#yesterday i realized it's been exactly 2 years since i moved into this living situation im still stuck in and it just hit me | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

royallyprincesslilly · 3 years

Text

Title: Crown For Two {3}

Henry Cavill AU x OFC Xari Thornton AU

Warning: Plot, Mild Cursing, Cheesy Christmas Themes, Slow Burn, Tease, PLENTY OF WORDS

Words: 7.2k

Summary: Xari Thornton is a travel photographer with a blog and social media that garners some heavy-duty traffic. People tune in to see where she is and what she’s doing there, all in hopes of either living vicariously through her or to plan their next vacation.

Her slogan; “Traveling the path to the most off-beaten places, so you don’t have to.”

Her next stop on her four destination travel itinerary of “Places You May Never Have Heard Of” is Sandvell, a small European country. When her plane makes an impromptu stop due to bad weather, she has no idea where she is. It feels like she’s stepped inside of a snow globe and back in time in a modern way. It leaves her fascinated.

This bad weather forces her to stay at an Inn, The Beaux, for the night. Rather than letting the hours tick by in her room, she explores and meets the friendly locals. While taking photographs, one local in particular captures her lens with eyes as blue as the ocean and a jaw that was chiseled from stone. They strike up conversation during their time drinking at one of the local bars, Ickles. Once they separate, she gets herself into a harrowing situation.

As soon as she awakens, she realizes she’s not in some fever dream, but a palace and the owner of the palace is none other than the local she met before with the piercing blue eyes, His Royal Highness Henry Wellington Leopold Danglishton, First of his name, Crown Prince of Brexendor.

Note: All right, all right people, the ride continues. I really, really hope you enjoy this. As a reminder, it’s going to be fast-paced a bit, and I am gonna overload you with pictures because why the hell not, it’s a Christmas Fic. 😁 Feel free to come by and tell me what you guys think.

As always, thank you all for reading, I appreciate each and every one of you.

If you enjoyed this, please, LIKE, COMMENT, REBLOG!!! ❤️❤️

***Loosely Edited/Proofread***

***Slightly Interactive***

Previous Chapters: {1} | {2} |

Chapter Three

-Y/N-

When you opened your eyes again, your head felt a lot different. It wasn’t spinning. It didn’t feel congested, heavy, or muddled. You saw everything with clear eyes, alert eyes. Glancing around the room, you took in your surroundings like it was your first time, though you were sure it wasn’t. Closing your eyes, you tried to remember everything that had happened. You remembered walking through the streets, taking pictures, and even watching the locals go about their business. You also remembered going into a bar and drinking that god awful drink.

When you remembered seeing Henry’s face, you couldn’t help but smile. Your conversation played over and over in your head and how easy it was to talk to one another. Even his smile and goofy laugh had you snuggling deeper into the plush bedding. He was definitely attractive. All of a sudden, the accident flashed into mind. You’d been struggling with the wind and the snow and couldn’t see not even two inches in front of you. The pain of being hit was absent. It was like it happened so fast that you were out cold before your pain receptors could adequately translate it.

You bolted up as the words “prince” and “your highness” echoed in your head.

“Shit, he’s a prince.”

You rubbed your forehead, then pinched the bridge of your nose. Of course he is, you thought. Why would you meet some normal person in this clear fairytale country? Leaning against the headboard, you chewed your bottom lip, beginning to wonder about several other things. One of them was your exchange in the bar. He clearly knew who he was. You were not naïve when it came to the attention of men. There was evident flirting going on.

“Was he trying to charm me into being some royal conquest?”

Before you could think on the topic any further, there was a knock at the door. You sat up straighter while trying to figure out the right way to sit. You lied back casually but decided that was too casual. You then straightened your back and took note of how your breasts were accentuated thanks to the proper posture.

“Too much,” you whispered, slouching again.

The knock came again.

“Ma’am?”

Shaking your head, you sighed and said, forget it. You had no idea how to answer, so you said the first thing to come to mind.

“You may enter.” You didn’t know why you decided to add an uppity British accent. Slapping your hand to your head, you shook it, already tired of your own shenanigans.

When you looked, it was the doctor you’d seen the night before.

“Good morning, ma’am.”

You gave him a polite smile as he approached with his black doctor’s bag.

“How are you feeling today. Better, I hope.”

“Much, thank you.”

He nodded, then placed his bag on the bedside table.

“How did you sleep? Any pain?”

“No—well, not severe pain. I’m just mainly sore.”

Dr. Alfonsi. nodded. “You can take aspirin for those aches. They should subside in another few days, as will the bruises.”

You nodded again.

“May I begin my examination?”

Giving him a demure smile as permission, he approached and began doing all the things a doctor would at the beginning of any appointment. He took your blood pressure, checked your reflexes and your temperature. He examined your eyes, listened to your heart, followed along with your pulse and respiration, all the while taking diligent notes on his phone that he held in the breast pocket of his white coat.

Ten or so minutes later, he closed his bag and then brought over one of the chairs in the room. Once he sat, he softly clapped his hands together.

“And that is that. I am pleased your vitals are appearing better and better. Are you feeling the return of your strength?”

“Not really,” you confessed.

“As I explained yesterday, I had concerns from the results of a few blood tests I did. Did you know that you have several vitamin deficiencies?”

Your eyebrows quirked. “Uh—n—no. I didn’t. What do you mean?”

“Well, in an effort to provide a most comprehensive recovery plan for you, as I do with every patient I see in the royal family and elsewhere. I ran a full panel of tests and came back with several alarming finds. You have a deficiency of vitamin B12, Vitamins D, and E, you’re severely low in Iron and Folate. Have you ever been diagnosed with Anemia?”

Your head swarmed with all the words and letters he’d just flung at you.

“Uh—no. I don’t think so.”

“I am diagnosing it now.”

You watched his mouth move as he explained the dangers of the deficiencies and listed the symptoms one would expect, which all coincided with what you’d felt on and off for some time. The explanation seemed to go on and on. With every word Dr. Alfonsi. spoke, your breathing sped more and more. He must have seen the terror on your face because he reached out and took your hand.

“It’s all right, dear. Though it is not as soon as I would have liked, we caught it. we now know that there is a serious problem.”

“I—I didn’t know. I mean, I guess I’ve been busy these last few months and on the go, but—I never--,” you trailed off.

“Calm down. It’s easy to fall behind on our health, but it is important we catch up. In order to do that, you’re going to have to make some changes.”

“What kind of changes?”

“Lifestyle and occupational. You’re going to need to change your diet, incorporate the therapies and medicines I will be prescribing, as well as taking it significantly easier than I suspect you have in the past,” Dr. Alfonsi explained.

“Taking it easy? What exactly does that mean?”

“Well, I mild cases I’ve seen in my years, I’ve recommended a month of strict relaxation along with what I’ve said before. That meant decreased hours at work, perhaps a sabbatical, bed rest until the patient begins to regain strength to prevent chances of falling and bone breakage.”

“Bed rest?”

“Yes, and that’s just for mild cases. Your case, I’m afraid, is a lot more serious. While I recommended it for others, for you, I would have to insist.”

You sat up, giving him a look that said he was crazy.

“I can’t go on bed rest. That’s not just decreased hours; that is complete incapacitation,” you protested.

“I can understand your alarm, but that is how serious your situation is, ma’am.”

“God, please stop calling me ma’am. My name is Xari.”

“Ms. Xari,” he corrected.

Several moments passed in silence. You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. Yeah, you hadn’t gone to the doctor in almost two years and didn’t take multivitamins and oftentimes forgot to eat, but you worked out, ate your greens—sometimes, and experienced plenty of holistic activities throughout the world. You had no idea you were in this bad shape.

“Do you understand what I am saying, Ms. Xari? If you do not make drastic changes for the foreseeable future, you may not see the blooming of spring flowers.”

Your jaw dropped. He was laying on pretty thick, but it was working. You were alarmed. Sighing, you rubbed your forehead.

“What exactly do you suggest then?”

“What you’re doing now, bed rest. I will communicate with the staff your dietary needs for the coming weeks as well as instructions for your medication--.”

“Wait, hold up. What? You don’t mean for me to stay here, do you?”

Dr. Alfonsi looked at you as if you were missing a few screws.

“Yes.”

You flung your hands out. “Nope. Absolutely not. I can’t stay here.”

“Why not? I am more than sure the prince would allow you to remain here until you are fully recovered, especially seeing it was his highness’ royal car that hit you for us to discover your ailments.”

“No. I can’t stay here. I don’t—I’m a stranger to these people. I am—there’s no way. I can’t ask him or anyone here to wait on me.”

Dr. Alfonsi smiled. “I understand your apprehension, believe me, I do, but it is unnecessary. I have known the prince since he was a child. He is a kind man and would never dare turn someone who is in need and sick away. You will be safe here.”

Hearing how highly he spoke of his prince piqued your curiosity. It could have been one of those things where one’s subjects loved them so dearly they had not one bad word to say about them, or one’s subjects fears them so much that they didn’t dare utter one negative thing about them. You wondered which was the real story. Perhaps a little in the middle, you thought.

Sighing, you leaned your head on the headboard, still adamant you didn’t want to stay here.

“I have a life to get back to. I’ve already been here for two days too long.”

“Two days?”

The question in his voice had your head snapping to him. You cautiously opened your mouth to speak. “Yes,” you squeaked.

“No. I’m afraid it’s been more than two days. It’s been a week since you’ve been here, Ms. Xari.”

Your eyes bugged, and you instantly began searching for your phone.

“What are you looking for?”

“My things. Where are my things? My phone?”

Dr. Alfonsi looked around the room then walked to a large wardrobe before he came back with your purse. You unintentionally snatched it from him, digging through it for the desired object. Once you had it, you discovered it was dead.

“Fuck.”

You began trying to get off the bed, but as soon as you stood, you dropped back to the bed, your legs unable to hold you.

“I would caution against doing too much too soon. I’m impressed you were able to attempt an escape once. I doubt you’d be successful a second time.”

“I need my charger. Where are my things? I’ve been off the grid for a week. I have family, people who will worry. I need—need--.”

Your chest pounded so fast you could barely catch your breath. As you struggled to get a full breath, you began to panic. Dr. Alfonsi was to you on the other side of the bed in seconds, checking your pulse and instructing you to breathe slowly and deeply. You would if you could and wished you could shout that to him. Before you knew it, darkness was all you saw.

~~~~~~~~

When you opened your eyes, you were again tucked in the bed, but you were now hooked up to an IV. You took a deep breath and noted the heaviness that resided in your chest. Groaning, you slowly sat up. Once rested against the headboard, you remembered your mission. Your phone. Kicking off the covers, you used the rolling IV rod as if it were a cane and stood on wobbly legs. After a full minute, you began moving though every step you took felt like you’d fall to the floor.

What should have taken you seconds took minutes. The steps proved to be more challenging to maneuver with the IV stand. You searched the room, but you didn’t see your luggage. That was when you saw your phone plugged into a charger on the nightstand to the left of the bed. You wobbled toward it then quickly unlocked it. Feeling yourself shake even more, you used the wall as your brace as you scrolled through. You saw the bounty of missed calls, unanswered messages, and emails of alarm. As expected, everyone was worried to death about you.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!”

You found your sister’s number and dialed it. It didn’t ring; instead, it went to voicemail. Your frustration was evident as you knocked over the small glass figurine on the bedside table. You ignored the shattered pieces and grabbed the IV pole, ready to walk out of the room in search of your things. Once you opened the door, your jaw dropped, seeing another luxurious room similar to the bedroom but decked in different colors.

You took one then two steps, and your knees gave out. Before you tumbled to the floor, you heard a shriek and your name being shouted; then you were in someone’s arms. You looked up into blue eyes that were framed by long lashes and thick eyebrows.

“Are you all right?”

You snorted. “We have got to stop meeting like this,” you teased with a soft smile. It was a smile Henry returned.

“I cannot make any promises.”

Henry then lifted you into his strong arms and carried you where you’d just come from. As he held you, you couldn’t help but glance over the side of his face that was perfectly in view. If you thought his jaw was chiseled to perfection before, now—you were certain there was not even one flaw about it. When he placed you back in the bed, he hovered over you for a few seconds. They were seconds that felt like minutes, especially with the intensity you saw in his eyes.

“Xari.”

Tearing your eyes from his, you glanced to your left to see Anika, your sister.

“Nika!”

She leaped onto the bed and scurried across to you, then threw her arms around you.

“Oh my god. What’re you doing here!? How’d you get here?”

“I’ve been so worried! I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Relief filled you, and you found yourself relaxing a little more.

“I don’t get it. How are you?”

Anika pulled back with a wide smile on her face. She looked up, bringing your eyes to the man who still stood beside the bed. His arms were crossed across his chest, and a soft smile decorated his lips.

“Him. He’s how I’m here.”

You were still confused, and you knew your expression showed it.

“I couldn’t reach you. I called and called and no answer. A few days ago, I got a call back, and it was the prince,” Anika began giving you a wide-eyed look when she said, “prince.”

“Henry, please, I insist.”

Anika smiled and actually giggled before she continued. “Henry. He explained everything and kept me in the loop with your condition. Because of that damn storm, I couldn’t get here. He ended up sending the royal jet for me once the storm passed enough to bring me here, so you’d have someone with you.”

Wow, you thought, letting all she’d said register. He’d done a lot. You slipped your eyes to him and found them on you.

“He’s been very kind, Ri,” Anika added.

You were speechless. What were you supposed to say? Clearing your throat, you said the first thing you thought of.

“Thank you.”

Henry nodded and held your gaze. “It was done for you alone and with you in mind.”

Well, shit, you thought, unable to take your eyes off of his. After a few moments, you heard Anika clear her throat, and it was Henry who looked away first.

“Right. I was bringing your sister here for you to see. Now that you have her, I will give the staff instructions to see whatever the two of you will need for your stay.”

“Uh—about that. It won’t be necessary,” you piped up.

“Excuse me?”

His intimidating aura increased, making you feel like a disobedient little whose daddy was about to punish her. At that comparison, you had a quick thought about whether or not he was a vanilla prince or one with plenty of shades of grey. Straightening your back, you held your head higher.

“While I appreciate all you’ve done for me thus far, it won’t be necessary for you or your staff to fuss over my sister or me any longer. We’ll be leaving.”

Henry cocked his head to the right, then tightly clenched his jaw.

“Is that right?”

“Why are we leaving?”

Ignoring Anika’s question, you decided not to look away from Henry feeling a challenge in how he looked at you.

“According to Dr. Alfonsi, you’re in no shape to be going anywhere.” He nodded to your IV pole for emphasis.

“I will stay at the inn that is in town or a hotel.”

“Nonsense. It was my fault you were hurt, and my responsibility to rectify the damage and harm I have caused.”

“He’s right, Xari. It’s his fault, and you should let him accrue the expenses,” Anika voiced.

“Nika!”

“What! He’s a prince, Ri. He got it,” she replied a little under her breath but still loud enough for him to hear.

“I must agree with Lady Anika.”

Anika snorted and laughed. “I’m definitely not a lady.”

Henry smirked at her then quickly looked back to you. “I must insist you remain here. At least until Dr. Alfonsi has given you the seal of good health. I am afraid if you were to go anywhere, something would happen to you, and I would not be able to forgive myself.”

You studied him for a few moments, taking in the expression on his face as well as the tight clench of his jaws. Your eyes moved down to his still folded arms and the muscles that bulged because of his stance. He was definitely overwhelming like this, and though you hated to feel like a bother, you suspected that here was the best place for now. Glancing to Anika, she gave you a stern eye that said, “just give in already.”

Rolling your eyes, you nodded. “Fine, but only until I’m well enough.”

“If that is your wish, just know you are welcomed here for however long you wish.”

“My goodness, such a gentleman. They sure breed them differently here, huh sis.”

Henry smiled, then glanced at Anika. “Everything is different here in Brexendor.”

“I bet,” Anika finished.

“Since it is settled, I will proceed to advise the staff. Dr. Alfonsi has already given several strict dietary orders as well as health orders. If there is anything you require do not hesitate to speak it. Lady Anika, I have already instructed a bedroom be prepared for you, but I will instruct it be as close to your sister as possible.”

“Thank you.”

He nodded, then looked back at you. “I sincerely hope you feel better soon.”

“Are you leaving?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I am afraid I have quite a lot to do today. By all means, though, feel free to go where you please. My home is yours, ladies.”

With that, he curtly bowed his head then walked toward the door. Before he walked out, he stopped.

“Oh, Xari, try not to escape again. I cannot guarantee I will always be there to catch you.”

You saw the hint of a smile on his lips and instantly knew he was teasing you.

“Somehow, your highness, I suspect you will magically appear at the mere hint of a faint.”

He chuckled to himself then walked out, closing the doors behind him. Once alone, Anika wasted no time.

“Holy fucking shit, he is hot as fuck!”

You snorted and laughed as you relaxed into the bed.

“Wonderful censor you have there, Nika.”

“Fuck censor.”

“Well, that last time I said fuck here, I was looked at like I was the most uncouth Neanderthal. I suggest you keep your fucks to a minimum.”

Anika bounced you. “Will you be able to keep your fucks to a minimum?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Anika rolled her eyes. “Whatever! The air hasn’t even gotten a chance to come back down from the sweltering levels your guys’ flirting raised it to.”

Your jaw dropped. “Excuse me! There was no flirting.”

“Yes, there was, and it was not on your side alone. He was flirting with you too. What in the world is going on? I need the whole story without even the smallest detail left out.”

You sighed then proceeded to tell her the whole sordid tale. As instructed, you didn’t leave anything out. You even told her about that exchange between you and Henry before you walked out of the bar. At the end of story time, Anika had a huge grin on her face.

“What are you grinning at?”

“You. Leave it to you to get whisked away by a prince and have him fall; for you in record time.”

“No, no, no. Falling? Nika, you’re imagining things. He hasn’t fallen for anyone. He’s a prince, for crying out loud. They don’t fall for anyone, let alone some commoner. Have you never watched The Crown?”

Anika snorted and dropped to the bed at your feet.

“First of all, The Crown is whack. Second of all, this is not England. This place is fantastic. It’s like some Hallmark country where everything is beautiful, quaint, and perfect. You smiled and bit your bottom lip, agreeing fully.

“Third, I was sitting right here, listening to your banter. I think he could totally fall for you if he hasn’t already.”

You rolled your eyes, ignoring everything she was saying. Anika loved to play matchmaker, though you hated every time she did it.

“You’re practically in his bed. We just have to get you there.”

You rolled your eyes again, shocked at how quickly she’d gotten there. “Okay, down, girl. According to this doctor, I’m falling apart, Nika. Any bed I’ll be in for a while is this one.”

“Well, now you have me here to encourage you to lap up the luxury and hospitality of his highness the prince of Brexendor. Get the fuck outta here!”

The two of you laughed loudly. This situation you’d found yourself into was the most ridiculous one either of you could have ever begun to imagine.

A few hours later, you found yourself alone while Anika settled in her room. Another knock sounded at your door. Being unable to open it yourself, you instructed them to come in. Once the doors opened in walked a beautiful girl about your age with long black hair and features similar to Henry’s. In your head, you suspected she was a family member. She smiled sweetly as she approached you. When she was by your bedside, she dropped onto the mattress.

“Hi.”

You returned her warm smile. “Hi.”

“My god, you are beautiful.”

You snorted, then pinched your lips together, trying to suppress your laugh. She was insane. You looked the worst you’d ever looked.

“You’re being kind. I haven’t showered in a week and only today got to comb my hair. You’re being very, very kind.”

She giggled but still looked genuine.

“I’m Jemma,” she said, holding her hand out to you. Once you took it, and instantly noted how soft they were.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“I have been trying to get here to introduce myself, but Henry told me to stay away so you could acclimate. Otherwise, I would have been here much sooner.”

You smiled and assured her it was fine.

“How are you doing?”

You shrugged. “I guess I’m okay.”

She didn’t look convinced and took you in for a few moments. “I’m sure my brother has brought all the best doctors for your care and has thought of everything that would ensure your comfort. With that treatment, I expect you to make a full recovery in no time.”

“Brother.”

“Yes. Please tell me you did not think I was his girlfriend or something of the sort.”

She looked disgusted, which made you laugh.

“No. I suspected a family member. So you’re a princess.”

Jemma rolled her eyes as she sighed out as if she was already tired of the conversation.

“Yes, but I promise it is not nearly as glamourous as you’re thinking. The only nice thing about it is the diamonds, everything else, eh.”

You smiled, already liking her. she gave off an air that said she didn’t take herself seriously and even liked to have a bit of fun more times than not.

“The staff is all abuzz with news that you will be residing with us for the next few weeks. Henry has told them to cater to your every whim, and because it came from him, everyone is in a tizzy over it, prepping to ensure you are at your most comfortable,” Jemma explained.

“What. No, that’s not what I want at all. They don’t have to go all out.”

“It’s okay.”

“No. then everyone will think I’m some prissy thing who likes to be waited on when that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Jemma took you for a little while, then took your hand and squeezed it gently.

“Not to worry, Xari. I assure you no one will think that.”

You sighed then tried to forget it because it was too late to change whether or not they thought it. You were sure everyone was already whispering about you and Anika, the two Americans who’d somehow found their way into the palace.

“Also, we are not as gossip centered as other monarchies. I promise,” Jemma added, raising her hand as if to swear it.

When she sensed you relaxed, she proceeded to ask a plethora of questions about you, ranging from where you were from to what you did and the all-important if you were single. You felt like you were on a modern-day “Who Wants to be Friends With a Princess” tv show. With every fact, you revealed she revealed a similar one and so on. After an hour, you found that you had plenty in common, something that was shocking for you.

When Anika came back, the party really stated. Your laughter picked up, as did the stories that Jemma revealed about royal life. Those stories prompted Anika to tell stories of life as a commoner in America as she called it. The only thing was her stories we mainly all about partying, dating, and men. With each story, Jemma’s eyes widened, and you felt like slowly Anika would end up corrupting her.

“Nika, stop. You’re going to have her on an episode of Princesses Gone Wild,” you joked, which had both of them in stitches on your bed.

“I will have you know that I am not some innocent wallflower. I know things,” Jemma countered.

You couldn’t help but laugh loudly. Just the way she said that told you she didn’t know very many things. That was when Jemma proceeded to list the names of the men she’d dated, a list of three men. Anika was the one to ask the nature of these relationships, to which Jemma said she knew in great detail the kind of underwear each man wore. You lost it right then and there, dropping onto the bed in a fit of laughter.

Exhaustion caught you off guard, dampening the mood of the night. Jemma assured you that she’d keep Anika company and show her around to give you time to take a nap. After thanking her, the two women walked out of your room, leaving you to silence. Once the door closed, it opened again. this time it was the woman named Audrina.

“Good evening, ma’am. Is there anything I can bring you?”

“No. I’m all right.”

She nodded, then closed the door leaving you again. You quickly drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~

-Henry-

He’d never met anyone quite as beautiful as you. he remembered when you’d walked into the bar and sat down beside him like you were right where you were supposed to be. You had no idea that the bar was empty because it was closed for him to be there, had no idea that he was not some ordinary citizen. He liked being a no one, especially if it meant he could sit there with you all night. He remembered wanting just that. If his phone hadn’t run, if he’d had more time, he probably would have tried to hold your hand. If he’d had more time, he would have gotten himself into an even bigger predicament than he was now—attracted to a woman he knew better than to touch.

Slowly he looked over the features of your face and took in each detail. He pressed the elements of your face to his memory so he could call on them when he was alone, buried in work. A sigh escaped him as a lite feeling filled him. It was an unfamiliar one. He wanted to touch you. It was an urge that was so strong he almost couldn’t overpower it—almost. He balled his fist and sat back in the settee beside your bed, trying to ignore the feelings that washed over him.

“Remember yourself,” he whispered before he looked back to the work he’d brought with him when he’d decided to pay you a quick visit.

This quick visit was an hour ago. When he found you asleep, he should have turned around and left, but he couldn’t. He intended to sit here for a few minutes, ten tops, but he still had yet to tear himself away. He mustered what was left of his control and focused on the screen before him and tried to write his speech for the new world bank’s upcoming opening.

This was one of his father’s pet projects, and he was filled with pride to see it to fruition, but also it made him miss the man more. Sighing, he closed his eyes and began rubbing his temples. Every time he thought of his father in the last few months, it brought him added stress. It was this stress that prevented him from sleeping longer than four hours a night.

“Christ,” he whispered.

“Are you all right?”

Jerking his head up, he saw you awake with your head still atop the pillow. You looked like a dream, or perhaps his best nightmare.

“I am sorry. Was I too loud?”

“No. I um—just happened to open my eyes.”

You slowly sat up, allowing the blanket to fall from your chest to your lap. As you adjusted yourself, he moved his laptop to the other side of the settee.

“You didn’t answer me, though. Are you all right?”

A smile tugged at his lips, but he fought it. “Me? Should it not be me be asking you that?”

“Can’t we ask each other?”

He studied you for a few moments, then nodded. “I am fine.”

“Liar.”

His jaw dropped, half shocked you would go there. There weren’t many people in his life that would dare.

“I take it no one calls his highness a liar,” you teased.

“You take it right. Maybe Jemma or my mother on occasion and a few of my friends but not many.”

You smiled, then shrugged. “I call em’ like I see em.’”

He crossed his arms and leaned back. “Pray tell, what gave me away to make you insult me so?”

Your smile widened before you sucked your bottom lip into your mouth, bringing his eyes right there. He adjusted in the seat he sat and waited for you to continue.

“Your eyes are red, under your eyes puffy, and one doesn’t just say Christ to say Christ.”

You had him there. He pushed his fist under his chin and continued to watch you.

“So you are implying I look bad.”

You smirked then, and he picked up the change in the air.

“I mean, I’m sure I look the same as you. So take comfort in that.”

A chuckle escaped him. “So that is a yes; I do look bad.”

You looked at him but didn’t answer.

“I will take that as a yes on my part. however, regarding you, you look far from bad.”

You snorted then laughed, and it was the most shockingly endearing sound. It wasn’t a laugh he would hear from others in his company. Their laughs would be all dignified, but yours was genuine. It was also downright terrifying, but he preferred it.

“Now I know you’re a liar. I look absolutely disgusting. I can’t believe I’m going to tell you this, but I haven't showered in a week.”

He pinched his lips, hiding his smile. You looked so uncomfortable admitting that.

“Oh my.” He placed his hand over his mouth as if the fact mortified him.

You pinched your lips.

“Please tell me you have at least brushed your teeth.”

“Today was the first day in just as much time.”

Again he put his hand over his mouth and widened his eyes for emphasis. “Appalling.”

You snorted again, and the delightful laugh came back. This time the laugh looked to encompass your entire being, and you glowed. When your laughter subsided, you dabbed at your eyes as you tried to catch your breath. He held out his handkerchief to you. When you took it, you used it to replace your fingers.

“Thank you.”

When you finished, you inspected the fabric, then looked at him.

“You must like your women disgusting to still be here.”

He shrugged.

“How are you feeling?”

“After that nap, I’m feeling well.”

That made him happy.

“Are you feeling well enough for some dinner?”

“Uh—I was told I’m to stay in bed.”

“Yes, Dr. Alfonsi has informed me and the staff as well. That is why--,” he began before walking across the room to the door.

Once he opened it, the staff rolled in three carts filled with platters, trays, and bowls of plenty. Once the carts were parked, he thanked the staff and let them see themselves out.

“Dinner is served.”

The look on your face said you didn’t know what to say, so he uncovered the treys finding the menu items he’d chosen for the meal.

“I was not sure what you liked, so I had them bring all of it.”

He took up a plate and brought it to you. It took a few moments for you to take it, but you did. That was when he went back for his to sit back on the settee.

“Also, do not feel as if you have to eat ladylike for me,” he began.

You took up your fork and shoved an overflowing fork full of mashed potatoes into your mouth, letting a small glob rest at the side of your mouth.

“What was that, your highness?”

That was all it took for his attraction to turn to yearning.

The two of you ate in silence for the most part. He asked you questions to get to know you better, and every new piece of information he found out only made him like you more and more. When you spoke about your career, he heard the passion in your voice, and it spoke to something in him. It had been a long time since he’d been around anyone who was genuinely passionate about the things they enjoyed. It stirred something in him, something he wasn’t quite ready to uncover.

“I am sorry that I did not tell you once we met who I was.”

You paused with your fork in your mouth.

“It’s okay. To be real, why would you reveal to a stranger your secret identity. That’s like Clark Kent walking around in his incognito glasses with an S on his chest. It defeats the purpose.”

“Clark Kent. Superman.”

“Yes, one of my favorite superheroes.”

A soft smile spread across his face before he nodded.

“What’s yours? Wonder Woman?”

He scoffed, then shook his head as he stood and approached the carts, ready for dessert. It wasn’t the Strawberry Cheesecake he truly desired, but it would have to do. When he returned to his seat, he placed your plate in front of you and sat.

“It’s Wonder Woman, huh, or maybe Poison Ivy, ooh, Catwoman.”

He sat there patiently, letting you list them off. He couldn’t help but wonder why those were chosen.

“Before I answer, can I ask why you chose them?”

He saw the mischievous glint twinkle in your eye as your lips quirked up into a smirk.

“Oh, this, I must hear.”

“No reason. They’re just seen as the most desirable by fanboy standards,” you responded while rolling with your eyes.

He suppressed a chuckle to put a piece of the cheesecake into his mouth.

“So?”

“None of those.”

“Oh, please do enlighten me,” you quipped.

Resting the fork on the side of the dish, he responded. “Nubia and Storm.”

He sat there and thoroughly enjoyed watching the emotions wash over your face. Shock was the first, then disbelief, and finally awe. Now you sat there assessing him as if you thought he was pranking you. He was not. You opened your mouth to say something, and he stopped you before you did.

“I suggest you do not repeat it. I assure you I am not.”

Your eyes darkened right at the moment you sucked your bottom lip back into your mouth. Losing his train of thought and head for control, he put another piece of the cake into his mouth, licking the back of the fork. Your eyes lowered to his mouth and your teeth sunk into that delectable bottom lip. If he were a weaker man, he would have tossed the plate he held to the side and been on you in under five seconds, but he was not a weak man. As future King, weakness had no place in the monarchy.

Weakness was not an option until he saw you put the fork in your mouth to mirror his actions, only your tongue swirled around the teeth of the fork in a way that made his pants instantly too tight. Christ, help him.

He cleared his throat and changed his position on the couch to one that would hide your effect.

“Interesting. I didn’t expect those,” you stuttered.

“What did—what did you expect?”

You shrugged and toyed with the fork against your lips. “Something else, but I’m pleasantly surprised.”

Your eyes met again, and the temptation he felt was somehow more than he’d ever felt. He wanted you. He’d wanted you since you cursed about how disgusting the drink was at the bar. The only thing was, this want had shifted.

“I am happy it is pleasantly.”

Again your eyes lingered, and he wanted nothing more than to give in to the heavy cloud of temptation that filled the room.

“What’re you working on?”

He cleared his throat again and straightened himself. “Uh—a speech. One of my father’s projects premiers in a few days, the first since his um—” he cleared his throat again. “Since his passing, and I am going to be the one to cut the ribbon on it.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Keeping his eyes turned downward, he nodded. The sincerity in your voice touched him. “Thank you.”

The silence between you stretched for a few seconds before you spoke again.

“What’s wrong with it?”

“The speech, um—I do not know. It just does not feel right.”

“Want me to take a look?”

“Do you have an aptness for speeches?”

You placed your place to the side and adjusted your posture.

“Not speeches in general. I do have a knack for words. I’ve spent the last few years writing about the places I’ve gone in such a way that makes people want to go there themselves. I might know a little something, something.”

He smiled, put the plate beside him, and leaned forward to hand you his laptop. He watched as you read through the few paragraphs he’d already written and wondered what you thought of it. Every lift of your brow or nibble of your lip had him more and more curious as to the thoughts in your head. After a few minutes, you nodded.

“This isn’t bad. You sound like you’re on a good roll.”

“No critique?”

“How about you leave me with it for a day or two, and I’ll have some notes. Or, you could give it to your royal speechwriter.”

He chuckled. “What makes you think I have one of those?”

You rolled your eyes and smiled. “Hello, this is a monarchy. I am sure the monarchy employs people to make sure their dear prince is always PC.”

You were right.

“I think I would rather leave it with you,” he replied, making you smile in the process.

“Okay. I’ll knock your socks off then.”

“You already have,” he said, standing to take your plate.

He tried to arrange the empty plates, dishes, and classes on the carts in a way that wouldn’t have them falling once they were moved.

“Is there anything else I can get for you?”

He turned in time to see you wobbling toward him, clutching the IV pole with one hand and a plate with the other. He saw your knees buckle and wrapped you in his arms, taking you to the bed in the process. With you underneath him, he couldn't deny how right this felt. Your breathing was heavy, your eyes bright and chest heaving. The way you were looking at him made his next move the only possible one.

He brought his lips toward yours but right before he claimed them, he hesitated. The tiny sliver of space between your lips made it easy to feel the literal electricity that sparked between you. He was so close, but so far, and he wanted to get closer. The fact that you didn’t look as if you objected to this made his blood bubble with desire even more than it had hours ago when he first walked in.

“I apologize,” he whispered before he pulled away from you with whatever ounce of strength he had remaining. He stood before you then held his hands out to you.

“Let me help you.”

You placed your hands in his letting him hoist you up. He wrapped his arm around your waist and helped you back to the side of the bed you’d been this entire time. When he eased you down, he spread the blanket over you and assured you were comfortable. Being sure to keep his eyes away from yours, he turned to his things and gathered them.

“I will let you get some rest. If Dr. Alfonsi found out I were here preventing that, he would give me a stern talk.”

“Thank you for this,” you said.

He took his laptop from your bed and nodded. “I will email it to you.”

“You have my email?”

“I am head of this country; I have multiple resources at my disposal,” he replied, smirking at you. Your smile said you fully understood his meaning and knew he was teasing. You understood him. Yet another thing to like about you, he thought. He quickly averted his eyes then gave you a slight head bow.

“Good night, Xari.”

“Good night, your highness.”

He walked toward the door and poked his head out to instruct the waiting staff to remove the carts. The walk back to his room was filled with several stops as he thought to go back, but when he realized he couldn’t, he carried on his way. He’d never been filled with so many conflicting wants and thoughts before, and he suspected as the coming weeks stretched, this would be just the tip of the iceberg.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***If you want to be tagged/untagged please SEND AN ASK SO IT WILL BE EASIER FOR ME TO KEEP TRACK OF. Thank you for reading!!!***

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TagList:

@caramara3 @chaneajoyyy @caplover22 @queenoftheworldisdead @liquorlaughslove @shinebrightlikeafanbase @night-of-the-living-shred @dangerouslovefanfic @areubeingserved @maxcullen @jovanaprime @pananegra @bakarilennox @littlepreciousangel @shar74nett @pananegra @laketaj24 @blackgurlkillinit @maeleeme @live-laugh-love-ki @mary-ann84 @mery-be

@jamesbarnesappreciationclub @momobaby227 @naturalthrone22 @emjayewrites @kikimiyazaki @minton131 @aar-journey @sincerelyglowing @theonewithherheadintheclouds @livinglifeformemyselfandi @kittykatlow @mauvecherie @give-me-a-million-dollars-pls @angrybirdcr @winchwm @alyxkbrl @rn7rocks @thesecretlifeofdaydreams

@simply-heaven @winchwm @maximumninjavoid @offrostandstarlight @angrybirdcr @maxcullen @xsweetdellzx @sausagefest1996 @tenaciousperfectionunknown @bellaamor88 @alyxkbrl @hello-therree @mery-be @that-chick212 @smuttywriter @ljstraightnochaser

@mrsbarnes-rogers @melanicia @live-laugh-love-ki @deadpixie22 @asiaaisa77 @queenshikongo3 @queenreignssupreme @cltex84 @helenasmirkedno @areubeingserved @petty-bitch-akira @rynabarnesrogers-reading @themeforanudebeach @i-just-like-fanfics

@october505 @msblkfire84 @msbrightsidestuff @youremysuperstar @storiestoldbyjazz @themeforanudebeach @i-just-like-fanfics @titty-teetee @wellthirsted @t3mporaa @jd-now-jq @libbymouse @queen-zelieonna @abschaffer2 @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @ramp-it-up @kianya-loves @cutiebubbleboo @koko-michelle

#crown for two fic #henry cavill #henry cavill fanfiction #henry cavill x reader #henry cavill x you #henry cavill x black reader #henry cavill x black ofc #black fanfiction #royalty au #henry cavill au #christmas fic #cheesy christmas fic

124 notes · View notes

leahseclipse · 4 years

Text

May the show begin (Part 2)

May the show begin masterlist | Masterlist

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

Category: Angst

Warnings: Kidnapping, general criminal minds stuff, angst, cursing, blood, mentions of death.

Summary: While working on a case, y/n gets targeted by the unsub that kidnaps her.

A/N: Hello! Here's the 2nd part! Thank you to everyone who liked the first part, it means a lot to me!! I hope you'll like this one- I really do my best at every fic, I hope it's not too bad- lmk if you liked it- have a good time reading. - Lex

Don't hesitate to send requests, I'll be more than happy to write them!

Word count: 5.5 k

_______

"Y/N."

I woke up with a start after hearing a voice calling my name.

I looked around, but no one was there. I almost thought it was Spencer calling me for a second.

I immediately felt panic invade my whole mind as I realized the situation I was in.

The room was dark, which didn't reassure me at all, because I hated being in the dark, and in this situation, I wasn't even somewhere safe.

I'm scared.

I want to get out of here.

What is going to happen ?

I knew that the following hours, or even days would be the worst days I'd ever have, and I didn't even know if I would get out of here alive.

I couldn't be sure of that.

It didn't really take long until I realised that I've also been drugged. I was struggling to stay awake, and my sight was blurry for a while.

I even tried to move for a bit, but quickly noticed the ropes restraining me.

As I tried to dig into my memories, trying to even remember anything from yesterday, the only thoughts that came were the faint sounds of a car, and then...screams.

My screams.

The next thing I did after almost regaining full consciousness was to look at my own body; I had felt a soft fabric against my skin, but still couldn't guess whether it was my clothes or not.

Then, as I lowered my head,

I realized.

Someone had put a dress on me.

I knew that I had this on for a specific reason, but I still couldn't remember why.

I did my best not to crack under the pressure, because the more I'd look around, the more I'd feel like crying out of panic. My head was full of panicked thoughts, I prayed for it to stop, but I knew well that I couldn't. Not until I'd get out of here.

If...hold on.

I remembered something.

The dress.

It's what was on the women that are now...dead.

Right now, what I only wished for was for someone to find me as quickly as possible. I couldn't remain calm, knowing that I could eventually die here.

This wasn't planned at all, I never thought this would happen one day, I did everything to protect myself, be careful outside, and some guy, or girl, managed to get into my apartment to kidnap me.

And right now, being the nervous and dramatic wreck I am, I could only think of the worst things that could happen. And...that are about eighty percent accurate to happen, I'd say.

This really can't...I'm not done saying all of the words I need to say to Spencer, I need more time with him, my life can't end now, it can't end here.

We're even supposed to get married. We're too busy with work that we haven't planned anything yet.

I can't leave him behind like that.

I can't.

My thoughts were interrupted by a sound, causing me to come back to reality.

I suddenly heard the door opening, followed by footsteps; these becoming louder as the person approached.

"Hello there." He said, as I froze out of fear, his voice sending chills down my spine.

"I'm sorry we have to meet under these circumstances. I wished I could have processed this meeting in another way. But apparently, you were quite busy with your job. It was quite difficult to catch up with your schedule. So, I had to pay you an unexpected visit. It's nice to see you again y/n." He added, as he walked in front of me. I looked at him while he talked, but his face was masked, I couldn't see anything.

It's nice to see you again'? Do I...know him?

I still couldn't put a name on the voice, but I knew I did hear it somewhere. But the problem is that I didn't know. It could be an old friend, a colleague, a neighbor, but unless he'd say his name, I wouldn't know.

"You can talk, you know, I didn't say you weren't allowed." He let out a laugh, his hand touching my face, while he traced my jawline with the tip of his fingers.

"I...why am I wearing a dress," I finally let out, with a shaky voice. "And how do you know me…?" What I just asked was probably stupid when I thought about it after, but I was too terrified to think of anything else. These were the only words I managed to let out. I guess it's better than the curses. Maybe.

"Oh, the dress. I made it just for you. It's just a bit loose, sorry. I couldn't get your measurements from far, when I was watching, so...I did my best. I hope that you like it. I didn't want you to keep what you were wearing, it wasn't very pretty." He paused, probably thinking about the other question.

"And, how do I know you…? Well, it's not my job to tell you, you're a big girl, so I think you can remember it by yourself. It'll come, soon enough. It's not difficult, you used to see it all the time, a long time ago, and kinda...recently." He said, as he put his hand on my hair, taking a strand between his fingers.

This really has to be a joke. What am I supposed to do, guess your name until I get the right one?

"You really are...amazingly pretty. If I kill you, I can't keep you forever. That'd be a shame, really. I can keep you for a while, if you behave nicely. So, be an angel and don't make me angry, okay?"

"Be a angel"...how am I even supposed to react to that?

"...keep me forever, why?"

"You see," He said, as he kneeled in front of me. "I couldn't keep watching you, you exactly look like my daughter would have looked like if she lived another ten years. But, some bastard killed her, and now, all I have left...is you. I can feel her presence through you, I know she's here. That's why I want to keep you for a while. You'll love me, soon enough. It'll be like the old days. I just, really am obsessed with you. It'll probably hurt your poor boyfriend, but I'm sure he won't mind if I take you from him. He won't."

He totally lost his mind. I don't think he's thinking sanely right now. If I take his words, his mind totally blew up when he saw me…like to the point he'd do things, without getting scared of consequences, he hadn't realised at all the risks he took, and I don't think he does right now.

I could feel the rage burning sensation in my body growing larger every second I'd look at him. He should consider himself lucky that the rope is too tight for me to move. Otherwise, he'd have no face anymore.

I couldn't help but wonder why he would do that. Both my father and sister died when I was only 10, but I didn't go and stole someone else's father and daughter to replace mine. It took a long time, because I had to accept the death of someone twice, suffer even more, alone, in my room for months, but I coped with it and moved on a few months after, taking control over my life once again after the event I've been through.

I know they would have wanted me to do that. They both hated it whenever I was sad.

"Why do...you just take girls from their families, to just end up killing them a few days after? Is making people suffer okay?"

"Look, if I do that, this way sweetie...the police will finally understand my anger. It's been two years, and they still haven't found the guy who killed her. I even wonder if they haven't forgotten about it, or given up. And after, they proudly appear in newspapers while a killer is still on the loose. Wow, look how great police is."

Is this how people are supposed to cope with the death of someone? Making other people suffer isn't the right way when you have to deal with a loss.

"Killing people won't resolve things, it's sad for you, but sadly, it won't bring her back. I won't."

"We'll see that; if your smart-ish friends manage to find you. Unless they don't, you'll get to travel with me. Exciting isn't it? I know, right? You'll like it. I can feel it. You'll become my pretty little doll. Till you break. I hope it'll last long. We've only been together for half a day. We have plenty of time to get to know each other once again. It's been a long time since our last meeting so I'm sure we both have a lot of things to say. A lot.

"You're fucking crazy."

"If you say so. But soon, you'll like- no, you'll adore me."

"Never." I exclaimed, glancing at him, my eyes filled with all the rage I felt for him in this moment. He'd be stupid if he didn't see that.

"You won't say that in a few days. I think you'll even beg-" He said, cutting off mid sentence, before I spat at his face.

I knew the consequences of it, but I didn't regret it. Now, he'd know that I'm not his toy, and that I'll certainly not beg him for anything.

He stepped back, chuckling, before hitting me in the face with his fist. Soon enough, a few drops of blood flowed from my nose, falling on the dress, as the tissue slightly absorbed it.

I didn't know if it was the punch or the effects of the drugs that I had just felt, but I suddenly felt tired as he hit me, bringing me back to the state I was in when I woke up.

"You bitch...who do you think you are to do that? TELL ME." He yelled, his voice filled with anger. Even though I couldn't see his face, I knew it probably was red from all of the anger he's been accumulating.

The veins on his hands contracted, surely meaning he was restraining himself from hitting me again, or even...strangling me.

"I'm...not a toy...for you to play with. It's sad that she died...but I already said I won't replace her."

"I NEVER ALLOWED YOU TO TALK, SHUT UP!" He paused, taking a large breath of air, as he pointed at me with his index. "You'll do...whatever I'll tell you. If you care enough about the ones around you. That'd be a shame for them to die because of their...stubborn friend." He added, glancing at me as he left the room, aggressively closing the door.

I couldn't stop shaking the whole time he was in. I'd never imagined that this would ever happen to be one day. It happened to Spencer, and I was devastated the whole time. Watching him on the livestream, I couldn't stand it for more than a few minutes.

And now that I'm in the same situation, he's the one that is suffering. None of us know if I'll get out of here alive. That's the worst.

Until they'd find anything about him, both of us had to stay there, wondering if the other was doing okay, and in Spencer's case, wondering if I would make it.

I really prayed for that. I need to see his smile again, run my hand through his hair, cuddle in bed with him, all of the things I love to do with him, that I love him for.

No sound was coming from outside, either the walls of the room were isolated in order to not let any sound in, or the house was in the middle of nowhere.

The only thing I could do while being tied up was to look around; of the two windows, the only one that would allow the light to go in was closed by the blinds, only allowing a short film of light into the dark place. The left one was being blocked by the shelf in front of it, so not any light came out of it.

Even if I would try to escape, how could I even do that? I was tied up to the chair by the rope, almost suffocating me; my hands were both restrained to the back of the chair, each hand on one side of it, so whenever I'd try to move them up, the head of the chair would block my hands.

I then looked more around, a lot of costumes were displayed in the room. Some were complete, some half done or in bad shape; he also had sewing kits, measurement tapes, a lot of stuff to sew, in general.

There were some boxes in the corner, some papers, and...a pair of legs coming out of behind the boxes. Someone was lying there.

A stream of blood was dripping from her tight, while the puddle of blood underneath her limp body slowly became wider.

Her skin was pale as snow, and I quickly came to the realisation that she was either dying or...already dead.

Tears soon began flowing down my cheeks, a quiet sob escaping my lips. I couldn't do anything to help her, the only thing I could do was to watch her die, if she was still alive.

And now...he's really going to do the same to me…? No. It can't happen...it can't.

The thought of myself soon being in the same situation as them even went through my mind for a second, terrifying me. I wasn't sure of it, but it still could be one of the scenarios that could happen.

Who could even know if he didn't kill other girls? From what we all know, two have been found, and plus the one I just saw, three, or more, I couldn't confirm that; they'd had to search the house, or he'd have to say it to me in one of his possible attempts to threaten me, otherwise, I didn't know if there was more, I seriously hoped that he hasn't killed other girls.

But, from what I've seen from the way he was acting, he felt...pressured, in a way. I think that when I...got angry, which resulted in him realising that I wasn't going to be the perfect doll he expected me to be, something might have changed in his plans, he imagined that he'd keep me much longer, thinking that I'd be obedient, calm.

He had his reasons to think like that, I think. It's not really in my habits to flip people off, I'm usually nice in general. Even with weird guys that try to flirt with me for example. I always try to be as nice as possible when trying to tell them I'm not interested. Some aren't really mean in general, they just need a talk to understand.

I had this one teacher in college, back then, I was taking theater classes, thought it might be fun to do that for my last year. It didn't cost anything, and I had nothing to lose if I tried it. It really was fun, I got to make some new friends, discover new plays, and the teacher was really nice with us. He was like a second dad. You could talk of anything to him, he wasn't the type of guy to judge you, he was quite understanding in general. He wouldn't force you to talk unless you wanted to, and wasn't the type to slide in personal conversations. He was pretty friendly, you couldn't really talk bad to him, he was always nice.

What was his name…? I think his family name was something like...Miller?

Even if it really was that, hundreds of people wear that name, so I'm not even close to finding it; and I was not really in the mood to play guessing games.

I'm currently being kidnapped, so...it's logical.

The door abruptly opened once again, as he turned the light on, a sudden burst of light brightening the room, causing myself to startle out of my thoughts.

My eyes involuntarily closed, whilst my vision got blurry for a bit, focusing back when it adjusted itself to the light.

His shadow appeared on the floor as he headed towards me; I could even see my own shadow, not having noticed that I was shaking so much until I actually saw it right in front of me.

"Let's have another chat, shall we?" He took a chair, sitting in front of me while taking the mask off his face. "Remember me now?"

________

SPENCER'S POV

10 hours since the disappearance of y/n

I pushed the glass doors of the 6th floor's office, walking through the hallway, as I made my way to the conference room.

A few minutes ago, I had reached the point where I just couldn't think anymore, I just had to get some air before getting aggressive with the others out of frustration.

Even if I knew that it would be all of the anger I've accumulated talking, and not the usual Spencer they know, I preferred not to go outside with anyone.

I was too distracted over the fact if we would ever find her alive again. If it's the guy that killed the two women, it'll only be a matter of time before he kills her.

When I stepped into the room, I sat by the seat next to Morgan, putting my elbows on the table while my hands rested under my chin.

Papers were scattered all over the table, as everyone's voices raised, arguing on the proofs they had, trying to understand who could be behind that. We only knew what the guy was doing, but had no clue of who it was.

We barely had anything. The only thing we had in stock was that the guy was between 40-50, and that he probably was a theater teacher, but again, it wasn't sure.

The thing was that we didn't even know if this guy was from here or not. He could be a guy that used to live here, and moved somewhere else.

Some argued on the fact that he always lived here, some on the fact that he just drove here so many times that he ended up knowing the city, or some that someone else who actually knew the area drove with him.

We weren't really close to finding any constructive proofs.

As for me, I wasn't close to finding any mental stability yet. My whole mind was a storm, a storm that I don't think anyone in the room would be able to stop.

What if she was already dead?

Although I wished more than anything that she would be okay right now, I couldn't get this thought out of my mind since we knew she was missing.

Her face appeared in my mind, her wonderful smile with it. She would radiate so much joy, that it would always be enough to cheer the team up for a bit whenever we'd work on a complicated case.

She would always care about others before herself.

Even if we would never ask for it, she would suddenly burst out of the office, and come back a few minutes later with coffee, or even take a few files behind our backs so that we could go home early. She'd take a lot from Matt, JJ and Hotch; but while they'd go home early, she would go home late.

We would even find her the next morning in the conference room, along with the finished files next to her. We weren't that evil, so we would let her sleep a bit more.

She'd eventually wake up with a start, claiming that she just closed her eyes and didn't actually fall asleep.

I always liked it when she tried to cover the fact that she didn't fall asleep, it really was fun.

But, I don't regret once meeting her, I've been in love with her since her first day at the BAU.

She got in about two years after I came in and when I saw her I just...immediately fell in love. Back then, I had shorter hair, and wasn't as sociable as I am today. A lot has changed about my behaviour and personality since. And...I think most of that is thanks to her. She made me a better person.

15 YEARS AGO, OCTOBER 2005

The previous day, we've all been notified of the arrival of a new member, coming from New Jersey, but Hotch didn't say anything else, probably to keep the element of surprise, and so that they could introduce themselves to us properly.

We all were excited, a new member meant an additional person to join our family, a new co-worker, a new person to know, it really sounded fun.

The next day, on a Tuesday morning, at exactly 7:40, she entered the office along with Hotchner.

She was trying to keep up with Hotch as he was walking, he was much taller compared to her, so she had some trouble walking at his pace.

They both headed towards his office, probably to talk a bit, sign some papers, I remember doing that on my first day here.

A few minutes later, Hotch and her went out of the room, as she shaked his hand, exchanging a few words.

During the whole time, I couldn't keep my eyes off her. I even waited for her to come out, staring at the door for at least twenty minutes.

The others even tried to call me, but after a few minutes, I think they noticed that the thing I was focused on wasn't the files,

It was her.

Finally, Morgan decided to come to my desk and move his hand in front of my face, as I blinked, looking at him in confusion.

"What's wrong?"

"Hotch called the team five minutes ago, you were apparently too focused on the new one so you haven't even heard him calling us. If you don't want to get lectured by Hotch, get up fast."

"I wasn't focused on her..." I mumbled, while getting up, walking towards the conference room with Morgan.

I entered the room, noticing her next to Hotch, as the others were quietly talking together.

She glanced at me, and gave me a sympathetic smile before walking in my direction.

"Hi, you must be...Spencer Reid, right? I'm y/n y/l/n, it's nice to meet you." She said, reaching out to me.

It took me a few minutes to get out of my bubble, before I came back to reality, looking at her. "Oh, yeah, that's me. It's nice meeting you too." I said, giving her a handshake.

"Everyone, I think you've all met her now, but let's welcome the new member of our team. She'll be working with us from now on. We all look forward to working with you, agent y/l/n." Hotch said, as everyone clapped once he was done talking, welcoming words following.

And, of course, the following days Garcia kidnapped her a few times in her 'batcave', for getting to know her more, y/n was probably polite, and liked her too much to refuse her invitation, so she would always come, asking Hotch if anything was planned. Penelope wasn't that evil to the point of letting Hotch lecture her.

I enjoyed every moment in her presence. The little time we'd have with each other was more than enough for me. But at the time, I wasn't courageous enough to confess my feelings to her. So, we just were two close friends.

Nothing more.

We really grew closer the following months, we would get coffee for the other one, eat on breaks when we had time, exchange files, but my most favourite things were to see her arriving in the morning, and walk her home at night.

She would always have this beautiful smile on her face whenever she'd greet everyone on her way in. Eventually, I stopped staring at her like an idiot when I'd see her, and talked instead.

She seemed to like my random facts a lot, so before she would arrive, I would write a fact on a piece of paper, and drop it on her desk. She liked that small attention of mine, and kinda began doing the same with cheerful words she'd write on paper or randomly say to me throughout the day.

Slowly, it became a habit.

Our habit.

I liked saying that. It almost sounded like...we were together.

We weren't until, one day.

I suddenly came to her desk, and asked her out. It was now or never. Because if I hadn't done it back then, I don't know if I would have done it later.

Surprisingly, her first reaction was to cry. I got scared, thinking that she was about to announce that she already had a boyfriend or something else, but instead, she got up, and wrapped her arms around my neck, bringing me in a tight hug. I returned the hug, wrapping my arms around her waist.

"You took a lot of time to ask, I thought you'd never do it." She mumbled, loud enough for me to hear.

Soon enough, the team quietly gathered around, smiles on their faces. They wouldn't see that everyday, so might as well enjoy this moment.

When y/n broke our embrace, her eyes were still watery and a bit puffy because of the crying.

Before y/n even got to, I brought my fingers to her small face, wiping the tears from her eyes, which she immediately responded to with a smile.

Her smile.

That's the reason why I fell in love with her, and recently, asked her to marry me.

"Hey, Reid. Reid. You there?" A familiar voice said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I then realized it was Morgan a few seconds after.

"Yeah, sorry. Overthinking. I just got stuck in my thoughts for a minute." I said, trying to keep up with what was said previously by listening to Morgan's short resume.

"He kept the first one four days, and the second two days." Emily said, tapping her pen on the table. "Which gives and doesn't give us a correct estimation. But, from that, we could possibly conclude that he would approximately keep her…"

"Three or four days." I interrupted, while running my hand through my hair, in an exhausted way.

Everyone was exhausted at this point, we didn't even know if we would get the guy once, but mostly, we didn't know if we would be able to find her in time before he decides he wants to kill her.

We would have this crushing weight on us if we wouldn't manage to save her. We'd not lose an agent, but a member of our family.

And I don't think we'll get up from that.

Derek, Luke and Matt always act like she's their little sister, they like to tease her, take things from her desk and wait for her to notice it, bring her the wrong order before saying that it only was a joke, they really like her.

Emily, JJ, Garcia, and Tara immediately became best friends with her, they really liked going out with her at night, or even hanging out with her in general. She wasn't a big fan of girl nights, but she'd come anyway, it distracted her from all of the stress she had throughout the week because of work.

Which I understood, because even I like to throw myself on the couch and watch as many Doctor Who episodes as possible till I end up falling asleep. I do that, or just sleep.

When you work there, get as much sleep as you can because you never know if you'll get called for a case, and when you'll get sleep when you'll start working.

And lastly, Hotch and Rossi are like the fathers she never had. Rossi often invited her to teach her how to cook, chat with her, watch tv, he really is considering her like she's his real daughter.

Hotch always protected her, he likes to sit down with y/n to talk whenever she feels down, needs help with files, and she really looks up to him. He still lectures her sometimes, but he doesn't mean any harm.

They both are like her fathers, the fathers that I'm sure she would have wished for.

So, losing her would be the worst thing to ever happen to us right now.

From now on, every single second would be crucial. I could not permit myself to get distracted; it was a matter of life or death from now on.

Even if I had to go to the guy's place myself, I'd do it.

I would risk my life for hers.

I would do everything for her.

She's my everything.

Her life always mattered more than mine. She'd always say to me that I should stop saying that, but I meant it, it was absolutely true. I would have never lied to her about that, or anything else.

She always supported me in all of the imaginable ways. She never left my side once. Even when I'd beg to stay alone, she would come anyway. She always came.

Y/N always felt bad when she couldn't come to a date we've had planned, by making sure to bake something for me the next day. I never got mad, if she couldn't come, it was totally alright.

Everyone would sometimes get sick, or too busy with files. But no matter what I'd say to her so that she'd know that it was okay, I would continually find something she baked for me on my desk.

Losing her was my worst nightmare.

A nightmare that could become reality if we didn't find her in time.

"I'm sure we'll find her. You'll marry your girl, don't worry." Morgan said, a slight smile on his face. He probably was trying his best at being positive.

"I know you're supposed to think positively in these cases, but I just can't. If it's that guy, who knows if he's not going to kill her off, who knows if she's not already dead, I don't know what to think of anymore." I said, tears forming in the corner of my eyes.

"Hey, it's going to be okay. We'll do everything to find her. I promise, okay? Now calm down, you have to be strong for her."

"Yeah, I know, I know. We'll find her."

The rest of the day consisted of piles of papers, some short naps, coffee, emotional breakdowns, everyone was overwhelmed by the situation.

I never had to deal with it before, so I didn't know what to do, how to manage all my emotions, I was completely lost.

Just a month ago, I proposed to her, and now we're supposed to get married. I don't even know when.

It's not easy to plan something without it risking to be cancelled at the last minute because of a case. You can even get called at 2AM.

These last weeks, we actually planned to organise the wedding, but just when we had free time to do it; two cases appeared. I'm even wondering if we'll ever have time to do the actual wedding at this point.

We were supposed to discuss it this weekend. Garcia even wanted to help us, she adores weddings. It's the first one she'll get to organise. She was so excited when I asked for her help.

And now, all of our joy and excitement from the last days shattered in pieces when we heard of what had happened.

We all were devastated.

________

A few minutes earlier, Garcia had returned to her office, probably wanting some alone time. I knew she didn't really like to show her emotions in front of everyone, she finds it embarrassing.

Everyone was pretty much doing the same, trying to stay strong even through I know we all were on the verge of tears.

I was about to walk out of the room to talk to Morgan who had come back to his desk, when my phone loudly vibrated. I quickly noticed that it was a call, whilst I answered, placing the phone to my ear.

"Spencer, you need to come, now." Garcia said, with a panicked tone, hanging up before I even got to place a word.

Apparently, she had sent the message to everyone; some of the team members were already there.

I headed into the room, as all my hopes shattered at the sight of what I've just seen on Garcia's monitors.

I swore I almost heard her voice for a moment.

I wished for it to be true.

At that moment, I felt like everything around me was collapsing.

Hotch was the last to come in, closing the door after entering, as he headed to where I was, his hand now resting on my shoulder.

We're almost there y/n. Almost there.

__________

Taglist: @amanda-rotigliano , @thatsonezesty13 , @eevee0722 ,

A/N (2): I hope you liked the chapter! I'm sorry it took so long,, I had a lot of struggle writing it haha- See you soon for the next and probably last chapter. The post that will close this story after the 3rd chapter will be the Epilogue.

#spencer reid #criminal minds #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid x reader #matthew gray gubler fic #spencer reid fic #aaron hotchner #derek morgan #criminal minds fic

120 notes · View notes

whatgaviiformes · 3 years

Text

10. Music Makers - Part 6 / Scenes from Gordon’s Bedside

Chapter Summary: Virgil and Gordon and music

You are Here - Final Section

Chapter A/N: In honor of 10 chapters of this concept, the plan is to give you a hell of a chapter 10 with a few moments in time strung together. I decided to go ahead and share what I have with you instead of waiting. Once the chapter has been shared in full over tumblr, I will post the full piece at Ao3 and FF.net. It may or may not make sense to remain as chapter 10 or be it’s own thing. Do share if you have an opinion. :-)

Adding also - this is the final bit. Thank you all so much for the reblogs and the likes, and the tags. The support has been wonderful and I am so humbled. I hope you have enjoyed. I am posting the last bit here, and tomorrow sometimes I’ll probably post the FF and Ao3 links for the story in full, but for now, this is for you tumblr. Thank you.

Part Notes: A thank you to @gumnut-logic for the read through because I needed another set of eyes on what is a complicated set of boys below. It’s been a whirlwind of a day.

For tunes this time - Green Onions.

***

Music Makers - Part 6/The Conclusion

“You want to do what?!”

“I want to use your accident as a simulation for training.” John continues to layer cream cheese onto his toasted bagel as he speaks, but Gordon has stopped his knife mid-spread, the heaping dollop of hazelnut hovering dangerously on the dull edge.

“You’re joking.”

“I’m not,” John says, his countenance severe as green eyes stare piercingly to meet Gordon’s shocked expression.

“O-kay” Gordon says slowly, placing his breakfast down onto his plate and pushing the breakfast meal aside. “Why exactly?”

The hydrofoil had exploded before anyone could ever have anticipated the destruction; there had been no time. The only way to use his accident for a rescue simulation was to admit what really happened. And while Gordon was grateful for what John had risked by hacking confidential WASP files to discover the cause of the accident, no good could from clueing in Scott and Virgil to the knowledge that it was sabotage, that someone – they still don’t know who - had tried to murder him and had succeeded for seven others. He planned to take the knowledge to his grave and has asked John to do the same. Which is why it was strange for their Thursday morning to start with such a suggestion.

The four of them had been running sims for weeks. There was nothing that would beat live testing the equipment and they had done test drives of the pods and ships, but running mission scenarios was different. Before they introduced International Rescue to the world, they needed to be able to trust each other completely, to know how to work the problem.

Scott had naturally taken to the role of commander, his instincts well in tune with countering the details of John’s “missions.” Since it was all simulations, Virgil would often challenge Scott’s decisions, walk through the equipment they would have at their disposal, and offer additional suggestions. Brains and Jeff had started to create practice rescues as well, so John got the practice he needed to best support communications.

Overtime, the rescues became more complex. They were all experts in their fields, so it was natural for them to lean into the rescues that met their niches, but when they went live that wouldn’t always be the case. Just yesterday, Gordon had given his family a crash course on how to best avoid getting the bends in a deep sea rescue, and Gordon has learned more about functioning in zero gravity than he hopes he will ever truly need.

Sometimes John and Brains would program the mission to have an urgency to it, sometimes it was a mission of precision. And they’d failed. A lot. A lot less lately as they started to get into the groove, but they always worked the problem until they solved it.

Even knowing what he did about the bomb that had been placed deep in the hydrofoil’s engine, Gordon’s knew his accident was…unsolvable.

“But how are we supposed to solve for the impossible, John?” John doesn’t answer; he just looks at Gordon patiently, pointedly. Waiting. “Oh my God, you want to give them a Kobayashi Maru!”

John nods. “Yes.”

“No, I don’t like it,” Gordon says, shaking his head.

“Look, we will do everything we can, and we will still lose people. Scott and Virgil—” the and you goes unsaid “—need to understand that! They’re getting too complacent, and they need to understand the stakes. We can’t save everyone.”

“We understand the stakes,” he argues, but John is shaking his head vehemently.

“No. You don’t. You all have shown you’re going to be a hell of a team, honestly,” he says. “But it’s all been puzzling through the situations, how to use the pods. I need a way for it to feel real, and I can’t use the avalanche, so —"

“Don’t you DARE.”

“I’m just trying to find something—"

“John, stop.” Gordon says, grasping at the redhead’s shoulders and gently shaking him. “I need you to turn off rescue work here. How can you even think to do that to Virgil? What exactly are you trying to prove? I didn’t think you would be so cruel.”

Gordon can’t fathom what would possess John to pressure his brothers – Virgil who, he clearly has mis-understood, and Scott, who after two months MIA, had been returned to his family with an honorable discharge and a pair of haunted eyes and agitated reflexes that were mere phantoms to what they imagine he went through captured behind enemy lines. If training in the Air Force was anything like WASP, Gordon knew just why and how Scott closed himself off from feeling at times.

John pales. “I’m not—”

“What is Virgil supposed to think if you give them the avalanche and they can’t solve it?” Gordon feels heat flush up his neck. “What if they can solve it? I don’t even know what’s worse, but I won’t let you do it! I won’t!”

“I know. Look, I know, Gordon. You haven’t let me finish; I said I am not going to use to avalanche,” he says, urging Gordon to understand. He knows how difficult this is. He’s been going through it in his head for days before mustering the courage to ask Gordon. “Just let me start over.”

“Fine. But get to the point.”

“Tell me - when is the last time any of you used someone’s name on a rescue simulation?”

The question takes him by surprise. He knows they receive the victim’s name in the scenario briefing, but he can’t remember a time when they used names. The simulations were life-like enough that they could role play if they need to, yeah, but the point was to practice with the equipment. But then, they had been exceeding expectations there lately.

“How about the last mission? Do you remember the victim’s name? How about his age?”

Gordon stares blankly at his brother. He thinks it started with a B, perhaps. Brandon? Bradley?

“It was Randy, and he was 8. Virgil geared up with the Jaws of Life, moved the cross beam to save him, and got him out of the fire to safety. You don’t even know why the boy froze, do you? It was because he was scared. Randy was deaf and he didn’t hear a thing Virgil said. Virgil can’t do ASL in the exo-suit, and for the entire simulation he faced away from him. Virgil may have gotten him out, but he didn’t give him very much trust in International Rescue.”

“Yeah, but he would still be alive if it were a real situation.”

“Gordon, the situation was never about the fire. It hasn’t been about learning the equipment for weeks. Please. I am not trying to be heartless. I just… don’t know how else to make it feel real to them. And I am worried.”

“So, what? You’re trying to make a point about their compassion, and yet you’re showing them none? I don’t want any part of it,” he growls. “And you make your own no-win scenario. Leave mine out of it.” Gordon slides his chair back and storms off.

After a few seconds, John too retreats to his room, after wrapping up the two uneaten bagels for later. He has a lot to think about.

***

Gordon finds Virgil in Thunderbird 2’s hangar, checking her over for the test flight they are planning to undertake after simulations today. His dark hair is swept underneath a large headset that could appear to have a safety function to protect his ear drums, but no, Gordon knows they are his older brother’s preferred set of sound blocking, bass pumping, wireless headphones.

He'd bought them for him himself, as a thank you after one of his more difficult nights, and he knew from experience how immersive the sounds were through the speakers. There was no one else around other than Gordon, which Virgil had yet to realize, and so it was a sign of just how focused Virgil was in his work.

Gordon steps further into the hangar and observes the adoration Virgil puts into his careful touches as he checks the green supply ship. Over the past year and a half, Virgil has channeled all of his creativity and ingenuity into her build. Thunderbird 2 was what Virgil needed, his special project to distract him from the burdens of Gordon’s injuries as he healed.

He sits down on a crate and closes his eyes. Virgil had sacrificed so much for him. If anything, the simulations had shown just how eager Virgil was, and John didn’t know their brother well enough if he felt Virgil was forgetting the stakes. Virgil knew the stakes better than anyone. The idea for International Rescue had been born from loss after all. A loss that Virgil was a breath away from being part of.

How can he possibly blame him for his excitement to share Thunderbird 2 with the world? For getting lost in the details? The problem was the simulations would always be awkward for him. He compensated for his lack of acting skills by leaning into what he knew well, which was his patience, knowledge of machines, and an innate talent for challenging Scott.

Gordon didn’t need a simulation for him to have the upmost faith in Virgil’s compassion. John hadn’t been here to know how tenderly Virgil cared for him while he was healing and so he couldn’t see what Gordon could: that when it was real and when it mattered, Virgil’s heart would only be focused on the people they were trying to save.

A no-win scenario would break him.

When he opens his eyes again, Virgil is still oblivious to his presence, but he’s abandoned his wrench and with his hands free has started to dance, his head bopping, energized with the beat that only he can hear. A shimmy and a spin and he finally catches sight of Gordon, who laughs with the scene. Virgil is so in his element today, and the joy Gordon feels is so counter to his anger from earlier that morning.

“Hey!” Virgil calls, a little louder than he realizes with the headphones still around his ears, but he removes them as he realizes and walks over. “How long have you been there?”

“Not long. Whatcha listening to?” Gordon can hear the pulse from the speakers.

“R&B Soul.” Virgil pulls the headphones off his neck and sets them around Gordon’s ears. The cool blues bassline vibrates through his bones and he too rocks his body with the music for a couple seconds.

“S’cool. I like it,” he says, before relinquishing the headphones back to his brother.

Virgil accepts them back, his eyes suspiciously bright as he places them around his neck once more. “Sorry,” he says chuckling lightly at himself. “It’s just – you’re dancing.”

“I know. Who would’ve thought?” He grins devilishly as he attempts a pirouette and fails.

“I did.”

“Yeah, yeah you did.” Gordon goes quiet a moment, whispering, “Thank you.”

“You really don’t need to keep thanking me, Gordon.”

“Yeah, I really do.”

***

After dinner, Scott finds Gordon sitting on the edge of the pool, swinging his feet in the chlorinated water. It’s wild to think that after all this time, Thunderbird 1 is waiting below for her first mission.

“You skipped simulations today.”

He grunts. “I know. How did it go?” He knows Scott will assume he skipped for his health.

“Well we need an astronaut, that’s for sure.” A space mission. That’s… different. “We could use you tomorrow if you’re up for it. We still haven’t been able to launch correctly and it’s John’s program so he’s not talking.”

“I am not a space guy, Scott.”

“Yeah, but three of us are better than two,” he urges. “We’ll figure it out.”

***

Mayday! Mayday! Impact imminent.

He can’t get the sounds of John’s pained voice out of his head, panicked calls for help that they have been trying for hours to reach.

Over and over.

Until finally, they did reach Thunderbird 5, and after so many times hearing his brother die, John had programmed for them to see it.

“We’re too late; run it again,” Scott had said, pale. “Okay, how do we improve our launch speed this time?”

Then for another three hours, they kept trying to tick off time, to get there faster, until their time plateaued and yet they still were unable to save their sibling.

The mechanical voice – All systems offline. And the screams for help fade to nothing, and Virgil knows what to expect. It’s been torture. Virgil collapses in front of the too white, too pale, too dead figure and screams for it to stop, ripping off the virtual headset.

His knees are weak, but he dashes to John all the same – he needs to see him, to feel him alive. But John’s expression stops him in his tracks.

“It’s not solvable.”

John shakes his head, his expression tight. “No.”

Betrayal flashes through Virgil’s eyes.

“What the hell, John!” Scott shouts and Virgil jumps at the volume. He puts his hand on Virgil’s trembling shoulder. “How long were going to do this for?”

“I-I didn’t think you’d keep running it that long!”

“Of course we were going to keep running it, John – you’re our brother. We would never give up on you. God dammit!”

“I’m sorry, look, Gordon was right-”

“Gordon knows? Is that why he’s been skipping? I thought he was hurt.”

“No, no. Well not really, but–”

Scott eyes flash, and he leaves the training room in a flurry of angry curse words. Virgil cringes as the door slams.

“Virgil, I mean it,” John pleads. “I am so sorry. I didn’t think you’d stay in there. I really didn’t.”

His fingers twitch, as he starts to feel life back in them again, his heart suppressing the vision of red hair caked with blood and unseeing green eyes. John is not the most tactile of people, but despite being quite tall among the Tracy family, his shoulders slump and he seems so small.

John is still his younger brother, though, and he’s upset, and they both could use the hug Virgil had been wanting. He covers the rest of the distance to John and envelops him in his arms.

“Damn you,” he whispers into red hair, and yet he never wants to let him go.

***

Scott is livid. Gordon is absent. John is remorseful. Alan is unaware, lucky kid.

Virgil feels sick. He taps on his watch and calls for Gordon. “Where are you?”

Through the communicator, the aquanaut responds that he’s on the beach by the dock and invites him to join if he wants. Virgil wants. He needs to get out of the villa. Maybe get some fresh air as the sun ducks beyond the horizon.

After a few moments gathering himself, he begins the trek down. In his left hand he carries a guitar, in his right he holds his shoes, as he steps carefully over the granules of sand towards his brother.

Gordon is already strumming on the ukulele when he approaches.

“Did you know?”

“I had an idea,” Gordon admits. “I didn’t agree with it.”

Virgil hums, plopping down next to him on the large beach blanket he’s laid out along the sand. Virgil likes the guitar, and it’s a lot more portable than a baby grand piano. But also, there’s just something powerful about a beach bonfire with the sound of plucked strings.

It's easy for Virgil to fall into chords that complement Gordon’s melodies, and they aren’t playing anything in particular, but it’s seamless when Gordon passes the harmony to Virgil. The ukulele transitions to the accompanying chords, and Virgil smiles thankfully, nodding as he picks up one of many underdeveloped melodies in his head. Virgil fingers fly along the frets, and it's apparent in his loosening posture when he starts releasing the tension in his shoulders.

Gordon places his uke in his lap after some time and leans back into blanket, content to listen to his brother’s playing.

The gentle notes drift with the tossing of wind currents, until suddenly Virgil rounds out a melody with a sigh.

“I think we need to talk.”

Gordon nods and offers to call John and Scott if Virgil will start working on the bonfire.

John was keen for the invite, knowing he would need to be called on before his apology for the error would be accepted, but Scott had taken some talking to. After he left, he’d gone for a run along the bluffs and had settled a bit away. He finally agreed to come join with Gordon’s persuasion, but he would be a while yet.

Virgil has the fire roaring and Gordon has stepped away to talk to Scott by the time John arrives, picnic basket and roasting skewers in hand. Virgil turns from stroking the fire and accepts the picnic basket, peeking inside.

Marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers. Hell yeah.

When Scott approaches, Virgil is playing a tune on the guitar, and Gordon and John both have their skewers extended over the flame, marshmallows browning in the heat.

He is disgusted by the angry shriek of the alarms that sound in his ears at the sight of John, but he swallows down the memory, as he joins his brothers around the fire.

They are not sure what to say to each other, the smoke rising between them and drifting into the night sky, but Virgil’s music is soothing against the tense air, and it’s obvious who is still struggling to the most to meet each other’s gaze.

Gordon shrugs and picks up his ukulele to join Virgil’s song.

A lightly browned marshmallow enters Scott’s field of vision, and he follows it to meet his brother’s apologetic eyes.

“Thanks.” Scott nods, taking the treat. He’s not one for sweets as much as his siblings are, and he can’t remember the last time he had an actual all out s’more. But John knows that, knows Scott’s preference, and has quelled his instinct to stick his skewer in the fire itself to burn it black the way he likes it.

He's furious with him, but he still feels warm at the thought.

“Okay, let’s talk.”

John starts. He explains about the simulations, the number of missions he’s designed to try to get them to focus on the nuances of the people they were to be saving (even many of these are new even to Gordon), and how he was so desperate to get them to feel something. How after days of trying, and days of running worse and worse scenarios in his head, he felt he needed to do something drastic to create a no-win scenario that would challenge them beyond how they had before.

“I’m so sorry, Scott. Virgil,” John finishes. “I knew it would be rough, I just didn’t think you’d be in there that long, repeating it on a loop like that. It must have been torture.”

“It was,” Virgil admits.

“We needed to save you, idiot,” Scott says at the same time.

John is quiet, nodding. “Too real?”

It’s Scott who says yes. “Okay, so how were you involved?”

Gordon frowns at him. “I wasn’t.”

“He knew what I was trying to do. But didn’t agree with it. He didn’t know exactly what I programmed.”

“Be glad,” Virgil tells him. It’s awkward, after hearing John’s explanation, describing to John and Gordon exactly how the program had made them feel, the desperation, the awful loop of the same terrible result over and over.

“Well thanks for the nightmare fuel, I guess,” Gordon says. His brown eyes are dark, thankful that the secret of his accident is still safe, but so torn at how seriously John had taken his words to make something up. “Wait, is that something that could happen?”

“Anything can happen. That’s been the whole point.”

“Well, not if we have a say in it,” Scott proclaims. “We are Tracys. Never give up, remember?”

“But John’s right too. The reality is we can’t save everyone,” Virgil adds with a nod in John’s direction. He doesn’t agree with the methods and will have nightmares for days, but he understands how this whole mess started.

Gordon strokes the fire, adding, “Not going to stop us from trying, though. Hand me another marshmallow, Virgil, please.” Virgil does so, and Gordon squishes it slightly, before promptly tossing it in John’s surprised face. “Don’t be stupid next time.”

The marshmallow hits the center of John’s forehead, leaving a trail of sticky sugar there before it drops silently to the sand. Virgil smiles down at the guitar, suppressing his giggle with a series of notes, while Scott’s laughter is carried into the sky with the rising smoke, and John himself snorts at his own predicament.

Gordon wipes his hands on his shorts to clean off the remains of the marshmallow on his fingertips, before he picks up his instrument as well and joins Virgil in his song, just as he will for years to come, as they both will, and just as the four of them – and eventually five – will come to know each other’s steps as naturally as they know their own.

#Gavii Scribit #scenes from gordon's bedside #chapter 10 music makers #Virgil Tracy #Gordon Tracy #Scott Tracy #John Tracy #thunderbirds fanfiction #Thunderbirds are go

15 notes · View notes

vintagegoddess12 · 4 years

Text

Radioactive Salvation Ch. 5

[Cordelia Goode x Reader]

Chapter: 1, 2, 3, and 4

A/N: I am alive, yes. Thank you for waiting y’all. Throughout the months that I’ve taken a break (that was a real long break asdfdghkl), lots of you continue to read and send sweet messages. Those are real inspiring. If you’re reading this chapter, hold on to your horses because Chapter 6 is coming sooner than you think. Enjoy y’all.

@cordeliasflowergirl @athenamgh @stevenuniversetanzanite @germansarechill @chonisbestmistake @alurous

Just comment down below your thoughts and suggestions. You can also dm y’all. Everything is much appreciated.

I sat on the head of the table and Misty took the chair to my left, an action that made Madison's brow to raise but we just shrugged it off.

Myrtle is the only one who isn't seating yet. When she noticed, she got off the phone and instantly sat down. "Pardon me, girls. Bubbles just called and said she's going to drop by later to greet her favorite roommate a happy birthday."

"Oh please!" Madison rolled her eyes, "She's her favorite because she's the only one who stuck with her."

"Who's gonna have a birthday?" Misty asked while chewing a part of her bagel. I tried to remember what date it was and failed. Things have been too busy around the manor. I haven't even visited my room for a while now.

My room.

I suddenly remembered you. My body stiffened at the thought - or lack thereof - I had of you for hours now.

"It's Y/n's birthday," Myrtle answered the witch in front of her. "She used to be Bubbles' roommate before she moved into Delia's bedroom."

How careless of me! I completely forgot about your birthday. I don't think I even got you a gift, not that you care for the material things. I glanced at the seat on my left, the one you usually occupy, only to realize that it was Misty taking the place. I was too preoccupied with assisting Misty yesterday that I don't remember seeing you all day.

"Where is she by the way?" Mallory inquired that prompted everyone at the table to look at me. They're used to me knowing your whereabouts, especially before we got out of bed. I'm used to that too but this morning was different. You didn't grace my mind until they've reminded me. What is wrong with me?

I tried answering but no sound came out of my mouth. I took a deep breath and excused myself, "I'm going to wake her up now." A sudden flush of guilt run over my body. I walked to our room, but not before overhearing the girls' hushed discussion.

"Did she just forget her girlfriend's birthday?" Coco whispered. Zoe called her out, saying it wasn't nice.

"I don't think it's just her birthday that she forgot," Madison remarked. I can feel her stare behind me. Sometimes, I hate her for being right.

I reached the door and I was trying to think of ways to brighten up the situation. You hate waking up alone in the morning, that's why I was always hesitant to leave our bed when Misty or any other of the girls need me. That's why you moved into my room after Bubbles left to continue her career outside the coven even before we were together. That's why you went to the academy.

You hate to be alone.

Before I opened the door, I decided that I will make it up to you by treating you to dinner tonight then perhaps stargazing. You've always liked the silence of the night and the moon and stars gracing the night sky. It wasn't much but you've always loved the simplicity in things.

When I opened the door, I was expecting you to be seating in front of the mirror and combing your hair - that routine you take the longest to do in the morning - or lying in the bed because you're mad at me. I was surprised to see neither. In fact, you weren't there. The bed was made and cold - untouched by any living person for a long time. I checked for you in the shower, maybe you were taking your time in the tub. You weren't. Nervousness trying to creep its way slowly inside my head. I tried to shrug it off and checked the window facing the garden. Maybe you wanted to have some alone time with nature. You're still nowhere to be seen. This time, there's no denying that I am scared.

I walked myself back to the dining area, the girls' confused faces welcomed me. "Where's y/n?" Myrtle asked, "Is something the matter, dear?"

I looked at her and summoned the courage to speak. "Does anyone know where y/n is because she's not in our room?" Addressing everyone at the table. The younger witches talked in hushed tones then shook their heads.

Coco raised her hand to get my attention, "The last time we saw her, she was going to Misty's place to clean up, right?" She confirmed with Queenie who in turn nodded. "But that was like yesterday morning," my voodoo sister witch added.

That wasn't good. You never leave the house and don't come back before sunset. I stepped back and tried to remember the location of Misty's shack, one I always go to when I want to have peace of mind. I was able to do that but not before a gloved hand reached for me.

"You are so not using transmutation to go there, Delia." Aunt Myrtle remarked, distracting me.

"But I have to get there fast," I replied, too strongly.

"It's dangerous out there, with the Antichrist and everything," her grip on me tightened.

"The more reason I have to be there, instantly!" I snatched my hand away.

"Stop bickering, the two of you," Madison, now walking away from the dining table, intervened. "Queenie, you're in charge of the academy. Zoe, you're coming with us."

"What are you going to do?" Zoe hesitantly asked her sister witch.

"Buckle up, bitch. I'm driving," Madison replied while reaching for her keys in her bag.

I practically sprinted to her car and took the front seat. When Madison took the wheel, she went as fast as she could but not as fast I wanted. I tried speeding up the vehicle but that resulted in Myrtle yanking my hair from behind to distract me. Somehow, she knew words wouldn't exactly stop me so she opted for the physical approach.

When we reached the swamp, time stood still for me. I don't feel your presence, just traces. I approached Misty's house only to be embraced with familiar warmth.

Your warmth

You were here, I'm positive. I called out your name before I went inside, maybe you're just sleeping.

"Is this...?" Aunt Myrtle motioned to the energy surrounding the shack.

"A protective dome, yes," I replied. "I didn't know she can do that." I can't help but smile. I've always known that you are powerful and as years pass by, you learn to master even the highest forms of witchcraft.

I entered the house, hoping that you're inside, only to find the remnants of your visit. New albums of Fleetwood Mac. New stereo. No trace of dust. When I used my gift of Sight, I see you cleaning up with a content look on your face. Tears started forming in my eyes until Zoe called out for me.

"What is it?" I asked my council. She pointed me in the direction of the two bodies lying on the grass and starting to fade away. I quickly grabbed a part of them before disappearing only to see visions of you.

You were running for your dear life.

That's the only thing I saw. Then everything went black.

I can't feel you. I can't even see what happened afterward.

---

Seeing you running and knowing nothing but that shook me to the very core. I tried. Believe me, darling, I tried to find out what took place in the woods but I failed. Your sister witches were helping as well but we still had nothing. The coven was spread too thin, between finding you and ensuring that we are safe from the Antichrist.

It was before supper and Misty knocked on our bedroom.

"Delia, the food will be ready any minute," she said as she stood in the doorway. I nodded and continued to stare at your favorite dress hung on the dresser.

"She'll want ya to be strong, ya know," she said unpromptedly.

"I don't know what she wants anymore," I uttered.

"Shame," another voice chimed in the conversation, "that's what she would want you to feel."

I turned to see Bubbles entering the room. Misty excused herself right before the older witch slammed the door.

"You've been avoiding me," I remarked. It's been days since she occupied her old room here and this is the first time she spoke to me.

"So did you," she nonchalantly said as she sat down at the edge of the bed. It's true. I don't even know how I'd tell her that you were gone or lost or how unsure of it I am anymore.

The silence enveloped the room for a few a second before she spoke. "I've always known she would die if she stayed here, with you."

"She's not dead," I replied sharply, trying to hide the pain the statement caused.

"How sure are you?" She took a hit from her cigarette. Silence once again covered the air, if not for the occasional huff and puff from her cigarette.

The idea that your own best friend is uncertain that you're alive breaks my heart even more.

"She almost died for you once," Bubbles whispered, with her voice breaking. The sentence prompted me to look at her way. She put out her cigarette and looked at me, tears forming in her eyes. "[y/n] is all about saving the people she loves," she continued, "no matter the cost."

"I know," I replied trying to keep my voice from wavering.

"No, you don't" She replied sternly. "She fights these silent battles for us, keeping us from harm that we don't even know exists."

At this point, I'm not even sure what would be the next words coming out of her mouth.

"You're probably wondering what I'm saying," she lets out a little scoff before continuing, "there was a time when she saw your powers fading."

In my head flashed moments from years ago when I felt someone was taking the air out of my lungs, unsure whether I was being cursed or dying. I couldn't even walk straight on my own. I would rush into my office just to hide the fact that the coven's new supreme is sick or worse... fading.

"She performed a ritual to stop your weakening," she muttered in the air, taking me out of my reverie. She continued to look at the white walls of my - our room, "she performed it perfectly but we all know every ritual has a price."

She paused momentarily before facing me, "She was writhing on the floor with life draining out her eyes. We were so sure that she's dying." The former actress can't stop the tears falling out of her eyes. "I felt shame because I was her senior and friend and yet we can't do anything to help her"

"Who's we?" My voice filled with confusion, "what ritual?"

"I can't tell you that because I made a promise," she stood up from the bed preparing to leave, "and unlike you, I'm not gonna let that girl down."

Looking at Bubbles, I'm not sure whether it was her intention to hurt me but all I know is that her words sting. The woman you have treated like family all these years thinks that I'm the reason you're gone.

It hurts because I know she's right.

"All I can say is," she paused to get my attention, "that ritual made her the barrier between the transfer of your powers to the new supreme." She looked around as if not wanting to say what was about to come out of her mouth.

"So if you think you are fading," she says the last word like it's the plague, "that means the barrier is gone."

She blinked back her tears before walking out.

Love, are you really gone?

---

The logical answer is no.

You are breathing, existing, in this post-apocalyptical world you have created with the Antichrist.

However, looking at you right now through the blurry, intoxicating fog outside the Hawthorne Academy, I think it's safe to say the [y/n] I know is gone.

The black dress that hugs your figure emanates darkness and deadliness. The way you move and position your body speaks of a changed woman. A woman who can hurt and kill. A woman who can-

"-who can what, Cordelia?" a sharp voice echoed around me.

The fog between us cleared and showed you - tears streaming down your face. I was about to open my mouth when you answered the question yourself.

"A woman who can end the world?"

"[y/n]..." I was about to disagree when you continued.

"You're not wrong about that."

#cordelia goode x reader #Cordelia Goode #sarah paulson #sarah paulson x reader #ahs imagine #ahs apocalypse #ahs coven #radioactive salvation

122 notes · View notes

shinhatigf · 3 years

Text

a little bit insane ahsoka and luke au

the lovely @picazos-angsty-typist inspired me to just post my au ideas as opposed to giving them away, and this one is my absolute favorite! it's an au in which 19 year old ahsoka finds the time travel crystal from the lego star wars christmas special and is transported onto tatooine right before a new hope. then she gets to go along through the original trilogy and be best friends with luke! (this is honestly just an extremely convoluted way to get my favorite characters to be best friends. this au is for me <3.) extremely long elaborations and plot stuff in bullet points under the cut:

okay so 19 year old ahsoka! it would be about 2 years post order 66 and about 6-8 months since the ending of the ahsoka novel, so she's traveling the world and doing fulcrum things, attempting to build a rebellion with bail organa. this, naturally, means she needs to hide from the empire.

because it needs to be life day for the crystal to work, that's the day this all starts (in ahsoka's original timeline). ahsoka finds out randomly that it's life day, and has a moment remembering the day before order 66, before the empire.

she gets into a skirmish with the empire close by kordoku, the planet with the time travel stone on it. she feels a pull from the force, like there's a safe haven on the planet below, so she lands and immediately knows why: she's in front of a jedi temple. she knows she'll be safe inside from the empire. she walks in, and seals the temple with the force

she picks up the weird rock thing in the middle of the room, as it's singing to her through the force. the second she touches it, a wormhole opens up, and she's dropped directly in the middle of a tatooinian sandstorm.

we the audience know that she's time traveled, but ahsoka has no clue. and as I'm assuming she doesn't have much experience wandering ancient abandoned jedi temples (in her time, very recently, they'd been populated and upkept), she wouldn't suspect she was hallucinating. she assumed the rock somehow teleported her, but the sand and the wind of the sandstorm make it impossible for her to find the rock. where before it had been singing to her through the force, she couldn't feel anything now.

she has no choice but to try and find shelter from the storm and wait it out. she finds a sort of cave, a small hideout, so she sets up her small camp. having nothing else to do, she opens herself up to the force to meditate, hoping to locate the rock and find more information about her new situation. however, she instead discovers something she wasn't expecting: the faint and utterly familiar force prescence of one obi-wan kenobi

it feels damaged and weak, almost as if he'd cut himself off from the force somewhat, but there was no denying that it was obi-wan. ahsoka thanked the force for sending her to the rock, as she assumes it had just sent her to obi-wan and nothing else.

during this force meditation, she also discovers the planet that she's on is tatooine. this heavily reminds her of anakin, hearing echoes of their conversation as they crossed the desert from what seems like a million years ago.

once the storm settles, she makes her way through the tatooinian desert, and just as the suns are coming up and she knows she would need to find shelter, she happens upon the Lars farm.

she meets Owen and Beru Lars and their nephew, Luke. they are kind and good people, and do not hesitate to offer ahsoka a place to stay + some food and water. ahsoka rests up somewhat, but insists on helping them in return.

this part I haven't quite nailed out yet. tatooine side quest featuring ahsoka and luke doing whatever one does on a moisture farm. I assume ahsoka would offer technological help as she's a good mechanic (perks of master skywalker) so maybe they're going around and fixing vaporators?

that day and into the night, she and luke really hit it off. she learns more about tatooine and more about how they've been affect by the war. however from the way luke talks about it, the empire has been around as long as he can remember. this strikes ahsoka as extremely odd, and wonders what else is going on, but fixing things doesn't leave much room for another galaxy warping revelation, so she doesn't dwell on it immediately.

she and luke discuss kind of everything. they become buddies bc that's important to me. the next day, she tells them she's looking for obi-wan kenobi. "do you know someone named obi-wan kenobi?" luke does his little "do you think she means old ben kenobi?" number which is fun n nostalgic hehe.

owen seems to freeze. he hasn't heard that name in quite some time, and it doesn't exactly conjure pleasant memories. he reluctantly agrees to let luke point her in the right direction, and she buys a speeder from them (they try to give it to her but she insists on paying. ahsoka ftw)

ahsoka manages to avoid the tuskens on her way into the jundland wastes and runs into.... this really old dude. this is when she really has to confront the time travel of it all. she and obi-wan have a Talk. there's still a little bad blood between them considering obi-wan was on the council that condemned her without remorse or apology, but they're both so relieved to see the other alive.

ahsoka learns that it's been 19 years since order 66, since the empire took over. she remembers the day it happened, what only feels like 2 years ago to her.

she mentions that luke helped her find him, and obi-wan freezes. this obviously gets noticed by ahsoka, and obi-wan drops the real bomb on her: luke is anakin and padmé's son. obi-wan tells her that anakin died in order 66 and padmé died with the rebellion, that he's here both to hide out and to protect luke. she remarks in her head that the whole chosen one thing is ridiculous, that pinning the entire galaxy's hopes on a nineteen year old kid that up until now obi-wan has refused to even CONSIDER training (skywalker trauma lolz) but she can sense the strong emotions from him, that he wouldn't have it in him to stand up to the empire alone, so she drops it.

as to how padmé died: i hate the way that she dies in the prequels so I am deleting it. this is my canon. she actually survives and stays with the rebellion for a good 3-5 years before she's killed in a rebel vs. empire conflict. ahsoka is especially devastated to learn about her death from obi-wan (who bail organa risked communication with to tell him, as he was also close with padmé).

she and obi-wan spar, both to get Ahsoka's mind off of the everything about this situation and because it's been so long since either of them have been around another jedi. it's cathartic for both of them. (ahsoka beats obi-wan easily btw haha)

obi-wan offers to officially knight her as a jedi knight, as that was what the council had intended after the whole fiasco and he says "you're just as experienced and powerful as I was when I was knighted." but ahsoka declines. she isn't ready to be considered a jedi yet, and may never be.

this is when a new hope really starts. obi-wan and ahsoka find luke unconscious in the jundland wastes, and that sequence goes pretty much the same. r2 is beeping and trilling like crazy because ahsoka!!!!!! that's one of his best friends!!!!!!! luke is like "you know this droid?" and ahsoka freezes, because how exactly does she explain to the nice dude she met yesterday that actually she's from 17 years in the past and was very close with both of his parents, who both were extremely close to r2?

she does in fact explain all of that to him when they get to obi-wan's house. she has no idea how she got here or why, but she did know anakin skywalker and padmé amidala naberrie, and tells him as much as she remembers about them. luke misses both of his parents like an ache in his chest, wishing more than anything he could have known them.

obi-wan offers his own perspective on it, and tells how anakin died (which ahsoka is just as eager to know). obi-wan, on the spot, says that another jedi fell to the dark side and joined sidious, and that anakin died defending the temple. (he obviously couldn't say that vader was his pupil, because ahsoka would see through that immediately.)

luke asks why he couldn't have lived with his mother in the rebellion, but obi-wan says that she wanted him to be safe from the galactic conflict and stay with anakin's family. (which is partially true, but the whole sith-sensing-the-overly-powerful-skywalkers was a big factor as well.) obi-wan says he's truly sorry that luke never got to know her.

after learning about the message r2 brought, ahsoka knows she has to get to the rebellion however possible and rejoin the fight. obi-wan agrees, and gives his little elevator pitch to luke about becoming a jedi and joining the rebellion. when obi-wan gives luke the lightsaber, a million memories with anakin flash through ahsoka's head. luke still comes to same conclusion at the end of that conversation: he's willing to guide them out of tatooine, but he can't join the galactic conflict, at least not now.

however, as they're leaving, they find the destroyed jawa crawler. luke, as before, realizes it means the stormtroopers found his family. ahsoka knows that only despair waits there for him, and urges him not to go, but when he doesn't back down hops in the speeder with him (for protection and emotional support).

luke gets to have more emotions about the fact that the empire killed his /entire family./ ahsoka doesn't try and use it to convince him to go, only offers to help him bury them. she openly uses the force to move things around and make things easier, while luke is still in shock, almost numb. they're buried next to shmi and cliegg.

luke is ANGRY at the empire. he is PISSED. he decides to go with them to fight not because he longs for adventure, but because he wants to hit the empire where it hurts. ahsoka can recognize that isn't the thought process of a jedi, but she feels the exact same way after learning about anakin and padmé.

now it's mos eisley time. i feel like han would definitely like/admire ahsoka at first, but ahsoka would not like him. she finds him deplorable and a little annoying, and joins in on the whole bagging on the falcon jokes. this leads to han getting his feelings hurt and he's like fine :( we are not friends then >:(.

the interesting thing is that chewie and ahsoka actually know each other! they were both kidnapped by bossk and hunted for sport in that one clone wars arc, so they're both like "oh hey person who was there for one of the most terrifying and traumatic times in my life! what's up!" they become fast friends yet again, and chewie is like "wow you did not age at all. are you sure you're not a wookiee?"

on the millennium falcon, she and obi-wan get started on luke's training. he asks her about his parents constantly (what they were like, what they did, where they came from, etc). she also talks about what the jedi were like (providing a less rose-colored-glasses perspective, but still with a lot of positives).

she feel the same pain obi-wan does right before they get to alderaan, and can feel bail and breha organa in particular (having known them fairly well after the ahsoka novel).

they get pulled into the death star's tractor beam. ahsoka can feel the cold and horrible presence of vader, a sick dread building in her the closer they get to it. they go to hide under the floorboards of the falcon. han knows how the empire operates better than anyone, which ahsoka is shocked to learn is much different than the Republic or the empire she remembers. (i imagine she lived in a more transitional period, so while the empire was terrible during her time, they were only getting started.)

she tries to go with obi-wan to shut off the power beam, but obi-wan still does his "I must go alone" little number. sensing the end of something, but not what it is, she hugs him goodbye. he's still obi-wan and she missed him dreadfully. he tells her to protect luke.

she along with luke refuses to indulge han's obi-wan slander, and when han says "great at getting us into trouble!" she says "you should have met anakin."

then it's princess rescue time as it should be. that goes exactly the same except ahsoka is much better at defending them from the stormtroopers lol. leia still does the blasting and "somebody has to save our skins!" line because I love that

ahsoka can tell immediately that leia is padmé's daughter. she had probably heard of leia, being in the rebellion for about six months before time traveling, but now having met her it's completely obvious. she doesn't vocalize this immediately though, planning to discuss it with obi-wan.

yes I'm keeping the garbage monster scene because I think it's funny :)

ahsoka goes with han and chewie after the stormtroopers while luke and leia head for the ship. also ahsoka + han banter because I think it's funny

she can see obi-wan and vader's fight (which I'm hoping will be a lot more like their fight in rots. a new hope is incredible but the lightsaber fights got way better as time went on. their final fight deserves to be epic). she tries to run and help obi-wan but luke pulls her back. "he can handle it," he says. "we need you to help us get to the falcon."

however when obi-wan is killed, both of them are distraught. his voice appears in ahsoka's head, telling her not to face vader yet, telling her to run. chewie literally has to hold her back and carry her to the ship.

they blast their way out of the death star, none of them having the time to dwell on what just happened.

ahsoka and luke are both numb. luke lost 3 parental figures in one day, and obi-wan's death after going through order 66 just brings it allll up again. leia is also hanging out in the numb dead parents circle, because her entire planet got blown up today and obi-wan's death just feels like another nail in the coffin. all three of them can sort of feel each other's emotions, and unconsciously they're comforting each other with the force. it's a healing moment for all three of them

han is kind of awkwardly standing in the background. "there wasn't anything any of you could have done," he says, in a rare show of emotion. (i like han wanting to help them despite his i-don't-care-about-anything facade.)

this doesn't stop him from saying he's only in it for the money later though. leia gets to blow up at him about it same as in the movie because she deserves it methinks.

they make it to the rebellion, and a few of the people who've been in it from the beginning recognize her (mon mothma maybe?). I also like the idea of ahsoka being something of rebellion legend, having been one of the last jedi who presumably died fighting the empire for the rebellion.

also general hera syndulla gets to be there bc i love her. she is the one who shows the plans to the pilots and explains the plan. she also references the rogue one crew because i love them also.

ahsoka in an x-wing with the red team attempting to blow up the death star. when vader makes an appearance, she can sense him in the starfighter nearby them, the same cold and evil presence. she personally goes to fight vader and defends the rest of the team from him, somehow falling into a perfect rhythm and anticipating every move. she doesn't kill him obviously, but she gets close. the things that happen stay the same: they sustain heavy casualties, she survives the battle, han comes back to save the day, luke is the one who blows up the death star.

luke, han, chewie, and ahsoka get medals in the end, because each of them were instrumental in the blowing up of the death star (and a lot more pilots survive thanks to Ahsoka's defense). there are references to the phineas and ferb star wars special because I want it.

there's a bit after the official end of a new hope in which she's talking to Luke like "I can't stay. this isn't my timeline. I have to go back. and if I can go back, maybe I can try and save the jedi. maybe I can fix things." however luke changes her mind. "maybe you're in this timeline for a reason. maybe NOW is when you can change things. I would've died without you in the battle of yavin. plus, how am I supposed to become a jedi without you?" luke + leia + han + chewie + r2 + 3po all convince her to stay. they are all very attached to ahsoka at this point, and ahsoka realizes she doesn't really want to leave them either.

also. because the battle is over and they all have a moment to breathe, she tells leia that she's positive she's padmé and anakin's daughter too, not just because of the physical resemblence but also her force sensitivity. there's no doubt about it.

ahsoka agrees to train both of them in what she knows, though she warns that she wasn't a master or even a knight.

it ends with the whole crew hanging out on the falcon (han, leia, luke, chewie, r2, c-3po, and ahsoka)

those are my bullet points for the episode IV section of this! if people want to see where this goes in the rest of the trilogy let me know I have so many notes about this au

also tagging: @togrutanduin @padme--amygdala @bisexualobiwanrights @grimthejedisith @senator-nahberries you get to watch me lose my mind in real time <3

#word count: 3.0k #and this is only the first installment if I ever write this it's going to be so long #the original trilogy #ahsoka tano #luke skywalker #it's loving ahsoka hours #luke is my favorite himbo #my writing #? never used that tag before maybe I should?#ryn dot fic #ryn dot text

48 notes · View notes

theydontknowaboutusimagines · 3 years

Text

Sunflower - Harry Styles AU Series (Volume 10)

The year is 1977 and it’s officially summertime. Y/N is spending it with her family at the Malibu Breeze Hotel, where she meets, aspiring musician, Harry Styles. The two clash in the beginning, but soon realize they may just need each other in the end. Find out just how life changing one summer can be in Sunflower, a Harry Styles AU.

Vol. 1 Vol. 2 Vol. 3 Vol. 4. Vol. 5 Vol. 6 Vol. 7 Vol. 8 Vol. 9

I didn’t sleep a wink in the remaining hours of the night. I was asleep, yes, but I feel more exhausted now than before I even laid down. The events of last night replayed in my head causing my stomach to lurch. I ran to the bathroom emptying my stomach’s contents, not that there was anything in there to begin with.

Marianne rushed into the bathroom, her eyes filled with concern as she sighed, “Let’s get you cleaned up.” she said.

She walked over to the sink, wetting a washcloth and wiping around my mouth, “Want to talk about what happened?”

“It all happened so fast,” I sniffled. “Harry and I were talking after rehearsals. He walked me back to the hotel and William showed up. He made threats and said some things about me and pushed me… next thing I know he and Harry are throwing fists and rolling around in the sand. I tried breaking it up, but it didn’t work. I got Jasper and Mitch… Harry wouldn’t even look at me after.”

“Damn, little sister,” she sighed. “I’ve seen some crazy shit go down at the discos, but I’ve never had two men fighting over me.”

“They weren’t fighting over me, at least, not as a whole. William’s pissed at the fact that I don’t want him and apparently that never happens. Harry just hates him,” I sighed.

“I’m starting to hate Daddy’s little boy, too,” she said.

“I need to talk to Mom and Dad,” I sighed. “And Harry. I need to make sure I didn’t fuck things up with him… and the band.”

“I’ll talk to Mom and Dad,” she said. “I already told you I would. You get washed up, changed, and go see Harry.”

“What if he doesn’t want to see me?” I whispered.

“Then walk away and try again later,” she said. “He may just need some space.”

I nodded, looking down, hoping that was the least he would need.

I stared at Bungalow Valley for ages as I contemplated on my next move. I was supposed to walk straight ahead to Harry’s door and give it a knock, but apparently my legs and feet didn’t get the memo. Most of the employees that lived there were walking out dressed in their uniforms headed to their morning shifts. I wondered if Harry would be going in today with the black eye he was sure to have. Pretty sure The Malibu Breeze frowned upon their staff having such an appearance. Plus, if William was walking around with a black eye and other various bruises, it wouldn’t take long before people put two and two together, if William hadn’t already spread the word.

Not sure if my legs finally woke up or I just didn’t want to seem like a stalker anymore, but I finally started moving towards Harry’s place. I really hoped I didn’t run into a situation like the previous morning, but that was obviously a chance, so I mentally prepared myself as best I could.

I tapped on the door and waited for a bit before Jasper opened the door.

“Y/N?” He asked. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see him… talk to him about last night,” I answered.

“I don’t know-” Jasper replied.

“Let her in,” a muffled voice called out from behind him.

Jasper sighed, stepping aside and letting me walk inside. I didn’t know what to expect when I walked in, but Harry’s face wasn’t nearly as bad as I would have thought. He only had a few cuts, some bruising, and a little swelling. It definitely could have been worse.

“I’ll let you two have some privacy,” Jasper coughed before walking out the door.

“Hi,” I breathed out, looking over at Harry.

“This wasn’t your fault,” Harry blurted out.

“What?” I asked.

“You feel bad and like this was your fault, it’s not,” he said.

“How is it not?” I sighed. “William wouldn’t have said shit to you, if I hadn’t-”

“William is an ass. It’s not the first time we’ve had a run in,” Harry said. “But it is the first time, it got that bad.”

“Which was probably because of me,” I sighed.

“Maybe a little,” he winced.

“How are you feeling?” I asked him.

“Like shit,” he groaned. “But I’ll live. Luckily, today’s my day off, so I don’t have to worry about explaining why my eye is about two sizes too big.”

I walked over to him, gently running my hand over his injuries. He tenses under my touch a little bit before relaxing into it.

“How are you?” He asked.

“I feel horrible,” I sighed.

“Okay, how would you be feeling if you didn’t feel guilty?” He asked.

“Fine,” I sighed. “He didn’t hurt me... “

“Thank fuck,” he sighed. “I swear when he put his hands on you…” his hands tightened into a fist.

I grabbed his hand, lacing my fingers with his, “We never really got to finish our conversation from last night…”

“We should probably do that, huh?” He forced a laugh.

“Yeah,” I nodded.

“So, why did you come here yesterday?” He asked.

“I need to know something,” I told him.

“And what’s that?” He asked.

“I know we’ve only been on one date and everything else has been a bit of a hot mess, but am I just a fling for you? Just someone for right now until you get what you want and then you’re moving on?” I whispered.

My words hang in the air as I wait for his response. The more time that goes by the more I start to worry about what his answer is going to be.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “Look, I’m not the settle down type of guy. Not because I don’t want to be, but because my main focus is music, Y/N. I can’t commit to someone when I’m wanting to live a life of traveling the world and being on a stage most nights out of the week.”

My heart sinks down as he speaks, and so does my gaze.

“But,” he whispered, putting his hand under my chin, causing me to look up at him. “I’ve never felt whatever the fuck I’m feeling with you. I don’t know what this is or where this is gonna go, but I sure as hell want to find out.”

Harry and I chatted for the next half hour before eventually cuddling together on his bed. Both of us were laid back, his arms around me, and my head on his chest. Occasionally, I felt his lips graze the top of my head and I couldn’t help, but smile. I glanced over at the clock on his bedside table and sighed.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, rubbing his hand along my back.

“I should probably head back,” I told him. “My sister… She's supposed to talk to our parents about the William situation. I’m not sure how they’re going to take it, so I should probably be there to face the music.”

Harry nodded before the two of you sat up, “Speaking of music,” he said. “Instead of rehearsal tonight, would you want..would you want to maybe have a writing session with me?

“You want me to write with you?” I asked. “But I thought you’re the only one to write songs for the band.”

“I am, I mean, I have been,” he said. “But obviously… I’m doing something wrong. No one likes these new songs and I just… I need our set to be amazing. To stick out.”

“I get it,” I nodded. “And I’ll do it. Meet up here?”

“Yeah, then we can walk down to my favorite spot, it’s private so no one should bother us,” he said.

“Should I inform someone of my whereabouts in case you try to kill me?” I joked.

“Now, where’s the fun in that love,” he smirked.

I rolled my eyes, getting off the bed and walking towards the door.

“I’m really glad you’re okay,” I told him.

“And I’m happy that dick didn’t hurt you,” he said pushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

I smiled a bit, a blush rising to my face, “I’ll see you tonight then?”

“I better,” he smiled, pressing a soft kiss against my cheek.

When I made it back to the hotel, I wasn’t sure what I would be walking into. I also didn’t know if they would still be in the dining area or back in the hotel. Surely, if the conversation got too heated, my parents would suggest for them to all head back to the room. They probably wondered where I was and I wasn’t the one telling them about the situation. Hopefully, Marianne told them I needed some time to think and went for a walk on the beach.

Which wasn’t exactly a lie.

Once I was inside the hotel, my stomach started doing weird things like jumping around. I was nervous, not only for the conversation with my parents, but also at the possibility of running into William. I did not want to face him anytime soon because I don’t know how I would react around him. He went too fucking far this time and I didn’t plan on holding back anymore.

I briefly glanced around the dining area to see if my family was still in there, no one was sitting at our table, but the dishes had yet to be cleared off, so I’m sure they just left. I didn’t know if this was a good sign or not, but I headed up to our room anyway. Once I got to our floor, I didn’t hear any sort of shouting, so far so good, I thought.

But looks or in this case, hearing, could be deceiving. I poked my head in our room to see if Marianne was in there, but it was empty.

“Shit,” I muttered.

I sighed, closing the door and went to the room next to our’s that belonged to our parents. I didn’t have to bother knocking because the door was unlocked. It only took a simple twist and push before I opened it up. The three of them sat in the living area of my parent’s suite and they all looked up the moment I walked in.

“Y/N,” my father breathed out. “Come in.”

My mother’s gaze was on the floor as I walked over. I glanced over in Marianne's direction, hoping to get a little input on what to expect, but she was giving me her best poker face.

“Your sister shared some things with us this morning,” he said, quietly. “And we would like to hear from you, what exactly happened with William.”

I sighed, sitting down, “William has always been… not the best since we started spending time with him. He’s acted arrogant and rude towards most everyone he comes across. There were times he suggested we go somewhere private, I refused. Anytime I told him I didn’t want to pursue anything with him, he threatened to tell his father whatever he thought would make him upset and potentially fire you. At first, I believed him, and kept trying to be nice, but eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore. Last night, I met up with him for a party and told him I didn’t want anything to do with him. He seemed aggravated, but got over it, so I thought. He ended up following me home, where he ran into me walking with one of the hotel employees, Harry. He was uh, walking me back to the hotel, when William saw us, he got mad. Threatened to get Harry fired and you, William called me some names and pushed me down and got into a fight with Harry after he defended me,” I blurted out.

I definitely didn’t mean to name drop Harry or that I was with him, not yet at least, but once I started telling the story it just came out.

“I’m so sorry, you felt pressured to spend time with him,” My father said. “You don’t have to worry about that anymore. William left this morning with some friends for a change of scenery.”

“How do you-” I started.

“My boss told me,” my father answered. “He noticed William when he came home last night. Of course, William tried to tell him a lie about what happened, but his father didn’t believe him.”

“Wow,” I whispered.

“This isn’t the first time William has had issues like this,” he started. “Every summer he acts like his the owner of the hotel and gets in fights because of his actions. I wish I had known that before I introduced the two of you.”

“It’s okay,” I told him. “You didn’t know and besides, he didn’t hurt me, not really. Just more of an annoyance and a bit angry.”

“Well, on the bright side, there’s only a few weeks left in the summer before you’re off to University and you can put this all behind you,” he said walking over and hugging you. “Now, I need to get on to work, are you sure you’re okay?”

“I-uh… yeah,” I nodded.

“Great, I’ll see everyone later,” he said, before grabbing his hat and leaving the room.

My mother gave me a small smile, I noticed she didn’t say anything the entire conversation. I thought about asking her something, but she got up from her chair and walked into her bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

“What’s wrong with her?” I asked.

“I think she blames herself,” Marianne stated. “She pushed William on to you, to us, more than Daddy did.”

“I don’t blame her though,” I told her.

“She’ll figure it out eventually,” she said. “She has to process what happened.”

“I think we all do,” I whispered.

Marianne shrugs before leaving to go back to our room. I sighed, getting up and heading out to the balcony of my parent’s room. It was bigger than ours, which makes sense given the size of their room compared to ours. The wind had picked up and so had the sound of the waves below. Seagulls flew by every so often, ready to drop down to get food from the unexpecting beachgoers.

I ran my hands through my hair, sighing with relief now that the William situation seemed to be over, but there was still something looming above my head. Something I’m going to have to tell my parents sooner rather than later, but knowing how deadset my father was about me going to college, that conversation was going to be a lot harder to have.

Which is why I’m going to put it off until I can’t put it off any more, when we snag that record deal.

#Harry Styles Imagines #Harry Styles Fanfiction #Harry Styles Fan fic #Harry Styles Fanfic #Harry Styles AU Series

29 notes · View notes

noonaficcorner · 4 years

Text

Rose-Colored Boy | Part Four

Paring: Mark Tuan | Reader

Genre/Rating: Friends to Lovers | Fluff, Smut (later on), Slight Angst

Warning: Language

Summary: Working as a Nurse, Y/N's favorite pastime is getting lost in her favorite online game with her online gamer squad. After 2 years of online banter, Y/N finally gets the chance to get closer to and meet her online friend, Mark Tuan. With many things in common and the same twisted sense of humor, one thing still remains a mystery: Mark's career that causes him to constantly travel out of the country. Still, Y/N decides to take a chance on what could be more than just friendship and meets Mark for the first time. (New Summary thanks to a friend)

NOTES: Quick update!! I was really inspired and cranked this chapter out quick. I’m already working on the next but not sure when it will be up. I’m busy at the end of this month. So fingers crossed I get the next out in August.

Part One // Part Two // Part Three // Part Four

Everything you owned was crap. It was either scrubs or jeans and a t-shirt. It wasn’t like you didn’t have nice outfits. However, when you looked at all of it thrown across your bed in panic, you couldn’t seem to find anything decent. All of it felt dull and lackluster for what was about to happen. As you picked up what you deemed the cutest pair of jeans you owned, a black skinny pant with nicely placed rips, you started to realize why Mark kept his secret for as long as he did. Knowing who he was to the outside world made you start to question yourself even more. It made you wonder if you were enough to even just be in his presence. People pay thousands of dollars to just give him a hi-five and here you were, cursing him out for 2 years over the internet for free. If only they knew…

Holding up shirt after shirt to your chest, each one making you even more disgusted than the last. There had to be something that didn’t scream ‘try hard’ or ‘disgusting creature’. Snatching literally the last shirt out of your closet which happened to be a high-low blue striped button down, you threw it on over the black cami you already had on. It was almost time for you to leave the house without being late and if you started this whole process over again, you wouldn’t even go.

While you looked in the mirror finalizing the touches on your make-up, you realized that this isn’t some sort of date. Why were you putting so much effort to receive an apology? Blinking those wayward thoughts away before you went down another hole, you grabbed your purse and rushed out of your freshly messy apartment.

You had only been to Mark’s place once, but the muscle memory was there because you had played the scenes over in your mind for almost a week. It felt like you were standing in front of the intimidating high-rise in no time. Your body was moving through mind fog as you punched in his code and waited to be buzzed up. Even the elevator ride felt like an out of body experience. It wasn’t until the door was opening and you looked up and saw Mark that your soul snapped back into you and you could focus.

“I hope it wasn’t a hard trip.” He said as the door widened and you crossed the threshold. It had only been six days since you last saw him, but the purple in his hair was almost gone and his dark roots were starting to show. Realizing that the hair choice probably wasn’t his, but was for his latest album, made your lips turn down slightly. He picked up on that and thought it was a non-verbal answer to his statement.

“I could have gotten you a taxi if the train was too crowded…” He trailed off.

“No, no. The ride was fine. I was noticing that your hair is a little different from last time.” You mumbled as you both hovered around each other. You could feel a slight pain start to form between your shoulder blades from all the tension in the room. Both of you locked eyes and it felt like you had entered a staring contest, and neither one of you were losers. It wasn’t until his hand reached out and took your wrist and led you to the living room and onto the couch, that you regained your senses.

“I’m sorry. I’m so freaking sorry.” His words came out rushed and pained. Your lips parted to respond but Mark held a hand up to stop you.

“Let me get this out first. I didn’t mean to keep it from you. Honestly, I thought that the moment I opened that door and you saw me, you were going to freak out cause you recognized me. When you didn’t, my plan went to shit and I fell into the comfort of just us hanging out. Believe me when I say I had every intention of telling you about my career. I just didn’t know how to come out and say I’m an idol singer.”

“Rapper.” You interjected. Mark’s head tilted slightly and confusion dipped his brows.

“You said idol singer. From what I looked up, you’re not really a singer. You’re the main rapper and lead dancer of the group. It also said you’re the visual which makes sense cause…” You waved your hands in front of your face to indicate your point that he’s gorgeous.

Mark’s laugh filled the room and it was exactly like those compilation videos you found of his laugh. A slight smile tugged at your lips as the atmosphere in the room started to lighten up. You were still mad and will probably be for a while but the big mad feeling was almost completely gone.

“So you did research? I bet the internet had some crazy things to say. Sin, I’m sorry that I wasn’t the one to tell you everything from the beginning. When you’re in the business I’m in, it’s hard making friends who aren’t also in the life or after you for something else. I was selfish because I really liked what we have or… had. I got addicted to the ease of just being myself with you.” He went on. His eyes dropped down as he talked about your relationship in the past tense. The wall that you unconsciously started to build since your last visit shook. Maybe it was the earnestness in his tone or the way he used your online nickname, but at that moment you kind of just wanted to hug him. Instead you did the only thing you could do in this situation.

“Now that you said that, are you gonna show me some of your backflips? They looked really impressive on youtube.” You smirked as his head shot up and looked at you in surprise. The smirk turned into a full smile and the tension started to melt away when his toothy grin appeared.

“I can even teach you some moves but I don’t know your flexibility level.” Mark joked and that’s how the rest of the afternoon went. He started to talk about how he joined the company and his trainee period. I knew it was hard on young kids but hearing it first hand made you want to throw on a cape and save them all from the heartache. When he calmed down your anger, Mark talked about the traveling he did all over the world with the group. He talked about how they were more than just bandmates and more like brothers. Even mentioning some stories you found through your ‘research’, but hearing them from him made them ten times funnier.

“Remind me to never get you upset where you can throw a laptop at me.” You joked. The sun had gone down outside and now you both were sitting on the floor, take-out containers covered the table. Hours had passed and you only realized how many when you tried to hide a yawn and Mark check the time on his phone.

“Time flew by. I guess you have to get going soon?” His eyes were like tea cups as they looked over to you. The last thing you wanted was to have this good time end but you had worked a full shift yesterday and had to be on in the morning as well. It didn’t help that you left your apartment in such a mess, it looks like it was probably burglarized.

“Yeah… I’m sure your roommates want to come home too. What did you tell them that made them give you the place to yourself?” You asked as you started to clean up the mess created. Piling the dishes into one, Mark took them from you and moved them toward the door.

“Most of them had schedules, so the house was gonna be empty anyway. Though I did have to promise Yugyeom and Bambam that I would treat them to meat soon. Are you going to take a taxi? It’s pretty late.” Between his worrying, you both cleaned up rather quickly. In no time, you looked around and the space was back to normal and Mark was standing with his hands pulling at his hoodie sleeves. You noticed that he did that when he felt unsure about something or wanted to word vomit.

“I’ll take one just because you insist. But what is it, sweater paws?” Reaching forward and tugging on the hood strings, you asked him. It was clear why he had so many fans. The half smile he gave was a weapon of ovary destruction and shouldn’t be used all willy nilly. How rude…

“I’m glad you came over. I’m also glad we’re talking again. And now that you know everything , I have a work thing tomorrow. It isn’t long though. Just need to go film a spread for a magazine. I’ll be back by next weekend. Promise.” Mark picked up your bag and played with the strap of it before closing the distance and looping it over your head, adjusting it. The height difference between the two of you wasn’t gigantic, but it was enough that had your neck tilting back a bit.

“It’s okay. Remember, I’m used to Ghosty McGhostington. You don’t have to worry too much.” Before you could even stop yourself, your thumb reached out and smoothed the little wrinkle between his brows. The level of skin-ship you were exhibiting wasn’t the norm for you. But the way he didn’t recoil from your touch allowed you the brief moment of insanity and for you to place your hand casually on your strap without looking like a crazy person. You thought you saw a hint of a smile on his lips, but it was so faint, you’re sure you imagined it.

“I’m calling you a car, and before you say something, don’t. And text me when you get home, okay?” You wanted to argue that you were independent and didn’t need him to do that, but a part of you thought it was sweet. In all honesty, when it was just you and him talking and playing around like you’ve done for so long virtually, the idea of him being a celebrity was a foreign concept. He was just Mark to you.

Once he was finished punching in some numbers on his phone and you came out of your own head, he walked you to the door. That smile you thought was just a shadow was now plastered on his face and it had the chain reaction of making you smile in return. Your hands squeezed harder on your bag strap because every fiber of your being was telling you to just reach out and hug this dorky guy smiling at you. But instead you held your hand out for a hi-five like the loser you were becoming.

“Thanks for inviting me over and I'm glad we cleared things up. Uh, hit me up if you get some free time. Or not, it's whatever.” Shrugging off the awkwardness, Mark connected with your hand with a look of confusion and before he could say anything, you darted from his apartment. It was becoming a habit of yours to flee every time you were there. Your flight or fight response was out of whack because with anything else in your life you were all about fighting. However, wherever Mark was concerned, you flew out of there like a bat out of hell.

By the time you were walking through your door, you were so distracted by thoughts from your day that you forgot that you left your place in a state of utter disgust. The vibrating of your phone made you forget all about the clothes covering almost every inch of available surface because of course it was Mr. Tuan himself in your inbox.

Mark: U made it?

Sin: You* and yeah, just walked in.

Mark: Ha ha ha. Are you tired?

Sin: Depends, why do you ask?

Mark: Wanna get online for like an hour? I’m a bit wired and we haven’t properly played in a while. Miss it…

Sin: Don’t you have a flight to catch in the morning?

Mark: Yeah but I can sleep on the plane. Are you scared I’m gonna kick your ass? ;-)

Sin: Signing on right now so get the lube because I’m about to tear you a new one.

And just like that, Mark brought you back to a comfortable mindset. The root in which your friendship grew from.

Finally, it was Friday, but you were antsy as hell. The clock was ticking down to the end of your shift, but it felt as if it was moving as slow as if you were sinking in a mudflat. Bora and Ahin, another first year resident, were finishing up your shifts so the three of you could do your weekly Karaoke night. But it wasn’t only the promise of a night of chicken, beer and bad singing that had you anxious. Mark was coming back from his trip tomorrow and it had you on pins and needles.

The two of you had been texting while he was away. You were sure it was more than he should actually be doing during a work trip, but now that there weren’t any omitted truths between you, he would tell you about everything that was happening, within reason. When you asked for pictures, he couldn’t give you any official ones, but he did snap a few selfies of his face filled with pretty eyeshadows and lip tints. He really did clean up well.

As you were changing out of your scrubs, your phone pinged and like a pavlov response, your hand reached and opened your texts with Olympian speed.

Mark: What are you doing Sunday?

Sin: Washing my hair, shaving my back, catching up on sleep. Lol why?

Mark: Sexy. I need a favor from you.

Sin: If it involves money, we might need to reevaluate our friendship.

Mark: No money involved, but I would like it if you said yes.

Sin: Okay you’re being cryptic. Are you sick?

Mark: No. But will you say yes before I ask?

Sin: Sure, what is it?

After asking that, the little dots jumped across the screen as he typed his response. You stood there in your jeans and scrub top, staring at your phone like a crazy person. What did he have to ask that was so important? Bora and Ahin walked into the locker room and started to change themselves while you waited.

“What’s going on? Your face is all scrunched up?” Ahin asked as she hung up her lab coat. Just as you were about to tell her, Mark’s bubble appeared…

Mark: Will you go on a date with me? Not as a friend, but as a woman. A date date.

Your heart dropped into your stomach with a clatter. When you heard your name being yelled by Bora, you looked down and realized that it wasn’t just your heart that dropped, but also your phone on the floor. Quickly dropping down and picking it up, you looked at the words over; Woman. Date. You sucked in all the oxygen you could manage and sighed.

“Well shit…”

132 notes · View notes

tundrainafrica · 3 years

Text

Title: Household Planning (2/2)

Summary:

“It was Levi’s household. The plates were arranged and sorted by color and use, the way Levi liked it. The cabinets and the storage were arranged in a way which would be efficient for cooking, or at least the way Levi would have wanted to cook.”

Levi gets sick and Hange is left to navigate household chores.

Link to other chapters: 1

Link to cross-postings: AO3

Notes: Set in the same verse as “Rough day” and “Sugar Rush”

“You’re strong enough to make it to the payphone now at least.”

“Only barely, the nurse is pushing the wheelchair."

Hange smiled. It had been four days since his surgery. There were good days. There were also bad days, bad enough for Hange to have to manage her expectations on when things would go back to normal.

She knew it was a long shot. When the doctor said Levi would be in the hospital for a week, she had expected that that meant she could go back to working as soon as her leave was up.

When the doctors tried to get Levi back into physical activity though, Hange was made aware of the harsh reality of the situation. His wound was deep. The infection that ravaged through his digestive system had left its mark and Levi was finding it hard to eat or even sit up for long periods of time.

She sought solace in the small bouts of progress that came with each day, the food trays that got emptier and emptier every time she visited, the amount of time he spent sitting up which only increased as the days went by. The breakthrough came in the form of a surprise phone call, and Levi’s voice seemed stronger and clearer than it had been the past few days.

"I'll be there after I drop Luke off at school."

"You made sure to pack his lunch?"

"I won't make the same mistake again."

She made sure to pack Luke dinner as well. Luke was going to be staying over in a friend's place for the weekend. Her son had been more than enough the past few days to help her understand Levi's cleaning habits.

He was still seven years old though and no seven year old was supposed to be teaching their mother how to manage a house.

She had made that weekend a project for her. Levi was due to be discharged by Monday and the least she could do was try to make the house spotless herself.

She kept that part a secret though as Levi drilled her on how to do laundry using the washing machine he had bought a year back.

The white bottle with the green cap is bleach, you only use it for white clothes.

Separate the lights and the darks.

Leave it out to dry outdoors or it will stink up the whole house.

She spent her Saturday alone going through all those points as she did the laundry.

Levi had mentioned separating the lights and darks on three separate occasions when she had mentioned her intention to do the laundry. The whole process had gone smoothly and peacefully enough that Hange had more than enough of a mindspace to think and reflect on the past few days.

Would Luke have been able to do the laundry?

Hange thought back to all the help and effort the young boy had offered to her. She had told Levi about it during her visits while their son was in school.

"When you're at work, who do you think has to keep the kid company?" Levi had said back then.

It dawned on her. She was out of the house for twelve hours at a time, sometimes she was out on weekends too. She had always been on the road, jumping from project to project. She liked the long days. It helped her stay focused. Her preoccupation with her job though had left her completely clueless on household chores.

The washing machine and the basket of clothing felt unnatural to her touch and when she emptied the laundry basket into the washing machine, she found herself wondering whether Levi would have stopped her to point something out if he were there. She still had a lot to learn.

As she waited for the clothes to finish their cycle in the washing machine, she occupied herself by tinkering with the vacuum cleaner.

Levi liked the floor spotless and the vacuum cleaner was a godsend for him. Hange was aware enough of this particular new cleaning tool because it was definitely one of the more popular developments next to the washing machine. Also, Hange had seen Levi using it a few times on the days she was home.

Hange looked down at the floor as she placed the vacuum in the middle of the living room. The floor looked good enough to her. Levi though had an eye for discoloration, delible patches of dirt and a penchant for rubbing them off and Hange had come upon the realization that she owed him enough to at least try to conform to his idea of home.

Hange did not know how often Levi vacuumed or cleaned out the house. Hange though had become aware of the slight changes brought about by his five day absence.

Although Luke had done his part to keep the house clean, being seven years old had limitations.The upper shelves in the kitchen were slightly untidier than the lower shelves. Hange guessed it was because she could never straighten them out perfectly or find the most optimal arrangement for storage. She could not pick out the exact reason though even as she snuck glances at it between other chores. She was sure though Levi would have something to say about it.

Hange's pile of clean clothes was smaller than she had ever seen it before which reminded her of the fact that Levi probably did laundry everyday.

Parts of the house had started to have a faint and unfamiliar musty smell and Hange was sure it was because Levi had left the house completely spotless before and took pains to make sure each room was aired out everyday. The initial traces of the odor could only be hints to the recent neglect.

Hange found herself in a wistful mood as she tried to think back to her experiences in the house when everything had been arranged perfectly and the only scents that lingered in the air were those of detergent and cleaning liquids. It was the way Levi liked his home and Hange had taken it all for granted.

As Hange emptied the washing machine and brought out the clothes to dry, she found herself thinking back to their conversation with the doctor when they discussed Levi's discharge.

Four to six weeks. No strenuous physical activity.

Strict bedrest.

Hange knew Levi well enough to know he would be in hell, forced to stay put in a musty and disorganized house. It would be impossible to keep him in bed

I could at least try. That was where Hange even got the motivation to attempt Levi's method for double cleaning everything. If she could at least keep the house clean enough that Levi could rest well would be a good enough achievement.

Going through the motions of mopping, sweeping and vacuuming were easy. Trying to calm herself down as she pondered every possible speck of dust she might have missed was what made the whole ordeal difficult. Hange had to pull herself away from the task and move on to the clothes, two hours after. At that point, she had only finished up the living room and kitchen, having made three rounds around both areas.

The sun was already about to set when Hange decided for herself that she was satisfied with her job on the floors and on the walls.

It was dark by the time Hange started folding the dry clothes and placing them in the dresser and she was starting to feel the emptiness of the house. The only light on was in the room she shared with Levi. She was alone with her thoughts and consequently, had enough time and space to notice Levi,'s meticulous folding method that left no creases. Hange placed the clothes she had folded next to those at the bottom of the drawer which Levi had left a while back. The two shirts next to each other only reminded Hange that she would probably never be able to replicate it.

Her last task was her own dresser. She opened it to see her own blouse right on top, still neatly pressed, waiting to be worn.

As she looked back at the pile of clothes waiting to be folded and stuffed into the drawer, Hange became aware of her habit of just pulling out blouses and pants from her dresser first thing in the morning and just wearing whatever she could get her hands on. If she put all the clothes she had just washed right on top, she would might find herself the next morning in the blouse she wore just yesterday

Yet, every piece of clothing in that drawer was worn a fair amount of times.

She eventually figured out how exactly Levi's system of organizing her clothes worked. Completely aware of her lack of regard for fashion and her constantly being on the go, he most likely always emptied her dresser before putting in the new clothes. Just to make sure, she wore something new everyday.

It was a small detail. With nothing else to ponder in that dark room though, it was the one that occupied her the most because it meant something so much more than that.

She thought back to the faint musty smell, the fruit bowl, the nights she would fall asleep to the sound of metal to wood, the flutter of clothing. She had her difficulties with parts of the house which were Levi's territory. She had never cooked, cleaned or did laundry. For the parts of the house, she did usually find herself interacting with, it was as if they were all tailor fit for her.

Levi was aware she always took a piece of fruit before leaving and had organized the fruit bowl in such a way that nothing would fall when she took one hurriedly.

He was aware she always took the first blouse in a pile so he made sure the one shirt on top was always the one she hadn't worn in a while.

Suddenly, her senses were heightened and as Hange prepared to go to bed, she notice, in the small details, stark contrast between how she went about her homemaking and how Levi went about it.

As she showered that night, she noticed the lack of order in her toiletries.

Conditioner, soap, shampoo

Before Levi got sick, it was always organized in the manner most convenient for her.

As she lay in bed, she noticed the way she had evenly spread out the pillows. Levi on the other hand, had always placed three pillows close to her side, since she had the habit of hugging multiple pillows while she slept.

She lay awake for a long time. She wanted to attribute it to the uncomfortable positioning of the pillows or the faint unfamiliar scents that plagued the house. Those were just amplifiers.

As she rolled from side to side on the bed, trying to find the most comfortable position, Hange had started to become aware as well of the cold spot where Levi used to sleep.

Of course it was cold. He hadn't been home in almost a week and she usually kept to her side of the bed. Hange's heart was heavy as she lay on his side of the bed, trying to warm the cool sheets beneath her.

She missed the warmth, she missed the grunts she'd hear as she rolled towards him in the middle of the night after a nightmare. She missed his arms around her and his whispers of "just sleep."

Hange went out to the living room, sat on the sofa and looked out the window. She had tried to lose herself to the clear night sky, which would help her daydream enough to tire her out. It had done the complete opposite though.

Levi was outside. He was a taxi ride away. All she had to do was put on a coat and call the taxi.

I wonder if he's asleep now.

She eventually gave in. She called a taxi, grabbed a jacket out of her coat and waited outside in the dead of night.

It took around an hour but it felt like ages.

Being part of the patient's immediate family, she was allowed straight into his room, even beyond visiting hours. She opened the door to find him sleeping on his side, his back to the door.

"Levi, it's me…"

Years of fighting for his life, had made Levi a light sleeper, and Hange had expected her voice at least to have woken him up. Levi did not respond. As Hange approached the bed, she made out an empty glass with medicine wrappers inside it which Hange guessed probably had something to do with it.

She gave herself some more leeway to make noise as she moved a chair to the side of the bed and plopped herself down.

She bent forward and pressed her forehead on his and kissed his nose. The familiar scent of her husband lingered on her nose and she smiled as she studied his face closely. For a man who had experienced enough war, violence and loss to last a thousand lifetimes, Levi somehow still looked like a child in his sleep.

Hange put her arms on the bedside, rested her chin and stared for a while longer.

"I love you. I'm sorry I took you for granted."

Household Planning

"Hey four eyes, wake up."

Hange woke up to a hand on her head. She looked up to see Levi sitting up in bed. Despite his harsh tone of a while ago, he didn't look at all annoyed to see her.

"You got tangled up in my tubes. I couldn't move properly."

"Sorry…" Hange rubbed at her one good eye as she made sense of what was happening.

"Why are you here anyway?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"I couldn't sleep either, kept wondering about what else you might have fucked up at home."

Having been with him long enough, Hange had already gotten used to his offensive and crude humor. She still found herself tearing up, possibly from the implication of his joke or the accumulated stress of the whole ordeal.

"I'm sorry okay... For not knowing how to run a household... For forgetting about Luke… For you having to teach me everything." Hange tried hard not to raise her voice. Too distracted by the whirlwind of emotions that forced itself out of her though, Hange could not tell if she had been shouting.

"Hey, I think you're doing fine." Levi's voice was notably softer. "You think I would have done any better if you asked me to make blueprints for a tram that runs through the capital. It's not like you left me to do the cooking and cleaning while you were out drinking or lazing around. You work just as hard."

"Managing a household is a team effort," Hange argued.

"You have the future of Paradis in your hands. The only thing I have to manage is you and Luke."

"Did you ever feel like I was taking you for granted?" At that point, Hange mustered up the courage to look up at Levi. She managed to catch his look of surprise.

Within a second, Levi’s face softened into a subtle smile. "I don't clean the house or cook dinner for praise. I'm pretty satisfied just making sure you two don't have to worry yourself over these types of things. And to be honest, I'm just losing sleep over the fact that I can't be there to make it any easier for you."

"Are you disappointed about how I went about things while you were here?"

"I’d be lying if I said no. I only realized when this happened that I never really taught you how I did things at home.” Levi lowered his gaze. “It’s my fault."

I should have tried to learn it too. Hange admitted to herself. As she imagined the nights she went straight to the shower and into the bed, the times she brought Luke out for a walk on her days off while Levi cleaned the house or did laundry, Hange realized that she never really thought twice to offer to help.

If Levi asked for help, would I have helped him? Of course she would have. She would have been happy to do so. Levi never did ask for help in anything though and the few times Hange did even consider offering, she assumed he had wanted to do things on his own.

Hange decided against another apology. The best way to give back was to improve from there on. “So I guess you’re going to have to teach me huh?”

“Take the whole month off if you need to.”

Household Planning

When the week long break Hange requested for ended, the former commander found herself back in the office with a similar request. Getting permission from the queen was easy. When it came to Armin though who would be handling a lot of the work, Hange hesitated to even ask. By then though, most of the former members of the Survey Corps had caught wind of the state of the former captain and Armin and Mikasa had promised to step up in her absence.

“You never did take breaks except when you had Luke. After all the work you put into this, a month long break is well deserved.”

All she needed was the blessing of her comrades to find the strength to leave the letter and say her goodbyes. They had promised at least to keep her informed on any new developments so she would at least still be in the loop when she gets back.

As she stepped out of the office once again and into the courtyard, she let the early afternoon breeze greet her like it always did and she let all her thoughts of work wash away with it. She was going to take the whole month off and she had no intention of wasting it. `

Hange decided to walk home, using that time to clear out any other small bouts of hesitation or regret from her brain. This is for your family. Hange reminded herself too many times on the way home, it seemed like a mantra.

She did not expect to be distracted from any doubts from work when she opened the door of her home. As she stepped into the house, she made out a figure on a chair in front of an open fridge, all of the products which were supposed to be in the refrigerator arranged neatly on the dining table.

“Levi!”

He had only been discharged that morning, unable to make it to the bedroom himself, Hange had to act as his crutch the whole way. A few hours after she had helped him settle in bed, he was once again doing what he always did.

A part of her wanted to smile, laugh at the whole situation. Her apprehensions and her commitment to taking care of her partner though, took over. “What are you doing? I told you I’ll be doing the chores. Just tell me what to do.”

“We’re gonna make it easier for you mommy.” It turned out Luke was next to Levi, concealed by the open refrigerator door just a second ago.

“It’s washable, so I think it’s fine,” Levi added.

Hange went directly behind Levi to get a better idea of what the two had been working on. She looked at the inside of the fridge and once again at the two boys. The different compartments of the fridge had been written on.

Vegetable, Dairy, Cut fruit, Meat,

What made Hange howl in laughter as she made sense of the situation was the fact that every sign had been written by a kid. Levi had at least coached Luke on the right spelling for each label.

As Hange turned her head a little to the side, she had to hold in a snort when she saw the messily written notes on the compartments of the refrigerator door.

Eggs behind cheeses. BE CAREFUL WITH TRAY.

Berries on the top shelf behind juices

Leftovers

EAT ME

COOK ME

Luke’s Lunch

“What’s with you too?” Hange managed to ask as soon as she had gathered enough oxygen inside her to be able to talk again.

“The cheeses and the blueberries went bad, I forgot to tell you about that back in the hospital.” Levi explained, so seriously, Hange almost thought he was answering her question.

“I’ll put everything back, I think you’ve given me enough signs on what to do.” Hange turned to Luke. “Don’t you have homework?”

Luke pouted. “I wanna help…”

“Let mommy learn. You’re too good at this already.” That was enough at least to bolster the young boy’s confidence.

“Just call if you need anything.” Luke grinned at the compliment before retiring into his room.

“And you?” Hange glared accusingly at Levi.

“I’m staying here. You’ll need someone to coach you right?” Levi looked uncomfortable on the dining room chair that had been moved in front of the fridge. It was evident his surgical wounds were still hurting him.

“At least let me move you to the sofa.”

With little to no prodding, Levi obliged. As Hange helped him out of the chair and toward the sofa, she noticed that he had placed all his weight on her.

“You’re tired? Does anything hurt?”

Levi did not answer. Hange knew him long enough though to know that if he wasn’t saying anything, his answer was probably a yes. She lay him gently on the sofa. She took one of the blankets from her room and placed it on top of him. He did not protest the gesture.

“Throw out the cheeses and the blueberries,” Levi reminded as Hange looked through the food scattered on the table.

“What if we just remove the ones with mold.”

“Just don’t risk it.”

Hange separated the rest of the food from those Levi had singled out. “I guess I’ll just follow the compartment labels with these.” Hange gave the pile a once over then looked to Levi.

“The rest of the eggs go in the ‘Cook Me’ compartment. Sliced strawberries in the ‘Eat Me’ compartment. Other than that you’re good.”

Hange went through the motions of it all. The labels had made the process quick and there was little to no reason for error. Levi remained silent the whole time and Hange ended up looking back at Levi multiple times to check if he had fallen asleep. Every single time, he had been staring intently back at her as she refilled the refrigerator, product by product.

“What do you think?” Hange moved out of the way of the refrigerator.

“Three out of five. Passable.”

“I just did what you told me to do.”

“Some of them were crooked, minus one.”

“And the other minus one?”

“You did a shitty job with not cooking. The food I left in the fridge and the food I made you buy were supposed to last you the week. Did you eat out everyday while I was at the hospital or something?”

“I can make us some tea.” Hange brought out two tea bags and two tea cups from the cupboard. “Luke bought some more for you.” Levi liked black tea and she hoped that digression would have been enough for him to forget that particular misdeed.

“So you did eat out everyday.” Levi said matter-of-factly.

Hange let the whistle of the kettle answer the question for her. She placed the tea bags on the cup, and silently waited for the steam to rise to the top.

Hange brought the cups of hot tea to the living room where Levi lay comfortable. “Scooch.” She regretted the command when she saw the subtle wince in Levi made as he sat up to give her space to sit.

She gently edged herself close to Levi, placing the latter in a good position to rest his head on her lap. “I probably would have cooked more if you pointed that part out.”

“I thought food going bad was a given.”

“I had to learn a lot. Give me a break.”

“Blueberries and cheese are expensive. I’m not letting you make that same mistake again.”

“Then I guess adding those labels was a good idea then.” Hange took a sip of the hot tea. As she imagined the scribbles on the refrigerator once again, she smiled. “I can’t believe you let Luke do that though, his writing looked messy, even for me. Not like you to allow something like that.”

“Hey, it was a team effort.” Levi rested his hand on his side, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Hange surmised that with the pain he was in, he probably would not have been able to bend down and write it in all the compartments himself. “So I guess from now on, I get a say on where things go too.”

“Why not? This is our house after all.”

#levihan #levi x hange #levi ackerman #hange zoe #levi x hanji #fanfic

32 notes · View notes

vventure · 4 years

Text

Played - Atsumu Miya Must Die, Ch. 3

Series Mini Mlist: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Pairing: Atsumu Miya x fem!reader

Genre: Angst, Drama

Word Count: 1.9k

Warnings: cheating

Summary: Atsumu Miya is a player; dating three girls from three different friend groups so they don’t find out. What happens when they do, though? And how does [Y/N] play into their plan for ultimate revenge?

A/N: Alright, this chapter really finally gets into the drama. I know it’s longer than the other chapters but it had to be this length in order to fit everything I wanted into it! I hope you guys enjoy it, and I can’t wait to share all the scheming to come with you all. <3

Taglist: @for-ests @miyuswriting @babyboytsutomu @captain-shittykawa @writeiolite @lunarknox @heccingdead @yams046 @infamouswhitepawsies @hideewrites @lilolpotato @burnthoneymint @bb-noya - let me know if you’d like to be added (or taken off)!!

Last Time:

Chika laid down the facts: Atsumu was dating three different girls from three different friend groups. It was a secret to everyone but he and Chika, and now you, that he was doing this. Atsumu would only come to Onigiri Miya when Osamu wasn’t working. He was somewhat of an idiot in that respect, and Osamu had caught him with different girls at the establishment before, but the bleached twin had played it off as him seeing different girls every week; something that wasn’t outside of the realm of possibility for the player.

Chika went on to explain that while Atsumu used to work at the onigiri shop for his brother, he had taken time off in order to focus on university and his club volleyball team at the school. He was arrogant and self-centered, and often lied to his brother even about small things. The picture Chika painted was far from flattering.

You sat looking at her during her spiel, your jaw basically on the floor.

“So, yeah,” she finished. “He’s kind of a mess and a jackass.”

“Thanks for the warning, I’ll try to avoid him.”

“About that,” her smile strained as she spoke her next words: “He’s moving into the same dorm as you tomorrow.”

The day rose in a blaze of sun, the perfect weather for a barbecue on the quad at your new university. It was too hot for wearing anything other than a tank top and shorts since there was no way you were going to make it through the two-hour long event with no shade if you wore anything else.

A cacophony of laughter and raucous excitement reached your ears as you stepped onto the lush green of the expansive quad, taking in the plethora of grills and the several volleyball and badminton nets set-up to enjoy with fellow students. Clusters of students from every year were scattered about the lawn, drinking from plastic cups and munching on snacks while trying to find the courage to jump into an activity and break free of their timidity.

It should have come as no surprise, but Atsumu Miya had no issues with running head first into a new adventure. He was playing 2-on-2 volleyball at one of the nets, showing off just how high he could jump to slam the ball down on the grass on the opposite side of the net. His athleticism shined here, clearly leaps and bounds beyond the others he was volleying with who looked like they were about to pass-out from heat stroke while desperately trying to match his pace.

It would have been almost comical, the difference in skill between someone who was obviously well-versed in volleyball and someone who had never touched a ball in their life, except that Atsumu looked so smug every time he scored a point for his team. It was hardly a competition and even from this distance you could tell he was letting it get to his head.

Turning your attention away, you nearly collided with another person as you moved to grab a drink from one of the coolers. The person you were now face-to-face with wore a black t-shirt with “RA” in white lettering across the place a breast pocket would be.

“I’m so sorry!” You blurted out, backing up slightly and raising your hands. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Don’t worry about it!” They replied, a genial smile splitting their face in response to your sudden panic. “You look familiar. I think you moved onto my floor yesterday! Yeah, [Y/n], right?”

“Guilty,” you quipped, looking at them closely. It clicked into place once you noticed their black bangs pinned back with their high pigtails. “You’re the resident assistant on my floor...Nanami, right?”

“Yep,” she replied, giving you a thumbs up. Her cheerfulness seemed a bit forced, but you smiled back at her regardless. “It’s actually good ya bumped into me ‘cause I was looking to round up the girls to play some volleyball. You in?”

“Um, sure, I don’t really have anything else to do.”

That’s how you found yourself entangled in a lot more than you’d bargained for: an icebreaker activity with Atsumu’s three girlfriends.

“Let’s say our names and then a fun fact about us,” Nanami said once the small group of girls she could find was rounded into a seated circle. “I’ll go first. My name’s Nanami and I love going to concerts!”

Dead silence befell the group as they all looked at her, expressionless. It was hot and she was making you all sit in the sun and tell a fun fact about yourselves? Weren’t you supposed to be playing volleyball?

“Cool,” said the girl clad in sports attire, repping the school’s colors. “I’m Sara, I play for the soccer team here and love kick-boxing.”

Sara used her thumb to point to the girl on her right, taking charge of the situation so they could all get it over with.

“I’m Izumi,” came the soft voice of a girl with her eyes turned shyly downward. “I work in the library in my spare time.”

Could this be any more dull? So much for a fun barbecue.

The next girl down the line stated her name and a fact about herself that slipped through your mind like water until it was Atsumu’s final girlfriend’s turn.

“My name’s Aiko, and I play the violin,” she said, flicking her long hair over her shoulder and fiddling with the hem of her pure white blouse.

Once again, this elicited no response and all eyes now rested on you as they waited for your name and riveting factoid.

“I’m [Y/n] and I work at an onigiri shop off-campus and just moved here from Miyagi.”

A pregnant pause followed your statement as the small group merely blinked in acknowledgement of each other’s existence before Nanami’s voice cut through the heavy air: “Let’s play volleyball!”

The group stood, returning shredded grass particles to the ground and moved like cattle to the volleyball nets.

“I’m gonna ditch, my boyfriend wants to get boba,” the girl whose name you couldn’t remember whispered into your ear before skipping away from the group now composed of only you, Sara, Aiko, Izumi, and Nanami.

Just perfect, you were going to be playing volleyball with three girls dating the same guy and the person who would be watching every move you made in the dorms for the year, what could be more ideal? You almost wished Osamu had put you on the schedule today, but he’d given you the first week of classes off to acclimate to the new university.

It was done now, so you’d make the most of the situation and maybe get a new friend out of it. Izumi seemed really sweet and down-to-earth, so you’d give chatting with her a shot. Walking up beside her, you opened your mouth to say something before the realization that you knew a dirty secret she didn’t about the guy she was seeing hit you. You snapped your mouth closed and walked the remainder of the expanse of green to the free volleyball net.

A collective gasp sounded from the group as you approached the net, causing you to look up from the ground you’d been examining in order to avoid tripping. When you saw where their heads were turned, you sighed internally.

Of course, every single one of them had their eyes locked on Atsumu finishing up his game on the make-shift volleyball court next to the one you’d soon be playing on. He had sweat pouring down his face from what you could imagine was the heat and exertion, and you couldn’t tear your eyes away as he lifted his shirt to wipe at his face exposing the glistening muscles of his abdomen.

What was this, a teen movie? No one looked that hot after playing a taxing sport and it was highly unfair that someone so vile could look so good.

“Okay, girls,” Nanami said, clapping her hands together yet again. “I’m gonna ref, so choose your teams.”

Aiko immediately flocked to Sara, likely taking in the fact that the latter was a college athlete and would be better poised to win the game. Izumi didn’t look particularly thrilled to be stuck with you as her teammate, but she’d have to deal for the short amount of time you’d be playing.

Sara served first, landing a solid ace across the net that punted against the grass that neither you nor Izumi received, giving your opponents the first point. Aiko and Izumi looked at each other through the net, their eyes suddenly serious. You furrowed your brow, watching how Sara was now in a fighting stance, until the sound of Atsumu’s voice reached your ears.

“So, yer the RA for the boys’ and girls’ floor, eh?” He said, leaning toward Nanami who looked less than pleased to be conversing with him at the current moment.

“That I am,” she replied stiffly, trying to keep her eye on the ball. “I’m kind of busy right now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“I’m sure ya don’t mind if I stay and watch a little bit?”

Nanami shrugged, turning her attention completely away from him. He didn’t appear to care, and didn’t press her any further.

Atsumu was watching the game, that’s why these three were acting like their lives depended on winning a casual volleyball game on the quad. This asshole knew exactly what his presence would do to these girls and was eating it up like a Korean drama.

Whatever, he wasn’t your focus and would never be your focus, so you returned your attention to the game. Your heart clenched in your chest as you watched Aiko look over at Atsumu, sending him a salacious wink just to receive a smirk in return. In the time that your eyes left Sara’s serving form, hoping that no one had noticed the exchange, the volleyball was colliding with your head and sending you reeling.

“[Y/n]!” You could hear Nanami call before her knees were thudding onto the earth next to you, her black pigtails dangling over your face. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” you responded, sitting up to notice that Atsumu had departed with his hand on the upper back of another tall male walking away. A feeling of impending doom flowed over you as you looked at the girls standing near the net, their faces directed at each other expressing confusion and mounting anger. “What’s going on?”

“We’re at the quad for the barbecue, do you have a concussion? What year is it?” The RA asked, clearly not anticipating this at the event.

“I’m fine! What about them?”

“Why were you winking at my boyfriend?” Izumi seethed, her kind and calm demeanor slipping away easily to reveal a nasty underside.

“I was winking at my boyfriend,” Aiko replied, stepping closer to Izumi but remaining on her side of the net. “Atsumu Miya.”

“What the hell did you just say?” Sara bellowed while stomping towards the two already in the throws of their disagreement. “Who’d you say your boyfriend was?”

Izumi and Aiko replied in unison: “Atsumu Miya.”

The trio of Atsumu’s lovers sat a safe 6-feet from each other in the grass, ice packs pressed against the bruises they’d given each other during the scuffle that eventually had to be broken up by the University Police. You’d also tried to pry them apart, which only earned you a split lip and a disciplinary mark on your record for the trouble.

“So, I get the pleasure of explaining what your punishment is,” Nanami said, sitting down on the grass with exaggerated annoyance, producing a map and setting it in the space between everyone. “The resident director thinks it would be a good idea for you guys to clean up around town. So you’ll be tackling the areas I’ve marked every other day and clearing them of all the litter you can see.”

“How long?” You asked, pressing the ice pack to your lip in an attempt to get it to stop stinging so horribly.

“Ten hours, which is pretty lenient,” she explained. “Since you guys don’t have any other infractions she didn’t think it was worth more than that. And she wants you to do it together to learn some cooperation and teamwork.”

The tension in the air was suffocating at this news and not a single girl could look the other in the eye, opting to stare at their feet while nursing their wounds.

“This is all your fault, Aiko,” Sara spat.

“How is it--” Aiko began before you cut her off.

“I don’t know,” you spoke up, raising your hand in defense as Aiko shot you a glare, her white blouse sullied with dirt. “Seems like you all got played, right? He told you all that he had to keep his relationship with you secret, right?”

A grumble rose around the small area between the 5 of you.

“Okay, so he was lying to you so he could mess around with other people, so who’s fault is it really?”

You had no idea the trouble your logical mind had gotten you into.

#Atsumu Miya #Miya Atsumu #Atsumu Miya x reader #Miya Atsumu x reader #haikyuuwritersnet #tw: cheating #tw cheating #Haikyuu!!#Haikyu!!#hq!!#Haikyuu!! angst #Haikyu!! angst

118 notes · View notes

bitterlikesweets · 3 years

Text

Love Bites Ch 19

This is the nineteenth chapter of a modern/vampire AU ereri fanfic. You can also read it on Ao3. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Special | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19

It would be a stretch to say that Eren and his older brother ever got along well. Zeke hated him. He had since the day they met.

"Met." Because Eren didn't know Zeke existed until he was ten years old.

When Eren was a little kid, he didn't know anything. His parents were the epitome of being in love. Every time they were together, his father would shower his mother in kind words and affection. He always made her smile. He would even bring her gifts every time he came back from his monthly family reunions.

His dad never got Eren anything, but that was okay. As long as he got stuff for Eren’s mom. As long as his parents loved each other, Eren didn’t mind. That was enough. Because it made his mom smile. And Eren’s mom loved Eren no matter what. Eren loved her no matter what, too.

She loved Eren more than usual during his dad’s family reunions.

When Eren asked his father why he never brought Eren and his mother along, Grisha Jaeger just said it wasn't time yet.

They never really explained to Eren how it all happened. Why things with Grisha's first family didn't work out. Zeke just showed up one day, Grisha's hand on his shoulder as they stood in the doorway.

"Eren, this is your older brother. His mom's very busy, so he'll be staying with us over the weekend."

It took Eren awhile to wrap his head around it. How was it possible for Zeke to be Eren's brother but have a different mom? Why was Zeke not living with them?

Why did they look so different?

Eren's mom was very patient. She explained about falling in love. About falling out of it. And how sometimes people are left behind when that happens. She told Eren he could still believe in love. That sometimes it ends, but a new one could start in its place.

"I might not be his first love," his mother said, "but I am his favorite."

His favorite? Eren believed that for a little bit. But he always wondered why his dad kept going back to visit his first love if that was really the case. It wasn't to visit Zeke. Sometimes their dad would still go to see Zeke's mom, even if Zeke was staying with them, babysitting Eren.

"If it wasn't for you," Zeke always used to say, "he would still be with us. He would be my dad, not yours."

Why? Why was it Eren's fault?

When did his parents start arguing in the middle of the night?

Zeke started getting nicer to Eren eventually. When Eren was thirteen and Zeke was sixteen, Zeke started to be almost kind. Saying that it wasn't Eren's fault after all. They just needed time, and everything would work itself out.

Turns out, everything "working out" meant Grisha going back to his first love. Which meant Carla Jaeger was not his favorite, after all.

It made more sense to Eren that love just didn't exist. Romantic love was stupid and fake and wasn't real.

His mom finally agreed with him when Grisha moved out.

When Eren was fifteen, he saw his brother for the last time. He dropped Eren off at his house after school and told Eren he wasn't going to come back anymore. That Zeke no longer had to pretend they were really family.

Eren and his mother got the news a few months later. Somebody broke into the Jaeger household—the other Jaeger household—and now everyone in that other family was dead. The police told them it was a burglary.

That's what they said about Eren's mom too, in the official reports. A burglary; a mother dead, and a son injured, but otherwise fine.

Eren should've realized it then. A burglary with nothing stolen. A report he'd already heard once before. He should've recognized the similarities.

But he didn't connect the dots because things were different then, with his dad. When it happened to Eren and his mother, it wrecked him. It still wrecks him now. It didn't feel real at all. And now he misses her so, so much.

When Eren was fifteen, finding out that his father and older brother were gone for good, he doesn't remember feeling wrecked or sad or missing them.

He doesn't remember feeling anything at all.

Seven years later, knowing who killed them, Eren feels…

Eren feels exactly the same.

Maybe he's been a little monstrous since way back then.

~ ~ ~

Eren wakes up to moonlight, rain, and the smell of smoke. He blinks up at the unfamiliar gray ceiling, unconsciously fiddling with the fleece blanket loosely draped over his body. He's too big for it; it's pulled up to his chest and his ankles stick out the bottom. It's strange though; he remembers dropping onto the couch with nothing but his sweater as a makeshift blanket. The curtains too. He swears that he closed those last night, and hey—Eren can hear rain, so why is everything so dry outside?

Eren sits up slowly, his eyes scanning the room with narrowed eyes. There are a few more things different from how Eren remembers them. The wooden knives and stakes he remembers putting in front of Levi’s small closet are nowhere to be seen, and there’s a light on in the kitchen. The rain sounds seem to be coming from there too.

When Eren gets up to investigate, he finds Levi sitting at the kitchen counter, a mug in his hands as he stares blankly down at his steaming drink. There’s a candle in front of him, and a little speaker by the wall at the edge of the counter.

Eren knocks on the wall, and Levi looks up, his gray eyes brighter than before, a bit more alert.

“Good night,” Eren says with a nod.

The corners of Levi’s quirk up for a moment.

“Good night,” Levi says, moving his mug up to his lips.

“It looks like I turned you nocturnal,” Eren says, pulling up one of the tall chairs beside Levi’s.

The smell of smoke seems to be coming from the gray candle in front of Levi—its label says “Fireside”—and when a single tap of Levi’s finger against the speaker causes the rain to stop, all of Eren’s questions are answered.

...All of his more trivial questions, anyway.

“I should make a midnight shift at the Kitchen just for you as revenge,” Levi says.

“Hmm…” Eren drops his chin into his hand, stroking an imaginary beard with his fingers. “Doesn’t sound like too bad of a deal, honestly. How much do you pay?”

Levi scoffs instead of answering, and Eren smiles, moving his chair closer so that he can bump shoulders with Levi. Levi leans against him in response.

“Thanks,” Levi says quietly. “For yesterday.”

Eren’s smile softens, and he presses his face into Levi’s shoulder.

“Anytime.”

“I…” Levi clears his throat. “I was pretty out of it. If I had known that you—”

Levi clears his throat again.

“You didn’t have to sleep on the couch,” Levi says, his ears getting a pink tint. “If I had known you were staying over, I’d have told you so.”

Eren’s face burns. He’s immensely grateful that his head is tucked against the fabric of Levi’s shirt and out of sight.

“O-oh. I, uh—Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind, f-for next time.”

“Yeah,” Levi mumbles. He’s leaning more heavily onto Eren, though his head is turned away. “Good.”

And then things are quiet for a moment. Eren absentmindedly shifts his face from Levi’s shoulder to Levi’s neck, a deep sort of relaxation pooling in his chest and shoulders when he does. Something about it sets him at ease, even despite the slight throb in his fangs that comes from his close proximity to Levi’s veins.

Though his bite scars do start to itch a bit. Again.

“Eren,” Levi says.

“Hmm?”

“I’ve been… thinking about some of things you said yesterday.”

An image of his blond brother’s face flashes through Eren’s mind, and he stiffens. One of Levi’s hands immediately finds its way to Eren’s back, resting hesitantly there.

“We don’t have to talk about it though,” Levi says. “If you’re burnt out.”

“No,” Eren says quickly, raising his head out of the crook of Levi’s neck and pulling away slightly. “No, that’s, uh… We can talk about it.”

Should Eren tell him? He really doesn’t want to tell him. It’s probably hard enough on Levi with that family as strangers with no other connection to him. If he finds out that that man was Eren’s dad—that the Feral King is Eren’s brother—

“Alright,” Levi says, though he sends a confused frown Eren’s way. “Just tell me if it’s too much.”

“I will.”

It’s not like it changes much for Eren either way anyway. They’ve been dead for seven years already—he thought they all were anyway—and he was never angry at that anonymous killer. His mom was devastated, and that made him sad, but…

Shit, it’s fucked up that he didn’t care, isn’t it? He was fifteen, and on TV, people were always telling their parents to go die, so, at the time, he thought it was just one of those “hormonal teenager things” that every adult in his life was always going on about. It wasn’t like he was relieved or happy when they died! He was just… indifferent.

...Maybe he should’ve taken his mom’s offer when she told him she’d take him to see a therapist if he needed one.

“That thing you said,” Levi says, though Eren’s only half-listening, “about people changing. About how not everyone does. I think that… helped a lot. For a while, I didn’t think I…”

Eren tries to redirect his brain. It’s far too late to be over analyzing his teenage brain. He thought his dad and his brother were dicks, and he never knew Zeke’s mom, so he didn’t give a fuck when they died. Is that awful? Probably. But that’s not the thing Eren’s worried about right now.

Should he tell Levi? Now that he’s thinking about it, it might be worse to keep it from Levi. If they go and try to kill those vampires who turned Eren, they’ll probably run into Zeke. Zeke will probably recognize Eren, and springing that whole “yeah, this asshole is my brother” thing onto Levi in the middle of a life or death situation is a terrible fucking idea. So, Eren definitely has to tell him. Should he tell him right now? How is he even going to explain—

“...Eren.”

Eren blinks, green eyes wide as he looks over at Levi. Levi just sighs, setting his mug down on the counter.

“I told you we didn’t need to talk about it.”

“No, no,” Eren says quickly. “That’s my bad. I don’t mind talking about it. I just… Have a lot in my head right now.”

Levi’s expression softens a little, and he reaches up to rest his hand against Eren’s cheek, the tips of his fingers settling in his long brown hair.

“We’re a fucking mess,” Levi says.

Eren can’t hold back a laugh, covering Levi’s hand with his own.

“Good thing you like cleaning,” Eren teases, and Levi rolls his eyes.

A pale thumb gently sweeps back and forth across Eren’s cheek, and Eren leans into the touch, his mind clearing a bit. His thoughts are no longer quite so fast, so frantic. It’s a bit easier not to focus on them with Levi there as a physical distraction, pulling Eren out of his own head a bit.

“What’s in there?” Levi said, shifting his hand to knock his knuckles against the side of Eren’s head. “I’ll help clean it up.”

Eren’s smile wavers, his gaze lowering.

“It might make your own head messy again.”

“That’s fine.”

Eren takes a deep breath.

“Furlan… Yesterday, when I called him, he told me the name of the Feral King.”

Levi nods.

“Zeke.”

“Zeke Jaeger,” Eren says.

Levi frowns slightly but nods again.

“I’ve… never told you my full name,” Eren says. “It’s Eren Jaeger.”

Levi’s eyes grow wide, his hand falling away from Eren’s face, but Eren hurries to grab hold of that pale hand before it can fully retreat.

“Eren—”

“Just wait,” Eren says. “Please. Let me explain.”

Levi scowls, but he keeps his lips pressed shut, even as his hand fidgets in Eren’s grasp.

“He’s my brother,” Eren says. “My older brother.”

“But I—” Levi clutches his head with his free hand. “Your… your mother—”

“No,” Eren says quickly, leaning towards Levi. “No, Levi. Not my mom. Zeke’s my half brother. We only share a dad. My mom was killed by ferals, just like I’ve always said.”

“You—” Levi shakes his head. “You talked with Furlan—You’ve known this since yesterday—why are you still here?”

“Levi, that doesn’t change anything for me—”

“Why the fuck not?” Levi snaps, yanking his hand out of Eren’s grip. “Eren, I—I killed your family!”

“Levi, no—”

Eren tries to reach for Levi’s hands again, but Levi abruptly moves them out of reach, his chest heaving.

“Don’t.”

Levi tries to wipe off his hands, his black eyebrows pulled downward into a deep scowl. Eren clenches his hands into fists, struggling to get air into his lungs.

Levi’s angry—not at him. Eren has to fix this. Levi’s hands—where are the paper towels? If he turns away, will Levi run? Does Levi even want his help? He wants to touch Levi. Levi doesn’t want that. He needs to finish explaining. He doesn’t want to go into detail about that time. Zeke, his dad—they’re haunting him like unruly fucking ghosts. He didn’t want to make Levi spiral again—He feels fucking sick, like his stomach is boiling—

“I don’t get you,” Levi snaps. “Why—knowing what I did—did to you—why are you still here?”

“Because I love you—”

“Why? Why are you siding with me over them?”

“Because they never fucking did!” Eren exclaims. “Always—it was always only my mom, just my mom—my dad never—Zeke never—”

Eren’s eyes are burning. His throat aches. He hates this. He doesn’t want to yell at Levi. He’s not yelling because of Levi. It’s because of his fucking dad, because of Zeke, because of those bastards that he was finally able to not think about after all these years—

“Why would I choose them over you?” Eren’s hands are clenched into tight fists. He feels a sharp pain in his palms and ignores it. “They never loved me. You do.”

Eren looks over at Levi, who’s staring at him, practically frozen.

“...Don’t you?”

Levi’s mouth opens and closes without words for a moment before he manages two words in a quiet, hoarse voice.

“I do.”

Eren’s eyes are still burning, aching. When his eyesight blurs, he wipes at his wet eyes. Pale hands are retreating from him when his sight is clear again—Levi reached out to him but is already pulling back. Frustration burns in the pit of Eren’s chest, and he’s reaching out before he can think better of it.

“For fuck’s—I don’t care, Levi, just get it on me,” Eren snaps, grasping Levi’s hands and covering them with his own. “It’s not like it’s going to fuck me up even more—I’m already—”

Eren goes stiff when he catches a glimpse of Levi’s face. It’s flat, masked, emotionless. Whatever anger that was in him cools immediately, and Eren quickly releases Levi’s hands, internally cursing himself for his insensitive, stupid mistake. Has he learned nothing from everything that happened yesterday? This is it. He’s fucked up absolutely everything—

“You…”

Levi’s eyes are on Eren’s hands.

“You don’t make any sense,” Levi says.

“I… I’m sorry.”

“You really… don’t care?”

Eren winces, his gaze dropping to his lap.

“That’s not what I—it was a bad choice of words—”

“It doesn’t change how you feel about me?” Levi asks, his voice a little louder, more insistent.

“N-no,” Eren says. “It doesn’t.”

“Even though it’s your brother.”

“My brother’s a murderer.”

“So am I,” Levi says, shifting his gaze from Eren’s hands to Eren’s eyes.

“Yeah, and I will be too, soon,” Eren says. “But I love you and my brother runs a murder cult that lead to the death of my mom.”

Levi stays silent, and Eren bites his lip.

“...Does it change things for you?” Eren asks. “The fact that I’m not bothered by it?”

“No,” Levi says immediately. “I just… don’t… It’s hard to believe. For me.”

“That I don’t care about my brother?”

“That you love me,” Levi says. “Because when I did that, I… I still don’t… Trust myself.”

Eren’s shoulders lower slightly, his expression softening.

“Do you want me to prove it?”

Levi frowns.

“...Can you?”

Eren holds out his hand. Levi just continues frowning at him.

“What do you see?” Eren asks. “When you have to clean your hands off like that?”

Levi’s mouth opens and shuts once before he answers.

“Blood.”

Eren's breath stutters a bit. He'd been wondering about that...

Slowly, he reaches out to grab Levi’s hand again, pulling it closer until Levi has to lean forward. Eren keeps pulling until Levi’s hand is flat against his chest, right over where his dead heart lies beneath the surface.

“Levi,” Eren says, smiling slightly in spite of everything, “I’m a vampire.”

He slowly raises Levi’s hand higher, pressing his lips against Levi’s knuckles.

“It’ll take more than a little blood to scare me away.”

“That…”

Levi lets out a deep sigh, getting out of his seat.

“That’s the cheesiest fucking shit you could’ve said.”

Eren’s face grows hot at the unexpected insult, and he drops Levi’s hand, unable to make anything more than incoherent noises of offense in his current headspace. By the time Levi has stepped closer, all Eren can manage is—

“Wha—I’m out here trying to prove my love to you, and that’s what you—”

Eren is interrupted by Levi dropping his entire body onto Eren, and Eren wraps his arms around the man’s back to stop them both from falling off of the chair.

“Levi?”

“Sorry,” Levi says. “It’s… habit.”

“You need to work on that,” Eren grumbles, burying his face into Levi’s neck again, the action immediately setting himself at ease. “One of these days I’m seriously going to get offended.”

Levi nods, still leaning heavily on Eren and showing no sign of trying to hold up his own weight.

“I hope…” Levi says quietly. “...Nothing’s able to scare you away.”

Eren smiles, holding Levi tighter.

“Nothing will,” Eren says. “I promise.”

Not the blood on Levi's hands, not Eren's dad, not the Feral King. Nothing's going to scare Eren away. He's certain of that now.

Levi sighs, and Eren’s fingers curl into the fabric of his shirt.

“What about you?”

“Hm?”

“Is anything going to scare you away?”

Levi scoffs, pulling back just enough to look Eren in the eye.

“You’re going to wish something could.”

Eren grins, leaning in to press his lips against Levi’s.

“No, Levi, I don’t think I will.”

#ereri riren #ereri #riren #ereri fanfic #riren fanfic #fanfiction #sorry this is late i forgot which day of the week it was haha

3 notes · View notes

fanficimagery · 4 years

Text

Natalie’s Half-Sister [Part 2 of 3]

Summary: Imagine the trip to Vegas taking a rather unexpected turn, but it only proves to bond you even closer to the Squad. Then back at David's house, you have a decision to make: go back home to Texas or take up David's offer of officially moving into his spare guest room.

Words: 4.1K Warnings: Language. Drinking. Violence.

With the trip to Vegas planned last minute, everyone had the rest of the day to get their personal lives in order so they could make the trip- if they could make it that is. So with everyone needing to sort their jobs out and pack a suitcase of shit, the private jet David rented out wasn't boarded until after midnight.

You, David, Natalie, Jason, Jeff, Todd, Zane, Matt, Heath, Mariah, Ilya, Corinna, Carly, Scott, and Kristen were the only ones to make it. And the second everyone was situated, Zane and Ilya broke out the champagne bottles and sprayed everyone with a shout of glee as David recorded.

"You guys fuckin' suck," you laugh, wiping your face with the hem of your shirt. Natalie tosses you a towel and you wipe off the rest from your arms and hair. "Thanks, Natty."

"You are so not prepared for this trip," she muses. "Especially since Ilya's here. He and Zane are a bad combo when intoxicated. Especially in public."

"Sis, I don't even care. After yesterday and now being jobless, I need to let loose. I'm sitting pretty comfortable to be without a job for at least a year, but I'm not looking to be without work that long."

"Don't worry about it. Hospitals are always in need of nurses. You'll find a job."

"I hope so."

The rest of the flight is uneventful, you laughing at seeing firsthand how Ilya is with your sister. You thought Jeff was bad with the flirting, but Ilya took the cake. However, it was cute to see him light up whenever Natalie gave him her full attention.

Two vans were at the airport to pick all of you up and deliver you to the hotel where Natalie booked two adjoining rooms. Each room had a king and queen sized bed, as well as their own bathroom, but David somehow managed to have it so that spare mattresses were set up on the floor in each room. And after everyone had their bags brought up, everyone lingered around to see what the game plan was going to be.

"Okay, everyone," David addresses you all from the door between the two rooms. "Set an alarm for five thirty. You're all going to need as much sleep before we head out tonight."

In the room you had followed your sister into, Carly and Corinna drag Natalie onto the queen sized bed. She smiles sheepishly at you, but you shrug it off as you sit on the corner of the king sized bed. Heath and Mariah happily plop down on the mattress on the floor just as you're toeing off your sneakers, and just after you'd shoved off your jeans and traded them for a pair of maroon Clickbait shorts, Jeff, Todd, and Zane enter in nothing but their boxer briefs.

"Oh god," Natalie groans just as everyone else laughs at their obvious preening.

"Cuddle time, baby," Zane shouts. "We got dibs on Y/N's bed."

Zane practically manhandles you onto one side of the bed and you laugh as Todd launches himself on your other side. Jeff shakes his head, amused, but takes up the available space next to Todd.

Then just as you're getting comfortable and slap away Zane's hand from your bare thigh for a second time, David walks in with his camera in hand. "Jesus," he laughs. "You guys knows there space in the other room. Right? You don't have to crowd Y/N."

"Shut up, David," Zane retorts, wrapping one arm and one leg around your laughing form. "Let us have this."

David giggles. "Y/N, you good with these idiots?"

"I'm good, Davey," you assure him. "They're harmless."

Jeff and Heath then proceed to crack a few jokes for content for David's vlog, and you snuggle down between your two friends. Zane, after asking if it's okay, presses up behind you and lays his arm along your hip as he finally settles down to sleep as well.

"Fair warning, Zane, if I wake up to you dry humping me we are never doing this again."

He chuckles tiredly. "Noted."

It surprisingly doesn't take long for everyone to fall asleep in the adjoining rooms, and you fall into such a deep sleep that you're scared awake when everyone's alarms go off at the same time. You're a bit disorientated and your heart now pumping furiously is not helping matters.

"Hey, you okay?" You stare up at the raspy voice, slowly smiling as a clearly still sleepy Todd watches you through hooded eyes. "You kind of tensed up."

Looking down you realize you have one leg shoved between Todd's and an arm thrown around his stomach. "Hmm. Yeah. Sorry. The alarms scared me."

There's a groan from behind you and you slowly release Todd to see the source of the noise. Zane is clearly not one to be woken suddenly and you huff a quiet laugh as he rolls out of bed with a few swear words following after him. Todd then flings the sheet off of him, leaving you and Jeff to shiver at the sudden chill, and he exits the bed as well.

Left alone in bed with Jeff, you then glance around the room to see everyone stumbling about and gathering supplies before both bathrooms are suddenly occupied. Sighing, you muse, "There are two bathrooms and fifteen of us. Think we can get away with about twenty more minutes of sleeping?"

"We can sure as hell try."

The moment Jeff lays his arm out, you scoot over and snuggle into his side. Then with the sheet back over you, you're quick to warm up and drift back off.

- X - X - X - X - X -

"Y/N. Y/N, wake up." There's a gentle touch to the bridge of your nose and you lazily swat at it. "Seriously, get up. We let you and Jeff sleep as long as possible, but now both bathrooms are free. It's time to get ready."

"Natty?"

"Yeah. Now get up before everyone loses their last ounce of control and they wake you up in a far more annoying manner."

When your eyes finally open and you roll back from snuggling Jeff, he sits up and takes a moment to gather his wits before standing and walking to the other room. You finally get up yourself, yawning, and blinking confusingly at the other girls in the room as they all smirk at you.

"What?"

"Are you sure you don't fuck?" Corinna asks. "Because I've noticed you and Jeff, and sometimes Todd, are oddly close."

You giggle. "I'm sure. I mean I could, I have in the past, but it's just not something I enjoy."

"Maybe it's because you haven't been fucked properly."

"Mariah!" Natalie gasps, then laughing. "Jesus."

"Maybe, maybe not," you shrug. "All of your friends, well I guess they're my friends too now, are all stupidly attractive. I just don't feel the need to want to ride them. Cuddle them, yes. Fuck them, not so much."

Corinna sighs longingly. "I wish I had your restraint. However, if you find yourself suddenly wanting to sleep with one of the single boys, Todd gives good dick."

You snort as the other girls cackle. Todd sticks his head into the room, beaming smile in place as he flashes you a wink. "Okay, okay," you chuckle. "The next time we have girl talk, someone remember to close the door. I have a feeling we're going to hear about this all night now."

As Kristen shoves Todd's head out the door and shuts it, you finally get up and search your suitcase for a decent clubbing outfit. Finding it, you then take it to the bathroom with you.

Since you washed your hair the day before, you pin it up atop your head and quickly wash and shave all that you normally do. Then once you step out of the shower and towel off, you lotion up before pulling on the smallest pair of black lace panties and a black strappy push up bra. You pull on a long sleeve mesh bodysuit next and then a pair of cut-off, high waisted jean shorts last.

Opening the bathroom door, the girls all slowly gape at your appearance.

"Holy shit," Corinna says.

You roll your eyes. "I've literally seen you girls wear nearly the same thing or something that shows more skin than I am right now."

"Yeah, but it's you," Natalie muses with a small grin. "You're literally going to give the boys a heart attack."

"Shut up and curl my hair please. I can never get it the way I want it."

You spend the next half hour with Natalie doing your hair and Carly doing your makeup. Then after you've shoved your feet into a pair of high heeled ankle boots, you answer the door that connects your room to the second when there's a knock.

David stands there, eyes bulging as he films you. "Uh, guys?"

Your brow furrows at his reaction, only to sigh when the others take notice of your appearance.

"Oh hell," Todd mumbles. "We're going to get into a fight tonight."

"You turn around and change this instant, young lady" Heath says, one hand on his hip and the other pointing into your room.

The girls, on either side of you, all laugh at his protectiveness.

Ilya, Matt, and Zane pull out their phones to snap pictures as Jeff comes up behind David. "If you're going out in that tonight, you're not leaving our side. One of us guys has to be with you at all times."

While you crack a grin at his protectiveness, David laughs."Seriously?" Pointing his camera at you and then at the guys behind him- it's amusing to see the various reactions. However, it's Todd, Jeff, and Ilya David focuses on. "Y/N is a no bone zone, guys. We've been over this."

"Exactly. Now I'm not changing, nor am I boning, but for the sake of not being groped by any strangers tonight someone is going to have to pretend to be my boyfriend."

"Baby girl, you don't even have to ask," Matt says.

Your nose wrinkles as you laugh, but Jeff steps forward and wraps an arm around your shoulders while staring Matt down. "Sorry, Matty, but Y/N and I clearly have more chemistry. Just ask the millions of subscribers on David's channel. I'm clearly the choice for the pretend boyfriend."

"Did you hear that?" Mariah laughingly jokes. "That was the sound of a million hearts breaking all because Jeff is smitten with Natalie's sister."

The group all makes kissing noises at the two of you and you huff a brief laugh. "I don't care who it is, but we seriously need to get a move on and grab a bite to eat before any drinking occurs. I am not about to get shit faced in Vegas because that's when poor choices are made."

"Poor choices? More like the best choices," David giggles.

"Shut up, Dobrik." You playfully shove his camera out of the way. "But seriously, lets go."

- X - X - X - X - X -

Dinner is quite the loud affair, but the group manages to keep the antics down to a minimum to prevent getting kicked out. The waiters and waitresses take the rambunctious group in stride, but then seem to take great joy in playing debit card roulette. When the bill comes, David has everyone cough up their debit card and whichever card the waiter chooses, then the owner of that card is paying for everyone's dinner. You laugh, curse David and Natalie for not warning you of the game, and then sigh a huge sigh of relief when Scott's card is chosen.

David then surprises everyone with a party bus, smoke billowing out of the bus door as soon as it's opened. Music thumps and lights flash, and Zane is the first on the stripper pole as soon as he spots it. A bottle of champagne is then sprayed all over everyone, shots are passed around, and people are grinding and making out as David records it all.

After shooting a bit with giant glowsticks, you and Jeff move towards the back of the bus- you not wanting to get too trashed and forget this night as more alcohol is brought out, and Jeff because he wasnt a huge fan of the alcohol anymore.

Everyone stumbles off the bus in a single file line, the club's music loud enough to be heard outside. And given David's connections, you're all let in ahead of the line not so patiently waiting outside. Then the second you're inside the club, Heath grabs onto Mariah and Scott grabs onto Kristen. You're about to grab onto the back of Ilya's shirt as to not lose the group, but Jeff grabs your hand. You quickly glance at him, but he smiles at you reassuringly as he takes the lead and manages to keep pace with the rest of the group through the crowd.

Inside the VIP lounge is a waitress waiting to take everyone's choice of drink. Cocktails and shots are ordered, but so are numerous bottles of water. Jackets are then piled onto a chair and phones are immediately snapping selfies and videos for Instagram. You pose for a few with your sister and the other girls, then making stupid and mock seductive faces with the boys when they drag you into selfies with them. Then the second the waitress gets back, Zane passes out shots like they're candy.

Natalie and Mariah are quick to drag you onto the dance floor after a quick toast is made, and Carly, Corinna, and Kristen follow. The boys hold back, but they keep their eyes peeled for any unwanted advances.

Though you enjoy dancing with your sister, you draw the line at grinding with her. She laughs as you push her away at her first attempt, but then Mariah switches places with her and all is well. There's grinding and twirling, and jumping and singing at the top of your lungs, and it doesn't take long until you can feel sweat starting to bead.

Hands grab at your hips and you attempt to whirl around, but a mouth is pressed to your ear and a familiar voice starts to talk. "Relax. It's just me." Jeff. "You girls finally attracted a group of boys and we decided to intervene."

You turn your head just enough to grin at him. "My hero!"

Both his hands remain on your hips, but you place your left hand atop his own while your right hand reaches up and behind Jeff to grab onto the back of his neck. The thumping beats guide your movements and you laugh when Todd eventually joins in and sandwiches you in the middle.

The group continues to dance until someone mentions taking a break and then you're all back in the VIP lounge. While everyone seems content to indulge in more alcoholic beverages, you switch to water. There's more dancing, laughing, videos being taken, and you have one cocktail on the second break before strictly remaining on water.

The night then turns rather chaotic the more alcohol everyone consumes and it's hours later the group finally calls it quits.

You, Jeff, and Jason are the sober bunch of the group, so it's a bit of a hassle to keep everyone together and out of the club. Kristen and Matt seem to have a good head on their shoulders even drunk, so they lead the rest of the ladies to the bathroom before loading back up onto the bus.

You've exited the club now, waiting outside for the rest of the girls, but Zane and Ilya are a little out of control. Heath, Todd, and David, though laughing, are doing their best to control the rambunctious duo, but some other drunkard takes offense to their loose inhibitions and their Youtube status.

One minute everything is decently calm and amusing, and the next a can is being flung that hits Heath in the face.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" David shouts.

Everyone immediately circles around Heath and you rush up to him to check his apparent wound, and your eyes widen at the small gash. "Shit. What the hell hit you?"

"I don't know, but FUCK it hurts," he drunkenly shouts. You look down and glance around, and frown at a can of unopened beer by your feet.

"Fuck you, you Youtube cunts!" Someone slurs. A feminine someone. You whirl around, heart beating faster as your anger starts to boil. "Go home, you pussies!"

The boys are all shouting, throwing obscenities of their own, but no one makes a move when they realize the culprit is female.

"Are you fuckin' kidding me!" You suddenly shout back, pushing through the crowd as your gaze locks on the taunting drunk. "What the fuck is your problem?!"

A hand grips your arm to pull you back, but you yank free. The too smug female stumbles towards you. "Go back to your fuck boys, gold digger." Some of her friends all laugh, cheering her on.

"Don't sound so bitter, honey," you mockingly coo back, "I'm sure if you drop to your knees on the nearest corner you can make some money of your own. Well," you then frown, looking her up and down. "On second thought, you're not too pretty. You might have to resort to-"

The punch comes out of nowhere and you feel your lip split on your teeth. Grimacing, you roll with it and swing back. Not having thrown the first punch, you're in the clear to defend yourself.

And defend yourself you do.

You can hear your group of boys shouting threats and the drunk's group of friends shouting at their friend to fight back. You were always told that pulling hair was for pussies, but you need something to grab onto to hold her head in place while your other fist delivers blow after blow. You only get three hits in before you're shoved back by one of her friends and then your boys pull you back and place themselves in front of you.

You're quickly herded back towards the bus, arms wrapping around you and picking you up as you continue to struggle and swear at the other other group. You're marched up the stairs of the bus, passed the stunned group of your girl friends, and then seated on someone's lap as their arms are still locked around you.

"What the hell is going on?" Natalie asks, pushing through and crouching before you. She grabs you by the chin to check out the damage to your lip.

"That fuckin' bitch threw an unopened can of beer at Heath's face!"

"WHAT!?" Mariah whirls around, pushing through the guys to get to her boyfriend.

"Hey, let me see your hand," Natalie then says, voice soft. Still trembling in rage, you lift up your right hand and she tuts at you. "You split open your knuckles."

"I don't care. How's Heath's face? Last I saw he was bleeding."

Natalie frowns but moves to go check on Heath, only for Zane and Matt to take her spot.

"Baby!" Zane laughs. "You are wild! Oh my god."

"That was fucking nuts!" Matt agrees. "I did not peg you as a fighter."

You huff a laugh at their incredulous expressions, the tension leaving your shoulders as you slump back against whoever's wrapped themselves around you. "I flipped, didn't I?" You sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose. "Fuck, guys, I'm so sorry."

"Don't be." Looking towards the voice, David grins at you as he continues to record the aftermath of the fight. "What that girl did was messed up. You were defending one of us. Never apologize for that."

"Not gonna lie, that was really hot." Several of the boys agree and you glance over your shoulder at a sheepish Jeff.

"Of course you'd think that."

Mariah and Heath finally make their way towards you just as Jeff finally lets you off his lap, and the couple thanks you for stepping in. Natalie reappears with a first aid kit, and she and Mariah use the supplies to clean Heath's cheek and your knuckles. Then once everyone has calmed and the driver realizes the cops have not been called since the fight broke up on its own, the drive back towards the hotel is relatively quiet.

All of a sudden Ilya starts to giggle which then turns into full blown laughter. "I can't believe we got called YouTube cunts and pussies in the span of three seconds."

Slowly but surely everyone starts to find amusement in the fight. Even Heath.

"We might be YouTube cunts," David shouts over everyone, "but we're YouTube cunts that are a thousand dollars richer thanks to the content I recorded when Y/N threw hands."

The bus cheers and bottles of alcohol are passed around.

You lean against Jeff, shaking your head in amusement. "Jesus, they'll drink for anything."

"Y/N! Y/N! Y/N!"

"Nooo," you groan.

Jeff laughs and nudges you up. "Looks like you're next."

Natalie and Kristen maneuver you so you're kneeling between them, and Kristen taps your chin so you're looking up.

"Open wide," Natalie grins.

You wrinkle your nose before opening wide and your sister pours alcohol into your waiting mouth. It goes everywhere, but they all still cheer and you swallow with a grimace. Kristen helps you back up and you stumble back into your seat next to Jeff.

"Still having fun?"

"Yeah. I'm not as angry anymore," you muse. "And I have a feeling the party won't stop once we get to our rooms."

"Don't worry. I won't let you get into anymore fights."

"That's comforting."

The rest of your stay in Los Angeles is a lot more calmer. Vegas had been wild and you let loose far more than you were comfortable with, but the outcome was well worth it. You gained a brother in Heath and a sister in Mariah, and everyone in your sister's inner circle were surprised to see just how protective you'd become of them. So if your sister was ever busy and you didn't or couldn't be with her while she was in assistant mode, the others made sure to keep you busy and let you in on what their daily lives were like.

Todd and Jeff took you on a morning hike and were honestly surprised when you didn't get winded. You did draw the line, however, at sprinting and opted to carry Nerf on your back as they waited for you to catch up. Mariah took you to a dance studio where you reconnected with your love of memorizing choreo, and then laughed as Erin and Carly drove you around while recording bits for their vlog as they got to know you even more.

But now that it's drawing closer to return back to Texas, you're more than happy to laze about David's house and dozing in and out of sleep as Natalie helps him go through usable footage for his vlogs.

"Hey Y/N, were you being serious in those job searches around here in LA?" David asks, one headphone in his ear and the other in Natalie's. Your sister's gaze darts you, slowly smiling. "Because it's come to my attention that one of my boys has also been looking up which hospitals are hiring around here."

"Aww. Someone's going to miss you," Natalie teases.

"Shut up," you huff. "And I don't know," you then address David. "In the perfect world I would find a nursing position close by, as well as an apartment. I've forgotten how much I love being around Natty-"

"Aww!"

"-and I've literally gained a bigger circle of friends in the month I've been here than all my years back home. But this is an imperfect world and while there are some nursing positions I could look into, every apartment or house nearby is way out of my price range."

Natalie and David share a look, smiles breaking out. "You tell her," he says.

Now looking at you, Natalie says, "If you're really serious about searching for a job up here, the spare room here is yours for as long as you need it."

You blink in surprise. "What?"

"The spare room is basically used as a storage room." David shrugs. "Move in with us," he chuckles.

"I-I don't know, guys. One month with you is nothing compared to being in my presence 24/7. Are you positive?"

"We're so positive!" Natalie laughs. "I want you here, David wants you here, and you and Jeff are practically dating."

"We are not!"

"Whatever. Everyone really likes you," she then goes on to say. "Just.. just think about it. Okay? Go home and get your head on straight or whatever, and see if you can part with your precious Texas heat and join us here in Cali."

"I'll think about."

644 notes · View notes

i-need-entertainment · 3 years

Text

Dreams Can Come True: Chapter 3

Chapter 2-Chapter 4

*Knock Knock Knock* Y/n woke up to the sound of someone knocking on her door. “Come in…” Y/n sleepily stated as she sat up and tried to at least pretend to be awake. “Good morning Y/n, did you sleep well?” Chrono asked as he walked in. “Hm? Oh yeah, really well. That might have been the best sleep I’ve gotten in awhile.”

Y/n sleepily smiled. Chrono didn’t know what it was, maybe it was the way her soft voice was coming out of her mouth. Or maybe it was the way her t-shirt hung slightly off her shoulder. It could’ve been how she held this sleepy close eyed smile on her face as she spoke to him. Whatever it was, he couldn’t help but find himself being attracted to her. Not necessarily in a sexual way, but more in an admiring sort of way. It was more the way she held herself. She was kind, respectful, treated others exceptionally well, not to mention how she treated Eri! He just found her completely, and utterly beautiful. First thing in the morning, hair going every which way, confused beyond relief, and disheveled as she was, he still found her beautiful. He quickly pushed the thoughts out of his head. He couldn’t do this. Not in his line of work. I mean, sure she worked here now, but he couldn’t get attached to someone like that, someone like her. It wouldn’t be fair. Here’s this gorgeous young woman with her whole life ahead of her, with ambitions. He’d have to be crazy to think he should just come in and ruin it. Just push your emotions to the side Hari. It’s always worked before, it’ll work again. You don’t get emotions…you don’t get to feel. Not for someone like her anyways. He broke himself out of his trance and nodded. “I kinda figured, you were out like a light when we moved the rest of your stuff in this morning. You didn’t even twitch.” Okay, so maybe he was a stone cold gangster. But that shouldn’t stop him from at least having a friend. Plus, she was being playful and nice, so isn’t it just common courtesy to return the favor? “Really!?! I had no idea! You should have woken me up! Would’ve helped you!” He found the pout she gave him absolutely endearing. This was another thing he liked about her. Her giving heart. She’d give a complete stranger the shirt off of her back even if they didn’t ask for it. “I already told you, its not a problem. Plus with all the guys we’ve got lying around, might as well put em to use.” Chrono shrugged and made his way to the door. “Anyways, I want you to spend the day with Eri. I told her last night you’d start helping me look out for her today. So go ahead and get dresses.” Y/n nodded, standing up from the bed and making her way over to her dresser. “A-anyways, I’m gonna be outside the door, just come outside when you’re done.” He quickly made his way outside. You were very confused as to why he was so rushed to leave, he was fine just a minute ago. You continued to wonder until you walked over to the wardrobe and looked in the mirror. Realizing you went to bed in a T-shirt and underwear…Your face immediately went crimson red as you internally panicked. YOU IDIOT!! How didn’t you realize you weren’t wearing pants!!! AND HE SAW!! He probably hates us now! Great…I can’t face this cruel world….I can’t face HIM not after THAT. You just groaned, sliding your hand down your face, and started getting ready.

~Meanwhile outside of your room…~

“. . .” was the only thing going through Chrono’s head, Chrono’s extremely red face giving away exactly how he was feeling. Oh my gosh….well that didn’t really leave anything up to the imagination now did it… Great. Now she probably hates me. Way to make it awkward Hari. He groaned. Sliding his hand down his face. Oh well…I guess it can’t get much worse than this. After about 15 minute, Y/n exited the room, after taking a HUGE deep breath and psyching her self up first. “Are you ready to go?” Y/n nodded. “Yep!” Chrono nodded, leading Y/n towards Eri’s room. “Hey..uhm sorry about earlier…I should’ve taken into account that you had just woken up and probably weren’t…decent.” Chrono awkwardly stated rubbing his neck with his free hand, while his other buried itself in the pocket of his white raincoat. “What? No don’t be sorry! It’s okay! Really! It was my fault…I should’ve been paying attention..” Chrono just nodded. “We’re here. Don’t take it personally if she seems shy. As you can imagine, she doesn’t meet many new people.” “That’s okay, I’m sure she’ll be just fine. Chrono then opened the door leading into Eri’s room. Eri had been sat down at the little table off to the right, drawing a picture. “Daddy!” Eri said, getting down from her chair and running into Chrono’s waiting arms. “Hey there Pumpkin!” He gave her a couple spins and set her down. “Eri, this is Ms. Y/n, you met her yesterday, remember?” Eri simply nodded and shyly looked up to the said female. “Hi there Eri! It’s nice to see you again.” Y/n gave a soft smile, and knelt down so she was eye level with Eri, trying to make the girl as comfortable as possible. “H-hi Ms. Y/n. Thank you for taking care of me…and helping me yesterday.” Y/n gave her another sweet smile, “Of course sweetheart, don’t mention it!” Y/n gave a playful wink and stood up. “So! Do you want to draw?” Eri excitedly nodded her head up and down and ran over to her small table, re-picking up her crayons and continuing to draw. Y/n made her way over to the small table, carefully sitting in one of the small chairs. “Are you coming Kurono?” Chrono shook his head. “No, I’m just gonna stand. I’m pretty sure if I sat down in one of those chairs, I wouldn’t be able to get back up.” Y/n giggled and nodded her head, starting to draw on the piece of paper Eri had given her. Kurono smiled watching Y/n talk to and draw with Eri, the little girl in question being nice, and open with Y/n. Maybe she’s different…maybe…just maybe it’ll work. “Daddy! Come look!” Chrono walked over to where Eri was sitting. “Wow honey! That looks great! We’ll have to hang that one up!” Eri smiled, happy with the picture she had drawn. “What did you draw Eri?” Y/n asked, looking up from her drawing of a flower. “I drew our family..there’s me, daddy, and Y/n! Since she’s my new mommy!” Chrono looked over at Y/n to see her reaction, worried of what her reaction would be at his daughter calling her mommy. Y/n had this soft bright smile on her face. Y/n looked back at Chrono and nodded her head, signaling him it was okay. The six year old then looked up at Y/n. “I-I mean only if y-you want to…” Y/n nodded and smiled widely at Eri. “Of course it is!” “Okay then! Uhm….can I call you mommy then…?” Eri looked at Y/n, hope lacing her tone. Y/n looked at chrono who nodded in approval. Y/n then looked back at Eri, “Of course.” A few minutes went by, silent. But a nice silence. “Hey Mommy? “What is it sweetie?” “When are you going to give daddy and me a little brother or sister?” Immediately both adults went tomato red. Both flustered from the question the little girl asked. Y/n quickly looked over to Chrono. “Eri! You can’t just say stuff like that?” Chrono squeaked out, obviously embarrassed at what his little girl had just asked THE GIRL HE WAS INTERESTED IN. “But why not daddy? You always told me that to have a baby brother or sister I would need a mommy too…and now I have a mommy.” Eri asked, still seemingly unfazed by her question. “Yes pumpkin, but it’s a little bit more complicated then that.” Chrono tried his best to diffuse the situation before it got any worse. “Complicated? But how is it so complicated? And why do I need both you and mommy if mommy’s the one who has the baby in her belly?” This wasn’t the average six years old’s ‘where do babies come from’ gimmick no, this was worse. He had said too much. Chrono wasn’t about to tell his little six year old how babies were actually made, that was a talk he didn’t want to have for an EVEN LONGER TIME. Thankfully, Y/n spoke up. “What daddy means to say, is that having a baby is a little bit more complicated than just having a baby in my tummy. I promise when your older, we’ll explain it to you.” Eri just nodded and went back to her drawing, completely dropping the gosh forsaken topic, much to the pleasure of her ‘parents’. Y/n and Eri drew for a little while longer before Eri decided to go play with Uncle Tengai and Uncle Rappa. Both adults let out a sigh of relief when Eri left the room. “Thanks for handling that Y/n…that’s a talk I don’t want to have for a long, long time.” Y/n just nodded in acknowledgement. “Same here.” “So anyways, what did you draw?” Chrono asked, looking over at Y/n’s drawing. Y/n picked it up, showing it to him. “Just some daisies, they’re my favorites. Well…that’s going to come in handy someday…Y/n and Chrono then picked up the mess left from drawing and made their way into the living room. “Y/n, meet the eight precepts of death.”

#chronostasis #chrono #chronostasis x reader #chrono x reader #hari kurono #y/n #bnha #bnha x reader #shie hassaikai

14 notes · View notes

atinybitofau · 4 years

Text

J O N G H O ↠ the breakup

THE DUMBEST BREAK UP ON THE PLANET

warnings: you two are stupid.

• to say you were furious was an understatement?

• hurt and betrayed were two better words for it.

• so it’s not necessarily out of the ordinary to be at rage with the situation.

• after countless attempts of trying to tell the boy to stay away from his ex girlfriend, he just couldn’t.

• you questioned why?

• were you not good enough for him?

• did you lack in the relationship?

• did you not love him enough?

• surely it wasn’t any of those options.

• everyone knew how much you loved to spoil the brat.

• now he’s crossed the line and you couldn’t do it anymore.

• “You’re overreacting, y/n. Nothings going on.”

• you blink in disbelief at his casualty.

• “Jongho.. I’ve asked you before not to go out with her and you agreed. So why are you still seeing her?”

• he’s annoyed and you can tell and it irks in every way possible.

• “She’s having a hard time with her boyfriend and I’m just giving her kind advice that’s all.”

• “You have no obligation to do that as her ex.”

• he was dumbfounded.

• and so were you.

• “As her ex, I have every obligation to do that.”

• you choked.

• he can’t be serious.

• “Jongho you can’t be serious.” you reiterated out loud. “Do you even hear yourself?”

• “Do you hear yourself?!”

• Jongho.. in the amount of fights you two have shared has never once raised his voice at you.

• not only were you shaking and trembling because of fear.

• you felt torn knowing you lost to her.

• to a girl you thought stopped mattering to him.

• “You’re acting up. All week long giving me shit for being a bad boyfriend when every fucking day I come home from work you give me the same pep talk as if I haven’t heard enough already. Cut me some slack, y/n. I’m already tired of you.”

* there’s the fuse.

• “Jongho.. I—“

• “Get out.”

• you’re stupidly stumbling, confused.

• confused because you didn’t want to lose him this way.

• “Get. Out.”

• your strung in many different ways.

• maybe because you loved him too much.

• but you didn’t love him that much that you’d fight harder than he would to keep the relationship.

• if he wasn’t going to fight at all, what gave you the right too?

• “Just to make things clear,” you stop before you grab your things to leave. “We’re through.”

• “Thank you for the reminder. Goodbye.”

• the break up felt sullen.

• you didn’t even feel like the both of you had broken up let alone even dated.

• the fights had gone so long in your two years relationship that you hadn’t even thought it was one.

• when you should’ve stopped loving him, you started to love him more.

• you tell yourself,

• “This new year, I’m going to forget about Jongho. yeah.. that’s what you’ll do.”

• it’s kind of hard to make that resolution and you know.

• because every annual new year party, you’ll see him again.

• I mean, it’s how you two met actually.

• dumbly arranged by mutual friends

• now to fix the broken wire that was still somehow holding you two connected.

• “Oh.” You smile at the taller and obviously fitter ex of yours who seemed shocked at your arrival.

• not like you changed much. longer hair, slimmer waist, a happier expression.

• he almost felt like stabbing himself in the chest for making your life a living hell when you two were an item.

• he’s lost again. just like he was the first time you met.

• lost in your gorgeous eyes that lead to beauty and prosperity.

• you were happy. he thought

• he envied that.

• because he’s thinking while you were getting over him (not really) he was crying his heart out trying to find you.

• but he’s convinced he lost you.

• he’s not happy but he smiles anyway.

• “Hi Jongho.” you keen a little lost in his eyes, a feature of his you never failed to love. “You look good.”

• hows the ex is what you really wanted to ask.

• “Y-you too.” He stutters bowing slightly. “H-how are y-you?”

* you press your lips together hands curling around your wine glass. “Um good. I got promoted a couple months ago and moved back to Seoul yesterday.”

• he visibly gulps and you blink the unresolved feelings away. “B-Boyfriend?”

•your heart drops and you think to yourself,

• where did things go wrong between you two?

• maybe.. maybe the break up between the both of you shouldn’t have happened and maybe you two were just confused.

• maybe things weren’t adding up.

• why hadn’t you dated other people?

• why did you stop after Jongho.

• you moved away from Jongho.

• but that didn’t mean you stopped loving him.

• “No.” you mutter eyes still dawned on his. “No. I haven’t really dated after you. Maybe a little flirting here and there but nothing too serious.”

• Jongho’s happy for the first time in months.

• but he doesn’t even know where to begin.

• he was a dick.

• he shouldn’t have hung around his first ex. She really meant nothing to him other than a past he’s come to terms with. an old flame that he didn’t want anymore.

• he was confused because well— he’s never had someone love him as much as you did.

• he never loved someone so much that it felt so natural. like you’d come running back to him even if shit hit the fan.

• he wanted to marry you. that’s what was always on his mind during your guys’ relationship. he wanted to have a family with you.

• he was dumb in love with you that he didn’t realize what he had been doing wrong because you loved him enough to fight his fights for him.

• “How are you Jongho?” You ask him curling your lip corners up. “Not married yet I hope.”

• I hope, what the fuck was that, y/n?

• you blush taking it back, not wanting to blatantly announce you still had feelings for the guy.

• “I mean, because you’re young. A-and still need time to think about what you.. what you need.”

• he needs you.

• always had and always will.

• “No.” He chuckles offering you another glass. “No I haven’t.. haven’t dated since you either.”

• “Oh.” You refrain from smiling. “Things didn’t work out with the ex?”

• “You’re my ex.”

• The only one that actually mattered enough that is

• “What?”

• “I mean, no. I never saw her again after that. I didn’t need her— the girl we fought about.”

• you fight it but you can’t. “Why not?”

• “Because I was too busy looking for you.”

• he’s so dumb.

• you think about slapping him. you think about crying. you think about yelling.

• but your thoughts are interrupted by the countdown.

• the lights dim and your stuck in a state of mind.

• your dizzy and on your toes.

• 3

• 2

• then someone’s lips is on yours and you know exactly whose it is.

• a kiss that made you swoon.

• made you weak at the knees.

• made your heart beat a million paces.

• the kind of kiss that you could say yes to any stupid request given for the rest of your life.

• he’s warm and tastes like coriander and whiskey.

• his hot breath fans yours when the party goers cheer but your minds taken for a moment.

• falling in love with him like you did 3 New Years ago.

• “I’m sorry.” He mumbles when he feels you not pull away. “For making you feel like you only loved me.”

• your hands rub up against his back and a tear falls from your eye.

• “I’m sorry for loving you too much.”

• “You still do?” He’s kissing you when he asks and your hiccuping now.

• “I still.” You nod against him arms laced around his neck. “I still do.”

• “A million sorries from me isn’t enough for forgiveness.” He’s wiping your tears away. “And I’ll be sorry for the rest of my life to you. Before I put a ring on your finger, before I get you pregnant, before you die. I’ll never make you think I was never sorry.”

• “Am I the only ex that ever mattered to you?” You ask the heart breaking question.

• eyes in the room watched the both of you when you were still in tact even after the New Years had been celebrated.

• “Jongho.. I don’t need you to say yes because you think it’s the right thing to say. I need you to say no so I know you mean it. So I know you mean you’re sorry.”

• “No.” He mumbles the right answer. “And I don’t deserve you. I don’t deserve to kiss you right now.”

• you two are kissing again. tiny pecks of reassurance and you’re sure this time you aren’t gonna let go so easily.

• “You’re the only ex I ever need. The last ex I’ll ever have. The only ex I’ll ever run back to.”

• you’re weak against him when he says it.

• and you believe him. you dumb idiot.

• “I’m still stupidly in love with you.”

• “then stupidly marry me.”

• beats me how one New Years you two are dating, you break up on the other, now you’re getting married.

• wait no you know why.

• because you’re dumb in love with him that’s why.

• ps. you two grow old together like idiots so everything works out just fine.

@atinybitofau

#jongho #choi jongho #ateez jongho #ateez #ateez preferences #ateez x reader #ateez au #ateez scenarios #ateez imagines #jongho scenarios #jongho imagines #jongho x reader

401 notes · View notes