#and when i told her to get off she proceeded to hurry down the road to wait until i passed by and proceeded to try & grab my chair again | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

secretariatess · 7 months

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Kylin 32

Kylin tightened his grip on the reins, causing Vicious to back up a few steps in an irritable manner.

Glae placed his hands on his sides. “I was told this was a matter of urgency,” he said impatiently.

Did Glae not recognize him? This was certainly an abnormal reaction for Glae upon seeing Kylin.

Staring into his brother’s annoyed expression, it dawned on him. He had his mask up, his hood up, on horse that looked nothing like Wylett, and dim light. Glae didn’t have a chance to recognize.

Bypassing a pause to celebrate this realization, Kylin dropped his voice at what he hoped was an unrecognizable octave and said, “We need you to help us evacuate the village. We have strong reason to believe ankhegs are headed in this direction, and until we can be sure that they’re taken care of, it is not safe for civilians to be here.”

Glae narrowed his eyes.

“We don’t have much time,” Kylin said urgently. “They could only be seconds behind us.”

“I want to see your pin,” Glae said, stretching out his hand.

Kylin pulled Vicious’s head to the side with one hand. With the other, he grabbed the Ranger’s pin on his cloak and pulled it off. He tossed it to Glae, who caught it and took a couple steps closer to a light source. His brother carefully inspected the pin shaped like a bird in flight, ensuring that it was indeed an authentic Ranger’s pin. When he was satisfied, he tossed the pin back at Kylin.

“Very well,” he said. “We will get everyone moved out. But if this in any untruthful, your captain can be assured that I will be seeing him.”

There was no time to exchange anything else. When Glae made his statement, he turned and headed back to his tent, calling out to the soldiers and barking commands. When Kylin had the pin in hand, he immediately put it back in place and steered Vicious back to the main part of town.

Families were already hurrying out of their houses, whatever they could scrounge in a few seconds’ time packed on their horse and heading out of the village. Torches and lamps were being lit as curiosity of the unusual hustle and bustle of the late hour spread through the village. Here and there the shrill voice of a young child and the demands of parents asking why could be heard, mingled with the Rangers’s voices telling people they needed to leave. Down the road a way, a Ranger and soldier were in a heated argument about the proceedings.

Kylin rode past the two, calling out to the Ranger, “No time to argue- just get people out of here!”

Trusting the Ranger would follow his order, Kylin veered down an alleyway to the left, weaving in and around the buildings to reach the outskirts. When he was between the village and the Veil Forest, Kylin pulled Vicious to a stop. He listened intently, hoping to hear anything above the racket in the village that would tell the ankhegs were arriving. A bell being rung frantically cut above the noise, and the village became even more alive.

It was more felt than heard. Vicious’s head picked up, facing a direction into the village, her ears pricked. Kylin could feel her muscles between his calves tighten. She gave one short huff.

If Vicious felt it, there was no denying it.

He only had to lightly tap her sides and she was off. He leaned forward over her neck, keeping one hand on the reins while reaching back to grab a sword with the other.

They arrived just as an ankheg burst through the ground between two houses. It landed on the ground with its back to Kylin and Vicious. It scuttled forward and turned to the side. It reared its head back as a scream pierced the air from the direction it was looking.

Vicious leapt over the hole the ankheg had burst out of, landing close to the end of the creature’s abdomen. Kylin thrust his sword underneath an armored segment of the abdomen. The creature spewed its acid, turning as it did so at the sudden attack. Some of the acid hit the building on right, causing the wood to boil and fester. The house began to sag. The smell of rotting eggs permeated the air.

The ankheg made to turn around, but Kylin kept to its side. In part because his sword had gotten stuck underneath the plating of armor. Another Ranger popped out of the alleyway where the scream had come from, driving his sword into the side of the creature’s thorax.

The ankheg made a gurgling noise that was more ominous than it crying in pain. It turned its attention to the newcomer.

Just as Kylin was able to get his sword released, he heard another one coming up the hole.

“There’s company!” he called to the other Ranger as he veered to an alleyway on the right.

The other Ranger pulled away from the injured ankheg, giving a warning whistle to the rest of the Rangers.

The ankheg that just arrived saw Kylin disappearing into the alleyway and decided to give him chase. Behind it, Kylin could hear others coming, but it was too hard to tell how many there were.

He heard the ankheg spit and he dodged to the left. He was hit with the smell of rotten eggs again. The sound of the ankheg’s scurrying feet was joined with the sizzling and bubbling of wood. He glanced back to make sure that Vicious’s tail was clear. In doing so, he caught a glimpse of the ankheg throwing its back, ready to spit again.

He turned Vicious down the next alleyway to the left, back towards the forest. They were forced to stop short upon seeing a boy, not yet having reached his teenaged years, standing there, slack jawed.

“Where are your parents?!” Kylin demanded, the only words that could come out of his mouth.

“I want to see-!” the boy started.

Kylin did not let him finish. He grabbed him by the armpit and hoisted him up. The boy scrabbled into the saddle behind him and wrapped his arms around Kylin’s torso. Vicious barely needed the signal from Kylin before taking off again. Seconds after she took off, Kylin could hear liquid hit the ground and the air once again reeked of rotten eggs.

They came out of the buildings and back in between the village and forest. Kylin rode along the border, still hearing the ankheg in hot pursuit. The ankheg spit again, and another building was hit.

“It just made that house collapse with its spit!” the boy cried out in panic.

Kylin gave him no answer. Now was not the time on a lesson of ankhegs.

Vicious skidded herself to a stop too fast, ending in a rear. Kylin caught the boy’s forearms to prevent him from falling off as he leaned forward to maintain balance. Before Vicious got all fours back on the ground, an ankheg burst out of the ground in front of her. Without Kylin’s direction, she jumped to the right and headed back into the village. The boy was now clutching so tightly that his nails could be felt through his shirt. He let out a shriek that pierced Kylin’s ears and blocked out other noises.

Kylin and Vicious wound their way around the buildings, Kylin muttering under his breath about how his hearing was now compromised due to the ringing. He cast glances over his shoulder every once in a while to see if the ankhegs had caught up with him. Every time he thought they had lost them, he saw one of their ugly claws come into view, or saw a house beginning to sag after being hit with acid.

They arrived at the main street again. There were not evacuating families this time. Instead, it was filled with mainly soldiers. Torches, lamps, and fires lit the street well enough that nothing was hidden.

As Kylin came out of the side alley, a few of the mounted soldiers pulled up their bows and aimed it at him.

Seeing them relaxing their grips when they saw it was him, Kylin called out, “Two behind me!”

They straightened their postures again as Kylin headed down the street on his right. The ringing in his ears dying down, he heard them fire.

As he continued down the main street, a few more ankhegs came crawling out of the side streets. Rangers followed them, employing what tactics they could to kill them, or at least prevent them from going farther. One building groaned and collapsed, the ankheg responsible for its destruction crawling over the wreckage to spit into the main street. The soldiers in front of the building dove out of the way.

Kylin rode on until he recognized the spot for the soldiers’ camp. Just like the main street, the camp was now well lit. Front and center were soldiers preparing the med wagon. Kylin stopped Vicious in front of the wagon.

“Get him out of the way!” Kylin told the soldiers, gesturing to the boy behind him.

Without question or retort, the soldier closest to him pulled the boy off Vicious and into the wagon.

Kylin and Vicious headed back to the street to where a group of soldiers that did not yet have an encounter were standing. Their weapons were drawn, and they stood ready and waiting in front of one side street. Kylin could hear an ankheg heading their way.

“Get out of its way!” Kylin ordered them. “Don’t stand in front of it, or it’ll spit at you!”

As though to give a demonstration, an ankheg down the road spat, catching both an unfortunate soldier and part of the tavern building.

The soldiers followed the order, Kylin directing them where to stand. “Its weak points are the forehead and the underbelly!” Kylin told them. “But do not get underneath them!”

He could not give any more warnings. The ankheg scurried out of the side street, its ugly face on full display thanks to the lights. Behind it were a pair of Rangers, hacking at its abdomen in hopes of getting the tender parts on the sides.

The soldiers, pressed against the buildings on the corners of the side street and out of view of the ankheg, leapt into action when the creature’s thorax passed them. The ankheg reared, screeching. It whipped around -as fast as an ankheg could- and spat. All in its way dove out of the way and the acid hit the building. It spun around again, spitting as it did so. Kylin urged Vicious forward, getting as close as possible without getting acid on his horse. He jumped from Vicious’s back to the ankheg’s, wincing as he collided with the ankheg’s armored exoskeleton. Twisting himself around the large armored plate on its head, he wrapped his arms around its pincers as best he could and pulled up and back.

The ankheg reared back, screeching angrily. Its underside exposed, whoever stood in front began launching weapons. The ankheg thrashed, then went limp, crashing to the ground. Kylin climbed off its back. Dodging puddles in the ground, he returned to Vicious, swinging himself up into the saddle. The soldiers and Rangers already were heading to the next ankheg.

Kylin headed over to the fray in the middle of the street, where several ankhegs were fighting. One of the fighters dropped on the ground and an ankheg stepped over him. Horrified, Kylin pushed Vicious over to them, but it was too late. The fighter held up a sword just as the ankheg dropped on him. There were horrible crunching and cracking noises, a muffled cry mingled with the ankheg’s shriek of pain, and the ankheg went still.

Kylin moved on to the next one, unable to provide any kind of help to the fighter now.

Ropes were flung out and caught around the ankheg’s neck. Those with the ropes pulled back, forcing the ankheg to reveal its underside. The ankheg lashed out, catching a couple who were unfortunate enough to be standing in its range with its claws. It attempted to spit, but its in current position, it was only able to dribble the acid down itself. Kylin rode forward and hacked at the claw closest to him at the joint. It detached just as the acid reached the joint, and Kylin whipped his hand back. The man caught by its claw was able to weakly pull himself away before any acid hit him, and before the creature dropped when it was killed.

Heading to the next one, Kylin saw Shaelren’s group thundering down the road. The Rangers joined the parties fighting off the ankhegs, some of them going down the side streets to chase out any more.

A Ranger Kylin recognized as Bryval came to his side as they took on particularly reckless ankheg that was spitting acid any ever direction, regardless of whether or not it had an actual target. Its chaotic form of attacking brought down many of the buildings around it, creating a mess of bubbling, rotten smelling wood around it. Attempts by others were made to lasso the creature’s neck, but it evaded them.

“Aim for the claws!” Kylin instructed those with the ropes. To Bryval, he said, “We’ll have one shot, so make it count.”

Sheathing his sword, he pulled out his bow and nocked an arrow, shifting Vicious into position with his heels. Bryval did the same, waiting for the opportunity to reveal itself.

One lasso looped itself around the ankheg’s right claw. The caster began tightening it.

“Keep it there, keep it there!” Kylin told him.

Finally, another lasso caught the second claw.

“Pull!”

The ropes were tightened and pulled the claws away from the creature’s body. For a split second, while creature’s head was still up, the underside was exposed.

He and Bryval released at the same time. The arrows embedded themselves deep into the underbelly before the ankheg dropped its headed and pulled back on the ropes.

“Let it go! Back away!”

Except for himself and Bryval, everyone nearby did as commanded. The ankheg thrashed around, spitting up more acid, though not reaching as far. Bryval loaded another arrow. The ankheg faced them, its body expanding for one last spit. Bryval let go of the arrow, where it landed squarely between the eyes. The ankheg crashed to the ground.

Kylin looked around for another ankheg. With Shaelren’s group joining them, there were more dead ankhegs than those alive. The remaining ones he could see were experiencing their last seconds. There were sounds of fighting in the side streets, and Shaelren could be heard giving out commands. The main street was littered with bodies of ankhegs, soldiers, and Rangers alike, mixed in the rubble of collapsed buildings. Soldiers with the med team were rushing in and out, approaching the fighters it was safe to approach and taking them off the street to receive care.

Kylin left the main street to go down one of the side streets, following the sounds of fighting while keeping an ear open for an approaching ankheg. He heard a horse approaching and turned to his right to see a Ranger riding hard down one of the side streets.

“Behind me!” the Ranger informed him.

Kylin quickly nocked another arrow, waiting for the ankheg to show its face. The Ranger rushed past him, skidding her horse around and preparing another arrow.

The ankheg turned a corner, spewing acid as it did so. It hit the side of the building it was coming from behind of, and the house began to groan under the weight it could no longer support. Kylin let his arrow fly, landing the shot in the creature’s eye. The ankheg stumbled back, then crashed on its side.

Kylin looked back at the Ranger. The sounds of fighting were dying down.

She shook her head to answer his unasked questioned. “I think this is the last of them.”

“Where’s Shaelren?”

She pointed in the direction she had last seen the hunting master and Kylin took off, Vicious leaping over the fresh ankheg carcass.

After several different turns, Kylin finally found Shaelren and pulled to a stop beside him. Shaelren was breathing heavily and he looked ready to do nothing more than sleep.

Seeing Shaelren’s tiredness combined with the lack of a threat made Kylin realize his own exhaustion. He tried to fight off in case there was anything else.

“Do you hear anything?” Shaelren asked.

Kylin closed his eyes, fiercely telling himself that he was not there to sleep. He could hear the last moves of one final fight, but he could not hear the scuttling noise of the ankhegs. He shook his head, letting out a long breath. “No, I don’t.”

“Then I believe that’s it,” Shaelren said. “I’ve already sent messages out to headquarters, Rei, and Amelia, as she’s not too far away. Were you able to evacuate everyone?”

“That’s the hope,” Kylin said, realizing he was breathing hard as well. Gesturing to the area they were in, he continued, “This area was cleared out first, but there may have been those who didn’t leave. I found a boy down one of these streets. But the soldiers assisted with evacuation. After I informed Glae, I came to the edge of town to see if I could hear where they were coming from.”

“Glae’s the commanding officer here, is he?” Shaelren muttered. “Hopefully he didn’t give you crap.”

Kylin shook his head. “Don’t he even knew who I was.”

“Good,” Shaelren said. “I’ll go and find him now to discuss status. You and some others can head to the end of the road to ward off travelers from entering just yet, and to greet Amelia when she arrives.”

Kylin nodded and Shaelren headed off. He paused for a moment, telling himself he needed to get going. When the message finally got through, he nudged Vicious forward at a slow walk, the reins slack in his hands. It was evident that Vicious was tired herself. Instead of taking advantage of the slack reins, she plodded on, her head drooping and her sides heaving.

Kylin felt bad for making her do more work, but she would be able to rest when they reached the end of the road.

No thought was put into who he picked to join him. It was all who he saw on his way over, provided they did not look injured.

When he reached the end of the road, he dismounted and removed Vicious’s saddle. He tied her to a post nearby to let her enjoy some grass. The ones who had joined him either followed suit, or remained in the saddle, attempting to stay as alert as possible. Kylin settled himself on the small porch of the house at the end that allowed him to keep an eye on anyone coming down the road and Vicious. He had every intention of staying awake until he was told he was officially allowed to rest, but his body had other ideas.

It was not long before his muscles became too relaxed and his eyelids too low.

Just a few minutes of his eyes closed, he told himself. That’s all he needed.

Just five minutes.

#between the veil and crown #kylin #rough draft

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ignitingwriting · 9 months

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Igniting Writing ‘Families and Friendships’ Contest 2023, Submission by Anoushka

£5.99

The first January snow had begun to fall on the streets of Frostholm. The roads were coated in a layer of ice, with footprints dotted around.

It was quite early in the morning. However, many people had woken up and were starting their day, just like a young artist named Jackson Cooper. He was not completely covered in snow because he had cleverly laid his worn mattress and thin blanket out underneath a shop building, but his other belongings were completely soaked. He did not think much of this because, since his parents had kicked him out of the house a year ago, he had been living on the streets and was used to things like this happening.

Jackson was in his early 20s, but was completely isolated. His only family had kicked him out and his former friends had gone to university and had successful careers. They were not interested in being friends with him anymore. He was nothing but a beggar to them.

He picked up his wet jumper and squeezed the water out. Then he picked up his mattress and folded up the blanket and went to sit out in the snow. He sat under a statue of a lion in the town square and drew out the most precious thing he owned: a small square sketchbook and a tiny blunt pencil.

He had always carried these around in his pocket, even when he was not living on the streets. In the book he had drawn many designs for buildings which he wished he could bring to life.

His favourite was the house he had drawn. He wanted to live in that house. It was a huge mansion with a giant fountain in front of it. The double doors which welcomed guests in were lined with gold carvings. The windows, embellished with soft, pearl-white curtains, were dotted around each of the red brick walls.

Inside, a huge hallway ran through the house, a path to follow to get to the various rooms inside. A small room in the corner to house his future rescue dog was also drawn onto the rough pages. Jackson knew how horrible it was on the streets and hoped that in the future he could rescue a dog of his own and shower it with love and affection. The sketchbook was so small that he could not fit a whole drawing of his dream house on one page, but he spread his illustrations and diagrams evenly onto around 20 pages.

On this particular morning, Jackson was drawing another one of his creative ideas – a museum. He was just finishing drawing the many sculptures and statues inside when a little girl in a pink coat and a green knitted hat walked towards him.

She dropped a crisp five pound note in front of him and said, “It’s half of my birthday money. My mum said I could do what I wanted with it so… there you go, sir!” She grinned at him and then asked, “Is it hard, you know, living on the streets and everything? My mum says –”

But just then the little girl was interrupted by her mother, who told her she had to hurry if she wanted to get to school on time. She took one look at Jackson, turned her nose up at him and walked off, telling her daughter not to go talking to “shabby people of that sort”.

Jackson was delighted. He looked down at his precious money and ran to the nearest art shop. He was used to being hungry and did manage to produce some sort of food on most days. Besides, to him, art was more important.

‘Why spend money on food when I could on a new pack of pencils?’ he thought to himself. After browsing around in the shop for an hour he came across a decent box of pencils. There was one of every colour in the box – around 8 pencils. He proceeded to the counter and gave the pencils to the shopkeeper.

“That’ll be £5.99, sir!” he said.

Jackson stared at the man and then at the money in his hand. He was 99p short. He turned to look at the shopkeeper and sighed.

“I’m sorry, I can’t afford this, Mr. Can I just leave these pencils at the counter while I go and look for a more affordable choice?”

The shopkeeper nodded and Jackson turned away and was about to walk into the pencil section of the shop when a lady called out to him.

“I’ll pay for it. How much is it?”

“I have most of the money,” Jackson said to her hopefully. “I just need 99 more pence.”

“No, silly. I asked for the full price, not how much you need.” She looked at him dead in the eye.

“I m-mean it is five p-pounds and 99 pence but you really d-don't need to –” he stammered.

She glared at him before he could finish, at the same time handing the cashier the money.

“I myself am an artist,” she said. “I know how much it means to have good supplies.”

She walked out of the shop, leaving Jackson over the moon with a pack of fresh, sharp wooden pencils in his cold hands.

Jackson still couldn’t stop thinking about the encounter a week later. He was not used to kindness and could not help feeling so grateful towards the woman. He was sitting in his usual place under the lion when he saw something. A person in a black hoodie and grey joggers was doing graffiti on the wall in front of him. The formerly dull, grey-ish wall was now showered in bright and vibrant colours.

The spray bottle in the person’s hand was releasing a beautiful yellow pigment and, as Jackson watched, the person finally stood back to admire their work. Jackson was in awe. He simply had to talk to this person, whoever they were. He ran up to them, leaving his belongings under the statue and tapped them once on the shoulder. The person turned around swiftly, accidentally spraying colour into the snow. It turned out to be a woman with black hair with streaks of pink in it and a very familiar face.

“It’s you!” Jackson gasped. It was the lady from the shop who had bought him those pencils. “I-I didn’t know y-you would be such a good artist!” he gawped at the painting again. He tried to thank her for the pencils again and complement her artwork and tell her how much the pencils meant to him all at once, but the words came out as a jumble of odd sounds.

“It’s fine, you’re good” she laughed. “I’m Rachel, by the way.” She held out her hand, only to realise it was covered in red paint and hastily took it down again.

“I’m Jackson,” he said. “I’m sorry, I am poor and homeless and just can’t pay you back at the moment.”

“No worries! I wasn’t expecting any money back whatsoever, Jackson. You carry on making art with those pencils and don’t think about the money.” She grinned at him. “What do you draw anyway?”

“Mainly sketches of buildings. They used to be in grey but, since the pencils you got me, they are all colourful. You want to see?” he asked tentatively.

Rachel nodded and followed him to under the statue. He picked up the sketchbook and she flipped through the book, her eyes wide with pleasure.

“That’s a lovely house. I wish I could live there! You know, if I had the money I would buy some of these. Do you sell your art?”

“No. I didn’t think anyone would appreciate my art much. I guess I could try!”

So from that day on, Jackson worked hard with his precious pencils and notebook. However, he did not have much income just yet. In fact, he had only earned around one pound, but gradually that pound turned into 10, and he went out and got himself a bigger sketchbook. His art changed from just buildings to faces and animals and a couple had even asked him to draw them standing together as a portrait. They were very pleased with the result and gifted him some watercolours and paint brushes.

Jackson refined his techniques with paint and soon was creating art in many mediums, not just pencil sketches. Life got much better for Jackson from then and he had even started to meet up with Rachel more often. Both of them had forgotten about the money he owed her by now, but their friendship was stronger than ever. They were still on the poorer side but they were doing well in life.

Rachel informed Jackson that she had been offered a job at a local coffee shop and asked him if he wanted to join her. He was not in desperate need for money but could do with a little more, so that October they both started working in ‘Cath’s Coffee Shop’ and earned some good wages. Jackson still drew sketches and painted from time to time and Rachel’s murals brought joy to the town because they were so beautiful to look at. This carried on for a long time. They both became successful and were happy in life.

10 Years Later

Jackson Cooper was sat on his front porch one summer morning, a sketchbook in his hand and his rescue Border Collie at his feet. The fountain in his front yard was shimmering in the sun and the gates to his mansion were wide open, because Jackson was expecting a visitor.

“RACHEL!” he yelled and leapt up to go and hug her. Rachel had also bought her own house but, because Jackson did not live on the streets anymore, they did not bump into each other as often.

“JACKSON! CALLIEEEEEEE!” she called and ran towards him. (In case you were wondering, Callie is Jackson’s Border Collie dog.)

“Come in!” Jackson said. He made them both cups of tea. The kitchen had pictures of his artwork on the walls and Rachel took a moment to admire them.

“I missed you both!” Rachel was stroking Callie.

They chatted for a while about their lives and how their art was doing. They had both moved on from the coffee shop and were doing well in their own businesses. Jackson was famous since a newspaper article had been written about him and Rachel, about his journey from a homeless man to a rich business owner.

Jackson’s parents who had kicked him out called him to apologise and towards the end of the phone call, they were asking him for money.

Jackson replied with a smooth, “Did you give me money when I asked for it? Nope,” and cut the call promptly.

His old friends had tried similar techniques but Jackson cut them all off. He had many new friends now, much, much better ones. Rachel was just as successful. She ended up staying for dinner and after a huge meal she said her goodbyes and left the house.

As her expensive car purred off into the distance, Jackson thought about how much Rachel had helped him. If it weren’t for the money she had bought the pencils with, he would not be the man he is today. He realised that, although his biological family were not there for him, he didn’t need them because his friends were his family.

Jackson then remembered something. He ran out of the house yelling after Rachel and her car came to a halt. Panting, he stood there in front of Rachel.

“What?” she asked, ducking out of the car in the middle of the road.

Jackson held out his hand, breathing heavily.

Rachel looked down at his hand smiled at him. In his palm, there was exactly £5.99.

#creative writing #writing group #igniting writing #writing club #teen writers #writing challenge #writing competition #writing contest #writing for teens #library

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refiwrites · 2 years

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In Safe Hands

Pairing: Marc Spector x Fem! Reader x Steven Grant (implied)

Summary: As a skilled mercenary and also Marc's best friend, (Y/N) tries to save her best friend's alter when Harrow takes him.

Word count: 6.6k

Warning/s: MOON KNIGHT EPISODE 2 SPOILERS! mentions of knives, swearing, violence, basically a rewrite of episode 2 inserting (Y/N)

Note: Okay I didn't expect this one to be this long maybe because I just love Moon Knight that much... But please let me know if you want more of these! reblogs and likes are greatly appreciated! or even comment down your thoughts!

READ CHAPTER TWO HERE, READ CHAPTER THREE HERE

GIF is not mine, credits to the owner!

This wasn’t how things were supposed to go, Marc promised (Y/N) that he’d update her when he did what he had to do. (Y/N), who was Marc’s best friend after all those years spent training to be a cold-blooded mercenary. It was no surprise Marc seemed to have grown a soft spot for (Y/N).

In all honesty, (Y/N) knew Marc was in love with her but he wasn’t making any actions to prove it, but she could tell. Although Marc had his reasons, he never wanted anyone close to him to be hurt, to be killed because of him. (Y/N) knew that but with the circumstances that they were in, one was always bound to get hurt.

(Y/N) however, went to the place Marc planned to rendezvous at. She couldn’t help but feel like Marc was hiding something from her. She parked her Suzuki SV650 on the side of the street with a sigh, wondering where the man was. She checked her phone. No messages. Nothing. It was almost past the time Marc said to her when they’d meet.

“Where the hell are you…” She spoke, tapping at her motorcycle to ease her worry. It was Marc, sure he could handle himself quite extraordinary since he’s the avatar of Khonshu, but sometimes he could be a bit…stupid.

She decided with a huff, putting her helmet back on and kicking her motorcycle to life as she sped up to the entrance, tires skidding to a halt when a figure face-plants few inches before her tire. Give or take they face-planted a few inches more and that’ll be a different story.

She looked at the person. Wait, hold on…

“Marc? What’s going on? Where the hell have you been?” She spoke, but the man below her, still covering his head, panting, looked up at her.

“(Y/N)..?” He questioned. Did he really hit his head that hard that he was questioning her?

(Y/N) shook it off, offering her hand towards him. “Just- let’s go, hurry.”

As the pair sped past the busy street, (Y/N) could feel Marc gripping on to her shoulders a little too tightly. Weird, he wasn’t like that when he rode with her.

“Okay tell me what’s going on, and what’s Steven? Is this some new fake identity you’re going with?” (Y/N) spoke through her helmet, making sure your voice was loud enough for her to hear. “I just thought you were talking in code the last time we spoke.”

“How’d you find me?” He asked. Was he serious?

“You told me to meet you back in that storage place! Honestly Marc, what’s going on?” You took a split second to look back at him, feeling his tense grip on your shoulders as you continued through the road. “You even promised to update me when you were done but you said nothing, I got worried.” She said, hoping he could be hit with guilt.

“Right. Yeah…” Marc said, (Y/N) shook her head. What was she expecting anyways?

“I just thought you were gone again, alright? You could’ve said something, but I know you’ll be fine without me here.” She said, proceeding to go on a rant when Marc’s hand proceeded to grip a little tightly on her shoulder that it started to hurt.

“Will you please stop clasping my shoulder like that?” She asked politely even though she was just worried sick.

“I- I’m sorry I don’t know where to hold.” He responded.

Steven was confused, what was she saying? He didn’t know anything about meeting up with you, he knows it was Marc’s idea but his head was empty as the air brushed against his face. “Wh- where do I hang on?” He said, letting go off the woman’s shoulders as he raises his hands.

He couldn’t see her face on the side mirror but he could feel how exasperated she was as she used one hand to steer while her other hand grabbed his and placed it on her waist, dragging it to her front.

Steven could feel himself turn red mixed with the feeling of embarrassment, but a bump on the road sends his other hand clasping on his, hugging your waist tightly as his face smacked your shoulder.

“Look, you possibly don’t know how worried I get when it comes to you, I know I’m not your wife or anything but… Marc you’re still my best friend.”

He didn’t know what was going on anymore. A part of him thought (Y/N) was special since he saw the messages Marc was sending her. It seemed cold but he could tell that he meant every word he typed. It slightly surprised him to know you were Marc’s best friend.

“Please say something, anything.” (Y/N) said, trying to glance at him from the side mirror as she drove her motorcycle.

“So…you’re…best friend?”

(Y/N) couldn’t make out what he was saying. “What? Speak louder.”

“You’re my best friend? I honestly thought we- you- were more-“ He said.

“God, what? Are you kidding me Marc?” Steven mentally face-palmed himself, he shouldn’t have said anything. He was about to clear things up when she was already saying something else. “I don’t get why you’re doing this, stop pretending Marc.”

“I’m not pretending…”

“The accent Marc, stop it.” (Y/N) said. “This is how I talk.” Steven said. “If you’re not going to stop then you might as well get off.” She said.

“No, no, no, wait. Wait, please, I will tell you everything, just get me to my flat, yeah?”

All (Y/N) could do was sigh.

“Just get me home.”

After Marc gave her the directions, he opened the door to his apartment, he moved to the side to let her in first.

What a gentleman... (Y/N) thought as she carefully walked in, inspecting the place. There were tons of books on the shelves, but she was more interested in the aquarium that held Gus, or at least what Steven thought was Gus.

Steven closed the door, remembering to lock it. He faced her and saw his reflection on the aquarium, only it wasn’t him, it was Marc.

‘You bought her here?’ Marc said, Steven noted the way Marc looked at her, it felt like he was longing for her. All Steven could do was shrug.

‘We were supposed to meet somewhere else, Steven. Get her out of here’

(Y/N) was now tapping at the glass, smiling at Gus, the reflection of Marc remained invisible from her point of view. She looked back at what she thought was Marc with her smile still on her face as she turned back.

“I just want my life back.” Steven said audibly.

“A life without me? We can arrange that if you’d like.” She replied, Steven couldn’t tell if she was serious or being sarcastic.

“No. Sorry, I wasn’t talking to you, just sort of.. talking to myself.” He apologized.

She stared at him before deciding to explore more of his place. “So, all of this yours, Marc?”

“I’m Steven.” He corrected you. (Y/N) looked at the bed that was thrashed. Gods, she probably thinks he was lazy or something.

“You living here with someone else?” Steven could sense the tint of hurt in her voice that she tried to cool off.

Steven’s eyes widened as he approached her. “No, no, no. This is actually my mum’s flat.”

“You guys are talking again?” She looked at him. Steven once again was stunned by confusion, he just let out a hum of approval. He watched her inspect his books.

“Into poetry now?” She looked at him.

“Yeah, sort of... Marceline Desbordes-Valmore. She’s my favourite poet.” Steven gave a tight-lipped smile as he recited one of the poems.

To his surprise, (Y/N) was saying the words along with him.

“Can’t believe you made fun of me for liking poetry before.” She shakes her head. “What? I would never.” Steven said. “Oh psh, you caught me reading one time and you said I spoke funny.” She smiles at the memory in her head in which Steven knew nothing of.

Then she was walking again to his table. “Interesting, learning about French and hieroglyphics, huh?”

“Yeah, well... That’s not that impressive, really, not like they’re a whole new language... Its more like a-“

“An alphabet?” She inquired.

“Yeah, well you still have to know ancient Egyptian to read it.”

“Sure.” She shrugged.

Steven felt a little more comfortable now, talking about his interests, that’s the one thing that keeps him going as he approached the table, pointing at one of the open books. “For example, like this one here, right?”

“Funeral rites.” (Y/N) said so easily, it caught him off guard. “Well someone knows their unilaterals. You.” Steven joked, pointing at her with a chuckle. She looked at him and he gulped. “That’s amazing.”

“Yeah, it’s nothing.”

“Sorry, I don’t mean that in a creepy way.” Steven cleared.

(Y/N) just wanted whatever he was doing to stop, why is he calling himself Steven and doing a British accent?

“That’s enough, Marc, come on now you’ve got me.” She said.

“But—“

“What were you doing here anyways?” She asked.

“I- I don’t know, suppose working in a museum...”

“Museum? What are you really doing, Marc?”

“Look, you seem absolutely lovely. This Marc, on the other hand is a right twit yeah? He should’ve told you how he really felt and,” Steven said, seeing Marc’s reflection on the small mirror sighing and shaking his head.

(Y/N) felt like she was being toyed with.

“I don’t know how to explain what’s been happening, I- I don’t expect you to believe me I-”

‘Steven’ Marc on the mirror called out to him.

Steven stuttered, trying to begin how to explain what was happening with him.

‘Steven, listen to me’

“I honestly don’t really believe myself.” Steven said to her, making a move towards something.

‘You’re making a mistake’ Marc says.

“-Try to show you what I’ve found.”

‘Steve-‘ Marc sighed. Wanting nothing more to take in control so he could explain everything.

“I found this bag in the storage locker.”

‘Steven, don’t... Listen to me’

“.. Inside of it is all sorts...”

(Y/N) looked at him confused as her brows knit, wondering what Marc could have gotten himself up to this time.

‘Stop what you’re doing right now’ Marc tried to keep the tone of his voice calmly.

“.. Of things..” Steven continued telling.

‘Get away from the bag— Don’t show her what’s in the bag’ Marc repeated a few times.

“Most interestingly...”

‘You’re gonna get her killed. You hear me?’

That seemed to get Steven’s attention as he paused. Hands stuck in the bag.

“Most interestingly...?” (Y/N) pushed on.

‘You show her that scarab, you’re responsible when they come after her’ Marc breathed deeply, shaking the thoughts of what he said.

“Nothing.” Steven spoke.

“Nothing? Really?” She stepped closer.

“Nothing, nevermind it was stu-“

“What’s in there?” (Y/N) knew she should’ve trusted her instincts as she reached out for the bag, grabbing what’s inside it.

“Nothing- wait- wait.”

Before Steven knew it her hands were in the bag, scavenging for the thing he was talking about. Until she pulled it out.

She couldn’t believe her eyes. It was the scarab.

“Wait... The scarab pointing to Ammit’s ushabti? Is this really the scarab that we almost died for just trying to get it?” (Y/N)’s voice was getting dangerously angry.

“No...” Steven spoke.

“This whole- Steven thing... What’s it for?” She looked genuinely hurt, holding the scarab in her hand as she approached Steven.

“Tell me, are you doing all of this just to keep it for yourself?” (Y/N) bitterly chuckled. She knew it. He was hiding something. But this something turned out to be much worse. The times they’ve almost died trying to get that scarab and now it was just hidden in his bag all along? Resting away in some storage place?

“No, I swear...”

“After all we’ve been through!” She suddenly shouted, making Steven pause and Marc tensing in the mirror’s reflection. Marc knew this was coming.

“Stop it. Am I suppose to believe in everything you’re saying while this was just in here all along?” (Y/N) held onto the scarab, showing it to Steven, who she still thought was Marc.

“T-take it. Take it, you can have it.” Steven blurted. “Take it! I don’t want it. I swear. Have it.”

(Y/N) shook her head with a bitter smile.

“I am not Marc Spector.” He said, emphasizing every word. “I’m Steven Grant. I work in a gift shop- or at least I used to work in a gift shop... And I think I’m in real danger... And I think maybe that you might be the only person that can help me.” He pleaded. “Please.”

“You really don’t remember why we’ve been looking for this?” (Y/N) asked, looking at the scarab in her hand. “All the places we’ve been... The nights we sacrificed sleep for just to track this thing?”

Steven couldn’t answer.

“Or how we met?”

“I- I wish I could.”

Then there was a loud knock at the door. “Steven Grant, can we have a word?”

She looked at the door then back at him. “See? Oh, God they’ve come for me.” Steven whispered, pointing at the door.

“Why?” She whispered back. “I vandalized the toilet.”

Then there was the knock again. “Yeah. Just a minute.”

“Steven Grant?”

(Y/N) slowly backed away, not knowing how to act with all of this information coming at her. She saw Steven open the door to talk to the cops.

She pondered whether or not to help the man or not, but the hurt she felt confused her, it blurred her decision making. Were all the things he was saying true? Or was it just another one of his tricks so he could keep things to himself?

But you’ve known Marc, he would’ve never, would he?

(Y/N) shook her head. She could hear Marc- Steven- making excuses as he stood at the door.

“Mind if we come in, Mr. Grant?”

“Actually—” Then the door barged open.

Shit.

“Is this about the toilet?” Steven asked them, not liking how fast they were exploring the place like it was some kind of furniture store.

Steven hoped (Y/N) had found a good hiding spot, but as he looked everywhere she could hide into, he can’t find her.

“Cause it’s been dealt with. Yeah, I’ve been sacked.” Steven said, not wanting to recall the memory. Steven looked at the woman as she picked up the chain attached to a post laying on his bed with a questioning look. “I-uh have a sleeping disorder.” She let it go then began looking somewhere else.

“-The museum said that they wouldn’t press charges as long as… uh- as long as I do it in instalments.” Steven followed the woman. “They said that I c-“ Steven turned to see the man holding a pyramid, the one he liked to use as a paperweight for reading books late at night.

“What’s this?” The man asked.

“It’s paperweight.” Steven said.

“Where’d you get it?”

“Paperweight shop.”

(Y/N) could hear the faint conversation they were having as she leaned against the wall on the roof, trying to regain her breathing.

“You’re in possession of a stolen item.” Steven knew that.

“Oh. Yeah, I…” He began. “No. I don’t have it. I don’t, no its not here.” He looked at the man and the woman back and forth as he raises his hands in defence.

Steven saw the man reaching for the gym bag, pulling out a passport then opening it. “Marc Spector?” He questioned, walking towards him, his passport held up. The document clearly stated the name ‘Marc Spector’

“That’s not mine.”

“Funny that.” The man said, kneeling down on his knees to show Steven the passport closer. “Fella looks just like you.”

“Fake passport and a thief? Tsk, tsk.” The woman exhaled. “I think you best come with us, son.”

(Y/N) listened as they left. No, something felt off about the way they talked with him. She tried to find a way down the roof, landing on her feet on the ground with a small thud as she went to her motorcycle, the backpack strapped to her back.

Thankfully, her motorcycle was parked a few cars down where the car Steven was held in. She straddles the bike and waited until they started the engine and left.

(Y/N) managed to get a bit up close but not noticeable enough to be odd. She followed the car, it was a long journey as when the car stopped in some kind of neighbourhood, she swerved her motorcycle to the right to appear going in a different direction. She parked someplace safe as she carefully hopped off, crawling to peer on the open spot the space in between the abandoned houses gave.

There was Steven, in the car. (Y/N) watched.

They suddenly opened the car door and there came Steven dropping to the ground with a loud thus and a surprised gasp. (Y/N) moved to the other side carefully as to take a good look at the man who was kneeling before him.

It was Arthur Harrow.

He walked around Steven, before uncuffing him and letting him stand up. They appeared to be making conversation. She squinted, whenever Harrow’s name was mentioned, she knew he was up to no good as he proclaimed to be otherwise. She’d read about him once.

She watches as Arthur placed a hand on Steven’s shoulder. He looked confused. Then Steven suddenly looked scared, looking over Arthur. Then there was a rather large gust of wind, effectively knocking and dragging the bin over to the middle of the street. Khonshu.

Khonshu was there.

(Y/N) glanced back and forth, seeing if there were any people around, then she began slowly climbing up to the roof, careful to step slowly but surely, making her figure hidden in the night sky as she slowly followed their way, occasionally pausing her moves when they stopped.

Steven was now being led inside some old, demolished, castle. Arthur talked him through while he looked everywhere. The people around them looked happy, relaxed, content. There was also some kind of greenhouse in the corner, the middle of the room filled with tables, it was like some kind of restaurant.

Now he was being offered lentil soup by Arthur as he picked up a tray as Arthur rambled on.

‘You have no conscience’ Khonshu spoke, trashing the shelves in the corner of the room in which some flinched at, including Steven.

“You don’t have to listen to him.” Arthur whispered to Steven. “He often throws temper-tantrums like a two-year-old.” Arthur said. “None of the gods respect him. Perhaps that’s why he’s banished.” Arthur sat, Steven followed.

‘I only punish those who have already done harm, I am real justice!’ Khonshu said as Steven looked at him.

“What’s he saying now? “I am real justice”?

Steven took a glance back at Khonshu again, but he noticed the others were unbothered.

Meanwhile, (Y/N) was trying to find a way into the building without being caught. Thankfully she found a small opening on the side. Carefully hopping off and onto the platform. She leaned against the wall, hearing footsteps approach from where she was.

She was right as a man looked out, she was quick to elbow him in the face, knocking him out without chance to react as she carefully dragged his body to the side as she went in, dusting herself off, trying to appear as one of them.

She tried to walk through different corridors, wanting to find where Steven- or Marc- was. She hid when needed to. But she could hear noises from the hallway, she then crept up and finally found Steven sitting with Harrow, but then people began standing up and approaching him.

This wasn’t good.

“So, the scarab?” Arthur asked, patience thinning. “Oh, I don’t have it.”

“No?”

“Honestly I don’t have it.” He was telling the truth. “Well, maybe you know someone who does? Maybe Marc?”

‘Don’t you do it’ Came Marc’s voice, Steven stared at the reflection on the steel plate. ‘Don’t you say her name. Do not give (Y/N) up- Just give me the body’

Steven shakes his head, looking down at his plate. “No, I don’t.” Arthur pursed his lips, taking a deep breath. “May I speak with Marc?”

Steven racked in his brain for words, but all that came out was stutters. “Marc,” Arthur spoke, looking at no one in particular. “What has Khonshu promised you? That this is your last mission, then you’ll be free?” Steven could see Marc in the reflection, tense.

“Trust me when I tell you, Khonshu is a liar.” Arthur spoke lowly. “There is always one last thing.” Marc was now nowhere to be seen.

“Sorry,” Steven interjected.

(Y/N) face-palmed in the corner, shaking her head with a silent exhale. “If Ammit judges people pre-evil, like before the fact, then isn’t she judging an innocent person?”

What was he doing?

“I mean, a thought can’t be evil, can it? I think about killing my boss all the time th- but I won’t actually do it.”

Wow. If that was his plan of distraction, it wasn’t very good.

“Steven.” Arthur said. “Wh-what about a child? Would she kill a child for what they might do in 30 years?”

“I’m glad you mentioned that,” Arthur’s lips curling into a small sinister smile. “Sometimes, the cure is a little taste of the disease. The difference between medicine and poison sometimes is only dosage.”

Arthur lifts his hand up, “Consider a diseased limb. Amputation, horrific and grotesque,” He looks at Steven. “Is necessary for the larger health.”

“But the child is not a diseased limb.” Steven counters. “Sorry, is that... Is that what... You’re all into that, like, killing children and that? Maybe that’s just me, but that’s... I kind of draw a line there, at child murder.”

All (Y/N) could do was sigh and pray to the Gods that whatever was happening would be over.

Everything went silent for a moment, making (Y/N) confused as she decided to peek around.

Steven and Arthur were now standing, Arthur holding his cane which began to glow a bright purple. Everyone looked to be in fear as they walked back a few steps or so.

“I don’t.”

“Then don’t.” Steven shrugged, backing away himself. “I can’t help you.” He says.

“Yes, you can.” Arthur said. “I need to know, where is the scarab? Where is the scarab?”

“No.”

Fuck it.

“I have it.” (Y/N) spoke out loud making all eyes turn to her, even Steven. She was holding her hand up high, there was it, in her palm, the scarab. She slowly walks towards them, giving Steven a look.

“You couldn’t possibly understand the value of what you’re holding.” Arthur now looked at her, thankful as he reached out his hand, expecting her to give it to him so willingly.

She stared at everyone, heart drumming in her chest as a few steps more then she’d be in their space.

“Let me have that, I’ll keep it safe.” Arthur promised.

‘There is no deal in this, Marc. Fix this, fix this!’ Khonshu’s voice spoke right behind him as Steveb stared at (Y/N).

She turned to Steven, with a stern look on his face. “Summon the suit.”

“Sorry, what?”

(Y/N) bit her lip in frustration as he stared at Steven. “Summon the suit.” She approached him.

“ “Summon the soup”? What are you saying?”

“For fu-“ She breathes in quickly, “The suit. Summon it.” She begged. Shaking her head, she handed the scarab to Steven. “And keep this safe.”

Steven without question, took the scarab and looked at Arthur.

“So be it.” He said.

“Alright, better start running, let’s go.” She spoke quickly, dragging his hand and started running for the exit.

But was stopped when two men grabbed ahold of her, letting go of Steven.

“Let go of her!” Steven said but (Y/N) was quick to plan out her moves by sweeping the first guy off his feet and tugging the second man to smash him to the wall, letting them fall down easily.

“Go!” She was already running as Steven followed her, climbing up the stairs.

Arthur smacked the end of his cane on the ground, cracking it and revealing purple underneath.

“Steven!” (Y/N) called out but he was suddenly blocked by a man who he recognized earlier. He ran the other way and up the stairs to find (Y/N) drop kicking someone off the ledge which made him flinch.

“That was awesome.” Steven said as the ground shook, she grabbed him by the wrist and hauled him to start running again.

They both found themselves shutting a door behind them. “Here. Bolt the door.” She nodded to the metal lock, making Steven obey quickly.

They turned around.

It was some kind of storage area filled with alll kinds of sculptures and artifacts. There was a big window across from the door.

“Oh, my god.” Steven looked around. (Y/N) was trying to find a way out. “I’m going to die in an evil magician’s man cave.”

(Y/N) grabbed Steven’s hands, making them both look at each other. “Hey, listen to me. Your name is Marc, there’s a suit you use to protect yourself, I’ve seen you use it a dozen times. Bring it out.”

The door was now shaking, the other side eager to get in.

“N- no, no.”

“Marc, where are you? I need you to fight, please.” She breathed out.

‘Let me in, Steven’ Marc’s voice came from the reflection on the mirror on the ground.

“No, I can’t.”

‘Let me in. There’s no more time’ Marc said sternly.

“Stop, please, both of you!!” Steven looked between her and the mirror.

“Listen to me. I don’t know what you’re on but please we need the suit, summon it- somehow!” She went in front of him, grabbing his arms and even slightly cupping his face.

“Bring it out, I can’t fight them one on one, we’ll die.” She said, grabbing at his shoulders.

‘Let me in, let me in’ Marc repeated. ‘Let me in, Steven!’

“We need to fight, come on where are you!” She was now panicking.

Steven grabbed at his temples, the pressure taking a toll on him, wanting nothing more than to be back at the museum, working at the gift shop. He didn’t want to be here. He wanted to shut all the voices he was hearing accompanied by the banging on the door.

He sank down, palms sweating as he cried out, “Please stop, leave me alone, both of you!” He squeezed his temples.

(Y/N), still not understanding why, felt guilt all of a sudden for the man. She knew how to fight, but she needed Marc and his suit, she couldn’t take this on her own when there’s probably a bunch of people outside with guns, ready to kill them both.

She wouldn’t stand a chance if she fought alone.

Kneeling down to meet him, she shook his head, grabbing at Steven’s hands. “Hey, hey. I trust you, breathe with me, you can do this, alright?” Making him look at her as she nodded along with her words, trying to calm the man in front of him down.

“Steven.” She finally said his name. “Steven, I’m with you, okay?”

“I can’t, I can’t.” He doubted himself. What was he even supposed to do? How can he summon a suit? Does he have to say a magic word? A phrase or something?

“I’m sorry, I can’t. I can’t do it.”

She gulped, sighing, pulling out a gun from her holster strapped to her leg. “Okay, it’s alright. I’ll just... You find another way, okay?”

Steven tried to catch his breath. Looking at her. “Come on, come on stand up.”

That, he did. Standing up he saw (Y/N) positioned in the corner, holding her gun up, aiming at the intruder.

Steven was frozen to the spot as he was faced with a jackal.

In (Y/N)’s point of view, however, there was no one there. “What jackal?” She looked at Steven backing away.

Before she knew it, Steven was tackled, breaking the window behind him as he was thrown outside.

“What the fuck?” She exclaimed in surprise. Wasting no time to act, she quickly hops over the ledge, hanging onto it even though there was glass everywhere. She felt that some even might’ve pricked her fingers.

“Steven?!” She called out. There was no response. She looked to find a ladder on the left. Aha.

She carefully let go and ran as fast as she could to get to the ladder, hurrying down.

As she hit the ground there was silence and she was met with an empty street once more. In urge to find Steven, she looked around, walking past cars.

That is until the wooden gate bursts open, there was someone in a suit that was very contrasting to what she saw Marc wore. Well, it was literally a white suit with a crescent moon engraved on its forehead.

“Steven..?” She whispered as he saw him grasp the end of a car, tugging its behind, successfully detaching it and holding it close to him.

“You look different.” She said until he was knocked on the ground again. And he was now being dragged, lifted up, and dragged and smacked on the hood of the car.

If anyone else was watching them it looked like a violent puppet show.

Wanting to help him fight whatever it was, she ran to him.

“Stay away from me!” He shouted.

“I don’t under-“ She was unable to finish her sentence as she was knocked on the ground, air leaving her lungs momentarily.

Steven dropped to the ground as well.

“What the hell?” She hissed, looking at the empty space where the presumed enemy was.

She looked over at Steven, finding him being listed and dragged atop of the car. The enemy was invisible.

With her quick thinking, she grabbed the bottle that was full then threw it to Steven, it didn’t hit him, but the water in the bottle revealed some kind of mouth with very sharp teeth as it roared.

“Oh great.” She whispered under her breath, grabbing her gun again and trying to aim for it. It was a failure as she felt it gripping her throat and slamming both her and Steven to the wall and the car.

Steven tried to go at it again, only for him to end up slamming on the car again, moving it from its spot.

Standing up and aiming her gun again, without thought she decided to shoot. Fortunately this time it hit as the gun seemed to be stuck in mid-air. But she was certain the creature didn’t like that as she received another hit on the face.

Trying to stand again, she was pulled by her legs, (Y/N) tried to kick away from it but it was no use, it lifted her up as she tried to aim a shot, careful not to hit her own leg. But Steven was quick to smack it with a wheel disc, letting her drop to the ground.

Aiming for it again, she managed to take a few shots in as Steven talked with Marc on the car window.

“I think I can.” Steven said, standing up fully and seeing the jackal getting to close to (Y/N).

“Get away from her, you!” He began doing some kind of jog.

“Yeah, I see you, you plug-ugly coyote, you’re in the wrong ends, mate. You’re in my yard now.” He say, stripping off his jacket and rolling his sleeves now.

(Y/N) clutching her stomach as she leaned against the wall, couldn’t believe what she was seeing right now.

Standing up, she watched Steven.

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, my name is Steven with a V.”

She couldn’t help but chuckle, truly believing somehow that the hit made her gone mad.

She looked to see Steven punching someone that it looked like it successfully hit the jackal. He then proceeded to look at his fist then he screamed at the creature.

“I did it! You got planted!” He cheered in victory.

(Y/N) was catching her breath, shaking her head. She grabbed her gun and reloaded it with bullets just in case.

“(Y/N)! (Y/N)! Did you see that?!” Steven looked at her.

Before he can see her reaction, however, he was kicked onto the road. Some people were now beginning to take notice of him as he stood, punching the air around him.

He was smacked against the bus window a few times. He grabbed the jackal, and without his knowledge, a car was driving past, effectively hitting the jackal but in the process also hitting him.

Steven lay on the ground for a few seconds before standing up, leaning on the bus window.

‘That was a hell of a punch back there’ Marc said almost proudly at Steven as he panted.

‘Look around, someone’s gonna get hurt if you don’t let me help’ Marc jerked his head towards the people behind him.

“All right. Do it. Take control, for now.” Steven breathed in, and he felt himself sink into a void.

(Y/N), walking past the people and finally seeing the change into Marc’s suit happen, she felt relieved. But she knows he moves fast. Running towards her motorcycle, she kicked the engine alive.

Revving up by him, Marc looked at her.

“Go. I- I’ll follow.” She said, looking at him then at the direction he was looking at.

“Get it out of here.”

With him on the move, she followed suit, trying to keep track as well as avoiding being hit by passing cars. A few seconds in and she saw him jumping from and to another building. Her directions were right. She sped up now as she saw him running. They disappeared however.

(Y/N) wanting to find where they ended up in, continued to drive, deciding to stop as she came upon an alley.

‘So, is this what it’s like?’ Steven’s voice echoed in Marc’s head, looking at him now in the reflection. He looked scared. Vulnerable. ‘Being on the inside?’

Marc sighed and nodded. “Yeah.” His heavy voice replied.

‘It’s horrible’ He could see Steven looking around.

“It’s all right, you’re alright.” Marc said, trying not to scare him. Marc knew it wasn’t really great being on the inside, he felt more freely outside, but he couldn’t help but feel sorry for Steven. But with the scarab lost and probably in Harrow’s hands, he felt anger bubbling in him, not at Steven nor at (Y/N), but at himself.

‘I feel like I can scarcely move’ Steven worriedly says.

“It’s all right, just breathe through it, it gets easier.” Marc comforted.

‘How long have you been doing this?’ Steven asked. Marc couldn’t even remember exactly how long it has been.

“I don’t know. Its... A long time.”

‘I don’t like it’

Marc covered his face in his hand, trying to calm himself down.

‘I don’t want it. Can I have my body back?’

“I can’t do that right now, Steven.” He said, if things weren’t in the way he would, he would let Steven take in control again, but given the situation, he cannot.

‘Please’ Steven begged. ‘I’m taking it back’

Marc could see Steven almost straining to take control again, but alas nothing happened.

He approached the reflection.

“Sorry.” He said. “We’ve always managed to keep a wall between us, but something’s changed. The one who controls the body has become stronger.” He saw Steven shaking his head in denial.

“The reflections help, but most of the time, it’ll take all your willpower just to be a fly on the wall.”

‘You can’t do this, keeping me trapped in here. You have no right’

‘My whole life... I can’t go on a bloody date. I can barely keep a goldfish alive. I lost my job. Its been you. Its always been you-‘

As Steven ranted on, Marc held his hand up, he can’t do this right now, he feels the heavy feeling of guilt weighing on him like an anchor.

“Look, when I am done, when I have repaid my debt, I swear to you, you will never see me or hear from me again.” He bargained. “I promise you. We wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for Khonshu. And my... Servitude is the price that I pay.”

‘What kind of servitude?’

“The kind that leaves me covered in blood.”

‘Yeah, well, that blood is on my hands. You ruin people’s lives, everything you touch, you ruin’

Marc could feel the anger in him began to seep.

‘You hurt people, you abandoned your best friend, you left her worried to death about you’

“I had to do it, I had- I am protecting her. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

‘Yes, if only you’d said what you felt-’

“Khonshu has his eyes on her. He wants her as my replacement. I’m never gonna to let that happen.”

‘You’re a liar I don’t believe you. I don’t trust you’ Steven screamed at him. ‘You hurt people’

“I’m never letting him near her.”

‘I won’t let you hurt anyone again’

“Just shut up!”

‘I will never give you a moment of peace, I promise’

They kept screaming at each other until Marc has had enough. He kept kicking at the mirror until it shattered.

An alarm sounded all throughout the place (Y/N) was in. Without knowing where to go, she decided to follow the sound. She felt the wind suddenly pick up and she tried to follow the sound.

“We’ll find the scarab.” Marc said to Khonshu.

‘Too late, Harrow has it’

“Then we’ll find another way.” He said. “We’ll get to Ammit’s tomb first.”

‘You know I’ll protect you with everything I have’ Khonshu said.

“I’ll do whatever it takes then, then you let me go.”

‘Let me remind you, should we part, you may not like my next candidate, near and dear as she is to you, even if she doesn’t know it’

Marc nods in defeat. Then in a blink of an eye, Khonshu was gone and he saw a figure move in the corner of his eye.

There she was, (Y/N).

Marc felt his worries being eaten away for just a split second as he saw (Y/N).

“Marc?” She spoke, unsurely.

“It’s me.” He replied.

Now he was tackled in a hug he never felt for a long time. In (Y/N)’s arms. He forgotten how it felt as he snaked his arm around her waist, relishing the feel of her body against his.

“Fuck you, I missed you.” She said, chuckling slightly.

Marc could feel himself smile, and that he owed her a lot of explanation, but all that could come out of his mouth was; “I missed you too.”

“You owe me a lot of explaining to do, but the scarab?” She asked.

Marc sighed deeply. “Harrow has it.”

He saw (Y/N)’s face contort in anger and shock. “Shit.”

“But- if we can get to Ammit’s tomb first, we can have a chance.” He quickly said.

It didn’t even occur to them that their bodies were still pressed against each other, holding each other.

“Then, I’ll go wherever you’ll go. We’re in this together, right?”

Marc wanted to disagree, but what else could he do? He finally agreed.

“Yes.”

“Then where are we off to?”

“You’ll know.”

999 notes · View notes

songmingisthighs · 3 years

Text

Hooked

introduction pt. i | pt. ii | pt. iii

ch. liii - sugar daddy

<< previous | masterlist | next >>

??? × reader, ateez × reader

A freshman hookup rekindled into something new. With an incentive, of course. But what would happen if your 'relationship' led you somewhere you never thought would happen to you ?

Dinner couldn't have gone better. Sure, Seonghwa's dad mostly ignored you, only throwing questions here and there to avoid Seonghwa's mom nagging at him. But he was mostly preoccupied with his phone. At one point, while his dad was so focused on his phone, Seonghwa leaned close to you and whisper 'one of the mistresses' to you, making you giggle.

"You know, (Y/N), I don't think I've ever seen Seonghwa smiled this wide when he's around us, you must be a pretty special lady," his mom said to you with a gentle smile.

You blushed in slight embarrassment at the compliment, "I sure hope so, ma'am, because I gotta say that he's very special to me too," you said as you look up to Seonghwa.

Hearing you said that made Seonghwa bit his bottom lip to prevent him from giggling out loud. So he opted to place a hand on your thigh and squeezed it gently, letting you know how he appreciated your words. Seeing this, his mom squealed and gushed about how adorable you both are and how glad she is that he found you.

Even after the topic was changed, Seonghwa didn't seem to lift his hand off of your thigh. He had actually moved to caress it gently with his fingers. You assumed it helped him be at ease so you didn't think much about it and let him be.

As dinner progressed to dessert, you found yourself having fun bonding with his mom and sometimes his dad when he wasn't glaring at his phone or when his mom directly addressed him. You realized that his parents are actually unlike most rich parents which then would explain why Seonghwa is who he is. Maybe minus the cheating father.

One other thing you realized is that Seonghwa's hand that was on your thigh had moved significantly higher, it was resting inside your skirt, just a bit past the hem, and that he was sitting closer than before. You felt your heartbeat quicken as his fingers drew shapes on your inner thigh, exhilarated yet worried and slightly embarrassed as his parents are directly across from you two.

"Honey, there's the Kims, we should go and say hi," his mom said, tapping his dad's arm and they immediately went over to the other table after excusing themselves for one second.

As quickly as they left, Seonghwa snapped his head to you in a panicked state, "quick, take off your panties!" he said in a hurried tone. You widened your eyes at him and stared at him as if he was crazy. But he kept urging you with a panicked voice, ultimately rendering you panicked as well. Nevertheless, you did as told and slyly slip your panties off and lift them with your legs to capture them but Seonghwa beat you to the punch as he took the panties and stashed them in his pockets. Just in time as his parents return to the table. Seonghwa sent you an inconspicuous wink and that was when you realized that he has a plan.

The first time he made a move was when you were taking a sip of your water. He let his finger roamed up and slip easily to your folds, almost making you choke.

"Oh gosh, dear, are you alright?" his mom asked you. You wanted to answer but you were still coughing slightly. Seonghwa took this as an opportunity. He used his perfect-boyfriend act when he pulled your hair out of your face and dab his napkin around your mouth, perfectly covering his other hand that managed to slip deep into your hole, almost making you choke again.

First strike.

His next move was when he was seemingly very much absorbed in a conversation about business with his parents, leaving you out of the conversation but still paying attention to you. Though his hand was still under your skirt, it remained stagnant and still.

But out of nowhere, as he talked about acquisition and mergers, his fingers pinched your clit rather harshly. You jolted up in surprise as your legs clamped shut, trapping Seonghwa's hand inside.

Again, his mom asked whether or not you were okay, and you tried your best to convinced her that you are despite Seonghwa's fingers' constant teasing. When Seonghwa turned around to look at you, you saw the smug smirk on his face and by God you never wanted to smack someone more.

Second strike.

The last strike was when you all were having dessert and Seonghwa pretended to have dropped his fork. You were on edge since he had taken his hand out for a while and the slick in your pussy had started to bother you.

He ducked down under the table just as you shifted the position of your legs. He saw his, literal, opening and slotted his face between your legs and licked a stripe up your pussy. Thank God for the table cloth or else you both would've been kicked out of the restaurant for sure.

You let out a sharp squeak which was thankfully held back a little because you had your mouth close.

Just as quickly as you reacted to him, Seonghwa also quickly returned to his position, playing the act of a perfect, doting boyfriend. "Baby, you okay? You don't look well," he made a fuss by pressing the back of his hand to your forehead and cheeks which were red because you've been blushing out of embarrassment and arousal.

"You know what, Seonghwa, sweetie, you should really take (Y/N) here home, take care of her, alright?" his mom said.

You smiled sheepishly at her and also to Seonghwa's dad, "I'm so sorry I had to cut things short," you told them. Seonghwa's mom laughed wholeheartedly at you as she waved her hands around, "it's no problem at all, darling. Besides, we're going to meet each other again soon, I'm going to make sure Seonghwa bring you to family dinner, okay?" she smiled warmly at you. Even his dad managed to look up at you and smiled genuinely.

After bidding your goodbyes to both of them, Seonghwa took your hand in his and immediately ran out to get his car from the valet. As you both waited, you grip on the lapel of his blazer and tugged him close to you, "how fucking dare you," you muttered lowly.

Seonghwa smirked and brushed his lips against the skin of your cheek, "can't help it baby, you looked so damn good and knowing I prettied you up made me... hungry," he growled. His lips moved to your ear to inconspicuously nibble on your earlobe, "who's your daddy?"

Your legs almost wobbled at that. If Seonghwa hadn't had his arm around you, you sure would've dropped to the ground and let him take you then and there.

But thankfully the car came right at that moment and to say you bolted yourself into the car.

Once Seonghwa got onto the driver's seat, he gripped onto your arm and stared at you intently, "you are not to touch yourself, you got me?" he stated. You stammered, you wanted to protest but he only stared at you, unmoving.

You jutted your lips and crossed your arms in protest, staring forward in disappointment. Much to your surprise, Seonghwa smacked your thigh hard enough to make it red, "I said, you got me?" he stressed each word, indicating that he needed verbal confirmation from you. "y-yes, I understand, I won't touch myself," you whimpered.

Satisfied, Seonghwa rubbed the reddened spot on your thigh and began driving.

Whilst Seonghwa was focused on driving, an idea popped into your head. A quite dangerous one at that. But you really wanted to get back at him for playing with you in front of his parents. You didn't know what made you decide on going forth, but you were sure your horniness had a large play.

Quickly getting yourself to work, you had somehow managed to unzip Seonghwa's pants and whip his hardening dick out. You licked your lips at the sight, your hand began stroking him as the other settled on his thigh in order to stabilize yourself.

"What are you-" Seonghwa's words were cut off with his own moan as you delved down to take his dick deep in your mouth. Hearing him moaned out only egged you to go on further.

You deepthroated Seonghwa as best as you could, sucking him whilst letting your hand play with his balls.

"B-baby, you ca-an't do this," he said through gritted teeth. You peered up only to see his eyes glued to the road, but his hands were gripping onto the steering wheel so tightly, his knuckles turned white. You took him out of your mouth to pump him in with your hand instead, you rested your head on his thighs and looked up to him with a pout on your face, "you said I couldn't play with myself, well I'm not! I'm playing with you, you and your pretty cock," you proceeded to lick along the vein of his dick.

Seonghwa groaned as his resolve started to wither away. Even whilst preoccupied with Seonghwa's dick, you could feel that he was speeding to go back.

With every suck or pump, Seonghwa's dick hardened and along with that, his need to cum. It was a gamble, sure, but you couldn't help yourself. It was a sudden automatic urge to tease Seonghwa. Maybe you could blame it on hanging out with Wooyoung too much.

You continued bobbing your head on Seonghwa's cock as quickly as you can. You started something and you wanted to make sure that you're going to finish. And by finish you meant him cumming down your throat.

Due to being so focused on Seonghwa's dick, you hadn't realized that you both had arrived at the frat. The car came to a full stop in front of the frat and was put in park.

Just as you were about to release Seonghwa from your mouth, Seonghwa held your neck and groaned, "you best keep your head there until I cum so deep down your throat that you'd choke," he ordered.

You happily obliged and returned to work him. Seonghwa's demand to make him cum only encourage you. You'd bob your head on him, fondle his balls, graze your teeth against his tip, and squeeze his dick. It proved to be very effective as Seonghwa threw his head back and began to thrust his own hips up to your mouth, wanting more.

His lips began calling out your name in moans. You could imagine his eyes screwed shut as he desperately chased his release.

It wasn't until two, three more deepthroating that he came in your mouth. You could feel his dick twitched in your mouth as his warm cum trickle down your throat. The feeling made you moan and the vibration of your voice shot up from his dick to his spine, making him shudder.

You managed to swallow all of him clean, not leaving a single drop out. After you detached yourself from his dick, you could feel that he was about to pull you in for a kiss. But you expertly evaded him and dart out of his car into the frat instead.

"Hey- wait!" Seonghwa called out, cursing and immediately shoving his dick back into the pants and lock the car to follow after you.

When you walked into the frat, you ran past San and Jongho who were on the couch, watching something on the tv. You ran straight to the staircase and aim for Seonghwa and Hongjoong's bedroom.

Maybe it was because you weren't exactly running away from him, or maybe he was really just that fast, but he caught up to you mid-step and heave you up onto his shoulder wordlessly. He sent a spank onto your ass, making you yelp loudly. The sound of your voice didn't break his focus as he immediately entered your room.

As soon as he put you down on the floor, he gripped onto your chin and kissed you roughly.

"Strip naked for me," he said against your lips before letting you go. The serious tone in his voice made you hurriedly tug all of your clothes off and simply shove them to the side somewhere.

When you finally looked up, you saw Seonghwa on your bed, naked with his cock in his hand. He motioned for you to come to him with one hand while his other one was sliding up and down his slick shaft. The sight was so arousing, you could've sworn your juice leaked out of you.

"Ride me," he ordered as soon as you arrived next to the bed. You immediately obliged, throwing a leg over him and immediately slip his dick inside your pussy. Both of you moaned loudly when you felt how he filled you up and he felt how warm you are.

"Fucking move baby, I need you so bad," Seonghwa moaned out. His hips rolled up against yours and immediately you took the hint. You anchored yourself on his chest and began thrusting yourself up and down his dick. You threw your head back at the feeling and let out a long moan.

Not wanting you to work by yourself, Seonghwa gripped your hips and began meeting your thrusts. The sudden powerful hit from his hips made your arms weak and you almost toppled over onto his body.

"H-Hwa, you feel so good," you moaned out, moving your hips faster on him. Seonghwa reached a hand up to your breast and began squeezing and playing with your nipple, adding to the pleasure even more. "You feel even better, baby," he said, tongue licking his bottom lip.

The sight of his tongue was enough to drove you almost mad. You leaned forward and crash your lips to his, locking you both in a desperate kiss all the while your hips move as quickly as it could, not minding the fact that you might be sore tomorrow. Tonight, you only thought about Seonghwa fucking you.

Both of you moved in tandem with each other. Seonghwa held you as close as he could, a hand wrapped around your waist and another grabbing onto your ass, squeezing the flesh hard. Meanwhile, you were busy exploring Seonghwa's mouth with your tongue, his own tongue would even fight you for dominance.

Maybe it was because Seonghwa had been teasing you all through dinner, but you felt yourself so close to the edge. Your pussy clenched on his dick, signalling him of your impending climax.

As if to tell you to cum, Seonghwa planted his feet on your bed and began thrusting at a pace much quicker than yours. Because you were on top of him, you could feel him thrusting deep in you, rubbing onto your sweet spot continuously until you froze and came on top of him. His lips prevented you from moaning too loud which was a shame but you couldn't really protest.

It took Seonghwa a couple more thrust into your clenching pussy before he completely emptied himself in you. Both of your cum mixing and trailing down your thighs onto his and even dropping onto the bed.

The once ferocious kiss changed to a romantic one as Seonghwa nibbled onto your bottom lip sweetly. You could feel him smile against your own lips.

"You did great, baby," he said, letting your body drop down fully on top of him. When he was about to slip out of you, you whined in protest and hugged him tightly like a koala. Seonghwa chuckled at your adorableness, he carded a hand through your hair sweetly and peck your forehead, "we gotta clean up, baby, you've got cum in you and everywhere else," he said.

You whined and buried your face onto the crook of his neck in protest, "do that tomorrow, I like having you inside me," you pouted. Though his instinct told him to remove you and clean up, he couldn't say no to you. He knew he has no power if it comes to anything concerning you.

So he defeatedly sighed and somehow covered both of your bodies with your blanket. He made sure that you were in a comfortable position before closing his own eyes to get some rest.

The last thing you heard was him telling you goodnight and then a soft peck landed on your forehead before you drifted off to dreamland.

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322 notes · View notes

nightwishesworld · 3 years

Text

Food Poisoning

What’s that? I should be working on the 12+ asks in my inbox instead of doing my own stuff??? Whoopsie

In all fairness I’m not super proud of this anyway, so I guess it balances itself out

“It must have been quite the night for Daniela to be sleeping in this late,” you say over your morning coffee.

“Was it?” Cassandra, ever the lady, asked while a mouthful of breakfast. “I didn’t realize she went out to hunt.”

Bela nodded as she sipped her tea. “She looked a little worse for wear after dinner, don’t you think, Mother?”

“I noticed that as well, yes. I hope she’s not falling ill.”

“Wait, can vampires even get sick?”

“Not if they’re careful enough. But in short, yes, my dear, it is very possible. If our food is less than healthy when ingested we will get sick. Nothing major, rather similar to food poisoning in fact.”

“Ok, well should we go check your stocks? Maybe she ate something rancid.”

Alcina shook her head. “I’m sure she’s fine, y/n. It’s probably just one of those days for her. Besides, if she were ill that means all of us would be as well, and I don’t know about you girls, but I feel perfectly fine this morning.”

Both Cassandra and Bela nodded along.

“Unless she ate that weird guy she abducted from the bar. Maybe he wasn’t just drunk? He could have been sick. Also, I hate how blasé I’ve become to you guys eating people. You’ve officially numbed me.”

Alcina rolled her eyes at your dramatics while the girls giggled. “What are the odds of that, though? Consuming the only subject in the entire basement that hasn’t been thoroughly tested.”

You share a look with Bela and Cassandra. “You remember who we’re talking about, right Alcina?”

She exhales slowly, blowing tiny ripples on the surface of her wine. “Goddammit, I suppose I should go check on her.”

You already stood from your seat. “No, no you just sat down; I’ll go. What are the odds, anyway? Daniela is smarter than that.”

It was a short walk to Daniela’s chambers once you made it upstairs. You know you’re going to find her ill in bed, you just know it. The thrill of the kill makes her reckless even in the best of times. You know for a fact she devoured that weird old man the very night she dragged him home. Now your only hope is she’s not cursed with anything more than a stomach ache.

The putrid smell of stomach acid reeked even outside Daniela’s closed door. On instinct you wanted to rush in there and help her, but who’s to say she isn’t asleep? The smell could have been from last night and she was just too exhausted to clean it up before passing out. Not that that made you feel any better. Poor Daniela sicker than a dog all by herself with no one to hold her hair up or rub her back.

You steadied yourself enough to knock a couple of times before opening the door a crack. Just enough to be able to peek through.

“Daniela?” No answer.

It doesn’t look like she’s in bed either. Then you heard the retching. You wasted no time rushing in to find her hunched over a wastebasket on the floor. You gathered her hair away from her face, kneeled down next to her, and tried desperately to ignore the smell. The last thing needed is both of you throwing up.

“Are you alright, darling?”

It was a stupid question, but the words left your mouth before you could censor yourself. That didn’t stop the redhead from glaring up at you. Her eyes were glossy and red, probably from lack of sleep.

You waited a few minutes while her breathing steadied before letting go of her. “Will you be ok while I go get your mother?”

She gave a single nod.

You rush out of the room and head for the stairs. You consider rushing down and risk tripping over yourself but ultimately decide to tell for her.

“ALCINA!”

She was heading up the stairs almost immediately after you called like she was waiting for you to do so. “She’s retching on the floor.” Alcina sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I was really hoping you were wrong.” “Me too. What should we do?” Alcina opened the door to her daughter’s bedroom and immediately rushed to her side. “My poor darling, what happened?” All Daniela could bring herself to do was shake her head. Alcina kissed her temple. “I think that old drunk expired and no one told him.” That got a smile on Daniela’s lips. Alcina proceeded to wipe the dribbles of bile off her daughter’s lips with her dress. You entered the room but kept your distance from the pair. Both because you wanted to give them space and because the smell was making you nauseous. If it's making you feel sick then you can't imagine how crummy Daniela is feeling. "Why don't you bring her to our room and I'll clean this mess up."

"Don't worry about that, y/n. I'll deal with it later. Right now I need you to go tell Bela and Cassandra to ready themselves for a trip down to the village. I need the old witch to brew a few tonics for Daniela." You nodded quickly and start hurrying out of the room. "Make sure Bela brings her glass vials!"

The girls departed for the village with haste. They said it's been decades since any of them fell ill and any herbs or tonics they had laying around the castle would have lost their effect years ago. You panicked a bit when Cassandra asked what she should be asking the witch for cause you had absolutely no idea. Before you gave yourself a panic attack trig to figure it out, Bela reassured you she knew what to do. Some items could only be obtained from the witch's hut, which is where Cassandra was being sent, while others could be purchased in the village shops.

As soon as you saw them off you busied yourself with cleaning Daniela's room. It took a while, way longer than it should have, but it got done and that's all that matters. The smell was putrid enough standing in the doorway so being right in the middle of it made you really nauseous. Scrubbing the smell out of the wooden floorboards took up most of your morning, but making Daniela happy and comfortable was well worth the effort.

You rewarded yourself with a hot shower for your valiancy though. After you freshened up you found everyone curled up together in the library. Daniela was laying on her back, with her head resting on her mother's lap as she read a book. Bela was curled up in a ball next to Alcina while Cassandra laid stretched out on the floor with her chin resting on Alcina's knee. It was probably the cutest thing you've ever seen. Not wanting to ruin such a wholesome family interaction you quietly exited the library before any of them noticed you were there.

The next few days passed like this. Alcina was driving herself to exhaustion making sure Daniela was as comfortable as possible and you did the same to her in turn. The easiest way to get the matriarch to relax was by giving her a back massage. You straddled her bare back and slowly kneaded away at her aching muscles. Her occasional sounds of pleasure encourage your ministrations.

"How can one woman have so many knots?"

"I don't know; stress, work, lack of sleep, posture?"

You laugh. "Wasn't actually looking for an answer, Al. And don't try to tell me you haven't been sleeping. I haven't been sleeping because your snoring keeps waking me up."

Alcina turned to give you a look of disgust. "I do not snore."

"You do when you're stressed. Weirdest thing, by the way."

She opened her mouth to respond but only let out a pained hiss as you moved down to her shoulder blades.

"Too much?"

"No, just sore. You can keep going."

"Yeah, I can see that. I'm just trying to get your muscles to relax, nothing crazy."

Alcina sighs and relaxes back into the pillows.

"I'm gonna start going a little harder, ok? It's getting better, but try to not hold your breath if you can help it."

Alcina lets out a long exhale in submission. She hadn't even realized she was holding it in. The way you were moving your hands down her body made her cry out in a mixture of pain and pleasure.

"Sorry, Love."

"Don't worry about it, just keep going."

A comfortable silence passes between the two of you. Your mind wanders back to Daniela. It was surreal to see her moping around the castle.

"Do you think Daniela would like a backrub? I heard her say her body aches earlier."

"That's sweet though, my love, but let's just leave her be for now. I think she finally succumbed to the tonics."

"Ah, I understand. Is she feeling any better?"

Alcina shakes her head into the pillow. "Not yet, but the tonics are helping keep her stomach calm."

You feel the weight of an anvil release from your chest. "Thank the gods, I really don't want to clean up any more sick."

"No one told you to in the first place."

"I know. I just thought she would want to be comfy in her own room."

"I appreciate everything you're doing for her, y/n. Daniela does too, she's just not great at vocalizing it."

"She doesn't have to. I'll gladly take care of my family."

One night you come home from the village really late at night and come home to find Daniela snuggling with Alcina in bed. It’s the sweetest sight.

Alcina’s got an arm wrapped around Daniela’s middle, holding her close but not suffocatingly so. Daniela’s head is tucked under her mother’s chin, face buried in her neck.

You take in the sight before moving to give Alcina a kiss on the cheek (you would Daniela too but don’t want to wake her. She needs all the sleep she can get.) and move to leave for a guest bedroom just down the hall.

Alcina stirs and you apologize for waking her.

“I was only dozing,” she whispers.

“I’m sorry I’m so late. Mihaela was accepting drinks left and right, I had to make sure she got home safe.”

“How noble of you.” Alcina lets out a lion’s yawn.

“Go back to bed, Love. I’ll check on you both in the morning.”

“Daniela was waiting for you to come back, but fell asleep.” Alcina turned her attention back to her youngest daughter and kissed her sweaty temple.

“She feeling any better?”

“Her fever did go down a bit, so we’re on the road to recovery. A slow and winding road, but going in the right direction nonetheless.”

You sigh in relief. “Thank god. She was starting to really scare me. Do you think we should call that old bat up here to take a look at her? What if she doesn’t get better soon, then what?”

“But she is, darling. I just told you her fever is down. She still has a little bit of a fever, but progress is progress. In a few day's time, she will be much better.”

“You’re probably right,” you lean over Alcina and brush loose strands of hair out of Daniela’s face. “I just wish I could do more. I’d rather it be me instead of poor Daniela.”

“I’d rather it be neither of you,” Alcina mumbled.

“It’s just so scary to see her like this; so vulnerable and weak...”

“I’m not weak.” A groggy mumbling came from Alcina’s chest.

“Hey, Daniela, how are you feeling? Any better?”

The redhead nodded into her mother’s neck. “A little.”

“Good,” you smile. “You go back to sleep now, ok? I’ll come to check on you in the morning.”

“Wher’re you goin?”

“I’m gonna go sleep in a guest room so you can be with your mother.”

The hand wrapped around Alcina’s waist comes to grab your wrist. She said something but you couldn’t make it out. All you heard was muffled groaning.

“Don’t worry, Dani. This way you can have the whole side of the bed to yourself. I’ll come to check on you in the morning.”

She didn’t let go.

“Don’t you wanna be alone with your mother? I really don’t mind, Daniela, honestly.”

Daniela buried herself deeper under the covers. “You don’t understand. I-I want...both.”

“Both what?”

Daniela didn’t say anything. She only cuddled into Alcina’s chest.

Oh....OH!

You clamped a hand down on Alcina’s arm, unknowingly digging your nails into her skin.

“Are...are you sure, Dani?”

The redhead nodded into her mother, who then answered for her.

Your stomach fluttered with the wings of a thousand butterflies. Daniela never referred to you as a parental figure before, let alone call you her mother. “Alright then. If you’re sure that’s what you want.” You move to your side of the bed and crawled in, careful not to press against her too much.

Daniela lets put an irritated groan and reaches behind her to grab your arm and wrap it around herself. Yanking you against her along the way. She must be really sick. Since when did Daniela Dimitrescu demand cuddles? Especially from you. The only thing she ever demanded of you was to help her sharpen weapons or make up with Alcina after an argument.

She wriggled away from Alcina just enough to feel you behind her. She was still sandwiched pretty tight between the two of you, but if this is what she wants you aren’t complaining. She brought your hand up towards her chest so as to keep it away from her cramping stomach.

Her head was tucked in under your chin because you didn't want to breathe all over the back of her neck. Daniela was beyond glad you were still holding onto her, even though she would never say it out loud.

You made sure to tell her you would let go of her if cuddling got too hot, or cold, or stifling for her. The redhead groaned a response and nodded into Alcina’s chest.

Rather than having your arms wrapped around her, (that implied a certain amount of pressure) your arm was laying over her side and bent to her form without any sort of pressure so Daniela wouldn't feel trapped or constricted. Really more draped over her than wrapped around her.

But she was holding onto your forearm tight to keep you there even if she shifted somewhat frequently because she wanted you to stay.

“I’m sorry you have to feel like this, Daniela. I hope you start to feel better.” You threw caution to the wind and kissed the top of her head. To your surprise, Daniela cuddled further into you. It absolutely melted you.

You pepper her head with kisses. “My poor darling. I wish I could make it all go away.”

Alcina smiles warmly at the display as she repositions herself comfortably against the pillows. She leans forward to kiss the top of Daniela's head. "Promise me you'll wake us if you need anything?"

Daniela nods into her chest.

"Or if you can't fall asleep," you add.

Alcina leaned forward to kiss you goodnight, accidentally smothering her daughter in her chest. "Goodnight, my loves. Sleep well."

#lady dimitrescu x reader #tall vampire lady #daniela dimitrescu #bela dimitrescu #cassandra dimitrescu #alcina dimitrescu #resident evil village #resident evil 8

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julemmaes · 3 years

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Payback

Rowaelin Month, Day Five

A/N: Yall I'm dying. I didn't even wanna write today and I kinda forced myself to and I'm not proud of myself for this but I just wanted you to have something so yep. Tomorrow's will be a lot angstier and sadder than this one, so soak up the very light fluff I'm giving you till you can

Signing off, goodnight yall

Word count: 3,614

Aelin hated the underground car park reserved for the residents of her building. It was dark, so narrow that you had to do at least a hundred swerves to avoid taking any corner and scratching off half your car, and it was impossible to find a spot when everyone came home in the evening after hours and hours in the office and parked as they saw fit while still thinking about the thousands of pieces of paperwork that would be waiting for them at their desks only nine hours later, sometimes taking up more than two spots at once.

The only reason she still tried to park down there was that there was a flock of pigeons in the trees just outside their block of flats, on the main road, which had made a nasty habit of shitting on anything - or anyone, on some unpleasant occasion - that stopped for more than five minutes under the thick branches. A perfect hiding place for birds, that no one had thought to warn her about when she had moved in only a few months earlier.

She had deemed herself lucky the night before, when she had returned before anyone else and found the lot completely empty. She'd been so happy that she'd driven around a bit down there just for the hell of it. She'd pulled up next to the exit, thinking it would be easier to get out the next morning.

She hadn't anticipated the three assholes who had parked so as to block her path in every conceivable way.

She grunted, banging her fist against the steering wheel when she realised she still wasn't clear, and put the car into reverse for the twelfth time, before changing gear and driving three inches forward. And so on, and on, and on, until she managed to steer the face of the car towards the exit and let out a satisfied howl.

She started up the slope towards the road, taking her eyes off the driveway and distracting herself for a moment to choose which radio to listen to, when the car hit something and the dull sound of the bang echoed throughout her body, propelling her forward.

Aelin squealed, hitting the brakes hard enough to cause a high-pitched squeal, and soon the smell of burnt plastic filled her nostrils.

The car shut off and she pulled the handbrake vehemently, getting out of the car and trying to figure out which wall she had hit, already cursing every deity that had ever existed. She didn't have enough money to afford a repair, and she knew perfectly well that the dent would be there for months before she let any of her friends help her.

She wrinkled her brow, noticing how no side of the car was touching walls or columns.

"What the..."

And then she heard it, a grunt of pain.

She opened her eyes wide, running around the car and finding a man on the ground.

To the view of a head full of stark white hair, the fear she’d just ran over one of the oldies that lived on her floor stuck her. But then the person got up on their elbows and she let go of a sigh of relief.

But still, she had just runapartment someone over. She hurried his way.

"Oh, fuck." said Aelin, approaching the stranger. The man pulled himself up to sit, bringing a hand to his face, on his cheek, where a cut was bleeding profusely on his shirt.

"Holy shit." muttered the guy, looking up at her, "That hurt."

Aelin was frozen in time, her hands to her gaping mouth, looking for the right words.

When he tried to stand, swaying a little, she pushed through the fog in her mind and truly looked at him, searching other injuries, but not failing to notice his sheer handsomeness.

The man looked like he’d been made in heaven.

She shook her head, mentally reprimanding herself – now was not the time – and started talking.

“I’m so so so sorry. I didn’t see you there and- oh god, you’re bleeding. You need me to rush you to the hospital? Fuck, you think you broke something?” the words just kept flowing and flowing. “Where were you even going? Why didn’t you just got out of the main entrance? This fucking parking lot. I swear we have to call the landlord and have him put some lights down here. Your shirt,” she grimaced, eyeing the blood standing out on the white fabric. Aelin looked him in the eye, “I have a very similar one upstairs? You want me to go fetch it for you, I could-”

“Jesus Christ!” he yelled, putting his hands in between them, forcing her to step back, “Shut the fuck up!”

Aelin’s mouth closed shut and her eyebrows raised so high she felt her skin pull on her temples. She crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes popping out.

This man. Sure, she’d just ran him over, but no one had ever talked to her like that.

“I’m fine.” he grumbled, “And I live in this building, I’ll go take my own shirt, thank you.” He took a deep breath, brushing off his trousers and bending to gather his stuff that had scattered around during his fall. When he lifted his head again, he gave her a tight smile and his piercing green eyes stared at her with an intensity that had Aelin’s toes curling in her shoes.

“Have a nice day.”

He then proceeded to walk away, leaving Aelin alone in the darkish driveway.

She looked around, hoping to see someone who could confirm that it had just been a figment of her imagination, but there was no one.

Getting back in her car, Aelin started the engine and drove up to the street, chewing on her lips, “What the fuck just happened?”

***

Aelin had thought all day about the mysterious man. She hadn’t been able to focus during her meetings and hadn’t even finished one of her projects. Something that she sure as fuck knew her boss would make her notice and work her ass off to make up for once word got to him.

Her day had started off so bad she knew it couldn’t get any worse, but she’d been wrong.

Her assistant had spilled coffee over her only finished drawing and herself. One of her coworkers had decided today was the perfect day to quit her job and pile her projects on Aelin’s desk. Then she’d gone out for lunch with some of her friends and it had started raining so heavily she’d been forced to stay in the office, only eye-eating the mouth-watering dishes her friends had posted on their instagram stories. They’d made it to the diner just before the sky cracked open.

And, the cherry on top, someone had keyed her car.

She’d been on the verge of tears when she’d spotted the red stains of her neighbor’s blood on the parking lot floor when she got back home, but she didn’t let any fall.

She had a date.

And she wouldn’t let all these little things get to her and ruin what could possibly be the best night of her life.

One of her life-long best friends had set her up on a blind date with one of her boyfriend’s best friends. She’d promised the man was the perfect match, someone Elide thought would keep her on her toes and match her overflowing personality.

Aelin had been hesitant at first when Elide hadn’t wanted to give her a name, or show her a picture, claiming she’d go all FBI style on him and ruin their first meeting, but she’d also promised Aelin she’d met the guy a few times and he’d been nothing but a gentleman.

And she had heard so much of him she felt like she’d known him her whole life.

Some of the things Elide had told her, she’d liked better if she’d found directly from him, but Aelin was a picky woman and she wasn’t risking another date with a creeper.

She pulled up in the restaurant’s parking lot where Elide had reserved the four of them a table and turned off her car, clutching the wheel. She took a deep breath. And another.

She was still a little worked up and all the pent-up emotions of the day were threatening to spill over the surface any minute, but she could make it past dinner and then have her little monthly breakdown in the peace and quiet of her apartment.

She fixed her lipstick, tightened up her ponytail and let two strands of hair cascade on the side of her face. She blew herself a kiss in the mirror, “You can do it.” she whispered as a short pet talk.

She got off the car, pulled out her phone to check if Elide was already inside and she was so focused on the screen she failed to notice someone backing up right in front of her until it was too late.

The car only bumped into her hip, but it was enough to make her lose her balance.

Aelin merely had time to register what was happening that she found herself lying in a puddle of rain and mud. She closed her eyes at the dull pain on the back of her head, but she knew for a fact the hit hadn’t been that bad.

She lifted her arms up, looking down at the wet spots on her dress, darkening by the second. Her seventy euros purse soaking up the water all around her.

The tension behind her eyes just increased when she heard the driver’s door open and someone step out of the car. She couldn’t have stopped the sobs even if she wanted to.

“Miss? Oh god, I’m so sorry. Are you alright?”

Strong arms circled her waist and pulled her up in a standing position. She brought her hands to her face, her body now racked by her crying as she tried to get a handle of herself.

“Miss?” the voice called again, now nearer. “Are you hurt? I didn’t-” the man talking stopped suddenly and Aelin looked up, not seeing anything through the tears. “You.”

And then it hit her.

That voice.

She knew that voice.

She ran her hand over her face, rubbing her eyes and staring right back at the man she had ran over that same morning.

Her mouth fell open.

He was looking at her with an amused expression and Aelin couldn’t find the words once again.

What was it with this man and his ability to take her ability to talk by just showing up?

He had a transparent band-aid on his cheek, his cut far less severe than she had thought, and his eyes were glistening with mirth. He was wearing a simple black pair of jeans and a dark green t-shirt, but he was even more handsome than in his work clothes.

Aelin was taking rushed, trembling breaths, and she was about to kill this man with her bare hands. Shred his skin off his bones and have him beg-

“I guess we’re even now, uh?”

His attempt of a joke flew over her head and she charged at him, a scream lodged in her throat.

His eyes widened and he took a step back when she flung her arm at him, trying to hit him. His hands closed around her wrists, blocking her from causing him more harm that she’d already done.

“You asshole!” she was screaming at the top of her lungs. “You ruined my dress!”

Aelin lifted a leg, more than convinced to kneel his balls, but he managed to block her blow again, infuriating her even more.

“I was about to meet the love of my life and ruined my fucking dress!”

He tried to push her away from him, still squeezing her wrists, and his brow furrowed.

“He’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. He’s a pediatrician! He loves children! And he has a cute fucking dog my friend said I would love and cuddle the shit out of! Her name is Fleetfoot and she’s a golden retriever and Elide knows I fucking love goldens. And he’s from Orynth, just. Like. Me!” she got louder and louder with every word she spit out. “And he’s tall, and handsome and he’s the perfect match! And I deserved this one night!”

The man was now looking at her with a dumbfounded expression, his hold slightly loosening.

“I’m so done with this dating thing and I’d finally found him and you!” she shoved a finger in his chest, making him retreat a few steps. “You wanted your payback so bad you ran me over with your car!

“And now he’s gonna take one look at me and think I’m a fucking psycho! I bet my hair are the most disgusting thing he’s ever seen and my make up. Oh fuck, I must look like a panda.” Aelin started crying harder, laying her hands flat on the man’s torso, pushing her head to his chest. “I look like a fucking panda.”

She tried to speak again but her mind just couldn’t form any coherent thought, until she felt the man’s arms closing around her shoulders. He stepped closer, running his hand up and down her back, whispering something she couldn’t really hear over her crying.

Aelin didn’t know how much time she spent in the stranger’s embrace, but when the gravity of the scene she’d just made in front of him downed on her, she felt her body flare up in embarrassment.

That was her life now?

Having mental breakdowns in a dark parking lot after someone she’d ran over with her car had returned the gesture and then making them console her?

She detached herself from the man and for a second she thought she’d felt him hesitate before he took a step back. And another, leaving her standing her in her soaking wet dress and her puffy, surely-red eyes. He bent down, picking up her purse and handing it to her.

She lowered her gaze, not even daring looking at his shoes and closed her eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

The man made a sound of surprise, “Why would you be sorry?”

Aelin wished she could die on the spot. Evaporate out of existence.

“For hitting you. Or at least trying. And crying all over you.” she said and then grimaced. She ran a hand over her face. “I just had a very hard day and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to come, but this guy seriously seems like he could be the missing piece to whatever the fuck my puzzle-life is. I didn’t want to take a raincheck and have him thinking I’m not serious about this.”

A beat of silence, “I’m sure he would have understood.”

She shook her head, keeping on talking as if he hadn’t even been there, “And now I can’t go in like this.” she passed her hands on her dress, the tears building up again in her eyes. “Plus, Elide didn’t tell me what he looks like, cause she thinks he’s a real snack and wanted to see my face when I saw him for the first time.” she was bordering on pouting, “That means he’s gotta be smoking hot or I’ll be so pissed at her.”

The man snorted loudly, “A snack.” he hummed, “Maybe I should meet your friend and thank her.”

Aelin’s head snapped up, “Oh no, she’s taken.” she shook her head vehemently, “Like so freaking taken. I swear she and her boyfriend have been together for a whole of three months and they already act like a married couple.”

He nodded, a lopsided smile on his face, “I know the kind.”

She’d been so absorbed by her talking that she hadn’t noticed she’d stopped crying.

She breathed through her nose and clasped her hands together, before reaching one out towards him, “I think introductions are needed. I’m Aelin.” she offered a tentative smile.

His hand engulfed hers, shaking it with impressive gentleness. His smile grew even larger if possible and Aelin was starting to think she was about to het murdered.

But then he said his name and the world ceased existing around them.

Their hands still moving up and down between them.

She tilted her head forward, “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?”

He licked his lower lip, “I’m Rowan.”

Aelin closed her eyes, holding her breath.

She squeezed his hand before releasing it. She took a step back, wishing for the ground beneath her feet to crack open and just eat her whole.

“I’m gonna go kill myself now, if you’ll excuse me.”

His laugh reached her ears with painful speed.

Rowan.

She couldn’t believe it.

Well, she could. The man laughing his heart out at her expense was probably the most handsome person she’d ever seen in her entire life.

At least Elide hadn’t lied about that.

“A tad dramatic, if you ask me,” he said as his laugh died down. He pointed at the restaurant behind him, “You want me to go fetch the married couple so we can go back at the appartment and you can change? I’m not against you walking in there with this outfit at all,” he gave a pointed look, matched by a shit-eating grin that seemed to be etched in his lips, “I’m not gonna think you’re a psycho, not for this at least, and I’m ready to fight everyone who looks at you the wrong way. But you look like you could use the comfort of a warm house.”

Aelin looked up at him with a questioning look, trying to understand if this man she’d just tried to maul was seriously offering her options, letting her choose after everything that had gone down so far between the two of them. As if still giving her a chance.

Rowan arched a brow, looking around and glancing back at her, “Aelin?”

Oh, fuck.

She had been oh so not ready o hear her name from his lips.

She nodded and he smiled, leaning down a bit.

She could smell his cologne from here.

“Yes to what? Me calling Lorcan and Elide or getting inside even if you dripping wet?”

Holy fucking shit, this man shouldn’t have been allowed to say the words dripping wet.

She stilled herself.

What the hell was she thinking? She brought her hands to her face, “Please call them and let’s head home. I’m so fucking tired.” a yawn broke her sentence, as to prove her words, “And I’m freezing in this skimpy dress.”

Rowan rushed to her side, “Oh, god, sorry for not offering sooner, here,” he opened the trunk of his car and pulled out a huge blue sweater. Without even waiting for an answer he snatched her purse from her hands and shoved her head in his sweater.

Aelin felt better right away and gave him a big smile.

Rowan answered with one of his own and of course he had to be this perfect and more.

“I’m sorry for ruining your dress, I’ll make sure they wash it carefully when I take it to the laundry. If you’d let me.”

She nodded faintly, exhaling the panty-dropping smell of his sweater.

“And I’m hoping to see you wear it again once we finally get to go on a proper date.” he smirked, “I bet you looked amazing before I went and ran you over.”

Aelin chuckled, shaking her head, “You truly are a gentleman. Elide wasn’t exaggerating.”

Rowan’s demeanor changed completely and Aelin feared she’d said something wrong, but he averted his gaze as if he was embarassed.

“I’m sorry for this morning,” he said. Aelin almost tripped on her feet. He was sorry? “I shouldn’t have talked to you like that but I was just coming back from the hospital and Elide was right saying I work with kids, but I’m not a pediatrician, I’m a pediatric surgeon.”

His gaze grew dark as he looked over her shoulder, avoiding meeting her eyes at all costs.

“Yesterday night we lost a eight years old and I wasn’t really there when you hit me with your car. I didn’t mean to yell at you like I did, it was just-”

Rowan couldn’t finish his sentence that Aelin lunged for him, hugging him as tight as he’d held her a few minutes before, hoping she could relieve some of the pain that was surely clutching his heart. She felt him sag in her arms and hold her in turn.

She was glad she could offer some kind of support.

“It must be hard.” she whispered against his chest.

Rowan nodded, hitting her head with his chin, “It is, but it’s part of the job. The only way you can live with something like that in your baggage is knowing you did everything you could to save them.”

Aelin could feel the emotion lacing his every word and tightened her arms for a moment before freeing him of her embrace. He silently thanked her and told her he’d be right back with their friends.

The second he was gone she realized she couldn’t wait for when he’d be back and they could keep talking.

She’d never felt this way before. Not this fast at least.

Sure, she had loved all her exes, but this. This was different.

There was something there, a connection.

And while he walked back to her, Lorcan and Elide in tow, a bright smile on his handsome face, she couldn’t help but think she was ready to find out all about it.

tog tag list (if you wanna be added or removed just dm me or send me an ask)

@maastrash @ireallyshouldsleeprn @sleeping-and-books @hellasblessed @thegoddessofyou @ghostlyrose2 @claralady @sayosdreams @perseusannabeth @letstakethedawn @terrible-and-proud @post-it-notes33 @booksstorm @nalgenewhore @queen-of-demons-and-hell @lanyjoy-13 @vasudharaghavan @cupcakey00 @bri-loves-sunflowers @queen-of-glass @thewayshedreamed @the-regal-warrior @fangirlprincess09 @januarystears @rowaelinismyotp @starbornsinger @bookstantrash @thegreyj @feysand-loml @autumnbabylon @a-court-of-milkandhoney @highqueenofelfhame @story-scribbler @mariamuses

#rowaelinmonth #rowaelin #rowan whitethorn #aelin galathynius #rowaelin month day five #tog #throne of glass #rowaelin fic

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thedragonnerd · 3 years

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Ficlet: Forgiveness (Namaari)

(tw: lil bit of violence. Finally managed to finish this!)

The Council of Kumandra has finally arrived at an agreement on article 7, clause 15 of a mutually beneficial trade agreement, when Benja raises his hand, and calls for a break in proceedings.

‘Now is a time for feasting,’ he says, ushering the Council members away from the chamber, and Raya could almost weep in relief. Her boredom had been so intense during the last thirty minutes of the meeting, it took all she had not to fall asleep right in the middle of negotiations.

She pulls herself out of her chair slowly, aiming to be the last to leave the room as she allows the visiting dignitaries to file out ahead of her - sometimes, playing the role of a good host can be exhausting. Her stomach is beginning to rumble loudly, but she’s torn between going to hunt for a plate of food first, or going to search for Namaari, who had been helping to represent Fang’s interests at this meeting, and hence had to sit with their party rather than next to Raya, where they can usually whisper back and forth on all sorts of ridiculous topics.

Although she hides it well, Raya has noticed Namaari struggles sometimes with attending meetings in other lands, especially in Heart where there are curious looks, or sometime downright hostile glares towards her and the rest of the Fang delegation.

It’s with this thought in mind that Raya stumbles out of the room and towards the distant hum of people already congregating for dinner. She bypasses the array of mouth-watering dishes however, nodding at her Ba as he catches her eye. He’s deep in conversation with Chief Virana, so she decides to avoid disturbing them, and focuses on scanning the room with a singular purpose in mind. She cannot see Namaari anywhere, but before she can venture forth to search other parts of the palace, Sisu bumps her shoulder gently.

‘Raya, my girl!’ she says, body curling around Raya slightly, and nose poking against Raya’s cheek. ‘What’s making you so distracted? Was it that long boring meeting? Cos I have to say, I totally dozed off for most of it, so I sure hope Pranee spoke up for us…’

Raya tunes her out slightly as she resumes her searching of the crowd, hoping to see Namaari’s broad shoulders somewhere in the room, until a soft ‘thwack’ of a paw lands on her arm, Sisu’s claws tapping gently on her skin.

‘Raya?’

‘Sisu, have you seen Namaari anywhere?’ Raya asks. ‘I haven’t been able to find her.’

‘Oh, she went outside a few minutes ago,’ Sisu proclaims, flicking her tail in the general direction of the door that leads to the gardens. ‘She said she wanted some fresh air or something.’

‘Thanks, Sisu!’ Raya calls absently over her shoulder, already heading for the exit. The negotiations had gone on for so long that dusk is beginning to fall, and a light breeze sweeps through her hair as the summer heat fades away. Lanterns flicker on as she hurries down the pathway that she assumes Namaari’s taken. Usually if everything gets too much, and Namaari feels overwhelmed, she tends to hide with her serlot for a while. There’s no reason she shouldn’t be there, perfectly fine and safe, but for some reason there is an anxious knot in Raya’s chest…a feeling that she needs to find Namaari now, just to be sure.

As she rounds a corner, she hears raised voices in the distance, and squinting her eyes, she spies a group up ahead. There are five young men – warriors, dressed in the clothes of Heart, Talon and Tail – and they are talking loudly and angrily at a sixth person, their hands already grasping their swords. Raya knows it is Namaari before she even sees the figure dressed in white, boxed in by the men with a large rock wall at her back.

‘’Maari!’ she calls, hastening her steps, but the people before her are too engrossed in their showdown to hear. From the direction of her approach, the men’s backs are turned to her anyway, and whilst she can see Namaari’s face, the other woman has all her focus trained on the threat.

She doesn’t want to spark a fuse by racing in unannounced if Namaari has it under control, but as she hurries along the path towards them, she sees one of the men take a step forwards, waving his sword around dangerously as he continues to shout. Five against one is not exactly fair odds, but Raya knows Namaari can handle herself well in a fight – indeed, has been on the receiving end of some of those punches both in battle and on the training grounds. If something is about to go down, she’s confident that Namaari will be able to hold them off long enough for her to arrive and join the fight.

She’s almost upon the group when it happens. Namaari grasps her two swords, pulling them out with casual ease, and then…she throws them down by her feet, her chin raised proudly. Raya’s blood runs cold as she watches the ringleader lash out, kicking Namaari down to the ground.

‘’Maari, get up!’ she cries out, sprinting the last few steps.

Everything seems to occur simultaneously. Namaari’s eyes widen as she sees Raya for the first time, her hand reaching out as if to stop her from coming closer, whilst several of the group begin to turn around at the sound of Raya’s voice. But Raya only has her sight set on the leader, as his arm raises and she sees a flash of metal swinging down towards Namaari. She desperately launches her own sword towards him, hoping Namaari won’t be caught in the crossfire, and its extended blade wraps around his, pulling his arm back abruptly.

Raya slides across the ground, foot kicking out at the two nearest opponents, and she can see them tumble down out the corner of her eye as she spins around, flinging her into the fight. She’s a skilled combatant herself, with years of being out on the road and having to watch her own back, and she manages to draw blood in the first few seconds of facing down a now rather surprised looking ringleader. But as soon as one goes down, there are two more circling around her. The men are all trained warriors themselves, and she realizes with a jolt that she recognizes several of them, especially those from Heart, making her reluctant to take a kill strike.

One moment of distraction by someone managing to slice her left arm means she is vulnerable, and in the next moment she lands heavily on her back, the breath knocked out of her. The Talon man peers down at her with an ugly twist to his smile, and there is a flash of a weapon coming towards her face before twin blades thrust into view, blocking his attack.

Namaari grasps her wrist, pulling her up with one hand, and then they are fighting back-to-back, a team of flashing swords and bloodied knuckles. Their opponents have no chance, and the five men lie on the ground with various wounds before Raya can even take a deep breath.

‘What were you binturis thinking?’ Raya feels the rage burning inside her as she looks at their prone forms. The ringleader – a warrior from Heart, she is shocked to see – spits blood onto the dirt, and then snarls up at her with red-stained teeth.

‘She’s the one that destroyed the world,’ he croaks, gesturing towards Namaari. ‘And yet now you welcome her here to our lands with open arms? After everything she’s done? We demand blood for blood.’

Six years of surviving alone during the reign of the Druun has made Raya observant and fast with her reflexes; as he pulls out his crossbow and begins to raise it towards Namaari, she has already lifted her foot, stamping down hard enough to feel the satisfying *crack* of his fingers under her heel.

‘No, you almost destroyed the world right now,’ she hisses, a white-hot rage sweeping through her mind. ‘You almost destroyed Kumandra and the peace we’ve sought for so long, with your inability to let go of the past and refusal to remember she also helped save this land.’

Her hand clenches in a fist, and she moves to lunge down for another punch to his face. A muscled arm curls around her waist instead, hauling her upright.

‘It’s alright, Raya,’ Namaari says softly, pulling Raya’s back against herself. ‘He’s not worth it.’

Raya is about to say exactly how worth it she thinks it would be, when they are suddenly surrounded by Ba, Virana, Sisu and other concerned guests, who have followed the sounds of the commotion.

Later, they are sat on Raya’s bed in silence.

‘Let me at least deal with that,’ Namaari breaks the stand-off, nodding her chin towards Raya’s arm, where the thin scratch still bleeds sluggishly.

‘I’m still angry at you,’ Raya says grumpily, but shuffles sideways slightly so that Namaari can have easier access to the wound. Namaari says nothing in response, leaving instead to collect up some bandages and a damp cloth, and when she returns, she focuses on cleaning the cut with precise focus.

‘It won’t need stitches,’ she murmurs as she wraps the clean bandage around Raya’s arms, her fingers gentle but firm in their actions. ‘I’m sorry you got hurt for me.’

‘Namaari, do you know why I’m angry?’ Raya interrupts the moment, ducking her head so that their eyes meet for the first time since dealing with the aftermath of the attack. Namaari holds her gaze for a moment, before her eyes slide away to fix on a point somewhere over Raya’s shoulder.

‘That man from Talon…Raya, his wife died in a Druun attack. Not turned to stone, but was actually killed in the chaos. Same for one of your own citizens – he told me his brother had drowned trying to swim away from the Druun in the initial attack. How do you expect me to hear that, and not…’

‘Not what, Namaari? Not hand yourself over for execution, or whatever they wanted to do?’ Raya is unimpressed. ‘Not everything is your fault, you stubborn binturi. And I refuse to let you become some sort of martyr due to some misguided quest for forgiveness.’

Her voice is raised slightly by the end, but one look at Namaari’s troubled face has her sighing deeply. She reaches out instead to wrap her arms around Namaari’s shoulders, pulling her into an embrace despite the stiff muscles she feels under her hands.

‘I wish sometimes that you’d simply forgive yourself,’ she confesses softly, the words coming easily. ‘But until then, I guess I’ll just keep reminding you instead.’

She feels arms tentatively rise up and wrap around her waist, and in response, she tucks her face in against the crook of Namaari’s neck. They sit embracing in silence for a long time.

#rayaari #raya and the last dragon #ratld #raya #namaari #raya and namaari #raya x namaari #rayaari ficlet #forgiveness of self can be tricky #and namaari carries so much guilt #but i'm sure she'll learn to forgive herself eventually

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iamwhoami · 4 years

Text

Two to Three (Chicago Fire)

Chicago Fire

Y/N tells Matt Casey that they’re parents-to-be.

Warnings: Uhhhhhhh, pregnancy I guess?

Requested = Yes

“Shit,” You cursed underneath your breath.

You were sitting in the bathroom of Firehouse 51 after throwing up your breakfast when it dawned on you that you were late.

If it had just been a few days, you probably would have just brushed it off but it was now over a week and you were starting to get worried that you might be pregnant.

“God, how did I get myself into this?” You muttered and pushed yourself onto your feet.

“Get yourself into what?” A voice asked, making you jump out of your skin.

It was Gabby, your partner on ambo 61.

“Nothing,” You mumbled and went over to the sink to rinse off your face. When you were done, you looked up to see Gabby giving you a skeptical look.

“What?” You asked and ripped off a piece of paper towel to dry your hands.

Gabby raised an eyebrow, “You sure it’s nothing?”

Ambo 61, child in distress at 14 Bermount Road

Instead of replying to her question, you hurried off to the ambo, trying to avoid the topic.

~~~

“Hey can you stop off at a pharmacy?” You asked Gabby as guys made your way back from the call.

Gabby looked over at you briefly, “Sure.”

Just as you had asked, Gabby pulled the ambo in front of a pharmacy and killed the engine. As you got out, you saw that Gabby was ready to hop out as well.

“You don’t have to come,” You said quickly.

Gabby nodded but seemed suspicious as she sat back down and you slammed the door before heading into the store.

And that was how you found yourself standing in the aisle of the pharmacy, staring at the boxes of pregnancy tests in front of you.

You decided to grab a few and then proceeded to make your way up to the cashier, trying to avoid any eye contact as you paid. Then you shoved the tests into the paper bag and quickly left.

“That was fast,” Gabby commented and you nodded before setting the bag between the two of you.

Just as you expected, Gabby leaned over and peered into the bag, eager to see what you had bought.

“Wait...” She looked up at you and you forced yourself to meet her eyes, “Are you-”

“I wouldn’t be buying a pregnancy test if I knew now would I?” You snapped, interrupting her before she could finish.

Gabby stared at you for a moment and you took a deep breath.

“Sorry,” You apologized and took another deep breath, trying to stay calm.

Gabby smiled, “It’s fine. Is that why you were in the bathroom this morning?”

You nodded and then ran your fingers through your hair.

“God, what am I going to do Gabby?” You stressed, closing your eyes as you heard Gabby start the engine.

“Hey hey hey, You don’t even know if you’re pregnant, it could be a stomach bug or something,” Gabby said, “Plus, even if you are, you know Matt loves kids.”

You knew Matt loved kids. You knew he would be thrilled to be a father. However, you were unsure how ready you were for parenthood.

“Look, just take the test when we get back to the firehouse and go from there,” Gabby said and you nodded.

“Yeah, that’s a good idea.”

You sighed and let your body relax against the seat.

This was going to get interesting.

~~~

The timer went off and you reluctantly opened your eyes and walked over to the counter where the tests were placed.

“What do they say?” Gabby asked from the other corner.

You swallow hard and slumped against the wall.

“They’re positive,” You whimpered and rubbed your eyes, “Oh my god, Gabby, what am I going to do?”

“You could just straight out tell him,” Gabby replied, “Or maybe give him a cute onsie or something, though I feel like everyone does the onsie thing...”

You chuckled, despite how stressed you were feeling. Of course Gabby was excited over how you should break the news to Matt.

“I know, I’ll have something prepared for you by the end of the day and then you can just give it to Matt,” Gabby patted you on the knee, “One less thing for you to worry about.”

You nodded and smiled at your friend, “Thanks Gabby.”

“No problem,” Gabby grinned, “You know I’m sucking up to you so that I can be the one of the godparents right?”

You laughed and Gabby pulled you onto your feet, just in time for another call to come in.

~~~

“Alright,” Gabby pulled you by her bunk just before shift was going to end, “I got it right here.”

She grabbed a gift bag from underneath her bunk and handed it to you.

“Thanks,” You said and quickly tucked it into your duffel bag before anyone could see.

Gabby smiled, “You know, you’re going to be a great mom.”

“I don’t know about that,” You replied, still skeptical about yourself.

“Well, I do,” Gabby said and wrapped an arm around your shoulder as you two started walking out, “I saw how good you were with that little girl from the call earlier. You’re a natural.”

“Yeah?”

Gabby nodded, “A thousand percent.”

You looked over and her and smiled softly, “Thanks Gabby, that means a lot to me.”

“Now,” She stopped since you two were now about to leave the firehouse, “Give the bag to Matt tonight and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

You nodded, “Will do.”

~~~

“Hey, is everything okay?” Matt asked as soon as you guys entered your shared apartment.

You raised an eyebrow, “Yeah...why?”

“Gabby told me before shift ended to check on you,” Matt replied and a grin formed on your face.

Of course she would.

“So,” Matt took a seat on the couch and patted the space next to him, beckoning you to sit down as well, “You sure everything’s okay?”

You decided that this seemed like a relatively good time to tell him so before you sat down, you grabbed the bag Gabby had given you from your duffel bag.

“This is for you,” You explained as you handed Matt the bag.

You took a seat next to him and nervously twiddled your thumbs, occasionally picking at the skin.

Matt gave you a curious look but reached into the bag before pulling out a onsie with a firetruck on it and the words “My Daddy Still Plays with Trucks”.

You shyly looked up at Matt who’s face told you he was shocked.

Matt turned his gaze away from the onsie and on to you.

“Are you joking?” He asked, his eyes bright.

You bit your lip, “I haven’t seen a doctor yet but I took two tests this morning, both were positive, and I’m having some of the symptoms so...”

Before you knew it, you were Matt’s arms as he twirled you around the living room.

“I’m gonna be a dad!” He sounded like a kid on Christmas Day, making you burst into giggles.

“Yeah,” You responded and Matt set you down before kissing you.

When he parted, his eyes were dancing and you could practically feel the happiness radiating off of him.

“I’m gonna be a dad...”

#chicago fire x reader #chicago fire imagines #chicago fire imagine #matt casey #matt casey x reader #imagine #matt casey x pregnant reader #reader insert #chicago pd imagine #chicago med imagine

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lunarliza · 4 years

Text

Fake Boyfriend | Chapter 4: Kook Conventions

JJ x Kook!reader

series masterlist | prev. chapter| chapter one

my masterlist

You’re a Kook Princess who has everything you ever wanted... until your handsome Kook Prince dumps you for a hot new fling. To save your reputation, you bribe the one person he hates the most, JJ Maybank, to pretend to be your boyfriend for the summer. All’s fair in love and war. But where do you draw that line when you’re suddenly wishing your fake boyfriend is your real one?

note: slight mention of panic attack

If there was anything you learned about JJ that Friday, it was that he was the absolute worse at sticking to the plan.

For one, he spent so much time looking for the tennis courts, instead of following your clearly written out instructions, that he ended up being late altogether to pick you up. What was supposed to be a grand gesture turned into you sitting on the front steps, while the sun was near done setting, waiting for stupid JJ while everyone else had already left.

“What the hell took you so long?!” you scolded, slamming the truck door shut in annoyance once he finally showed up.

“This place is confusing as hell! I kept having to make loops. It is called Figure Eight for a reason,” he tried to justify, pulling out of the lot.

“JJ I texted you specific instructions on how to get here!” you groused, rubbing your temple, “Anyways, it’s fine, whatever. Let’s just hurry home so I can get ready. My house is just a little bit up that way.”

“Yeah, uh, about that,” JJ mentioned sheepishly, keeping his eyes on the road, “I kinda have to help Pope and Poppa Heyward with something right now. It will only take an hour tops! I’ll just meet you at the party after I’m done.”

You groaned loudly, face-palming yourself. “JJ what the hell! I told you specifically to cancel your plans tonight. It was supposed to be our debut!”

“I did! I just,” he scratched the back of his neck, “kinda broke one of their carts this afternoon, so I have to help them fix it for tomorrow. I think they’re catering your little brunch thingy.”

“How did you even break the cart to begin with?!”

He hid his face from your dagger-eyes and admitted in a low voice, “I, uh, tried to surf on it down a hill when they weren’t looking.”

You had to fight the urge to smack him upside the head, but you didn’t want to risk him veering off the road. Lucky bastard.

“Fine,” you grumbled, “Just make sure you’re on time to the party.” You then eyed his outfit up and down. Even in the little sunlight that emitted from outside, you could tell it was all dirty from his day activities. “And please change into something a little nicer,” you added, “These Kooks would run you to the ground with that on.”

JJ dropped you off at your house and sped away as you unlocked the door into a near empty house. Looks like it would just be you and Alfred for dinner.

Your parents were headed off to the mainland for some business convention. Thankfully, your presence was not needed which saved you an entire day of pretending to be a perfect obedient daughter. It was an exhausting act.

Most teens your age would kill for a night alone, but after countless nights sleeping isolated in a big empty house, it got old and depressing. Most of the time, you’d sleep over at Sarah’s for some kind of company. You were always welcomed at the Camerons’.

Greeting Alfred your usual hello at the foyer, you darted upstairs to wash off and get ready with the little time you had left. The aroma of filet mignon and freshly seasoned veggies filled the house air.

“Oh and Alfred,” you called out over the intricate metal banister, “It’ll just be me eating tonight, so just set the table for one please.”

“Miss Y/n, your friend is not coming?” he asked with hints of concern. You just shook your head with a sad smile. “No, he had to run last minute.”

Alfred gave you a curt nod, making way back into the kitchen while you dashed into the bathroom.

—————————————————

Instead of throwing JJ straight into the shark’s tank (even though, given his already poor track record, you strongly contemplated throwing him to literal sharks), you decided it was best to ease him into the whole boyfriend role.

You figured he’d be more in touch with his aura if you invited him to a Kook party first— which was exactly where you were, furiously texting him where on earth he was.

It was already ten o’clock. The party started hours ago, and he was nowhere to be found. An hour with Pope your ass!

Flopping onto the giant living room couch in Billy Irvine’s mansion, you frowned amongst the throng of drunk privileged kids. Around you, the Glossy Posse was gossiping with other Kooks about some of the summer newcomers while sleazy guys from out of town tried to grab their attention. It never worked.

“So y/n,” Chloe asked next to you on the couch, “I have some great news! It’s no secret that you need a date to the all the fundraiser events, and I might just have one for you! My cousin, Gerald, is coming into town next week, so I can totally set you guys up!”

She proceeded to show you pictures on her phone of a lanky tall guy with discolored hair and a creepy smile. You resorted to taking a gulp of your drink to hide your horrified expression. “Thanks, but, uh, no thanks. I actually have a date already,” you informed, typing away heatedly at your phone for JJ to arrive that instant or so help you.

“Ooh, who is it?” Ivy nosily chimed in at the mention of you finally having a date. From the couch over, you also saw Anne-Marie and Warren lean their heads closer to get the scoop.

Jeez, were people really that interested in your love life?

“It’s-”

Before you could reveal the name, a loud ‘ding’ went off from your phone followed by a text from JJ to alert you that he was out front. “Oh! He’s actually here right now,” you announced, hopping up from your seat to collect your very problematic date.

“You’re late, again!” you scolded to the blond standing all gloomy at the front of the stone curved driveway. He changed into a nicer grey long-sleeve with khaki shorts and his signature red snapback, much to your relief. It didn’t quite match with your intricate white romper, but it would do for the time being.

“The guard wouldn’t let me in the gate! I ended up having to sneak through one of the fences,” JJ explained. You rolled your eyes at his ridiculous excuse. “Then why didn’t you just call me to let you in?” you pointed out.

“It was more fun this way,” he peskily grinned, earning himself a smack on the arm. The guy was impossible. “Ow!” he whined, rubbing the spot. Ignoring his complaints, you seized his hand and led him inside. It was about time!

The foyer flashed with various-colored LED lights while thundering rap music echoed from basically every corner of the house. All around, eyes gawked at you stepping through the Victorian-style entryway with a Pogue of all people. It was like walking into a cave of bats.

“Anyways,” you began, disregarding all the probing eyes, “This is Billy Irvine’s place. It’s the nicest house on the Eight. His parents are out of town right now, so we’re celebrating the Glossy Posse’s birthdays.”

It alway was a coincidence to you how all three of them had birthdays on back-to-back days. Witchcraft, honestly.

“Those bitches?” JJ grimaced at the mention of his sworn female enemies, “Ew why? They hate the Pogues.”

“Just shut up and suck it up. Here,” you grabbed a glass from the champagne tower in the middle of the spacious room, “Have a drink to get your mind off it.”

“Champagne? What the hell is this, England?” he yelped, taking a swig. Rolling your eyes, you hoped the alcohol would alleviate his irritability for the night. Fortunately, the blaring music was enough to drown out his constant bickering.

“Now put your arm around me! It’s time to make our rounds,” you demanded. He obliged and you turned on your best lovestruck game-face, giving him the grand tour of the mansion.

Billy’s mom was also one of the important people of the Island Club, so you had been going over there ever since you were nine being that your moms were friends. Still, you were always amazed by the extravagance of their house. You could tell JJ was also in shock of it all too.

It looked like a castle with two grand marble staircases circling the front with a tall vintage Tiffany chandelier hanging over everything. The floors were the shiniest white marble even with hundreds of teenagers recklessly dancing and slipping all over it.

“Damn, so this is how the other side lives,” JJ commented, marveling at how the LED lights reflected off the diamonds on the chandelier.

He slid his hand down to your waist as you stood closer to his side, taking a whiff of his teakwood cologne. Deep down, it was nice to have someone to attend parties with you, even if it was fake and with JJ.

You took him up the right staircase where plastered kids— some you recognized from school, some just in town for the summer— stumbled up and down the stairs or sloppily made out while pinned to the side walls. Realistically, it didn’t seem that off-brand to JJ’s party scene.

“We’re only staying an hour right?” JJ reminded in your ear as you approached the open bar upstairs. Yes, the Irvine’s had a literal bar in their second level.

“Yes, grumpy!”

“Do you know if Sarah and John B are coming?” JJ continued to question. You settled on top of a retro bar stool as he leaned against the Irvine’s prized rustic bar.

“No,” you answered, “Sarah doesn’t come to these because Topper’s here. And she hates Kooks.”

“She’s the smarter one of you two!” JJ shouted among the loud music. You shook your head and whacked him again, but lightly this time. Seemed that would be you guy’s thing— hitting.

Even in their inebriated states, Kooks were still staring at you like you had grown a third arm. Which, honestly, was what being with JJ felt like half the time. From the corner of your eye, you caught a glimpse of the Glossy Posse and Warren making their way to you with either wide or curious eyes.

Oh boy.

“Y/n!” they exclaimed, shoving through the crowd. You matched their seemingly gleeful expressions, though you knew deep down they were judging you hard.

“You must be y/n’s date,” Ivy stated without much of a formal introduction.

“Aren’t you that Pogue from the Boneyard that always tries to hit on us?” Chloe brought up once she got a better look at JJ’s face. You snorted, but no one heard you.

You were slightly worried JJ would take their snarky comments the wrong way and lash back, but his cocky grin still laid proudly on his face as he held his hand out to your girl friends. “Name’s JJ. And yeah, I’m y/n’s new man.”

New man. Well, that was certainly a title. All of the Glossy Posse’s threaded eyebrows shot up at the word.

“Y/n,” Anne-Marie said in amazement, “You didn’t tell us you were dating again.”

“Yeah, well, I wanted to keep it kinda lowkey,” you lied, signaling JJ to put his arm around you again.

Expecting your friends to stick up their nose at him or give you guys condemnatory looks, you were surprised to find they were more stunned than snobby. Intrigued, you caught them eyeing JJ up and down as if he possessed some kind of magical charm.

From behind the group, you saw Warren trying to stick his hand out at JJ to introduce himself as the girls did kinda take center stage earlier, shielding him out. “Don’t believe we’ve met yet. I’m Warren, Warren Van Doren.”

JJ had to hold back a laugh at the sound of his rhyming name. So immature.

“Hey man, I’m JJ. Nice to meet you,” he greeted, shaking his hand, “Wait a sec, aren’t you that quarterback that got in that fight at regionals last year?”

Warren smiled sheepishly and looked away. “Yeah, that was me.”

You remembered that fight. The video of it actually went viral for like a week. Warren was a very nice guy, but pissed of, he was an animal. He pummeled the shit out of some of other players during that game. The topic of fighting seemed to bond the two boys as they unknowingly drifted away in their own conversation. Thank God, you were glad that at least one of the boys there would be friendly towards JJ.

“Wow, look what the cat dragged in,” Chloe announced, gesturing towards the stairway. All four of your heads turned to see Max and Anya parade up to the top step linked to one another.

That was the cue.

Furtively, you nudged at JJ’s side, interrupting his football conversation. You gave him an alerting look that said ‘look like you’re in love with me ASAP’ and he quickly enveloped his arm around you to pull you close.

Given the fact that you and JJ hardly knew each other, much less touched, it was a very ungraceful and awkward gesture. Even Warren shot you both a weird look. Either way, you figured it would be perfected after going at it a few times.

Just as the Hollywood couple sauntered in to the packed bar area, JJ dipped his face closer to yours. It was a nice touch to the act. He started whispering some stupid joke in your ear that you could hardly make out among the music and chatter, but you went along with it anyway, playfully slapping at his chest. He even placed his snapback on your head backwards. You almost yelled at him for ruining your hair, but for the sake of the show you were putting on, you pretended it was the cutest thing.

You tried not to look at Max as he passed, as you didn’t want to make things so obvious. But in the split second you did glance his way, his mouth flew agape. In that moment, you knew you had him right in the palm of your hand from twenty feet away. The evil laugh cackled inside your head while you raked your hands through JJ’s hair. It was surprisingly soft.

For the next few minutes, you could feel Max’s stare bore into you back as you leaned closer to JJ, kissing up his jawline and cheek.

“Damn, y/n, didn’t know you felt like this about me,” JJ teased.

“Shut up. I’m giving them a show,” you hissed with an infatuated smile to mask your threats.

“They’re gone now,” JJ noted lowly in your ear. You both detached like repelling magnets.

Fortunately, the posse and Warren dispersed among the crowd while you and JJ acted out your little PDA scene— it was probably from discomfort, if you were being honest. You did make sure not to hold anything back while you were draped all over JJ.

“Is that it?” JJ droned, back to his normal whiny self, “Am I done? Can we leave?”

Clicking your tongue, you shook your head, but with a grin this time. “Yes, you idiot, we can leave now.”

“Finally!”

JJ’s hand crept to your lower back as you both weaved through the mass of people to the exit. Before you could make it halfway down the staircase, however, you heard a rumbling behind you that stopped both your tracks. Warren’s six-four gigantic self was rummaging down the stairs, leaving booms in his wake.

“JJ! JJ!” he called out, grabbing hold of your fake boyfriend’s arm, “JJ dude, you gotta check out this new game system Billy has upstairs in the game room. You can play live Madden!”

“What?!” JJ’s eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas as Warren tugged you both back up the stairs with his giant football-player muscles.

“Dude it’s fucking sick! You gotta try it out,” Warren kept insisting. You knew JJ wouldn’t be able to resist. His eyes were practically glowing with excitement when he turned back to you as if to ask for some kind of approval.

“Okay, I’m just going to stay for one game,” he swore but you were a hundred-and-ten percent sure he’d be hooked and you could stay for much longer.

“Knock yourself out, Maybank,” you responded with a knowing smile, shooing him off to some depth of the Irvine’s enormous home. When he disappeared, you took the liberty to go search for your friends and finally enjoy the party for yourself.

As you predicted, one game turned into thirty real quick. It was well past midnight and JJ was still buried away somewhere doing who knows what. You didn’t mind. Warren was very responsible and you trusted him to take care of your date.

Plus, it gave you enough time to take rounds of various colored jello shots with Billy, dance on Mrs. Irvine’s countertops with the birthday girls, and devour the four-tiered tiramisu cake with fake-puking Barbie doll toppers that you helped pick out at the bakery.

When it got around one thirty, you grew a little concerned about JJ’s whereabouts so you sent him a quick text just to make sure he was okay and not shoving his head down a toilet. Your phone chimed back instantly—

Im jus fine y/n!!! One mor game! I almos beat War Ins Ass! Fuckin kwarter back!

Oh yeah, he was definitely gone. You texted your family’s driver to come by in about thirty minutes to make sure he’d get home safely. Then, you proceeded to dig in to your third slice of cake. Unlike the rest of your friends, you embraced the joy that was carbs— especially when you were drunk and there was chocolate involved.

JJ came downstairs a few minutes later and found where you were sitting on the couch surrounded by your circle of friends. Even amid the dark yet colorful beaming lights, his hair was still its usual sweaty mess with eyes a tad droopy, indicating just how drunk he was.

“Y/n! There’s my baby!”

He walked up and collapsed right onto your lap, tossing a dangly arm around you. You kept his snapback on for the entire night, assuming your hair was probably a bird’s nest underneath it. Everyone around seemed amused at the sight, and a few girls from school even began asking how you two started dating.

Maybe it wasn’t so bad after all.

Well, that was until your thigh circulation began ceasing due to JJ’s bony ass on it. You immediately demanded that you switch places with him, and he sloppily obliged. The throng around you giggled, intrigued by the new lovey-dovey couple. Secretly, you ate up the attention and knew JJ did too.

He was in the middle of telling everyone a dumb Boneyard party story when Max and Anya entered the living room premises. They looked like they were fixing to leave. Your date felt you tense a little in his lap and caught on to your sudden judder.

Boldly, JJ made direct eye contact with Max and threw him one of those ‘what’s up’ nods. Then, out of nowhere, in his completely trashed state, JJ cupped both of your cheeks and planted a very brazen kiss on your lips for everyone to see. Shutting your eyes, you heard a few whistles from the crowd around you, especially when he, very obviously, added his tongue to the mix.

JJ was a good kisser, you had to admit. It quite literally, took your breath away when he pulled back. Biting your lip, you mimicked his shit-eating grin while he pressed his perspiration-filled forehead on yours. It was a huge acne-hazard just waiting to happen. But, like the snapback, you didn’t care. It was the most thrilling thing you had done in months.

“Don’t look now, but Vega and his girl have their jaws dropped to the floor behind you,” he muttered in your ear. You giggled and held onto him closer, leaning your head on his chest.

It was probably be best fifteen hundred bucks you had ever spent.

—————————————————

The next morning was your mom’s weekly Saturday brunch. By default, you showed up an hour early to help greet the guests, frequently checking your watch and phone to see when JJ would arrive.

You had a tennis tournament earlier that morning, however, you didn’t even bother making your fake boyfriend go. After the events of last night, you knew he’d be too hungover in the morning and wouldn’t wake up in time for it. He was getting to be very predictable.

At t-minus five minutes until the brunch started, everyone had already made their way into the ballroom. That left just you waiting in the lobby area for your date. The look on your face was just about ready to kill JJ whenever he walked through the door. You also didn’t see Sarah and John B arrive either, so you assumed they would be a no-show yet again.

About a minute past noon, the blond sauntered past the doors wearing a black suit that looked two sizes to big for him with hideous shoulder pads. You presumed it was his dad’s old one. He also had on jet black sunglasses to mask the grogginess from the party, but it was pretty evident he looked and felt like shit.

“You’re late again!” you hissed through gritted teeth, snatching his hand like he was an uncontrollable child. Maybe you should invest in a leash and collar for him since he could never get his attendance right.

“What do you mean? You said noon,” he yawned, unfazed at your irritation.

“The brunch starts at noon!” you jeered, “That means you have to show up early!”

“Well you failed to mention those rules,” he tried to bicker back, but you flashed him one of your bitch-looks before he could go any further. That had him shriveling at the sight.

“Whatever, just hurry up and let’s get seated,” you ordered, leading him through the majestic looking double doors, “And take off those sunglasses!”

Much to your dismay, the doors made a very loud creaking noise when they opened. Just about everyone did a double-take to see you arrive late and with a woozy-looking boy shoving sunglasses in his suit pocket.

Eyes were glued on you while judgmental whispers filled the already tense air. There was a small churn in your stomach as you weaved through the round tables. Something was also gnawing at your brain, telling you that it was a terrible, terrible idea. You attempted to brush it aside, though, as you and JJ took your seats.

For some odd reason, the Glossy Posse didn’t show the same enthusiasm towards JJ like the did at the party. They were back to their pretentious ways— you figured it was probably just their hangover attitude.

On the other hand, Warren happily greeted JJ when he sat down, exchanging one of those typical ‘bro’ handshakes. They started chatting on about the previous night while you tried to make small talk with the girls. Unfortunately, they were still being short with you and were, very obviously, throwing looks at JJ, along with their dates.

Glancing to your parents’ table, they didn’t look like they cared too much about your situation, having just flown in from their trip. They were too engrossed in entertaining their friends to really pay you any mind. Sometimes you were grateful that they were oblivious to some things. When you look over at the Vegas, however, Mr. and Mrs. Vega both sent you a disapproving look. The other families followed.

You couldn’t help but feel like you were in over your head at that point. Was it a mistake bringing JJ to this event?

The servers came out and made their rounds at the tables, setting bowls of water in front of everyone.

“Thank God, I’m starving,” JJ piped, taking his dessert spoon to sip water from the finger bowl.

“JJ,” you yelled-whispered as guests continued to stare.

“What?” he chided back with an attitude, completely unaware of his surroundings.

“The water is for your fingers.”

His face shot up from the bowl and scanned the room at people dipping their fingers into their respective bowls. “Oh shit,” he sputtered as your entire table tried to hide their snorts.

When the food finally came out, it didn’t really get any better. Baked chicken was on the menu and, well, JJ was the only one in the room who didn’t use a fork and knife. Everyone stared at him incredulously as he used his hands to gobble up his plate. Though, the boy didn’t seem to notice any of the baffled eyes.

Attempting to shield your red face, you continued to take tiny bites from your food, hoping the next hour would go by fast.

You hoped too soon.

As soon as JJ was done eating, he let out a loud belt to where the tables around you could hear. Warren high-fived him. At least someone got a kick out of it. You, along with the rest of the guests, had nothing but revolt on your faces.

Once the plates were cleared, the servers brought out creme brûlée for dessert. You were grateful it was something semi-clean to eat. JJ seemed to get a knack out of all the food. He even leaned over to you with his mouth full and muttered, “This food is fantastic! My compliments to the chef.”

You half-smiled back in embarrassment and took a spoon-full of your dessert. Thankfully, your mom waltzed over when you were half-way through to ask for your help carrying in the posters and stands from the lobby that displayed all the charity and donation information.

Immediately, you rose and scattered out, away from all the the dense room.

At the front, you began picking up the easel stands to bring inside until you spotted the jet-black locks of the last person you wanted to run into that afternoon. You almost dropped the large items in your hands when he came up to you.

“So, I see you brought Maybank here. Looks like he’s really enjoying himself in there,” Max commented dryly beside you. Mrs. Vega must have asked him for a hand as well.

You winced at the oozing criticism in his voice. It was the first time you had spoken to him one-on-one since the breakup.

”Yeah, we’re, uh, kind of together now,” you mentioned, lugging a display. He grabbed the two remaining and rushed to keep up with you, following you back in.

Out of nowhere, he let out disbelieving laugh, “You can’t be serious, y/n, you and Maybank?”

Taken aback by his brashness, you stopped right before the ballroom doors, frowning. “Yeah,” you shot back sternly, “Why not? I get along with him fine.”

“Doesn’t look like it to me. The guy’s a total tool. I’ve told you that from the beginning. Trust me, I know.”

“Know what? What’s good for me?” you pressed, growing more and more exasperated at the sound of his deep and raspy voice.

It was sexy, no doubt, but just the things that were coming out of his mouth made you want to slap him silly. How dare he prance up to you in his gorgeous light blue Armani suit and tell you what’s good for you!

“I just know who you are, y/n,” he went on calmly, with not an ounce of anger present in his tone, “And JJ’s just not a good guy for you.”

You were seeping with outrage at that point. Hiking in a breath, you spoke with the speckles of tranquility you had left in you. “Well I appreciate your concern, though I hardly understand why you have any for me. But we broke up, Max. You completely lost the right to tell me any of that.”

With that, you furiously stomped into the brunch and set the displays at the front for your mom. Max looked dumbstruck as he trailed behind. But you didn’t care.

“Everything okay? Did something happen with Vega?” JJ asked when you got back to your seat. You remained silent. It was the only way to keep yourself from screaming.

It was all too much— the piercing stares, the messy eating, Max.

“I’m going to the bathroom,” you informed to JJ as he listened to another one of Warren’s football stories, “And then we’re leaving.”

Before he could respond, you were already racing to the bathroom as fast as your Jimmy Choo wedges could take you.

You needed air. And fast.

Bursting through the bathroom door, you heaved yourself into the biggest stall and flopped down on the toilet seat, taking in deep breaths to calm yourself. It didn’t help much. The room was still twirling like you were on the Graviton at a carnival. Too nauseous from it all, you didn’t even care that you were ruining your new white Valentino dress.

You just wanted to hurl inside the antique-decorated bathroom but couldn’t. It was miserable. But at least the bathroom was empty.

All the seeming success of last night crumbled away with every disapproving look or whisper of the guests. And then Max— that fucking asshole. Your head was thumping endlessly as you felt the stress knots crawl up your spine.

What were you thinking? Maybe you were in over your head. No one was believing it. Not for a second.

Even JJ was terrible at playing along. You should’ve known it was just wishful thinking. You knew you had to throw in the towel and told yourself you would call it off once you found some way to stop the hot tears that were streaming down your made-up cheeks.

As you felt your breathing start to normalize, you slowly lifted from the toilet seat and smoothened out your dress. When the bathroom door slammed open against the wall, you immediately fell back down, wanting to avoid any form of human interaction for the rest of your life.

Titters and snickers echoed the air as two girls stumbled in, mid-conversation. They didn’t seem to notice you in the stall at all. Thank God.

“Would you believe y/n? Bringing that dirty Pogue here? She’s gone insane!” A nasally voice spoke by the sinks.

You scrunched your nose, trying to catch a glimpse of their shoes from the opening underneath the stall. You nearly puked. Nameless brand heels? Unacceptable.

“I know! He’s so disgusting and that suit is just repulsive! Does she not have an ounce of embarrassment?” the other one added.

You didn’t recognize their voices, but assumed they probably went to your school by the way they knew you and JJ. A part of you wanted to charge out of the stall and drag their pitiful selves to the ground. But seeing as you were just recovering from a near panic attack, you didn’t have the energy. And they didn’t deserve your breath.

Nevertheless, they still went on.

“Ever since Vega dumped her for California girl, she’s completely gone off the rails. First the hair change and now she’s dating a Pogue like Sarah Cameron is. It’s so pathetic!”

“Seriously, train wreck of the year if you ask me.”

Train wreck? Pathetic? You’ll show them what pathetic is! Especially with those god-awful shoes. Do they have an ounce of embarrassment showing up here with that kind of atrocity?

You were seconds away from emerging from your ashes to put them in their place. But, lucky for them, they escaped before you could come out of confinement.

Huffing, you stormed out of the stall and towards the mirrors to fix yourself. God forbid you’d ever let anyone see you with smeared mascara!

Dabbing a wet cloth on your cheeks to soothe out the redness, you heard the creak of the door opening behind you and immediately tossed it into a bin. You pretended to fix your hair. Fortunately, the redness faded to a soft pink to look like blush.

Anya strolled in the bathroom behind you. Ugh, the cherry on top of the cake.

You faked a tight smile at her. She threw a cheery one at you, walking up the sink next to yours to toss up her bouncy, voluminous hair. “So, I thought you said that guy out there wasn’t you boyfriend,” she pointed out, not taking her eyes off her own reflection.

“Oh, psh, well you know,” you sputtered, not expecting the sudden inquisition, “One thing led to another that night at the Boneyard and it just kinda… happened.”

It was the first real conversation you had with her, and you wanted to hold your breath at the awkwardness. Anya nodded at your answer, puckering her lips slyly. “I just think it’s cute that you’re trying to make Max jealous.”

You almost did a double take. It was so subtle and smooth, her comment almost flew right over your head. “Excuse me?” you shot back, turning to the blonde-haired home-wrecker.

She didn’t even flinch a muscle at your snub expression, just continued to ogle at herself. It was menacing. Evil really did take form in Anya Carmichael.

“Oh, did I need to spell it out for you?” she blinked, “Y/n, you’ve been out of the picture. If you think showing up with that god-awful guy in his dad’s raggedy suit is gonna change Max’s mind about you, I assure you it won’t work.”

She crinkled her eyes in a hateful smile.

What was with people and their audacity that afternoon? Whatever was in their water, you were not about to have any of it. No one spoke to you like that.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” you said blandly, wanting to get under her skin.

“Yes you do,” she snarled back, placing both hands on the sink in a threatening manner, “Look. Max and I are together now. You need to get that in your tiny pea-brain head. Do not play dumb with me. I see you looking over at him every five minutes. Get. Over. It.”

“Like I said,” you responded back in a fake-innocent tone just to push her buttons some more, “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Anya. I think all the hairspray is really getting to your head.”

Two can play that game.

She narrowed her almond eyes at you and straightened up proudly. Even though she was way taller than you in her six-inch heels, you still stood your ground, blinking up at her tauntingly. At least your swanky parents taught you that much.

She scoffed. “Give it up, seriously. Using that guy to try to get back at your ex is just pathetic. Max was right about you. You’re just a shallow virgin with a handbag.”

With that, she tossed her hair behind her shoulder and strutted out the door. Your blood was boiling, having half a mind to go out there and rip the bottled-blonde right off her head. You should’ve known it was all an act!

Fuming, you treaded back to the brunch table, your face doing a complete one-eighty once you stepped through the doors. A lady never showed her seething anger underneath.

JJ spotted you and promptly stood up, snatching your purse, and getting ready to leave.

“Sit,” you demanded, pushing him down by the shoulder so his ass plopped back firmly on the chair. The look of utter shock flashed on his face, but he just took it.

“I’m feeling better now. We’re staying,” you informed as if you were a commander at war. You glanced over at the Vegas’ table where Anya hung her arm proudly on Max’s bicep as he made some joke to his table. She threw over a glare at you. No one but you noticed.

You draped an arm on one of JJ’s ridiculously large shoulder pads, nuzzling your nose to his neck. He was still as confused as ever though, but still went along with it, digging his fork into your half-eaten dessert which he later finished.

If Anya wanted a war, you’ll give her one. May the best bitch win.

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note: YES SHE WENT THERE! you kno i had to stir in anya- y/n drama!!!

pls message me to be tagged!

next chapter

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theatreslave · 3 years

Text

Recovery Ch 2

Second Chapter of my Manifest Fic Jared/Drea Fic

By the end of their first week as partners, Jared and Drea had gotten into an easy routine. Jared, like the lieutenant he is, would arrive at the precinct first. He would drop off a cup of coffee at Drea’s desk and then head over to his own. Drea would arrive a half hour later with some breakfast for the both of them, some days she would make something and other days she would grab something nearby.

Then they both would both be at their desks looking over files until one or the other needed some type of consultation. It was surprisingly easy. The banter was fast and snarky which fit their dynamic. When they were out in the field, Drea didn’t mind letting Jared take the lead. He was an amazing detective and seeing him in action first hand was a treat for her. Things had been pretty standard since Michaela left, thankfully no 828er drama or anything from the Xers. Just your run of the mill robberies, domestics, and crimes of passion.

Jared had been over to Drea’s two more times since that first night. Once to cook for her to prove that he wasn’t a terrible cook after a disagreement over tastes in pizza, long story. The next time was to watch a horror movie that Drea insisted that Jared wouldn’t be able to get through; he didn’t. At least not without turning all the lights on and some cuddles from Mimi.

Jared was surprised by how easy it was to get along with Drea without Michaela around. He had thought it might be awkward without a common denominator, but it was anything but. Drea was charming. As simple as that. She was always smiling, playful, and endlessly curious. Opinionated and stubborn. It made for some hilarious conversations and interesting bets between them. But she was also an incredibly competent detective. He had seen her put her rich upbringing to use, from finding connections to get them into exclusive illegal online auctions, to clearance for an emergency helicopter landing on private property. She could slip from one persona to the next seamlessly, happy-go-lucky rookie to experienced and connected detective. And Jared liked her. Not like that. But he enjoyed her company and was honestly happy to call her his friend.

Drea on the other hand was surprised to learn that Jared really did have a life outside of his Michaela obsession and his romantic escapades. He took hikes on his own and knew all the trails around the greater New York area. He loved cooking and playing cards. He was also as charming as could be. She knew he was handsome, everybody did. When she had started with the precinct she noticed, but he was married back then so she didn’t bat an eye. But having his attention on her, his focus, occasionally made her blush. Not that she liked him like that. She was actually very happy to call him a friend. Jared didn’t seem to mind her invites or challenges and that was all the encouragement she needed.

It was the end of a long Saturday that had them running around in search of a kidnapped child. Thankfully the culprit had a soul and only wanted the car. They dropped the kid off in a park and his parents’ stranger danger training had kicked in and he had run into a school that happened to have after school programs. The relief that had travelled through everyone in search of this child was palpable. By dumb luck a rookie had stumbled upon the stolen vehicle on the way home in Queens. The culprit had been arrested, the parents and child reunited, and all was well.

Jared was in a jovial mood after the day’s successes. He was perched on the corner of Drea’s desk urging her to hurry up with the paperwork for the day so they could grab dinner, “Come on Mikami, you can type faster than that.”

Before Drea could respond her cell phone rang. Recognizing the name she swept it up and shushed Jared, “Hi Mom.”

Jared smirked and decided to have a little fun. He made his way around the desk to stand behind her. Speaking louder than normal he said, “Drea, baby, hurry up, I wanna take you out.”

Drea smacked his arm hard, sending him into a fit of laughter. The few officers still at the precinct just ignored the two’s antics, a familiar sight already. “No Mom, that was nothing. Just my partner messing with me. Yeah, yeah don’t worry about it.”

Jared proceeded to poke her lightly but quickly in the side making her yelp. Before he could run, Drea was up, had tripped him, and had him in a headlock. Jared sputtered, turning red with amusement and embarrassment at his new position.

“Oh nothing Ma, I just stubbed my toe. Yes I will be careful. Don’t listen to him Mom, you know I have coworkers over sometimes. It’s nothing weird.” Drea squeezed a bit tighter when Jared tried to pry her arm away. He finally stopped struggling when he realized how strong she really was. “I know Mom, but do I have to? I told you I could take care of it. Mom, please? Fine, but I’m bringing my partner with me. Ok bye.”

Drea ended the call then proceeded to give Jared a noogie, “Hey watch the hair!”

“You idiot! You’re lucky my mom is hard of hearing or she would have had a heart attack. I’ve already had to convince her that you coming over was nothing. She’s already on my ass about being paired with ‘unseemly men’ all the time.” Drea said finally relinquishing her hold on Jared.

“Unseemly?” Jared said, loosening his tie, “Was the head lock really necessary?”

Drea smacked him again, “Grab your stuff and go home and shower and get into a new suit. I will pick you up in an hour and you are coming with me to this fundraiser my cousin is throwing.”

“Oh no no no, you are not dragging me along to one of your rich people functions,” Jared insisted.

“There will be free gourmet food and I will buy you those new Nike’s when they get released next week.” Drea bargained.

Jared held her gaze for a long moment then finally caved, “Deal.”

“Ok then I will see you in a little over an hour. Bye!” Drea said before hurriedly packing her things and then rushing out the door.

Jared stood in shock, wondering exactly what he got himself into, before he headed out the same way.

He didn’t want to look like a complete fool so he had opted for his higher end deep navy suit and brown shoes and belt. Jared’s shirt was a light yellow and his tie matched with a deep blue and yellow pattern, perfect for spring. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and nodded his head. Not too shabby considering it was last minute. Honestly he probably should have asked Drea what exactly to wear. His phone chimed telling him that Drea was waiting outside for him.

Drea was waiting in her car, waving for him to hop in. Once he was buckled in he finally had a chance to take a look at Drea all dressed up. She was wearing a soft blue lace dress that reached her knees. It had cap sleeves and a rounded neckline. Her hair fell in soft waves and was longer, down to mid-back.

“Are you wearing extensions?” Jared finally breathed out.

“Yea, my mom likes it better when I have longer hair,” Drea replied, focusing on the road.

Jared couldn’t stop himself and reached out to play with an errant curly, “I really like it.”

Drea turned to him, surprised, “Don’t go falling for me now, Vasquez.”

Jared just laughed, “Not falling. Just appreciating that my usually childish partner can actually look like a beautiful grown woman.”

“You clean up pretty great too. We even match a little,” Drea glanced at him with a smile, “ Anyway, I just need you to mingle with me and protect me from my dad’s creepy business partners and hopefully deter my mum from trying to introduce me to any of their sons.”

“And your mom will stop because I’m around?” Jared asked.

“She assumes that I’m dating any man I talk to, no matter what I say otherwise. Bringing you to a function will get rumors going and the damage control will get her off my back. Oh and don’t take any bribes from her or her butlers,” Drea rambled.

“So I’m your date?” Jared said with a smirk.

“Technically, so don’t go flirting with anyone or my mother might have you shipped off somewhere. She might not like me “dating” but she will raise hell if anyone cheats on me,” Drea warned.

Jared couldn’t help but laugh, “This might actually be fun. How much PDA would freak out your hoity toity rich friends?”

“They barely shake hands, let alone hug. But don’t get any ideas,“ Drea managed to glare at Jared who just raised his hands in defeat.

They approached a large venue with a sprawling lawn and a circular valet drop off. Jared was distracted by the sheer size of the place and the extravagant cars that were being valeted off to a hidden parking lot. “Hey, Drea?”

Jared turned to his partner only to see her handing her keys off to a valet boy. It was then that he noticed her demure lace dress was actually backless, showing off her clear skin and an intricate moon phase tattoo down her spinal column. Just like her hair, he felt his fingers twitch, wanting to touch the tattoo. But she turned. “Are you nervous? You don’t have to be. I promise they are mostly nice, just a bit snooty. Just go with the flow, eat the food, and then I can take you home.”

“Your place or mine?” Jared said absentmindedly, the image of her bareback glued to his sight.

Drea just smacked his shoulder and then started walking into the venue. Jared shook his head and then followed her up the stairs and between the columns of marble. He cursed under his breath. Seeing her looking so different from her rather tomboy-esque persona at work was having an odd effect on him. He took a deep breath. She’s just a friend. A good friend. Don’t mess this up.

Jared stood next to Drea at the entrance of a ballroom. There were quite a few people making small talk, sitting at various tables, and drinking champagne. Jared took Drea’s hand and placed it on the crook of his arm. She seemed nervous but she latched onto his arm, turned to him and smiled, then pulled him along.

A few people waved at her, some greeted her as she walked by, but thankfully no one stopped them or asked her about her date. The tables seemed to be assigned and soon Drea stopped in front of a round table that already had a severe looking older asian woman and a softer looking older asian man seated.

“Hi Mom. Hi Dad.” Drea said in greeting. The two elders stood up, hugging their daughter and sneaking glances at Jared, “This is my partner, Lieutenant Jared Vasquez.”

“Nice to meet you.” Jared offered his hand for a shake but the two just nodded their heads.

“I am Eileen Tamaki and this is my husband, Akimitsu Tamaki.” Eileen said, looking at Jared up and down. Akimitsu who had been staring intently finally smiled then reached out a hand to shake Jared’s. Jared didn’t know what was going on but shook his hand and even bowed a little not wanting to be rude, despite the earlier rejection.

“I have seen you on the news Lieutenant. I knew you were familiar, it took me a moment to place you. You have solved many cases in this city of ours, it is my pleasure to meet you. It makes me feel relieved to have you working with my daughter in such a dangerous field,“ Akimitsu praised, his eyes glowing with kindness.

“It’s my pleasure, sir. Your daughter is a great detective. I can always rely on her.” Jared replied sincerely.

“Come and sit, before the others arrive,” Her father gestured to the table. The size and roundness of the table caused Jared and Drea to sit across from her parents so it would be easier to talk. Eileen still had a stoniness to her visage while Akimitsu was already making small talk.

“Drea didn’t you have anything else to wear?” Eileen finally chimed in hushed tones.

“Eileen, leave her alone. She’s a grown woman, she can wear what she wants.” Akimitsu interrupted. “She looks lovely and I’m sure Jared agrees with me.”

“She looks beautiful,” Jared agreed.

Drea blushed at their defense, not noticing the very different looks her parents were sending Jared’s way. Before anything more could be said, two women who looked around Drea’s age came up to the table greeting everyone. The taller redhead was named Katrina, and her blonde friend was named Melody. Drea greeted them warmly as they took seats next to her. Before Jared could be introduced, two younger men joined the table as well. Katrina’s husband, Caleb, and Melody’s fiance, Ivan.

“The youth have arrived my dear, it is time we move to our own table now that we have seen Drea,” Akimitsu said as he stood up, offering his hand to his wife.

“I knew you weren’t assigned to sit with me, Uncle Rico would have been jealous,” Drea said as she waved to her parents. Eileen and Akimitsu said their farewells, nodding to Jared, before making their way across the ballroom.

“So Drea, introduce us,” Katrina giggled, gesturing towards Jared. Drea smiled awkwardly as the rest of the table made noises of agreement.

Jared decided to grant her some mercy and introduced himself, “I’m Jared Vasquez, Drea’s partner. It’s nice to meet you all.”

“Drea! Where have you been hiding him?” Melody asked excitedly, “If I didn’t have Ivan around I would have had to steal Jared away.”

Jared just threw an arm around Drea’s shoulders, “I’m definitely not that easy to steal away.”

Ivan chuckled, “I don’t know, Jared, she managed to pull me away from Major League baseball, she’s incredibly convincing. Still not sure if it was worth it though.”

“Hey!” Melody retorted, flicking water at her fiance, “That’s why you’re gonna marry me!”

“I know, what am I thinking,” Ivan faked a look of regret before smiling, “Don’t go flirting with Drea’s man, Mel, it isn’t me you’ll have to worry about.”

“Yeah Mel, you know how protective Drea is. She would literally fight you if you touch her man, remember, Isaac?” Katrina said.

“Jared’s not my man, he's just my partner. I’m never going to live that down, am I?” Drea said, letting out a short laugh.

“Dumping a glass of wine on Mel’s white Versace gown because she flirted with your man at her birthday party was a bit too dramatic to be forgettable,” Caleb finally joined the conversation, “We all know that Mel’s a flirt, Drea, but you were so far up that guys ass.”

“Don’t remind me. Sorry, about that again Mel. Really.” Drea said looking embarrassed.

“It’s old news Drea, no worries. You ended up getting the short end of the stick on that one,” Mel said looking sympathetic.

“Hey, hey, no walking down ‘bad memory lane.’ Drea is safe and sound with a hottie on her arm, and looking sexy as ever. Don’t think I didn’t notice the open back on that dress,” Katrina interrupted, expertly changing the subject.

Jared found himself lost in thought as they started talking about outfits and some fashion show. He was curious about Isaac. Who was he and why was he such a sore spot? He was so lost in thought he didn’t realize that he was absentmindedly playing with Drea’s hair.

Melody leaned in to whisper into Drea’s ear,”He’s cute Drea, and he seems to really like you.”

“It’s not like that, he’s just my partner at work, I brought him so Mom wouldn’t try to introduce me to anyone tonight,” Drea whispered back.

“I don’t know, Drea, he seems very affectionate. Act or not, he’s comfortable around you, and you are with him. Maybe it’s a game right now but keep an open mind. I think he would be good for you,” Melody said with a smile.

Two more men joined the table. A slightly older man who greeted Drea warmly. Apparently her cousin Julian, the one putting on the fundraiser. The last was a tall handsome Korean man named Kevin who seemed to immediately dislike Jared and his proximity to Drea. Jared made a point to lean closer to Drea, feeling oddly protective seeing the way the man eyed her hungrily.

“Julian, Kevin, this is my partner, Jared Vasquez, he’s helping me deter mom from throwing me to the wolves,” Drea said.

“He’s definitely an upgrade from the last man you introduced us to, Drea,” Julian joked before reaching out to shake Jared’s hand, “Nice to meet you, man. Be careful with the elder Mikami. She’s been trying to get Drea married off for years. Every event I throw inadvertently gets turned into a speed dating event for Drea. I’m happy she found a friend willing to put up with it to spare her some embarrassment.”

“My pleasure, Drea’s a great partner,” Jared said, throwing a fond smile her way.

“Nice to meet you,” Kevin said stiffly as he shook Jared’s hand. He then turned to Drea, “If you needed a date you could have asked me Drea.”

“Oh stop it Kevin, you’re one of the ones that Mrs. Mikami would force Drea to marry. You know Drea, she wants a ‘normal guy’,” Katrina said bluntly.

“Guys, just stop. I’m not getting married anytime soon to anyone,” Drea said with a hint of frustration, “Can we talk about Mel and Ivan finally getting engaged after 7 years.”

Julian and Kevin took the last two seats at the table across from Jared and Drea. The group started talking jovially about Melody and Ivan’s upcoming nuptials. The dinner was served and it was one of the most delicious meals that he had had in a while. It was nice seeing Drea loosen up and talk with friends he had known since she was a child.

Eventually, Julian left the table to host the event. It was pretty standard, the tickets and donations from all these rich people would go to some charity for underprivileged kids in the city. It devolved from there into a party with a band playing instrumental music. Things were going incredibly smooth until Jared decided to go to the restroom.

The two couples had gone off to the dancefloor, Julian was off mingling, and that left Kevin and Drea. Kevin immediately took a seat next to Drea, taking her hand and leaning in close so she could hear him speak.

“Drea, you look so beautiful tonight. When will you give me a chance?” Kevin asked, gripping her hand tightly.

“Kevin, stop joking around,” Drea shrugged him off, removing her hand from his grasp to reach for her wine glass.

Kevin grabbed her hand again and leaned in so that his lips were brushing her ear with each word, “Drea, I’m not joking. You told me to wait. After everything with Isaac you needed time to heal. So I gave you that time. It’s been five years, Drea. I’m the CEO of my family’s company. Your father and I are business partners. Your mother has given her blessing. I expected to come here and finally confess again now that you’ve let off some steam with this rebellion. But it’s time to leave that job and your partner behind and come back and run our families’ businesses together.”

“Kevin, let me go. I know what I said before. I did my healing and I won’t settle for anything less than I want and deserve. And I don’t want you. I’m sorry.” Drea whispered back urgently, pushing Kevin back into his seat.

“You’re such a stupid bitch you know that. After everything we’ve been through. After you chose that psycho over me. And who did you go running to when he turned on you? You think you’re too good for me Drea? You’re nothing but a used up druggies bitch who doesn’t know when to shut up and just take her best option. Or do you only let psycho meth heads fuck you? Does your new partner know what kind of whore you are?” Kevin seethed, getting in her face. His voice grew louder with each sentence. The music and chatter was still louder than him, but those nearby had started to notice that something was wrong.

Drea was close to tears, standing from her seat she addressed him, “How could you say that?”

“How could you reject me? I’m more than you deserve but I would still love you Drea. Even knowing your history. Not many men would. Especially men of my caliber. You think your little lieutenant will still like you when he finds out what they did to you? You aren’t worth anything Drea. But I’m worth so much that I can make up for it. Just stop being such a pig headed bitch and make a good choice for once!” Kevin urged her. Grabbing her by her shoulders and shaking her.

Suddenly, Drea was pulled from his grasp and Jared was in front of her, throwing a punch so hard that Kevin landed hard on the floor, knocked out. Eyes started turning towards them, someone gasped, someone screamed. Then people were rushing towards them. Jared turned to her to say something, but she couldn’t hear anything. Blood was rushing in her ears, tears were streaming down her face and all she could do was run. So she did.

She ran between the tables, pushed her way through the crowd and escaped through side doors that lead to a courtyard. The spring night air was cold on her skin, her breaths coming in sharp inhales that nearly made her cough. Drea couldn’t see the beautiful garden or the perfectly carved pillars through her tears. The heaving sobs that wracked her body came hard and fast. She reached out for something, anything to cling to while she spiralled into the feeling. Like she was dying. So overwhelmingly alive with pain and cold air and heartache, but at the same time she was dying from it.

Drea’s hand found the cold rock of a pillar and she gripped fruitlessly at the smooth surface. Her knees gave way and she fell. Curling up against the pillar, her hands gripping the cloth at her chest, trying to find her own heart because she didn’t think it could still be there.

Drea was so overwhelmed that she hadn’t noticed that Jared wasn’t far behind her. When he reached for her hands to stop her from tearing her dress she fought back.

“Drea! Drea! It’s me! It’s Jared! I’m not going to hurt you,” Jared pleaded as she scratched and flailed. He managed to grab both her wrists and then held them both down with one hand while the other gently but firmly cupped her cheek, “Drea, look at me. Look at me. You’re ok. You’re safe. It’s just me. It’s Jared.”

Drea met his eyes and familiarity slowly sank in. When she finally spoke her voice was soft and broken from crying, “Jay?”

Jared just opened his arms and Drea threw herself into them, weeping. His mind was moving a mile a minute. He was angry at Kevin for what he said, even though he didn’t understand half of it. He was angry at himself for leaving Drea alone when he was supposed to protect her. But most of all he was worried. Drea never shortened his name. She said she felt like she was stepping into Michaela territory if she did. Instead she made up all kinds of silly names for him instead.

Her wracking sobs soon faded and her breathing slowed. Jared now had his back to the pillar, his arms around Drea, with her in his lap. She had her head curled into the crook of his neck. Jared didn’t say anything as he held her in his arms, gently running his hand up and down the outside of her bicep. He tried not to think of how good she smelled, and how she was trembling just the slightest bit.

The tell tale click of high heels on stone broke the intimate moment. Drea stiffened in his arms but he only held her tighter and whispered reassuring words.

“Drea? Jared?” Katrina called softly before she rounded the pillar. Once she spotted them she gasped at the sight of her friend and knelt down, “Oh Dre. I’m so sorry. If we had known he would push you again we would have never left you alone. He’s gone now. Your dad had a fit and Julian kicked him out. I can’t believe he would say those things.”

Drea didn’t respond, just turned closer into Jared’s neck. She was telling him she wanted to go. He didn’t know how he knew but he knew. “Katrina, is there any way you can get the valet to bring Drea’s car to the back outside the courtyard gate? I think it’s best that I take Drea home.”

“Jared, it really won’t look good for her to just leave. I mean it will be like she let Kevin win,” Katrina responded without thinking.

Drea flinched, and that made Jared angry, “Look Katrina I know we just met, but right now I think the only one who is putting Drea first is me. So please get Drea’s car brought over. We are leaving and I don’t give a damn what any of you people think because Drea did absolutely nothing wrong.”

Properly chastised Katrina whispered an apology before heading back into the building. Jared sighed pulling Drea closer to his chest to bring him some comfort of his own. He leaned his head against Drea’s, kissing her forehead instinctually, “Drea, I’m gonna take you home ok. I know I’m making decisions for you and you hate that but I’m worried about you. So I’m going to take you home where I know you will be safe, away from all this.”

Drea didn’t respond for a moment then he felt her nod her head and grip him tighter. Her voice came soft and muffled, “Take me home, Jay.”

Jared did just that. He took her home to his house. Something told him she didn’t want to go back to her apartment. She didn’t question the route they took or when they arrived in front of his place and he led her inside. Drea was looking less unstable but that didn’t stop Jared from babying her. He sat her in the living room and brought her a glass of cold water. She sipped at it. He carefully took her shoes off and then gingerly started combing her hair. Drea stayed stuck in her thoughts until she realized he was meticulously taking out her clip in extensions and placing them on the coffee table.

Drea was surprised at the thoughtful and detailed gesture and felt herself start crying again. But the tears were silent and accompanied by a sad smile.

“There we go. Well, Cinderella, it is a lot later than midnight and time for bed. I’ll go find you something to sleep in and wash up myself. Then you can have my bedroom and the bathroom,” Jared stood up to go up stairs but Drea grasped his hand. When he turned she stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you, Jared. Thank you for everything.”

“Drea, you’re my friend. You needed me and I was there. I don’t know what all that was but don’t feel like you have to explain anything to me. I’m just happy you’re feeling better. That Kevin guy is a dick. Forget him and anything he said,” Jared replied. He held her close, rubbing his hand up and down on her back. She finally relinquished her grasp on him and looked up at him.

Her eyes were rimmed red and puffy. But she looked up at him with a soft smile, “You really are a knight in a shining necktie.”

Jared laughed and just made his way upstairs. In the meantime, Drea checked her phone. There were a few missed calls and texts that she ignored. She decided not to tell Jared the details behind the confrontation that night. She wasn’t ready to admit it to him. When Jared came down, he had his arms full. An extra blanket and pillow for himself and a t-shirt and boxers for her. “This is all I have but it should be comfortable enough for tonight. Don’t bother arguing with me about my bed. You’re my guest, and after tonight you need the comfort of a nice bed.”

He handed her the clothing then walked over to the couch, setting up his sleeping area. He was wearing thin grey sweats and a black wife beater. If Drea were in a better mood she would have made a joke about seeing him so undressed. Jared was about to settle in and shut off the light when he realized that Drea was still in the room, staring at him, “What?”

“Nothing,” Drea answered quickly, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.

“No sharing beds. At least not yet,” Jared quipped, winking at her.

“Shut up!” Drea gasped and ran up the stairs.

Jared just chuckled to himself as he shut off the light and got comfortable. The events of the day passed through his mind. He tried not to think about how good Drea looked in her dress, or how good she probably looked in his shirt and boxers. He tried not to think about how good she smelled, or the jealousy and rage he felt when he saw Kevin touching her and then yelling at her. Holding her for who knows how long in that courtyard, in any other instance, would have made him uncomfortable. But it quelled his rage, and woke something else in him. What it awoke were feelings that were too deep to be merely platonic. But he wouldn’t think about that.

Upstairs Drea had decided to take a shower. She was surprised to find a basic but thorough skincare regimen, decent shampoo and conditioner, and neutral smelling shower gels in his bathroom. Remnants he probably picked up from his last two serious relationships. She silently thanked god that she wasn’t forced to use a 3-in-1 after a day like today.

Soon she was tucked up in bed, her hair wrapped in a towel and clad in the clothes Jared gave her. The bed smelled of him and so did the clothes. A smell she now associated with his strong arms around her as she broke down. Jared went above and beyond with helping her tonight and she felt her heart ache a little. Kevin’s words were still ringing in her ears. What would Jared think once she told him the truth of what had happened to her?

Her phone chimed from the bedside table. Jared had texted her.

*You’re amazing, Drea. Ignore what Kevin said. I will always think you’re amazing and funny and stubborn as hell. Nothing anyone could say would make me feel any different.*

Drea hugged her phone to her chest and let a few tears slip out before her phone chimed again.

*No more crying or you’ll look like a steamed bun in the morning.*

She couldn’t help but laugh a little at that. Jared was here and he liked how she was right now. The past was the past. Finally she snuggled into Jared’s bed and went to sleep.

#manifest netflix #manifest #manifest nbc #jared vasquez #drea mikami #ellen tamaki #jr ramirez #recovery

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emospritelet · 3 years

Text

Twisted Fate - chapter 24

Last time, Gold went to Storybrooke, and Belle’s waters broke

[AO3]

“Mr Gold, thank you so much for dealing with this so quickly.”

Mary Margaret Blanchard both looked and sounded relieved, and Gold could understand why. The leak in her bathroom had been fixed, but not before water had soaked through the ceiling and fused the kitchen lights.

“I don’t even know how it happened,” she went on. “I could have sworn everything was turned off.”

“One of the pipes was damaged,” he said. “Took a knock somehow, cracked it in two places. I’ve had the plumber replace it. Good as new.”

He ran his eyes over the ceiling, where damp patches still showed, and made a note in the little book he kept for repairs and tenant complaints.

“Minimal damage, it seems,” he said. “I’ll have someone come out and repaint as soon as it’s dry. We may need to replace one of the panels, but I’m sure it won’t require any major works.”

“Oh, thank goodness.” She smoothed the skirt of her dress with her hands. “Uh - may I offer you some tea?”

Gold eyed her curiously before clicking the end of his pen and slipping it into the inside pocket of his coat with the notebook. Miss Blanchard was a good tenant, but even she had never offered him tea before.

“No, thank you,” he said. “I need to head back to Boston.”

“Oh yes, Mr Dove mentioned that you’d only be in Storybrooke today,” she said, and hesitated. “Um - I hope you don’t mind my asking, but Granny said that you and Belle are expecting a baby.”

Gold felt himself smile.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I think pretty much everyone in town was in a state of shock,” she said, with a tiny laugh, pressing a hand to her heart. “We had no idea you were even seeing each other!”

“Well, that’s the unavoidable consequence of not telling anyone, I suspect,” he remarked.

“Moe didn’t say a word!”

“I think he preferred to pretend it wasn’t happening,” he said coolly.

“Right.” She looked as though she was about to burst from curiosity. “Could you give me Belle’s number? I’d love to catch up with her, give her my best wishes.”

Gold had a vision of every woman in Storybrooke suddenly clamouring to get in touch with Belle, and he gave Miss Blanchard a tiny smile.

“Why don’t I give her your number, and a message that you’d like to speak to her?” he suggested. “The baby is due next week, you see. She’s somewhat preoccupied with that at the moment.”

“Oh, of course!”

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he fished it out, smiling slightly as he saw Belle’s name flashing on the screen.

“Excuse me,” he said, turning away from Miss Blanchard a little and swiping the screen to answer.

“Hey,” he said gently. “I’m just about ready to head back.”

“Yeah, you might want to step on it.” Emma’s voice floated out of the phone. “Belle’s waters broke.”

Gold felt as though a fist was closing around his heart, squeezing the life from him.

“What?” he whispered.

“Is that Belle?” asked Miss Blanchard. “Say hi from me.”

“She’s in labour,” said Emma patiently, as Gold reminded himself to breathe. “Probably got a while to wait before there’s any real action, but I’m gonna call the midwife after I get off the phone to you. If she tells us to go to hospital, I’ll let you know, okay?”

“Tell him to get his arse back here right now!”

Gold could hear Belle in the background, her voice strained, and Emma chuckled a little.

“You heard her, big guy,” she said. “Drive safe, okay? We’ll take care of her.”

“Thank you,” he said numbly, and the call cut off.

Gold slipped the phone back into his pocket, his heart thumping hard. The baby. The baby is coming. I have to get there. I have to be with her.

“Is she okay?”

Miss Blanchard’s voice cut through his inner terror, and he started.

“Yes, thank you,” he managed. “I’ll - uh - I’ll get Mr Dove to arrange the painting. Please let him know if you have any other issues.”

“Thank you, Mr Gold. Are you sure you won’t have that tea?”

Gold was already on his way out, letting the door close behind him, and barely heard her. He walked as swiftly as his limp would allow, heading back to the shop to grab the few things he had boxed up to take with him, and locking the doors behind him. Within five minutes he was on the road, senses heightened by anxiety as he headed back down to Boston. The baby’s coming. I’m gonna be a father.

“Is he coming?” Belle could hear the low-level panic in her voice, and told herself to calm down. “What did he say?”

“He’s leaving now,” Emma assured her, looking through her phone contacts. “What’s your midwife’s name?”

“Oh - Dorothy. Dorothy Gale.”

“Okay.”

Emma put the phone to her ear again, and Belle began to pace back and forth. She was dimly aware of Emma talking, but paid little attention, rubbing at her aching back as she traversed the lounge.

“How long until the baby gets here?” asked Henry excitedly. “Does Belle have to go to hospital?”

“That’s what Mom’s asking about,” said Neal, ruffling his hair. “Why don’t you go sit down and read until we know what’s happening, okay?”

“Okay, thanks a lot.” Emma looked up, handing the phone to Belle. “She says come on in. You have everything you need?”

“In the hall,” said Belle anxiously. “But - Alex! Will he get here in time?”

“Of course he will,” said Emma soothingly. “He’s on his way right now. We’ll call him when you get to the hospital, let him know where you are, okay?”

“I should never have told him to go to Maine!” She was fretful, her pace quickening. “He wanted to stay with me and I told him to go! What was I thinking?”

“He’ll be back in plenty of time,” said Neal easily. “You’re gonna be yelling at him before you know it.”

Belle burst into a laugh that sounded a little hysterical, and Emma put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Come on, get your coat,” she said. “Neal, can you pick up the bag in the hallway?”

“Got it.”

Neal headed for the hallway, and Belle slipped the phone into her pocket, glancing around worriedly. Have I forgotten anything? Oh God, it’s really coming! Where the hell is Alex?

“Will the baby come tonight?” asked Henry.

“Probably not,” said Emma. “Probably tomorrow.”

“What’s tomorrow?”

“April thirtieth.”

“Oh,” said Henry. “Dad’s birthday is the day after.”

“Yeah, it sure is. Come on, get your coat.”

“Hey Dad!” called Henry. “If the baby doesn’t come for another day you could have the same birthday!”

“I don’t want to be in labour for two days, thanks Henry,” said Belle, in a dry tone.

“Okay, do we have everything?” Neal put his head around the door. “I’ve got your bag.”

“Thanks,” said Belle, wincing again. “Oh! The casserole!”

“I turned the oven off already,” said Neal. “Figured you’d be a little too busy to make dinner.”

“Right.” Belle chewed at her lip, suddenly frozen with indecision.

“Coat,” said Emma firmly, steering her towards the hallway.

“Right.”

Gold had never made the journey from Storybrooke to Boston as quickly in his life. There was a tailback on the way into the city which made him want to scream in frustration, but eventually he reached the hospital. Emma had called him when he was leaving Maine to say that Belle had been advised to go in, and that the midwife was attending her, and he had been running on anxiety and adrenaline ever since. He found himself brimming over with gratitude for Belle’s friends being with her when he couldn’t. Striding through the hospital, he cursed his limp, wishing he could run to Belle, praying she was alright, his inner voice calling out his inadequacies, his failures. He reached the maternity unit stressed, breathless and thirsty, and found Neal sitting in the waiting area cradling a cup of coffee.

“Hey,” said Neal, getting to his feet. “The midwife’s with her. You can probably go on through.”

“How is she?” asked Gold, and he grinned.

“Not long now, I guess,” he said. “Look, if you don’t mind I’ll leave you to it. Emma took Henry home, and I should really get back to them.”

“Yes, of course.” Gold hesitated, putting out a hand for Neal to shake. “Thank you. You’ve been good friends to Belle. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”

“Well, she’s easy to be friends with,” he said, with a lopsided grin. “Tell her we’re looking forward to seeing the new addition to the family, okay? Let us know how things go.”

“I will.”

Neal shook Gold’s hand briefly, drained his coffee and tossed the empty cup into the trash before sauntering off, and Gold took a deep breath before heading to the desk to ask which room Belle was in before setting off as fast as he could. His leg was hurting, the pain enough to make his teeth ache, and he grimaced as he reached room 609, pushing open the door. Belle was in a hospital gown, an open bathrobe over the top, pacing back and forth with a hand pressed to her back and an agonised look on her face.

“Where the hell have you been!” she demanded.

“I’m sorry, I got here as fast as I could without being arrested,” he said, hurrying to her side. “How are you? How is she?”

This last was said to Dorothy Gale, who gave him a smile and a soothing pat on the arm as she passed.

“She’s doing fine,” she said. “Everything’s proceeding as we’d expected. I need to check her dilation again, but we’ve got a while to go before it’s time to start pushing, right Belle?”

Belle groaned, clutching at her midriff, and Gold rubbed her back soothingly.

“There, love, just hang on,” he said gently. “You’re gonna be okay. Keep breathing.”

“Oh, thank God you’re here, I would have forgotten!” she snapped.

“Right,” he said, sharing a glance with Dorothy, who looked amused. “Well, I remember the breathing exercises we did together. Shall we try those?”

“Oh, shut up, Gold!” She pushed him off, pacing faster. “This is all your fault!”

“Yes, it undoubtedly is,” he agreed. “Blame me all you like. Uh - is there anything I can do to help? A foot rub? Perhaps set myself on fire for your amusement?”

Belle burst out laughing at that, and shot him a fond look that became a twisted grimace of pain.

“I’m sorry,” she said, through her teeth. “This is - every bit as painful as they said it would be. And I was worried you wouldn’t get here on time so I kind of freaked out. I might yell some more.”

“Oh, you’ll definitely yell more,” said Dorothy cheerfully. “I’m sure he can stand it. How about we check your dilation now? Hop up on the bed.”

Belle took Gold’s hand, sending him a strained smile, and he helped her towards the bed, wishing he could bear the pain for her.

Their baby was born at six-fifteen on the morning of April thirtieth. By the time her labour was over, Belle was exhausted, drenched with sweat and almost hoarse. Gold didn’t leave her side, running through breathing exercises with her, speaking words of encouragement until his voice almost gave out, and feeling helpless as she suffered. On the final push, Belle squeezed his hand so hard he felt the bones grind together, a hoarse cry coming from her throat.

“There we are!” Dorothy cried. “Well done, Belle!”

Belle fell back against the pillows, gasping for breath, and Gold stroked damp strands of hair back from her forehead. A cry went up, a stuttering, fractious sound, and Gold felt his heart thump hard as Dorothy straightened up, grinning at him.

“It’s a baby boy!” she announced.

Gold glanced up, eyes wide. His son was being held up, red-faced and squalling, tiny arms flailing in outrage at being born into the world. He could see the cord leading from his belly, strands of dark hair covering his tiny head, and he felt tears well in his eyes as love burst through him.

“Oh God, he’s beautiful!” he wept. “Belle, he’s so beautiful! He’s perfect!”

He turned to her, bending to kiss her full on the mouth, not caring that tears were streaming down his cheeks. As he pulled back he could see that she was crying too, lower lip wobbling as she sent him a tired, but beautiful smile.

“Is he okay?” she asked tremulously.

“He looks absolutely fine,” said Dorothy. “Responding well, plenty of movement, good pulse… Here, why don’t you hold him?”

She placed the baby carefully on Belle’s chest, the tiny body streaked with blood and birthing fluids, and Belle burst into tears, bending to kiss the top of his head. The baby grizzled a little, tiny fists waving before he settled. Gold felt his heart swell with love for them, and reached out to stroke his son’s head with a gentle finger.

“He’s perfect,” he breathed. “Thank you! Thank you, my darling.”

Belle sniffed, lip still wobbling, and turned to kiss him. She was still trying to catch her breath, and Gold brushed damp strands of hair back from her face.

“You did so well,” he whispered. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Had to come out somehow,” she said wearily.

Gold smiled, and leaned in to press his brow to hers before turning back to gaze at the child they had made. He’s beautiful. As beautiful as his mother. He could hear Dorothy and the nurses clattering around as they cleared things away, but he couldn’t take his eyes off his family. I have a son. I have a beautiful son and a beautiful woman who loves me. I’m the luckiest bastard on this entire earth.

“Okay, looks like the cord’s ready to be cut.” Dorothy’s voice made him look around. “It may take a little while for the placenta to come out. Alex, you can go get yourself a coffee if you like. We’ve got some measurements to take and we need to get Belle and Baby all cleaned up.”

“Oh.” Belle smiled at her, letting her head fall back against the pillows. “Yes please, that sounds great.”

“You sure you want me to go?” Gold asked, and Belle smiled, squeezing his arm.

“Go get a coffee,” she said. “You look as exhausted as I feel, and I’m sure you don’t want to see me getting stitches. Would you call Emma, let her know?”

“Of course.” He hesitated. “What about your father?”

Belle pulled a face.

“I’ll call him later,” she said. “He won’t be awake yet, anyway. Maybe when the baby’s had his first feed. Maybe when we’ve decided on a name.”

She was looking a little hesitant, and Gold smiled.

“Does that mean you’ve thought of one?” he asked, and she inclined her head.

“What do you think of Gideon?” she asked. “I thought - I thought maybe Gideon Alexander Gold. How - how would you feel about that?”

Gold mouthed the name, then whispered it as he stroked his son’s head. The baby snuffled, his tiny fist shifting against Belle’s skin, and Gold nodded. It sounds good. It sounds right.

“Gideon Alexander Gold,” he said aloud. “It’s perfect, sweetheart.”

She beamed at him, her eyes shining, and he bent to kiss her gently before kissing the top of his son’s head.

“I’ll be back soon,” he whispered. “I can’t wait to hold him.”

When he left the room he slumped against the wall for a moment, feeling drained. His jacket and tie had been discarded some hours ago, his shirtsleeves rolled up, and he headed for the bathroom to freshen up. Stubble scraped his palms as splashed water on his face, his eyes stinging with tears and weariness. A son. I have a son. I’m going to give him the best life I can.

After he had washed up as best he could, he headed for the cafeteria. It was quiet in the early morning; the only people in there apart from the serving staff were a man doing a crossword at the corner table, and an orderly mopping the floor. Gold watched the mop move in circles, leaving gleaming wet streaks like petals. The lights seemed too bright for his tired eyes, but he bought himself a large coffee and a toasted bagel and sat at one of the tables, staring into space and thinking about the future he wanted to build with Belle and Gideon. Belle had mentioned the possibility of raising him in Storybrooke when she had finished her studies, and the thought was a pleasant one. If she could get a librarian position, even better. He sipped his coffee, cogs turning in his head as he thought it through. Perhaps there was a way to make it work. He had favours to call in.

He called Emma at seven-thirty, letting her know the news and agreeing to pass on her best wishes and a promise to visit later. After that he called his lawyer and left a message on her voicemail. The formal agreement with Belle might have been torn up, but there were still things to sort out in order to ensure she and his son were provided for.

By the time he returned to Belle’s room, she was dressed in clean nightwear and tucked up in clean sheets, with Gideon swaddled and feeding at her breast. There was a plastic bracelet on Gideon’s wrist, and another around Belle’s. She was smiling down at the baby as he fed, tiny head pushed into her breast and a clenched fist jerking against it. Gold took a moment in the doorway to savour the scene, smiling as he watched mother and son. My family. My perfect family. God, I love them so much!

“You know, you could always take a picture.”

Belle’s voice made his smile widen, and he went to sit by her side, reaching out to gently stroke Gideon’s head.

“Have you seen the doctor yet?” he asked.

“Dorothy says Jekyll will be around in half an hour or so,” she said. “She says everything’s fine, though. Gideon’s responding well to all the tests, he’s feeding well. He peed on her when she weighed him.”

Gold chuckled.

“How much does he weigh?”

“Six pounds two ounces,” she said. “I can’t remember if that was before or after the pee.”

Gideon coughed, a dribble of milk coming from his mouth, and Belle wiped it away with a cloth. He grumbled a little, and she smiled, lifting him up and kissing his cheek.

“Here, why don’t you hold him?”

Gold took the tiny bundle from her, feeling love surge within him as he held his son in his arms. Gideon opened his eyes, and Gold smiled broadly.

“Hey there,” he said gently. “I’m your Papa. It’s wonderful to meet you, Gideon.”

He stroked a fist with his finger, his smile widening as Gideon grabbed it.

“Well, that’s quite a grip you’ve got,” he said.

“He’s a strong little thing,” said Belle. “I think he’s gonna be a handful when he gets mobile.”

“Hazel eyes,” said Gold. “Although they change colour, don’t they?”

“Yeah, apparently they don’t settle on the final colour for a while,” she said, yawning. “I think they’ll be brown, like yours.”

“As long as he doesn’t get my nose.”

Belle giggled.

“There’s nothing wrong with your nose.”

Gideon wriggled, beginning to grizzle, and Belle held out her arms.

“Here. Let me see if he’s still hungry.”

Gold handed him back, watching avidly as he latched onto a breast again.

“I could watch him all day,” he said, and Belle shot him a fond look.

“I know. I keep thinking I’ve dreamed it and I’ll wake up. But he’s really here. A whole little person that we made.”

He leaned in to kiss her forehead tenderly.

“I think you did almost all the building,” he said. “I provided the equivalent of a shovel full of rubble in the foundations of a skyscraper.”

“Hey, don’t underestimate the importance of good rubble.”

She was smiling, her eyes gleaming, and he kissed her again.

“You look tired,” he said, and she groaned, letting her head fall back against the pillows.

“God, I’m exhausted!”

“In that case, you should sleep,” he said. “I’m going to go home and get showered and changed. I feel as though I’ve been hit by a truck, so I can’t imagine how you must be feeling.”

“Tired, happy and bloody sore,” she said, with a smile. “You should get some sleep too.”

“Emma said she’d visit later,” he said. “She sends her love.”

“Well, if I’m going to have visitors, I definitely need sleep,” she said, and kissed him. “Go on, get home and have a nap, at least.”

“Okay.” He kissed her again, and kissed Gideon. “I’ll be back later.”

By the time he got home, Ella had called him twice, so he called her back, received effusive congratulations and gave her some instructions on making provision for Gideon’s future. He wasn’t expecting to sleep, but after showering and shaving he lay down on the bed anyway, and woke up as it was approaching five in the evening. He dressed quickly, cramming a sandwich into his mouth and downing some coffee before hurrying out of the door.

The hospital was far busier than it had been when he left, and he moved as quickly as he could past parents and children and rushing nurses. He reached Belle’s room just as Dr Jekyll was closing the door quietly, and the doctor gave one of his nervous smiles, snatching his glasses off his face and cleaning them.

“Ah, Mr Gold.” Jekyll put a hand on his arm, steering him away from the door. “Perhaps you could give her half an hour? They’re both sleeping. The poor thing hasn’t had a chance to get much rest today what with all the comings and goings.”

“Of course.” Gold hesitated. “How are they?”

“Oh, doing very well. I imagine you can take them both home tomorrow.” Jekyll smiled again. “I expect you’ll all be relieved to hear that. You’ll have a busy house from now on.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Jekyll walked off, and Gold headed to the cafeteria again. He was surprised to see Neal sitting at one of the tables, nursing a cup of coffee and flicking through a magazine. Gold got his own coffee, carrying it over, and Neal looked up with a grin.

“Hey, congratulations,” he said. “How’s it feel to be a dad?”

“Pretty amazing, actually,” said Gold, and gestured at the chair across from him. “Do you mind?”

“Take a seat. I told Emma I’d meet her here. She was taking Henry to get some new sneakers but she shouldn’t be too much longer.”

Gold sat down, pushing the coffee cup towards the centre of the table. His leg was hurting, and he cursed himself for forgetting his painkillers.

“Belle’s still asleep, I take it,” added Neal, and he nodded.

“The doctor said to give her half an hour.”

“Yeah, you never get much rest in hospitals,” said Neal. “Emma said when she had Henry she couldn’t wait to get home.”

“The doctor says I can take them home tomorrow,” he said. “She should be able to get some proper rest then.”

“Which I guess means you getting up with the baby, huh?” Neal grinned at him, and Gold smiled.

“I don’t mind. I’m looking forward to spending some quality time looking after both of them.”

There was silence. Gold sipped at his coffee, wincing as it burned his lips, and looked across at Neal. He was turning the cup between his fingers, just as Gold himself did when he was thinking. Gold cleared his throat, making Neal glance up.

“Thank you for being here for Belle,” he said. “Especially for all those months I wasn’t.”

Guilt stabbed at him, a painful reminder of his self-destructive decisions, his terrible behaviour towards the woman he loved.

“You’re here now, right?” said Neal.

“Doesn’t make up for it,” said Gold quietly.

“Maybe not, but it means something.” Neal leaned forwards, resting his elbows on the table. “You didn’t know she was pregnant, and as soon as you did, you tried to make it right.”

Gold let out a hollow laugh.

“Believe me, the way I’ve acted in this past year should in no way be praised,” he said dryly. “I behaved appallingly, and I wish I could take it back.”

“Hindsight’s a great thing,” said Neal. “Doesn’t stop you making dumbass decisions in the here and now, though.”

“That’s certainly true.”

“I never knew my dad,” he added. “Told myself that I’d always be there for my kids, and then because of my own stupidity, I missed eighteen months of my son’s life. Time we won’t get back, you know?”

“I don’t suppose Henry remembers much about it, if it’s any consolation,” said Gold.

“True,” agreed Neal. “But I remember. And so does Emma. If I had my time over, I’d make different choices. I guess that’s all you can do. Decide you won’t screw up that way again.”

Gold nodded slowly. He was right. There was no getting that time back, he just had to concentrate on being a good partner and father in the future.

“Belle said that you and Emma were in the system together,” he said, and Neal pulled a face.

“Not exactly,” he said. “We met on the streets. We were both in kids’ homes when we were younger, but we didn’t meet until we were teens. That was after we’d both run away.”

“That must have been dangerous for you both.”

“I don’t think either of us realised how dangerous until we found our way off the streets,” agreed Neal. “There again, there were reasons we ran away in the first place. Excellent reasons, you know?”

“I’m fairly sure I don’t want to imagine,” said Gold, and Neal nodded.

“I guess there are good and bad people involved in Social Services,” he said. “Can’t say I ever met any of the good ones, though.”

“I’m sorry you both had to go through that,” said Gold sincerely, and he shrugged.

“It was a long time ago.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with,” said Gold dryly. “As my therapist helpfully informs me.”

Neal chuckled.

“How’s the therapy going?”

“Slow,” he admitted. “But I’m told any progress is good. I’m also told there may be times when it feels as though I’m going backwards.”

Neal wrinkled his nose and hunched his shoulders a little. The gesture reminded Gold of how he himself reacted to his therapy sessions at times.

“Yeah, I hear you,” said Neal. “Emma and I went to therapy after I got out of jail. Thought it would be good for us. Fresh start, all of that.”

“Did it help?”

“Absolutely,” he said sincerely. “Sometimes you don’t realise how much you’re bottling up, you know?”

“Oh, I know,” said Gold quietly.

“Emma was abandoned when she was just a baby,” Neal went on. “Never knew her parents. Sometimes I think it’s harder on her because of that. She’s spent a lot of time thinking about who they might have been, why they had to give her up.”

“And you?” asked Gold, and Neal grimaced.

“Well, I never knew my dad, but I remember my mom,” he said. “I especially remember the day she dropped me off with Social Services and never came back.”

“Really?” Gold shook his head. “I can’t imagine ever wanting to abandon my child. Not ever.”

“Yeah…” Neal hunched his shoulders a little more, shuffling his feet. “Guess not everyone’s meant to be a parent.”

“Have you seen your mother since?” asked Gold, and he shook his head.

“Nah. She never left a forwarding address, and I decided a long time ago that I never wanted to look for her.”

“What about your father?”

“Don’t even know his name,” said Neal. “I know he was boring and didn’t like to have fun. That’s according to my flighty, absentee mother, of course.”

He shared a smile with Gold.

“Families, huh?” he said.

“Indeed.”

They fell into silence again. Gold sipped his coffee. It was cool enough to drink, and he took a gulp. Neal drank the last of his own, setting down his cup.

“Belle said that you had a kid,” he said. “I mean other than Gideon.”

“Oh.” Gold felt his jaw tighten. “Yes. I did. I do.”

“Yeah, she didn’t really go into what happened.” added Neal hastily. “She said you probably wouldn’t want her to talk about it.”

“No, it’s okay.” Gold scratched the back of his neck. “I’m told I need to learn to open up more.”

“Yeah, well.” Neal sent him a slanted grin. “Easier said than done, right?”

“Speaking as someone who’s had a lifetime of keeping things to myself, I concur.”

“Gets easier,” said Neal. “Emma was like that when we met. Hell, so was I. Hard to trust people when all you know is being let down by those who are supposed to care for you.”

“Yes,” said Gold quietly. “Well. I promised myself I’d give Gideon everything he needs. Everything I didn’t have.”

“Like me with Henry,” said Neal. “See? Like I said, all you can do is learn from your shitty past and decide you’re not gonna pass the crap down to the next generation.”

“True enough.” Gold glanced up as two familiar faces appeared in the corridor leading to the cafeteria. “Here’s Emma and Henry now.”

“Hey,” said Emma, tossing blonde curls back off her shoulders as Neal turned around. “How are the new parents?”

“Excellent,” said Gold, with a grin. “Belle was sleeping, so we were just having a coffee while we waited.”

“What’s the baby like?” asked Henry excitedly. “Is he big?”

“You can see him yourself very soon,” said Gold, and pushed to his feet. “I should go and see if they’re ready for visitors.”

“What colour’s his hair?” asked Henry. “Does he cry a lot?”

“Just hang on for like forty seconds and you can see him for yourself,” said Neal, looking amused. “But keep it calm, okay? Belle doesn’t want you climbing all over the bed when she’s just given birth.”

“Okay. Is there gonna be a party?”

“A party?” said Emma, confused.

“It’s Dad’s birthday tomorrow,” said Henry, and she ruffled his hair.

“Yeah, I hadn’t forgotten.”

“Maybe he and Gideon can have a party together.”

“I think Gideon has some growing to do before he can enjoy a birthday party, kiddo.”

Something in what Henry had said tickled at the back of Gold’s mind, and he frowned.

“Your birthday is the first of May?” he asked, and Neal nodded.

“Yep.”

“Right.” He drummed his fingers on the handle of his cane, skin prickling with what felt like anxiety. “Uh - let me just go and see if Belle’s awake.”

He took a step away, then hesitated, swivelling on the toes of his shoes as he turned back.

“Do you mind if I ask how old you are?” he asked, and Neal pulled a face.

“Twenty-nine tomorrow,” he said. “What’s up?”

“Oh nothing,” he said quickly. “Nothing. Excuse me.”

He bowed his head, turning away and heading for Belle’s room at a fast pace. Coincidence. It has to be.

#fic: twisted fate #rumbelle fic #rumbelle #my fic

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thatgoblin · 3 years

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Small Town Affairs

Summary: Hazel is an Omega in the small town of Tin Springs, Midwest America. She's trying to live her life after breaking up with the local sheriff, John Walker, and his mate, Brock Rumlow. New people aren't something that happens often, but when a new pack comes to town her whole life goes from a small mess to a complete disaster in the best way.

Warnings: Domestic Violence, Assault, Sexual abuse, Himbo Bucky, Misogyny, will update as story goes.

Chapter 1

It wasn’t often that people moved to Tin Springs, population 803. We barely had enough people to need a high school and a junior high school let alone more than a general store and gas station. There wasn’t even a Walmart for nearly 20 miles. You had to make a special trip to the larger town of Conway that had fast food restaurants and strip malls while the closest we had was a Dollar General and a ‘home style’ restaurant that was closed after 9. We did have a few bars and a strip joint, but those were just outside of town. Far enough that most people didn’t count them as being a part of town. It was very much a dying breed of Mayberry towns that used to thrive till people moved for better jobs and schools or to just get out of that small town headspace.

So when what looked like a whole fleet of moving trucks drove down the main road, everyone was talking. Turns out there was some guy with the last name Rogers that owned land that belonged to his pack that he was moving his new pack onto. The family had basically moved away or died off by the time I was 18. Most of the townspeople thought the houses on the land would stay empty till someone bought the land up for farming or to build new houses on. No one ever did and the moving trucks were telling us why it wouldn’t happen. Everyone and their dog would be gossiping and talking about who the new people were, where they came from, why they came back now, but I just ignored the whispers and gossip as I checked out folks at the general store.

“Hazel, would you be a dear and stock the shelves before you leave tonight?” The store owner, Peggy Carter, asked from her office. It sat just to the side of the register, making it easy to keep an eye on things. Her prim English accent was very much out of place in the small midwest town, but it wasn’t as crisp as it used to be when she first moved to Tin Springs.

“Sure. I’ve got my keys so I’ll lock up for you too,” I said, glancing back at her before the bell above the door rang. “Howdy,” I greeted the customers before going back to tidying my area. They were just a couple of women that were grabbing last minute items for dinner, which was the usual crowd so close to our closing time. I knew their faces, but couldn’t recall their names. I’d seen them around town, but I didn’t exactly interact with people outside of my job.

“Did you see the paper today? John Walker’s up for re-election again,” one woman said as they meandered towards the dairy section. While they sort of tried to stay quiet, the store was empty at that time of day and with it being so small that the voices carried easily.

“I saw that. He’s got my vote for sure,” the other woman said. “You know, he’s been such a good sheriff and I don’t think anyone’s running against him. It should be an easy win for him.”

“Hopefully. Things are just fine as they are now, why change them?” The first woman said. “Though, it is a bit odd that he’s with another Alpha and not an Omega.”

“I know, but Brock’s a good man. Both of them are. It’s just too bad things didn’t work out with them and that Omega girl.”

I should be used to it by now, hearing people talking about me and my exs. When you date the county sheriff and the only garage owner in town, things aren’t exactly secret. Even if they didn’t know your name or face, they knew your business.

“You know, John always said she was a good gal, but just had some problems. His mother and I play bridge at the church on Wednesday evenings and she told me that he was heartbroken over their split up. Him and Brock adored her, said they wanted to have kids too. I do hope she’s getting herself straightened out,” the second woman said.

I could handle the whispers and looks I’d get from the older Omegas in town, but this was a new low. They weren’t even trying to keep it quiet anymore.

“Just so ya’ll know, we’re closing soon, so if you’ve got some trash talking to do, do it outside where I don’t have to listen to it,” I called, earning small gasps from the women. They hurried to the front to check out, keeping their eyes down as I glared at them. If they were dumb enough to talk about me in front of me, I was not going to go easy on them. They didn’t say another word as they left, leaving me behind to glare at their backs.

“You should learn to ignore them. People will always talk,” Peggy said from the office.

“The least they could do was be discreet about it,” I mumbled. “Besides, it’s already been over a year and you’d think people would let it go and move on.”

“Well, with the new people moving in, you might get your wish,” she said. I could only hope.

The rest of the evening went by pleasantly fast. Peggy left me in charge to stock the shelves after closing. We closed usually at about 8:00 PM, no one showed up after 7:45 PM on a regular day. So to hear the door jostle as someone tried to open at 8:10 PM was odd. Frowning, I put down the pasta to look over the aisle to see a man trying to peer in. He had dirty blond hair styled back into a faux hawk of sorts, and dressed in ripped skinny jeans and a tight black tee. There were a few cuts on his face, a bandaid over his nose, and what looked like hearing aids hooks around his ears, the man stood out like a sore thumb compared to the locals. Seeing me, he put on a big smile and waved.

My first instinct was to ignore him, but since he didn’t look familiar I figured he was one of the new people in town. They wouldn’t know the hours of any of the stores in town. I decided to at least let him know the store was closed. If anything happened I had a bat under my register and pepper spray on my keys in my pocket. Going to the front, I unlocked the door before opening it.

“Hey, sorry, we’re closed,” I said as the muggy summer air came rushing in. “We close at 8.”

“Damn it,” the man hissed as he pulled out a cell phone. “Is there any other place to get groceries around here? My pack and I just moved to town and we don’t have any groceries. We’ve been working all day to get stuff into the house and didn’t realize the time.”

“Oh, uh not really, sorry,” I said. “Dollar General closes at the same time and you’d have to go to the next town over for Walmart and that’s 20 miles away.”

“What time do you guys open in the morning?” He asked, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

“We open at 6:00 AM.” The way he looked when I told him was like witnessing a puppy being kicked. I could smell him, he was just an Omega. What harm could it do to let him in this once? Peggy had let a few people in here and there after hours, so what was one more? “Okay, so you can’t tell anyone or you’ll get me in trouble, but I can go ahead and let you in to shop. I’m just restocking shelves, so go ahead and get what you need.” Stepping aside, I let him in before locking the door behind him to keep anyone else out.

“Thank you so, so much. You’re a lifesaver, really,” he said as he grabbed a cart and proceeded to grab things off the shelf. I didn’t mind staying late, rent was going up and it was getting harder to pay, so a bit of extra time wouldn’t hurt. “I’m Clint by the way.”

“Hazel,” I replied as I went back to the shelves. Letting him fill his cart, I finished up my work before meeting him at the register. It was a lot of food, but then again how many moving trucks had showed up? “I really hope this isn’t just for you.”

“Naw, there’s 8 people in my pack. I’m hoping this will be good enough for at least dinner and breakfast, but there’s a few of us who can eat out a whole house,” Clint said with a chuckle as I scanned the items.

“Wow, that’s a lot. We don’t really have any packs at all around here. Maybe a handful, but it’s just three people at most,” I said.

“Oh yeah? We just moved here from New York. One of our Beta’s, Steve, used to live here. You might know him,” Clint said.

“Last name Rogers?” I asked, getting a nod. “Not personally. I know of the family and the land, but that’s about it,” I said with a shrug. “Alright, and total for today is $234.89.”

“Yup, sounds about right,” Clint said with a chuckle as he swiped a credit card. What did they do in New York that allowed them to buy that many groceries? Not to mention that was just for one night, I couldn’t imagine a full week’s worth. Maybe they should go to Walmart for groceries next time. “So is there anything fun to do around here?” He asked as I handed him the longest receipt I’d printed before.

“Eh. Depends on what you want to do. We have a restaurant that closes at 9:00 PM, a few bars around here, and a strip joint, but other than that there’s not much to be done unless you’re a fan of high school sports,” I said with a shrug.

“I’m going to have to give Steve a slap upside the head for bringing us to the most boring place in the world,” he sighed before looking at me wide eyed. “I mean, it’s just that it’s kinda slow compared to New York.”

“Don’t worry. I think it’s boring too, but like most of the folks that live here, it’s cheaper to stay than to move if you don’t have another job or family else where,” I said. “Sometimes the rodeo comes to the next town over and a lot of people go there.”

“Yeah, when he said this was a completely different place, I didn’t think he understood how all of us would find it so different,” Clint said as he started to load up the grocery cart.

“Here, let me help you take those out to your car. I’ll get the cart from you and you can head out,” I said, grabbing the keys to unlock the front door to let us out then relocked it.

“Thanks. You know, I guess small towns do have a lot of nice people willing to help out,” Clint said as he led the way to a black sports car.

“Sheesh, fancy,” I snorted as he popped the trunk.

“Yeah, it was a pain to drive it down the dirt driveway I have with my mate. I don’t want to part with her, but I also don’t want to ruin the undercarriage,” he said with a wince.

“That’s a bummer. There’s a car lot in town here, but I don’t know if they’d have anything your style,” I said, handing him a paper bag full of cereal.

“Howard, my mate, would shit his pants if I tried to go there,” Clint said with a chuckle. “He’s too posh to even think of buying anything pre-used. I’m pretty sure he’d have a heart attack.”

“Sounds like he’ll get comfortable real quick,” I said with a snort.

As we were finishing up putting the groceries in the car, there was a short honk and siren bwep before a sheriff’s car pulled into the spot next to Clint’s.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Clint frowned, unsure of what was happening, but I knew.

“Howdy friend!” A familiar voice called as a blond man with bright blue eyes and an irritating smile stepped from the patrol car. Dressed in his brown and khaki uniform, Sheriff John Walker approached us. “You must be part of the pack that just moved to town.”

“Uh, yeah. Just got in today,” Clint said, shifting his body again. “I’m Clint.”

“Pleased to meet you, I’m Sheriff Walker. Figured that since I saw you in town, I’d catch you real quick for an introduction,” the man said, holding out his hand for Clint to shake. Raising a brow, Clint shook the officer’s hand.

“Nice to meet you. You’ll probably be seeing the rest of my pack throughout the week,” Clint said before closing the trunk of his car.

“You’re on the Rogers property, yeah?” John asked, resting his hands on his hips.

“That’s the one,” Clint said with a nod.

“I think I went to school with one of the Rogers’ pack. Steve, I believe his name was. He was a grade above me. His family stayed in town a while before leaving. Didn’t think we’d see anyone come back to live on the property,” John said. I wanted to get away from this conversation as fast as possible. John hadn’t even addressed me, let alone acknowledge my existence. The last thing I wanted was for him to start shit with me in front of someone.

“Probably, I mean, he’ll be in town tomorrow to get all the paperwork fixed up with his mate,” Clint said. “But I should be going. We’ve been driving all day and everyone’s tired and hungry.”

“Alright, I’ll let you go,” John said with a nod, backing up to let Clint move. I kept quiet, trying to not look John in the eye as I moved the cart back to the sidewalk. “Have a nice evening, now,” he said, typing his broad brimmed hat to Clint.

“Thanks. See you around, Hazel,” Clint said to me with a tight smile and wave. I gave a short wave back before booking it back to the store.

Don’t follow me, don’t follow me, don’t follow me.

“Hazel, wait up,” John called as he jogged to catch up with me. I wanted to scream as I stopped at the front door to unlock it. “So, you’re talking to the new people now, huh?” He said as Clint pulled out and drove away.

“John, go away. It’s none of your business and this is not part of the agreement,” I hissed, getting the door open. Shoving the cart in front of me, I tried to shut the door in his face, but he’d stuck his boot in the way.

“Look, I’m just trying to keep an eye out for you, okay? Don’t get cozy with the new people. They might be interesting, but you never know what people are really like,” he said, pushing his way into the store.

“Ironic coming from you,” I snapped, glaring at him as I moved to the register. “I’m trying to close, leave.”

“Remember what I said,” John sighed. “Don’t trust those new people.”

“I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you and we both know it’s not far,” I snarled. “Now go away or I’ll short Brock this week.”

“Fine,” he said. “But just remember, I was the one that always looked after you. Even after everyone started those rumors about you, I stuck by you.”

“A lot of good it did me. Now go.”

John looked like he might say something else, but stopped himself. Instead, he shook his head before leaving the store. Quickly, I locked the door after him. Standing there, my hands shook as tears pricked my eyes. The asshole could always get under my skin. Just a damn look and I’d be nearly in tears. As much as I wanted to believe I was stronger now and could handle myself, that small interaction showed me that he still had a grip on my life.

Finished for the night, I headed home. There were no more encounters with anyone else thankfully, allowing me to relax for the night with a beer on my porch. My house wasn’t much, a one story two bedroom house that had a less than stellar paint job, but it was home. It was old, from the 20’s, but it was sturdy. I wasn’t there much but to eat, sleep, and shower anyways.

Sitting on the porch, one beer turned into two which turned into three. It was the fourth one that I finally felt like I could stop shaking completely. The last time I had seen John and talked to him was nearly a month ago. We’d been separated for almost a year and he was being his usual passive aggressive self just to push my boundaries. He’d come into the store and made a show of talking to me like I was a kid, letting everyone see he was the calm, collected Alpha that was trying to reach out with an olive branch to fix things between the unstable Omega who just needed some gentle handling to become a decent person.

I had nearly come unglued on him, but managed to keep my voice low and my eyes down. Peggy found me right after, sobbing out behind the store. No one, not even Peggy, knew what really happened between all three of us, but I wasn’t about to tell them and neither were John and Brock. We’d come to an agreement that they would leave me alone and not talk to me unless absolutely necessary and I’d stay quiet. As well as paying them off. It was nearly half of both my paychecks, but it was worth it if it meant they didn’t come into the store when I was there or tried to talk to me at all.

But John was starting to toe the line and push back. Brock kept his part of the deal, I was pretty sure he never really cared for me, but John was always obsessive. The deal was going to have to be revisited if John didn’t back off.

Done for the night, I tossed the bottles before heading to bed.

The last few days of the work week were about the same. Go to work, come home, go to work, come home. I saw Clint now and then who came in to grab a few things here and there, but that was it. He was nice and despite John wanting to tell me who I could and couldn’t see, it felt better to know that there was someone in town who didn’t know things about me without my permission.

While we weren’t best friends, we did send memes to each other when I was on break and he wasn’t busy. At one point he messaged me a picture of his shed full of cobwebs and wasp nests and asked if it was appropriate to burn it to the ground. I told him to be careful because there could be copperheads underneath or groundhogs. That led into me explaining what those were and learning that the man had lived 37 years thinking a groundhog was something made up by a city for a holiday and it was really just a beaver they were using.

It seemed that I would be teaching him, and probably his pack vicariously, what to look out for in their new homes. I still hadn’t met the rest of the pack, though I had seen one or two here and there around town.

Soon Friday rolled around. I woke up at about 4:30 AM. Friday would be busier than usual as it was a payday. I showered then dressed, sliding on jeans and a long sleeved shirt, I then made a pot of coffee before doing my makeup. Just enough to hide the bags under my eyes and a few marks on my neck that were visible above my shirt collar.

It was my regular dress for my job at the store, Peggy didn’t care too much so long as it wasn’t offensive. Which meant anything but plain clothing and no writing. After coffee, I fixed my hair so it didn’t frizz then grabbed my thermos of coffee. I locked up then headed to work.

The sun was peeking above the trees and clouds as I pulled into work around 5:15 AM. Peggy was already there when I walked in the back.

“Did you have any problems closing the other night? I forgot to ask,” She said as I stepped into the office to get my cash drawer for the day.

“It was fine. Had one of the new people stop in, Clint. The blond that comes by for snacks. He’d made it in just after we closed, but I went ahead and let him shop since they didn’t have anything at their houses,” I said, taking the drawer from the open safe.

“Houses? You mean they’re not all in one?” She asked, looking up from her book keeping.

“There’s not a big enough house for more than four people on their property. There’s like ten of them,” I said with a snort.

“Well I’m sure we’ll meet all of them at some point. We’re the only grocery store in town,” she said.

“Unless they need to buy in bulk. Clint nearly bought everything in the store,” I said, counting my drawer at the register.

“We can only hope. Next time you see them, let them know if they need more than a few things to get us a list and we’ll get them large amounts. We used to do that a lot when there were bigger packs in my hometown,” Peggy said. The woman was nearly 60 and had lived in England up until about 30 years ago, getting the general store from her uncle who had passed away. I was used to hearing the facts of ‘We used to do this in my hometown’ a lot.

“Will do.”

Finished with setting up, I unlocked the front door and turned on the rest of the lights at 6:00 AM. The usual rush of moms right after school starts as well as early rising elderly came in, making for the usual busy rush that Peggy would step in and help with at the second register. By the time 10:00 AM rolled around, things were tapering off. We’d have a lunch rush for those grabbing a quick something, then back to a nice slowness.

“I’m gonna take my break after this last person checks out,” I said to Peggy who nodded. I was starting to get hungry and I saw a bearclaw in the donut rack that had my name on it. A few cups of coffee could only hold me over for so long before I needed actual food.

Before I could clock out for a break though, two people walked into the otherwise empty store. They were part of the new pack, just the scent alone said that, and they were Alphas. Great.

“I got this if you want,” Peggy said softly as she caught the scent too. Peggy was a sweet Beta and she acted as a stand-in grandma for me, but I couldn’t just run at every Alpha that came in.

“I’m good,” I said, giving her a small wave and smile. It wasn’t long before the Alphas came to the register. One was taller, probably over 6’, with steely blue eyes and dark, earthy brown hair with a scruff on his face. He smelt of fresh rain and peaches with that Alpha musk. Dressed in an almost too tight tee with an extra sleeve and glove covering his left arm and hand, he looked out of place in the button up work shirts and plaid that was usually worn by the adult men around town.

The other was shorter, more tailored. His light brown hair had a bit of copper to it as it was swept back from his face as that held a neatly trimmed beard. His dark eyes stayed on the phone in his hand. He too was in a tee and jeans that were fitted tighter, making them look. . . Well almost foreign. A whiff of cedar and maybe smoke or tobacco swirled into the first Alpha’s scent. Both of them mingling and making something settle deep inside my belly.

Fuck.

“Is that all for you two?” I asked, holding back with every fiber of my being any scent or sign of them making me feel like a simple, needy Omega.

“That’ll be it,” the first Alpha said. It was standard groceries of meat, cheese, dried goods, condiments, basically anything to stock up a house after moving.

“Is your pack settling in okay? Clint comes by now and then,” I said, trying to make small talk. Usually I didn’t, but something about those two had me anxious. Not a bad anxious, but. . . I couldn’t put my finger on it.

“Oh, uh yeah. We’re getting there,” he said with a nod. “It’s different than what we’re used to.”

“What are ya’ll used to?” I asked, looking from one to the other.

“A lot more people and a lot less trees,” the second Alpha spoke up, his voice lilting into an accent I couldn’t place. “But it is lovely here. I quite like how peaceful it is without masses of people a hair’s breadth away.”

“Glad you like it,” I said, giving him a soft smile. “So are all of you from New York too?”

“A few of us, but not all,” the first Alpha said as he pulled out his wallet.

“Well, hopefully it doesn’t take you long to settle in. Today’s total is $87.56,” I said, tapping a few buttons on my keypad.

“Tell me, is there a nursery around? For plants that is,” the second Alpha asked, leaning onto the counter when I started to help pack up the groceries into the cart. “I am wanting to start a flower garden, but would like to see where the supplies are first.”

“A plant nursery? Um, there is one just west of the town. Just take the main road and it’s about ten minutes from town. It’s run by the Mennonites and they have a bunch of different plants to pick from. They’ve even got starter trees for fruits and some bushes for blackberries and the like,” I said.

“Thank you. I appreciate the information,” he said with a soft smile and a nod. I couldn’t help but smile back at him.

“You’re welcome, if any of your pack needs anything just ask around. We’re all pretty friendly here,” I said as I finished putting the bags in the cart.

“I will keep that in mind,” he said, moving over to the cart to hold out his hand to me. “I am Helmut. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m Hazel. It’s nice to meet you both,” I said, taking his hand. It was warm and soft, different than the work roughened hands I was used to. Helmut rolled his eyes at the other, elbowing him.

“Hey,” he grumbled, shooting him a glare. “Oh, uh, I’m Bucky.” A quick wave and awkward smile was all I was given as he quickly moved to push the cart away.

“He’s house broken, I swear,” Helmut said with a wink. I couldn’t help the honest to God giggle that came out of me. “Have a good day, Hazel,” Helmut said, smiling as he shook his head at Bucky.

“You too,” I called after as they left. It didn’t even occur to me that I was staring after them till Peggy came up next to me.

“You could always ask for a photograph. It would last longer,” she said with hum.

“Oh shush,” I said, waving her off. “They were just, ya know, nice. Most Alphas around here are curt and so loud and demanding. It’s a nice change to see is all.”

“Uh huh. Even if you weren’t letting them get a scent of you, you were definitely giving them eyes. I’ve never seen you do that for anyone. Not even when you were with ‘Those-Who-Shan’t-Be-Named.’ I think it’s cute and wonderful that you had that reaction,” Peggy said as she went to the other register so I could take a break. “Besides, when’s the last time you actually touched someone on purpose?”

“It’s nothing, I’m just being nice to new people is all,” I said, locking my register computer after clocking out for a break. Quickly, I grabbed the bearclaw before leaving the dollar and change for Peggy. “It was just a handshake. Besides, you always tell me to work on my customer service skills,” I said as I walked to the back door.

“I didn’t mean it like that!” She called after me.

#john walker/oc #brock rumlow/oc #john walker/brock rumlow/oc #bucky barnes #john walker #brock rumlow #bucky barnes/helmut zemo #bucky barnes/oc #helmut zemo/oc #zemo/oc #bucky/zemo #bucky barnes/helmut zemo/oc #bucky/zemo/oc #a/b/o #marvel #fanfiction

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enixamyram · 3 years

Text

Curious Archer Pride (Short)

"You... You look amazing..." Robin practically whispered.

Alice grinned widely, taking hold of the silky material of her dress, pulling it up and performing a low curtsey at her wife. The dress itself had been made by a local store but the design had been entirely Alice's. It had a wide layered skirt with a tight torso and short sleeves that hung just off of her shoulders, but the most important part of the dress was the colour. The entire outfit was dyed to be diagonally striped with all the colours of the rainbow. Perfect for Storybrooke's Pride.

"Thanks!" Alice said, standing and doing a twirl so her skirt flared out around her and showed the rainbow design flashing as if by magic - though this was one of the few things that wasn't actually magic, just cleverly sown together material.

"Uh, but where are your shoes?" Robin blinked at Alice's naked toes.

"Oh, well I couldn't find any to go with the dress so I just figured I'd leave them." Alice shrugged, walking over to her. "We're gonna be on a float the whole time anyway!"

Robin nodded, glancing down at what Alice affectionately called their Forever Float. It was relatively simple, until it started moving. Once the wheels began turning, Alice would activate the spell which would reveal small cartoon figures running along the sides, visually telling their own love story to the world. It would start with a female archer catching a young woman in a cage and end with their wedding ceremony on the docks.

"Come on," Robin said, taking her hand and guiding her to one of the chairs before picking up the brush from the second. "We better hurry if we want to be ready. What do you want? A flag? A heart? A book? Any letters?"

"All of them!" Alice said immediately.

"You only have so much face to use," Robin laughed, but proceeded to use the paint to carefully add each pattern to any bit of skin available to her. In the end she wrote LGBT on Alice's forehead, put a heart on her left cheek, a flag on her right and then wrote Pride on either side of her exposed shoulder. "Done."

"Your turn!" Alice said, standing and pushing Robin into her seat.

"I'll just have the lesbian flag," Robin said.

"Okay, shut your eyes." Alice commanded.

Robin did as she was told and tried to resist the urge to frown when she felt the paintbrush stretch from one side of her face all the way to the other. In only took her a few seconds to realize Alice was not going to be limited to just one section of her face. By the time she was done, Robin knew what to expect and when she opened her eyes and checked the handheld mirror she had brought with her. In the mirror, she saw that Alice had painted the entire of her face in the lesbian flag colours.

"Oh! One more thing!" Alice said.

Before Robin could ask what, Alice had leaned forward and pressed a firm kiss to her cheek. Robin opened her mouth to complain about only getting a cheek kiss when she felt a familiar warmth rush over her face. When she next looked at her reflection, she saw Alice had left a clear lipstick mark on her cheek which flashed from gold and silver every time Robin smiled.

"God I love your magic," Robin laughed, standing and catching Alice in her arms. Ignoring the face paint - Regina has supplied it so Robin doubt it would smear - she pulled the other girl into her arms and pressed a firm kiss onto her lips.

When they pulled back, they were both breathless and giddy. Robin was grinning so much, the kiss mark on her cheek was almost blinding as it flashed between the two colours, fighting in order to keep up with her smile.

"You guys almost ready?!" Ruby shouted, rushing towards them with a clipboard in hand. Every year she said organizing the event was just too much for her and yet every year she still insisted on being in charge anyway.

"We're ready!" Alice announced, moving the face paints and supplies behind the chairs so they were hidden from view. "Let's get this float on the road!"

Robin grinned again, taking Alice's hand and standing in front of the chairs. They would be going throughout the whole of town so the chairs were provided in case they wanted to sit for a few minutes should they get tired but Robin wasn't actually planning on using them. Instead she firmly planned to dance with Alice for the entire of the parade, thrilled at the idea that their love - along with the love of their LGBT friends and family - would be the centre of attention.

"Happy Pride, Alice," Robin said softly.

"Happy Pride, my love," Alice smiled, leaning forward and sharing one more quick kiss just as the parade began.

#Once Upon A Time #Alice Jones #Robin Mills #Curious Archer #Curious Archer Pride Month #This is just a short little thing #but I hope ya'll enjoy it.#I've been struggling to write for a while #so I'm quite happy I was able to get this one out!#And I totally imagine Alice is very over the top of eccentric when it comes to Pride.#She covers herself in as much face paint as she can #wears clothes that are in no way subtle #and definitely runs around cheering Pride to everyone.#Meanwhile Robin doesn't care what she wears or does #so long as she can do it with Alice #though she does love being able to show Alice off #during the parade and such.#Anyway...#Enjoy!

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wrenhyperfixates · 4 years

Text

Of All the Places

Chapter 4

Pairing: Loki x reader Series Summary: Washing up in a small town in Oklahoma was definitely not part of Loki’s plan when he came to conquer Midgard. There is one good thing about it, though: No one recognizes him as the one who just wreaked havoc in New York. So, Loki plans to recover from the battle and move on with his life. The only problem? He’s not sure he can leave you. Chapter Summary: Loki continues to struggle with his emotions as he tries to figure out his bond with you. On top of all that stress, he finally learns what the rest of the world is hearing about New York. Chapter Warnings: long, angsty, and fluffy A/N: Woohoo! Fourth chapter is here! Totaling almost 5,000 words, the longest thing I have written to date. Any comments, questions, or predictions? I’d love to hear them and chat with you! Well, guys, gals, and non-binary pals, hope you enjoy :) Updates every Friday.

Tag List: @lucywrites02 @frostedgiantfavs @lunarmoon8 @twhiddlestonsstuff

✥ Start at Beginning ✥ | ← Previous Chapter | Next Chapter →

Disclaimer: Gif not mine

Loki hadn’t slept well in days. Between nightmares and dreams of you, his mind was a constant hub of activity. He didn’t need as much sleep as you mortals did, but after the whole ordeal with Thanos, the lack of rest was taking a toll on him. You were the first to notice, and started hovering even more than normal, something Loki was reluctant to admit he liked. In his final days on Asgard, he’d made himself a complete loner, going so far as to isolate himself from Frigga. It was nice to have some companionship again. That was as far as Loki ever let his mind wander, though, cutting himself off before he could deeper analyze the constant pull he felt toward you. Certainly there wasn’t even anything else to analyze anyway, he convinced himself. You were, after all, only human.

Before he could get lost in thought again, Loki refocused on Matt’s caramel blonde hair as he chased him between the barn and the house. The boy’s light curls were the only thing he’d inherited from his father and looked almost exactly like Ana otherwise. It made Loki wonder how he never guessed he was adopted, seeing as he looked nothing like either of his parents. This fresh air was really starting to get to him, he decided, because he was continuously going down these deep contemplative paths in his mind. It was a constant loop of his feelings for you, his true heritage, and how he was taking advantage of your family. Then again, it may have been the traumatic, near-death experiences and hours of torture that was doing this to him. That was the one thing he always liked to forget about.

“Tag, you’re it!” Loki cheered as he tapped Matt.

The challenge in this game, for Loki at least, was not to overtake Matt’s strides too quickly. It was the perfect balance of fake chasing and finding just the right moment to execute the tagging. Still, he was having almost as much fun as the child was.

“Now you’re it!” Matt declared a few minutes later when Loki let the boy catch up to him.

If there was anything to admire about the kid, it was his tireless energy. Loki was glad to have found someone to keep pace with him as far as that went. His mind, too, was kept plenty stimulated by late-night talks with you. Ever since you’d showed him the creek a few days ago, you seemed to talk into the wee hours of the morning. He’d never noticed before just how deep and intelligent mortals could be. It was quite the accomplishment that you were changing so many of his opinions in such a short time. Then he realized he was thinking of you yet again and cut off the train of thought before it could persist.

“Loki. Matt,” Ana called, waving at them from the front porch.

After scooping the boy up in his arms, Loki jogged over to where she was standing. Matt was happily transferred to his mother’s arms as he was carried into the kitchen for snack time. The God of Mischief looked out over your land, trying to give in to the feeling of contentment he was so close to achieving. If only he didn’t constantly have that voice in his head telling him he was a monster, he didn’t belong here. Maybe then he could be happy. A part of him wished he’d lost his memory for real.

“Oh, there you are,” you said, walking out of the house. “I’m heading into town if you want to come with me and see if anything jogs your memory.”

“Yes. I would like that very much.”

As the two of you made your way to the car, you repeatedly tossed and caught your keys in a nervous pattern. Loki held the door open for you as you got in and quickly hurried around to the other side. He stared at a weird strap by his seat as he sat down. You saw his look of befuddlement and couldn’t help but let out a little laugh.

“Do you not remember how to use a seatbelt?” you asked kindly as he nodded his head yes. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you came from an alien planet.”

Then you reached across his seat to buckle him in. Unfortunately, it was a bit farther than you realized, and you fell into Loki, hand splayed on his chest, his hands immediately reaching out to steady you. For a minute, the only sound in the vehicle was your pounding hearts. You cleared your throat in embarrassment as you finished your task. The air between you held a distinct awkwardness, and Loki realized that this was the first time you’d been truly alone since the creek. It sent a thrill down his spine, even as he tried to ignore his racing thoughts. Determined to look anywhere but in your direction, his eyes landed on Mama, scowling in the window. She’d made it clear that she wasn’t keen on him spending so much time with you and Matt. If he was any smarter, any braver, he would listen to her and just leave already.

“So,” you began, clearing your throat again and driving off, “how are you feeling today?”

“I am quite well, thank you. I do believe I am fully healed.”

“Promise to still take it easy, ok?”

“Alright.”

You lapsed into silence as you cruised along the road. Loki stared out the window, hoping to find some clarity in the scenery streaking by. You were a mortal, he should not have felt any sort of attachment to you. Then again, he hadn’t spent time with one since the Middle Ages. It had all been so dreadfully dull back then, but things had changed. You and your family were so exuberant, so captivating. But he was a god, and he should not concern himself with that. In fact, he should be on his way of this planet, which was maybe not so miserable, after all.

Before long, you reached town and pulled into a small parking lot of a building with a sign that said “24 Hour Convenience Store” and had many light-up neon signs, declaring they were open. You got out and Loki followed suit.

“Anything look familiar yet?” you asked. “I know you don’t live here, but maybe you passed through.”

Lying was his specialty, and it’s what he should have done now. He could hear himself in his head, his silver tongue weaving a tale about how things were coming back to him. Then he could pretend to contact someone and create an illusion, so you believed he had a happy reunion with his family. It would be prefect; he would leave and you wouldn’t worry about him. He truly wanted to believe it would perfect, anyway, but it wasn’t. Not if he never saw you again. There must be something special about you, he decided, and the Tesseract brought him here so he could figure it out. That was it. That had to be it.

“I am afraid not,” he replied. “Perhaps I came from the other way.”

“Yeah, maybe. Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out,” you comforted him with a hug, mistaking the reason for his sadness.

His body went stiff in your embrace. He hadn’t been hugged in centuries. Granted, that was in part his fault because he was afraid receiving hugs from his mother would hurt his carefully crafted image. Now here you were, holding his body against your warm frame. Once his mind cleared a bit, he awkwardly hugged you, too, and gave your back a few uncertain pats. He should not have been encouraging this behavior, but he was. Maybe if he caused some mischief he’d feel more like his old self. Or maybe he didn’t want to be that person anymore. It was all too much. He was exhausted by the incessant back and forth of his thoughts. He untangled himself from you and gestured to the store.

“After you,” he said.

You pushed open the glass doors and were greeted by the cashier as you walked in. Loki followed you to the back where the refrigerator section was, and he chivalrously held the milk that you’d come to pick up. You also grabbed some coffee grounds and then proceeded to checkout. After setting down the items on the counter, Loki turned over a chocolate bar in his hands, feeling like a child as you took it out of his hands and put it down with the other items. You grabbed a few other bars too, flashing a smile at Loki and keeping up a conversation with the clerk all the while.

“And who’s your new friend?” the cashier, whose name tag said Mr. Berkeley, asked you.

“This is Loki. He’s staying with me until... Well for a while,” you finished, not sure how much Loki felt comfortable revealing.

“Where’re you from, sonny?”

“Unfortunately, I cannot remember. It seems I had some kind of horrid accident,” Loki explained before you could fret anymore. He was very tired of being called son by people when he was a thousand years their senior, though. “I was very lucky to have found my way onto their farm.”

“Well, that’s quite a story. You should talk to the newspaper, get the word out.”

You shot an “I told you so” look at Loki to which he responded with one that said, “We’ll talk about this later.” Before either of you could say anything, though, the news came on the TV which Loki hadn’t realized was on.

“Do you have cable back?” you inquired as Loki began to panic. “It’s still out on the farm.”

“Nah. I got a satellite on the roof. Just got it set up again this morning.

You nodded along as the anchors began the next story. “New York is still reeling from damage, but the group of superheroes, going by the name of the Avengers, is leading clean-up efforts. The perpetrator has still not been caught-”

Loki discreetly turned the TV off with his powers before you could hear any more. He’d have to make sure the satellite took significant damage before leaving.

“Dang it. I just fixed that damned thing,” the cashier said.

“What was that all about?” you asked, completely bewildered by the sudden influx of information. “What happened in New York?”

“I guess you missed it in the paper last week,” Mr. Berkeley explained. “Some crazy group of aliens attacked, led by some power hungry god. Supposedly it was Thor’s brother, but they haven’t disclosed that information yet. Reckon they want to wait until he’s caught, avoid a panic.”

“Oh my god. That’s terrible! Gosh, you miss one paper,” you laughed, trying to keep the mood light.

A dark cloud passed over Loki’s features, even as Mr. Berkeley laughed along. Despite those SHIELD agents covering this up, word had still gotten out in some capacity. He had to be careful, or else he was going to get caught, and then you’d be in danger. He cursed under his breath. Your safety should be the last thing he was worrying about, and yet it was the first thought to come into his mind. A little kindness thrown his way should not make him into the mess he was. Of course, there were so many other things to like about you, too, and he kept finding more. He didn’t want to, he didn’t want any of this, but the Norns were punishing him for something. What would have happened, he wondered, if he’d listened to Thor and just held on that fateful day? If he hadn’t let go of the staff and fallen to what should have been his ultimate demise?

“Sonny, are you alright?” Mr. Berkeley asked as you laid a hand on his arm.

“Fine, but I think we should be going. I’ll meet you outside.”

He jerked away from your touch before you could do anything else and stalked outside. At least the satellite was hanging half off the roof with a huge dent in its side. He opened his door and got into the car as you unlocked it and raced over to him.

“Loki! Loki!” you called as you hurried over. “What was that? Are you ok?”

“Nothing! Nothing at all. Can’t you see I’m fine?” he snapped, struggling with the seatbelt. “I’m fine,” he whispered again.

“Hey, look at me,” you soothed, filled with compassion and placing a hand on his cheek. “Whatever it is, just let me know. I’m here for you. Talk to me.”

Loki’s eyes fluttered shut as he enjoyed the warmth from your palm. He let go of the seatbelt and took a few deep breaths, just like his mother had taught him. A part of him wanted to hang onto this anger, knowing that it might finally drive him to leave. He knew from experience, though, that acting in moments of blind rage would never lead to anything good.

“Is it New York? Did you remember something?” you gasped. “You had felt it was important in some way.”

“Perhaps,” he said after one last steadying breath. “It may have triggered something. But really, I am just a little tired. Maybe I am not as healed as I thought.”

He turned his head away and rested it against the window as your hand dejectedly fell into your lap. It’s not that he wanted to pull away, but he knew it’s what was safest for you.

“Ok then. We’ll go home.”

Loki whispered his thanks and succeeded in buckling up. He closed his eyes as the car started and a wave of emotions crashed over him. When you said home, he immediately pictured the farm. He knew he shouldn’t, but he did.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Loki holed himself up in his room for the rest of the day, working through the new information he’d learned. He pretended to be asleep when Ana came to bring him some dinner. Notably, you had not been the one taking care of him, and he cursed himself for pushing you away. He didn’t even bother trying to convince himself it was for the best; he knew it wasn’t. After so many years on his own, he finally had a friend, and he drove you away. Why he expected anything less from himself, he didn’t know.

At some point, he fell into a restless sleep. The food from last night was still on the bedside table, but it was now joined with the Snickers bar you’d bought for him yesterday. Someone had also come and tucked him in. Maybe he hadn’t lost his friend, after all. He opened the chocolate and took a bite, delighting in the sweet and nutty flavor. He polished it off, then waved a hand over the rest of the food, causing it to disappear. He wasn’t much in the mood for eating it, but didn’t want you to worry. He nearly ran into John as he walked into the hallway with the empty tray.

“There you are!” John exclaimed. “We were getting worried. Do you need the doctor?”

“No, I am quite alright, thank you. I think I just needed some good sleep,” Loki lied.

“Only if you’re sure. Take it easy today, though, ok?”

“That’s an order,” you said, appearing behind your brother-in-law and taking the tray from Loki. “Are you hungry? You missed breakfast, but I can heat up some leftovers from you.”

“I am fine,” Loki began, but noticed you frown. “Though, I suppose I could do with a small breakfast.”

“Great!” you said a little too brightly. “I’ll meet you down there.”

“Loki, can I talk to you for a minute?” John asked, pulling him aside. “What exactly happened yesterday? We heard about New York, but it seemed like there was something else bothering them.”

Loki felt a pang in his chest at the man’s words. As if the news weren’t upsetting enough, he’d been rude to you. He could only imagine how you would feel if you knew he was the one who had caused the mayhem. He wanted to pin the blame on someone else, but the blood was on his hands and he knew he had to take some responsibility. Doing that would help him change, which he recognized was absolutely necessary after all that had happened.

“I fear I may have upset them,” Loki started, shedding his old ways by telling the truth. “I was not feeling quite right, and I turned them away. Now they clearly blame themself for it. I deeply regret it, but I am not sure there is anything I can do.”

“Just talk to them. Apologize.”

Loki did his best not to look shocked, but the last time he said sorry was when his parents caught him playing tricks on Thor, and even then it was done begrudgingly. He wasn’t even sure he could make it sound sincere.

“Listen, I’ve got an idea,” John said. “We’re heading to the city today if you want to tag along. They’re off to get some gifts for Ana while I’ve got a few potential distributors to meet with. I’m sure they would be thrilled to have your company. Unless you’re not feeling well, of course.”

“No, I’m feeling fine. That is a great idea. You have my thanks, John.”

“No problem. Now, you’d better head down for breakfast before we both get in trouble,” he laughed.

With a final nod of gratitude, Loki took off down the stairs. His light footsteps went undetected as he neared the table, once again giving him the opportunity to eavesdrop on Mama’s suspicions.

“I know something else must’ve happened yesterday. You weren’t upset over nothing.”

“It’s just the New York thing,” you replied. “I’m fine. Really.”

“You tell me what that boy did right now or so help me I’ll kick him out of this house myself!”

“Mama! He didn’t do anything wrong. I get that what happened with James hurts, believe me I do, but you can’t let it run your life. You have to be able to trust others, to trust me,” you pleaded.

“How dare you drag your brother into this,” Mama shot back, her voice cracking. “How ’bout you trust my gut when it tells me that boy is trouble. I swear-”

She was cut off by Loki doubling back and thudding down the stairs, making his presence known. He’d heard more than enough of that conversation and wouldn’t allow you to feel any more hurt than you already were.

“Good morning,” he coldly said to Mama as he walked in, nostrils flaring slightly before he regained some composure. “I am not interrupting anything, am I.”

“Only our entire lives. Why don’t you go to the police, huh? And what about the missing person ad? Why haven’t we gotten that out yet? I don’t know what game your playing, but when I figure it out, believe me you’ll be sorry.”

“Fine! You want to know what I am doing here? I do not know. I have no idea why I ended up here or why I have stayed as long as I have. So when you ‘figure it out,’ by all means, please let me know.”

“Fine!” Mama shouted as she stormed off.

Loki was comforted by the fact that in his little outburst, he hadn’t technically told any lies to you. Half-truths? Most certainly, but no outright lies. Now that he was left alone with you, though, he felt embarrassed he lost his temper. He cleared his throat before speaking.

“I am sorry,” he said, not looking at you.

“Loki, you don’t have to say sorry for defending yourself. I understand.”

“That’s not what I’m apologizing for,” he confessed, now looking into your eyes. “Yesterday I was not feeling quite right, but I should not have snapped at you nor pushed you away like that. For that, you have my sincerest apologies.

“It’s really ok, it happens to everyone. I just care that you’re feeling alright.”

You stayed where you were standing, still hesitant to move toward Loki out of fear of being rejected again. So, it fell upon Loki to close the distance between you. He took your hand in his and placed a kiss to your knuckles as a light blush coated his cheeks.

“Thank you, darling. I assure you, I am feeling more than alright now.”

Whatever was about to happen between you next was cut off by the beeping of the microwave. You finished putting together his breakfast before sitting with him at the island. Though your relationship had been repaired, the conversation was still a bit choppy and awkward as you found your footing in the friendship again. John walked in just as you were cleaning up, whistling a happy tune.

“Ready to go whenever you guys are,” he said as he leaned against the doorframe.

“You’re coming?” you asked Loki, feeling worried for his health. “Are you sure you’re up for that? I can even stay behind with you if u want.”

“Please, do not change your plans on my account. I am in a great condition to go.”

You still seemed reluctant, but agreed he could come as long as he let you know the second he started feeling unwell. He conceded, and you went to fetch your jacket with the promise you’d be back in a minute. John gave Loki a thumbs up, to which he replied with a very self-assured smile, bolstered with confidence by your latest exchange.

A few minutes later you were all piling into the car, with Loki insisting you took the passenger seat and that he’d ride in the back. He was very pleased to get the seatbelt buckled on the first try, and the two of you shared a laugh at the little inside joke. His cheeks burned slightly, remembering how you’d fallen against him. Over the next few hours, you passed time by talking, laughing, and singing along to the radio. Just as you were entering the city, a troubling thought occurred to Loki; the people here had heard the news. Even if it hadn’t been officially announced that he was responsible for New York, those rumors about him had to have included a description. Sudden inspiration struck as John parked the car.

“You don’t happen to have a hair tie in here, do you?” he inquired.

“Yeah,” you replied, reaching into the glove compartment. “Ana keeps some in here for emergencies.”

Loki thanked you as you passed it to him and quickly put his hair up in a low bun. When he turned his attention back to you, you were staring at him, and he gave you a charming, lopsided grin that had you ducking your head in embarrassment.

“Ok,” John said with a clap of his hands once you were all on the sidewalk. “We’ll meet here in, say, about 5 hours.”

“Sounds like a plan,” you agreed, before waving goodbye.

Now it was just you and Loki again as you took off towards some stores to look at some baby gifts for Ana. It would still be half a year before the baby arrived, but you were always indecisive when it came to purchasing gifts. On the way, Loki ducked into a small shop and bought a pair of sunglasses, furthering his disguise. Between that, the new clothes, and the different hairstyle, he felt pretty confident in his ability to blend in.

After two-and-a-half hours of shopping, you’d found a bunch of things to maybe get, but hadn’t decided on anything. You would go back and look some more, but you were bone tired after all the walking around. The fact that you were so exhausted made you concerned for Loki’s condition, too, not entirely trusting that he would tell you if he was feeling ill, despite his promise to.

“How are you holding up?” you cautiously asked, afraid of a repeat of yesterday if you pushed too hard.

“I am doing quite well. You, however, seem to need to stop for a spell. Come, let us rest for a minute.”

He led you over to the food court of the mall you were at and pulled out a chair for you to sit in. He glanced around at the options and, though there was nothing there that appealed to him, there was certainly something that you liked. Besides, he didn’t need to eat, but your frail mortal body would need some sustenance sooner rather than later.

“Can I get something for you to eat?” he offered.

“How about we go see a movie instead?” you proposed, eyeing up the nearby theater.

“Only if you eat something.”

“Wow. Look at how the tables have turned,” you laughed. “Fine, but you have to also.”

After a minute’s debate, you and Loki agreed on a comedy starring your favorite actor. It wouldn’t have been Loki’d first pick, but after all the stress and angst of the last 24 hours, he figured he could use a laugh. You also convinced him to try some popcorn and Pepsi. He wasn’t much a fan of the soda, but the snack was tasty enough. Though, you did end up stealing half of his after finishing your own, which was fine with him. The best part of the whole experience, though, was getting to hear your laugh over and over again. Loki thought it might be the most beautiful sound he ever heard. Well, perhaps the best part was actually when your arms brushed each other as you both went to put them on the armrest at the same time. Loki filed away all these little mental notes to dwell on at a later date. Or, if he were lucky enough to rein in his hurricane of thoughts, never again.

“Well, that killed a lot of time,” you said after the movie ended and you were stretching out, aching from having sat for so long. “We’ve still got some left though. What do you want to do?”

“I believe there was a library over by where we parked. Let us go there,” he said, quickly thinking up a plan.

By the time you walked over, there was only about twenty minutes left for him to complete what he needed to do. He hurried over to where the computers were, and though he wasn’t particularly adept with modern Midgardian technology, the directions taped to the wall were clear enough that he was able to look up a book. He sent you off to get it, claiming that the title had just popped into his head and that he was certain he used to love it, and that he wanted to check on the status of a few others. You obliged, hoping that seeing the book would bring back some more of his supposedly lost memories.

Once you were gone Loki quickly searched for information on what he learned was being referred to as the Battle of New York. Thankfully, there was as little information about him circulating as Mr. Berkeley had said. Mostly, it was just speculation and stories from people claiming they’d been there. A great number of posts and photos had been deleted, too, and Loki assumed that they were ones with more valid claims and information. Knowing how SHIELD is, Loki was sure it was all removed almost immediately, so he felt relatively safe but decided he couldn’t be too careful.

“I found it!” you said, setting the book down as Loki closed out the tab he was on.

“Wonderful! Thank you,” he replied, flipping through it. “Most unfortunately, the other books were checked out.”

You leaned over shoulder to look at the book in his hands. “That’s too bad. What about this one, though? Triggering any memories?”

“Well, I think I enjoyed reading. Other than that, I am afraid not.”

“That’s ok. We’ll keep trying.”

Your hand slowly drifted over to rest on his, and he gave you a brilliant smile. It made him wish he’d found a friend in the universe far sooner than he had. Then maybe he wouldn’t have ended up in the hands of Thanos, committing atrocities against his family and strangers alike. Then again, if none of that happened, he never would have met you. He was torn over which he preferred.

“There you guys are,” John said, walking up to where you were. “Ready to head back whenever you are.”

After putting the book back on the shelf, you were ready to leave. Loki hung back with John as you exited.

“Your plan has worked miracles, my good man. You have my sincerest gratitude,” he said.

“No problem, dude,” John said, patting Loki on the back. “Glad to bring a happy couple back together again.”

Loki’s steps faltered. Between his companion’s smirk and teasing tone, Loki knew it was meant as a joke. Mainly, anyway. John really was very off the mark, though. He and you were merely friends, nothing more. And surely that was just barely so, seeing as you were a human. There was no way you meant anything else to Loki. Right?

It wasn’t until you were back on the road, and Loki couldn’t stop looking at the back of your head, that he even began to realize just how much trouble he was in.

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ciderxi · 3 years

Text

She was supposed to be mine Pt.5

Title: She was supposed to be mine

Chapter- 5 Deception

Pairing San x Reader X Yeosang

Word Count: 2k

San pulls away from the kiss and looks into your eyes, searching for any hint of emotion, no, any hint of love. He wanted so badly to believe that you loved him, and only him. Unfortunately for him. he knew exactly what you did, but it's not your fault. Yeosang had probably brainwashed you, after all, there was no way you would really chose Yeosang over him. What did he have that San didn't? "Come outside after you're dressed. Don't be long" he smirked, smacking your ass as he left the room. He has to play this safe, if you knew that he knew,

You would probably think he was a stalker. He couldn't let you think ill of him.

Heading towards the closet you decide between a couple of your outsfits, ventually choosing one of the more classier options. You let your long hair out of their braids, letting the hair fall into wavy curls. You finish applying your makeup and head for the door. You jump as you notice San outside of your door."Hey! I'm sorry did I keep you waiting long?"

San greeted you with his warm smile as he grabbed your hand, intertwining your fingers with his. "Not at all! Lets go" San smiled like a kid in a damn candy store all the way to the restaurant. You kept looking over at him as he drove. You hadn't seen him this happy since you agreed to move in. "Before we go in, I just wanted to tell you something"

"What is it San?" you leaned over in curiosity, noticing his knuckles turning white from the grip on the steering wheel. "San...", he didn't answer you right away, something feels off, but you didn't want to say anything. Afraid that one wrong slip of the tongue could expose the whole truth. The car ride became silent like the last time, but this time it almost feels more....suffocating,

Arriving at the restaurant San rushes towards your side so he could open the door for you. "Thank you,'' was all you could say to him, not really knowing what to say. You could either address the problem at hand, or wait long enough and hope it goes away to him as his silence eating away at you.

Entering the restaurant the waiter led them to a table in the center, surrounded by the beautiful scenery. "Wow San, this place is amazing," His face lit up at your approval, causing him to forget the question he's been meaning to ask. The waiter arrived with two menus and left, allowing you two time to decide.

Looking at the menu you saw how pricey everything was not knowing what to get you decided to find the cheapest thing on the menu"Sannie, don't you think this place is too expensive? Maybe we could just order take out". San smiled, taking your hands into his "I promised to only give you the best, didn't I?" he flashed his perfect closed eyed smile, and went back to his menu.

You smiled sheepishly and went back to your menu, wondering what any of this food was.

Bing

A text

Yeosang: Hey where did you go? I miss you <3

San continued faking a smile as he saw the name on your notifications, a message from Yeosang...You picked up your phone and proceeded to text back, oblivious to San's increasing agitation.

You: I'm having breakfast with San, we can hang out later. I miss you too <3

"Y/n put your phone away" San scowled, visibly upset. He cleared his throat, noticing the startled expression you had on your face" Let's just enjoy our dinner" You faked a smile as you put your phone in your purse, hoping he didn't ask to see who it was from.

But he just couldn't get the image out of his head, he couldn't stop thinking about Yeosang kissing you

The waiter arrived to take your orders and San ordered first as you chose one of the cheapest items on the menu, San looked at you questiongly and told the waiter to get the same thing he's getting, you looked at San thinking if he might actually be crazy.. His food literally being the price of her monthly mortgage, the waiter takes your menus and leaves.

Waiting for their food the silence came again, San only stared at you as you looked down at your hands.. Smiling a little, the only real reason you could smile like that is because you were thinking of someone else who isn't him.

"Y/n... where did you really go?" San wasn't even able to look you in the eyes, unwilling to let you see his real feelings threatening to drip down his cheeks.

Stunned by his sudden question you smiled at him, "San.. I told you I went to a coffee place." San looked you right in the eyes this time, seeing the shift of lies and nervousness. "Liar..", San whispered under his breath, but loud enough for you to hear.

"San... why would you say that..'' trying to sound astonished your heart is pounding in your chest wondering if San saw you and Yeosang together. No of course he wasn't, everyone was asleep before you left, and San was still in the house when you got there. Right?

San slammed his hands on the table, his fists red from him trying to contain himself. You froze in your seat as San leaned in closer to you, almost as if he was trying to catch you in a lie. A lie you had clearly told.

"Youre lying to be Y/N, do you honestly think I'm that stupid???

"San calm down, what are you talking about?" you still tried to deny the truth, fearing that he would try to fight Yeosang again

"Did you meet up with Yeosang?"

"No Sa-"

"Did you not meet with Yeosang at 6am in the woods?!?!" his words are harsh yet low enough not to get others attention. He squeezed your hand, digging his nails in as you tried to pull away.

"San please let's talk about this at home" you pleaded with him

"Gladly"

He kept hold of your hand, and dragged you to the car, leaving the menus on the empty table. You frantically clutched to your purse, hoping he wouldn't demand to see your phone. You both got into the car hurriedly, putting on your seatbelt, expecting him to speed off. Instead he locked the door and looked directly into your eyes.

"Do you love him?" His eyes began to well up with tears threatening to fall. He squeezed your already bruised hand, almost as if he was pleading with you.

You hesitated for a moment, wondering if it would be best to just confess."N-no, i Love yo-"

You felt a sharp sting on your check, raising your hand to cover where he had slapped "San!" you looked at him in shock as he inched his face closer to yours

"WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO STOP LYING TO ME? YOU LIED TO ME AND EVEN LIED TO SEONGHWA" He gripped the top of your hand with his hand, bringing your face only an inch away from his. You whimpered and closed your eyes, tears already falling.

"I'm sorry, i'll make it up to you"

"I don't want to listen to your bullshit 'explanations' Y/n, you're just going to say anything to try and dig yourself out of this mess"

"Damn right you will" he let go of you and put the car in reverse, backing out of the parking lot and then heading home "San I can explain!"

He ignored you, his eyes only focused on the road,

"Sannie im not lying to you! Please why won't you just believe me!"

"You lied to me three times.. You lied to Seonghwa, then to me before you got ready, and you lied to me again, when all I wanted was to treat you to a nice breakfast." You stare down at your hands quietly as tears were at the moment of falling. Caught in a lie you sit quietly in your seat, twiddling your thumbs as he drives you home. You hear your phone chime.

Yeosang: Let's hang out after everyone falls asleep, sound good? We can watch a movie and cuddle

San proceeded to park the car in the garage turning to see you texting again. He quickly snatched the phone from your hand.

"San give that back!" you scramble to get your phone back as he runs out of the car and into the house, hurrying to his room, and slamming the door behind him/ Ignoring the rest of his confused roommates in the living room. You ran hurriedly after San, fearing that he's already seen the text messages, you burst into his room, out of breath from running, with the combined anxiety.

You took a moment to catch your breath, as San was already reading the texts, there was nothing you could do. You couldn't make him un read them, might as well take a moment to rest."This was a mistake" you breathed out

Sans eyes glared into you as you sat on his bed. "Cheating on me?" desperation seeping through his voice, had you realized your mistakes? His eyes softened in anticipation, as he sat next to you. The slightest hint of you apologizing made his heart fill with hope.

"Kissing you backstage, dating you, and then moving in within a month. Why am I even here??? This has gone way too fast!"

"You don't mean that! You're here because you love me! It's just Yeosang's fault, he brainwashed you!" he pleaded as he took your hand into his. You pull your hand away in disgust as your eyes meet his, His desperate gaze hiding an inferno behind his eyes. This wasn't right, he wasn't right.

You stood up and began to walk towards the door on the other side of the room. "Let's just break up" you mumbled as you went to reach from the door. Just moments away from sweet freedom.

San rushed to your side, blood pumping rapidly through his veins, threatening to burst. He reached your wrist and yeeted you back towards him just as you were inches from the floor. The surprise caused you to practically fling onto the floor. your body began to ache as it collided with the floor. You let out a soft groan as you prepared yourself to raise hell. "San what is wrong with you? Do you even know your own strength???" You looked up at him with short lived rage. His cold hand mercilessly connects with your face, leaving a large red stinging hand print.

You yelped as you held on to your sore cheek, tears already filling the edges of your disbelieving eyes. Before you could utter another word, San quickly took hold of your hair. Intertwining his fingers into it as he brought you closer to him on your knees. You unwillingly waddled towards him as he continued to pull on your hair harder. You let out a disheartened whimper as he slowly released your hair. "It's time you make it up to me, don't you think so Y/n?"

San let out a soft chuckle as he began to unbuckle his pants, his brown eyes fixated on your petite figure, he loved this, he lived for this. The sight of you on your knees in front of him causing him to bite his lip in excitement. The bulge in his pants quickly grew harder and thicker. You gulped as you saw his member begin to leave a larger and larger imprint along his pants. "San let's talk about th-" you let out a small yelp as he his nails into your scalp, tightening his drip on your hair again. He used his free hand to lift your chin to meet his gaze, his smile curved into a devious smirk.

"You said you were going to make it up to me, here's your chance to prove it Y/n"

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