#chrisxwoc

✨Pairing✨: Andy BarberxBlack Reader

Summary🪄: Andy doesn’t know what to think of this new customer service

⚠️: Fluff💕!

A/N: This is based off an adorable TikTok I saw, so I’m hoping I do it justice trying to write something off the top of my head. Hope you guys like it☺️!

Locking the door behind him, a tired sigh passes his lips as he tosses his keys in the dish and placed his briefcase on the wooden table in the foyer holding today’s mail: a couple of bills, a store catalog for you, and a postcard for baby Sienna signed by your parents from their vacation in Hawaii. The two year old was sure to squeal and awe at the picture of two dolphins breaking the water’s surface with what looked to be smiles on their faces.

“Sweetheart, I’m home!,” he announces removing his suit jacket before loosening the solid, navy blue tie around his neck.

“In the bathroom!,” you shout back followed by water splashing and high pitched giggles as if Sienna was trying to announce her presence as well. After a day filled with hearings and paperwork, he was more than happy to sit back against the soft, cream cushions of the couch; house flooded with laughs and little songs from his girls flowing down the hall. He let the sweet sounds and day’s exhaustion drift him to sleep, eventually stirring again a few minutes later at the constant taps on his chest.

“Hi princess,” he groggily smiles seeing his daughter’s mahogany eyes as she holds out a small plastic cup incredibly close to his face.

“Offree dada.” He can’t help but chuckle at her offering of coffee, and how witnessing him, or you, pour the dark liquid into his usual white mug before adding a small amount of sugar every day only solidified the idea in her head that “daddy must really like coffee.”

“Thank you honey.”

She carefully climbs down his legs in her light green butterfly onesie toddling over to her play kitchen set where she babbled to herself while searching through the plastic plates and utensils.

“Let me guess, coffee?,” you ask motioning to the little red cup as you lean down to meet your husband’s lips.

“I don’t know if I should be impressed at how attentive she is, or worried that she’s trying to tell me something,” he replies making you giggle as you settle in the cushions beside him, his arm sliding around your waist to trace his fingers along the side of your recently shaved thigh.

“Well she made me five cups in the span of an hour, so I’m thinking it’s just her specialty.”

As if knowing she was the topic of discussion, she hurries over with tight curls bouncing atop her head in two puffs and a mini frying pan in her hand holding it out towards Andy.

“Food?”

This meant she wanted you to give her your order so she could “cook” for you. Something she’d loved to do since getting the play set for her birthday, feeling as if she was just like her parents getting to prepare food in her own little kitchen.

“Hmm what do I want?,” Andy pretended to think, lightly scratching his beard. He’d typically just choose one of her favorites whenever she’d ask making her face light up before running back to her stove. This time though, Andy wondered how she’d react if he gave more than one answer.

“What about pizza..and French fries?”

“Oooh!,” she gasps clearly happy with his choice.

“And nuggets with tatoes,” he adds watching her excitedly bounce on her toes before walking towards the pretend kitchen.

“Ohh and Mac and cheese! And yogurt and ice cream.” Sienna let out a small huff, not being able to cook yet since her dad seemed to want everything tonight, which made you laugh to yourself at her growing impatience.

“I think I want cake too with cookies and candy and-,”

“Dada! Dada!,” she interrupted shaking his leg seemingly trying to tell him “that’s too much!”

“What? I’m giving my order.”

Babbling to herself as she left the pan on his lap, her feet pad to her toy chest retrieving Kit, her favorite kitten stuffed animal, before lying down next to the oven with a tired sounding sigh.

“I uh think she said if you want all that, you’re cooking it yourself. She’s off kitchen duty,” you laugh truly tickled at your daughter’s sass. Andy can’t help but laugh to himself either, getting up to place the small pan with the rest of her toys before picking her up from the floor to rest against his chest with arms around his neck.

“Be glad you’re cute. Anybody else I would’ve given a low score for customer service,” he smiles kissing the top of her sleeping head.

Taglist: @fumbling-fanfics @honeychicana @lady-olive-oil @themyscxiras @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @ladydmalfoy @maxcullen @literaturefeen @damnitaa @curlyhairclub @plokyu23 @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jojolu @jnk-812 @brwn-sgr @captainsamwlsn @wildfirecracker @nina-sj @iammyownlover @chaneajoyyy @scoop93535 @secretmysteriousperson

Pairing: Chris Evans/OC Erin Rose

Summary: Up and coming YA author Erin Rose, was sent to a small suburb 30 minutes Northwest of Boston to finish the last two books of her series, she is about to get very close to her very handsome new neighbor.

a/n: here goes nothing!

chapter 1: Enjoy Nature

✨Pairing✨: mob!Ari LevinsonxBlack Reader

Summary🪄: He stops in your restaurant everyday, and both of you can’t wait.

⚠️: Rude customer, fluff💕

A/N: I really like the mob AU idea from some stories I’ve read here and I’ve always wanted to write my own imagine with that plot and finally had my own idea for a little series I could do with it! I hope you guys like it☺️!

“Looks like your friend is here,” your co-worker, Sherry, smiles playfully nudging your arm a mere seconds before the bell on the door dings of his arrival. Nine o’clock, as usual, sitting at one of the tables in front of the wide window with today’s newspaper to his right and phone in hand typing away at the screen. Today you see he decided to sport your favorite: his navy blue suit paired with a white button down underneath partially opened towards the top that you could see the gold medallion he typically wore. His black shoes shining even under the table from the overhead light hitting them just right.

The few months you’ve seen him come in, he never failed to look anything less than dapper. Then again that was usually the dress code for anyone coming into the restaurant, always well-groomed and flashing their wealth whether physically in the luxury brands and jewelry they wore or sometimes vocally if they were bold and arrogant enough.

That’s where he differed though.

There was always a small sense of intimidation with those you served having and coming from much less, but not with him. He was so down to earth and seemed genuinely interested when asking about your day or your weekend plans. Just being in his presence brought a comfort that you reluctantly had to leave whenever you had to wait on someone else or it was time for one of his meetings.

“Good morning Mr. Levinson. What can I get you?,” you smile, notepad and pen ready for his order. You probably didn’t need it since he tended to order the same thing every morning: coffee, black, with a couple slices of toast and some butter on the side. “What can I say, I like what I like,” he shrugged with a small chuckle when you pointed it out in one of your earlier conversations.

“Good morning, and I thought we talked about you calling me that?,” he smirks looking up from the sports section spread out on the table.

“I know, but I’m supposed to be-,”

“Professional. I understand angel.”

And there was that little nickname making your insides flutter and your body heat from being flustered. It’s also what made Sherry term him as your “friend” passing by last week and hearing the endearing name pass his pink lips.

“I’ll just take coffee today. Can’t stay as long as I used to.”

There’s a small, disappointed pang to your heart that you wouldn’t be able to talk with him like you usually could. Hardly anyone showed up in the morning, mostly coming for lunch and dinner so there were plenty of times he would invite you to sit with him, keeping him company for just a short while before you had to appear as if you were working.

It didn’t take any time for you at all to retrieve one of the coffee pots from the many coffee makers before returning to his table carefully pouring the strong smelling liquid into the white porcelain cup sat on top of the miniature plate.

“Anything else I can get you?”

“No this is perfect, thank you. You always take care of me angel,” he smiles blowing the steam from the cup as the praise hits just enough to have you bashfully biting your lower lip to hide your giggle.

“Y-You’re welcome. Let me know if you need anything mister- I mean Ari.”

“Um excuse me?,” a customer calls snapping his fingers from across the room. “I’ve been here for 10 minutes and haven’t even gotten a water yet.”

“That was a lie,” Ari thought slowly placing his cup down giving the man a once over. He saw him walk in all haughty dripping with self entitlement maybe five minutes ago, yet he has the nerve to get angry. And with you of all people. He wasn’t even sitting in your section, so really the impatient man wasn’t your responsibility. Knowing you though, he wasn’t surprised to watch you walk over apologizing to the undeserving, weak Wall Street minion trying your best to satisfy his needs.

“What else can I get you besides water?”

“No, I don’t want water. Get me a coffee with three creams and one sugar. The good kind not the fake stuff in the packet, along with the chef’s omelette. And try to have it out to me before you close,” the older, bald man orders sliding his menu to the side, completely ignoring your outstretched hand trying to grab it, before answering his phone.

Your quiet, “yes sir,” along with a heavy sigh had Ari boiling at how someone could mistreat such an innocent and sweet person like you just trying to do their job. Plus the annoying man just seemed to talk louder the longer his conversation ran interrupting Ari’s peaceful reading.

A few seconds later, you returned with his coffee prepared just as he requested, and then again with his food smelling just as delicious as it looked.

“About time,” he grumbled before tucking his napkin beneath the collar of his wrinkled shirt and picking up his fork and knife already slicing through the folded egg.

“Let me know if-,”

“What is this?!,” he asks dropping his utensils on the table that ultimately clattered all the way to the black floor. “I didn’t want onions!”

“I’m sorry sir, but you didn’t say-,”

“Can you do anything right?!,” he sighs, “Guess they just hire anybody today.”

“Would you like me to get you another one without them? Or something else?,” you ask doing the best you could to hide your annoyance and frustration.

“No, I want you to sit out front and look pretty,” he sarcastically retorts, “what do you think?”

“Let me get the chef for you,” you reply moving towards the kitchen.

“You do that.”

Ari had seen and heard enough.

———

“Alright, what seems to be the problem?,” the chef, Frank, asks following you out to the dining room floor. To your surprise though, the customer was no longer there, just Ari drinking the last of his coffee before folding his newspaper.

“I thought you said there was a customer mad about his order?”

“Oh that guy? He seemed to change his mind while you were back there,” Ari answers digging in his pocket for his wallet. “Actually started to like onions after the first bite.” Sure enough looking at his plate, it was completely cleaned without a crumb in sight as if he licked those away too.

“Huh, well good for him. No issue after all,” Frank sighs patting your shoulder before returning to his position in front of the stove. You’re still left confused, wondering what made him change his mind after getting so angry over something so minuscule. However not for long as Ari hands you some folded up bills along with his ticket in the black, leather folder. Standing so close and being face to face with his chest, you can smell the deep patchouli mixed with citrus wafting off his clothes that has you suddenly weak feeling as if you need something to lean on.

“S-So um same time tomorrow?,” you nervously chuckle trying to rid the melting feeling from your head and legs.

“Afraid not. I have a full day tomorrow starting at eight, so I can’t stop by,” he answers, noticing the slight dim in your usual glow that makes warmth spread across his whole chest.

“I am having a party for the opening of my office tomorrow night that I’d love for you to come to. You can even bring a friend or friends.”

“Oh, um okay. Yea I think I can make it,” you shyly smile making a soft one spread across his bearded face as well.

“If you can’t or need a ride, just give me a call,” he replies handing you a matte black business card with only his name and number in a simple yet bold, gold font.

“Will do.”

Just as he strides towards the door, thick back muscles perfectly showcased from the tailored suit, your voice calls him back walking up to him holding out the money he left, no longer folded.

“You left $500,” you whisper, “I think this is meant for something else.”

The slightly calloused yet also soft feel of his hands manually closing yours as he leans in next to your ear along with the gentle rub of his beard on your cheek has a short, surprised gasp escaping your lips that you’ll surely be embarrassed about later.

“I know what it was meant for angel,” he answers. Deepened, husky voice vibrating your eardrum with his whisper. Backing away, there’s a smug grin on his face at how shy and flustered he has you. You didn’t see it though, currently unable to meet his eyes as you focused on your breathing and the floor beneath your feet.

“You have a good day Y/N.”

“Thanks. Y-You too Ari.” Leaving you with a small wave, your eyes follow him through the window until he’s no longer in view and you can somewhat regain your normal breathing. You tried to distract yourself with cleaning and getting ready for the impending lunch rush as you pick up his discarded cup carrying it to the other table that once sat the disgruntled customer to collect his plate and cup also.

Something catches your eye though at the top corner of the white, square plate that you know wasn’t there earlier.

Your finger delicately glides along the small crack until the chipped piece gives way leaving a v shaped gap about an inch long in its place. On the table cloth just above the plate was a single red droplet while next to the gap the same red stain seemed to have been spread a bit leaving behind more so of a line. There was no ketchup nor hot sauce on the table that could cause the stain so you couldn’t help but wonder,

“Is this blood?”

Taglist: @fumbling-fanfics @honeychicana @lady-olive-oil @themyscxiras @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @ladydmalfoy @maxcullen @literaturefeen @damnitaa @curlyhairclub @plokyu23 @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jojolu @jnk-812 @brwn-sgr @captainsamwlsn @wildfirecracker @nina-sj @iammyownlover @chaneajoyyy @scoop93535 @secretmysteriousperson

✨Pairing✨: Chris EvansxBlack Reader

Summary🪄: A little prank causes your boyfriend to dig himself into a pretty deep hole

⚠️: Chris being a meatball, fluff💕!

A/N: Hey guys, I hope you like this short imagine! (Don’t really know how I feel about the ending but 🤷🏽‍♀️) This is just something quick and fluffy I wanted to write based off this post I saw on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTZ4vpqFH0w/?utm_medium=copy_link

scottevansgram sent a post

scottevansgram: You should do this just to see what Chris says

scottevansgram: And please let me know if he says something corny like this lol

y/IG/n: Lol and I’ll do you one better😏

Switching your phone to its camera, it’s strategically angled so only your face is seen as to not make your boyfriend suspicious of what you were doing. Not that he’d see it since his attention was solely on the Patriots game playing on the screen. He probably would’ve forgotten you were beside him if not for your calves lying across his lap.

You press record just in time to catch his frustration at the last play making you roll your eyes at the phone propped up by your thighs.

“We can’t keep makin’ dumb mistakes like that if we wanna go to the Super Bowl,” he states. Thick Boston accent very much active before taking a drink of his beer.

“Hey, I think I’m gonna sleep on the couch tonight,” you casually announce picking a piece of lint off your shirt. Well, really his but he hardly ever wore it.

You now had his attention though meeting his eyes shining the lightest of greens from the peaking sunlight, as his hand gently grazed over your shin. “Why? You don’t feel good?”

“No I’m fine, I just want to sleep on the couch.”

“Oh okay, we can have a little camp out in here then. Make a fort and watch movies,” he smiles leaning over just enough to sweetly kiss your knee.

“That sounds fun, but I was kinda expecting to sleep by myself,” you reply. His furrowed eyebrows and puppy like eyes aiming right at your heart.

“…did I do something?”

Now, you could’ve ended it there. Easing his worries by explaining how it was just a joke and you wanted to see how he’d react.

Where would the fun be in that though?

“Did you do something?,” you counter making it sound as innocent as you could.

“No,” he quickly answers before his hand nervously scratches the back of his neck. One of the common tells that he was lying. “Well-,”

“Well? Christopher what did you do?”

“Nothing..technically. I might’ve damaged your favorite jersey though.”

“The same jersey my dad bought me at my first ever NFL game?! Seriously Chris?!”

The joke was the last thing on your mind now as you quickly sat up.

“I’m sorry! I was separating the laundry and-and Dodge was there right? And I was kiddin’ around like ‘got a new treat for you’ since we have our little rivalry, but of course he didn’t do anything ‘cause he’s a good boy-,”

“Unlike his father,” you quip making him slightly hang his head.

“Okay I deserve that. So then the doorbell rang and he ran off but the jersey got caught on his nail and made a hole. I tried to sew it but then the thread got tangled and I promise I was gentle trying to untangle it, but when I got the thread apart it also made the hole bigger.” You can only shake your head as you move to stand up, but are instead kept in place with his hands still on your lower legs.

“I got you a new one though! But I guess ya probably already know that..,” he lowly adds with head down in shame for not telling you sooner.

“I didn’t until now.”

“W-what?”

“I didn’t know about the jersey until you just told me. Earlier, that was just a joke from a video Scott sent me,” you explain watching his skin transition from a light pink to faint red and mouth form into a small “o”.

“I just wanted to see how you’d react. I wasn’t expecting a confession.”

Head falling to your shoulder, a giggle slips past your lips at his mixture of a groan and chuckle. Only he would be the one to find himself in a situation like this.

“I’m so gonna kill Scott when I see him.”

“Might not want to say that too loud,” you reply holding up your still recording phone now focused on his face as his laughter grows.

“Well I guess that works in my favor too since you can’t say anything about hurting me now can you sweetheart?,” he grins pecking your lips.

“Mm debatable. I can always delete the evidence honey,” you wink before rejoining your lips with his.

Taglist: @fumbling-fanfics @honeychicana @lady-olive-oil @themyscxiras @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @give-me-a-million-dollars-pls @bekinds @ladydmalfoy @maxcullen @curlyhairclub @plokyu23 @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jojolu @jnk-812 @brwn-sgr @captainsamwlsn @wildfirecracker @nina-sj @iammyownlover @chaneajoyyy @damnitaa @literaturefeen @bamondomesticity @scoop93535 @secretmysteriousperson @thesecretlifeofdaydreamss

Pairing: Mike WeissxBlack Reader

Summary🪄: His ex-wife’s tried. Paul’s tried. Pretty much everyone in Mike’s life has tried to set him straight. Maybe your approach won’t be futile like the rest.

⚠️: Language, mentions of Drug Use, brief mention of Nudity, Angsty times, Arguing, ends in Fluff tho (as always because I’m a soft heaux lol)!

You’ve always heard people complain about the annoying, constant beep of the heart monitor. How it makes those who need complete silence unable to sleep nor watch the small television in peace without having to turn it up nearly to max volume. Even then it wasn’t enough to drown out the monotonous tone.

It brought you comfort though. Comfort that he was still on this side hopefully feeling your presence as you sat across from his sleeping figure.

It’s funny. Even with you screaming at each other the day before, you were still there as if nothing happened.

You guessed you could chalk that up to love.

“Give me the bag,” he ordered exasperated and annoyed. Was it from his long disappeared high? The nude woman sprawled against his pillows and sheets? You simply arriving at the cluttered, disorganized house with his clothes in tow trying to get him ready for the hearing? It could’ve been all three, but you just standing there looking at him perched on the edge of his king bed wasn’t helping.

“Give me the fucking bag!,” he repeated raising his voice and making you jump from this unfamiliar tone. Sure you’d heard him like this with his ex wife, Jamie, or whoever was unlucky enough to have ticked him off that day, but he’d never directed his anger towards you.

And after you were done with him, he’d dare not do it again.

Setting his freshly washed and pressed outfit down on the one table Jamie left him, you retrieve the small, black bag containing his stash of favorites along with needles and other paraphernalia he’d need to get to the numbing bliss he loved. He watched you step closer, at what felt like an agonizing pace, holding out his hand to take it from you until your sharp turn to the bathroom and a zipper being unzipped cause him to hurriedly follow, moving faster than he did in a long while.

The sploosh and light thunk of all the bag’s contents hitting the shallow, toilet water and eventually bottom of the bowl has him yanking it from your hands before moving you out the way. “What are you doing?!”

“You want it? Then go get it! Dig in the toilet that hasn’t been cleaned in God knows how long and get your shit because I’m not giving it to you!”

“Y/N please, I don’t have time for your mouth right now.”

“Oh but you have time for random hookers who pretend to be your friend for the night? Or however long you pay them for? You have time for their mouths right?,” you snap.

Any other time, his glare would’ve had you intimated. Trying to avoid upsetting him any further and retreating to your corner like a scared kitten. Now you were standing inches from those pale blue eyes as if daring him to make his next move.

“Yeah. Especially when they don’t talk and let me have my way!”

“Right because that’s what you want. Little yes men that’ll keep enabling you instead of being around those who actually care for you and want to help!”

“Jeez can you both quiet down? I’m trying to sleep,” the previously naked stranger now standing a few feet away in Mike’s red button down states with a yawn.

“You, can leave!,” he shouts over his shoulder before his dark, sunken eyes re-connected with yours. “And why’s it a problem now? You’ve known me for a year yet you haven’t said anything before.”

He was right. You could’ve tried to say something earlier, but you were honestly afraid. You didn’t want to overstep and already knew he’d advise you to stay in your own business rather than poking in his. Now though, it’s like you felt this sense of obligation to at least say something even if he would just brush you off.

You knew exactly where it came from, but you couldn’t tell him. No, you shouldn’t tell him. Just like how you shouldn’t be having the feelings you currently were for him. You could already hear your parent’s and friends’ voices telling you to distance yourself before it’s too late.

“Aww looks like someone has a little crush on you Mike,” the woman mocks. Her condescending tone making frustrated tears prick the corners of your eyes. “Bet you wish you were the one sharing a bed with him hm?”

“Didn’t I tell you to go?!” His gaze stayed glued to you and how your fist nervously shook at your side. Whenever you felt overwhelmed or stressed, your fidgeting fingers lacing with each other was always a dead giveaway. There were plenty of times you two would be hard at work and he’d grab your hand holding it in his larger one until you finally let out that long harbored breath in your chest.

He was willing to bet what little he owned that you were actively fighting how desperately your fingers wanted to fidget, thus confirming whatever her name was’ statement.

“Y/N-,”

“I gotta go,” you interrupted trying to ignore the newfound softness in his features as you rushed pass and out the cramped bathroom. “Remember the hearing’s at four.”

That’s the last thing you said to him. Even when he arrived in court, you only acknowledged each other with a small nod and occasional quick glance. Early the next morning, you were abruptly awoken from your sleep at a panicked call from Paul explaining how he’d arrived at Mike’s to find him OD’d and was now at the hospital waiting to see if he’d make it.

You showed up shortly after not bothering to change out of your pajamas and hadn’t left his side since he was wheeled into his own room from being transferred out of the ICU. Paul wanted to stay, but you insisted he go back home to his family and get some rest. Plus his baby girl would be up soon, and you knew he wanted to be there to help.

So, here you sat in the leather recliner bundled in three blankets trying to keep yourself warm.

“Comfortable?” His gravelly voice hitting your ears has a sympathetic smile forming on your lips as you stand to be even closer to him.

“Nice pjs,” he weakly chuckles at your Mickey Mouse themed top and matching shorts.

“You know where you are? Or what happened?”

“Well from the annoying beeps and bright lights, I’m guessing the hospital,” he sighs. “And the last thing I remember is shooting up, so looks like I overdid it for me to end up here.”

Your disapproving glare at his easygoing attitude only makes him chuckle more. “What? I’m still alive relax.”

“Barely! You coded twice Mike! They thought you wouldn’t make it.”

“But I did so calm down!”

Silence falls over the two of you as you both just peer at each other apparently on track to continue your passionate conversation from before.

“I can’t do this anymore,” you finally speak barely above a whisper crossing your arms in front of your chest.

“Alright, no more arguing-,”

“No I mean working with you and Paul. I’m done.”

He winces slowly trying to sit up ignoring your cautions that he should stay put and rest.

“Look I’m sorry about yelling at you and what happened back at the house, but don’t quit okay? We need you. And Paul especially.”

“It’s not about you yelling,” you sniff wiping your eyes before your tears could fall past your lids. “I can’t just sit and watch you keep doing this to yourself.”

“Mr. Weiss! Good to see those eyes open,” Sherry, the middle-aged nurse, smiles entering the room. “And I’m sure your friend is excited too. She’s been here beside you all morning.”

“Yea. She probably doesn’t believe me but I’m happy to see her too,” he answers reaching up with a small grunt to wipe away a missed tear rolling down your cheek.

“Aw I’m sure she does. I don’t mean to interrupt, I’m just here to get your vitals and then I’ll be on my way.”

It takes mere seconds for her to write down his information from the monitor and draw a vile of blood before she’s removing her gloves and letting you both know the doctor would eventually be in to talk with Mike. As soon as the heavy door clicked shut, the silence presumed although now more awkward with your brains each not really knowing what to say next.

“…Maybe it’s time I give this up.”

“Mike seriously.” You’d need about two or three more hands to count how many times you’ve heard Mike swear how he’s gonna get help, especially after a near death experience or the lowest of lows once his high has completely diminished. Those who were used to his antics knew not to trust his words and definitely wouldn’t be holding their breath.

“I’m being serious. I think it’s time to put this behind me for good.”

Narrowed eyes pointed at him, you want to believe that he really wanted to be done, but slowly you were joining those who knew better when it came to Mike.

“…this better not be a joke. Or you just saying what you think I want to hear.”

“I swear on my dead alligator it’s not, and I’ll even make a deal with you. Of course you’ll take over for me while I’m gone, but if I don’t last three months then you replace me for good.”

“No, I couldn’t do that to you.”

“You wouldn’t be doing anything to me,” he yawns. Clearly whatever meds he was on must’ve been kicking in from his oncoming lethargy. “Plus it’s best for clients to have a sober lawyer, which definitely makes you a better fit than me.”

Cold hand brushing the few strands of hair from his sweaty forehead, you lean in to place a gentle kiss on his temple before raking your fingers through his strands nearly making him go back to sleep that second from the relaxing sensation.

“Don’t worry about any deals, you just focus on getting better,” you whisper watching him eventually drift back into sleep.

———

“This!,” the little boy giggled pointing to yet another one of Mike’s many tattoos. They’d probably gone over those littering his arms and chest twice already, but Mike didn’t mind. He’d go over them 20 times to keep seeing how his son’s eyes would light up as his tiny finger traced the ink along his skin.

“That one’s for tic tac toe,” he chuckles watching Grayson attempt to lift his arm permanently marked with perfectly circular dots above and below a red line. The five year old always got a kick out of that one, flashing his toothy grin as his eyes squeezed shut.

“Anddd this one dada!”

His smile grows softer gazing over his two newest additions lying just above and below the junction that was his inner elbow. The purposeful placement concealing the leftover scars that didn’t seem to want to disappear. Of course he’d always remember what was lying underneath, but the two pictures representing the people that stole his heart helped ground him to his formally unimaginable present.

“That’s a kiss from mommy and your footprint.”

“Nuh uh, too small,” he states trying to press his foot against the shaded image as proof making Mike laugh.

“It’s your baby footprint Gray. They take it the same day you’re born and put it on your birth certificate,” Mike explains as Grayson’s mouth forms a little “o”. “You remember what dada called these?”

“Favorite,” he shyly answers.

“That’s right! And they’re my favorite because you and mama are always with me wherever I go and remind me of the best days of my life.”

“What’s your best days?,” you ask stepping out of the bathroom having just completed your nightly routine. He never saw himself as the type of guy fawning over the most minuscule thing his significant other did, he surely didn’t with Jamie, yet here he was giddy at your radiant skin fragranced by the vanilla in your soap and the light hum that left your smiling lips as you comfortably slid into bed.

“Well besides the days I get to cuddle with both of you?,” he smiles kissing the top of Grayson’s head lying on his chest before kissing your temple. “It’s the day little man was born of course.”

“Rightfully so,” you giggle kissing the palm of your sons hand currently outstretched trying to hug you closer.

“And the day you set me straight.”

Taglist: @fumbling-fanfics @honeydulcewrites @honeychicana @lady-olive-oil @themyscxiras @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @maxcullen @literaturefeen @damnitaa @curlyhairclub @plokyu23 @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jnk-812 @brwn-sgr @captainsamwlsn @wildfirecracker @nina-sj @iammyownlover @chaneajoyyy @scoop93535 @secretmysteriousperson

Pairing: Andy BarberxBlack Reader

Summary🪄: Andy reminisces on your relationship

⚠️: bit of angst, mention of death, fluff💕!

A/N: Based on the song “Quit You” by Cashmere Cat ft. Ariana Grande (mostly just the chorus though). Also as a heads up, this is gonna be like my River series, so basically a collection of short stories that center around this one family and I hope you guys like it☺️! Sorry it’s so long😬 I didn’t mean for that to happen lol.

A grin graces Andy’s bearded face stopping at the sliding glass door to find you asleep on the wicker couch perfectly placed so you’d be in the breezy shade. When you first arrived at your small villa, you immediately beamed the moment you stepped outside on the patio telling him how you could stay out there all day and easily fall asleep from the crashing of waves and comfortable warmth surrounding you.

Sure enough this had been the second time, so far, he’d caught you curled on the grey cushions.

Bare feet padding against the textured, square tiles, he carefully sits beside you putting a pillow in his lap before returning your head to rest on him. Even in deep sleep, it’s automatic for you to shift closer to his cologne spritzed body as if your brain itself loved the scent.

This was honestly something he’d never think he’d experience at this stage of his life. Finding love again after losing his college sweetheart and pride and joy of a son. He felt guilty at the idea of inviting someone new to step across the threshold he once carried a giggling Laurie over. Being intimate in a bed that he only ever shared with her. Or even eventually bringing another child into the room previously littered with movie posters, video games, and books belonging to Jacob, the older brother they’d never have the chance to meet. Plus with the whole town knowing about his immense loss, or glaring at him with disdain still not completely sold that his son was innocent, along with the revelation of his father being the infamous Bloody Billy Barber, even if he was interested in dating his options were slim to none.

That is until he met you.

Squeaky shopping cart rolling down the cereal aisle, a pair of black and white striped gloves in the middle of the linoleum floor catch his eye.

“Um excuse me, did you drop these?”

Deep brown eyes finally meeting his after looking down at the winter accessory in his hands, Andy felt a warmth creep through his chest and small flutters overtake his stomach. Clearly you had to have been new to town or else he definitely would’ve remembered seeing such soft, glowing features before.

“Oh, thank you!,” you smiled, and surely Andy thought he had to be dreaming from the affect that one little movement had on him already. A light dew forming on his palms, he hadn’t felt these things since the first time he saw Laurie walking across the dated carpet of the Registrar’s office hoping to get help with registering for classes.

“I thought I told someone to hold onto them for me,” you jokingly scold narrowing your eyes at the four-year-old girl in the front of the cart. Her only response is a toothy grin as her purple, furry boots lightly kick back and forth. She obviously had to be yours from the uncanny resemblance, even down to the circular frames adorably sitting on your noses (hers a mix of purple and pink while yours a more mature brown).

“I’m sure she only turned away for a quick second. Right?” Her braided pigtails wildly bounce from the quick nod she gives agreeing with the man across from her.

“Hmm..I won’t fire her just yet then.”

Both of your light chuckles dying down, Andy wanted to hear more of your sugar like voice. Even be bold enough to ask to see you again sometime. His guilt paired with the lingering, nosey gaze of an elderly woman seemingly clamp his windpipe as his hands grip the handlebar of the cart ready to continue his shopping.

“Well uh you have a good night.”

“You too.”

“Bye! I’m Leia!,” the little girl smiles excitedly waving bye to the new stranger she’d just met. Unknowingly succeeding in making his heart expand twice it’s size.

People always spoke about how the universe works in mysterious ways, and even his own mother said it a few times throughout his childhood. Having never really seen said universe bring about a miracle or something extraordinary out of a bleak situation, he wasn’t quite convinced on the saying then. The written confession that saved his son from 20 plus years in prison briefly changed that perception before being brought back to square one learning how said confession came about.

So from then on he didn’t give the saying a second thought as he continued on with his life.

“Hey, you found my gloves.” The all too familiar voice brings an instant smile to his face turning to see you in your business casual attire. Plain, high waisted tan slacks paired with a simple white sweater and matching tan heels Andy just grew even more smitten over the unnamed beauty.

Maybe he should reach out to the universe more often if he could expect results like this.

“And you’re Leia’s mom,” he responded making you laugh to yourself.

“No matter how many times I tell her, she still forgets about not giving her name out to strangers.”

As if second nature, his tongue set to divulge how his son used to be the same with talking to strangers, and even going as far as tapping the people they passed in the grocery store to show the food item he was holding as if it was a trophy. Luckily the shout of your order being ready saved him a journey down that road; potentially bringing a somber mood to what seemed like a pleasant day for you.

“Um I know we don’t really know each other, but do you want to share a table?,” you nervously ask holding onto your bag. “If not or you weren’t planning to stay that’s totally fine-,”

“No, that’s perfectly fine,” he smiled before momentarily separating to retrieve his own bag containing his usual: turkey and cheese on wheat.

Both of you sitting across from each other in the recently cleaned booth, Andy couldn’t help but notice the way one of the sun’s rays decided to shine through the window perfectly settling around you. You were oblivious, currently removing your food from the brown paper bag before setting your phone to the side, but to Andy it was as if a bit of the air had been sucked out his lungs from the sight.

“Was this a sign?,” he thought snapping out of his trance at you holding your hand out towards him.

“I’m Y/N by the way.”

Joining his hand with yours, he didn’t know where this newfound fear of messing up something so easy came from, but as crazy as it sounded he kinda missed it.

“Andy.”

From then on you became “lunch buddies”, as you liked to call it, meeting every day, if you could, at the small diner to talk about your day so far. In addition to some of the interactions he’d have with his students, he’d tell you more about the town and things both you and Leia could do for fun. You didn’t really feel like you had much to share just being a receptionist and assistant at a nearby consulting office, but Andy saw different. Anything you had to say, whether it be an interesting call with a clearly confused client or your night watching Gully & Friends with Leia who just wouldn’t go to sleep, he clung to every word as if you were unearthing a new philosophical theory.

Each day you grew closer, sharing things about yourself and himself to you, until he built enough courage to ask if you would like to meet him outside the diner sometime. Your bright smile and “I’d love to” easily making him flustered, feeling like a teenager talking to his crush all over again.

The days leading up to your date was something like his first hearing in front of an actual judge and jury. Of course a bit nervous not wanting to mess anything up, but excited to get to see you for hopefully longer than just an hour. Grading the final few assignments remaining on his desk, your name flashing on his phone makes him smile hitting the green button.

“Hey you.”

“Hey Andy. Um there’s a bit of a problem about tonight,” you reply.

“What’s wrong?” He mentally panicked thinking you’d discovered that part of him he had yet to tell. You were probably calling to cancel and maybe even discuss not seeing each other again.

“Leia’s sitter cancelled, and since she had a family emergency she won’t be available all weekend. I’m sorry I know we’re supposed to meet in a few hours and I’ve been trying to find someone else-,”

“Hey it’s okay.” His heart regained its normal rhythm at the silent release of the breath he’d been holding preparing for your gentle let down. “What if the three of us do something tomorrow instead?”

“Really? You wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not! It’s supposed to be warmer this weekend; we could go to the park and maybe have a picnic by the pond.”

“That sounds nice. She always talks about seeing the ducks, so I’m sure she’d love that.” Even hearing your smile over the phone had Andy’s cheeks red, thinking you were some type of wonderful that your voice alone had him weak.

“So it’s a date! Well, not really an official date but you know like a hang out sorta date as my students would say. That is if it’s something you’d want to do,” he nervously rambles making you softly giggle.

“It’s an official, unofficial date.”

The day was enjoyable on all ends, and still makes Andy smile when he thinks about it today. Leia was bashful, in typical preschooler fashion, when you first introduced her to the larger man until she remembered him from the store. She couldn’t seem to leave him alone then, having Andy roll the ball back and forth with her as well as pointing out all the ducks with him.

At times he fell silent needing to take a moment to himself with her toothy grin reminding him so much of Jacob at that age and the fact he’d never see his smile again, nor that of his children. Clearly you noticed his change of mood, but opted to save that conversation for later.

“I feel like I’m the third wheel here,” you joke tilting your head at a comfortable Leia sat right next to Andy. Head leaning into his side as she looked out towards the water crunching on her apple slices.

“Aw don’t be jealous. Next date I promise it’s all about you,” he chuckles.

“I’m holding you to that Andrew.”

Sure enough your next date he surprised you with a drive in movie, something you’d mentioned you’d love to go to in an earlier conversation about each other’s interests. It made you feel like the princess he so aimed to treat you like that he remembered something you only mentioned once and so long ago.

Dates thereafter alternated between being just the two of you and having Leia join, which made her excited every time you mentioned Mr. Andy coming along. Four months in and he was practically her best friend. Especially when he won her a stuffed purple unicorn at the carnival.

She’d talk with him about Gully & Friends and catch him up on the latest preschool drama, which always brought a grin to his face as he listened attentively. Times he’d visit your apartment for dinner, they’d sit and color at the coffee table in front of the couch while watching whatever animated movie she’d chose until you were done in the kitchen. A couple times you had to quickly wipe your tears as you watched from the kitchen, or wherever you stood, as they adorably talked to each other and Andy treating her as his own when he didn’t have to.

And to think his head nearly got in the way almost separating you for good.

He hasn’t quit kicking himself for that day at the park. Both of you sitting on the wooden table top looking out at the still pond with you bundled in his hooded jacket not expecting the breeze to be so chilly.

So far he’d ignored the passing glances as he’d walk with you hand in hand not caring about the whispers of those more than likely talking about him. When he heard your name being mentioned though, that’s when their words began to toy with him.

“You know it’s only been two years since that accident? Practically just buried poor Laurie and Jacob yet he’s moved on to someone new.”

“Girl like that immediately latching onto him, you know she’s probably only after one thing.”

“She’s only been in town a few months and he just so happens to be one of the first people she finds? Clearly something else is going on.”

“I wonder if she’s using that little girl of hers to make him feel sorry for her.”

He knew they were just gossiping and spreading lies, but it was because you were attached to him. If you hadn’t met him, your name wouldn’t be in the mouths of strangers insinuating cruel things about your intentions. He saw himself as the problem, which only meant one thing.

“Sweetheart I’m so sorry. You don’t know how hard this is for me,” he sniffed, anxiously bouncing his knee with hands wringing together. So far you’d been quiet as he explained that maybe you both should just be friends again. You simply looked at the side of his face while he told about his past and how he felt you deserved someone with much less baggage that wouldn’t have so much of an affect you or little Leia.

“Do you like me?,” you finally asked wiping the stream of tears from your cheek. Andy so desperately wanted to do it for you, but figured he’d already done enough.

“Of course I do,” he answered slightly confused at your question.

“Then why does it matter what other people think or say?”

“It doesn’t but I don’t want people mistreating you because of me.” A sigh leaves your lips cutting the momentary silence as your eyes drift to your hands being swallowed by his longer sleeves.

“I never told you this, but the real reason I moved is because of Leia’s dad,” you started, immediately meeting his concerned eyes. “Not like that. He’s a good guy he just doesn’t make the smartest decisions.”

“Back home, he worked as a bank teller but had these friends from high school that were always looking for a get rich quick scheme. So these friends somehow wormed their way into this infamous crew around town run by this mob boss masking as ‘just a guy trying to uplift the community’. Fast forward Leia’s father, Marc, gets mentioned to the boss and how he works at the bank, which gives him this grand idea to stage a robbery with his help. Apparently he told him if he’d simply look the other way, he’d make sure to take care of us so neither one of us would have to worry about another bill.”

Your cracking voice automatically has him wrapping an arm around you bringing your body into his warmth as he sweetly kisses your temple.

“He knew it was wrong, but we were struggling so he figured with the way the plan was set up it’d be a win for both sides. They were just trying to take the older bills that were being transferred anyway so he accepted,” you paused laughing your yourself. “

I should’ve known something was up with all the secret calls leading up to the day and him going out with the guys more than usual, but I just overlooked it being so caught up with Leia and my own work. Then the day of he comes home early a little jittery. I asked what was wrong and he just kept saying nothing and changing the subject, wondering about dinner and trying to play on the floor with Leia who was trying to sleep. Next thing I know, I’m getting notifications on my phone about a robbery and hostage situation so I turned on the news and I noticed it was his bank. I figured that’s why he was acting weird. The robbery started while he was there and he escaped or they let him go. Imagine the shock on my face when I’m pulled in for questioning about his, and my, possible involvement in not only the robbery but murder of another teller. That’s when he finally told me about the deal and told the cops how I didn’t know anything and it was all him. Then comes his trial and he gets 20 years, which seemed like a lot just for being an accessory but apparently the friends during their questioning pinned everything on him. And with the boss’ help, it painted the picture of him being a struggling parent driven to do anything for his family.”

“Including robbing a bank and shooting the co-worker who got in his way,” Andy finished to which you slowly nodded your head.

“The first couple months after were fine. I mean people looked at whispered but nothing I couldn’t handle. Some people got a little too comfortable with voicing their opinions assuming I had to have known, or coerced him to do it and easily got away with it. Even helping with pinning everything on him. His own family even started believing it, and threatened to take Leia away from me. So that paired with not being able to handle the words from random people coming up to me in stores and losing my job, I decided to leave,” you finish turning to meet his sea like eyes tinted red.

“Andy I’ve had people say any and everything about me already. It hurts, but I’m not afraid of it happening now. And I’m definitely not running from it anymore or letting it get in the way of my happiness.”

After hearing of your similar experiences he was sure you had to have been sent just for him. Maybe it was Laurie’s way of apologizing for taking their son with her and leaving him alone. Or it could’ve been Jacob wanting to see his dad happy. Either way, they both were giving their permission for him to continue on with his life and he’d dare not lose the best thing to happen to him since their departure.

Gently grasping your chin between his thumb and forefinger, his lips melding with yours is the best heater you could’ve asked for. Your hand creeps up feeling the soft hairs of his beard prickle your palm caressing his cheek as the other winds in his dark green shirt trying to keep him as close to you as possible. You weren’t sure if this was a kiss goodbye or something more, but you didn’t want it to stop, immediately finding his lips again when he’d slightly pull away to catch his breath only making him smile against your mouth with a low chuckle.

“I love you.”

“W-What?,” you ask leaning back to look in his eyes. He began to worry thinking your reaction might be because he’d said it at the wrong time or much too early making you uncomfortable.

“I…I said I love you Y/N.” At that bright smile he loved and you pecking his lips a few times more, he felt himself relax as your nails lightly scratched his beard making him sigh.

“I love you too Andy.”

Of course the whispers continued seeing the both of you around town or shopping with your daughter in tow. They definitely became louder after news of your small ceremony circulated through streets and across tables. Some even saying one or the other would come to regret your decision but you both knew that would never happen.

Feeling you stir in his lap, he sweeps some of your curls from your face as he’s met with your drowsy, angel like eyes and small smile.

“Sorry, I fell asleep again.”

“Don’t apologize, you’re on vacation and you deserve to relax.”

“Yea but I don’t want to leave you bored doing nothing,” you pout sitting up to straddle his lap, fingers dancing through the hairs at his nape.

“Sweetheart, since we’ve gotten here the last thing I’ve been is bored,” he smirks before leaning in to cover your lips with his. You two only stop at the loud rumble of your stomach making both of you laugh. “You want to order in or go somewhere?”

“Let’s go to that restaurant we passed by on our way to the beach. Then I can wear that new dress you got me,” you smile pecking his lips and giggling at the low groan vibrating his chest.

“We might need to stay in then. I don’t need another guy trying to steal you away.”

“Whatever. Like you haven’t noticed the ladies drooling over you and your half buttoned shirts showing these,” you counter tracing your finger tip down across the tattoos currently exposed to the salty evening air.

“I haven’t. I’m only focused on you,” he winks before pecking along your neck and collarbone.

“Mhmm sure.” Pulling him up to stand with you, you attempt to walk back inside the villa bringing him behind you, only to be turned to press against his broad chest. His eyes seem thoughtful with a mix of adoration as his thumbs graze your cheeks and fingers rest on the sides of your neck.

“Any regrets?,” he asks as part of your little inside joke with each other. You knew how Andy’s mind could get though. Behind his small chuckle, he actually hoped you were still happy and as much in love with him as he was with you.

“Not one. Do you have any regrets?”

“No, and never will,” he smiles needing to feel your plump lips once more.

Taglist: @fumbling-fanfics @honeydulcewrites @honeychicana @themyscxiras @lady-olive-oil @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @maxcullen @damnitaa @curlyhairclub @plokyu23 @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jojolu @jnk-812 @brwn-sgr @captainsamwlsn @wildfirecracker @nina-sj @iammyownlover @chaneajoyyy @scoop93535 @secretmysteriousperson @literaturefeen

✨Pairing✨: mob!Ari LevinsonxBlack Reader

Summary🪄: It’s the night of the party, and you might be in for more than you thought with Mr. Levinson

⚠️:Brief language, pretty much all fluff💕!

“$500?!,” your best friend shouts through the phone startling you and apparently bothering someone else from the loud shush you hear in the background. “Um you don’t have to sit right next to me you know. Exactly walk away rude! Anyway, $500?”

You can only shake your head as you slide the few dresses hanging in your closet from one side to the other. “Well, really $495 and some change after the charge for his coffee but yea I tried to hand it back thinking it was a mistake, but he said no. And he um invited me to a party.”

You only hear silence making you pull the phone from your ear checking to see if the call had been disconnected.

“Hello? Tyla?”

“Sorry I’m here, just had to run somewhere more private,” she answers slightly out of breath, “but a $500 tip and a date?! Wait..oh shit are you a sugar baby?”

“No!”

“If you are I’m definitely not judging, you know that’s my dream.”

“No Tyla I’m not a sugar baby, and it’s not a date. He said I could bring a friend or friends. I’d like to think dates are a little more secluded.”

“They can be, unless it’s like those group hang outs where two people are hanging out more so with each other than with the group. But anyway, know what you’re gonna wear yet?”

Searching through the few dresses dangling in your closet, you felt yourself growing a bit more frustrated trying to determine which could be deemed acceptable enough to stand in a room filled with CEOs, millionaires, and trust fund kids who grew into somewhat financially stable adults.

So far, none fit the mold.

“No,” you sigh, “not yet.”

“Perfect! I’ll come get you when I get off in about an hour, and we can go shopping.”

Being an office assistant for a magazine company downtown, she knew where all the best boutiques were and who carried the most beautiful dresses and gowns having to go to at least one everyday retrieving someone’s order. However, being the best also tended to mean expensive.

“Okay, but you know I’m trying to save money-,”

“To buy the boys and girls club and stop it from closing, I know, but you don’t have to spend all your money. Put majority of it back and keep one or two hundred out. That’ll be enough for a dress and shoes trust me.”

She had a point. You could still add to your collection pot while treating yourself. Plus it was a necessity really, seeing that you didn’t even have a nice, simple black dress. Something every woman needed in her closet.

“Okay, I’ll be ready when-,”

“Ms. Ward!,” a voice booms on the other end followed by loud knocks. “I know you’re in there! You were supposed to be back 10 minutes ago!”

“I had a bathroom emergency!,” Tyla shouts back making you silently giggle to yourself afraid you’d somehow get your friend in more trouble. “Gotta go.”

———

“And you’re sure this is okay? I don’t want to look like-,”

“A hooker?,” Tyla finishes while reapplying her lipstick in the small compact mirror.

“I was gonna say escort but..”

Since leaving your apartment, you’d pulled the the black skirt of your dress down pretty much every other minute afraid that the soft, velvet material would eventually show the matching colored thong hidden underneath.

“Relax and stop tugging,” she scolded swatting your hand away, “The dress stops mid-thigh so it’d take a lot for you to flash someone. That is unless you want a certain, insanely rich someone to see what’s underneath.”

“No I don’t,” you laugh smacking her in the arm with the back of your hand as she rolled her cat like honey brown eyes.

Although, deep down you wouldn’t be completely against it. With his statuesque figure and muscles that you were surprised didn’t cause rips in his clothes whenever he walked or moved, you were ashamed to admit there were nights you wondered what it would be like to be held against his solid chest with those arms you were sure could easily be suffocating, yet also secure you physically and emotionally to a peaceful sleep. Or pin you down with just the right amount of pressure as he-

“Your stop ladies,” the Uber driver announces snapping you out of your daydream just as the car slowly stops in front of quite possibly the biggest mansion you’ve ever seen.

Given it was the first mansion you’ve actually seen in person.

Carefully exiting the backseat of the SUV, both sets of your heels clack against the sand colored cobblestone while taking in the grand home as if you were tourists gazing at the Eiffel tower. It reminded you of all those celebrity homes you’d see mentioned in magazines or those shows depicting how the rich and famous lived. You didn’t even have to touch the doorknob, being greeted by a middle aged man in a black and white tuxedo with white gloves. “Good evening. Everyone is either outside or walking about the lower level. I can take your purses if you’d like.”

“Thanks,” both of you mindlessly murmur handing over your small clutches while gazing at your surroundings. You felt like an ant with how much bigger the inside seemed due to the high, multi-layer ceiling. The polished white floors reflected the circular, built in lights shining above making the room appear even brighter and warmer. Through the walls of glass lining the back wall, you could see the small set of stairs leading to the manicured lawn where other partygoers mingled and laughed.

“I feel like God’s house in heaven would look just like this,” Tyla speaks making the butler silently chortle to himself. She’d been to a few mansions before being lucky enough to tag along to fancy soirées, albeit for work, but none compared to what she stood in now. “Y/N your boyfriend isn’t just rich. He’s that level of rich where they use old bills for napkins or toilet tissue.”

“Crazy enough, I prefer the usual paper. Cloth ones are nice too though, when the occasion calls for it.”

Black long sleeve shirt that perfectly framed his upper body and charcoal grey dress pants fitted just as well with a matching black boot, its like seeing him walk in the restaurant for the first time all those months ago. You feel your heartbeat quicken as he peers at you, blue eyes subtly taking you in from your pulled back curls down to your new black stilettos that wrapped up to just above your ankle. The metal band of his silver watch leaves a cool imprint on your lower back as his hand gently pulls you in for a welcoming hug. His cologne mixed with his soft beard catching your cheeks from the quick kisses has you transported to another world and head feeling fuzzy from what you could only describe as a high.

“You look breathtaking angel,” he whispers in your ear as he pulls away before directing his attention to an inwardly smirking Tyla realizing who this mystery man was. “Who’s your friend?”

“This is Tyla. Tye this is Ari, my um friend who invited us,” you explain as the two greet each other with an embrace and kisses to each other’s cheeks.

“Nice to meet you Ari. Your home is immaculate.”

“Oh this is actually my uncle’s house. I haven’t quite gotten to his level yet,” he humbly smiles using his free hand to brush his hair out of his face.

How could he make a simple movement something you’d want to watch over and over again?

“Ari,” a voice calls appearing from tall, brown double doors across the room. All black suit and a gold ring adorning the four fingers of his left hand, the bald man looked like someone you definitely wouldn’t want to piss off. And from the look on his clean shaven face, whatever needed to be discussed must’ve been important. Even Ari’s energy seemed to shift and body become more tense.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have to handle something really quick but please enjoy yourselves,” he smiles at Tyla before meeting your eyes, “I’ll find you later.”

“Oh, okay.”

Your best friend waits until he’s completely out of sight before playfully hitting your arm and squealing. “Y/N’s got a hot booyfrienddd!”

“Shh! Before you get us kicked out,” you giggle, walking with her towards the large sliding glass doors that led to those mingling in the lawn. “And he’s not my boyfriend.”

“Yet. He’s definitely into you though, and from that smile you’re into him too.”

It was probably your naïveté, but him liking you back never crossed your mind. Yes he was charming, but like most wealthy businessmen you encountered, you assumed that was just part of his personality. Being suave and saying the right things was a must in that profession, so once it was displayed on you, you didn’t want to think too much into it in fear of being foolish.

“And speaking of boyfriend’s, I see a potential suitor so I will talk to you later. That is unless Ari finds you first,” she winks before seductively swaying down the steps and right up to a slender man in a burgundy suit, who pulled a champagne glass from one of the passing waiters for her.

The dim lights mounted on different points of the house along with those set in the ground created a warm glow making those around look even more glamorous. It carried to the empty grassland behind the property highlighting the incoming fog as well as different markers lining just before the thick forest waving from the breeze.

Or were they targets?

Just as you stepped closer to the black, metal gate trying to get as close a look as you could, a deep voice startles you nearly making you drop your glass as you grab your chest.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Black hair faded on the sides and back while the longer top was braided to his head in a V formation, his chocolate brown three-piece suit and white button down does nothing to hide his muscular figure. Although just as fit and tall as Ari, this stranger’s beard was thicker bringing attention to his fuller, moisturized lips and snow white smile. “Shiloh.”

“Y/N,” you reply shaking his outstretched hand.

“So tell me, what’s a beautiful woman like you doing off to herself?”

“Well I um don’t really know anyone here.”

“Plus she was waiting on me,” Ari interjects wrapping a secure arm around your waist. “This guy isn’t bothering you too much is he?”

“Bothering? She practically begged me to save her from her boring date,” Shiloh grins as Ari rolls his eyes before joining in. Of course two good looking men like them were friends, you shouldn’t be surprised.

“Congrats again man on the expansion. It’s been a long time coming.”

“Thank you. Between us, hopefully this is the first step in having offices around the country. Can’t have you being the only one building an empire.”

“Wait, you own the lounge downtown. Acuvus, right?,” you ask. Looking more at his face, you recognized him from the many magazine articles and interviews discussing his story and how he’d became so successful in seemingly a short amount of time.

Pretty much everyone knew about Acuvus and how only those with connections or who were part of the elite had access to the coveted reservation list. In your time waitressing, you overheard some customers talking about their night before at the multi-floor, rooftop lounge. How the drinks were some of the best in the city, maybe even the whole state, and the dance floor was never dead from the music that was played. If you could, it was surely one of those places you needed to experience at least once.

“Yep, and the lounge in Miami, Vegas, and eventually every major city in the US,” he smiles taking a sip of his beer. “You’ve been?”

“No I uh, don’t really get to go out because of work.” That and you’d probably never get on the list since you weren’t wealthy or had any connections of the sort.

“Well then, looks like now you have the perfect date idea,” he grins grabbing Ari’s shoulder giving it a gentle shake. You weren’t sure if Ari not correcting him was for your benefit of not being embarrassed, or if maybe he actually liked the idea. Either way, your gaze shifted towards the ground hoping he didn’t feel the nerves in the form of excess heat radiating off your body.

His hand gently squeezing your side as he lowly chuckles has you quickly pressing your lips together to block the gasp threatening to escape at the feel of his larger hand and thumb mindlessly grazing along the mesh of your dress.

“Thanks, but I already have an idea for that.”

This has your head lifting to unintentionally meet his eyes gazing at you the same way he did when you’d sit with him talking about how you spent the prior weekend. Or when you’d move about the restaurant like a passing wind setting people’s orders down in front of them and flashing your best smile being friendly to the new customer who just arrived. Of course you’d never notice it yourself, but you had this spirit that brought a type of bliss from your quirky ways and overall quiet, simple nature. And Ari couldn’t seem to get enough.

“Well then on that note, I’ll leave you kids to it,” Shiloh winks taking the last swig of his beer. “Lovely to meet you Y/N. Come by the lounge anytime you want or if you ever want to get away from this one.”

“Thank you, nice meeting you too,” you giggle.

“Mm very funny,” Ari quipped bumping fists with his friend before he disappeared further into the gathering of bodies. “So what was that face?”

“Face? I-I don’t-,”

“When I mentioned a date,” he smirks moving to lean on the gate that stood to his lower abdomen. “I’m a big boy so don’t feel like you have to spare my feelings.”

“No no it’s just…why?”

“…why not?,” he shrugs looking amused.

“I don’t come from all this like you, nor do I live the same lifestyle. I just figured you’d want someone equal, you know? Makes things easier I guess,” you shyly admit.

“You don’t know where I come from angel,” he states standing so close you can smell the beer on his lips and feel the air from his nostrils hit your cheeks. “And I’ve told you before, I like what I like.”

The sudden clinking of glass has everyone’s attention turning towards an older man standing in the center of the lawn holding up a half-filled champagne flute causing everyone around to do the same. Still somewhat in good shape for his age, a full mix of black and grey hair sat atop his head styled in short waves that seemed to be combed back either with the actual tool or maybe just his fingers. His dark green, knitted short sleeve partially showed a cross tattoo surrounded by roses and some small emblem on the underside of his bicep, while his other hand stayed in the pocket of his black slacks.

“As you all know, we’re here to celebrate the opening of our new downtown office. But, I also want to take this time to celebrate my nephew Ari, or as I’ve know him cucciolo,” he chuckles along with everyone around including Ari himself.

“Behind every major decision, his input was the driving factor, if not the final say, and we haven’t been steered wrong yet. You’ve been right beside me all these years and I can’t thank you enough nipote. I see you as the son I never had and I know we still have more to do. To the head of our new district office and to the continued success of I Cinque.”

“I Cinque,” everyone cheers taking a sip of their respective glasses.

Translations:

-cucciolo: cub/pup/whelp/youngling

-nipote (ni’po.te): nephew/niece/grandchild

-I Cinque (Cheen-kweh): The Five

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Pairing: senator!Chris EvansxBlack Reader

Summary🪄: Another year in office, another invitation to a party among his political counterparts. And another evening of dread for you

⚠️: A bit of sad times and feeling out of place, fluff other than that💕!

A/N: I’ve seen AU fics about senator Chris and I loved the idea so I decided to write my own addition that I hope you guys like☺️!

“Don’t you look beautiful,” your husband’s sultry voice states before you feel soft lips on your cheek and a low, content hum emanates from his chest taking in your floral perfume. “Then again, what else is new?”

Turning around to find him halfway through buttoning his recently ironed white shirt, you gently push his hands away continuing where he left off.

“Such the charmer you are.”

“Well I have been told it’s one of my best qualities,” he smirks with a wink. “Alright which tie? Printed or solid?”

“Hmm...solid.”

“And it won’t be too boring?,” he asks as you take the tie from his hand securing it around his neck.

“I hate to break it to you honey, but pretty much every man there will probably have on the same thing. You definitely won’t look boring though.”

“Looks like I’m not the only charmer here,” he peers down at you and your soft smile just as you finish your work on his tie. You’re slightly caught off guard when his large hands on your hips swiftly turn you to look in the floor length mirror attached to the wall, his head falling to rest in the crook of your neck. For a few moments, you both just stand there taking in your reflections. You feeling weak in the knees (as per usual) at his classic black suit. And him, loving the way the blush colored gown made you look ethereal from the silk like material that flowed down your body to the floor below. It’s off the shoulder peasant sleeves and sweetheart neckline giving perfect, unlimited access to your collarbones also a favorite feature.

Although a lovely moment, he can’t ignore your overall glum mood you’ve tried to hide behind smiles and small conversation since this morning. Your typical reaction the day of banquet’s like this.

“Hey, I know these things aren’t exciting, but we’re not gonna stay long,” he whispers slowly swaying you back and forth.

“Really?”

“Mhmm, especially with you looking like that,” you giggle feeling his lips peck your neck. “I’ll say quick hellos around the room just to show face, then we’re gone.”

“Stay as long as you need. I know there’s probably plenty of important conversations to be had,” you state with a sigh turning to face those addicting blue eyes.

You’d think outside the Capital, and appropriate stages, debates on bills would cease. This lesson you learned the hard way by your third banquet.

“Not more important than being home with you.”

Capturing your lips with his, you both wished your night only consisted of this and cuddles rather than being squished in a room full of those who seemed to only love the sound of their own voice.

“Excuse me,” a deep voice in all black interrupts from the bedroom door making the two of you quickly separate. “The car’s parked out front. Are you ready Senator?”

“Um yes, thank you Max.”

With a nod, he leaves both of you to make your final touches (including wiping the lipstick from your husband’s mouth) and collect your things before reluctantly sliding in the backseat of the black SUV.

Maybe if you were lucky enough, you could just hide in the car until everything was over.

———

Stood by the bar with drink in hand, you look out among the chattering crowd of suits and dresses donning a polite smile to those who were nice enough to say hello as they passed. You managed to find your husband in the same place you left him, still nodding in feigned interest at Senator Johnson’s “latest” fishing epic. How the man could keep adding new details to a five year old story making it even more dramatic than the last telling you’d never know. Among those with some years in office, it was viewed as an initiation of sorts the first time you were told about the three, now six, foot bass caught on his private pond. It was typically told within your first year in office and was followed by an invitation to join him someday.

Fair warning: your day would only consist of debates, more bragging of the fishes he’s caught since the age of three, and finally not catching anything before he’d shrug with a “Guess they’re not biting today.”

In perfect timing, a waiter passes offering another champagne flute filled with the gold, bubbly liquid distracting the elder senator long enough for Chris to meet your eyes and wink before subtly using his head to motion to the door on his left. You thought it was a side exit at first, until a server removing a broom and dust pan proved it was in fact just a closet.

Eyebrows slightly raised, you quickly mouth “no” giggling to yourself.

“Kidding,” he mouths back giving you another wink as he sips from his champagne right as his buddy returns to their conversation pulling another passing congressman in to join.

“The E5 is clearly the better choice here. It covers more ground for the education reform that citizens are desperately wanting,” a woman in her fitted, floor length red dress and black heels explains a barstool down from you.

“Are you kidding?! It has so many holes in it, the E5 needs reforming itself.”

“What holes?! It pretty much covers every request! Teachers being paid more, equal funding for all schools-,”

“And yet at who’s price? The same ‘citizens’ you claim to be meeting the demands of,” the bald, blue suited man retorts before turning to you. “Help me out here, the E5 is definitely not the clear cut reform it’s claiming to be right?”

This was another reason you didn’t like coming to these things. Being dragged into heated discussions about topics you weren’t that familiar with and most times, knew nothing at all about. That’s why you tried to stay close to Chris so he could take over the conversation, or make up some excuse why you had to leave and weren’t able to talk.

“Um I’m honestly not sure,” you nervously smile setting your drink down, “but I know A1 is great with steak.”

Clearly the two weren’t impressed with your joke only peering at you with fake smiles and cutting your little chuckles short.

“Get it? Because you said E5 and A1-,”

“I’m sorry, who are you?,” the man asks swiping a beer bottle from the plate that passed him.

“Y/N Evans.”

“Senator Evans’ wife. No wonder we don’t hear much of you at these parties.”

A dry laugh is forced through your windpipe even though all you wanted to do was find Chris and leave. But you couldn’t let her see how her words sparked that hidden insecurity within you and definitely wouldn’t give this unknown woman the satisfaction of knowing exactly how to get under your skin.

“Senator. Congresswoman,” Chris cheerfully interrupts wrapping a protective arm around your waist to bring you closer into his side. “I hope you don’t mind me pulling my wife away for a moment.”

“Of course not. I was actually just saying how we don’t see much of her at these events.”

“Well, she does own a successful business that has much more exciting ventures and interactions than boring events like this. Honestly if I could, I’d skip these and go with her,” he chuckles kissing your temple.

“Oh how nice! A little shocking though to find a Senator’s wife not as politically engaged as him.”

“She does enough. Plus I’m the one working in politics not her.” From the way his jaw clenched you could tell he was growing frustrated and annoyed the more she talked.

“True, but being such the promoter for civic engagement don’t you think-,”

“Listen as much as I’d love to go on and on about something that’s really none of your business, being the protective husband I am I want to get my beautiful wife home before it gets too late. Especially with people like your husband around who just can’t seem to keep his hands to himself,” Chris states with a sickeningly sweet smile as if he were simply talking to people walking up to him on the street. This has champagne bubbles stinging your nose from the snort that escaped you not prepared for him to state something only those who knew whispered about.

“You both have a good night.”

———

The ride home was filled with silence as her words made you retreat to that unwanted part of your mind where you questioned what was once assured. Chris tried talking with you, and regaining your focus with his sweet kisses to your cheeks and loving touches, but it’d only work for a few seconds before you were gone again. You trudged upstairs to the closet with your husband close behind starting to loosen his tie as soon as he entered the dimly lit home. He kept peeking over his shoulder from his respective side of the walk in at how you carefully removed your heels putting them back in their correct spot and hung your dress with the other elegant gowns hating how upset you were.

“Baby don’t let what she said get to you, alright? I’m sure it’s probably too late for that from how quiet you’ve been, but she’s just a pompous, miserable person who judges others to feel good about herself.”

“….d-do you wish I was more into this life?,” you quietly ask pulling one of his faded college shirts over your head.

“What? Like into politics?”

“Yeah. Like a Condoleezza Rice or Michelle Obama. A classy intellectual and less like basic me who doesn’t know what an E5 is.”

Gently taking your hands, he guides your arms around his tattooed middle resting your head between his pecs as a hand soothingly rubs up and down your back while the other securely holds you to him as if afraid you’d somehow fly away.

“You remember when we first moved in together? That terrible one bedroom that we both probably should’ve gotten tetanus shots from living in?”

“How could I forget? I still have that smell coming from the balcony closet in my nose,” your muffled answer in his bare chest making him chuckle.

“And what was the first house rule we made that night we moved in?”

“Not to go out on the balcony.”

“…okay the second rule that’s now our first rule,” he laughs kissing the top of your head.

“Don’t bring work home.”

“And we said that because when we walk through those doors, we just want to focus on each other. That’s why we don’t have a lot of talks about whatever new bill they’re discussing,” he states tilting your chin to meet his eyes. “Not that we don’t talk about politics at all though. You are intellectual and always voice your opinions so eloquently, I feel like you should be the one at the Capital.”

Your small smile has his heart warming, happy to see you returning to your usual cheery nature.

“So to answer your question, no I don’t wish you were more into ‘this life’, I think you’re in it enough. You know anytime you want to talk about something we can for as long as you want. Or if you don’t that’s fine with me too, I just want you to be happy.” His soft lips press against your forehead and nose before finally landing on your lips repeatedly until your infectious giggles filled his ears making his own come about.

“I want you to be happy too.”

“I am, sunshine.” His cute nickname for you never failed in brightening your mood. Even when you were upset with him, he knew that boyish smile paired with the second name easily had him near freedom.

Darn your weakness for nicknames and the man in front of you.

“I’ll be happier though,” he begins, squatting down with a short grunt to swing your legs over his forearm carrying you bridal style over the closet threshold, “when we can go to bed.”

“Aww did all the mingling and insulting husbands tire you out?,” you jokingly pout. The cold, granite countertop against the back of your legs and thinly covered bottom has you slightly shivering while Chris kindly grabs your makeup wipes and gently removes the eyeshadow and liner from your eyes.

“Yea I’m definitely gonna get dirty looks for that.”

“Well maybe if her husband wasn’t so grabby and she wasn’t so rude, she wouldn’t be in this situation.”

“That is very true,” he deeply laughs using another wipe to make sure majority of your face was clear of any product. “I’d do it again though if she thinks she can mess with my wife like that.”

The feel of your lips on his bearded cheek has a blush tinting his cheeks as he lifts you again carrying you towards the elegant king bed with matching white sheets and duvet.

“Thank you.”

“Anytime sunshine.”

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