hello my lovelies! i decided to try a new thing out! i have never done these "imagines" before but i loveeee reading them! i hope you guys enjoy them :)))
comment down below if there are any other characters you would like me to add. also! if you would like these to go the more nsfw route, let me know ;)
Already being in a relationship with Jade and arriving in Fromville would include (GN!reader):
Request: "Very politely asking what my chances are of getting a Jade Herrera x reader with an age gap… them already being a couple when they arrive in the town.. just what that would be like🫶🏻"
Rating: M, because it's Fromville. Nothing explicit, tho
Warnings: spoilers for season 1, age gap (Jade is in his early forties, reader is mid/late twenties), canon compliant violence, fluff?, s1 Jade being a menace, blood mentions, death mentions.
Jade is naturally protective, even if he doesnt show it well - e.g. literally telling you not to die, instead of asking you to be safe
When he started dating you, he dialed it up a notch - holding your hand to cross the street, making sure you're in the opposite side of traffic when walking on the curb and he's glued to your side, even sipping/tasting your food or drink to see if it's safe 🤡
He says young people are more accident prone.
He's like a mother hen, but in a sarcastic way
He shows his love very clearly, though. He's affectionate, literally won't stop running his mouth when he starts to talk about you, brings you gifts just because he saw a random thing that reminded him of you
Brings back lingerie sets more than once
After selling his company, you both go on that trip with Tobey. While he's high outta his ass, you stay sober to make sure he won't do anything stupid
When the car crashes, you're so fucking dizzy, you end up plopping down on the middle of the road. You keep looking for Jade and Tobey, but this pretty man that calls himself the sheriff helps you up and tells you to stay put
You stay with Jade throughout the whole ordeal, not wanting to leave his side - and scared that something will happen to Tobey while you're with him. You cannot watch him die because he was driving while high
The first night was a blur - running up to colony house, seeing the creepy people outside, carrying Jade's limp body into the house
Warding off the cute chick who kept staring at him rip trudy
You ignore the whispers and voices outside, trying to lure you out. The way the people in the house guard every door and window show that this is not a situation you should meddle with
They've been here longer. They know better, even if this story is hard to believe
You stay beside Jade throughout the night, and the next morning, you head to the diner together - stopping him from stealing that poor woman's bike
You tell him about what happened, but he doesn't believe you
"Come on, it must be some elaborate prank. Listen to me, I got more experience"
You kindly tell him to fuck off.
You both eat in silence - you, seething, and him, having the time of his life. He thinks he's in some kind of elaborate escape room, and honestly, you don't have the energy to shake him and try to reason with him, so you leave him to his devices
It's not long before he's coming after you, like some lovesick puppy, clinging to your back and apologizing.
Role reversal, perhaps.
So he finally understood what happened.
You both chose the town, as per Boyd's peer pressure for Jade to pick one - and because you don't trust a place with that many people inside to keep you safe.
You share a room with Jade, and Tian-Chen glances between you two the first time she connects the dots about your relationship
"Young and pretty? With him?"
Kenny apologizes profusely, but you just grin at her. Bless her sweet soul - Jade finally has someone up to par with his personality
The people in town are used to stranger things than an age gap relationship, so they don't even bat an eye at that.
The both of you end up visiting Tobey's grave more often than not, telling him your discoveries and ordinary things you do during the day
You're not glued to Jade, so each of you do your own things
You help Tian-Chen at the diner, and Jade annoys Jim and Tabitha
At some point, Jim comments on your relationship, and it takes all your mighty patience to not bark at him to shut his trap
But Tabitha puts him in his place, saying you're both fully mature adults who are in a consensual relationship
That night, when you go to bed, Jade actually crawls up beside you, looking up at you with those big peepers of his
"D'you wish I was younger, sometimes?"
That breaks your fucking heart.
Because, as much as Jade is smart, and snarky, and loving, and caring... He can be insecure as well
"Do you wish I was older?" You ask, and he blinks.
Then, he shakes his head, a soft "no" leaving his lips.
"Then I don't wish you were younger, either. We've both been tough a lot, and I know it seems unfair sometimes, but our relationship is built on us being equals."
Jade has never made you feel inferior or insecure about being so much younger at any point. On the contrary - he always made sure to include you in his decisions, and reassure you were not less than him because of some number
"You have your strong points, you have your weaknesses. So have I. We work well together, complimenting each other."
When he smiles, wrapping his arms around your body, you kiss his - now very - stubbled jaw.
"you're the old to my young." You whisper, and he laughs out loud.
No relationship is easy in Fromville, but somehow, you make it work.
Blow it like a flute. (Randall Kirkland x GN!reader)
Summary: Randall has got a temper, but you got one even worse. What people don't know is, after you both butt heads and go back to spend the night in the bus, he gets the time of his life.
Word count: 1.52K
Rating: E. Minors pls kindly BEGONE
Warnings: S2 spoilers, Randall is angry but reader is angrier, oral (m!receiving), kinda softdom!reader, subby!Randall, established relationship, slightly jealous!Randall, Randall and reader are childhood friends, spanking, slightly voyeurism?? (the creatures are outside and hear the noises), brat!Randall ig.
The Grand Rapids bus is not a place the townspeople like to hover in. They pass by it when it's daytime, mostly seeing Randall through one of the windows, likely whittling or doing some kind of exercise.
Sometimes, they see you with him, trying to get him to help outside, often getting into an argument - he says he doesn't want anything to do with the others.
(Not after what happened to him, Julie and Marielle.)
You know he's not a bad person per se, just fucking stubborn and hard headed; if he headed out to help, he'd probably start arguing with someone about them not doing something the way he thinks it needs to be done.
People wonder how you're together - you, the one who goes around doing odd jobs to help everyone, and him, the one who stays far away from any signs of life.
(They don't know you've known him since you were children, and have thrown hands more than a handful of times. They also don't know he confessed a couple years ago, with a simple hand-picked bouquet and flushed cheeks, staring at you as if you were the hardest mission of his life.)
"Sit the fuck down."
Randall doesn't need to be told twice; he sits on one of the seats by the middle, one where he knows has a curtain so he can draw it and avoid being seen by one of the creatures outside.
They like to taunt him, listening to his muffled noises, and sometimes he has to go after you, angrily stalking to a window to give them your middle finger, cussing loudly as they just smile.
Tonight, however, they're dispersed - you don't know what the fuck is going on, but it's better this way. Randall has drawn the curtains, pushing the reclining seat all the way back, a smug grin on his face.
"You fucking knew, didn't you?" You ask, and his cheeks start to flush a pale red, easily showing under his milky skin. "You knew I was going to Colony house and pissed off Donna."
"I didn't do shit." He bluffs, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes stare into yours, and you feel the urge to strangle him.
"She cussed at me, Randall. Because of you." You hiss.
Although Donna usually held herself back near you, knowing you were sturdy but actually teared up when people swore at you, this time just seeing your face reminded her of the way Randall got on her nerves.
You had no doubt she'd apologize later, but for now, you were still mad.
Randall spread his legs, his bulge already tenting his underwear as he slipped off his pants. He placed them neatly on the seat beside him, a grin on his face.
"You little shit." You groan, but stalk up to him anyway. He fidgets slightly, and adjusts the seat so he's half-sitting, half-laying down.
"You spend too much time with her." He grumbles, looking down. You can see his brows furrow, and you laugh as you see an almost-pout on his face.
"Oh, is that it?" You ask, squatting in front of Randall. "You're jealous, so you pissed her off?"
You reach for the lever, pulling it all the way. Randall yelps as the seat reclines all the way back, his head softly hitting the plush cushion.
"Brat." You chuckle, sitting beside him. He just looks up at you, pale cheeks completely flushed, and cock hard as a rock.
At the first touch of your hand over his clothed dick, he hisses. His arm comes up, covering his eyes as he huffs out a breath. "Just jerk it already."
Your brows shoot up, and you swat at his thigh, the smack echoing throughout the bus. He jolts, a sharp hiss leaving his lips, but he's still covering his eyes - he can't see your disappointed looks.
"When have I ever done that?" You ask, and tug at the waistband of his boxers, pulling it and letting it snap back against Randall's navel.
"Fuck!" He groans, sitting up quickly. His eyes are wild, narrowed to slits as he looks at you.
"When will you stop being a bitch?"
Randall takes a few seconds to answer, fingers clutching the plush cushion on either side of his thighs. "I,"
He inhales deeply, looking down.
"I'm sorry for pissing off Donna. I won't do it again." He says, and looks up at you. His eyes search yours, and he takes one of your hands, lacing your fingers together. "If I want your attention, I'll seek you and ask for it."
Your heart does a little flippy flop as Randall's eyes gaze into yours; it's been so long since you've seen them for the first time, but it always takes your breath away - how they look like sparkling malachite, bright and intense.
"Good." You finally say, and he visibly relaxes, letting go of your hand.
You reach into his underwear, freeing his cock without pulling the fabric down, and he hisses; you're feeling a little desperate today, but it's fine.
"Now, what got you so... Pent up?"
Randall breathes in sharply, a pretty ruddy blush flooding his cheeks as you kneel on the seat beside his own, bowing your back to blow on his wet tip - the spongy skin is flushed, glistening as precum slowly gathers on his slit.
He gulps, laying his head on the set with a dull sound. "You- shit, you haven't touched me in a few days."
You chuckle, tongue flicking out to lap at that single drop of pre, laving over the slit. "That's all?"
You drape your free arm over Randall's hips, before he can try to buck up into your mouth. A cute, breathless 'hah!' escapes his lips, and you lick a stripe up the underside of his shaft.
"Oh, fuck!" He grunts, and you can see he really is desperate - more than you.
So you do what any loving, willing partner would do - wrap your pretty lips around his cock, slowly taking him into your mouth.
You breathe in through your nose, hollowing your cheeks as Randall keeps grunting and moaning. It would be cute, really, if you weren't feeling your nether regions ache with desire.
So, with renewed vigor and the urge to make your lovely boyfriend come at least once, you wrap your hand around the rest of his cock, and set to work.
What follows is a symphony of its own - Randall's voice is a staccato, only short words and garbled noises leaving his mouth as his eyes roll back, dick twitching in your mouth.
"Ah- like that, yes!"
You suck around his cock, running your tongue up as you bob your head. When you get to the tip, you let only the spongy head stay inside the warmth of your mouth, sucking harder at it, feeling the precum pour on your tongue.
But the high point of this whole thing is when Randall's nails scratch at the seat cushion, eyes rolled into his skull as he literally sobs when you take all of his shaft in one swoop, his tip hitting your throat.
It's a chain reaction: you gag slightly, he moans loudly, his cock twitches and down your throat goes most of his cum.
You pull off, a wet sound echoing through the bus as his dick softens, a line of saliva and sticky semen still connecting to your lips. A light cough is all you manage, breathing in whatever air you can muster while Randall lays limp on the seat.
You huff out a laugh at his fully relaxed state, giving his shaft a last lick, and tuck it back into his boxers. When you sit back on your haunches, your boyfriend opens his eyes, his forehead damp and his hairy chest thoroughly flushed.
"Was that good enough?" You ask, a teasing smile on your face.
"Hn." He answers, a deep sigh leaving his lips. He reaches out, taking both your hands in his, and pulls you up - struggling as he does so, trying to adjust your body.
Your brows furrow, and you look at him, confused, when the damned blush on his face deepens.
"Just sit on my damn face now."
"Hah." You snicker, shuffling up.
Can't believe the audacity of this man.
Outside, the creatures whisper and mock somewhere, people hide away in their houses, dreaming of leaving this nightmare.
But for now, you and Randall have each other - and that is more than enough.
Simple Life. - Prologue (Kenny Liu x gn!reader AU)
Summary: Kenny Liu had been born and raised in the city, used to the bustling and the noise since the womb. Alas, his life turned upside down when his mother sent him to the countryside, to help his uncle with the family farm.
Word Count: 1.25K
Rating: M.
Warnings: Use of (Y/N), it's third person pov, One use of damn, perhaps. One chaotic family dynamic, vet!Ellis, farmhand!Randall, engineer!reader bc that's my area of expertise so I can write about it properly.
Author note: Aka Farm AU with City boy Kenny, because I'm tired of seeing him suffer. Yes this is my big comeback after nearly a year, I missed this so much 🥺
Kenny Liu was a man of the city. The concrete jungle. The noise and the pollution and the smog and the bustling people coming and going at all times.
His parents immigrated to the US in the early 90's, settling in College Station; a few years later, Kenny came into the world, and Tian-Chen and Bing-Qian Liu thrived. The boy was their ray of sunshine, their little piece of heaven in a place that didn't quite feel like home, yet. As years passed, they started to belong. Really.
Tian-Chen became part of the neighborhood church's choir, Bing-Qian began teaching chess at the community center, and Kenny - Fu-Hen, at home - grew into a man that valued every little detail around him.
Which is exactly why he was staring at the green landscape like it personally offended him.
"Ma, I went to business school," He said, voice softer than expected. "I'm not exactly fit to work at a farm."
Bing-Qian was already walking ahead, while Kenny talked to Tian-Chen; their van was parked right behind the older woman, red dirt packed under the tires. A farmhouse stood in front of them, two stories of faded baby blue paint and a porch that had way too many chairs on it.
"Your uncle needs help." Tian-Chen replied, her words low enough for him to know she wouldn't change her mind. "Business helps with management. You're strong, too. Can lift chickens."
Kenny's lips did a weird little twitch - not a smile, but close enough. Yes, his uncle did need help with managing the seven-year-old farm business, but he felt like he'd do anything but chicken lifting.
"I don't think chickens need lifting, ma."
"Cows, then."
"Cows are way too heavy, ma."
"Then eat more beans."
As they walked up to the porch, Bing-Qian was already talking to his younger brother quite excitedly, two giant dogs circling their heels, tails wagging as if their presence was the most exciting thing to happen in years.
"Ah, Fu-Hen! My nephew, you've grown quite tall, eh?" Li-Wei Liu, Kenny's uncle, exclaimed in Cantonese, already spreading his arms for a hug. "When I came to America, you could barely reach my knees!"
"Uncle," Kenny replied, genuinely smiling at the older man. "Last time, you had fewer wrinkles."
Li-Wei barked out a sharp bout of laughter, slapping his nephew's shoulder strong enough to make him take a step back. Tian-Chen rolled her eyes, hugging her brother-in-law with the annoyed look of an older sister.
"Less laugh, more talk."
"Anyone else with you?" Bing-Qian asked, eyes wide as he peered into the farmhouse. "Living here?"
"Three employees." Li-Wei replied, ushering them inside. "Come, come. We have cake."
"You bake, now?" Tian-Chen asked, brow raised in disbelief. "I remember when I asked you to peel a potato, and you cut it into a square."
The front door led into an open floor space, something Bing-Qian would laugh at if he hadn't been so intent on ogling the big TV two feet away. To their left, the living room was a simple space with two couches, a small coffee table, and a TV on the wall - the only big thing there. To the right, the kitchen: a long counter, a big sink, two fridges (Kenny would ask his uncle why, later), a large stove, and a blender. No other appliances. No microwave, no dishwasher.
Kenny felt his eye twitch.
In the hallway ahead, there were two doors on each side, a simple staircase leading to the second floor, and a back door at the very back of it.
Li-Wei raked a hand through his thinning hair, soft eyes flitting to the table. "No, no. My employee bakes," He replied, motioning to the kitchen counter. "Today is apple cinnamon cake."
The dogs settled on the floor by the staircase, while their owner moved towards the cake tray, the transparent plastic lid showing caramelized apples on top of soft sponge cake.
"You have schedule for cake flavor?" Bing-Qian asked, nudging Kenny with his elbow. "You will be fed well, son."
"Doubt that," The younger man said, nudging his father back. "Cake every day sounds unhealthy."
"Oh, they're very worried about health." Li-Wei quipped, already plating cake slices for all of them. "Not all cake is too sweet."
"They work as a cook here?"
"No, no. Engineer." His uncle replied, shaking his head. "Makes the water automatic for the plants. Fixes engines. Pets the chickens."
As if on cue, two people walked in: a very bald white man, seemingly in his late twenties, scowling as the guy beside him rattled off about livestock conception rates, and the one beside him - dark skin, curly hair, brown eyes bright as he spoke.
They halted to a stop when they noticed the family standing by Li-Wei, and the dogs immediately surrounded them, tails wagging.
"Ah, Randall, Ellis," Li-Wei said, lips quirking into a grin. "My family. Big brother, Bing-Qian. Big sister, Tian-Chen. Nephew, Kenny."
"Oh, the new manager!" The curly-haired one said, already stepping forward and shaking hands with everyone. "Nice to meet you, I'm Ellis. The vet."
"Randall." The bald one quipped, nodding his head. "Farmhand."
Ellis rolled his eyes, dirt-streaked arms crossing over his chest. "Don't mind him, he's grumpy nearly all the time."
Randall raised a brow. "I'm gruff."
"You're white skinned Grinch."
A loud bang echoed down the hall, and the back door hung open as a third figure emerged like a bad omen. Mid-twenties, green shirt thoroughly wet, jeans with patches of mud like it was a new pattern, soaked boots left by the door.
"That damned code got 'em sprinklers going off at the wrong time," The new voice exclaimed, seemingly pissed off. "This is why I don't code."
They nearly bumped into Randall, blinking slowly as they halted near the little meeting.
Bing-Qian had the fork halfway to his mouth, when his brother nudged his shoulder.
"They make the cake." He pointed at them, very excitedly. "And pet the chickens."
"Why pet the chickens?" Tian-Chen asked, and Kenny's nostrils flared as he exhaled a heavy sigh.
There was a moment of silence, broken by Ellis.
"They like it."
"They like it." The engineer echoed, nodding their head. "And I fixed the code, boss. Working just fine, now."
"Thank you, (Y/N)."
"No worries," They replied, lips twitching into a grin. "This the new manager?"
Kenny nodded his head, and once again, Li-Wei went through a round of introductions. He told his family what each of his employees was responsible for: Randall did the heavy lifting, Ellis took care of livestock, and his engineer was responsible for the automation and tech maintenance.
"And cakes," (Y/N) said, messy hair sticking up in every possible direction. "And cooking, mostly."
Kenny could feel a migraine coming. He knew the farm would have employees, but he didn't think it'd be this many people actually living in the farmhouse.
His lips pursed, eyes flitting to the weird muddy trio he'd share a space with, from now on. And the only thing to come out of his mouth would haunt him for the next twenty-seven years.
"Do you guys got McDonald's nearby?"
Randall's left eye twitched. Ellis looked genuinely pitiful. (Y/N) just sighed.
"We barely have working WiFi here." They said, patting his shoulder. "Buckle up, city boy. You're in for a treat."
And as the engineer's flushed cheeks and country bumpkin drawl surrounded him, Kenny knew, with absolute certainty:
Summary: Jade has a theory, and wants your opinion on it. You think he looks the prettiest like this.
Word count: 655
Rating: M
Warnings: spoilers for S3ep2, canon compliant cursing (c'mon. it's jade.), use of the word queen but in a non-gender conforming way.
"Do you really want my honest opinion?"
Jade Herrera - aka the town's official theory guy, looked up at you. His eyes were tired, the bar was a mess, and he looked like he hadn't showered in days, which - let's be honest - he probably hasn't.
You looked down at the picture he formed with strings of fabric, and then, your eyes flitted down to the man himself, laying under it. Hazel eyes stared back.
"Like, really?" You asked, and he huffed.
"Hit me with it, honesty queen."
"Looks like you could use a bath and a meal aside from the potato water you've been drinking."
He had the gall to look offended.
"Why would you want to put me through something like that?"
You rolled your eyes, and pulled on the string closest to you, which caused a domino effect on the whole thing; you watched as Jade gasped, horrified, as it all fell down on him, choking on a piece of fabric that got into his mouth.
"There. Take a break, dude."
"Plunge a knife into my chest already, won't you?!" He cried out, scrambling to untangle from the mess.
A snort left your nostrils, reaching out your hands to help the man up; he accepted it, reluctantly (and mumbling curses under his breath, but that was his usual). Within a few minutes, you had him leaning against yourself, slightly inebriated eyes staring holes into your head.
You hated how he looked pretty, even in this state.
His unkempt hair was frizzy and sticking out, but framed his face perfectly. His eyes, even with dark bags under them, had the usual sharpness and that intelligent glow of someone who was always looking - always observing what goes on around them, calculating but warm, and the prettiest shade of brown.
And his lips-
Let's not think about that now.
"You done checkin' me out?" He asked, a grin on his pretty-
I said let's not think about that!
"Shut up, conspiracy theory guy."
"You're thinking about kissing me, aren't you?" Jade teased, leaning his head closer to yours. You stumbled then, jostling him around with you - startling him and a couple of people who passed by.
"We're alright." You called out, a tight smile on your lips. "Totally fine."
He held in an amused chuckle, tightening his arm's hold around your shoulders. "You're a shitty liar."
"And you stink."
"You still wanna kiss me." He whispered near your ear, and you let go of him hastily - almost throwing him into a bush nearby. You felt your face burn with embarrassment - what kinda game is he playing at?
You narrowed your eyes, and he smiled down at you, clearly enjoying whatever it is you're doing.
"I'm just saying," He sighed, as his eyes suddenly turned serious, lips pursed. "I wouldn't mind it."
Oh.
Oh!
"You're," You said, feet rooted to the ground. "You're not shitting me?"
Jade rolled his eyes, stepping closer to your body. "'m not shitting you."
You chewed at your bottom lip, staring back at his pretty - okay, let's think about it. - lips, right in front of you.
"Okay." You replied, reaching out to cup his cheek in your hand.
Jade leaned into your touch, eyes closing in response; somehow, he felt safe with you. It was easy, to not think - to forget what he saw, to ignore the ghosts, when you're with him.
That's why he hung around so much.
"I really do want to kiss you." You whisper, leaning up to graze your lips on his other cheek. "...but bath and food first, stinky."
Jade groaned. "Fuck, you're torturing me."
"Come on." You said, a smile playing at your lips - a promise of what you would actually give him. "Let me take care of you."
He smiled back, letting himself be pulled back towards the Liu house.
Wherever you go, I follow. (one-sided!Boyd Stevens x gn!reader)
Part 2
Summary: You want Boyd to be safe - even if your own life is on the line. He doesn't take kindly to that.
Word count: 1.62k- oopsie
Rating: M.
Warnings: spoilers up to episodes 1 and 2 of s3, age gap (reader is in mid twenties and Boyd is in his fifties), cursing (it's Boyd we're talking about), mentions of death and blood, angst, hurt (no comfort for you guys), violence, survivor's guilt, the creatures are their own warning.
Boyd Stevens is a kind man.
He cares about his people; did his best to install some kind of order in this hellhole, found the talismans so you didn't have to hide anymore.
You were there when he shot Abby.
You helped restore the houses, count supplies, create a menu for the diner - and, through all these years, you haven't found anyone more fascinating than Boyd.
More often than not, you found yourself spending time around him and Kenny, helping them maintain the order around town - even going up to colony house and help Donna with whatever she needs at the time.
You have seen the Matthews arrive, then Jade, followed by that shit storm; a house collapsed, a bus full of people spawned from nowhere, then no one could sleep - lest they die or end up in a coma.
Then, Tabitha went missing.
"She's probably dead by now."
The taste of Tian-Chen's pancakes, usually so welcome after a tiring day, left a bitter taste in your mouth.
You could see Ethan stiffen, a couple tables away from your own; you had chosen to eat by yourself today, to give your friends some space. Dale, bless his fucking soul, kept yapping to a couple of his companions, saying how she was stupid to have wandered out on her own (even if it was to save her own daughter).
You stood up then, and walked up to where the boy was, waiting for Tian-Chen to end her 'shift' and go back home.
"Hey, Ethan."
He looked up, teary eyed, and you held in your urge to walk up to Dale and shut him up yourself. You sat down, in front of him, and the sight of his untouched food made your own stomach roll uncomfortably.
"I... I know it's not going to change anything, but," You told him, noticing how his eyes kept going back and forth between you and Dale. "Dale is pretty fucking dumb- sorry, that was a bad word. He's very stupid, and your mom is smart and brave. I'm pretty sure she's still out there."
"I..." Ethan opened his mouth, looking down at his lap. Then, he looked up at you, a strained smile on his face. "I'm scared."
Your heart squeezed painfully, and any words your brain tried to get out died in your throat. You stood up, rounding the table, and wrapped an arm around the boy, caressing his hair as he shuddered against you.
"'s gonna be okay." You whispered, throwing the words to the universe, hoping it would be the truth. "It's all gonna be alright."
Jim Matthews was a weird guy.
You didn't like him very much; he infuriated you to no end, just droning on and on (much like Dale sometimes, except Dale knew he was an ass - he was self aware).
When he said he was going to the settlement, to bring back food, you could see he was struggling - with the fact that his wife went missing, probably dead, his daughter went through comatose hell and didn't want to talk about it, and his son sometimes tried to run away.
It was a lot for one guy, that you could confirm.
"I'll go with you."
As soon as those words left Boyd's mouth, you frowned.
"No offense, but that's kind of stupid." You said, mouth working faster than your brain.
You tried to ignore the way your heart rate picked up, a bitter taste in your mouth at the idea of staying in town without Boyd, without knowing if he was safe - if he wasn't poisoned again, if something dragged him to a place of no return.
The sheriff's head snapped towards you, his brow arched; you stared back at him, crossing your arms over your chest, and you could feel Jim's baby blues glancing back and forth, seeing who would win.
"I'll go with him." Kenny finally said, and your eyes immediately trained on him. He was your friend - of course you'd be worried for him, too.
"Kenny-"
"No." He says firmly, looking at you, and then staring at Boyd. "I know what it's like to lose a parent here, and I'm not gonna watch Julie and Ethan lose both their parents in the same week."
Reluctantly, you watched as Jim and Kenny packed up and walked into the forest. You hugged your friend tightly, told him to be safe, and prayed that they'd stay safe - to whatever being brought you all into this.
"They're gonna be alright." The sheriff told you, seeing how fidgety you became. "The hut is safe, they got the talisman with them."
You gnawed on your lower lip, looking up at him. "You know that's not what I'm worried about."
He cocked his hip to the right, raising a brow. "Then, please do tell what is racing in that mind of yours, kid."
You narrowed your eyes, a sick feeling rising to your throat. You knew he didn't say that in a condescending tone, but you couldn't help but wish he saw you as an adult - as someone who could stay by his side.
"'m not a kid." You grumble, and cross your arms over your chest. "The real danger is whether they'll succumb to the urge to peek outside when night falls - when the whispers and noises come. I trust Kenny, but... I don't trust this place to not mess with his head."
"So you don't trust him."
You huff, and Boyd laughs lightly, patting your shoulder. The little touch shouldn't make you this happy, but you can't help but smile softly at him.
"Kenny's smart, he's gonna be fine."
"As for Jim..." You trail off, and he smiles.
"Kenny can handle him, too." He nods his head, and you both turn towards the station. "Come on, let's make the most of the couple hours of daylight we have left."
This night, you stayed with Tian-Chen and Victor, doing your best to keep the kids entertained, when all hell broke loose.
The three of you hurried out of the house, telling Julie and Ethan to lock the door as you scrambled to help Jade and Boyd with the cattle and sheep.
Your small group led the sheep, while Boyd and Tian-Chen moved the heaviest cow. You pulled two goats at once, ignoring the creatures leering behind you, walking as if they had all time in the world to caught up to you - and maybe, they did.
"Get those smaller animals and take them back inside!" Boyd shouted as you got to the bar, hurrying the sheep into the building. Victor helped you and Jade, securing them inside.
"We're gonna take this cow back to the barn." The sheriff said, nodding his head towards the open bar door. "You guys get inside!"
As the creatures neared, you rushed to Tian-Chen's side, helping her push the cow. "I''ll help."
Boyd's eyebrows shot up, and he shook his head. "Hell to the no! Get the fuck back inside!"
You furrowed your brows, groaning as you kept pushing. "I'm not going to sit and watch you destroy yourself!"
"And I'm not letting you risk your life for me!" He shouted, stopping dead in his tracks.
"Don't you get it- you know I have feelings for you!" You shouted back, angry tears welling up in your eyes. You could see the creatures in your peripheral, and put your hands back on the cow, ready to push again-
"And I don't have any for you!" Boyd finished, and you froze. "This is breaking my heart, but I don't love you. I cannot care for you in that way."
You knew that. Of course you did.
So why did it hurt so bad to hear those words come out of his mouth?
Jade sprinted out of the bar, pulling your stunned form back with him. You fell on your ass when he closed the door, a faint ringing sounding in your ears.
"Fuck." You whispered, clenching your fingers on the hard wood.
You could hear Boyd's voice outside, telling Tian-Chen to go back into the safety of the bar, with you - but her gentle, yet firm voice called out a "No! We do together!".
Your head spun, and Victor pulled you to your feet, slowly dragging you to a chair in the corner of the room, the goats' bleating the only sound you could hear now.
It hurt.
The next day, when he brought in the bloodied, mangled corpse of Tian-Chen into the church, you could only stare down at her - your heart squeezed so much, you feared you'd end spitting it out if you said anything.
You kneeled beside her body, softly brushing her hair off her blood-sprinkled face. Boyd stood beside you, staring down at her in silence.
Then, after what felt like ages, he managed to choke out a "I'm sorry.".
You huffed, laying your head near her hand.
Sometimes, when you had trouble sleeping, she'd sing softly in Cantonese, sitting beside you as you leaned your head on her shoulder. If she was feeling generous (which she always was), she'd even give you something to snack on.
"It's not your fault." You whispered, looking up at him.
You could see it in his face - pain, grief, guilt.
Maybe, if you hadn't been so stunned by his rejection, you'd stay with them and push the cow inside the barn.
Maybe they'd choose you instead of Tian-Chen, and she'd be alright, waiting for Kenny to come back.
Maybe-
You sighed.
There's no way to change that.
"I," You mumbled, the words painful in your throat. "I'm just glad there's not two corpses."
Wherever you go, I follow. - Part 2 (Boyd Stevens x GN!reader)
Part 1
Summary: Boyd realizes he likes you more than he thought.
Word count: 2.6K (oops)
Rating: M
Warnings: age gap (Boyd is mid 50's, reader is mid/late 20's), slightly jealous Boyd, reader is a bit older than Kenny, ghost!Khatri is helping (or is he?), canon compliant swearing, mentions of death and corpses (nothing explicit), platonic cuddling ig.
Grieving takes time.
That's what Boyd told himself, over and over and over again.
First, with Abby; then, his best friend, Khatri.
The countless townspeople who went mad or didn't find shelter in time.
Then came Tian-Chen.
The most level headed person in this godforsaken place, the one who could ground him with a single sentence.
Everyone's self-appointed mom.
Boyd sighed. His head was pounding, an ache that seemed to not go away. His fingers rubbed at his temples, but it did absolutely nothing aside from making his skin tingle at the faint pressure.
"Motherfucker..."
He needed a break.
With another long, wistful sigh, he stood up, crossing the small 'station', towards the door.
Just as his hand twisted the knob, swinging it open, his eyes widened.
There, on the other side, were Kenny - and you.
"Ah, sheriff. Morning." Kenny started, scratching his cheek. He looked flushed - still, a little pale. He glanced at you, just a little flit of the eyes, and you nodded your head.
"Good morning, both of you." Boyd answered, crossing his arms over his chest - but his eyes remained soft, kind. He knew that you were grieving - Tian-Chen was as much of a mother to you as she was to Kenny.
"Can I help you with something?" He asked, after a minute of silence. It seemed like Kenny wanted to say something, but didn't know how to word it.
Your hand reached for Kenny's own, giving it a gentle squeeze. He inhaled deeply, looking down at you, and you nodded your head again - seeing the slightest pinch of his brows as he tried to formulate a sentence.
Boyd felt his eye twitch. His gut clenched uncomfortably, his breathing a little shallower.
His eyes widened a fraction, and, when you looked up at him, it felt like something got lodged in his throat.
"We just came to tell you we're moving to colony house." You finally say, and lean towards Kenny's body. The deputy sighs lightly, smiling in gratitude.
Truth is, Kenny didn't know how Boyd would react to it. The sheriff was always hesitant whenever Colony House was the matter at hand, and while he trusted Donna, he didn't trust the Colony itself.
So Kenny was moving - and so were you, of course. You've shared a house with him and his family for over a year, so it's only fair you did move with him, as well.
"Colony House, huh." Boyd mumbled, eyes flitting from Kenny to you, and vice versa. Then, his eyes stopped on you. "Makes sense. Just..."
He hesitated for a second, and you could feel your face warm up with each passing second. His gaze was heated, warm... But there was something else lurking beneath it.
"Take care. Be careful."
That's it. He just needed the both of you to be careful.
God knows he wouldn't forgive himself if anything happened to you.
"Always."
"Yeah."
Kenny affirmed in unison with you, and you squeezed his hand again. He smiled, bumping his shoulder lightly with yours.
You looked up, eyes meeting Boyd's.
"Need anything, we're up the hill." You say, and the sheriff nods his head.
"Noted."
Boyd was not jealous.
He couldn't be.
Not like this – not... towards the one he loved like his own son. He knows Kenny is your best friend; you’ve been joined at the hip since he arrived in town with his family, taking a liking to him as if he were your younger brother.
So why in the fuck was he jealous over the both of you holding hands?
“Maybe you miss the attention.”
That’s what Khatri’s ghost – or whatever that thing staring at him is, leaning on the desk at the station. Boyd stares hard at it, and his best friend’s face smiles back at him.
“I’m losing my damn mind, is what’s happening.”
“You’re letting go of what held you back, are you not?” Khatri asked, his head angling to the side. “Release your inhibitions, or some shit. Like that catchy song.”
“Fuck off!” The sheriff exclaimed, his face burning – from shame or anger, he didn’t know.
…maybe even embarrassment.
“What am I, a grade schooler with a crush?”
Khatri snickered, a second away from disappearing. “Might as well be.”
When Boyd turned back to the desk, a myriad of colorful words already on the tip of his tongue, Khatri was gone. He sighed, rubbing his temples again, only spreading the dull ache that pounded inside his skull.
“Fuck me.”
Moving to Colony House wasn’t as bad as you thought it could be.
Although there were a lot of people now – even more after the bus arrived -, the house was so big that it fit everyone and there was still space for more, if needed.
You chose to share a room with Kenny. You were still grieving, and even the idea of leaving your best friend on his own was enough to have your brain scattering and rushing; so, for both of your well beings (and the little sleep you manage to get), you stayed as his roommate.
Victor was happy to see you in the house, and although he usually stuck to his room, he visited you and Kenny at least twice a day – in the morning, and late at night, before he went to bed.
Tonight was no different; he scurried off to his own room, after bidding you both goodnight.
Kenny smiled at his retreating form, his knees pulled up and arms wrapped around them, sock-clad feet planted on the bed. “I think he likes this.”
You smiled from your own bed, body mirroring Kenny’s. Your chin rested on top of your knees, fingers fiddling with the hem of your sweatpants. “More than he lets on, yes.”
Your eyes met Kenny’s own, his warm, slightly lidded. He was tired.
“And you need to have a full night of sleep, huh?” You say, straightening up. He groans slightly, laying on his back. His arms stretch up, and his fingers rub and cover his eyes.
“Not now, please.”
“When, then?”
You see him stiffen slightly, and a sigh leaves your lips. He’s so damn stubborn – so hard headed, but still kind. Still caring. Still putting others above himself.
It worries you.
“Come on.” You say, turning off the lamp. It’s pitch black now, but you can still see the outline of his body with the little moonlight that creeps through the blinds.
With soft steps, you stop by his bedside. He peeks through his fingers, his ears flushing red – he hates when you do this, but knows it’s the only way he will be able to actually sleep through the night.
He feels like a child, trying to ward off his older sibling.
“Scooch.” You say, and he does so without complaint. He’s used to it by now, making space for your body – your arms wrapping around his shoulders, his face hiding in the crook of your neck.
If anyone saw the two of you right now, you’re sure a bunch of misunderstandings would follow; still, he’s your best friend, and you’re his. You’re both family by now, and if cuddling throughout the night got him to sleep better, you’d do it whenever it was needed.
“Thanks.” Kenny whispers, inhaling softly. His own arms wrap around your waist, and his breathing tickles your neck slightly.
A few minutes pass, and you’re holding in a yawn when his voice breaks the silence.
“How…” He whispers, fingers clutching at your sweater. “Are you holding up? With Boyd, after that night?”
You inhale sharply, the memory of Boyd’s harsh words echoing through your brain.
“It hurts a little, still.” You’re not one to lie, so the truth is bared to your best friend in its rawest form. “I felt humiliated, to be quite honest, but that’s a stupid thing, isn’t it?”
You laugh bitterly, and Kenny’s fingers slowly rub over your back.
“I knew he hasn’t… let go of Abby. Don’t know why I thought I’d have the right to try and have anything of the sort with him.”
“It’s not stupid.” Kenny replies, leaning back to stare into your eyes. “I- I knew Kristi had a fiancé, and still shot my shot. Didn’t get me nowhere, either, but-”
You snicker at that, and he furrows his brows, a look of mock offense on his cute face.
“Sorry.” You grin, and he smiles back slowly, softly. “Seems like bad romantic choices run in the family, huh?”
“Couldn’t look more like family if we tried, hmm.” His smile widens, and he turns on his back. You do the same, and the both of you stare at the ceiling.
“Maybe we’re doomed to singleness, you know?” You whisper, thinking back to the few, mediocre relationships you had in the past.
Kenny leaned slightly to the side, softly touching your head with his. “Nah. There’s still hope.”
You sigh, draping your arm over his tummy. “Let’s hope you’re right.”
Kenny’s words took root in your mind, quicker than you’d like to admit.
The deputy leaves the diner, wrapping you in a tight hug before following that new cop – Acosta, what the fuck was her actual name? – outside. She didn’t sit right with you, and seeing Kenny follow her around made you anxious.
But he’s a grown man – although your mind still sees him like a younger brother.
And then, Boyd enters the diner, and slides on the seat across from you.
You almost choke on your drink, banging a fist over your chest and willing the liquid to go back, smoothly down your throat. The sheriff quirks a brow, reaching for a napkin and handing it to you.
“You good?” He asks, and you nod your head, patting your lips dry.
“Fine.” You wheeze out, blinking rapidly. Your whole face heats up, and embarrassment quickly brews in your belly.
What a way to humiliate myself further, huh.
Still, Boyd doesn’t seem fazed in the slightest, just hesitant. He stares, dark brown eyes taking in your form – your own gaze, soft, but a little uncomfortable; the way your nose twitches slightly, to the curve of your lips, down to the little scrunch on your chin.
“I need to talk to you.” He says, and you finally meet his stare head-on. He sighs, leaning forward, hands intertwined on top of the table. “About that night-”
“’s okay!” You exclaim, shrinking further into the seat as you see a few people glance your way. Your eyes flit back to Boyd’s face, and you can see a slight tick in his jaw – shit, he’s mad. “Sorry. I know- I know it was stupid of me to even hope you’d ever feel the same about me. And I let it cloud my judgement, and for that, I really am sorry.”
The sheriff sighs again, and stands up without a word. When he looks back down at you, slumped on the seat, he nods his head to the side. “Come with me.”
You don’t need to be told twice; your plate is gently placed on the counter, and you thank Bakta as you leave the diner, walking right behind Boyd.
When you finally fall into stride beside him, he glances at you – pupils slightly dilated, hands in his pockets, fiddling with the loose threads that stuck out of the worn fabric.
“Now, I want you to listen to me.” He says, brows furrowed. “No interruptions.”
That shuts you up before you even try to get a word out. Your brain stands at attention, fixed on his face – his eyes, his lips, the arch of his brows.
You nod.
“After Abby, I didn’t let myself… feel.” His eyes are set forward, always watching what goes on around – always worried. You know how it feels. “You were there, when it happened. I remember you tried to help. Always trying to help, damn.”
You gulp; that moment, although long gone, is always in the back of your mind.
All of them.
Every corpse, every frightened scream, every tombstone at the church.
They’re long, long gone. But not in your head.
“And I still don’t get why, out of everyone in this fucking place, you ended up having feelings for me, the old man who is scarred and swears way too much.”
You open your mouth, but it snaps shut as you remember what he said – listen, don’t speak. He glances down at you, as if sensing you’d try and defend him (and shit, he’s right. Almost every time, he’s fucking right).
Then, he stops – and you do as well. He turns towards you, brows still furrowed, but his eyes are softer, placed on you.
Only on you.
“At some point, I started to soften. And that made me feel weak. Not here, we can’t- can’t let that happen. So I pushed and pushed you away, and I snapped that night.” Boyd says, his body only a sliver away from yours.
Your breath hitches, brain connecting every word, every gesture of his.
“Because I was scared. Because you’re so damn stubborn, and I knew there was no way to keep you safe if you didn’t go with Jade and Victor.” He sighs, eyes looking into yours. Your face is still warm, and your fingers twitch at your side. “I needed you to be safe – because I care about you, and I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.”
God, how you’ve longed to hear that.
Still, you wait.
His hands finally are out of his pockets, and they hold each of yours, squeezing, sighing at your warmth.
“I lied.” Boyd confesses, forehead leaning onto yours. He sighs, closing his eyes. “I care about you, more than I’d like to admit. And while I can’t say this is love – it’s only a step away from it.”
You can feel tears sting in the corners of your eyes, and a sniffle leaves your body. When you lean away, looking at Boyd, he’s looking back at you, a little sheepish – a little embarrassed, even.
You won’t even ask if he means it – he would never, ever say it if he didn’t mean it with his whole heart. That’s who he is.
“I… I don’t even have to confess, do I?” You chuckle, squeezing his hands back. He smiles softly, a small quirk of his lips, and you smile back.
“I’m willing to try. This, I mean.” He says, leaning closer. “If you’ll take me.”
You close the remaining gap, soft lips meeting his chapped ones. Your hands tug him closer, arms wrapping around his shoulders as you feel him relax. His own hands find home on your waist, thumbs caressing over the fabric of your sweater.
It doesn’t take long for someone to whistle, and you pull back slightly, flushed and with a permanent smile on your lips.
“I’ll take you, yes.” You whisper, leaving a last, soft peck on his mouth. “Everyday.”
Boyd sighs, a soft smile on his own lips. He takes one of your hands in his, squeezing it – he won’t say it (now, at least), but he quite likes how your hands fit together. “Wanna be my assistant for the day?”
“Just today?” You ask, tilting your head to the side.
He chuckles, shaking his head. “Everyday, then?”
You hum, nodding. “Better.”
You didn’t tell him, but a few months after he arrived, after the whole incident – after Abby, and his strained relationship with Ellis -, you’d made a silent promise to yourself.
