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footballfanficwriter · 4 months

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Spill the tea

Summary:where Jude is invested in girl drama

"Hello?"

"Hey girl, I've got hot tea for you"

"Yeah, spill it I'm listening"

I'm on a call with Ashley my Best friend who tells me everything, well we tell eachother everything, Ashley and I have been friends for the longest time, we grew up together and she was always there for me way before I even met Jude

"Ok so I just found out that Hannah is pregnant"

"What?"

"But the plot thickens, remember the boyfriend she said she was dating?"

"Yeah?"

"Well turns out he's not the father"

"If it's not him then whose the father?"

Jude walks into the house from training and he waves at me, I wave back at him

"It turns out that Hannah was having an Affair" Ashley says

"An Affair with who"

I see Jude turn his head towards me like my sentence has just peaked his interest and he walks to where I'm sat in the sofa and sits next to me watching me with interest

"The Gardner"

"The Gardner?"

Jude grabs my phone from my ear and puts the phone on speaker

"Whose having an affair with the Gardner?" He asks

"Hey Jude"

"Hey Ash, how are you?"

"I'm good, how are you"

"I'm good,so whose having an Affair with the Gardner"

"Hannah"

"But wasn't she with that other boyfriend of hers that she was bragging about?" Jude asks

"Yeah she was, I guess she was cheating on him"

"But, he was such a good guy"

"I know right"

"But there's more tea to be spilled"

"What Is it"

"Alice"

"I swear there's always something happening in Alice's life" I say

"Alice decided that it was a good idea to get surgery, and because she didn't have the budget for it, she went to a makeshift surgeon, and it did not come out proper, it just looks weird honestly"

"Do you have a picture?" I ask

"Yeah, hang on I'll send it just now"

Ash sends the picture and Jude and I look at it weirdly

"What has she done" he asks

"I'm speechless"

"I don't know whether to laugh or to cry" Jude says

"Why are her lips like that"

"Who ever did this to her needs to be arrested" Jude says

"Where is she now?" I ask

"At her house, she hasn't left eversince"

"Maybe we should check on her you know, see if she's doing fine" I say

"Yeah we should, we'll do it later"

"I'll make her something to try and make her feel better"

"Oh I just got am update on Hannah's situation"

"Turns out the Gardner is actually dating Haley, and he proposed to her"

"He proposed?" Jude asked

"So how are they going to work it out are they going to be one big polygamy Family"

"Even if the do that how is he going to afford to have a baby and have a wedding, knowing Haley she's definitely going to want a big extravagant wedding and she doesn't like sharing, so how is she going to share a husband with someone else?"

"What I don't get is how you're going to cheat on a person, then propose to the same person you cheated on, like do you know how much of a negative impact you have on a person"

"But Hannah is also in the wrong, she cheated on her boyfriend and went for Haley's then boyfriend and got pregnant by him, like that messed up, on top of that they are bestfriends" Jude says

"Ash you know I love you, but i could never be a sister wife with you, with anyone for a matter of fact"

"Don't worry, you're into footballers and I'm into NBA Stars totally different sport"

"Oh I forgot to tell you that Julia is moving" I say

"Julia is moving" They both ask

"Yeah she's moving back to France"

"Why?

"Something about being caught with the boss"

"She was caught with the boss"

"Well they weren't really keeping their affair a secret, they held hands in the office and they'd flirt in front of people, it was just a matter of time"

"But the boss?"

"Yup"

"Isn't she Lesbian?" Jude asks

"She's Lesbian?" I ask

"Isn't she in a relationship?" Ash asks

"She's in a relationship?" Jude and I ask at the same time

"That's crazy you know"

"It's insane actually"

"But hey you know what these aren't our lives and who are we to judge and Comment on other people's lives"

"True"

"So we'll meet in 2 hours to go and check on Alice?"

"Yeah, see you then"

I hang the phone up and look at Jude

"Let me go get ready I wanna see her myself"

"Jude when we get there please try to compose yourself until we get back home"

"Until we get back home?, I'll compose myself until we get into the car and drive off"

"Fine but if you can't keep your side if the bargain, I'll be very upset"

"Ok fine"

2 hours later

There's a knock

I walk to the door to reveal Ash

"Hey babe"

"Hey, you ready to go ?"

"Yup, just waiting for Jude"

"Ok, so what did you make Alice"

"Soup, cause you know I figured that she wouldn't be able to eat a lot of things that are solid"

"Yeah"

Jude walks down the stairs and greets Ash

Ash decides to ride in her own car on our way to Alice's house

When we arrive there I knock on the door and after a few seconds later the door opens revealing Alice

I turn to Jude and watch his eyes grow bigger, I then turn back to Alice

"Hey Alice we heard you weren't feeling well, so we thought we might check on you see how you're doing"

"Yeah, we heard what happened" Ash says

"Come in please"

"So how have you been" Jude asks

"Is it bad like really bad can you see I got my face done"

"No, it's not that bad, your lips just look more plumb" I say

I hear Jude clear his throat next to him

"I just can't stop looking in the mirror" she says crying

"Oh sweetie don't so that to yourself, I'm sure it will get better, don't bring yourself down like that" Ashley says

"Yeah Ashley is right I didn't even notice it until you brought it up" Jude says

"Really?"

"Yeah, he's right c'mon you must be hungry Y/n made soup for you I'll plate it up for you" Ash says taking the big bowl of soup from my hands and leading Alice to the Kitchen

"What are you doing" I ask him

"What, I thought we were telling her lies to make her feel better" he says

"Jude stop ok"

"But I haven't laughed ever since we got here, though it may be difficult not to I still haven't"

"Fine just stop with the side expressions and stuff"

"Oh c'mon you're going to stand there and pretend that all of this is not funny"

"Unlike you I know how to compose myself and keep my laughter in, and plus we're in her house how rude would it be if we just came in and laughed at her face"

He smiles a little almost like he's trying not to laugh

I sigh

"I give up on you"

We stay with Alice for 3 more hours until we announce that we have to go but Ash opts to stay with Alice until she's better and we promise to occasionally visit

As soon as we enter the car He laughs his ass off

"Let's not even talk about the lips did you see the eyebrows, she can't even lift her eyebrows"

"Wait until we get home"

"I'm not waiting until we get home I'm talking now"

"Jude"

"C'mon, it's not like she can hear me"

"Fine"

"Did you see the nose, it's like this" he says laughing and making the shape of her nose in the air

As much as I don't want to laugh at Alice Jude is not making it any easier not to so I just chuckle

"Her lips are like this, babe look" he says making his lips plump by squishing them together using his hands

I laugh at his comment and the rest if the way Jude and I are talking about Alice and all the things that could have forced her to do this to herself

The rest of the day is spent hanging out and Jude and i making dinner for ourselves then watching a movie then bed

As I'm changing into my Pajamas Jude speaks up

"Babe?"

"Yeah?"

"On a serious note though, l love you just the way you are"

I raise my eyebrow wondering where all of this came from

"Ok, why are you being weird"

"I'm not I'm just saying if you ever decide to get plastic surgery or a face lift, whatever it is, Just know that I love your body just the way it is and I don't want you to be pressured or feel like it's your obligation to make yourself look younger or have more curves or to look a certain way when you're with me"

"Aww, Jude Babe thank you so much, and to make you feel better and to put you at ease, I wasn't even thinking about getting anything on my body done so, you have nothing to worry about, in fact Alice's case just pushed me futher away from the idea"

He breathes a sigh of relief and walks over to me towers over me where he kisses my forehead

"I love you and your body"

"I love you too"

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55sturn · 2 months

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.𖥔 ݁ ˖ OH, BABYDOLL.

↳ masterlist!

↳ summary: in which a night of drunken celebration between matt and his best friend turns into something more, something they both yearned for.

↳ pairing: matt sturniolo x fem!reader

↳ warnings: swearing, alcoholic consumption, making out, use of y/n, slightly suggestive (?) touching, pet name [doll], drunk confessions.

↳ important things to note: finally a dominic fike inspired fic!

THIRD PERSON POV

everyone has someone in their life that they’ll never really get over, whether it be an ex friend, or an ex lover, there’s always going to be lingering feelings for that person. for matt, it was his best friend.

at first he figured that he was only attracted to her physically and sexually because he was pent up. so the day he noticed that he kept checking her out, he sent a text to an ex hookup and got the job done. but the next day, he was backing to wanting her in such an animalistic and carnal way that it was hard to be around without all the blood rushing from his head to somewhere else.

but the longer his attraction went on, the more confused he ended up. he searched for her in every room, after every joke he told in hopes that he’d find her laughing. he began immediately seeking her the moment he’d step into the house after a rough day.

he realized it became something more when he found himself driving to her apartment complex without prior announcement the moment he received good news about his yesterday’s problem project.

he realized it became something more when he crafted journals for his own personal brand based off the journal she carried with her everywhere.

and he realized that he’s never really wanted anyone the way he’s wanted her, and once that was revealed to him, he tried to move on. he dated girls far and few in between, and none of them never really ignited the flame that lay dormant in the pit of his stomach the way y/n did. other girls never stirred up the butterflies that lay peaceful in his chest every time he was away from her.

he realized that he was fucked. he loved her and there no changing that.

so when he began noticing that you seemed so different after starting your new assistant job, he begged you to quit. it changed you into a dull shell of the lively, bright, and happy person you were. he really believed that it had caused you to lose that sparkle in your personality that made you everything he loved, and honestly he loved you regardless, he just missed your bubbly personality. he had noticed that even your eyes seemed dull.

so when you called him later in the day, muttering something along the lines of “i didn’t think the day would come but it did and i don’t have to get up at nearly five in the morning tomorrow!” he couldn’t fully make out the words because of how jumbled you become whenever you’re excited.

“doll, you’re getting all jumbled again, can you repeat that?” he hummed, the pet name you knew all too well that still managed to have the tips of your ears turning pink and hot slipping from his lips, sounding sickeningly sweet. he started calling you doll not too long after you guys met, every time he picked you up when he asked to hangout, you’d come out singing babydoll by dominic fike because it was a song you were obsessed with, but the real reason behind was the night you guys met at some party, you were wearing a cropped raglan style baby tee that read babydoll in the iconic bratz font. the sleeves and collar were bright pink, and the text matched.

he felt that calling you “babydoll” made him sound a bit too much like a boyfriend, so from then on, he coined that nickname “doll”, and it stirred up a sweet and delicate feeling in your chest but it also caused your head to fall fuzzy to the utmost dangerous thoughts about your best friend.

but honestly, you were entranced with the sentimental feeling that bloomed in your chest every time he spoke the nickname.

“i said,” you start, dragging out the “a” as you turn on to his street, “that the day where i quit my job has finally come! so i’m outside because we’re gonna go to some bar or club and celebrate. that’s why i told you to get ready earlier and order an uber.”

“holy shit i cant believe you actually did it!”

“same now get the fuck out here!” you giggled, ending the call and climbing out of your car, waiting against the driver’s door as matt stepped outside, making quick strides over to you, and pulling you into a hug as the uber he ordered came into view.

the two of you sat in a comfortable silence, not wanting to talk about too much with a stranger in the car, knowing very well it could fall on the wrong ears when another passenger climbs into that very seat.

you were beginning to question whether or not getting drunk with matt was a good idea, you had been harbouring so many things directed toward him for the last little while, and you were about to combust. you knew that if you had even the tiniest bit of liquid courage in you, your deepest secrets would come tumbling out like word vomit.

as if matt could sense your worry, he placed a hand on your thigh, squeezing the soft flesh as if to say “you’re okay.” and in all honesty, you were both convinced you each had a sixth sense when it came to one another, you could easily read matt and figure out what he was feeling or thinking after a split second of looking at him, and vice versa. your internal spiral was cut short as yours and matt’s favourite club came into view.

you both quickly thanked your uber, giving him a perfect rating before making your way into the club.

“what are we drinking first, doll?” matt hums, however his words fell on vacant ears, you couldn’t stop yourself from zoning out on the way he looked tonight, his shoulders look broad and defined beneath the dark muscle tee he wore, and the pants he paired his shirt with were your favourite pair of anything he owned. they were his black carhartt carpenter pants, paired with his notorious key ring attached to the belt loop, and his white airforces. matt noticed the way you were watching him, and he couldn’t help but feel a surge of confidence flow through his veins.

“huh?” you sputter, finally meeting his eyes with your face turning a deep pink, but you were glad the strobe lights in the club were red.

“what are we drinking first?”

“i need a shot of tequila and a vodka redbull.”

“make that two shots, a vodka redbull for her, and i’ll just have a jack and coke.” matt calls to the bartender, having to raise his voice over the loud music and chatter surrounding the bar. once again, as you wait for your drinks, you finding yourself falling into deep concentration, unable to tear your eyes from matt as he leans against the bar. matt turns to hand you your shot, only to find you roughly feeding half of your bottom lip between your teeth, your stare vacant but determined.

“doll, you’re gonna split your lip, stop doing that.” he murmurs, loud enough for only you to hear as he presses his thumb against your lip, pulling it from your teeth, slowly becoming hypnotized by the way it recoils back into its natural pout.

“sorry, the realization of everything is settling in you know?”

“that’s why we’re gonna take our shots, chug our drinks, order more shots, and then dance.”

“matthew sturniolo? offering to dance before anyone else? did i trip and fall into an alternate universe?”

“shut up.” he laughs, downing his shot after clinking his glass against yours, and once again you’re entranced by him, watching the way his adam’s apple bobs slowly as he swallows, finding it incredibly attractive how he hardly makes a face after the shot is gone. before he can meet your stare, you down your shot, followed by your drink, getting rid of both quite quickly, and ordering two more shots for you and matt.

about an hour passes, and you’re both quite tipsy as you dance and scream along to the music, laughing at the moves you both pull out, not caring if anyone sees or judges. but you’re about to tap matt on the shoulder to tell him you’re going to order another, when babydoll comes on. you’re shocked to say the least, it’s not really a clubbing song but you’re thanking what being above compelled the dj to play it. matt watches you dance along to your favourite song with a dazed grin, his eyes beginning to become hooded as the alcohol takes over his body.

as you’re singing along, you make eye contact with him and it feels as id the entire world stops, like time was standing still as you slowly gravitate toward him. you’re watching him with through rose coloured glasses as his hands fall to your hips, pulling you flush against him with your hands on his shoulders, and rocking your bodies back and forth. the heat emanating from his palms against your hips and lower back makes your head spin in the best way as you lean in close, your lips ghosting over his as you mumble the words,

“oh babydoll, i cant move on.”

the words almost act as if they’re an unspoken confession, because matt’s nodding along to your words, understanding the underlying meaning behind them. and matt humming the next line, his lips pressing just the slightest bit more against yours, and you’re understanding everything he’s implying.

what started out as an innocent celebration between you two, has now become a flustered mess, your lips are so close, and yet neither of you are ready to cross that line as the next song begins playing, and it’s a raunchy and filthy song, making the moment all the more erotic.

“i need to kiss you, matt.” you whisper against his lips, the torture of having them so close yet so far was causing your head to spin, and you couldn’t wait anymore. and as if to tease you more, matt’s tongue darts between his lips, wetting them, the tip of it brushing ever so slightly against yours. and he couldn’t help smirk as your eyes flutter shut at the smallest amount of contact. and all your self will goes out the window as you hook your fingers around his silver chain, tugging his lips completely against yours, your mouths moving in sync as you reach the moment you’ve been craving since you met matt.

the kiss is sloppy, warm, and extremely hot. it was a mess of clashing teeth, spit swapping, and tangled tongues. matt’s the first to pull away, tugging your bottom lip between his teeth ever so gently, loving the way it bounces back. he loves everything about your lips, the fullness, the shape, and god their shade of pink drives him crazy.

“you don’t know how long i’ve wanted that, doll.” his whispers, his voice think with want and fulfillment as he stares down at you, his left hand moving from your hip to your jaw, his thumb resting against your lip as you smile at him.

“i think i have an idea because i’ve wanted it just as long, matty.”

the two of you don’t break too far apart for the rest of the night, allowing yourselves to sit comfortably in the purgatory of staying the same or indulging in something more that you’ve turned your friendship into. you’re sure to regret letting yourself give so easily into wrecking your friendship with him in the morning, but right now, you couldn’t be bothered, especially not after finally kissing him because right now, all you want to do is keep kissing him. the way his lips fit against yours has almost become addictive, loving the way his lips taste slightly like your lip glass with remnants of coke and rum.

you weren’t sure how you were going to navigate the new change, but what did know was that you were going to be utterly fucked when you wake up tomorrow and remember that you made out with matt.

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#Spotify #matt sturniolo #matthew sturniolo #matt sturniolo x reader #matt sturniolo smut #matt sturniolo oneshots #matthew sturniolo x reader #matthew sturniolo smut #matthew sturniolo oneshots

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aheathen-conceivably · 13 days

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🎶 I gave him my heart, but he wanted my soul 🎶

It was just after sunrise and Josephine was in the kitchen, a sunbeam warming her hands as they worked. She had woken early to take care of the chickens. Their tiny, prehistoric beaks and beady eyes still repulsed her, but at least it was easier than tilling soil or scrubbing clothes.

Over and over again she folded the dough that Zelda had taught her how to make. A perfectly baked loaf already sat before her as she worked on another. My mother’s recipe, Zelda had said nostalgically as she recited it from the depths of her memory. These years with Zelda had been full of moments like that, ones where you could practically feel the domestic warmth radiating from her memories as she spoke of them.

A small, bitter laugh escaped Jo's lips. For all she may still love her mother, the closest thing Delphine ever had to a recipe was how to bat your eyelashes to earn enough money to pay someone else to make your bread. Josephine had thought that if only she could learn how to make it herself now, that she would finally be free of that, of her mother’s overbearing jasmine perfume and the inherent message that the only way to free yourself from a man’s grasp was through his touch.

Jo was taken aback by a pair of arms as they wrapped around her waist. Lost in the smell of jasmine perfume, she didn’t recognize them at first. She left her hands busy on the dough as she felt the lips trail over her silk blouse, along her neck, and to the base of her skull. He brought his cheek to hers and she tried not to pull away.

By then she knew who he was, not some figment of her past or her mother’s design. He was a man she loved, one who had made her feel more free than anyone else ever had. One who’s arms felt safer and happier than any of those memories. Only she hated the scruffy feeling of his face now, unshaven as it was most of the time and plastered with an expression that seemed to trigger all her anxiety for a reason she couldn't quite explain. “Good morning, mi raccomando. Is that what I think it is?"

“Bread, Gio. The same as always.” But really, she wanted to pick it up and throw it across the room, I did it! I fucking did it just like I told you I would. I tried and tried until I succeeded and still I’m unhappy. Still I feel trapped!

She spun around to face him and his eyes had the same expression as the first time she walked in this house. Happiness. It was the one that she avoided when she could, the same one that made her feel like her feet were glued to the spot and she had no choice whether she wanted to stay or leave.

Because it was sheer happiness that she was there; that he could wake and find her so near. A simple joy that the bread she was making was for him, and he would wake up to a house warmed and filled with the smells of clean laundry before he even put on his work clothes. Then in the farmyard it was knowing that he could come inside to see the woman he loved whenever he pleased, that she was there for him and only him.

It made her want to slap him, and she only knew one way of dealing with that.

So she moved back toward the table, wrapping her arm around his neck in a signal he understood immediately. He lifted her legs and moved the bread aside, small specks of flour rising into the air and staying suspended there for a moment, settling back down around her thighs as he started to kiss her.

She could swear that she smelled jasmine perfume in the air, but it was only bread. The ever present smell of bread and domestic subservience. Stop thinking about the fucking bread. Don’t think about the truck in the driveway, or how deeply he sleeps. Don’t think about how far you could drive before anyone would even know you were gone. Just run. Run away.

Only it wasn’t working, no matter how tightly she closed her eyes or grabbed his hair. Just run. You’re trapped here too. The same way you were there. With every thought the raging restlessness clawed its way back up her throat, mingling there with the bitter taste that this was her life now.

For so long, this had been enough, and the smell of jasmine perfume in the air was gone when he was near. At least for a little while. Only then it appeared again, whenever the chickens screeched at sunrise or she saw that look in his eyes. So what do you want to be then, my child? Some glorified maid for a man? Like that’s any life either.

When had she said yes to this life? She had denied his proposals a dozen times, only to end up here at his beck and call anyway, a farm wife in practice if not in name. Forever, mi raccomando. This is forever. The louder her thoughts became the more tightly she closed her eyes, only it wasn’t working anymore. Not at all. Her last bastion of control, the one place she could free herself from her past and her anxieties, now it all just smelled like jasmine perfume and some man she had never wanted, bringing with him the feeling of entrapment in the guise of freedom.

Josephine pushed him away with more force than she intended to. Her eyes were full of hatred for someone else’s touch, one far less kind and attentive than this one. The moment the smell of jasmine cleared from her head, she realized who was actually in front of her: a man who immediately saw the discomfort his hands were bringing and stepped back accordingly, giving her space to gather herself and her surroundings. Then he kept his head bowed and looked back at her in apology, no stranger to when she reacted this way or why that was.

Only it was easier for him to think that was the extent of it, because neither of them really understood that the smell of jasmine perfume and fresh bread were all the same to her, and that sooner or later the heady scent in the air would make her snap regardless of which one it was. “Not - not now. That’s all it is. I’m tired. The chickens woke me again.”

He seemed to sense there was something beyond what he already knew; but her eyes stayed glassy, focused on locking away every thought she had so deeply that even if he wanted to see her unhappiness, she wouldn’t let him. When he brought his hands to her shoulders she was sure not to pull away again. “Okay, mi raccomando. I love you. I’m right outside if you need me.”

As he looked back at her, there was a small beat. A brief pregnant moment he left just for her. I love you too, but I’m unhappy. Maybe saying it would have been easy, but it was pointless.

Antoine, Zelda, Violette. Gio. Each and every one of them was happy. What good would her words do? Ruin everyone else’s small sanctuary amidst a world in ruins? Force them to overturn their peace for an aimless restlessness she couldn't really explain, and maybe could never even mend? No, they were happy. All of them, and Gio had seemingly done nothing to deserve this.

It was simply easier to think that the problem was her, and her alone. Maybe her mother had broken her, and ruined her ability to let herself go to anyone else's desires. Maybe this was being happy, and her whole life all she had known before was excitement, not happiness. She couldn’t ruin it for all of them when she couldn’t even explain it, much less when none of them could be blamed either. She was trapped by guilt and love all the same as she had been by duty and need.

So she turned back around and acted as though she were redirecting her attention to the bread. The bitterness in her throat and the rising smell of jasmine in the air tried to choke back her words, “I love you too, Gio.”

Mollified, he walked back out the door.

#1933 #sims 4 historical #ts4 decades challenge #ts4 historical #sims 4 decades challenge #the darlingtons #sims 4 legacy #ts4 legacy #sims 4 story #ts4 story #1930s #Josephine Duplanchier #Giorgio Mistretta

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infinitywrites · 8 months

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I Didn't Expect You ~ Conrad Fisher

(Part 2) (Masterlist)

gif credit @henryofwales

synopsis: Y/N never expected it to be the summer that everything changed. Conrad, Belly and Steven were all dealing with the consequences of recent break ups while Jeremiah's wasn't acting like himself. Susannah was undergoing treatment that provided unpredictable health results and kept her loved ones on the edge of tragedy. Had they drained the well of the magic of Cousin's beach? Or could something new fulfil it again?

warnings: multichapter slow burn, warnings will update with every chapter, timeline is post SEASON 2 with changes, Susannah is sick, Belly is heartbroken, Jere is bitter, Conrad is struggling, everyone swears, Laurel/Cleveland, Belly and YN briefly critique their bodies but the focus is ultimately positive

word count: 2,275

___________________________________________

Is it cool that I said all that?

Is it too soon to do this yet?

'Cause I know that it's delicate

Isn't it, isn't it, isn't it?

This summer there was no one to greet us when we pulled up at the beach house. It was quiet but the beauty of Cousin's Beach and the house itself was as overwhelming on first glance as it had always been. Maybe the sky seemed filled with a few more clouds, darker even without someone to remind the boys that the Conklin-Parks had arrived. Either way, Steven and Belly didn't seem to notice and were already grabbing their bags and bickering about who had their house key handy.

"Do you think we're the first ones here?" I asked as I walked up slowly to the property to look for signs of life.

Belly was by your side in moments, "No, Jere said he was picking up Rosie's for lunch. He should be here somewhere. They were supposed to get here a little early to make sure Susannah was all set up with…everything." I just nodded and watched her walk to the door with the key. It wasn't surprising that she didn't mention Conrad.

Belly had already vented her nerves about coming at all after her breakup with Conrad at Prom. I didn't blame her and assured her I'd be right by her side no matter what happened or what was said. Belly and Conrad grew up together just like the rest of us and if no one else would make sure a failed romance wasn't going to ruin that forever, I definitely was. They hadn't talked since and I promised I'd help her fix it and I would. Conrad would be reasonable about it whether he liked it or not. I was always a fixer, the Mom friend if you will, and there was no reason this could be fixed.

Last summer when I saw it brewing between them I couldn't help but worry. Of course, I wanted Belly to have what she'd always wanted but could Conrad really return her feelings of adoration and worship the same way? Apparently yes, for the six months they were together at least. But it had been three months since the breakup and I knew I had to do everything I could to refocus the group into supporting each other. There had been too much drifting and it broke my heart. Despite life changes causing difficulty in the planning of it all, everyone had agreed to come back to Cousin's for the 4th at Susannah's request so that was a great start. She would have insisted on the whole summer if she'd had the energy but it was time to accept that some things would just never be the same again. We were barely children anymore and the summers were going to change.

"Y/N! Come on, Jere's got apple cinnamon for you!" Steven called out to me from the open front door.

As soon as I entered the house, the smell washed over me, my shoulders sagging in relief and the comfort of finally being here and smellling that smell brought me. The greetings were quieter when I walked into the familiar kitchen full of people I loved most, just like pulling up to the house but that was okay too. Jeremiah squeezed me just as tight as he always had even if he didn't shout my name and lift me off your feet. This wasn't even the whole gang of people who'd been through hell and back the last year but we were all here. All coming back for Susannah's favourite holiday.

The pressure I put on this last summer before I moved halfway across the country to start my freshman year at Stanford wasn't fair to anyone, especially myself but it felt like the end of an era. With Susannah's health changing everyday, I wasn't sure if it could ever be the same again. Was the magic gone? And if so, could it ever come back again? The test would be when the house was full and the party planning was in full force. Susannah would put us all to work and everything would feel normal again even just for a little while.

"What the--Ohmigod!" I spun around and used my hands to block the cold water drops spraying all over me. "Fuck you too, cretin," I said glaring at the shit-eating grin standing in black surfing gear that awaited me.

Conrad has snuck up behind me during small talk and shook his shaggy soaked hair into the back of my exposed neck. "Always a pleasure Y/N, " he finally said, nodding without looking in my direction again and focusing on greeting the other new arrivals.

I was happy to see a short but sweet acknowledgement between him and Belly and she didn't even look like she wanted to die after so maybe this wouldn't be as hard as I thought. Laurel showed up last, announcing her presence at the door and warning everyone not to embarrass her in front of Cleveland. It was a surprise but a happy one and I knew instantly that Susannah was going to lose her mind in the best way. Conrad mentioned that she would sleep until dinner around 6pm so don't be late.

The boys made plans that didn't interest me or Belly and just as I thought they were leaving I saw Jeremiah pause and look at the guys with intent. Belly was always quick on the uptake and tried to protest but the tradition held strong. The boys celebrated a successful throw that had poor Belly flailing in the air so long it felt like slo mo and this time none of them fell for her tricks and got pulled into the pool after her. Not even me, though I should have when I felt bad for a moment, held my hand out and walked towards the edge of the pool in her direction. Conrad was quicker and scooped me right up off my feet from behind, just in time to escape Belly's trap as I gasped at the realization.

"You wouldn't! I didn't throw you in!"

"Yeah, and you didn't try stop them either!" But even in her feigned anger she was chuckling as she swam to the ladder.

After the shock left my body, I joined the boys in hysterical laughter. Conrad was still holding me tight but he must have lost his balance as I crashed to the ground on top of him. He was still in a fit, only uttering the occasional "ow" which spurred on more giggles that infected everyone else. I got myself together before he did and had to pry his surprisingly strong, wiry arms from my waist to be able to stand again.

"My god, you're like a world's tallest spider monkey." I was trying to give him shit but but the sight of him giggling on the ground made him look like a sweet toddler.

That helped sober him a little, "You love it...besides I saved your ass. You should be thinking up ways to thank me." I only caught his smirk after brushing the grass off my clothes but it was enough to stop me in my tracks and stare him down.

"Yeah, I'll get right on that." This was ridiculous and everyone was listening to the two of us– but no, we'd always done this. This was the root of the relationship I'd always had with the oldest Fisher brother. He riled me up and I gave him shit. Simple. "Let me know if you have any special requests," I said over my shoulder as I headed back inside.

"Good idea! I'll text you!" He was yelling now, the idiot, but it was still making the boys laugh so the final word would be Conrad's this time. I could have sworn I'd heard him mumble about how uptight I could be and I was rolling my eyes as I met Belly in the hallway with an exasperated smile that she shared.

Conrad Fisher and I had never been the closest of the group, always seeming to piss each other off in one way or another as kids. Susannah had said that our personalities clashed and that it was a great challenge to overcome as we matured. Anyone would say that both of us were still working on the maturely overcoming it part. It's not like I thought he was a bad guy; he was my friend no matter what, someone who knew me better than most without even trying. If I set a hard boundary he was the first to listen, respect it and make sure everyone else did too while also being the one to lay into me if I screwed up somehow or rib me to death for acting stupid. It was infuriating at worst and addictive at best so I never judged Belly's undying admiration. He was always the leader of the group as the oldest and that came with a certain power that I later realized was also responsibility. Sometimes he knew what I needed even before I did. It was eerie, that sixth sense he had. He was actually pretty damn good at taking care of everyone so sometimes I even let him take care of me too. If Conrad was the fearless leader then Belly was the baby and while he made it look easy taking care of everyone else, I always knew how to take extra special care of her.

The two of you headed upstairs to the room you shared. It originally had a double bed for Belly but Susannah quickly changed it to two singles side by side the second summer you visited. Belly and I liked our tradition of unpacking first; it felt like being at our second home where everything had a place.

"So...how was it?"

I could hear Belly rolling her eyes before she even spoke. "Okay, it could have been worse. I thought he wouldn't even speak to me."

"Why wouldn't he speak to you?"

"Because the last thing he said to me was that he could never give me what I wanted and that I deserved better." She was frustrated as she said it and I couldn't help but sigh.

"I mean, there are worse things to say when you're breaking up with someone..."

"Y/N!"

"What? I'm sorry! It doesn't mean you aren't allowed to be hurt, I'm just saying at least he wasn't a jerk about it." I shrugged and put my pile of new pajamas in the bottom drawer.

Belly paused and turned to look at me, "He said he was sorry it happened that night but he didn't want to be angry at us anymore. Not even me, Y/N, but us."

I got up and went to stroke her arm in a soothing rhythm, "It wasn't fair how it happened but you said you could feel it coming."

Her eyes start to shine with unshed tears, "I thought it was Susannah...I didn't think it could just be me..." When her pretty brown eyes closed the tears ran down her cheeks but she didn't break down, she didn't sob. She just took a deep, steadying breath as her body shifted underneath my hand.

"Hey, it wasn't you, it was him. Look at you, it couldn't have been you, you're stunning!" I shook her shoulders as her lips turned up at the corners. "Absolute perfection! Come here and see." I guided Belly towards the full length mirror on the corner of the room and planted her right in front of it. "Now, I know you thought Conrad was Prince Charming and you'd live happily ever after but fairytales aren't real. But this volleyball bod is." I smacked her butt to make my point and snap her out of her gloomy daze.

"Oh! You're so ridiculous they need to invent a new word–" Hearing her giggle was always a joy because Belly giggled without a hint of shame.

"I'm not finished! I know a breakup can kill your confidence a bit and I need you to look at yourself and really see what you're bringing to the table this hot girl summer."

Even through a big smile she shook her head, "God no, you are so embarrassing."

"I mean, come on, tight ass already acknowledged, newish boobs that are perfectly perky as ever and the prettiest smile on the face of the planet! You can have any boy you want, Isabel Conklin!"

Belly's smile fell a bit as and twisted and turned in the mirror. "You don't think my shoulders are kinda...broad?"

I hung my head as the patience exited my body with a slump. "You're actually insane. Some of us have real problems like cellulite on our thighs and an ass that doesn't fit in most jeans."

"Oh, shut up! Steven told me Frankie and those guys call you 'the ass that won't quit'."

"Belly, I'm not sure that's a compliment." I didn't hate the nickname as long as they didn't say it to my face but I still wasn't sure it meant good things.

"You're delulu, Y/N. Okay, we gotta stop. You're right. Hot girl summer with me and my cousin in Cousin's!" She grabbed my hand and started shifting her feet like we were about to have an impromptu dance party.

I covered my face with my hands and stifled a giggle at the silly phrase, "I fucking hate when you start that shit..." And just like I expected, as my chuckle became a belly laugh, my baby cousin turned on the Bluetooth speaker in my room and we danced out all the pent up heartbreak, nerves, grief and leftover stress and sent it back home where it belonged.

___________________________________________

Author's note: I promise there is so much Conrad and romance coming up even if it wasn't much in this chapter! I hope you stick with me if you saw the potential. So much of this story was inspired by fics I've read in the last few weeks and this is my thank you! Reply with comments and let me know if you wanna be added to my taglist. If you'd like to ask me about any upcoming chapter warnings you wanna be warned of ahead of time (angst? 18+ smut?) then come visit my blog with any questions and I'll be happy to answer!

#conrad fisher #conrad fisher x reader #conrad fisher x y/n #conrad fisher x you #tsitp fanfic #tsitp conrad #the summer i turned pretty #team conrad #Spotify

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bluexiao · 2 years

Text

#you were with her... all this time?

—calling them out for spending too much time with lumine

CHARACTERS. Albedo, Ayato, Childe, Diluc, Gorou, Itto, Kaeya, Kazuha, Scaramouche, Thoma, Venti, Xiao, Zhongli; gn! Reader

THEMES. hurt; some of them are crack/fluff, some angst; a few arguments; reader is jealous and petty? Maybe, maybe not; a bit implied cheating on some; reader is kinda tipsy at kaeya’s part (i swear he’s the only one that has fluff)

NOTES. This is actually a request I received and it was specifically for lumine, so i made it that way. Also, i found it difficult to write dain for this for some reason so im sorry if he’s not included in this one.

It was difficult to doubt ZHONGLI at first. Your trust in him was beyond anyone else, to be quite frank. There was no other reason for you to feel or think otherwise, after all.

Rex Lapis’ death greatly affected the citizens of Liyue, and probably much more with the Funeral House that your lover was working at. You did not mind, as it was his work, after all. Even if it was at the expense of your daily tea-times, or even suppers. You could not even figure out if he had gone home last night if it were not for the soft thud of the door that had woken you up by the morning. You assumed that it was him, already ready for work and walking out so early, but it was unusual nonetheless. He never went to work unless he had woken you up first.

And that was when you saw it. He was giving a Glazed Lily to someone else, and it was a traveler.

You were not familiar with her, but you could certainly tell that she was someone who came from somewhere else with the unique look of her clothes.

You felt you did not need to confront him at that moment, but when you just knew that this was going on repeatedly, you decided that it was time.

When he had heard you out, he was calm—one thing you wished he was not at that time as it was difficult to determine whether he was calm because of the situation or it was just a facade he had always had.

You received your first embrace from him at that time—you missed it, you realized; you missed his touch, his voice, his scent, and most especially the feeling of his his skin next to yours, the warmth it brought you and to quell the loneliness deep inside.

“I apologize for worrying you, my beloved. My actions are unacceptable, please let me make it up to you.”

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

XIAO’s duty as an Adeptus of Liyue requires him his time—quite a lot of it. This was something you had known since the start and accepted wholeheartedly. Lately, however, something was amiss. For some reason, he had been more distant, probably at the same rate he had been when you two had first met—you were back to square one.

“Xiao, is there something wrong?” You figured that it was something that he could not say to you and needed just a little push. If he did not really want to say it to you, you’d accept it either way.

“It does not concern you.”

It was not exactly the first time you've heard this phrase from him, but this cold tone of his was a new thing. All over again, you almost forgot about it. But now it’s back.

You’ve put on a smile and a facade at first, but as soon as you saw him with a woman standing on your regular place on the balcony, something spiralled inside of you.

“Who is she?” Was the first thing you had asked him when it was just the two of you—which took a while, anyway, as their conversation had lasted far longer than you and he had for the last few days.

“I thought I told you-“

“It does concern me,” you cut him off, then softening your voice, “you know you can rely on me too, right? Xiao?”

Your voice broke as you spoke. He had heard it too and flinched. XIAO had never seen you this hurt, and his chest tightens at the thought that he had finally done it—he had finally hurt you, even if he did everything to not get you involved and hurt you physically. Of course, he could not handle that—he could not handle the thought of seeing you get hurt of him.

But in the end, he still managed to do so, even unintentionally, it was unacceptable.

He looks away, ashamed. Only one thought in mind.

He did not deserve you. “How can I rely on you?” I cannot let you get hurt. His jaw clenches, muttering the words “What made you think I should rely on you? Or anyone else.” he whispered the last few words, but he was sure you heard them.

And maybe he was too curious to see if you certainly had, if he had gotten his message to you that you will feel compelled to leave (which you should).

Your frown told him that it was all ending, that it was crumbling right in front of his face and sooner than later, you would be far away from him—out of his reach, out of his sight, out of his mind.

But will you ever be?

Will the thought of you continue to haunt him even if you leave him?

There was one way to find out, but his chest continue to tighten just by the thought of it.

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

VENTI is usually free. He rarely has “things to do” that do not involve you, actually. This time, it’s quite different, but you did not mind it at all—at first.

That was until he said the words “I’ll be out with the traveler for a few days. So you won’t see me for a while!” He said it as if it was the most normal thing in the world, even adding a hint of a tune with it, which assured you that he was at least enjoying her company.

But it did bother you.

It bothered you until weeks passed by and until he went home one day; drunk and slurring every word he says. Actually, you did not mind this one bit—this is him, you’d known them since the start because this was also ironically how you met him first.

You could only bitterly chuckle at yourself.

But now he’s praising and preaching the good things that ‘Lumine’ had done in their trip, every single slur word that he had uttered that night was all full of her. And you could say you snapped at him for a moment, but nobody could blame you for walking out when he brushed you off.

“Oh come on, don’t be a killjoy. We were just having fun.”

Sure, he was drunk. Sure, it was the traveler—the very person who did so many legendary things that everyone praises her no matter where she is, you told yourself as you gritted your teeth and pursed your lips, but they say that people speak the truth when they’re drunk, right? Then maybe…

Then maybe-

“Well, I hope you will have more fun with her, then.” You say, and when you pushed yourself up of your seat, you refused to look him in the eye and change your mind.

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

THOMA’s busier than usual—well, his schedule is always already full, but now it seems like he doesn't even have free time, especially for you.

He was with the traveler, he was honest about that bit. You were glad that he was gleaming and smiling so bright, looking so excited at the prospect of being of help to Inazuma’s savior.

This turned into worry and then turned into doubt.

You never thought you’d ever doubt your lover, no, not even when you first had come to know him and even more. But maybe you were overreacting? Actually, you knew you could tell him anything and that he would reassure you that nothing was wrong or that he’d just been busy and that’s all.

But it did not go exactly as you thought, did it?

He was laughing nervously, and the moment he began speaking, you were already beyond uncertain whether the words that were coming out of his mouth were the truth.

“We were just hanging out.” You briefly heard him, but the rest of his words did not register in your mind anymore, especially now that you were looking away, refusing to hear a single thing.

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

Now, this is rare. This is impossible, actually. What could the traveler and SCARAMOUCHE be doing for them to even be in the same place? All the more now when it has been a while since this has been going on.

“It’s none of your business, get out of my way.” Was his response to you. Unfortunately for him, you were stubborn too.

“I said get out of my way, Y/n.” He was glaring at you, and you would have moved away if you were not used to it.

“Tell me why you’re hanging out with her at first. I know you’re hiding something from me.” It’s highly unusual for you to hang out with anyone, let alone one of your enemies. You bit your tongue before you could say more, afraid to fan the fire that was growing and growing by the second.

But the fire had been lit, and there was no stopping it from spreading and shredding everything on its path.

“My business is my business, don’t try to put words in my mouth!” Those were two different phrases, and you knew very well that if you pushed further, there would be no going back.

But maybe it was not worth saving after all.

“Very well, then,” you calmed yourself as you said, “You will not hear from me either.”

“What-“

“My business is my business.” You turned around, unable to look him in the eye. “Goodbye, Balladeer.”

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

KAZUHA has been away for quite some time now.

This is not new, but what was different was who he was with.

You were made aware by him himself and probably all crew members who saw him and his companion that he was with the traveler.

It was a simple thing, and the days merely passed by as if it was a maple leaf dancing and gliding through the air. You smiled to yourself, your thoughts suddenly being invaded by your lover once again. You find yourself with these thoughts a couple of times—you missed him, of course, but there was nothing else you could do but wait, and it was fine.

Usually, you would have a random bird deliver a short letter or poem from KAZUHA, but so far, you’ve received no news and not a word from him nor any of the ones who were with him. Maybe they had encountered something dangerous or so?

You were beginning to worry when you noticed someone you were familiar with—“Kazu-” You cut off your own voice when you see someone else running his way. And this was the first time you’ve seen her up close.

And in short, she was beautiful.

Is this the traveler they were talking about? If so, then why were you even here then?

That was what you felt when you found yourself face to face with your lover at the end of that day. It was the first time he had come home for a few weeks—-maybe even a month. And all this time… he was with someone like the traveler?

Confronting him was difficult. You knew he had been honest, and you knew that if you questioned him now, he would say nothing but the truth, no matter how hard it may be. But you did so anyway, no matter how both your heart and your mind told you not to, it just slipped right through your lips, and there was no going back.

“Is that…. how you think that was?” You could hear a tone of hurt in his voice, and instantly, you regret your words.

“I’m sorry, it was not my intention to make you feel like this.” He tries to reach out for your hand but he stops, his eyes searching yours for a moment until you yourself extend your arm and hold his hand. He then raises both your hands and places a brief but gentle kiss on its back.

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

KAEYA is mysterious, even before you even met him, and he also knew the traveler, acting very close to her even. You knew it right from the start and it did not bother you for one second.

But that second appeared all of a sudden in the form of a drunken situation.

In the end, it did bother you, and KAEYA finds himself being confronted by you, who had spilled all the beans (your rants) to him one night when he had brought you to Angel’s Share with him after finally coming home from a month-long “mission” with the traveler.

His lips quirk on the side, but anyone could tell that he was debating whether he should answer you or not—not that there was anyone else who was watching the two of you… except for his brother who was glaring at him after listening to your rants.

He awkwardly chuckles and tries to place his hand on your shoulders, wanting to usher you and him out for you two to discuss this at home, not with his brother judging him at the side.

“Come on, Y/n… let’s-”

“No, I want to know now.”

He found you cute even in this situation that he wanted to pinch your nose. He eases up and sighs, unable to stop himself from pinching your nose very lightly, so as to not agitate you further.

“Babe, you know I love you right? But I don’t think you’ll be able to very clearly remember this tomorrow so you should completely sober up first before I make it up to you.”

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

It’s quite odd for you to not see ITTO at least minutes or hours apart. Sometimes, he does go far away to atend to his “gang leader duties” but he always comes back whenever he says so.

This time is different.

You were beginning to worry over nothing when he came home one day, but with a big smile and his arm slumped over someone—you recognized her. You’ve seen her once but-

Why the hell is she with him?

You raised a brow.

“Are you wasting the traveler’s precious time now, Itto?” you glared at him, frowning, “You could have just asked for my help, you know! I’m sure the traveler has a busy schedule!”

To say that ITTO was bewildered when he heard this was an understatement. It was a good thing Paimon was not there or she could’ve definitely laughed at him! Who would’ve thought that his own lover (you) would side with the traveler instead of him!

“But babe~” he whined, “I’ll be wasting your precious time then!”

He was frowning and looking at you like a puppy, and you still frowned at him, only to give up and sigh, spreading your arms (like you would whenever you prompt him to come and hug you).

“You better have some explaining to do, oni.”

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

Most of the time, it was GOROU who seeks you. He’s not clingy (in public, that is) but he does want to see you and check in on you every once in a while.

However, the situation has reversed, for some reason.

You were confused at first, but when Kokomi informed you that he was with the traveler, you were relieved to think that he was at the very least safe.

But even when he came home, he was less clingy than usual… and it was starting to bug you.

Was it because he was hanging out with the traveler more?

Your mind was so filled with thoughts that you did not see yourself bumping into the very people you were thinking about—both him and the traveler. Lumine walks away the moment she saw you. You ere thankful for that, but now you were stuck in an awkward situation with your boyfriend who had not even hugged you for the last 24 hours.

Your arms crossed as you looked at him, and as if it was instinct (it probably was) his ears drooped as soon as he saw your glare at him.

“Y/n?” You swore you heard him stutter, “Why… why are you looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong?”

You bit your lip, debating whether you should really tell him or not, but in the end, you did.

His eyes widened, and at the same time, his ears shot up (his tail too). He had his hands stiff in the air, as if he wanted to reach out but was forcing himself not to.

“W-What?! I… I wasn’t spending more time with you because of…” he trails off, “But I…” then his ears dropped once again. “But I… I thought you were getting sick of me so… I tried not to pester you for a while… we’re not really busy, but I was helping the traveler out to spend my time at least doing something. But I still miss you and I want to hug you right now, but I can't. I'm already doing well…”

He continued whining and your jaw fell all the more as he did so. You caught yourself, but by the time you did, he was still talking about something you can’t even register anymore with how he was muttering and eating the words.

In the end, you hugged your boy in defeat and cuddled him all night, reassuring him that this wil be the last time this should ever happen.

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

DILUC is a busy man, which is why this occurrence is not that new to you.

Of course, he has the Winery, he protects Mondstadt as well.

But now… he has been spending far more time with the traveler that you wondered if this was also something you should look forward to in the future.

Before, it was just the Winery and Mondstadt and now, the traveler too?

Of course, it was a petty way of thinking. But you were seriously beginning to forget what he even looked like with how many weekly dates were postponed and you’re too tired of seeing Charlie in Angel’s Share, hoping to at least get a peak of your lover if he comes by the place.

He never did.

But the day he did so, he was with the traveler (again).

Now this was suspicious—utterly so that Kaeya was exchanging glances at you the moment they entered the tavern. It was actually him who confronted DILUC in front of you when he had come by the table.

You were grateful to him until he says “Y/n was beginning to look like an utter loner here that I cannot help but have a drink with them.”

You glared at Kaeya and he raises both of his hands up, “Woah, you two look so scary, alright, I’ll back out.”

You turned to your lover and caught him still glaring at his brother. As much as you’d like to admire his physique, however, you sighed heavily, catching his attention and his eyes softening all of a sudden.

“Do you have something to say?” You were too exhausted to even deal with it—maybe you stress yourself too much? Well, at least he looked well, even if there were bags under his eyes. He did not look injured, and that alone you're grateful for.

You heard the dragging of a chair and you found him sitting in front of you, brows and forehead knitted. Was something bothering him? If only you had the energy to reach out and unknot his forehead with your thumb-

“I’m sorry.” Was what he said first. And though he was unable to look into your eyes, you could tell that he was trying his best. “I didn't mean to make you feel… like this.” He briefly bit his lip before he looked up at you, “It may be difficult to forgive me… but… will you?” He clears his throat, “Will you forgive me?”

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

CHILDE does not usually spend his free day without you. Thus, it was quite a surprise that he was ‘bonding’ with the traveler when he was supposedly spending them with you. Not that you minded in the first few days, you figured that they just had things that they needed to sort out or a mission that he was just trying to assist the traveller with. He was not one to back down a challenge.

And apparently, you were too.

“What? You were… sparring with her?”

“Of course! The traveler’s a very good opponent, it is an opportunity I can’t miss.” Then, he looks at you with amusement lingering in his eyes, “What? Do you think you could spar with me next time?”

You frowned and crossed your arms. “Why not? I thought you liked sparring with me?”

“But did you not also tell me that you were too busy? And you were getting tired from sparring with me?

You sighed heavily, hand going up to your head to your temple. Of course, it was your fault. He cannot just lose, can he?

“But… the traveler?”

“What? Why? What’s wrong with the traveler?” You were about to answer when you saw the mocking smile on his lips that suddenly appeared ever so slowly you could only gawk in disbelief. “Why? Are you jealous? ARE YOU-“

“Of course not!” You exclaimed as you went and lunged at his mouth covering them with your hands frantically, afraid someone would hear him.

“U sho thotally or!” He speaks (even if it was muffled, at least he tried and was still trying). For now, you’ve completely forgotten about your problem with him that you could only drag him away from the other Fatui members who were snickering at the display.

You cannot just lose like this.

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

AYATO’s plans are one thing you are very well acquainted with. Of course, with someone as scheming or knowledgable as him, you were already used to it. At first, seeing him with the traveler is of course very reasonable. He meets a lot of people, and the traveler has been very helpful not only to your lover but also to all of Inazuma, which includes you. There is no reason to be jealous or feel anything negative towards them and how AYATO seems to be spending most of his time with them now.

You’ve let those thoughts away from your mind.

But it gets harder as another day passes by you could not help but ask him about it. It was just brought up ever so lightly, but you could tell that he was avoiding it. Oh, he definitely was.

“Whatever do you mean? It was just a commission and I employed the traveler, there is no need to fret, love.”

You could tell that this was not exactly the truth. You’ve been with him for a long time that you had gotten used to his mannerisms and habits—this was nothing to you.

“You better tell me the truth, Kamisato.” You narrowed your eyes at him, making sure ot make clear that this was not something that should be brushed off easily.

But… he still relented.

“I promise you, that is the truth, Y/n.”

“Then, the entire truth.”

He hesitates. “I don’t think I should… love… I… Let us just say this is a plan for something big.” He did not look remorseful, nor anything related to that. Contrary to that, his lips were quirked to the side and his eyes were narrowed like one of a fox—which was usually an ‘indicator’ for you when he was planning something rather mischievous or huge.

You raised a brow. Now, this is unexpected. You were sure you had already caught him but… maybe for a different reason?

Wait… when was your anniversary anyway? Was this a plan for…

Oops.

┌───────── · · · · ꒰⚘݄꒱₊

ALBEDO would either have done so unconsciously or it was something that he planned. Most likely, he did it unconsciously, as he is someone who is not very well in tune with his feelings, and human emotions are one thing that he is not very good at reading or “feeling”.

He frowns after hearing your concerns. Time likely flowed ever so slowly for you when it was different for him. Work and the traveler took his time from you, and he could tell you were displeased by your words and the hurt expression on your face. This expression—he disliked it.

It was unforgivable of him to make you feel this pain. “Forgive me, my love,” he finds himself reaching out for your hand, and kissing your wrist, almost unconsciously, “it seems I have underestimated emotions once again. What should I do to make up for you? Tell me, and I shall make it happen.”

P.s. GOD THIS WAS AWFULLY LONG !!! i did not anticipate this to turn out this way so i apologize if i posted this late aaaaaa

Reblogs and comments are very appreciated~

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elleloquently · 5 months

Text

the wretched and joyful [ 2 ] : ellie williams

ellie williams x female reader | eventual angst + slowburn

───⋆☆ But we don't have to talk about it, I can walk you home and practice method acting - I'll pretend being with you doesn't feel like drowning ♪

───⋆☆ I'm trying to be cool about it, Feelin' like an absolute fool about it Wishin' you were kind enough to be cruel about it - Tellin' myself I can always do without it, Knowin' that it probably isn't true ♪

| a/n - part two!! tags are at the bottom, let me know if u wanna be added! if you enjoyed reading, please considering reblogging/leaving a comment <3 thank you! | c/w - swearing, vague depictions of anxiety.. reader is in love with her best friend idk what to tell you!!

nearly everything that belonged to you used to belong to someone else. that's just the way things were.

you tried to find the thought comforting, but it really felt haunting.

when you moved into your house in jackson, it was like a still life museum. you couldn't help but try to imagine who lived there first, before the world went to shit. you tried to imagine what their daily life was like. how scared they must've been when...

it made you feel like you were living in a haunted house, and you were scared of ghosts.

maria was kind enough to set you up with some things that she thought you would like, but it still felt like you were living somewhere that you didn't belong.

the house felt like it was full of ghosts, so you rearranged and redecorated until it finally felt like your own.

years later, after a lot of trading and sorting through items ellie might find on patrol, you were actually pretty proud of the space that you presented for yourself. adeline once joked that you seemed to have a taste for "the frills," but you didn't mind.

you liked girly things, things that you could keep in secret and feel pretty without worrying about whether or not you seemed tough enough.

ellie had her comics, and you had your own things too.

your guilty pleasure was old magazines, filled with toxic drama, interior design tips, and how to's for all of your accessorizing needs. the pages were cheap and worn but good enough. the silly quizzes were the best part.

you liked pretending. pretending to live in that world instead of this one, wishing you could've been a girl picking out nail polish to match her outfits and deciding which color scheme suited her best. it flooded your senses with longing and never failed to give you a pit in your stomach.

it was like some kind of morbid obsession, wishing for better than what you had.

you didn't really talk about it, especially with ellie. you already knew how she felt about that sort of thing. besides, it made you feel weak. she just knew that you liked silly magazines, and would bring you them without a second thought if she had ever managed to find one.

jesse was actually the first to help you build your little collection. dina had found one on patrol, and brought it back so you could all laugh at the ridiculous headlines. when everything was winding down and you sheepishly asked if you could keep it, jesse seemed to take note.

besides ellie, jesse was one of your closest friends. he was a little more understanding to the sensitive side of you, which you appreciated. you hated feeling like you had to defend every little thought or feeling, to prove you weren't weak.

you'd been spending more time together as of late, especially since his patrol schedule was pretty much opposite of dina's.

you hated when they fought, always over something small and immature and it left you feeling like a child stuck in the middle. any group hangouts were typically reserved for when dina and jesse were on - so according to the news you had received from ellie, things were looking up.

when a knock at your door earned your attention, you jumped to answer it right away. you already knew who you were expecting.

"morning," you grinned as you held the door open. "are you coming in or am i coming out?" you wore shoes just in case, standing in the doorway.

"you're coming out," jesse replied, wearing a light jacket that he would most likely shed later. summer would be here soon, and the change in weather was certainly improving the mood of everyone in jackson.

you nodded once and tugged a sweater over your arms, closing the door behind you as you stepped outside. you loved mornings like this, warm and peaceful. it felt full of promise.

"where to?" you questioned, allowing jesse to take the lead. he grinned when he replied.

"the stables. hope you're not wearing your best clothes."

you scowled but only as a joke. you weren't wearing your "best" anything but even if you were, it wouldn't have mattered.

"you know i never mind," you chirped, bumping jesse's arm. "how come?"

"we're training more people for patrol so we might need more help in the stables for a bit. think you're willing to give an extra hand when you aren't wrangling the children?" jesse asked, raising an eyebrow as the corners of his lips turned upward.

there was somewhat of a school in jackson, and during the week you helped out with the younger kids. there weren't many, but enough so that they were glad to have your help.

"i would love to help," you said honestly, and jesse's smile turned sly.

"i know that," he replied. "that's why i already signed you up."

you snorted, rolling your eyes at his confident response. "whatever. i would've helped regardless, anytime."

"i know," jesse repeated. "thanks, kid."

this made you roll your eyes again, scoffing. there was barely even an age difference.

"you sound like joel." you wrinkled your nose, tilting your head. "all of you patrol people have such a complex," you grumbled, trying your very best not to smile.

"yeah, yeah." jesse slung an arm over your shoulders, causing you to gasp at the audacity. "you love us."

"us?" you questioned, falling into step with him.

jesse couldn't contain the shit-eating grin that plastered itself onto his face. "us. me, dina... ellie."

you laughed once, loud and embarrassed.

"you're so full of it," you replied, stepping out from under his arm.

"what? what did i say?"

"you're not funny. besides, i'm actually very upset with you," you confessed, staring down at your shoes while you walked.

your shift in tone was enough to concern jesse, and he almost seemed bewildered as he questioned you.

"what? why? what did i do?" he slowed his pace, waiting for you to respond.

you waited just a moment to linger it over his head before grabbing his arm, shaking it while you bounced on your feet like an excited child.

"for not telling me that you have a girlfriend!" you gushed, causing jesse to roll his eyes and quickly walk away from you.

"what's her name? what does she look like? is she gonna meet your family?" you continued on as jesse swatted at you. "you know i had to find out from ellie?"

"you're ridiculous," jesse grumbled.

"and you're keeping things from me?" you were really playing it up, finding satisfaction in the way he shook his head.

"you know, you're not funny," jesse mocked.

you laughed, catching back up with him. "really though, is everything all good?"

a small smile slipped in the place of jesse's scowl. "all good," he confirmed softly.

jesse seemed content so you let that be enough, finishing your walk to the stables in peaceful silence.

you didn't need much instruction since you were already quite familiar with the tasks. instead, it was mostly jesse explaining which horses would be in and out and when. you carried on with some light maintenance, chatting through each chore. jesse didn't really need to stay and help, but you appreciated the conversation.

"so," you started, placing a bucket of supplies on the ground. "what're we doing tonight?"

"huh?" jesse huffed, looking uncharacteristically caught off guard.

"the four of us," you clarified, brushing your palms on your pants. "i figured since things were cool again that we could finally hang out," you explained, though your use of finally might've been a bit overdramatic. jesse and dina were broken up for about a week, which meant a week of splitting your time between the two of them.

though lately you've been seeing less of dina, maybe because of her and ellie having plans or similar schedules.

"oh!" jesse exclaimed, the sudden loudness catching you off guard. "right. well, you know," jesse stammered.

you raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to put together a coherent sentence that wasn't just him shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head.

"you know," he repeated, even though you obviously didn't. "dina and i just thought that maybe... it would just be the two of us tonight. to um," jesse coughed. "catch up?"

you nodded silently, eyes wide with embarrassment. "of course!" you choked out, desperately wanting to save jesse from any more you know's and awkward stammering.

"hey, maybe tomorrow night," jesse offered, awkwardly clapping you on the shoulder. "you'll still hang with ellie, right?"

you nodded again, kicking your shoe against the ground.

you hoped that ellie would want to see you again, even though you just slept over. the matter wouldn't usually even be a factor, but you felt different lately. a little weird, like you were bothering her too much or something.

"for sure," you muttered, tossing a rag into the bucket with a clang.

jesse was quick to catch your change in tone.

"did something happen?" he questioned, leaning against a stable door.

his question felt like an assumption and you found yourself growing insecure as if everyone had noticed that something was different too.

you wanted to confide in him, you should've confided in him, about how ellie could be so hot and cold and was it normal to get stomach aches whenever you were around her?

instead, you forced out a short laugh and shook your head.

"'course not. she'll probably just sleep after she gets back."

jesse studied you briefly before kicking his weight off of the door, brushing his hands together.

"right. well, dina will probably be back soon so i should..."

"go on," you grinned, waving him away.

"you wanna come with?" jesse offered, knowing ellie would be returning as well.

"i actually think i'll stick around here. for... a little bit," you responded shyly, but jesse already knew why. "go on," you encouraged. "go!"

you watched as jesse walked away, casual at first but his stride turned into a sprint when he turned the corner, assuming he was out of view.

you laughed to yourself, standing awkwardly in the now empty stable. ellie would show up soon enough, which was good. you wanted a chance to talk to her. you were starting to feel pretty weird about how often you slept in her bed while she left for patrol in the morning.

you waited around a bit, standing awkwardly in the middle of the stables until you started to feel stupid and instead made yourself look busy. you rearranged some cleaning supplies in the buckets, and even wiped stall doors that you had already cleaned, just to look busy.

of course, ellie didn't appear until you were seemingly making small talk with a horse in the stable.

"-like it better when the weather is warm, right?"

ellie snorted, the sound cutting through the otherwise silent atmosphere that was only filled by your own chattering and the occasional horse sigh.

"who are you talking to?" ellie questioned, her tone lazy and amused.

ellie already knew, of course, but the startled look on your face was priceless.

"how was patrol?" you asked awkwardly. ellie led shimmer into the stables as you spoke.

"uneventful," ellie answered simply.

"that's good, right?" you asked, coming up to pet shimmer as she was being placed into her stall.

"uh, yeah, i guess," ellie shrugged, her tone sounding distant.

you deflated, just a little. maybe she needed some space.

"i'm gonna... get going," you announced, a little quieter than you intended but you had found your footing by the end of the sentence. finally, ellie turned and looked at you.

"what? you've been hanging around but now all of a sudden i'm here, and you're leaving?" ellie questioned, her eyebrows pinching together.

"just don't wanna be in the way," you replied, not knowing if you should take a step closer or a step further away.

"please," ellie huffed. you weren't sure if it was kind or insulting.

please like you're always in the way and don't seem to mind, or please like you're never in the way?

you opened your mouth, almost to ask for clarification, but the thought alone made your cheeks burn.

"i'm serious," you said instead, but didn't make any effort actually leave.

“of course you are,” ellie said, rolling her eyes. you caught the hint of a smile on her face though, just before she turned her back to you.

silent minutes ticked by while ellie was busy, and it was only awkward because you truly couldn't decide if you should just leave or stay. after the hesitation it seemed quite obvious that you would stay, but the dilemma made your face grow hot anyway. when did you start overthinking your interactions with ellie so much??

you really didn't want things with ellie to start being complicated, everything else was already complicated enough.

who was at fault, anyway? or was it simply nothing other than growing restless as the days grew longer?

your thoughts did a better job of occupying you than you had expected, because ellie blinked at you, unmoving.

"are you coming or what?" she asked, with that same unreadable tone that she seemed to love using lately.

you blinked. then nodded.

is this how things were going to be now? is this how they always were, you were only just now noticing?

you almost physically shook your head at the thought.

"coming where?" you asked instead.

ellie shrugged, something like a smile twitching at her lips.

you couldn't tell if she was trying to force a smile, or hide a real one and what the fuck, when did you start having so much trouble reading her?

"we could see joel," you suggested, trying to sound more upbeat than you had felt. you were in such a good mood yesterday, where did it go?

ellie raised her eyebrows at you.

"it's been a long time since we all had dinner together, just the three of us," you said nonchalantly, not wanting it to sound like a hint.

"yeah, well," ellie muttered, her gaze dropping to the ground. "a bit early for dinner, don't you think?"

"that's not really the point, but okay," you dismissed.

"what is the point then?" ellie asked, her voice suddenly more loud and pointed compared to just a few seconds ago.

the immediate switch in her demeanor caused your eyebrows to pinch together. "i thought you were.. doing better?"

the look on ellie's face was all of the confirmation that you had needed. it was the kind of expression that made you feel guilty for even bringing it up.

"sorry. i just thought.. you know, the boots," you practically stammered, not wanting ellie to be annoyed with you.

"'just being nice," ellie replied tightly, to which you nodded solemnly in return.

"forget it then. sorry. i shouldn't have mentioned it," you spoke, wiping your palms on your pants.

the fight, or, whatever it was that happened between ellie and joel was possibly the biggest and only secret that ellie had ever kept from you, to your knowledge. she was so frustratingly vague about it, skating around answers and reasons as to why joel didn't seem like her joel anymore.

they were friendlier now, more so than right after it had happened, but still it felt strained. it had practically happened overnight, much to the confusion of nearly everyone around the two, and things were still not back to the way in which they used to be.

you missed the dinners.

truthfully, you still had dinner with joel occasionally. you weren't sure if ellie knew, but you had never mentioned it to her.

considering, ellie wasn't the only one keeping secrets.

"forget it," ellie repeated quietly. for a moment, she looked kind of awkward, like she was trying to think of something else to say.

it actually sort of made you feel better.

the silence that followed lingered, but not too long, making it possible to recover from.

"let's just get out of here," ellie mumbled, so quietly that you nearly missed it. she began walking without even glancing back at you, surely assuming that you would just follow.

and you did.

you almost tripped over your own feet when you realized how seamlessly you would follow her without another word. it was dangerous, nearly.

"we could go to tipsy?" you suggested lightly, trying to catch up to ellie so it didn't seem as though you were trailing after her.

at your suggestion, ellie snorted.

"what, tough day or something? it's the afternoon," ellie denied, and you were simply grateful that the lighthearted teasing tone had returned to her voice.

"maybe another time. jesse and dina could come, we could make it a thing."

ellie raised an eyebrow, peering sideways at you as your lazy steps fell into sync.

"a thing," ellie repeated softly, shaking her head with a soft chuckle.

"is something wrong with that?" you questioned, squinting your eyes as the bright sun invaded your sightline.

"huh? no. just cute the way you always try to like... i don't know, make an event out of things," ellie explained.

your cheeks warmed, but the guise of the heat helped it to go unnoticed.

cute.

you didn't want ellie's words to linger, so you scrambled fast.

"hey, i still need to debut my new skirt, right?" you managed.

"that you do," ellie sighed. "or you could just- i don't know, hear me out.. just, put it on?"

you frowned at her teasing, even though it made your heart swell with affection. "that's boring, ellie. don't you know me at all?"

"best of all, actually," ellie retorted. you opened your mouth to fire back a reply, but nothing came.

ellie was right usually, always, when it came to you. she knew you better than anyone. in the world that you lived in, it was practically the best gift that you could give to someone that you cared for. vulnerability, loyalty. the ability to trust and be trusted. being known and feeling seen was like a reward.

sure, jackson was your home. but you weren't sure how much it truly would feel like home if ellie wasn't there.

it was funny, sometimes you had forgotten that you hadn't actually known ellie your whole life.

sometimes, you pathetically wondered what things might've been like if you had known ellie forever.

a few years ago, when ellie was prone to more laughter, she would tell fabricated stories about your friendship if you had met before. you would never forget the look on her face the first time that you had confided in her about the mistreatment from the QZ crowd.

"i would've fucked 'em up," ellie said solemnly, causing you to laugh in disbelief.

"what? ellie, i was... thirteen. you would've been too."

"yeah, and? i would've fucked them up. and then..-"

she would continue until you were in a fit of giggles, wheezing through laughter.

neither of you had much of a childhood, but ellie had some lucky moments. your time together though, it almost felt healing. despite everything.

"i know," you said finally, falling short of thinking up a witty response.

"you don't need to make any stops today, do you?" ellie questioned suddenly.

an evident look of confusion crossed your face as you answered. "hm? you mean addie? no, why?"

"just wondering," ellie grumbled, and your lips twisted into a teasing smile.

"why do you get so weird about her?" you questioned, closing your fingers around her wrist to keep her walking pace in tune with your own.

"i don't get weird," ellie disagreed, her tone bordering on childish. "i just feel like she's always judging me or something."

"judging you?" you laughed, the sudden loudness cutting through the hazy, quiet afternoon of jackson. "ellie, adeline does not judge you."

"she looks at me funny," ellie complained, wrinkling her nose.

"she does not!" you released your hold on ellie's wrist, limply wacking her arm instead. ellie only reacted by rolling her eyes.

"besides, if she looks at you funny, she probably has a reason for it," you contemplated with a click of your tongue.

"what? what did i do?" ellie questioned, her cheeks turning red.

you laughed again, loud, causing ellie to reach over and shove your side. you only momentarily stumbled, the clumsy reaction not halting your laughter.

"whatever. see you later," ellie grumbled, making no effort to walk ahead of you.

"okay, see you later," you chirped, settling your giggles but the aftermath still made your cheeks sting. ellie glanced at you quickly, and you could tell that she was wondering if you were actually going to leave.

your hand accidentally brushed against ellie's and you moved to put some distance between your bodies, ignoring the way that it sent jolts through your body.

"are you gonna stay again?" ellie asked, her tone sounding a little too forced to be nonchalant, but the attempt was there.

"at yours? sure. i feel like i haven't slept in my own bed in ages," you responded.

"you don't have to come," ellie said simply.

"no, it's not a bad thing," you clarified. really, it wasn't.

"i could come to yours?" ellie asked, a look crossing her face that you couldn't quite depict, almost like she had remembered something. maybe she didn't want to risk a run in with joel, as your dinner comment had unsettled her.

"only if you want," you shrugged.

"just let me grab some stuff first," ellie told you, to which you silently obliged with a nod of your head.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

"you're... okay, you're doing it wrong." ellie's snappy tone caused you to huff.

"i'm doing exactly what you said."

"no, you're not listening."

"you're not explaining!"

ellie rolled her eyes, moving to sit closer to you on the floor.

"your fingers are supposed to stay down, right here," ellie delicately pressed your fingers into place as you hold her guitar. you have to swallow hard, willing yourself not to react to her touch.

"one finger per fret, like this," ellie explains, her voice softer as she regained her patience.

"you know i'm never gonna be good at this," you complained, letting your fingers go limp under ellie's pressure.

"then why do you keep saying that you want to learn?" ellie questioned, sitting back and dropping her hands to her lap.

"because i want to be good at it," you sighed. you stretched your arms, handing the guitar to ellie. "it wouldn't be the same anyway. i just like when you play for me."

ellie's cheeks go crimson. "shut up."

she strummed anyway, showing you how the song that you were 'attempting' to learn was supposed to sound.

you leaned your back against the side of your bed, the wooden floor beneath you providing little comfort. ellie explained chords as the dreamlike sounds filled your bedroom. you listened intently, more focused on the sound of ellie's voice than the actual information that it was providing.

you spend a lot of nights like this, being the only two people in the world, the moon being your only light until you fall asleep.

your curtains, dingy and laced, were drawn back purposefully for that very reason, you had admired the late sunset as the moon finally began to peek its way into the night sky.

the moon, the sound of ellie's voice, the feeling of your surroundings seeming slightly fuzzy from how tired you were.. you wished you could bottle up these moments and keep them forever.

in these moments, when you watched her, your feelings seemed clear as day. ellie's eyebrows furrowed in concentration, the way her fingers seemed to strum effortlessly on the guitar, the little strands of hair that kept escaping her bun and falling into her face.

surely you loved her. there was simply no other way around it.

when it was dark, you could think it over and over.

i think i love her. i really think i might love her. it would make your pulse quicken and your insides explode, but the thought was fathomable. for some reason though, during the day, it couldn't even be a question. you would deny it. you wouldn't even allow the thought to slip into your mind as long as you could help it.

you really, truly weren't sure why it made such a big difference.

"i love it," you murmured, referring to the song that ellie was playing.

"i remember," ellie replied, feeling the need to whisper though she wasn't exactly sure why. "it's why i learned it, anyway."

ellie said it so simply, so casually, that you wouldn't have given it a second thought until you noticed the way that she refused to meet your gaze, even after she stopped playing.

"maybe i will be good at it one day," you hummed.

"maybe," ellie snorted. "if you ever get any patience."

"says you," you replied with a frown. "i'm super patient," you argued, but you had a hard time believing your own words. not that you were determined to change ellie's mind, anyway. your thoughts were elsewhere.

"maybe," ellie mumbled suddenly, catching you slightly off guard. you slip off into your own thoughts entirely too easily. "if you're always with those kids. i couldn't fucking stand it."

"i guess that's true. it just feels.. different? i don't know." your slight laugh turns into a yawn as you shake your head. "jesse told me you guys are trying to put more people on patrol?"

ellie nodded, rolling her eyes. "yeah. 'been a pain in the ass, that's for sure."

"that bad, huh?" you questioned, toying with the hem of your cardigan that you had thrown over your pajamas.

"i'm just.. i don't like the teaching stuff. i just want to get it done, you know?"

you nodded, and wondered if that's why ellie has seemed more exhausted than usual. "i get it. you can't blame maria for pairing people with you, though."

"i wish she wouldn't."

"yeah, but ellie, you're one of the best. you know that."

ellie shook her head, causing more strands of hair to frame her face. you could've laughed at her dedication to leaving the few strands still pulled back in a bun, instead of just taking it out entirely.

"maybe i should sign up," you said, partly joking. "finally give patrol a real try.

"no," ellie responded firmly, a little too quickly. you had only been kidding, you knew you would be no good, but regardless her reaction was a little much.

"why not?"

"because you can't.. you're not.. it's just, not your thing, alright?" ellie huffed.

you crossed your arms and wanted to be offended but ellie was right. you were no good for it. still, you rolled your eyes and refused to make eye contact until your name slipped from ellie's lips like an apology.

"just forget it, alright?" ellie pleaded, her voice regaining its softness.

you looked at her, the lighting was dim but your eyes were adjusted to the dark that had fallen over the room. she felt the most familiar like this, like your ellie.

ellie was softer in the moonlight. maybe she felt more like herself in it, too. the way she looked now - messy hair, pink cheeks, almost gave you a dreamlike feeling as if you could spill your guts to her and everything would be fine.

"alright," you murmured, allowing your eyes to lock with ellie's green ones. the darkness was safe, you wouldn't shy under her gaze. you were brave. "i was only kidding anyway. and i know that you only said no because you know that i would be the best at patrol and steal your crown."

"okay, you need to go to sleep," ellie replied simply. she stood from the floor, stretching and fidgeting with her hoodie.

"you hate when i have fun," you mumbled bitterly as ellie crossed to your window, closing the curtains. they didn't provide much coverage, but the room was suddenly consumed with less light than before.

"you hate when i'm right." ellie reached her hand down to you, and you allowed yourself to be pulled up from the floor. ellie pulled back the bedding as you discarded your cardigan onto the floor.

there was a couch in the living room. plenty of blankets and pillows for a comfortable enough spot on the floor. sharing the bed was never a discussion, you just did. you never really considered otherwise. it didn't really seem like ellie ever did either. if she did, she didn't show it.

you tried to swallow your feelings as you slid into bed next to ellie, wondering if it was normal to always share a bed like this. wondering if it was normal to always overthink it.

"if i threw my sweater on the ground like that, you would be pissed at me," ellie remarked. you could hear the smile in her tone.

you couldn't help but roll your eyes at her exaggeration, and you hoped that she could see it. "bullshit, i would not."

despite your tone, you wanted nothing more than to reach out and swipe away the strands of hair covering ellie's face.

you honestly could have. you knew ellie wouldn't have minded, not in the privacy of your dim room. you would have, but it felt wrong if your feelings weren't purely platonic. you couldn't live in denial forever, at least not when it came to your feelings for ellie.

"liar," ellie mumbled, leaning on her arm. the proximity was daunting.

you couldn't do anything but shake your head. you certainly liked to keep a tidy space, not much like ellie, but you didn't mind her stuff around your room one bit.

"huh, that's what i thought," ellie said with a satisfied huff, as if your silence could be taken as agreement.

your brows furrowed instantly. surely she could read your expression.

"quit it," you sighed. "you're making things up. and being difficult," you added.

ellie shook her head, the remnants of her bun bobbing around the back of her neck.

"don't know what to tell you babe," she replied, the sarcasm in her voice prompting an eye roll from you.

"shut up and go to sleep," you complained, picking up your pillow and tossing it over her face.

"ow, what the hell?" ellie whined. she was genuinely making a fuss and you laughed plainly at her. maybe she really hadn't changed that much over the years. at least not when it was just the two of you.

"don't say ow. pillows don't hurt," you said simply. your lack of concern made ellie's jaw drop as she leaned forward and twisted to the side, looking over you as you rested your back against the soft mattress.

ellie was practically looming over you. you stifled a nervous giggle but didn't bother tearing your eyes away from ellie's.

she stared at you for a moment, any hint of a joke on her face quickly leaving. ellie looked like she was going to say something at first, but maybe she had forgotten or changed her mind because she only remained silent as if she were studying you.

the steadiness of her gaze began to make you uncomfortable as nerves swirled around your stomach. ellie's eyes flickered over your face, and you would've done anything to read her mind. was she actually annoyed or was it something else? ellie's lips parted slightly and your breath hitched, guilty once again for the thoughts clouding your mind.

you sat up to break the tension, say a stupid joke maybe, but you moved too quickly and your face was too close to ellie's now. before you had a moment to feel embarrassed, ellie pressed a palm to your chest and promptly shoved you back down. you fell back against the bed with a huff.

the moment of whatever it was was quickly erased as ellie tore her gaze away from you and settled back into her spot.

you didn't speak again and neither did ellie. she simply handed you your pillow and turned on her side, putting her back to you. you remained still for too long, trying desperately to settle your breathing.

you held a heavy hand over your chest, pressing down firmly as you attempted to set your mind straight.

thoughts of just friends, don't fuck up- plagued your mind for only what you could've assumed to be hours on end.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

you left ellie alone in your bed that morning.

you tried not to wonder how it would make her feel as you pulled on your cardigan from the floor and tip toed out of the room.

she must've been exhausted.

the mornings were still cold before the sunshine had a chance to warm up the earth around you, so you walked quickly through the quiet streets of jackson.

there were some people, of course, out and about, but not quite as often as usual considering it was the weekend.

you were lucky.

you were lucky to know ellie and lucky to have ellie. that could be enough. you never wanted to lose her, so you could never do anything that would cause you to lose her. you were lucky, and you would be happy to swallow your feelings and keep a secret as long as it resulted in your friendship always remaining.

your hands balled into fists at your sides, mentally pushing away any stray, worrying thoughts.

"where are you goin' all dressed up this morning?"

you halted at the familiar voice, your cheeks sheepishly growing warm at the teasing. regardless, your smile was genuine.

"to dina's, i think," you replied, turning to meet tommy. you looked down at your pajama pants and top, realizing the cardigan didn't disguise it as much as you had hoped.

tommy had been the first person to ever give you a break. even though you were already a teenager when they brought you into jackson, tommy and joel practically raised you up more than anybody else ever had. with adeline hollis included, they were the closest thing to family you ever had.

"everything alright?" he questioned, frown lines deepening.

"of course, why?" you responded, squinting curiously at the older man.

"oh, nothin'. just, ellie isn't with you is all."

you swallowed hard, swatting at the air to distract from the fact that your smile had tightened. "she's sleeping!" then, for good measure, you changed the subject. "are you getting back from patrol?"

"yes ma'am," tommy replied in a way that drew a laugh out of you.

"you better go get some sleep too then," you warned, and he waved you away.

"go on, get outta here," tommy gruffed, sending you on your way.

your steps were more hurried now and you bounced nervously on your feet when you reached dina's front door.

you figured it was your best bet.

you knocked three times, and you only had to wait a few moments before the door creaked open an inch.

"hey honey, what's the matter?" dina inquired, eyebrows rising in concern as she looked at you.

you noticeably deflated. "what? why does everybody keep asking me that?" you laughed, and it sounded a little too forced. "i'm fine!"

dina scanned your features but visibly relaxed at your words, opening the door wider. "what's up then?"

"i was wondering if- hi jesse," you cut yourself off as his figure appeared in the doorway.

"is everything okay?" he asked, placing a gentle hand on dina's shoulder.

you groaned, causing a look of bewilderment to cross jesse's face.

"she's fine," dina murmured, offering you a small smile.

"i just wanted to ask if you guys wanted to go to the tipsy bison. with me. and ellie, probably." you offered, clasping your hands together in front of you.

"it's pretty early, i don't think seth would even- ow!"

dina cut jesse off with a jab. "when?" she asked, which pleased you very much.

"meet at sunset?" you suggested hopefully, eyes darting between the couple.

you were thrilled when they agreed. of course, they had said, and you left them to enjoy their morning.

on your walk back to your house, you forced yourself to breathe steady. ellie would probably be awake, and that was fine. you were friends, and that was fine. lucky. the best gift you could ask for.

you plastered a smile on your face, swallowing down every negative feeling and emotion.

you were in a good mood. you had to be.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

tags :

@dinoastronaut @skylerwhitwyo @muthafuckingstargirl @minustwofingers @mirrorballels @macaroni676

#ellie williams x reader #ellie williams x female reader #ellie williams x you #ellie tlou x reader

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adventuringblind · 9 months

Text

Drive Forever With You

Chapter Two: Discoveries, birds and bees.

Max verstappen x Lando norris x Charles leclerc x reader

Genre: idk man it's a series

Summary: The reader has been used by her father for many things, resulting in some interesting quirks. When her father ends up under house arrest, she finds herself tangled in a world of fast cars, love, and inhuman abilities.

Chapter summary: Max and Reader become friends, Seb is a proud dad, and the reader is learning about people and feelings. Despite the chapter title, I swear there is nothing sexual going on.

Warnings: mentions of abuse, talks of sickness, injury descriptions, SH and Suicidal ideation

Notes: it's gonna get dark, but have no fear it will get better, I swear. Also, please don't read if you get triggered. I got triggered but read anyways because if your like me somehow reading what fictional me is doing helps immensely. I just ask that you be careful. My inbox and asks are always open :)

Previous <-

Masterlist

Max had quickly learned that this girl was the only one who understood him. She somehow knew exactly what he was thinking. Exactly what he needed. It was ridiculous because he felt that he couldn't reciprocate.

The two had formed their own little team. Max would sneak away with his data to see her, and she would tell him everything he needed to fix in a way he actually understood. Not just being talked at for hours about his mistakes.

He didn't realize someone could nicely tell him what he was doing wrong and also compliment him on things he was doing right. The concept was foreign.

He quickly found himself looking for her all the time. She looked fragile compared to everyone else. Like the wind could pull her away.

But he also couldn't get a read on her quite yet.

Seb, on the other hand, had learned much more in the span of a couple of months. Things that didn't make him any less concerned.

He quickly found that her favorite hobby was doing incredibly stupid things that could get her hurt or even killed. Even the mundane daily tasks. It's like if he didn't feel pain, then she was doing something wrong. He blames it on her prior upbringing.

He frequently caught her with bloodied arms and legs. Trying to do stupid stunts that had her neck almost snapping. She once decided to see how tall of a building she could jump off of 'for science'.

Seb could not, for the life of him, decided whether she actually wanted to die or just didn't understand the concept of safety and healing.

He tried to keep eyes on her. Not always his, but anyone's. Max included.

He was immensely grateful for the Dutch. He pratically was glued to her side. He could tell she wasn't used to the amount of interaction with people, but the smile that creeper on her face at Max's dumb jokes told him everything he needed to know.

Max had ended up catching her once. His giddy state morphed into a panicked one. He had found her messing with one of the broken ferrari engines in his downtime. He had initially been curious until he realized the engine was hot from tools, and she was doing her best to press her hands against it.

He'd fussed over her for hours. He was completely lost as to how she wasn't showing any pain. Even as he lather her hand in burn ointments and wrapped them.

Max stuck even closer to her after that.

Seb had also learned that when she wanted to protect, she wouldn't hesitate to say what she felt. including to Jos Verstappen.

He felt scared when he stumbled upon Max behind her and Jos in front. The younger Dutch is trying to look stoic but failing and the older getting increasingly angry. Y/N in between them, her mouth moving steadly, the string of compliment for Max seemingly never ending.

Seb stepped in and pulled everyone apart. He tried to talk to her, but her attention was on Max. Completely set on making sure he was okay and dragging him off to somewhere safe.

It was strange for Max to have a friend like this. He'd not had many growing up. Yet here he was, feeling close to a girl he'd known for about five months.

It was now summer break. Seb, having seen the two interact, decided to invite the Dutch over for a weekend. His dad was last then happy about it but didn't want to look bad in front of a world champion, so he said yes.

Seb had never heard her talk so much. She was happy and he was glad to see her smile.

Hanna had to force them to sleep at some point. Something that the girl was less than fond of. Sleep was always difficult. Sometimes, Sébastien would stay in her room if he had a feeling she was going to wake up screaming.

He hadn't thought tonight would be one of those nights. Max was in the spare room, and she was in hers. This means that Max woke up to the thrashing first. Her wall right up against his.

He knew it might be an invasion of privacy, but when he heard sniffling, he didn't care. He threw himself out of the bed and made for the door.

He made sure to knock before opening the door. He waited for a possible answer but is only met with the sound of sobs now.

Then the screaming starts.

Seb is out of bed in an instant. Knowing how bad her night terrors got, he knew he needed to act fast.

He was shocked to find her door already open, and Max gently crouched over her. The screams had stopped, but she was still sobbing. Hugging Max like her life depended on it.

Seb smiled at the two and gave them a moment. He was releived she found someone who cared about her.

He knew he had to get her back to bed, though. He crept over to Max and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll take it from here." Max looks up at the older man. That same awkwardness about being in a world champion's house now escalated. "Thank you, for staying with her." Seb added in a hope of reassuring the Dutch.

Max just nodded his head and slipped out from her bed. Seb takeong his place and laying her head on his lap.

She was still crying. Seb didn't push her to talk. he just let her cry while he ran his fingers through her hair.

"He came back." She croaks. "He got you and Max." Her visions sometimes found their way into her dreams. It made it hard to decipher what was real and what wasn't.

"It's okay, we're here now. And with the way Max is glued to you, I doubt he's ever going away."

They both chuckle a bit. Eventually, with the calming presence of Seb, sleep comes clawing back to her once more.

Max was elated. He was finally eighteen. He was now a full fledged adult and could do adult things with the team.

And yet, despite that, he chose to spend his birthday with her. The two sprawled out on the floor on his cramped hotel room, eating his favorite foods and watching his favorite movies.

He'd never felt more at peace than in this moment. The warm smiles shared between them, making him wonder how he'd gotten so lucky.

It had been a year. She was now sixteen. Her birthday is a mere reminder that she is a murder. She killed her mother.

She didn't tell anyone. Nobody needed to know because they would want to celebrate. This was not something to he celebrated, but loathed.

But of course, her plans were foiled. She forgot Seb and Hanna had all her information. Of course they would know.

Her and Seb were away for another weekend, but Hanna flew down to surprise her. They made her breakfast that morning and gave her a present. It was odd, and she kept looking at them skeptically. She'd never received a present of her own.

She opens the pretty paper gently. She'd feel bad if she ripped such a delicate thing. The inside reveals a pair of keys.

"We thought since you can get you license now that you would need a car." Squeals Hanna.

She cries. Her hand flying to cover her mouth. She doesn't understand. Isn't this the anniversary of her killing someone? Why were they being so nice to her?

The paddock wasn't any better. Of course, Seb would have told everyone. People were giving her things left and right.

It was to overwhelming.

She snuck out of the Ferrari paddock to find Max. His presence was needed right now. Maybe he'd understand.

She spotted Max outside his garage. Her body moved faster than her mind. When she gets close enough, Max immediately pulls her into him. He grabs her hand and drags her off to his room in the motor home.

"I got you something." He smiles cheekily. Handing over a small cardboard box to her.

She opened it to reveal a slick black screen. A phone? Why had he gotten her a phone? The overwhelming feeling takes hold, and she is once again sobbing at the gesture

Max is frantically trying to get a read on her. "Do you now like it? Did I do something wrong?"

She shakes her head no frantically. Trying to find her words again. "I just don't understand why everyone is being so nice to me."

Max is taken aback. He knew she was American and as far as he's aware, Americans give eachothers presents.

He thinks he might be left to wonder. His mind escapes to thoughts that make no sense. Only to be pulled back by her continued explanation.

"I killed my mom today sixteen years ago. They should be looking away in disgust, not giving me gifts."

Max is constantly learning new things about this girl. He understands the waiver in her voice. The sadness when she looks at Hanna with her baby.

Max is hugging her again. He dosen't normally like physical contact, but for them, it was a way of communicating without words.

He sets his chin on top of her head and runs his fingers along her spine. "That was not your fault. Whoever told you that is a liar and an asshole."

"It feels like most of the things I was told growing up were lies." Sobs of anger and frustration leak out of her eyes.

"Now we get to find the truths, and I'll be here to help you."

Time flies by. Max is nineteen, and she's seventeen.

Seb had gotten her a job test driving for Ferrari and Max had been moved into redbull.

He hadn't been expecting it. He made her pinch him a few times in case he was dreaming. He cried in relief when he knew he wasn't.

Sebastian had grown even fonder of Max. He had a soft spot for the redbull team even if he wasn't driving for them.

Y/N was now diving her time between Max and Seb. And if she wasn't with them, she was probably of trying new idiotic ideas.

The voice in the front of her head said it was for experimental reasons, she she was learning something and making herself stronger as her father made her do. The voice at the back of her head knew the real reason. She liked it. She was in control of it. She deserved it.

Regardless of her reasonings, the sting of the sharp metal she was working with felt annoyingly good as it sliced into her skin.

She felt unlucky that Max had walked in on it again. She was hoping to be cleaned up before he saw her. Someone must have given out her location.

Max sighs and seats himself next to her, inspecting her crimson covered arm.

She cast her gaze downward. Shame creeping over her cheeks.

Max just pulls some bandages out of his pockets and begins trying to slow the bleeding. "Don't be scared. I can feel your body shaking."

Though it wasn't fear she was shaking with, it was anticipation. A dull throb and flash of the possible future showed her that Max was going to hit his hand on the metal and slice his knuckles open.

Just before he can, her hand falls above his, her knuckles taking the damage instead. Max it startled and stunned.

"I always forget how good your reflexes are." He smiles. The warmth of his features causes her to relax. "Next time you decided to work on something I want to be here to watch."

His protectivness over her has seemingly grown over the past couple of years.

Her powers have been coming in handy these days. Seb has been helping her in whatever ways he can. Always making sure she isn't trying to suppress the energy flowing in her veins into a box.

He'd noticed that some things are easier then others. She dosen't heal very often because of the excruciating amount of energy and pain she has to put in.

Small cuts had been getting easier but anything past that was to much.

She knew she was never going to be strong enough to fulfill her desired purpose. But she didn't need to anymore her goals have shifted.

Getting to test drive and try new things for Ferrari felt like a dream. She was able to take her mind out of those innately dark places and clear her head for a moment.

She shocked a lot of people. They weren't expecting her to be any good. Now they were eating their words.

She glides easily around the corners. Her ability to predict helping her immensely. She could see what the car was going to do before it even happened. How was a child who had rarely driven a kart before, driving a formula 1 car like a professional?

Max looked on with pure delight cheering for her as she continued to set faster lap times.

Seb and Max were there waiting for her when she got out of the car. Enveloping both in a hug.

Max hadn't yet been able to determine his feelings for the girl. He'd had partners, but none of them ended well. Mostly because none of them were her.

Curse there stupid age gap. They had met when he had barely turned seventeen, but the public image he had to keep was what was stopping him.

Other drivers on the grid had started to catch on. Seb noticed the longing glances first and the way she was always smiling at her phone second. Lewis noticed how he was always talking to her, even if both of them were busy. Daniel said they are a package deal. You can't have one without the other.

The age issues was one side of the problem, though. The other was that she was absolutely clueless.

Seb had explained to Max that she hadn't been around people much. She had barely any experience with friendships, let alone a romantic relationship. So Max didn't push. He'd let things go on their own time.

Seb had dreaded this dat for since he found out how little knowledge of the world she has. He knew it was going to be awkward and he wishes Hanna were here to save him.

The workers of the paddock and the drivers specifically are known for their lack of filter. She didn't understand half of what was being said but didn't want to seem stupid, so she just laughed with everyone else.

Having the birds and bees talk with a seventeen year old was not on his bucket list.

To his credit, he did try. Then he ended up calling Hanna.

The poor kid went through the four stages of grief.

The interesting part was when Hanna was explaining romantic interests. He took notice of the way the girls eyes lit up when Hanna was describing how it feels to be in love with somone.

Her eyes started to panic for a moment. Like she needed to ground herself because she was going to lose it.

Seb reached out for her and placed his hand over hers. "Are you alright? I know this is a lot and probably uncomfortable. We can stop now if you need."

She shook her head. "No- it's just that - what if I feel those things now?"

"It's normal and completely okay." Seb offers her a gentle smile. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Well, Hanna said that it makes your stomach feel funny and you smile more. I do those things with Max." She explains.

Seb nods his head in understanding. He already knew, but he wanted it to seem like he didn't. "I can't tell you what you're feeling. But, if you like those feelings you get with Max, I would say that you let them guide you."

It was the first time someone told her to follow her feelings and not her head.

Next ->

Tags: @styles-sunflower @purplephantomwolf @boiohboii

(Comment if you want to be added)

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ravenclaw-legend · 2 months

Text

If I Killed Someone For You

I'm sorry that I did this

The blood is on my hands

I stare at my reflection

I don't know who I am

Practice my confession

In case I take the stand

I'll say I learned my lesson

I'll be a better man

"You KILLED him, Sebastian! You used an UNFORGIVABLE CURSE! I cannot look past this, if I turn a blind eye I am just as guilty!" Ominis was yelling at Sebastian in the Undercroft, completely ignoring Sebastian's attempts to explain himself and convince Ominis to not turn him in.

"I KNOW OMINIS! I'M SORRY, ITS MY FAULT! You don't think I know that. The nightmares of being covered in blood are reminder enough. Just let me explain myself. I will be better, I swear to you!" Sebastian shot back when he swore he would be better, his eyes moved to lock with mine, across the dimly lit Undercroft. Their secret place that holds so many positive memories now is the backdrop for this fight, it's almost poetic.

You're conflicted about whether to turn him in or protect him. Anne has made her choice and abandoned the house in Feldcroft with only a note left behind. She told people that Solomon had died in his sleep, which was convincing enough.

I'm packing up my things

And I'm wiping down the walls

I'm rinsing off my clothes

And I'm walking through the halls

I did it all for her

So I felt nothing at all

I don't know what she'll say

So I'll ask her when she calls

After we returned from the catacombs, Sebastian pushed everyone away. The most I heard of him was Ominis telling me how Sebastian would be screaming in his sleep, always the same things; "I won't let her suffer!", "ANNE!" and "Nooo!"

I didn't know what to do, I was in love with Sebastian. Never acted upon the feelings but I loved him regardless. I always helped him but tried to keep him away from the dark arts; he wound up heavily into the dark arts anyway. Sebastian Sallow was determined to a fault and sometimes crossed the line from determination to stubbornness. Unfortunately, he still learned the Unforgivable Curses despite Ominis attempting to stop him.

After Ominis and Sebastian's argument, I found Sebastian in the boy's dorm in the Slytherin common room. He was packing up his things, obviously he was preparing for the worst. I looked at him sadly, it was like the bright personality he had when I first met him was now dulled. Sebastian's shoulders were now slumped and his confident posture was now seemingly weighed down. "Bastian?" I said quietly as I reached to place my hand on his arm, at my touch he spun around to look at me with his face stained with tears.

Would you love me more

(Would you love me more)

If I killed someone for you?

Would you hold my hand?

(Would you hold my hand?)

They're the same ones that I used

When I killed someone for you

Sebastian looked at me with so much pain and hurt in his eyes. "Would you love me?" He asked, keeping his watery hazel eyes locked on mine. "What?" I asked, shock filling my voice. Did he know? How did he know how I felt about him?

We stayed that way for what could have been minutes, hours, or even days. Time seemed to stop as we stared at each other, the air becoming thick with the tension between us. "Would you love me, if I killed someone for you, MC?" Sebastian said this as he began to walk towards me and took both of my hands in his. His hands were larger than mine. They were warm, inviting, even comforting. "Would you hold my hand, if they're the same ones that killed someone?" He says quietly. I know what he is doing, he is trying to figure out who is on his side, who he can find comfort in and open up to. "Bash" I sighed "I care about you. But you know what you did was wrong. Killing Solomon was wrong, no matter if he was attacking us or not." I hugged him. This man may be a murderer to everyone else but he is still my best friend, he is still the man I love; he is just misguided right now.

Would you turn me in

(Would you turn me in)

When they say I'm on the loose?

Would you hide me when

(Would you hide me when)

My face is on the news?

'Cause I killed someone for you

"Are you going to turn me into Black, to the Ministry?" Sebastian asked holding me close enough that I could feel his heart racing in his chest. "No. I won't. But I don't condone what you've done and it will take time to fully forgive you." I stepped back from him looking him in the eyes as I continued to say "I killed for you too Sebastian...

You have to understand that

The one I killed was me

Changing what I was

For what you wanted me to be

I followed your direction

Did everything you asked

I hope that makes you happy

'Cause there's just no turning back

"MC. I'm sorry. You never needed to change for me. You had my attention from the moment I saw you enter the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom on your first day and I knew I loved you the moment you beat me in that duel. I know you probably don't feel the same but I had to tell you, in case I never get a chance again. I don't know what Ominis will do" Sebastian reaches out to cup my face in his hands, cradling it like I am made of glass and will shatter if he isn't careful enough. "Sebastian," I sighed turning into one of his hands and reaching out with my own to grab a hold of the front of his robes "I love you too." The next thing I felt was Sebastian's lips on mine. He was clutching me tightly against him. Our lips moved together in sync as if this was meant to be. It felt right to be in his arms.

#sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow x mc #hogwarts legacy romance #hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry #hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #slytherin #if i killed someone for you #alec benjamin #Spotify

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cuubism · 1 year

Text

Derivation

followup to Complex Mathematics

----

“Dream,” calls Death, coming through the front door of their flat, “it’s two in the afternoon, if you’re still asleep I swear to God—”

She skids to a stop in the kitchen, grocery bags swinging in her hands.

“Oh, hey Death,” greets Hob, casually, from where he’s standing at the stove… cooking? He’s barefoot, hair unkempt, t-shirt and jeans loose and rumpled.

“Uh,” says Death, then collects herself enough to keep walking, depositing her groceries on the counter. “Hi, Hob?”

Death doesn’t really invite people over to their flat. Dream doesn’t like it and she does try to respect at least some of his wishes. It’s because of her he doesn’t live alone in the first place, so it’s the least she can do.

(Although if he could get it together enough to manage even a semblance of a functional human life without continual supervision, neither of them would have this problem in the first place.)

So someone being here is… unexpected, to say the least.

Hob looks up at her with a smile, but there’s some tightness to it, as if he’s not sure if she’ll be upset with him being here. She isn’t, of course. It’s not like Hob is some stranger.

She is confused, though.

“Need any… help there?” she asks, sitting at the kitchen table. What is he cooking, anyway? It looks like… crepes?

He chuckles, shoulders relaxing. “Nah, almost finished. You want some coffee? Tea?”

Still feeling knocked askew, Death says, “Sure. Coffee’s great.”

Hob hands her a mug, black, because of course he knows how she takes it. He’s just… like that. How someone like that actually managed to squirm under her brother’s defenses is still a mystery, but Death is glad of it.

She’d had the fleeting thought, the first time Hob had mentioned running into Dream, before he’d even known he was Death’s brother – “met the weirdest bloke the other day, why is it always the weird ones that are the most compelling?” – that there might be… something. That his sheer determination to be fascinated with Dream, despite Dream’s continued efforts to make sure no one got close enough to become fascinated, might at least get her brother to socialize and get out of the house.

Hob and Dream were complete opposites, of course. Hob’s interests were varied and diverse – he and Death had met by bonding over obscure historical trivia that no one else knew nor cared about, after all – while Dream was myopic to the point of fault; Hob got out and socialized and engaged in activities while Dream kept to himself unless he was forced to be somewhere; Hob was cheerful and engaging and Dream was… well… Dream.

And yet.

“Sorry for just… being in your flat,” Hob says with a tiny laugh.

“I’m sure you have your reasons,” Death says sagely, and Hob flashes her a caught-out sort of look, but not without amusement in it.

Death isn’t blind. She’d sussed out Hob’s developing feelings for her brother pretty quick. He was quite possibly the only man insane enough to have feelings that got stronger over time, instead of fracturing the first time Dream sent a withering glare his way. Whether Dream would ever get with the program had been the real question.

She hadn’t thought in a million years that Hob would get him on the same page this fast. Clearly, he has Dream-whispering powers she hadn’t thought possible.

Except.

“Wait, is he—”

“He’s fine,” Hob says quickly, and Death lets out a relieved breath. It’s the only other reason Hob might be randomly in her flat in the close-to-morning hours. If something had happened. “Still sleeping, though. Creature of the night and all.”

Death laughs. “He’s not a vampire.”

“No?” Hob says with a grin. “I’ve never been totally sure.”

The door to Dream’s bedroom creaks open. Oh, Death thinks, sipping her coffee. This will be interesting.

“Hob,” Dream groans, voice still rough with sleep. Death hears him coming irritatedly down the hall before she sees him. “It is early and you are being loud.”

“It’s two p.m.,” says Death, just as he reaches the kitchen, a horrible, gleeful grin on her face.

Dream stops just at the threshold of the kitchen doorway, swaying forward with the force of it. He stares at her, and Death sees the minute thought of fuck flash behind his eyes.

It only makes her laugh. “Come on. I’m only going to make fun of you a little. What are big sisters for, if not that?”

“For leaving me alone,” Dream grumbles. Hob steps over and presses a cup of coffee into his numb hands, then wraps his arms around him, swaying him a little with it, kissing his cheek. Death thinks she hears him murmur good morning into his skin. He gets a tiny smile out of Dream for his efforts.

Death watches with wide eyes. Is this… her brother… allowing a hug without being bribed into it?

Oh, oh, this is excellent, this is delightful.

He crumples into a seat beside Death at the table as Hob returns to the stove, plating his crepes, or whatever they are. Dream’s hair is flattened on one side by his pillow, and a complete mess elsewhere. He’s wearing a sweater that definitely does not belong to him.

It’s the best thing that Death has seen in her entire life. She’s going to buy Hob dinner for weeks.

“So,” she says, with barely restrained glee, leaning on the table and propping her head in her hands. “This is a development.”

Hob shoots her a smile. Dream shoots her a murderous glare.

Hob sits down at the table, passing them both plates of crepes. Death digs into hers. They’re delicious, layered and full of strawberries and cream. Dream, meanwhile, stares at his plate like the concept of food personally offends him.

Hob pokes his arm.

Dream picks up his fork.

Death grins around her next bite of crepes.

“So…” she starts again. “Seems like you two had an interesting day yesterday.”

“Yeah, Dream solved an iconic maths problem,” Hob says, sidestepping her real query with a shit-eating grin. “How many years did that go unsolved, Dream?”

“Eighty-five,” Dream grumbles around a mouthful of crepes. He slants a look at Death. “Please, do not ask.”

A startled laugh jumps up the back of Death’s throat. “Did I just hear a please come out of your mouth? Have I stepped into an alternate universe?”

Dream just keeps staring at her, gaze hard, but with a pinch of anxiety at the corners of his eyes. Wow, this really matters to him, enough that he wants to protect it from even Death’s good-natured probing.

This thing with him and Hob, whatever it is, is new and fragile, at least in Dream’s eyes. And Death knows well the way emotions challenge and weigh on her brother.

She relents, laying her hand on Dream’s upper arm and meeting his eyes in reassurance. Come now, you know I’d never truly try to upset you. “Talk to me sometime soon, yeah?”

He nods, relaxing, and turns back to his crepes.

Hob watches them, bemused but fond, not questioning them. But he takes Dream’s hand on the tabletop, running his thumb back and forth over his knuckles.

Death takes a sip of her coffee and smiles into the mug.

------

She corners Hob in the hallway as she’s on her way back out to work. He leans against the wall, hands in his pockets, casual and easy.

“Is this where I get a shovel talk?” he asks.

Death scoffs. “If anyone needs that, it’s Dream.”

Hob laughs, sharp and surprised. “Well. I guess I’ll count myself lucky. I can imagine your kind of shovel talk, and it’s terrifying.”

It’s sort of gratifying to know she can be intimidating when needed. “In that case, we definitely don’t need to have that discussion. I’ll let the imagined me do the talking. But in all seriousness, Hob, it’s not needed. I know you.”

Hob tugs at his ear, fidgeting under the compliment. His gaze drifts automatically back towards the kitchen, where Dream is still sitting, out of earshot. Then he flashes Death a guilty little grin and whispers conspiratorially, “I’m kind of obsessed with him, you know.”

Death smiles. “I’m aware.”

Dream is categorically obsessed with him as well, Death has heard about it at length – but she’ll let him admit that to Hob himself.

------

When Hob returns to the kitchen, Dream is still sitting at the kitchen table, deliberating whether he should eat the rest of the crepes. On the one hand, Dream is not generally in the habit of eating regularly. On the other hand, it would certainly make Hob happy if he did so.

This, his feelings for Hob, this… relationship, such that it is – it is a far more complicated problem than any mathematical proof.

Dream is not… good at relationships. But it’s already becoming far too tempting to let himself pretend this one won’t end in fire like the others.

Hob wraps his arms around Dream’s shoulders, tucking his face into the crook of Dream’s neck. He’s very physically affectionate now that he feels he’s allowed to be so. Dream can’t help but soak it in like he’s been out in the cold and Hob is long sought-after warmth. He tips his head into Hob’s temple.

“Is it really so horrible for your sister to know about us?” Hob murmurs against his skin, stubble scratching Dream’s jaw.

“No,” says Dream. Death cares, he knows, and he trusts her – a rare thing. It’s just— “I merely want to… think about it. For myself, first.”

Hob is… Dream had meant it when he’d said Hob was stymying. He is hard for Dream to wrap his mind around, and his own feelings for him even more so. He’s not like Dream’s previous romantic entanglements. He makes Dream feel… settled.

“Ah, keep it in its little bubble, I see,” Hob says, and Dream nods. More teasing now, Hob adds, “Keep the problem in your head until you can solve it.”

Unlike so many others, Hob understands. But not because he feels the same. It's because he listens, and believes what Dream says about his own feelings, whether they make outward sense or not.

“Yes,” says Dream. “You know I do not care to work aloud.”

Hob steps around the chair so he’s facing him, and holds Dream’s face between his hands. He looks softer and more rumpled than Dream is used to seeing him, and an echo of the heat of Hob’s bare skin as he held Dream through the night flashes through him. Dream tips his face up to meet his gaze.

“This matters a lot to you, doesn’t it?” Hob says, thumbs stroking back and forth over his cheeks.

Dream hesitates, then nods. The admission is worth it for the way a brilliant smile spreads across Hob’s face. He has a mesmerizing smile; his eyes literally sparkle. It’s completely unreasonable.

Hob kisses him, still smiling. Dream doesn’t know how to reciprocate that kind of outward expression of feeling, so he doesn’t try. He just kisses Hob back.

“God, you’re so pretty,” Hob says, when they’ve separated. He runs a hand through Dream’s hair and it flies up in all directions.

“Am I?”

“Mmhmm. Your eyeliner’s all smudgy right now, though.”

Dream pouts, and Hob laughs. “Don’t worry, it’s cute.”

Dream studies him. The scattered swoop of his hair, still disheveled from sleep, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes, his broad shoulders, the grounding warmth of his hands where they still hold Dream’s face.

“Pretty is not the right word for you,” he decides.

Hob laughs so loudly, just pure shock and glee, and— ah. This is another one of those instances when Dream has said something unintentionally insulting. Hob never seems to take true offense to it, though.

“What is the right word, then?” he asks, when he’s calmed down.

“Vital,” Dream tells him. “It has two meanings, as you know. Full of life. And—”

“Important,” Hob says, smile softening.

“Necessary,” Dream corrects. “To me,” he adds, in case that clarification is needed.

Hob keeps smiling at him like that, and Dream ducks his head. Hob kisses his cheek. “You’re just a sap deep down, aren’t you?”

“I resent that,” Dream says, but doesn’t move him away.

“You resent everything,” Hob replies. “Kiss me.”

Dream lets Hob drag him to his feet and into another kiss. Hob holds him in his arms, swaying him back and forth. Which one of them is the sap, exactly?

He lets Hob do it, though. Pulling away from Hob’s touch is an effort Dream’s not capable of at the moment.

“I think we should keep working on this problem,” Hob says. “Give you some more time to figure it out.”

“Oh?”

Hob tugs him backwards, grinning. “Didn’t make enough progress last night, I don’t think.”

Dream follows him with slow steps, raising an eyebrow. “You are very mathematically inclined at the moment, Hob.”

“Oh, love, you have no idea.” Hob smiles at him, warm and teasing, eyes crinkling at the corners. It’s far more effective at getting Dream's heartbeat to tick up than any attempt at seduction would be. “You have no idea just how mathematically inclined I am right now.”

“Perhaps not,” Dream admits, voice low. He squeezes Hob’s hands. “But I would like to find out.”

#this is like. unnacceptably sappy. it's too much #physically hurt myself with how enamored dream is with hob in this #ack #dream when hob smiles at him: i'm gonna die help #the sandman #dream of the endless #hob gadling #dreamling #death's name is still death bc honestly who cares i dont #maybe it's a nickname or like her gamer handle or something who knows XD #my writing #complex mathematics

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the-girl-wh0-cries-w0lf · 9 months

Text

Nothing New

James Wilson x peds!reader

"How long will it be cute All this crying in my room Whеn you can't blame it on my youth And roll your eyes with affеction?"

description - y/n meets someone from her past and she becomes a casualty in his sick game.

warnings - swearing, major angst, discussions of a nude picture, said nude picture being made public, revenge porn, discussions of sexual assault and rape, crying, physical assault, men not understanding, not a particularly happy ending.

word count - 1.3k

authors note - based on the lyrics of Taylor Swifts 'Nothing New'. This is very much a personal expression of how I feel about situations like these, specifically the way women are usually treated in them. If anyone has gone through anything like the things I've mentioned, my messages are always open if you need to talk to someone.

Masterlist

Requests open - here

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

*your pov*

I slumped down the hallways. Today was not my day. I had just concluded that 2 out of the 3 children recently submitted into my care, were not going to make it.

“Hey, princess.”

I froze. That nickname. That voice. I turned around and, instead of being greeted by my Prince Charming, I looked into the eyes of the devil himself.

“Josh. Hi.” But my voice only held faux politeness.

“Didn’t you hear? I’m the new Head of Cardio.”

“Really? I wouldn’t say you’re very good handling hearts.”

“Oooo burn. Seriously, y/n, it’s good to see you again.” He places his hand on my shoulder and strokes it with his thumb. It felt foreign now.

“Thank you. It is actually nice to see you too. You’re looking well.”

“You too. You look really good.” He gave my body a brief once over and then landed back on my eyes. I hated how he still had this power over me, that a part of me still felt giddy when I saw him. 4 years don’t just get erased from a person completely, and, even though my body had a bit of muscle memory, my heart still knew its true place was with James.

“You know, I’m new in town. I don’t really have any friends yet so how about we get a drink tonight. Catch up.”

“I would, but I don’t trust you.”

“What do you mean, honey?” he tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.

“That! That is what I mean. And I don’t want you to try and say I led you on so you should know, I’m seeing someone.”

“Really? Who?” He says giggling in disbelief.

“James Wilson, Head of Oncology.”

“Well, you did always have a thing for head.” I shoved his shoulder, not believing he was talking about me like this in our place of work.

“This conversation’s over.” I briskly left. But as I was leaving, I missed the punch Josh delivered into the wall and the flash of anger that overcame his face.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

*James’ pov*

I arrived to work alone this morning. Y/n had stayed overnight to watch over an emergency patient. I desperately wanted her to come home to a proper bed, promising her she’d have her pager right next to her, but I knew she wouldn’t. That wasn’t the type of person she was.

I walked in carrying the sports bag I’d packed for her filled with essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, change of underwear, some normal clothes, and fluffy socks to keep her comfortable. I even packed one of those under eye face packs she uses just so she doesn’t feel like her face looks like death.

Before I even made it to my office I was nearly tackled to the floor by House.

“I don’t know whether to congratulate you on your girlfriends body or beat you to death with my cane!”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“It wasn’t you?”

“What wasn’t?”

“Out of curiosity, did you walk past the noticeboard on the 3rd floor by any chance?”

“No, I didn’t come in that way. Why?”

“I think you better come with me.”

We make our way down to the 3rd floor and House directs my attention to the noticeboard. Many men and a few women are crowded around it, all eyes seem to be directed to a photo. I shove my way past. There I see it. Before I can think of anything else, I rip it down and shout at everyone to get back to work. I storm off to my office.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

*your pov*

The door to James’ office was ripped open. I cowered further into the couch afraid of who it could be. My fragile frame was revealed, and his eyes landed on my face. I had stopped crying a while ago, but the tears still stained.

“You know, they always tell girls to go out and have fun but then they just love to hunt the ones who actually do it.”

James went to approach me, “Baby, I am so sorry.” But I held my hand up. “Don’t. Just don’t.”

He relented and sat on his office chair. Affording me the space I so desperately wanted.

We both just sat there in silence. James afraid to speak when I didn’t want him too, and me without the words.

“Do you want to know the story.”

“Only if you feel comfortable to-“

“Oh, stop with the moralistic bullshit, you want to know don’t you.”

He took a minute and looked down. “Yes.”

“Josh, the new Head of Cardio. We dated for 4 years. Once he was going to be away at a conference for a week, so I decided to send him a little something. We’d been going through a rough spell; I guess I thought it would reignite the magic. Instead, I practically signed my own porn contract.”

“I’m really sorry that happened to you,”

“Thank you.” I whispered whilst wiping away my tears.

He mumbled under his breath. “If you hadn’t sent it, he wouldn’t have had anything on you.” My movement halted.

“What?” He looked down sheepishly.

“It’s just logic. If you don’t take it, it can never be out there.”

“Fuck you.” He looked up in shock, I was a little in shock myself.

“Excuse me?”

I stood up and stalked towards him, fury in my eyes.

“You don’t get to sit there all high and mighty, Mr 2 Divorces! I was in a relationship with a man I loved who I trusted and who I thought I would marry! I trusted him with my heart so yes maybe I was stupid enough to trust him with a photo!”

“I didn’t think of it like-“

“I’ve never heard you complaining about anything I send you. Do you open it and get hard, or do you think about how I’ve basically just handed you some revenge porn.”

He was speechless.

“It’s always ‘girls don’t send pics.’ ‘Girls don’t take nudes.’ ‘girls don’t wear short skirts.’ How about ‘guys don’t rape!’ and ‘guys don’t share your girls’ pics.’”

He can’t even look at me in the eyes.

“It’s always people like you who shoot us down and then sigh and say, ‘God she looks like she’s been through it.’”

“I’m really sorry.” I could see tears welling in his eyes that matched the ones spilling out of mine.

“This isn’t even new to me. There is nothing new here, because somewhere in my childhood I went from growing up to breaking down because of men. And you can’t ever understand. Because you’ve never been catcalled on the street, groped in a club. Your mum never told you what to do if a man grabs your hair or where to kick a man if he’s trying to feel you up.”

He stands up and goes to embrace me, but I stop him. “I can’t, not yet. I just need some time.” I leave the office and leave James stuck in his melancholy state. He had just woken up to something new.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Josh smirked to himself as he picked up his patient files for the day. He turned around once he felt a distinctly wooden object tap his shoulder.

“Hi, Josh, is it? New Head of Cardio. Yeah, you’re fired.”

“What? Who are you? The only person who can fire me is Dr Cuddy.”

“You see I’m Dr Cuddy’s new pet, sexual stuff, and she gave me the honour of firing your sorry ass. You see pinning up a naked picture of someone without their permission is not only a fireable offence but also a crime. But don’t worry I came to an agreement with Cuddy, she’d fire you and not call the police if I got to do something first.”

“What do you m—”

His thought was cut off by the end of House’s cane being jammed into his special place.

“Now, I’m going to call the police.”

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

I know it doesn't seem like a happy ending, I promise this isn't the end.

142 notes · View notes

iri-2 · 24 days

Text

I Love You Like That

Rating: Not Rated Category: F/F Fandom: Biohazard | Resident Evil (Gameverse) Relationships: Mother Miranda/Reader Characters: Mother Miranda, Alcina Dimitresu, Bela Dimitrescu, Cassandra Dimitrescu, Daniela Dimitrescu, Donna Beneviento, Angie, Eva

Miranda's dishes remain delicious as always, making you set aside the exorbitant prices demanded by the merchant who calls himself the Duke. Unlike other villagers, he doesn't fear Miranda's presence; he only cares about whether he's making enough lei. When he sees you beside Miranda, there seems to be something meaningful in his money-grubbing smile. You swear he continued to watch you both with amusement as you left.

This village is truly peculiar.

After lunch, Miranda quickly locks herself up in the laboratory. You have noticed this a long time ago. When she first joined The Connections, every time she finished lunch, she was always the first to return to the laboratory. You simply thought she was passionate about the research. But this time, her pace as she walks into the laboratory is not as steady as before. There is a hint of unease mixed in, as if she is running away from something. Is that you make her feel uncomfortable?

Miranda hides in her laboratory. Her frequent interactions with you have left her enthralled. As she sits at the dining table, once again gazing at you, the icy woman within her suddenly awakens, telling her to stay away from you. Her feelings for you would only interfere with her achieving her goal. She should rule over this village with authority, not allowing outsiders in or villagers out, just like her inner self. Many things that have happened recently are unfamiliar to her, yet they bring back the Miranda from over a hundred years ago, a time when she was mortal yet content. She knows that without Eva, she will never truly experience complete happiness, but when you speak to her softly, when you gaze at her eagerly, when you touch her gently, even the coldest ice can melt. This sensation unsettles the Mother Miranda, prompting her to avoid you. She doesn't allow it, she prohibits it.

You walk quietly down the road, contemplating your relationship with Miranda. Despite her refusal, she still considers you her friend. Well, friend is an appropriate term, isn't it?

Although you can't shake off the feeling that your presence is something strange for this village, you're not confined by that feeling and decide to interact with the villagers, maybe they'll get used to your presence. You simply hope so. But things run counter to your wish, as you pass by the houses, you are like a repulsive magnetic pole, the villagers within a few meters stiffen their movements, which is hard to ignore.

It's like an invisible hand pressing the mute button. Until someone breaks the silence.

As you pass by the statue in the center of the village, a girl peeks out from between the iron gates and gently calls out to you. "Miss, are you from the outside?" she asks in a hushed voice.

"Yes?" you nod.

"How are you still able to be out on the streets?" the girl asks anxiously.

"Sorry, what?" you ask, bewildered.

"Mother Miranda should have sacrificed you, if the rumors I heard are true. And I saw her buying a lot of things from the Duke, preparing for it." Her voice lowers even more.

"Mother Miranda? You mean my Miranda, no, I mean my colleague Miranda?" You blurt out something embarrassing.

The girl doesn't realize your little mistake, she glances outside quickly, making sure there's no one else, then pulls you inside. "Some say it's not auspicious for Mother Miranda to bring outsiders into the village, someone must've offended the Black God here. You must be a sacrifice to it." The girl says nervously.

Your brain is filled with confusion. "Wait, I don't understand. First, you also call Miranda 'Mother'? As they address it in the cloister? Second, who's this 'Black God' and why am I a sacrifice? I was brought here just for vacation," you feel like you're in some kind of cult story and decide to make a joke, and you emphasize the word "brought".

"You don't know? She's our priestess, she preaches to us, blesses our lives," the girl looks at you incredulously.

"Am I dreaming, or am I having some hallucination? If I remember correctly, Miranda is a scientist, who came to my organization for research." The girl's expression is extremely serious, no hint of joking, and you start to feel uncertain about what to say next, "She did bring me here in some unusual way. But what you're talking about, being a priestess or something, she never told me about it."

"Everything that was offered as a sacrifice never appeared again after entering the fields, but you come out of there unharmed," the girl's face holds a bit of hope. But hope for what? "I heard there are traces of lycans at the village border, it's her defense for the village, but it's also trapped us inside... If you can walk around freely, maybe we can..."

The gate behind you creaks open, and an old man with a shotgun slung over his shoulder steps in. "Elena! What are you doing?" then he looks at you, angry and sort of scared, "The outsider? Did you bring her into our yard? What if anyone else or Mother Miranda sees what you’ve done..."

"But father, she might be the hope we..." Elena is immediately cut off by her father's stern voice, "Go back to your room." Elena looks at you, her lips trembling, then turns and runs into the house. Her father stares at you, his hand gripping the shotgun strap tighter, poised as if to raise the barrel any second, "Outsider, you're not welcome here. Leave."

"I... I'll leave right away, just calm down." You almost make a gesture of surrender and leave their yard, closing the gate behind you.

It's not normal if you don't feel a wave of anger. You did nothing wrong. You shouldn't be treated like this. Miranda clearly still hides a lot from you. What did that girl Elena mean by her words?

"What did she tell you?" Miranda looks out the window. She has her back to you, hands gripping the window sill.

You recount Elena's words to her in detail. The air around Miranda suddenly chills, and you don't know why she looks taller. Instead of defending herself, she asks you, "Do you believe those nonsensical words?"

Do you?

"Do you believe I brought you here as a sacrifice to the Black God?" she questions again.

"She said they've always been isolated, and from what I saw, it seems to be true. Perhaps that's the only explanation for why this village seems so peculiar." Did you respond directly?

Her knuckles turn white. "I haven't told you the truth. Originally I have a better way to tell you this, but it seems impossible now."

"Better than your fluctuating attitude. Listen, Miranda, I don't know why you were still willing to bring me to your hometown, and tell me about Eva after rejecting me, maybe because we seem to be good colleagues and friends. " When you mention "friends", Miranda's body seems to shrink abruptly. You walk towards her, hand attempting to touch her shoulder.

"You know, I've been preventing some irreversible things from happening all along." She thinks about how you have unwittingly stepped into her shattered, insane life and found yourself sinking deeper into this bottomless quagmire.

"I don't care who you are, I just hope you'll reveal your true self to me."

"As you wish." You see the fabric behind her cardigan tear, and black feathers protrude from the cracks, covering her beige cloth in an instant.

"Miranda..." Your hand freeze in mid-air. "This is the truth." Miranda's voice carries a steel-like coldness. " Yes, I am the priestess of this village, I am their Mother Miranda."

"The portraits I saw in some places, the goddess with black wings..." Images of the the details you once skimmed over in the village flash in your mind. That is Miranda...

Her figure almost blends into the dark night outside, only the faint lights in the room outline her, letting you know she is still there. But her words want to push you far away, "I’ve controlled the village for a long time. Those who resisted me were dealt with by myself. They were all nothing but my lab subjects, only useful for sacrificing themselves for my Eva." You can hear her gritting her teeth. "You’ve seen Moreau and Heisenberg, they were all subjects I once wanted to use as vessels for my Eva, along with Dimitrescu and Beneviento. I bestowed various abilities upon them, making them my assistants, and appointed them as the Four Lords to help me manage this village. And I joined The Connections just to find a way to resurrect my daughter. I don't expect ANYTHING unnecessary to happen." Her voice intentionally becomes cruel, coming from behind the dark feathers.

"So, you're saying I'm a burden to you." Your voice decreases, but you don't think it is due to the revelation that this woman is kind of the ruler of this place.

"You ARE my burden!" Miranda sounds fierce, her words are like sharp spikes, ready to shoot from the jet black feather clothes at any moment. "And I'm going to deal with it."

Her harsh words are her thorny shield, a way to protect her love for Eva, her only love. No one can understand her feeling of spending a lifetime trying to retrieve her daughter. She needs to block out her other feelings. She has to become ruthless to control the villagers, she must eliminate other thoughts in order to focus solely on her research. She rarely leaves the village, maintaining her sacred image within this small rural settlement. In her interactions with the outside world, with you, she remains to be high and mighty, making things difficult for you at every turn. In her inner world, there are only she and Eva, and everyone else is a blur. Once she thought you were just one of them. After enduring various forms of intolerable behaviors from her, you still chose to stay in the laboratory, assisting her in research. Miranda won't admit that she enjoys seeing you meticulously conducting experiments, she won't admit that she enjoys your company.

She suddenly turns towards you, her ten wings as black as the night, obscuring everything.

You don't know where you wake up, but it's not Miranda's warm bed. The only thing you can tell from the exquisite wine rack nearby is that it's a wine cellar.

Someone opens the door, and the light that streams in makes you squint. The person's footsteps are silent, as if gliding in. A woman's voice rings out, "Our guest is awake."

"Let me see her!" Another woman enters. As you adjust to the light, you open your eyes to find two women in gothic dresses and hooded cloaks standing before you.

"Who are you? What is this place? And where is Miranda?" You panic.

"Don't be nervous, we won't harm you, I suppose," the woman with dark hair says in a playful tone.

"Cass, isn't this the woman Uncle Karl mentioned, the one who makes Miranda unsettling?" The other woman with red hair seems excited.

"Really? I thought Mother Miranda had maintained her calm priestess demeanor for decades. How do you manage that?" Cass, the dark-haired woman, asks you curiously.

You have no idea what kind of situation you've gotten yourself into. A while ago, you were working in the lab, and now you're trapped in a strange wine cellar, surrounded by two women dressed more archaically than the villagers. What's even more confusing is about her—Miranda. You never doubted her true identity, not even questioning how she brought you to the village. Have you been too deeply immersed in her rejection, lost in her ambivalent behavior? Now everything that's happening requires you to understand and digest. You don't believe she really kidnapped you and offered you to some 'Black God'. You are convinced of Miranda's unusual identity. Oh, how you wish this was an illusion. But deep down, you hope some of her behaviors are real.

"So Miranda dumped me here and left you two to watch over me?" You can only accept the reality temporarily.

"In fact, it's not like that," the redhead says. "Mother said she was entertaining Donna and Angie when suddenly there was a knock on the door. Mother Miranda was standing there, not as calm and collected as when she usually comes for discussions but rather agitated. And she had someone unconscious with her, who seems to be you."

"She never used to bring the heretics herself, you're probably the first one she brought here in her arms," the dark-haired woman chuckles. "And you don’t look like a heretic."

"She didn't even give Mother any instructions. She just pushed you onto Mother and said, 'Alcina, take care of her,' then vanished. That left Mother quite puzzled, so she ended up locking you in the wine cellar as usual." The redhead vividly describes the scene, as if she were there herself.

"How did you manage to make the stone-hearted priestess flustered, outsider?" The dark-haired woman leans in to observe you. You vaguely feel she's not entirely mortal either.

"Cassandra! Daniela! Why are you still here? Mother told you to behave and not run around when we have guests," a blonde woman enters.

"Bela, do you know she's the one who made Mother Miranda so different?" Daniela's big smile still hangs on her face.

"I do. Mother just discussed how to deal with her with Donna. In fact, they were also at a loss." Bela replies.

"Wait, can I say something?" You can't help but speak up, "I know Miranda is your priestess, but from what you just described, she didn't intentionally abandon me here, is that right?" Warmth floods your heart, along with a chuckle, even though they're still shrouded in unpredictable facts.

"That's right. Mother decided to let you stay in our castle until Mother Miranda returns to decide what to do with you," Bela says.

"Um, since this is a castle, can I not stay in the wine cellar? Can I sleep in a fancier place, like the living room floor?"

You are led into the foyer by the sisters. When they levitate, you feel like your eyeballs are about to pop out. "Come on, startled little thing," Daniela tugs at your arm. Sitting on the sofa in the foyer are two ladies. One has a towering figure you've never imagined, dressed in a white silk gown with a wide-brimmed black hat. Bela tells you she's their mother, Lady Dimitriscu. The other lady is in mourning attire, veiled in black, with only her ears and hands exposed. You're informed she's Lady Beneviento, accompanied by a doll named Angie. When you decide not to be surprised by anything today, the doll speaks up."The Bird Lady’s favorite!"

You see Lady Beneviento gesture to quiet Angie down.

"You truly are a miracle. No one has ever elicited such a reaction from Mother Miranda in all the years since she lost her daughter," Lady Dimitriscu speaks as she sizes you up.

"How many years has Eva been gone from her?" you ask sorrowfully, knowing how much Miranda loves her daughter.

"It's been a century. When I first met her, she wasn't as distant as she became in the following decades. Perhaps it was because her hope for Eva's resurrection was greatest at that time. But after countless failures, she became more and more indifferent, sometimes even cruel. Besides accepting volunteers, she would tie the heretics to the operating table and complete her experiment, which was when the rumors of lycans began. For those decades, her life was only about preaching and experimentation, and nothing else could move her." Lady Dimitriscu tells you with grief. "You're the first."

You cannot imagine how much pain Miranda has gone through. The Spanish flu took away her only love, causing her to isolate herself for a hundred years. You finally fully understand her various ambiguous behaviors before. There's something pulling her true self, restraining her, forcing her to suppress her emotions and desires. Who could treat her like this? Only herself.

You get lost in your thoughts for a while until Angie sharply calls your name, which brings you back to reality. You see Lady Beneviento gesturing something to her doll, then Angie speaks with a soothing voice, "Miranda has helped us a lot, and I'm grateful for that. I'm willing to do something for her. But in recent years, she's become increasingly reluctant to appear in public eye, you know, she's almost like Donna now." Angie's voice suddenly becomes sharp at the end of her statement.

"With her help, I have three daughters, Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela. That's the happiest thing for me. I hope she can find her happiness too, just hoping the process isn't so painful. I'm looking forward to sharing the joy of raising daughters with her." Lady Dimitriscu smiles, but her eyes look bitter at the three girls teasing around Lady Beneviento and Angie, one slightly reserved, one ready to quarrel with Angie and start a chase, and one teasing her sisters.

"In any case, we really enjoy our lives," Lady Dimitriscu concludes. Bela can't stop her sisters and Angie from quickly leaving to play, so she awkwardly sits beside Lady Beneviento, letting go of Cassandra's cloak in her hand. Lady Dimitriscu shares a lot about their experiences with Miranda.

"I didn't know about these things before. I was attracted to her, even confessed my feelings to her, and then she rejected me." You tell them about your laboratory life with Miranda.

"Perhaps you are the new variable in Miranda's experiment," a deep, slightly hoarse voice comes from behind the black veil.

At this moment, the three wind-like women return to the living room, all saying in unison, "Miranda is at the door!" They've watched her hesitating to knock on the door for several minutes.

You realize you have to say something to her now. You really hope Miranda can find her true self. It's something you can do.

You open the door and see her standing there in a subdued manner, her hands twisted together uncomfortably.

"Hey, this doesn't look like you're the village's priestess!" you step forward and gently place your hand on hers. Miranda looks up, surprised to see you opening the door. There's a hint of panic in her blue eyes, "Oh." Then she seems to try to calm herself down. She releases her hand, letting yours slip away naturally. "Aren't you afraid of me?"

You come a bit closer to her, "No." "Even if I tell you my true identity, the things I've done, including abducting you." Miranda tries to bury her unease in the pebbles on the ground. "No, Miranda. You don't need to be flawless," your hands cover her cold cheeks, making her look up, meeting your eyes, "I know I can't completely understand your pain, but you're allowed to have other feelings. You've just kidnapped yourself, thinking your love for little Eva should be everything. But accepting others' feelings for you doesn't change anything, my dear. You're the village's priestess, people should love and respect you, not fear you. The wooden goat would prefer neighbors who play and laugh with it, rather than being lonely in a solemn shrine. It would also want to see the world outside the mountain." You see waves in her eyes. "Allowing yourself to be whole won't stop you from finding Eva. If Eva wakes up and sees her mother is so different from the last time she saw her, will she feel strange and sad?" "I...never thought about these things." She closes her eyes, feeling your thumb brushing away her tears.

"It's okay, Miranda. You can try, so the villagers won't be afraid, and the Four Lords can find their friend Miranda, rather than having a chilling superior-subordinate relationship."

"What about you?" Miranda asks softly.

"Me? I'll do my best to help you achieve your wish, to have Eva by your side again."

"I have a simpler wish." You've hardly ever seen Miranda smile like this. She puts her hand on the nape of your neck, pulling you towards her, planting a gentle kiss on your lips.

"Hey, Miranda." You tuck a strand of her dark hair behind her ear.

"Yeah?"

"Do you know crows are actually colorful in the eyes of other birds?"

"What?"

"Didn't the Megamycete tell you?" you chuckle, embracing her.

#resident evil 8 #re8 village #resident evil village #mother miranda #re8 #mother miranda x reader #alcina dimitrescu #bela dimitrescu #cassandra dimitrescu #daniela dimitrescu #donna beneviento #angie #fanfic

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horseshoegirl · 1 year

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Damn Those Dog Tags - Part 5: Everybody Wants To Rule the World

📜I'm so sorry for being AWOL. Sitting for two days at a conference for strategic planning for the first time in 3-4 years is extremely exhausting. I swear, if someone utters those words any time in the next few months, I will lose it. Mental burnout is the culprit for the late delay, so I made this one slightly longer because of that. Hopefully, you enjoy this part!

Beware the warnings!

❗️18+, strong language, angst, talk about a death of a parent/sibling, talk about abusive family members/partner, talk of an abusive relationship, godmother reader/original female character, and sexual themes.

# 6k+ words

Part 4 | Masterlist | Part 6

“What do you want to eat on our hike, Bug?” you shouted down the hallway from your bedroom door.

You were attempting to multitask, coming up with ideas for lunch for your hike with Sadie while ripping through your closet for something to wear. Finding something you wouldn’t overheat in tomorrow was proving to be a challenge.

Her voice echoed from somewhere in the house. “Ham and Cheddar, please!”

“You don’t want to vary it up?”

For ages, Sadie had always asked for Ham and Cheddar sandwiches on hikes. No matter how often you offered to get her something else, she'd never change her mind. It didn’t surprise you went she offendedly called back, “No way, nothing beats ham!”

Then she begged, “Can we get sour keys, too? Please?”

You shook your head, “Only if you promise to eat an apple on the way there!”

You thought you heard a grumble before she finally called out, “Fine.”

Chuckling to yourself, you went back to pulling out hangers and glancing through your sweaters. Settling on a brown button-up, your mind shifted towards what Sadie could wear as you put everything you had lazily thrown on your bed back in your closet. You cursed when a cardigan came off its hanger, falling to the bottom of your closet and wedging itself between miscellaneous boxes and running shoes. Huffing out a breath, you bent down to pick it up, pulling at the red material to find the tag at the back. Then you saw it out of the corner of your eye.

The shoebox.

It was the one thing you could never put in the storage locker with the rest of her things but could never bring yourself to open.

The box was calling out to you, sticking out amongst every single thing littering the bottom of your closet. You were unable to move, your eyes tracing the red tape covering its edges, its mere presence fixing you to the floor.

You knew what it contained, but you could never bring yourself to open it. Even as your hand flexed forward, fingers unconsciously stretched out, causing your cardigan to fall again to the floor.

No, you couldn’t open it. Not yet.

“Come on, we need to pick up the basket from Aunt Penny’s!” Sadie’s voice echoed down your hallway.

You slammed your closet door without a second thought.

___

It wasn’t unusual to see the Daggers at Penny’s house. Pete often called on them to help with random tasks, whether it be repairs to her house, gardening, or even assisting in decorating. As soon as you parked, Sadie noticed Rooster’s Bronco in the driveway, shooting out of her seat and sprinting inside Penny’s open front door like she hadn't seen any of them in years.

You caught the tail end of Sadie's shout for Penny as you walked through the door, Penny's reply of 'In here' from her kitchen causing Sadie to backtrack out of her family room and down the hall.

You followed her, seeing Penny spin from her spot in the kitchen and affectionately call out, “Sadie Bug!” as Sadie wrapped her arms around her waist. Penny pressed a kiss to the top of her hair, the sight warming your heart.

A hammer thumped somewhere from outside in her backyard caught your attention. Peering out her back window, Phoenix was nailing a wooden beam into the floor of Penny’s back deck, Mav helping to hold them in place. You spied Bob and Coyote working on the garden beds next to it. Then your eyes caught Jake sitting on a bench, sanding down a piece of wood from the pile next to him.

“What are they doing?” you asked her.

“The railing on my deck collapsed a few months ago with the storm. Pete asked if they could help. Made it some team-building thing,” Penny shrugged.

Give it to that man to turn anything into a team-building exercise, you thought. Sadie let Penny go, eager to go look out the back window.

Spying the picnic basket on the table, you walked over to open the top, only to find a bag of sour keys tucked safely inside. You shot Penny an amused look, who simply shrugged and replied, “They’re her favourite.”

“Did you kick anyone else out yesterday?” you joked. “Any angry customers I have to watch out for?”

“I didn’t have the manpower. Coyote and Jake didn’t stick around for long after you left. I think Jake got lucky with that girl in the blue dress.”

So Jake picked up where he had left off and spent the night with that girl from the bar. Having Penny confirm your suspicions made you feel uneasy. You really didn’t have the right to feel upset about it. Who Jake decided to spend his nights with was his business. You knew his reputation the moment you met him. What did you say to him? He was a wham, bam, thank you, mam?

Clearly, whatever happened with the dart at the Hard Deck was a one-off.

Penny’s voice pulled you from your thoughts. “You want to stay for lunch? I have enough food to feed the rest of Top Gun.”

Nodding, you picked up a few of the plates sitting next to the basket and brought them outside, Penny and Sadie following with napkins and utensils. You were about to ask what else she needed help with before you spied Rooster coming around the side of the house, a skinny piece of wood slung over his shoulder.

“Can you watch Sadie for a second?” you asked, never taking your eyes off him. “I got a bone to pick with Rooster.”

Penny’s eyes widened, looking down to Sadie. It was going to get ugly. There was no question.

“Come on,” She urged Sadie, wiggling her fingers as she reached out for her hand. “I’ve got sandwiches I need help making and could use a partner in crime.”

“You mean you don’t want me seeing my Aunt rat out my uncle for something.”

“That too.”

Jake was in the middle of sanding down a piece of wood when he heard your voice crack like a whip across Penny’s deck.

“Lieutenant Bradshaw!”

Rooster turned immediately, looking up to see you standing on Penny’s deck, hands on your hips, and an angry scowl etched across your face.

“Oh shit,” Bradley grimaced, the piece of wood dropping to the ground. The rest of the Daggers snickered and whistled in response as you loudly stomped down the steps.

Jake stood up and crossed his arms, a smug smile on his face as he watched Rooster panic. Bradley swivelled on his heel, looking for an escape route. Finding it in the path Penny had carved out to the beach, he booked it. He didn’t anticipate Jake blocking his path, even as he tried to go around him. Any way Rooster went, Jake followed, stopping him from leaving.

There was no way Rooster was going to escape whatever you had planned for him.

Hey,” you angrily called out. “I have a bone to pick with you!”

Rooster pleadingly looked to Jake, only for him to shake his head, glancing between you and Rooster.

“Don’t look at me,” Jake replied, still smug. “This is just getting good.”

“Asshole,” Rooster muttered, bowing his head in acceptance. Grabbing Bradley by his shoulders, Jake turned him, placing a hand between his shoulders to roughly push him out to greet you.

Jake attempted to shoot you a warm smile as you made your way over to the pair, but for the brief second you met his eye, you seemed set on ignoring him, even with Rooster at the end of your rath.

“Courtney Slack, are you out of your freaking mind?” you yelled, smacking Rooster upside the head, who winced. “Her daughter bullied the hell out of Sadie. How could you?!”

Rooster stepped to the side, holding his hands out as he started walking backwards. “Liz, she came on to me. I didn’t know what else to do.”

“Turn on your heel! Walk away! Find Lyssa, I don’t know! But flirt with her?” you shouted.

Bradley figured staying silent was the best, risking him saying anything else that would make you upset enough that you’d threaten to revoke his Sadie privileges, not that you would.

“What was the rule?” you pointed your finger into his chest, “The one rule I gave for you to pick up Sadie from school.”

Bradley stretched his arm up, scratching the back of his head as harshly exhaled, “Don’t flirt with Courtney Slack.”

“Don’t flirt with Courtney Slack!” you repeated back, throwing your hands up.

“Even I know that Rooster,” Bob pipped up from his spot next to Penny’s flower beds.

“Not helping Bob!” He called over his shoulder.

“How could you, Rooster?!”

“Yeah,” Jake spoke from behind him. “How could you, Rooster?” “Stay out of this Hangman. This doesn’t concern you.”

“Uncle Roo!”

Sadie’s voice, not that you would admit, was a welcome relief. The minute Sadie said his name, everyone watched as she launched herself off the deck, sprinting toward Bradley with her arms outstretched. Bradley stepped away from you to reach for her, picking her up and spinning her in a circle as she laughed.

“Aunt Penny said I needed to come to save you,” she said, hugging his leg once he put her down. Bradley pressed a hand to his heart, dramatically leaning back as he shouted, “I’ve been saved!”

Pressing your head into your hand, you let out a loud groan. The rest of the Daggers laughed, returning to whatever they had been doing before you showed up.

Sadie smiled at your reaction, knowing Rooster would get off easy for whatever he was in trouble with now she was present. But then her eyes landed on Jake, who was smiling down at her fondly.

"Hangman!" She called out excitedly, much to the displeasure of Bradley, as she let go of his leg to stand in front of Jake.

"Hey, Bug! How's the math homework?"

"My tutor is still an idiot," she grinned up at him. "Only this time, I proved it! I corrected him!"

“Alright!” He exclaimed, giving her a high five. You couldn't deny he was good with her.

"Whatcha doing here?" he asked her.

"Picking up a picnic basket. We're going on a hike tomorrow."

"A hike. That sounds like fun."

"Why don't you come with us?"

Oh shit, there she goes again.

You could tell Rooster was gobsmacked. Nobody was invited on your hikes, not even himself or Natasha. Hearing Sadie’s invitation was just another indication that you ignored every warning the squad had given you. Sadie was just as willing to play along with you.

Sadie looked up at her uncle, “Are you having trouble crowing, Uncle Roo?”

“Sadie!”

“What? He looks as red as a Rooster!”

The last thing you needed was Jake Seresin interrupting what would have been a peaceful day, thinking of absolutely nothing. Certainly not the blonde pilot standing before you.

“I’m sure Jake’s busy, Bug," you offered for Jake, who was looking between you and Sadie somewhat judgingly.

“Why? He has no friends.”

You gawked at her. Her audacity never failed to surprise you. Shooting Sadie a look, you urged her to join you. She shuffled her way over, arms crossed and her face stern.

“Really?” you asked her.

You weren’t about to tell your ten-year-old niece Jake had plenty of friends to keep him company, especially at night. But she glared at you, placing her hands on her hips in a matter-of-fact way, before sarcastically replying, “Do you honestly think someone like him has real friends?”

“What about the Daggers?” you pressed her.

“Rooster hates him, Auntie Nat calls him Bagman, and the rest want to take the nearest thing and whack him over the head.”

“He’s friends with Coyote?”

“Uncle Javy is friends with everyone. That’s not the point.”

"Sadie, you just can't invite people at random to things this late notice."

"Please, Aunt Elizabeth."

Damn.

You could feel your resolve weakening. Rarely did she ever call you by your full name. You didn’t understand Sadie’s obsession with Jake, but when was the first time, besides befriending Will, did she feel this strongly about anyone? She really knew how to pick them.

You sighed, casting your eyes down to a piece of wood resting against Penny's new railing before meeting Jake's eyes.

“Wanna tag along?” you asked reservedly. “I promise I won’t hold it against you if you say no.”

Jake was still glancing between you and Sadie. He didn’t know what he did to make you act so cold towards him. Maybe you didn’t want him intruding on your time with Sadie.

But Sadie’s face was so hopeful, and he still wanted to question you on why you were so upset last night.

The look on Rooster's face alone was enough too.

“Why not? I’m not busy.”

___

You assumed Jake wasn’t serious about joining you on the hike, even after exchanging numbers and him texting his address.

But at breakfast, you were surprised he texted, asking you to let him know when you were on your way. The surprise only lasted so long. The logical part of your mind going it made sense he’d want to know. Your heart, however, wondered who he was shoving out of his bed before you arrived.

With Sadie bundled into your car in her red jacket, you drove to Jake’s apartment, pulling into the roundabout and sending him a text to let him know you were there. Sure enough, a few seconds later, he emerged from the building with a black hiking backpack. Sadie rolled down her window, sticking her head out the window as she shouted out his name and waved.

Jake hopped in your car, uttering a greeting as he pulled his Ray-Bans off his face, turning to face you holding up a thermos with a smile. Coyote wasn't kidding when he said Jake wasn't a morning person.

“Coffee?” you asked. “Javy said you liked it black.”

Jake made an appreciative sound, reaching out with grabby hands and uttering a thank you as he took the first few sips. So far, so good, you thought as you pulled out of his apartment building and onto the highway.

While Jake loved music, he certainly couldn’t carry a tune to save his life. Sadie tried to hold in her giggles and keep her comments to herself as Jake belted out whatever was playing on the radio. You shook your head as you drove, window rolled down to feel the wind caress your face.

The hiking trail was only an hour and a half away, and after parking, you were eager to stretch your legs. Jake got out first, waiting for you to open your trunk and then unloading your picnic supplies. Of course, he went for the heaviest item, the picnic basket, but you slapped his hand, grabbing it before he could grasp the handle.

"No way, you're the guest," you had told him. He protested but quieted down when you allowed him to carry the blanket.

The three of you started on the trail, Sadie running ahead of you to peer up into trees and looking at the flower bushes while holding onto her camera.

“What’s with the polaroid camera?” Jake asked, watching as Sadie crouched down next to a bush, angling her camera at what you thought was a caterpillar.

“She loves bugs.” You shrugged as you walked. “She has this book where she puts all her polaroids and tries to identify them.”

"Do I sense somebody is a nerd?"

“So what? Everyone is obsessed with something."

"You're totally a nerd."

" There's no shame in being passionate about something, Jake," you sighed, swapping the basket into your other hand. "I could say the same about you and flying. You practically make it your personality."

Jake stopped in his tracks. "You did not just call me a nerd?!"

You laughed. "It’s nothing to be ashamed of, Hangman!”

Not bothering to look back to see if he was following you, you continued forward, watching Sadie pull back bushes and grab low-hanging branches as she searched for her next photograph. Then she stopped in the middle of the path, audibly sighing as she stared up a tree.

“Bug?” You questioned.

“There’s a cool butterfly I haven’t seen before on that branch.” She pouted. “And I’m too short.”

You were about to ask if she wanted you to take the photo before Jake suddenly surpassed you, stepping up next to her while trying to follow her line of sight. He lowered himself to the ground beside Sadie, resting on his heels.

“Where is it?” he asked, placing a hand on her shoulder. Sadie pointed with her finger. Sure enough, a blue butterfly was sitting on a leaf just out of reach of her and her camera.

“Do you trust me?” He asked her. She peered up at him with questionable eyes before nodding. As Jake stood, he hooked his hands under her armpits, hoisting her up and over his head. Sadie giggled as she flew in the air, coming to rest on his shoulders.

You could feel your heart jump out of your chest, watching Jake carefully step around stuck-out tree roots and sharp rocks, navigating himself closer to the butterfly so Sadie could reach up and take a photograph. When she grabbed the photo from her camera, she held it out for Jake, who took it to shake.

Sadie stayed on Jake’s shoulders for the rest of the morning. You hung back, watching the two interact. Sadie would point out bugs, and Jake would ask her questions about each and every one. Or she’d ask him about his accent, and he’d tell her about the ranch he grew up at. Coming to the spot you wanted to set up lunch, a grassy spot on a hill overlooking the valley, Jake and Sadie helped you set up the food. Jake unrolled the blanket dramatically, and Sadie dug around in the basket before triumphally holding the bag of Sour Keys in the air.

"Oh, give me those," Jake called out, making a show of faking an attempt at stealing them out of her hand. Sadie squealed, throwing her hand back and shouting. "No way!"

While you laughed at the two of them, you were suddenly struck with the idea there was a chance this may be the last time you could take Sadie on a hike. Even as the three of you ate, your mind raced with the worry something as small as an error in the paperwork for Sadie's guardianship could threaten to take away more moments like these.

When Sadie wiped her hands on the blanket after finishing her sandwich, scrambled to grab her camera and stood up, proclaiming she was going off to search for bugs, and you warned her not to get too close to the edge of the shoreline below, you fought to keep the worry from your voice.

She saluted you before turning on her heel, giggling while racing down the path to a grassy spot. You didn't laugh like you normally would.

All of this didn't go unnoticed by Jake, who finally decided he needed to let you know he knew, just by how much you were forcing yourself to smile.

“Liz, what’s going on?”

He caught the tiny downward twitch of your mouth as you faced him. He was sure you didn’t even know you were consciously doing it, even as you managed to ask, “What do you mean?”

“Coyote spoke with Penny. I know about the review.”

You swallowed hard, dropping your head.

“Tell me.” He encouraged.

“I’m not sure what it means. It sounds like it’s just reviewing the paperwork. But it’s not an internal review. Somebody requested it on the outside, and they cannot tell me who.”

“Do you have any idea? Any at all?”

“No,” you started to say, pressing your forehead to the back of your knee. “There’s nobody around to care about something like that.”

“What about Sadie’s father?”

You squeezed your eyes shut. Tyler was the one person you refused to speak about when you could. He was the person who shall not be named. The person who still, to this day, haunted your dreams with the threat he could still take Sadie away from you. The Daggers knew enough, but not the full story. They just assumed Sadie’s birth father was an absent asshole.

Sensing your hesitancy, Jake quickly doubled back. “You don’t have to..”

“No, um, it’s okay,” you interrupted him, lifting your head and taking a deep breath. The words still felt difficult despite having told the full story once before, only to Penny. It was one that always left you more exposed to the world than you felt comfortable, even knowing you had nothing to be ashamed about.

But Jake? Telling him about that period in your life, you didn't know if you were about to self-sabotage what little friendship you built with him or let him know exactly what he was getting himself into.

“Ah, Ridley got pregnant in her twenties. She had been seeing this guy while in nursing school. Same school as her and all that. There on some sports scholarship.” You couldn’t bring yourself to look Jake in the eye as you recited the story. “I never approved of him, but she was my sister. She was so stuck in her ways. Then, one day, she came home with bruises, and I knew the fucker hurt her.”

The image of Ridley clutching her side in the front hallway of the house you both had rented close to her school came to mind, finding yourself stroking your wrist with your fingertips. She had come home late one night with a bruise around her wrist, eyes dry and rimmed red, as she struggled to even utter a single word to you without bursting into tears.

“A friend and I got her out of the relationship pretty quickly after that, but then she discovered she was pregnant," you sniffed. “I was there the night he found out, the asshole. Called her a bitch for tying him down and slammed the front door without another word. We never saw him since.. and she was terrified to do it on her own, but god, she wanted Sadie so badly.”

Jake’s voice was solemn as he asked, “What about your parents?”

You played with the hem on the sleeve of your jacket. “We left home when our Mum died. My father… Well, it’s not a pleasant story.”

Jake thought back to the night in your kitchen when he hesitated to tell you the story behind his call sign. Then your words echoed in his head.

“I’m not here to judge. Truly.”

He caught one side of your mouth turning upwards, eyes fixing on Sadie below. You finally managed to say, “Well, to state it plainly, he was… is a narcissist.”

There was no stopping you now. Just like the time you told Penny, once you started, the relief in telling another person was too great to ignore.

“We were never perfect enough, didn’t try hard enough. Any chance he got, whether it be a birthday party or a dinner or a vacation, he’d try to ruin it. Mom wasted away, thinking it was her fault when he was just gaslighting the three of us every chance he got."

You shook your head hard at your words.

“Last we managed to find out, he was back in his hometown. Shacking up with one of the women he cheated on her with.”

You smiled down at Sadie, watching her pull back a few stones in some of the wetter areas to see underneath.

“They don’t know Sadie exists,” your voice broke, the strength to hold back your tears becoming too much. “We swore Sadie would never have to face that trauma, face them, not as long as either of us could prevent it.”

Jake felt you startle when he touched your back, slowly rubbing up and down to soothe your tears. It silenced you, the warm and unexpected comfort nearly making you crumble harder.

Coyote’s words to Jake in the car suddenly made sense, though he wouldn’t necessarily use the word ‘fragile’ to describe you.

You were powerful, not because you feared what was to come, but because you went about things so strongly and kindly, despite having gone through so much. As much as he envied you at that moment, he knew he’d do whatever he could to help you keep your promise no harm would come to Sadie.

“Sorry,” you laughed sadly, reaching up to wipe at your face. “This probably isn’t how you imagined your Sunday turning out.”

Where you thought Jake would have told you to suck it up, that it was in the past or you needed to let it go, he didn’t. Instead, he continued to rub your back, letting you compose yourself before quietly uttering, “I’m glad you told me.”

Needing to clear the knot in your throat at his reply, you reached for your water absent-mindedly. The minute you grasped the bottle, you felt something cool and scaly graze your hand.

A scream clawed through your chest as you shot your hand back, scrambling backwards to escape, unexpectedly crashing into the side of Jake’s chest in a panic. Jake fell with a grunt, his arm that was already stretched out, pulling you to the ground with him in reflex. It made it so much worse, his arms holding you in place, trapping you in the path of one of your worst fears.

Jake rolled the two of you off the blanket, trapping you underneath him as he called out your name. It did nothing to calm your horror, squirming in his hold as you managed to gasp out, “Sn..snake! There’s a snake.”

Jake turned his head, spying on the cause of your fear, uncoiling itself from your water bottle. It looked like a common garden snake, interested in the condensation from your bottle. It wasn’t anything he hadn’t encountered in the hay bales growing up on the ranch. Sure in his decision to reach out and pick up the hissing creature just below its head, he tossed it far enough in the opposite direction it wouldn’t be a bother again.

Covering your face with your hands, your chest racked with sobs as you fought against your flight response. Eyes slammed shut, you thrashed back and forth against the ground. Even as Jake tried to calm you down, your mind still perceived the danger was still there, your emotions from before making it all that much worse.

“Liz, it’s gone,” he gently pulled your hands away from your face, placing them on either side of your head, holding them down into the grass. You whimpered, feeling exposed.

“Easy, Darlin,” Jake drawled. “I got you.”

Your breath caught in your throat as you felt Jake’s hand on your cheek, his thumb gently wiping at the tears pooling under your eyes. You froze, eyes opening at his touch, greeted by the sight of him staring down at you with concern.

“Is it gone?” you asked meekly. Holding your face, his thumb gently tracing your cheekbone, Jake softly replied, “It’s gone.”

Nodding once, you blew out a breath, finally allowing yourself to relax somewhat. Jake still held the side of your face in the palm of his hand, and you found yourself leaning slightly into it.

You watched as he grinned down at you. His dimples were infectious as the heat rushed to your checks in embarrassment. Then he jolted, once, and then twice.

Jake was restraining himself not to laugh, shoulders shaking and corners of his mouth turning upwards. You bit your bottom lip to stop your smile, failing miserably to control your face as Jake finally allowed himself to laugh.

The whole thing was ridiculous. The thought of you freaking out over a silly snake and Jake having witnessed your freak-out was humiliating enough. But you knew he wasn’t laughing at you. He was laughing with you, your giggles matching his own as the pair of you lost it.

But as soon as the laughter died down, Jake was more than an inch and a half away from your mouth. His eyes were flickering over your face, searching, until they softly settled on your lips.

You could feel his breath warming your face, his body resting heavily against yours. Every time you took a breath to calm your remaining nerves, you could feel his chest, hard and sculpted, grazing against your breasts every time you heaved.

This thing happening between the two of you had no label. You knew nothing about him beyond what he told you and what Nat and Rooster had claimed.

Could you even classify Jake as a friend? Not since you’ve spent a better part of yesterday morning shopping for groceries listing all the reasons why Jake was bad news. Why he was unavailable. Why is he bad for you. Why he might have slept with the bartenders before you.

But then, Jake was leaning down, eyelids heavy the closer he got to you, hand moving from your cheek to cradle the back of your neck. And you, tilting your chin up slowly, anticipating the moment his lips might finally meet yours. No hard deck bell, no Daggers, no voices in your head.

Jake was going to kiss you. And you weren’t going to stop him.

“Aunt Liz!”

Wide-eyed, you quickly unrolled yourself out from under Jake, who pushed himself off you after hearing Sadie’s voice. You sat up just in time to see her sprinting up the hill, scared and stopping in her tracks to find the both of you. She picked herself back up into a run, arms stretching out the closer she got to you.

Collapsing into your lap, she threw her face into your shoulder. Her arms wrapped themselves around your body as she shook. You tried to shush her, running your hand up and down her back as she worked through her blubbering mess of ‘are you okay’ and ‘what happened.’

“It’s okay, Bug.” You spoke, holding her tight.

“I heard you scream!” She gasped, shaking like a leaf and struggling to breathe.

“We’re okay. It was just a snake,” you pulled back to place your hands on her cheeks, smiling softly at her. She scanned your face to find any indication that you were hurt or something was wrong.

“A snake?” She sniffed, using her sleeve to wipe at her face. “Is it gone?”

“Yes,” you nodded, turning to Jake. “I have my knight in shining armour to thank for that.”

Sadie followed your glaze, scrambling out of your hold to throw her arms around Jake’s neck. “Thank you for protecting my aunt,” she said as she tugged him closer.

Jake’s face was a mess of emotions. Shock? Acceptance? Worry? You weren’t sure. But nothing could beat the ache in your heart when his arms slowly came up to return her hug lightly, his head dropping to her shoulder as he faintly managed to say, “Of course, Bug.”

___

On your journey back to the car, Jake’s hand occasionally brushed against yours as you walked side by side in silence.

That was until Sadie shouted out, “Wait!” as you walked past an overlook to the mountains. She shoved her polaroid at you before standing next to one of the safer flatter rocks overlooking the valley, slowly climbing up to sit on it. She hugged her knees, turned her head to view the scenery, then shouted, “Take my picture!”

You shook your head, laughing while placing the basket on the ground. Jake’s face lit up in confusion as he stared at her sitting on the rock.

“Pride & Prejudice.”

“What?” he asked, turning to look at you as you started to position yourself behind Sadie.

“Ridley’s favourite movie. Ever since Sadie saw it, she’s been obsessed with the shots of Kierra Knightly standing on the cliffs.”

You lifted the camera up to your face before snapping the photo, pulling it away to grab the picture to shake it. Sadie climbed down, reaching for the printout with a beaming grin, only to pocket it with the others in her jacket and eagerly take off back to the trail.

Shaking your head, you reached down to grab the basket but found nothing as you grasped at air. Jake had beaten you to it, the basket now firmly being held in his hand. He shrugged as you glared at him.

Jake helped you pack the car back up when the three of you finally found your way back, getting Sadie's door and shutting it carefully behind her. He did the same with you, and as you climbed back into your car, suddenly, you realized you didn't want the day to end just yet.

“Hey,” you said softly, getting his attention once he had settled into his seat. “You have time for one more stop?”

___

Jake had no idea where you were taking him when you pulled off the main road and up a curvy hill into a densely wooded area, the road rough like it hadn’t been paved in years. He had to trust you knew where you were going, but it wasn’t until he reached for the ‘holy shit’ bar above the passenger side window he decided he wanted to be put out of his misery.

“Where are you taking me?”

You smirked gleefully, refusing to spoil the surprise. “I’m not going to murder you if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Liz..”

“You’ll see.”

Jake rolled his eyes. But the minute he saw the sign on the side of the road, he suddenly felt humbled.

Stitches & Murray Thrift Store looked like a misplaced cabin that didn’t belong on the side of some random highway. White paint was peeling off the walls, strung lights had a few missing bulbs, some shrubs were overgrown, and there was a tree so desperately bare it needed to be removed. In lesser words, it should have been dead centre in the middle of some forgotten woods.

Sadie had taken off inside the minute you had given her the all-clear, whereas you took your time walking next to Jake, who held the door open as you reached the entrance, resulting in a bush spreading across your cheeks.

Whatever it looked like on the outside, the inside couldn’t compare, Jake thought. The place shouldn’t have been called a thrift store, with walnut-coloured floors and red paint on the walls, racks of interesting-looking jackets with the price tags still on them and creates of music lining a table. He thought he spied some first additions on the floor-to-ground bookcases spanning the entire wall. Even some Navy memorabilia was encased on the back wall.

He understood why you liked it here.

“So, this is the place.”

He watched as you lowered yourself down next to an old wooden crate of vinyl, pulling back the sleeves gently, your eyes lighting up when you came across certain ones.

“Ridley and I’s accidental discovery," You said absently mindedly as you flipped a case over to read the back. Putting it back, you went to stand up but lost your balance, Jake holding out his hand as you reached for something, if anything, to pull yourself up.

You shrugged almost shamefully once you found your balance, Jake still holding your hand longer than you could have deemed necessary. “They have the best vinyl here.”

“I ain’t complaining, darling,” he said, slowly letting your hand slide from his.

Jake followed closely behind as you wandered around, watching as your hand reached out to glide over the shoulders of brand-new coats on hangers, how you almost climbed a bookcase to look at a higher shelf, how your eyes looked for Sadie every two minutes.

You picked up an older pair of chromatic aviator ray bans, adjusting them on your nose before facing Jake, attempting a cocky grin and pulling your best impression of a Texian accent.

“Hangman, best there is, don’t let my ego fool you. I’m only here to show you a good time.”

Jake shook his head, both unimpressed by your antics and slightly amused at your attempt. “I’m the best, Darlin. Don’t you forget it.”

“What did you say to me before? You need to put your money where your mouth is?”

Jake smirked, stepping forward, intent on reaching for those sunglasses before a voice interrupted him.

“I’ll be damned, is that Ms. Lizzie Beck?”

Hearing your name being called, Jake watched as you pulled the glasses away, quickly whipping around to greet an older man with a wide smile.

“Hi, Mr. Murray!”

The older man approached you with a toothy grin, holding out his arms as he went to hug you. You went willingly, happy to see him.

“How are things? How’s Margret?” you asked, returning the hug.

“Keeping me on my toes, that darn witch.” You pulled back to smile at him, patting his arm before taking a step back.

“We heard about your sister. I’m so sorry, my dear. Such a way to go in a storm like that.”

Jake saw you grip your forearm at his statement, nails digging into the fabric of your coat, body curling forwards just a bit as you nodded at him.

Sensing your discomfort, Jake quickly stepped up next to you, an arm wrapping itself around your waist as he pulled you into his side from behind. You stiffened but forced yourself to relax when you realized what he was trying to do.

Mr. Murray’s eyes fell on Jake, then back to you. You knew exactly what he thought when he saw Jake’s arm around your waist. Jake was drawing the attention away from Ridley and onto himself.

“Now, who is this handsome fella?”

“Mr. Murray, meet Lieutenant Jake Seresin. He’s a naval aviator stationed at Top Gun. Jake, Mr. Murry owns the shop with his wife.”

Mr. Murray held out his hand, Jake grasping it as the older gentleman solemnly stated, “Thank you for your service, son.”

Sadie was nearby listening to the conversation, spying Jake's tense nod with his arm around your waist as she looked at a panel of jean jacket patches on a stand. She was happy you gave in to her request of Jake joining the two of you, even if it appeared her uncle seemed against it.

Jake liked you. It was obvious to her the second he saved you from that snake. And she thought you liked him, though yesterday morning proved you’d need a little more convincing than she originally thought.

She just wondered why everyone got sad when someone thanked her aunt and uncles when they mentioned they were in the Navy.

_____

Despite your conflicting feelings, Sadie’s instance of Jake suddenly being involved in things was playing on your mind as you drove home.

Dropping Jake off at home had been a quiet affair, you pulling into the roundabout in front of his building, he getting out to say goodbye at your rolled-down window.

“I had a good time,” He offered.

Stretching your arm across the edge of your open car window and resting your head back on the seat, you softly smiled, replying, “I’m glad. Sadie’s persistent.”

He looked behind your seat, Sadie passed out with her head against the window before resting his hand on your wrist, squeezing it lightly. “Thank you for telling me. And for letting me come.”

You frowned. Did you really come off as that mean to Jake yesterday morning if he had to thank you for letting him come?

“I know I’m an asshole, but if you ever want to talk, I’m here.”

"Jake.."

He knew what you were going to say by the tone of your voice, yet he interrupted you, shaking his head. "Let me say the right thing for once."

You nodded. Squeezing your arm one last time, Jake retreated to the door of his apartment building, head down, and his bag slung over his shoulder.

“Hey Jake,” you called out, watching as he turned around, a hopeful look on his face. “I hope you come next Saturday night.”

He softly smiled. “Where else would I go on a Saturday night?”

The minute you arrived home, Sadie eagerly waited for the moment she could collapse into her bed, using every chance she got to yawn dramatically or drop her head to the kitchen table as if she would fall asleep again. After a quiet dinner, you tucked her in but found yourself pausing at her bedroom door before you decided to call it a night.

“Hey, Bug?” You asked softly.

“Yeah,” she sleepily replied, her back facing you. You pressed into the door frame, your voice low as you asked, “Why do you like Jake so much?”

At first, you thought she didn’t hear you. But then she lifted her blanket and turned to face you, softly calling out, “They left him out.”

“Who did, Sweetheart?”

“Auntie Nat and Uncle Roo. I heard them at the campfire while you were washing dishes.”

You sucked in a sharp breath. She continued, “They don’t want him near me or you. They said he is a bad person. That he will hurt us.” She pulled the blanket closer to her chest, her voice muffled as she said, “I don’t think he’s a bad person.”

“I don’t think so either, Bug. I think he’s just a complicated one.”

“He deserves a chance, right? To know he has people that care. Like how everyone was there for us?”

“Yeah,” you breathed out, trying to keep your voice from breaking. It wasn’t Sadie speaking to you at that moment. It might have been her voice, but those were your sister’s words.

“He does, Bug.”

Sadie snuggled deeper into her pillow at your reply, tugging her blanket under her chin as she yawned. “Thank you for telling me, Bug,” you said quietly. “Goodnight.”

“Night, Aunt Liz.”

Closing her bedroom door, you pressed your forehead into the wood. Ridley always believed everyone deserved a chance. It was the reason why she wanted to become a nurse.

It was what she taught you as an older sister. It’s what she clearly taught Sadie as a mother.

Hearing those words come from Sadie, it felt like Ridley was there standing with you. Helping people was just who she was. Jake was a complicated person, but he did deserve a chance. As conflicted as your heart was about letting him into your life and Sadie’s, you couldn’t refute that.

After finishing your nightly routine, you went to plug in your phone while climbing into bed, noticing a text notification from Jake. Seeing his message, you couldn’t stop the giddiness from building in your chest.

Attached was a photo of Sadie sitting on the cliffside in her red jacket. He must have taken it while you snapped a photo with the polaroid. Yet, while the photo was the reason behind your smile, it wasn’t responsible for the feeling in your chest.

No, it was his accompanying message. Even if he looked it up, he wouldn’t have understood. The reference was far too specific for him not to have not seen the movie. So that night, you fell asleep knowing a little bit more about Jake Seresin than you did yesterday.

The caption?

Sadie on the top of the world.

For those of you who haven’t seen the film with Kierra Knightly, there is a scene where she is standing on a cliffside and a score called Liz on Top of the World plays.

Tags: @blue-aconite @tinytotontheoversizedpony @djs8891 @caitsymichelle13 @startrekfangirl2233

@emorychase @ereardon @dempy @shanimallina87 @teacupsandtopgun @daggerspare-standingby

@phantomxoxo @formulapierre @eli2447 @fulla02 @blckgrl-sunflower @mizzzpink

Let me know if you want to be added or if I missed you!

Wickett ;)

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kaiandels · 9 months

Text

Two Hearts pt. 4: Ellie Williams X Reader

🐚

part 1 - part 2 - part 3 - part 4 - part 5 - part 6

warnings: mild swearing (atp it’s going to be a general warning), 🌶️ innuendos and tension, Xavier idolizing SETH (iykyk), mentions of unfaithfulness, and that’s it??

p.s: I forgot to mention in the first-half of this whole series that English is fortunately not my mother-tongue 😭 So i’m very sorry if my stories have been very hard to understand.

p.s (2): THIS FEELS LIKE IT’S THE END??? I don’t know. As someone who’s basically sad1st1c in writing and wants to see my readers get emotional I might turn this around… who knows. I like the drama, I WANT THE DRAMA. (Not Proofread)

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿ ‿︵‿

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵

“No the fuck you’re not.” Ellie said stomping inside the house, shrugging off her coat. “I am and it’s final.” You said seemingly choking on your words. “It’s not fucking final to me.” Ellie snapped her head towards you, almost frightening you because you swore in your life that you have never seen Ellie this angry. Because to be honest, she can’t bring herself to be mad at you. “We fucking live together for a reason, Y/N. We were supposed to be here TOGETHER until we finally lived the lives we have always wanted, and you’re just going to leave?!” Ellie said slamming her hand on a nearby shelf near the door to your living room. “I know we agreed on that. And I swear, I want to live by that agreement. But, I can’t. Ellie, I have a boyfriend.”

“AND I HAD A FUCKING GIRLFRIEND. Okay?” Ellie said retracting herself as she seemed like she was about to explode. “I had a fucking girlfriend… and I left her. For you.” Ellie finally said. A shocked expression plastered on your face. Although you didn’t want to act on it, you didn’t want to say that you want to leave Xavier for her too. You still can’t accept it, and you still don’t fucking know why. “I never asked for that.” You uttered. And then silence filled the room once again, this always happens. When you and Ellie argue you had made an agreement to eachother that when you both feel like it’s going nowhere, you’ll both shut up.

“I…” Ellie spoke. The tension around her feeling hesitant. “I lo- fuck.” Ellie muttered a curse under her breath. It seemed as if she wanted to say something, but felt like she needed to turn it down. You looked at her, “Can I come closer?” You whispered and she nodded, beckoning her hands. You walked towards her, pulling her by the waist. Silence still evident among you two. “I don’t want to lose you.” Ellie whispered as she leaned in to the crook of your neck. “You won’t. I just have to try and fix things with Xavier. I hope you understand that.” You said as you softly smiled and kissed her cheek. You gasped as you felt Ellie’s hand around your waist, gripping you tighter as you felt her softly whimper on your neck. “When will you admit to yourself Y/N?” Ellie asked, her voice muffled as she kept her position on your neck.

“Admit what…” You said weakly, there were 2 obvious things that you think she meant. 1, when will you admit that you like her? Or 2, when will you admit that Xavier is a piece of shit. “Just go.” Ellie muttered as she pulled away from your touch, turning her back against you and walking to her bedroom. You froze, not knowing what had just happened. ‘I lo- fuck.’ You thought of that thing that Ellie had just said. Was she gonna say she loved you? Or was it completely something else. It was such a mind-boggle for you. ‘And I left her. For you.’

You gulped and closed your eyes, ready for what’s about to happen next. Thinking whether you should listen to your impulsiveness, or just think rationally. But the deeper you thought about it, maybe your impulsiveness was your most rational thought. You sprinted to Ellie’s room banging on her door. She opened the door with a confused look. “What are you doi-“ you interrupted her by covering her mouth with your hand. “Ellie, I…” Ellie raised her eyebrows, waiting for you to complete your sentence. You rolled your eyes as your hand left her mouth. “FUCK!” You screamed as the words were on the edge of your tongue. “We’re really fucking stupid, aren’t we?” Ellie spoke with that low-registered tone you have always loved. “Y/N, I know it took so long and so many of our friends have stressed over this. But i’m going to end it now since you’re so fucking stupid to even say it.”

You looked at her, ignoring the fact that she just called you stupid. “I fucking love you. Okay? And no not that bullshit “as a friend” love. I love you. I want you to be my girl. And I just wish that you would fucking break up with that loser already ‘cause you know that i’m better than him.” Ellie took a deep breath running her hand over her face as you looked at her in silence. “If you can’t figure it out. Figure it out with me.”

“Ellie… fuck. Come here.” You pulled her closer, your lips grazing over one another. “Wait… I still have a boyfriend.” You whispered, Ellie looked at you with a dumb-founded look. But eventually came back to her senses, “Yeah you do… and that boyfriend is me.” She said smashing your lips together as you both moaned, finally feeling your lips together moving in unison. You both pulled away panting as you have both of your hands on her chest, looking up at her. Your eyes looking like hearts to Ellie. “Now…” Ellie smirked patting your ass. “You have someone to break up with.” Ellie said raising her hands up as she walked away from you winking.

You smiled, grabbing your phone from your pocket to message your “boyfriend”.

You roll your eyes as you blocked Xavier’s number. You threw your phone on to Ellie’s bed and walked out seeing her manspread all over the couch. You whistled, catching her attention. “Hey” Ellie said with a hint of sultry on her voice. You chuckled and walked over to her, straddling her lap. “I broke up with him.” You said taking a strand of Ellie’s hair and twirling it around your fingers. “Yeah? What did he say?” Ellie asked as her hands wander from your back to your hips. “He said… you couldn’t provide for me. Because you don’t have a-“ Ellie snorted, covering her face with one of her hands that was on your back. “Mmm… I’m sorry babe, but who said that I don’t?” Ellie uttered as she squeezed your hips.

“Oh, so you do?” You smirked, tilting your head to the side as you and Ellie basically arm-wrestled but with eyes, seeing who holds the eye-contact longer. “Yeah, it’s everything you could ask for…” Ellie said still holding eye-contact with you as she leaned over to whisper in your ear. “Long.. Hard.. Thick.. and Purple.” You shivered as you felt her lips graze over your ear. Gasping as you felt her squeeze your hips. You panicked as you stood up. “ANYWAY, doyouthinkthatweshouldtellDinaandJesse?”

Ellie laughed as she felt the sudden absence from her lap. She nodded as she grabbed her phone from her pocket. “Come here, I want to send a photo. You know, so I don’t have to tell them.” You nodded as you sat back on her lap, your back facing her chest as you nuzzled your way in her arms. You gasped as you felt her carry you over to her bedroom, sitting down on her bed as you were still in her lap. You faced her, your back turned to the camera as you start admiring her features, hearing the camera from her phone click.

(This is on Ellie’s phone, not the reader’s)

You and Ellie shared laughs as you both cuddled next to eachother. “What happens to us now?” Ellie asked as she cupped your face, caressing her thumb over your soft skin. “Couple stuff… I guess?” You laughed as Ellie looked at you lovingly.

“I really really love you, Y/N”

“I love you too, babe.”

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿

Special Tags: @lil-elliesgf , @gold-dustwomxn , @ximtiredx

#ellie tlou #ellie williams #dina tlou #ellie x fem reader #ellie x reader #ellie x y/n #the last of us #female reader #lgbtqia #lesbian #wlw pride #wlw fanfic #tlou fic #tlou fanfiction #tlou x reader

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prophetwithaz · 2 years

Text

Cassette Kisses

Eddie Munson x Reader

Summary: you and Eddie have been friends since you started high school, and listening to Metallica forces him to tell you how he really feels. i.e. for all the bitches like me who know they would have been really good friends with this guy in high school given the shot.

Content Warnings: swearing. that’s it. this is just so much fluff.

enjoy, babes! -xo Bee

If you had told anyone else you were having a private Dungeons and Dragons session with the leader of the Hellfire Club, they would have likely had a number of assumptions about what was really happening there. However, to the surprise of others, it was just that. You would often stay after your campaigns to review and keep notes with Eddie because God knows nobody else in that club bothered to. You were also the newest member of Hellfire and still learning the game. You were a long-time friend of Eddie, and in an effort to get closer with him, you opted to try to learn the game he and his friends were so obsessed with. The game was ridiculously fun as you began to learn the ropes, but your chaotic playing style often interfered with Eddie’s more traditional DM-ing style.

“I just don’t understand why I can’t roll to seduce! Can you give me a single genuine reason why?” you said.

“Because it’s not proper procedure! You have to learn to fight. There are some enemies where that would never fly-”

You cut Eddie off, “Fuck procedure! I will get nasty for Vecna if it means everyone else gets a fair fight!”

Eddie’s eyes went wide, “how do you know about the cult of Vecna? That was a secret! I kept everything so well covered up for the end of the campaign,” he said.

“I was comparing notes! I needed to make sure everything lined up for the end of the campaign next week. I shouldn’t have told you I saw it.”

“It’s okay, man. You didn’t mean to. Just don’t tell anyone else before the end of the campaign,” he paused to laugh. “And no, you cannot seduce Vecna. He’s not into half-elves.”

You scrunch your face up trying not to laugh as you help Eddie finish cleaning up. You’ve known him since you started high school, and as much as it sucked that he hadn’t graduated yet, you were secretly kind of glad he was there for your time in high school as well. He definitely wasn’t perfect, but he was your best friend. Plus, a great dealer and an empty house to listen to Metallica in was always a plus, too. Sometimes, he would teach you how to play the easier parts of songs on his guitars. You definitely wouldn’t be playing solos any time soon, but he was always super patient with you while you were learning. Eddie was a wonderful teacher, which is part of why you were so eager to pick up DnD if he was the one leading the group.

The two of you are chatting as you finish packing up the supplies into the trunk of your car. Generally speaking, your conversations end up pretty surface-level. When you know someone that well, that’s where it tends to end up. Tonight was noticeably different though, as Eddie was asking you a lot about your personal life. It started innocent enough with how classes were going, whether or not both of you would graduate, and if he needed any essays written in the coming weeks. It slowly became more and more about who you were hanging around with. You both climb into your car on your way back to Eddie’s trailer.

“I swear you’re, like, obsessed with that Robin chick,” Eddie laughed. It was a little bit true. She was a good friend of yours, but definitely not in the way he insinuated.

“She’s just my friend! Seriously, you’d like her though,” you said. Eddie feigned sadness as he replied.

“I’m being replaced! How will I ever recover?” he sniffled. You just laughed. No one could ever really replace Eddie. He was electric by every definition of the word. Chaotic, but kind. He was always beyond kind to you. Like in freshman year, when Jason tried to ask you out as a joke, and he fake dated you for a whole month despite barely knowing you. It was fun to look back on that every now and then, but it always hurt a little that your first and only boyfriend was never real. Especially when it was Eddie. Sure, he wasn’t popular or book smart or the kind of guy you’d show your grandparents, but he was him. He was passionate about his interests, a loyal friend, and had a huge heart.

“Do you remember that time we fake-dated back in freshman year?” you asked.

“Oh my God, y/n,” he chuckled. “I almost completely forgot about that.”

“Jason was such a prick. I remember staying the night with you just so he would leave it alone.” To be honest, you still found it hilarious that his uncle didn’t kick you out in the morning, but he was probably just happy Eddie finally had friends.

“Do you want to stay tonight? For old time’s sake? We can work on the whole Vecna logistics thing and how to finish out the campaign,” Eddie said.

“That depends, can I roll to seduce?” Eddie’s face went hot in your passenger seat and you noticed him clear his throat. “Vecna! I mean Vecna! God, Ed what the fuck are you-”

“I wasn’t sure! I can never be sure with you. Can you blame me?” The two of you laughed it off as you pulled into Eddie’s driveway. His uncle wasn’t home, so it was just the two of you lugging all of the DnD gear into the trailer. The two of you got everything put away and finally sat down in Eddie’s room. You sat on the floor out of habit and started flicking through your friend’s cassettes. “You do realize you can sit on the bed right? We aren’t fifteen anymore,” Eddie laughed. None of what he said really processed as you noticed one of his tapes.

“How did you not tell me you got ahold of the new Metallica album? I’ve been looking everywhere since it came out!” you said.

“Oh yeah! I was gonna show you. I picked it up about a week ago. I totally spaced it.

You wanted to be mad about not finding it first, but you were just so excited to listen that you didn’t really care. You popped it into Eddie’s cassette player, and the first track began playing with a gentler than usual sound considering it was Metallica. As the guitar picked up, Eddie told you the song was called Battery and that it was his second favorite off the album. As the song died down, Eddie helped you up off the floor and moved over and patted a newfound spot on his bed. He pauses the cassette and hands you a pair of headphones. “You need to listen to this one with headphones. You need the full immersion, trust me.” He slips the headphones over your ears and you close your eyes. A heavy jolt of guitar makes your heart skip as the intro starts. This was the title track Master of Puppets and it was definitely worth the hype. You danced in your seat as the guitar rolled on into the bridge, smiling the whole time. You figured Eddie was probably already learning the guitar solos. As the song closes out, you remove your headphones and open your eyes to see your best friend smiling at you fondly.

“That was so good. I am genuinely speechless,” you said. Master of Puppets was definitely in your top ten favorite songs now.

“You looked so happy. You always seem so in your element whenever you’re around music,” Eddie said.

“It’s a lot of things really. I appreciate having someone to geek out with about this stuff. Everyone in Hawkins thinks we’re fuckin’ devil worshippers or something when it's really just good music. I don’t have to pretend to not like it or think it’s too heavy for me or something.” It was all true. He made you feel safe to be who you were and like what you liked instead of dulling yourself down like you did in the past. You wouldn’t be who you were without him.

Eddie took a deep breath, “So, I think I just need to say it and stop holding it back because now is really as good a time as any,” he said. Your heart stopped a moment as he continued. “I’m kind of getting mixed signals from you. Like, one minute, we’re just friends and there’s nothing more to it, and other times I can’t tell if there’s something I’m missing. I didn’t want to be too forward back in the car, but seeing you smile and dance and just be you… what I'm trying to say is that I’m really into you. I can’t imagine getting through high school without you, and I don’t want that to end, but I really like you as more than that,” he stopped short as if he was holding his breath.

Here goes nothing, you thought. You leaned as he gasped for air. As you pulled away, the look on his face was priceless. Eddie was a deer in the headlights, and you were the sun on Earth. His entire face was bright red and his hair was a mess as he ran his hand through it. “Well that was definitely an answer, I think,” he said. You figured he was more in shock than anything. You two were never really forward with this stuff.

“Just had to make sure it felt right, I guess,” you said.

“Did it?”

“I think so,” you chuckled. “But maybe I should do it again just to be sure.”

You grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him in as his breath hitched. Initially, he let you lead as you ran your hands all over his body. In your mind, you were making up for lost time. All of the time both of you were too stupid to know you liked each other. Eventually, as Eddie got his footing and realized what was happening, he started to take over, using his height as leverage. He ran his hand up to the nape of your neck and into your hair, tugging on it ever so slightly. Eddie leaned you back into his bed, hands still in your hair. When you both finally pulled away, he was on top of you, looking down with the most dumbfounded grin you had ever seen. “Feel about right?” Eddie asked.

“Definitely,” you said. You were in shock at the whole situation.

“Well, what’s next?”

“More Metallica, and more of whatever this is,” you said.

“No, dummy. With this whole situation. Where’s this gonna end up?” Eddie said.

“Well, to be honest, I do like you a whole lot, and I definitely enjoyed all that,” you gestured to his body, his shirt now clinging to his chest. “So here’s my proposal: wanna break the news to the boys after the campaign is over?”

“Absolutely,” Eddie said. “Wanna ‘roll to seduce’ or whatever?”

“I think I already accomplished that.”

“I knew you were talking about me!” he yelled, tackling you into the bed. He pressed play on the cassette player and laid down next to you. You felt so safe with him. You could be exactly who you were, and now you knew for sure that that was enough for your best friend. You didn’t really know what else to call him, but you knew it would always feel that way.

Eddie rolled over to look at you. “I think I love you,” he said, nervously awaiting a reply.

“I think I always have,” you say, looking into his eyes. You trace your fingers along his jaw, his cheekbones, and the crease of his neck, all of the places you always thought should be looked at but never touched. You were in love, or maybe you always were, or maybe it was the heat of the moment, but you knew for certain that you never wanted to leave his side again. He was safe, and so were you as the drums beat on and the guitar droned in the background as you explored each other. Despite all of the chaos, somehow, your biggest worry was just how to tell Dustin Henderson you were dating his father figure.

#eddie munson #eddie #eddie stranger things #stranger things #fluff #stranger things fluff #eddie munson fluff #eddie x reader #eddie x y/n #there is metallica here #you can tell i researched if you squint #eddie deserved better #stranger things 4 #bee.txt #fanfic #fanfiction #bee's grand return #eddie munson imagine #eddie imagine

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dephellseed · 10 months

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I could share my works in progress and all the the things i'm working on related to those things or I can throw out cute headcannons and I think I have a preference so here are all the cute sleepy headcannons I've got

Heralds Sleepy Headcannons

John gets whiney when he's sleepy. Borderline nonsensical in speech as he gets more tired, his voice goes up a little bit and his old southern accent starts to slip out. Once actually convinced to go to bed, he isn't exactly a peaceful sleeper. He tosses and turns a little bit unless he's holding something (or someone) and he mumbles in his sleep. He can and will get mad at you about something you did in his dream.

How Jacob sleeps is entirely dependent on whether or not someone reads to him or helps soothe him to sleep. He refuses to admit he's tired if he's in the middle of doing something, but it takes a while to catch the little warning signs of his for when he's gone too long between siestas. He talks less, stares off into space, kind of agitated. Generally though, unlike John, he doesn't need to be convinced to go to bed. He's actually an adult about his sleep schedule, mainly because he's learned to value every second of sleep he gets. When soothed, he sleeps like a log, unmoving and peaceful. He snores, but its not very loud. Its more like a low rumbling you can't really hear unless you lay your head on his chest. Left to his own sleep care, he thrashes in his sleep. He mumbles borderline incoherent statements about whatever nightmare is plaguing him, and his prone to sleep walking. He's been a sleep walker since he was little, but it got better as he got older, only to return full force once his time in the service was over. Their mother use to say he was a "walker and a screamer," so at least he doesn't scream anymore. It is very rare that during a nightmare he ever gets physically violent or acts out the actions in his dreams, but it has happened before. As such, he's very hesitant to let people around him when he's tired or near him when he's sleeping.

Joseph sleeps flat on his back with his arms crossed over his chest. Always has. Everyone thinks its weird, but he doesn't get it. He also sleeps fully clothed, which he also doesn't understand why people say is weird. His visions often plague him in his sleep, so he does actively sleep talk. It is rather common for people who sleep in the same room as him to be able to have complete conversations with him while he's asleep, only for him to not remember them when he wakes up. When sleeping in a bed with someone else, he prefers to be the little spoon.

Faith is a very light sleeper, something she attributes to her "sinful past." Every small noise from the creak of a floorboard to someone she breathing differently than normal wakes her. Once woken up, she has a very difficult time going back to sleep. Fortunately for her, Bliss tends to make people very sleepy. She's a professional napper at this point. Sleeping through the night might not be easy but there's plenty of quiet, secluded places to get an hour or two throughout the day. Generally a rather fidgety person, the only time she's ever truly still is when she's asleep.

Assorted Guns For Hire and Side Character Sleepy Headcannons

Sharky snores like a freight train. Saws logs like nobody's business. Very avid cuddler, but if he's holding you when he falls asleep? Good luck getting out of that death grip, babe.

Pastor Jerome sleep preaches. He mumbles whatever sermon he was planning before bed in his sleep. He thinks people are joking when they tell him about it. They really aren't.

Kim swears up and down that Nick snores loud enough to send her to the couch most nights. He claims this is blasphemy. She laughs about it.

If you thought Adelaide was loud when she's awake, you should try sleeping in a house with her. While her snoring is sporadic, it is very loud. Xander will try to convince you it's cute.

#far cry 5 #far cry five #joseph seed #john seed #jacob seed #faith seed #sharky boshaw #nick rye #pastor jerome #adalaide #more headcanons #soft n sweet #eden's gate

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miryum · 9 months

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Sweetheart- Chapter 3 (finale)

Summary: Jason Todd finds himself in a Groundhog Day situation and it won't stop until he finds his soulmate who's going through the exact same situation. But will you two stop being idiots long enough to too see what's in front of you? Not even the author knows...

ao3 link

Taglist: @susvale

Warnings: Swearing (I think that's it? Lmk if you find anything else)

A couple days went by and Jason learned a number of things:

Cass always woke him up and the conversation always turned back to Tim being the only sane one in the house, even if Jason started talking about cats

If you swatted Damian’s hand at the right moment, he wouldn’t steal your bacon

He always made the bet with you, no matter if he knew he was supposed to find his soulmate

In the library, he always caught you with a new book- whether or not you were adamant that you were still reading The Fault in Our Stars

He always got a 97 on the test, and you a 95

He didn’t want these Thursdays to end

Because if the Thursdays ended, then he would’ve found his soulmate. And he would have to leave you

Jason loved the witty banter. He loved the small touches you allowed him. He loved the glances the two of you shared at someone else’s joke.

He loved how he could get you to blush with a wink. He loved when you would whisper in his ear at lunch when it was too loud to speak at a regular volume. And Jason as slowly realised, he loved you.

And he was terrified about it.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. He was supposed to find a soulmate and forget all about you. But then he thought of what Cass said. Whoever you want it to be, that’s probably them.

Maybe he should just suck it up and ask if your days had been repeating too. But he hadn’t noticed any huge changes in your days. Jason’s plan had been to analyse everyone he interacted with to see if they were different from the Original Thursday, but he’d been so caught up in daydreaming about you that he’d practically forgotten to.

“Jason?” A soft knock sounded on his door. “It’s me. I’m coming in.” Bruce slowly opened the door and stepped inside his son’s room. “Uh… how are you?” It was clear that Alfred made him come talk to Jason. “Dick and Cass have been worried about you. You seem more… distant today than you usually are.”

”Just thinking,” Jason muttered. He rolled over onto his back and glanced at Bruce. The teacher stood silently, crossing his arms. He knew Jason well enough to let him talk first. “About soulmates.”

Bruce raised a brow. “Does that mean you found yours?” Internally, he felt a swell of pride for his son. After all Jason had been through- his childhood, his depression, his trust issues- he deserved a soulmate. He deserved to overcome everything painful and be happy.

“I think I know who she is,” Jason admitted. “I’ve been reliving this Thursday over and over and there’s only one person I can think of.”

His father and teacher, in more ways than one, hesitated. Finally, he stated, “it’s Y/n.”

Jason took a breath, one that filled his lungs and forced him to feel the emotional weight on his chest. He exhaled and said, “yeah. Yeah, it’s her.”

Bruce cracked a rare smile. “I’m glad you figured it out. She’s good for you.”

“Yeah… she really is.” He couldn’t stop the lovesick smile that spread across his lips.

“Tell me about her.”

Jason wasn’t one for romantic words, aside from ones found in literature. Yet he couldn’t help but say, “I am a lovesick fool. One look and I am satisfied for the year. She has no idea what she does to me. Just to be in her presence is a gift I would fight for. One touch and she could… convince me to jump off a bridge! To love someone is terrifying, but I would face that fear a thousand times over just for her. Y/n is my… everything.” Just as he uttered the words, Bruce’s eyes flickered down to his wrist.

“Well, I think you have your answer,” Bruce hummed.

There, permanently tattooed on his wrist, were the numbers 95 and 97.

------

Similarly, you were having a conversation with Dick and Cass. Or, rather, they were trying to have a conversation with you, and you were stubbornly trying to read Hamlet. You had already finished The Count of Monte Cristo, per Jason’s recommendation, The Things They Carried, and All’s Quiet on the Western Front, both books that Jason had offhandedly mentioned months prior.

“Y/n. Come on, Y/n.” Dick pestered you relentlessly. “Who’s the soulmate?”

“I regret telling you this,” you said monotonously.

“Just tell us!” You were surprised that Dick was your senior, considering the amount of whining that was coming out of his mouth. You told him just that.

“I don’t know!” You said, “you think I’d be sitting here, the fourteenth Thursday in a row, if I knew?!”

“Two weeks as a Thursday?” Cass grimaced in sympathy. “Sounds like hell.”

“It is.”

“Who do you think it is?” Cass asked, tilting her head inquisitively.

You gave her a sheepish look. “Your brother?”

“Me?!” Dick exclaimed loudly, probably gaining the attention of Alfred in the kitchen.

“No, you fucking imbecile!” you cried out. “Jason!”

“Oh. Oh. Oh my gosh!” Dick looked like he had just received a puppy. “You guys would be perfect for each other! But you have to be careful,” he switched into big brother mode. “Remember to wrap it before you ta-”

“Jesus Christ, shut the hell up.” Cass covered her ears. “I’ve already gotten the talk from Bruce. Not something I need from you too.”

“You got the talk from Bruce?” You tried to imagine your collected economics teacher, ex-CEO of Wayne Companies, dad to three hundred children, awkwardly talking to his teenage daughter about her growing body. You desperately wanted footage.

“Not important,” Cas waved you away. “What is important is how you’re going to tell Jason.”

“But… but what if he’s not?” you whisper, voicing your fears. “What if I’m wrong and he laughs at me?”

“Then he’ll forget it the next day.” Dick shrugged. You hummed in consideration.

“Y/n,” Cass took your hand. “What do you have to lose?”

“The love of my life.” You hadn’t realised you said it out loud until Dick gasped and Cass swore in surprise. 95 and 97 were etched into your wrist in a proud font.

------

“Get her flowers,” Tim said.

“Kill someone in her honour,” Damian suggested.

“Proclaim your love in front of the whole school!” Dick said excitedly.

“Just fucking tell her.” Cass tried not to hit any of her brothers. Honestly, sometimes she thought she was the only level-headed one in the family. “You already know you’re soulmates!” Subconsciously, Jason rubbed at the soulmark. He had spent all of last night staring at it, somewhere between blissfully happy and worried.

Bruce walked in and surveyed the room. “Girl troubles?” he guessed. “Speaking of Y/n, who I’m assuming the girl is, she’s coming over for dinner tonight.”

“I know!” Jason clenched his hair in frustration. For the past seventeen days you had been coming over for dinner and he was nowhere closer to telling you he loved you. Truthfully, he was terrified. Terrified that you wouldn’t accept him. Terrified that you wouldn’t want him as a soulmate. He didn’t even know if you knew you were soulmates!

Cass kept her mouth shut. Unbeknownst to Jason, you had revealed your soulmark to her, Kory, and Artemis that morning. You had explained the repeating Thursdays, but Jason had already filled the Wayne family in that morning. Apparently, Jason had been monologuing the same spiel to them for a couple days at that point.

But she wasn’t gonna tell Jason that. Where was the fun?

A knock resounded on the door and Alfred was quick to open it, greeting you in the process. Damian and Cass went to welcome you. Tim followed Bruce into the dining room.

Dick shot Jason a look that only the two oldest siblings could understand. Having been Bruce’s only children for quite some time, they had developed their own language of sorts. One that came in handy when they wanted to steal extra cookies from the kitchens or sneak into Bruce’s office when he was still CEO.

Jason, you need to tell her. Dick communicated. It’s unfair to her.

Jason glared back. I know that! It’s just…

You’re scared, Dick realised.

Obviously.

Dick sighed heavily and rolled his eyes, a soft smirk brushing across his face. You don’t need to be, idiot. She’s the one for you. Your soulmate.

Jason swallowed and nodded. I know.

Jaybird…

Yeah, yeah, Jason conceded. I’ll tell her.

Thank god. I was getting tired of seeing you mope around.

Dick helped Jason to his feet and clapped him on the back. “I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, Dick. You’re a good brother.”

“I know.”

———

You tried not to make it obvious that you were searching for Jason the moment you stepped inside Wayne Manor. You had received a pep talk from Ms. Quinn and Dr. Isley about their own experience as soulmates. Seeing the love in their eyes had convinced you to tell Jason about your soulmark.

“Looking for me, sweetheart?”

You jumped. “How the hell do you always do that, Todd?! Stop scaring me!”

“Never.” The boy hugged you from behind, squeezing you tight. “Hey, can we talk?”

“Uh, sure.” You squinted up at him. He was acting… different from all the other Thursdays. Did you do something that resulted in this? “What’s wrong?”

Jason led you away from the prying eyes of his family. “Well, nothing’s wrong. Yet. All kinda depends on how you react.”

“You’re scaring me, Jay. Please just tell me?” You realised Jason still had yet to take his arm off your lower back.

“Um, yeah,” he sat down on the couch and you joined him. “So, I don’t know if this has been happening to you or not, but my Thursday has kind of been…”

“Repeating?” you offered, mouth suddenly dry.

“Yeah,” Jason studied your face, a blooming of euphoria caught in his chest. “You’re being serious?”

“Why would I joke about something like this?” you whispered.

“To laugh at me?” Jason’s voice broke and you surged forward to hug him.

“Never, Jason. I would never laugh at you.”

“Can I see it? Just to know.” He would never admit it, but unless he saw the proof, he wouldn’t believe it. He was still questioning whether this was all real.

“Of course.”

Almost hesitantly, Jason held your wrist so gently that you wondered if he thought you would shatter through his fingers. The 95 and 97 matched his. “It’s… it’s real,” he gaped.

“Yeah, Jason.” You had half a mind to laugh at his expressions but also knew the insecurity he was harbouring. “I’m yours.”

“And I’m yours,” he repeated.

———

The next morning, you woke in Jason’s bed, his arm curled tightly around your waist. You had spent the last night talking about everything and nothing. When Alfred had adamantly sent everyone to bed (having already called your parents to confirm your sleeping over), Jason had ushered you into his room and clicked on the bedside light. The conversation continued long into the night, slowly inching closer to each other as sleep took over.

“Sweetheart, you’re staring,” Jason mumbled, eyes still closed.

You laughed quietly. “Can you blame me? I just found myself the best soulmate possible. And, it’s finally Friday!”

Jason hummed. “I would go through a thousand Thursdays if it meant I found you.”

You rolled your eyes, muttering, “cheesy.” Slowly, you extracted yourself from his arms. “I don’t have another pair of clothes and these are all wrinkled. Your siblings are gonna talk.”

“Like they don’t already suspect it.”

“Come on, Jay. Get ready for school. You still owe me a date on Saturday.”

“Nah,” Jason leaned up on his elbows to watch you fiddle around his room. It felt right seeing you in his bedroom. Like you were supposed to be there. A level of intimacy that didn’t feel unnatural. “I think I owe you seventeen dates. One for every single day I beat you.”

You glanced at him out of the corner of your eye. “Yeah… you won. You got the higher grade.”

“Damn right I did.” You grinned and Jason demanded, “why are you laughing?”

“No reason. Just because I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

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