Catching Stardust

Tadashi Hamada x Reader | ☁️ + ✨ | 3.9k

Most days, like any other university student, you would wake up tired. Unfortunately for you, that was not today. You had spent the entire night working on your lab report for one of your science courses and didn’t get a wink of sleep. At least it was handed in and done with.

(You had to double check - just in case your brain decided to get desperate and help you imagine the best case scenarios. Thinking and doing were two very different things, they were hard to tell apart when you were so dead tired though.)

It was one of those days.

“Morning, Honey Lemon,” you greeted as you navigated your way into the kitchen for some caffeine. Grabbing your travel coffee tumbler, you watched your blonde roommate in her morning stretching routine.

“Good morning, (Y/N)!” Honey cheerfully replied. “How was not sleeping last night?”

You halted your movements, looking up at her with concern. “Can you tell just by looking at me?”

Honey Lemon laughed. “No, silly. GoGo came home late last night and saw you up. I heard you shuffling around earlier this morning too. No raccoon eyes, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Thank goodness,” you said with a sigh as you continued pouring liquid energy into your tumbler. “This bio course is going to be the death of me.”

“You mean working two part time jobs will be the death of you,” GoGo corrected you as she walked out of her room. “Girl, you need time to have fun too.”

You stuck your tongue out at her. Rummaging through backpack, you noticed a missing tome of knowledge. “Has anyone seen my Medical Terms bible?”

“Coffee table.” Honey called out from the living room as she held the tree pose.

GoGo walked over to you with the heavy book in hand. You mouthed a thank you to her before taking a sip of coffee.

“(Y/N), you need to take some time to make some more friends or meet a cute boy,” Honey Lemon brought up. She exchanged a look with GoGo. “We know someone who you might like. He’s nice and funny, good looking as well.”

You gave your two roommates a sad smile. “By the time I’m ready for a relationship, a boy like that will already be snatched up by someone less stressed about their future.”

Grabbing your premade meals and a couple of snacks, you swung your backpack on.

“I work bookstore and pharmacy today, so I’ll see you both tomorrow morning. Good luck with your projects in the meantime.”

“Bye, (Y/N)!” Honey called out.

“Keep the luck, you need it more than we do,” GoGo said with salute.

Walking out of the apartment, you checked your phone for your schedule once more. Class at nine, bookstore at two and pharmacy at six. And it was already eight thirty, yay. Just your typical jam packed day, all so that you could pay off medical school tuition in the future.

Balancing everything in life was... impossible, but you were managing. 

Full course load university student, working two part time jobs, and a very minimal but still existent social life.

It wasn’t easy, but it was what you wanted. Going to med school was a necessary path to take if you wanted to help people out in your future career choice.

Just as you were arriving on campus, a voice caught your attention.

“(Y/N)…!”

You turned to see your friend Mina, another sufferer pre-med student.

“Hi Mina,” you greeted.

“Did you sleep last night?” she asked. When you shook your head, she let out a loud sigh. “Yeah, me too. Dr. Andrews is going to kill us with these lab reports and the test Thursday. I mean, I’d feel smarter if I weren’t so tired all the time.” 

You smiled. What a mood.

“Is my make up, okay?” Mina asked. “I don’t want Justin to see me at my worse - not yet.”

You glanced over Mina’s face. She had gone through the usual effort to make herself look cute. “You look fine and I’m sure Justin wouldn’t be scared off. He knows we’re med students.”

Mina made a face. “We’ve only been a dating for two months, (Y/N), two! He doesn’t know what kind of crazy we are yet. You never know when he might get skittish and ghost me.”

If you weren’t so tired, you would have laughed. 

Linking arms with Mina, you pulled her towards the classroom. 

Today was going to be just another day.

Tadashi checked over the information on his phone as he walked off campus towards the bookstore. He had been looking up information to help his robotics project and a certain book had come up in his recommendations. Deciding that the resource was worth checking out, and was worth the price, he was determined to get his hands on the book while his robot was still in the works.

Walking through the doors, he made his way to the medical section. Browsing the shelves, he kept an eye out for the particular title.

After circling the area for a while, he let out a huff. Where was this textbook?

Noticing a girl wearing a name tag, he approached her with smile.

“Hi, I was wondering if you could help me?”

She turned to him with a smile, (E/C) eyes making contact with his brown orbs.

“Of course, are you looking for something?”

Tadashi nodded, pulling out his phone and showing her the textbook information.

"Ahhh, this one. That’s a popular book with the first year pre-med student courses,” she commented. “Everyone always asks where this one is - we organize this one by title since there’s no author.”

Leading him back into the medical section, the girl stopped in an area of the bookstore that Tadashi had missed earlier. She tapped the spine of one of the books.

“This one is good resource for in depth procedural explanations,” she explained. “Not what you were looking for though...”

Scanning the shelves, the girl paused and frowned when she stopped a particular spot. 

“Is it out of stock?” she murmured, checking again. “For a textbook no one appreciates until third year, I’d be surprised if it’s sold out...” She turned back to Tadashi with an apologetic smile. “I’ll check if we have the book in stock - give me a second.”

Pulling out her phone, she typed up some information quickly. The results of her searching seemed to yield the same results.

“It looks like we’re actually out of stock for this textbook right now, although, we are restocking it,” she explained. “Would you like to request a reserve to get a copy?”

“That would be helpful, sure,” Tadashi agreed. 

“Great, let’s go fill out a form for you,” she chirped, leading him away. “Are you a med student?”

“No, I’m a robotics engineering student at SFIT,” he replied. “I’m working on something related to the medical field though.”

“Really? That’s so cool,” she exclaimed, looking genuinely interested. “It’s amazing to think how technology can incorporated into health sciences. If you don’t mind me asking, what are you working on?”

“A healthcare robot,” Tadashi explained with a fond smile. “It’s still in the works, nothing has been finished yet, I’m still working on the programming stages.”

“I think that’s incredible. I’m sure you’re capable of amazing things.”

The sincerity in her tone brought a smile to his face. For someone who didn’t know much about his project, the kind words from her were very nice.

“What about you?” Tadashi asked. “Are you a student?”

“Yeah, over at Sato Health Institute,” she responded. Sato was the top post secondary institution for health care in San Fransokyo located nearby - it even shared some programs with SFIT as Tadashi recalled. “I’m a pre-med student - if you hadn’t already guessed.”

“I might have had a feeling,” Tadashi said with a grin. “You seemed like you were familiar with things firsthand.”

The girl laughed. “Lots of firsthand experience, trust me.”

Approaching the help desk, the girl popped around to grab a paper and pen. Scrawling down information onto the page first, she then slid the paper over to Tadashi across the counter.

“Just fill out the rest of the form and the textbook should be arriving in the next three days.” 

Tadashi looked up from filling in the form, brown eyes flicking over to her name tag. “Thank you so much, (Y/N).”

“You’re welcome,” she replied. She took a sip from her coffee tumbler. Grabbing a sticky note, she offered it over to Tadashi. “If you’d like, leave your number and I’ll text you when it arrives - I’ll be working that day. I promise to use your number for professional reasons only.”

“I’d appreciate that,” Tadashi said as he wrote his number down. As he finished his form, he noticed a large medical terms textbook behind the counter on the desk next to the computer with a ton of sticky notes sticking out. “Is that yours?”

“That’s my current bible,” she affirmed with an amused tone. “Can’t survive without it.”

The two of them shared a laugh.

“Thanks again for your help.” Tadashi repeated as he returned the form.

“Just doing my job, don’t worry about it! It was great meeting you...” Her (E/C) eyes flickered down to the form and smile appeared on her face. “...Tadashi.”

As Tadashi left the bookstore, part of him was still lingering behind, thinking about (Y/N). She seemed like a nice girl and he really hoped that they might have another chance to encounter her again.

You fumbled with the door before pushing it open, popping back into the dark apartment. Hitting the light switch, you took off your shoes and checked for signs of your roommates.

Looks like Honey Lemon and GoGo were still out.

No surprise.

The three of you were always busy, whether the other two liked to admit it or not. 

Just as you were sorting things out in the kitchen and about to grab a snack, your phone buzzed.

Mina: OMG. Did you see Terry’s SNS profile update? 🤣🤣

(Y/N): What did he do this time? Do I want to know??

Mina: He put MD CANDIDATE. The AUDACITY of this man - I got a C+ working with partner project with him. My poor GPA... 😭

(Y/N): I mean...

Mina: DON’T

(Y/N): Cs get degrees 😂

Mina: RIP me. Seriously though, are you free to study for that bio test? 

(Y/N): let me grab my snack first, I’ll see you video chat

Mina: True MD candidate here

(Y/N): HA 

Letting out a sigh, you swiped a snack from the cupboard before heading back to your room. Fingers crossed you would get some sleep tonight.

“Oh, finally!”

Tadashi wiped his hands off with a rag and turned to look at Fred. Wasabi and GoGo were also looking at the beanie wearing boy, but neither of them decided to engage.

“Something up?” Tadashi asked, speaking up.

“The comic bookstore said they were out of that new series I was telling you guys about the other day,” Fred explained. “I refused to go to Richardson’s place, so apparently, they reached out to the nearby bookstore and they have a copy! I got to go pick it up.”

“The one near campus?”

“Yup.”

Tadashi paused, thinking for a moment before making his decision. 

“I’ll come with you.”

“Let’s go then, man!”

Catching up with Fred about the current condition of Baymax, the two soon arrived at the bookstore. Fred immediately beelined towards the help desk with Tadashi trailing behind him.

Just as Tadashi anticipated, a familiar face was working at the desk. This time though, (Y/N) was fairly concentrated on the stack of flashcards piled on her space next to textbooks filled with sticky notes.

“Uh, excuse me,” Fred said, practically bouncing on his toes.

That was enough to jolt her out of her studying. Shoving away her flashcards, she offered Fred a smile. “Yes?”

“I believe someone called about -”

“Oh! I know what you’re here for,” (Y/N) said, jumping up. She got up and skimmed over the bookshelf behind the counter. “Ah, here it is. Fred, right?”

At the sight of his new comic, Fred nodded happily. He quickly accepted it from you. “Is there a comic book section?”

(Y/N) nodded. “Just straight that way, it’s not a big collection, but you might find something.”

“Alright, thanks!” 

Fred turned to see Tadashi lingering around. “You coming, Tadashi?”

“There’s something I want to check out, I’ll catch up in a bit,” the black haired male responded.

As Fred disappeared, the girl turned her attention over to Tadashi. 

“I didn’t think I would see you again so soon,” she commented. “The book is not in yet, sorry.”

Tadashi smiled. “That’s fine. I see you’re here often.” 

“Yeah, when I’m not busy with classes or my other job, here I am.”

The words piqued your interest. “Other job?”

“I also work at a pharmacy,” (Y/N) explained.

“Ahh. You must be a busy person,” Tadashi said. He tilted his head towards your desk. “Studying too?”

She flushed. “Yeah. Only because today’s pretty quiet - my manager doesn’t mind as long as I’m work as I’m needed. There’s a test coming up.”

“Good luck, I think you need it.”

“I do. Thank you.”

Tadashi watched as (Y/N) moved back to sitting at the desk. As she picked up her flashcards, she looked up at Tadashi.

“How’s the healthcare robot going? Any progress in the last 24 hours?”

“Baymax finally had some supply come in for assembling,” he responded. “So, just a little bit.”

“Baymax?” she repeated confused. “Oh. Is that their name?”

Tadashi nodded.

“Baymax… I like it, sounds friendly.”

“I should probably let you get back to studying,” Tadashi commented, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry for bothering you.”

“Not at all, I’m happy to chat with you.”

- Wednesday. 6PM. -  

Honey: (Y/N)?

(Y/N): What’s up, Honey Lemon?

Honey: I heard the pre-med students plan on throwing a party this weekend? 

Honey: Are you going?

(Y/N): Nah, I think I have work.

GoGo: You always work.

(Y/N): Huh, I never noticed.

(Y/N): Anyways, parties are not my scene. I’d be happy spending a free evening at home instead.

GoGo: Mina says she’ll miss you.

(Y/N): She’ll have Justin, she’ll be okay

Honey: Well, if you ever decide to go, we know a boy you can take with you.

(Y/N): Thanks, but I’ll pass. 🥰

- Thursday. 5PM. -

Unknown: Hi Tadashi. The textbook you wanted finally came in! Feel free to drop by anytime to come pick it up.

Tadashi: Alright, thanks (Y/N)!

Unknown: Yep, no prob!

Tadashi: Hey, is this your personal number?

Unknown: yeah 😊

(Y/N) has been added to contacts.

Tadashi: Hope you don’t mind if I contact you like in the future. 😊

(Y/N): Oh, I wouldn’t mind at all!

“Tadashi, hi,” you greeted, waving as the boy came into your line of sight. With a baseball cap on his head today, you almost mistaken him for someone else. Pulling out the textbook, you handed it over to him. “Here you go! You weren’t the only one trying to get your hands on this textbook today.”

Tadashi peered at you curiously as he accepted the textbook. 

“You look tired,” he pointed out.

You just shrugged with a half smile. “The bio test was today - that was gruesome.”

“At least that’s done with,” he encouraged you. “Week’s almost over, too.”

“Best part is I’m off in five,” you agreed.

 You could see your words caught Tadashi’s interest. 

“Are... are you still working after?” 

Shaking your head, you leaned back against the counter. “Nope, told them I was busy today so no shifts at the pharmacy tonight.”

“Would you like to go out with me then?” Tadashi asked hopefully. “We can hit up a café and grab something to eat?”

Good thing you were leaning against the counter, because the surprise you felt would have toppled you over.

“Oh, um, sure!” you agreed, cheeks heating up a little. “I’ll meet you outside in five?”

“Sounds good.”

- Friday. 9AM. -

Tadashi: I enjoyed my time with you yesterday. 

(Y/N): I enjoyed my time too! Although the cookies there were kind of hard... 😢

Tadashi: Yeah... I find us somewhere with nice cookies next time.

(Y/N): Just a warning, next time might be a while. My schedule is usually full.

Tadashi: That’s fine!! If you ever find yourself with free time, let me know, I’d like to spend it with you.

(Y/N): 🥰

(Y/N): You’re too sweet, Tadashi. 

(Y/N): How are you single??

Tadashi: Haha, I could ask you the same thing. Probably the same reasons as you though. I’m usually too focused with what’s in front of me.

Tadashi: Hope to see you around though.

(Y/N): me too

- Some Tuesday. 8PM. -

“And your total is 18.95,” you said, pressing buttons on the register to confirm the amount. The customer tapped their card for the purchase before taking their bags. “I hope you feel better!”

“Thank you,” the customer responded as they left. 

You waited until they had gone completely before heading back to find your manager. Spotting one of older pharmacy students, you decided to talk to them instead.

“Hi,” you greeted.

“(Y/N), need any drugs?” Harper asked with a smile.

“I’ll take them all,” you joked. “Let Aria know I left if you see her for me?”

“Yeah, go. You’re free,” she ushered, waving you away.

As you pulled on your jacket and stepped out of the pharmacy, a figure caught you by surprise.

“Tadashi!” you exclaimed. 

“Surprised?” he asked. “Thought I’d walk you home, not safe for you to walk the street alone at night.”

“I do it frequent enough,” you countered with a smile.

“Ooh, risk taker,” Tadashi said.

You laughed. “I appreciate this though, thanks.”

Tadashi nodded. As the two of you were catching up each other on what happened throughout the day, you felt Tadashi slip his hand into yours. Fingers intertwined, you could feel your heart racing.

This was something you didn’t want to let go of.

- Some Monday. 2PM. -

GoGo: Yo, Tadashi

GoGo: Fred wants to know when you’ll be back with the snacks.

Tadashi: Just stepped back on campus. 

GoGo: Took you a while.

GoGo: You seeing someone behind our back?

Tadashi: Ha. Does Baymax count?

- A couple weeks later. Friday. 10AM. -

“Someone looks cute today,” Mina commented as you sat down next to her in the lecture hall. She eyed you up and down, nodding approvingly. “Not working today?”

“Yeah,” you replied. “My rare day off besides class. Thought I’d put a little more effort in today.”

“Well, you look adorable,” Mina confirmed. She let out a sigh when she saw the professor walk in. “Let’s see if we can survive these next two hours.”

“Challenge accepted,” you said, bumping her shoulder playfully. “Although, I might lose you halfway.”

Mina gasped and smacked your arm.

You laughed as you pulled your laptop. Although the two hours went by at a decent pace, you were glad the course was three quarters way through. 

At the brutal pace your professor went, there was nothing but review for the few weeks before final exams. It was nice to know you didn’t have to teach yourself an entire unit in a week before your final.

Bidding Mina goodbye, you weaved your way out of the lecture hall and out into campus. At this point, most groups of students you saw hanging around were study groups. You would have been like them too, if you hadn’t worked so hard to make things work.

Balancing two part time jobs along with classes had you putting in so much extra effort that it usually paid off in the long run.

Yay.

Navigating your way through the streets with the GPS app open on your phone, you soon spotted the campus you were looking for.

SFIT.

(Abbreviated, because thinking through what each letter stood for was too much effort.)

Slowly wandering around as you pulled up the campus directory, your eyes glimmered when you spotted the building you were looking for. Popping inside, you clutched onto your bag, peering around curiously. There was so much science happening in this space. 

Lots of creativity too, you wondered why their tradition was to prank the art school.

Poking around, you soon realized you were lost among the many rooms and labs. Your mission was a failure. Pouting, you pulled your phone.

(Y/N): Help me, I’m lost.

Tadashi: What do you mean?

(Y/N): I wandered into the lab building and was going to surprise you with a visit, but I don’t know where to find you. 🙁

(Y/N): I didn’t think this through...

Tadashi: Awwww

Tadashi: What room number do you see? I’ll find you.

(Y/N): Lab 2B

Tadashi: omw

As you awkwardly waited for Tadashi to show up, you tried not to look suspicious. Although admittedly, you were sure you looked suspicious regardless since you were lost.

“There you are,” the soft yet deep voice greeted from behind you.

Turning around to see Tadashi, you smiled. 

“Sorry for the trouble,” you apologized. 

“Not at all.” Tadashi shook his head. He took a moment to take you in. Within his eyes, you were absolutely beautiful. He didn’t want to mess up, so he kept it to himself. He’d voice his thoughts one day. “Welcome to Nerd Lab, by the way.”

So this was where Tadashi, your roommates, and their friends all spent their long hours working.

Tadashi took your hand. “Come on, I want to show you my lab.”

Following after Tadashi, the two of you entered the elevator behind arriving on the floor of his personal lab space. He opened a door, showing you his tidy space.

“Baymax won’t be in the works for a while, but here,” he pulled out several large blueprints. The image of an almost plush like character was found in the middle. “This is going to be Baymax.”

In awe of all the labelled details and planning in place, you looked up at Tadashi.

“This is incredible,” you breathed out. “You’re incredible too.”

Tadashi dipped his head down and captured your lips for a kiss. 

Before he had the opportunity to pull back too far, you went in and gave him a quick peck as well.

Although the two of you were flushed, the loving gaze you could see in Tadashi’s eyes made you feel hopeful about this relationship.

“Can I see the medical programming?” you asked, breaking the silence.

Tadashi shyly nodded. “All the computer.” 

- Later. -

(Y/N): Do you think we should let our friends know?

Tadashi: Nah, they’ll catch on eventually.

(Y/N): But if they don’t should I just accept their blind date request?

Tadashi: WHAT?

(Y/N): 😂

(Y/N): I asked for more details one time.

(Y/N): He’s this handsome robotics engineering student, who nice and has a good sense of humor. Apparently he’s very dedicated to his work too.

Tadashi: …

Tadashi: They’ve tried to set me up with their friend as well. 

(Y/N): Hmm, maybe we were meant to be after all

Tadashi: I think so. 😀

(Y/N): 😘

Ever spend the last 12 days intending to blog every day and then never finding the time to do so?  Yup, that’s where I’ve been at.  Straight up in survival mode over here.  

My MIL left on Monday and while my days since have been spent constantly putting out fires managing two crying children (often at the same time), I’m oh so flipping happy to be on my own again :) I understand that it’s important for family to come and visit and get to know their grandchildren. While I’m happy we all had that time together I’m glad to now have the time to figure out life as a family of four without an extra person in the house.  

Kevin started a new rotation that has him gone six days a week from 4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (or later) so all he has time to do is come home and sleep.  Poor guy :( I went from having both him and either my mom or MIL home all the time to now doing everything alone.  It’s a lot but I’m surviving!  

Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights from the last 12 days. 

Aug passed her hearing test!  Woooo!

Thanks to the MIL here, Kevin and I were able to go (BY OURSELVES) out to dinner, out to brunch, on several walks, and two grocery shopping dates!  Such a dreeaaammm!

My MIL strongly dislikes/is scared of my cat, Saki.  As such, on one of the days I was gone at appointments with Aug for six hours she didn’t let him downstairs.  Due to this he pooped in my bedroom on the carpet :(  To my MIL’s credit, she thought he had a litterbox upstairs, but no.  That’s why I’m always letting him down and opening up the bathroom with the litterbox in it for him all the time.  Pay attention, woman. 

While we’re on the MIL rant, I’ll keep going with two more stories. 

I’ve put Erp to sleep every night of her life except for when I was at the hospital delivering Aug.  We have a bedtime routine that I look forward to every day and one that I find to be an intimate experience that only we share.  One night that I’m putting her down, I come out to find the kitchen and dining room still a mess with Kevin and his mom sitting on the couch (she has Aug in her arms so she gets a pass).  But I’m frustrated and start to clean.  At one point I look up to ask if MIL can turn on the monitor (that I know was turned off before I went in to start bedtime) and I see she’s looking at it watching Erp.  I ask her if that means she watched us while we were in there.  She replied that she had.  I reply, “Great.” Drop what I’m washing in the sink and run upstairs slamming the door shut behind me.  I go to pump and cool off.  I come downstairs 40 minutes later to tell her I overreacted but also that I felt she had invaded our privacy.  She tells me, through tears, that it reminded her of her time with Kevin when he was a baby.  I get it, but still.  Kevin said had he known she was watching he would have told her to stop since I made it VERY clear to him early on in Erp’s life that I don’t like being watched on the monitor when I’m in there with her.  I guess I should have told her about my preference in advance but I never thought I’d need to spell it out like that.  

For the last week she was here, she had Chicago Med on the TV constantly, at relatively loud volume.  Please note that we never ever ever have the TV on at our house unless we’re actively watching something, and if that happens it’s 99% of the time just me watching and I do it for an hour at night when everyone is asleep.  If we need background noise, music is playing.  She would just sit on the couch and watch her show talking about gunshots, premature birth, and whatever kind of medical drama while my kids are running around.  I’m sorry, but I thought you were here to connect with your grandkids?  So while she sat on the couch, I would engage and play with Erp for hours.  Cool cool cool.  

Please note that despite all this she’s a lovely woman and a great grandmother and mother and MIL.  I came into her visit already dreading more company, and I’m sure I’m still surging with hormones from the pregnancy (right? or am I just this way always now?).  All this to say that I was not begging her to stay and getting used to taking care of both kids on my own wasn’t that hard since I’d basically been doing it during her entire visit. 

Okay, let’s take a breather and talk about other things. 

Do you remember the 21st night of September? I DO because my 6 week old slept 12 straight hours! GLORIOUS. 

After finishing listening to Billy Summers (loved it!) I decided to undertake Stephen King’s hefty novel, The Stand.  I’d been scared to attempt it ever since I read 100 pages of it in 9th grade before deciding to pick it up again later.  I guess 23 years later did the trick because I’m thoroughly enjoying it!  I’ve learned that audiobooks are the only way I can get through any material lately.  It makes me want to go out on walks and take drives so I can listen to MoAr!  I’m already 10 hours into the 48 hour novel.  Although, I gotta say, it certainly feels strange to read about a deadly pandemic (written in 1978) during this current pandemic.  

After two months since I initially contacted the nearby school/daycare, I finally followed up to get Erp on a waitlist.  There are six kids ahead of her.   We took a tour on Friday and I want her to get in so so badly, hopefully before we move in June!  It would be such a great place for her to socialize and learn!

If any of the above isn’t telling, my hormones are all over the place. I know this because my face has decided to rage in all the redness and acne. So fun! 

Thanks to getting my house back, I’ve been able to establish a routine for us which includes going on stroller walks every day with the girls!  We’ve already made it over 37 miles this month!  Loving the outside time and knowing I’m working hard at my weight loss efforts.  

Despite being on maternity leave, this past Friday I was invited to participate in an EA (virtual) offsite with my team at work!  It was great to be able to see everyone again!  At the end we participated in a cooking class where they mailed me a box of all the ingredients to cook a NY Strip Steak and Corn Succotash! Deeeelicious! 

Given Erp’s increasing interest and ability at walking, I attempted a walk with her the other day, sans stroller!  I wore Aug in a wrap on my chest and held Erp’s hand as we walked around the neighborhood. We walked a good 1/4 of a mile!  Everything was fine until we made it back to our walkway and she refused to climb up the step to head back inside.  Like, laid flat on the ground refusal.  Since Aug was on me I couldn’t really just grab Erp and muscle her back inside.  She wouldn’t listen to any request of mine to go inside so we had a power struggle of what felt like 15 minutes but I’m sure was closer to 5.  She would try to crawl around my feet (into the bushes even to get around me), and any time I tried to lift her up she’d pull herself to the ground crying.  Eventually I tucked Aug’s flopping head into the fabric of the wrap so I could lean down and grab my tantruming child and carry her inside.  I want to be able to keep up with these excursions but not sure how to do so if she continues to rebel like this.  Like, if she did this farther from home we’d be up a creek.  Hopefully she’ll improve in time? 

OKAY! Hopefully we can now get back to our regularly scheduled blogging so a massive update like this won’t be necessary again :)  Thanks for taking time out of your day to catch up with me!

The Right Chapter 24 || Aaron Hotchner x Fem Reader

Happy Saturday my loves! A little fluff/angst double whammy for your afternoon :) 

contains: grouchy aaron, food mention, description of anxiety, canon-typical description of murder

wordcount: 2.4k

“I seem to remember you being the one lecturing me about the bureau’s generous sick leave policy not all that long ago,” You told Aaron as you gently shoved him back into bed three days after he’d broken his leg. 

“I also recall that in that situation, you were the one who was injured,” Aaron grumbles, and you roll your eyes. 

“Yes, and you stayed home to take care of me. Now, I’m returning the favor,” you reminded him. 

“I’m not going to get a brain bleed, I just need the leg to heal. You don’t need to stay with me all day while I sit in bed.” He argues.

“You’re right, but I think we both know that if I wasn’t here, you wouldn’t stay in bed, and seeing as how you can’t get as far as the bathroom without my help, that might present a problem.” You chastise him. “I’m not coming home to you bleeding out in the hallway because you fell over and couldn’t help yourself.”

“You make me sound like I’m eighty years old.” he scoffed. 

“Well, if you agree to wear a life alert, maybe I’ll go back to work.” You said, throwing your head against the pillows. There’s a few moments of silence, punctuated by Aaron’s deep sigh. 

“I’m glad you’re here. Sorry I’m being grumpy.” He apologized. “I just don’t want you to have to take care of me.” 

“You’re injured and in pain. You’re allowed to be grumpy,” you told him. “And I plan on taking care of you for the rest of my life, so you should start to get used to it.”

“Can I hold you for a little while? You don’t have to go near my leg,” he says, knowing you’ve been extra-gentle to avoid his injury since you’ve been home together. “You could put your head on my chest and I could just… hold you,” Aaron asks shyly, and your heart melts. 

“Of course, baby.” you say, snuggling your torso in close, leaning your head against his pec and resisting the urge to toss your legs over his. “See? Sick leave isn’t all that bad,” you tease him.

“No, I suppose not,” he smiles, rubbing an arm up and down your back.

“Jack is so excited to have you home.” You comment.

“Not that it matters, I can’t even take him to the park or ride a bike with him.” Aaron grouses. 

“Aaron, he’s over the moon just to have time to spend with you. He could sit here in bed with you watching Toy Story on a loop for the next six weeks and I’m sure he’d tell you it was the best month and a half of his life.” 

“A month and a half… I’m gonna go crazy.” Aarom remarks, more to himself than to you. 

“You’re gonna have to take up a hobby. Maybe knitting,” you snort, and Aaron smiles. 

“Yeah, or braiding or something,” he agrees offhandedly.

“Braiding?” You ask. 

“Oh, I mean, or maybe I could get back into Chess, finally get good enough to beat Spencer--” 

“No, no, back up, what made you bring up braiding?” 

“Uh… it’s just… something I’ve been thinking about in case we ever, you know, made a decision, and felt like maybe---” 

“Aaron, spit it out,” you laughed. 

“Just… if we had kids, or a daughter, I would want to be able to do her hair. Because if you’re not home, I don’t want to be the dad that doesn’t know how to do his daughter’s hair.” He confesses, the embarrassment clear in his tone. You place a kiss to his chest. 

“You are a good man, Aaron Hotchner.” 

“I’m glad you think so, anyways.”

“Alright, you’re getting grumpy and self-deprecating, which is a bad combo. You need a nap.” You instruct him teasingly. 

“You’ll be here when I wake up?” He asks, tightening his hold on you just slightly. 

“Of course, love. You go ahead and rest. I’m not going anywhere.”

You went back to work a little over a week later, when Aaron was mostly off of his pain meds, and able to get himself around the apartment without any assistance. You were still staying there when you weren’t on a case, and found yourself grateful that you’d decided to sign a month-to-month lease-- you weren’t sure what the point was of keeping up the pretense of separate places anymore. But, then again, with Aaron injured, now probably wasn’t the best time for a move. You're working through a few scenarios in your head when Spencer interrupts your train of thought. 

“How’s Hotch feeling?” He asks as you and the rest of the team board the jet to head home after a case. 

“He’s doing better,” you tell him. “The pain isn’t bothering him as much and he’s getting a little bit of his range of motion back. I’m still trying my best to keep him in bed, but I’m sure you can imagine how well that’s going,” you tell him with a smile. 

“Well, tell him I can’t wait to have him back. I hate all this paperwork,” Morgan cuts in with a playful chuckle, and you shove at his shoulder. 

“I’m trying to keep him home, Derek. Besides, we all know that Spencer is doing most of the paperwork for you,” you called him out, and Emily and JJ laughed.

“He’s just so fast,” Morgan defends himself, and now everyone is laughing. 

“We do want him back,” Emily tells you. “But not until he’s good and ready. And then, you know, maybe even a few weeks after that. Wouldn’t kill him to take a vacation.” 

“I’m not so sure about that,” JJ smirks. 

“Please, he’s already itching to get back to work. I think he’d leave me if I asked for a vacation.” You tell Emily.

“No, if you asked for a vacation he’d buy a plane ticket in an instant. And he’d bring his work phone and his computer to the beach and try to solve a murder from underneath a palm tree,” Morgan argued playfully. 

“Sometimes when we take a case somewhere warm, I stand in the parking lot for five minutes and face the sun. And if you close your eyes, it’s almost like a vacation.” You say. 

“Weren’t you literally taken hostage the last time you did that?” Spencer asks, and you roll your eyes goodnaturedly. 

“Well, there goes my tropical getaway,” you tease. 

With Morgan as acting unit chief, paperwork deadlines are considerably more flexible, which is to say nonexistent. Strauss would probably have a field day when she went to review the case file, but that wasn’t your problem. And, quite frankly, as you rushed to your car to get home to your boys, you couldn’t care less. 

When you swing the door open, you interrupt a very spirited game of Connect Four between Jack and Aaron. You notice that Aaron has at least three opportunities to make a winning move, all of which he ignores in favor of allowing Jack to push his chips in at random. 

“You’re home!” Jack exclaims when he sees you, scrambling across the living room and wordlessly commanding to be held by you. 

You hoist him up onto your hip, not without difficulty. He was getting big, and it made you a little sad. It strikes you that you won’t be able to do this forever, wrap him up in your arms and make him feel small and safe and secure. You squeeze him tighter. “Were you good for your daddy while I was gone?” 

“Uh-huh.” He nods, pulling back to look at you and running the collar of your shirt in between his thumb and forefinger absentmindedly. 

“And was Daddy good? He stayed off of his booboo leg?” You asked the only Hotchner who would give you a truthful answer. 

“Daddy was good.” Jack confirms, and you narrow your eyes skeptically. 

“Did he bribe you to say that? Ice cream for breakfast, or a new comic book?” You ask. 

“No. We watched Toy Story and I learned checkers. I had cereal for breakfast, not ice cream.” He tells you, and you relent. 

“Sounds like you had a lot of fun, bug.” You say, putting him down and crossing the living room to sit next to Aaron on the couch, who leaned over to press a kiss to the top of your head and placed a hand in your lap. 

“I did. But I missed you.” Jack tells you, climbing onto the couch next to you. 

“He’s not the only one,” Aaron whispers, pressing another kiss to your hair. 

“I missed you both, very very much,” you tell them, snuggling closer into Aaron and placing a hand in Jack’s hair. 

“We had pasta for dinner. I saved you a plate,” Aaron tells you. 

“Thank you, baby.” You tell him. “But, I’m pretty sure it’s past somebody’s bedtime…” You mention, and Jack pouts immediately. 

“I told him he could stay up until you got home, but he promised he wasn’t going to fight when it was time for bed, right buddy?” Aaron reminds his son. 

“Come on, sweet boy. I’ll tuck you in,” You tell him, pecking Aaron’s lips briefly before scooping Jack up off of the sofa and bringing him to his bed, tucking him in with extra stories and kisses to make up for the nights you missed while you were gone. 

When you come back into the kitchen, Aaron has heated up the leftover pasta and is waiting for you at the counter. 

“You didn’t have to get up, I would have done that,” you tell Aaron, knowing full well that he’d never actually listen.

“How was the case?” He asks as you settle in and start to eat. 

“It wasn’t too bad. We got the guy to surrender without hurting any of the hostages. A few of them were in pretty rough shape, but they should all recover.” you tell him in between bites. 

“And the team? Everyone’s doing okay?” 

“We’re all good, babe. JJ’s getting really good at the geographic profile, but I think it annoys her to stay at the station when we’re all out.” 

“She’s pregnant. It’s not worth the risk,” Aaron reminds you. 

“I know, honey, but it’s still annoying. It’s kind of like when you break your leg and you’re not allowed to go to work but you still have to hear all about it from your girlfriend,” you point out, and he smirks at you. 

“Morgan’s doing okay? The field agents aren’t giving him any trouble?” 

“Morgan can handle himself just fine against any cocky field agent. You don’t need to worry about us, sweetheart. We’re okay. You trained us up good,” you smiled at him, and he blushed, rolling his eyes at you. “We want you back, but we want you back healthy,” you tell him.

“Well, the doctor cleared me to start PT in two weeks. So hopefully I’ll be back sooner rather than later,” Aaron tells you. 

“That's great news! So the cast is coming off soon?” You ask. 

“Yeah, he wants to see me again to take it off and give me the final go-ahead for PT.”

“And you’re gonna take it easy at PT, because you know you can’t rush recovery, right?” You remind him. 

“Yes, mom,” he teases you with a smile. 

“It’s my turn to fret over you. Karma’s a bitch,” you smile at him as you get up to take his plate to the dishwasher. As you do so, his phone rings. 

“Hotchner,” he says into the receiver. “Woah, woah. Slow down, please. Are you okay?” Aaron says, and you turn around immediately, concerned. “Garcia, hold on. I’m going to put you on speaker. Yeah, she’s home. She’s here with me.” Aaron says, his eyes flicking over to you as he pulls the phone away from his ear and adjusts the volume. 

“Okay, so, I have been keeping an eye on Josh’s arrest record, awaiting his arraignment and his court dates so that we could throw a big ‘Josh is in prison for life party,’” she tells you, spitting out information a mile a minute. “There hadn’t been any movement for a few days, and I couldn’t figure out why, but I decided to check one more time before I went to bed tonight, and Josh’s dealer posted bail for him four days ago.”

“What?” You say. You heard her, heard every word she said in perfect clarity. But there had to be a mistake, right?

“Garcia, what do you have on the dealer? What has Josh been doing for the past four days?” Aaron asks, and you hear him, but you also… don’t. Everything sounds like you have cotton stuck inside your ears, or like you’re underwater. This couldn’t really be happening, could it?

“That’s a trigger,” you mumble quietly, and you think that Aaron doesn’t hear you, he’s so focused on his conversation with Garcia that you try hopelessly to follow. He turns to you, after a moment, tucking his phone back into his pocket. 

“What did you say, doll?”  He asks you. 

“That’s a trigger. You know, how we say that serial killers have triggers that make them start killing people. This is probably a trigger to start killing,” you say, staring at a spot of dirt on the tile. Jack must have tracked it on his cleats, and Aaron couldn’t mop with his injury. You should really clean that. You needed to get the dirt off the floor. Mop, mop, where did Aaron keep the mop? You pulled it out of the closet and were headed for the stain when you felt Aaron’s hands come to rest on your shoulders, blocking your path. 

“Hon, what are you doing?’ He asks, trying to make eye contact with you, which you avoided. 

“The floor needs to be mopped.” You answer, emotionless. 

“Why don’t you come sit down, the floor can wait,” he says, trying to guide you towards the sofa. 

“Aaron, your knee! Go sit. Go, go. I just need to get the floor clean. Please just go sit and I can fix it. It’s okay. I got it.” You got more and more worked up as you continued to stare at the dirt, watching the stain grow as your vision blurred, as if the dirt were mocking you. 

“Hey, hey hey. Where’d you go, angel? Come back here with me, love. You’re gonna be okay. I’m not gonna let anything happen to you.” He says, wrapping his arms around you. 

You’d never wished more that you believed him. 

tagging:  @romanogersendgame @wanniiieeee      @zheezs14      @greeneyedblondie44 @angelic-kisses13  @baumarvel @ssamorganhotchner  @ijustwannaread2k19    @rexit-mo @shmaptainhotchnersmain @qtip-blog @averyhotchner  @the-modernmary @itsmytimetoodream @choppa-style @hotforhotchner11 @infinite-tides @isthatme-thatsme @g-l-pierce @bakugouswh0r3 @ssahotchie @sleepyreaderreads

Month 8 of 6

At the end of June, my cat Patchy was diagnosed with Lymphoma and given 3 to 6 months to live.  We’re about to start month eight.  Here’s an update!

Warning: a little grossness below.

Last Update was around month 4, didn’t realize it’d been that long since I posted. 

I took her in again near the end of October because her bathroom behaviors and uh, consistency... started changing.  So basically my vet saw her he was like “Her breathing is too hard, she’s probably retaining water.”  He took her and did an x-ray and yep. 

So basically the medicine that’s keeping the lymphoma at bay is causing her to retain a lot of water, this is apparently a normal side effect of the medicine.  So since then, she’s been on a second medicine once a day to help her not retain water.  So now she gets special food twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, one for each medicine.  It’s been smooth going, with one checkup near the end of December that went well.  I had another checkup scheduled for next Wednesday.

I celebrated the end of the year, even all by myself, because after the extremely dicey spring with Leela and Patchy, they both made it to the end of the year and everything past that date with Patchy is just a bonus.

The last week or so she’s been “going” outside her box, and it’s not been as it should be, so I moved up her appointment to this morning.  I also have felt like her breathing is again hard.  But hey, literally no lympoma symptoms have cropped up.  She’s eating a ton.  She’s drinking a lot.  Almost no vomiting except like, a hairball twice.

But her stomach is clearly having medicine-related issues.  The vet said this morning that he’s first of all in awe of how great her lymphoma (or lack thereof) is doing.  He continues to not be able to feel it in her body, and we’re thrilled that it’s held at bay for now seven full months.  The vet tech said that they almost never see a lymphoma patient live this long.

But we need to do more about the stomach issues, she’s extremely gassy and... yeah.  So she got a probiotic shot and is now on a third medicine for this week that will hopefully settle that down.  This one will probably be more challenging to get her to take. =\

But honestly, I will take managing an upset stomach for her in exchange for her otherwise feeling good.  Just need to keep adjusting as long as she’s otherwise comfortable.  The vet said he will not make any more projections, we’ll just keep her as healthy as possible as long as possible, until it doesn’t make sense to do so anymore.  We’re still far from that point, thankfully.

Honestly, it’s been so long since her diagnosis and things have gone so well that aside from the literally one extra minute a day it takes me to measure and drop her medicine in her food, it’s easy to forget she’s even sick.  Every once in awhile I remind myself that at some point soon there will be a bad day, followed by a bad report at a vet appointment and soon thereafter a decision and then a very bad day, but I haven’t dwelled on it too much, instead enjoying every good day.

And as for Leela, things are still great!  She did have a bad day a couple of weeks ago, so she went to the vet, got rehydrated and anti-nausea meds, and then full bloodwork.  Her bloodwork looked great.  This was not the first time she had a “queasy day”, happens once every six months or so for the last several years (and why I didn’t at first jump on taking her to the vet on the first skipped meal back in the spring).  But the vet has no worries about her right now, just to keep an eye on her.  She’s been eating and drinking and normal every say since that day.  She’ll be 17 in April, and hopefully around for a long time after.

.

Fry and Pemily... are absolutely fine.  No worries about them, though Fry is 12 going on 13 now.

Aside from them, I have literally not done a damn thing for months.  Been awhile since we played D&D in person, since like... November? I didn’t go anywhere for Christmas / New Years.  Was supposed to go to my Brother’s and see the family but I didn’t because of Patchy and Omicron.  Cancelled going to the MST3k Time Bubble Tour.  Video games, work, TV, online TTRPG... that’s my entire life.

5 + 1 fic where Frost keeps walking in on Caitlin and Cisco doing things? Bonus if you mention THE broom closet and if the +1 is them walking in on Frost instead :P

5 Times Frost Walks in on Cisco and Caitlin + 1 Time Cisco and Caitlin Walk in on Frost

Killervibe Fic - (NSFW)

Killervibe Month Gift for @ava-has-a-closet-murderboard (who had requested this) and @ilikethequiet who had requested sexual tension.

“You really mean that?”

Though he didn’t have to say it again. Caitlin grabbed the lapels of his suit, surging in to kiss the soft look from his face. It was inevitable, she realized. Belonging with Cisco. And he kissed her so perfectly, she was all at once overjoyed and overwhelmed. The steps of the West house patio creaked beneath the shifting of their feet. It was cold on the dark street, Iris and Barry still slow dancing together in the living room after their vows. But it wasn’t the all-consuming, world-saving romance between the West-Allens and their children that left Caitlin feeling so nostalgic for love. It was seeing Cisco again, even in the Star Labs stole. Then hearing him say he was single again, not being able to believe the calmness he had about it. Then touching him again, now, in a way in which she’d never had the chance.

Cisco cupped her cheek and brought her closer. She’d never been so lost in a kiss.

The front door opened, and Frost tugged at her peach dress. When she looked up and saw Cisco and Caitlin in front of her, she stood shocked. Though the shock passed quickly when she realized they had yet to even notice she’d caught them. “Um?” Frost waved Caitlin’s clutch in front of them in the air. “Hello??”

They stopped, blinking away the haze from their quiet intimacy. Cisco’s arm immediately went around her, his chin over her shoulder too. “Frost, couldn’t you have just walked away or something? You’re interrupting.”

“I thought priests were supposed to be abstinent!”

“He’s not a real priest!” Caitlin snapped irritatedly. “He’s my boyfriend!”

Cisco grinned. “Really? I mean, yes. Absolutely yes. But, really? I thought you’d need at least a day or two before needing to settle on labels, which you could still have, by the way.” Caitlin shushed him, planting another kiss against his lips. “I don’t think we need to be wasting anymore time, Cisco.”

Frost flipped her silver hair over her shoulder and called into the house, glaring at Nora and Bart West-Allen. “Now look at what you’ve done!”

Nora West-Allen peered out, sporting a confused frown. “What’s the problem? They’re supposed to be together.”

“Yes!” Cisco said. “Thank you.”

“The problem,” Frost ground out as she marched down the steps, “Is that I live with her and Cisco sold his place so now I’m gonna have to live with them.” A red car drove up to the driveway. Frost got into the Uber and slammed the door. Two seconds later, the window rolled down, Frost’s eyes glinted that icy blue from the old days as she shouted, “I. Hate. Weddings!”

2.

Caitlin unpeeled her medical gloves, rolling down Cisco’s pant leg. “It’s not broken or sprained.”

“Oh good.” Cisco’s arm went over his eyes. Caitlin stood up from the black stool to wash her hands at the sink. “I didn’t think it was.”

Caitlin didn’t think so either, but watching him fall from the Star Labs Van had still rattled her. She returned with two pain killers and a plastic cup. Cisco sat up and swished the water and pills down. Caitlin watched anxiously. She quirked an eyebrow when a funny look passed his face.

“Cisco?”

“You know what would make me feel even better, Dr. Snow?”

A startled laugh pushed out of her throat. Of course Cisco would want to play Doctor. She played along, fighting the flush that greeted her. “What?”

Cisco patted on the wax paper on her bed, letting her know there was a lot of room. She sat beside him to humour him, though their sides squished. There was no room at all. “We’re not having sex in my Med Bay,” she warned.

“No, no,” Cisco said, all wide-eyed and innocent. “Doctor, I’d never!”

“Have you ever thought of going for a pHD?” she asked, teasing him. “You’d get a title of your own…”

The question gave Cisco whiplash. He pouted at her. “Caitlin. C’mon.”

She smirked, leaning in to kiss the corner of his mouth. “Okay fine, maybe one kiss.”

“Mmmm.”

Somehow, despite her firm insistence on no sex, Caitlin soon found herself lying down on the medical cot anyway, Cisco climbing over her, fiddling with the buttons of her white lab coat. Her hair spilled over the edge of the thin pillow, and she couldn’t seem to stop where this was ultimately going. Her hips raised when Cisco grinded against her a bit.

“How long have you wanted to do this?” she asked.

Cisco laughed. “Oh, you don’t want to know that answer.” He stopped though, pulling back a bit. “Okay, I know you don’t wanna fool around here. My place?”

“What! No!” Caitlin grabbed his wrist. “You’re teasing me, I’m changing my mind.”

“Babe, you said…” Cisco narrowed his eyes, watching the slow smile spread across her face.

The door slid open. Frost gawked. “Why are you just dangled over her like that?”

“Frost.” Caitlin let out a very deep sigh. “....I was checking to make sure he was okay.”

“Well clearly, he is!” Frost exclaimed. “I needed to get Cecile a band-aid.”

“Just use your powers,” Caitlin told her. “It’ll close the wound.”

“Yeah, no thanks.”

Cisco shooed her out.

Frost grabbed the box of band-aids and walked away.

Caitlin leaned up on her elbows. “Did that kill the mood for you too?”

“Yep.”

“YOU’RE WELCOME!” Frost called from down the hall.

3.

“Are we alone?”

“I locked the door.”

That was good enough.

Cisco’s hands went to her hips, then up and underneath the blouse Caitlin had tucked into her shirt. She’s laughing a little into his kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and stumbling as she tries to kick off her heels at the same time. “This is getting ridiculous.” Not sneaking off with Cisco in the middle of the day at Star Labs -- Barry and Iris do that too often to not be embarrassed about that -- but the sheer insatiability that instilled in the both of them since they got together. It was all the time. Nearly, every day, and it got set off by the slightest, silliest thing. If Cisco’s eyes glimmered when they shared a look at lunch, Caitlin wanted him. If she hopped onto Cisco’s desk at the workshop while he was working and crossed her legs, Cisco wanted her.

“Forget the shoes. You’re going to twist your ankle.”

“They’re uncomfortable, I want them off.” She takes a step back and loses her balance. Cisco pulls her just before she falls, arm slipping against her arched back, bringing her against his chest. Her eyes were wide and she caught her breath. Then smiled in a way she seldom did in public. A come hither, sexy mouth move that Cisco will have seared into his brain and committed until death. Cisco groaned and slipped his hand into her skirt just as the door handle rattles then falls to the ground and shatters. “Why are we even locking anything in this damn place anymore other than the pipeline-”

They jumped as Frost entered the room, stopping mid-mutter to stare at them. “Oh for fucking out loud.” She looked as though she wanted to hurl. “Chester sent me in here to get his printer blueprint stuff!”

“For crying out loud,” Caitlin corrected with just barely a whisper, still straightening her skirt as she blushed. She couldn’t decide if she was embarrassed or mad.

“Who even uses the printer anymore?” Cisco grumbled. “Those displays are HD and on Gideon’s cloud. Tell him it should be on his tablet.”

Frost rolled her eyes. “I’m not telling him that.” She marched forward and grabbed the stacks of papers from the silent printer off the side desk neither Caitlin nor Cisco were paying attention to. She threw a hand up at them, gesturing with her face screwed up in disgust, as though she couldn’t even stand to look at them in their dishevelled state. “If you wanted to get all frisky you should’ve used the archives. Everyone knows that’s where you screw around here, not the damn copy room, god. You two are such nerds.”

“You’re paying for the doorknob!” Cisco called after her. He went over to the shattered mess that had started to melt on the floor. Caitlin bit her lip, getting back into her heels. Cisco turned around. “Help me pick this up?”

“Of course.” Caitlin twitched her nose at the mess. “You know the Starchives will never work.”

“Obviously not.”

“...Maybe we should look into abandoned broom closets.”

4.

“Cisco-”

“Caitlin, god-”

Caitlin’s apartment door opened.

“Really?” Frost deadpanned. “On the couch?”

Caitlin covered her chest with the throw blanket. Cisco tucked himself back into his pants.

"We're sorry, Frost--"

"Save it."

5.

“OW!?” Cisco howled at the cold snow ball that had hit his head. Caitlin covered her eyes. “We were just kissing!”

“It always starts like that.” Frost lowered her icy hand. “Get. A. Room.”

+ 1

Cisco spun Caitlin around one last time in front of the door to the apartment after their six month anniversary date. He kissed her, slowly, sweetly. Then not so sweet. Caitlin loved it all. He backed her up against the door and deepened the kiss, but eventually pulled away and murmured, “Caitlin, I think we need to get our own place.”

Considering the fact all Caitlin wanted to do was drag Cisco to her bedroom while she knew Frost was inside told her he was exactly right.

She let out a small breath and bit her lip. “I want to. I just worry about…”

Cisco pinched his nose and sighed. Caitlin glanced up and down as he pushed back his hair. “I know that Frost loves you and all, but…”

“I know. I know.” Caitlin twists her clutch in her hands. “I’ll talk to her.” She gave him a look. “We’ll both talk to her.”

She opened the clutch for her keys and opened the door.

“--WHAT?”

Frost wiped at her mouth, standing up from her kneeled position on the floor. Cisco closed his eyes with a horrified yelp. “My eyes!”

Caitlin averted her own gaze at the strange man and his junk hanging out like that in the middle of her living room. “Who the hell are you?”

“Chill out Cisco, like I haven’t seen worse.” Frost licked her lips and grinned at Caitlin’s appalled yet cohesive grilling of the naked man in her house. “Caity, you’ll never believe it. Mark has a brother, and he’s also into art!”

Caitlin turned to Cisco. “Honey, we’re moving out.”

“Oh yeah.”

Daughter!Reader X Negan, Reader x Daryl: Chapter 7. Home Sweet Home

First | Previous | Next

The quest for relevant gifs continue as we begin this chapter with a cheeky little flashback. Hope you all had a happy end of 2020 and may all your 2021 goals come to fruition.

I’ll only post more chapters if previous chapters get a good reaction so if you enjoy this please heart it, reblog it, and/or reply to it. Interaction inspires.

if you wish to be added to the tag list please dm me. All chapters can be found under the tag AJ’s Negan’s Daughter AU

The school bell rang. All the kids packed up their things and got into a line to walk out the school to their parents. You were told to always take the back of the line, that way when all the other kids walked out the door to meet their parents, you could break off and run down to the teacher’s cafeteria. You’d stand outside the door and fifteen minutes later your father would arrive, usually with another two teachers in tow. Everyday you’d see him round the corner then drop your bag and sprint your little legs down to him. He’d pick you up in his arms and place a big kiss on your cheek.

“How was your day princess? Did you give Janet a hard time?” he’d ask, to which you’d always shake your head no. He’d smile at you before placing you back on the ground, then you’d run back to your bag and your father would bring you back to his classroom where he taught other kids. He’d correct work for a bit while you did your homework, usually at a desk far too big for you but it was still easier then the kitchen table.

After you had finished your homework your father would let you pull out pencils and paper and draw until either he had finished his corrections or it was time to go. It was 1985 and you were strapped into the backseat of your father’s car with ‘Out Of Touch’ on the radio. You were six years old and living the high life in the back of your daddy’s car on the way to your suburban house where your mom was cooking pasta for dinner after a long-shift at 7/11.

You woke up when the light hit your eyes, stirring you from the peaceful childhood dream of speeding down the country rode while The Bangles sang out. You were lying on a hard bed in what looked like a med-bay made out of an office. Realisationed hit you like a truck that this was the Sanctuary and you shot up, immediately regretting it when everything started to hurt.

“Woah Woah, easy.” A man chided as he jumped to your side, grabbing you by the shoulders to stop you from getting out of the bed. You yelled at him to get off you as you swung at him, sending him backwards. In a moment another two were on you, a man and a woman.

“Tie her before she pulls out her IV!” the woman yelled. The first man stood up and began strapping you in using broad leather straps while the other two put their weight on you.

You struggled as best you could, still exhausted and something heavy on your leg. “Let. me. Out!” you yelled as you pushed against the bonds.

“Get Daryl” one of the women commanded, the second man running out. “Try not to pull that IV out. We can’t patch you up if you do.” she commented, walking around to tend to the man you punched. At this angle you could see the four barred tattoos on her neck. You recognised her, but it seemed she didn’t recognise you. Or at least wasn’t saying anything.

“What are you gonna do to me?” you asked, trying to hide your fear. The man glared at you from where he sat on another hospital bed, his eye turning bruised.

“Nothing.” The woman commented. “Bosses orders” the man scoffed at that, earning a slap to his chest by the woman.

“What? You actually think Daryl is the boss. Negan had him putting dead ones on the fence! He should still be doing that!” the woman punched him in the chest

“Knock it off,” she chided “Unless you wanna get punished”

“He doesn’t do that shit” the man grumbled.

“Do you wanna be the reason he starts doing it?” You couldn’t help but laugh. Maybe it was your nerves at the situation but their banter was completely unexpected. She turned around and looked at your tied down giggling figure. “What’s so funny!?”

“You sound like his mom” you turned your head to look at them as you spoke, a smile on your face.

“She bitches like the old hag too” the man chirped, earning a more playful slap from the woman. This was good, the tension was being lifted if only slightly.

“Sorry for punching you. New surroundings, ya know.” you piped up, hoping to take advantage of the tension drop.

“Yea well, you're not getting out of those belts” the man retorted, nodding towards the binds

“That’s fair” you sigh. Looks like you’ll need a new plan. Maybe some info, but you’d have to give a little to get a little “So are you gonna kill me? Like your friends tried to”

“What you mean?” The man asked

“Couple of people broke into my safe house, said they were saviours and they were gonna kill me to save their friends.” you stared at the ceiling, trying to feign complete helplessness. “Are you with them?”

“No, but-” the woman shushed him again, but that did nothing to deter the man. “We used to be, then a war happened and our boss got locked up and they put an outsider in to look over us”

‘Locked up?’ you thought ‘so he’s not dead.’ you bit your tongue to contain your happiness. “I can’t say I’m sorry” you said after a beat, “So...I’m gonna live?” you looked at them with intentionally wide eyes. The woman looked pissed, but she nodded. You breathed a sigh of relief and closed your eyes. A beat or two later the man returned with Daryl and a grey-hair woman in tow.

“Get those off her!” Daryl ordered.

“It’s okay” you interjected. “I punched your friend there. Kinda earned this”

“Nah” the first man perked up “If I had been jumped then woke up in a strange place I’d have acted out too,” he moved over and started opening the belts, Daryl working on the others. You slowly pulled yourself up, Daryl jumping to your side to help you into a sitting position.

“You alright?” Daryl asked. You looked over now realising your palms were bandaged and your leg was in a splint. You reached up to your aching head and felt a bandage with your fingers.

“I’ve been better” you spoke low, still in a great deal of pain.

“What happened?” the grey haired woman asked. You spun a story of a bunch of people claiming to be saviours who entered your apartment with the plan of ambushing and killing Daryl, how you burned down the apartment and jumped out the window for your escape. The grey haired woman listened to you with growing worry on her face. “Did you kill them all?” she pushed

“I don’t know.” you admitted

“What do you mean you dont know!” she snapped

“Carol-” Daryl started

“No, if there’s people out there claiming to be saviours and hurting people then we’re gonna look bad in front of the other settlements.” Carol snapped back.

“She’s right,” the messenger added. “We’ll have to do something.”

“These were our brothers” the punched man spoke out “We can’t just kill them.”

“They didn’t give us a choice” Daryl snapped. “Y/N barely got out alive and she’s been living out there for months. What if they get someone who can’t hold their own!” he went to storm out but you reached out of the bed and grabbed his arm, yelling out in pain at the strain.

“Don’t” you warned, after Daryl and the woman helped you back into the bed. “If they’re still there then they’re barricaded and have significant advantage.”

“Well what do you purpose we do?” Carol asked. Your breath was getting heavy.

“Anybody got a map of DC? And maybe a pencil”

The original messenger boy got you a map and a pen. You marked out where your apartment had been, as well as some buildings that had fallen apart with age. “They said they were watching me, which means they could be in any of these” you marked around the stable buildings that could make for a hide, which was surprisingly few. “This is my hideout in city centre” you said marking the building

“You never mentioned another safe house.” Daryl spoke up, you smirked

“A girl needs her secrets.” you handed the pen to Daryl “What route did you take to my place?” he lined in his route.

“What if they’re farther?” Carol asked.

“They’re not.” you spoke firmly “They were watching me for long enough they knew when Daryl wouldn’t be around which means they made their place comfortable, and I bet a couple of them got injured in the fire, meaning they’re gonna have to lay low and patch themselves up,” You explained. Your body finally gave way and you fell back on the pillows. The woman jumped to your help, telling the others to go. She made you comfortable in the bed, you drifting off to sleep again not long after.

“How’d you know they’re there?” she asked later that evening when you were awake, eating some acorn mush, “How are you sure?”

You could sense she was worried. “I was in the military before all this” you answered. “Our job was to sneak into enemy territory to help our fellow soldiers or civilians. We used to make maps like that, using where our friends got attacked as a central point to where the enemy could be hiding” she nodded as you explained, though still visibly nervous. “They’ll be fine” you tried to reassure her. “If they’re not nearby, they’ll have to get through hordes of walkers before they’ll be somewhere safe. You’re friends will get them”

She seemed to be reassured, If only a little. “You know I’m meant to be looking after you,” she breathed out, a tear sneaking over her cheek. She wiped it away before it could fall. “I’m Laura, by the way”

“I’m Y/N”

The following morning they all returned, with the exception of Daryl. “You were right” Laura informed you. The ‘saviours’ were held up barely a block away and now they were dead.

“Where’s Daryl?” You asked when Carol visited you.

“He took off for Alexandria” Carol replied. “I’m in charge now.”

“Oh” you spoke, clearly disappointed. Carol ordered Laura to leave, putting you on high alert. She pulled up a chair and looked you in the eyes with a dead stare.

“What is your relationship with Daryl?” she asked bluntly. You cocked an eyebrow at her.

“I’m gonna need you to elaborate so I can give you an answer you’d be happy with, Carol.” you replied helpless from the bed. She knew you couldn’t run, yet she was putting on this show of bravado? She seemed to accept your request though.

“Up until three days ago we didn’t know Daryl had a secret lady hiding in the city. We want to make sure Daryl isn’t keeping secrets that can hurt us.” she spoke a little more relaxed now, but still direct. She reminded you of your mother in a way, whenever she noticed a cookie was missing, or later in life, her vodka had been replaced with water.

“So Rick, Carl, or Tara hadn’t mentioned me either?” those names spurred on some recognition. “Guess not” you sighed, thinking on how to break to this woman you had tried to kill two of her friends. You came to the conclusion that you shouldn’t. “I traded with Carl and Rick for some medical supplies. Few months later Tara, Rick, and Daryl stumbled into my area needing help so I did. Daryl’s been trading with me since.”

“What kind of trade?” she pushed.

“Food,” you answered. “He’s been feeding me, in return I’ve been getting him stuff. Blankets, bandages, jeans, kid’s shit like bottles, and toys-”

“And raincoats with little butterflies on it?” Carol interrupted you. You nodded and whispered a ‘yeah’ under your breath. “I have a niece called Judith. She’s trying to name all the butterflies.” she spoke lovingly of the child and you couldn’t help but smile at the thought of a small girl pointing at water-proof butterflies giving them cute names. She probably gave them different names every time she listed them.

The smile faded as you remembered the world isn’t that simple anymore. “So what now?” you asked.

“You’ll stay here” Carol ordered. “You’ll do your part, whatever way you can.”

You nodded in agreement “I know this might be a big ask considering we just met but,” you began, taking a big breath to try and stave off the tiredness, “Could I help here? In the hospital. I was a combat medic before this so it’s probably the best way I can help.”

And it could be a great way to weed out who knows who you are and threaten them into keeping their mouth shut, or even shutting it for them.

Your request was granted, under the watchful eye of Laura, and so began your new life at The Sanctuary.

~Tag List~

@bodeckersbitch​ @lauren-novak​

Flying Out

Peter x reader x Shuri

Notes; Everyone is of legal age.

Warnings: Mention of injuries, single derogatory word, and some not so nice behavior don’t read if triggering.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, or something like that. Honestly, you thought it was total shit. Distance only makes you miss a person until it almost hurts.

Both Peter and Shuri would agree with you on that. Shuri especially. 

You and Peter both lived in New York. Only an hour away from each other, but Shuri lived on a whole separate continent. 

Tony and T'Challa introduced the three of you to one another. T'Challa had brought his sister to New York when he had to deal with business with your father. 

While the two of them and the Avengers dealt business, the three of you had run off together. The three of you had spent the entire duration of Shuri's stay together and were sad to see her leave.

The three of you had kept in contact. Phone calls every day, video calls whenever you could manage, and when Shuri came down next time, you and Peter asked her out.

Though the three of you couldn't always see each other, you tried your best to be there for one another. And you were always there when it really mattered.

Once a month, you and your dad had a movie night. It had been a tradition since you were a child, and you treasured the time you spent together.

"No, we're not watching Harry Potter again." Your dad said, throwing a pillow at you.

"It's a classic!" You exclaimed, blocking yourself from more pillow attacks. "Besides, I love these movies. Don't you want to make your little girl happy?"

"That is emotional blackmail." Tony pointed at you. "Who the hell taught you to be so manipulative? I didn't do it. Was it Cap?"

"Pepper." You smirked. 

"Boss, protocol 'Baby-spider Fell Out The Web.'" FRIDAY announced, causing your father to jump from his seat.

"Dad, what does that mean?" You asked, standing as his suit began to form. "Dad!"

"Peter's hurt." He said quickly. "Stay here." He added before his helmet snapped on, and he flew away.

"Dad!" You began to protest, but he was already gone. "Fuck!"

As soon as your father left, you'd patched through a call to Shuri as you opened up FRIDAY's scans on Peter's vitals.

"Y/N? You do know it's two in the morning here, right?" Shuri asked, yawning. "Not that I'm upset to hear from-"

"Shuri, it's Pete." You cut her off. "God, I don't know what's happening, but dad got an alert from KAREN, and FRIDAY says his vitals are dropping, and I'm kind of freaking out-"

"Y/N, darling, breathe." Shuri soothed. "I need you to calm down. I can't help you if you don't calm down."

"Pete's hurt." You rushed out. "FRIDAY's scans say his heart rates dropping rapidly. Dad went to help him, but I don't know what's going to happen." You said, choking back a sob.

"It's okay. Peter's going to be okay." Shuri assured you. "I'm going to board the jet, and I'll be there as soon as I can. I promise. Peter is going to be okay." 

"Dad's on his way back." You read from the screen in front of you. "He's alerted Cho and Bruce to prep the med bay." 

"That's good. That's good. I'm coming, Y/N. Pete's going to bounce back. Peter always does. Say it back to me."

"Pete's going to bounce back." You stuttered, nodding to yourself. "He's going to be fine."

"Exactly. Go be there for our boy. I'm going to be there as soon as I can. I promise. I love you." Shuri told you.

"I love you too." You said before the call ended, and you raced to the med bay.

Peter had been shot six times. He'd gotten caught in the middle of a gang war he'd been trying to stop for months. And he'd been shot.

Your father had rushed Peter to Bruce and Cho, who hurried him away. You'd been sitting in the waiting room ever since with your father by your side.

"Maybe you should try to get some sleep." Your father suggested, squeezing your hand.

"No." You shook your head, continuing to stare at the doors. 

"Y/N." 

"I want to be awake when he wakes up."

"He's not going to be awake for a few hours. Come here." He said, pulling you closer. "He's going to be okay." He said as you rested your head on his shoulder. "Go to sleep, hon."

The next thing you knew, someone was shaking you awake.

"Y/N? Y/N, it's Peter. He's out of surgery." Shuri said, kneeling in front of you.

"He's okay?" You asked, sitting up in your chair.

"He's okay." Shuri nodded. "He's still unconscious, but he's gonna be fine." 

"Thank Thor." You sighed, wrapping your arms around her. "Thank you for coming." You whispered into her neck.

"I'll always come. That's a promise." She said, pressing a kiss to your check. "Let's go wait for spidey to wake up, huh?" She suggested.

"Peter, I swear to Thor!" You shrieked, running behind his couch.

"What? I just want a hug." He evilly grinned as he made a mad dash towards you.

"You're an asshole." You groaned as Peter wrapped his arms around you and smeared cannoli filling on your face. "I'm breaking up with you and keeping Shuri."

"You love me." Peter scoffed, licking the filling from your cheek. 

"Gross." You sighed, pushing him away from you. "You're banned from the filling. I'm demoting you to clean up."

"It's my kitchen!" Peter argued as you strutted back to the kitchen.

"It's my nonna's recipe." You rose a brow. "You know you never win against Shuri or me."

"That's because I let you both win." He said, pressing a kiss to your cheek. "Because I love you." 

"I love you too." You smiled, cupping his jaw and kissing him lightly. "Now clean, or no cannolis for you."

"Yes, ma'am."

An hour later, the two of you were seated in Peter's small kitchen, enjoying the cannolis, when Peter's phone rang.

"It's Shuri." He told you before answering. "Hey, pretty girl," Peter said into the phone.

"This is T'Challa," T'Challa announced, causing Peter to squeak and thrust the phone in your direction.

"Hey T, how's my second favorite dignitary?" You asked, sounding every bit like your father.

"I was doing well until this morning." He sighed. "There was an accident in the labs today." He said, causing you to freeze.

"Is Shuri okay?" You asked, putting the phone on speaker.

"She's okay now. There was a small explosion in one of the labs today. Shuri was thrown back and has broken her leg."

"Are we able to speak to her?" Peter asked.

"She is currently asleep, but as it turns out, Shuri has already sent a jet. It's set to arrive at the compound in two hours." T'Challa said used to his sister's antics.

"We'll be on it." You said, Peter nodding with you. 

"Thank you." He sighed. "I'll be there to greet you when you arrive." 

"I'll call Happy to take us to the compound if you want to talk to May." You said once the phone call ended. 

"Angel," Peter said, kissing your temple as he picked up his phone.

Six hours later, the two of you were landing in Wakanda with T'Challa waiting for you.

"Welcome back." T'Challa greeted. "It is good to see you."

"You look tired." You bluntly stated as you and Peter neared. 

"As it turns out, Shuri does not like bed rest. I've had to force her back to bed three times." He sighed, leading the two of you into the palace.

"Makes sense." Peter nodded with a small smile. 

The three of you made your way to the hospital wing and into the room where Shuri lay asleep, her mother at her side.

"It was time for her next dosage of pain medication," Ramonda explained, noticing the worried looks on yours and Peter's faces. "It's nice to see the two of you again. I apologize for the short notice."

"Please, there's no need for apologies. We'll always come if Shuri needs us." You informed the queen mother.

"Well, a thank you is still in order. I believe seeing the two of you will greatly raise Shuri's spirits." She smiled as she rose from her chair. "T'challa and I will take our leave now, and give the three of you some space."

"She's going to be so loopy when she wakes up," Peter said as the two of you sat down. "Do you think she'd kill us if we record?"

"I think she'd kill us if we didn't." You reasoned, leaning your head on his shoulder. 

"True."

This isn't where you wanted to be. You and Peter had been planning to spend a month in Wakanda with Shuri for weeks now. The plans were all set, and on the day you were supposed to leave, you found out you had to stay.

The Maria Stark Foundation had a charity gala every year. The date always changed due to scheduling, and this year you were the only one that had not been informed that the date was today.

As it was a foundation in your nonna's name, and the money went towards people in need, you couldn't skip out.

Luckily for you and your partners, you were a Stark, and Stark's are problem solvers.

"You go on ahead." You told Peter. "I'll stay for the gala and tonight. I'll fly out first thing tomorrow and join the two of you then."

"Angel, I can just stay with you. Shuri's not going to be mad if we postpone the trip a day." Peter said, rubbing his hands up your arms. 

"No, you go." You shook your head. "We made these plans months ago, we're not all postponing because I had a scheduling mix up. Go, have fun, I'll be there tomorrow."

And that was how you ended up alone in the corner of a ballroom in an uncomfortable dress.

There was nothing you wished more to do than take out your phone and talk to Peter and Shuri, but you couldn't. Because that was somehow ruder than you standing the back, ignoring the press.

"Did you get dragged here too?" A voice said, interrupting your musings. Lifting your eyes, you noticed a boy around your age standing in front of you.

After racking your brain, you came to recognize him as the son of one of your dad's minor business partners. Jacob.

"No, not dragged. I wanted to come." You said, taking a sip of your drink.

"But you had better plans?" He guessed.

"Not better, just ones I was looking forward to." You answered, causing him to chuckle lightly.

"I get it." He nodded, stepping closer. "I've had to cancel plans I was excited about too. But what can you do?"

You and Jacob continued conversing for another half hour before the two of you decided to get more drinks.

"Would your dad kill you if we went to the gardens?" Jacob asked. "It's so warm in here." He added, pulling at his collar. 

"I don't think he would." You said, checking your phone for the time. "We've got half an hour before speeches. We should be fine."

Jacob took the drinks in his hands, and the two of you made your way out in the gardens. The two of you walked into the beginning of the maze, where a bench was located.

"Thanks." You politely said as Jacob handed you your drink.

Almost ten minutes after the two of you came into the garden, your mind was beginning to feel fuzzy. It was when you acknowledged the bleariness in your head, did a hand land on your upper thigh.

"Jacob, I'm in a relationship. I wasn't trying to give you any impression otherwise." You told him, tongue weighing a thousand pounds, grabbing his hand.

"Don't be a tease, Y/N." Jacob admonished. "You know you want this. I know what a slut you are, with a girl and boy warming your bed every night? You want this."

"Fuck you." You snapped, rising to your feet, only to fall when your knees buckled.

"I'm a businessman, Y/N, just like my father. I don't like no." He said, kneeling above you.

"Get off, Jacob, get off." You wanted to scream but could only manage a whisper.

"Just let this happen." He said into your ear before licking a stripe down your neck.

Jacob pinned you to the ground, and with your head getting heavier every second, you soon couldn't move at all.

"Hey!"

Non-reader POV

"I can't believe you put a mattress under us," Peter smirked, running his hand up and down Shuri's back.

"It's a safety precaution." She murmured. "Always have to have one."

The two were curled up on the ceiling in one of Peter's webs. Despite having full trust in Peter, Shuri had insisted on putting a mattress under the two.

Shuri let out a sleep-filled groan as her phone began to ring.

"Send it to voicemail," Peter suggested.

"Can't it's Y/N's tone." She said, answering, putting it on speaker, and sticking it onto a web.

"Shuri, are you there? Is Peter with you?" Tony's panicked voice came in before she could say anything.

"Tony?" Shuri asked, raising her head. "What's going on?"

"There's been an incident. We were at the gala, and Y/N was attacked." Tony told the two.

"Attacked? Is she alright? Are you alright?" Peter quickly asked.

"It wasn't that kind of attack, Pete. How quickly can you two get back here? Y/N won't talk to me, she's shut down. She needs you. Both of you."

"Tony, what happened?" Shuri asked, sharing a dread-filled look with Peter.

"I think Y/N has to be the one to tell you." 

Reader POV You don't remember being brought back to the Tower. You can vaguely remember being in the med bay and speaking with Cho, and suddenly you were in your room.

You remembered being alone, staring blankly at the wall, and suddenly you weren't.

"There she is." Peter waterily smiled. "You with us, angel?"

"When, when did you get here?" You asked, looking between him and Shuri.

"Not long ago," Shuri assured you. "Your dad called us, told us you needed us."

Memories of the gala pushed their way to the forefront of your mind, causing your eyes to sting.

"I'm sorry." You whispered, squeezing your eyes shut.

"You have nothing to be sorry about," Peter said immediately.

"But I-"

"No, we don't want to hear any of your reasonings. Nothing that's happened is your fault." Shuri cut you off. "Nothing at all." She repeated firmly.

"Can you handle touch? Can we touch you?" Peter asked you.

Your hand lightly tapped the bed beside you, and both your partners slowly climbed up next to you.

"You're going to be okay, angel." Peter promised, his hand hovering over your back. 

“We’ll be here with you, every step of the way.” Shuri added.

Though the three of you couldn't always see each other, you tried your best to be there for one another. And you were always there when it really mattered.

Taglist is always open, as are requests. I do get your requests and I am trying to write them all I promise.

Taglist

@rvgrsbrns​ @smilexcaptainx​ @hopingforbarnes​ @starlingelliot​ @piper-koko-barnes-rogers​ @jelly-fishy-babie​ @skeletoresinthebasement​ @agent-barnes40​ @reann-loves-sebstan​ @skadikh​ @summergeezburr​ @buckybarton03​ @sunshinepower17​ @bindythedemon​ @natasharomanoffismywife​ @keenmarvellover​ @bbybarness​ @storiesbystarlight​ @buckybarnesplumwhore @bromieeeomieee @marvelmenarebeautiful @nikishadow

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@imnotasuperhero​

When We Were Young- An Obitine Story- Chapter 17

After meeting the new government officials personally and sending them off to do their jobs, much of Satine’s time was spent with the Corruption Committee. It began with mandatory inspections, questionnaires, wage increases, and tighter import laws. At the end of every day, the Duchess found herself exhausted.

“How are you little ones,” she asked her stomach, cradling the now noticeable lump, “we’ve had quite the day haven’t we?”

A knock came at the door and Khaami got up to get it.

“It’s Hera.” 

The door opened and the nurse stepped inside, hauling a large bag with her. Khaami shut the door and locked it.

“I know it may look like a lot, Your Grace,” Hera set her bag down, “but there are many tests we have yet to run.”

“Such as?”

“You may need vitamins,” Hera looked up, a bottle in each hand, “and certainly calcium pills.”

The Duchess relented and lay back against her pillows. Parna pulled down her covers. 

“How have you been feeling lately?” the nurse asked, approaching Satine with a stethoscope.

“Tired mostly,” the Duchess answered, “although I have been trying to get my rest.”

Hera listened and placed her stethoscope on Satine’s stomach, waiting. 

“Everything sounds good,” she smiled, “but I did bring the portable ultrasound just in case.”

As the blurry images of two blob-like shapes became vaguely recognizable as human, the Duchess swallowed hard.

“Satine?” Parna questioned.

“I haven’t called Ben in a while,” she confessed, “and I still haven’t told him.”

Hera looked up, “I take it Ben is the father?”

“Yes,” Khaami answered for Satine, “and he has quite the high-profile job.”

“Dear me,” Hera seemed to want to ask something, but then thought better of it, “I assume it’s best the less I know.”

“Yes,” Satine nodded, “but I will tell you that I love him.”

“I wouldn’t think anything else, Your Grace.”

The Duchess smiled at that, at least there were some who knew her true character.

“Just to be safe,” Hera stood, “I suggest you take vitamins and calcium pills, prenatal pills would be too risky I think.”

“I agree,” Satine nodded, “but I appreciate your help, I want my girls to be healthy.”

“I’m sure they will be.” Hera grinned.

Khaami helped the nurse to the door while Parna changed Satine into her nightdress.

“How is the status of the birth basement?” Satine asked, feeling weird even to call it that.

“Almost ready,” Khaami answered, “we have towels, blankets, numbing shots, diapers, but Oiyo still needs a new battery.”

“Perhaps Hera could be of help.” Satine suggested.

“Yes,” the Duchess nodded, “enlist her on that.”

“I am still worried about the falsified documents,” Parna confessed, “are you sure we’re untraceable?”

“Let’s begin withdrawing some of my personal funds,” Satine instructed, “we’ll pay upfront.”

Khaami stood, “I will go speak with Hera.”

Parna grabbed Satine’s comm.

“I suggest you call your Jedi.”

Satine swallowed, “I hardly know what I’ll say.”

“Conversation will flow naturally,” Parna smiled, “I can tell he cares for you.”

The Duchess nodded, grateful for her lady, then dismissed Parna.

Satine pressed a button, “Ben?”

No response.

“Obi?”

The third time, Satine succeeded.

“Hello, darling,” Obi-Wan’s voice was slightly strained, “it’s been a while.”

Satine was not fooled, “What’s happening, Obi?”

“We’re recovering after a battle.”

“Don't tell me they put you on the front lines again,” Satine frowned, “you just recovered.”

“I made for a good patient.” Obi-Wan replied.

Satine sighed, “You need your rest, Ben.”

“I can’t,” Obi-Wan swallowed, “I can't sleep when I dream of you.”

The Duchess found herself at a loss for words. Obi-Wan turned on his holo-figure and Satine could physically see his worry.

“Love?”

Satine turned her holo-figure on, “You’re such a romantic, Ben.”

Obi-Wan actually laughed at that.

“Do you know when you’ll be coming home?” Satine asked hopefully.

“Not as long as we thought I think,” Obi-Wan smiled, “I should be relieved in about two or three months.”

The Duchess’ face fell.

“Satine?”

“That’s still a long time, Obi.” she whimpered.

“I can only hope that it’ll be sooner,” the Jedi replied, “I think of you all the time.”

“You’re often on my mind as well.” Satine confessed.

“And how are politics now,” Obi-Wan asked, “any corruption arrests?”

“We’ve had a handful in the past two months,” Satine nodded, “though I still worry for my government.”

“If anyone can pull her system through this,” the jedi winked, “it's you, Satine.”

“I appreciate your kind words, Ben.”

A moment of sad silence filtered into the conversation and Satine drew in a breath.

“Obi-Wan?”

“Yes?” The Jedi sounded concerned.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Ah yes, your medical situation?”

The way he said it, Satine wondered if he already knew.

“Ben,” tears welled in Satine’s eyes, “I was afraid, so I kept putting off telling you, but-”

“Satine,” Obi-Wan’s voice grew quiet, “are you-”

“Yes,” the Duchess sobbed, “five whole months.”

It was a long time before Obi-Wan spoke again.

“Ben, Ben, please answer me.”

“I thought you were sick,” the Jedi’s voice quivered, “I thought you were being stubborn.”

“I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about, Satine,” Obi-Wan suddenly dropped a mask over himself, Satine could see it through the hologram, “but are your duties overwhelming you?”

“No,” Satine shook her head, “please don’t be mad at me, Ben, I didn’t know what to do and what would happen.”

“You obviously want to keep the baby-”

“Obi-”

“So who will raise it?”

“Them,” Satine corrected, “twin girls.”

Obi-Wan sighed.

“And there’s another thing,” Satine bit her lip, “I’ve been lying to you for nearly eighteen years.”

The Jedi’s brow furrowed, “What?”

“Ben,” the Duchess swallowed, “there are other children.”

Obi-Wan froze, his mouth half-open in shock.

“Four others.”

“You’ve lied to me,” Obi-Wan repeated, “for this long?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

It came out as a whisper, that’s what broke Satine.

“My enemies would’ve claimed I wasn’t Mandalorian and they would've never accepted you as my spouse. And now, I fear they’ll call me a Republic Sympathizer and a hypocrite.”

“You are,” Obi-Wan crossed his arms, “you can’t promote neutrality if you have ties to one side.”

“Padme knows,” Satine argued, “and she’s been ever so helpful.”

Obi-Wan leaned back in shock, “Anakin knows, and Quinlan too.”

“They’ve met the children, they knew immediately.”

The Jedi was mad. Satine could see it.

“I have children, six children,” he asked, “and yet I was the last one to know.”

“Ben-”

Obi-Wan was aghast, “Why wouldn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to compromise your morals.” Satine frowned.

“Morals? Morals! Satine, these are my children!”

“Being a Jedi means everything to you, Obi,” Satine sighed, “I fell in love with the chivalrous knight in you, you would’ve been a completely different person had you left the Order because of me.”

“So you thought about it,” Obi-Wan was suddenly far away, “you thought about saying the word?”

“Yes.”

“And you didn’t.”

Satine swallowed, she didn’t know how to respond.

Obi-Wan scoffed, “Do you even love me?”

“Ben-”

“No, Satine,” Obi-Wan’s rage finally boiled over, “you made a decision without me, one that affected both of us, and you made the wrong choice.”

“Obi-Wan-”

“You lied to me,” growled the Jedi, tears in his eyes, “I could’ve been a father.”

“You are a father.”

Obi-Wan went silent.

“Do the children know.”

“Yes, I’ll ask if they’d meet with you.”

“I should’ve known them their whole lives,” Obi-Wan balled his fists, “and now I have to meet them like some stranger.”

“Ben-”

“Don’t call me that!”

Satine grew stiff, “Forgive me, Master Kenobi.”

Obi-Wan shook his head.

“I won’t contact you until I’ve returned, Duchess, and then it will only be to meet my children.”

He hung up. He hung up on her. Satine screamed.

”Your Grace!” 

The door burst open, Jaym and Gorg came in, their eyes widened when they came to rest on her stomach.”

“Get my ladies, Jaym,” the Duchess ordered, “and Gorg, go to the Med Ward and ask for Nurse Hera.”

The guards bowed, shutting the door behind them. As soon as the door slammed, Satine burst into tears. Throwing herself back on her mattress, the Duchess pounded her fists on the bed until her cohort arrived.

“Satine,” Khaami gasped, trying to restrain her, “you’re going to be alright.”

“Please,” Parna grabbed Satine’s thrashing legs, “I’m sure he didn’t mean whatever he said.”

Hera began calmly singing to Satine in Mando’a, gently rubbing her thumb on Satine’s palm.

“He said,” the Duchess gasped, “he said he wanted nothing to do with me.”

Parna sighed, “Satine, I think he’s just mad.”

“I had no choice,” the Duchess yelled, “it had to be a secret!”

“Sh,” Khaami brushed Satine’s hair from her eyes, “all will be well.”

“How do you know that?” Satine accused.

Khaami explained, “He’s always been very devoted to you-”

“And when he met you again,” Parna added, “the spark rekindled.”

“You are the mother of his children, Your Grace,” Hera handed Satine a tissue, “you two are bound for life.”

That brought tears to Satine’s eyes, “Ben doesn’t say things lightly.”

“But what did he say exactly?” Parna asked.

“He said the next time he contacted me,” Satine sniffed, “would be only to meet the children.”

A silence fell.

“Well,” Hera handed Satine another tissue, “you have some time right?”

“When I was eighteen I bore him twins,” Satine confessed, “And at twenty I did so again.”

Hera was aghast.

“How-”

“My ladies and a medical droid,” Satine explained, looking to Khaami, “Khaami was there.”

The lady nodded, “Her Grace was very strong.”

“But,” Hera stuttered, “but the birth certificates?”

“We have the real ones,” Parna answered, “they’re hidden.”

There were many things Hera could’ve said or done at that moment, this, Satine was certain of, but what the nurse said was kind.

“I’m so sorry, Satine.”

With a sigh, the Duchess lay back down.

“Let me just check your heartbeat,” Hera stood, going to her bag, “just in case.”

Everything was physically fine with her, but Satine knew Jaym and Gorg would need answers.

“My guards,” Satine turned to Khaami, “have them come in, Hera will stand guard.”

Gorg and Jaym were shocked, so shocked, in fact, that they’re eyes nearly bulged from their sockets when they did a double take of their Duchess.

“Did,” Gorg stuttered, “is this because-”

Jaym was much less confused, “It was the Jedi, wasn’t it?”

“No one can know,” Satine stated firmly, “I will allow no jokes, no snide comments, and certainly no illusions to my romantic acquaintances. Do you understand?”

The guards looked at each other.

“Do you understand?” Satine repeated.

The guards saluted, “Yes, Your Grace.”

“Now,” Satine straightened, “I want you to grant Master Kenobi’s personal shuttle access to all of Mandalorian space.”

“Kenobi,” Jaym’s eyes went wide, “I told you it was Kenobi!”

“Kriffing Kenobi,” Gorg gasped, “the Jedi poster boy?”

Satine raised an eyebrow, “What did I just say?”

Jaym swallowed, “No jokes, snide comments, or romantic allusions of any kind.”

“Correct.”

Gorg sighed before he bowed, “We shall do as Your Grace has ordered.”

Satine’s gaze softened, “Thank you.”

Hera came in as the guards left and collected her bag.

“Sleep well, Satine,” she instructed, “you need your rest.”

“I will.”

Parna said nothing, but hugged the Duchess instead.

“Thank you.” Satine whispered.

“We’re right down the hall if you need anything.” Khaami reiterated.

Satine nodded, and then she was left with her feelings. After an hour, she realized she couldn’t sleep and grabbed her comm. She sent the same message to Mara, Tristan, Tyra (who now had a comm of her own), and Korkie. They likely wouldn’t see it till the morning, but Satine needed it off her conscious that she wasn’t hiding her children from their father.

The Duchess hardly slept at all that night. Some time around 2:30 her body crashed and her eyes refused to open, but she didn’t feel refreshed in the morning when Khaami gently nudged her.

“We let you sleep a little later,” she began, “but there is an urgent matter the council needs you for.”

Groaning, Satine rolled over. She could hear Parna in her closet pulling out clothes.

“Please, Your Grace,” Khaami continued, “it’s about the war.”

“I hate war.” Satine whined, sitting up.

“That’s a good girl,” Khaami rubbed Satine’s back, “now let’s get you ready, you have a big day ahead.”

The corset was painful, as it generally was, but it made the Duchess sit straighter in her throne. She was facing the ruling council and some of the clan heads that lived nearby. Satine felt that her usual uniform of purple and blue was too plain for such a gathering.

The new Prime Minister was actually an old one, Jaru Djarin had never liked Almec, he’d always rubbed her the wrong way. So after his four years were up, Jaru ran against him. Due to obvious reasons, she won.

“Do forgive us for meeting early, Your Grace,” the Prime Minister began, “but the head of the Trade Federation contacted me and specifically expressed displeasure in our situation. He would like to meet and discuss new terms.”

Satine smiled, “This is a good reason for meeting early.”

That was met with a few chuckles.

“We shall most graciously accept the Trade Master’s visit,” Satine decided, “did he give any dates that he’s available?”

And so it was decided, the Trade Master would be arriving in three days. There was much to do. Waldie and her seamstresses worked late to add stiff linings into many of Satine’s dresses. Though none knew why. Satine oversaw the menu and preparations for public appearances. It was also decided that the Trade Master and his delegation would be housed down the hall from Satine, Parna and Khaami would sleep in Satine’s parlor. The Duchess also made a friendly call to her dearest acquaintance, Senator Amidala of Naboo, who had much to say on the Trade Federation and their past dealings.

“Interesting,” Satine nodded, “thank you for your help, Padme.”

“Of course, oh,” Padme paused, “and congratulations.”

“What for?” Satine asked.

“Obi-Wan is being traded for Master Fisto in two months,” Padme suddenly became worried, “I thought you knew.”

A heartbeat passed.

“When did he find out?”

“Anakin mentioned it yesterday afternoon,” the Senator gasped, “Satine, did you and Obi-Wan get in a fight?”

“I told him about the children,” Satine confessed, “and naturally he’s not happy.”

Padme sighed, “I’m sorry, Satine.”

“It’s good to know,” the Duchess tried not to sound hurt, “if he chooses he might attend the birth.”

“He might.” agreed Padme.

After a moment of still silence, Satine thanked Padme for her call and hung up. She cried for a little bit, then went to try on her refurbished dresses.

“These are quite snug.” observed one of the seamstresses.

“They should be,” Waldie replied, “that’s how Her Grace likes it.”

“But Lady Waldie,” another seamstress took out a measuring tape, “these dresses shouldn’t be tight.”

Waldie glanced at Satine, “I don’t see how we did something wrong if Her Grace enjoys the dresses.”

“I do,” Satine said earnestly, “that’s why I ask you to touch them up so often.”

“Work on dresses for the Ladies Khaami and Parna,” Waldie instructed, “I will finish the Duchess’ dress.”

Satine nodded, grateful to the seamstress.

“There are rumors, Your Grace,” Waldie whispered, “that you are expecting.”

The Duchess frowned, “I should start leaving trails of fake blood everywhere.”

Waldie snorted, “I suggest you allow the Duke of Sundari to understudy your work with the Trade Master.”

“It will set everyone straight.” Satine agreed.

Parna giggled and the Duchess turned her head.

“I feel like a princess.” the Lady twirled.

Satine’s mind went to her daughters, the nearly grown ones, they should be princesses. A wave of sadness flowed over the Duchess, she wished her children could be where they should be, could claim their birthrights. Unfortunately, if anyone found out about their father…

“Duchess?”

Satine looked up, “Hm?”

“Your advisors are looking for you.”

“Ah, yes,” Satine straightened, “the security for public appearances.”

Gorg and Jaym were Satine’s top protectors, to be with her always. Now that they knew, it was important that she keep them close to her if they had any questions, or if she was kidnapped. Satine tried not to think about the latter.

“Hello?”

“Hi Headmistress Gren,” Satine smiled even though the woman couldn’t see her, “this is the Duchess Satine.”

“It’s good to hear from you, Your Grace,” the headmistress pleasantly intoned, “your nephew has been doing very well in his classes.”

“That’s good to hear,” Satine’s pride decided, “speaking of which, can Korkie be excused for the next three days, I would like him to be here for the Trade Master’s visit.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” the headmistress agreed, “I always enjoy it when a student gets government experience.”

Satine thanked the headmistress for her time and asked if Korkie could be sent home early.

“Of course, Your Grace,” Headmistress Gren appraised, “you should see him within the hour.”

“Thank you.”

The Duchess smiled to herself, Korkie disliked his fittings, this would be fun. The Duke of Sundari groaned when they approached the sewing rooms.

“Lady Mother,” he whispered, quite agitated, “I can’t stand still for that long.”

“It’ll be quick,” Satine assured, “and if you’re good, you can help me taste the deserts.”

Korkie glowed, “Wonderful.”

In the meantime, Satine instructed Parna to fetch a jar of blueberries and a knife from the kitchen while she and Khaami looked for excess hair brushes.

“Why are we doing this again?” Parna asked.

“To quell the maid’s suspicions,” Satine answered, “I’ve heard they’re worried about the lack of bloody material in my trash cans and laundry.”

Parna grinned, “So we’re going to make fake blood.”

“Blueberries were an excellent choice, Your Grace,” Khaami winked, “how clever you are!”

Satine laughed, “I feel like we’re ancient witches mixing a potion.”

Parna snorted. Khaami grabbed a bowl.

“Okay,” the lady began, “put a bunch of blueberries into this bowl and smash them.”

Satine giggled like a little girl as she took her hairbrush and smashed the blueberries. 

“We need to make sure this is thick enough,”Parna added, “how do we do that?”

Khaami grinned, “My mother-in-law once thickened strawberry compote with cornstarch and water, I bet that would work as well.”

Satine nodded, “Get some.”

They finished smashing the blueberries as Khaami returned. 

“Let’s strain the liquid from the berries,” Parna suggested, turning to Satine, “I’ll hold the bowl if you hold your hands out.”

And so they did, it was messy and fun, Satine even got to lick the leftover berry juice from her hands.

“How proper, Satine.” Parna teased.

Then Khaami added cornstarch to the mixture and filled the jar a quarter full of water.

���Now,” Khaami smiled wickedly, “we drop some of our berries into the mixture.”

Once their job was done, the women conferred and decided their potion needed to be redder. 

“We could put some of my blood in.” Satine suggested.

Parna frowned.

“It would have to be somewhere hidden by your dress,” Khaami agreed, “perhaps your leg?”

So a small slit was made in the Duchess’ leg and added to the foul solution.

“Tomorrow morning we’ll put some on your sheets,” Parna decided, “and some on the back of your nightgown.”

Satine giggled, “That will be fun.”

After cleaning up, the Duchess took the Duke of Sundari down to the kitchens, where they would taste desserts. Korkie was smiling so bright Satine was beginning to wonder if he already had eaten some chocolate.

“Lady,” the Duke burst, “Lady Aunt?”

“Yes?” Satine took a bite of her macaroon.

“I think I have a girlfriend.”

Satine began to cough. Korkie laughed.

“Remember when those exchange students from Cerea came?”

“She’s Cerean?” Satine asked.

“Yes, she likes to draw and we traded numbers,” Korkie said excitedly, “and we’ve been talking ever since.”

“That was two months ago!”

Korkie looked down, shy, “She just asked me to be her boyfriend.”

“Korkyrach Kryze!”

The Duke flinched at the Duchess’ giddy tone.

“Tell me her name!”

“Kara Adi.”

“Pretty,” Satine remarked, “surname?”

“Mundi.”

The Duchess paused for a moment, that name rang a bell.

Satine gasped, “I know her mother, Shea, she was the Cerean representative on trade many years ago!”

“Yeah,” Korkie nodded, “her mother’s retired now.”

The Duchess could not be more pleased.

“So,” Korkie took a bite of cake, “what’s new in your life, Auntie?”

Medically Inevitable

Chapter 11:- Beloved Birthdays

Characters:- Arielle Valentine, Ethan Ramsey, Mark Raines, Liam Mercado, Sienna Trinh, Elijah Greene, Landry Olsen, Jackie Varma, Bryce Lahela, Rafael Aveiro, Kyra Santana, Danny Cardinal, Phoebe Reznik

Pairing:- Ethan Ramsey x Arielle Valentine

Warnings:- Alcohol, Swearing

Arielle’s PoV:-

You wake up around 3:30, not being able to sleep. After tossing and turning in your bed with no avail, you step into your bathroom and decide to start your morning routine. After brushing your teeth and a series of skincare steps, you slip on your robe and head out to your balcony.

Sliding the glass door shut, to make sure no one wakes up, you step outside and lean against the railing. The cool breeze makes you shiver as your med school memories come rushing inside your mind, against your will. You forcefully shut your eyes, trying to make it stop, but it doesn’t...everything comes crashing down. You remember everything...from the moment you met him, to the platonic hang-outs which evolved into romantic dates, the sweet Valentine’s Day activities you would do every year, meeting each other’s families and the day when he said ‘I Love You’ and you said it back….and finally the moment when your heart was ripped apart. You sink to your knees, head between your knees, and let everything out. All the emotions swirling inside of you finally pour out of you as tears, completely soaking the front of the robe. It’s been about 10 minutes when you hear, “Arielle?” Looking up, you see Elijah right outside the threshold. You quickly wipe your tears and quickly stand up.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. An eyelash fell into my eye.”

He looks at you. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard.”

You sigh. “It’s a long story.”

“Okay then, short version.”, he says.

“I was in a six-year relationship during med school and it came crashing down a few months before residency. So, he ended up cheating on me...with my best friend.”

He gives you a sympathetic look. “I’m so sorry Arielle.” He wheels his chair towards you as you slump back into your plush armchair.

“I’m fine. I’ve dealt with it. It just came back to me, reopened some old wounds.”, you say tears well up once again. He wordlessly envelops you in a hug, letting you sit there for some time. “Thanks, Elijah. You’re an amazing friend.” He’s about to reply when a yawn cuts him off.

“Looks like I’m a little sleepy.”, he smiles sheepishly.

“I completely forgot it’s so early. How did you even hear me?”, you ask.

“I heard sobbing from the side of my bed. It’s right next to your balcony remember?”

“Oh yeah. You should get some sleep.” He slowly wheels away but turns around, “Will you be okay?” You nod. He exits the room as you walk into your bathroom and decide to make yourself a nice hot bubble bath. Turning the hot water tap, you survey your bubble bath mixtures until deciding on a jasmine and coconut scented one. Pouring a generous amount in, you slip off your clothes and sink into the tub and let yourself relax.

After a long soak, you dry yourself off and go to the kitchen to get something to eat.

“Hey.” Startled, you look up to find Landry at the front door.

“You’re up this early?”, you ask.

“Yeah, I always leave this early. Even Dr. Ramsey gets in this early. I mean, he’s the example you want to follow right?”

“Yes, but it doesn’t mean that you have to follow his schedule.”, you reply teasingly.

“So are you coming or not? It definitely will help you in the competition, it gives you time to study your charts.”

“Alright. Just give me a sec.” You head into your room and pull on a pair of scrubs. You quickly pull your hair into a high ponytail and grab your backpack as you head out the door with Landry.

“We’ll take my car.” You slide into Landry’s car and drive to Edenbrook. You both grab your stuff and after dropping off your stuff, you both head out to the near-empty atrium. “Hey, want to see if Dr. Ramsey posted the new rankings earlier?”, he asks.

“That’s today?”, you ask.

“Yeah. You don’t remember?!”, he asks.

“Well, my mind slipped. I’m focused on my patients. Let’s go see.” Both of you walk towards the notice board and Landry slowly reads the list from the top. His face falls as he notices his rank.

“What!? How did I slip to eighth?”

“Well...did you make any mistakes recently?”, you ask.

“Well, I almost misdiagnosed a case the other day.” You look at him ridiculously.

“It wasn’t my fault! I didn’t know that she had changed her daily routine!”, he defends.

“Didn’t you talk to the patient?”, you ask.

“Why should I? We’re supposed to figure out what’s wrong with them, not listen to all their life stories.”, he shrugs.

“Learning about the patients and their stories is the best part! Anyways, it’s part of the job.”, you answer.

He nods. “Ok, I have to go.” He heads towards the nurses’ station. You notice your ranking, right above Landry’s. A small beam of pride washes over you. Taking advantage of the very empty atrium, you decide to visit Naveen when you notice Dr. Emery coming your way. Crap!

“Good morning, Chief Emery.”

“Good morning, Dr. Valentine.”, she nods in response. Quickly, you head back to the nurses’ station and go to pick up your charts when you hear someone call you.

“Valentine.” You turn around and see Zaid.

“Yes?…”

"Valentine, new admission in room 712. Dr.Ramsey wants you to handle it," Zaid states.

"Dr. Ramsey… asked for me?" You ask shocked.

"By name," Zaid says in a plain voice.

"Really? Why?" By now you can't help your smile.

"Gee, I dunno Valentine. I didn't ask. Maybe I should be more like you and badger my superiors with incessant questions," Zaid returns your smile sarcastically making you drop yours.

"Fineee," you raise your hand in mock surrender. "I'll go and attend the patient."

You make your way to the seventh floor. Entering the room with a smile on your face, you find a man in his late 50's laying on the bed.

"Good morning Mr.Platt. What can I do for you today?" You say nicely with a bright smile on your face.

"You can start by-" before the man can complete his sentence, he burps loudly scaring you with the sudden action. You compose yourself quickly. "turning down the A/C in this godawful hospital! I'm not a polar bear. And then you can send my doctor." He says rudely which annoys you but don't say anything rather play nice. "Enough nurses. Show me some-" he burps again -"respect."

"Mr.Platt I am your doctor-" he interrupts you." Like hell-" he burps loudly again," Like hell you are."

By this time your anger rises at this man's audacity. "Excuse me?" Your voice comes out louder and angrier than you expected.

"You look like a little teenager. You don't even look qualified to wipe my ass. Go and call an actual doctor."

“Oh, that’s it! How dare he question your qualification!” You’re about to rip him off when you remember he’s your patient. Taking a few deep breaths, you grit your teeth and calm yourself.

"I'm highly qualified. Mr.Platt, I assure you that I am older than I look," you decide to play the nice card one last time, "I graduated top of my class from-"

"Anyone can be certified for anything now-" he burps- "thanks to the internet."

“Oh my god!!!”, you think. “ Luckily Edenbrook has an extremely rigorous standard for its staff. I'm one of the best doctors of my year, nationwide. You are in good hands."

"Hrm. We'll see about that," he says, his voice filled with arrogance.

"Now why don't you tell me what brings you here today," you pick up his chart ignoring the wish to tear him apart. "Your chart says you have been experiencing chest pain."

"That's what I have been saying-" he burps again, "My chest hurts."

“When on Earth did he say that? All along he was just trying to question my qualification!”, you inwardly scoff.

"Okay. Anything else out of the ordinary?"

"Tingling in my arms like pins and needles." His expression turns into a horrified one when he says the next lines. "I read online that it means I'm having a heart attack."

"Well, that certainly can be a symptom. Have you been experiencing something else? Any jaw pain or maybe lightheadedness?"

"My damned hair has been falling out. Clumps of it in the pillow every morning when I wake up."

"Interesting," you note the point down "Definitely not a symptom of heart-" but you are again being cut off by him.

"But that's what-" he burps loudly for the hundredth time now, "-the internet said."

"The internet can be misleading, sir. Still, we'll send you down for an E.C.G to rule out the heart attack. But first I'll-"

"What the hell is an A.B.C.? You're making up this garbage as you go. Send me a real doctor now." You pinch the bridge of your nose as you make your way to the ER to get a head start on your shift before lunch.

Ethan’s PoV:-

You’re just finishing up your shift in the ER when a scent of coconut and some kind of flower wafts through the air. Turning around, you find none other than Dr. Valentine. You can tell she’s livid but trying to be calm.

“Dr. Valentine. How is Mr. Platt’s case going?” She weighs her options on what to say.

“He’s…quite difficult. But nothing I can’t handle.” You allow yourself a small smile regarding her response. “Dr. Ramsey, I have a question.” You nod. “Is there perhaps a certain reason you assigned me this case?” You were wondering when she was going to ask.

“There is.”

“Why?”, she asks clearly eager to know.

“Figure it out.”, you say swiftly leaving the ER. You can hear a groan escape her lips as you leave.

Arielle’s PoV:-

“What the hell does he mean, ‘Figure it out’?! Ugh!...”

“Dr. Valentine. There are no patients right now here. You can go.” You turn to see Sarah gesture to the empty beds.

“Well at least people aren’t sick.”, you think as you head back to the nurses’ station.

After rounds, you grab a light salad and a strawberry smoothie and spot some of your friends at a table.”Hey guys! What’s up?”

“What’s up is that’s it’s Jackie’s birthday today, but she thinks nobody knows.”, Elijah says.

“Wait what!? Why didn’t anybody tell me?!”, you ask.

“Well that’s why we’re telling you now!”, a voice says from behind. You turn around to find Bryce flashing you his signature smirk. You roll your eyes.

“So...what are we going to do?!”, you ask.

“How do you guys know?”, you ask.

“I saw a text from one of her friends.”, Sienna says.

“So, I and Bryce came up with this plan….”, Elijah explains the plan (with Bryce chiming in with (‘This was my idea!’) every once in a while as you chow down on lunch.

“Sounds awesome! Everyone on board?!”, Si asks. Everyone nods.

“I can snag us a reservation downtown.”, you offer.

“Those places have to be reserved months in advance!”, Sienna says.

You smirk, “I have friends in high places.”

“Of course you do.”, Bryce says. Just then your pager beeps.

“Time for my ER shift.”, you dispose of your tray and head to the ER after trading your pumps for a pair of sandals.

“Dr. Valentine!” You twirl around and see Danny waving.

“Hey, Danny.”

“Here’s the test results you asked for.”

“Thanks! By the way, we’re planning a surprise birthday party for Jackie today. You should come, Sienna would want you to.”

“...okay. I’ll try. And I won’t say a word to Jackie.”, he responds.

“I’ll send you the address later.” Thanking him, you look through the results for some clue...but find nothing.

You groan as you enter the ER. “Why did Dr. Ramsey even assign me this case?!”

“Having a bad day?” You turn around to find Rafael standing at the door of the E.R.

He gives you a sympathetic smile, "You sound like you could use someone to vent to. And not to toot my own horn," he smiles," but I have been told that I am a great listener."

"I don't doubt it," you smile back.

He pauses for a moment then adds, " Want to grab dinner after work today."

"I would have loved to, but I have got plans with some other interns tonight," you reply feeling guilty for denying such a sweet offer. However, you smile brightly as an idea strikes your mind, "Rafael, why don't you join us for dinner tonight?" You ask excitedly.

"Me and a bunch of hotshot doctors? I'm not sure that's my scene," he nods his head still smiling.

"C'mon! It's Jackie's birthday, so we are throwing her a surprise party. It would be fun," you say hoping he'd agree, " Also you could meet my friends. They are awesome."

He laughs at your excitement, "I am sure I have met them a couple of times. I bring a lot of emergency patients."

"Meeting them in the emergency ward don't count, Raf." You playfully roll your eyes. "They are a great group of people, they'll love you. And so will you..." Making a puppy face you request him in the cutest way possible," Please!"

Rafael bites his lips thinking and then shakes his head smiling.

"You can be very persuasive, you know?"

You grin at the comment. "So does that mean that you'll join us?"

He nods before laughing at your childish excitement. Your pager beeps.

“Incoming patient.” The pager should be known as the universal interrupter for doctors! I swear it just loves to interrupt people!”, you exclaim as you wave back to him.

“Well, It also does make sure that none of your patients are dead.”, he calls out. You laugh as you head to the emergency bay.

After your shift in the ER, you quickly update Dr. Tanaka on the scheduled surgeries and head to the 5th floor to find Ines.

“Ines! I need a favor.”

“Of course! What can I do for my favorite intern?”

“You probably shouldn’t say that out loud,...but I don’t mind.”, you reply with a cheeky smile. “I need you to keep Jackie busy with patients until I text you a heart.” She gives you a look. “Today’s her birthday and we want to surprise her.”, you explain.

Her face brightens, “Of course! I’ll make sure she doesn’t suspect anything.”

“Thank you!” You throw your arms around her for a quick minute and head off to the parking lot after grabbing your stuff. After a quick drive, you enter your apartment to see everyone except Jackie getting dressed.

Bryce notices you and walks towards you. “So, have you made the reservation yet?”

“Just about to call.” You head inside your room and scroll through your contact list until you find Mark, hitting dial. He picks up almost immediately.

“If it isn’t my favorite doctor cousin.”

“I’m your only cousin who’s a doctor.”, you laugh.

“So, how’s residency going? The last time we talked, you told me you were in a competition.”

“It’s...a learning experience. How’s Blair?”

“She’s amazing. She’s at the firm right now with Adrian.”

“Awesome. So, I need a favor from my favorite chef.”, you say.

“Ask away.”

“So, it’s a friend’s birthday and a need to make a reservation somewhere downtown. I would have made one before but I only got to know today. Do you know any restaurants in Boston that can squeeze a group of around...uh…10 people? Please?!”

“I’ll need more than that. Tell me what kind of place.”

“Hmm...let’s see. She would appreciate some a bit fancy but something where everyone can still be themselves and enjoy the night. The place would be nice if it was private, secluded. Definitely with like an open bar or something like that.”

He doesn’t respond. “Mark? Are you still there?”

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“Sorry if it’s too much to ask. I’ll find something.”

“Woah, wait a sec Cherry! I was just thinking.”, he responds.

“Yeah, I know. It’s a lot to ask.”

”Luckily, I know just the place.”

“Thank you, Mark. So much.”

His voice softens, “Who else would I do this for? I’ll text you the address and any other details you need to know.”

“Ok bye!”

“Love you too Cherry!” He sarcastically says after he ends the call. You come out of your room to find everyone dressed and ready.

“Ahh! You guys all look amazing!”, you exclaim.

“And so will you, once you get ready.”, Sienna exclaims as she pushes you back into your room. “Okay, let’s see what you have.” She rifles through the evening wear section of your closet and pulls out a black lace dress. “This is perfect! Now get dressed while I pick out some accessories to match.”, she says as she goes through your jewelry drawer. You step into your closet and pulling on the dress, you pair it with a pair of gold stilettos.

“Are you done yet?!”

“Geez Sienna! Just a minute.” You walk out of your closet to find Sienna holding a pair of gold hoops and a gold wristwatch. Taking the earrings and clasping them on, you slide onto the stool and touch up your morning makeup. Sienna pulls out a baby pink liquid lipstick and applies a coat to your lips.

“All done!”

“Thanks for your help!”, you reply as you pull a matching gold crossbody purse and fill it with all your things. “Hey, I meant to ask. Is Wayne coming?”

Her face falls, “No, he said he’s busy.” You look at her, knowing she’s hiding something. “...I told him that I need a break.”

“Oh Sienna, why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know...he’s changed Ari. It’s like he doesn’t even care about me or what I do. You saw how he acted at the housewarming party.”

“I think you should talk to him. And if things don’t work out…”, you give her a pointed look. “Look Sienna, I get it. But you deserve better.” She nods as she takes your phone from you. “What are you doing?”

“You’re an influencer! And you need to post about how amazing you look right now! Now, pose like this…right by your armchair.” She snaps a pic and posts it on Insta for you.

“I think we look amazing, don’t you?”, you ask as you turn to her.

“Nope…I know we look amazing!” You both giggle.

After one final look in the mirror, you and Sienna head outside and join your friends. “Okay, I’ve told Ines to keep Jackie busy so…she’s probably at the hospital. I’ll tell Ines to let her go so she’ll have just enough time to get ready as I text her.” Everyone nods in agreement as you pull out your phone and text Ines.

“Okay, Jackie’s on her way home. Now I’ll text her.”

You show everyone the series of texts. “Mission Birthday Surprise is a go!”

“Awesome! This is going to be amazing! Arielle, where’s the reservation?”, Sienna asks. You’re about to reply when Mark calls.

“Just on time.”You slip on a Bluetooth and answer.

“Hey, Mark. We’re all in the living room right now. Did you get a reservation?”, you ask.

“Let‘s just say I pulled a few strings. I’ll send you the address. We’ve already been here before but at a different part of the restaurant. I booked you guys a rooftop, so you guys should have privacy and instructed a few other things. The head chef will greet you there, and he’ll explain everything.”

“That’s amazing! Thank you so much!”

“Anything for you.”, you laugh.

“Okay, talk to you later.”

“Have a nice time. Love you.”

“Love you too.” You cut the call and turn to everyone to break the good news when everyone stares at you. “What?!”, you ask.

“You never told us you had a boyfriend!”, Elijah says. You stare at them in confusion until it hits you. You burst out in laughter as everyone stares at you.

“Oh my god guys, he’s my cousin! I’m currently single as a pringle. Now, seeing that you guys heard everything Mark said, let’s go!”

Everyone cheers as they all pile up in your car.

“I call shotgun!”, Bryce yells as he slides in the front seat. “Kyra, Phoebe, Danny, and Raf said that they’ll meet us there.”

“Awesome! I’ll send them the address.” After a quick text to all four, you start to drive.

Blasting and singing to music all the way, you reach the place in 20 minutes.

“You have reached your destination.” Everyone cheers.

“Come on! All of you out!” All of you grab your things and walk up to the swanky restaurant. You enter the restaurant and walk up to the person.

“Ah! You must be the group Chef Raines has personally reserved. Please, follow me.” He leads you up an elevator to reveal a beautifully decorated rooftop with tables set up and an open bar.

“Damn! This is nice! Way to go, Arielle!”, Elijah says. You turn around as you hear someone call your name.

“Well if it isn’t the one and only Arielle Valentine! Or should I say, Dr. Valentine?”

“Liam! What are you doing here?”, you shout as you hug him.

“I’m now head chef of this restaurant.”

“That’s amazing!” You turn to everyone. “Guys, meet Liam Mercado, an amazing chef, and my childhood bestie.” As you introduce everyone to each other, you notice Phoebe, Raf, Kyra, and Danny coming out from the elevator. “Elijah, Sienna! Look who’s here!” The four of them start talking as they constantly blush, leaving you to giggle.

“Arielle!” You walk towards Liam. “So I’ve done a birthday cake and everything and food prep will be done in about an hour. So, it’ll be perfect for you to surprise your friend and play some games right before dinner. Just tell me once you guys are ready for dinner and we’ll bring everything out.”

“Thank you, we have to catch up sometime. The last time I saw you, I was still in med school.”

He nods, “And the last time I saw you, I wasn’t engaged either.”

“What!? Why didn’t you tell me!?”

“Because in a few weeks, I was going to invite you to Lara’s baby shower.”

“Oh my god! Congratulations! If you keep dropping bombs on me like this, you’re going to give me a heart attack.”, you shriek.

“Trust me, I wasn’t planning to tell you like this either. But I’m really excited.”, he says with a fond smile.

“You’re going to be an amazing dad.” He smiles as his phone rings.

“Excuse me, but I have to take this. It’s Mark. Probably to see if I’ve met the expectations of his favorite sister.”, he sarcastically replies. Laughing, you walk back towards the group when you hear Sienna shout. “Oh my god! We forgot about presents!” Shit! You completely forgot about presents. Quickly calling everyone over, all of you decide that you and Kyra will go and get the presents with the money everyone pitches in. “Let’s go!”, you quickly drive to the nearest mall with Kyra.

“Do you have any idea about what we should get? We don’t have much time either!”

“I know Kyra. I think we’ll buy multiple small items and make them into like a huge gift basket.”

“Awesome idea! That should work.” You both quickly rush to the mall’s directory and skim the list of stores. “Hey Ari, there’s a Sephora on the ground floor. We should start there.” You nod and head to Sephora.

“Okay, we’ll split up and just pick out a few of our favorite products. Then we’ll meet up and decide what to keep.” You quickly scan all the aisles, picking out products as you go. Knowing that every female doctor’s biggest struggle is dark circles, you pick out a tube of concealer, primer, and light-weight foundation from your favorite brand as you try to match her skin tone. Then you pick out a few different types of eyeliner and mascara, knowing that pretty much no one can spot Jackie without her signature cat-eye.

“Ari!” You spot Kyra holding a bag of her own. You go over and put all your products together. She’s picked out a perfectly sized eyeshadow palette and a few different liquid lipstick and glosses.”This is perfect! We’ll go buy a basket and some ribbons later on.” After finishing the purchase at Sephora in a record time of 12 minutes, you rush out of the store.

“Ooh! What about some products from Lush?! She loved the spa day!”, you say.

“Great idea!” After browsing around Lush, you both come up with the idea to make the color of the products themed. Kyra picks out a few soaps and bath bombs as you decide to go to Bath & Body Works. Ending up with a bottle of hairspray, perfume, and a few candles, you meet Kyra back at the second-floor lounge.

“You’re back! I found this amazing scarlet pink basket that matched our theme! Then I bought some tissue paper and ribbons and a bunch of extra stuff!”

“Amazing! I also stopped by the card shop and found this savage birthday card. We’ll get everyone to sign it. Let’s get to work!” After a tedious discussion of placement, you and Kyra manage to arrange everything in the basket neatly. She wraps the basket in a clear wrapper and ties it up with a matching ribbon and bow.

“I think we make a great team.”, you say.

“We do, don’t we!” Both of you quickly drive back to the restaurant and rush up to the rooftop. You step out of the elevator to find the place fully decorated by your friends.

“They’re back!”, Bryce shouts. “And come bearing a huge gift basket!” You and Kyra explain to everyone about the gift, then pass the card around for everyone to sign. After you sign, Si helps you tie the card with the gift basket.

“I think we’re all set.”, Landry says.

“Yeah, this was some great work! I can’t believe you guys came up with this today!”, says Phoebe.

“That’s cause it was a team effort.”, Elijah says.

“And one which will be wasted if the birthday queen isn’t here. Where is she?”, Bryce asks.

“She’ll be here in 20, Bryce. Meanwhile, we need to set up the gifts and set up the tables.

You help your friends set up the tables and gifts that you bought, with the restaurant’s staff’s help. After a while, your phone rings. You shout, “Guys, be quiet! It’s Jackie!”

You answer the call. “Hey, Jackie! Are you here yet?”

“Yeah, I just parked. What do I do now?”, she asks.

“Tell the receptionist that you’re here for the dinner that the Raines’ reserved. We’re up on the rooftop. Bye!” You shove your phone in your purse and shout, “Okay guys! The moment we’ve been all waiting for! Places everyone! I’ll switch off the lights. Once I switch on the lights, everyone yells! Understood?! Everyone nods as they take their places. You kill the lights, and a few minutes later Jackie enters from the elevator. “Arielle? Sienna? Elijah? Guys, I swear if this is some kind of prank-“ You stifle your laughter as you switch on the lights.

“Surprise!!!!” Everyone runs up and hugs her as she stands there like a deer in headlights. Bryce takes a picture of her wide-eyed face.

“Happy birthday Jackie!” You exclaim as you trap her in a hug. “You look amazing!”

“Let me guess, this was all you?”, she responds with a knowing smirk.

“Noooooo!... It was all Bryce!”, you sarcastically say.

“Hey! Offense taken!”, Bryce shouts as both of you laugh.

“You guys did all this for me?”

“I don’t know, do you know anyone else named Jackie?”, Kyra teases. All of you laugh.

“Well then, what are we waiting for?! Let’s get this party started!”, you yell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Authors’ Note:- Hey lovelies! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and make sure to comment/reblog below! Also, make sure to turn on your notifications for the next chapter, where the gang gets involved in....let’s just say a quite adventurous dare. Let us know if you want to be added to the taglist!

And a special thank you to @nikki-2406, this a-ma-zing human being saved my ass from editing pics! Love you girl!🥰

Part 1 of taglist:- @kaavyaethanramsey @rookie-ramsey @ohramsey @caseyvalentineramsey @hopelessromantics4life @realmrsramsey @binny1985 @maurine07 @alina-yol-ramsey @helloitsthiv @tsrookie @arcticlumineer @mary-c92 @sad-satan-herself @whippedforethanfreakingramsey @archxxronrookie @ethansrookie02 @semanticsandsea-lemons @mrandmrsramsey @starrystarrytrouble @deepikakkannan @siaramsey @katkart122 @openheartthot @imonlybibecauseofethanramsey @luvevelynclaire @literaryexpress @miss-smrxtiee @nadeen-ahmed11 @mrsalanrickman394 @drstellavalentine @ethandaddyramseyx @annekebbphotography @custaroonie @ladyrileybrooks @robbies-sutcliffe @cralinedp @bladesofopenheart @ezekielbhandarivalleros @daddyethanramsey @aquirkychica @romewritingshop @lilyvalentine @xpandabeardontcarex @in-love-with-a-trans-girl @coastalengineer @starrystarrytrouble @clowneryme @natureblooms24

Chapter Ten: If You Had But Asked

- Chapter One: In the Service of the Queen - Chapter Two: Peace Offerings - Chapter Three: Salve for the Soul - Chapter Four: Kings Guard - Chapter Five: Not a Door, but a Window - Chapter Six: Typical Æsir Arrogance - Chapter Seven: For Odin’s Sons Are We - Chapter Eight: A Demonstration - Chapter Nine: What the Gods have Joined, Let None Put Asunder -

Summary: The start of a multi chapter origin story for Loki x Sigyn in the Marvel Movie Verse which will incorporate both mythological elements and elements from her comic backstory. This takes place between the Avengers and Thor 2 during his imprisonment.

Author: holderofthebowl

Which Tom/Character: Loki

Authors Note: Well it’s been almost 5 years... hahaha sorry about deserting you all, in the middle of the climax and everything. Med school and then the first few years of being a real grownup with a big kid job, moving back to the states and 1000 other things in life and such. Anyhow, if you are new to this fic start at chapter 1 or you are gonna be real confused. Sorry if I’m a little rusty, but an update 5 years later is better than nothing :) Anyhow ‘So I made you some content, daddy made you your favorite open wide’ I hope you enjoy. 

Rating: PG, A slow burn but we’re finally there. A whole kiss in this chapter and everything. 

Sigyn’s slippers clicked with purpose as she marched down the marble steps toward the dungeon. She angrily whipped both her cheeks with her palms. Her tears had changed from mortified embarrassment to red hot anger. The long train of her heavily embroidered and laced wedding dress draped along the steps behind her. 

She turned the corner toward Loki’s cell. The scene there did not surprise her. Four Crimson Hawks were upon him. Two of them pointed their weapons at her dark haired bride groom’s back. The other two, were pinning him to the bed, one was clamping manacles to his wrists, the other leaned an elbow across the back of his neck, holding him in a kneeling position with the side of his face to the mattress. No doubt trying to pull from him the location of their missing comrade.

“Where is he?” Sigyn spat at her now husband, with a level of venom that startled Odin’s soldiers slightly from their own interrogation, as they all turned to meet her gaze. 

Loki beamed at her, speaking as though there weren't soldiers leaning on his neck. “Sigyn, what a fine ceremony that was, beautiful, I especially loved the floral arrangements. So very sorry I wasn’t able to stay till the end. By any chance, would you be willing to tell me how it went?” 

Sigyn ignored his question. “Where is he Loki. Did you kill him? Is he dead?” She moved closer to the force field in front of her, her hands clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. 

Loki chuckled “ I mean, one can only hope.” he said shrugging, The man above Loki snarled and increased the pressure on Loki’s neck causing him to wince. Sigyn pursed her lips before addressing the Odin’s men. 

“I demand to speak to my husband. Alone! Asgardian law gives me that right!”  Everyone in the cell froze. None had been there for the conclusion of the ceremony and for a single moment, the entire cell of men was shocked, including Loki. It was he that cut through the silence. A deep full laugh that reverberated down the stone hall, only slightly muffled with half his face pressed into his linen sheets.

Slowly the soldiers withdrew, undoing the manacles, letting Loki push himself into a standing position. He dusted himself off with dramatic flare, his face beaming. The Hawks lowered the barrier allowing Sigyn to enter. They shot her looks as if she had grown a second head, too shocked to be upset about the betrayal of their brother in arms. She walked past them trying not to notice. She doubted this would be the end of looks and side glances she’d receive, likely for the rest of her days on Asgard. 

Loki approached her arms out, as though he thought to embrace her. The sound of the slap reverberated across the cell. Loki took a step back, and rubbed his cheek, but his smile didn’t dissipate. “Where is Theoric?” Sigyn demanded crossing her arms. 

Loki let a noise of irritation slip from between his lips and rolled his eyes. He threw a hand up in a gesture of dismissal. “That’s not important right now. What’s important is...”

“It’s important to me Loki.” she cut him off. Loki ignored her plea 

“And Odin really let the marriage stand? Ha! I can’t believe it worked. I can just imagine the row that caused. Was my brother there? I didn’t see him in the crowd beforehand.” Sygin watched him start to pace, he was having a difficult time keeping the energy of a successful scheme contained. 

Her shoulders slumped slightly and she sighed. This was not working. She was going to have to find a different tactic. Why she thought insisting Loki do anything directly would work in the first place was beyond her. Threats and orders were not in the prince’s nature to obey. She thought a moment. “Well, I guess there is one benefit to him being dead..”

This comment stopped Loki cold, and he turned to her. “What benefit?” he asked. Good, he was confused. He hadn’t expected that. He didn’t like being confused. 

“I mean at least I won’t have to tell him.” she said shaking her head. Loki lifted a single sculpted black eyebrow. “You know, I won’t have to tell him how you tricked him into missing his own wedding day. How it caused a huge scene, humiliating him in front of the All Father and the entire court of the Æsir. And then, how in front of his family, and his friends, at his own wedding, I married that man instead.” She paused for effect, allowing Loki to contemplate that a moment. “You’re right, I’d rather not have to break that news to him. Can you even imagine how humiliating that will be?”

Loki was still for a moment, and then the corner of his mouth began to drift upward. “Oh, no my dear. You are right, that’s much better.” He turned and strode away to her toward the corner of the cell, addressing the Crimson Hawks who had been standing back, eavesdropping no doubt. “Tell Heimdall to cast his eye toward Svartalfheim. He should find your man there. If he didn’t die falling through the portal, or succumb to something on the planet.” Loki chuckled to himself. The guards left to find their fallen comrade. And they were left alone.

“Thank you” said Sigyn, some of the tightness dissipating from her chest. 

“Are you happy now?’ Loki asked.

Sigyn narrowed her eyes and stepped towards him “Am I happy now?” she parroted back her hand balling back into a fist. All her previous rage flooding to the forefront. Loki instinctually took a step back, his eyes flicking toward the hand that had slapped him with earlier. “You humiliated me, that was mortifying. That was possibly the worst thing anyone has ever done to me.”

Loki face contorted suddenly into confusion. “But, you said yes? You still married me?” 

“Of course I married you. If you had just spoken to me, but once, anytime during the months we’d spent together, before I ended up in front of the All Father. If you had given me any indication that...” the words were getting stuck in her throat now, fresh tears on her cheeks.  “If you had said anything, anything at all about how you fel...” she cleared her throat to choke back a sob. “But no, talking to me like a peer, a person would have been too difficult. Instead you come up with some grand scheme to get your way. Consequences to others be damned. You arrogant emotionally stunted child!”

“You wouldn’t have married him. If I had but asked you not to?” his voice was quiet. An innocent honesty to it as he searched her face, so profoundly uncharacteristic and sincere. 

Sigyn felt the angry leave her body, she let it go with a breath. “I wouldn't have married him.” her reply was simple. 

It was all she needed to say. He closed the distance between then so quickly Sigyn barely noticed and then his lips were on hers. He pulled her in tightly, arms warping around her back. She leaned into him, her hands finding his dark hair and kissed him back, just as hard.   

Flatbush & Atlantic: part x

part i part ii part iii part iv part v part vi part vii part viii part ix

And we’ve finally come to the end of Cass and Mat’s story! I want to thank every person who’s read this over the past few months, especially those of you who have reblogged, commented, and shared this with your friends. Your feedback means the world to me, and please tell me what you think of this final part! I’ve also got some ideas floating around for an epilogue, so don’t be surprised if that pops up in the next few weeks.

part x

May 21 (fri)

For once, it wasn’t Cass’ alarm that woke her up. Her internal clock didn’t let her sleep in past 6, but as she lay in her bed, comforter pulled up to her chin and curls up in a haphazard messy bun, a realization struck her. She didn’t have anything to do, and that was just about as far from normal for her as possible. Normally, she’d be hopping in the shower at this time, getting out and shoveling some cereal down her throat before running to catch the train, or desperately trying to finish some last-minute reading before an early lecture. Her grandparents’ flight didn’t land at JFK until 1, and she wouldn’t need to leave until an hour before that to get Mat and drive to the airport. 

Padding out to the kitchen, she just caught Ryanne, who was about to leave for a clinical rotation. “What department are you in this month?” Cass asked.

“OB/GYN,” Ryanne responded. “I got to observe a birth the other day, and it was one of my favorite things I’ve gotten to do so far. Obviously I don’t know for sure yet, but I think I might want to match into it. You get to do a little bit of everything — there’s some surgery, some routine care, some deliveries. And with the Black maternal health crisis, I figure we need all the Black OBs we can get as a country.” 

Cass smiled. “That’s wonderful, I’m glad to hear.” She knew that Ryanne had been a little stressed out with the prospect of trying to pick a residency; she hadn’t felt drawn to any of the other rotations she’d gone through quite like this one. 

“What about you? What’s your schedule like today?” Ryanne asked as she poured coffee into her travel mug. 

Cass flopped down on the couch, looking over at her. “It’s just...I have nothing to do. Nothing needs to get done. No cases to read, no essays to finish, no paperwork to file or anything. Chris gave me this week off for finals anyways, so I couldn’t even go into the office if I wanted to because there’s just nothing for me to do. Do you know how rare that is for me?”

Ryanne laughed. “Cass, I’m in med school. The last time I had a true ‘off day’ was two weeks ago, and even then I spent most of it studying.” She slung her backpack over one shoulder. “See you tonight, have a good day, babe!”

After some toast and a smoothie, Cass was back on the couch, trying desperately to think of something to do. She thrived on being busy, thrived on feeling like she was needed and contributing to something worthwhile. Pushing herself up, she walked back to her room, deciding to change and go out for a run. Cass liked to keep in shape and exercise as often as she could, even though it had been a few years since she had been on an organized sports team. She was usually able to make yoga classes at the school gym twice a week, but typically didn’t have the spare time in the mornings for a run. And by the time she got back it was almost always dark, way too late to even think about going out alone. 

Lacing up her tennis shoes and grabbing her AirPods and keys, she set out, down the stairs and past the door. As she jogged down the streets, making familiar turn after familiar turn, Cass realized something remarkably profound. Every place she passed had played a part in the last three years. St. Lucy’s, where she had stumbled in with inconsolable tears after her abuelo’s stroke, lighting a candle and praying with some old Italian woman for his recovery. The bodega on the corner run by Carlos Gonzalez, one of the first people she met when she moved to the city and the only one who knew how to smoosh her sandwiches down how she likes. The Edible Arrangements where she, Stella, and Ryanne had bought Alicia a congratulatory fruit bouquet for finally asking out her coworker Juliette. They had been dating for six months. The high school she passed every morning on her way to the subway station. These were the people and places that had made her life what it was, and she owed them her thanks. 

An hour and five miles later, Cass decided to call it quits, walking the last few blocks back to the apartment as a sort of cool-down. She jumped in the shower, throwing her hair up in a towel once she got out and resigning herself to watching whatever was on TV. Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives it was, apparently. Four episodes and one snack break later, it was time to get in the car to head over and pick up Mat. Cass drove down Manhattan Island, tapping her fingers in boredom as she hit yet more traffic. It was noon, why was there even traffic in the first place? She pulled into the visitor’s spot in the underground lot of Mat’s apartment complex, taking out her phone. Just got here! Mat popped out of the elevator a few minutes later, holding a bouquet of tulips. “Sorry I’m late, I was going back and forth between tulips and sunflowers for awhile, but I figured the pink was maybe a better choice? What do you think?” Cass started to laugh, and Mat looked offended. “What?”

“Babe, it’s so sweet that you want to impress my grandma, but have you thought about how the poor flowers will fare?”

His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Cass adjusted her seatbelt, leaning over. “We’re going to be out for awhile. We’re not going straight back to their hotel. So…” she prompted.

“They’ll wilt.” Mat finished, his face falling. 

She covered his hand with her own. “Don’t worry. It’s a sweet gesture and I’m sure she’ll appreciate them. We’re all going out for dinner after the ceremony tomorrow, why don’t you bring them then?” 

He perked up. “I’ll run up and put them back in a vase, be back in a few!” Mat gave Cass a quick peck on her cheek, leaving her with just one question. Mat owned vases? He slid back into the passenger’s seat shortly after, clicking his seatbelt in and connecting his phone to the speakers. 

Cass rolled her eyes. “I don’t know a single guy your age who’s not obsessed with John Mayer. It’s kind of weird, honestly.”

“You don’t like him?” Mat asked curiously. Cass was usually into more guitar-based, acoustic stuff, so he figured she’d be into at least some of his stuff. 

“Some of it,” Cass responded, pulling out of the lot and onto the street. “Go ahead and play it, I don’t mind at all. Not what I’d usually put on if I’m alone, that’s all.”

Mat nodded, looking absentmindedly out the window. “So, what should I know about your grandparents?”

Cass’ face immediately burst into a smile at their mention. It was always so clear how much she loved her family, and that was one of Mat’s favorite things about her. How hard she loved. “Alright, so it’s Dolores and Roberto Cabrera. They’re wonderful people, I genuinely think you’re going to like them a lot. They’re both super fluent in English, so don’t worry about communication. They originally immigrated to Texas when they were in their teens, abuela was a housekeeper at a few hotels in San Antonio and abuelo worked in the fields for awhile before getting a job at a little hardware store in town, where he worked until they retired. My mom’s the middle of four, two older sisters and a younger brother.”Mat listened intently. “My abuelo’s a little more rough around the edges, so don’t be surprised if he gives you  a little bit of a hard time, but it’s not out of malice or anything. He’s always been very protective over us, my mom and her siblings, and now us three. He might do the whole ‘nobody’s good enough for my Cassidy” thing, but he’ll get over it. He means well.” 

She glanced over at Mat, who was looking decidedly nervous. “Seriously, chou, it’s going to be fine. Abuela’s totally different, they’re like polar opposites. I can almost guarantee that she’ll say something to the effect of ‘if my granddaughter loves you, I love you.’ Very much go with the flow, she’ll probably want to come over to your apartment and cook for you.” Her expression softened. “As long as you’re kind and respectful, they won’t have an issue with you, Mat. They’ll see that you treat me how I deserve to be treated and love me like I deserve to be loved.”

Cass pulled into the garage by the international arrivals terminal, cutting the gas and checking the time. “The flight was supposed to land at one, so they should be getting out of passport control by the time we get inside.” It was a little after one thirty, but if there was anything Cass knew, it was just how long customs could take at an airport as big as JFK. Even in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday, and even though her grandparents were travelling on their American passports and could use the citizen’s line, she had heard that it could take upwards of an hour or two to get through. 

The concourse was pretty bare apart from a few kiosks selling “I ❤️ NY” shirts and a surprisingly busy Noah’s Bagels, so Mat and Cass made themselves comfortable on one of the rows of plastic chairs lining the room. The arrivals screen had marked their flight from Mexico City as having landed nearly an hour prior, so it was little surprise when Cass popped up from the chair, straightening her shirt and walking over to a couple that he could only assume were her grandparents. Mat quickly followed, catching up to her just as she threw her arms around her grandma. “Abuela, te extrañé,” she said, the sound muffled by Dolores’ scarf. She pulled back, kissing her grandpa on the cheek before stepping over to Mat, one hand placed reassuringly on his back. “Abuela, abuelo, this is Mat, my boyfriend.”

Mat stuck his hand out, shaking theirs. “Mr. and Mrs. Cabrera, it’s so amazing to finally meet you. Cass speaks so highly of you, and she always talks about her summers in Hermosillo.” 

Dolores pulled Mat in, embracing him from the start just as Cass had expected. “Mat, it’s wonderful to finally meet you. Cassidy has told us so much about you, it’s clear she loves you a great deal.”

Mat ducked his head and blushed. “I’m not sure if she can love me more than I love her, but I’m happy to be in such good company.” 

He took both of their suitcases as Cass gestured to the sliding doors. “I want to get back to the car before they charge me for another half hour,” she said. 

Mat slid the bags in the trunk of the car as Dolores got in the passenger’s seat. With a gulp, Mat realized that meant he had to sit next to Roberto. He had been perfectly nice on the walk over, but as Cass had warned him, it was clear that he was a little guarded. Whether that was just his personality or whether Mat had yet to earn his trust hadn’t been determined. 

Her grandparents had been to New York once or twice before, but it had almost always been just to fly in before driving up to visit Cass’ family in Connecticut; they had never really been able to see the city. Cass  felt strongly that that had to change, so she had arranged for a mini-tour of Manhattan before they got dropped off at their hotel for the night. “So, Mat,” Dolores said, turning around in her chair, “Cassidy tells us you’re a hockey player? That must be so exciting, how long have you been playing?”

Mat nodded. “Yes ma’am. I play for the Islanders, so we’re right here in Brooklyn, but I live over in Manhattan. I’ve been playing the sport since I was four or so? Really little. But I just finished my fourth season on the Islanders. And it is exciting, I love being with my team and being on the ice, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.” 

“That must keep you busy, though?” Roberto asked gruffly. 

Mat froze. He couldn’t lie and say that he was home all the time, able to be there for Cass as often as he’d like to, because he wasn’t. But if he let on just how often he was gone, would that make him even more wary? “Oftentimes, yes,” Mat began slowly. “The team’s usually on two or so road trips a month, they’re usually about a week long. But they’re balanced out with plenty of home games, and there’s lots of guys who balance the job with a family and other responsibilities. I’m always excited to be able to be back in New York, I love it here. And to be with Cass.” Roberto nodded, not seemingly totally satisfied but content enough to not push the issue further. 

“He’s really good about spending time with me, abuelo, even though we’ve both got busy schedules,” Cass added, catching Roberto’s eye in the rearview mirror. “We meet in the morning before a class to get coffee, or lunch in between studying if I’ve got time. I go to every game I’m able to when he’s playing here in the city, or over in Jersey. We spend plenty of time together, he doesn’t blow me off. You don’t have to worry.” He seemed much more at ease with his granddaughter’s response. 

It was a whirlwind three hours around New York, Cass playing chauffeur as they went to the top of the Empire State Building — her pick — in St. Patrick’s Cathedral  — her grandpa’s pick — and around Central Park, stopping at one of the many pretzel carts for a snack. They dropped them off at the hotel, Cass’ eyes getting misty as her grandma pulled out the serape stole from her purse. Her fingers danced over the colors, the stripes of red and blue and pink and green, and knowing that it was made by the hands of someone so important to her made it all the more beautiful. The rest of her family was driving in later that night, after Nick got out of school, so everyone wouldn’t be together until the graduation ceremony the next day. 

The couple decided to get takeout on the way back to Mat’s apartment, Mat jumping out of the car to run in and pick up the order while Cass circled the block until he was out. As they sat on the couch, cuddled into each other as they broke into the boxes of Chinese food, Cass thought absentmindedly that Mat handled his chopsticks way better than she ever would have given him credit for. Her grandparents had been on her mind. More specifically, her grandparents and Mat had been on her mind. It wasn’t that she thought he had messed up in any way — she was positive he’d absolutely won over her grandma and her grandpa was slowly but surely coming around — but some lingering concerns about what they might think about their relationship. “I’m not sure that they’d actually care, but when you talk to them tomorrow maybe don’t mention how often I sleep over here? They’re wonderful people, but they’re a little old school about this stuff.” 

“This stuff?” Mat asked curiously. 

“Living together, sex before marriage, that kind of stuff.” 

“And how do you feel about it?” 

Cass raised an eyebrow at him. “Do you think you could ever get me to do something I didn’t want to do? I’m way too stubborn for that.” Mat threw his head back, laughing. “But seriously. I don’t make the decision lightly, because commitment and intimacy in that way is something really big and important to me. You already knew that I don’t do hookups, it’s just not my thing. But I can see this, us, going places. I want us to go places. And I’ve never been very good at listening to people when I don’t want to. So I’ve made my peace that my choices might not be ones everyone would be thrilled with, but it doesn’t really matter to me as long as I have you.” 

Mat nodded, putting down his food to card one hand through her curls. “I get that, I do. Obviously that’s not so much the attitude with a lot of the boys, but your principles are part of what makes you who you are, and I love who you are. Every part of you.” Cass smiled against his neck, leaning down and kissing him on the shoulder. “I want us to go places too, I hope you know that.”

“Glad to hear.”

They ate without speaking for a few more minutes until Mat broke the silence. “Where do you see yourself in five years?” 

“With you,” Cass answered honestly. “Here, or we could get a nice brownstone over in Brooklyn.” 

“Somewhere with a yard,” Mat mused. 

“Yeah, a yard would be nice,” Cass agreed. “I’d like to get a dog, I’ve always grown up with dogs and it would be nice to have someone to keep me company when you’re gone.” Her family’s two dogs, Patches and Scout, were back at the house in Connecticut, and on more than one occasion, Cass had made the two-hour drive up just to see them. She paused, glancing down at her hands. “In five years? You’d better have put a ring on my finger by then, Mat. I’ll be almost thirty. Approaching old maid status” 

Mat laughed, an easy, breathy sort of laugh that somehow erased all of the tension in the room. “I think you should double-hyphen.” 

Cass looked at him doubtfully. “Cabrera-Shaw-Barzal? Yeah, I’m going to have to pass on that one.” 

He shrugged, the corner of his lip pulled up in a half-smile. “Just saying. It’s got a ring to it.”

“Have you given much thought to what you’d want to do with your name when you get married?” Mat asked curiously. It really didn’t matter much to him, since it would ultimately be Cass’ decision, but he didn’t want to assume anything regardless. And it didn’t escape Cass that he said when, as if it was certain, as if it was a given. The surety made her heart flutter. 

Cass shook her head. “Not particularly. On one hand, I do like the idea of the whole family having the same name. It seems nice. Unified. But I don’t want to feel like I’m erasing my culture and who I am just because I’m getting married. And all due respect, chou,” Cass poked Mat’s cheek, “but Cabrera Shaw’s the name on my degrees. Cassidy Barzal didn’t go to law school.”

“Very fair,” Mat said with a chuckle. 

Cass took a deep breath. If it seemed like they were having the “future talk,” she figured it was best to go all in. “Do you want kids?” she asked, tentatively, hesitantly. It was obvious that Mat was good with kids, she’d seen as much, but being good with kids and wanting children of your own were two very different things. Cass had wanted to be a mom since she knew what a mom was, and even though they probably should have brought up the topic earlier, she wasn’t sure what she’d do if he said no. Thank God, she never had to find out. 

“Definitely,” Mat said, nodding. “Not now, obviously, we’re young and haven’t really settled down yet. If you got pregnant we’d make it work, but I don’t think either of us is looking to be parents right away. But in a couple years, once we’re married and have a proper house with space...Yeah, I’d like to have kids.” He looked over at Cass. “What about you?”

“Always wanted kids,” Cass responded fondly. “I loved growing up with siblings, and I know my parents were the same way. Two or three, I think. I’ve thought about adoption too, but obviously that’s way in the future.”

Mat kissed the top of her head. “We’ve got time.”

 May 22 (sat)

 The graduation ceremony itself wasn’t until noon, so Cass had more than enough time to get ready after waking up at 7. Alicia barrelled into her room at exactly 7:22, throwing a shirt at her and telling her to get dressed. Cass stumbled out of the room ten minutes later, pulling on socks and grabbing her phone from the charger by her door. “What are you guys trying to pull?” she asked, yawning and trying to wipe the sleep out of her eyes. 

“Uh, we’re going to the diner, duh,” Stella said with a smile, tossing Cass her purse. “Come on! You know it fills up early on weekends.” Glen’s Diner had become an apartment staple over the past few years, the restaurant having been the first place the four of them had eaten in the city when they moved, not having bought groceries yet and not wanting to pay the premium for delivery. It was cheap, open 24/7, and Cass would swear up and down that their blueberry pancakes were the best she’d ever had. 

They were seated just after 8, happily slurping coffee and stealing bites of each other’s breakfast twenty minutes later. It was a nice day and hadn’t gotten too hot yet, so they decided to walk back after finishing the meal. In reality, “going back” meant Alicia stopping to buy a new necklace, listening to a busker for a few minutes, and petting no fewer than five dogs on the one-mile walk. There was still plenty of time before they had to leave for the ceremony, but after Cass did her makeup and tamed her curls, there was just enough time to watch an episode of Parks & Rec before having to actually get her stuff together. Not as flexible as she once had been, Ryanne helped zip up the back of her dress, a white lace bodycon from her sorority days that she had definitely worn to at least two semiformals. Hey, Cass thought as she straightened her hemline, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 

She had ironed her robe and put it into a dress bag the night before, and gently folded her school stole and the serape from her abuela into her purse. Mat’s necklace hadn’t left its place since Valentine’s. Her dad’s parents had given her a beautiful pair of pearl studs for her undergraduate graduation, and it felt only right to wear them for her next step. She fastened the ankle straps on her heels, and popped her head out to the living room. “Everyone ready?” She was met with a chorus of “yeses,” and grabbed her keys from their dish by the front door. 

“Let’s go get our girl graduated!” Alicia hollered into the street. 

The girls had originally objected to Cass driving herself to her own graduation, but relented as soon as Cass reminded them that she was the only one who knew where to find the free parking, and the rest of them only drove sedans. “Cheryl has way more room. Y’all want to be cramped on purpose?” 

“Fair point,” Stella had said begrudgingly. 

Exactly twenty-six minutes later, Cass pulled into a spot about two blocks away from the arena where she would be graduating in an hour’s time, hugging each of her friends as Ryanne handed her the dress bag. “You’re going to kill it in there,” she said, rubbing her back. 

Cass laughed. “Ry, all I’ve got to do is walk across a stage without tripping.”

She shrugged. “It’s a fine art that few have mastered.” 

Cass entered through the side, flashing her ID to the security guard standing by the door. Half an hour later, everyone had been ushered into their seats, carefully arranged in alphabetical order. For the most part, Cass was friendly with everyone in her class; if they weren’t outwardly hostile to her, she saw no reason why they deserved anything other than kindness, but was relieved to see Robin sitting next to her. “You excited?” Robin asked, brushing a piece of her auburn hair behind her ear. The lobby doors must have opened, because as she asked, crowds started to mill into the seats, waving at anyone who would catch their eye. 

Cass bounced her head. “I am, but it’s kind of surreal, you know? I knew we’d get to this point, obviously. It’s what we’ve been working towards for seven years, really. But the idea that it all essentially comes down to this…”

“An hour, a few handshakes, and a piece of paper,” Robin helpfully supplied. 

She nodded. “Yeah. It’s almost anticlimactic in a way? Like sure, we’ve got our JDs after this, but knowing we’ve still got to pass the bar. We’re not over the finish line yet.”

“Columbia has a 97% pass rate, and you’re one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, Cass. And I’ve spent three years surrounded by the smartest people I’ve ever met.”

“Fair,” Cass said, “it’s just kind of a weird feeling, you know?” Robin nodded. “And plus, for most of us, we’ve pretty much spent our whole lives in school. Aside from positions as summer associates, or part-time jobs and internships, we don’t really know how to do anything other than school. It’s just a little bit of a daunting thought to suddenly feel like we’re being thrown out to the wolves without really knowing what to expect.” Cass’ phone, which she wasn’t technically supposed to have but had snuck in anyways, chose that moment to buzz with a text notification. It was from Mat.

Met up with the crew! Can’t wait to see you walk across that stage, Cass. I love you and we’re all so proud of you. Mat had attached a photo of everyone she had brought with her — both sets of grandparents, her parents and siblings, and roommates. 

“Your boyfriend is nauseatingly cute,” Robin observed, looking over her shoulder at the message. 

Cass laughed. “That’s true, but I knew what I was getting myself into.” The music started ten minutes later, and the ceremony began. If Cass was being honest, she didn’t really remember much of anything from the first half of the ceremony, before the conferral of diplomas. She was so excited and nervous and unbelievably ready all at the same time that all she recalled from the dean’s speech and the student speeches were vague comments about their “awesome responsibility” and “duty to pursue truth and justice” and “commitment to fight for what is right over what is easy.” 

As soon as she realized it, her row was being ushered into line to receive their diplomas. “Cassidy María Cabrera Shaw.” She heard her name, but really had no clue who had spoken it. The dean? One of her professors? As Cass walked up the steps and across the stage, the only thing she could think was don’t trip don’t trip don’t trip. Then she was handed a diploma, flashed a brilliant smile for the photographer, and shook hand after hand after hand before walking off the other side of the stage. She was pretty sure she could hear Mat and Noah yelling their congratulations from her seat on the floor. 

Having a name towards the front of the alphabet meant that Cass was almost always called on quickly in class, or on roll call, or at graduation, as the case was. But that meant that she had to sit, quietly and politely, for the other four hundred names to be called. And it took awhile. After Robin Cahill came Wesley Coleman, then Samuel Cogswell, then Fiona Chan. Cass didn’t mind having to sit through the whole thing, especially when Fiona, Les, Samaira, and her other friends crossed the stage — she cheered as much as anybody — but it was a long time to be sitting in a folding chair and the thousands of people packed into a small space didn’t help her temperature regulation. 

There was the benediction and congratulations, and then the recessional of the graduates. Graduates, Cass thought. She was a graduate. She had finished, she was done, she had accomplished the one thing she wanted most to do since she was a little girl watching Legally Blonde for the first time, looking at Elle Woods and thinking I can do that. And she had. Her feet carried her to the back room of their own accord, where she picked up her bag and was engulfed in a flurry of hugs, congratulations, and kisses on the cheek from her friends, the people who she had spent countless late nights in the library with, bar hopping to celebrate the end of finals, and afternoons on each other’s apartment couches, yelling fact patterns at each other and trying to come up with an analysis before the timer went off.  

Following the stream of sky blue graduation gowns, Cass walked outside, waving at her family when she spotted Eliana hanging off of a lamppost in the courtyard to get a better view. Her sister nearly tackled her as she made her way to the group. “Cass. I already knew you were brilliant, and I still think  you’re the smartest out of any of us,” she gestured between the two of them and Noah, “but now you’ve got the degree to prove it. I’m so proud of you.” 

Noah was next. “You worked hard, and I know how badly you wanted this. You’re a really good sister.” He wasn’t usually a big talker, and Cass’ eyes definitely got a little misty as he spoke. He had verbally committed to Minnesota State the week before, and Mat might have been more excited than even Cass when he heard the news. It was an incredible program that had a serious track record of sending players to the NHL, and she was so proud to see her little brother doing what he loved. Her mom and both grandmas were crying, as expected, and Grandpa Joe wrapped her up in a hug as soon as he got the chance. 

Mat had been hanging towards the back of the crowd, not wanting to feel like he was intruding on family time, until her dad nudged him forward. “Go say hi to your girl, Mat,” Patrick said.

“Will do,” Mat said, squeezing Cass’ hand and pressing a quick kiss to the top of her head. “Sometimes it blows my mind how incredible you are,” he said. “Everyone’s already said how smart you are, and every bit of that is true. But you’re so much more than that, you know?” His thumb rubbed over her hand. “You’re beautiful, and curious, and you always keep me on my toes. You’re so passionate about your work, and you’ve got the biggest heart out of anyone I know. You’ve never met a person you didn’t want to help. And I promise I’m not biased just because I’m in love with you.” 

Cass gave a watery laugh, blinking and thanking God she had the foresight to wear waterproof mascara. “God, I love you, Mat.”

Her dad had always been the picture type, insisting on documenting every waking moment. He was the living embodiment of “pics or it didn’t happen,” for better or worse. He took a few of her with her law school friends, then Alicia snapped one with just her immediate family, then there was one with everyone. Cass also got a picture with Mat, where he was bending down to kiss her, the tassel on her mortarboard just barely brushing his nose. Then she was in one with all of the seniors on the law review, and a friend pulled her away for a few with the Latinx Student Association. By the time they finally managed to tear Patrick away from his camera, it was time to head back to the hotel and get ready for dinner. 

Mat got Patrick to send him the photo of him and Cass, and was about to post it on Instagram when he hesitated. “Hey, is it cool if I post this?” Mat said, showing Cass his phone. Most people knew who she was, and he had posted pictures of her before, but they had never been this obvious, this clear, this real. 

“Go for it.”

Mat pressed post. So, so proud of my incredible girlfriend @casscshaw for graduating law school. You’re one of the smartest, most empathetic people I know, and you’re going to make an amazing lawyer. 

Cass grinned, a big, genuine smile as she was surrounded by her family, the people who meant the most to her — whether they were related or not. She looked up at Mat, who was smiling softly down at her as he reached one hand up to fix her tassel. “What’s next?”

Small Time Witch (16)

You had your phone on silent the entire time you were shopping. Once you realized you checked your notifications. You had a text and missed call from Steve a voicemail from your therapist and a text from Tony. You called Steve back. His message seemed to be the most urgent.

“Hey. What’s up?”

“Where are you?” He sounded upset.

“In the city shopping. Why? What’s going on?”

“Did you see your doctor today?” Snitch.

“No. Look I know what you are going to say. I think I really have a handle on everything, Steve. I don’t want to see Dr. Calloway anymore.”

“Good. No, baby, that’s good. Don’t take anymore of those pills. Come back to the compound as soon as possible. We need to talk.”

“Steve you are scaring me.”

“Everything is fine, doll. Come on home.” You drove as fast as the law allowed. Steve met you outside of the gate. He stopped you before you could pull in and jumped in the passenger seat. Wanda and Sam got in the back and Bucky followed on the bike. “Just drive.” He pulled the radio out of your dash and told you to kill the navigation.

“We need to get somewhere out of SHIELD and Tony’s reach.” You bit your lip knowing exactly where to go. You started driving towards the freeway to head north.

“I have a place but you have to promise not to lose your shit when we get there. Promise me, Steve.” You tapped your fingers on the wheel and chewed your lip raw.

“I promise. Want to tell me what I’m walking in to?”

“Uh. My house. Not the one that was burned down. The new one.”

“When did you buy a house?” You were silent and started to tear up a little.

“Heimdall! I know you can hear me. Tell Thor to meet us at our house.” You wouldn’t look at Steve. You could feel his anger building. “You promised, Steve.”

“Baby, when you said ‘our house’ what did you mean?” He was gripping the arm rest so tight he almost snapped it off. He knew the answer to the question. He just wanted to hear you say it. You didn’t answer. You were concentrating on keeping the mood from escalating in the car. You were scared and it would be really easy to lose control at this moment. “Y/N I need you to answer me.”

“Loki built a house on the land that my family owns. He may or may not be living there. I don’t know because I haven’t talked to him in almost a year.” You put your hand on his arm and he pulled away.

“Nope. You don’t get to tell me how to feel right now, Y/N. I thought when you took that bracelet off he was out of your life. Out of our lives. That was a big deal for me.”

“It was a big deal for me too. I only found out about the house a couple of months ago. It’s a gift.”

“That’s a pretty big fucking gift. I can’t fucking believe you right now.” The rest of the ride was silent. Sam and Wanda looked out the window. The only sound you heard was the growl of Steve’s bike behind you.

The road went from paved to gravel to forest floor. You traveled far off the main drive. You arrived at the glen that was hidden in the shadows of a the mountains save for the beam of sunshine that shone down like a spotlight. There was a patch of grass that was singed where Thor likely landed.

You were trying so hard to hide your emotions but it was so beautiful. You took a deep breath getting a nose full of the mimosa that was now in full bloom. Wanda held your hand. “It’s stunning. I can’t believe he did all of this.”

The five of you walked into the gate. Loki was waiting in the doorway. “This is not exactly how I envisioned you seeing the place.”

“Thought she’d be alone?” Steve said blowing past him.

“Nice to see you too, Captain Rogers.”

“Don’t. Please” you begged. “Steve, honey. Can we have a seat and talk about why we’re here?” You gathered in the kitchen so Steve could explain. He confessed to knowing about the medication but not exactly what it was. He said he knew that Dr. Calloway worked for Fury and that the operation in Alaska was a rescue mission. He still hadn’t figured out the rest.

“I promise you I had no idea what that medication was not until I spoke to Agatha and Professor Xavier. Tony does and that’s why we’re here.”

“Steve, you should have come to me. The good news is I know what Aconite is. It’s been used for centuries as a poison and, in some varieties to help with anxiety. It slows the heart rate. Luckily I know an antidote. Plus I minored in chemistry and I’ve been working with Stephen Strange a literal medical doctor who helped me compound a quick dissolving tablet to neutralize the Aconite.”

“I’m sorry. I thought I was protecting you. I should have talked to you. I would never willingly hurt you. Do you understand that?” He hugged you tight and kissed you. You nodded your head and hugged him back but you were still hurt.

Loki beamed with pride. You were always one step ahead of these idiots. What a clever little witch. It irritated him to his core that you met Steve with understanding and compassion rather than blind rage when he lied to you. You were clouded by your feelings for him.

“So what’s the plan, Cap? Do we go on this mission?” Sam asked. While they discussed a plan and you excused yourself to explore. Every detail was as you imagined right down to the door knobs and drawer pulls. Loki left a clone of himself in the kitchen so he could join you.

“What do you think? Did I get it right?” he whispered. You slipped your hand in his and squeezed.

“It’s perfect. Thank you, Loki. I love it so much here. I’m sorry I’m seeing it this way.” He didn’t let go of your hand right away.

“I’m just glad you’re here. I do admit I thought it would be just the two of us. But, there’s plenty of room. I’d better get back.” He pressed his lips hard to the back of your hand. You heard Steve calling from the kitchen.

“We’re going to stay the night here and go back to the compound in the morning. Until we figure all of this out you stay and we’ll come back to get you. I trust you’re safe here.” Steve explained. You went back to the bedroom to try to get some rest. Loki took the couch. He grabbed some blankets from the linen closet and winked at you as he went down the hall.

“Baby, I’m gonna check on everyone to make sure they’re set for the night. Why don’t you go take a bath? I’ll be back in a sec.” Steve checked on Bucky and Sam who were sharing a room. The bed was large enough for the two of them to fit comfortably. Wanda was already in bed so was Thor. Loki was sitting up on the couch reading.

“Can I talk to you?” Steve asked. Loki looked around to see who else was in the room. He gestured towards the big chair across from him. Steve sat down and stared around the room trying to collect his thoughts. Everywhere he looked he saw you. Everything was soft and inviting. There was a spice to the air warm and aromatic. He wanted to curl up in this place. Get lost in here. This wasn’t his place though. Loki built it with the intention of living out your days here. There were flashes of him too. No. There was no place here for Steve.

“Can I trust you with her?” His voice was low and gritty like it was worked over with sandpaper.

“You know she’s safe with me.”

“You know that’s not what I’m asking. Can I trust you to keep your hands off of her?”

“I won’t touch her. You have my word.”

“Your word. That’s cute. You see here I was thinking you were gone. Out of our lives. It took her six months to take that damned bracelet off which means it took her six months to get over you. And here you are back in our lives again. What possessed you to build this house?” he put his hand up to stop him, “No. Don’t tell me. I already know. It’s the same reason I went out to Westchester today. The same reason I’m ready to go ape shit on Tony fucking Stark and all of SHIELD. Because you are in love with her just like I’m in love with her. The difference is she chose me. She chose to have me in her life. You just keep showing up.” Steve buried his face in his hands. He wasn’t sure if he was coming or going.

Loki was deep in thought dissecting what Steve said but also trying to figure out Tony’s play. “I’m trying to understand what binding her will do. It won’t change the fact that she’s a conduit. It will only leave her defenseless. Unless that’s what they are trying to do.” Loki’s eyes were wide thinking of the possibility that you would be able to absorb all of the powers of the people Hydra kidnapped. You’d be a nuclear bomb indeed. That’s only if you were powerless to stop it. As it were, you cast a spell on yourself that had a fail safe built in. If you kept training with Strange and Wong, you would be able to stop the lot of them. “Captain. That’s it. They are using her to steal powers. What is in Alaska?”

“Fuck. That’s it. Fuck! Alaska is a giant Hydra base housing mutants. I’m leaving Wanda with you. I’ll call Stephen Strange in the morning. Don’t tell her anything. She’ll want to confront Tony. I won’t let her. I can’t let Tony know she hasn’t been taking her meds.” Loki nodded in agreement.

Steve stood up to go to bed. He was bone tired. All he wanted was to crawl into your bed and wrap his body around yours like a cocoon.

“Steve,” Loki called after him. Steve stopped in the doorway his shoulders slumped down in defeat. “I’ll keep her safe for you. When all of this is over, the place yours. Just promise me you’ll let her be herself out here. She hides a lot from you because she’s afraid she’ll scare you if you really saw her. You really love her? Get to know the real Y/N.” Steve responded with a weak smile.

The master bedroom was painted a deep green and had warm wood trim. A large vanity was situated in the corner with perfume bottles a comb and a brush neatly arranged on top. A massive four poster bed was dead center. The posts were ornate and winding like a tree the legs like roots. The Yggdrasil tree. A big round window sat high on the wall letting the moonlight stream in. He could smell the oils you used in the tub. Warm spice notes and deep florals. That’s what your skin would smell like. He wanted to burn it into his nose.

Off in the corner there was a small winding staircase that lead to a loft. He climbed it to find a reading nook with a small table for snacks. He smiled thinking about how much you would love it up there.

On the other side of the room was a wardrobe. Inside there were dresses that you’d no doubt wear barefoot and blouses and trousers for you to wear to work. Off to the side were three little drawers. The top was for bras the middle for panties and the bottom larger drawer for sweats leggings socks and T-shirts. The bottom was neatly lined with heels strappy sandals and a pair of boots that made his cock twitch. He imagined you wearing them with the leather dress that would barely cover your thighs.

In the chest of drawers there were sweaters jeans that looked worn in and a whole drawer for tac gear in case you went on missions with them. This fucker thought of everything.

He wanted to go out there and punch him in his smug little face but stopped when he heard you sloshing around in the water. He cracked the door open so he wouldn’t startle you. “Sweetheart? Can I come in?”

“Hey. Yeah. There is plenty of room for you.” Steve stripped and eased in to the too hot water. You grabbed the big sponge hanging over the faucet and got it sudsy enough to wash him. He let you though he felt like it was somehow wrong. Like he shouldn’t be this intimate with you in another man’s home.

The bathroom was just as glamorous as the bedroom. A small gas fireplace sat perfectly positioned to warm the whole bathroom. A chandelier hung from the ceiling. The shower was also large enough for two people. There were so many spouts it looked like a car wash. There were candles placed on every and any flat surface. The place was fit for a queen. Loki’s queen.

Funnily enough you didn’t seem to care. You rinsed off the soap and kissed your way up to his neck. You used a small pitcher set on a step stool to wet his hair. When you massaged his scalp you kissed him deeply. “Close your eyes and hold your breath” you said in that low tone that made him crazy.

He shook off like a dog making you giggle. His favorite sound. He lifted you enough to sink you down onto him. He will never get enough of how you felt. The water lapped around your body as you moved. You both came quick and hard collapsing your body down around him. “I love you, Steve” you whispered as you caught your breath.

“I love you, Y/N. So much.”

You got out of the tub feeling like your limbs were made of jelly. You dried off braided your hair and slicked your skin with more oil. The one you chose was warm and slightly citrusy. Vetiver. It made your heartbeat quicken knowing that Loki remembered your mother’s fragrance. The two of you crawled into bed and slept like you’ve been sleeping in this room for ages. You weren’t sure if it was being back on your land or something else but you felt like you were finally home.

Once Bitten, Twice Stupid prt 100 prt 2

“Lance would like to remind you both that Lance is here. Keith’s right. I’m not a hunter. And it’s not just me I need to consider here. There’s Matt, Rieva and Curtis think of, as well as Pidge and Hunk, plus their families. I’m not a hunter but I need to be there to protect them”

He didn’t get a mention? What about how he felt about Lance being in danger? His boyfriend sounded cranky, which he shouldn’t be seeing Keith’s sinuses were still burning. Coran sighed softly. It had to be hard for him

“I understand. I know Matt has been working on Curtis’s curse. I caught your last video also. At the very least, please read through the documents I brought. Then you’ll be able say you made your decision after careful consideration. I would prefer you not be in danger... though Lotor is the only other vampire I could let you train with... Even it’s only once, it could be an invaluable experience for you”

Lotor would use Lance up and throw him away. He also hadn’t forgotten the threat against his precious puppy. Narti hadn’t saved him, Zethrid and Ezor had. She still rubbed him the wrong way. They all did. He’d seen Lotor and Allura all giggling and felt compelled to shoot Loturd in the head in the name of community service

“We both know he’d kicked my arse to next year rather than let me beat him. What can teach me?”

“I believe he may be able to help with your bat problem. Training with Keith has certain advantages, however, you know Keith wouldn’t hurt you. That fear is not there, and your emotions weigh a lot on your transformation. If you can find a way to channel those feelings, then perhaps you’ll stop randomly turning. I can’t use the Blade werewolves due to their missions. I would like someone who you’d be on even ground with if you let your ego slip”

Lance placed his tea down, before placing his hand on Keith’s knee. His boyfriend trying to ask him for comfort, and maybe some one to accept his words?

“Coran. I can’t. If I let go of my ego, I might as well through everything away. I love Keith. I’m in love with Keith. I’m terrified with his line of work, but he knows what he’s doing most of the time, and I don’t think I can contribute anything helpful”

Coran mentioning ego meant that he thought something big might happen. Coran was proud of how tightly Lance kept his ego reined in. He didn’t go around telling him to let it loose and go crazy. Keith felt all weirdly warm in his chest as his heart went funny at Lance loving him. Coran didn’t back down

“I’m not saying to Lotor’s extent. But your ego has definitely changed to match the changes in your body. I have seen these changes in you. Seen you mature. Watched over you from that small and scared boy, into the wonderful man you are today. I refuse to use you as a pawn, or a tool, nor do I want you to see combat. I only ask that you read what they have give you”

“I’ll read it... but, I don’t think I want to. I’m too emotional and I remember too much. I can maybe look at data and analyse it, or help with legal things, but as for hunting, that’s not my place”

Lance could be a fine hunter if he wanted to, but his boyfriend felt too much as he’d said. Each wrong mission or person lost would stay with Lance and his caring heart

“That’s perfectly fine. I did say I would talk to you, not that I’d make you agree. Now, I also brought a couple of other things with me. Let’s get those out the way, then I’m afraid I have to head back. A faes’ work is never done”

Coran stayed another half hour. He’d brought jigsaw puzzles, magazines, snacks, and blood. His bag of mystery was kind of mysterious as it didn’t look like it should be able to hold all of that. Lance was lost in his head for the most part, clearly thinking about the offer. Keith had forgotten his probation period of six months would be coming to an end, thought if it was six months instead of 12 that was a good sign that they didn’t find him a threat. Seeing Coran out, Lance came back, throwing himself down on the sofa with a sigh

“You don’t have to say yes”

Snorting, his boyfriend smiled at him, before drawing his legs up and resting his head against Keith’s shoulder

“I know I don’t”

“But?”

“But I would like to figure out how to “unbat” faster. And maybe how to be a bat when I am one. I can’t even fly”

“We could get you a tiny harness and you could ride Kosmo around”

“Or I could just stop turning... Never mind that. I don’t see why the Blade would want me around”

“Because you’re smart? And you know the city?”

“More like because Lotor is a douche”

“That’s true... What do you want to do?”

Lance sighed as he took Keith’s hand in his

“I stayed out of that world for a good reason, but now I have a better reason for helping. I want to be able to support you, even if I don’t know how to do that other than being here for you”

Such a Lance answer. Keith’s heart going all weird as he felt fuzzy... but that could be the pain meds kicking in

“You being there for me is all the support I need”

“I know... but... I want this case to hurry up and end before people get hurt. I want to stop randomly getting heat flashes and have control of myself again. I want to know I’m not going to wake up to another phone call in the middle of the night. I don’t want you or Shiro to be hurt. It makes me question my whole... outlook, I guess. I stayed away because I didn’t want to be like those other vampires with their queens and covens and shit. I could have spent my time learning more about them, but I spent my time living carefully and that was all I needed. Now I have a man I love, that runs towards that danger that everyone runs away from and I want to understand”

Keith squeezed Lance’s hand

“You’re fine the way you are. You’re safer on the outside. I don’t think I could recover if something happened to you”

Lance rubbed his cheek against Keith’s shoulder affectionately

“And I’d never be able to live with myself if something happened to you”

“It won’t... before you bring up the accident, accidents happen every day. I’m not very good at being hurt or ill...”

“I noticed”

Snorting at his boyfriend, Keith supposed he had been a bit of an arsehole

“I’m sorry. I do appreciate you here, but you’re not my maid. You’re my boyfriend. You don’t have to make meals for me and Shiro”

“I just needed something to do with my hands. I learned it from Hunk. He bakes a lot when he’s stressed”

“He does seem the type. Are you going to look at the documents?”

“Yeah, but I don’t... I don’t think I’ll say yes. I mean, I want to help and I feel kind of obligated too seeing they haven’t killed me or sentenced me to death. But then I think about the others. Matt’s been holing himself up in his room, I think he’s been talking to Rieva’s parents about European werewolf culture. I don’t want to get Curtis’s hopes up about finding a way to severe the demon from him”

“I’m still shocked they managed to perform magic in the first place”

“I know right! I mean... there’s just so many things we don’t know. Do you think they’ll be mad if I don’t help?”

“Kolivan might be, but mum will understand”

Keith didn’t realise what he’d just said, Lance tilting his head to up to smile up at him

“What?”

“Oh, nothing much. Anyway, I’ve got to put dinner on. You should call Krolia and let her know she doesn’t need to come break in and make sure you’re okay”

Keith snorted. He could picture his mother letting herself in. He’d probably be in the bathroom then come out to a mini heart attack at her in the living room

“It’s probably a bad sign when you can picture that. I’ll send her a message, just because you asked me too”

“Mmm... Okay. Then can we do one of Coran’s puzzles? I want to do something brainless”

“We could go to bed?”

Why was he getting horny again? He should be in too much pain to be horny

“That’s enough of you. We’re lucky Coran said nothing. I don’t think my undead heart could take the embarrassment. You pick the puzzle and I’ll put the roast in the oven”

Keith kissed Lance’s forehead

“Okay, babe. I love you”

“I love you, too”

raven unit II (m) jjk

Jeon Jungkook x Reader

‒ raven unit. (m) chapter two: red hawk. ✎  [11k words]

genre: political!Au, taskforce!Au, warcrime!Au

warnings: smut, angst, gore, violence, drug mentions, alcohol mention, graphic description of violence, death, fingering, penetrative sex, dirty talk.  With your life at risk and several people around you dead, your loyal head of security makes sure your safety is taken care of when he’s out of the picture. Three ruthless, dangerous and deadly men take on the task to protect and hide you, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok and the one in command, Jeon Jungkook. masterlist. chapter one. chapter three.  chapter five.

Although you had woken up a few times gasping in fear and sweating, when you had left the warehouse, you felt rested. Taehyung had joined the unit and as you walked through the waking up city with a scarf around your face and four strong and dangerous men escorting you, you felt safe. The plan was to walk to an extraction point where one of Taehyung’s connections would be waiting with a vehicle to take you to the next point, Red Hawk. Jungkook walked in front of you, his eyes and ears alert as were the other men. Behind you was Yoongi. He wore a snapback so that his hair didn’t draw too much attention. As you walked through the crowd, you could feel your leg starting to hurt. You huffed as you tried to keep up, extending your hand just as Jungkook was looking back, you gripped his shirt tightly and he looked down, instead, taking your hand in his. You blushed.  “You’ll draw a lot more attention if you’re gripping my shirt like an endangered animal.” He said in a sharp tone. You pursed your lips, his grip on your hand tight as he pulled you along. His other hand hovering over his other side, just where his gun was. You walked for about half an hour before Taehyung was turning around.  They all stopped, but Jungkook didn’t let go of your hand.  “Ok, this is it, we have one car, they gave us armory and supplies, we have a six-hour drive, taking the more secluded highways before we have to ditch the car and walk.” Jungkook nodded and Taehyung resumed walking. As you followed you were in an alley, a black jeep waiting for you with a few armed men around it.  As you approached, Taehyung greeted them, they all nodded as they watched over your group, Hoseok took the driver’s seat, Yoongi the passenger and Jungkook got in the car, pulling you along with him, soon after, Taehyung got in shutting the door.  “Let’s move.” He said and Hoseok was driving off.  After a few minutes of silence and Taehyung handing Hoseok a map with the path drawn, Yoongi spoke.  “How long before the news spreads?” He asked.  “There is no way to access that. All I know is that Red Hawk, Seamore and Armstrong are still reliable,” Jungkook said, void of emotion.  “Of course they’re reliable, they would never not be reliable, Jungkook.” Taehyung sounded offended. Jungkook didn’t respond.  “Jungkook, you should get some rest, you haven’t slept in two days,” Hoseok said, and only then you noticed that your hands were still intertwined.  “I’m fine.” He said.  “You know damn well that she needs you with all your attention and senses sharp, fucking sleep,” Hoseok argued. Your grip around Jungkook tightened, making him look at you.  “I’ll be ok.” You whispered at him and he sighed, giving up, resting his head back he pulled your hand onto his lap along with his. That was his insurance that you wouldn’t disappear while he rested.  “Wake me up in an hour.” He said and the rest of the unit was silent. In less than a few minutes, Jungkook was fast asleep.  You looked ahead at the road, your head void of thought as you pushed the fact that you had to come up with something for when you got to the safe house.  You had an idea of who could be behind these attacks, of who would have been the culprit of it all, and if you were right, the only way of making sure this would end, would be exposing everything, even your father. As you tried your best not to think about it, Taehyung’s voice brought you back. “So...” He started. “Are you feeling better?” He asked, and even if you knew that for some reason Taehyung cared about you, you knew there was a deeper meaning to his question.  “Uh, yeah, as much as I can be.” You answered honestly.  “I’m sure Jungkook is going to take good care of you.” The man said, looking to see if that elicited a reaction from you. You were quiet for a while... After everything that had happened, you felt safe with Jungkook and you knew he would do everything in his power to keep you safe you just wondered why. What could he possibly owe Phillip to make him go through all this trouble for someone he barely knew? You looked back at your intertwined hands.  “Oh, I know that look, that’s doubt,” Taehyung said, and you looked at him. “Sweetheart, Jungkook is... A difficult man, he has many demons and many scars, but he is a man of integrity.” Taehyung said, looking out the window again.  “I don’t doubt he is a man of integrity.” Your voice was low.  “And besides, I would be quite inclined to protect you at any cost too if you hung onto me for dear life like that, it does things to a man you know?” He looked back at you a brow quirked up and a smirk on his face.  “Tae, shut up,” Yoongi said, but you missed the shared glace between him and Hoseok. When silence took over, you felt your sleep-deprived body start to take over, and you slowly fell asleep. With your hand on Jungkook’s, you slept with no interruption, only waking up after a few hours to the sound of his voice. “So, you’re telling me that you’re not hypnotized by the power of pussy?” Hoseok questioned, you heard them clearly but didn’t open your eyes, you noticed your head was rested on Jungkook lap, you couldn’t remember when you had moved, but it felt good regardless.  “Hobi, can you please stop saying that kind of shit?” Jungkook argued.  “Oh, come one, we can see you, man,” Hoseok said. “Helping her through her breakdown, killing a man for just hinting at the idea of killing her, she’s sleeping on your lap as we speak, your fingers are tangled together.” Hoseok didn’t seem annoyed, he just wanted to make Jungkook admit that he was taking the job personally now. “If you tell me you have done this for other protection jobs, I’ll drop it.” Jungkook was silent. Was he giving you special treatment? You wondered with your eyes closed.  “I just want her to feel safe, she’s been through enough, she’ll be traumatized for life,” Jungkook said.  “Ah-ha! I knew it, the fucking power of pussy, man.” Hoseok chuckled in the driver’s seat.  “Hobi has a point, Kook, I mean, you’re clearly taking this personally and to be honest, we don’t mind, but remember that when the job is over she goes back to being a politician and we go back to... Well, war.” Yoongi added. “Just don’t let it get too serious, it could compromise the whole operation.” He said.  You furrowed your brows, not understanding what they meant, but even the slightest movement was enough for Jungkook’s attention to shift to you.  “She’s awake.” He said, and the car fell silent.  “Rise and shine, pretty bird.” You heard Taehyung’s voice. Fluttering your eyes, you looked up at Jungkook, his same dark eyes looking back at you.  “Hi.” You said and once again he didn’t answer.  “We’re almost there, you should drink some water, take your meds,” He said, and you nodded, slowly getting up and sitting back in your spot. You looked at the men in the car, all of them quiet and you noticed Jungkook’s hand had let go of yours, it felt cold all of a sudden and you rested it on your lap.  As you drank water and took your meds you avoided Jungkook. Maybe he was making this personal and maybe he regretted it.  “So, Y/N, any boyfriend back in at home?” Yoongi questioned, and you almost choked on your water. Closing the flask and wiping your mouth, you stuttered.  “U-uh, no... I never had the time to think about dating after my second year of college.” You said.  “But you surely had some fun for two years?” Hoseok wiggled his eyebrows. You chuckled, looking away.  “I guess, you know, frat parties and sorority ones,  I had my good share of... Experience.” You felt Jungkook shift beside you but didn’t look. “Must be intimidating for men to date the president’s daughter,” Yoongi said.  “Oh, yeah... It was difficult trying to bring a boy back to my dorm when I had five security guards walking with me every second of my day.” Hoseok made a face and Taehyung chuckled. Jungkook didn’t move a muscle, he knew what they were doing.  “Is American college life just like the movies?” Taehyung asked.  “To some sort, only there is a lot more alcohol poisoning and people getting pregnant.” You shrugged. The three men laughed.  “Jesus, imagine if a frat boy got the president’s daughter pregnant.” Yoongi mused.  “I took good care of myself, and besides, I stopped hooking up with people when I got into my second year, I had a goal set and I just tried hard to reach it.” You thought back to those days, they were quiet and calm. No imminent danger surrounding you. If only the girl you were back, then knew what you’d be going through now.  “Interesting, so you’ve graduated in what major?” Yoongi asked.  “I haven’t graduated yet, I’m in my last year, I graduate in six months... Well, if I ever get the chance to.” The conversation took a depressing turn, and the car went silent.  “You’ll get the chance to,” Taehyung said, lips pursed in a shy smile.  After what seemed like an hour, Hoseok slowed down the car. “We’re here.” Jungkook’s voice brought you back.  Hoseok parked the car behind an abandoned gas station and you got out. The sky was cloudy and even if it was hot, the lack of sun made it easier to endure the heat.  Jungkook made sure you had everything you needed before he was gearing up, he took a black rifle gun from the drunk and slung it across his body, the other did the same, tying his camo long-sleeved shirt around his head he was dressed in a light brown shirt that hugged his body slightly, you tried to look away, but you suddenly wanted to know what he looked like underneath. As they all finished gearing up the men rounded around Jungkook.  “Ok, Hoseok will lead us for the first couple of hours, then Yoongi, and when the sun sets, we make camp. Eyes sharp, we have no vehicles, if we’re ambushed we engage with full power, protect her at any cost.” You gulped down. “Ok, little dove, time to go,” Jungkook said, looking at you before he was walking off. A similar formation from before settled, only Hoseok was now leading and Taehyung was behind Yoongi, Jungkook was in front of you following Hoseok.  The heat seemed to swallow you for the first three hours. Your eyes were low and heavy as you walked limping behind Jungkook. Then, as your body released sweat, the air that rushed through the desert cooled you down.  The whole walk was silent, and you had time to think about everything.  Your father was a loyal man, honest and kind. But he had friends in power that weren’t and being kind-hearted, he believed that people could change. When one of his closest friends decided to run for the next election four years ago, your father felt betrayed. Of course, he didn’t win and your father secured his position. But that came with a cost. Jefferson Jhon was a petty man, and he lifted campaigns and spread lies and tried his best to taint your father’s reputation as if he had forgotten what your father had done for him in the past. Jefferson was a wealthy man, he owned several business companies and had an estimated annual income of around 2 billion dollars. He tried to buy people around him to help bring your father down, but your father had a card under his sleeve.  It was probably one of those nights where men of Wallstreet would hire prostitutes, snort cocaine, and spend the cash made out of the backs of desperate people. He tried to make a girl do something even though she wasn’t a prostitute, just an employee. She said no; he got angry; he choked her to death in a drug neurotic rage. The police were surely called and you still remember the phone ringing in the dead of night when you were just a teenager. The skinny man being brought to the Whitehouse by the police while your security made sure he was taken away. Your father did his best o hide it, making sure that the woman’s family was taken care of financially and that Jefferson got clean in exchange for the favor. It was headlined for a long time in the media since in the end, she was the daughter of an economist college professor and eventually; it was ruled a cold because of the lack of evidence. But you didn’t know all that because you saw everything go down that night, or because your father told you. No, you heard your father bring it up in a meeting Jefferson had called with him to try to bully your father into submission. You were standing by the door, ready to storm in and scream at the man that was bringing so much stress to your father, instead, stopping in your tracks. You felt ashamed of your father, ashamed for him doing such a thing, it took a few years for you to get over it, but you still remember Jefferson’s venomous laced words.  “I will fucking destroy you, do you hear me, I will take everything you love away from you, I will fucking destroy you.” He threatened.  A while after that, you decided you needed to make a difference in politics, studying so that you could be someone just as important as your father, just as influential, and soon you were taking on small diplomatic meetings on his behalf.  You didn’t let what you knew go by without confronting your father about it. And you remember that day as if it were yesterday.  “And you call yourself a man of integrity, where is your integrity, dad?” You shouted at him.  “Y/N, I understand your concern, but you have to understand that it was the choice I decided to make back then and one I regret most deeply, but that now can make things very bad not just for Jefferson, but for both of us.” He reasoned.  “I don’t care, dad! He killed a woman! And you covered for him! That makes you an accomplice, and your hands are just as dirty with blood as his hands are.” You swallowed back the tears that threatened to leave you.  Your father sighed, shoulders slumping down.  “You’re right...” He said, defeated. “I’ll have my people prepare a statement and we’ll make this right.” He said, and you nodded at him.  “Good.” Was all you said before you left the room.  A month later you were off to the diplomatic trip your father had set up last minute, one that was very important to you since it was an environmental cause. You had been in your temporary home for almost a month before everything happened. So your only conclusion was that Jefferson had found out about your father writing the public statement, one that you had read and known the lines very well. ‘My brave, just and loyal daughter convinced me that if I were truly a man of kindness, I should no longer allow this cruel act go unpunished, even if cost me my own position.’ That was enough for Jefferson to know you were a threat as well, and he fought hard to eliminate any trace of it. How he could do it without being discovered was what you wondered. But you knew that there were few people in this world that couldn’t be bought, and if he was willing to pay a year of his company’s profits for your head, you knew that people’s silence cost a lot less. “You’re pretty quiet, everything ok?” Yoongi’s voice brought you back from your thoughts.  You huffed, feet digging into the sand as you struggled to walk.  “I think I know who’s behind this.” You said, and all eyes shot in your direction.  “Who?” Taehyung questioned.  You tilted your head to the side.  “If I tell you, then your head will be worth 1.5 billion dollars.” You said, and somehow, that made Yoongi laugh.  “I mean, even if I don’t want to die, I’m pretty curious,” Taehyung said.  You looked up at Jungkook, his sweat dripping down his chin and the shirt around his head soaked.  “You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to.” He said, his face slightly flushed from walking so long.  “As crazy as it sounds, I trust you all.” You said, and Hoseok smiled back at you.  “So, come on, tell us who’s going through so much trouble to have you killed.” Yoongi sounded anxious.  “Jefferson John.” You said, and Taehyung laughed.  “Isn’t that cliche?” He mused. “The president’s adversary.”  “My father had dirt on him, dirt that would not only make him not be able to run, but go to jail.” You said as a strong sting erupted through your leg, all four stopped walking as you hissed in pain. You felt your own sweat soak your tank top as you looked at them.  “It’s ok, let’s keep going.” You assured, and they resumed walking.  They waited for you to continue.  “When I enrolled in college, I overheard a conversation they had and found out about it. A few months ago I convinced my father to make a public statement about it and he must have found out.” You told them.  Jungkook hummed.  “Jesus, what kind of dirt did your father have on him? Was he laundering money or something?” Hoseok asked.  “Worse.” Your voice came out weaker.  “Worse? Did he kill someone?” You went quiet. And that was enough answer they needed.  “Holy shit.” Hoseok cursed, taking in the information.  “You’re the only one alive that knows?” Jungkook questioned.  “I think so... everyone I know that could have known is dead.” Your voice was low now.  It was quiet for a while before Yoongi spoke.  “How is he going to make sure no one knows he was the one that caused the hit?”  “You can make anything seem like a terrorist attack with the right amount of money.” Taehyung pitched in. The rest of the group giving him a knowing look. “He must have hired a private contractor, like Phillips. Although I doubt Phillip would do such a thing, we don’t kill innocent people.” Hoseok said.  “It doesn’t matter, what matters is that she’s the only one that can make this right,” Jungkook said.  Soon, everyone went quiet and as the hours went by, you felt your legs ache in pain, your head woozy and eyes fluttering. You were tired, too tired. Your body suddenly gave out as you tripped and fell onto the sand, just as quickly as your hands met the sand, two bodies where by your side.  “Are you ok?” Jungkook’s asked, lifting your face to look at him, voice stern and worried.  “Jungkook, she’s been walking in the heat for the past five hours, what do you think?” Yoongi said beside you. Jungkook looked at the man, bringing his watch into view and looking around.  “We have an hour till sundown, I would suggest we move till then it’s not safe to make camp during the daylight, we can be spotted.” He said looking back at Yoongi.  “She’s pale, her lips are cracked, her wound is bleeding through the fabric and she isn’t fucking like us. She needs rest now or do you want to fucking carry her for the next hour?” Yoongi said, irritated. Jungkook was silent, answering Yoongi’s question.  “Oh, you have to be fucking kidding me.” Your eyes were heavy, and you tried to focus on Jungkook, you blink a few times and felt the water being spread on your lips.  “Drink.” He said, and you obeyed, drinking down the water he was giving you. As soon as he was done, he put the flask away. “Ok, little dove, up.” He said helping your body up and pulsing it onto his back, you wrapped your hands around his neck, while he held onto your thighs, his hand dangerously close to your wound. You hissed in pain as he stretched the skin.  “Hold on to me, we’ll rest soon.” Was all he said, ignoring your hiss.  Jungkook’s body was toned, you could feel his muscles flexing under your body while looking down onto his strong hands that held your legs in place. Your hands wrapped lazily around his sweaty neck and your chin rested over your arm, your face mere inches from his. You were quiet as you felt your cheeks blush at how your body was flush against his, he would probably feel your heat against his back and the thought alone made you blush harder.  “If you’re right about Jefferson, the only way he’s going to stop is if you’re dead or if you tell the world the truth,” Jungkook said in a low voice, so only you could hear.  “I know.” You said quietly.  You rested comfortably on top of Jungkook, watching as the sun started to set and the sky turn blue. Suddenly he stopped, putting you down and looking around. The other stopped too. You noticed your clothes were soaking in your sweat and his.  “Ok, this seems good, let’s set up camp,” Jungkook announced.  There were two tents and as Hoseok and Taehyung put them together Yoongi was helping Jungkook with the portable stove. You looked at the men working, feeling useless once again.  “Hey Y/N, come here,” Taehyung called. You walked in his direction. “Help me out with this, will you?” He asked, even though he seemed to know how to do it himself.  There was the crazy aura about Taehyung, as if he always knew the right things to say. You smiled softly at him in a silent ‘thank you’ and helped him put the tent together. You watched as Yoongi and Jungkook stripped from their shirts, a gasp being trapped between your lips. Taehyung chucked, you looked back at him in embarrassment.  “We’re all human here... little dove”. He teased, and you bit your lower lip.  You didn’t know why Jungkook called you that, but you knew you liked it ever since he had said it back in Gallaticus. It had felt endearing and made you feel calmer.  “Heads up,” Taehyung warned before you turned around and faced a shirtless Jungkook. You almost squealed when your eyes met his toned abs. It was just as you had imagined, slim and toned and his skin honey-kissed. He had a few scars here and there. But it somehow made him even more appealing.  “Lost anything down there?” Jungkook tilted his head to the side, and you looked up at him, cheeks blushing. He lifted an eyebrow, waiting for your answer, but your mouth opened and closed several times and nothing came out.  “Nevermind. This is your tent, I’ll be with you while you sleep and I’ll take rounds with Yoongi, is that ok with you?” He asked, and you nodded.  “Good, we’re gonna heat up some food, try to change into something dry, it get’s really fucking cold at night.” He said before walking away. You looked back at Taehyung he had an amused look on his face.  “That went perfect, sweetheart.” You rolled your eyes at him and walked into the tent, bringing your bag along with you. You changed into dry clothes, walking out as the light of the day now was almost gone. There wasn’t a fire, but a yellow light in the middle of the men. You furrowed your brows as you noticed the cans heating up in the portable stove.  “Fluorescent light,” Hoseok answered your silent question. “Drones can’t see it, satellites can’t see it, and conveniently enough, it shoos the bugs away.” The wind was now just a light breeze as the temperature dropped. You sat beside Yoongi, across from Jungkook and Taehyung, Hoseok in the middle of the four of you, handling the stove.  “You hungry?” Yoongi asked, and you nodded.  He gave you a soft smile. “You know, when we started this, I thought you’d be one of those spoil brats that complain about everything.” He said while he leaned in and grabbed one of the cans, wrapping a shirt around the bottom. “Careful, it’s hot.” He handed it over to you and you took it, using the plastic spork.  “I don’t know if I am a brat, I hope I’m not, I’m smarter than to complain about worthless things when my life is in danger.” You say, and the boy’s hum. “Besides, you’re all going through hell and risking your lives to make sure I’m safe. Why would I put you in any more stress?”  “I know a few other jobs that didn’t really care before,” Yoongi said and Hoseok seconds it.  “You kinda are a brat.” Everyone looked at Jungkook, that was concentrated on his food. He looked up, noticing everyone’s stare. “You kinda are.” He shrugged, spork playing with his food. “How am I a brat?” You asked. You couldn’t contain the amused smile on your face. “Well, do you remember in the car before we were attacked. You said this thing about if I had a sad childhood story and if that was the moment, I’d tell it. I was really close to punching you.” He said, and you laughed, making him look at you.  “Well, you’re irritating sometimes. Also, I only thought about the sad childhood story because of that scar you have on your cheek.” You ate without really paying attention to the taste.  He shuffled on his spot, raising an eyebrow. “How do you think I got this scar?” He asked you before looking over at the other men that watched your conversation with amusement.  You slowly sucked on the spoon to get all the sauce off while you thought. You didn’t notice, but all four eyes glinted.  “Childhood bully, foster parents...” You hummed, letting the spork go with a pop, Jungkook’s eyes were darker than before. “Something sad and tragic.” You shrugged and looked back at your can.  Everyone was silent for a while, and when you looked up Jungkook blinked a couple of times.  “My older brother and I had a fight over who was going to play on the computer, I lost. I have no sad childhood story, I had a pretty amazing childhood and my parents were the fucking best.” He said putting down the can and taking his flask.  “Were? Are they...?” You questioned, and he shook his head.  “No, but they think I am, have for the past few years.” Jungkook looked at you and shrugged.  “Oh, I’m sorry.” You said focusing back on your can, where you played with the food. “Can I know why?” You asked, and it was Hoseok’s turn to speak.  “Y/N, when you’re in our line of work, it’s better to not have people you care about in your life, they can easily be used as leverage.” You bit on your lower lip in understanding.  You suddenly saw Taehyung take something out of his jacket, it was a metal flask.  “Is that alcohol?” You asked and Taehyung wiggled his eyebrow, opening it and taking a swing, making a face right after.  “You think I was going to spend almost two days in the desert on a mission I don’t know if I’m gonna come back alive from and not bring alcohol?” You laughed and saw him pass it to Jungkook. He took a swing, to your surprise, making a face and you laughed.  He looked at you before passing it to Hoseok who did the same. When it got to you, you hesitated, eyes looking at Jungkook. “You’re taking meds.” He said and Taehyung scoffed.  “Oh come on Kook, it’s not like she’s going to get drunk from a few fucking swings,” Taehyung argued, taking the flask from Hoseok and shoving it in your hand. Jungkook sighed.  “You’re a bad influence, Tae.” He said, leaning back into his backpack, his legs spread open.  You took the flask and put it in your mouth, tipping it back. It tasted like brandy and not a good kind, but you didn’t complain, just allowed the burning sensations to go down your throat as you made a face.  “And you sound like her parent.” He said back, laughing.  “Oh, god, no, I used to call my father daddy when I was younger.” You joked, and the boys erupted in laughter, Jungkook chuckled. You laughed along with the boys, your eyes meeting Jungkook’s, he was looking at you with his lower lip tucked in his mouth, it made your skin buzz, the way he was looking at you and chuckle he let out when you blushed.  After a while, it started getting very cold and everyone decided it was time to call it a night. You got up and Jungkook followed you into the tent in silence.  “You know...” He started, taking out his gun and making sure it was loaded and ready to go if he needed it to be. “You look pretty when you smile.” He said it as if it was the most simple thing to say. You spun your head around to look at him. His eyes were still dark as before. Your cheeks blushed, and you looked away.  “T-thanks.” You said in a small voice, laying down on the hard floor, using your bag as a headrest. Jungkook hummed, watching as you laid. He turned off the light making everything pitch dark, the only light source was the moonlight shining through the clouds giving it all a blueish hue.  You heard him move, laying down a few inches away from you. You were shivering from the cold, your teeth hitting against one another even though you were using your jacket.  It was hard to sleep as your body shivered. You tried your best to calm your shivering, but after what seemed like half an hour, it felt pointless. Jungkook seemed to notice, his voice making you jump slightly in the darkness.  “Turn around.” He said, and you hesitated for a while before turning on your good side. Suddenly, you felt his arm come around your chest and pull you into his body; he was spooning you, your whole body flush against his and he was warm, so warm. Your shaking got a bit better, but it was still there. As you tried not to move so that he could get some rest while Yoongi took watch, his voice was just by your ear.  “Are you still cold?” He asked, something different laced in his words. You nodded, you wondered why he wasn’t shaking like you and then you remembered he must have done this a thousand times, spend the night in the desert. You jolted when you felt his hand snake it’s way inside your jacket, his rough, warm fingers caressing your skin gently, softly. The act made you unwillingly roll your hips back and Jungkook let out a huff of air, his fingers gripping your waist to hold you still.  You only then noticed that you had ground up against him, you blushed aggressively, not knowing how to apologize for it, but as you opened your mouth to speak his hand grazed the front of your stomach slowly, you gasped, clenching your stomach for how sensitive your felt. Once again, your hips rolled back into him. Suddenly, his other hand was under your head and around your mouth, your eyes opening and he was speaking again, whispering.  “Be quiet, little dove, I’m gonna get you warm.” He said in a husky voice and you melted into him from the nickname, your body betraying you as felt his hand come back and graze your back, all your hairs standing. You didn’t know why Jungkook was doing it, but you weren’t gonna ask him to stop. His touch was something you didn’t know you needed until now, and fuck did you need it. As he touched your skin, you felt the familiar dampness between your legs, a dull ache starting to grow. You turned into putty in his hands, your body reacting to the slightest of touch and he seemed to notice, he seemed to like it. You heard as his breathing started to become a little shallow, his hand only shifting from our stomach to your back, sometimes he would go further up your stomach, make you feel hope that he’d touch you anywhere sensitive, but he would come down again and back. Your hips rolled back again and this time, you felt it. The hard bulge between his legs, large and delicious. You rolled your hips back again, mind already taken over by lust. He gripped your hips, pushing himself into you and you whimpered, his other hand closing around your mouth to muffle it. You wanted to touch him, you wanted to feel how heavy he was in our hand, but he had other plans for you.  Gently, he grazed his warm fingers up your stomach, higher until he brushed the tip over one nipple. You felt just how wet you got from one simple brush of his fingers, arching your breast into his hand. His mouth was just by your ear, his breathing shallow as he explored you the way he wanted to. His lips grazed the back of your neck, but never moving. Suddenly he was grazing your nipple again, this time longer, harder. You bit down on his hand, a low moan escaping your lips before he finally massaged your breasts. You tried your best to stay quiet, silently whimpering into his hand as you rest your head back on him, it felt so good; he was so good with his hand on your breasts, you could only imagine how good he was somewhere else. And as if he could read your mind, his hand started tracing lower, lower, lower until he breached the hem of your pants. The anticipation was agonizing as you couldn’t see him, only feel. As he grazed his fingers lower, he didn’t hesitate. Hand coming down to slowly cup your heat, your legs parted a little, your body moving and you could almost face him now, but he still didn’t allow you to, the touch of his hand over your core was making small electric shocks go all through your body and when he pushed two fingers to breach your lips and bring them up your folds to your clit, you moaned and he cursed.  “Fuck...” He cursed in a whisper. “You’re fucking soaked.” His lips were on your ear. You couldn’t speak, mind hazy on how desperate you were for him to touch you. Suddenly your back was shoved to the ground, the hand over your mouth beside your head and the other still on your core. You opened your eyes, looking up at him. His eyes were dark, so dark that they could eat you alive. You were flushed, eyes but slits, lips humid and swollen from how much you were biting on them, and the whole picture was making Jungkook lose it. He once again slid his fingers between your lips, from your quivering hole up to your clit and your mouth hung open, no sound coming out. You knew better than to let the others know what you two were doing in there. Jungkook started rubbing gentle circles on your clit, shushing you when he heard you whimper. Your legs opened wider to give him more access, he watched your every reaction, the way your chest rose and fell, your hole clenched around nothing, he knew he was making you feel good. The delicious way he rubbed you was haunting, you were so sensitive and deprived that you already felt a trace of an orgasm in the back of your mind. Jungkook bit his lower lips, trying to contain his own groan, his erection painfully hard in his pants, and when he slid back down and pushed two fingers in gently you arched your back, he leaned down, resting on his elbow as he put his hand over your mouth.  Having him over your body like that was a lot, maybe too much, and the way he was mere inches from your covered lips made you want to kiss him. He started a slow pace of his fingers, in and out, curling as they went out and rubbing at your sweet spot, again and again, his thumb rubbed circles in your clit as he slowly fucked you with his fingers. Your hands came up to grab onto the arm around your mouth, fingers digging into them. He hissed, resting his forehead on yours, eyes never looking away. When you started clenching, you felt your orgasm approach you at an impending speed; he noticed, biting harder on his lower lip.  “I got you, little dove, let go.” He said, and you rolled your eyes back, hips moving along with his rhythm. Soon enough your eyes flashed white. The tingling sensation started from the tip of your toes and rolled in a rush all the way through your body, an electric shock that made you clench violently around his fingers and arch your back into him. You couldn’t control your sounds, whimpering wildly into his hand, he pressed his palm down harder, his head diving into your neck to try to muffle your sounds. He rode it out, his pace slow and gently and when your breathing started getting regular again, he pulled his fingers out, leaning back on his elbow, his eyes trained on your hazy post-orgasm ones. You looked at him with bliss in your eyes, cheeks flushed and a fucked out expression that he took a mental picture of. He brought his cum-soaked fingers up and into his mouth, your mouth opening up in a gasp and his brows furrowing in sweet, sweet torture. As he sucked his fingers clean, he leaned his other hand back down, one on each side of your face. You two were in silence, eyes locked. He eyes your body once, sighing in satisfaction before looking back at you.  “Time to sleep.” He said when he noticed you were no longer shivering. You blinked a couple of times before he moved back to his spot, pulling your body into his like before.  You wanted to help him with his erection; you knew he had one; you had felt it; you whined, and he shushed you, making you go quiet. “You’re warm now, sleep.” Even if you thought you would never be able to fall asleep after that, you proved yourself wrong when you were fast asleep not even ten minutes later.  When you woke up, the sun was starting to rise. Your eyes fluttered, you were on your back looking up at the tent ceiling and you turned your face to the side where another face looked back at you.  “Hi there,” Yoongi said, smiling at you. It seemed innocent, but deep down it also had something with it, almost like a teasing tone. As you smiled back at him and got up, you felt a weird dampness between your legs and everything came rushing back. Your eyes slightly bulged and your cheeks flushed, you had let Jungkook finger you yesterday, not just that, you had let Jungkook finger you and give you a mind-blowing orgasm just with that, his fingers. You got up in a rush, grabbing your things and leaving the tent. “Good morning to you too,” Yoongi yelled from inside.  On the outside was the rest of the unit. Hoseok was packing the portable stove and Taehyung was working on undoing the tent. Your eyes searched for Jungkook and you saw him, sitting on a rock, shirtless, said shirt around his head as he checked the rifles. His eyes met yours for a split second and you looked away.  “Morning, did you sleep well?” Hoseok asked while he walked in your direction. The question seemed genuine.  “Y-yeah, very well, you?” You asked, stuttering as you played with the strap of your backpack.  “Meh, you know, as well you can sleep on the hard floor.” He shrugged.  You glanced at Jungkook, his eyes on you for a split second before his attention was on the guns again.  You needed to distract yourself. Walking towards Taehyung, you decided to help him with the tents. After you had helped Taehyung and everything was packed, Jungkook approached you all.  “Ok, we’re moving out.” His voice was hard and stern, and he barely acknowledged you.  You all walked in silence, a very awkward silence. Taehyung in front, Jungkook behind him, you in the middle and Yoongi and Hoseok came after. You couldn’t help look up at Jungkook, his bare back flexing now and then as he moved. God, why was he so attractive? It made everything harder. You came to the conclusion that God had given you a force task unit from hell. Devil-like killer supermodels. You hated god.  As you walked for the next few hours, no one spoke and as much as it wasn’t an unusual thing for you all to be quiet, after what had happened during the night, you were overthinking a lot.  The quiet spell was broken by no other than Yoongi.  “So, Y/N, you seem pretty well rested.” He said with a teasing tone to his voice. You looked back at him, brows furrowed.  “Yoongi, shut up,” You heard Jungkook spit out, but he didn’t look back.  ”What? I’m just asking her an innocent question” He raised an eyebrow and smirked.  “I slept pretty well, I guess I was tired.” You said, still walking.  “Oh? So, you probably must have blown out some steam, huh?” He teased and this time Jungkook stopped walking. Looking back at the white-haired man.  “Yoongi, I swear if you don’t shut the fuck up, I’m going to shoot you in the foot.” Jungkook had his teeth clenched. The whole unit stopped walking.  “Is there something I’m missing?” Hoseok piped in.  Yoongi looked at him and back at Jungkook.  “I don’t know, Hobi, why don’t you ask lover boy over there.” Yoongi teased.  “Oh my god.” You groaned and put both hands over your face. Of course, Yoongi had heard you.  “What the fuck are you talking about, Yoongi?” It was Taehyung’s turn to question.  “Oh, come on, we’re all adults here, no need to act like a teenager and pretend you two didn’t fuck yesterday,” Yoongi said looking from Jungkook to you.  “Wait, you fucked her?” Hoseok asked, a lopsided smile on his face.  You didn’t know where to hide.  “I did not fuck her,” Jungkook argued.  “Jungkook, if your dick was inside her, you fucked her.” Yoongi nodded.  “Yoongi, oh my god, shut up.” It was your turn to speak. Eyes bulged, cheeks red.  “I heard you two!” He spat back at you and Jungkook.  “We did not fuck!” You said.  “Oh, so you’re telling me I didn’t hear her orgasm last night?” You once again hid your face in your hand. Taehyung and Hoseok amused by the whole thing.  Jungkook was silent. You looked back at him, waiting for him to deny it. He never did.  Yoongi opened his mouth in surprise you opened yours in outrage.  “Listen, I never said I didn’t make her cum, just that I didn’t fuck her.” Jungkook shrugged.  “Jungkook!” You yelled at him.  “What? A man gloats about his battles and his victories.” He smirked at you. Smirked. It was quiet as you gave Jungkook an outraged look.  “How d’you do it?” An unknown voice spoke and suddenly everyone moved, the sound of guns from the four men with you arming and ready to fire. When you looked at the owner of the voice he was covered in a camouflage outfit, one that would allow him to lay in the sand and not be seen. He didn’t even flinch at the guns pointed at him, instead, ignoring them. “Tongue?” He asked, and the men slowly rolled their eyes, putting the guns away with grunts and curses.  You looked around at them in confusion and back at the stranger.  “Fingers,” Jungkook answered, wiggling his fingers in the air. Your head spinning in his direction.  “Hot.” The short man smiled. He was blond, features soft, almost innocent. And dammit, he was gorgeous. One more to the Devil-like killer agenda.  “Shut up, Jimin, you just got here, you’re not entitled to details,” Yoongi said. Oh, so this was Jimin.  “I’m entitled to any information if I’m going to allow your stinky ass into my bunker.” He crossed his arms. You wondered why he was in the middle of the desert, but pushed that thought away as you noticed this conversation had gone too far.  “No one is entitled to shit as long as it regards my private parts!” You finally snapped and all five heads turned to you. “Now, shut the fuck up about it before I shoot you all in the foot.” You looked at each of them, including Jungkook, that had a dark look on his face then back to Jimin. He had an amused smile on his.  “I like her, Kook.” He said and walked towards you. “Jimin.” He said, extending his hand. You took it, the irritation in you fading away slightly.  “Nice to meet you.” You said. “Oh, Yoongi, Hoseok, and Taehyung all bet that you’d take some job, something about low pay.” He squinted, hand still shaking yours as he looked around at the men. The three mentioned looking at you with outrage.  ”What are my odds?" He asked, eyebrows rising in curiosity. “Two to one.” You said, and he finally let go of your hand.  “Thanks for the tip.” He winked at you, walking back a few steps and tapping his foot twice on the sand. Only it made a metallic sound. You furrowed your brows in confusion. A hatch was lifted, and the men started moving, Jungkook passed you, turning his head in your direction. “Come on.” Was all he said as he went down the stairs.  Red Hawk was a bunker. But not just any bunker, it was a large military bunker with several armed soldiers and high technology equipment.  “Jesus, is there a war I’m unaware of?” You questioned more to yourself, but Jimin looked back at you as he walked down the low lit hallway.  “There is always a war where there is money involved.” He said.  You didn’t say anything, you were well aware that money was the main cause of war. You tried your best; you convince your father not to be one of those presidents. “How long are you staying and what do you need?” Jimin asked and Jungkook looked around at the men that stared back at the group of strangers walking down the hallway.  “Twenty-four hours and we need a car and ammo, the bullets Taehyung’s connection gave us are rusty, pretty sure they’re from the fifties,” Jungkook spoke.  “Hey, don’t complain,” Taehyung said. “It’s a humble town and mine are marked.” “Whatever.” Jungkook clapped back. “Ok, I have four rooms, one for her and the other tree for the rest, Yoongi and Hobi can share,” Jimin said, turning at the end of the hallway, walking into another one.  “No, she doesn’t stay alone,” Jungkook said, and Jimin stopped walking, looking back at him.  “Just stay with her,” Jimin said, a smile tugged on his lips. “Not like you two aren’t familiar with each other, anyway.”  Jungkook rolled his eyes as he showed you all the rooms, Taehyung and Yoongi went into their own, talking about how they needed showers and rest.  You got into yours; it was a simple bed, a table and a chair and a bathroom, the bathroom had a tower, a shower on the wall that had nothing around, a toilet and a sink. Looking around, you stepped in; you left your bag on the bed, watching as Jungkook spoke to Jimin and Hoseok lingered by their side.  “Do you trust your men?” Jungkook questioned, and Jimin sighed.  “You know damn well that I don’t trust anyone other than the seven,” Jimin answered. You tried not to eavesdrop, but it seemed rather hard when the matter was your safety.  “Ok, we keep watch around the hours, she doesn’t stay alone for a second with anyone other than us,” Jungkook ordered and Hoseok nodded. Jimin looked back at you and you looked away.  “How much are they paying you?” He asked, brows furrowed. Jungkook looked at him, a weird look on his face.  “I owed Philip.” He said and Jimin raised an eyebrow.  “But this isn’t about Philip anymore, is it?” He questioned, arms crossing over his chest.  Hoseok was the one that shook his head, Jimin let out a surprised chuckle. Jungkook didn’t answer. He shuffled on his feet in discomfort.  “Well, that settles it for me, if she’s a priority to you, she’s a priority to me,” no questions asked, Jimin said and Jungkook sighed, shoulders relaxing.  “Thanks, Chim, I owe you one,” Jungkook said lower, hand resting on the man’s shoulder.  “I’ll go arrange the things for tomorrow, we should go shoot after at the ring, catch up.” He said and Jungkook nodded.  As Hoseok went to his room, and Jungkook entered yours you avoided looking at him.  Not only were you still embarrassed about what had happened the night before, but you were also irritated that he had talked about it with the boys while you were right there.  “Are you hungry?” He questioned, you didn’t answer him while you took your clothes out of the bag, shoving it out. “Thirsty?” Once again you didn’t answer. “Come on, Y/N, are you going to give me the silent treatment?” He leaned against the door, arms crossed in front of him. It seemed familiar. You finally looked at him, his strong arms crossed over his chest, his rough fingers just resting there. You gulped.  “Yes.” Was all you answered as you looked back at your things.  “Look, if I didn’t play along they wouldn’t drop it, it was better this way, trust me,” Jungkook said and you looked at him again, irritation written all over your face.  “I don’t care about being teased by grown men acting like teenagers, Jungkook, I care that they all know I allowed you to finger fuck me in a tent in the middle of the fucking desert like a horny teenager while there is a price on my head.” You spat at him.  Jungkook was quiet for a while. He took a few steps into the room, you side-eyed him as he got closer. When he stopped just a few inches from you, you couldn’t ignore just how hard it was to breathe. The warmth radiating from his body brought back just how good you had felt the night before. He lifted his hand, touching your chin and turning your face towards him. “You’re cute when you act like a prude...” He whispered, lips too close for your sanity. “But you look even better when you cum.”  You whimpered. Body betraying you, as it was now very well addicted to Jungkook. The noise seemed to please Jungkook, a smirk showing on his lips.  “Take a shower, little dove, you need to change your bandages.” His voice was still laced with the same velvet it was before. Hypnotizing. You swallowed, eyes low while your tongue darted out to wet your lips, you nodded. “Good girl.” He let go of your chin, stepping away while he walked towards the door and closed it. He turned around, walking back and sitting on the chair across from you. You turned to him, lower lip stuck between your teeth. If he was going to play games with you, you could easily play along. You tugged off your jacket, eyes trained on him, he looked at you dangerously before you gripped the hem of your shirt and pulled it off, your bare breasts bouncing slightly, Jungkook inhaled, he had seen you bare before, but this time you wanted him to and he knew it. Pushing off your boots, you slowly pushed your camo pants down, allowing them to pool at your feet. You were now in your underwear and nothing else, only the bandages that wrapped around your thigh. Slowly, you stepped out of the pants and walked to him, his legs spread open as he leaned back in the chair. You stopped right between them, waiting.  Jungkook didn’t need to be told what to do as his hand snaked up your bare thigh and stopped at the base of the bandages, a shiver erupted through your body, slowly he started unwrapped you, agonizingly slow and you watched as your breath picked up, a heat going through your body. When he was done, he let the wraps drop to the floor, his hand resting on the side of your thigh. You stood there, still, eyes glossy and mind hazy as you had no control over how much you wanted him to touch you. Jungkook looked up at you, his eyes blown out as he saw your perked nipples. He rested both hands on each side of your legs, bringing them up slowly as he watched you. You bit down on your lower lip as a shiver went through your body, Hooking a finger on each side of your underwear he slowly pulled it down, noticing how the fabric stuck to your already damp folds, he shook his head as if he couldn’t believe his eyes as he helped you step out of them. He caressed your skin, his palms on your bare thighs as he memorized each curve. He pulled you in, making you straddle him as he sat you down on his lap, his lips hovering over yours and his eyes trained on them. He snuck a hand up, brushing the hair off your face.  “Do you need help in the shower, little dove?” His husky voice questioned, whispered. You nodded, and he nodded along, your hips starting to move on their own slightly.  “How could I ever say no to you,” He grazed his nose against yours, making you whine.  ”What is it, little dove, what do you want?" He cooed, hand caressing down our side, over your bare ass, going back down your thigh.  “K-kiss me, Jungkook.” You whispered, desperately.  Jungkook thought for a few seconds before he closed the gap between your lips.  His lips were warm, soft, molding to yours perfectly. Butterflies erupted in your stomach when you felt his tongue come out, you opened your mouth, allowing him to take control and deepen the kiss. It was hot all of a sudden, hotter than the desert. Kissing Jungkook was like fire, little explosions going on inside you simultaneously. The kiss got hungrier, his fingers digging into your skin as he pulled you in harder, breathy whimpers and low groans escaping the two of you, Suddenly he got up with you in his lap, walking into the bathroom without ever breaking the kiss. When the water hit your back you jolted in surprise, gasping into his mouth and he took the opportunity to bring his mouth down to your neck, kissing and sucking on your skin gently while you two got soaked in water. Jungkook’s clothes stuck to his body as he pressed you against the wall of the open bathroom. Holding your legs, he pressing your body against the wall, his hips rolled into your core, you moaned at the feeling.  “It’s like you want them to hear.” He said, smirking against your neck, you bit your lower lip, trying to hold in your moans. “Is that what you want? Do you want them to hear how I make you feel?” You whined again, unable to answer. The friction from his wet clothes against your core was making you ache. Jungkook let go of one of your legs, snaking his hand in between your bodies, two fingers sliding between your folds.  “Fuck, you’re soaked and I barely touched you, little dove.” He whispered against your ear. A loud whimper escaping you as you felt his fingers where you needed him the most. Throwing your head back against the wall, Jungkook pulled back, looking at you. He slid both fingers inside of you slowly, watching your eyes roll back and your mouth hang open, sinful whimpers leaving you. “You have no idea how bad I wanted to fuck you yesterday.” He admitted, between labored breathing. “So tight, clenching around my fingers so hard, must feel amazing to have you wrapped around my cock.” He trusted his fingers hard into you and you arched against them. You wanted to, you wanted to feel him inside of you, god you were desperate to.  “Jungkook.” You whined, feeling his fingers going in and out of you torturously.  “What is it, baby? Talk to me, little dove.” He cooed again.  “Please fuck me.” You begged, the coil in your gut so close to snapping. Jungkook didn’t need to be told twice as he slowly took his fingers out of you. The emptiness made you whimper. He shoves his soaking pants down only slightly, pulling his hard, veiny cock out. You looked down, watching him pump a few times, mouth watering and walls clenching. He was big, girthy, and you were anxious to feel him inside of you. He teased, sliding his cock between your lips and back, his whole length rubbing against your clit. When you squirmed in his hold, he was done teasing.  Jungkook aligned his tip with your entrance, grabbing onto both your hands and holding them above your head, his forehead resting against yours. The water that dripped down his soaked hair made him look even more breathtaking. Slowly he breached your lips, tip entering you torturously slow. Your eyes rolled back as he filled you up until he bottomed out, the stretch a lot more hard to take than his fingers, a groan left him as he furrowed his brows in pleasure. He was still for a while, allowing you to adjust to him, his eyes barely open as he himself was drunk with lust. He started a slow pace, hands gripping your wrists tight against the wall, hips grinding upwards into you as he watched the look of pure pleasure on your face, his mouth slightly open, you clenched hard around him, a groan escaping him as he bucked into you hard, hips snapping. You moaned, high pitched at the feeling of him going so deep inside of you.  He picked up his pace, fucking you so deliciously you didn’t know how long you’d last, he couldn’t go too fast otherwise, he’d hurt you, but he was good at controlling his movements.  “You feel so fucking good, so fucking addicting.” He spoke between breathy groans. “It’s like this pussy was made just for me.” He added.  As you clenched hard at his words, Jungkook lost his cool, letting go of your hands and holding your body again, hips snapping up at an unforgiving pace. You were gone, the feeling of him going in and out of you, the stretch so good, feeling so full, you felt the first sign of your orgasm, whimper picking up.  Jungkook seemed to notice as you started to feel tighter around him. He ground into you again and again, hitting that sweet spot that made you finally snap. Squirming and shaking around him, your orgasm hit you hard, Jungkook held on to your body to try to keep you steady but the violent clenching around his length was too much for him, he stilled inside of you, his release spilling out and painting your walls as he came with a throaty groan, his lips crashing into yours to kiss you messily. As you both came down from your high, Jungkook pulled out and gently placed you on the floor, only then noticing the blood dripping down your leg.  “Fuck..” He cursed. “I’m sorry.” You chuckled, still hazy from your high, He pulled his soaked pants back up.  “It’s ok, it doesn’t hurt.” You said in a small voice, Jungkook looked at you, a satisfied yet small smile on his lips, he leaned in, kissing you softly and taking your breath away. “Clean up, I’ll ask Jimin if he can get someone to look at it.” You nodded, drunk on his taste.  Jungkook gave you another kiss, hesitant to leave, but he did, clothes soaking wet as he made his way out of the bathroom.  You finished your shower, now and then blushing and biting your lip at the memory of what had just happened. You couldn’t deny the massive crush you had developed for him. Heart fluttering like a teenage girl at the thought. After you finished, you wrapped yourself in the towel and left the bathroom, blood still sliding down your leg, outside you were met with Hoseok, he had a teasing grin on his lips.  You tried to hide your blush, but he didn’t let that slide.  “Now you can’t deny that you two fucked.” He teased.  “Oh, bite me, Hoseok.” You rolled your eyes as you took your clothes and went back to the bathroom, hearing him laugh as you closed the door.  You tried your best to clean the blood, but it stubbornly dripped down your thigh, ruining the towel and your clothes. Eventually, you got out, the door to the room open as Jimin, Hoseok, and Jungkook spoke, Jungkook was wearing dry clothes now, black cargo pants ad boots and a black shirt that hugged his body perfectly. He looked so fucking hot. Jungkook looked at you as you approached. “Jimin and Hoseok are going to take you to the medical center they have here, make sure your wound is closed and healing, I have to take care of a few things it’ll take about half an hour and we can go have some food,” You were still blushing, cheeks slightly red as you nodded at him, he brought one hand up to put a lock of hair behind your ear, a soft smile on his lips.  “I’ll be back before you know it.” He said, and you smiled at him.  “Ok.” You said, and he walked away, leaving you, Hoseok, and Jimin in awkward silence.  “So, they fucked,” Jimin said, Hoseok nodded.  “Yep.” He let out.  “Shut up.” You spat at both of them.  Jimin and Hoseok lead you to the medical center, it was more like a small room with a medical stretcher and medical supplies. Inside was a woman.  “This is Ashe. She did four years of medical school before she joined the army, then joined us. She’s going to take a look at your wound, Hoseok will stay here with you, I have to go meet up with Jungkook.” You nodded at them and looked back at her.  “Hi,” You said shyly.  “Hey, you must be Raven.” She smiled back at you. You nodded. “Where is the wound?” She questioned. “Back of my left thigh, yeah, I think it opened, doesn’t stop bleeding.” You informed her, she nodded, walking back to a surgery table and putting on some gloves.  “Can you take off your pants and lie down on the stretcher, please?” She asked, and you looked at Hoseok. He rolled his eyes before he closed the door to give you some privacy.  As you shoved your pants down and let it hang on a chair, you got on the stretcher, turning on your side.  Ashe hissed when she saw the wound. “This looks painful.” She said, and you chuckled.  “I’m starting to get used to it.”  “How’d this happen?” She sounded curious as she prepared some cotton to clean the wound.  “I was shot.” Was all you answered.  “Yeah, I can tell, looks like you were running when it happened.” You hummed, not wanting to give away too much information, even if Ashe seemed nice. She started cleaning your wound. It still hurt like hell, but less now. You only hissed at the pain. Body cringing as you bit on your palm to try to make the pain bearable.  After what seemed like twenty minutes, she spoke.  “So, how is it you have the most dangerous men in charge of your security?” She asked, she was sowing your wound shut, eyes focused. You knew you shouldn’t talk about it, so you made something up.  “I’m paying them very well.” You said, and she scoffed, getting up.  It took you a few seconds to notice when she locked the door. The handle turning as outside, Hoseok also noticed.  “Yeah, I’m pretty sure they’re being paid very fucking well.” Ashe’s voice changed significantly in intention.  “Raven!” Hoseok shouted outside.  “What are you doing?” You asked as you sat up, crawling back and trying to get a good distance between the two of you. She looked at the surgery tray, all types of sharp scalpels before she took one.  “Retiring.” She said before she began to close the distance between the two of you, you screamed Jungkook’s name, throwing at her anything you could find behind you. That only detoured her for a few seconds, as you could hear Hoseok trying to bring the door down. As she launched herself forward on top of you, you rolled to the side, dropping to the floor and kicking the stretcher on her. She stumbled back but quickly jumped over it. You crawled back until you had your back against the wall. She walked in your direction, calmed, as now she could get to you with no trouble. As she stopped in front of you, she crouched down. This was it, you were going to die.  First, three shots were heard. She turned her face towards the door as it swung open, turning to you and stabbing the scalpel on your shoulder. You screamed in pain and next, one last shot, the blood splattering all around you and on you; you opened your eyes to see her head half-open, eyes void of any life as she lolled to the side and fell. Your hand came shakily up to your face and to where the scalpel was stabbed into your skin, there were silent tears rolling down your eyes as you shook violently, there was blood all over, yours, hers. And your view was blurry. You looked up; you saw all five of them, and the one with the gun still pointed at where the woman used to be, Jungkook. Suddenly, you felt weak, so, so weak and tired. Your eyes fluttered.  “Jungko...” You didn’t finish before you were losing consciousness, and everything was dark.  You remember regaining consciousness a few times; the men shouting at each other, Yoongi holding a towel over your wound. Then another memory, you in Jungkook’s arms as they rushed you through the hallways, you looked up at him; him looking down at you, something so desperate in his eyes that it gave you sorrow. The other memory gave you Deja Vu, the sound of a helicopter, you looking out the window and seeing the sky, the sun setting on the horizon, you could hear Jungkook’s voice but couldn’t find him, you made out the words “You have to live.” Then it was all black again.

Sanctuary -Chapter 54

Warnings: none

Tagging: @c-a-v-a-l-r-y​, @alievans007​, @thordoodaday​, @innerpaperexpertcloud​, @valkyrie-of-the-light​

“You know, I should really beat the shit out of you.”

Tyler glances up from his cell phone as his brother in law joins him on the front porch. He'd only woken up a half an hour before; hair still messy, sleep still clouding his vision, brain still slightly foggy. The lingering effects of jet lag and his body still getting used to being back on the meds. It's four thirty in afternoon and he feels as if he could sleep forever. And while Nik's security people patrol the perimeter of the property and the women have headed into town to grab groceries, he'd retreated to the front porch; a cup of steaming black coffee sitting on one side of him,  and the roughly sketched out New Zealand plans (along with a bright yellow highlighter and a pen) on the other.  For the time being he's focused on returning the many text messages that Ovi and Nathan -the young Marine- have sent him. New Zealand is still very much up in the air; he hasn't made his mind up yet one way or the other, but promised Yaz and the others that he'd at least look things over.

He smirks, then looks back down at his phone.  “You can try if you want, mate. But I don't suggest it. Not if you know what's good for you.”

Tyler wouldn't go as far as calling them friends; close acquaintances, maybe. They talked on occasion; Kyle was the only member of Esme's entire family that wanted anything to do with him and had always been willing to give him a chance, even right from the get go when he'd wandered into their lives as the complete stranger who'd (in Esme's mother's words), 'stole her away from them'.  Kyle had argued that his sister was a grown woman who was more than capable of making her own decisions when it came to what -and who- she wanted, and in turn that had ostracized him from most of his family. He didn't give a shit; in the same way Tyler didn't give a shit whether they liked him or what. And they'd bonded over that, along with the fact they both loved her and the kids.

But friends is stretching it.  He's an immensely private person; he doesn't even like the people who are considered friends knowing his business.

“Want one?” Kyle asks, as he taps Tyler in the shoulder with the six pack of beer that dangles in his hand.

He shakes his head. “I told my wife I wouldn't drink anymore. I meant it.”  He couldn't control it when he did; one would turn into two and two into half a dozen and pretty soon he was close to polishing over a case of twenty four on his own and was drunk off his ass. He'd been sober for a year and a half following Dhaka; the time in the hospital and all the rehab had him getting clean and sober. But he'd gone back on the job and the things he started both seeing and doing again had been too much to handle and booze had been a lot better than going back to the drugs.  Or at least in his mind it had been.

“Things were getting out of hand?” Kyle takes a seat beside him on the top step.

“You could say that.”

“Guess it's probably best to avoid it when you're on meds anyway.”

It's a casual comment; thrown out there to see if it will get a reaction from Tyler.  It doesn't.  All he gives is a simple, “Guess so”, and takes a sip of his coffee.  

Kyle takes a swig of his beer, then leans forward and picks up the pieces of paper that sit on the step below them; briefly scanning them, a frown on his face.

“None of your fucking business,” Tyler says before his brother in law can even ask, and he snatches the papers from Kyle's hand and places them beside him, underneath his coffee mug and cell phone. “If you're here to bust my balls about something, I'm not in the mood.”

“She's my sister.”

“Yeah? Well she's my wife.”

“Your pregnant wife,” Kyle points out. “And you're seriously thinking about going and doing this? Whatever the hell is going down in New Zealand?”

“Like I said, not your fucking business.”

“She is my business. She's my kid sister. It doesn't matter if she's married to you or not.  I still have the right to protect her. To want what's best for her.”

“And you think I do that? Protect her? You think I don't want what's best for her?”

“How is leaving her here to go back to work what's best for her? When you know that she's not doing well and that there could be problems with the baby? How is that what's best for Esme? Don't you think it will just stress her out even more? Worrying about you? That's definitely not what she needs. Or what this baby needs.”

“Since when did you become a goddamn expert on what your sister needs? You think just coming around here once or twice a month means you know anything about her? I've been with her for five and a half years. I think I've got a little more experience in what's best for her.”

“Which is why you took off when she was having the twins right? When she was having all those problems and you still took off.”

“I know you think it was some kind of easy decision. And that I'm a selfish asshole for making it, but I had to make a hard call when it came to taking care of my family.  Your mother isn't handing us all kinds of cash like she does with all the others. She doesn't even remember when the kids' birthdays are. I actually have to work. And I had a wife and a little girl to take care of, two kids on the way, and I had to pay a mortgage, put food on the table, pay the bills. You think I wanted to leave? I had to leave. I did it because I didn't have a fucking choice. And you can go back and tell your mother that. Because I bet that's not the version she tells everyone. Her version is me just up and abandoning my pregnant wife and my little girl. And that's not how it happened. Far from it.”

“But why this job? Why this kind of thing? Why not something else? Anything else?”

“Because I'm fucking good at it, that's why.”

“Maybe it's the kind of life for a single guy. Maybe when you didn't have a wife and kids it seemed like the ideal thing to do. But why now? When you have so much to lose? Why would want to even take that chance? That you might not come back and you'll leave her with four kids? Soon it'll be fine. Why would you want that for her? For them?”

“Look, I've been doing this job a long time. Before I even met your sister. I met her because of the job. She knew who I was. What I was. And she made the decision to stick around. She said yes when I asked her to marry me. Knowing what kind of life she was getting into. And let's not pretend she's completely innocent in all of this. Do you know what she used to do? And if you say she was into a business, I will honestly punch you in the fucking face.”

“She told me. That she was into intel.”

“Do you know the kind of people that she helped bring down? The kind of people she went up against? That she lied to and played and conned? She's who would lead guys like me to the bad guys. Not just bad guys. Horrible guys.  Guys that hurt innocent people. Women and children, even. If it wasn't for her, guys like me wouldn't even have a body count or a payout. So let's not pretend that she wasn't in this life too.”

“But she gave it up. After what happened to you in Bangladesh.”

“She didn't have to. She did that willingly. Your sister doesn't do anything that's not her idea, trust me.”

“To stay there and take care of you,” Kyle points out.

“And she didn't have to do that either. But she did. And I'm glad she did. Because if she hadn't, we wouldn't have Millie. Or the boys. Or the baby we're having now. Where the fuck are you going with all this? How is this any of your business to begin with?”

“She's my sister.”

“I don't fucking care. She's my wife. I think that takes precedence, don't you. Look, I know you love her and I know you want to protect her. And you're a good brother and you're a great uncle. But don't stick your nose in my business. Our business.  I don't let your mother do it and I'm not letting you do it. No matter how much I like you.”

“I'm just worried about her. And the baby.”

“And I'm not? I didn't just come back all the way from Ireland to make sure their okay? Fuck off, Kyle. I'm not in the mood for this shit. I'm tired, I'm sore, I've got a lot of shit on my plate. I appreciate that you're here for her and I don't care if you stick around, just stay out of our business.”

“So are you?”

“Am I what? Tired of your twenty fucking questions? Yeah, I am, actually.”

His cell phone vibrates next to him; another text from Ovi.  And he picks it up to read and return it, hoping his brother in law will take the hint that this conversation is officially over.  He'd told Ovi that he needed to stall for a couple days; not to return to Colorado until he knew for sure if he was going back to New Zealand or not. He didn't want the kids coming home, discovering that he was there, and then having their hearts broken when he left again.”

“Are you going to New Zealand?” Kyle presses.

“I don't know. I haven't made up my mind yet.”

“You really think you should?”

“What I think is that you need to mind your own business. This has nothing to do with you. It's a decision I'm going to make, with my wife.  So drop it, yeah? Worry more about yourself and less about me.”

“I'm worried about my sister.”

Tyler sighs. “And so am I, mate. Which is why I came home and which is why I'm going to talk about this with her. Not you. Her.”

“Just tell me who you do this. I'm not talking about New Zealand. I'm talking about this in general. This kind of job.”

“Like I said, I'm good at it. What more do you need to know?”

“How'd you even get into this? Why not just stay in the military and...”

“We're not close enough for me to get into all the depressing and fucked up reasons why I started doing what I do. Or how I ended up as messed up as I am. I got into the job, I stayed in it, end of story.”

“And my sister just willingly stayed. Even knowing what you do. That you kill people.”

“I didn't hold a gun to her, did I? So yeah. She's willingly stayed. And when this is over...this job...I'm done. For good. And she knows that. She told me I had to choose and that's actually what I did. I chose her. And my kids. Now is there anything else you want to ask me or are you done pissing me off now?”

“Just tell me one thing...”

Tyler smirks. “That was actually a rhetorical question, mate.”

“If you love her as much as you claim you do, why get her involved in this in the first place? Why didn't you just cut her loose? When you woke up in the hospital and found out that she'd given up everything for you, why didn't you just tell her to go back home? To leave you alone? Why'd you let her stay?”

“What kind of fucking question is that? Because I was in love her, that's why. And I didn't want her to leave.”

“Do you realize how selfish that is? You know how screwed up this life would be for her. How hard it would be. How dangerous it would be. Why would you want that for her? I get that you guys found out she was having Millie. But that should have been an even bigger reason to let her go. Bring her and a baby into all of this?”

“You know what, you're overstepping big time here. Your sister had the choice. She could have left. She didn't go.”

“How hard did you try to convince her? Because something tells me if wasn't hard enough or she would have been on the next flight home. Why would you do that to her? Let her stay. Knowing what her life would be like?”

“Your sister and I have had a good life. We've had our issues. I'm not denying that. But our life together has been pretty good. It's been fucking amazing at times. So you need to back off and leave us alone. Let us be married, let us raise our kids together, grow old together. What does it matter what happened five and a half years ago? She chose to stay. End of story.”

“And you chose to let her life like this. The constant stress, the worry, the fear. And for what? Because you love her? If you loved her, you never would have wanted to get her involved in all of this. You wouldn't have let her. It's fucking selfish and you know it.”

“We're done here.” Tyler says, and gathering up the empty mug and stack of papers, stands up, knee cracking noisily. “I don't owe you an explanation. I love your sister. More than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. And if that makes me a selfish fuck, then I guess that's what I have to live with..  But don't come to my house and start this shit. You've got the wrong guy to pull this crap with. Why don't you go back to worrying about what Nik is up to. Go and jerk off some more while thinking about her. Whatever will keep you out of my business.”

“You know,” Kyle calls after him. “You can be a real dick.”

Tyler doesn't respond; the screen door slamming shut behind him.

****

They sit on the front porch swing; sun long set, a gentle breeze rustling the tree tops.  She lays on her back, covered in an old tattered plaid blanket, head in his lap, his hand a familiar yet still welcome weight as it rests on her stomach,  his one foot moving the seat back and forth. It's nice to have this; something normal and familiar. Even when everything around them seems anything but.

“The nurse said if I'm still keeping everything down tomorrow, I can get this stupid thing taken out,” Esme comments, her nose crinkled in disgust as she holds up the hand with IV in it. “Fuck this thing.”

“You're supposed to keep it flat,” Tyler scolds, and lifts his hand from her stomach long enough to take hold of her wrist and bring her hand down onto her body. “So air doesn't get into it and the line doesn't get fucked up.”

“Well if the line gets fucked, they'll just have to take it out sooner. Or maybe you can. You pulled your own at least a half a dozen times when you were in the hospital. So technically, you'd be able to take mine out, right?”

“That's a no,” he says, and lays his hand on her forearm, opting not to put the pressure and weight on the IV site. “It's there for a reason,” he reminds her.

“I haven't puked all day,” she points out.

“And that's good and I'm proud of you, but it has to stay. Until at least tomorrow when we go and see the doctor. It's his decision. Not mine. And definitely not yours.”

“While we're there we can ask him to clarify the sex thing. I'm sure he would have told me if I couldn't.”

“He said to avoid things that get your blood pressure up. I'm pretty sure that means sex is a no.”

“I'm surprised you're so agreeable. Knowing how intense your sex drive is.”

“It's better to be safe than sorry, yeah? Now shut up about sex.”

She laughs. “Nice poker face. It's bothering you more than you're letting on. You're good. You seem so clam and neutral about things. Inside you're dying, aren't you?”

“Maybe just a little.”

She stares at him pointedly.

“Okay, maybe a lot. We're not used to having to take things easy. We didn't even take things that easy after the kids were born. So yeah, I'm feeling it. Can you blame me? My wife is the most beautiful, insanely sexy woman on the planet.”

“Baby, you're so biased.”

“Maybe,” he grins. “But it doesn't make it less true.”

She smiles, and he leans down to kiss her softly.

“For what it's worth,” she says. “I'm dying too. Because my hormones are just going crazy and I am so horny for you right now.”

“Just now?”

“All the time,” she giggles. “And it's like that when I'm not pregnant. And now it's ten times as bad. And you talk about having to take cold showers.  I should go just go and sit in the freezer to save water.'

He chuckles at that, then kisses her once more. Longer this time, but no less soft and tender, his eyes on hers as lays his free hand on the top of her head, thumb repeatedly brushing against her forehead.

“Don't look at me like that,” she pouts dramatically.

“Like what?”

“Like that. With your stupid blue eyes and your stupid crazy handsome face and your stupid hair falling in your eyes,” she reaches up to push the longer strands off his forehead.

Tyler grins. “I'm not allowed to look at you now?”

“Not like that.”

“I'm not looking at you any different than I do all the time.”

“Oh yes you are. You just can't tell. But I can.  There are really dirty things going through your mind right now.”

“Maybe.”

“You can hide these things from me. I know you so well. I don't know why you underestimate that all the time. I've spent five and a half years with you. I know all your different looks. All your expressions. All your body language. You so want me right now.”

“In all fairness, I want you all the time.”

“But right now, it's extra bad isn't it. Admit it. Don't be shy. You want to fuck me so bad right now.”

He nods. “There's some really, really dirty shit I want to do to you right now.”

“And who says romance is dead?” she quips, and he kisses her even longer this time; the brief glide of tongue against tongue, their heart rates increasing, breath quickening.  “I'm pretty sure it's okay,” she insists. “They would have said something at the hospital today.”

“And I'm pretty sure we can wait until we talk to the doctor tomorrow.”

She frowns. “You suck, Tyler.  You're the worst.”

“It's just better to wait, okay? To know for sure.  Humour me. Please.”

“I like this side of you. The dotting husband side. It's a very attractive look on you. Maybe I'll let you baby me and take care of me from now on.”

“I thought you hated when I did that shit. You've always complained about it before.”

“I promise I will never complain about it again. Because it makes me feel like a Queen and it's sexy as fuck on you. Not that you need to be any more sexier than you already are. What a terrible burden you have to bear. Looking like you do. I don't know how you do it every day. How can you stand looking at yourself in the mirror? I look like a troll and you look like that. Life is so unfair.”

“You do not look like a troll. Not anywhere close to it. You know I think you're beautiful. I always have. I always will.”

She smiles. “There you go being a softie again. You're just on a roll today. You're in fine form. What's gotten into you?”

“Nothing. What? I'm not allowed to be this way with my wife? You're the only one I can be this way with. Everyone else expects something different.”

“Doesn't mean you have to give it to them, You don't always have to be the assertive, confident, tough guy you know. You can be human.”

“I'll save being human for you. You won't get on my ass about it.”

“If people don't like you the way you are...the real way you are...well fuck them.  I happen to love all sides of you.”

“And you're the only one that matters, so...” he pecks her lips. “....let it go.”

“You're so difficult,” she sighs, and reaching for his hand, she laces their fingers together and brings them down to rest on her stomach once more. “I need you to do something for me.”

“Okay....”

“And I don't want you to freak out. Promise me you won't freak out.”

“Why would I freak out? Is there where you tell me that Manny the UPS guy might be the father?”

She smirks.

“What is it? What do you need me to do.”

“I need you to be gone before the kids get back.”

He looks down at her, eyes narrowed.

“Don't look at me like that,” she pleads. “I don't mean it in the way you think I do.  I just don't want them coming home and seeing you here and being excited about it and then you leave them the next day. That's not fair to them. They miss you so much and it kills them when you're away. I think it's just better that they don't know you were here.”

“Baby, I already told Ovi not to bring them back yet. Until I told him if I was leaving or not. I'm one step ahead of you.”

“That's the last time I will ever underestimate you. You're getting quick in your old age.”

“And who says I'm leaving anyway?”

“You just said you talked to Ovi and told him not to bring the kids back.”

“No, I told him to hold him to hold off for a couple of days until I told him one way or the other. Not that  I was for sure leaving.”

“You're leaving.”

“Says who?”  

“Me.”

Tyler chuckles. “And it's up to you because...”

“Because I know what will happen if you don't go. You will have it on your mind for the rest of your life. You'll constantly wonder what happened to those kids. If they were ever found. If they're still alive.  I know you, Tyler. I know that will stay with you.”

“I'm sure I'll find out one way or another what happened to them.”

“That won't make things any better. Say they never get out of there and they die. You will blame yourself.  You will always believe that they died because you weren't there to get them out. You will have that on your conscience for the rest of your life, and I do not want that for you.  You're supposed to be retiring. It won't be much of a retirement if you can't rest.  And you won't rest if you don't do this.”

“It doesn't need to be me, Esme. That goes in.”

“Yes. It does. And you know it does. And I know you've been thinking about those kids since you go home.  I know they've been on your mind. I'm not faulting you for that. I know how your brain works.  You gave your word that you'd get them out and it doesn't matter how big of a bastard McMann turned out to be. You promised you'd get those kids and it's been on your mind ever since you made that promise. You need to be there and you know it.”

“I need to be here,” he insists. “ With you.”

“No, you don't. Things are fine. I'm okay. The baby's okay.  And the doctor is going to tell you the same thing tomorrow. Nik is here, my brother is here. You don't need to be here.”

“Bullshit. I'm your husband. That's my kid in there.”

“And we're both fine,” she insists. “And it's amazing you came and I love you so much for it. Because before you probably never would have done it. You would have been fine with people being here with me. Like when I was pregnant with the twins. So I think it's incredible that you came all this way. But you need to go.  Not just for those kids. But for yourself.”

Sighing heavily, he closes his eyes and leans his head back against the brick behind him.

“You know I'm right,” she says. “And I know you think it makes you a shitty husband for wanting to go. But it doesn't. You think it means that you're abandoning me. But you're really abandoning those kids. Because you're their only hope. You want go, right? You can admit it. I'm not going to be mad. I'm not going to think less of you. You want to go New Zealand, don't you.”

He nods.

“Then go. I'm not going to stop you. I'm telling you to do it. I'm telling you I want you to do it. Because I don't want you staying and then spending the rest of your life blaming yourself for what happens to them.  You have enough going on up in your head; enough to deal with. You don't need that too.  I don't want that for you. That kind of torment.  You've been through enough without putting yourself through that.”

“And if I don't make it back?” he asks.  “Then what? Then you'll be on your own with four kids. Soon five. And then what? If we're going to talk about this, we might as talk about all of it. Say I go back and something happens, what then?”

“Well, I deal with it, I guess. I don't know what you want me to say. I don't even like thinking about that; something happening to you.”

“You said it yourself, these people are dangerous. More dangerous than I've ever gone up against it. So there's a chance I'm never coming back from this. You realize that, right?”

She nods, tears welling in her eyes. “I've known for five and a half years that it could happen. Every time you walk out the door. And it almost happened in Dhaka.”

“This going to be worse than Dhaka. Way worse.”

“And you'll be fine. You'll go in there and you'll get those kids and you'll get the hell out and you'll come home.”

“Esme, you need to prepare yourself. For the worst case scenario. And it fucking kills me inside to even talk about it. But I need you to think about it. I need you be ready for it.”

“How can I be ready for something like that? There's no way to be ready for something like that.”

“You know where everything is, right? All the paperwork? Everything you would need to take to a lawyer. You know where that all is, right?”

Nodding, she wipes at the tears that trickle down her cheeks.

“If something happens and I don't come back, you take the money and you take the kids and you go. You don't stay here. Because chances are, those people won't stop. So you take the money and get the fuck out of here and you don't look back. Promise me. That you'll do that.”

“I promise.”

“And you do whatever you have to do to change your name. To change their names. You have to do that. There can't be anything left of me. No trace. It has to be like I never existed. You understand that, right?”

She nods.

“Nik will help you. She can help with all that. She's had to do it for other people.”

“I don't want to talk about this,” she sobs. “Please stop. I don't want to hear this.”

“You'll be fine. You and the kids will be fine. You're strong. The strongest person I've ever met. And you'll go on with your life and you'll be fine. I promise.”

“Stop, Tyler,” she begs. “Please just stop. I don't want to hear this.”

“You have to. You have to hear it and you have to listen to me.”

She shakes her head. “You're going to be fine. You're going to get those kids and you're going to come home. There's no other choice. You have to come home.”

“I'm going to try my best. You know that.”

“That's not what I need to hear. I need to hear you say you're going to come back.”

“I can't, baby. I can't promise you that. Because that's not a promise I'm sure I can keep. But you'll be fine. You and the kids will be okay. That I can promise you.”

He leans down to kiss her. Tasting the salt of her tears on her lips.

“So you're going then?” she asks. “You're going to New Zealand?”

“Yeah,” he nods. “I'm going.”

Chapter 1: Get the Gang Together

Summary: With the Fab Four found dead, Molly Hernandez was furious. Secrets of the Runaways’ parents are discovered at the monthly Pride meeting.

Word count: 3,279

Author’s note: I decided to write something different for a change! I’ve actually been meaning to release the first chapter of this fic since December 2019. Runaways have a special place in my heart as well as the universe of Danger Days and the Killjoys. That’s why I’ve decided to write them in one universe to honor them both. I tried to do some justice writing this chapter by adding the seedlings to Deanoru and Gertchase. Hopefully, it’s not too bad. By the way, I recommend listening to Get the Gang Together by Gerard Way as you’re reading this chapter. The chapter title was named after that song. :)

Breaking news! This just in. We just got a report that the infamous group of killjoys known as Party Poison, Fun Ghoul, Kobra Kid, and Jet Star are dead. They have finally been caught in a tragic accident that cost them their lives.

These were the words that came from the tv Molly Hernandez was watching from in the Yorkes’ living room. She was stunned at the news report. Her heroes were found dead. Molly couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It could be false, right? Sometimes you can't always trust the news. But Molly was proven wrong when the footage was shown of the four beloved heroes she looked up to were on the ground dead. She had enough when the news channel decided to give a closer look at the bodies. Molly tore her eyes away from the tv and closed her eyes. She wished those images displayed on the tv out of her mind. It was until her sister, Gert, that interrupted her from her breakdown.

“Molly?” Gert walked in the living room in search of the 16-year-old. When Gert saw what was displayed on the television screen, she frantically reached for the remote to turn it off. 

The purple-haired girl kneeled by Molly’s side and asked her sister in a worried tone, “why were you watching that? You know you shouldn’t be watching stuff like that on tv, Mols.”

Molly didn’t realize tears had spilled from her eyes when she opened them to look at Gert. “T-they’re dead, Gert. The Fab Four a-are dead.”

It had dawned on to Gert the graphic images they were broadcasting on the television screen were the cause of Molly’s breakdown. “Oh, I’m sorry, Mols.” Gert moved to hug her sister.

“Who could have done such a thing? I thought they were invincible?” Molly sniffled.

“Mols, no one is invincible. Everyone has a weakness.” Gert pushed a strand of Molly’s hair behind her ear.

“The Killjoys had a weakness? Well, how come they survived in the zones for such a long time?” Molly didn’t fully believe in what Gert had to say.

“Look, I think we should continue this conversation later,” Gert said, changing the subject. “We need to go with mom and dad to the monthly Pride meeting later.”

“Wait, what?! Why are we going with them this time?” Molly whined. She started to sulk on the couch.

“I don’t know, but it must be important,” Gert got up to start packing her backpack. “You don’t want any Dracs to come here looking for you, right?”

“Why would they come over here when we’re not the enemy?” Molly questioned.

“Mols,” Gert said in a warned tone. “Just get ready. Please.”

Molly sighed exasperatedly and marched to her bedroom to get ready. “Fine!”

“Don’t forget to take your meds! It’ll calm you down!” Gert yelled. Molly closed her bedroom door in reply.

Molly clenched her fists and screamed into her pillow. She knew the Fab Four didn’t die in vain. Molly refused to think that way. There had to be someone that was behind it. And she will figure it out for herself. If she doesn't, she won’t ever forgive herself for not doing so. Thinking back to the last thing Gert told her, Molly looked at the pills that were placed on her vanity.

“Screw it. I’m done with this.” She said out loud. Grabbing the pill container, she threw it in the trash in disgust. Molly didn’t spare a second glance at her trash bin while getting ready for the meeting.

---------

Molly and Gert were sitting in one of the lounges in the Wilder house. They were waiting for the other teens to come by. Gert had to agree with how the monthly Pride meeting was boring. Like the kind that bored you to death.

“So you do agree with me?!” Molly exclaimed. “Why couldn’t you tell Stacey we should’ve passed the meeting?”

“They’re our parents, Mols. We need to listen to them.”

“They’re your parents, Gert. Not mine.” Molly retorted with a scowl.

“Look, I know you’re still torn from this morning’s news,” Gert said with a sigh. “But just for tonight, try to be on your best behavior. If you’re comfortable, you can talk more about this morning if you like.”

“I’m good. You wouldn’t understand anyway.” Molly twisted her body, facing away from the purple haired girl. Gert can’t help but feel bad.

She hated to admit it, but she knew very little about the Killjoys. Gert only knew of the things that were broadcasted on the holos and television. She tried her best to sympathize with Molly, but it felt kind of strange to do so. These Killjoys were strangers to her. Could she be able to trust them at all? And at the same time, there were other things that were more important to care about.  Like what college she was going to attend. There were very few varieties in Battery City. But before she could go over the pros and cons of each college, she heard loud chatter coming from the lobby.

Gert decided to get up and make her way to the lobby of the Wilders’ home. When she stopped at the balcony, she saw none other than Chase Stein with his parents. Chase was all smiles and hugged Alex’s parents. Seeing Chase in the flesh reminded of the many years she had been pining over the jock.

She was tempted to go greet him, but Karolina and her mom appeared. Chase’s smile that he had on became extremely big when he saw the blonde. 

“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Wilder! I made some appetizers for the adults to enjoy!” Karolina made a little gesture towards the container in her hands.

Alex’s parents were impressed by Karolina’s effort.

Honestly, Gert didn’t like girls who were like Karolina. They were WAY too perfect for her liking. Gert knew no one was perfect, but Chase has somehow fit into that definition of it. And guys like Chase were drawn to girls like Karolina. And not Gert. He never spared a glance at her when they were kids compared to Karolina. The purple haired girl walked back to the lounge, feeling her mood shift to be much shittier than before.

“Gert!” Karolina called out behind her. “It’s so nice to finally see you here after all this time! Come here!”

As soon as she turned to face Karolina, Gert was greeted with the blonde gently wrapping her arms around the purple haired girl. Gert was weirded out by the sudden hug. Why would Karolina be so glad to see her? They were polar opposites of each other.

Gert slowly retracted from the hug and mustered up a smile. “Uh yeah! It’s nice to see you too.”

“I love your hair by the way! Purple suits you well.” Gert wondered if Karolina was just saying that just to be nice or if she was genuine.

“Thanks...You’ve gotten taller.” Gert awkwardly pointed out. She wasn’t the best at small talk.

“Yeah! All thanks to my parents.” Karolina jokily made a little jazz hand gesture. “Who’s at the lounge by the way? Is Nico here?”

“No. It’s just me and Molly.” Gert decided to walk back to the lounge.

“Oh, nice. I can’t wait to catch up with Molly after all these months.” Karolina said while following the purple haired girl.

When both girls made it to the lounge, Karolina quickly hugged Molly. Gert noticed Molly’s mood went up a bit, which was good. Hopefully, her sister won’t act too grumpy for the rest of the night. Time passed by and the other teens gradually appeared in the lounge. Alex had been the one to appear last.

“Sorry I was late. I picked up some pizza for the six of us.” Alex greeted the other teens. “I’m glad you guys came.”

“Why are we here exactly, Wilder?” Chase queried with his arms crossed. “You must have your intentions.”

“I thought it was a great idea for us to hang together again, you know?” Alex replied. “Now, do you guys want to eat?”

“We came over for this? If you said you wanted to hang Alex, you could’ve texted all of us.” Molly said. “Besides, today isn’t a good day to hang.”

“Molly, just stay put. You never know, this could cheer you up and take your mind off of things.” Gert remarked.

“Wait, hold on. What does she mean?” Alex pointed out Molly’s discomfort, slightly curious.

“Don’t you dare say anything, Gert!” Molly demanded. 

Gert ignored her sister’s request. She almost debated whether she shouldn’t tell, but decided to spill anyway. “She’s heartbroken about those four Killjoys dying.”

“You mean those four that showed up on the news this morning?” Alex questioned.

Gert nodded in response. Although she hated when Molly was in a bad mood, she didn’t feel it was necessary for Molly to keep sulking around.

“I hate to say this Molly, but they were outlaws and criminals,” Alex stated.

“Excuse me?” Molly stood up from her seat, obviously offended. “What they’ve been doing was brave. They were fighting for a good cause!”

“You do know our parents are the ones that work for BL/ind. Going against BL/ind means going against our parents.”

“Well, my parents aren’t my real parents so…” Molly crossed her arms and glared at Alex.

“Guys, can we please stop arguing? Look, Molly’s mourning and she sounds like she’s having a rough day. Give it a rest, Alex.” Karolina said as she coaxed Molly to sit back on the couch. Molly obliged and Karolina sat next to her.

“I’m just being realistic.” Alex adjusted his glasses. The pizza was still untouched at this point.

“Well, you don’t have to remind us. Let Molly be.” Karolina was rubbing soothing circles on Molly’s back.

“I honestly agree with Molly. You could have just texted us if you wanted to hang out rather than use our parents’ monthly meeting to your advantage.” Chase said.

“Would you guys have replied or even cared to look at my text? We haven’t been together since-”

“Don’t,” Nico warned. “Don’t say it.” For a moment, the whole room became silent. That was the first thing Nico has said the entire time the teens got together for the night.

“I thought you weren’t listening to us,” Alex said with a hint of surprise.

Nico smiled meekly. “Oh, I’ve been listening. It’s just that I don’t want to be here as well.”

“Oh, uh okay.” Alex shifted his foot awkwardly. “How about we do something fun like Twister to lift your spirits up?”

“What are we? 12?” Chase replied. “We’re not kids anymore.”

“Well okay. If you don’t want to do that, then let me show you something else.” Alex abandoned the pizza and walked over to a table near the wall. “Maybe this is something that might be on your level of fun.” 

The rest of the teens looked at each other confused at what was to come next. Alex turned a stack of coasters that were on the table. The shelves nearby the door parted, revealing a doorway.

“You guys can go on without me. I’ll just stay here and wait until you come back.” Molly was heading to take a seat on the couch again until Gert stopped her.

“No, Mols. You’re coming with us.” Gert held her hand. “I don’t want to leave you here alone.”

Molly sighed and let Gert lead her further in the secret passageway. The teens walked inside with Alex leading the group. They were close to each other in case something happened. There was a room at the end of the passageway. Once the teens reached the end, they looked around the room.

“What is all this?” Nico stared at the room in bewilderment.

“I’m not entirely sure. I discovered the secret passageway earlier today, but didn’t see what was inside.” Alex wondered out loud. A bunch of spread out papers near him caught his eye. “And what are these?”

The teens gathered around the table Alex was standing near. There were a bunch of documents littered all over the table. The documents contained photos of people that looked like their age. What was unsettling was that their photos had been crossed off. All of the photos that were crossed off were listed as exterminated in bold.

Gert took one of the documents and scanned it. “This is currently striking high on the disturbing meter,” Gert commented worriedly. “Does exterminated mean killed?”

“Sounds like it,” Nico said before noticing something off. “My mom’s purse is in here. Where could she be?”

“If these documents are here, then I don’t think our parents have been doing any good for the city.” Chase looked at the others. “I wouldn’t be surprised if my dad was a cold-blooded killer.”

The teens heard footsteps echoing below them. All of their eyes widened. They scrambled to look for hiding spots. Luckily, they found a secret room that has a window overlooking the bigger room outside.

“Bring the girl in. We don’t have all day to do this.” Tina grumbled.

Leslie entered the vast space with a teenage girl beside her.

“Wait a minute. I know that girl.” Karolina said.

“You know her?” Alex turned to the blonde.

“Yeah, she’s a part of the church. What’s she doing here?”

“Leslie, where am I? Who are these people?” The girl looked at the teens’ parents frantically. “I don’t recognize them from the church.”

“It’s okay, Destiny. They’re helping me with the initiation.” Leslie assured. She gave a bottle to Destiny that contained an unknown liquid. “Here, drink this.”

Destiny nodded, trusting the church head. How could she say no to her anyway? She took the bottle in her hands and took a sip. Destiny immediately almost dropped the bottle after she finished, but Geoffrey caught it.

Destiny held her head. “I don’t feel so good. What was in that drink?”

“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.” Leslie ignored her question. She rubbed Destiny’s back before turning to Victor. “Are we ready, Victor?”

“As always. We never run out of masks.” Victor noted confidently. He hands a Draculoid mask to Geoffrey.

Destiny was trembling. Leslie was still comforting the girl. “Just hold still. It will all be over soon.”

Geoffrey swiftly pulled the mask on Destiny. She tried to resist, but Leslie was holding her still. As soon as the mask was completely on Destiny, she screamed.

“Wait maybe you shouldn't see this, Mols.” Gert reaches to cover Molly’s eyes.

Molly moved Gert’s hand away from her. “I deserve to know what’s going on!” When Molly stole a glimpse of what happened to Destiny, she almost screamed. Gert reached to cover her adoptive sister’s mouth. She looked at the other teens. They also adopted a look of horror on their face.

“Did you hear that?” Geoffrey looked around the area suspiciously. “I heard something.”

They looked at the window that overlooked where the parents stood. There was nobody there.

---------

“Your foot is not in the right place!”

“Get off of me!”

“You’re cheating!”

Those were the things Alex’s parents heard coming from the lounge. Catherine greeted the teens, “Hey guys. We hope we’re not interrupting you all.”

“Hi, mom! Nah, we’re just playing Twister.” Alex said.

“You guys actually came when things were about to get interesting,” Molly commented.

Alex’s parents nodded. Geoffrey spoke this time, “It looks like you guys are having fun. Your parents will be downstairs when you’re ready to go.” They waved the teens goodbye and left.

The teens watched as Alex’s parents leave. Karolina was the first person to say something. “Did you think they suspected a thing?”

“I sure hope they didn’t. Them finding out is probably the death of us.” Chase commented.

The teens separated from their game of Twister. They stood up, dusting themselves off.

“So what are we going to do, Alex?” Gert asked. “We can’t just stay here and pretend nothing happened.”

“Just act normal when you guys leave with your parents. I’ll text you guys to meet up tomorrow.” Alex told the other teens.

“Where are we meeting up? Somewhere in Battery City?” Molly wondered.

“Our safest bet is to meet in one of our homes,” Alex told the other teens. “Devising a meeting in Battery City is dangerous. The security is very tight there.”

The rest of the teens nodded in agreement. There was no use in disagreeing with each other.

---------

“Hey, Gert. Have you seen Karolina?” Chase asked Gert who was on her holo. The pair were in the lobby.

“Am I boring you with my appearance already?” Gert automatically replied without looking up from her holo.

“No! That was not what I meant.” Chase defensively said. “It’s an honest question.”

“Unfortunately, no. Is that all you wanted to say to me?”

“Look, I just wanted to know if you knew where she was. Also, I wanted to check up on you and Molly after what we just saw.” Chase explained. “It must be pretty harsh for Molly to experience that.”

“Yeah, but I think she’s alright now. She’s a strong girl.” Gert powered off her holo and looked up at Chase. “And as for me, I’m doing peachy.”

“Well, that’s good to hear.” Chase dug his hands into the pockets of his jeans. Gert knew he was a little nervous. She heard his mom call for him. “Well, looks like I gotta go. It was nice seeing you, Gert.”

“Yeah, see you tomorrow.” Gert watched Chase exit the house with his parents. She didn’t bother giving her childhood crush a smile.

She stood there until Molly showed up. She couldn’t believe Chase actually had the guts to try to talk to her. Maybe Alex getting the gang back together wasn’t so bad after all.

---------

“Hey, Karolina. You alright?” Nico politely asked the blonde. The two girls were outside of the house. “I noticed you’ve been quiet before we parted from the lounge.”

“Uh yeah. I guess I’m fine? I’m not entirely sure if what we saw back there was real.” Karolina rambled. “Like my mom is the head of a church. There’s no way she would act that way.”

“I’ve been thinking the same thing. I wouldn’t think my parents would be like that.” Nico says. “But I guess we can figure this out together?”

“Yeah, that sounds good.” Karolina smiles at the goth. “You know, I don’t think I have your number on my holo.”

“Oh, hand it over. I’ll type it in.”

Karolina handed her holo towards Nico. “Thanks. I think it’s for the best you know. After everything that happened tonight.”

“Yeah, I thought Alex couldn’t get any weirder.” Nico handed the holo back to the blonde. Their hands touched a little in the process.

Karolina’s mother had pulled up to the curb near the Wilders’ home. Karolina said, “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, tomorrow.” Nico smiled a little. She watched Karolina open the car door and hopped into the front passenger seat of her mother’s car. The blonde waved at Nico goodbye and she waved back. Nico looked back at her holo and smiled at the recently added number.