Articulations of Aspen

"Fuck," he muttered, trying to blink the black spots from his vision as he slowly turned to the body slumped over the steering wheel in the driver's seat.

There was so much blood.

"Hey!" Ransom croaked, shifting in his seat and leaning over the center console. "You need to wake up!" 

He shook the driver, a lump swelling in his throat as the body just jostled, unresponsive and only moving due to his frantic touch.

"Wake up," Ransom pleaded, not recognizing the sound of his own voice–the desperation and fear in it–as he continued to try and shake the driver to consciousness. 

He was too terrified to touch his fingers to their neck to see if there was a pulse–if they were still alive–and god, how had this happened?

One minute they were having a good time, knocking back drinks and sharing a joint, and now…

"Please wake up," Ransom whispered, slumping against the body beside him, feeling dizzy as he struggled to breathe despite the agony pulsing along his ribcage. "Please wake up, please–"

Ransom inhaled sharply as he jolted awake, his sleepy brain taking a moment to realize it had only been a dream.

Or more accurately - a memory of that night.

Feeling his heart hammering in his chest, Ransom blinked the sleep from his eyes, squinting at the bright sunlight filtering in from the cracks in between his curtains. He followed the glowing rays with dust particles dancing through them to where you slept soundly beside him in his bed.

New memories–much more pleasant ones–flooded Ransom's mind now as he recalled the night before, with you.

It had been…magical.

Ransom internally cringed even thinking it, but there was no other way to describe it.

Of course he could write it off as the fact that he hadn't gotten laid in over six months, but he knew that would be a lie and a disservice to you.

Ransom had certainly had his fill of women and sex over the years, but those had always been blips of fleeting pleasure on his radar. 

Last night, with you?

Not only had it been amazing, but the aftereffects still lingered.

Ransom felt like a changed man, so content and…

Happy.

Ransom Drysdale was happy.

His lips quirked at the corners as he carefully shifted until he was laying on his side so he could watch you sleep.

You looked so peaceful–the way he himself felt–your features lax and one hand tucked beneath your cheek as you slept on your side while your other hand reached for him, even in sleep.

The memory from childhood washed over him slowly as Ransom realized this wasn't the first time that he had watched you sleep…

10-year-old Ransom carefully closed the shed door behind him once he clocked you in the far corner, curled up on the floor in a little ball as you slept.

He tiptoed across the small, cold space, frowning as he reached you and realized you were shivering and whimpering in your sleep.

You were dressed in the same long, worn dress that you always wore, and there was a barethread blanket tugged up to your chin, but even as just a kid himself, Ransom knew there was no way that blanket was keeping you warm.

So Ransom unzipped his hooded sweatshirt and carefully sat down beside you, arranging his hoodie over your trembling form and smiling a little as you seemed to settle almost instantly.

Your furrowed brow went smooth as your lips quirked just a tad, and Ransom thought that you were really pretty and he was so happy you were his friend.

Another thought flooded his mind, too, that your skin looked so soft, despite the dirt dusting your cheeks, and Ransom couldn't help himself as he slowly reached out for you, the pads of his fingers tracing down the smooth slope of your cheek…

It was your quiet, sleepy hum that brought Ransom back to the present moment, and despite the lingering sadness he felt at that memory, he smiled as your eyes fluttered open.

Your gaze went wide as you registered Ransom beside you, a big smile bursting across your face as you chirped, "Hi!" 

Shimmying closer to him, you pet his cheek with a look so warm and adoring it had Ransom feeling shy.

"Good morning," he chuckled, raising his arm and welcoming you against him as you pressed flush to his front, wrapped your arm around him, and tucked your head beneath his chin. "Did you sleep okay?"

"Yes!" you nodded, pulling away to smile at him. "Like sleeping with you. So safe and warm."

You watched him for a long moment, your smile faltering as you pouted instead. Gently touching your palm to the side of Ransom's face, you caressed the apple of his cheek with your thumb.

"They're back," you whispered, looking concerned.

Ransom frowned, unintentionally leaning into your touch. "What's back?"

"Your sad eyes," you replied, brushing stray strands of hair away from Ransom's face.

Something in his features softened as he caught your hand and kissed the tips of your fingers. "I'm okay, was just thinking about the ghosts of the past." He leaned in and pressed a kiss to your forehead for extra reassurance. "And I could never be sad when I'm with you."

This time you were the one feeling shy, a fluttery bloom bursting to life in your chest as your gaze fell away and you squirmed.

Laughing quietly, Ransom gently guided you onto your back before shifting until he was hovering over you. His fingers caught your chin and tipped your face up to his, catching your shy gaze before he was dropping his lips to yours for a slow, thorough kiss.

When Ransom went to pull away to let you catch your breath, you reeled him back in with a hand at the nape of his neck. Curling your leg over his hip, you twisted your body until it was pressed to his, needing to be closer to him, to feel him, as the covers pooled between you both and bared your naked chest to Ransom's darkening gaze.

"Make me feel good again?" you whispered in between kisses, framing Ransom's face with your hands and keeping him impossibly close. "Make us feel good? Please?"

Ransom hummed as your body began to squirm with desire and writhe beneath him, growing hard against your hip as he shifted closer, seeking your warmth and softness.

"Kitten, it would be my genuine pleasure," he purred, waggling his eyebrows and making you laugh before stealing another kiss as his body sank against yours, where it belonged.

It became a new and exciting routine for you and Ransom, spending each night together in his bed.

And it wasn't just sleeping in the circle of his arms–feeling so safe and warm–that you loved.

It was getting to explore and know his body, and trying your best to remain still and cognizant–instead of floating away or descending into a needy, mindless mess–as he did the same to you.

Tonight was no different as Ransom laid stretched out atop the covers, naked with his hands tucked behind his head as he aimed a lazy grin your way.

As much as you enjoyed sex–were becoming addicted to it and the way Ransom could overwhelm you with pleasure–you also still felt very shy about it.

And yet, your shyness made you no less eager to explore and admire Ransom's gorgeous form in such an intimate way.

You were nearly vibrating with excitement and anticipation as you knelt beside him in bed, naked save for your panties, because you hadn't gotten much further than that before Ransom beat you to being completely bare and you got distracted.

Ransom chuckled as your fingers twitched against your thighs, your gaze getting that glassy look as you gazed down at his naked body. 

"Go on, kitten." He grinned as your gaze lifted and you aimed slow, owlish blinks his way. "We both know what you want."

It was the way that Ransom's hard cock twitched against his stomach that had you finally moving, feeling in a haze as your hands pressed against his stomach before slowly smoothing higher.

Humming as you tugged on his chest hair, Ransom sank back against the bed with a sigh, his eyes fluttering and his face growing rosy as you continued to explore him with your questing touch.

When you dipped your head low and pressed a kiss to the side of his throat, he moaned softly, tipping his head back to give you better access and purring a, "So good to me," as you chirped in response before trailing more kisses down his neck and chest, then lower still.

"So pretty," you sighed dreamily, your fingers tracing along the indents of Ransom's stomach muscles before you were nuzzling along his belly button and pulling a surprised huff of laughter from him.

You licked your lips as you hovered over his hard cock, watching–mesmerized–as the crown pearled with some creamy pre-cum right before your eyes.

Still, you always sought permission before touching him there, so you squirmed and shifted lower down his body, until you could rest your chin on his thigh and blink up at him, unconsciously batting your eyelashes as you whispered, “Want.” 

"What do you want?" Ransom teased, shifting until he was leaning up on his elbows and watching you with twinkling eyes. "Use your words, kitten."

Whining, you buried your too warm face against the thick muscle of Ransom's bare thigh, pressing your legs together to stem the gush of arousal seeping into your panties at the steamy image invading your mind.

Ransom's hard cock filling your mouth, his musky taste flooding your senses as the salty brine of his cum danced along your tastebuds.

Despite being new to it, you loved taking Ransom into your mouth, loving on him in a new way that seemed to drive him wild and reduce him to a puddle of happy, content lover once you were done.

"Want," you begged again, your head popping up as you pouted at Ransom, aware of the way his cock bobbed in your periphery. "Please?"

"Show me what you want," Ransom insisted, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths now as you pressed up over him, your hand hesitant before you were reaching for his cock.

Rather than grip him in your hand, you gently traced your fingers along the velvety steel of him, smiling in accomplishment as he moaned and dropped his head back for a moment. You let your thumb trace up the vein lining the underside of his cock before it was rounding the crown of him and swiping up the mess of pre-cum that had gathered there. 

Ransom blinked his eyes open just in time to watch you suck your cream-covered thumb into your mouth with a happy sound so sweet despite your activities that it should have been illegal.

"Fuck. Go on, you sweet little menace," he grunted, squirming and gently rutting his hips in invitation. "Driving me crazy.” 

Feeling pleased that he was the one that seemed to be undone now–so desperate–you tilted your lips into a knowing smile before you were curling over Ransom's waist, taking his cock in hand, and giving it a few slow strokes before guiding it between your lips.

"Fuccccck," Ransom hissed, sagging back against the bed and fisting the covers at either side of him. 

You hummed around his length and reveled in the taste of him–the weight of him–on your tongue. Bobbing your head the way Ransom had taught you, and careful to keep your teeth away from his length, you pressed your tongue along the bottom of him as you retreated for a second.

Gasping for breath, you hummed quietly before dragging your tongue over the tip of Ransom's cock. You gazed up at him as another ragged moan spilled from his lips, watching the way his beautiful body jolted and rocked, responding to each eager lap and teasing kiss of your lips.

"Please," Ransom panted, his head popping up so he could stare down at you.

He looked so gorgeous and beyond wrecked, his face ruddy and his hair a mess, his lips parted and his eyes so dark they looked black.

He looked undone, and it was because of you.

Stifling a soft trill of happiness, you dove back in, taking Ransom's cock into your mouth and beyond, to the back of your throat. Your eyes closed, a few tears spilling down your cheeks as you relaxed your throat the way Ransom had instructed you last time and felt him groan and rut himself deeper.

"Oh god, can I? I need to–" one of his big hands reached for you, cradling the back of your head and keeping you still.

You hummed, understanding his question as you focused on breathing through your nose, distantly aware of the way your arousal was soaking through your panties now as Ransom began to fuck your face.

"So good, god, you're so good," he muttered, carefully framing your head between both hands now as he thrust himself down your throat and lingered until you gagged.

He let you up immediately, dazed as he watched you gasp for breath and wipe some spit from your messy chin, and then you were eagerly swallowing him down again, bobbing your head until he was as far as he could go and spilling his seed down your throat with a shout.

Gasping as you came up for air, you moaned softly, quite worked up yourself now as you stretched out beside Ransom's pliant body and nuzzled against the crook of his neck. 

"Good?" you questioned hopefully, smiling at Ransom's happy laugh.

"So fucking good."

"Can I?" you asked shyly, shifting until you were straddling his thigh and your ruined panties were sticking to his skin, showing him just how much you yourself needed some relief.

"Yeah," he breathed, giving you a lazy grin as he caught your hand with one of his before using the other to caress down your back, until he was cupping your ass and guiding the eager rock of your hips against his thigh. "Go on, kitten, make yourself feel good, too."

Mewling, you buried your face against Ransom's neck, rutting against his thigh and moaning as you caught your clit against him just right. You grinded into that perfect spot over and over again, the exquisite friction fanning that flame of bliss deep inside of you until you were cumming with a relieved keen as you jerked against him. 

You were still lost in a pleasure fog when Ransom moved, carefully shifting out from beneath your pliant body and guiding you onto your back. 

Shivering as he began to kiss his way down the length of you, you moaned softly as he lingered on your breasts, tweaking and sucking your nipples until your back was arching and you were fisting the covers with a sharp gasp of his name.

He laughed as your eyes went big and wide at the devious sparkle in his eye, but you didn't object as he removed your ruined panties and tossed them aside. 

Then Ransom was patiently kissing and nuzzling his way back up your body, away from your throbbing, needy cunt, and you whined in disappointment, spreading your legs in a silent plea that had him chuckling. 

"Please?" you whispered, reaching for Ransom and petting his hair, your eyes glassy and your body writhing as you tried to arch up against him. "Please, Ransom? Want? Please?"

"Fair's fair, kitten," he tsked at you, looking extremely smug but giving your head a soft pet to soothe you in some small way.

When you pouted at him, he grinned, ducking low for a kiss so steamy and thorough that you were whining again when he pulled away.

Ransom nuzzled your nose with his, his fingers ever so slightly trailing along your cunt and  making you gasp and rut against him.

"You had your fun, sweetheart," he murmured against your ear, giving the lobe a nip and smirking as you mewled. "Now it's my turn."

You made a sweet sound of gratitude as Ransom offered you a strawberry, dancing in your seat beside him on the blanket as you enjoyed a picnic for lunch in the meadow behind the manor.

This was another thing that was becoming a routine for the two of you, getting outside in nature together.

When Ransom had first been informed that he was being sent here, he bemoaned the thought of being exiled to the middle of nowhere, far away from his home and his friends and the life that he knew.

But now the reality of being here, surrounded by such picturesque beauty that he was slowly beginning to appreciate–and with you–it was so much better than anything he could have ever imagined.

He'd spent his life always seeking the next high, the next big purchase or goal, surrounded by vicious socialites and more material possessions than he knew what to do with.

And yet, none of it–the excess or constant partying or circle of "friends"–none of it had ever been able to fill that hollowness inside of him, hence the always seeking more.

But here, with you, Ransom got to witness the way the simplest things brought you joy, and how you were so painfully grateful for each and every one of them.

Never in a million years would Ransom believe that a picnic, of all things, could make someone so happy, but here you were, joyfully smiling beside him as you offered him a little bunch of grapes, your eyes so warm and shining with affection as you watched him.

The two of you ate in silence for a bit, enjoying the unusually warm for this time of year weather, and Ransom found himself staring off into the distance, his gaze eagerly drinking in the luscious overgrown grass and wildflowers surrounding you, and the tall, ancient looking trees that marked the edge of the woods at the end of the property line.

The feeling of you shifting closer to him drew his attention back to you, and you were peeking up at him shyly from beneath your lashes, a not-so-wicked desire burning in your gaze as you watched him. 

"What's up, kitten?" Ransom asked, planting his hand behind him on the blanket and turning toward you.

You swayed closer to him, then paused before sinking back in your spot, your eyes big and your throat nervously bobbing as you swallowed before asking, “Hold?” 

Ransom's brows furrowed in confusion as his eyes dropped to your empty hands before returning to yours. ”Hold what?” 

“Me?” you whispered.

Ransom's lips parted in surprise as his eyebrows shot up, and he realized it quite suddenly, that despite your new and engaging sex life, the only time he was really physical or affectionate with you was in the bedroom.

And you seemed to be such a naturally affectionate person, despite your upbringing, or lack thereof.

Which led Ransom to another sudden realization as he watched your gaze drop in embarrassment as your shoulders hunched and you began to curl in on yourself.

You must be extremely touch starved after years and years of being locked away, all by yourself.

"Hey," he murmured, giving you a smile as you glanced up at him. "Show me."

You perked up instantly, shooting him a hesitant smile as you hedged closer, looking strangely timid despite the way you knew each other so intimately now, and Ransom realized this was a different kind of vulnerability altogether - seeking intimacy and connection outside of sex.

"I like when you make me feel good the other way," you explained, inching closer. "But, I like being close to you this way, too. Feels good in a different way, in my heart."

Ransom all but melted, his smile so soft and encouraging as he followed your lead without question as you pressed close to him, sinking against his chest and tugging his arm around your waist as you tucked your head beneath his chin and hugged him.

As soon as his big hand smoothed up your back and began to rub in slow strokes, you chirped, making this sweet little purring sound as you hugged Ransom tighter and nuzzled against the front of his sweater.

A little while later–after a stretch of quietly holding each other on the picnic blanket in the middle of the meadow–found Ransom reclined on the blanket, one arm tucked behind his head as you sprawled atop his chest, your fingers playing with the blades of grass just beyond the edge of the blanket.

He was reflecting on how he hadn't thought about drinking or getting high or his old life at all in weeks as he slowly rubbed your back, his lips curled at the corners as he watched the white, fluffy clouds slowly pass by overhead.

Ransom didn't feel that bitterness anymore either, at being sent away, at being left out, he just felt…at peace.

He felt so at peace here, with you.

And it was like thinking of you had you perking up in awareness, because you suddenly pressed up over him, squeaking in delight as you uncovered two fluffy white dandelions amongst the grass above the blanket.

Ransom turned to follow your gaze, grinning as he sat up until he was leaning back on his elbow and could pluck the dandelions from the ground. He handed one off to you with a boyish grin and kept the other for himself. 

"Make a wish and blow as hard as you can," he instructed.

Smiling in excitement, you scrambled into a sit beside him, carefully holding your dandelion in your fingers. 

You watched it for a long moment before your gaze flickered to Ransom and lingered, the curl of your lips increasing before you took a deep breath and blew away the fuzzy white pappus. 

Your delighted laughter rang across the meadow as you watched the dandelion fragments float away on the wind, and then you were eagerly turning to Ransom and excitedly encouraging him, "Your turn! Make a wish!"

Chuckling, he closed his eyes and took a moment to think, and the first wish that popped into his head was more days, like this, with you.

Opening his eyes, Ransom sent you a smile and wink combo before making his wish, and tossing aside his bare dandelion stem once he was done.

Squeaking in happiness, you slung your arms around Ransom's neck, hugging him as you whispered against his ear, “You’re my wish come true," before shyly burying your face against the crook of his neck to hide.

Smiling, Ransom held you close, his hand smoothing up your spine and encouraging you to sink against him more fully as he settled you both back against the blanket and murmured, "And I think you're just what I needed."

I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED THIS FILTHY, FLUFFY AFTERGLOW CHAPTER AS MUCH AS I DID!! PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO LEAVE SOME FEEDBACK! THANK YOU SO  MUCH FOR READING! ❤️ (Sorry for yelling, they have me all up in my feels lolllll.)

P.S. ALSO I'M NOT SAYING THE PLOT AND SOME ANGST WILL PICK UP NEXT CHAPTER, BUT I'M NOT NOT SAYING THAT 👀

NEXT PART

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Ransom grinned, dipping his face as he touched a finger beneath your chin and lifted your own. When your gazes reunited, he quirked a brow in silent question.

"Soft," you explained, glancing at his hair, your fingers twitching in your lap like you were itching to run them through those glossy locks once more.

It was slow, the way the wicked grin unfurled across his lips, amusement sparkling in Ransom's gaze as he drawled, “How about you stroke something hard now?” 

As he expected, his innuendo was completely lost on you, despite weeks and weeks of hot and heavy makeout sessions that had become Ransom's new preferred method of entertainment.

"What?" you asked innocently.

Chuckling, he shook his head, letting the subject drop as he watched you. "I don't mind, you know." At your questioning look, he elaborated, "I don't mind you touching my hair. It felt nice."

"Oh," you smiled excitedly, hedging closer. And then your hand shot out again, your touch so careful–almost reverent–as you raked your fingers through his hair. "So pretty." Your eyes shifted from Ransom's hair to his handsome face. "You're so pretty."

"Right back at you, kitten," Ransom purred, his eyes fluttering as he sank back in his seat, enjoying the way you were playing with his hair.

A moment later, when you moved closer and hesitantly straddled his lap, he enjoyed that, too.

Your fingers fell from Ransom's hair and down his neck, trailing along his skin, your eyes still big and awe-filled, like you couldn't quite believe that you got to be this close and touch him like this.

He just watched your gentle explorations, his hands gravitating to your hips and gripping. His fingers played along the hem of your sweater until they could slip underneath and finally touch your warm, bare skin.

"Kiss?" you asked on a breathy whisper, your face already closing in as your eyes flickered to his. 

"C'mere," Ransom murmured, cradling the back of your head and reeling you in. 

He sighed against your lips, feeling more at peace than he ever had before with your flavor on his tongue and your body pressed flush to his. 

Distantly, Ransom was aware of the way your fingers returned to his hair, gripping more than petting now as you squirmed in his lap and tried your best to keep up with every eager press of his lips against your own.

If someone would have told him that just weeks ago had been the very first time you had ever kissed someone, he wouldn't have believed it, because now? 

Now you were a pro. 

Somehow, you had picked up on every trick he knew, and then some. Ransom had a feeling it was your shameless enthusiasm and curiosity to learn what felt good–what made him feel good–more than anything.

And he reveled in it.

In fact, Ransom had never enjoyed kissing more in his life, and he knew it was because it was with you.

Like now, when his tongue pressed past the seam of your lips and you moaned in surprise, he groaned, his free hand sliding up your back and yanking you right up against his chest as he kissed you with the kind of desperate fervor he had never felt before.

Ransom had just started to rut up against you–his body craving more from you–swallowing your sweet, eager sounds as you instinctively rocked against his lap in return when a quiet throat clearing had you both freezing.

Sighing, Ransom pulled away, smiling at your glazed look and gently touching your cheek before looking over your shoulder to where Savannah was watching the two of you with a disapproving look, despite the fact that this was hardly the first time that she had caught you and Ransom making out.

There was a long moment of awkward silence before Ransom snapped, "Well? Did you need something, or were you just enjoying the show?"

"No, be nice," you whisper!wailed at him, tucking your face against his neck to hide from Savannah's gaze.

The older woman couldn't resist a smile at that, growing fonder of you by the day, as she sighed before saying, "Mr. Jennings is pulling around the car for the young miss' appointment. Will you be accompanying us into town?"

"Yeah," Ransom replied, stroking your back as he frowned at the thought of you going into town for the first time without him. "We'll finish getting ready and be out front soon."

"Yes, sir," Savannah nodded, giving you both a lingering look before turning on her heel and retreating to the kitchen.

Ransom waited until he was sure that she was long gone before he spoke, murmuring against your ear, "You okay, kitten?"

You nodded against him before popping your head up, looking a little less dazed than before. "Kissing isn't bad?"

Ransom's smile was soft. "No, kissing isn't bad."

"Feels bad sometimes," you told him, playing with the collar of his sweater as your eyes fell away. "I don't like her seeing."

"That's because some kisses, and other stuff, are private, but it's not bad."

"Okay," you glanced up at him, your lips curling. "Some kisses?"

Ransom's lips twitched. "Yeah, some kisses are just sweet and innocent, like you. Like this." He kissed the tip of your nose, grinning as you giggled. "And this." He stole a quick peck from your lips. "And some kisses, some kisses are just for us," he purred.

He shifted beneath you, smoothing his hands up your sides until you were shivering and squirming for him just as his lips touched yours. Ransom gave you a more thorough kiss, the kind that had you whining against his lips and clutching his shoulders, pouting as he pulled away. 

"See the difference?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.

You nodded, your lips parted and kiss-swollen as you blinked at his mouth before meeting his gaze. "I really like kissing."

"I really like kissing you," Ransom countered, booping your nose and making you laugh. He sighed, sitting up as he said, "Come on, we gotta go into town for your doctor’s appointment and then we can go out to lunch, how's that sound?"

"Good!" you chirped, excitedly scrambling off of his lap. "I'll go get my shoes and coat!" 

And then you were off, scurrying upstairs and leaving Ransom smiling after you like a dope as the taste of your sweet lips still lingered on his tongue.

You exited the doctor's office pouting and cradling your arm, which was more numb than sore at this point, but still felt strange. Your countenance brightened immediately as Ransom rose from a nearby bench where he'd been waiting for you. 

"Everything go okay?" he asked, shifting his weight as he glanced between you and Savannah.

You nodded, smiling a little as Savannah gave you a fond squeeze. 

"All is well, sir. The doctor had no concerns to speak of." 

She gave you a warm smile, which you returned, grateful that she had come inside with you, as strangers still made you nervous, even though you knew doctors were supposed to help take care of you. 

Some of the tension immediately eased from Ransom's form, and you went to him out of instinct, to comfort his obvious concern and also because you were still feeling uncomfortable from your shot and vulnerable from your exam and conversation with the doctor.

Ransom's arms immediately embraced you, and he pressed a kiss to the top of your head as you burrowed against his chest. "You okay, kitten?"

You nodded, frowning up at him as you continued to cradle your arm. "Feels weird."

His brows furrowed. "What feels weird?" His narrowed gaze shot to Savannah. "I thought you said everything was fine."

The older woman clasped her hands in front of her, looking uncomfortable. "It is, sir. She just…got a birth control implant. Her arm will be numb for a couple of hours and then may be sore for a day or two, but all is well."

Ransom's eyes widened, his eyebrows shooting up to his hairline as he stuttered, "Oh. Uh. Okay. Girl stuff. Got it."

"Relationship stuff, I would say," Savannah said, giving him a challenging look.  

“So this whole thing was your idea?” Ransom glowered at her. "I think you need to remember your place."

Savannah's mouth dropped open in offense, her hands falling to her hips. "It's clear the girl has very few people who take her best interests to heart. I only wanted to encourage her to think ahead and be safe, all things considered.” She gave Ransom a pointed look. “I was looking out for her, the same way I would one of my own."

"Does she even understand what you talked her into?"

"I didn't talk her into anything," Savannah insisted. “I just wanted to make sure that she understood what she was getting herself into and the possible consequences of your combined actions.”

Before Ransom could respond, you spoke up, loudly. "I understand," you said, frowning between Ransom and Savannah. 

His features immediately softened when you began to smooth the furrow on his brow with your pointer finger. 

"I understand," you whispered to him. "I'm not stupid."

"Hey," Ransom gently grasped your shoulders and ducked close, so your eyes were level with his and you could read the earnestness in his gaze when he vehemently told you, "I do not think you're stupid. You're so smart, and I witness it every day. I just want to make sure you're not being talked into anything you don't want to do."

"I wanted it, to be safe, just in case," you murmured, gently touching your arm. "I don't…I don't want to be bad like my mother. I don't want that."

At the shine of tears building in your eyes, Ransom nodded, giving you a smile as he pressed a kiss to your forehead. "Okay, whatever you want. You made the right decision for you. You did so well."

When you sank against his chest for a hug, Ransom gave you a squeeze, his gaze flickering to Savannah, who was watching you both with an expression torn between softness and concern. Clearing his throat, he quickly returned his attention to you.  

"How about a little shopping before lunch?"

You smiled at his offer, plastering yourself to his side as he led you down the main street in the center of town.

There weren't too many people out, but there were enough for you to bounce between wariness and curiosity as you watched a mother with a stroller go by, and an older couple slowly walk together arm in arm.

Ransom pointed out the different stores, explaining what they were, but it wasn't until you came upon a jewelry store, and the beautifully arranged display window sparkling in the sunlight, that you showed any real interest in your surroundings. 

"So pretty!" you gasped, breaking away from Ransom's side to move closer to the storefront.

Your eyes were big as you pressed your hands to the window, gazing down at all the elegant pieces twinkling up at you. There were so many of them! Various gems and stones, metals too, and you didn't know what most of the materials were, just that they were lovely and you had never seen anything so pretty in your life.

Well, except for Ransom.

"Do you want to go inside?" he asked.

You glanced up at him, then to the window display and beyond, spying quite a few people in the small shop as an old man stood behind a counter and spoke with a couple.

Swallowing nervously at the thought of being surrounded by so many strangers, you eyed the jewelry in the window one final time before shaking your head and reaching for Ransom's hand. 

"No thank you," you smiled up at him. 

"Are you sure?" 

You nodded, grinning as your stomach growled. "Can we have lunch now?" 

"Yeah, of course," he smiled, glancing behind you both to where Savannah patiently waited. "Any suggestions?"

Her eyes flickered between the two of you, lingering on you before she spoke, "There's a nice, small restaurant at the end of the block that shouldn't be too crowded this time of day."

Ransom nodded, gesturing for her to lead the way as he corralled you against him with his other arm. 

Soon you were tucked into a booth at the back of the restaurant, which thankfully wasn't very crowded at all. Savannah sat across from you, shooting you a smile whenever your gaze met hers, and beside you sat Ransom. 

He held a menu between you both, reading and explaining the dishes to you as you bounced in your seat, eager to eat.

Once you all settled on your meals, he gestured for your waitress so you could order, and you were delighted to dig into the complimentary bread basket she left behind once she departed.

"Still warm!" you told Ransom, holding out a piece of bread for him.

He smiled, taking it and popping it into his mouth. He chewed and swallowed, then opened his mouth to reply but paused as his cell phone began to buzz. Sighing, he pulled it from his back pocket, rolling his eyes as he glanced down at the screen. 

"I need to take this," he muttered, giving your back a rub before he slid from the booth and hurried outside.

You stared after him, watching him pace along the sidewalk–looking agitated–as he spoke on the phone, and then your gaze returned to the bread basket. You slowly reached for another piece, glancing at Savannah shyly.

"It's good, isn't it?" she smiled, pushing the bread basket your way. 

"So good!" you chirped, nabbing another piece.

She watched you for a moment, her gaze flickering to Ransom–still outside on his phone–before returning to you. Leaning in closer across the table, she kept her voice low as she spoke. 

"Miss, I know it's not my place, but you don't seem to have many folks looking out for you, and I just…I want to encourage you to be careful with Mr. Drysdale."

You straightened in your seat, finishing chewing your food before asking. "Ransom?"

Savannah nodded. "I know he's very kind to you, and you've known him since you were children, but he's changed a lot since then. He's known for…getting into trouble, and I would hate to see you get hurt."

You frowned, dropping your hands into your lap as you began to anxiously fiddle with the hem of your sweater.

You knew that Ransom had been sent here because his parents thought he was bad, but you didn't actually know why they thought that. 

However, you did know that Ransom was so good to you, and he took care of you. 

He cared about you, you know he did, just like you cared about him.

"He wouldn't hurt me," you replied at last, your gaze wary as you eyed Savannah. "He's my…friend."

You frowned at that word, that descriptor for Ransom that suddenly fell flat.

That didn't feel right anymore.

Ransom felt like so much more than your friend.

He felt like–

"Alright, miss," Savannah relented, holding up her hands in a gesture of surrender. Her smile was small, but genuine as she watched you. "Forgive me, I was only trying to help. Just know that if you need anything, I'm here and I'm happy to help."

You nodded slowly, still feeling wary and confused but mustering a smile nonetheless. "Okay, thank you."

Picking at the bread on your little serving plate, you pressed another piece into your mouth, perking up in your seat as you spotted Ransom making his way back to your table.

When he slid back into his seat beside you, shooting you a small grin and smoothing his hand up your back, you forgot Savannah's warning altogether as you snuggled close to his side and offered him another piece of your bread. 

It had been weeks since your outing with Ransom and Savannah. 

Weeks since the older woman's gentle warning and your realization that things had shifted between you and Ransom. 

In the rare, stray moments when you were left to your own devices–usually late at night as you lay in bed, waiting for sleep–you struggled with trying to put a name to what Ransom was to you.

You coveted his friendship so much, you had since you were a little girl.

And even more so these last few months as he welcomed you into his own home and took care of you like no one else ever had in your life.

But you knew that what you had with Ransom was more than a friendship. 

All the kisses and the touching and the desire - you wanted him so much more than was appropriate for a friend.

Ransom wasn't just your friend anymore, he was your everything.

And he was making you feel so good right now as you squirmed beneath him on the sofa, gasping and clutching at his muscular back as he kissed a trail down your throat, his big body gently rutting against yours.

The manor was dim and quiet this late at night, you and Ransom the only two occupants, free to enjoy some private time together that you craved more and more with each passing day.

It was addictive, the way Ransom made you feel, the way he could so masterfully work you over, eliciting so many different–and exciting–sensations from your body with just the press of his lips or the squeeze of his big, strong hands.

You never knew until now that it was possible to feel this good.

To want so much.

But you did. 

You wanted more from Ransom, you wanted everything, and you wanted to give yourself to him completely.

"You okay, kitten? You're quieter than usual." Ransom's voice was low and smoky, the way it always got when the two of you indulged in this type of activity for a good, long while.

You shivered, your insides clenching hard as you hugged him close and nodded. 

"Do you wanna stop?" Ransom asked, smoothing a hand over the crown of your head as his face hovered over yours.

You watched him for a long moment, once again finding yourself distracted by how gorgeous he was. You couldn't help it as your hand lifted and your fingers gently traced all along his features: the perfectly straight arch of his nose, his sharp jawline, those pillowy pink lips.

"I want more," you whispered at last, giving voice to the carnal craving–the deep, wanting ache–that was consuming you.

You weren't even completely sure what more was at this point, you just knew that despite how good Ransom was making you feel, it wasn't enough. 

Your body was throbbing and desperate for whatever came next.

"Fuck," he breathed, dropping his forehead to yours and swallowing hard. "You have no idea how long it's been for me."

You stroked his hair as he just laid against you for a moment, unable to help it as your body squirmed and gently writhed beneath him, pressing against the sharp jut of his erection that was nestled against your belly.

You loved knowing that–his excitement and desire–was because of you, that you were making him feel so good that he was overcome and needed a moment to collect himself.

Groaning at the friction your squirming created, Ransom pressed up over you, gazing down at you for a beat. His eyes were so dark they were nearly black, his lips cherry pink and kiss-swollen, and his soft hair flopping over his forehead.

"You're beautiful," you whispered your thought aloud, touching the pads of your fingers to his bottom lip.

"And you're so fucking sweet," he hummed, dipping close and kissing you with the kind of feral passion that had you panting and staring up at him with wide eyes once he pulled away. "M'gonna take such good care of you, kitten. Gonna make it so good for you, gonna make you feel so fucking good."

"Yes, please."

Ransom all but vaulted to his feet, grabbing your hands and tugging you up against him so enthusiastically–and with such a boyish grin curling his lips–that you couldn't help but giggle. 

Moments later you were upstairs in his bedroom, not resisting one bit as Ransom slowly undressed you, until he had you down to your t-shirt and panties and was gently guiding you to lay back on his bed.

He was still dressed in his jeans and sweater as he stretched out over you, pressing his forearm to the mattress above your head as he ducked impossibly close and kissed you slowly.

When you whimpered, desperate for breath, he relented, his lips retreating from yours and instead blazing a hot, open-mouthed trail down your throat. Ransom shifted over you, guiding your body beneath his, until you were on your belly and gazing over your shoulder at him with big eyes. 

Smiling, he stole a kiss from your parted lips, his hand giving your ass a firm grope before he was rising to his feet.

You watched as Ransom yanked off his sweater and flung it aside, your eyes going rounder at the reveal of his naked torso. 

His shoulders were broad and rounded, his chest wide and pale and peppered with dark, wiry hair, and the muscles of his stomach were taut and flexing as his big hands dropped and started working open his belt.

The metal clink of his belt was like ice water being dumped over your head, washing away your desire in an instant and replacing it with a wave of dread so strong that you couldn't help but turn away and bury your face in the covers, terrified. 

Because you knew what that sound meant.

You were a bad girl, after all. 

It was like you were suddenly back in the small, dirty shed all over again. Poppy looming over you–angry and hateful–his belt twining around his hands and he prepared to deliver a world of pain–

But the gentlest press of lips against the exposed small of your back had you gasping sharply in surprise, your mind returning to the present and some of the dread-infused tension easing from your frame as Ransom slowly rucked up your shirt, kissing each new inch of revealed skin as he went. 

Ransom stopped suddenly, and you felt him shift over you, his hand a warm press to your back as he realized, "You're shaking."

You were, and you couldn't find the words to respond and explain why as you trembled beneath him, sniffling into the blankets as a few stray tears streaked down your cheeks.

"Are you okay?" Ransom's voice was laced with concern, his hand smoothing up your back and taking your shirt with it as he told you, "We can stop if you…jesus!"

His exclamation had you peeking over your shoulder at him, finding him staring down at your back in horror. You shivered as his fingers gently traced over the mess of scars that littered your skin.

Ransom swallowed, his sorrowful gaze finding yours as he asked, "Your family did this to you?"

"Poppy did," you whispered. "When I was bad."

"You're never bad," Ransom said vehemently, his face twisting with anger that you knew wasn't for you. "Let alone bad enough to deserve this. You're so good," he murmured, dipping low and pressing a kiss to your marred back, then another. "You're so beautiful. So sweet. You're mine."

"Yes, yours," you echoed, your chest fluttering with happiness at his declaration. 

You sank into the mattress beneath you and fisted the covers as that wanting buzz began to overtake you once more, all the fear and memories from earlier fading far, far away with each new press of Ransom's lips to your skin. 

"Always yours," you whispered on a dreamy sigh.

When Ransom's lips reached your shoulders, he nuzzled close, pressing a kiss to your cheek. "Tell me if you want to stop, or if you don't like something, okay? I just want you to feel good."

"Okay," you whispered, peeking at him from your periphery and smiling as he pressed another kiss to your cheek.

Soon, Ransom had you both naked as he guided you onto your back, his hands and lips mapping every inch of your skin that they could reach and lingering each and every time he found a spot that evoked a noise from you, or an eager rock of your hips or a beautiful arch of your back.

When his mouth reached your breasts and lingered, taking its time to lave along your nipples and suck them into little peaks, you whined in carnal delight, your core clenching hard as you felt more seep flow from your cunt.

Humming in victory at your reaction, Ransom doubled down on mouthing and kissing along your breasts, kneading them in his hands as you writhed beneath him, whimpering at the onslaught of pleasure wreaking blissful havoc on your body.

"Please!" you begged, not really sure what you were asking for, just knowing that your body felt like it was right on the edge of something you couldn't quite reach on your own. 

"I've got you, sweetheart," Ransom murmured, leaning up just long enough to grant you a sultry, lingering kiss before his mouth was back to working along your body, trailing down, down, down.

You shuddered at the sight of him settling between your legs, his lips lingering just below your belly button as he gazed up at you with eyes so dark and desirous that you felt another flood of juices seep from your center.

When Ransom nuzzled at the very top of your mound, you whined, instinctually spreading your legs wider in invitation as you tried to scoot closer to him. "Ransom, please. Please."

You reached for him, your fingers just able to sift through his hair and trail down his cheek. His eyes were so soft as he leaned into your touch before turning his face and kissing the pads of your fingers. 

Then his laser focus returned to the soft, wet place between your thighs.

“Time to feel good, my sweet, little kitten. Wanna kiss you here," he rumbled, thumbing up your slit, his touch lingering and circling along the little nub crowning your pussy and making your body jolt like you'd been electrocuted. "Is that okay with you?"

"Yes!" you replied, breathless and nearly mindless with need, squirming some more as you whined. "Yes, please. Anything. Anything you want."

The slow smile that unfurled across Ransom's lips was wolfish and pleased, with a hint of that boyish excitement from earlier that had your tummy swooping in a way unrelated to your desperate desire.

And all you could do was stare down your naked, trembling body to where Ransom was settled between your legs, his big hands smoothing up your inner thighs and spreading you open even wider for him. 

You watched as his dark gaze dropped, his tongue sneaking out to wet his bottom lip as he groaned, and then he was ducking close and dragging his tongue up the cut of you.

Your back bowed as you gave a wordless cry of shocked delight, your eyes so big and startled at how good it felt–how pleasantly naughty too–as Ransom tongued along your folds once more.

You couldn't keep still at the onslaught of his mouth, especially once he tugged up the hood of your clit and started lapping at your sensitive little nub, each stroke of his tongue drawing a quiet keen from between your lips.

Laughing as you thrashed and bucked against him, Ransom dropped a heavy arm over your hips to keep you in place, his fingers tugging your folds apart so he could watch the latest wave of your arousal pool at your pretty, clenching hole.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" he cooed at you, dragging his thumb up your slit and circling your clit until you were moaning and sagging back against the bed, dazed.

"So good," you panted, gasping as Ransom rewarded you with another firm, slow drag of his tongue up your cunt. "Oh. Good, so good. More! More, please."

You could feel him laugh against your center as you just started chanting "please," and he gave you exactly what you wanted, his mouth eagerly–and expertly–working along your cunt until your toes were curling and you were giving sweet little cries as you rutted against his face. 

"Come on, kitten, let go for me, sweetheart," Ransom rasped, sucking at your clit as he eased a finger into your fluttering cunt. "Let it feel good, you deserve it."

You moaned, your head so blissfully foggy as Ransom's finger began to move inside of you, dragging back and forth against your velvety walls and making your insides tighten more and more with each sinful caress.

When his mouth returned to your clit just as he slid a second finger inside of you, you sobbed, feeling all of the exquisite, dueling sensations building up inside of you finally reach their peak. 

You gave a sharp, wordless cry of ecstasy as pleasure burst inside of you before flooding through every inch of your body.

It was like your body went wild, your muscles locking then releasing over and over again, wracking you with each and every wave of your release as you distantly registered Ransom's gravelly voice talking you through it. 

"There you go, such a good girl, look at you, kitten," he murmured, smoothing a hand up your quivering belly before catching your fingers with his and giving you something to hold onto as you rode the waves of your release. "You're so pretty when you cum, sweetheart."

When your body finally came down from its high, sagging back against the covers, you whimpered, breathless and overwhelmed as you dazedly blinked up at the ceiling. 

Ransom's handsome, flushed face moved into your line of sight as he stretched out over you, smiling with a smug gleam in his eye at your glassy, debauched state.

"You doing okay there?" he asked, laughing as you immediately reached for him and yanked him down against you for a hug.

When he realized that you were sniffling, he pulled away enough to see your face, frowning as he swiped away a few stray tears from your warm cheek. 

"Hey, I didn't hurt you, did I?"

You shook your head, burying your face against his chest, your words muffled as you replied, "So good, just a lot."

Shifting until he was stretched out beside you and tugging you close, Ransom pressed kisses all along the crown of your head. 

"You did so well for me, kitten." Another kiss. "Letting me take care of you like that." He nuzzled along your temple. "Love seeing you feel so good. Love making you feel that good."

Shivering, you snuggled closer to Ransom, pressing a kiss to his collar bone to show him without words that you were okay and appreciated him. Your lips quirked as you heard him chuckle before he was raining down another wave of kisses all along your head.

After a while, you realized that despite the innocent way in which Ransom's hand was smoothing up and down your back, his hips were gently rocking against you, pressing his hard length into your belly.

You shifted, your curiosity getting the better of you as you tentatively reached for him. You paused just before you touched him, tipping your face up to find Ransom watching you with a look so feral and wanting that you clenched around nothing, distantly wishing for Ransom's fingers to fill you up again.

"I can touch?"

"Fuck yeah you can," Ransom immediately replied. 

You laughed, feeling shy as you trailed your fingers along the smooth, hot length of him. When Ransom jerked and moaned in response, your wide eyes shot up to him, noting the way his nostrils flared and his jaw clenched, like he was holding himself back in some way. 

"Feels good?" you checked, your fingers itching to touch him some more.

He nodded, swallowing hard, his hand no longer rubbing along your back but gripping your ass. "Yeah, kitten, feels really good."

"Good," you hummed, returning your attention to his cock.

You dragged the pads of your fingers up and down, up and down, then down further still as you explored the foreign texture of his sack.

"Fuck, you're gonna drive me crazy," Ransom gritted. He reached for your hand, guiding it back to his cock. "Like this, grip it and squeeze a little. Yeah, fuck, just like that, stroke it nice and slow."

You squirmed as Ransom groaned, his head dropping back against the bed as you pressed your thighs together and continued to touch him the way he showed you. 

You were mesmerized by his cock, the weight and girth of it in your hand, the way touching him in such a simple way could reduce him to a moaning, groaning mess. And when the head of his length started to dribble white cream, you perked up, swiping it away with your thumb before sucking it into your mouth with a hum.

"Ohhhhkay, that's it," Ransom moved so fast, you squeaked, rolling you beneath him as he settled between your legs. "Please tell me that you're ready for more?"

You blinked at him, your taste buds still tanging with the salt of his pre-cum. "More?"

"I wanna be inside you. Wanna fill you up with my cock," he groaned, rutting against your stomach.

When your eyes went comically wide, your mouth dropping open, Ransom huffed a laugh, his shoulders shaking with mirth as he dropped his forehead to yours.

"Jesus, you're so fucking sweet, c'mere," he murmured. 

When he cradled your cheek with his hand and descended on you with a round of hungry, thorough kisses, you hummed your appreciation, your fingers sinking into Ransom's hair as your lips met his press for press.

"Can I have you now, kitten?" Ransom murmured against your lips, his eyes heavy-lidded as he ground against you with a quiet groan. "Want you so bad."

"Yes," you didn't hesitate to reply, letting your legs fall open even further around him in invitation. "Wanna make you feel good, too."

You pet along his hair, dazzled by how beautiful Ransom looked like this, desperate and needy–for you–his handsome face flushed and his eyes blown fat and black with lust.

You felt Ransom's hand drop between your bodies, another quiet moan hitching in his throat as he prepped himself with a few strokes before he was guiding his cock to your entrance.

He paused then, blinking some of the lust addled haze from his eyes as he watched your face. "Relax for me," he instructed just as the head of his cock caught along your fluttering hole.

Your breath hitched at the unfamiliar feeling, but you tried your best to listen to Ransom, letting your body sink even further into the mattress beneath you as your fingers dug into his back. 

He plunged into you slowly–carefully–his lips parting and eyes fluttering as you gasped at the strange feeling of his body joining with yours.

The stretch of his cock filling you up was unlike anything you had ever felt before. There was a slight twinge of discomfort but it became a distant memory the longer you watched Ransom, saw the way pleasure and relief danced along his features as he moaned and gently rocked against you.

Your breath hitched as he reached his limit, feeling so full and floaty as you realized you'd gone most of your life not even realizing how empty you were until now.

That there had always been this space inside of you, waiting to be filled by another.

And the fact that it was Ransom…

It was Ransom inside of you, his body now one with yours, making you feel whole for the first time in your life.

You whined in overwhelm–and greedy desire for more, for him–your hands sliding along Ransom's back and yanking him flush against you, your desperation to feel more of him consuming you. 

"You okay?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern and his jaw gritting as you clenched around him hard. "Fuck."

"More, please," you pleaded softly. "Make me feel good. Make us feel good, please, Ransom?"

"I've got you, kitten," he murmured, dropping his lips to yours for a kiss.

When his body started to rock against yours, his hips pushing and pulling, you swore your body lit up like a sunrise.

You felt that feeling from before start to build up deep inside of you, growing stronger and stronger with every deep plunge of Ransom's cock inside of you. Eager to feel that bone rattling release from before–the pinnacle of your pleasure–you curled your legs over his hips, moving your body against his.

"Oh god, that's it," Ransom moaned, his hand finding yours on the bed and lacing your fingers together as he dropped his forehead to yours. "Squeeze around me, kitten, squeeze my cock, let me feel you."

Whining, you tried to do what he wanted, victory washing over you as Ransom groaned, his hips snapping harder as he sought his pleasure in the deepest depths of your body.

"Fuck, so good, you feel so good," he babbled, grunting as he gave a particularly deep thrust and lingered inside of you, panting against your parted lips.

You watched him, mesmerized, the sight of Ransom unraveling before your eyes driving you closer and closer to the edge.

And when he slid his free hand between your bodies and started rubbing at your clit as his pace increased, you finally tipped over the edge of that exquisite, blissful precipice that you so longed to revisit.

You gave a quiet keen as your body seized, your orgasm rocking through you so hard that it made Ransom groan as you clamped down on his cock and writhed beneath him.

"Oh god, fuck, I'm so close, s'close," he muttered, panting as he pounded into you. He nipped at your bottom lip, groaning as you whimpered and gave him another squeeze before going pliant and boneless beneath him. "M'Cumming."

Mewling as Ransom gave another hard, deep plunge, your insides quivered before he suddenly pulled out of you, nestled his cock between your sopping folds, and rutted against you until he finished.

You watched, wide eyed and mouth parted in a little 'o', as he came with a series of quiet grunts and moans, his cum spurting all along your cunt and belly in warm, creamy ribbons until he was finally spent.

"Fuck," Ransom breathed, sinking back on his haunches between your sprawled legs and gazing down at your messy pussy like it was his most cherished treasure.

You squirmed as he reached out and rubbed your combined messes all over your folds, jolting as the pressure on your clit had you squeaking in surprise.

Grinning, Ransom slowly crawled over you, his eyes so warm and his hair falling over his forehead as he touched your cheek like you were as delicate as finely spun glass and kissed you until you were both panting for breath.

"God, that was amazing," he hummed, stealing one more kiss before flopping down on the bed beside you. "You good, kitten?"

"Very good," you nodded, watching as he tucked a hand behind his head, his eyes fluttering shut as he sighed in content. "Thank you."

"Ditto," he grinned, his eyes still closed and his free hand blindly reaching for you, until you pressed your palm to his and twined your fingers together as you shimmied closer to him.

He was so beautiful like this, and he looked so happy, so at peace–for once–and you did that.

Smiling to yourself, you perched your chin on the side of his chest, enjoying the quiet together as your eager gaze flickered all along Ransom's naked body. You tentatively reached out and touched the wiry hair on his chest, surprised by the coarseness of it.

When you shifted closer to touch him some more, you suddenly became hyper aware of the mess all along your thighs and core. You glanced down, realizing Ransom's seed was starting to dry and pull against your skin uncomfortably.

You frowned, realizing how dirty you were.

You didn't like to be dirty.

"Hey, you okay?"

Your head popped up, your startled eyes finding Ransom's.

There was still a smile tugging at his lips, but his eyes were shining in concern now, too.

"Need to get clean, please," you told him, gently pushing yourself up to a sit and frowning down at yourself. "Please." 

At the ring of desperation–a different kind than before–in your voice, Ransom immediately sat up beside you. His big hand touched your back as he smiled at you. "Yeah, of course, come on."

He corralled you to your feet and laughed when you went to leave his room to retreat to your own. 

"Not tonight, kitten. Tonight you're staying with me."

Your face lit up, a big, beautiful smile breaking free as you replied, "I am?!"

"You are," Ransom confirmed, leading you into his bathroom and the big glass shower beyond.

He was quick to get you both cleaned up, being extra gentle with you, especially once you started to sag against him in exhaustion. 

Soon he was donning a pair of boxer briefs and tugging one of his clean t-shirts over your head before leading you back to his bed.

"I can sleep in your bed tonight? With you?" you gave him a sleepy smile, so sweetly excited that Ransom couldn't help but laugh. 

"Yep." He kissed the tip of your nose before pulling back the covers and gesturing you inside. 

Once he joined you, you immediately snuggled close, clinging to him as your eyes grew heavier and heavier with each passing second. 

"I made you feel good, too?" you murmured, glancing up at him with a hopeful look. 

"Yeah, kitten, you were incredible." Ransom smoothed a hand over your head. "You made me feel so good, sweetheart."

You quietly trilled your delight, nuzzling against his bare chest, so close to sleep but still unable to stop yourself from gazing up at Ransom with a soft smile. You reached up, gently touching his lips and smiling as he caught your fingers in his and kissed the tip of each one.

There was a different kind of feeling building up in you now, something vibrant and happy and glowing. 

As you stared up at Ransom, on the receiving end of that soft, warm look in his eye, after the night you had just shared together, you finally realized what he was to you.

And it was so far beyond a simple friend.

But you were too tired to find the words to express it, so you just snuggled closer and reached for his hand, fitting your fingers between his before your joined hands settled against his bare stomach. 

"Good night, Ransom," you whispered, your words slurring with exhaustion and making him smile.

"Really good night," Ransom replied, earning one final giggle from you before you were drifting off, his next words lingering in your mind as you surrendered to sleep, "Sweet dreams, kitten."

And they were.

OKAY. THESE TWO. I JUST ::FLAPPY HANDS:: THE LOVE I HAVE FOR THEM IS ENDLESS. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO DROP A COMMENT. ❤️

NEXT PART

—

I no longer do tag lists, but if you'd like to be notified when I post new writing, follow my side blog @‌sirisshamelesshoelibrary and turn on notifications to get pinged when I drop some new hoe fuel 😘

Ransom would hate the word “moist” lollll. I know we’ve already DM’d about it, but it’s funny enough to me that I simply must share with our fellow hoes…how absolutely like this Ran would be:

I’m once again cackling imagining trolling Ransom when things get a little hot and heavy and whispering in his ear, “God, you make me so… moist.”

And he’s like, “GODDAMNIT, there goes my boner.” 😡

Bwahahaha.

Day after day, you showed Ransom how happiness could stem from the simplest of things, things that didn't cost a penny, like being outside in nice weather, or enjoying a good book, or indulging in some delicious home-cooked meals, or just sitting with someone who brought you comfort.

With each passing moment that Ransom spent with you, the itch to return to his old life–what had been his self-destructive norm up until recently–began to fade.

All he wanted was to be here, with you.

Those thoughts, which were taking up residence in his mind more and more often these days, were spinning through his mind now as you sat snuggled close to his side on the sofa in the study and read aloud from your latest book. 

When you paused, struggling over an unfamiliar word, Ransom snapped back to the present, reading the word for you and explaining its meaning.

"Thank you," you whispered, shyly peeking up at him from beneath your lashes.

Ransom had realized over the weeks that as much as you loved to learn and as amazingly far along as you were for being locked away in the shed your whole life without a formal education, you were very self-conscious of not being "smart."

Or so you thought.

He thought that you were brilliant and loved how inquisitive you were, often sitting close by as you did your online lessons that he had registered you for after doing some research on helping someone get up to speed in a way that wouldn't overwhelm them.

So in moments like this, when you needed an assist, you tended to curl in on yourself and get very quiet.

"Keep going, kitten," he encouraged, smiling at the way you hummed happily at the nickname he had taken to calling you after randomly comparing you to a sweet, feral kitten who turned up in his yard one day. "You're doing so well."

The acknowledgement/nickname combo seemed to fluster you, and Ransom stifled a laugh as you sank down further beside him, squirming and hiding behind the book as you speed read the rest of the chapter.

Once you finished, you perked up in your seat, handing the book over to him with an eager smile. "Now you!"

He accepted the book from you, but didn't start reading, instead watching as you snuggled closer and rested your cheek on the side of his chest, gazing up at him in that way you always did. 

It was a mixture of adoration and awe, like he was this amazing gift that you still couldn't believe you had received.

Ransom got distracted by that look every single time he spied it on your face, because he couldn't remember anyone ever looking at him like that, with such open warmth and affection.

Ransom was becoming addicted to that look.

It was like he wasn't in control of his own body as his gaze flickered from your sweetly furrowed brow to your lips.

He licked his own on instinct as his head dropped closer, ever so slowly eliminating the space between you. 

When his hand smoothed up along the curve of your shoulder to cradle the back of your head, tipping your face up for better access as he inched closer still–the closest he had ever been–your breath hitched in your chest as your eyes went comically wide. 

Just as your breath mingled with Ransom's, a new voice made you both jump. 

"Hey! Cooking lesson starts in ten, missy!" Ruby grinned at you from the doorway, her smile faltering as she realized your proximity to Ransom and the way he startled and straightened as you continued to stare at him in confusion.

Ransom cleared his throat, fidgeting under both your gaze and Ruby's. "Uh, yeah, we're just finishing up."

"Looks like you were just getting started," Ruby sassed, hip popping and hand falling to the curve as she narrowed her gaze at Ransom.

Even you recognized the sudden tension in the room, mustering a smile as you glanced between the two of them and slid to your feet. "I'm ready now."

You padded over to Ruby, your smile growing into an excited grin at the prospect of another cooking lesson, one of the activities you had really taken to over the past couple of months. 

"What are we making?"

Ruby finally pulled her gaze from Ransom, her eyes growing much warmer as she curled an arm around your shoulder. "You're gonna help me cook tonight's dinner, a roasted chicken and lots of yummy veggies and some homemade biscuits, and I'll show you how to reheat it all for tonight."

"Okay!" you chirped, allowing the other woman to lead you from the study, but not before peeking back one final time and catching Ransom openly staring at you before you disappeared from sight.

You were so excited to have dinner with Ransom.

This meal was the first one that you had helped with every single part of it - prepping everything at Ruby's direction and roasting the chicken and vegetables, and even baking the warm fluffy biscuits from scratch.

They were so good–you had eaten three of them when they were still warm from the oven before Ruby had laughed and squirreled the rest away for dinner–and you couldn't wait for Ransom to try them.

He had been so nice to you and had taken such good care of you and this was a small way that you could show how grateful you were for everything he had done for you.

And he had done so much for you already.

Once you were more settled in his home, he had had a doctor come over to give you a check up. She had been so nice and seemed surprised when she gave you "a clean bill of health, save the way you were lacking in some essential nutrients."

Ransom had explained that was a good thing, it meant you were healthy and strong but just needed to keep eating lots of fruits and vegetables and take the vitamins he had ordered you.

And then! He had bought you your very own things. Clothes and shoes and things for your room and products to use to get clean and smell nice.

Your favorite item though, by far, was your heated blanket.

You had been amazed at the way it can get warm, and it was the softest thing you had ever touched.

You used it every single day, and although you loved each and every thing that Ransom had gifted you, you still tended to favor his hoodies and sweaters most days, which seemed to amuse him.

They were just so big and comfy and smelled like him.

Wearing them made you feel safe.

So, after everything Ransom had done for you, you tried so hard to be able to do things for him, too. 

Like cooking dinner!

You had shooed him out of the kitchen earlier when he offered to help, ensuring him you could do it all on your own, because Ruby had been very good at reviewing the reheating instructions with you and had left notes, too.

And it felt so good to be able to do stuff, and on your own!

You were mulling over all of these thoughts as you scurried back and forth to set the dining table the way Savannah had taught you, when you accidentally knocked one of the empty drinking classes off of the table.

You squeaked in alarm, jumping as it hit the tile floor and shattered, bits of glass going every which way.

"Oh no," you whispered, your vision already blurring with tears as you stared down at the mess in horror.

It was instinctual the way you immediately backed away and crouched beneath the overhang of the kitchen isle, staring at the broken glass–something pretty of Ransom's that you had ruined–as you started to tremble.

He rushed into the kitchen a moment later, pulling up short at the sight of the broken glass on the floor, and then his gaze flickered all around before it found you, curled up on the kitchen floor and staring up at him like you had done something unforgivable.

Ransom's face softened as he made his way toward you, crouching down to your level as his eyes surveyed your bare feet to make sure you weren't injured. 

“Sorry! I’m sorry!" you gushed, recoiling from him and pressing your back against the cabinet. "I’m bad. So bad. Broke it. Bad, very bad. I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” 

“It’s okay," Ransom replied, settling on his knees beside you and reaching for one of your trembling hands. "It was an accident. We can get a new one." His thumb gently stroked over your knuckles as he dipped his head to meet your gaze and give you a smile. "You’re not bad, you’re so good. My good, sweet kitten.”

You perked up at his words–at your nickname–sniffling and wiping away your tears as you tentatively shifted closer to him. "Not mad?"

Ransom immediately shook his head. "I'm not mad, I promise." His touch was soft as he gripped your arms, encouraging you out from your hiding spot. "Can you come out from there for me? Sit at the table so I can sweep up the glass, okay?"

Nodding, you didn't resist as Ransom rose to his feet and brought you with him. Instead, you clutched at his shirt sleeves, gazing up at him with tears still shining in your eyes. 

"I'm sorry," your lower lip wobbled. "Wanted to do something nice…"

You sank against his chest, feeling him still for a moment before his hands were gently rubbing up and down your back. 

"It's okay. And you did do something nice," he murmured, smoothing a hand over the back of your head. "Dinner smells amazing and I can't wait to eat."

Your head popped up, a smile tugging at your lips as you sniffled back the remainder of your tears and told him, "I cooked it! Ruby helped but I cooked it!"

Grinning, Ransom guided you to the nearest chair and away from the glass on the floor. "Well then, let me clean this up really quick and then we can eat."

Soon the floor was spotless and the broken glass was disposed of and you were sitting next to Ransom at the table as you both ate dinner.

"Oh my god," Ransom groaned around one of the biscuits. "This is so good."

You shot up in your seat, grinning as you chirped, "I made that!"

Your excited gaze shot all around the set table and you pointed to the plate of sliced chicken and the dish of roasted vegetables. 

"I made that! And I made those!"

"You're a very good cook," Ransom smiled, shoveling some more food in his mouth, his eyes sparkling as you watched him with the sweetest pleased look ever on your face. 

"Thank you," you hummed, happy as a clam as you settled back in your seat.

You lifted your fork for another bite of chicken, but paused as Ransom leaned close. 

"You're getting so good at taking care of me, kitten," he teased. "Better be careful, or I'm never gonna let you go."

Squirming in your seat as an unfamiliar warmth flooded your chest–feeling like so much more than happiness–you peeked over at him as you whispered, "Promise?"

Ransom was quiet as he watched you, his eyes oddly darker than usual and so intense, and then he started to lean in close again, like he had done earlier in the day during reading time. 

You weren't sure what was happening, but what you did know was that warmth in your chest suddenly felt like a crazy fluttering in your tummy, and you felt your heart start to beat really hard as Ransom's dark gaze dipped to your mouth and lingered.

He blinked owlishly before his eyes reconnected with yours, more of the short distance between the two of you slowly disappearing as he shifted even closer.

And then his cell phone began to ring, the loud sound making both of you jump. 

Huffing, Ransom fished his phone from his back pocket, glancing down at the screen and frowning. 

"I should take this," he muttered, giving you an apologetic look as he rose from his seat. "Keep eating, I'll be right back."

Pouting, you watched him go, the fluttering in your belly lingering as you settled into your seat and resumed eating your yummy meal.

Ransom swiped his thumb across his phone screen, answering the call as he stalked into the study and closed the door behind him for privacy.

"Dude, I can't believe you're still there," the voice of his best friend Bryce Langley bemoaned on the other end of the line. "It's been like two months."

Ransom scoffed, pacing the length of the study as he replied, "Yeah, well, as much as I despise my parents, I do enjoy the trust fund."

It was Bryce's turn to scoff. "You don't even need it anymore. Between all those investments you made and our app? Fuck them."

There was a long pause and then Ransom could hear the smirk in his friend's voice as he continued. 

"No wait, do you think your mother would be game? She may be a cunt, but I bet she’d be a wildcat in the sack—"

"Jesus, shut the fuck up," Ransom snapped, pausing in the middle of the room and pinching the bridge of his nose against an impending headache. "What is wrong with you?"

"That list is endless," Bryce laughed. "Seriously though, are you going out of your fucking mind? How long do you really need to stay there? Just come home, man."

Ransom was silent, his eyes glazing over as he stared off into space, unseeing.

As much as his trust fund had factored into his initial agreement to come here after getting clean at rehab, the truth was, it wasn't just about the money.

Not anymore.

After everything, not only the distance from his old life and wild ways, but after being here, with you, and discovering a new way to spend his time, a way that felt good, that made him…happy?

Ransom wasn't so sure going back home right now was what he actually wanted.

"Did the call drop, what the fuck?" Bryce snapped.

Ransom blinked back to awareness. "No, I'm still here."

"Yeah you are," Bryce snorted. "And you're missing everything, man."

Ransom could hear the sound of a car parking and a door opening on the other end of the line before various rowdy voices filled the background.

"But don't worry," Bryce laughed. "I'm still having fun without you."

It was the nasally squeal of his ex, Isablle's, voice that had Ransom rolling his eyes and muttering, "Yeah, I bet you are."

And then the call did drop, or more likely Bryce hung up on him, and Ransom just stood there for a moment, stewing for a reason he couldn't quite figure out.

Because as much as he didn't necessarily want to be there with them right now, his old crew and willing-to-do-anything-he-wanted ex, something about them so easily forgetting him–but still flaunting it in his face–made him angry. 

So Ransom took a moment to just breathe through the rage and hurt that he didn't really want to acknowledge, because as shitty as he felt right now, he didn't want to go back out there and ruin the dinner you had worked so hard on. 

In fact, doing anything to make you feel sad was the last thing he wanted to do.

And it was the thought of your sweet, proud smile as you excitedly pointed to all the dishes you had cooked that had Ransom's rage melting away as a fond smile tugged at the corner of his lips, his phone call with Bryce already forgotten. 

Later that night, a good while after your dinner had been eaten and the kitchen cleaned up after, you sat with Ransom in the living room, curled up on the sofa beside him as you frowned at his cranky demeanor.

He was trying to hide it, you could tell, because every time he met your gaze he smiled, just a little, but his eyes seemed sadder than usual.

As you wondered how to cheer him up, it popped into your head quite suddenly, one of the games the two of you used to play as children when Ransom kept you company in the shed all those years ago.

"Let's play Truth or Dare," you said, tugging on his shirt sleeve to gain his full attention.

Some of the sadness in Ransom's gaze was instantly replaced by amusement as he turned to you, leaning his arm on the back of the sofa as he grinned. "God, I haven't played that in ages. You still remember that?"

"Yes!" you nodded excitedly. 

"Okay," Ransom laughed, dropping his head into his hand as he watched you. "Truth."

You thought for a moment before giving him a very serious look. "You're really not mad about the broken glass?"

He snickered, shaking his head. "I'm really not mad, cross my heart." He did the little finger motion, crossing over his chest, grinning as you giggled. 

"Good, my turn! Truth!" you chirped, shimmying closer, eager for his question.

Ransom's gaze went soft as he asked, "Are you happy?"

"Oh yes, so happy!" you nodded again, your head jerking up and down like a bobble head. "We have so much fun! And you're so nice! And I'm always warm and clean and we eat such good food! Thank you!" You bounced in your seat, smiling big as you said, "Okay! Your turn!"

"Truth," Ransom drawled, his eyes sparkling at you, like he knew something you didn't.

You thought for a moment, tapping your finger against your lips before a question hit you. "What's your favorite thing?" you asked, swinging your arm wide to gesture at the manor around you. "Like my heated blanket for me! What's your favorite?"

A beat, and then–

"You."

Your eyes went wide as those excited flutters erupted in your belly, and you felt your face warm as your eyes dropped, because it was too much of a struggle to maintain Ransom's intent gaze, especially with the playful, wicked smile tugging at his lips. 

Something about that look made your body perk up in a new kind of awareness. It was overwhelming as you realized how such a simple thing–a new kind of look from Ransom–could affect you in so many different ways.

Your breath catching in your chest and your tummy swooping, your face feeling too hot and your heart skipping a beat. You felt nervous and excited and nearly vibrating out of your skin all at once - and so suddenly!

The sensations were many and confusing–overwhelming in their unfamiliarity–so you tried your best to refocus on your game, and you did the thing Ransom knew you were going to do after too many rounds of Truth - you picked Dare.

“I dare you to kiss me," Ransom drawled without missing a beat.

You blinked at him, your brows furrowing as your head fell to the side in confusion. "Kiss?"

Ransom's lips spread into that teasing, wicked smile again, and it felt like your heart was hammering in your throat as he shifted closer with a quiet hum. "I can show you."

Suddenly he was so close that his chest was pressed against yours, his warmth seeping into your body as his hand lifted to cup your cheek and your eyes went big and round.

His smile grew less wicked and more fond then, his thumb gently stroking the skin along the apple of your cheek as his dark gaze flickered to your parted lips.

When Ransom dipped his head, his mouth hovering just over yours, you recoiled in surprise, a nervous giggle erupting from you as your fingers found purchase on his sweater and fisted the soft material. 

"What are you doing?" you whispered, your own gaze dropping to Ransom's mouth and lingering as you noticed how pink and soft his lips looked.

Smiling, Ransom brushed his knuckles over your warm cheek. “Do you trust me?” 

You nodded, your eyes still the size of dinner plates as you whispered, "Yes. Always."

Tenderness flooded Ransom's gaze as he murmured, “Then let me show you, kitten."

This time when he moved closer, you didn't retreat, gasping when Ransom's lips touched yours. The press of them was so soft and gentle, and you made another quiet noise when he angled his face differently and his nose brushed against yours, making you shiver.

Both his hands framed your face, his touch warm and comforting as his lips kept working against yours, until you were tentatively mimicking his kisses with shy ones of your own, trying to make him feel as good as he was making you feel. 

"There you go, good girl," Ransom breathed against your lips. 

His words had a zip of excitement and need shooting through you, and you whined softly at the sudden, unfamiliar throbbing between your legs, somehow knowing that Ransom was the only one who could make it better. 

You pressed closer, clutching Ransom's shoulders as you kissed him more urgently than before, desperate to chase that exquisite feeling and quell the dull ache deep within you with each eager press of your lips.

Only when he started panting against your lips–both of you gasping for breath between frantic kisses–did Ransom finally pull away, smiling at the sound of disappointment that fell from your lips as you tried to follow his retreat. 

"Hold on, kitten, give us a minute to catch our breaths," he laughed.

"Okay," you panted, closing your eyes and pressing your forehead to his, hugging him tightly and feeling oddly vulnerable despite how much you had liked kissing Ransom.

Somehow he picked up on that, because he was curling an arm around your back and tugging you closer, settling you into his lap until you were straddling his thighs and staring at his mouth like you were hypnotized.

"So," he purred, grinning big as he asked, "What did you think of kissing?"

"Wow."

Ransom chuckled at how awestruck you sounded, smoothing a hand up your back and corralling you flush to his chest. "You wanna keep playing our game?"

"Game?" you blinked owlishly, uncomprehending as you finally pulled your glassy gaze from Ransom's lips.

"Truth or Dare," he reminded, looking oddly smug.

You shook your head with a smile, your hands tentatively lifting to cup his face the way he had done to you before. "No, I want more kisses, please."

Giving you a soft smile, Ransom murmured, "Whatever my sweet kitten wants, she gets."

Before you could respond, he was cradling the back of your head and guiding your lips to his for another round of thorough, enthusiastic kisses. 

The kind of kisses that kept you both busy for hours.

The kind of kisses that had you wide awake later that night, smiling to yourself in the darkness of your bedroom as you recalled the feel of Ransom's mouth against your own, your fingers tracing along your lips as you craved the taste of him again already.

I'M SORRY, SIRI IS UNABLE TO RESPOND TO YOUR COMMENT RIGHT NOW, SHE HAS DISINTEGRATED (HOE SNAPPED, IF YOU WILL) FROM THE SHEER LEVEL OF SWEETNESS (NOW WITH SLIGHT HORNINESS!!!) THAT WAS THIS CHAPTER AND THESE TWO SOFT BEANS. 

(No, but seriously, what did ya think?!?!)

NEXT PART

---

I no longer do tag lists, but if you'd like to be notified when I post new writing, follow my side blog @‌sirisshamelesshoelibrary​ and turn on notifications to get pinged when I drop some new hoe fuel 😘

Bucky’s breath is steady; yours only slightly less so. His hands are gentle weights on your arm. It’s how you know for sure the Soldier is gone.

Killing Scarface might have been the last thing he did.

The gun is at your feet; someone kicks it away. Steve speaks to you both; neither of you answer.

There aren’t any words either of you dare say.

Someone—Sam—grabs you by the shoulders to pull you away from the Soldier. He doesn’t react when Sam pulls you back, and though you try to shake Sam off of you, it doesn’t work.

“Let go of me,” you argue, but Sam won’t be deterred. “Sam, he needs me, I need to—"

The Soldier doesn’t protest. He watches you with hungry, lost eyes, arms still held where you’ve been wrenched away.

But he doesn’t reach further to you. There are no dying protests on his lips, as if all the fight has left him, leaving only a shell behind.

And after a moment, you stop fighting, too, as you let Sam lead you away.

*

It’s hours before you talk to anyone. But Sam brings you a blanket, brings you tea, brings another nurse to look at your stomach wound and give you antibiotics and replace the dressings.

They’re mostly healed anyway. It’s been a week, and even without antibiotics or trained care, the Soldier did everything right.

You sit under your blanket, cradle the tea as it grows cold, and wait for someone to come and tell you what will happen next.

“I didn’t know,” you whisper to Sam.

“I know,” says Sam, and he doesn’t ask you to say more.

Three weeks later

It’s sunset when you step out on the tarmac at Avengers Compound, heat shimmering from the day in the swiftly dimming light. The Quinjet waits not far away, your bags already stowed, seats already waiting for you.

“Ready to go?” asks Sam.

You don’t answer. Your fingers tighten on the backpack strap over your shoulder as you scan the horizon, hopeful, worried, waiting.

“Wakanda’s a nice place, you know,” says Sam. “Good food. Great views. Best sunrise outside of Louisiana.”

You smile, and tug at your shoulder strap.

“You know Steve didn’t want you there,” says Sam after a moment of quiet. “Told Barnes we’d keep you safe, if he wanted to go in alone. But Barnes insisted. Said you needed to be there.”

Sam glances at you. “Was he right?”

You nod.

Sam sighs. “You’re gonna have to talk sometime.”

You shake your head slowly, eyes on the horizon.

Sam’s gaze is knowing, soft. “Come on. Let’s get you on your way.”

“We couldn’t tell you,” Steve had explained. “There was too much risk, if you went under the triggers again, that you’d say too much.”

You understand. You do. You even understand why Bucky insisted you go with him, why he didn’t want to tell you. Why he let you believe that he’d slipped back into the Winter Soldier, run straight from your arms to those of HYDRA.

What he’d whispered in the parking garage, the moment before he broke your spirit.

The only way out is through.

Maybe you should have known. Maybe you should have remembered whispering it to him once, to soothe and reassure him. He’d wanted it to do the same for you.

You didn’t remember until later.

You haven’t seen Bucky since Sam pulled you away from him in the medical bunker. He hasn’t sought you out—but then, you haven’t sought him, either.

Steve and Sam and everyone else have assured you he’s fine. He’s safe. He’s even mostly himself, and becoming more himself every day.

He hasn’t spoken either, apparently. Not a word.

As if he’s afraid of what might happen when he does. You understand the feeling.

“Wakanda has the best medical facilities in the world,” Bruce had told you. “And with what we’ve learned, Shuri can remove the triggers Hydra implanted. From both of you.”

You follow Sam up the ramp at the back of the jet, eyes on the metal struts, heart pounding. It’ll be seven hours to Wakanda’s Golden City, easily, and then… then maybe two or three days, before Shuri can pull the words from your head, make it so they were never there to trigger you in the first place.

Maybe then, it’ll be safe to talk. Safe to hear endearments you’ve been wanting to hear your whole life. Safe to hear your own voice saying words you never thought you’d be afraid to say.

Even safe to say them to Bucky, if you want.

(You want. You’ve never been so sure about anyone or anything in your entire life.)

Sam sits you down on one of the side benches, and you busy yourself with the various straps that will keep you secure during take-off, while he helps stow your backpack above.

He touches your shoulder when he’s done. “It’s gonna be okay.”

You nod, giving him a tiny smile, and then he moves away.

That’s when you see the other man sitting across the way from you. Strapped in just the same as you. Looking at you like you’re a ghost.

Bucky.

He looks so different from how you saw him last. He’s no longer a shell filled by someone else; he’s a little more pale, maybe, but there’s life in his eyes, along with the hunger, a brightness you recognize from hundreds of lunches and thousands of shared smiles. His lips are parted, wet like he’s just licked them, like he’s as desperate to speak as you are.

Your lips part, as if to say his name.

His expression doesn’t change, but his lips quiver a little, like he’s about to say yours.

Clint’s voice echoes over the speakers. “Well folks, thanks for joining us on Avenger Airlines, we know you have zero choices for your travel needs and appreciate your trust in us. Just sit right back, make yourselves comfortable, and feel free to shout your complaints about the service to your pilot. Who is me. And unless I hear otherwise, we’ll be playing some rockin’ tunes back there for your listening pleasure. No complaints? None? Fantastic. Feel free to let me know if you want a change of station or would like to cancel your automatic $500 tip.”

Bucky closes his eyes for a moment in exasperation—but when he opens them, they’re straight on you, and there’s a smile on his lips.

You, you can’t stop smiling.

Bucky’s eyes shine—hope, and warmth, and faith—as he mouths something to you: Three days.

Your heart stutters in your chest, but you mouth it right back. Three days.

Bucky will be there, when your words are gone. You will be there, when Shuri removes his.

And you know exactly what you’re going to say, and who you’ll say it to, when it safe to speak again.

end