

They both turned to see Bucky standing in the doorway. He had a huge bag of ice and held it up, “Figured you’d need this. The police are here. They gotta get a statement from you, Y/N.”

“She can’t walk around on her ankle. Can you have ‘em come in here?” Steve answered for her.

Bucky nodded and handed Steve the bag of ice before leaving again.

The police came in to question Y/N. It was kind of pointless. Tony, Nat, and FRIDAY had already tracked down the two guys. But they definitely weren’t planning on telling the police that bit of information.

But Steve stayed close to Y/N and made sure the cops kept their distance from her, giving them a hard glare if they got too close.

An hour later, all the chaos had subdued a bit. Y/N was now laying in Steve’s bed, wearing his sweatpants, hood pulled up, and the television playing one of her favorite movies.

Steve had put it on in hopes that it would calm her down. He had felt her high heart rate and her body still was shaking slightly. He’d made her calming tea and tried to get her to drink a few glasses of water. Eventually her shaking and heart rate went down.

“Y/N, I don’t want you taking the subway at night anymore,” Steve spoke into her hair.

“Not very realistic,” she mumbled back numbly.

“If it’s about the money, I’ll put your Uber and Lyft accounts under my credit card. I don’t care.”

Y/N sat up to look into his eyes. “You can’t put me in a glass case, Steve.”

“I’m not. I just want to keep you safe, Y/N.”

She leaned in a pressed a kiss to his lips. “I know, Stevie. I know you can’t help but protect the people you love... But I’m not going to walk through life scared of everything. I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Yeah, because you were coming to see me.”

She sighed, “Don’t do that. Don’t manage to manipulate this whole thing to be something that’s your fault.”

He caressed her jawline. “I won’t. I promise. I’m… I’m just sorry this happened to you.”

She nodded slowly, “Me too.”

“Why don’t you get some rest? You’ve got to be exhausted.”

As if his words reminded her body suddenly how tired it was, she let out a long yawn. She nodded and placed her head back on his chest before closing her eyes.

Steve stroked circles on her back as he caged her body against his. He couldn’t see him letting her get very far from him for quite some time. It would probably end up annoying her. But there was worse ways for Y/N to be irritated with him.

—————

It was early in the morning when Steve woke up, Y/N’s body still pressed tightly against his. Even if she had wanted to wiggle out of his grasp, she wouldn’t have been able to fight his hold.

Steve knew waking up to a cup of coffee would cheer her up a bit. He ever so carefully shifted Y/N off of him so he could move out from underneath her.

He looked back down at her and saw a bruise had formed on her right cheek from the hit. Her lip was still cut and swollen too. 

It both broke his heart and made him infuriated to see his girlfriend hurt like this.

When Steve reached the kitchen, Sam, Bucky, and Nat were the only ones up. They ceased their talking as soon as they saw him.

“How she doing?” Bucky was the first to break the silence.

Steve took in a deep breath. “She’s doing okay. Still shaken.”

“The girl’s tough. She’ll be alright,” Sam assured him.  

Steve nodded in agreement. 

They had always considered Y/N family, almost as soon as he introduced them to her. They were just as concerned for her as Steve. They were probably just handling it better than him.

“Hey, we were thinking that we could show Y/N some self-defense – when she’s up for it, of course,” Bucky suggested.

Steve was pouring two mugs of coffee. He turned around to see the three of them watching him carefully. As if the idea would make him lash out or something. But all he did was shrug, “Yeah…that’s probably a good idea.”

“We have a tracker on them,” Nat informed him carefully.

Steve’s brow furrowed. “How’d you manage that?”

“Tony called in a favor with Peter. Kid knows the city than any of us. He went on recon – promised he wouldn’t engage. He managed to put trackers on both of them.”

Then Nat slowly pushed a tablet towards Steve on the counter. It was a map of New York City with two dots blinking on it.

Steve quickly glanced up at her when he realized what he was looking at.

His hands tightened into fists. “Nat, can you and Wanda watch over Y/N for me?” His voice had never sounded both so serious and deadly.

Nat nodded, “Of course.”

Steve left the kitchen with the tablet tightly in his grasp and went to his room to change.

When he came militantly walking to the elevators, he already found Sam and Bucky waiting for him. They’d changed too.

“I don’t need your help,” Steve told them coldly.

“I know you don’t,” Bucky replied. “We’re just coming to make sure you don’t kill both of ‘em.”

Steve paused and glared at his best friend. “That’s not funny.”

The doors to the elevator opened. Sam and Bucky followed him inside.

“It wasn’t meant to be a joke,” Bucky clarified as the doors closed.

“No uniform?” Sam asked.

“It’s not Captain America getting revenge.”

No, it was Steve Rogers. —————

Y/N had been fidgeting her entire way to the police station. She’d never been to one before. It felt weird. She didn’t belong there and that was obvious. Phones were ringing, there was a constant murmur of quiet conversations, the printer never seemed to stop inking paper.

Steve held her hand tighter than usual as they’d made their way there. He hadn’t let go of it since they’d arrived.

“Okay. Ms. Y/L/N, this is a one-way mirror. These men can’t see you. There’s nothing for you to worry about. We just need to know if you see one or both of the men that attacked you that night.”

Steve squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Y/N nodded in understanding and the men walked in.

It wasn’t hard for her to immediately recognize the two men. However, it would’ve been easier if they both weren’t black and blue with bruises.

Y/N instantly pointed them out to the detective.

“You sure?” He asked her carefully.

“Without a doubt,” she quickly responded and narrowed her gaze that gave him a look, daring him to question her again.

“Where’d you find them?” She asked casually.

“We didn’t. Someone threw them on the steps of the station, hands and feet zip tied behind their backs.”

The detective gave a playful side eye to Steve. Any fool knew who brought the two criminals in. But acknowledging that would make things messier. So the NYPD played dumb for the benefit of both Y/N and the Avengers.

Y/N nodded, but stopped herself from glancing at Steve.

“That’s all we need from you, Ms. Y/L/N. We appreciate you coming in. We know this process isn’t easy, especially after what you went through.”

Y/N signed all the paperwork she needed and said her thanks to the police officers and detectives working on the case. They all politely shook Steve’s hand and they were on their way.

Steve decided to take Y/N out for breakfast to try and bring some silver-lining to the early trip.

“You’re being awfully quiet,” he finally said after Y/N had stared out the window of the diner for ten minutes without saying a word.

She finally tore her gaze away from it and gave Steve a vigilant look. “You didn’t have to do that, you know.”

Steve tensed slightly. “Do what?”

Y/N glared at his attempt to play dumb. She knew he realized perfectly well what she was talking about, further proving his guilt.

“Defend my honor, seek justice…whatever it was that you thought you were doing.”

Steve sighed and sat back. “They got what they had coming.”

“Did you do for me or did you do it for yourself?” She challenged.

“If I’m being honest? Both. I won’t lie about that.”

“Well, I’m glad you found something to make you feel better about all this bullshit,” Y/N sarcastically spat.

Steve gave her a mournful look. She was hurting. He knew that.

He watched her for a moment, not rushing to say words sloppily. “Look, I know nothing I say or do will take away what happened that night. You were attacked and I know that makes you feel violated and weak and unsafe. I know because I’ve been there…far too many times.”

Steve shook himself out of past memories.

He reached across the table to hold her hand. “But you’re my girl. And we both know how messed up our justice system is. There’s a chance they don’t get locked up. I had to make sure they got their judgment…had to make sure they paid for what they did to you.”

Y/N couldn’t stay mad him when he looked at her with those love-filled eyes and said things like that to her. She just couldn’t.

“So are you some vigilante now?”

Steve smirked at her joke and leaned across the booth until his face was only a centimeter away from her’s.

“Only for you,” he said before kissing her sweetly.

--------

Thanks for sending in this request. It instantly inspired me!

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THOUGHT 😉

I really love Caspian and Cole! Maybe you can write something where Caspian is becoming sick because Cole made the dose of that calming stuff to high?

Thank you for the request!  I’m glad you like Caspian and Cole, I love writing their story!  Here is the story, I hope you enjoy!

First | Previous | Next

Awake again in an all too familiar bed.  Caspian wasn’t pleased to be back in his restraints.

‘Dammit.”  He muttered aloud, his head felt like it was filled with cotton.

Cole was nowhere to be seen, which was fine by him.  He wondered what things would be like after last night.  Caspian didn’t remember all of it, but up until the drugging his memory was pretty clear.  It still didn’t make sense to Caspian why he was alive.  Cole had been given yet another chance to kill him, it would have been smarter to kill him, but here he was.  

It wasn’t like Cole was keeping him around for a certain purpose.  Cole never mentioned anything he was planing to do with him.  So why not kill him?

Caspian was trying to think of what to do.  A fight didn’t seem like the best option.  Caspian was clearly outmatched.  The curly headed boy was about 5′10, not short, but Cole was much taller, something over 6 feet.  Cole was certainly stronger, as Caspian had discovered last night.  Caspian thought about how cold Cole’s dark brown eyes had got staring into his.  

Caspian's mind drifted to happier things as he began to ponder eyes. His mother used to tell him a storm got trapped in his head, that's where he got his temper, and the marbling of his eyes.

He didn't realize he had begun to cry until he felt a tear drip off of his chin.

“Dammit!”  He yelled, smacking his arms into the bed, this made a wave of nausea roll over him.  He felt intense pressure on his throat, he gagged.  He felt like he was going to be sick, but with is tight binds he couldn’t move so it wouldn’t be all over him.

I need help, fuck.

He groaned, “C-Cole!  Cole-argh, fuck- Cole!”

After a second Cole stumbled into the room.  He was wearing pajama pants, and no shirt, his hair messed up, he must have just woken up.  Caspian didn’t know what time it was.

“What’s wrong?”  Cole said groggily.

“Let me up.”  

“Why?  What’s-”

“Nggh- please, I’m gonna be sick.”

“Ok, ok, one second.”  Cole ran over and started untie him.  

As soon as Caspian was free, he shot up.  As soon as he tried to walk he fell to the ground, the room spinning around him.

“Come on let’s get you up.”  Cole lifted Caspian up and helped him to the bathroom.  

Caspian threw up into the toilet.

“It ok, it’s-god i”m sorry, I gave you too much of the-”

Caspian groaned and sat up.  He shrugged Cole’s hand off his shoulder.  Caspian leaned back against the tub, “I c-can’t feel my h-hands.”  Caspian inspected his hands, as if to make sure they were really there.  

“It’s probably just a side effect, it’s ok.”  Cole tried to move Caspian, but he was shrugged off yet again.  

“Don’t-don’t touch me.”

Cole frowned and sat back against the opposite wall.  “Do you still feel out of it?”

Caspian debated ignoring Cole or biting out some insult, but he was just too tired to deal with it right now.  

“Yeah, a little, not as much as, before.”   He scowled thinking about his obedience when he had first been drugged, “Just like, everything feels…weird.  I can’t explain it, but I feel more in control than before.”

“Ok, that’s good I guess.”

Caspian scoffed.

“What?”

“What’s your endgame here?”

Cole’s frown deepened, “What do you mean?”

“How do you think this ends?  Are you really going to keep me here for my whole life?  Don’t you have a job?  Or want to get married?  Have kids?”

“I-”

“The thing is, I don’t see an ending to this that, realistically, doesn’t end up in me dying.”

“I’m not going to kill you Caspian.”

“Why not?  Seriously I don’t get it.”

“You’re really advocating for your own death huh?”

“No, just wanna know why.”

Cole sighed.

“I really am sorry you got roped into this, it was my fault too.”

“Why won’t you tell me anything?  You’re the one who is planning on keeping me here forever.”

“I don’t-”

“So you’ll let me go?”

Cole looked down, he didn’t reply.

Caspian studied Cole, he seemed really upset.  

I don’t get this guy.

Caspian smiled a little at his pajamas, what murderer wears Dino jammies?  Caspian’s eyes drifted up, over Cole’s muscular torso, to his face.  His eyes were still downcast and sad.  He did seem guilty, but maybe it was just a ploy to get Caspian to be a better prisoner.

“Do you want to go back to sleep?”  Cole asked

“Not particularly, if it means getting tied up again, not the most comfortable you know.  What time is it?”

“Around 2 I think.”

“Oh.”

“Are you hungry?”

Caspian was starving, he thought for a moment, what was the harm in saying yes?  If he wanted to poison him he would have shot him earlier.

“Yeah.”

“Alright come on, never to early to start the day, I’ll make breakfast.”  Cole got up and walked out of the room Caspian was held in.

“I can, come out?”  Caspian was surprised.

Cole laughed, “Yeah, the alarm’s on, and we have already established I can beat you in a fight, so don’t try anything.”

Caspian rolled his eyes, and slowly got up to follow his captor to breakfast.

What You Mean to Me Ch 2

A/n: Ok guys here’s the second part of my fic! I’m sorry if it kinda sucks and that it’s a bit shorter but don’t you worry! The next part will make up for it I promise! It’s the chapter where everything really starts happening for this story so be on the lookout for it in a few days! I’m just as excited about it as you guys, maybe even more :)

Thank you thank you THANK YOU to everyone who has liked, reblogged, and replied to the last chapter it really means the world to me that I have awesome people like you on here supporting me.

Now, without further ado, let’s get into this! Please feel free to suggest any idea you may have or any comments, 

I love you all and stay excellent, breathtaking, and remember to be excellent to each other!

-Love Deidra

Emily opened the front door a moment later, her eyes narrowed, and her lips formed in a thin frown.

Deidra giggled nervously and gave her friend a slight wave.

“Heh…hey Em”, Deidra greeted Emily softly.

Emily leaned against the door frame, folding her arms across her chest as well as crossing one leg over the other.

“Lucy, you got some ‘splanin to do!” she said in her best Ricky Ricardo voice.

Deidra sighed, feeling like she could relax a little now.

She knew things would be ok when her best friend started teasing with her…even if she was upset.

“Emily, I’m so sorry!” Deidra apologized. “The guys and I were goofing around after practice and I totally lost track of time.”

Emily nodded, the look on her face not going anywhere as she looked down then slowly back up at her best friend a few moments later, trying to hide the smile that was threatening to cross her pretty features.

But it was hopeless.

“C’mon in you silly”, Emily said with a laugh, moving aside so Deidra could walk in.

Deidra felt herself fully relax at the feeling that her friend had forgiven her as she stepped inside the foyer, Emily shutting the door behind them.

Walking down the small hallway and into the bright, pale yellow kitchen, the guilty feeling Deidra had about being late returned in an instant, having grown worse in fact, at the sight of a small pile of notebooks and history textbooks littering the circular, chestnut kitchen table as well as piece upon piece of loose notebook paper coming into view.

She noticed Emily had her homework binder open and had been highlighting some history notes she had taken in class this week, the aqua blue highlighter pen lying closed beside the open binder.

“You want some water or something?” Emily asked, her voice snapping Deidra back to the present as she sat down at the table, scooting her chair in.

As her friend sat down, Deidra noticed Emily had a pencil stuck over her ear, causing her to grin.

She knew that Emily only did that with her pencils when she was serious about studying and this appeared to be one of those times.

“Sure”, Deidra replied, walking over to the cabinet and getting a water glass before filling it from the refrigerator’s water dispenser.

The only sound that could be heard as Deidra sat down at the table was Emily’s pencil working its way across her notebook as she wrote down some history essay questions assigned for the next day.

Deidra was just about to offer help when the swinging door to the kitchen opened again as Emily’s older brother River walked in, a basketball under his arm.

“Hey Em”, he greeted his younger sister with a kind smile.

Emily didn’t even look up from her homework as River opened the refrigerator and took out a can of Dr. Pepper, opening it immediately, the cold can feeling good to his warm hand.

“How’s it goin’, Deidra?” he asked his best friend’s sister.

Deidra gave River a small, shy smile as she watched him drink some of his soda, leaning his head back.

River’s slight, muscular frame was covered in sweat as was his midnight blue tank top that made his crystal blue eyes shine bright.

As River stood upright again, his long, sweat-covered blonde hair stuck to his forehead, sending a chill down Deidra’s spine.

Even though she was crushing on Ted, Deidra, as well as about 95% of the girls at San Dimas High, couldn’t help but think that River Phoenix was hot but that’s where Deidra’s feelings for River ended.

River had been going with a girl in her brother Barry’s history class for almost a year now and besides, the only realistic way Deidra looked at River was like a second older brother as well as a good friend.

Emily suddenly stopped writing and sniffed the air, a sour look crossing her face.

It was only then she noticed that her brother was in the kitchen.

“Ugh!” she cried, covering her nose with her hands. “Bro go take a shower! You stink!”

River chuckled, playing the typical older-brother-who-likes-to-tease-and-gross-out-his-younger-sister role he did with Emily about half the time.

The other half of the time, River was mature and responsible.

He was a straight A student at San Dimas High as was captain of the school’s basketball team that Barry was also a part of and one of the most popular guys in school.

But even though River was mature most times, he was still like any other teenage boy who liked to go out and act stupid with his friends…or just act stupid in general.

River loved his little sister to bits and the two were as close as close could get.

If you didn’t know that River was only a year older than his sister, you would have thought they were fraternal twins.

River shrugged his shoulders as he hopped up on to the counter, his legs dangling off the edge.

“Hey, are you guys going to Bill’s party tomorrow night?” Deidra asked.

River downed the rest of his soda before crushing the can in his hand.

“Yup”, he replied, throwing the can in the kitchen garbage a few steps away. “I’m going with Ashley and the guys.”

He grinned.

“From what I hear about it, it’s gonna be awesome! It seems like the whole school’s going to be there!”

Deidra gave her best friend’s brother a smirk.

“Even if it’s gonna be hosted by a junior?” she asked, knowing there were some seniors who wouldn’t be caught dead at a party being thrown by a junior or younger.

“Ehh who cares?” River replied with a shrug of his shoulders. “Besides, Bill’s awesome and he knows how to throw a good party.”

His eyes lit up as he remembered something.

“Remember his Halloween party last year?”

Emily looked up from her homework, smiling at the memory.

“Yeah”, she answered with a laugh. “Everyone dressed in Michael Jackson’s Thriller outfit and we started doing the Thriller dance at the end of the night under the full moon. Oh man that was awesome!”

“Oh, yeah!” River chimed in with a wide smile. “I remember the neighbors kept calling Bill’s dad for weeks on end after that complaining about how they could hear the music from 20 blocks away!”

“And right as the song ended, it started raining!” Deidra recalled, taking a sip of her water.

“And not just drizzlin’ either”, Emily cried, shooting River a knowing look as he hopped off the counter, knowing where she was going with this.

“But down pourin’ baby!” River and Emily yelled in unison before bursting out laughing, Emily laying her head on her binder and hitting the table with her fist.

Ah, siblings and their inside jokes.

Deidra knew she shared her fair share of jokes like that with her own siblings but now that she was seeing another pair of siblings acting the same way, she had to ask herself: were they that goofy too?

“Well, all I know is that this is gonna be one party San Dimas will never forget!” Deidra declared before standing up and putting her empty glass in the kitchen sink.

~~~

After helping Emily with her history homework, Deidra was invited to stay for dinner.

After dinner, Deidra helped River and Emily clean the dishes before heading home herself.

Her mother, being the over protector that she was, was probably worried sick, but Deidra was too excited about Bill’s party the following night to care.

‘At this time tomorrow night’, Deidra thought to herself as she walked the few blocks back home. ‘We’re gonna party like it’s 1955!’

What Deidra didn’t realize though, this was going to be one party that she and her loved ones were going to remember for years to come…

…the good…

…and the bad.

Taglist:

@shhh-no-ones-home @celestiaelisia

Weirdly specific ask, but do you have an offical height and weight for Arthur? Unpopular opinion, but I think Arthur's more tall than big (by modern standards). His nude character model is quite lean and trim even at perfect weight. Dutch can clearly shove him around without much effort. Realistically, he'd probably struggle to get enough to eat on a regular basis considering he lives off the land and has to share with +20 people. Chubby!Artie is cute as hell, though.

I believe Roger’s like 6′, 6′1″, so I have Arthur at 6′ (also the default male height in game, which makes me lulz a little because yeah, totally not historically accurate, but what the hey.)One possible result in “Fatherhood and Other Dreams” is that Mary says he’s looking well and remarks he was always so skinny when she knew him, so clearly he was one of those lanky bastards as a teen/very young man who likely took into his mid-twenties or so to fully fill out his height.  The pics we see of him with Mary and Hosea+Dutch from those days tend to support that. I agree he’s very trim, but you can see he’s still got a very broad, solid frame and is fairly muscular.  So I have him about 200 pounds, fully filled out at Perfect weight.  My weight HC, though, that I run with in Sunrise, is that he wasn’t at Perfect weight, except maybe right at the game’s opening in Colter after months of relatively soft living in and near Blackwater with little physical labor and easy access to food.  But throughout the game, he’s slowly losing weight from how hard he’s working and the more limited access to food.  Arthur being as he is, I imagine he easily forgets to eat when there’s something that he feels really needs doing, and the urgency of the situation probably means he’s really not eating anywhere like what he should in terms of regular schedule and food quality.  He also loses some more weight in Chapter 3 with several weeks of bed rest and resulting muscle atrophy after his shoulder wound.After that injury, which is what really kicks off the TB and makes it active, that adds another wrinkle with the weight loss from the illness.  Chapter 5 and 6 send it into overdrive.  By that final cutscene with Micah and Dutch on the ridge, you can see that he’s emaciated to the point of being almost literal skin and bones–his face is very skull-like.  I’d guess he’s down close to 50 pounds by that point, of which 15 or so was already likely gone by Chapter 4 due to sporadic eating and injury-induced bed rest.