Chapter Eight: Inspector Manic, Hoo-hoo

Sun is up,
I’m a mess,
Gotta get out now,
Gotta run from this,
Here comes the shame, here comes the shame.

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:6,078

Chapter Warnings: Drug use, sexual themes, 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

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Next Chapter: coming soon

Masterlist

taglist: @iamasimpingh0e​ @chelseagirl77​@zeida​​

Sometimes when you’d wake up, you almost forgot how far you had come. To an outsider, that might’ve sounded like bullshit, hell, to youit sounded like bullshit most days.

From leaving your old school, old friends, and old life, you couldn’t help but feel relatively settled in East Highland. Shit, compared to some, you even seemed fairly fucking stable.

If there was one thing in life you were sure of, it was that just one, small moment, can change everything. Whether the effect was minuscule or had the impact of a fucking hurricane, you could never be sure. But those shitty little moments that you wished you had hindsight for… Well, you attracted them like flies to shit.

Maybe, if you hadn’t tried so fucking hard to get a good grade on an English test, your teacher wouldn’t have suggested you apply for the AP English course.

Then you never would’ve met Liam. He wouldn’t have written stupid little notes in your textbook or waited for you outside of your other lessons. You’d have never kept a picture from your first date in your locker.

You wouldn’t have dabbled in drugs, dropping any of your past friends for the popular, older group who frequented an old abandoned warehouse where they’d smoke weed and drink. They would’ve never had the chance to offer you pills, or coke. You wouldn’t have spiraled. You never would’ve allowed Liam to press a hot kiss against your lips right after he pressed a sharp needle into your inner elbow.

Your behavior in school wouldn’t have changed, and you might’ve been nicer to your mother whilst you still had her around. 

Maybe then, she would’ve stopped working away so often, leaving to only fly home on the weekends. Your dad might not have spent his evenings drowning his lonely sorrows in a bar across town. He wouldn’t have crashed his stupid fucking car, got arrested, and lost his job.

Your mother wouldn’t have packed a bag, leaving for Boston, staying hush on the fact that she was never going to return. The last you’d heard from her had been the divorce papers through the mail. Maybe then, your father wouldn’t have continued his downward spiral, and you wouldn’t have found yourself up on the school roof, leading to your expulsion.

A fucking chain reaction that led to your father having to haul your asses to another suburb, away from everything you knew.

But you’d been better, right? 

Sure, you still fucked around with drugs and attended high school parties, but it all felt so much less sinister than before. 

Granted, back then you had Liam. But you never really had him, did you?

Throwing parties at the warehouse, you turned a blind eye whenever he’d disappear, deciding instead that drowning yourself in pills and powders would hurt a lot less than cutting him off and relieving the Liam-sized weight he had on your heart.

Because you always were a glutton for masochism.

And yet… Here you were, once again. A half baggy of cocaine was concealed in your shoe, thrown across a room you didn’t recognize.

Like a bad habit, you’d called your old dealer the night before, noting the slight shock in his voice when he’d realized it was you.

He’d driven to meet you – you were certain he only agreed out of sheer curiosity – and even though he’d heard rumors through the grapevine about your very sudden disappearance from town, he was more than willing to deal to you.

“Heard rumors you were dead.”

You sighed as you closed the passenger side door of his range rover. Sending him a forced smile, you simply nodded, “Well, clearly I’m not”.

He didn’t actually care what happened to you, but it had been discussed by a lot of his customers, some of them being from your friend group.

He’d mentioned a few of the rumors that had been floating around, from your death to leaving to find your mother… But you didn’t care, either. You weren’t here for a reunion, and the longer you sat in his car twiddling your thumbs, the more likely you’d be to back out. And Devon didn’t like people wasting his time.

So after a very brief and awkward conversation, you’d passed him the money and he handed you a baggy. After slipping back out of the car – the cocaine hidden in your cleavage – you had one last request for him,

“Just uh, you never saw me, alright? Far as you know, I’m still dead." 

He’d chuckled at you, shaking his head with the audacity that you thought he’d even spare you a second thought once he began to drive away.

And then you’d loaded up your contact list, clicking the first name and awaiting him to answer.

"Hey, Aaron, it’s me. Can you come pick me up?”

Between using your phone and a dollar note that was crumpled in your bra before calling Aaron, and waking up, you didn’t remember much.

Giggling as he led you up the stairs, you tripped after the first few, barely acknowledging him shushing you as you leaned against the half-wall, pulling him closer to your body. Whilst he kissed you, his arms wrapped around the top of your thighs and lifted you easily, carrying you up the rest of the stairs and towards his bedroom.

You tried opening your eyes, but the bright sun shining through was enough to make you push your face into the pillow, mumbling out incomprehensibly. 

A large hand moved from your hip, wrapping around your front, and pulled you backward, your back now pressed against Aaron’s chest, and honestly, you couldn’t think of anything worse.

Although the sun was obnoxiously bright enough that you wanted to burrow under the duvet, your body was covered in a hot, sticky, layer of sweat.

“What time is it?” You questioned with a hoarse voice.

Aaron barely replied, simply making a noncommittal noise as he nuzzled himself closer, his nose pressed against your hair.

It took a while and many groans of protest, but you eventually unraveled yourself from the man’s long, muscular limbs and pulled on a strewn shirt from the floor before looking around for your phone.

Finding it hidden under your ripped skirt, you grabbed it before perching on the bed.

Frowning, you looked through your missed call log, noticing an unknown number.

You could feel a warm hand caress your thigh, soft slow circles being drawn on it as his fingers danced higher and higher, causing your skin to break out in goosebumps.

You moved your leg a little, trying to jostle Aaron’s hand off as you read through the text messages you’d received,

unknown number:

yo where u at?

unknown number:

everything good?

unknown number:

its fez btw

unknown number:

aight imma head out lemme know if ur ok

“Shit,” you mumbled under your breath, fingers hovering over your phone as you thought of what to text back, “Can you stop?”

You didn’t mean to be so harsh, but you were currently stewing in regret, your body feeling sweaty and weak from the cocaine and the last thing you needed was someone touching you.

“C'mon, you’re joking right?” He asked, his hand skimming further up as his grip tightened.

Shoving his hand off your body, you sent Aaron a glare, “Do I look like I’m fucking joking?”

He watched you for a moment in disbelief, his jaw clenched in anger before he grabbed your phone from your hands and threw it across the room,

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” You turned on him with wide eyes.

“What the- What’s wrong with me? What the fuck is wrong with you?! This is the third time you’ve done this shit-”

His hand wrapped around your wrist, pulling you back to the bed when you tried to stand, “Done what shit? What the fuck are you talking about?”

If the comedown of cocaine didn’t put you in a shitty mood, dumb-ass men definitely would’ve.

“This shit,” He placed your hand over the front of his boxers. When you tried to pull your hand back, he only gripped yours tighter, “You’re all over me, then just stop. I’m fucking done with you giving me blue balls.”

“I don’t owe you shit-”

“I’m fed up with you using me, then fucking running off whenever you want. It’s fuckin’ disres-”

His words were cut off the moment your palm collided with the side of his face, and you could tell instantaneously that it had stung, his cheek warm with the faint print of your hand. He let go of your other wrist, his own hand coming up to soothe his face as he watched you collect your clothing from around the room.

“I’m fuckin’ sorry, alright? I just… Come back to bed and-”

But it was too late. You pulled up your skirt, almost certain that you still had your Halloween make-up all over your face but you couldn’t find it in yourself to give a shit. Pulling off his shirt, you threw it in his direction before tugging on your own top, grabbing your phone, and making your way out of the door.

You could hear him stumbling about in his room, trying to untangle himself from his bed sheet.

You came to a sudden halt the moment a voice spoke out,

“Not staying for breakfast?”

Fucking shit.

Your hand on the doorknob, you took a deep breath. Turning, you came face-to-face with Cal Jacob’s who was perched on a stool at the breakfast bar, his wife buttering some toast on the counter.

“Uh, no. No thank you. I’ve uh… I need to go.”

You heard Aaron call your name from upstairs, leaning against the banister as he watched you, remorse written over his features. A movement in the corner of your eye pulled your attention away from the boxer-clad man, turning to see his younger brother standing against the wall, a fixed, condescending smirk sat on his lips. Next to him, stood Maddy – who had most likely also sneaked in – wearing nothing but his shirt. 

Feeling like you couldn’t physically inhale, you slipped out of the house, making a break down the driveway, running as fast as your fumbling legs could go.

Three whole days passed before you were bothered by anyone. You had messaged Fez back once you’d got home, a simple text telling him you were fine, apologizing for ditching him, instead of telling him there was an emergency at home.

He’d checked both you and your father were OK, offering any assistance with the latter, but you’d fobbed him off with an excuse, telling him everyone was fine, but you had also come down with something.

You’d avoided school for as long as possible, your body finally coming down after going so long without cocaine in your system. You fucking hated the feeling it left you with, your body often experiencing uncontrollable tremors. And the fucking vertigo. Shit, at least that was your excuse to stay off school.

You made your way through the hallway, your body swamped in an over sized hoody, pulling on your bag strap as it slipped down your shoulder. You’d felt like absolute shit still, but your dad was starting to get suspicious, and your behavior was starting to get a little too familiar to him.

So here you were, in this hell-hole, hoping to God you wouldn’t throw up in the middle of your history class.

You made your way down the hallway when you were stopped in your tracks. You knew they were back together – obviously – but seeing them marching down the hallway made you feel sick.

Sure, her bruises were all but gone now – whether from time or make-up you couldn’t be sure – but it felt like you could still see the dark purple mark around her neck whenever you’d look at her.

As they made their way down the corridor hand-in-hand, your eyes connected with the Maddy’s and you saw her face drop slightly, forcing down a lump in her throat. She looked as if she was going to greet you, but one sharp look from the not-so-Jolly-Green-Giant and you had your back to her, hand pressed against a locker.

Once they had passed, you turned to watch them go, only to connect eyes with the Devil himself. His grin was wide and haughty, and you wanted nothing more than to smack it right off his face. Keeping his eyes glued to you, he lifted a finger, swiping it under his nose as he inhaled deeply.

Turning back to the lockers, you felt your heart pounding, feeling like it would beat right out of your chest. As you made your way through the halls rushing to get home and hide back in your bed, you felt like the whole school was watching you.

Unfortunately for you, Rue was the only one to notice.

You’d remained in your bed the next few days, but by early Friday morning, your phone would not. Stop. Ringing.

Finally giving up, you answered the call, “Rue, what the fuck do you want?”

“I’m outside, can I come in?”

Pulling your phone from your face, you couldn’t help but glare at the girl’s contact, “It’s half 4 in the morning, Rue. What the fuck do you want?”

You could tell from her tone alone that she wasn’t in the best state of mind. Sober, maybe. Manic? Most definitely. Ignoring her incessant ramblings, you quietly made your way downstairs and opened the door.

You hushed her before she could even utter a thank you, and led her upstairs to your room. You saw her stare into your father’s room as you passed, her brow pinched together as she saw him passed out on the bed, still in his work clothes and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s still in his grip.

Thankfully, he’d left you the fuck alone tonight.

It didn’t stop you from quickly closing his bedroom door and sending the girl a pointed look, however.

Once you were in your room, you returned to your bed and waited, watching her as she almost burst just waiting for you to ask her to explain. After rolling your eyes, you nodded towards her, indicating that she had your full attention.

“What did Nate Jacobs say to you the night of Halloween?”

It took a moment for you to stop vacantly staring at her, “You came here at 4 in the morning to ask me that? Rue, you could’ve just texted me.”

“I did, you didn’t answer.”

Well, that was true. You’d seen the 20+ texts from Rue, but they all simply stated your name, that was it.

“You haven’t been in school, and Fez said you haven’t been at the store-”

“Rue, seriously.”

“Just tell me what Nate said to you, and I’ll be out of your hair.” Rue grabbed the desk lamp on your bedside table, turning it on and pointing it full beam at you.

“Jesus shit- what the fuck is wrong with you?!”

“It’s OK, this is a safe space. Anything you tell me stays between us… And Maybe Howard. Lexi, not Cassie.”

Reaching down the side of your bed, you pulled the plug from the socket and glared at the girl. Or at least in her general direction. You still had bright ring lights floating about in your vision, “Considering you just blinded me, I don’t feel so safe.”

The two of you watched each other closely, unblinking. Finally, your resolve broke, “How do you even know we-”

“-I saw you both leave a room. You were visibly upset. So… what did he say?”

Sighing, you realized that Rue’s manic self wouldn’t bow down to your half-conscious fight. “He just… He told me to stay away from Maddy.”

“Why would say that? I mean, we were all shocked when they walked through the door together, and all of the charges against him have been dropped but-”

Ignoring her tangent, you laid back down in bed, pulling the duvet up to your chin, “Rue, is this going anywhere?”

She stopped her pacing, turning on you quickly as if she’d forgotten you were even there, “Did he threaten you?”

“Why would you even think that?”

“You and Maddy aren’t close. I haven’t seen you interact much. He’d have absolutely no reason to drag you off to a room and tell you to keep away from her unless you knew something he doesn’t want you to. And there are only three ways Nate Jacobs knows how to get rid of a threat. Violence, intimidation, and blackmail.

You had to hand it to Rue, even if she was manic, she was fucking observant when she wanted to be. Or rather, when she was sober.

Rue spent the next half hour telling you hers and Lexi’s grand idea of how Nate Jacobs was suddenly let off for his violence, and in return, you very briefly gave her the low-down on your conversation with Maddy, which led to the not-so-pleasant conversation with Nate. You kept some of the parts to yourself; you weren’t sure you could trust this version of Rue with a secret like that.

After Rue had finally left, claiming she had to go meet Lexi at the school to ’discuss the case further’ you’d tried to go back to sleep but found yourself tossing and turning.

You were meant to head out to school, but instead found yourself kicking stones along the familiar path that led to Fez’s store.

It was still early, but he’d already started working, loading the large crates of delivery up by the door, taking them through a few at a time.

Shuffling your way over to the remaining crates, you grabbed one and carried it in, watching as he tried his best to keep his eyes to the floor whenever you’d pass each other.

Once the crates were emptied and the shelves were restocked, you found yourself watching him as he went through the audit.

His eyes would dart up every now and then, as if checking to still see if you were there, the silence between you only broken when he garnered the courage that you were yet to find,

"Ain’t you got no lessons today?”

Your mouth opened and closed a few times before your brain seemed to remember you were fluent in English.

“Haven’t really been feeling it this week.”

He nodded his head, “Yeah, Rue said she ain’t seen much of you.”

You could tell he was trying to initiate a conversation, and you knew exactly where it was heading, but it seemed like he just couldn’t quite get there.

You were still uncertain about how he was feeling after you’d checked in with him, neither of you had spoken since, and considering you’d spent a substantial amount of time together at the store, it felt like you’d almost returned back to the first few weeks of knowing him, where conversation didn’t flow so freely.

“Fez, can we talk?”

“Ain’t that what we doin’?”

You felt stupid, but having this conversation in the middle of the store felt… weird. It wasn’t exactly a middle ground, and Fez seemed much more relaxed than you, even if his eyes still darted in your direction every now and then.

“Somewhere private, maybe?”

His eyes scanned the store before returning to the order in his hand, “Ain’t exactly bustlin’ in here-”

“Fez,please.” You made your way to him, placing a hand on the paper he was holding. He was silent for a moment, before he finally shrugged and made his way out of the store, you following closely behind.

You weren’t sure where he was going at first, but as he led you to the roof of the store, you almost regretted not just doing this in the fridges aisle that was ground level.

Fez, however, seemingly did this enough times to be comfortable enough to sit himself down, looking out at the cars that passed by.

You slowly made your way over to him, standing above him as you silently berated yourself for not planning this conversation in advance.

“I’m sorry.”

He remained silent, his fingers twiddling as he contemplated how to reply. It took Fez a minute, as it almost always did. Sometimes it was reassuring, knowing he’d put thought into what he was saying – unlike yourself and your motormouth – but at times like these, it was overly daunting. You almost wanted to hit Fast Forward on him.

“You ain’t got nothin’ to apologize for.”

You couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped you, “I mean, I flaked on you at the party, then I flaked on you all week here… It was shitty of me, and I am sorry Fez.”

His knee bounced as he inhaled deeply, finally turning to meet your eyes for the first time since you’d arrived, “Why’d you bounce?”

Your mouth felt dry and just the thought of that night sent a sharp shooting pang through your right nostril. Taking a seat next to him, you kept your backpack on, fiddling with the strap, “I just… I was overwhelmed. I needed to get out of there and I just wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry, I should’ve gone back to find you.”

Nodding his head, Fez’s eyes remained on you, watching as your eyes darted away from him, “I’m real sorry if I made things awkward-”

“No-shit Fez, it wasn’t you. I promise. I actually had a really nice night. I just… I don’t know. I spent so much of my time at shitty teenage parties and every now and then I just… I feel like I’m back there, and it makes me fucking hate myself, you know?”

The weight that was sitting on his shoulders seemed to lift, finally allowing the man to relax a little. He sent you a small, winsome smile before looking back out to the road, “Shit ma, I thought this whole time it was something I did.”

“Is that why you didn’t keep texting me?” You bumped his shoulder lightly with your own, unable to keep the sweet grin from your face.

“Me? I thought you was avoiding me.”

“Maybe we’re both just fuckin’ idiots.” You grinned, a small laugh escaping you.

Fez looked to you once more, his eyes full of affection, “Maybe we are.”

The longer he stared, the more your smile dropped as you found yourself studying his features. Biting your lower lip, you watched as his eyes followed the movement, struggling to swallow a lump in his throat.

“You got my number now anyway, so anything like that happens again, just call me. I could’ve dropped you home.”

His voice was barely loud enough to hear, and if any car’s had passed by, they’d have drowned his words out completely,

“You care about me, Fezco?” You said it in jest, but his answer seemed instinctive, almost involuntarily.

“Course I do. We friends, right?”

Unable to find the words, you merely nodded at him, a placid grin pulling at your lips.

“So, whatchu get up to after you left?”

“Hmm?”

“Halloween. Where you go?”

Your mouth opened, but words failed to come out. Which was probably for the best. Fez watched, curious but patient.

“Oh, uh… I just went home. Went to bed.”

“Word.”

As Fez sat smiling at you, you felt crushed under a weight of guilt. You don’t know why you lied. Really, it was none of his business what you did, or who you did it with. Sure, he would probably be unhappy about the cocaine, but shit. Fez was a dealer. He was your dealer, in fact. He didn’t have a fuckin’ leg to stand on if he tried to get on his high horse.

Yet here you were, unable to look into his eyes for longer than a split second. Tugging at his hoody sleeve, you motioned towards the back of the building, “C'mon. You got work to do.”

You’d helped a little longer at the store before Fez sent you on your way. Standing outside the school, you took a deep breath before pushing the doors open and heading straight for the bathroom.

You could not handle school sober. So instead, you’d pulled out the little baggy from an inside zip, emptying a little onto your phone screen and pulling out a note from your pocket.

You knew your high wouldn’t last too long, but if it got you through your first lesson that you sat a few seats over from Nate, then it would do the job.

You hadn’t seen Rue, or Jules for that matter in school, and you’d avoided Maddy like the fucking plague – not that the girl had much intention of speaking to you either. Her eyes would follow you like a little lost puppy, but she stayed right by Nate’s side the entire time between lessons.

You’d been texting Fez throughout the day, begging him to come and pick you up, that you too could drop out of high school. You’d offered to work full-time at the store, hell, you’d even be his Grandma’s carer if it meant you could ditch this hell-hole.

Of course, he’d refused, claiming that at least one of you needed some sort of education. Why the fuck he couldn’t go back to school and get one instead was beyond you. You’d have settled with a GED.

“Everything good?” You asked Kat as you walked up behind her, watching as she stared after Maddy.

Jumping a little, she quietly acknowledged you before opening her locker, “Everything’s fine. What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing I-”

“Holy shit, are you high right now?” You covered her mouth, completely disregarding the dark lipstick she’d applied this morning.

“Don’t fucking say that shit so loud, Kat, someone might hear.”

She let out a little laugh that almost sounded patronizing, “Or they could just take one look at your saucer-sized pupils and fucking guess. Do you know how much trouble you’d get in for this shit?”

You sent her a condescending look, “I don’t think you can comprehend how much I literally don’t give a shit.”

“I didn’t know Fez sold that kinda shit.”

“I- Look just. Keep it quiet, OK? I don’t give a shit, but I could really do without the lecture from my Dad, alright? I don’t need to be kicked out of another school.”

Turns out, a drug-fueled you couldn’t keep your mouth quiet. So before she could answer, you quickly changed the subject, “You, Maddy. What was that look for?”

“We just had a falling out, that’s all. It’s fine.”

“I thought you two were like, super close?”

“Yeah well, shit happens. I’ll get over it.”

Unable to bring yourself to care all that much once your high had hit, you shrugged and walked off towards your next class.

Attending ‘Narcotics Anonymous’ wasn’t necessarily required for you, not twice a week, at least. You’d hoped by attending both meetings, you’d be able to get signed off a little quicker but you just really weren’t feeling it that Friday.

To sit in a room full of people, patting each other on the backs and crying about their pasts made you feel a little shitty when you were silent, knowing damn well you had the remaining cocaine in your back pocket.

But after heading back to the store after school, Fez was busting your balls about not attending.

“It’s an hour session, it really ain’t that long.”

You sat outback, perched on the desk where Ash was currently glaring at a school book. You sipped from your can of coke, doing your best to get the eldest brother off your back, “Exactly. It’s an hour long. I won’t be missing anything.”

“They know you ain’t sober?”

The comment caught you off-guard a little, the fizz from your soda coming out of your nose, burning the same nostril as the cocaine did earlier that morning. Wiping the liquid away with a disgusted face, you glared at Fez, “I’m sure half the people there aren’t actually sober. If there is one thing addicts are good at, it’s bullshitting.”

“Takes one to know one,” Ash mumbled under his breath, dodging your swiping hand, “God fuckin’ dammit.”

Throwing his pen down, the boy snatched the can from you, gulping down a mouthful.

Turning your attention to the stressed-out 14-year-old, you moved his book around, peering down at the question. Picking up his pen, you handed it back to him, “Feudalism helped protect communities from warfare and violence after the fall of Rome and the collapse of central government in Western Europe. Knights protected the King and Serfs in exchange for land and labor, restoring trade.”

Ash watched you for a moment, a skeptical gaze on his face before he finally accepted the pen, “What was the first part?”

Fez eyed you as you repeated yourself to Ash, the younger boy scribbling down the answer. Feeling his perpetual gaze, you turned your attention to him, an eyebrow cocked in question.

“Thought you didn’t like school?”

Swiping your can and pushing past the older brother you sent him a haughty smirk, “I don’t like it. Doesn’t mean I’m not good at it.”

You sat in your usual seat, almost certain that everyone in that room knew you’d taken cocaine earlier in the day. You wanted nothing more than to excuse yourself to the bathroom and rub the rest of the powder on your gums, but a lady called Monica was currently a little teary as she spoke about how a meth addiction had caused her to lose her son in a custody battle, and Ali was watching you like a god damn hawk.

As soon as the session was over, you pushed your chair out, ready to grab a coffee for both yourself and Fez – who was waiting outside to pick you up – and leave. Ali, however, stood directly in front of the door, guarding it.

“Didn’t feel like speaking tonight?”

You wondered how much trouble you’d be in if you threw the coffee in his face and made a run for it. Somehow, you didn’t think that would even stop him, “You know me, Ali. Public speaking isn’t really my thing.”

“Apparently neither is responding to text messages or voicemails.”

He had you there.

Any time you saw the man’s name pop up on your phone screen, you were inclined to hit the block button. You thought you had shown great willpower in merely watching your phone ring until he would inevitably send him to voicemail.

You hadn’t even bothered to delete them, let alone listen to them.

“I’ve been busy.”

Ali cocked a brow, staring down at you with a mildly entertained expression, “I’m sure you have. Still workin’ at the store?”

“Still in everyone’s business?”

He allowed you to walk around you but ended up beside you as you both exited the building. Thankfully, Fez was parked right out front, and you bolted towards the car.

“Hey,” Ali’s deep, yet soft voice stopped you as you waited for Fez to lean over and open the passenger door, “You might not answer, but I always will. Alright?”

You stared at him for just a moment before sending him a short nod.

“You sure you OK with this?”

You nodded but tried to keep your eyes anywhere other than on the unresponsive woman in front of you. It wasn’t that she creeped you out but… She was just led there. Unseeing. Unhearing. You couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy, knowing you were in this woman’s house and she’d never know.

“You don’t have a carer for her?”

Fez squeezed out the sponge before washing over his Grandma’s face, “Nah. Family takes care of family, you know? Plus, can’t really have just anyone running through here.”

“I guess.”

You almost wanted to applaud Fez for how nonchalant he was about giving his Grandmother a sponge bath. Hell, you felt more embarrassed about the woman having her tits out than he did. 

But as you leaned against the vanity on the far side of the room, you couldn’t help but feel a pang of heartbreak for the guy. He should’ve been off enjoying his life, partying at college, or traveling. 

Instead, he was stuck in this town running both of his Grandma’s businesses whilst caring for her and trying to bring up a teenager that shouldn’t have been his responsibility. And he took it all on the chin.

“How long have you been doing this?” You asked, watching his slow, gentle movements, as if he were afraid of hurting the woman, “Caring for her, I mean.”

Shrugging, Fez continued to soak the sponge, wring it out, then wash his grandmother, “Dunno. Since 'bout Ash’s age, maybe younger.”

“They’re real lucky they have you, you know?”

Fez looked towards you, his repetitive movements halting for only a moment to send you a tender smile.

A knock at the door pulled his attention away, and although you offered to open it, he declined. Deciding the least you could do was to help him, you began to dry his Grandma with the hand towel at the bottom of the bed.

When he returned a moment later, you could hear Rue before you saw her.  She was mid tangent before she’d even realized you were there but continued regardless.

“-Morgan is hyper-focused. Because he can see beyond the little details. He’s looking for the big fuckin’ picture. Because all of this shit? It’s connected, Fez. And it is way bigger than any of us can even fucking see.”

If you were honest, bar Morgan Freeman, you had no fucking idea what she was talking about. Rue had been absolutely manic at the beginning of the week, and you really weren’t certain she’d calmed down much.

“She can’t hear me, right?”

“She can’t see you, either.”

“OK, good. Cause this is like, some real top-secret shit.”

“Trust me Rue, she ain’t gonna gossip,” Fez said monotonously, continuing his previous motions.

Rue’s attention turned to you, staring expectantly. Unsure of what she wanted, you raised your brows, “Do you… You want me to give you a minute?”

“I don’t know how much you know. Top. Secret. Shit.”

You didn’t really want to tell the girl that you literally had no one else you considered a friend bar the guy she was telling the shit to, so you couldn’t gossip, even if you wanted to. Placing the towel over Fez’s leg, you sighed and made your way towards the door.

Throwing yourself onto the sofa, you pulled out your phone and tried to distract yourself from listening in on their conversation.

“What you worried about my guns for?”

“OK, well, I was thinking… that maybe you could use one to scare Nate Jacobs.”

Fez’s movements stopped as his blue eyes turned to Rue, staring at her in disbelief, “Are you serious?”

“I mean… I’m not not serious.”

“Rue, that must be the dumbest shit you’ve said all fucking day.”

Holding her hands up in front of her, Rue tried her best to persuade him, “You don’t have to fucking point it at him. You could just… You could, like…”

She began flapping up the bottom of her over-sized shirt and showing her waistband she lifted her eyebrows at the same time, “You could flash it.”

Fez shook his head, “You really have lost your fuckin’ mind, Rue.”

“Fuck, it’s a bad fucking idea, OK? I was just spit-balling, here. I mean, he fucked with me, he fucked with Jules. Shit, he even fucked with your new best friend out there. I just… I want fucking revenge, OK? Sorry.”

Fez watched the girl for a moment, her words still sinking in. You hadn’t told him anything about Nate. Sure, you’d had the weird stand-off at the store the first time you’d met, but he’d witnessed that. Surely, if anything else had happened, you’d of mentioned it to him, right? He knew he’d have to ask you about it later.

Before he could ask Rue for any more details, his phone dinged. Swearing under his breath, he threw the cloth into the bowl and made his way towards Rue, calling your name. As you walked into the room, he pushed past you, grabbing the door frame,

“Mouse is here.”

Chapter Six: Downfalls

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

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Masterlist

taglist:@iamasimpingh0e @chelseagirl77​ @zeida

Well shit, this was the last thing you needed.

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.

And maybe, that would be your downfall.

Chapter Five: Molly Was A Friend Of Mine

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

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Masterlist

taglist:@iamasimpingh0e

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.

Chapter Four: Family Portrait

Momma, come here,
Approach, appear,
Daddy, I’m alone,
Cause this house don’t feel like home

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: 4,144

Chapter Warnings: Mentions of addiction, very brief mentions of overdosing, physical abuse

Series Warnings: Addiction, sexual themes, cursing, abuse (various), smut, drug use, teenagers being fucking idiots. 18+ only, minors DNI

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taglist:@iamasimpingh0e​

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.

Chapter Three: Everyone’s Business

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

Previous Chapter:

Next Chapter

Masterlist

taglist:@iamasimpingh0e​

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.

Chapter One: No New Friends

If I’d have known that night,
That you’d come in and you would change my life,
I don’t know what you did, but you did it

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: 2,661

Chapter Warnings: Mentions of addiction, drug use

Series Warnings: Addiction, sexual themes, cursing, abuse (various), smut, drug use, teenagers being fucking idiots. 18+ only, minors DNI

Next Chapter

Masterlist

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.

masterlist

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. 

pt1

masterlist

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.

masterlist

pt 2

“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. 

tripping, falling, with no safety net

thethirdandfinalpart of my “baby” series.

part 1: baby, can you see through the tears?

part 2: drift off on the floor, i drag you to the shore

set after season 2 of euphoria

fezco x reader

Fez’s hands push yours aside, his fingers steady and dry. He unbuttons your fly and pulls down the zipper. 

Then he gets on his knees and looks up at you. The look in his blue eyes is like a cool balm on your skin. He tugs on your shorts and shimmies them down your hips, along your thighs, until they hit the floor. 

I feel I might just be coming undone

Tell me why you can’t be found?

It’s so unreasonable, I know you

Love is a difficult life

• Warnings for: sex (not smut, but dangerously close), drugs, guns. mentions of death. mentions of depression
• Inspired by the songs “safety net” by Ariana Grande ft. Ty Dolla Sign, and “Found’ by Tems ft Brent Faiyaz.
• fluff & angst & drama & more fluff
• 11.5k words

______________________________________

Spring comes to an end, and you have a new address on the other side of town. Closer to the store. 

The new place is in an old building, in need of intense cleaning, with a leaky faucet and faulty stove burner. It has two bedrooms and an actual living room and it’s perfect. And an elevator, which you couldn’t be happier about.

When you first opened the door to your new apartment, you couldn’t help the way you ran in. Your old place was a one bedroom, but it was more like a studio with an alcove. You walked along the walls and peered into every room and didn’t catch the way Fez watched you from the front door with a soft smile on his face.

Fez’s grandmother joins you in the home the week after you move in. You place the photo of her on the nightstand next to her bed, right under the light of the lamp. Her rosary goes next to it.

The first thing Fez does is brush her hair, lotion her hands, and drape a blanket over her. 

“Ash actually used to do this.” He says one morning, breaking the silence. His voice is even. “I would bathe her, but Ash made sure she stayed pretty.”

Usually he performs this ritual quietly, but today you are sitting next to him, and maybe it moved him to speak.

You put your head on his shoulder and a hand on his knee, and hope he can feel your love.

“He was sweeter than most people ever knew.”

You feel Fez nodding, and you know the conversation is over. 

Sometimes, if he isn’t keeping himself busy with work, or movies, or you, he seems totally bored with life. He was able to hide this well when he was locked up and you only saw him for a couple hours at a time. 

But now that he’s back, you get to observe him day in and day out. He isn’t entirely miserable - he basks in being able to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants. A lot of the time he seems thrilled that you are even in the same room as him. He loves you, and he loves his freedom, but you know it’s not enough. 

He is looking for meaning in his existence and coming up short. Looking for purpose in the store, or in paying the bills. You know you broke his heart when you left - it’s something you feel strangely guilty about every day. But Ash was his whole heart. He lived for Ash.

Fez won’t talk about that day. All you know is what Faye told you. 

You wish you knew how to fix this. The best you can do is listen.

You watch as Fez applies lotion along the inside of his grandmother’s hand. He takes the time to rub some into her cuticles. 

Everything’s been quiet on the homefront lately. Today’s the last day before you start working at the store and Fez goes to work on a demolition site. Less time together but more money in the bank. Plus, he won’t be doing demo work all the time. 

When summer ends it’ll be back to how it was, and you look forward to it.

______________________________________

That night you cook dinner. 

“Nervous about your first day?” You tease, bending over to check on the chicken in the oven. 

“Nah, I know most of the guys there.”

His mood has improved since this morning, like it always does. A few kisses from you and he goes from sullen to pleased. 

“You’re gonna be exhausted when you get back.” You wonder aloud. “Demolition work is hard.”

“Yeah, I know.” He says, and his voice is a lot closer. 

Before you can turn to face him, his hands touch you, one on your hip and one on your chest, just above your breast. He presses his chest against your back and buries his nose in your hair. 

“Can we at least eat first?” You ask, not at all bothered by the turn of events. 

He’s been out for five months and working overtime to make up for all the time lost. Personally, you still can’t get enough of him. 

But he does need to eat. 

“I’m not hungry.” He replies, petulant. 

“Yes, you are.” You say, swaying a bit as he walks the both of you forward by a step or two. 

“I’m gonna fuck you right here on the kitchen floor.” He answers, his mouth right by your ear, and your whole body is shot through with desire. It’s paralyzing. 

“What? No smart ass reply?” He teases. 

You swallow around a lump in your throat. Your skin is hot. 

“Let’s make a deal.” You say, and he hums. It vibrates from his chest and into your body. The hand on your chest creeps up to graze along your throat. The one on your hip starts to toy with your waistband. 

“Fuck.” You mutter. 

“What’s the deal?” He cajoles, one hand slipping under your pants but not into your panties. His palm and fingers settle on your throat. He tilts his hips into yours and you have to lay your hands flat on the kitchen counter. 

“We eat first.” You say, and you’re proud of yourself for not sounding as wrecked as you feel. “And then I promise to fuck you to sleep.” 

His hand slips out of your pants to grab your face. He turns your head so he can kiss you on the mouth, then your cheek. 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

He peels himself off of you and you feel sick with how bad you want him. How the hell did you go so long without this?

The two of you eat, brush your teeth, change into your pajamas, and then promptly take your pajamas off as soon as you’re in bed. 

You stay true to your word. You’re both trembling by the time you’re through with him. 

He knocks out, snoring, and you half want to wake him up just to kiss him some more. 

Instead you burrow closer into his embrace. There’s something so special about sleeping next to him after sex. You get to see the most secret, sweet parts of him. You get to know the heat of his skin and the scent of his neck.

______________________________________

When you wake up in the morning, he’s already long gone. 

You get up, aching in all the right places. You bathe before getting dressed, and then you’re off to the store. 

Your first day working on your own is only mildly interesting. Some regulars comment on how they haven’t seen you in a while, at least during the daytime. 

Then, around one in the afternoon, a man walks into the store. And you know, in your gut, that you’ve seen him before. And you know where. 

You haven’t seen him since that day in February, when you crossed paths on the stairs. 

You watch him from the corner of your eye, pretending not to notice when his gaze catches on you. He circles the store, glancing at the malt liquors and then at the back entrance. 

“How can I help you?” You finally ask. He looks at you. 

“Well…” 

“Looking for Fez?” You prod and he smiles crookedly. 

“Yeah, actually. You know him?” 

“I do.” You reply. “I’m working at his store.”

The man starts to approach the counter. 

“Yeah, that was dumb of me to say.” He puts one elbow on the countertop, and you try to commit his face to memory. Pale skin, dark eyes, light brown hair. He looks to be about twenty five. 

“Why are you looking for him?” You ask, trying very hard to not sound as curious as you really are. 

“Oh, I’ve been calling him but he’s not picking up. Thought I’d drop by to see him.” The guy shrugs. “We’re old friends but I don’t see him much.”

Ah. That makes sense, actually. 

“He’s not working here today.” You answer. 

“Yeah, figures. On my day off.” He sighs. “You’re his girlfriend, right?”

You tilt your head. 

“He talk to you about me?”

The guy shrugs. 

“A little. He told me that you met in high school and you basically got him through jail. Said you go to a state school and you’re really smart.” 

You don’t know what to say. The man grabs a pack of gum and tosses it on the counter. 

“How much for these?”

“Two dollars.” You say, and he pulls the money out of his wallet. 

He pays and pockets the gum. 

“I guess I’ll catch him some other time. And maybe I’ll see you around, too. You could meet my girl.” He says, a small smile playing on his lips. 

“Sure.” You answer, feeling a lot better. 

Right before he steps out the store you ask, “What’s your name, again?”

“Christian.” 

“I’ll let Fez know you’re looking for him, Christian.”

He raises one hand in thanks and walks out. 

______________________________________

Fez is a tough guy. Always has been, and he came out of jail even tougher in a lot of ways. But he’s not a man who has spent his days swinging a giant sledgehammer at a wall for hours on end. 

So when he gets home looking like he’s been chewed up and spat out, it’s not surprising. 

You basically usher him into the bathtub, where you wash his back and lather his chest. You look at his hands and his palms are red. 

“How many more days on this job?” You ask. 

“A week.”

“You sure you wanna take more demo jobs after this?”

“I gotta. Even just a few of these gigs this summer and it’ll really line our pockets, y'know what I mean?”

“Okay. Just a few.”  You lace your fingers with his and he heaves a huge sigh, knocking his head back to rest on the tub. 

“I’m not gonna lie to you.” He starts. “I planned on coming home and fucking the shit outta you but I don’t think I have it in me tonight. Sorry.”

You splash water in his face and he sputters. 

“One track mind.” You tease. 

In bed that night, you dip your hands under his shirt jus to feel his skin. Chaste. 

Your fingers brush against the scar on his abdomen, the ghost of his bullet wound. 

He’s already half asleep when you remember your promise from earlier in the day. 

“By the way, your friend Christian came by the store today.”

Fez’s eyes open, slowly. 

“Christian came to the store?”

“Yeah.” You nod, face half buried in your pillow. “You weren’t picking up the phone and I guess he wanted to see you. Said it was his day off.”

He doesn’t answer and you yawn, drifting off. 

______________________________________

Fez finishes his demo gig and doesn’t have another lined up for a couple weeks. Which means he is working the store today, which means you get to spend the day at home or out or wherever you want. Fez loves these days - he loves when you don’t have to lift a single finger. Sometimes you think he gets off on bringing home the bacon. 

So now you’re on the couch with your friend, laughing your head off. 

Faye watches you laugh at her joke and smiles in that slow, spacey way that always charms you.

You’d become fast friends since you first met her. There’s something about her you just like. You love Rue, and you like her friends. But that’s different. Maybe it’s just that Faye is closer in age to you and Fez, so you don’t feel so maternal. All your friends have gone off to different colleges, and even though you still talk, there’s a growing distance between you. 

But Faye is funny, and sweet, and you’re only growing closer. 

When Fez gets home, you’re on the couch with Faye talking about giving each other stick-n-pokes.

The door shuts and Fez pauses, eyes lighting up.

“Wassup, kid?” 

“Hey.” Faye grins.

“What, you stealing my girl now?” He nods in your direction. 

You have Faye’s ankle in your lap, doodling a little flower there with a pen. The two of you are testing potential tattoo designs. 

You can hear Fez dropping his keys into the little bowl by the door.

Faye shrugs and smiles coyly.

“How you been? Haven’t seen you since that party we had at the store.” He continues. 

You glance up from the daisy you’re drawing. 

“The ‘welcome back’ party?”

Fez purses his lips in that funny way he does. It’s his version of rolling his eyes.  He always calls it the grand re-opening party, but you both knew people showed up to celebrate the fact that he was free. Not that they didn’t love going to his store for the occasional ice cream or soda.

You let go of Faye’s ankle and hand her the pen. She takes hold of your wrist and starts doodling.

“Yeah, I’ve just been kinda busy.” She says, concentrating on your wrist. You watch Fez kick off his shoes and grab a water bottle from the fridge. “I’ve been going to NA or whatever. Got a job. Always checking in with my fucking probation officer.”

“Oh, shit. You’re still on probation?” Fez looks truly surprised, sitting down across from the both of you.

“Yep.” Faye pops the p on the word, annoyed. “One year down, two more fucking years to go. Took that instead of a year in county jail.”

“You sure you should be hanging ‘round here?” He asks, and the concern in his voice is setting off alarm bells in your head.

Faye shrugs, and puts the cap on the pen. 

“What’s wrong, why can’t she hang out here?”

She runs her finger over the little star she drew on you and smiles to herself. You smile back, but you glance up at Fez, a question on your face.

“Folks on probation and parole can’t hang with ex-cons.”

“What?” 

“Yeah.” Faye sighs, resting her head on the couch. “But I’m not really sure if it counts, though. Neither of us are felons.”

“Faye,” You say. “I think you should really know the rules of your probation better.”

Fez makes a clicking sound with the side of his mouth.

“I mean, I won’t catch any heat for it. I’m just worried about you, kid.”

She slouches further into the couch, her hair fanning out around her head.

“Alright, I’ll ask. Just don’t kick me out yet, I’m having fun.” 

You pinch her leg.

“Obviously I won’t. But we actually should get going.”

Faye glances at the clock and nods, walking to the door to toe on her shoes. You grab yours from next to the couch and unlace them. 

“Where y’all going?”

“Movies.” You reply. “Then dinner.”

“Damn you really trying to steal my girl, huh?” He jokes, and Faye smiles and winks. He waves her off. “Alright, alright. Have fun.”

You tie your shoes and walk to the door, where Faye waits. You pause in front of Fez.

“I’ll call you when we get out.”

You kiss him on the mouth.

When you get back he’s laying on the couch, watching a nature documentary, blunt in hand. His gaze flickers to you as you walk through the door. When you bend over to unlace your shoes, you catch a glimpse of him looking at your legs. You’re wearing shorts. His expression is cat-like.

You walk up to him and see his eyes are glassy from the weed. 

“C’mere, baby.”

He tugs at your fingers lightly. 

“Where? There’s no room.” You say, pleased with how playful he’s been all day. 

“Whatchu mean?“ He puts the blunt in the ashtray so he can place both hands on the back of your thighs. “C’mon, don’t make me beg.”

“You want me to lay on top of you?” There’s a laugh in your voice. 

He sucks his teeth in faux annoyance and you laugh again before giving in. 

He opens his legs to give you space to lay between them and you do so, resting your head on his chest. He wraps one arm around you and puts the blunt back in his mouth, taking a slow drag. Then he puts it in your mouth and you inhale. The taste of it reminds you of Fez, honestly. 

“I could look at you all day.” He says, and you smile to yourself as you exhale. 

“Yeah?” You tease. He brushes his fingers along your cheek. 

“Yeah.”

You hum and take another drag. 

“You have fun with Faye?”

You nod. 

“Did you? Have fun at home, I mean.”

“I mean, I got to relax but… it’s not the same without my baby.” 

He plucks the blunt straight out of your mouth and smokes from it. You watch him do it and he winks at you. 

“You know you’re so fucking hot?” You blurt out. 

He laughs so suddenly that he coughs, and blue smoke streams from his mouth. 

______________________________________

You think maybe seeing you with Faye has inspired Fez. Or something like that. 

He starts going out, without you, and it makes you happy. He hangs with Rue, or Faye, or even with Lexi. Mostly, he hangs with Christian. 

You get to know him better. He’s a couple years older than you and Fez, he likes to skate, and his favorite movie is Serpico. 

He usually hangs with you and Fez for a couple hours before the two of them head out. He’s kind and charismatic and normal, and that’s more than enough for you to like him. 

Fez mentions something vague about the two of you hanging with Christian and his girl sometime, but no plan ever materializes. 

It’s whatever. You just like seeing him go out at and be happy. It’s good to see him go back to really living life. 

He leaves at sundown most times, after he and Christian are done at work. One day you wake up to him crawling into bed at two in the morning. You feel his body settle behind yours. You turn to kiss him and he stretches into your touch like a cat.  

“Fun night?” You ask, and you love how shaky his exhale is. 

He doesn’t answer, just kisses you back. He opens his mouth a little and you press your tongue against his. 

“You didn’t go drinking.” You say playfully, like you’re a detective. “You don’t taste like gin.”

He doesn’t play along. 

He kisses your neck, one hand sliding to your waist, and you start to wonder what kept him out so late if it wasn’t a night at the bar. 

“What’d you and Christian do tonight?” You ask, and Fez licks a stripe across your collarbone. 

“Can we not talk about Christian right now?” He says, smoothing his palm up your rib cage. He nips at your ear, and you’re distracted for a moment by the excitement flooding your veins. 

“I’m just wondering why my boyfriend is coming home so late.” You reply, and Fez pulls you in even closer.

“We didn’t do nothin’ special.” He says, turning you so that you’re on your back and he’s on top of you. 

Now you’re sure he’s being evasive, and even among the rubble of your sleepiness and your arousal, a red flag is raised. 

He presses one knee between your thighs, knocking them apart to make room for himself. His body is hot. 

“You trying to distract me?”

He sighs, and grumbles, resting his forehead on your chest. 

“We hung out at his place, then we shot the shit with some buddies off Kemper, and it got late. Ain’t really worth talking about.”

You bring one hand up to the back of his head. 

“Okay.”

His breath is making you frost over with goosebumps. He lifts his head, and there’s desperation in his eyes. 

“Baby, I been thinking bout making love to you all night. So do me a favor and kiss me.”

You can’t say no to that. 

______________________________________

It’s almost noon when you get back from the supermarket. You open the trunk of the car and bend over to collect the bags of groceries. But then a voice makes you stand so fast you almost hit your head. 

“Where’s your boyfriend?”

You just turn and stare, unblinkingly, as your mother walks up to you on the sidewalk. She glances around, appraising the building you’re parked in front of. 

When you don’t answer she stops in her examination to look at you. You realize then that she wasn’t looking at the building out of genuine interest, but because looking at you pains her. You see it in her eyes.

“He’s at work. Did you come here to see me?” You ask, hopeful. You’d given her your new address after you and Fez moved but you weren’t really expecting her to show up. 

“No. I was hoping to speak with Fezco. But it’s nice to see you.” She says. 

“What did you wanna see Fez for?” You ask, even though you know. Your mother just looks at you with a bemused expression. One that says ‘let’s not pretend’.

“I know we haven’t spoken in a long time.” She starts, and the intensity of her gaze makes you uneasy.

You busy yourself with taking the groceries out of your car, just to avoid it. 

“Don’t you think that hurts me?” She continues, “I’m your mother. Your dad and I miss you. You’re young, we won’t judge you for the mistakes you make.”

This makes you turn your head.

“I’m making my own decisions about my life. It’s not up to you to decide if they’re mistakes or not.”

“A convicted drug dealer? Really?”

“He doesn’t deal anymore.” It sounds like a weak defense as soon as it leaves your mouth. “And you know why he used to do it.”

“You know he attacked Cal Jacobs’ son? Sent him to the hospital. He was asleep for four days.”

“Yeah, I heard.”

You say nothing else, because if you tell her you think Nate deserved it for a dozen reasons, it will open an entirely different can of worms. And you definitely don’t mention that Cal is a sex offender and his son is an abuser. 

“Do you really think he is living with you because he loves you so much? I hate saying these things to you.” She stops and shuts her eyes. “You’re young, honey. But you need to face reality. He has nothing and you are offering him everything. A home, a hot meal, sex.” 

You cringe. 

“That’s what matters to him. You could be anyone.”

“I’m not just anyone. We were together for almost three years.”

“Together? You were in high school. You dated him.”

“Okay, and now I live with him. Mom, do we have to argue?”

She sighs and you heft a paper bag onto your hip. 

“Do you…do you want to come up?” You ask, hopeful she will say yes. 

“Are you using protection?” She says instead, pissing you off a little. 

“I don’t think you’re really one to judge.” You retort, and you regret it immediately. 

Your mother’s face rearranges itself into something stony, and you know it’s to hide the hurt. Your parents had you very young, and although you know they love you, you also know it wasn’t easy for them.

“If you get pregnant,” She warns, “We’re cutting you off.”

And you know she’s saying that out of anger. You know it’s not what she came here to say. You know you provoked her into saying it. And more importantly, you and Fez aren’t getting pregnant any time soon.

But it still hurts.

You watch your mother walk away, and when she turns the corner you walk into your building and take the elevator up to your apartment and put the bags onto the counter and you do not cry. 

When the milk and eggs and bread are stored, you stand in front of the fridge for a while, letting the cold wash over you. It’s hot out today and the heat is seeping into the apartment through every crack in the windows and under the doorways. 

You check on Marie, give her her medicine, turn on the fan in her room, and leave for the store.

When you get there, you’re feeling calmer. The drive soothed you. When you park the car, you see a couple others parked as well. A  couple of people are milling around inside.

You walk into the store and Fez smiles at you from where he’s sitting on the counter.

“Look who it is.” He says, and you feel a million times lighter already. “Hey, beautiful.”

“Hey, handsome.” You reply, resting your forearms on the counter and staying still just so he’s forced to lean down to kiss you hello.

He’s got his Polo unbuttoned, and you can see the gleam of his necklaces contrasted with the peach tone of his skin. You touch one finger to the jewelry, just to feel the heat of it.

“Want it?” He asks, breaking you out of your reverie. “It’d look better on you than me.”

You shake your head.

“One day you can just buy me one of my own.” You tease, then kiss him on the cheek. “So, has it been busy today?” 

“Yeah, actually. Lotsa college kids comin’ round for liquor. Summer parties are startin’ up.”

You hum and glance around. There are a few people chatting and looking at bottles and chip bags and rolling papers.

“Why don’t you take a break? Go sit in the fridge and cool off.”

“You sure?” His brows raise. His cheeks are flushed, and you know it’s the heat.

“Yes.” You round the counter to stand behind him and playfully push him. “Go.”

He hops off the counter and walks away with his hands raised in surrender. He vanishes into the fridge and you sigh. It’s fucking hot in here. You’re gonna need to find a better way of cooling the store. The ancient giant fans aren’t cutting it.

The busywork of manning the counter keeps your head nice and blank. It feels safe here.

You’re ringing up a couple when you hear your name called. 

You hand back the customers’ change and glance up to the front entrance, and see the boy you dated in your freshman year of college. 

“Dwayne!” 

He walks up to the counter with his hands in his pockets and a surprised smile on his face.

“Wow, I haven’t seen you since before winter break. How are you?” He asks, and it is so nice to talk with someone who knows nothing of your worries.

“I’ve been good.”

“You work here?” 

“Yeah. Well, sometimes. My boyfriend owns it.”

“Oh, shit. He owns it?”

You shrug, acting bashful, even though you’re actually very proud of the fact.

“Yeah, it was his grandma’s and he’s keeping it alive.”

“I’ve been here before, though. Is he the redhead? The one with the beard?”

You grin and nod.

“Yeah, exactly. That’s Fez.”

Dwayne nods and there’s a tiny moment of awkwardness that passes before you can even think about it. He taps his hand on the counter and looks behind you, a faux thoughtful look on his face. It makes you smile even wider. 

Even though it didn’t work out, you’ve missed your friendship, however new and small it had been before you dated.

“Can you get me a couple packs of those swisher sweets?”

“Sure. Blueberry, right?”

He cracks a smile at that. 

“Yeah.”

You turn around and place one foot on the hidden step stool behind you to reach up for the packets.

“You remembered, huh?”

“Who wouldn’t? These taste like shit.” You step back down and turn to him, placing the items on the counter. “I’ll always associate them with you and those times we smoked together.”

“I’m flattered.” He jokes, putting one hand over his heart. 

“Alright, playboy. You finna buy anything?” Fez’s voice breaks through the rhythm of your conversation, the words said in a steady drawl.

You both turn your heads to look at Fez, leaning against the fridge door. Dwayne is surprised and you are as well, until annoyance floods in.

“Sorry.” You say. “Ignore him and take your time.”

Fez pushes off from the fridge door he’s leaning against and gives you a meaningful glance before walking away.

“Is he the jealous type?” Dwayne asks, keeping his voice light, but you can tell he feels awkward. You’d gotten to know him pretty well.

“No, actually. He’s being weird.” You mutter, and he gives you a sympathetic look. “Anything else I can get you?”

He hums and turns, scanning the glass doors with a quick turn of his head. He goes to one, picks out a pack of beers and then puts them on the counter.

“I forgot my ID, though.” He says, and it gets a smile out of you.

“I won’t tell if you won’t.” You say, ringing him up. 

He waves goodbye at the entrance and you wave back.

______________________________________

The two of you worked the rest of the day, until nightfall. It really was a busy day, and that was to your advantage. You were too aggravated to talk much and the drive back home was silent. 

Fez starts apologizing as soon as you walk through the apartment door.

“Look, I’m sorry ‘bout all that. Wasn’t tryna start nothin.”

“Okay.” You say, walking into your bedroom and taking off your earrings in front of the vanity. You then step out and go to the bathroom, where Fez watches you splash water on your face.

“Baby, are we fightin? What d’you want me to do?”

You scoff.

“You need to - I don’t fucking know, Fez. You’re sleeping on the couch tonight? I don’t know, whatever.” 

You haven’t fought since you were in high school. Now that you live in the same home, you get to do grown up things like banish your partner to the couch. Surreal.

“You serious?” 

“Yes, I’m serious.” You say, even though you’re not really sure you are. “You embarrassed me. Why did you do that?”

His face morphs into something less apologetic. 

“Did you fuck him?” 

You swear you could just scream right now. 

“We dated back in freshman year. So, yes, I fucked him.”

“I knew it.” He sounds exasperated. “I could tell.”

“Now what? Are you gonna ask if I liked it?” 

His face shutters and you see the shift in him - the shift into actual anger. 

“Nah, I was gonna ask why you never told me ‘bout him.”

“Because it doesn’t matter.” 

There’s a lot of things you feel guilty about. This is not one of them. 

“You knew ‘bout Lexi, but I ain’t know nothing about him.”

“Oh, please. I only knew about Lexi because Rue told me.”

“Yeah, well, I didn’t sleep with her.”

“You just didn’t get the chance to!” 

There you go again, raising your voice. 

“Fuck this.” He mutters and when he leaves the room you get even angrier. 

It should’ve been you leaving the room and slamming the door behind you for good measure. Instead you’re left staring at the open bathroom door and the empty hall beyond it. 

You go to your room and sit on the bed, exhausted. The cool air is making the day’s sweat dry on your skin and it’s making you even more miserable. 

You put your hand on the back of your neck and sigh. When you open your eyes, Fez is at the doorway. You lock eyes and when you don’t shout he takes it as permission to enter the room. 

“Let’s just forget all of this.” You say and he shakes his head. 

“Nah. I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

He means it. He always does. 

You feel the outrage seep out of you. You recognize all of this - his jealousy, his anger. It’s new and it’s stupid and it’s temporary. He’s not his old, mellow self, you know that. You’ve known this for a while, even if he doesn’t know it himself. 

Emotions overpower him for small moments and he’s trying his best. Every day he gets a little bit better. 

Today was just a bad day. 

Plus staying angry with him is hard, it always has been. 

“It’s been a really shitty fucking day.” You admit. 

“I’m really sorry.”

“It’s not just you.” You mumble and the bed shifts when he sits next to you, his shoulder pressed against your own. “My mom showed up this morning.”

“Did y’all talk?”

“Oh, yeah. And she told me if I get knocked up she’s gonna cut me off.”

“She said that?”

“Yeah.”

He brushes a lock of hair behind your ear. He always does that to soothe you. 

“You jus’ keep taking the pill.” He says. 

“I’m worried it’s not just for now. What if she means forever? She can’t blackmail me like that. What, I can’t start my own family without losing my parents?” 

“We don’t gotta worry about that right now. Aight? You get your degree, I’ll work, and we’ll think about kids later. They’ll come around.”

“Still wanna put a couple babies in me, huh?”

“I mean, yeah. I want you to be the mother of my children.”

You can’t help the flutter in your chest. 

“I know why you got jealous, Fez. So listen to me for a second.” You grab his hand and look at it. The gold rings, the freckles, the fingers intertwined with yours. “Stop being scared that I don’t want you. I’ve never wanted anything but you. You’re afraid, I can tell.”

You look up. He says nothing. He just looks at you, thoughtful. 

“You’re the future father of my children.” You say. “You. I couldn’t stop loving you if I tried. Okay?”

He nods. 

“Yeah, I hear you, baby mama.”

You smile as you kiss him. 

______________________________________

You park outside of the store, and you can see the back of Fez’s head through the window. He didn’t hear you pull up, and you almost call out until you see he’s in there with someone. 

You’d thought maybe you could help out at the store again today, but now you guess it’s not busy enough to warrant that. 

You step out of the car and recognize that the other person is Christian. They’re talking back and forth, Fez shutting the cash register and locking it. You can’t hear them from here. Christian looks somewhere between amused and agitated. You can’t see Fez’s face. 

And then. 

You watch as Fez and Christian step into the fridge together. And you feel like you’ve been stabbed in the back, even though you know that’s not true. 

Fez never promised to stop dealing, and you never made him promise to stop. You never told him you’d leave if he went back to it - you didn’t want to force his decisions with an ultimatum. 

And most importantly, you could be wrong. Misreading the situation because of your anxiety. 

You tell yourself these things, but you can’t reason yourself out of your emotions. 

You think about waiting for them to step out, to stand by the door to confront him. Instead you turn around and walk away.

______________________________________

That night, Fez’s gentle hands are zipping up the back of your dress. His knuckles brush against your neck as he buttons the top.

“Who invited you?”

Looking in the mirror, you appraise Fez’s party outfit. Simple as always. He doesn’t need much when he’s that handsome.

“An old friend. His name’s Conor. S’like, one of my oldest buddies, but I ain’t seen him in a minute.”

“The party’s at his house?”

“Yeah.”

He tugs your dress down from where it bunched up around the zipper. When he’s done he steps away towards the dresser to pick out his jewelry.

“Are you planning on dealing drugs again?” You ask, surprising yourself.

He pauses and turns his head to look at you. You look right back and he blinks, owlishly.

“What?”

“I’m just asking.” You say, going for casual, but your tone is betraying you. “Are you?”

“No.” He answers, and he says it so simply, with so much conviction. 

You say nothing in reply. 

Has he always been such an excellent liar? Has he ever lied to you before and you didn’t realize? 

Or is he being honest, and you’ve misread the situation entirely?

“What’s wrong, girl?” He asks, blinking again in that earnest way. He brushes his hand against your cheek.

“Nothing.”

“Seems like it’s something.” He has gone from surprised blinking to that quiet observational gaze of his. 

You shrug, and Fez keeps looking at you, curious and perceptive. You’re used to this, though, and even though you’re rusty, you maintain a more or less blank expression.

“Aight.” He concedes, raising his hand to touch your cheek again. He leans down and kisses your other cheek. So tender. Maybe you’re just overthinking it. 

“Let’s go show you off.”

The party is being hosted in the nicest house you’ve been in, probably ever. A pool, and several bathrooms, and a view over the hills. Glass walls and hardwood floors and a fully stocked bar. You were expecting something closer to the parties you’d attended in high school.

“What does your friend do for a living?”

“Don’t know.” 

You shoot Fez a look but he doesn’t see you, with the small crowd of men walking up to greet him. 

They’re saying things like, “When’d you get out?” And “We gotta hang soon.” and “You look good, man.”

A few of them you recognize, and some you don’t. You break off to look for red solo cups and liquor bottles. It’s nice to go out and have fun. 

The first drink goes down a little rough. 

It’s been a long while since you’ve partied or drank, but the next one is a little better. You need this, because the more you drink, the less you stress about what you saw today. It’s easier to convince yourself that it’s nothing if you’re drunk. 

Fez looks at you across the crowded room and you give him a sly smile. He looks hungry. Your belly goes hot. 

Maybe it’s the vodka or maybe it’s the look in his eyes or maybe it’s all the memories of hooking up with him at various parties. 

You dance for a few songs, liquor on your tongue and smoke in the air. The room is dark and bright all at once and every time you look towards the couch, you catch sight of Fez. 

It’s easy to forget your anxieties when you’re tipsy and Fez is looking at you like he wants to eat you whole.

You throw a simple glance over your shoulder as you walk away from the dance floor, and you know without looking that he is following you. 

You hardly get the bathroom door open before you’re being pushed inside, Fez locking the door closed. 

When he lifts you onto the sink counter, your heart leaps. There was a point in time where you thought you’d never get to do something this juvenile again. 

The room is buzzing with flickering lights and muffled music and the electricity between you and Fez. 

He kisses you and you taste liquor on his tongue too. His fingers insinuate themselves between your legs, and when you gasp at his touch he takes the opportunity to deepen the kiss.

You feel him slide your panties to the side and you know if he keeps going he will use his fingers to fuck you stupid. And you don’t want that just yet. You want to be totally clear eyed right now. 

You push his hand away and he stops immediately, breaking the kiss to look at you. 

“My turn first.” You say, pressing one last kiss to the corner of his mouth. 

You drop to your knees and lift the bottom of his shirt, slow and deliberate. The tile is cold on your knees. 

You breathe out, watching as his muscles tense. Then you lean in and kiss him right beneath his belly button, pressing your nose into his skin.

You glance up and he’s staring, his mouth slightly open. 

“Did you think about this a lot? When we were apart?”

He swallows, and you think maybe he’s struck dumb, even though this is hardly your first time going down on him since he was released. 

But then he speaks and plays along with your game.

“Before or after I got locked up?”

You shrug and kiss him on the belly again.

“Either.”

“Yes.” His already deep voice has pitched even lower. “I think about it a lot nowadays, too.”

That makes you clench your thighs. You wet your lips and press more kisses to his belly, bringing your hands up to hold his hips. The taste of his skin is making your mind go blissfully blank. 

“Sorry I didn’t get to this earlier. Kinda got distracted by your tongue in my mouth.” You say, unbuttoning the fly of his jeans. 

“S’okay.” He replies, voice all slow and gravelly. You huff out a laugh against his skin. 

Afterwards, you do let him fuck you stupid.

______________________________________

Two weeks later and Fez is doing another demo job. Seven o’clock and he’s still not home. 

You’re elbows deep in a hamper of clean, rumpled clothing. 

Fez always does the laundry. Truthfully, he’s better at folding and he’s more precious about his clothing than you are. Lots of thrifted vintage sweaters and polos and such that need to be washed just right and dried just right and folded just right.

But he’s busy at work, and you’re home and you think it would be a nice surprise. One less thing for him to worry about. You make sure to let his nicest sweaters air dry and everything. You fold to the best of your abilities. You change the sheets. And then you get to work putting everything away.

Your clothes and his hanging in the closet. Bras and panties in the dresser’s top drawer. Both your socks in the shared drawer beneath that one. Then his boxers in the following drawer. You move some of them aside to make room for the new, clean pairs, and your hand touches something cold. 

You pull the drawer out further and take everything out.

There are two phones there, sitting at the bottom of the drawer. Innocuous and hidden. 

You pick them up and turn them each in your hand. Neither of these are the phone he always carries.

You bite your lip, and wonder if maybe they’re just old phones he’s held onto. When you push the sleep buttons, they both come to life. Fully charged. Generic wallpaper. One has notifications, but the messages and sender are not displayed in the pop up. 

Fez is not someone you’ve ever suspected of cheating. And when people do cheat, there’s no need for an entirely different phone. 

No, these are burner phones. You didn’t date a drug dealer for years to not know them when you see them. 

You wish you’d been wrong. Honestly, in a fucked up way, you’d rather find out he’s cheating. 

You try unlocking them, but none of the pins you try work. Not his birthday, or your birthday, or Rue’s birthday, or his grandma’s. Not 1-2-3-4, not 0-0-0-0. 

The part of you that raises her voice, the part of you that cries when she’s angry, that part of you wants to grab both of these phones and throw them at Fez’s feet.

The more mature idea is to pack your shit and leave. Go back to your parents’ house and then find a roommate in some apartment near campus. Just get up and leave. Admit defeat.

He’s going to get himself killed, you think to yourself. 

You look at the phones in your hand and consider smashing them to pieces. Crack them against a flat surface and then leave them in the drawer for him to find. Or take the sim cards out and toss them out the window.

Maybe he’s trying to get himself killed, at this rate. It could be that. He’s been depressed. Maybe he wants to get himself shot by some other drug dealer, or the cops, and be with Ash.

No, that’s stupid. 

At best, he just doesn’t care that he could get himself killed. What matters more is the money, or maybe the familiarity. He’s never known any other way to live. And he hides it because he knows you’ll leave, just like you did two years ago. 

You’re getting dizzy trying to untangle this. 

You finally put the phones down, back where you found them, and you cover your face with your hands. You breathe in, then out. In, and out. 

You will talk this out. You’ll confront him, and he’ll apologize, and the two of you will leave this chapter behind.

__________________________________

When he gets home he kisses your mouth, and your cheek, and your neck. He seems in a good mood. He’s wearing the same cologne he always does. 

“How’s your day been?”

“Good.” You lie, and you watch him walk into his grandmother’s room, to check on her like he always does when he gets home. He steps out and finds you standing in the exact same spot. 

“You okay?” He asks, and you breathe in to steel yourself. 

You shake your head no and Fez steps closer, but you speak before he can touch you. 

“I know you’re dealing drugs again, Fez. And we need to talk about it.” 

His face shifts into something vaguely panicked before he smooths it over. 

“I’m not dealing drugs.” He replies, voice stern, and you start to seethe. Anxiety gone, replaced by rage-inducing hurt. 

“I found your burner phones.” You say and he closes his eyes. He sighs and when he opens his eyes, you’ve never seen him look more sorry. 

“Why are you doing this? Like, what the fuck, Fez.” 

Your voice is trembling. He looks ashen. 

“Do you want to fucking die?” You ask, outraged by his lies and his silence. And the question is rhetorical, but the silence that follows is harrowing.

He looks away, moving his eyes to look at the carpet, and you feel like your chest has cracked open. 

You wait for him to deny it, but he just keeps his eyes glued on the floor and he looks ashamed and now your chest goes from cracked open to completely caved in. 

“This ain’t about that.” He finally says. 

You wish you could take the words back. You wish you didn’t have to find out what you’d half suspected. It mixes with the pain of being lied to and it all becomes too much. 

Fuck. 

“I have to go.” You say, your voice calm and quiet, and you turn and walk to the bedroom.

“No,” he calls out, “Don’t do this shit again.”

You don’t answer and he calls your name out from somewhere behind you. 

“Please.” He says, voice cracking just a tiny bit. He’s standing in the doorway. 

You glance up at him from where you’re standing, opening up the closet. You’re so afraid you won’t be strong enough to make it out that door. 

You take your coat off the hook. 

“Baby, wait.” He says, grabbing the coat from your hands and tossing it to the side. 

You pick it up again and put it on. 

“I’m fucking begging you, don’t do this.”

Your heart is racing. 

“Move, Fez.” You shove him lightly and he moves easily. You grab a small pile of shirts and put them on the bed. 

“Don’t walk out on me.” He pleads, and your eyes flood with tears. You keep your head ducked as you grab your backpack and shove your shirts inside. 

“I have to.” You answer, throwing your phone in the bag and turning to the dresser for your underwear. 

“No, you don’t.” He’s following you around the room, trying to get you to look at him. 

“You’re dealing again. You lied to me.”

You glance at the door, wondering if you have the heart to actually go. To at least make these dramatics worth it. 

He follows your gaze. 

“Shit.” He shuts the door closed. “It’s not that. I’m not dealing.”

“Stop lying!”

“I’m not! Fuck.” He puts both hands on the back of his head and shuts his eyes. He breathes in before opening them again. “You gotta swear to me you won’t tell anyone what I’m about to say.” 

You don’t know what you expect him to say, but it definitely isn’t what comes next. 

“I’m an informant.” He says. 

And it all clicks. It all falls right into place. Christian, the secrecy, the phones. The stint in county jail - only nine months. 

“That’s how -“

“This is why you didn’t go to prison.” You interrupt. He swears under his breath. “You made a deal.”

“You wasn’t supposed to know this. It’s fuckin’… confidential. Some stupid bullshit like that.”

You just stare. 

“I’m sorry. You gotta believe me, baby. I’m sorry. But I couldn’t let you know.”

You sit down on the bed and he follows, crouching down in front of you. 

“You okay?” He asks, and you lick your suddenly dry lips. “Baby?”

“How long?” 

“What?”

“How long do you have to do this?” You clarify. 

“Until they can arrest my suppliers. Soon, I think.”

“You’re in danger.” You say. “You’re in even more danger than I thought.”

Your heart is breaking and he can see it in your eyes. 

“Don’t worry about that.” His voice is firm. And it’s like that summer two years ago, when you confronted him at the kitchen table. When he told you “don’t worry” and disappeared for three days. 

I’m going to lose you, you think. That old fear returning, in full bloom. 

“If your suppliers find out, they’ll kill you.” You say, completely exhausted. 

“They won’t.” He insists and he reaches up to cup your face in his hands, tilting your head to look him in his eyes. “Don’t worry and don’t tell anyone. I’m sorry, but I ain’t got a say in this. I just have to do this and then we can have that life we talked bout.”

______________________________________

The next night, Fez lingers at the front door and says he’s going to hang with Christian. He looks at you carefully as he says it. 

“Christian’s a cop, isn’t he?”

“Yeah.”

“So…what’s…” You struggle to find the words, but he understands. 

“So, the idea behind the operation is that I got outta jail and now Christian’s my new partner. And I’m dealing again. Working with my old supplier. Gotta have the cop with me as a witness. Watch the money get exchanged for the drugs.”

“Are you bringing drugs into our home?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “Never. Christian takes it as evidence.”

“So what do you really do when you go out with him?”

“Been working our way up to meeting with my old supplier. She don’t trust me, so I’m dealing with her goons lately. Soon as she supplies me with something herself, they’re gonna arrest her and her whole crew.”

“Isn’t this going to put a giant target on your back?”

“Don’t know.”

“Do you trust Christian?”

Fez huffs. 

“It don’t really matter if I do. But yeah, I trust him as much as I could trust a cop.”

“Okay.” You say, and you tug on the end of his short cropped beard. “Be safe.”

Then you send him on his way. 

______________________________________

At some point, you realize Christian knows that you know. He comes over now and then, still, and you try to act normal. But you must not do a good job, because at one point his brown eyes pin you down and it’s like he’s telling you, I know. 

Still, the both of you dance around the topic for weeks, until one day he corners you. 

“You’re not gonna tell anyone, right?” He asks one night, while Fez uses the bathroom. 

You look up from the dishes you’re washing. He’s standing at the kitchen entrance. 

“Please don’t.” He continues. “I don’t want to tell anyone that Fez talked. It’ll fuck up his whole deal.” 

You nod. 

“Okay.” He says. “Good.”

His eyes are not unkind. You think about the times you’ve laughed with him, shared a drink with him, and wonder if he’s an amazing actor or if there’s a nugget of truth to it all. 

______________________________________

The week after Rue’s birthday, you and Fez are weighing your options between going to a party or staying in. The semester has just started and you think it would be nice to go to a college party. 

Then Fez’s phone rings. He picks up his phone, says nothing, and then goes to the buttons by your door. He holds down the button that opens the downstairs door. 

He hangs up and looks at you. 

He looks ready to say something, but then there’s frantic knocking at the door. He opens it and Christian rushes in, slamming the door closed behind him. 

“When’d she call you?” Fez asks. 

“Like ten fucking minutes ago. I had to race here.” Christian replies, breathless. “She’s definitely testing us if she called me and not you.”

You hear the click of gun and catch Christian tucking a pistol into his waistband. 

“Fuck.” Fez says, stretching the vowel out. 

“Tell her to get out.” Christian says, nodding in your direction, and you blanch. 

They’re coming here. They know where you and Fez live and they are coming here. 

Fez says your name and you re-enter your body. You can suddenly hear that he’s bickering with the man. 

“Your fucking girlfriend is gonna -”

“Yo, shut the fuck up.” Red creeps up his neck and to his face. You’ve rarely seen him get angry like that.

He turns to you then and his eyes are hard and intense. His brow is furrowed.

“I need you to listen to me. I’m not fucking playing.” He steps forward and puts one hand on your upper arm. The touch is light but insistent. 

“What the fuck is going on?”

“Baby.” He stresses the word. “Listen to me. Go to Faye’s or Rue’s or your parents. Wherever. Just don’t come back until I call you.”

You nod and glance at Christian, who is looking at you with something like impatience mixed with sympathy. 

“Okay.” You grab your purse and your keys and make for the door, with one last glance at Fez. 

He looks calm. 

If anything happens to him you’re going to destroy lives. Worlds. Everything. 

You open the door and practically tear out of the hallway, but when a neighbor throws you a confused look as you pass her by, you slow down. 

“Fight with the boyfriend?” She asks and you try to smile. 

“Something like that.”

She walks around the corner, to her apartment, and you skid to a halt in front of the elevator. You push the button once, twice, three times. Then three more times for safe measure. 

When it arrives you do the same with the “close door” button. You’re debating who to go to - Faye is your best bet - when the doors open and you come face to face with a brunette. Behind her are two men - one bald and one with stringy, long blond hair. 

“Oh.” The woman says. “You’re Fezco’s girlfriend.”

It is not a question. 

“Let’s go see him together.” Says the bald man to her left, and as they walk in you press your back to the elevator wall. 

Shit. 

The other man trails in with a suitcase rolling behind him. 

“Fourth floor, right?” The woman says in an odd monotone. It’s polite and unpleasant. 

You nod. Her goon presses the button for the fourth floor. 

“My name is Laurie.” She says, halfway through the elevator ride. “What’s your name?”

You swallow. You do not want this woman to know your name but you tell her anyway. 

“That’s a pretty name.” She comments, and the doors open. 

______________________________________

Fez still looks calm, even when Christian opens the door and sees Laurie, her goons, and you. His eyes catch on yours, and he opens the door all the way and Fez looks at you with an expression that’s almost placid. 

He stands. 

“Why you bringing my girl into this?” He says. 

“We ran into her in the elevator.” Laurie replies, and leaves it at that. 

Fez calls your name and nods at the spot next to himself. 

“C’mere”. 

You lick your lips and glance across the room before you walk to Fez’s side. Laurie and her men just watch you go without complaint. 

“Aight now sit your ass down.” He says, quietly but not so quiet that only you can hear it. You plant your ass on the sofa. 

“Should we get to business?” Christian says, walking into the fray. 

The guy with long blond hair pulls the suitcase along by the handle. Laurie crosses the room and sits in the chair across from you. 

“You have a bad habit of bringing around people you shouldn’t bring around, Fez. It’s really not safe.” Laurie says, like she’s imparting wisdom. 

“First it was your brother.” She continues. “And Ruby Bennett. Now her.” 

Your stomach churns at the mention of Ash, and then again at the knowledge that Rue was ever mixed up with this woman. 

“Let’s get rid of the girl, then.” Christian supplies. “Send her to her room.” 

The bald goon reaches his hand behind himself, and you know he had a gun there, tucked into his waistband. 

“We like to keep an eye on everyone, all in one room. That’s how we conduct business.” He says. 

Christian eyes him, looking unbothered, and then looks at Fez. 

Fez shrugs. 

“If that’s how you wanna do it, that’s how we finna do it.” He concedes. 

“Don’t worry, we won’t make you strip naked this time.” The bald one says, and that piques your interest. 

Then he turns his eyes on you. 

“Yo, let’s hear some music. You got a stereo?”

You stand, unsure what to do, and when you look at Fez, he nods. 

“Um, sure.” You brush past Fez, past Christian and the blond, and kneel in front of the TV console. 

You pick out that Weeknd CD you got Fez for his seventeenth birthday, and the room is dead silent as you open the jewel case, the click of it deafening. 

You remove the cd, open the tray, and watch as it slowly accepts the disc. The sound of it whirring and starting up fills the room until music finally sounds out. 

“Turn it up.” The bald one commands, and you glance at him before obeying. You turn the volume knob a few notches. 

“Louder.” He says, and you go even louder, wincing when the speakers blast the music out by your ears. 

You glance at the man again, but he says nothing. 

“Aight, c’mere.” Fez calls and you stand slowly before returning to his side. 

“Brucie.” Laurie says, and the bald guy steps forward. “I think we should check her for a wire. Could you?”

Your heart drops. 

Brucie steps forward and Fez steps in front of you. 

“That ain’t necessary.” He says. 

“How can you expect there to be trust between us if you don’t let us make sure?” Laurie says, and you can only partly see her. Fez’s arm is blocking your view. 

“Yo, you’re the one who brought her in here.” Christian complains. 

“Couldn’t risk her running off and telling the cops about this meeting. We don’t know how much she knows.” Bruce replies. 

“You want the drugs, or should we just leave?” The blond asks. 

“She ain’t stripping.” Fez insists. 

“Fezco, how about this: Everyone can turn around and it’ll be just us girls.”

“It’s fine.” You say, mostly to Fez. He turns his head and sends you a withering look. You can’t be the one to fuck this up. You can’t let Fez or Christian get hurt on your account. 

“See? It’s fine.” Laurie says. “Could you all turn around please?”

Everyone in the room obeys, even Christian. Fez licks his lips, glances between Laurie and you, and steps aside when you nod. 

But then you struggle with the button of the shorts. You try once to push it through the button hole, but your fingers are sweaty and trembling. You try one more time and it stubbornly slips from your grasp. 

Fez’s hands push yours aside, his fingers steady and dry. He unbuttons your fly and pulls down the zipper. 

Then he gets on his knees and looks up at you. The look in his blue eyes is like a cool balm on your skin. He tugs on your shorts and shimmies them down your hips, along your thighs, until they hit the floor. 

The air is cold on your legs. You don’t know what to do with your shaking hands. 

Fez stands again, and you look up. Laurie is watching the two of you with mild interest. Her gaze is almost clinical. 

“C’mon.” Fez mumbles, practically whispers, and you snap back into your body. You lift your top up from the bottom, and then Fez pulls it off from your arms. You hear it flutter to the floor, in a pile with your shorts. 

You stand there in your bra and panties, a Weeknd song blasting at full volume and making it all more surreal. 

There’s a short pause. Laurie blinks. It hits you that this is a mind game more than anything. 

Then you feel Fez’s fingers dipping beneath the band of your bra, pulling at the clasps. 

“That’s fine, Fez.” Laurie interrupts and Fez’s fingers freeze. “I can see she’s not wearing a wire. No need to go whole hog.” 

He steps away and you realize you will have to get dressed on your own. 

You practically hop back into your shorts, and you’re lifting the shirt over your head when Laurie tells everyone they can turn around again. 

You don’t miss the worried look Christian gives you. You try to make an expression with your face that says “I’m okay.” But you’re not sure you executed it right. 

“So.” Fez says, sounding almost bored. He sits down on the arm of the couch and you mimic him, sitting on the cushions. 

“I hope you don’t mind all the hubbub, guys. I don’t like letting anyone else handle this suitcase. I prefer to deliver it myself.” Laurie says, and you glance at the luggage again. 

Of course. It’s filled with drugs. 

“How much you want for it?” Fez asks, and you’re dumbstruck by how calm he is. 

You never saw him speak with suppliers. Oftentimes you really only saw Fez selling weed and pills at parties or at the store. And he was always the more dangerous person in those situations, compared with his buyers. 

Here, he’s definitely the one at a disadvantage. 

But he’s used to this shit. Ash was used to this shit. Sitting in rooms with extremely dangerous people, not a drop of sweat on their bodies. 

You wipe your palms on your thighs. 

“It’s worth 50k.” Laurie says. “You can flip it for 100k. You and Christian come back in two months with the original cost and 16k for me. You gentlemen can split your profits however you want.”

“What do you think bout this, man?” Fez asks, looking at Christian. 

Christian shrugs. 

#fezco x reader #fezco x you #fez x reader #fez x you #fezco fanfic #fez euphoria 

@fezphoria

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 20:42:23