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amoebadue · 1 month ago

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MISCOMMUNICATION

Bob Reynolds (Sentry) x Reader (Female Reader)

Contains: Mature Themes; kidnapping, murder, guns, violence, Void, threats, choking, I can’t think of anything else off the top of my head

Reader described as having hair but everything else should be fairly neutral? Jealous Bob, Jealous Reader, Miscommunication (duh lol), Bob needs a hug, mutual pining, yearning (from both), John Walker being himself? Yelena’s just trying to help, Bucky needs a nap, Reader wears a dress (picture Anastasia’s Opera Gown)

Word Count: ~10k

A/N: This is my first fic ever so please be kind. Feel free to give (friendly) feedback!!! Let me know what you guys think of this!!

Yelena had planned a girls night to find dresses for Valentina’s gala later that week. She insisted it would be good “team-bonding” (at least for the female half of our team).

“I’ll be okay. It’s not like you’ll be gone long…right?” Bob looked at You with a nervous grin.

“We’ll only be gone for a couple hours. And if you need me, I can always fake a migraine and come home early.” You winked at him. He grinned back.

“Now get up,” tugging his arm, You pulled him out of bed, “we have ‘family breakfast’ since we’ll be gone for dinner.”

—

“Order up!” Alexei had not woken up as early as he had planned. Now he has Walker, Bucky, and Bob running an assembly line of breakfast food. He tried to pass it off as “making today a girl’s day rather than just a girl’s night”. The girls weren’t about to argue with him.

“Why can’t we just eat cereal?” John muttered as he angrily flipped pancakes.

“I like cereal!” Bob looked longingly at the cabinet that held the New Avengers themed wheaties, before Alexei stood, arms crossed, between Bob and his beloved breakfast food.

“You can have cereal tomorrow. When we can have another family dinner instead.” Everyone groaned.

“We don’t need to have ‘family dinner’ every night, you know.” Ava sniped.

BEEP BEEP BEEP. BEEP BEEP BEEP.

“AHHHH Bob!! The bacon!!!” Alexei started waving his arms frantically as Bob turned back to the stove. Where there used to be a pan with bacon, there was now a 3 foot tall grease fire.

“Pour water! Get water!” Alexei yelled at John as he ran to the sink.

“That is not how you put out a grease fire!” Alexei was already running back to the stove with the glass of water.

“Walker, stop him!” Bucky rubbed his face, already exasperated.

Bob had backed himself into the corner. Coincidentally (or not), he was right next to the cereal cabinet. He grabbed the box and several bowls as he made his way back to the table.

Or he tried to get back to the table, only to be stopped as John’s shield flew past him and into Alexei’s back.

Alexei fell to the ground with his cup.

“The water! NOOOOO!”

Bucky stepped over the fallen body and put a baking sheet over the burning pan.

“Guess we’re having cereal. Again.” He side eyed Bob who was happily pouring cereal into his bowl.

You turned to Bob as he slid your bowl over, “Did you do that on purpose?”

He just winked at you. You snorted and smacked his chest lightly.

The team ate their cereal in silence. Mostly. There was the occasional sigh from Alexei as he gazed sadly at the messy kitchen.

—

After breakfast you returned to your and Bob’s shared room to finish some reports. Bob followed.

As soon as the door shut, he spoke.

“I totally did that on purpose.” Your cheeks burned red as you laughed. Reaching for her laptop, you settled into Bob’s side as he sat on the bed. He wrapped his arm around you.

“I knew it!”

After your mutual laughing fit, he turned on the tv to that week’s sports news recap while you finished writing reports. By the time you finished, it was 4 o’clock. Soon enough, Yelena would be knocking on the door to get you to leave.

You stood up and stretched. He looked at you with a lazy grin.

“You could always stay here, you know. I’m sure they’d pick a dress you’d look good in. You look good in everything.” His cheeks flushed a light pink.

You held his face in your hands and put your foreheads together.

“You flatter me. You’re very persuasive, you know.” You murmured lowly. His breath hitched. You pulled away. “But not persuasive enough.” You laughed as you took a step back.

He grabbed your hand and you turned to face him.

“Can you at least tell me what color dress you’re getting?”

“It’s a surprise! Plus I won’t know until I find it,” You leaned down and placed a quick kiss on his jaw, “But don’t worry, I’ll get you a tie to match.” And then you were gone.

—

You hadn’t expected there to be this many dresses to choose from. Rows and rows of different colored gowns filled the department store.

“Over here.” Yelena dragged you to the back corner, away from the salespeople who were whispering excitedly as they side eyed the group of 3.

Before entering the store, the girls sat in a coffee shop across the street. Yelena insisted they go over the plan.

“Our objective: Find (each of us) a dress for Valentina’s gala.”

“I need to get a tie for Bob, also. So we can match.” Ava snorted. Yelena gave you a pointed look.

“We’ll get the tie after-” Yelena huffed and turned to Ava, who hadn’t stopped laughing.

“Sorry, sorry. They’re just so…cute. Matching tie. Honestly.” She snorted, “Bob, The Sentry…Void. Having a matching tie. The same guy that encompassed all of New York in darkness a year ago, wants to match his girlfriend. It’s cute. It’s funny.” The girls all looked at each other and burst into laughter. It was another several minutes before they called down enough to listen to Yelena go over their battle plan (shopping itinerary).

Mission Objective : Find a dress

Secondary Objective : Avoid all contact with other people

To make it a little more fun, the girls decided that the first one to be approached by someone out of their group has to pay for the other girl’s dresses.

Ava decided to go to the stay at the front and regroup after she found something that would fit over her suit.

At the back of the store, You and Yelena got to work shifting through the dresses on the racks.

“This dress would go perfect with your eyeliner.” You held up a blue dress for Yelena to see.

“It’s too…big.” You looked down. You had to agree with Yelena, it was rather poofy. “But the color is nice.” Yelena continued, “I was thinking maybe I’d try something green.”

“Okay, well there’s some green dresses over there,” You pointed to the rack against the wall, “These are all too blue.”

“Maybe you should get a blue dress. It would go with those shoes you got the other week.”

“Good idea! But I definitely need something less…” You looked at Yelena, “Big.” You both said at the same time and then promptly burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Ava phased through the wall behind the rack they were standing in front of.

“Nothing, just thinking about how you could hide the entire tower under here.” That set off another fit of giggles.

“Oh well, I found my dress. I could probably just take it and they wouldn’t notice.” The girls looked over to the salespeople who were trying to placate a woman yelling about their return policy.

She snorted, “I can’t imagine Valentina would be too happy about one of her New Avengers robbing a clothing store.”

“Suppose not. Oh well. Hopefully we don’t have to return anything.” More laughter.

“Oh wow.” You gasped. Stepping away from the other girls. There at the end of the rack was the most beautiful dress You’d ever seen. It was a strapless dark blue dress with a glittery sheer cape.

“That’s the one.” Yelena peeked over your shoulder.

Ava hummed in agreement, “You have to get it.”

“Now that we all have our dresses, we can check out. Since nobody was approached by anyone, maybe we should charge it to Valentina’s card. I mean…she is the one insisting we attend the gala.” They shared mischievous looks and burst into a fit of giggles.

“Maybe we should also buy dinner with her card since we had to spend our free time preparing for a work event.”

“Yes!”

—

Back at the tower the boys had finished their 14th round of competitive Mario Kart. Alexei kept losing and demanded a rematch every time. Eventually, he rage-quit but was able to unsuccessfully play it off as getting the pizzas they had ordered.

As soon as the elevator closes, John starts, “How can he drive people around in a limo and still be so bad at driving games.”

Bucky snorts, “You’re one to talk! How can you be so loud but still say nothing?” He laughs before a pillow smacks him in the face. That just makes him laugh harder.

“Whatever, man. The real question is how Bob managed to win every single race.”

“I had a lot of time to practice when you guys were all on missions and stuff.”

John gave him an incredulous look and scoffed, “And you chose to pass the time with Mario Kart?”

“Yeah,” he laughs as he says your name, “She always wants to play when she can’t sleep.” John laughs at the dazed look in his eyes as he talks about You.

Bucky cuts in and repeats your name, “How’s that going?”

Bob’s cheeks start turning pink, “Good…really good. She’s always around. She’s even getting me a tie that’ll match her dress.”

John let out a loud laugh, “Geez, you guys are always together! And matching ties? How clingy is she!?” He snorts. “Do you ever get a second alone?”

Bob flushes at this, “Well, I mean…sometimes she has training or paperwork, but she tries to do the paperwork where she can sit by me.” Bob pauses as he anxiously fiddles with the sleeves of his sweater. He flinches when a door shuts down the hall, “But I really don’t mind. If anything, I’m the one that wants her around.”

John nods at this but Bucky frowns at the empty doorway. He could’ve sworn he’d seen You.

—

By the time You and the girls had returned from the store, You were exhausted. Yelena offered to hide your dress so Bob wouldn’t see it before the gala. You accepted. Now all you wanted to do was curl up in bed with Bob while he ran his fingers through your hair (his favorite pastime).

Unfortunately, your plans were thwarted after hearing the guys talking in the common room. After hearing Bob say you were always with him and then hearing him agree when John called you clingy, you were not all too ready to cuddle up with that man.

You thought Bob would want to match. It’s only his second gala. And your first as a couple! You’d been dating for 7 months now, and you thought having you around had helped him keep calm. At least that’s what he’d told you. Had he lied to you? He wouldn’t do that…right? You tucked the tie into the bottom drawer of your nightstand.

No, you decided, he wouldn’t…Would he?

A knock on the door took you out of your thoughts.

You cracked open the door to see Yelena standing there, “Oh. Hey.” You cleared your throat, “What’s up?”

“Ava and I are going to watch a rom-com. Do you want to watch?” Yelena squinted at you, “Are you alright?”

“Oh yeah, I’m fine! Just a bit tired. I think I’m just gonna go to bed.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” Plus you didn’t want to risk running into Bob right now.

Shutting the door, you shook your head and told yourself that you’d feel better in the morning.

—

By the time Yelena got to the common area, Ava had already appeared with a bowl of popcorn in hand.

“You cannot kick us out just for ‘girls night’, Ava.”

“Yes they can!” Bob jumped up excitedly.

“Oh shut up Bob, you just want to make your girlfriend happy!”

“What’s wrong with-”

“Speaking of your girlfriend, she’s going to bed early.” Yelena interrupted. Bob nodded, moving quicker so he could get to you before you fell asleep.

He went to walk past Yelena, but she grabbed his arm. He gave her a questioning look.

“She said she was tired, but…she didn’t look well.”

Worry filled his eyes, “Is she sick?” They flashed silver, “Hurt?”

“No, no. I think she’s just…well, I’m not sure.” She paused, “Just let me know if she needs anything.”

He nodded and headed for his room, his pace quicker than normal.

John snorted as he left, “Maybe he is the clingy one.”

Everyone laughed at that.

—

Bob knocked hesitantly on the door. Furrowing his brows when he doesn’t hear your voice.

He cracks open the door and seeing that the lights are off, decides to whisper your name, “Are you still awake?”

You were never able to fall asleep easily without him. Or at least that’s what you’d told him. Maybe you really weren’t feeling well.

He approaches the bed and places the back of his hand against your forehead. No fever. He decides to get ready for bed.

After he brushes his teeth he grabs a cup and fills its with water. Placing it on your nightstand, he notices that you’re facing away from his side of the bed. Had he done something? Were you mad at him? No, you were fine when you left. Maybe you really were sick.

He walked around to his side of the bed and laced down. Facing you, he counted your heart rate. He frowned. Your heart was beating much faster than it normally did when you were asleep. You must be really sick. He needs to call a doctor. As he went to reach for you, you flinched slightly. You’re awake, he realized, and ignoring him.

His frown deepened. Maybe you really were mad at him.

He stays up, waiting for you to turn and face him. You don’t.

—

The next morning you wake to an empty bed. You frown. Bob is always in bed longer than you, even if he wakes up first. Maybe he really did want space.

You pushed the covers aside and got up. How could I have pushed him away? Why doesn’t he want me anymore? Maybe he thinks I don’t appreciate him? At this thought you start to make the bed. And rinse the water cup he’d given you.

Your heart hurts. Even when you annoy him, he’s still thoughtful. You think he’s too good for you.

After tidying the rest of the room, you gets ready for training. Maybe you can talk to him then.

—

Bob walked back to the room, the two coffee cups were shaking in his hands. He’d hoped they could talk over coffee. He hoped you’d want to talk.

Opening the door he backed in. He took a deep breath and turned to-

Nothing. The room was empty. The bed was made. He felt like al the air had been knocked from his chest. He always made the bed. He liked feeling useful. Needed. Especially by you.

The cup of water he’d given you was gone too. In fact, the whole room was clean.

Maybe you really didn’t need him. Maybe that’s why you were distant last night. Maybe you’d finally realized you were too good for him.

—

When he got to the training room, you were already standing at the bench. Setting your water bottle down as you spoke softly to John. Bob frowned as he looked at you. Did you always stand that close to John?

A hand on his shoulder shook him out of his thoughts. Yelena gave him a strange look as he turned to face her.

“Are you alright, Bob?”

“Fine.” She frowned. He stomped past her to the punching bags. He wanted to hit something. Or someone.

Your laughter rang out behind him. He glared at the bag in front of him, not wanting to turn and see you laughing at something he said.

“Bob, what’s going on with you two?”

“Nothing.” She didn’t need to know how true that was. Nothing was going on with them. She wouldn’t even look at him. He shook his head, maybe she’s just having a bad day.

“Okay let’s pair up! We’ll switch through stations around the room.” Bucky’s voice rang out as he stepped into the training room.

Yelena grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the mat, “Let’s be partners.”

Bob hadn’t wanted to be partners with Yelena. He wanted to pair up with you. Maybe he should let you train without him. Maybe you just need some space.

—

Hearing Bucky’s order, you turned to face Bob, wanting to pair up with him. Hopefully you’d be able to talk then. But instead you watched as Yelena pulled him to the mat. He didn’t even look at you.

John said your name softly, “Wanna pair up?”

You looked past him, back at Bob. He was already looking at you. He smiled at you, you noted that his smile looked tense. You furrowed your brows. What’s wrong with him? Is he okay? Maybe he really had gotten tired of you. Maybe you should just give him some space.

You focused your gaze back on John. He grinned.

“So?” He prompted.

“Yeah, of course!” You smiled back, albeit not as wide as you normally would, he noted.

John nodded towards the mat and started heading in that direction.

Okay, you thought, let’s get this over with.

You looked back at Bob, who was laughing at something Yelena said.

Maybe he just needs some space. Then maybe he'd want you around again. Maybe then he’d choose you as his partner. Maybe he just needs some space.

—

If he had to watch Walker pin you to the ground one more time he was going to break something. Preferably Walker himself.

CRACK.

He looked down. The metal weight he’d been holding was now snapped in two.

“Easy, Bob. Valentina’s going to throw a fit if we break anymore of her ‘state of the art training machinery’,” Yelena grinned, “What has gotten you so worked up, anyways?”

She looked towards the mat where you and John were sparring.

She laughed before speaking, “Oh Bob, you have nothing to worry about. Her and Walker are just friends. Plus she loves you.” He wasn’t so sure about that anymore. But he couldn’t let Yelena know. Not until he was sure.

Shaking his head, he tried to push those thoughts away…to no avail.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“She does, Bob.” She looked back towards John, “Plus he is a good friend. He’d never do something like that to you.”

“I guess.” She frowned at his seemingly limited vocabulary, maybe she should just try to distract him. Maybe he’d feel better then, she thought.

A loud obnoxious (or so thought Bob) laugh cut her off before she could speak.

CRACK.

And there goes another weight.

—

Lunch hadn’t gone any better. Neither had dinner. At lunch, Bob chose to sit in his regular seat, hoping you would sit next to him — as you normally did.

You didn’t. You hadn't even gone to lunch. And neither had Walker. And then he hadn’t seen you at all that afternoon.

Then you arrived late to dinner. Your smile exasperated as you sat in the seat next to John, who had arrived shortly before you. Bob frowned at his plate. Was he that easily replaceable?

—

You were distracted during training. John had beaten you every time you sparred. Each match had ended with you pinned to the mat, confused as one second you were looking at Bob and the next you were being slammed into the ground.

“Okay, I’ll bite. What’s wrong with you today?”

You looked at John, who held his hand out to help you up. You rolled your eyes. Now he wanted to be a gentleman. Unlike moments before when he’d body slammed you.

“Nothings wrong.”

He scoffed, “Sure. Nothings wrong.” He looked at where Yelena and Bob were weight training. What that man needed to lift weights for was beyond him. Maybe he just wanted to show off in front of his girlfriend. He snorted at that. “Why aren’t you paired up with your boyfriend?”

You glared at him, “He obviously wanted to train with Yelena. It’s not like we always have to be together, all the time.”

He narrowed his eyes, “Are you jealous?” He followed you to the bench. Chuckling softly as you attempted to escape his questioning.

He bit back a laugh as you snapped a quick no.

“You’re totally jealous.” This time he didn’t hold back his laughter.

“I’m not. But whatever. Think what you want.” You shot him a quick glare as you took a drink of water. He gave you a pointed look. “Go away.”

“You don’t want me to go away. Because then you’d be alone because your boyfriend would rather hang out with blondie than you.”

You gasped and smacked his arm. “You are such a jerk. It’s no wonder your wife left you.”

He snorted. “That’s a low blow.” He wiped the sweat off his brow. “Anyways, I still need to get new dress shoes for the gala,” he glanced at you sideways, “after your boyfriend's last incident. Anyways, wanna come with? It would probably do you some good to get out of the tower.”

“I was just gone like half of yesterday. But sure. Whatever.” He snorted once again at your passive-aggressive response.

—

Several hours later you and John had returned from your shopping endeavors. At lunch, he had managed to worm his way into your mind and make you admit that you were, in fact, jealous of Yelena.

He had assured you there was no reason to be. You had confided that you worried he might be getting sick of your presence.

John had laughed obnoxiously and incessantly at that. Once he’d finally managed to calm down he’d said, “I am certain there is no way that Bobby doesn’t want you around. He’s practically obsessed with you. I think he’d glue himself to you…if he didn’t hate the feel of glue on his hands. Actually, he might just do it anyway.”

You hummed dismissively as you looked out the window. How could he say that? He was there with Bob last night. He was the one Bob was talking to. He was the one that had called you clingy. Not the only one, she thought.

You’d never taken John for a liar, but you also never thought you’d lose Bob to your clinginess.

You considered that it would probably be annoying having you around all the time. He never gets any time alone. But you worried about him. You knew how he got when he was alone. You thought your presence made him feel better, but maybe not. Maybe you had overestimated your place in his life. He was the ‘Golden god’ after all. And you were��nothing compared to him. You shook your head.

“We should get going. Your shoes aren’t going to find themselves.” You redirected the conversation.

“You’re such a dork.” He snorted at the look you gave him.

“And you’re an abomination, don’t talk to me.” He snickered as he held the door open for you.

—

In the elevator at the tower, John had told you to talk to Bob after dinner. He’d reminded you that he and Yelena were just friends.

“Plus he always wants to be with you. You’re the one he chooses to spar with. Yelena was the one that picked him as her partner earlier, not the other way around. And, he always sits by you at meals.”

You smiled at him. You felt a bit more confident about your relationship with Bob now after speaking to him. John was a good friend, some of the time. You frowned as you remembered his conversation with Bob last night. You shook your head. You walked past him as the elevator opened, hoping to get to dinner before you lost your nerve.

“I’m going to set my bags down. I’ll meet you at dinner.”

He nodded in affirmation.

After putting the bags away, you headed to the kitchen. Walking in, you searched the table for Bob. You headed for your seat, only to stop when you saw Yelena happily eating mac and cheese…in your seat. Next to Bob. You glanced at John, who just shrugged at you.

Bob hadn’t even noticed your arrival for several moments as he was too busy whispering something to Yelena.

His back straightened suddenly and he turned to look towards the woman who had just walked in. Bob looked between you and Yelena, who was oblivious to the silent exchange happening. He frowned as you walked over and sat next to John, and smiled at him.

Bob looked away from you. Suddenly he wasn’t hungry anymore.

After seeing him whisper softly to Yelena, neither were you.

—

The next two days were a lot of the same. You gave Bob space and he gave you space.

At meals, he’d sit by Yelena and you’d sit next to John.

At training, you’d train with anyone but each other.

At nights, you stayed turned away from him, pretending you couldn’t feel his eyes on you.

By the morning of the gala, the rest of the team was fed up with their behavior.

Bob was more irritable. His eyes flashing silver more times than not.

And you were avoiding everyone altogether. Except maybe John, be he also couldn’t find you half of the time.

The rest of the team gathered in Bucky’s room (against his will) to discuss what to do about the situation.

“Whatever is going on with those two needs to stop.” Bucky.

“For once, I agree with Bucky. Bob, or Void actually, told me that he was glad my wife left me and that I was going to die alone. He said I should just kill myself and be done with it.”

“Jeez. He told me that I should've stayed in the lab. And that I should just take my suit off and allow myself to disintegrate so that-”

“Well he told me-”

“Hey, guys— we don’t need to talk about what he said to us. He didn’t mean any of it. But we do need to figure out what’s wrong with them before Void gets out of control.”

“Okay, Bucky, how are we supposed to know what’s wrong with them? It’s not like either of them are super approachable right now.”

Yelena scratched her nose. John coughs. Everyone turns to them.

“What do you guys know?”

“Why are you avoiding eye contact, Lena? Lena, answer your father.”

“Well, Bob doesn’t really know what’s wrong. And I don’t either! But the night we went shopping for our dresses; me, Ava and,” she says your name, “When we got back, she went to put her bags away and she was happy. But when I asked her about the movie, she seemed…off. Like there was something wrong with her. But I don’t know what it could be. Especially since Bob was still with you when we started the movie.”

“Yeah, Bob was still with us that night. We were talking about…oh no.” John’s eyes widened.

“What?” Yelena asked.

“Oh no.” Bucky repeated John’s words.

“What?” Ava asked urgently.

Bucky smacked John on the back of his head, “This guy thought it would be a good idea to tease Bob about how much time his girlfriend spends following him around. Called her clingy.”

John rubs the back of his head sheepishly, “How was I supposed to know she’d hear? Plus, he didn’t even call her clingy. He just said they’re always together. Not that he minds. And why would that upset her?”

“She obviously didn’t hear the whole conversation.”

“Oh yeah, obviously.” He rolled his eyes.

“Guys, this is serious.” Yelena interrupts, “She doesn’t think Bob wants her around and Bob thinks she doesn’t want him around.”

“Well what are we supposed to do?” Ava questions.

“Whatever it is, we need to fix it before the gala.”

—

They did not fix it before the gala. In fact, they just made things much much worse.

While You were out, Yelena broke into yours and Bob’s shared room. She found Bob sitting in the bed with his hands cradling his head. Muttering to himself.

“She…gone. Doesn’t want…broken…stupid…leave…hate…miss her…doesn’t miss you…scared…she’s not…gone…left.”

”Bob.” His head snapped towards her, eyes red, cheeks stained with tears.

“You should go.”

“Oh Bob,” she sat next to him on the bed, “What is going on with you…” she trails off at Bob’s sharp look.

“There’s nothing going on.” Yelena’s gaze softened despite his sharp tone.

“There is definitely something going on. You’re like, well this.” She gestures to his tear stained face, “And she’s avoiding everyone. Well everyone except maybe Walker.”

Bob let out a dark chuckle. “Of course she’s with him.” He muttered, mostly to himself but Yelena heard it.

“That’s the problem? Walker? John Walker? Oh Bob, you know they’re just friends. That’s all they’ve ever been. And she’s dating you. She’s not the cheating type.”

“Well she’s hardly ever with me anymore. She can barely get through meals together in the same room, much less look at me. Which she doesn’t.” He laughed bitterly, “Even at night, she pretends to sleep, and I pretend not to notice,” His eyes flashed silver, “I bet she doesn’t pretend to sleep when she’s with Walker,” He glowered at the doorway, “I bet she doesn’t need to for what they’re doing.”

Yelena gasped, “Bob! You know she’d never do that.”

But Bob was gone. This time his eyes didn’t just flash. This time the dangerous glint stayed.

“Actually I don’t know. Maybe I would know if she wasn’t so busy throwing herself at any man available.”

Yelena gasped, “You don’t mean that.”

He looked back at her, expression cool, “I do, I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t.”

He continued in a lowered voice, “Pretending to sleep while she is in my bed.” He stood up then, voice firm, “I should kill him. Then she’d come back. She wouldn’t have to waste any more of her time with him. She thinks I’m not good enough for her? He’s so much worse.”

Yelena shot up then, “You cannot kill Walker. She’d never forgive you.”

His eyes kept their silver glint, “I don’t need her to forgive me. I just need her to stay.”

—

Yelena left the room, shutting the door softly in hopes she wouldn’t agitate him further. She turned around quickly at a sharp gasp.

You were standing there, across from Yelena.

“You can’t go in there.”

“Right…” You trailed off, “And why can’t I go into my room?”

“Technically it’s Bob’s room.” Yelena flinched as she said the words, already wishing she could take them back.

You flinched too, taken aback by Yelena’s words. “Did— did he tell you that?”

“Um,” Yelena looked around desperately, hoping someone else from the team would show up to help her, “Not exactly.”

“Not exactly.” You repeated, “So he did then?” You glared at the doorway that Yelena was still standing with her back to. You are mad now. How dare he call he go behind your back and call you clingy. And now he was hanging out with Yelena alone in their his room? Oh, you were mad. You were furious.

“Where’d you put my dress?” You asked suddenly. Yelena’s body went rigid at your icy tone. You were going to make Bob regret ever pushing you away.

Yelena frowned at the bite in her friend’s tone.

“It’s in my room. I’ll help you get ready.” Yelena pulled you down the hall towards her room.

—

3 hours later, your hair was in a sleek low bun with tendrils framing her face.

Your makeup was done, complete with shimmery silver glitter coating your eyelids. You were wearing the dress you’d picked out with the girls.

Bob was going to lose his mind. If he cared enough to notice you. And maybe you were being dramatic. Maybe you were overreacting. But…it had been days and he hasn’t tried to talk to you. He hasn't reached out. You shook your head. Enough about Bob. You weren't going to cry and ruin the makeup you had just spent so long applying.

—

“Look over here, over here!”

“Bucky!”

“Congressman Barnes!”

“Ma’am! Ma’am!”

You forced a smile as you passed the paparazzi on the way to the entrance. Yelena and Bob were going to drive separately. You weren't told why, but had noticed hushed whispers exchanged by the rest of the team. Maybe none of them want you around. You frowned. Not everything is about you.

John guided you to the bar with his hand respectfully placed on your back. At least he seemed to want you around.

“You look miserable.” John snorted.

You glared at him, “I am.”

His expression softened at your words. He glanced at the entrance. Bob and Yelena had just walked in. He cursed under his breath. Yelena was supposed to keep Bob at the tower, Valentina’s orders that the whole team had to make an appearance notwithstanding. He shook his head, he needed to get away from you.

He snapped his head towards you, “I need to talk to,” he scanned the room for a familiar face, “Valentina.” He flinched, hoping you wouldn’t notice.

So maybe he doesn’t want you around.

You pretended to laugh it off, “When have you ever wanted to talk to Valentina? Whatever.” You pushed him away playfully, hoping he wouldn’t see how hurt you were.

He wanted to say something that would make you feel better, but he had to get away before Bob saw them together. Man, he really did not want to be killed by someone named Bob.

—

“Come on, Bob. Wait up.” Back at the tower, before the gala, Yelena was attempting to stall Bob. She had already resigned herself to the fact that she couldn't keep him from the gala if she tried.

“No.”

“Bob, wait!” He ignored her.

Yelena and the team had agreed that she’d stay back with Bob. He was already struggling to keep his other side at bay, even without fighting with his girlfriend.

“You don’t even have a tie!” He turned to her with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

“I was supposed to have a tie. She was going to get one that would match her dress. When she went shopping with you and Ava. In fact, she was fine before leaving with you.”

He paused momentarily. Then his hand shot out and wrapped around her neck.

She clawed at his hand frantically. He lifted her slowly off the ground.

His voice took on a darker tone, “What did you say to her?” He glared at her.

With his hand still around her neck she choked out a soft, “Nothing. We didn’t say anything at all.” She shut her eyes tightly. Everyone else had left already, they’d rushed you out the door. “She was fine until we got back.”

Her vision was getting spotty now. “She only seemed upset when I went to ask if she wanted to watch a movie with us. Really.” Her eyes pleaded with him. He glared back.

He tilted his head thoughtfully to the side and set her down.

“I’m going to the gala, I don’t care what you do. Just don’t get in my way.”

—

Miraculously, sometime between him choking her and them arriving at the gala, she had managed to get Bob back.

Yelena finished concealing the bruises on her neck as Bob tried to remember what had happened back at the tower.

She shushed him as he mumbled apologies repeatedly.

“Just don’t hurt anyone else, Bob. Don’t hurt her.”

At that, he seemed to shrink in on himself.

“I wouldn’t hurt her.” But all he could think of is that he already had.

—

The back of his neck burned as cameras flashed. He could only hope the pictures wouldn’t show his shame.

Yelena whispered soft reassurances as she pulled him past the paparazzi. The noise of their shouts drowned out as he kept his eyes on the door.

Only 3 more steps and then no more cameras.

Once they got inside, he felt like he could breathe again. He tried to relax his shoulders but they didn’t seem to want to stay down.

He frowned as he noticed Yelena stop next to him. He looked around for whatever could’ve made her freeze like that.

His body tensed as his eyes landed on you. The air was knocked from his chest as he looked at you. You were beautiful. He smiles and shook a step forward, only to stop when he noticed what you were doing. As you sat at the bar, you were laughing — with John Walker. His chest tightened.

He glowered at Walker as he walked away from the bar. Leaving you behind. His girlfriend.

Mine. The other side of him was screaming in his mind. He couldn’t decide if he wanted to go to you or tear Walker apart limb from limb.

“Bob.” His ears were ringing.

“Bob.” His hands were shaking.

“Bob!” His blood ran cold.

Ignoring Yelena’s hushed exclamations of his name, he walked towards his girlfriend.

His girlfriend who was watching him approach. Watching Yelena tug on his arm. Watching him glare at her. At her.

You wiped your palms on your dress, hoping to calm your racing heart.

He froze. Eyes darting to your right. You followed his gaze.

Standing next to you was a man. A man who happened to be very important, as he was the biggest investor in the New Avengers.

You weren't sure how Valentina had managed to convince him to invest in the team, but you were sure that Valentina would kill you if he stopped funding the team because of you. All you wanted was to smooth things over with Bob.

Your anger had started to dissipate when you’d seen him walk in. Cheeks flushed, chest heaving.

That was your boyfriend. Your boyfriend. You loved him. And you wanted to fix this…thing between you two.

But he’d have to wait. At least until you were done ensuring that your job was secure for the foreseeable future.

You shot out of your chair, hands rushing to shake his.

Rushing so much that you managed to knock the drink out of his hands and all over his suit.

A few strangled gasps rang out from around the room.

“I am so, so sorry, Mr….” You trailed off, remembering that you didn’t actually know his name. Your cheeks turned pink as he laughed.

“Kennedy, Ma’am. And no worries, this suit was only several thousand dollars.”

“Oh, only several thousand?” You laughed, hoping your awesome sense of humor and charm could keep him from withdrawing his investments.

“Yes, I will admit it’s one of my cheaper suits…” You laughed politely in turn, wishing this conversation would end soon.

—

He was seeing red. The hair on his arms stood straight up. He growled. He actually growled.

Yelena was fully pulling his arm now. Attempting to drag him towards the back of the building.

But he wasn’t budging. He stood there, watching you laugh at something this guy was saying. Did you even know him? And if you did, how many other men did you know here? Bob shook his head and looked at his feet. That was Void talking, not him. What’s the difference? He snapped his head back towards you.

You were looking back at him. The man is still talking beside you, but you were looking at him. He grinned sadistically. You flinched. He glared at you before turning abruptly and walking away..

—

He had to get out of there before the Void took over fully. Yelena ran after him.

“Bob! Bob! Wait up.”

He continued stomping towards the balcony, mentally thanking Bucky for making the team go over the floorplan and exit strategies.

“Bobby.” He turned sharply and lifted Walker by the collar of his suit jacket.

“Stay away from her. Don’t touch her, don’t talk to her, don’t go near her. Stay. Away.” He glowered at John through the fringe of his hair.

“You gotta calm down, man. Someone’s gonna get hurt.”

“I’m going to hurt you if you don’t back off.”

Bob’s eyes glinted silver as he threw Walker to the ground and took off into the night sky.

—

Back at the tower, Bob had managed to calm down from his murderous rage. Slightly. Void was gone but Bob still wanted to strangle Walter Walker and that man at the bar.

Unfortunately, by the time Bob came to, the bedroom had been trashed. She is going to be so mad when she finds our room like this, he thought. He hurriedly started cleaning the room that had been torn apart.

He started by picking up the shards of glass from the lamp he’d thrown. Your lamp. Man, he’s really done it this time. He shook his head as he assessed the damage. It was bad. Really bad. The voice in his head got clearer as he gripped the dresser.

You always mess everything up. No wonder she wants nothing to do with you. She can’t even stomach looking at you.

He groaned as he cracked his neck. Your water cup had been knocked off the nightstand. He still left water for you every night, hoping you’d acknowledge him. Hoping he could still be useful.

As he reached between the nightstand and bed, he noticed that the bottom drawer had opened. Inside it lay a dark blue tie. He frowned as he slowly pulled it out of the drawer. So you had gotten him a tie? He thought you’d forgotten. Or chosen not to. There was only one thing he could think of now.

Why hadn’t you given it to him?

—

After seeing Bob stomp away, you hurriedly excused yourself from the conversation with Mr. Kelley? Campbell? Carter? You weren't sure, but it didn’t matter.

All you wanted was to see Bob. To apologize for being clingy? To beg him to give you another chance? You weren't sure exactly, but at this point you were willing to do anything if it meant he’d want you again.

You headed for the service entrance. Mentally thanking Bucky for making the team go over the floorplan and exit strategies.

Ducking past several servers carrying trays, you finally made it to the door. Steeling yourself against the cold air, you ran towards the tower.

It was only 4 blocks, what’s the worst that could happen?

———————————————————

Well, as you later found out, the worst that could happen was being kidnapped.

Bob was going to kill you. Or them. Or you and then them. Or vice versa. Probably vice versa.

“Hey I’m talking to you.” You tuned him out as he started spouting off obscenities. “I said, if you want to go home, you better hope your people are willing to pay more than my buyers are.”

“Okay, I’m…” You pretended to be nervous, mascara streaks running down your face. You made a mental note to buy waterproof mascara, although this did add to your theatrics, “I’m sure they will. They just need to know that they need to,” a hiccup to emphasize your distress, “need to know that they have to — have to pay.” You sniffled at the end. A pause.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, lady. I’ll get you a phone. One call. That’s it. If they don’t answer, you’re going to the highest bidder. If they do answer, well, you’re still going to the highest bidder, it just might be them.” The man laughed as he walked away. Bingo.

You looked around frantically, trying to gauge your surroundings. Looks like they brought you to an abandoned warehouse. How cliche. The wall to your right was covered in broken window panes, the bottom ones had tarps covering them.

There were several other men milling about; cleaning weapons, sorting cash, one was even drinking. Typical henchmen activities.

The man from before came back holding a dingy duct tape wrapped burner phone. They either weren’t very good at their job or just not paid well.

She looked him over; dirty jeans with a hole at the ankle, moth eaten shirt with oil stains, and a backwards baseball cap covered in grease marks. He wasn’t even trying to hide his identity. You rolled your eyes. Of course you’d be kidnapped by amateurs. The team was never going to let you live this down.

“One call.” He gave you a pointed look as he held the phone out to you.

You looked down at where your hands were tied to the chair you were sitting in.

“Um?” You prompted.

“Oh yeah, here.” He cut the rope that was strapping your dominant hand to the chair. You wished you could have laughed at him. Out loud. You definitely laughed in your head.

He handed you the phone. You thanked him in a ‘tearful’ voice.

Dialing Bob’s number, you prayed he’d answer.

One ring.

Two rings. Your breath hitched.

Three. You closed your eyes.

“Hi, it’s Bob. I can’t come to the phone right now but leave a message and I might get back to you.” You cringed. Your eyes starting to water. He didn’t answer. He always answers.

“Hi Honey,” You cried, not even having to pretend anymore. “I miss you. I’m so sorry about —” The kidnapper barked at you to get to the point. A few of the other men looked over at them. You hiccuped. “Um, I was kidnapped. He said that I’m going to be sold to the highest bidder.” You sniffled. “And if I’m lucky, it would be you.” Your eyes darted past the man, to the others, counting how many weapons there were. You paused, pretending to listen to the person on the other end of the line.

You turned to the man who had kidnapped you. “How is he supposed to pay you?”

“Tell him to bring cash, go to the train depot by the docks, and I’ll find him.” Bingo again. Now you knew where you were. You repeated the information back into the phone.

“I’m sorry I’ve been distant and I love you, Honey!”

“Enough!” He took the phone from your hand, “Your one call is up missy. You better hope he —”

You jumped up, turned around and swung the chair into him, knocking him backwards.

“What —” Before he could even finish his sentence you had cut the rope off your other hand using the knife in your thigh holster. You tackled him to the ground. Mentally scoffing at how they didn’t even check for weapons.

A shot fired, hitting the ground next to you.

“Hey, watch it! She’s no good to us dead. Or mangled.” You jumped up.

As you swung her fist into the closest man’s jaw, you calculated the distance between yourself and the door.

Too far.

You turned back to the man and punched him in the neck. Wind knocked out of him, he fell over. Then you were able to kick him in the head and knock him out.

Another shot. And another. You dodged both of them.

You reached for the gun of the closest assailant, he jumped back. So you jumped with him. Tackling him to the ground, you grabbed his gun and shot him in the shoulder then the stomach. He cried out as his blood soaked your dress. Then you shot him in the head.

Another shot rang out, clipping your side. You gasped in pain, groaning as you rolled over, dragging the man's body with you for cover.

As you pulled his body towards an overturned table, you looked around the room. Only 2 men left. The man with the phone and the drunkard.

Well, you couldn’t get information from the drunk.

As soon as you were behind the table, you let the man drop from your grasp.

Shots continued to ring out, splintering the wood of the table you hid behind.

You checked the gun’s magazine clip. Only 2 bullets.

You checked the man’s body, no extra ammo.

Seriously, what kind of man doesn’t carry around extra ammo?

Well, at least you’re a good shot.

As soon as the shots stopped, you peeked over the table and aimed for the drinker’s head. His body fell to the ground, a slight ringing in the air as it echoed your shot.

The man with the phone looked at his co-kidnapper’s body. While he was distracted, you shot him in the hand, making him drop his gun. You leaped over the table and wrapped your legs around his neck, knocking him to the ground. You pulled out your knife

Knife to his throat, you threatened him.

“Shhhh, shhhh, don’t worry, I won’t hurt you too bad. ‘S long as you do what I say.” You grinned wolfishly as he whimpered.

“What’s your name?” He looked around desperately, only to find all of the others’ bodies lying still.

“Henry. Henry Miller.” His voice high.

“Okay Henry Miller, here’s what we’re gonna do…”

——————————————————

You were able to call the police using Henry Miller’s burner phone.

They made quick work of searching the warehouse. It was empty aside from a couple bags of cash and files, presumably saved to use as blackmail.

Henry managed to get a plea deal in exchange for everything he knew about the rest of the trafficking organization.

You were offered a ride back to the tower and quickly accepted, figuring you weren't going to try your luck walking alone in heels through the city. Again.

Bob was gonna kill you. If you didn’t kill him first for not answering.

—

Bob was a mess.

When the rest of the team had arrived at the tower, several hours after you and Bob had left, he’d asked where you were.

The team exchanged tense glances before telling him that you had left the gala alone. That they figured you’d be back by now.

Yelena said she had tried to call him, he held up his broken phone in response.

He croaked out your name before clearing his throat, “She left me a message earlier, but I couldn’t open it. What if she needs help?” His eyes started watering. He wiped the tears away roughly, not caring to hide them away from the rest of the team.

“Well, what’re we supposed to do? Scour the city? Send out a search party?” Walker questioned.

Bob glared at him, “If we have to. I need to find her.” Softer he spoke, “I need her.”

The team exchanged glances again.

Alexei spoke up this time, ever the optimist. “I'm sure she’s fine. They do not call her Nightstalker, Killer of Men for nothing.” Walker snorted.

“It’s true. She’s probably just getting food at that food truck you guys like.”

Bucky cut in, noticing Bob’s chest starting to heave, “We can access the message, let me just plug it into this transcriber.” Bob nearly chucked the phone at Bucky.

Walker snorted.

Bob just glared at him in response. John put his hands up, “Okay, well on that note, I’m going to bed. Wake me for breakfast when I can rub it in your faces that you’re all being dramatic and she’s fine.”

“I hope he never wakes up.”

“Bob!” several voices call out.

“Okay that's actually hilarious, Bobby.” John snorted, “And with that, I bid you adieu.”

“Bob, you can’t just say that.” Yelena chastised.

“We need to find her.”

“We need to be nice to our teammates.”

Bob rounded on Yelena, eyes flashing silver. “I need her to be okay. I need to find her. So suit up and look for her or get out of my way.”

“Okay, file is ready to transfer.” Bucky spoke.

Bob was there in a flash, hands grabbing onto the desktop. the rest of the team, minus John (and you) gathered around, close enough to hear but far enough to avoid Bob’s wrath.

Your voice started playing through the speaker.

“Hi Honey,” The metal of the desk creaked as Bob tightened his grip as your voice trembled.

“I miss you. I’m so sorry about —” A man could be heard yelling something unintelligible from the other end of the line.

You hiccuped, “Um, I was kidnapped. He said that I’m going to be sold to the highest bidder.”

You sniffled as Bob started to shake with rage.

“And if I’m lucky, it would be you.”

A pause. Bob’s heart pounded, threatening to burst from his chest.

Your voice was distant as you spoke this time, “How is he supposed to pay you?”

A man’s voice. The same one that was yelling. Closer this time, “Tell him to bring cash, go to the train depot by the docks, and I’ll find him.”

You repeated the man’s words. A sharp inhale, yours.

“I’m sorry I’ve been distant and I love you, Honey!”

“Enough!” The man’s voices was even closer now. Too close. “Your one call is up missy. You better hope he —” The message stopped.

Bob was panting now. His blood ran cold. His eyes were solidly silver as he crushed the desk beneath his hands.

“Get your suits on. Find her.” Bob tossed the couch into the wall as he passed, headed for the balcony.

“Um guys?” Ava spoke softly.

The rest of the team had started suiting up as Bucky worked on pinging your location using the gps tracker you kept in your shoes.

“Guys.” No response.

“Guys!”

“WHAT?” Everyone turns to look at Ava.

“It’s her. She’s back. Downstairs.” Bob appears next to her, faster than humanly possible.

He rips the tablet from her hands, watching it intently. On it, he sees a police car pull up outside the front of the building. He watches as an officer walks around to the passenger side and opens the door. A woman steps out, dress soaked in blood, bandages wrapped around her forearms.

Bob freezes. The elevator dings. Everyone turns with bated breaths. The doors open with a soft woosh.

You step out of the elevator, adjusting the neckline of your dress. You freeze when you see the rest of the team.

Bob breathes out your name. You’re already looking at him.

“We’re just gonna…”

“I’m going to…”

“We can talk in the morning…”

Everyone started announcing their departure. Ava phased through the doorway. Yelena pulled Alexei out into the hall.

You and Bob continued to stare at each other.

Bob's eyes wandered over your figure. Taking in your mascara stained cheeks. Taking in every cut and bruise. Every bloody bandage. He winced.

You took your time looking at him. His suit jacket was off, shirt untucked with the top few buttons undone.

In one hand he held a broken phone and in the other he held the tie you’d gotten. Your gaze softened.

“You got me a tie.”

“You didn’t answer the phone.”

You both spoke at the same time.

Your eyes watered.

He blinked.

“You —” he cut himself off with a shuddering breath, “you got me a tie. Why didn’t you give it to me?”

“You didn’t answer the phone.”

“My phone —”

“Is broken. I know.” You closed your eyes and laughed breathlessly. “I’m just processing that.”

You snapped your eyes open to look at him. He stared back, eyes wide. He’d missed your laugh.

“If your phone wasn’t broken…would you have…would you have answered?”

“I’ll always answer.” You nod hesitantly at this. He clasped his hands together behind his back, hoping to ease the burn as they yearned to reach for you. To touch you. To reassure you. To make you understand how much he cared, how much he needed you.

He was looking at you reverently, eyes glassy as he spoke, “I’d do anything for you.” Your eyes burn with unshed tears.

“Really?” You asked, looking up at him in wonder.

“Just say the word and I’ll do it.”

You smile at him. For the first time in about a week, you smile at him. He exhales softly.

He smiles back.

“You got me a tie. Why didn’t you give it to me?” He repeats his earlier question.

“I didn’t think you wanted it.” He flinches at this.

“Why would you think that?” He asks incredulously.

She looks away. Eyes wander over the common area. She blinks. Just now noticing the torn pillows and broken television.

“What happened in here?”

“Why would you think that?” He asks more firmly, ignoring her question.

You look up at him. Your shoulders sink and your cheeks turn a bright red. You tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. He wishes he could do that. He wishes you’d let him.

“I heard you talking to John.” His hands clench at the mention of the other man, “You said I was…always around. He called me clingy. You agreed. Or…you just didn’t disagree.” You trailed off as his gaze got more intense. “I thought you wanted some space. So I gave it.” As you spoke, he stepped closer, reaching for you.

“Space is the last thing I want. And you’re the last person I’d want it from. Yeah, I told John we were always together, but I also told him I didn’t mind. That I want you around. That if anything, I’m the clingy one.” He took a shuddering inhale. “These past few days, without you, with you ignoring me — it’s been killing me.” He put his hand on your face, holding it to his chest.

“Please don’t leave me.” His voice cracked, “Don’t push me away again.”

You shook your head rapidly as you wrapped your arms around his neck. Standing on your tiptoes you peppered kisses across his face. You pressed your lips to his. He grinned against your lips.

They could talk about what happened to you in the morning. For now, it was enough that you were here. That you were his.

Tightening his hold on you, he hoisted you up and carried you down the hall to your bedroom. The one you shared.

He set you down inside and softly shut the door.

“Oh wow.” You breathed out.

Looking around the room, Bob remembered the mess he’d made and then abandoned after finding the tie.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that.”

“‘Oh yeah’ he says, ‘Oh yeah.’” You giggled. He turned to glare at you playfully, but found he couldn’t even pretend to be upset with you. Not when you were smiling at him. Not when you loved him. So he settled for picking you up and tossing you on the bed. You laughed as he pounced on top of you.

“Tell me you love me.”

“I love you, Bob.”

He blinked at you.

“Again.”

“I love you.”

You pressed more kisses across his face.

Burying his face in the crook of your neck, he repeated his words, “Tell me again.”

“I love you.”

He felt like he could breathe again. His eyes watered as he smiled widely.

“I love you too.”

A/N: AHHHH THIS WAS MY FIRST EVER FIC (so please be kind), but I’d love any feedback!! Let me know what you guys thought of this!

-Xoxo, Amoebadue🤍

#bob reynolds x reader #marvel #bob thunderbolts #bob reynolds #x reader #marvel x reader #thunderbolts #sentry #sentry x reader #void x reader

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ceilidho · 2 years ago

Note

If you haven't already, can you write a second part to house cleaner reader for ghost? I really liked it and would love a pt 2

i don't know about a full on sequel bc my muse is fickle and hard to catch but i can give you a little snippet?

The first time you slip into Simon’s bed, you swear it’ll be the first and last time.

It’s not an accident—you made the decision deliberately. You just hope the circumstances lend your excuse some credence.

“Accidentally let a moth in,” you mumble into the pillow when you spot him standing in the doorframe. He has to duck his head a little to come in.

Of course he picks today of all days to come home.

His eyebrows come up as if in surprise, but you can see the slightest trace of amusement in his eyes. You pull the blankets up to your neck, conscious that you’re garbed in only sleep shorts and a tank top that’s several years old. It keeps riding up when you toss and turn in your sleep.

Your head’s still a little foggy with sleep; you managed to catch up on all of an hour of sleep before the sound of your name in the deep timber of his voice had hooked you out of your dreams. Not that you remember what you were dreaming.

You’d been curled up like a little woodland creature in his bed, nose stuffed in the pillow that still seemed to carry the lingering trace of his smell. In his absence, it’s easy to forget that he does have a smell; rich and layered, like gunpowder and smoke, like it clings to him barnacle-tight, like it’s caked under his nails and in the fine blond strands of his hair. You take a deeper breath in.

Simon’s still clothed in the thick tactical gear you saw him off in several weeks ago. The tube scarf is pulled down to around his neck, exposing his face. It always leaves you hungry, eyes roaming over the blunt cut of his jaw greedily, watching it undulate when he yawns. It’s covered with rough new scruff, like he only started letting it grow out within the last day or so.

“Simon?” you ask, humiliation still biting you at being found in his bed.

“Been on the road for bloody near four hours,” he grunts, hands coming up to start peeling away the layers covering him.

It takes you a second to remember to avert your eyes. You keep your gaze fast on the floor, but the sound of velcro ripping off and drawers opening leaves your face hot, almost feverish. If you touch your cheek now, you’re sure you’ll find them burning.

“I’m sorry, sir.” The comforter is still clasped to your chest when you go to sit up and you’re not sure what the plan was. To walk all the way back to your room with his blanket around you? “I’m gonna go—I’ll sleep on the couch. It’s so embarrassing, I just—I really don’t like moths.”

Whatever the plan was, it disintegrates to dust when he steps to the side of the bed that you were trying to slip off and plants a hand on your bare shoulder, pushing you back.

“You really got to quit it with the sir, love,” Simon grunts, using the hand on your shoulder to guide you farther back onto the bed. Your heart goes a little haywire in your chest when he lifts the comforter to give himself room to climb in. “‘Least when we’re not in bed.”

You aren’t going to read into those words too closely. Your mind already feels sluggish, groggy, like waking up out of a bad nap with the headache still chasing you, and if you try to examine what he means by that, it’s just going to get worse. You let him rearrange you how he sees fit, slipping back down under the sheets and letting him turn you over onto your side.

“You’re not going to shower?” you mumble, eyelids already drooping shut. You only flinch a little when he hooks an arm around your waist and tugs you back into his chest. His scent is richer than usual, dappled with old sweat and smoke.

“We can have one later. Getting some shut eye for now. Brew later, when we’ve got some rest.”

#ceil writing #simon riley x you #ghost/reader #ghost cod #house cleaner au #simon ghost riley x reader

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jibitzlesscrocs · 1 month ago

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Hii. I love your work!

Kid for a day: where the twins are a bit older and Reilly wants to be in a YouTube video with Matt, nick and chris. She asks every day if she can and when she finally gets to be in one she gets shy and wants to change her mind but Matt makes her feel like it’s ok to be shy. But then she ends up deciding she prefers playing with the twins then being in their videos.

this is probably my favourite to write because it really shows the triplets in their element with a flavour of riley in it

matt sturniolo x reader

warning : none

kid for the day pt. 9

in which riley joins the sturniolo triplets car video

The twins had just gone down for their afternoon nap when Riley came trotting into the kitchen, cheeks pink from playing and curls slightly frizzy from running around.

“Daddy,” she said, climbing onto one of the chairs and swinging her legs. “Can I please be in the car video today? Like, please please?”

Matt glanced at you with a soft smile as he packed the diaper bag, prepping in case the twins woke up early.

“I thought you wanted to wait ‘til you were a little older, bug.”

“But I am older!” she insisted, puffing her chest out. “I’m five and a half and I drank my juice without spilling even once this morning.”

“Well,” Matt chuckled, walking over to crouch beside her. “That is impressive.”

You gave him a little nod. “Go for it,” you mouthed. And with that, plans were made.

⸻

Later that day, you helped buckle Riley into the back seat of Matt’s car. She had a fresh apple juice box in her hand, her favorite yellow hoodie on, and a bounce in her seat like she was about to go on the greatest adventure of her life.

Matt settled into the driver’s seat, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. “You ready, superstar?”

“Uh-huh!” she said through a juice slurp.

Chris, already in the passenger seat, turned to face her. “Alright, Riley. The rules are: be yourself, be funny, and don’t spill your juice on Uncle Chris.”

Riley giggled. “Okay, okay. I’ll try.”

Nick slid into the seat next to her, adjusting his hat and shooting her a sideways grin. “You nervous, kid?”

Riley hesitated, glancing between the camera mounted on the dashboard and the little blinking red light.

“Kinda…” she whispered.

Matt caught that instantly, hands resting calmly on the steering wheel. He turned around slightly, his voice soft.

“Hey, it’s okay to feel nervous,” he said. “I still get nervous sometimes too. Even Uncle Chris does, and he’s loud all the time.”

“Hey!” Chris chimed in with mock offense, and Riley let out a little giggle.

Nick leaned over, nudging her gently. “You don’t even have to say anything if you don’t want to. You just sit back, chill, and slurp that juice like a pro.”

Riley nodded slowly, relaxing just a bit.

The video started. Matt did the intro:

“Alright guys, welcome back to the channel, we’ve got a very special guest in the backseat today—my daughter, Riley.”

“Hi,” Riley said shyly, barely above a whisper, then immediately ducked into her juice box with a long, noisy slurp.

Chris burst out laughing. “She’s literally the coolest one here.”

Nick nodded in agreement. “She’s got better style than all of us combined.”

Riley’s cheeks turned rosy, and after a few minutes of the boys bantering, she tapped Matt’s shoulder.

“Daddy?”

He looked over his shoulder again. “Yeah, baby?”

“I think I don’t wanna be in the video anymore,” she said quietly. “I think I just wanna go home and play with the babies.”

Matt smiled, proud and gentle. “That’s totally okay,” he said. “You already did amazing.”

Nick reached over and gave her a fist bump. “Respect. Some people just aren’t about the fame.”

Chris leaned back to flash her a thumbs-up. “You’ll be our secret weapon next time.”

⸻

They ended the video not long after. On the drive home, Riley chatted happily with Nick about what the twins had been doing that morning, and how she was planning to teach them how to crawl in a straight line.

When they pulled into the driveway, Matt helped her out of the car and scooped her up.

“Thanks for giving it a shot, peanut.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled. “I think I like being the babies’ big sister more than being in videos.”

Matt kissed her temple, heart full. “Yeah? Well, you’re the best big sister in the whole world. And you can be in a video any time you feel like it—even if it’s just you sipping juice and being shy.”

“Next time,” she said, with a serious nod. “Maybe.”

But for now, she ran back into the house toward the sound of baby coos and giggles—exactly where she wanted to be.

▼ Comments

23,486 Comments

⸻⸻⸻⸻

@/sturnibabyy

riley nervously slurping apple juice and dipping out halfway through??? STAR BEHAVIOR. she’s real for that 🧃💛

@/megamett44

Chris: “She’s literally the coolest one here”

And he was RIGHT.

@/ilovechris

Matt being the gentlest dad ever will never not make me sob. the way he caught her nerves instantly 🥺

@/tripnation44

You can tell she just wanted to try it out and then decided “nah, family time is better” — ICON.

@/babysurniolos

Her hoodie. Her tiny voice. Her apple juice. The slurp. THE POWER. 👑

@/mattdadsurniolo

matt whispering “you did amazing” like it was the most important moment ever… DAD OF THE YEAR————————————————

taglist: @courta13 , @sunkissedsturniolos , @ivysturnss , @imsoborediwannadie , @emeraldsturns , @beabadoobeelvur , @moth-feeet , @lezleeferguson-120 , @theowensturniolo , @leahfaith , @nickysturnss , @mattspillowprincess

MAI’S STORE

my favourite from the series tbh I HAD TO POST IT

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my-my-my · 3 months ago

Text

I don't know what the hell happened, anon, but I lost your request 😭, but thankfully I saved it in my word document!

Request: Hii! (english isnt my first language) I discovered you while in search of bleach ff and oh my god you best believe that i binge read every single one of them. And in your ruled you had said that you would write for ichigo if he's an adult in accordance to the timeline.

So if its okay with you can i request for husband Ichigo! With a bit chubby reader.ichigo having a thing for breeding, and now their child 6-7 (I'll let you specify the gender) and seeing his kid playing by himself in his room just did something to him,so reader is in for a long night, mostly soft love making was what i was hoping for if it's okay with you

If you're not comfortable with this then you don't have to write it, or if it's too specific you can write it your own way!! My man ichigo needs more fanfictions 😭😭

Summary: The rare times Ichigo has to travel for work, leaves him missing his family terribly. This return home was no exception.

CW: MDNI! Adult Ichigo, breeding.

Ichigo’s work afforded him the comfort and privilege to work from home, but every so often, he was asked to visit a publishing house, conference, or something, that would take him away from home. And they would be long events, which was one of the few frustrating things about his job.

But he did love coming back home and seeing the two of you, and today was no exception. Ichigo smiled at the passing scenery as he made his way home from the airport. Ichigo wasn’t particularly good at planning surprises, but he had given you a much later arrival time. He wanted to surprise you at home.

The taxi dropped him off in front of his house, with blooming flowers greeting him. Even though it was only two weeks that had passed, the flowers you had planted had already begun to bloom. Ichigo didn’t have much of a green thumb, but he and your child were adamant on helping.

He fished for his keys, unlocking the door, and he could hear the two of you laughing about something. Ichigo quietly closed the door and crept upstairs to the playroom.

He watched in amusement as he heard his child rambling a nonsensical story, but you held on to every word, asking them questions. They would pick up toys and reenact scenes, as you played along with them. The two of you were lost in your own bubble, unaware of Ichigo watching in amusement.

“Can I join in on this story too?” Ichigo asked, a hint of laughter in his voice. Before he could even react, he saw a whirlwind of hair and a shriek before his child clung on to his leg.

“When did you come in?!” You asked, “I was going to get you!” Ichigo bent down and picked up his child, holding them comfortably in his arms.

“I might’ve lied,” Ichigo chuckled, “I wanted to come home early and surprise you guys.” Bending down and kissing you on the forehead.

“Gross, daddy!” The two of you laughed as your child scrambled out of Ichigo’s arms.

“You must be exhausted,” you murmured, kissing Ichigo softly on the lips. Your child was off playing with another toy, unaware. “Why don’t you take a nap, I’ll make us some dinner.”

Ichigo grabbed your hand, pulling you into an embrace, “nah, why don’t we order in?” He squeezed your body firmly. You nodded into his chest, feeling a sense of calm at his presence. It might have been two weeks, but his absence felt so much longer for you.

Dinner was a quick affair, as you watched in amusement as Ichigo and your child argued over dinner. Ramen or sushi was the debate, and unfortunately for Ichigo, ramen was the winner. You looked at the two of them in enjoyment as they competed on who can slurp their noodles the fastest.

The soft, dimming light of your kitchen table, the laughter in the room, the warm air, it made you feel content. You never knew parenthood would bring you this feeling, but watching Ichigo wipe the mess off his child’s face and help feed them, it made your heart flutter.

“I’m full.” Your child exclaimed, pushing away their bowl. You laughed at Ichigo’s reaction.

“Ok, ok. Let daddy finish his dinner. I’ll help you clean up.” Your child gleefully smiled as you helped them out of their seat. Ichigo watched tenderly as you cleaned your child’s face, the way your face lit up into a soft smile as you took gentle care of them.

“Let me finish up here, and I’ll read you a bedtime story.” Ichigo smiled. “Why don’t you pick out a book for me?” Your child’s eyes shone brightly at the suggestion.

“But you have to brush your teeth first! You know the rules.” You chided. You held their hand as you helped them get ready for their bedtime routine.

Ichigo loved hearing your soft, hushed voice when you spoke to your child. It wasn’t one filled with fear or whimpering, but a quiet confidence. Your voice was a calming wave to the both of them. So if it were any other night, he would have gladly listened to you read your child to sleep, but tonight he would do it. He held the worn-out book, it’s corners soft and faded, as he read. It didn’t take too long for your child to fall asleep.

And like clockwork, his body ached for you and the bed, almost as if a rope was pulling him to the bedroom. You had finished your own nighttime routine and were about to get into bed, when Ichigo wrapped his arms tightly around you.

“You missed me that much?” Your muffled voice asked, face implanted on Ichigo’s firm chest.

“You have no idea” Ichigo murmured into your hair. “Coming home” he drawled, his embrace tightening, “and seeing you be a natural at this…”

You lifted your face up from his chest, giving a confused look.

Ichigo’s face turned red, “it’s been a lonely few weeks” he admitted, bashfully.

You cupped Ichigo’s face and reached up to kiss him softly. The man was passionate, intense and dedicated in all areas of his life, and the bedroom was no exception, but you felt something different tonight.

There was a quiet sense of calm in the air. Ichigo picked you up, gently laying you on the bed. He took off his shirt before pulling yours off. Ichigo’s eyes were focused as he pulled your underwear off you, leaving you naked and bare on the bedsheets, the slightly cold air hardening your nipples.

He softly pushed your legs apart, seating himself in between. His warm breath tickled all over your body as he placed kisses on every expanse of skin he could touch. Ichigo savoured your body, as if he was famished and starving, the recent meal gone from his memory. You moaned his name quietly as suckled on your nipple, gently rubbing its twin with the pads of his fingers.

Your pussy felt slicker with every touch Ichigo placed on you. Your eyes cloudy with tears and pleasure as his familiar touches left you wanton and panting.

“Ichigo, please,” you whispered harshly, as his hand spread your wet pussy lips apart. Your clit was aching to be touched but Ichigo watched in amusement as you squirmed underneath him.

“I love seeing you like this.” He gave you a deep kiss, pushing his tongue into your mouth. You whimpered as you felt the faintest hint of a touch along your clit. He pulled away, his attention drawn back to your breasts as he suckled on them contently while he pushed a finger inside you.

You moaned softly into your first as Ichigo began to finger you, yet still your clit ached. His fingers were full, a familiar stretch that filled you out, but your body needed more of him. “Please, Ichigo!” You cried, “I need more.”

Ichigo gave you a tender smile, kissing your forehead as his thumb pushed up on your clit. “This, right?” You nodded eagerly as he circled your clit, but he pulled his fingers out of your sopping wet cunt. “Or maybe you want something else?”

He quickly shoved his pants off, his erection dripping with precum. He gently tapped the head of his cock against your clit before pushing himself deep inside you. Ichigo hissed your name as your tight pussy squeezed around him.

You rolled your eyes as his thick cock filled you. You panted his name as he began to move. Slow, steady strokes, his hips rolling firmly as you squeezed around him. Ichigo cupped your face, kissing you as he angled his hips, pushing his cock deeper inside you. Your moans and cries were swallowed by his kisses as he moved his body against you.

But two weeks was apparently a long time for his body. Your body squeezed around him tighter, as Ichigo scrunched his face, knowing he was close. He brought his hand back to your aching clit, throwing you into a frenzy. You swore you could see stars as your orgasm crashed, and with it, the tightening squeeze of your pussy.

Ichigo groaned into your ear as stilled his body on top of you, his thick cum filling your pussy. The two of you panted as you struggled to catch your breaths. You couldn’t help but whine at the loss of his softening cock as he pulled himself out of you. But a satisfied smile graced his face as he saw a trick of his cum leak out.

“Gimme a few more hours,” Ichigo grumbled, as he crashed next to you on the bed. “I don’t think your pussy hasn’t been filled enough.” He mumbled, pulling you next to him.

You laughed quietly, the trickling sensation of his cum and your juices lingered on your aching thighs. “You’re a terrible liar.” You teased him, “but I missed you, so I’ll let it slide,” kissing him on the lips. Your pussy throbbed at the thought of the rest of the night to come.

Thank you for your request anon! I feel so rusty writing smut 😭 second time writing adult!Ichigo, he's a bit tricky for me to write, but I hope you enjoy this!!

#bleach #kurosaki ichigo #bleach smut #bleach x reader #bleach x you #bleach x y/n #kurosaki ichigo x reader #ichigo x y/n #ichigo x reader #ichigo kurosaki #kurosaki ichigo smut #ichigo smut #ichigo x you #ichigo x reader smut #bleach fanfiction #answered #anonymous #a writes

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sweetfcwn · 2 months ago

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Loved your Elijah Hewson fic!!!

Maybe if you felt comfortable to could write a sick fic or reader on her period and needing comfort from him

tea, chocolate, and you - elijah hewson.

i need eli to fight my uterus. i hope you enjoy!

it starts with a dull ache in your lower belly and a heaviness in your thighs, that slow, familiar warning. you’re curled up on the couch in one of elijah’s oversized hoodies, legs tucked underneath you, a hot water bottle pressed to your stomach and a blanket over your shoulders like a shawl.

you should’ve known it was coming. the mood swings the day before, how chocolate sounded like a lifeline, how every single advert on tv made you want to cry. still, it hits you like a truck every time.

you hear the front door click open, and then the shuffle of boots coming off. you peek your head up just as elijah walks in, hair tousled from the wind, black beanie pushed halfway off his head, cheeks pink from the cold. he’s got that lazy, lopsided smile on his face—like just seeing you made everything better.

but when his eyes land on your curled-up figure, the smile falters.

“hey, angel,” he says softly, walking over and crouching beside the couch. “what’s wrong?”

you groan and burrow further into the blanket. “period,” you mumble, like it’s a curse. “feels like my uterus is trying to kill me.”

elijah frowns, hand instantly reaching out to brush a few strands of hair from your forehead. “shit, i’m sorry. you want anything?”

“burn it all to the ground,” you say dramatically, voice muffled against the pillow. “or maybe just make it stop hurting.”

he laughs gently, not at you—never at you—but in that way that says i know you’re miserable, but you’re still cute as hell.

“i can do snacks. cuddles. back rubs. threatening your uterus. whatever you need.”

you smile weakly. “you’re already doing everything just by being here.”

“not good enough,” he says, standing up. “stay there, darlin'. i’ve got a plan.”

you watch him disappear into the kitchen, and a minute later, you hear cupboards opening and the soft hum of him singing under his breath. you can’t quite make out the lyrics, but it sounds like an unreleased tune—something he’s been working on, maybe something inspired by you.

by the time he comes back, he’s got a tray balanced in one hand. on it: a mug of tea, a small bowl of your favorite chocolate, a heating pad, and a warm pair of fuzzy socks that he must’ve fished out from the back of the drawer.

“i come bearing gifts,” he announces, setting the tray down carefully on the coffee table. he sits beside you and gently lifts your feet onto his lap. “feet cold?”

“everything cold,” you whisper.

elijah tugs the fuzzy socks onto your feet with such care it makes you want to cry. then he pulls the blanket up over both of you and slides in beside you, wrapping his arms around your waist, chin resting on your shoulder.

“this better?” he murmurs against your neck.

you nod, already feeling calmer just being near him.

“hurts like hell, huh?”

“mm-hmm. cramps, back pain, general uselessness.”

he kisses your temple. “you’re not useless, love. you’re literally bleeding and still managing to be cute. that’s superhero shit.”

you let out a snort. “don’t romanticize it. i’m gross right now.”

“never.” his voice is firm, almost offended. “you’re not gross. you’re human. and your body’s doing something insane. i’d be crying on the floor if it were me.”

“you would be dramatic as hell,” you tease.

“you mean i’m not already?” he grins, pulling you closer. “seriously though, i hate seeing you like this.”

you lean into him, letting his warmth sink into your bones. he smells like his cologne and rain and home.

“it’s always worse on the first day,” you admit quietly. “everything just feels… heavy.”

“i know, baby. i know.” he presses another kiss to your cheek. “let’s do nothing today. no pressure. no expectations. just you and me and movies and snacks and maybe a nap or two.”

“you’re gonna get bored.”

“never. i’d watch paint dry if it meant sitting next to you.”

you roll your eyes but can’t hide the smile tugging at your lips.

the rest of the day passes in a slow blur. he puts on your favorite comfort movie, something you've seen a million times, something that doesn’t demand too much brain power. he tucks your legs across his lap and rubs circles into your calves, sometimes switching to your lower back when you shift uncomfortably.

every time your face pinches in pain, he murmurs something soft—breathe through it, angel. i’ve got you. and when you get teary for no reason halfway through the film, he doesn’t ask questions. he just pulls you closer, letting you cry it out on his chest, whispering sweet nothings into your hair.

“you want painkillers?” he asks eventually, stroking your spine.

“took some earlier,” you sniff. “they haven’t done much.”

“you want me to punch your uterus?” he offers, face deadly serious.

you burst out laughing despite yourself. “please. go fight it. defend my honour.”

“it won’t know what hit it.” he kisses the top of your head. “i’ll kick its ass for hurting you.”

the cramps don’t magically go away, but the ache dulls with him beside you. the emotional heaviness doesn’t vanish, but it feels lighter when he’s whispering, “you’re doing amazing, babe,” and “just rest, i’ve got you.”

by the time the sun sets, you’re half-asleep in his arms, the mug of tea long forgotten and the heating pad still humming faintly under the blanket. elijah hums something soft, maybe a lullaby or just a tune he made up on the spot. you can feel the vibrations of his voice in his chest where your head rests.

“thank you,” you mumble sleepily.

“for what, love?”

“for taking care of me. for not making me feel like a burden.”

he pauses like he’s confused. then, he tilts your chin up and looks you dead in the eye.

“you’re never a burden,” he says, voice low and steady. “you’re mine. and when someone’s yours, you take care of them. that’s just how it works.”

you smile, eyes fluttering shut again.

“love you,” you whisper.

he kisses your forehead. “love you more.”

and that’s how the night ends. you, wrapped in his arms, warm and safe, the pain still there but bearable, because he’s there—your rock, your softness, your comfort in the chaos.

you fall asleep to the rhythm of his heartbeat and the feeling of being completely, unconditionally loved.

taglist: @roc-haze @gettingmoneyontour

#╰┈➤ requests #elijah hewson #elijah hewson fic #elijah hewson imagine #elijah hewson x yn #elijah hewson x reader

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adventuringblind · 1 year ago

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Medication Mishaps

Landoscar x Reader

Genre: Fluff and Crack

Summary: When a mix-up in meds leaves her without any, Lando and Oscar are there to her navigate without them.

Warnings:

Notes: for @norizznorris. Sorry I don't do male readers! Regardless, I hope this is what you wanted! :)

Side Note: This one made me laugh the entire time while writing it. My fiancé is unmedicated and very high on the ADHD spectrum. Every day is an adventure!

Masterlist // Request Form // My Website // buy me a Ko-Fi

Ah, the joys of being neurodivergent. When somehow the world is to much and simultaneously to little. When the nagging impulsive thoughts and continues need for caffeine aren't enough, then the interests that lay dormant for years come back swinging; upset they've been neglected for so long.

Medication helps. Which - of course it does - it's engineered brain chemicals in the form of a chalky pill designed to help someone function in a world where only one kind of brain is excepted. It's better than it was, the world has come further in recent years.

yet here she is, taking her last pill from the bottle. A little piece in her cries knowing she'll have to go pick up her new meds today. The pharmacy feels like to much and she'd rather lay in bed and give into the executive dysfunction. Then she remembers she's flying with Lando and Oscar to their race tomorrow.

With that thought in mind, she groans and hauls herself out of bed. The boys are doing factory work today and won't be back until later. Plenty of time to come home and waste away the hours in bed and pray her energy comes back.

~~~~~

She lied to herself earlier. Any optimism for the day has just disappeared.

"What do you mean you don't have my meds?"

"There was a mix-up with the orders, but we'll have them in a few days." The pharmacist gives her a sheepish smile.

She just sighs and turns on the balls of her feet. How she's going to tell her boys, she has no idea yet. The insecurity of them not wanting her around the paddock because of in burns in the back of her mind.

She still has today at least. Maybe she'll just ride it out and not tell them.

That plan fails miserably the second they walk into the flat. The sight of her visibly distressed on the couch alerts them that something is wrong.

The sit down on either side of her. The question trying to escape their mouths. She beats them to it. "There was a mix-up with my meds. I won't have them until after we get back."

"And we'll help you manage, yeah? You'd do the same for us."

"Lan... she has done the same for you, like, daily."

"Rude!"

~~~~~

Sometimes, she's convinced she lives on a different planet entirely. Like the brain and body she has are simply not meant to be here and there must have been a mistake with the storks.

Lando hands her a Redbull, courtesy of Max since he has to many. "I figured this might help?" Seeing as she nearly just threw hands with whoever was chewing unnecessarily loudly, caffeine might help.

She looks at Lando and Oscar, between the three of them, there are seven drinks. Only one of which is the Aussie's. "Oscar is being boring again."

the man in question huffs. "Water is good for you."

"But it's wretched to taste sometimes."

Lando nods at her in agreement. "See Oscar, boring."

"Nothing is ever boring with you two."

~~~~~

The beginning wasn't bad. Not like it is right now with her brain only wanting to do one specific things, she hasn't remember to eat since early this morning, and the tag on her shirt makes her want to pull her skin off.

Oscar looks at her curled up in his drivers room with a horrendous amount of care and sympathy. He slots in next to her and leans his head against the wall. "Hard day?"

"I need like - five pounds of dino nuggies and a nap."

"Anything I can do to help right now? We'll work on food when Lando is done."

She curls up in Oscar's lap like a cat. The lack of regulated sleep finally catching up to her. She's on the verge of sleep when Lando busts through the door yelling about something.

She throws a pillow at him in annoyance. "You owe me food."

Lando pauses. "That sounds brilliant."

Oscar shakes his head in defeat later that night as Lando gradually sneaks food off her plate and pretends they can't see him. If he's not caught then it didn't happen and Jon can't get mad at him.

~~~~~

She hasn't stopped talking with Lando for the last two hours. What exactly they've been going on about, she has no idea at this point. Their original conversation led to rabbit trails and other distractions that got in the way. The original story now long forgotten as they discuss the possibilities for new shoes.

Her phone dings, an automated message alerting her to her refilled meds. She shows Lando in excitement. The joys of functioning like a human again are nearly in her grasp.

Lando and Oscar both look at her in amusement. The latter has been using their conversation as an excuse to read. He sets his book down, a look she hasn't seen before crossing his features.

"Have you ever thought what it would be like if you didn't have to take meds?"

Lando shoots him a nasty glare. "Oi, she can't help-"

"Not what I meant." The Aussie crashes onto the bed with them, book now tucked away. "I just mean that having a different kind of brain shouldn't be such a difficult thing for the world to cope with. But the second someone is different-" He looks at Lando. "-Like they struggle with reading or processing information." Then he turns to her. "Or they struggle to with focusing and sensory things. They are ready to create some kind of fix to make those brains work like theirs." The genuine concern and sadness from him is almost heartbreaking.

"In a perfect world, yes. For now though, I think me and Lando can both settle for having someone who cares as much as you do."

"Just wish I could do more."

Lando hums and, quite literally, rolls over onto Oscar. "Just like our best is enough, so is yours."

"However, if the world could provide me with free drinks, I wouldn't be complaining."

Oscar chuckles and drags her closer despite Lando's weight on him. "I'll make a note of it for when I become ruler of the world."

"You never said you were planning that!"

"It's been my secret plan this whole time."

"... It's always the quiet ones."

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originalgenshinscenarios · 2 months ago

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Everyday, I go insane about how little content there is of Baizhu (and when there is it's just so fucked up 😭 no shade to those who like it but how on earth is Baizhu tag on AO3 looking like just a list of trigger warnings in DMMD)

So I'm being the change I wanna see, his bday letter inspired me.

Baizhu's S/O helping him rest up

Reader here is gender neutral

Dating Baizhu had always been quite an interesting experience, but with time you quickly got used to his quirks. One of them being Changsheng telling on him when he's neglecting himself.

You were preparing a small surprise for his birthday, nothing too extravagant but still a sweet gesture for your beloved...

That is until you noticed the adepti slithering your way. Your attention went to her right away as she explained what's going on.

With Gui being out of commission and Qiqi caring for patients, Baizhu's fatigue- although his own doing- was something that worried you.

So while it wasn't like he was sick, due to his condition it sometimes feels like it's one and the same. Besides, if he'd listen to anyone that would be you... Sometimes.

And once he saw you with Changsheng around your arm he already knew what the snake was up to.

Despite your worried expression he only laughed and tried to reassure you that he was okay... Emphasis on tried because he looked like he was going to pass out any second.

You walked up to his desk and took his hands, placing away the brush he was writing with "You're impossible..." Was the only thing you said at the moment before he started with more excuses.

After all this season changing makes it so easy to get sick he was only trying to write up a list of remedies... Maybe make some sort of pamphlet or advertisement with his advice and some easy to make remedies and recipes...

Speaking of which he was just done thinking of one. He wrote down the special tea blend and yet he hasn't made it to check if his curse of bitter medicine touched also on tea as well.

As he kept on talking you decided to agree to taste test the tea, but only if he rested afterwards. That compromise he could agree to.

You went on to follow the written instructions and by the time you were done he actually fell asleep on his desk.

(If you're strong) Rolling your eyes, you pick up your lover gently. Trying to not jostle him awake and took him to his home which was pretty much a part of the pharmacy. His work really is his whole life...

Once he's settled in his bed you take off his glasses and look closely at his handsome face. Adoring every wrinkle and yet... Finding yourself worried upon looking at the dark circles under his eyes.

He probably forgot it was his birthday too, which wouldn't be the first time. You lay down next to him and tuck a strand of his hair behind his ear and just let him rest. It was still pretty early so you'd get to spoil him for his birthday later today anyways.

For now, you just enjoyed the silent moment. You wanted to be with him when he wakes up. As you thought about your plans however you tried to think of a way to make him follow you. Of course he's not THAT stubborn... But you never know what his priorities will be once he wakes up. Especially since today looked like "work priority" day for him.

(If you're not strong enough to lift him) You didn't like how he was positioned and yet you didn't know if you wanted to gamble waking him up and then trying to argue with him to sleep. Because despite his promise you had a feeling he'd think of a way to do as he pleased.

After a moment of hesitation you decided to trust your lover's word and woke him up. He apologized for his drowsiness and went ahead to ask you questions about his medicine.

You answered his questions quickly to change the subject to his promise. Which he remembered and his little nap made him aware of his lack of arguments.

He leaned onto you and together you walked to his home. Of course he didn't fall asleep the moment he laid down. The two of just talked for a while. Holding each other close until he drifted away.

#ALSO DISCLAIMER FOR DMMD COMMENT!!!#I DIDN'T PLAY IT I JUST HAVE A FRIEND WHO IS A BIG FAN OF IT AND THEREFORE I KNOW ABOUT IT #baizhu x reader #baizhu gi #baizhu genshin impact #baizhu #baizhu x you #baizhu x y/n

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synthetickitsune · 11 months ago

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Ashes Settle, Left Behind ✧ y.jh [part 1]

Pairing: Yoon Jeonghan x ghost!reader (gn) Genre: horror-ish angst Summary: Everything eventually comes to an end. Life. Love. Even marriage only lasts until death do us apart. So why should a soul bond be any different? Word count: 10k Warnings: a lot of inaccuracies that we shall all ignore for the sake of the plot (pretty please), mentions of fire, jeonghan has an invisible stalker basically A/N: Things got a little out of hand but lately that's all they do when it comes to me and writing lmao... Anyway, excited to finally be sharing the first part of my addition for @svthub's world tour collab! It ended up being more fun (and longer) than I expected and the second part hopefully shouldn't take too long now - unless I feel like torturing these two more. Also shoutout to @wooahaeproductions for helping me find out about the fire of Seattle that started all this! -> svthub world tour masterlist -> [part 2] (coming soon!)

You feel a shift in the air.

As if a tomb was opened and you could breathe again, see the world again. You see the light at the end of a tunnel. You let it envelope you.

You take a breath but the air doesn’t reach your lungs. You feel light and airy. Not held down by gravity; your lungs not weighted down by ashes and smoke.

You raise your hands and see. See - but not yourself. Just a blur. Like looking at the world through water.

Your body’s not there.

Just a ghost. A lingering memory someone dreamed up after an eternity.

It takes an effort to come to terms with your existence. Again. With a completely new form, in a new time. You’re not sure what’s a bigger shock - your ethereal self or how much everything changed.

You can’t wander out, caged in another memory kept preserved in the bones of the city you lived in.

The people are different. The technology is different. It’s hard to understand, but you have nothing better to do than watch the people who come in and walk through the graveyard that is your home. And you learn. It’s not much, but it’s enough.

The modern world is easy to grasp, but life… not so much. There’s only one thing that’s for certain: something changed.

Something made the change happen. You have no explanation as to how or why. But you know one thing. He has returned.

As if you’ve been longing for eternity, you feel so relieved you could cry.

You can clearly visualize it. Him bursting in through the door, embracing you and spinning with you in his arms with that pretty and carefree smile.

He’s coming home. Finally, he’s coming home again.

You should get the dinner started…

But…

The kitchen burned down.

The house burned down.

The city burned down.

Usually he’d be cursing his alarm right about now, but today Jeonghan is already awake and sipping coffee by the window of his little shop.

Despite only having slept a couple hours, he feels energized and ready to face the day. He’s sure the exhaustion would catch up with him later, but the benefit of being his own boss and living right above his workplace is that he could always spend his lunch break napping in the comfort of his bed if he needed to. Although he isn’t sure he’d manage to keep his eyes closed or get a decent sleep until he figured out his battle plan.

What battle?

Figuring out the decoration for the upcoming city festival. The thought alone makes him breathe deeply and bite back a smile.

It was made very clear throughout the negotiations that he and his shop wasn’t the first choice; the general mood was more along the lines of you’ll have to do because no one else would accept an offer this low. But Jeonghan truthfully didn’t mind, he didn’t even mind the low pay even though it’d barely make him any profit. It was an opportunity to put himself and his business out there and show what he and his team are capable of.

Having only tipped their toes into the waters of providing decorations for big events, this was huge. There was nothing he loved more than making bouquets for his customers and bringing smiles to faces that he sometimes couldn’t even see, but he also craved success. Not to mention that if his shop got contracted for more deals like this (with better pay, hopefully), he could likely afford to take better care of the people helping him, which was ultimately a stronger drive to make it big than the status of a successful business owner.

“Someone’s up early.”

He turns in the direction of the voice and sees Joshua and Seungkwan walking in, both with a cup of coffee in their hands. Seeing them, he feels like he could work nonstop for weeks, all the way until the festival.

If everything goes well, maybe they could start doing weddings. Joshua is always going on about wanting to design and make someone's wedding bouquet. He'd be ecstatic if they got the opportunity. Most of them would be, Jeonghan thinks. He's seen some of Jihoon's ideas scribbled on loose pages around the shop. They were perfect, some fit for a neat modern wedding, others straight out of fairytale. Seungkwan daydreams of making little flower crowns for the flower girls and flower boys.

Weren’t they simply meant to do weddings? It's not an easy business venture to get into, but with the festival... It's a good opportunity. Or maybe he’s just too hopeful.

"Good morning" he greets his friends with a warm smile. "It's gonna be a busy day so why not start straight away?"

"Someone's in a good mood," Seungkwan teases, but he's smiling too.

The morning routine is a breeze with one extra person. Eventually, Seokmin and Jihoon come in and join too as they all agreed to meet and plan for the big event ahead. The back room is cramped with all of them gathered - another sign they need to make a lot of money and expand.

Although Jeonghan likes it this way, likes how cozy the main space of the shop is.

“Is there any theme they want? Colors, aesthetic?” Joshua asks, “It’d be much easier if there was.”

“No,” Jeonghan sighs, “They didn’t mention anything, so I guess we’re free to do whatever. It’s a history faire so I guess they have no idea either.”

“So something that will survive drunk dudes pissing in it for anything that’s not hanging in the air it is,” Seungkwan claps his hands like it’s a done deal, turning the attention of everyone to himself.

“Don’t ruin your boss’ illusions, dude,” Seokmin scolds him immediately, whisper-shouting as if Jeonghan couldn’t hear.

“He’s right though,” Jihoon points out with a shrug. Jeonghan pinches the bridge of his nose.

“Let’s dream a little and aim for aesthetic over functionality, shall we,” he sighs, “Bushes and weeds might be practical and local but let’s take this opportunity seriously.”

He gives Joshua a sharp glare before he can speak up. He knows his friend isn’t entirely on board with this thing ever since he heard about the details of the meeting Jeonghan attended. He’s not stupid, he knows they’re not taken seriously and that, realistically, it will be a miracle if anyone cares what they do for the decorations. It is a good way to advertise themselves though.

“We should do something fun,” Seokmin interrupts their little staring contest, “We could make something nice and historical.”

Jeonghan thought about the same thing, the issue is…

“Flowers aren’t really known to last long, you know,” Jihoon points out, “That’s their beauty.”

“It might be a challenge to find any historical inspiration,” Joshua hums in thought, “But it would be cool if we pulled it off.”

Everyone seems to agree, and it shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, Jeonghan's main goal whenever he was hiring was to create a team of people that would fit well together. He didn’t want them to feel like coworkers, and he couldn’t be happier that it truly feels like they’re friends first and colleagues second.

The idea grows and transforms. The idea of teambuilding is thrown around a lot, even though it sounds more like an excuse to hang out instead of doing actual research and hunting for ideas. Some suggestions are better than others, some more logical than others, but Jeonghan decides to sit back and relax. Whatever they do, he’s confident the end result will be great. They’ll do well. Even if this whole thing turns into one big hang out under the guise of working. It might do them well to have fun without any worries. There’s gonna be plenty of time for that later.

The scene is all too familiar. You feel it just as you did those twenty-something years ago, although who really keeps track.

The light returning to your life. The world welcoming you back. It feels like it’s opening its arms to you now.

His arms. The safety, the security. The love. You yearn.

You feel it now almost physically; truly an oxymoron in your predicament.

You kept looking for him in the strange faces coming day after day, but it was never him. Not until now.

He’s coming home.

He’s close.

It makes your whole being tingle, like a magnet drawn to another, like a moth flying too close to a flame yet unable to pull back.

You feel the shift in the air. A rush of fresh breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers and the scent of the meadow where he stole your first kiss.

He’s here.

“This is stupid,” Jeonghan grumbles. His arms are crossed over his chest and there’s a displeased wrinkle between his brows. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden temperature drop between outside and here.

“Inspiration is a mysterious thing,” Joshua smooths that wrinkle away and chuckles, “Besides this is research. And that was your idea if I remember correctly.”

“My idea,” Jeonghan hisses, “Was googling a bunch of stuff and then deciding what had the chance of best results. Not going on a history tour that will be useless.”

“It’s more authentic. We’re going to breathe in the atmosphere of the old city,” the other man shrugs, “And c’mon, can you believe we’ve never been on one of these?”

Yes. Yes, he’s perfectly willing to believe so, because these tours are for tourists and history nuts and they’re neither. They have a flower shop for god’s sake.

He doesn’t say that aloud, however, because the tour guide appears and as grumpy as the cold might be making him, and as spiteful he might feel towards Joshua for dragging him here so early in the morning on their day off, he won’t spoil the mood. So he schools his expression into a curious smile and listens to the introduction.

It’s not too bad once he gets into it. Although it does absolutely nothing so far as searching for anything decoration-related goes and inspiration is yet to hit him, it’s interesting. More so than he expected. And Joshua being Joshua reads his mind well enough that he asks the questions Jeonghan is also curious about. The younger man gives him a knowing smile whenever Jeonghan nods along to the guide’s explanation. He rolls his eyes at him.

The tour is really nice - unexpectedly, they also discover a half-burned photograph of a couple with flower baskets behind them and also a newspaper clip with a photo of something that looked like a faire with flowers decorating the streets that his companion excitedly pointed out to him. Not that either of these were clear enough to get any real inspiration, but hey, at least they will have something to report back to the guys.

However, as the tour progresses, an uneasy feeling grows in Jeonghan’s stomach. He’s never had any real issue with claustrophobia, so he doesn’t think that’s it. Human bodies are weird though, and their minds even more so. He’s stronger than some irrational fear trying to pull a trick on him. Is it really a phobia though? Is phobia supposed to make him anxious to his bones and hit him with nausea that feels like a cold hand squeezing his stomach? His knees feel like they’ll buckle under him any moment now.

“Hey, Han, are you alright?”

He jumps and only the lump in his throat stops him from yelping when Joshua grabs his shoulder. He’s frowning.

“Sorry, is there anywhere my friend can sit down for a minute?”

He hears his friend speak but the words don’t really register in his mind. He lets himself be led to the side and sat down on a chair. He feels faint. His head is spinning. He barely hears whatever Joshua is saying.

He’s here.

He’s alive.

And in turn, his life makes you remember what it felt like to live.

You don’t need to breathe but in the instant you see him, you forget you ever could.

He looks different, but you’d recognize him anywhere.

His hair is longer. It looks good on him, framing his face like a dark halo. He looks like an angel. Did he come to save you?

The clothes he’s wearing make him seem out of place just like the rest of the group. Just a tourist in a place that he should call home. That he once did call home. You don’t recognize the man next to him, and your heart pangs. His friends used to be yours too.

You move closer without realizing. It feels like your entire body is pulsing with life long forgotten; with a heartbeat you no longer have.

He doesn’t look good.

He seems to feel unwell. The closer you get, the more it seems to hurt him. Love truly is violence.

The man next to him calls his name.

You repeat it. It’s different. It feels different on your tongue, yet it doesn’t feel unfamiliar. You suppose that just comes with the territory.

He looks like he’s about to lose consciousness. You can’t just watch him getting hurt.

You move closer, grabbing onto his arm the second before he can fall.

He doesn’t. Instead he suddenly straightens as shiver runs through his body. He seems disoriented when he looks through you. Almost like he can tell that’s where you are.

You’re dragged along with him by his friend. Even though you’re right in front of his face, he doesn’t see you. He looks like he’s about to faint. Pearls of cold sweat forming on his forehead, his teeth chattering and face deadly pale. His friend moves right through you when he crouches down in front of him.

“Jeonghan? Can you hear me?” he taps your lover’s leg without any reaction, “What’s going on?”

“Breathe,” you whisper. Like a magic trick, he does. He gasps for air like he’s drowning on dry land and his friend panics, shooting up to his feet and shaking his shoulder.

“Slowly. You don’t belong to me yet,” there’s a bitter smile on your face when again he follows your instructions. Not yet.

It’s a strange and nauseating feeling. You don’t wish him death, but you long to hold and be held. His soul recognizes yours, it yearns for you too. But will his heart? Would his heart?

“Shua?” Jeonghan asks, brows furrowed and eyes vacant. He looks dazed, the color still drained from his face.

“Han? Can you hear me?” the man - Shua - tries again.

“Yeah,” your lover rubs his face, “Yeah, sorry. I don’t know what happened.”

“You scared me, man,” the other man sighs, “How do you feel?”

“Good, I’m good now. Isn’t it cold here?” Jeonghan rubs his arms, trying to get the feeling back in them as he stands up. Shua looks ready to catch him if he loses strength again and you feel a sense of pride. He always knew to choose his friends well.

“Yeah, I guess it’s a bit chilly,” Shua responds, apprehensive, and clearly not trusting Jeonghan’s legs not to give up on him again.

“We should head up,” Jeonghan says and tries to orient himself. You can’t let him go. His friend frowns. The temperature didn’t change since they entered, only Jeonghan did - you did. You latch onto his arm. You hold him like he’s the ghost that could disappear at any moment.

His skin is warm under your touch. He shivers and looks at his arm, right where you hold him, before passing a hand over it. His fingers slip right through you. Nothing helps him chase away the cool sensation it seems.

“I’m not sure, Han,” Shua hesitates, “It’s pretty hot up there and you seem kind of… I don’t want you to feel worse because of the heat.”

“I’ll be fine,” Jeonghan manages a smile. The same smile you used to see every day.

“Are you sure? I don’t know about you but I can’t afford any hospital bill,” his friend jokes, earning himself an eye roll.

Tears burn at your eyes. His friends were always like that - caring, kind, but with a mischievous heart.

“Alright, lemme just check with the guide that it’s okay for us to just leave,” Shua finally concedes, seeing as your lover won’t budge. Jeonghan gives him a nod (and a smile when the man hesitates again - Jeonghan even sits down to finally get him going).

It’s just you and him.

He sighs. As he massages his arm to get some feeling back in it, his warm palm passes through you once more. He grimaces. Can he perhaps feel you? It doesn’t matter how little. Can he tell you’re with him? You know it’s selfish, so so selfish. But you crave acknowledgement. After so long, after waiting for so long…

He looks up, he looks in your direction - he’s still looking as confused and lost as before. A lost young man, a look you’ve seen on him before when he took you on a trip to the countryside. He always looked at you so fondly back then. And now he doesn’t see you at all. You want him to - as selfish and cruel as it is. As foolish as it is. You want it even though your heart would break. He’d be terrified. Perhaps he wouldn’t even recognize you. You don’t think he would but you hope, you wish. It’s not like you have any idea if the same feelings in your heart remained in his.

He keeps running his hand over his arm like an obsession, like he’s trying to ground himself. He massages it, he pokes at it, he pinches it. He must feel your touch somehow, he does - he just doesn’t recognize it, so can it really be said he feels it at all? You should let go. Whatever he feels, it’s not a pleasant feeling. But you can’t. You finally found him again. You can’t let go now. It’d be like letting go of the straw that keeps you from drowning.

“Jeonghan,” you try calling his new name aloud. A mere whisper.

Yet he whips his head up and gasps. His pupils shrink, his mouth hangs open in a silent scream. He freezes. Not a simple scare freeze - no, the type of fear rooted deep in human instinct, the fear of something unknown and unnatural, something that seems human but isn’t.

He meets your eyes. You truly think he does. His breath gets stuck in his chest.

“-aaand we’re clear to go!” Shua announces cheerfully, returning back in a rush - then he speeds up more when he sees Jeonghan, his face immediately falling. “Hey, you good?”

He needs to shake Jeonghan’s shoulder to get his friend to look at him. He gets no other reaction than a few blinks.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he tries to lighten the mood, although his brow is furrowed in worry.

Jeonghan is pale as a sheet. You notice he bites his tongue, he resolves himself to push back his true feelings - you’ve learned to read him like an open book. It only causes you more pain now.

“I just got a bit nauseous,” Jeonghan lies through his teeth, “I think I messed up my breakfast.”

“That’s why I keep telling you to consider the kitchen more of a decoration,” Shua huffs while he helps Jeonghan stand up, insists on it despite the other’s protests. He watches out for him even as he stands straight and steady.

“Let’s just go,” Jeonghan groans, “I think I should lie down.”

You don’t let go. You see his hand twitch as if he wants to touch his arm again but he stops himself.

You hang onto his arm. You haven’t managed to leave the buried remains of the past before, held back by an invisible force. It must’ve been fate looking out for you.

Or maybe it wasn’t, maybe you’re meant to haunt this place.

Whatever happens though, trapped here or not, you will hold onto him until the last second.

You hold your redundant breath as you’re all nearing the exit.

You’re carried out, anchored to your lover.

The sun shines through you.

“So, how did it go?” No surprise Jihoon is already back. They really should have bit the bullet and volunteered to drag him around. Looking back, Joshua really should’ve picked him over Jeonghan.

“Well…” Joshua hesitates and Jeonghan rolls his eyes.

His arms still feels off. It’s cold - he thought maybe it was the wind blowing directly at it once they came out of the underground. (Not a leaf moved on the ground, but Jeonghan will ignore the fact. Maybe he just offended the wind in some way.) Maybe there really was something wrong with him. Could he eat some parasite in his food lately? Maybe. Honestly he would take anything over what he saw down there. Anything over being possessed by a ghost. He has too many things to achieve. He cannot afford to lose control of his body; wailing and being creepy is bad for the business.

“I feel better now,” he pats Joshua’s shoulder. It’s not a lie - or it won’t be in a while, once he gets lost in work. His arm still feels cold. Occasionally the feeling skims over his skin like a ghostly touch. He doesn’t want to entertain that thought. “Nothing to worry about, I just got a little dizzy. Maybe I slept too little?”

He thinks aloud, overacting but it works to make Joshua sigh in exasperation and Jihoon nod in understanding. Of course he would understand.

“Look, just be careful, okay? We can get through one day without you, boss,” there’s a teasing lilt to Joshua’s voice when he calls him that but he coos at his friend anyway.

“Why don’t I start with the orders for tomorrow then, that’s easy enough,” he doesn’t wait for their agreement and instead goes to the back. Joshua will explain everything to Jihoon and he doesn’t necessarily need to be around for that. He knows they won’t protest if he takes on whatever he feels like, both a little too caring for their own good. That’s why he wants them to have easy lives, do well and be rich. A goal that will be a challenge if he starts losing his mind and seeing things suddenly. He shakes his head. Work. Focus on work and it’s gonna be fine.

And it is. They keep it cool in the back so the flowers don’t wilt as quickly. He would need to focus to feel the difference of temperatures on his body - so he won’t do that. He doesn’t need to think about much else while he prepares one bouquet after another, picking the right flowers, twisting stems together, tying bows… Although they should be getting ready for the festival and among other deals they have, they need to keep the core of the business running. It’s back to basics, but he loves it. He genuinely enjoys preparing the orders. Some of them are more specific than others, but he likes the artistic freedom of those in which he can just follow what occasion the bouquet is meant for and put his own twist to it. It’s an honor that so many people trust them to convey their feelings… or at least to create something pretty. He gets it, sometimes you just want to give someone a pretty flower without thinking about what it means.

He gets so into the work that he forgets about anything else and by the time Seokmin comes to get him, he’s done with everything.

“You were faking it, weren’t you?” Seokmin accuses once he sees all the orders that needed to be prepared for tomorrow done and stored away. Jeonghan rolls his eyes.

“Joshua is just too dramatic. You know him,” he sighs. His friend doesn’t seem convinced.

“Well, he looked really worried,” the younger man shifts on his spot nervously, “He said you looked like you’ll pass out. Like you saw a ghost.”

Jeonghan flinches a little. But he recovers quickly, gasping in a split second and hitting Seokmin’s shoulder lightly with a declaration of: “Don’t say scary things like that!”

Seokmin teases him for a while, but it’s fair enough. Jeonghan’s never been too scared of ghosts and such, never worried about being trapped underground forever - actually he doesn’t think there was ever a time his friends saw him scared, and the jokes remind him of that. Right. Ghosts aren’t real. He must’ve been just lightheaded or something. Maybe he’s more stressed about the planning than he realized previously.

“Right, I’ll do a coffee run, you want something?” Seokmin remembers, quickly getting to why he actually came.

“I’ll come with you, it’s hard to carry everything alone,” Jeonghan says as he washes his hands.

He thinks about grabbing the jacket he keeps at the shop, but thinks better of it. It’s windy outside and Seokmin suggests he returns for it, but he absolutely won’t. The cold feeling shifted, resting around his hand as if assuring him it’s not going anywhere. Hand in unlovable hand - who said that? He shakes his head. It’s easier to ignore the sensation with the wind blowing this and that way, and Seokmin is good at distracting him.

They talk about the results of Seokmin and Seungkwan’s “research” while they wait in line and for their order to be made. It seems they were about as successful as him and Joshua, so Jihoon is their biggest hope. Not that it matters, it’s unreasonable to think anyone at the festival would care about the historical accuracy of the flowers used as decorations, and their shop focuses on the symbolism anyway, but Jeonghan likes little details like that. Even if it makes their work much harder. It would be nice to have something traditional or local for the centerpiece at least.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Seokmin asks all of a sudden. It takes him by surprise, but soon the expression is replaced by a soft smile. He nods.

He’s not. But maybe the time he spends with his friends will help. Or maybe he’ll go mad and these are the last precious moments he has with them. Fortunately, the human mind isn’t capable of comprehending things in their entirety, and so even if his thoughts are gloomy, he can still smile. He’s grateful for that.

“It was nothing. Maybe phobias are like allergies?” Jeonghan suggests, wondering, “Maybe they can just pop up randomly or disappear.”

“So you think I could get over my fear of bugs?” Seokmin considers the idea seriously.

“I’ll give you a raise if you do,” Jeonghan smirks and easily dodges his friend’s elbow aimed at his ribs. This is definitely better than obsessing over something out of his control. Something that might be all in his head.

(He still looks over his shoulder as they exit the cafe.)

As they sit at the round table - as Seokmin jokes - it’s very obvious everyone had a great time but it wasn’t really a productive means of reaching their research goal. They skip only quickly over his and Joshua’s trip, everyone well familiar with its less than ideal ending.

Jihoon of course agrees that local flora of history would be a great research topic for a thesis, but for now the idea remains to be extensively explored in resources that could be found at local libraries. (The silver lining though, clearly, is the stack of books in his bag resting against the wall.)

Seungkwan and Seokmin, who visited the botanical garden, did manage to get some interesting and useful information. A little miracle nobody counted on happening. They also went above and beyond to ask the visitors of the park about their favorite flowers. (“To make it like it’s made for them!” they claim, although the notion is as ridiculous as it is cute.)

Jeonghan enjoys listening to his friends, he really does. His eyes hurt with the effort to keep them on the person talking, always switching. He’s trying. But he’s so nauseous that it feels like he’s being continuously punched in the stomach.

His head feels like it’s full of cotton and fog, not a single thought forms itself in its entirety. All of them are just incoherent, broken pieces littering his mind. Jeonghan has never dived in his entire life, but he thinks he knows what it feels like now. He feels as though an entire ocean is pressing down on him. The meeting can’t end soon enough - as much as he loves listening to the chaos.

His friends fortunately aren’t blind and with all of them being aware of his almost collapse earlier, they don’t take long to catch on to Jeonghan not feeling his best. It takes some convincing that he’ll be fine, that he just needs to eat and rest, even as he’s putting all his strength into not doubling over and curling into fetal position to ease the sudden sinking fear gripping his entire body. They follow him the entire way to his door just upstairs. It’s comical, him and his four little ducklings. It eases the tension in his body and the fear, but he would lie if he said he doesn’t prefer to isolate himself whenever he’s not feeling well. He’s strong enough to lie and tell them he’ll be fine on his own.

The door closes behind him with what feels like finality. It feels like he just closed the door to his old life, though he wouldn’t hesitate to say it feels like he left his old world - whatever that means when there’s no other world. His apartment looks like it always did, like it did when he left this morning. It feels like that was eternity ago - he can summon the memories of his excitement, the energy he felt. There’s none left in him now.

He lets his bag fall to the floor and lay there. He doesn’t bother to hang up his keys and lets them rest on the little shelf next to some trinkets the guys brought back from their holidays over the years.

He drags himself to the living room and throws himself down on the sofa. He’s staring at the white ceiling, watches the stripes of lights and shadows following one after another where the glow of the street lamp is blocked by his blinds. It’s too quiet.

He should wash up. There are many things he should do, actually, but he has no strength or will to get up. His stomach feels uncomfortable and his muscles are tense. That probably doesn’t help with how he’s feeling. He takes a couple deep breaths, slows down his breathing even if it feels like he’s going to pass out.

His head throbs, but it’s better than the nausea twisting his stomach. He thinks he’ll faint soon, something bad is bound to happen to him, his body overcome with heat, then cold, all within a minute. His breathing is getting heavier. He tries closing his eyes, searching for any small relief. Instead he’s more aware of his body.

Something tells him to move, something so primal he doesn’t dare to disobey. Like his own body knows if something doesn’t happen right now, he’s gonna die. He groans when he pushes himself up, clinging to the back of the couch. He needs water. He makes it to the bathroom, supporting himself on the walls. It only gets worse. It keeps getting worse and worse and he’s lightheaded.

He holds himself up against the sink and turns on the water. It feels icy against his skin, but that’s what he needs. He splashes his face with it, and the relief is slow but it’s there. He drinks out of his palms and the cold water sliding down his throat helps. He’s nauseous still, he feels dizzy, but not on the verge of breakdown.

At least that’s until he looks up.

The mirror on the wall shows two reflections.

He shrieks so loud his throat burns despite the cold water sticking to it.

He thinks he blacks out for a second.

But when he opens his eyes, he’s still standing in his bathroom. His hands are cramped, curled around the edges of the sink so that he doesn’t fall.

The mirror still shows another person behind him.

His own shriek resonates in his head and his throat burns more at the memory.

Part of him wishes that what he saw looked like a monster. Something straight out of a horror movie, something inhumane. But it’s just a person. Barely there, a shadow of a human being. Something that isn’t there when he turns to looks back.

He closes his eyes tightly and only blinks them open after a few long minutes. He doesn’t know what he expected, but what he feels is a resignation. Something in him gives up when the person doesn’t disappear when he looks into the mirror again. He refuses to check if something hasn’t changed and the stranger hasn’t manifested in his home - he’s seen enough horror movies for that. He’d rather keep his eyes on the reflection.

“I lost my mind,” he laughs, his head hanging between his shoulders. Tears pool in his eyes. Was it stress? Was it karma for the pranks he played? What was it that finally did him in?

He looks up and the ghost is wearing a sad smile. As if it’s pitying him. He laughs again. Even the creation of his own shattering mind thinks him a pathetic clown.

“You should sleep,” a voice says, and at the same time: “I should sleep.” He says.

He hears it, but it takes a second to comprehend that the echo of his voice wasn’t truly his voice, but some other, second voice. The ghostly figure behind him never moved its lips. Never moved. Never spoke. It just keeps staring.

Has he seen the face before?

The underground flashes in front of his eyes. The split-second trick of the light he saw there. Goosebumps erupt all over his body. Could it be the same face?

Surely he just saw something, some picture - the picture on the tour? It must be a waking nightmare, just a stranger’s face he saw once. It’s said you never forget a face you’ve seen and this must be it. Maybe he slept less than he thought. He must be exhausted, his body must be shutting down. That’s why he’s losing it. His vision starts swimming. He’s dizzy from staring at the figure so intensely.

Something like sleep paralysis maybe? He’s awake but ready to pass out from exhaustion. That must be it.

“Sleep,” he speaks again, and like before, there’s the echo of the second voice. He’s sure it’s just his sleep paralysis demon speaking. He’s pathetic enough that even demons would pity him.

Sleep… He needs to go to sleep. That much is obvious. But sleep seems like the stupid thing to do. He rubs his face again, splashes more cold water on it, but the ghost doesn’t disappear. So he does the unthinkable.

He turns around suddenly. So suddenly his head hurts and he almost loses his balance. He winces, but there is no one. No solid figure, no ghastly figure, nothing. Cautiously, he reaches forward, but he feels nothing. There’s the need to check the mirror again gnawing at the back of his mind, but he doesn’t. Instead he turns off the light so he can’t see at all. He extends his hand again but still - nothing. He takes a couple deep breaths and bolts.

He’s stumbling and banging against the walls, but he makes it to his bedroom. He jumps on his bed, covers his body with a blanket and pants. His body is shivering, trembling, tight like his every muscle is cramped. It’s hard to breathe, the lump in his throat taking up too much space, the air can’t get through. He remembers the phone in his pocket and takes it out. It lights up and he can finally see again.

It’s just him under the blanket. Only his body and nothing else. He sits up again. It makes him dizzy, the blanket falls. The phone lights up the room but it’s empty. It’s just him.

He sighs.

He falls back, staring at the ceiling like he did before. The nausea is gone for the most part, and now that he’s lying down, he doesn’t feel like he’s gonna pass out in the next second. There is only the dread and anxiety left that make him lightheaded and wide awake despite the exhaustion. He knows his body will give out before his mind does, but that’s worse. He knows it’s gonna create nasty nightmares to haunt him, and it’s the last thing he needs today. He honestly feels like crying. He feels like calling someone - but what’s he gonna say? ‘Hey, I think I saw a ghost in my bathroom, can you come over?’ That sounds way too pathetic. It’s too late to ask anyone to come over, and to ask if they could stay over too. At least without a good reason. He knows he can rely on his friends, knows they wouldn’t ask questions and be there within minutes, but his pride won’t allow it. And looking like he does - he can imagine the mess that he is right now - they might not ask, but they’d be worried. Jeonghan doesn’t want that above all.

So he takes a couple of deep breaths. If there is a ghost in his bathroom… If there is a ghost anywhere, if he is possessed… What’s he supposed to do about it at midnight? Nothing. There’s nothing he can do.

He reasons with himself. He’s exhausted. He can feel his very bones weighing him down, and he already had some sort of breakdown earlier on the tour. Must be stress. Must be hunger - he doesn’t feel hungry at all, but except for breakfast, did he eat anything the whole day? He can only remember the breakfast and the toast Seungkwan basically forced down his throat. Must be that he’s starving. Must be the lack of sleep. Even though he felt energized, that doesn’t mean he was. His body must’ve lied to him - and now his own eyes and mind are lying to him. That must be it. There’s no way ghosts exist.

He turns to his side and checks the calendar. It shouldn’t be too busy tomorrow, that should give them plenty of chances to brainstorm about the festival some more. He focuses on that. The festival. The orders they should get done tomorrow. All the practical and necessary day-to-day things. He should get some groceries too. A warm, home cooked meal would do him good, even if it was something simple that he cooked. It all must’ve been just exhaustion and hunger.

He lets the screen go dark. He can barely make out his reflection in the dim light coming in through the window. Only his reflection. That soothes him a little. He can’t keep his eyes open anymore anyway. He listens to the sounds of the apartment and everything sounds as it should. No movement, no steps, no doors making funny sounds. He’ll laugh about it in the morning. He’ll tell the guys and they’ll laugh about it together. That’s how it’s gonna be. He allows himself a tiny smile.

Just a sleep paralysis that came too early.

Errors happen even in the human body.

That’s just how it is.

You watch him fall asleep.

You don’t have a body, yet it feels like you do all the same. The pain feels real, even if it doesn’t have anywhere to anchor itself to. Passing points, your own ghosts of neurons shooting signals to each other in a messed up web all over your being. You are a nebula of pain.

It was obvious what’s going to happen. You knew it well. Yet it left your heart shattered on his bathroom floor.

What hurts more - the terror in his eyes or that he doesn’t recognize you? Well, he has his own life now, one without you, so you suppose there’s only so many memories he can carry with himself. And you simply have no place among them.

It hurts. You want to scream, but you can’t - not in a way that would bring relief. And what if he hears you? In what universe could you endure seeing more of his panic? You know the answer.

Seeing him so exhausted hurt you too. Was it hard carrying you around? Bringing a second soul probably leaves a toll on the body just like carrying another body would. You wished to speak to him, but how could you utter a word when seeing you made him react the way he did. You don’t want him to lose his mind. You’ll have to be smart. You don’t want to hurt him more than you’re already doing. You can carry the hurt of the situation, you can withstand the hurt he causes you because it’s not his fault. Not his fault at all. Not yours either, you think, you hope, but you definitely have more power here. You comfort yourself with the knowledge you could probably talk to him. Just not tonight when the fear is fresh.

You move closer to him, gently move some of his hair away from his face as if you were a cold breeze blowing in through the window. He looks angelic. His features are much softer than you remember, but he’s as handsome as he always was. You lie down beside him, admiring him in his sleep. It’s not gonna be a restful night. You see the first frown twist his face, and it stabs you right in your chest. You can’t protect him from nightmares, but you’ll share the pain.

Even if he won’t know.

“Wow,” Jihoon exclaims the moment he sees him, “You look-”

“- awful.”

“- like shit.”

Both Seokmin and Joshua pipe in. He sighs and runs a hand through his hair.

As expected, the night wasn’t kind to him at all. Well, perhaps he could find some silver lining in the fact that despite the night being quite hot, he was so exhausted he didn’t even notice. And despite the nightmares and the heat, he didn’t wake up sweaty and disgusting.

Anyway, he didn’t have the courage to wander into his bathroom and avoided mirrors like the plague, so he probably looks a mess anyway.

(It was pathetic enough to crawl on the floor and blindly feel for his toothbrush and toothpaste on the sink without really stepping inside. To take a shower there was out of the question. Okay, maybe he was a little disgusting.)

“I couldn’t sleep well,” he shrugs, “Neighbours decided to have a party.”

The young couple living in the apartment above his own were actually the ideal neighbors, but that was good - with no reason to talk about them much, the lie would go unnoticed. He got several understanding nods in response.

“And… you feeling okay?” Seungkwan asks, and he’s once again touched by his friends’ concern that is mirrored on all three faces.

“Yeah,” he tries a small smile, “Would be better if I got actual sleep but it is what it is.”

“You can sneak out during lunch break, we won’t tell the boss,” Seokmin gives him an exaggerated wink. He scoffs, but smiles anyway. It’s genuine.

This is better. Normal is better. Last night feels like a fever dream compared to this. Just a joke played on him by his exhausted body and mind. He’s still shaken by it, though, the cracks it left in his confidence in himself and what reality is are still too sharp to joke about it. He hopes that by tomorrow he gets some quality sleep and his shit together.

“Anyway, let’s get to work so Friday isn’t a pain in the ass,” he claps, rolling his eyes at Seungkwan’s mock salute.

He’s more grateful than he could ever express for these guys. The nightmare of last night is easily forgettable and written off as a glitch in the matrix with them around.

When a cold breeze circles and brushes around his wrist though, as if lingering like a lover’s touch, he shivers and breaks out in cold sweat anyway. He turns around. He sees nothing.

As it should be.

(Then why does he feel the hairs at the back of his neck stand up?)

You’ve always admired his hard working nature. The honesty and dedication with which he works. It’s quite the change from the man you used to know back then - you’d never think you’ll get to see him one day selling flowers, but it seems to suit the present day version of him. Very little of him changed in the aspects that matter. Bodies are no more than a shell to be eventually discarded - or that’s how you came to think of them over your short experience of being just a wandering soul.

You’re careful not to hover too close too often. He flinches any time the wind blows in, even if it’s a work of nature and not your touch. And so you lost your excuse to touch him. It still makes you uneasy to keep your distance. Your heart is filled with anxiety whenever you lose contact with him, terrified of being dragged back into the underground by the same mysterious power that allowed you to leave when you latched onto him.

Jeonghan’s friends watch him closely - trying to be as inconspicuous as they can to go unnoticed by him. Yet he does notice them, smiling a little to himself. He seems troubled but he hides it well. At least from everyone who can’t float around him and see him when nobody is looking. It pains your heart, it really does. But it can’t be helped - you can’t help it. Your instinct screams to stay close to your lover after what, decades - centuries? No way you’re letting him disappear from you now.

It’s painful to watch him be cautious and on guard, to be the only one aware of it, and the only one on the receiving end of this icy attitude. You don’t blame him. But it hurts. You’re tempted, oh so tempted, to take advantage of the moments when he speaks to his friends, moments when you know he’d fake being alright, to touch him. To wrap your arms around him and hold him. Just for a second.

He’s yours. Can’t he see? Can’t he feel it? His soul is yours, yours is his. Doesn’t he know?

It makes you angry. Some part of you is furious with him for not feeling the tug of your bond. It’s so deeply interwoven in your heart, bound to your very existence. Why else would you be awakened to your afterlife if not to meet him? To be one with him again?

And he doesn’t even bother to care about you.

All he seems to care about is how repulsive your touch is to him. When he’s left alone in the room, he turns around helplessly, desperately searching for something that is not there, yet something that makes his skin crawl, that invades his space, that he can’t run away from.

Why would he run?

His eyes are wide and panicked, teary. You can see yourself in their reflection and you feel shame that makes you draw back.

But he’s still scared. He doesn’t know you back away from him.

He’s still backing himself into a corner, or against a wall, or a desk, or against soft blooming flowers that stop him in his tracks. And then you are reminded of his gentle touch and tender caresses and you want to weep.

He might be terrified of the summer breeze, but he never harms the flowers. He stops himself before he can knock them over.

You’re a monster, and it hurts. You’re a monster but it hurts. You’re a monster despite and because it hurts. Being a ghost cannot possibly be described in any other way than the simple statement I am in pain.

You don’t want to hurt him. Yet it seems that’s all you can do.

You’re angry and you’re hurt, your emotions come and go like the waves at the sea.

And he’s hiding it all so well, acting like he lost his balance when his friends start returning. He laughs, pretty and bright. Like he was never on the verge of tears.

Truth be told though, it’s hard. He wants to break down, but he can’t and he won’t. Jeonghan won’t let them see him cry, he won’t tell them anything. He’ll let them tease him, he’ll whine at them. He’ll laugh. It’s important as a business owner to be able to act, to pretend. It’s what he’s always done. He doesn’t need help. He can do this.

It’s harder to let the work swallow him whole, however. He feels eyes on him. Hand frozen just a breath away from his skin. It makes him jumpy, but fortunately that can be easily written off and joked about as just him dozing off. It wouldn’t be the first time lack of sleep made him act weird, and for once he’s glad for that. At the same time, though, it stings.

He wants to be comforted, to be reassured. At the same time, he doesn’t want his friends to be concerned about something that might just be his mind playing tricks on him. But it really doesn’t feel like a joke anymore. He can’t explain it; the impending sense of doom, like he’s about to have a heart attack. The fear so strong and urgent it enables him to act with absolute serenity. Jeonghan knows it’s not just the exhaustion - which means that yesterday was no play of the shadows in his bathroom either. It makes him nauseous all over again. It makes the scent of flowers overwhelming.

He makes it through the maintenance and prep for tomorrow with only a few tiny hiccups. Mostly due to the efforts of his friends to keep him entertained. He wonders if he’ll ever be able to thank them. They might quite literally be saving his life - or his sanity at the very least. But isn’t it the same thing at the end of the day - his life and his ability to comprehend that he’s living this life.

After the necessary is done at a record pace, a couple hours earlier than it would take under normal circumstances, they sit down according to plan to brainstorm. It’s more fun now that they abandoned the pressure of sticking to tradition and history - which in hindsight should be obvious to be impossible. It’s not like even if they wanted to, even if they could, it would be viable to only use the local wildflowers for all the decor.

Jihoon also shocks everyone when, unlike Seungkwan, he provides the list of artists and other entertainers who’ll be present at the festival. (“What? I have friends too, you know,” he scoffs when everyone turns to look at him with their mouths hanging open and Seungkwan grumbling to himself.)

Most of the musicians are local and undiscovered artists, but it helps with imagining the vibe the festival will have. It’s starting to come together when they look up the official program and list of activities that will be available. Surprisingly it seems that it truly aims to celebrate the city’s history, if one’s willing to look past the few necessary activities for children that are planned. And memories, remembering, cherishing, all that is so easy to express through flower language.

A little too easy.

And Jeonghan is yet again grateful to his friends for a thing he’d find a little annoying any other day.

“We don’t have to have it figured out today,” he tries to join the conversation again, tries to steer it in a more productive direction. It’s hardly a conversation anymore, rather a contest of who can be the loudest. Jeonghan’s eyes meet with Jihoon’s who shrugs and lifts the paper in front of him. There’s a rough drawing of what looks like possible table decoration with arrows and names pointing to individual flowers that Jeonghan can’t make out through the flurry of hands thrown around in wild gestures. Jihoon mouths a what do you think? to him anyway, although he can’t quite respond.

He runs a hand through his hair just as Seungkwan scolds Joshua for apparently making the centerpiece look too much like a funeral decoration.

If something really has possessed him, he wonders what the entity must be thinking…

“Jeonghan was saying something,” Jihoon grumbles out of nowhere, and even though Jeonghan himself could barely make out what the other was saying, the room goes quiet and all the four heads turn in his direction. He sighs. Like he needs more eyes on him. At least these he can see.

“We don’t have to get everything finalized today,” Jeonghan reminds everyone and starts picking different colored highlighters from the table. He swipes different colors over the individual items on the list of everything they were contracted to provide. He tries to be fair with the division of labor and closely monitors the reaction when he slides the paper further down the table for everyone to check out.

“I think it’s best if everyone picks out something and comes up with ideas for that,” Jeonghan suggests, “We have enough time, so let’s meet about it in two weeks. And if you have any ideas for the other things, write them down too.”

“Do you want to pick first?” Seokmin asks but Jeonghan shakes his head.

“I’m fine with whatever,” he waves them off. It’s not like he could get himself to consider and focus right now. Honestly he can’t be sure yet how big of a deal whatever’s happening to him is, so it’s better this way. If there’s a risk of him not doing as good of a job as he could, why take something one of the guys would enjoy?

He watches with fond eyes as his friends bicker over the colors more seriously than the tasks. He spins the pen he’s holding between his fingers. The eyes he feels on his back constantly never disappear but somehow it seems like he’s not the main focus now. Is he losing his mind for real? Jeonghan rubs his eyes.

It’s like he can feel it. Like he can feel something hover around. He doesn’t see anything, truth be told he doesn’t feel anything unless… It feels foolish to say until it touches him because there’s nothing there but there’s no better way to explain it. If that something was a person, he can feel their gaze shifting. If it was a person, who could it be? He made his fair share of mistakes in his life, but he doesn’t think he’s ever hurt anyone enough for them to haunt him.

“Well, that leaves the centerpiece for you,” Joshua slides the paper back to him. He whines.

“Is it because Seungkwan hates your idea?” Jeonghan complains. He doesn’t care, not much anyway (although it does put a lot of pressure on him), as long as they’re happy but he is worried. It’s a big responsibility, and if this whole issue he’s having will drag on, can he do a good job? He doesn’t want to let them down.

“It’s because you’re the owner. You should be the star,” Seungkwan pushes at his shoulder. Jeonghan hopes his smile is convincing enough. He hopes they’ll read the anxiety only for the half of the worries they’re meant to see.

“Always being nice to me only when it’s convenient, I see,” he sighs, shaking his head. At least he can smile for real now. At least he can forget somewhat about the eyes when he play-fights with them.

They throw around ideas for a while longer and go through the timeline again - when is the next meeting with the organizers, when are they going to need to make the order, when to start with the work. That’s gonna be the main issue - to manage everything in time along with the other jobs they have. It’s not like there aren’t ways to get around it, but it’s another huge thing on Jeonghan’s plate to figure out.

It’s not exactly a tiring day and all things considered, Jeonghan feels quite refreshed when he makes it home. Mostly because Joshua insists on hanging out with him for a while, so that takes away the anxious edge he feels about coming home. Still, he thinks it must be because the other man worries about his breakdown yesterday and it irritates him a little.

He doesn’t even know a half of it - if he knew the whole story, Jeonghan’s positive Joshua would treat him differently. Like a freak. Then the guilt hits. Joshua is too kind for his own good and Jeonghan’s paranoid. Of course his best friend would try to understand, he’d probably help him come up with a logical solution and offer support. It’s just Jeonghan’s mind trying to isolate him like it always does when he’s going through something. He wishes he could blame it on whatever nightmare he’s dreamed up, but he really can’t.

Once the door closes behind Joshua, Jeonghan feels like his heart dropped into his stomach. He can’t swallow. He can barely breathe. Not that there’s anything preventing him, but he can’t set any rhythm to taking breaths that would allow him not to choke. He’s gasping for breath, his ears ringing.

The eyes are on him.

They were the whole time, but he could push it to the back of his mind. Now it’s all coming back to him in full force.

He can feel them, burning into his back.

When he turns around, there will be nothing there.

He does, slowly, hesitantly, eyes glued to the floor. It takes all his will power to look up.

Nothing.

He smiles bitterly. At this point he’d prefer it if he was hallucinating as well. He wants to see that thing that he saw in the bathroom yesterday. Anything that would make it more real and less like a delusion brought on by a sudden attack of claustrophobia. Because he’s not going insane. He won’t lose his mind from a silly visit of a historical site that Joshua brought him on.

Then a thought hits him - what if Joshua finds out about it somehow? If his best friend ever learns about what Jeonghan is going through, he’ll feel guilty. Like he’s not already beating himself over that sudden spell of nausea that overcame him then and over Jeonghan’s exhaustion and weakness.

He has to solve this. He has to figure it out, at least. Make any kind of first step of getting rid of this. Yesterday, he could easily dismiss it as a punishment for pushing himself too much - what else could he do? It was late, he needed to sleep. His own body protected him from the horrors that he can’t avoid today in the daylight. Sure, he’s still exhausted, but it simply doesn’t make sense.

Nothing makes sense. There’s no reason for him to have a psychotic break, so why? Why is this happening right when he most needs to be in a good condition? His fists clench and unclench, his jaw set. His eyes burn holes into the air in front of him. He can feel something there. He knows it’s there. He doesn’t understand why, he doesn’t understand what he’s dealing with, but he’s going to figure it out. Now.

Jeonghan struts into the bathroom and in the mirror - nothing. Only him. He takes a couple of deep angry breaths that sound too loud in the silent bathroom.

Not a speck of dust stirs. There’s no breeze. No cold ghostly touches brushing against his skin. If it was a dream, a trick of his exhausted body and mind, so be it. But he needs to be sure.“Show yourself,” he spits, “If there’s anything - anyone - following me, show yourself right now.”

#seventeen imagines #jeonghan x reader #jeonghan scenarios #svthub #svthub.collab #seventeen angst #seventeen scenarios #seventeen x reader #seventeen reactions #jeonghan angst #svt scenarios #svt reactions #svt angst #fanfic #angst

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fastboatsmojito · 9 months ago

Note

It’s my birthday today! I’m turning 22 and I’m scared… can I get a Scott writing please 🥺 to make me feel better, I love your writing 💕

Omg happy birthday !!!!! of course <33

Red velvet - Scott Miller x reader <3

| a/n; Scott is not a birthday party kinda guy to me but he is good at planning things so he’ll just have to suck it up :p + I hope you have a lovely birthday dearest!!! 🫶🏼

| wc; 673

| cw; mostly fluff, slightly sweeter than usual Scott, a splash suggestive at the end but only if you want it to be 🙇

You woke up to Scott’s side of the bed empty, still foggy and confused as you walked into the kitchen for some water. You didn’t plan on doing much for your birthday, proposing a sweet day in with your boyfriend instead of some elaborate party, both of you scheduled the day off weeks ago.

“What are you doing?” You asked, groggy voice barely coming out as you stood, staring down the usually annoyingly clean man that is currently covered in a layer of flour. His head snapped up from his work to explain, mimicking a similar amount of surprise on his face that he found on your own.

“You’re not supposed to be up yet. It’s barely seven, go back to sleep.” He said plainly, dusting the flour off of his hands.

“You’re baking?” You unconvincingly tried to hold back a laugh as you said it, bringing when he rolled his eyes at you.

“I bake all the time.”

“You cook all the time,” You corrected, walking behind him to grab a glass. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you with an apron on.” Your gaze was pointed at the white fabric covering his shirt as he moved closer to you, taking the cup from your hands and pouring some water for you.

“Consider it a birthday present.” He said, smug as he handed you the now cold glass before cupping your face in his flour-coated hands and placing a soft kiss on your head.

“Happy birthday, by the way. I have some real fun stuff planned later that I’m sure you’d love even more if you slept a little longer first.” He knew you’d want a nap later if you were up this early and that’d interrupt some of his plans, but more than that he wanted you out of the kitchen so he could continue preparing without your stolen glances.

——

After just a few more hours of sleep you woke back up, this time to Scott walking in the room with a plate of breakfast. He walked over as you sat up, handing you a mouth watering plate of pancakes.

“Oh my god this smells amazing, thank you.” You praised, smiling up at him.

You both ate in bed, Scotts usually not a big fan of food in bed in general but clearly he decided to make an exception for your special day.

——

For a while you just lounged around together, basking in the comfort of each other you typically wouldn’t have so long with on a weekday.

Around lunch he told you to get ready, handing you the first gift of many; a black box encompassing a gorgeous dress that you’d seen a few weeks prior when you were out together. You didn’t buy it then since you figured you didn’t have anywhere to wear it. He watched your reaction as you stood speechless.

“That’s the color you wanted, right? I kept the receipt if you-“ You stopped him before he could continue, shaking your head as you held it in front of you.

“It’s perfect.” You studied the soft fabric before setting it down to give him a hug, squeezing him tight as you breathed in the warm scent of his cologne.

“Happy birthday, baby.”

——-

After a lovely dinner he brought you back home, letting you wear his jacket the second you stepped outside. You held his hand as you walked in, gasping when you saw all of the decorations. All pretty balloons and flowers with a big cake from his earlier escapades sitting on the table to top it off.

“Scott! How’d you-“

“I had a little help.” He shrugged, smiling as he watched you look up at him with excitement.

“Go on.” He let go of your hand to guide you in, “You’ve got a lot of present unwrapping to do and if you want, when you’re all done with those, I’ll give you something else.” He whispered the last part, minty as always breath over your skin as he gave your jaw a kiss before gently pushing you to walk all the way in.

——

#Everyone say happy birthday anon !!!!#🌑 blurbs #scott miller #scott miller x reader #soft scott soft scott #twisters

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littlelalu · 9 months ago

Text

A New Chapter | Milo Manheim (Fluff)

Notes: Thank you so much to everyone who likes my posts :) Please let me know if you want me to write you one or want me to write about something in particular.

Y/N = Your Name

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

My anxiety and stress levels have been high these past couple of days. We got to New Zealand three weeks ago because Milo must film for Zombies 4. Milo’s schedule has been crazy. He has been having set visits, late-night filming, and some cast parties here and there. I woke up feeling like shit today. I told Milo I was going to stay home today. I felt nauseous and dizzy, and my mood was crazy. I think my period is coming soon.

It's 1 pm and I’ve been in bed all day. I tried closing my eyes to nap, but nothing was making the feeling go away. I was startled as my phone rang. I grabbed my phone from my nightstand. It was Milo Facetiming me.

“Milo…” I said with a weak smile.

“Aww… How’s my girl feeling?” he said in a sweet voice. His hair was greener than usual, and his makeup was on.

“Shit. You look cute, Zed,” I said, slightly giggling.

“Haha very funny.” He said sarcastically. “Anyways, are you sure you didn’t get sick from something? Like food poisoning from the restaurant, we all ate the other night?”

I thought about it for a while. “Is anyone else sick?”

“Well… No… Just you.”

“I think it’s just my monthly friend coming soon, babe. I’ll be fine. I’m just going to stay home today.”

“Okay boo. I must go. As soon as I am done, I will go straight to you. I love you. See you later. Muah” he said as he kissed the camera.

I laughed, “Love you too! Bye”

I hung up and set my phone back on the nightstand. I pulled the blanket over me and drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~~~ Later ~~~~~~

“Y/N...” I heard a whisper “Y/N”

I slowly opened my eyes and saw my green-haired boyfriend. “Milo!” I said happily. “What time is it?”

“It’s 5 o’clock. They let us go early because it was starting to rain.” He sat on the bed next to me. He felt my forehead “Feeling better? Any fevers”

“The same, Dr. Manheim” I joked with him, causing him to slightly laugh.

“I made you something. Wait here.” He said as he got up and left the room. Minutes later, he came back with a tray. The was some soup, apple juice, and crackers. He set the tray on the nightstand. “I made you chicken noodle soup. I know you love to have it when you’re sick”

Despite him waking up early to film and working out with those dance moves he does; he still manages to make sure I am okay. He loves taking care of me because he knows I do the same for him.

“Thank you, babe. I needed this.” I said as I sat up. He opened the legs from the tray so he could set it over my legs.

“Anything for you.”

“Are you going out tonight?”

“Nah., I told them I was going to stay in with you.”

“You don’t have to cancel plans because of me babe. I will be fine”

“Yeah, I know, but we haven’t had any rest or any alone time. I want to be with you tonight. Even if it’s just us watching movies.” He said as he kissed my cheek. He walked over to the other side of the bed and sat next to me.

We locked eyes for a while. “What did I do to get this lucky?”

He smiled at me. “You got it wrong babe. I am the one who got lucky. I am just doing my best to keep you around.”

“I love you,” I said.

“I love you, too,” he said.

He started to lean in for a kiss, but I stopped him. “No, I’ll get you sick. You can’t get sick.”

He pouted. “Please?” He gave me puppy eyes.

“No,” I said

“Fine… “He sighed in defeat.

I began eating the soup. “This is delicious.”

Milo turned on the TV and put “How I Met Your Mother” on. He knows this is my comfort show.

After a few bites, I began to feel nauseous again. I tried to power through and continue eating but it got to me. I set the tray on the nightstand and ran to the bathroom. I slammed the door shut, quickly grabbed a hair tie, and put my hair in a ponytail. I sat in front of the toilet, throwing up everything I just ate.

I heard soft knocks on the floor. “Y/N? Are you okay?”

“No…” I said softly. My stomach and throat hurt from using force to throw up.

“Can I come in?”

“No. Just give me a few minutes.” I spoke. I heard him walk to our bed.

I have not been able to keep much down. I am surprised I had the energy to run. I’ve never felt this bad. I flushed the toilet, washed my hands, and brushed my teeth before heading back with Milo.

“You okay, love?” He asked. His voice sounded concerned. His eyes looked worried.

I nodded. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and went to my period tracker app.

‘Take A Test’ flashed across the home screen.

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped.

“What’s wrong?” Milo said even more worried than before. I tossed him the phone. He read it and had the same expression as me. He quickly refocused. “Do you think you might be?”

“I-im not sure… I can’t think straight right now…” I said my voice barely above a whisper.

“I’ll go to the store and get you some tests. Just stay here and try to relax” he said as he got up and put his shoes on. He hugged me and kissed my forehead before he left out the door.

~~~ An hour later ~~~

“Y/N?” I heard Milo ask as he walked in.

“Here…” I said I was still sitting on the bed with my legs touching my chest. I was still in shock. I just couldn’t help but think of the outcomes. Am I ready to be a mom? Is Milo okay with this? Are we ready?

Milo walked into the room with 3 pregnancy tests and a plastic cup. “I was not sure which is best, but the lady in the front said to get the pink dye.”

I slightly smiled imagining him asking the lady about it. “Thanks, babe. I’ll be back” I grabbed the pregnancy tests and the cup. I went to the bathroom to take all three at the same time.

I washed my hands and sat on the floor until the 5-minute timer I set on my phone rang. My heart began to race again. My phone timer went off. I turned it off and slowly got up. I walked up to the counter and saw all the pregnancy tests. 2 of them had 2 clear lines, and the other had a plus sign on it. Positive.

I started to shake again.

I heard a knock at the door. “Babe? Are you okay? I heard your timer go off. Can I come in?”

“Yeah,” I said barely a whisper. Not sure how he heard me, but he came in.

“What is it?” He asked nervously.

I grabbed all three pregnancy tests and showed him.

He looked shocked at first too and smiled so big. “You’re pregnant?!”

I nodded. I still can’t speak. I don’t know how to react.

“IM GOING TO BE A FUCKING DAD, “Milo said excitedly jumping up and down.

“You’re not upset?” I asked him.

“What? Of course not. Y/N, I love you. I know I want to be with you my whole life. Starting a family with you is a dream. I didn’t think it would be this fast, but I always wanted to be a dad.” He added, “I will be there for you and our child. Whenever you need me.”

I cried, happy tears, and hugged him so tightly. “I love you, Milo”

“I love you more.”

I pulled away and looked at him.

“I was honestly nervous about being parents this young in life. I was scared you would leave me because I thought you weren’t ready. But…. You made me feel safe. I cannot wait to raise our child together.”

“I can’t wait either!” He said as he leaned in to kiss me.

We ended up celebrating again. Let’s just say we celebrated the same way we created this baby 😉

#ben plunkett #disney zombies #milo manheim #milo manheim fan fiction #ryan baker #school spirits #wally clark #zed necrodopolis #dancing with the stars #prom pact #thanksgiving movie

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kennediffed · 2 years ago

Text

No Spoken Word, No Small Command

pairing: ID! Leon S Kennedy x reader

description: One little set of words was enough to change the mind of your older coworker

content: afab reader, older male/younger woman, suggestive content, pet names (princess, babygirl, doll), teasing, Leon calls himself an old fart like one time, not proofread at all with the exception of correcting spelling mistakes

word count: 698

partially inspired by this leon c.ai bot (also this song, but mostly due to the title)

hiii! im back, i kinda took an extended break due to burnout but i should be back to writing now!

AO3 Version!

Masterlist

"I'm sorry, run that by me again?" the older male sitting across from you nearly choked on his drink as you made your request known to him.

You had just made the ballsiest move in your life by asking your older coworker Leon out on a date. You couldnt help but shift your weight from one foot to the other as you nervously stood there. You cleared your throat before repeating yourself. "I…. I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me sometime?"

He leaned back in his chair before looking at you with those beautiful blue eyes of his. "Babygirl, I think Im a little too old for you" Leon chuckled before taking another sip.

You sighed, you knew that he would answer like that. Considering there was a noticeable age gap between the two of you, you were foolish to think that he would answer any other way other than bringing up the differences in your ages. Not to mention relationships with considerable age gaps are often looked down upon, and theres no doubt your peers at the DSO would have the same opinion if they found out.

"Besides... even though I want you to myself... it wouldnt be fair to anyone else, doll. I bet you got a lot of boys lining up around the block that'll fight for the chance to be with you"

You drummed your fingers against the wooden desk in front of you as you tried to think of a response.

"Well, with all due respect sir, those boys dont know how to treat a lady..." you began, exhaling. "Besides, Mr. Kennedy... we're both adults here, I fail to see what the issue is."

Leon chuckled again, leaning back in his desk chair.

"While you may be right about that, you still got your whole life ahead of you too, princess..." his voice was playful in tone as he took another sip. "you shouldn't waste it on an old fart like myself"

You stepped closer to his desk, leaning over it slightly. "But what if i want to spend it on you?" you asked, feigning innocence. You walked around the desk until you were on the same side that he was on before sitting on the desk and crossing your legs. "Besides, you're not *that* old"

He looked up at you, a smirk threatening to break out on his face. "Dangerous game you're playing here (y/n)." It truly was a dangerous game, and he was losing it.

You tilted his head up. "Come on Leon..." you cooed, "one chance?"

Something inside him snapped right then and there cause he chuckled and looked down at his lap right there and then. "You're tempting me sweet thing" he mumbled, his hands gripping gently onto your waist.

You couldnt help but giggle at his eagerness.

"I thought you were concerned about your job?" you softly spoke once more "why the sudden change of heart, Leon?"

"I can't say no to a pretty thing like yourself." He mumbled, his nose pressed up against your neck. "You dont have any plans for later today, do you?"

You shook your head no. "Unless you count napping at home as plans for later, no... why do you ask?" you hummed.

He chuckled before looking back up at you. "Was wondering if you wanted to go out after you get off your shift... get to know each other a little better..." his tone was laced with slight hunger and desire. He then leaned up into your ear and whispered. "I'll be making sure you can't walk straight when you clock in tomorrow too"

You giggled in response. "how scandalous, i look forward to it" you teased, before looking down into his eyes.

"I get off at 5... see you then?" you softly spoke.

"You got it sweetheart" he let go of your waist and you started making your way to the door. "Just... dont think about me too much... dont wanna spoil the surprises I have in store."

You gave him a smirk before speaking again. "No promises" you smugly said before leaving the room and going back to work. You couldnt wait until 5 pm.

#leon kennedy #leon kennedy x reader #leon scott kennedy #resident evil #writing #resident evil fanfiction #leon s kennedy x reader #leon s kennedy #resident evil infinite darkness #infinite darkness #resident evil leon

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sevcasejay1chicago · 1 year ago

Note

Hi! Would you maybe do a fic where the reader tells Kelly he’s going to be a dad? Super cute and fluffy and very excited Kelly.

Baby Severide

Warning: morning sickness/ vomiting, lots of fluff

Authors note: sorry it took so long to get this posted! I just haven’t had the spark to write in a while. Hope you enjoy!!!

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

Two days prior to the announcement:

You woke next to Kelly like you do every day. The sun was just shining in and the cool breeze was rustling the curtains. You had nowhere to go today, so you weren’t entirely sure why you were awake. Kelly had canceled everything for the day since you had woken up sick two days in a row and were left feeling awful for most of the day. You soon realized why you were awake.

You untangled yourself from the sheets and shoved Kelly’s arm to the side as you ran for the bathroom. You barely made it in time when your stomach gave in. You had a white knuckle grip on the tank, sobbing as the next wave came up, when Kelly ran in.

“Oh baby.” Kelly sighed sympathetically. He grabbed your wash rag and wet it before coming to pull you down to your knees. “Shhhhhh. Just let it out. You are doing so good.” Kelly soothed, laying the cloth on the back of your neck.

You blindly reached for him, sobbing and hyperventilating as you tried to stop the vomiting. “K-hurk” you tried to call out his name, but a harsh retch cut you off.

“Sh sh sh. Don’t talk. Just focus on breathing baby girl.” Kelly said, taking your hair away from your face and gently rubbing your back as you gripped his pajama pants.

The episode lasted for about 10 minutes before you were finally able to pull away. You fell into Kelly’s arms with a sob. You hate throwing up and have now thrown up three days in a row. You don’t know what’s wrong.

“I gotcha. I gotcha.” Kelly shushed, slightly rocking back and forth. “Shhhhh. It’s okay Angel. You feeling better?” He hummed, kissing your sweaty forehead. You rose your hand and tilted it side to side in response.

“Think your done for now?” Kelly asked, leaning back a little to see your face. You nodded and Kelly smiled at you. “Okay baby girl. Up you go.” Kelly said, pushing you back just enough to stand and then pull you into his arms.

Kelly stopped to let you wash your mouth out a few times and blow your nose. He checked your temp for the third day in a row and hummed at the thermometer. It just couldn’t be right.

“Welp. No fever again baby.” Kelly said, rubbing your sides as you sat on the bathroom counter. “Ready to crawl back in bed or do you want a shower?” Kelly asked, standing between your legs still.

“Bed first. Nap. Shower later.” You said, laying out your plan.

Kelly laughed and lifted you up. “Yes ma’am.” He said, kissing the side of your head before he deposited you onto the bed.

Hours later, you woke to a note from Kelly saying he was going to go help Matt do something and stop by the store. Assuming he’d be back around the time he specified, which was suppose to be 6 pm, you called Kim Burgess.

“Burgess.” Kim answered on the third ring.

“Hey Kim. It’s Y/n. Are you busy at the moment?” You asked, knowing that since it was 4 pm, she could be on the job.

“Nope. Just wrapped up a case. What’s up?” Kim asked, continuing to pack up for the day.

“I need a huge favor. Like, I need this to stay between us until I know for sure.” You said, twisting the sheets in your hands anxiously. You had an idea of what the problem was, now that this had been going on for three days in a row, but you did not feel well enough to leave home.

“I already know. I’ll be there in 20.” Kim said, hanging up.

You chuckled, knowing your best friend probably knew before you did.

Now:

As you suspected, Kim figured out you were pregnant before you or Kelly did. You knew that Kelly didn’t have a clue since he was pretty adamant about not going on shift yesterday, but you promised that you would call him if you needed him and would check in regularly. Since he left, you and Kim had been working on your little announcement.

When Kelly got home the morning after his shift, he was pleasantly surprised to find you sitting on the couch. You had on a red hoodie that he did not recognize, a pillow hugged to your stomach, as you sipped on some coffee.

“Hey sweetheart.” Kelly called, smiling as he eyed you.

You grinned. “Hey handsome. Come join me.” You said, setting your coffee to the side and moving the bag that you had next to you.

Kelly slide into his place, pulling you into his side. “Feeling any better?” He whispered, planting a kiss on your temple.

“About that.” You said, grinning. “I have some news.” You handed Kelly the bag from Walgreens and removed the pillow as he peaked inside. You held back a laugh at his confused face.

“Do we know…” he started to say, pulling out the little firefighter boots, but stopping short as he read your hoodie. “Newest member of squad three.” He read, a smile blossoming on his face as he looked to where the arrow was pointing at your stomach. “Oh my God!” Kelly yelled, grinning from ear to ear. “Are you serious?!”

You nodded, grinning like a fool as tears rolled down your face. “Your gonna be a daddy Kel.” You whispered, voice choked with tears of joy.

Kelly started chuckling and pulled you into a hug. “Baby. This is the best day of my life.” Kelly practically sang, leaning back to look at you, then leaning down to your belly. “Hey fire cracker. It’s your daddy and I am soooo happy you are going to be ours.” Kelly whispered, kissing your stomach.

You held a hand over your mouth, refusing to sob at the sight in front of you. You knew Kelly would be excited, especially given the way he reacted when he held your nephew for the first time.

“How long?” Kelly asked, kissing you quickly.

“Nat says I’m 7 weeks. I just never thought about it since I’m so irregular, but I saw her yesterday after I got a positive home test.” You explained, wiping happy tears from Kelly’s face as he did the same for you.

“When can we tell everyone?!” Kelly asked, practically jumping in his seat.

You chucked, so happy that he was happy. “Whenever your ready.”

Tag list:

@treehouse-mouse

@shadowmeadowsworld

@sorry-i-spaced

@zephyrmonkey

@allisonargent144

@amie134

@lane-rodgers-barnes

@pensfan5871

@dumb-fawkin-bitch

@marvel-and-chicago-fan

@daggersquadphantom

@stellakiddsblog

@100yroldteenagers

@senjoritanana

@celtic-shadow-wolf

#one chicago #one chicago x reader #kelly severide #fluff #kelly severide x reader #comfort #morning sickness #pregnancy #pregnancy announcement

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caseyqdilla · 2 years ago

Text

The Most Metal Sandcastle

A/N: @oneforthemunny Alright admittedly, this one got away from me, but it had to be done the writing goblin demanded it!

⛱️- "wanna build a sandcastle?" - building a sandcastle on the beach with any Eddie. do it with the kids, on a honeymoon, on a solo vacation.

Janitor!Eddie x Teacher!Reader

Shortly after Olivia turned 2 you and Ollie had been in the kitchen when he asked about it, “Momma”, you hummed in response while you were slicing strawberries for his afternoon snack since Olivia was napping, “why haven’t we ever gone to the beach?” as you finished the last strawberry and put it in his favorite bowl you looked at him, surprised. Ollie had never mentioned the beach or expressed any interest in the possibility of it so you hadn’t put much thought into it; thinking he wasn’t interested. It hadn’t really occurred to you that he may have never gone, but the fact that it made sense which broke your heart.

“I guess dad and I never really thought about it lovebug, is that something you want to do?” you asked as you led him to the table so he could eat his berries and yogurt.

He often got bashful when asking for things that he wanted, still not entirely used to the fact that he could ask for things, but when his eyes lit up he exclaimed “YES!” it melted your heart. Knowing that he was getting more comfortable asking for things little by little. Then he launched into the reason he was so excited, “My friends told me all about their trip last weekend, they said it was so fun momma! They said they’d seen fishies that looked like stars; just like the ones daddy put up in my room!!”

You’re smiling so much your cheeks are starting to hurt, since summer was nearly over and you’d done all the things you’d planned; this was the perfect way to end it; a trip with your little family. “Okay lovebug, when daddy gets home I’ll talk to him and we’ll plan it.” he beamed at you then went back to his snack, you smiled, kissing his head as you made your way to Olivia as she had woken up and started cooing; undoubtedly ready to play with her big brother again. It made you so happy that they were so close, you were afraid that Ollie wouldn’t like having a younger sibling or wouldn’t see them as such since they weren’t biologically related. You were happily proven wrong, when Olivia started crawling and exploring, Ollie was right there helping her explore and teaching her things that he’d learned. As he finished his snack you brought Olivia to the living room for her to play, he happily jumped down, put his bowl in the sink, and ran over to his sister excitedly telling her all about the beach and your plans; which have yet to be hashed out, to her. His excitement was contagious as she got giddy just from his retelling to her.

You cleaned up what little there was to do in the kitchen while your babies played in the living room, as you finished your husband walks through the door, having come back from the Harington’s to help Steve with a handyman project.

“Daddy!!”, he shouted as both of them ran to tackle your lanky metalhead husband. Their combined giggles warming your heart.

“Hey guys! What are you up to?”

“We’re going to the beach!!” they shouted right in Eddie's face, well Ollie shouted while Olivia babbled slightly she’s still learning to use her words but she’s getting there, making him chuckle as he looks at you, raising an eyebrow. You give him a little nod smiling that says you’d tell him later, after his precious time with them before bed. Since he’d been helping Steve after work, he didn’t get that much time with them today so while you prepared dinner; you’d let them play.

After dinner, baths, and story time the kids were finally down for the night; exhausted from their excitement. “So what’s this about the beach?” Eddie slipped his arms around your waist as you finished putting the last of the leftovers in the fridge, you felt his smile as he pressed a kiss to your shoulder; making you lean into him as you shut the door.

“Well,” you started, turning in his arms to wrap yours around the back of his neck, giving him a soft peck on the lips, “Ollie asked why we hadn’t gone to the beach and he told me about his friends showing him pictures and telling him all about their adventures.” you paused, looking into his eyes, “He’s so excited so I figured since we’ve already done all our other plans, we could whip up an impromptu beach trip. What do you think?”

He hummed for a minute, thinking back to your first beach trip and how much fun the two of you had; it brought a smile to his face. “I think that’s a great idea sweetheart.” you beamed at him and kissed him again. “I can get off early one day and we can make an entire day out of it!”

The excitement bubbling up in him was so palpable that it made your heart soar, happy that you’d be able to do this with your little family.

You both decided to try and go during the week so it wouldn’t be too crowded, while Eddie was off at work one day, you’d set out to the store. You dropped the kids off at Steve’s so he could watch them for a few hours while you got the things for the trip ready. You wanted to surprise them with some new beach toys, new bathing suits, and new floaties. You’d been able to hide away your new purchases when you came to collect your troublemakers; something Steve liked to call them since they’ve got him wrapped around their fingers. He smiled as he answered the door.

You’d gotten them situated in the car which then gave you a few minutes to talk with Steve, “So they told me about your beach trip, they’re so excited it's so precious.” he said fondly, “So I was thinking”,

“Uh-oh.” you playfully interjected, earning you a playful shove.

“Why don’t you use our beach house? You’ll have privacy, your own little access to the beach, and they’ll get to have a great first experience.”

You looked at Steve with a dumbfounded expression, having not expected such a generous offer, “That would be amazing Steve, you have to let us give you something for let-”

He cut you off with a hand, “Nope, you’re family and I love you guys so you’re gonna use the beach house with no expectation for anything in return. Plus you both have watched my brood more than once at the drop of a hat, I think that’s payment enough.” he joked, which caused you to laugh. His kids were so sweet and well behaved, it honestly wasn’t ever an issue. It was an added bonus that your kids hit it off so well and became fast friends; they were inseparable. You pulled Steve into a hug and thanked him profusely and he’d given you the spare keys to his vacation home; something you kept as an added surprise for the kids, but were chomping at the bit to tell Eddie about.

After dinner and getting them down for bed, you’d told Eddie about Steve’s kind gesture which Eddie then called Steve to also thank him profusely. Your plans changed slightly, but you were so excited now that you’d be able to make a whole weekend out of this beach trip to make it so special for your little boy.

The day finally arrived, Eddie had gone in early that day to finish the todo list he’d gathered from the staff that were there so that he could have all of it done and they wouldn’t have to wait until he returned. He came home almost more excited than the kids. Luckily they were easy to get up and ready for the day and you’d gone through the day before and discreetly packed a bag for everyone so that the little getaway stayed a surprise for the kids. While they finished lunch, Eddie packed anything that was left to pack into the minivan; that he was soooo opposed to at first, arguing that his van was perfectly fine. Luckily, Wayne stepped in and talked some sense into the boy. “Son, I know your van is reliable and she’s been through a lot with you, but it ain’t got no seats for the kids!” sure he’d pouted at first, but it definitely grew on him.

You all piled into the van and started the hour and a half long drive to the beach. Since you had the whole weekend, you took your time; stopping at roadside attractions, taking silly pictures, and just in general making memories. The kids finally fell asleep about 30 minutes away from the beach house, the best case scenario so you can make sure they’re properly surprised by the large beach house Steve had lent you all.

Quietly and as gently as possible Eddie unloaded everything into the house without waking Ollie or Olivia. Finally, you were able to gently wake them up, stroking Ollie's hair as he stirred awake; he looked out the window and his eyes grew 2 sizes looking at the grand house.

“Where are we momma?”

“Uncle Steve let us use his vacation house so we can stay the whole weekend!” you excitedly told him as his whole face lit up and he squirmed excitedly to get out of his booster seat.

As he sees that Olivia has woken up too, he excitedly shouts to her, “Uncle Steve has a big house on the beach and we get to stay here this weekend!” laughing you let them out of the car and let Eddie usher them in, matching their excitement. You smile watching your family get pumped over being able to be in paradise for the weekend. While they’re doing that you load up the wagon with the things from the car so you don’t have to stop their exploration of the sizable house. When Eddie sees you bring it over the threshold he gives you a guilty smile, which you return with a megawatt smile silently letting him know it’s okay; you’d rather them start making memories than have to wait.

The kids exhausted themselves running around the house exploring while you and Eddie unpacked your belongings, as much as you wanted to at least, when they came to you winding down from their surprise and hungry you’d ordered pizza. After you ate dinner and got them ready for bed, when you were done tucking Olivia in and letting Eddie read to her, Ollie came up to you and tugged gently on your night shirt.

“Hey lovebug, you okay?” you asked slightly worried by the expression on his face.

He nodded bashfully and asked quietly, “Can we call Uncle Steve so I can say thank you?”

Your worries melted away and your heart warmed with the question; you found it so endearing that he wanted to make sure that Steve also knew how thankful they were, “Of course baby, but let’s call him in the morning so sissy can say thank you too okay?”

He smiled at you and took your hand as you walked to his room and tucked him in, giving him a kiss goodnight on the forehead and rubbing his back gently he drifted slowly to sleep. When you were sure he was asleep you got up trying not to make too much movement and went to the room you and Eddie would be sharing to see the sweetest sight. Your beautiful husband, in his sleep pants, sprawled on the bed already snoring lightly. “Seems like the kids aren’t the only ones that tuckered themselves out by exploring.” you thought fondly. You slipped into bed beside Eddie and wiggled into his hold, as he felt you he shifted slightly and wrapped his arms around your middle pulling you snugly against his chest then you drifted to sleep with a soft smile on your face.

The sounds of feet running down the hall with excitement stirred you from your sleep, you knew exactly what was about to happen and decided to brace you and your sleeping metalhead. You gently put a few pillows over his crown jewels, anticipating both your overly excited children to launch themselves onto the bed; and launch themselves they did. You’d put the pillow there just in time as Olivia hit the mark; Eddie groaned but thankfully it wasn’t as bad as it would have been with absolutely no protection. He looked at you with gratitude before diving in and tickling both the kids. Happy squeals filled the room as they squirmed out of the bed and away from Eddie’s tickling, “Get back here, the tickle monster is still hungry!!” he shouted as he got up and chased after them. You laughed as you also got up and headed down to start breakfast.

After breakfast was eaten, you all got ready for the kids’ first ever visit to the beach. You were so beyond grateful to Steve that he let you guys use the house, the private access to the beach is going to make their first experience so incredible.

When all the sunscreen was applied, much to Eddie’s dismay, you stopped before you left asking the kids, “You wanna call Uncle Steve before we head out there?” they both excitedly nodded. When you got him on the phone they both excitedly chattered to him and thanked him. He laughed and told them that he was happy to be able to do it and that he hopes they have so much fun.

Once you hung up with Steve, you finally made it outside. The weather wasn’t as hot as you thought it would be, the view was beautiful as well and you couldn’t resist taking out one of the many, upon Eddie’s insistence, disposable cameras to snap a few pictures. While you were in the midst of getting those pictures you couldn’t help yourself and got a few candid ones of the kids and Eddie.

Ollie walked up to Eddie, who was in the process of filling one of the buckets with sand; you’d taken Olivia on a walk along the shore so she could pick up as many seashells as her little heart desired.

“What are you doing dad?” he’d asked, looking at him puzzled.

Eddie smiled and explained that he was making a sandcastle, “When grandpa Wayne brought me here shortly after I came to live with him, we made the biggest sandcastle ever!” he recounted fondly, as you and Olivia walked back over you smiled as he told Ollie and got him hyped up as they began to construct the “most metal sandcastle the Harrington beach manor will ever see!” as Eddie put it. Olivia meandered over to help and they accepted her help with excitement; you’d been off to the side taking so many pictures of your family’s smiling faces when an older couple stopped to view the construction fondly.

“How sweet, is this their first trip here?” the older of the two men asked, smiling at the excited giggles you could hear.

You returned his fond smile, “Yeah, our little boy was so excited so we wanted to make sure his first experience was amazing.”

The younger man spoke, “You know, we’re photographers. Would you want us to come and get some pictures of all of you? That way you have your entire family in there?”

“Oh I don’t think we’d be able to afford something like that, but I really appreciate the offer.” you smiled back, misunderstanding him.

He laughed lightly, “Honey no, we were offering to do it. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on having pictures with them.”

Your eyes sparkled, “Are you sure?”

They both shared a look and smiled nodding to you, “Why don’t you go have fun, give us whatever cameras you have and let us do what we do best.”

With that you were off, ready to offer your contributions to the ‘most metal sandcastle’. You filled Eddie in shortly so he wouldn’t be worried by random men taking pictures of your family. He smiled and waved excitedly to them as they laughed and waved back with just as much excitement. Turns out, those men happened to be Steve’s uncles who normally watch the beach house for him while they’re not using it; he’d told them about you all coming to stay so they wouldn’t think you were intruders and call the police. After they’d used at least 3 of the 5 or so disposable cameras you’d brought you’d offered them to join you and you spent the afternoon in a sandcastle building contest. You and Eddie on one team, Ollie and Olivia, after much insistence from Ollie, and Steve’s uncles on one as well. You all admittedly didn’t even try to make a good sandcastle becoming distracted by how sweet Ollie was showing his little sister how to make one. Safe to say they definitely won that contest; with that the uncles took a few last pictures, Ollie and Olivia in front of their sandcastle proudly presenting it, then Eddie joining them for one as well, and finally all of you in front of the ‘most metal sandcastle ever.’

Ollie and Olivia were adamant about making a card for Uncle Steve, which you of course helped with, when you got all the pictures that were taken you smiled fondly at the very last one; all of you in front of the sandcastle smiling so big it's a wonder your cheeks didn’t still hurt. Since you had more than one print of that picture, you’d had one framed and pasted one in the card for Steve.

There was a picture you never remembered being taken, but you suppose that made sense as your and Eddie’s backs were to the camera as you held one another and looked on at your beautiful kids having the time of their life, on the bottom of the polaroid a small note from Steve’s uncles that said ‘The Most Metal Beach Vacay Ever’ it brought a tear to your eye as you showed Eddie as you put it into a new photo album that you’d started affectionately named; Metal Memories, which had all your summer adventures in it.

#munnysummergame #oneforthemunny #janitor!eddie munson #teacher!reader #Teacher!reader x Janitor!Eddie #stranger things #eddie munson

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