Concept: Sweetheart!Reader accidentally bumps into a rough looking guy while they are on an evening walk, the stranger is rude, and your man gets protective
General Warnings⚠️: MDNI, swearing, threats, violence, fluff, brief mentions of sex/sexual activity but nothing graphic or too detailed
A/N - This is my first like post so please be nice to me, I'm working on it😁😶🌫️ also if the character has a significant other in the actual project (like Paterson) I'm just pretending they never existed. ENJOY!
edited - 11/28/2025
THESE GIFS ALL COME OFF PINTEREST! THEY ARE NOT MINE!
ADAM SACKLER:
We know this man is nutty and protective
Walking the streets this late isn't safe, so he always goes with you
He's skipping and speaking loudly about the woodworking project he started and then threw across his living room in frustration
Then THUD!
It’s New York, so rude reactions are something you’ve grown used to, but Adam knows it was an accident that only happened because you were too busy paying attention to him
He hates the idea of someone scolding you for something you didn't mean to do, especially some random dude who is WAY too eager to escalate the situation
The second the man spits something harsh towards you, Adam gently moves you out of the way
As soon as you’re behind him, he’s basically barking in the man’s face as he reprimands and threatens him
"I WILL END YOU! DO YOU HEAR ME, I WILL PUSH YOU INTO THE STREET, FIND A HEROIN NEEDLE IN AN ALLEY, AND STAB YOU WITH IT REPEATEDLY!"
His volume and intensity make the man shy away
He walks you back to his apartment, holding your hand tightly and saying sweet things to calm you down
"Crazy person. I'm a crazy person and I'm sorry you saw me like that. You're my favorite person and I will never let anyone hurt you."
He gets you one of his sweaters and wraps you in blanket on the couch as he readies hot chocolate for a romantic night in to help you relax
He tells you stories he has from his acting jobs until you're okay
He doesn’t let you out of his sight for a full week afterwards
KYLO REN/BEN SOLO:
He loves you so much it hurts him in all the ways he needs it to
This man fears the day you get hurt
He feels everything so strongly
He once broke the dining table in your shared quarters when you stubbed your toe on the leg
You accidentally bump into a trooper, one known for his success on the battlefield and his snappy tongue
Even under his helmet, he eyes you in disgust and goes to step to you, but of course, your angry man won’t let that slide
In an instant, his Force choke stops the man in his path
“If you ever even look at her with such malice again, I will order a firing squad.”
His voice is deep and strong
The only reason he doesn’t kill him is because you are present and he doesn’t want to put you through that
He drops the guy to the floor, leaving him gasping, as he guides you back to your quarters
When you get back, he gets you dressed comfortably as you scold him for hurting the guy
"Don't worry about him my sweet, I didn't hurt him too bad. Just breathe."
He pulls you into bed and holds you close
The next morning, he gives you hot tea and your favorite breakfast
Scary dog privilege is real with him, but like with most big dogs, he’s a softie for his person
PHILLIP ALTMAN:
You’ve known each other since middle school and you’ve always been the one that keeps him level-headed when his sister isn’t around
In that way, you remind him a lot of Wendy; something he thinks about probably more than he should considering the fact that you're also the first person he slept with, and he was yours
He moved away for work, but you guys still talk a lot
He always tells you about the sexual conquests he has, but somehow, he keeps you in mind
"God, that woman had an ass on her! But don't be jealous, because her throat game was nothing compared to yours, even if you were inexperienced back then."
He’s back for his dad’s funeral and you guys see each other every day he’s in town
One night, he knocks on your door like a cop, and you see him high and giggly and he somehow convinces you to go to the park you both loved as kids
It’s cold so he gives you his jacket
You struggle to get it on and you accidentally shoulder check someone who was walking your way
You quickly say sorry, but this man is PISSY, and he instantly gets in your face which makes Phillip step in front of you and shove the guy to the ground
It’s kind of hot to see him all loud and serious like this
The guy stutters an apology, and Phillip leads you the rest of the way to the park with an arm around your shoulders
Instantly, you’re straddling his lap and you guys are making out like you’re in high school again
The next hour is full of light touches, loving words, and kisses
"I've been dreaming about you a lot lately. You're the only person I ever want to kiss. You're the only one I wanna love on"
He finally asks you to be his which you've been waiting for since 10th grade
You fall asleep in each other's arms on a soft platform of the jungle gym under the stars
PATERSON:
Our sweet angel baby!!!
You move to the town of Paterson, New Jersey after some drama back at home with your parents that ended with you driving away with whatever you could fit in your little car (which isn’t much)
Paterson is used to the normal faces and when you board his bus for the first time, he’s infatuated
He finds himself glancing up at one of the mirrors back at you as he drives and staring longingly in your direction as you get off
Sentimental loverboy is in deep off just one look
He heads home thinking about you, gets Marvin, his ever-spiteful French Bulldog, and walks to the bar like he does every evening
He enters and instead of seeing Doc behind the bar, he sees you
“Can I get you anything Mr.….?”
“Paterson.” he stutters out cutely, “One b-beer please.”
You giggle and nod pouring him his draft
After a solid month just like that, him a stuttering mess and you just being perfect in his eyes, you finally let him walk you home
On the way, some rude man purposefully stumbles into you and then yells at you like it's your fault
You try to stutter out a couple of words, but the man steps to you then WHAM!
Paterson punches the SHIT out of him and immediately starts hurrying you down the street to your place
You invite him inside to ice his hand and thank him. He didn't know that thank you was going to include a make out that makes him dizzy and a handjob that leaves him stuttering
He walks home and writes a poem about how he is going to marry you
After two years, it becomes a reality with Marvin as the ring bearer
CLYDE LOGAN:
Oh, he’s just a big bear
You met him through Jimmy, who just has fun messing with his younger brother
Somehow you managed to tame his brooding nature. Jimmy always jokes you’re the honey to his Pooh bear
He’s insecure about his prosthetic around you for a bit, but he quickly gets comfortable enough to take it off when you two are in bed together or just hanging out
One evening you guys are walking, chatting about some random military memory he had during the day that he wanted to tell you about
Some drunk stumbles out of the bar he works at having been cut off, and instead of going to Clyde as he intended, he walks straight into you and sets his weight on you as he murmurs, hands settling on your hips
He sees red instantly
Clyde scoops the dude up and props the man up on the wall by his collar
“You ever so much as breathe in my honey’s direction again, I swear I won’t be the only amputee in that bar Don.” His voice is stern and strained, “Don’t go botherin' no more nice ladies because you can’t handle yourself when you get messy.”
He drops the drunkard on the ground as a couple of the other bar employees come out.
Obviously, you're shaken up, and you cling to him quickly
Clyde explains the situation to his coworkers, and they handle Don while he turns you guys around and walks you back to his house
He gets you inside, bathed, fed, and bundled up in one of his massive sweaters and a pair of slipper socks
“My baby. My honey. Can’t believe that bastard had the nerve to do that,” he grumbles as he moves you around the house
You’ve never felt so loved
He gets you situated in his bed, and he cuts on some random show on TV, tossing off his prosthetic and resting his head on your chest and wrap his big arms around your waist and lay on you with his weight sat on you perfectly
Your feisty teddy bear
FLIP ZIMMERMAN:
This man has some late nights at the station, and he comes back home DRAINED
Today had been particularly bad and he was so tired, Ron had to drive him home
Flip stumbles in and sees you on the couch
You offer to not go on a walk tonight, but he knows that it's his decompression time and also your opportunity to share something romantic with him after him being gone all day, so you compromise on shortening the walk
He tells you about the case he worked today and the fact the chief was kind of being an ass when out of nowhere, you bump into the neighborhood grump Larry
Larry is the man who complained about the pretty flowers you planted in front of the house and about the cute bird bath you set up in the lawn
He also totally despises you because you babysat his kids when you were in high school and refused his advances when he tried to convince you to suck him off for a higher pay after you got his kids to sleep
“Zimmerman, control your broad,” Larry spits out
Oh my goodness you’ve never seen Flip move so fast
He tackles the older man to the ground and pins him
“You watch your mouth! I will arrest your ass for assault and harassment if you don’t leave my baby alone. I’m tired of your shit!”
You nearly swoon at his gruff tone
Flip lets the man up, who stumbles away quickly back to his house, and Flip uses the adrenaline coursing through his veins to hoist you up and carry you home
The second the door closes, he gets you in the bedroom, stripped down, and bent over
In that 10-minute frame, you finish twice, drool on the sheets, and he somehow cracks the bedframe
You lay beside each other in sweaty euphoria
“Sorry love that was,” he breathes, “that wasn’t planned. I shouldn’t do that to you”
You kiss him sweetly and explain that you liked it
He’s already thinking about doing it again the next time he has too rough a day
I have made my triumphant return to writing! Enjoy my sweet delusional babies.
A = Admiration (what do they absolutely adore about you?)
Kylo admires your softness, though you are very strong, (and almost annoyingly independent) he finds himself in awe of your smooth skin, the way your hair frames your face. He takes notice of the way you keep your nails filed and clean, how you always smell so sweet. He’s just enamored by how beautiful you truly are and how lucky he is.
B = Body (what is their favorite part of your body?)
Oh boy. As previously mentioned in the NSFW alphabet, he’s a sucker for your thighs and your ass. You’re the perfect shape, molded especially for his hands. But on a more sentimental note, he loves your eyes. How long your lashes are, the way you look up at him with love and certainty.
C = Cuddling (how do they like to cuddle?)
He wasn’t use to having another body next to him. So many nights saturated with nightmares and coldness. He was so cold. That first night cuddled up to him, he knew he couldn’t sleep any other way. He prefers being ‘big spoon’ holding your frame tightly against his chest, so he can protect you, even in sleep. At night just before tiredness takes you, you’ll sprawl across his chest, playing with his hair and talking about anything and everything. It’s moments like that, that he replays when he’s feeling stressed, remembering the curve of your smile and the smell of your shampoo.
D = Dates (what does their ideal date with you look like?)
Due to being you know, the ruler of everything, he cant really take you out properly. However, his idea of a ‘date’ is making sure to be home on time to eat with you, talk about your days, and just spend quality time with his girl.
E = Emotions (how do they express emotion around you?)
Kylo isn’t the best at this. Mostly, because he feels so undeserving of you and when he tries to communicate how much he loves you, it makes him well up. You can always tell what he’s feeling just by looking into his eyes, always a little glazed over when he’s looking at you, of course. He’ll swallow down a sob and just grab your hand, stroking it with his thumb. And that’s enough for you.
F = Family (do they want one? If they do, when?)
Family has always been a sore spot for him, obviously, constantly seeking that feeling of belonging. He’s scared to death to ever become a father, afraid of letting his children down. Of letting you down. Of letting his anger get in the way. But he’d be lying if he said he didn’t think about making you a mother sometimes. How amazing you would be, how he craves to see you holding his child. You’re his only family now, so he’s more focused on nurturing you. (For now).
G = Gifts (how do they feel about gift giving? What are their habits when it comes to this?)
Anything you want, just ask. It is yours. You’d be talking about some pretty dress you saw, not even halfway through your sentence and he’d say,
“Pull up my account.”
H = Holding Hands (when/how do they like to hold hands?)
At first he was afraid of people looking at him as weak while holding your hand, but he very quickly got over that. It took him awhile to show PDA, but now that you rule together, he feels even stronger when your palm is in his. He’ll gladly walk the Finalizer with a hand on the small of your back, chin high. He’s so proud of you, and likes to show you off.
I = Injury (how would they act if you got hurt?)
Panic. He would drop everything to leave and go check on you. If you were bed ridden, he would stop 20 times a day to see if you needed anything, making sure the nurses were making you their top priority. You’d wave him off telling him you were going to be okay, but that panic never stopped for him. You’re all he has left.
J = Jokes (do they like to joke around with or prank you? how?)
You’re definitely the funny one. Even when he is particularly stoic that day, you can still make him crack a smile. You bring out the Ben in him sometimes, and he revels in that, laughing for minutes on end over something stupid.
K = Kisses (how do they like to kiss you?)
In passing, he’ll give you a quick kiss on the cheek.
As a greeting, he’ll kiss you slow, taking in your lips against his.
When you’re in bed, it’s this languid, breathless kiss that has his heart pounding out of his chest.
When saying goodbye, it’s a quick peck followed by a few moments of staring into your eyes, never wanting to leave you. Ever.
L = Love (how do they show you they love you?)
He has and always will show up for you. Whenever you need him, he feels it deep in his chest, you don’t even have to say it out loud. You two are so connected, so intertwined, he can feel you needing him before the thought crosses your mind. No matter the time or context, he’s rushing to your side. He loves his sweet girl. 🫶🏼
M = Memory (favorite memory together?)
The first kiss. Kylo had never felt so warm, so held, in his entire life. The first time you kissed him was also his first kiss. Ever. The excitement, and fear, that twisted in his chest made him feel giddy, softly grabbing your neck and surrendering himself to you. Thats when he knew he would be whatever man you needed him to be.
N = Nightmare (what is their worst fear?)
You calling it quits. Even if he lived 10 lifetimes, he wouldn’t feel like he deserved you in any of them. Yes, he would totally understand if you ever decided to leave him, but selfishly, he can’t find it in him to let you go. Even if it may be what’s best for you in the long run. The man he is and was haunts him and makes him feel sick, always hoping that his baggage never bleeds into yours.
O = Oddity (what is one quirk they have?)
He puts on a sock, then a shoe, one at a time for each foot. Like, he doesn’t put both socks on, THEN the shoes. Freak! (jk)
P = Pet Names (what do they like to call you?)
I’d like to headcanon that he calls you ‘sweetheart’ every once in awhile. Always whispering it too, it’s always so gentle and sweet. I can also see him calling you ‘my love’ here and there. So cute.
Q = Quality Time (how do they like to spend time with you?)
Having shared quarters definitely helps with this, so even on days where you don’t see him at all, you know that he’ll be there after your duties. He values just being able to hold you, talk to you for hours, whatever you want to do with him. Another way you and him spend time together, and maybe the most important of all, is going on missions. There’s no other person you can truly rely on besides him, and it’s no question that everyone can count on a success when you’re working as a team.
R = Rhythm (what song reminds you of them?)
Here are a few songs that remind me of Kylo!
The Reason- Hoobastank
Birds of a Feather- Billie Eilish
The Summoning- Sleep Token (heavy on this one).
S = Secrets (how open are they with you?)
Kylo is a tough one to crack. There are still some things he hasn’t told you, but he’s the most vulnerable when you are, when you start opening up to him. He’ll tell you a similar experience that happened to him, never wanting you to feel alone.
T = Time (how long did it take you to get together?)
When you first joined the Order, he viewed you as nothing but competition. Your numbers, your successes challenged him until he realized you were more of an asset than an enemy. Then, he craved you. He daydreamed of how powerful you would be together. That fateful day in the throne room when you both defeated Snoke was his wake up call. He essentially begged you to join him, and you said yes, by his luck. It took him awhile to muster up the courage to ask anything from you, but he did. And you both have been unstoppable since.
U = Upset (how do they act when you’re upset?)
The second a tear hits your cheek, he’s curling you into him with a vice grip, stroking your hair, gentle touches to your back. He knows pain, and loathes you experiencing it too. He’s your safe place.
V = Vaunt (what are they proud of? Do they like to show you off?)
Kylo is proud of how far he’s come, what he’s proved himself to be to the order. How people either fear him or respect him throughout the galaxy. But there is nothing he’s more proud of than you. He is honored to be even associated with you, pride surging through him when people recognize your power. He feels most confident when you’re walking beside him.
W = Warrior (how do they feel about you fighting? Would they fight for you, beside you, etc?)
He doesn’t think he’s ever been more turned on in his life. You are sharp, lethal. But graceful. Each swing of your saber carefully calculated. He would go as far to say you were a much more reliable and sturdy fighter than himself. He swells with pride seeing you take what’s yours, getting your revenge.
X = X-Ray (how well are they able to read you?)
Given your dyad, there are no secrets. He can’t exactly read your thoughts word for word, but he can pick up on the feelings you have no matter how complicated they are. Sometimes he knows what you need before you do.
Y = Yes (how would they propose to you?)
He would be shaking, nervousness vibrating in his chest, along with hope that you won’t refuse him this. This promise, this covenant to hold you forever. He swallows thickly, eye twitching and jaw working. You can see in his eyes there’s already a trace of tears. He’d grab both your hands, almost crushing them with how scared he was.
“I want you. All of you. Forever.”
He takes a knee humbly before you.
“Please.”
Z = Zen (what makes them feel calm?)
Your presence. Everyone aboard knows the only way to knock any kind of sense, or peace, into the Supreme Leader is through you. (Which is why most political or detrimental plans are run by you first). You can feel his anger rippling through your dyad, urging you to find him, and once you do you place a light hand on his shoulder, “Kylo…breathe.” And he does.
canon divergent, post-canon thing to answer the question of what the heck happens when we leave Hilary Swank at the bar
reader works at Ducktape; angst; background characters
wrote this in a night feeling some kind of way
let me know if you want a steamy second part!
The changes were subtle at first. Long-neglected fixes to leaky taps, squeaky doors, and a lick of touch up paint here and there. The LED letters spelling out ‘Ducktape’ didn’t flicker anymore. There was a new T.V., bigger. You walked in one day and some of the lights were new—modern matte black things. Plus, your boss had gotten that sleek new arm at some point, with the robotics. You can’t remember exactly when.
But then the changes got bigger. The LED letters on the top of the building now spelled out ‘Ducktape Bar and Grill’. People started ordering hot chips and onion rings with their beer, and then a short while later, full meals. There was a “Please wait to be seated” sign by the door and you collected customers from it and took them to their table.
Then new faces started to come in. Couples, families, new regulars. You offered table service. Then you had a name badge, then a uniform.
Then, Ducktape was opening a second location.
Clyde had said, “Would you run it?” And his offer was serious.
You’d said, “What would the salary be like?”
He’d said, “Bigger than you can bury under an oak tree.”
You’d squinted at him then. Clyde apologised for the in-joke, and asked to take you out to dinner to explain the terms of your new contract, should you accept it.
That night, at the rustic Italian place across town, you’d said it straight to his face. “Where’d you get the money for this, Clyde?”
Clyde had set his glass of lager down and asked a stupid question—What money?—but you tutted your tongue at him and told him not to take you for a fool. Clyde held your gaze for a long while, a deep dark stare, before he spoke again.
“Don’t make me lie to you, sugar.”
You didn’t ask him anything else after that, and at your next shift, signed your new contract on the dotted line.
XXXX
There are worse jobs in the world.
Your staff are reliable, capable people and for the most part the customers one county over are well-mannered, generous tippers.
Today’s the last Wednesday of the month and Clyde is due in just before closing for the monthly meeting you instigated—mostly to go over the financials and raise any maintenance or staffing issues. Mostly.
The kitchen is closed and your staff are mopping the floor and stacking chairs on tables when Clyde pushes through the door.
The lights are low and he looks just like he did that night at dinner, but with the bright white carpark lights illuminating his long, luscious hair in a halo around his head.
He’s always been handsome, and Redwood-tall, but these days he carries himself differently. His shirts, you notice from time to time, are more and more well made. Fine fabric, and tailored, instead of the faded threadbare he used to wear.
Tonight is no exception. His dark grey suit is casual but fitted, tapering in all the right places to show off his long legs and wide shoulders. You think you spot a bolo tie hanging around his neck but then—Clyde stops. He turns towards the carpark and catches the door before it closes, holding it open.
A woman breezes through. Tall and slender, medium-tan skin and long brown hair. Short shiny nails the colour of heart’s blood.
Your own heart had somersaulted at the sight of Clyde and now, the feeling in your chest is that all the light, all the warmth in that vital organ cools and hardens.
She is stunning. She looks nothing like you.
Quickly, you tip the two shot glasses out into the sink to try to erase the fact you had ever prepared them. As if this time last month it hadn’t been you and Clyde alone, side-by-side on the couch in your office, sipping Fireball and slowly sitting closer and closer together until your knees touched against each other’s.
You smooth down your skirt as you step out from behind the bar. “Clyde!” you greet him warmly, and extend the same polite hello to his date. She introduces herself—Sarah, pleased to meet you—just as Clyde wraps his arm around her waist.
“This won’t take too long, darlin’,” Clyde assures Sarah with a kiss to her temple. “Just in the back?”
You don’t immediately register that Clyde has addressed a question to you. That cold hard lump in the middle of your chest, it cracks at the easy intimacy on casual display, and it takes a second for your brain to catch up.
“‘Course!” you cover quickly. “Same as usual. As normal—always.”
You resist the urge to stomp on your own foot, but Clyde and Sarah don’t seem to hear your verbal fumbling.
“Make yourself at home,” Clyde is saying to Sarah, squeezing her tanned, manicured hand, and she replies, “I’ll be right here, baby,” just as he releases it.
“Alright,” he’s already racing past you, “let’s get’er done. Sarah and I are out for a nightcap now that that dinner is all wrapped up.” Long, quick strides you almost have to hop to keep up with. “I’m ‘on’ take her to that new blues bar, jazz club place that opened up in Danville. Ya seen it?”
“I—oh, yeah. Yeah, I know it.” But that crack in your heart spreads, a tiny earthquake fracturing and fissuring. Because you knew all about the Commission’s business development gala, and have known for months. Knew that Clyde was invited and hoped he’d bring you. Waited for the invitation, waited for him to ask you on your first official date, and when he never did you’d just assumed he was taking Jimmy or going alone.
But now you know the truth.
You’d read every sign wrong, girl.
In your office you sit at your desk but Clyde doesn’t. He stands to your side. He’s never just stood at your side, stoic and still. In the past he’s sat on the sofa, sat on the desk chairs opposite, perched on the safe, pulled up an empty crate, even leaned over your shoulder.
But never has he just stopped next to you, not-so-patiently waiting in silence.
You tap the keys to bring your laptop screen back to life and the spreadsheet appears.
“How we lookin’?” Clyde asks eagerly, before you even click to this month’s tab.
You clear your throat, clicking and scrolling to the data. “So, as you can see we’re up on last month’s figures for food and beverage,” you point at a different one of the charts, “even though wait times were a little longer—”
“But no problems?”
You pause, your hand hovering, and glance at Clyde. Looking up at his face like you’d look up to find the end of a sky-scraper. Really, you’re so physically close you could see your reflection in his belt buckle if you looked, but the other distance—the emotional space from your heart to his—feels like you’re an ocean away.
“No, Clyde. No problems.”
“‘Nything I need to know?”
For a man with such a rich, deep gaze, Clyde’s eyes sure are piercing you tonight. Pinning you, almost with physical force, to your seat beneath him. You’re suddenly acutely aware that every breath you take and don’t give him his answer is being perceived as a waste, keeping him from his hot date with Legs McGee out by the bar.
He’s waiting on your every word, and you know he wants those words to be short and sweet.
You look back at your laptop. Nothing is in red, which is the way you’d formatted it to look if there was a problem. The bottom line numbers are green, and there’s lot of percentages in the nineties on the screen.
“Uhm,” you don’t even realise your hand clenches to a fist, “all good. We’ve had a really good month.”
“Great.” Clyde smiles.
It’s not a full, toothsome grin but a lop-sided quirk—one of your favourites—that creases the long dimples at the side of his mouth. You’re about to smile back when he says—
“Can you send me some copies of these? Want the new store to do this monthly reporting too. ‘S good.”
“New store?”
“Looks great, shug.” Clyde claps the back of your chair.
“Clyde—”
“See you next month.” He turns and starts to walk out of your office.
“I—”
“Ya?” Clyde stops, turning back to you on his heel.
If only time could stretch. If only seconds were minutes—and heartbeats hours.
But even if you could make this moment last, what would you even say?
“Let me know what else y’all need for the new store. That’s really exciting news. And enjoy the club tonight.”
You force a smile. Clyde nods and with a warm smile he says, “Thank ye, sugar.” - and then he’s gone.
XXXX SOME MONTHS LATER XXXX
Another month rolls around, and Clyde strides in for your monthly meeting hours early.
Dinner service is in full swing and you’ve been walking the floor, and you only just finish closing out a ticket at the register when big, bulky Clyde barges past the exiting patrons and right up close to your side.
“I need a word, sugar.”
He touches you on the elbow, three fingertips implying urgency.
“Clyde?” You puncture the receipt on the spike and glance at him. It’s only just now that you get a good look at his deep brown eyes. See the red rimming the bloodshot whites, wide with alarm. “What’s—?”
“Come on back with me now. C’mon,” he murmurs, gently easing you away from the register.
You follow Clyde as he marches into your office, all broad shoulders and black jeans and black cowboy boots, shiny and new.
You question him again as he practically hauls you into the room and stops just short of slamming the door behind you.
“What is this all about Clyde, Jesus—”
“Listen to me, shug,” Clyde grabs your hands and holds them in his, very firmly, “really, really listen to me good ‘n’ well, now.”
You search his eyes. He’s frantic. Something has happened. Something is wrong. Very badly wrong.
“Are ye, dang it,” he stops, dropping to his knees while you stand, hands clasped tight, “are ye listenin’?”
“Yes, Clyde.” You don’t hesitate to reply, and you surprise yourself with how level and firm your voice is. As you look at him you realise, you knew a day like this would come. The old bar, the first Ducktape—way back before it was a family-friendly grill franchise with billboards all over the county—grew too fast. You knew the money it made back then. Knew the profits it pulled were in no way enough to finance the expansion into a food kitchen, let alone two brand new bar-restaurants offering fully staffed table service.
You’d asked him once, before all this, where he got the money, but he couldn’t tell you the truth, could he? And you didn’t push it any further, did you? Not a single other time, no matter how often the ‘Ocean’s 7-Eleven’ news clip showed up on your social media feed.
With Clyde on his knees, eyes shining wet, your stomach sinks as you realise what you should’ve done, over and over until you knew exactly what you were getting yourself into. You should’ve prodded him, poked him, made him tell you.
Now the lacquer on your shaped nails and watch on your wrist and earrings in your ears and fresh hair-do on your head… it all feels like borrowed trinkets, stolen symbols of status ornamenting your body—cheap and fake and unnaturally connected to your being against your will and better judgement.
Clyde says, “There’s trouble.”
“What trouble?”
He takes a breath, big pink lips quivering as his eyes search yours before settling.
Then Clyde finally says, “...Sarah.”
XXXX
Much later that night, you find yourself standing around the tin can fire on the lawn outside Clyde’s trailer.
You’ve been here only a handful of times before, dropping off Ducktape’s cash sale proceeds at the end of the night before the safe was installed in your office. And tonight you learned Clyde’s was the most secluded of all the options, since Jimmy had moved in with Sylvie.
Now, the gang’s all here, and Clyde has just finished explaining what happened when he found Sarah’s go bag.
Joe’s brow creases as he asks, “And she said it was ‘cuz she was cheatin’?”
Clyde gazes into the fire. “That’s what she told me.”
“But you saw a badge?” Jimmy quizzes his brother with squinted eyes. “You definitely seen a badge?”
Clyde’s lips fold into a line before he says, “That’s what I saw.”
This is an interrogation despite the fact that Clyde looks seven different types of hurt.
“But,” you speak up, “let me see if I’ve got this. NASCAR closed the investigation with the Feds. And the money is untraceable cash. Right?”
Clyde looks up from the flickering flames. “That’s right.”
“So what was she even doin’ here?” Mellie finishes your thought for you.
Silence falls over the group. Blackened logs crackle in orange flames, and warmth seeps into your skin despite the low fog creeping across the yard.
“Look, it’s late, y’all,” you say, “and far as I can tell, she’s been made and won’t be coming back. Especially since after what—months?” you sneak a glance at Clyde, “—she hasn’t found anything, and it’s not like y’all are doing any of what counts as RICO stuff with the money. You’re running a couple bar-and-grills. Legit ones. There’s nothing to find.”
Jimmy nods. “Let’s get the accountant to look over all them papers tomorrow.”
“You know I would, y’all, but I’m workin’ the bus up in Lincoln,” Sylvie says.
“I got it.” Joe slings his arm around Mellie’s shoulders. “But by my reckoning it’s after midnight, now. Now I agree the plan, but let’s all of us get on home. And uh,” he pauses, his gaze flitting between Clyde’s face and the fire, “‘M sorry, Clyde.”
XXXX
After everyone makes their goodbyes and the last of the taillights fade from view, it’s just you and Clyde around the fire.
For a little while, the pop and snap of the wood in the flames is all there is. But it didn’t feel right to leave with the others, and it still doesn’t.
It feels like, right here is where you need to be.
Then slowly, like he’s still contemplating the words, Clyde says, “So. Now you know.”
You push your fists deeper into your jacket pockets. “I do.”
Clyde pauses, locking eyes with you. “...Maybe you’d always known.”
You sigh deeply as you hold Clyde’s gaze. “Truth be told, Clyde. I didn’t have the details but I had suspicions, as you know when I asked you that night.”
“But you never said anything. Did anything.”
You huff a laugh, your breath misting in the cooling air. “‘M probably not the only one around here who could’ve put two and two together but decided not to.”
Clyde makes that inquiring expression he does, where just one eye narrows slightly, just for a second, and his head tilts up half a degree. “Why not?” he murmurs.
You shrug. “Not sure I know that. Had a good job. Saw a lot of people in the community get a good job, get skills. Plus you… you took me to dinner.” You hold Clyde’s gaze. “That can woo a girl, you know.”
Clyde looks away, scuffing one boot into the ground as he chews his bottom lip. “Think I shouldn’t’a done that with you.” He looks up once more, meeting your eyes over the flames. “Think I made a mistake.”
You didn’t need to kick him while he was down by agreeing out loud, but you had to know one more thing. You deserve as much, considering this family just made you complicit in grand larceny in the span of one fireside conversation.
So you asked, “She was in the picture then, Sarah? Back then.”
Clyde says, “‘M not proud of it.”
You know he’s not. Know he means to say he’s sorry. You watch the way the flames dance across his face and say, “I’m not either. Proud that you did that—”
Clyde swallows and glances away again.
“—but I am—”
He looks back up.
“—sorry that you got hurt, tonight.”
You watch a sad smile die on his face, like he feels he doesn’t deserve the endorphins it’d let loose in his brain. “That’s kind of you, sugar.”
The snapping, hissing fire fills the silence. Your face feels hot, warmed by the flames, but your feet in your boots aren’t as toasty as the rest of your body.
You and Clyde have cleared the air but it’s revealed a crossroads.
You say softly, “Is it time for me to go, Clyde?”
The big broad man’s hands are shoved deep in his jeans pockets. He stares at you over the crackling fire, and you see the return of that full and penetrating look in his eyes. Not only see it, but you welcome it.
You let it thrill you.
“Think I,” Clyde clears his throat. “Think I want you to stay.”
You feel your pulse begin to pound in your clenched fists, furled up so tight and hot in your pocket your hands are perspiring. But in this moment, hearing words you’ve wanted to hear from his lips for years, you have a little more conscience than you’d like. Because it would be wrong. So wrong, wouldn’t it? The man is heartbroken. That’s the only reason he’s saying this.
“You’re hurting, Clyde.”
Clyde’s gaze falls to the ground; he chews his bottom lip. “I want you to stay tonight,” he admits, eyes fixed on his boots. “I know I do, shug.”
You could ask Clyde whether he wants this for the right reason, but reason be damned. Can you live with yourself if you do this? That’s a question for tomorrow. The real question is why did you linger after everyone else left, if not for the opportunity to heal Clyde’s wounds and wake up in his bed the next day?
Maybe, this can be the thing you’re not proud of, and if you have one each, you can call it even.
“It’s, uh,” Clyde clears his throat, “not how my momma raised me. So I, surely, understand—”
“You know what, Clyde?” You start talking as you make your way around the makeshift firepit, closing the distance, looking up at the man. When you’re right in front of him you say, “No one has to know you’re not a gentleman.”
Clyde sucks in a shaky breath, and his exhale is just the same.
You watch him realise it in real time. You’ve stripped off a layer of old paint to reveal the original, even more beautiful finish beneath. You’re glad you said it because you know he’s not, not deep down in his soul, but he thinks he oughta be.
Clyde murmurs, “I don’t gotta be like that with you.”
You make a humming noise, considering. “Not all the time.”
Clyde cups your face, groaning as he pulls you in for a deep kiss.
Notes: Hi! I know I haven't written for the ADCU in some time but i have this dad!clyde brainrot and i might as well post it. part 2 is 90% done so I’ll post that sometime soon
I miss being here & I hope everyone is doing well, sending all of you lots of love & thank you for taking time out of your day to read my silly little stories, i appreciate you <3
Warnings: protective girl dad!Clyde, talk about kids, mention of abandonment issues, mother not involved (and will not appear at any point), no mention of y/n, fluff, pining, pervy thoughts from sasquatch, eventual smut in second part (tags will be added), no cliffhanger
Word Count: 7.1K
(this will go back & forth between Clyde's POV & readers POV)
The bar was filled with scattered conversations and the faint sound of jukebox music lingering in the background. It was an otherwise quiet Thursday night at Duck Tape. Clyde busied himself as usual, topping off the regulars and ensuring everyone was settled and satisfied. The calm before the storm, at least until the real crowd rushed in to watch the Friday night game. Being the only bar in a small town meant there was little else to do around here. Clyde never seemed to mind, though; catching familiar faces day in and day out was one of his favorite parts of owning Duck Tape in the first place. Regulars usually required minimal conversation, which was right up Clyde's alley. The most words anyone got out of him other than his siblings was Earl, but he didn't mind. Clyde quickly finished his last prep of the day and glanced around the bar, taking advantage of the slow pace and stepping away into the recluse of his office. He huffed as he shut the door behind him and sank into his lanky chair; a never-ending sea of papers he'd been dodging surrounded him on the worn-out wooden desk. His eyes burned, and his head ached from the tension of another long day. Taking over the bar a couple of years ago definitely tested his limits. He loved it here, but it strained the already little energy he had left to go on about his day. So much had changed in Clyde's life in the past few years alone. From becoming a father to being the new proud owner of Duck Tape due to the Heist, plus there was-. The Heist, the words halted his train of thought as memories came and went.
The biggest risk any of them had taken in their life landed all three Logans with more financial security than they knew what to do with; plus, if anything was going to convince Clyde that the Logan family curse was finally broken, it sure as hell was how swiftly they had gotten away with all of it. But none of that really mattered. Sure, it was more than nice not to think about how he would pay off the next bill or where his next meal would come from, but he couldn't help but look around and feel like something was missing. Maybe someone to share it with woulda been nice, he thought to himself. Jimmy had Sylvia, Mellie had Joe, and well, he had his Sunshine. He mentally kicked himself at the apparent self-doubt clouding his mind; Clyde had more than enough to be grateful for. But a small part of him couldn't help but yearn.
It's not like Clyde was a stranger when it came to love. Sure, it's not something he thinks he's ever experienced, but he was sure he saw it with Jimmy and Sylvia. What they had was enough to convince him there was something more out there. Clyde just wasn't entirely sure he deserved whatever that was. He would live the rest of his life longing for something he couldn't quite put his finger on, and that's just another obstacle in his life he had come to terms with.
Clyde's train of thought quickly faded when he heard the office door click open behind him, making him turn in his chair. Dark, luscious curls crawled their way onto his lap, and small arms stretched around his waist. The discomfort from a long workday quickly melted away as giggles filled his ears. Mellie trailed into the office, following a giggling Lyla, who had already captured her dad in an embrace.
Clyde took a moment to tussle Lyla's hair slightly, making her giggle even louder. The way she fit into his lap took him back to a time when she was nothing but a wailing newborn cradled in his arms while the uncertainty of being thrown into fatherhood haunted him. It wasn't like he had much of a choice. It was not like his head was in the right place either, with the too-embarassing-to-admit heartbreak, confusion, and, no doubt, fear consuming him. A one-night stand he was sure he'd never hear from again turned into a small note tied with a pink ribbon to a baby carrier on his doorstep nine months or so later. He was young, dumb, and with no time to process any of it, but before he knew it, there she was. All big brown eyes and grabby hands, looking back at him like he hung the moon, and from that moment on, Clyde knew his life would change forever.
"Hey, Sunshine." Clyde drawled, and Lyla smiled while babbling to him about her day with her favorite aunt. Mellie smiled at the sight of her eager niece, sparing no detail of their girl's day spent at the salon.
"You good if I head on out?" Mellie said as soon as Lyla let her get a word in.
"Yeah, was jus' finishin' up here n' headin' home."
"Alright. Don't stay too late now. Night, you two." Lyla wrapped herself around Mellie's legs in a tight hug before saying her goodnight and reluctantly seeing her out the door.
"Ready to go, Sunshine?" Lyla nodded towards her dad and practically sprinted toward the front door. Something told him Mellie let her niece have more sugar before bed than he would usually allow, and something else told him he would be the one to pay for it later.
------------
As the busier weeks of the year followed with football season being at its peak, Clyde had just about had it. Another night at Duck Tape dragged on, minutes feeling like hours. Clyde was nearing his limit between the higher volume of patrons than usual and being understaffed with just two servers on the floor for the third night in a row. He hadn't even realized what time it was. And it wasn't just tonight; everything was starting to blur together as of late—never-ending odd hours at the bar in between quality time playing whatever princess Lyla was currently obsessing over, all while making sure he was always home just in time to read a bedtime story and tuck her into bed. Clyde was losing it. It's not like he thought things would get easier as Lyla got older, but damn, he could use a break.
And he sure as hell wasn't comfortable leaving Lyla in any sort of childcare yet, so help came from the people he loved the most. Mellie was always around to spend time with her niece, taking Lyla to the salon whenever possible, while Jimmy and Sylvia were happy to step in when they could. Clyde knew how lucky he was, having his family rally around him and step up whenever he needed them. He never did like to impose his troubles on them, knowing they had their own lives to take care of. Always making sure he was on time to pick Lyla up straight after work and spending his days off with her, attending endless tea parties along with movie nights where every stuffed animal she could fit would join them on the couch beside them in the small trailer they shared.
Clyde found himself overwhelmed by the daily chaos more often than he'd like to admit. But the truth is, he had grown to depend on her just as much as she did on him. Her smiles brightened even his darkest days. Listening to Lyla talk about the things she loves, whispering 'I love you, and snuggling before bed every night kept him going no matter how exhausted he was. He wouldn't trade it for the world.
But late at night, when Lyla was finally asleep and the world was a little quieter, Clyde's thoughts always seemed to be a little louder. It was the only time when he didn't have to have all the answers or act like everything wasn't weighing on him as heavily as it was, where not a single person depended on or needed something from him. Nothing else to do but sink into the couch, crack his favorite beer open, and drift off to sleep, only to wake up the next day and do it all over again.
"C'mon Clyde. A couple drinks with ya favorite brother, plus ya can use the night out. Syl's got her." Jimmy insisted, breaking Clyde out of his haze. Clyde huffed; the poor guy just wanted his brother to let off some steam, and he understood that. He was thankful his brother always looked out for him in his own way, but he couldn't give in. Not again. He winced slightly at the memory of the last time he indulged in a reckless drunk night out and how it ended with Lyla on his doorstep. Not that he regrets any of it, of course. He'd do it again a million times if it meant ending up with Lyla every time. But there was no denying the exhaustion that plagued him since that day. Long days and sometimes nights at the bar, followed by a never-ending list of chores, along with a more than needy kiddo constantly yanking at his leg, awaited him at home.
" 'S alright. 'M jus' stressed, been workin' nonstop, jus' wanna get home to Sunshine." Clyde put on a strained smile as he wiped down the bar top for the night. He couldn't bring himself to justify spending any of his spare time away from his girl. Having his family watch Lyla was always more of a necessity; how could he ask more of them? Just so he could kick back a few beers and feel like shit about it tomorrow? No, thank you, Clyde thought to himself. Jimmy let up as their attention was drawn away toward the door, chiming as Mellie sauntered into Duck Tape and scurried right up to the bar beside her brother.
"Guess what?" Mellies shoots Clyde a knowing smirk while bouncing on her feet excitedly.
"What?" Clyde managed to keep his tone steady, reluctantly ready to hear whatever Mellie was plotting after having to fight Jimmy off for the last hour about him 'loosenin' up,' whatever the hell that meant.
"I found ya a babysitter for the summer. Or is a nanny that ya needed? Oh well, whatever it is, I found her." She pulls out one of the bar stools and takes a seat. Clyde sets down the rag and takes a deep breath before looking back at Mellie, silently urging her to continue. "An' before ya say anythin', she's a real close friend; met her a couple years back at the salon, and she just moved back into town; she'd be perfect for this."
"Takin care of Lyla isn't something for one of your little friends, Mel." Clyde didn't mean to sound so condescending. Especially when his little sister was only trying to make his life easier, but he couldn't help himself. With the amount of time this person would spend with his daughter, Clyde needed someone he could trust. He prided himself in always wanting what was best for his Sunshine; her care was no exception.
"C'mon Clyde. Ya need the help, and she's a good one, I swear. Great with kids, and you can trust her." He sighed. "Just meet her before you make any decisions...please?" Clyde knew there was no talking Mellie out of anything, especially when her mind was made up like this. Plus, if he was being honest with himself, he was desperate. He didn't trust many people where Lylas was concerned, and that made the picking for her nanny or even a babysitter slim to none in this small town. As much as he hated to admit it, he needed this. And if Mellie trusted her, well, that would have to be good enough for him. For now.
"Fine. I'll meet her. When were ya thinkin'?" Mellie beamed a smile at him before checking her phone as a text message came through.
"Is now a good time?" Clyde's dazed look only amused Mellie further as she turned to the front door. "There she is!" Mellie hollered toward you, waving so you'd join them.
Clyde's eyes felt like they were damn near ready to fall right out of his head. If the word 'trouble' had a picture next to it in the dictionary, he was sure it'd look a lot like you, all dolled up in jeans that looked like they'd been drawn on and worn-down cowboy boots as you confidently strutted your way toward him. All bright eyes and delicious curves taking up all of his attention and then some. Clyde's grip tightened, practically digging his fingernails painfully into his palm. He couldn't remember the last time he reacted so strongly to someone. Pretty girls strolling in and out of Duck Tape were a rarity; he never bothered to give them a second look, let alone a first one. A hazy introduction later, you extended your hand towards him, and he swore he could feel lightning crackle through his veins at the warmth of your palm, immediately kicking himself for being so affected by you so quickly. Get it together, asshole, he told himself. This was going to be a long night.
---------
Mellie embraced you warmly and dragged you toward the two men staring daggers at you from the bar. It felt odd when she texted you out of the blue to meet her and the parent of the child you might or might not be taking care of this summer at some bar, but you didn't question it. Mellie always came with surprises. You happily greeted Jimmy, recalling the second Logan and his little girl from when you visited Mel's salon while he was fixing up the place last summer. In the short time you spent in this small town, the Logans always had their own way of making you feel right at home.
"Hi." You introduced yourself to the man behind the bar top, trying not to let his stern gaze affect you. His broad shoulders and handsome face made your breath hitch from the moment you first saw him. And if he kept looking at you like he was, you weren't sure your knees wouldn't buckle on the spot.
"Clyde, this is my friend I was tellin' ya about." Mellie cautiously glared at her seemingly rigid brother before looking back at you. "This is my brother, Clyde, Lyla's dad." You offered him a warm smile and extended a hand toward him. Clyde stiffened further, eyes darting between you; his large palm engulfed yours.
"Hm. Nice to meet ya." He offered you a tight smile and briefly shook your hand, practically snatching it away. Your skin suddenly missed his warmth, but you shook away the slight disappointment at his apparent disinterest.
"Clyde, don't be rude. Sorry, he's not a real people person." Mellie scolded him and turned toward you. "So ya still interested in that babysittin' gig? Lord knows my brother here could use the help." Clyde's eyes shot up and glared at Mellie, silently wishing the ground would swallow him whole so he could be spared the embarrassment his little sister was already putting him through.
"I don't know. Is it still available?" You glanced at Clyde teasingly, hoping to ease whatever tension had manifested between the three of you in the last five minutes.
"Yes. No." Clyde scrambled to gather his thoughts before continuing. "It is I just...I'd like to see ya spend time with her first. See how ya are with her n all that.'' He sighed. This wasn't the way this was supposed to go. He was supposed to find a nanny, get through the summer, and life could go on like it had been. Instead, he felt so flustered that he couldn't even string a simple sentence together if his life depended on it.
"I can come over sometime this week to spend some time with her. If it doesn't feel like a good fit for you, you have no obligation to hire me." You made sure to sneak in that last part before he could change his mind. Clyde nodded towards you appreciatingly.
"How's tomorrow afternoon? Round 1? I can drop her off after my shift." Mellie chimed in before Clyde could stumble over any more of his words.
"Tomorrow it is, then." You nodded and received a barely there smile from the grumpy bartender. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
-----
The next day arrived much faster than Clyde realized. He typically looked forward to his mornings off, sharing a big plate of burnt bacon with Lyla while sprawling on the couch watching morning cartoons. Instead, he spent most of his morning distracted. Even when Lyla rambled about what was playing on the television, Clyde's mind wandered back to you. It's not like he'd gotten much sleep either, with the thought of seeing you again running through is mind late at night. What was supposed to be a quick shower ended with Clyde's hand gripping his cock, images of you pressed up against him, droplets of water streaming down your breasts as he drove into you and pressed his warm body on yours. It wasn't long before he felt himself spill on his hand, and harsh reality set in. Clyde hated himself over it. He was going to be your employer, for fucks sake. He'd barely met you for more than ten minutes, and already he was over here pining and touching himself like some hormone-crazed teenager with a crush. Thankfully, it wasn't long before Mellie swung by to pick Lyla up, promising her another one of their girls' days at the salon. Lyla quickly got ready, and after seeing her out the door and waving the two off, Clyde managed to peel himself off the couch and headed over to the bar.
From there, the morning dragged like no other. Clyde spent most of it sitting in his office, trying not to think about the fact that you'd walk through those doors any second. He always found it easy to throw himself into work, put everything else aside, and focus on what needed to get done. But every time he tried, there you were. There was no way he'd be able to do this. Spending more time with you? If he felt this out of control after one day, how would he be able to be any sort of normal around you all summer? He couldn't; he had to end this today. You would understand; Mellie said this job wasn't all that serious for you anyway. You could go back to wherever you came from, and he could finally get something done without thinking about how your hand felt on his last night. Or how badly he wanted to trace the soft skin on your collarbone or how your smile warmed his heart with a familiarity he somehow already craved.
Clyde didn't get too far into his bar prep when the doors to Duck Tape swung open. Lylas skipped inside, Mellie following closely behind her. She stumbled while trying to climb one of the bar stools, making Clyde exit the bar quickly and taking her in his arms.
"Gon' hurt ya self there, Sunshine." Lyla giggled, the bar stool wobbling underneath her before Clyde set her on the ground. Just as Mellie said her goodbyes and headed out, the door opened, but this time, Clyde could've sworn he felt his heart skip a beat at the sight.
-------
Your morning had been nothing short of hectic after changing your outfit an endless amount of times. Not to mention spilling coffee on your shirt once you'd managed to settle on something. You quickly shoved that aside and mustered whatever courage you had left to head over to the bar. A short drive later, you walked into Duck Tape at precisely one o'clock to find Clyde standing beside an adorable little girl looking up at him with a guilty look on her face.
"Now I know Aunt Mellie gave ya candy at the salon; that's enough for today, sunshine." Lyla pouted slightly as you listened in. Clyde said a quick hi and crouched beside her when he noticed you standing there. Lyla wrapped herself around her dad's legs when she spotted you.
"Lyla, this is Aunt Mellie's friend. The one I told ya about." Clyde waited cautiously for his daughter's response. As you knelt on the floor in front of the pair, you were met with wild chestnut curls and doe-brown eyes on the cutest kid you've ever seen.
"Nice to meet you, Lyla." The little girl retracted shyly into her dad's embrace. Your eyes landed on the coloring book and plastic crayon box she cradled in her hands. "That's a nice princess coloring book you got there. Rapunzel is my favorite, ya know."
"Rapuzel's my favorite too." Lyla mumbled, chocolate button eyes hesitantly landing on you.
"No way! Her dress has both of my favorite colors, purple and pink."
"Those are mine too! Daddy got me a 'punzel dress, and he lets me wear it all the time when we have tea parties 'n stuff." You could've sworn Clyde's cheeks flushed slightly like the doting dad you could already see he was.
"I bet he does." You smiled over at Clyde. Thinking about this large man playing pretend princess and having tea parties with his daughter had your heart swirling with emotions you were sure shouldn't be there in the first place. You didn't know why that warmed your heart the way it did, but you brushed it off as you offered to color with her, and Lyla practically dragged you toward the back of the bar.
The next hour was spent with the both of you huddled in a corner booth while Clyde kept busy around the bar. You talked endlessly about her extensive knowledge of every single princess, colored a couple of pages, and even earned a few giggles.
Clyde wiped down the bar for what he was sure was the millionth time. There was minimal on the to-do list for today, but he would busy himself here as long as it took if it meant keeping an eye on you two. It's not like you needed it; he didn't need to be there to know you were hitting it off with Lyla. The chatter had been nonstop since you sat at the booth; you engaged seamlessly with her. Listening intently to every word while keeping her entertained. He noticed his daughter was just as entranced with you as he was. This was a good thing, wasn't it? He had to admit he miscalculated your ability in all of this when you first met. Clyde felt terrible about how closed off he'd been last night. Here you were, all bright-eyed and ready to help, and there he was, the usual grey cloud raining on everybody's parade the first chance he got. At least, that's how he assumed everyone saw him.
Clyde was refilling some bottles from the bar when Jimmy called, letting him know he was outside. He signaled over to Lyla, who was beyond excited to spend the rest of her day with her uncle and cousin Sadie. You helped her gather her things before Jimmy took Lyla in his arms. One "Bye, Daddy!" and a wave from Clyde later, and it was just the two of you in the ample bar space.
"So how'd I do, bossman?" you asked as Clyde stepped out from behind the bar. His large frame coming into full view was enough to make a girl swoon on the spot. You attempted to reign in whatever self-control you could gather, well enough to take a step toward him without feeling like a giddy schoolgirl. Clyde remained silent for a moment before you felt the need to speak.
"Look, I know it must be hard to just trust a stranger with all this. And I know I'm not the most qualified person out there. But I'm a hard worker and punctual; playing princesses and tea parties happens to be my specialty. Plus, I can make anything into a game." You could've sworn you saw a hint of a smirk on Clyde's handsome face.
"She seems to like you." Warmth blossomed in your chest at the compliment. Lyla was a smart kid and funny, too. You knew it would be hard not to fall in love with the little rascal from the moment you met.
"Well, I like her too, so that's a plus." Clyde felt his entire body tense up at your newfound proximity. From here, he could see the flush of your lips and the captivating color in your eyes, like two pools he would happily drown in. Your warm smile drew him in until he found himself needing to be closer to you than what was deemed appropriate. And to hear you talking so sweetly about his sunshine? His heart felt like it could burst out of his chest, but he quickly compelled that away to unpack another day.
"Can ya start tomorrow? I have a late shift bein' a sports night n all." Clyde attempted to shake his thoughts away. He had to try at least to pretend like he hadn't spent the better part of his shift taking longing glances at you, admiring the way your white tee and jeans fit your curves in a way that made sure he'd have to walk around with a semi and adjust his pants for the rest of the day.
"Sure thing. Your place?" Clyde nods and gives you a time and address.
--------
The next several weeks were filled with endless princess gatherings, storytelling from faraway lands, coloring for hours on end, and whatever adventure Lyla would conjure up that day. She warmed up to you almost instantly; things were going great. Better than great, sometimes, you had to question if this was really your job with how much fun you were having. Lyla was witty, smart, and had an imagination to be envied. She seemed so free and unapologetically herself in the best way. You could tell she had been raised with an unconditional love any kid could only dream of. It wasn't like the occasional meltdown didn't take place from time to time, being a toddler and all. But you always find a way to bring that smile back to Lyla's face.
Things with Clyde hadn't simmered down in the slightest. Every interaction, every glance, every accidental touch had your yearning growing. Every moment spent together allowed you to quietly admire something new about him. The way his chest filled out those t-shirts he often wore, his hair that begged to have your fingers tangled in it, or even how he pursed his lips in that way that had your core clenching whenever he spoke. Not to mention, seeing him with Lyla made your knees weak. This gentle giant's soft demeanor melted your heart while twisting your insides in the most delicious way. Still, Lyla kept you more than busy; otherwise, you'd spend your days daydreaming about Clyde Logan. Today was no different. Building forts and baking cookies had been the first thing on the itinerary, and knowing Lyla, there was always more to come. When she'd finally fallen asleep watching Cinderella on the couch, you carefully tucked her into her bed and quietly exited the room, shutting the door just as Clyde entered the trailer.
"Hey." You whispered as Clyde set down his stuff and went to the kitchen. "I just put her to bed."
"Thanks. Sorry, 'M late. Bar kept gettin' crazy n' I just couldn't get away. It's-" You cut him off by placing a hand on his arm, feeling him tense under you.
"Clyde, it's okay. That's what I'm here for, remember?" You winked at him before walking toward the kitchen to put away the rest of the dishes. Clyde headed to the fridge and pulled out two beers. Your cheeks warmed, watching him lean over with one sturdy arm on the fridge door, the muscles on his back rippling under the worn-down t-shirt while the two bottles fit snuggly in his large hand. Get it together, you told yourself, forcing your gaze away.
"Beer?" Clyde gestured toward you. "I was jus' gonna have one on the porch." The words tumbled from his mouth without realizing. He knew it was a bad idea, but he couldn't help himself. You looked all comfortable, your books and blanket on his couch, standing here in his kitchen, in his home, moving around like you belonged there. But Clyde wasn't stupid; his head was definitely playing tricks on him. There wasn't a universe that existed where a woman as beautiful as you would be interested in a guy like him, and he understood that. Now the only problem was keeping his heart and dick in check long enough to be professional.
The night sky was decorated with stars against the black abyss, quiet and still. Just the two of you sitting in comfortable silence. Clyde followed you outside, shutting the door quietly. You sat beside him, legs folded comfortably in the porch chairs as he handed you a cold beer.
"So, how was everythin'?" He said before taking a swig of his beer, the soft rumble of his voice activating those darn butterflies in your stomach already.
"Great. Pretty sure she tried on every princess dress in her closet and saw Frozen at least ten times. We danced, sang, and even built a fort." You found yourself smiling at the memory of Lyla with a mismatched dress and crown belting 'Let It Go' with you while jumping around her room. "Same old, same old."
"Mhm." Clyde relaxed further into his seat. The more time you spent with him, the more apparent it became that he was a man of few words. Still, you appreciated the ones he was willing to share with you.
"It was a good day; it always is." You noticed Clyde stretched his left arm before him as if irritated by it.
"Mind if I take this off?" The words tumbled out before Clyde could stop them, the beer loosening his tongue. Clyde wasn't sure why he suddenly felt comfortable enough around you to remove his prosthesis. He was pretty sure the people closest to him hadn't even seen him without it. Although it shouldn't surprise him, his sense of ease around you only grew within the last couple of weeks.
"Go ahead." Clyde hesitated for a second, then carefully removed his prosthetic, massaging the tender spot. Your eyes scanned the newly exposed skin. "Does it hurt?" Clyde paused his movement and huffed. You cleared your throat, the day's exhaustion clearly eliminating whatever filter you had left. "Sorry. I didn't mean to-forget I said anything."
"'S alright. Served two tours n' ended with this. 'N no, not really, not all the time, at least. Jus' bothers having this thing on all day." You nodded, understanding it was something still difficult for him to talk about.
"You don't have to ask, you know? To take it off. I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable for no reason." Clyde smiled while nursing his beer. When he looked over, he found your eyes tracing the scars left behind on his arm. Clyde reached for his sleeve, suddenly feeling the need to cover up, before you placed your hand on his arm, stopping him. "Is this okay?" Clyde gulped and gave a slight nod. He wasn't sure if it was the exposed flesh or how vulnerable this whole thing felt, but he swore he could feel every nerve on his body light up under your touch. Your fingers lightly outlined the scar for a moment before you smiled at him, settled back into your chair, and sipped your beer.
"Mellie dropped by today, and I meant to ask you if I should know of anyone coming by to see Lyla other than your siblings. Friends maybe? Her mom?" You snuck in that last part before you could stop yourself; the last thing you wanted to do was overstep. But you were curious. Lyla never mentioned her, and you didn't notice any pictures of her around the house. Was she a good mom? Was she pretty? She had to be to be Lyla's mom. Did she still hang around? Would she like you hanging around? Maybe she wouldn't want you getting all close to Clyde. Hush that is none of your business, you told yourself.
"Lyla's mom isn't in the picture. Never was. She jus' about dropped Lyla at my doorstep 'n we never heard from her again. Didn't want nothin' to do with her or me, said so in the letter she left." His words spliced across your heart, and tears welled in your eyes for the little girl sleeping soundly inside. Just thinking about someone walking away from an angel like that with such carelessness had you wanting to find this woman with your fist immediately.
"So, you two never?" Clyde shook his head almost as if you'd insulted him.
"It was a one-time thing. A drunken night full of bad choices, 'N then she disappeared. Popped back up again with Lyla, and that was it. Letters last I heard from her." Clyde said. "Not that I wanted her to come back. I don't. We've been jus' fine just us two."
"I don't doubt that for a second."
-----------
The following Sunday morning came with blue skies and warm summer air. Clyde insisted you'd take Sundays for yourself, although you weren't sure why. It's not like you had any other friends around here besides Mel, not to mention a social life being out of the question. When you weren't with Lyla, plans usually consisted of staying at home with a good book and getting chores done. You were gathering your things to lay out in the sun for a bit when Mellie called about being overbooked at the salon and Clyde having an emergency at the bar and asked if you could watch Lyla for the day. A few minutes later, you managed to put together an easy picnic basket, threw a shirt and shorts over your bathing suit, and headed out the door.
A short drive and only two knocks on the trailer later, Lyla ran out, wrapping both arms around your legs in a tight hug. She quickly pulled you inside to find Clyde sitting on the couch with cartoons playing faintly in the background.
"Hi." The morning rasp in his voice had your chest tightening and face flushing. He wore a faded t-shirt and simple dark gray sweats that you had to fight not to stare at. "I tried callin'. Ya didn't have to come, everythin's been takin care of."
"Oh. My phone must still be on do not disturb from last night or something. I was gonna take Lyla to the lake for a picnic and maybe a swim." Lyla's face immediately perked up as she squealed excitedly.
"I'm gonna go get my swimsuit on!" She yelled as she tried to run off into the hall before Clyde stopped her.
"Now, sunshine, today's her day off."
"What's that mean?" Lyla's disappointment grew along with the pout on her face.
"Means she's got stuff to do, stuff she's gotta get done today. She'll be back tomorrow, hm?" Lyla reluctantly nodded as Clyde placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Well," you interjected, unsure if it was your place to say something, but there was no way you could stand by and disappoint Lyla like this, especially when spending your days with her had become your favorite thing to do. "If it's okay with your dad, I'd love some company. I can't eat all these PB&J's and snacks I packed alone now, can I?" Lyla looked toward Clyde. A mix of 'please' and 'please, daddy' flooded Clyde's ears before reluctantly giving in to his daughter's whim. Lyla sprinted toward her room to change, mumbling something about showing her water tricks, making you chuckle.
"You're welcome to join us. I packed plenty of food, and it's too nice of a day out to stay inside." Clyde contemplated for a moment. Just the thought of seeing you prancing around in the water in a skin-tight bathing suit had his pants tightening uncomfortably. He wasn't sure he could control himself. But he had the day off and sure as hell didn't want to spend it without his Sunshine. Plus, he wasn't entirely comfortable with the two of you alone by the creek in the woods. It would be safer if he went with you. At least that's what he told himself as he agreed and slipped away to change into his water shorts.
The drive over to the creek went a little faster than usual, thanks to you and Lyla singing along to some of her favorite songs. Clyde spent the entire ride concealing a smirk at the sight of both of you breaking into song and then into a fit of giggles once one of you would get the words mixed up. Once you'd arrived, Clyde wasted no time unloading the truck and helping a restless Lyla get out of her seat. You found the perfect shady spot to set up the blanket and laid out some things from the picnic basket; once satisfied, you set your shorts and shirt to the side and settled in. Lyla wasted no time hitting the water, barely letting you slather some sunscreen before sprinting off with her floatie. You sat by the shore with your book, watching her splash around. The cool water around your legs is a nice relief from the sun's warmth on your skin. Clyde sat back against the tree, keeping his eyes on the two of you. He couldn't help but imagine if this was what it would be like—having someone by his side sharing moments like these with Lyla.
The afternoon passed far too quickly. A blur of splashes and fits of laughter ended with a sleepy Lyla slung on her dad's shoulders as you packed everything back into the truck and headed out. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the fleeting colors of dusk began to fade away. Only the rumble of the truck and crickets chirping surrounded by the night sky remained. Lyla's soft snores could be heard from behind as you glanced over at Clyde. The soft moonlight reflected off his skin, hair still slightly damp from the creek. His eyes were trained on the road ahead, but you could tell something was on his mind as he chewed on the inside of his cheek.
You sat comfortably on the passenger seat, your thigh dangerously close to his hand resting on the gear. His fingers itched to reach over, wondering how soft your flesh would feel under his touch. No matter how hard it was to keep a calm facade, he couldn't help but recall the silky skin over your bathing suit top, curves he would kill to trace every inch of it with his tongue teasing him from every angle. Even the way your teeth caught on your lip in the most sinful way was driving him insane. Everything about today was driving him insane. Not to mention watching you with his Sunshine. How you'd dramatically play along to every scenario Lyla created until you were nothing but a fit of giggles, watching in awe as you smothered her in hugs and kisses every time she'd swim into your arms. His sunshine was an affectionate girl, don't get him wrong. But she sure as hell didn't open up easily to strangers, yet here you were, winning her over from day one. Clyde shook away the ache in his heart at the thought as he redirected his attention back to the road.
A short while later, you'd arrived back at Clyde's. He hopped out of the car just after you did, carrying a passed-out Lyla in his arms into the house. You stayed outside, wondering if you should wait for him to return or count your losses and hurry home. Before you could make up your mind, Clyde appeared and shut the door quietly behind him, leaving the two of you uncomfortably close on his front porch.
"Thank ya for today." The faulty lamp above you did little against the night.
"It's no problem," you said before a silence fell between you. The dim light accentuated his nose and the plumpness of his lips in the most beautiful way. His eyes drifted up to yours as you took a tentative step toward him. Your heart began to pound, chests nearly pressed against one another, feeling a familiar desire spread in your core. Clyde's breathing grew heavier, suddenly aching to get you closer.
Just as the longing became unbearable, he closed the gap between your mouths, first with the utmost gentleness, then with the hunger of a starved man. You made a delicious little sound and responded with the same fervor, sparking a fire in his belly. He didn't want it to stop. The warmth of his mouth had you melting into him. Your lips parted slightly as his hand came up loosely at the side of your neck, holding you close.
"Daddy!" Lyla's distant voice rang in your ears. Clyde pulled away suddenly; a rush of frigid air replaced the warmth where his body was pressed up against you. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over the two of you, snapping you back into your harsh reality. Lyla began to cry from what was probably a nightmare. Clyde sighed as he looked toward the front door and back to you. You cleared your throat and wrapped your sweatshirt tighter around, unable to look him in the eye after he'd practically kissed you dizzy.
"I should go. Goodnight, Clyde." You offered him a warm smile and dashed to your car before he could say anything else. Clyde stood with his head slightly hung, ensuring you were safely in the driver's seat before heading inside. You lowered the windows in an attempt to let the humid summer night air free from inside, hoping a little fresh air would snap you out of whatever trance Clyde had just put you under. Butterflies swarmed in your stomach as you ran your fingers along your lips, the ghost of his kiss still buzzing through you on the drive home.
A/N: Just making a separate masterlist for this because I have a fair number of these and also there's a bunch of different characters!
Kylo Ren
Call Me Kylo | Officer!Reader ↠ You're tasked with getting the Commander's signature to finish your assignment. Unfortunately, you can't find the Commander anywhere.
Correspondence ↠ The Supreme Leader has a lot on his plate, leading him to neglect certain things... like himself, for example.
Nothing But A Monster | Vampire! AU ↠ Forced to accept help from a mysterious stranger, you find yourself in a predicament of sorts.
It’s The Small Things ↠ Kylo finds your optimism odd in place of the First Order.
The Meaning Of Care | Officer!Reader ↠ Kylo Ren takes care of you when you're sick? That's something you never would've seen coming.
Clyde Logan
Pinball & Motels ↠ Roadtrips, A present for Clyde, and the one-bed trope? What more could you ask for?
A Day Off ↠ Clyde finally takes a well-deserved day off.
Flip Zimmerman
Frenzied Rendezvous* ↠ Flip finally has his way with you after enduring your teasing all night long.
Pale
Early Mornings ↠ Pale wakes up to find you making breakfast. It's like you plan on staying or something. Wait... do you plan on staying?
Solo Triplets
A Quiet Night ↠ The boys want to take you out on a proper date.
Ben Solo
Fairytale Mess* ↠ Sleeping with Ben Solo doesn't seem like such a bad idea when you're both under the influence.
Paul Sevier
Extraordinary ↠ Paul attempts to go out and have a social nigh. After everything that's happened... things haven't changed him that much, have they?
Daniel Jones
Late Night Confessions ↠ Dan wakes you up with a drunken phone call.
Ooooo how would any/all of the boys react to turning 40???
*Sigh* 40 is a damn fine age. Please accept these snaccs:
Charlie Barber: Henry's all set up to stay with his cousins for the week so you two can get away to the little villa he's booked in Tuscany for the two of you. You'll have the whole time to drink red wine, make homemade pasta, and fuck in the sunshine on the deck off the master bedroom.
Clyde Logan: He feels so damn lucky to be alive, to be with you. Growin' up with Jimmy, two tours in Iraq, all his adventures and misadventures, and he's finally settled down with you and happy as can be. All he wants is to sit with ya on the porch swing and watch the sunset with a beer in hand—but he won't say no to the butterscotch cake ya baked him.
Adam Sackler: Can't really believe he's fuckin' forty. He promises to put some of his commercial money in an IRA and take enough of a break from acting for a little staycation to fuck on every surface of your apartment together.
Flip Zimmerman: You sure you don't want to have a baby, sugar?
Phillip Altman: Perpetual man child. He offers to get matching cougar tattoos with you.
Rick Smolan: Motorcycle tour of Vietnam together, letting you take photos on his DSLR while you ride on the back of his bike.
Ronnie Peterson: Cabo San Lucas with you and all your friends. He wants to drink daiquiris, sing karaoke, and maybe get a sunburn at a nude beach!
