#is you have a lot of 15 year olds that have never been drunk or fucked in their lives
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what is your opinion on the situation?
I've been at work all day so I haven't been able to sit down with stuff fully, it also seems like Caiti is planning to release a statement later today with more information I think? So I'd like to get her response there, but based on what I've seen so far I think I fall more on the side of "people made some dumb choices and should learn from them" than anything else.
Consent is messy and it gets messier when people start lying or are drunk. In this case, both Caiti and George were drunk. From what I understand, either Caiti had a 21+ wristband from the vidcon party, or her friend group did and assumed since she was drinking with them, she was also 21+.
Honestly, when it comes to the matter of underage drinking, I don't think it's even remotely fair to place blame on Dream/George for that. The blame there lies with Caiti deciding to drink while under 21, and on her friends, Ghostie and the other person present who were both over 21. Unlike Dream/George, both of them knew Caiti and knew exactly how old she was and were letting her drink. They were also letting her drink with no one sober and no one making sure she got home.
Now, Caiti is 18 and also I'm not a goddamn square, I'm not gonna stand here and be like "oh no drinking at 18 clutch my pearls" but like, if people are going to blame other people for that situation, that very much lies with Caiti's friends who knew they had an underage person drinking with them. I feel like people are weirdly assigning blame to Dream/George for not like, iding every person they hang out with (particularly if she had a 21+ bracelet at vidcon, which would mean she already got IDed). While completely avoiding placing any blame on the people who 100% knew they were taking an 18 year old drinking without a doubt.
Putting that aside, from my understanding George's side is he believed at the time that she was having fun, and the most they did was cuddle on a couch with other people there. He believed at the time that everything was cool, and that she later decided she was uncomfortable with what happened.
Honestly, I don't really think that's an unfair reading. At this same party, her best friend was there and from Ghostie's own words, she also didn't realize Caiti was uncomfortable until several months later when Caiti told her. If her best friend didn't notice she was uncomfortable or see anything wrong, then I find it hard to think anyone else would pick up on it.
There's certainly risks taken here that I wouldn't have taken. I think that George needs to do better with checking for consent and maybe vetting the people you're hanging out with. Although I also understand that doing a full background check on everyone you ever meet is an absurd requirement and if, at the time, they trusted the person that they actually invited, I get how that shit happens. Per consent, given that he was also drunk, I get how it may've appeared to him that he had consent. I do think it's still something to work on, but I'm also perfectly aware that in real life, people are often going off vibes and social cues, and sometimes those don't mash.
I also think that Caiti's friends have been pretty shitty throughout this. They take no responsibility for having let an 18 year old drink and then ditching her. They are absolutely milking drama out of this shit and they have a weird obsession with blaming Dream for shit he had no fault in.
As for Dream, I don't think he did anything wrong here. Full stop. If Caiti's best friend didn't notice that she was uncomfortable or unhappy, it's insanely unreasonable to expect Dream to have managed that. He was also drunk and hanging out with people, and he had no way of knowing Caiti was underage. None of that shit was his fault, and his statement seems very measured and reasonable. People are trying to blame him for things that he had absolutely no part in, and the UK group are absolutely trying to pull that shit.
Overall, sounds like several people involved made dumb choices, I hope they learn and grow. Otherwise all of this honestly sounds like shit that should've been talked out privately and not tossed to the internet for speculation. Human beings are messy and will fuck up sometimes. This feels like a case of miscommunication and people making risky choices that left people with some hurt.
Again, I may change my mind with further evidence presented, but that's how it feels to me.
#dreamwastaken#georgenotfound#discourse#sif speaks#sif answers#idk man I think I just have more irl experience with these sorts of situations#like#shit happens in real life#and I think maybe part of the problem with like twitter#is you have a lot of 15 year olds that have never been drunk or fucked in their lives#who are totally sure they know exactly how consent works and how sex goes in real life#I really liked the greendot talk I got about it back in college#I should find a recording of that sometime for people#It laid it out really well that consent is not an on-off switch#It's a door that you're opening#and depending on the circumstances you take risks with how you're opening it#0 risk is like the two of you have a formal plan#and have signed contracts#and then you start to move up through situations that can be more risky that something goes wrong#and someone gets hurt#And honestly for irl consent I found that was so much more of a valuable framework to look at things through
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INTIMACY
word count: 3.2k
pairing: paige bueckers x reader
⚠️warnings⚠️:
explicit smut, internalized homophobia, light angst
prompts:
you and paige having “platonic” life-altering sex, and her finally realizing her feelings and then pinning you against the wall and having actual romantic life-altering sex
5 + 1: 5 times you and paige hooked up “platonically”, and 1 time it was decidedly not platonic
best friends to lovers
miscommunication (maybe just bad communication)
1:
The first time that you kissed Paige Bueckers was all because of a silly conversation had at a ridiculously late hour during your 13th birthday sleepover. You were giggling over the fact that you were grown up enough to have boyfriends, and blushing over what you could do with them.
Hardly daring to say it, you’d whispered to Paige in the dark that you were scared to kiss a boy because you’d never done it before, and she’d asked if you were scared to kiss her. She’d explained that she wasn’t scared to kiss you because you were her friend, and even though your heart was beating out of your chest, you’d agreed.
Eyes wide, you and Paige had scooted closer to each other, your lips barely touching before you’d both pulled away, laughing. Once you’d calmed down, you tried again, getting comfortable with little pecks on the lips. You continued this throughout the night, and when Paige kissed you good morning, it became a part of your friendship. After that night, you realized some things:
1. Kissing was actually fun (not gross, like you’d been led to believe)
2. Paige was good at kissing (you had no evidence for this, but she made it fun and that had to be the point)
3. Girls definitely made you feel the same butterflies in your stomach as boys did (this was pretty shocking, so you chose to keep that to yourself)
You didn’t know what it was at that point, but that was when you figured out that you were bisexual. You always wondered if Paige felt anything from the kisses, but dismissed your thoughts as she clearly didn’t think kissing meant anything.
2:
The first time you made out with Paige Bueckers was two years later, but it led to a an earth-shattering fourth realization:
4. You liked Paige, like a lot, like you wanted to do a lot more with her than kissing (this was extremely shocking, and you resolved never to tell anyone, especially not her)
You were 15 years old, both slightly tipsy at your first high school party. Wanting to seem cool, you’d agreed to play Truth or Dare with the popular kids. Paige picked dare, of course, and you didn’t like the looks that passed over the two of you as the boy that had asked Paige dared her to kiss you for a full minute.
You planned to just press your lips together to hers, hoping that you wouldn’t run out of air somehow, but Paige apparently had other ideas. Within seconds, she was moving her lips confidently, and you were shocked to your core when you felt her tongue dart into your mouth.
Even though Paige had started it, you were terrified that she would know how you felt when you kissed back. She didn’t, of course, and you were only slightly devastated when she pulled away after someone announced that the minute was up.
You made out again in the back of Paige’s dad’s car on the drive home, and it started a tradition of making out drunk at parties. It never meant anything, of course, but you touched yourself to the memories many times after that, always feeling immensely guilty, but never enough to stop.
3:
When you were 17, something shifted in your relationship on a random night. You and Paige were laying in her bed (you were sleeping over at her house), marvelling at being able to do whatever you wanted because her family wasn’t home.
By now, you’d both had a couple of boyfriends, but you never did anything more than kissing because (this took you a while to admit to yourself) you wanted Paige, not them. Your conversation had lapsed into silence, and Paige, emboldened by a confidence that only comes in the darkness, had asked you a decidedly intrusive question.
She asked you what you thought about when you masturbated, and you’d panicked and named a boy that you supposed you thought was hot, not being able to give Paige the real answer (her). You’d quickly turned the question on her, and she’d blushed profusely and mumbled her boyfriend’s name.
Feeling jealous, you’d asked if he’d ever touched her, and she quietly confessed that he had, but had never made her finish. You should’ve expected her to ask you the same thing, but it still caught you off guard when she did.
Taking your silence as embarrassment, Paige had reassured you that it would happen soon and that you didn’t need to be nervous. Then she asked if she could touch you, maintaining that it would be best not to be surprised and react weirdly when a boy eventually did.
You were shocked at the casualness of her words and reminded her that she had a boyfriend, but she reassured you that doing stuff with girls didn’t count. Too hopeful to fully grasp the meaning of her words, you’d agreed and asked to touch her, too, your shaking hands in stark contrast to her slow, assured ones.
Before you knew it, Paige Bueckers became the first person other than yourself to give you an orgasm, and without even putting her fingers inside you (you didn’t want to think about how you’d dreamed about this moment in slightly different circumstances). She confessed after that she’d never made herself feel like that, meaning that you gave her her first ever orgasm (you definitely didn’t want to put too much value into it, but your brain was going absolutely haywire).
Once again, you never talked about it after, even when Paige broke up with her boyfriend a few weeks later. You didn’t want to make anything weird, so you pretended to forget all about it.
4:
You don’t really remember the first time that you and Paige had sex because you were really fucked up. You were 19 at a UConn party after one of Paige’s games, and of course everyone was throwing themselves at her.
You’d started doing shots to numb the jealousy, but Paige had quickly found you and insisted on joining you like her stupid, endearing, ride or die self.
She’d asked if you wanted to smoke with her, and of course you’d agreed. You’d shotgunned, which had turned into making out, but you did it regularly enough that it barely phased you anymore.
You’d started to feel it all hit you, so you’d told her to go back to the party while you tried to find somewhere to sit and sober up a bit, settling on an empty bedroom.
Paige had come in to check on you, because of course she had, and once she’d sat down on the bed to rub your back, you finally had the courage to kiss her first.
You’d woken up in the morning with a pounding headache and a pit in your stomach as memories came back to you in disjointed images.
You remembered pushing Paige onto the bed and tangling your hands in her hair, giggling as her hands found their way under your dress. It got a bit fuzzy after that, but you had a very clear memory of your head between Paige’s legs as you pumped your fingers in and out of her.
You’d shifted and felt a pleasant soreness between your own legs, your jaw dropping as you realized that she must have done the same to you. You were upset that you couldn’t remember it, but also shocked that things had actually gone that far.
Finally registering your surroundings, you’d seen Paige, dressed only in her underwear, passed out beside you in the bed at the frat house where the party had been. Fixing your dress, you’d shaken her awake so that you could both leave.
Paige had been groggy as she put her clothes on, but she’d been awake enough to smirk that you two had a fun night. You weren’t sure what to feel anymore, so you’d just nodded, staying silent on the walk to your dorm.
When you didn’t speak of it again, you almost convinced yourself that it didn’t hurt anymore.
5:
Your last straw was after you and Paige had sex sober. Thinking back, you often wondered how you’d let it happen, but there was no sense lying to yourself. You would always take whatever Paige was willing to give you.
You’d been roommates at UConn for over two years, and despite your complicated feelings, it had been good most of the time. Until Paige had walked into your bedroom and ruined everything.
She’d flopped onto your bed (as she often did), but instead of discussing any topic appropriate for best friends (you were really starting to hate the term), she’d point-blank asked to you to finger her. Nothing Paige Bueckers had ever said shocked you as much as those words coming out of her mouth, so you’d sat in silence as she shamelessly explained that she was really horny and that you’d been really good at it at the party (that you still tried not to think about).
You couldn’t believe that she would bring it up so casually after not speaking of it for almost a year, so you’d assumed that she was joking. Deciding to just go with whatever this bit was, you’d agreed to do it after you finished an important assignment. You expected her to leave soon after, now that the joke was made, but she stayed firmly planted on your bed, and you could feel her staring at your back.
You weren’t sure what to do once you’d finished your assignment, but seeing no other choice, you’d slowly turned around to ask Paige what the hell was going on. Your words had died on your lips as you’d seen how she was laying on your bed, biting her lip as she’d started at you with her legs spread wide.
All she’d needed to do was shift her hips slightly and you’d given in. You’d walked to sit down on your bed, surprised when Paige pulled you into a heated kiss. You’d barely even had time to register that this was the first time you’d made out sober because Paige had ground her hips up against you as she lifted them to take off the basketball shorts she’d been wearing.
You’d tried to take off her panties, but she’d stopped you, so you rubbed her clit through them. Paige was grinding against you urgently, so you’d slid them to the side, plunging a finger into her when you found her dripping wet.
Still locked in the kiss, you’d been surprised to feel Paige clench around your fingers as she came quickly.
You were distracted enough (worrying about the consequences of this latest activity) that Paige was able to wrap her legs around your waist and flip you over onto your back. She was already pulling your sweats off when you’d recovered enough from your surprise to ask what she was doing.
Paige, looking confused, had straddled you and replied that she was returning the favour. You’d like to think that you would’ve been smarter if she hadn’t been rocking her hips against yours, but your only thought in that moment had been that if this was going to ruin the friendship, you at least deserved an orgasm after everything she’d put you through.
Once again, inexplicably, Paige had joined your lips together as she’d slid a hand under your panties (she left them on) to brush over your clit. You’d lost yourself in the feeling of her fingers in your pussy, only opening your eyes when Paige’s lips had left yours. In a sight that was burned into your memory forever, you’d watched her shuffle down the bed and lower her mouth to suck on your clothed clit.
Paige’s fingers were still inside you, and when she’d looked up with her mouth on your clit, you came just from the look in her eyes. It was one of the best orgasms of your life, but as Paige had collapsed onto your chest with a satisfied smile, you’d realized that you couldn’t go through all of this again.
+ 1:
When you’d woken up the next morning, Paige was still sleeping on you, and you’d wanted so badly to confess. Looking down at her beautiful sleeping face, you’d gently shaken her awake. You’d noticed a fearful look in her eyes as she’d quickly sat up and pushed you away. Paige had opened and closed her mouth like she was going to say something, but then she’d turned and ran out of your dorm.
She’d apparently been staying with one of her teammates, but you didn’t know because you hadn’t spoken to her for days. You’d already cried so hard that you’d given yourself a headache, so you didn’t go to class. You were curled up in a kitchen chair drinking tea when the door was thrown open to reveal Paige.
You raised an eyebrow, trying to appear indifferent. “Why are you back?”
“Why aren’t you in class? I didn’t think you’d be here,” Paige said evasively.
“I didn’t feel like going,” you mumbled, suddenly conscious of your puffy eyes.
Paige stepped tentatively into the room and took a deep breath. “I really thought I was gonna have more time to figure out how I was gonna do this, but I guess it’s happening now. I’m so sorry for everything. Nika and Azzi helped me realize how confusing it all must have been for you, and it’s all my fault. I think I just didn’t let myself think I could have anything more than platonic feelings for girls, and then by the time I did, it was already so messed up with us.”
She bit her lip. “I told myself it would be fine because I was scared talk to you, and even more scared to lose you.” Her voice wobbled on the last confession.
Despite everything you’d done with each other, Paige had never been this vulnerable with you. Once again, Paige Bueckers had managed to leave you speechless.
“That’s not an excuse, and I’ve probably ruined this — us — forever, but I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry,” she finished, eyes glued to the floor.
You stood up and walked towards her. “It’s my fault, too. I should’ve said something earlier but I was scared to lose you, too. I’m s-” you started to apologize too, but Paige surged forward to kiss you.
You could feel the passion of years of repressed feelings pouring out as she wrapped her arms around your neck. The sound of the door slamming made you both jump, but Paige quickly pushed you back, pinning you to the wall with her arms on either side of your head.
You’d never kissed Paige like this, and it was everything you’d been missing. She grabbed your thighs and picked you up, easily carrying you to her bed. “I will never be able to tell you how sorry I am,” Paige apologized again as she gently laid you down.
“Why don’t you show me, then?” You whispered, still not completely sure that this wasn’t a dream. Paige stripped off her shirt and your breath caught at the sight of her abs. She squeezed your hips to get you to lift them as she took off your pants, kissing all the way down your legs.
“I want to see you. Take everything off,” you mumbled, still fearing rejection.
“Anything you want,” Paige breathed as she pulled her sportsbra over her head. Somehow, this was the first time that you’d seen her shirtless in years, and you were not disappointed. Tearing your eyes away, you unclipped your own bra as Paige pulled off her pants. She climbed back on top of you after you took off your panties.
This was the first time that you’d been completely naked in front of each other. “You’re so beautiful,” you said adoringly, and Paige was quick to slot your lips together. You were both rolling your hips trying to get friction, so Paige moved one of your legs over hers so your pussies could slide against each other.
You were both moaning as you found a rhythm that had your clits rubbing together. Paige’s hands were tangled in your hair, and you brought your hands up to play with her tits, rolling her nipples between your fingers. The pace of your hips increased, your kisses getting sloppier as you both focused on chasing your pleasure. You came first, and the stutter of your hips was enough to send Paige over the edge as well. You locked eyes, panting into each other’s mouths.
Barely giving you time to recover, Paige’s fingers were on you again, her thumb pressing on your abused clit. Your lips were nearly bleeding from how hard you were biting them as you tried not to scream. “It’s okay, you’re okay,” Paige said soothingly, kissing your clit. She easily slid two fingers inside you, pumping them slowly. You’d calmed down enough from your first orgasm that it was just teasing you more.
“Faster, Paige, please,” you whimpered. Paige instantly complied, starting to attack your clit with her mouth. You were grinding as you fucked yourself on her fingers, and she was letting you, her tongue still managing to stimulate your clit. Paige’s fingers curled just the right way and soon you were holding her head between your thighs as you came again.
Paige faced you, laying down on her side, and you held eye contact with her as you sucked your juices from her fingers.
“My turn,” you smirked, lightly pushing Paige onto her back to climb on top of her. Her face was flushed and her lips were slick with spit and your juices. You wanted to devour her. Leaning down to kiss Paige hungrily, your wet pussy slid against her abs and you moaned into her mouth.
You took the time to do the things you’d always wanted to do — biting her lips, sucking on her tits, leaving hickeys all over her body. Paige squeezed her legs shut as she writhed under your touch, so you pulled them apart, excited when you saw how wet she was.
“Need you,” Paige whined unexpectedly. Not wanting to deny her pleasure, you used your tongue to spread her wetness. You started to tease her clit with your fingers as you pushed your tongue inside her. Paige was squirming so much that you had to grab her thighs to keep her still.
You kept going until she was screaming that she was close, quickly replacing your tongue with your fingers as your mouth closed around her swollen clit. Paige grabbed the hand that was still on her thigh, squeezing it as she came. Her hips bucked wildly as she moaned your name like a prayer.
You were careful to be as gentle as possible as you went to lay down beside her. Paige was still too out of breath to speak, her body twitching with aftershocks of her orgasm. “So that meant something to you?” You felt the need to ask, turning to make eye contact with her.
She was already looking at you tenderly. “Of course it did… that you’re my girlfriend now, if that’s something you’d want,” she said nervously.
You couldn’t help but smile as you pecked her swollen lips. “Of course I want that, if it’s something you want,” you mirrored her words.
Paige was smiling now, too. “Shut up, you’re not funny!”
“I’m funnier than you, at least,” you retorted as you pressed yourself against her body.
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Original vs New RAINBOW! comic comparison!! It's not completely exhaustive but I've given some insight on the original version, just because it's fun to compare and they actually still have a lot of similarities despite it all! There's going to be a lot of jumping around though as some things happen in a different order. This will be long too, so it's under the cut!
I will preface this by saying that even the newer pages are still a few years old and have been edited for the book release, but I couldn't be bothered to find where I saved them, so these versions are a little out of date. The most obvious difference is that Boo has pink eyes in them, where as now they are green. So, enjoy that tidbit I suppose.
Boo recalls why she was demoted from waitressing
She was demoted for the same reason, though in the original, Boo is explaining this to the audience as she talks about her job. The original version had much, much more internal dialogue from Boo. The way that our comics work is that Sunny writes them in a novel form and I adapt them into a comic, rather than them being comic scripts from the get-go. This allows us to both work our own creative muscles in the process. So originally, I had not yet learned that different mediums call for different means of storytelling and I just copied a lot of her thoughts outright and put them directly into the comic, where as in the new version, I add in her internal dialogue pretty sparingly. So get used to lots of Boo's thoughts in the original.
Also, fun fact, in the original Boo has spilled coffee on me, Sunny, and one of my friends @mxbloodybooart on the left.
Boo daydreams of dancing with a prince
Her daydream is much shorter and less immersive in the original version, only lasting a single panel. A lot of telling and not showing in the original due to getting so much of Boo's direct thoughts. She also bumps into Milo, but doesn't cause him to drop anything as she does in the new version.
Mimi shows up at the cafe
In the original, this is Mimi's first appearance, where as now, Boo has already seen Mimi punch someone and her imagination has gone completely haywire over her, so she is pretty nervous to interact with her. Since Boo doesn't have any of this context in the original, she is merely intrigued by someone who has a style that stands out as much as she does, even if it's in a different way.
Drunk Debbie sleeping on the couch
Our first style change in the original version! Really a style evolution though.
Technically this page is pretty similar, but with a much more devastating line from Boo in the new version along with several cans around to imply Debbie probably passed out drunk, where as in the original you really only see her asleep on the couch. Boo also still has the same cute little teddy bear backpack in the original.
Boo takes the bus to school
Boo is implied to be bullied in the new version and utilizes her imagination to drown it out, while in the original she merely talks about feeling different. The bunny head on her shirt is a callback to the bunny shirt she's wearing in the original. Sunny and I are cameoing in both versions as the students sitting in the seat in front of Boo, featuring egg!me in the original version as I was probably 15 when I drew it. It also still apparently rains on her way to work in the original version, although this is never seen because she takes the bus to work rather than bike as she does now, so who knows why she called that out.
Boo daydreams in class
Boo daydreams that her classmates are monsters, though in the original, she also dreams that she is a princess. Some of the monster designs were kept. She doesn't get in trouble for calling her teacher a witch (even though she does still say that, it's only in her imagination) but for laughing and spacing out during class instead.
Boo sees Mimi at school
Originally Boo does not see Mimi punch another student, but rather hears her arguing with the principal after the fact about why she did it and then sees her leave the office. This is also not the first time she's seen Mimi, so she recognizes her, where as this is Mimi's first appearance in the new version.
Boo meets with Mr Dahl
Since she was not a witness to the altercation between Mimi and the other student in the original, her visit with Mr Dahl is much shorter, only concerning her getting in trouble in math class. Mr Dahl is the same character, but in the original he was the principal, and now he's the dean. Also Mimi apparently KNOCKED SOMEONE'S TEETH OUT in the original, where as now she just gave him a bloody nose, so let's just hope Boo is exaggerating here.
Boo mistakes another student in the hall for Mimi
Pretty similar, though the student she bumps into is more of a jerk in the original.
Boo is plagued by daydreams of Mimi
Pretty good example of how the over reliance on internal dialogue diminished the actual story. Originally there is only one shot of Boo seeing Mimi at school, which very well could have been the real Mimi, and Boo simply saying she was seeing her when she wasn't there, so we have to take her word for it. In the new version, she might plausibly think she is seeing her at first, only to start seeing more and more of her to the point of seeing multiple Mimi's in the same place, making it clear that they can't all be real, or that possibly none of them are real. The only dialogue is Boo expressing confusion.
and oh, look at that! another cameo of egg!me and Sunny in the original, waving at each other in the hallway! I am also cameoing in the new version as a student sleeping at the desk in the fourth period panel, but Sunny is not.
Milo tries to cover for Boo
Art style change again! You might notice this one is finally starting to look more similar to my current style than the previous ones, as it all evolved from here...
Originally, Milo accidentally scares Boo and causes her to drop some plates, where as now, Boo bumped into Milo while having her princely dancing daydream and made him drop the plates. Clarice was originally pretty eager to accept Milo's lie and allow Boo a second chance at waitressing while now, Clarice asks Boo to admit the truth before she is willing to give her any chances. Clarice now is also dressed in green to differentiate her as the owner/manager.
Boo gets to be a waitress again
An obvious homage to the original version, the layout is almost exactly the same, and even some of the customers are the same. Another really good example of how much internal dialogue there was in the original compared to now.
Boo serves Mimi her coffee
This one is not all that different aside from the fact that originally, Boo was already delivering the coffee before she knew who it was for, just which table, where as now, Boo knows beforehand that it's for Mimi and is nervous the whole time. This is the final page in the original version, so I made the final panel in the new one as an homage to it. The color scheme was also finally really starting to expand on this last page compared to the colors in the beginning.
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「 your kiss is on my list 」
eddie munson x fem reader
summary: a little game of truth or dare leads to lots of shock, a not jealous eddie, and your first kiss.
requested: no
word count: 2.7k
warnings: alcohol use/mentions of being drunk, slight playboy steve (early s1 personality), jealousy, pet names (honey, angel, & princess), bed sharing, fluff
a/n: if you don’t know by now, i love eddie munson so fucking much. i’m literally getting ideas for him daily. i hope you like this & if you’ve got an idea you’d like to see written, feel free to send it to me! Xx
title insp. from kiss on my list by daryl hall & john oates
“Oh my god!”
“Gross!”
“You’re a pig, Harrington.” Robin’s voice cuts through the rest of yours as he and Eddie laugh at the confession.
Needing time and friendships away from the little group of 15-year olds you’ve all somehow adopted, the five of you - Steve, Nancy, Robin, Eddie, and yourself - have started having weekly get-togethers. Sometimes you’ll all sit around and watch movies as you munch on junk food, and other times you’ll have a makeshift house party/game night like tonight.
“You asked for the truth!” Steve laughs, taking a swig of his beer as an amused smile settles on his face.
“You didn’t need to be so detailed. We’re not drunk enough for that yet.” You groan, trying to clear the mental image your brain cruelly created.
“That’s not my fault.”
“You’re right. It’s not your fault that you’re a complete lightweight.”
“Hey! Not a lightweight.” He defends, slightly pouting as he points at you.
“Yeah, he’s not a lightweight, honey. You just don’t drink enough.” Eddie pipes in, slinging an arm around your shoulders as he stands behind you, having gotten up to get himself another drink.
“Are you really going to make me the villain here, Eds? Just because I’m not a borderline alcoholic like the rest of you?”
At your cocked brow, all Eddie can do is smile, chuckling as he shakes his head, pulling you against his chest as you sit on a stool at the counter jutting out into his living room.
After the events of spring break, the two of you have become quick friends, having spent a good majority of the six months that have passed together. The rest of the group - especially the younger kids - love to tease the two of you for how quick you became “friends” - as they like to put it.
You don’t mind though. You really enjoy having Eddie around, and it’s not like you haven’t had little thoughts of him from time to time. It’s just that you’re friends, and you’re perfectly fine with that.
“Of course not. I’m just trying to get you to drink more, princess.” He smirks as you roll your eyes at him.
“Get me a drink and maybe I will.” You challenge, meeting his eyes as you do.
“Alright, alright. Let’s get back to pl-aying the game!” Robin almost whines, hiccuping as she does so.
“Steeeeve, you get to ask someone.” She giggles, definitely drunk at this point in the night.
“Alright. Y/n, truth or dare?” Steve questions, and you pretend to think about it for a moment.
“Hmm, I guess I’ll go truth.”
“What was your first kiss like?”
At the question, you can feel Eddie turn his attention to you, apparently being curious of the question himself as he hands you a drink.
“Gonna have to give me another question, Harrington. I don’t have an answer for that one.” You chuckle airily, popping the tab open on the can before taking a sip.
“You don’t have an answer? How come?”
“Have you not had your first kiss?!” Nancy gasps, drawing a hand to her mouth as she watches you.
At her question you feel everyone look at you as a silence settles over the room, waiting for an answer as you sip on the beer Eddie brought you.
“Why do you all look so shocked?”
“Because you’re like…you. How have you never been kissed?” Steve questions, completely mind blown at the knowledge.
“Because I haven’t….?�� You question, not sure what other response there is.
Looking around at everyone, you find that they’re all still in stages of shock or confusion.
“I volunteer to be your first.” Steve comments, filter gone with even the tiniest bit of alcohol.
“Like hell you will.” Eddie snaps, glaring at the jock.
“Why not? I’ve been told I’m a great kisser.”
“He is.” Nancy mumbles, giggling in her drunkenness.
“See?” The prior ‘king’ points out, a slight air of smugness to him as Eddie grinds his teeth.
“Because her first kiss should be with someone she actually likes, Harrington.” Eddie scoffs.
“But she likes me. Don’t you like me, y/n?”
“Someone as more than a friend, asshole.”
“If she’s comfortable with me, though, wouldn’t that be more important than ki-“ Steve starts to question before Eddie cuts him off, the two arguing about the topic as if you weren’t even there.
“Shut the fuck up or i’ll make you shut up. She’s not going to kiss you.”
As Eddie talks, you feel him step closer to you, as if trying to protect you.
“What’s it to you anywa-wait, are you jealous?” Steve asks, mouth agape as he scoffs humorously.
“I’m not jealous.”
“Sure you’re not, bud.”
“I’m not. I just don’t think she should be kissing you.” Eddie states.
“Besides, I don’t think Nancy would appreciate your lips on someone else’s.”
As the two boys argue with each other, you look to Nancy and Robin, who just seem amused.
If anyone had asked you four hours earlier how a game of truth or dare would turn into a discussion of who your first kiss should be, you’d have no answer, having thought it impossible. Sitting here, though, you realize how absolutely nothing is impossible for this little group.
“Hey, buttheads! The only one who has any say in who y/n’s first kiss will be is y/n. Yeah?” Robin questions, cutting the two guys off from their argument.
“I would hope so.” You retort, looking up at Eddie as he hovers over your shoulder, still glaring at Steve as he grinds his teeth.
“Yeah. Yeah. I’m serious though; I’ll happily be your first kiss if you want me to be.” Steve states, sitting back on the couch as Eddie lets out a tense breath.
“I’ll let you know if that day ever comes.”
He nods, taking a big gulp of his beer, finishing the can as Eddie turns his attention to you.
“Do you want another beer?”
“Nah, I’m alright, Eds. I’ve still got some.” You smile, shaking your can to show it’s still about halfway full.
“Alright.” He mumbles, smiling lightly as he releases a deep breath, wrapping an arm around your shoulders as he stands to the side of you.
~.~
“Bye guys! I’ll see you later. Be safe!” You call, waving to your three friends as they climb into Steve’s car, leaving you and Eddie to yourselves in his trailer.
Watching them drive away, you turn to close the door but stumble over your feet.
“Careful, honey.” Eddie states as you giggle, righting yourself up again and closing the door.
“I’m good, Eds. Promise.”
“You’re not drunk are you? We were up all night the last time you got drunk.” He questions, hoping you’re only tipsy.
Even though he knows he’d stay up with you all night again, listening to you ramble about whatever crosses your mind, giggling as you slur your thoughts to him, he’d much rather get some sleep.
“Not drunk. Just tipsy and tired, Eds.”
“Alright, angel, if you say so. Let’s get to bed, yeah?”
He watches as you nod, smiling softly before you shuffle across the room to him. Chuckling lightly, he slings an arm around your waist to help guide you to the bedroom where you’ve stayed plenty of times before.
“Hey, Eddie?”
“Yeah?”
“You got a shirt I could borrow? I didn’t think to bring pjs.” You pout, looking over to him with sad eyes.
“Course I do, princess.” He chuckles, digging through his dresser to find a clean shirt. He’s definitely got to do laundry this weekend.
“Here you are, honey.”
As you turn to him, he tosses you a black tee shirt, some metal band logo on the front of it. It’s worn, the band’s logo faded and crinkled in spots, but you don’t think you’ve ever felt anything softer.
“Thanks, Eds. Be right back.” You lazily smile, making your way over to the small bathroom.
While you’re gone, Eddie changes into pajamas of his own - the only time he wears them. Typically he’d just sleep in his boxers, possibly with a tee on, but he didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. Hence why he found himself digging out the few pairs of cotton bottoms he had stuffed in one of the bottom drawers of his dresser the first night you had stayed over.
You’re also the reason he’s been washing his sheets more often, not wanting you to be sleeping on a dirty bed. He may have only known you a handful of months, but he’s almost completely changed his habits at home on the chance that you’d be over.
He’s tidying up his bed as you come back in from the bathroom, his shirt hanging on your frame, just long enough to cover you. He can’t help but notice how much of your thighs are on show though, gulping lightly as he tries not to stare.
You’ve never been anything but beautiful in his eyes, even from the first time he set eyes on you back in the boathouse, wild with fear as he held a broken bottle to Steve’s neck. In all honesty, half the reason Dustin was able to talk him down was because he was so focused on you, wanting to know who you were and why you were here, looking for him of all people.
You’re the reason he dove into the lake back when all five of you ended up in the upside down. You had been friends with Nancy before all of this came about, and as soon as she dove in after Steve, you were diving in after her to make sure she wasn’t doing anything more stupid than diving into murky waters to save her ex - whom she still has feelings for - as he was being pulled under.
Although you had called him stupid for following all of you into the water, he had done so for the same reasons, having wanted to make sure you were safe. Not that he needed to worry, though, as he found out when you fearlessly fought demobats off from the five of you.
If Steve thought he’d get your first kiss, he’s dead wrong. Why would he get your first kiss when he’s always been too focused on Nancy. Eddie’s the one who’s always had eyes for you.
“Eds, you ready for bed?” You question, pulling him from his thoughts where he realizes you’ve been waiting for him.
“Yeah. Sorry…zoned out.”
“I noticed.” You giggle, crawling into the bed as he gets himself settled.
As you situate yourself into the bed beside him, a silence falls between the two of you where his mind continues to race.
“You’ve really never kissed anyone before?” He questions, still not believing it.
“Why is that so hard to believe?”
“It’s not. It’s just, surprising. Like Steve said, you’re…you.”
“What does that even mean?” You chuckle, looking over to him with lightly furrowed brows.
“You’re pretty. Like really pretty, and you’re so fucking cool. You’re kind, and warm, and so good with the younger kids, but you also kick ass. You’re just…amazing.”
“But people like Steve just see that you’re pretty and find that good enough.” Eddie huffs, jaw setting as he juts his lip out.
If you weren’t trying to calm him down, you’d find his angry little pout adorable, but you can’t focus on that right now.
“Hey - look at me.” You coax, turning onto your side to face him.
“Why are you all upset, Eds?”
“Because people like Steve shouldn’t be your first kiss. He just wants to kiss you, and that’s not right. You deserve to have your first kiss with someone who actually likes you, you know?”
“That so?”
“Yeah. I mean, at this point you shouldn’t just go for anyone. Go for someone that’s going to want more than just a kiss.”
“It's cute when you’re jealous, Eddie.” You smile, loving how he stutters and pouts at your words.
“I-I’m not jealous. You can kiss whoever you want.”
“If you say so…you have nothing to worry about, though, Eds. I won’t be kissing Steve anytime soon.”
“If I were to kiss someone, it’d be you.” You state, smiling to yourself as he nods, sighing in relief at your first statement as he’s a little behind. You can see his brain pause as your words slowly sink in.
By the time he’s turning his attention to you, though, you’re already turned away from him.
“Say that again?”
“If I were to kiss someone, it’d be you, dumbass.”
“Are you saying-“
“That I like you? Kind of.” You chuckle, glancing at him over your shoulder as his brain works through your words.
When they all finally process, all he does I stare at you in shock, with a little bit of confusion thrown in. You like him? Like actually like him? And you want to kiss him?
“Wh-what does this-?” He questions, wondering what this means and where things are going right now.
“I think you should kiss me. If you like me, that is. If you don’t then it’s-oh!” You half gasp, half moan as his lips find yours.
Registering the fact that he’s kissing you, you find yourself relaxing into the mattress, letting your lips follow his.
“You talk too much sometimes.” He mumbles, barely a centimeter of space between your lips.
“No more than you do.”
“At least I’ve never told you to kiss me and then kept talking as if you wouldn’t. Just tell me to kiss you and shut up so I can.”
“Kiss me again then, but don’t stop.” You challenge, just wanting to feel his lips on yours.
Upon first meeting Eddie, you can’t say you were immediately enamored by him. You more so just felt sorry for him for everything that had happened, knowing how terrifying your first experience with the upside down shit is.
As you and the group helped him though, talking to him as he tagged along, you found yourself being amazed by him. Between the way he would joke around, the way he looked out for the young boys, the way he fought even though he was terrified, and the way he cared for you even though he’d only just met you, you found yourself seeing him in a whole new light. One that slowly had you falling in love.
It wasn’t until after the fact, though, when the two of you started hanging out frequently that you truly fell for him. You got to see all the different sides of him from how passionate he was about Dungeons and Dragons to how peaceful he got when playing his guitar, even to how much he truly was a teddy bear by nature.
He was everything you ever wanted in a partner, and it was even better that he was insanely attractive with his wild hair and big, chocolate-y eyes. How could you not end up falling for him?
“Your lips are so soft, honey.” Eddie murmurs, forehead resting on yours as he smiles against your lips, eyes closed.
“I think yours are softer.” You smile, running your thumb over his cheek as you look up at him.
“Not in the slightest.”
At his chuckle, you can feel your heart race as a soft smile finds a place on your lips. It takes a moment longer before he pulls away from you just enough to look over your face, admiring each and every feature.
“You know, I think I just might love you.” He comments, watching your smile deepen as you shy away from his words.
“I think I just might love you, too, Eds.”
With your admission, a smile grows on his face before he’s leaning back down to you, pressing his lips to yours in a needy - yet loving - kiss. There’s nothing that could make the two of you happier right now when you’re curled up together, lips molding with each other’s as you let every unspoken admiration leave your body wordlessly.
Every kiss only solidifies the silent admission that you are his and he is yours, and nothing could possibly be better than that.
-------------------------------------------------
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#stranger things#stranger things fanfic#st fanfic#stranger things fluff#st fluff#eddie munson#eddie munson x reader#eddie munson fluff
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opposites attract — aemond targaryen x reader
You and Aemond were complete opposites, but he kind of loved it.
warnings: aegon being an asshole, mentions of blood, lots of fluff
this was based on this request. i have to say it again, english is not my first language so i’m really sorry if you find some mistakes here. anyway, i hope you like it!
Aemond was completely in love with you. Since the day that you walked in the castle for the first time, at 6 years old, complaining about the uncomfortable dress you father, Lord Lyonel Strong, made you wear. At that time, you were the only one who never made fun of him for not having a dragon. And when he lost his eye and nobody dared to look at his face, you were the one making him feel better.
“I look like a monster”, he said.
“Are you mad? You look like a fucking warrior, Aemond”, you smiled. “It is part of your history now and I think it’s beautiful.”
That was the moment he realized you were the one. He never said it out loud, but you were not stupid. The way he looked at you was very obvious, so you gave the first step.
He would never forget the day he took you to meet Vhagar. She was surprisingly kind to you. Aemond was smiling and it was impossible to hold back your urge to kiss his lips. So, you did. And since then, you two became something. None of you gave it a name, but it did not seem necessary. He was yours and you were his and that was all that mattered.
Your relationship was a secret for most people, but it was clear that you two cared a lot about each other. Sometimes you wondered if he would marry you. You were not an heir to anything. A marriage would not be exactly benefic to his family since your father was already an ally to the Targaryens.
When you were 15, you decided you wanted to fight. Ser Criston Cole refused to teach you, so Aemond would come to you after every lesson to train with you. You fell in love with the adrenaline, so once or twice you’d sneak out of the castle to pick on boys your age. It was funny to see their faces when they realized they just lost a fight to a girl.
Aemond hated it. Sometimes you came back with bruises and cuts. You and him would have long arguments and in the end, he would just take care of the wounds so you didn’t have to tell anyone.
But it was too much for him when, at 16 years old, you came back with a black eye and a lip cut. He made you promise that you would never get into fights again and, well, you couldn’t say no to him.
By the age of 18, you were just as good as him when it came to fighting. The problem was that, even though you were very ladylike most of the time, some people like Aegon could make you so angry that you lost all your composure.
It was what happened that night. You were invited to supper with all of his family and, as always, Aegon was drunk. Aemond was holding your hand under the table, trying to make you feel more comfortable. It worked for a while. At least until Aegon’s comments were directed to Aemond.
“So, when are you going to find yourself a wife, brother?”, he asked. “Maybe you should start to look for a blind one. It will be easier to make her say yes if she cannot see you face.”
“Do not worry about me”, Aemond smiled, taking a sip of wine. “It must be already exhausting to worry about all your bastards outside these walls.”
You coughed, trying to hide your laugh.
“Aemond!”, Alicent scolded him.
“Forgive me, mother. I was merely expressing my concern for my dear brother.”
“I’m not offended”, Aegon said and looked at you. “It just seems to me that my brother’s whore has not been pleasing him enough.”
The comment made your blood boil. He was right there, calling you a whore in front of everyone, making fun of his brother, and nothing would happen to him.
Alicent slammed her hand on the table. “That is enough! All of you to your chambers”, she said but nobody moved. “Now!”
Her voice was loud and it made all of you stand and leave the room. You knew that the right thing to do was just to ignore Aegon’s words. But still, you were so angry that your cheeks turned red. As soon as the door behind you closed and Aegon turned away to walk to his chambers, you could not control yourself.
“Aegon!”, you called him, ignoring Aemond’s voice telling you to stop.
It was too late. Aegon turned around and all he could see was your fist. The punch hit him so hard on the nose that he fell to the ground. He took his hands to his face and saw blood.
Helaena got scared with the sound of the punch and ran back to the dining room. Aemond held your waist, stopping you from throwing another punch on his brother.
“Are you fucking insane?”, Aegon yelled.
“Insane? You haven’t seen me insane!”, you tried to wriggle out of Aemond’s arms, but he held you tighter, easily lifting you off the ground.
“What is this?”, the voice of Alicent made you stop but still, Aemond didn’t put you on the ground. She looked at Aegon, who was still on the floor with his hand on his nose, trying to stop the bleeding. “Who did this?”
“I did”, Aemond said and you looked at him surprised.
Obviously, it had been you. You were being held, there was blood on your hand. But Alicent couldn’t blame you, Aegon would never assume that he was punched by a girl, Helaena was your friend and Aemond would never snitch on you.
“What?”, you whispered to him and he put you down.
“Aegon was being an idiot, so I punched him”, he ignored you and kept talking.
“Is this true, Aegon?”, she asked.
Aegon just looked at you with anger and snorted. “Yes, mother.”
Alicent sighed and helped her son to stand up. She removed his hand that was covering the wound to take a look at it. “You just had your nose broken for being an imbecile. Congratulations.”
You wanted to laugh, but you were feeling too guilty to do so. You didn’t regret breaking Aegon’s nose, but you felt bad because now Aemond was taking the blame.
She turned to you and Aemond and you felt your body stiffen. “You two. Go to your chambers now before I change my mind”, you nodded and started to walk away. “And Aemond”, she called and you stopped next to him. “We will discuss this in the morning.”
He just nodded. You and Aemond walked through the halls of the castle in silence until you finally got to your bedchamber. Before you opened the door, you turned to him.
“You didn’t have to...”, you started, but he didn’t let you finish.
“I wanted to.”
You gave him a sad smile. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be”, he said with a smirk. “That was quite nice to watch. You are getting better every day.”
You rolled your eyes at his flirty comment. “Your mother is furious, Aemond.”
“She’ll understand.”
“No, I promised you I wouldn’t fight like this again. I was impulsive and reckless and...”, you could not finish the sentence once again, because this time he shut you up with a kiss.
Aemond had the best kisses. They made you feel warm inside, it was like his lips were made to touch yours. First, he liked to put his hand on your neck, with his thumb touching your chin. Then, he gently pressed his lips against yours.
Aemond was always so delicate when it came to you that it was impossible not to melt. During the day, he didn't have much physical contact with you. Part of him liked that, because he could see how much of an impact just one of his touches had on you.
“You are perfect”, he whispered when he pulled away.
He was still so close to you and now his thumb touched your lips. For a moment, it felt like you were drunk, but you knew that it was just the effect that he had over you.
And then, suddenly, he turned and started to walk to his room, leaving you standing there. Your lips were parted and your eyes wide in shock. He was just going to leave?
“Is this some kind of cruel punishment?”, you asked.
All you heard was his laugh as he continued to walk away. You wanted to go after him and make him stay, but you were just too proud to do that. So, you just walked inside your bedchamber and spend the rest of the night thinking about that kiss.
#aemond x reader#aemond targaryen#aemond targaryen fluff#aemond targaryen x y/n#aemond targaryen x reader#aemond imagine#house of the dragon#hotd x you#house of the dragon x you#house targaryen#aemond fanfiction#ewan mitchell x reader#house of the dragon aemond#aemond one eye#writers on tumblr#writing
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allright i have few thoughts about Jules Pidieu and yall need to listen
He is old. Probably good 10-15 years older than most of his colleagues. Maybe more. From guys like Jean, Chester, Torson, definitely more. He has to deal with a bunch of guys with unsophisticated sense of humor all the time. The talks with Harry makes absolutely no impression on him, he is used to that kind of shit. It may seem that he is tired of it, dealing with drunk officers on duty, with their stupid jokes and using him to banter with one another via official channels. He tries to stay professional. And yet still plays the game and passes all the messages, even not the relevant ones. And even though he seems reluctant, it doesn't take much to convince him to pass even the extreme ones. In his own manner, but he will.
Heck, if Harry will refer to himself as "Firewalker" in the first conversation, Jules will go along with that too, if you call the precinct more than once (well, right after he told Jean that Harry refers to himself as *firewater* and I refuse to belive he didn't do that on purpose as he literally said that right a statement before)
But there is another thing. There is constantly someone in the comms besides him. The rest of the precinct, or at least the C-wing seem to hang out in there all the time. He is a man that others like to have around. What is more, if Harry will ask him for the details of his personal life, what Jules says, suggests he and Harry have been talking quite a lot too. "You're not really keen on mentioning your home life, so I've always assumed things weren't that good on that front" - is what he says.
Yeah, we may assume that Harry is rather keen on talking to people and also talking about himself, though one still needs to talk to another person quite a time to notice which topics they'd rather avoid.
Another thing is, that Jules seems to have heard about Harry's life before the RCM, it's just that the question takes him off guard and then Jean appears and cuts it short.
Even if he looks like he's done TM with the shit he has to deal with, I think he finds some satisfaction in it. He will never admit it, because what he does is sigh and probably roll his eyes while lighting another cigarette, but he actually likes the fact that people come gossip to him, that he is in possession of most of the precinct's secrets, that there won't be a drama he will miss. He wouldn't go into all this if there wasn't a part of him that liked it. He is just very subtle showing this.
#disco talking#but also#echoes talking#yes this is EoE lore now#jules pidieu#disco elysium#deep analysis
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Deal, you brat!
Ship: Aizawa x Reader / minor Shinsou x Kaminari
Warning! MHA season 6 spoilers!
Basic info & Summary:
Summary: You’re asked into the office for the hundredth time by Aizawa; your niece Megumi absolutely loves to get in trouble and to be honest, you don’t really mind seeing her grumpy teacher twice every month.
The problems start when Megumi decides to make an embarrassing deal with the teacher and turn your whole world upside down…
Genre: Romantic comedy with a deep backstory…? Does that count as a genre?! It’s also a mature story (but not for the sexual content - if that’s what you are looking for I’m sorry, there is none.)
Estimated chapters: 5 or 6 chapters!
About the reader: Reader is 29 years old who’s been taking care of her neglected niece since she was 6 years old. (She’s around 14 now, 1 year younger than Kaminari and the gang). She’s really childish in some ways and really serious in others so she’s quite a good match for the grumpy teacher.
Other info: Aizawa officially adopted Eri and Shinsou Hitoshi in this AU!
General warnings: Swear words, talking about child neglect and one mention of child abuse. A lot of parenting-talk. Might get a bit suggestive by the end.
16+, younger people might find the theme boring. :D
Enjoy my nonsense.
Also, English is not my first language so don’t be too mean, I’m a sensitive potato. 🥔
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Chapter 1 - A deal with the sensei!
“What did she do this time?” You sigh, sitting in the comfortable chair in Aizawa-Sensei’s office.
“The usual. One of the kids tried to bully her. Again.” Aizawa sighs, clearly uncomfortable. “I really wanted to sack that guy, but apparently we need as many heroes as we can train, so I couldn’t.”
You are way too familiar with this whole situation already, so none of you really try to sugarcoat it anymore. It’s tiring, but at the same time… well… Aizawa-sensei is an interesting guy and also not bad to look at, even with one eye and half of his leg missing. Do you have a crush on your niece’s teacher? Probably. Certainly. Fuck, you are a terrible parent.
“Megumi-chan can defend herself. You worry too much.” You grin at the hero, clearly missing the point of this meeting.
“I would prefer her not to set fire to his bully’s hair though. This is why we are here. Again. I feel like I see you more than I see my friends.” Aizawa sighs again, the dark circles under his eyes even more prominent than the last time. “Where are her parents, Y/N?”
“They don’t care.” You retort curtly.
It’s true. Megumi might have both of her parents, but they certainly ain’t doing their job.
Megumi’s mother is your older sister. After seeing the young girl being neglected at home, you decided to take her in and cut your ties with your whole family afterwards; you’ve always been the black sheep of the family anyway, neglected then abandoned after your 18th birthday. You were an accident and they did treat you as one through your whole life. Your “perfect” older sister has asked you to babysit her child three times a week, giving you enough money to keep yourself alive but after seeing the damage in the young girl’s eyes and the lack of love an affection in the family you couldn’t do it anymore; one day, when your sister came home drunk, almost hitting the 6 year old child for crying you decided to take the girl with you and start a new life with her. You got a proper job and an apartment with a second bedroom for her. She’s now 14, almost 15, beautiful but dangerous; you did your best to teach her how to defend herself and to never let anyone talk shit about her because she’s amazing; she’s the most precious thing in your life. It was really hard at the beginning, especially as you could never get enough money or have the right circumstances to actually adopt her so technically you are not even her guardian and you could barely make it until the end of the month in the first few years, but things are looking better now; hopefully, as her 15th birthday present you can ask her to sigh the last piece of paperwork so she can finally be free from her stupid “mother” who probably doesn’t even know or care where her child is living but still manages to make her mad once a year on her birthday, calling her just to tell her what a disappointment she is.
Ahh, it’s a long story. Let’s not even think about it.
“Are you her closest family member, blood or not?” Aizawa asks, sensing the tension in the air.
“Yes.”
“Then I won’t ask this question again.” He ends the topic without saying anything else and you are so fucking grateful you want to kiss his face.
… that was an inappropriate thought, wasn’t it?
“I’ll sit down with her today. I might find these stories hilarious but I do know this needs to stop. Thank you for your concern. Also, thank you for your time.” You are just about to leave when Aizawa-sensei cleans his throat to get your attention.
“I actually thought it will be a great idea to sit down with her together.” He mumbles and looks at the door. “Come in, you menace!”
There is giggle coming from the other side of the door then it opens; Megumi dances in and sits in your chair, her brand new nose piercing still red around the jewellery. Aizawa doesn’t comment on it; you already had a chat about that last week. You pull another chair next to her, ready to be told off for the 15th time since Megumi has enrolled in UA.
“Aizawa-sensei, you look as fresh as always, I can’t believe you are SINGLE.” Megumi grins at her homeroom teacher while she empathizes the last word. This fucking kid…
“Megumi, you can’t say shit like that to your teacher!” You yell, but your words are met with nothing but giggles. Fuck’s sake.
“Language, Auntie!” Megumi grins again, and you can hear an almost silent snort coming from the other side; Aizawa quickly schools his expression, looking as bored as always, but you did hear it; he fucking laughed at you! How embarrassing!
“Okay, let’s calm down.” Megumi and you go silent at the same time while you stare at the teacher like you are about to get sentenced to death; Megumi is chill as always, knowing she’ll get away with anything. You really have no idea how did she end up like this but you are a little bit jealous. “So us asking you to behave is clearly not working. Your poor Auntie had to come in 15 times already, and I’m quite sure she’s already bored of seeing me so much.”
“I’m really not.” You mumble out loud, slapping your palm on your mouth. Can the ground open up now? Please?
“She’s really not.” Megumi speaks at the same time, making the situation even worse. Okay, now you are ready to be swallowed by the ground for real.
“… okay. Thank you for enjoying my company.” Aizawa says with a straight face but there is a slight blush decorating his face… GODDAMNIT THIS ISN’T THE RIGHT TIME FOR THE BUTTERFLIES! This is your niece’s teacher! “So what can we do for you to stop acting like this? New class, maybe? You are one of the best students in the school, I might even be able to get you into 2A, if that’s something you want. I can ask Bakugou-kun to help you get ready for the exams.”
Wow, you knew Megumi is the top of her class, but hearing this from her sensei really makes you proud.
“Please, anything but Blasty!” For your surprise, Megumi actually looks terrified; you can’t help but giggle at that.
“Megumi, Bakugou is one of the greatest up-and-coming heroes the word has ever seen, please refrain from calling him ‘Blasty’.”
“Yes, I know, I should respect him as he is the savior of the broken, the beaten and the damned.” Megumi rolls her eyes so you give her a friendly slap on the head.
“Stop quoting My Chemical Romance in my office.” Aizawa sighs, clearly done with this conversation already. “And yes, I know the band. So how can we help you?” Aizawa repeats, faking nonchalance but you can see the slight twitch in his one eye.
“Hm.” Megumi makes a thinking face, her black nails slowly tapping on her thighs. “I want you to take my Auntie out for a date and then I can stop doing random shit to get her in here.”
You almost choke on your saliva. She didn’t just say that, did she?!
“What the actual fuck, Megumi?!” You yell with your face red as a ripe tomato.
“Language.” Aizawa mumbles but you can’t even be bothered to say sorry right now.
“What, you are almost 30 years old and you haven’t had a single boyfriend since you took me from my shitty family! I’m just trying to help!”
“Megumi, I love you, but that’s none of your business and it’s also inappropriate!”
“Y/N is right, it is really inappropriate. But if I can stop having these awkward conversations two times a month, I’m more than happy to spend an afternoon with your Auntie in a friendly manner.” Aizawa mumbles, looking at Megumi with a serious face. “But if I do and you don’t stop being a menace, I will make sure no hero takes you under their wings and you’ll be the looser cleaning the classrooms while your classmates are out in the wild learning to fight actual criminals. And when they bully you for that, I won’t do shit about it. Deal?”
What about you?! No one wants to ask you if you are okay with this?! Is it that obvious that you are?!
Ahh, it’s probably obvious, isn’t it. Goddamnit.
“Deal.” Megumi grins in pure victory while you try your best to hide your flaming face with your arms. Megumi stands up and leaves, not even waiting to be dismissed while you stare at the hero with an incredulous look on your face.
“One coffee. I know what I’m doing.” Aizawa says, a little bit offended. “We will send her a selfie and we won’t need to see each other until next semester. I think it’s a bargain.” He finishes his sentence calmly, like this is a normal thing. What’s wrong with everyone around you? “Let’s meet tomorrow at 10 in front of UA. You are dismissed.”
This is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.
“Okay.” You say anyway and leave as quick as you can; you can’t wait to be at home and give Megumi the talk of her fucking life after this.
You are going on a fucking date with your niece’s absolutely gorgeous home teacher tomorrow. It’s probably not an actual date but that doesn’t mean you don’t feel like a high school girl going on her first date; and honestly, it has been more than 10 years that you’ve actually been on one so it’s not even that far from the truth.
You really want to throw up right now.
…Next Chapter!
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Potato ramble:
- Well, hello there and welcome in this super fluffy story about Aizawa falling in love. I’m not sure how often I’ll post but as I have the full thing written down except the last chapter, it will probably be frequent enough for it to not be annoying.
- In the next chapter, we go on a date with the grumpy teacher and we meet Eri and Hitoshi! It’s my personal favorite chapter, I can’t wait to post it! The next chapters will be longer than this!
- So technically the reader shouldn’t be allowed to act as a guardian without the right paperwork or to have Megumi live with her, but let’s ignore that bit. Every country has their own laws and in my head, the MHA world is quite open to circumstances like this. This is a fanfiction anyway, I don’t know why am I so stressed about small details like this but I am. 😂
- Want to be on the taglist? Just send me a comment, a message or an ask!
#bnha x reader#mha x reader#Aizawa x reader#eraserhead x reader#aizawa shouta x reader#shouta aizawa x reader#shouta aizawa#aizawa x you#aizawa x y/n#Eraserhead x you#Shouta Aizawa x you
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Don't let me down - Mini Series
Masterlist Scarlett Masterlist
Relationship: MamaScarlett x 16 yr old Reader
Summary: Y/n is shocked to learn that her biological mother wants to get in contact with her. She's even more shocked when she finds out who she is. However, after the troubled childhood she's had, can she find it in her to forgive her?
Word count: 10266
Y/n's POV:
Being called into the main office at the foster home was never a good thing. I've lost count of the times that I have left there with a new bruise or cut. I never understood why someone would want to run a home like this if they hated children. But Mr Woodstock did it anyway. It's not even like it pays well. He's barely able to keep up with his smoking and drinking habits. Food for us kids being the last thing on his mind some weeks. So, I can only guess that he does it because he gets a genuine kick out of being a dick to kids.
I'm 16 and have been in this particular home for 18 months. Before that I was living with my adoptive parents. In the grand scheme of things, this foster home was heaven compared to where I lived with my parents. If you could even call them that. For nearly 15 years I was treated like shit. I was at my parents' beck and call for whatever they wanted or needed doing.
My weekends and evenings were spent cleaning or cooking for them. I didn't have time for friends. I was to go to school and come straight home. If they could, I'm sure they would have not allowed me to go to school. But they didn't get permission to home school me, so it was the only solace that I had.
I never knew love. I would see parents pick their kids up from school with smiles on their faces, hugging them tightly. At lunch, most kids had a lunch prepared by their parents. I was lucky if I was given a dollar to get a chocolate bar. I was constantly reminded of the life I didn't have.
I've always known that I was adopted. Apparently, my parents were doing a favour to a friend that was a social worker. They almost resented that they had agreed to adopt me. I'm a kid not a dog. It's not something that you do as a favour. But they treated me like it was my fault that they were stuck with me. They made my life hell because of it.
I tried to talk to my teachers about what was going on at home. I'd show them the bruises and tell them what they would make me do, but when I got told that I was overreacting, I stopped trying. I had to accept that this was my life, and no one was going to help me.
There was a slither of hope 18 months ago when my parents died in a car accident. I knew that I would be moved into a foster home, but I thought that it wouldn't be as bad as my home was. Which was true, but it wasn't far off it. Turns out that Mr Woodstock is friends with the same social worker as my parents and I was left here to spend the last two years or my childhood.
I felt wrong for not mourning my parents. I felt guilty that I was happy. For a brief time anyway. I thought that maybe I would get a chance to have some happy years in my childhood. But life is cruel, and it wasn't meant to be. I just need to hang on until I'm able to move from this godforsaken home and try and make something for myself.
The only brightside of the foster home is that there is a lot more freedom. We have some chores around the home, but with the number of kids there, we get it done quite easily. The rest of the time, I just try and avoid being around the home. It's too much of a risk if Mr Woodstock catches you when he's drunk or hungover.
Since being in the home, I actually had the chance to make friends. I joined the soccer club after school as an excuse to not go home and I loved it. For the first time, I felt like I belonged somewhere. Coach Sanders is great and it's my favourite time of the week. Through the team I've made some great friends. Laura is my best friend. She's a complete goof and I love spending time with her.
She knows everything about me. The only person who does. She lets me stay at her house when I can, has me over in the evenings to prolong the time before I have to head back to the home. We're both hoping to get a scholarship to a D1 college. For me, it's the only way I'll be able to go. I have no money behind me and no parents to help. But if I could get a scholarship, I wouldn't have to worry.
Our number one choice is Pittsburgh. Laura has family there and for me, it's far enough away from New York that perhaps I could start my life off new. Make a life for myself in the steel city. But there are still two years left of school yet before any of that can happen. But it's my motivation. It makes me work hard in school and get the best grades that I can. Maybe I can make something of my life after all.
Anyway, back to being called into Mr Woodstock's office. I make my way downstairs, hesitant to open the door. But knowing the longer I take, the more I'll be punished, I swallow down the fear and push the door open. "Sir, you asked for me." I greet him, my eyes on the floor. "Ah yes. Y/n. Please come in and take a seat." His chipper voice takes me off guard. I look up and see the reason for it. A man in a suit is sat opposite him with a warm smile.
"This here is Mr Osborne. He would like to talk to you. I will give you a minute of privacy." Mr Woodstock introduces the man before standing from behind his desk and vacating the office. "Ms Y/l/n. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please just call me Danny." The man in the suit holds his hand out to me and I reluctantly take it. My senses are heightened, not sure what his intensions are. My history in these situations hasn't been good.
"It's ok. You're safe. I'm not going to hurt you." He reassures me, obviously sensing my nerves. My body instantly relaxes at his words, and I hesitantly shake his hand. "How can I help you Sir?" I ask him, taking a seat next to him. "I'm a lawyer and I represent your biological mother." He explains. I instantly gasp at his words, never thinking that I would know anything more about my biological parents.
"She would like to reach out to you and perhaps potentially meet you." He carries on explaining whilst I just sit there in shock. She wants to meet me. Why now? "Would that be something that you are interested in?" Danny asks me, his voice remaining calm. I don't respond, my mind is going a mile a minute. "There is no pressure to do so at all. Everything will be on your terms. If you make the decision to not meet her, then that is completely fine." He tells me.
I rub my hands up and down the tops of my legs. My palms feeling sweaty. What do I do? I never thought I would get this opportunity. Do I even want to meet this woman? My life is hell. There were days I would wish that I wouldn't wake up and it's all because of my adoptive parents. "I uh. I'm not sure." I finally find my voice, not wanting to be rude. From experience, if you don't respond to an adult's question, it doesn't end well.
"That's ok Y/n. There is no pressure to do anything that you're not comfortable with." He kindly says, but I can't help the scoff that comes out. I've been made to do many things that I'm not comfortable with and no adult has given a damn in the past. He instantly frowns at my reaction, and I panic. "Uh. Could you perhaps tell me a little about her?" I ask him, hoping that might help me to make my decision.
"Of course. Though I have to warn you that it may all be a bit of a shock to you." He says with a bit of a chuckle. I sit back more in my chair, feeling more comfortable around Danny. He seems kind and I'm not waiting for the moment that his mood changes. "Her name is Scarlett. She is 38 and lives in the Upper East Side in Manhattan." He starts off. "Wow. Upper East Side? That's fancy." I reply to which he chuckles. I guess she didn't give me up because money was an issue!
"You may have heard of Scarlett. Her last name is Johansson and she's an actress." At his words, my mouth drops open. Ok this has to be some kind of a joke. "Ok, this isn't fair. You know, it's not nice to play tricks on foster kids. We're not just here for you to get your kicks out of." I hiss angrily, standing up to leave. I'm not here to be the butt of someone's sick joke. Before I can pass him, he quickly reaches out to grab my arm. "What? No wait. Please Y/n. I'm not lying. I would never. Please just sit." He falters over his words but quickly releases my wrist when he sees that my wide eyed gaze is fixated on his hand. "I'm sorry." He apologises, his eyes showing regret.
I hesitantly retake my seat and allow him to carry on. "Scarlett was 22 when she put you up for adoption. It was a very hard decision for her. But she is very keen to meet up with you now. She asked me to come and see you specifically to tell you." He says and I can see the truth behind his words. It's something that I've become good at over the years. I can see when someone is lying. "Why now?" I ask, unsure what could possibly make her want to see me now.
"Well, she's been trying to find you for a couple of years now. But with the adoption, she wasn't able to contact you directly. When you got moved back into the foster home, her rights changed, and she is able to do so now. I'm very sorry to hear about your parents by the way." He explains, his voice laced with sympathy as he spoke of my parents. Again, I had to fight the scoff, if only he knew. "Scarlett understands that this is all going to be a lot for you to process. But she is willing to meet you somewhere that you feel most comfortable. Perhaps here..." "No." I quickly cut him off. Probably a little too quickly as I see concern flash in his eyes. "Ok, that's not a problem. We can arrange for you to meet her somewhere you feel safe and comfortable." He adjusts his comment.
I fiddle with my fingers as I think over the request. I've never wanted to meet my biological parents. I have too much anger towards them. But I also have so many questions for them. Maybe if I know that she is a horrible person herself, then it will make the fact that I grew up in hell a little easier to bare. "Ok." I mumble, not confident in my answer. "Really?" Danny asks, a smile growing on his face. I simply nod and I can't help but notice his excitement growing. "Oh, she's going to be so happy that you accepted. Where would you like to meet?" He asks, taking out a pen from his bag.
I think for a moment where I feel most comfortable. "There's a café on Franklin Avenue near Prospect Park. It's called Cuppa Joe's." I tell him. It's my favourite place to go. Laura and I visit most days and on Thursdays we come with the team after practice. "Ok. I'll confirm when she is free and confirm with Mr Woodstock the time and date." Danny tells me, closing his pad and packing his things away. He then hands me a card. "Please, contact me if you need anything. I've noted my personal mobile on the back too." I take the card and flip it over and sure enough see his number. "Uh. Thanks." I smile, shaking his held out hand.
I walk him to the door, still in a slight state of shock. But before I know it, my feet are taking me to my room to grab my bag and then they're hitting the pavement taking me to Laura's house.
Safe to say she was a lot more squealy when she heard the news. She is a complete Marvel geek. Don't get me wrong, I like the movies, but Laura reads the comics and has watched every movie at least 10 times. "This is amazing Y/n." She says when she finally calms down. But my mood doesn't match hers. "Isn't it?" She clarifies when she sees how my mood has changed. "Talk to my Y/n/n." She says turning to face me more.
"She already has a family. She's married with two kids. What could she possibly want with me? Is it just so she can clear her conscience that she made the right decision 16 years ago?" I share my feelings with Laura, who's face contorts with empathy. "Oh Y/n. Maybe she wants to have you in her life? Make things right again." She tries to make me look on the brightside. But as someone who never gets a silver lining, it's hard to do.
"She's gone on to live this amazing life all because she gave me up, whilst I was living in constant fear. Never knowing when the next beating was coming, wondering if my life was ever going to get any better. The sad thing is, I consider this foster home better! This is the best my life has been, and it is still something no kid should have to go through." I admit, tears starting to fall down my face.
I hated being this vulnerable, but Laura was the one person I felt safe being around. She quickly engulfs me in a hug. She hates that there is very little she can do. But what she doesn't know is she is the light, the one good thing in my life. "I know that nothing will change your past, but maybe this can change your future for the better. If nothing else, you can get some closure and then we focus on our future at college!" She says reassuring me.
"I'm scared." I admit. Although I'm not in a safe environment, I know it and I know what I can do to protect myself as best I can. But this is something I have no control over. An adult I don't know and don't know their intentions. I lose control over the situation. "I know that you don't know what is waiting for you. But no matter what happens, I will be there for you. I will always be here for you Y/n/n." She comforts me, placing a kiss against my head.
I stay for dinner at Laura's, and we talk more about everything, and she is being her usual amazing self and giving me the best advice. I really am so lucky to have her in my life.
Eventually, I have to head home. I give Laura a big hug and start my journey back to the home. When I get inside, I'm met by a sober Mr Woodstock, which is very unusual. "Y/n!" He calls me and I flinch slightly. He walks closer to me, and I hold my breath, waiting for the scolding that is coming my way. "Here. All the info for meeting your mom." He says with a smile. I take the note from his hand, waiting for the other shoe to drop. "Here's some money for a taxi to take you." He adds on, holding out a 20 dollar bill. I hesitate but he waves it to me. "Not trick here Y/n." He smiles so I take it and make my way upstairs. Ok that was weird.
I read the note and see that she wants to meet on Friday at 4pm. That works well as I can get from school to the café in plenty of time. It's only two days away and it's scary to think that I'm going to be meeting my bio mom. It's even scarier to think that it's Scarlett Johansson.
__________
I'm currently sat in the café waiting for Scarlett to turn up. With the taxi, I was able to get here 15 minutes early. I pick a table in the corner out of the way. I'm sure she doesn't want to be too much in the open. I spend my time texting Laura, who is doing a great job at supporting me. I order a hot chocolate, knowing that having too much caffeine right now is probably not a good thing.
I can feel my nerves growing as the clock slowly ticks towards 4. My eyes keep falling to the door every time I hear the bell go. My heart rate spiking each time, only to calm when I see it's not her.
10 minutes go by, then 20 and there is still no sign of her. Maybe this was all some big joke and Mr Woodstock is watching me, getting a kick out of a new way to abuse me mentally. I finish my hot chocolate and as the clock hits half past 4, I decide that enough is enough. I'm not waiting anymore. Even if this isn't some big joke, the fact that she hasn't turned up tells me everything that I need to know.
Fighting off tears, I collect my bag and slip some money into the tip jar as I make my way out of the café. I instantly start to walk towards the park, taking a seat on the closest bench. She didn't turn up. I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up. Why did I think that anything was going to go right for me. This isn't some fairy tale where we all live happily ever after. I grab my phone and text Laura.
Y/n:
She didn't come
It's all I can say. Anything more and it makes my heart ache more. She didn't come. She stood me up. She wanted to meet me. She instigated this and decided that she wasn't going to show. I was happy in my dark little world. I knew the threats and what could hurt me. I knew how to keep that to a minimum. It wasn't a good life, but it was a life I knew and saw an exit to. I should never have even entertained the idea of meeting Scarlett. She was happy to leave me once, why would she want to follow through this time.
I get lost in my own dark thoughts, questioning my self-worth. No one has or will ever want me. As if the world wants to add to my misery, rain starts to fall. But I don't move. It's weirdly comforting as my tears mix with the raindrops that hit my cheeks. It feels like my heart is cracking. Which is stupid. I don't know this woman. She just happened to birth me and now disappoint me once again.
Scarlett's POV:
For 16 years I have woken up every morning and wondered what my daughter would be doing. From the moment I signed the adoption papers I regretted it. But it was the right choice. I couldn't give her the life she deserved, at least this way, she was able to have a family that could devote time to her and love her. My career was just starting to take off and having a child wouldn't have been fair to either of us.
My parents offered to help, but I didn't want to be an absentee mother when another could provide her with the home she deserved. When I had Rose, was when I started to look for Y/n. But I wasn't able to do so until she was 18. I had signed my parental rights away and unless Y/n made the decision to reach out to me, I wasn't able to do anything.
It was almost torture waiting for the days to pass so I could get in contact with her. When I married Colin, I told him everything, that I wanted to reach out and have a relationship with her. He was really supportive of me and said that he couldn't wait to meet her, and that Rose and Cosmo would love having an older sister.
I was shocked, however, when my lawyer contacted me to say that Y/n had been moved to a foster home. I had a meeting with Danny where I learnt that Y/n's parents had been killed in a car accident and that there was no immediate family to take her in. So, she became a child of the state and because of her age, was moved to a group home. This was my chance to see her. To try and have a relationship with my daughter. One that I had craved for years.
Colin and I were waiting anxiously for Danny to come by after visiting Y/n. We decided it would be best if he went and met her to arrange for me to see her separately, once she had a chance to take it all in. It killed me that she was so close, yet so far from me. "Scar, babe. Sit down. He'll be here soon." Colin tries to calm me by placing a hand on my shoulder. I go to respond, but the knock at the door has me rushing through the house to answer it.
I let out a sigh of relief when I see Danny at the door. "Hi. Please come in." I greet him, holding the door open to him. He follows me through to the living room where Colin is waiting. We offer him a drink and then get down to business. "How was she? Did she agree to meet me?" I ask quickly, which causes Danny to chuckle. "She was rightfully shocked. At first, she thought that it was a joke and tried to leave." He explains. "But I managed to convince her to hear me out." He adds on and I relax.
I can't imagine what it must all be like for her. Losing your parents, moving into a group home, and now being told your biological mother is a famous actress. "She has agreed to meet you and has suggested a café that she visits regularly in Brooklyn. It seems like it's a safe space for her." He shares and I let out a little sob knowing that she has agreed to see me. "I can't believe it. I'm going to meet my daughter." I cry whilst Colin holds me close.
"Did you talk much? Is she happy? What's she like?" I rattle off questions, but I see that Danny falters and it makes my heart stop. "What's wrong?" I question and he sighs. "It's nothing, we'll just focus on the meeting." He tries to deflect but I don't allow him. "No. Please share what it is." I request, causing him to sigh once again. "It's just a feeling. It's probably nothing." He defends, but he's struggling to make eye contact.
Danny has been my lawyer for years. He's a good friend and I like to think I can read him. He's great at his job and a gut feeling for him is more often than not, right. "Danny." I say lowly, showing that I'm not wanting to mess around. "I just have some concerns. I plan to do a bit of investigating and then I can confirm more." He explains.
I feel my breathing hitch. "What concerns? And don't tell me it's nothing." I snap at him, waiting expectantly for an answer. "She shows signs that she may have been abused. She was extremely nervous in not only mine, but also the care home manager's presence. I had to convince her that she was safe so she would sit with me. It was obvious that she doesn't feel safe in that home and when I touched her, she flinched and was hyper focused on the touch." He shares and I think that my heart broke in that moment. "But she's been through a lot. Her parents haven't long passed, and she's been uprooted into a new home. A care home at that. Surely that could explain it." Colin suggests, but I can tell by Danny's look, there is more.
"That's the thing. When I brought up her parents, she almost looked relieved. It's something I couldn't put my finger on, but it just didn't feel right." There was a silence as we let his words sink in. Danny has been in the game for a long time. Any gut feeling is based off of years of experience. He works a lot with foster kids and if he thinks something is up, it's most likely that it is. "Mr Woodstock gave me information on her previous family, and I plan to do some research and pull together some information. Which I will of course share with you, but it may take a few days though." He says and I nod, not trusting my words in this moment.
Fear washes over me at the thought that my daughter wasn't in fact in a safe and loving home. The thought that someone might have hurt her makes me feel sick to my stomach. What makes it all worse is that it's all my own fault. She could be with me, safe and sound, but I was selfish and put my career first.
"I know this is a lot to take in. But for now, let's arrange a meet up and we can go from there." Danny offers with a warm smile. "Ok. Let's get something in sooner rather than later. I don't want to wait too long to meet her." I say, instantly grabbing my phone to find some time to meet her.
Friday ends up being the best day. I'm filming in the morning but have the afternoon off so I can meet up with her after she's finished school. Colin agrees that I'll go on my own to start off with and if things go well, then he'll come along next time. It makes my heart swell every time he talks about her. He's almost as excited to meet her as I am. I just can't wait for Friday to come around. I finally get to meet my little girl.
__________
I couldn't be any angrier. Shooting has over run and I'm currently rushing to my trailer to get changed so I can go and meet Y/n. I was meant to finish at 12 but it's now half past 3 and I'm only just getting off set. The director tries to stop me to talk, but I quickly tell him that I have an appointment that I simply cannot miss and will call him later.
My heart feels like it's going to thump through my chest as I sit in the car on the way to the café. It's all the way on the other side of the city in Brooklyn and I watch as the clock ticks over 4pm. I'm late. This is really not a good start. I just hope that she will wait for me. When I finally pull up at the café, I jump out the car and see that its' 5pm. Fuck, she's not going to be here.
I rush in the café and a few heads look up at me as I frantically look around. I don't see her anywhere. I take a deep breath and make my way over to the counter. "Hi, excuse me." I greet the older lady who gives me a warm smile. "Yes dear. How can I help you?" She asks. "I'm looking for a girl. Her name is Y/n and I think she comes in here quite regularly." I explain and her smile grows wider. "Ah yes. We see Y/n a few times a week. But I'm sorry you missed her. She left in a bit of a hurry about 30 minutes ago." She informs me and my heart sinks. "Oh ok. Do you have any idea of where she might go?" I ask but she shakes her head. "Anywhere but home." She answers and then turns to the customer who has just walked in.
I make my way back into the car and sob. I'm sure my driver thinks that I've lost it, but I've screwed up. I've blown my only chance to meet my daughter. I just wanted to make things right. To help calm me down, I call Colin, who listens and helps to stop me falling into a panic attack. "You need to try and find her. She is probably thinking that it was done on purpose and is hurting right now." He says whilst I nod into the phone. "Start with the home." He says but I quickly disagree. "The lady in the café said she'd be anywhere but home." I inform him. "Well, that's not a good sign." He mumbles which just makes my panic increase again. "You've got nowhere else to start. They might know where she is and it's already getting late, so you never know, she might have gone home already." Colin talks sense.
I agree and then decide to call Danny. I explain what happened and he agrees to meet me at the group home. But this time it's already getting close to 7pm and I'm becoming more desperate by the minute. Danny and I both pull up at the same time and he is quick to stop me. "What?" I snap at him, but he just grips me tighter. "You need to take a minute ok. You can't go in there all worked up." He says sternly. I listen to him, knowing that he's right.
It's late and I pray that she's come home. We walk to the entrance, and I knock on the door. We're greeted by an older looking man and instantly the smell of alcohol is evident. I look towards Danny who has a harsh look on his face. "We're here to see Y/n Y/l/n." Danny tells him but the guy laughs. "She's not here." He slurs and it makes my anger build.
I feel a hand on my arm as Danny tries to calm me. "Mr Woodstock. Would you know where she might be? Ms Johansson here missed her appointment with her and would like to see her." He says calmly. "It's still early, she probably won't be home until later. She's probably at a friend's house." He states, clearly no longer interested in this conversation. "She's in your charge, how can you not know where she is?" I bark at him and his gaze snaps to mine. "I wasn't the one to stand her up." He snarls before turning to leave.
But before the door can shut, we hear a girl calling out from behind us. "Mr Woodstock!" He stops in his tracks and looks the girl up and down. "I'm Laura, Y/n's friend." She says and he nods. "I remember." He gets a smarmy smirk on his face, and it makes me feel sick. "She was supposed to come to mine this evening, but she didn't turn up. Is she home?" She asks, worry lacing her voice.
"No, she's not back yet. Check back tomorrow." He says and slams the door. "Fuck." I hear the girl mutter and turn to leave. "Wait!" I call after her and she stops, turning to look at me. "You know Y/n?" I question her. She's shocked when she sees me, but that shock soon turns to anger. "What do you want?" She growls at me. "I'm trying to find Y/n." I say but she laughs. "What so you can let her down again?" She asks with sass.
My mouth just opens and closes, unsure what to say. "It took a lot for her to agree to meet you. She's been through so much in her life. She deserves better. I told her that maybe you wanted to give her that. But I was wrong." Her voice seems broken. She clearly cares about Y/n a lot. The pain is evident in her voice. "Do you have her phone number?" Danny asks Laura and she nods. "Do you think you could share it with us?" He asks but she shakes her head. "No." She states firmly. I step forward, trying to hold it together. "Please. I just want to talk to her. Apologise." I say, fighting back the tears. "I'm not sharing her number with a stranger. Besides, she's not even responding to me right now, so I doubt she'd respond to you." She scoffs.
She's right. That is all I am to her. I have loved her even though she wasn't in my life, but for her, I'm just the woman who gave her up. I quickly fumble in my bag for a pen and scrap of paper. "Here." I say, holding the paper out to Laura. "This is my number. Please just let me know when you know she's safe." I say, practically begging her to take my number. She sighs but takes it with a nod of her head.
I watch as she walks away then turn to Danny. "What do we do? What if she's hurt?" I agonise. "There's not much we can do at the moment. She's not been gone long enough for a missing person's report. As annoying as it is, Mr Woodstock is right. It's still early and she may just be out and about. It seems like she avoids being here as much as she can anyway." He logically explains. "I want to stay here." I tell Danny who looks at me shocked. "I just want to make sure she gets home. I won't bother her." I tell him and he nods. "I'll stay with you. If she's not back home by midnight I can contact a friend at the NYPD." He offers and I pull him into a grateful hug.
So, that's what we do. I send my driver home and Danny and I sit in his car, our eyes on the group home, waiting for Y/n to come home. The closer it gets to midnight, the more worry I feel. I keep checking my phone to see if Laura has texted me but nothing.
It's 11:45 and I see a dark shadow getting closer to the house. "Is that her?" I ask. Although I've seen pictures of her, Danny is the only one to have met her face to face. He looks up and nods. I start to cry when I see her dejected form. Her head hanging low, he clothes soaked through from the rain. I reach for the door handle, but before I touch it, Danny stops me. "Don't Scarlett. We'll come by tomorrow and see if she'll meet you. But it's late and this is highly inappropriate." He tells me. Every part of my body wants to ignore him and go to her. To apologise profusely. But my head tells me that he's right. I want to do this the proper way.
He drives me home and Colin is waiting at the door for me. I practically fall into his arms sobbing. "I'll come by tomorrow. I'll have the full report ready for you and we'll go through it together. Then we'll head to the group home and see if she'd be willing to meet you." Danny says as I enter the house. "Thank you. I appreciate everything you're doing." I tell him honestly. I don't know what I would have done without him!
I don't sleep much at all that night. Every time sleep approached, I would remember that I let her down twice now. That I don't deserve to have the chance to have her in my life. But I know that I will do everything in my power to make sure that she is. It's selfish, but I want to give her the life she deserves. The one that I should have given her when she was born.
When morning eventually comes round, Colin gets up with me to make me eat something for breakfast. He had dropped the kids around my mom's house last night so we could have the time to sort everything out. My mom was more than happy to help. She's so excited that Y/n might be a part of our lives again.
At 10am, Danny arrives and comes in with a file in hand. My heart rate picks up as I know we're about to get a much clearer story of what Y/n's life has been like. He takes a seat, and I instantly can tell that whatever is in that file isn't good. Danny wouldn't be a good poker player, that's for sure. "Ok. So, I've done some in depth research into Y/n's life and I believe that I have a much clearer picture of things. But I must warn you that some of this may not be easy listening." He isn't one to beat around the bush, but hearing those words makes my breathing hitch.
"Y/n was adopted by Phil and Katie Y/l/n. They lived in Brooklyn the whole time. I have spoken with her schools and was able to get a better picture of her life. She didn't do any after school clubs and was very isolated. She would rush to get home each day and often would worry if she was late. She did raise concerns with two of her teachers when she was 11, but both teachers deemed that she was over-reacting." He starts off, placing school reports out in front of us. "What were the concerns?" I ask, a fire building within. "In the report, she said her parents were mean and weren't nice to her. They directly quoted her. They note a couple of bruises but claim they could have been from anything." Danny explains, a frown on his own face.
"The school reports after these days show that Y/n became more secluded and insular. However, she was at an underfunded school that didn't have the resources to be able to support her. She effectively gets lost in the system." Danny shares. I squeeze Colin's hand tighter, needing any comfort that I could get. "I also have her hospital records." Danny starts and I hear the hesitation in his voice. "She was admitted on a number of occasions for injuries ranging from broken bones to lacerations. On her 10th visit, one of the doctors referred her back to the social worker with concerns of abuse. However, it seems like this went no further than that." Danny shares, with a look of pity on his face.
"This is where things get a bit more difficult." He starts. "More difficult than the fact that it seems like my daughter was in an abusive home yet was failed by both the educational and social systems?" I snap. How could this get any worse? "It seems that Y/n's social worker arranged the adoption with her parents and then moved her into this particular group home once they passed. It's actually outside of Y/n's school district so wouldn't be a suitable placement. On further investigation, I have the belief that they were working to take money from the state through the adoption and fostering of Y/n." His explanation shows how she was only seen a pawn in their game for a quick buck.
"I've contacted the NYPD and given them all the evidence that I have, and they are going to start an investigation. However, until they have more concrete evidence, they won't be able to move Y/n or any of the children from Mr Woodstock's care. It could take a couple of weeks and from there she would then be moved to another care home." He informs us. I'm glad that they are being investigated, but it's not quick enough. I need her to be safe now.
"Can we take her in? She's my daughter after all." I ask, but the drop of Danny's gaze makes me fear his answer. "That is where things get a bit tricky. When you put Y/n up for adoption, you signed away your parental rights. You would have to get approved to be a foster carer first and then have to go through the courts to adopt Y/n. Through all of this Y/n would have to consent as she's 16." He explains. "Well, can we get an application started so we can at least start that process? We can then work towards adoption." Colin steps in and I smile at his confidence and commitment.
"Of course, if that's what you both want. We may be able to petition the state to speed the process along as you are her birth mother. But you'd have to go before a judge." Danny responds. "Do it. I will do whatever I have to do to get her back in our lives." I tell Danny firmly. "Do you agree Colin?" He asks, moving his gaze to my husband. "I 100% support Scarlett. We discussed this when she wanted to approach Y/n. The end goal was always to have her back with us." He says with a smile, leaning down to place a kiss to my head. "Ok, well I'll start the petition later today." Danny smiles, taking a note in his pad in front of him.
"Can we still go and visit her this afternoon?" I ask, unsure if it's still the right thing to do. "We can try, but it's important that we do this all on Y/n's terms. She's not had any adults in her life support her like she has needed. She has been failed on a number of occasions and we need to make sure she is comfortable before proceeding." Danny tells me. "Of course. I only want what's best for her." I respond.
"Ok. Well, I'll call My Woodstock and arrange a meeting this afternoon. In the meantime, I can leave her file with you if you'd like to read more. But please read it with care. There is a lot in there that isn't an easy read." He says whilst gathering his things. "I'll call you when I have a time to go and see her." He says, hugging us goodbye and heading out.
Colin and I take the time to read through the file. Danny was right, it was certainly not an easy read. With each page my heart broke even more. She had been through so much. She is 16 and never experienced a loving home. "I failed her." I whisper as I finish reading over her hospital record detailing each injury she had treated. It makes me wonder how many times she was hurt and they didn't take her to the hospital. "You didn't fail her Scarlett." Colin tries to defend but I shake my head.
"If I kept her, she wouldn't have gone to those monsters. She would have been loved. I was so selfish, putting myself and my career first. My parents offered to help and yet I didn't want the inconvenience." I start to cry as I fall into Colin's hold. "But you thought that she was going to go to a loving home. You had no control over that. She was used by a sick person in power. You had no way of knowing that. You trusted that the state would take care of her, but they are the ones that truly failed her." He tells me with conviction. "But." "No buts. Yes, yesterday could have gone better. But we'll go and see her today and start to make things right. We'll show her that we want to give her a home that she is worthy of. A family that loves her." He reassures me.
I couldn't be more grateful for this man. He has been so supportive through it all. I was terrified when I told him about Y/n. Worried that he might leave me, but he didn't. He asked me what I wanted and has been by my side ever since. I'm lucky to have him in my life.
Danny calls to confirm that we're heading over at 3pm. He's asked Mr Woodstock to not tell Y/n in fear she'll leave the home knowing that we're going. We meet Danny there a little before 3 and Colin says that he'll wait in the car until he's needed. I'm really nervous as I start walking towards the house. I have to fight the anger that is building when I think about the life Y/n has here and that Mr Woodstock isn't innocent in it all. But I need to keep my cool so I can keep Y/n safe.
We're guided through into an office space with a sofa and Mr Woodstock asks one of the girls to go and get Y/n. We take a seat and I'm sure I can feel my heart about to beat out of my chest. I'm actually about to meet my daughter. The next couple of minutes seems to drag by as Mr Woodstock tries to make small talk. Thankfully, there is finally a knock at the door and my head shoots up to look.
The door slowly creaks open, and I see Y/n walk in with her head down. "You asked to see me Mr Woodstock." Her voice is hoarse like she's been crying, and she hasn't even noticed anyone else is in the room. "Y/n we have guests. Please don't be rude and look up." Mr Woodstock exhales in frustration.
As she lifts her head her eyes land on me, and I see a sadness flash through them. That's until I see the dark bruising forming around her eye. I go to stand up but Danny places a hand on my knee. I then go to ask what happened, but Mr Woodstock is quickly out of his seat. I see Y/n flinch as he approaches her. "I thought I told you to cover that up." He hisses at her. "I'm sorry Sir. I didn't know you had guests." She quivered.
It is taking everything in me to not stand up and punch that asshole. I can see that Y/n is clearly fearful of him. Was he the one that did that to her?! "Well, it's too late now. Come in and see your visitors. I'll be in the living room." He says, marching out of the room, leaving Y/n stood with a slight shake to her body. I just want to engulf her in a hug and tell her that she's safe and that I'll never let anyone hurt her again. "I'm not sure if you remember me but we meet a few days ago." Danny starts calmly. "I remember you Mr Osborne." She speaks politely, though her gaze is fixated on her hands. "Please, call me Danny." He tells her with a smile. "Why don't you come and sit with us." He encourages her, holding his hand to point to the empty chair opposite us.
She slowly makes her way to the chair and takes a seat. "I would like to introduce you to Scarlett. She is your biological mother." Danny says, turning to me. Y/n doesn't look up and my smile falters. "Hi Y/n. It's an honour to meet you." I tell her, fighting back tears. I never thought I would find my daughter in a state like this. So, broken. But when I look at her, I see myself in her. She's got brown hair, but her facial features are just like mine.
"I am so sorry that I was late to meet you yesterday. I got held up at work and I didn't have a number to get hold of you with." I try to explain but her gaze doesn't move. "I went to the café, but the owner said that you had already left. So, I came here but you hadn't come back yet. I really am sorry. I never meant to leave you on your own. I was looking forward to seeing you more than anything. Please believe that." I practically beg her.
Her head slowly lifts, and she makes direct eye contact for me for the first time since she came in here. "It's ok. I'm used to being let down." She mumbles. "It's not ok Y/n. I made a promise to meet you and I was so excited. I should have done more to let you know that I was running late. I hope that you could maybe let me make it up to you." I tell her, wanting her to know that she shouldn't accept being let down. "I'll give you some time. I'll be just outside if you need me." Danny says, standing and leaving us be.
An awkward silence falls over us as I can't stop staring at her black eye. "How did you get that?" I ask her, pointing to her eye. "I fell." She responds bluntly. I don't believe her, but I don't want to push her just yet. Silence falls over us again whilst I think about what I want to say. "It was the biggest mistake. Giving you up." I tell her and that seems to get her attention. "Then why did you?" She asks, hurt evident across her face.
I sit forward so that our knees are almost touching. "I thought I was doing the right thing. I was 22 and my career was taking off. I made a selfish decision. But I soon realised the mistake I made, but I couldn't change it. I had signed away my parental rights." I explain, embarrassed by admitting my failings. "I couldn't contact you until you turned 18 or you contacted me. So, I just had to wait. But when your parents passed and you were returned to the care system, I was able to contact you directly." I explain how I was able to finally get in touch.
"I know that it may not seem like it after giving you up and missing our meeting yesterday, but I really want to get to know you Y/n. To have you in my life. My husband can't wait to meet you either." I tell her with a chuckle. But those words seem to do the opposite of what I hoped. "You have two children?" She asks me. "Well, I have three including you." I respond, trying to keep my smile on my face. "But you have two others that live with you." She clarifies and I nod. "You already have your family. I'm just a stranger." She sniffles.
I reach out and take her hand in mine. The flinch making my heart break even more. "No. You are the missing piece. You are my family. I may be a stranger to you, but I have spent every day loving you. Wishing that I had made a different decision all those years ago. I would wonder what you were doing and what you wanted to be when you grew up. I wondered if you liked sports and what type of music you liked. You were always on my mind." I tell her truthfully. "When I had Rose and Cosmo, it was a bittersweet moment. Each time it reminded me of the mistake I had made. That I could have had you in my life too. Being part of my family." I add on.
"Who's my father?" She asks, a question that I was expecting to come at some point. I look down a little ashamed. "I don't know. It was a one night stand. I didn't know his name." I admit. When I lift my gaze, I see hers already on me, studying me. "What is it you want from me?" She asks, almost with an annoyance to her voice. "Truthfully?" I ask her and she nods. "I would love to have a chance to be your mother. But I understand that you may not have the same desire." I tell her, feeling sick at the thought that she may never want to see me again.
"What do you want from all of this?" I ask her, turning the question back around. She sighs and rubs at her forehead as she formulates a response. "I have no idea." She chuckles lightly. "I never expected this to happen. It's all just a bit much." She admits and I nod understanding that this must all be overwhelming to her. "Would you want to be a part of my life?" I ask her tentatively, scared of what her response might be. "I really don't know Scarlett. I don't know you and although you say you love me, you don't know me either." She responds and I smile at her maturity.
"Then let's get to know each other. Spend time together. You can meet Colin and the kids. There would be no pressure on you at all. If this is something you don't want, then we can stop. As much as that would hurt, what is important is what you want." I share so she can see she has the control. "What would you tell your kids?" She asks. "I'd love to tell them the truth. But for now, if you're not comfortable with that, we can just say you're a friend and go from there." I offer up. There's a pause and silence falls once again as she thinks of her response. I feel like I'm holding my breath the whole time. "Ok. I think I'd like to get to know you. But..." My smile grows impossibly wide at her words, though it feels like my heart stops at the word but. "Please don't let me down again." She whispers, her whole body deflating.
I instantly give her hand a squeeze to gain her attention. "Hey. Listen to me." I say softly as I reach forward to wipe the tears falling down her cheeks. "I promise that you will come first. I will be here every step of the way. I will not let you down again. I just want you to be safe and happy." I tell her through my own tears. She only nods in return and I lean forward to pull her into a hug. She tenses initially but soon melts into it.
After we both calm down a little, I sit back and my gaze lands on her black eye once again. "Now can you tell me how you really got that?" I ask her and I see her tense once again. "I told you..." She starts but I quickly shake my head and step in. "I know that you didn't fall. Did Mr Woodstock do that to you?" I ask her cautiously. Her head drops but the small nod of confirmation doesn't go unnoticed. My breathing hitches at the thought and I feel anger rush through me. "Why?" I ask slightly more harshly than I intended.
When she doesn't answer, I reach out and take her hand, slowly rubbing my thumb over her knuckles. "He was mad that I was late home and that you and Danny came looking for me when he was drunk." She explains. "Is this the first time that he's done something like this? Are you safe here?" I question her, terrified of what she's going to say. The shake of her head shatters my already broken heart.
I wrap my arms around her trying to provide her any comfort that I can. "I promise you that I will keep you safe. I won't let him lay another finger on you." I promise her whilst gently rubbing my hands up and down her back. After a while, I go and let Danny in. Y/n explains what happened to her and Danny is straight onto the phone to the Police and Social Services.
As the police car arrives, I see Colin's face appear at the door, worry etched across it. "I'll be right back." I tell Y/n as she is with Danny and the police. I greet Colin and fall into his arms. He holds me tight and places a kiss against my head. "I saw the police and got worried. Is that her?" He asks, nodding his head behind me. I turn and smile when I see her. "Yeah. That's her." I confirm. "What happened to her face?" He asks and my body deflates. "Oh Scar." He says when the realisation hits him.
The police arrest Mr Woodstock after some of the other kids admitted that he had also hurt them. When social services arrived, Danny made sure to make them aware of the impending investigation onto Harry Lycett who was Y/n's social worker. He then returns to Colin and me. "What happens now?" I ask him. "They're arranging for temporary placements for the kids for the foreseeable future." He replies. "What about Y/n?" I ask, worried that I'm going to miss my chance. "She'll be found a foster home for the time being." He responds. "Can't she come with us?" I ask him in a panic.
Colin agrees with me as Danny sighs. "I'm not sure if that's possible. It's a Saturday and I won't be able to get in front of judge until Monday at the earliest." He shares sadly. He looks between Colin and I and sighs once again. "Give me a minute." He says, before heading towards one of the social workers.
We both wait anxiously for Danny to return. We watch him talk with the social worker who then makes a phone call. Eventually, he starts to make his way back over towards us and I can't tell what he's feeling. "Ok. I've spoken with the social worker and explained the situation. They have agreed to you having custody until Monday. After that, it'll be down to the judge to decide." He says and I let out a little squeal. "Scarlett don't get your hopes up. This could all be temporary." Danny tells me with a stern voice. "I know. But I have a chance. That's all I need." I respond with a smile. "Do you want to meet her?" I turn to face Colin and see his smile grow. He nods and I take his hand, walking back towards the office.
Y/n is sat in a chair on her own, fear across her face as she awaits her fate, her focus on fiddling with the hem of her shirt. This has been an overwhelming day for her. She's had to explain to the police what she's been through and now she's about to find out she's moving again. I take the seat next to her and Colin sits opposite. "Y/n, I'd like you to meet my husband, Colin." I introduce them. "Colin, this is my daughter Y/n." I say with a smile. I notice Y/n's head snap to look at me when I refer to her as my daughter and I see a slight tug at her lips. "It's lovely to meet you Y/n." Colin greets, holding his hand out.
Y/n takes it and gives it a firm shake. "You too Colin." She smiles. We chat for a little before Y/n turns to Danny, who's stood in the doorway. "What happens now?" She asks. Danny looks to me and nods, so I turn to fully face Y/n. "Social Services are closing the group home and finding alternative homes for everyone. Danny has spoken with the social workers, and they have agreed that you can stay with us this weekend until we're able to get our official fostering status." I explain, almost holding my breath as I wait for her response.
"Why are you getting your fosters license?" She asks. "Well, if things go well, we'd like to official adopt you. But we'd have to foster you first before the adoption could be processed." Colin steps in to show that he is just as involved in this decision as I am. "Wait, what?" She asks shocked. "I meant what I said Y/n. I want to be a mother to you. But if that's not what you want, then we can just foster you until you find an alternative home." I assure her, still hating the thought that she won't want to be a part of our family. "So, what do you say? Do you want to come home with us, and we can take it one day at a time?" I ask her with a shake to my voice.
It feels like time stops as I look at Y/n waiting for her to answer. My focus is on the 16 year old who's life has just been turned upside down, again. Internally, I'm begging that she's going to say yes. That I'll get a chance to give her the loving home that she deserves. After what seems like hours Y/n looks up to me opening her mouth. "Scarlett I...."
Part 2
#scarlett johansson x y/n#scarlett johansson fanfiction#scarlett johansson x reader#scarlett johansson#scarjo#celebrity fanfic
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So I’mma do a quick rant on Tim and the whole “forever 17” thing people are always going on about.
Disclaimer: some of this is based on my own experience with how I changed as I got older and comments from people that I went months and years without seeing.
I’m AFAB so it’s not quite the same. But I’ve never been one to remember a skin care routine and have relied on good genetics and good hygiene to make this point.
When doing some calculations for another post (you’ve probably seen that post I reblogged about the batkids ages) it hit me WHY it doesn’t look like Tim has aged.
Sure it might just be a style choice because DC wants to keep a chokehold on their Teen audience with Tim. (Even though Damian is RIGHT THERE!!! DC stop making Damian look like Tim for the love of GOD!)
A lot of people don’t actually CHANGE that much from ages 16-24 as long as they are keeping to the same exercise routines and diets. With the exception of Tim’s Brucequest, he kept to a fairly stable routine for Years!
The reason most people change so much early on is because they drop off their usual exercise (gym class) and repetitive diet (school or packed lunch). So you see people’s weight fluctuating (this can have an effect of visible face shape) hair either thinning or thickening and skin either clearing or getting more acne.
Add this to Tim probably having pretty good genetics (his mom looked like she was maybe pushing 30 when she died but was probably closer to mid 40s. Both Janet and Jack were around 10 years older than Bruce, who would have been mid 30s at the time.)
Tim not showing any signs of facial hair can also be down to genetics. Some cis men just NEVER get more than a single chin hair, maybe a max of 5 sparsely scattered along their chin. Those guys usually just pluck them out. They never actually have to shave. Though I think we Have seen Tim shaving again one point. Can’t remember when.
Either way, it makes sense for Tim not to actually look his age in any more than muscle mass. He’s noticeably built compared to how he was when Damian was introduced. (When the artists are going for a more realistic art style.)
Then considering his most recent dimensional adventure to save Bruce after the shit with Failsafe, you see just how much older he looks next to his mother (from that universe) and she didn’t seem that surprised with how he looked. Meaning her version of him is probably around the same age, and anyone who read that issue can see she looked pretty young.
Add all this to the fact it’s Canon that Jason is 23! He’s only at most 3 years older than Tim but is probably closer to 2 years older. (With Jason being 15 going on 16 when he died. And Tim was 12-13 by the 6 month mark after Jason died and Tim became Robin.)
So in conclusion, DC needs to stop acting like Tim’s still a Teenager and acknowledge that he’s a lot closer to 21 (hell, if we go by proper calculations he SHOULD BE 21).
What I’m saying is give us Tim going out for drinks with his older brothers. Have him show up at Jason’s after something bad happens and ask if he’s still up for that drink (in reference to that one time Jason offered to get a 16 year old Tim into a bar.)
Give us Funny Drunk Tim shenanigans to balance out that Dick is a miserable drunk! Have Jason get stuck babysitting both of them because he’s the only one that can actually hold his alcohol. Have the Girls be watching and laughing from across the bar because they unintentionally had their Girls Night and the same place the guys had their Boys Night.
Please DC, I am Begging you!
#tim drake#dick grayson#jason todd#Batfam#Tim isn’t 17 and I will die on this hill#neither are any of the Core Four#Connor isn’t even SUPPOSED to look like he’s aging because he was artificially aged in the cloning pod#Connor looks like a young 20 something and he’s supposed too!!!!#Literally all three of the others are Metas with powers than make aging moot!#Bart has super speed and such has super Healing#Cassie is a Demigoddess!!!!
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Written for the @steddieholidaydrabbles December challenge.
What If?
Prompt Day 15: Time Travel | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: T | CW: Mentions of Other Relationship | Tags: Time Travel, Fix-It, Second Chance, El is Meddling, Eddie POV
Eddie is sitting alone in his spare bedroom that he turned into a music room, long ago. He fiddles with his guitar, but he's lonely. He thought he'd have more time to make his feelings known. More time to get his shit together, but now forty years have gone by, and he's all alone. His friends grew up and moved on.
Steve moved on.
They're all still friends, sure, but Eddie thinks of himself kind of as the always single, loner uncle that shows up at holidays. He's a little like Wayne, honestly. That makes Eddie smile, even if he has regrets about how he closed himself off from everyone after everything that happened in the Upside Down.
How he closed himself off from Steve.
Steve had been by his side, with a look in his eyes that scared Eddie. Eddie didn't want that kind of responsibility. He couldn't even take care of himself, how was he supposed to take care of Steve's heart? Impossible.
So, Eddie had pretended not to see the looks, or feel the slight touches. He ignored Steve's small advances, like they weren't even happening.
And, eventually, Steve stopped trying. He met a girl who became his wife, and everything worked out for the best.
Eddie doesn't resent Steve for getting on with his life, for going after what he wanted. A wife. Kids. Eddie gets the postcards, the emails with pictures attached. It's all cookie-cutter perfect. Right down to the fluffy dog.
Eddie ran from his feelings, had locked them down tight, so he has no right to be mad.
But he wishes…
Sometimes, he wishes and wonders: what if?
Eddie goes to bed alone, and falls asleep alone.
When he wakes up, suddenly startled, he's not alone at all.
It looks like Dustin, sitting on the edge of the bed. Only, not the current Dustin. No, this is the Dustin from then, from before.
Eddie reaches for his glasses, to pull everything into focus, yanking on the light chain for good measure. And sure enough, sitting there looking at him, is Dustin. About twenty years old, in a disheveled dress shirt, tie and slacks.
Eddie recognizes the outfit, because he's seen it in pictures a lot over the years. This is what Dustin wore to Steve's wedding, as one of the groomsmen. Steve's best man.
"I'm dreaming," Eddie says, because that's the only explanation.
"You're not," Dustin says, "but I might be?"
"You're not," Eddie echoes. And if he's not dreaming, and Dustin's not dreaming…
"How'd you get here?" Eddie asks.
"I was talking to El about how dumb you two had been, and now I'm sitting on the edge of your bed. And you're old."
"I'm not that old, you little shithead," Eddie says, and Dustin turns and grins.
"At least you're still you, I guess," Dustin answers, but he looks on the verge of tears.
"You were at Steve's wedding, right?" Eddie asks, and Dustin nods.
He had to be. That was the moment this timeline really shifted. Eddie had run out of chances, and Steve was lost to him for good that day.
Eddie sits up straighter, "Did El send you into the goddamn future to fuck with me?"
Dustin shrugs, "I think so. She told me to talk some sense into you, and if I succeeded, she'd bring me back. She was drunk. We all were. Still am. I thought she was kidding. I didn't even know she could do that. Time travel? She never mentioned time travel being in her bag of tricks."
Eddie laughs, that woman is never to be trifled with. Not then, not now. There must be no limit to the powers she can harness. Eddie reaches for his cell phone, finds her number and dials.
"Yeah, you sent me a present?" Eddie says.
"I did what?" she asks, clearly drowsy on the other end of the line.
"Dustin. From Steve's wedding. He's here and I need you to send him home," Eddie says, and isn't this just a stupid situation to find himself in on a random Tuesday.
"Oh, I forgot about that," she says, and there's a long pause, "has he talked some sense into you yet?"
"No! He's drunk, freaked out, and he wants to go home."
"Only if you agree to go back with him and get it right this time."
Eddie laughs, bordering on hysterical, "I'm not going back to Steve's wedding and objecting like some sort of asshole. He has children, El. I'm not risking taking his kids away from him!"
"Oh, none of this is real," she says, as easy as she'd give him the time.
"That's impossible," he says.
"Really not," she insists, "and you cannot go back to the wedding. You need to go further. To right after Vecna."
Eddie thinks this is crazy, impossible. But he finds himself nodding. Okay. Why not? If she's right, he gets a second chance. And if this is all a dream, he'll just wake up in the morning and get a good laugh.
"Okay, send us back," he answers, then hurries to add, like she's some sort of trickster instead of just El, "After! Make sure it's after! I'm not getting attacked by bats again. Not even for Steve."
He can nearly hear her eyeroll over the phone.
"Yes. After. Get a hold of Dustin's hand, he is the one I can move, not you," she says, and Eddie reluctantly does it. Takes both of them, just to be safe.
And then there's an unpleasant yanking sensation, and when he regains his bearings, he's in a hospital bed.
Steve Harrington at his side.
Steve's young, only nineteen. And he's looking at Eddie with those eyes that he used to use on Eddie for a long time before finally giving up, moving on.
"Hi," Eddie says, giving him the eyes right back.
This time when Steve reaches for his hand, Eddie grabs on, and doesn't let go.
Being brave.
Not running.
If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @steddieholidaydrabbles and follow along with the fun! ⏳
If you want to see more of my entries into this month-long challenge, you can check them out in my Steddie Holiday Drabbles tag, right here!
#steddieholidaydrabbles#time travel#steddie ficlet#steve x eddie#steddie#eddie munson#steve harrington#thisapplepielife: short fic#thisapplepielife: steddieholidaydrabbles#dustin henderson#eleven stranger things
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Figure You Out 𓇊 Choso Kamo x Reader
Band AU!Choso 𓇊 friends to lovers 𓇊 7k
CW: smut, lots of it, filthy, swearing, fluff, p-in-v sex, fem reader, pining, mentions of alcohol, oral f!receiving, creampie, possessive choso, acc really sweet
A/N: My first AU! Also my first Choso writing! Based off and song included is Figure You Out by Vóila - I don’t own the song or anything I just love it and it gave me brainrot for this. Tonssss of requests coming up for family formations so stay tuned and also always if ur under 18 go away
When he met you, aged 5 – you were a ball of sunshine. A radiant angel that oozed love and warmth from every pore. The moment you sat beside him in the schoolyard, both too shy to join the other groups playing on your first day and offered him an animal cracker with nothing but a shy smile – he thinks it was then.
He’s pretty sure, because he can’t think of a moment since then that he hasn’t been hopelessly in love with you. You stayed glued to each other for the next 15 years, you practically moved in when his grandpa died – leaving him to care for a 10-year-old Yuuji alone – hell, you’d helped him forge the guardianship documents since he was only 15 himself.
Every teenage romance, every test, every class, your first kiss with the guy from your history class, his first kiss with the girl from his music class - you’d dealt with everything side by side.
It wasn’t your typical unreciprocated love though, not like he thought.
You pined for him equally. Every girl that passed his way, every hardship with raising Yuuji, every empty gig - you’d been there. Hell, you’d sat beside him as he got the tattoo on the bridge of his nose and applied ointment every day after to help the healing.
You remember being terrified on your first day of school. All of the other kids seemed bigger, louder, more frightening. Then you saw a boy sitting on the bench, legs hanging off with his dark, shaggy hair falling over his face. You decided to listen to your mom,
“I know it’s hard baby, but even if you can make one friend today - you’re doing amazing.”
So, you chose him.
You sat beside him quietly, thinking of what you’d want as an offer of friendship – something yummy.
So, you popped open your transformers lunchbox and silently tapped him on the shoulder, smiling – and offered him an animal cracker.
He had looked up at you, and your 5-year-old mind had never seen eyes so dark – eyes which soon crinkled in a gentle smile and a soft little ‘thank you.’
You think it was then.
That must have been the moment, because a day hasn’t passed since that you haven’t been in love with him.
If an omniscient outsider had been looking in on you both, they’d have seen identical trains of thought. Around 13, all of ‘those’ thoughts began. Yours always seemed to encompass dark eyes and dark hair and gentle hands. His always seemed to feature a sunshine smile, H/C glinting in the lamplight of his room and your soft, rose scented skin.
Not that either of you would say anything.
Things only got worse from there.
When you were about 14, you both realised you were in love with the other. But how could you ruin 9 years of friendship for something as silly as love?
At 16, you both realised that love wasn’t silly. Not when you worked in tandem to get you, him and Yuuji ready for school. Not when he smoked his first joint and got the munchies but only for your cookies. Not when he held back your hair when you got drunk and vomited for the first time. But how could you ruin a friendship like that, at the risk of losing the other.
So, nobody said anything.
Everyone knew.
Yuuji even knew, and he’s only 15 now.
At 18, after graduation, Choso’s big brain got him an internship at a lab, flexible hours so he could still care for his brother but decent pay. You took over your family's florist, the only think you ever wanted to do. Around that time, Choso’s true passion took flight too. His band, Death Paintings, began to book some small local shows. His songs, along with his band mates Eso and Chez – had started to try write some songs too, along with the alt rock covers the usually played.
Then, at 19 – you met him. Geto Suguru. Tall, dark and handsome (not that you had a type). You liked him, he liked you – you started dating. He was charming, smooth as fuck, fun to be around and smart.
Choso didn’t mind Geto a huge amount. He wasn’t a terrible guy, didn’t get pissy about your best friend being a guy like other guys had (probably because he and his best friend, Gojo, had a preternatural kind of ‘friendship’). He was pretty chill, nice to you. You didn’t laugh as much around him, but that was okay, he’d fill in the gaps. He hadn’t stayed completely celibate either, he’d dated a few people – one girl Yuki who was really cool and you ended up staying in contact with, but she left to travel the world with a parting message for Choso to tell you he loved you – fuck, she’d kick his ass if she knew he was still being a wuss. He’d hooked up with some people after some gigs too, frequently on nights you went home with a date too.
He remembers you rang him one night, saying Geto was taking you away for the weekend – he said that was awesome, and questioned why you felt panicked.
“Yeah, it’s great. But Cho, the Airbnb - it’s…” You flustered down the line.
“It’s what?” He replied, smirking at the sounds of you fighting to shut your suitcase in the background.
“It’s on the goddamn 50th floor of a skyscraper with panoramic views of the goddamn fucking city.” You huffed.
“Oh shit.”
“Yeah, oh shit!”
“Ya tell him?” He asked, flicking the pencil across the desk from where he’d been hitting down lyric ideas.
“And say what? ‘Oh, hello Geto thank you for this surprise trip to a ridiculously expensive penthouse for the weekend – sadly, you gotta shove your plans in the fucking trash because I’m terrified of heights, bye!’”
“Maybe word it differently, but yeah, that’s the gist.”
I’d never forget shit like that, he thinks.
Stop being a pick-me, Jesus Christ Choso. He also thinks.
“Right, we’ll – I gotta go psych myself up to spend 2 days sleeping in a collapse waiting to happen. Love ya, Cho.”
I love you too.
Fuck, he should just say it. Maybe it wouldn’t go as bad as he thinks.
But he never does. He just stays quiet. He won’t lose you, he’ll take you however he can have you in his life.
He brought you on a date one weekend too – you told him about it over ramen on Sunday night, a picnic in a cute park where you and Choso had tried tandem biking when you were younger – but Geto had driven you there in his Benz. Flashing wealth wouldn’t steal a heart like yours. He remembers the glow on your face as you both failed miserable at the biking for about an hour until you both got the hang of it – he swears your giggles and peals of laughter that day has to be the sound you hear when you get to heaven.
He introduced you to some new people, who you were going for drinks with one Friday night too – you didn’t really want to go, but Geto seemed to really want you to meet them. They were successful people, he thought you could get contacts to expand your floristry business to an international level by hanging around them. You told Choso you weren’t going to do that over your dead body, your shop was yours. It was quiet, it was peaceful, it was a family business. It did pretty well financially, making enough to make you pretty comfortable for a girl in her early twenties – but you worked hard, and you were damn good at your job.
“Then why are you going?” He shrugged as you watched him pluck at the strings of his guitar aimlessly.
“Geto seems excited. Gotta hang out with your man’s friends, right?”
His friends love you. They plead with him daily to confess to you. They actually already have a scrapbook on how they want to split best man duties at the wedding.
He was unloading a delivery of flowers one day into your shop with you, he had a free day and offered to help you out with some stuff around the place. You immediately jumped at the chance to spend time with him, seeing him – your favourite person – there, in your favourite place. The boy you loved helping you run the life you loved – shit, you thought, I’m dating Suguru, I can’t say shit like that anymore. You have to get over him. It was hot that day, your breezy light blue sundress even feeling too hot, so Choso was boiling in his black cargo pants and black T-shirt and was completely unaided by the weight of the buckets of fresh cut flowers he was carting back and forth. He paused for a moment in the back room of your store as you began to organise the delivery. Chugging his water, you noticed a bead of condensation running down the slope of his throat.
I wanna lick it off. Shut the fuck up, inner Y/N.
It was like having an angel and a devil on your shoulders.
But Choso only made it worse.
The heat was obviously too much in his all black ensemble – and so he could continue comfortably, he pulled his black T-shirt over his head by the back of the neck and left it on the counter.
Thank heavens to anyone who was listening – that he didn’t spare a glance at you.
You eyes widened and jaw fell as the sight before you. Muscled, thick arms and broad shoulders – scattered with tattoos, including the one on his bicep of a small daisy that you drew – fell into a chiselled chest, and abs that would make Adonis weep for their beauty. The sweat made his pale skin glisten and all you wanted in that moment was to feel his solid planes up against your skin – feel his heat seeping into you, into every single crevice. Your eyes flicked up, and the action of removing his shirt had caused some of the hair from his twin buns atop his head to fall loose – they fell and framed his face, drawing focus to the eyes you fell in love with. You didn’t really need the help today, you just needed to see him. To be near him, to hear his voice and see his smile. He’s so perfect, you think, you’d never met someone with a heart as big as Choso.
You heard a cough behind you, and you spun around.
“Oh my god! Suguru! I thought you were working today!” You hoped he didn’t notice your ogling, as you wrapped your hands around his neck and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Suguru really was gorgeous, like model beautiful. You’re lucky to have him, you repeat to yourself, and it’s true but he’s not - don’t finish that thought.
“Hi baby, I am. I’m just on my lunch break but I had a surprise for you I wanted to drop off.” He says as he kisses your cheek and hands you an envelope, then notices Choso.
“Hey Choso, how you doing, man? How was your show last weekend?” He asks him.
Stop being such a good guy and let me hate you.
“Hey man, yeah it was a good turnout – got a couple more coming up soon so come along if you get a chance.”
Why am I inviting him? Shut up, Choso.
Their conversation is interrupted by your gasp.
“Suguru! Wow! This, these must have been really hard to get, thank you so much – I can’t wait to go with you.” You smile, but Choso can see it doesn’t quite reach your eyes.
“It’s no problem, you said you like him when I was playing him in the car a while back, so I got us front row.” He said, and Choso quietly excused himself, not before sneaking a peak at the concert tickets in your hand.
Your favourite artist was playing next month one city over, how did he not get you tickets for that instead? I’m on six waiting lists for them.
When he gets home that night - he’s pent up. He’s not angry, or frustrated. He’s not sad or resigned. Maybe he is, maybe he’s all of those things. He’s just feeling so fucking much right now that after saying goodnight to his brother and his boyfriend, Megumi he makes his wait into his makeshift studio in the back of the house.
The second he sits down, and pen meets paper, the words fall out like a fucking tsunami. After the words, come the notes. After the notes, comes the riff and it snowballs. Soon enough, he’s got a whole fucking song on his hands.
The next day, he rings Eso and Chez and they come running over to listen to what he’s come up with.
When he plays it for them, jaws fall slack.
“Holy fuck bro.”
“Fuck – I’m gonna try fall in love with my best friend if I get to be able to write shit that good.” Chez muses.
“Please fucking don’t, that’s me. I see enough of you as it is.” Eso cringes.
That afternoon and evening and well into the night, the drums and bass are added and it’s perfect.
“We’re playing this next weekend at The Tech, no questions.” Eso announces.
Choso clenches his jaw, this song – you can’t hear it. It would ruin everything, this perfect balance he’s so carefully curated.
But they were right, his soul went into that song and it’s fucking amazing.
“Fine. But absolutely – Y/N cannot know. Nobody tells her about the gig, she can’t come and she sure as shit can’t hear this song.”
Yuuji heard all this, because he’s eavesdropping. Megumi smacks him across the head, but he doesn’t listen. He knows what he has to do, and he whips out his phone.
Yuuji: Heyyyyyyyyy so IDEA Cho is playin a gig next weekend and he’s all shy about it n shit bc he’s dumb and won’t tell anyone but u should totally not say anything and surprise him!!! He won’t tell u abt it but it wld be a fun surprise for him!!!! Besties and all that wooohoooo
Your phone pinged with a message, and you smiled at the message. Choso had always been bashful about his talents, and you usually had to hound him to get the details of his gigs – but Yuuji was your little spy, and surprising him was a great idea, so after replying in the affirmative, you set your phone back down and continued dinner with Suguru.
The week came and went, and Saturday soon arrived. The gig was at 10pm, so at 6pm when your doorbell rang you were surprised.
Behind the door, stood Geto. His pretty face seemed uneasy in place of its usual languid smirk.
“Can we talk?” He asked.
Oh, shit he did see; he saw me basically salivating over choso in the store last week. Gigs up.
“Eh, sure. This sounds ominous.” You awkwardly giggle as he walks in, hands in his pockets and sits at your kitchen island.
There’s silence for a minute, as you pour some coffee.
“Neither of us are being honest. With ourselves, or each other.” He shrugs, a small smile on his face.
You cock your head, a motion for him to continue.
“You’re in love with Choso.” He sighs, but still smiles.
You freeze. You were right, gigs up. You lean on the counter and look at the ceiling. There was no point in acting anymore, and you didn’t think you had the energy to pretend otherwise anymore.
“I’m sorry Suguru.” Your tears well up now, guilt overtaking you.
“Don’t be, I’m not.” He shrugs, sipping the coffee.
“What?” Your head whips to him.
“You’re in love with Choso, I’m in love with Satoru.” He smiles.
You’re actually… not shocked. It makes sense. Everything does. It all makes sense.
There’s a beat of silence before you catch each other's gaze, and you both begin to softly laugh.
“We’re fucking idiots, Suguru.” You say, running to wrap him in a hug.
“You’re an idiot. It’s just you now. Satoru told me he loved me last night, I told him I loved him too, have done since high school. You’re probably gonna hate me but – it was the best night of my life.” His lazy smirk has returned.
Despite just hearing you were technically just cheated on – you feel elated.
“Suguru, truly – I am so happy for you. You’re a good man – and I’m – I’m sorry I wasn’t honest with you from the get-go. Truth is I’ve always been in love with Choso and, I’ve been trying to get over him for years.” The tears are back again. You try to will them away, but Suguru swipes them off your cheek with his thumb.
“You’re a dumbass.”
“I know.”
“You’re still going to his gig tonight, right?” He asks.
You nod.
“Go get ready. I gotta go, but – I am sorry too. For how things worked out, but I’m glad I met you. Tell him tonight, Y/N. I think you’ll be surprised.” Suguru says, waltzing toward the door with that easy confidence that only he has.
“I’m sorry too, Suguru. I’m happy for you, really.” You shrug, smiling.
He opens the door and just before he leaves, he turns.
“Wear that baby blue set under your outfit - it’s fucking sexy as hell.” He says, winking at you as he closes the door and your jaw drops.
You’re left alone and as you stand there; you break into laughter.
That might have been the weirdest break up in history.
But – maybe, this was your sign.
If things could work out for Satoru and Suguru – maybe you could get your happy ending too.
By 10.15pm, you were walking in the door of the bar. The place was packed like a tin of sardines, and the first thing you heard was the Smokey tones of Choso’s voice mingled in with cheers and drunken singing from the audience, people were clamouring to the front to get a better view and place to enjoy the gig. The place must have been completely sold out, by the looks of things. You went to the bar and ordered a Gin and Tonic and sang along under your breath to the songs you’ve heard thousands of times as you sat in on practice sessions as the guy's test audience.
After about 15 minutes, you found a nice spot to lean against a pillar far enough away from the stage that you won’t be seen. You just want to enjoy the view for a while, he looks so beautiful under the lights. Signature buns gleaming with sweat under the lights and guitar hanging loosely off of his shoulder, another all-black outfit – tight black long-sleeved shirt with rips around the collar and black cargo’s again – your favourite on him. They make his ass look damn good.
You could hear murmurs in the audience as people passed, everything ranging from “Damn, I’d climb that front man like a tree,” to “the things I’d let their lead singer do to me would have me sent to hell,” and it make your skin crawl. Not that you disagreed, actually the opposite. You never used to feel such jealousy, hell you had set him up with some people but sometimes it reared its ugly head and tonight it was raging – pulsing through your veins like it was making its home there. You shake your head, looking back up at him. He looks so at home, so peaceful on the stage – that usual tension and awkwardness in his shoulders are gone when he’s on stage. You think happy Choso is the most beautiful Choso.
You were broken out of your thoughts by Choso’s words.
“Um – next songs a new one.” He murmurs into the mic and is met with cheers and applause.
The beat starts up, and you don’t recognise it. You always heard the songs first, before the other band members sometimes. You let yourself relax; he’s probably just forgotten. You take a swig of your drink.
I heard he got you a penthouse
on the westside when will he learn
That you're afraid of heights?
Choso’s voice croons through the room and you blink – wait, like that weekend Geto took you on? Did he take inspiration from your situation? That’s cool!
I heard he got you a new Benz
with the white wheels when will he learn
That you like to tandem bike?
Like the picnic weekend? He really had! That’s cool that your slightly mismatched relationship had been fodder for this song. No wonder he hadn’t told you, he was probably worried you’d be mad.
Mm mmh and I hate that
Wait, what?
His voice begins to swell, and the passion in his voice is something you’ve never heard in his covers of other artists, or in songs written by the other boys. This was new, the pain, the raw emotion seeping into his chords was so powerful it felt like the energy of the room changed completely.
And then, you heard the lyrics.
I could love you with my eyes closed
Kiss you with a blindfold
Figure you out (mm mmh)
I might hold you with my hands tied
Show you I'm the right guy
To figure you out
Your heart stops, you drop the glass you’re holding but the sound is swallowed by the rasping delight of Choso’s voice booming through the speakers as he holds the mic and you stare at his face, eyes closed, and you could swear you can see his very soul in his body at that moment.
Because it hits you,
This song.
You weren’t just some inspirations.
You were the song.
He wrote it.
About you. For you.
He loved you.
Holy shit.
I heard he got you some new friends
with some big dreams when will he learn
That you already got your own? (Mm mmh)
Oh, I heard he got you the front row
at the rap show when will he learn
That you like The Rolling Stones?
You began to walk forward, still near the back of the crowd but close enough now that you’re within range for him to see you.
The chorus finishes, and he opens his eyes and his heart nearly drops from his body and his blood runs icey. You were there, standing, slack jawed and staring him in the eyes. You’ve heard the fucking song and you fucking know. It’s not hard to figure out when you hear it. How did you know? How were you here? He locks eyes with you, and sees tears glinting even from this distance but then – the corners of your lips, they quirk up into a smile. Wide, and so beautiful his breath almost catches. Your hands fly up to your mouth in surprise. He hopes to whatever power there is that’s a good reaction, because fuck, this is make it or break it. This could be 15 years of friendship and the love of his life gone.
Fuck it, damage is done now.
Might as well make it a good show.
And I've been thinking
Of all the little things
That you've been missing
When will you learn?
He wants you to understand, he needs you to feel what he’s telling you in this song. So, he pulls every fibre of himself, every ounce of love he’s ever had for you and spills it onto his guitar and down the mic.
I could love you with my eyes closed
Kiss you with a blindfold
Figure you out (mm mmh)
I might hold you with my hands tied
Show you I'm the right guy
to figure you out.
His eyes never leave yours, and your hand drops from your mouth and he almost missed the moment of your mouth.
Four tiny words. He can’t even hear them over his own voice and music, or the cacophonous crowd.
But he sees them.
You see them on your lips.
I love you too.
He can’t help it. The smile takes over his body as he holds one of his hands in a fist to his heart as he stares at you through the crowd. Eso and Chez have seen what’s going on now too, and the drums and bass get some extra oomph poured into them at the sight.
I could treat you so much better
I've known you forever figured you out
You throw your hands up into the air, he saw you. He heard you; he knows. He knows you love him.
He loves you.
Fuck, he loves you too.
I could love you with my eyes closed
Kiss you with a blindfold, yeah
Figure you out (Figure you out, yeah)
I might hold you with my hands tied
Show you I'm the right guy
To figure you out
With a final cheer, the song comes to a close and without even a goodbye to the crowd, Choso’s guitar is left abandoned on the stage as he pushes through the room toward you and then you feel large, warm, calloused and oh so sweaty hands grip your waist and your feet leave the ground as you notice you’ve been hauled by Choso onto his shoulder and he’s walking toward the backstage area with you.
Privacy.
How very Choso.
The sound dies down but you can’t even find your footing when your feet touch the ground because before you even open your eyes, you’re pinned against a wall – and you’re suddenly engulfed in the smell of sweat, smoke and sandalwood cologne. Hands are on your cheeks and then lips are on yours and this might be heaven. You meet Choso’s lips with equal passion and ferocity – years of longing and desire and love spilling into a kiss because words just won’t be enough right now, and he just has to taste you.
He tastes like rum and coke, his favourite drink to have before a show and with a hint of spearmint gum and his lips just slot so perfectly against yours you think that they were puzzle pieces destined to fit like this forever. One hand finds its way into your hair, and the other to your waist to pull you flush against his chest and yours find purchase in his raven hair, wild from the show. You vaguely hear a door open and close – as if someone came in then very quickly left, but you couldn’t care less. Not when right now Choso was everywhere. His hands clutched you tight against him and you’ve never felt more on fire than you did in that moment.
The need for oxygen soon overtakes your need for Choso and you pull your lips away. You rest your forehead against his, both pairs of eyes still closed, but you can see the small smile on his flushed face.
“Do you mean it?” He whispers.
“Every word.”
“Me too.”
“I’d hope so – you just sang a whole song about it.” You laugh and he follows suit.
He kisses you softly, almost chaste.
“I love you. I’ve loved you since we were kids, since you gave me an animal cracker to buy my friendship.” He says, and you feel his lips move as he speaks.
“I’ve love you too Cho – since you let me buy your friendship with an animal cracker.”
You can feel him smiling into the kiss now, it grows messy – all teeth and giggles and shaking hands.
He stills.
And pulls away.
“Oh my god – we can’t, you’ve a boyfriend. What about Geto?” His eyes look panicked.
“In love with Satoru. We broke up earlier – he knew I was in love with you, told me to come and get my man.” You lean into him, cupping his cheeks so he looks straight down at you and his gaze softens.
“I’m all yours, Cho. I always have been.”
And that’s the final straw. You hear a sound you never thought the man capable of making as he grabs the back of your hair and pulls you in by your hip and fucking growls into your ear. You shiver.
“We’re leaving.” He says, grasping your hand and dragging you out the back door. Before you can think he’s lifted you onto the back of his motorcycle and plopped a helmet on your head, then he’s swinging a leg over and you wrap your arms around his stomach – as he revs the engine to life and takes off. You know he’s going back to your place – but you can’t focus when you can see his thick thighs flexing as he straddles the motorcycle and the purring of the engine does little to quell the heat between your thighs. As he parks up, he lifts you off the bike and once again throws you over his shoulder as you squeak in delight – he was so much larger than you, and the feeling of being manhandled like this was making you weak in the knees.
He takes your keys from your purse and opens the door, slamming it shut behind him and not even pausing as he strides straight for your room.
You’re unceremoniously tossed onto the bed and you love it and you squeeze your thighs together in the hopes of some form of friction where you need it most. He stands at the edge of your mattress and rips his shirt over his head before he falls down on top of you. Arms caging around your head and one thigh slotted between yours, the kiss that follows is all consuming. Devouring. You place your hands through his hair, pulling his silky raven hair from its buns and you tug slightly, and he bucks his hips into yours with a groan.
“Angel – please. Later, tomorrow, whenever you want - I’ll make love to you, properly. Show you how much I love you but right now, I gotta fuck you. I need’ta feel you, alright?” He growls into your ear, restraint quavering.
His words send a flush of wetness into your already ruined panties. That’s what you want, no - that’s what you need.
“Cho – look at me.”
And he does, the fire in his eyes is scorching and you stare right into it.
“I want you to fucking ruin me. Please, Cho.” You whine, and he can’t take it anymore.
Your shirt is being tugged over your head, and you can see him being so gentle - he’s trying to be, as least. You reach around and unclip your bra, flinging it across the room as he shimmy’s your jeans and panties down your legs. Had had worn the baby blue lingerie set – not that it mattered how in a heap on your bedroom floor.
Your senses clicked back into place and you were brought back down to reality. You were bare, naked as the day you were born, laying on your bed and about to have sex with Choso. Your Choso. Your best friend, your other half. The man you have always sworn you were destined for. You can’t help the tears that well up as you look at him. The light from your lamp behind him illuminated him in the most beautiful light and your breath hitches with a sob which startles him.
“Fuck, angel - what’s going on? Am I taking it too fast? We can stop – I don’t expect anything. Just talk to me.” He sits beside you now and you don’t even let him finish his sentence.
“I’m just happy, Choso. I’ve wanted this for so fucking long.” You say as you flip you both around so you’re straddling his thighs.
“Fuck angel, you’ve no idea. Always had me so fucking hard from doing nothing, have me feeling like a virgin all over again.” He says as you unbuckle his trousers and start pulling them down his thighs, as he finishes the job for you.
He pauses for a moment, his turn for a reality check.
His eyes scan your naked figure, no art could do this justice. No dream of what you looked like under your clothes, no wet dream could come close.
“You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid my eyes on. How are you even real?” He says, gripping your hips and sitting up to capture your lips once more.
“You’re one to talk.” You tease as you gasp, feeling his desire clearer now with just his black boxers between you.
All softness was gone now.
He laid you on your back, laid a big hand over your lower stomach to keep you still and spread your thighs with his other.
“Gotta fuckin taste you. God, such a pretty pussy. Knew you’d be just as perfect down here.” He’s not even talking to you now, just rambling.
And he wastes no time in getting what he wants, face diving into your slickness and tongue exploring your folds like a man parched. The feeling of his wet mouth on your most sensitive parts makes you whine and gasp as he laps at you like an ice cream cone – once he wraps his pretty pink lips around your little Pearl of nerves you know you’re done for. You were already so worked up, you know you won’t last long. You didn’t even realise he’d slid a finger inside until he thrust in a second and curled them up into your squishy spot inside making you gasp out a stuttered version of his name and he groans into you – the sound of his name on your lips being said with such pleasure could almost make him cum on the spot, and he realises she’s grinding his hips into the mattress like a horny teenager. He’s ready for use his trump card now, he knows your close – can feel you clenching your thighs around his head. He stops suckling on your clip and you protest the lack of stimulation until you feel it – oh my god, how had you forgotten? The small, solid, metal nub laving against your clit was his fucking tongue piercing and within seconds, he had you gushing all over his face and fingers and moaning out like you never have before – vision completely white as you body shakes and waves of pleasure control your movements. He lets you ride out your high on his face before lifts away, reaching for his pants pocket before a tiny shaking hand is stopping him.
“Cho - I’m clean, and I’ve a coil, and I know you’re clean too. You don’t gotta wear one.” Your lashes flutter at him as his heart stutters.
“Angel, are you asking me to fuck you raw?” He asks, incredulous as your wide eyes blink innocently as if you don’t know what you’re doing, and you nod up at him.
He lifts his head to look at the ceiling to try and regulate his breathing, so he doesn’t just finish then and there. He must have done something really good in another life.
Your eyes scour his body, and you land on the bulge in his boxers, it looks big, heavy straining against the fabric, and you can see the wet patch where his tip has been leaking arousal this whole time. You wrap your fingers into the waistband and pull them down to free him. His pretty pick cock slaps up against his abs, spreading shiny pre across the sweaty skin there and oh he’s big. You always thought he would be, from outlines you’ve seen in swimming trunks and sweatpants. He’s perfect, 7.5 inches or so – and girthy, so deliciously girthy that you know the stretch will send you to heaven. You wanna taste him, but you need him inside you like, yesterday.
He hissed when you grip his length and spit into your hand to allow you to pump him a few times before you lay back and open your legs, inviting him into you. In the blink of an eye, your hand darts into your bedside drawer and a bottle of lube appears, no matter how prepped and wet you are you know you’ll need it to take him.
He takes it from you and exhales a breath as he squeezes some onto his cock and spreads it around and the sight is glorious. You always had a thing for guys jacking off, and seeing Choso palm and tug at his own dick was peak dream-fuel.
He spreads your folds with deft, nimble guitarists fingers and you hook your ankles around his back as he begins to push in and you both hiss at the feeling, the first taste of your union.
“You good, angel?” He asks, always such a sweet boy.
You bite your lip and nod at him, clutching at his back to pull him deeper and he obliges by filling you the rest of the way with one smooth thrust and when he bottoms out a string of profanities from both of you fills the air of the room. You lust addled brains pause for a second.
“I love you, Cho.”
“I love you too, angel. Please, be mine?”
“I’ve always been yours. All yours Cho. Make me yours, claim me.” You whimper and with that he pulls out only to slam his hips back into yours and he begins to barrel his hips into yours with the speed and force of a jackhammer and your breath is taken from your body.
“You want me to claim you? Fuck, such a perfect cunt. Made for me, you were made for me. I’m all yours, forever – angel. Jesus, squeezing me so tight. Cock’s all yours, angel. I love you.” He groans as he watches himself thrusting into your wetness.
He hooks your ankles over his shoulders and you can see the bulge in your tummy from how deep he is and you wordlessly grab his hand and press it to your tummy so he can feel himself in you. He’s possessive, that much is clear – so you know it’ll drive him wild.
He actually fucking whimpers and you’ve never heard anything hotter and you attach your lips to his neck and suck a dark bruise onto the juncture of his neck and shoulder and he bites down on your throat leaving clear indication of where he’d been. You feel your peak approaching fast and he does too, he pulls down to watch your face as you cum.
“Cum for me pretty, I’m so close – where can I – fuck, where can I cum?” He whimpers into your skin.
“Inside Cho. Please.” You reply, sounding so fucked out that his hips grow sloppy and he twitches into your magic spot and you clench around him, and the fluttering feeling of your tight walls as you cum around his cock sends him over the cliff with the most powerful orgasm of his life.
He thrusts a few more times, savouring the feeling of your heat. As he pulls out, his eyes are drawn to the sight of your mixed spends leaking from your clenching hole and he swears he’d immediately hard again.
You grab his shoulders and pull him beside you, wrapping your arms around his neck.
“You’re incredible.” You whisper.
“No more than you, angel.” He presses a kiss to the tip of your nose as you giggle.
He relaxes and clutches you into him.
“So, ehm – are we like, yaknow – do you wanna… maybe?” His eyes dart around the room and you struggle to connect the lustful, dominant, possessive man who’s just fucked you into your mattress with the shy, kind boy trying to talk to you now.
“Yes Cho. We’re dating. I’m your girlfriend, if that’s what you’re asking.” You giggle, swinging your legs from the bed and waltzing to the en suite door.
“That’s the best sentence I ever heard.” He says, with a hazy, fucked out smile.
You whisper sweet nothings into the night as you clean up together, and find time for another round before you finally drift off in each others arms, limbs entwined. No more separate beds at sleepovers, just wrapped up in each other.
Nothing had ever felt more right.
A 15 year old boy, curled up watching a film with his boyfriend jumped when his phone buzzed.
Big Bro: I know it was u little shit that told her abt the gig. She heard the song.
Yuuji: idk what ur talking about 😇😇😇😇😇
Big bro: idiot. But I’m not coming home tonight - I’m staying at hers. So, thank you – even if ur a menace to society. Megumi can stay, u can stay w ur bf bc I’m stayin w my gf.
And the boyfriend in question jumps out of his skin when Yuuji jumps up cheering.
“They got together! ‘Gumi! Look, Y/N’s his girlfriend! YES!” Yuuji is jumping in the air like he just won the lottery.
Megumi rolls his eyes, but mutters.
“Fucking finally.”
#jjk#jjk x reader#jujutsu kaisen choso#choso smut#choso kamo#choso imagine#choso au#band au#jjk smut
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baby, please - part 15
You join Santi at Frankie's Halloween party, and you think his friends are a hoot.
Warnings: Reader is called 'Auntie' by a four year old. Heavy on the Halloween theme (obviously). Bad descriptions of a decorated house (I've never been one to celebrate Halloween, I've never really decorated my house). Lots of dialogue. Like one swear word. Slight, teeny-tiny, self-consciousness regarding future relationships for the babies/Santi/the boys/other kids. Nervousness over meeting new people. Slightly drunk Santi.
Word count: 4,301
F!Reader, no use of Y/N.
Again, not a great chapter, I apologise. I tried my best and no amount of rewriting could make me love it. But at least you've met the guys now!
Part 14 ● Series Masterlist ● Part 16
“I’m actually really excited for tonight, thanks for inviting me,” Gabrielle said as she walked into your apartment, kids in tow, already dressed in their costumes, the Hulk and…Michael Myers.
Theodore looked up at you as you closed your door, and he gave a loud roar, before ‘flexing’ his arms. “Hulk smash!”
You grinned before pretending to act shocked. “Please, Mr Hulk, don’t smash up my apartment! I’m moving out soon and need it to look nice for the new owners.”
“Are you leaving?” Theodore asked, lifting his mask, and looking at you with sad eyes.
You shake your head. “No, I’m just getting a bigger house, for me and my babies.” You pat your bump.
“Okay,” Theodore said, going quiet before asking, “Can I smash your new house then?”
“No smashing of other people’s property,” Gabrielle said, putting Luna down on the floor as the two-year-old toddled off into your living room.
You look at Gabrielle with an amused look at Theodore followed his sister. “So…Michael Myers?”
Gabrielle rolled her eyes as she made her way through your apartment, bags in hand. “I don’t know where she got it from, but she refused any other costume. I asked Matthew about it, but he’s claiming ignorance. It was definitely him though, but I’m not sure when he’s had the chance to watch Halloween with our two-year-old.”
You throw your hands up. “I mean…if Luna likes it – “
“Won’t people think I’m being a bad mother letting her dress up as a serial killer from a movie?”
“No-one’s going to think you’re a bad mother, Gabs. If anything, they’ll find it funny. I know Santi will.”
Gabrielle pulled a face before shaking her head. “It’s fine. You know what, it’ll be fine. I’m overthinking it.”
“You are a little. Seriously, don’t worry about it.” You look at her bags. “What are you dressing as?”
“A pirate,” Gabrielle replied. “And I made it myself with an old shirt and pants. They haven’t fit me since before I was pregnant with Luna so I thought they might as well have one last good use.”
You nod. “Cool. I’m going as Midge, you know, the - ”
“The Barbie doll?” Gabrielle cried, her eyes widening as she laughed. “That’s genius!”
“I have a wig and everything,” you laugh with her. “I hope it’s not too niche.”
“No, it’s great! I can’t wait to see it!”
You get ready together in your small bathroom as the kids watched cartoons and ate some dinner (Luna had refused to take off her mask until Gabrielle had bought out the PB&J sandwich and banana). Gabrielle looked amazing in her home-made costume (an old stripy black and white t-shirt, and some black pants that had been strategically cut to look ripped), complete with eyepatch and red head scarf. She helped you get into your costume until you both laughed with tears in your eyes, finding yourselves absolutely hilarious. You laughed even more when you placed on your red-haired wig.
“I need a photo!” Gabrielle said, still laughing, before you posed at the bathroom door as she took the picture, a wide smile on your face as you hold your bump.
After a few more laughs, and some photos with Gabrielle and the kids, you share the photos with the group chat, where Beth and Courtney both send back images of their own Halloween plans; Courtney at home with Andy, on the couch watching horror films with a big bowl of candy they were going to hand out to the trick or treaters, and Beth and Georgia at another Halloween party with Georgia’s family, where they were both dressed in a couple’s costume of She-Go and Kim Possible.
Once you and Gabrielle were ready, and the kids had finished their sandwiches, you text Santi to let him know you were on the way to Frankie’s house. He had sent over Frankie’s address earlier that day, and it wasn’t too far from the restaurant you had your date at. You set up your GPS as Gabrielle got the kids settled in the back of your car, settled in the car seats you had borrowed from Georgia via Beth.
“Are you nervous?” Gabrielle asked as she climbed into your car and closed the door.
“About what?” you ask, looking behind you as you backed out of your parking space.
“Me meeting Santi, or Santi meeting me,” Gabrielle answered.
“No, not at all,” you answer back, pulling out onto the street. “I’m more nervous about meeting his friends. He holds them in such high regard, I’m scared I’ll disappoint them.”
“You could never,” Gabrielle says. “You’re having the guys kids, I’m sure they’ll trust his judgement.”
You give her a look.
“Not that there’s anything to judge, you’re a wonderful person, I love you,” Gabrielle quickly adds, sending you a wide smile with a small giggle.
“Thanks, really appreciate it,” you snark back good-naturedly, shaking your head as you laugh.
“Auntie?” Theodore calls you from his place in the back.
“Yes, honey?” you ask him as you stop at some lights.
“When are your babies coming?”
“Not until February,” you reply. “We have to do Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and my birthday, then I’ll have my babies.”
“Can we meet them when they’re born?” Theodore asks.
“Not until they’re all settled at home,” Gabrielle said. “Remember when we bought Luna home, and it was just me, you, Luna, and daddy for a while?”
“Yup,” Theodore said.
“Well that’s because we all needed to get to know Luna first, wasn’t it?” Gabrielle asked. “So your Auntie and…her…friend…”
You smirk in amusement as Gabrielle tried to explain your relationship with Santi in a child friendly way. You make a right turn, making your way onto a residential street, already with a few trick or treaters.
“Anyway, your Auntie and her friend will be with the babies for a little bit before we get to see them.”
“Who is your friend, Auntie?” Theodore asked.
“His name is Santiago,” you reply. “You’ll meet him tonight.”
Theodore is quiet for a little bit before saying, “I thought mommies and daddies had to be married to have babies?”
“Who’s excited for the party?” you asked enthusiastically, causing Luna to cheer, Theodore soon joining, causing the four-year-old to soon forget his questions.
Gabrielle grinned before quietly whispering, “Nice save, you heathen.”
“I may be a heathen, but you will have to explain to your kids why I’m pregnant without being married. We’re here!” you call, pulling up to a nice-looking house, covered in Halloween decorations. The house was covered in fake cobwebs and ‘Keep Out!’ tape was stuck on the doors and windows.
There was a large, blow-up witch by the front door, and a few fake gravestones littering the front yard, some skeletons hanging over some, and you could see fake spiders with light up eyes scattered over the yard with them. The lighting inside the house was lightly fading into different colours, like purple, red, green, and orange. Lastly, you spot Jack-o’-Lanterns gathered together by the garage and the steps leading up the small porch, and the front door.
“This looks nice,” you say, looking at all the decorations.
Gabrielle nodded, smiling. “Looks like fun! Let’s go!”
You climb out of the car, giving a small shiver at the chill of the Autumn air, before getting Luna out as Gabrielle tended to Theodore. You hold the two years old’s hand as Gabrielle comes to your side, holding Theodore’s hand and the children’s bag over her shoulder. You all make your way up to the front door, before you stop, but you stand there, nervous. The sound of laughter, chatter, and faint music spills out from it, mingling with the rustle of fallen leaves.
You look at Gabrielle. “I feel really nervous. And really stupid because I feel really nervous.”
“It’s okay to feel nervous, and you’re not stupid,” Gabrielle said. “There’s a lot of things happening tonight, and if you’re not comfortable, we can just forget this and walk around the neighbourhood with the kids.”
You take a few deep breaths, trying to calm your rapidly beating heart. Gabrielle was right, there was a lot happening tonight. One of the most important people in your life is meeting an equally as important person. And in turn, you’ll be meeting the most important people in his life. You're grateful for Gabrielle’s comforting presence of your friend, her reassuring smile helping to ease the nervous tension.
Eventually you nod at Gabrielle before turning back to the door before ringing the doorbell.
After a few moments, your heart stops as the front door opens. You’re faced with a gorgeous woman, her thick, dark hair cascading in loose waves, sat under a witch’s hat. It framed her face, where her flawless sun-kissed skin was decorated with the glitter and Halloween make-up. She looks at you all with her dark eyes before gasping, her eyes widening in excitement. She calls your name.
“Yes, that’s me,” you say, smiling nervously. You assume this is Sarah. “And this is Gabrielle, my friend. And her kids, Theodore, and Luna.”
“I’m so glad you could make it! I’m Sarah. I’ve been so excited to meet you, can’t believe Santi kept you to himself for so long. Anyway, come in, come in,” she ushers you all in, closing the door behind you. “Your costumes look fantastic! Everyone’s just in the living room, I can put your bag in the closet?” she asks Gabrielle.
“Oh, no I’m fine, thank you, I can do it,” Gabrielle said.
“It’s no problem,” Sarah said, taking the bag from Gabrielle. “Go on through!”
You and Gabrielle thank her again before you make your way through the house. It was a small corridor that lead into an open plan living room, where it was just as heavily decorated as the outside. You feel your heart beating harder as nervousness ran through your body, as you take in the people in the living room. It was a little loud, but not too loud where it was obnoxious. The kids immediately let go of yours and Gabrielle’s hands at the sight of the toys scattered around the living room, throwing themselves on the floor and immediately playing.
Your eyes widen a little as you take in the small crowd. Santi wasn’t here. And you didn’t recognise anyone other than Frankie (who hadn’t actually put on a costume), and he was stood with a good-looking blonde man and a cute redheaded woman, who was hanging off of the man’s arm. The blonde and redhead were in a couple’s costume of Daphne and Fred from Scooby-Doo. Frankie chuckled at something the pirate said, before turning and catching your eye.
“Oh hey!” Frankie called as he saw you. He excuses himself from his group and makes his way over to you. “Glad you could make it.”
“Thanks again for the invite,” you say, giving a nervous laugh before turning to Gabrielle, who smiled at him. “This is my friend, Gabrielle, and her kids Theodore and Luna, who are absolutely demolishing your daughter’s toys.”
Frankie waved a nonchalant hand. “Don’t worry about it. Nice to meet you,” Frankie says, shaking Gabrielle’s hand.
“You too. And thanks again for letting me join you,” Gabrielle replied. “My kids love Halloween.”
“It’s not a problem,” Frankie says before turning to you. “Pope just ran out, he’ll be back in a few.”
You nod, letting out a breath you didn’t realise you were holding.
“Come over, make yourselves at home,” Frankie said, leading you both over to the people who he was talking to. “These are Will and Claire, I’m sure Pope’s mentioned them to you before.”
“Hi,” you say, Gabrielle giving a small wave.
“What can I get you to drink?” Frankie asked.
“Lemonade, please, if you have it,” Gabrielle said.
Frankie nodded before looking at you.
You really wanted Diet Coke, but you’d just met these people and you felt like it would be really rude to just…ask for something they might not have. Maybe you could just have a water? No, that was a bit boring, especially at a party, but you were pregnant, so it was the healthiest choice and no-one would question if you just wanted a water. God, you’re overthinking over a drink. You wouldn’t be so on edge if Santi was here, you wouldn’t be as worried to ask anything.
“A lemonade is fine for me too, thanks,” you reply.
Frankie nodded again before claiming he’d be back soon. He disappears through to the kitchen, not before stopping to give Sarah, now carrying a little girl dressed as a fairy (who was the image of Frankie), a quick peck before disappearing into the kitchen.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Will says gently. You got a chill vibe from him, although he looked rough and tumble. “Pope’s told us all about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” you say with a nervous smile as Frankie leaves towards the kitchen.
“Absolutely,” said Will, smiling as he pulled Claire into his side, her hand automatically resting on his chest, her engagement ring glinting in the Halloween themed lights. “You and the kids are all he talks about nowadays.”
You hold back a grin as Gabrielle gave you a small nudge.
“It’s been nice, that he wants to stick around,” you say, your cheeks warming. “Having kids wasn’t in my plans right now, and I could only guess they definitely weren’t in his.”
“They weren’t, but Pope’s always been good at adapting. And he’s really warmed up to the idea of being a dad,” Will said, giving a nod. “He’s dedicated to ‘em already.”
“Not dedicated enough to get a fucking car, though,” said Frankie, jokingly, suddenly coming up behind you with two glasses of cloudy lemonade in his hands.
“He said he’s working on it,” you said, coming to Santi’s defence, before taking a glass from Frankie and thanking him.
Gabrielle thanked Frankie for the other lemonade before looking between you all. “Is he fond of the truck?”
Frankie snorted, now nursing his own beer bottle. “He’d marry the truck if he could. He bought it when we came back from our first mission. Surprised it still runs.”
“Whose kid is Michael Myers?” a deep voice asked from behind you.
You turn to see a tall, blonde man, dressed – ironically – as a pirate. His eyes were the same colour at Will’s, and they looked similar, so you had to assume this was Benny. He was carrying a pack of beer in one arm, an open can in the other hand. He looks at everyone with a furrowed brow, confused about you and Gabrielle – obviously because you were unfamiliar.
“She’s mine,” Gabrielle said, rolling her eyes. “Don’t ask.”
“Holy shit, we match!” Benny cried, his grin widening as he motioned to their outfits. “Here I thought I was being clever being a pirate!”
Gabrielle gave a small, amused laugh. “Your costume is better than mine, I just threw this together.”
“Nah, you look great!” Benny said, and you could tell he meant it. He reminded you a little of a Golden Retriever; a dumb, loving, Golden Retriever.
“Well…thanks,” Gabrielle said, blushing a little as she took a sip of her lemonade.
Benny’s eyes landed on you, before smirking. “Been looking forward to meeting you.”
“Be nice,” Frankie said, giving Benny a pointed look.
“He bothering you, cariño?”
You turn so suddenly, you’re surprised you didn’t give yourself whiplash. Your breath catches. Santi's dressed as a charming vampire, complete with the fake-bloodied holes on his neck, a black cape and fake fangs that glint as he grins at you. As if they feel their father near (or, you know, the sudden acceleration of your heartbeat), you feel a few kicks from within, a reminder of the two lives quietly developing beneath the surface.
Realising you may have taken too long to answer, you shake your head. “No, no. He isn’t bothering me.”
Santi gives a small laugh of amusement before he holds up a case of Diet Coke cans. “Had to get these, since Frankie isn’t accommodating for new guests.”
“Hey, hermano, I would have gotten them if I’d known,” Frankie says, with mock offence, before giving Santi a pointed look. “Don’t blame me for your bad planning!”
Santi throws him the bird before pulling a can from the pack. “Might be a bit warm, I can put the rest in the fridge. Unless you want to wait?”
Oh, you love this man. You want to marry this man.
“I’ll finish my lemonade first, thank you,” you say, smiling softly. “I’ll have a Coke later.”
Santi nods before putting the can back in the pack before he glares at Benny. “Don’t be an ass.”
“I wasn’t!” he called as Santi walked off into the kitchen. He turned to look at you. “I wasn’t going to be an ass, I swear.”
“I believe you,” you say, nodding as you sip at your lemonade.
“Go and put your beer in the fridge,” said Will, laughing.
Benny rolled his eyes, muttering something you couldn’t quite hear, before he turned and followed Santi through to the kitchen, calling for him.
“So uh…that’s Santi?” Gabrielle asks you quietly.
You sigh lightly, giving her a look. “Yup.”
“Cute. Nice hair. And a nice smile…I assume, he’s got fangs in.”
“He does have a nice smile,” you say, before smirking. “Nice ass, too.”
You both snort a laugh in amusement before going quiet when Santi and Benny come back, talking animatedly about something that you couldn’t quite keep up with, beers in their hands. You avert your gaze, looking at Gabrielle, who smirked back at you as she sipped at her lemonade. You shake your head as Santi stands next to you, Benny next to him.
“What have I missed?” he asked, looking at the group.
“Introductions, mostly,” you say, motioning to Gabrielle. “This is Gabrielle. Gabs, this is Santi.”
Gabrielle and Santi shake hands. “Nice to meet you,” Gabrielle says.
“You too,” Santi says. He nods to Theodore and Luna, who were still sat playing with the toys. “I’m assuming Michael Myers and the Hulk are yours?”
“They are,” Gabrielle says, letting out a small laugh. “Theodore and Luna. She insisted on being Michael Myers.”
“Girl’s got taste, it’s my favourite horror film,” Benny said, laughing.
As the night goes on, more and more guests show up, and the house is soon full of people. Sarah’s brothers and sister had turned up with their kids, and Theodore and Luna soon integrated themselves with the other children, who ranged from aged 6 months old to 9 years old. Sofía had even joined after a while, although she played mostly on her own, beside Luna, who still had yet to take off her mask.
Sarah had set up some Halloween activities in the back yard; she’d set up a table with some pumpkins of various sizes and some carving sets, mostly for the older kids, but you and Gabrielle helped Theodore and Luna make their own pumpkins. Sarah had also set up a large box filled with water and apples for bobbing, something you opted out of, but howled with laughter when you watched the Miller brothers almost try to drown each other in order to win. Santi was by your side throughout.
You talked to so many people; mostly about work, how your pregnancy was going, if you were enjoying the party. You had to admit, you were having fun, and it was nice to see Santi interacting with his friends. He was…different. But in a good way. He seemed more laidback, chatted a little more, and you got to see him interact with Sofía. He loved that little girl. She was just learning to walk, and she would always find herself toddling over to Santi and reach up for him.
There was never a lull in conversation as he picked her up, it was almost as if it was instinctive for him. It made your heart swell.
The guys didn’t let you down in telling you embarrassing stories about Santi.
You started wondering what it would be like with your kids. Would he take them to Halloween parties like this? Would your children and Sofía grow up together and become friends? Would Frankie, Will, and Benny be as involved as they were with Sofía? You suppose it would be harder, with you and Santi not being an actual couple. They would only see the twins on whichever schedule you and Santi eventually decide between yourselves, and even then, that might not be every time Santi has them.
You look around the living room, holding your long empty Diet Coke can. Benny and Gabrielle were standing with the kids, talking about whatever they were talking about (something to do with boxing…you remember Benny had done some cage fighting), and Frankie and Sarah were putting Sofía to bed. Santi and Will were talking with Claire about wedding planning; but it did look like Claire was doing most of the talking. It was cute, you looked forward to hearing more about it.
You took the opportunity to sneak away to the kitchen, grabbing a moment of peace and quiet. You toss your empty can into the recycling before opening the fridge to grab another.
“You okay, corazón?”
You give a small smile as you look at Santi, who had joined you in the kitchen, beer bottle in his hand. His eyes were a little unfocused, and he was giving you a little dopey smile, probably from the few beers he’d had. You close the fridge. “Yeah, I’m okay. Just grabbing another drink. Thanks for getting these, by the way.”
Santi nodded, leaning against one of the counters. “Not a problem. It was my fault Frankie didn’t have any, I did forget to tell him.”
You shake your head at him. “I would have gone without, you didn’t need to go to the store.”
“Benny was going anyway,” Santi said. “And I wanted to. They didn’t have any Sourpatch Kids though, you might have to steal some from the Trick or Treat bowl.”
You shake your head, grinning. “I’ve already looked, they’re not the watermelon ones.”
“Damn, you just can’t get the staff nowadays,” Santi joked.
You laugh as you open the can. You hold it out to him in a silent offer, and he shakes his head at you, finishing the beer he had with him.
You nod, then you both go silent, and you take a sip of your drink. Something felt…weird. You couldn’t put your finger on it. It wasn’t an awkward feeling, not at all. But now, in this moment, there was an unfamiliar tension in the air. You’d been alone together plenty of times before. Maybe it was because you’d really integrated in each other’s lives; his apartment had a fully furnished nursery, which you picked yourselves, you were both meeting each other’s friends, and you even had your own designated snack drawer in his kitchen for your favourite foods whenever you found yourself at his place.
Maybe that was it. A lot had happened in the last few days and it was getting to you.
“You okay?”
You blink at his question before giving him a closed lipped smile and nodding. “Yeah. Just tired.”
“You can go home if you want, no-one will mind,” Santi said, coming off the counter.
“No, no, I’m okay. Gabs and the kids are having a good time.”
“You sure?” he asks, coming closer to you. “I don’t want you uncomfortable. You’re carrying my kids in there.”
You give a small snort of amusement before nodding. “Yeah…yeah, I’m sure.”
He doesn’t say anything, just takes a few more steps closer to you. Your breath hitches, as you stare at him. The sounds of the party in just the next room seem to fade away, and all you can hear is the thumping of your heartbeat in your ears.
The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as you and Santi share a moment of connection. He’s so close, you feel your back hit the fridge, your noses touching. He smells faintly of the beer he’s been drinking, but mostly of the pumpkins he helped carve for Sofía, and the cologne he always wears, and something that was just plain Santiago. It was mouth-watering. His eyes flash to your lips before meeting yours. Your lips inch closer, teasing the promise of a sweet, stolen kiss in his best friend’s kitchen.
“What are you doing?” you whisper.
There’s a pause before he whispers back. “I don’t know.”
You lean in, your lips barely meeting when the spell is abruptly broken as the kitchen door opens.
Santi jumps apart from you as you gasp at the sudden movement, and before you know it, he’s across the other side of the kitchen, throwing away his empty beer.
Gabrielle walks into the kitchen, looking between the two of you, obviously reading the room. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”
You open your mouth to reply but Santiago shakes his head, a light blush on his cheeks as he grins at her. “No, we were just talking. Nothing going on.”
You freeze. No, that’s not what he meant. Don’t overthink this. He’s a little drunk and you’re having his kids. It’s understandable that he might be feeling a little friendly.
You give a shaky smile to Gabrielle. “Yeah, just talking.”
Gabrielle nodded as Santi mumbled something about re-joining the party and leaving the kitchen. You both watch him leave before you shake your head, trying to calm your breathing and your heart.
“What was that?” Gabrielle whispered, her eyes wide at you.
You shook your head. “I…nothing. It was nothing.”
Tagged - @khonsulockley, @bluenredndeath, @superficialfeelings, @othersideoftheparadise, @beezusvreeland
#triple frontier#santiago garcia x reader#santiago x reader#santiago garcia#oscar isaac#pregnant!reader#santiago garcia x f!reader#frankie morales#william miller#benny miller
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A Fool Remains Foolish
Pairing: Arthur Morgan x fem!reader
summary: Drunk Arthur stumbles into the hotel bathroom to get a deluxe bath. He's too drunk to recognise a woman he used to know and love in past.
tags: weirdly fluffy, drunk Arthur, soft Arthur, he aint no outlaw when he's naked, if you squint you'll see hints of nsfw content
3000 words, 15 minutes reading time
When you discreetly opened the bathroom door to tend to a customer who had ordered a deluxe bath you surely hadn't expected this. You immediately recognized him. It was his soft voice in which cursed himself when he struggled to get out of his pants which gave him away. Then he turned around and undoubtedly, that was Arthur Morgan, hammered and naked in front of you. This familiar body stumbled around in the bathroom, trying to cover his private parts while steering towards the steaming bathtub.
"Sorry, Miss. I'm-", he interrupted his slurring with a chuckle darkly, "I'll behave."
You shook your head smilingly: "I thought we didn't allow drunkards to take baths. We had some who drowned."
"I can swim, I won't drown, don'tcha worry ‘bout me", the man had finally found his way into the bathtub, now submerging in the warm water. Not without spilling half the tub.
As he closed his eyes to enjoy the feeling of a hot bath, you couldn't help but grin like an idiot. Arthur fucking Morgan. You thought you'd never see him again. The last time you spoke to him was about ten years ago. Maybe even more. He obviously hadn't recognized you yet. Maybe a decade of anything but an easy life had changed you, or maybe it was your new hairstyle. Even more likely, it was that he was drunk enough to not know his own name. You watched as he tried to grab the soap, missing it two times before giving up.
"You just relax, Mister", you said kindly and picked up the soap, "that's my job anyways."
"Oh, right!", Arthur remarked as if he had just remembered you were in the room too. You started to soap him up, tracing the lines of his tense muscles with a wet rag. He had changed a lot too, not for the worse though.
"I have a bet going on", Arthur explained in a loud voice "with my friend Lenny, ya know? He thought I wouldn't get a woman to wash me."
"Looks like he lost that bet", you laughed.
"Sure did", Arthur exclaimed. After some giggles he slurred something barely intelligible before he hummed approvingly when you moved on to his hair, massaging the soap into his wet strands. You jumped when the man plumped forwards. You feared he had passed out. But instead, he had just chosen to make an incredibly sudden move to rested his head on his arm which lay still on the brim of the bathtub.
"Yer real kind, miss", he mumbled, "haven't been touched like this by a woman in years."
After you weren't quick enough to think of a response he apologized in a sad voice: "Sorry, maybe ain't appropriate to say that..."
"That's okay", you reassured, "though I don't understand. You're a handsome looking fella."
"I think...I'm payin' you to say that", Arthur stuttered his thoughts. You laughed and because he heard that, he allowed himself a chuckle.
"Trust me, you're paying me to wash you. The money ain't enough to come up with lies", you rinsed his hair, careful not to get soap into his eyes. Which was rather difficult, considering his head position wasn't ideal, hanging almost over the bathtub. The warm water running down his back earned you a content sigh.
"Yer pretty. I'm sure ya got a strong husband back home to take care of ya", he peered at you, still not recognizing you.
"Can't say that I have", you answered truthfully. Having your old lover ask you that made your heart beat quicker. It was as if he attempted to flirt with you, though very poorly.
"Huh? Anyway, I'm a bad man, Miss. Women are right to stay far away from me", he explained quietly, his words transforming into a hum after you continued to his shoulder, working hard to massage his muscles.
"That so...", you whispered a reply.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Most of the night was a blur for Arthur. When he woke up the next morning, the first thing he had to worry about is how he managed to get a bed. He was facing a window with drawn, worn-down curtains. Nevertheless, it was still rather bright in the room, too bright for his hangover. And still, he remained in that position for a while, just until he had woken up a bit more.
Then he rolled over onto his back while fearing that the bed underneath him was rolling over too. He blinked and vaguely recognized the ceiling. He had slept some nights at the Saints Hotel to be familiar with its commodities. A sigh of relief followed. Of all the places he could have passed out, a hotel bed seemed a rather harmless one. But then he caught a glimpse of a human figure sitting next to him.
"Aw shit", he mumbled in a gravelly voice. "I got myself a whore?"
He lifted his heavy arms to pinch the bridge of his nose. The question was more a question to himself, insulting the woman next to him wasn't really his intention...it was more a way of talking himself down for having sunk so low in his drunken state. Either way, he didn't have a lot of time to sulk about it, because a hand slapped him right across the face. Not so hard to seriously hurt, but definitely firm enough to quicken the waking up process.
"You have an odd way of thanking me", you remarked with a sigh. You watched as Arthur properly opened his eyes, staring at you with his blue orbs. God, you had missed them so much. In all the time that had passed since you had last seen him, you had never found a man whose eyes impressed you like Arthur’s had done. Not that this was a feature he had control over, but it added to his offense when he was drunkenly mumbling self-deprecations all night. The dim light hadn't given you a proper opportunity to see them, but now he looked up to you from his pillow, his eyes wide in surprise.
"Y/n?", he mumbled unbelievingly.
You nodded.
"Oh shit", Arthur remarked, flopping back into his pillow, and pressing his fists onto his eyes. He must be dreaming. When he dared a second look, he shamelessly looked you up and down. Just to make sure you were really there. But you quietly sat next to him, an opened book in your lap and dark rings under your eyes.
"That really you?", he asked. Just to verify his aching head wasn't deceiving him.
"Of course it's me, you damn fool", now you couldn't suppress a smile because you saw the red colour coming to his cheeks.
"How-", Arthur started.
"Remember getting a deluxe bath while absolutely shit-faced?", you asked.
Arthur pondered for a while, not sure if those flashes of images were remains of a dream or had really happened. So he carefully answered: "Maybe."
"Well, I had the pleasure to keep you from drowning while scraping two weeks’ worth of dirty off your body", you now giggled, secretly enjoying how the man squirmed uncomfortably under your words.
"Sorry I didn't recognize ya", Arthur apologized, trying to sit up but deciding against it when it proved too much of a hassle. Also, his blanket slipped, which made him realize for the first time since he had woken up that he was completely nude. He lifted the blanket just an inch to make sure, wondering if the situation could get any more embarrassing.
"You vomited on your clothes, I had to get you out of them. Don't worry, I cleaned them. There's not one cloud in the sky and a decent wind so they might be dry in the afternoon", you explained.
Arthur sighed and mumbled: "Guess it don't matter much. I bet I made a fool out of myself in the bathroom already."
He found some comfort in your soft smile, relieved that you didn't show any intention of teasing him about it. You thought back to last night, giggling in reminiscence: "Oh, just a bit. You stumbled across every possible obstacle, and I practically had to drag you up the stairs but that aside...you were manageable."
Arthur joined in in your chuckle, more out of embarrassment than the ability to laugh about himself.
"Should've jus' kicked me out", he suggested.
"I suppose", you shrugged "You're lucky I like you and was happy to see you again or I might have had you arrested."
Arthur blinked at the ceiling. 'You're lucky I like you'? What was that supposed to mean? You might have been lovers ten years ago, but you hadn't been speaking in past tense. Him making a fool out of himself surely wouldn't be enough to rekindle old feelings. And yet, when he turned his head to look at you, he understood. Your cheeks had blushed from the sudden confession and your eyes were glowing in anticipation and excitement. He still couldn't grasp 'why', but for some reason you really seemed to care about him. Hell, you had been taking more care of him in one night than any women ever had. Arthur opened his mouth to say something, though he wasn't entirely sure what. But you were faster.
"I'm sure you're thirsty. I'll get you a glass of water and check on your clothes", you stated, jumping out of bed eagerly, despite being exhausted from the two hours of sleep you had gotten.
When you returned barely ten minutes later, Arthur had passed out again. Lying on his stomach, soft snores filled the room. You couldn't help but smile, put the glass down and slipped under the blanket. At least he's somewhat sober now, you thought. There was no danger of him suffocating on his own vomit, so you might as well rest. The bed wasn't the biggest, but it was comfortable enough for two people, if they weren't skittish about a bit of cuddling.
You didn't want to be indecent though. Arthur was still naked. His clothes were still damp and fluttering on the clothing line on the balcony of the hotel. Arthur's face was turned towards you. You watched as his eyelids twitched; his mouth slightly open. His hair was dishevelled. Guess that happens when you fall asleep with wet hair, not like he had given you a good opportunity to dry it after he had passed out.
Being close to him felt familiar, though completely different at the same time. The two of you were young when you dated, now, neither of you were what could be considered young. Arthur had gained one or two scars on his face, even more on his body, as you had remarked in the bathtub yesterday. But he was still handsome, despite what he may think. It's new though, this talking himself down and apologizing for existing. He wasn't quite that humble when you were together. You wondered what had happened.
With Arthur's rhythmic snores and the exhaustion wearing your body down and making your eyelids heavy, it didn't take long until you finally fell asleep.
It was way past lunchtime, the sun was already threatening to disappear behind the mountains, when Arthur finally woke up again. He was turned towards the window again and his eyes fell onto the glass of water on his nightstand, which he eagerly gulped down. When he turned in bed, determined to rest for only five more minutes before getting up, he suddenly found his face only inches from yours. Drowsy as he was, he had forgotten you were there. But now it was his time to look at your sleeping face in awe. Strands of hair had fallen into your face, one of your hands rested on the pillow, being the only barrier between him and you.
He was going nowhere. Not until you had woken up and brought him his clothes. So he might as well stay in bed and watch you...no, that didn't feel right.
Arthur turned onto his back to stare down the ceiling. Occasionally, he got distracted when you shuffled closer and snuggled up to him. It did feel good to have a warm and soft body next to him. Too good, almost. You weren't his lover anymore and you had already gone through a lot of trouble to care for him this past hours, he didn't want to be the one to have inappropriate thoughts about something that was so long ago and that surely wouldn't be happening again.
"Y/n", he whispered.
There was no reaction whatsoever. You didn't even move an inch. Your arm was snaked around his and he felt your legs pressing against his. Your mouth was so close to his bare skin, he could feel your hot breath. It gave him goosebumps.
"Y/n", he repeated more firmly, turning his body to lie on the side again. Your arms were untangled, and his warm legs were no longer touching yours. You blinked.
"Sorry to wake ya", Arthur whispered, his hand moving one strand of hair out of your face before he remembered to not do it, but to keep a respectable distance. As much as he could in one bed.
You blinked a couple of times before you groaned: "Oh no, sorry. I didn't want to sleep for so long."
"It's okay, darli-...", he cleared his throat, "I just...." Arthur couldn't bring himself to ask you to stand up to get his clothes.
"I'll get them in a minute", you said apologetically, knowing exactly what he was hinting at. Arthur felt bad and sat up, resting his back against the cool bedrest: "Don't worry 'bout it. Take yer time."
You stretched and sat up next to Arthur. You checked him out in the corner of his eye. Now that he only had the blanket covering his low abdomen, starting to cover the area where a thicker trail of hair led down to...
"You're still running with Dutch?", you asked in an attempt to distract yourself.
"Yeah", Arthur answered, his gaze towards the ceiling again.
Your eyes fell on your book that rested on the nightstand: "How's Hosea? I had to think about him a lot last night when I was reading to stay awake. It was him who taught me, remember?"
"I do", Arthur replied thoughtfully, vaguely remembering the scenes of you back in camp when it was still only a small group of people. You had been a quick learner. He remembered bugging Hosea to teach you faster, because he wanted to spend time with you alone and not watch you pronounce letter after letter. What a fool he was back then.
"Hosea's doing good. Still a strong man, I'm sure he'll outlive all of us", Arthur said to your great pleasure.
"He better!", you grinned, "tell him I said hello." But then you wondered if Arthur even wanted to do that. Because it implied telling someone that you two had met again and somehow...you weren't sure if Arthur wanted that. That's why you didn't even wait for an answer and slipped out of bed and announced you'd get his clothes. Arthur shuddered at the cold that suddenly replaced the spot where you had been, but nodded as reply.
As soon as you handed him his clothes and he remarked that they were cleaner than they had been in years, he didn't bother waiting until you offered to leave the room. He sat at the edge of the bed and started to dress himself. His back was turned towards you, but he felt foolish telling you not to watch or leave, reminding himself constantly that he was a drunk idiot last night and there were probably some naked shenanigans that he had done last night that you weren't disclosing to save some of his dignity.
His gun belt clattered as he fixed it around his hip. Arthur looked like a different man. He wasn't the helpless, flirty drunk who you bathed yesterday, neither was he the drowsy man you had slept next to. All of a sudden, he was an outlaw again. A man on the run, a man who many dreamed about seeing him swing. That was what had bothered you ten years ago when the two of you had ended things.
You asked yourself if it still mattered to you now.
Dressed and ready to leave, he took some money out of his satchel and attempted to hand it to you: "For yer trouble. And for keeping you from workin' the whole day."
You crossed your arms: "Couple of hours ago you were disgusted because you thought you woke up next to a working girl and now you try to pay me like one?"
Arthur was stunned. You were right, of course, but he didn't quite grasp the fact that you done all this for him for free. When the money was back in his satchel, the two of you hugged.
It wasn't one of those short, friendly hugs with patting the back of the other. No, it was an intimate hug. Like two friends that met again after years. Or even better, two lovers that found themselves confronted with old feelings. Arthur hugged you tighter, resting his cheek against your head.
"Guess of all the girls I could've made a fool of myself, 'm glad it was you last night", he mumbled.
Your face being pressed into the crook of his neck, he felt your lips curling into a smile.
"Where are you holed up? Will you stop by again?", you suddenly started to feel anxious that this is the last time you'll see Arthur. Not now, not after you haven't felt this safe and happy to be there for somebody.
"We're not far from here. ...I'll be around, sure", as Arthur said those words, he didn't quite believe them yet. But as soon as he had his back turned towards you to walk off to his horse, he knew that he'll be back sooner rather than later.
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I mean, if y'all want...I think a second part is the logical way of approaching this story. But it depends on your feedback hehe
And as pretty much always, this was developed in a cooperation with @little-honeypie
taglist: @photo1030 @stilinskiwitch
#arthur morgan x reader#arthur morgan fanfiction#red dead redemption 2#arthur morgan#rdr2#red dead redemption community#arthur morgan x female reader#rdr2 fanfiction#rdr fanfiction#rdr
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The Birth of a Hero was weird...
Putting aside the fact that it was actually written to be a guidebook for Kim Rok Soo, it was so obvious how weird The Birth of a Hero was as a 'novel' looking back, especially when you re-read the early chapters of TCF. It was weirdly detailed and descriptive about what should've been minor or unnecessary information if it was actually a novel.
For example, The Indestructible Shield, which was an ancient power that wasn't owned or found by anyone in the novel but just so happens to be in the Henituse Territory. It wasn't related at all to the main characters, but TBOAH went into detail about the ancient power's history, its original owner, its location, how to obtain it, and the response to expect once you feed the man-eating tree. I wonder whether Kim Rok Soo ever questioned why Nelan Barrow would write so much about something 'not important' while reading TBOAH, if whether or not the author just decided to ramble about world lore he made up but couldn't tie into the main story. Kim Rok Soo is better than me because I would've gotten really bored.
Also, TBOAH didn't just get into detail about the Ancient Powers either, since it also had a LOT to say about the Original Cale Henituse, his family, and the territory in general. From the very beginning, when Kim Rok Soo wakes up in the body of Cale Henituse, he goes to the bathroom to find the full body mirror the Original Cale Henituse had that was mentioned in the novel. That is INCREDIBLY random information to mention about a minor villain whose sole purpose was to get beaten up by the protagonist. But it doesn't happen just once. When Cale asks Deruth for an allowance, he recalls that the Original Cale also received a large allowance but the exact amount was never mentioned in the novel. Later on, when Ron serves Cale lemonade instead of cold water, he recalls again how the Original Cale hated sour things just like himself.
If he really was inside of the novel, he knew that there should be a large mirror inside.
As expected, the full body mirror was inside the bathroom. Cale Henituse, who had a lot of interest in his appearance and physique, had this mirror set up in here. Nobody else in the household had such a mirror.
The novel did mention that Cale received a large allowance, but it did not mention the exact amount. However, he could realistically understand how large it was based on the amount listed on the cheque.
He really is an insidious man. He knows that, just like Kim Rok Soo, the original Cale hates sour things. But he still chose to bring lemonade, which would take more work to prepare than cold water. [...]
It's pretty obvious by now that TBOAH went deeper into the Original Cale Henituse's character than a normal novel should have in just the first volume, like how he despised gangsters and scammers or how he had horrible aim when drunk, and his relationships with Ron and his family. Kim Rok Soo would recall reading about flashbacks to Cale being woken up by a servant that wasn't Ron which led to a ton of swearing, Cale breaking everything at his spot in the bar once, and Cale getting a scar on his side while drinking the night before meeting Choi Han. The novel also mentioned things that no one else but the Original Cale Henituse knew about, such as how he had high alcohol tolerance but just flushed easily which made people assume he was lightweight. if I were the one reading TBOAH, I would've started to wonder whether the author was planning to make Cale Henituse an important character later on (and maybe he was, but there were only 5 volumes).
The Henituse Family wasn't mentioned as much as Cale was, except for how people pushed the 15-year-old Basen to be the head of the family and how Basen started acting as the family's successor since 2 years ago, but it's odd enough that Nelan Barrow decided to describe characters that Choi Han never even meets (if we assume he only encounters Cale and Deruth and no one else in the family). There were even descriptions of the slums in the Henituse Territory and the Henituse Family business, like???
All of it further cements the fact that The Birth of a Hero was very much a guidebook written for Kim Rok Soo, who was going to swap bodies with Cale Henituse, and to help him adjust to his new life and plan for the future. The novel was fucking suspicious from the start!!!
#trash of the count's family#lout of the counts family#cale henituse#kim rok soo#original cale henituse#thebirthofahero#choi jung gun#nelan barrow#tboah#it felt off since my first read but it made a bit more sense on my re-read#50% of TBOAH was about Choi Han's adventures#the other 50% was CJG rambling about random side character facts and world lore
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The Tie Which Linked My Soul To Thee
Summary: Kate and Arthur share a tender moment in the quiet of the night.
Ao3
Wattpad
Ch.1 Ch.2 Ch.3 Ch.4 Ch.5 Ch.6 Ch.7 Ch.8 Ch.10
Tags: Arthur Morgan/Original Female Character, Widowed, Original Character, Mutual Pining, Slow Build, Eventual Smut, Eventual Romance, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, High Honor Arthur Morgan, Friends to Lovers, Child Loss, Trauma, Canon-Typical Violence, Arthur Morgan Does Not Have Tuberculosis, Arthur Morgan Deserves Happiness, Chubby Arthur Morgan, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Ch 9 - A Hundred Months Have Passed
After a few days had passed, the ebb and flow of camp life settled back into its usual rhythm. The air buzzed with the familiar hum of activity—girls diligently tending to chores, men venturing out in search of employment. Micah, having wisely refrained from his lewd remarks, seemed to steer clear of Kate since the encounter with her blade at his throat.
Kate, ever the reliable hand, lent herself where needed: scrubbing alongside Mary-Beth and Tilly, deftly stitching with Abigail, and even lending a hand in Pearson's kitchen to ease Sadie's burdens. The oppressive heat of Lemoyne clung to everyone like a stifling cloak, making afternoons feel interminable. Yet, the proximity of the lake provided a much-needed reprieve, promising a cool respite at the day's end.
Arthur slipped back into the role of the camp's indispensable jack-of-all-trades. Strauss had once again tasked him with money lending duties, a responsibility Kate chose to abstain from this time. Arthur, sensing her unspoken concerns, pledged a new approach—doing things properly this time. His efforts brought a smile to Kate's lips; she recognized his earnest attempts to turn a new leaf, even amidst his continued forays into stagecoach heists and homestead robberies.
This morning, Dutch and Hosea, accompanied by John and Arthur, ventured into Rhodes at the deputy's behest, hopeful for legitimate work. Kate felt a surge of pride knowing they were earnestly striving for honest wages, unaware of Dutch's clandestine designs. Rumors of a longstanding feud between the affluent Gray and Braithwaite families had piqued Dutch's interest, his mind already scheming.
While the boys were occupied, Kate found herself free from chores, engaging in a serene game of dominos with Tilly and Javier. The late afternoon light filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the camp.
“I don’t like being this far south,” Tilly commented, her voice tinged with fear. “I feel like we ain’t safe here. I ain’t safe here.”
“You’ll be alright, Tilly. We’re all looking out for you,” Kate reassured her.
Tilly sighed and shook her head solemnly. “This lot don’t like folk like me, Kate. My mother was a slave until she was 15 years old.”
“We’ll keep you safe, I promise,” Kate urged.
Javier, who had been quietly playing dominoes with them, placed his domino and joined the conversation. “I don’t think these folks like anybody who isn’t white, if I’m being honest,” he said with a dry laugh. “I’ve been called ‘greaser’ by almost every pendejo in this country.”
Kate sighed as she played her domino, earning a few points. “This town is full of a bunch of drunks stuck in the past. They never recovered from the war, and they’d rather hang onto their grievances than move on.”
Tilly placed her last domino, earning no points, and stood up with a grunt of frustration. “Yeah well, I just hope we don’t stay here too long. We’re supposed to be going back west, not south.” She walked away, her steps heavy with frustration.
Now alone with Javier at the small wooden table, Kate leaned back and blew out a breath. The air was hot and heavy, weighing down any motivation to work.
“Is that why you haven’t left camp much?” She inquired, her voice tinged with concern. “Because of the way people are treating you down here?”
Javier shrugged nonchalantly. “Sorta, but it doesn’t really bother me that much.”
Kate’s expression softened. She hadn’t known Javier well, but since the night of the raiders and borrowing his guitar, he had opened up more. She sensed he was a quiet presence, always listening but rarely speaking. She also noticed how much it bothered him when other gang members picked on him, especially Micah and Bill.
She chuckled softly. “Well, you certainly have a lot of patience. I’m amazed you haven’t stabbed Micah yet.”
Javier grinned and met Kate’s gaze. “Oh, I’ve thought about it many times.”
He leaned back, stabbing his knife into the table. “People like Micah don’t scare me. You know, it’s been five years since I left Mexico. Those men chasing me, I still have nightmares about them. Those are scary men.”
Kate listened intently, intrigued by his story.
“If I go back there, I’m as good as dead. They killed my mother, and I mourn her every day. But I never got to bury her. My sister married a man and ran away, and I hope she’s safe, but I’ll never know for sure.”
“Why were those men chasing you?” Kate asked quietly, curious about his past and how he ended up in the gang.
Javier scoffed, memories fueling his frustration. “My crime? My crime was wanting food and fairness—for myself and for my people. That’s why they hunt me. When I came here, I found that it was not so different.”
Kate nodded in understanding. “This land is wild, far beyond being ‘free.’ I know that as much as anybody, and like most, I learned the hard way.”
“Everyone here steals and lies. The only thing they do better here is make you think it’s not that way,” Javier said, his frustration evident. “Mexico could be a land of plenty, but those cabróns in our government won’t even pay us a fair wage.”
He looked at Kate with a sad expression. “I know I’m a thief. But at least I don’t steal the lives and hopes of others.”
Kate spoke before he could leave. “Do you think you’ll ever go back?”
He shook his head sadly, “I’ll be shot on site if I do.” Javier left her with those words.
Kate sat quietly, her eyes roaming over the camp. In the short time she’d been with this group, she had come to know many of their stories, and each one tugged at her heartstrings. There was no joyous reason that a band of misfits like them would ride together, yet the more she learned about each member, the more she understood their pain. They were all seeking a way to escape, all fleeing from something in their pasts. Some were orphaned, like Arthur and John, taken in by Dutch and Hosea. They were provided for, cared for, and yet, Kate couldn't help but doubt the sincerity of that care.
Dutch hadn't spoken to Kate since they arrived at Clemens Point. She wasn’t seeking an apology for Micah’s actions—Dutch wasn’t responsible for that—but his silence troubled her. During her time in the camp, she had observed how Dutch treated Arthur. He was dismissive yet domineering, always assuring Arthur of his position as his right-hand man, yet often prioritizing conversations with Micah. When Arthur approached Dutch for conversation, he always seemed preoccupied, only granting him full attention when there was work to be done and money to be made. Kate sensed a tension between them, a dynamic that left her uneasy.
As she gazed across the camp, Kate couldn’t shake the feeling that Dutch’s intentions for their group's safety and future were not as altruistic as they seemed. She wondered if their pursuits were leading them toward a better life or simply deeper into trouble.
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Arthur shook his head, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You know, I think you have finally lost your mind," he remarked, eyeing Dutch with amused disbelief.
The boys had ridden into Rhodes earlier that afternoon, on a peculiar mission orchestrated by Dutch. The notorious gang leader had struck an unlikely alliance with Sheriff Gray, a key player in the ongoing feud between Rhodes' wealthiest families, the Grays and the Braithwaites. Their task? To reclaim stolen moonshine from the Braithwaites, which had found its way into the hands of Lemoyne raiders.
Dutch, ever the showman, had orchestrated their involvement under the guise of "helping the law." Now, adorned with shiny silver stars that marked them as deputized lawmen, the outlaws-turned-vigilantes cut an absurd figure in the bustling town.
"Amongst these drunkards, hillbillies, and slavers... good honest thieves like us, we’re bound to be moralizers in a place like this!" Dutch declared, arms outstretched as if claiming dominion over the entire town.
As they wrapped up loading the stolen moonshine into the wagon, John and Hosea offered to take the wagon to a secluded spot near camp, assuring the Sheriff that they would take care of "disposing" of the last of the moonshine. The Sheriff nodded knowingly, pocketing a couple of jugs for himself.
Before Dutch and Arthur departed, they couldn't resist indulging in their hard-earned spoils, taking more than a few swigs of the fiery alcohol to celebrate their successful mission before making their way back to camp.
“Hey you know what, why don’t I race you back to camp,” Dutch quipped, saddling his horse in an unsteady manor.
Arthur, equally unsteady on his feet, chuckled and climbed into Belle's saddle. "You're on," he agreed, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Later that evening, Arthur stumbled back into camp, his usually confident steps a bit less steady. The setting sun bathed the campsite in a warm orange glow, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. A faint scent of moonshine lingered on his breath, a testament to the drinks he and Dutch had indulged in before returning.
Kate looked up from where she sat near the fire, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "Welcome back, Deputy Morgan. Looks like you've found yourself a new career path," she teased, giving a playful flick to the shiny silver star on his chest.
Arthur chuckled, brushing off her comment as he settled beside her by the fire. "Ah, quit it. I ain't cut out for lawman duties."
He turned slightly towards Kate, a warm glow in his eyes fueled by both the alcohol and the comfort of her presence. "How was your day, Kate? You tired of being surrounded by outlaws yet?" he asked, steering the conversation.
Kate smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting genuine contentment. "Honestly, Arthur, I've never been more grateful for the company," she admitted, her voice softening with sincerity. "After so long on my own, it's nice to be part of something, even if it's a band of outlaws."
Arthur nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the fire. Despite the daily lively chatter and the camaraderie of the gang, a pang of loneliness tugged at his heart. He had always been surrounded by people, yet somehow, he often felt a deep sense of solitude. The only time he felt seen, felt solace, was when he was with Kate. Her presence made him light up, whether it was a fleeting smile in the morning as they greeted eachother before going about their duties. Or on evenings such as this, when they talked about their day by the fire and simply enjoyed eachothers presence. She calmed the raging storm in his heart, and each day he grew more and more fond of her company.
The warmth of the fire and the alcohol in his belly emboldened him slightly. "Well, if it's all the same to you, Kate, I quite enjoy your company," Arthur admitted, a bashful smile playing on his lips as he shifted closer to her, their shoulders nearly touching.
Kate's eyes sparkled with amusement as she leaned in to meet his gaze. "I'll admit, Arthur, I enjoy your company more than most," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "But don't tell the others that," she added with a wink.
Arthur chuckled softly, the sound blending with the crackling of the fire. They settled against the log, warmed by the fire's glow. As the night deepened around them, they shared stories of their day. Arthur recounted their new duties as lawmen and the complexities of the feud between the two families, outlining Dutch's plan to navigate the situation without causing undue trouble.
The sun had long set, casting a cool, gentle darkness over the camp. Most of the gang had retired for the night, leaving only the crackling fire and the symphony of nighttime sounds—crickets chirping and frogs croaking.
Amidst the tranquil atmosphere, the peace was shattered by the distant voices of Abigail and John, their argument drifting from their tent and cutting through the night's quiet. Arthur and Kate exchanged a knowing look, their conversation momentarily interrupted by the reminder of the discord that often simmered beneath the surface of their makeshift family.
Arthur sighed, his expression a mixture of resignation and empathy as Abigail's voice rose in frustration. "Why don't you use that tiny brain of yours? Whatever you think is right and proper, do the exact opposite! Then, you'll raise a man!" Her words were hushed, as if she were trying to contain her anger despite the intensity of her tone.
John's retort came swiftly, equally filled with annoyance. "Just like your mama did? Raise a real man, like you?" His jab was met with a sharp slap from Abigail, the sound echoing through the camp.
Kate winced, noticing Arthur pinch the bridge of his nose in response to the escalating argument. Before she could interject, the soft patter of footsteps approached rapidly. In a flash, Jack emerged from his tent, clad in nothing but a nightgown, and flung himself into Arthur's lap.
Unfazed by the sudden intrusion, Arthur pulled Jack close, his voice gentle and soothing. "Hey kiddo, can't sleep?" he asked, his tone calming.
Jack nodded against his uncle's shoulder. "Mama is mad at Pa again," he murmured, his voice small and weary. Turning his head slightly, he glanced up at Kate. "Hi, Auntie Kate," he greeted quietly.
"Hey, little man," Kate responded warmly, brushing a stray hair from his eyes as his cheek rested against Arthur's shoulder.
As the voices of John and Abigail rose again, Jack buried his face against Arthur. Concern flickered in Arthur's eyes as he glanced at Kate, who suddenly had an idea.
"Why don't we go get Lorena ready for the night? You wanna help, Jack?" Kate suggested, offering a diversion to distract Jack from the tension brewing between his parents.
With a silent nod, Arthur rose from his seat, cradling little Jack in his strong arms. Kate couldn't help but watch the scene unfold before her. His towering figure enveloped the small boy with an unexpected tenderness and care. As Arthur held Jack close, his protective embrace painted a stark contrast to the tough exterior he often projected.
In that moment, Kate glimpsed a side of Arthur that stirred her heart. The way he handled Jack with such gentleness and love sparked a yearning within her. She imagined how Arthur might have been as a father—patient, kind, and devoted.
The campfire's warm glow cast a soft light on them as they moved away from the escalating voices. Arthur's features softened as he whispered reassuring words to Jack, his gaze filled with warmth and understanding.
Kate fell into step beside them, unable to tear her eyes away from the sight of Arthur's caring demeanor. Despite his gruff reputation, she sensed a depth of compassion that drew her in, melting away the rough edges.
As they approached Lorena, her mare nickered in recognition, sensing familiar company. Kate reached out, her hand running over the sleek mane of the horse affectionately. Before she could retrieve her brush from the saddlebag, Jack, nestled in Arthur's arms, spoke up with innocent curiosity.
"Does she like it when you sing her lullabies?" His voice was small and earnest.
Kate's smile softened at the question. "Yes, she does. It helps calm her down and makes her feel safe, knowing I'm right here to sing her to sleep," she replied, her voice warm with affection for the horse.
Jack looked up at her, a hint of sadness in his tone. "Mama used to sing me lullabies, but she says I'm too old for them now."
Arthur chuckled softly, his hand rubbing Jack's back comfortingly. "Well, you ain't a baby anymore, Jack. Yer gettin’ older and bigger," he reassured him.
Kate's gaze lingered on Jack as Arthur cradled him in his arms. It felt like a hundred months had passed since she held her own child, since she last sang a lullaby. A pang of longing swept through her. She understood Abigail's perspective—Jack was nearly five years old—but in that moment, Kate would have given anything to sing to her baby again, no matter the age.
Jack's eyes met hers, his innocence shining through. "Can you sing me a lullaby, Auntie Kate?"
Her heart swelled with warmth as she nodded in response. Jack reached out his small arms towards her, and without hesitation, Kate embraced him.
Arthur glanced at Kate, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. He trusted her, but he didn't want to burden her with his nephew's needs. He had already come to terms with taking responsibility for the young child.
"Kate, ya don't have to—" Arthur began.
But Kate interrupted gently, reaching out to take Jack into her arms. "I don't mind at all, Arthur," she said sincerely, her voice warm with compassion.
Kate hadn't held a child since she laid her own in a dark casket with her father. The familiar weight of a child on her hip, his breath against her neck as he nestled his head on her shoulder, brought a mix of comfort and grief. She pushed the painful memories down, focusing on the present moment with Jack in her arms.
Arthur watched with a mixture of admiration and tenderness as Kate held his nephew, her cheek resting against Jack's head. As her eyes closed and she began to sway gently on her feet, rocking him as if he were a newborn, Arthur couldn't help but imagine what she must have been like as a mother—devoted, kind, and filled with love.
Kate started singing softly, her voice carrying a soothing melody into the quiet evening air.
When I was young, younger than before. I never saw the truth hanging from the door,
Now I’m older, see it face to face. Now I’m older, gotta get up, clean the place.
I was green, greener than the hill. Where the flowers grew and the sun shown still.
Now I’m darker than the deepest sea, just hand me down, give me a place to be.
I was strong, strong in the sun, I thought I’d see when the day was done.
Now I’m weaker than the palest blue. Oh, so weak in this need for you.
Arthur studied her features in the soft moonlight, savoring every detail—the graceful movement of her lips as she sang, the way her hair danced in the night breeze. Kate's gentle circles on Jack's back gradually lulled him to sleep, his breathing slowing, arms going limp around her neck. A smile touched Kate's lips, and she continued to hum softly, ensuring Jack remained nestled in slumber.
As Kate swayed, Arthur felt something profound stir within him, a warmth he had never experienced. It was as though her presence kindled a fire in his heart, leading him closer to her warmth. In her company, he felt alive, radiant like the earth basking under the sun, humming with a joyful tune from the lips of a woman. For the first time in years, he began to reflect on all the moments he had missed with his own woman and child.
Kate ceased her humming, her closed eyes and furrowed brow revealing the depth of her emotions. She released a shaky breath before speaking softly to Arthur, her voice laced with vulnerability. "When I held my baby girl for the first time, I saw her future branching out before me. Every possibility filled with something wonderful"
Arthur closed the distance between them, as if to shield her from the memories that still haunted her. Kate nestled her cheek against Jack's head, her voice trembling with unspoken sorrow. "I could have been a good mother," she whispered.
Gently, Arthur brushed his thumb across her cheek, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Kate's eyes fluttered open at his touch, reflecting the moonlight like shimmering pools of emotion. They held unshed tears, a testament to her resilience and the burdens she carried. Despite life's hardships, she fought to maintain her kindness, a quality that only deepened Arthur's admiration.
Moved by the connection between them, Arthur closed the final gap, his lips meeting hers in a silent embrace. The kiss was soft yet filled with unspoken longing, a gentle affirmation of the feelings blossoming between them. The world around them seemed to fade as they shared this intimate moment, each touch and breath carrying the weight of unspoken words and shared emotions.
Kate removed her hand from gently rubbing circles on Jack's back, finding a new warmth against Arthur's cheek. She tilted her face, deepening their kiss as Arthur's arm wound around her waist, drawing her closer. He smelled of moonshine and tobacco, a scent that mingled with the smoky air of the campfire.
As their mouths met, Kate sighed softly, feeling their connection deepen with each tender touch. Arthur's heart raced within his chest, the world around him blurring as if the only anchor to reality was the sensation of her lips against his. Her tongue brushed against his, a silent invitation for more.
Just as the kiss intensified, Jack stirred in his sleep, breaking Arthur from the spell. Reluctantly, he pulled back, his breath slightly labored, a silent turmoil brewing within him.
"Sorry," Arthur murmured, his voice tinged with a mix of desire and uncertainty. "I, um,” he hesitated, “I-I should take Jack back to his ma."
Kate nodded, her eyes reflecting a shared hesitation. "Of course," she replied softly, gently handing the boy back to his uncle.
Arthur carefully settled Jack more securely in his arms. He offered Kate a tender smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of inner conflict. "G’night, Kate," he said, his voice a mixture of warmth and unease.
"Goodnight, Arthur," she replied, her tone gentle yet tinged with an unspoken question.
With a last lingering glance, Arthur turned and made his way toward Abigail and John's tent, Jack's form cradled protectively against him. As he disappeared into the shadows, Kate stood by her sleepy mare, her heart echoing the silent uncertainty that had clouded the moment.
Later that night, Arthur lay awake on his cot, the memory of their kiss haunting his thoughts. Moonlight filtered through the canvas, casting ghostly shadows around him. The scent of campfire smoke lingered on his clothes, a tangible reminder of the evening's events.
Arthur couldn't shake the yearning that had blossomed between him and Kate, nor the underlying unease that accompanied it. The fleeting intimacy they shared left him grappling with doubts about the future, and more importantly, about himself. He cared deeply for Kate, admired her resilience and kindness, yet the complexities of their lives and the dangers they faced loomed like shadows in his mind.
His own truth ached to be revealed, how he longed to tell her about his own son, but the guilt and shame he carried with the memories clouded all means of opening up. Kate missed her family dearly, that much was painfully obvious to him. He feared if she knew the truth about him, she wouldn’t see him the same. He too had a family once, and his own recklessness cost them their lives. He feared she would not forgive him for being so careless.
Lost in contemplation, Arthur sighed heavily, his thoughts drifting back to Kate's soft lips and the warmth of her touch. He couldn't deny the pull he felt toward her, a desire for connection amidst the chaos of his existence.
In the quiet solitude of his tent, Arthur wrestled with conflicting emotions, uncertain of what lay ahead for them. The night stretched on, filled with unanswered questions and the restless beating of his heart. He reached for his journal, its leather cover worn and familiar, and opened it to a blank page.
With a sketching pencil in hand, he drew an image from memory—the sight of Kate cradling Jack against her cheek. Underneath the tender sketch, he penned his thoughts:
Kate has a way about her that makes a man feel alive. She’s fierce, and she's kind. She’s strong and she’s passionate. She’s utterly beautiful. And she’s too sweet for me.
I kissed her tonight, I don’t really know why. The way she was singin’ and cradlin’ little Jack, it made me think of Eliza and Isaac. For the first time in years, I thought about all the moments I missed because I was off being a fool instead of a father.
I see things still haven't changed. You’ll always be a fool Morgan.
I think I’m falling for Kate. I just hope she can let me down easy. Maybe I’ll just close my eyes on the way down.
Closing his eyes, Arthur tried to still his restless thoughts. He imagined Kate's smile, the curve of her cheek as she cradled Jack, the warmth of her presence against him. The weight of his feelings tugged at him like an anchor, both comforting and disquieting.
With a heavy sigh, Arthur surrendered to the embrace of exhaustion. The world around him faded into darkness, and for a fleeting moment, his turbulent heart found respite in the realm of dreams.
#arthur morgan#arthur morgan x original female character#arthur morgan x reader#dutch van der linde#fluff#rdr2#red dead redemption 2#angst#ao3#ao3 fanfic#journal#archive of our own#fanfiction#fanfic#eventual smut#eventual romance#mutual pining#kisses#john marston#abigail marston#hosea matthews#jack marston#ao3 link#red dead fandom#red dead redemption community#x reader#hurt/comfort#angst with a happy ending#arthur morgan x oc#oc x canon
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THE WAY I RAN HERE WHEN I SAW THE PROMPTS LIST
23 please Ilu
ilu!!
23. "Will you be my New Years kiss?"
Age 9.
"Ew, no." Brienne says, pushing Jaime away.
"Why not? I don't have cooties."
"Because that stuff is for grown-ups," she tells him with all the ancient, weary burden of wisdom that a nine-year old can muster. Especially when he's two years older than her and he should know this already.
Jaime frowns and kicks a snowpack in her front yard from where her dad has shoveled the walk. "I know that," he sneers, turning his back on her and sauntering away. "I didn't mean it anyway, Smartypants."
She throws a snowball at his retreating form, but it falls just shy, plopping uselessly to the ground at his heels. Stupid Jaime, she thinks. Nothing ever touches him.
Age 15.
"You're drunk," Brienne tells him when he asks. "And I'm working on New Year's Eve remember?"
"You're too young to work, Smarty" he slurs.
"You're too young to drink," she snaps back.
"Blow it off and be with me instead." Jaime leans into her space and the aroma of some hard liquor she's sure she's never tried envelops her like a cloud. His eyes are red-rimmed and bleary and it looks like he hasn't changed his clothes in three days and he's still so handsome it hurts inside her chest just to look at him.
And she loves him enough that she considers doing what he'd said. But he always gets like this when he and Cersei have broken up and she has to know something first. "Why are you asking me?"
"Everyone else is busy and I don't like to be alone." He pouts his lower lip out, she thinks to try to make himself more appealing, but she feels the walls rolling down over her heart like a garage door closing.
"Then get a dog," she says and shuts the door in his face.
Age 21.
"Me?" Jaime looks around like they're not the only two people out on this balcony.
It's taken everything she has to ask him and it's hard not to shove him over the railing into the sea crashing below at his answer. Casterly Rock is very high up, if she's lucky he'd hit a few rocks on the way down.
"Forget it," she mutters, turning on her heel in an act of fierce willpower, but he grabs her hand before she can get more than a step and she stops.
"Brienne." His voice rolls low over her like a wave and she shivers, hoping he'll think it's the sea wind. "I meant to say: why me?"
Because I've been in love with you since we were kids feels like a lot to drop at his feet. "Because I've never had a New Year's Eve kiss and you keep asking so I thought you'd be fine with it," she tells him. She's never had any kiss but she's not going to tell him that. Constrained truth is the better choice here.
Jaime tilts his head slightly, like he's processing some new information. "So you're just humoring me?"
"Like I said: forget it." She twists her wrist and easily escapes from his grip. "I'll find someone else."
"I don't want you to find someone else." The forceful whip of his tone is more effective at stopping her than his hand had been.
Brienne glances back at him, at the way his body is tense in his perfectly tailored tux, at the grip of his hand on the balcony railing, the knuckles going white from the force of it.
"I want you to find me," he says roughly. He releases the railing and steps towards her and she has the distinct feeling of teetering on the edge of this very high cliff. "I want you to want to find me."
"Why?" she whispers. It could just be stupid masculine pride making him say that and she needs to know.
He shakes his head a little with a fond smile. "I thought you were the smart one here." Jaime's fingers brush lightly down the bare skin of her arm and it's impossible to hide the goosebumps that follow. "Why do you think I kept asking you?"
"Because I was there."
He frowns and he slides his hand around the back of her neck, looking up at her with a seriousness she's not used to from him. "I asked because I love you."
Her heart thuds in time to the countdown shouts filtering out from inside.
"Like a sister?" she squeaks and his laughter lights up the air like fireworks.
"Gods, I sincerely hope not," he murmurs, rising up to kiss her as the clock strikes midnight.
(Festive prompts here)
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