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emeraldbloodcrown · 17 hours

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Once More

Chapter: Two - Rumors and Hesitations Pairing: Poly; Tattoo Artists!141 x Baker!Female Reader Summary: It's time to explore the town a little, leaving you with some insecurities after sampling one of the big coffee shops your grandmother seemed to hate. Content/Warning: Still none, just small towns being small towns Word Count: 4k

You couldn't find it in you to argue with Anna's reasoning and taking another look at the flyer, you both agreed to take the opportunity to get to know your neighbors.

"We should probably take a walk around town before that. That would probably earn us some points when we talk to the owners"

"Sounds like fun. Tomorrow then?"

You nodded, putting the flyer away and reaching for your dinner again when you remembered another thing on your to-do list. Making a small sound of frustration, which got Anna's attention and a questioning look from her, as you pulled your phone out of your pocket, along with the small note.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing bad. I got some help while I was shopping from another customer, promised I'd text them so I could thank them properly."

"Properly, huh." Her voice dipped teasingly, getting a seductive edge and she waggled her eyebrows at your words. Rolling your eyes, you punched her in the shoulder, getting a yelp from her.

"Nothing like that"

Anna shortened the distance between you both so that she could look over your shoulder while you typed his number in.

"A note? Did you get help from the elderly variety?"

"Nah, just older."

She watched you as you quickly wrote a text, something short and straight to the point but with a kind tone still.

"We're barely a month here and you've already got a date," Anna grumbled before she scooted back to her chair to finish her food.

John wasn't the type of person who enjoyed texting. In fact, if it hadn't been for Johnny's encouraging, well really bothering him multiple times a day for almost a year, he still would carry his old Nokia. It had gotten the job done, he could text and he could call with it, but each time Johnny had seen it, he looked like he wanted to throw it out of the window, so John had relented and gotten a cheap second-hand one.

He still kept up the pretense of preferring his old one, just to get on Johnny's nerves now and then, but he had to admit, never out loud of course, that setting up a time in his phone to heat his house, so it would be toasty warm when he got home in the winter, was a convenience he didn't want to part from anymore. It had originally been to help his ex-wife with her arthritis but in the end, he had used that more than she had.

So when he had been cooking, really only heating up the leftovers Kate had brought him, and he'd been mindlessly staring out of the window, only to hear his phone go off with a new text message, he had half a mind to ignore it.

It would most likely be Kyle asking him something he had no idea how to answer or Simon who would use an administrative question, that he already knew the answer of, to weasle his way into a conversation about John's whereabouts and wellbeing.

Despite all of that, he still pulled the device out, and he was right. Well, partially. Because on top of Kyle's and Simon's texts was another one, from a new number but with a name he recognized. He had been hoping to hear from you soon, to go back into the little bubble, but he hadn't expected it so soon. It tugged a faint smile into the corner of his mouth.

'Just wanted to know when I'd get the chance to thank you, and where you'd like to go.'

His lips twitched. Even proper punctuation, hm? He didn't know if you'd done it for him or if that was something you focused on yourself, but he appreciated it nonetheless.

With a swipe of his thumb, he unlocked his phone, careful to not get on one of his boys' texts, and went to answer you.

'Like I said, there's really no need. Coffee will be fine.'

He watched as the little pen appeared, indicating you were already typing a response, and his smile widened a little.

'See, I'll show my grandma that and all I'm gonna get is a slipper to the face. If you only truly want to have coffee with me, that's fine.'

'But with how long you've helped me, I think it calls for more'

Ever since you had mentioned it the first time, he had wondered who your grandmother might be, what spitfire you might be related to, and while there was a handful he could see doing it, it mostly had left him with the amusing mental picture.

'And what does it call for?'

The pen stayed longer this time, the animation stopping a few times only to pop up again after a moment.

'Dinner?'

'Or lunch, if dinner's too much."

John felt the knot appear in his stomach again. Ever since his ex-wife had moved out, only leaving him the divorce papers that he had yet to sign, he had been hesitant to be seen in town for more than a few minutes. They were all lovely people but the disadvantage with as a tight-knit community as theirs was that everybody talked.

Between separation and his unwanted leave of absence had only been one afternoon, night, and morning, not even 24 hours, and yet everyone he had met that day looked at him with pity. A look so well-meaning but every time it was focused on him, it felt as if it was burning him, searing his very skin from the flesh. It had irritated him so much that in his effort to not say something unkind - so they would just fucking stop -, he had bitten his tongue so long that it had started to bleed a bit.

The almost altercations had been enough that it became obvious that John couldn't work like this, that a little bit of time off would do him good, and it did. It felt good to come to terms with it, even though he often caught himself reaching for her before his brain could fight off his dream with the bitter bite of reality. But for the most part, it also hadn't helped. He had grown so used to being on his own, to being able to exist without needing to worry about what others thought, that the idea of subjecting himself to their unwanted opinions was already grinding his gears.

Coffee had seemed like a small thing, something he could steel his nerves for, and then disappear for days on end before he had to endure the loud outside again. The two of you could've walked across town a little, he could've used it as an excuse to show you around just to not be in one place for too long, surely not long enough for anyone to make sure it was really him they had recognized.

But lunch or dinner? That meant being stuck in one place for a while, meant people would see him, meant people would perceive him once more, and acknowledge him not as his wife's husband, as the proud businessman and helpful handyman, but just as someone who failed.

The angry bubbling of his dinner pulled him out of his thoughts, his phone forgotten for a moment as he tried to salvage the damage. With the stove turned off and the pot pushed away from the hob, he took another glance at his phone, shooting you one last text before he powered it down.

'Think I'm gonna have to insist on the coffee. Maybe another time.'

You had always prided yourself on being able to read people's moods very well, even through text, a skill born out of necessity in your childhood that was only sharpened with experience as you got older. You tried not to let it get to you, but you couldn't help but feel a bit dejected at John's last response, noticing the change in his mood in his texts no matter how often you read them.

But each to their own, right? There could be a dozen reasons for that shift, and if he was only up for coffee, you wouldn't argue with that. If anything - your brain quickly tried to rationalize - it could be better, a chance to combine something fun with work, allowing you to see what you might wanna offer once you've rebuilt the bakery with Anna.

The next day came and John's text was forgotten beyond telling Anna what day and time you'd be gone. Instead, you found yourself outside, a light jacket wrapped around your body, autumn already chilling the early morning air. With a to-go coffee (once again, not from a fast-paced coffee shop) in one hand and the other in your pocket, hooked around Anna's elbow, the two of wandered the streets, heels clicking over the cobbles.

Your grandmother had been able to score the building for the bakery on a busy but cozy street, close enough to the town square that wandering customers could just stumble onto it but as you rounded the corner, it paled in comparison to the bustle the shops there received even this early in the day.

Anna noticed a shop to your left and just by looking at it, you knew that this would be one of the new shops that seemed to always put a frown on your grandmother's face.

"Coff-ee-holic, really?" You deadpanned, feeling a little bit of sympathy for your grandma.

"Can't go wrong with a pun."

You shot her a glare before you mentioned one word to her: "Henry." Anna's face contorted in disgust at your last long-term relationship. She had never hidden how much she had disliked him with you and mocked nearly daily his need to constantly spew puns, even when it was the wrong moment for them.

"He doesn't count. And it's an insult to puns to be compared to that…person."

Scoffing, you followed her to the menu display in one of the windows, glancing over the wide array of drinks. Passing your eyes past it, you could see the baristas working behind the counter, which took up almost half of their space, only leaving two seating sections in both corners. It was clear that they prioritized getting their customers a quick caffeine fix above comfort and coziness, which had been your grandma's priority above anything else.

"Hold that"

Faster than you realized, Anna had slipped her half-full cup into your hand and slipped out from your elbow, quickly heading into the shop. You opened your mouth to call her back but by that time you could already see her through the window standing in line, it was too late.

The line progressed at a pace that seemed like an impossible dream in the city you had called your home not too long ago. Sure, that was also due to the fact that this town simply didn't have the same numbers as a city, despite how well-patronized this shop was, but you'd also chalk up to these baristas being less stressed and more motivated than the overworked ones you had encountered before moving.

Hardly any time passed before Anna was at the front of the line and got her order, joining you again outside and taking a mouthful from her new drink. A moment later, her eyes widened and hummed happily.

"That's really good. Go on, give it a try."

Switching cups with her, you sipped hesitantly. Coffee wasn't something you usually enjoyed and while Anna preferred them nearly black, with just a hint of sweetness, yours could rather be dubbed as sugar with coffee than the other way around. It was generally just something you drank when you needed to get yourself going.

Despite all of that, although, you found yourself going back for seconds, this one was quite bigger than the first. There was still the bitterness, the telltale taste of coffee, but it wasn't overwhelming, mingling with a natural sweetness that made it tasty even to you.

"Okay, this is just unfair."

"Supposed to be some fancy blend that they make."

"Of course, it is."

The two of you shared a look - if this is what you'd be up against once the bakery is restored, you'd need a plan, and while that was music for the distant future, it wouldn't hurt to keep it in mind - before you continued your stroll.

It was true that in the years you were gone, the town had changed a lot but, as you and Anna kept exploring the streets, you found that it still had kept the charm you had yearned for in all the time away. Still largely immune to society's incessant need to rush towards goals, it invited you to take your time, to sit down and exhale, and really take this little town in. While progress clung to everything like mold in the corner, it hadn't been able to infect the base, hadn't been able to shake the ground and turn it into a mindless run-of-the-mill copy of everything else.

It still had heart, and in that moment, you made a promise to yourself. Regardless of what you'd need to do to fulfill your grandmother's wish because you knew it wouldn't succeed as an exact doppelganger of what she had created, so it had to change in some way, but you wanted to keep this. You didn't want the incessant grind to popularity, the soul-consuming hunt for bigger things that seemed to stare you in the face each time you opened your phone.

Instead, you wanted it to be the bliss of a job well done, the pride that would bloom in your chest when looking at what you'd achieved. You wanted the ache and tiredness in your bones from the hard work but free of infecting stress. No more thinking about quitting every day, only putting in the hours because you needed the money to survive. No, you wanted to enjoy yourself again, to have the drive to create your own living.

However, that would look like.

Hours passed and you were able to get the idea of how this town worked again: the gaggle of elderlies and adults who loved to spread gossip around, the people who seemed to belong to no group but who were largely protected by the whole community, and who could give you grief while living here if you got on their wrong side.

It wasn't a full picture by any means, but the corner pieces of the puzzle were in place, allowing you a glimpse at what the result might look like.

"Can we sit down somewhere? I’m hungry and my feet hurt," Anna grumbled and you cast your eyes around. You saw a glimpse of a small restaurant around the corner and you pointed towards it.

"That sound good?"

"Sure, as long as it has a seat and food, I don't care what it is."

Chuckling, you made your way towards it, only for you to catch sight of another shop to your left, making you stop and Anna stumble at the sudden movement.

The door was closed but all over it were names in a graffiti style but it looked less like it had fallen victim to a bored street artist and more like it was a design choice by the owners. Left and right of it were big, clear windows with several concept drawings, finished colored pieces, and pictures of people presenting those on their skin. Above the windows, in a graffiti font too, was the name of it.

"Death Or Glory… Jesus, that's edge behavior. You want some new ink?"

"Maybe…"

Anna opened her mouth for another question but paused as a dark shadow loomed over you, making you both take a look at the sky, where the sun was still brightly shining, only to hear someone speak behind you.

"'Scuse me."

The voice was low, a rumbling from deep within in the chest, but seemingly void of emotions, no polite uptick or annoyed frustration present. So, you turned around and felt the blood in your veins chill.

Dear fucking God, if looks could kill.

It didn't help that he was towering over both of you, making you reach for Anna almost on instinct and taking a step back, and covered nearly head to toe in black. Even his face was almost completely hidden, a mask sitting on the lower half, the fabric only stopping on the bridge of his nose. The little skin that should've been visible was darkened by him having the hood drawn deep into his face, leaving the only thing you could see of him were his eyes.

Despite the general warm attribution of brown as a warm color, all you could feel was ice as he glared down at you, and you felt yourself jump as his eyebrow ticked up, displeased by something.

"Move"

Never had one word sounded so terrifying and it was only thanks to Anna, who yanked you to her side so you'd free up the entrance, that you were even able to comply with his order.

There was no other word spoken, no thanks or anything else, he just walked through the door and let it slam shut behind him.

Utterly confused by that situation, you felt your blood thaw as your heart pounded painfully in your chest. The fear you had felt just seconds ago was gone and had been displaced by anger.

"What the hell? What was his fucking problem??"

Anna refused not to say anything to it, more focused on bringing her own heartbeat back to normal and avoiding being hit by your wild hand movements, your body's response of releasing the agitation in your system.

You grabbed her hand and took her with you as you stomped your way to the restaurant, muttering annoyances under your breath.

"Fucking weirdo. I hope I never have to see him again."

The door closed behind Simon and, alerted by the sound, Johnny peaked his head around the corner, arms full of boxes of protective gloves.

"Ye been ta John's?"

"Tried. Wouldn't open the door."

Johnny heaved a sigh, putting the boxes away and running a hand through his short hair.

"How many times is this now?"

"Didn't bother counting. Too many, tho."

Both men looked at each other. Something needed to happen. It had been several weeks by now and while they all knew that their boss wouldn't be able to just shake the pain off, the way John seemed eager to not be seen by anyone if he could help it, left them all with heavy hearts. No one expected a healed wound but it felt more like John was eager to keep them gaping as long as possible.

"What do we get today?"

"Next appointment's in two hours, longer piece but tha's about it. Pretty sure ye scared off a possible walk-in. Ain't like I'm doin' inventory fer fun."

Simon just shrugged, taking his balaclava off and replacing it with a surgical mask.

At first, they hadn't thought anything about it. Customers always fluctuated a bit, but it was never a cause of concern: tattoos were expensive, most weren't signing up for the next after one piece was done, and despite the town being somewhat of a tourist secret tip, walk-ins had never been a lot.

But after the second week of John being gone, it became clear that people were avoiding them as if they'd catch a dose of his bad luck if they stepped into his shop. A silly notion that Simon refused to believe at first until he heard it parrot back by their regulars, pushing their appointments to "just gimme a ring when he's back".

Of course, things only got worse after Johnny had gotten into a fight, the rumors got out of control, and now weeks later, they were fully struggling.

Perks of a small town, right?

"Off to better things."

Simon cocked an eyebrow and watched Johnny take a flyer out of his pockets, and as soon as he saw the big, colorful letters, he was rolling his eyes and pushed past Johnny, conversation evidently done.

"Absolutely not."

But had he ever been cautious around Simon, he had long grown immune to it because Johnny was hot on his heels.

"Oh come on, ye weren't coming to the last one, either. Or any before tha'."

"And I ain't going to. Same thing every time."

"Could be good ta mingle with the folks. Prove ta 'em tha' were not as bad as they think, aye?"

Simon turned around, staring down at Johnny, but when the latter refused to back down, he simply said:

"Ask Kyle."

The rest of the day had been uneventful. Anna and you had continued to explore a little after lunch, mostly following your foggy memories and piecing together who you remembered, and also who remembered you, and what had fallen away in the meantime.

By the time you were finally back, the two of you were satiated and fed but also so very tired and dead on your feet that the call of your bed was more similar to a siren's song, and nothing sounded better at that moment than to lie down on it, even if it was your turn with the mattress on the floor.

"We need a place of our own," she repeated the senitment and you only hummed in exhaustion. That was future you's problem while present you had a hot date with Morpheus. You could feel your eyelids growing heavier by the second, sleep taking over you as you heard a loud crash above you.

Anna and you sat up ramstock straight, sharing a glance for barely a second before you both jumped into action, immediately locating the source of the noise to come from your grandmother's room.

You yanked the door open, taking two steps at once to get to the upper floor, and only stopped once you were at her door, repeatedly knocking hard enough on her door that it shook in its frame.

You paused for a moment, listening for sounds on the other side and when none came, you pulled the door open and saw your grandmother kneeling on the floor.

"Are you alright?"

In a few long and fast strides, you were next to her, checking her for any visible injuries but, after noticing the concern in your eyes, she just waved you off.

"'m fine, dearie. Didn't fall."

Anna stopped next to you, blood pressure cuff in her hand. She pulled the loose fabric of your grandmother's nightgown up her arm and wrapped the cuff around it, making sure the tube was in the middle, and then started the device.

"Then what was that noise?"

She cast her eyes down for a moment, seemingly thinking about her answer before a kind smile appeared on her features and she spoke reassuringly.

"That book pile fell over. Had it on the chair and I accidentally tipped it over."

Following her eyes, you saw the chair still fallen over, the books she had mentioned weren't on the ground but on the table in front of the chair.

"So why are you on the floor?"

"Just had to take a small break. Didn't expect the cavalary to come knocking." She chuckled but it didn't reach her eyes. Something wasn't right and you felt a chill settle in your body; you didn't like this.

"On..the floor?"

"What, I remember you preferring to rest in all sorts of odds places. Gave me a fright the first time I found you in the tub sleeping."

Yeah, when you were fifteen. You hadn't done that in years because your job had left your bones too exhausted to be able to get up with no issue, which made it that less believable for your grandmother at her age to prefer the hard wooden floor instead of her soft bed, just a few meters away.

"Just help an old lady up, will ya?"

#crown writes #call of duty #cod #cod mw2 #cod mwii #cod x reader #john price #john price x reader #johnny mactavish #johnny mactavish x reader #kyle garrick #kyle garrick x reader #simon riley #simon riley x reader

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neighborlystudios · 1 day

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・﹒・ from vault 32 [1]

Summary: You got approved for a marriage partner from Vault 31 after not finding a suitable boyfriend in your own. After meeting your future husband, and standing ready to saw your vows, you both agree to call it off. But they couldn't not have a wedding- so you chose his cousin.

Warnings: 18+, arranged marriage

Pairing: Norman MacLean x GN!reader

Notes: Yes I love him and Cooper I am a man of many tastes. Also this was too long for 1 part so I broke it up. Where my Norm lovers at???

Parts: 2

Today was the day- you were getting married! Despite not dating much, you were excited yet equally as nervous since your new spouse was someone completely unknown to you. Sure, you had crushes here and there, but all the guys here were so...boring?

Nothing about them were interesting to you, they were all the same, so that led you to seeking out Vault 31 for someone. This was completely normal so it wasn't odd, if anything, it was just a matter of time. Well, the time came and was now just moments away from seeing your soon to be husband.

"We're so proud of you...we'll miss you but, just know that we we'll always love you" Your mother sniffled as she adjusted your appearance here and there, ensuring that you were as perfect as can be. You assured her that you would visit once a year and that everything was fine. You, your family, the overseer, and few other dwellers of your vault who you knew stood outside of the entrance to 31, and you were nervous. Then, the door slowly opened.

There he was, standing in the center just like you were with your vault members. He was tall, and attractive, but you didn't know what to even say. Then, your friend bumped into your shoulder as a sign to say something as everyone else was silent, anticipating you and your future husband to say something.

"Um...hello" That was not the ideal first impression, but you couldn't help it! You could hear your friend groan from the awkwardness, which was understandable.

"Hi, I'm uh...Chet. You can call me Chet! Haha...yeah, Chet" Either he was having an off day or he didn't seem too interested in you. Was there supposed to be some sort of spark? Because you know you didn't feel anything and it was obvious that he didn't either. Awkwardly laughing along with him, internally cringing, your graze drifted over to the much shorter man beside him.

Oh he was cute. Shorter than you, but he had short, black hair and all you could really describe him as was cute. Why couldn't you have been paired up with him instead? Your eyes and his eyes both met and only then did you feel that spark. But before you could fully process what that means- their overseer ushered everyone to their vault so the wedding can begin.

"Hi...Chet. So...excited? Nervous?" You tried to make small talk as you walked beside him, but it was if everyone around you could sense that this wasn't going to work out.

"Well...if I'm being fully honest, I was put up to this" He leaned closer and whispered in your ear, the honesty caused you to gasp but then you realized that you needed to be secretive as he whispered it to you.

"Oh...but why?" You whispered back, slightly concerned. Your gaze drifted back to the shorter man standing on the other side of him and you caught him staring back at you.

"Well uh...I may or may not have a crush on my cousin, Lucy. So they uh...thought this would help me get over it. Namely her father, the Overseer" Turning back to Chet, you just stared at him as that was...unexpected, to say the least. Clearing your throat from how awkward it got. you didn't feel bad about not marrying him anymore. Stealing another glance at the shorter man, you looked back at your arranged husband and he looked back and forth between the man and you.

"Ok- either I'm stupid or do you guys like each other?" You slightly jumped as he was suddenly louder than before, causing a few heads to turn in your direction before facing forward again.

"Chet!" The black haired man scolded him and hit his shoulder, causing Chet to say "ow".

"This is Norm, he's my cousin and Lucy's younger brother" Chet smiled as he introduced the man who you fell for far too quickly, you awkwardly smiled at him and he did the same back.

"Hi Norm, nice to uh...meet you"

"Nice to meet you too..."

"What's going on?" A girl with long, dark hair whispered from the other side of Norm, curious of what you were all discussing.

"Nothing, Lucy!" Chet and Norm both yelled in hush. So that's Lucy... After that- you made small talk about some things from your lives and before you knew it, you were on the small stage ready to say your vows, looking at him and he was looking back. But you both knew that this wasn't going to work out in the slightest. Staring into the crowd mixed with his family and yours- you found Norm looking back at you. His expression seemed...pained, almost. Did you both genuinely fall for each other while you're marrying another man? Like sure he was really cute...but you just felt drawn to him in a way Chet wasn't.

"Do you?" The sound of the officiate shook you from your thoughts as you looked back, humming to have him repeat it.

"Do you take him to be your lawfully wedded husband?" You stuttered as you stared at Chet, he looked as equally as worried about this, not wanting to go through with it. So you said the first thing you thought.

"No"

#fallout #fallout tv series #norman maclean #norm maclean x reader #fallout x reader #norm x reader

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waywardwritesstuff · 1 day

Note

HIIII!! How are you?

I was wondering if you could do a platonic rottmnt Donnie x reader one shot?/nf of course! Maybe like some comfort after reader has had a bad day.

I LOVE YOU!! remember to drink water!

-Axel <3

Bad days: ROTTMNT!Donnie X GN!Reader

ROTTMNT!Donnie X GN!Reader

Word count: 1k+

Looking left and right before removing the server grate I climb down the access hatch into a tunnel underneath New York. I pull up the straps on my back so that it doesn't scrape on the walls on my way down. I don't even look where I'm going, I just watch my feet as they splash through the puddles and scuff up some gravel with the heel of my shoe. Not even paying attention to which tunnels I'm turning down, I know where to go, my legs will just carry me.

My mind begins to wander to the events of today. School. Such a useless waste of time, the turtles are lucky they never have to go. They would never get tired or be told they fail because of a letter on a page. They wouldn't have to worry about fitting in or fitting out. They just get to live, even if it is in the shadows.

It's not all bad, I have April at school but she's busy and we don't share any classes. But she has my back when it counts. But...some days are just harder than others, and today seems to be that day.

As I come to the last tunnel I can hear the sounds of the guys, Leo is yelling about some skateboard trick and Raph is yelling back, telling him he'll crack his shell if he's not careful. 'He's such a mum' I think to myself, and it makes me smile.

I enter the lair and am witness to one hell of a stunt gone horribly wrong. I watch as Leo dives down the half-pipe doing a handstand on his skateboard. He makes it to the bottom before his weight tips the skateboard and he goes flying into the other side of the pipe. I cringe watching his head collide with the wood. Raph rushed over to him first and Mikey soon after. As usual, Raph is fussing but Leo says he's fine. Mikey looks stary eyed saying "My go! I want to try that" Raph starts to scold Mikey now and a big commotion starts up.

The noise is becoming too much so I sneak around them and head towards Donnie's room/lab. The door is shut but I can see that the lights are on. I know once, twice and whisper 'Donnie, it's me' and wait. A few seconds later in dramatic fashion the door is swinging open, and the light is flooding the floor at my feet. "Come in compadre," he says, and I step inside.

As usual his lab is a mess and his bed even more so. He has half working tech and circuit boards littered over his desk, he has papers and designs laid out on his bed, some even trailing onto to floor. I stare at the equations and diagrams but none of it makes sense to me. And that reminds me why I'm here in the first place. I'm here to see my friends after one of the crappiest days in school history.

Not knowing where to sit I stay awkwardly standing by the door, hugging my arms to myself. Donnie has already gone back to messing with some of his tech but his head perks up suddenly and he spins in his chair to look at where I'm standing.

"What happened?" He says bluntly.

I deter my eyes away from him.

"Judging by your attitude, your unusual quietness and the stiffness of your posture and the fact that you are still wearing your backpack I would say that you had a bad day at school"

Shrugging I still don't look at him as I say "I guess so"

Out of the corner of my eye I see him tilt his head at me. He begins muttering to himself, something fast under his breath, I only catch a few words 'doesn't want to talk' and 'maybe but I don't know'

I look at him now and he's still in full conversation with himself.

"Donnie?" He looks up at me

"Oh yes, right" he clears his throat.

"It seems you may be in need of a..." He pursues his lips, and he looks like he is trying to chew and swallow his tongue as he says, "a hug?"

I blink at him confused, Donnie doesn't do hugs, Donnie also doesn't really do touch. I don't want him to feel like he has to touch me just because I'm feeling down, does he feel obligated or something? No, he wouldn't, because he hasn't done it in the past.

"No, Donnie seriously it's fine. I'll be fine" I take a small step back and hug my elbows to my chest.

He looks down at the floor and then chews his lip "If you want to I'm offering. You can obviously say no, I know how important personal space is, believe me. But if you need one, then just this once I'm willing to give you one"

I look at him, I can see it's taking him a lot of effort to offer this, and I don't want to make him uncomfortable, but I really need this right now. I take a careful step forwards and then another. I unlatch my arms from around myself and open them in his direction. He does the same, and taking the last step, we wrap our arms around each other, his green ones around my tan ones.

His skin is cool and the scales littering his skin feel different in comparison to mine. It's not a bad difference it's just different.

I can hear his heart beat, slowly thumping against my chest. His breaths are a little shallow but I figured as much. He holds me really delicately, like I'm something precious and it's enough to make me want to cry. I squeeze him tighter one last time and let go.

Looking at him, I smile and say "Thank you Donnie, that meant a lot" he puts a hand on the back of his neck and cuffs

"Oh it was nothing" he smiles back at me. Then returning to his usual self he turns back to his desk and calls me over to take a look at his newest invention.

I hope you enjoyed this, it was a little short I'm sorry but I still hope you liked it. Again sorry it took so long

#writers #creative writing #writeblr #writers on tumblr #writing #writerscommunity #writer stuff #ao3 writer #tmnt #rottmnt #rottmnt donnie #donnie 2021 #othello #donatello #rise donnie #one shot #comfort #x gn reader #donnie x reader

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meep-moops-stuff · 2 days

Text

Sidney Crosby x Reader - Found Father

“You can let it go, you can throw a party full of everyone you know / and not invite your family cause they never showed you love”

It was finally winter in Pittsburgh, meaning the temperature was starting to get colder and the snow was starting to fall.

A month had gone by since Sidney paid for y/n’s latte and it ended well. They ended up chatting afterwards about her degree in social work and all she has to study.

Sidney never went to college, so he found it interesting to hear about the true college experience.

Ever since then, and every time Sidney would walk into the cafe, he’d find book girl in her usual corner. He’d always give her a little wave or say a small hello as he’d walk by.

But today had ended differently.

Sidney made his usual order at the cash register and waited for his drink to be made when he saw y/n talking on the phone and she did not look impressed.

He kept his eyes on her as he grabbed his coffee and made his way over to her hair as she hung up and took her glasses off to rub her eyes.

“You ok?” Sidney asked gently.

Y/n looked up and smiled but sighed.

“The stupid power is out at my apartment complex because of the wind and snow. And they won’t get it back on until tomorrow afternoon.” She explained.

Sidney set his drink down and sat in the chair across from her.

“What? So you won’t have any heat? It’s supposed to get really cold tonight” Sidney said with a stern tone.

Book girl put her glasses back on and leaned back in her chair, shutting her laptop as she looked outside.

“Yeah I won’t have any heat tonight.” She mumbled. She watched the snow fall as she began to bounce her knee, trying to figure out what to do.

“Have you asked your parents if you could stay with them?” Sidney asked.

Y/n chuckled and shook her head.

“No. I don’t really talk to my family anymore.” She said softly.

“You can stay with me I have a guest room” Sidney blurted out.

Y/n stopped bouncing her leg and looked at Sidney in surprise.

Sidney’s eyes widened, realizing what he had just said.

Why doesn’t he think before talking sometimes?

He cleared his throat and sat up, trying to figure out how to make things less awkward.

“I didn’t mean that weirdly like you can stay with me. I’d be in my own room obviously and the guest room is like not close to mine so you’d be totally safe” he rambled out.

His face started to get red and he knew this looked bad.

Y/n smiled as she crossed her arms and began to giggle at how awkward Sidney was making this.

“I just made it even more awkward by adding that, didn’t I?”

Y/n nodded and sat up and took a sip of her hot coffee.

Sidney looked at his watch and noticed it was 5pm and the sun would set soon.

“But I did mean it. You can stay at my place in the guest room until your heat is back on. I don’t want you freezing to death” he said softly.

“I’ve known you for maybe three months at this point and you’re just going to offer up your guest room like it’s no big deal?” Y/n asked.

Sidney shrugged and traced circles on his coffee cup.

“Well I think it’s safe to say you aren’t a serial killer based off what I know…so yeah” he said, causing her to smile.

“How do I know you aren’t a serial killer though?” She asked and smiled.

Sidney chuckled and tilted his head to the side.

“That’s true. I could be. But I’m too busy to be one” he said.

She giggled again and cracked her knuckles as she looked back outside to see the sun beginning to set.

“Ok. I’ll take up the offer”

Sidney nodded and set his empty coffee cup back down on the table and cleared his throat.

“Ok do you need a ride? I can drive you to grab some things and then we can head back to my place and-“

Sidney stopped talking as he looked at y/n who was already done packing up her back pack and putting her winter jacket on.

“I have a car. I can drive to yours or follow you” she said softly.

Sidney scratched the back of his head and nodded, forgetting that she was probably able to drive.

“I have extra clothes in my car. I’ll be fine” she added.

Sidney nodded again, not sure of what to say.

“Well are you ready to go?” He asked.

Y/n nodded and smiled as she grabbed her car keys out of her pocket and stood up as Sidney stood up.

“Well after you” he said and gestured towards the door, making her smile.

He walked behind her out the entrance and as soon as the cold air hit his face, everything dawned on him.

He’s really letting her stay in his guest room?

She’s maybe 20 at the oldest. He doesn’t even know her age, just her first name and why she goes to college.

He was joking before about the serial killer comment but what if she is?

And what if she-

“Sid? Are you ok? This is my car”

He was snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the car she was standing at, about to get in.

He nodded and pointed to his car that was a couple cars in front of hers.

“I’ll pull out and you can follow me” he said and smiled.

He turned to walk to his car as he heard y/n shut her car door. He let out a breath he had been holding in and made his way to his car.

As he got into the drivers seat and closed the door, he stared at the steering wheel.

If this was any other person, he would’ve left right away. But something was different when it came to y/n. She seemed different, like she needed help. Some sort of extra support.

Sidney isn’t a parent but he knows when his paternal instincts come in, and when he heard she was be staying in a freezing cold apartment, he couldn’t let that happen.

He finally snapped out of his thoughts and started his car up, making sure y/n was behind him through his review mirror as he pulled away.

#sidney crosby #hockey imagine #pittsburgh penguins #father!sid #found father #sidney crosby x reader

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clemblog · 3 days

Text

Caine’s Lesson - Part 7

•

Gummigoo wasn't kidding when he said his Ma's food was good. Caine's food from that one evening after the gloinks couldn't compare. It was full of so much more flavour and taste.

"Penny for your thoughts, Poms?" Grinned Gummigoo, coming to sit across from her with his own bowl.

"You weren't kidding when you said it was good-" Mused Pomni, sheepishly.

He chuckled at such.

"We don't lie round these parts Poms, you'll learn that quick if you stick with us."

"I-It'll be fun to see!" Smiled Pomni, shyly with a hum. "So... When do you wanna do the uh shooting practice?"

"Ah yeah! I figured once we've eaten, I'll speak to Ma real quick and then we can get started! Sound good to you?"

"T-That sounds good to me-"

"Snazzy."

The two continued to eat happily with occasional words of conversation, mostly happy to just exist aside one another.

It was the peace Pomni had been wanting for the last few days.

It was the peace Gummigoo hadn't known he'd needed for the last few weeks.

The pair were soon headed over to a little clearing by the main ranch house. It was surrounded by fencing and had a few shabby targets nailed together at the end.

"Welcome to Pa's shooting range, Poms." Grinned Gummigoo. "This is where I learned to shoot, and now it's where you'll learn too!"

"I-I'm excited to learn!" Beamed Pomni, sheepishly.

"I'm glad to hear that! Now come stand here."

Pomni moved to stand in front of the mark. She looked up and saw she was stood inline with the centre target.

"First, we'll work on accuracy!"

He moved to stand behind her and crouched down. He tenderly placed his pistol into her hands, making sure to position her hands on the right position.

"Now, this is how you hold ya pistol! Try to hold it like this as much as you can, otherwise the force back from after you shoot can hurt ya hand. And you don't wanna do that, trust me, I learnt from experience."

"N-Noted! Hold the gun safely- As much as you can-"

He hummed at this approvingly with a nod. "Now, what you wanna do is line up this little eye piece right about here on the target."

He slowly moved her aim into position.

"You would think to aim here, right? Well, these bad boys are different! Pa made em on an angle, so wild shots have a higher chance of being accurate. Does mean however that every casual shot you take is gotta be on an angle."

“Right..” Nodded Pomni, slowly.

“Now all you gotta do is click here.” He hummed softly, guiding her hand with his atop it to the trigger.

*Bang!*

Pomni had successfully shot a gun!

“I did it!” She grinned, looking up to Gummigoo.

“You sure did Pommy!” He hummed, returning the grin. “You were so close to a bullseye but hey, practice makes perfect, aye?”

“Definitely!”

He helped her take a few more shots, only sitting back to watch when Pomni felt confident enough to shoot on her own. She was picking up the skill amazingly fast! It was natural talent Gummigoo hadn’t seen in a while- He most definitely would have to talk to Ma about making Poms her own gun. He watched the way she’d flinch back a little from the force of his gun. If she had one accustomed to her, he had a hunch she’d be shooting better than Max and Chad in no time!

Ma was awfully busy though with all the Candy Kingdom Citizens, so he figured he might as well take some time in the next evening to make Pomni a gun! That way she would be well equipped to join himself, Max and Chad on scouting adventures.

So, that’s what he set off to do! Leaving Poms to her practice.

•

Zooble was sat watching Gangle draw in her notebook when Kinger and Ragatha came over.

“H-Hi you guys!” Squeaked Gangle, softly in her usual tone.

“Hey.” Nodded Gangle.

“Hello!” Smiled Ragatha, gently. “Is it okay if we join you? Kinger thought it may be a good idea if I hung out with you guys for a bit to try and get my mind off Pomni-“

“O-Oh sure!” Nodded Gangle.

The two sat down.

A content silence fell over the group, the only sound being the scratch of Gangle’s pencil. After a few minutes work, she ripped out a page and handed it out to Ragatha.

“I-I know you’re sad about Pomni s-so I figured I might do you a drawing of her so it feels like she’s still with you!” She explained, sheepishly.

Ragatha was quiet for a few minutes looking over the sketch of her with Pomni.

“…GANGLE THIS IS SO SWEET OF YOU-“

Gangle squeaked as she was pulled into a crushing hug by Ragatha, her happy mask flung off but was caught by Zooble luckily.

“Gosh! I’ll have to make you something in return- This is to perfect Gangle!” Beamed Ragatha.

“O-Oh! Alright-“ Smiled Gangle, sheepishly as Zooble gently placed her happy mask back onto her face.

“You tell me what you want and I’ll get on it! Or I can make it a surprise-“

“A surprise could be fun-“ Murmured Gangle, shyly.

“A surprise it is then!”

Zooble put an assuring arm around Gangle sensing her growing anxiety from being overwhelmed by Ragatha’s sudden excitement.

Things weren’t perfect right now, but at least they had each other!

Part 8

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moreausturtles · 17 hours

Text

"the orange sun in the blue sky"

a/n: hi guys this is a rly rly old weirdly made draft that I made during my rly bad hyperfixation on the rise movie; i thought i might share it with y'all bc im somewhat proud of it? pls dont mind any mistakes i wrote it in a rush i think...? gl to everyone reading hahaha lmk what u think pls dont be mean

summary: leo and mikey are the only ones alive. they finally defeat the last of the kraang, but at a cost.

warnings: unchecked + unedited weird bullet point format; slight mentions of death/blood; one swear word?; very angsty and sad sorry :((

word count: ~1k

(imagine FINALLY defeating Krang 1 as a mission success)

- the baja blast duo fight the krang, lots of hard hits and close calls and they have the LUCKIEST breakthrough.

- krang 1 is on the ground and no longer able to move, all its tentacles are severed. its hanging on by a thread, one that leo is more than happy to cut.

- “this is for my family.” leo whispers, looking down at the krang in disdain.

- he jabs his sword into the krang's body under his foot, killing it in one motion.

- and just like that, it was over.

- leo takes a moment to breathe, like his body wasn’t letting him before.

- he allows himself to think, to process, to take in the fact that they had just won the war.

they won.

- a small smile grows on his face and a quick rush of excitement takes over his body

- “we did it…” he whispers, “mikey, we did it!” he repeats it, a part of him still in denial and acting like saying it again was going to convince him that the worst was over.

- but the worst was far from it.

- he turns around to mikey excitedly, who he thought was just quiet because he was just as shocked as he was

- but boy was he stupidly wrong

- mikey stood there, a hand on the side of his plastron with blood dripping from it then to the ground

“mikey…?”

- he tries to give leo a smile, but fails as his body drops to the ground

- leo’s heart drops along with him, he calls out his name and runs to him quickly and takes him in his arms

- mikey, even before his mystic powers, always had this signature orange glow radiating off of him. but this time, leo was afraid it was going to become very dim very soon.

- leo took his baby brother’s head in his hand—he didn’t care if mikey was fucking older than him (hc no thanks to his excessive use of mystic power), he was still his baby brother

- mikey needed medical attention fast. but they were in the middle of nowhere. no medical team. no backup. no hamato.

- “we did it, leo…?” mike manages to whisper out and smiled up at his older brother.

- “yeah buddy, we did…” the sniffling soon came as leo tried to fight back tears. he had known this would happen; could you really blame a guy whose family got picked off one by one during the apocalypse to think that way?

“i’m sorry, leo...”

- god, mikey’s voice shattered leo’s heart into pieces. so weak and trying.

- “hey,” leo uttered, trying to change the topic, “remember the time when you thought the gumbus was real?”

- this earned a very weak, wheezed chuckle from the mystic turtle, who had his eyes closed to visualize the fond memory

- “you did too…” leo laughed bitterly at that, feeling his little brother’s breathing pattern slow.

- “i did, yeah. it’s one of my favorite memories.” said leo.

- “mine too…” mikey opened his eyes, the memory ending, and looked up to see leo’s face drenched in tears. a pang hit mikey’s chest as he realized he was going to leave his brother soon.

- “hey, leo?”

- “yeah, miguel?” a playful nickname he hadn’t heard in years.

“you were always my favorite brother.”

leo laughed, genuinely laughed even though it felt like he was being stabbed in the chest tenfold.

- “don’t tell donnie or raph.”

- “i think they know.”

- both of them pause for a moment, neither of them knowing what to say or do. there wasn’t really anything else to do but wait. Each second leo spent trying to figure out what words he wanted to tell mikey. “I’m sorry.” “Say hi to them for me.” “Please don’t leave me alone.”

- mikey was his partner in crime and now he was just… fading. His little brother was dying.

- leo knew their time was running short from the way he was listening to mikey’s labored breaths. slow and trying. mikey thought about using his mystic power for one last push, to stay with leo, to make do with what was left of the world.

- they could rebuild it. it was easy for him to make things out of thin air. leo knows how to build and farm and haul and everything you could think of.

- but the mystic warrior was tired. they had been fighting for decades. he couldn’t lift a single finger even if he tried, and that was fine with him. he honestlyhadn’t felt relaxed like that in years.

- maybe they were better off not saying a word, mikey needed to save any air he could take in. leo kept his mouth shut just so he could spent just a little bit more time together in this bittersweet silence.

- suddenly he sees mikey’s lips open a little bit, and the next words that come out would forever leave leo wounded.

“I love you, big brother.”

- it took everything in leo to not break out in full sobs right then and there. he wanted to scream, beg, plead to the God that did this to mikey— if one even existed.

- leo swallowed the lump in his throat, forming the best—and last— smile he could muster for mikey, mimicking him the way he used to do it for him and his older brothers so they wouldn’t have to worry.

“I love you too, little bro.”

- leo’s little ray of hope slowly went limp in his arms. and he was all alone.

- leo kept mikey in his arms, still and unmoving. maybe it was his punishment for putting mikey in this whole mess. for destroying the world and his entire family. maybe a God did exist, it was just never in his favor no matter how hard he fought to appease it.

leonardo, the last one standing of the hamatos, defeated the Krang and lived, while mikey took his place in the sky as leo’s ray of sunshine.

#rottmnt leo #leo #leonardo #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #michelangelo #donatello #raphael #teenage mutant ninja turtles #rottmnt raph #rottmnt mikey #rottmnt donnie #donnie #mikey #raph #tmnt #rottmnt

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cuddles-with-dragons · 2 days

Text

where the fuck is my impulse control

Yeah, Avengers AU.

Don't care what you say, I tried to make it work.

Including edited quotes from Avengers and Age of Ultron

I replaced Hulk with the Zillo Beast.

---

Dave Filoni: Superheroes in New York? Give me a break.

Echo: We won.

Hunter: All right, yay! Hurray. Good job, guys. Let's just not come in tomorrow. Let's just take a day. Have you ever tried shawarma? There's a shawarma joint about two blocks from here. I don't know what it is, but I want to try it.

Wrecker: We're not finished yet.

Hunter: And then shawarma after.

Echo: Is he breathing?

Tech, in lizard form: *roars in his face*

Hunter: What the hell? What just happened? Please tell me nobody kissed me.

Hunter: Tell him to suit up. I'm bringing the party to you. *a giant Chitauri is following him*

Omega: I don't see how that's a party.

Echo: Tech. Now might be a really good time for you to get angry.

Tech: That's my secret, Echo. I'm always angry.

Omega: Just like Budapest all over again.

Crosshair: You and I remember Budapest very differently.

Hunter, to Scorch: Maybe your army comes and maybe it’s too much for us, but it’s all on you. Because if we can’t protect the Earth, you can be damn well sure we'll avenge it.

Crosshair: Why am I back? How did you get him out?

Omega: Cognitive recalibration. I hit you really hard on the head.

Crosshair: Thanks.

Crosshair: Have you ever had someone take your brain and play? Pull you out and stuff something else in? Do you know what it's like to be unmade?

Omega: You know that I do.

Mace Windu: There was an idea, Hunter knows this, called the Avengers Initiative. The idea was to bring together a group of remarkable people to see if they could become something more. To see if they could work together when we needed them to, to fight the battles that we never could. Cody died still believing in that idea. In heroes.

Echo: Big man in a suit of armor. Take that off, what are you?

Hunter: Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist.

Mace Windu: I don't know about that, but it is powered by the Cube. And I would like to know how Scorch used it to turn two of the sharpest men I know into his personal flying monkeys.

Wrecker: Monkeys? I don't get it.

Echo: I do! I understood that reference!

Hunter: It’s good to meet you, Tech. Your work on antielectron collisions is unparalleled. And I’m a huge fan of the way you lose control and turn into an enormous Godzilla lizard.

Tech: Thanks.

Hunter: The only major component he still needs is a power source of high-energy density. Something to kick-start the Cube.

Ahsoka: When did you become an expert in thermonuclear astrophysics?

Hunter: Last night.

Hunter: Raise the mizzenmast. Jib the topsails. *points to Anakin* That man is playing Galaga. He thought we wouldn't notice, but we did. *covers one of his eyes* How does Windu even see these?

Ahsoka: He turns.

Hunter: Sounds exhausting.

Wrecker: Don't talk like that. Scorch is beyond reason, but he's from Asgard. And he's my brother.

Omega: He killed 80 people in two days.

Wrecker: He’s adopted.

Echo: Is this a submarine?

Tech: Really? They want me in a submerged, pressurised, metal container? *walks to the side of the deck* No, no, this is much worse.

Cody: We need you to come in.

Omega: Are you kidding? I'm working.

Cody: This takes precedence.

Omega: I'm in the middle of an interrogation. This moron is giving me everything.

Bad guy: I don't... give everything.

Omega: Look, you can't pull me out of this right now.

Cody: Omega... Crosshair's been compromised.

Omega: Let me put you on hold.

Hunter: Shit!

Echo: Language!

*Some chatter and fighting later…*

Hunter: Wait a second. No one else is gonna deal with the fact that Echo just said “Language”?

Echo: I know. Just slipped out.

*Some more chatter and fighting later…*

Wrecker: Find the spear-thingy.

Hunter: And for gosh sake, watch your language!

Echo: That’s not going away any time soon.

Omega: Wrecker, report on the Zillo.

Wrecker: The gates of Hel are filled with the screams of his victims.*Omega gives him a look* But not the screams of the dead, of course. No, no, wounded screams. Mainly whimpering, a great deal of complaining and tales of sprained deltoids and gout.

Echo: The two Enhanced?

Ahsoka: Leia and Luke Skywalker. Twins. Orphaned at 10 when a shell collapsed their apartment building. Sokovia's had a rough history. It's nowhere special, but it's on the way to everywhere special.

Echo: Their abilities?

Ahsoka: He's got increased metabolism and improved thermal homeostasis. Her thing is neuroelectric interfacing, telekinesis, mental manipulation.

Echo: *confused*

Ahsoka: He's fast and she's weird.

Ahsoka: Lab's all set up, boss.

Hunter: *points to Echo* Actually, he's the boss. I just pay for everything and design everything and make everyone look cooler.

Tech: How's he doing?

Hunter: Unfortunately, he's still Crosshair.

Tech: That's terrible.

Hunter: Right, so, if I lift it, I then rule Asgard?

Wrecker: Yes, of course.

Hunter: I will be reinstituting prima nocta. *tries to lift the hammer* I'll be right back.

Hunter: *Tries again with the Iron Man glove, nothing. Makes Rex take his glove too and they both try to lift it.*

Rex: Are you even pulling?

Hunter: Are you on my team?

Rex: Just represent. Pull.

Hunter: All right, let’s go.

*Echo tries next*

Hunter: Come on, Echo.

Echo: *makes it move a tiny bit*

Wrecker, nervously laughing: Nothing.

Echo: Sorry for barging in on you.

Hunter: Yeah, we would've called ahead, but we were busy having no idea that you existed.

Luke, in a police station: We’re under attack! Clear the city! Now! *No one’s doing anything, comes back with a gun and fires in the air* Get off your asses.

Crosshair, to Leia: Hey, look at me. It’s your fault, it’s everyone’s fault. Who cares? Are you up for this? Are you? Look, I just need to know. Because the city is flying. Okay. Look, the city is flying, we’re fighting an army of robots, and I have a bow and arrow. None of this makes sense.

Luke: Keep up, old man! *takes Leia and runs off*

Crosshair: Nobody would know. Nobody. “The last I saw him, an Ultron was sitting on him. Yeah, he'll be missed, that quick little bastard. I miss him already.”

Crosshair: All right, we're all clear here.

Echo: We are not clear! We are very not clear!

Luke: This is S.H.I.E.L.D.?

Echo: This is what S.H.I.E.L.D. is supposed to be.

Luke: This isn't so bad.

Luke: *Shoves Crosshair and a kid behind cover and gets shot multiple times in the leg* You didn't see that coming?

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zukosdualdao · 5 hours

Text

and if you feel like night is falling, i wanna be the one you're calling

zutara month, day 12: kiss at midnight, @zutaramonth

summary: around midnight, katara realizes zuko has disappeared from his own post-coronation celebration and goes looking for him in the palace gardens.

other notes: yes it's another secret relationship fic god bless <3 it's still very New though, and this fic might be better titled Zutara Having The Relationship Talk. as it stands, the title are lyrics from someone to you by banners.

"What are you doing out here?" Katara asks as she finishes traversing the path to the palace gardens where Zuko stands. Between his thumb and the forefinger of his right hand, he is holding a pale pink petal. After months of seeing him in his casual dayrobes, finely made and threaded with traces of gold but looser, more casual, and worn over time due to their travels and battles, it's strange to see him in his Fire Lord regalia, especially with his hair pulled back into a top knot. She's gotten used to not just looking, but placing her hands against the soft, worn fabric of his shirts as they kiss in stolen moments, and to constantly pushing that wild hair out from his eyes before glancing around to see if anyone caught the too-intimate gesture.

It's not a bad look on him—nothing would be—but it is taking some getting used to.

"It's cold, you know." It is, surprisingly—colder than she thought it could in the heart of the Fire Nation, but then, it's nearing the end of the summer, and it's nearly midnight at that. It's strange for Zuko to be out here, too. "Are you alright?"

It's almost strange to look at him as it is strange to be wearing the clothes she's in, formal dress robes in the cut and style of the Fire Nation, yet in a grey-blue shade that reminds of her father's old whetstone.

Somewhere inside, her father and her brother and her friends are still laughing and eating and celebrating in the wake of Zuko's coronation. Soon, there will be much different trials to bear—Katara's dreamt bout the end of this war for as long as she could dream, but now more than ever, she knows that just because Ozai's been defeated, that doesn't mean the aftermath will be easy.

Katara wonders if that's what's on Zuko's mind.

She wonders a lot of things. Like how this... thing between them will work, now that the war's won. If it will at all.

"I just needed space for a minute," Zuko says, turning to her, lip half-quirked. "All of the... people, and everything, it was just a lot. Everything's fine."

"I can go," Katara offers, feeling sympathetic. She's not as introverted by nature as he seems to be, doesn't get as overwhelmed, but she definitely has moments when she just needs to be by herself. She doesn't want to leave, but she will if he asks it of her.

Zuko's smile grows, and he shakes his head. "That's not—I don't need space from you," he promises.

Brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, Katara laughs a little. "I don't count?"

"No," he says bluntly, looking her straight in the eyes as he does. "I always want you around."

Katara's breath catches. He has this charming, ridiculous, earnest way of saying things that always manages to catch her off-guard. And like a dam that breaks, Katara is taking one long stride after another to reach him. When she does, he drops his hand from where it had been holding the flower and places it on the small of her waist, gasping as she kisses him with urgency, rubbing small circles against the fabric of her dress with his thumb.

Katara pulls back, remembering he's still injured when he makes a small wounded noise—there are bandages underneath those fine robes he now wears—"Are you alright? Did I hurt you?" Her hands hover by his sides as she scans his body up and down.

"I'm fine," he insists, eyes sparkling. "Come back?"

Katara huffs but relents for a moment, placing another gentle kiss against his lips. The touch warms her up from the inside out.

"We really need to figure out what we're going to tell the others," Zuko says after a moment. "About us, I mean."

It's going to be an awkward conversation for more reasons than one: Toph will gloat and make constant jokes, Sokka will be happy only after he's been ridiculously overprotective (which Suki, probably her most reliable ally in this, will point out to him), she has no idea what her father will say, and Aang...

She knows he'll be hurt. That might be better as a private conversation.

Still, despite herself, Katara lights up a little. He's thinking about this long-term. "There's an 'us' to tell them about?"

Zuko exhales something that's almost a laugh and leans forward to gentle a hand against her cheek. She blinks up at him.

"There's an 'us' for me," he promises, his eyes shining with affection, "if there's an 'us' for you."

Katara has to kiss him again, then. It would go against the laws of nature not to, she's pretty sure.

They can figure out the rest of it later.

#zutaramonth2024 #zutaramonth #zutara month #zutara #my fic #day 12: kiss at midnight #zuko #katara #and if you feel like night is falling / i wanna be the one your'e calling #by far the most lighthearted thing i've written so far this month

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kyruskumiho27 · 8 hours

Text

Warnings: •heavy angst •fluff at the end🥰

Summary: you and Kento are going through the trials of pregnancy. (Or: you have a fight but you work it out)

*you= pink/ Kento= orange*

He had been ignoring you all evening in favor of reading his book.

You were sitting opposite of him across the couch, pouting as once again the man choose to pay no mind to your words.

“So overall, I think have everything for the registry. Venue is rented out and everything…. I just need a little help with the-“

He slams his book closed, glaring at you over his reading glasses.

“And what in the hell do you want me to do with that information?” You startle at his sudden movement, looking at him with those eyes. “Huh?” He scoffs, taking the glasses off.

“Why are you telling me this?” The irritation was obvious in his voice, and the way his brows furrowed in annoyance.

“Just thought you should know.”

He squints, trying to find if you’re purposely messing with him or actually oblivious. In the end he finds it’s both. Can’t a man read in peace?

“I have other things to do right now. I don’t have time to listen to you ramble on and on about shopping list.” You go quiet, fidgeting with your hands. Why is it always a problem when you mention anything having to do with the baby? It’s the least he could do, since he is the father and all. “Sorry..”

He scoffs again, rolling his eyes as he goes back to reading his book.

After a to long silence, you get up and you to your shared room. You had some papers that need to be graded, but how hard could that be. They were first graders.

You rub your belly as you do so, your eyes feeling heavy and your feet swollen. After finishing your your work you open your lap top and take a look at some houses. You wanted your child to have a home to grow up into, not some run down apartment on the bad side of town.

Just then your fiancé walks in, groaning as he settles in bed beside you. He stares at the laptop, the page your opened to, and then you.

“What are you doing?” You bite your lip nervously.

“Looking for houses.” He’s tempted to roll his eyes. Taking the laptop and settling it on his lap. “I know law that. Why are you looking for houses?”

You can’t really believe your having this conversation with your soon to be husband. Again.

“Kento, you know why. I’m not staying in this apartment forever. We’re getting married and having a baby.”

He rolls his eyes again. “This house is just fine for the baby.”

Now it’s your turn to roll your eyes.

“I am not having my child grow up in this tiny ass apartment. It’s not close to any schools, and the neighborhood we’re living in is just not-”

“The kids not going to school as soon as he’s out of the womb.”

You glare at the man. Hes so stupid sometimes you could scream. Obviously not. But it’s good to prepare.

“I give birth in a few months, we need this house to be ready. We can get situated and things.” Your fiancé did not like that answer, sighing at you dramatically.

“You already got me dealing with you and the damn baby, now you want to move?” If looks could kill both of you would be dead. The fucking audacity?? You turn to him to tell him off, but he olds his hand up. How dare he?

“We don’t need a house right now. We can handle that when the time comes.”

You stay silent, snatching your laptop back. After placing it on the nightstand you roll over and cover yourself with the blanket.

You’ve done none of your usual nighttime routine, but these days you’re so tired, and dealing with your husband and work on top of that just adds to the stress. You two are always butting heads, never agreeing on one thing. Just when you think both of you have finally settled down, he keeps talking.

“You’re always nagging at me. Always have some shit to say.”

“You don’t have to get worked up over little things and yet you do, complaining and complaining and complaining all god damn day.”

You sit up angrily, glaring and prepared to fight.

“I’m carrying your six pound baby in my stomach while getting hell from everything and everyone. You have a problem, your mom has a problem. Every damn person you know has a mother fucking problem!” He rolls his eyes, which only gets you angrier.

“And I’m so sorry my hormones inconvenienced your day. I’m so sorry that I’m such a pain in the ass all the time. But I can’t help it at the time and I’m trying my hardest to not let them influence my decision.”

Kento takes a deep breath, mumbling something to himself.

You get out of bed, intending to stomp away in disbelief. You don’t make it past the bed room door though before your clutching your stomach.

You close your eyes and try to take even breathes.

The action immediately alerts your fiancé, coming to rush at your side to see if you’re ok.

You try to push him off, your stubborn ass convinced you can do this all on your own. Only for you to clutch him close when another wave of pain ensues you.

“Sit down.” He orders. But his voice is more soft though, easing you back onto the bed.

You comply reluctantly.

“Lay back.” Again you listen, glaring daggers at the man.

He takes your legs and gently starts to massage your feet, touch so soft you two wouldn’t have know you were in the middle of an argument. Bit of you are quite.

You can’t look him in the eyes, tears starting to well up.

“We just want what’s best for you.” He whisper, kissing your shin. You laugh, tone devoid of humor.

“It doesn’t feel like it. Everything I do I’m doing wrong. I can’t mother right, I can’t wife right. I can’t do anything right-”

“Your doing just-”

“Not according to your family.”

He sighs and lets go of your leg in irritation. “They don’t fucking hate you ok? They’re doing what they think is best, and what they think is best is-”

“Calling me fat? Insulting my family? Telling me your to good to call yourself my husband? What help that is.” He doesn’t say anything about that. He knows you’re right. Instead he continues to massage up and down your leg, your feet, and lower body part to help ease the pain.

“Better?” He ask, looking up at you through his lashes. You scowl.

“A little.”

He nods, still holding your legs. “Good.”

He studies you. Your tired eyes, your sunken in features. You haven’t eaten like you’re supposed to and he hates that. He hates that his family has such a negative affect on you. And he hates that he just stands there.

“Look at me.” He mutters. Your eyes trail to his, what pretty eyes. His pretty girl going through all this stress. His face softens.

“I know you like to prepare ahead of time. And I know you want to get things done as soon as possible. But you need to take things slow. I need you to take things slow.” He watches as the anger leaves your features.

He takes a chance and crawls above you, placing a kiss on your forehead.

You instantly melt, shoulders relaxing and sighing. He lays besides you, cupping your swollen belly and planting a kiss there as well.

“I care and love you my love, and I wants what’s best for you. So right now we need to focus on what matters.”

Your hands run though his hair, and he lays his head gently on top your belly.

“And what matters?” Your voice is so soothing, he could fall asleep just like this. It’s been so long since he’s felt your touch, to busy with work to come home and spend proper time with you. He sighs. “You. Right now it’s you.” He lifts his his head just in time to see you smiling.

And what a smile you have. He’s falling for you all over again.

“And after we make sure you’re ok, we can focus on us. And the wedding, and that baby shower you want. We can focus on all that after.”

You both sit in silence, buts it’s comfortable this time. You bask in each other, and you both are fucking happy. He coos at your stomach, which makes you giggle, he’ll be such a good husband, and an even better father. He dotes on you, and you do the same.

After a while you begin to get sleepy. “My love.” He murmurs, poking your cheek. He wants to talk to you more. You grunt.

“You don’t talk about yourself all that much.” You don’t understand why that’s important or relaxant. Or why he felt the need to poke your cheek. “ ‘S never come up…” he hums, rubbing your belly some more.

“You should tell me about yourself.” You open your eyes to take a look at him, who in turn is looking at you so lovingly.

“Wanna hear all about you.”

You lay your head back against the pillows, thinking long and hard. “Ok well…. Um… m-my favorite color is pink and green.”

He smiles at that. It’s not what he meant, but it’s a start. He pulls up next to you. “Yeah? Why pink?” You think again, pulling your lips in thought. “It’s just a pretty color. Nice to look at.” Fucking cutie. He hums, placing a kiss on your neck.

“And green?” You shrug. “Reminds me of the trees and grass, like lookin’ at it to.”

“What’s yours?” He stays quiet for a bit, kissing your color bone. “Red.”

Your brows shoot up. “Red?” He nods. “It’s bold and intense. It’s like it’s supposed to be intimidating but it isn’t.” You nod.

“Makes me think of passion and courage.”

You giggle. “Passion?” His eyes narrow playfully. He brings his face close to your ear. “Passion.” You shiver.

He kisses every ounce kf skin he can get to, having in a giggling blushing mess. “You like that?” He muses, kissing you more. You nod.

“Good girl.” Kiss. “Got so many in store for you.” Kiss. “So many suprises.” Kiss.

You laugh, actually laugh, and it makes his heart swell up. He hopes his baby has the same laugh as his mother.

“Love ya pretty.” He murmurs, kissing you on the lips. “Love you to.”

*if yall are into male pregnancies then i guess. This is female based but I won’t stop you🥰*

#writing #tumblr fyp #fyp #fyp2024 #jjk #jjk x reader #jjk fanfic #jjk fluff #jjk angst #Jjk Nanami #love #jjk x fem!reader #extreme fluff #nanami fluff #fluff #🥰#soon to be mother reader #soon to be father Nanami #soon to be married

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buckyseternal · 1 day

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45 with Ghost 🙏🏽🙏🏽

warnings: sex, a tiny bit of angst, hurt/comfort. have fun :) summer sleepover

roses - awaken I am

“Cheers,” everyone raised their glasses to the center of the table as Gaz spoke. “To the 141 and to my best friend for hosting this lovely dinner for us.”

Everyone clinked their glasses with one another, taking a sip of the crimson wine in the glass. The boys had just finished up a successful mission and had gotten back, and you couldn’t help but offer to host them for a night. After all, they deserved a nice home-cooked meal and some well-aged wine.

You looked around the table, smile only faltering when you met eyes with Simon. You knew things would be awkward when you had told your childhood best friend, Gaz, to tell his team about the dinner, but you figured you’d just have to get over it.

“Oh no John, you don’t have to get those,” you said, resting a hand on his shoulder above you. He had already taken his place in front of your sink, sleeves rolled up and ready to wash the dishes when you stopped him.

“Please, it’s the least I could do,” he said. Somehow you were able to talk him down, telling him it wasn’t even that many dishes and you’d grab them after everyone was gone. Moving back to the living room of your cozy apartment, he joined the rest of the men and put his jacket back on, gearing up to leave.

“Thank you so much lass, we really enjoyed the food and the company as always,” Johnny leaned down to give you a customary kiss on the cheek.

“It’s no problem at all, you’re all welcome any time,” and with that, the men all said their goodbyes and left. You sighed, locking the door behind them. It wasn’t that bad, you thought, It could have been worse.

Lighting a candle in the living room, you went back to the kitchen to start on the dishes. You got two plates in when you heard a knock on your door.

“Simon..?” you opened your door to be met with the large man, hands in his pockets and looking at the ground. “Did you forget something?”

“No, no. I just…wanted to talk, I guess.”

Welcome to worse.

You hesitantly let him in, watching as he sat on your all-too-familiar couch. Bringing the wine bottle back over, you sat down a few feet away from him, pouring some in each glass and handing it over to him.

–

A few hours had passed since Simon had come back. The two of you caught up after a few months of not talking, not really being in each other’s lives anymore. You talked about your jobs, about school. About relationships. That’s where it all went downhill.

“It was never gonna work out, Si,” you said, voice beginning to raise. You could already feel the tears begin to spring to your eyes.

“I tried,” he responded, pacing the room.

“You were always working-”

“They needed me at my job, I can’t exactly walk away whenever I want to, you know that.”

“I know that Simon, but I needed you too!”

It was silent for a while, both of you letting your words sink in. He brought his hand up to his face, grimacing and rubbing his eyes for a sense of clarity, trying to find the calm in this storm. When he turned around, he was met with a sight that made his heart drop. You were still sitting on your couch, glass of wine in one hand and your head in the other, facing the opposite direction. He saw your shoulders and back rise, and realized you had begun to cry.

Simon walked over, sitting back down next to you. He took the glass from your hand and set it gently on the table in front of you, and took your hand in his. He whispered your name, and you looked at him, a single tear running down your cheek as you tried to gain composure.

“Please don’t cry,” he said softly, thumb brushing the tear away. “I’m sorry.”

You shook your head, almost smiling. “It’s fine. We’ve been over all of it already, we’re past it-”

He leaned in and connected his lips with yours in a soft kiss. He could feel you tense at first, but soon after you relaxed. When the two of you separated, he stayed close, lips almost touching yours still.

“Please. Let me make it up to you,” he spoke in a whisper, heart racing, hoping that he could just have one last chance with you. In that moment, he knew that there was a God as you nodded your head and leaned back in.

The second kiss was more passionate, months of heartbreak being poured into it. He cupped your face in his large hand, deepening the kiss. His tongue moved languidly across yours, missing the way your lips felt on his.

As he moved his hand to your waist to pull you closer, you whimpered into his mouth, and he pulled back. You were about to object when he stood up, guiding you up with him, and leading you to your bedroom.

The two of you stood in your room in silence as he slipped your dress over your head slowly, letting it fall to the ground as he kissed you again, backing you up until your knees hit the bed. You sat down on the edge, and he kneeled in front of you.

“I’ve missed you every day that we’ve been apart,” he breathed as he kissed your neck, trailing kisses down to your chest.

“Can barely concentrate,” he unclasped your bra with expertise, just like he used to all those months ago. He let it fall to the ground on top of your dress. He kissed the apex of your breast, hand squeezing at the other as he listened to your breath hitch.

“My head’s a mess when you’re in it,” he kissed down your stomach, hands squeezing at your waist. He gently pushed you to lay down, raising your hips to pull your tights down your legs and slip them off completely, kissing down your thighs and legs until he had shown your whole body the love he knew it deserved.

He rose from the ground, undressing himself, never breaking eye contact as you laid there, propped up on your elbows.

“Simon,” your soft voice rang in his ears; you were like a siren to him. You could have said anything from anywhere, and he’d abandon ship just to hear you again.

He crawled onto the bed, hovering over you as he placed a kiss on your forehead. His fingers trailed down until they met your core, and you opened your legs up willingly to him, missing his touch more than anything. He began to rub your clit in small, slow circles, already feeling the wetness accumulate on his fingers. Pushing two of his fingers in, he worked you open, swallowing your soft moans.

Gentle waves rolled over you as he brought you to your first climax. Nobody knew your body as well as him; he was able to make you cum with ease, remembering everything about you as if he had blueprints he had studied for ages.

“Please,” you breathed out. He repositioned himself, lining his thick cock up with your entrance, pushing to the hilt until he was fully sheathed inside you. Electricity sparked within you, his cock hitting all of your pleasure points that your toys had missed every time you used them in his absence. He groaned at your wet heat, stilling inside you as he refocused.

“Missed this,” he mumbled against your lips, pulling out and slowly pushing back in. “Feel so good wrapped around me, sweetheart.”

Simon set a slow but powerful pace, hips driving into you deep as you left light scratches along his back. Your room sounded of deep moans and whimpers, both of you having to break from your kiss every time he hit an especially sensitive spot.

“I love you, I never stopped. I never will.” He could feel you clench at his words as he let out another moan, his thrusts starting to move a little bit faster.

“Oh- Simon, baby-” you held him tighter, head thrown back as the pleasure shot up your spine. “Please, please, please…”

He could tell you were close, your pussy tightening around him as he had found just the right angle and pace. “Fuck, sweetheart, just like that- you’re takin’ me so well. Always been a good girl for me, yeah?”

You nodded your head, tears rolling down the sides of your face as you became overwhelmed with his admissions and pleasure. You gasped as he hit your sweet spot continuously, whining and writhing underneath him.

“There you go, I’ve got you. Cum f’me sweetheart, I’m right here,” his words shattered you, your vision going white as your back arched off the bed. “That’s it, go ahead love.”

Pleasure continued to ripple through you, blood rushing through your ears and white-hot ecstasy running through your veins as Simon continued his pace just as it was, just as you liked it. As soon as he saw you begin to come down from your high, his thrusts got sloppier, hips stuttering as he breathed out a fuck in that baritone voice of his. His eyes squeezed shut as he came deep inside you, pushing himself as deep as possible. He pumped himself in you a few more times as he came down himself, finally pulling out and rolling on side of you.

You both laid there for a while, waiting for your heavy breathing and racing hearts to calm down. He pulled you to the side of him, holding you close. You could hear his heartbeat return back to normal. The two of you stayed wrapped in each other’s arms for a couple of minutes.

Simon was the first to break the silence.

“I meant everything I said,” he said quietly, thumb rubbing circles onto your back.

“Yeah?”

“Mhmm,” he hummed, placing a kiss on your forehead.

You both laid like that for what seemed like forever. He was just about to fall asleep, drift off into another world, when you turned onto your side and wrapped an arm around his torso.

“Love you too, Si,” you murmured, eyes already shut.

#simon riley #simon “ghost” riley #simon riley smut #simon riley angst #hurt/comfort #cod #cod masterlist #summer sleepover 2024

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rebelliousstories · 1 day

Text

That’s My Wife

Relationship: Luke Alvez x Reader

Fandom: Criminal Minds

Request: No

Warnings: Angst, Descriptions of Violence, Fluff

Word Count: 3,662

Main Masterlist: Here

Criminal Minds Masterlist: Here

Part Two: Coming Home (Coming Soon)

Summary: When the team gets called in on a case, an interesting revelation comes out about the newbie.

Khalil Gibran once said, “If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees.”

“What do we know?” Emily was in a mood today, and it was not one to mess with. Having just got off the phone with the director of the FBI, she was frantic in finding out what was going on.

“Earlier today, as in two hours ago, there were reports of a bank robbery in progress. But the M.O. is what caught our attention.” Garcia responded, clicking the remote to activate the tv in the round table room. As the other agents filed in, they were met with a horrifying sight.

Animal masked robbers were parading around the lobby. A lion, a tiger, a wolf, and a shark were present. They waved guns around without a care in the world, and kept their finger on the trigger. Shark took off and began to stuff money into his bags, while the other three kept their eyes on the groups of people they were holding hostage. Everyone was analyzing and scrutinizing every frame of the video feed.

“What bank?” Luke asked, keeping his eyes on the feed.

“Three Ring bank in downtown D.C.” Penelope responded, looking around in confusion.

Without a warning, the agent took off to the bullpen silently. He pulled out his phone and was shocked to see a voicemail in his inbox waiting for him. Luke answered the call and just listened.

“Hey baby. I know you’re probably at work, but I am finally home from tour. I was gonna keep it a secret and surprise you tonight, but I just couldn’t wait. Go catch those bad guys, baby. I’m goin’ to the bank and then goin’ to see our baby at home. I love you, sugar. Go be a superhero.”

His fist clenched as he lowered the phone from his ear. Luke turned and was surprised by Emily standing directly behind him.

“Is everything alright?” She asked, despite knowing the answer to her question. The agent took a moment before he responded.

“Our bank is Three Ring. Specifically, we go to Three Ring in downtown.” Luke whispered, rubbing his hands over his face. Emily held an understanding look on her face as she processed the information.

“Is there anything I can do?” Getting her phone out, she listened and read her text at the same time.

“Just don’t take me off of this case. I need to find her.” Prentiss nodded her head and set a hand on his shoulder.

“Go find a quiet, empty room. Clear your head and get all of your frustrations out. Then I want you back in the round table room and getting to work.” Turning on her heel, she left Luke and trusted he would do what she instructed.

“What have you got, Garcia?” Emily marched in to her lair with determined voice and step.

“Um, so I was looking in to who I could identify on the video feed. Now these guys have been staring at a woman, just one in particular. So I did my usual sleuthing into this mystery woman that seems to have their attention and-”

“Get on with it, Pen.”

“Of course,” she readjusted her glasses, and started again. “This woman is the girl behind the concert we went to last month, Amour Yen. And doing some additional digging I found out her name, address, phone you name it. Maybe we can use it?” The colorful analyst rambled.

“Bring up her driver’s license photo again, and shoot it over to my phone, please.” Emily left shortly afterwards. Everyone was tense and on edge as they tried to find out who the men in masks were, but the unit chief only had one job she needed to do. The ping came through, and she searched the sixth floor empty rooms until she found Alvez sitting in a chair, with his head in his hands. Prentiss closed the door which made the agent look up.

“This is her?” Her tone was soft, as she showed him the DMV photo on her phone. Luke nodded without a word, and bowed his head once more.

“We will get her out safely, Luke. But you need to tell them. We think she’s being targeted.” The agent lifted his head abruptly, and made his way to the round table room. Emily followed close behind, and signaled for everyone else to join them. She shot off a text to Garcia, and was met with the whole team upon entering the room. Shutting the door, Emily addressed everyone first.

“Before we continue our investigation, and get our feet on the ground at the bank, there is something that needs to be revealed as Garcia has pointed out that a specific woman seems to be targeted.” She gave way for Luke to pick up.

“I’ve kept something from the team and I can’t do it anymore. The woman in the video is my wife.” There was a pause as the secret was finally out.

“Is that why her last name is Alvez on her license?” Penelope asked, breathless from the information and fear of her team’s family being targeted. Luke nodded before he continued.

“We keep it a secret and keep it on a need to know basis because of my job. The only person who knew before this was Emily, but that was because I had to list her as my emergency contact. Even when I was in the Fugitive Task Force, we kept it close so that no one could use us against each other. If she is being targeted, it’s because of me.”

“We’ll start by digging into Luke’s background with the FTF, then with the BAU. Garcia, I need everything you can find everything you can about his wife. We need to figure out what we’re up against. Rossi, I want you, Reid, and Simmons with the mobile command center in downtown. Let’s get to it everyone.” As the team dispersed, Luke tried to follow the team going downtown only to be stopped by Emily.

“Please, I need to go make sure she’s okay, Prentiss.” Luke pleaded, watching helplessly as the three men left for the SUVs.

“I said I wouldn’t take you off of the case, even though it is protocol. But I will not have you in the field. You’re going to be more useful to us, and to her, here. Now help us figure out who these people are.” She redirected him to go back to the round table room, and begin sifting through his career.

“Keep your heads down!” Lion shouted, waving his pistol around as people whimpered. Huddled with another woman, determined eyes were assessing the whole situation. She twisted her wedding ring around on its chain around her neck while trying to remember what her husband taught her. There were only four men that she counted, and one entrance and exit. Sirens were already outside, which coupled with the entry and exit point predicament, it meant one thing; everyone in this building were trapped together.

Keeping her breathing in check, her hand reached into her pocket, and tried to type discreetly.

Sierra. Oscar. Sierra. Alpha - Delta.

“What the hell are you doing?” A voice startled the phone back in her pocket, and she looked up. Tiger was pointing a gun to her.

“What’s in your pocket?” Reaching her hand back in, she wrapped it around the object and pulled it out to show him.

“Candy? Really?” He asked, not convinced.

“I have blood sugar issues. I keep snacks on me to help regulate it.” She replied, holding the hard candy out for him to take. Tiger snatched it from her hand and slipped his mask up just enough to plop the candy in his mouth. What he did not see, was that she was staring intently at his face at an identifying mark. A long scar on his cheek. Tiger turned around and she hurriedly ducked her head to send another text.

Scar. Tiger.

“What are you doing?” A woman next to her asked. Mrs. Alvez saw the wedding ring on her finger.

“My husband is FBI.” She whispered. “What’s your husband’s name?”

“Frank.” They kept their voices down as they spoke.

“Mine’s is Luke. We’re going to go back to them, okay? They haven’t removed their masks which is a good sign.” A buzz rattled her hand causing her to look down.

Roger. Head down. Romeo, Romeo, Sierra responding. At King Arthur.

The wave of relief at knowing that Luke’s teammates were coming to help her made her relax just a bit. All she could hope for now was that they would get in before the team of robbers dropped their masks and started shooting.

“Just got a text from my wife. She says that the one in the tiger mask has a scar.” Luke walked over to where Garcia was remotely set up at the round table. “Can you search the feed for anywhere that man might have a scar?”

“Of course. Yes. I can do that.” As Garcia worked, Luke watched her efforts on the big tv screen behind them. The tape was rewinding, and rewinding before he intervened.

“Wait, wait, wait. There. Stop.” Penelope followed the order. “There. Do you see it?”

“Yeah. He takes something from her hand and slips it in his mouth.” The tech analyst was confused as she tried to think of reasons, but Luke breathed out a sigh of relief.

“She keeps candy in her pocket for her blood sugar. But I taught her, in a situation like this, she needs to try and find identifying marks on unsubs. Look for men who were put away for armed robbery with a pronounced scar on their faces. Look in neighboring states as well.” Luke turned back to the files as the woman worked beside him.

A big black SUV rolled up on the scene, and out popped three agents already dawning their FBI issued Kevlar vests. Rossi walked forward and went to the command center lead, while the other two trailed behind him.

“You must be captain Romanov. SSA’s Rossi, Reid and Simmons with the BAU. Have there been any demands?” He shook hands with the police captain.

“Not yet. Your guys just finished setting everything up, and helping my guys secure the area. We have access to the security cameras inside, but there has been no contact.” She explained, showing them around. Rossi assumed his position next to the phone box and casted his eyes towards the bank.

“Well, let’s see what we can make happen. Is this tapped in?” With a conformation, he pressed dial.

A shrill ring sounded through the bank. Everyone looked around for the source of the noise, but no one could see it clearly. That was, until, Lion stalked over to a phone that was behind the tellers booth. He yanked the phone off of its resting place, and held it against his ear.

“Hello? Who is this?”

“This is SSA David Rossi. Who am I speaking to?” the man on the other end chuckled as he looked out to the room.

“You can call me Leon.” He answered.

“Okay Leon. What do you say to letting the hostages go? You don’t have to go through with this.” David tried to reason with him.

“No. I don’t think so. There’s some pretty special ones in here that we need.” Leon looked over to the rest of the people around him. His eyes stopped briefly on a woman that his brother stopped by earlier. Shark was trying to find an alternative way out, while Wolf and Tiger were managing the people.

“Is there anything that you want? Something that I can get you?” Rossi asked, looking towards his two other agents.

“We want a way out of here. Call off the cops, call off the feds, and let us go free.” Leon was starting to get agitated the longer he was on the phone.

“I will see about what I can do, but you know that won’t be easy.” The agent was being real, and really hoped that the man with the gun would not use it.

“Tell you what, you call your buddies off, and I don’t kill everyone in here. Deal?” A dull tone rang through as the phone was hung up on Leon’s side. Rossi looked around to his teammates and suddenly had an idea.

“This doesn’t sound like he’s going to follow through. Murder is not in the M.O. but someone inside might. Matt, you and Reid try and find groups of four that commit armed bank robberies. This isn’t their first rodeo.”

Luke marched into Emily’s office with a file and determination. Tara was in there with the unit chief helping her sift through his career.

“Found the man in the tiger mask.” The file plopped down onto the woman’s desk.

“Theodore Jameson. Served five years for a job he did with his twin brother back in 2010. Got a nasty cut from the botched job. The clerk of the store they were trying to rob got him with some broken glass from a window. It healed over into that jagged scar that we saw on the tape. I was the one that put them away. One of the men has to be his brother, Leonard.” Luke explained, feeling accomplished.

“Good work. But who are the other two? And which one is which?” Tara complimented.

“Tiger is Theodore so Leonard has got to be the Lion. Now we need Wolf and Shark. Have Garcia see if there are any connections in or out of prison.” Emily commented, handing the file back to Luke who took off to do the work.

“Come on man. We need a way out of here.” Leonard commented, badgering Shark.

“I’m trying man. Give me a minute.” He replied, disappearing again. Wolf sat at a table and kept quiet as he observed the place. This entire operation had gone to hell.

“Where is the woman? Where is she?” Leonard barked looking around, scrutinizing everyone from behind his mask.

“I’m looking for a woman with the last name Alvez. Where are you?” He yelled. From his right, a woman stood up, however this was not the one he was looking for.

“I’m Sofia Alvez.” She whimpered, standing on shaking legs. But Leonard just scoffed and waved her over with the hand with the gun. Sofia walked over and was practically shaking in fear. He brought his hand up and pistol whipped the woman. It did not kill her, but rather knocked her out cold. Shaking his head, he looked around to see who else was here.

“I’m bored, Leon.” Theodore commented as he waved his gun around. Without a warning or word, the man grabbed a random man and shoved him towards the glass doors. The entire police and FBI forces were on edge as they watched what was unfurling. A bullet planted itself in between the man’s eyes and he slumped forward. Screams erupted throughout as everyone was startled by the display. Theodore laughed as he stalked around. His mask muffled some of his words but everyone he got close to understood what he was saying.

“Eeny meeny, miny moe.”

Garcia shuffled her way into the round table room with an excited air about her. The remaining BAU members gathered around, and patched in the three that were at the bank.

“Okay, so you asked for any connections that would be relevant and I found it.” Pulling two additional pictures up on the big screen, the colorful analyst began.

“So when the Jameson twins were serving their five in the Virginia corrections facility, they were block mates with another set of twins. This time they were serving ten for pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter after their last job ending in the store clerk being dead. I now present to you Wulfric and Samson Mitchell.” They were drawn to the tv once more.

“Yeah, I remember that case,” came Luke’s voice. “They claimed they were doing the robbing out of necessity and claimed that because they came from a trailer park that the judicial system was prejudiced.”

“So we know who they are. What’s our plan Rossi?” Emily called over the phone.

“They’ve already killed one person. Unsure about anyone else. But we’re trying to establish more contact.” He explained, keeping his eyes aware all around.

“Do we know who was killed?” Luke pleaded urgently.

“It’s not her, Luke.” Garcia confirmed, looking through her screen at the camera. He peered over her shoulder and let out a sigh of relief to see she was telling the truth.

“Rossi, get him on the phone and see if we can break them up. Penelope, give us a full blue print of the bank. I want to know every square inch of the place.” Prentiss ended the call, and delegated the rest of the team to finding out everything they could about the two sets of twins.

“Where are you? I know you’re in here.” Tiger sing-songed as he walked through the lobby waving his gun. When his eyes landed on her, he smiled behind his mask. Stalking forward, he grabbed Mrs. Alvez by her shirt and hauled her to her feet.

“Oh, hello pretty lady. I knew you would be here today.” The man got right in her face, and brought her over to a chair where he dropped her down without grace. “Stay.”

Watching him walk away, she realized that she was in view right in front of the window. She turned and tried to see if she could flag down the uniforms outside.

“Leo! Look at who we have here!” He called out, grabbing his brother’s attention. Leonard came around and laid his eyes on the woman in the chair.

“I think it is high time we have us a little reunion.” Leonard sneered as he neared the woman. Her nerves were going haywire as she realized that they were closing in on her.

Piling in to the SUVs, Luke was furious. These criminals had laid their hands on his wife, and they were going to pay for it. His vest was strapped on tightly, and his firearm was ready.

“How would they know that she was your wife if even the team didn’t know?” Tara pointed out as they drove on.

“She’s a public figure. They could’ve stalked her, or me. Or any variation of the two. Let me get Garcia on the phone.” They turned the corner and parked right as Penelope answered the call.

“Oracle is ready and willing. Whatcha need?” She answered somewhat chipper, but people could tell that it was a flimsy cover.

“Garcia, I need you to track her social media, phone calls, emails, anything. Looking for repeat offenders, text that were deleted or weird phone calls. Anything.” He stated, waiting impatiently with the rest of his team.

“Okay. Don’t know exactly what I’m looking for but…”

“But what Penelope?” Luke was getting fed up with this whole day.

“There’s an account called ‘tigerted’ and it has visited her social medias everyday for the past six months which just so happens to be the same amount of time that all four of the men inside of that bank have been released.” She whimpered.

“Garcia, look into any robberies in the last six months in surrounding states. What’s their endgame?” Matt asked, hands on his hips while they waited.

“I’m not sure,” she started, “they’ve never been around long enough to be caught. They’ve always been in and out with insanely good precision.”

“That’s not going to work, Penelope. Give us something to work with.” Luke growled, pacing back and forth with his phone in his hand.

“I’m trying to help but I have nothing in their previous jobs.” Tears of frustration were starting to build up and push over.

Before anyone else could respond, the phone rang from inside. Rossi held up a finger, and got the phone answered.

“Hello?”

“Agent Rossi, my partner has already killed one person. Who else are you going to let die before you let us go, huh?” The voice of Leon answered.

“Leon, who killed the victim? Was it Wulfric? Samson? Theodore?” There was silence over the other end of the phone.

“Leonard, you can end all of this right now if you let the hostages go, and you put down the weapons.” Rossi reasoned, but the sinking feeling in his gut was not helping.

“You know who we are?” Leonard asked, sounding out of breath.

“We know that you and your brother were put away by one of our teammates, and that you met Wulfric and Samson in prison. This is the first time you have ever been caught and cornered and you need to ask why. Somebody betrayed you, Leonard. It’s time to give it up.” There was more silence. It took a minute before someone finally spoke, after some commotion on the other end of the line.

“There’s no giving it up.” Dial tone greeted the BAU as they watched each other for a minute.

Theodore hung up the phone and pranced around the lobby. He removed his mask, which prompted Leonard to do the same.

“They know who we are. Including how we work. They know who we all are.” Leonard spoke, sounding like he was in disbelief.

“So what? No more hiding now bro. Now, we get to have some fun with her.” Theodore waved his gun to where the woman was sitting. She was still watching everyone with skeptical eyes as they moved about. Wulfric, who was sitting partially on a desk, removed his mask when the other two did, yet remained silent.

“You are just gorgeous. Don’t know how that man ever landed you.” As he grew closer, Theodore raised his gun with his finger on the trigger, and fired.

Bang