()?:maybe Maddy x black! masc reader who spoils her to the max without her asking? - anonymous.
: 750 +
: Maddie learned to not expect a lot from the people she’d dated so she didn’t ask for anythign more than your attention. But you wanted to show her you could give her love, and the world is she ever asked for it.
/: I liked writing this one! Feel free to spam me with requests, I like being busy!!
Maddy was convinced something was wrong with you. Mentally.
()?:maybe Maddy x black! masc reader who spoils her to the max without her asking? - anonymous.
: 750 +
: Maddie learned to not expect a lot from the people she’d dated so she didn’t ask for anythign more than your attention. But you wanted to show her you could give her love, and the world is she ever asked for it.
/: I liked writing this one! Feel free to spam me with requests, I like being busy!!
Maddy was convinced something was wrong with you. Mentally.
It was known since you first strolled through the halls in an Hermes sweater, loose dress pants, and shiny loafers like shit was casual that you had more money than necessary, and it only became more prominent as time passed on.
People first speculated that you were a drug dealer, you dressed similarly to the man they all bought from so you couldn’t be too far removed from that lifestyle.
But when you opened your mouth and were actually able to exercise your personality, the rumors were instantaneously crushed.
You were then titled the town’s good samaritan, along with your parents. Without going into heavy detail, your family, extended or immediate, all ran businesses within a larger gang in Southern Cali.
It wasn’t your typical drug cartel that sold children to older predatory people, but one that distributed products while also putting anything they had back into their communities, and when the opportunity to spread their grounds and expand arose, your parents were the first to agree.
You were the type to help old ladies cross the street while holding their heavy brick-filled purses, and the kind of person to spot another when they were short a few on cash, and yet you demanded nothing back.
Maddy thought you were exactly what she needed. Initially, you were a rebound. You were new, so you wouldn’t know the intricacies of her and Nate’s relationship or the risk of being with her, so you were perfect.
But then you began showing her an extreme opposite of the relationship dynamic she was used to. Your family loved her and genuinely enjoyed her presence. If she wasn’t spending the day with you, her friend group, or babysitting, she could be found in any location around town with your mother. Drinks in hand from a random juice store, and freshly done nails that your mom insisted she paid for because she “needed to familiarize herself with her future daughter-in-law”.
The relationship you two had wasn’t the type that grew uncomfortable because you were moving too fast, ever. Maddy wasn’t used to reciprocated affection and acted as if she needed to pretend she was happy, so you moved at a pace set by her and never failed to tell her how much she meant to you, and eventually (on your 6 month anniversary) how much you loved her.
You thoroughly enjoyed giving her everything she’d needed and missed out on with Nate, like spoiling the shit out of her without her having to directly ask.
Emotionally you sat by her, listening to any and everything she wanted to say, occasionally providing your own input when need be.
And physically or financially??? Maddy never even had to open those gorgeously glossed lips of hers to ask.
You were observant. You saw the way she screenshotted ads for clothing on Instagram, and the endless Pinterest boards she had for whatever she envisioned. So whenever you noticed something catch her eye, it would immediately be in your cart, whether virtually or while in-store.
For your first Christmas together, you took her out on a simple venture to your nearest mall. A party for New Year was around the corner, and she’d mentioned needing an outfit so why not kill two birds with one stone?
Instead of the typical mall entrance, you took her through Sephora’s storefront. Anything her eyes cut back to, you snapped a picture of and followed right back behind her.
It was funny for other patrons and workers to watch. They saw her gracefully walk by and let her finger drag on a newly released palette, and here came your hulking figure that was definitely too big to be comfortable in the aisle, getting all close to snap a picture and read the label with your tongue poking slightly out in focus, before speed walking back to her and grabbing her hand.
Maddy was nearly in tears when looking at your room on Christmas evening. She wanted to stay with her family for the morning, so you took the liberty of bringing in a mini-tree, decorating it like the one in your living room, and stacking all of her presents beside it (there were too many for them to sit right under it). Each new gift she opened added another tear dropping down her cheek, she didn’t know what angel sent you for her, but she is so grateful she has you.
You were a selfless, stupidly rich simp for Maddy, and she loved everything about it.
You came in swinging like Apollo, I’ll be feeling it tomorrow, No, I ain’t seeing straight, hyperventilate, Knees begin to wobble, you cut my breaks and hit the throttle, I couldn’t stop it if I wanted, Just your silhouette makes me break a sweat, I’m in trouble.
Summary: New to town, you didn’t need a friend, you needed a dealer. Thankfully, a girl from your Narcotics Anonymous meetings knew just the guy.
Characters:Fezco (euphoria) x Non-descriptive Reader
Words: 2,540
Chapter Warnings: References to drug use, references to past threatened sexual assault, swearing, talks of guns, Rue being manic
Series Warnings: Addiction, sexual themes, cursing, abuse (various), smut, drug use, teenagers being fucking idiots. 18+ only, minors DNI
You sat across the room from Rue, watching her as her eyes darted around, often hovering over Fez’s grandma as if she expected the woman to turn her head and stare back.
Your leg bounced as you thought of the man in the next room. He was what you’d always imagined a drug dealer to be like. Pushy, threatening, and hard.
Sure, your old dealer wasn’t anywhere near as bad. He didn’t push drugs, but he definitely wasn’t to be fucked with, and although he was much less creepy than Mouse, you knew that he didn’t only take monetary payments. If you were pretty enough, he’d let you suck his dick for a bump of cocaine. He was intimidating and seedy, and ready to stab a bitch for looking at him the wrong way, but still… He was a legion above Mouse.
Fezwas the real anomaly.
Deciding that you needed to keep your shaking hands busy, you began to re-dress Fez’s Grandma before Rue spoke in a hushed whisper,
“Yo, what are you doing here anyway?”
You tried to shush her, not wanting Mouse to hear either of you. You’d experienced the guy once, you weren’t looking for a reunion any time soon. But your own curiosity prevailed;
“What are you doing here?”
Rue watched you for a moment, before shrugging, “Just needed Fez’s help for something. But he said no so… Don’t matter.”
You both remained in silence for a little while longer before you noticed Rue’s eyes squint, looking over towards the small bed tray. It wasn’t until further inspection that you noticed what exactly she was staring at.
Marie’s pills.
Watching her closely, you were ready to intervene if necessary. You’d done a lot of fucked up shit for drugs, but stealing them from an old lady wasn’t on your list.
“Rue, don’t even fucking think about it,” you warned, watching as her chest began to rise and fall much quicker than before. It took you a moment to realize she’d stood up, but instead of making her way towards the pills, she slipped out of the room instead.
Mumbling under your breath, you quietly followed after her, but she was already making her way towards the exit.
“Even if I wanted all this shit, bruh, I don’t got the money for all this man.”
Watching as Rue quietly crept across the hallway, thankfully out of sight of Mouse and Custer, your eyes fell on the bags upon bags of pills, spread out on the coffee table.
“Ten percent on the vig, and I’ll collect in a month.”
“I’m not tryin’ to do all that shit, man.” Fez was visibly uncomfortable, his eyes meeting Rue’s across the room.
Mouse laughed, shaking his head, “I ain’t asking, bruh. Step yo shit up.”
Fez rubbed his head, thankful Rue had managed to get out completely undetected. You stood on the other side of the hallway.
Mouse could sense Fez’s uneasiness, almost thriving off it, “Your bitch here? Maybe it should be her I’m talkin’ too-”
Fez’s eyes darted towards you, watching as you slunk back into the shadows more, slowly stepping back into his Grandma’s room in hopes of staying hidden.
“Nah, she ain’t here.”
Mouse rubbed his hand over his thigh, looking down at the couch where he’d last sat, you sprawled out across it, high as a kite, “Shame. Maybe she could take some off your hands. I’d be willin’ to give her a few payment options-”
“A month, right?” Trying to steer the conversation back on topic and away from you, Fez looked back down to the mountain of pills. No amount of teenage house parties would move this shit.
Fez barely waited for the door to shut before he was making his way back to his Grandma’s room.
If he was honest, Fez walked into that room ready to lose his shit. He’d told you both to stay in there, sit down, and shut the fuck up. And apparently, neither of you could follow that simple instruction. But as he stood in the doorway, he watched as your chest heaved, your shaking hands lay flat against the vanity that housed his Grandma’s perfumes and spare pills.
“Yo, you alright?”
You didn’t respond… Shit, you didn’t have to. The moment a sob escaped your mouth, he knew the answer, “It’s OK, ma. He’s gone.”
Fez slowly made his way towards you, watching you carefully in the vanity mirror. Once he’d reached you, he placed both his hands on your hips, dragging you backward before turning you and pulling you to his chest.
“I ain’t gonna let him do shit to you again, alright? I got'chu.”
One hand held your shoulders, keeping you close to his chest as the other rested against the back of your head. He placed a chaste kiss against your forehead before squeezing you a little tighter. As he looked up, he spotted Ash standing in the doorway, watching with knitted brows.
He fucking hated Mouse too.
Fez had fetched you some towels, allowing you to shower before changing into a pair of his pajamas.
Your hands were shaking as if your body was still full of adrenaline, and you could still feel your heartbeat in your ears in the silence. One glance in the mirror had confirmed to you that it was obvious you’d spent the majority of the hot shower crying, and you only hoped Fez was polite enough to not mention it.
“You gotta eat somethin’,” He tried, standing in the kitchen against the counter, watching as you stood with folded arms across from him.
“I’m not hungry, Fez.” You could barely make eye contact with him, embarrassment bubbling under the surface of your skin.
He turned, opening a few cupboards and pulling out what he needed, “Just somethin’ small, promise.”
When you didn’t reply, he pulled out two boxes, “You like ‘Lucky Charms’, or 'Captain Crunch’?”
Realizing you wouldn’t win this fight, and maybe a few spoonfuls of sugary cereal would pacify him enough, you shrugged, allowing him to choose for you whilst you made your way to the small table.
He joined you only a few moments later, a bowl in each hand. Taking his place at the table, he gently pushed your bowl towards you and spent the next couple of minutes darting his eyes between his cereal and yourself, trying in vain to covertly make sure you were eating.
After stirring the spoon around the bowl – much more of a time-wasting tactic than anything else – you ate a small mouthful, seemingly satiating him enough to stop watching you every few moments.
“You wanna watch somethin’ on TV, or you tired?” He asked a little while later as he collected the bowls, taking them into the kitchen and placing them in the sink to wash up later.
“I just want to go to bed,” you told him truthfully. You were more than ready for this day to be over.
Once you were settled in his bed, Fez collected a pillow and hesitated in the doorway, your voice stopping him, “Where are you going?”
“Im'a sleep on the couch, I didn’t-”
“I’m not going to put you out, Fez. C'mon.” You pulled back the duvet cover, watching as his glance danced between the comfortable bed, and the hallway, “I don’t really wanna be alone right now.”
His eyes returned to you, searching for something. The gentle haze from the hallway light behind him darkened his features, but he watched as they made yours glow. Seemingly finding whatever he was looking for, he closed the bedroom door and made his way back towards the bed.
The light from outside the window guided him around the room, and you felt the bed dip slightly as he settled himself down next to you.
You were both silent, the only sounds to be heard were your exhaling, and whatever shit Ash was watching on the TV.
“You cold?” he wondered, shifting slightly on the bed to look at your darkened form.
“I can’t stop shaking.” You told him simply, omitting the real reason why.
“I uh, I could – if you want – you know, move closer?” It was endearing how nervous he sounded as if one wrong move would cause you to leap out of the bed and run home bare-footed.
“OK,” you mumbled, turning so your back was towards him. You could feel his body heat before actually feeling him, warming up your goose-pimpled skin.
His arm pushed under the pillow you were resting on as you felt his chest press against your back, arm awkwardly resting over your body as his hand pressed against the mattress.
Lifting said hand, you linked your fingers before moving it towards your front, resting against your stomach and essentially caging you in against his body.
His body tensed for only a moment, before he released a sigh, allowing his muscles to relax.
In the silence, your felt your eyes drooping slightly, sleep pushing at the corners of your mind.
“You know that time at the store when that Jacobs kid came in? He ain’t been buggin’ you or shit, right?”
His husky voice was taut, making you stiffen slightly. Hoping you could pass it off as him startling you, you shrugged, allowing the hand you were resting on to slither its way under the pillow, meeting his own and playing gently with his fingers,
“What makes you ask?”
“Jus’ remember he was rude, that’s all. I know he’s been causing some trouble for Rue and her friend, jus’ wanted to make sure you was alright.”
Inhaling deeply, you tried to force the threats from the boy down deep, “Did Rue say something to you earlier?”
He was quiet for a moment, trying to determine whether or not he should keep his mouth shut, or just tell you that the girl had told him about Nate making you leave in tears on Halloween, “Nah, I just uh… I was wonderin’, that’s all. I know you was close with his brother and-”
Holy fucking Hell, you wanted to throw up.
“It’s not like that, Fez.” You rolled over to face him, just about able to make his features out in the dark. Your fingers had unlinked, but he kept them over your hip, gently resting there, “Aaron was just… what it was. We don’t really speak now. And everything is fine with Nate. He’s a colossal dick, but it seems like a hereditary thing. Really, I’m good.”
His somber eyes observed you for a moment before he nodded and released a sigh, “OK.”
The uncertainty in his voice made you a little nervous, and you could only pray that Rue had kept her mouth shut. The last thing you needed was word getting back to Nate that you were shit-talking him. Not with the secrets that he held.
A strained exhale forced its way from your lungs, and you found your hands involuntarily shaking once more. Thankfully, it had distracted Fez enough, his dubious eyes softening as his hand wrapped around you tighter, a warm hand pressing against the middle of your back.
You tried to control your breathing, squeezing your eyes closed as you counted to 10, inhaling deeply. Your forehead felt sweaty, and your body clammy, yet the chill from the rain on the evening you’d first encountered Mouse remained under your skin, bonded into your bones.
You felt sick with guilt. But not from lying to Fez about Nate, or what he might do had he found out you’d partially told Rue, about Nate’s blackmail, or even about the money Mouse had all but forced Fez to pay to keep you safe…
No, the reason you felt sick to your stomach was that you knew no matter what you did, for the rest of your life, you would never find a high like you had that evening. You’d never find peace like you did when your body had graciously absorbed Fentanyl.
You knew how dangerous that night had been, or at least, you knew how easily you could’ve OD’d. But you also knew with everything going on, if Mouse had offered you it again, you might not have needed his threats to take it. And that scared you.
You’d been searching for highs all of your life. As a child, the world was full of wonder and happiness. You could find it by climbing to the top of a tall tree, going over the bar on a swing set, spinning around and around on a carousel, certain that your fingers would slip off and send you hurtling across the playground.
Those innocent highs were never met as a teenager. They transformed into something darker. Something that always came with repercussions.
You knew you wouldn’t be able to find something as gratifying. Yet, you were willing to chase it, in any small capacity you could find, regardless of the consequence. Like a moth to the flame.
Shuffling yourself closer to his warm body, you placed both hands on his cheeks, gently stroking his beard, “Everything is fine, Fez. Trust me.”
He nodded, unable to deny that your soft hands were soothing his worries as his eyes slowly wandered your face, and as your gaze roamed his own, you realized this was the closest the two of you had ever been.
“You know I’m here for you, right? Don’t matter what it is, I got'chu.”
Maybe it was the stress and trauma from the day’s events, memories being forced to the forefront of your mind, or the constant, never-ending search for that new high, blackened with guilt and shame. Or maybe it was Fez’s softly whispered words, spoken into the secrecy of the night, but something in that moment changed.
And that was exactly why you lifted your head slightly and pressed your lips delicately against his.
Although tentative and fleeting, you knew that even in years to come, you would still be able to perfectly describe the softness of his cushioned lips, the slight gasp as he inhaled, right before he held his breath. The way you pulled away, just before he was able to reciprocate the kiss.
Watching each other in silence, the moment seemed to last a lifetime, both of you hanging on the other’s move.
You watched as his tongue grazed against his lips, savoring the taste of you, before a large hand was placed against your jaw, pulling you down and once more connecting your lips, only this time, the kiss was deeper, more passionate, yet still only lasted only a few moments before he pulled back, placing a few stray, chaste pecks to your lips before guiding your head down and placing a gentle kiss against your forehead.
“We should get some rest.”
The pang of rejection was sharp but quickly quelled when Fez pulled your body towards his, making you rest your head on his chest, his heartbeat pounding, ready to burst from his chest.
His hand stroked your back, easing you into a deep slumber. Once your breaths evened out and he could tell you were fast asleep, Fez rubbed a hand over his hair, letting out a small sigh.
Is this the start, the start of something? Out of the dark, born out of nothing, Oh, what a rush, I didn’t see it coming, Is this the start, the start of something?
Summary: New to town, you didn’t need a friend, you needed a dealer. Thankfully, a girl from your Narcotics Anonymous meetings knew just the guy.
Characters:Fezco (euphoria) x Non-descriptive Reader
Words:4,250
Chapter Warnings: Comments referring to drug use, thinly veiled threats, reference to attempted suicide
Series Warnings: Addiction, sexual themes, cursing, abuse (various), smut, drug use, teenagers being fucking idiots. 18+ only, minors DNI
Daniel’s Halloween party was the first party in East Highland that you’d properly attended.
You didn’t count McKay’s, solely because you’d spent the majority of the night passed out on too many benzos, and although you hadn’t planned on staying stone-cold sober all night, you knew that Rue was struggling with her sobriety. Especially since she was trying to herd a 2-drinks-too-drunk Jules – who never normally drank like this, apparently – around the crowded living space.
You’d offered – albeit lacklusterly – to help her, knowing Rue wasn’t equipped for the shock of being the sober one.
Rue had assured you it was fine. She didn’t expect anyone to stay sober around her just because she couldn’t control herself, but you shrugged anyway and handed your cup to another student who passed you.
Begrudgingly, you wouldn’t let Rue do this alone. She was doing so well with her sobriety, and quite frankly, you cared more about hers than you did your own. So instead, you filled a new cup with water and cheers'ed her, pushing your way through the crowd, finding Jules on the dance floor, and joining her.
You were used to parties like these. Hell, a year ago you’d have been in your element; some kind of drink in your hand, some kind of pill under your tongue, and some kind of powder up your nostril. You really weren’t fussy.
Yet as you pushed your way through the crowds, Jules now dancing with another girl, a part of you was begging to go home. Heading outside, you needed some fresh air to try and soothe the headache that the thumping bass was giving you. It was much easier to ignore and even enjoywhen you couldn’t see straight.
You saw the cloud of smoke before you’d seen the man himself, almost like a signal. X marks the spot, right?
You slowly made your way over, watching as he spoke with Rue, the two seemingly making up from whatever fight they’d recently got into. Rue – who had noticed you first – said something, causing him to turn in your direction, before returning his attention back to her, continuing a much lighter conversation. You decided, now they’d both acknowledged you, it was safe enough to head over and join them.
You less than gracefully threw yourself onto the sofa next to Fez, the man puffing away on a joint, as if it was the last one on Earth, “Rue already told me ‘bout your little pact. I said I wouldn’t-”
“I’m not here to try and convince you, don’t worry. I’m here because I’m sober.”
“Whatchu mean?” He questioned, watching the people as they stumbled around.
“I don’t have the patience for drunk people.”
You couldn’t even bring yourself to glare at him when he’d chuckled. It sounded ridiculously hypocritical to yourself, too, “You don’t remember much of the last party, do you?”
“Not at all. And it was much more fun,” turning your attention to Rue who was standing by the side of the couch, you sent her an apologetic smile, “No offense.”
“None taken.” She smirked.
“Nice costume,” Fez said, his eyes trailing from your shredded skirt to your red, glittery face, “Little red riding hood, right?”
“Aftershe slaughtered the wolf.”
Rue squinted at you for just a moment, “I don’t think that’s how the story goes-”
You waved your hand, cutting her off mid-sentence, not all that fussed in the fairy-tale lore. Patting the cushion next to you, you watched Rue as she finally took a seat, “You look good, Rue.”
“Oh, thanks.”
You brushed some dirt off her shoulder, fixing her lapel and sending her a small smile, unaware of Fez’s watchful eye.
“So, she kills the wolf in your story then?”
You turned your attention back to Fez, a devilish smirk gracing your lips, “I don’t need some strong, handsome man to save me. I can skin the bastard myself. Even get a nice new rug out of it.”
“That’s fuckin’ sick,” he chortled, nose scrunching up a little.
“Bloods a bitch of a stain to get out, but I think it adds to the design.”
He shook his head, but his attention was quickly pulled away by Jules, who had drunkenly stumbled right into the pool, “Yo, ain’t that your home girl?”
Rue sighed, both a little annoyed and a little concerned with Jules’ behavior. Forcing herself up, she made her way to the pool area, ready to drag the girl out.
Fez watched them for a second before the hand that held his joint moved towards you, offering it up on a golden platter, “I won’t snitch. Promise.”
Your eyes looked between him and the offering, and you’d wanted nothing more than to accept it and smoke the whole damn thing. Fez had good drugs, but even better weed. Probably why he smoked it all the time.
Yet as your eyes darted towards Rue – who at this point would honestly have no idea if you took a hit or two – you turned your head, meeting his blue eyes, “Promised her I wouldn’t. I don’t wanna go back on that when she’s been trying so hard.”
Fez shrugged as if it was nothing, before placing the joint back to his own lips. His cobalt eyes, however, still observed you.
“How long you been doin’ this shit for?” Turning your body to face him a little better, your quirked brow made him explain himself, “Drugs.”
You were quiet for a moment, and he could only assume you were trying to calculate.
“Not that long, actually. A couple of years, I guess. How long have you been doing it?” You asked, watching as he stumped out the roach.
“Dealing? Shit, I dunno. Feels like forever.”
“And it’s just you and Ash, right?”
He took a little longer to reply this time, as if thinking through his answer, “Uh, yeah, kinda. My Grandma still lives with us, but-”
“Oh shit, really? And she’s like… Cool with you dealing and shit?”
Fez couldn’t hold in his chuckle, “She’s the one who taught me how. Man… My Grandma was the best fuckin’ dealer you’d ever meet.”
Although you could tell Fez clearly adored his Grandmother, his voice was tinged in a type of sadness you were unaccustomed to, “So why isn’t she dealing anymore? I mean, no judgment here, like at all. But leaving you and Ash who’s what, like 14, to deal with the drug side? Seems a little-”
“She ain’t really have the choice. Had an accident a couple years ago. She’s uh… Not really how she used to be, you know?”
You’d never seen, or even heard a peep from his Grandmother any time you’d spent at Fez’s, not that you’d remember either way. But you did remember the door that was cracked open. Was she… Was that her room? It felt too private to ask him.
“What’s her name?”
Fez licked his lips, taking a sip from his beer before answering, “Marie, but everyone called her Kitty.”
“Kitty. I mean, why the fuck not. There’s already a Fezco and an Ashtray, at least hers is normal.” You nudged his side gently, the man sending you a smirk in response, “And what about your parents? They not around, or…”
Fez’s face turned stoic, the smile quickly dropping from his lips, and you could see his shoulders tense slightly. Clearly, it was a pretty sore subject to him.
“Dunno my mom, and my Dad’s a piece of shit. Not much else to tell." Rubbing his hand over his head, he sent you an apologetic smile, "We’re both way too fuckin’ sober for this conversation.”
You were both quiet for a moment, enjoying the slight thumping that could be heard from the closed door, “What about you? I mean, I know your dad’s around, but where’s your Mom?”
If Fez’s shoulders had tensed at the mention of his family, yours damn well locked up, “She uh, she packed up and left a couple of years ago. That’s why my dad’s the way he is-”
“What, a piece of shit-”
You turned on him quickly, eyes full of fire, “Don’t, alright? You don’t know what he’s been through. You haven’t got any fuckin’ right to judge him.”
He knew he could fight you on this, and maybe he should’ve fought you on it, but the look in your eyes… Shit, he knew that look, and it was one he’d never be able to wear down, let alone win against. Fierce, unyielding loyalty wasn’t an easy thing to crack, and now wasn’t the time to start chiseling. If he’d go to war for Ash as a brother, he could tell you’d go to war for your father as a daughter.
So instead, Fez placed his hand over your thigh, giving it a small, reassuring squeeze. A silent apology.
Untwisting your figurative panties, you sent him a quick smile, watching him for a moment before sipping some of your water.
A splash from across the garden pulled your attention away, both you and Fez watching as a now drenched Rue pushed herself from the pool and forced her way back inside through the throngs of people. You went to stand, but the hand on your thigh squeezed gently once more, causing you to turn your attention back to Fez.
“She’s alright. She just gotta get used to being on the other side of the problem.”
“I still don’t think she should-”
Patting your thigh, he sighed, “Go if you want, but she need'a go through this. She’s probably more upset knowing this was how she acted than anything else.”
His words hit you right in the chest, making it a little harder to breathe.
Leaning back in your seat, you placed your own hand over his that was still settled on your thigh. It felt much warmer than your own.
“I don’t think I ever said thank you for that night at McKay’s. You didn’t even know me, and I was a total bitch to you, but you still made sure I was OK. I don’t know many people who would do that. So, uh… Thanks.”
He remained quiet but nodded in acceptance of your apology. But you’d opened your mouth and now you suffered from a serious case of not being able to shut up,
“And shit, everything with that Mouse guy. I had no right to even come around that day, and it was all myfucking fault, and you kept me safe and shit. I probably cost you so much money and you’re letting me pay it back by literally sitting in the store for a couple of hours a day, and I’m damn sure that it isn’t paying you to have me there and-”
“Ay, ma?” You stopped, your wide eyes turning to him, cheeks feeling warm with embarrassment, “It’s aight. Really. Shit happens, ain’t no point crying over spilled milk, right?”
Watching him for a moment in total awe, you didn’t know how to thank him properly, or if you ever could. He could sense your nerves as your fingers vacantly toyed with his own, feeling the expanse of the back of his hand,
“I have never met a dealer like you before. Shit, I don’t think I’ve had a friend like you before-”
“Oh, we friends now, huh?”
Your brow wrinkled as he let you stew in confused, anxious silence for a moment, “Thought you didn’t need a friend, jus’ a dealer?”
Swatting his chest as a relieved smile crossed your face, you couldn’t help but smirk, “Yeah well, I’m sober tonight. A dealer ain’t gonna do shit for me. So I guess a friend will have to do.”
You sat outside with Fez for a while longer, enjoying the cool breeze that passed through every once in a while, minding your own business whenever he’d attend to a deal. Or at least, until one annoyingly familiar voice put the first crack in your peace.
“You sell pre-rolls, man?”
Looking up, your eyes watched the boy with disdain as he merely smirked down at you, “Hey there, stranger.”
He paid Fez the money owed, the older boy watching him closely when he walked away, eyes glancing back at you every so often.
“Old friend?” He questioned, watching as the younger boy sat across the garden on a lounge chair, his weasel-like little face still turning every now and then as he sat with the McKay twins.
“Not really,” Placing your cup of water down on the floor, you sent Fez a small smile, “I’ll be right back.”
Although you could feel Fez’s eyes on you as you walked over to the younger boy, you refused to turn around, and instead, you held eye contact with the boy ahead, “Wes. A word?"
The McKay twins turned, watching the encounter as Wes blew out a puff of smoke, "Whatever you say, sweetheart."
When it was clear he wasn’t going to move his ass, you grumbled, grabbing him by the ear and quite literally pulling him away from his friends. When you were far enough away from their nosy little ears, you turned on him.
"What the fuck are you doing here?”
“I was invited-”
“By Daniel? I’m pretty fucking sure you weren’t.”
“No, by Troy and Roy. Shit, did you have to drag me away like that.” He moaned, attempting to soothe his sore ear.
“Look, Kat’s here, and I know damn well she wouldn’t want to see you. The shit you pulled? You’re fucking sick, man.”
“Shit, send a girl to public school, and suddenly she cops a conscious? It’s like I don’t know you anymore,” he smirked.
He might’ve only been a junior, but damn did you want to backhand the little prick, “Get your shit and go. Seriously, before she sees you.”
Turning to march away, his voice stopped you dead in your tracks, “You know, Liam asks about you sometimes. My cousin said he still bangs on about you every now and then. I thought I recognized you at the last party. Drugged out on someone’s sofa… Definitely your style, right? But I wasn’t sure. What I am sure of, is that Liam would be very interested to know you’re here, not even an hour away.”
You were certain you could feel the blood in your veins thicken and chill, slowly crawling through your veins and causing your heart to somehow both beat erratically and stop altogether.
Spinning around, your eyes flashed with fire, “This isn’t a fucking joke, Wes-”
“I’m not fucking laughing.” He told you, stepping closer, forcing himself into your personal space.
His eyes darted behind you before he quickly stepped back with a sardonic smile, his eyes taking in your body before he spoke,
“It was nice to catch up. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again.”
You watched him with bated breath as he made his way back towards the McKay twins.
“Everythin’ good?”
Fezco’s voice was soft, almost as if he was scared you’d flee like a scared animal. When you didn’t respond, he placed a hand on your back and gently led you to the sofa.
“You sure you don’t wanna hit? I don’t even know where Rue is no more.”
You wanted to rub your hand over your face but stopped just in time to keep your make-up intact, “I don’t think weed is gonna do shit for me tonight, Fez.”
He remained quiet for a moment, fully aware that the tone of the night had changed. Your eyes kept darting towards the group of younger boys, rowdy and loud as they puffed out clouds of smoke.
“That your sworn enemy or somethin’?” He joked, lighting up another joint.
“Hmm?” Snapping out of your thoughts, you turned to Fez, eyebrows raised.
“You been starin’ at him like you tryin’ to set him on fire with your mind.”
Sending him a feeble smile, your fingers began to toy with the hem of your skirt, “His cousin went to my old school. He was uh, good friends with an ex.”
“Oh shit. It bad?”
Watching the smoke that fell from his mouth, you took a moment to really think about it. The world wasn’t black and white, and neither was your previous relationship. It was full of grey, too.
It was good. Sometimes. Especially in the beginning. But isn’t that always how the story goes? That’s how people like that get their claws in you. Because if they were an asshole from day one, you’d never entertain them in the first place.
But the bad times?
Holy fucking hell, they were bad.
“I mean, he’s an ex for a reason, right?” You mumbled, inspecting your fingernails.
Fez said no more, his eyes soft as they watched you fidget. Placing his hand over yours to halt their movements.
“My Grandma, she uh… She always told me not to fall in love, you know? Said it’s the one instinct you can’t trust.”
Cocking your head, you blinked a few times, taking in the words he’d said, “Surely you don’t believe that?”
Fez shrugged his shoulders, “Never really had anyone to prove her wrong.”
“So what, you just… Don’t date? Just on the off chance you’ll fall in love?”
Even in the low light, you could see Fez’s cheeks burn a bright pink, “I mean, I ain’t never really had time for it, you know?”
You watched Fez as he continued playing with your fingers, both your hands resting on your lap. He only looked up once your hand squeezed his.
“You doin’ well tonight,” Fez peered up at you through his long lashes, clarifying when your brow furrowed, “The whole stayin’ sober thing. It was nice to actually be able to converse wit’ you at a party for once.”
“Yeah well… Don’t get used to it.” You sent him a feeble smile, suddenly feeling bashful under his denim blue gaze, “I’m much more fun when I’m unconscious.”
He let out a huff of laughter, watching as your eyes twinkled in the low outdoor lighting, “You really not enjoying tonight?”
A loud laugh from the other side of the garden pulled your attention away, and Fez watched as your smile dropped, watching the group of kids from earlier smoking a joint as a group of girls joined them, “I was.”
“Yo, you uh… you wanna get outta here or somethin’?”
Turning your attention back to him, you sent Fez a timid smile, “Sure. Let me just go find Rue, make sure she’s OK first.”
You pushed your way through the crowd, eyes darting around as you tried to find Rue. Eventually, you spotted her, standing next to a panic-stricken Jules, the two staring out into the crowd. Before you could make your way over to them, a large hand clamped down on your shoulder,
“Hey, can I have a word?”
Turning, you lifted a brow at Nate, unsure of why, or how he was at the party. Especially with Maddy standing only a few feet away sipping on a drink. As you tilted your head towards the girl, she dropped her eyes, refusing to make contact with yours. Unsure of what you’d done wrong, you returned your attention back to the boy and nodded, allowing him to maneuver you through the waves of people.
He walked you towards the end of a hallway, past some people who were waiting for the bathroom, and into an empty bedroom.
“What’s up, Nate?”
He stood, leaning against the closed door for a moment, watching you in silence. Although you’d both seemingly put any hostility behind you, you couldn’t help but feel yourself cower slightly under his cold gaze. Any understanding between you both had seemingly vanished.
“Maddy told me you’d spoken to her.”
Shaking your head a little, you tried to recall the conversation you’d had with the girl, “Uh, I mean yeah… I don’t understand why-”
“You’re right, you don’t understand. You’ve been here what, a couple of months? You don’t know me, or Maddy, or anything about our relationship,” Nate pushed off the door, moving into your personal space and backing you up against a chest of drawers on the other side of the room, “For everyone’s sake, I’d butt out.”
“I know you think you have some kind of hold over her, but one day Maddy is gonna realize that you’re a piece of shit, Nate.” You did your best to hold his eye contact, but you couldn’t help the tremble in your voice.
A malignant smile pulled at his lips, his dark eyes raked over your face, “It’s sweet that you’re trying to look out for her, really. But I think the last thing Maddy needs is advice from some pill-popping junkie, who got kicked out of private school because she was so high she tried to throw herself off the roof.”
“You don’t know shit.” Your chin wobbled as you tried to keep from crying.
“You know, you private school kids are all the fucking same. Offer up some drugs, and they love to fucking squeal.” Tucking your hair behind your ear, Nate’s other hand was placed on the drawers next to your body, caging you in.
“If you don’t want your business getting out,” Nate’s hand dropped from your hair, grabbing your jaw as he turned your face up towards him forcefully, “Then I suggest you stay out of mine.”
His face was so close, you could smell the alcohol on his breath and you finally couldn’t hold in the tears any longer. He pushed off you, finally making his way out of the room.
Your chest heaved, feeling like you hadn’t been able to take a real breath since you stepped inside the bedroom.
Tears were streaming down your cheeks as you pushed the door open, shoving your way through the crowd, your previous attempt at finding Rue now far from your mind.
She’d found you, though.
She was unsure of what happened between Jules and Nate, but the moment the blond saw him strut into the party like his shit didn’t stink, her whole demeanor changed. Rue didn’t know what was wrong with Jules, she’d been standoffish lately, but she knew whatever was running through the girl’s mind was about more than just her.
Before she could question the girl, the bedroom door swung open again, and Rue watched as you high-tailed out of there, tear stains down your cheeks as you forced your way through the dance-floor, and although Nate was now standing with Maddy again, his eyes were trained on you, a haughty smirk as he watched you leave.
He knew. Maybe not everything, but if there was one thing you’d learned about this shit-hole of a town it was that somehow, everything got out. Whether it was the truth, or not.
You could feel yourself spiraling. Vomit was crawling up your throat and that shitty voice inside your head that you’d managed to force down all these months was now loud and proud at the forefront.
The one telling you that you weren’t good enough. Because if you were, your Mom would’ve stayed, right? Your father wouldn’t fucking hate you, forced to find solace at the bottom of a bottle just to get away from his disappointment of a daughter.
A pill-popping junkie. An addict.
That’s what everyone thought of you, right? The moment you passed out on the couch at McKay’s party, the rumor was set in stone. But it was happening long before then. Pills were the least of your worries.
So if they already had this preconception of you, who the fuck were you to disappoint?
Pulling out your phone, you dialed a number that you’d unfortunately never forget. No matter how desperate, or high you were at the time.
Fez had grown tired of waiting for you to come back and had decided to just go find you himself.
At first, he was worried maybe something had happened between Jules and Rue, and that’s why it had taken so long to say goodbye, but when he saw the two of them together, Jules seemingly sobered up, a frown settled on his face.
Gaining Rue’s attention, he’d asked her where you’d gone.
“I uh, I’m not sure. I think she left.”
Rue wasn’t sure why she didn’t tell Fez exactly what she’d seen. Maybe she was still trying to comprehend it in her own mind. In fact, what had she seen?
Either way, she was a little too distracted by Jules’ sudden shift in disposition to concentrate on more than one person at a time.
“Ay, what’s her number? I’ll try to ring her.”
And he did. Multiple times. Each and every time, your phone simply rang and rang, until he was connected to your voicemail.
He tried not to worry too much; you were stone-cold sober and able to make a conscious decision. Maybe the night had just taken its toll, and somewhere between trying to find Rue and pushing your way through the crowd, you’d said fuck it and left. You didn’t have his number, so he tried not to take it personally.
As he took one last look around the crowded room, his eyes met Nate Jacobs. He sent Fez a cocky smile, watching from the other side of the room, but shit… That wasn’t any of his business.
I found the Devil, I found him in a lover, And his lips like tangerines, and his color coded speak, Now we’re lost somewhere in outer space, In a hotel room where demons play, They run around beneath our feet, We roll around beneath these sheets
Summary: New to town, you didn’t need a friend, you needed a dealer. Thankfully, a girl from your Narcotics Anonymous meetings knew just the guy.
Characters: Fezco (euphoria) x Non-descriptive Reader
Words:2,001
Chapter Warnings: Comments referring to drug use, comments referring to dub-con, comments referring to violence/abuse
Series Warnings: Addiction, sexual themes, cursing, abuse (various), smut, drug use, teenagers being fucking idiots. 18+ only, minors DNI
After your weekend come down from the molly Aaron Jacob’s had bought for you, you really, really didn’t need to be sat in principal Hayes’s office, repeating your weekend fun to him.
“So you understand why you were called in here?”
Fiddling with your backpack strap you shrugged.
“It’s come to my attention you were seen at the Jacob’s chili tent when an incident between Miss Perez and Mr. Jacobs occurred. Now, do you know why Maddy and Nate were fighting?”
“I barely saw either of them all night.”
“But you did see them at the chili tent, correct?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“And what happened?”
You exhaled deeply before rubbing your palm over your clammy forehead. You hadn’t moved from bed on Sunday, and you were really feeling your come down, even now.
“I dunno, OK? She pushed over some chili, Nate grabbed her and pulled her away. That’s all I saw.”
“And his brother, Aaron Jacobs; you were spotted with him that night. He didn’t say anything about-”
You almost laughed, “I barely know him. We went our separate ways right after Maddy and Nate left."
Either Principal Hayes was satisfied by your answer, or he’d realized you weren’t much help, and he dismissed you from his office.
In truth, you hadn’t even seen Maddy or Nate today. You were right in the ass-end of withdrawal to be able to pay attention to either. You were barely aware of what lessons you’d attended, let alone who else was there. Pulling out your phone, you could’ve cried.
It wasn’t even lunch.
Heavy footsteps alerted Fez to someone’s arrival in the store, his head turning from where he sat at the register.
Eyebrows raising, he watched your tired body as it slumped next to him, all but ready to push him off the table and curl up like a cat.
"Ain’t you got a class to be at?”
Barely mumbling out a cohesive reply, you scooted yourself up next to him, resting your hoody-covered head on his shoulder, “I think I’m dying.”
“Dying, really?”
“Yeah. Really, really slowly.”
Fez rolled his eyes, before grabbing the joint he kept behind his ear, placing it in his mouth and lighting up, “You just crashin’. You’ll be fine. When was the last time you ate?”
He hopped off the table, causing you to send him a glare – you were barely able to keep yourself upright without his assistance – whilst he made his way towards the fridges. Grabbing a can of soda and a bag of chips as he passed them, he handed them to you before sitting back down, allowing you to replace your head.
“Take them, you’ll feel better.”
It may seem dramatic, but you could’ve cried, “The last thing I want to do right now is eat.”
“I ain’t giving you more-”
“Calm down, I don’t need anymore. I still have some at home.”
You could feel Fez’s blue eyes watching you from his peripheral, and almost feel his judgment from where you were sat, “Chill out, I can’t exactly turn up to my NA meeting rolling.”
“What time you gotta be there?”
“Uh, Monday nights are earlier, 6.30 I think.”
Fez took the soda from you, cracking it open and taking a sip whilst you fished out your beeping phone from your backpack. Opening the message, you read and reread it a few times before sighing and throwing it back into the bag.
“Lemme guess, not the guy from the carnival?”
Taking the can of coke from him, you sent him a small, half-hearted glare, “Actually, it was.”
“Oh yeah, what he want?”
Swallowing down a few sugary gulps, you watched Fez as he watched you, unblinking.
Handing him back the can, you sighed, “It’s not really your business, Dad.”
“It is my business when I’m told someone buys my drugs, gives it to a girl, stays totally sober, and then I find them fallin’ outta an alleyway.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” You didn’t intend to get so annoyed but shit, the drop in serotonin was playing fucking havoc with you right now. Forget the ‘Terrible Tuesday’ you were experiencing ’Moody-Bitch Monday’.
“All I know is ain’t nothin’ good coming from a one-sided-sober hookup.”
“Oh my god, are you really going to try to slut-shame me-”
“Ain’tyou I’m shamin’.”
Fez pushed himself off the table, opening the bag of chips and handing them to you once more before quietly reshuffling the shelves.
Realizing it wasn’t a battle you were going to win, you cautiously nibbled at a potato chip as you watched him silently work. After taking another sip of the coke, you finally broke the silence,
“He was just asking about whether the police asked to speak to me.”
That got his attention.
“What the police wanna speak to you ‘bout?”
“Nothing drug-related, god, don’t have a fucking coronary. They didn’t even speak to me, just thought I might’ve witnessed something at the carnival. But I didn’t so… end of story.”
As you sat and continued to nibble at the snack, you watched Fez work wordlessly. You had to think; was your working here really paying him back?
Sure, he didn’t pay you, there was no exchange of money on either side, so you couldn’t be certain, but the store was never exactly busy, it almost seemed stupid to have two staff on, as Fez was always at the store when you were, and failing that; Ash was.
Did it really take two of you to stack a couple shelves and restock some cans of soda? It barely took 5 minutes to sweep and mop the floors. Surely, Fez was at best level on the money, and at worst; Still down a couple hundred bucks from whatever he paid Mouse.
4 days later, you were still feeling the comedown from the molly as you slouched in your chair watching as Rue stood proud – and probably mildly embarrassed – as she told the rest of the group about her lies. By now though, she was 13 days sober, and she was certain that was because of Jules.
Even though you sent her a timid smile, you couldn’t help but think that her sobriety shouldn’t, and more importantly couldn’t rely on someone else. You had to forcefully swallow the lump that had formed in your throat as you watched her from your own seat of deceits.
Sure, you hadn’t technically lied to any of the group. You’d never told them your sob story, nor how long you had – or hadn’t – been sober. Didn’t want them prying into your relapses. If they could even be called that, anymore.
But you still dutifully collected your ’X days sober’ chips. Thanked the group with a shy smile as they congratulated you. Shit, for a bunch of ex-addicts you were almost astonished that they hadn’t been able to see you were in the vast stages of a comedown.
And if they did notice, nobody had the balls to call you out on it. Nobody, except Ali, at least.
He was yet to straight-up call you a bullshitter, but he knew. And he knew that you knew.
Which was exactly why – still bundled in an over-sized jumper that may, or may not, have been the one Fez had lent to you weeks prior – you avoided his dark, all-knowing eyes and darted from the hall before he could hook his talons in.
Since Friday meetings were later, you had originally planned to just head home, check in on your father and then crash for the rest of the night, but a speeding black car halted your plans when it nearly ran you over, the breaks screeching as the car came to a sudden halt.
You were all but ready to scream out at the asshole when you recognized who the driver actually was. You made your way closer to the now stationary car and knocked on the passenger window.
It only took a few seconds, but Maddy pressed the button to wind it down.
“Uh, You know you almost killed me back there, right?”
“You were the one on the road.” She huffed, only at half her usual level of sass.
Sighing, you took a moment to really look at her. Eyes red and puffy from crying, tear stains not even dry on her cheeks, “You look like shit.”
She turned her attention towards you, her sad eyes peering over your frame just the same, “Yeah, well so do you.”
“Touche. So, what were you doing that was so captivating that you almost turned me into roadkill?”
Sighing, Maddy returned her attention to her phone that she’d shoved back on her lap, “I was calling Kat. I just… Shit, I don’t know. She’s busy, and Cassie is like, 30 fucking minutes away at McKay’s and I don’t have anyone else that I can talk to.”
You watched her as she started to cry, her chest heaving as sobs forced their way up her throat. Unsure of what to do, you opened the passenger door and slid in. Once you were close enough, you pulled Maddy into your arms, rubbing her back as her body racked in pain.
It didn’t take her long to calm herself down, and even though her whimpers had ceased, her tears seemed almost endless, a constant on her waterline, ready to escape at any given chance.
She was quietly driving back to your house, her cheeks feeling like they were on fire from embarrassment. It wasn’t like you two were friends; you barely even knew each other. Yet here you were, sat in her car that was parked outside of your house as she tried to keep herself composed.
You fiddled with the cuffs of the jumper for a moment, eyes unfocused as your forced yourself to remain present, “Listen, Maddy. I know you’ve probably heard from everyone and their fuckin’ mother about how Nate isn’t a good guy or whatever.
I don’t really know him, shit, I don’t really know you either. But I know that whatever happened to you, is fuckin’ traumatizing, especially if it’s done by someone you love, and nobody is doubting how much you love him. But if he put his hands on you then… He needs help. Like real, psychiatric help, because you don’t do that shit to someone you love. That isn’t passion, it’s abuse. If he did put his hands on you, then it’s only the beginning, and it’s all downhill from here, Maddy.”
Your eyes darted towards your house, grateful that the lights were off and your father was seemingly asleep and hopefully sober.
When you returned your attention back to Maddy, her eyes were flitting between yourself, and your house. She didn’t utter a word but sent a tremulous smile your way instead.
Getting out of the car, you leaned over the rolled-down window, “You can stay the night, you know if you don’t wanna go home.”
Maddy was about to respond before a text from Cassie came through. Scanning the message, she couldn’t help the broad smile that tugged at her lips. She quickly downloaded the app Cassie had mentioned before replying, “Oh uh, that’s OK. But thank you. Really. It was nice to just talk and you know… not be judged or told what to do.”
You nodded, before standing and patting the roof of her car, “See you later, Maddy.”
You knew she was most likely driving somewhere to meet Nate, and you just hoped she’d be OK. You knew first-hand how much people trying to force your hand only made you dig your heels in deeper.
High school boyfriends weren’t the be-all and end-all of toxic relationships. But as you peeked your head into your father’s room, watching as his chest rose and fell, you realized you and Maddy were both loyal to the people you loved.
I’m fucked up, I’m black and blue, I’m built for it, all the abuse, I got secrets, that nobody, Nobody, nobody knows, I’m good on, that pussy shit, I don’t want, what I can get, I want someone, with secrets, That nobody, nobody, Nobody knows.
Summary: New to town, you didn’t need a friend, you needed a dealer. Thankfully, a girl from your Narcotics Anonymous meetings knew just the guy.
Characters: Fezco (euphoria) x Non-descriptive Reader
Words: 3,886
Chapter Warnings: Drug abuse, sexual themes (but baby i am so sorry it is not with who you think), dub-con KINDA i guess? reference to physical abuse
Series Warnings: Addiction, sexual themes, cursing, abuse (various), smut, drug use, teenagers being fucking idiots. 18+ only, minors DNI
Staring at your reflection in the mirror of your vanity table, you applied one last swipe of lip gloss before standing and straightening out your outfit.
You hadn’t delved into that side of your wardrobe since you’d arrived here, confident that you were leaving that part of you behind.
But tonight was the yearly carnival, and if you didn’t dress up for it, then when would you? At your first East Highland party, you’d shown up in jeans and a hoody… So you swallowed the nervous lump that had tried to settle in your throat, grabbed the brown paper bag that you were hoping to surprise the boys with, and made your way downstairs.
Your father sat on the couch, flicking through TV channels as you came down the stairs. Timidly, you called out for him, garnering his attention.
Turning, he only met your eyes for a beat before he turned his head away in shame, “You heading out?”
“Uh, yeah. Just to the carnival. You sure you don’t want to come?” You grabbed your jacket from the peg, putting it on as you watched him continue to aimlessly scan through channels.
“No, I don’t wanna cramp your style. You go, have a fun time with your friends. You deserve it, kiddo.”
Playing with the cuff of your jacket, you watched him for a moment, switching your weight between each foot, “What are your plans for the night?”
You heard him sigh, mildly annoyed with your hesitance to leave, but he understood. He always did, when he was sober.
“I’m just gonna find something on TV, maybe order in. You want me to get you anything?”
You placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a brief squeeze, “No, I’m good. They have food stalls there.”
Your father nodded, returning his attention to the TV, “Alright well, uh… I won’t wait up, but don’t be back too late.”
You made your way through the carnival, the bright lights, and screams from the Gravitron filled your senses, and by the time you found Fez and Ash, a wide grin had settled across your lips.
“Hey boys,” You grinned, making your way into their pretzel stand, “You ready for tonight?”
“Should be good. Let’s get this money.”
“Oh, wait! I got something.” You opened the bag, pulled out two hats, and handed one to Ash, the smile never leaving your face even when he refused to take it.
“The fuck is that?”
Ash stared at you like you’d grown another head as you placed the cap over his head, “It’s a hat.”
“I know it’s a fucking hat, but what the fuck is it?”
“Pretzel Mania, right? You wanna front as an official business, you may as well look the part.” You winked at him, placing the other hat on your own head.
Ash glared at you for a moment but kept the hat on nonetheless.
“You didn’t get one for me?” Fez asked, pretending to be put out.
“You’re not working the shop. So no.” You told him with nothing more than a brief smile as you inspected your nails.
Shaking his head, Fez said his goodbyes, before passing through the crowd to find a good spot to wait.
An hour later, you were sat at the front of the shop watching as the Gravitron span around, screams echoing throughout the large carnival. You’d seen a few kids from school – Maddy and Cassie purchased some Molly – but stayed with Ash, occasionally handing out some pretzels to the unsuspecting adults.
But you were getting bored. It really didn’t need more than one person manning the small pretzel store, and you’d spent most of the time there swinging your legs back and forth sighing, causing Ash to grumble.
“If you’re bored, why don’t you just go enjoy the carnival?”
You continued watching the swirling lights, hearing loud laughter from the Ferris wheel, “I said I’d help you guys out.”
“I don’t really need you holdin’ my hand as I pass out pretzels. Seriously, just go have fun. It’s cool.”
“Yeah, somehow riding the Gravitron alone doesn’t sound all that fun, or cool.”
“I’ll ride with you.”
Both yours and Ash’s heads snapped around, staring at the stranger who sent you an almost bashful smile.
“I’m sorry, who are you?”
Your eyes gazed over the tall stranger, his dark hair making his blue eyes stand out more, “Oh, uh my names Aaron.”
You were silent as you watched him for a moment, your face pensive as he pushed his hands further into his pockets.
“You here to buy?” Ash asked, his brow lowered as he too watched the guy.
“Uh, I was looking at the pretzels. Kinda sick of the chili, you know?”
Your thoughts were interrupted by more screaming in the distance, making up your mind. Jumping from the small window ledge and next to the stranger, you sent him a brazen smirk, “Fine, Aaron. You gonna win me a prize?”
You turned, ignoring the pointed look Ash was sending you, and smiled innocently at the boy, “Hey Ash, any chance I can get something before I go?”
Rolling his eyes at you, he let out an exasperated sigh, “Depends. You got the money?”
“Wanna maybe put it on my tab?” Tipping your head to the side, you hoped Ash would be susceptible to your puppy dog eyes.
He wasn’t. "I don’t do tabs. $20, or scram.“
Prepared to turn around and march off in the other direction, you were quickly stopped by a hand on your wrist, "I’ll pay.”
Cocking a brow at the guy, you freed your wrist from his grasp, “You sure?”
“Yeah. Yeah, it’s no problem. Pretty girls deserve what they want, right?” Digging through his pocket, he pulled out a $20 bill.
“Only one?” Ash questioned, his face still frowning.
“Yeah. I’m good, thanks.” Handing over the $20 bill, Aaron kept his eyes on you.
Ash studied him for a moment, before handing you the pretzel. Taking out the powder, you handed the snack to Aaron before sending a quick thanks to Ash.
“Hey, just remember, you need anything, Fez is out there, alright?”
You nodded before ripping off your cap and throwing it towards where your jacket was laying on the side, more than eager to snort some of the powder. Dragging Aaron behind the closest trailer, you promptly opened the little baggy, sticking your finger in to get enough powder on your nail and breathing it in.
Somewhere between Aaron telling you about dropping out of college, and you talking about your move to East Highland the molly hit you.
“You wanna go get some chili?”
Your face melted into a content, easy smile before you grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the Gravitron, “No.”
Even though you were strapped into the ride, you were convinced you were flying. The wind blew through your hair, and the sheer force of the ride made your lungs feel compressed like you couldn’t quite catch your breath.
But it felt fucking marvelous.
Closing your eyes as the world around you was spinning, you never wanted to get off. If you could stay on this ride – this high – for the rest of your life, you’d agree in a heartbeat.
Aaron had grown a little bored after the 3rd time and instead insisted on letting other people have a turn, dragging you as you pouted at him.
But your body still shook with adrenaline, goosebumps forming down your arms as your legs tried to re-adapt to the ground.
You linked your arms with him, giggling as you allowed him to pull you away from the rides. Pushing your way through the crowd, you finally stopped once you’d reached an alleyway between a few of the trailers.
Leaning against one of the trailers, you chuckled a few times, trying to catch your breath.
“Do you uh, do this often?”
Your eyes were sealed shut, enjoying the colors that whizzed past, and you were sure you could hear them, too. Maybe even taste them, if you tried hard enough.
“Not always. But I do fucking lovemolly.”
Aaron stood next to you, watching as your chest heaved, eyes closed and your face held the most joyful smile. Your head nodded a little, dancing along to a tune only your ears were attuned to.
“How does it make you feel?”
“Free. I feel like… Like everything is good. Everything is good, you know? I feel so good.”
You could sense his body moving closer to yours, his warmth pressing into your arm as he bent down a little to whisper into your ear, “I could make you feel good, too.”
A soft chortle escaped your lips, “Oh yeah? I’m not so sure, big guy.”
Your eyes remained closed as his lips connected to yours, a little rough but full of hunger. Passion. Want.
His body shifted in front of yours causing him to tower over you as you gripped his shirt. Pulling him by the lapels of his brown jacket, he pressed his body close to your own, caging you against the trailer.
His kisses remained eager, moving from your lips, down across the span of your neck as he sucked a little too harshly, causing you to hiss out, jerking away. Getting the hint, he refrained from leaving any marks on your neck, his lips instead grazing over your pulse as his hand wandered down the side of your body, pushing up the hem of your skirt a little.
His fingers danced along the expanse of your thigh before finally settling on your lace underwear. Upon hearing your wanton moan, Aaron pulled them to the side, one finger pushing into you before he quickly added another giving you no time to adjust, lips finding yours again in hopes to stifle your moans.
He would never be prepared for the shit his father would give him if he were to be caught hiding at the carnival, knuckle deep inside of a girl he’d met barely a few hours ago.
Your body was filled with nothing but pure, unadulterated delight as you chased your end, lips barely able to keep up with Aaron’s as he continued to place fervent kisses on your almost swollen lips.
Just before you hit your high, your tongue darted across his lips, tasting him.
Pretzel. That’s what he tasted of.
Your mind wandered, still a little hazy from the molly and the upcoming orgasm, thinking of how the previous evening you’d helped Fez bake a shit ton of pretzels.
Well, you’d reheated packs of them that he’d bought in bulk, but still.
Aaron’s lips tasted of the warm, baked dough that filled the kitchen whenever you or Fez opened the oven up to check if they were browned enough.
With that memory at the forefront of your mind, you dived headfirst into pleasure, your shaking legs struggling to hold you up.
Aaron wiped his fingers on the front of his trousers, hoping that by now the tent that had formed in the front of his jeans was less evident.
Sure, he might’ve hoped you’d repay the favor, but the sheer bliss from your orgasm and the molly had you in an almost euphoric state, full of lazy smiles and doe eyes, and you’d delved back into the little baggy for another hit, grabbing his hand and stumbling out of the alleyway before he’d even had time to mention it.
Your legs wobbled a little as Aaron tried to calm you down, hushing your giggles by placing delicate kisses against your lips, his hand attempting to fix your skirt.
“Yo, she alright?”
Fez’s familiar monotonous voice filled your ears, causing you to send him a wide smile as your Bambi legs carried you towards him, still pulling Aaron along with you.
“Fezco, I have to say, your choice in molly is…” Unable to find the right word, you simply sent him a chef’s kiss before placing your hand on his face.
Fez was well aware that molly could have those kinds of effects on people, but he was certain if there was a real-life equivalent of heart eyes from the animated cartoons his brother watched, it would be you at this moment.
Your pupils were dilated – unaffected by the bright flashing lights – as they tried to focus on his own eyes, but they roamed his face almost involuntarily, your hand moving from cupping his cheek to stroking his ginger beard.
“How much she took?” He asked, leaving your hand to explore his face as his eyes darted to the man he’d just seen you pull from between some trailers.
“Uh, just two hits. She’s fine, really,” Aaron turned you a little, bending down to speak quietly, “I really need to get back to my parent’s stall. You wanna come with? I’ll get you some free chili?”
Your whole body twisted away from Fez, Aaron now your sole focus, “I love chili.”
Fez watched as the guy lead you away, back towards the food section of the carnival, a concerned frown settling on his brow.
You perched on one of the folding chairs in the middle of the tent, practically inhaling the chili as you continued to praise it to Aaron’s mother.
“We’ve won 5 years in a row. We’re hoping this year will be the 6th.”
Nodding along, you sent her a wide grin, “Oh, totally. It’s in the bag. Really, this is delicious.”
Marsha moved closer to her husband, a timid hand on his arm. The man flinched slightly as if her touch burned him before sending her a smile and moving away to stir the chili.
“So,” Cal began, turning his attention towards you, “How long have you known Aaron?”
“We’re…new friends.” You told him, stifling a giggle, causing Aaron’s cheeks to redden a little as he avoided eye contact with his father.
“Really? See, I would’ve thought that a young, pretty little thing like you would’ve been much more… interested… in my son, Nate.”
“Dad, c'mon.” Nate rubbed the back of his neck, keeping his head low.
“No, I mean, he’s dating Maddy, right?”
Nate sighed, knowing where this conversation would lead.
Cal’s eyes darkened a little, his disdain for the girl was palpable, “Yes, well. She’s just a phase we’re all ardently awaiting to conclude. He’ll grow out of it. Eventually.”
Eyeing the man over the cup of chili, you sent the man a skeptical look, “Really? I mean, Maddy seems like a pretty sweet girl.”
“Just ignore him, you won’t change his mind, believe me.” Aaron took the now empty cup from you, throwing it in the bin, “So uh, can I get your number?”
Sending him a playful smile, you pushed your hand into his front pocket, pulling out his phone. He didn’t have a lock, so you opened up the contacts list, and added your number.
“Guys, c'mon! They’re going to announce the winner.” Marsha smiled, ignoring the tension that suddenly surrounded you all.
Of course, they won. It would be almost blasphemous if they didn’t.
You sat, still perched in your chair as Maddy approached the family, yelling something about being a hooker.
“Maddy, get out of-”
Nate was interrupted by the large pot of chili being knocked off the side, splattering all over the floor. Maddy, clearly quite happy with herself, kept her eyes trained on Nate’s, “Oops.”
“What in God’s name is your problem?” Marsha yelled.
“You, cunt.”
Marsha looked around, her wide eyes searching both her husband and eldest son’s face, but didn’t have time to respond as Nate was already pulling Maddy away.
The crowd remained hushed, nobody daring to break the silence.
Turning towards you with eyes full of amusement, Aaron leaned down, whispering in your ear, “Sweet girl, right?”
Looking at the chili that steamed away on the floor, you turned your attention back to him, “Do I have to help clean this up?”
Taking a sip from his beer can, Aaron shook his head, “Probably better you head off. I’ll text you later.”
Grinning, you pushed yourself up, placing a sloppy kiss against his lips before taking your exit.
Stumbling around, you almost lost your footing as you were shoulder bumped by someone rushing by. The girl turned, an apology on the tip of her tongue when she realized it was you,
“Shit, you alright?”
“Rue!” You grinned, grabbing the girl around the neck and pulling her in for a hug, “I am so good.”
“Great, alright. OK. Have you seen Gia, my sister?”
You pondered the idea for a moment but shook your head, “No but uh, I can help you look for her?”
“That would be great. Uh, text me if you find her. Stay safe, alright?”
Rue rushed off, shouting for her sister, and had already passed by the Ferris wheel by the time you’d realized you had no idea who Rue’s sister even was.
So you bumbled around, yelling out her name and hoping that Rue would at least find her.
Walking backward as you watched the Ferris wheel slowly rotate, you were almost knocked to the ground when you hit the sturdy wall behind you.
Except it wasn’t a wall.
“Shit, you alright?”
You were about to tell him what you were doing there, certain there was something you should’ve probably asked him, but the Ferris wheel distracted you once more, the feminine shouts garnering your attention.
“Hey Fez, you wanna go on that with me?”
He observed you for a moment, before sighing, “Nah, I don’t think that’s very safe.”
“Oh c'mon, Fez. Don’t tell me the big, bad dealer is afraid of heights-”
Fez pulled your wobbling frame closer to him, moving you out of the way of a group of rambunctious pre-teens, “I don’t mean that. I mean you goin’ on it, strung out on shit. Who you even get it from, thought you didn’t have no money?”
Patting his chest with your hand, a small giggle escaped you as you lowered your voice as if you were telling him some dark, hidden secret, “My friend got me it. It’s OK, though. I gave him the pretzel.”
Fez wouldn’t lie, he didn’t trust the guy as far as he could throw him. He didn’t like the idea of someone supplying you with drugs, even if they were originally from his stash, “You know that was real stupid, right? You don’t even know him-”
Interrupting Fez, you sighed deeply, looking into the crowd, “I’m sure he’d go on the Ferris wheel with me.”
Sending you an unamused look, Fez stubbed out his cigarette in defeat, “Fine. But only so your dumb ass don’t fall out and get killed.”
The rickety wheel didn’t seem at all safe, but from your little corner of heaven, you barely noticed, “Did you have a good night?”
Swallowing and trying his best not to look down, or listen too much to the creaking noises, Fez shrugged, “Business was good, always is at these types of things.”
Turning to face him a little too quickly for his liking, you sent him a glare, “God Fez. That’s not what I meant. Did you have fun? Eat some cotton candy and shit? Not just work.”
“Not everyone has the privilege to go to this shit for fun.”
An idea formulated in your mind, sending you into a fit of giggles as you excitedly jumped around in your seat,
*Ay, shit. Sit the fuck down, you’re gonna tip it.“
Leaning one knee on the seat, you raised yourself up, hands placed on his shoulders as you continued to giggle. Fez, however, had no intention of dying that night, and he quickly shoved you back down to a seated position, albeit this time a little closer to him, just in case.
Leaning your head back, your laughter had subsided a little, your chest vibrating with a silent chortle.
Feeling his eyes on you, you turned your head, watching as the white and red lights on the frame softly lit his face.
Scooting over so your thigh was pressed against his own, you rested your head on Fez’s shoulder, watching as the fireworks lit up the sky, bursting with colors you were sure you’d never seen before.
Your voice was quiet, and if you weren’t sat so close together, it would’ve been totally drowned out by the noisy fireworks, "I have an idea.”
Fez looked down at you, a cocked eyebrow being the only hint of curiosity.
“You think Ash will shut up shop early?”
“Not a god damn chance.”
Less than 10 minutes later, you were wide-eyed, staring in awe at the lights on each booth you passed, sipping on a blue slushy that you were sharing with Fez. You’d convinced Ash to close shop, offering to help with the clean-up, easily his least favorite part of the night. Patting him on the shoulder, you pointed over to the booth once you had his attention,
“Nah, that’s for babies.”
You couldn’t control the laugh that escaped you. Sometimes you forgot Ash was practically grown. But sometimes, you also forgot he was just 14. You weren’t sure which hurt your heart more.
“Hey, look. If your aim is shit, there’s no harm in just saying so. Ain’t gotta be a pussy about it.”
Your words had goaded him, and within moments he was shooting down targets that were strapped to ducks.
The owner of the booth rang a bell when his time was up, announcing he’d won. Ash began to wave off the prize, not really interested in some stupid teddy bear.
Cutting him off, however, you asked the man for the bear that was wearing a boxing getup. Ash wouldn’t accept the bear, refusing to carry it around the rest of the carnival, so you clung to it as if your life depended on it.
Once the clearing up had been done, you sat in the backseat of Fez’s car, your ears still thumping from the noisy carnival sounds that you could no longer hear.
Pulling up outside your house, Fez looked over the unlit building as you struggled to unbelt yourself. It was quiet, but that didn’t always mean safe, “You gonna be alright?”
“I’ll be fine, Fez.” You smirked, leaning over the console to place a kiss on his cheek, repeating the same on Ash’s before grabbing your jacket, climbing out of the car, and all but skipping up the path.
The two boys watched as you moved a large flower pot from near the front door, grabbing the spare key and letting yourself in. Waiting just a few more moments, the boys watched as your bedroom light turned on, Ash spoke up, “Whoever’s in that house… They do that to her face?”
Fez grumbled, starting up the car again as he pulled away from your house. Ash would take that as a yes.
“Fuckin’ asshole.”
Glancing behind him as he watched the house fade into the distance, his attention was pulled to the backseat where the stupid, childish boxer teddy sat in your previous seat.
He’d keep it safe, and give it to you when he inevitably saw you next, Ash told himself when he placed the bear on his bed once they’d arrived home.
As Fez rolled up outside your house, all the lights were off except one.
At first, you weren’t sure what your neighbor was doing, standing outside your front door at midnight, banging their fists against the door and shouting. But as you pushed open the car door – oblivious to Fez doing the same thing next to you – you could hear the irate shouts that belonged to your father, along with the smashing of glass and the banging of objects being thrown around the room.
You’d seen this before, more times than you cared to admit. On occasion, your father would drink his own body weight in alcohol before tearing the house apart. He’d destroy everything in his path with little regard, looking for some kind of sign.
He’d never explain what exactly he was looking for, what he expected to find… He was far too drunk to be coherent and too full of shame by the morning to even speak on it.
So instead, you both bottled it up inside, and you’d spent the last few years walking on eggshells, hoping you wouldn’t toe a landmine and set him off.
At least volcanoes were predictable. Your father’s lava hot anger and grief burned too harshly, being much too volatile to foresee.
“Hey, what’s going on?” You asked your neighbor, feigning innocence. This was the first time he’d bear witness to your father’s temperamental outbursts and lack of consideration for anyone except himself.
The man turned on his heel, marching up to you in his slipper-clad feet, “What’s… What the fuck is going on? How the fuck would I know?! But you better tell him to shut the fuck up before I go in there myself and-”
“Ay, we get it, aight. We’ll sort it.”
Fez stepped next to you, his face stoic, but his eyes seemed a shade or two darker as he watched the man move back out of your personal space.
“Yeah, well… Make sure you do. Next time, I’ll be calling the cops. Or a fuckin’ psychiatric hospital.”
You made your way towards the door, dropping your keys in your haste before you even realized Fez was still behind you.
Turning quickly on your heel and causing him to step back a little, you sent him a tight, grim smile, “Thanks for the ride, Fez, but I can take it from here.”
A loud smash could be heard from above you, your father’s ranting and rambling becoming less coherent the louder he got.
Fez’s eyes darted between yours, and the brightly lit window above, before shaking his head, “Nah, ain’t happenin’. I ain’t leaving you here with this shit.”
Before you could argue back, a loud crash could be heard, and you darted inside the house and up the stairs towards your father’s room.
You shoved the bedroom door a few times, trying to unjam whatever it was stuck on, and squeezed through the gap. Inside, the bedroom was turned upside down; not a single piece of furniture was in its original place.
“Dad, you need to calm down-”
“Calm down? Fuck you. You calm down.” He was pacing around the room, eyes wide as he ran his hand through his hair repeatedly.
You knew Fez was behind you – you could feel the warmth of his body radiate as he stayed close to your back – watching the scene unfold. To an outsider, it probably looked like your dad had lost his mind.
But you knew what it was. He’d lost his heart.
“C'mon, dad. Next door said they’ll call the cops and-”
“Call them then,” he ranted, making his way towards the window and banging his fists against the glass, “Fucking call them!”
Certain he was going to put the glass through and really hurt himself if he continued, you stepped over the fallen furniture, glass crunching under your shoes as you made your way to him slowly.
Almost how you’d approach an injured, wild animal.
“You need to stop.” You tried to keep your voice low, but you heard it waver, coming out much more like a pleading whisper.
He finally turned, unfocused eyes taking a moment to find you, and grabbed at your arm, dragging you across the small distance between you. Your knees buckled, and you yelped as you felt a kneecap land on a broken picture frame.
Fez stepped forward, face uncertain as he watched, unsure of what was going on, “Hey man, get off her.”
Your father’s eyes snapped to Fez, his drunken mind unsure and untrusting of who he was. When his frenzied eyes turned back to you, you shook your head, “It’s OK, he’s a friend.”
Your father started shouting, and although you were unsure of what he was actually saying, you could tell by the look in his eyes that he felt betrayed.
He grabbed you by the hair, dragging you upwards to him, his blood-shot eyes and vodka breath only a few inches from your face.
Trying to force his way between the both of you, Fez shoved your father hard, causing him to let go of you and land against the dresser. In his drunken haze, your father rushed at him, fists swinging before connecting with what he thought was going to be the boy.
Instead, your father caught your nose, just as you side-stepped in front of Fez.
You couldn’t help the pained grunt that escaped your lips as you crumbled to the floor, eyes already watering as your hand darted up towards your nose feeling it begin to gush.
“Shit-” A wide-eyed Fez tried to make his way closer to you, but you held up a hand, stopping him in his path.
Your father’s anger quickly transformed into sorrow, his head in his hands as he began to sob.
Fez watched as you crossed the small space to him on your knees, disregarding the glass that littered the floor, and held him tightly to you, his body wracked with sobs. He still had no idea what was going on, but the helpless ’Why’s coming from your Father was enough to hurt his heart, too.
You rocked him back and forth, gently shushing him before Fez began to speak. You didn’t turn to face him, nor did you stop the soothing motion for your father. With a quiet, broken voice, you asked Fez to leave.
You had hardly slept.
After your father’s bender, you had finally settled him downstairs on the sofa before making your way to his room to begin to tidy.
A few hours later, you had turned all of the unbroken furniture upright, swept the glass, and placed the now broken photo frame inside the bedside table.
Your own eyes reflected back at you, only in someone much older.
No wonder your father could barely stand to look at you, some days you couldn’t even stomach your own reflection.
You were barely able to drag yourself into the shower, but you couldn’t deny feeling at least a little better afterward. You’d checked on your father before leaving for school that morning, leaving a glass of water and 2 Tylenol on the coffee table before grabbing your backpack and making your way out of the door.
“Holy shit, what happened to you?”
Even while sober, Rue lacked tact.
“Nothing, don’t worry about it.” You tried to shrug her off, but you knew how bad your face had looked in the bathroom mirror this morning. It was too tender to touch, so concealing it with make-up was a no-go.
“What the fuck happened between leaving last night, and this morning? Shit, you get jumped on the way home?”
“Rue,” you sighed, running a hand through your hair as you stopped in the middle of the hallway, “I am begging you, please, just drop it.”
She watched you for a moment, eyes full of uncertainty before she eventually nodded, “Fine. But uh, give me your phone.”
Your eyebrows furrowed, but you did as she asked, fishing your phone out of your pocket, unlocking it, and handing it to her. She fiddled with it for a moment before handing it back, “You got my number now. If you need anything, uh… just text me, alright?”
You sent her a slight nod and made your way towards your last class of the day.
You walked into the room with your head down, trying to ignore the mumbling of your classmates. Sitting down in your seat, you could feel a set of eyes on you. Making the mistake of scanning the room, your eyes connected with Nate’s, the boy peering at you from his own seat, eyes wide with curiosity.
Nate was sure he was probably one of the last people who saw you last night, and you definitely didn’t look like this then.
Swallowing the ever-growing lump in your throat, you opened your textbook, hoping to bury your head in it.
“You lost a fight with the fridges last night?”
Keeping your eyes focused on the page you were pretending to read, you hoped Nate would take the hint and leave you alone. Unfortunately, it seemed the more you ignored him, the more Nate Jacobs craved your attention.
“Look, I’m sorry if I was out of line last night. I didn’t mean to be such a-”
“An asshole?” You finished for him, causing him to huff out a small laugh.
“Yeah, alright. I deserved that. But really, I’m sorry. I should know not to listen to gossip in this place.”
You lowered the book a little, watching him from the corner of your eyes, “Apology accepted, I guess. And I’m sorry too, I didn’t need to be such a-”
“A dick?” He smirked, finally causing you to turn and look at him as he perched on the desk next to yours.
You tried to hide the smirk that was pulling at your lips. Shaking your head, you returned your attention to the textbook.
“So, how’d you get the panda eyes?”
Slamming your book closed, your eyes returned to him, “You’re still being an asshole, Nate.”
He held his hands up as he stood from the desk, sending you a mischievous smirk, “Sorry for giving a shit.”
He made his way back to his own desk, his smile still wide and his eyes still focused on your as he sat down, ready for the lesson to start.
A few hours later, you could be found in the convenience store – or rather, outside of it – sat in a white plastic chair, sharing a cigarette with Fez.
“How’s the face doin’?"
Blowing the smoke through your lips with a little more exasperation than necessary, you handed him back the cigarette, "It’s fine, Fez. I really don’t wanna talk about it. It’s all I heard at school.”
“People be nosey.” He shrugged.
“And you’re not?” You asked, kicking haphazardly at a stone under your sneaker.
He watched you for a moment, face remaining deadpan before the two of you were interrupted as Kat walked up.
“What’s up?” She smiled at you, stopping a few feet from your chair,
“Oh, hey Kat. Whatcha need?”
“Gotta see Ash about something. Wanna come with?”
You shrugged your shoulders before pushing yourself up, grateful for the buffer between yourself and Fez.
Following her into the store, you waited until you were alone to ask what she was there to buy.
“Oh, no. I’m not buying anything. I uh… I use bitcoin. Ash transfers it, changes it into cash.”
You stopped, sending her a quizzical stare, “I have no idea what you just said.”
Maybe it was because of your vulnerable disposition, or maybe she just needed someone, anyoneto speak to. Kat really wasn’t sure, "Can you keep a secret?“
Nodding, you weren’t expecting her to tell you what she did. Kat was ballsey, you’d give her that, "Wait, so that was you in the video?”
“Yeah. Some asshole from St. Mary’s posted it. Fucking Wes.”
“Literally,” Your smirk quickly dropped when you realized Kat didn’t exactly appreciate your joke, “I kinda knew of him from my old school. He was a piece of shit back then, too.”
“Wait, you’re an ex-private school kid?” Kat’s face was full of glee as she giggled.
“Yeah, alright. I know. I don’t exactly look like one. But yeah… Westfield-”
“Holy shit, Westfield?! So you’re like… rich, rich?”
“Uh, no. Not anymore, at least.”
Thankfully, Kat didn’t press to hear anymore. Instead, she pulled open the fridge and made her way toward Ash, sending the payment.
After Ash had explained his 20% banking fee, you walked back out with Kat who asked if you wanted to head to the mall with herself and Maddy, “So, why are you working here anyway?”
“Uh, I owe Fez some money.”
“Oh shit, for drugs?”
“Something like that.” You sent her a timid smile before heading back to the plastic chairs outside.
“You know if you’re still short on money, you could always cash in on what I’m doing. I’m sure you’d make a killing.”
Hearing that, Fez’s curiosity was peaked. Normally, he didn’t give two shits over other people’s business, but this involved his money, right?
“Uh, thanks for the offer, but I’m good. It’s not really my style.”
“And stacking shelves is? No offense, Fez.”
Fez remained silent as you and Kat said your goodbyes, waiting for a moment before turning to you, “So, what’s her master plan of making a quick buck?”
“Yeah, I can’t tell you that. But from the money she got today I could pay you back a lot quicker than at this minimum wage dead-end job. Wouldn’t have to do any heavy lifting, either.” You sent Fez a playful smirk, ignoring the slight pain from your bruised cheeks.
“Hey, you the one with the addiction, not me.”
Huffing, you kicked his shoe with your own, “It’s not an addiction, asshole.”
“Yeah, that’s what all the junkies tell me. Now c'mon, get your ass back in there and actually do something at your minimum-wage, dead-end job.”
As you shuffled the tray of Coke cans over towards the fridge, Fez perched himself on the table where the till was – his usual spot, “So, you heading to the carnival this weekend?”
“Oh, I kinda assumed I’d be here.”
“Nah, we shut up shop for it. No point opening, everyone’s there.”
“Oh, OK. Are you and Ash going?”
“Yeah, we got a pretzel stand,” upon hearing your snort of laughter, Fez rolled his eyes, “We deal outta it. Make good money there too.”
“You need any help with Pretzel World?”
“Uh, it’s Pretzel Mania, actually. But Nah, we good. Go, enjoy some time with your friends.”
You really didn’t want to tell him that you didn’t really have any friends to go with.
You’d restocked the shelves and fridges, swept and mopped the floor, and wiped down the sides by the time a truck pulled into the parking lot, beeping its horn twice.
“Shit, I’m so sorry, I forgot I have this… Thing. Is it alright if I go?”
Fez nodded, knowing any jobs you’d be doing had already been finished, his stare instead focused on the pick-up truck outside, “Who’s that?”
Your mouth opened and shut a few times, showing Fez your best impression of a goldfish before your brain finally caught up, “Oh, uh… It’s just, someone from NA. You need me to come back later, or?”
“Nah, it’s cool. I’ll be closin’ up in a bit anyway.”
Fez watched as you jogged across the parking lot and practically threw yourself into the truck.
It didn’t take long to drive to the coffee shop, but the tension between yourself and Ali could be cut with a knife.
In fact, neither of you spoke a word until you were sat down, sipping on your hot coffee.
“You know, one of the biggest recommendations for addicts is to not get into a new relationship during the first year of recovery.”
You felt Ali’s eyes on you from across the table, deciding to take a big gulp of the too-hot beverage to hold off – even if only for a few seconds – on whatever bullshit Ali had to say.
“I’m not in a relationship.”
Placing his mug onto the table, he sighed, “You’re not in recovery, either.”
You rolled your eyes, turning your attention to the world outside the window.
“So, who is the guy then?”
You continued staring through the glass, watching as a mother pulled her screaming child along the pavement, clearly in a rush, “He’s just some guy. He uh… He owns the convenience store, gave me a couple of hours after school.”
“That’s good, really. It’s a good step. You managing it alright?”
You send him a wry smile, placing your own mug back onto the table, “I mean, it’s taken a while for my minuscule brain to know which end of the broom to use when sweeping the floor, but I’ll get there. In fact, tomorrow he’s going to show me how to stack cans.”
It was Ali’s turn to roll his eyes, his own attention being drawn to the outside world, “You know what I mean. There’s a lot of stress that comes with a job, especially when you add school to that mix. I just don’t want you to overdo it.”
Well, now you felt like a piece of shit.
“It’s fine, Ali. I don’t do much there anyway.”
Returning his attention back to you, he rested his chin on his hands, “You talking ‘bout school or the store?”
Sending him an impish smile, you lent back in your chair, feeling a little more at ease, “Both, I guess.”
There was a fraught silence between the two of you, and you knew Ali would inevitably mention the elephant in the room.
“So, how bad is the other guy?”
There it was.
“It’s really nothing to worry yourself over, Ali.”
“Then you wouldn’t mind telling me what happened, you know, if there’s nothing to worry about.”
“I got into a stupid fight in school, alright. Really, it’s nothing. It’s sorted now.” The lie came easily enough.
Ali nodded, accepting her excuse but not for one moment believing it.
“How’s life at home?”
You could feel your face heat up, and you prayed to anyone who would listen that Ali wouldn’t catch on. The timing of his question put you on edge, making you much more defensive than you already were.
“It’s fine, why?”
“Just wanted to make sure you had a good support system at home. I know it’s just your dad and you.”
“Well, he’s fine, we’re fine. It’s all good on that front, thank you.”
He watched you for a moment, and you bit the inside of your cheek in an attempt to stop any nervous gestures he could catch onto.
“You know, my dad was a piece of shit. Grew up watching him beat on my Momma-”
“What’s your point, Ali.”
“I’m just saying, there’s help. Sometimes, that help comes from yourself. But there are always people that care about you. People who-”
Ali’s words were cut off when you slammed your almost finished coffee onto the table, causing a few other patrons to turn around and watch you both.
“Listen, Ali. I don’t know what the fuck you think you’re onto, but you’re grasping at straws. I don’t need help, and I don’t need anyone to fucking care about me. My mom didn’t just pack up and leave my dad, alright? She fucking left me too. So beg my fuckin’ pardon if I don’t quite believe that anyone gives two shits about me when the only person in the world who should, doesn’t.”
Without giving him a moment more, you pushed your chair out, storming out of the coffee house door. He was going to follow you when his phone buzzed, a call coming through from another lost teenager.
Stomping down the streets, you held your anger in your chest, refusing to allow yourself to cry all the way to the dealer’s house.
Knocking a little too hard, you paced in front of the door, heaving deep breaths in an attempt to calm yourself down.
“Who is it?”
Hearing his voice, you leaned your forehead against the door in relief, “Fez, it’s me. Open up, please.”
You were certain you heard him mumble under his breath but couldn’t find it in yourself to care. Not when you had more pressing matters at hand. As he pulled open the door, you all but barreled through the entrance, anger clear on your face from your clenched jaw.
Fez watched in silence as you threw yourself onto the sofa where he had been sitting, crossing your arms in front of your chest as your shoulders heaved, “The fuck is wrong with you?”
“Look, I know I owe you like, a shit ton of money or whatever, but I really need you to do me a solid right now-”
“I ain’t selling shit. Not today. Sorry.”
“Fez, I am fucking desperate. Please, I will get on my hands and knees and fucking beg you. I just need… I just need something. Anything. Please.”
By this time, you’d stood in front of the man, grasping his shirt in your hands, sweat dripping down your forehead as he watched you with despondent eyes. Pulling your hands from his shirt, he nodded back over to the sofa, “Just go sit your ass back down.”
And like an obedient little puppy hoping to get a treat, you followed his demand, watching him with an almost pleading look.
Sitting down next to you, Fez sighed and grabbed the blunt from behind his ear, lighting it before handing it to you.
He could tell from your frown that weed wasn’t what you needed, but you took it nonetheless, inhaling the smoke a little too quickly and causing yourself to choke.
After a few moments of passing the joint between you both, Fez finally spoke up, “It not go well with that guy? The one from NA?”
You closed your eyes, leaning your head on the back of the sofa as you exhaled a lungful, “Understatement of the century, Fezco.”
“You wanna talk about it-”
“No.”
Another instant passed between you both, and the blunt was almost down to the roach before he spoke again,
“How you get into drugs, anyway?”
If anyone asked you, you’d tell them that the weed had calmed your mind and lowered your inhibitions, and that was the reason why you’d said anything at all to him.
“The drug scene was pretty ripe in my old school, and my ex-boyfriend liked to… dabble.”
“Yeah? What was the dealer like?” Fez joked, sending you a small smirk.
“Well, he never let me smoke weed on his couch, so I’d say you’re winning on the courtesy front.”
Rubbing his hand over his head, Fez avoided your gaze knowing damn well most people wouldn’t hold the same opinion, “You uh… Do you ever blame him? You know, for gettin’ you on this shit in the first place?”
“Who, my old dealer?” You asked, leaning down further into the couch, “Nah. If I didn’t get it from him, then I’d of got it from someone else, right? He just sells it he ain’t pushing it on anyone.”
You didn’t fully understand where this was coming from, but you knew Fez wasn’t really that interested in your ex-dealer. It was a little more personal than that.
The truth was, Fez had taken your words from before personally. Could he really sit and say he cared for Rue, damn well loved her like a sister, if he was still feeding her habit? She’d already OD’d once from his supply. If he continued selling her drugs knowing her dependency, then her next OD would be on him. So he’d cut her off.
She’d screamed, cursed him out, cried even. But Fez didn’t give in. Her life depended on it.
Tucking your legs under yourself and turning to face him completely on the couch, you sent him a soft smile, “I don’t know who’s said what to you, Fez. But I do know you’re a good guy, regardless of your day job. Just because someone does something a little shitty, don’t mean they’re shitty, alright? You gotta do the best with what you’re given.”
His own gentle eyes flickered between yours as he remained quiet, watching as you rest your arm on the top of the couch, face resting in your palm, much calmer than you had been upon your arrival.
Your other hand hovered over his hand for just a moment, as if you couldn’t decide whether or not to do it before you gently placed it over his own. Giving it a reassuring squeeze, you stood to take your leave.
Well, even though I’m depressed I’m not sorry, I don’t wanna leave this bed at all, I’ve got a brick on my chest, And hell is gripping my legs, And there’s a demon, he’s 10 foot tall, But honestly, He doesn’t seem like much of a threat, yeah.
Summary:New to town, you didn’t need a friend, you needed a dealer. Thankfully, a girl from your Narcotics Anonymous meetings knew just the guy.
Characters:Fezco (euphoria) x Non-descriptive Reader
Words:4,542
Chapter Warnings: Mentions of addiction, very brief mentions of overdosing. Reader is also a lil bit of an asshole in this.
Series Warnings: Addiction, sexual themes, cursing, abuse (various), smut, drug use, teenagers being fucking idiots. 18+ only, minors DNI
For the second time since you’d met you’d awoken on Fez’s couch. The only difference was this time; he was there with you. Head back and mouth slightly ajar, this was the first time you’d seen him actually look somewhat peaceful.
You pushed yourself up on shaky arms, brow furrowed as you looked around the room. You were drowsy and wanted nothing more than to go to bed and sleep for 12 hours. Unfortunately, your shuffling awoke Fez, who sat himself up quickly, eyes connecting with yours immediately.
Once convinced that you were not, in fact, dead, he settled a little more, leaning back onto the couch, “Wasn’t sure you were gonna make it.”
“Was I that bad?” You questioned, voice raspy where your throat was so dry. If Fez told you that you’d run through the Mojave Desert last night eating sand, you’d have taken every word as gospel.
Rubbing his hand over his eyes, Fez tried in vain to wake himself up, “That shit is bad enough; you ain’t supposed to mix it. ‘Specially not with benzos.”
Letting yourself lay back down – your frail arms no longer able to hold up your weight – you sighed, “Don’t think I had much choice.”
“I told you, you shouldn’t have been here. Guys like Mouse… Shit, they don’t fuck around, you get me?” When you didn’t reply, Fez tried a different approach, “How you feelin’ now?”
“Honestly… Still pretty fuckin’ blissful.”
Hearing him sigh in defeat, you couldn’t help but feel bad. The guy – drug dealer or not – had been minding his own damn business when you’d wrecking ball-ed your way into his life.
Your life choices up until this point hadn’t been great, and this wasn’t the first time your shitty decisions had dragged someone down with you… But it seemed you just couldn’t help the collateral damage during your self-destruction.
You were happy enough to sabotage your own life, destroying it with one stupid fucking decision after another but once again, you’d dragged someone else along for the ride. Someone who wasn’t exactly a willing participant. Shit, you didn’t even fucking know the guy.
“I am so fucking sorry, Fez.”
He was silent for a moment as if he was rehashing the night, deciding whether or not your apology was genuine. Eventually, though, he released another sigh and turned his head towards you, “Shit, ain’t nobody know it was gonna go down like that. I’m just glad you’re not dead.”
Part of you wished you felt the same.
Taking in his features, you thought he looked older than he was. Not in a 'more mature' way, but more so in a ’Sisyphus rolling a boulder up a hill repeatedly for the rest of eternity' way.
You knew he was a 20-something-year-old high-school dropout. Rue had told you as much. Something about his Grandma being the drug pin of East Highland, before Fez – and Ash – took over.
She’d never told you why, just shrugged her shoulders and continued to her class.
“Why was you here last night?” He asked, voice low and husky.
The memories of your fight with your father flooded your brain, and you had to swallow down the lump in your throat, “Just shit going on at home, you know. Needed something to take my mind off it.”
“Shit… Got more than you bargained for there.”
“Yeah, next time I might just go for a run instead.”
The small rumble of laughter that left Fez’s lips made your own pull up into a bashful grin. Had you ever heard him laugh before?
Fez pushed his chest out slightly, rotating his neck as he tried to work out the kinks, “You didn’t have to stay out here with me.”
“Can’t really tell if someone’s ODing from down the hall.” He countered, resting one arm over the back of the couch, the other gently resting over your blanket-clad legs.
A little while later when your legs were finally able to carry your own weight – though you were walking like Bambi on ice – you followed Fez down the hallway and back to his room. Fez pointed out the bathroom as you passed, but mentioned nothing of the other door that was slightly ajar.
Trying your best to not appear nosy, you peeped in as you passed, but you couldn’t see much. Fez picked up your shorts and hoody, handing them to you with a slight frown. Whilst the bottoms had dried out overnight, the hoody was still damp because of the thick cotton.
He was about to leave, ready to give you some privacy, when he turned to his drawers, pulling out a green jumper. After throwing it at your head – knowing damn well you wouldn’t have your normal reflexes – he made his way towards the kitchen.
Forgoing your damp hoody for his soft forest green jumper, you tried your best not to snuggle down into it. Sure, it was California and it wasn’t exactly cold in September, but the chill from the previous evening’s rain had settled in your bones, leaving its mark.
After dressing and using his bathroom, you finally made your way back down the hallway, noting Ash sat on the couch, eating cereal and watching cartoons.
“Shit, so you are still alive.”
You sent him a tight smile, nodding your head. You didn’t fully remember what happened last night, at least not after taking Fentanyl. It was all a little foggy; like everything was in slow motion. If you were completely honest, it felt fucking beautiful.
“Yeah, sorry about last night.”
Ashtray watched you for a moment, then simply shrugged his shoulders and continued shoveling spoonfuls into his mouth, “How you gonna pay him back?”
It took a moment for you to register what Ash meant, eyes widening as you turned your attention to Fez, “He made you pay for that shit? I’m so fuckin’ sorry.”
“Yeah well, Mouse is a cunt. I couldn’t not spot you, you get me?”
Although unaware of the situation that could’ve occurred last night had Fez not had your back, you felt guilty. Sure, Fez was a drug dealer, but he seemed like a pretty decent guy, just trying to make money and live his life like anyone else in the world. And you were a stranger to him. Nothing more, nothing less. He didn’t owe you shit.
“Fez don’t spot no one. How you gonna pay up?”
You could ask your father, but his answer would depend entirely on his mood and level of sobriety. Which – just like yours – hadn’t exactly been great recently. Like father, like daughter, right?
“I uh… I can help out at the store?”
“We don’t employ junkies,” Ash grumbled, placing his bowl on the coffee table.
“He’s right,” Fez sighed before holding the palms of his hands out towards you when your eyebrow shot up, “Not about the junkie thing but… Having someone who does drugs selling drugs… That shit ain’t smart for business, you feel me?”
Exhaling sharply, your glare bore into both brothers, “I didn’t mean that part of it. I meant the legal side.”
The two brothers were silent for a moment as they exchanged looks that you couldn’t even begin to read. Ashtray rolled his eyes before grabbing his bowl and putting it in the sink, seemingly giving Fez his blessing.
The older brother turned to you, “Fine. Come in this evening-”
“I actually have plans until like, 8pm.” You interrupted him, sending an apologetic smile his way when he frowned, “Narcotics Anonymous. I kinda can’t miss it…”
You heard a laugh escape Ash, and honestly… You couldn’t blame him. You were attending the meetings, sure. But like hell were you implementing anything that they tried to teach you. You weren’t sober, and you had no intentions of being so any time soon.
“OK. Well, we’re open late. Meet me after. I’ll get you set up.”
Fez offered you a lift home, knowing your body was still coming down from the Fentanyl, and motioned for you to go wait in the car.
As he packed up the drugs he’d purchased from Mouse, ready to take them to the store and wash his hands with the memory of the previous night, Fez heard Ash tut. Continuing to pack his bag, Fez side-eyed the boy, “You got no fuckin’ manners bro, you know that?”
Ash eyed him up and down, an unimpressed expression settled on his face, “And you got no fuckin’ game, bro. You know that?”
Ash turned on his heels, making his way to his room to get dressed, leaving his brother to watch him go, brows pinched together.
The ride home was quiet enough; Fez put some music on low and you were thankful that it drowned out the silence, and hopefully prevented any further conversations.
You felt like shit, the effects of the Fentanyl wearing off, leaving your body weak and your mind a little groggy, and to top it all off, you now owed Fez a shit ton of cash.
As he pulled up outside your house, he sighed, rubbing his hand over his head, “You gonna be 'aight getting to the store tonight?”
Turning, eyes widened as you peered at him, you merely nodded, “Yeah, it’s cool.”
As you made your way towards the front door, you could hear Fez’s car still rumbling behind you as he waited for you to enter the house before he drove off. You could only hope that the engine noise didn’t disturb your father, who was most likely passed out on the couch after a long night of doing fuck all but drowning his sorrows.
“The fuck you been?”
Because of course, life couldn’t just give you a break.
Making your way past him and towards the kitchen, you tried to keep your wobbly legs strong, “Just stayed with a friend.”
He hummed in reply, before passing you and grabbing himself a mug, filling it with coffee, “Well, let me know next time. I was worried.”
As he made his way toward the stairs, every fiber of your body was tempting you, begging even, to scream at him, tell him to go fuck himself. That he wasn’t worried, that he never cared. But the guilt welded your mouth shut, dragging your words back down your throat, holding them tightly in your chest, and leaving you with a weight that could drown you.
Because your father did care. Just… Only sometimes. When it benefited him, or when he was able to stay sober for more than a few days.
And that’s why you remained loyal to him, despite the neglect and abuse. Because sure, he was a grade-A cunt when he was drunk. But when he was sober? He was a different man.
When you were younger, he’d take you out for ice cream, to the park, to the zoo… Anything your heart desired. You had been enrolled in one of the best private schools on the East-coast, and as you got older, your father paid for piano lessons and art classes… Life was pretty fucking great. You were privileged, and you knew it. Unfortunately, at the time, you also fucking acted like it. You know what they say, though.
The higher you climb, the further you fall.
Andshit did it feel like you hit every god damn branch on the way down.
“Hi, I’m Rue and I’ve been clean for 60 days.”
Forcing your lips into a firm, straight line, you thought it was a little hypocritical of you to laugh. You weren’t all that different, were you?
So instead, you kept your face stoic and clapped along with everyone else, listening as Rue told her story to the room.
“The hardest bit has been… Feeling like I owe it to myself. And, maybe that’ll get easier. I hope it will. Thank you.”
Rue walked back to her seat – the chair in front of yours – and settled back in with a sigh.
“60 days? Well done, Rue."
She turned in her chair, but her eyes darted everywhere except at you as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Leaning forward, you placed your hand on her shoulder, offering her a small, genuine smile, "Really Rue. No matter how long it’s been… Well done.”
You’d spoken a little in school, and she had introduced you to a few of her friends. She’d mentioned one lunch that she had remained sober for a little while now.
You made your way over to the table where Rue and Jules sat, both chatting as they looked at the latter girl’s phone.
Placing your tray on the table, you opened your mouth ready to complain about the day-old, hard pizza you’d just paid for when Jules’ phone was thrust into your face.
The image was blurry at first, and you had to push the girl’s arm away a little to be able to see it. You took a moment, eyebrows furrowed and eyes darting between the picture, and Jules, the girl looking at you smugly, “Is this, or is this not, a huge dick?”
“Fucking hell, Jules. It’s too early to be showing me pictures of people’s dicks.”
Rue smirked as Jules huffed, rolling her eyes and shoving the picture in your face once more after you’d sat down, “It’s like 1pm. Now… Big dick, right?”
You sighed, sending the girl an exasperated look before peering back at the photo, “Uh, yeah. Sure. Big dick… Why is there an Evian bottle in the picture?”
“Size reference,” Rue shrugged before taking a sip of her drink.
Jules continued grinning down at her phone, seemingly distracted by a text. Turning your attention to Rue, you sent her a small smile, “You look good, Rue.”
“Oh, uh. Thanks. Probably due to the lack of illegal substances flowing around my body.”
Placing a hand over hers, you squeezed it once reassuringly, “Well, whatever you’re doing… It’s a good look on you.”
You’d left pretty soon after Jules asked Rue to help her with something top secret, throwing your pizza in the bin as you passed.
“Two weeks,” She mumbled, her voice croaky as she sent you a feeble smile.
“That’s fucking great, Rue.” Patting her on the shoulder, your attention was quickly pulled to the front of the room as the speaker called your name, a gentle smile on her plump lips as she offered you the stage.
“Uh, no. I’m good for now, thanks.” Sending her back your own strained grimace.
Feeling your chair jolting forward slightly, you turned as the man’s smooth voice filled your ears, “Seems like you got a lot to say today. You sure you don’t wanna take a turn?”
Sending the man a stern glare, you moved your chair back to its original position, hoping to hit his knee or land on his toe… Whatever. “I said I’m good, Ali. Drop it.”
To anyone who had attended these meetings for long enough, they would know that you’ve spent almost every session sitting in your normal chair – not too far in the back, but nowhere near the front. You liked being in the middle of the ocean of people. You were less noticeable there – sitting quietly until the end of the meeting. You clapped along with everyone else, sipped coffee from the polystyrene cups, and made small talk with the other attendants, but you’d be damned if you’d open your mouth and tell them anything about your life.
You were here solely to keep people off your back. To look like you were trying, and if those people were unaware that you’d walk home smoking a blunt, or pop a few pills before you’d pass out and finally get some sleep… Then that was their problem.
Ali had given you space for a while, watching from afar whenever you’d decline to share your story. At first, he’d thought maybe you were just shy, embarrassed, even. But it didn’t take long for him to realize you were just full of shit.
You made your way out of the building with Rue, the girl quietly speaking as you took a sip from your hot coffee, hissing slightly as it burned your lip. She was planning to head home, and you had a moderately short walk to the store to meet Fez. You weren’t sure what you could do there at this time, but if it meant paying him back every dollar, you’d mop the floors until sunrise.
“Yo, 60 days… No small feat.”
“Thanks.” Rue began to unlock her bike as Ali continued to ask her questions. About her overdose… About her sister.
You were ready to head out – you’d put up with Ali’s shit for long enough, Rue was on her own for this one – but the man pulled out a cigarette box, holding it out to you. Though he was someone you purposely tried not to interact with, he could read you like a book sometimes.
Taking one, you barely listened to him drone on at Rue. Ali Muhammad, the man with the almighty mouth!
Shaking your lighter a few times, it flickered before burning out, and you knew you’d have to get another one. Accepting Ali’s – who had barely stuttered during his speech to Rue whilst he held it out – you inhaled deeply, letting the smoke sit on your chest for a moment.
You watched as he handed Rue a card that you had been all too familiar with, “Let me know when you want to stop trying to kill yourself and eat some pancakes.”
Leaning back against the wall, he waited for Rue to unchain her bike, telling her as she turned to you, “She’s good, we need a word.”
As if he had provided the last piece of the puzzle your dad had given you before, you squeezed your eyes closed and huffed, head tilted towards the sky, “Shit. Not you. Anyone but you.”
A fucking sponsor.
“Sorry, girl. Your father rang me, thinks it would be a good idea. We both do.”
“I already see enough of you twice a week, I don’t need to add to that.”
Ali chuckled, blowing the smoke out of his mouth and towards the sky as you watched him. “This shit is hard, I get it. Getting sober was damn near the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But to get there you gotta start somewhere, and it’s always easier having someone in your corner who’s been through the same kind of bullshit you have-”
“-You don’t know what bullshit I’ve been through-”
“-And I’m not gonna force you to tell me. That’s your private shit, I get it. But having someone to talk to can do a world of good.”
Giving you a card – you’d already had three stashed away at home, and you were now certain that was where your father had found his contact details – he made his way back inside, leaving you to stare at the stupid, white card, before shoving it in your pocket and beginning your walk.
“You get many people this late at night?” You inquired, pushing a heavy carton full of drinks across the floor with your foot until you got to the right fridge.
“Nah, but we get the restock out the night before, saves doing it between customers.”
“So it’s just you in the day?” You propped open the fridge, using your hip to keep it open as you bent over, grabbing a few of the bottles and putting them in their place.
Fez watched you from a distance, sitting on the table next to the cash register, “Yeah, til Ash gets outta school. You in Rue’s grade?”
“Nah, senior.” You finally closed the fridge door, wiping the beads of sweat from your forehead.
“How was the meeting?”
Shrugging a single shoulder, you grabbed the plastic packaging and rolled it into a ball, making your way back to Fez’s side and throwing it in the small bin by his legs, “It was fine. Saw Rue there again, seems like she’s doing well.”
“Yo, can I ask you somethin’? But like, I don’t want you to get mad…”
Leaning against the red racking that homed the bags of share-sized chips, you cocked a brow, silently allowing him to go on.
“Why’d you go to the meetings, if you ain’t staying sober? Like, ain’t that the whole point of 'em?”
You watched him for a moment, trying to process the politest way to tell him to mind his own damn business. Instead, you settled with “You know, you’re either the worst or best dealer I’ve ever met.”
Fez watched you as you grinned at him, but he could tell the smile was for show, “Whatchu mean?”
“You’re a dealer, do you really wanna get involved in your client’s rehabilitation? Do you want them to get sober?”
Fez was quiet for a moment, thinking over his answer. Just as you turned, ready to grab some more stock, his voice stopped you, “Some of 'em, yeah. Rue, for one.”
Your fingers fiddled with the handle of another fridge, this one needing to be stocked with beer, “You and Rue… You close?”
“Yeah man, Rue’s family.”
“And you want her to get sober?”
“I don’t want her to die, so yeah…”
“Yet, you’re still dealing to her? Makes no sense to me.”
You didn’t mean to sound so rude, but you were yet to meet a drug dealer who actually gave a shit about someone he was supplying. Because as soon as Rue stopped buying, that was one customer less for Fezco. Yet the longer he did supply her with drugs, the worse she was going to get.
Fez remained silent, his eyes vacant as he seemed lost in his thoughts.
After a while of watching you potter about, becoming accustomed to the layout of the store, Fezco was ready to shut up shop when a truck’s engine grabbed his attention. It was the only customer he’d had in a while, and, of course, it was right as he was about to close.
“What’s up, Fez?”
Fez knew who it was as soon as the guy had entered the store, watching him in the convex mirror.
“Sup.” He responded with his usual nonchalant tone.
Nate stopped, halting for a moment as you bent over to grab the last pack of beer before scooting around you, his hand brushing past your lower back as you stood up.
The aisle wasn’t the widest, but it was wide enough to keep his hands to himself, Fez thought as he watched Nate send you a disarming smile,
“Sorry, just uh… Need to get in here.”
A small ’Oh’ was released from your lips as you quickly side-stepped further away from him, allowing him space to open a fridge door and grab a bottle of water from it,
“Thanks. Hey, uh… Aren’t you new here? I haven’t seen you around much.”
Sending him a small, but friendly smile back, you nodded, “Been here a couple of weeks now.”
His eyes lit up with recognition as he looked over you, “Oh yeah, shit. Didn’t you go to McKay’s party? I remember something about a new girl almost OD'ing on the couch?”
You wanted to correct him, tell him that whilst yes, it was stupid to take two pills whilst drinking, you were far from overdosing. Shit, you were just tired. You didn’t know who had started the rumor, nor why, but you’d heard the whispers around school just as much as Nate had. Instead, you kept your smile in place, keeping it wide and innocent,
“Yeah, I guess that was me. Hey… Aren’t you the guy whose girlfriend fucked another guy in the pool in front of like… everyone?”
You could feel Fezco’s eyes on you from the register where he was still perched, unsure whether or not he needed to step in. To say the air was filled with a thick, uneasy tension would be an understatement.
It was Nate’s dark eyes that held you captive at that moment as you refused to back down from his staring competition. His smile dropped, and your eyes darted to his throat, watching as he struggled to swallow a lump that had formed in his throat, but as quickly as it had disappeared, his smile was once again plastered over his face.
Only this time, it was much more sardonic, “I mean, we were broken up at the time. But yeah. Guess that’s me, too.”
His eyes washed over you, taking in your whole body from head to toe as if you amused him in some way that you couldn’t quite put your finger on. It wasn’t condescending, but it was… something.
Nodding his head at you, Nate made his way to the register, placing the bottle of water down next to where Fezco had sat, fishing for his wallet as he ignored the other man’s eyes on him,
“Some rolling papers too, man.”
“That’ll be $2.50, playboy.”
After Nate had left – Fez closing the shutters behind him – you’d both remained quiet for a while. He counted up the cash in the register, locking it away as he watched you from the corner of his eye.
“You uh, you never told me why you still go to those meetings.”
“You never told me how much you paid Mouse.”
“And you never told me how you got that cut on your head.”
It was like a dick swinging contest. You knew he’d meant it to come off as nothing more than polite conversation, something to ease the tension that had been left in the wake of Nate Jacobs. But it had been a long day, and you were tired of people trying to stick their nose in your business.
First your father, then Ali and Nate, now Fez.
You turned around abruptly, eyes sharp as you failed to hold your tongue, “Listen, Fezco. I’m really grateful you’re letting me pay you back by working here, and I’m still not sure why you’ve been so nice to me, but I don’t need nice. I don’t need your pity.”
He couldn’t lie, your tone cut him a little. He’d been nice enough – perhaps a little too nice – and whether that was for your sake, Rue’s sake, or simply because he was brought up with a lot of respect for women, he couldn’t be sure.
Either way, your tirade had caught him a little off guard, “Go the fuck home then. We’re done here 'til tomorrow anyway.”
It was a little before midnight when you stormed across the small car park, ready for the long walk home. Fez had turned off the lights and locked up, already halfway to his car when he shouted to you,
“Ay, get the fuck in the car, I ain’t letting you walk your ass home alone at this time.”
Fez couldn’t be sure why he’d offered to drive you home that night, even after you’d been a bit of an asshole.
And when he’d finally pulled up outside your house, you’d wished he never offered in the first place.
Oh, beauty in death sometimes, No, you’ve never been this high, It might make you lose your mind, Let it fly
Summary: New to town, you didn’t need a friend, you needed a dealer. Thankfully, a girl from your Narcotics Anonymous meetings knew just the guy.
Characters:Fezco (euphoria) x Non-descriptive Reader
Words: 3,120
Chapter Warnings: Mentions of addiction, mentions of abuse, drug use, forceful drug use, dark undertones in regards to sexual assault, standard euphoria warnings
Series Warnings: Addiction, sexual themes, cursing, abuse (various), smut, drug use, teenagers being fucking idiots. 18+ only, minors DNI
You’d awoken the next morning feeling like absolute shit.
Your body still felt heavy, and it took quite a bit of nudging from Fez to even get you to move. He offered you a ride home on his drive to the store, and -shit.
Maybe going home wasn’t your best option. Checking the time on your phone, you released a heavy sigh, at least your father would have left for work already. Hopefully, he would’ve assumed you were sleeping and left you be, but you never really were that lucky, were you?
Still, you stretched out your body much like a cat, before standing and folding the blanket neatly, placing it down where you’d body had left an imprint on the couch.
Thanking Fez once you’d got home, you slipped into the house and went straight to bed. You didn’t intend to see anyone for at least 12 hours.
It was barely a week later when you found yourself pounding the pavements, following your phone’s GPS and the address Rue gave you for your local drug dealer.
She’d left out the part that he didn’t sell from his home, but you wouldn’t have listened to her either way.
After school, you’d downed another of the pills you’d originally bought from Fez, and managed to pass out in a kid’s playground on top of the jungle gym. It wasn’t until you were awoken by a red and blue siren that you realized; you were fucked. Thankfully, you had no other drugs on you. You’d taken pity on Rue one day in school when she mentioned having to flush the last of her drugs after a traumatic drama lesson, so you gave her one of your benzos.
They drove you home, and your Father had berated you for fucking hours, but you’d barely taken any of it in, still a little high. You weren’t as bad as McKay’s party, thankfully, only having half the dosage and no alcohol to mix it with.
But your dad had a fucking attitude about it. He’d rang the NA group leader, lying to cover you for not attending that evening – shame was a deeply rooted family issue that seemed to skip your generation – and tried to set you up with a sponsor. When you tried to argue that you didn’t need orwant a sponsor, he flipped, telling you that if you didn’t, he’d be putting you into rehab.
His threats of boarding school clearly hadn’t worked well enough. But rehab? Well, that scared the shit out of you. Sure, you’d attend these shitty NA meetings, but you weren’t an addict. You dabbled, yes. And you fucking loved the effects some drugs gave you, whether that was mellowing you out enough to stop any invasive thoughts and letting you sleep, or making you hear colors. You liked it all.
But you could stop any time you wanted.
The argument had scared you enough – fueled by alcohol, he threw plates and glasses and whatever the fuck else he could get a hold of across the room at you – so you’d grabbed your phone and ran, despite the pouring rain.
Stopping to regain your breath when you got to the correct address, you tried to calm your heart down before it could beat out of your chest. Eventually, you made your way to the door and knocked a few times. It was silent for a moment before the door opened.
“Fuck do you want?”
The kid couldn’t have been older than 14, and it took you a moment to answer him, “Uh, Fez here?”
“He’s busy right now. If you’re lookin’ to buy then-”
“I just… I need to speak to him. It’s important.”
Ash wasn’t an idiot by any means. He’d been doing this shit for as long as he could remember, and he damn well knew an addict when he saw one.
“Hey Ash, it’s alright,” Fez’s voice filled your ears, and you’d never been fucking happier. The man was a Saint, a fucking angel from Heaven above and- “Ain’t got shit to sell you, come back tomorrow. But you gotta leave right now.”
“Are you fuckin’ kidding me?” Pushing your hair back from your face as you desperately paced in front of his door, Fez’s eyebrows pulled together,
“Fuck happened to your face?”
You stopped mid-pace, assuming he was just being rude. You were sure your eyes were red from crying, but he didn’t need to point it out. Subconsciously you wiped under your eyes before pushing your hand back off your forehead, once more being pushed down by the rain. Looking at your hand, you finally saw what he must’ve.
A smear of blood.
Your fingers automatically returned to your forehead, pressing along until you felt the searing pain that you’d somehow managed to ignore the entire walk here. Looking up at Fez, you were about to speak when the loud engine of a car stole his attention just as his phone vibrated in his back pocket, causing a look of panic to flash behind his widened eyes.
Releasing a harsh sigh, he grabbed you by the arm and pulled you inside, pushing you past the kitchen and living room and down a hallway. Stopping, he opened the door and ushered you inside, fixing you with a glare as he held his finger to his lips.
“There’s a towel over there; get dry. Stay in here, don’t say a fuckin’ word, and don’t make a fuckin’ sound. Clear?” He could’ve kicked himself for not having the keys to his own door on hand.
You could tell from the seriousness of his voice that he wasn’t fucking about. So you merely nodded and waited for him to shut the door before placing your phone down on his bedside table, letting your eyes wander around the room.
Soaked from the heavy downpour, you were grateful when your eyes landed on the towel Fez pointed to earlier, leftover from a previous shower.
You kicked off your shoes before pulling off your over-sized hoody and shorts, trying your best to move silently as you rubbed down your cold legs with the towel.
Once you were dry enough, you grabbed your wet clothes and draped them over a chair, tiptoeing over to his bed. Deciding it was probably a little too rude to get under covers, you sat atop it instead, moving some of his stray clothing to the side and pulling your knees to your chest as you tried to warm yourself up.
You could hear the mumbling of a conversation from down the hall but didn’t dare to listen. Fez wasn’t necessarily intimidating to you, more passive. But even he seemed on edge by this person’s presence. So instead, you continued to look around his room, trying to find something that would tell you about the enigmatic dealer.
Your eyes lit up when you spotted the ashtray beside his bed, a barely smoked joint resting in it. Well, if there was anything to describe the guy, avid stoner was probably the closest description you’d be able to give.
It might’ve seemed rude – hell, even stupid – to smoke someone else’s joint in their room without their permission, but you’d just needed something… Anything.
10 minutes later, you were leaning against the headboard, joint hanging from your lips as you watched the lava lamp on his bedside table. The floating blobs change from red to blue, capturing your attention.
Relaxing on the bed, you’d barely registered your phone loudly ringing and vibrating on the side before it was too late.
The mumbling stopped, and you could hear whoever was with Fez raise their voice before heavy footsteps made their way down the hall. You quickly stubbed out the joint and pushed yourself to sit up when the door opened, a man glaring from the doorway as a panicked Fez followed hot on his tail.
The man’s angry expression dissolved into one that made your skin crawl. His shoulders relaxed as his eyes studied you with an unwavering stare, dark eyes smoldering, “Well, well, well… What do we have here? You didn’t tell me we were interrupting somethin’, boy.”
Your eyes met Fez’s across the room, and you watched his chest heave as he was trying to control his breathing, “You ain’t. She was just goin’.”
“Where are your fuckin’ manners?” The man turned his attention to Fez for a moment. Looking over the younger man’s pinched expression, he turned his predatory gaze back to your half-dressed body as he made his way over to you, “My name is Mouse. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He held his hand out for a moment, waiting for you to take it in your own, as he placed a soft kiss against your knuckles that made you want to gag, and you might’ve, had you not been so scared.
“This your little bitch?” He asked, eyes still boring into your own, but his question was clearly not for you.
Forcing your eyes away from Mouse’s intense gaze, you placed your hand back in your lap, looking anywhere but at the man.
“Nah. She’s a friend of my sister.”
Mouse wasn’t sure if he preferred that answer or not. Regardless, his tattooed hand grazed your ankle, large, cold fingers tracing up your leg, “Why you in here all alone? You don’t wanna come out and say hi?”
Unsure of how to answer, you shrugged as you pulled your legs to your chest, successfully detaching his hand from your thigh. Fezco watched in silence for only a moment longer, his jaw tight,
“C'mon man, leave her alone. We finishin’ this deal or what?”
Mouse pushed himself from the bed, and you could only pray he was going to follow Fez’s suggestion and leave. Those hopes were dashed, however, when he extended his hand out to you, pulling you up when you finally accepted it, “Come out here with the big boys, little lady.”
He didn’t give you the chance to change back into your still-damp clothes, leading you – still only in your tank-top, underwear, and socks – past Fez, who sent you a pointed look.
You allowed Mouse to lead you towards the couch, feeling Fez right behind you the whole way. He waited for you to sit before joining, his thigh grazing your shin as you pulled your legs up, tucking them under your chin in an attempt to hide your body.
The two continued with their deal for a moment, Mouse pulling out drug after drug and placing it down on the coffee table in front of him. Turning your head, you ignored a man who was counting up the price for Fez and instead locked eyes with Ash. The boy was standing guard in the doorway, watching everyone’s movements. Jumping slightly, you felt the man’s hand return to your body, settling on your knee.
Turning your attention to the sheer amount of drugs he’d placed onto the table and felt yourself force down a lump in your throat.
You could feel Fez’s imploring eyes watching Mouse’s hand, internally begging the man to take his damn hands off you, do the deal and fuckin’ leave. He didn’t like the man one fuckin’ bit, and if he could’ve bought off anyone else, he would’ve. The man was a fuckin’ psycho.
Fez threw the brown envelope containing the money towards Mouse, hoping he’d hurry up and get the fuck outta his place.
“Sure you don’t want no Fentanyl?”
“Nah, man. I’m cool off that shit. Too many ODs, and I don’t want the heat.”
Mouse’s attention drifted back to you once he threw Custer the money to count, “What about you, little lady? You ever try Fentanyl?”
His hand left your thigh, only to push your damp hair out of your face. Sitting forward slightly, Fez tried to keep his composure, “No. She’s good, bruh.”
“Thought she wasn’t your bitch?” Mouse questioned, his eyes darting to look at Fez across the room. His fingers left a trail down your neck, resting on your shoulder where he played with the thin strap of your tank top, “You always let him talk for you, little lady?”
Instead of answering him, you simply shook your head, eyes darting to meet Fez’s who watched on almost helplessly.
“Don’t look at him, look at me. You ever try it?”
“We ain’t fuckin’ with that shit, for real, bruh.”
Mouse’s attention, however, was solely on you as you watched him with wide eyes, “You know that feeling when you come so hard that you can’t feel or hear shit? You like that feeling?”
Trying not to let your chin wobble, you whispered, “Yeah.”
“Well, shit. You’re gonna love this.”
Mouse pulled out a patch, sliding a blade into it and pulling out a tiny amount of the gel. You felt like your heart was going to pound out of your fucking chest.
You’d been in the drug scene long enough, so you knew how dangerous this shit could be. Way more potent than heroin, addictive too. Some guy at a party you’d attended back last year took some. Fuckin’ went into respiratory arrest and stopped fucking breathing. Died right there. Maybe this was your karma…
He lifted the blade to your lips, a dark, malicious smirk gracing his own.
“I uh… I’m good, actually. I took a benzo before I got here, and you really shouldn’t mix-”
“You don’t trust me?” He questioned, leaning closer as his fake charm dropped as quickly as his smile.
“For real man, she’s good.” Fez really didn’t want you fuckin’ ODing in his apartment. Fentanyl was dangerous enough on its own. Mix it with benzos and shit… Wasn’t worth thinkin’ about.
“-Shut the fuck up, bitch. Ain’t nobody talkin’ to you.” Fez’s chest heaved as he watched the scene unfold in front of him. He shook his head at you as Mouse lifted the blade closer to your lips, his spare hand placed at the nape of your neck. You were sure if you didn’t try it willingly, he’d be forcing the liquid down your throat.
Your remorseful eyes set on Fez who was watching every movement you made – hoping he’d forgive you for most likely dying on his couch tonight – as you opened your mouth, Mouse pushing the blade in, pushing down your tongue as he watched you with a wolfish grin.
Fez’s watchful eyes moved between you and Mouse, the man lifting your legs up onto his lap and scooting closer to you as your body dropped to the couch, barely able to stay conscious, “It hits quick. You want a couple patches, girl?”
Fez couldn’t hear your reply from where he sat, only an slurred mumble, which apparently Mouse was taking as a yes.
He turned his attention to Fez, sending him an iniquitous sneer as he tucked the remaining patches into the band of your underwear.
“It’s gonna cost you $300. Come on, pay up little lady."
"I ain’t got no money.” You practically sighed, face squished slightly by the couch.
His eyes slowly trailed over your bare leg, his hand making small patterns over your soft thigh, “That’s a shame, little lady. I need to get paid.”
“Yo, Mouse. Let me pay for it, man.” Fez sniffed, his anger beginning to bubble over. He knew men like him, and he fuckin’ hated them.
“I thought you was too good for Fentanyl. What is it? Everybody’s changing their motherfucking minds on me? If she can’t afford it,” Fez placed his hand on the couch cushion, feeling for the gun as he kept his eyes on Mouse, jaw clenched as the man’s hand slipped around your hip and onto your stomach, stroking a small slither of skin between the hem of your top, and underwear,
“She gonna have to find another way of paying me. Straight up.”
“Yo, man, just let me pay for it. I got the money right here.” Fez moved his hand from the cushion, and instead pulled the notes out of his pocket, quickly counting them before handing them over to the man.
Removing his hand from your body, Mouse checked the money over himself, one eyebrow arched as he looked up at Fez, “Shit, you sure she ain’t your bitch?”
You rolled over, pushing yourself onto your back, unaware of Mouse’s eyes snapping back to your body, predatory eyes skimming over your tight, slightly damp tank top, “Damn. It’s gonna cost you $600 now, man.”
“Damn, you gonna do me like that, bruh?” Fez questioned, even though his hand was already in his pocket, fishing out some more notes.
“Yeah, I’m gonna do you like that. Straight up.”
Fez sat back down on the opposite sofa, watching as Mouse counted the money, a haughty grin on his face as he pushed your legs off his lap, ignoring the muffled groan and stood, “Always a pleasure doing business with you.”
Fez remained seated until Mouse and Custer had left, hearing their car rev a few times before speeding off into the night.
Standing, he made his way over to you, carefully slid the patches from your underwear band, and handed them to Ashtray, “Go flush that shit down the toilet. And grab the Narcan, just in case.”
“She really not your bitch?” He asked, and if Fez wasn’t absolutely exhausted, he would’ve scolded him for that derogatory shit, but instead, he shook his head.
“She’s one of Rue’s friends, I barely know her, man.”
Ash watched as he made his way over to you, placing a blanket over your body and sitting down next to you, lifting your legs over his lap, just as he did the first night you’d met. “Then you’re fuckin’ stupid.”
Ash had done as Fez asked. After flushing the Fentanyl and placing the Narcan on the coffee table, he stashed away what they’d bought, before returning to his room to begrudgingly finish off his homework.
You shuffled in your sleep, grumbling slightly and catching Fez’s attention.
Pressing his hand against your clammy forehead – careful to avoid your cut – as he sighed. All he could do was keep an eye on you overnight and hope you didn’t kick it on his couch.
“I’m sorry.” You muttered, speech slurred as you walked the line of consciousness.
“I know. Me too.” Fez sighed, pulling his hand back to place it over the back of the couch, stopping when he saw your tank top still bunched up on your abdomen. Sighing, he pulled it down, straightening it out a little before fully covering your body with the blanket.
Jogging down the last couple of steps, you pushed your hands deeper into your hoody pockets, searching for your lighter and last – most likely squashed – cigarette.
Once you’d finally located it, you shoved it in your mouth as your shaking hands did their best to light it, the wind managing to put it out every time.
Shaking the lighter, you mumbled under your breath, “Stupid piece of shit, c'mon.”
“Need some help?”
The girl stood a few paces from you, hands in her own pockets, and sending you a small, but uneasy smile. This was the first time you’d seen her at NA, and from the looks of her drawn, sunken skin, you presumed it wouldn’t be the last, “Uh, sure.”
Taking the lighter from your trembling grip, she shook it herself a few times before cupping the end of the cigarette, stopping the wind from blowing it out. You mumbled a thank you when she handed the lighter back.
You held out the cigarette, offering her a drag which she gladly took, “You’re Rue, right? First time?”
Watching as she exhaled the smoke, she nodded, “Never saw the point of calling it NarcoticsAnonymous when you have to tell everyone your name anyway.”
Huffing out a laugh, you accepted the cigarette back, telling her your name as if to even the playing field.
“So uh, you new to town, or? Just I haven’t seen you before.” Or at least Rue had never seen you whilst she was sober. She missed a whole lot when she was high as a kite.
“Uh, not really. Well, kinda… I guess. Lived a town over my whole life, got kicked out of school so my family moved here a couple of weeks ago.”
“Oh shit. How do you like it so far?”
Scrunching up your nose, you shrugged your shoulders before taking another drag, “Pretty much the same as home, just a little more to the East.”
Rue nodded in understanding before you were both silent for a moment. Before she could excuse herself, you spoke up again, “So I know this is probably really shitty of me to ask but, do you know anywhere I can score?”
Rue’s smile was wide as she turned to you, her eyes holding more life than they had all evening, “As a matter of fact, I do.”
You walked through the car park of the liquor store, after watching the bright lights from a distance. Rue had been going on about something, you’d tried your hardest to keep focused – she was doing you a favor after all – but your brain couldn’t stop the chant of drugsdrugsdrugs. So instead you nodded and sent a few ’Mmhm’s’ when you thought necessary. Before you got inside the store, however, a car rolled up, the bass of some song thumping heavily,
“Yo Casper! You want a ride?”
Rue turned and made her way to the car, leaving you in your spot, leaning your weight from one foot to the other as your addictions called.
“Why thank you,” Turning back to you, she nodded her head towards the car, “He’ll probably be packing up for the party by now anyway, whatcha say?”
You tried to weigh your options quickly. On one side, it would mean having to spend at least part of your night with a bunch of teenagers you’d never met, but you would get your fix.
Or you could call it a night, go home, and let sleep evade you for the rest of the night as you led in bed, stone-cold sober. Not really a hard decision, was it?
The car ride was relatively quick, and you’d met Maddy, Kat, and BB in that time who all seemed nice enough, but you weren’t here to make friends. You fully intended to find this Fez guy Rue had told you about, maybe have a couple of drinks, and then bounce.
Rue had bounced the minute you got there, merely pointing outside, the direction where you hoped Fez might be, before making her way through the house, clearly in need of her own high.
The party was already turned up by the time you’d got there, groups of people banded together throughout the house, using the living room as a dance-floor. Deciding that the kitchen – where the drinks were stored – was probably the best place to start, you fought your way through the crowd of overly keen dancers and grabbed the first bottle you got your hands on, pouring a decent amount into a – hopefully – unused red cup.
There was a weird tension in the air that night, but because you didn’t know any of the people, you couldn’t work why. You’d know, soon enough anyway because everyone knew Nate Jacobs in this shitty little town.
As a drunk guy stumbled up to you, apologizing profusely as he accidentally caught your elbow and almost send your drink flying, you brushed him off before quickly downing the remainder of your drink, pouring yourself another, and doing the same before a young blonde girl joined you.
You sent her a small smile, which she reciprocated before turning to look over the array of alcoholic beverages available. “The uh, the vodka’s pretty expensive.”
“Oh, thanks.” Finding some shot glasses on the counter, she filled them both and offered one to you.
Clinking them together, you downed it in one, trying hard not to pull a face. The girl, who had also made a face, turned to you with her brow lifted but a timid smile on her lips, “Thought you said this was good?”
Chasing the vodka down with a mixed drink of rum and coke, you shook your head and offered her a sip, “No, I said it was expensive. Still tastes like paint stripper.”
Handing your cup back, the girl laughed a little before looking around at the crowd. She seemed just as out of place as you did, “So uh, I’m Jules. Nice to meet you.”
You told her your name as you poured another drink, both for yourself and her, before returning your attention to her, “You new here too?”
“New to the neighborhood, yeah. I don’t know many people, but my friend Kat told me there was a party tonight so…”
“Oh, cool. Dark short hair, glasses? Think she drove over with us.”
Jules’ eyes lit up, happy to have someone in common, “Yeah, that’s her. We met at summer school. Visual arts…”
Taking one look at her rather eclectic choice of outfit – still much better than your ’I just came out of an NA meeting’ jeans and flannel shirt and hoody – you nodded, giving the seal of approval, “Could’ve guessed.”
Pushing some hair behind her ear, Jules sent you a kind smile before sipping at her drink. As the silence between the both of you continued, you felt yourself become antsy, remembering the actual reason you were here. Downing the rest of your drink and leaving the used cup on the side, you pushed yourself away from the counter,
“Well, it was really nice to meet you, Jules. See you around.”
She simply nodded, continuing to sip from the drink you’d poured for her whilst you made your way outside, hoping to find this Fez guy. Rue hadn’t told you a damn thing about him, but dealers were all the same, right?
Pushing your way past the crowds outside, you spotted Rue – looking worse for wear – sitting with some guy on the large outdoor furniture. You didn’t want to interrupt them, but as you got closer, Rue seemed to recognize you,
“Hey! You alright?”
You nodded as you made your way a little closer, standing by the table where the guy had one foot rested, “Yeah, yeah, I’m alright.”
“Well, this is Fez,” turning her attention to the man of the hour, “She’s been looking for you all night.”
Fez’s eyes roved over your body before finally fixing on your face. He could tell from her darting eyes and forced smile exactly why she had been looking for him. The same reason anyone looked for him, really.
“Shoot, girl. Whatcha want?”
Digging around in your jean pocket, you pulled out a couple of bills, handing them to him discreetly, “Ain’t fussed. Whatever this can get me.”
“Shit girl, alright. I got'chu.”
Fez pulled out a ziplock bag, handing you the pack of four little round blue pills, “You ain’t drinking with these, alright?”
Hoping that you were far enough away from him that he couldn’t smell the rum on your breath, you nodded, eyes darting between him and the pills.
“You ain’t know her from rehab, right?” He asked, turning to Rue who was still lazing on the couch.
Holding your breath and hoping that someone in this town might have you back, you awaited Rue’s answer. She looked up towards your desperate eyes, and you could only be thankful that she was so high it took her a little longer to speak, “Nah. Not rehab. She’s new.”
Fez’s eyes slowly shifted between the two of you, knowing damn well he couldn’t trust an addict, let alone two of them. But against his better judgment, he held out the baggy towards you, thinking nothing when you all but snatched it.
“Thanks.” You told him, before turning to make your exit, but his husky voice had you turning back around.
“Don’t take ‘em all at once either. They’re strong, but they take-”
Sending him a sardonic smile, you interrupted him, “I don’t need a friend, just a dealer. I can take care of myself.”
Making your way back inside, you scrambled to get a pill out of the baggy before grabbing a second one defiantly. You swallowed them both, following it down with whatever someone had leftover in an abandoned red solo cup before making your way through the house in an attempt to find a bathroom.
By the time you’d adjusted your shirt, undoing a few buttons at the top, and fixed your hair, you could already feel yourself wobbling. How you made it down the stairs was unbeknownst to you.
You tried to pass through the dance-floor once again, deciding now was probably the best time to make your exit.
Unfortunately, your body had a different plan.
Your body felt sucked into the middle of the dance-floor, the deep thump of the music making your head pound in the best way possible, the sound of the bass vibrating through your entire body.
Wobbling as an arm pulled you deeper into the throng of people, you recognized one of the girls from earlier, BB.
Her hips moved effortlessly as she swayed to the music, blowing a large puff of air at you from her raspberry-scented vape. Closing your eyes, you weren’t sure you ever wanted to open them again.
Allowing her body to move behind yours, pushing her hips into yours, and causing your own to begin to sway, you felt so, so, tired. Leaning your head back on her shoulder, her arms wrapped around your front and undid the rest of your flannel, leaving it open to expose your black bralette.
You don’t know how long you were there for, or how long you’d been dancing on your own, BB quickly leaving you when some kind of fight escalated in the kitchen, but your body gave out, your Bambi-esque legs barely holding you up as your made your way to the large sofa that had been pushed against the wall.
Practically falling on you, you led down and wrapped your hoody around your upper half, tucking your legs in tight, and then… You were out like a light.
Rue had watched the fight between Nate and Jules from the doorway, her eyebrows rising, impressed with Jules’ outburst and willingness to stick up for herself, especially when it came to a cunt like Nate Jacobs.
Watching Jules rush out, she felt drawn to following her, making sure she was OK, but as she watched her push her way past people, Rue spotted you passed out on the couch. So instead she pushed her way outside, finding the only person at the party that she actually trusted, interrupting a deal.
“Yo, Fez, I need a favor.”
“What the fuck, Rue.” Handing over the blunts to his customer, he turned towards her, and she was sure if he wasn’t so high, he’d of been glaring, “Whatchu want?”
“My uh… Friend, from earlier? I need you to take her home for me, alright?”
He tried to object, but Rue – who was certain she’d lose the possibility of talking to Jules if she left it much longer – cut him off, “C'mon man, please? I need to go and she doesn’t know her way around town. Just drop her home.”
Sucking his teeth, Fez shook his head minutely, “Fine man, shit. Where is she?”
“On the couch. Thanks, Fez.”
Now what Rue hadn’t told Fez, was that whilst yes, you were in fact on the couch in the living room, you were not in any way able to tell him your address. Shit, you weren’t even fucking awake.
Fez, not yet being done with his dealings, huffed out a sigh as he sat next to you, lifting your legs and placing them over his lap whilst he finished a few more deals, joint hanging from his lips. When you didn’t wake up an hour later, Fez had enough.
He had a busy day tomorrow, and the last thing he needed to do was sit in a stranger’s house and wait for sleepin’ fuckin’ beauty to awaken.
So instead he heaved you up, ignoring your drugged-out mumbling, and tried his best to gently drag you to his car. If anyone was wondering what the fuck was happening, they didn’t speak up.
The drive home was peaceful enough, Fez kept his music relatively low as he begrudgingly drove back to his own home. He couldn’t very well leave you at that party, alone and vulnerable, but he also really, really, didn’t like people he didn’t know and trust being in his space.
His eyes trailed over your unconscious form now and then, making sure you were still breathing and not about to vomit all over his car. When he pulled up outside, he groaned, seeing the TV illuminating the front room.
Ash barely looked up at his arrival, the kid was a couple of episodes deep on some anime shit, and Fez really didn’t like having to interrupt some of the only times he got to be a kid. So instead of asking for his help, Fez simply walked you towards the couch and dropped you down on it gently.
Which was enough to get the kid’s attention.
“Fuck is that?” He questioned, eyes not daring to even dart away from the TV.
“Friend'a Rue’s. Took too many Benzos.”
Ask rolled his eyes, fucking addicts, "I ain’t cleanin’ up shit if she pukes.“
"I got it, s'cool,” Fez mumbled as he fished around in the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water and a couple of Tylenol, before walking back to the front room, placing it down on the side.
Ash flicked off the TV, standing to make his way to his own room, eyes heavy with sleep, “Do good tonight?”
“Always do, man. Night.”
Watching as Ash departed, Fez stood for a moment, enjoying the silence but not knowing what to do. He checked your pockets and found your phone, mumbling when he realized he’d need the passcode to open your contacts. No emergency contact, either.
So instead, Fez decided he’d just drive you back early in the morning once you woke up. Then it was whoever else’s problem. Grabbing the blanket that always sat on the back of the couch, he draped it over your body, turning away and heading into his room for the night.
summary:Rue and jules introduce Elliot to y/n. They both get along well and start to get close to one another, especially elliot who couldn’t help himself but to get hooked on y/n
warning: strong language, making out, fluff
A/N:y/n is female so their will be usage of she/her pronouns but anyone can read this if you like to:) sorry if this is long and request are open!!
Y/n walked down the halls of East highland. Her books tightly cradled in her arms. She makes it to her locker and puts in the combination to it, y/n quickly switched out the books she had in her arms to the books she needed for the class she was going to.
She then looks at the little mirror on the inside of lockers door and fixed up her hair. She reaches to the close the locker but her attention is pulled to her two best friends, yelling her name like they were crazy
Y/n smiled and closed the locker. Rue and jules make it to her, jules wraps her arm around the girl into a tight hug
Rue rolled her eyes playfully and pulls her girlfriend off y/n. She then pulled y/n into a hug too. Y/n laughed and hugged the girl back. Rue let’s her go and steps back next to jules
Y/n sensed another presence and her gaze shifted to the boy standing next to rue.
He was leaning on a locker, staring at her. She gave him a small smile which he returned. Y/n eyes trailed over his face, eyes landing on the tat on his face then on his puppy like eyes. - damn he’s cute - she thought to herself
Jules notices and claps her hands together to get their attention
“Y/n this is Elliot, Elliot this is y/n” she introduced them with a sweet smile planted on her face. Rue does a grand gesture with her hand which makes y/n giggle
Elliot smiled at the sound and turns his attention back to y/n
“Hi y/n, it’s nice meeting you” he bowed. Y/n watched in amusement. Elliot stands right up and smiles softly at her. Y/n face started to feel hot as she looked away shyly
Ever since then elliot and y/n started hanging out more. Sometimes with rue and jules or just them two together. Alone.
The more they spent together the more Elliot started to fall for the girl. Everything she did made him want to fall to his knees. Her smile, her laugh, the way she scrunched up her face whenever rue would say some off the wall shit. He loved everything about y/n
Elliot would never say it out loud though. He couldn’t. Being scared of the rejection and the embarrassment if she didn’t feel the same
He didn’t even tell rue and jules
Knowing the both of them, they definitely would’ve made it obvious that Elliot has a crush on y/n. Especially jules, she wouldn’t be able to contain herself. So Elliot keep this mouth shut and his feelings hidden
But that wouldn’t last long as he wished
The four teenagers sat in Elliot’s room while playing truth or dare. Y/n sat on the end of the bed, Elliot next to her, leaning back on his elbows. Right now rue dared jules to kiss her for more than ten minutes. Jules obviously agreed and got up off the floor, rue following her
Y/n and Elliot watched, well mostly y/n. Elliot was too busy staring at y/n. He looked at how the soft lighting in the room made her look so heavenly
Her darkskin looked so soft to the touch. He had to stop himself from reaching out and touching her. Elliot would hate himself if he ever made her uncomfortable. His eyes landed on her long box braids that went down to her ass
Elliot bites his lip
His mind starts running with filthy thoughts. He shifted a little when he felt pants getting tighter in a center area
“Elliot?” Her honey sweet voice pulls him out of his thoughts
Elliot shook his head and looks at her. Y/n had a concerned look painted on her face. He then looked towards rue and jules who were also staring at him, knowingly.
He wanted to die on the spot
Jules snickers and sits back on the floor. Rue leans on the wall by the bedroom door with a smirk on her face
Elliot groans and flips them off. His attention goes back to y/n who was still looking at him. He couldn’t help but to get lost in her pretty brown eyes, that were glowing from the light in the room
“You alright?” She asked
Elliot nods and sits up on the bed. His shoulder brushes hers. He quickly gets up and walks out the room
“Gotta take a piss” he yells over his shoulder. The three girls respond with ‘okay’ but y/n watched as his body disappeared in the bathroom, the door closing shut. Jules clears her throat and looks towards y/n. Rue chuckled and sidles down the wall to sit on the floor
Y/n looks at the two girls in question. They both laugh at your confusion
“He really got a boner” rue explained as she bumped jules shoulder. Y/n eyes widen, she didn’t even noticed. Too busy staring at his face
That explains why he ran out so fast y/n thought to herself.
Jules and rue look back towards y/n. They move closer to her, jules sits next to her on the bed and rue sits by her feet. Y/n looks at the two girls with even more confusion - what is their problem - she thought
Jules leans closer to her ear and whispers “he didn’t get the boner from us”
the two girls giggle while y/n looked like she saw a damn ghost fly in the room. Before she could respond, Elliot walks back in. He stops and looks at the girls, his eyebrows knitted together. Elliot then looks at y/n who was avoiding his stare
He was praying to the gods above she didn’t see his boner. Jules and rue go back to their original spots while Elliot sat back down next to y/n
Elliot glanced at her but turned his attention to jules when she started to speak.
“Elliot, truth or dare?”
“Dare”
Fuck.The second he saw the smirks start to form on rue and jules faces, he wanted to run out the house. He looked at y/n who was now looking down at her hands, completely oblivious to Elliot impending doom.
“I dare you to lick y/n from here up to here” she crawled over to y/n and show Elliot where to lick. Y/n squirmed from jules finger going up her stomach
Jules giggles then gets back in her original spot. Elliot gulped and looked at y/n. She looked right back at him
“So, you gonna do it?” Elliot eyes almost popped out of his sulk. She really wanted him to do it. He slides down on the floor and gets between her legs. Elliot pulls up her shirt, her stomach now exposed. He looks up at her, asking permission with his eyes incase she started to change her mind.
Y/n nods and watched as he stuck his tongue out, it took everything in her not to moan when his tongue made contact with her stomach. Jules ooo’s while rue laughs at her girlfriend.
Elliot stops and makes eye contact with y/n.
She gave him a faint smile and pulled her shirt back down. Elliot gets up from the floor and sits back next to her
Jules smirked at Elliot who avoided looking at her and rue, keeping his eyes on his lap. Y/n cleared her throat and looks at rue
“Uh, rue truth or dare”
The game continued between the four teenagers. But eventually jules and rue left, saying they had other things to do together. Elliot knew they were lying from the look they both gave him before leaving
Y/n stayed though. She claimed she didn’t have anything else to do, so she stayed longer.
There was an awkward silence between them. Y/n laying on the bed while Elliot strummed his guitar on the floor next to her. Y/n occasionally took small glances at Elliot
She loved his bleached blonde hair, how curly it is. She’s dreamt about running her hands through his locs so many times, it was almost embarrassing. Elliot feels her stare on him and looks up at her. Y/n smiles and leans up on her elbow
Elliot smiled back then sighed
“Hey um, I hope what jules dared me to do didn’t make you uncomfortable” he said
Y/n laughed while shaking her head.
“No I wasn’t uncomfortable elly, don’t worry” she reassured him. Elliot nods and smiles softly at the nickname then stands up to put his guitar away. He makes his way back to the bed and sits next to her
Then stare at each other in silence for a moment until y/n started to speaking
“I kinda liked it” she mumbled but Elliot heard her anyways. His eyes widen, not believing what he just heard. Y/n looks down at her lap, her face started to heat up. Elliot hums in agreement
“I liked doing it”
Y/n head snapped towards him. She was surprised her neck didn’t break. Elliot laughed at her reaction and leaned back on his elbows
“Are you serious?” She asked, looking dumbfounded.
Elliot nodded and shrugged nonchalantly. Y/n wanted to scream
“I would love to do more, if you let me” he flirted, a mischievous smile forming on his face. Y/n almost choked at his boldness. She squeezed her thighs together which didn’t go unnoticed by Elliot
He smile turns into a smirk
“You would like that wouldn’t you?” He said, his voice way deeper than his normal tone
Y/n whimpered embarrassingly. Her body felt hot all of a sudden. Elliot’s smirk never leaves as he starts to crease her arm. A chill runs down her body, his deep voice having a strong effect on her.
Elliot chuckled and leans off his elbows, now their face to face again
He glanced down at her lips then back to her eyes. Y/n gets the hint and starts to lean closer. Elliot follows suit, their lips latched together. His hands find their way to her waist, pulling her close.
Y/n moans into the kiss
Their movements get more frantic. Elliot moves y/n on his lap, moaning when she starts grinding on him. Elliot leans back on the bed, their lips moving furiously against each other. The only sound heard in the bedroom was panting and lips smacking together
Y/n hand finds it’s way under his shirt, her thumb grazing his nipple. Elliot gasps causing their lips to finally disconnect
He pants and looks up at her.
“Well that was something” he laughed. His lips were red, swollen, and sticky from her lip loss
Y/n giggles
“Yeah it was” she sits up on him and pulls out her lipgloss from her pocket, replying it to her lips. Elliot bits his lips watching as the lipgloss coated her plump lips.
“I don’t know why you putting that back on, I’ll just kiss it off again” he teased
Y/n rolls her eyes playful and hides her face in the crook of his neck. Elliot let’s out a booming laugh and wraps his arms around her.
“You gotta thank rue and jules now” she said, her voice muffled from her still hiding in his neck. Elliot groaned and rubs her back.
nate was worried that he hadn’t heard from you. it had been a full day. especially after maddy’s texts. those had also suspiciously just stopped.
nate hadn’t tried calling a bunch because he knew you needed rest and limited screen time as per doctors orders, but the thought of maddy turning you against him made him sick with worry.
so when his mom made your favorite brownies and soup, he had the perfect excuse to come over.
he tried to pick a time when your brothers would be at the gas station and it’d just be you at the house, but it was ash who opened the door to him, “why are you here?” ash asked bluntly.
nate looked down towards the to-go containers he was holding and shrugged, “i have her make-up work from some classes.” that part was a lie, but he needed in the door somehow, “and rue said she likes brownies.”
ash raised an eyebrow. he knew damn well nate jacobs and rue bennett did not speak, but he opened the door for nate to walk in, “she’s in her room. 2nd door. leave the door open.” nate nodded and walked to your room, pretending to not know where it was.
you hadn’t been listening to the exchange as you had your headphones in and were listening to a sad playlist. you didn’t know why you were so upset, you just were.
you looked up to see a big shadowy figure and nearly jumped out of your skin, “jesus christ, nate,” you swore, taking off your headphones and sitting up.
“sorry, i knocked,” nate said, sitting next to you and presenting you the brownies and soup. he really didn’t know what to say with how he was trying to make things up to you.
“your moms?” you said with a small smile. his mom’s cooking was your favorite thing, especially her brownies.
he nodded, “we’re both worried about you.” his voice was quiet, “i was worried something happened or maddy did. she had texted me all this shit.”
you cut him off, “she did come to see me,” you cleared your throat. “it made me question us.” most of the small happiness of him showing up, drained out of you.
nate’s heart plummeted. his worst fear was coming true. anger slowly started to boil inside of him.
“but not for reasons you think,” you whispered and grabbed his hand, “i don’t get why you won’t show me off? why aren’t you fighting for us to be public? shouldn’t you want to be able to parade me around? you loved doing it with maddy, you always made her seem so fucking special…” your voice drifted.
“are you ashamed of me, nate? because of where i come from?” your voice was now barely above a whisper.
and with those questions, nate’s world shattered. he grabbed your hand and held it, “how could you think that? i want to show everyone that you’re mine and no one else’s.”
you could tell he meant it by the way his pulse quickened as he spoke about making you his, “do it then, consequences be damned.” you spoke, leaning into his ear.
nate snaked his hand into your hair to pull you closer and kiss you, but you heard footsteps coming towards you. you pulled off of him, caressing his jaw. you moved to the opposite edge of the bed so it would look less suspicious and then yelled, “hey ash! nate’s gonna hang with me for a while and catch me up on some school stuff if you wanna go help fez.”
you released hands with nate as ash walked to the doorway, “you sure?”
you nodded and stood up so you could talk to ash alone, when you were out of the door, you whispered, “it’s fine. he’s going through something right now, okay? we’re just gonna watch a movie after, okay bub?”
ash nodded and looked up at you, “you promise you’ll call if anything happens?”
you nodded, “i promise. don’t tell fez, but nate and i are kinda friends. so it’ll be okay, kiddo. i trust him.” you kissed his forehead and hugged him, “i love you.”
“just coz y’all are friends don’t mean i trust him anymore,” ash tutted.
“i’m not askin you to, dummy. now tell me you love me, or else.” you smiled and stood back to look at him.
“i love you too.” he said rolling his eyes and walking out the door. you heard the front door slam and lock which meant he was actually gone.
you walked back into your room with a grin on your face and looked over at nate sitting on your bed, “well we’re alone now.”
“come here and let me really show everyone how you’re mine, angel.” nate said waiting for you to join him back on his lap.
All the fics I read and loved in the month of April!
I feel like it’s mostly JJ Maybank this month…I feel like every time April hits I start looking forward to summer and that just automatically puts me in an OBX kinda mood.
Sometimes you meet that one person in your life, the one that just makes sense. You don’t remember a time before them and can’t imagine one without them.
Fezco was your best friend. You first met back in high school, both dumb pothead freshman. You sat in the back of biology class, with slightly baggy cargo pants and a large black hoodie over.
“Hey Bro, you got a pencil?” Fez asked as he kicked your chair slightly to wake you up.
“Uh here.” You mumbled looking over and handing him a lead pencil. Who doesn’t bring a pencil first day of school?
“Pink? That’s a little girly” He asked giving you a goofy smile.
“I am a girl.” You said letting the hoodie fall off. Fez’s eyes widens noticing how pretty you where even with no makeup and the baggy clothes.
“Shit- my bad” He said hoping he didn’t fuck it up with his lab partner before the year even started.
But in fact it didn’t bother you at all, you never where one to flaunt your body, you didn’t like more attention on you. And that year that’s all it took for Fez to mingle his way in your life.
You almost wanted to hate him when he dropped out of school leaving you alone. You weren’t really alone, you had Rue and a few others but now you here a senior.
“Got any bud on you?” You asked before jumping on the counter of Fez’s convent store.
“You ain’t hang out with me for free weed” Fez teased as he looked over at you. He felt his cheeks slightly heat up when he noticed you wearing a tight tank top and a huge pair of sweat pants. Parts of your stomach was exposed and your boobs still looked pretty huge even if you only wore a sports bra. He wasn’t used to you showing skin. Since the day he met you, it was always baggy clothes.
Then something happened, he’s not sure when or why but you seemed more of a girl to him. You weren’t self concise about your body, you thought you had pretty good assets actually. But you just never wanted people to stare. You never had anyone to impress either so why not be comfortable all the time instead.
“I would never, I just ran out” You said as you where kicking your legs watching him stock the beer.
“You went through it that fast?” He asked giving you a look with a raised eyebrow.
“I had a lot of college essays to get through, couldn’t do it without being high” You huffed as you opened a soda.
“Hey Fez” You heard a shy voice. You looked up to se Lexi standing against the refrigerators.
“Lexi Howard, how are you?” He asked bring his attention to her.
“ I’m good.” He started but you just rolled your eyes before jumping off the counter and finding Ash in the back. You grabbed a rolled blunt smiling as you sent Ash an wink before taking it.
“Jesus Y/N, what did I tell you about smoking inside the store.” Fez said giving you a glare. Lexi was already making her way out the store.
“Sorry sorry. So you and Lexi?” You asked giving him a nudge.
“Nah I don’t know. She’s cool” Fez said not wanting to talk about it, especially with you.
“She’s pretty.” You admitted. sure you knew he kind of, you knew her sister Cassie way more.
“You into girls now ma?” Fez asked smirking.
“No it’s not like that gezz.” You said getting annoyed with this conversation already.
“You sure?” He said pushing you a little too much.
“High school boys are just dumb. Whats the point of dating? Bad sex and emotional damage? “ You asked before rolling your eyes and making your way out the store. It bothered you that Fez didn’t see you as anything else. It was probably the same as he saw Rue. Fez just sighed going back to work and not minding out little out burst.
“Do you think I’m ugly?” You asked out of no where making Rue let out a laugh. Beside Fez, Rue was your number one. You’ve stuck with her through the worst.
“What’s this about?” she said passing you back the blunt.
“Do you think Fez sees me as a guy or somthin?” You asked knowing Rue was pretty close to Fezco.
“No you just never give him the time of day to see you a different way.” She said honestly. She’s knows you pretty well.
“What’s that suppose to mean?” You asked looking up at her from your bed.
“Maybe dress up, show off that you can be more womenly or whatever.” Rue said thinking over what she was trying to say.
“I know the perfect person for this.” Rue said as her eyes got bright as if a light bulb went off.
That’s how you found yourself Friday at Jules house with Rue. She knew there was going to a house party and knew that Jules is the perfect person to help you dress up and feel confidant.
“This feels weird.” You huffed as Jules did your makeup. You weren’t new to makeup but the most you’d do would be mascara and your eye brows.
“ You look great, I wish I had this much ass.” Jules said as she perfected your cat eye. You wore a white spaghetti strap dress that clung to ever curve. It might have been a size or two too small since it was Jules’.
“I don’t think this is a good idea.” You said looking at yourself.
“No this is a great idea” Rue said laughing before pulling you along with Jules out the house.
The house was filled with drunk and high teenagers. The music was way too loud echoing almost. You felt too many eyes on you as you moved through the crowd with a drink. Your eyes darted to a certain someone leaning against the kitchen counter.
“Well look at you (y/l/n).” Fez said still not being able to comprehend that this was his best friend in front of him.
“Kind of Rue and Jules doing.” You said looking down at the mini dress. You had to admit you did feel pretty.
“For what?” Fez asked not knowing why’d you be dressed in this get up. To him you where always the prettiest in the room, it seemed like you drew attention even when you dressed like a 12 year old boy. Fezco never seemed to worry about boys around you, you always brunt their ego.
“You don’t like it?” You asked feeling a little self conscious under his stare.
“Nah ma, you like nice.” He said as a slightly pink blush came to his face that matched your own pink blush. But before you can say anything else someone came up to Fez to make a deal. And you knew better then to get involved with Fezco’s job.
That’s how you found yourself a few too many drinks in and stupidly dancing with Maddy and Cassie. Fez would bounce back from making deals to making sure to keep an eye on you. He knew this wasn’t good.
“I-m going to get another drink” You mumbled pushing yourself away from the crowd.
“Gross” You sighed looking at all the beer and half finished drinks everywhere.
“(y/n) never thought you would be hiding this much.” Nate voiced chimed in making you cringe as his eyes scanned every part of you.
“And?” You said not even bother to give him any attention as you grabbed the vodka and pouring it in a cup mixing it with soda.
“Do you want to dance? Or I have more booze in my truck?” Nate asked stepping a little too close to you.
“No thanks.” You said rolling your eyes. You weren’t best of friends with Maddy but everyone knew her and Nate’s on and off again toxic romance. And you wanted no part in any of it.
“Come on, why else would you come out looking like this?” He asked grabbing your wrist pulling you closer to himself.
“Fuck off Nate.” You mumbled trying to push away from him. As you turned bringing the drink to your lips you felt his hand on your upper arm puling you back.
“What the fuck.” You groaned as you felt the drink spill over you. And maybe wearing a tight white dress and no bra wasn’t the best idea.
“Holy shit.” Nate whispered with a smirk as he stared you down. He didn’t have a chance to do much else as Fez came up shoving him away from you. He lets you out of his sight for 5 minutes and your in a wet t shirt contest with Nate.
Fezco quickly slipped off his green sweat and pulled it over your head. He notice the look of dread in your glossed over eyes. It was the puppy eyes he could never say no to. He knew when your lip quivered you where either angry or about to cry.
“Ash take her to the car, we’re bout to roll out.” Fez said gently pushing you back to Ash.
“Fez don’t” You said reaching out grabbing his wrist. You knew he could get violent especially with Nate Jacobs.
“Please ma, Just go to the car.” Fez said with pleading eyes. He didn’t want you to see what he was about to do. Maybe if it was someone else he would’ve just took you and drove you back to his home. But it was Nate, and there was too much bad blood there.
“Yo really startin’ to become a pain in my ass.” Fez said not liking the smirk on Nate’s face.
“It wasn’t like that man.” Nate started to say but quickly got cut off when Fezco grabbed him by the shirt and pushed him up against the wall. Though Nate was taller he stood no chance against Fezco strength.
“I ain’t gonna beat the shit out of you again.” Fez said fuming with anger that he was trying to control.
“But you go near (y/n) you as good as dead.” Fez said glaring through Nate.
“What are you her guard dog? She shouldn’t be flaunting around like that if she didn’t want attention-” Fez couldn’t take it. He let his anger over as his fist kept hitting Nate.
“I ain’t gonna hold back next time. Leave her da fuck alone.” Fez said letting go of Nate letting him fall to the floor. He walked out to the car to seeAsh sitting in the back. Fez got in noticing you passed out as Ash held your hair from your face.
“She good?” Fez asked driving back towards their house.
“Yeah, ain’t ever see her this drunk before” Ash said not paying mind to his older bother. Fez kept stealing glances to make sure you where fine all the way home.
“Come on now Ma.” Fez said as he pulled you out the car. He quickly picked you up brining you in the house.
“Got to wake up lil ma.” He said as he sat you on top of the counter in his bathroom.
“No” You mumbled feeling like if you open your eyes you might throw up. Your whole body felt like it was spinning in motion.
“Got to get you cleaned up” He said as he took a wet wash cloth and pressed it to your forehead.
“mhmmm Fez” You whispered opening your eyes barley.
“Tonight sucked” You mumbled out finally feeling like you where a little more there in reality. You jumped off the counter slowly peeling the sweater off and throwing it in the hamper. Fez couldn’t help when his eyes darted to your wet dress that clung to everything.
“What you thinkin comin dressed like that?” Fez asked wanting to know what was going on in your head. He never had trouble before knowing everything going on with you. But this was really out of the blue for you.
“I was trying to be more.” You said still drunk in thoughts.
“More?” Fez asked desperate to get a real honest answer from you that actually made sense.
“Just more of a girl.” You said thinking of how to word your scrambled thoughts without sounded like a complete dumbass.
“You are a girl?” Fez pressed since this still wasn’t making any sense to him.
“I just wanted you to look at me differently.” You confessed rolling your eyes at your best friend who still held a puzzled look. He watched your every move as you walked to turn on the shower. Your body felt so sticky, the dress felt too tight and you swore you could hear your own heart rate pounding through your head.
“I just thought I could be more pretty.” You said as he walked closer to you.
“Your so damn pretty. Why you got to make it weird. Thought I was more to you then that.” Fez said finally putting the pieces together.
“Didn’t feel like you saw me more then some bro.” You said as your hands rested on his chest as he cornered you against the counter.
“You are my bro, you my best friend. Your my family. I ain’t got much but your the most important constance in my life ma.” Fez confessed as his hand came to hold your waist.
“I love you. I ain’t good with words but thought you knew that ma?” He said slowly leaning down his eyes almost begging for some sober response from you.
“I love you stupid, why didn’t you ever just make a move or something?” You asked hitting his chest.
“Why didn’t you?” He said as he made you look up at him.
“touche” You whispered leaning closer to him. His lips pressed against your sending a shiver down your spin. It felt like your body was acting on it’s own as your gripped on to him like dear life. Fez pulled you up as you legs wrapped around his waist. He never felt like this, like everything just made sense. The kiss felt like it was everything and he couldn’t get enough of you.
“Fez” You whimpered as he forced himself to pull away from you.
“Just shower, I ain’t takin you drunk.” He said still a little breathless from the kiss.
“I’m not drunk” You huffed out but you knew you had no room to argue with him.
“Please (y/n)” He said nodding to the shower. You gave up pulling off the dress making Fez freeze. He never seen you like this, and maybe you still had a little bit of drunk confidence. You slipped into the shower as Fez walked out the bathroom.
When you where done you slipped out finding a pair a sweats and hoodie folded on the counter for you. It was your favorite hoodie of his. You walked back into his room to find him in his bed on his phone.
“How you feelin?” He asked lifting the blanket so you could join him.
“Not great.” You mumbled curling up at his side like you’ve done many times before.
“Ight go to sleep, tomorrow gonna be a new day.” Fez said wrapping his arm around you. He was right, too much has happened today.
“I love you ma.” He whispered before pressing you closer to him. You smiled letting sleep finally take over knowing you theres no other place you’d rather be then here with Fezco.
Everything seemed too normal, no drama, no issues. Fezco was not used to everything being calm. Part of him was thinking it all was a calm before a storm or maybe in faith God really did send something good in his life, something stable.
Neither you or Fez knew how you found you ways back to each other, or how you ended up in a relationship sneaking around Ash and locals. After that meeting it was like faith was playing tricks on you as you seemed to run into him every chance outside of the school.
First time was when you where on your jog before work, early hours in the morning. Fez was receiving a delivery at the store. You literally knocked the breath as you ran right into his chest.
“Sorry ma” Fezco said confused not expecting anyone to be up this early. He thought he almost forgot how to breath when he saw you in bike shorts and a sports bra, and a glow from the sweat over your body.
“Fezco?” You asked smiling up at him.
“Miss (y/l/n)” He said smirking down at his younger brothers teacher.
“It’s (y/n), kinda weird calling me miss (y/l/n), we’re probably the same age.” You said chucking at the man in front of you.
“(y/n), I like that.” He said making butterflies erupt in you stomach. You haven’t felt like this in a really long time.
The next time you ran into him was the following week when you where meeting a few other teachers but you where a little too early. Fez found you sitting at the bar alone with a drink. He took a double take not recognizing you at first.
“O’ Miss (y/l/n).” Fez said leaning on the bar as he came up next to you.
“Oh shit, You scared me.” You said looking at him with big eyes like a deer caught in headlights.
Some how that night you ended up ditching the other teachers to drink with Fez at the bar. And thats how you found yourself having to sneak out his place without Ash seeing you.
It has been two months of late nigh dates and early morning sneak outs. You preferred Fezco to spend the night at your place but he couldn’t always with Ash and his grandma, and you understood the responsibility he held on his plate.
Ash was slowly starting to put the pieces together thought he had no evidence of what was going on with his older brother. He knew Fez had a girl in his life that he wasn’t telling him about and that’s what Ash was trying to figure it out. they never kept anything form each other, their brothers, and business partners.
There where a few things that gave away Fez’s new endeavors. Ash noticed how much more his brother seemed to be smile, and checking his phone. It was weird, it seemed like he was in a good mood like all the time. There where a couple of nights he wouldn’t come home either.
Soon Ash started to piece together all the pieces. He was his room trying to sleep it was closer to 3 am. He finally heard Fez come home but he heard more foot steps with him and sight giggling. And he knew for a fact his brother wasn’t the one giggling. Ash tried to get a peak but it was dark and Fez already was in his room with his female friend. Ash could only hear some muffled whispered. But she sounded familiar for some reason.
It wasn’t till a week later when Ash figured it all out. He walked into math class finding his seat in the back. You where at you desk giggling as you where on your phone. His eyes felt like they where going to pop right out when you stood up starting the lesson as everyone finally got into the class.
You had on a dark green sweater, that was very much too big for you as you tried to have it tucked into the front of your gray work slacks and sleeves rolled up. That was Fezco sweater.
Later that day Ash stormed into the store to find Fez sitting on the counter talking on the phone.
“Tell me how your bitch ass has been messin’ with miss (y/l/n)?” Ash yelled throwing his book bag at his bother.
“Hey ma, ‘ll call you back later.” Fez said before hanging up and looking at the his fuming brother.
“What you talkin bout?” Fez asked trying to give away too much.
“You fuckin miss (y/l/n)?” ash asked one more time fully knowing it was true.
“Yeah kinda” He said honestly. He never lied to Ash and it wasn’t that he was trying keep this from him. He just wanted to know this was more serious before telling him.
“What you mean kinda? It’s yes or no!” Ash said getting angrier but he didn’t even know why this was bothering him.
“It ain’t just fuckin, I like her” Fez said feeling his cheeks heat up and the thought of you. He didn’t think he’d ever fall for someone so hard and so fast.
“Yo better not fuck it up or make it weird, she’s the only teacher I like.” Ash said giving Fez a glare which only made him chuckle. It all started to make sense to him now.
“I ain’t tell you till I knew it was somthin” Fezco said knowing Ash was more mad about him not telling him about this instead of the actual idea of him with his teacher.
“whatever” Ash said making his way to grab a snack. Fez just laughed and finally feeling revealed that theres no secrets. He just wanted to know where you stand on all this now. It wasn’t like you’ve had the relationship talk yet. Fez didn’t even know how to bring it up with you. Nor did he want to mess anything up with you.
“Ah yo, get your shit and get to school.” Fezco mumbled as he glared at Ashtray who was still slumped on the couch with his hood over his face and arms crossed over his chest.
“I ain’t got to go.” Ash mumbled but he knew better then to start something this early in the morning with his older brother.
“Ya ain’t gonna be some drop out like me.” Fez so before throwing the kids backpack at him. Ash grumbled a few curses under his breath before making his way out the door. He didn’t get why he had to go to school, it wasn’t like he was going to go to college.
You smiled as you finished writing the warm up problems on the black board. The kids started filling up the class with a groan. Math isn’t everyone favorite but you tried to make is as less painful as possible.
You where a new young teacher this school year and didn’t feel like many other senior teachers where on your side about progressive learning. You did you best to help your students but push them as well.
“Good morning class.” You said smiling leaning against your desk that was in the front of the class room.
“Midterms are graded, i will pass them out and the end of the period.” You said making a few other student groan. You gave the students option of working in groups or alone for the rest of the period going over the new material that will be covered.
Just when the bell rang the student quickly made their way out the classroom. Your eyes darted to a certain student.
“Ash can you hang back for a minute?” You asked before he could make his escape.
“I ain’t do it.” Ash said not knowing what the school was tying to blame him for now.
“I want to have a parent teacher conference, it’s about your midterm” You said giving him a paper to give to his parent.
“I ain’t got a parent.” Ash said giving you a glare. It usually worked, teachers mostly left him alone. But you seemed to be up his ass about school.
“Tomorrow after last period.” You said with a stern voice. Ash just groaned leaving the classroom.
As soon as he got back home he noticed Fez still at the table sorting. Fez easily could tell something was up with his younger brother. No sly remarks.
“What?” Fez asked not evening looking up. He knew something was on his mind, he basically raised this kid.
“Here” Ash mumbled shoving a paper to Fez.
“The fuck you do now?” Fez asking looking over the note request for a parent teacher conference.
And thats hows Fez found himself in the middle school sitting at student desk next to Ash. It’s been years since he’s been in side a school, you couldn’t stop shaking his leg.
“Sorry bus duty the worst.” You mumbled panicked as you rushed back into your classroom to fin dAsh sitting at a desk with a man around you age. You weren’t sure what to expect but he wasn’t it, but it was a pleasant surprise.
“I’m Miss (y/l/n), Ash’s math teacher” You said smiling extending your hand out. Fez seemed to be almost frozen when he noticed you walk in. Your hair was pinned away from you face, a few strands hanging form the long day. Your smile made his inside turn and the shine in your eyes he’s never see before. It was probably brighter then the sun. That and your outfit wasn’t helping him at all. Even with the khaki slacks, black turtle neck and loafers he could see ever curve of you body without you even trying.
Fez felt like he was getting punked. No way in hell could you be a teacher, he was probably older then you. Fez’s thoughts got interrupted as he felt Ash shove a hard elbow into his side snapping him out of any fantasy he was in.
“O shit- I’m Fezco” He said quickly as he stood up taking you hand in his.
“He’s my legal guardian.” Ash mumbled rolling his eyes at his dumb older brother. He just wanted to get this stupid conference over with.
“i just wanted to talk about Ash’s grades. I know he’s been out of school but he doesn’t turn in any homework or classwork. But heres his midterm.” You said handing over the test to Fez.
He looked down at the almost perfect score of the math midterm. Fez also was decent at math when he was still in school.
“I ain’t cheat.” Ash said thinking he knew where this was going.
“I know. Im just worried that without doing the other work you’ll fail this class. And i know you know understand the material. I just don’t understand why your not turning in your work?” You asked looking at them.
“I’ll make sure he does his homework.” Fez said looking back in your eyes. He was expecting the worse thinking Ash got suspended again or worse, kicked out.
“He’s too smart to be held back or get stuck in summer school.” You said before grabbing a packet you made from your desk.
“This is the missed homework form this year. He if at least gets this done it’ll bump him up to a high C” You said handing Ash the packet.
“He’ll get is done” Fez said before standing up and nodding towards Ash who followed in suite.
“It was nice meetin ya.” Fez said giving you a smile and you nodded smiling back at him.
“You too, And Ash i’ll see you tomorrow morning then.” You said giving them big smiles as you watched them leave out the door.
“Why you ain’t tell me yo teacher ‘s hot” Fez asked bumping his younger brother as they walked down the hall together.
“Why does it matter?” Ash said giving Fez a glare.
“When I think of math teacher, I ain’t think of her” Fez said as images of you still lingered in his thoughts. He was far to busy to ever spare a second thought on any girl. Sure there have been hooks up but no one he ever grew attached to. No one ever hunted his thoughts like you did. And he had no idea why.
“You’re going to embarrass yourself. Lexi was born for this, you’ll never be half as talented as she is.”
Those were the nagging thoughts that lingered in the back of Cassie’s mind as she stared at the keyboard with little to no motivation to carry on playing.
Piano wasn’t the only thing Lexi was excelling at. She was a bright student, got amazing grades in every class, she had a stable group of friends and was admired by everyone around her. The brunette was everything Cassie wished to be.
And this piano, which had once brought her so much joy, was now a source of frustration and anguish.
Sucking in a breath, Cassie tried to push those thoughts aside and concentrate again. She had to be ready for this talent show. She had to prove everyone that she was in fact equally as talented and worthy as her sister.
And so her fingers rose again to hover over the black and white keys, her foot readying itself at the pedal simultaneously.
Her fingers began to move gracefully over the keyboard while she followed the music sheet that was pinned in front of her. Cassie started slow, her fingers lazily hitting each key, letting them get accustomed to the movement. She cringed as she hit a wrong note but continued on regardless, her brows furrowing in concentration.
But the pace quickly became too fast, hard to keep up with. Cassie didn’t have the hang of it yet. Her fingers fumbled, which caused her to play a combination of the wrong keys.
She stopped to rub her sweaty hands on her jeans. She was growing more and more frustrated by the second, her heartbeat speeding up, throat tightening.
After taking a moment to gather her emotions, Cassie placed her hands on the keyboard again. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes before starting over from the beginning, the opening notes of Mozart’s Sonata Number Sixteen filling the room once more.
She was doing just fine, until came another wrong note. And that was all it took for her to break, her eyes suddenly filling with tears and blurring her vision.
“Fuck!” she yelled, slamming her hands down on the piano keys and weeping.
You’ll never be ready. They’ll laugh at you.
She wanted to give up. Close the lid and phone the school to let them know she wouldn’t be able to perform. She’d call in sick, or say there’s a family emergency. But she didn’t want to do this anymore. The phone was so close, she just had to reach out and grab it and then all her problems would be solved. She stared at it.
Just then, her attention was caught by the sound of the door opening, your voice breaking the silence.
“Hi Cass.” you said, peeking cautiously into the room. Cassie turned around to face you, her eyes puffy. You gave her a sympathetic smile as she repeated the simple greeting, wiping her cheeks and forcing a smile.
“I heard a scream. What’s wrong?” you cooed, stepping closer to your visibly upset girlfriend. You cupped her shoulders with your hands and began to rub your thumbs along the area between her shoulder blades. Cassie dropped her head a little, enjoying the massage.
“I’ll never be ready for the talent show.” she sniffled. “I keep messing up at the same bit. I can’t do anything right.”
“You’re still learning, Cassie. There’s nothing wrong with messing up.” you leaned forward to peck her cheek.
“But Lexi has already mastered her part, I need to—”
“Stop comparing yourself to your sister. The only reason Lexi has already mastered her part is because she’s had an extra week to practice. That doesn’t mean anything, and it doesn’t make you any less talented.” you continued to massage her shoulders. “Come on. Play something for me.” you seated yourself next to her and placed a comforting hand on her lower back, rubbing it with your thumb.
“I- I don't—”
“Please?” you pouted, giving her your best puppy eyes.
Cassie wiped her cheeks with her sleeves and eventually nodded, her shaky hands moving to the keys once more. She began to play the first notes, which you immediately recognized as Mozart.
“No.” you interrupted, placing a hand over hers. “Not this. Play something different. Something that you love.” Cassie thought for a moment before deciding on a song.
“Okay.” she whispered to herself, nodding.
Once more she began to play, her shoulders and back shifting as her fingers pressed each key, missing no note this time. She looked much more at ease already. She quickly began to relax and closed her eyes, letting her fingers do the work while you leaned your head on her shoulder, smiling fondly as you watched.
After a couple minutes the melody came to an end and Cassie slowly shut the lid of the piano, a sweet smile on her lips.
“You make playing this thing seem so easy,” you told her, hooking a finger under her chin and leaning in to kiss her. Cassie giggled, shying away from you.
“See?” you said. “All you needed was a break from Mozart.” you whispered, kissing her lips once more. Then your expression turned serious. “You’re more than ready for this talent show, Cassie. You’re going to own the stage and impress everyone in that room like you always do.”
