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run-me-through-but-not-like-that · 1 year

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Hope I’m not bothering you with all my requests but your writing is incredible! (*^^*)♡

Maybe some endgame SteddyHands x Reader where Ed and Stede are together and Izzy and Reader are together and they go on a double date (Stede’s idea) and all have a really good time. But afterwards whenever it’s not all four of them together it feels like someone’s missing. Shenanigans ensue. Ed and Stede probably decide to invite you and izzy on more double dates and Izzy is probably worrying that you are realizing you want better than him and Reader is just confused and concerned.

Maybe eventually Lucius tells them all that “if all of you would rather go on double dates and spend time with all four of you, why don’t you all just dare each other?” And the Ed, Stede, Izzy, and Y/N all realize “ヽ(°〇°)ﾉ how did we not think of that?”

Just All Date Each Other Already!

“Why did you agree to this?” Izzy grumbled as he ran his fingers through his hair, evenly spreading the pomade throughout it. He didn’t even know why he was stressing so much about this, it was ridiculous.

“Because they were doing that thing where they act like you have a choice but you actually don’t,” you reminded him, fixing the fastenings of your shirt.

“All the more reason to decline,” he continued to complain as he wiped the excess from his hands.

“They’re our captains and our friends, it’s a double date. It won’t kill us,” you rolled your eyes fondly. Really, you wouldn’t think spending a dinner with one of his oldest friends wouldn’t be such a cause of stress for him.

“Barely been on a normal date, nevermind a double date. What even the fuck is that?”

Finishing up with the cuffs of your shirt, you walked up to him. You gently took hold of his waist, turning him to face you before soothingly running your hands up and down his sides. “I have taken you on plenty of dates, thank you very much. A double date is just two couples spending some time together,” you told him, though you were sure he could figure that out. “It’ll be fine, love.”

You made a bit of a show of flattening his collar and centering the knot of his tie even if it was already pretty perfect. “There you go. You look perfect,” you kissed the tip of his nose playfully just to make his cheeks flush pink.

“Let’s get this over with.” That was as enthusiastic as Izzy was going to get about this, but you could work with that.

“Iz, sweetie, relax. It’s just dinner. You and Ed can hang out like old times and I’ll make sure Stede isn’t too overbearing,” you assured him, giving his shoulders a little squeeze.

“Alright,” Izzy sighed before looking you once over.

You had dressed up a little, throwing on some nicer looking clothes that you own. Nothing fancy, just not the sort of clothes you would scrub the deck wearing. Izzy didn’t have any ‘nice clothes’, but he forwent his vest in an attempt to feel more…approachable.

“We’ve got this,” you shot him a wink before taking his hand and leading him out of the little cabin you shared.

At least you didn’t run into any of the other crew members on your way to the captain’s cabin, that would only put Izzy more on edge. Once you reached the door, you gave Izzy’s hand a reassuring and grounding squeeze.“I love you,” Izzy said under his breath, staring at the door. The poor man sounded like he was being led to the gallows.

“We’re not dying, Iz,” you laughed. “But I love you too,” you gave him a quick kiss, just for a little added confidence, before knocking on the door.

Stede flung the door open and greeted you both with a bright smile. “Right on time!” he praised, pleased with the timeliness. “Welcome, come on in, make yourselves comfortable.”

When Stede stepped to the side, you and Izzy walked into the cabin. Edward beamed at you both from a cabinet where he was selecting a bottle of something suitably aged to have over dinner.

“I know you’re going to ask for rum, Iz, but please just give this wine a chance,” Edward spoke up before Izzy could even open his mouth.

“I’ve had wine before, Edward,” Izzy scoffed. Sure, probably not whatever wine Stede Bonnet collected, but he knew what wine tasted like.

“But not this wine,” Edward waved a bottle in front of him.

“I’m sure we’re going to love it,” you smiled, giving Izzy’s hand another small squeeze.

You herded Izzy over to the dining table. “Sit at any of the placements you like. Roach is particularly proud of this spread,” Stede told you both.

You and Izzy chose two seats beside each other. You didn’t know if it was customary for partners to sit beside or opposite each other, but you weren’t about to leave Izzy’s side when he was already anxious either way.

Edward strode over to the table and filled four glasses with red wine, before he took his seat opposite Izzy. Stede was quick to sit by Ed’s side, opposite you.

The four of you filled your plates with Roach’s food, adding certain elements whenever Stede recommended something.

“So, Izzy,” Stede spoke with an air of casualness, even if his attempt at casual conversation came off as a little awkward.

You couldn’t help but smile to yourself as you ate, suspenseful to see how Stede was going to communicate with the first mate. They had been getting along better, not at each other’s throats all the time, but still very rarely interacted one-on-one. At least you and Edward were there to mediate if anything went wrong.

“How is the crew?” Stede asked.

Good idea, you thought, talk about something neutral. When you glanced over at Edward to see his reaction, he appeared to be thinking the same thing.

“Not bad, not going to get themselves killed while we have dinner,” Izzy shrugged, speaking like he wasn’t sure how to converse with the other man.

“C’mon, Iz. Gotta be more to say than that,” Edward prompted, raising an eyebrow at him.

“The sword fighting lessons have been going really well, tell them about that, love,” you suggested, smiling in a way to let Izzy know that you had him, that you were here for him.

“The crew are doing…fine. I suppose they’re not as useless as they once were. Feeny and Pete are taking to swordsmanship fairly well. Frenchie isn’t so good with a sword but his footwork is impressive,” Izzy reported.

“And the Swede is getting really good with the knots,” you added, sounding proud that Izzy had taught them such things. Proud to have Izzy as your partner.

“He’s…made little songs to remind him how to tie different knots,” Izzy sighed, his nose scrunching up at the memory of sitting through the Swede explaining each of the songs.

“It’s sweet.” You couldn’t help but feel a little fond as whenever you passed the strange man singing his little songs and tying his knots.

“It’s ridiculous,” Izzy corrected.

“Well, it sounds rather effective,” Stede grinned, “I’m glad you’re all getting along.”

“Izzy is a good teacher when he wants to be,” Edward told Stede, shooting Izzy a playful wink.

“When people listen,” Izzy muttered before helping himself to another forkfull.

“And that is why Jack still doesn’t know which start is which,” Edward agreed, sounding fond and amused.

“The fucker can barely find Polaris. Would be able to if he listened to anything that wasn’t a crude joke,” Izzy smirked, amusement in his eyes, while Edward laughed.

Stede took a sip of his wine before nervously swirling the liquid around in the glass. “Well, I was wondering, Izzy…if you could give me some lessons with a sword. I’ve improved some but I’m not nearly as good as you or Edward,” Stede asked before quickly adding, “I promise to listen.”

Izzy eyed him for a moment, like he was trying to figure out if Stede was being serious about lessons, if he was worth the time. Izzy must have decided he was serious, because he agreed. “Suppose I could, yeah.”

“Told you he’d do it!” Edward placed a hand on Stede’s knee, giving it an excited shake. “And we’ll come and cheer you both on, right?” he looked across to you.

“Obviously,” you smiled back at him. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” you knocked your shoulder against Izzy’s, he rolled his eyes but still smiled to himself.

After the promise of lessons, the conversation lulled. Falling awkward for a moment, a nervous energy buzzing over the four of you.

“Oh!” Stede perked up, thinking up a topic for conversation. “You won’t believe the conversation we had with the tailor at the last port…”

Stede’s story about the tailor was…mundane at best, but you felt somewhat fond while listening to him and his passion about how the tailor dared to suggest the mix of certain fabrics. You even caught Izzy listening to the tale, the corner of his mouth quirking up every now and again, likely at the ridiculousness of the whole thing.

Occasionally Edward would jump in with something along the lines of “can you fucking believe that!” or “it was fucking diabolical!” which was all very entertaining and rather sweet.

You and Izzy remained in the captain’s cabin long after dinner was finished, which wasn’t the plan but wasn’t unpleasant by any means. Apparently the two of you decided that it would simply be rude to leave without finishing the bottle of wine…and the second one.

The wine helped the four of you loosen up, tension about the strange situation fading and any nerves long forgotten. Stories flew from each of you, the others listening intently. Jokes were shared and laughter echoed, the company feeling surprisingly easy.

At the end of the evening, you and Izzy had your arms linked together as you headed for the door.

“This was a wonderful evening!” Stede exclaimed, his voice loud with drink but endearing nonetheless, as he walked you both to the door. “We’ll have to do it again.”

‘Course we will, love,” Edward agreed warmly, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

“And we shall see you both tomorrow,” Stede moved with far too much familiarity but you found that you didn’t really mind when he stepped forward and took you by the arms.

You spluttered a little when he kissed both of your cheeks, still smiling wide as he pulled away, but laughed it off. Izzy’s face was bright red as he received his cheek kisses, and you had to hold back a startled giggle.

“Alright, mate, come on,” Edward laughed, pulling Stede away.

“Goodnight, darlings!” Stede waved but was already walking over to the dining table. “Edward, come help me clean up!”

“He doesn’t drink a lot and wine is particularly…effective on him,” Edward explained, nothing but love and adoration in his eyes.

“It’s fine,” you assured him as you lent into Izzy’s side, feeling him tighten his hold on your arm.

“Edward!” Stede called from the table, making you laugh.

“Night, guys,” Edward grinned, glancing over his shoulder to check on Stede, who was stacking plates.

“Night, Ed,” you smiled and Izzy gave him a nod before the two of you left.

You and Izzy returned arm in arm to your shared cabin.

“Tonight was actually kinda fun,” you reflected as you closed the door behind you.

“Yeah…it actually was,” Izzy agreed, clearly surprised that he shared your sentiment.

But Izzy didn’t have much time to think about that because you were alright in front of him, already working him out of his shirt as you brought him into a sweet kiss.

Back in the captain’s cabin, the two men had tidied the table somewhat before slipping into their comfy bed.

“Tonight was lovely, Ed,” Steded murmured into Edward’s neck, happily curled up around him.

“It was fun. I think even Izzy enjoyed himself,” Edward mused fondly, tracing little shapes against’s Stede’s arm. It really had been too long since he and Izzy spent some time together and it was nice to see Izzy happy with somebody who treated him well, you were clearly very good for his friend.

“We really should do it again.”

“I’d like that,” Edward smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of Stede’s head.

Apparently that double dinner date had awoken something between the four of you. Relationships between Izzy and the crew had been improving for a while now and, while he didn’t seek out Stede’s company, he didn’t complain so much about the co-captain’s presence. The new development was that the four of you were putting much more effort into spending time together than you usually would.

Stede had stayed committed to his lessons with Izzy, never missing a lesson and always putting his full effort into it. He really was improving as well. His dedication and improvements were doing the job of gaining Izzy’s respect, and perhaps even some fondness. As the two men sparred back and forth, you and Edward would cheer them on from the sidelines and throw in advice for Stede. Edward would throw an arm around your shoulders when he got over excited, shaking you as he cheered on one of the men.

Edward had been randomly finding you when you were up on the deck, teaching you little tips and tricks about how to predict the weather. You were learning how to read the clouds and pay more attention to the temperature changes, but you knew you would never develop the sixth sense that Edward seemed to possess. Still, you enjoyed those little moments together.

Edward and Izzy would spend some evenings sitting up in the crows nest, just like they used to when they were deckhands on the same ship. Talking in a way they hadn’t in years.

After sharing your routine morning coffee with Izzy, when Izzy had left to round up the rest of the crew, Stede would come and speak with you. Never about anything important, just like he wanted to spend some time in your company, and you didn’t mind in the slightest.

Spending time together were highlights of your days but nothing quite compared to when all four of you found yourselves together. When the four of you got together for something it just felt like something was clicking into place.

The four of you were getting along better than ever, finding yourself seeking each other out just for the sake of it. You enjoyed each other’s company, found it easy to be around each other, enjoying learning more about each other, and growing fonder of each other as the days passed.

However, this new closeness had caused a few…crises.

Stede loves Edward, he had never known love like this, he didn’t even think it existed. Only weeks ago Stede would have easily and proudly exclaimed that Edward was his entire world. And yet, he found himself longing after the company of two others. He loved Edward dearly, every part of him, Edward was more than he could ever ask for. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the time he and Edward spent together but he found that he enjoyed that time as much as he enjoyed his time with you or Izzy, and when he considered it to be the best was when all four of you were together. Everything just felt so…right. Was he truly so greedy and so selfish that he needed to have you and Izzy as well? Oh god, what would Edward think if he knew?

Edward had been beating himself up as well, finding himself curled up in an empty bathtub more often than usual. He loved Stede, had from the very start and never questioned it since. But he loved Izzy too. He and Izzy had such a history and over time the connection they shared had become tangled and twisted into something unrecognisable. But he did love Izzy, had for a long time, just assumed it was a different kind of love to what he shared with Stede. Plus, he was with Stede and Izzy was with you. The two of them were happy and things were finally going well for them both, so why did something feel wrong? Then there was you, he could so easily see what drew Izzy towards you. Your kindness and sincerity, your patience and open adoration for the people you love and care about. Edward had always liked you but spending more time with you had been eye opening. He was Blackbeard, he should be able to have everything he wanted and more, but he couldn’t stand the thought of hurting Stede, of hurting any of you.

Despite the worries of the captains, they didn’t talk about it, but they did decide to invite you and Izzy on more double dates. Dinner and drinks in their cabin, stargazing on the quarterdeck, nature walks when the ship was anchored near land.

For the most recent, totally normal, just between friends, double date, the four of you were in the captain’s cabin again. Stede really loved going ashore and doing something exciting with the three of you but the privacy of the cabin was second best.

The four of you were sitting around the lit fire, the cabin warm and cosy. Edward was lounging on the couch, stretching his bad leg out over Stede’s lap. Izzy was sitting in one of the arm chairs, surprisingly relaxed, while you had made yourself comfortable on the floor between his legs. Sitting on a pillow with your head resting against the inside of his knee.

You laughed at one of Edward’s stories, turning your face into Izzy’s knee to muffle the sound.

“Oh! Before I forget, I picked something up for you when we were last at port,” Stede announced excitedly, placing his drink down.

“Me?” you asked, eyes widening as you lifted your head from Izzy’s knee.

“Yes, it’s nothing too special. I just saw it and it looked to be your size and I just thought about how well it would suit you!” Edward smiled as he moved his leg, letting Stede stand from the couch. “I’ll go fetch it!” and with that, Stede disappeared into his secret wardrobe.

You looked to Edward for some sort of explanation as Izzy sat up straighter behind you. “Don’t worry, it wasn’t too expensive,” Edward assured you, seeing the slight panic on both of your faces. “I agree with him though, think it will look fantastic on you.”

You couldn’t help but blush a little at the way Edward smiled at you. Admittedly, you could see why people gravitated towards him.

Behind you, Izzy frowned to himself. Stede was getting you gifts and Edward was complimenting you…something about this felt…wrong to him.

Stede soon returned with a silky looking white shirt on a hanger, holding it up proudly. “It’s alright if you don’t like it,” Stede quickly backtracked when you just stared at him, looking a little embarrassed.

You stood, Izzy offering you a hand, before approaching Stede. He kept hold of the hanger while you rubbed the material between your fingers. If you accepted the gift, it would definitely be the softest thing you owned.

You just didn’t understand why Stede would buy anything for you. “It’s beautiful, but you really didn’t need to-”

“I know that,” Stede tutted, “I just wanted too.”

“You should try it on,” Edward suggested and Stede nodded in agreement, while Izzy shifted in his seat.

“Alright,” you nodded and took the shirt . Stede gestured for you to go into the wardrobe for some privacy.

You disappeared into the closet, taking a quick look at Stede’s variety of clothes and the garments Edward had collected since being with Stede.

Izzy watched you slip out of the room, a little frown still on his face. “What do you think, Iz?” Edward asked, getting his attention.

“It’s nice,” Izzy shrugged. It was a nice shirt…

“This is all pretty nice, isn’t it? The four of us hanging out.” It sounded like Edward was trying to get at something, but Izzy wasn’t quite sure what. Izzy glanced at Stede for some sort of insight, but he just looked like he was waiting for some sort of approval.

“Yeah…suppose it is,” Izzy agreed.

“We picked something up for you, as well,” Edward grinned, stretching out his bad leg before standing from the couch. Izzy watched, silent and confused, as Edward wandered over to the desk, pulling something out of a drawer. “I know you take care of your stuff so your knife is in perfect condition but it’s old and you deserve something new,” Edward brought the new dagger over to where Izzy was sitting.

“I had my eye on something else but Ed said it was more decorative than practical and I know you love practicality,” Stede confessed.

“What do you think, Iz?” Edward asked as he handed over the blade.

Izzy examined the blade, turning it around and testing the weight in his hand. It was a fine blade, thin and sharp. Deadly. The handle fit in his hand like it was made for him. It must have cost a pretty penny.

“It’s…it’s good. Uh…thank you,” Izzy could feel how warm his face had turned as he looked up to Edward.

“You’re welcome, mate,” Edward grinned, pleased with himself.

Thankfully, the attention was taken off of Izzy when you walked back into the room. You were wearing your new shirt, tucked into the waistband of your pants. They had been right, it was perfect on you. It billowed and clung to all the right places, the collar fastened with laces, letting you choose how tight or loose you wanted to tie it. Right now you had it tied loosely, casually.

“So, what do you think?” you asked, uncomfortable with the silence you were met with.

“Beautiful!” Stede complimented brightly, instantly blushing at his own praise. You blushed as well at the earnesty.

“It suits you,” Izzy really meant it but he still felt like he was beat to the chance to make you blush and smile like that.

“Thanks, love,” you still smiled brighter at his compliment and that helped put him at ease a little.

You returned to your sea between Izzy’s legs, flashing him another smile before making yourself comfortable. The captains poured more drinks and returned to their seats on the couch. Everything went back to normal but Izzy found himself unable to listen to the rest of the conversation.

Izzy had given you things before, but they were practical items. A new knife since yours had been a rusty old thing, a new pair of boots when yours got wrecked. He never got you something so fine just for the sake of it.

What if that was what you wanted? What if you wanted what the captains could offer, what if you thought they were better for you than him?

Things had definitely been a little…weird. The captains have been particularly friendly lately. Of course, you didn’t mind, you loved spending time with them and the more time you spent together the more you enjoyed it. You just weren’t sure what brought on the change.

Izzy seemed to have been enjoying your little get togethers as well, until recently. He was worrying about something but you couldn’t tell what it was and he wouldn’t tell you. You knew he would when he was ready, so you would just offer him support in the meantime.

You cared for Edward and Stede deeply, more than you originally thought you did, but your priority right now was making sure Izzy was alright.

Things had come to their climax, the tension no longer letting you ignore it. Izzy was avoiding Edward and Stede completely and being distant with you, you just refused to let him push you away completely. Edward was keeping his distance from you and Izzy, sticking extra close to Stede and it was like Stede was going out of his way to ensure nothing he did could be interpreted as anything but platonic.

It was all very strange and you hated it. You hated that something was on Izzy’s mind and he felt like he couldn’t talk to you about it, you hated that two of your closest friends were acting so distant. You wanted to know what was bothering Izzy but he refused to talk about it, you couldn’t ask Edward if he knew anything because he would practically run away from you whenever you tried.

Something was wrong with each of the men you cared about but you just couldn’t figure it out at all. You wanted to make things right, you just didn’t know how.

By midday you felt like banging your head against the mast until something broke. Izzy was being all sulky, Edward weirdly flighty, and Stede uncharacteristically untalkative.

“Why do you look so sad?” Lucius asked, coming up to your side.

“Do you ever feel like something is going on with the people around you but you don’t know what and nobody will tell you what it is?” you asked, folding your arms on the ship’s railing.

“Sometimes, and then we talk about it and solve the problem,” Lucius nodded, obviously with some judgement in his voice.

“Genius,” you muttered. You knew he was right, the four of you should talk about it, but that would be so much easier to do if they would actually talk to you about it!

“You’re talking about Izzy and the captain’s right?” Lucius asked knowingly.

“Yep. You noticed how weird they’ve all been acting too?” you knew you couldn’t be the only one who thought something was wrong, you weren’t going crazy.

“Yes, I’ve noticed you idiots all being idiots,” Lucius rolled his eyes with a certain fondness.

You groaned, dropping your forehead down to your folded arms. “Rude.”

“If it makes you feel better, you’re not the biggest idiot out of all of them,” he reassured you, patting your back.

“Thanks, Luce,” you murmured into your arms. “I don’t know what happened. The four of us were getting along so well. It was great, y’know? But now it’s like nobody can stand to talk to each other for too long. I’ve asked Izzy about what’s going on but he always brushes it off like it’s nothing, when something is clearly wrong,” you lifted your head just enough to make sure Lucius could hear you clearly.

“I think I know what’s going on here,” Lucius sighed, sounding exasperated with you all.

“What?” you pushed yourself up from the railing and turned to him properly. You just wanted to fix things, and if Lucius had some insight you were willing to hear him out.

“I’m going to help you, mostly because the four of you sulking about it is really killing the mood.” You just rolled your eyes at him, knowing he cared really. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have even asked what was wrong. “But you’ll owe me big time for this, all of you will,” he warned.

“Yeah, whatever, just please help me out, Lucius,” you didn’t think Lucius would ask much from you for his help. Probably just ask you to cover some chores for him.

“Grab your angry little man and meet me in the captain’s cabin,” he ordered, clearly already having some sort of plan ready.

“When?” you asked, unsure whether prep time would be helpful for Izzy or if it would only give him time to grow more anxious about the whole thing.

“Now. I’ll round up the captains.”

“...you really think this will work?”

“I really do,” Lucius sounded more like he was talking to himself than to you, but you decided to just go along with it.

You thanked him quickly before running off. You had no idea what he was planning but he had a plan and you didn’t, so you might as well give it a shot.

Izzy was definitely reluctant when you told him to follow you to the captain’s cabin, that you wanted to finally talk about whatever has been going on recently. He was even more reluctant when you mentioned that Lucius would also be there, but you didn’t want to surprise him with that. Thankfully, Izzy trusted you enough to know that you wouldn’t allow anything to harm him or put him in an overly uncomfortable situation. So, he let you lead him by the hand to their cabin.

You knocked on the door and Lucius opened it. “Sit down,” he ordered immediately, stepping aside to let you both in.

You just nodded and entered the room, seeing that Edward and Stede were already sitting on the couch, looking a little like scolded children. You and Izzy moved towards the armchairs but were quickly stopped.

“Nope. On the couch,” Lucius corrected.

“Bit of a tight fit, Luce,” you pointed out, but he probably already knew that.

“Don’t care. Sit,” Lucius cocked an eyebrow, arms folded over his chest sternly.

You shared a look with Izzy before joining the captains on the couch. Edward and Izzy were on the outsides, pressed against the arms of the couch, while you and Stede were squeezed between them.

“Lucius, what is this?” Stede questioned, sounding just as confused as Edward looked.

“Couples therapy,” Lucius huffed, as if it were obvious. You all just frowned at him. It was not obvious. “The four of you couldn’t be more obvious. You’re all in love with each other,” Lucius never had been a fan of unneeded subtly when it came to this kind of thing, he liked a straight forward response. Even still, that was blunt for him.

Lucius thought it would be best to be blunt and smooth things over afterwards than try to get you four idiots to figure it out by yourselves. He didn’t have all day.

“Lucius!” Stede eyes widened at the scribe, as if scandalised.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, boy,” Edward scoffed but pointedly wouldn’t look at him.

“Seriously, this is your idea of helping?” you glared at him. Sure, you had accepted his help, but this wasn’t what you had imagined.

Izzy was surprisingly quiet beside you, just staring down at his lap. You didn’t think that was a good sign.

“Shut up. The four of you, just listen,” Lucius tutted. “You’ve all been spending a lot of time together, right?” he asked. Figuring that you still weren’t allowed to talk, the four of you nodded. “And you enjoy spending time together?” You all nodded again. “And most of all you enjoy spending time as all four of you?” More nods, although they were more hesitant this time.

“Then maybe all four of you should just…be together,” Lucius suggested as if it was the most obvious solution in the world.

“Lucius-” you began to interrupt, this was a pretty heavy topic to just drop on everyone.

“Nope, still talking,” Lucius thoroughly chastised you. “Relationships don’t just have to be two people, and that’s perfectly okay,” he reminded the four of you.

When he didn’t speak for a moment, Stede figured he was allowed to talk again. “Lucius, I appreciate this and you know we all have nothing but respect for you and your relationships but…I don’t think that would be something I’m comfortable with.”

Lucius considered him without judgement before nodding. “You wouldn’t be comfortable with Ed just sleeping with anyone, right?” he asked, still no judgement.

“Of course not!”

“I wouldn’t fucking do that!” Edward defended himself, clearly offended by the mere suggestion.

“It wasn’t an accusation,” Lucius reassured him. “So, you aren’t interested in an open relationship like Pete and I have. You need security. That’s fine, that’s not the only option.”

This was his nightmare, Izzy realised as the conversation sounded so far away. Lucius was suggesting that you be with somebody else (even if it was in addition to him). You would see that being with somebody else is better and would leave him behind.

As if sensing his spiralling, you gently took his hand in yours, just holding it as Lucius continued. It helped bring Izzy back into the cabin, into his body.

“The four of you could have a closed relationship. Just the four of you, all of you in a relationship with each other. Exclusivity between the four of you,” Lucius explained, “just like what you're already doing but with less pining.”

Edward hummed to himself, a little ‘huh’ sound. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t already thought of this, but even if he had, would he have suggested it to Stede? He looked at Stede to see how he was reacting to the idea. Much to his delight, Stede looked interested, hopeful even.

Stede looked at Edward, perhaps to judge his reaction as well, and the two of them shared a silent communication. This was something they both wanted and they knew just by looking at each other. It would be new, especially for Stede, but it could be such a good thing.

Clearly making his decision, Edward broke out into a bright smile.

“Well, uh, thank you for your…input, Lucius. I think the four of us need to talk about this…alone,” Stede gave him a tight smile, wringing his hands in his lap.

“Hint taken,” Lucius nodded. “Come find me if you need any help…try to avoid it if necessary,” he escaped from the room promptly, probably to tell Pete everything, closing the door behind him.

“Well, this solves everything!” Edward stood up, clapping his hands together, staring brightly at the three of you. He looked almost proud of himself, as if it had been his idea. “Can’t believe I didn’t think of it first,” he admitted.

Izzy was looking at him with wide eyes, his mouth hanging open, unable to do anything more.

“Darling, let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Stede stood and pulled Edward to the side, hoping to calm him down a little before he overwhelmed you or Izzy.

As soon as you were offered any sense of privacy, you turned to Izzy. “Are you alright?” Izzy could quite easily become overwhelmed, especially when it came to anything involving feelings, and your first instinct was to check in on him.

Izzy convinced himself to meet your gaze, you deserved that at least. “Do you want to be with them?” he asked.

“I want to be with you,” you promised him without hesitation, already knowing where his mind was probably going. “I…I do like Ed and Stede, and I know you do too. I’m willing to give this a try if that’s something you want, but I promise you, Iz, I am not leaving you for them. I love you.” You knew that honesty was the only way to talk about this properly, but you wanted to make sure he didn’t get the wrong idea. You were with him, no matter what he wanted.

“But…what if you end up liking them more?” Izzy’s question just broke your heart, he sounded so small, but at the same time you were so proud of him for allowing himself to be so vulnerable.

“That’s never going to happen, it’s not possible. Even if I love them, I will always love you just as much, that will never change,” you kept one hand around his, bringing your other hand up to his cheek, hoping to ease the tension between his brows. “I know you love Ed, have for a long time, and I know you’ve been growing fond of Stede. That doesn’t mean you love me any less does it?” you asked and Izzy frantically shook his head. “I’m here no matter what you decide, I love you.”

Izzy would never understand how you were so good at this, at handling him and reassuring him. “I love you too,” even after all this time, he always said those words with the same devotion as he did the first time.

You smiled and lent in to give him a chaste kiss, just to make sure he got the point.

To the side of you both, somebody cleared their throat. You pulled away from Izzy, dropping your hand from his cheek, as you both turned to look at the captains. They were watching you both fondly.

“I, uh…that was a lot. Is everyone…are you alright to speak about this?” Stede asked. He really did feel like he was getting good at the whole ‘communicating thing’.

You looked back at Izzy, letting him decide whether he wanted to talk now or if he needed some time. He nodded and you looked at the captains again. “Yeah, we want to talk about it.”

Izzy’s hand never once left yours, even when Edward took hold of his other hand, even when Stede pressed kisses to each of your knuckles.

The four of you were up until the early hours of the morning, fueled by coffee and unspoken feelings, talking about feelings new and old. Considering how a relationship between the four of you might look, how the four of you might navigate it.

Stede had suggested a ‘proper courting period’, and then gone on to explain what that might consist of.

Things would stay mostly the same but the four of you would be courting each other, knowing that the intentions are romantic in nature. You would take things slow, make sure everyone was comfortable and let things progress naturally. You wouldn’t rush or force anything. If it felt right then you knew you were doing the right thing, if it felt wrong the four of you could go back to normal, even if it was a little disappointing.

The next morning you woke up, still in the captain’s cabin with your beloved partner and two possible partners. Propped up against Izzy’s chest with Edward’s head in your lap and Stede’s head on your shoulder, drooling slightly.

It was only the first day of whatever this was but you felt good about it, felt good about the way the four of you fit together even in your sleep. You didn’t want to be the one to disturb the three men, so you just cuddled back into Izzy and buried your hand in Edward’s hair.

#izzy hands x reader #stede bonnet x reader #edward teach x reader #steddyhands #steddy hands #steddyhands x reader #ofmd x reader

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house-afire · 2 months

Text

Where We Left Off (Ed/Frenchie)

Prompt: 100 words of gift giving

Two weeks after the silvery chime of the cat bell stops tinkling in Frenchie’s dreams—honestly, he can’t say whether it’s a warning or a promise, might be both—he wakes up to find a page of sheet music tucked between his coat and his chest. It’s the middle bit of some symphony. Spoils from their latest raid, he thinks, because it’s got a bit of blood on it. Still readable, though.

It’s not hard to work out who it’s from. There are only two people on this ship who’d think it was all fine and normal, just the uszhe, to slip a present between his ribs like a knife instead of giving it to him properly, and Iz clomps a bit too much when he moves now to go sneaking around in the night. Has to be Ed, then.

Frenchie thinks it’s meant to be an apology for the rattling box in his mind. But he’s not, like, an apology person? It’s just hearing a reprise of a tune you didn’t even fancy the first time—in a minor key, too, like it’s all sad and dressed in sackcloth. Better to just move on, let it go. Eat your cake. Follow your bliss.

But he does like a good gift. A gift’s extra; it’s not doing any heavy lifting. It doesn’t have to put its hand inside weeks and weeks of darkness and turn it all inside-out like a pocket, leave the delicate lining of his life hanging out in the cold.

It doesn’t have to make things right. It’s just nice. Frenchie likes nice things.

He sits on a barrel, score on his knees, and picks out the fragment of the song on his lute. Ed watches him from across the deck, dark eyes huge and almost more hopeful than Frenchie can stand.

Ed looks good, these days. Better than he did even back before it all went to shit, if Frenchie’s honest. Back then he was like one of his cups of tea, seven sugars—one sip of him would hit you like a spike, like a snort of rhino horn. Now he’s more like … tea with honey. There’s something soothing about it.

Frenchie raises his chin a little: come on over, if you want.

It’s the first time he’s invited him so close, since all the purgatorial break-up grimness, and for a second the box in his head twitches, like some wild animal inside it has flung itself against the side. But Frenchie lets it go; thinks instead of waking to the crinkle of paper against his chest. Of knowing Blackbeard’s hand was right above his heart as he slept, and he’s still alive to tell the tale.

Enough of reprises and reprisals, yeah?

“What do you think?” he says, when Ed’s closer. “How’s it sound?”

“Playing’s great,” Ed reassures him, speaking a little too quickly. “We could start getting sirens hanging off the barnacles, man, you go on like that. But the start’s a bit shit, isn’t it? Just wallops you out of nowhere.”

“Yeah, well.” Frenchie looks from the score to Ed and back again. His throat is dry, and he has to unstick his tongue from the roof of his mouth. “Think there’s a page missing, maybe. Like I’m coming in at the middle. But, you know, shrugging it off. Got to start somewhere.”

He imagines tossing a bunch of bloodied, marked-up pages into the sea. Tipping his box over the side with it.

And he knows he can’t, not completely, but you have to play with what you’ve got, don’t you? You just pick a song and go with it.

Ed’s all about the metaphor, Frenchie thinks, because he’s looking at him like Frenchie’s given him something back. Hope all trussed up with a bow on it. Last thing to fly out of Pandora’s box, in Stede’s story. He clears his throat, like he could use some tea with honey too.

“Where do you think it goes from there?” he asks Frenchie, pointing to the bottom of the sheet, where the notes traipse off the page and get lost.

“Dunno, babes,” Frenchie says, holding on to hope’s ankles. “Want to help me figure it out?”

#frenchie #edward teach #ed/frenchie

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onetimetwotimesthreetimess · 1 year

Note

now magnus make alec believe he cant pursue long term romance alec just gonna turn to short term one night stand

// This is part II. Read part I here.

They decide 8 pm for dinner but it’s 9:30 already and Alec is nowhere to be seen.

Jace smirks knowingly while Izzy hides behind a sympathetic smile.

Magnus tries not to groan internally at how obvious the Lightwood siblings are. It’s not like anyone is actively trying to hide this from Magnus, not that anyone possibly could—considering how public Alec is with his new found obsession.

With one-night stands.

It’s so unlike Alec that the first time Magnus heard of it, he almost believed that Alec is possessed. Magnus even goes so far as to check Alec’s entire body to see if someone has cursed him.

But that’s not the case.

Alec is doing this completely out of his own choice.

And Magnus can’t blame him. It’s his stupid fuxking plan to ruin all of Alec’s date that has led Alec to this.

God, he’s a fucking idiot.

It’s 9:45 when Alec finally arrives at Taki’s for their dinner.

“Hi, sorry I got stuck with something,” he apologises the second he arrives.

Clary and Simon grin like kids because they are.

“Stuck with something or someone?” Jace quips and Alec hides a blush.

Magnus winces at the words and stares at his glass of wine. He orders another bottle—for himself.

“Shut up and eat,” Alec hits Jace on the shoulder, lightly.

It’s not that Alec is hiding this from specifically but it makes sense—it’s weird if Alec is open about this to him.

Nephilim only love once. I’ve had my one Magnus. It doesn’t get better than that.

That was four months ago and Magnus can still feel the soft touch on his cheeks. It’s the last time Alec has been close to him and every part of Magnus aches and wants to rip itself apart.

He loves Alec so much.

And Magnus misses him more than he can ever love him.

It’s just cruel how this is happening to them—not that Magnus thinks there’s a them left.

It’s just Alec and his string of hook-ups and both of their broken hearts.

The dinner continues with laughter and stupid jokes from all of them.

“I could have easily taken that hoard of demons,” Clary states.

“Stop talking like Jace,” Simon reprimands her.

Alec gets lost somewhere in this conversation before Izzy nudges him.

“You okay?” She asks worriedly.

Alec nods.

“When are you going to stop doing this?”

The conversation isn’t meant for anyone but the two siblings but Magnus can’t do anything but eavesdrop.

“Do what?”

“These stupid hook-ups. This isn’t you, Alec.”

Alec lets out a dry laugh. “This is me, now.”

“Alec—“

“Would you rather I be alone for the rest of my life?”

Izzy’s face contorts in pain and she whispers, “Are you telling me that you’re not alone, right now?”

Something flashes in Alec’s eyes and he looks at Magnus.

They look into each other’s eyes for some time and all Magnus wants is to keep on doing that.

Alec looks exactly like he used to and completely different at the same time.

There’s something so unhinged about him—like he’s given up, stopped caring.

Not about other people. But about himself.

It breaks Magnus’s heart in two.

“I tried the dating thing. It did not work out, Iz. What more do you want from me?” Alec pleads.

Izzy turns and glares at him then.

Fuck.

She knows.

She knows that Magnus is behind the failed dates.

“Those guys sucked Alec. You dodged a bullet right there,” she says instead of telling him the truth and it leaves Magnus baffled.

She stops Magnus when they’re all leaving.

“Fix this.”

He takes three seconds to decide if he should pretend he has no idea what she’s talking about but he fails.

“Fix what?”

“Fix my brother’s heart.”

He wants to scoff because Alec’s heart is Magnus’s heart.

They are the same thing to him.

They are both hurting currently.

“I don’t know how-to.”

Izzy glares. “How about you start by telling him that you fucked up the dates and that he’s not unlovable.”

Magnus looks down, ashamed. “Why haven’t you told him, if you know?”

Her face softens at that, “because I know you. I know you got hurt by Alec. But I also know that you’re not doing this to hurt him back.”

He himself doesn’t know why he’s doing this.

“Why do you think I did it then?”

“Because you love him. And you’re an idiot,” Izzy says simply.

He opens his mouth to say something but stops mid-way.

He wants Alec back but for some reason he can’t

They both love each—there’s no doubt about it.

But he doesn’t know if he can trust Alec again. Or even himself.

He’s not sure if he will be able to be more honest and open with Alec this time around—centuries of habit is not easy to break.

And Alec deserves better.

They deserve better.

“I can’t.” He tells Isabelle, and gets so much disappointed in return.

Magnus gets it.

He is disappointed in himself too.

#i will continue this series based of whagever prompts you guys send me lmao #I’m the writer but y’all are the storyteller okau byeee #my writinf #malec #magnus bane #alec lightwood #malec fics

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fritextramole · 8 months

Text

Bombshell

a gossip girl musical episode

late season 2 Early college acceptances are coming in and Serena’s been accepted at Yale, where she plans to attend with Dan. Blair and Chuck decidedly aren’t a couple, but she’s still upset that Dan and Serena will be together for the next 4 years... at her dream school Jenny’s back at school after leaving her job at Eleanor’s and the minions seem to have nothing better to do than torment her while they coast towards graduation Lily and Rufus have recently started dating, and Lily is forced to confront her parenting style

tracklist under the cut

Let Me Be Your Star

the fire and drive that make dreams come alive they fill her soul she's in control

Characters: Blair & Serena (+Dan, minions)

Early admissions decisions are coming in, and everyone is eager to see where they got accepted. Serena got Constance’s Yale slot.

Dig Deep

i'll finally get to use my mind's interior and not only just my bust and my posterior

Character: Serena

Serena’s glad to feel like she’s being taken seriously for once.

Let's Be Bad

tonight the (whoo!) will hit the fan!

Characters: Penelope, Hazel, Iz, Nelly Yuki

The minions didn't get the early acceptance slots they wanted, and make that everyone else's problems to cheer themselves up.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

people who use their kitchen each night who'd never been in toots shor

Characters: Dan & Serena; Rufus & Lily

Rufus and Lily are getting more serious. Dan’s excited that he and Serena can go away to Yale together. We cut back and forth between both couples to drive the point home.

At Your Feet

it's showtime, let the dream begin!

Character: Lily

Lily finds out that Serena got into Yale and is excited her daughter is amounting to something. Serena isn’t actually sure if she wants to go to Yale but feels pushed out the door.

History Is Made At Night

no one here to disapprove as we review the lessons you've been missing

Characters: Chuck & Blair

Chuck crawls in Blair’s ear about how Serena got the Yale spot. He pushes her to scheme against Serena. They consider crawling into bed

Never Give All The Heart

as the wise men once wrote never give all the heart

Character: Eric

Eric giving advice to Jenny after a run in with the mean girls. Overhead by Lily.

Public Relations

"any advice for a girl in the city?" if you're two-faced, at least make one of them pretty

Characters: Serena (+ Blair)

Blair’s using gossip girl to scheme against Serena (unsuccessfully.) Blair’s up to her usual slut shaming.

Don't Say Yes Until I Finish Talking

she thinks she's queen and calls the shots as she sits on a throne she needs to learn she's only skin the next girl's waiting for a spin

Characters: Blair, minions

Blair is in full scheming mode against Dan and Serena (and Jenny, just for fun.)

I Never Met A Wolf Who Didn't Love To Howl

a wealthy wolf likes to buy his toys but he really is just one of the boys

Character: Serena

Serena leans into her charisma and sex appeal to thwart Blair’s scheming attempts.

They Just Keep Moving The Line

i handled every corner each bump along the track and when I saw the ribbon, well there was no turning back i won the photo finish i posed for all the men but before I got my trophy well, the race began again

Character: Jenny

After a run in with the minions. Frustrated about how her year has gone.

On Lexington and 52nd Street

hurry all you faceless men, and catch the end of a match of the century, you're just in time for the final round, 'cause i know when i'm beat

Character: Dan

Dan when Serena has gotten pulled into scheming against Blair. “I thought you were better than this! I thought we both wanted to get away from this world.”

Second Hand White Baby Grand

oh, the words are still unspoken now that mama's not around but that secondhand white baby grand still has something beautiful to give

Character: Dan & Jenny

Both in a low point, Dan and Jenny come together to reminisce about their childhood and comfort each other.

The Right Regrets

where he can find the strength to say what those he loves should hear and just erase mistakes she's made then make them disappear

Characters: Dan & Serena

They talk about the future of their relationship. She was acting out because she doesn’t want to go to Yale. He lashed out instead of hearing her out.

Hang the Moon

you'd reach out and there'd be my hand

Character: Lily

A sit down with Serena and Eric after Rufus has given her some perspective on her parenting.

(Let's Start) Tomorrow Tonight

let's climb together to reach that peak then baby, we'll shoot the moon

Characters: Blair & Serena

The girls agree to let Yale decide who attends, and go out to celebrate making peace.

#they wouldn't all be full songs but you get it #writing gossip girl is easy idk why they had so much trouble #nbc smash #gossip girl #ggmusicals

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jule1122 · 1 year

Text

Malex Fic - Thanks that was fun

I decided to try the 2023 Year of the OTP Event and of course I am late on the first month. In my defense this is the longest Malex fic I’ve written. For January, I choose the mission fic prompt.

This is canon divergent fic that takes place at the same time as S1. Alex and Michael were never together in high school. Michael didn't take the blame for the murders so while the cover up still happened, Isobel believes she killed Rosa, Kate and Jasmine. She isn't married to Noah and is just starting to date him. There are reference to canon genocide and past Miluca (although it happens before Malex in this universe).

The mission is a honeypot mission where Michael is sent in to find out what Alex knows about his father. Guess who falls in love?

Title is from the Barenaked Ladies song of the same name.

Thanks that was fun on AO3

“Alex Manes is back in town,” Isobel corners Michael between the bathrooms at the Wild Pony.

“I know,” he replies with a roll of his eyes. “It was kind of hard to miss with the whole parade and all.”

“I found out he’s looking for someone to do some maintenance around his house, and you need to get the job.”

“Why? I’m not that hard up for cash.” He kind of is, but he doesn’t want to admit that to Isobel. Also, seeing Alex for the first time since graduation brought back memories of the crush he’d had on him in high school. He tried flirting a few times back then, but Alex never responded. When Alex enlisted the spring before graduation, Michael had backed off. Then everything happened with Isobel, and staging an accident to cover up the murders and helping Isobel deal with what she had done had driven any thoughts of Alex right out of his head. It wasn’t a time he wanted to remember.

“Look, we all know his father’s up to something,” Isobel reminds him.

Michael nods because Jesse Manes is suspicious as hell-his career in the Air Force which somehow never takes him out of Roswell, the strange way he speaks about the rumors surrounding the 1947 crash and the way he throws his weight around raises a lot of red flags. He’s been worse the last few years, lurking around and asking questions.

“Well, he and Alex weren’t exactly buddy-buddy during the whole planning process and parade, but there was some weird tension between them. I think Alex knows what his father’s up to, and this is our best chance to find out. You,” Isobel points to him and smiles in a way that makes Michael very nervous, “are going to our honeypot.”

“Come on, Iz, you can’t be serious,” Michael groans.

“Well, it can’t be me,” Isobel waves a hand up and down her body. “I am definitely not his type. And Max is too uptight to explore his options so that leaves you, my ruggedly handsome, bisexual brother.”

“What makes you think Alex Manes is my type?” Michael protests, grasping at straws.

“Please,” Isobel snorts. “I saw the way you stared at his ass in high school, trust me it’s only gotten better with age.”

“It’s still a bad idea. Can’t you just see what he knows,” Michael gestures to Isobel’s head. Her face falls, and he immediately feels like an dick.

“You know I don’t do that anymore,” Isobel whispers, looking away from Michael.

“I know,” Michael takes her hand and squeezes it in reassurance. Isobel used to use her powers for silly, harmless things-getting an A on paper she never turned in, making her parents forget she was grounded. But as the years went on and Max still haunted the Crashdown, hoping Liz would come visit, the guilt of sending Liz away became a heavier and heavier burden.

And finding out someone’s secrets isn’t as easy as pushing them into doing something. Isobel wouldn’t be able to just persuade them to tell her what she wants to know, she’d have to take them into the mindscape. They might not be able to lie, but she would be just as vulnerable. It’s why they agreed she would never try it on Jesse Manes.

“Last resort, okay,” Isobel squeezes his hand back before dropping it. “Let’s try it the human way first.”

“Fine, but I am warning you ahead of time this plan is doomed to failure. Alex Manes is not going to fall for me and confess all his father’s deep dark secrets.”

“You're not a nerdy teenager who doesn’t know how to flirt anymore, Michael. Everyone wants a piece of the sexy handyman in the cowboy hat. Just wear your jeans low, bend over a lot and find excuses to take off your shirt. Like this,” Isobel plucks the beer bottles from Michael’s hand and slowly rolls it across her forehead and fans herself. “Sure is hot in here,” she says in a falsely deep voice. She tilts her head back and takes a slow sip from the bottle. She lets a little beer trickle from her mouth and chases it slowly with her tongue before winking at Michael.

“Never do that again. I’m scarred for life,” Michael grabs his beer back and immediately throws it away.

“Don’t pretend you haven’t seen those same pornos. Alex will be putty in your hands. Dammit,” Isobel looks at her watch, then quickly smooths her hair and straightens her clothes. “I’ve got to run, or I’ll be late for my date.”

“Be safe,” Michael calls out as she hurries away.

Isobel blows him a kiss, “Love you, too.”

Michael sighs and shakes his head. Isobel isn’t going to let this go so he might as well get started. He walks out of the hallway to the bar and catches Maria’s eye. It’s a quiet night so it’s not long before she comes over, his favorite beer already in her hand.

“Hey, DeLuca,” he stops her before she can walk away.

She eyes him warily, and he doesn’t blame her. They had a thing a few years ago and while it didn’t end badly, they never quite found their footing with each other-settling for less than friends but more than exes.

“Guerin,” she takes a step back in his direction.

“You’re still friends with Alex Manes, right,” he asks as casually as he can.

“Why,” Maria crosses her arms and stares at him.

“Stop trying to read me, it’s nothing bad,” he gives his best innocent smile. “I heard he was looking for someone to do some work around his house, and I was hoping you’d put in a good word for me.”

“Give me one good reason.”

He drops the innocent act, knowing he can be honest with Maria about this even if he wasn’t with Isobel. “Business has been slow at Sanders so I could really use the money. You know I’ll do a good job.”

“Fine,” she softens her stance slightly. “But,” she leans across the bar so they are face to face, “if you screw him over, I’ll mount your balls above the bar for everyone to see.”

“Fair,” Michael swallows audibly knowing it’s not an idle threat.

“He’ll be here tomorrow night so come early because he’ll leave before it gets crowded. I’ll let him know you’re interested.”

“Thanks, Maria, really,” Michael stands up to leave.

“Don’t make me regret this, Guerin,” Maria turns to another customer before he can respond.

Michael waits until he catches her eye, nodding and tipping his hat, before heading out, heart heavy. He hopes whatever he gets from Alex is worth it because if this goes the way he thinks it will, Maria will never speak to him again.

Michael shows up at the Pony the next night in his cleanest jeans and with his shirt buttoned most of the way up. He keeps the hat because this isn’t actually a job interview. Alex Manes is easy to spot-he’s sitting at a table not far from the bar, turning a beer bottle in his hands.

He’s alone, and Michael takes a deep breath before approaching him. “Manes,” he says, stopping to stand in front of the table.

Alex looks up from the bottle. “Guerin,” he replies, almost a question.

Michael hadn’t really thought this through. It’s not like they were friends, he doesn’t have a real reason to approach Alex. Not sure what to say, he just stands there awkwardly watching Alex.

Alex’s mouth twists in annoyance. “If you’re going to thank me for my service, don’t.”

“Fuck, no,” Michael can’t hold back a brief laugh. That’s the last thing he would ever do.

Instead of being offended, Alex seems to relax a bit at Michael’s reaction. “So what do you want?”

Alex’s eyes flick up and down as he looks Michael over, and maybe Isobel knew what she was talking about when she picked Michael to be the honeypot. He’s tempted to look back, flirt just enough to get Alex to follow him into the bathroom, but that won’t accomplish anything except scratching an itch.

Michael takes a step back and squares his shoulders. “Heard you were looking for a handyman. Thought I’d throw my hat in the ring, metaphorically of course.” Michael runs his hand along the rim of his hat and winks at Alex. A little flirting can’t hurt.

Alex looks toward the bar where Maria is watching them. “Maria told me you’ve done some of the repairs at the bar. Said you do good work.”

Michael shrugs and sends Maria a little wave. He wasn’t sure she would follow through on recommending him to Alex. Maria rolls her eyes at Michael and goes back to drying glasses.

“Give me your email,” Alex pulls Michael’s attention back. “I’ll send you the list of what I need done, and you can give me a quote.”

Michael gives Alex his information then excuses himself, figuring it’s best not to push just yet. He heads to the bar for his own drink. Maria’s in the back so he chats with the bartender for a while, and when he looks back Alex is gone.

The email is waiting in his inbox when he gets up the next morning. It looks like Alex sent it around 3 am so he’s either way more of a partier than Michael thought or an insomniac. He reads over the list between cars at Sanders. He can easily do everything on the list, and there is enough there to keep him busy for a good month. If Michael bid the way he wanted to, the job would be nice money, enough to carry him through the winter.

But the goal isn’t to make money, it’s to make sure Alex hires him so he sends it back with a ridiculously low price. It will cover materials, barely, but he won’t make any money and if anything goes wrong, he might end up in the red when it’s all done.

Michael waits until the end of the day to check his email. Alex’s response isn’t at all what he was expecting.

“I don’t need you pity. I can afford to pay for the work. Send me a real quote so you are paid fairly instead of losing money. If you can’t do that, I’m hiring Simmons and Sons.”

Michael makes a face. Simmons and Sons are complete assholes who overcharge for substandard work. But they’re big names in Roswell so they get all the city contracts and no one is willing to complain about them. Old man Simmons was good friends with Jim Valenti, is still close with the mayor, the Longs and probably Alex’s dad. He never hesitates to abuse those connections. His sons are a little older than Michael, and he remembers how Jim Valenti always looked the other way when they were caught speeding through town drunk or selling weed. Michelle’s not as soft, but the major still bails them out any trouble they find themselves in. Even if Michael didn’t have an ulterior motive, he wouldn’t want to subject Alex to them.

It doesn't take long to come up with a realistic bid, one that will give him some financial breathing room as well as getting him closer to Alex. Before he calls it a night Alex accepts his bid. He reluctantly texts Isobel to let her know their plan is in motion. He already feels guilty for taking advantage of Alex like this, but he knows their safety has to be his priority. They can’t protect themselves if they don’t know how much of a threat Jesse Mane-and possibly his son-are.

Michael and Alex spend the next few days emailing back and forth to work out the details. Alex will provide any materials related to the accessibility upgrades, and Michael will purchase everything else. Alex sends him several documents outlining exactly what needs to be done in terms of accessibility-primarily to the bathrooms and entryways. Alex also lets him know what tools he has at the house so Michael knows what he needs to bring with him. They also decide on a work schedule-Michael will work a few evenings a week once he’s done at the junkyard and Saturday afternoons. Although Alex assures him he can change that if needed since Alex works from home.

A few days before he is planning to start, the money needed for the initial supplies is deposited into his back account. Michael knows Iz would be pissed if she knew Alex had his bank account information, but it’s not like he uses an “extraterrestrials only” branch of Roswell’s First Federated Credit Union. He notices Alex also pays him the first half of his labor charges which is ahead of the schedule they set up.

Michael’s nervous when he finally knocks on Alex’s door. He lives in a quiet neighborhood, not as fancy as the Evans, but nicer than anywhere Michael can imagine ending up. Alex opens the door and waves him in. He doesn’t say much beyond an initial hello, and Michael finds himself standing awkwardly in the living room when Alex sits back down in front of a laptop.

“So I thought I’d start in the second bath, get that up and running before I start the demo on the master,” Michael says, hoping for some directions from Alex as to what he wants.

“That’s fine,” Alex looks up with a frown, like he’s surprised Michael is asking. “Whatever you think is best. The bars are in the bathroom if that’s what you want to do first.”

“Well since your new shower installation isn’t here yet, and it will probably take a few weeks to get the master bath done once I start on it, I thought you’d appreciate having a functionally accessible bathroom in the meantime.”

“Sure,” Alex shrugged before turning his attention to the computer. “Whatever you think.”

“Whatever I think,” Michael mumbles under his breath as he makes his way to the bathroom. He’s more used to people micromanaging him, and following him around to make sure he doesn’t steal anything rather than basically telling him to do what he wants. For some reason, he feels dismissed rather than trusted.

It takes a few hours to get the bars mounted. The ones for the toilet are easy, but since this is a small bathroom, the shower is a small corner unit and getting the grab bars in the recommended formation proves to be a bit of a challenge.

When he’s done, he finds Alex right where he left him. “Hey, you want to check out the bathroom before I go?”

“Is something wrong?” Alex doesn’t look up from what he’s typing.

“No,” Michael replies, bristling slightly. “I followed the schematics you gave me, but I want to make sure the height and spacing work for you before I go. That way I can adjust it now if you need me to.”

When Alex gets up, Michael notices he’s using a metal crutch that fits near his elbow. It’s the first physical reminder he’s seen that there’s a reason Alex needs grab bars in his bathroom. Alex walks away without a word. Michael doesn’t follow him, he thinks they would both be uncomfortable watching Alex check the placement of the bars.

Michael knows he made the right call when Alex comes back and thanks him without meeting his eyes. “Everything’s perfect, you did a good job.”

“I aim to please,” Michael tips his hat just to make Alex relax and smile. “See you tomorrow.” When Alex nods, he gives a quick wave and heads out.

He’s almost back to the airstream when Isobel calls.

“Wel, how did it go?” she asks impatiently.

“He hasn’t fired me yet”

“Michael be serious,” she scolds him. “Did you find anything out?”

“Iz, I was only there for a few hours. Did you think he would confess his father’s a serial killer because I unclogged his drain?”

“A girl can dream,” Isobel sighs. “Just be charming or at least sexy. Pants too tight, shirt unbuttoned or, even better, shirt off.”

“Goodbye, Isobel,” Michael hangs up the phone before she can say anything else.

Alex doesn’t exactly give him a chance to show off. He doesn’t even open the door for Michael the next day, just yells for him to come in. He never budges from his computer the whole time Michael is there, and gives him an absent minded thanks when Michael leaves.

Michael spends Saturday working in the kitchen replacing the oven and range top. It’s not difficult work, but it’s time consuming and awkward. Once he’s wrangled the oven into place and hooked it up, he heads to the garage to bring in the new range top.

“You want a beer?” Alex asks when he comes back into the kitchen.

“Uh, sure,” Michael tries not to act surprised. He opens the fridge, gets a beer for himself and hands Alex one as well.

“Thanks,” Alex accepts the bottle with a small smile. “Maria told me to be nice to you.”

Michael laughs because that sounds like Maria. “So you and Maria?” he asks, hoping to get Alex talking.

Alex raises a brow at him, “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

“She told you about me?” Michael preens a little. “We had a good thing for a while, then we didn’t. No harm no foul, we just wanted different things.”

“What did you want?” Alex asks with a slight edge to his voice.

“Someone to come home to, a picket fence, maybe a dog or two,” Michael shrugs. “And Maria. . .”

“Maria’s too independent for that,” Alex fills in.

“Too independent, the bar and her mom need her too much for her to put that kind of energy into a relationship. Timing was off for us, but that happens.”

“And here I thought you were the love them and leave them type.”

Michael groans because some rumors insist on following him. “It’s all consensual and everyone knows the deal up front. There’s nothing wrong with two adults having a good time together. Just because I’m looking for my soulmate doesn’t mean I can’t have fun along the way.”

“Soulmate, seriously,” Alex snorts.

“Yeah,” Michael can’t help being a romantic at heart. “You know the person the cosmos designed for you, the perfect fit, the one destined to be in your life. I know it’s unlikely, but I can hope. I take it you don’t believe in soulmates?”

“I’d feel sorry for anyone stuck with me,” Alex looks down at his bottle and frowns.

Michael takes a drink and tries to decide how to redirect the conversation. “What about Liz Ortecho, you still talk to her much?”

Alex shakes his head. Michael names a few other classmates, but gets the same response.

“I pretty much cut off all ties with Roswell once I left for basic,” Alex explains. “I sent Maria a few postcards, but that was it. We hadn’t really talked in years until she found out I was hurt and showed up at the rehab center. Then she basically demanded I stay in touch,” Alex smiles at the memory.

“She’s a force of nature when she wants to be,” Michael says fondly. He tosses his empty beer bottle in the recycling and decides it best to end this on a good night. “Well, I should get back to it, thanks for the beer.”

Alex nods and turns back to his computer.

The next few times he’s there, Alex offers Michael a beer before he leaves. Michael keeps the conversations light and short so he doesn’t raise Alex’s suspicions. He finds he likes talking to Alex. Once he understands Alex’s sense of humor he realizes what a sarcastic asshole he is, and Michael loves that. He’s also smart-smart enough to keep up with Michael when he goes off on a tangent. But Isobel has been bugging him about making progress so he carefully broaches the topic of Jesse Manes.

“Kind of surprised I haven’t seen your family around now that you’re back in town,” Michael says casually, not looking directly at Alex,

“My brothers are all still active military. None of them are stationed nearby,” Alex explains.

“What about your dad? He still lives in Roswell.”

“My father’s the last person you’ll ever see here,” Alex snorts. “Taking a medical discharge confirmed once and for all that I’m a coward and not worth his time.”

“I’m sorry,” it comes out almost like a question because Alex doesn’t seem at all bothered.

“I’m not,” Alex dismissed his concern. “I would be happy to never see him again.”

Michael fiddles with his beer bottle, not sure where to go from there. He remembers Jesse acting like a proud father at the parade and what Isobel said about their being tension between him and Alex. Maybe all that pride was an act.

“Sorry,” Alex grimaces when the silence drags on. “Didn’t mean to be a downer.”

“Probably my fault,” Michael shrugs. “Isobel always says I’m terrible at conversation.”

“Isobel Evans?” Alex looks up sharply. “You’re still close with her, and Max too?”

“Yeah,” Michael rubs the back of his neck. Normally he’d make a crude joke, lean into the assumption that he’s slept with Isobel or Max or both of them. But if he wants Alex to open up to him, he’s going to have to show he trusts him. “They’re my family, or at least as close as I get to one. Not a lot of people know this, but we were found together in the desert as kids, lived in a group home together until they were adopted. Then we lost touch for a long time.”

“I’m sorry you were separated.”

“It sucked,” Michael admits. “But we found our way back to each other. And I’m glad they had a family growing up, that they had it easier than I did.”

Alex nods, and Michael decides he’s had enough honesty for one night. “Anyway, now I’m the one dragging us down. It’s late so I’m going to head out. See you tomorrow.”

The next day, Michael brings a six pack in with him. Alex gives him a puzzled look when he passes him on his way to the kitchen.

“Can’t mooch off you forever,” Michael explains as he puts the beer in the fridge. “Should be cold by the time I’m done.”

He spends the next few hours working on the master bath. The shower won’t be in for a few weeks, but he needs to update the plumping and replace the tile. When he reaches a good stopping point, he grabs two beers and joins Alex at the table. Michael rocks back in his chair while Alex shuts down his lap top.

“So if your not here for your family,”

“Definitely not,” Alex interjects.

“Why did you come back?”

“What do you mean?” Alex asks.

“No one comes back to Roswell voluntarily. There has to be a reason you're here.” When Alex doesn’t respond, Michael narrows his eyes and hums. “So the first choice is usually to repair a broken relationship with a parent or sibling, but you ruled that out. How about wealthy relative you never met left you a huge inheritance on the condition you live in Roswell for a year and marry.”

Alex just shakes his head.

Michael sighs dramatically. “Then it must be for love. You found out your ex is getting married and you want to win them back. You always regretted the breakup so you’ve come to sweep them off their feet.”

Alex looks at Michael like he’s lost his mind. “I was the gay, emo kid in a cowboy town. How many exes do you think I have?” Alex holds up his hand before Michael can respond. “And if you say Kyle Valenti, you’re fired.”

“God, no,” Michael laughs. “Not that douche. Can you believe he’s a doctor?”

“Kyle always wanted to be the best at everything,” Alex says, looking a little wistful.

Michael remembers that Alex and Valenti used to be friends before Valenti became a raging dick. His chest hurts remembering how Valenti had taunted Alex at Prom, how he pushed him around at school. “You weren’t the only one,” Michael says, hoping it will be some kind of comfort. “The only queer kid in Roswell, I mean. Bisexual,” he points to himself. “And Emily Rathburn fell in love with some girl in college. They got married last year.”

“That’s nice, I guess,” Alex frowns a little. “I still felt like the only one then, still felt alone.”

Michael nods, because he gets it. Even after he found Isobel and Max, he felt alone. All three of them were aliens, but they had a place here that Michael didn’t. He was the one who longed to go home, wherever that was. “Well,” he says, deciding to change the subject. “Since you shot down all my rom com reasons for you to be in Roswell, why did you come back?”

“Had some loose ends to tie up. There’s a company nearby that hires a lot of veterans with my skill set so being here is a way to get my foot in the door.”

There’s a weight to his words that makes Michael nervous, reminds of why he’s here. But he decides not to push tonight. “Hope it works out for you,” he says as he makes his way to the door.

The next time Michael walks into Alex’s, the house is quiet. Alex isn’t at the table, his lap is closed and most of the lights are off. “Alex?” he calls. The door was unlocked so he assumes Alex is home, but Michael has never had to look for him.

“In here,” Alex calls.

Michael follows his voice to the living room where he finds Alex slumped in the corner of the couch. He looks-Michael can’t actually say he looks bad, he’s too handsome for that-but he’s pale and drawn. It’s also the first time he’s seen Alex without his prosthetic. Alex always wears jeans when Michael is here so it’s easy to forget what happened to him. But now Michael can see where the sweatpants he’s wearing are tied off-highlighting the empty space where the remainder of his right leg used to be.

“Are you ok?” Michael asks as he comes to stand in front of the couch. Up close he can see lines of tension on Alex’s face.

“Rough PT session,” Alex waves away his concern. “I’ll be fine.”

“You want a beer?” Michael asks, already walking toward the kitchen.

“Thanks, but I can’t with the meds I took.”

Michael nods even though he’s out of Alex’s line of sight. He rummages through the cupboards and doesn’t find any tea, but he does find a crumpled packet of hot chocolate. He makes it with warm milk so it will hopefully taste better than the watery versions they used to serve at school functions. When he goes back to the living room, Alex has his head tipped back against the couch and his eyes closed. Michael sets the mug down gently on the table, not wanting to disturb Alex if he’s asleep.

But Alex cracks an eye open. When he spots Michael, he picks up the mug, smiling when he smells what’s in it. “Thanks, I haven’t had hot chocolate since I was a kid.”

“Thought you could use something warm.” Michael was going to say comforting, but that sounded too personal. “I better leave you to it and get to work.”

Michael planned to work on the patio, but he’s reluctant to leave Alex alone so he decides to paint the spare room instead. Painting is quiet work and it makes the silence in the house all the more noticeable. When Michael’s working inside, he’s usually close enough to Alex that he can usually hear him typing on his laptop or at least hear the quiet music Alex always has playing in the background. He barely manages to get the primer on before he gives in and goes out to check on Alex.

He finds Alex sprawled out on the couch, sleeping. He doesn’t look particularly comfortable,and there’s a part of him that wants to carry him to bed. Instead, Michael settles for gently moving his left leg which was dangling toward the floor back on to the couch. Alex doesn’t stir or react at all to Michael’s touch, just keeps sleeping.

Michael’s debating if he should get Alex a blanket when a text from Isobel comes in. Suddenly he remembers why he’s there. It’s not to fuss over Alex, but to find out what his father is up to and if Alex is involved. With Alex as deeply asleep as he is, it’s Michael's best chance to look for evidence. He forces himself to walk away, ignoring the pang of regret he feels when he sees the mug of hot chocolate is empty.

Two hours later, Michael’s had enough. He knows what brand of underwear Alex likes, that he has surprisingly expensive taste in shower gel and his homeowner’s insurance is due in two weeks. Michael also knows how many medals and commendations he has from the Air Force, he knows Alex has exactly one picture of his mother, and if he dies, Maria DeLuca gets his pension and the rest of his assets are to be sold or liquidated and divided between four different charities.

Michael shouldn’t know any of these things, and he wishes he could erase them from his memory. He stops on his way out to put Alex’s empty mug in the dishwasher. Even though it feels wrong after what he’s just done, he covers Alex with the blanket from the armchair, whispering “sorry” before he leaves.

Guilt sits heavy in his stomach as he drives to the Wild Pony to meet Max and Isobel. “So I searched Alex Manes house tonight,” he begins as soon as they sit down.

“Breaking and entering,” Max says in an angry whisper. “Are you kidding me.”

“I was there to work on his house so no breaking involved.” Michael throws his hands up, not sure why Max is questioning him.

He sees Max wince and knows Isobel probably kicked him under the table.

“Sorry,” Max says sheepishly. “I forgot about that.”

“Seriously?” Michael rolls his eyes. “No wonder Iz picked me.”

“Boys, enough,” Isobel scolds them before turning to Michael. “What did you find?”

“Not a damn thing,” Michael replied. He doesn’t tell them about the replica of Roswell’s gazebo packed away carefully in a box he found on the top shelf of Alex’s closet or the journals filled with song lyrics he couldn’t bring himself to read. “Alex keeps saying he and Jesse hate each other, and I guess it’s true. There isn’t a single thing in the house that mentions him or anything about aliens either.”

“He’s not going to leave that kind of stuff out in the open. Are you sure you looked hard enough?” Isobel questions.

“Personal lockpick, remember,” Michael points to his head. “I went through every drawer, every safe, the garage and his car. Nothing,” he repeats.

“So now what?” Isobel slumps back against the booth.

“I finish the job, make some money and you find some other way to figure out what Jesse Manes is up to.”

“So helpful, Michael,” Isobel complains.

“Hey, I did my part. It’s not my fault Alex doesn't know anything,” Michael protests. Part of him feels like the words are untrue, just because it looks like Alex isn’t involved, he could still know something. But everything he did tonight feels like a betrayal, and he’s ready to be done.

They argue a bit longer about the best way to spy on Jesse Manes without getting caught. By the time Michael leaves, they still haven’t come up with any real options.

A little before noon the next day, Michael yells to Sanders that he is taking a break. He swings by the Crashdown before making his way to Alex’s house. Michael knocks on the door, something he hasn’t done in weeks, but Alex isn’t expecting him.

When Alex opens the door, he thrusts the bag at him. “I brought you lunch,” he explains. “I wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“Yeah, I’m good,” Alex ducks his head. “Come in.”

Michael follows him into the house. Alex sets the bag on the table before turning back to Michael. “Thanks.” He steps closer, frames Michael’s face with his hands and kisses him softly. “Thank you for lunch and last night. It’s been a long time since someone took care of me.” When Michael doesn’t pull away, he kisses him again, deeper this time, tongue teasing Michael’s mouth open.

The look in Alex’s eyes when they pull apart fills Michael with equal parts hope and guilt so he does his best to deflect. “You thank all your friends,” he almost says ‘employees’ but he knows that wouldn’t be accurate when talking about what they are doing now, “this way?”

“Only the ones I want to fuck,” Alex says with a wicked smile.

“That what we’re doing here, Alex?” Michael asks.

“I’m not your soulmate, Michael. I know the deal. Just two adults having fun, right.”

It’s less than Michael wants, but more than he deserves so he’ll take it. Michael surges forward, taking control of the kiss and backing Alex up against the wall. Once he has Alex pinned, Michael drops to his knees. He makes quick work of Alex’s pants, pushing them down to mid thigh.

Alex is already starting to get hard, and Michael smiles, licking his lips in anticipation. He grabs Alex’s ass to pull him closer. “God, your ass,” he groans when his fingers dig into the muscles there. Michael is tempted to spin Alex around, worship his ass with his eyes and mouth, but Alex’s dick is right here.

Michael takes him in his mouth, loving the way Alex immediately starts to get harder. He doesn’t bother with finesse, just takes Alex as deep as he can. It’s sloppy and fast and Michael loves it, not bothering to wipe away the mix of spit and precome that slips out of his mouth. Alex buries his hands in Michael’s hair, tugging just hard enough to sting as he thrusts into Michael’s mouth.

When Michael strokes his fingers down the crease of Alex’s ass, he comes with a muffled shout. His fingers tighten even more in Michael’s hair, and Michael’s cock throbs in response. He lets Alex’s cock slide out of his mouth. Michael rocks back on his heels and licks Alex clean until Alex whimpers and pushes his head away. Before he stands, he pulls Alex’s pants back up, because no one likes to stand around with their pants down once they’re soft and spent, but doesn’t bother to fasten them.

Alex reaches for him, pressing his thumb against Michael’s swollen lips. When his cock brushes against Alex’s leg, he can’t help but whine.

“I can’t” Alex gestures between the floor and his leg.

“Don’t care,” Michael mumbles. “Your hand is more than enough.”

Alex looks at him for a moment before nodding. He licks his palm while holding Michael’s gaze then sucks each finger slowly into his mouth. It’s a little mean and a lot sexy, and Michael knows he’s screwed in more ways than one.

Michael has his pants down before Alex gets to his thumb. Alex’s hand is cool in contrast to the heated skin of his dick, and he moans loudly when Alex wraps his hand around him. He doesn’t tease, and Michael’s grateful as Alex jerks him off, strokes sure and steady. It’s over quicker than he’d like, but Alex doesn’t seem to mind, kissing him deeply before he’s even caught his breath.

Michael licks the come off Alex’s palm, repeating Alex’s earlier action. Alex’s eye’s darken, and Michael can’t help preening a little under the intensity of his attention. “I should probably get back before Sanders starts to miss me,’ Michael says reluctantly, cleaning himself up as best he can with his shirttails before refastening his pants.

Alex doesn’t respond, just slumps against the wall and watches him leave.

“See you tomorrow,” Michael calls on his way out, getting a lazy wave from Alex in response.

Michael’s not sure what to expect when he shows up the next day. Alex gives him a quiet “hey” when he walks by, but never looks up from his laptop screen. Michael tips his hat in acknowledgement and heads straight to the patio.

Maybe he wasn’t expecting Alex to greet him with a kiss, but he was hoping to get some indication from Alex as to where they stand. If that was it, if Alex just wants to pretend nothing happened, Michael won’t be the one to bring it up.

He spends the next few hours outside, taking his frustration and confusion out on the last of the concrete that needs torn out. The work is physical enough to keep him focused so can’t think about how Alex felt in his mouth and how much he wants to feel that again and again.

The sun has set by the time he’s done, and once he stops working the night air makes him shiver when it hits him. He heads into the house-sweaty, dirty and exhausted. He hopes to get out without attracting Alex’s attention. All Michael wants to do is go home, shower and sleep. He can’t face awkward small talk with Alex over beers tonight.

He’s washing his hands at the sink in the kitchen when Alex comes up behind him. Michael feels Alex breath on his neck before his lips find the spot beneath his ear. Michael shudders and tries to shrug Alex away. “I’m sweaty and gross,” he explains.

“Don’t care,” Alex says as he continues licks a line along the side of Michael’s neck. “I like the way you smell. Like the ground after it rains. It’s sexy.”

“You think so?” Michael turns in Alex’s arms, shaking his hands dry as best he can.

Alex takes his hat off and sets it on the counter. He twirls one of the curls he freed on his finger and tugs Michael closer. “Let me show you.”

He leads Michael into the living room, pushing him gently onto the couch. Alex shoves Michael’s shirt up to his armpits, leaving Michael to struggle out of it while he nuzzles and mouths at Michael’s chest. It’s all teeth and tongue, and Michael’s hips buck up when Alex bites one of his nipples.

“Pants,” Alex demands.

Michael kicks his shoes off and tries to concentrate, but Alex is licking and sucking along his collarbone and that’s all he can focus on. He gets as far as unbuckling his belt before Alex takes over, pulling his pants off and tossing them aside.

As Alex makes his way down his body, Michael spreads his legs as wide as he can, dropping one leg off the couch, to give Alex more room. Michael sighs in anticipation when Alex pushes him further up the couch and settles between his legs.

Alex rests his head on Michael’s thigh, pressing his face into the crease of his groin. For a moment he just stays there, breathing into Michael’s skin. Then he turns his attention to Michael’s balls, licking around them and sucking on them while one his hands plays with the wiry curls above Michael’s dick.

“Come on, man,” Michael pleads.

Alex looks up and smiles. “You want something?”

“Your mouth on my dick would be ideal right now.”

Alex shrugs like it’s no big deal then sucks Michael down almost to the root. Michael can’t help but thrust up, harder than he means to. But Alex doesn’t hold him still, just rides it out. Then he slides his hand under Michael’s ass, encouraging him to set the pace.

Michael likes to think he gives a good blowjob, but Alex is on another level. Once again it's over quicker than he’s like it to be. But once he’s done, he barely gets a hand on Alex’s dick before Alex is coming all over his stomach so Michael calls it even.

Alex watches from the couch while Michael gathers his clothes. His jeans are already pulled up and zipped although the button is undone, and Michael still hasn’t found his own pants. “I really need to get you naked,” he says without thinking.

“Next time,” Alex answers with a smirk.

His hand is on the door when Alex calls him back.

“Hey, you forgot this,” he walks out of the kitchen holding Michael’s hat. When he gets to Michael, he plops it on his head before kissing him. Before Michael can respond, he reaches around Michael to open the door and nudges him out.

They settle into a routine after that. Michael shows and does whatever work he has scheduled for the day, and then they fuck. It’s been a long time since Michael had sex with the same person more than once, and he forgot how fun it can be. They get off grinding against each other on the couch like teenagers one night, and the next day Michael jerks Alex off while fucking his thighs. There’s an enthusiastic, but perhaps ill advised round of sixty-nine in Alex’s bed. Somehow Michael almost gets hit in the head by Alex’s prosthetic, but when he comes seeing stars, it’s from Alex’s mouth not a concussion so he’s not complaining.

Michael knows they have an expiration date. There’s not much left to do at the house, and once he doesn’t have an excuse to be at Alex’s house, they’ll go their separate ways. Alex has given no indication he’d make an effort to see Michael and considering Michael, Max and Isobel are still trying to figure out what Alex’s father is up to, ending this before that happens is a good idea.

Still coming home, smiling and satisfied after Alex fucked him against the kitchen table, he’s unprepared for Isobel to blow the whole thing up. She’s pacing outside his airstream when he pulls up.

“Liz Ortecho is back in town,” she says as soon as he’s out of the truck and close enough to hear her.

It’s an eerily familiar way to start a conversion, but he’s pretty sure she isn’t going to ask him to honeypot Liz Ortecho. “So,” he replies.

“Max was with her at the Crashdown last week when Wyatt Long and his pals shot it up. They hit Liz, and Max saved her.”

“He what!” Michael shouts. “Last week? Why am I just finding out now?”

“He just told me.”

“I assume she knows.”

“Kind of hard to hide the sparkly, glowing handprint.” Isobel holds up her own hand as if Michael doesn’t know what she means.

“That’s just great,” Michael throws up his hands. “All these years of telling us to be careful, and as soon as Liz waltzes back into town, Max throws it all away.”

“It’s worse than that,” Isobel winces.

“He didn’t tell her about Rosa, did he?” Now Michael is pacing. “Wouldn’t that be the icing on the fucking cake. After everything we did to protect you, Max tells Liz not only did we kill her sister, we framed her for Kate and Jasmine’s deaths.”

“No, he didn’t tell her about that,” Isobel rushes to assure him. “But the reason he finally told me about Liz is that Jesse Manes showed up at the station today. He was asking the Sheriff about where Jim Valenti’s old files were stored. Said he needed them to clear up some Air Force case.”

“Shit,” Michael swears.

“I followed him from the station, and he met up with Kyle Valenti. I couldn’t hear everything they were saying, but I definitely heard ‘handprint’ and ‘Alex.’”

“You don’t know,” Michael starts.

“Alex knows something, Michael. Something big or at least more than we know. I have to find out what it is,” Isobel squares her shoulders.

“No,” Michael objects too fast. “I’ll get him to tell me. You don’t need to get into his head.”

Isobel narrows her eyes and stares at him. “Oh my god, you slept with him.”

“Wasn’t that kind of the point,” Michael says defensively.

“Not now, not after you said he was a dead end. If you’re sleeping with him now,” Isobel cocks her head. “Oh, Michael, you’re in love with him, aren’t you?”

Michael shuffles his feet and looks away. “Doesn’t matter. It’s over as soon as I finish his house so we might as well get something out of it.”

“It does matter,” Isobel looks at him with something too close to pity. “You don’t have to do this. If there’s a chance for you and Alex,”

“There isn’t,” he cuts her off. “And even if there were, this is more important. Protecting our secret, protecting our family is always going to be the first priority. I won’t risk that for Alex Manes, no matter how good the sex is.”

“So the sex is good, huh,” Isobel teases, willingly going along with his need to change the topic from his impending broken heart..

“It’s fucking epic,” Michael gloats just a bit.

“I’m sorry you have to do this, but you’re not alone.” Isobel stands up straighter. “I’m going to cozy up to Kyle Valenti, see if I can figure out what he knows.”

“Eww,” Michael makes a face. “What about the lawyer you’ve been seeing?”

“No real sparks there. I’ll just throw the lawyer over for a doctor. Mom will still be thrilled.”

“Just promise me you’ll be careful,” Michael says, resigned to Isobel doing what she wants.

“I will,” she promises, giving him a hug before leaving.

The next time Michael is at Alex’s he finishes the shower, the last of the renovations to the master bath.. It’s good work, something to be proud of. It’s also the last big project he has at the house. There’s a few days of work left in finishing up the patio, but that’s it. Time is ticking on both his time with Alex and his opportunity to get answers.

Once the bathroom’s clean, he heads to the kitchen to find Alex. “Shower’s done. You should try it out,” he suggests.

“You going to join me?” Alex asks as he stands up from the table.

“Thought you liked me all sweaty?” Michael asks.

“I do,” Alex looks him up and down, leering just a bit. “Just don’t leave, ok?” he reaches out and grips Michael’s wrist.

“I won’t,” Michael promises. Then to change the mood, he adds with a wink, “Want to see how much you enjoy all my hard work.”

Alex rolls his eyes, but lets go of Michael and disappears into the bedroom. Once he hears the water running, he strips and waits for Alex in his bed. When Alex comes out of the bathroom, he looks like one of Michael’s fantasies come to life. Steam billows around him, his skin is flushed and slightly damp, his hair slicked back from his forehead.

Once he makes his way to the bed, Alex sets his crutches aside and kisses Michael. “The shower head is a little fancier than I remember.”

“Thought you deserved an upgrade,” Michael shrugs. “You like it?”

“The massage setting was amazing,” Alex tells him, stretching out next to him and kissing his neck.

“I may have also adjusted your water pressure,” Michael admits.

“Thank you,” Alex whispers into his skin. “I think you deserve a reward.”

Michael’s not going to pass that up so he thinks about what he wants. “Turn over for me,” he finally tells Alex.

Alex looks up at Michael and studies his face, trying to determine how serious he is. When Michael holds his gaze, he smiles and turns over.

Once Alex is on his stomach, Michael moves to sit between his legs and pushes a pillow under his hips. He takes a moment to just look because Alex’s ass is as magnificent as he always thought it would be. He settles into a more comfortable position and parts Alex’s cheeks. “Can I?” he asks, making sure his breath hits Alex’s hole so Alex knows what he wants.

“Please,” Alex replies, already shifting to get closer to Michael.

Michael doesn’t hesitate, just presses his tongue against Alex’s hole. When Alex shudders and moans, he licks a stripe along the crease of his ass before returning to push inside him. They’ve never done this before, and Michael wishes they had, wishes they’d done this everyday because Alex loves it.

Alex is never still, he alternates between grinding against the pillow and pushing his ass closer to Michael’s face. And the noises he makes are indescribable.

“God, you were made for this,” Michael says in awe when he takes a break.

Alex whines at the loss of his tongue, and Michael gives his ass a playful smack before diving back in. Michael drags it out as long as he can, but sooner than he’d like Alex is coming into his own fist with Michael’s tongue buried as deep as he can get it in Alex’s hole.

It’s tempting when Alex’s is spent, sprawled face down on the mattress to fuck him right then while he’s still slick and open. But he wants to take his time, wants to make Alex come again so he eases the pillow from under Alex’s hips and tosses it on the floor before urging Alex to turn over.

Alex stretches and gives Michael a blissed out smile before reaching lazily towards Michael’s cock. “Want some help with that?”

“Not yet,” Michael swats his hand away because if Alex touches him it will be over before it starts. “Going to get you hard again first.”

“Ambitious,” Alex teases.

“Just watch me,” Michael promises, then proceeds to devote himself to Alex’s pleasure. He uses everything he’s learned about Alex’s body over the last few weeks-the places he likes to be kissed and stroked, the places he wants Michael to use his teeth and press deep into his skin. Michael knows how to make Alex bite his lip and shiver, how to make him arch his back and buck his hips. He makes him moan and curse, plead and demand, and that’s just the beginning.

When Alex is hard and weeping again, he uses his fingers to stretch him, getting him more open then he already was. He ignores Alex’s insistence that he’s ready as long as he can and when Michael finally pushes inside, it’s overwhelming.

Michael fucks him slowly, almost slower than he can stand. But it’s worth it to watch Alex come apart beneath him, to watch the sweat bead on his body, to watch him become more restless the closer he gets until he grabs his own dick and strokes himself to orgasm in time with Michael’s thrusts.

Watching Alex, feeling him tighten around him, pushes Michael over the edge. His own release washes over him, his rhythm stutters until he finally stills inside Alex. Michael collapses next to Alex on the bed, pulling out of him reluctantly. Alex gives him a sloppy, uncoordinated kiss before closing his eyes.

By the time Michael gets back from the bathroom with a washcloth, Alex is asleep. He cleans him gently before returning to bed. It’s tempting to fall asleep as well, but Michael doesn’t want to waste the time he has left with Alex. He settles close to him and watches him, pretending while he can that this is something he can have.

When Alex starts to stir, Michael watches the way his eyes flutter before finally opening. He turns toward Michael smiling when he sees him still there. “It’s nice waking up to you,” he says in a way that lets Michael know he isn’t quite awake enough to filter what he says.

Michael’s heart shatters because he knows this is the time to ask. He brushes the hair off Alex’s forehead and kisses him softly before going in for the kill. “If you hate your father so much, why did you follow in his footsteps?” Michael aims for casual and misses badly.

“Is that what you think I did?” Alex laughs harshly and pushes the heels of hands into his eyes. Then he turns to face Michael, all the softness, all the sleepy haziness is gone from his eyes. “My father has secrets, Michael, dangerous ones. Joining the Air Force was the best way to find out what they were.”

Michael makes a noise of inquiry, hoping Alex will keep talking.

“Being a legacy recruit in the Air Force, especially with a family like mine, opens doors. People talk, around you, to you, assuming you joined for the same reason they did, to carry on your family’s legacy. I took advantage of every opportunity the Air Force gave me, for the exact opposite reason, to destroy my family’s legacy.”

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

“Some of it, most of it. Got closer enough for this,” Alex gestures at his leg.

Michael stiffens at the insinuation. “You think your father,” he can’t even finish the thought.

“I can’t prove it. Yet,” Alex amends. “Friendly fire happens, more often than people think, but this wasn’t a normal accident. And he did a piss poor job at hiding how disappointed he was that I survived.”

“Jesus,” Michael swears under his breath. If Jesse Manes was willing to kill his own kid, he’s way more dangerous than they thought.

“When I left the Air Force, he wrote me off as a coward. He thinks he scared me off, that I came home to hide out and lick my wounds.”

“So why are you here,” Michael asks, echoing his question from weeks ago.

“To finish what I started,” Alex answers. He leans back, putting space between them that wasn’t there before. “Any other questions?”

Michael swallows hard because this isn’t his lover asking, this is the Air Force captain Michael likes to pretend Alex never was. He should push, find out just how much Alex is willing to tell him, but he sees the betrayal hiding behind the hardness in Alex’s eyes, and he can’t. “I should get going,” he says instead.

Alex nods and shifts so he is sitting against the headboard no longer touching Michael at all. He watches Micheal get dressed, watches as he walks out, without saying another word.

When Michael gets back to his truck, he pounds his fists against the steering wheel before taking a deep breath and driving away. He knows he hurt Alex, knows he ruined any slim chance they had at being something, and he still doesn’t have solid answers because he was too chicken shit twist the knife in Alex’s back. Michael’s tempted to drive straight to the Wild Pony and hand his balls over to Maria right then.

The next time he goes to Alex’s, the door is open, but Alex isn’t waiting for him. Instead he finds a note on the table explaining that Alex had some errands to run, and Michael should lock up when he’s done.

“Errands,” Michael snorts. He can’t blame Alex for wanting to avoid him.

After a few hours working on the patio, Michael’s ready to call it a night. There’s almost nothing left to do, and being here without Alex is uncomfortable.

Alex is missing again the next night, not even bothering to with a note this time. Michael drags out what little he has to finish, hoping Alex will show up before he’s done. He’s making some final adjustments to the gate when Isobel calls.

“Why is Alex Manes at the Wild Pony getting drunk and looking like he plans to stay that way?”

“Cause I fucked up Iz,” Michael sighs. “He knows I want something from him, something to do with his father.”

“Did he tell you?” Isobel asks, a hint of hope in her voice.

“No, and why would he? He doesn’t trust me, but he knows. He’s not involved.” Michael hastens to add. “I think he’s been investigating his father for a long time. So whatever Jesse’s up to, Alex knows what it is.”

“So I guess it’s my turn,” Isobel signs, hope turned to resignation.

“Not tonight,” Michael interjects. “Not when he’s been drinking.” He doesn’t want to think about what it means that he’s as worried about Alex as he is Isobel when he thinks about Isobel forcing him into a mindscape.

“Not tonight, but soon,” Isobel warns. “Now that Liz knows, we have to figure out who our enemies are before she turns on us.”

Michael hopes that won’t happen, that somehow Max can keep Liz on their side, but he knows Isobel is right. “Just give me a day or two to say goodbye.”

“Michael,” Isobel says sadly. “I’m sorry I made you do this.”

Even though she can’t see him, Michael shrugs. What’s done is done. “So how’s it going with Valenti?” he asks, ready to change the subject.

“Pointless,” Isobel huffs out a frustrated breath. “He’s as hopelessly hung up on Liz Ortecho as Max. I don’t know what they see in her. She’s.”

“Brilliant and gorgeous,” Michael interrupts.

“A self-righteous know-it-all,” Isobel continues as if Michael hadn’t spoken. “Looks like my date is here. Talk to you later.”

“Bye Iz, be careful,” Michael reminds her before hanging up.

Now that he knows Alex won’t be coming home, Michael quickly finishes the rest of his work. When he’s done, he’s tempted to leave Alex a note. Instead he leaves a copy of the itemized job list Alex originally sent him-with every item checked off-on the table. He locks up when he leaves, the click of the lock audible in the silence around him.

When Michael wakes up the next morning, there is a notification of a deposit in his bank account-almost twice what they agreed on. Michael tosses his phone aside with a sigh, it’s not like Alex can’t afford it, which is something Michael shouldn’t know, but he’s seen Alex’s bank statements. He’ll deal with it later.

It’s dark by the time Michael works up the courage to go to Alex’s. He rings the doorbell for the first time since this all started. When Alex opens the door on crutches, prosthetic off, guilt twists in Michael’s stomach. He shouldn’t get to see Alex like this-relaxed and vulnerable-anymore.

“I have something for you. Can you meet me out back?” Michael asks.

Alex just nods and shuts the door. By the time Michael stops by the truck and makes it to the patio, Alex is waiting for him.

Michael sets the firepit in the middle of the brick he laid. “I made that for you,” he says awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Thought it would look nice out here.”

“Thanks,” Alex sounds confused by the gesture. But he smiles as he studies the polished metal and the constellations Michael had punched out.

“You overpaid me,” Michael blurts out.

“You did good work, and it’s still less than I would have paid Simmons,” Alex explains.

“Yeah, well thanks.” Michael turns to go.

“Michael,” Alex’s voice stops him. “Did you get what you wanted out of this?”

“A paycheck and a good fuck? Yeah no complaints on either one.” Not prepared to be put on the spot, Michael reverts to sarcasm.

Alex looks frustrated, and for a moment Michael thinks he’s going to let him walk away.

“That’s not why you took this job.”

“What makes you say that?” Michael stays on the defensive.

“Maybe the third time you asked about my father. Or maybe it was when you searched my house.” Now Alex is the one relying on sarcasm.

Michael doesn’t say anything. He should have had an excuse ready, should have been prepared, but he never expected Alex to confront him.

“I know who you are Michael,” Alex continues. “Or should I say I know what you are.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Michael denies, but he knows his panic is showing.

“Come on,” Alex opens the french doors-the ones Michael installed-and gestures for Michael to follow. “We should have this conversation inside.”

Michael wants to run, wants to get in his truck and drive as far away from Roswell as he can. But if Alex really knows the truth, running won’t help. He needs to find out exactly what Alex knows.

“Can you grab a few beers from the fridge,” Alex calls out from the living room.

“Sure,” Michael says faintly. He takes it as a good sign. Alex wouldn’t offer him a beer if he was planning to ship him off somewhere to be experimented on.

Once they are both seated,-Alex on the couch, Michael on the chair closest to the door-Alex looks at him and sighs. “I know you and Max and Isobel Evans are aliens. I’ve known since high school.”

“How,” Michael breathes, too shocked to hear someone-Alex-say it out loud to deny it.

“It’s a long story,” Alex picks up his beer bottle, fiddles with it then sets it back down. “Before my mom left, she used to take us to the Reservation every weekend. She would go see this woman named Louise. She was old, seemed ancient to me, was in a wheelchair and didn’t speak. But she was a healer. My brothers were always running around, playing with the other kids, but I wanted to stay with my mom so I spent a lot of time with Louise. She used to tell me stories, in my head.”

“In your head?” Michael says skeptically.

“Like I said she didn’t talk. I asked my mom how she could do that and how she could help people because she wasn’t Native. My mother told me her powers were special, that they didn’t come from the earth.”

“You think she was an alien?” Michael tries to sound more skeptical than hopeful.

“Not then, but yes I believe she was an alien. The stories she told me were all about another planet, a war and people fleeing. I used to think she was just telling her own version of Star Wars, but now,” Alex shrugs.

Michael wants to ask for detail, wants to know everything she told Alex in hopes of finding himself in the stories. But he knows this isn’t the time so he remains silent.

“One day my mom was on the phone and she said ‘the children have come’ and then she told me Louise had died. One story Louise told me more than once was about the three sleeping children who were destined to save her world and how her job was to be their guardian until they woke up.”

Shivers run down Michael’s spine. It seems like too much to believe, but she had to have been talking about the three of them.

“My mom left soon after that, and I forgot about Louise and her stories. My main focus was avoiding my father. He was always cruel, but once he figured out I was gay he became more and more violent. I used to hide out in this shed behind the house that my grandfather built. When I was about fourteen or fifteen, I was looking for a place to hide stuff from my dad. I pulled up one of the floorboards and found a skeleton.”

“There was a body buried under your family shed?” Michael doesn’t understand what this has to do with him.

“It was my father’s uncle, Tripp. My father always talked about what a hero he was, how he died fighting for his country. But it turns out my grandfather killed him because he was in love with an alien.”

“Louise?”

“No, another woman named Nora. There was a journal buried with them. It said Tripp and my grandfather were at the original crash in 1947. Tripp helped Nora and Louise escape along with three children held in some sort of stasis pods. They hid in Roswell for a year, and Tripp and Nora fell in love. They were going to take the children and run, but my grandfather found out and raided the farm they were staying on. He captured Nora and shot Louise. Tripp got Louise to the Reservation, but he couldn’t save Nora.”

“What happened to her?” Michael was almost afraid to find out.

“There was a prison built by the military after the crash for the survivors. My grandfather ran it along with the Valentis. She was taken there. My grandfather suspected Tripp wasn’t loyal so he kept him away. Because he and my father were close, Tripp tried to get him on his side before my grandfather corrupted him. Tripp was trying to convince my father that the aliens weren’t a threat and get his help in freeing Nora and the other prisoners. My grandfather found out, and I assume that’s when he killed him.”

“I didn’t find the journal when I,” Michael gestures to the room. He’s not sure he believes Alex.

“I don’t keep it in Roswell. I have a safety deposit box my father can’t find.”

“Even if all that is true and great uncle Tripp wasn’t some sort of Grant Green crackpot, it doesn’t have anything to do with me.”

“Tripp said if they didn’t take the children out of the pods, they would open in fifty years. Louise died fifty years after the crash. It wasn’t hard to put the pieces together.”

“And the pieces led you to me?” Michael’s have a hard enough time connecting the dots in Alex’s story. He can’t see how Alex figured out the truth on his own.

“Not a first,” Alex shakes his head. “You know I don’t think I even knew Max and Isobel were adopted. But once I started investigating and found the article about the children found in the desert I recognized them.”

“So being adopted makes them aliens,” Michael snaps, crossing his arms. His instinct is always to protect Max and Isobel.

Alex gives him a look that lets him know he realizes Michael is deflecting. “Once I started paying attention, I saw how the lights flickered around Max, how Isobel always got her way. You were a bit harder. But I remembered you were in foster care, and I saw how close you were to Max and Isobel so I figured you might be the third child. I followed you around for a while and saw you moving things without touching them.”

Michael’s breath speeds up as he realizes how easy it was for Alex to discover their secret. The illusion of safety they’d clung to all these years was fading. “Did you, did you tell anyone?”

“No, never” Alex reaches across the distance between them and briefly touches his hand. “And once I figured out what my father was doing, I altered all the records on the three of you. It would be virtually impossible to connect any of you to the three kids found in the desert.”

“So why did you hire me? Why bring me into your house believing all this?” Maybe Michael wasn’t the only one with an agenda. What if Alex’s job was a trap all along?

“You may find this hard to believe, but you being an alien isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when I see you. Maybe I’ve known long enough to forget most of the time,” Alex seemed unconcerned. “Maria recommended you, and I figured if she trusted you, so could I.”

Michael shifts uncomfortably when Alex mentions trust.

“And like I said outside,” Alex continues, “I didn’t realize right away that you had other reasons for wanting this job.”

Michael realizes it’s his turn to explain. “We’ve thought your father might know about us for a while, but we didn’t know how to find out without tipping him off. When you came back to town, Isobel saw an opportunity. It seemed safer to try and get information from you rather than your father. Then she found out you needed someone to work on the house, and asked me to do it.”

“She asked you to seduce me,” Alex says flatly.

“Not like that,” Michael tells him hastily. He doesn’t want Alex to think sex was part of the plan, but he knows how it must look. “She just wanted me to get close to you, try and figure out what you knew.”

“And what did you find out,” Alex’s tone is cold. Michael can feel him pulling away, can feel the doubts about every interaction creeping in.

“Nothing more than you told me,” Michael admits.

He can see Alex running through their conversations in his head. He looks at Michael then sighs, “I wasn’t joking when I told you my father’s secrets were dangerous. But if anyone deserves to know them, it’s you.”

“Are you sure?” Michael shouldn’t ask, getting Alex to tell him the truth about Jesse has always been the goal, but he can’t help but want Alex to have a choice.

“The prison I mentioned earlier became a family project,” Alex continues, ignoring Michael’s question. “My father took it over from my grandfather. It was as horrible as you can imagine-experiments, torture, isolation. It’s a miracle any of the aliens survived at all let alone for as long as they did. Working there was its own kind of evil. It turned my father into the worst kind of zealot-one who truly believes what he’s doing is right, that he is standing between humanity and our destruction. That prison consumed him.”

“Is it still there?” Michael’s afraid of the answer. He longs to discover more of his species, but not if it means they’re still being imprisoned and tortured..

Alex shakes his head. “Several years ago, the Air Force pulled the funding and told my father to end the project. He didn’t, instead he funded it with his own money. But eventually he was caught. He should have been court martialed but the Air Force couldn’t risk a trial. Instead they destroyed the prison with all the remaining prisoners, all records and research inside of it.”

Michael can feel the blood drain from his face. It’s a horrible end to a horrible fate, and his last hopes of finding a family are destroyed with it. “Are you sure?” he can’t help but ask.

“I've seen the footage. When I got back to Roswell, I visited the site. There were no survivors. I’m sorry.”

Michael nods, lips pressed tightly together. There is nothing left to say.

“They made my father watch, but they should have left him in the prison to burn along with it. Let that be the legacy he always dreamed of,” Alex says bitterly.

Michael can’t help but laugh although it’s humorless.

“So that’s it?” Michael says. One stroke of a bureaucrats pen, and his whole species is gone. The secret they uncovered is nothing more than a story now, all the players dead. Michael wished he’d told Isobel no, that he’d never learned this truth.

“It should have been. I think my father would have given up after everything was destroyed, but he knows there are other aliens in Roswell.”

“You said,” Michael stands up, fear propelling him to his feet.

“Not you, not Max or Isobel,” Alex reassures him, holding up his hand to keep Michael there.

“How?” Michael asks, sitting back down. “If there was another alien, wouldn’t we know?”

“I don’t know,” Alex admits. “Nothing in all the records I’ve hacked indicated there were other survivors or how they could still be alive. But no one knew about Louise either. What I do know is over the last few years over a dozen people have been murdered-homeless people, vagrants, prostitutes. All the bodies have a glowing handprint on them.”

“Shit,” Michael buries his face in his hands. “If you know there is an alien murderer out there, why risk letting me get close to you?”

“The handprint is too big to be yours or Isobel’s, and it doesn’t match Max’s,” Alex says matter of factly. “My father and Jim Valenti covered up the murders for years. Now he has my brother Flint helping, insisting the murders are part of a military investigation and claiming the bodies. He won’t stop until he figures out who it is.”

“Liz Ortecho knows,” Michael blurts out. “At least about Max which means she knows about Isobel, I don’t know how much he’s actually told her. But she may have told Kyle Valenti who has been talking to your father.”

Alex’s face goes blank for a second. “Well, that changes things. My plan was to find out who this alien is before my father does and figure out how to stop them without resorting to genocidal prisons. But if he suspects any of you are aliens, he’ll assume you are involved in the murders, and I don’t know how quickly he will act.”

The theoretical danger of discovery Michael always feared was becoming very real. “I can’t let him hurt Max or Isobel.”

“He won’t,” Alex says with certainty. “I know what kind of monster my father is and exactly what he is capable of. I won’t let him hurt anyone else, including you.”

“You can’t promise that,” Michael shakes his head.

“This is what I’ve been working toward for years. It’s why I joined the Air Force. Not because I ever wanted to be in the military, but because I wanted to learn how to defeat him, how to take everything from him without him ever seeing me coming. I’ve kept your identity from him for years, that’s not going to change.”

“I can’t ask that of you.” Michael won’t trust his family’s safety to anyone else. He’s been alone his whole life, he doesn't know how to rely on someone else to watch out for him.

“You’re not asking. I’m doing this for me. I’m going to take my father down, and I’ll protect your secret while I do it. You don’t owe me anything. You don’t need to pretend,” Alex gestures between them.

“Alex,” Michael gets up and moves to sit next to him on the couch. Alex flinches, but waves Michael to the cushion next to him. “What happened between us wasn’t part of any plan. I wanted everything we did together, I wanted you.”

“And now?” Alex asks cautiously.

“I don’t know,” Michael looks down at his hands. “Even though what I felt was-is-real, it was built on a lie. I came here under false pretenses, I tried to manipulate you. I searched your house,” Michael forces himself to look back up. “And because of that, I know things about you-things that helped me fall in love with you-that aren’t mine to know. Maybe things you would never want me to know, but I do. How do we move past that?”

“I’ve been hiding my whole life,” Alex says quietly. “From my father, my brothers, my friends, everyone I ever served with. When enough of the people who are supposed to love and support you turn away, you have to believe the problem is you.”

“Alex,” Michael can’t help but interrupt, taking his hand. He knows that kind of pain and doubt. It had taken years of Max and Isobel refusing to be pushed away, and building relationships with people like Sanders and Maria for Michael to realize he could be loved. “It’s not you.”

“Maybe not, but that’s how I’ve lived my life. Keeping anything I valued, anything that made me different hidden. I’d like to think I would have learned to share those parts of me with you, but I don’t know how long it would have taken. It’s comforting to realize you know most of my secrets, and you haven’t run away. I’ve always been too afraid of letting someone know me to have a relationship. But I’m not afraid to be with you.”

Michael lets out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He was prepared for anger, for Alex to say the betrayal was too big to come back from. Alex’s acceptance feels unearned, but Michael is grateful they still have a chance.

Because Alex still looks nervous and uncertain, Michael squeezes his hand and leans forward for a kiss. Alex meets his lips eagerly, his free hand coming up to tangle in Michael’s hair. It’s easy to get lost in the kiss, to push forward for more. But Alex pulls back, stroking Michael’s hair a few times before dropping his hand.

“You’re not the only one with an advantage,” Alex says. When Michael just looks at him, he continues. “Have you ever told anyone that you are an alien?”

“No,” Michael’s blood runs cold just thinking about it. It’s the number one rule drilled into his head-by Max, by his own fear of the consequences-no one can know. No matter how much he’d cared about Maria, he never considered telling her, never wanted to.

“I didn’t think so. And you didn’t choose to tell me either. And I can tell you again and again that you can trust me with this secret, that I won’t use it against you, but you are the one who has to be willing to believe me.”

Michael should be scared, but he’s not. Alex has known for over a decade. If Alex wanted to turn him in or hurt him, he’d had years to do it. But that brings up other questions. “Is that why you’re with me?”

“I don’t have ‘fuck an alien’ on my bucket list if that is what you are asking.” They both laugh.

“I don’t know what I’m asking,” Michael admits. “I’ve never been with anyone who knows what I am so I guess I’m wondering how it affects your feelings for me.”

“I don’t think it does. I won’t say it doesn’t matter because it’s part of who you are, and you matter. You being an alien isn’t something we can just ignore, but it’s not what I think of first when I think of you. It matters in that it’s one of the things that makes you the man I’m attracted to, the man I’m falling in love with.”

“I like the sound of that,” Michael admits. “You falling in love with me.”

This time it’s Alex who makes the first move, pulling Michael into the circle of his arms. He kisses Michael’s forehead and wraps his arm around him. Michael turns to nuzzle into his neck then surprises them both by yawning.

“Sorry,” Michael apologizes and rubs his eyes. “Now what?”

Alex looks at the table where their untouched beers are sweating into the coasters beneath them. “How about we get some fresh beers and sit by the firepit you built me. We can forget all this serious stuff for the night and talk about normal things.”

“Normal things?” Michael asks with a laugh.

“I don’t know,” Alex shrugs. “Music, movies, work. I’m sure you have a million questions about what I told you, and I have questions to, but”

“We aren’t going to solve the problem of your father or how whatever Liz and Kyle might know complicates that in one night,” Michael finishes.

“And we deserve a night to be together without secrets or hidden agendas. To start figuring out who we are together,” Alex adds.

“That sounds nice,” Michael admits. “But I don’t know how much I have in me.” He yawns again.

“So we’ll talk for a bit then see if that fancy shower you built me really is big enough for two, and you can stay here if you want.”

Michael definitely wants, and the way he kisses Alex leaves no doubt to his interest. “And tomorrow?” he asks almost breathlessly once the kiss ends.

“Tomorrow, we figure out how to destroy my father,” Alex holds out his hand, “together.”

Michael laces their fingers together. “Together sounds perfect.”

#malex fic #rnm fic #my fic #yotp 2023 #honeypot mission #falling in love #happy ending #Michael and Alex will always fall in love #angst with a happy ending #secrets #maria deluca friendly

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itzynabi · 2 years

Text

i’m getting tired

summary: in which eve isn’t okay

set: 29 october 2018

word count: 2.0k

warnings: allusions to shinee’s jonghyun, vomiting, swearing, self harm in a way (let me know if i've missed something)

an: hi! this one is significantly sadder than all the other scenarios written so far. please don't read if any of the warnings are a no-go for you

eve’s masterlist

Eve woke up feeling miserable.

There was an ache in her chest that wasn’t there yesterday. One that made it hard to breathe. And she didn’t know why. She reached over to her left for her phone, turning it on and seeing texts from Eunbi.

silver kwon [04:32] nabi-yah!!

silver kwon [04:32] we made our debut 🥳🥳

silver kwon [04:32] i feel so excited right now

silver kwon [04:33] i know you're probably asleep, but i just wanted to tell you

silver kwon [04:33] bye~~

Well, now she knows why she feels so bad. She could’ve debuted today. If she was good enough. If she was liked enough.

butterfly kim [08:12] unnie!! i'm so happy for you 💖

Eve tried to be happy for Eunbi. shS really did. But even typing that sentence felt like a shot to her heart.

“Let’s not be sad today,” she told herself when she got to the bathroom, forcing a smile in the mirror. “Let’s be happy.”

It didn’t take long to get upset again.

It didn’t take long at all.

Eve walked to the kitchen, where Kibum was already fussing around with breakfast, and sat down on the kitchen counter.

“Can you pass me the salt?” Kibum asked, not looking up from the pan that had egg in it. Next to it, there was a pot with rice and another with meat and soup.

“Sure.” Eve jumped off the counter and went to fetch the salt from a cabinet. She passed it to Kibum and put her head in the crook between his shoulder and neck.

Despite being hungry, looking at the food in their respective pots, Eve felt her stomach churn. She pulled away from Kibum and went to sit on the couch, looking out the window, trying not to think too much about Eunbi living out her dream.

“Breakfast is ready!” Kibum announced a while later. He had put their plates on the kitchen counter and was fetching two pairs of chopsticks and spoons when she came to the counter.

She pulled out a chair and sat down, pulling her plate closer to her. Kibum sat down next to her and passed a pair of chopsticks and a spoon to her.

“IZ*ONE made their debut today,” Eve said after a few bites of her food. She scooped up a spoon of rice, dipping it in the soup.

Kibum didn't know what to say in response. He knew how upset she had been when she didn’t make it to the lineup. She was so upset that any mention of the group or its members would make her frown. So he was very surprised at her bringing them up.

“Did you listen to it?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Not yet. Eunbi unnie seems very excited about it so I plan on listening to it.”

He nodded slowly, taking a bite of his food. They continued to eat in silence, Eve taking longer than usual.

“I’ll do the dishes,” she volunteered once they were both done. Kibum nodded and stood up to go to his bedroom, stopping just before leaving the kitchen.

“Nabi-yah,” he called to her. “You’ll make your debut soon. Don’t worry,” he comforted.

Eve's face instantly turned to stone, a serious expression falling upon her. “You don’t know that.”

She gathered all the dishes and took them little by little to the kitchen sink, Kibum watching her for a short while before leaving to go wash up.

Eve busied herself with the dishes. Soon after she started them, he emerged from his room in a change of clothes, telling her that he was going out to do something. she nodded and tried to ignore the look he gave her — the one filled with sadness and pity.

Eve went back to the guest room that she was staying in shortly after finishing the dishes and made her bed. Or at least tried to. She had pulled the duvet off and then lied on the bed.

She had no desire to move. The only reason she did was because her phone started buzzing from its position on the bedside table. She reached over and picked it up, seeing a new message from Kibum.

keybutt (ahjussi #3) [09:08] i'm sorry if i upset you, nabi

keybutt (ahjussi #3) [09:08] it wasn't my intention

princess nabi [09:09] you don't have to apologise

princess nabi [09:09] you were just trying to cheer me up

princess nabi [09:09] i'm the one being annoying

keybutt (ahjussi #3) [09:09] you've earned the right to

The conversation stalled there, the two not knowing what to say.

keybutt (ahjussi #3) [09:13] i'll be back after lunch time. you can make something or order in

princess nabi [09:13] okay

princess nabi [09:13] enjoy

keybutt (ahjussi #3) [09:13] ❤️

Eve put her phone down and sat up. she finished making her bed and went to go shower.

It was just past lunchtime and Eve had decided that she was going to watch the music video to support Eunbi. Not to punish herself.

She was in the sitting room and had her phone in her lap, the music video loaded and was ready to play. She took a few steadying breaths to calm her nerves and pressed play. She made it fifty-eight seconds in, before she felt something coming up her throat. She ran to the kitchen sink, making it just in time before her lunch came out. At that moment, Kibum walked into the house. He saw Eve bent over the sink and rushed to her side, pulling her hair out of the way as she continued to vomit.

“What’s wrong? Did you eat something bad?” He asked when she was done, fetching her a glass of water to rinse out her mouth.

“No,” Eve said, shaking her head. “I was watching the IZ*ONE video and then I vomited. I don’t know why.”

Kibum just nodded and rubbed her back soothingly. She dry heaved a few more times before standing upright. He passed her the glass of water, which she accepted.

“Are you okay?” He asked when she was done.

“Yeah,” Eve said, walking back to the couch. She sat down and rested her head against the wall, closing her eyes.

“Are you sure you're okay?” He asked again, following her to the living room.

“Yes!” Eve groaned, annoyance coating her tone.

“Nabi, I just want to ma–”

“I know, but it’s just–” Eve cut herself off and exhaled deeply. “I’m going on a walk.” With that she grabbed her sneakers and phone, leaving the apartment.

Dinner was full of tension. Kibum was frustrated with Eve for blocking him out and Eve was frustrated with Kibum for being overbearing. They didn’t speak to each other the entire meal. Once they were done eating and the dishes were cleaned, they retreated to their respective rooms.

Eve lied down on her bed, thinking about nothing and everything. Her phone rang and she checked who the caller was, answering it when she saw it was Eunbi.

“Hi, unnie,” she greeted once she answered.

“Nabi-yah! I got some time to myself so I’m calling you,” Eunbi said excitedly over the phone.

“How’s your day been?” Eve asked, shifting on the bed.

“Amazing! We had our debut showcase and our first music show performance.” Eunbi sighed. “I can’t wait for you to experience this.”

Logically, Eve knew Eunbi didn't mean anything malicious by saying that, but it didn’t stop the wave of anger from rolling over her. She took a deep breath to calm herself down.

“We might have to wait for a while,” Eve said with a bitter chuckle.

“I don’t think so,” Eunbi started, “you’re way too talented to not make your debut soon.”

“I wasn’t talented enough to debut with you.” Eve squeezed her eyes shut, knocking her hand against her head. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. You’re ups–”

“It doesn’t matter. You made your debut! The least I could do is be happy for you. and I am. Honestly.”

“Thanks, Nabi,” Eunbi said. Eve heard her talk with someone quickly. “I need to go now.”

“Okay. Enjoy whatever it is that you’re going to do,” Eve said.

“I will. Bye, Nabi.”

“Bye, unnie.” Eve hung up and put her phone down next to her. “Fuck!” She screamed. She started thrashing her body around until she fell off the bed. She continued to flail around despite how painful the floor was, screaming at the top of her lungs.

“Nabi?” Kibum called from outside her room. He opened the door and saw her, immediately rushing to her side. He tried to grab a hold of her arms, but she was moving around too fast. He eventually grabbed onto one of her legs, soon holding the other.

“Leave me alone!” she screamed, fighting against Kibum’s hold.

“Nabi, stop,” he pleaded, struggling to reach for her arms. She continued to jerk around, causing him to let go of her legs. She started hitting her head against the floor, still flailing everywhere. Kibum managed to get a hold of both her arms and wrapped his arms around her torso so that her back was against his chest.

“Leave me alone.” Eve didn't know when her screams turned into tears, but she knew she was crying. She eventually went limp in Kibum's arms, allowing him to loosen his hold on her. He moved them back until he was leaning against the wall, stroking her head as she continued to cry. After a few minutes, her cries started to quiet down. Kibum didn’t ask her any questions, giving her time to speak when she was ready.

“I’m sorry,” she started. “I’ve been mean and bitchy and… I'm sorry.”

“It’s fine, Nabi-yah.”

Eve shook her head and let out a sigh. “I’m not okay. I know I said I was, but I’m not,” Eve looked back at Kibum. His heart broke. “I think,” Eve started slowly, “I think I’ve been not okay for a while. And… I’m tired.”

“How long have you been feeling this way?”

“I… tried to find out when exactly i started feeling like shit. and i think it started in march,” she confessed softly.

“March?” He asked.

“That’s when it hit me, I think… that he’s gone.”

Eve knew she didn’t have to specify who she was talking about; there’s only one person she could be talking about. A silence enveloped the siblings. Neither of them making an effort to end it.

“I still text him,” Eve admitted after some time. “I know it’s useless, but it… it makes me feel like I’m talking to him.” Kibum stayed silent, not knowing what to say, so she continued, "I really miss him, oppa. And I’m glad he’s in a better place — I really am — but… I don’t know. It sucks that he’s not here.”

“So this isn’t about not making your debut?” He asked.

She shook her head, “I don't know. Maybe I’m just carrying over sadness from him or… or maybe I’m actually upset about not debuting, but… it’s too much for me.”

Eve felt tears well up in her eyes as her voice tapered at the end. Kibum pushed her away from him, turning her around so they were facing each other.

“Listen to me.” He gently took hold of her hands. “What you feel is valid — and I’m so sorry that you feel this way — but princess, you can’t live like this.”

Eve refused to look up, knowing that if she did, she would break down again.

“I think you need to see someone. Like a therapist,” Kibum said. Eve lifted her head and was about to object, but he held his hand up, silencing her. “I know you don’t like talking about your emotions, but I don’t want you to live like this. I don’t want you to feel like this.”

Eve nodded her head. “Okay.”

“Okay?” Kibum asked, squeezing her hand.

Eve opened and closed her mouth a couple of times, hesitating to say something, “Can you hold me? For a little bit?”

Kibum opened his arms and let her crawl into them. She rested her head against his chest, letting the sound of his heart beat soothe her as he wrapped his arms around her.

“I love you, oppa,” she whispered into the room.

“I love you too, Nabi.”

tagging: @lunarxsun // @ateezivy // @ateezjuliet

©️ kim nabi

#itzy 6th member #itzy added member #itzy additional member #itzy member au #kpop added member #kpop addition #kpop oc #eve kim #kim nabi #itzy eve #kibum fluff #kibum imagines #keyve #vomit tw #self harm tw

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hebby-arts · 2 years

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Retrieval Units

Decided I’d put some basic info about how to make a Repo Rick or a Repo Morty, in case you want to make your own. My Rick isn’t the only one in existence, and they don’t all look like him.

Repos can look like any kind of Rick or Morty, but once they’re arrested and transformed into retrieval units, they lose:

-universe codes. Repos don’t get their own, their codes lead back to the Citadel only.

-memories. all retrieval units are given Average Rick and Morty memories and are stripped of their individuality or what makes them unique, other than superficial things like appearance. their original memories are stored in the REPO-Unit head office storage and numbered with their original universe codes.

-mortality. retrieval units are mandatory* injected with an immortality serum because they aren’t given access to cloning. it’s cheaper to just inject the serum into them. the serum causes their bodies to rebuild themselves up to the point of when they were injected, so any bruises or broken bones received BEFORE the injection will remain. Depending on the damage, Repo Units may experience delays in how fast they return. A missing limb may take several minutes, whereas their entire body being blown up may take several hours to days. And they feel all of it. This also makes any severe damage to organs reversible. (Immortality is a lot like the one in the Whirly Dirly episode)

*= Mortys and Ricks can miss injections for whatever reason, usually without their knowledge.

-Ricks are intellectually castrated, meaning they know they should be able to invent things and be massively intelligent, but instead find themselves unable to do more than basic math, leading to panic attacks, breakdowns and bouts of absolute chaotic meltdowns. Mortys are emotionally castrated, they can still feel fear and want to self-preserve, but they aren’t brought down by their PTSD and don’t experience as much hesitation when it comes to gunning down civilians or capturing targets. The Citadel did this also because they knew it meant that the Mortys and Ricks would make better teams, be more malleable, but also because they knew the partnership would fight more often. They were turned into tools to be used.

-rights! they don’t have basic rights that Ricks and Mortys are often given anywhere. Also they tend to get beaten into submission and have their spirits broken severely, so there’s that.

Repo units do not have access to portal guns--instead they get wrist-teleporters, aka vortex manipulators like jack harkness in DW. they feel disgusting to use and after being teleported, you often feel like you’re gonna be carsick or bloated or both. They sometimes singe their user upon teleporting. Advised not to touch metal until 10 minutes after ‘porting.

The collars around their necks contain atomized black holes which upon being removed, without express Council or President permission, suck their wearer inside of themselves until they are marble-ized inside of their own self-contained black hole. They must be retrieved if they aren’t automatically sent back to the Citadel, or whoever owns the Repo Unit. (Yes, sometimes Repo Units are sold off to other Ricks, usually extremely rich ones.)

They do have a uniform, but it’s not mandatory. Ricks often choose to wear whatever they want as long as they wear the Citadel badge and their wrist-teleporters. They can’t remove the collar, so it comes too. (The collar operates under cartoon logic, so they can wear pretty much anything but the collar will always appear over the neck portion.)

REPOs are not respected by Ricks, seen as the lowest of the low. It’s common knowledge that they did something to earn being turned into a retrieval unit rather than just killed or imprisoned, and that alone makes them disgusting. Most REPOs will never find out what it is they did, so go nuts with backstories.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

[ okay to reblog, feel free to design your own REPO RICK or REPO MORTY! ]

#rick and morty #hebbyarts #au rick and morty #repo rick #about retrieval units #about repo ricks and mortys #updated to include a bit more

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lovecolibri · 2 years

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SaL anon here bestie, not bothering to be spoiler free since both of us decided episodes ago that way insanity lies. I guess I'm just happy it's over and it didn't actually sink below expsctations. Max getting to be "impulsive" while Michael gas to reign it in? Checks out. Liz having a character arc about her and "the science" vs. her morals and common sense? That ship sailed seasons ago. Alex being no one's priority despite being gone for days without any guarentee he's had food or water? I

guess Michael got his allotted 5 minutes if caring so that's quite enough of that. M*ria giving some sort of BS "seize the day" advice to Isobel despite the awkward timing (her brother dying before her eyes)? Makes sense, seems like her only programmed response to interpersonal interactions, including her own relationship. Hell, even Heath appearing for no good reason isn't a shock, they had some missing guest stars in the episode, had to fix that ya know (love the justification that they needed him cause Michael wasn't good with medical knowledge, like he didn't help develop the serum to cure Iz or a pacemaker for Max at some point). Admittedly the "family" Liz chose was a new low as was Michael chillin' with M*ria instead of going back to feral mode but not unexpected. If anything I was pleasantly surprised that the preview shows Kyle actually being allowed to care about his best friend for a scene or two!! What a gift writers, you guys spoil us 🙄🙄.

Hello friend! I really played myself by saying I was getting off early because my meeting ran over half an hour late, and I had to go to the store so now I’m running about 2 hours behind where I wanted to be 🤷🏻‍♀️ But I got to all my new anons, and I will probably get to dinner before I watch the episode so I don’t have to stop or I might never get going again. 🤣

Wait, there is a double standard on how Max is allowed to act about Liz vs how Michael is allowed to act about Alex?! Color me shocked 😑 (btw, this emoji is called “expressionless face” and accurately depicts my level of shock at that statement). Heaven forbid anyone care about Alex for more than one scene every 8 episodes 🙄 Love that m*ria is for some reason working both sides of the Isobel/Kyle relationship like he’s not her doctor, and Isobel isn’t the woman she hated for a decade until they decided that genetics made them sisters so they’re besties now. Don’t Kyle and Isobel have ACTUAL friends they can talk to? Oh wait! Kyle’s is in a hole, and Isobel isn’t allowed to talk to or rely on Michael and Max anymore, and her new buddie Dallas is...also in a hole. Maybe she could talk to ol’ teach Tezca about her love life? But then what would m*ria do? And while I liked Heath and though they could have used him better last season (less screentime, more focused on Dallas), I’m currently baffled AF why Rosa is just besties with her sister’s ex. But you’re right, their guest star quotient was clearly lacking. (Is Shivani around or is she in a coma/mindscape with Liz too? Maybe they focus so hard on saving Liz that Shivani doesn’t make it and it solves their problems on that front? I doubt it, but hey I can dream!) Also, maybe if they hadn’t shipped Kyle off to Mexico he could be around to be their alien doctor, you know, the role he’s had since the pilot? (yes, I know Trevino directed and maybe didn’t want to pull double duty, but that’s something they would have worked out when scheduling and easily could have scheduled him to direct an episode where Doctor Valenti wasn’t needed) The only good thing that will likely come out of the ending is the memes about Liz’s family and Michael’s desperation to get to Alex taking a backseat to chilling with his ex. The writers really took two of the actors who hyped up the show the most and just hung their characters out to dry.

At least Kyle can finally care about Alex but I think I saw m*ria is still fucking involved so that just tanks any excitement I have about that 🤷🏻‍♀️ Anyway, cheers to us, only 4 episodes left and then the nightmare can end!

#my sweet nonnie friends #sleeping at last anon #roswell nm #roswell spoilers #roswell nm my behated #anti maria deluca

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moonlight-breeze-44 · 1 year

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Bad Things Happen Bingo Fill - "I'm Fine"

Red Leather.

Sometimes Lydia is more like Alec than anyone will ever know.

Or, the one where Isabelle finds her girlfriend in the training room and realises why her brother and Lydia got engaged in the first place, a lifetime ago now.

Pairing: Lysabelle

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Self-harm, blood and injury

Read on AO3

Too high on dance music and the feeling of the sun rising in her chest as she searched for her girlfriend, Isabelle almost missed the open door to the training room, and the blonde figure in workout clothes who was throwing her fist into a punching bag hard enough to break her fingers if she made one wrong move.

Immediately, the lovesick feeling evaporated, replaced by a tight, constricting vice around Isabelle’s chest. She couldn’t breathe. Frozen in place, she watched as Lydia hit the punching bag as hard as her brother used to fire his arrows when he was upset. She remembered finding him in the training room after hours, destroying targets with enough arrows to kill an entire army of demons twice over. She had healed too many sliced and bloody fingers to count, patched too many broken wrists and drew too many damn iratzes over enough bruises to last a fucking lifetime. She recognised this routine. Alec had tried to convince her every time that he was just training, or letting off some steam, but Izzy didn’t buy it. If either of them were training, they’d use gloves. They’d wrap their hands. They’d ask for a partner, or use a battle simulation. This was hurting for pain’s sake. It was worlds different.

Inside the training room, Lydia was performing a grim symphony with a red punching bag, landing blows hard enough that they made the bag chain rattle. Isabelle winced as she heard a pop!, a surefire sign that Lydia had aimed too far to the right and injured one of her fingers as she punched.

No longer able to just stand and watch, Isabelle rushed into the training room, reaching her girlfriend’s side in record time. “Are you okay?”

Lydia whirled around to face her, startled. She was breathing hard, and up close, Isabelle could see that her hands were bleeding from her nails digging into her skin. Bruises circled her wrists and one of the fingers on her right hand was misshapen and inflamed. Isabelle felt emotion threaten to choke her, but she pushed back the tears, reaching instead for Lydia’s hand and the stele in her pocket.

To her surprise, Lydia sidestepped the maneuver and ripped her hand from Isabelle’s grasp. “I’m fine.”

Isabelle’s brows furrowed in confusion. “No, you’re not.” She remembered how stubborn Alec could be, but this was Lydia. Surely her girlfriend would listen to her?

Instead of replying, Lydia ignored her and turned back to the punching bag, landing a stinging hit that made Isabelle cringe. The other woman’s face was a mask of indifference, but Isabelle could see the lines of pain around her eyes, betraying how she felt. Her heart sank as she watched her girlfriend hurting, angry and sore from something she couldn’t see, unwilling to take the help Isabelle was trying to offer. She didn’t know what she was supposed to do. For all their ups and downs as a couple, Lydia had never acted like this with her before.

“Lyds,” she started, hesitantly moving closer to put a hand on Lydia’s tense shoulder. “Why don’t we go to the park for a little bit? You know, get out of the Institute and just spend some time together.” Lydia hesitated, her hands clenched into fists over the punching bag as she debated her next move. Isabelle caught a small flicker of longing in her eyes, but then she was shaking Izzy’s hand off and punching again.

“I’m busy right now, Iz.”

“This isn’t busy,” Isabelle mumbled. “This is abuse.”

Lydia ignored her and kept punching.

Isabelle felt her eyes water as she watched Lydia attack the bag with even more ferocity than before, her muscles spasming with each hit. She didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t take Lydia’s pain away, or wrestle the bag out of her hands. Her words weren’t working. For the first time since they had started dating, Isabelle felt like nothing she said was being heard.

Lydia closed her right hand into a fist and punched sidelong, her fingers taking the brunt of the impact, and Isabelle almost cried out. What was she doing? If she kept that up, she was going to break all of her fucking fingers. Isabelle shoved her hand into the pocket of her jeans, an impulsive, desperate movement to keep from making a tight fist and falling into the same pattern Lydia had. To her surprise, her fingers curled around the shape of her cellphone instead of empty air, and she took a breath, relieved. She’d forgotten she brought it in with her.

An idea was forming in Isabelle’s mind, and the tight vice around her chest loosened at the thought of having an actionable plan to stop her girlfriend from hurting herself further. Stepping away from Lydia and backing up until she reached the far wall of the training room, she reached to pull her phone from her pocket and hit #2 on the speed dial. If anyone would know what to do, and how best to help Lydia, it was Alec.

~ ~ ~

By the time Alec answered her call and made his way to the training room, Lydia had already broken two fingers and Isabelle was about to go hoarse from begging her to stop. Her tears had long since spilled over, and she was shaking, tremors wracking her entire body, as the stress of seeing the woman she loved hurting herself like this without reprieve wore on her.

When Alec entered the training room, he took one look at Izzy and wrapped her in his arms, blanketing her in the comfort she hadn’t known she’d needed. She breathed a sigh of relief and sank into the hug, trying to ignore Lydia’s eyes on her. The punching had stopped, and she could tell Lydia was watching what was happening on the other side of the room. She didn’t want to make her girlfriend feel guilty, but she couldn’t help how the situation affected her.

Alec released her from the embrace and turned to Lydia, his shoulders tight as he evaluated her. To Izzy’s bewilderment, however, instead of trying to compassionately intervene, he suddenly began to chuckle. “You know, Branwell, you’re really not original,” he commented, and Isabelle’s eyebrows quirked upwards, watching him. What the hell was he doing?

“You’re using the same punching bag and everything,” Alec said, moving closer and reaching out a hand to hold the red leather in place, preventing Lydia from landing another hit. He smirked, cold and without humour, even though his tone was joking, “Copycat.”

To Isabelle’s surprise, Lydia settled a bit, heaving a deep breath and rolling her shoulders at his words. It was more of a reaction than Isabelle had gotten out of her in nearly an hour, and she celebrated silently as Lydia responded to her brother, “You can’t gatekeep the training room, Alec.”

“Who said anything about the training room?” Alec asked, not budging an inch. “Fuck you, I’m gatekeeping self-harm.”

Lydia bristled, clenching and unclenching her fists as she spoke. “This isn’t self-harm.”

“No? Then what is it?” Alec challenged, raising an eyebrow at her.

“It’s just training,” Lydia said, shrugging one shoulder easily. Her face was a mask of calm and indifference, but Isabelle could hear the hesitation in her words, and the way her fingers closed into fists at her sides, hiding the worst of the damage, betrayed her anxiety.

“If it was just training,” Alec began, his voice slipping into something quieter and more compassionate, “Would it feel as good as this?”

Lydia’s breath caught in her throat, and her eyes snapped to meet Alec’s, ice blue staring into irises that mirrored her own. Whatever she saw, she must have recognised, because her shoulders slumped and she let her hands fall to her sides, open and vulnerable. Isabelle watched, barely daring to hope, as the walls that surrounded her girlfriend began to crumble.

“How did you know?” Lydia whispered, staring at Alec in wonder.

“Because,” Alec answered, shrugging, “I’ve been there.” He smiled ruefully and added, “You’ve watched me there before.”

Lydia smiled back at him, a shadow of the expression she usually wore, but Izzy would take it. She was just glad to see Lydia’s hands at her sides instead of colliding with the punching bag again.

Alec moved closer, nudging Lydia’s shoulder gently with his. “You remember that time I found you in the training room, just after you arrested Izzy?”

Isabelle’s brows furrowed, confused, as she tried to remember what had happened before her trial, nearly a decade ago now. Lydia had never told her about this.

In response, Lydia only nodded, her gaze trained on her injured hands as she ran a finger over the broken skin of her knuckles.

“That was the first time I knew you were like me,” Alec said.

Lydia snapped her head up to look at him, eyes shrewd. “You knew, even back then? That’s all it took?”

“That’s all it took,” Alec confirmed with a nod of his head. Then, in a macabre move that Izzy almost wanted to yell at him for, he reached out and offered Lydia a fist bump. “Blood calls to blood.”

Lydia grinned, bumping her fist with his and letting her fingers dance out of it just like Alec’s, in their signature “sparkle” move, a secret handshake that wasn’t much of a secret anymore. She sobered, her bruised and bloody hands coming to rest at her sides once more, and said, “Thanks, Alec. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Lyd. But,” Alec nudged her again and gestured towards Isabelle, leaning against the far wall of the training room still, “I’m probably not the one you should be saying that to.”

Lydia nodded and, with remorse, turned heavy eyes on Isabelle, unable to meet her gaze completely. Her cheeks flooded with shame, or embarrassment, and Izzy could see the second the full weight of what she’d done settled on her shoulders, because her eyes filled with an insurmountable guilt, too. Unable to stand watching her girlfriend hurting again, Isabelle moved to stand next to her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay, Lyds.”

“I’ll leave you two to talk,” Alec said, backing away from them and turning towards the training room door. “Come see me before you leave tonight, okay, Lydia?”

“Okay,” Lydia agreed, trying and failing to hide the hoarseness of her voice as tears welled up in her eyes. Alec gave her a sympathetic look, smiling ruefully at her before disappearing through the door to the training room and leaving them alone.

It was quiet for a few minutes, as Lydia struggled to figure out what to say, and Isabelle squeezed her shoulder supportively, planting a chaste kiss on her cheek as she rested against the punching bag, exhausted from her spiral.

“Isabelle…” Lydia began, trailing off and dropping her gaze to the floor. “I – You have every right to be mad at me.”

Izzy shook her head, bewildered, and squeezed Lydia’s shoulder tighter. “Why would I be mad?”

“I snapped at you,” Lydia replied, the guilt settling uncomfortably in her chest, causing her to shake her head, dislodging her ponytail, and wince. “I shut you out. I wasn’t honest with you.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, upset and ashamed at her own actions. “I’ve been lying to you.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m going to be mad,” Isabelle explained gently. “All of those actions were because you were hurting and scared. I don’t blame you. It’s okay to need help sometimes, Lyds.”

Lydia nodded, and reached out to grab her girlfriend’s hand, needing the comfort. She heaved a small, shaky sigh of relief. “I’m trying to remember that, Iz, I promise.”

“I know you are,” Isabelle reassured, wrapping her fingers around Lydia’s and tugging her forward towards the exit of the training room. They didn’t need to spend any longer hashing it out with the punching bag hovering over them. “That’s all I ask, okay? You never have to do any more than your best.” She kissed Lydia gently, trying to convey the love she felt for her in the way her lips brushed Lydia’s, to seal the promise, guiding her out of the room and away from the site of her previous self-destruction. “You listened, towards the end. You even called it self-harm. It took Alec years to do that. I’m proud of you.”

Lydia smiled, a pleased blush colouring her cheeks as she responded: “I’m proud of me too.”

Isabelle squeezed her girlfriend’s fingers once more, and elected not to respond, letting a comfortable silence stretch out between them instead. They would have to talk more about it, and about what could be done to get and keep Lydia out of the training room if this were to happen again, but for now, Isabelle was content to let the issue sit as she followed her girlfriend in the direction of Alec’s office and, after that, home to their apartment in Magnus’s complex.

Maybe Lydia was more like Alec than she had thought, but that was okay. She had learned how to support Alec, and she would learn how to support Lydia, too. They would learn and grow together, just like Alec and Magnus had when they first jumped this hurdle with Alec. If there was one thing Isabelle believed in, it was Lydia, her girlfriend, her commander, her closest friend. They would be okay.

For now, the only thing that mattered was going home.

#my work #my fanfiction #my fanfic #bad things happen bingo #shadowhunters #lysabelle #isabelle lightwood #lydia branwell #ao3 #my writing #warning: self harm #warning: blood #warning: injury

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dendrograna · 2 years

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HEY GUYS IM HERE i’m not dead or leaving or anything i promise i’ve just been having some issues writing bc of everything going on rn. BUT i’m still here and still writing when I can :D

ANYWAY

one of @chocoenvy’s anons suggested an au and i wanted to do something with it bc i have the condition he mentioned hehe

I have brittle bone disease, and he suggested that when you’re transported to Teyvat, it “fantasy-izes” any condition you have. So, instead of having brittle bone disease, it’d be like Darling is made of porcelain.

This is VERY self indulgent and probably only applies to me but I thought I’d post it anyway :]

tw // injury, abuse/assault, broken bones, impostor AU

You had no idea for how long you’d been running. The only thing you knew was that you couldn’t stop, no matter how much your legs and back ached.

You honestly had no idea how you’d survived this long, smaller, weaker, more easily hurt than your pursuers. And yet it seemed as if the world itself was trying to protect you, bending to your will to keep you from breaking.

You had no idea what had happened, only that you’d gone to bed one night and woken up in a bed of soft grass with the sun beating down on your face after that. The next thing you knew people were screaming at you, throwing things at you, trying to hurt you. And for someone so easily hurt, you were shocked they were having a hard time.

You had a rare genetic condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, brittle bone disease. The blue-gray tint to the whites of your eyes was evidence enough of that, especially when combined with your small size and the bruises currently littered up your limbs. They just appeared on you sometimes for seemingly no reason, so running for your life stumbling over rocks and bushes made you look like you’d been beaten half to death.

You’d managed to evade them for at least a few hours, resting against a tree hiding in the bushes. As you caught your breath, you couldn’t help but notice how the leaves seemed to bend around you to hide you better. You sighed, trying to get your bearings. Why exactly were they trying to hurt you again?

You’d heard the shock and disbelief in their gasps and mumbling when they first saw you. Why exactly? You had no idea. But you remembered hearing them saying things like, “it can’t be,” and “surely this isn’t Them.”

And then they’d turned on you, accusing you of imitating someone they seemingly worshiped. Arrows pointed in your direction, swords narrowly missed slicing your clothes, and all you could do was run.

You were pulled out of your thoughts when you heard footsteps, and your heart sunk. You didn’t dare look for who they belonged to, curling closer into yourself in your little nest of leaves and holding your breath. The sound of the steps slowed, and slowed, and then stopped briefly, like your assailant was surveying their surroundings. You prayed they wouldn’t see you.

But the steps picked up again, faster this time and coming closer. Running, in your direction. You tried to stumble to your feet when you realized you’d been spotted, but you were just a second too late. A hand grabbed your shoulder and threw you back to the ground against the tree, your left arm slamming against the tree’s trunk. You wailed, grabbing your arm before a hand gripped your hair and forced you to look up at the person who’d found you.

You shook in equal parts fear and pain, only able to stare at the man who’d found you. Blue hair framed his face, one striking eye staring back at you with an immeasurable amount of disgust, the other covered by an eyepatch. A sword clutched in his right hand, pointed directly at your face.

“My my, for someone brazen enough to pull a stunt like this you sure do look pathetic,” he sneered at you, “I would’ve thought our elusive impostor would’ve been able to run faster than that.”

You could only shake your head, struggling against the death grip he had on your hair. “No, please, I’m sorry, I didn’t do anything wrong, please don’t hurt me, please-” you sobbed, cradling your now broken arm to your chest.

The man opened his mouth like he was about to say something before he glanced at your arm and did a double take. He froze there, staring at your arm before his sword clattered to the ground and he released the grip he had on your hair. You took the chance to attempt to escape, trying to run from him before stumbling and crashing to your knees once again on your broken arm. You held the limb closer to you with your back still turned to the man, groaning from the pain. Surely he’d kill you.

But instead, when he moved into your line of sight, he dropped to his knees in front of you. “Your Grace… It’s- really you,” you heard him choke, his own tears mixing with yours on the rocks. The man continued to sob out apologies and begs for forgiveness, and you just froze there, staring at him. Was he trying to play some sort of cruel joke? His tears were all too real for him to be joking. So why had he spared you?

You finally stole a glance away from the man to your arm, and the sight made you feel sick. A long, dark crack had appeared on your arm, deep golden blood seeping from between the edges. The “skin” was covered in bruises, likely old ones you’d inflicted yourself trying to escape. You could only grace between the man and your mangled arm, horrified.

“Please,” he pleaded, his face pressed against the ground, “allow me to… bring you to a healer, Your Grace- You need a healer, now.” You sat in stunned silence for a moment longer before responding, “It’s not like I can stop you.”

The man seemed to take that as permission, scooping you up in his arms, being careful to keep your injured arm loosely laid against your chest to keep from hurting you more. Before you could question where he was taking you, he’d already taken off, running as fast as he could toward the city, even leaving his sword abandoned on the ground.

He’d taken you to Barbara, a deaconess at the city’s church. She had a similar reaction- disbelief and shame evident on her features as she attempted to heal your injured arm. Word seemed to spread fast, because by the time she’d finished healing you to the best of her ability and then putting a cast on the injury to keep the break from shifting, several people had rushed into the church on their knees.

You were still incredibly disoriented and confused. Being approached by so many people made you flinch, backing up in your seat. You had no idea who these people were, why they’d attempted to hunt you like an animal, and why they were now begging for forgiveness and groveling at your feet. You were so confused, and scared, and hurt.

They’d have to explain everything later.

#sagau #self aware genshin #genshin cult au #genshin impact x reader #genshin self aware #genshin impact #genshin x reader #impostor au #genshin impostor au

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notsowrites · 3 years

Text

Untitled 3x02 Coda #1

If RNM isn’t going to give us Malex, fine. That’s what fanfic is for.

---------

Outside the cave, far enough that Jones can't hear him, Michael lets go of all the anger and frustration that's built up over the past several hours. Hears tree limbs snap and rock tumble and crash around him, and when he opens his eyes it looks like a small tornado has passed through the area. His truck is untouched, right where he parked it outside the cave entrance, and Michael runs a hand over the driver side door, taking a deep breath. He does feel slightly better now, his skin no longer feels too tight, his mind isn't racing quite so quickly.

He drives. Away from Jones, and away from the caves. He thinks of stopping at the Pony, drowning himself in alcohol - except for the fact that Maria is still angry at him. But he won't apologize for that. He still can't believe how reckless she was, jumping off the roof of the Crashdown in some dumbass attempt to trigger her visions.

Thinking of her reminds him of her words again, how she'd pointed out he never seemed to have any ill effects from using his abilities. How had he not noticed? How had Max and Isobel not noticed? Had they chalked it up to the booze and acetone? Did they really think he was that much of a drunk to never say anything as they chugged acetone after using their abilities?

Alex had made comments. Several, over the past couple years. Ones that struck him to his core that Alex would assume something like that. Maybe he deserved it, choosing booze and acetone to quiet the chaos of his mind, needing to silence it somehow and not knowing how.

Even when he tries not to think about Alex, his mind eventually settles there, and Michael tries not to think too hard about that. What it means.

He realizes he's a block away from Alex's house, and turns down the street. The lights are off, except for the yard lights, and Alex's SUV is missing. He lets the truck idle, as he looks over the house, mentally scolding himself why he'd ended up here of all places. Alex doesn't need to hear about Michael's issues.

It's probably a stupid decision, Michael thinks, as he turns off the engine and pushes open the door, walking around to the rear of his truck and pulling down the tailgate. He's spent enough time tonight sitting outside his trailer, lost in his thoughts. The change of scenery might be good - even if this is where he ended up.

What Michael doesn't expect is Alex's SUV to appear not soon afterward. And what he really doesn't plan on seeing is Alex in his dress blues uniform as he steps out of the car. The shirt is open, hanging loose and revealing a white tshirt underneath. There's something clutched in his hand that Michael can't make out, and thinks maybe it doesn't matter.

"What are you doing here, Guerin?" Alex sounds tired. About as tired as Michael feels.

"I was trying to clear my head, and I just-" he stops and shakes his head, realizing how stupid this was. "I'll get out of your way."

"No, that's not-" Alex takes a step forward, his hand reaching towards Michael, like he's going to stop him. "That's not what I meant. Sorry, it's been a long day."

Michael laughs. "Tell me about it." He nods at Alex, trying to indicate his uniform. "Fancy Air Force thing?"

Alex bites his lip, and turns away, like he's debating talking about it at all. And Michael knows Alex has his secrets, doesn't always tell people what he's doing - hell, he up and left for a year to clean up Project Shepherd and barely told anyone. "Something like that."

Michael nods, understanding. But he also knows Alex is lying, he just doesn't understand why.

"You've been gone so long - there's a lot happening here too."

"Kyle told me about Max. I'm so sorry, Guerin."

"You know, last year, after everything, after nearly losing him, I thought things were getting better. Maria broke up with me, you disappeared - but I had Max and Isobel. And now-" Michael hates how deeply it hurts to think about losing Max again. For good.

"But he can't be saved again?"

"He doesn't want to be."

Alex looks taken aback, and Michael just feels frustrated. How much does he even want to tell Alex? Everything? He doesn't know. But maybe - maybe when Alex said he wanted to be friends, this is what he meant.

"How could he not?"

"His body is rejecting Noah's heart. He's known since last year, and never said a goddamn word about it." He hopes Alex can read what he's not saying, the words he can't bring himself to say - about how angry he is at Max for this decision, for not saying anything, for not letting them try and figure out a way to save him. Because he doesn't know what he's going to do if Max dies.

Michael's not sure he can stand losing anyone else.

"And there's no other aliens to do a heart transplant," Alex says quietly. sitting down on the tailgate next to him, fidgeting with the thing in his hands until Michael realizes it's part of his uniform as the light reflects off a Captain's bars badge.

Except there is someone.

There is someone in a cave out in the desert, locked up behind a cage that he built. Someone who is a replica of Max, who shares his DNA, who could be an exact match for Max.

"That's not - there might be someone."

"What?"

Taking a deep breath, Michael closes his eyes and stubbornly chooses not to look at Alex. "Last year, out in the desert, we found the stowaway who crashed the ship. My mother - Isobel and my mother - they had locked him up down in a cave."

"A year ago?"

Yeah, Michael realizes how ridiculous it probably sounds to somehow else.

"Iz and I have been trying to get answers from him, about where we came from, and why we're here-"

"Everything you've wanted to know."

This is where it gets difficult, and Michael pushes up off the tailgate, pacing around the driveway, rocks kicking up beneath his boots as he walks, Alex's gaze on him, but Michael can't focus on that right now.

"Maybe not! Because everything he says makes me wonder if anything Tripp wrote in that journal was true. Because according to him, she and Isobel's mom engineered Max as a weapon to fight back against some sort of planetary dictator, and kept him a prisoner."

"Guerin," Alex says, cutting into his rant. "I was there with you that day at the prison. She loved you. Even I could see that. So maybe it's not as black and white as you think."

"He said she chained up a kid, Alex," he snaps, his skin suddenly feeling too tight, his mind racing too fast. "What part of that isn't black and white?"

Too caught up in his pacing, in the chaos building in his mind, Michael spins on his heel and almost runs into Alex, who is standing in front of him now, hand held out in front to keep Michael from plowing him over. But it doesn't matter, because he feels himself shatter from the inside out, the tears in his eyes spilling over. He'd already cried once today over what he thought he knew about his mother, wasn't that enough?

"She loved you," Alex insists, his voice sounding annoyingly firm. "She found a way to travel across the universe because she loved you."

He hates how Alex makes it sound so simple, as if that love should be enough. But when has love ever done him any good? He'd told Isobel once, love is the worst thing that ever happened to me and hates that it's still true. His mother had loved him, and ended up here, where she'd died without ever getting to see him. He loved Alex, and that had been nothing but pain and heartache. He loved Maria, who instead had broken up with him. He loved Max and Isobel, and yet now Max was deciding to leave him.

"To escape a dictator! To escape someone who is my-" Michael stops short, pulling his words back. He doesn't want to call someone who is a dictator his father. He doesn't want to use that word. "I'm just the product of my mother needing to convince the dictator she was on his side."

Alex reaches out, taking his left hand, the hand still covered by the bandana because of Max's stupid decision to heal it without permission. The hand that he needed to keep the reminder that it's not worth it to think there's good in anything. Michael is glad when Alex doesn't try to remove it, just wraps his fingers around the palm and holds their hands up against his chest, near where Alex's heart is.

"Even if that's what she did, it doesn't mean she loved you any less."

He hates how convinced Alex sounds, as though the rest of it doesn't matter. He wishes it were that simple, that he could just forget everything else.

With one last squeeze of his hand, Alex lets them drop, and nods towards his house. "It's been a hell of a day - wanna come in and I'll tell you about it?"

Alex's military service is something Michael has never been fond of. The fighting, the rules, the fact that it's the reason Alex got injured - but maybe, he thinks, maybe tonight it'll be a good distraction for him.

He nods, and follows Alex inside.

#roswell new mexico #malex #malex fic #notso writes fanfic #can be read as a sequel to my 3x01 coda i guess #just gonna imagine a happy place #where malex are talking #even if we haven't seen it on screen yet

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anzanity · 3 years

Text

Why did I have to be here?

It's the main thought that plagues your mind. You can't stand parties, the mingling of emotions makes you sick. And the sight of people who are no longer alive attached to some leaves you feeling worse.

If only your friend understood when you tried explaining it to her, you wouldn't be at this Inn where someone decided to throw a little party. The Inn keeper isn't to pleased by the sudden party starting. You can feel her upset emotions above many of the others.

"Y/n! Come here and meet people!" Your friend, Izie calls out.

You sigh and walk over. She's trying to get some random guy interested in you, but your attention is drawn by the sunset. It would be a beautiful sight if there wasn't so much going on.

"What's the point. She clearly doesn't care." The guy snaps suddenly, his anger hits you in a wave.

"I'm so sorry. I had no idea Y/n would be like this... why don't I get you a drink?" Izie says desperately.

The guy sighs and nods, the two walking off.

You take that as a chance to escape. The roof would be far enough away for you to think clearly, maybe even enjoy the view. So you start climbing the tree that the Inn is built around.

You're surprised when you see a guy sitting atop the roof, he looks shocked when you make eye contact. Knowing you wouldn't want to be bothered while up here yourself, you decided to find a spot in the tree to perch on.

"You. Come here." The man calls out quietly, almost like he is worried people will hear him other than yourself.

You look back to him confused, but the tone he carries and the look he has practically forces you to comply. And he easily takes note of how you stiffly stand and leap over to the rooftop.

He frowns some as you walk over, "How are you seeing me?"

You raise a brow, "You're a spirit? Great. Of course that would top off the day. I don't do favors anymore." You groan and turn away.

"If I were a ghost, anyone could see me. But I'm not, so how do you see me?" He snaps.

You stop and look to him, "It's a long story. If you're not a ghost, what are you?"

"It's a long story." His eyes squint, "I have time. Do you?"

You laugh bitterly, something else he notes easily, "I can see the parts of people that weren't let go of or can't let go of something, they are ghosts not many can see. I can feel people's emotions as well. My sight isn't limited to just people though. It's the elements and anything tied to the elements that I can see too. No matter the situation."

He looks surprised for just a moment, blink and you'd miss it. "How is that possible?"

"Family curse from what I could figure out. Not much on it and nobody to ask." You shrug and cross your arms, "I've given the short version of the answer to you, so will you answer me now?"

"I'm one of Liyue's adepti." He answers curtly.

You look disbelieving at him, "What's with the over all negative aura? Adepti are supposed to be peaceful and bring peace."

"Tch. You'll find none of us made it out of the Archon war without regrets." He comments idly.

"The adepti I know still has a sounder consciousness than you." You comment, the gasp, "That came out a lot worse than I ment it."

He shakes his head, "It's fine. But I want to understand more of your story. You said a family curse? Who is your family?"

You shrug, "I never learned of my family name or its history. Just had a single note left with me that was an apology." You start and sit down, "Apparently my mother didn't mean to have child, didn't mean to pass on the curse. So she left me to figure everything out on my own. I may only look twenty, but that was sixty years ago..." You sigh and look at the landscape.

You were right, the view here is much better then with all those people down below.

"Why are you here?" He asks.

You sigh, "Izie. She's a sweet girl. She thinks she can solve all the problems in the world. So she forces me to come out with her. Just don't have it in me to let her travel to far places alone. Too dangerous and she's too niave."

Your mind wanders as you look to him, he didn't even question your age. Guess that happens when you open up to an immortal.

When he doesn't answer you continue, "Normally I wouldn't do this honestly. I travel, help people along the way, and become a face they forget. But she is always in trouble... I felt like it was the right thing to do... One day she'll settle down, realize I haven't aged a day, call me cursed, and tell me to leave. That's the day she won't need my protection, so I'll leave."

"Would you mind if I asked you to stay here a while? I believe I can get answers to the questions you have." He says, almost gentle but still in a commanding tone.

You find yourself unable to say no, and that confuses you. So instead you shrug, "Izie wouldn't agree to that..."

"Tell her you are staying here with an old friend." He casually offers.

You sigh. "Fine. I'll let her know after this has all settled down." Your eyes dart along the heads of those visible from where you are sitting.

The next hour is spent in silence, listening to the people below go from enjoying themselves to saying their farewells.

You stand to go down, but turn, "I've realized I never caught your name."

"Xiao." He replies.

"Xiao..." You nod. Something inside of you seems to alight as the name leaves your lips, like you should have knows it all along. "I am Y/n."

He nods, though his attention is elsewhere suddenly.

You sigh and walk to the lip of the roof, before simply jumping down onto the terrace.

Izie runs up to you, "You've been up there this whole time?"

You nod, "I have. A old friend of mine was up there, so I sat and caught up with him some. I was planning on staying here a while..."

"YES. THIS IS NOT HOW I PLANNED IT BUT YES. Good for you!" She cheers excitedly. "I'll leave you to... catch up," She winks, "While I head back to the harbor."

"Iz. It's not like that..." You sigh, exhausted by her overly happy energy already.

"Sure. I'll see you when you get back to town. Or if you don't, I'll get why." She winks, "And I promise. No crazy adventures without backup. You've taught me well!" She giggles and turns, walking away with a wave.

"She is very hyper. How did you ever keep up with her?" Xiao's voice is right behind you.

You jump some and turn, "Jeez your quiet. And I rarely ever did. Mostly just kept a few paces behind and caught up if she needed help."

He nods, "A room is prepared for you. Get some rest and we will leave tomorrow."

"Where to?" You raise a brow.

"Someone who keeps tabs on everything in Liyue." He says casually.

A third adepti is what comes to your mind, so you shrug, "Why not now?"

"You don't need rest?" He questions.

"I can go for a few days before I have to sleep, as long as I am not in too many crowds." You shrug.

He nods, "Well our visit will be with someone who's preference is to not be bothered this late at night. It's the only time he gets to himself."

A sigh leaves your lips, "One more night after sixty years won't hurt."

He nods, looking at you purposely, though you can't fathom what it is on his mind. But before you can ask, you hear a scream from a ways from the balcony. You instantly jump off, the hight not bothering you a bit, and use the wind to propel you at a safe angle to the ground.

Xiao watches this in shock before following you.

You find Izie and that guy surrounded by hilichurls, so, without hesitation, you jump into action. "Stay out of the way!" You snap at the guy (who is holding them back from hurting Izie despite how heavily outnumbered he is).

Your sword and anemo powers have you darting around the creatures and taking them out without even a scratch being made on you.

Your shocked when Xiao joins in and the two of you fall into a fast paced synced fighting, since normally others fighting with you just slows you down.

As soon as the last one drops you turn to Izie and the guy, their fear is strong though the guy is more concerned it would seem. You never did manage to differentiate fear and concern, the adrenaline and mix of emotions made them rather similar.

Izie leaps at you hugging tight, "They came out of nowhere. At first it was just a couple... Zen was handling it... then more arrived... thank you..."

The guy, Zen, sighs, "I didn't expect that..."

Xiao's eyes narrow, "It's likely due to the sudden influx of people. Avoid large gathering like that out of the cities from now on."

Izie pulls back, "Is this your friend? It must be. I thought you were a strong fighter before but it seems you'd been holding back all along. And then the two of you together was incredible!"

"Thanks... You two should get back to Liyue soon. It's dangerous to be out for too long." You shrug it off, suddenly feeling exhausted.

"Right. I'll see you later, Y/n!" She smiles greatfully and turns to Zen.

As they walk away, you rub your forehead and sigh, turning back to the Inn.

Xiao looks at you, but you can't quite sense what he's feeling.

Come to think of it, he's only seemed to have the sense of turmoil about him this whole time. Even if his facial expression slightly changes to show another emotion, you just feel the turmoil. It's familiar to how you yourself feel most days.

And then there's the way you fought. You've never felt more at ease when having someone fight along side you, nor fallen into sync with them.

"Are you alright?" Xiao asks, having moved a few paces ahead.

"Yes. I think the energy from today finally caught up with me." You wave it off and start walking.

It doesn't take long for you to reach the Inn and head to your room where you easily find yourself falling asleep, like it was calling to you for the first time in a long time. You can't remember the last time you needed to sleep. Normally you do it just to ease the tension of all the interactions you had over the days.

Xiao can't help but to wander, the way you complied to his commands, this curse you have, and the way you seem to be attuned to the world in a familiar and similar way, what does it all mean? It seems like something he should remember, but he simply cannot remember it.

Smoke and fog surround you as fight your way through crowds of powerful beings. Flashes of all the elements blurs your vision as you flow through the targets of your wrath. You see Xiao and he says something to you, then you follow him to an area that's practically empty. Something strikes fear and grief in you, suddenly you don't see anyone around you. Then you feel like something pierces you.

You wake with a shallow gasp and jolt upright. This is the first dream you've had in decades, and by far the most confusing.

Your hand goes to your waist where you felt the sharp pierce, but nothing is wrong with it. A sigh escapes your lips as you stand and head out to the balcony.

It's quiet, and the sunrise is stunning. You find yourself lost in it.

"Would you care for anything this morning?" A young woman asks.

"I'm fine. Thank you." You comment, and she leaves. She had such a neutral energy, most of the staff here does for the most part. It was only during the party they seemed annoyed. Before it and after, they were serene. It's a unusual feeling, but you could get used to it.

You feel Xiao's emotions as he approaches, but stay silently facing the sunrise.

He sighs, "Not to interrupt, but are you ready?"

You nod, "Where to?"

"We will be meeting outside of Liyue Harbor." He says casually.

You look to him and nod, "At your lead."

He stops and looks to you, "Don't say that."

You nod, "I'm not sure where that came from. Apologies."

He nods and starts walking. You follow along, enjoying the views of the hike for the first time in a while.

Within a few hours you arrive to the cliff just before the gates of Liyue Harbor. You recognize the man, Zhongli, standing there. Your eyes squint I'm scrutiny.

Zhongli smiles at you, "You have indeed seen me many times over the decades. I too am interested in your secret. However, it pains me to say I doubt I'll be of use to your search."

Xiao sighs, "You mean to say you know nothing of her or this curse?"

Zhongli sighs, "I know of the curse, but nothing of use to you both. You'll be on your own to solve this."

Xiao looks away, annoyance coming through, "Is that a command or recommendation?"

"I have nothing of gain or loss to make this a contract. It will be up to you two to decide." He smiles lightly.

You finally step in, "Hang on. You." You look to Zhongli, "Your the Geo Archon, aren't you? That's the only explanation for you being young like this still. And Madam Ping is the only Aduptus that stays in Liyue."

"And why wouldn't I be someone like you?" He questions.

Xiao sighs, "We may technically have time on our side for this conversation, but I do have things to do."

Zhongli chuckles, "Of course. I will see you both in due time."

Xiao grabs your arm and teleports back to Wangsu Inn. You can feel how angered he is at the moment, so, when he let's go of you, you find yourself grabbing his arm. "Xiao."

"Not now." He snaps at you.

You sigh and let go, your mouth feeling unable to move.

He seems to notice how your grip drops and you instantly lose whatever fight you had, which only further angers him.

He sighs and jumps, before vanishing in a cloud of smoke.

The next coming decades are long and hard. You stayed at the Inn, traveling with Xiao on occasion to try to find answers. Over time You come to the conclusion that you simply could not defy him, no matter how much you wanted to. He felt guilty when you explained it, and his commanding tone changed with you. He began asking you if you would do thing, despite it sounding unusual for him to request it rather than demand it.

When the Traveler and Pimon arrived marked the start of a whirlwind that didn't end until the night that the Jade Palace was destroyed to save Liyue.

When they arrived looking for you in specific, you were genuinely confused (not that they could tell).

"Hey! Just the immortal we were looking for!" Pimon shouts.

"What for?" You raise a brow.

"Well, I was wondering what you thought of Xiao, if you trust him and such?" The Traveler asks.

You nod, "Is that something that needs questioned?"

"But how do you really feel about him?" Pimon asks.

You sigh, "I'd do anything for him... I care about him in every way possible... but why?"

They both smirk playfully, Pimon announcing happily, "The tension between the two of you has been driving us insane."

"How would telling you... he's behind me..." You mutter out and blush.

Xiao's voice is firm yet gentle, "Is that really how you feel?"

You turn to him and nod, "What about you..?"

He silently puts a hand in your hair and gently touches his forehead to yours, "I hardly think I need to say that I care for you in every way as well."

For a moment there's dim light around you both, memories returning in a flood of emotions.

Xiao and you stand in front of a god you'd been searching for on behalf of Morax. She had broken a deal she made, so the two of you were sent to kill her.

"You dare face me without your Archon present?" She sneers at you both.

Xiao and you silently charge her, dealing blow after blow in perfect synch.

Just as she drops to her knees, Morax arrives. Xiao and you stand side by side and nod to each other, knowing you did well.

She raises a hand at you both and shouts, "Your love thus far has been bathed in bloodshed. I curse you both to forget eachother, and the mortal shall live as the Yaksha does. Should she bare child to any other she will reincarnate into that child."

A bright burst of light encompasses Xiao and you, knocking you both unconscious.

Zhongli looks at her visibly upset.

She smirks, "Should you attempt to inform them of any of this, the mortal will age at sudden and perish. The memories shall return to the yaksha and he will bare the weight of her debts as well."

Zhongli traps her, piercing a spear through her.

Xiao and you pull apart abruptly as the memory fades, both sadness and joy in your expressions.

The Traveler and Pimon look confused at you both.

"It seems we were destined after all..." You smile soft, the memories of how you two used to talk about destiny now fresh in your thoughts again.

He shakes his head and sigh, "But does this mean you are mortal again..?"

Your hand goes to his cheek, "We will discover that over time. Let us just enjoy our time now..."

#Xiao #genshin xiao #xiao x reader #xiao imagine #genshin impact #genshin impact imagine #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact liyue

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