Warnings: wearing down, forced relationships, forced pregnancy, Stockholm syndrome?? Settling dark themes, non con/dub con
Nora POV
I was currently laying on the examination table in avengers tower, waiting for Dr. Helen Cho. Steve insisted on this because of how many enemies he has, that they would go to great lengths to take his unborn child at any means necessary.
I still remember when I was eight how HYDRA broke into our home and almost kidnapped me, I had nightmares for a month....
I am brought out of my thoughts hearing the door open Steve stood up to greet her,
"Thanks for doing this." He says with a smile
"Of course, I couldn't have said no especially after the good news you told me." she says with a chuckle
"Hello Nora it's been a while." she says smiling at me as she puts on her gloves
"It has." I say with a small chuckle
"Any concerns?' She asks getting right to business
"I do feel I am bigger than I should be, considering I don't eat much." I say with a chuckle Steve chuckles as well
"Well if you think it's a boy then that is normal." Steve says
"Ah guessing about the gender." Dr.Cho says
"She thinks it's gonna be a boy, I think it's gonna be a girl." Steve says chuckling
"Well lets end this debate shall we." She says pulling my shirt up applying the cold gel and moving the device on my belly
I was nervous so nervous
"Well you are both right,
We looked at each other than at Dr. Cho who smiles showing us the screen,
I wasn't sure what I was seeing and judging by the look on Steve's face he didn't either.
"Your having two boys and a girl." She says smiling at me
the room was quiet for a moment I had to process what I just heard....
"I'm sorry can you repeat that?" I say
She chuckles
"You are having two boys and a girl, you are having triplets." She says says
If I wasn't laying down I'm sure I would have fell over. I look over at Steve who looks just as shocked.
"This could explain why you are bigger." She says wiping the gel off my belly
I felt like I was about to go on full blown panic.
But Steve grounds me before I can placing his hand on my belly,
"That's amazing." He says with his million dollar smile
I am Still in a bit of shock as we leave the tower.
"Triplets I did not see that one coming." He says with a chuckle his massive arm around my shoulders
"That means three of everything." I mumbled still in shock.
He stopped in his tracks looking at me
"Hey, I know it's more than we were expecting, but we'll get through this okay, besides there is nothing we can't do together." He says cupping my cheeks
"I nodded
"Until my mom comes home what about then?' I says looking at him worried confused and terrified at the same time.
"It's fine that's part of the surprise I wanna talk to you about come on." He says placing his hand on my back guiding me down the pavement. both my hands on my belly as we walked.
Warnings: controlling behavior, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, Stockholms syndrome??
So I'm giving the reader a name hahah might make this a series)
Nora POV
It's been four months since the night Steve took my virginity.... I was compliant I knew wherever I would go he would find me, I also didn't want to go in that basement, I was never really a confrontational person thanks to my mom even before Steve came into our lives.
I am sitting on the back patio watching as the morning squirrels chattering and running around. the weather was getting cooler, my hot tea on the table my hand resting on the small bump...
the large ring on my finger.
I look out at the skyline, as soon as Steve figured out I was pregnant he made me quit my waitress job. He set a lot of rules, but If I behave myself He lets me do what I want with reason.
for example if I stop resisting during sex I can go outside that was in the early stages, Steve is sweet when I obey the rules, when I don't there are consequences . I try to do as best as I can sometimes I would mess something up and I would almost cry because I was so afraid of going in the basement.
But he never did just saying that it was an accident....
I hear the slide door open and see Steve standing there in his sweatpants and shirtless well he was putting on a white shirt.
"Your gonna catch a cold out here." He says walking towards me.
"Sorry but the cool air feels nice." I say humming
"hmm. Fall is approaching." he says taking my arm lightly making me stand
"Yes, it's my favorite season." I say smiling up at him
He chuckles
"I know. but you need to keep this little one safe." He says placing his hand on my belly
"I don't think the cold with hurt him." I say
"Him so certain it's gonna be a boy?" He says with a chuckle as we enter the house
"Just a feeling." I say with a shrug,
"Go get ready, that's what were riding out today." He says
"Plus I have a surprise for you later." He says with a smirk kissing me on the forehead
I nodded going upstairs
these past few months have changed for me dramatically. and oddly enough I see Steve less as a monster and more into a different light. sure it might be clouded judgment, or whatever you wanna call it but for some reason I do see a future with him....
I change into a black shirt with sunflowers on it, and a pair of leggings and head downstairs.
Warnings: Non con, violence dark threats forced relationship,
Summary: you try to get away from Steve
You Quickly Stuff your bag with all the necessities, Steve kept you for Six days, having his way with you. Thankfully he got Called away now was your chance, you ZIP your bag grab Your phone & leave the house, you Needed to get Some distance between him, especially before he returns home. You Hop in Your Car & drive off, you knew if you got far enough away, you Could hide from him,
even if he Called you, you wouldn't answer, it made you Sick, what he wanted from you. He was married to your mom. Yet he wanted this life with you, it made no Sense.
[TIME SKIP]
It had been 72 hrs You made it across Canadian borders, you know you had to keep going but you were exhausted. You Stop at a dingy hotel. You Needed Sleep once You Checked in Under a fake name.
Once in said in room you Check your
phone your mom texted you. Something
about her Plants. You & your mother were never
Close. She was never around. She was always
away on business. She was like a stranger to you.
You typed 'Not home will when I get a Chance'
She typed '1K'
Steve however was blowing up your Phone.
"Where are you Sweetheart?"
"I'm Getting worried"
"You butter answer me"
"I will find you"
the texts were never ending
You texted back
"Leave me alone"
"When I find you, your going to be punished"
"Find Some one else to Satisfy You, I don't
want anything to do with You!" You texted
"Just leave me alone"
You turn your Phone off and slowly fall
into a deep Sleep. You Just hoped he would
give UP.
You were jolted awake by the
door slamming. You gasp awake trying
to rid myself of the grogginess.
I look around and there at the foot
of your bed stood Steve.
"S-Steve?" You said in fear he walked towards you.
in a quick motion he pinned You
to the bed under him.
" did you really think You could run
from me?" He glared at you.
. . .
That was two months ago.
Steve was pissed, He pinned you
to the bed by your throat
before you could make a run for it
he tore your, clothes and entered
you dry rough & hard you screamed.
he smacked your ass hard.
"You are mine! You do not leave me."
He kept yelling at you as he
thrusted & spanked you he kept going
after he punished you,
you fill asleep, you were so afraid of
angering him that when you had to
use the bathroom you woke him
to let him know where you
were going.
And when you both got home
he showed you something that
terrified.
you after you got out of the
car he had a tight hold on the
back of your neck tears were forming
in your eyes he led you down the
basement stairs where there was a
thick metal door.
Once he opened the door your heart dropped it was furnished with a bed, bathroom dresser, a nightstand.
“If You ever run or get out of hand? You
will be locked in here do you understand?”
You nod your breath hitching Steve knew
you were highly Claustrophobic & he used
that to his advantage.
You knew he won this battle because you were to terrified to even run now.
Andy stared at me for a few moments but then gave me his million dollar smile, the same smile that used to give me comfort, my hand on his stomach trying to push him away.
"That's just perfect sweetheart." He says with a smile kissing along my neck making me turn away tears welling up in my eyes,
"That means I'll be your first and only." He says starting to push into me,
I try to push him away but he grabs both of my wrists pinning them to the mattress each side of my head,
"Andy please don't do this." I say
"Your my best friend's father." I say trying to reason with him
"That's right, that means you know and understand my grief." He says inching himself inside of me
"And I understand the life you had to endure," He says going in further
my hands squeezing his in pain,
I looked up at him in shock,
"Yes, Jacob told me about the abuse, the physical, verbal and emotional. He made me promise not to say anything." He says
and suddenly in a quick motion he bottoms out and I let out a painful grunt as tears fall down my cheeks,
he lets go of my hands wiping away the tears as he cups my cheeks,
"It's alright, I can be everything you need." He says kissing my lips as he pulled back almost all the way out only to thrust back in causing me to grunt at the pain,
"I will never hurt you, I can be there for you, take care of you. love you everything you deserve." He says as he keeps a slowly steady pace
"You're hurting me now." I say through breaths
"I know sweetheart, It will feel better I promise. But after this I will never hurt you, but you need to meet me half way." He says and just like he said it started feeling good
A throaty moan left my mouth,
"That's it sweetheart." He says his thrusts going deeper and faster
"Andy.." I say not really sure what I needed
something in my stomach felt tight, it felt like something was about to explode,
"I feel you tightening around me sweetheart Cum for me." He grunted above me
all that could be heard in the room was slapping of skin and both of our moans and grunts,
my hands now gripping his shoulder blades for dear life, and suddenly something inside of me exploded, I arched my back as I let out a loud moan, It was nothing I have ever experienced before,
He continued thrusting his hands gripping my hips, and suddenly he buried deep inside me as he let out a loud growl.
both of us panting covered in sweat,
he slowly pulled out of me, laying on his back pulling me to his chest,
"You are mine now Landon." He mumbled kissing my forehead and my eyelids slowly flutter shut... I feel him rubbing circles on my back.
Andy stood there watching your chest rise and fall, He managed to get you out of those clothes that didn't suit your personality, and put one of his shirts on you, he took your heels off they even hurt his feet just looking at those heels,
He hadn't seen you since Jacob's funeral, sure you would see how he was doing, give him some breathing exercises when the weight was too heavy,
He knew about the home life you endured over the years, Jacob had told him everything but he swore not to say anything, now that Jacob was gone, his family gone, the only connection he had was through you and then it dawned on him, he could have it back,
He could have a new family, a new wife, and New Opportunity. You would be his weather you wanted it or not,
He slowly crawled towards you slipping your panties off,
I slowly started regaining consciousness feeling a tingling between my legs,
my heavy eyelids slowly flutter open, I am staring at an unfamiliar ceiling, I close my eyes again feeling the tingling, I stare up at the ceiling again, the last thing I remember was running into Andy after leaving work..... I got in his car...
I feel something rub my thighs, I look down and my eyes widen in shock, Andy is between my legs keeping my thighs apart licking like a man starved.
"Andy! what are you!" I began trying to get up or push him off but before I could do anything he had me pinned to the bed his hand around my throat,
I froze in fear.
"Don't move." He says his icy blue eyes glaring at me
"If you are a good girl I can make you feel good. If you don't I can make this painful. do you understand?" He says
At first I didn't respond my mind trying to process what he just said
I felt him squeeze I felt tears welling up, I nodded
"Yes, I understand I'l be good." I say
"Good girl." he says pulling the shirt over my head and making me lay back down,
He kissed down my stomach
"I promise we will be perfect together." He says as he places another kiss
"You'll see, we need each other." He says he is back between my legs,
"I will give you everything you need." He says smiling at me
"Andy I-" Began but was cut off by the sensation
my hand grabbed his hair, his tongue was diving deep into places I never knew existed.
A raspy moan left my lips,
The tingling was getting more intense.
I felt like something was about to happen, like I'm on the edge....
And suddenly I felt like something inside of me exploded as I arched my back and let out a loud moan, my breathing ragged and fast,
"Mmmm I enjoyed that." He says kissing me I can taste myself on him,
He pulled his shirt over his head and I am quite shocked at how muscular he is, with chest hair, but I look away, this was wrong,
I really don't know how I got myself into this situation, my hands gripping the edge of the sink, as Andy had his hands gripping my hips, his thrusts rough and deep.. his grunting in my ear
"God Landon your gripping me so tight." He says rasping in my ear
I let out a moan
it had been exactly eight months after Jacob was killed by the hands of his own mother when I first encountered Andy after the funeral, I am only nineteen sure there was a age gap between me and Jacob but we were best friends well he was my only friend.
After he passed I was alone, my father was a drunk always taking my money, so I couldn't move out, he constantly taking his anger out on me, beating the living hell out of me,
I was at my place of work, I worked at a strip club I serve, I don't make the drinks or anything I just serve them.
That particular night when I ran into Andy, I ended up drinking a few of the drinks on the tray, so when I left work, I was in a net nylons tight shorts and a white tank top, black heels, that were killing my feet. I was stumbling on my way home since I didn't own a car,
I was using the wall to keep myself up as I walked.
suddenly I hear a car stop not far from where I was walking suddenly I feel two big hands on my biceps from behind me.
I gasped trying to get out of the grip.
suddenly I was turned around,
"Easy sweetheart it's me." I look up at the blue eyes
"Andy? what are you doing here?" I asked
He didn't look happy,
"Let's get you out of here." He says
"My house isn't that far." I say through slurs
He didn't say anything just guiding me into the passenger seat of his car.
He gets in the drivers seat and I feel my eyelids flutter shut as I watch the blur of buildings.
So I’ve got another fic idea with avatar what if it’s a human sully reader abandoned by Jake and the recoms find her and she’s like a rabid animal just a thought hahah
Summary: Sawyer was apart of the Barber’s lives growing up she was always with Jacob . Then he was killed what happens when Andy tracks her down
Warnings: depression mentions of death, under age drinking
******
You stare out the window of your
apartment. the rain pouring outside
it had been a eight months since
the incidence since Lorie Barber
killed herself & Jacob.
You were friends with the barbers.
Jacob was your best friend even though there
was a 5 year difference neither of you
cared.
the funeral you were merely there
to support Andy & Show your condolences
not many people attended. But you Attended
Standing next to Andy, the Barbers were
like the family you wanted. you were
At their place more than you were home.
your family Beat the living hell out
of you daily, you hid your misery
behind a smile when you met Jacob
everything Changed he Saw past the
mask you put on. After that the two
of you were inseparable. But now
he's gone, you're only friend gone.
your Phone Chimes, you open the Phone.
Seeing that Andy has texted You
"I'm outside Your apartment we need to talk."
you Sighed
You were no longer in Your hometown
in fact after Jacob's funeral You moved
two towns away, you are working and
taking online classes. You kept in touching
with Andy, texting frequently to See
how he is doing. Just because You
worried about him, and because he was
like family what You failed to tell him
was You moved, You no longer ate Property,
the only time You Slept was when You
Cried Yourself to Sleep. the only time You
left Your apartment was when Your were
low on Supplies, to Say You were struggling
with Jacob's death was an understatement.
A few days ago you ran into Andy
At a farmers market. He looked Completely shocked
to See You, his eyes showed Concern but you
didn't pay much mind to it.
"I'm not home!" You text Back
"Nice try. I can See you at the window."
❤️❤️❤️
"come on Sawyer!" Andy texted
You Sigh.
"Apartment 2B." You text Giving up.
AS Soon as You hear him knock, You
take a deep breath You are beyond Caring
how You look You were wearing a pair
of plaid pajama pants & a grey shirt
Your dark hair pulled in a messy bun.
You open the door and there stood Andy.
"Can I help You?" You ask.
"Good to See you To!" He Says as he walks
in. You Shut the door when You turn
around. He is Sitting on the Couch.
"You look like hell!" He Says.
you sighed
"What are you doing here?" You asked.
"I think you Knew the answer to that question." He says.
"You Just disappear did you really expect me not to look for you?," He asked
in a disapproving tone.
You sighed talking a seat in front of
him in on your love seat
Andy eyes. Your apartment there wasn't much. Some beer bottles, he would save that for later. he was concerned , your clothes were loose, hair a mess, dark circles under your eyes,
"What do you want Andy?" You finally asked
to Say Andy was worries was an understatement. You were a bright girl. Always Cracking Jokes, smiling. now you looked broken, Andy Could See it, And he was going to put you back together if its the last thing he would do. but unknown to you Andy had a motive, marry you, move you in with him and have another shot at a family.
My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.
Character: silverfox!Andy Barber (mob au)
Note: If you’ve got a problem with slow burn then you’ve got a problem with me and I suggest you let that one marinate
As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️
Your scalp is burning, ears too. You feel like your blood is going to seep through your skin. You rub your cheek as the cool later winter breeze swirls around your legs. You rub your thighs together and stare at the number on your phone. That’s less than you thought… a lot less.
You don’t understand. You tallied it all up. You made sure you had enough for everything. If you hit overdraft, then the fee alone is going to sink you.
You check the statement but it doesn’t say where that extra money went. You hate how the app takes days just to update. It’s shady.
A text drops down over your balance. ‘Here👋🏽’. You look up. Andy’s parked at the curb in his expensive car. You exhale and quickly close the banking app. Later.
You go down the steps, the top of the second last one loose so it tilts under you. You teeter and catch the railing, keeping your stride. You go up the walk and approach Andy’s car. The doors click as you near and you open it carefully, mindful of the paint.
You get in and rest the bundle of cloth bags in your lap, laying your phone on top as you pull down the seatbelt.
“What are those for?” Andy asks.
“Oh, um… no one gives you bags anymore so I thought…”
He clucks. “Ah, sure. Smart. Thinking ahead.”
“I… No, I’m just…” you shake your head and swipe your phone up. You tuck it in your jacket pocket.
“You didn’t even see me drive up. Something important going on? School?” He asks as he shifts into gear, his other hand on the steering wheel.
“I’m caught up.” You say. Well, mostly. Between him and his daughter, you find your focus splintered. “It’s nothing. Dumb internet stuff I should waste the brain cells on.”
“Hm, alright,” he pulls out, the engine humming smoothly.
You hug the empty bags and stare through the windscreen. It’s like the world is testing you. This mystery expense and you could solve it all. You’re not perfect, you had the terrible thought. You could use Andy’s card to transfer the money and lie…
That moment of deceit lasted all of one minute before you let it rot in your stomach. You couldn’t ever. You wouldn’t be able to keep up the lie. You would never feel right.
“Andy,” you say softly.
“Uh huh,” he utters low, eyes on the road as he follows the lazy traffic.
“Can you take it back?”
“Hmmm?” The hum is so deep it rolls in your ears.
“The credit card. Please. I don’t like having it. Especially where I live–”
“Yes, especially where you live.” He intones. “It’s not safe, is it?”
“No, I don’t mean– Well, yes, er, no. I… it’s what I can afford and that’s not what I’m talking about.” You look down. “I don’t feel right having it and I’d hate if anything happened. That’s all.”
“Sweetheart, I wouldn’t give it to you if I didn’t trust you. Or myself. I got money. And if anything does happen, rest assured, it won’t go without reparation,” he stops and waits to turn. “So, I trust you, you need to trust me. Just a little.”
You nod and stare at the dashboard. “Okay. I’m… sorry. I’m not trying to argue, I just… I understand. I won’t bring it up again.”
He sighs. He’s quiet as he turns onto the next street. He has his finger hooked in the bottom of the wheel, his other hand on his thigh as his finger twitches.
“I don’t mind, you know, you talking to me. You can tell me whatever. Tell me what you need or want…” He drawls.
You squirm and cross your arms. “I’m fine. I have everything I need.” You poke your tongue under your lip. “Mm, oh,” you reach for your phone. “I tried to make a list… I kinda went of one I found online.”
“A list?” He echoes.
“I… I know. Everly tells me all the time. I’m a nerd.” You run your finger up and down the edge of the phone case. “I just figured… I guess I think too much.”
You turn to stare out the window. You hear him exhale.
“Can never be too prepared.” He says.
🩵
You wander down an aisle and stop to ponder over the oven mitts. No one really thinks of those until they need them. You didn’t when you moved in. You’re still using a dish towel or your sweater sleeves.
You smile at the cat paw mitts but the fuzzy texture wouldn’t be practical. They’d be too easily stained. Plus, they don’t really suit Andy. The one with the tomatoes would be more practical. It’s just oven mitts.
Your pocket pulses. You reach inside and check the caller ID. You nearly drop it. You lower the oven mitt in your other hand hover your thumb over the green button. You know what happens when you ignore him.
“Sir,” you put the phone to your ear.
“I been calling,” your dad growls. You must not have felt the vibration.
“Sorry, sir,” you sniff. “I’m… studying.”
“Sure,” he snorts. “You got my money?”
“Money?” You cheep.
You haven’t heard from him in four months and now he’s calling asking for money? For what?
“I got all this shit here. I ain’t no storage unit.” He snarls. “I could be using space…”
You crinkle your brow. You never took up very much room. He hung a sheet across the mudroom and you slept there. You never had your own space, not until you moved for college and even now, you share most of what you have.
“I packed everything up before I went.” You counter.
“And shoved it in my basement, didn’t ya? You know what they charge for a unit? Huh? I barely got sixty bucks out of the account and that’s not a months’ worth of trouble–”
Sixty? That’s what you’re missing. To anyone else, it’s not much. To you, that’s a lot of groceries.
“Sir? Sir?” You stutter. “Did you… take my money?”
“My money!” He barks. “You don’t call, you don’t say thank you for nothing. Where would you be without me, huh? I took you on even when Denise ran out, didn’t I? I got you to college. I pay your tuition–”
Not this. Ugh. You grip the mitt and bite down. All you can listen to are the lies. The delusions. He rants on about how he’s paying your way. How he’s the great hero for tolerating you.
He hasn’t given you a cent. Your scholarship pays for your classes, you work at the lab and saved while working the drive thru in high school to afford a place. Even now, you’re barely scraping by and now he’s stolen it from you.
Your eyes sting with tears. They bead in the corners as you sniffle. You hunch down as your dad rambles. You know better than to argue.
“Okay, dad. I understand. Keep the money.” You eke out. “But I don’t have any more.”
“What’re you spending it on? You drinking? Like mommy, huh?” He accuses.
“No, dad, I just… I get paid next week. I’ll let you know–”
“Ain’t good enough. I’ma start selling this shit.”
“Fine. Sell it.” You snap as your frustration erupts. “Sell it all.”
He huffs. “You’re such and ungrateful fucking brat. You know that? I been on this phone for how long and not one thank you.”
“Thank you, sir,” you croak.
“Not good enough, little girl. You think ‘cause you there reading books that you know everything.” He sneers.
You walk further down the aisle, hiding at the back of the store.
“Dad, please–”
“What’d you call me?”
“Sir. Sir.” You correct yourself.
“You’re the same kinda dumb as your mother, you know that?” He growls.
“I know, sir. I am.” You whisper.
“I don’t wanna hear your voice no more. Bitch.”
He hangs up. You keep the phone to your ear as you stand frozen by the shelves of spice racks. You gulp and lower your arm stiffly. Your ears are buzzing and ice slowly trickles through the blaze in your veins.
You blink away the tears and tilt your head back until they dry up. You put your phone away and shudder. A tickle on the back of your arm makes you jump and you spin, shielding yourself with the glove.
“Woah, sweetheart, it’s just me. Everything okay?”
Your mouth falls open and you lower your arm. The tension locks your joints. You’re okay. You’re fine. You don’t have to fight here.
“Um, yeah. I just…”
“Hey,” his voice is soft, coaxing. He reaches for the glove. “That’s really nice. I like it.”
He tugs on it and you let it go. “Yeah?” You murmur.
“Yeah. I really do. You got a good eye.” He says. “See, I was right about you. Good taste.” He admires the glove then puts it in the basket on his elbow. “Come on,” he beckons you closer. “I wanted your opinion on stoneware.”
You nod and slowly force yourself away from the shelves. Something about the way he’s talking to you, the way he’s being so careful, is comforting. He’s not yelling at you, not calling your names. You’re just happy to have anything else to think about but your father’s voice echoing in your head.
My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.
Character: silverfox!Andy Barber (mob au)
Note: If you’ve got a problem with slow burn then you’ve got a problem with me and I suggest you let that one marinate
As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️
Your scalp is burning, ears too. You feel like your blood is going to seep through your skin. You rub your cheek as the cool later winter breeze swirls around your legs. You rub your thighs together and stare at the number on your phone. That’s less than you thought… a lot less.
You don’t understand. You tallied it all up. You made sure you had enough for everything. If you hit overdraft, then the fee alone is going to sink you.
You check the statement but it doesn’t say where that extra money went. You hate how the app takes days just to update. It’s shady.
A text drops down over your balance. ‘Here👋🏽’. You look up. Andy’s parked at the curb in his expensive car. You exhale and quickly close the banking app. Later.
You go down the steps, the top of the second last one loose so it tilts under you. You teeter and catch the railing, keeping your stride. You go up the walk and approach Andy’s car. The doors click as you near and you open it carefully, mindful of the paint.
You get in and rest the bundle of cloth bags in your lap, laying your phone on top as you pull down the seatbelt.
“What are those for?” Andy asks.
“Oh, um… no one gives you bags anymore so I thought…”
He clucks. “Ah, sure. Smart. Thinking ahead.”
“I… No, I’m just…” you shake your head and swipe your phone up. You tuck it in your jacket pocket.
“You didn’t even see me drive up. Something important going on? School?” He asks as he shifts into gear, his other hand on the steering wheel.
“I’m caught up.” You say. Well, mostly. Between him and his daughter, you find your focus splintered. “It’s nothing. Dumb internet stuff I should waste the brain cells on.”
“Hm, alright,” he pulls out, the engine humming smoothly.
You hug the empty bags and stare through the windscreen. It’s like the world is testing you. This mystery expense and you could solve it all. You’re not perfect, you had the terrible thought. You could use Andy’s card to transfer the money and lie…
That moment of deceit lasted all of one minute before you let it rot in your stomach. You couldn’t ever. You wouldn’t be able to keep up the lie. You would never feel right.
“Andy,” you say softly.
“Uh huh,” he utters low, eyes on the road as he follows the lazy traffic.
“Can you take it back?”
“Hmmm?” The hum is so deep it rolls in your ears.
“The credit card. Please. I don’t like having it. Especially where I live–”
“Yes, especially where you live.” He intones. “It’s not safe, is it?”
“No, I don’t mean– Well, yes, er, no. I… it’s what I can afford and that’s not what I’m talking about.” You look down. “I don’t feel right having it and I’d hate if anything happened. That’s all.”
“Sweetheart, I wouldn’t give it to you if I didn’t trust you. Or myself. I got money. And if anything does happen, rest assured, it won’t go without reparation,” he stops and waits to turn. “So, I trust you, you need to trust me. Just a little.”
You nod and stare at the dashboard. “Okay. I’m… sorry. I’m not trying to argue, I just… I understand. I won’t bring it up again.”
He sighs. He’s quiet as he turns onto the next street. He has his finger hooked in the bottom of the wheel, his other hand on his thigh as his finger twitches.
“I don’t mind, you know, you talking to me. You can tell me whatever. Tell me what you need or want…” He drawls.
You squirm and cross your arms. “I’m fine. I have everything I need.” You poke your tongue under your lip. “Mm, oh,” you reach for your phone. “I tried to make a list… I kinda went of one I found online.”
“A list?” He echoes.
“I… I know. Everly tells me all the time. I’m a nerd.” You run your finger up and down the edge of the phone case. “I just figured… I guess I think too much.”
You turn to stare out the window. You hear him exhale.
“Can never be too prepared.” He says.
🩵
You wander down an aisle and stop to ponder over the oven mitts. No one really thinks of those until they need them. You didn’t when you moved in. You’re still using a dish towel or your sweater sleeves.
You smile at the cat paw mitts but the fuzzy texture wouldn’t be practical. They’d be too easily stained. Plus, they don’t really suit Andy. The one with the tomatoes would be more practical. It’s just oven mitts.
Your pocket pulses. You reach inside and check the caller ID. You nearly drop it. You lower the oven mitt in your other hand hover your thumb over the green button. You know what happens when you ignore him.
“Sir,” you put the phone to your ear.
“I been calling,” your dad growls. You must not have felt the vibration.
“Sorry, sir,” you sniff. “I’m… studying.”
“Sure,” he snorts. “You got my money?”
“Money?” You cheep.
You haven’t heard from him in four months and now he’s calling asking for money? For what?
“I got all this shit here. I ain’t no storage unit.” He snarls. “I could be using space…”
You crinkle your brow. You never took up very much room. He hung a sheet across the mudroom and you slept there. You never had your own space, not until you moved for college and even now, you share most of what you have.
“I packed everything up before I went.” You counter.
“And shoved it in my basement, didn’t ya? You know what they charge for a unit? Huh? I barely got sixty bucks out of the account and that’s not a months’ worth of trouble–”
Sixty? That’s what you’re missing. To anyone else, it’s not much. To you, that’s a lot of groceries.
“Sir? Sir?” You stutter. “Did you… take my money?”
“My money!” He barks. “You don’t call, you don’t say thank you for nothing. Where would you be without me, huh? I took you on even when Denise ran out, didn’t I? I got you to college. I pay your tuition–”
Not this. Ugh. You grip the mitt and bite down. All you can listen to are the lies. The delusions. He rants on about how he’s paying your way. How he’s the great hero for tolerating you.
He hasn’t given you a cent. Your scholarship pays for your classes, you work at the lab and saved while working the drive thru in high school to afford a place. Even now, you’re barely scraping by and now he’s stolen it from you.
Your eyes sting with tears. They bead in the corners as you sniffle. You hunch down as your dad rambles. You know better than to argue.
“Okay, dad. I understand. Keep the money.” You eke out. “But I don’t have any more.”
“What’re you spending it on? You drinking? Like mommy, huh?” He accuses.
“No, dad, I just… I get paid next week. I’ll let you know–”
“Ain’t good enough. I’ma start selling this shit.”
“Fine. Sell it.” You snap as your frustration erupts. “Sell it all.”
He huffs. “You’re such and ungrateful fucking brat. You know that? I been on this phone for how long and not one thank you.”
“Thank you, sir,” you croak.
“Not good enough, little girl. You think ‘cause you there reading books that you know everything.” He sneers.
You walk further down the aisle, hiding at the back of the store.
“Dad, please–”
“What’d you call me?”
“Sir. Sir.” You correct yourself.
“You’re the same kinda dumb as your mother, you know that?” He growls.
“I know, sir. I am.” You whisper.
“I don’t wanna hear your voice no more. Bitch.”
He hangs up. You keep the phone to your ear as you stand frozen by the shelves of spice racks. You gulp and lower your arm stiffly. Your ears are buzzing and ice slowly trickles through the blaze in your veins.
You blink away the tears and tilt your head back until they dry up. You put your phone away and shudder. A tickle on the back of your arm makes you jump and you spin, shielding yourself with the glove.
“Woah, sweetheart, it’s just me. Everything okay?”
Your mouth falls open and you lower your arm. The tension locks your joints. You’re okay. You’re fine. You don’t have to fight here.
“Um, yeah. I just…”
“Hey,” his voice is soft, coaxing. He reaches for the glove. “That’s really nice. I like it.”
He tugs on it and you let it go. “Yeah?” You murmur.
“Yeah. I really do. You got a good eye.” He says. “See, I was right about you. Good taste.” He admires the glove then puts it in the basket on his elbow. “Come on,” he beckons you closer. “I wanted your opinion on stoneware.”
You nod and slowly force yourself away from the shelves. Something about the way he’s talking to you, the way he’s being so careful, is comforting. He’s not yelling at you, not calling your names. You’re just happy to have anything else to think about but your father’s voice echoing in your head.
My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.
Character: silverfox!Andy Barber (mob au)
Note: If you’ve got a problem with slow burn then you’ve got a problem with me and I suggest you let that one marinate
As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️
It’s Friday. You have one early morning class then the rest of the day to hunker down and catch up on the mounting list of to-dos. You hardly make it through that ninety-minute block. You nearly missed it entirely after sleeping through your alarm.
As you head across campus, the winter thaw softens as a hint of spring creeps in the air. You do not relish the sight of warmth. The rebirth of green and dance of rain only brings with it the threat of midterms.
You yawn and rub your cheek as the lure of instant coffee keeps your feet moving. You can’t wait to just be still. Despite the anxiety bubbling in your stomach over due dates and page numbers, you long for the comfort of your textbooks. Those are all so much simpler than a wedding.
Your phone vibrates again. Along with the buzz, you feel the weight of that tiny plastic card. It makes it so much hard to just detach from Everly for a little while.
You’ll lie. You’ll tell her you’re busy. Really, you are. You have to work on your assignments and if you have any success, you can even catch up on a little sleep.
You take out your cell, drafting a light rejection in your head. More a deflection. You’re sure there’s a part Everly can find to distract from her lamest friend.
It’s not her. Sure, she sent a TikTok but there’s nothing else there. The only message is from Andy. Tension cords through your body as you stare at the notification. Maybe he’ll come take that card back. You really don’t feel right sending him receipts and explanations. You feel like an accountant.
‘I need your help.’ The message does little to assuage your dread. No, what is Everly doing now and how have become her keeper?
You hesitate. With Everly, you know so well how to handle her. You know you can let her down easy by putting something more interesting than yourself in front of her.
Andy, you don’t know. You really don’t take him as someone who takes ‘no’ well. And the idea of even saying that word to him makes you uneasy. He’s older, he’s richer, he knows more. You feel smaller than him in every way.
‘Is it Everly?’ You type back.
You lower the phone and roll your shoulders under the straps of your knapsack. You slow down and hover beneath the statue of a globe fashioned from little metal hexagons. You don’t want to go too far in case you have to detour.
‘Can I call?’ Andy’s response shakes the phone again.
What are you going to do? Lie? Say no? You could. You really could. Everyone else does it.
You send a thumbs up. Almost immediately, the phone flashes. Incoming call. You answer it too quickly to realise it’s a video call. You blink in surprise at Andy’s image.
“Oh, hi?” You greet in a high pitch. “I… Is Everly okay?”
“Evie? Sure.” His brows arch as if he’s confused by the question.
“Oh… is it… Jacob?”
His eyes narrow and his lips tug at the corner. “We had a talk. I put his head on straight. But I’m sure it will come unscrewed again soon.” He tuts. “No, I just need a second opinion.” He squints and pulls his phone further away. “Give me a sec, here.”
He flips the camera and aims the lens at a nicely decorated room. Soft linens in a warm shade of beige, accents of brown leather and suede, and a touch of sage in the throw pillows and the curtains.
“What do you think?” He asks.
“Hm?” You hum. “About… the room?”
“Well, not just this one…” he says.
Your heart is thrumming. You are entirely perplexed about what’s going on right now. Why is he calling you? Why is he asking about a room? And why is he being so casual about everything?
“Kitchen,” he carries the phone into another room and shows you pale wood cupboards trimmed in earth tones of oak; more green on the lower cupboards.
“Is this… your house?” You ask, confused. It really doesn’t seem like his style.
“It’s an apartment. In town,” he continues down a hall to a bedroom. “I’m running back and forth, burning up gas. Figured it’d be easier to stay for a bit. Make sure the kids are on good behaviour. I can work remotely… for now.”
“Oh, right… I guess… You just bought a whole apartment?” You wonder.
“Leased.” He says. “Landlord says I can do whatever. Gave him a hefty deposit.” He flips the camera back around. “Could use a bit more of a human touch to it.”
“Right. So um… what… you said you needed help…”
“Oh, sure, I was thinking… I’ll still have to do a little running around. Thought you might be up to some house sitting now and then.” He sniffs and his eyes flick out of frame. “And I’ve been thinking, you know, that living situation…”
“I’m fine, really. It was just… bad luck.”
“Yeah, I get that but I could never let Everly live there and… I guess I worry.”
“That’s really nice. And the place is real cool. But I don’t know…” You look around and wet your lips. “Andy…” you look at the screen. “I don’t want the credit card. It doesn’t feel right.”
“No, I want you to keep it.” He insists. “Just for now. Actually, you could bring it with you and help me do some shopping for this place.”
You press your thumb to your lower lip. He’s not asking. He’s telling you. You’re used to that with Everly and you’ve seen him do the same to her but you’re just her friend. And he’s her dad. This is getting strange and you really don’t have a good gauge for that. Not with where you came from.
“Was thinking tomorrow…” he continues. “Hey, sweetheart, you okay?”
You shake your head and drop your hand. You shrug. “Yeah, I guess. I just…” You look down and fold your other arm over your stomach. “You really feel that bad for me?”
“What?” He rasps. “Feel bad?”
“I know I’m not like Everly’s other friends. Not rich or whatever. Well off?” You chew your lip. “But I can take care of myself, you know? I’m not entirely hopeless.”
“Oh, no, no,” he protests. “That’s not what I think at all. No, I know you can take care of Everly. I’ve seen it. I need that, sweetheart. I need someone to look out for her.” He tilts his head. “And maybe me, a little. You know… I’m colour blind.” He scoffs. “So I don’t really know what goes with…” He looks out of frame and frowns. “Could be blue or purple? Can’t tell.”
You sigh. You’re starting to really see the relation. Everly and Andy are impossible to refuse once they put their mind to something. Or maybe you’re just good at that.
“Tomorrow.” You say bluntly, drawing at least one line. “I have work to do.”
“Okay.” He grins. “See you then, sweetie.”
“Right, sure, see you then.”
You hang up and slowly lower the phone. You drag your feet down the pavement as the image needles in your mind. You don’t think he’s smiled like that even at his own daughter. You never ever saw that look before. In anyone.
Or maybe you just have no idea what normal, stable people are.
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