Heyo! My name is McCartha and I like to write! I write for so many different franchises and characters, so I figured I’d try to make a directory.
This is not an 18+ blog, however I sometimes dabble in the writing of smut, but those will ALWAYS include a smut warning. On the masterlists, the fic will have a “18+ ONLY” warning.
Every chapter is individually rated, but if a multi-chaptered fic will have smut, I’ll always warn in the masterlist warning. So always look out for that.
Here is a list of franchises I write for. Each link will take you to that respective franchise’s master list. I’ll keep everything in alphabetical order unless there are one-shots that go together as a series.
Falsettos [Musical]
The Book of Mormon [Musical]
Criminal Minds [Television]
In the Heights [Musical & Film]
Kingsman [Films]
Legally Blonde [Musical]
Marvel Cinematic Universe [Films & Television]
Miscellaneous - Single fandom fics that don’t have a home elsewhere.
Peaky Blinders [Television]
Top Gun [Films]
West Side Story [Musical & Films]
I figured some people might not know where to start since I write so much. So here is some people/author’s choice lists:
Most Popular Fics
Author’s Picks
I’ll update as it evolves, but I’ll always reblog this post if there has been a new masterlist added!
A Comprehensive Guide to Self Publishing Your Book
Publishing a book is every author’s dream, but the path there can be rocky and blocked by a huge wall of information that you need to know. Today, Deborah Dixon has written a comprehensive guide to self-publishing discussing editing printing, distribution, ISBNs, and marketing.
Publishing a book is a rewarding experience, but it can also be confusing or demanding as well. Here is a very brief look at the steps an author can take towards being published.
Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
First ask yourself if you would prefer to be traditionally published or self-published. Both routes are viable and respectable, but they are very different. Traditional publishing involves finding an agent through the process of querying. Authors submit documents like synopses, query letters, and first chapters in hopes that the agents they submit to are interested enough in their manuscript to represent them. Once accepted, the agent finds a suitable publishing house for the author, and all parties coordinate to publish the book from there.
Self-publishing involves much more direct author participation. The author will generally handle editing, marketing, printing, and distributing the book, often with assistance from third parties. There is no need to query agents, but an author should still be prepared to explain their book from a sales standpoint. In self-publishing, the author is their book’s best advocate.
Warning: Unprotected sex; Penetration (penis in vagina)
Summary: Marty tells his girlfriend, Marie, that he's leaving in two days. So, they have the make the most of their last night together.
Author's Note: This took so incredibly long to finish. Like nearly 2 years long, but here it finally is!
Words: 1,762
The raindrops hitting the window pane were the only thing keeping Marty from losing his mind. He had just told his girlfriend, Marie, he was being shipped to the other side of the globe. When he first told her that he had some news yesterday, she didn’t know what she was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t this.
“Will you say something? Anything?” Marty begged. She hadn’t said anything in several minutes. She just sat, staring at her plate, having lost her appetite. At least he had the decency to wait toward the end of the meal to tell her.
“What do you want me to say?” she asked, keeping her eyes down. “I- what- what can I say?” She knew what she was signing up for getting involved with a military man, but she never planned on falling so hard for him. Nor did she expect him to be leaving so soon. “When- when are you leaving?”
“Two days.”
“How long have you known?”
“I found out yesterday. You’re the first person I wanted to tell. Haven’t even spoken to my folks yet,” he told her.
“Then maybe you should ring your mother. You might be able to see her before you leave.” Standing up, Marie carried her plate to the trash can to toss what was left. He watched her for a moment before getting up and carrying his empty plate to the sink. The silence killed him. Normally, he couldn’t get her to stop talking, but now he couldn’t get her to start.
“Thank you for dinner.”
“You’re welcome,” she spoke barely above a whisper.
“Are you mad at me?” he asked, earnestly. He had no clue what was going on in her head. She hadn’t looked at him in what felt like forever.
“No,” she replied, knowing that if she even glanced at him, she might break down. She was in love with him. Hoping he felt the same way, but neither had uttered those three little words yet.
“It feels like you are,” he replied.
“I’m not mad at you.” Pushing past him, she placed her plate in the sink. The clink of their plates hitting each other felt louder than it actually was. “I should get these done. You should call your mother,” she told him.
“All of that can wait. Will you talk to me? Tell me what going on in that head of yours?” he asked. She didn’t respond. “Would you look at me, Doll?” He lifted her chin so that their eyes met. As expected her eyes welled up. “I’m sorry.”
“What are you sorry for? This isn’t your fault. Yes, I’m upset. Of course I am, but not at you,” she spoke through tears. “I always knew it could happen. You enlisted to serve and now you are. I was just hoping- I don’t know. I was hoping we’d have more time together. It’s not fair.”
“I know,” he replied. Kissing her softly, his hands found solace on her waist. She pulled back, looking at him.
“Marty-” She pulled back, looking at him. He was the most handsome man she’d ever met. Gorgeous brown eyes with hints of gold and green. A charming smile that could talk her into almost anything. He grabbed her face, cradling her as if his hands were made specifically to do so.
“Tonight is my last night to spend with you. That’s why you’re the first person I wanted to tell. I could have driven to see my mother, but then I wouldn’t have been able to see you. I wouldn’t have been able to kiss you.” He kissed her. “Hold you.” He dropped his hands from her face to her hips. “I just want to make love to you,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. Giving in to desire, she kissed him. He was right. They only had tonight so they might as well make the most of it.
Making their way to Marie’s bedroom, he fumbled with the buttons on the front of her dress. Eager hands made for clumsy hands. Giving up, he untied his tie and unbuttoned his shirt, discarding it on the floor, soon to be joined by the rest of his uniform.
“Marty.” Marie looked at him with hesitation.
“Yes, Doll.”
“Promise me you’ll come back to me.”
“You know I just want you,” he replied.
“Promise me.”
“I promise if I make it back home, you will be the first person I see,” he vowed. With that assurance, Marie took off her dress, letting it fall to the floor. Immediately covering her body with her arms, she sied away from him. “You don’t need to be shy with me.”
“I- I’ve never-” stuttering on her words, she looked away from him, embarrassed.
“That’s okay.” He lifted her chin. “We’ll take it slow,” he promised, pulling off his tank top. “Come on, Marie.” Grabbing her arms, he pulled them away from her body. “You are beautiful. You don’t have to hide yourself. Not from me.” Peppering kisses from her lips to her collarbone, he evoked a new feeling, something Marie had never experienced. His lips against her skin sent electricity through her body.
“Marty,” she breathed out.
“Mhm.” Pulling back, he looked at her. His eyes were blown out with lust. “What is it, sweetheart?”
“I’m nervous. I- I don’t know what to do. I- I don’t want to disappoint you,” she told him.
“You could never disappoint me. Like I said, we’ll take it slow. It’s just you and me. Alright?” he asked. She nodded. Slowly, she pushed the straps of her brassiere off her shoulders. He smiled, watching with greedy eyes as she unhooked the back of her bra. Dropping it, she left her chest exposed to him. She could feel her heart pounding. Removing her panties in what felt like the most unsexy way, she looked at Marty for his reaction, but he didn’t seem to agree with her. “You are beautiful. Can I touch you?” he asked.
“Y- yes, you can touch me,” she replied. Caressing her breasts, he rubbed her nipples with his thumb. Another new sensation she’d never even thought to explore. Sensitive to his touch, she let out an involuntary moan. He’d barely touched her and already she was putty in his hands. Kissing her, he walked her backward to the bed, until her legs hit it.
“I can’t take it anymore. I need to make love to you,” he told her. “I’ll make you feel really good.”
“Yes,” she breathed out in response.
“Just lay down. I’ll take care of the rest,” he assured her. Laying down, she waited for him. She’d been jealous of the rumors of his prior bedroom conquests, but in that moment she was grateful that he knew what he was doing because she sure didn’t. He was the first person, the first man to see her naked, Removing his pants and shorts, he stood before her in nothing but his dog tags and watch. He climbed on top of her. “Are you ready?” he asked. His dog tags were cold against her chest.
“Yes. I think so.” She nodded.
“Okay.” He kissed her, distracting her from his hand between her legs, collecting her slick. There was plenty of it.
“Marty,” she moaned. He couldn’t believe how sensitive she was.
“I know. Just getting myself ready for you,” he replied, covering his cock in her slick. Without warning, he pushed his cock into her cunt, making her gasp and cover her mouth. “Just breathe through it. Remember, I said we’ll take it slow.”
“Mhm.” She nodded, trusting him. It felt more uncomfortable than good, making her wonder if she was doing something wrong. His thrusts languished as he tried to make her as comfortable as possible.
“That feel okay?” he asked.
“I thought it would hurt,” she admitted. “I was told it would.”
“I would never hurt you,” he promised. Kissing her, he sped up his movements, the discomfort dissolving into pleasure.
“Oh, God,” she moaned.
“Feels good?” he asked. She nodded eagerly. “Good.” He groaned, snapping his hips into hers. “You’re doing- so good.” The room was filled with lewd sounds and moans. Normally, she’d be worried if her neighbors could hear, but she was too lost in ecstasy to care. Nothing else mattered to her but him at that moment.
“I love you, Marty,” she told him. But it fell on deaf ears as he was too distracted, burying himself deeper into her. “Oh, right there.” She held onto his bicep as he continued to hit her sweet spot. She’d always imagined her first time much differently, but this was better than she could ever have imagined. “Marty.” Cupping his cheek with her hand, she tried pulling his attention. He looked at her smiling.
“You look like a dream, Doll.”
“I love you, Marty,” she repeated. The droplets of sweat on his brow and the way his slick-back hair was now wild was a sight to behold.
“I love you, too.” He kissed her desperately. The power of his thrusts became more forceful. “Oh, Marie,” he moaned against her lips. “I love you,” he repeated. Having never seen this side of him, she enjoyed watching him give himself completely into bliss. “You feel incredible, Doll. So good.” She pulled him by his dog tags into a kiss, arching her body into his. With every snap of his hips, it sent her closer to euphoria. Moaning, she was hit with a sort of intoxication she’d never felt before.
“God, Marty,” she cried.
“I know, Doll. Almost there,” he told her. “Almost.” He groaned. “You are so-” He kissed her, slowing his thrusts. “Marie” Moaning as he climaxed, he rolled off of her, laying down beside her.
“Wow.”
“Good wow or bad wow?” he asked.
“Just wow. I-”
“Was it unpleasant?” he asked, concerned.
“No. It was a little comfortable at first, but it was- it was good.” She looked at him. “Did I do a good job?” Her question made him laugh.
“You were amazing,” he assured her, kissing her. She took a deep breath. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she smiled. “I just hate that you’re leaving.”
“Me too. But I’ll write to you every chance I get,” he promised. “And I hope you’ll write back.”
“I will.” She caressed his cheek.
“You are so gorgeous, I wish I could take a photo and take it with me.”
Summary: Brett has the flu and is stranded in Amy's apartment.
Author's Note: Started writing this when Nick got the flu last month and then EYE got the flu this weekend so I finished it.
Words: 942
Amy and Brett ended up getting dinner together and the cycle started again as expected. However this time Amy set some boundaries. She didn’t want to spend so much time at the Phi Sig house mostly because the new pledge Dixon skeeved her out. So Brett spent most nights at her place which he had no problem with. The apartment she rented with her best friend, Liv, was a lot quieter and more peaceful than the frat house. Plus he didn’t have to deal with the constant teasing from his friends accusing him of being whipped.
As much as Amy liked not having to be at the Phi Sig house, she didn’t anticipate Brett getting the flu and being stranded at her place while he recovered. And she didn’t anticipate the person he became when he was sick. Instead of hovering around campus between classes, she kept coming back to the apartment to check on him. Opening the door to her room, slowly, she found him with his back to her.
“Brett?” She kept her voice just loud enough that if he was awake he could hear, but not too loud to wake him in case he was asleep. She walked to the bed, leaning over to feel his forehead. The fever hadn’t broken yet. He quietly whimpered as he tried to move away from her hand.
“Babe?” His voice was still hoarse.
“Yeah. It’s me. Came to check on you. Make sure you are still alive.” She teased. “How are you feeling? Any improvement?” He made a sound that she interpreted as a no.“Figured.” She sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t have a class for a few hours. Do you want me to make you soup or tea or something since I’m here?”
“No.”
“Okay. Do you need anything?” She asked. He rolled over to face her. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this. Sorry, you’re stuck here and not in your own room.”
“I’m sorry I’m stuck here.” He replied, quietly. “But I guess I got lucky getting stranded with two nursing students.” He smiled.
“Yeah. You got real lucky. Glad to see you’ve been drinking water. Are you sure you don’t need anything? I’ll go refill your water.” She grabbed the water bottle off the nighttable and stood up.
“No.” He whined, reaching for her. “Stay here.” Needy Brett was not a side of him she knew existed until he got sick. She loved it.
“I’ll be right back.” She promised before walking to the kitchen to refill his water bottle. Liv walked into the apartment.
“How’s the patient?” Liv asked.
“Needy and still sick,” Amy reported, filling the water bottle from the dispenser on the fridge.
“Did his fever break?” Liv put her bag down on the sofa.
“No, but he’s speaking full sentences, so that’s a good sign,” Amy replied.
“I’m sure he’ll be fine in a week. Maybe even sooner.”
“I ran into Chance on campus and he asked how Brett was. Asked if he needs anything,” Amy explained. “Kind of cute how much he cares.”
“And he’s kind of cute.”
“Don’t tell me you’re going to try going after Chance now.” Amy laughed. She had a feeling that at some point her best friend would end up at the very least hooking up with Chance. She was only surprised it didn’t happen sooner.
“Why not? Our best friends are dating. Maybe we’ll click. Even if we don’t at the very least maybe I’ll get laid.” Liv smirked.
“And last semester you were trying to talk me out of getting back with Brett. Talking all this shit about frat guys.”
“Yes, because most of them suck. But I was clearly wrong about Brett. So maybe Chance is great too.” Liv shrugged.
“He’s okay. Plus his parents have a great lake house he invites us to in the summer,” Amy explained. “Anyway, I wish you luck on your hoeing adventures. I gotta get back to my poor needy boyfriend.”
“Good luck. Try not to get sick.”
“If I do, then he’ll have to take care of me.” Amy walked back into her room. Brett looked at her. “I have fresh water for you.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” She climbed into bed next to him. “Tell me what you need from me. I don’t have a class til six.” Without saying a word, he wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on her chest. “I like this soft side of you. Where have you been hiding him the past two years?”
“Leave me alone.”
“I’m not being sarcastic. I mean it.” She brushed her fingers through his hair. “Never seen you so needy. It’s- refreshing.”
“Is it?”
“Yeah. Bet it feels nice being taken care of for once, right?” She asked. He hummed in response, making her smile.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Taking care of me. I know you didn’t sign up for this.”
“I’m kind of glad you got sick here. Because I would not be taking care of you at the Phi Sig house, that’s for sure,” she admitted. He smiled. “I ran into Chance and he was asking about you. He seemed worried.”
“You told him-”
“That you’re in my apartment dying? Yes. I did.” She laughed. “He asked if you needed anything, but I told him I’m doing my duty of taking care of you.”
“And you’re doing great.”
“I know.” She smiled. He let out a deep sigh. Not that she wanted him to stay sick, but she could get used to this. Hoping that when he recovered, he wouldn’t hide this side of himself anymore.
Author's Note: Brisket Seresin played by Brisket Powell because I have never had a dog and don't know good dog names
Words: 679
Jake walked into the apartment, a small puppy cradled in his arms. Carter and Alex sat on the couch, laughing about something.
"Hey, sweetheart, I've got-" Jake stopped as soon as he saw Alex. "Diaz."
"Seresin."
"What are you doing in my home?" Jake asked, straightening his posture.
"Don't start!" Carter groaned, she looked at Jake, not noticing the bundle of fur in his arms. "I invited him over. He is a guest - my guest. You're gonna have to get over whatever bullshit you both refuse to tell me."
"Are you guys even allowed to have dogs in here?" Alex asked.
"No. Why?" Carter asked. Alex nodded towards Jake. She saw the puppy and gasped. "Jacob Thomas Seresin, that better not be a dog!"
"Your middle name is Thomas?" Alex asked.
"This is Brisket." Jake smiled, holding up the puppy.
"You're gonna get us evicted," Carter replied.
"Then we'll have an excuse to finally find our dream house." He was still smiling wider than ever.
"We can't keep him, Jake."
"Yes, we can. As long as Jeff never finds out. Look at that face. Where else is he gonna go? He's a stray and he's just a pup," Jake explained. Carter took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry to kick you out, Alex. But I have to speak to my boyfriend in private." She looked at Alex.
"I get it. I'll talk to you later. Good luck, Seresin." Carter walked Alex out of the apartment. As soon as she closed the door, she turned back to Jake.
"What are you thinking?"
"He was all alone. I couldn't leave him.
"We can't have a dog. Not here. Not yet."
"Come on, babe. Look at that wittle face?" He held the puppy up to his cheek. Carter rolled her eyes. "Look at Brisket."
"That is the worst name for a dog." She softened as she began petting the puppy. "He is cute."
"If I let you name him can we keep him?" He asked.
"We cannot have a dog here."
"Yes, we can."
"This is something we needed to discuss before you brought him home. Dogs are a lot of responsibility. I'm going to be stuck picking up after him and training him because if you get called off again, which you will-" Carter sighed, taking the puppy from him. "Where are we going to go if Jeff kicks us out? Hm?"
"It's not going to happen."
"I love you, but can we put your hopeful optimism on the shelf for two seconds? Let's be realistic for a minute, alright. Where are we going to go?"
"I understand your worries. I get it. But- we keep putting off looking for a place. We keep making excuses. No more excuses. We can start looking at houses tomorrow if it'll make you feel better," he told them. The smile crept back as he watched Carter mindlessly pet Brisket. "See, you love him already."
"Wha-" Carter looked down at the dog. "He is cute and we can't possibly surrender him to a shelter. He's just a baby." They glared at Jake. "I hate you."
"I know and I accept it. So we're keeping him?"
"We can keep Brisket." She sighed. "I'll talk to Jeff so he's not blindsided. Ask him to give us two months tops to find a new place."
"See! i knew you'd come around to the idea."
"I'm still mad at you." She carried Brisket to the couch. "Your dad is an idiot, Brisket."
"You keep calling him Brisket which means you don't hate the name."
"Shut up. We gotta pick him up some stuff for tonight. A bed, toys, food, lots of pee pads, a collar, some treats. How does that sound, Brisket?" She asked. "You better tell your dad to wipe that smile off his lips or he's sleeping on the couch with you tonight." Jake couldn't help but laugh. "Don't test me, Jacob."
"Pulling out the government name twice. Ouch."
"Next time, warn me before you bring a dog home." Carter looked at him.
Author's Note: Brisket Seresin played by Brisket Powell because I have never had a dog and don't know good dog names. Alex Diaz is a completely original character from a past one-shot.
Words: 679
Jake walked into the apartment, a small puppy cradled in his arms. Carter and Alex sat on the couch, laughing about something.
"Hey, sweetheart, I've got-" Jake stopped as soon as he saw Alex. "Diaz."
"Seresin."
"What are you doing in my home?" Jake asked, straightening his posture.
"Don't start!" Carter groaned, she looked at Jake, not noticing the bundle of fur in his arms. "I invited him over. He is a guest - my guest. You're gonna have to get over whatever bullshit you both refuse to tell me."
"Are you guys even allowed to have dogs in here?" Alex asked.
"No. Why?" Carter asked. Alex nodded towards Jake. She saw the puppy and gasped. "Jacob Thomas Seresin, that better not be a dog!"
"Your middle name is Thomas?" Alex asked.
"This is Brisket." Jake smiled, holding up the puppy.
"You're gonna get us evicted," Carter replied.
"Then we'll have an excuse to finally find our dream house." He was still smiling wider than ever.
"We can't keep him, Jake."
"Yes, we can. As long as Jeff never finds out. Look at that face. Where else is he gonna go? He's a stray and he's just a pup," Jake explained. Carter took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry to kick you out, Alex. But I have to speak to my boyfriend in private." She looked at Alex.
"I get it. I'll talk to you later. Good luck, Seresin." Carter walked Alex out of the apartment. As soon as she closed the door, she turned back to Jake.
"What are you thinking?"
"He was all alone. I couldn't leave him.
"We can't have a dog. Not here. Not yet."
"Come on, babe. Look at that wittle face?" He held the puppy up to his cheek. Carter rolled her eyes. "Look at Brisket."
"That is the worst name for a dog." She softened as she began petting the puppy. "He is cute."
"If I let you name him can we keep him?" He asked.
"We cannot have a dog here."
"Yes, we can."
"This is something we needed to discuss before you brought him home. Dogs are a lot of responsibility. I'm going to be stuck picking up after him and training him because if you get called off again, which you will-" Carter sighed, taking the puppy from him. "Where are we going to go if Jeff kicks us out? Hm?"
"It's not going to happen."
"I love you, but can we put your hopeful optimism on the shelf for two seconds? Let's be realistic for a minute, alright. Where are we going to go?"
"I understand your worries. I get it. But- we keep putting off looking for a place. We keep making excuses. No more excuses. We can start looking at houses tomorrow if it'll make you feel better," he told them. The smile crept back as he watched Carter mindlessly pet Brisket. "See, you love him already."
"Wha-" Carter looked down at the dog. "He is cute and we can't possibly surrender him to a shelter. He's just a baby." They glared at Jake. "I hate you."
"I know and I accept it. So we're keeping him?"
"We can keep Brisket." She sighed. "I'll talk to Jeff so he's not blindsided. Ask him to give us two months tops to find a new place."
"See! i knew you'd come around to the idea."
"I'm still mad at you." She carried Brisket to the couch. "Your dad is an idiot, Brisket."
"You keep calling him Brisket which means you don't hate the name."
"Shut up. We gotta pick him up some stuff for tonight. A bed, toys, food, lots of pee pads, a collar, some treats. How does that sound, Brisket?" She asked. "You better tell your dad to wipe that smile off his lips or he's sleeping on the couch with you tonight." Jake couldn't help but laugh. "Don't test me, Jacob."
"Pulling out the government name twice. Ouch."
"Next time, warn me before you bring a dog home." Carter looked at him.
Relationship: Nate Kulina & Jay Kulina, Nate Kulina & Lisa Prince
Rating: General audiences.
Warning: Use of "faggot" once
Summary: Nate celebrates his birthday with Jay, Lisa, and his younger brother, Shayne.
Author's Note: This is an AU where Lisa doesn't lose the baby and Nate doesn't die. Shayne is the Kulina/Prince baby - named after Shane Gray and Shayne Topp. Luke is a completely original character and is Nate's love interest in this AU I have created. Depending on the reception of this, I might post more from this AU.
Words: 1,626
March 15. Nate’s birthday. Jay and Shayne crept into his room. Jay tossed him on th bed, startling Nate awake.
“Wha-” Nate rolled over to see his little brother. “What are you doing in here?” He asked.
“Happy birthday!” Shayne threw his hands up in the air.
“You couldn’t wait til I was awake?” Nate asked, slightly annoyed.
“He wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday,” Jay explained.
“Thanks, bud.” Nate rustled Shayne’s hair, before playfully pushing his head, making him fall backward on the bed.
“Hey!” Shayne giggled. Nate rolled over, hoping to fall back asleep. “Mama’s making breakfast!”
“Yeah, so get your ass up.” Jay pulled the pillow under Nate’s head, making him groan.
“Can’t a guy sleep in on his birthday?” Nate asked, looking at Jay.
“No.” Shayne giggled.
“It’s almost eleven. We did let you sleep in. Come on.” Jay grabbed Shayne and pulled the cover off of Nate. “Happy birthday. If you’re not in the kitchen in ten, I’ll be the one jumping on top of you,” Jay warned, carrying Shayne under his arm into the kitchen where Lisa was making breakfast.
“I told you guys not to bother him.”
“You’d let him miss breakfast on his birthday?” Jay asked. “How cruel.”
“Yeah, how cruel,” Shayne repeated. Jay high-fived his baby brother.
“I need to stop letting you two spend so much time together. He’s becoming your mini-me.” Lisa teased. The decision to move to the East Coast was an easy one when Lisa got the job offer. There wasn’t much left for her in Venice after Alvey refused to meet her demands for being in Shayne’s life. Then when Jay and Nate had decided to come along for the cross-country move and help her with Shayne as they had since he was born, she found it impossible to turn them down. Shayne loved following his brothers around and they adored him. While their family dynamic was far from conventional, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“You hear that, Shay? Your mom doesn’t want us to hang out anymore.”
“Why?” Shayne asked.
“It’s too early for this,” Lisa replied. Nate walked into the kitchen. “Happy birthday!”
“Thanks, Lisa.” He smiled.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t stop those two from waking you up. Trust me, I tried.” She told him.
“It’s okay.” Nate sat at the kitchen table, going through and responding to the birthday messages. Opening Alvey’s, he scoffed, turning his phone to show Jay.
Alvey: happy birthday
“Can’t believe he remembered this year.” Jay laughed dryly.
“What?” Lisa asked.
“Alvey actually wished him a happy birthday this year,” Jay reported.
“Wow.”
“He’s making an effort,” Nate replied, deleting the message. Nate still acknowledged that Alvey was his father who did his best when Christina walked out. But Nate’s relationship with his dad ended the night he came out and Alvey called him a faggot. No apology was ever given.
“So what are you doing? Did you make any plans with friends? Or Luke?” Lisa asked.
“I don’t have any plans. I was going to just sleep in and work on the pieces for the show next week,” Nate explained. He quit fighting and took up painting. Christina’s art skills turned out to rub off on him. Having been invited to show his work at various galleries and art shows. Selling his art didn’t pay as much as fighting did, but he enjoyed it more. He didn’t feel like he had anything to prove anymore. “And then dinner with you guys like we planned.”
“Did you invite Luke to dinner?” Lisa asked.
“No. Why would I? It’s a family dinner.”
“You’re allowed to invite your boyfriend to your birthday dinner.” She told him.
“Luke’s not my boyfriend.”
“I beg to differ,” Jay looked at Nate.
“And how would you know?” Nate asked. “We’re just- talking. It’s nothing serious. If it’s not serious he doesn’t need to come to a family dinner even if it’s my birthday. What about you? Did you invite Zach?” Lisa narrowed her eyes at him. “Exactly.”
“I don’t know about you, Shay, but I actually like Zach and Luke. Maybe we should invite them to dinner.” Jay teased. Shayne nodded in response.
“No!” Nate and Lisa both said at the same time. Shayne giggled.
“We seem to have hit a nerve.” Jay looked at Shayne who smiled.
“Luke always has Legos.” Shayne pointed out.
“Can you pick up the cake before dinner?” Lisa asked, Jay. “I’ll be in Connecticut for a few hours.”
“For what?” Nate asked. “It’s the weekend.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Lisa told him. “Jay?”
“I know you think I’m irresponsible, but I do have my shit together seventy percent of the time, right, Shay?” Jay winked at his brother.
“Jay has his shit together,” Shayne assured his mom. Nate chuckled.
“You can’t say that. Remember? That’s a grown-up word.” Lisa looked at Shayne.
“Sorry!” He covered his mouth with his hand.
“Don’t worry. I will pick up the cake. You want to come with me to get the cake?” Jay asked Shayne who nodded.
Nate sat on the tarp in his studio. When they moved into the house, they converted the garage into his studio with some rogue workout equipment. His phone rang. It was Christina. Wiping his hands on his pants, he answered.
“Hello?”
“Happy birthday to you.” She began singing off-key, making him smile. “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Nathaniel. Happy birthday to you.”
“Thanks, mom.”
“How are you?” She asked.
“I’m alright.” He replied. His relationship with her wasn’t the best, but it had gotten better in the last few years. “How are you?’
“I’m good. It’s good to hear your voice. I miss you. Are you planning on making a trip to visit? Maybe in the summer.” She suggested.
“Jay and I talked about it, but- there’s so much going on here.”
“Jay sent me some photos of your work last week. I’d love to see you in person.”
“You could always come to New York.” He told her. “I’ve got another art show next week.”
“That’s exciting! Maybe I will have to take a trip to go see you. How’s Lisa and the baby?”
“They’re good. Shay’s not a baby anymore. He’s getting huge. Sometimes he’ll come into the studio and paint with me,” Nate explained, looking up at the painting Shayne made that they had hung up.
“Aw. That’s adorable. He wants to be just like his big brother.”
“Yeah. He’s great.”
“I’m glad everyone is doing well. I miss you and your brother. Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday, but I’m sure you’ve got a packed day with celebrations and you’ve got things to do. So I’ll let you get back to it. I love you.”
“Love you too. Thanks for the call, mom. Bye.” Nate hung up and stood up. Checking the time, he figured he’d better clean up before dinner.
After dinner, Jay brought the cake to the table. It was decorated with Van Gogh’s Starry Night in frosting.
“Wow.” Nate couldn’t hide the smile on his face. “You went all out.”
“Wanted the best for our little Van Gogh,” Jay explained.
“I am nowhere close to Van Gogh, but I appreciate it. Thank you.”
“It was Shayne’s idea because of that Lego set you guys put together,” Lisa explained, putting candles on the cake.
“Oh, really?” Nate looked at Shane who nodded. “Thanks, bud.” Just as Jay was about to light the candles, the doorbell rang.
“Who’s that?” Lisa asked.
“Who knows?” Nate asked, opening the Ring camera on his phone. It was Luke. “Uh- I’ll be right back.” Getting up from the table, he walked outside to meet Luke who held something behind his back. “Hey.”
“Hi. Happy birthday.”
“Thanks. What are you doing here?” Nate asked.
“I didn’t come to crash dinner. Don’t worry. I just wanted to give you your gift.” Luke told him, pulling a box of a Lego set from behind his back. “Figured since you and Shayne had a good time with Starry Night, I’d get you your next project. It’s The Great Wave by Hokusai.”
“Thanks. He’s going to love this. We’re both going to have a good time doing it.” Nate smiled, looking at the box. “They actually got me a cake with Starry Night on it because of the last set you got us. You know we’re about to cut the cake. Do you want to come inside?” Nate asked.
“No. It’s okay.” Luke understood Nate’s hesitation to bring him around his family.
“Come on. You came all this way. They got a cake for like twenty people, but it’s just the four of us.”
“Are you sure?” Luke asked.
“Yeah.” Nate welcomed him into the house. “We have a guest.” He announced, leading him to the dining table.
“Hey, Luke. What are you going here?” Lisa asked, giving Nate a look.
“Wanted to drop off Nate’s gift, but he said I could join you for cake if that’s alright with everyone.” Luke sat down cautiously next to Nate.
“Yeah! We have more than enough,” Jay replied.
“Look, what I got.” Nate showed Shayne the box.
“More Legos?”
“More Legos.” Nate laughed.
“Alright. Ii hope everyone has been practicing and has warmed up their voices.” Jay lit the candles.
“I thought you weren’t going to sing.” Nate looked at his brother.
“We don’t turn our backs on tradition, Nathaniel. You’re just going to have to suck it up.” Jay told him. They began singing excruciatingly, but Nate appreciated it. Not that he’d let them know that. After everything had happened, he was finally happy. The happiest he’d ever been. Surrounded by the people he loved most.
Relationship: Bucky Barnes/Original Female Character
Rated: General Audiences
Summary: Bucky’s wife celebrates his first birthday since he came back home.
Author’s Note: AU where Bucky comes home from war. Steve never became Captain American and is therefore still a short asthmatic - but like same tbfh.
The Barnes Masterlist || Bucky Barnes Masterlist
Words: 624
Bucky awoke to a nearly empty bed. Alpine was stretched out on Rachel’s side of the bed. Music was spilling in from the other side of the apartment. Bucky stood up and walked to the kitchen, where his wife was making breakfast and singing along to a Cab Calloway record. He leaned on the kitchen doorway, watching her and enjoying her performance. She didn’t notice him for a couple of songs. Finally, he cleared his throat, scaring her.
Your fic was good! I love short smut fics, sometimes you just want to get to the hot shit without all the fluff and exposition to wade through. I probably missed some things by not really being familiar with Goat, but I feel like the way you described their interactions let me get a good grasp on the characters and their dynamic (although any time I can picture Nick Jonas while reading smut is a good time whether I know what’s really going on or not lol). Just a heads up, there are a couple times at the end where Amy is suddenly referred to as “they” after being “she” for the whole rest of the fic. I always appreciate when people let me know about typos in my fics so thought you might want to know too <3
You’re a good writer! I hope you write more smut about Nick’s characters in the future bc I am always the target audience for that in all contexts lmao
THANK YOU BESTIE 🥰
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Also thanks for letting me know about the pronoun mishaps! I go by they/them and I've been writing they/them in my Joe fic so switching back to she/her for other fics has been a STRUGGLE and I knew I was gonna slip up at some point.
Literally the only context you need for not having watched Goat is Phi Sig is the frat and Chance is Brett's best friend and I believe they grew up together based on how much Chance cares about Brad (Brett's brother) throughout most of the movie.
I'd recommend watching the movie, but it's a hard watch. Even me who enjoyed dark fucked up movies couldn't watch it in one shot. The real Brad Land said the movie was "hauntingly accurate" to what he went through.
As for more Nick smut WE WILL SEEE
I do have a Jumanji WIP in the works that might be smutty - or I might just post smutty one-shots swperate about Jefferson because he's so hot in that role it makes me angry.
I would like to write a Kingdom fic but if I do I don't see myself writing much if any smut about Nate. If I do it'll be gay because he's gay.
While I love some of Nick's other characters I haven't gotten much inspiration with them.
Jefferson, Brett, and Nate are my main
HOWEVER, I'm patiently waiting for his new movie The Good Half to come out publically - they showed it at Tribeca but idk if it'll get a theatrical or digital release
Based on the 2 stills I've seen from it, it might inspire something
so tell us about Amy, whats her deal? how does Brett attract a girl, just flexing? does he peacock? does she get jealous too? idk if poor Sophie just was considered 0% actual threat but I bet she can
I'll be real bestie I needed a random name for an OC because I hate /reader fics
So I haven't given her much thought 🤣
But let's get into it I guess
SO
Amy is secretly in love with Brett but gets an ick from his friends/frat bros so she's like I don't know if this is gonna work because I hate your friends except for Chance (for now 🙄).
Brett is charismatic as fuck. We see him in the movie being the center of attention during a party.
I HC that he's charming as hell. Between his gorgeous chocolate brown eyes and his good looks it doesn't take much for girls to fall for him. Also that smileeeeeee. 😩
Amy would never admit that she gets jealous, but she is also confident that she's got Brett wrapped around her finger. So Sabrina wasn't a threat.
Also want to say Brett is not the asshole to forget a name. He did that just for Amy. Because he didn't want her to think he was interested in Sabrina. He wasn't but Chance was trying to play wingman.
Warning: Unprotected sex, fingering, penetration (penis in vagina)
Summary: It'd been one month since Amy and Brett broke up. But she missed him. Or at least she missed sex with him.
Author’s Note: This took me 74 days to write and is the worst smut I've ever written, so please be gentle. You don't need to have seen Goat to read this, but I highly recommend it for my Nick girlies. Inspired by "bad idea right?" by Olivia Rodrigo. Made a whole playlist for it.
Words: 1,084
“Yes, I know that he’s my ex,
But can’t two people reconnect
I only see him as a friend
The biggest lie I ever said”
One month. One month since Amy ended things with Brett. One month since she hadn’t seen him outside of their shared classes and around campus. One month since she found herself at a Phi Sig party. One month that she stayed strong and didn’t find herself back in his bed. But one month was long enough.
Despite the attempt at discouragement from her best friend, Amy found herself outside of the Phi Sig house. It was lively as expected. The frat was throwing one final hurrah to end the semester. Amy’s phone has been going off all night. Missed calls and texts from Brett inviting her to the party. She tried her best to ignore them, but after a couple drinks at the last party, she decided to stop lying to herself. Amy missed Brett. Or at least she missed sex with Brett.
Taking a deep breath, she walked into the house.
“Oh, shit, Amy?” Chance grabbed her attention, waving her over to where he sat on the couch, rolling a joint. “Does Brett know you’re here?”
“Not yet. I’m actually looking for him. Do you know where he is?”
“I think he’s in the kitchen with Sabrina. He’s going to be happy you’re here.” Chance laughed. “Are you partaking?” He held up the joint.
“No, that’s okay. I just came to see Brett,” Amy told him.
“At least grab a cup of something. We got a keg. Help yourself.”
“Thanks, Chance. I’ll see you around.” She left him, making her way to the kitchen. After stopping at the keg to get a drink, she navigated through couples making out and feeling each other up in the hallway. Finding Brett in the kitchen talking to a girl as Chance had said. Of course, he was. Maybe her best friend was right and she shouldn’t have come.
“Hey, Amy.” He looked at her. “I thought you were avoiding me.” He brought his bottle of beer to his lips.
“Believe me, I was trying my best, but you are persistent,” Amy replied, looking the other girl up and down. She was cute and definitely his type, but he wasn’t interested in her anymore. “Who’s your friend?”
“This is-” Brett looked at the other girl, who rolled her eyes and left. “I think her name was Samantha. Or Sarah.”
“Sabrina?” Amy questioned.
“How’d you know?”
“You’re a dick.” She scoffed, taking a drink.
“I’m glad you came.”
“After three missed calls and five texts, how could I now?” She asked.
“I’m sorry about that. I just-” He trailed off, shrugging.
“Me too. So what do you say we skip the bullshit and talking and go to your room?” She asked.
“Yeah. Okay.” He downed the rest of his beer. They walked back out to the part, passing by Chance, still sitting on the couch.
“Be safe, you two.” Chance teased. Brett grabbed Amy’s hand and led her up the stairs to his room.
As soon as they were inside, she locked the door, learning her lesson after one too many unwanted guests barged in on them. The way she reacted to his touch confirmed what he had thought. She wasn’t over him. But neither was he. They made quick work of each other’s clothes. His hands still knew her body well. Dipping his fingers into her cunt, he knew how to draw the sweetest sounds from her.
“Brett,” she breathed out. “Just like that.”
“I know, baby.” He kissed her, continuing his service to her cunt. Moaning, she brushed her fingers through his hair. She rocked her hips against his hand, making him smile against her skin at how quickly he could make her fall apart.
“Brett,” she whined. “I need you.”
“Do you?” He asked. She could have slapped the cocky grin off his face if she wasn’t so desperate for his dick. Sure she was the one who said she wanted to take a break, but maybe she was wrong. Or maybe she shouldn’t think about their relationship while his fingers were inside of her. Kissing her, he stroked himself. “How badly do you need me?”
“Very bad.” It came out more desperate than she’d intended. Teasing her entrance with the tip of his cock, he watched her for a few seconds before easing in slowly. Starting with slow, languished thrusts because he knew it drove her crazy. She kissed him aggressively, biting his lip in the process. He smiled, slamming his hips into hers at a faster rate, watching her get lost in the euphoria.
“Look at you.” He chuckled. “Taking my dick so good.”
“Mhm.” She moaned, biting her bottom lip.
“I know you can be louder than that. No one can hear us.” He kissed her neck, not caring about the marks he was leaving behind. With every snap of his hips, he pushed her closer to the edge. “Fuck, I missed you, Amy,” he groaned.
“We’re not doing this tonight. This is just fucking. Nothing more,” she told him.
“Sure. Whatever you want,” he replied. But they both knew it was inevitable. The cycle had been repeating itself for two years now. They’d break up, end up in bed together, and get back together the following week.
“Fuck,” she breathed out as he began rubbing circles on her clit. “Just like that, Brett.”
“I know.” He slowed down his thrusts, fucking her deeper. The noises coming out of her, brought him pride. She kissed him as she felt herself getting close, rocking her hips against his.
“Brett, I-” She didn’t even have to tell him she was close. He knew from her body language. Moaning, her orgasm hit like a train. He continued to fuck her through it until he felt himself close. Pulling out, he stroked his cock until he painted her stomach with his cum. “Real classy.” She scoffed, trying to catch her breath.
“You never had an issue before.” He handed her a towel.
“Thanks, I guess.” She cleaned herself up.
“Do you maybe want to get dinner or something this weekend?” He asked. She looked at him. The cycle was beginning again.
“Maybe. I’m not saying no, but I’m not saying yes.” She pulled on his shirt before leaving his room to run to the bathroom. He smirked, knowing she was going to say yes.
Summary: Lucy has brunch with her dad, Quique. Gets an update on her ex and gives Quique a gift from Matt.
Author's Note: My faceclaim for Quique is Jimmy Smits. There is some Spanish in this fic but not enough to cause issue. However, if you need anything translated, don't be afraid to ask. I AM BACK BITCHES!
Words: 1,419
Strike Zone Masterlist || Criminal Minds Masterlist
Lucy approached the front stoop that she grew up on. Her father, Quique, hadn’t left the Seventh Street apartment even after she moved out. The two had breakfast - or more like brunch - every Sunday together. Fishing her keys from her bag, she opened the outside door and walked into the main hallway. She heard her father singing along to an old Hector Lavoe record as she approached the door to the apartment. It helmed fading letters of “Casa de Rivera” painted on an equally fading Puerto Rican flag. Smiling, she opened the door and walked in, placing her bag on the couch before joining her father in the kitchen and finishing the song as a duet.
“Hi, mija.” Quique kissed his daughter’s cheek.
“Hey, dad. Need any help?”
“No, I’ve got it. But thank you. Quieres cafe?” He asked, motioning to the moka pot on the stove. “How are you? Interviewed anyone interesting last week?”
“I interviewed the Crimson’s new rookie, Spencer Reid. He seems sweet.” She poured herself coffee before hopping onto the counter. “But now that the season is over, my editor is floating the idea of me covering hockey or basketball.”
“Hockey?” Quique sounded almost offended at the idea. “Azucar?” He knew how she liked her coffee, so he didn’t even have to ask.
“Thank you. But yeah, hockey. Fortunately for you, you don’t have to worry about me falling in love with a hockey player. They are not my type,” she teased.
“Did you know Mateo is in the city? I ran into him a few days ago. He asked how you were doing.”
“I did not know he was here. I haven’t seen him since the Crimsons’ game last year and I’d like to keep that streak going as long as possible. Do you know why he’s here? He only came for games, but it’s the off-season. So why?”
“Yo no se.” He shrugged. “Said he was sightseeing with his new girlfriend. I think her name was Amelia.”
“Let me guess: pretty, white and blonde. Right? That’s his type. Why he ever got involved with me, I will never understand How is he?” She asked.
“Do you really want to know?”
“I almost made the mistake of marrying him so- sure. How is he?”
“First is still un pendejo for letting go of the best thing that ever happened to him and that will ever happen to him. He seemed okay. Didn’t seem happy. I doubt he’s happy if he’s still asking about you.”
“Thanks, dad, but you don’t have to lie to me. I can take it. It’s been two years. He- he deserves to be happy.”
“No, he does not. I am telling you the truth. Un pendejo had a sadness in his eyes. He knows he fucked up.” His comment made her laugh. “I shouldn’t have brought him up.”
“No, it’s okay. Also gives me a warning that he is here in case I run into him and- Amelia.”
“What would you do if you saw him again?”
“Be civil like I was last time.” She shrugged. “He’s moved on and- so have I. What did you tell him when he asked about me?”
“I told him about your boyfriend on the Mets.” He explained.
“What boyfriend?”
“Cooper.”
“Cooper isn’t- oh my god. You told him I was dating Cooper?”
“Por que? Did you break up?”
“We were never dating to begin with. We- we had a mostly professional relationship that occasionally included dinner and drinks- and other things.” She admitted.
“Oh. Wow. Really? I thought you two were good together.”
“We were never together. We were- friends with benefits. But that’s over now because he’s met someone that he’s serious about. And she’s cute. So I gave him my blessing and we ended things. Now we’re just friends with a strictly professional relationship.”
“When you introduced us, I thought you were introducing him as your boyfriend,” Quique told her.
“No. I was introducing my dad who loves baseball to the only Major League player I know personally.
“Why didn’t you date him?”
“Because the last thing I want is to be involved with another athlete. Just because the sex is good doesn’t mean I have to give the man my life. Learned that the hard way,” she told him. He gave her a look. “Shouldn’t have said all of that, but you know what I mean, Mr. hasn’t dated anyone since the mother of his child left.” Quique’s jaw dropped. “Am I wrong?”
“I didn’t date because I had my hands full raising a beautiful and smart daughter on my own. Because I don’t need someone else to be happy. And you don’t either.”
“You know this is a generational curse. You got your heart broken by the love of your life. I got mine broken by the guy I thought was the love of my life and now we’ve both shut love out.”
“Not true. I have love in my life. I have you and your brother. My colleagues and the guys at the center. Your uncles. I am surrounded by love. You have me, your brother. You have Andi and- I don’t know all of your friends’ names, but you’ve got them.”
“Fair enough.” Lucy laughed.
“I don’t need romance to be happy. Neither do you.”
“Exactly. We were both miserable when we had romance. And we’re far happier now.”
“Yes, we are.” Quique smiled, clinking their mugs together.
After brunch, Lucy cleaned up. The agreement was whoever didn’t cook washed the dishes.
“By the way, I have something for you.” She told Quique.
“A gift? For me? It’s not my birthday. It’s too early for Christmas. What did you get me?” He asked.
“It’s not from me. It’s from- a friend.”
“You have friends besides Andi and Emily?” He teased.
“Yes, I do. He’s a new one.”
“It’s a he? Interesting. Why is this new friend getting gifts for your father?”
“Because I told him you are a big fan of the Wolverines.”
“Is it Simmons? You interviewed him last season.”
“Yes, actually. Since he heard you’re a fan he wanted to get you something as a thank you for supporting the team.” Lucy explained, drying her hands. “Come on. It’s in my bag in the sala.”
“What is it?” Quique asked, following her to the livingroom. She grabbed her bag off the couch and pulled the ball out. “Is that?”
“A baseball signed by all the current Wolverines and Coach Garrett.” She replied, handing it to him. He held it, rotating it in his hands to appreciate each signature. “Ay, thank you, mija!” The smile on his face made Lucy’s heart soar. He hugged her. “This is going in my office. I have to get a display for it.”
“I figured so I ordered you one. It’ll be here sometime this week.”
“What would I do without you?” He asked. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank you. I didn’t even ask. Matt just showed up with it.”
“Showed up?” He questioned.
“We- we ran into each other. He’s in the city visiting friends and-”
“How did he know I’m a Wolverines fan?”
“I told him when I interviewed him.”
“And he remembered all this time?” Quique asked. “I think he likes you.”
“No, he does not. We’re just friends. Trust me.”
“Then maybe he’s trying to seduce you.” Quique laughed.
“That- that’s ridiculous. I’m not getting involved with another athlete. He’s just a really nice guy. He’s sweet and-”
“Maybe you like him?”
“No, I do not! I am not interested. I don’t need or want another relationship. Not now or anytime soon. I am enjoying the single life. I don’t need a man in my life.”
“Except for me.”
“Except for you.” She laughed. “So you like it?”
“I love it! Please tell him thank you for me.”
“I will tell him he probably made your whole week, right?”
“He did! I am going to put it on the window behind my desk.”
“Pretty soon you’re going to run out of space to display all your Wolverines shit in your office.”
“If that happens, I’ll just bring stuff home.”
“As if you have room for anything here.” Lucy laughed, motioning to the baseball memorabilia scattered around the apartment. “You’ll need a bigger apartment.”
“Never. I’ll be leaving this place in a coffin.” He replied. Lucy slapped his arm lightly.
“Don’t say that! Don’t even play. You’re young and healthy.”
Summary: Bucky and Rachel host Thanksgiving in their small apartment.
Author’s Note: Rachel’s sister is Rose Roberts from Agent Carter.
Words: 1354
The Barnes Masterlist || Bucky Barnes Masterlist
It seemed like Rachel had been planning this Thanksgiving dinner for months. It was the first one she and Bucky were hosting since he’d come home. She invited his parents and siblings and her siblings, Rose and Fred. It would pack their tiny apartment, but it would be worth it. Despite his best attempts to help, Bucky couldn’t do much now being one-handed, so Steve was tasked with getting Bucky out of the apartment so he didn’t focus on not being able to help. So they decided to walk around Prospect Park for a few hours.
Summary: Matt and Lucy see each other again and briefly discuss their relationship.
Author's Note: I am taking a hiatus after this. But I don't plan to be gone long. Not allowing myself to write anything unless inspiration strikes.
Words: 1,348
Strike Zone Masterlist || Criminal Minds Masterlist
Lucy approached the large black door with a silver nameplate that read: McClellan Suite. Checking the text from Matt to make sure she was in the right place, she reluctantly knocked on the door. Wishing he had met her in the lobby, but how would that have looked? It wasn’t the first time she showed up at a hotel for a hook-up with a hot athlete. But there was something about Matt. No. She wasn’t going to allow feelings to get between her and good sex. No, not good. Great. She was about to knock again when he opened the door.
“Hi.” He smiled, having been looking forward to seeing her again. He wore an olive green henley and a silver chain with the Wolverines mascot pendant.
“Hey.”
“Uh- come on in.” He welcomed her into the suite. “How are you?”
“I’m alright.” She nodded. “How’ve you been? Congrats on a successful season. You guys killed it.”
“Thanks, but I think we shat the bed in the last game.” He scoffed.
“I wouldn’t say a tie is shitting the bed. At least you didn’t bomb like the Cyclones. Their worst season in like fifteen years. Something like that.” She laughed.
“Can I get you something to drink?” He asked. “I was thinking about ordering a bottle of wine or something. Is that alright?” He asked, walking to the hotel phone.
“I will never say no to wine.”
“Any preference?” He picked up the receiver.
“Whatever you choose is fine. I’m not picky.” She replied, looking around the suite. It was the nicest one she’d been in since ending her engagement. She walked to the windows overlooking the city. Looking down at the city passing by.
“Yes, thank you.” Matt hung up the phone. “The wine will be arriving shortly.” He reported.
“This might be the nicest suite in the city.” She told him. “Plus you have a great view.”
“You should see the view in the bedroom.” He replied, joining her by the windows. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant-”
“Relax. It was hot.” She couldn’t hide her smile. “Very hot.” She pulled him in for a kiss. “Why don’t you show me the view?”
“Is it lame to admit I’ve been looking forward to seeing you again?” He asked.
“It is lame, but it’s cute.” She laughed, kissing him again. Placing his hands on her hips, he walked her backward until her ass hit the back of the sofa. She pulled at his shirt as he grinded against her, pressing her body into the sofa. He pulled his shirt over his head. Lucy kissed his jawline, down his neck, getting a quiet moan in response. She began unbuttoning his jeans when a knock on the door interrupted them.
“Oh shit.” Matt quickly grabbed his shirt from the floor, put it back on, and ran to open the door. As expected, the wine he ordered had arrived. As soon as he closed the door again, Lucy burst out laughing. He looked at her.
“That was my fault. Got too carried away.” She couldn’t wipe the smile from her face. Matt chuckled.
“Should I bring this to the room or-”
“Yeah. Why not?” She shrugged. “Do you have condoms or should we call down to the front desk and have someone send us a box?” She teased.
“Thanks for reminding me about that. Do you know how embarrassing that was?”
“It worked in your favor in the end, didn’t it? Come on. Show me that view you were talking about.”
Lucy stood in front of the windows in the bedroom, wine glass in hand admiring the view.
“The New York City skyline is one of, if not the best skylines in the country, maybe even the world.” Matt joined her.
“Can’t argue with that. Part of the reason I came back.” She replied.
“You’ve ever thought of living anywhere else?” He asked.
“Not after Miami. I’ve got no reason to leave the city again. I have everything I could ever want here.” She explained. “What about you? Ever think about leaving Michigan? Have you ever left besides traveling?”
“I was born in Carson City. Got recruited right out of college. I haven’t had a reason to live anywhere else. But I do like New York. I don’t know if I’d ever move here, but I enjoy visiting.”
“That’s fair. The city isn’t for everyone.” She shrugged. “Especially not someone from a small town.”
“You ever been to Carson City?” He asked.
“Don’t think I’ve been anywhere in Michigan.” She told him.
“Maybe I can show you around sometime.” He proposed. “Can take you out on my boat.”
“You have a boat?”
“Yeah.”
“That is a tempting offer.” She replied, turning towards him. “Do the Wolverines sell chains or is that a custom piece?”
“This?” He held the pendant of his chain. “It was a gift when I first got recruited.”
“From an ex-girlfriend?”
“From my mom, actually.” He replied. “She was so excited when I first joined the team.”
“That’s adorable.” She cautiously held the small golden pendant, admiring the detail. Turning it over, she saw the engraving: Proud of you. It made her smile. “That’s sweet. Are you close with your mom?”
“Yeah. We were before she passed.”
“Sorry to hear that.” She gently dropped the pendant. “I was asking about it because I want to get something like that for my dad.”
“Speaking of your dad-” He put his glass down and opened his suitcase. “You said he was a big fan of the Wolverines, so I got the guys to sign a ball for him.” He pulled out a ball, wrapped in a shirt.
“You’re joking, right?” She asked.
“No. I figured- is it too much?” He asked. Derek’s words echoed in his head.
“What? No! My dad is going to flip. I can’t believe you remembered.” She smiled. “Thank you.”
“You are very welcome. If you or your dad are ever in the Carson City area, let me know and if the season is on, I’ll put some tickets to the side for you.”
“Thanks, Matt. I should get going before Andi puts out an Amber Alert for me.” She joked.
“Andi? Is that your- boyfriend?” He asked. She laughed.
“No. Andi is my roommate and best friend who sometimes worries about me a little too much.” She replied.
“You don’t have to leave so soon. At least help me finish the bottle. You snuck out on me last time.”
“In my defense, I thought it was a one-night stand.” She laughed as she began getting dressed.
“Fair enough. Can I see you again before I leave? Maybe take you out to dinner? Something a bit fancier than pizza?” He asked. She stopped and looked at him.
“Oh.”
“Oh?”
“Look, Matt, I think you’re great. And we have a good time together, but- I’m not looking for anything serious right now. If you thought that’s what this is, then I’m sorry if I led you on.” She told him. “I just want something casual, but if that’s not something you’re into then I respect that.”
“I’m not looking for anything serious either.” He lied.
“‘Something a bit fancier than pizza’ sounds like a date.” She replied.
“Or it can be dinner between friends. I mean assuming we are friends.” He teased.
“That would make us friends with benefits. Is that okay?”
“As long as I get to see you every time I come to New York.” He smiled.
“Glad to know we’re on the same page.” She returned the smile, as she continued getting dressed. “When are you going home?”
“Wednesday.”
“Do you have plans Tuesday night?” She asked. “I can take you to one of my favorite spots in the city.”
“Okay. Sounds good.” He walked her to the door. “Are you sure you don’t want to spend the night? It’s late.”
“Gotta get home. Give Andi all the dirty details.” She laughed. “I’ll be okay. I’ll see you on Tuesday. I’ll text you the details. Goodnight.”
Relationship: Matt Simmons & Clara Seger; Emily Prentiss & OC!Lucy Rivera; Clara Seger/Emily Prentiss
Rating: General Audiences
Summary: Matt shows up in New York and reunites with his childhood friend, Clara. On the other side of New York, Lucy is catching up with her childhood friend, Emily.
Author’s Note: Yes, Emily and Clara are a couple. No, Matt and Lucy have no idea they share mutual friends.
Words: 1,519
Strike Zone Masterlist || Criminal Minds Masterlist
A couple months had passed since Lucy and Matt’s night together, but they had been texting almost every day. A little flirting here and there. He was waiting for the season to end so he could plan a trip to New York to see her again. Wanting an excuse to go to the city besides just to see her, he made plans with one of his childhood best friends, Clara, who was living in the city with her fiance.
Leaning on her car, Clara smiled as she watched Matt exit the airport. Throwing her hands in the air in excitement. With their schedules and the distance, they barely saw each other anymore.
“Can’t believe you still have those.” Matt playfully flicked the lens of the Aviators Clara had stolen from him in high school.
“I swear, are you getting taller or am I getting shorter?” She asked, making him laugh.
“You are definitely getting shorter.” He teased. “Thanks for picking me up. I appreciate it.”
“Are you kidding me? I was telling Em how bummed I was that I missed you last time you were here. As soon as you said you were planning a trip, I knew I needed to take time off to see you.”
“Please tell me you did not take time off just for me.” He looked at her.
“What if I did?” She asked, laughing. “Don’t worry. We’ve got some wedding planning stuff this week. So I figured it was easier to just take time off than fighting my schedule.” She shrugged, watching Matt load his bag into the back. “How long do we have you for? We’ve got the guest room primed and ready. You’ll be the first occupant in the new place.”
“Actually- I booked a hotel I didn’t want to be a burden on you guys.” He told her as they got into the car.
“Boo!” She teased. “You know you’re not a burden. I already told you-” She paused. “You’ve got a girlfriend in the city, don’t you?”
“What? Why do you think I’ve got a girlfriend in the city?” He asked.
“What’s her name?”
“What are you talking about?”
“The reason you’re here. You did not come just to see me and Emily. So talk. Who is she? Do I know her? Is she cute?” Clara asked. Matt chuckled.
“What makes you think there’s someone?”
“Mae said you’ve been texting someone so we put one and one together because you don’t make random trips to New York.”
“Of course, Mae told you.” He scoffed, jokingly.
“There are no secrets between us. But she said she couldn’t get anything out of you. So why are you being so secretive about this mystery woman? Tell me about her. Because she has to be special.”
“There’s not much to say. I mean- we met and hooked up last time I was here for a game and we’ve been casually texting.” He explained.
“Met and hooked up? You had a casual hook-up? Since when?” Clara asked, genuinely sounding surprised.
“It happened faster than I’m used to, but- I like her.” He shrugged. “She said the next time I’m in the city we could see each other again so- I’m here.”
“Please tell me she knows you’re here and you’re not trying to surprise her.” She looked at him for a moment, before turning her attention back to the road.
“Of course, she knows I’m here. We’re meeting up on Thursday.” He replied.
“So you’re taking her out? To dinner?”
“Well- we said we’d meet at the hotel so-”
“Another casual hook-up. Are you okay with that?” She asked. “Because last time I checked, you don’t do casual.”
“I can do casual.”
“Come on, Matt. You’ve been talking about getting married and having a family since we were six. You’re in for the long run. So are you sure about this, Mr. ‘I’m looking for someone to spend my life with’.” She mocked him, making him chuckle.
“You’re acting like I am completely incapable of being casual.”
“Because you brought a house to start a family in and you live there. Alone.”
“Why are you and Derek so stuck on me living alone? I don’t live alone. I-”
“Rose does not count. I’m sorry. I adore her, but she is a dog. Listen, I am just looking out for you. Can you do this without catching feelings?” She asked. Matt sighed. “I’m not here to tell you what to do, but I know you. Maybe you should talk to her. Make sure you’re on the same page before you get hurt.”
“Derek says I scare women away by coming on too strong.” He looked at her for a reaction.
“Well-”
“So he’s right?”
“You can’t ask a woman on the first date if she wants to get married and have ten kids hypothetically. You gotta give it time.”
“But I’d rather not waste her time. What’s wrong with that?”
“Off the bat that sounds terrifying. No matter how attractive you are. You gotta let them get to know you. Listen, you know I think you’re amazing. You are husband material, but- it’s not your fault and it’s not a weakness. You just haven’t found the woman who wants the same things you do, yet. And you will. Look at me. I didn’t think I’d ever get married let alone to someone like Em. You just need to find your Emily.”
“Yeah. I guess.” He sighed.
“Can’t believe I’m getting married before you.” She teased, making him laugh.
“Wow. Way to rub it in my face.” He teased. “How is Emily?”
“She’s doing alright! Her mom’s been driving us nuts giving us unsolicited advice about the wedding.”
“Is she waiting for you at home?’
“No. She had a lunch date with a friend, but she will be joining us for dinner tonight.” Clara explained.
Lucy and Emily had been friends since they were kids. As they got older, life started getting in the way of things, but they still tried to make time for each other.
“No. Not completely. My mom is trying to put her two cents into every decision we’ve made. But we found a gorgeous venue upstate. But I can’t wait for this to be over and done with.” Emily explained. “You’d think I’ve been planning my wedding since I was five, I should have more of this put together.”
“Yeah, that’s how I felt when Mateo and I started our planning, but I guess I dodged a bullet, right?” Lucy teased. “I’m so excited for your wedding though. Are you doing a dress or a suit? Have you found it yet, and if not can I be invited?”
“I’m still debating on that, but I’m leaning towards a suit. How’s your dad? My mom said he’s planning to retire.”
“He’s been planning to retire for four years now. It’s not happening. He’ll retire when he’s dead.” Lucy laughed. “Your mom’s gonna retire before he does.”
“She is. She’s leaving after this semester. Moving down south after the wedding.”
“Where down south? Tell her to steer clear of Florida.” Lucy teased.
“Oh, I have.” Emily laughed. “So what’s going on with you? Anything new? Any new hot athletes in your bed?” Her question made Lucy smile. “There is. What’s his name?”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Didn’t have to.” Emily shrugged. “So tell me about him.”
“We hooked up last time he was here in the city. He’s from out of state.” Lucy explained.
“Hooked up? Like you had a one-night stand with this guy?”
“Yes. I thought it was a one-night stand, but we’ve been texting. Told him next time he’s in the city, he could look me up. So we’re meeting up on Thursday. However, I’m not ready to jump back into another relationship. Not after Mateo. I need to be less focused on a happily ever after and more focused on having fun. I’ve got plenty of time to get married and settle down.” Lucy shrugged.
“Good for you, Luce. Going full Sex and the City. I respect it.” Emily teased. “What happened to that guy on the Mets you were seeing?”
“Cooper? He’s got a very cute girlfriend now, so- that’s not happening anymore. Which is a blessing, because I think I was starting to catch feelings for him.”
“Would it have been the end of the world if you did?” Emily asked. “Maybe he reciprocated.”
“We’ll never know now.” Lucy shrugged. “So Clara’s doing well?”
“Yeah. Her childhood friend from back home is in the city for a visit. So she’s hanging out with him right now, probably. We’re having him over for dinner. You should come.”
“Sounds like you’re setting me up on a blind date.” Lucy teased. “Thanks for the invite, but I can’t. Got an interview with the Crimsons’ rookie tonight. Raincheck, though? I haven’t seen the new place.”
“It’s amazing. You’re gonna love it. But I must warn you it looks nothing like the floorplans we used to draw.” Emily teased, making Lucy laugh.
Summary: Howard takes Clarabeth out to lunch on her first day as a nurse. They discuss finding and office to start their business.
Author’s Note: It’s been so long since I updated. Also friendly reminder that Jenna Coleman is the face claim for Clarabeth
Words: 1,004
Howard had promised that on Clarabeth’s first day at the hospital, he’d treat her out to lunch. He walked into the hospital, up to the front desk.
“Hello. How can I ask you?” A redheaded nurse asked.
“Hi. Do you know where I can find Clarabeth Davis? She’s a nurse.” Howard asked.
“Do you know what floor she’s on?” The nurse asked.
“No idea.” He admitted. “It’s her first day.”
“Oh. She’s one of the new girls. Check with Molly on floor three. She’s in charge of training the new girls. She’ll know where she is.”
“Thank you.” Howard flashed her a smile before walking to the elevators. He waited, silently watching the hustle and bustle of the hospital. The elevator gate opened and Clarabeth stepped out. “Hey.” He smiled.
“Howard, hi. I thought you were going to wait outside for me.”
“Really? I thought I’d meet you inside.” He replied. Looking her over, he couldn’t fight the smile. “Never thought I’d actually see the day you wear the nurse’s uniform.” He teased.
“Don’t be a disgusting.” She rolled her eyes.
“How’s your first day going?” He offered her his arm.
“It’s been quite the morning to say the least. They’re assigning me to the maternity ward. I’ll be helping bring new life into the world.”
“You don’t sound so thrilled about that.”
“I am. I just- that’s not exactly what I pictured when I decided to become a nurse.” She admitted.
“Well, when Stark Industries becomes a reality you won’t have to work at the hospital anymore.”
“I don’t know if I want to quit this job so soon. Just until we get the company on it’s feet.”
“Means if it all goes under you’ll still have a job to fall back on.”
“Are you planning on quitting the railway?” She asked.
“Haven’t decided yet. But we can do this, right? We will do this.”
“Yes. If there is anyone I believe in, it’s you, Howard.” Her admission made him smile. “Don’t make me regret saying that out loud. Don’t let it get to your head. You’re still an idiot sometimes.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“Gotta keep you humble some way.” She laughed.
Howard and Clarabeth sat next to the window of a small deli a few blocks from the hospital.
“You know, you never told me how your date went with that son of a senator.” He told her. She sighed. “That bad?”
“Oh gosh. It was- it wasn’t a complete disaster. Just- he was exactly like all the others my mother introduces me to.”
“But I thought you said he was different.”
“Becuase I thought he was, but- we just didn’t agree on an important matter.”
“Which is-”
“Do you think a woman has to quit her career after she gets married?” She asked.
“Depends on the career.” He shrugged.
“If I got married tomorrow, should I quit my job as a nurse?”
“No.”
“If your company was up and running should I quit that?”
“No, but I don’t see you being a stay-at-home wife or mother. So- it’s different with you. Most women- that’s all they want.”
“Most women? Is this how you’re telling me you’ve slept with most women in New York City?” She asked. Howard laughed. “I don’t think that is what most women want. That’s just been the status quo forever. No one’s thought to challenge it. If Elish Graves Otis didn’t challenge anything, we wouldn’t have elevators and I would have had to climb three stories in these pumps today.”
“Fair enough. I hear what you’re saying, Clara.”
“Jack wants a meek submissive housewife.”
“Which you are not.”
“So it’s not going to work out.”
“Oh well. What about Jim. Are you still seeing him?”
“I haven’t spoken to him since our last date, but he’s busy. I understand that.”
“You know the offer is still on the table.”
“What offer?”
“We get married and split your inheritance.”
“Howard, I love you, but not like that. I will not allow my mother to win.”
“We could use that money to start the company.”
“I thought you had investors.”
“I have people who are interested, but they want me to have something to show for it before they’ll give me their money. Which is understandable.”
“Maybe you’re not whoring yourself hard enough to the lonely housewives.” She teased.
“Wow. That is not what I am doing. I am simply showing them attention their husbands don’t. And they give me gifts. Which sometimes comes in cash.”
“Howard, you’re a whore.”
“I am not.”
“You so are.” She laughed. “And I still love you.”
“I only accept this abuse from you.”
“Because you have no other choice, do you?” She asked. “My mother did say if you found an office, she’d be willing to invest.”
“I know. We have to go look at them. There is one on 52nd and one above my mother’s dress shop. I think I’ve mentioned them to you already. Maybe we can go next week to look at them.”
“Why do you need me for that?” She asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe because you’re my partner. We’ll both be working out of the office so I think it’s important we both agree on it.”
“What about Sunday? I’m working an early morning shift. I’ll be out by one.” She informed him.
“Sunday sounds good. I’ll pick you up at one and we’ll go give it a look over. There’s also a space above a bakery on East 86th we can look into.”
“I don’t care where the office is. It’s only temporary until we get the company on its feet.”
“Yes, but as my partner I’d like your input.” He told her. “I’ll set it up so we can look at both on Sunday.”
“It’s a date.” Clarabeth smiled.
“Great! Would you be able to borrow your mother’s engagement ring? We’ll have a better chance if we look like newlyweds.” He explained, making her scoff. “What? You know I’m right.”
Summary: After their night together, Matt and Lucy turn to their friends for advice.
Author's Note: Gif is made be ME - it's the only time I can think of a shot of Daniel Henney on a bus
Words: 1,705
Strike Zone Masterlist || Criminal Minds Masterlist
Lucy quietly gathered her clothes and quickly got dressed, trying not to wake up Matt. She couldn’t bare awkward small talk. Last night was great, but she really needed to get home. She had work to do. Work she should have done last night that was due in just a few hours. She looked over her shoulder at Matt still asleep in bed and quietly snuck out of the room. She walked to the elevator, making sure she had everything. It would be embarrassing to have to go back now. The elevator opened and she was met with Derek. Great.
“Hey.” He smirked, stepping off the elevator.
“Hi.” She quickly got on the elevator.
“Maybe you can interview me next time I’m in the city.” He teased. She couldn’t make herself look him in the eyes. Keeping her head down, she just quietly nodded, praying for the doors to close. Derek chuckled, walking to Matt’s room. He was tasked with waking up his teammate, who never slept in late, but now he knew why. He knocked on the door of Matt’s room. “Come on, Simmons, we’re gonna be late.” He continued knocking until Matt finally opened the door.
“Shit. I must have slept through my alarm.”
“I don’t blame you. So the condoms came in handy?” Derek asked, laughing.
“Fuck off.”
“You’re welcome. Jack said you’ve got ten minutes to meet us at the bus or you gotta find your own ride to Pittsburgh.” Derek told him.
“I’ll be out there in ten.” Matt nodded.
“I want all the dirty details, alright.”
“You’re not getting any details,” Matt replied, closing the door. Derek chuckled before walking back to the elevator.
Lucy walked into the apartment to find Andi sitting at the kitchen counter, eating a bowl of cereal.
“Good morning.”
“Where were you?” Andi asked, seemingly angry. “I thought you were dead somewhere murdered.”
“I know! I should have texted you, but- I didn’t have a chance to.” Lucy set her laptop bag down on the couch. “I’m sorry.”
“Didn’t have a chance to? Babes, you left yesterday at noon. It’s-” Andi checked her phone. “Six in the morning. That’s what? Eighteen hours? You had eighteen whole hours to let me know you were alive. So please explain to me what kept you for eighteen fucking hours.”
“The interview went a little longer than expected,” Lucy explained. “We didn’t wrap up til around seven. So he offered to buy me dinner. Then I realized I left my phone in his room so we went back to get it and-”
“Shut up! You had a one-night stand with a guy you barely know? Who are you and what have you done with Lucy?” Andi teased. “Tell me every filthy detail. Was it good? Was he good? I am so proud of you.”
“It was- uh- it was great. Amazing actually.” Lucy smiled.
“Amazing? Tell me more.”
“I don’t know. The man definitely knew what he was doing.”
“Stop being so vague,” Andi whined. “Tell me more. Was he rough? Did he go down on you? Like I want to know everything.”
“A lady doesn’t kiss and tell.”
“A lady also doesn’t fuck a guy she’s known for less than twenty-four hours.” Andi shot back. “That is whore behavior, therefore you are allowed and encouraged to kiss and tell. So tell!” Lucy sighed.
“He was- gentle. Very vocal.” Lucy couldn’t help but smile. “He didn’t go down on me, but-”
“But?”
“I came thrice.”
“Three fucking times? Are you kidding me? Like actually- no faking it?”
“No faking. He was- amazing. Like I said.” Lucy laughed.
“So he’s vocal and made you come three times. I’m jealous. Are you going to text him? Call him?” Andi asked.
“It was a one-night stand. I’m sure he doesn’t want to hear from me until the article goes live.” Lucy explain. “Which is fine.”
“Goddamn. Good for you. I am so proud of you.”
“Thank you. Now I am going to take a much-needed shower and write this article. Then I think I’ll sleep for the next forty-eight hours.” Lucy walked to the bathroom. Andi scoffed. She couldn’t believe it, but she was happy for Lucy.
Matt sat on the bus, watching the landscape pass by. He held his phone in his hand. Unable to get Lucy out of his head. Debating if he should call or text her. Derek sat next to him.
“So spill. Tell me about her.” Derek wore the cheesiest smile.
“Tell you about who?” Matt asked, playing dumb.
“Tell me about the reporter! I saw her sneaking out of your room this morning.” Derek chuckled. “So tell me about her.”
“First of all, she is a journalist. And I’m not telling you anything.” Matt replied. He was never one for locker room talk.
“Come on. You owe me.”
“I owe you?” Matt looked at him in disbelief. “You embarrassed me in front of her. That dumb little prank-” Matt scoffed, shaking his head.
“I didn’t embarrass you that badly if she spent the night. You’re welcome by the way. Come on. Give me anything. Any detail and I’ll leave you alone.”
“No. That’s not fair to her.” Matt’s response made Derek groan. “Should I call her?”
“What? No. What for? Why the hell would you call her?” Derek asked.
“I want to see her again.”
“For what? You hit, you quit. Now you go on with your life to the next one. If you call you’ll seem desperate.” Derek told him. Matt sighed. “See, this is why you scare women away. You come on too strong and it freaks them out. You’re too interested.”
“That doesn’t make sense. Wouldn’t they want a guy who is interested?” Matt asked, regretting asking Derek for any advice.
“Nah, man. They like the chase.” Derek smiled. “You gotta seem like you don’t want them and they’ll come crawling to you.”
“I don’t want to play games.”
“Which is why you have no game.”
“Thanks for the advice, Derek, but I’m not here for stupid games. I don’t want someone to hook up with I’m-”
“‘I’m looking for someone to spend my life with’.” Derek mocked him. “And yet you live alone with your dog, right?’
“You live alone too.”
“But I am a bachelor. You- you’re just sad. I’ve got a bachelor pad. You bought a house you want to start your family in. It’s weird. Trust me. Calling her will be the worst decision.”
“Fine. I won’t call her.”
“Don’t text her either.”
“So there is no way she’ll know I would like to see her again.”
“For what? Why would you like to see her again? She lives in New York. You live in Michigan. You would not survive a long-distance relationship. It wouldn’t work. You need to find someone closer to home.” Derek told her.
“Yeah. Sure. Maybe you’re right.” Matt admitted his defeat.
“Good. But I am proud of you.” Derek slapped his back before moving somewhere else in the bus. Matt sighed. Maybe Derek was right, but he didn’t care. He was going to text Lucy. If she doesn’t respond, he’ll know Derek was right.
Andi lay in bed, endlessly scrolling through Instagram when she heard the quick panicked knocking on her door.
“Please, I need you, And.” Lucy’s voice came from the other side of the door, her tone matching her panicked knocking.
“Come in. Is everything okay?” Andi asked, sitting up. Lucy opened the door and walked in.
“He texted me.”
“Who?”
“Matt. The hot pitcher I slept with last night.” Lucy sat on the edge of the bed. “He- he wants to see me again and I don’t know how to respond.
“Let me see what he sent.” Andi reached for Lucy’s phone.
Matt: Hey, I had a good time. Maybe there could be a follow up interview in the future.
“He wants another interview, which I don’t mind,” Lucy explained, taking her phone back.
“Another interview? No. He wants to hook up again.” Andi told her.
“He literally says-”
“Babes, he’s being subtle. Man can’t come out and say ‘I’d like to fuck you again’. Though that would be hot.”
“So what do I say back?” Lucy asked.
“Uh- tell him you’d like to interview him again next time he’s in the city.” Andi shrugged.
Lucy: Yeah. I’d love to interview you again. Of course, if you’re available.
Matt: I’ll make myself available for you.
“He texted back immediately.” Lucy looked at Andi, who was smiling. “What?”
“You must have a magical vagina to have him texting back so fast.” Andi laughed. “I am proud of you.”
“Shut up! What do I say back? Hold on, he’s typing!”
“A double text? Good for you.” Andi teased.
Matt: Maybe we can grab pizza again. And maybe you can leave your phone back at the hotel again.
“Oh, my God.” Lucy looked at Andi. “You’re right. He wants to hook up again.”
“I told you. Let me see what he said.” Andi grabbed Lucy’s phone, smirking as she read the text. “Okay. So tell him to hit you up next time he’s in the city.”
Lucy: Sounds great! So next time you’re in the city let me know and we’ll get pizza. 😊
“Is it dumb to send an emoji?” Lucy asked.
“Don’t send him an emoji.”
“But-”
“Do not send him an emoji, Lucille.”
“But I feel like the text needs it.”
“What are you? Fifteen? You are a grown-ass woman. You don’t send emojis to a man you’re fucking.” Andi was adamant.
“I’m sending the emoji.”
“Don’t!” Before Andi could continue her protests, Lucy showed her her phone. “What even is that?” Lucy tried her best to reenact the emoji. “If he doesn’t text you back, that’s not my fault. That’s on you.”
“Wait. Do you think it’s that bad?”
“I don’t know. You’re on your own, babes. Now, you know I love you, but please get out of my room. And good luck with the rest of your sex adventures with the hot pitcher.”
“Thanks for the help, babes.” Lucy pat Andi’s knee before leaving the room.
