#kyler writes

[a-problematic-writer]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

A bit belated but I continue my tradition of posting an Aidesse fic for Valentine’s Day 💚💚💚

[a-problematic-writer]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

New ANRFTW Chapter ready! I’d buckle in for this one, she’s nearly 13000 words 💚

[a-problematic-writer]

*grabs you by the shirt* can I request Aiden seeing Jesse for the first time. I wanna see this man fumble in front of them. I beg

Another late summer, another EnderCon.

Oak Creek went from quiet to bustling within hours as demonstrators and merchants and coordinators and attendees all flooded in for the convention. This year was a bit lamer, in Aiden’s opinion. No Order of the Stone appearance, just the building competition. The only thing that could change his opinion is if they won this year. They’d gotten so close last year, second place, but lost out to a veteran team. As if that was fair. He was sure they got extra points for being favorites.

But none of that mattered now. They’d announced that was their last year of competing. A win was more than in sight; it was practically in the bag. They had only lost by two points to one of the greatest teams. Admittedly, though, he was still anxious. There was another veteran team here. Though these three had never won.

Hopefully, it would stay that way.

He shook his head and leaned into the nearby fence. Lukas was going over the blueprints again. The theme for this year was “Colorful”. Where others would have likely went for some statue. Lukas decided on a fireworks dispenser. Not just any though. One that shot up one rocket of each color in succession that made them pop in an almost rainbow fashion. It was going to be insanely hard to get working correctly. But it was nothing they couldn’t handle.

They’d already got it working on a smaller scale weeks ago.

His train of thought was derailed by a commotion behind him. He turned himself so he was still leaning into the fence but could now view the booth behind him. He didn’t recognize the group that’d, literally, stumbled in.

The bulkier man with black hair and beige skin—wearing a green sweater and orange shorts—was on the ground. A shorter woman with curly black hair tied into two pigtails with rich brown skin—wearing a red vest over a white t-shirt and black slacks—stood over him with her hands on her hips. A third woman with umber brown skin and black hair that fell in tight curls—wearing overalls over a yellow and white cropped shirt—was reaching her hand out to him laughing.

It was the nicest thing he’d ever heard.

“Come on, big guy, let's get you up.”

The two women took hold of his hands and pulled him up with a heave.

“Thanks, guys.”

The woman in the overalls patted his back while the one in the vest shook her head. Aiden couldn’t keep his eyes off the former. Her gaze met his and his breath hitched. Her face broke into the brightest smile.

“Hi!” She said with a wave, making her way over. “Are you competing too?”

His voice seemed to catch in his throat.

“Ye-yeah.”

“That’s awesome!”

The woman in the red vest and the man approached then. The former scrutinized him.

“Did you guys compete last year?”

He nodded.

“Yeah.” He said, “I don’t think I saw you guys.”

“We couldn’t compete. Our team was too small.”

“Not anymore!”

The woman with the overalls beamed, hands on her hips. He couldn’t help the smile. The woman in the red vest smiled fondly before redirecting her gaze to him.

“What place did you guys get?”

The man beside her stuck an elbow gently into her side.

“Olivia, do you not remember these guys? They got second place. Against the Nether Stars.”

‘Olivia’s’ eyes widened

“Was-was it these guys?”

“Yeah, dude. They lost by only two points.”

She bowed her head and rubbed at her neck. Aiden couldn’t help the smirk. It was nice to have his team recognized as some of the best. The woman in the overalls leaned against the fence next to him; her arm brushed his. His smirk slipped and his stomach twisted.

“You got second place?!”

Her eyes were wide and she was grinning. He couldn’t find his voice.

“Uh, yeah. We-we did!”

She settled her chin in her palm, smile softening and gaze half-lidded.

“That’s so cool~”

He couldn’t respond and his face was getting hot. He was almost glad to hear his name get called. He whirled around to Lukas who had a stern glare on him; Maya and Gill on his heels.

“I told you to pay attention. What—“ his glare softened as he looked upon the woman with overalls. “Oh, hi. Haven’t seen you before.”

“Hi!” She said, “I heard you guys got second place last year! That’s awesome!”

Lukas chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck.

“It was nothing.”

Aiden couldn’t help the eye roll. It wasn’t nothing. They’d worked hard for weeks.

“Humble!” The woman with the overalls exclaimed, “I like that!” She extended her hand. “I’m Jesse! And this is Olivia and Axel!”

Lukas took her hand.

“Lukas! This is Maya, Gill, and Aiden.”

Jesse beamed.

“It’s nice to meet you guys!”

A megaphone crackled and squealed to life, startling them all, and then the announcers voice began rattling off the greeting.

“Ooh!” Jesse jumped giddily. “They’re starting!” She turned to Aiden with a smile and patted his shoulder. “Good luck!”

He stuttered horribly.

“You too—“

She grinned and the trio made their way into their booth. He couldn’t quite get his heartbeat to slow or breath to even out. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her either.

An elbow to his ribs shocked him out of his stupor and he whirled on the culprit. Lukas was grinning and not in a good way; in the teasing way Aiden absolutely hated. Maya and Gill had similar expressions.

“You gonna be able to focus with them so close?”

Aiden’s eyes widened as they cut over to Jesse and then back to Lukas. His face felt impossibly hot now.

“What?! Of course!”

Maya and Gill coughed and snickered and he sent a glare their way. Lukas was still grinning and Aiden was about three seconds from slugging him until he patted his shoulder.

“Alright. Let’s get this done then! I think we got a really good chance!”

His anger slipped and he found himself smiling and nodding. They all found their positions in the next moment and were awaiting the countdown. His eyes drifted to the booth next to them. Jesse was jumping from leg to leg and shaking out her arms. Her eyes cut over to him and she beamed, giving a thumbs up.

His heart stuttered in his chest and he forced his gaze away with a shake of his head. Contrary to what Lukas thought, he would not let her get in the way of them winning.

[a-problematic-writer]

“Did you really buy a whole bag of candy?”

Aiden’s lips twitch upward as he pulls a pair of scissors from his knife drawer to cut the package open. Petra leans into the counter behind him, crossing their arms. He looks over his shoulder at them as he sets his scissors back into the drawer. She raises a brow at him, lips pulled into a smirk.

“Maybe. It’s for the trick ‘r treaters!”

“Uh, huh—“

She crosses her legs as she drums her fingers on her arm. He rolls his eyes and turns fully toward them.

“Ah, come on, Pet!” He can’t fight the grin anymore. “It totally is!”

“Because kids are totally gonna come up to the fifth floor of an apartment.”

He sticks his tongue out at her and sifts through the bag a moment. It was on sale tonight and was one of those bags that had over a hundred pieces of candy inside of varying brands and types. He bought it on a whim without really thinking about the fact he wasn’t the biggest candy fan. Petra did have a soft spot for Milk Duds though. His eyes come back to them and he finds they’re already eyeing the front of the bag—gaze focused right on the Milk Duds label. He laughs and her eyes cut up to his. He grins and nods his head toward his living room.

“Wanna go sit on the floor and dig through this and pretend we’re kids swapping candy again?”

Her brow furrows a moment before her lips twitch upward and she pushes away from the counter, starting towards his living room.

“I want every box of Milk Duds and at least half of the skittles!”

He follows after them close on their heels.

“As if I’m giving you any of the Skittles!”

They stay sat on his living room floor sorting through the candy for a good while. They both are thoroughly disgusted by the amount of Whoppers and push them to the side for Lukas. He’d always liked them and Aiden could never put his finger on why. She takes every box of Milk Duds [They already opened a box and have eaten all of them] He can’t stand them so he’s more than happy to let her have them. There’s a good amount of chocolate in here that he can already see himself pawning off to Jesse. They’d always really liked chocolate. He sets aside the Kit Kat bars for Maya. By the end, everything is sorted and there’s a nice pile of Skittles he’s pleased with. Petra keeps eyeing them.

“You aren’t getting any of them, ginger.”

She scoffs, eyes narrowing as they meet his, arms crossing. The indignation would be cute on them if he didn’t know it could lead to her fighting him for said Skittles. He flashes a grin her way.

“All I want is half, eyebrows!”

He breathes a laugh through his nose; his elbow pressing into his knee as he settles his chin into his palm.

“You’re not getting it.”

A scowl tightens their features.

“Yes, I am.”

He shakes his head.

“No, you’re not.”

Her glare tightens.

“That’s not fair!”

He scoffs.

“I bought them,” he says, “I get say on what goes where and I’m keeping my skittles.”

They shove his shoulder and he laughs.

“I’m your best friend!” They say, “I think I deserve at least half of the skittles.”

They eye the pile of skittles a moment then reach for them and he catches their wrist.

“No.”

“Aiden—“

“What’re you going to do about it?”

Logically, that was the worst response he could have chosen. Petra was a highly competitive and challenge-oriented person and he’d only realized his mistake when their lips twitched upward. He barely has a moment to feel dread before she jabs at his ribs. He yelps and cuffs her arm.

“Quit!”

“Give me half the skittles!”

“No!”

That starts the real onslaught of them trying to poke him in his ribs, his torso, his shoulder; and he smacks their hands away each time, telling her to stop each time but she keeps up her assault—soon he’s catching her wrists instead and they’re both laughing and starting to shove and one she aims at him is enough to knock him onto his back. He’d had a tight enough grip on their arm then that they’re pulled over with him. They manage to catch themself before they collide together and they’re now hovering over him and his breath hitches and he curses himself.

The crush was something stupid. Something he had hated vehemently when it cropped up a couple years ago because they were such good friends and the last time he was romantically involved with a childhood friend things fell apart spectacularly. He and Lukas were only just beginning to repair their friendship. So he’s stayed quiet about it. He was more than certain she didn’t see him that way. But some part of him hoped she did despite everything. He’s swore maybe he’s seen it. But he’s sure he’s in so deep he’d likely see anything as interest at this point.

They haven’t moved and that sets his brain on fire and heartbeat racing. They got this look on their face he can’t read too. They’re thinking and he’s not sure on what. He tries to speak but he stutters instead and then there’s no real reason to speak. She leans down and he swears his heart stops as her lips press to his. He freezes at first, like a deer in headlights; he doesn’t know how to breath—thinks his heart even forgets how to beat—then his hand is in their hair and he’s kissing them back. And any thoughts of how this could ruin everything between them are shoved to the back burner.

It ends far too soon; a loud three rap knock—Gill’s signature one—echoing throughout his apartment. Petra springs back rocking back onto her knees. He inhales sharply through his nose, cursing everything. He pushes himself up into a seated position and glowers toward the door. The knock sounds again and he groans before pushing himself up.

He spends the walk to the door trying to ease his frustration enough that he won’t immediately pinch Gill for interrupting.

[a-problematic-writer]

Eighteen Karat Run of Bad Luck

AKA Aiden has a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Night in the Mojave Wasteland

Aiden wakes to a sharp pain in the back of his head and a burning sting in his wrists. His mouth is dry and his throat burns. His eyelids are heavy and not responding to his first attempt to lift them. He can smell dirt and cigarette smoke and blood. His stomach lurches and he groans as his eyes finally open. He’s met with dry dirt and the light of a small lantern. Nausea flares again and he shuts his eyes. He doesn’t know where he is. He remembers being en route to New Vegas for a delivery; had just left Goodsprings after filling his canteen. It was nearly evening. He'd thought he was being tailed but chose to ignore it. Rookie mistake. That cloaked group must have jumped him.

He opens his eyes again and moves to push himself up only to find his wrists are bound with rope. The rough threads are digging into his skin. He fights against the bindings for a moment but no dice. He’s not getting past those without at least something sharp. He looks around the best he can. There are people not too far from him. One’s digging a hole into the ground that looks suspiciously like a grave. His breath hitches. Was that for him? He fights against his restraints again; eyes searching for something sharp he can hook the rope on and cut it with. Then a voice cuts through the air. A voice he knows.

“He’s waking up.”

Aiden twists himself until he can look up. Maya looks down at him and his brow furrows. What is she doing here? Why is he tied up? Another voice follows hers. He doesn't recognize it.

“Oh good. Get him up.”

Two sets of feet head towards him and he twists himself to get a look and his airways constrict again. Lukas and Gill. He tries to say something to them but his voice is barely a croak and they aren’t listening. They roughly bring him up to his knees. Aiden’s head spins. They step back afterward. He focuses on them. He doesn’t understand what’s going on. They were back in Grand Junction last he checked. They weren’t supposed to be in the Mojave. His eyes dart over to Maya. She’s got her arms wrapped around herself, head bowed. He says her name and her eyes meet his; tears fill hers immediately and she bows her head again. It's then he recognizes the cloaks they're all wearing. His stomach sinks.

“Aiden, is it?”

His eyes cut over and his brows furrow. He doesn’t know the woman before him. She has warm tanned beige skin and long platinum blonde hair. Her burgundy dress suit tells him all he needs to know about who she is. She’s from The Strip. She’s too clean to have come from anywhere else. She shouldn't know his name. He was called Courier Six here in the Mojave. He doesn’t answer her. Her lips twitch up into a cold smile.

“That’s fine,” she says, “no need to talk.”

She lifts her suit jacket at her hip to reveal a gun holster. She pulls the gun from it. His blood runs cold.

“The delivery business is a tough gig,” she says, ejecting the magazine and checking it—fully loaded—before sliding it back into place and then clicking the safety off. He swallows thickly. “I’m sorry this has to be your last delivery—”

“Just get it over with.”

Aiden’s eyes jump over to Lukas and his chest aches. He, Maya, and Gill are standing together now. There’s no malice behind the words just a tired resignation. They're like a knife to the gut regardless.

The woman scoffs as her eyes cut away from him and over to Lukas.

“Cold of you, Lukas,” she says and there’s the faintest hint of a cruel smirk lifting her features. “I thought he was your friend?”

Aiden had too. Lukas’ brows furrow in a glower before he sighs and hangs his head. The woman huffs a laugh.

“You really know no loyalty, huh?” Her eyes come back to Aiden and she looks almost sympathetic. “You should really choose your friends better, courier.”

Anger flares; both at her and at them.

“What the hell is this about?”

He looks between her and them then settles on them pleading silently that they’ll just tell him what’s going on, who the hell this woman is, and why they’re following her every order like they don’t have a choice.

“It’s just business,” the woman answers, “Though, I’m sure from where you’re kneeling it must seem like an eighteen-karat run of bad luck.” She levels the gun with his head; his eyes widen darting to his friends—his family. Maya’s pressed into Lukas’ side, Gill has his head hung, and Lukas only holds his gaze for a moment before looking away. They're really letting this happen. “Truth is—” His eyes come back to the woman and a cold pit forms in his stomach as he realizes there’s no way out of this. He’s going to die here in the Mojave wasteland while his friends just watch. “The game was rigged from the start.”

There’s a painful moment of silence and he can only hear his own ragged breathing then the gun goes off and he’s blinded by the flash it creates before it all goes black.

[a-problematic-writer]

HEY IM BACK LMFAOOOOOO

Helping me spread Aidesse propaganda, huh? 💚💚💚

The date had started out near perfect.

Jesse looked stunning even if she was dressed casually—her favorite pair of overalls over a red plaid button up. [Usually she’d be wearing some sort of t-shirt or crop-top but a significant wind chill had her making different outfit choices] Her tight natural curls framed her face in just the perfect way; brown eyes bright and divine.

And Aiden thought he’d picked the perfect spot for some prime cloud-gazing. It was just outside of town under this huge oak tree that’d been there for at least 50 years. Easily his favorite spot in their whole province. He often came here on the bad days when his father’s temper was at it’s worse when he was younger. And still came here now to clear his thoughts and reign his own temper in. It was a tranquil place surrounded in rolling fields and patches of wild flowers. He knew she’d adore it. And was right.

They settled in the grass and watched the sky for some time; her pressed to his side. At some point, he lost track of the sky and was instead talking to her; mindless and trivial chatter, joking and laughing, her face pressed to his shoulder after he made a particularly sappy comment. She got her revenge though; pushing herself up and leaning over him, teasing him with several smaller kisses before finally pressing her lips to his. Things get blurry from there. His hand in her hair and heart beating relentlessly in his chest. He doesn’t think much could have separated them at that moment.

A crack of thunder does the trick. The rain starts not too long after and they’re running through the fields shrieking and laughing and in search of shelter. They find it in her treehouse. And are now just rolling a ball across the room for Reuben to chase after and roll back. The little pig is looking a bit worn when he pushes the ball to Aiden and when he rolls it across the floor Reuben gets about half way before seemingly giving up and lying down instead.

Jesse giggles.

“Aw, you tired, boy?”

The pig gives a decisive snort in reply. Aiden finds himself chuckling as his eyes slide back over to her. She’s already watching him; gaze fond. He’s not quite able to hold it, nerves bristling, stomach twisting into knots. He rubs the back of his neck and coughs. His eyes come back to hers and he finds she’s closer; sitting cross-legged in front of him. He takes her hands, running his thumbs along her knuckles.

“Sorry about the rain.”

She laughs, giving his hands a firm squeeze.

“You can’t control the weather, dummy,” she says, “I still had a good time.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

A comfortable silence stretches between them. He watches the rain outside fall in sheets past her window. Some hot tea would be nice right now; they could sip at it while they watch it fall together. He looks at her again. She’s not looking at him this time which means he gets to admire her for a bit. His eyes fix on the little mole below her eye and then follow the soft curve of her jaw. A smile curves his lips upward and without much thought he leans forward to press his lips to her cheek. Her breath hitches before she starts to laugh; bubbly and light as spring. It fills his chest and he finds himself laughing too.

“Aiden—“

He pulls back trying to feign innocence. She’s smiling so wide that dimple of hers is on full display. He wonders if he can get her to laugh again; feels like he might just go insane if she doesn’t. So he leans forward to press his lips to the tip of her nose. It works. She’s once again giggling and he pulls back to get a good long look at her. He doesn’t get far her hands sliding out of his and grabbing his jacket, pulling him to her. Her lips a firm yet gentle against his. His hand lifts to cup her cheek. He wishes they could stay like this forever.

They pull back, not far, foreheads pressed together. They’re both a bit breathless. His hand moves into her hair.

“I love you.”

His heartbeat jumps into his throat as soon as the words are out. They hang in the air heavily and he feels like they just might crush him. She pulls back enough to look at him; her eyes wide. His stomach drops and he retracts his hand. His lips part as he searches for some way to save this, but then her look of surprise melts into the sweetest smile he’s seen yet. Her hands coming to either side of his face.

“I love you.”

His chest swells and he crashes back to her; kissing her clumsily, laughing all the while. She’s laughing too, sweet and airy. Frustratingly, he has to pull back for air and he sighs as he does pressing his forehead to hers. It’s comfortably silent for a bit. Until her clock strikes the hour and doles out it’s chime.

They both jump and then laugh. She pulls back and twists herself to look at said clock. He leans back on his hands and squints at it himself. His stomach drops.

“Is that clock fast?”

She shakes her head as she turns back to him.

“Olivia set it yesterday.”

“You mean it’s really 5:10?”

He groans; his head in his hands. She laughs.

“What?”

He lifts his head and instead takes to pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I was supposed to be back by five to go over blueprints with Lukas.”

Her brow furrows.

“EnderCon isn’t for another month?”

He nods.

“Lukas likes to be prepared.”

She laughs and shakes her head.

“Couldn’t be me. I get an idea like three days before and me, Olivia, and Axel scramble to get materials together for it.”

He looks at her incredulously.

“Really?”

She nods.

“Jesse—“

“What? Don’t like my strategy?”

He laughs.

“Wouldn’t be my first choice.”

“Oh, yeah, mister my-teams-won-four-years-in-a-row?” She teases, “Wanna give me some pointers? Maybe a hint on what I’m up against this year?”

He shakes his head, grinning.

“No.”

She scoffs and swats his shoulder.

“That’s not fair!”

“Yes it is!” He says with a laugh. “You’ll just have to see it when you see it.” He shoots a grin her way. “They are some winning designs though.”

Her expression drops into a glower.

“Oh, so you think we’re gonna lose?”

She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. His stomach drops immediately and he reaches for her.

“Hey, I didn’t—I didn’t mean anything by—“

She blinks at him and takes his hands in hers squeezing gently.

“I know.”

The anxiety that was building up crumbles and he squeezes her hands back. The rivalry between their respective friend groups was always a point of contention. It was mostly friendly but there was the nastier parts of it too; parts he definitely egged on. He’s not proud of it by any means. The guilt got worse once he and Jesse started dating.

Their friends knew about them. It was a secret they kept close at first, when neither of them knew what they were doing and weren’t sure if things would stick. But things did stick and got serious fast. Lukas, Maya, and Gill laughed it off, teased him some, but that was it. Petra was Petra. Teasing and threatening in the same breath. Olivia and Axel—Olivia was probably the most accepting. Though, she did eye him weird on occasion. Axel he didn’t like him before and was even more adamant about it now. Aiden knows he thinks Jesse could do better. And, if he’s honest with himself, he knows she could too.

Pressure on his hands pulls him from his thoughts and he looks at Jesse. Her brow is furrowed and she’s frowning.

“You okay?”

He nods, feigning his best smile.

“Just not looking forward to the earful Lukas is gonna give me.”

She laughs and her thumb traces his knuckles.

“I wish you luck.”

And here comes the hard part of seeing Jesse; saying goodbye. He sighs and gently slides his hands out of hers before pushing himself up to his full height. She follows him suit. They stand there for a long moment and then he sighs.

“I’ll see you later?”

She smiles and looks down, rubbing at her arm.

“How about Friday? There’s a play being put on.”

He grins and nods.

“Sounds perfect.”

She beams and pulls him into a tight embrace. He returns it with equal fervor. She pulls back after a moment and smiles sweetly as she pushes herself up to peck his lips. He laughs leaning down to kiss her back.

Lukas can wait a little longer.

[a-problematic-writer]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Hi lol second (and final) chapter of this <3

[a-problematic-writer]

Until I Found You

Jaime's tired when she gets back home from her office; feet dragging across the floor as she makes her way into the kitchen where she finds Aiden standing over the stove watching over a pot of something that smells downright heavenly. He looks over his shoulder and greets her. She returns the greeting as she comes to his side her arm snaking around his waist. He's definitely got a stew going.

They make small chit-chat as he finishes the food and she settles at their dining table and he brings her a bowl of the stew. The meal is nice. The food is good and the company is better. Then they wash the dishes together even though he insists she doesn't have to do anything.

And not too long after they finish, they end up dancing in the kitchen. She had started swaying alone to the song coming from their record player she put on and he offered her his hand. It's an improvised country waltz for the small space they're in; one he definitely learned from Lukas. She recognizes the movements from the times he tried to teach her the same one. They move together fluidly and it's hard to think that there was a time they didn't. That there was a time they were at each other's throats constantly. She couldn't imagine going back now. This is far better.

She takes the lead, twirling him instead. She's a bit too short to do so but he laughs and lets her anyway and they continue like that until the first song is replaced by a softer melody and she pulls herself close, head against his chest, ear pressed about to where his heart is, and they just sway. His fingers are pressed softly into her back, his hand gripping hers tightly. She slides her hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck. He murmurs something sweet and she laughs.

She's never known something like this; came close once but things were just not right. He has but it fell apart in a way that made him afraid to let it in again. Somehow they came together. It's new and fragile and she's trying her best to be careful with it. But the more time that passes, the more secure she feels in it. She's not sure if he quite feels the same security.

But the way he pulls her tight, his lips pressing to her hairline, tells her all she really needs to know.