#(MADE ME HYPERVENTILATE ON THE SPOT)

[keksalot404]

WHAT IS RIGHT NOW

[finelinevogue]

forget the trophy

summary - forget the trophy, you’re more important

pairing - lando norris x secret gf ! reader

a/n - i literally watched one race today and now i think i am qualified to write f1 fic… who do i think i am right?!? anyways sorry for any inaccuracies lol

> Now.

It was a big day.

Not only was it the Silverstone Grand Prix but it was also your first time attending a race as Lando’s secret girlfriend.

Apart from his family and yours, no one else knew that you two were in a relationship. You had both decided for it to be that way, particularly because you didn’t come from a famous lifestyle.

The British Grand Prix for Lando was everything. He was so determined to win and you felt that it wouldn’t be right if you weren’t there to support and celebrate, no matter the outcome.

So you had decided to attend, passing yourself off as just an extended member of Lando’s family for now.

Before the race you hadn’t seen Lando, because they like their drivers to keep their head on the race and not be distracted by anything.

It was a slight blow not being able to wish him good luck right before the race, but at least you got to last night.

> Last Night.

“Would you stop pacing?”

Lando was sat in bed already, bedsheet pulled halfway up his body so his top half was shown. One arm was thrown behind his head as he watched you pace the short length of the hotel bed in front of him.

“I can’t!”

“Y/N.”

You placed your hands on your hips as you blew out a long steady breath.

“I feel sick.” You said, staring at the floor beneath your toes.

“Y/N.”

“You know what? Is this what a panic attack feels like? I mean, I thought I’d be rolling around on the floor hyperventilating if I was.”

“Babe.”

“Maybe a panic attack would be good you know?”

“Right. That’s it.”

Before you could register what was happening you felt an arm slink around your waist and tug you down onto the soft mattress. Lando didn’t stop moving your body until you were pulled to the top of the bed and he could cocoon you in his body.

You laughed after a scream as his hands managed to find your ticklish spot on your waist.

“Stop.”

“Come here.” He laughed, tugging you close.

You calmed down as you looked over Lando’s face and saw the underlying concern there in his eyes. He came down off the high with you, keeping you close like it was his way of keeping you safe.

“What?” You asked, looking down at where he wore his necklace that you gave him. The one he hadn’t taken off since you gave it him.

“Look at me, please.”

You shook your head slowly, trying to burrow your face deeper under his chin.

“Okay, but listen to me then, yeah?”

You nodded, kissing his neck softly to prove you were paying attention.

“Nothing is going to change tomorrow if you don’t want it to. We can pretend like we don’t know each other at all if you want - as hard as that would be for me. But there’s a part of me that wants everyone to know that i’m yours and you’re mine. I like the idea that people can get to know you and see how amazing you are.”

“I’m scared.”

“I am too, but we’ll be doing it together.”

“It doesn’t seem as scary when you put it like that.” You said, tilting your head out of the warm nest you’d made so you could once again look at Lando face to face.

“It doesn’t, does it?” He gave you a smile that sealed that pressure off for you. With that smile you knew everything would be okay.

> Now.

“Is Lando Norris about to win his first British Grand Prix?”

You were watching the race on a TV from a private room in the McLaren pod.

Lando’s mum was sat in there with you, as were your family. Everyone who you wanted to be here to witness this moment with you was here.

You watch as Lando turns the final corner. Tears were already in your eyes.

As he drove across the finish line you couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by emotions.

“And Lando Norris wins the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.”

Everyone in the room erupted with cheers and joy. Lando’s mum went immediately to crying, as did you. Your mum hugged you in celebration and as she pulled away she helped wipe your mascara - waterproof my ass.

You went up to Lando’s mum next and gave her a huge hug, which she returned with a kiss to your cheek.

“He’s going to want to see you first I bet.”

“Over his mum? I don’t think so!” You laughed, wiping underneath your eyes.

She gave you a look to suggest otherwise and hugged you one last time.

The McLaren team ushered you out of the room to continue your celebrations near the podium. Your mum and dad were out of the door first, followed by Lando’ family.

You stayed back to grab a quick picture of yourself sobbing over this monumental moment, laughing to yourself as you saw the state you were in. You immediately sent it to Lando, knowing he wouldn’t see it until later when he’s with you.

“Y/N?” Someone asked whether you were joining everyone else and you nodded excitedly.

After you’d been led outside you couldn’t help but become overwhelmed again when you heard all the fans in the stands cheering Lando’s name.

So many people loved him.

So many people idolised him.

And it was so fucking crazy that you got to be the one that held him in a different way after every race.

God you were so proud.

You smiled as you joined the back of the McLaren team mini-mosh pit as they jumped and cheered as Lando pulled up in front of the podium.

It was a great moment for the team.

You laughed as you watched Lando on the big screen, pulling a tissue from your dress pocket to wipe underneath your eyes. You held your hands together and rested them underneath your chin as you watched him with awe.

He got out of his car and stood atop of it to seal the moment.

You cheered along with everyone else, making you feel like a fan for a moment.

He didn’t take his helmet off as he made his way over to the crowd of McLaren teammates. He was meant to go and get weighed instantly, but he was allowing himself to have this one moment instead.

He got hugged and tapped on his back and head as he met his teammates. You stood on your tiptoes to catch a glimpse of him, covering your hand over your mouth to conceal any ugly sobs.

Lando stood up on the railing so he could see the whole team. Well, that’s what it looked like to everyone else but in reality he was just looking for you.

Lando immediately spotted you at the back and waved his hand for you to come closer.

You shook your head, not wanting to steal his moment. However, when the team parted to practically create a path for you to walk down to meet him you couldn’t say no.

Your body took over and you ran the few steps to meet him.

By this point Lando had jumped down off the fencing and quickly instructed his teammates to help him take off his helmet and mask.

You let out another sob as you reached him, pulling him for a bone-crushing hug.

Your body shook against his as you cried in happiness.

He deserved this.

This was his win.

Yet, he was sharing his moment with you. As if you were the trophy at the end of all of this.

His arms held you tight against him, neither of you stopping to think of how public this was between you. Maybe that was the point though, because doing it together didn’t seem daunting at all.

“Well done.” You mumbled against his neck.

You felt him laugh out a breathy laugh against your shoulder. “We won.”

We.

Like you had helped him cross that finish line first.

“You’re so amazing.” You let your lips kiss his neck as you spoke.

Lando tilted his head back away from you, allowing him to see you up close for the first time all day.

He shook his head softly at you with a smile.

“What?” You asked nervously, holding the back of his neck as he held your cheeks.

“Feeling a lot of emotions right now, but nothing exceeds the way I feel for you.”

“Stop. I’m already crying, you dickhead.” You start crying a little more.

“Lando we need you over here.” A woman with a headset on sort of ruined your moment. You could see his expression sour slightly, but with a few tugs on the curls on the back of his neck he was brought right back to you.

“Go. I’ll be here.” You promised.

He kissed your forehead, his promise of returning to you after he completed his job first.

He was chaperoned over to where he needed to go, glancing back at you to blow you a kiss.

If people didn’t know you were together by now… well then those people aren’t exactly geniuses.

Just when you thought you couldn’t get any more emotional you watched on the big screen as Lando signed a bottle of champagne.

Y/N, we won this one together.

And drew a little imperfect heart underneath it.

So…

You guessed you two weren’t a secret anymore?

[endahouselikecarpet]

Date Everything x Reader

Overly Emotional Reader

[taking a break from my Maggie series with this. Reader is basically that one vine of the girl getting knocked off the bed and yelling, “I’m SENSITIVE, Aubrey!” Also, I didn’t proof read this and I’m half asleep, so sorry if things are a bit jumbled. Will fix things later as needed]

Volt - he walked into the room to see you sobbing. “ Livewire? Oh! Come here, love!" He quickly rushed over to you and pulled you into his arms. “ There now. I've got you." he would hum as his hold would tighten. After you had settled a bit, he leaned back to wipe some tears from your face and look in your eyes. “Now, what has my livewire so upset, hm?“

You gave a few more sniffles before croaking out, "I thought about Eddie being mad at me."

His face creased with concern," Is Eddie mad at you?"

When you shook your head and buried your face into his jacket, Volt couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You’re overthinking things, love.” He soothed, “Come on, let’s go find him so he and I can kiss you all better.”

Timothy- “You were almost late!” He meant it more as a tease rather than an actual scold. However, that didn’t stop your lip from starting to quiver and your eyes from starting to well up. Honestly, he is so awkward about it at first tries to get you to stop by going, “Now, now! We don’t have time to cry written on the schedule!”

You try to stop, but that just makes you almost start hyperventilating. At this point, Timothy was wringing his tail trying to not panic and think of a solution.

Then it hit him- what’s the point of being part cat of you don’t act like it?

Loathe as he was to admit it, his Timmy side was handily bleeding through as he started nestling his head on your shoulder and purring in an attempt to calm you. It was a little embarrassing, but it was the least he could do after upsetting you.

Curt and Rod- You were all joking around and it accidentally went a bit too far. You still made yourself laugh and smile a bit because you didn’t want to make them feel bad. That didn’t stop them from noticing immediately though. “Aw, Curt! Look what you did!” Rod scolded as he pulled you into a hug.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to! Besides, you were in on it too!” Curt huffed as he tried to pull you away from Rod and to him.

“Huh-uh! I don’t think so!” Rod huffed as he turned around, “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll keep you safe from that bully!”

“I’m the bully? I’m the bully?! You’re the one holdin’ them captive!” Curt would argue as he tried to get around to you.

They use you for tug of war like this to try to get you to laugh again, but will stop if it’s making things worse.

Drysdale- He had just gotten done practicing a new routine, when he noticed you crying in the laundry room. He tried to see if he could spot the problem from where he was, but made his way over to you when he couldn’t. “Chin up, cherub! I’m sure whatever happened isn’t that bad.” He tried to encourage.

“But…but… it’s too much!” You barely got out.

“Too much? Are you feeling overwhelmed about something?” Drysdale was getting concerned.

“Soap…”

“Beg pardon?” Now he was perplexed.

What you said next was so fast and stuttered he almost didn’t understand it. “I accidentally put too much detergent in the washer and now Washford is going to be angry at me!”

He looked at the measuring cup in your hand and saw it was stained to the half cup mark instead of the fourth cup like you usually used. While it was indeed a bit overkill, it was still nothing that would do any harm.

“Oh, come, come! Our dear Washford could never be angry with you. You’re too darling for that to be possible! Not to mention, a little extra cleaning might be just what he needs.” Drysdale whispered the last part to you with a laugh.

“I heard that.” A deep voice scolded from behind you both.

Stella- You were about halfway up the stairs when you just stopped and silently started to cry. Stella is quick to check on you. “Dear, are you alright? Why are you crying?” She asks gently.

“I don’t know,” you reply.

“Oh, well, if you don’t know, then I don’t know how to help you.” She put a bit of a teasing tone to try to lighten things up.

“I’m sorry.” You try to stop, but it’s no use.

“Don’t apologize. You just focus on feeling better.” She shushes

Reggie- “Oh, we are gonna have to work on that or this world is gonna chew you up and spit you out.” They were almost in disbelief at how soft you were. The sort of person that will upset you (not too much, just enough to get you a bit tougher), but if anyone else even thinks about upsetting your it is over for them.

If anyone thinks they’re going to outdo Reggie, then they don’t know Reggie.

[linoxpudding]

Panic Attack- Han Jisung

summary: you have a panic attack but your boyfriend doesn't take it seriously

pairing: han jisung x fem!reader, bsf!lee know x reader

genre: angst, hurt/comfort

fic type: written + text

warnings: panic attack, hospital setting, IV drip mentioned

a/n: I combined this request and this request for this fic—please ignore any medical inaccuracies, as this was based on online research

Masterlist

~°~

Jisung sprinted through the hospital hallways, his lungs burning from the run, but he didn’t care. His mind was spinning, heart pounding, as he searched for Room 306. He felt sick. The last thing he had said to you was that he was busy.

And now you were here.

When he finally spotted Minho standing outside the room, arms crossed, expression unreadable, he rushed toward him, nearly stumbling in his panic.

“Where is she?” Jisung gasped. “Is she okay?”

Minho barely looked at him. “She’s stable.”

Jisung exhaled, relief washing over him for a split second before the weight of guilt crashed back down. “Why does she have to stay overnight?”

Minho’s jaw tightened. He sighed, running a hand through his hair before answering.

“She was hyperventilating for too long. It messed with her oxygen levels, her hands went numb, and she collapsed before the ambulance even got there.” His voice was sharp, clipped, but Jisung could hear the exhaustion beneath it. “She was severely dehydrated, too. They put her on an IV and gave her oxygen. They need to monitor her heart rate overnight to make sure she’s completely stable.”

Jisung felt like he couldn’t breathe. His chest ached with the weight of it. “She—she collapsed?”

Minho’s gaze finally met his, cold and sharp. “Yeah. She collapsed. And do you know what the worst part is?”

Jisung swallowed hard, barely able to force out the words. “What?”

Minho scoffed, shaking his head. “She didn’t even want my help. Because you refused it.” His voice was laced with anger now, eyes burning with something deeper than frustration—disappointment. “I had to convince her to let me call for help. She was begging me not to.”

Jisung felt like he was going to throw up.

“She didn’t want help because I—” His voice cracked.

“Because you made her feel like a burden,” Minho finished for him. “She was terrified, Han. And the one person she trusted to be there wasn’t.”

Jisung’s hands clenched into fists at his sides. His whole body trembled. “I—I didn’t mean to—”

“Then what the hell were you thinking?” Minho snapped.

Jisung sucked in a sharp breath. “I was busy! I was working on a song with 3RACHA, I—”

Minho let out a cold, humorless laugh. “Oh, you were busy?” His expression turned ice cold. “Chan and Changbin care about her too. You could’ve left.”

Jisung opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

“You chose not to,” Minho continued. “And because of that, I was the one holding her while she begged me not to call for help. I was the one watching her struggle to breathe. I was the one who had to see her collapse.” His voice lowered, but the weight of his words crushed Jisung completely. “That should’ve been you.”

Jisung’s heart shattered.

“Minho hyung, I swear, I—I didn’t know it was this bad,” he choked out.

Minho exhaled harshly, crossing his arms again. “She told you it was bad.” His voice was quieter now, but somehow, that made it worse. “She begged you.”

Jisung’s eyes burned. He wanted to run into that room, fall to his knees, and beg for forgiveness. But as he glanced toward the door, a lump formed in his throat.

“…Can I see her?” he asked weakly.

Minho studied him for a moment before shaking his head. “She doesn’t want to see you.”

The words hit harder than any punch could.

Jisung staggered back slightly, his breath hitching. “Hyung, please,” he whispered. “Let me talk to her.”

Minho’s eyes softened for the briefest second before his expression hardened again. “You don’t get to make this about you, Han.”

Jisung dropped his gaze to the floor, his entire body trembling.

Minho sighed, voice lower now. “The only thing you can do now is wait and hope she forgives you.” He turned toward the door but paused. “Because right now? I wouldn’t.”

And with that, he stepped inside, leaving Jisung standing alone in the hallway, drowning in the weight of his own regret.

He hesitates before stubbornly decides to enter the room. But what if you didn’t want to see him? What if you told him to leave?

Would he even blame you?

Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.

The sight of you hit him like a gut punch. You were lying in the hospital bed, looking exhausted—eyes heavy, face pale, body small beneath the thick hospital blanket. An IV was hooked to your arm. The sight alone made his stomach turn with guilt.

Minho was sitting on a chair beside your bed, arms crossed, his gaze burning into Jisung the moment he walked in. It wasn’t just anger in his expression. It was disappointment.

"Hey," Jisung croaked out. His voice felt foreign, like it didn’t belong to him.

You barely reacted. You glanced at him for half a second before looking away, as if he wasn’t even worth the energy.

That hurt more than if you had screamed at him.

“I—I didn’t know it was this bad,” he said, stepping closer. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. “I should’ve listened. I should’ve been there.”

No response.

“I don’t have an excuse.”

Silence.

Jisung felt like he was drowning. You always had something to say to him. Even when you both fought, even when you were annoyed—you never ignored him like this.

“Please say something,” he pleaded. “Anything.”

You let out a breath. When you finally spoke, your voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.

“Why did you come?”

It felt like a slap.

Jisung’s throat tightened. “Because I care about you. Because I was stupid and I hurt you.” His voice cracked, but he didn’t care. “I should’ve dropped everything the second you needed me. And now you’re here because I didn’t.”

You sighed, your gaze still focused on the blanket, fingers playing with the fabric.

“I needed you,” you murmured. “And you weren’t there.”

His heart shattered. He didn’t even know how to breathe past the guilt in his chest.

“I know,” he whispered. “And I don’t know how to fix it, but I want to.” He took a cautious step closer. “Please let me.”

Slowly, finally, you looked at him. Jisung wished you hadn’t because the hurt in your eyes physically pained him. It was so much worse than anger.

“I don’t know if I can trust you to be there when I need you anymore.”

Jisung’s breath hitched.

He had no idea what to say. The weight of your words settled in his chest like a stone, suffocating, immovable.

He had never felt this helpless before.

“Y/N…” His voice was barely above a whisper, his throat dry.

But you were already looking away again, your gaze unfocused, your fingers still gripping the blanket as if it was the only thing keeping you together.

Minho sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I told you she didn’t want to see you.” His voice was sharper now, edged with irritation. “You should go.”

Jisung's stomach twisted. He had never wanted to fight with Minho, never wanted to be on the receiving end of that cold disappointment. But more than that, he had never wanted to hurt you like this.

“I can’t,” he said, shaking his head. “Not like this.” He turned his attention back to you. “Please, Y/N, just tell me how I can fix this.”

You let out a hollow laugh, but there was no humor in it. Just exhaustion.

“You can’t.”

Jisung took another step closer, gripping the rail at the foot of the bed like it was the only thing keeping him standing.

“I can. I will.” His voice was desperate now. “Tell me what you need me to do, and I’ll do it. Anything.”

Your eyes flickered to him then. He could see the hurt, the anger, the exhaustion—all emotions that were directed at him.

“You ignored me,” you said, your voice trembling slightly. “I was having a breakdown, and you told me you were busy.”

Jisung flinched.

You let out a slow breath. “I kept telling myself you’d text back. That maybe you just didn’t see my message right away. But then the hours passed, and I realized you did see it. You just didn’t care enough to respond.”

Jisung’s grip tightened on the railing. “That’s not true,” he whispered.

“Isn’t it?” Your eyes met his again, this time sharper. “Because it sure felt like it.”

Minho exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. “You really fucked up, Han.”

Jisung shut his eyes, swallowing down the lump in his throat. He knew that. He didn’t need Minho to tell him.

“I wasn’t thinking,” he admitted. His voice was strained, like it physically hurt to speak. “I thought… I don’t know, I thought it wasn’t that serious.” He shook his head. “I didn’t know it would get this bad, Y/N.”

“I told you,” you murmured. “You just didn’t listen.”

He looked at you, searching for something—some opening, some way to make this right. But all he saw was the space he had created between them.

“I don’t know how to make this up to you,” he whispered, his voice raw. “But I need you to know that I never wanted to hurt you. I’d never forgive myself if…” He swallowed hard. “If something worse had happened.”

You didn’t say anything.

Minho stood up, placing a hand on your head before turning to Jisung. “You should leave.”

Jisung’s heart clenched. “Hyung—”

“Just for now,” Minho added, his voice softer but still firm. “She needs to rest. You being here is only making her more exhausted.”

He hesitated. Every instinct screamed at him to stay, to do something. But the way you looked at him—the emptiness in your expression—told him he had already done enough damage for one night.

“…Okay,” he finally whispered. “I’ll go.”

He turned to leave, his footsteps slow, heavy. But just as he reached the door, he glanced back.

You still weren't looking at him.

His stomach twisted as he feared he might have already lost you.

**************

Jisung didn’t leave the hospital that night.

Minho told him to go home, but he couldn’t. Instead, he sat outside your hospital room, back against the cold hallway wall, staring at the door as if sheer willpower alone could make everything right again.

But it wasn’t that simple.

He had messed up. Deeply. And now, the one person who meant the most to him didn’t trust him anymore.

That thought alone made it impossible to leave.

---

Morning came, and Jisung’s body ached from sleeping in the hallway. He wasn’t sure if Minho had let him stay out of pity or just given up trying to make him leave, but either way, he was still here.

And when the door finally creaked open, revealing you in a hospital gown, looking as exhausted as ever, his heart stuttered.

You blinked at him, clearly surprised. “…You’re still here?”

He scrambled to his feet, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah.” His voice came out rough, hoarse from a lack of sleep. “I—uh, I couldn’t leave. Not when things are like this.”

You sighed, stepping back into the room and letting the door stay open. An invitation, even if it wasn’t direct. He hesitated for only a second before following you inside.

You climbed back into bed carefully, wincing as you adjusted the blanket over your lap. Jisung watched you, guilt creeping back up his throat.

“Y/N…” He took a deep breath. “I meant what I said last night. I don’t know how to fix this, but I’ll do anything.”

You stared at your hands, fingers tracing the hem of the blanket. “Han… I don’t know if I can just forget this.”

“I don’t want you to forget,” Han said quickly, stepping closer. “I just—I want you to let me prove that I won’t let this happen again. That I’ll be better.”

You looked up at him then, searching his face. “…How?”

Jisung let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll listen. Even when I think it’s not a big deal, even when I don’t understand—I’ll listen. I’ll be there. No more excuses, no more brushing things off. You’re the most important person in my life, Y/N. I don’t ever want you to feel like you can’t rely on me again.”

You bit your lip, eyes flickering with uncertainty.

For a moment, silence filled the room. He could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears, waiting—hoping.

Then, you sighed. “You really hurt me, you know.”

He swallowed hard. “I know.”

You stared at him for another moment before finally, finally, patting the empty space beside you on the hospital bed. “Sit.”

His breath caught.

Without hesitation, he moved to sit beside you, careful not to hurt you. You leaned back against the pillows, looking tired but… softer. Less distant.

“I don’t know if I forgive you yet,” you admitted.

He nodded. “That’s okay.”

“…But you can start making it up to me by shutting up and letting me sleep.”

A small, breathless chuckle escaped him. He nodded again. “Deal.”

And as he sat there, watching over you as you closed your eyes, he silently promised himself—

He would never let you feel alone again.

[jinwoosbabyboo]

The First Meet - Self-Aware!Zayne

You fell asleep to the sound of Zaynes rapid typing as usual. Don’t worry though he’ll see you in the morning.

↢ previous ... continue ↣

Self-Aware!Zayne who is so in love with you that he can tell you’re getting sleepy just by the way you’re breathing changes. “If you’re tired you can rest I'll be here” “I’m not asleep” “You will be soon I'll see you in the morning just get some rest” You smiled at the thought of actually waking up next to him “Can you imagine” a deep yawn escaped you “actually waking up next to me?” Self-Aware!Zayne who knew you’d already drifted off to sleep when he said “I won’t have to imagine soon” he finished out his paper work while listening to your soft snores which were like music to his ears

That night you dreamt of snow covered fields stretching far into the distance. You looked down to see yourself in just the t-shirt you went to bed in “Am I lucid dreaming?” suddenly the wind picked up and snow began to whip past your face burning your cheeks and bare legs with the stinging cold as it went by. “It's …. so … cold” you thought to yourself as you looked around trying to see anything in the distance. If you’re dreaming why did this feel so real?

Just then you saw it, a small house off in the distance. You had no choice you were going to freeze to death if you stayed out here any longer. You started running towards the house, but no matter how many steps you took it was as if you weren’t moving from the spot you were standing in.

Your feet were swept from underneath you as you fell face first into the icy snow. You tried to stand, but the snow seemed to hold onto you. You yanked at the phantom hands holding you down. Panic soon set in as your fighting attempts were seemingly in vain “HELP! PLEASE! ANYONE!” the snow muffled your final scream as your entire body was covered in heaps of snow.

You awoke with a sharp gasp and your heart trying to beat its way out of your chest. Once your heart rate finally went back to normal you looked around and noticed this …… wasn’t your room. You’re so disoriented after that dream that you really hope this isn’t one of those dreams where you woke up in another dream. “Fuck where’s my phone?”

“It’s back in your world” You froze mid search as fear set-in at the mere fact you weren’t alone. You slowly turned your head in the direction of the very familiar voice. It was him. Zayne stood in the doorway holding a mug in his hand. You stared at him wide eyed and confused “Im dreaming I have to be dreaming” You slapped the absolute shit out of yourself and fell back on the bed screaming in pain and you realized you were in fact awake.

“Are you okay?” Zayne rushed to you grabbing your face to inspect your self-inflicted wound “Why on earth would you do that?”

“HOW ARE YOU HERE!?” You screamed in his face. Oh hell you’re starting to hyperventilate “This isn’t real this isn't real I was….in my room how could I…..” Your voice trailed off as you passed out in Zayne’s arms. He stared down at you with a smile on his face. “I told you I would see you in the morning” He pressed a soft kiss to your forehead and held you until you woke up.

Hours later….

Once Zayne got you to calm down enough to sit and have a conversation he explained how you are indeed in his world now.

Y/N: So you mean to tell me by you speaking to me we made all of this real?!

You waved your hand around to emphasize the fact that you are currently sitting in the living room of a fucking game. Everything looks so real it almost felt like you really were in another world and not just a developed game.

Zayne: I'm not sure exactly how it works but yes together we both made my world as real as yours Y/N: I can’t stay here forever Zayne I have a life back in my world my friends and family will be worried sick Zayne: You can come and go here whenever you please Y/N: How exactly am I supposed to do that? Zayne: With my evol … I can transport you to and from your world that’s how I got you here Y/N: In that frozen deserted waste-land!? I thought I died! Zayne: Im sorry my love but that’s the only way it works until we can figure out something else

You froze at hearing him call you his love. Your heart was racing just from those two simple words. You tried to speak, but no words were coming out. Zayne seemed to notice that he had you speechless and he took this moment to pull you closer and hook a finger under your chin. “Don’t hate me I’ve been waiting so long to do this” He pressed the softest lingering kiss on your lips and you couldn’t help the way you melted into him. “You feel so real” You whispered against his lips.

“I am real” You stared deep into those endless green eyes. You dreamed of looking into these eyes and here you were. You caressed his cheek then gently pushed him back by his chest. You needed some kind of distance so you could process what was going on. "We're not done talking"

"I figured you would have more questions" He said as he draped an arm over the couch behind you. "Ask me anything"

↢ previous ... continue ↣

[teliphone]

The Wilderness is Pleased

Lottie Matthews x Fem!Reader x Shauna Shipman 

Warning(s): Manipulation, Biting, Blood, Groping

-

Lottie hands you the teacup with a soft look. You pause for a bit, feeling unsure.

This is not the first time you’ve drunk the special herb tea. You’re only doing it again because Lottie asked. Her face was so excited when she found out you could hear the wilderness. So, she asked you to listen to it again. You couldn’t say no to her face. You felt extremely proud that Lottie found you gifted, even though the tea made you feel paranoid and anxious afterwards. 

You lift your hands to grab onto the teacup. Lottie gives you an assuring and proud smile. She takes a seat next to you with watchful eyes. You examine the brown, warm liquid before looking up at her. She slowly nods her head, placing a finger underneath the cup. She gestures the cup up to your lips. The tip of the cup reaches between your lips, but you pause after hearing some branches snapping. You turn your head to the side to identify the person. 

Shauna reveals herself behind the trees. She silently analyzes you and Lottie. The cup between your hands catches her attention. 

“Can I join?” She breaks the silence. You furrow your eyebrows in confusion. Shauna never once believed in the wilderness’s presence. In fact, she called it bullshit. Why is she suddenly interested? Before you could ask her, Lottie stood up excitedly. 

“Of course. Come sit here,” She chirps and gestures to the empty spot next to you. She rushes to the fire pit and bends down to pick up the small bucket. She pours it out into another cup. While Lottie is busy doing that, Shauna takes a seat next to you, shoulders brushing against yours. Her face is emotionless, making it hard for you to read her. 

“I thought you didn’t believe in this,” You whisper. Shauna smiles and leans her body towards you, expressing comfort. She shrugs her shoulders. 

“Show me it’s true,” She whispers back. You blush and avert your attention back to the cup of tea. Deep down, you don’t know if it’s true. But Lottie has shown you so much, it’s hard not to believe. 

Lottie comes back and hands Shauna a cup. You watch her hold onto it and quickly bring it to her lips. She chugs the liquid down as if nothing. You widen your eyes at her confidence. Lottie breaks into a wide smile. Adrenaline was coursing through her body even though she didn’t take the drink. You wanted Lottie to be proud of you as well. You immediately follow after. Taking the bittersweet tea down your throat. You grimace at the taste as you place the teacup on the ground. Shauna breaks out into a soft laugh, revealing her teeth. You wipe your lips nervously. Lottie takes a seat in front of the two of you. Eagerness and hope were written all over her face. 

The three of you wait for the tea to kick in. It doesn’t take that long before the two of you start to feel it. You feel your head swaying every time you look around. An annoying buzzing sound reaches your ear. You clench your fist and squeeze your eyes. 

“It’s happening,” Lottie whispers. The buzzing becomes louder, causing you to hyperventilate. You jerk your head around wildly, trying to find the source of the sound. Lottie rushes to your side, her hands touching your thighs. 

“Tell me, what do you hear?” She questions worriedly. 

“I-I don’t know,” You stammer. 

“Listen closer… come on. I know you can,” Lottie assures. She brings her hands up to gently brush your hair. Suddenly, you feel another hand on top of yours. Calloused fingertips rub your knuckles. You look up to see Shauna’s dark brown eyes staring deep into yours. 

“…I hear it,” She breathes out. You slightly widen your eyes. Did It choose Shauna? You frown and close your eyes to focus. No, this can’t be. You must hear it too. 

“What does it say, Shauna?” Lottie asks, still brushing your hair. Shauna licks her lips as she hesitates. 

“It wants me to taste her sweet nectar,” Shauna reveals, eyes dilating. Deep inside, she was lying. She didn’t hear shit. Yes, the tea made her feel loopy and buzzed, but she was still kinda sober. Truthfully, she was only here for you. She knew the advantages she would get. She saw how the last time you were here, Lottie made a bite mark on you. It gave her a brilliant idea. 

You slowly lift your head to look at Shauna. Your head starts to throb and you wince. Maybe you’ve been drinking too much of this tea. 

“Whose nectar?” you manage to say. The words coming out of your mouth don't even make sense. 

“Yours,” Shauna answers. You feel your body freeze and the buzzing noises stop. You carefully look around to make sure the buzzing will come back. It doesn’t. You could only hear the soft gust of wind rustling against the leaves. 

Shauna must be right. That could only explain why the throbbing pain and noises disappeared. The wilderness wanted this moment to happen. 

Lottie seems to understand and reaches down to touch your other hand. She squeezes your palm, making you glance up at her. 

“This is what it wants. Obey it,” She assures, nodding her head. You slowly follow her gesture by nodding your head too. Anything for the wilderness… anything for Lottie. Shauna places her hands underneath your jaw and turns your attention to her. Her lips curve into a small smirk. 

Shauna leans forward, gently capturing your lips against hers. You quickly flutter your eyes shut. Her plump lips move slowly, making your heart pound loudly. You feel Lottie rubbing your knuckles in a soothing tempo. You let out a small pant, making Shauna deepen the kiss. Her thumb continually rubs your lower jaw. 

Shauna starts kissing down your neck, her warm tongue brushing against your skin. You tilt your head back, allowing her more access. Lottie presses her face into your hair.

“Good girl… Let it happen,” She whispers sweetly. Shauna kisses down to the space between your neck and shoulders. Her tongue runs against it before grinding her teeth against your skin. You bring your hands up to hold her head. Suddenly, her teeth start nipping at your skin. You cry out in pain and thrash around. Lottie tightens her hold on you, keeping you still. Shauna moans once your blood coats her tongue. She continues shamelessly sucking and licking, nearly getting drunk. Her tongue and saliva burn your broken skin. She pulls away from you with a smile. Your blood coats her lips and drips to her chin. Lottie’s breathing starts becoming heavy. 

“Thank you for your blessings,” Lottie hums, catching her breath. Shauna slowly licks her lips and chuckles. She stands up and begins to remove her flannel. She drops the flannel onto the ground and pulls her shirt by the neck. She grabs a knife out of her pocket. She lifts it, making you shake in fear, until you watch her slice her skin below the neck. You analyze how her blood runs down and soaks her shirt. 

“Your turn,” She orders. You hesitate again, but Lottie puts her hand out. She pulls you up to stand, one hand on your waist, the other on your head. Without saying anything, she pushes your head down to meet Shauna’s cut. You shut your eyes and nervously stick out your tongue. Her blood tastes metallic and feels warm. You force yourself to bite and suck harder. She moans loudly, buckling her hips into your body. She wraps her hand around your head and pulls you closer. 

“Devore me,” She moans. Your mind spins as you continue biting. You continue kissing her skin for a bit longer till you feel Lottie gently tugging you away. 

“That’s… enough. It says that’s good enough,” Lottie says. You stare at the wet red mess on Shauna’s neck. You shake in shock. No way you just did that. Lottie slides her hand underneath your jaw to make you look at her. Her eyes are extremely dilated. More than you have ever seen, and she didn’t even drink the special tea. She leans her face down and kisses you deeply and gently. Her sneaky hands begin to roam over your body. You feel one hand running down and groping your bottom while the other grips your hair. She moans and chuckles in the kiss from tasting the shared blood. 

Shauna curses under her breath at the scene. The view of you two sharing bloody kisses is so hot to her. She walks up behind you, leaning her lips to your shoulders. She starts kissing and gently biting again. Her hands move up to grope your chest. 

You moan and cry from the feeling of two girls having their way with you. Hums and praises were released from both of their lips. The wind blows harder, making the leaves scatter beneath your feet. The wilderness is pleased.

[7-deadly-cats]

killing me softly | 18

K M S M A S T E R L I S T | <- P R E V I O U S | N E X T ->

✿ G E N R E ✿ she fell first, he fell harder | slice of life | drama

✿ P A I R I N G ✿ s1!rafe cameron x overthinking!reader (f)

✿ C O N T E N T W A R N I N G ✿ swearing, suggestive language & themes, hints at jjpope, cursed chat pics, mention of abusive household (aka rafe's), hints at reader getting turned on lmao, gentleman!rafe, reader one sec away from hyperventilating, slightly jealous!reader, awkward!rafe (um.. you'll see why), also FLUFF

✿ S U M M A R Y O F L A S T P A R T ✿ after rafe dropped you off at the beach, cara dragged you to meet sarah, kiara and cleo. everyone was nice, though kiara questioned what was going on with you and rafe. in the restroom of bob's iceshack, cara admitted she wasn’t sure if she wanted to hook up with jj. your conclusion: she was torn between him and topper. later, rafe texted saying he saw sarah’s story and wanted to pick you up an hour later. after some back and forth, you agreed on 7:30pm. still, you couldn’t help but wonder why he was suddenly so eager. after hanging out with the pogues for a while, you dipped. john b offered a ride for tomorrow’s open air movie night. back in rafe’s car, he called them losers but backed off when you questioned it. after some pushing, he finally admitted he felt like everyone was choosing sarah over him. you tried to reassure him and concluded (internally) that ward cameron was the root for his issues. during your late night drive you got mcdonald’s, and finally, he dropped you off with a surprise: a my little pony bracelet from a gas station to prove he wasn’t playing you. in bed, you showed the bracelet to the girls in the new group chat. last surprise of the day: the mirror selfie from rafe aka the same one you’d stared at earlier.

✿ W O R D C O U N T ✿ 13.5k+ (longest chapter yet help + max use of chat screenshots so prepare for a LONG reading session)

✿ A / N ✿ GUYS I TRIED WITH THIS ONE BUT i kinda feel like the second half sucks, and also it feels extremely rushed if we take the pace of the other days of the week into consideration but well guess it wouldn't have made sense to drag out sunday for no reason. i also feel like i fucked up the ending by the direction i've chosen but i kinda gave up lmao. i probably could've explored the full potential of this setting and, IDK AHHHH. dw there's gonna be a part 2 of the event. anyway, have fun reading and PLEASE lmk what you think, this chapter gave me sm anxiety <3

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a little warning: avoid the comment section bc of spoilers 🤣

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W E E K O N E // S U N D A Y 1 1 : 1 7 A M

"Okay, where did we leave off again?" you asked Cara as you made yourself comfortable in your little windowsill nook. "My brain is so full, I can’t keep track of anything anymore."

Cara chuckled. "Oh, I know exactly what it’s full of. Mr. ‘Let me give the girl I like a friendship bracelet so it’s not too obvious that I’m completely down bad for her.’"

A giggle slipped out and your cheeks instantly flushed. "You're gonna lose it when I tell you this next part."

“She’s already losing it,” came a voice, and your heart dropped to your stomach.

OH MY GOD, now that you saw the wall behind Cara… NO WAY. GIRL ACTUALLY SPENT THE NIGHT IN JJS WONDERLAND OMGGGG.

Cara scoffed, amused, and turned her phone to show JJ pulling a shirt over his very bare chest. You were so glad he at least had boxers on.

“Say hi and get out,” she said.

JJ looked up with a “Hey, my room,” and winked into the camera with a big-ass grin when he spotted you. “She’s even louder in bed.”

Too. Much. Information.

You just stared, stunned, and gave him an awkward little smile.

Cara rolled her eyes and turned the phone back to her face. “Chop chop, Dig’s waiting for his morning walk.”

“Not sure the leash’s even usable anymore.”

GUYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

Cara stared flatly into the camera. “He's joking.”

OKAY THEN.

“Okay, okay. The leash only almost came into play,” JJ called out, followed by a loud “Hey!” as Cara threw a pillow at him.

“Out. Now. This is a girl-to-girl talk,” she said. “Village idiots not allowed.”

JJ chuckled. “More of a jester anyway.”

Then came a soft thud, which you took as him finally leaving the room.

“Okay, where were we?” Cara looked into the camera with a blinking smile.

You blinked back. “So, I guess, you don’t wanna—”

“Nope.”

“Aight.”

Cara cleared her throat. “Sooo, the last update I got from you and Loverboy is basically just what you'd said in your voice memo last night. He brought your bag back, then you guys spent the afternoon together. He dropped you off, picked you back up later, and by the end of the night practically proposed, right?”

Um… something like that.

You’d obviously left out a lot in that memo. As sweet and welcoming as the Pogue girls were, you’d literally only known them for a day, and you didn’t exactly feel comfy going full overshare just yet. And considering one of them was Rafe’s sister, you weren’t gonna bring up his little hate-rant about her or start gossiping about him behind his back.

But Cara was different. She was your best friend. You could tell her everything.

And you did. You told her about lunch with your parents, your trip to Bulk & Bloom and Barry’s pawn shop, your full-on spiral that you and Rafe had talked through in the car, and of course your evening trip to McDonald's and how he'd walked you to the front door like a freaking gentleman.

You did leave out his angsty little moment in the car, though. He’d opened up to you so honestly, you didn’t want to betray that trust. Plus, it felt… special. Like something just for the two of you.

But the important stuff? Oh, you shared that.

Your parents basically already adopting him, Barry’s well-meant warning, OH and obviously the insanely awkward moment when Rafe had caught you scrolling through his chat with Kelce.

AND OF COURSE, the most insane, messed-up, crazy thing he’d said: that you were a cute chick and he’d (quote) bend you over in the backseat of his car if you said the word.

“WHAT!?”

Your phone speaker peaked just a little.

You chuckled, cheeks flushed. “Well, yeah, he—”

“WHAT?”

Another laugh escaped your mouth. Cara stared at you, eyes wide and jaw dropped like you’d just told her Harry Styles invited you to his private villa.

“GIRL, I—” She exhaled like she’d just sprinted a marathon. “I don’t even… holy fucking shit, like, oh my Jesus Christ, good Lord and all the heavens above.”

When Cara started praying, you knew shit was actually insane.

You giggled. “Now imagine what was going on in my head. The fact I managed to function after that is honestly one of the seven wonders of the world.”

"The fact that you didn’t immediately jump him and rip his clothes off—that is the miracle," she shot back, still staring at you like she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. "I MEAN WHAT? Like, my kitty would’ve gone straight to—"

“OKAY!”

Cara shook her head like a madwoman. “Y/N! That boy is so down bad for you, how do you not see it?” She sighed, shaking her phone. “Like HELLO? Rafe Cameron said out loud that he’s into you.”

"Sexual attraction and having a crush are two completely different things," you argued.

Cara frowned dramatically. “How oblivious do you wanna be? Yes.” You heard frantic tapping sounds as she smashed at her screen. “He gifted you a fucking bracelet. Rafe Cameron. The guy who’s known for doing absolutely nothing for any girl, like, ever. What more do you need? He said you’re cute. He said he likes you. He said he ENJOYS spending time with you. And what else? OH RIGHT, that he wants to hang out even after your little project dates are over AND THAT HE WANTS TO CLAP YOUR CHEEKS.” She shook her head like she was malfunctioning. “THIS SCREAMS GET READY TO BE MY GIRLFRIEND.”

Did it?

UM, YEAH, KINDA DID.

Fucking hell, Cara could really make even the most chaotic shit sound like it followed cold, hard logic.

But here's the thing: Rafe was a direct guy. If he had no problem saying he’d sleep with you, surely he wouldn’t have a problem saying he was into you like that (hypothetically speaking, of course).

Which kind of threw her whole argument out the window again.

You shook your head. “This sounds more like, ‘I’ve never had a female friend before, and now that I do, guess I’m gonna keep her around.’”

“So you do realize he wants you,” Cara replied.

You let out a tired sigh. “Yeah, I guess, but not like that. I don’t know how to explain it… I just think he likes the idea of having a girl around.” You tilted your head. “Like with Topper and Kelce, he’s this kinda toxic-bro-masculine-alpha type. And I guess he misses the fun flirty energy." Then you remembered his emotional outburst last night. “And I feel like with me, he also doesn’t put on a front. I don’t know.”

Cara stared you down, deadpan. “That is literally the ideal foundation for a relationship.”

“Or for a really good friendship,” you countered.

How were you supposed to explain to her that this poor boy probably just wanted someone to see him for who he really was? Like, the frustration he let out last night—the way he basically admitted, without saying it directly, that he was scared of being abandoned.

And that could always happen in a relationship. In a short-term hookup? Inevitable. But a good friend? Ideally, that was someone you could have for life. And the fact you were a girl—just a side note in the whole equation.

“Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah.” Cara rolled her eyes. “So what you’re telling me is, he puts in all this effort just so he can call you his friend and still flirt for fun? Make it make sense.”

"Yeah, but, C," you said with a chuckle. "That's literally how our friendship works too. We both put effort into each other, that’s what friends do, and don’t even get me started on the flirting. Like according to your logic, I should question your intentions as well."

Cara curled her lips. "... okay, you kinda have a point there."

You nodded with a See? look on your face.

"But," she continued, "we’re girl best friends. You and him? That’s a whole different thing."

You raised an amused brow. "Are you seriously trying to tell me that a guy and a girl can’t have a platonic relationship?"

Cara scowled. "No, of course not, but—"

"But I’m okay with the way it is," you said with a soft smile. "I have no problem with just being friends with Rafe. Honestly, it might even be better this way. I don’t have to worry about screwing it up, or God," you chuckled nervously, "all my other insecurities."

Cara let out a sigh. “You really are the biggest mystery to me, girl. You’ve been crushing on this guy since fifth grade. And now, when you finally have the chance to actually make something happen, like, he’s literally offering you the perfect foundation, you just settle for the easiest option.”

Less risk of being disappointed. Less chance of embarrassing yourself. Less chance to lose whatever it was you two had built in just a few days. Accepting Rafe as a friend was the easy choice, yeah, but it was also the safest.

But you knew exactly what Cara would say to that: she’d start pushing you to take a chance, make a move, break out of your shell for once.

"Okay, look at it this way," you said with a playful eye roll. "A relationship can always grow from a friendship. Does that help?"

You doubted that would actually happen, but at least it would shut Cara up for now.

She chuckled and wiggled her shoulders. "Friends to lovers? Uhh, now you got me." She raised her eyebrows with a lopsided grin. "So… does that also apply to us, orrrr…?"

You quickly steered the conversation back to her. More specifically her evening with the Pogues, dinner at the Chateau later on, and eventually the magical night she had with JJ. Kiara, Pope, and Cleo had left at some point, leaving just Cara, John B, Sarah, and JJ behind.

The exact details and noises from that night, however, Cara could gladly keep to herself.

Anyway, her dad called a little later to tell her to come home—her grandparents were visiting to celebrate her mom’s birthday belatedly. With a quick "Oh shit, we’ll text later", your little call came to an end.

You’d barely touched the ground with your feet, just getting off your windowsill corner and ready to change out of your sleepwear into something actually wearable, when your phone buzzed again.

And what greeted you? Yeah…

Geez, it wasn’t even noon and your pulse was already at 180.

First Cara fueling your delusions, then Rafe and his newfound hobby (or more like obsession) with your reaction pics (UM THE FACT THAT HE'D DOWNLOADED PINTEREST FOR IT???) and how he instantly went into full-attack mode just at the mention of you being in the girlies’ group chat, like bro, we get it, you’re terrified of abandonment but PLEASE CALM DOWN I AIN'T GOING NOWHERE. And then back to Cara, aka the fact that you’d now have to endure the drive to the open air event without her.

Honestly, that last part was the least of your worries because if you'd managed to survive half of Kelce’s party solo (okay, with Topper, Molly, and Rob), then you could totally handle a short car ride.

No, what really had you spiraling was how comfortable Rafe had gotten with you in just one day. Like, hello? First the mirror selfie last night, and then those reaction pics this morning (okay, more like noon, oops), AND THEN THE FACT THAT HE STRAIGHT UP ADMITTED (or hopefully joked) that he'd had a little private session this morning, DUDE COME ON.

HELP AND THE FACT THAT THAT SENT YOU INTO INSTANT BRAIN CINEMA MODE OF A HALF NAKED, HEAVY BREATHING RAFE, BOXERS AROUND HIS ANKLES, EYES CLOSED, HEAD PRESSED BACK INTO THE PILLOW OR DESK CHAIR (WHO KNEW), HAND AROUND HIS—NOPENOPENOPENOPEHELPPP

Jesus Christ, suddenly there was a tingling sensation in your lower body and the urgent need to open the windows to cool your body down because your cheeks? On fucking fire. Not even mentioning the heart rate and that warm, funny feeling between your—OKAY ENOUGH HOLY SHIT.

You gotta be ovulating or something because that? What the actual fuck.

HAHAHAHHAA ANYWAY.

Lunch.

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"How's Rafe?" That was one of the first questions your dad asked once you all sat down in the dining room.

Great. Not even here you could escape the topic.

To make things worse, both your mom and dad were giving you this smirky look that screamed You were out late last night: Should we be getting excited about our future son-in-law?

UGHHH. It was so awkward, and if you even dared to give a shy smile or deflect it, it would only make everything ten times worse.

So you just shrugged and poured yourself a glass of water. “He’s doing okay, I think.”

Your dad let out an amused breath. “And his cheek? That looked pretty nasty yesterday. He should’ve iced it right away, then it wouldn’t have swollen like that.”

Trust me, I told him.

“Yeah, it looks worse than it is,” you said, adding, “he popped an ibuprofen yesterday.”

He had, actually. Swallowed it right in the McDonald’s parking lot with a Coke Zero. Like seriously, how was this guy even still alive?

You half expected them to hit you with a “You two were gone a long time—what exactly were you doing?” or some other nosy questions. But instead, the energy at the table shifted.

Your mom raised her brows slightly, concern (???) flickering in her expression. “And… at home? Is everything okay there too?”

um… what.

Your dad seemed to catch the confusion on your face. “It’s just, we've been wondering...” he let out a dry chuckle, “I’ve seen bruises, cracked ribs, busted faces—pretty much everything—my whole career. And that bruise? If he’d actually been hit with a golf club, I probably would've been patching him up in the ER Friday night.”

Oh. So your dad had seen right through Rafe's lie.

Well, of course, he had. Taking care of people was his job. He had to know the difference between different kinds of wounds and bruises.

But from the way your parents were hinting at it… did they actually think Rafe was getting hit at home? That was… wow.

But telling them what really happened aka Rafe almost starting a fight—you really didn’t want to paint him in that light. Didn’t matter that he’d stood up for you.

“No idea,” you said, furrowing your brows as you poked around your plate. “I think things are fine at home too.”

Your mom tilted her head with a soft smile. “But you don’t know for sure?”

Your overthinking, spiraling, constantly-needing-answers issue? Mhm, yeah, you definitely got that from her.

“No, I mean, I barely know him,” you replied. “Are you seriously thinking he’s getting abused at home or something?”

Then again… okay, you didn’t know Ward personally, but something in your gut told you there was something off about him. Especially after the realization you'd had last night: Him probably being the root of Rafe’s issues.

Your dad leaned back. “Well, speaking as a dad, I’ve got a feeling there’s tension at home. I’m not accusing Ward of hitting his kids, I’m just guessing Rafe’s relationship with him is… strained.” He shifted in his seat. “And my gut? It’s never been wrong.”

O-kay. So apparently your parents had picked up on the same thing after interacting with Rafe once. Wow.

“Ward’s always been a difficult person,” your mom added. “Back in college, he was super ambitious, driven, competitive. Always pushing. Expecting the best results from himself and everyone around him. And anyone who held him back or got in his way? Didn’t stay in his way for long.”

Obviously he hadn’t killed anyone, so you just assumed he either threatened, manipulated, or schemed his way around people.

Your mom sighed. “And truth is, I know Rafe’s not exactly an easy kid. Rose told me he often takes off for hours and doesn’t come home until midnight. And school? Apparently not going so great either.”

Something about talking about Rafe behind his back like this… it just didn’t feel right.

“Rose isn’t his mother, though.” Shit. What a dumb thing to say.

Your mom furrowed her brows. “She tries to be. It’s not easy for someone like her to reach someone like Rafe.”

"Someone like him? "You raised your brows.

What the hell was that supposed to mean? And why were you suddenly feeling so defensive, HELP.

“Y/n,” your dad’s voice was gentle but firm. “Rafe seems like a good boy, I’m not doubting that. But it just feels like… something’s off. And the most likely explanation is that things at home aren’t exactly stable.”

He pressed his lips together, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. “I’m not trying to accuse Ward of anything or scare you, but… when I wanted to check the skin on Rafe’s cheek, he flinched when I raised my hand to do so. Not a dramatic reaction, just this quick startled blink, but in my head, every alarm bell went off.”

And that made your heart clench in the worst, most painful way.

Sure, maybe your dad had misread a harmless blink or twitch but deep down, you knew that wasn’t it. And the thought that Rafe might actually be getting hit by his own dad… GOSH, THIS BOY.

Drug problems, anger issues, and a toxic household? This guy didn’t need a girlfriend, he needed a loving family.

No. He needed a real dad.

“That doesn’t mean the bruise had to have come from home,” your dad continued, and his tone softened a little. “Honestly, I just assume he got into some testosterone-fueled fight at whatever party you were at.” He chuckled. “Thinking back to the way I used to look after I boxed with the guys from the 44th… that bruise is practically a scratch.”

Not your dad just casually dropping new lore.

Your mom rolled her eyes, mock-annoyed, the corners of her lips twitching with a smile. “I was the one who had to play nurse back then.”

OKAY NOPE YOU DID NOT LIKE THAT SMILEY LOOK ON HER FACE. DID NOT NEED TO KNOW THAT.

Luckily, your dad circled back to the actual point: “We’re just concerned. We’re both parents—we notice when something’s off with a kid. As a doctor who’s seen lots of children with seemingly perfect parents, I can tell you: eyes never lie. And Ward may be a great family man, but that doesn’t automatically make him a great father.”

He let out a heavy breath. “Abuse can show up in so many ways, not just physically. So if you ever notice anything, please don’t hesitate to come to us, okay?”

Well, this sunny Sunday just got very not sunny, very fast. Like… how did we go from “How’s your hopefully-soon-to-be boyfriend?” to child abuse—HELLO??

You didn’t even know what to say.

You were touched by their concern, the way they weren’t judging Rafe in the slightest. But also overwhelmed by how heavy the topic had just gotten. Sure, your parents did always notice this kind of thing right away but now that your suspicions had basically been confirmed by them...

Yeah, that didn’t sit well with you at all.

Of course, none of you really knew what was going on in the Cameron household. But if all of you had arrived at roughly the same conclusion, then either you were all operating on the same overthinking, assume-the-worst type of brain…

Or something was actually going on.

Both, you thought bitterly.

So all you did was nod with a somewhat forced smile and said, “Okay.”

Your parents nodded, seemingly relieved. And of course, since you were already on the topic of Rafe, they circled back to yesterday. Asking questions like, “So where did you guys go afterward?”, “How’s your school project coming along?”, “Did Cara give you that cute bracelet?” and dropping comments like, “He seemed very smiley around you,” and “Feel free to invite him over for dinner again.”

And just when the conversation was dangerously close to veering into the Safe Sex territory, you excused yourself from the table, mentioned that you’d be going to the Open Air tonight, brought your plate to the kitchen, and thanked Mary for the food.

Back in your room, you exhaled.

Wow. Apparently, there was no such thing as a break this week. But the fact that your parents thought you and Rafe would look cute together? AKCKKANFALJKD.

Also, the whole thing about how you both apparently glowed around each other? If Cara had said that? Yeah well, no, delusional queen just back again with her delusions. But your parents? Who were basically professionals when it came to reading people—your dad being a literal doctor, and your mom a CEO in sales, aka someone who had to be good with people—If they said Rafe liked you?

Fuck, then it had to be true.

Okay okay, he had kinda already said it twice himself—once just yesterday in the car—but STILL OMGMGM.

Okay okay, calm the fuck down.

You just became friends, no need to start building your wedding Pinterest board.

You played with the bracelet around your wrist as you sat down at your desk, smiling to yourself like a damn idiot at the soft rustling sound.

The way it fit just right around your wrist and how FUCKING CUTE IT LOOKED. Gosh, the fact that Rafe had thought of you when he'd spotted it, and then actually bought it for you and gave it to you AHHHHHH. AND JESUS, THEN HE'D BEEN ALL CUTE AND AWKWARD AND NERVOUS WHEN HE'D HANDED IT TO YOU.

HELLO??? Rafe fucking Cameron being awkward AND nervous around you??? As much as that made the butterflies in your stomach go into full freak-out mode, more than anything, it made you feel like a total winner lol.

I’m fine. I’m cool. Completely chill.

SMNJXWNDVHSJDKMXOIASJCDAVLSAÖ.

You would never get over this.

Well, you had to at least try for the next few hours. Because more important than giggling to yourself in your room like some hopelessly lovesick little girl was actually getting ready for tonight.

Okay, it was barely past 1 PM, buuuut you’d gladly take all the time you could get.

Sooo, Cara was probably busy with family stuff right now—spending the day with her grandparents and parents and all—so yeah, no chance of calling her.

Molly maybe? You knew she was also coming tonight because you’d heard her talking about it at Kelce’s party. AND HOLY SHIT YOU DESPERATELY NEEDED TO KNOW WHAT WENT DOWN BETWEEN HER AND KELCE OGMGMGM.

Never mind. Her little Bitmoji was currently chilling at Kelce’s place on the map, so there was your answer.

So Molly was out too. Sure, she’d probably be happy to chat with you—hell, Kelce too probably—but you didn’t want to interrupt these lovebirds (hookup partners??? soon-to-be-married??? WHO KNEW).

Hm. Okay.

Six hours until the boys were picking you up.

Well, you could always sit out on your balcony and sketch a little. You hadn’t really had the chance lately. The past few days had kept you on your toes so much that you'd barely had the energy to sketch a stick figure. And on top of that, the art project with Rafe had kinda sucked most of your creative brain juice dry too.

Senior Year was already a lot and it had barely even started yet. And now The Gloaming was right around the corner—next Friday, to be exact—and well, you were really not looking forward to that.

Midsummers was at least really nice, casual and fun. Dressing up in cute summery dresses, getting tipsy on overpriced prosecco and wine, giggling over boys in suits, and it just had this soft, fairycore kind of vibe to it.

The Gloaming, on the other hand? A school event.

Unlike Midsummers, it wasn’t held at the Cameron Estate, but at a big event venue on the North Side near the beach. One the mayor himself dubbed “Garden Eden.”

It was purely a Kook event, which… yeah, made sense, since it was organized by the Kildare Academy, which was technically a Kook school. But like, couldn’t they have at least teamed up with the South Side High School?

Sure, some Pogues would show up but only as workers. Bartenders, cooks, waiters, janitors who had to clean up everyone’s mess the next morning.

Anyway, this whole class division thing was deeply rooted in the Outer Banks. No point in getting all worked up about it.

And the worst part about The Gloaming? The absolutely RIDICULOUS amount of GOSSIP surrounding it. Gossip at KA was always present, but for some reason, this event turned everyone into real-life Gossip Girl contestants or whatever.

Who went with whom, who cheated on who, who wore the cheapest dress, whose parents were getting divorced, which guy bagged the most girls, and a bunch of other completely braindead nonsense you honestly wanted to stay far, far, far away from.

Unfortunately, your parents loved going. Catching up with old classmates, schmoozing, socializing, and Cara did too. So yeah, they always dragged you along. Plus, it was basically an unofficially mandatory high school event. No way you were risking a dip in your GPA just because you skipped it.

SPEAKING OF GPA.

SHIT.

Shitshitshitshitshit. THE MATH TEST TOMORROW.

Fuck.

You’d completely forgotten. Mrs. Richman had even given your class a friendly reminder last Monday.

Shit.

Well yeah, of course you’d blocked it out. Right before that class, Mr. Smith had put you in a project group with Rafe, and that had basically hijacked your entire brain.

Okay, okay, okay. No panic.

You’d sit down now, study a bit for the next five hours and thirty minutes, and then you’d still have half an hour to get ready for the Open Air.

HAHAHAHAHA TOTALLY DOABLE.

That was, if Rafe wasn’t constantly sending you random reaction pics slash memes slash kinda very suggestive fairycore-slash-emo-wolf pics.

Apparently, Pinterest was his new hobby.

Good for him (and honestly, kinda cute), but not for you. You had a math test to prep for.

And as much as you wanted to send stuff back because RAFE USING THOSE PICS IN THE FIRST PLACE AHHHHHH, you really couldn’t afford to fail math.

So you decided it was time to shut down his spamming.

With a laugh, you switched your phone to airplane mode and set it on the edge of your desk. No reply, because this would go on forever if you didn’t put a stop to it yourself.

This seriously required your maximum amount of self-control not to keep texting him, because GOSH, this felt like some kind of cute little silly version of Rafe.

You basically had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how he discovered Pinterest for himself—or, well, the cursed side of it—and all that just because of you. It was kinda wholesome. Like a dumb little boy realizing for the first time that dinosaurs were cool.

GIRL, STOP DRIFTING OFF.

You seriously needed to focus now. (Well, not your fault Rafe kept spamming your phone hihihihi.)

So you kinda half-focused, somehow managed to study your math book, worked through a few exercises, and even half a practice test until you finally gave up around 5:30—because, in the back of your mind, Rafe and the Open Air event kept spinning in loops.

You’d totally have some more time to study later tonight or tomorrow morning.

Hahahaha. Yes. Definitely.

You turned the airplane mode off again and—Jesus Christ. 200+ messages from the girls' chat and 33 from Rafe.

You quickly skimmed through both.

The girls were just discussing plans, departure times, pre-drinks yes or no, who should be picked up first, some opinions on the movie choice for tonight (Barbie), and other stuff you kinda just skimmed past (sorry girlies, I'm in a rush).

And Rafe? A bunch of cursed and weird-ass pics that just got progressively worse, him complaining about not being able to get rid of them, plus some teasing about you being a nerd because you were studying on a Sunday, bla bla. You left those on read too. (Not sorry about it.)

You jumped in the shower, dried off fast, and dumped a whole load of clothes onto your bed. Because—

WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU SUPPOSED TO WEAR TONIGHT AHHH.

Okay okay, the basic facts:

Occasion: Open Air Movie Festival When: Evening/night Movie: Barbie (main movie) and then Transformers Weather: Actually nice, sunny, warm, but a little breezy People: Both Kooks and Pogues, maybe even some Tourons

Conclusion: I DON’T FUCKING KNOW.

Something casual and chill would be the smart move, considering you’d probably be sitting or lying most of the time. Best to throw on a jacket too, just in case. There’d probably be blankets, but still.

And of course, no sweatpants look.

You kinda wanted to dress up a bit, but still keep the vibe right. OKAY NO YOU JUST WANTED TO LOOK PRETTY. With Rafe being there and... yeah. Just Rafe.

Shit.

Now it’s official. You were picking your outfit based on a guy.

A guy you didn’t even need to impress, because, well, technically you were friends now. And you didn’t dress up for friends… right?

Okay, maybe you did it for special occasions. But you didn’t hope that said friend liked your outfit and maybe... MAYBE gave you a compliment.

NOOOOOO I’M FALLING BACK INTO MY DELUSION HOLE AHHHH.

HOW COULD YOU NOT? HIM SAYING HE’D BE DOWN TO BEND YOU OVER KIND OF IMPLIED HE’S ATTRACTED TO YOU AT LEAST A LITTLE SO…

…SO WHAT NOW?

Were you the one sending mixed signals now by dressing up a little even though you’d made it clear you weren’t into short-term hookups?

...maybe.

Anyway. HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA (i’m going crazy.)

You tried on some different outfits, scattering your clothes all over the room, and in the end, narrowed it down to two options—both of which included a dress. Because YEAH WHY NOT.

One was more chill and the other a little cuter, but both showed some leg hihihi.

You took pics of both and were just about to send them to Cara for input when Sarah beat you to it:

These girls, dude. Feeding into your delusions without a single shred of shame.

Also, holy shit, they all looked so fucking gorgeous in the outfits they’d picked out. Now you had an even harder time choosing which one you should go with.

Okay, no time left. It was already almost 6:30.

So, a coin toss it would be.

You assigned each outfit to one side of the coin, then flicked that thing up into the air, nearly smacked yourself in the forehead trying to catch it, but managed to trap it between your hands and…

That should do.

✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿

"Shiiii, look at you." Kelce was the first to speak as you opened the door of the white Range Rover parked outside your house.

Rafe had called you 10 minutes earlier to say they were on their way. You’d thrown your things together in a rush, said goodbye to your parents (who wished you a fun night), and waited in the driveway because no way were you risking one of them ringing the bell and getting wrapped into some awkward parent chat.

You smiled shyly and gave them a soft “Hey” as you slid into the seat behind Topper’s, next to Molly. Kelce was next to her, and Rafe sat in the passenger seat up front (of course, sitting in the back would’ve probably bruised his ego).

"That dress suits you so well," Molly said with a warm smile, and you chuckled.

She looked so unbelievably sweet herself. Her red curls hung wildly on her shoulders, and her red lipstick made the whole color pop even more. She was wearing the cutest pastel green skirt and a white corset blouse you'd ever seen and KELCE’S HAND WAS RESTING ON HER THIGH AJDNJKWNJDKW

And Kelce? Wearing a pink shirt, probably to match the Barbie movie but honestly, they looked like COSMO AND WANDA and it was just SO SWEET.

"Thank you," you said, unable to hide your grin. "I love your outfit too."

Kelce squeezed her thigh (AND SHE CHUCKLED) and added, "I deserve half the credit, I helped her pick it."

You could practically feel how much Rafe wanted to gag. Also… you felt a little (a lot) disappointed that he'd only turned his head once to glance at you without saying a word, BUT NOT GONNA LET THAT RUIN YOUR MOOD RIGHT :))))))

"So, Cara’s already gotten a ride, I heard," Topper said, the bitterness in his voice slicing straight through the mood.

You fiddled with your bag strap and nodded. "Well, yeah, she’s..." Shit. You didn’t actually know what excuse she’d given Topper, considering she was riding with John B.

"She prefers hanging out with little Pogue rats now," Rafe finished for you, dry amusement in his tone.

You couldn’t help but frown. If it was already starting like this…

"Ayo, bro," Kelce said with a chuckle, kicking Rafe’s seat. "You better behave tonight. Keep going like that and you’ll end up with a Dalmatian face full of bruises."

Wow, how was Kelce the voice of reason here? Internally, you were thankful because it meant you didn’t have to address it yourself.

Rafe scoffed and shook his head. "Not holding back if one of those fuckers starts provoking me."

Are we sure you’re not the one starting things, boy?

“Dude, don’t make me play peacemaker tonight,” Kelce shot back. “Gotta concentrate on my date.”

Molly chuckled, and you did too. THEY WERE SO CUTE.

Then your heart sank as Kelce leaned forward, pointing toward Rafe with his thumb while looking at you. "Your job tonight."

…What?

You blinked and smiled awkwardly.

“It’s not hard,” Kelce went on with a grin full of white teeth. “Keep him hydrated, stop him from talking to people, and bring up golf every now and then. That usually distracts him.”

Topper and Molly both laughed, and oh god, it was so hard not to laugh too as Rafe turned around with a scowl—first looking at you, then at Kelce.

"You’re gonna be the first fucker I beat up tonight," Rafe said, crooked grin on his lips.

Kinda cute how he always acted like Kelce pissed him off when in reality they had this weirdly wholesome friendship behind the scenes.

Kelce held up his hands as Rafe turned back around. "Ayy, thought you might appreciate the company of a pretty lady."

PLEASE.

Your cheeks heated up because that sounded dangerously like Kelce trying to play wingman or matchmaker, and somehow that made the whole situation SO FREAKING AWKWARD.

"I'd appreciate if you shut the fuck up," Rafe said, still frowning as he looked straight ahead.

This boy was so dramatic, holy shit.

THEN AGAIN, HE HADN’T DENIED WHAT KELCE HAD SAID, SO CLINGING TO THAT FACT HAHAHAAH #goingmoreinsanebytheday.

Topper cleared his throat. "So, uh, back to Cara..."

That earned a round of groans from everyone.

After some teasing of Kelce and Rafe, and some attempts at cheering Topper up by Molly and you, you all got tired of that topic (thank god because you just felt so bad for Topper), and a few minutes later you arrived at your destination anyway.

The huge gravel parking lot was already filled with cars. Some girl was directing Topper in and assigning him a spot for his big-ass Range Rover, which, as you’d found out, happened to be his mother’s.

As the engine shut off, everyone got out. Kelce helped Molly out of the car, and Topper held the door open for you while you struggled a little with your dress.

"Thanks," you said with a polite smile and slung your bag over your shoulder.

Topper looked like he was about to say something (judging by his expression, probably trying to get a moment alone with you to talk about Cara), but Rafe suddenly appeared at his side, grabbing his shoulder with a crooked grin.

"Aight, enough whining about Hall," he said, nodding toward the entrance. "Cheer the fuck up and go find another chick inside. Or go annoy Kelce and Molly, I don't give a shit, but stop dragging us into it."

Such tact. Truly award-worthy. Though, to be fair, that actually sounded like Rafe’s version of wanting his friend to feel better.

Topper pressed his lips together, clearly debating whether to argue, but in the end, he just sighed and nodded. "I'll go join the others."

With that, he walked off.

As much as you felt sorry for him, it wasn’t your place to speak for Cara’s feelings, so you were actually kinda thankful for Rafe’s little lifeline.

SPEAKING OF RAFE.

Dude was eyeing you with the smuggest grin ever, blue eyes locked on yours before letting his gaze drop down your outfit (and soul, the way his stares always felt so intense) for a second.

And the way he just nodded, his eyes landing back on yours, DUDE WHAT.

"What?" Heat rose to your cheeks and you smiled sheepishly.

Rafe shook his head, lips tugging into a downward smile. "Nothing. Just curious who you dressed up for."

HUH. NOT HIM CALLING YOU OUT LIKE THIS. THIS WAS SO FUCKING EMBARRASSING BYE.

You let out a nervous chuckle and shook your head too. "Myself?"

Somehow, you both seemed to know that was bullshit, and now you just kinda wanted to curl up into fetal position and stay there for the next one billion years.

"Bold choice for a self-date," Rafe said with a shit-eating grin.

You couldn’t tell if that was a compliment or a smooth way of saying, “Next time, pick something else.”

Hey, I kinda wanna die right now.

"Shit, don’t look at me like that." Rafe chuckled boyishly. "You look good, alright? That dress suits you."

...

:)

EDNCSKJDXCHNFEWJSKLFCHNVDLAKGSNJVSÖKLFDHXUVWDIUEOPSAXM;POSWLSCKUCJGFKD

Cheeks hotter than the sun, but you didn’t care because OH MY GOD. You couldn’t even hide your smile, and you also didn’t care that you probably looked like some stupid fucking idiot while doing it, but WHO CARED.

"Thank you," you said, gripping the strap of your bag.

AND THEN you mustered up the courage to look him over as well. Not as obviously as he had, because that guy just seemed to have zero shame, but well, you did appreciate the view.

Even if he was wearing one of his probably thousand polo shirt variations again, it suited him just as well as the other 999. Paired with some more or less basic white shorts that really showed off the tan on his legs and some matching white Dior B57 sneakers.

Kinda low effort but that guy pulled it off like crazy. And him deciding to wear his hair as curtain bangs again BECAUSE OF YOU (yes, you'd never forget how he’d admitted that yesterday) kinda made your heart rate shoot up even higher.

Rafe raised his brows when you met his eyes again, and you felt caught and awkward, but still, you managed to say, "Looking fresh yourself."

That made the cutest laugh escape his lips, and you could literally feel the butterflies in your stomach dancing to that soft sound.

"I'm just gonna assume that’s a weirdly executed compliment and you're not just making fun of me," Rafe said with a lopsided smile.

You shrugged. "Maybe it’s both."

"Aight." Rafe then eyed your jacket. "Might wanna take that off though. They’ve got blankets and stuff in there, you know."

You let out a soft laugh, raising your brows. "And I’m just gonna assume this is your weird way of caring about me being comfortable and not just a way to get me undressed."

DID YOU ACTUALLY JUST SAY THAT OMMGMFMMF.

Rafe himself was the biggest confidence boost you could get, and his boldness kinda rubbed off on you.

He chuckled. "It’s both."

ALRIGHT, DUDE.

Okay, honestly, you were kinda starting to sweat under the jacket. First, it was still super warm despite the time, and second, Rafe’s flirty comments (yes, let’s just call them that) were turning your entire body into a heatwave.

With flushed cheeks, you let out a soft giggle and awkwardly tried to take off your jacket while still holding onto your purse without dropping both.

"Jesus, give that shit to me," Rafe said, grabbing your purse with one hand while helping you out of your jacket with the other.

"Ayo, you lovebirds coming?" Kelce’s voice boomed from a few steps ahead. "Seats are filling up, you’ll have to share one soon!"

UGHHH PLEASEEEE DON'T MAKE THIS EVEN MORE AWKWARD.

"Gonna kill that fucker someday," Rafe muttered as he handed you your purse back, eyeing the bracelet on your wrist with a silent smile.

You chuckled sheepishly and slung your bag back over your shoulder, blinking in confusion when he kept holding onto your jacket.

Rafe's gaze drifted over your now-exposed upper half for a second before he looked back at you with a smug grin, tilting his head toward the others. "Come on, before I lose interest in the movie altogether."

DUDE. You REALLY had to get used to this kind of apparently harmless flirting without immediately spiraling into that one very specific overthinking rabbit hole. Like—he couldn’t just make comments like that and then--

The sudden touch of his hand on your back yanked you out of your thoughts, a buzzing warmth settling over your whole body. He gave you a gentle nudge forward and you fell into step beside him, already missing the heat of his hand the second he let it fall away.

As soon as you reached the ticket booth, it found its place again as Rafe softly guided you past the grumpy-looking line toward Kelce, Topper, and Molly.

"Finally," Kelce said with a wide grin as he took two tickets. "Thought you—"

"Shut your ass and keep moving," Rafe cut in, softer than usual.

Topper was up next and followed the other two through the archway. Muffled voices and soft music already drifted from inside.

You reached for your wallet automatically, but Rafe had already stepped in front of you, placing your jacket on the counter. "Two tickets, and this to coat check."

You blinked. "You don't have to—"

"Yeah, yeah," Rafe said, eyes focused on his wallet as he handed the cashier forty dollars. "Keep the change."

No way. He was paying for you again AND tipping the kid behind the counter twenty-five dollars?? First the McDonald’s food and now this? What, why, how.

Plus, um ... you kinda needed that jacket later…

Rafe took two pink tickets and a tag with the number 69, grinning like a five-year-old (grow up please), and handed you one. "Just shut up and take it."

And you did (with a "Thank you" nonetheless) while your heart practically exploded in all directions. Then you followed him through the archway onto the event space.

Dozens of people were already scattered across the area—locals and even some tourons—chit-chatting, laughing, lounging in groups or pairs. Some had already claimed a spot in front of the massive screen on floor cushions or deck chairs. A few had even brought their own blankets and pillows.

To the side were the restrooms and food stalls selling popcorn, nachos, and other snacks, plus all kinds of drinks from water to vodka-energy, and a variety of rental blankets and pillows.

And strung up between trees and posts were dozens of fairy lights and pink paper lanterns (clearly Barbie was the more anticipated movie tonight). It looked gorgeous, and cozy, especially now with the sun halfway down the horizon.

Which, as a matter of fact, made the whole setting feel... a little too intimate.

The others were nowhere to be seen, and it was just you and Rafe now, standing near the entrance. And the fact that he'd been all gentlemanly earlier didn’t help—THIS ALMOST FELT LIKE A FUCKING DATE, JESUS CHRIST.

OKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOK CALM DOWN. JUST LOOK AROUND, MAYBE I CAN SPOT--

"I guess you'll want some snacks and shit like that."

Your head snapped back to him, suddenly very aware of how exposed you felt without your jacket, without Topper, Kelce, or Molly AROUND AND AHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAH.

The only thing grounding you was the bag on your shoulder, which you were now holding onto like your life depended on it.

"Um, yeah, sure," you said, internally begging your brain to chill the fuck out.

WHY DIDN’T HE CARE WHERE THE OTHERS WERE THOUGH??? HELLOOO YOUR FRIENDS ARE GONE, PLEASE LOOK FOR THEM.

With a simple "Aight, come on" from Rafe, you followed him toward one of the snack stands, trying to maintain a respectful distance.

This time, there was no one for Rafe to cut in front of, so the two of you just stood there AND YOUR BRAIN COMPLETELY BLANKED ON EVERY TOPIC KNOWN TO MAN.

How was he so chill while you almost debated asking him what brand of microwave he’d recommend because you LITERALLY had nothing else to think of HELP.

Nervously, you hugged yourself, trying to ground yourself by gently pinching the skin on your upper arm.

"You cold?"

You met his raised eyebrows and instinctively dropped your hands, giving him a small, smiley shake of your head. "Wh—no. No."

Rafe eyed you for a long second before saying, "You're being weird."

NOT HIM CALLING YOU OUT OH MY GOD.

"You're always weird, but this is weird-weird," he added, dry amusement in his tone.

You let out a strained chuckle. "Okay, maybe I am kind of cold."

ughhhhhhhhhhhh. Please believe me, please believe me, please—

"Well, then we’ll buy a fucking blanket. Jesus Christ, you gotta chill."

oKAY.

WAIT—WE?!?!?!?!?!

You had zero time to spiral over that because suddenly, you two were up. WAIT—YOU TWO??? NO. RAFE. RAFE WAS NEXT. HELP. WHAT’S GOING ON.

He ordered some nachos with salsa dip and a large diet coke and then turned to you with an expectant expression.

WHAT. NO FUCKING WAY.

No no no no no no. Him paying AGAIN felt so insanely weird for no reason. You stepped forward and grabbed your wallet, and he looked at you like you just insulted his entire bloodline.

"That's some disrespect," he said, raising an eyebrow, though the amusement in his tone was undeniable.

You couldn’t help but chuckle. "I just... you really don’t have to—"

"Shit, only thing I wanna hear right now is your order," he cut you off, and the cashier's barely hidden smile just made the whole thing ten times more awkward.

And because you really didn’t want to drag this painfully awkward situation out any longer, you just told her your snack and drink choice.

Rafe placed two twenty-dollar bills on the counter and added, "And a blanket. Large."

The pretty cashier girl glanced between the two of you, lifting a brow with clear amusement. "We only have small ones left."

YOU’VE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME.

PLEASE ASK FOR TWO. PLEASE FUCKING ASK FOR TWO.

"Yeah, well, one of those then."

[Insert brain explosion sound here.]

You could literally feel the adrenaline flooding your body, nerves tingling and buzzing, butterflies flying around all confused and bumping into each other like WHAT DO YOU MEAN ONE.

You kinda felt like hyperventilating but all you did was smile with the most strained expression because what :) else :) were :) you :) supposed :) to :) do :)?????!?!??!!

Rafe took the change and shouldered the blanket bag over one strap, then reached for his snack order.

You grabbed yours too and followed him, your nerves shot to hell. You honestly felt like some helpless prey knowing it was about to get devoured but having no idea when.

Your cheeks burned hot and you were pretty sure your blood pressure was sky-high, except you had no idea why you were freaking out so much. All you could hear was your own heart pounding in your chest and ears.

You almost didn’t even notice that Rafe had stopped, or rather, that he’d been stopped.

Wait, no. Rafe had stopped because you’d been stopped.

Cara had grabbed your arm, halting you in your tracks, a huge grin on her face as she greeted you both.

Shit. And JJ was next to her, waving with a smile.

Your half-panic attack vanished instantly, now replaced with a new, different anxiety: Rafe freaking out, saying some dumb shit, or worse, starting actual shit with JJ. Or JJ not keeping his mouth shut. Or even worse, the other Pogues showing up.

But they didn’t. And all Rafe did was...stay quiet, other than giving Cara a casual "'Sup."

WHICH MADE YOU ALL THE MORE CONFUSED BECAUSE WHAT THE FUCK WAS UP WITH HIM TODAY.

"Already said hi to Kelce and Molly," Cara said, eyeing you with a grin that basically screamed I-see-one-blanket-and-your-jacket’s-missing-soooo-wink-wink. "Also spotted Topper, but didn’t wanna interrupt his chit-chat with Ruthie."

RUTHIE’S HERE? OF COURSE SHE’S HERE.

Rafe scoffed. "He’s salty 'cause you turned him down."

Cara blinked, genuinely looking a little guilty. "I didn’t turn him down. I just already promised someone else I’d join their group. And last I checked, his car only has five seats anyway."

"Could’ve thrown Kelce in the trunk," Rafe shrugged.

Dude.

"Or someone could’ve gotten cozy on a lap," JJ added with a smirk. Directed at you.

DUDE.

Rafe finally tensed and you found yourself relaxing (girl, are you okay???) because that was a sign he wasn’t some polite and gentleman-programmed clone of himself.

But before he could snap at JJ, Cara stepped in. "Or Topper could stop acting like a drama queen just because I turned down his invite," she said with a frown, though you knew better. She felt bad.

Rafe tilted his head, and the air shifted in a way you did not like. Great. Now you had to de-escalate this?

"I’m sure he’d still appreciate it if you say hi later," you said with a smile that was clearly meant to signal pls-this-is-getting-weird-fast.

Cara, thank god, got the message and sighed dramatically. "Guess you’re right." Then she looked at her wrist like there was a watch. "Oh no, movie’s starting soon. Gotta grab our snacks before we miss out."

Oscar goes to her for sure.

You just nodded, smile still strained. "Right."

"Okay, see you two later!" she grinned at both of you, then grabbed JJ by the arm and dragged him off toward the food stalls.

Bomb successfully defused.

You turned back to Rafe and he looked at you with a boyish grin. "Didn’t know she had piercings."

Wh—OH. WHAT.

You stared at him blankly.

Had he seriously checked out her tits? Okay, no judgment, like Cara had gone braless today and her boobs looked legitimately perfect—like GODDESS-LEVEL—in that pink dress of hers, and even you couldn’t help but notice the second she'd walked up but...

You didn’t like that Rafe had.

Of course, of course he could look. He was a guy after all, and what else did they ever see beyond tits and ass, and yeah, Cara was an absolute bombshell, but…

Hm.

HM.

A weird feeling spread through your stomach and the butterflies just kinda sat there now, not sure what to do or how to feel.

"Well, yeah, I guess," you said, and it was so painfully obvious how the slight bitterness in your voice still came through. So you tried to compensate with a smile, but you probably looked like someone being held at gunpoint. "She got them a few weeks ago."

Rafe seemed way too entertained by that and just nodded with a wide grin. "Bet that hurt."

"It’s a sensitive area, so... yeah," you replied, trying to sound casual and failing miserably.

An awkward silence started creeping in, adding to the sudden clenching in your chest, and you felt huge secondhand embarrassment for yourself. For being JEALOUS of your own best friend, especially when you and Rafe weren’t even a couple in ANY WAY and just UGHHHH.

Can I be normal for ONE FUCKING SECOND, please.

"Ayo, Rafe!" Kelce’s voice suddenly echoed from somewhere deeper inside the event space.

You and Rafe both looked up and spotted him somewhere between the seating area in front of the screen, waving with both arms.

Relief washed over you, and without waiting for any comment from Rafe, you started walking toward Kelce through the rows of bean bags, lounge chairs, and picnic blankets.

You found Kelce sitting on one of the lounge beds in the back rows… and Molly on a different one (?). A second later, you felt Rafe’s presence beside you.

Kelce patted the spot next to him, a huge grin on his face. "We saved you one of the best spots. Didn't want you sitting on some uncomfortable floor pillows. Bad for the spine, you know."

...no. Just. NO.

NONONONONONONONO.

There was no way you were gonna lie down on a damn shared lounge bed with RAFE, barely wide enough for two people. NOPE. NO. NO THANK YOU.

OKAY YES HOLY SHIT YES, BUT ALSO NO NO NO.

And Rafe—this NONCHALANT FUCKING GUY—didn’t give a single fuck. After Kelce had gotten up and moved over to sit with Molly, Rafe just dropped the blanket bag onto the bed and placed his nachos and Coke on the holder on the left side like this was the most normal thing ever.

You just stood there frozen, your heart SCREAMING AT YOU TO JUST SIT DOWN while your brain was spiraling, throwing thoughts and questions around, with the two big monsters called fear and anxiety looming over everything like a cold storm—

“Come on, Y/n.”

Molly. Her voice was soft and quiet next to you. “Enjoy yourself a little.”

She looked up at you with her sweet smile and kind eyes. There was a gentle understanding in her expression, and beneath it, this warm encouragement—like she got it. Like she really understood what was happening inside your head. The panic, the confusion, and mostly the sheer anxiety about this whole... situation.

And somehow, just that little sentence and her sweet smile were enough to bring a tiny bit of quiet to your brain.

YOU COMPLETELY UNDERSTOOD WHY KELCE HAD IMMEDIATELY FALLEN FOR HER BECAUSE DUDE.

“You waiting for an invitation or what?” And then there was Rafe with his passive-aggressive bullshit, already lying back with his legs up, shoes off, sipping his stupid Coke Zero.

Remember: he’s just a dumbass. Sure, he might be the biggest crush you've ever had, but deep down he's just a dumb little stupid boy. You had absolutely no reason to feel intimidated or nervous around him.

WELL YOU HADN’T—UNTIL HE'D DECIDED TO BE A GODDAMN GENTLEMAN TODAY WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK.

Okokokok whatever, I’m gonna move now and just sit down. Yeah, yeah, a little smile, mm-hmm, that’s it. And now I’ll set my stuff down on my side. Okay, done. Oh shit, my drink nearly slipped hahah. Whatever, it’s fine. Now I’ll hang my bag on the hook at the side and then I'MGONNATAKEAPLACEJUSTINCHESAWAYFROMRAFEOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOK.

DONE.

KJDEWFBGVJKWRBGFVWSJKBHFCSKWHBFESQHRL.

You smoothed out the fabric of your dress, let your hands fall into your lap, and leaned not at all tensely against the pillow backrest, staring straight ahead like a normal person because everything about this was completely normal.

:) yes, normal :)

Oh, wait. Your shoes.

You kicked them off and tossed them into the grass, and because you could feel Rafe’s burning gaze on you the whole time, you finally met his eyes—and he looked so fucking done with you it was almost hilarious.

He didn’t even look pissed. Just straight-up The-Office-style deadpan, like he was staring directly into some invisible camera, and that camera was your eyes.

"You know, at this point, you might as well just sit in the grass," he said, walking that fine line between annoyance and amusement.

And okay, he kind of had a point. You were sitting so far to the right your right leg was basically hanging off the edge of the bed.

I’m so fucking embarrassing holy shit.

You gave him a sheepish smile, and your heart sank when his brows furrowed.

"Are you seriously scared I might try some shit?" He actually sounded hurt beneath all that faux offense, and now you felt like the biggest idiot alive.

You shook your head instantly, heart racing. "No, no, of course not." An embarrassed smile crept onto your face. "I just—"

"Some minion fucker said shit to you," he stated, voice and expression softening just a little now.

Nodding at that painfully accurate guess felt humiliating. Sure, by now he knew your brain was a little fucked up, but not being able to just sit next to him? So fucking ridiculous.

You forced yourself to scoot a little closer, away from the edge, feeling like the most embarrassing human being on earth.

“Okay, stop,” he said, clearly trying to keep his frustration in check. He motioned to his chest. “I’m not gonna sit here with you acting like I’m holding you at gunpoint, alright? So if you’d rather go join Hall and her lapdog,” he made a shooing motion with his hand, “go for it.”

Your heart clenched at how disappointed and lowkey sad he sounded rather than mad or annoyed. And he’d been so nice today anyway, all smiley and chill, and now he looked like someone had popped his favorite balloon. Or, more accurately: like you had.

Of course you WEREN’T scared he’d try anything. Not in the slightest, oh my god, no, it was just…

NOTHING. There wasn’t a single damn problem except you and your own damn head.

Fuck that. Seriously, fuck your brain and every thought it ever created. Just—fuck it.

Shaking your head, you said, “What? No. No! I’m fine here. It’s… I’m just being stupid, okay?”

Rafe gave you a look like he was considering getting up and sitting somewhere else, but his gaze softened into a smile. He tapped his head. “Nah, it’s your fucking asshole brain feeding you stupid shit.” He sighed, then shook his head again. “Can’t believe I even have to say this shit, but if it helps you chill the fuck out: I’m gonna keep my hands to myself, alright?” He picked up the blanket bag and moved it toward you. “And this was meant for you anyway. I don’t need it.”

Okay no.

You did NOT want him feeling like he needed to explain himself just to not be seen as a creep because YOU KNEW DAMN WELL HE WASN’T.

JESUS CHRIST. You were the one putting people into shitty situations like this. And Rafe, of all people—this guy probably had to put up with your bullshit more than anyone else these past few days.

Furrowing your brows, you scooted closer and grabbed the blanket bag, opening it up and tossing that stupid thing to the side. You tried spreading the fluffy pink blanket across both your legs, but it was so awkwardly rolled together you kinda failed and a giant ball of fluff just landed squarely on both your laps.

“The fuck are you trying to achieve here?” Rafe said, half annoyed, half amused, watching you struggle with the small-ass blanket.

You leaned forward, trying to figure out which side was up. “Proving to you that I’m not uncomfortable around you.”

“Jesus Christ,” he muttered, letting out a strained breath as he gently slapped your hand away from awkwardly fumbling with the blanket. In one smooth motion, he spread it lengthwise across both your laps.

Then you realized—it was still too warm for a blanket, especially a fluffy one like this, and you could already feel sweat creeping onto your skin. Thank god, Rafe felt it too.

“Okay, point proven,” he said with a soft scoff. “Now can we ditch this thing before I get a fucking heatstroke?”

You let out a chuckle and nodded, pulling the blanket off and tossing it to the foot of your seat.

As you shifted positions, the background music faded and the sound of the movie started. Wait, no, just some commercials. The voices around you gradually died down anyway, and the last people were finding their seats.

The air between you and Rafe finally settled. Back to as normal as it could get. And so fast too, like, you never really had to be afraid of anything with him, because even if you got into a dumb little argument, you two always somehow figured it out right away.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw him tilt his head toward you, hands resting on his stomach. “Have you seen the movie before?”

You tilted your head toward him too, adrenaline spiking the second you realized how close you were. Elbows just a few inches apart, his face still at a respectful formal distance but close enough for you to see the blue pattern in his stupidly pretty eyes.

And god, his cologne in the air between you.

You smiled and shook your head softly. “You?”

“Nah,” he said, and Jesus, his gaze was always so intense. “Didn’t even wanna see this crap, but Wheezie insisted I come.”

A soft chuckle escaped your lips. “She seems more and more likeable every time you talk about her.”

The corner of his mouth twitched, and he scratched his jaw. “She says the same about you.”

OH MY HOLY FUCKING GOD. HE TALKED TO HIS LITTLE SISTER ABOUT YOU???? AHUJCHDNSKCHNKEHVBSFD WHAT.

His gaze drifted back to the screen as the actual intro to the movie started playing. A woman’s voice narrated something over the scene of girls playing with dolls, but you weren’t really listening.

You were too aware of Rafe sitting right there, the scent of his cologne, how relaxed he seemed—and still thinking about that almost hurt expression he had earlier.

You stared blankly at the screen, biting the inside of your cheek. He’s actually trying to make me feel comfortable, and I made him feel like I was grossed out or scared of him.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you tilted your head toward him, eyeing his calm profile for a second. The softness of his skin, his cute little lashes, the focused look in his eyes—and the violet-tinted bruise on his cheek that almost looked like a blossom.

“Rafe,” you said quietly.

You almost melted at how soft he looked when he turned his head toward you. Big blue eyes staring at you, almost scared of what you were about to say.

"I’m sorry about earlier," you said with a soft look. "I acted like an idiot. Probably made you feel like one, too."

Rafe shook his head and waved it off. “Nah, it’s alright. I’m used to your shit by now.”

Nope. That didn’t sit right with you.

You pressed your lips together, turning your body to face him in a sideways position, legs pulled up toward you. His eyes flicked briefly to the curve of your hip before meeting your gaze again, clearly trying not to smile.

A rush of adrenaline surged through you, but you kept your gaze steady, your expression serious. “Still. I didn’t want to make you feel like you had to explain yourself.”

Rafe let out an amused breath. "Chill, okay? Seriously, I didn’t mind."

How was he sometimes so chill, and other times made a whole issue out of something that wasn’t even one?

"Or do you need me to shut up the asshole minion in your head?" he said, lips tugging into a downward smile.

You let out a quiet chuckle and fidgeted with the bracelet on your wrist. "I think I managed that myself, but thanks."

He pulled a mock-pained face. "Sucks. Would’ve loved to smash that guy’s face in."

Another soft giggle slipped from your lips, and with that conversation wrapped up, you turned back to your original position. The fabric of your dress had ridden up slightly, giving a peak at your thighs and you quickly tugged it back down with an awkward motion.

Barbieland was now being introduced on the screen, showcasing all the different Barbie variants.

And then it was Rafe who shifted, leaning forward to grab the blanket.

You eyed him with a confused smile as he pulled it back over both your legs. “So you are in fact cold” you said, amused, heart racing at the sweet gesture.

Rafe looked up, almost startled, as he pulled the blanket over his lap as well. “What? Yeah, no, just... feels more comfy.”

…

Oh.

You just stared at him in slight disbelief, then amusement, then full-on embarrassment, knowing exactly what the two of you were now sharing under that blanket.

"What," he said quietly, brows furrowed with an almost accusatory tone. “It’s not like I control that shit.”

You should probably be weirded out. No, actually—FREAK OUT, PANIC, stand up and leave. But instead, you just pressed your lips together, trying not to chuckle at how genuinely awkward he looked. And probably felt.

Shit, you actually felt sorry for him.

So, in a weak attempt to make him feel better, you mirrored his movement, pulling your side of the blanket over your lap too and quietly shifting your gaze back to the screen, where the stereotypical Barbie was just being introduced.

Your heart was racing nonetheless, because like... not Rafe getting hard at the most random-ass moment during a Barbie movie. And not you lying just a few inches away from him and OKAY MAYBE KINDA PANICKING A LITTLE.

nONONONONO. Stuff like that happens all the time. He probably felt just as embarrassed as you did. Honestly, maybe even more.

Okay. Just ignore it. It'll probably go away soon, right?

Keeping your focus on the movie was kinda hard though, with how uncomfortable you felt in your current position, neck all tense because you were lying too low, and being on your back felt awkward in general.

So now you had two options: either turn on your side, facing Rafe, or turn your back to him. And given his current…situation, you weren’t really sure which one was worse.

Shit, but you really couldn’t lie like that anymore, and you didn’t wanna risk a cramp or something just because you were too scared to move. So you decided to turn onto your side—facing him—because, well… you didn’t wanna make him feel bad by turning away.

Grabbing the pillow behind you, you slid one hand underneath it and rested the other next to your face. There. Much better.

"You doing that shit on purpose now?" Rafe asked, and your head snapped toward him, catching him glancing at the curve of your hip again, now hidden under the blanket.

You let out a baffled little laugh, shaking your head. "What? No. This is just more comfortable."

“Yeah, shit. Not for me,” he muttered, and poor boy actually looked like he was suffering.

Nerves buzzing, you just stared at him cluelessly, your heart racing at the possibility that you were the reason for his current situation. "I... what do you want me to do?"

"I don’t know, stop moving." He looked so genuinely embarrassed, wearing that little scowl, that somehow it didn’t feel that weird. Okay, it did, but not as much as you'd expected. And honestly, right now, you just wanted to make him feel a little less awkward.

"Well... maybe turning on your side might help," you said quietly, with a barely hidden smile. "Might ease the pressure, considering—"

"Please just shut the fuck up," Rafe muttered, his face contorted in the most dramatic frown possible. On screen, stereotypical Barbie was now getting ready for her day. Then, after a beat, he did in fact shift downward a bit and turned to face you, mirroring your position.

For a moment, you just stared at each other. A respectful distance between you, but still close enough to feel his breath on your hand. He looked at you like he might actually murder you if you dared open your mouth, and you tried your absolute best not to laugh.

“Did you know,” you whispered, trying to keep a straight face, “Mr. Martin’s buttcrack always peeks out when he tries to write on the upper half of the board.”

Rafe stared at you, deadpan, very obviously trying to suppress a smile. You decided to go one further: “Looks like a dark hairy caterpillar from afar.”

His features softened almost immediately as a baffled chuckle escaped him, the blanket on your side lifting a little as his body shifted onto his back. He dragged a hand over his face in annoyed amusement, letting out a quiet, "What the fuck."

You held back a smile, glancing up at him with raised brows, feeling a little proud for getting those soft chuckles out of him from time to time. “Did that help?”

Rafe looked at you with a crooked smile, amusement glimmering in his eyes. "Shit, yeah, it did. I’ll probably never get hard again with that cursed image now burned into my brain."

“Imagine him in a tankini, that should do the trick,” you offered, and Rafe’s face twisted in disgust.

He tapped a finger against his temple. “That weird-ass minion in your head is worse than the shit-talking one.”

You let out a soft giggle, and your heart did a little jump when you saw him smiling along too.

Rafe then fully shifted onto his back again and tried adjusting the blanket higher up, but since it was stretched lengthwise over both of you, your feet ended up exposed. A soft breeze hit them, now that the sun had finally dipped below the horizon.

"Okay, you gotta scoot closer if we both wanna fit under here," he said, scoffing at your expression. "Shit, relax. Thanks to your overly detailed description of Martin’s wrinkly, hairy caterpillar buttcrack, I'm probably gonna be impotent for the next few weeks."

NOT RELAXING IN THE SLIGHTEST RIGHT NOW.

“But I can get up and grab my own blanket if you want,” he added more seriously, catching your baffled look.

WHY WAS HE SO SWEET TONIGHT OH MY GOD.

Okay. This is your chance for SOME CLOSENESS WITH HIM. He might’ve had a boner just now HAHAHAHAHA and you were still kind of shocked at yourself for how weirdly chill you'd reacted, BUT LET’S JUST IGNORE THAT AND USE THIS FUCKING CHANCE GIRLLLLL LET’S GOOOO.

Quietly, you shook your head with a nervous smile, grabbed your pillow, and scooted closer to him. While you kind of struggled to figure out how exactly you were supposed to lie next to him that close, Rafe grabbed the blanket and turned it so that the long side actually covered the length of your bodies.

Okay, lying on your side wasn’t really possible here, so you turned onto your back. But now your upper arms were awkwardly pressed together, both of you with your hands resting on your stomach, and your hips were touching, too, AND JESUS CHRIST HIS BODY FELT SO WARM.

But hey, at least you were both covered now, even if you were pretty sure he could hear your heartbeat, with how loud it was pounding in your chest.

Barbie was now at the beach with her friends, the Kens were doing some beach stuff or whatever BUT YOU COULDN’T REALLY FOCUS.

Also, his elbow was digging uncomfortably into yours, so you tried adjusting yours, which made him move again AND JESUS CHRIST THIS WAS AWKWARD.

“Shit, wait,” Rafe said with a quiet scoff and leaned forward. “This isn’t working.”

You just blinked at him, afraid he’d actually get up now to grab his own blanket.

Instead, he gently grabbed your shoulder, signaling you to lean forward for a second. Which you did—letting him take the lead because your brain had gone completely blank at THIS ABSURDLY CLOSE PROXIMITY.

Rafe grabbed your pillow, scooted into a more upright position, then leaned back again, his right arm now resting on the low backrest, his head supported by his hand. With the other, he placed the pillow in the now empty space, half on his shoulder and under his armpit, and gestured to it.

GUYS.

“There,” he said. “You okay with that?”

JUST SAY YES AND LIE DOWN, NO SECOND GUESSING.

So you did. Heart hammering so loud you didn’t even hear yourself speak. You smiled—half anxious, half excited—and leaned back again.

Since he was lying slightly elevated on his back, you had to scoot down a little, your head pressing against the pillow, your left shoulder half resting on his chest, and you folded your hands comfortably on your stomach. Your elbow ended up resting against the side of his hip because of that, and you expected him to shift away...but he didn’t. And NEITHER DID YOU because acknowledging it would just make it worse and—

GIRL. RELAX.

Your body was relaxed. Rafe’s warmth helped you ease into it, and the fact that he was so chill made it even easier. BUT YOUR MIND? YOUR MIND WAS SCREAMING, RUNNING IN CIRCLES, SETTING EVERYTHING ON FIRE BECAUSE YOU WERE BASICALLY HALF-CUDDLING WITH RAFE RIGHT NOW.

It’s fine. It’s cool.

Everything’s completely chill.

Actually, yeah, literally chill. Your skin had goosebumps, both from the situation and the drop in temperature over the past half hour.

And then a whole firework erupted on your upper right arm as you felt Rafe’s arm behind you shift, to pull up the blanket on your side and cover the rest of your upper body, AND HIS FINGERS BRUSHED YOUR SKIN AS HE DID SO AND—

You held your breath.

Because.

THIS FUCKER just left his arm there. Not back on the armrest, not casually elsewhere—no, right there, lightly resting on your right shoulder, his fingers playing with the sleeve of your dress.

OKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOK.

You bit the inside of your cheek so hard you tasted blood because WAS THIS EVEN REAL?! WAS THIS ON PURPOSE OR WAS HE JUST SO FOCUSED ON THE MOVIE HE DIDN’T NOTICE? AHHHHHHHHH

But you let him.

You let him because you wanted this. Being close to him, feeling the warmth of his body, all cozied up. Your heart was racing, fluttering like it didn’t know whether to panic or melt. Every brush of his arm sent little sparks down your spine, too much and not enough all at once.

Because, as a matter of fact, it wasn't enough. Now that you’d had a taste of this feeling—of how it felt being so close to him—it was like something inside you had been lit up. There was this deep urge and longing to completely turn toward him, fully cuddle up, put your hand on his chest, drape a leg over his, bury your head in his chest and just inhale his scent and UGHHHH.

But you were a coward. A scaredy cat, too afraid he’d push you away. Especially because this right here? It was toeing a fine line between “we’re just cold and sharing a blanket so obviously we scoot closer” and “considering we’re just project partners who happened to agree on being friends, this was way more intimate than necessary.”

Hey, funny thought here: what if you just did it? :)

Because HE clearly never gave much thought to how his little flirtations affected you. He made it damn clear it was all just for fun. So maybe you could just… cuddle with him. For fun.

Worst case? He’d say something like “You wanna get into it now or what?” and then you’d just awkwardly laugh and go “Sorry, just felt more comfy like this” and scoot back into your old position.

Remember? With Rafe, you never had to be afraid of doing some dumb shit or embarrassing yourself.

FUCK IT.

You pressed your lips together and pushed yourself up on your elbow, ignoring the pang of disappointment as his arm slipped back onto the backrest, his expression confused. DOESN’T MATTER, PUSH THROUGH GIRL. Adrenaline shot up as you grabbed the pillow that had been under his arm and silently placed it across his ribs, READY TO LAY DOWN—

—only for him to stop you with a crooked smile, your heart dropping straight through the floor.

You froze. Completely. Like your body had hit an invisible wall. Eyes wide, breath hitched, you just��� stared at him. You didn’t dare speak, didn’t dare move, afraid that even the smallest word might expose you in the worst way possible.

“Shit, you're gonna suffocate me with that thing,” Rafe said with amusement and moved the pillow to the side. Then he gestured toward the now free space on the side of his chest. “There.”

Your whole body buzzed as his right arm returned to your upper arm, now gently nudging you toward him.

Ignoring every voice of reason and panic in your head, letting yourself be guided into him, turning your body toward his, resting your head against the side of his chest, your shoulder naturally tilting in, your arm daring to settle on his upper stomach.

Every nerve lit up, hyperaware of the rise and fall of his breathing beneath your cheek, the heat of his skin seeping into yours through his shirt. It was terrifying and euphoric, like stepping off a ledge and realizing, just for a second, that maybe you liked the adrenaline you felt while looking downward.

And then you almost exploded, because this guy took it a step further. His left hand remained casually on his thigh, but his other arm wrapped around your back, HIS HAND NOW RESTING ON YOUR BLANKET-COVERED WAIST.

Okay. You were officially done for :)))))))

Your heart was racing, pounding so loud it felt like drums in your ears, pulse probably skyrocketing, and let’s not even talk about the adrenaline—you’d probably need the ER in the next few seconds.

And the craziest thing was how he'd just accepted it. He'd let you do this. Hadn’t said anything dumb, hadn’t made a joke. Instead, he just laid there, snacking on his nachos and sipping his Coke Zero occasionally, the only things he said being how stupid Ken looked and acted and how weird his rivalry with the other Ken was.

But you didn’t have the heart to tell him that, actually, that was exactly how you saw him and Kelce. So you just stayed quiet, chuckled softly whenever he made another snarky remark, and soaked in this surreal moment that would be over again in about 60 minutes.

And when his left hand absentmindedly started playing with the bracelet dangling from your wrist, you didn’t say anything either—too afraid to ruin whatever this was.

Because somehow, it felt like the little agreement of friendship you made just yesterday was already, very slowly, starting to slip away into something you were too afraid to name.

Or maybe. Maybe, this was just what it looked like when two people, thrown together by coincidence, trusted each other enough to get this comfortable without needing to put it into words.

Little did you two know—it was both.

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✿ A / N ✿ imma be real, i feel like i fucked up their whole dynamic with the last scene aka them lying on the bed and cuddling and ughhh, and i also feel like you can feel through the writing how impatient i grew with the ending of this ch. idk maybe i should've postponed this and actually think it through but i kinda lost my mind with this one and now it seems like i skipped over some steps. idk maybe i'm just tired or biased bc of how long this chapter is so what do you guys think? bc i'm srsly considering reworking the last part HAHAHAHAH #heart'sactuallyracingrn

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K M S M A S T E R L I S T | <- P R E V I O U S | N E X T ->

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T A G L I S T F O R M (taglist for this series is CLOSED but you can sign up for my other stuff through this link)

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[lyjen]

Drowning

Summary: Evan’s wife is an Elementary school teacher, but when a shooter enters the school and starts shooting at teachers, (Y/n) is the first person to help. Evan gets worried as his wife doesn’t pick up her phone, but as soon as the shooting reaches the news Evan is desperate to find out where she is.

Request by: anonymous - The request

9-1-1 masterlist

Taglist: @oliviah-25 @shauna-carsley

______

“So I want you to both be thinking about it. Put those two brains together, I want you to solve it and be able to explain how you solved it” (Y/n) finished her math instruction. “I’m going to give you two minutes to try and solve this question, you’re ready?” Her voice sounded through the classroom as she clicked on start on the timer which was displayed on the screen.

(Y/n) was an elementary school teacher, she teaches the fifth grade to be specific. She has her own classroom, a teacher assistant intern, and a really good bond with her students. She loves her job, she really does. There’s nothing in the world she’d rather be doing than working with children. Her husband, on the other hand, loved being a firefighter. It was his life, and in his words: he wouldn’t know where he’d be if he never started the fire academy.

When one of the kids asked her if she had a boyfriend, she told them she was married to a firefighter. The students were so enthusiastic and full of questions, so she decided to take the kids to the firehouse one day, to teach them about firefighters, dispatch and everything Bobby had to tell.

“Okay, so some of you came up with an answer and a solution.” She speaks to the group as she holds up her hand, motioning to the kids who were ready to throw their answer to her head, to hold up their hands. “Do we have a volunteer to tell us what answer they got and how they got it?” multiple hands had gone up into the air, but those hands quickly were put down when loud screams sounded through the hallways.

But it was the gunshot that went off after that which caught her attention the most. Her eyes shot towards her teacher assistant Katy, who was sitting at the desk grading some homework as she immediately dropped the pen. Katy’s eyes went wide when she realized what was happening while multiple gasps from the students filled the silence in the room.The gunshot sent a shiver down (Y/n)’s whole body, as she remembered the three words: Run, hide, fight.

That was the protocol. Run if you can, hide if you can not evacuate safely and fight if your life is in danger.

“Everyone. Hide underneath your desks” She said softly as she tried to stay as calm as she possibly could.

The students all get off their seats and follow their teachers instructions as Katy runs off to the windows and closes the blinds. Meanwhile (Y/n) gets the remote for the screen and quickly shuts it off and runs towards the lightswitch to turn it off.

“Katy, help me move this” she says as she tries to push a mid-high bookcase in front of the door to barricade it. Katy quickly moves towards (Y/n) and helps her move the cabinet, so no one would be able to get in or out of the classroom.

When the cabinet was on the right spot, (Y/n) made her way towards the kids to make sure they were okay.

“You’re okay, we’re going to be fine” (Y/n) whispered softly to one of the students who was having a breakdown. She took place on the ground and folded her legs over each other, and she rubbed her hands over the kid’s upper arm, as a sign that she was there. They were not alone.

She let her fingers wipe away the tears of the girl’s cheeks and tried to hush her. She didn’t want to draw any attention. The girl almost started hyperventilating because she was that scared. “Amelia I need you to take slow deep breaths” (Y/n) whispered almost inaudibly. The girl nodded her head as she tried to copy her teacher’s breathing pattern. “Good, through your nose and out through the mouth” (Y/n) complimented her.

Huddled up with some kids to her side, (Y/n) tried her best to calm down the kids who were having a hard time to deal with the situation. Students around her were silently crying, while they were comforting themselves and each other.

There was an ear deafening silence floating through the classroom. They could practically hear the clock on the wall, ticking after each minute that had gone by.

With every footstep she heard on the hallway outside of the classroom, (Y/n)’s heart would skip a beat. There could be children running for their lives, other teachers or the shooter choosing their next victim.

After minutes, maybe even an hour of sitting in silence, a high pitched yelp sounds through the walls of her classroom. But that scream gets cut off by a sudden gunshot. More gasps and sobs sound softly through the classroom. With wide eyes (Y/n) tries to focus on the sound of the hallway.

“No. No, what are you going to do?!” Katy’s voice whispered desperately as (Y/n) crouched down and made her way towards the door of her classroom. The assistant crawled her way towards (Y/n), who was down at the door. Looking through the little gap between the window of the door and the bookcase.

(Y/n) glances through the window and spots a fellow teacher, down on the ground while a puddle of blood is being created underneath her. “Don’t be a hero” Katy says as softly as she possibly could.

She turned her head at Katy, “She’s hurt and needs help, I can’t just leave her to..” she shrugged her shoulders, she couldn’t say die. Not with her kids around, not when they were already traumatized enough by the sounds “You know..” she continued as she shrugged her shoulders.

She couldn’t do nothing. That was not who she was.

“But the shooter is still out there.” Katy says as she desperately starts to look around her. “That’s why I need you to stay here and keep them safe” (Y/n) whispered as she pointed out at her class. Katy shook her head with a frightened look in her eyes “No.. I can’t do that” Katy sighed as she looked at the kids.

“It wasn’t a question Katy, stay here and keep them safe. Close the door behind me” She repeated one more time as she looked at her over the shoulder.

With both her hands she moved the bookcase on one end a little backwards so she was able to squeeze through the gap of the door. Her hand reached for the lever of the door, as she as silently as possible pulled the lever down and squeezed her body through the door. (Y/n) could hear the door close behind her.

Still crouching, she made her way towards her colleague and let her knees drop to the ground when she reached her. “You’re gonna be okay” she said, barely inaudible as she made eye contact with her. The teacher had lost a lot of blood, the puddle was becoming bigger with the second.

The female teacher had been shot in the chest. (Y/n) went with her first instinct, putting pressure on the wound. Without thinking, she pressed her bare hands onto the chest of the woman. The woman winced and hissed at the pain that was being pushed onto her gunshot wound. “I know it hurts, but you have to stay with me okay?” (Y/n) said as her eyes wandered from the wound to the woman’s eyes.

She was on the edge of passing out. (Y/n) could tell. The woman was blinking so fast, and she looked exhausted. “Shit” (Y/n) cursed as the eyes of the woman rolled to the back of her head. Quickly she pressed two fingers of her right hand into the skin of the neck to see if she had a pulse.

Her heart was still beating, which meant she just had to put pressure onto the wound. So the heart would have enough blood to pump around.

But then the feeling of a cold metal getting pressed onto her skin spreads a shiver down her entire body. Her mouth suddenly went dry and her heart was pounding in her chest, as if it was trying to break free from her chest.

(Y/n) was frozen in her position, hovering over the woman. Putting pressure to the wound which was still trying to bleed through the small gaps between her fingers..

“Let go” the sound of a low male voice said.

She swallowed, as she felt the metal being pushed, deeper into her skin. She slightly shook her head, “You don’t have to do this” she slowly said as she kept as still as possible. “I do, everyone in this building has to pay for what they did for me.”

A click sounded. He reloaded his gun. Just one click away from a bullet inside of her head.

“I get it.” her voice said as she felt her breathing become faster because of the adrenaline. “When they don’t see you. And no one is there to help.” She squeezed her eyes closed at the pressure of the gun that was being pushed into the side of her forehead.

“Shut. Up.” His voice hissed at (Y/n).

Tears were falling down her face as she tried to keep enough pressure on the wound of the woman. “Struggling every single day of your life, trying to find a reason to be here”

“I said shut up!” he yelled as he fired a warning shot into the concrete walls of the hallway.

She flinched at the sudden gunshot. But she didn’t stop. She didn’t give up. She needed to try, and enter his mind. Try to talk him out of it, or buy herself more time. “The bucket will fill itself with more and more water everyday. And one day, that bucket will overflow.” She tried to remain strong as her voice became more trembling by every word she spoke.

The man pushes the gun once again into her skin, the muzzle still a little warm because of the bullet that popped out a few seconds ago. A click sounds as he reloads another bullet. “And you’ll realize that you’ve been drowning.. and if there’s no one to reach out their hand...” she squeezed her eyes shut as she remained silent for a second and another tear escaped the corner of her eye.

Multiple gunshots sounded through the hallway of the school as the gun, which the shooter was holding against her head fell down to the ground together with the body of the shooter.

A gasp left her mouth as the bullets whooshed along her ears. She glanced over her shoulder and saw the body of the shooter lying behind her on his back. Lifeless.

Everything that was happening was moving in slow motion. When she looked in front of her she could see multiple swat soldiers entering the hallway with their guns pointed towards the man behind her.

“Suspect is down” one of the soldiers said into their radio’s as they made their way towards (Y/n) and the shooter.

With two paramedics following the soldiers, the paramedics kneeled down next to the female teacher which (Y/n) tried to save her life. The paramedics put down their medic bags beside them and zipped the bag open as they grabbed some gauze.

“You can let go now. We’ve got her.” the male paramedic said as he tried to get her attention by putting his hand onto her shoulder. (Y/n) was still in shock. How did she survive this? Why didn’t he just shoot her when he had the chance? Why listen to her words?

“Sorry” she said as she got back to earth. She slowly retreated her hands back to her own body as the paramedic quickly pressed the gauze down onto the wound. (Y/n) slightly flinched as she felt a hand curling around her bicep, pulling her up to her feet and escorting her down the hall to the open world. She let them. She was too shaken up to try and fight or ask questions.

______

“Hi this is (Y/n)’s phone, please leave a message after the tone!” Her voice sounded through the speaker of Evan’s phone as he ended the call before the tone could ring into his ear.

A sigh leaves Evan’s mouth as he continues to send her a text, asking her to call him back when she can.

Hen walks into the kitchen when a frown morphed onto her face. “Hey you okay?” She asked when she noticed Evan’s slightly worried face that was focussed on his phone.

Evan clicks on the send button as he slips his phone back into his pocket, and he curls his fingers around the glass of water he had made.

“I’m fine..” he sighs as he leans with his forearms onto the kitchen counter. “I have just tried to call (Y/n) multiple times but she doesn’t answer. Normally she would’ve called me back by now”

They called everyday, especially when Evan was on shift. She would call him after school had come to an end and all kids had left the classroom.

“You think I’m crazy, don’t you?” Evan laughed at himself as he shook his head. He sounded like he was going insane. As if he couldn’t live without her. But it was a routine, so when that routine gets interrupted, it feels weird.

Normally Evan was the one to not pick up, when he was on a call. But he always called her back when they were back at the firehouse. Sometimes it could take hours, but it could also be minutes. It depended on the call of course.

“No not at all.. I’m sure she will call you back, maybe she’s talking to a parent or she’s just busy.” Hen touches Evan’s upper arm as she tries to reassure him that his wife is okay.

“Yeah, you’re right..” Evan pushed himself off the kitchen counter, he grabbed his glass and walked towards the sofas. “Maybe I’m being a little bit paranoid, she’s fine..” Evan glances at Hen who gives him a nod and a pat on his shoulder.

“Turn the volume up” Eddie says as Chimney grabs the remote and quickly turns up the volume by pressing down on the button.

“We just confirmed that about two hours ago, there has been a school shooting here in Los Angeles. The remarkable thing is that the school where this happened, was an elementary school”

“Jesus” Eddie sighs.

“The police have confirmed that after about an hour and a half after the shooter had fired the first bullet, they shot down the shooter. The name of the school where this happened is the Great Oak Elementary School. Parents are arriving at the school now to pick up their kids. There’s one wounded teacher and two casualties, both were working at the school.”

“That’s horrible. Imagine you see this on the news and you have to pick up your traumatized child.” Hen says as she continues to listen to the tv.

“Can’t imagine what that must feel like” Eddie’s voice sounds through the room.

Evan was intensely thinking. Why was that name so familiar? What was it about that school that made him think that he had a connection to it? He didn’t have any kids, at least not yet. “Wait what school did they say?” Evan double checked the name with his team, to see if he heard them correctly.

“I think it was Great Oak Elementary School” Chimney says as he focuses again onto the television screen.

Evan’s heart dropped in his chest. As soon as he heard that name fall off the lips of his colleague's mouth, it felt like all of the air he had in his lungs was getting pushed out. Everything's coming together now.

It was the school his wife worked for.

“But why even an elementary school, not that any school would’ve been any better or different. But we’re talking about ages 5 to 10 years old. Those children are going to be scarred for life” Eddie’s dull voice sounded over the loft into Evan’s ears.

No texts, no calls, nothing.

Evan’s hearing is dull, everything is still continuing on the back of his mind but his brain is working over hours now. Making up all different kinds of scenarios of what could’ve happened in that school. “Wow Buck, you alright?” Another dull voice rang through his ears.

Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder, he flinched at the sudden touch and his eyes connected with Hen’s as he turned his head towards her. A frightened look was spread over his face as he tried to control his breathing.

He looked down to his feet, which were suddenly wet and cold. He realizes he had dropped his glass of water down to the ground. His boots are now soaking wet, with the water dripping down his pipes. But that was the last thing he was worried about right now.

His brain filled with all different kinds of scenarios were running through his mind. “(Y/n)” he mumbled through his panicked breaths as he tried to look at Hen, who was still pressing her hand onto his shoulder while her other hand was curled around his upper arm.

“Oh no..” Hen said as he puzzled the pieces together. Finally realizing what was happening and what Evan meant.

Bobby’s voice sounded through the space as he stepped onto the loft “What’s happening?”

“There has been a school shooting at Great Oaks Elementary. The school where Buck’s wife works” Hen quickly explained to Bobby as she held her grip onto Evan’s upper arm.

Evan’s eyes that were full of worry wandered towards his captain's eyes who was coming closer towards him every second. “She isn’t answering any of my calls or texts. And I’m not waiting for the hospital to call me and tell me that she’s..” Evan sighs at the worst case scenario that was in his mind.

“Please Bobby. I need to go. I need to see for myself if she’s okay.” Evan’s broken voice sounded.

“Look Buck, I get it. But you don’t have to do this on your own. We’re coming with you, whether you like it or not. (Y/n) is our family too.” Bobby says as he softly squeezed Evan’s shoulder. A small smile spread across Evan’s face as those words left Bobby’s mouth.

“Let’s go and find (Y/n)” Bobby says as he patted his hand onto Evan’s shoulder as a sign to go.

-

“What do you mean she isn’t here?” Evan says after Athena finished her conclusion. “I just told you, every teacher that was here on school grounds during the shooting has been checked by paramedics, and are now sitting in a room. They’re getting the information they need if they want help. But I’ve seen every teacher in that room, and she wasn’t there Buck, only her teaching assistant Katy.” Athena continues her explanation.

“Well, have you asked Katy if she knows anything about the whereabouts of my wife?” Evan asks, maybe a little annoyed. “No, not yet. I’m waiting for the professionals to finish their job. And after that, I’ll see if Katy is willing to talk” She calmly answers Evan’s question.

“How long is that gonna take?” Evan sighs as he puts his hands on his hips. He’s losing his patience. This is taking too long. “I’m sure they’re almost done, this should only take a few more minutes” Athena reassured him.

“I don’t have time for this.. what if Katy doesn’t know where she is? This might lead to a dead end.” Evan tries to stop himself from panicking, as he rushes a hand through his short curly hair. He had to do something. He couldn’t just stand there and wait on a teaching assistant who maybe doesn't have an answer to their questions.

Evan quickly turned around and slid his phone out of his pocket. He had to try it, at least one more time. He clicks on the green icon and clicks on her name, impatiently he presses the phone against his ear. Maybe she did have it with her.. right?

“Buck..” Evan could hear Bobby sigh as he was walking away from his team.

Evan listens to the sound of the phone beeping, trying to connect with the other phone. He was pacing through one of the hallways, silently listening to the beeps of the phone. Evan’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he could hear a ringtone going off from a distance. Was that someone else’s phone or was that the phone he was trying to reach?

The ringtone stopped playing when Evan was being sent to voicemail. He quickly presses the red button, and decides to try and call the phone again.

Once more the same ringtone sounds through the hallway.

Evan follows the sound, making his way through the hallways until after multiple times of calling her phone, he reaches the door of a classroom. The tone sounded loudly through the space of the room.

Evan stepped into the classroom and walked towards the desk where the phone was buzzing. “There you are..” Evan whispered to himself as he grabbed the phone and frowned at the idea of his wife leaving her phone behind. She never leaves her phone behind.

He shoved his own phone into his pocket as he made his way back towards his team who were now talking with a young woman, probably Katy.

“Can we please ask you a few questions?” Evan could hear Athena ask the TA, who nodded at her question. “When was the last time you saw (Y/n)?” Athena continued to ask her. “During the shooting, we were all hiding inside the classroom just like protocol said. And she told me to watch the kids.. she went to help the lady who was shot outside of our classroom. I heard multiple gunshots, when I was alone with the kids. But I haven’t seen her since she told me to watch them.” Katy explains.

Evan could feel his knees trembling, like they were suddenly turning into Jell-o.

“That’s everything I know” Katy says as she shrugs her shoulders. “It’s okay, thank you Katy. If something pops into your mind, give me a call” Athena says as she gives Katy her card with her contact details and Katy walks away.

“Alright, there’s two things we can do. One, we go to the hospital and check if she may be in the ER. Or two, we go check the..-” Athena gets cut off by Evan’s voice.

“Morgue” Evan finished Athena’s sentence and shook his head. “We’re going to the ER of the nearest hospital, she’s not dead. She can’t be.” Evan continued. “Buck.” Bobby’s voice spoke up when Evan wiped his hand against his forehead, as if it helped him to get rid of the thought of his wife being dead. “I refuse to believe that she’s dead, I want to go to the hospital” Evan states as he could hear his own voice trembling.

Evan felt Bobby’s hand landing onto his shoulder. “It’s your decision to make Buck, if you want to go to the hospital, we go to the hospital” Bobby said as he looked into Evan’s eyes again. Evan nodded. He made his decision.

The drive towards the nearest hospital was silent, but when the truck pulled to a stop Evan’s hand reached for the door and he jumped out as fast as he could.

He had waited long enough. He needed his answers now.

Before the rest of his team got out of the truck, Evan had already gone through the glass doors. Evan came to a stop at the nurse station, using his hands as a brake by pressing it against the desk.

“Hi, I’m looking for (Y/n) Buckley” he panted as he focussed on the nurse who was scrolling through the documents of people who had gotten in.

“Evan?” her familiar voice sounds through his ears. His eyes went wide as he heard that voice he had hoped to hear through the phone the first time he called her. He pushed himself off the desk he was leaning on and followed her voice.

“(Y/n)?” he softly said as he looked around him. When his eyes connected with hers, his heart skipped a beat. She was alive. Just like he said.

“Evan” she sighed as she finally saw her husband's face. Evan basically sprinted towards (Y/n) as he heard her broken voice say his name. Her knees were trembling, and were on the edge of giving in. “Hey! Hey! I’m here!” Evan panted as he curled his arms around his wife and she collapsed into his arms.

She was sobbing as soon as she felt his arms curled around her body and she tightened her grip around his body, like he was the only thing to keep her from drowning. He was the hand she had to hold onto. “I’m here” Evan let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding this entire time.

He let his hand cup the back of her head and he pressed his lips against her hair.

He slowly pulled back, but his arms remained around her body. He wasn’t letting her go. The hand he had pressed against the back of her head, wandered to her cheek as he wiped away her tears.

“W-what are you doing here? Are you hurt?” he stumbled as he quickly checked her on any wounds. She shook her head as she placed both of her hands down onto his chest. “No, I’m okay” she gasped through her tears.

When Evan’s eyes fell onto her hands, which were now placed on his chest, he noticed her hands which were still covered in dried blood.

He placed his hands over hers as he softly grabbed her hand and started inspecting it. “It isn’t mine” she sighed as she tried to reconnect her eyes with Evan’s, who was focussed on making sure his wife wasn’t hurt.

“Then whose blood is that?” Evan’s voice asked, concerned when his eyes remained on her hands. “T-the woman who had been shot..” she said as she tried to catch her breath. Evan’s eyes furrowed “I helped her..” in the middle of her sentence, she stopped talking. “I kept her alive, even with a gun pointed at my head” she continued.

She could hear the gunshots going off in the back of her mind, the explanation she had just given her husband brought her right back to that place. So much has happened in those few minutes, she barely had time to process everything that happened in such a short time.

Tears were streaming down her face as she was reminded of the incident. “He wanted to shoot me in the head”

“Oh baby..” a loud sigh left his lips as he pressed a kiss onto her forehead. “You did so good” he mumbled against her forehead as he pressed another kiss onto it and pulled his wife back into an embrace.

“I was so scared Evan, I really thought this is it.. that everything I did, was for the last time” (Y/n) sobbed as she locked her arms around his body once again and her head pressed against his broad chest. “But you fought like hell, like I knew you would. You fought for that woman, for the students, yourself and me. You fought your way back to me.” Evan said as he pulled away a little, so her head wouldn’t be touching his chest anymore and he could place both his hands onto her cheeks.

“You’re so much stronger than you think you are.”

______

A gasp fell off (Y/n)’s lips as a gunshot roared through the back of her mind. Her eyes were suddenly wide open and her entire body was drenched in sweat. She let her hands fall against her face as she sighed. It was just another dream, a nightmare to be more specific.

It had been weeks since the shooting on the Great Oak Elementary School, but what happened that day, was still haunting her until today.

Falling asleep was a problem at first, the first nights after the incident, she was all wrapped around Evan. Trying to get her to sleep like she was a baby that couldn’t find the right spot to sleep on.

Evan worked twenty four hour shifts, he couldn’t just go home in the middle of shift, in the middle of the night to help his wife to fall asleep at night. So sometimes, (Y/n) wouldn’t sleep at all at night, she would just wait until he came home and the second Evan was home she would doze off.

But now, it’s the constant nightmares she had. Every dream she had wasn’t the same, it’s not like she had the same nightmare over and over again on loop. No, she was having different kinds of scenario’s everytime she closed her eyes.

She let her hands fall down onto the mattress as she glanced at Evan who was peacefully asleep on his side of the bed. (Y/n) threw off the blanket and swung her feet over the side of the bed and grasped the first hoodie she saw lying down on the floor. The hoodie was a little oversized and fell over her bum.

(Y/n) stepped down the stairs of the loft and flicked on the kettle to make some tea. Maybe that would help her calm down. With her back towards the living room, she pressed her elbows down onto the flat surface of the kitchen counter.

She was tired, but couldn’t sleep. Not if she was having these nightmares, everytime she closed her eyes. (Y/n) let her head rest between her hands as she closes her eyes for a second, just to try and let the stress exit her body while the water was boiling.

Evan groaned as he turned around in bed and let his arm find the body of his wife. When his arm connected with the jumpy mattress, he pushed his head off the pillow as a confused frown was spread across his face. He wasn't expecting his arm to find the mattress, he was waiting for his arm to connect with (Y/n)’s body.

He lets his arm swipe along the mattress again to make sure she wasn’t somewhere else on the mattress. Evan turns his body and reaches out to turn on the night lamp on his nightstand. He squeezed his eyes as he tried to adjust his eyes to the bright light on his nightstand and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

Evan swung his legs over the side of the bed as he stood up to make his way downstairs, determined to find his wife. When he silently stepped down the stairs, he smiled at the way she was standing. A Los Angeles Fire Department hoodie to keep her comfortable, her eyes closed as she was leaning on her hands. While the kettle was releasing steam as it was finished boiling.

A groan left her lips as she felt a hand curled around her hip and his chin was leaning on her shoulder. Her hand reached behind her as she tried to find Evan’s arm. “Can’t sleep?” his sleepy voice asked, with his eyes still closed as he was still trying to wake up.

“Yeah” she whispered as she nodded at his question, and she placed her other hand down on his cheek as he was still leaning with his chin onto her shoulder.

“Still having those nightmares huh?” He asked her as he pressed a kiss on the palm of her hand that was resting on his face.

“Yeah, what’s new..” she sighed, she had the feeling those nightmares weren’t going away anytime soon anyways. She grabbed a cup from the upper cabinet, placed it onto the counter and started to pour water from the kettle into it.

When the cup was full enough, she placed the kettle back. “Evan?” Her soft voice sounded raspy.

“Hmm?” Evan hummed as he slightly opened his eyes to check on his wife. His arm was still wrapped around her, curved around her hip. She swallowed loudly.

“I don’t know how much longer I can do this..” she whispered as she placed both of her hands flat against the counter as she stared right in front of her.

Evan’s hand started to come loose from her hip, as he let his lower back fall against the kitchen island, which was placed on the other side of the kitchen counter (Y/n) was making her tea on.

He folded his arms over each other as he leaned against the kitchen cabinets. “You mean the nightmares, right?” Evan needed a confirmation that he knew she was talking about.

She felt Evan leaving her side. But she couldn’t look at him without breaking down. So she remained standing with her back towards Evan. “No.. I meant, being a teacher.” She said as she started to make circles with her finger onto the kitchen counter.

“What? What do you mean? You love being a teacher” Evan said as he tried to make eye contact again. But she wouldn’t turn around.

She shook her head as she sighed, trying to keep her tears from falling down. “That was before this all happened. You know how exhausting it is to be wary of every single thing around you?” she sniffled as she turned her face towards the ceiling, trying everything in her power to not show her tears, or show her fear.

With her sleeves falling over her hands, she wiped the small tears away that had started rolling down her cheeks. “Every time before I even enter the school my throat goes dry, I start sweating and I can’t stop myself from shaking” she tried to say through her tears and sobs.

She turned her body, and let herself slide against the kitchen doors, dropping to the ground as she cried even harder. “I’m sick and tired of flinching at every sudden sound I hear. I can’t sleep, because any time when I close my eyes, even if it’s just for one silly second, I’m there again. With a gun against my head.” she confessed.

(Y/n) let the back of her head lean against the kitchen cabinet as she felt Evan coming closer, while she looked at the ceiling again. Trying to get rid of the tears that showed her biggest fears and weaknesses. “I can’t do this anymore Evan” she sobbed as she pressed her palms against her face. All she wanted to do was hide.

It feels like she’s drowning, drowning into her own fear and tears. The fear is over taking her like waves of the ocean, if no one would reach out that hand to help her.. she might drown.

“No.. you’re scared. And I get your reaction, but we don’t always make the best decisions when we’re operating out of fear” Evan spoke up as he curled his arm around her knee.

A sigh leaves Evan’s mouth as he tries to think of the right thing to say. “I know how hard it is to get over something so traumatizing, that you don’t know what you’re doing it for no more” he said as he tightened his arm around her knee. “But what happened could have happened anywhere. At the grocery store, in our own home, hell even at the fire station” Evan continued as he tried to get her attention, but she was too emotional to make eye contact.

She could hear every word he said, every breath he took, every moment of silence he needed, to think of what he was going to say next.

“So I need you to stop saying that you can’t do this. Because I know you can. You’re one of the strongest women I know. And I’m so proud to call you my wife. But right now, I need you to grab my hand and trust me when I say that we’ll figure this out.” tears were starting to well in Evan’s eyes as he quickly wiped his finger underneath his eyes to get rid of the tears he felt, as they were about to roll over his cheeks.

Evan loosened his grip around her knee as he reached out his hand, with his palm faced towards the ceiling. “We do this together, just like we did all the times I got hurt and didn’t know what to do” Evan said as he lowered his head, trying to get her eyes connected with him again.

Silence took over the space they were in.

Evan’s hand was still dangling between her knees as he waited for her attention and answer. “Together?” he asked one more time.

A soft smile made its way onto her face, as she nodded. “Together.” she said determined and placed her hand onto his as Evan sent her a small smile her way.

She had helped him countless times, now it was his turn to help her.

[dexxtrosee]

In the middle of the night

Michael "Robby" Robinavitch x reader

TW: mentions of canon violent mass event, panic attack.

He doesn’t talk to you about it.

Days pass and pass, and then they turn into weeks. More patients come, more patients die, more patients live. Jake doesn’t talk to him, Leah's parents invite him to the funeral. Still, he doesn’t tell you about any of it, aside from shaking his head when you ask when Jake's coming over again. It was on the news, he's not stupid enough to think you have no clue about what he went through, you just don't know how bad it was.

You don’t know any of it from his own mouth, and still, it bothers him when you don’t seem even slightly surprised every time he wakes you up with his nightmares and his crying. You just let him hide his face on your neck, let him clutch your body against his while the sobs wreck him. You push his hair back, kiss his forehead, wait until he's calm enough to manhandle him back to lying down. He falls asleep to your fingers tracing the lines of his face more often than not.

One particularly bad night, he manages to wake himself up in silence, petrified. You don’t seem to notice at first, breath soft and slow, still sleeping. He can’t move, can’t make a single sound. His chest feels tight, his head is drowning in screams and sobs and people telling him he's not good enough.

The bed feels too soft, his shirt is choking him. Why couldn't he save them? Why is he even fucking trying? Fuck, he can't breathe. Adamson died on his watch, he made him suffer through a horrible, long death because he couldn't let go. And everyone had to watch him do it again with Leah, cling to an impossible task while docens of people needed him and she was already fucking dead. Fuck, fuck, fuck fuck fuck fuck-

"Robby. Hey, Robby, look at me. Open your eyes love, come on."

Your voice makes him jump. He realizes for the first time he's hyperventilating now, squeezing his eyes shut.

God, he feels pathetic for putting you through this again and again. You're gonna end up leaving him, he's sure. He's too much and too little at the same time, more baggage than man. He can’t keep doing this to you, he can't, he can't he can't-

"Robby, open your eyes."

He feels you grab his arms and pull him into a sitting position. His entire body breaks into shivers, his heart trying its best to burst out of his chest.

"Robby, open your eyes."

When he finally does, he doesn’t like the concern plastered over your features. He pushes you away slightly, bending to the side.

"I-I think I'm gonna be sick."

You don’t seem to listen to him, instead jumping over the blankets until you're kneeling by his side. You push his head back with the heel of your hand, and he closes his eyes again. He doesn’t think he can handle your worry right now.

A balloon stretches inside his throat. His hands fly to clutch at his neck, but your hand grips them both and pushes them down until they're pressed against his legs. You're seeing right through him, right into all the things he's tried hiding from you ever since he met you.

He doesn’t want it to reach you.

"Robby, I think my lip is bleeding. Can you take a look at it?"

Your question freezes him on the spot. Did he accidentally hit you? Oh fuck, fuck-

"I bit my lip too hard earlier today, I was sewing up my green sweater and got lost in my head. It's the one you gave me, remember? The knitted one."

Robby frowns, squeezing your hand tighter. The green one? The one he got in Philly after your third date?

"The one you say feels too rough unles you're wearing it."

Ah, Robby remembers that one. It felt itchy, he asked about it when he gave it to you and you put it on right there. Then you had shaken your head and smiled, telling him it was softer on the inside.

"Open your eyes, babe."

Slowly, he does. You're bent in front of him, and there's a small speck of blood close to the edge of your mouth.

He raises his hand, cleaning it up with shaky fingers. It doesn’t really help, just spreads it over your lower lip and paints it a faint red. It makes him chuckle, but the sound resembles an animal in agony.

Out of nowhere, he feels something cold and metallic press against his neck. He gasps, unintentionally pulling you closer.

You let him. You shuffle closer until you're kneeling between his legs, and he wraps his arms around you. His face is wet, his entire body feels weak, made of paper.

"Where did you even get that sweater from? You may need to buy me a new one if I can’t save this one."

It was a local, old shop. The owner was an older man, running the store on his own, if he had to guess. Full of old furniture, the kind that lasts generations.

"I-I can try and h-help you mend it."

Your chest shakes slightly against his, laughing. He buries his head on your shoulder. "Sure you can, doc."

Minutes pass. Your hand tangles inside his hair, the other caressing his back up and down. Your warmth seeps into his clothes, his body, relaxing it until he feels he can barely stay upright.

You kiss his cheek, his temble, his shoulder. He can’t really help it when he bursts into tears.

"Take a deep breath, it’s okay. I'm right here."

His sobs rock the entire bed. He wishes he could hug you close enough to merge his soul with yours.

"It's okay love, you can let it out."

In the middle of the night, with the other half of his soul wrapped around his, he finally does.

[kawhh]

Thinking about Jack eating your pussy

“That’s so good keep doing that”

“Yea you like when I suck your clit like that?”

Please omg

Jack Hughes and pussy. Send tweet. Warnings: Man is a munch. He's gone a bit insane. Pussy eating. Marking you up. A slap against your pussy. Taglist.

He'd make sure you're fully laid back on the pillows, needing his little doll to stay still, to let him rip what he wants from your flesh. He needs your taste on his lips, on his teeth, on his tongue. He needs to drink from you like he's dehydrated in the desert. He needs to be smothered in your cunt, he needs to drown in your arousal.

Launching himself between your legs, prying them apart just enough to make room for his broad shoulders. He wants your legs tight around him, wants you to squeeze him when he's driving you insane. He wants you feral, he wants you to cry out his name when you plead for him to stop.

His teeth tugging your underwear down your legs, scrambling to free them from your legs, hating the obstruction. His teeth sharp against your skin, truly feeling like he's the predator watching you, matching the intensity in his eyes.

His grip just a little too strong, his nails scratching red lines up the path of your thigh, spreading your cunt apart with his fingers pushing against your skin.

Licking stripes up your lips, panting against your skin as he races to get any of you in his mouth. Sucking you between his lips, needing all of you. Needing to memorise the taste of you.

His sharp inhale before he's diving straight in, his tongue sliding against your walls, his hands on your hips to grind your cunt against his face.

"Taste so fucking good f'me, angel. Wanna drown."

His nails scratching your thighs up worse when he descends into ferality— he's only getting more hooked on you with every drop of your arousal and taste in his mouth. His nose joining his tongue inside you, whimpering in your cunt. His tongue against every bump. His nose spreading you open, needing more of you.

He's not even concerned about your pleasure at this point, he's just pussy drunk. His face a mess when he pulls back for air, sucking in air like he's hyperventilating, truly on the edge of suffocating from your pussy.

"Stay fucking still f'me, baby." A harsh slap against your cunt when you try and close your legs for a break. He'd have your feet up in stirrups if he could. Wanting access to your pussy 24/7.

Punishing you with his fingers for trying to separate him from his favourite meal, two of his thick fingers inside of you before you can blink. His thrusts possessed, needing to see your arousal dripping out of you. He needs to make you cover his face. He needs you to leak on the bed so he can lick it up. Curling up into your spongy spot, pining you down when you cry and thrash.

"Made me do this, angel." His speed almost unnatural; there's no way he's not cramping, but the pain means nothing to him. His gaze focused on your cunt. On the way it drools for him, how it takes him.

His mouth around your clit, the pressure too much. His tongue like a live wire circling your nub. Groaning into you when you clench around his fingers, when you give him his first real taste of you of the night.

Catching his breath against your thigh, moaning at the taste of you on his lips. The way you flood his mouth. Keeping every drop safe on his tongue, down his throat.

"Ready for round two, angel?"

[2knightt]

— REAL SWEET (but i wish you were sober!)

…IN WHICH—reader tells the greasers the things they want to hear. if only they were sober. (Greasers: J.C, D.W, PB.C, SP.C, D.C.)

tags/warnings: gn!reader, reader is depicted either high or drunk, reader is toxic, greaser(s) miss reader/miss the familiarity of reader, angsty, story-focused, rather long.

ೃauthor notes⁀➷ red flag!reader, oh how you will always mean so much to me! this was supposed to be posted in august LMFAO

dallas winston

he should’ve never picked up that call.

if he knew that it was you calling him from a payphone, so drunk that you didn’t even know your own name, he would’ve let that phone ring.

“dally? oh, dally. i-i’m scared, i dunno where i am. it’s dark an-and i miss you.”

you slurred your words accidentally, trying to act sober in hopes that it would incline him to come and pick you up more.

“y/n, i’m busy. take this shit up with someone else.”

“dally-“

“dallas.”

he corrected you with a stern tone. he wasn’t your dally and he hadn’t been for a long time. not since your break-up. you hadn’t been his baby and he hadn’t been your dally.

“dallas, please. come and get me. i-i’m by the old gas station. please,”

you pleaded some more, no longer hiding the desperation in your voice.

the screeching from the other line was deafening. dally—dallas, had hung up on you.

wearing thin pants at a night like this, during the cold oklahoma fall, was stupid of you. it only hit you when you sat on the curb, the cold concrete hitting you like a truck.

it sobered you up; only for a second. then, just as before, it was back to every wind that rustled past, every slight movement you made was met with a familiar dizziness.

dallas kept on muttering to himself as he drove to the gas station. “can’t believe i’m doing this, man,” “they’re drunk outta their mind,” “they’re using me. it’s clear as day.”

he saw you sitting on the curb, the gas station lights illuminating your figure in the dark night. you were tightly hugging your knees to your chest, covering your face from the wind.

dally chuckled as you jumped from him honking the horn of the curtis’ ford. he leaned out the open window, not hiding the sheer annoyance he felt.

“hurry up! i got shit to do!”

watching you stumble to the truck made him feel bad for you. it’s been awhile since you’ve been this drunk. and you smelled disgusting when you got into the truck.

he rolled all the windows down.

“god, dallas. you’re so good to me—i dunno why i left you. i miss you, y’know?”

you rambled, tears already forming as you spoke. never were an emotional drunk until now.

dallas’ knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel harder, holding back from snapping at you.

‘if you missed me so goddamn bad, why is this the first fucking phone call i’m getting?!’ he thought, wishing he had the guts to shout it at you.

“you were s-so nice to me. so handsome, so funny. i’m such a fucking idiot..”

“where you goin’?”

dallas cut off your sobbing with a question, trying to stop himself from either yelling or crying.

he didn’t know why he was like this when it came to you. he hated it, almost as much as he hated you.

“home.”

you mustered between hyperventilating, tears streaming down your cheeks. you didn’t know where home was anymore since you drank yourself silly.

you two drove in silence for the rest of the ride. it was only until he pulled into the driveway did you speak again,*

“i still love you.”

god, dally wished his baby was sober.

johnny cade

“y/n, i thought you quit smokin’ mary jane.”

“i dunno where you heard that from.”

you giggled, too high to realize the seriousness of the situation.

crossing paths with you after the break up you had was unfortunate. smoking by yourself in the lot where you two hung out before was even more unfortunate.

johnny getting caught trying to go to your guy’s spot was the most unfortunate. he smelled the weed on your clothes, he seen the stub of the joint on the ground, and he seen your eyes that were red and tired.

he wished he could’ve said no when you patted the spot beside you, telling him to sit down.

“isn’t it funny that-that we meet here? i mean, accidentally, of course. unless..?”

johnny hated that you were joking with him. he knew that it could never go back to the normal bickering you two had.

“i just wanted to clear my mind.”

“yeah, me too.”

you mumbled, finding yourself in a trance with how your hair felt between your finger tips. you missed this feeling.

“is that why you started smoking again?”

the dark haired boy asked, only now realizing that he was asking too many question, getting too comfortable with you again.

god, what the hell was wrong with him?

“no.”

“then why?”

johnny couldn’t help himself from asking.

“i missed you too much. my..my mind was jus’ racing n’ racing with you. i needed to smoke.”

you admitted, dragging out the sentence for longer than it had to be.

that’s how johnny knew it wasn’t you talking anymore. the weed took over your brain, it took over your senses, it took over your mouth—it took over you.

he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want to hear those words, though.

johnny just wished you were sober when you said it.

ponyboy curtis

“why’re you here, y/n?”

“why are you here, ponyboy?”

the alcohol on your breath reeked. the way you slurred your words made him cringe.

he hated you when you were drunk. pony hated it so much to the point where you stopped drinking all together.

you were clearly back into the habit now. he scoffed, wishing he hadn’t come out of the house party to sit outside. if he knew you were on the steps too, he’d have done a u-turn.

too late, though. you seen him and ponyboy couldn’t hold back a sarcastic comment.

“my friends are here.”

“you got friends?”

“yes.”

you chuckled at his answer. despite the alcohol in your system, you laugh reminded him of the good times; when you were sober.

“i thought you quit.”

ponyboy kicked the red solo cup beside you, watching it roll down the steps.

“nope.”

you replied, popping the ‘p’ in the word. he scoffed, walking to sit beside you. the steps creaked as he sat down.

your movements were slowed as you turned your head to face him, your chin in the palm of your hands as the other gripped a half-full cup tightly.

it was an awkward several minutes of you borderline admiring him while he looked up at the stars in the sky.

after awhile, he finally snapped and asked you in an agitated tone,

“why are you looking at me?”

“i miss you, y’know. i’m sorry.”

ponyboy paused, feeling like a little kid again. only for a second, however. then the irritation came back.

why can’t you say this sober? pony would’ve done anything to hear you say that sober.

sodapop curtis

“you’re gonna get yourself killed if you keep wandering off,”

he warned as he held your wrist tightly, pulling you away from the road. even when you were tipsy, you stumbled over your feet.

being blackout drunk, however, made it hard for you to even process that you had legs attached to your body. you walked like a rag doll.

“sorry..”

“i don’t want ‘sorry’s, y/n.”

“i’m sorry.”

sodapop doesn’t even know why he bothered. you wouldn’t take in anything he told you.

he was walking you home. you were so drunk at the party steve dragged him to, he had to make sure you were good.

even if it meant walking your ex home at midnight.

“you smell nice, soda.”

“thank you,”

he mumbled in response, keeping his head straight forward. if he looked back at you, he didn’t trust himself to not cry or engulf you in a hug.

sodapop hated the way you two ended things, but he hated the relationship more.

as you two neared your house, he seen your porch light on and audible sighed. at least someone was home to care for you in this state.

“i’m so, so sorry, soda. i’m such a fucking idiot-”

“no, you aren’t.”

“yes, i am. i lost you.”

tears brimmed in your eyes as you thought back to your mistakes, the vodka making your emotions 10x stronger. the alcohol made you say stuff you didn’t mean or believe.

and soda knew that.

an apology was all he wanted. but, he wished you were sober to tell him that.

darry curtis

“you should know better by now.”

“i’m a grown woman, darry.”

he knew that. he seen the joint between your fingers as you sat out on your steps. he was scolding you like he was your boyfriend again.

“that doesn’t mean your lungs won’t be effected.”

it felt nice to be taken care of again. you missed darry.

“i miss you, dare.”

“no, you don’t.”

he replied sternly. he was, also, a grown man. he knew damn well that it wasn’t your actual feelings.

darry was the first person to call you out on your bullshit; always.

“i’m sorry,”

“be better, y/n.”

darry had to walk off before he did something stupid. he had to before he started to console you, before he started to treat you like a girlfriend again.

hearing you apologize, hearing you say you miss him wasn’t what he needed.

but god, he wanted you to be sober when you said those words so bad.

[4v4ia]

The Lights [Finnick Odair x Reader]

warnings: (panic attack),, n just overall cuteness overload !1!1!<3

You were having yet another panic attack inside the bunker, Katniss was by your side in an instant when Finnick was nowhere to be seen. “Deep breaths in, deep breaths out. Follow after me,” she whispered, rocking you back in forth in her arms. You tried following her directions but in the end, you failed and your panic attack was getting worse and worse.

“Is she okay?” Peeta asked Katniss, who looked back with a ‘does she look okay?’ look towards him. ‘ go get Finnick . NOW ’ she mouthed to Peeta, he nodded and walked off.

It was just you and Katniss again, and Katniss felt you to the core. You had just started to hyperventilate, and all she could do was hold you close to her body to keep you warm and try to get you back on track.

About ten minutes after Peeta had left the two of you, pairs of footsteps clicking to the floor could be heard. Katniss turned her head towards the sound, and exhaled out when she saw Peeta and Finnick behind. “Thanks for looking after her Kat.” Finnick nodded his head towards her, “she is my best friend. I’d be a bad best friend if I didn’t do anything,” Katniss gently lifted you up, the two of you walking towards Finnick.

“Hey, hey princess. What’s wrong? What’s got you so worked up?” Finnick took you into his arms, thanking Katniss once again as the other two walked away to who knows where. “I- I- I shot him,” you whispered, your hands going to your face to scratch at it. Finnick grabbed ahold of your hands, rubbing them gently with his thumbs. “That’s not what we’re gonna do today,” he chuckled with a soft smile.

Whenever you had panic attacks, you’d always scratch your face to the point it bled. Finnick helped you get out of that mess. He led you to the stairs, always getting permission for you to go outside the bunker just to look at the stars whenever you had your panic attacks.

He led you up the stairs, at a slow pace to not startle you. “How was your day, my love?” He hummed, wrapping an arm around your back and rubbing it slowly with his hand.

Finnick waited a few minutes for you to calm a bit down, he knew whenever he started conversations it would take some time for you to answer. “O—Okay,” you stuttered out. “What was your favorite part of your day?” He asked you.

You twiddled with his other hand that held yours. Playing with the golden ring on his ring finger. You smiled softly. “waking up next to you,” you whispered. the tears from your eyes finally came to a stop, wet streaks visible on your cheeks with your puffy red eyes. “Really?” Finnick’s lips turn to a huge wide smile onto his face. You giggled softly and nodded. “Really.” You repeated.

The two of you finally got to the top, and both of you had to climb up the ladder. Finnick got up there first to open the trap door, and then you followed suit. He grabbed your hands to pick you up quicker, and then sat you on the dirt ground. He closed the trap door and placed grass over it.

The two of you walked and walked till you got to your safe log that was surrounded by trees and bushes, big enough to fit you and Finnick sitting on the green green fresh grass. You sat on the said grass, while Finnick sat on the log behind you.

You leaned back into him, getting comfortable as Finnick wrapped his arms around your waist. You grabbed ahold of his hands and started to play with them, while you heard Finnick counting the stars.

“You’re never gonna get them all,” you giggle out, looking up at him from your spot. He looked down at you, “you made me lose my spot.” He pouted. “How many stars did you have in counting just right now?” You asked.

“50. 50 stars.” Finnick hummed. You made a duck look face, moving your lips to signal to Finnick you wanted a kiss. He chuckled and leaned down to you, to kiss you softly. He pulled away, his eyes half open as he looked at you with nothing but love.

“I love you,” Finnick spoke, kissing your lips once more.

“I love you too.”

[every-aj-needs-an-angel]

Okay this one's been stuck in my head all day but I have absolutely time to write it so please share this vision with me

Try as they might, Steve and Robin couldn't get tickets to Chrissy Cunningham's arena tour, but they could get tickets to a festival she was playing.

The last thing Steve ever wanted to do was go and stand in a muddy field for sixteen hours while they waited for the headline act. But he was pretty sure Robin was in love with her favourite musician, and he wasn't about to deny his best friend a chance at love.

So he helped her make personalised t-shirts because honestly all the other bands in the line-up kinda sounded like they sucked.

His read, "Only Here for Chrissy" on the front and "I'm Steve" on the back and Robin's read "Chrissy, Will You Be My Girlfriend?" on the front and "If Lost, Please Return To Steve" on the back.

And it turned out, as they stood against the barrier in a not so muddy field, on a lovely, warm, but overcast, May day, that even bands that sucked could be fun. Even if it was only because they spent their day with earplugs in, so their eardrums wouldn't combust, bitching about each artist's lack of ability to put notes or an outfit together.

During the lunchtime intermission, the pair made friends with the lesbian couple next to them, Kayla and Jess, who were also eagerly awaiting Chrissy's set and similarly liked to mock those who committed crimes against sound and fashion. Steve was glad to have met them, they were really nice, and he felt better about leaving her to use the bathroom or to fetch food, knowing Robin was in safe hands.

He also felt better about letting her wander off, not that it stopped him from stressing out when she and Kayla had been missing for over fifteen minutes. He spread himself out to keep their places against the railing with his back to the stage, watching the crowd intently. Jess wasn't quite as chatty once they were alone, but she seemed content enough, bobbing along to the band that'd appeared on the stage.

Steve didn't turn back around to face the stage until he spotted the girls heading back towards them, he gave them a wave and turned around to look at the guys who hadn't been attempting to destroy anyone's hearing and was met with the face of the most gorgeous man he'd ever seen. Pretty face, long curly hair tied up in a bun, muscle tee showing off his many tattoos, piercings and chains and glittery Docs; Steve felt himself owl blink and blush.

God's gift to mankind was kneeling centre stage, guitar in hand making the most beautiful sounds Steve had ever heard as his fingers flew over the strings, and it was only when the rest of the band kicked back in that the man looked up, winked directly at Steve, and then jumped back to his feet, spending the rest of the song bouncing around the stage.

Steve only realised his mouth was agape when Robin finally arrived next to him and elbowed him hard in the ribs, giving him the same look she did whenever he was embarrassing in the club. He watched the rest of the Corroded Coffin, according to the backdrop, set in awe. Screaming and clapping along when they wished everyone a great day, throwing picks and drumsticks into the crowd and taking a bow; patting each other on the back as they wandered offstage.

As soon as it was quiet again, Robin wanted to know what the hell was wrong with his face and honestly, he couldn't answer her. He didn't even believe in love, not for himself at least, and he certainly didn't believe in love at first sight. It didn't stop him from spending the next couple of hours watching the faces at the sides of the stage, hoping to catch a glimpse of his new favourite guitarist, though.

As soon as Chrissy hit the stage, Steve got lost, between filming the set and watching Robin trying not to hyperventilate when Chrissy spotted her t-shirt, pointed to her, and giving her a coy little wink, blew her a kiss.

"An old school friend is here with me tonight, and I'd like him to help me out with this next track. Especially for the beauty in the front row, this is Girlfriend!"

The crowd went wild as the beat kicked in, but Steve was still watching Robin because it looked like she'd stopped breathing altogether. That was until she gasped loudly and started smacking Steve in the way she always did whenever she got overly excited; pointing wildly at the stage, and it was only when he looked over he saw Corroded Coffins guitarist bouncing up and down next to Chrissy.

Instead of the black muscle vest and skinny jeans he'd been sporting earlier in the day, he had changed into pale blue board shorts and a baggy white t-shirt that read "Hey Steve!" written in black sharpie with a giant winking smiley face underneath that could only really be seen when he swung his guitar around his back to copy Chrissy's dance moves.

The song ended, and the friends hugged, Chrissy waving him off the stage and calling out, "Eddie Munson everybody!" letting the crowd go wild for her friend before launching into the rest of her set.

By the time Chrissy had actually left the stage, Robin looked exhausted, having screamed and sung and danced herself out. They hung around a bit, said goodbye to Kayla and Jess, wishing them a safe journey home, and they were just taking one last look at the now empty stage when he heard someone yell his name...

[legendofmorons]

Written in the stars (forever on loop) chapter ten - Hold my hand its a long way down

Pairing: poly chain x reader

Rating: T

Summary: While you and Warriors manage to make it out of the river, okay with some first aid, he has a crippling realization. Everyone gets to go through a portal, and you have another dream.

(Aka: Wars wouldn't let me give him a Gentle Realization, so I had to what him with the angst stick repeatedly. Now he's waxing poetic about grief. Sky is having a bad day, and Four wants to fight whoever made migraines. Also, you have a funky dream.)

Warnings: descriptions of injury, ptsd, angst, grief, cursing, water

Other: If I missed anything, please let me know.

Previous Masterlist Next

-------

You break the water with shuddering, wheezing breaths that hurt and send pain shooting up your spine. Your vision has black dots in it, and there's a distinct sense of bad familiarity.

Dull throbbing spikes through your ribs.

Warriors grips your wrist, and you try to focus on that. It gives you an anchor.

He has you. The thought comes from the same place as the dreams, but you know it's true.

Every breath rattles and blood seems to splatter up your throat.

You are still being dragged further and further from the now broken bridge by the current.

Your free arm works to keep you above water, and pain makes your vision blur.

Your only anchor to reality is the hand on your wrist. Pain and fear make a great mixture to cause confusion for you.

You manage to snag a low hanging branch on reflex well before you register seeing it. Your torso hurts, and your head pounds as you grip the branch with every bit of determination you have.

Apparently, you have a lot of will.

(You probably need it to keep up with the heroes of courage. They can be more stubborn than a mule.)

The bark is rough as your hand clings with every ounce of determining you have.

Warriors manages to get to your side and grab the branch with his hand after struggling.

You take your now free hand to grip the branch with both hands.

"Are you okay?"

"Breathing hurts," you wheeze in a horrible rattle.

Warriors loses all the blood in his face and does an impressive job of cursing up a storm in words that barely register.

Pain and dread lace your entire being.

Warriors drags himself to the shore with the branch. He's so strong. And handsome...

He turns and looks to you, holding out and hand and saying something -

What is he saying?

You really should work on getting to the river bank.

You slowly, painfully, and shakily inch yourself to the river bank.

Spots swim in your vision.

("Slow breaths, Dove. If you hyperventilate, it makes it worse faster," a man soothes weakly as he holds you to his chest.)

You focus on breathing slowly and inching your hands along.

The water pressing against your ribs is torture.

Wheezing coughs and half escaping whines sound without your permission or knowledge.

The sensation is familliar, like the dream from before with the spear...

Does he feel the similarities?

You just have to get to Link Warriors. He'll help.

He always helps. He's so good. He's a great hero.

He's so sweet to you, always helping you out.

As soon as you're in range, Warriors grabs your waist and yanks you up out of the water and onto land.

He stands you up carefully, supporting you as you fight gravity. His hands sit on your waist and your shoulder, a familiar and welcome weight.

His hands are so warm.

He's like the sun because he's... your head is too dizzy to finish the thought.

There's something in your bag you need. What is it?

The thing is... red.

You like red.

( It's a pretty color that means safety and apples and maybe some pink fur?

Bag.

Your bag has the thing you need.

"Stay with me," Warriors says.

You blink, vision blurring as you try to meet his gaze.

"Link," you slur, fighting for clarity.

The name feels so nice on your tongue.

Warriors makes a punched out sound.

You set your hands on his biceps, trying to smile. He shouldn't look so upset.

"My bag. Red... thing," You manage.

-------

"Link," you slur out.

His name on your lips like this shakes something loose.

He never told you his name was Link -

Oh.

Oh, Golden Three, you're his Dove.

You're ... you.

He can't lose you.

Not again.

Not like this.

The wheezing breathes claw at his heart.

A sound punches its way out of his throat as his heart clenches.

Your hands flop up onto his biceps as he keeps you steady and you grimace.

"My bag. Red... thing," you say weaker.

Warriors dosen’t understand. Your bag?

Red thing?

What could a red thing possibly-

A potion.

You must still have that red potion Legend gave you.

Warriors owes the vet a huge debt of thanks. The potion may very well be your saving grace, and no one else thought to leave you a lifeline but the grumpy man.

Hylia bless Legend, Warriors is getting him something. Later, though.

Now, he has to focus on you.

"Okay, okay, hold on. Let me get your bag," Warriors soothes as his voice trembles.

Warriors moves you around until he can get into your bag, and he focuses as hard as he can on getting the potion.

Your bag is soaked inside.

He digs around blindly until his fingers close around a wet bottle. His finger brush something small and wooden, soaked through but irrelevant to him in the moment.

Warriors pulls out the bottle and looks back to you.

You're looking and sounding worse by the second.

"Stay with me, Dove. Come on," Warriors all but begs.

He moves you again so he has the bottle to your lips.

"Link?" You slur again, helplessly.

His name in your voice is the best and worst thing. He can not help but preen at the fact you are back and saying his name, but you are still in danger of leaving again.

"Drink this, it'll help," he instructs firmly.

Warriors tips the bottle and breathes out a sigh of relief as you drink the potion.

He holds you as you groan, keeping you upright as the potion starts its work.

Your form slumps into him, soaking wet and wheezing but alive.

You groan again, blinking as your gaze seems to sharpen.

That is reassuring, you are probably more aware.

Warriors is saying sweet nothings on reflex. They are reassuring and soft.

"Wars?" You groan.

Back to his nickname then, but you sound more coherent, which is good.

"Right here de- do you feel better?" He asks, stuttering over the start of an endearment and tripping over the question.

You sigh and give a weak laugh. "I don't think it's done... but yes. Thanks for helping me."

"It's nothing," Warriors manages. "If it's for y- it's what anyone would do."

He could curse himself. You haven't brought up that you're his Dove.

He should respect that.

When are you from, anyway?

Where is your Link? Is that why you haven't brought it up?

Or do you just not remember and almost dying made you so delirious you thought he was your Link?

He isn't sure what he wants the answers to be.

(That's a lie. He wants you to remember, and he wants you to want him still. He wants to be good enough.)

"Well, I'm still thankful," you say.

"I - we should try to find the others," Warriors manages.

You nod, "Probably a good plan..."

"We can wait until you're all the way healed?" He suggests.

"I... if we could wait til breathing doesn't hurt, I'd appreciate that?" You manage.

Warriors nods, "Of course."

He could never make anyone move after that unless there are bigger issues, let alone make you do so.

Oh.

Oh, you're here.

You're here.

You're alive.

Those wheezing coughs from before are not the same seal of fate this time.

Wherever your Link is, he is not losing you today.

Warriors aches to kiss your face and soothe you further, but you don't seem to want that from him.

Does your Link know where you are?

Does he think you're already gone?

Do you... remember being his Dove?

Warriors looks at your face and gets lost in your eyes.

He dosen’t mean to!

It's just so easy.

He never thought he would see your eyes again!

Yet, here they are. They are just as easy to drown in as he remembers.

Sunlight hits them just right, and he thinks you look ethereal.

Oh, Warriors has done nothing but miss you since that horrible ambush.

How long has he been wasting time with you?

Knowing that you are you makes things so much better, but also so much worse.

You still seem more than happy to ignore your shield and entirely too willing to be someone's shield anyway. This is something he'll have to help you stop. This habit will not be your end a second time, not on his watch.

How is he to interact with you now? You are still so achingly you, and yet you seem unaware or unwilling to bring up the past.

Warriors can't help but wonder how many lives there are between this version of you and the version that he yearns for.

Does it even truly matter?

It's you no matter what.

You with your unyielding love.

You with your hidden stubborn streak that you have to have to keep up with heroes.

You with your empathy and kind heart.

Dove isn't a good enough name for you. You are far kinder and more lovely than any symbol Warriors knows.

"Are you okay?" You ask, voice cutting through his poetic thoughts.

Warriors gives his most reassuring smile, "I'm fine. How are you feeling?"

"Aside from the portal that just opened, I'm good," you say with a shrug.

Portal?

Warriors looks over, and sure enough, there is a portal right there.

"We need to find the others," Warriors says immediately. "We can't just go through without them."

You hum, looking over to him. "No one left behind then?"

"No one left behind," Warriors says as he pushes away memories.

You give a soft nod, face twisting as if you, too, have unpleasant memories at hand. However, after a moment, you look at him and nod again. "I guess we should go find them."

"We should."

You take a deep breath, moving to check your bag for something. You seem to find it, letting out a laugh of relief before closing your bag.

Warriors watches as you set your shoulders and look to him with an emotion he isn't willing to examine.

"Any idea how to start?" You ask.

"We should probably walk towards where we last saw them," he says with confidence he isn't sure he feels.

Your gaze burns him in the best way. He feels as though he is Icarus.

Should he get too close to the sun, he shall fall, and should he get too close to the sea, he shall fall then too.

You are the sun. His sun.

The sea is being too far from you.

You give him a half nervous grin, and he just wants to make you understand you never have to be nervous about him.

"Ready?" You ask him.

He is willing to do anything and go anywhere for you.

Warriors nods, "I am."

"Let's go then," you offer.

You both start walking along the river, upstream in hopes of seeing your group.

-------

Four goes through the portal last with Legend at his side.

The world flips and spins and does some strange third thing. His head throbs, and light hurts.

Four emerges with the start of a killer migraine, gaze sweeping across the group, and their sour expressions.

Gone is the forest.

They are in the middle of some grassy plain area.

Lovely.

"That's everyone except Warriors and (Y/n)," Hyrule calls.

"We should stay here. Maybe they just have to come here too?" Wind offers.

Four just bites his cheek. He doubts that very much, but it's all he can do to stay upright just now.

Spooky is pacing around Wind for the most part, though they do loop around the entire group every so often.

"They could be anywhere," Legend says tightly.

"I'm starting to think (Y/n) is cursed," Wind sighs heavily.

The entire group either winces or flinches at that.

Legend actually makes a sound that sounds painful. "That would be wild..."

Four turns his attention to Legend.

The veteran knows something.

Something big.

Four files this information away, under the label 'to deal with when the light dosen’t feel like a lobotomy will feel kinder'.

Screaming draws his attention.

Two figures fall out of a portal a good ten feet up, flailing.

"I HATE PORTALS!" Your voice shrieks.

Four groans at the volume, but he is right behind you on the sentiment.

Legend is cursing as he runs forward in a burst of speed towards you.

Spooky darts off with the veteran.

You and Warriors hit the ground in a nasty belly flop with a loud thud and several groans.

Four winces. Falls like that are never any good.

The entire group starts towards you.

Four stops with the others a few feet from you.

You and Warriors are pushing to sit on your knees, groaning.

"I don't know who's making those portals, but I don't think I like them," you groan weakly.

Legend chuckles weakly as he hovers at your side. He looks you over closely, "You look like shit, what happened?"

Twilight elbows the veteran sharply. He hisses a sharp "Legend."

Four thinks the motion is well deserved.

"You're okay!" Wind says.

Spooky seems to think you are well. They launch at you, knocking you onto your side and demanding your attention.

"Ack- Spooky!" You wheeze in a laugh.

Spooky is purring as they headbutt your shoulders and arms, weaseling closer.

Four bites his cheek again, closing his eyes against the image of you happy and alive.

For all that you are not his jewl, you are as close as he will get. Every chance he has to re-write the last time he saw them is one he will take.

"You know Spooky has been upset?" Wind prompts.

Four has to bite back the urge to correct the teen. 'Upset' is a nice way to put it.

'Anxious and borderline territorial' is a better way to say it.

The panther is not keen on anything outside the chain when you are missing. Frankly, Four is just glad the panther likes the heroes enough to not kill them.

"Aw, pumpkin, it's okay. I try to keep the accident to near death experiences or better," You coo.

Four opens his eyes and nearly asks if you are experiencing a concussion. Nothing you say is making any sense.

"What if we kept the accidents to zero?" Warriors asks with a look that shows he dosen’t believe it possible.

"I like the sound of that," Legend agrees.

"I don't control the rate at which my life is threatened," you say as you sit up.

Spooky is sprawling across your lap now.

Four is pretty sure he's going to die of a heart attack now. You are trying to terrify him and everyone else.

"Just remember you have a shield for a reason. Okay?" Warriors sighs heavily.

You give a nod, "Okay."

Four isn't sure why that matters so much, but it seems to. Something nags at him, but he can't place it.

The smithy watches you try to push Spooky away si you cab get up.

"Come on, Spooks," You coax, "let me up."

The panther seems to go boneless, stopping you from getting up.

You groan, "Pumpkin, you're being rude. Let me up."

Wind laughs.

Four watches as you manage to just wiggle and roll side to side until the panther finally stands up from the jostling and disturbance.

You snort.

Four watches as Legend holds a hand out to you, face going strange. It's soft and guarded at once.

You take Legend's hand with a soft smile, pulling yourself to your feet. "Thanks, Ledge."

"Anytime," Legend manages before he crosses his arms.

Four is not well enough to play detective, but Legend knows something about you, and it's got the veteran acting differently.

The blacksmith just hopes it's not bad news. He can't take more bad news.

Warriors and Legend alike hover by you, both are practically buzzing and watching you intently.

Four... he needs a nap before he deals with any of this.

-------

You end up making camp a mile or so from where the portal was. No one is ready to walk too far, and apparently, they are worrying about you after the river.

They don't need to worry. You're fine, you're breathing and everything!

Telling them that seems a little cruel, so you just tell them you are better now that the potion is done working.

Legend and Warriors are practically hovering near you, and their gazes are heavy.

Sky is far away from you with Time, both of them doing their own thing. The old man polishes his sword while Sky whiddles.

"I still can't believe you're luck. How do you get into so many situations?" Wind asks from where he sits on a low tree branch.

You shake your head, "Who knows? Thanks for the seagull, I think it really is a good luck charm."

Wind grins, "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

The boy swings his legs happily.

You pull out an apple to toss to Epona and smile when she takes it.

"You make me think a lot of my friend, you even gave the same name," Wind grins.

You choke a little, "Oh?"

"It's good!"

"Then, good?" You manage.

Wind laughs, "I think so!"

"Spooky seems to like you," you smile at the boy.

Wind beams at you, swinging his legs a little faster. "I know! Spooky is awesome! Their purr is so low!"

"I know, right?"

"I can't believe you get a panther, but I can't keep a crab," Wind sighs.

You smile, chest warming in a way that feels nice. "Well, to be fair, Spooky can hunt their own food. How would you take care of a crab right now?"

"We tried that tactic," Legend huffs.

You bite back a laugh, "Oh?"

Wind rolls his eyes, "Moss. It's like forest alagee!"

"Okay, well, don't crabs need the ocean?"

"Well, yeah... I guess."

"How about we just share Spooky, hm?" You offer.

Wond gasps. "Really?"

"Really."

"You're literally the second coolest person I know!"

"Only second?" Legend gapes. "They're willing to share their panther, and you give them second?"

You choke on a laugh, "Who's the coolest?"

Wind gives a bright grin, eyes going incredibly fond like when he talks about his loved ones. "The coolest person I know is my (y/n), they blew up a whole boat of monsters with a well placed bomb flower!"

The idea of doing that sounds... exciting. At least you know your past lives are anything but boring.

"That's - wow," Legend manages. "Of course your best friend is crazy too."

"Be nice," you say easily, shooting Legend a playful huff.

Legend rolls his eyes.

"They're the coolest," Wind grins.

Warriors just smiles tightly, choosing to chime in, "Most (Y/n)s are."

You can't help the way your heart swells. Despite your strange situation, of both not really knowing these heroes and also remembering specific things, you can't help the fondness for your boys.

"You're a flatterer, Wars."

Warriors makes a sound, "Oh."

"Are you okay?" You ask.

"You look like shit," Wind informs helpfully.

"I - it's been a long day," Warriors says.

That's deflection if you've ever heard one, especially from the captain. You frown, "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," he says.

You let it go.

Dinner is nice, and Wind keeps your attention with stories that may or may not be true. You don't mind, though, sometimes embellishing stories is what makes them fun.

You try to convince the boys to let you take a watch shift tonight, but no one is biting. The idea is dead on arrival.

By the time you go to bed after making sure to give both Epona and Spooky some love, you are dead on your feet. Exhaustion pours off of you in waves.

You set up your bedroll near enough to the for to see and be a comfortable temperature. Wind, Warriors, and Legend all set up their own bedding near you.

Warriors and Legend are both still oddly tense and hovering.

Sky sets his bedroll up near Twilight and Hyrule. He seems to be having such a hard day. Poor thing.

Sleep comes for you quickly. It claims you as easily as it can, luring you to dream land.

-------

"There you are, I was wondering where you ran off to," Link says as he snakes his arms around you from behind.

You laugh, readjusting the picnic basket in your hands. "I was setting up our surprise date, and you snuck away to find me early? Naughty."

Link laughs, hugging you a little closer. "I missed you. I know why we're living on different sides of the cloud barrier - your educational is important, and I'm glad you're doing it! - I just miss you."

You smile, moving to hold the basket in one and turn in his arms so you are pressed together front to front. You wrap your free arm around his shoulders. "I miss you too, but there's two more months of this, and then I'll join you on the surface."

"I know."

You laugh, leaning to kiss his nose.

He wrinkles his nose on instinct, but he smiles at you anyway.

"Come on, help me set out lunch."

"I'll help you with anything," Link says easily as he lets go of you.

"My hero," you hum fondly.

"As often as you need me, Sunshine."

You and Link distribute lunch and fall into easy talking.

You catch up together.

Link tells you about how things are going on the surface. He talks about how the settlement is going and how Impa is. He tells you about Groose's latest schemes and how Zelda beat the man in arm wrestling.

He tells you about the kiwis and about the lack of progress with Fi.

He tells you about Karen and Pippit clearing out bokoblins and falling into a stream.

You tell him above school and work. You tell him about Gaepora's latest assembly and about how you're working on a trick with your loftwing.

You tell him about how Peatrice is still snippy and cool, how she needs to get over her grudge.

It's nice.

You eat and laugh.

When you finish eating and putting everything back in the basket aside from the blanket, you end up with Link's head in your lap.

You run your fingers through his air and smile.

"You're warm," Sky yawns.

"You're going to fall asleep on me, aren't you?" You ask.

You don't mind if he does fall asleep. It's a compliment that he feels comfortable enough with you to do so. Especially after his quest.

"No," Sky says like a liar, though to be fair, he probably believes himself.

You snort fondly, "Alright."

"You know, when I miss you, I find myself playing with the earing you gave me," Link says softly.

You feel your heart swell. The earing is a traditional courting gift in Skyloft. It has a feather from each person's loftwing and shows that the relationship is serious.

Link has his, and you have yours, and they're a set.

"Yeah?" You ask.

Link smiles, soft and indulgent, as he looks up at you. "Yeah. It helps me on bad days, knowing I have your support and love anywhere I go."

"You always will, sweetheart."

"I hope so. You know you have my support and love, right? Forever?"

You can't handle how soft that makes you. It's so earnest that you have no choice but to believe him. "Even if I got hurt and lost all my memories?"

Link nods sagely, reaching for your free hand to lace his fingers through it. He rests your hands by his shoulder and your knee. "I would. I'd love you and enjoy learning about you again."

"You're a sap," you breathe out.

"Maybe. Would you love me even if you lost all your memories?" Link asks.

Why he asks about you losing memories instead of him seems... Important, but you can't say why.

"I think I'd fall for you all over."

"Good."

-------

You jolt awake from your dream, a name on your tongue you just barely bite back.

"Are you okay?" Sky asks softly from where he sits by the fire, carving something from wood.

You take a few deep breaths as you nod. Blinking as you stare at the face from your dream.

You... wow, that's a lot to process.

"I - just a weird dream.... I think I might have been a psychic once," you manage.

Sky nods, "Do you... need anything?"

"No... I just... have a lot to think about."

"Okay."

Sky falls silent, gaze falling back to his church of wood even as his hands stay still.

You take more deep breaths.

Apparently, you called losing your memories and falling for Sky again. Well, you fell for a virtual imitation, but still.

What are you going to do with these memories?

How do you reconcile snapshots of lives that are your own but also aren't?

Are you going to learn something horrible?

All you want is to curl up by Sky right now, mind still clinging to the soft comfort in the dream. You will not do that, but you crave it.

Spooky comes to you from the trees and lays down, pressing along your side before they start purring.

"Spooky really loves you. They nearly jumped after you. Twilight had to scruff them, I think Wild has pictures," Sky offers.

You set a hand on Spooky at pet them ifily. "I can't believe he scuffed a panther."

"Neither did Spooky," Sky huffs.

You smile, stifling a yawn. "I bet."

"I'm... I'm glad you're okay. You scared us when you and Warriors fell into the river, and then we got forced through a portal."

"It scared me too," you admit. You wouldn't say it to anyone outside the group, but they won't tease you. Not for this.

Sky nods, "I'm sure. Do you think you can sleep?"

"I should at least try. Sorry if I startled you," You manage as you lay back down.

Sky shakes his head, "Don't be. Get some rest."

"You too."

-------

Next

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[fandom-random-help]

Part 1

Part 2 of Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Military!Reader

As the days went on, the mission should've ended quicker than expected. Nothing prepared you for the ambush. It all happened so fast. One minute you and Soap are finishing up a stealth mission, quickly and efficiently gathering all the intel you needed to go home. The next? Getting shot at while you think you made it into the clear.

You and Soap kept running to get out of range, but they were following close behind. The woods you were both running in was rough terrain and with it being dark out made it difficult to navigate. Gunshots and yelling rang out from behind you as you could feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins. That's when you spot it, a river to your left. You look at Soap, who is also on your left, and devise a plan. "You're gonna hate me for this Sudsy." You say as you tackle Soap until you both are rolling down the hill, off the beaten path, and into the river. The water felt cold as it hit your skin, cooling you down from the deadly marathon you just ran. Harsh breaths and running water was all you could hear as you slowly calmed your once rapid heart-rate. Soap turns to you and lets out a little laugh.

"Christ Bonnie, didn't think you were that tough." Was all he said as you begin sit up. You winced. You looked down and notice you've been shot on you right side. Not too critical, but bad enough it needed medical attention. Soap quickly got up to assess your state. He quickly grabbed for his radio to talk to anyone who would listen. He called for medical help and when asked what happened all he said was that you were shot. On the other end of the radio Price is worried, Gaz is keeping cool on the outside, and Ghost? He was internally panicking.

Why didn't he go with you? Why did he choose to stay with Price and Gaz? Why did he ignore your insistence on having him go with you? Why did he push you away?

All these thoughts were running through his mind as he wondered how bad it was.

Meanwhile, Soap was getting you to a safepoint. It started out easy, you were able to walk so nothing was a hassle. That was until the blood loss really hit and it was getting harder to stand, to see, to think. Soap noticed and caught you before you could hit the ground and carried you the rest of the way. He kept urging you to stay awake and think of "happy things" as he put it.

All you could think about was Simon. It's who you always thought about in times like this, but right now, it was anxiety-inducing.

How is he going to react? How is he going to look at you now? Will he leave you? Will he even tell you?

You were so caught up in the what ifs that you didn't realize you were crying. Your chest felt heavier than usual. Your breaths were short and quick. Soap reassured you that you were almost there and he wasn't lying. It felt like mere seconds had passed and then you were laying in a makeshift bed. The field medic slowly started removing your gear as Soap stood by, worried for you.

"I'm going to have to remove your mask. I can't have you hyperventilate." The medic said as she reached for the mask. You flinched away from her and asked if you could have privacy first. She nodded and turned to Soap telling him to leave. He wasn't about to let that happen. He watched you almost die on the way to the medic and he wanted to make sure you were okay. He was about to argue until you yelled, "Soap can I just have some goddamn peace! I don't want anyone to see me!" He was taken aback by your words until you whispered out. "My boyfriend is gonna kill me when he sees me like this." Before he could get any words out the medic ushered him out of the room.

Soap made it to the rest of the team when they started bombarding him with questions of what happened? and were you alright? He explained what happened on the mission to the guys while Ghost stood in the corner taking it all in. When Soap got to the end and said your boyfriend was going to kill you if he seen you injured. Everybody froze.

"Boyfriend? Since when did she have a boyfriend?" Gaz asked.

"She never said anything about a boyfriend the entire time she's been with us." Price stated.

"Maybe he's a prick." Ghost said, cutting everybody's attention towards him. He shruged and continued, "She never talks about him, she said he would kill her if she was injured, she's always quiet when we talk about our relationships. If I'd known any better I'd say he's a prick."

That's when the theories started rolling about what kind of boyfriend you had. Gaz thinks he's verbally abusive as you always seem a little stunned when you recieve compliments or praise for your work. Price thinks you were worried about him finding out about your job since you never brought him up until you were hurt. Soap thinks he probably has the ugliest mug anybody has ever laid eyes on and you stay with him out of pity even though he isn't right for you. Ghost doesn't say anything the whole time. He feels like he's said enough, but it makes him wonder how bad your life is outside of work must be if you never talk about it.

You, on the other hand, are in pain and calming down from the slight anxiety attack earlier. The medic bandaged you up, but said you needed to be treated back at base. Since you and Soap's mission was the finishing touch to the deployment it meant you would be back on base quicker than you thought. You left two days before the rest of the task force due to your injury. The ride on heli back to base was...silent. Not even your anxious thinking was loud. You missed the guys though, wondered how they were taking it.

You were whisked away to the infirmary as soon as you touched the ground. You got a proper physical exam, and was given the order to rest and recover. You told the nurses that you didn't want visitors. You were a private person, and having anyone see you hurt felt almost uncomfortable. After getting settled in your room you pulled out your phone. Numerous texts and phone calls raided your phone's notifications. All of them were from Simon. You almost got choked up knowing you've been ignoring, but not ignoring your boyfriend the entire month. You knew you couldn't keep doing this. You had to tell him whether you liked it or not. He had to know, for your sake and his.

The guys made it back two days later. As soon as they got on base they walked to the infirmary. Soap and Gaz were practically running to the front desk. After a long back and forth with the nurses, they were turned away defeated and disappointed. "I can't believe she doesn't want to see us? We're her friends." Soap says, almost heartbroken. "You think it has something to do with her boyfriend?" Gaz questioned. Ghost rolled his eyes as he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He froze slightly, but kept walking with the guys. After a few seconds, he quietly separated from the group and went to his room. He closed the door and pulled out his phone. It was a text from you that read:

"Sorry Baby! I've been sooooo busy with work lately. I did want to let you know I might be a few days late coming home. Flight schedules are fucked. I love you so much and I hope you made it home safe <3"

He smiled a little. This meant he could suprise you when you actually come home. He replied back:

"It's alright love. Made it home just fine. You be safe coming back home. I love you."

Simon spent that night doing his paperwork and filing his action report. After he was done he took his papers and walked down the hall to Price's office. The light was still on in his office so Simon knocked on the door. "It's open." Price said plainly. Simon walks in and noticed that Price is staring at the phone on his desk. "Somethin' wrong Cap'n?" Simon asked. Price sighed, "I'm supposed to call Grasshopper's emergency contact, but I'm worried it might start something that she doesn't need right now." Simon huffed, "It's protocol Cap. Might as well do it. 'Sides if he causes a scene, we can take'em." Price looks up at Simon and gives a small nod. After Simon drops off his paperwork, he walks back to his room. Once he's back in his room he goes to lay down before his phone starts buzzing on his nightstand. He picks it up and looks at the caller ID.

Why is Price calling him?

Part 3

[svnscape]

30 - get me out of this place

that cannot be true.

you can't be that oblivious now can you?

you're so good at seeing right through people you couldn't have missed this. no chance.

or were you too blinded by him that he had succeeded at fooling you?

there's no way in hell.

why are you suddenly believing this?

plus who the hell texted you about this and why would they even do it?

but then why does everybody have something to say about haechan and surprisingly, or maybe not actually, it's never something good.

there was obviously something going on and the fact that you've always known something wasn't right but ignored it, for the sake of own your pride and soaring feelings, was slowly creeping up on you.

actually very quickly and frantically creeping up on you because you had barely registered the fact that you stood up from your previous peaceful spot when you felt yourself walk, or maybe even run, towards the place you knew haechan would be at.

suddenly everything is very not peaceful actually.

and maybe you shouldn’t even go there. for your own sake.

because he’d be there,

surrounded, or should you say, protected, by his perfect looking friends, the weight of his past actions buried deep down behind his charming smile that you’ve sadly fallen for.

fallen for so hard, your heart almost broke out of your rib cage when you saw him sit down by the corner of the cabin, his back to you, as jaemin was standing right front of him, eyebrows raised in what looked like frustration.

you hated how this whole thing was making you feel, hated it because you knew you were gonna find out something. something that’ll make your heart shatter so loud and quick.

you also hated how perfectly fucking believable this whole thing looked to you.

it’s like the deepest and darkest parts of your mind have finally unlocked themselves to you and gave you the power to finally see it.

see the truth.

hear the truth

“you slept with her?”

“i did, and i lo-”

“no! no i don’t want to hear it! you don’t have the right to enjoy it, to enjoy any of this actually”

“i know… i know i- i feel horrible”

“so you do know how to feel?”

“jaemin..”

“what? what?! are you finally realizing how bad you’ve fucked up? how bad you keep on fucking up? haechan you’re not 18 anymore for the love of god!”

“keep your voice down! your boyfriend is inside”

“he’s not my boyfriend and fuck! that’s not even the point. you have to tell her! it’ll maybe give you the chance to redeem yourself”

“i wa-”

“he’ll never redeem himself”

haechan wasn’t even moving in the first place but his body freezes even more.

he doesn’t even turn to look at you.

it’s jaemin who locks eyes with you first, his eyes moving from haechan’s face to yours, his gaze softening when he catches the way your reddened face twists in pain.

you hoped he wouldn’t catch the way you were so close to hyperventilating when haechan slowly stood up, his back still facing you.

jaemin eyes you carefully, slowly getting closer to you “y/n… y/n”

haechan then hears him try to calm you down with his voice and hopes he’d do it to him too because god knows how close he was to falling down to his knees in regret.

he doesn’t know how and when, but he knows you’ve found out because he saw it the moment he mustered enough courage to turn around and look at you.

he saw the hatred.

he saw the anger.

and most importantly, he saw the hurt.

it fucked him up even more and maybe the most because it’s like the world was making fun of him somehow and he hoped he was imagining it at that moment.

bur sadly for him, no.

you looked so hurt, the same way he looked the day he found out about mark’s ulterior motives.

the universe was very funny sometimes.

“y/n-”

you don’t even let him finish as you storm away, your sobs echoing around, muffling up and dimming the beautiful melodies of nature.

it almost made you feel bad.

maybe you felt bad for yourself actually.

feeling so little and used in such a beautiful place, surrounded by mother nature that was suppose to symbolize power and control.

yet you had neither at the moment.

because unfortunately for you, they had been taken away from you the moment you decided to untangle yourself with haechan and his dark secrets.

a few steps away was haechan, taking a moment to gather his thoughts.

and for some fucked up reason the first thing he thought of was turning to the side to look at jaemin before he says,

“did you tell her?”

it’s too late when he realizes how bad that made him look because jaemin doesn’t even bother responding to that, as he pushes haechan from his shoulder to trap him between his body and the wall of the cabin.

“you’re fucked in the head. go find her”

haechan shuts his eyes closed, tightly and huffs as jaemin lets him go to head inside, before he quickly tries to make his way towards you, speed walking.

“y/n! y/n slow down please” you hear him yell from behind you, his voice you once liked, aggravating to your ears.

you stop abruptly, making him stumble and back away clumsily.

“this is fucking over no matter what you say but i just need you to answer one question, and be honest or on god haechan i will do something” you almost growl at him, through your uncontrollable tears, watching him back away even further, gulping in response

“okay… yeah okay”

“did you date me to get back at mark and jeno ?”

haechan’s eyes widen but he quickly recovers, eyebrows furrowing and a hand quickly going up to his forehead to wipe it.

he looked so dumb right now and he knew that.

he knew he wasn’t courageous enough to admit it in the first go. at least not now.

he hated himself so much right now.

he gets it. he finally gets the hatred towards him.

“what ? no y/n what are you say-”

“yes or no haechan! it’s not that fucking hard” you scream, or maybe even screech, not caring if anybody was able to hear your pain-latched voice.

haechan swallows, multiple times, his face getting red and sweaty.

“i need an answer”

“yes, yes but-”

“that’s it” you turn around.

“but wait! y/n wait! hear me out please” he runs towards you to finally stand in front of you, putting both hands on your shoulders.

this was his fucking chance.

“don’t fucking touch me”

or maybe not.

“okay sorry, y/n please let me explain, it’s not what you think”

“no it’s exactly what i think and i’m so stupid for believing an asshole like you would ever love me or even slightly like me and date me because he actually has feelings for me. an egocentric piece of shit like you cannot have feelings for anybody except for themselves and i can’t believe i thought i could’ve changed that. i don’t care if you’re the reason mark spiraled or not, you’re both in the wrong but what i care about is how manipulative and mean you are. a true piece of shit” you push him away, venom spitting out of you and hitting haechan straight at the face, like a hard punch.

oh he wanted to cry so bad right now.

so fucking bad he gathered all the power left in him to hold back his tears.

he doesn’t deserve to cry.

or maybe a little?

because the way you were looking at him made him feel like he was the worst out of anything you could’ve ever encountered in your life. it made him feel so small and vulnerable, something he hates feeling and hasn’t come across since forever.

it hurt him so much it confirmed his agonizing doubts.

“i do like you y/n”

“i don’t care”

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a/n: ouch….

now who do you think blabbed….